Kurek

Kurok was less restless now that Starscream had said he could be beta. Sure he had to go around now showing the other males of his rank and take only any who challenged him for it but he didn't mind that. He had left the group and had howled out just letting the others know of his rank. His tail held up but lower then alpha. His fur was a bit bristled as he now went around making his show visible for all to see. When he thought the others had to of seen he returned to a shaded area and laid down.

Dove & Others

Out of the Peacekeepers - made up of Glider, his daughter and her offspring - Glider was the most respected. The rest of the Peacekeepers looked up to the aging saluki, and if Dove or any of her children wanted to do anything, they asked Glider first. It wasn't a rule set in stone; it was something that wasn't required, but it was part of an unspoken code that they upheld. Even Mikomi, who was very spirited, listened to her grandfather. However, there were times that she broke the code and did something drastic, but not so much anymore. Even she understood the importance of listening to Glider.

Dove wandered through the forest, followed by Kiku and Mikomi, while Silence stayed behind with Glider. It wasn't long before they came upon somebody who was rather new to the pack, and from his place behind his mother and sister, Kiku narrowed his eyes and flashed a fang. Kurok, a newcomer, was displaying beta position behavior. Kiku didn't think he was cut out for it, and he seriously questioned Stearscream's leadership after having promoted a headstrong newcomer to the position of beta without giving the pack notice.

Then Kiku thought about it for a bit.

'Starscream wouldn't do this...' he thought silently, coming to a conclusion that Kurok was faking his position as beta. The black and white saluki/wolf hybrid nudged Mikomi, and when she looked back at him, he nodded toward Kurok with intense vehemence. Mikomi glanced at her brother, then at Kurok, then back at her brother. Kiku and Mikomi seemed to be having a non-verbal conversation, simply with body language. Both seemed rather upset.

Dove, meanwhile, was oblivious to her children's behavior as she slowly continued her walk through the forest.

Kurek

Kurek had been told he could have the position but he was in charge of letting others know and of course defending his right to the position. The 36" tall 160lb male was not afraid of nearly anything. Especially not other canines. He had feared leaving his siblings behind to try to start his own life as a top wolf. Except he did not want the alpha spot. He had bad experiance with watching older sliblings trying and he did not want to end up like them.

AFter moving around a bit he sat down and let out a knowing howel. Not calling anyone but telling. His ear flicked in the direction of the Peacekeepers. Who he had only briefly met though he didn't know it was them. His ear had just picked up a movement. He would take on any challenger or anyone who questioned his position. He thought starscream was smart to let the others figure out their own ranking to a degree. He may say you can have a position but like usual it was up to you to protect that position. HE stood up and sniffed the air however; the wind wasn't in his favor so he wasn't sure what had made that noise.

Dove & Others

After a few minutes of nonverbal communication, Mikomi nodded to her brother and stepped aside, as if to give him the OK to confront Kurok.

And that's just what he did.

Kiku flashed his fangs again, broodingly walking toward Kurok, and he let out an angry bark. "Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing? Walking around like you're hot shit? Huh, tough guy?" His hackles were raised and his eyes were narrowed, a deadly expression on his face.

Mikomi grinned a bit, but when Dove heard the sound of her son's enraged voice, she stared at Kiku and shook her head. It was a warning. It wasn't that she didn't like her son challenging a pack member; she was usually alright with that, as long as it wasn't somebody she respected. It was that she feared for her son's safety. She thought about bringing Glider into this, but her aging father would just be stressed half to death about the situation.

Kurek

Kurok was ready for anything. Perhaps agood rumble will help him besides showing that he was the beta. He watched as another stepped through the woods past possibly another. His own hackles raised, his ears forward and his tail stiff and not moving. Tough shit? Wow this kid was well he didn't know.

Starscream gave me the right to take the beta position and IF I must I will show anyone who wants just that I will keep this position.

He spoke calmly. He knew that some of the pack would indeed be wary of letting him have this position and it was his duty to show them that he would fight for it. He was strong and he knew it but he wouldn't fetaly harm anyone in this pack. No he wouldn't be like his father.

Dove & Others

Mikomi was the one who noticed Dove shaking her head. The lithe wolf/saluki hybrid approached her mother and nuzzled her. "It's what Dad would have wanted. Mom, he would have encouraged Kiku to fight for what he feels is right."

Dove looked at her daughter, tears forming in her eyes. "Oh, Canis Rex..." she whimpered, "How I miss him."
Mikomi fought back tears as well. She missed her father too. "I know, Mother."

Kiku bared his fangs at Kurok. "LIAR!" He shouted, snapping his jaws together in warning. "Starscream would NEVER go behind our backs and elect a newcomer noname loser as the beta. We've been in this pack for a long time. We know Starscream would be loyal to us, and if anybody was the beta, it would surely be me or Mikomi. Besides, Lady Liseli is already the beta female. How do you think she'll feel about suddenly partnering up with the likes of you?"

Kiku stopped circling and now stood in front of Kurok, getting in his face. "You want to be the boss, tough guy? Well, you've gotta go through me." His bushy tail was raised to the same height as Kurok's tail and his fluffy ears were flat against his head. With Kiku standing this closely and with his teeth bared, Kurok would notice a slight chip in one of the wolf hybrid's canine teeth that did not cause harm to Kiku or damage the integrity of the tooth, but made the tooth much sharper. He had acquired that injury - as well as some facial scars - from taking down a buck that fought back with its antlers.

"Show me what you've got." Kiku's words came out venomously and with pure rage. He was ready for the showdown.

Korek

Korek stood stiff and poised to fight. He knew that starscream cared not to have anything to do with assigning ranks. That was the way of a pack. You took that position. Korek never intended on Challenging Starscream himself and so he would take beta. He listene to the other males words. He didn't so much as appoint me as tell me I could take it and by that he meant I would have to prove myself and fight any else who would want it I'm sureHe said calmly.

Then he spoke of the beta female and he huffed. She is the beta female, and has nothing to do with the beta male if she does not wish to. he said calmly. He was not fazed by any of this males attributes he had his own set of scars ones that were painful memory that he always chose to forget.

When the male stopped and raised his tail that was his signal. he went head on his teeth showing as he lunged at the other males muzzle.

Dove & Others

Kiku smirked for a few seconds, but that smirk immediately turned into a scowl. Would Kurok really dare to speak of Liseli in what Kiku thought to be such a disrespectful manner? "You know what? Screw you. You can be the princess if you really want to. But don't come running to me when you fail miserably in your duties and end up getting the pack killed." Kiku snarled, then turned to walk away.
It was then that Silence raced toward the group after having finally caught up with them, fear in her eyes, her heart pounding at an alarming speed. "Kiku!" The younger hybrid shouted. "Behind you!" Silence barreled into her half-brother to knock him out of range of Kurok's bite, but little did she know, she was in more danger than she thought. Kurok's aim for Kiku's muzzle had missed, so the attack landed on young Silence. She stood there, shocked, unsure of whether she was in pain or not; unsure of whether she was alive or dead. Blood seeped from her neck and dripped down onto the grass below the attack scene. "Kiku..." she whispered, then toppled over in a growing pool of blood.

"No... No. NO! NO NO NO!!!" Kiku shouted, running to his little sister's side. "Please, Silence... Never... NEVER be a hero."
Silence looked up at Kiku with glassy eyes. "You're my big brother, Kiku." She forced a pained smile as she addressed the fluffy black and white hybrid. "You've protected me so many times. I want to return the favor." She rested her head on the grass and closed her eyes. She kept them tightly closed and clenched her jaws. "It hurts! Make it stop!"

Dove rushed to Silence's side, sobbing, too shocked and sad for words. It was Mikomi who was enraged and vicious beyond words. While Silence could easily be saved by somehow stopping the bleeding, Mikomi still felt that it was her duty to put Kurok in his place, even if the assault on Silence was unintentional. "YOU!" She shouted, storming toward the beta male. "You piece of shit, you rat bastard! How about you face more of a challenge instead of just mauling my little sister?" While Silence was younger than her, Mikomi was smaller and lighter by about 15 pounds. If it was Mikomi who was attacked, she would surely be dead.

Kurok

Kurok growled at Kiku's words. He was not being disrespectful in the least. Lesli was a female she had no right to say if he can or cannot be the male beta but he would show her due respect as is. When he attacked he had not expected someone else to come barreling over so when his jaws caught something he hadn't been intending to do let alone he could see Kiku out of the corner of his eyes he had released his hold immediatly.

It mistified him on why someone would do this but when he heard her words he slightly understood. But it was unnecessary Kurok wouldn't of killed Kiku just put him in his place. He frowned at what had happened and naturally he would of gone forward to try and stop the bleeidn some how but soon there were others converging on her.

If he couldn't see the concern and distress in the others eyes he might of stepped in and shooed them away as it was he was sure they could handle it. Course thats when this female came over and he sneezed. He stared at her not intending on attacking her what so ever.

I am sorry for that but It was not my intention on getting her at all. I would never harm another pack member unless provoked and I promise you that I would of stopped before my teeth could of found purchase if I had been aware of her before it was too late.

He did not make to attack her or even show too much of his authority. His eyes though felt who seemed to be the eldest in the group.It is not a serious wound lick it till it stops bleeding. I am sorry for harming herHe said calmly. He then turned to leave them to tend to the injured female. Normally he would of tended to her himself but he didn't think he be allowed to.

Starscream

The alpha had been drawn to the scene by the loud voices, all of which he recognized. He half expected it too, and was a little surprised that his son wasn't among those quarreling. He figured Keap would have been one of the first to fight Kurok, but the young wolf had not yet challenged for the beta position, either because Kurok was simply too big and powerful in his eyes, or Keap was simply biding his time and waiting for the best opportunity.

'Maybe a pack hunt will help calm things down. Tt sounds like they're ready to kill each other...' It was common nowadays for Star to gripe to himself in his thoughts, and he was doing just that as he came upon the scene and saw the two posturing males. Kurok made a rush at Kiku, only for the other male to turn away, and for Silence to leap in at the last second. Her efforts placed her in the path of the beta's fangs, and the resulting bite and turmoil over the incident put a quick end to the struggle for dominance.

"What in the name of our elders is going on here?!" Starscream stormed across the parched ground, tufts of grass and yellowed woodland plants crackling and snapping beneath his paws. A high-held tail and expanded guard hairs told everyone to show him submission, from Kurok to Kiku. To drive home the point, he leveled Kurok, Mikomi, and Kiku with a fierce glare that exemplified his poor attitude and lack of patience, and promised a quick slash of fangs to anyone who tested him. "I have enough to deal without having to babysit the likes of you adults." Starscream was still growling as he came up beside Silence, though at least for her and Dove, the brute didn't offer any harsh glare at them. He leaned his muzzle down to sniff over the wound on her neck, then began to lick at the crimson-stained fur, trying to clean it and staunch the flow of blood.

Dove & Others

We'd like to go the distance
But not a one of us is gonna
You see nobody is wise enough
To turn this ancient boat around
These are the muddy waters
I'm swimming in to make a living
That I might drown in them
Should come as no surprise

Dove tried to remain strong - not only for herself, but also for her family - though she couldn't stop the sobbing. She feared that she'd lose her youngest daughter. "Never be a hero, Silence." She repeated her son's words, but in a calmer manner than the angered hybrid. She began licking Silence's wounds, but the taste of all that blood was revolting. Still, she kept licking, intent on saving her daughter.

Kiku looked up when he heard a familiar voice. It was Starscream. Kiku respected his alpha, but he had a thing or two to say to him. "Why, Starscream?" The hybrid began, shaking his head in disbelief. "Why would you betray us, electing a newcomer we know little about to the position of beta? What if something worse had happened as a result of that decision?" Kiku seemed quite angry, though in truth, he was mostly just scared.

Mikomi chased after Kurok. "Just wait a minute, we're not through here," she growled. "If Starscream said you had to defend your role, you defend it from my brother." Mikomi looked back at Kiku and gestured in the direction of Kurok.
"I'll be right there, Mik," came Kiku's reply. Before he tested Kurok, he had to wait for his alpha's answer to his question.

"Everybody," a voice came from behind some nearby bushes, and Glider soon leapt over the bushes to handle the situation, "just calm down." Glider's word was respected at least among his family, and it was surely possible that others respected the peacemaking word of the aging saluki. Maybe Starscream even respected him in that way. "There has been enough bloodshed today, for any bloodshed is too much bloodshed." His deep, thoughtful eyes scanned the group, eventually landing on Starscream, Silence and Dove. "Thank you, Starscream, for tending to my granddaughter. I apologize for my family's behavior; they are just confused, upset and scared." His voice was smooth and almost lyrical; it had a peaceful, calming quality to it.

"Grandpa..." Silence managed a smile and a wag of her tail when Glider appeared. "I'm gonna be alright, Grandpa." She flinched and cringed every now and then when Dove and Starscream hit a more painful spot on her wounds, but she was still significantly calmer with Glider around.

Kurek

Kurok stopped when he heard another approaching and he slightly turned to the side to make sure it wasn't a threat. When he noted starscream his tail went down slightly and his ears lightly back in submission. He was able to show it to him now cause he was less restless. But soon after his body posture returned to that of a beta. He wasn't sure what to say though. Starscream had made it clear that he would have to show and prove that he was the beta so else did he believe he should do so? Not that the female was his aim no he had no reason to fight or attack a female.

His eyes moved to the female that followed him and he tilted his head.I planned on it but he is the one that chose to turn away and then that happened. He spoke calmly. He could feel the fear and anxiety in the group and wasn't so sure why Kiku wanted to fight. Was it cause he wanted the beta position? Or just because he didn't know him well enough and was nervous for the pack? His tail flicked as another joined the group and spoke. This was an older male and automatically Kurek dipped his tail slightly and his head. Not in submission but respect. That is one thing he had always been taught. Respect your elders.

Starscream

The way Kurok immediately lowered his tail and ears was seen with approval from Starscream, especially since the alpha was keeping a particularly close eye on the male for the time being. Finding obedience and no sign of aggression or opposition from the beta, Starscream turned his hard gaze away from Kurok and directed it anew upon Kiku. Pale gray lips drew back just enough to show off the tips of his canines, "Are you questioning my loyalty to the pack, Kiku?" The word 'betrayal' was what had struck the alpha particularly hard, bringing a growl to his words and a narrowed look to his eyes. Any slight against his authority or pack-management skills - even if they honestly weren't the best - put Starscream on the defensive. The expression he bore now, along with his forward-pointing ears, was a warning for Kiku to show him respect.

A familiar voice sliced through the tense atmosphere like an eagle's talons through the water. Starscream lifted his head again, pausing in his help with Silence to give Glider audience. Much like Liseli and Cortinarri, Glider was a member of the pack whom Starscream had a particular respect for, even if he wasn't especially close to the old saluki. Glider had been a part of the pack for a long time, and as far as the alpha saw it, the patriarch was like a grounding force for many of their members, able to bring understanding and calmness during troubled situations. For this reason, Glider was spared the dominating look that Starscream had seen fit to deliver to most of the others. Instead, the aging dog got a nod from his leader, acknowledging his words of appreciation. "I came upon the scene just before it happened. It looks like the wound has stopped bleeding; we'll just have to watch for infection, and keep someone with her until her strength returns."

Dove & Others

You've got them all on your side
That just makes more for doubt to slaughter
"I never knew he thought that!"
I heard you say falling out of the van
"Don't ask for his opinion
They ought to drown him in holy water!"
Will you remember my reply
When your high horse dies?

Kiku tried to avoid showing anger toward his alpha, but he ended up flashing a fang at the younger wolf. It wasn't really on purpose; it happened in the heat of the moment. "Yes, Starscream," he began gruffly, "yes, I am questioning your loyalty to the pack. You have obviously shown disregard for my family and the rest of your pack, and you have put us all in danger by making a hasty decision to elect a stranger you hardly know as beta. What did he do? Threaten you? Bribe you? Challenge you?" Kiku cast a cold glare at Kurok. "Mb"

Glider lifted his head, about to reprimand his grandson, but that's when he noticed something strange. One of Silence's pupils was dilated and her mouth was drooping on the same side. "Silence, can you try standing up for me, dear?"

"Uh-huh," Silence said in a low voice, carefully and gingerly lifting herself to her feet with the help of Glider and Dove. It was Dove's worst nightmare, and it was what Glider feared would be the case. Silence's right side was limp, and she would have fallen over if Dove wasn't there to support her weight. "Oh, sweetie..." Dove whimpered to her daughter, standing up straighter to keep her daughter from falling.

"I hate to say it, Starscream..." Glider began, "...but we have to bring her to the humans. I know somebody - Papillon, a horse - who knows some humans who aid wild animals, and I'm sure she'll be fine with taking Silence to them." Glider licked the blood from his granddaughter's face. "I have to stay behind to keep order within the family, but I'll pay a visit once things settle down."

Korek

Korek stood strong but still held a submissive posture toward Starscream. Before he had been given the right to take beta he had a hard time showing submission but now that he had he was more at ease. His eyes turn to Kiku as he quiestion Starscream and his eyes narrowed slightly. Honestly a pack should trust its alpha's decision no matter what it was without a question but Kiku was basically challenging that trust.You don't trust your Alpha's judgement? It was more of a statement then a fact and then the male spoke to him. You may not trust me now and I respect that but you will come to find that I will do anything to protect this pack alongside Starscream. In time perhaps you will come to see that I mean no harm to this packHe spoke calmly.

His eyes then when to the fallen she wolf and watched. He felt bad but it wasn't his fault or his intentions on hurting her. He listened to Glider and despite him not holy liking humans he agreed with him. There wasn't much they could do for her but the humans may be able to do something. He knew the family would probably turn it down. If you would like I could accompany her and who ever to the humans His eyes were directed to both Glider who he felt a natural respect for the elder and Starscream not the others

Starscream

The fang that Kiku let slip brought on a threatening snarl from the alpha and fully bared ivories of his own. He'd been ready to see Kurok out of the pack when he'd initially mistook the brute's words as a challenge, and he was not going to stand for anyone else overstepping their bounds. "You will show your respect to me or I will put you in your place!" Starscream took a step away from Silence and a step closer to Kiku, reacting at first to the bared fang, and next to the male's words, "No one else had the initiative to become beta in all the time I've been alpha here except Kurok. I'm not here to babysit all of you and dole out positions; you fight for what rank you're strong enough to take." The alpha took a few challenging steps closer to Kiku, with one ear flicked back momentarily to hear Kurok, partly to listen to what he had to say, and partly to ensure the beta wasn't going to take advantage of the situation and attack him. Oh yes, Starscream was a bit paranoid about his leadership being overtaken.

When Silence tried to get up, only to show no response on one side of her body, Starscream's concern for the wounded fea grew. And yet when humans were mentioned, he balked at first, "Wait." Starscream had never personally encountered a human before, though he'd seen their cars where a single country road intersected their packlands. "We'll talk to my mother; she knows which humans can be trusted, and which are deadly." On one hand, he respected Glider's wisdom, but he did not know who Papillion was, and had little trust for herbivores, and his mother and ensured that he and his siblings had a healthy fear of the two-leggers.

Kiku & Others

Kiku, even in his anger, did not show dominance over Starscream; he showed disrespect, which he felt was justified, whether it truly was or not. He glared at Kurok when he spoke, barking at him, "Stay out of it, punk." His stained fangs stood out against his white muzzle, but still contrasted with his pitch black body, making for a startling scene.
After Starscream began lecturing him, Kiku's face contorted into a scowl, his eyes narrowing. "Respect is earned, not granted. An alpha that forces his subordinates to respect him, no questions asked, is clearly not alpha material. What have you done to earn my family's respect?" As Starscream stepped closer, Kiku stood his ground. If Kurok could get away with challenging Starscream, Kiku felt he could too.

Glider seemed to be handling the situation well, remaining level-headed and relatively calm throughout the ordeal even though his granddaughter may never recover from her stroke, but when Kurok suggested that he could accompany Silence to the humans, Glider's head snapped up and he let out a warning bark. "You will NOT come near my granddaughter. You will not accompany her to the humans. You will not talk to her. You will not talk about her to my family. And if she ever tells you to get away from her, you will get away from her." He never showed dominance, nor threatening behavior. However, judging by his confident body language, he wasn't playing around and he would back up what he said.

That was the first time anybody had seen Glider like that. He had at least some respect for the beta, but he understood his family's feelings. After the warning, he dipped his head to both the alpha and the beta to show he had no intent to challenge them.

Dove's attention was on her father. She was surprised at his behavior, but then again, she expected it would happen eventually. When Starscream spoke, however, she looked at him with eyes full of sorrow. "We can't wait that long, Starscream! Silence is really hurt! We just have to take our chances. If Cortinarri wants to come along to give us some advice, she is very welcome to do so, but I am calling for Papillon."

Silence looked at her mother, her head unintentionally tilted. "Mom..." she whispered, "...you're coming with me, right?"
This got a nod and reassuring lick from Dove. She was contemplating bringing Kiku as well to keep him from causing anymore trouble in the pack.

Kurok

Kurok bared his teeth back to kiku. His tail rigid as the male then saught to challenge Starscream. Kurok hadn't ever challenged the male. But being as it was he was no longer part of that confrontation. If Kiku challenged Starscream it wasn't his place to move even though he wanted to. How dare Kiku speak like that to his alpha. Alpha always demanded respect from their pack and they deserved it.

Then Glider spoke and he stared at him. He sighed and just shook his head. He would of said something but he did respect Glider enough to do just that unless she really needed saving or something or other he would stay away from her.

Starscream

The sharp pitch of his words and his snarl, a characteristic that had given partial rise to his name, marked Starscream's voice now. He spared the briefest of glances back at the beta, but his focus was not much on Kurok anymore, after the wolf had shown his submission earlier and offered no challenge or show of disrespect. The scowl and the showing of a fang from Kiku constituted as much in Starscream's eyes, and if that wasn't enough to ruffle the alpha's feathers, the disrespectful words were plenty enough. Deep, vicious wrinkles set into his muzzle and forehead as he briskly stepped forward to place himself directly into Kiku's personal space. He held himself high with his tail stiff and unmoving, "I have been their leader for the past several months, I have protected the pack, and saw to it that we have enough food. I have done everything required of an alpha, and you question my loyalty and merit for respect?" The snarl that lifted his tones was nothing short of bloodcurdling, "Submit and show me the respect I deserve, or I will earn it from you, in front of your family." That was the final warning delivered by Starscream, prior to what would be a physical altercation - it was something that he generally avoided at all costs, mainly to avoid injury and the prospect of losing.

When it came to Glider setting a stern boundary between himself and Kurok, Starscream did not intervene. Oh, at a later date he'd hold another pack hunt and use that to try and mend some fences amongst pack members, but unless this caused a serious rift in the pack, Star was not one to get involved the day to day squabbles of his members. What did call for his immediate and prompt attention was Silence and the prospect of humans. "...very well." He conceded after a moment, with a brief flick of the eyes towards Dove. It was the look of sorrow that got to him, and the worry he felt that they could very well lose the wounded female if immediate action wasn't taken. "But don't call that horse into our land; call it to the boundaries, and call Cortinarri as well. She can help." Starscream himself would go to, but first he had to defend his honor and title in the pack, and show that he would not stand for insubordination and disrespect.

Kiku & Others

Kiku was in no mood to show respect to somebody who hadn't earned it from him. He wasn't challenging his alpha or trying to take his position, though he was asserting that if Starscream wanted his respect, he had to earn it. "Starscream, you and I have both seen what you have done to our pack. You let Nachi get killed, and you almost let Silence get killed. You're power-hungry, and you'll allow as much bloodshed as you want to avoid losing your status as alpha. My little sister's blood is on your jaws; you're at fault for letting this happen, and if she dies, you will pay the price for murder." He didn't step forward, but he didn't step back either. "I have been around for much longer than you have, and you don't know how much pain I endured to protect this pack... and to protect your father. You wouldn't be born if my family hadn't been around. You're welcome." He was a headstrong hybrid. He had been battle-hardened; he had seen many wars, lost his father when he was naught more than a pup, protected his pack and his family at the risk of his own life, and provided all he could for the pack. He felt that if anybody deserved respect, it was himself.
"Oh really, Starscream?" Kiku growled when the alpha gave him a very real threat. "You're so insecure that you will attack me in front of my wounded sister, fragile mother and aging grandfather? I should warn you that I have some contacts; I have allies who won't be happy to hear that I've been attacked by my own alpha." It was true that he had been involved with the Dark Brotherhood for some time in the past, and he occasionally had meetings with Hero and Dogfight, though he never thought he'd need their assistance until now. "Just something to keep in mind if you decide to try anything funny."

Dove nodded to Starscream. She would normally have reprimanded Kiku for his behavior, but truthfully, she agreed with him. She didn't let it show, however; she wanted to appear more loyal to keep her membership with the pack. Besides, she wanted to stay out of it, and looking at her father, she could tell he was avoiding the situation as well.
"Yes, yes, I'll call for Papillon. She regularly visits the lake at this time of day, so it shouldn't be long before she arrives." With that, she let out a long, loud howl. "Papillon!"
Her attention then shifted to Mikomi. ",b>Mik, come help me with your sister; you are the strongest."
Mikomi nodded to her mother, then shot a glare at Kurok before leaving the beta and walking toward her mother and sister. Passing Starscream, she just looked at him with a nearly expressionless face, though it almost had a pleading look to it, as if she was begging him to not attack Kiku right here, right now, but he was fair game later once Silence, Dove and Glider were out of the way. She looked away, but when she reached Dove and Silence, she gave Starscream another look; this time, it was a lustful look. It was a look that said she wanted to be with him. Kiku would surely be outraged if she ended up with Starscream, so she cut the gaze short before her brother saw. "Here, Silence." She stopped on the opposite side of her sister from Dove, offering more support for the wounded hybrid.

Kurok

Kurok stood there listening to all the bickering and he did not like how Kiku was talking to Starscream and it made his hackles raise but he figurativly bit his tongue as he stood there. So now Kiku was threatening Starscream? That was not right and his tail flicked. He didn't want to get n Starscreams bad side so he remained silent but he did slightly move closer to starscream's right. This was not how lower pack members treat their alpha no matter what and Starscream had all the right to put Kiku in his place right here right now no matter who was present and if Kiku did call others down on starscream, He and his own family would stick with Starscream.

Turek had even heard all the commotion and came to stand by his brother. His tail was low and his head cocked slightly to the side as he listened to all the arguing but he was silent. Just an observer.

Starscream

Starscream could scarcely believe his ears, to have Kiku suddenly turn against him like this. "I don't know what's gotten int your head, Kiku! You've been a loyal, trustworthy member since I've known you, and now you're flying off the wing because Kurok took up the beta position that you could have so easily taken any time before now? Go ahead and challenge him if you wish it, that's your right, but don't you dare blame me for your lack of initiative." Bringing the recently deceased Nachi and his father into the dispute made the verbal attack much more personal, and as a result, the alpha's look turned murderous, "Silence's condition is unfortunate, but she shouldn't have interfered in the fight between you and Kurok; it was an accident pure and simple, and how you think I'm to blame for it is beyond me. As for Nachi and Vestige, you won't say another word about them." Starscream was in Kiku's face now, all bristle and flashing fangs. His eyes widened a moment, then narrowed dramatically when Kiku suggested he had allies outside of the pack, "Instead of properly submitting to your leader, something that Kurok at least understands, you threaten me with your 'friends' if I dare to put you in your place?" The alpha snorted sharply, and by this point, there was little else to do but assert his dominance. The wolf plunged himself forward with a powerful kick of his hind legs, and used his front paws to grapple with Kiku around the side of his neck and head. Keen fangs snapped at the other brute's face and muzzle; not to cause serious harm, but to show that he was not fooling around, and expected Kiku to surrender. In all the turmoil of the dispute, Starscream hardly had time to notice how Kurok had stepped up closer to his right side, but the fact that the new beta didn't take advantage of this situation to attack Star would be noted later. The one thing he did catch was the look from Mikomi - Starscream didn't have the time to respond to it int he heat of the moment, but it definitely gave him something to think about.

Turek was not the only one to be drawn in by the commotion. In the distance, Darling and In'Alak were making their way to the scene, and hastened their pace after hearing the howl for Papillion.

Kiku & Others

The look in Kiku's eyes sharpened when Starscream missed the point. "I DON'T WANT THE FREAKING BETA POSITION!!!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. "This just goes to show how you NEVER listen to your pack! This whole time I've been saying it's dangerous to suddenly elect a beta you know little about. I never wanted to be the beta!" He stepped forward, showing not dominance but confidence, and began to speak again. "And if you think I'm going to--" It was then that Starscream attacked, and Kiku had no time to get out of the way. He felt his alpha's jaws clamp around his face, with Starscream's canine teeth gouging into his eyes. He recoiled, stumbling back, blood pouring from his eye sockets, and before he could say a single thing, he collapsed from the pain. One eye was only partially damaged, and thankfully he would retain at least some sight.

"You..." Mikomi stuttered, "Why did... how... he just..." She ran to her brother's side, too shocked for words.

Glider gave Starscream a sharp look. It wasn't an angry or upset look, just a questioning look, as if to ask 'why?' His grandson was blinded, and he wasn't sure what to think. Did he deserve that fate? Was it intentional, or just bad luck?

Dove began sobbing, but couldn't leave Silence's side. "You monster!" She screeched, her tail between her legs. "There has been far too much bloodshed! Is Mikomi next?"

Korek

Korek stood tensed as Starscream attacked and it seemed accidently or not puncture the other males eyes. He doubted that was intentional. Starscream wanted to put him in his place not maim him. He heard the family speak and go to him his tail stiff. This could indeed cause a major problem. He was unsure. If the other male didn't want the beta position then he had no right to even think of challenging him but now... WEll it didn't matter.

Turek just stood there observing.

Starscream

Through his gnashing teeth and the explosive snarl rolling through his throat, Starscream retorted back in defense of his decision, "He's hardly a stranger, Kiku! He's been here for months!" There was little time to say anything more, because the two were engaged in battle; or rather, Starscream had engaged in a battle to set his subordinate straight. He'd only meant to bite his muzzle and inflict a minor wound or two, but between his aim being a little off and Kiku's own movements, the alpha's fangs struck something much softer than flesh. Starscream let go quickly as Kiku dropped to the ground in pain, and immediately felt his stomach churn in panic. His tail cricked and he stood apprehensively above the downed wolf, "...Kiku!" The growl was given in as much exasperation as it was 'oh crap!', "It was an accident. I didn't mean..." Starscream blinked in horror at the blood trailing down Kiku's face, but unlike Silence, he didn't attempt to clean the wound. "Mikomi, help me with him. He will go to the humans too." With the dominance lesson officially over, and Starscream not about to chastise the sobbing mother for berating him, he focused on Kiku and getting he and Silence help for their injuries.

"Turek, come with us. We'll need an extra pair of eyes to look out for danger. Kurok-" The alpha's amber eyes shot to the other male, "Keep an eye on the pack while we're gone."

Kiku & Others

Mikomi's green eyes were fixed on her brother while she tried to make sense of the situation. The sight of the blood made her feel sick. She then turned her attention to her alpha, eyes wide and jaw agape before she spoke in a wavering voice. "He never fights back. Starscream, that's one thing everybody should know about my brother. He never fights back." Her voice mainly held a tone of shock and sadness, but there was a very slight hint of anger that an astute listener could pick up on. "He trash talks like a maniac, but to this day, I have never seen him return blows. I've always had to finish his fights for him. He says it's against his code to return 'fangs with fangs' ...or something." This suggested that Kiku held some sort of religious beliefs, but what or if he worshiped was something Mikomi did not disclose. She simply nudged him, wedging her muzzle under her brother in an attempt to lift him off the ground. "He never fights back..."

Dove's face, in contrast to Mikomi's face, was twisted into a snarl of rage. Even if it wasn't Starscream's fault, she still felt some anger towards him. But this was Dove, and her grudges rarely lasted more than a week, if that. Glider kept a cool demeanor throughout the ordeal, though, and made sure Dove had full support of Silence's weight before going to help Kiku up.

Meanwhile, the sound of hooves was swiftly approaching...

Torek & korek

Torek heard Starscream and left his brothers side. Can doHe spoke calmly.

Korek too nodded. He knew what the role of beta was and since Starscream was leaving he knew he had to keep an eye on everything.

Starscream

Starscream stayed on Kiku's opposite side, crouched down at first so that he could offer his body as support to lean against. If Kiku could get up, Star would rise up with him and continue to offer the wounded canine guidance and support. To Mikomi, whose gaze he did not share long, the alpha made a gruff response that was more in defense of himself than anything, "If he doesn't fight back, he needs to learn not to start the fights in the first place." It was a bold thing to say when he was standing right next to the wolf in question, but it was a statement he felt needed to be said. As an alpha, Star could not afford to let his credibility slide by taking slack from his members and letting them get away with it, though he certainly never meant to maim Kiku. He did quirk a look across as Mikomi a moment later when she said something about a 'code' that Kiku went by, and it made him wonder.

"Korek; check on your sister for me. I heard her... howl earlier." Contrasting with his tones to Mikomi, the alpha sounded just a bit awkward in giving Korek these orders. He knew why Tay had howled, and he'd ignored it completely. On the other hand, he did want to be sure that she was okay, even if he wasn't ready to brave up and accept the consequences of his earlier actions.

Mikomi & Others

Mikomi's green eyes softened in expression when she shifted her teary gaze from Kiku to Starscream. It was a look of pity; not the pity an individual would feel for another individual who was less intelligent, since Starscream and Mikomi probably didn't vary much in intelligence, but rather the pity a mother may feel toward another if her child takes his friend's new toy. "I have been given the task of taking care of my brother. This includes confidentiality, but... but... I... ummm..." She stammered a bit, but took a deep breath and forced herself to continue. "I didn't want to tell this to anybody. I can't tell anybody, as it would break a pact with my brother that is sacred to him, so I ask that you never let my family know I told you. This information stays between you and me. Forever. I am only telling you this to aid you in dealing with this issue." She lowered her head, a few tears of shame falling to the bloody grass below, effectively making Kiku's once-sacred grounds now soiled with fear, sadness and pain. Mikomi slowly met her alpha's gaze again, unsuccessfully trying to hide her tears. "Kiku ha a disease. It has been deemed by our personal allies - healers and thinkers - as 'sudden-onset rage disease.' I had to learn the specifics. It surely comes from our hunting hound blood. Our mother's ancestors were bred frequently and with their own kin, leaving their offspring prone to diseases that are passed down from parent to pup, even if the parent shows no signs. Mother is afraid that it was intentional - that a human would be so cruel as to force harmful traits into an animal." She paused, sucking in air in quick bursts as if she was about to sob. "Nobody can tell when he will express this aggression, but it is most often unintentional. I feel sorry for him. I'm afraid not only for him, but of him. Silence made a suggestion once, twice, three times, maybe more... that we leave him with the humans where he can be kept away from others. I vehemently opposed that suggestion, but now..." There was a silent pause. "...now I don't know what to think. Kiku is a prisoner of his own. He is contained within ever-shrinking walls based on fear and anger. Fear of himself. Anger toward himself. He took up his religion, worshiping his moon-goddess Monahlok, which gives him the willpower and motivation to resist. I don't believe a word of those fairy tales, but it makes him feel better and I can't take that from him." She shook the tears from her eyes and gained composure. With a look from Dove and Glider to Torek and finally to Starscream, she spoke with a still wavering voice. "Come one. Let's get Kiku and Silence to the humans."

Papillon soon arrived, slowing to a steady halt at the edge of the territory. She wasn't about to enter a territory uninvited, even if a respected subordinate summoned her. "You must put the injured on my back. I will go as fast as safely possible without causing them to fall." She lowered herself to the ground to allow the pack to raise the injured easily onto her muscular back.

Mikomi nodded to her mother and grandfather as if to suggest that they should get Silence onto the piebald horse's back. Glider stepped back to help Dove guide Silence toward Papillon, and then awkwardly lifted the young hybrid up. Mikomi, with Starscram's help, would also drag the unconscious Kiku toward the horse.

Torek

Torek watched as the equine approached and he clenched his jaw momentarily tight but soon he was waiting to follow the others.

Starscream

Slowly, step by step, Starscream aided Mikomi in guiding Kiku towards the border where the horse would be meeting him. The taste of blood remained fresh and sharp on his tongue, and colored his jaws a striking crimson where it had spattered against the paler fur there. When Mikomi looked tearfully at him, Star held her gaze and shifted his ears to the sides slightly for the discomforting feeling he felt. They perked up right quickly when she went on about some secret however, and he listened with rapt attention. As she went on about the disease Kiku had, the mention of allies was brought up again, and Star felt anxiety over that rise in him - but the alpha remained quiet and pushed most of his focus towards this illness she spoke of, and once she'd explained it and the tough decision she had been left with, Starscream responded at length, "This should have been brought to my attention sooner." Quietly, so as not to be overheard by the others, Star said this first. A moment later, and with a heavy sigh, the leader laid out his feelings, "He needs to stay with the humans, if his behavior is going to be unpredictable like this. Even if he does not fight, such hostility will cause tension among the members, and lead to situations like this..." Amber eyes shifted to Silence, "Silence has already been badly wounded because of it, and I can't risk that happening again with her or anyone else." It wasn't any easy decision by any means, particularly as Starscream was not a fan of the humans, and was secretly terrified by the prospect of visiting some now - but he was willing to endure them for the betterment of the pack.

Tension was displayed in his body once Papilion showed up, but Starscream minded his manners with the large plant-eater, solely because of his trust in Glider. A quick glance to Torek invited the wolf to travel closer to him, while Starscream focused his strength to help Mikomi guide Kiku up on the equine's back.