Getting out [rescue thread open to Tempest + Iris]

[Hunter]

For how long had he been here? It was getting cold and a little window above his pen showed him that the days grew shorter and shorter. Winter was coming. Was he going to stay here, locked in the pen as a piece of meat for one more winter? No he wasn’t. He simply couldn’t. After so long, Ryu knew that his chances of surviving one more winter were close to nonexistent. He knew he wouldn’t survive one more winter, because you couldn’t even call him a piece of meat…

Almost a year as scum in the Iris Pride had made Ryu become nothing but skin and bones. The days were somehow flowing together and somehow going all too slow in his mind. What was even keeping his skinny body alive? Hope? For what? He’d hoped the Tempest pack would come after them when they found out Estelle and he had gone missing, or at least come after Estelle, but he’d seen no trace of them for such a long time. And it had been a while since he’d seen Estelle as well. It was probably the hope of seeing her again which kept him alive, kept him sane. She knew he was a coward, he’d showed it to her face the first few months they’d been here, screaming and pleading the felines to stop hurting him, stop hurting her… but he wouldn’t lose his mind as well as he had lost his pride. Besides, pride was easier to build up than sanity. At least that was something Ryu told himself, but when had he ever felt confidence in himself, been proud of something he’d done? Those times where all too few in his life, but with an unbroken mind and unbroken body, Ryu knew he was doing way better than other canines who’d been in these pens. And that at least was something to be proud of. He’d seen them being tortured, seen them become crazy. Even after so long as a prisoner, the black and white male wouldn’t do that to himself.
It was make it or break it.

Either he would be rescued or he would die as a forever nagging pest to the felines. They wouldn’t get him. During his time here his cries had become more uncommon as well as his pleads while his spiteful comments were coming oftener. He’d heard other canines speak up to the felines and had started to do the same though he was far less heroic than them. He was often stuttering heavily when facing big felines, but it was better than nothing in his mind. It somehow felt good doing it, stuttering or not. Slowly getting on his four, Ryu leaned against one of the bars of the pen he stood in and looked around. Not many canines were left in his section, and unfortunately he still couldn’t see Estelle. It felt like a million years since he last had seen her and he hoped the best for her. About to lie down again, Ryu stopped and perked up his ears as he heard a sound coming from outside. Was it just him? No. The guards few guards which walked among the pens looked around them as well. Something was coming.

[/justify]

[Mika]

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[atrb=background,http://i45.tinypic.com/2vt8e1d.png] walk "talk" 'think' Even though he was just a juvenile, a young 'wolf' still in training to be a soldier, Gusto insisted on coming to Iris territory. If he wanted to be a strong fighter among his pack, he thought he would need some experience. His other two reasons for wanting to come here are: he couldn't ignore the thought of a pack mate in trouble and, he thought that he would finally be able to get to the cats that had slaughtered his sister. He stayed as silent as he possibly could as he followed his companions that had also come. Gus stayed as close to the group as possible; when the group moved he moved, when they stopped he stopped. He was willingly obeying every order given to him until the group reached their destination. Even though there were some respectable canines here, he couldn't afford to play dumb. They were in enemy territory; one wrong move, one little slip up and most, if not all, of the canines in this group could be killed or imprisoned. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he had caused something to happen to his pack. Or worse, Brooke. She was the only dog he truly respected and admired. He looked around from where he was and held back a growl. Any land that was crawling with felines, Iris felines, disgusted him. The day that Tempest would win against Iris would be the happiest day of his life. Gus continued to look around cautiously as he waited for what he should do.

[♥Picasso]

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[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] This is suicide. Denim had been repeating this to himself for the better half of an hour as he paced the corridors of the Slaughterhouse. He was trying to decide against it, but as he heard the howls and whines from the poor canines trapped in the cages, Denim knew he had to do something. They didn't deserve the torture endured to them day after day. When Denim was a cub, he had been too small and weak to save them, but he was an adult now. He had the chance to make a small difference. If Alex found out... Denim shook the thought away. He couldn't bear to think of what would happen if Alex found out he was freeing dogs from within the Pride. Since Alex took over, Denim was treading carefully. He knew Alex was going to kick him out sooner or later. Perhaps this would be the deciding day. Maybe Denim should just leave now. Find Iri, escape to the country where the war isn't raging so much. They could be happy with each other's company. Denim stopped in front of a pen. He puffed out his chest and looked at the guards straight in the eye. "Leave me. I am to speak to the prisoner alone." He said authoritatively. The guards glanced hesitantly at each other to begin with, and Denim let out a small snarl. That got them moving. The felines suddenly bounced into action and scuttled down the corridor. Smirking, Denim realised being Florence's son did have a few benefits. He may be useless at fighting and cowardly towards dogs, but he could frighten the crap out of other felines. Satisfied that the cats had left, Denim quickly slipped into the pen. What lay before him didn't shock Denim, but a pang of anger and sadness flooded through him. It was a dog, of course, but Denim didn't know what breed. He was emaciated beyond belief, with bones grossly protruding against his paper-thin skin. Shuddering in horror, Denim quickly stepped in and glanced over his shoulder. No guards yet. They wouldn't leave him for long. Peering back at the poor dog, Denim breathed in his scent. He must have been here a while. His scent was nearly completely of the Iris Pride, however there was a familiar trace of something Denim frequently smelt on Natiri. Tempest. As much as Denim was sure this dog would head back to the Tempest Pack, and perhaps engage in future battles with the Iris, Denim wasn't going to be prejudice against him. Although they were supposed to be enemies, Denim wasn't going to show this dog that all felines were heartless. Perhaps rescuing the emaciated dog would open his eyes to other felines. However, the torture would most likely be more fresh in his mind. He has probably already sworn his hatred towards felines. Nevertheless, Denim approached the dog. "I am getting you out of here," Denim said in a hushed whisper, "You don't have much time, but I will cover you." There wasn't really much time for explanation. Denim just hoped that this dog wasn't too far gone and would be able to walk the long trek out of the pridelands. Denim chewed on his bottom lip anxiously. He hadn't thought this through properly. These dogs were barely fed or watered. Their muscles had eroded away leaving nothing but skin and bone. How on earth were they going to reach the border without the canine collapsing? Denim cursed under his breath before heading for the door. They had to try, even if it meant the death of both of them. It was better than living in this pen for the rest of his life. "Come on," He hissed, "You have to trust me." Denim gazed at the poor dog with sympathetic eyes, before peering his head back around the corridor. Still nothing. Denim let out a breath. His heart pounded erratically in his ribs as the adrenalin pumped through his veins. If the guards found the pen empty, they would know exactly who freed this dog. But right now? Denim didn't care. Alex could exile him for all he cared. He wasn't coming back to this place. Ever.

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[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/4vfkug.jpg] [scrolly:h(360),w(186),sy] Nikita snarled inaudibly, her dark brown eyes glaring ahead with violent conviction. Today was the day she would finally free her daughter, and Ryu of course. Though the black akita bitch couldn't deny the unflinching, overwhelming rage that she felt towards the youngster taking Estelle out and not bringing her back home, he was a part of Tempest and no member was left behind in the claws of the enemy. No matter what he had done, and how much he had failed Estelle in Nik's eyes, she would was not totally heartless. Her beautiful firstborn had missed so much of her life, a whole year had passed since she had been captured during which her siblings had been born. Rech, Bear and Antigone had only known their older sister for the shortest period of time before she had been ripped away from them. In fact, Nikita had been surprised they still faintly remembered her they had been so young. She sighed as she waited in the shadows, beside several other pack members. Nikita was waiting for Hueso to turn up any moment now, or at least she hoped so. The strong tomboyish canine could barely contain her anticipation at seeing Estelle, at being reunited with her. Nik had found that with losing one daughter, she had in fact lost both of her girls. Zara had disappeared three weeks ago after speaking briefly with Nikita, admitting she couldn't bear living in Tempest when it daily reminded her of the memories, the loss, the grief of losing her only twin sister. The grey and white female hadn't listened to her mother, instead she had turned tail and run: something Nik had never thought she would see her daughter do. It seemed the bond between sisters was stronger than one might originally believe. It had broken Hueso's and Nik's hearts. The small patrol prowled outside the slaughterhouse, still out of sight. The scents from inside were overwhelming, felines of all shapes and sizes and even the vague aroma of canine too.. Hueso had better hurry up because Nikita refused to wait a minute longer. Nothing would stop a mother from saving her child. [/scrolly]

[Hunter]

He felt his heart racing in his chest when it proved to be a lion coming for him. He dismissed the guards with a snarl which made the guards run away with their tails between their legs. How unlucky did he need to be? The encounter with Nebula and Siri was still fresh in his mind, so what he needed the least was another big cat. The young lion seemed to be about the same age as the white lioness, maybe they were siblings? But what did it even matter? All that mattered was that he now was in big trouble. Again.

But the words whispered to him were far from what he’d expected from the feline who pretty much towered over his skinny body. Just standing up was hard, but the words made him forget all about it. What was the lion telling him? Here to get him out? The words had paralyzed him as had he been slapped. After such a long time hoping for some dogs from the Tempest pack coming to get him out, Ryu couldn’t believe that a feline, a lion wanted to help him out. He woke up from his paralyzed state as the male lion urged him to get moving, but it was also then that a thought jumped up inside his mind. Don’t be so foolish, stupid. It’s a trick!

Of course it was. What the lion offered him was too good to be true, so of course it had to be a trick. But where would the filthy feline bring him? Would he kill him off as soon as he was brought out in the light? As soon as his hopes were highest? He bared his teeth at the feline and a low growl emerged from his throat. ”Don’t look at me like that you filthy…” he panted out as his body started to shake from the effort, and Ryu had to give in and fell back on his haunches, not able to stand up any longer. ”So… wh-what’s your plan, smartass? Killing me off as soon as you get me out, huh?” he asked after collecting all his nerve. ”Besides… I-I-I do-don’t need your help… M-My pack will come after me,” he growled. But even though he’d brought his boldness to the highest level he dared, he still felt the prickling fear in his whole body. He feared that the lion would raise his paw and give his head a blow so he would fall to the ground. The male lion might not be fully adult, but not much strength was needed anymore to make the black and white Tempest dog fall down on the cold floor.

[♥Picasso]

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[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] Denim wasn't surprised at the poor dog's reaction to Denim. After spending months, even years, locked up in this place, you begin to trust no one. As much as a prisoner would hope that Denim was telling the truth, it could give them false hope, make them think they were free, before some cruel feline turned around and led them back to their cell. No canine wanted to be tricked by a lion into thinking they were free to roam the world again. Denim tried to show the dog that his intentions were good. He didn't want to see another dog rotting away in this place. He could at least save one. Denim looked desperately around the corner again. Still no guards. Letting out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding, Denim turned swiftly back to the dog. The dog was denying his help. Denim wasn't going to give up that easily! "How long have you been here?" Denim asked, "Several months, at least. Do you really think they're going to come? Guards patrol this building constantly. If your pack come in here, they'll be found and either killed or locked away just like you." He gazed sadly at the dog, but didn't give him any pity. No one liked pity. He was still strong enough to argue, and for that, Denim was pleased. He still had a spark in him. That meant that if this dog put his mind to it, he could get out. "You don't have to trust me, but isn't this your best hope? Surely you'd at least want to try and get out, rather than clinging onto the hope that your pack will successfully get you out of here?" Denim was shaking with adrenalin as he once again looked around the door. They weren't going to be much longer! Denim could see the fear racing through the other dog, and Denim wished he didn't have to look so threatening. As much as the tawny lion was trying not to look big and scary, this dog was probably so used to other big cats hurting him that it was just an irrational fear by now. He longed to show this dog that not all lions, big cats, felines were so bad. Maybe he would never trust Denim. Denim hadn't even considered the fact that some prisoners would completely refuse to leave their cell with a cat. Denim didn't want to force him to do anything he didn't want to do, but surely this was his best bet of getting out? Lashing his tail anxiously, Denim stood in the doorway and set his gaze on the dog. "This is your last chance. Please, come with me. We don't have much time before the guards come back." He begged.

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[SMIFFAGRIFF]

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Actions

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Brooke was the last dog to appear behind the others. She had had to stop momentarily before taking the lead position among the platoon. This rescue mission had rocked the memory banks for her - years ago she stood in this exact position, with dogs just as willing to throw their lives away to save a packmate. It is as though history repeats itself, even in one short lifetime.

And Brooke would treat this mission just as seriously as the rescue of Gravity. She brushed passed Nikita, giving her a stern, but sympathetic glance. Losing her cool would not play well into their plan. She wouldn't have let the mother come to save her child if she knew she was going to get this agitated, "Everyone, this is not a mission where I condone the slaughter of these cats. Only kill if you need to."[/color] She looked over the whole platoon, making sure they understood this. "The less bloodshed the better for all of us. Tensions are very high, and we cannot afford to have Iris counterattack us with winter right around the corner. Is this understood?"[/color]

Her eyes lingered on the mother of the pup they were out to save the longest of anyone. She knew Nikita was thirsty for revenge, just as she had been for the murder of her own pups, but she had to keep herself under control. Hopefully the cats left to guard Ryu and Estelle would surrender and retreat before anything got really ugly.

She came to stand by Gusto, knowing that he would need the most help on this mission... well, perhaps he would be fine, but Brooke had admittedly grown fond of the young coyote. She waited for the winds to shift in their favor before motioning for them to move along with the plan, "Follow my lead."[/color] she whispered. She was pretty sure she was the only one who had been on the inside of these walls.

Sneaking passed the guards outside, she slipped into the open door and immediately trotted to the shadowy corner of the room. The stairs were their first challenge. Getting up there unnoticed would be difficult. "One at a time. I'll go first. Gusto second. Nikita third. Wait a full sixty seconds before following and try not to make a sound. I'll scout a place for us to hide next."[/color]

With that, she moved out, staying by the walls where she was less likely to be seen and quietly making her way up the stairs. Once she'd reached the second floor, she had to take a deep breath and pause for a moment. Being back here in these chambers was haunting. This was where he whole life had been turned upside down by Florence. Where she and her mate had suffered so much. But she had to be strong for this rescue. It was vital. She glanced around the area, senses all on hyper alert. The scent of feline was overwhelming and made her lip curl upwards in disgust. Carefully moving along the shadows, Brooke scouted out an empty, open cellar where they could collect themselves and plan their next move.[/blockquote][/div][/center][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Mika]

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[atrb=background,http://i45.tinypic.com/2vt8e1d.png] walk "talk" 'think' His full attention was on Brooke as she spoke. He was doing a fairly good job at hiding his excitement. He was infiltrating the enemy's territory with his pack; this would be his very first rescue mission, unless something went wrong and he got himself killed. He could also possibly have a chance to learn something more from Brooke, as well as the other canines that were here. He nodded in agreement with his leaders' words. As much as he enjoyed the thought of breaking a cats' neck in two, he didn't want to risk anyone getting hurt, and he wouldn't want to cause the Iris to attack them during winter. He expected them to do it anyway. He only warily looked ahead of him when Brooke stood by him. It did help to calm his excitement and slight nervousness. The winds shifted and he immediately followed her inside was was obviously the prides' prison. He stopped himself from lashing out at one of the guards, who happened to be a female black panther. The same one who had slaughtered his sister and her mate before they even got into the city. He followed his leader into a darker part of the room and crouched low, once again alert to any felines that might have seen them. "One at a time. I'll go first. Gusto second. Nikita third. Wait a full sixty seconds before following and try not to make a sound. I'll scout a place for us to hide next." He nodded once again and continued to survey his surroundings. He waited a full sixty seconds, just like she said, before cautiously moving toward the stairs. He carefully place a paw on each step, making sure his claws wouldn't make a sound. He looked left and right, and sometimes behind him, as he put one carefully placed paw after the other on the steps. He paused at the top, making sure there were no cat looking before joining Brooke in the empty, unmanned cellar.

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

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[atrb=background,http://i51.tinypic.com/4vfkug.jpg] [scrolly:h(360),w(186),sy] The large, powerful female whirled around at the sound of Brooke's voice. Finally. She dipped her muzzle a little, her tail bristling with anticipation. If only Zara had been here to help instead of running off like that, doing god knows what with god knows whom. Well now was not the time to think of her eldest daughter, now she was focused on Estelle. Her thickly furred ears twitched in irritation at the Mistress' order not to slaughter any felines, felines that had held her daughter hostage for over a year. However the ebonite female understood that the pack must come first, and an Iris attack during winter would be devastating. All the same, the thought that she couldn't break the necks of those who deserved it made her blood boil. A silent snarl masked her triangular face, filling it with hatred and burning determination. The moved forward like a collection of shadows, keeping close to the ground and making no noise whatsoever. Nikita's heart rate was rising but she forced herself to remain calm, poised, ready for anything. If she blew their cover now it would be all over. The black bitch nodded at Brooke as she spoke, settling to wait until Gusto had gone. She kept her muzzle raised, scenting the air for any new smells, any sign that they had been noticed. Brown eyes darted to and fro, scanning the dark halls for the enemy. The sixty seconds was up and it was Nik's turn to follow. The five year old glanced over her shoulder at the remaining band of canines, before silently padding up the stairs. Step by step, slowly, carefully. At the final stair, the Tempest female stopped and checked both ways before quickly nipping into the empty room. Her breathing steadied and she took a deep breath, they were so close now. So close. Suddenly she heard it, the heavy padding of a cat's paws. A big cat too. Her acute sense of smell told Nikita that it was a leopard of some kind, a guard no doubt on patrol. Anger pulsed through her veins, and despite the overwhelming desire to lunge forward and rip the eyeballs from it's skull, Nik knew that would be the end. The black Akita turned towards Brooke and Gusto, her eyes wild with worry, worry that they would never reach her daughter. Perhaps if they laid low, the leopard would just walk on past the cellar without noticing them.. [/scrolly]

[Hunter]

The lion’s words hit him hard. Maybe because he knew the male was saying the truth. The truth which Ryu had always tried to deny. Why would the Tempest Pack even come for him? He hadn’t been anything special to the pack, hadn’t helped them in any way. The only thing he’d done was to get the General’s daughter locked up in a cell. And now Ryu didn’t even know where she were. Estelle… How pathetic he was. His greatest fear was to not be able to protect those he held dear which was why he wanted to be a Soldier. He hadn’t been able to protect his mother and neither had he been able to protect Estelle when Fletcher and Icefang had found them on Strangler’s Mountains. And because of Estelle’s hip dysplasia they hadn’t been able to escape them. He should’ve been stronger, braver… Then they hadn’t needed to be in this situation. He should’ve distracted them so Estelle could’ve gotten away and thereby made sure that only he would’ve been caught. But he hadn’t done it. He was a coward, and no one would come for him.

”I don’t know…” he said, his voice suddenly hoarse with despair. ”My friend and I were caught just after the battle in Straight Bit… I…I’ve lost count of the days.” He could feel tears welling up in his eyes at the thought about Estelle. ”I don’t know where she is,” he whispered, holding back his tears. Noticing that the lion was looking for the guards again, Ryu couldn’t help but think about his accusation again. Maybe this somewhat paranoid lion actually was here to help him? But why would a feline help him when his pack wouldn’t? What should he do? Some of the things which the lion said appealed to him. Yes, he could surely try to get out – it was better than just staying here, right? He stood back up on his four, panting slowly to regain control of his emotions. But ghosts haunted his mind. Felines that attacked his mother, who told him to run, be save. They appeared in his inner eye as bloodthirsty shadows and his body shivered by the thought of them. The memories. And now a lion was trying to convince him that he actually was there to help him. It just didn’t make any sense! Felines were evil, they only brought anger and grief with them, causing you to lose our loved ones.

He shook his head to clear it and stood as straight as he could, determination burning in his eyes. ”I’m Ryu. I was the General’s apprentice. And who are you? Florence’s son? W-why should I trust you? What good should the breed of something as evil as Florence do?” he asked with a growl, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. He felt all hot with the adrenaline of speaking like that to such a big creature. ”You stay away from me!” he barked. ”I will not fall for one of your dirty tricks. If you really are a good person who want to get me out of here, you at least move from the door so I can get out and keep the guards away,” he said without thinking about his words before they came out between his lips.

((OOC: Didn’t know how to end it, but there you go ^^ I don’t think I’ve said it, but there’s no posting order! And if some new ones should want to join in on the thread, feel free to do so ^^))

[♥Picasso]

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[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] Denim's face contorted in frustration, but let out no noise as the dog continued to refuse him. He honestly couldn't believe he wasn't taking this chance. As much as it could end in death, surely it would be better than rotting away here? Perhaps he was scared of death. Perhaps it was easier for him to lay here in this wretched cage for the rest of his days, instead of endure a painful death from a lion. Denim looked at the poor dog sadly. How dare his mother, father and now brother turn dogs into this. He couldn't bear to think of Natiri locked up in one of these cells. It was barbaric. It took all rights away from them. They were given nothing but measly scraps of food and perhaps a lick of water. What kind of life was that to live? No one really knows how many dogs die in the Slaughterhouse every year, but Denim has seen cats several times dragging an emaciated corpse into the alleyways for it to rot away in the darkness. The mention of the battle at Straight Bit made Denim's eyes soften. He remembered that day well, even as a cub. The haunting day when he had witnessed his three siblings snatched up by the Tempest Pack and taken away. He thought he'd never see them again. Letting out a small sigh, Denim nodded. It had been over a year ago now. This poor dog had been here for over a year. "I was just a cub then," Denim said wistfully, forgetting himself for a moment, "The Tempest Pack took my siblings. Hurt them. One died. And now one is insane with hatred." He closed his eyes as he thought back to his brother. The madness in his eyes closely resembled Florence's. It was uncanny and frightening at the same time. He wondered what Alex would have turned into if he had not been taken by the Tempest Pack. Would he have been so mad with anger and hate? Would he still take after his mother's pawsteps? Ryu was his name, and he was a Tempest dog. Not surprising from the reaction he had been getting all this time. At the mention of his mother, Denim flinched. The pain of his mother would always be raw and hurtful. He hated with passion that his mother was once the leader here. He wished that his mother had been kind, compassionate, caring, and instead he was a heartless, evil, hateful lioness who enjoyed cutting dogs up in her spare time. Denim let out a small sigh. "Yes. I am Florence's son. But I am nothing like her. I am Denim, and I want the Iris Pride, the war destroyed." His eyes held so much hope and aspiration that Denim just wished that Ryu would believe him. How difficult would it be to believe a lion who was the spawn of an evil lioness? "I don't know if you would have known her, but I met a puppy named Natiri who was from the Tempest Pack. She became my best friend and we discovered we are not all that different after all. She was daughter of... Clegane and Nemesis. I think." Denim had spoken to Natiri about her parents only briefly. He hoped he remembered their names correctly. "Not that it matters. But she is my best friend and I would do anything for her. She is a dog, but I... well, I suppose I love her." He let out a small, longing smile as he thought of her best friend, before suddenly hearing a few voices nearby. The guards! Cursing under his breath, he heard Ryu tell him to move from the door. Denim did so. He left the room and headed down the corridor, towards where the voices were coming from. "I will keep them away," Denim hissed lowly, hoping Ryu was behind him, "The exit is to the right, down the stairs. I will cover you as much as possible." He looked around quickly at Ryu, before hearing that the guards had turned the corner and were suddenly face to face with a lion. They looked shocked at first, wondering whether they should address the lion with courtesy, being Florence's son and all, before confused. "What is your business down here?" One asked accusingly, and Denim shuffled a little. He didn't want to attack, but he knew they would eventually see Ryu escaping, or see his cell empty. Denim knew he would attack, no matter how high his morals were for violence. He had to let someone escape.

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[Hunter]

Denim. The name etched into his mind like ink on paper. But he didn’t understand what the lion told him about the war. How could the son of something so evil wan the war to end? Shouldn’t he want to avenge his brother who’d died in the Tempest Pack’s cells? Denim’s eyes looked so hopeful that Ryu for a second actually believed him. But the lion’s mention of a dog being his best friend… It was too much. How could it be true in this harassed world? But the names… the names of his friend’s parents, he remembered them. He knew who Nemesis and Clegane were though he’d never spoken to any of them. Ryu shook his head. It can’t be. He must’ve gotten those names from somewhere else. He can’t be friends with their daughter, it just can’t be.

Denim moved and Ryu headed for the door, slow on his feet which hadn’t been used much for a whole year. As Denim went to distract the guards, Ryu thought about what the lion had said. He couldn’t believe that Denim had said he possibly was in love with a dog. How could that be possible? And maybe the most shocking was that it had been plain on the lion’s face that he wasn’t joking. He’d meant what he’d said. Coming out on the other side of the pen, Ryu felt a rush of adrenaline going through his body. He might only have come out of his cell, but he already felt much better. Hope ignited inside him and a shiver of excitement ran through his body. I can do this. I can get out, I can be free.
Hearing guards emerging, Ryu hurried as fast as he could in the direction which Denim had told him. What else could he do than follow the lion’s instructions? Moving toward the stairs, Ryu stopped abruptly, confusion crossing the determined look in his eyes. These scents, so familiar… he knew them. ”Brooke.” The confident whisper crossed his lips in a breath. How could he ever forget the scent of his own Mistress? Inhaling again, he recognized the scent of Nikita, Estelle’s mother. Had she been here too? The scents of them and an unknown canine were so fresh that you should think you were standing right beside them. But how could that be? Surely they hadn’t been caught, that was just impossible.

Too late, Ryu realized that someone was talking to Denim. Danm it, he was too late. Frozen, Ryu didn’t dare to move an inch. The lion guard would have no problem catching up with him if he tried to escape. After all, a year in a cell had made the three year old Canaan Dog unable to run.

((OOC: Go Tempest guys (and Pic!), we're almost there! ^^))
[/justfy]

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

Suddenly she heard Ryu's voice from where she stood in the room, her ears pricked and muscles tensing. Wherever the young male was, it was likely Estelle would be too and there suddenly blood began roaring in her ears as her heart pumped excessively. She was ready, there was no greater honor that to risk your life for your family, your child. All her life she had been waiting for a moment to prove herself, show her mother in particular that it had not been her that had murdered her brothers. That she was not as harsh and cold-hearted as she put across, that she did truly love. Nikita thought fast, hearing more voices from outside the pen Ryu and hopefully Estelle were in. She peered around the door and spied a young male lion looking nervous whilst he conversed with two guards standing down the very far end of the corridor. Nikita knew that if they didn't make some kind of ambush or distraction now, they would found and the game would be over.

Except this was no game, not at all. The black American Akita glanced over her shoulder one last time, gazing at Brooke and the rest of the patrol before plunging out into into the pathway. Immediately she almost bumped into a black and white dog that she recognized as Ryu, her eyes widening at his poor condition and slow pace. Her jaws parted, a gasp filling the air as she shook her head. "Ryu! Wait where's Estelle?" Horror filled her eyes when she realized they were not together, he would not have left her, she must be further down which meant she was going to have to get past the three big cats further down the hall. There was a yell and a shout from one of the guards up ahead as they spotted the loose dogs, and she knew they had run out of time. "Follow this corridor down until you find Brooke, she'll get you out of Ryu. I'm going to find Estelle, I will not leave this building until she is beside me. Don't worry about me, go now, go!"

Nikita could see the guards, a big male lion and a leopardess, pushing past the other lion that had been talking to them. The alarm had been sounded and she could hear yowls echoing around the slaughterhouse. She leapt past Ryu, knowing she had to distract these guards so her pack would not be harmed. Her legs ate up the floor as she bounded full speed towards the guards, knowing she'd reach the faster of the two first; the female leopard. Muscles tensed, body braced the akita prepared as the big cat soared through the air towards her, a snarl ripping the air. The bitch barked loudly and also jumped airborn, as they collided she sank her long fangs deep into the cat's shoulder. It hissed in pain but clawed at her back and stomach with it's front and back claws. She contorted, loosening her grip and wriggling to get free. Being smaller and lighter, she managed to slip from underneath the leopardess and she turned on her once more. Throwing her full body weight at the feline's hips, this time as she bit into the flesh she shook her head, tearing open the skin before releasing and slashing back down once more. The leopardess screamed in pain and twisted to claw her attacker, gazing at her mutilated hind leg and watching the ugly red flesh seeping blood. She wouldn't be going anywhere in a hurry.

Nikita snarled, turning and bounding away further down the hallway. By this time she realized the two lions were locked in battle, and she quickly slipped past them unnoticed. Desperately, she glanced from left to right, none of the pens held her baby. Her beautiful daughter was nowhere to be seen. Panting and dripping blood, she paused to regain her breath when suddenly she spied four or five more guards spinning around the corner and thundering enraged towards her and their escapee. Swallowing thickly, the black akita knew she was desperately outnumbered and still she had not found Estelle! At least she had stopped that leopard from going any further but now she was well and truly stuck. Nikita would not turn around, she would not run, she must face her destiny and look for her child. Letting out a snarl she surged forward to meet the oncoming Iris attackers. Time slowed as she and a lynx locked together, both snapping and clawing at each other but then a cheetah began ripping at Nikita's vulnerable side, joined by a cougar. Three against one, she did not stand a chance.

Excruciating pain bombarded the akita as she was torn apart, the fight fading from her as she was pinned to the ground and her skin and flesh peeled from her skull. A numbness engulfed her as she began to loose consciousness, and there was darkness for a moment before a bright blinding light. Images of her mother, her siblings, the first views of Hexasol, the Tempest asylum, seeing Hueso at the first pack meeting, his big ears and his goofy side smirk, his white pelt gleaming as he darted out in front of her. More images, her first litter, little Zara and Estelle laughing and tugging at Hueso's ears, them growing up and then her second litter, watching Bear, Rech and Antigone sleeping beside her. It was all fading now, but at there was one last image that stayed with her til the end. His smile, one ear flopping and love sparkling in his mocha eyes. He had always been the one.

[[ exit nikita <3 also Pic, I hope it's alright that I said Denim was trying to stop the other lion guard? I'll edit it if not ^_^ ]]

[♥Picasso]

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[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] Denim could spy the doubt on Ryu's face, but could almost see the cogs turning in his mind. Recognition flashed in the dog's eyes, before Denim left him to intercept the two guards. He had to get someone out. The guards were immediately skeptical of the lion. He was younger and smaller than both of them and they knew Denim wasn't a very trustworthy member of the Iris Pride. Alex had made sure to tell the Pride of that, as well as the Iris members who had overheard him at the mass meeting several months ago. He tensed as he heard the slight shuffle of Ryu leaving the pen to try and make a break for freedom. It didn't take long before the leopard noticed the movement behind him. Without meaning to, Denim suddenly turned, and was extremely surprised to see several other dogs who clearly knew Ryu. Confused, he saw a crazed looking female examining the pens desperately, as though she was trying to find someone. Denim heard snarls from behind him, and felt the leopard push past him towards the female. Before Denim could stop him, the other lion suddenly launched at him, claws tearing into his flanks. Growling in pain, Denim fought back. He wasn't a fighter, but he would do his best to try and stop anyone else getting hurt. He heard the fight from behind him, and just hoped that they would all get out in one piece. However, the alarm had been raised. Guards were coming from all directions and Denim couldn't reach the female before she began to get torn apart. "No!" He cried out in futile. There was no use. It took a matter of seconds and soon she was a limp, bloody form in the centre of the corridor. Distracted, Denim was suddenly knocked down by the lion. Landing with a grunt, Denim scrabbled to his paws and slashed at the lion's face before launching at him again and again. The other guards were pursuing the rest of the Tempest dogs and Denim finally managed to escape the lion's wrath. He gazed sadly at the dead female, wondering why she had been so desperate to find someone. It was likely she was a mother. Heart clenching, Denim desperately wanted to take her body to the Tempest in respect. Looking behind, Denim saw that the other lion had disappeared. Narrowing his eyes, Denim wondered whether he was getting more backup. Glancing back down at the corpse, he wondered whether he'd make it. He could all but try. The akita was larger and heavier than Denim anticipated as he slung the dog over his back. The still-warm blood seeped into his tawny fur, but Denim ignored it. She had come here to rescue and it had ended in a massacre. She deserved this much. Denim followed where the other Tempest dogs were headed and saw them clearly in front. There were several large felines pursuing them, and Denim chewed down his lip. He could divert several of them. "Pick on someone your own size!" Denim roared out. All three felines; a cougar, lynx and cheetah, turned. They had been the ones to savage the poor female and were now going to do the same to the others. A snarl ripped from Denim's body as the cougar began turned away and started to move towards Denim. Then Denim ran through a door, heading towards an alternative exit. Now there were only two guards. Still dangerous, but at least he had one on his tail. The weight of the dog was dragging Denim down, and he knew he wouldn't be able to keep this up for much longer. The cougar was gaining on him and it wouldn't be long before he pounced. Grinding to a halt, Denim shrugged the female from his body and faced the cougar. They collided and Denim slashed and ripped until. Although he wasn't a fighter, he was the son of two of the most powerful lions in Hexasol. He could do serious damage if he needed to. The cougar howled in pain and began to retreat after it realised there was no hope in winning the fight. Once Denim was sure the cougar was gone to lick its wounds, he took the female back onto his shoulders and ran from the asylum into the fresh air. The cold wind bristled through Denim's tawny fur, but Denim didn't once stop. He instead ran towards the Tempest territory. Soon enough the scent of Iris faded and the scent of Tempest grew stronger. Exhausted and panting, Denim stopped at the border of the Tempest Pack. He was glad there wasn't a soul to witness this. They would immediately believe he had killed the female and would be attacked. Gently sliding the female from his back, he solemnly gazed down at her for a few moments. "I am sorry." He whispered hoarsely. Denim turned and began to leave, hoping that the others had successfully got out.

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[atrb=background,http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5521316578_8f894d9284_o.png] I'm rotting inside My flesh turns to dust Whisper, “are you dying?” in my ear

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The ginger-pelted female had lost track of the hours, the days, the weeks in the sullen and dingy cages long ago. At one point she had tried to count the days by scoring claw-marks on the ground, but soon even that became too painful to endure. Besides, she needed the precious energy the activity required just to stay breathing. Here they fed you little to nothing, and even then, the food was usually rotten or risky to consume. Estelle ended up throwing up most of what she ate, and sometimes the cause wasn't even spoilage. From time to time, she would hear the screams and yells from down the chamber, from a voice that belonged to Ryu. It was the one existent part of her world she could cling on to...and as horrible and blood-curdling his cries
were, it was at least proof of his existence.

Estelle wasn't sure if Ryu knew she was still here. She had lost her voice from her own yelps and whimpering at night from sleeping on the cold floors with her bad hips, never quite acquiring it back. Her ribs protruded from every inch of her chest, but it was truly her rump that proved to be the sorriest sight. From lack of exercise and movement (any use of her back end now elicited sharp pains from the sockets in her hips) her hips were grossly exposed, skin clinging limply to bone. Weeks before Estelle had finally given up on trying to escape by herself- her body was now so weak and unprepared it would be unlikely she even made it out of the territory without collapsing. The one hope she didn't give up on, however, was the chance of escape with aid. She knew her parents would be frantic by now, searching for her everywhere- it was just a matter of time before they tried searching Iris, right?

Estelle shivered against the damp bars. Perhaps they had given up, accepting the fact that Estelle was simply rebelling and leaving Tempest...slipping in and out of reality, life was slowly becoming a constant nightmare she couldn't escape. This time, though, the dream was different.

She could hear low, hushed voices, speaking with a peculiar urgency. And the mood suddenly shifted, as it usually does in dreams. Suddenly, there were shouts, curses...and screams--

Estelle's eyelids lifted slightly, chilled by the weird encounter, when she suddenly realized the sounds hadn't ceased- she had either finally gone off the deep end, or her dreams were reality. Scrambling against the floor, trying to lift herself, she poked her head around the bars, trying desperately to see the chaos unfolding at the other end of the chamber. She desperately tried to squeeze air past her vocal chords, but no sound came out. Oh please no. They don't even know where I am. Estelle shuddered, her back end slumping to the ground while her upper body remained stubbornly poised in a last-ditch effort to be seen.

That was when she saw the achingly familiar black form of her mother being dragged away by a lion. The limp, lithe form had a certain quality to it that assured Estelle of her worst fears.

Finally, a shriek made it to Estelle's frayed voice, followed by long, wailing howls. No words came to her lips, just heavy, desperate grief.

Kiss me one last time
Wipe off my sweat
Whisper, “are you dying?” in my ear

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[atrb=background,http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5585398841_9d6c038328_o.png] Maybe I'll see you tonight Wherever the night takes you Maybe you'll see me too

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Over the rough terrain, through the alleyways, soaring over every obstacle, the white shepherd thundered after his pack mates. He may have been late for the rescue mission but there was no way he was about to pass it up because of it. His daughter was in there...and now Nikita had gone after her without him. Hueso gulped. He knew she was in the good company of other Tempest soldiers, and she had been through many similar battles before, but he would always worry.

Although he was near-frantic to catch up, Hueso wasn't reckless. If he was caught now, he could throw off the whole scheme. And as a group of Iris felines nearly ran right into him, he was forced to hide in the bushes for nearly twenty minutes until they moved on. They're probably already busting Ryu and Estelle out at this point, Hueso realized, frustration burning at his pelt. Fortunately, that was the last jam that occurred. The rest of the journey was practically straightforward.

As he skidded around the corner to the entrance, tongue flailing wildly from his mouth, he noticed there were no guards stopping him...Hueso frowned. How did Brooke manage that? She must've distracted them... The white shepherd managed a faint smile at the cunning of his leader. And then the cries and snarls reached his ears from a distant hallway.

His paws almost couldn't move fast enough as he bolted toward the commotion. By the time he reached the end of the stairs, an eerie stillness had suffocated the room. In the last few moments, a part of Hueso drained right before him. Heart shuddering slowly, Hueso watched as his one and only mate succumbed to the wrath of several other felines. Nothing else existed in that moment. Not Brooke or her companions, Estelle, or even the felines. All he could see was Nikita's lifeless figure strewn across the crimson floors. From the depths of his disturbed daydream, he could hear moaning rising from one of the cells...just beyond Nikita's body. She was trying to save Estelle. She died for her. And because of me. I wasn't here on time...I let her down...

As the felines charged after the rest of the Tempest patrol, Hueso just clung to the shadows, unnoticed by the bunch. A large white lion had scooped up Nikita and was running away, pursued by even more guards. His first impulse was to charge after the lion and do all he could to defend the body of his deceased mate, but his head suddenly cleared as Nikita appeared before him in his mind, motioning towards the wailing at the back of the hallway. I have to finish what she started.

Numbly, Hueso had to force each limb in front of the other, until finally an emaciated and straggly version of his once healthy and vigorous daughter appeared from one of the cells. Recognition lit up in her eyes, but no more words could come from her mouth. She had just witnessed the same horror as Hueso. He shuddered, but said nothing as he squirmed under her body, stood, and carried her out of the filthy pen.

"Hold on as best as you can. We're getting out of here."

Maybe the time is not right
I won't be seeing you tonight

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ooc; I apologize if any of this follows the wrong order/is incorrect