Gwen & Others

Twilight offered the perfect camouflage for the Alley-dwelling pack as they filed their way out of Atroe City and towards the open countryside beyond. Gwen led the parade, with her new mate at her side, and high spirits to carry her at a swift, deliberate pace. Knowing this land all too well, the hybrid had circled wide around the property until she was coming in towards the cow pasture. It was here that she began to slow her pace and speak in a quiet tone to Honz, "One cow will be enough to feed our pack. Stay near me... Sky Gazer knows us well, but she doesn't know you yet, and may attack."

Meanwhile, Equiss had stuck close to Psychotic during the journey, explaining to her everything that Gwen had told Honz and Zeus earlier about this particular ranch. Now that they were approaching the pasture, and the scent of cattle was growing strong, she too slowed her pace and kept her voice low, "Have you ever hunted cattle before? They're quite easy, as long as we can separate one out from the rest."

Windcaller, Desmon, Coyota, and Argolis all closed in on the pasture as well, fanned out at either side of Gwen and Honz as the waited for the signal to jump the fence.

Honz

He followed her listening to her every word. He had hunted before but usually itwas small animals like cats so a cow wouldbe different.

Psychotic followed Equiss listening. Oh she'd hunted cattle before.

Zeus just followed.

Gwen & Others

With a simple bound, Gwen cleared the fence and landed lightly on the other side. She sniffed at the wind and focused her sights across the gently rolling hills of the pasture, until she spotted a few dark masses against the already dark backdrop of the land around. "I see a few further afield - perfect!" The alpha swished her tail sharply and nodded her muzzle in the direction of the cattle, signaling the rest of her pack to jump the fence. Then she was off, pushing her paws rapidly to cover the distance between herself and the prey...

Argolis and Equiss were next, traveling side by side as they leaped seamlessly over the fence and into the pasture. Instinctively, the pair fanned out several yards behind Gwen.

Coyota was next to enter, slipping easily between the rows of barbed wire rather than jumping over. Head low and brushy tail streaked out behind her, the coyodog darted wide around her family, breaking away from the main cluster heading for the cows.

Windcaller, too, jumped the fence and fell in line behind Argolis and Equiss. The largest of the pack, she would let her fellow packmates harry the prey first, while she focused on locking down a good target.

Last but not least, Desmon slipped beneath the wires and moved in the opposite direction of Coyota, putting himself between his pack and the distant ranch house. Rather than his focus being on the meal at hand, Des was more concerned with the guard dogs, and was keen on spotting them before they spotted the pack.

Honz

Honz was over the fence with his mate and was off when she took off.

Psychotic jumped the fence in one easy stride. She followed suit in fanning out.

Gwen & Others

Gwen and Honz led the quiet charge of the Lurkers across the field, with the rest of their members spreading out like a net behind them. Their targets soon came into clearer view, and the alphess could count five of them; three cows, and two grown calves of the season. There weren't any obvious weaknesses among them, but that didn't worry the wolfdog. "Okay Honz, now is the time to make our choice. They're big, but they lack the instinct of wild creatures, so we should be able to take any of them."

The rest of the clan spread out in a tactical manner, quickly cutting off any easy escape routes. Windcaller kept a little closer to Psychotic during the approach, though her eyes were locked onto their four-legged meals head. "We only need one. Soon as someone picks our target, we'll all go after it." She, along with the rest of the Lurkers, were eying the cattle like hawks, waiting for one to make a move and incite the chase.

Honz

He was listening but he knew how to hunt and his eyes were already looking over each cattle. He crept closer barely lifting himself off the ground. He watched each cow as he did so. The one in the middle the smallest I think. Its a male think its the only young male in the herd. I heard humans usually get rid of the males around this age, he isn't destined to live anywayshe said. If Gwen agreed he would make the move. He tore off at the cow of choice keeping low and nipping at its leg. IT would run and so he wanted it to run. There was no way to make a quick kill and best to get it to start tiring first before trying.

Psychotic listened.

Gwen & Others

Gwen was impressed with her mate's insight on the cattle, and the look she flashed in his direction showed it. If there was ever any concern that he might cause trouble with the humans, that fear was quickly vanquished with his logical reasoning of this hunt. "Perfect choice, that'll bring less fury from the humans." With a single, quick flick of her muzzle, the alphess signaled the start of the hunt. Bursting into action, she dropped out of her stalking pose and tore across the ground towards the group of cattle, ready to harry and chase the bovine to help separate out their target.

The rest of the pack was swift to follow suit, each rushing in quietly but ferociously, snapping their teeth at the air and at the ankles and tails of the fleeing cattle.

And initially, the ploy worked. Startled by the sudden appearance and aggression from the pack, the five cows turned and bolted. The young male kicked his hind legs forcefully any time he felt the hot breath of a wolf get close. A few seconds into the chase though, the young bull's mother turned abruptly and charged, first catching a surprised Equiss and flipping her into the air, and then charging head-lowered at Honz...

Honz

Honz kept low and felt the young bulls feet go right over his head and he kept snapping till he heard the mother and he spun around and aimed his teeth for her nose. Not that he wanted to switch targets but the mother would be bothersome.

Zeus joined and so didn't psychotic

Gwen & Others

The mother bellowed when fangs sunk into her nose, forcing her to stumble to a stop as the delicate organ was pierced by fangs. The nearly 1,400 pound creature tossed her head upwards, bellowing again against the pain as she tried to toss Honz off balance, then dash forward to stamp him beneath her hooves...

Gwen quickly changed targets and veered back to the mother cow with a low snarl. Knowing it folly to try and attack the side of the face where horns were likely to meet her, the alphess instead went for the beast's tail, with the goal of biting it clean off if she had to to distract her from Honz...

Desmon and Argolis continued to harry and chase the other cows, doing their best to drive the other two adults further away from the scene, and give the rest of the pack the time they needed to take the adolescent bull down...

Coyota continued at the sidelines, nipping and darting at the cows from time to time, but mostly keeping sentry for her pack. If any of the ranch dogs or humans approached, she'd be the first to see them.

Windcaller and Equiss were focused on the young bull. Windcaller snapped at his hindquarters, drawing blood where she could, while Equiss would dart in front and to the side, slashing her fangs at his hide, and trying to further drive him away from his mother and the others...

Honz

Honz knew this situation was dangerous and he held onto her nose and tried to keep himself from being tossed or trampled but he had to let go and he leaped aside barely in time and he snapped at her feet to try and drive her in the opposite direction of her son.

Zeus joined Honz and Gwen.

Psychotic eyed the bull and made her move to attempt to latch onto his whole mouth with hers wanting to stop him from being able to breath.

Gwen & Others

Gwen had a solid grip on the tail, but the mother kicked back with her hind legs, forcing the hybrid to let go if she wanted to avoid getting bashed by the hooves. She snarled low and darted a few paces away before lunging back in, this time with Zeus joining the assault. But even with three on her, the belligerent cow held her ground. She spun fast and hard, an impressive feat for a creature of her size and bulk, and tossed her horned head at Zeus, while kicking again at Honz and Gwen...

Despite being unable to spook the mother into running, the trio had successfully kept her away from her son, giving Psychotic, Windcaller, and Equiss the time they needed to try and fell their prey. Psychotic managed to get the mouth hold, closing her fangs in over his soft nose and heavy jaw, not so unlike a hunting lioness trying to bring down a wildebeest. Seeing this, Windcaller latched onto the haunch of the bull, adding her weight to his hindquarters to slow his movements, while Equiss came in fast at the same side, gripping for the shoulder now that Psychotic had his head held.

If they could hold on a little longer, and keep the other cattle at bay, they would have their meal...

Zeus

Zeus had made a critical error and took a horn to the side, luckily it didn't puncture but he was tossed away and landed with a yelp.

Honz saw this and almost lost focus but knew they couldn't check on Zeus till the cow was chased off or subdued.

Psychotic held on shaking her head a little to cause discomfort and she bit down as hard as possible.

Gwen & Others

A jaw-shattering kick missed Gwen's muzzle by mere inches. The alphess leaped back and to the side, just in time to hear a heavy thud and yelp from one of her new packmates. All she could afford at the moment was a quick glance in Zeus' direction before she was plunging forward again, snapping at the cow's flank in unison with Honz to make sure the mother didn't try to charge the fallen canine and take advantage of his prone form.

Desmon had doubled back towards the mother at this point, having heard the yelp. He came in like a hornet, a sharp snarl forcing the beast's direction briefly his way. She kicked out at Honz and Gwen again, but pivoted hard for Desmon rather than rushing for Zeus. The older hybrid danced lightly away before she ever reached him though, and between the three, they managed to keep her at bay still.

Argolis had also broken away from the others and turned his focus to the young bull. The dark brindle mongrel gnashed his fangs at the cow's side, drawing away mouthfuls of fur and gore. The bull tried desperately to yank his head back out of Psychotic's grip, but nearly two-hundred pounds of force resisted his efforts. And in his heightened state of panic, he was running out of air quickly. He tried a few times to kick away the wolves around him, but his energy was quickly depleted as he couldn't draw enough air into his lungs. The young male eventually fell to his knees, and from there, he couldn't pick himself back up. Windcaller and Equiss were ruthless in their assault, their fangs bloodied as they worked to keep their prey down while Psychotic weakened him. With her grip so fierce against his nose, it took only a few minutes more before his struggled ceased all together.

Psychotic

Psychotic kept her hold being one of the heaviest in the hunting party not only was her bite required but necessary and then it also provided her with the power to hold on through his thrashing only occasionally being thrown here and there but always keeping her mouth on his nose. Even when he was finally still she held on for a few minutes longer till she was sure he was gone. Only then did she let her muzzle come off blood dripping down her mouth and chest by now.

Honz full attention was on the mother who now saw her calf dead and finally turned tail to return to the rest of the herd. Only then did Honz turn and high tial it to Zeus who was bleeding a little but no real holes in his side. His ribs were possibly fractured and he winced as he stood weakly.

Gwen & Others

As soon as the mother bailed, Gwen and Coyota both b-lined for Zeus to make sure he was okay. "Take it easy, you got quite the wallop from that cow. Can you walk okay?" The alphess watched him with concern, though it was little Coyota who came up on his uninjured side to provide support of he needed it. "Come and fill your belly, and we'll head back so you can rest."

With Coyota to assist Zeus, Gwen approached the downed bull. "Good work, everyone. Impressive tactic, Psychotic." She'd seen the massive wolfdog holding down on the cow's snout before finally letting go, with the spread of dripping crimson attesting to just how long she'd held onto her position to ensure their prey was felled. "There's more than enough room for all of us to eat together. But eat quickly, before the humans are alerted to our presence."

With permission to feast with the alphas, the entire pack closed in around the still-warm bull. Without a growl or squabble among them, the Lurkers began to devour all they could of the feast.

Zeuz

Zeus breathing was heavy his ribs killed and his left foot was bloody. I think my ribs and paw are brokehe said and used Coyota help to get to the carcass but he didn't dare lie down to eat fearing he wouldn't be able to get up so he just moved to a spot he could eat stanidning up.

Psychotic had purposfully taken a risky position. i've watched big cats hunt beforeShe said laying down to eat.

Honz laid down next to his mate and ate.

Gwen & Others

Coyota stayed at Zeus' side even after they got to the carcass, patiently offering him support and watching with concern the way he limped on the injured paw. "If they trouble you too much, there is a human we can go to that may be able to help." She knew most of her wild brethren shied away from two-legger help, but the little coyodog was wise enough to know that not all the humans were their enemies.

Gwen kept an eye on Zeus as well, but allowed Coyota to handle the situation as she tore through flesh until her belly began to bulge. An ear flicked to Psychotic then, still rather impressed by her hunting tactic tonight, "Big cats? Huh, that's interesting. I don't know that I'd be able to pull something like that off, but you did it well."

As Desmon began to fill up on fresh cow meat, he started tearing select chunks off to save for Pirqua and Darkwing.

Zeus

Zeus just nodded as he ate what he felt he could before just stopping. He favored his injured paw.

Honz ate his full as well and pulled off a hefty chunk to bring back for later.

Psychotic nodded as she ate.

Gwen & Others

Every now and then, a head would perk up, dark eyes glistening in the darkness as auds stood alert, making sure no pets or humans had caught wind of their kill yet. By the time the pack had filled their bellies to the bursting point, the Lurkers had gone unnoticed by the enemy, and Gwen began to relax. Licking some of the blood from her brindle mug, she addressed her gathered family, "Lets head back. Coyota, stay by Zeus." A silent nod was given to Desmon, signaling the wolfdog to take up the rear. "Zeus, how is your paw - can you make it back to the Den?"

Desmon caught the signal from his leader, and after grabbing up his select piece of meat for the felcons, the wolfdog sauntered around the kill and stood a few feet back from the others. He would be the first line of defense, should a pet try to pursue them.

Coyota remained at Zeus' side, her brushy tail hanging loose and carefree behind her, while bright green eyes studied her larger companion. "If it gives him too much trouble, we can split off on the way back, and visit the Lady." This was said more to Gwen then anyone, and the alphess nodded her consent, "If necessary, yes."

Honz

Honz knew hunts like this could be dangerous and in truth they could lost their lives. He looked to his brother not by blood but they had been together long enough.

Zeus stood up and tried to put weight on it.I think I can but I can't put much weight on it, im more concerner about my ribshe said.

Gwen & Others

"We'll take it slow on the way back." Gwen decreed, "Let us know if you need to rest along the way." Eager to get out of the pasture, the brindle-coated alpha turned away and began to lead the pack towards the fence line. From there, it was a quick leap over the fence and a swift lope back to the safety of the forest, where the pack could settle into a slower pace as they made their way for home.

Coyota remained at Zeus' side and whispered quietly to the canine, "If it starts bothering you too much, don't hesitate to speak up." She offered him a consoling smile and readied herself to match his pace, and if need-be, support him with her shoulder.

The rest of the pack began to file out after Gwen, with several members taking scraps of meet or hide with them. Desmon lingered at the back, now taking up Coyota's initial job of making sure the pets and humans didn't show up to spoil their retreat.

Honz

honz followed Gwen leaping over the fence and keeping pace with her.

Honz just nodded to them as he moved limping to the fence line. He found a hole in it big enough for him to squeeze through wincing a little but continuing on.