Sterling-33920

Coen had sent most of the others away, telling them to go get help. Sunyata, Karvas, Corvus, Rainwater, and Ronan were the only ones who remained behind. Coen wanted to keep their numbers to a minimum, but unfortunately more tokotas showed up and they refused to leave. Sweet Feet, Rune, Caramel, Poe, Somber, Vixen, and Ridivulus weren’t about to leave Coen when there was danger present. Coen tried to get the others to leave, but Corvus wouldn’t budge… and if Corvus wasn’t budging neither were Sunyata or Karvas. In the end, he was forced to make his plans around them. He couldn’t waste his time trying to convince them to leave, when he needed to be helping Mattie. The woman who had tamed the yeti had loaded him and several others into trailers and drove away. Fortunately, they went slowly due to their heavy load and the twists and turns that the mountains presented. Everyone was able to keep up easily, though it was hard to remain in a crouched position for so long.

Sunyata stayed in the air, making sure that he wasn’t spotted within the clouds. Corvus and Karvas kept to the shadows and foliage. The horse and the kukuri couldn’t crouch like the tokotas could… they could easily be seen, so they had to be careful. Coen wished that he could shift into his wolf form willingly… It would make this whole stalking thing so much easier. He too had to keep the shadows and try his best to stay low. Rainwater, Sweet Feet, and Ronan prowled three wide as they made their way along the twists and turns of the mountains, above the travelling trucks and the tokotas trapped within. Rune, Caramel, Poe, and Ridivulus had no issues with keeping themselves low- especially Caramel. He was practically scraping the ground already due to those stubby legs of his! The toki kept close to Rune, not letting her out of his sight. Somber and Vixen had a little more trouble keeping themselves hidden, their dark coats sticking out against the mountains. Fortunately, it seemed that the kennel owners had no fears of being caught… So they didn’t bother to look up.

When the kennel finally stopped at the base of the mountains, everyone was sore for being crouched so long. Corvus and Karvas hadn’t been able to crouch, so their legs were still strong. They waited to see what Coen would do, but the young man made no move. Corvus wondered why they didn’t just ambush those terrible people… surely there must be a reason. Coen knew best. Sunyata landed above them, careful to stay away from the travellers so that he wouldn’t be spotted. Worn out, Rainwater, Somber, and Vixen laid down to take a breath, panting. Keeping their mas low to the ground had been more challenging than it had been to the others. Ronan, Rune, Caramel, Poe, and Ridivulus waited to see what Coen would do next. They were tired, but eager to do something about the situation. Sweet Feet crouched by the edge, her half tail twitching with irritation like an angry cat’s. There was fury in her eyes as she gazed down at the kennel owners and their captors. It was terrible… Sweet Feet wasn’t one to be angered easily… but when she was, it wasn’t pleasant.

Coen sat down, sighing heavily as he gazed down at their targets. To his dismay, he could see more people arriving at the clearing. They had tokotas in their trailers too… There had been more than one kennel up in these mountains. Some men were riding tokotas that looked strong and healthy. They didn’t sport fancy coats, being rather plain tundras and tawnies. They were work animals. Coen and his group were out-numbered now… and he could see metal glistening in the hands of the kennel owner as she waved her hand about threateningly to a tokota that was acting up. They were armed too… Sweet Feet growled lowly and Corvus, who had been peering over the ledge with her bared his ominous fangs. Fangs on a horse were… rather scary. Coen sighed as he sat back. “We’re out-numbered.” His eyes swept over Rainwater, Vixen, and Somber. They were the most tired, but their eyes were bright. They were just as determined as he was to save Mattie and the rest of the neglected tokotas. “Ronan, Rune, Poe, and Ridivulus… You all are the fastest. We’re going to go down there and try to break the tokotas free when their captors fall asleep. Rainwater, Somber, and Vixen I want you to follow us and be our muscle if you have to.” His eyes went to Sweet Feet and Caramel. “I want you two to stay near here, and show the tokotas where to go once I free them.” Neither tokota looked happy about that plan. Caramel hated seeing Rune go into danger, and Sweet Feet wanted to be a part of the freeing mission. Coen didn’t trust her due to her gracelessness… but she couldn’t really blame him. Coen’s eyes flicked over Karvas, Corvus, and Sunyata. “Karvas and Corvus, linger back with them. Sunyata, I need your eyes in the sky.” There. They had their plan… now they had to wait to be able to put it into motion.

Everyone waited. Ronan, Poe, and Ridivulus looked nervous as they kept gazing at the steep slope that they would soon make their way down. Rune wasn’t nervous. “It’ll be okay, guys. We will be fine.” Ronan smiled softly, but Poe and Ridivulus didn’t look so convinced. Somber, Rainwater, and Vixen were a little more rested… and ready to go. They almost looked as if they were itching for a fight. Somber kept up her negative comments the whole time, however. “We’re out-numbered. We’ll definitely die tonight.” Somber was always doom and gloom. Sweet Feet and Caramel growled at her lowly, irritated with her negative statements. They were all trying to be strong… Corvus was growing impatient, ready to get the show on the road. Karvas stood beside him, looking uncertain. Sunyata had already taken to the skies, in charge of helping to monitor the consciousness of their enemies.

When the stryx landed again, he gave a soft cry towards Coen before taking flight again. Coen took that as his cue. It was time. He slipped onto Rune’s back and the black halfmane carried him forwards with purpose in her powerful strides. Ronan, Poe, and Ridivulus followed with uncertainty in their own, but determination. They had to do this… Those tokotas needed them. Somber, Vixen, and Rainwater didn’t move as quickly as the others. Instead, they trailed them. Stronger after their rest, there was power in their strides. Sunyata remained in the air, looking out for signs of life. So far, everything looked okay. There were no signs of anyone waking up and posing a threat. Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus waited. There was anger in Corvus’s eyes. He wanted to be down there, where all of the action was at. They had reached the trucks and trailers now. Coen swung down off of Rune’s back, beginning to look through the trailers. One by one, he lifted up the latches and ushered the trapped tokotas out, shushing them when they grew too excited. It was working! Rune, Poe, Ridivulus, and Ronan pointed them in the right direction towards where Sweet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus waited to show them safety.

Coen kept waiting, heart pounding in his chest, to see the pale blue form of Mattie make his way out of the trailer. But, he didn’t come… Where was he? There was one trailer left to unlatch… and he thought he could see one tokota standing in the darkness of it. Coen moved forwards as stealthily as he could, muscles on edge. Rune, Poe, Ridivulus, and Ronan were pointing the last of the freed tokotas towards the mountains and safety. He could see Sweet Feet and Caramel welcoming them on the ridge. Corvus was glaring at him beside Karvas, but Coen ignored his gaze. Coen had just reached the trail, slowly lifting up the latch when an ear-splitting screech ripped from Sunyata’s beak. Simultaneously, something cold pressed against the back of his head. A feminine voice hissed a threat in his ears, and he felt his blood run cold.

“Make a move and I’ll blow your damn brains out."

Coen did the only thing that he could think to do, which was exactly what the feminine voice demanded of him. He froze. He could hear Rainwater, Somber, and Vixen snarling behind him and he could see Poe, Ridivulus, Ronan, and Rune slinking about to get a good angle on the attacker. He prayed they wouldn't attack and that Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus would remain hidden on the ledge. Corvus was the one he was worried about most… The ballator stallion was usually pretty laid-back, but when provoked… Coen thought briefly that perhaps Sunyata could be of some use, but he didn't want to risk the stryx being hurt either. “You won't get away with this.” Coen hissed rather lamely, but his threat landed on deaf ears. The women was yelling again, ignoring him completely.

“Round up those that you can. Leave the rest. They aren't meant for these mountains, they'll starve anyways.” The women, whose name Coen finally recalled, barked out orders. Julia. She'd seemed so kind… what a huge facade she'd put on. He caught a glimpse or Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus scampering away to avoid being seen. Where would they go? Would they get help? Where was Sunyata? He saw the stryx nowhere. He caught sight of them again, on higher ground. Corvus looked as if he were ready to leap into battle. “Load them all up. We'll keep the valuable ones and kill the rest.” Coen felt panic grip his heart as they were surrounded. Ronan, Poe, and Ridivulus cowered in terror. Rune, Vixen, Somber, and Rainwater snarled fiercely as they prepared for a fight. “No! Just listen to them!” Coen cried, longing to help the tokotas but unable to due to the gun pressed against the back of his head.

Ronan, Poe, and Ridivulus offered no fight. The two lilacs and the tundra short-mane went into the trailer willingly, not risking their hides. Coen heard a soft whine come from the back of the trailer… Mattie. After a moment, Rune and Rainwater seemed to think better of the situation. They couldn't contest with the guns being pointed at them. Fighting the urge to snap, they allowed themselves to be loaded into the huge trailer. Coen could see Caramel’s drooped position, Corvus standing in front of him to keep the normally cowardly toki from charging down the slope. He had to stay with Karvas and Sweet.. It was what had been asked of him. Coen could see the terror in Sweet's posture too. There was still no sign of Sunyata. Somber, on the other hand, wasn't backing down and Vixen wasn't about to leave her. Somber snapped at the closest man. With a yelp, he scrambled out of the way.

“Just kill her.” Julia ordered. “Lilac dires aren't so rare anymore anyways. Bring the restricted piebald, though.” she shrugged indifferently. “No!” Coen cried as the man pointed the gun towards Somber… and fired. No bullet embedded in the blue fur of the female. No, it was purply-black fur that it ripped into, sinking into the flesh of Vixen. Rainwater howled loudly in panic as, from within the trailer, she watched her daughter stagger. Poe, Ridivulus, and Ronan began to whimper as they crowded against the side of the trailer, trying to see. Rune made no sound, her mouth agape in horror. Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus looked on from the mountains. They longed to do something, but there was nothing that could be done. Corvus looked to the sky. Where the hell was Sunyata!? Somber gazed at Vixen in horror. What!? Why!? Julia snarled in rage. “You idiot, that one is the most valuable of them all!” She snapped. “Load her up, quickly. If she dies on the journey you'll both lose your salary for the month.” Vixen was dragged, limping and bleeding heavily from the wound in her shoulder, to the trailer. All of the fight from Somber had disappeared. She followed willingly.

“Now then. We have all our tokotas, so what to do with you? Tsk tsk. Sadly, we have no spare time to lose, especially since that idiot shot the most valuable tokota here. I think we'll stuff you in the trailer with them, until we reach our quarters…” she began pushing him towards the trailer, but Coen offered no resistance. All he wanted was to be with the tokotas and help Vixen anyways. She shoved him inside quickly, slamming the door behind him. “Enjoy your last days with them.” Julia snickered and then took her leave. Coen wasted no time getting to Vixen. He vaguely noted the small shape of Mattie crouched in the back of the trailer, trying to avoid the bodies of the others. Poe and Ridivulus were crowded against him; there wasn't much room. Rainwater and Rune leaned over Vixen, who was whimpering softly. Rainwater licked desperately at her daughter’s wound. Ronan kept away, eyes full of uncertainty.. Somber looked even more glum than usual, blue eyes full of guilt. Coen spared a glance outside. He caught the whisk of Corvus’s inky tail before he disappeared. He must be following Karvas, Sweet Feet, and Caramel… somewhere. Again he found himself wondering… where was Sunyata?

After a moment the trailer started moving… and then Coen heard a peculiar sound. It was a dull thud on the roof of the trailer. The metal creaked, bending inward slightly. Coen caught a glimpse of a frosted black tail and his hopes soared. Sunyata was with them after all. Coen turned his attention back to Vixen now, completely focused on helping her. Taking his shirt off, shuddering against the cold air that assaulted his bare skin, he pressed it down on the wound as hard as he could. Vixen whimpered, her limbs flailing slightly from pain… and then she blacked out. Rainwater gave her daughter one last loving lick and then gave Somber a look that was full of hatred. Rune laid down, beginning to lick some of the splattered blood from Vixen’s neck. Coen could tell she was worried, but she was trying not to show it. Ronan, Poe, and Ridivulus were eying Mattie. None of them knew him. He was a stranger in their eyes, and not to be trusted. Coen hadn't even said hello to Mattie yet, too focused on stopping Vixen’s bleeding.

He heard claws ticking on the metal floor, which was covered in old feces and urine from the numerous tokotas who had ridden within it.. Their mess had never been cleaned up. Suddenly, a weight rested upon his shoulder and a low whine echoed in his ears. He recognized that whine. “Oh Mattie… You poor boy.” Coen whispered, letting up on Vixen’s wound. By now it had stopped bleeding enough for him to allow the pressure to leave. Reaching up with a bloodied hand, he reached up and stroked the yeti's head gently. Mattie could care less as faint red streaks were left behind. He was already filthy anyways. Coen gazed briefly out of the trailer and spotted the others trailing, further up in the mountains, Corvus leading. Occasionally Coen saw Sunyata's tail flick before the slots in the trailer, letting him know that he was still there. He, Corvus, Sweet Feet, Caramel, and Karvas weren't going to let them meet such a cruel fate. “We're going to get out out of this.” He whispered softly to the yeti. “And then we're going to take you home.”

Time droned on. It felt like it’d been days since they’d been taken hostage, though it had only been a few meager hours. Coen kept checking in on Vixen, making sure that her breathing was stable and regulated. Rainwater, her mother, never left her side. Ronan and Rune kept close to her as well, obviously concerned. Ridivulus and Poe kept to the back, uncertain about what they should do. Somber, wallowing in self-hatred and guilt over getting Somber shot, stuck to the back of the trailer. Mattie remained glued to Coen, his eyes never leaving the young man. His fear of being left again was evident. Sunyata’s tail still flicked over the side of the trailer from time to time, his way of letting Coen know that he was still there. There had been no sign of Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, or Corvus. Coen wondered if they’d given up on trying to follow and went back for help. He wasn’t certain, but he did know that they needed to form some sort of plan… Before he, and possibly some of the tokotas who weren’t seen as high-valued, were killed. That brought on the next bought of wonderings. Although Coen was a prestige breeder, he wondered what Julia considered high value.

Ronan was a tundra short mane, nothing fancy about him. Rune bore no special markings, but she was a black half-mane and capable of producing black sphinxes. Julia probably wouldn’t care too much about that… She wanted to start out with fancy tokotas, not work her way up to them. Rainwater was obviously valuable, with her restricted piebald markings. Somber was a lilac, but lilac dires weren’t so rare these days. Was she safe? Poe was a lilac, sporting shadowmarks and a short mane, so perhaps he would be safe. Ridivulus was a lilac as well, but piebald- which some breeders frowned upon. He had a record of producing many, many lilac offspring but Julia wouldn’t know that. Vixen, being a black lilac with restricted piebald, was the most valuable of them all… and she’d been shot. Obviously nobody was safe. His mind wandered to the others again. Julia likely had no interest in stryxs, horses, or kukuris. Sunyata, Corvus, and Karvas would be killed. Caramel, a sphinx toki, and Sweet Feet, an extended marked yeti, might be safe…

All of a sudden they came to a halt. Coen could hear shouting from somewhere up ahead, towards the front of the truck. The trailer ceiling creaked as Sunyata launched off of it, either going to investigate or trying to remain undiscovered. Coen rose from where he’d been crouching beside Vixen, rubbing one hand over Mattie’s head gently as the yeti began to whimper in terror. Rainwater’s hackles rose and she came to stand over her daughter now as Julia’s men began to dart about the trailer, seeming in a rush. Rune and Ronan stepped closer to the injured dire as well, their own hackles rising in warning. Ridivulus and Poe cowered in fear, while Somber just lifted her head and gazed bleakly out the slits in the trailer, not seeming to care. Then… a gunshot sounded, followed by several more. It seemed that Coen was in for a surprise. Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus suddenly appeared by the trailer- Aluisa in their company. Coen had met the humanoid wolfgirl very briefly… He hadn’t expected her to put her life on the line. “Hang tight!” she exclaimed as she began to try and pick the lock on the trailer door.

More gunshots rang out and Coen could hear a masculine voice rising above them, chiding and taunting. “Come on, assholes! Your aim is horrible; can’t you shoot!? Howls of frustration and pain filled the air- obviously whoever they were shooting at was shooting right back. Julia was barking orders, but Coen couldn’t make out what she was saying over all of the other racket. A bullet suddenly ricocheted off the side of the trailer and Coen heard a sickening thump as it sunk into the chest of whoever shot it. “Oh we have a winner here! Don’t you know not to aim at metal objects?” The male voice chided. Things were growing quieter… whoever was out there was obviously winning. Alusia kept working at the lock, desperate to free the injured animals while her partner kept everyone distracted. Ridivulus and Poe, realizing that they were near freedom, began to crowd closer to the entrance. Rainwater, Rune, and Ronan snarled at them in unison when they began to press close to Vixen, who whimpered in misery. The lilacs retreated quickly, closer to Somber who simply didn’t seem to care. Mattie looked terrified, his small body shaking with uncertainty. His eyes kept drifting over Sweet Feet, Caramel, Karvas, and Corvus. The horse and the kukuri were something he’d never seen before, and they terrified him. He knew there was some other monster, with great wings, lurking out there as well… Sunyata was a mysterious menace to him.

Finally, Alusia managed to pick the lock. The door to the trailer creaked open. “Come on! Let’s-” A loud screech suddenly ripped from Alusia’s lips, breaking her sentence apart, as she was torn away from the lock by a man who’d realized what was going on. “This isn’t just a robbery! They’re stealing the tokotas!” the man cried. His hands gripped Alusia’s shoulders tightly and the girl screamed, thrashing. Coen staggered to his feet to help her, but he didn’t have to. A loud, ear splitting screech came from the sky as Sunyata swooped down. His talons sank deep into the man’s shoulders, causing him to drop Alusia. That was all that it took. The man became smaller and smaller, his screams quieter and quieter as Sunyata took him into the air… and then dropped him. Alusia was obviously shaken, but recovered quickly. “Let’s go!” Ridivulus and Poe didn’t have to be told twice, pushing their way out of the trailer and charging past Sweet Feet, Karvas, and Corvus. Ronan, now that freedom had been presented, gave into his instincts and quickly streaked after them. Rune and Rainwater snorted at him in disgust. Somber, seeing that freedom was available, followed her instincts and slunk past them with bobtail tight against her rump in submission. Caramel waited for Rune, small body trembling from fear, but he stayed put. “Come on girl, we gotta get you up…” Coen gently began pushing on Vixen and, with the help of Rune and Rainwater, managed to get her to her feet and started down the ramp.

That’s when Coen suddenly realized that Mattie wasn’t following. Coen glanced over his shoulder to see the lilac yeti cowering in the middle of the trailer, tail curled between his legs. Sweet Feet, seeing him as well, did what she did best and walked up the ramp to join him. Trying to comfort him, the seal yeti pressed her head against his, whining softly. “Come on Mattie, we’ve got to go… This is our way to freedom!” Coen tried to coax the lilac yeti out of the trailer, but Mattie wasn’t having it. “Keep going, I’ll catch up!” Coen exclaimed to the others, who nodded in agreement. Sunyata led the way in the sky, keeping a close eye out for any threats that might try to block them. It seemed that they were all busy with… well, whoever it was that was fighting and antagonizing them. Rainwater and Rune supported Vixen between them. Rune was small, but incredibly strong and compassion fuelled her strength. Caramel stuck to the black halfie’s side like glue. Somber longed to help, but she feared how Rainwater would react to her getting close to Vixen… It was her fault after all. Poe, Ridivulus, and Ronan were just specks on the horizon as they made their way into the mountains, where they’d hopefully stop to wait for the others. Karvas and Corvus were reluctant to leave, but obeyed and turned away.

Now that the others were departing as quickly as possible, Coen turned his gaze back to Sweet Feet, who was making no progress, and Mattie. “Come on Mattie boy… I’m going to take you home, where there’s all the treats and chew stuffies you could ever dream of… Calvin is there too, and I’m sure he’d be happy to see how you’ve grown.” Mattie’s ears swivelled with uncertainty and he took a step forwards. “Good boy, come on!” Coen crooned, backing up slowly. Suddenly, Mattie let out a yelp of terror, eyes fixated on something behind him, and Sweet Feet barked a warning. Coen tried to scramble out of the way, but it was too late.

For the second time today, he felt a loaded gun pressed against the back of his head.

Fear rushed through his veins, but Coen did his best to suppress it. Poor Mattie wasn't doing as good a job, quivering in terror as he pressed himself against Sweet Feet. Coen, Mattie, and Sweet Feet were on the ramp of the trailer. Julia had her gun pressed against the back of Coen’s head, for the second time that day. “You're never going to get away with this. All of those tokotas have already escaped anyways… You've lost your kennel.” Julia snorted at that. “Oh please. They can be tracked down again.” She retorted, voice full of venom. Coen’s eyes wandered to the sky. Where was Sunyata now? The stryx has swooped down to save him before, but there was no sign of the dragon now. Rainwater and Rune had noticed Coen’s dilemma, but they didn't stop. They were supporting the injured Vixen and knew there was nothing that they could do. Poe, Ridivulus, Somber, and Ronan were waiting on a higher ledge in the mountains, uncertain of what to do. Karvas and Corvus paced. Alusia and Caramel looked back, equally indecisive. If they all ganged up on Julia… couldn't they take her down?

“You've cost me a lot of trouble… You don't really think I'll let you get away with it, do you? You-" she wasn't given the chance to finish her threat. All of a sudden, a shriek of surprise slipped from her lips and the coldness of the gun disappeared from Coen's head. “Good grief, lady, do you ever SHUT UP!?” the voice he'd heard taunting the men earlier rang in Coen's ears. Coen turned quickly, instincts running on high. Sweet Feet and Mattie pressed up behind him. What he saw was another man, likely around his age, pointing his own gun down at Julia. This one, however was humanoid but certainly not human. He reminded Coen of a fox, with a fox-like face and a bushy tail. He wore camouflage clothes and his hair was wrapped into tight dreads. He was definitely intimidating. Julia began screeching insults, but wasn't given the chance to finish as the intimidating stranger pulled the trigger, planting a bullet in her brain. Rainwater, Vixen, Ronan, Alusia, and Caramel looked back with horror on their eyes as they expected to see Coen crumple to the ground. Sunyata (who had landed on the ledge with Poe, Ronan, Somber, and Ridivulus) fluttered his wings nervously.

Coen gaped down at the body of the woman was her blood slowly trickled into the earth. He could feel Mattie trembling as the yeti pressed his head against the small of his back. Sweet Feet looked horrified too. “What the hell!?” Coen spat. “You didn't have to kill her! How am I going to explain this?” It was going to look bad. Julia and all of her men were dead, with Coen in possession of her tokotas. He watched as Poe, Ridivulus, Somber, Ronan, Karvas, Corvus, and Sunyata came down from the mountains before the other’s words drew his attention again. “Chill. The men are all locked up in one of the trailers; they're fine.” The stranger seemed to read his mind. “She's a monster. She had to be stopped. You can just tell the authorities that you had to defend yourself. They'll believe you.” Coen snorted at the other’s words. “Me!?” He exclaimed incredulously. “I did nothing!” He snapped. The stranger’s eyes glistened with humor. “Exactly.” he purred, sounding more like a cat than a fox at that moment. A loud thump suddenly sounded and Coen turned his head quickly to see Vixen collapse between Rainwater and Rune, unable to hold herself up any longer. Caramel squealed in alarm, skittering away.

“Rocco!” Alusia exclaimed, voice shrill with fear. “I need you!” The stranger, Rocco, took off to help. Grumbling, Coen cast one last glance at Julia before following. Mattie was still terrified, but he wasn't about to be left behind anymore. Sweet Feet kept close to her side, whining softly at him in a comforting tone and licking his ears like the typical mother hen that she was. Rocco had reached Vixen now, ignoring Rune and Rainwater’s protective growls. Caramel tried to calm Rune, but she pushed him away. Rocco examined the wound, pinkish-red eyes intense. “If we can stop the bleeding she'll be fine.” He stated, looking to Coen now. “Unless you're looking to take your pants off too, go get that shirt you were using before.” He ordered. Coen couldn't help but feel a bit creeped out… he got the feeling Rocco wouldn't exactly mind if he took his pants off. Quickly, he scuttled off to retrieve his shirt. When he returned, moving as quickly as he could, he found that the others had made it to Vixen as well. Sunyata, Karvas, and Corvus kept their distance. Rividulus, Poe, Ronan, and Somber did the same, ashamed to have left Vixen behind. Somber especially was guilty, seeing as how it was her fault anyways.

Rocco snatched the shirt quickly when Coen offered it to him, pressing it down on the wound. Vixen cried out in pain and, to Coen’s surprise, Rocco responded. “I can't stop, sweetie, or you're going to die.” He cooed softly. Ah, so he was like Alusia… he could understand the tokotas too. Coen felt a pang of jealousy. He could only understand them when he was in his wolf form, and he couldn't even control when that happens. Rainwater and Rune growled softly, upset that Vixen was hurting. Vixen was Rainwater’s daughter, but Rune just seemed to have taken the dire’s survival as her responsibility. Caramel leaned against the halfie comfortingly, looking up at her with adoration. Sunyata, Karvas, Corvus, Poe, Ridivulus, and Ronan watched intently. Somber turned away, her ears and head low. Time trickled on and, gradually the flow of blood ceased. Finally, Rocco sat back. “Alright, I think it's stopped enough for you to get her back to the village. You best take one of the trucks and trailers. The men are knocked out in one, you can take it.”

“I assume you're not coming with us?” He inquired. Rocco shook his head. “I'm not exactly appreciated in the villages.” He mused, a glint of humor in his eyes. Coen frowned, but nodded. Rainwater and Ronan were gently helping Vixen to her feet now, Caramel moving out if the way. Coen quickly went back to the trailer Rocco had promised he'd find the men in. As promised, they were unconscious, their hands bound with rope. Fighting repulsion, she drug Julia up into it. He'd love to leave her here, but sadly the law would find that rather shady of him. Mattie followed him, obviously not very happy about being in the back of a trailer again. The yeti was far too weak to make the travel back to the village on foot though. Sweet Feet stuck by his side, and with her there he felt much less afraid. Alusia, Rividulus, Poe, Somber, Karvas, Corvus, and Sunyata were going to help round up the escaped tokotas, so that they could layer be brought to safety. Rocco led Rainwater, Rune, and Vixen to the trailer now, helping them to get up the ramp the best that he could. Caramel followed, not about to leave Rune’s side. “I'm not going anywhere. I promise.” Coen said softly to Mattie.

Coen turned to Rocco now. “Thank you… for saving my life.” Rocco simply shrugged, fluffy tail flicking dismissively. “I didn't do it for you; that bitch needed to be wiped out anyways. Adios, Coen.” With that he turned and departed to help Alusia, Rividulus, Poe, Somber, Karvas, Corvus, and Sunyata gather up the neglected tokotas. Coen gave him a small glare, irritated by his demeanor. What an ass! It dawned on him then that he hadn't even given Rocco his name… perhaps one of the tokotas had. Hopefully. None of that mattered though… They'd all survived. They'd saved Mattie and the other neglected tokotas. His eyes swept over Vixen, Rainwater, Caramel, and Sweet Feet before landing on Mattie once more. The yeti was gazing at him with so much emotion… If only he could talk. Coen leaned over, pressing his forehead against the yeti’s own. “Don't worry Mattie… Nobody’s ever going to hurt you again. There's plenty of stuffies and treats waiting for you back at the barn too.” He was taking a trip on memory lane, remembering how much the yeti had adored the toys and treats Coen had given him while trying to tame him.

“You're coming home…”

Rocco had never heard of the Black Stag before, but the man he’d met had insisted that the beast was real. The fox anthro was extremely skeptical, but the tokotas believed in it, firmly. Hitori, too had heard of the spirit… and she insisted that it had to be driven out. The man’s words still rang in Rocco’s mind as he and the tokotas made their way forwards. He rode on the back of Summer, one hand resting on the smooth crest of the sphinx dire’s neck. Hitori rode behind him in her human form, arms wrapped about his chest to keep herself from sliding off of Summer’s back. Mattie was terrified, hiding between Rainwater and Calvin but insistent on coming. Sunyata took no chances, keeping to the air. Karvas the kukuri kept close to Vixen. The dire was powerful and capable of defending herself. Jewel, Ridivulus, Poe, and Rune had the same idea, keeping close. Bunched together, the group kept moving forwards. Tensions were on high.

It took quite some time for them to notice a change in the land… But, when those changes started to come Rocco knew that this spirit had to be real. The grass gradually became less lush, looking as if it were rotting around its roots. The leaves on the tree canopies dwindled, until there were none left and the trees were left as bare skeletons.The stench of death hit their nostrils and now they could see small animals such as rabbits and birds littered about. They’d been there a while, bones visible beneath decaying flesh. Mattie whined softly in distress, trembling between Rainwater and Calvin. Ridivulus’s tail was curled between his legs as he kept pace with the others. Jewel and Rune’s eyes scanned about nervously, but they felt safe beside the large frame of Vixen. Sunyata had come closer to the ground, obviously not wanting to be far from the others. Rocco could feel Summer trembling beneath him with fear, but the brave girl kept pushing herself onward. “I don’t like this at all.. It’s definitely the spirit. It brings death and misfortune no matter where it goes.” Hitori whispered, her voice quite in his ear. Rocco flicked an ear at her, but didn’t respond.

“You know the chants?” Rocco asked Hitori now. She was a kitsunari, wise and knowledgeable in these matters. Hitori nodded in response. “Yes, I know them, but they may take some time to work. We’ll have to be careful and you guys will have to make sure that the spirit doesn’t attack me while I’m saying them.” He felt a little tremor ripple through her. She was more nervous than she let on. “I think I have a plan.” Rocco responded. “Summer and I will stay on the defensive, with you with us so that the spirit can’t reach us. Mattie, Ridivulus, Poe, and Jewel can flank us on both sides and make sure that we stay safe. Rainwater, Calvin, Karvas, Sunyata, Vixen, and Rune can try to keep the spirit distracted. Does everyone agree with that idea?” The tokotas all exchanged glances. Mattie, Ridivulus, and Poe were relieved that they wouldn’t be on the frontline. Jewel felt a bit guilty that she wouldn’t be helping more, but agreed. Rune and Vixen were secretly terrified, but agreed. Rainwater and Calvin had dealt with evil spirits before and were confident. Sunyata felt pretty safe in the sky… not that the demon couldn’t hurt him without touching him..

A loud snort suddenly reached their ears. Nothing about it sounded natural… Dread crept up Rocco’s spine as he turned his head in that direction. Summer’s trembling was growing more apparent. Mattie’s whimpering between Rainwater and Calvin escalated so much that they had to shove him to try to get him to stop. Sunyata was silent, having seen the beast from the sky. Oh my.. This should be interesting. Before their eyes a huge spirit walked out before them. It took on the shape of a great black stag, shadows swirling about its blurry form. It’s eyes were an intense red, mist and fog swirling from their depths. It’s rack was massive, extending towards the heaven and branching off into multiple times. Where it stepped, the grass and earth rotted away to leave gaping holes. A rabbit that had been hiding nearby attempted to escape, but as soon as it came in contact with the swirling shadows that followed the spirit, it dropped to the ground. It was dead before it ever touched the rotting grass and immediately began to decay. “Oh shit.” Rocco whispered. Hitori began to speak and it took a moment for Rocco to realize that she wasn’t talking to him, but uttering strange words in a different language. The spirit’s head turned towards them slowly and the fur along Rocco’s spine rose in terror. It was time to set their plan into motion. Mattie and Ridivulus flanked Summer’s left side. Poe and Jewel flanked her right. Rainwater, Calvin, Karvas, Sunyata, Vixen, and Rune summoned their courage and charged the demon. “Don’t get too close; you’ll be killed!” Rocco cried in horror, picturing the tokotas dropping and beginning to rot as the rabbit had.

The spirit’s maw opened, an earth-rattling bellow escaping from it. The ground began to tremble. Mattie squealed in terror, nearly bolting, but stayed glued to Summer’s side. The spirit charged them, trying to reach Summer. Mattie, Ridivulus, Poe, and Jewel kept the sphinx dire flanked as she ran away, fleeing. They needed to stay near the beast, but far enough away that Hitori could continue her chants safely. Rainwater, Calvin, Karvas, Sunyata, Vixen, and Rune did their best to serve as distractions. Sunyata swooped down at the beast, screeching. He barely avoided one of the shadows. Karvas screeched a warning at him, fearing for the dragon he’d come to be close friends. Rainwater, Calvin, Vixen, and Rune played it safe. They didn’t get too close, just screaming insults and threats at the demon. They didn’t know if the spirit could understand them, but it obviously didn’t appreciate their distractions. Hitori’s chanting was working though, the spirit beginning to fade very slowly.

More time passed and they continued to play keepaway. No fatalities occurred, though a few times the beast got very close to wiping Rainwater, Calvin, Karvas, Sunyata, Vixen, and Rune out. Mattie, Ridivulus, Poe, and Jewel never had to try and defend Summer. The plan was working perfectly, Hitori’s chants continuing to work. Finally, it was over. With one last ear-splitting, defiant bellow, the spirit disappeared. Everyone stopped in their tracks, breathing heavily as they looked about. This land was ruined. “I must cleanse the land now, so that the flora will return and the animals will populate it once more.” Hitori sounded exhausted, yet her voice was still strong. She slid down off of Summer’s back, needing to stretch her legs a little after the long ride. They felt like jelly, but she started walking forwards, murmuring her rituals. The dark aura seemed to slowly fade away until it disappeared, just like the spirit that it had come from. It took a couple of hours for Hitori to cleanse the area, but once it was over it was over. It was done.

Sharree loved to play so when she was told that she was going to compete in the Tug O’War competition she was thrilled. She was even more thrilled when she was warned about how muddy it was. She loved mud! She was, however, a little bit nervous when she was told that her first opponent would be Vixen. Vixen was a large female, packed with muscle and strong as an ox. She would have rather gone against Rainwater or Calvin than she would Vixen! Mattie, Jewel, Poe, and Rune were here too but they were normal built and wouldn't stand a chance in a strength competition with a dire like Sharree. Sunyata the stryx and Karvas the kukuri were here, but they were a completely different species. Rocco and Hitori would be observing too, helping to call the shots and shout out whenever the flag tied to the rope crossed the line to announce the winner.

“First round- Sharree and Vixen.” Rocco called out. Hitori, at his side, let out a cheerful whoop of excitement. Sunyata let out an annoyed chirp and took off, deciding to watch from the air. Rainwater was obviously rooting from her daughter from where she sat between Calvin and Mattie. Karvas, Jewel, Poe, and Rune seemed to care less about the event, just stretching out in the grass along the mudpit. They had no intentions of getting themselves mucky. Sharree swallowed her nerves as she slipped down into the pit, squishing her toes in the mud happily. Vixen had entered the pit as well and was gazing at her with determination. Sharree resisted the urge to tuck her tail and make a run for it.

“You guys know the rules. You’re to tug on this rope. There’s a little ribbon in the middle- whoever gets that ribbon onto their sign of that line-” Rocco pointed at a line made of stones in the middle of the mud pit “-will win the competition. Hitori and I will be watching closely… So no cheating!” WIth that he and Hitori backed away to let the competition begin. As soon as Rocco gave the go ahead the two dires picked up the rope and then began to strain against one another. Sharree attempted to dig her paws into the ground, but it was so muddy that she was unable to do anything but fling mud around Jewel, Karvas, and Rune squealed and darted out of the way before they got splattered. Rainwater, Calvin, Mattie, and Poe didn’t seem to concerned, since none of the mud was flying in their direction. Sunyata landed behind Rocco and Hitori now, chirping with humor as he watched the two female dires straining, both evenly matched and unable to gain any ground.

Sharree couldn’t help the instinctual growls that slipped from her throat as she tried to heave her fluffy frame backwards. This stirred Vixen’s competitive spirit and she began to do the same, yanking her head fiercely as her muscular frame rippled from the strain. Rocco and Hitori could see the aggression in Vixen’s eyes. This was all play for Sharree, but for Vixen… she had her head in the game. “Remember, this is friendly competition!” Hitori called out to Vixen. The blue-eyed dire shot her a glare. Rainwater couldn’t help but be amused as she settled down between Calvin and Mattie again. If looks could kill, her daughter would be a murderer… Poe, Karvas, Sunyata, Jewel, and Rune kept an eye on the ongoings, ready to scattered and escape mud if they needed to.

Sharree was beginning to use her head, trying to win this fight with strategy rather than brute strength. If she angled herself around a little she could force Vixen into the deeper part of the mud.. Vixen would have far less traction and Sharree would gain the upperhand. “Ohhh, smart girl.” Hitori whispered, Rocco giving her a grin as he too realized what Vixen was doing. Rainwater stood up, ignoring the warning glances that Calvin, Mattie, Karvas, Sunyata, Jewel, Poe, and Rune shot her. She couldn’t interfere! It obviously pained the restricted piebald female not to warn her daughter of Sharree’s plan… Why couldn’t Vixen see it!? It was laid out right there in front of her nose! Sharree was thinking with her head, but Vixen was allowing anger and determination to cloud her judgement.

She realized, too late, what Sharree was doing. She tried to haul herself to the side, but there wasn’t enough time. Her backpaws slipped in the deep muck and she fell to the ground with a thud. The rope slipped from her teeth as she let out a startled yelp on impact, teeth clacking together. She felt blood in her mouth. Sharree immediately pulled the rope away as quickly as she could before Vixen could snap it up and get back into the running. The mud-covered red yeti’s chest swelled with pride and she grinned widely as she pranced in place, holding the rope proudly. “The winner of our first round is Sharree!” Rocco exclaimed, Hitori giving a whoop of delight. Vixen walked out of the mudpit with her curled tail and head lowered in defeat. Rainwater frowned at her, disapproval glittering in her eyes. Calvin, Mattie, and Poe watched her warily- not looking to get mud splashed on them as she passed. Karvas, Sunyata, Jewel, and Rune were taking no chances and scuttled out of the way. Sharree scrambled out of the mud pile, sending everyone scattering once again.

The next few rounds seemed to fly by and now it was time for the next one. Sharree watched and waited with excitement, muddy tail whacking on the ground, her eyes bright. She knew she’d be facing off against someone new in this next round. She couldn’t wait to find out who! Her eyes swept around Rainwater, Calvin, Mattie, Jewel, Poe, and Rune. Would it be one of them? Vixen was eliminated. Karvas, Hitori, Rocco, and Sunyata were different species so it definitely wouldn’t be them. Or maybe it would be a new competitor altogether? Sharree hummed with excitement as Hitori stepped up now. “Alright, we’re on to the next round! Sharree, you’ll be facing against Calvin this round.”

Sharree felt her heart drop. Oh no… he’d demolish her! Heart pounding nervously, Sharree entered the mudpit to face off with her grandfather… But she already knew what the outcome would be! Oh well, she’d still have a lot of fun and she was determined to lose gracefully. Calvin entered the mudpit now, somehow still managing to be graceful even in the slop. Hitori and Rocco gave the call for them to begin. Sunyata took the air again to watch from there, having a better view. Vixen had laid down, tired and ready for a nap. She didn’t want to watch the competition anymore anyways. Rainwater had little interest either now that her daughter wasn’t competing. Mattie, Karvas, Jewel, Poe, and Rune watched with intrigue as the match began… and, as expected… it didn’t last long. Calvin was strong and smart, quickly dominating the situation and winning the battle within just a few minutes. Sharree didn’t let her loss get to her though. If there was any tokota that she ever wanted to lose to, it would be one as wonderful as her grandfather!

The morning started as the evening had ended. Mild, sunny - and already quite warm.

Vixen, the lilac black piebald dun Dire lifted her head wearily and blinked in the direction of the rising sun. She yawned lazily before she got up and stretched out.

Then she stepped over to Calvin and woke up her tundra barring Dire packmate. He made a grunting noise and turned on his back.

"Another 10 minutes ..." he said, which made Vixen grin.

"Not 10 minutes you big baby," she replied as she ran to Nudge and Ronan. The two normal Tokotas - Nudge with their cream restricted seal brown and Ronan with his simple tundra - lay close together.

Sometimes Vixen envied her a bit, but Calvin was not all that cuddling. Even Nudge did not really care to cuddle. Except she was sleeping. She could be very peaceful.

She stopped in front of the two of them and studied her before she raised her paw and touched Nudge on the back. "Get up! It is tomorrow! We wanted to go further. Besides, we have to go home!"

Calvin turned and smacked before stretching and getting up as well.

"You're bad, you know that?" He mumbled and yawned unabashedly.

"No. The early bird catches the worm. And we have to go home! "

Nudge blinked before yawning. "The early bird can fly away ..." she mumbled, before she stood up as well.

He, too, blinked before he got up and stretched and shook himself.

"Good morning," he said, looking at his three friends. "Back in action ..?"

Vixen nodded. "Oh, yes!" The Dire nodded slightly before she turned and looked back to the sea. Once again, she let the salty air blow around her nose before she turned and headed for the tundra. On the horizon you could see a narrow, green band. The forest they had to cross forcibly. And behind it a smaller lake. But then ... then they would be at home!

And Vixen was looking forward to it. Alone for her handler, she was very happy to be home. No matter what the others wanted or said.

Back to her friends, she studied them.

"So.. are you awake enough? Otherwise I'll push you into the sea, then you're awake. "

Nudge put her ears on and rumbled. "Dare it!" She mumbled, which made Vixen only smile broadly.

"Let's go," she said, making her way to the plain.

The other three followed the Lilac Dire quickly, because they did not want to stay behind. And somewhere Vixen was right, they also wanted to be back home soon and let themselves be spoiled by their masters a little bit.

The four friends trudged moderately towards the forest on the horizon. Wafts of mist covered the tundra, wrapping them in places up to the belly. The air smelled fresh and spicy and satisfied, one or the other stuck his nose in the air.

It was a beautiful morning that could not be clouded by anything

Until Nudge suddenly stumbled over something hidden in the ground. Before she could say anything, she lay on the floor, confused and surprised.

As surprised as her friends who had stopped.

As Calvin and Ronan began to chuckle and giggle, Vixen worried. "Everything ok, Nudge? Did you hurt yourself? "She asked, helping her friend to her feet.

"Nothing broken ..." Except for her pride.

Calvin and Ronan still laughed and giggled. Not for long, though.

Nudge rumbled. With her ears set she drove poisonously between the two.

"Shut up!" She snapped. "The only one with mind here was Vixen, at least she took care of me." Still rumling she showed her teeth

The violent outburst made Calvin and Ronan flinch and back away.

"Hey .... everything's fine ..." Calvin said soothingly. "Can happen to anyone!"

"Yeah ... besides, it looked funny .." added Ronan.

"Not funny," Nudge continued, before she turned and walked away.

"Idiots ... both of you!"

Vixen watched her packmate before she looked at Calvin and Ronan. "Real guys ... turn on your head!" She said before following Nudge.

Calvin snorted as Ronan shook himself. "Sensitive women ..." he bellowed, but as a precaution so quietly that only Calvin could hear it.

Easily, Calvin nodded before turning to investigate what Nudge had stumbled upon. But it was nothing but a stone stuck in the ground.

Since it was nothing special he finally followed the two girls. Ronan too.

By the afternoon there was an iron silence between the four. Nudge was still grumbling, but more about her pride being hurt. At least in their view.

Vixen only had eyes for the surrounding area, while Calvin and Ronan trotted annoyed behind the two.

It seemed like the tundra did not want to end. The forest had not really come closer yet, and the sun had quickly dispelled the initial swells. In her thick furs, the Tokotas soon became quite warm and Nudge almost yearned back to the cool of the sea.

But on the other hand, behind the forest and the lake was their home. And she wanted to go there. Just like Vixen, Calvin and Ronan.

By late afternoon, they finally reached the forest. Noticeably, it cooled off in the shade of the trees.

Relieved, Ronan sighed. "I almost did not stand this heat now", he huffed, before shaking himself. "But it's really nice here!"

Calvin nodded in agreement. "Oh, yes." He stopped and looked around before stepping next to Vixen.

"Do you know where we have to go?" He asked her.

Vixen stood beside him, scenting, before nodding. "Yes. Just straight ahead "she replied, before she kept walking.

Nudge followed her, still wordless. She was tired, she was hot. She just did not feel like it anymore.

Shaking their heads, the two males exchanged a meaningful look before they trudged on and followed Vixen and Nudge.

Finally, Ronan caught up and trotted alongside Nudge. "Hey ... sorry Nudge," he said. "We really did not mean that." He studied her briefly.

Nudge stared straight ahead before exhaling. She stared at Ronan, then Calvin, before she lowered her eyes.

"Alright guys ... I'm not mad anymore. On the contrary. I forgave you that for a long time. I'm just tired and I'm hot. And I want to go home ", she said then, before she grinned crooked. "Go on ... otherwise we will never arrive!"

Vixen had stopped, as she had noticed that the rest had stopped as well. She looked back for a moment before smiling softly.

It seemed like everyone got along again and she really liked that.

As the three had unlocked it went on.

A few hours later, they had finally reached about the middle of the forest. However, it was too dark to keep going. And they were too tired.

Vixen nodded in an order of stones. "Hey ... what do you think ...? Let's rest for the night "

"Good idea," Nudge agreed, running towards the stones. She soon found a spot where she lay down and rolled together. Her stomach growled, but they had found nothing to eat today. Well, maybe tomorrow.

Ronan and Calvin also sought a place, snuggled together.

Vixen watched it all, letting her eyes wander around again before she joined them and snuggled up to Calvin.

A short time later everyone was asleep. Without suspecting that they were being watched ...

At some point in the middle of the night, Vixen woke up. Something had awakened her. Tired, she opened her eyes, but the feeling remained that something was wrong.

Until a giant bear paw appeared next to her. Surprised, she opened her eyes at first, while the rest of her body remained motionless.

No wrong move ... she thought to herself.

The bear lowered its snout and sniffed her for a moment before slowly trotting on. Even with Calvin and Ronin he stopped and sniffed. Vixen continued to watch him. The bear was huge. Certainly as big as an Akota.

His coat was black and shone in the moonlight. There were some scars over his face, one of his eyes was also affected and blind.

Impressive and respectful. But he was her enemy, her enemy. Prey.

Clutching, Vixen stood up softly while keeping an eye on the bear. He had turned his back on her and continued towards Nudge. However, this did not sleep as deep as the others.

Feeling the movement, she blinked and looked up lazily. And right in the face of the bear.

Both stared at each other in surprise for a moment before they growled. Her whole body tensed before she shot.

This seemed to be the attack but before. Angry, he yelled at Nudge before he stands on his hind legs, towering above Dire and Normal Tokota.

With a furious slash of his paws, he knocked Nudge aside, who jumped at him at that moment.

With a crash, she landed on a tree.

Yelping, she fell to the ground and remained dozily for a moment. That was Vixen's moment!

Roaring darkly and menacingly, she sprang into the back of the giant bear, digging her teeth into the animal's shoulder as her talons sought hold on the bear's body.

Surprised and even more furious, the bear stumbled over the surprise attack before trying to shake off the lilac Piebald Dire.

But she held on grudgingly and with all its might.

Alarmed by the noise and the whine of Nudges, Calvin and Ronin also started up. It took them a moment to realize what was going on there before them.

But then they attacked too.

While Ronin slipped under a swipe, Calvin leapt from the side of the giant bear, digging his catches into the other side of the bear.

Tormented by pain and anger, the bear roared again before throwing himself against one of the trees.

Vixen groaned under the tremendous force, the weight of tree in the back, and the bear before she let go.

Calvin, who did not bite as hard as she did, was flung away by the impact of the impact.

Ronin's attack, which began at the same moment, went accordingly into the void. His catches snapped at a paw. The audible snap faded away for a brief moment as all new strength sought another attack.

Nudge growled as she ran again on the bear.

He did not have a look for her as Ronin attacked at the same time.

Roaring, this again fended off the attack Ronin. Only to roar again a moment later in pain as Nudge's catches bored into his arm.

The taste of the bear and his blood spiked Nudge even more and she began to tug at him.

Vixen saw her chance come and attacked as well again, jumping the bear back in the back.

The fight went on for a while and not only the bear bore some wounds, also the four Tokotas got some wounds.

But finally the mighty bear fell to the ground with a final, angry and desperate roar.

The force of the impact shooed some birds and animals around, while the bear exhaled its last breath of life.

Breathing heavily and bleeding, the four companions stood in front of the monster, too dazed and caught by what had just happened.

Finally, Vixen sank to the ground, relieved that the fight was over.

"Finally," Calvin gasped and sat down before he started to lick a wound. Nudge and Ronin also began to lick wounds while Ronin studied the bear.

"He was huge ..." he snorted.

"Yes ... and strong" added Nudge and looked up again.

"But we did it!" Calvin replied and grinned widely. "Our dealers will be pleased. The coat is beautiful. "

"And the bear was huge," added Vixen.

"Yes very. And I'm glad he's dead. "Nudge sneezed, before she stretched and turned around. "We should sleep!" She replied.

The proposal was approved and the four snuggled closer together this time. Not only to hug each other's warmth and closeness, but also to be protected from another attack.

But the rest of the night was meaningless. The strong smell of the bear, mixed with the blood, kept other attackers away. Even those who loved Aß.

Falling sleepily, Calvin opened his eyes before yawning and stretching. And then the others woke up

"Good morning," he said, grinning at his equally sleepy friends. "A new day, another way. We would have to continue, "he reminded her.

Nudge yawned as she stretched. "Hmmm," she grumbled. "I'm going to hunt a hare ..."

"How about fish?" Vixen asked. Rising, she shook herself. "There will be nothing around here now anyway"

"Do you think so?" Ronin looked at her doubtfully. Significantly, the Dire nodded to the dead bear. "Naturally. In addition, fishing has several advantages. We can beat our stomachs, we can wash off the smell of the bear at the same time and cool our wounds.

The proposal was ultimately favored by all. Also because Vixen was right.

With joint forces, the bear was hoisted on Calvin's back before the group went on.

Birds chirped after a short time and it seemed like nothing happened.

Leisurely the little group went by, satisfied for the day.

After a few hours, the edge of the forest finally came into view. And behind it glittered and shimmered.

"The lake?" Calvin asked, visibly dragging.

"Yes, the lake," replied Vixen. "You can get rid of your burden right now!"

"Oh, thank God!" The Dire huffed.

After a short time, the small group finally arrived at the lake. Clear and glittering, he lay before them, while here and there smaller fish hopped out of the water and fell back with a soft splash.

It was a truly idyllic place, quiet and peaceful.

With a happy squeal, Nudge ran and dashed into the water, followed by Ronan. Vixen grinned before helping Calvin lift the bear from his back.

"Is it okay?" She asked what he said with a nod.

"Well then let us into the lake!"

Without waiting for Calvin ran Vixen and jumped into the water. With a loud splash she dived, enjoying the cool wet.

Calvin followed her just as stormily. And shortly after, the four of them romped laughing in the water. It did well and washed dirt and grime out of the thick fur.

It was good, forgetting the stress of the last days and hours.

At some point, they lay panting on the shore, let the fur dry from the sun.

"And now?" Nudge asked.

"Now? Yes ... good question ... "Ronan replied.

"I'm going to sleep one lap!" Calvin said.

"Nothing there! We'll go fishing soon ... and then ... then we'll go home! "Vixen said. "It's not far after all ... there, behind the hill ... then we're home ..."

Grumbling, Calvin sounded his ears before finally lying down.

Vixen let him, even if it did not really fit her noticeably.

Nudge jumped directly into the cool water and stuck his head under the water.

As she looked up, she grinned mischievously. "I see some fish. Then let's get started! "

Ronin nodded and Vixen jumped straight into the water.

"Finally!" She grinned satisfied.

The three friends looked back at Calvin, but he was sleeping.

"Let's leave him," Nudge said. "He finally carried heavy."

Vixen nodded slightly before looking at the two friends. "Then let's catch fish!"

Said and done.

The three took another breath before diving off.

It was cool and you could not recognize everything immediately.

Algae littered the bottom of the lake, where several fish swam around.

Nudge looked around. So many fish!

Where was she supposed to start?

Meanwhile, Vixen was aiming for a group of fish. They were huge tunas. They shimmered in the pale light like little fireflies.

Ronin noticed Vixen swam in their direction and signaled Nudge.

She looked up as well before she turned and swam in the direction of Vixen.

The swarm had enough fish for everyone! And even more for their dealers. They would be very happy about that.

The three friends circled the swarm slowly before Nudge raced forward.

Startled, the swarm broke apart.

Opportunity for Vixen and Nudge! Both began to catch as many fish as they could.

Until suddenly a shadow appeared over them.

Calvin stumbled into the swarm, his mouth wide open. Some fish he could get hold of and together the group swam back up.

Taking a deep breath, Nudge sighed as she was back on land before she dropped her catch. Vixen, Ronin and Calvin also added their catch before the group quit.

"Meal!" Ronin exulted and fetched a fish before he began to eat.

The other three began to eat.

For a while, nothing was heard but happy smacking and chewing. To Calvin finally sank back and puffed contentedly. "Oh that did you good! Finally full again "

Nudge nodded and rolled onto his side. "And now a nap!"

Ronin grinned while Vixen hit his ears. "Oh and the other fish for our traders?"

"Oh, that'll work!" Nudge yawned and closed his eyes.

"Well, do not you like that ..." Ronin said and nodded.

Calvin nodded too, and finally Vixen sighed.

"Naaa guuut," she agreed morosely.

But her friends were not wrong. She was so fed up that she had grown tired.

Mildly, the wind swept over them, while the waves of the lake softly splashed on the shore. There was nothing more to be heard apart from the singing of the birds and the whirring of insects. And the occasional deep snoring of Calvin.

Nudge woke up in the late afternoon and yawned before looking back. Waking her friends she ran towards the lake.

"Let's fish again!" She cried. "And bring more to our dealers!"

Vixen blinked sleepily before straightening up. "Hmmm ..." she yawned before getting up.

Calvin followed her example while Ronin turned on his back.

"Do I have to?" He asked.

"Yeah, you too!" Was the unanimous answer.

Together the four ran back to shore, studying the lake and the fish in it.

"What are we going to catch now?" Vixen asked.

"Tuna again?" Calvin suggested.

"We could also take carp," Nudge said.

"Did you see any of them?" Ronin asked.

Nudge shook his head slightly. "Well not really", she said, which made Ronin grin.

"We can look for her!" Ronin replied before wading into the water.

His friends followed him before they dived again into the misty side of the lake.

A pale, misty light surrounded them again and for a while they did not really see a fish. Not even the tail fin of any fish.

Frustrated, Nudge was about to swim up, when Vixen stopped her. And pointed to a bunch of algae.

Nudge looked and drifted on the spot. And indeed"! It shimmered!

Delighted, Nudge swam straight to it, followed by Ronin and the others.

Scared of the four shadows, a few carps flew out of the algae and into the vastness of the lake.

Humming, Nudge watched them go before turning to the others.

Briefly, one informed oneself, before one took up again air.

"So ... there were carp. Are we following them? "Nudge asked. Ronin nodded and Vixen and Calvin also agreed.

"Maybe we'll find a treasure!" Giggled Vixen, before she dived again.

"That's where the pirate comes in..." Ronin muttered before following Vixen.

Calvin just grinned as Nudge plunged grunting.

Following Vixen, they returned to the algae before continuing to swim in the direction in which the carp had disappeared.

As they swam around a large rock they discovered the fish right in front of them. Calmly, they circled the ground, unaware of the mischief threatening them.

Nudge first spotted her and made the others aware of her. Carefully, the four circled the few carp.

Upon an unseen sign, all four attacked. Quickly they caught the surprised fish. With the prey in their mouth they swam back to the shore, before they dived again.

Several more times, they dived and caught some fish before deciding, just before sunset, that it was enough.

They had collected enough fish that their tribe could get along with it for a while. Satisfied examined the four that.

"That's enough for everyone, is not it?" Calvin asked.

"Oh yes .." Vixen stretched out satisfied.

"More than enough!" Ronin agreed and grinned.

"Then we should load up and go home!" Nudge got up and examined her abundant prey. "Now each of us has enough to carry."

Easily, Calvin nodded and looked at the bear's carcasses. "And I did that .."

"Do not complain! You are a Dire! You can haul something, "Ronin replied.

Calvin put on his ears, but said nothing.

Vixen let out a breath. "Well, it's clear that Calvin and I will carry the most, then," she said, helping lift the bear onto Calvin, who was still grumbling.

"Does he have to be so heavy?!" Calvin complained.

"Oh calm down ... it's not far to get home!" Ronin replied annoyed.

After all were loaded, they ran off ,. The sun had long since set and the moon shone on everything with its soft light.

"I'm looking forward to home," Nudge said, sounding wistful.

"Oh me too. And then I do not want to leave, "said Calvin.

"Amen .." came from Ronin while Vixen was silent.

"We can not stand it long," she said after a while. "I know each other too well"

Calvin looked at her. "Yes, but at least a few days rest ..."

"Yes a few days you will surely treat us. We've been on the road for a while, I do not think our owners will send us out right now, "Nudge said.

Finally her tribe came into view. A few lights were still on and the small group exhaled contentedly.

"Here we are" Nudge said and kept walking

"Ja..endlich. I'm looking forward to my soft camp! "

"Me too," said Vixen. Above all, she was looking forward to her owner.

Ronin nodded too. "Yeah ... at home it's the most beautiful .."

Snow fell lightly around the little menagerie as they made their way further and further out into the wilderness. Rocco had heard that an akota by the name of Chaska has been put up for taking by the Outpost. Ever since he'd encountered a few akotas, Rocco had wanted one as his companion. What better bodyguard for a thief than a prehistoric tokota? That's why he was out here, trudging through the snow. Some tokotas had accompanied him as well. Vixen, Ronan, Rainwater, Starr, and Loud Mouth were tagging along. Of course, Boo was here too. He never strayed from Rocco's side. The young anthro blew into his freezing paws, eyes sweeping about. “The sooner we find Chaska, the better.” He mumbled to himself. “Before all of our tails fall off.” A loud screech from Sunyata the stryx reminded him that the tokotas weren't the only species accompanying him as well. Sunyata was also here with Hitori the kitsunari and Karvas the kukuri.

Rocco turned his gaze skyward, eyes lingering on Sunyata. The dragon was typically quiet… so what had attracted his attention? Movement against the treeline had Rocco turning his gaze away again. A low growl of protectiveness rumbled in Starr and Boo's throats. Vixen and Rainwater simply pricked their ears with intrigue, Ronan, Karvas, Hitori, and Loud Mouth ducking behind them for protection. Only one thing could make them act that way… an akota. As Rocco watched the beast slip out of the treeline, his suspicions were confirmed. It was indeed an akota, and the one he'd been looking for at that. Chaska.

Rocco's cold paws went to his jacket pockets and he pulled out a bag of caribou meat, with the intentions of luring the akota male in with it. Chaska clearly had a good sense of smell, for his giant head swung around towards the scent. His already small eyes seemed narrow even more as he came to a halt, jaws parted slightly and nostrils quivering as he took in the delicious scent. He likely preferred his prey freshly deceased… but any kind of food was alluring. Rocco had to admit that it smelled amazing. Vixen, Ronan, Rainwater, Starr, and Boo were practically salivating over it. Loud Mouth looked tempted to snag it and take off, but was far too afraid of Chaska pursuing her. Sunyata landed behind Karvas and Hitori, head tilting. “Better go give it to him before he comes to you.” Hitori advised.

Swallowing his nervousness, Rocco started forwards. Starr and Boo stuck to his side like glue, which made him chuckle. Neither of them could hurt Chaska if they wanted to, especially Starr. Rainwater, Vixen, and Sunyata followed but lingered back a bit. Karvas, Hitori, Ronan, and Loud Mouth had no intentions of getting closer and stayed where they were. “Hey, big man. Chaska, right?” Rocco called as he approached the akota. The beast let out a gruff grunt. “If that's what you want to call me, then so be it.” He responded, his voice as deep as thunder. After being alone with the mute Boo so much, Rocco often forgot that he could communicate with this species… so Chaska's menacing voice made him jump. Chaska's eyes glittered with humor now as he watched the jumpy anthro. His fear was amusing… and satisfying.

“Be careful!” Loud Mouth whispered not so quietly from where she hid with Ronan, Karvas, and Hitori. Chaska swung his head towards her and she was suddenly very glad that Rainwater, Vixen, and Sunyata were between the two of them. Chaska's eyes swept over Boo and Starr briefly. “Call off your dogs.” He demanded. “Dogs!?” Starr snarled in outrage, but a glare from Rocco silenced her. She didn't belong to him… but he was still her superior. “They're just a little nervous is all. Not all our encounters with your kind have been pleasant.” Rocco amended, slowly working to open up the bag of caribou jerky. He was so cold that his fingers had gone numb… and he struggled to get the pouch to open. Chaska watched him struggle, an expression of amusement and irritation mingled together on his primal face.

The longer it took, the more panicked Rocco began to get as he fumbled hopelessly at the bag. The crunching of snow began, growing louder and louder… Chaska was approaching and he didn't dare look at the brute for fear of what he might see. Boo and Starr tensed at his side, but obeyed his order to stand down. Then, suddenly… there was a flash of massive teeth and the bag was gone, whisked out of Rocco's paw. He felt tundra fur brush his own and it sent a shiver down his spine as he realized how close the wild akota's teeth had been from his flesh. Gaping, Rocco watched as Chaska tore the bag open and dug into the contents inside. “Daayyuum.” Loud Mouth whispered, again not so quietly to an unamused looking Hitori. Karvas and Ronan looked even more terrified at the point. Vixen, Sunyata, and Rainwater had an expression of surprise on their faces as well… but also amusement. None of them had seen that coming… but it seemed that Chaska had no intentions of hurting Rocco. If he wanted to, he would have done so already.

The massive akota swept his tongue over his huge teeth, small eyes narrowing towards the fox anthro once again. “Your name?” He rumbled, sounding almost…. curious? Rocco felt his heart jump with hopefulness and be beamed a smile at the brute. “Rocco.” He stated. “This is Starr, Boo, Vixen, Rainwater, Sunyata, Ronan, Hitori, Karvas, Loud Mouth.” He rattled off their names, pointing to each of them as he did so. Chaska's eyes swept over them, landing on Rainwater briefly. The chief's tokota. He recognized her. His eyes returned to Rocco. “I asked for your name only. I could care less about the name of your pets.” he responded coldly. Rocco flinched slightly at the harsh tone in his gravelly voice. With that, the akota turned and started to walk away. Rocco stares after him, jaw gaping. He was just going to take his food and then leave!?

Rocco started after him, Boo and Starr sticking by his side. “I wouldn't advise this.” Rainwater mumbled though she, Sunyata, and Vixen followed. Ronan, Hitori, Karvas, and Loud Mouth weren't so keen on following but they didn't exactly want to be left alone in the wilderness either… slowly, they followed. It didn't last for very long though. Small ears twitching backwards the sound of the menagerie crunching through the snow in pursuit, Chaska came to a halt. He turned his head, squinting at Rocco and locking gazes worth him. Slowly, his muzzle wrinkled to show his slightly yellowed teeth. Again, Rocco felt a shiver ripple down his spine. Chaska could tear him limb from limb so easily… as easily as he'd ripped open that plastic bag. He half-expected Chaska to lunge for him, but he didn't. The akota's response still let him fumbling for what to do next though… “Don't follow me. If I want to find you, I'll find you.” with that the massive prehistoric beast turned and lumbered away…. Nobody was stupid enough to follow.

After meeting Chaska, Rocco round himself even more curious about the akotas and their strange ways. He decided to keep going forwards into the night, not to pursue Chaska, but to search our another akota… This one was a gray female that had been nicknamed Advik. Apparently she was a bit more agreeable than Chaska as well… Although still nervous around people, she apparently was much more upbeat and energetic around other animals. Ronan, Karvas, Hitori, and Loud Mouth were certainly happy to hear that there was a lower chance of confrontation here. Maple had joined them as well, trotting along behind Vixen, Rainwater, Starr, and Boo. She was a quiet little thing, not saying much. Instead, she just watched Sunyata with curiosity as the stryx flew above them in search for Advik. Clearly, she'd never seen a stryx before.

A chirp from Sunyata had everyone turning their gazes skyward. He'd spotted something. Guiding him a ways onward, they reached a clearing… and in that clearing was a massive gray akota. It matched the description of Advik perfectly. The female akota's head shot up in surprise, eyes widening slightly as she turned towards the strange menagerie. Her small ears pricked forwards with curiosity, head tilting to the side slightly. “Hello-” Rocco started, but didn't get to finish his greeting. With a chuffing sound… Advik charged. Rocco automatically assumed that chuff was an aggressive sound. Squeaking in fear, the young anthro grabbed onto Boo as the dire carried him a safe distance away, Starr quickly following suit. Karvas, Hitori, Loud Mouth, Ronan, and Maple scattered with various sounds of alarm forming a strange-sounding symphony. Only Rainwater and Vixen stood their ground, Vixen because she didn't want to leave her mother and Rainwater because she'd been around akotas enough now to know that sound hadn't been an aggressive one. It was of excitement, not anger.

As everyone scattered, Advik skittered to a halt in front of Vixen and Rainwater, head tilting to the side with confusion. “Why's everyone running?” She asked, looking around now. Karvas, Hitori, Loud Mouth, Ronan, and Maple had all ducked to hide behind Sunyata, peering out nervously at the akota. “Maybe because you're a prehistoric beast charging at us…” Rocco piped up from where he slowly unglued himself from Boo's side. Advik's ears flicked back slightly and she turned towards him with a huff. “Well that's a silly reason to be running. Just because I'm big, that doesn't mean I'm mean… what the heck are you, anyways?” She eyeballed the fox anthro warily. She'd yet to meet a person who could speak her language. “I'm a fox anthro. My name's Rocco… Is it okay if I call you Advik?” He slowly started forwards, Starr and Boo following quickly. He'd learned not to automatically assume it was okay, like last time. He'd annoyed Chaska by doing that.

Advik tilted her head to the side, looking thoughtful. “Eh, sure, if you really gotta call me something.” Her nose twitched slightly as she caught a whiff of the scent hat the caribou jerky had left behind. “Whatcha got?” She inquired, her interest in the fox anthro tripling at the thought of food. Rocco blinked, then frowned as he exchanged glances with Starr and Boo. “I'm sorry… Chaska ate it all.” Advik frowned deeply at that. “And who's Chaska!?” She exclaimed, automatically offended that someone hadn't allowed Rocco to share with her. She turned her head, gaze sweeping around all the surrounding tokotas. Vixen and Rainwater just flicked their tails in nonchalance. She didn't dwell on Karvas much… she didn't know what the heck he was, but she doubted he ate meat. The bird thing, Sunyata, confused her too. She assumed this must be a tokota… or the kitsunari, Hitori. Ronan and Maple flinched under her harsh gaze and Loud Mouth whimpered. “I'm Loud Mouth!” She exclaimed, proving her point by practically shouting.

Rocco let out a slightly nervous laugh. “Ah, he's another akota. He's not here.” he stated. Advik looked back to him, then let out a loud huff. Like an overgrown pup throwing a fit, the massive akota unceremoniously plopped down onto her hindquarters, making a huge indention in the snow. “Well, if I ever meet him, Imma tell him that he's really mean.” She whimpered softly, actually looking like she might cry. Rocco had never thought that a prehistoric tokota could look cute, but… she did and it pulled at his heartstrings. Even the more skittish of souls seemed to feel sorry for her. Karvas, Hitori, Loud Mouth, Ronan, and Maple approached her slowly, though they stopped at a respectful distance. Rainwater, Vixen, and Sunyata didn't seem so impressed with her theatrics and merely rolled their eyes. “Aawww no, don't cry!” Rocco exclaimed before he could stop himself. “Boo and Starr are great hunters; they can catch you something!” He exclaimed adamantly.

“I don't want Boo and Starr to hunt for me!” Advik sniffed pitifully. “I wanted some of that people food… It's soooo good. You guys are lucky. I'd have to give up my freedom and be someone's pet in order to get that stuff.” She poured on the “oh woe is me” theatrics. Rainwater, Vixen, Hitori, and Starr looked rather irritated at being called pets. Sunyata and Karvas couldn't understand tokota speak, but they surely would too. Boo didn't mind being a pet whatsoever, so the mute male just flicked his tail nonchalantly. Loud Mouth, Ronan, and Maple hid their irritation. They didn't want to get bitten! “Well, how about I go to town tomorrow and get you some people food?” Rocco suggested, hoping that it would perk her up before she really got the waterworks going. “I'll get you all kinds of goodies… you can consider it holiday goodies!” Advik merely tilted her head in confusion at that, though her gaze had brightened considerably. It seemed that Rocco and his little menagerie had avoided a meltdown of prehistoric proportions by the skin of their teeth.

“Holiday goodies?” She inquired curiously. “I know what goodies are, but what's Holiday?” Vixen, Rainwater, Loud Mouth, Starr, Boo, and Maple all gave her sympathetic looks. Hitori could care less, seeing as how she didn't celebrate any holidays. She chose to go chat with Karvas and Sunyata, who were being left out of the conversation due to not being about to speak Tokotnan. “Holidays are certain days in cultures that are celebrated. Many different cultures have different holidays.. a lot of them have them this time of year. Food is really involved in most, so there's lots of good stuff to eat. I can share my holiday portions with you.” He had some friends that he gave stolen supplies to that often made a little something to him in return. Thieves looked after thieves sometimes, it seemed. This had Advik brightening up completely, tears quickly disappearing. “Thank you so much, weird person! You aren't too bad.” If akotas could purr, she would have. Rocco simply let out a soft chuckle at that. “You're welcome… everyone deserves goodies at the Holidays. We're going to head back home before it was talking dark, but I'll see you tomorrow… Happy Holidays!” With that he turned and led the little menagerie away, feeling quite satisfied with this meeting. Perhaps it was just the Holiday spirit.