A/N: Yeah, I went there
A/N: Yeah, I went there. This is an AU, with some elements from Wolf's Rain tossed in here for good measure to explain something later on. None of the Wolf's Rain chara's are going to be here, but you may figure out who my main Wolf Type character is pretty easily. Other than Some OOC-ness, the AU, and the plot. I own nothing. There, Disclaiemr taken care of as well. On to the fic!
PS; those waiting for updates on my other stuff…I'm really trying to think up of ways to continue. Ideas are appreciated for those.
Ch.1
Enter the Alpha
Sephiroth tugged the black scarf higher up over the bridge of his nose as the howling winds and biting snow and ice, caught at his clothes and skin. Why in the world had Shinra seen fit to send him and his top second in command out to check on mere RAVAGES of all things?! Just because the small village of Nibelheim supplied some of the most quality Mako used in Shinra's SODLIER program, didn't mean they needed to use overkill on a little monster problem.
Besides, he was more than a little suspicious of the town's story; Ravages didn't normally attack human settlements for no reason, especially not to steal cattle or sheep like the people said they were.
And when he had examined the corrals on the outside of town, their seemed to be an abundance of the animals; what ever was being taken didn't seem to be taking a real toll on the people. They appeared well fed and well off; sending up several red flags in his and Zack's mind.
But they still had too slog out into the mountains during the storm since this was prime Ravage weather; their thick coats, specialized eyes and paws made them expert hunters in bad weather like this. Not only that but most people didn't realize just how smart the Wolf like creatures were, they knew that no human would be out in this kind of weather.
Making the ranches easy targets.
They probably hadn't counted on the humans sending for people like them though.
Finally reaching a forested area that cut back on the furious weather, they pulled down their scarfs and began to mover a little faster. According to the villagers, there should be a clearing somewhere in here that was near the Ravages main Den. Find it, and likely find the Ravages.
An hour later, as Zack cursed up a blue streak and Sephiroth brooded they had yet to find the clearing or any Ravage signs. They had paused to take a break, as Zack started a meager fire to heat up something before they continued on. He only paid half an ear to Zack's mutterings as he observed the forest.
"…Zack." His second looked up and stopped his explicatives," Yea?" Sephiroth gestured to the forest surrounding them," Have you noticed something…odd?" Zack looked around before looking back at him with raised eyebrows," Well…other than a surprising lack of deer no. Why?" Sephiroth nodded," That's just it. Where ARE all the herbivores? As soon as this month is up it should be prime mating season, which means there should already be a surplus of deer grazing here. Something's not right." Just as he said that a shuddering Howl broke the semi-still of the forest.
Another and another rose to join the first until a chorus of howls rang around them before stopping abruptly; than a musical tone swelled, and chimed in their ears; another howl but quite unlike the first. Barely sharing a glance before the two kicked snow over the fire and dashed for the sound, not even traveling for five minutes from their stopping spot before stumbling into a clearing they both knew hadn't been there before.
They looked around and realized that Ravages ringed around them in the sheltered glen, but they weren't paying them any mind; their attention was focused on the figure seated on the swell of a snow covered rocky hill, right above a cave; the Ravages den.
But the two SOLDIER's found themselves uncaring about that fact as Zack whispered," Fuck." Sephiroth couldn't help but silently agree; the seated creature was an Alpha Dire Ravage. A creature as feared as the old fire dragons were, and supposedly just as extinct. But the ice colored creature continued to sing its song to sky as it defied the history book's words about it.
When it had finished the Alpha lowered its broad head to regard them with glowing sapphire eyes: Humans…and strong ones at that. Why do you invade our home?: Zack blinked before tilting his head while rubbing a hand through his spiky black mane," Ummm, am I going nuts or did I really hear a voice in my head?" Sephiroth shook his head while maintaining eye contact with the Alpha," No, I heard it also." The beast opened his mouth to reveal gleaming fangs, and a lolling tongue as if laughing at them. : Humans, so quick to claim insanity when faced with something new or unusual. No, you're companion is quite right. You're hearing me!: On me the Alpha stood and jumped landing a scant few feet from the two and tossing his head, causing his ruff to catch what little light there was in a gold flare : Answer me my earlier question humans, WHY are you here?:
Deciding to address the Large Ravage with the respect he tended to give Zack on his serious days, Sephiroth answered," We're investigating the reports of Ravages savaging the grazing lands below, the ones that the ranchers in the village use to keep and graze their cattle and sheep in." : Savaging, does that word mean? I know my kind hunt in the valley below. The four-legged wooly ones and the four-legged horned ones are good meat in these lean times, with pups no less: The great Ravage tilted his head curiously, tail shifting as he seated himself. Relaxing but not letting their guard down Zack continued," Yea, well; according to the villagers you guys are running amuck; aver, rabid critters slaughtering cows and sheep left and right." At this The wolf bared its teeth and raised its hackles, the ring of lesser Ravages shifted and began to growl in a murmuring tone :Rabid? Slavering?! Slaughter! We take only what we are needing to live! Their hunters come into OUR forests and hunt OUR meat to take back! They take more than they need. I've been in their village during the blizzards, seen them offering meat for their own gain instead of using it. AND they hunt me and mine, for our pelts for Grand ladies to WEAR! They say we are killers? They should point a finger at themselves first!:
Sephiroth nodded," I see, that's what I thought they may have been covering up. But unfortunately we can't leave until we have a peaceful solution or…" He didn't need to finish the sentence. Regarding them warily before casting his gaze around the ring of his followers their Cheiftan stated slowly: Suppose you could get eh villagers to stay out of the forests entirely? We would promise to stay within a certain boundary that both sides must agree too, AND I would offer myself and a few subordinates of my choosing up to go with you to your den as a sign of good faith for a period of time. Would this satisfy your and your Alphas?:
Zack and Sephiroth shared a look before Zack nodded," Yeah, that might work." Both were uncharacteristically unwilling to try and kill this legend. Just as they generally avoided the Dragon species if they weren't really bothering anyone. Gesturing Sephiroth asked," So, who are you bringing with you? I'd like to get back to town and get the settled." Snorting at him the Ravage chuckled in their heads : Humans, always so impatient. Snowpaw, Blizzardwalker, Icefang; you will accompany me. Stormeye, you and your mate Windwhisper will look after the clan.: Five Ravages, that didn't appear much different than the rest nodded, three walking up to stand with their leader. Giving them an expectant look. Nodding, done talking more or less for the day, Sephiroth lead the way back to the village, though it was more a formality to let him lead. The Ravages probably knew the way back better than he did.
As they walked Zack tapped his chin thoughtfully," Heeeey, I'm curious. You named off the guys and gals you needed to do stuff. So what are we gonna call you? I mean, we just can't call you Ravage or something." Moving to keep pace beside the dreadlocked man from behind; he Ravage tilted his head, causing his icy colored fur to shimmer various colors as it thought for a moment: I suppose Alpha will do for now. I really haven't used my old omega name in a while.:
Zack grinned," Really? Than that just means I'll have to give you a fitting nickname. Alpah's so boooring…how about Fluffy?" Alpha blinked at the human before turning his head to look at his leader who had slowed to walk on Alpha's other side: He's very strange. But, fluffy?: Sephiroth shook his head," You'll get used to it." As Zack continued his naming.
" How about Snugglykins?!" A growl, a laugh, and the sound of two forms crashing through the brush," ZACK!" Than several forms dashing after, as an insane black haired human was chased by a peeved Dire Ravage, with Sephiroth and the other Ravages in hot pursuit. Oh, yeah. This was going to be fun.
Tbc…
In the next episode, the villagers, a deal, and the return to Shinra HQ.
