Hydras, Ankh, & Yersinia

Hydras reached the lake and paused. "Now this is your first time hunting, so pay close attention to the rest of us." She said to the younger pups, "Don't chase after anything unless you are sure you can catch it. You don't want to waste any energy with a hopeless chase."

Ankh nodded, paying full attention to his alpha. Yersinia didn't pay much attention though. She was busy looking around at the trees. This was a whole new world to her.

Kiarra

She nodded, she would be a skillful hunter when she was older. She looked around for prey, scenting the air...

*Prey*

The air was almost barren of prey scents. But then one scent did come... it clung close to the ground, like many scents did. The pups could easily pick this one up. Although they wouldn't know what it was, most likely, the scent led towards a hollow log. It was some type of mammal... A second scent of a different mammal led towards a cluster of lilac bushes. What ever these creatures were, their scent was rather mixed up with other scents and it was hard to tell what they were unless the scents were followed.

Kiarra

She caught the scent and looked at Hydras, sense she was new to hunting she would wait for her alpha to tell her what to do...

Ninaki, Kenyon, Aidan, Aminita, & Pirqua

The three pups bound in after hearing Hydras speak. Kenyon and Aminita wait eagerly for a signal to hunt. Aminita on the other hand follows after the trail to the clump of lilacs.

Demon

He pads in and gently picks up Amnitta and sets her with the others. "Not yet." He whispers.

Kiarra

She watches Demon get Aminita, "what's that smell?" she says quietly..

Hydras, Ankh, & Yersinia

Hydras raises her eye at Aminita, "Wondering off from the pack isn't a good idea, little one." She now sniffed the air again, picking up the two scents. "They smell familiar... but I can't quite tell what they are..." she paused, trying to figure it out. She knew at least they were small mammals, so the pups could try to hunt them. "Stick together and follow after the scent trail, but be careful. After we find out what these things are, we can figure out how to hunt it." The alpha decided to follow the scent leading to the lilac bushes.

Ankh followed after, just behind Hydras. He was eager to see what they'd find.

Yersinia though the other scent was more interesting, and decided to follow it.

Demon

He shakes his head. "I'm not so sure Kiarra. Lets go follow and see." He states and then follows the scent.

Kiarra

She nods and fallows just behind him.. eager to see what they would find as well...

*Noises*

Something rustled in the lilac bushes, but dead leaves and vines covered up what ever was hiding there. From the looks of it, the creature was at least the size of a raccoon. It could smell the canines and refused to come out from its hiding place.

Demon

He knew it knew they were their for it was obvious. "Ill scare it out when you say so Hydras." He says and creeps to the back of the bush ready to lunge into the bush to scare it out.

Ninaki, Kenyon, Aidan, Aminita

Aminita had struggled against Demon, but she then listened to him and Hydras. She was sulking a bit from being reprimanded, but the curiosity of the hunt made her forget about it. Ninaki padded over to the bushes as well, followed closely by three eager pups. Again, Aminita hurried forward to see what was hiding. Ninaki took her by the scruff and pull her back, "Wait." He said sternly. Aidan glanced from grown-up to grown-up, eager to see what would happen.

Kiarra

She sits next to Aminita, "wait, we'll get a chance to help in a second" she said, looking down at the younger pup.

Demon

He stays in position waiting for Hydras to give the signal for him to scare the creature out. He had become very fond of Hydras but hadn't shown it too much except when he helped protect her in battle and the pack. He sniffs the air waiting still.

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Hydras sniffed again, irked by the fact she couldn't tell just what this creature was. She knew it wouldn't come out on its own, what ever it was. She nodded for Demon to flush the creature from hiding. Yersinia bonded forward at the same moment, and had to be caught by her tail by Hydras. Giving a shrill yelp in surprise, the pup sprung back.

Hydras glanced down at her, "Be patient. When we find out what it is, you can go after it." She turned her eyes for an instant on Demon before looking back at the pile of leaves and brush their prey was hiding under. She too was fond of him, but was too busy worrying over her pack to show it.

Ankh sat back on his haunches and remained perfectly quiet. His solemn expression gave no hint to the excitement he carried.

Demon

He nods and slinks into the brush and snaps where he sees movement to flush the creature out.

Kiarra

She stands next to Yersinia and Hydras, waiting.

*Porcupine*

When Demon gets near, a tail full of sharp quills suddenly swings out from the brush. It was a porcupine! It's body was hidden under the leaves, but now that it had moved, the canines could see it.

The creature bristled its quills out defensively, and stayed where it was. This would be a tricky creature to kill, but not impossible.

Kiarra

A little surprise by the animal, Kiarra jumped back, "What is that?!" she asked Hydras...

Demon

He was careful when he saw what it was because he knew better. "Its a porcupine." He says to Kiarra even though she had asked Hydras. "Be careful its thorns or quills can get stuck in your skin it hits you or if you try and bit it.

Kiarra

She nodded, standing up, her head was level with Demon's shoulder, it wouldn't be long before she was his size. "Ok, how do we kill it?" she asked.

Ninaki, Aminita, Kenyon, & Aidan

Ninaki had never seen a porcupine before because he had lived in a mountainous area most of his life. But by the way the others acted, he decided to stay back.

Aminita bristled her fur and made a rush at the creature, but again was caught by Ninaki and held back. "Ah, come on! I can take it down!" Ninaki shook his head, "No, just wait."

Kenyon took a step forward and studied the big bundle of spines, "How should we attack it?"

Aidan shrugged, "Maybe it has a weak spot?"

Kiarra

Kiarra thinks for a moment, "Are there any spiny things under it?" she asked, maybe if they could get it on it's back somehow, then they could attack it...

Demon

"There aren't any quills on the bottom. Kiarra had a point." He said glad she came up with the idea. He grabs a stick and tries to get it under the porcupine and jerk it up to hopefully knock it over.

Kiarra

She grinned at Demon's praise, watching him try to roll the animal over.

*Porcupine*

The porcupine gives a sound that's a mix between a grunt and a hiss; certainly not a happy noise. Demon was successful in rolling the porcupine over, but now the creature curled up as tight as it could so that the quills protected its vulnerable stomach. But the creature couldn't stay on his back very long. After a few restless minutes, his legs and tail stretched back suddenly, and he began to flail around, trying to get onto his feet again. For a few short moments, his defenseless stomach was exposed; but the porcupine could curl right back up into his ball, or thrash his dangerous tail if he sensed danger. It would take a very swift strike to the stomach to avoid getting impaled by quills.

Demon

He knew this wasn't a thing for the pups to hunt. "The pups can hunt something else another time. This is to dangerous for them." He says speaking the truth. He knew the quills could hurt but he though he was swift enough probably. At first he makes a few fake snaps but then he acts like one is fake and bites hard into the stomach and leapt back not wanting to get hit by the tail.

Kiarra

She watched, hoping that Demon didn't get hit by the quills..

Porcupine

The creature gave a strange cry, and lashed his tail as best he could at Demon. The tips of the quills brushed passed his muzzle as he pulled it back, and narrowly missed being embedded into his skin.

If he hadn't been on his back, he would certainly have had the time and coordination to strike the wolf. The porcupine struggled and finally flipped over onto his feet once more, but now he was wounded rather badly in the stomach. If the pack waited, the porcupine would die within an hour.

Kiarra

She laid her ears back at the animal's cry, but noticed he was injured, "Should we wait for it to die?" she asked Hydras.

Demon

He though they should wait but to hasten the death he finds a stick that was a bit pointy and he grabs it in his maw and tries the move sideways swiftly to stab it in its side or throat. He then releases and jumps back not wanting to get hit.

Porcupine

The porcupine was far too slow and too preoccupied with curling itself into a ball to watch out for the stick. It's dense set of quills provided no protection from such an object, and it was easy enough to pierce his neck. In short time, the creature's quills laid down flat, signaling his death.

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Hydras glanced from Demon to the porcupine, "Good thinking Demon." Despite herself, she gave a smile now, then turned a bit more serious as she spoke to the pups. "The quills can still hurt you, so now you'll have to learn how to eat a porcupine." The she-alpha wasn't all too sure on how to do that, but she knew well enough it involved not getting pricked by the spines.

Yersinia was too interested in the creature to heed her alpha's words. She ran over to the porcupine and nipped it. With a startled and painful yelp, the youngster wheeled back and dashed behind Hydras.

Hydras gave a sigh and looked down at the pups. Seeing that the quill only jabbed Yersinia and hadn't actually gotten stuck in her snout, Hydras went ahead and chastised her. "What did I just tell you, Yersinia? It's a good lesson, and a good thing you didn't bite down any harder. If you get those quills stuck too deep then we will have no way to get them out."

Yersinia dipped her muzzle down, not liking the scolding words even though she knew she deserved them.

"Now, I'll show you how to eat the porcupine." Hydras moved towards the limp creature and grasped one of its paws, then flipped it onto its back with some difficulties. Now the un-quilled stomach was revealed, so the pups could eat without getting stuck by quills; if they were careful not to touch the sides.

*Prey*

The famine was beginning to pass now as more prey animals moved into the area. A rather large herd of mule deer where grazing through the soggy ground to find any plants that might have sprung up with the new warmth in the air. There were seven deer; five females and two males. Once was an old stag, but a very experienced one. Neither of the bucks had their antlers, because they had just been shed.

Three of the five does were pregnant. One of the does was still too young, and the other was too weak; she was infested with parasites and had an injury to her side that had turned septic and would kill her soon.

Demon

He scents the air and picks up the sent of the deer and creeps through the brush and spots them. He pads back over to Hydras and lets her know.

Kiarra

She watches Hydras, she would let the younger pups eat the animal.. Watching Demon walk off she fallowed, seeing the deer, she smiled. Fallowing him back she sat down, wondering what Hydras would tell them to do next..

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Hydras quickly picked up the scent after Bullet informed her of the herd. She glanced back at the rest of the pack and signaled them all to follow her. She stopped when she finally spotted them and tested the wind again. She could easily smell that one had an infected wound. It didn't take long for her to pick out that individual from the herd, either. The alpha turned back to speak to her pack. Looking mostly to the pups, she spoke, "We will be hunting deer, but don't under estimate them. Watch out for their hooves. Try to kill them." She didn't give them any specific instructions other than 'kill' because she wanted to see just how they would hunt. Although she doubted such young pups aside from Kiarra could catch a deer, she felt assured the adults in the pack could. Now she gave a signal with her eyes to Demon and Ninaki and glanced back to the injured doe. After letting the pups attack, they would go for that doe and then any other deer they could catch.

"Attack!" Hydras barked lightly before rushing out from hiding. Instead of charging directly at the herd, she ran around the side of it and watched the wounded doe intently. She wouldn't attack yet until the pups had a go at the deer, or if the prey started to get away.

Yersinia rushed forward eagerly, barking. She went for the closest deer. If she caught up to it, she tried to get a grip on one of the hind legs.

Ankh had a more strategically approach. Without making a noise, he rushed for the doe with the infected wound. He could smell the injury easy enough, and had noticed she didn't seem as healthy as the rest. He tried to catch up to her and bite her side.

Kiarra

She rushed forward, she could smell the infected as well. Rushing for its neck instinctively, she tried to grab it there..

Ninaki, Aminita, Kenyon, & Aidan

Ninaki rushed around the same side as Hydras, but made a wider circle. He tried to get behind the herd so it wouldn't run off in that direction yet. He kept his eyes on the injured doe, but also looked for weaknesses in the others.

Kenyon, the largest of his litter, choose to run straight for the herd. The old buck caught his eye, and that's who he went for. Running his hardest, he tried to reach the buck and leap at his throat.

Aidan was just slightly smaller than his brother and a touch faster. After passing his brother by, he went for one of the does, also going for their neck.

Aminita watched the others run out, but didn't follow. Hunting seemed interesting, but exploring sounded more fun. After Hydras and the others had run out to attack the pack, the pup turned and sprinted out of Pikes Lake.

*Mule Deer*

The deer turned and fled, but couldn't turn away from the lake like they wanted; Hydras was there. They couldn't run straight forward or else they head straight for Ninaki.

The wounded doe couldn't run very fast at all, allowing for the pups to catch her. Kiarra had gotten a hold on her neck and Ankh had a hold on her side. The doe still struggled and tried to shake the wolves off, but her energy was fading.

The buck wheeled around, healthy enough to fight. Kenyon missed his target and the deer struck out with his hoof at the pup.

The other deer were too fast for the pups to catch and didn't stop to fight.

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Hydras watched the pups while trying her best to keep the deer from running off.

Yersinia barked loudly, still chasing after the doe she first targeted.

Ankh bit down hard so he wouldn't loose his hold, then curled his body up so that all his weight was now on the doe. He hoped that, along with Kiarra's attack, would be enough to pull the doe down. But being a pup, his jaws weren't strong enough to do any more than puncture the skin.

Ninaki, Kenyon, & Aidan

Ninaki zig-zagged in front of the herd, still tying to discourage it from rushing past him.

Kenyon wasn't expecting the buck to do that, and he tried to spring to the side, but one of the hooves caught his side and sent him twirling to the ground with a yelp. The ebony-hued pup scrambled to get up and out of the deer's way, but his side hurt an awful lot.

Aidan gave up his attack on the doe, seeing he wouldn't be able to catch it. Now he rushed for the injured doe. He jumped up and tried to grab on of the front leg to help fell it.

Demon

He sprinted after one of the bucks. He was fast enough> He leaps up grabbing its neck.

Kiarra

She curled her body, holding on tightly to the does neck, her teeth were sharp enough to kill the doe...

*Mule Deer*

The buck was just about to stamp its hooves down on Kenyon, but was attacked by Demon. With a startled bleat, the buck reeled to the side with the wolf clinging to his throat. Being a small species of deer, the buck couldn't handle the weight of a full grown wolf at his throat, and he fell down. But his hooves were still dangerous even to the toughest wolf, and now they thrashed out desperately at Demon.

The wounded doe was now staggering with the weight of three canines, although two were just pups. She was about to fall anyway once Kiarra curled up and added her full weight to the neck, and Aidan tripped up the doe by clinging to her front leg. With a startled snort, the doe crashed to the ground. Aidan was pinned a moment beneath the slender leg, but not enough to hurt him. She tried to get up again, but couldn't. It didn't take long before Kiarra had killed the doe.

The rest panicked at the scent of blood. They now headed back away from Hydras and Ninaki. They were now heading straight for Yersinia and Kenyon and would trample the pups if the didn't get out of the way.

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Hydras rushed the herd once more and tried to reach Yersinia and Kenyon before the deer did.

Yersinia's eyes widened in surprise. She turned and began to run from the deer now.

Ankh released his hold on the dead doe and looked up at the charging deer. He gave a snarl now, seeing that Kenyon and Yersinia were in trouble. The pup barked savagely at the deer, trying to drive them away from his two siblings.

Ninaki, Aidan, & Kenyon

Ninaki rushed the herd as well, heading for the two pups. He snarled and snapped at the legs of the deer.

Aidan picked himself up, shaking off his fur. Then he looked up to see the herd of deer coming at them. Like his brother, he began to snarl and bark at the deer.

Kenyon sprinted over to where Demon was so he wouldn't get trampled by the deer. His side still hurt, but the big pup didn't show it anymore.

Demon

He bites as hard as he can to kill the deer. He was careful to avoid the hooves. If he didn’t kill it soon he'd probably get struck in the leg by a hoof.

Kiarra

She lets go of the doe, then she saw Kenyon and Yersinia. She rushed forward, "WATCH OUT!" she barked at the younger pups. Then, she jumped in front of them, trying to push them out of the deer's path with her body. She would let herself get trampled before she did the younger pups...

*Mule Deer*

Demon's teeth dug in deep enough to sever a jugular vein as well as puncture the windpipe. Although such injuries were fatal, the buck still had some life in him. One of his front hooves thrashed out and struck the wolf in the hind leg, just below the wolf's high ankle joint. Lucky for Demon, the buck was loosing allot of energy so the kick didn't break the bone; but the hoof did cut into the skin and sprain the joint. Soon after, the buck died.

The pups were also lucky, for the most part. Yersinia was pushed out of the way just in time as the youngest of does ran past. But now Kiarra was in the way. The does front legs missed the wolf, but her hind ones clipped Kiarra's side and sent her twirling down to the ground, but without serious injury. Unfortunately for the doe, that caused her to lose her balance and she crashed into the ground and broke one of her slender front legs. But before any wolf could reach her, she was up again and had run off with the rest of the herd; shock had dulled the pain enough for her to run for a short time on a broken leg. If the wound didn't heal quick enough, she might become prey for the pack in the future.

Kiarra

She laid stunned on the ground. Pushing herself up slowly she shook her head, looking at Yersinia and Kenyon, "You guys ok?" she asked slowly...

Demon

Demon snarled fiercely when he felt his leg get sprained. But he soon released after the buck died. he stood his leg a bit sore and bleeding slightly. He ignored it though for he had gotten much worst injuries in his past. He licks the blood away and looked to the others seeing everyone was alright. "Some things missing..." He said to himself. He wasn't sure what though and hadn’t seen Aminita leave.

Kiarra

She nods and looks around, were was Aminita? "Were did Aminita go?" she asked..

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Hydras padded back towards her pack, searching around frantically with her eyes. "Aminita is gone?" Frustrated and quite alarmed, Hydras howled out to call for the lost pup. If she didn't respond to that, they'd have to try and track her down.

Yersinia picked herself up, shaking her fur and nodded to Kiarra, "Yeah, I'm alright. Thanks for helping me." She said, "Are you ok?"

Ankh tried to howl as well, which turned out surprisingly well for a pup. He was worried about his sister as well.

Ninaki, Aidan, & Kenyon

Ninaki soon joined the howl, worried desperately for his daughter. She was definitely the most out-going; and easy-going at that.

Aidan soon joined the howl, but his wasn't as good as Ankh's.

Kenyon nodded to Kiarra, "I'm fine." Then he too howled. It was a much deeper one than Aidan's, but still puppyish.

Demon

Demon sniffed around. "It seems like she went back to the alleys. I’m sure Skeil, Bullet, or Narsia returned and Aminita's probably with them." He suggests trying to think on the bright side rather then the bad thoughts for he knew Aminita was in grave danger if she ran into a enemy or evil human.

Kiarra

She smiled a little at the other pup, "Your welcome.. Oh, I'm fine, just really sore" she said, standing up slowly. She listened to the others and howled as well..

Hydras, Ankh, Yersinia

Hydras stopped her howling and nodded to Demon, "You're probably right. I wish she wouldn't wonder off like that though." Now her stomach rumbled loudly and she gave an apologetic grin before speaking to her whole pack, "Time to eat!" She approached the doe and began to feed.

Yersinia and Ankh also began to eat.

Ninaki, Aidan, & Kenyon

Ninaki hesitated on whether to approach the kill or not. But seeing that his other two pups were allowed to eat, he nodded to Aidan and Kenyon who dashed over and began to eat as well.

Kiarra

She hesitated, but when the pups and Ninaki approached the kill she did to. Walking slowly over she started to eat hungrily...

Demon

He didn't hesitate for Hydras hadn't given any orders for who eats first or second or whenever. He dragged the buck he had killed to the side. They could bring it back for the others for there was plenty to eat. He pads by Kiarra and eats his fill then backs away as quickly as he went to the kill. He cleans the blood from his meal off his maw.

Kiarra

She finished her meal and laid down a little ways away, cleaning her maw and paws...

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

She finished and also flicked her tongue at over her muzzle to clean off the blood. Her jaw had finally healed, but it would be a while before she had her full biting strength back. She was about to state some orders on what to do next, but stopped. She glanced at Demon and paused a moment before standing up and speaking, "It's a nice day; should we have the pack come out here to eat, rather than drag it all the way back to the Alleys?" For her personality, and the fact that she was alpha, it was very much against her to ask anyone else what to do concerning that pack. But she had her reasons.

Ninaki, Aidan, & Kenyon

They all finished eating soon enough. Ninaki laid down in the sun, watching his pups and waiting for new orders from Hydras.

Aidan and Kenyon took a piece of deer hide and began to play tug-O-war with it.

Demon

Demon watched Hydras come over and smiled slightly. He was a little shocked that she asked him because he hadn't been expecting it. "It sounds like a good idea." He says. "If you want I can go get them to come." He says. He was glad to see Hydras jaw was healing for at least now she could eat and wouldn't starve.

Kiarra

She smiled at Hydras and Demon, then, closing her eyes she rested, tired from the hunt...

Hydras, Yersinia, & Ankh

Permitting a rare smile herself, she nodded to Demon, "Sounds good."

Yersinia and Ankh soon grew tired. They both padded over to Kiarra and laid down near her.

Kiarra

Kiarra smiled at the pups, then, she dozed off...

Ninaki, Aidan, & Kenyon

Aidan and Kenyon soon lost energy. They had been starving during the famine like everyone else, so with a full stomach, they began very tired. Giving a yawn, Kenyon released the hide and caused his brother to tumbled backwards. The two pups laid down where they were and fell asleep.

Ninaki casted his eyes about, watching all of his pups. He was relieved to see they were all sleeping now, and not getting into trouble.

Demon

Demon smiles as well to Hydras and then swiftly pads to the alleys.

Hydras & Bullet

Hydras was lying near the kills her pack had made, making sure no scavengers came before the others had their turn to eat.

Bullet came in with his head and tail lowered slightly as he approached his sister. Hydras saw her brother and quickly stood up, sensing from his posture that he had something to say they she probably didn't want to hear. "What happened?" she growled.

Bullet pulled his ears back a bit as he spoke up. "Aminita is lost, but Demon, Narsia, and Skeil are going to look for her." he spit out the sentence quickly before his sister could interrupt. Anxiously, he peered up at her face to see her reaction.

Hydras's eyes narrowed, "She's lost? I thought she was with you at the Alleys! There's no telling where she's at now..."

Bullet lifted his head up a bit, glad that his sister hadn't rebounded her anger on him like she usually did.

Kiarra

Her head shot up, hearing the conversation, "LOST?! Oh my gosh, we need to find her!" she said worriedly. Anything could happen to a pup in the alleys, but hopefully nothing bad did..

Ninaki

The father of the missing pup heard the dreadful news. He scrambled up and approached his alpha and Bullet, listening intently to them speak. "I swear, if anything happens to her..." he trailed off as his eyes narrowed. His threat was against anything that might harm his daughter; not anyone in the pack.

Hydras, Bullet, Narsia, Yersinia, & Ankh

It wasn't long before Narsia came sprinting in and stopped before her sister, "We've picked up Aminita's scent along with Ebony's and some other wolf. Demon and Skeil are already tracking the scent... we must bring back up incase the Alley pack plans to ambush us."

Hydras looked around at the others. She knew Narsia and Ninaki would want to go, considering it was their daughter that was lost. But she didn't want the younger pups to go. Looking from Bullet to Kiarra, the alpha thought. Bullet was stronger and more experienced in fighting, but there were already enough adults going. If the Alley pack attacked the pups, it would be difficult for Kiarra to defend them all.
"Kiarra, you can come with us if you want. Bullet, watch the pups." Without waiting for his response, she ran off with her sister. They ran to the Alleys.

Bullet gave a heavy sigh and looked around at the four sleeping pups. "At least I won't have to entertain them." he mumbled under his breath and laid down, ready to watch over them.

Kiarra

She nodded and gave Bullet a worried crooked smiled. She then ran after the others, praying that Aminita would be ok...

Ninaki

He glances from Bullet to his sleeping pups. He trusted Bullet could protect them, and ran off after the others to the Alleys.

Mark & Stable

The man road in on his mare, carrying a riffle in one hand. After traveling around the shore of the lake, the mare, Stable, suddenly snorted and reared up slightly. Her nostrils flared and her ears were directed forward. Mark looked around but couldn't see anything yet. He urged the horse on slowly. It didn't take long before he spotted the carcass of the mule deer and the form of four sleeping pups.

Stable looked around at the scene; the scent of blood made her very nervous. Not noticing Bullet yet, Mark urged Stable to walk closer to the sleeping hybrids.

Bullet, Ankh, & Yersinia

The hybrid heard the horse coming and could scent the man. His fur bristled and he gave a sharp bark to wake up the pups, "Take cover; hide and don't make a sound!" he ordered as he sprung in front of the horse with a wild snarl. He snapped his fangs in the direction of Stable, but didn't bite her. He knew that horses could be dangerous.

Ankh and Yersinia woke up instantly and dashed for cover behind some nearby gooseberry bushes.

Mark & Stable

Stable reared back suddenly, throwing Mark off. She flailed her hooves out and struck Bullet in the side; breaking three ribs. She pulled her ears back and snorted loudly, terrified by the hybrid.

Mark picked himself up and aimed his gun at the hybrid and fired. Luckily for Bullet, the gun didn't go off. Not having time to figure out what was wrong with his gun, the man ran towards Bullet and swung the gun down to strike the canine in the head.

Bullet, Ankh, & Yersinia

Bullet yelped as the heavy hoof struck him. A bit stunned, the hybrid staggered to his feet and tried to scramble away from Mark. But the sudden pain in his side made his body tense and slow him down. The gun came crashing down on his skull, sending him back down with another yelp. Although he was more stunned and senseless from that attack, Bullet managed to stagger up once more and leap back out of the human's reach. Quite dizzy and lacking clear vision at the moment, Bullet could hardly even tell where Mark was. The world seemed to spin before his very eyes. Swaying and staggering about like a drunken creature, Bullet made his way quickly to some nearby, thick vegetation. After traveling only a few yards, Bullet blacked out suddenly.

Ankh and Yersinia cowered in their hiding place. "I heard dad yelp..." Yersinia whimpered to her brother.

Ankh nodded grimly and replied in a low, worried tone, "I know. But remember what he said about humans... we have to stay here. Unless he calls for us." He wanted to go out and help his dad and also make sure his other two brothers were safe, but he was a very obedient pup.

Mark & Stable

Mark sprinted after the hybrid, but stopped when Bullet entered the thick vegetation. From experience, he knew it would be very hard to track a wolf or dog through such stuff; even one as disoriented as Bullet. He didn't know that the hybrid had passed out. Now he turned his attention to the two pups that he saw; Kenyon and Aidan. He slowly advanced towards the two trying to get close to them.

Stable pranced her front hooves nervously at the ground, wanting to leave.

Kenyon & Aidan

Aidan cringed to the ground, whimpering in fear. He watched with wide eyes as the man approached.

Kenyon showed his white fangs and rumbled. But he backed off slowly when Mark approached. "Aidan, come on! Bullet said to hide!" When Mark had gotten too close for Kenyon's like, the pup snarled, but was ready to turn and run. He would have ran by now, but he was waiting for Aidan.

Mark & Stable

Mark stoops down and picks Aidan up by the scruff before the pup could bolt away. If the pup bit him, he'd just hold his muzzle shut. Looking to Kenyon, Mark decided against trying to capture that pup. He seemed too aggressive. While holding Aidan in one hand and his gun defensively in the other, Mark hurried back over to Stable. If Kenyon tried to attack him on his way back, Mark would simply use his gun to strike the pup like he had done to Bullet.

Stable shied back at first, but calm words by Mark calmed her down enough. He got onto the saddle and ordered Stable to gallop away.

Kenyon & Aidan

Aidan cowered when Mark's hand came over him. He growled at first, but then whimpered when he was picked up.

Kenyon snarled and rushed at Mark, but was stopped by the gun. He chased after Stable, trying to catch up and help his brother, but he couldn't match the horse's speed at his age. Frustrated and distressed, the hybrid pup howled out.

Ankh, Yersinia, & Bullet

Ankh had run out of hiding, snarling fiercely. But he didn't reach the human before he was able to get to his horse and ride away. Cricking his tail, the pup paced around in frustration. Then his thoughts came to his uncle, "Bullet; where is he?"

Yersinia came out of hiding then and followed after Ankh. Ankh trailed after the scent of his uncle until he found him unconscious in the vegetation, "Bullet? Uncle Bullet? Wake up..." Ankh pleaded and nudged the limp wolf. He turned his worried gaze to his sister, "He's alive, but he won't wake up."

Yersinia began to whimper, but then stopped. "I'll go get help!" Before Ankh could stop her, Yersinia ran off.

Kenyon

The large pup padded over to his brother and looked worriedly at their uncle. "I don't see any blood." he pointed out in a hopeful tone, "Maybe he just got real tired?" Kenyon doubted that, but he could think of no other reason that sounded good. "I sure hope the pack gets back soon; we've gotta find Aidan and Yersinia now!" Kenyon turned away from Ankh now, "I'll be back; stay here with Bullet!" So saying, the large pup bounded off.

Ankh & Bullet

Ankh sighed and sat back on his hunched beside his unconscious uncle. He wouldn't leave Bullet while he was defenseless. He was afraid to howl out for help because he thought it may draw unwanted attention.

Demon

Demon pads in almost sprinting. He then comes to a halt and sniffs out Bullet and Ankh. He sees Bullet lying in the grass and runs over to nudge him. He was glad to see Bullet was still alive just unconscious. He looks to Ankh. "What happened? Where are Yersinia, Kenyon, and Aidan?" He asks with a concerned tone. He howls out to see if any of the three missing pups came. He hoped the howl would travel out of Pikes Lake. He talked in a gentle voice yet concerned voice which wasn't like him for he usually talked in a cool or cold voice but with the pups he usually used a more gentle voice. He then sniffs. His heart beat a bit faster. "I smell a human and a horse..." He says. He knew what a horse was and most definatly knew humans were dangerous. He wasn't sure what to think except that the human did this to Bullet and chased the other pups away.

Narsia, Skeil, Bullet, & Ankh

Ankh was relieved to see Demon, and quickly explained what had happened, "We were all sleeping when this human came riding towards us on this deer... er, I mean horse?" he hesitated, hearing Demon mention 'horse', not deer. "Anyway," Ankh continued, shaking his head, "Bullet told us all to run while he tried to scare the human away... I'm not sure what happened. Yersinia and I were hiding in the bushes, but we heard him get hit by something! Then the man took Aidan and rode away with him! Yersinia and Kenyon went to look for help... I'm not sure where they're at now." Ankh sighs and dips his head down.

Bullet blinked head eyes slowly. He was just coming back to his senses now, but could already feel a throbbing headache. Hearing Demon's voice as well as Ankhs, the hybrid slowly pulled himself up and turned to Demon, trying to blink away the double-vision that he was seeing. Still groggy, he spoke, "It was the human from the Ranch... I should have been paying more close attention." Bullet would have said more, but he wasn't quite with it yet.

Narsia and Skeil showed up shortly after Demon and in time to hear what had happened. Narsia's fur stood high along her back, "I can't believe the day we are having! First Aminita is lost... then everyone else but Ankh!" She was obviously distressed now.

Demon

Demon was a bit shocked. No now more of the pups were gone. "We can go to the ranch later to find Aidan for I doubt they'd kill a pup. Its dangerous that Kenyon and Yersinia are wandering the wilderness alone though." He sighs. "I'm sure Hydras will have a plan when she arrives." He says. He howls once more hoping Yersinia or Kenyon would here.

Ninaki & Kenyon

Kenyon raced in with his tongue flopping out of his mouth and panting hard. He had run from the Tall Grass Prairie after hearing Demon's howl. "Hey!... sorry... I went out searching... searching for you guys!" He said, looking from his mother to Demon, then Skeil. Sucking in a deep breath, he spoke again, "Where's everyone else? We need to find Yersinia and Aidan."

Ninaki appeared just after his son. He looked around with a worried expression, "Where's the others?" Kenyon turned and bounded towards his dad, and explained all that had happened.

Demon

He was glad to see Kenyon but where was Yersinia. "Perhaps 2 of us should stay here and the rest go search the ranch for Aidan." He suggests.

Ghost

The wolfess had been talking with Yersinia, and heard the call for the hunter, she stood and looked around, her orbs scanning the lake, finally the stopped on the group, she picked up Yersinia in her maw again, carefully, her towers perked forwards listening to their conversation as she moved slowly, swift and quietly towards them. She let out a muffled bark to them, out from the bushes she appeared, a very large white hunteress, she had one of pups they we're looking for. Stepping forwards, the pup squirming she put her down and nuzzles her side, then stepped back, waiting for her to run to her family. Ghost longed for pups, but her mate wasn’t ready for them, or he just wanted to wait for his little sister Zera to grow up a little, whatever the cause she was still without her own.

Hydras, Narsia, Bullet, Skeil, Ankh, & Yersinia

Yersinia looked up at Ghost and nuzzled her back in thanks before turning and scampering back to her pack, yipping excitedly to see them. She nuzzled her parents and wagged her tail so hard it shook her back end. "Sorry everyone... I didn't mean to get lost.. I was just trying to find help." She said, pinning her ears back.

Narsia smiled down at her daughter and licked the top of her head, "Don't worry about it; we're just glad you're back." Then the mother turned her eyes to Ghost, "Who are you?"

Hydras soon joined the group, after making sure that Kiarra got out of the battle safely. She was quite alarmed to see that Aidan was now missing. Skeil quickly filled her alpha in on what had happened, and told her Demon's suggestion. Hydras gave a heavy sigh, and looked at her pack members, "Skeil, why don't you stay here with..." she paused and looked around. Bullet wouldn't be good in and place while he was injured, so she was unsure on who else to keep here. "How about you, Narsia. And..." she looked to Ninaki, "Do you know where Pirqua is? She could help keep a watch out for danger. The rest of us can go to the Ranch."

Demon

He was glad to see that Yersinia was back. "Thank you for returning her." He says to Ghost. Demon then turned to listen to Skeil, Hydras, and Ninaki talk. He then looks to the three pups and whispers to them what had happened to Aminita. "Aminita might not becoming back for awhile. Our enemies the alley pack have brainwashed her, they convinced her that she should stay with them, but hopefully we can get Aidan back from the ranch." He explains to the pups quietly knowing it would probably be hard for Ninaki and Narsia to explain what had happened to Aminita.

Kiarra

She rushed in and looked around, shocked to find that Aidan was gone. She had heard Hydras talk and nodded, but she still didn't understand what had happened...

Ghost

The fem nodded her head to the hunter then turned to the hunteress. "I am Ghost, i live with Black Fyre in her pack. I was with my mate then left and found your daughter and was going to help her find her family, but I guess I am not needed anymore. Unless you need help with getting your friends and family back..."

Hydras, Narsia, Bullet, Skeil, & Pups

"Black Fyre is somewhat of an ally to us; she's helped out now and then in fights we have." Hydras informed Ghost, now feeling she could trust the wolf more. "We'd be grateful for help, you can come with us if you wish."

Bullet laid down, knowing Hydras wasn't going to let him come with.

Narsia glanced at her brother and then back to her sister. She didn't mind stay because she was with her pups; most of them.

Skeil waited impatiently for her pack to move out.

Demon

He listens and lies down waiting. He just wanted to move out as well. He was concerned for Aidan’s safety. Humans were not to be trusted at all.

Kiarra

She sat back and waited to leave for the Ranch...

Ninaki, Kenyon, & Pirqua

Ninaki howled out loudly for his falcon friend. "She should be here soon." he then informed his alpha. His eyes and slightly swifter breathing showed his impatience now. He wanted to go to the ranch and get his pup back.

Like Ninaki had said, it didn't take long for Pirqua to appear. Giving a shrill falcon cry, the bird circled high above everyone before making a rapid decent and landing lightly on Ninaki's back. Tilting her head, she spoke, "Need something?"

Ninaki spoke quickly, "We need you to stay here and watch out for danger. The pups are staying in this place while the rest of us search for Aidan."

Pirqua tilted her head, "He's missing? That's no good. I'll keep a lookout anyway, and make sure no one sneaks up on the pups."

Hydras, Skeil, Narsia, Bullet, Yersinia, & Ankh

Skeil sat down near Yersinia and Ankh, who both laid down.

Narsia laid down as well, but with her head up. She was very alert.

Hydras looked up at the sky. It was already dark now. Turning back to her pack, she gave a single nod, "Lets head out." So saying, she trotted off to the Barn at the Ranch.

Ninaki

Ninaki pauses to nuzzle his mate and tell her and his pups good-bye and to 'be safe'. He then follows after his alpha.

Pirqua flies down and lands on Skeil's back. She was careful not to let her talons hurt the dog.

Kiarra

She nodded to the others and followed her alpha..

Demon

He follows as well.