*Humans*

The dull green jeep pulled up to the gate, the engine shutting off s two men and a woman exited the vehicle. The two men once more picked up the crate, carrying it through the gate as the woman held it open. Rather gently the men set the crate down, speakig softly to the womanbefore exiting, leaving the woman and the crated wolf alone. She left momentarily, returning with a deer leg. She through the leg some feet away from both her and the wolf, and without fear, she undid the locks which held the wolf inside the cage. There she sat on her legs, not speakingor doing anything besides watching.

Nightcrawler

Once more, Nightcrawler took up a frightened, apprehensive posture as he was toted from one place to another, flashing his bright eyes from human to human, trying desperately to read their intentions; not that it would do him much good anyway. When he was set down, his tall ears perked at the men's voices, and decided they were, at least, not aggressive in tone. Well, that was good, right? He was glad to see the man leave, for experience told him that the males tended to be stronger and more prone to physical violence, although the females sometimes had a sinister touch too. It was to his surprise when the deer leg was tossed, which quickly changed his mindset. Despite his previous hunger, he hadn't eaten much while in the cage.

Nightcrawler was even more surprised to find that his cage was being opened by this woman. For a long moment, he remained in the cage, looking from the human to the food. His ears were up now, though his tail was low and his back slightly arched in fear. After a long inner debate with himself, Night stepped timidly from his cage, giving the woman a long but hasty look before he picked up his pace and dashed for the deer leg. Just before he reached it, Nightcrawler faltered and side-stepped the food, remembering what happened when he went for the chicken. Regretfully leaving the tasty morsel, he slipped into the cover of nearby vegetation.

Hunger bade him to stay near though. He went only a few feet into the brush before he turned and looked back, watching the human sitting by that awful crate. From his good friend Jais, Nightcrawler knew where he was now. Jais had told him about his brother, Cavan, and how he had once been a prisoner here. There was no way out, so Night didn't bother trying right now. Instead, he stood and watched the woman, thinking he was well hidden in the brush, although his bright eyes were still visible from the shadows.

*Tara*

The woman watched, her eyes very perceptive of what was going on, even to the smallest eye motions. She could only shake her head as the wolf gave up the food, a small sigh exerted. Slowly she stood, grabbing hold of the cage before pulling it toards the entrace which had brought her into the enclosure. Knockign on the foor resulted in the two men once more appearing, rapidly grabbing and crate it taking it away. And all of a sudden the male was once more alone, the door now locked and only human camera's to watch over him.

Nightcrawler

Night watched from 'safety' as the woman left. A small wave of relief washed over him, but still he waited several minutes after all three had vanished. Then he crept from hiding, by-passing the food once more as he headed straight for the gate. Wolves were uncanny in their observation and problem solving skills, in comparison to their domestic counterparts. Nightcrawler stood before his ticket to freedom; the large gate. The human had struck at it with her paws, and it had brought the two men, who opened the door. Unfortunately, he hadn't seen what the two males had done to open the door, not that he could replicate their dexterous finger movements anyway. Still, he gave it a shot.

Rearing up on his hind limbs, the dark-pelted wolf struck his right paw against the mesh a few times, like a dog might do to a door when wanting to go out. When nothing came of his actions, Night turned his focus on the instrument which kept the gate closed. He pawed and bit at it, but to no avail. Frustrated, though expecting failure in the first place, Nightcrawler turned from the gate and headed for the deer leg once more. With no humans about, he felt a little safer about approaching the food.

After nosing about the food with no consiquence, Night finally picked it up and darted into the woods. He found, quite happily, that no dart flew to greet him this time.

Zhener

Bored again, the eagle decided to search out more friends. He tended to avoid human areas, but this time, he made the exception and glided down over the tall fences of the Wolf Center. His sharp orbs scanned the ground below before catching site of a black wolf moving through the woods. Flapping closer, he recognized this fellow as one of his friends.

"Nightcrawler! Vhat are you doing here?" The eagle called out, diving haphazard through the branches so he could alight on the ground. "Zhis is no place for you! Vhat happened?"

Nightcrawler

He was surprised to see the eagle here, and apart from his initial delight at having somone to talk too, Nightcrawler felt dread. "The humans tricked me with food. But this is no place for you, my friend. You should leave before they spot you." The wolf stood up, leaving the half-eaten deer leg on the ground.

Zhener

He shook his head, "Leave? Vhy do zhat? I can fly; zhe humans can't! No vorry, 'Crawler." The eagle replied, bobbing his head at the name. "I 'ave good eyes. I vill see humans before zhey see me. Maybe I look for escape for you?" Zhener added hopefully. "No fun in a cage, ja?"

Nita

Nita dartted to the feeding gate after entering through a whole she dug up. She bolted over and spotted Nightcrawler. She skidded to a hualt with a nervous look on her face. "Come on Night, I have a way out," she said beneath her breath. She had come this way with Katchina before, and even Kali. The battle was held here, and she knew her way around quite nicely.

Nightcrawler

He had laughed a bit at first, "You're right, Zhener. It's no fun being in a cage, but..." his words trailed off as he saw his alphess running towards him. For a split second, he thought she had been captured, for he hadn't seen her go through the hole. Then he realized she bore no human scent. "A way out?" Nightcrawler repeated in a hopeful tone, "We'd better hurry before the humans come back." He flashed a look to the gate, then to Nita, ready to follow. Or defend, if the two-leggers showed up.

Nita

Nita nodded, wasting no time she bolted and slide under the gate where a small whole was located.

*Tara*

The human returned with enough time to witness the fae slipping under the gate. She was trained to carry a small tranquilizer gone and a walkie talkie at most times. She quickly pressed a button that sent an alert to all with her location, and with a rather good aim, took up her gum and shot the dart right as the huntress slipped back through the hole. If it caught or not, more humans would be here within a matter of seconds.

Nightcrawler

He followed swiftly after Nita, slipping easily under the hole. Why didn't I notice this before? He mused to himself, feeling exhilerated now that he stepped into freedom. That feeling was short-lived as he heard the foot-falls that could only belong to a human. "Nita! Run!" He barked sharply, as the gun was being raised. Nightcrawler tensed, flinching as the shot was fired. He wanted to run, but he wouldn't when his alphess was in danger.

Zhener

"Good zhen, an escape!" Zhener announced, raising his wings for emphasis. He flapped his feathered appendages with quick, heavy strokes, and soon became airborn. His sharp eyes caught sight of the human and a shot of fear ran through him, "A two-leegger!" The wedge-tail climbed higher into the sky, staring at the human with the gun. To the casual observer, he might only seem a hungry eagle searching for food, as his scavenging kind was known for. Although kangaroos were his usual carion meal, back in Australia.

Higher he sailed, until he appeared only a small form in the sky. Another aspect of his breed; high gliders. Feeling he was safe at his height, he circled around and kept a view of what was going on below.

*Humans*

Just as predicted, 3 more men eneterd the scene, each acrrying a gun, already loaded with an overdose of sedative for the wolves. Only a quick dose of the anitidote would save them if hit for the amount that each dart carried almost doubled the needed amount, and unlike the usual, where it would wear off on it's own, this one could be deadly.

One of the newely arrived men sent a dart for the hip of Nightcrawler, his stunned position making him an easy target. Thats all they needed was to lose one of their current subjects. While he waited to see if it had any effect, he was quick to reload, knowing that if he missed, the wolf could feel threatened and attack further.

Eytan*Saxton*Joscelin*Aderyn*Ziarre

Eytan and company dashed in, the alphen heading straight at his mate and Nightcrawler. He wasn't even thinking. He just knew from experience that he had to get them away from that dart.

Joscelin quickly took command of his siblings, saying Fan out! Zig zag around them, take their weapons. And for goodness sakes, stay clear of the guns!

Saxton immediately charged into battle, zig-zagging toward the first man, making sure to always keep moving so that the man could not get a sight on him.

Aderyn and Ziarre headed for the second, circling and dodging in two different directions toward the other man.

Joscelin headed toward the third, bouncing about, feet barely touching the ground as he skidded around, heading toward that third man.

Nightcrawler

This time, Nighty watched the gunmen closely, not wanting to experience sedation again. Lightning fast, the ebony wolf jumped when the man aimed the gun at him, narrowly missing the dart. It past his limb a hair's breath away from flesh, slicing through his ebony fur. Still unsure of Nita had been hit with the initial shot, Nightcrawler changed his tactics. These humans were posing a threat to his family, and to him, that justified defense.

He bounded into the action, heading for the woman. His path was not a straight one though; he adopted his comrade's techniques of darting about to make him a harder target. And he was agile, making quick leaps and dashing in a frenzy of movement. Nightcrawler turned sharp as he neared the lady and took a strong jump, jaws snapping open. He aimed his fangs for her gun-wielding arm, trying to pin the limb between his jaws and pull the human down. If he made contact, he meant to bite with control, giving enough pressure to keep a hold on the arm while pulling her down. He realized that she had had plenty of opportunity to harm him when he was stuck in the cage, and she did not.

*Humans*

The first man could see the wolf coming, but just as Saxton had hoped, the man had difficulty getting a good aim on the canine. Still he did try, shooting off a dart when thw fold make a quik change of direction. It had been all chance, for even the best aim he got was bad compared to what normlly is needed to get a creature down.

The second man was at first overwhelmed by the two wolves. But he soon caught on, and instead followe Ziarre's movements. Just lie his buddy, he took the first shot with a possible hit, preying he hit something close to the thigh.

The third man had been in training for longer then the other two, and though he had difficulty, his aim was better, his hand steadier. Following the bouncing he fired the dart at the thigh, hoping like all the rest that it would hit and stop at least one vicious animal from attacking.

Tara wanted to scream, this plpan going completly wrong. While trying to prove the wolves were not vicious, they were starting to prove the exact opposite. If the government got ahold of this then the extermination of these animals would start alot sooner, and nothing could be done. Flustered the woman tried to load yet another dart, but instead found her arm caught in the jaws of Nightcrawler. The gun dropped just as he wished, but unlike most she didn't fight back. She had to do something to bring some peace. So as she had done once before, she fell to her knees and lowered herhead. It was odd behavior for a human yes, however it had saved her before, and hopefully would once again.

Soon four more men arrived each carrying the same dart gun and darts as their comrades. These men were build bigger then the others before them, having once been part of the military themselves. However, they were now part of the governments role to study these animals.

The first of the new men took a much more skilled aim at Aderyn. Being furhter away he had a better idea of how the wolf moved, and once being a military man he hadthe skills of war on his side. He auimed the over drugged dart gun at the wolf, shooting when the time was just right. And whether he hit his target or not, he reloaded with yet another dart, ready for anything.

The second took up a skilled aim towards Nightcrawler, hoping that the woman was enough distraction. the aim was at the shoulder this time, being that it was an easier shot. Just like his buddy he reloaded quickly, aiming right back at Nightcrawler in case he was not hit by the first.

The third came running in, halting only to make a shot at Saxton. The first man would have had a very difficult shot at the wolf, and even if he hit, it may not have bee accurate enough. So this was insurance that the wolf would be hit, or at least a better garentee.

Finally, the fourth arived, taking a shot at the one wolf which had yet to attack. This could turn either way, but hopefully his mind would be preoccupied with the thouhgts of his fellow wolves. So taking a shot as the wolf ran towards Nita, he aimed well for the thigh, letting the dart go, filled with enough sedatives to kill if not treated quick enough.

Eytan*Karai's Young*Tahmores*Brother

The first dart shot by M1 missed Saxton completely, and he continued to dance and weave about, heading toward the man. Just to confuse him, the fellow broke off and did a very fast mini-circle before heading back toward him, aiming to grab hold of the dart-gun. He hissed as the second dart shot by M6 grazed his rear foot, but it was a glancing blow and it had not stuck in the muscle. The lone dart spilled its contents on the ground as he jumped for the gun.

Ziarre was also lucky and managed to dodge the dart, but only because she very fortunately tripped. Recovering quickly, she circled back to come from another angle, still sweeping back and forth erratically.

Aderyn found herself in much more dire straights as M4 managed to hit his mark. She let a low yip fall from her features as the world swam before her. She staggered, feet going out from under her as things went dark.

Joscelin saw his sister go down and leapt to her aid without thought, causing M3 to miss completely as he came to Aderyn's defense, crouching in front of her.

The dart sped toward Eytan's undefended flank, and would have hit its mark if a gauntlet-clad young arm hadn't placed itself in the way. The contents of a second dart puddled on the ground as a young voice called out to humans and wolves alike. In Heaven's name, stop! A breeze lifted the shoulder-length tawny hair as all of Karai's children froze. This was Tahmores, a friend of their mother's. When he spoke, they obeyed.

Saxton and Ziarre backed off of their attack to stand near Joscelin as the tanned young man came forward with his wolven companion, Elder Brother, to stand in front of the huddling group of siblings. The wolf spoke to those around him of canine shape, softly saying, Easy there, brethren. We're here to help.

The young man stood tall, his wolven companion beside him as he spoke calmly, softly. What have you done to the young lark?

Nightcrawler

Night released the arm as the gun dropped and the lady went down. Growling quietly, he stepped back from Tara, his sharp, bright eyes flickering briefly to her's before he looked away. He was not expecting this reaction from her, but it was much better than he had expected; either a flailing, screaming human, or a violent punching-kicking one. His ears were back for a moment, showing he didn't wish to fight her, although his growls told that he would if neccessary.

As Nightcrawler looked away from Tara and moved to assess how his friends were doing, he was unfortunate enough to get struck again. He knew what it was before he even looked. A rare wave of frustration and anger washed over him, for he realized that his friends and family were taking this abuse for him, and now he was going down once more. Growling louder, he flashed his yellow orbs towards the man that had shot him. Then he began to run, this time with ears forward and his fangs bared. He'd teach them to mess with his friends...

Strangely, Nightcrawler felt himself stumble and fall before reaching his target. From past encounters, he figured he had enough time to reach the human before the drug took affect. Yet this time, his coordination slipped away dramatically faster. Although he tried and struggled against it, Night didn't get fully upright after he fell. In short time, he lay unconcious.

Cortinarri

Cortinarri slunk through the woods, keeping out of sight at first while she watched the swarm of humand and wolves attack each other. She too had experience with darts and the cunning ways of humans. Her old pack had many run-ins with humans, and she had tasted two-legger blood before.

As far as she was concerned, this was no rescue mission for Nightcrawler; she wanted revenege on the humans. They killed her Isia. And although she wasn't terribly close to them, the deaths of Wespero and Cedar weren't things that she took lightly. Putting anxiety behind her, the crippled wolfess choose Tara as her victim. Unlike Night's charming ethics, Cortinarri didn't give any two-legger the benefit of moral reasoning. They were monsters to her. And Tara looked like an easy target.

Running fast but limping from an old battle wound, the wolfess headed straight for the woman. Snarling her wrath, Cortinarri sprung for the throat...

*Humans*

The men all stood ready to shoot anouther round of stong darts at the animals. But the human voice made them freeze, easing them with the quieted motion of the wolves. Only M5 held his gun up, waiting for the effects. Luckly it had hit, and the strong sedative hjad done it's job just so.

Tara found relief as the wolf released her arm, staying in her human submission for some time. However the motion Nightcrawler made let her dial look up, and his swift fall brought a feeling of dread to her. "Get him inside! He needs the antidote NOW!" She wasn't for the strong darts for the reasons that it was fatal, and though they still had some time, she worried for them.

The scream brought the heads of just about all the men towards her, just in time to see the wolfess coming right for Tara. One of them let out a scream for her to duck before three of the men took a shot with their darts. M1 aimed for the left shoulder, M2 for the right, and M3 for the right side as well. And once those shots went off the other three found themselves sending off their own shots, M4 to the left thigh, M5 for the left, and M6 for the right. If the wolfess didn't think otherwise, she would be hit at least once, if not more, with these highly dangerous darts. One was enough to kill, two would be a very dangerous situation, and three could mean death even with the antidote.

The moment the man screamed, Tara found herself lundging forward, hands on the back of her neck for protection. She had no time to go for her gun, nor did she want to at this time.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Tahmores had kept an eye on all the people, and so had seen Cortinarri arrive. Moving with a speed built by running with four-legged creatures, the teen moved himself quickly in front of Tara, taking the punishment of fangs across his forearm with a spare wince of pain, letting out a sharp cry as one of the darts intended for the wolf imbedded itself in his shoulder. He outweighed most wolves by a good bit, so it would only make him a little drowsy. He pushed off with that arm, using his body to cast Cortinarri back to the ground as Elder Brother raced to curl in front of his boy, bristling.

Seeing that Brother would face off with Cortinarri, Tahmores turned back to the humans. Enough, fools! You could have hit the girl! Even you should know never to fire near one of your own! None of these wolves will harm you unless I say so. That one and here he jerked his head to indicate Cortinarri is none of mine, but she cannot hope to defeat all of these, and they are loyal to me. Now hurry with these antidotes. These wolves will do no one any good if they are dead. My brethren here will protect you will you administer them.

Elder Brother's eyes never left Cortinarri as he stood blocking her attack path toward Tahmores and Tara. He spoke softly, growling to her. You cannot hope to defeat us all. Find somewhere else to wreak your havoc.

*Humans*

Tara blinked as she felt no fangs, not even a slight pain. And the voice sounded right above her. She looked up slowly, surprised to find a human, not of her workforce protecting her. She was stunned to find the blood on him, and even with her injured arm she leapt up rather quickly. She was running on adrenaline, and though the pain was there, it would heal, and she would feel it more later. She turned to her men, sending a direct order to any one of them "Fetch the viles of antidote." Her voice was sharp and direct, and she held the pain she felt to turn to the boy. "You will need a dose as well. Even if it's not lethal, that much will sill come close if not succeed in leaving you unconcious for a time." her voice fell off as she once more caught sight of the wolf which tired for her life. Shefroze for a moment, watching, weary. Her good arm hugger her bad, and though there were no broken bones, it was still bleeding lightly, and would stop in time.

One of the men ran off, retriving the antidote, bandage, andrubbing alcohol before returning. He ran towards Tara who took all, but dropped the bandages on the ground before heading to Nightshades side. She knelt down, wincing as she had to move her arm about to pull out the dart, and then inject the reversal drug. She injected more then the usual to try and counteract the large quantaties of sedative he had recieved. Then she backed up, speaking softly, yet clearly. "One of you, stand and watch him. He won't come out as quick as usual, but the reversal drug should begin to make him stir in a minute or two." She stepped away, turning to the boy before getting a different needle ready. She dumped a bit of rubbing alchol on his arm before injecting him as well, using slightly less then thewolf recieved because he would not have been as effected by the dart as the wolf. Then she stepped back, looking to the men, onerunning to her side and retrieving what was left of the antidote.

Tahmores*Elder Brother*Karai's Brood

Tahmores smiled kindly at the girl as she administered the antidote and moved slightly to brace her arm and wrap the bandages gently but firmly around the bleeding arm. Then he gestured to Aderyn, who still had a lethal dose in her system. Do not forget the young lark. And he made another gesture at the surrounding siblings, and a commanding bark that sent them to one side to make them less threatening. They still watched the humans warily, but they would not attack unless the humans made to harm their sister.

Elder Brother still faced off with Cortinarri, waiting for the femme to make up her mind.

Cortinarri

Tahmore's quickness caught her off guard, though she didn't hesitate with her bite on him. At first, she hardly felt the twinge of pain brought on by the darts, but as she picked herself up from being shoved back by the two-legger, she felt it. One in her flank, and one in the shoulder. A savage glare was sent to Brother before she quickly plucked the darts from her body, "You have no idea!" The wolfess held herself a bit low, tail stiff and cricked as she tried to regroup herself. Surrounded by so many people and unfamiliar wolves took a heavy shot at her confidence, and kept her from launching into another assault on the humans.

As Cortinarri began to think about her next move, wether to run, attack, or defend herself, a sudden wave of dizziness hit her. "What..." The wolfess began to speak as she stepped forward, but found her movements staggering at best. She blinked dazidly and shook her head, but that only threw her balance off more, casting her roughly onto her side. Snarling in confusion, she struggled to rise, only to crumple back onto her haunches. Her vision swam and the world spun before her. Wolves and humans merged together in a dazzling blur, and before she knew it, her head had slumped against the ground. She was out like a light.

Kanan & Keilo

Father and son arrived in time to see the last bit of scuffling and watch as their one-time alpha gave in to the human's crafty drugs. Kanan's eyes grew wide as he saw that three had fallen, though at least it was by dart and not bullet. Oh great... The blue-eyed wolf thought to himself, sorry that he dragged Cortinarri into this mess.

Keilo took a step back, deeper into the brush. "We should leave; we can't face so many humans..." He was a large wolf, of the McKenzie Valley subspecies; but he was getting old.

Kanan looked to his father and touched noses with him, "Go, Dad. I shouldn't have dragged you here too." He wasn't sure how to make the situation any better, but at least he might be able to reduce the casualties. Keilo would have none of it though. "My place is with you."

Unable to argue with his father, Kanan strode cautiously towards his gathered pack members, giving the humans ample space as he made a wide semi-circle around them. He whimpered slightly in his concern, looking towards the fallen comrades. Keilo stood beside his son, looking to Cortinarri. She hadn't been much of a good leader during her time, but she was one of the first wolves he met in the Valley.

*Tara & Humans*

Once her arm was wrapped, Tara moved to once more get ahold of the antidote. She took it from the hands of the man who stood a bit frightened by the numbers of wolves, despite their actions which showed they would not attack. Tara went towards Aderyn, and with yet another different needle, she injected the antidote into the wolf. She only had to look up at her men to have yet anouther one keep watch on the breathing and to be sure that she started to wake up. Then slowly she made her way towards Cortinarri. She was skeptical at first, prefering to have capturedher. But the arrival of even more wolves left her with no choice but to administer the reversal drug. However, she doubled the dosage given to the others, for the amount the fae had recieved was more then enough to kill her twice over. But for now she couldn't give her anymore. She had to wait a few minutes to see if this was enough, because too much at this at once could also be bad on an animals body. And even if it was enough, the wolf would not wake up very quickly, rather she would show signs of a heavy sleep, rather then just being knocked out. Tara prayed that it would work, because if so, she could insert a tracking chip to watch this wolf and her pack, which was the next bst thing to watching her within the enclosure.

Manov*Ice*Mitya

Manov ran in after Cortinarri when he seen her get with the darts, and seeing Tara givingher the shot he charged at her. He didn't know that she was trying to help his mate. Growling deeply he tucked in his head n growled feircly and tryed to plow Tara over with his shoulder, away from Cortinarri. Then he returned to her side and licked her muzzle. "Don't leave me..." He whispered in her ear. The brute had left her for awhile but he was back now.. back for good. If she died he would go crazy without her.

The cougar came barging after Manov, he stopped and let out a loud snarl at the humans, he lowered his head n bared his fangs growling slowly walking towards Manov, warning them not to shoot.

Mitya stepped forward, more causios of the humans and their guns. She looked over at Nightcrawler, and walked o'er to him, gently pushing on his head to wake him up.

Nightcrawler

Very slowly, he began to come too. He knew that this dart had been different from all the others; much stronger and quicker. He soon found that he couldn't pull out of the daze so easily as before, and his whole body felt as if it were filled with stones, despite his light frame. As his bright eyes eased open, he was very much surprised to see Mitya above him. He managed a faint wag of his tail.

Pulling his head up, swaying and bobbing as if he were drunk, he blinked with confusion at all the wolves gathered. Then he noticed all the humans that were still here, and his pack standing off to the side. "Is... ev'r'one..." Nightcrawler stopped, finding his speech slowed still. He hated those darts with a passion...

Saxton*Joscelin*Aderyn*Ziarre

As soon as Tara backed away, the siblings circled around Aderyn again, guarding her from the threatening humans. Joscelin stood directly over her, head low and guarded, but not growling now. His eyes were drawn to his sister's as they slowly fluttered open, their depths surprised and still feeling the effects of the sedative.

Her eyes struggled to focus, squinting above her to make out the form. Jos...? It had been his nickname as a pup, and showed how far gone she was that she couldn't remember he'd long ago stopped going by that name. To his credit, her brother never scolded her, only saying, Lie still, Aderyn. Lie still. She obeyed, not moving her head from the ground, almost afraid to. Saxton and Ziarre closed in around her again, flanking Joscelin protectively, but no more aggression showing.

Cortinarri

Cortinarri came too next, though all she could do was to flutter her eyes open. There was no strength to lift her head, much less stand up and see who was all around. But one thing was for sure... Manov! Unable to force any words out, she just looked up at him and tried to smile. She could feel the workings of the drugs in her body, and she cursed the humans more than ever. But at least, she could also feel that they were starting to wear away; if only at a painfully slow rate.

*Humans*

Tara motioned towards one of the men, whispering something in his ear which took him only about three minutes to get ahold of. He soon brought the needle to her, in which she moved behind the groggy fae to administer in the scruff of her next. She rubbed the skin only momentarily before steppping bak and away so she would one more be surrounded. If she could not keep them to study, she would study from a far using this tracking chip. She stood around watching for more motion from the wolves before thinking of leaving. She felt safer with the boy, so she would wait for the effects to be apparent to the point the animal coould stand before she would leave.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Brother had been between the oncoming male and Tara, and merely absorbed the shove meant to send her aside. Somehow in the process, he managed to keep himself between the unknown wolves and both Tara and Tahmores, but also gave the room needed to see to Cortinarri so that the male would not see it as an aggressive action.

Tahmores continued speaking to the humans, voice soft, but carrying enough to be heard. If you want to avoid these kind of incidents, take only those wolves who are not with a pack. The extra time needed to track the wolf for a while will save you injuries, and deaths. Packs are like family. If you take one, the others will come after you. There are many who do not have packs. These are mostly the vicious ones that you undoubtly wish to study. Wolves in packs only attack when we feel threatened. Remember that as you make your studies.

Also remember that wolves are more likely to attack if we see weapons. We know guns, we know knives, we recognize dart guns with little or no training. Learn to read us. It is much like reading dogs, which you humans do so well.

Tahmores usually went to a great deal of trouble to refer to himself as a human, knowing how confusing it was when he referred to himself as a wolf. It was a mark of how upset he was that he had forgotten. No other sign was visible, but Elder Brother knew. He scrubbed his head against his boy's leg, a low, comforting whine emitted.

The boy reached down to scratch in Brother's ruff before speaking again, this time much calmer. I have lived among wolves most of my life. If you like, I will aid you in understanding them, provided that all wolves involved are treated humanely. I can understand my brethren in ways you cannot. I can speak to them, I can teach you how to speak to them, understand them. What say you? The boy had heard of the Wolf Center from Jarem, and knew how different it was from the labs. This was a study facility, and he was willing to help if it would help his wolven brothers. Standing tall, he awaited their decision.

Kanan & Keilo

Kanan looked back to his father, "You should go now. I think things are under control now."

Keilo stood firm at first, but couldn't deny his son's words. Besides, what could an old wolf like himself do to help out here? "Call me the instant there's trouble." With a look back to the humans, the wolf turned away and slipped into the trees, heading away from the site.

Kanan remained, not leaving until his pack was ready to go. He was curious in this new arrival, for he seemed different than the other humans.

Ghost*Manov*Mitya*Ice

Ghost emerged from the shadows, her hackles raised growling at the others. "Mitya, get away from him, go back to the packlands now! He isn't apart of our pack, you shouldnt risk your life for him." She snapped at her. Looking towards Manov and the human, she snarled at the humans to stay away. "Manov, Ice ..bring her back when she can walk." Giving one last glare to Nightcrawler, she turned and headed backa to the packlands.

Mitya listened somewhat discouraged at what Ghost said about not helping him. Orbs looked down at Nightcrawler one last time before she turned and headed back. She had wanted to say something to him, but she knew something was up, and it wasnt a good idea to disobay Ghost right now.

Manov nodded to Ghost, but didnt say anything as he watched the two head back to the packlands. He sat down on his haunches looking down at Cortinarri, with his auds up and moving around, listening to what everyone was doing.

Ice snapped at the girls hands as she went to insert the chip into Cortinarri's neck, he didnt trust any human. He began to circle around her, watching incase the human tried again to inject the chip into her.

Cortinarri

She gave a dull growl when she heard the human draw near, and was very thankful that her mate and Ice were nearby to protect her. Still, she hated being weak and powerless.

It took several more minutes before she felt strength come to her muscles. Staggering and wobbling, Cortinarri somehow managed to drag herself up onto four paws, after falling twice. "...humans..." She growled, casting the assembled two-leggers a sinister glare. Then she bobbed her head up and looked to Manov, "We meet again." She said with a smiling grin, "Lets get out of here." She'd have a heck of a time walking, but she could manage.

Manov*Ice

Monov nodded. "Yes, we do." He moved right to her side so she could use him as a crutch is she needed it.
Ice stayed behind them watching the humans as he backed away, still baring his teeth and growling.

Cortinarri

Cortinarri was thankful of her mate's support, which was greatly needed until the blasted drugs wore off. Moving as quickly as her heavy-feeling limbs could managed, she headed for the Opake Mountains.

*Humans*

Tara turned to the man who seemd to know about the wolves. She did feel guilty, but had't known where pacs residedin the lands. The new center had only started running a few months ago, and she hadn't done any studies on packs lands. A sigh fell past her lips as she looked at him, and then to her men. She shooed a few of them off, as not nearly as many were needed. Then she looked back to Tahmores, sincere appology seen in her eyes. "We see that now, but you have to understand we had no idea where there territores were. This facility just got back up an running, and any informatin from before has been lost somewhere along the line. Really, we wouldn't have done that had we known the bordersof the packs."She was getting a bit upsetover the situation,, and her eyes seemed to fall down to the ground again. This plan was just not going well.

One of the men was listening in, and in a rude gesture spokeout. "No, we don't require your help. We have enough knowledge of wolves to doquite fine without..." his voice suddenly stopped as tara turned to look at him, an obvious glare in her eyes.

yet another sigh fell from her lips as she looked as him and gave a small nod "Your help would be greatly appreciated. My own studies have given way to some of their communication, but not nearly enough. Anything you have I would love to hear it"

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Tahmores gave a smile to Tara, the barely perceptible tension running out of his shoulders as he relaxed. The man's comment had no effect on him. He was used to similar reactions from most people.

But at Tara's clear upset he lifted a gentle hand to her chin to guide her eyes back to his face, his voice soft. Ignorance is not a sin unless you do nothing to correct it. You have done well for having no information. Your reaction to this brother... and here he pointed at Nightcrawler your reaction to his aggression saved you from a very unpleasant mauling indeed. I see a desire in you to help my two peoples live more peaceably near one another. That is an admirable goal, one which I can only praise and attempt to help with.

His hand dropped, releasing her chin as he spoke again. I can teach you how to spot packlands: key signs, smells, sights you can see to verify it. And Brother will help, too. The young man gestured one hand to indicate the tall canine. I can tell you much of their communication, help you to perfect the body language and the sounds. I can teach you to tell the howl of a nestling mother from her mate, or her pups, or an unrelated wolf. I can teach you what the different howls mean. Did you know there are many different types? One is Packcry, that calls for all to gather. There is Packsong, which is different for each pack, and helps strengthen the bond between packmembers. There is Prey-Cry, which calls others to a fresh kill, and so many more. They all sound different. I can teach you to tell the difference. Then you can help my brothers.

And the smile was back, soft and gentle, as he gestured at Karai's huddling children. A low whine followed by a high, lilting howl came from his human throat, and the three uninjured wolves helped their sister to stand, giving a nod to their alphas as they slowly passed out of sight.

*Tara*

Tara smiled, pulling out her walkie talking and speaking into it. Above a storm was starting, not a good thing to add to all the caos. However, once she finished sending her message, she looked to Tahmores. "We are having trouble right outside of our vet building. I would really appreciate your help." A small smileformed, hoping he would be willing to once more step in. She would feel like hersituation was too dangerous if she did not have him there, for when carrying those cages, her man would be vulnerable.

Tahmores*Elder Brother

Tahmores nodded his understanding, giving her a small, toothless smile in return. Making a sign to Brother, he brought the wolf to stand beside Tara. Tahmores had his dagger to protect him, while Tara was vulnerable. For now, Brother would protect the girl. Finally, stepping in front of her himself, he headed toward the vet building.