High winds

Azu gave a little half-hearted smile and curled his tail over his paws. He looked on as all the wolves came back together and a quick headcount showed they were all there. He sighed and lowered his head as his tiny eyes followed the wolves around the cave.

Glacier shook her pelt in the cold air, and felt it's chill, and let it take her mind off all this commotion. She padded up to Sai and laid at his paws, to exhausted to do much more. " hat black monster is far from this den now, we shouldn't have to worry. She opened her eyes and tilted her head to look up at Sai, smiling briefly before closing them again. She took a deep breath, slowly breathing back out and peering out again as her clouds of breath were taken away in the wind. Through her eyes she could see her familiar dark cave, stretching back into the mountain far enough to make a good shelter for herself, her meals, and her anima. Near the very back was a messy pile of animal furs and some dried grasses that formed her bed. scattered around it lay bones from all sorts of animals. Her carcass from days before lay there also, preserved by the mountain's cold climate but an ugly sight none the less.

She closed her eyes now, satisfied that she was back with her pack, and in her favorite den too. ' Heck of a day, huh my dear little Azu?' 'You had me so worried! You crazy wolf, next time that suicidal pup wants to go jump off a cliff, let him, you put yourself in far too much danger by that.' He scolded her. She smiled from her spot on the cold cave floor. 'Azarius, don't say that. Nothing happened, I'm fine. The wolf is only a pup, his life has barely started, I couldn't let anything take it away from him so readily like that.' She countered. Azarius stayed pup beside Hackle and merely snorted in dissatisfaction, but he knew she was right for once, and he admitted he would have regretted letting the pup die as well.

Crescent closed her eyes when Kazuro's nose touched hers. Were his words true would he always be by her side, he couldn't possible be with her all the time. Yet his words were calming, relieving her of some of the stress and fear she felt from this situation. he sounded so confident and strong that his words had to be true, he would never leave her just as he said. The white fae opened her eyes when Kazuro broke the touch that seemed to keep them connected, to her surprise Glacier had returned with the pup. They were able to get away from that demon wolf. A smile formed her jaws as she looked around den, everyone was finally together again.

Sai watched as Glacier laid down in front of him, he just looked at her for a while not saying thing. He somehow knew she would be able to get away from that beast, after all these were her mountains before Kazuro claimed them. But that still didn't stop him from worrying about her, whether she knew it or not she has helped change his life. She was the first one he met after running from his pack to find a new life, his first friend and maybe his first love. He lowered his muzzle over her,the black male hesitantly licked the top of her head. He was not sure if it was the appropriate thing to do, "You had me worried Glacier." He then positioned himslef beside her so that he was able lay beside her.

Hackle stayed where she was, watching Azu scolding his wolf. she chuckled but not loud enough to be able to hear. It was kind of amusing to her how Azu would fret. Once he finished and sat next to her Hackle changed into a cat and swiped a paw over his ear, "don't be so hard on her Azu she was only looking after the pup, I told you Azu you need to learn to lighten up a little and go with the flow. See look everyone is back together and that strange wolf is no longer around, at least for the moment in the way."

For once, Ninja didn't struggle as he was carried back up the mountain. He was set down gently, and he didn't move. He looked up to he wolves who had been so kind to him, and he knew he'd never see them again. He curled up with Stealth for the last time, and closed his eyes, never to open them again.

He felt his spirit leave his body. He and Stealth romped around the wolves for the last time, feeling weightless, and passing over, under, around and through the other wolves. He let out a yip of glee, and bounded up towards the sky...

Kazuro nodded to the wolf named Alronto and silently watched as he scurried away to fetch water for the injured wolf who he had yet to meet. Since she was in bad shape right now, he decided not to push it and let her heal until he questioned her. His yellow eyes scanned the cave, watching his pack members reunite with one another. He rested his gaze on Sai and Glacier for a moment; they seemed to be forming a relationship that was more than just friendship. Absentmindedly, he slightly leaned into Crescent, feeling her soft white fur on his own. A voice disrupted his thoughts, and he looked down to see Ninja. Kazuro straightened up and slightly curled his lip, appaled at the pup's offer. "You will do no such thing," the gray brute commanded. But, just like before, Ninja went ahead with his plan and headed outside the cave. Kazuro was about to bolt after the pup, but Alronto beat him to it. He waited until the brown wolf brought the pup back. He said a quick thank-you to the new wolf, then turned to the pup who was lying on the ground. Kazuro opened his maw to speak, but his expression transformed to a horrofying look. "Ninja?" he asked, taking a slow step forward and nudging the pup. Nothing happened. The young wolf was no longer moving; his chest remained stationary. "Ninja..?" he asked again, horror in his voice. "This isn't funny, Ninja. Get up." He knew the pup was injured... but it couldn't be that bad, could it? Despite his pleas, still, nothing happened. "Ninja..." Kazuro whispered, his gaze flickering over the small, unmoving body. Kazuro swallowed and closed his eyes. He took a step back and turned around to face the enterance of the cave. He took smaller steps to lead him out to the ledge, where he sat and looked out on the setting sun. "Everything was going perfect," he whispered to himself. Kazuro's shoulders sagged and he hung his head. Taking in a deep breath, Kazuro lifted his muzzle to the twilight sky above, a howl of mourning escaping his jaws and breaking free. He sang his song to the mountains and the early night stars above them, sending the little soldier off with a fit farewell.

Zura, still in the form of a mouse sitting on Kazuro's forepaw, finally hopped off and scurried over to the new brown wolf who had been taking care of the injured one. "Alronto, right?" she asked. "I'm Zura. Though Kazuro already introduced me, I wanted to come meet you myself," she squeaked with a small smile. She peeded around the bulk of this wolf to see the injured one lying on the ground behind him. "Is she going to be okay?" she asked, returning her gaze to Alronto. "Her wounds look pretty ba-," she got cut off by a frantic voice behind her. Zura turned to look only to see the young Ninja lying motionless on the cave floor beside Kazuro, who was repeating the pups name and giving him orders to stand. One look at Kazuro's face told her everything; he was going to blam this all on him. This was tearing him up inside. She felt it. She heard his thoughts and knew his greiving thoughts. This is my fault, she heard him repeat over and over again in his head. If I'd done something different... I could have saved him. Zura, who's happy mood was utterly crushed now, ran to Ninja's side. She kneaded her small paws into the pups side, hoping to wake him up. But he was gone. There was nothing more to do. "Kazu," she whispered, turning to Kazuro. All she saw was empty space. Zura's small eyes darted around the cave, only to find the brute sitting alone at the enterance to the cave. Grief washed over her, seeing him like this. A howl rang through her ears. She raised her eyes to see him howling a song of misery and mourn to the skies above. Zura frowned and scurried to his side, transforming into a coyote on her way. With a quick glance at their surroundings, she lifted her head and added her own song of grief to Kazuro's. Ninja deserved at least a farewell.

(Woah. o.o 716 words! I broke my record! 8D)

Everything was finaily falling in to place everyone was back togather and they seemed to have escaped from that huge wolf. Everyone took the time to rest, each wolf here knew that they would have to deal with that monster again at some point but know they were all just happy to stay safely within this den. it was like that brute never existed but a few injuries reminded them that he was still out there. While Crescent was looking around the den at each wolf she felt Kazuro lean on her, she rubbed her muzzle against his neck as he did so. She wondered if this what it would be like if that black monster never showed up; she couldn't understand how a wolf could have such bloodlust that it would kill others of its own kind. But she shouldn't worry about that now, Right she just wanted this moment to last. Unfortunately it was short lived when Ninja to speak to Kazuro, she looked down at the pup and listened to what she had to say.

It was unbelievable that this pup would give away her life for them but she didn't think thinks through. Kazuro would never allow such a thing but the pup ventured out of the den anyway, fortunately the wolf Alronto brought him back before she could too far. she sighed as Alronto laid the pup down, Ninja may have caused some problems but she was brave, braver then what Crescent could ever be. She watched as Kazuro went over to the pup and ordered him to get up, but every time he asked she wouldn't move. Kazuro's changing tone explain everything, Ninja succumbed to her injuries. Her eyes began to tear up as kazuro called to the pup once more. By the time Kazuro walked to the entrance her tears were flowing from her eyes.Crescent stalked over to Ninja's lifeless body and curled herself around it as if it was her own pup. She buried her muzzled into the pup's fur, she sobbed even more as she had Kazuro's howl, "Why must good wolves die around me." she said, her voice being muffled by Ninja's fur.

Aragorn padded up the steep mountainside, wings at ready. Elessar was at his side, scouting for prey- or enemies with her dazzling green eyes. The two knew they were in someone else's territory, but they didn't know who's. Aragorn paused as a familiar scent hit his dark nose. Blood. He and Elessar gave each other a silent nod, and they darted behind a boulder. The two grimly rolled in a large mud puddle that was located on a shelf of rock. This would disguised they're scent, and hopefully, from sight and recognition.

Aragorn didn't like talking about his past, or his ancestors. He had chosen to remain in the wild as a Ranger, far north. Not that Elessar really needed it, for her tabby pelt matched almost perfectly. Aragorn was the one who did, for his wings, that were silver and white, unlike his dark pelt. No, they must not be spotted, no matter the cost.

When they finished, Elessar jumped on Aragorn's back, and he took off. He gracefully circled the skies, never wanting to return home to earth. But he must. They landed to the side of a cave. They listened and nearly jumped as a howl emerged from the cave, and they noticed sobbing. From the mourning, he guessed a wolf had fallen in battle. Beside him now, Elessar stiffened. It was pup blood mingled in with others that she smelled.

Aragorn made a hasty decision, he boldly padded into the cave, his wings hunched forward. He observed the grim situation. A pup had died of a belly wound. He stood and waited for them to notice him. He was casting a great shadow because of the cave's light that came only from the outside. He looked much bigger and fiercer then a wolf was. He knew the name he would use, Strider. Foes loathed it, friends loved it, and those unknown were cautious. Yes, he liked that name, but better not to have one.

Glacier's eyes opened, hearing the mournful sounds from around Ninja's body. She sighed, and closed her eyes again. Death wasn't something to break her down, though it took its mighty toll on her. But she was too weak to get up and go to the pup as well, so she stay rooted next to Sai. She would see to Alronto later. For now, her eyes wanted to close, and her mind wanted to dream. She shifted and placed her paws under her chin, keeping her head off the cold cave floor, and made sure she could still feel Sai's fur on her own. It comforted her now, just that slight touch. Her breathing slowed as she drifted off to sleep, but Azarius's grew faster, quite fast. The looming shadow fell over his paws, and he looked up to see another winged wolf, with a large build. He found himself pressin up against Hackle, too shocked for words at that moment. His fur only bristled, but another moment later he was able to get a single bark out of himself. Glacier jumped, and lifted her head and wings. " What is it..?" She seemed still half asleep, as she looked around, and finally saw what Azarius was looking at. She slowly got to her paws and held her wings aloft next to her. Her lips were pulled back in a snarl, but she was quiet. " Kazuro" was all that escaped her maw, as she held her gaze on this new wolf, not sure if he was friend or foe.

LF had attempted to get to Ninja when he was brought back, but Kazuro had been in the way. Then other wolves had been in the way. What they said and what LF heard diddnt corrospond with her mind. Now there was just one wolf left by Ninja. LF didnt beleive. She half padded half dragged herself over to Ninja. His warm smell was fading. Lf felt his coldness, or was that her? Slowly LF lowered her head into Ninja's fur. Perhaps? LF's eyes glazed over, they now almost looked the same as when she was blind. The glow was gone. LF's head jerked up,then she was still. Just starring at Ninja. "No," the word was unbeleiving. Everything around LF faded away. Nothing mattered anymore. Nothing but Ninja. Not her earliyer life. Not her anima's betryal. Not this new pack. Nothing. In slow stiff movements LF walked away. Away from the pain. Or atleast she tried. The pain just followed her. Muttering the same word over and over, 'Perhaps?'. Or maybe that was her. Or maybe the soft moaning sound she heard was her. LF didnt know. She didnt care. Why should she? The one truley happy thing in her life had died. And she hadent even been there to say goodbye. Hadent even been there to tell him that she loved him. LF lay down by Ninja. Or rather she colapsed. She wished she could join him. Perhaps? Then she drifted. It was too painfull to be awake and look at him.

(Meh, I'm tired of waiting for Sam to post; I think we've waited long enough.)

Kazuro's mournful song was cut abruptly as a strange wolf padded right into their cave as if he'd always been a member of his pack. Not at all feeling well enough to deal with this at the moment, Kazuro immediately rounded on the wolf. "Who are you, rogue?" he spat, his fur already bristling and his teeth bared. After this happened with Ninja, he and everyone else were mourning. They didn't need this. "I'd suggest you get off my territory now. Unless you want a fight." He almost yelled, feeling like his anger and sadness were going to boil up and over at any moment. Who did this wolf think he was? Walzing right in the middle of the cave. It's not like he didn't have any warning; Kazuro had just been howling his sorrowful feelings to the heavens, and that must have been enough to ring out over his whole territory.

Zura, with her eyes closed, didn't even spot the wolf until she heard Kazu's howl abruptly cut short. Without her knowing, tears were streaming down her face even though she hadn't known the pup all that well. Staying in her coyote form, she turned to stand behind the wolf. She curled her lip and bristled her fur, but left all of the talking to Kazuro. She knew how he felt right now, and it was not the best for him to confront a rogue right now.

"I am called Strider. Take heed of that name, for I am no rogue, but A ranger of the North." Strider stepped forward, and his face suddenly became softer as he smiled. "Peace. I have not come to do battle, although you will find I am able to fight." He glanced around and saw a few wolves in the cave. They all seemed to be mourning the pup.

Elessar padded inside the dim cave, drawing to Aragorn's shoulder. She did not speak, but instead eyed each wolf with emerald eyes looking at the pair, observing them. Her eyes widened as she saw a wolf she knew well.

(sorry for the shortness I was trying to do a new style, but I was really distracted...)

Glacier kept her paws rooted as the stranger explored her cave.
'Err the pack's cave.' She corrected herself. His voice and words, however seemed to calm her. He seemed friendly enough, and seemed to not want trouble. Glacier's stance smed more relaxed the more she thought about it, and soon, Azarius left Hackle's side to go cautiously follow Strider, sniffing at his hind paws.
As glacier noticed what seemed to be the wolf's anima, she stared intently back. Her gaze was deep, filled with curiosity, but at the same time, a glazed tiredness, no aggression anymore.
She wasn't well rested in the least, and though the arrival of this brought her back to consciousness, she wasn't quite ready to be meeting many new faces. Azarius hung back, and let the two go on, and rushed back to Hackle's side.
" What are they doing? Do they realize that they are walking right into the heart of our territory, and openly moving about right in front of us?" He growled softly, sitting himself beside Sai's anima and resting his tail around himself. His eyes darted around the cave, from Kazuro, to the other packmembers, to Glacier, who was now standing quite relaxed, but still with a look of curiosity and sleepyness at the same time. She would wait for Kazuro to decide what to do with this bold stranger, though she hoped nothing to harsh, he seemed a kindly sort of wolf.

(I was waitin' to see if anyone else wanted to post, but I guess I'll go again..)

"Then what have you come for?" Kazuro snapped automatically. "Padding straight into this cave?" This wolf seemed full of himself. Kazuro didn't not have a reason to act so impatient, and it wasn't just because he wasn't in the mood. He had injured and weak wolves here, and that fact made him protective. He eyed Azu as he stepped forward and sniffed at the stranger, but didn't say anything as the mouse returned to Hackle's side. Zura circled the wolf called Strider to come to a halt beside Kazuro.

Crescent started to clean the pups lifeless body with gentle licks of her tongue , it was the least she could do for the pup. all of her attention was on the pup, after she finished cleaning him she curled around the pup once more laying her muzzle on the pups body. She closed her eyes, she treated the pup as if it were her own. She jumped from Kazuro's voice, she looked up to see a wolf standing in the middle of the den, she didn't know what to think of this wolf at first. was he here to hurt them like that black monster. Crescent watched one as Kazuro confronted the wolf

Sai watched on as the pack mourned the lose of the pup. He sighed, if the pup would have just followed the orders he was given this never would have happened. but he had to admit that the pup was very brave, he would have been great wolf on day if he life wasn't cut short. as he watched Crescent clean the pup the shadow of a wolf formed behind her. Sai looked towards the entrace to see a wolf walking right into the den. He jumped to his paws growling at wolf. Hackle Saw the wolf also, she got to her paws watching the wolf.

Aragorn swiped a paw over his face, removing some of the mud. "Because-" he answered, staring at Sai, "I was searching for a friend." He turned to the leader "I use mud to disguise myself. It makes it easier to travel. Sai would know that too. But even he didn't reconize me." His jaws parted in a great smile, his way of laughing. Elessar as well wiped the mud off her face, but she mrrowed in amuesment.

Glacier sat her rump onto the cave floor, and shivered as the chill of the cold rock passed through her body from her feet. Her tired eyes followed the conversation around the cave, going from one wolf to another. when Strider seemed o be speaking to Sai, she straightened up, and listened a little more carefully. But the stranger's words only confused her, or were of little to no importance to her.
She tilted her head and looked to Sai curiously. Azarius got to his paws and took a few impatient steps, though in the same place. As Kazuro's stern words split the air, Azarius's ear drew back onto his head, but he stared at the ground. His uneasiness with the stranger was momentarily held back when Strider began to speak of Sai like a friend. ' So he knows him? but how..?' He grew more curios with each passing moment, just as Glacier was as well.

Sai continued to growl at the lone wolf, the lighting bolts on each of his shoulder glowed, signaling he was ready to attack if need be. But he chocked his head to the side when the wolf spoke as if he knew him. The jet black male stood up straight and stopped his growling as the wolf wiped the mud from his face. He had to admit the wolf did like familiar, and also learned the trick about covering ones self in mud to hide scent. though he never much like the feeling of it on his fur. but the name Strider threw him off and his body was still covered by mud so he couldn't identify him by scent. Hackle stared at the wolf just as bewildered as Sai, she exchanged looks with Sai and looked back toward the wolf and its anima. Hackles eyes focused on the mud covered cat, but it was no help she couldn't reconize her either until she started to laugh. that same laugh she used to hear all time so long ago. she padded in front of the two, " well well well, i haven't seen you two fuzzballs in a while. Aragon and Elesser" Sai stared at them in dismay once Hackle figured out who the two were, "A-Aragon what are you doing here, have you come to take us back" not knowing if his pack ordered Aragon to go out and find him, "I'm not going back Aragon, i refuse to!"

Aragorn's gray eyes twinkled as Hackle came to reconize them. His long lost friend had been found! He bunched his muscles to leap forward to greet Sai properly, but stopped, nearly toppling. He caught his balance neatly, and straightened. His voice took on a somber tone. "Surely Sai, you know me well eneough to know that I would never make you go back." A shadow passed over his face as he pushed away the bittersweet memories of his home; playing with pups who didn't know who he was, living with the Elves... and Arwena. He turned away. "Besides... There's nothing, nobody left for me there."

Sai's amber eyes looked into Arogorns grey eyes, seeking truth to what he had said what was probably only a few moments felt like a life time to him. in the end Sai closed his eyes and sighed, "your right old friend i do." he opened his eyes looking past Arogorn to Kazaru, "Your just as wreak less as always coming in to a packs den with acknowledging the leader." Sai moved beside Arogorn facing Kazaru to save his old friend from his leader's fangs, " don't mind him Kazaru he's harmless he used to be in my old pack."

Aragorn's jaws parted slightly in a smile. "Me? Wreckless?" he answered sarcastically. He had always been the one who had enjoyed fighting evil more. He bunched his muscles and leapt towards Sai, shoving with his shoulder, and tripping with his paw. He tryed to pin Sai down on his back, and genly close his jaws around his thoat. They had oftened played the game as young wolves. The whole time his dark maw was parted in a bigger grin then usual, and his eyes were lit up in joy. He did not stop to think that maybe Kazuro would interpret this as an attack, or that Sai had changed. The male was glad to see his friend again.

Kazuro meerely watched the interaction between the two with curiosity. It seemed Sai and Strider-er, Aragorn, were old packmates. The gray brute stopped growling but his eyes remained a mix of amber and yellow as he watched the new wolf's actions closely. Then, Sai finally directed a statement to himself. "He needs to learn some self control," he muttered, still watching the mud-colored wolf. He'd never heard of the tecnique of covering oneself with mud to hide your scent. Maybe he'd try that sometime. A flash of brown pulled Kazuro out of his daydreams and when his eyes focused he saw nothing other than Aragorn with his jaws around Sai's neck, pinning him to the ground. The wolf's lip was curled so it looked like he was growling, though no sound came out. As always, Kazuro acted on impulse and his paws immediately burst into flame. His fighting stance returned and his eyes no longer had a yellowish hue inside them. "Get off of him or I'll kill you," he practically roared.

(I'm too lazy to write Zura's post xD)

Crescent watched the mud covered wolf and Sai interact with each other, she relaxed a bit now that she saw Sai knew him. the white fea gave the Ninja's now cold body a few more licks and turned he attention back to the old Packmates she, watching as Strider or Arogorn as Sai tackled him playfully. But suddlenly Kazruro paws burst into flames, he must have misunderstood what was going on between the two. Crescent stood up and padded over to Kazuro's side, she buired her muzzle into his fur, "Please stop Kazuro he doesn't mean any harm. hasn't there been enough fighting today?"

Aragorn froze. He slowly removed his jaws from Sai. He turned his head to rebuke him, but another wolf was already there, trying to stop Kazuro from setting him ablaze. Aragorn stepped back, his gray eyes never leaving Kazuro's fiery ones. His tail, still above his back, never drooped. Aragorn was a prideful wolf, not one to submit and grovel.

Beside him Elessar tensed to attack, her mud disgise crumbling off as her already- dark tabby pelt stood on end. She emitted a low hiss, and her eyes took on a quality of green fire.

Kazuro watched the new wolf carefully as he slowly released his grip and took a few steps back, then a touch of soft fur was at his side, and he scented Crescent. Soon her soft voice was picked up by his ears and that calmed the brute slightly. Her words made him tense, and he automatically threw a glance at Ninja's lifeless body. Kazuro's dark amber eyes locked with the wolf's again and, ignoring the anima's hiss, his paws extenguished ((wow I fail at spelling)). "Fine. He'd better watch himself for a while," he muttered, finally breaking their gaze and turning to pad slowly out of the cave and sit at the edge again.

Zura sighed as she watched Kazuro walk by himself to the edge of the cliff that marked the entrance to the cave and sit alone again. She transformed back into her usual Ocelot form and faced the new wolf, no longer defensively, but instead had a hopeful look in her eyes. "I'm sorry about him... He's been through a lot recently. You came at a bad time, that's for sure. Just give him some time, I'm sure he'll grow to you."

Aragorn relaxed, and Elessars eyes lost the fire. As the anima walked up and spoke, he nodded feeling sympathetic for this pack. After all, they had just lost a pup, and a stranger had just walked in on them and began to talk to another as if they had spent their whole lives together- which was the truth.
"I'm sorry. Was he your pup? Or Kazuro's?" He too had lost much in his life, but never a pup. He glanced at the body, and widened his eyes in surprise; the pup had died of a stomach wound, and one that had been made by a wolf. There was a small pool of blood around his body, but it had been smeared by this new wolf.He tentatively asked again, not sure if he wanted the answer
"Who killed him?" His eyes were now deep grey pools of sympathy, understanding, and energy. He sat and began to lick off the mud, and Elessar followed suit.

Crescent watched as Kazuro walked out of the den, she was glad he calmed down, she doesn't like when Kazuro is angry. He wasn't always so gentle, she turned to face Arogorn when her ears picked up his voice. Her ears fell flat onto her head as he spoke of the pup, "No this isn't anyones pup he was alone when he found him so we took him in." fear was beginning to consume her as she remember the huge black monster that attacked them for no reason at all, "It...... it.....i-i'm sorry please excuse me" she turned away towards the pup, she pick him up gently by his scruff and padded outside then den to sit by Kazuro.