You Can't Take Me [Zen & Hunter]

[{Mactíre}]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/33ufp07.jpg] OOC;; Ok, so basically what we've worked out is that Adrian and Valk will wander along until they reach Iris, then Kira will appear and drag them back to the slaughterhouse for a bit of torturing, and then my NPC, Ralph, will come along and attempt to rescue them. Adrian will get away, and Ralph'll be killed in the process. </3 C; The day was not unlike many other autumn days before it: grey clouds hung in the sky, blotting out the sun and shedding their heavy burdens of water down onto Hexasol. The ground underpaw was mud where there was no pavement, ensuring that any creature that walking in it would soon have muddy paws that could only be washed off by a fearless tongue or a dip in water. No matter where one walked, their paws would be purpetually damp. Or at least, that was what it felt like to Valkyrie. The half- grown she-wolf, who had begun to lose her runt's appearence and was the size of a fully- grown German Shepherd (as most wolves her age were), was restless. The rain had kept her inside for days - or at least inside what shelter her family could find. Rikki had accepted that it was time for her children to be independent, but since the rain had started, the whole family had taken shelter in an abandoned crofter's cottage, located on the edge of Tempest territory. There were no windows in the place, but the door was still functioning: it was made out of rather tough wood that was slowly disintergrating. All four cubs came and went as they pleased, although Rikki did like to be told where they were going. On this particular morning, the young she-wolf decided she'd been lying around for long enough. Wandering over to where her brother Adrian lay on the stone floor that they had strewn with the old bedding to make it more comfortable, she poked him with her nose. "Come on, let's go exploring," she urged him. "I'm tired of sitting around, waiting for the sun to come out!" A few metres away, Rikki lifted her head and nodded to them. "Just be careful out there in the rain. It's windy today, too."

[/justify][/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/size]

[Zen]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/jadedog08/adriantable4-2.png] Adrian nearly jumped out of his skin when something cold and moist jabbed him in the shoulder. His sister had that annoying habit of waking him up when he least expected it, usually because she wanted someone to go adventuring with her. He’d gotten used to it by now, but it still came as a shock every single time. “In the rain?” came his garbled, sleepy reply. But he knew better than to question it, so he got to his paws and shook the bits of dust and bedding that were clinging to his silvery fur. Padding over to Rikki, he touched his nose to hers in a sign of gentle affection. “We’ll be back soon. You keep safe yourself, mother. Stay in here where it’s warm.” Sometimes he couldn’t help being a little condescending. He didn’t share his thoughts with the other cubs for fear of coming across as a wimpy momma’s boy, but he really worried about Rikki sometimes. Reluctantly turning away from her, he followed Valkyrie out the door. Once they were outside, he straightened up and inhaled a lungful of the crisp autumn air. The scent of newly fallen rain was heavy. It was a welcome relief to finally be out of that musty building and back into the wide, wild world where they belonged. “So, where to?” he asked Valkyrie with a tiny smile. Now that they were in the fresh air, his paws were itchy to explore someplace new, somewhere neither of them had yet seen. That was the point of an adventure, right? “You lead the way, Valk.” She had always been the leader, after all. OOC: still not really used to playing Adrian :/

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[{Mactíre}]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/33ufp07.jpg] Valkyrie shuffled impatiently as her brother awoke, sleep befuddled as he spoke to her. "Yes, yes, a little rain never hurt anyone," she told him cheerily. In fact, it made everthing more exciting, really - it was as if Hexasol was a different place from when the sun was beating down and everything was dry. Besides, now they could technically tend for themselves (having reached nine months of age), the young she-wolf liked to test herself in differend situations. Such as this one. Besides, Adrian needed to get out more, too, and this was the perfect way to do it, in her mind. The timber - arctic wolf cross followed her sibling as he went over to their mother. "Yes, and you be safe, Mama, and don't worry about us. We'll be fine." She nuzzled her mother's cheek and gave her quick lick. Rikki shook her tired old head reprovingly, smiling gently as she did so. "You young rips. I can take care of myself, I used to be a warrior, remember. Ralph may be following at a distance, he doesn't want you getting hurt any more than I do. Just be careful, don't take any uneccasary risks, do you hear me?" Valkyrie nodded for the two of them. "We'll try, Mama, but we really don't need Ralph watching us." She knew the elderly Newfoundland saw Rikki's children almost as his grandchildren or neice and nephews, and that she loved him too, but he could be more of a worrywart than Rikki sometimes. Trotting outside, she thought about Adrian's question of a moment. "Let's go to where those things called buildings are, in the middle of the city, a long way from here. I haven't explored much around there yet, and I don't think you have, so it'll be perfect. Plus there's plenty of shelter if the rain gets too heavy!" When he motioned for her to lead the way, she was only too happy too, and trotted to and over border, with a joyful cry, "Let's go!" There was lots of ground to be covered, but soon they reached the main road that ran through Hexasol, which still had the remains of many canines and felines from the great battle that was fought some months before they were born. "This is where our father had his last battle, I think," the she-wolf commented in hushed tones to her brother as they crossed it.

[/font]


OOC;; You're doing great <3 Hopefully this thread'll help you to get used to him ;D
[/justify][/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/size][/size]

[Zen]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/jadedog08/adriantable4-2.png] “The inner city, huh? That sounds..." Horrible, dangerous, scary. But he couldn’t say what he was really thinking. Why couldn’t he have just been born brave like her? It would have made things so much easier. He wished he had the courage to live spontaneously and free, not worrying about the consequences. “…great. Let’s just make sure we pay attention to where we’re going so we don’t get lost. Remember what happened last time?” Well he certainly did. It had been another one of Valkyrie’s brilliant ideas to go trekking out in the countryside, and it had ended with them all scattered and completely lost. If their poor mother and that creepy lion hadn’t shown up and found them, who knows what would have happened. He tried to push that awful memory out of his head as he followed on behind his older sister. “Too bad he has to come with us,” Adrian grumped, jerking his head towards where Ralph was probably following them. “For crying out loud, we’re nine months old.” Secretly, though, he was a little glad for the extra protection. Ralph wasn’t very strong or anything, but he was better than nothing. His ears swiveled around like furry radars, keeping alert for the dangers he felt sure were hiding behind every corner. He let his guard down only when Valk mentioned they were standing on the battleground of where their father had last fought. “No way, this is really the place?” He let out an astonished gasp. It was strange and a little scary to think they were walking through a place where so many had lost their lives. He couldn’t imagine ever going to war, having to watch your friends and family being killed all around you... No, he couldn't be thinking like that. He didn’t want to frighten himself and end up running back into Ralph’s arms like a crying newborn. Instead he grinned and stalked up behind Valkyrie so that he was right against her ear. “I heard that sometimes you can still hear the vengeful screams of the dying soldiers.” He sauntered ahead and wagged his tail in a goofy manner. “Oooo, ghostsss! Better watch out, Valk, or they’ll haunt you and turn you into one of the undead.” Adrian laughed and ran ahead, bouncing around playfully as he headed straight into the fog that shrouded the beginnings of unknown territory. OOC: haha thanks <3 and err I wasn’t sure if the whole thing with the cubs getting lost actually happened or not since that thread was never finished, but I just assumed it did...hope that’s ok? ^^;

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[{Mactíre}]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/33ufp07.jpg] Valkyrie nodded enthusiastically at his words. "Of course! I've learned a lot from that, we won't get lost. Don't be such a worrywart, Adrian!" She spoke playfully, bumping her nose against his cheek affectionately. "We'll be fine." They had all been a lot younger then, that was all. Younger and far less experienced. She knew her way around better now, and she was sure that if they got lost, they could follow their own scent trail home. Oh, wait. No couldn't - not in the rain. A fat raindrop landed hard on her nose, as if to remind her of that fact. The young she-wolf gave a sigh of agreement to her brother's words. "I know! He might as well just come up to us and say that he doesn't trust us on our own. Adults can be so peevish sometimes!" She growled, also secretly slightly grateful for the Newfoundland's reassuring presence. It wasn't that she was afraid, well, for herself - it was her brother she had to think of. Like Adrian, Valkyrie was constantly alert, ears and nose twitching, but somehow at ease at the same time. She nodded at his words. "I know, right? It's scary, but exciting at the same time!" For her, battles meant glory as well as death, a chance to prove oneself as well as being a time of grief. As the timber - arctic wolf cross stood there, thinking, she didn't see her brother leave side, and when his voice sounded close to her ear, she couldn't help but jump and let out a surprised growl. "You rascal!" She yelped laughingly, watching him for a moment as he went ahead, chuckling, before breaking into a run in order to catch up with him as he ran into an area shrouded in mist. Blinking as she reached his side, the she-wolf glanced around at the dark shapes that surrounded the two young wolves. Buildings, places where humans had once lived. "Well, we're here. I reckon we could keep on going straight ahead, what do you think?"

[/font][/justify][/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/size]
[/size]

[Zen]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/jadedog08/adriantable4-2.png] Adrian nodded, his eyes traveling up and down the crumbling facades of the human buildings. He’d never seen such enormous things in all his life and it was a sight to behold. “Yeah, we’re already here, might as well keep going. I want to see how far this old road leads, don’t you?” Suddenly, without warning, he snatched one of her ears gently between his teeth and gave it a quick tug. “Tag!” he yipped, springing off ahead of her with a silly grin plastered on his face. It’d been so long since they’d gotten to play like this, just the two of them without a single care or worry. For the first time in ages he actually felt like a cub – he felt like he could do anything and no one could stop him, like he was king of the world. As they finished running the entire length of the Straight Bit, exhaustion started to weigh down on him. With his tongue dangling from his mouth and his heart pounding, he slowed into a lanky gallop, and then finally stopped moving altogether when a powerful scent hit him. It made his entire skin prickle, like a million bugs were crawling over his skin. “Valk, I smell cats,” he murmured, a tremor of fear slipping into his voice that he couldn’t control. He knew the scent of the Iris Pride, and it was hanging so thick and pungent in the air around this place that he almost choked. “We’ve gone too far, we need to head back right now!” Panic started to rise in his chest. They were on the borders of Iris territory. This was the one place they'd been warned never to step foot near. This was where their mother had once been captured and taken prisoner...and...and tortured... Adrian’s fur stood on end at the horrifying thought. He felt so scared that he was becoming sick; his paws were starting to shake and moisten with sweat. Where was Ralph? Had he lost track of them after they'd begun running? If they didn’t get out of here quick, the cats would be on them, and then...he didn't want to think about what would happen then. After Rikki had managed to defy them and escape, what would the cats do to her pups in revenge? OOC: that’s your cue Hunter!

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Hunter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,499,true]

[atrb=background,http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5583692288_159ae396a5_z.jpg] Kira walks. "Kira talks."

[/b]

Walking out of the slaughterhouse, Kira’s red claws and muzzle were soon cleaned by the fat drops which fell from the sky. But the metallic taste still lingered in her mouth and she let out a satisfied sigh. Peculiar how the metallic red fluid from a canine could ease the tension in her body. Well, perhaps not that peculiar after all. The canines were growing too bold, always crossing the borders to the Iris Pride, thinking nothing would happen, so it always felt nice when you could show the canines their rightful place; beneath the felines. Felines were superior to canines and would always be it. And sadly for this dog, Kira had had to break a few bones in his lanky body. He’d been tortured for a month by now and was surely a funny fellow. He hadn’t been easy the first three weeks but was now slowly getting to his rightful state of insane and paranoid personality. How great it felt to break a canine’s mind, making them fear every move she took.

But the slaughterhouse was still too empty. Too many holding pens were free for use and even though the felines slowly were filling up their collection of scum, it wasn’t going fast enough for Kira. She’d caught a black wolf not long ago but more canines would be nice. After all, it was winter soon, and then the felines needed a sport so that they could keep themselves warm – and what was better than a little torturing of pathetic canines? Their screams were like music, almost healing the soul, making her forget about Panja for a while.

The rain was slowly soaking her short fur, but it didn’t make her stop or look for shelter. Her nostrils had caught a sweet scent and her pretty eyes scanned the foggy area around her in search for what she could smell. Two dark creatures emerged from the fog to walk on each side of her, and without having to look, Kira knew it was the two panthers which had fought by her side in the battle in Straight Bit about a year ago. Yes, a new era was beginning for the Iris Pride; the old, weak leader Panja had left his post as the leader of the pride while his son had taken his father’s position of power. Even though Alexander wasn’t a preferable leader for the Iris Pride in Kira’s eyes, she still thought he would be better than his peaceloving father. Hopefully Alexander wouldn’t turn out like his father with the years… after all, the pride was only as strong as its leader.

It was then that two smaller silhouettes became visible in the fog. Two young wolves, getting lost on the wrong side of the line, perfect. A sadistic smile played on her lips as her pretty eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Time to fill up our stock, she thought and stopped with the two panthers on each side of her. ”Well well, what have we here? Two youngsters missing their momma? Perhaps my friends and I can help you to find what you’re looking for. A shelter for the rain you say? Won’t be any problem,” she chuckled darkly as the two black felines went to stand on each side of the wolves so they were surrounded. There would be no easy escape route for them… oh wait, correction! No way out for them, at all.

((OOC: Evil kitty, there you go ^^))

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[{Mactíre}]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/33ufp07.jpg] Valkyrie let her head bob up and down in a comical imitation of her brother. "Yeah, let's go!" Her bushy tail whipped back and fourth in frenzied excitement. When Adria took hold of one of her ears, she yipped playfully, "Hey!" Following him at a speady lope, she laughed happily, throwing caution to the winds. It was awesome to be able to play once again - months had passed since she, Adrian, and her other brothers had been able to play like this. They'd all done a lot of growing up, really - but the female didn't think she'd ever be too old to play. It was so exhilerating - she loved the feeling of adrenaline, a natural drug, rushing through her as she ran. The she-wolf skidded to a halt beside her brother, her body aching slightly from the run - her leg muscles were screaming for a rest, and her chest was heaving. Her heart, already pounding from the run, went into overdrive as a familiar scent, almost overpowering, invaded her nostrils. It was actually far more than one - some stale, but some unnervingly fresh. Her brother's words helped the reality of the situation sink in, and she moved closer to him, so that their flanks were touching. Attempting to reassure her younger sibling with a comforting lick as he began to panic, she growled, "You're right - we should go - this is all my fault. Don't panic, that won't help." An icy calm had settled in Valkyrie's belly; she knew only too well what happened to tresspassers on Iris territory - her mother's scar and the state she had been in ever since she could remember was a result of falling asleep, unwittingly, on the feline pride's land. If she let suh a thing happen to Adrian. . . Refusing to think about it, she attempted to nudge him towards the road they had left. They had to get away before they were caught. The wet fur that was the timber - arctic wolf cross's hackles rose as a lioness appeared from the mist, two equally large big cats - shadows, their black coats making them seem to be almost messangers of death - at her sides. Valkyrie took a step towards the lioness, a wordless growl rumbling in her throat. "Leave us alone, we've done you no harm. We were just leaving." She glanced around to see that they were surrounded - the panthers were barring any avenues of escape. Running back to her brother's side, she whispered, "We'll be alright. If they won't let us go, we'll find a way to escape. Ralph will come." She wracked her small brain for a solution, nothing coming to mind except how small they were compared to the three felines.

[/justify][/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/size][/size]

[Zen]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/jadedog08/adriantable4-2.png] Adrian blinked at his sister and whimpered. How was she being so calm? How was he supposed to not panic? He knew she was right, though - they had to get out of there fast, but they had to do it without drawing any more attention to themselves. The scent of feline was growing stronger with every passing second. He could sense someone creeping closer to them. “Quick, let’s sneak out of here,” Adrian whispered urgently, but before he could move another muscle, a chilling voice had him frozen in place. Barely breathing, he turned around to face the Iris cat and his heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. A lion. Of all things, it had to be a lion. He tried to listen to Valkyrie’s advice. Instead of panicking, he forced himself to remain calm and look at the situation objectively. She seemed quite young – two, maybe three years old. Strong, but not very large. He and Valk were no soldiers, but if they combined their strength, maybe they could overpower her long enough to get away without any permanent injury. And yet, he had the suspicion that more felines were waiting just out of sight, ready to attack if the lion sounded an alarm. As if someone had been reading his thoughts, two panthers stepped out of the fog and blocked their only possible escape routes. Trapped. Ralph! Yes, Ralph would come and save them. But really, what chance did the old dog even have against three big cats? The image of their kindhearted guardian being eaten alive by these sadistic felines almost made him faint. There was no way he could let that happen. Adrian then did the only thing he could think of. Mustering up what little courage he still had, he padded towards the lion and pinned his ears back against the crown of his head in a display of submission. “She’s right, we don’t mean any harm, we were just playing and came here by accident. We’re not from Tempest, not really. We don’t like this war and we’re nothing like those bloodthirsty dogs who want to kill your kind, I swear! So please, just leave me and my sister alone. I promise we’ll never come near your home again. Please...” Tears were pricking at the corners of his eyes. As he tried desperately to plead with her, Adrian slowly lifted his chin to look up into the cat’s dark gaze, hoping he might see a spark of compassion there.

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Hunter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,499,true]

[atrb=background,http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5583692288_159ae396a5_z.jpg] Kira walks. "Kira talks."

[/b]

The female youngster seemed to be a quite tough one. Or at least she thought she was. Smiling at the female’s words, Kira couldn’t wait to crush her confidence. She would soon know that a dog like her didn’t stand a chance against the felines of the Iris Pride. It was then that the male stepped forth. Tilting her head at the male’s words, Kira’s lips parted in a friendly smile, her features suddenly looking like someone who understood and felt compassion with the two young wolves who’d lost track of time and space in their little games. ”Oh, I see. Well, if you aren’t really from the Tempest Pack, I suppose we aren’t enemies,” she said reasonably. The two panthers looked at her, awaiting. ”Okay, I’ll let you go,” she concluded after a little pause, giving a shrug. “Just make sure no one else sees you on your way out of our territory,” she ended with a smile and blinked with an eye to the male wolf.

She turned as if to leave, but then stopped. ”Wait a second,” she said with a smirk and looked at the wolves again, shortly giving glances to the two panthers who still blocked their way. ”I think… I might just have recognized something.” She went forward with slow paces, looking suspiciously at the female wolf. ”I think I might just have recognized a scent on you,” she said as if she still was in doubt, but of course she had almost immediately recognized Rikki’s scent on the young ones. Her gaze then became hard, eyes narrowing as she looked the female straight in the eye. ”You’re Gravity and Rikki’s breed, aren’t you?” The thought actually sickened her. She’d hoped that her little idea of making Bane rape Rikki had scared the crap out of the white wolf. But oh no, a little flirt with her beloved Gravity was enough to make her pop out some scum.

Her lips then cracked into a mad grin. ”You… little yearling, have no IDEA of what I am capable of doing to you,” she said, almost chopping the words out of her mouth. ”The name’s Kira by the way, and you better get used to my company – ‘cause I’m gonna do to you exactly as I did to your mother.” Her last sentence was almost spit out in a rough, snarling voice, almost spitting the female right in the face. She was standing close enough for the girl to feel her warm breath – pretty much the only warmth Kira even possessed. If not for her body, the lioness would be cold as ice. ”You there!” she shouted angrily as she shot her blazing gaze at one of the panthers. ”You go make the preparations, ‘cause we’re gonna throw a party!” she cried out with a laugh, making the panther dart down the street, soon disappearing in the fog. ”Then we’ll take care of the rest,” she half purred, half snarled as she looked at the two wolves, the second panther sneaking up to stand at her side.

((OOC: Sorry for the wait, I had completely forgotten about this thread xD Uhm yearh, so Kira is just throwing a bit threats around, making one of the big felines leave so poor Ralph “only” have to fight two big felines ;D))

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[{Mactíre}]

Valkyrie watched with a mixture of fear and pride as her brother stepped forward to face the young lioness as she had done, pleading with her to let them go. Padding forward to join him, she pressed her side to to give him what little comfort she could offer. Glancing back up at the lioness, she waited. If she was a reasonable creature at all, surely she would let them go? To her relief, a kindly smile appeared on the large feline's face as she spoke. Yes! They could go home now, and she would never be so foolish as to venture here again. . . but something wasn't quite right. The way the panthers were looking at their pridemate, waiting for something. Surely there was nothing to wait for, nothing that needed doing, if she was letting them go? The little she-wolf took a step back towards the scent border and the panther who blocked their wa, motioning with her tail for Adrian to follow as the Iris warrior made as if to go.

But no; it wasn't as simple as that. The female's words stopped her in her tracks. Turning slowly, her heart sinking, she wondered what scent she meant. The Tempest Pack? They only smelled faintly of the pack, if at all. The Artic - timber wolf cross watched apprehensively as the lioness's gaze hardened, her heart pounding as the large feline's eyes bored into hers. It was all she could do not to stutter; she surel stinked of fear now, but she had to try and have courage, for her brother's sake, at least. "Yes?" She was somewhat perplexed until she remembered the sotries their mother had told them: of being trapped for several years as a prisoner to the Iris Pride, and revealing her love for the then Tempest leader, Gravity, during her first meeting with Florence, Iris's leader.

Valkyrie pressed closer to her brother again at Kira's frightening words. She remembered the name from Rikki's stories - she had helped torture her, as well as Brooke and her mate, Bane, even when she was just a cub. The lioness's hot breath hit her face, her loud, violent speech causing her to tremble slightly, her ears flat to her skull. She glanced at the big, black felines as Kira shouted at them, wondering exactly what the cats intended to do with them.

[Zen]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/jadedog08/adriantable4-2.png] The enormous wave of relief Adrian felt as the lion decided to let them go free was like nothing he’d ever experienced. He was so grateful for this that he almost wanted to thank the big cats for being so kind and reasonable. But then, like Valkyrie, he began to feel like something was amiss here...the lion was giving his sister a bizarre stare, and when the familiarity flashed in her eyes, Adrian shuttered. She’d recognized them for who they were. All he could do for the next few minutes was stand there hopelessly as the lion insulted his family, but when she was finished, something new came into his voice. “You’re nothing but a bunch of sick, depraved cowards. It’s no wonder the Iris Pride is so weak when it’s being run by such brainless and bloodthirsty monsters like you! Yes, we’re Gravity and Rikki’s children, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. My mother and father had more strength and courage than you could ever hope for, you lowlife scum.” He had no idea why or how these words were able to fall so easily from his tongue. It was almost like his father’s spirit was there guiding him as he spoke, filling him with confidence and driving away his terror. “I want you to know that our mother wasn’t ruined by what you did to her. She came out stronger and, in spite of everything, she still has the ability to love and forgive. You set out to break her and you failed, Kira. And you won’t break us, either.” Adrian stood up straight and gave the lion the fiercest snarl he could muster. He shuffled closer to Valkyrie protectively, and that’s when he heard the sound of running claws hitting concrete. Ralph had finally caught up to them. Adrian’s relief turned to horror as he noticed the way that the one panther was eyeing their old guardian, like Ralph was a juicy piece of fresh meat that he couldn’t wait to tear into. “No, Ralph – run!” he cried, but it was already too late. As the dog’s head lifted to meet Adrian’s gaze, the panther lunged and caught him by the side of the neck, pushing him to the ground and burying him under the cat’s heavy bulk. Adrian screamed in horror, shaking his head and shutting his eyes, feeling dizzy like he was either going to pass out or be sick. He couldn’t block out the sounds of claws ripping into flesh and Ralph’s agonized wailing. They’d haunt him for the rest of his life. Still, he could see Ralph struggling bravely against the cat, flailing his large paws and getting in a few good blows to the panther’s legs and shoulders. The black cat let out a sharp yowl that meant it was clearly in a great deal of pain. But with every second that passed, the Newfoundland’s movements grew slower, the scent of blood in the air more thick and heavy. Ralph would be a goner. Adrian turned away from the scene, tears freely falling from his eyes now. This didn’t feel real. Five minutes ago he’d been racing through the streets, free as a bird and happier than he’d thought possible. How had it dissolved into this? Nothing was making sense; it all felt like a nightmare he was struggling to wake up from. The confidence he’d felt moments ago was crumbling back into dust. Their mother had been kept alive long enough for to be rescued and escape, but now he wasn’t so sure he and Valkyrie would be as lucky. OOC: lol I might have just killed Ralph...but if you guys still need him alive feel free to say that the panther hasn’t completely torn him up yet ;3 I’m thinking Adrian will escape sometime in the next couple of posts since it’s just the cubs and Kira now

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Hunter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,499,true]

[atrb=background,http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5583692288_159ae396a5_z.jpg] Kira walks. "Kira talks."

[/b]

The young wolves clearly believed her little act. It was almost heart-breaking how their small faces flashed with worry as she suspected them of being Rikki and Gravity’s breed. And this time, the siblings’ roles seemed to switch. The female who before had been so sure about herself looked paralyzed by her threats while the male finally got some balls and tried to stand up to the felines who threatened him and his sister. Kira didn’t remember Gravity all too well since the only time she’d seen him was in the battle in Straight Bit about a year ago, but the determined look in the eyes was the same, and authority flashed in his voice like was he the one in charge. Yes, knowing it or not, this grey wolf was certainly the son of Tempest’s old leader – the blood of an alpha ran in his veins.

Too bad he was nothing more than a whelp.

A glint of amusement caught her brown eyes at the male’s words. Maybe she hadn’t been able to crush Rikki completely, but what did that matter now? Kira had her cubs just where she wanted them, all ready to the slaughterhouse. ”All right then, fine speech boy. But let us see how your loving and forgiving mother will react when she learns that her son and daughter are locked inside a torture chamber,” she said casually with a shrug. Then a sound caught her ears. Hearing nails clicking on the concrete, Kira turned around to see an old Newfoundland running toward them. So, the babysitter’s coming to the rescue? Kira wondered. How pathetic. The pup behind her cried out to keep the old dog away, but it was already too late. The panther which still was with Kira leapt at the dark dog and pinned him to the ground, their dark bodies mingling in their fight. The dog was big and strong, but he was old, so already there the Iris feline clearly had an upper hand.

Kira chuckled, looking at the wolves again now when the dog wasn’t any threat to her. ”Bloodthirsty, yes indeed my sweet boy. But if you want to see something brainless, look at your precious Ralph here,” she chuckled darkly, jerking her head in the direction of the fighting bodies. ”His foolish recklessness will do you no good,” she concluded. ”Crush his skull,” she suddenly commanded coldheartedly and the panther opened his jaws widely as he made ready to please his superior, pinning the old Newfoundland to the ground. ”I think we have been talking for long enough,” Kira hissed before leaping at the male wolf, claws out to hurt him as gravely as possible. She would get him something to cry for.

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[{Mactíre}]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i42.tinypic.com/33ufp07.jpg] Adrian's voice brought the half-grown she-wolf back to her senses, pulling her from the brink of the abyss that was terror. Backing her brother up with a growl that formed into words, she added her own voice to his speech. She'd never spoken so rudely to someone before her life - nor, she was certain, had her brother - but this Kira creature didn't seem to understand the meaning of the word, anyway. "Yes, you're the big, brave beast, are you not, with so many friends to back you up? You must fear our parents like nothing else if you can't handle two small wolves on your own! If you have a problem with us being their children, then fine. It's not our problem, we love our parents!" Her ears pricked once more, bushy tail swishing slowly as she assumed an almost aggressive stance beside her brother. They stood together, each wanting o protect, to defend each other against this old enemy of their mother's. A frantic clicking of claws drew Valkyrie's attention for a moment, and she glanced around to see the huge, dark figure of Ralph. He was here, finally - he could help them! Her burst of hope died in her stomach at Adrian's cry, spotting the panther as it pounced on their guardian. The large dog struggled beneath the feline's superior weight as blows were exchanged - he gave as good as he got, but within moments it was clear that he was fighting a losing battle. His cries of pain and her brother's screams send a shiver down her spine as she stood there, rooted to the spot, trembling. She was unable to do anything but watch until Kira's derisive tones broke her from her reverie. Stubling forward, her young brain confused and horrifed at the slaughter that was taking place, unlike anything she'd ever witnessed, the female darted forward just as the panther delivered the killing blow to the Newfoundland. "NOO!" The agonized cry tore itself from her throat, but died at the lioness's hiss, the instinct of a protective sister taking over. A split second after she took off at Adrian, Valkyrie leaped at the side of the the feline who was now her enemy - her first enemy, for she had caused Ralph's death. "I won't let you hurt my brother!" Her venemous snarl ended abruptly as her jaws snapped shut, hopefully on the lioness's right ear, her claws scrabbling for purchase on her chest and shoulder. Muscles twitched as they were forced to work hard, her heart thudding against her ribs as its beats echoed her fear and grim determination to defend that which was most dear to her.

[/justify][/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center][/size]

[Zen]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa446/jadedog08/adriantable4-2.png] Adrian instantly regretted his decision to stand up to the cat like that. He should have done the smart thing and kept his stupid mouth shut instead of trying to be the brave hero for his sister. And now Ralph was dead. Ralph, their loyal friend and guardian, was dead and it was all his fault. He’d heard the nauseating crack of the old dog’s skull splitting in half and sank to the ground, burying his face in his paws and crying silently. The lion said something, but he was so wracked with grief and the trauma of watching Ralph’s murder that her words didn’t register. Then, before he could react, she sprang at him. He looked up in time to see her huge forelegs wrap around his neck, suffocating and binding him tightly. As he was thrown on to his back, his head smashed brutally against the hard concrete and a pair of claws held him down firmly in place. Adrian’s whimpers of pain became a chorus of howls as the claws sliced deeper and deeper into his tender skin, cutting him to the bone and wetting his chest with gushes of warm, sticky blood. He gasped and panted as he struggled worthlessly against the lion’s weight. She was pinning him so forcefully that he could barely breathe, and his vision slowly began to go black from lack of oxygen. He didn’t see it happen, but he heard and felt his sister make a dive at the lion, and he selfishly prayed the attack would connect so that the cat would focus her cruel attention on someone else. The last thing he wanted was for his sister to get hurt, but this pain...he just needed this pain to end...

[/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]