Breath of Life

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Fri May 01, 2015 4:09 pm

Lavender twilight eclipsed the early morning tundra. Silvery mist clung to the young, aspen forest in the distance, where the deer browsed in quiet on the woody vegetation. However, the amethyst eyes of the wolf were not on the deer, but on the caribou in the valley below, having journeyed down from the heavy snow in the mountains to feed and nurse their springtime young. She watched as their hooves shoveled out patches of slush and earth, their calves huddling close for warmth, not yet used to the cold. They were also not yet used to their predators, who were spread out alongside their leader and afar, patiently waiting for her signal.

Their plan was simple and effective. Echo, the Alpha, would lead her team down into the valley, igniting terror into the herd and sending them for the safety of the woods. But, unbeknownst to the caribou, she owned the woods. Akiko, the Beta, and her team there would be waiting to intercept them. Together, they would make their kill, preferably for sweet, tender calf flesh, rich with its mother's nutrients and easy to take. This hunt would be the first of many to come beneath the young queen's reign, and she was determined to not only succeed, but pull the pack together. The history of the lands was rooted in the blood, and the past season had been difficult, what with a change of leadership, a deadly attack by a mysterious clan, and a harsh, cold winter, but that was all over. It was time for them to begin anew, a signature feature of each individual involved. For everyone, it would be a new breath of life in a place so filled with death.

With silent certainty, Echo stood tall and raised her tail high over her back as so. It was the signal. She did not need to glance to her companions to know they were at her sides. With the speed of lightning, she led the charge down into the valley, throwing her head back and releasing an alarmingly sharp howl, sending the caribou in all directions. Now would be the time for everyone to act.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Sat May 02, 2015 4:23 am

Parting through the early morning mist, the hybrid fae came up at Echo's side, leafy green eyes shining with excitement. An expert hunter, Petra would lend her speed in this chase, and lead their query into the dangerous traps of their packmates. She watched the young queen, keeping pace with her and matching her movements until she would give the signal. At last, Echo lifted her tail to communicate clearly that now was the time, the perfect moment. Muscles coiled, Petra leaped forward after her leader, her nimble legs carrying her with speed and precision toward the herd. Her sharp eyes quickly picked out the form of an easy target - a young but vital animal that was crowded by the herd and left to struggle. If they moved in accordance as a unit, they could take it and make a swift meal of it. The tender meat would make a fine meal for them all, the young and the old included.

It was part of what made hunting so enjoyable for her. Petra loved to serve her pack and provide for them in any way that she could. She knew she would never fight skillfully or defend them, for she was too soft to add strength to a battle. But she knew that she was a capable provider, both in keeping her pack fed, as well as in good health through her healing methods and the herbs that she gathered tirelessly. She knew her place among the pack, and she would always do her best.

The small but speedy fae made a dash forward, snapping at the heels of older, more mature caribou, leaving open a pathway for the young target to fall straight into the jaws of the wolves in waiting...

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Sat May 02, 2015 11:16 am

Niveus waited and watched, something he quite excelled at. The pack had accepted him for now, but yet to officially give him a rank. The fact that he was hunting was promising enough. He would probably be the young alphess' first unranked, from what he heard, so he'd be patient, knowing that new decisions might take time. He had fanned out from the rest of the wolves in wait.

He heard Echo howl, stirring their prey into startled motion. Petra quickly found one and was doing well in herding it. Now the caribou was running between him and the others, so he stepped from where he hid, but made no movement, knowing he was at a disadvantage to slaying it. His only intent was to drive the creature to the exact point Akiko still waited. The caribou saw Niv's still form, and started to veer into the intended course, death. He was further pleased to see most other caribou that had been running next to their target had split off. With the more imminent danger, it was now every one for themselves, it seemed. With that done, he waited. Caribou were large, so he stood at the ready in case his help was needed, but didn't move any further for now, else he'd risk scaring the thing into an entirely new direction.

Blade hid further behind the team Echo lead. He wasn't taking an active part in this hunt, staying behind with the pup similar to Echo's age. With the amnesia, it was unclear what Ryuuketsu actually knew. It was clear some subconscious part of him knew how to kill, so it should know how to hunt, but the youth couldn't safely tap into that knowledge. The dominant side of the wolf didn't know how to hunt in packs, though, only alone. Normally, they'd leave the kid with Rawbones to oversee the hunt and explain, but the kid seemed to do better with being in the moment and feeling things for himself.

For now, little teaching was done, allowing the wolves in front of them to keep focus. Then Echo lifted her tail, giving the signal. He pushed off from his spot, but at a slower speed. "Echo is scattering them so we can single one out. One that is slow, too little experience flight- anything that would be easy pickings. This is important for Akiko's team. Which one is Petra after?" He taught as he ran, making sure they had a pretty clear view of the action at all times while not interfering. He waited for his answer before continuing, "Yes, that's the one they'll target. See Niveus standing there? It's not easy to herd such a large beast in one particular direction. If he's doing that, it means there isn't a wolf in the direct path of the beast. Caribou are not deer, easier kill in comparison. You need more than one wolf, and it's best to have one wolf with a direct approach while the rest weaken and hold it down. The hooves will be the most dangerous part, before and after it's fallen to the ground. A hit on the right spot can kill a wolf."

He sped up, not caring if the younger wolf followed. He needed to be closer in case anything happened. At this point, he'd get there before Niv could, since the other wolf couldn't risk startling the caribou against their current favor.

He was to follow the wolf next to him. Currently, they were waiting for Echo to give the signal to charge. He'd charge, too, but slower so his current mentor could talk while running. He couldn't understand the intricacies of a hunt without actually being there, so the older wolf had graciously obliged. The wolf was a bit gruff, but Ryuu quickly learned that wasn't because he was angry- it was just the way he was.

He saw the signal, and followed after Blade, listening to him talk. Then he was asked a question, and he peered into the fleeing herd, wondering if this would be more difficult from the other side. "That younger one," he said. Apparently that had been the right answer as Blade explained the actions of Niv. Now Blade himself sped up, as if more to join the hunt himself, although he understood why, since he mentioned the most dangerous part of the caribou. He followed suit in picking up the pace, not sure how he's be able to help, if at all, but he was sure instincts would aid him now.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Tue May 05, 2015 10:57 pm

Bloodeye waited with Akiko's hunting group, prowling under cover where they wouldn't be seen - they would be the ones to ambush the prey that separated from the group, urged on by the snapping jaws of their sure-footed packmates. Still nursing her whelps, she was too heavy to be amongst those giving chase, but it mattered not to her which group she was with. As long as they felled the beast and made a meal, she would be content. Her body demanded that she eat so she could provide for the little heathens she'd been left with after her meeting with the mysterious brute. Oh how she wished she'd never left Jabbar Junayd during that season, but it was much too late now to regret such a choice. Besides, she had more current things to focus on.

The herd was on the move now, and as the animals split, she could see Petra, the devilishly fast hybrid, taking chase after a young caribou and leading it straight into their trap. Then the fae veered off, sending the grown beasts away so their path would not be within trampling distance of her packmates. Somewhat impressed, Bloodeye crouched, her eyes narrowed and tongue moist as she salivated at the thought of fresh meat. It would not be long now. Her crimson gaze turned to Akiko, waiting for the perfect moment for them to strike - she knew that the agile femme would dart out at the right moment, and her packmates would follow just a heartbeat behind.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Sun May 17, 2015 12:35 am

Another day in the field filling the day with a hunt. Akiko had little doubt that this hunt would be successful, like so many of their hunts. With so many experienced wolves in the pack they had a strong core, but enough youth that lent wisdom the strength it needed. Bloodeye flanked her, she felt the heat that the solid femmora shed. A solid shield at her back, though there had been times when it was different. There was a time where everything had been different. Akiko felt at the edges of her void in that brief moment but backed away and wrapped herself in her own cool confidence. This was a hunt after all and they would feed tonight.

Her ears perked forward listening to the howl from the young Queen, the signal was set and they would prepare. Akiko canted her head to the side in a silent signal and slunk forward, edging along the trees, her gaze on the distant incline between the trees. If the top team did their job then they should manage to send some meat their way. Akiko hoped only that it was not a full grown male,as it increased the danger of an injury. Akiko was fast but she was small and did not always have the weight to take down the larger of the prey. Even so, Bloodeye was there to aid her and even burdened with the recent stress of children Akiko trusted the crafty fem to catch the hamstring.

Her ears cupped forward intently and she heard the sounds of the distressed animals, heard the snarls of her packmates. She growled low in her throat and picked up her pace, sweeping the tree line from further back in the forest. Yes, yes! There coming up to the right. She yipped sharply at Bloodeye and picked up her pace cutting somewhat sideways preparing her path to intercept the animal. Yes, as long as it stays on course...

Faster now, but no noise, this needed to be fast and hard. The beast had plunged into the woods! It was a younger caribou but still close to maturing, a good target. It's panicked bleats sent her heart racing, her teeth clenching. She relished the moment when she could sink her fangs into that flesh.

It was bounding down through a clearing which tapered off into a wide track, a track that plunged right by where Akiko and Bloodeye were waiting. The small white fem was already in position her body crouched low, hidden by bush and stone.

The hoof beats were close, no doubt there was a packmate hot on his tail. Closer still, her blue gaze locked onto the beast as it came directly to their path. No, there would be no opportunity for Akiko to jump it without danger, she would have to scare it, which was not a hard thing to do.

Moments before he came thudding to them, she revealed herself snarling and snapping in a ferocious manner and feinted at him but was quick to dark back away as the deer buckled in terror and threw itself violently to the left, stumbling into the brush and foliage of the forest. He wobbled but was catching it's feet to dash...

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Sun May 17, 2015 1:12 pm

The hunt was falling into place. Where Echo lead the pack, the flanks curved it, slimming down the herd. A small smile curved her lips. It was Petra's eyes that caught the least fit, a young male that simply was not as fast as the rest. She ran along the outside edge, keeping him separated from the herd, closing him into the treeline and forcing him into Akiko's direction. She heard and saw the fem's ferocious snarl, sending the male off-course and tumbling deeper into the woods. But, there was the thundering of hooves and he recovered quickly, bleating with terror all the way, and emerging from the tree line.

Echo would not have that. By now, she understood that while life was something to be experienced, cherished, and celebrated, death was an inevitable end. And so, she quickened her pace to that of lightning's, and launched herself at the beast. She aimed for his neck, but met into the front of his shoulder and chest. However, though she had grown quickly over the past winter, she was still not heavy to bring him down. Her talons and teeth sank into his flesh, piercing skin and drawing blood, and he reared back and she released, dodging out of the way to avoid the crush of hooves. She snarled, scaring him still, but his eyes were on her now.

The perfect distraction.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Thu Jun 04, 2015 2:13 am

The fae watched intently as the young male caribou was sent their way, and Akiko signaled her to be ready. Her muscles were bunched, ready to spring at just the right moment. As soon as Akiko darted forward, Bloodeye predicted the path it would take, and she moved stealthily through the undergrowth so as to not further startle it and change its course. This would be perfect. She crept forward quickly, crimson orbs focused on the frightened animal. Seconds later the faster wolves would whip by, Petra and Echo stride for stride. Then their young Queen would leap toward the animal, her jaws aiming for the neck but taking hold of the front chest. Bloodeye then dashed forward as the animal's momentum was halted. Distracted by its attacker at the front, it would not notice her approach until it was too late. Her jaws took a deep, firm grip at the back of its leg, her lengthy bottom canines digging into tendon and veins. Without hesitation she began to thrash back and forth, making the wound deeper and more serious by the second; she could see the other leg kicking out, but the animal was now too distracted by its multiple attackers to land an accurate strike. It wouldn't be long now before one of them got a good hold on the caribou's neck and took it down.

----------------------------

After clearing away the more mature caribou, Petra resumed her chase after the younger one, which was headed straight for their packmates. She caught up with Echo just as Akiko startled the caribou, changing its course once more. The younger fae put on a burst of speed and made her strike at the caribou's front end. Petra was impressed by her determination. Inspired, she pushed forward harder, just as Bloodeye made her lunge forth and caught the caribou's hind end. Now that the animal could hardly run, trying to fend off its attackers, she took a chance and dived under its belly, sharply snapping at its abdomen where she knew she would find vital arteries. Her teeth dug in, and she began to pull, blood pulsing out of the open wound. She could feel the caribou's efforts to struggle weakening, and it wouldn't be long now before they had a fresh, hot meal for everyone...

The pack's eldest member stood on the outskirts, Bloodeye's whelps watching the pack hunt with intense curiosity. He kept a close eye on them, ushering them back into position with a stern snarl if they looked a little too interested. They were still much too young and small to join in a hunt like this - they would only get in the way, or worse end up injured or killed. The most they could do to hunt right now is play with a mouse if someone brought it to their paws. When the pups fell in line and didn't move, Rawbones found himself staring on wistfully. Even the young new member, Ryuuketsu, was on this hunt. Grudgingly, Rawbones wished that the young male had been left to watch with him - at least then he could natter on at someone and feel like he was important. He couldn't really give any lessons to these young pups. But it would seem that the boy learned best on the job, so it was only natural that he tagged along with Blade for this hunt.

His gnarled claws itched to join in the chase, excitement charging through his veins as he watched his packmates break up the herd and send them into an ambush. He knew he still had strength in him to take on a struggling piece of prey, but speed and agility were no longer his - there was no way he could chase down a fleeing animal like the rest. Besides, he had to watch the younglings, as there was no one else to do so. It made his heart ache that he was losing his youth while those around him still held onto their vitality, and others were merely beginning their journey through life, such as the pups seated around his paws. But it was a process he couldn't reverse, much as he wanted to, so he needed to accept it.

Sighing, he watched on, and as it looked like the pack was closing in on their query, he stood suddenly and motioned to the pups. "They're about to finish it," he explained in a rough tone to the whelps, "By the time we make it across this clearing, there'll be a hot meal ready for us." His tongue swiped across his jaws. At least he could still enjoy rich, fresh meat. And he would certainly enjoy the pride that his pack would share in their catch, even if he hadn't been able to contribute. "Pick up your paws, young ones, no need to dawdle," he rumbled, ambling across the vast clearing with pups in tow.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Sun Jun 21, 2015 11:16 am

Their prey was on the ground, most of the hunting party surrounding it, and Niveus joined them, biting down near vital areas to help bleed it out quicker. Even weakened, a hit from a stray hoof was dangerous. It was already weak, and quickly growing weaker by the joint effort of the pack. Soon the pulse would ebb away into nothing...

Blade made his way. Seeing the caribou would soon expire safely without his help, he stopped some distance, saying, "The quicker they kill it the better. Anything weakened will put up a larger fight if given the opportunity. Remember the tactics will be different depending on what we hunt." There really wasn't much else to say. The only thing left was to allow Ryuu to actually participate in the next hunt to see how much he remembered.

Seeing the younger wolf was distracted, he turned to walk towards Rawbones, who was on his way over. Meeting the elder, he turned to follow them while stating quietly, "You've been training Echo, yes? I still want to test some things in a controlled setting, but our amnesic friend seems to have another personality that arises in threatening situations. I have some theories about that." He'd allow that to sink in before going on. His gaze turned to the mongoose, who'd followed them around but hadn't been paying too much attention. Not that they knew the critter even understood them.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Sun Jul 12, 2015 11:32 pm

Akiko had no time to think as the deer dashed away into the forest, startled by her appearance, she too dashed forward into the forest. Her body twisting and turning through the thick forest floor. Her pack mates were like ghostly darts through the trees ahead of her, their snarls the fuel in her stride. One by one they lunged, tearing the beast down before she had a chance to arrive at the scene only moments later. Her eyes flashed at Echo who stood nearby before she lunged forward and took the windpipe crushing it in her strong jowls. Moments later the beast stilled, it's thrashing hooves no longer a danger to her family. Releasing the deer she licked her chops relishing the taste of meat and victory. Before anything else though she strode over to Echo coming alongside her, her mouth near her ear. "You need to take the killing blow, Jabbar will not follow the weak." She spoke low, but not so long that anyone closer would not hear her rebuke. Turning back around she lifted her head and threw back a howl, calling their victory to the wind. Tonight they would dine well, and store some extra in the dens well away from scavengers.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Wed Jul 15, 2015 9:25 pm

The distraction was flawless. While the caribou stumbled away from her, it ran right into the jaws of her packmates, meeting its fate. Bloodeye lunged and dragged it down with her weight, Niveus clamped down to its vital underside, and Akiko sprang for the windpipe. The caribou released a horrible bleating sound as it crashed to the ground, wheezing and coughing and its eyes wide with its final breaths. Echo sauntered in alongside Akiko, both of their white chests stained with blood; to the onlooker, they might have been family, and while they worked together, they were more like fighting in-laws. The younger fem nodded at Akiko's words.

"I know," she replied, approaching the caribou, standing above it. She closed her eyes, collecting her emotions, feeling the blood race through her and more menacing things threaten to surface when she took its life, and with a deadly snap of the jaws finished the job. The final blow was quick and clean, and Echo clenched her teeth, waiting before opening her eyes again. Focus... Focus... and when she opened her eyes, the rest of the pack was around her, Akiko's howl calling for the ones that were further away.

"Good work," Echo said to all of them, her voice not praising as it may have been when she was younger, but deadpan. Observant. Aloof, but not cold, for the blood was still hot in her veins. "Dine at your leisure."

As their leader, she ripped into her own piece first. The mist hung in the air as she dragged it with her beneath a shady balsam fir, feeding her inner demon the flesh it so desired.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Mon Jul 27, 2015 2:09 am

At last the targeted animal was down, and the pack was quickly upon it to end its life. The elderly wolf licked his lips in anticipation, increasing the pace of his trot as hunger drew him in. He hardly noticed Blade approach, and blinked in surprise as the brute started speaking. He covered up his startle with a loud sneeze, grumbling to himself as though he'd been distracted. He perked toward Blade as he heard Echo's name. "Aye, I've spent time training her," he said with a nod, "She's talented, you know. Though she's young, nothing escapes her." He would fall silent as the younger male went on to say he'd like to test some things, and the elder couldn't help but wonder what he meant. Was he saying that this other youngster had the strange characteristic of blacking out during threatening situations? "Hmph, sounds like you're talking about me, or even Echo herself," he remarked cheekily in his rumbling tone, "Seems like this is becoming the trademark of our pack - bunch of psychos. So, you've got some ideas about it... How are you going to test it safely?" He wondered indeed, for he couldn't think of any way that would be safe for any of their wolves to test such a trait without great risk to themselves. Still, he would give Blade the benefit of the doubt, for the brute had always proved himself as clever and quick.

Though he was curious to know what Blade was thinking, his belly urged him to seek out the kill quickly and have his share. He glanced over his should quickly to make sure the whelps were still there - they struggled to keep up, but they were following on clumsy paws toward the scent of fresh blood. Nodding to himself, Rawbones kept up his pace, then perked toward Blade, wondering what the hessian had in mind for testing this interesting and potentially useful trait in their newest recruit.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Mon Jul 27, 2015 11:20 pm

He hesitated at this. It did sound like he was suggesting many similarities. Yet... "You'd know more about Echo than I do. During the situation with Evanescence, there were oddities." He chose his words carefully, trying to only use observation and not speculation... yet, "I believe he started to trigger when he learned there was a threat on the lands. I need to get more information from Petra- she met him first, but he was timid until that point. A mix of... confusion and fear, yet, subtle muscle movement and a shadow behind his eyes.

"When we arrived after Akiko's call, he was tensed, coiled to attack, positioned like that of an assassin, or similar. I moved closer and, on a whim, ordered him to stand down, and that's when it felt he acknowledged my presence. When he came to, he didn't seem to be aware how much time passed, but seemed distressed."

He gave the other wolf some time to absorb this before offering his thoughts, "It's odd behavior for memory loss. I wonder what happened, or even who happened. Then there's his... companion. That mongoose. I don't understand the motions or noises, but I get the nagging feeling it knows more than the whelp himself by the way it sometimes sneaks glances towards him."

His voice quieted as they approached the pack, not quite wanting to be overheard just yet. This was all still theory. "It could be he's just crazy and has a protective, albeit bloody, persona. Perhaps some other condition a healer would know of. Or, his body retains parts of his past that his present self isn't aware of, which is just as dangerous, not knowing his triggers. Other possibilities elude me, don't match his behavior, or are stories of stories I've heard, which are unreliable.

"I don't know his triggers. His remembering of his past might resolve this or make it worse. Teaching his present self about his potential trade is just as unpredictable. I might have gotten lucky and stumbled upon an ingrained command, or his mind is open enough to interpret his environment while triggered. All in all, it's too dangerous to let it be. My current idea is for you to observe from a safe distance while I question our friend to see if digging his past is safe. From there, we might see about things like training or even sparring. I'd be leaving you to obverse his movements while I keep my wits about me to ensure my survival."

It wasn't remotely close to a safe solution, but all others still involved danger, even leaving Ryuuketsu be. The incident with Echo seemed to be a one time event. This case, as he stated, potentially could be simpler, but at the same time, needed to be treated with more caution. He was sure that between the two, they'd be able to fine-tune this. Their conversation might be put on hold though, as they finally reached the carcass. The tottering whelps had slowed their pace, but now they finally made it.

His mind continued to wander to his current puzzle. Were the triggers during certain conditions, only during threats, or were there specific phrases? He disliked not knowing. He held back a growl of frustration, not wanting to scare the whelps. Blade still wasn't sure how attached Bloodeye was to them, if at all.

Subject: Re: Breath of Life Thu Aug 27, 2015 4:23 pm

Akiko snapped up some of the meat herself, not being shy at going for the good portions. She did not challenge Echo at this junction but there would be times ahead that Akiko knew she would have to push the young she wolf. She had spent too long at the top of this pack to follow a weak leader and it was her job to ensure that Echo did not become such. Even if that meant that the girl would dislike her so what? She wasn't here to make friends, she was here to see her packs survival out and that meant fulfilling the boy king's last wishes. Dismissing the thoughts she turned her attention back to the food.

Snapping down a tasty bit she brought the rest off to the side where she snapped and gulped with efficiency before licking her chops clean. She proceeded a ways off to the side where she commenced her after dinner cleaning ritual, no reason to have a perfect coat like this stained by blood. She noticed Rawbones and Blade gossiping like the brutes they were and she huffed, contentment sliding along her body. They would grow again, rebuild their core and finally be restored to the power they once were.

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