Lakona

In the miles that she'd trekked from her home to these sandy dunes, none of Lakona's anger had dissipated. The young wolfess was still seething at the thought of her family's words, and every time she played back their voices in her head, her resolve grew stronger. 'Cowards, the whole lot of them!' The ashen and white wolfess eventually slowed to a stop at the crest of a low esker, letting her pale paws sink into the loamy earth while brown eyes scoured the landscape around. She wasn't looking for anything in particular, though a small part of her wished that Lepiota was here too, so she could avenge Darling's murder.

Blackout

Blackout kept his distance but trailed her keeping an ear and eye out.

Lakona

In her youth and inexperience, it took some time before Lakona realized she was being followed. She hadn't even thought to look behind her, and only spotted Black when she paused for a second to nibble at an itch on her flank. Gold-rimmed eyes narrowed harshly on the beta and her lips pulled back into an ugly snarl, "Did my parents send you after me?" She huffed defensively, "I don't need to be babysat anymore, I'm not a pup!"

Blackout

He didn't wince No i came on my own, you may not be a pup but you do not understand the dangersHe said.

Lakona & Others

Lakona continued to glower at her beta, defiant enough to keep threatening eye contact with her superior, but subconsciously wise enough to keep her tail lowered, for what it was worth. "I'm well aware of the dangers! Darling got killed in our own land! It's no more dangerous there than it is out here!"

Across on another sandy embankment, a much smaller canine had appeared. A spaniel, with dingy white fur and chestnut colored blotches decorating his body. His feathered legs and tail marked him as a Brittney Spaniel, and one of pure blood. The dog raised a dainty paw up as his tail went stiff behind him, "Wolf, wolf wolf!" He then began to bark, alerting whoever must be traveling with him.

Lakona spun around and locked eyes on the dog. "Great, a human pet! Well I'm going to do my part to protect the pack." With that, Lakona charged down the edge of the esker, running headlong for the thirty-odd pound spaniel...

Blackout

Blackout frowned and growled as she bolted Don't be stupid lakona He growled rushing after her.

Lepiota, Ataji, & Umbrik

"On my mark..." Whispered the grizzled wolfess hunkered down amongst a patch of sage brush. Her body was tense, her muscles ready for action, but she held back and watched the approach of Lakona and Blackout with critical eyes.

Ataji's bright yellow sights watched the dog with worry, nervously shifting from where Denver stood barking, to where Lakona was barreling towards him. When Blackout joined the run, even if he didn't seem to share the murderous intent of the younger fae, the dark brother's anxiety grew. "Lepi..."

Lepiota answered with a hushed growl and a quick, pointed look to where her sibling was crouched a few feet back from her. Her attention then flashed back to the rapidly approaching duo, and she shifted her hind legs, setting her giant paws more firmly against the sandy soil, ready to spring into action. And just when Lakona was about to reach the spaniel, she sprung from cover without a bark or a growl, and rushed not for Lakona... she knew Ataji would protect his cherished hound... but for Blackout. She recognized the brute, and aimed to slam into the beta, and send him tumbling down the slope with fangs flying for his face and neck...

Ataji, meanwhile, did just as his sister predicted. The ebony male leapt from the sage brush and rushed headlong for Lakona. But unlike the viciousness in his sister's assault, Ataji's attack was more to ram the young female away from his friend, rather than cause any serious harm.

Behind them all, Umbrik stood further back. The pale-coated brother had his ears pasted back and his tail hung low, uncertain of his role in this surprise encounter.

Naiche

Naiche didn't share the uncertainty of Umbrik or the distracted devotion to Denver. The large wolfdog had waited patiently until Lepiota gave her silent signal to attack. Only then did the wolfess lunge from cover, pushing aside the fragrant foliage she'd been concealed in from the moment Lepi had noticed Blackout and Lakona traveling through the Eskers some two miles back. A wicked grin pulled her coal-black lips aside, showcasing a set of ivories keen for fresh meat and blood.

The large female gave Umbrik a warning nip as she sprung past him - a warning to help his family - before plunging ahead and targeting Lakona. While Ataji was attempting to slam into and knock the fae down, Naiche was going for a hold on the back of her neck...

Blackout

When his niece kept going he growled at her. However his ear flicked and as the fae came at him he snarled and as she hit him he attempted to use his body to toss her. **home now** he managed to snap out at his niece

Lepiota & Others

In her inexperience, Lakona had no idea what to do when the three wolves appeared. She gave an initial yelp of fear, and then one of pain when Ataji slammed hard into her chest and sent her tumbling down the side of the slope. She was vaguely aware of teeth piercing back of her neck, but thankfully the wolf's own momentum in sliding down the hill kept Naiche from getting a solid hold on her. Lakona found her footing a moment later and sprang away from the duo, "Hey, back off!" She cried out, while simultaneously backing off herself, trying to put distance between her and the attackers without turning her back on them. She'd heard Blackout's order to leave, but hesitated, not wanting to leave him behind...

Lepiota found her target considerably more resilient than the young fae. Though Lepi was a little taller, Blackout was much heavier, and his solid frame meant that he won out when the two collided. The alphess was able to keep her footing, but staggered back a few steps under his shove, "You got a little fight in you, do you? Brother, help me with this one." She began to circle Blackout, while a wicked smile creased her muzzle.

"Stay close." Ataji had whispered to Denver, watching as Lakona slid down the hill and away from them. The spaniel nodded to his companion, and the pair sprinted to Blackout's position. He began to circle the beta, and on Lepiota's silent command - a quick but intense flash of her eyes - he and Lepiota both sprang at Blackout, to snap at whatever part of the wolf they could get a hold of.

Blackout

Blackout Lakona go home nowHe snarled as he saw the other two come his way. He glared at lepiota .Back down now he growled as her and when the two leaped for him he waited and then made to duck down so the two would collide with each other

Naiche

Naiche was quick on her paws and flew after Lakona, not willing to let her gain any ground between them. No sooner had the young fae scrambled back than the much larger Naiche was upon her again, biting viciously as the other's face and head.

Lakona

Blackout's commanding snarl jolted Lakona, and she very nearly turned and began to run for the Aspen Grove. But again, the wolfess hesitated to part ways with her beta, "I won't leav-" Her words abruptly cut off when Naiche invaded her space with gnashing teeth and a ferocity that surprised the inexperienced fae. A nasty wound was opened across her muzzle, and another against her forehead and cheek before Lakona had the sense to leap back and finally head Blackout's orders. She offered the meekest of snaps back at Naiche before turning tail and running hard for home.

Lepiota & Others

Lepiota attempted to correct her course when Blackout moved back, but Ataji wasn't so quick to do so, and the pair collided. For this, Lepi offered her brother a stinging bite to the shoulder before whirling on Blackout with her frosted gray ears pressed forward and her fangs fully exposed, "Oh no, Aspen scum, there is no backing down." She pressed forward, putting herself directly in front of the larger male without showing a hint of fear, "We're putting you and your family down, one by one. You will be the second to fall, and that little lass that you just sent off, she'll be third."

Ataji's ears were back as a low growl hung uncertainly in his throat. Some ways beyond him, Denver stood ready, his tail wagging and his jaws hung open as he panted. The ebony wolf glanced to his sister, then to Blackout, waiting for his next order.

Lepi stepped closer, until her hot breath would be felt against Blackout's face as she spoke again, "Have you any final words, before we tear you apart?"

Blackout

He snorted at them. ** I won't be going alone I'll be taking at least one of you with me** he said as he lunged for the closest one

Lepiota & Others

"Good luck with that." Was all Lepiota retorted before meeting Blackout's lunge with a deft lunge sideways to avoid his initial rush at her. She whipped her muzzle back in his direction as he was coasting forward, aiming a quick bite for the side of his face and neck...

Ataji, on the opposite side of Blackout, plunged for the larger wolf and tried to sink his fangs into the other's haunch and give him a good thrashing...

Denver used this time to spring forward as well. The spaniel was only a fraction of Black's size, but the spunky little dog showed no fear as he zipped about, biting and nipping at the wolf wherever he could reach.

Blackout

He snarled as his neck got scraped and his haunches took a bite however as the dog came at him he plunged at them aiming for anything vital or that would cripple the dog.

Lepiota & Others

Lepiota continued her assault on the side of Blackout's neck and face, trying to cause as much damage as possible. But Ataji, upon hearing a shrill yelp from Denver, immediately let go of Blackout's haunch. "Denver!" The ebony wolf went straight for Black's throat in a bid to make him let go of the little dog.

Denver had been caught back the back of his lower neck and shoulder. He yelped and thrashed about, trying to break free.

Blackout, Bumblebee, Nightbird

Blackout kept hold and when the other came for his throat he made to twist his body to slamn his hip into her.

Megatron had been out with his family. His family was trained to fight from the moment they were old enough so even thought part of him wanted to let blackout die he couldn't. He snarled and leaped for Lepiota

bumblebee and Night followed after their father.

Lepiota & Others

Ataji had danced right along side of Blackout, taking the slam from his hip without letting it deter or alter his course. Denver's cry of pain had struck his heart, and he was not going to let he companion die today! "Let him go!" His fangs snapped with force at Black's throat, or any tender part of the enemy he could reach.

"Watch out!" Came the shrill cry of Umbrik, who had yet to join in the fray to bring down Blackout, or chase after Lakona. The pale-coated wolf remained a safe distance back from the action, despite the reprimanding nip from Naiche. And while that would surely bring the pack's ire down on him later, it did give the timid wolf a chance to keep a lookout while his family fought.

Still tearing at the side of Blackout's neck and face, Lepiota heard the call and looked up in time to see Megatron and his crew barreling towards them. With an indignant snarl, she leaped back from Black and sprinted a few short yards away from Megatron before turning back around. A sneer contorted her features, "It's your lucky day, it seems. You smell vaguely familiar - you must be another one of my uncles?"

Ta'kali had followed beside her mate, and remained steadfast at his side as Lepiota dodged his initial charge and turned about to face the family. Her fur bristled high along her back, and her tail flagged in the air. "You know these wolves, Megatron?"

Moonheart and Nightingale stood just with Bee and Nightbird, anxious and excitable eyes dancing from one unknown wolf to the next. Cruiser stood a little closer to his father, his fur bristling and a low growl beginning to rise in his throat.

Blackout

Blackout snarled out as his neck and side took more hits but he did his best to keep hold of the dog and only let the dog go when the others backed off. He collapsed after .

Megatron stood now with his back legs just over his brother. His ears back. If you are related to starscream or Tayzeka then you'd be correctHe snarled. ex allied pack it seemshe said to his mate.

Bee and bird watched

Lepiota & Others

Denver had collapsed when Blackout finally let go, and Ataji was immediately at his friend's side, nudging the smaller dog to help him back to his feet. He'd have launched himself again at Black, but reinforcements had shown up, and the odds had swung sharply back in their enemy's favor. "Come one, Denny. On your paws!" With another nudge, the spaniel got his legs beneath them and the pair retreated to Lepiota's side.

Lepiota was quickly sizing up the pair before her, and the five boys they had with them. She was eager to spill blood, but not stupid enough to continue a quarrel where her odds of success were now against her. "Unfortunately, yes I am." The wolfess eased out of her defensive pose, signalling her desire to end the fight, though she remained on guard, "Ex-allied pack? Hmmmph, well that's interesting. Just why are you against them, then?"

Ta'kali shared the glance with her mate, then looked down at the collapsed and bloodied blackout. Vaguely, she remembered his scent from when it had been so heavily mingled with her mate's on their first encounter at the Canyon. She bore a single fang at the downed Black, but otherwise kept her attention on Lepiota and her kin.

Cruiser and his brothers remained relatively quiet, aside from the growls that Cruiser was sporting. They didn't yet know who Blackout was, or that Lepiota was a cold-blooded murderer. All three waited and listened, prepared to act or defend if called upon.

Megatron

Megaatron snorted **My querrel with my siblings is none of your concern now leave**He said with his teeth bared.

Blackout breathing was a bit shallow from exhaustion.

Bird and Bee just stood

Lepiota & Others

"That's a shame, I was really hoping we could work out some sort of deal. You and I seem to have a quarrel with the same pack, after all." Lepiota offered, with a smug sneer still accentuating her grizzled face.

Ataji split his attention between keeping tabs on Megatron and Ta'kali, and fussing over the gnarly wound to Denver's back. He wasn't so keen on making alliance right now, but he kept his trap shut and waited to see what would happen.

Ta'kali snorted quietly at the proposal, but also held off any remarks. She didn't know enough about Megatron's family to have any opinion on the matter. Whatever her mate decided, she would be there at his side.

Moon's attention had drifted towards the spaniel, and his face twisted into a look of confusion. "What is that tiny creature? Some sort of weird coyote?"

"Might be a fox mix." Nightingale murmured distractedly; his eyes were on Lepiota

Megatron

He snorted. I may have a quarrel with my family but i wouldn't be trying to kill them like you clearly arehe said with a snort and he glanced at the spaniel .Let alone you got a mangy cur in your presence. Should just put that human dog downHe said with a snort.

Bee and Bird look.thats one of those mutts from the two legged worldddd despicable Said bee.

Blackout said nothing.

Lepiota & Others

"Suit yourself. Just don't expect our help when the humans hunt the rest of you down - you've been marked by them, after all." The almond-eyed alphess warned, a look of disgust beginning to replace the leering grin. As she was preparing to say something else, Lepiota was surprised by a sudden burst of words from her normally reserved brother.

"He's no cur." Bright yellow orbs narrowed with cold hostility on Megatron. There was no snarl, nor any growl. Just Ataji's clear and icy voice, spoken as he place one large paw in front of the wounded spaniel, so that he stood over him just as Megs was standing over his brother.

Lepiota chuckled lightly, "As much as I despise humans, Denver has earned his place among us. With his help, we were able to kill a human, and nearly fell the other. He is perfect bait for the two-leggers when we want to do a bit of hunting."

Ta'kali shifted her paws uneasily, not sure how she felt about this other female.

Moon, meanwhile, cocked his head, "Oh, so that's what a dog looks like? I didn't realize how scrawny they are."

Megatron

This brought out a laugh **mangy curs are no good it will be your downfall. It's as good at trusting a human WHy don't u just go live with them** he snared

Lepiota & Others

Her chuckle turned into a dark laughter, "That's rich, coming from an old wolf who's family wore collars. That's right, don't think I didn't find those bodies at the Canyon - I'm sure half the Valley has heard about how the great Aspen Grove was dominated by two-leggers and did nothing about it. At least my family is being proactive about the two-legger threat." She took a step to the side, signalling to her small pack that they were about to leave. "You at least look like a strong fellow, so I'll give you one last chance - side with me, and I'll teach you how to properly hunt the humans."

Ataji went quiet once more, but remained poised protectively over Denver, who now cowered and shook beneath his guardian.

Further behind the trio, Umbrik watched the scene play out with wide eyes.

Ta'kali wished to speak, but the alphess didn't yet know enough about her mate's history with these wolves, and would defer to his better judgement with them.

Megatron

He snorted at her. even if I were to join with you, that flea bag would have to go. Anything that is human made deservers nothing but to be in the groundHe said with a snort. and as I said I won't stand for flea bag lovers touching my familyHe growled.

Lepiota & Others

Lepiota paused, half turned in preparation to go. She tilted her head back over her shoulder, amber gaze looking over the brute in consideration. Unlike Ataji, she didn't seem to take offense to the slurs he was throwing at Denver, and a dangerous smile twisted her mug, "Your disgust for human-pets is admirable." From the corner of her vision, she saw her brother tense, but ignored it. "How about this, then. Why don't you accompany my pack on a two-legger hunt, and I'll show you just how effective a human cur can be, when used properly?"

Again, Ataji tensed, hearing his sister talk of Denver like he were some object. His blood boiled. But what worried him more was that she was inviting this massive brute to join them in a hunt. Under his breath, the ebony wolf murmured, "Lepi, I don't-"

Like a striking snake, Lepi snapped at Ataji, and he hastily went silent. Her eyes danced back to Megatron expectantly. "So, what do you say? Leave that weakling to slink back to his human-tainted pack-" A rough nod was given to Blackout, "-and we can wreak some havoc together?"

Megatron

Megatron kept his position as she spoke. He is as strong as I am so do not insult my familyHe said. Though a hunt for human kind did sound appealing. Know that I will sacrifice that cur for a wolves life as our lives are more worthy then it. I will not risk myself or my family for it and i will gladly use it also as a shieldHe said..

Lepiota & Others

She only grinned when he warned her not to insult family, but said nothing further about Blackout. Her interest in killing him had waned anyway now that she'd found a new thread to tug at, and a potential new ally in her crusade against the humans - if only she could convince him of it. "Perfectly understandable." Lepiota agreed, "The lives of wolven kind come first, after all. But-" She glanced at a clearly unhappy Ataji before going on, "-Denver is off limits to your fangs." The alphess considered the five adolescents with Megatron and his silent mate, then spoke once more, "Lets meet at the Downs, after moonrise. There's usually plenty of human activity there, but it's far enough away from the city to be safer for those.. not so experienced with two-leggers."

Ta'Kali still wasn't sure about this, as she'd never hunted humans before. On the other paw, she and Megatron had spent considerable time and effort training their sons in the way of combat and self protection, and learning how to defend against two-leggers may not be a bad thing. As before, the wolfess left this decision up to Megatron.

Megatron

He snorted If it gets in my way and the only option is to put my fangs in its neck I willHe said with a snort. we will meet you there thenHe would get blackout home first.

Lepiota & Others

"He won't get in the way." Lepiota assured without missing a beat. The tips of her pearly fangs still glistened as a grin hung on her maw, "Moonrise tonight, then. See you there." She turned to Ataji, then swept a look behind them to where Umbrik was standing uncertainly, one paw held up anxiously near his chest. The second Lepi's eyes met his, the pale brother's ears went down and he glanced hastily away. Lepiota withheld the sigh of disappointment that wanted to swell in her lungs, and focused on bigger picture, "We're heading out - we need to get some rest in before tonight's hunt. Naiche!" Her words rose into a howl to catch the attention of the wolfess still sprinting after Lakona.

Ataji was still leveling Megatron with a look that could kill, but wisely held his tongue while in the presence of his sister. When Lepiota began to pad away, he nudged Denver ahead of him and followed briskly after. Umbrik quickly joined his sibings, trailing a few feet behind the group.