Run!

by ACUTLTTM

This is going to be looooooooong. It doesn't have a genre because there are too many genres. Please read the brief summary inside, this is too small to fully explain it. R just in case. Could someone say if this was uploaded correctly? More soon!

6. Chapter 6

TLT:

A great white uni with a split green and red mane and tail stood towering over the pups. They stood riveted with fear as he told them about his great wars with the lupes. How they just came after him again and again, but he always managed to escape. Dermisone, a jet black pup, was staring at him openmouthed. His sister, Yakato, a dark rich green was huddled up against him in fear, her eyes wide. Ino, a runt the same shade of periwinkle as his mother was hiding under his brother, Labifron. Labifron stared coolly at the uni, as he pantomimed fending off attackers. He was the oldest pup, from a previous litter, the only one to survive. Labifron also shared the periwinkle color with his brother and mother. Ino covered his eyes with his paws as the stallion reared and waved his great hooves above the pup's heads.

Anita watched the scene with a warm smile on her face. Very was always playing with the pups, telling them fabulous stories, which she knew were slightly exaggerated. She looked at Labifron and sighed. Dear Giph, named after the dark red Uni she knew in the past, Lumrino, named for the great stallion who shared his color, and Verin, named for her dearest uni friend, were all gone. She shuddered as she remembered the night.

She had been nursing her pups, her dear precious babies, in her den, when she heard thunder. The pups shivered and she covered them with her legs to keep them warm. At the mouth of the cave she excavated, everything was wet. It was a horrible storm outside. Lightening flashed and there was the silhouette of a dark lupe at the mouth of the cave. The figure had glowing yellow eyes. It growled. Anita had instantly perked up and looked at him. The lupe smiled, a fang glinting in the twilight. She was filled with dread as the den filled with the scent of Jerad, the alpha of her first pack. An evil laugh filled the pups ears and the squirmed to get closer to their mother.

"So, Kwanita, you now are a mother. You have small bundles of joy, who run and laugh at your feet. You have the love for them only a parent can have. Now you can suffer as I did, when you killed my son, my pride and joy. I shall kill your precious pups, slowly, while you huddle in the corner, unable to do a thing."

And that's just what he did, after slicing clean through the tendons in her front legs, leaving her unable to move as he slaughtered three pups. He held the fourth in his mouth, ready to kill, when he suddenly dropped it at his feet. Anita whimpered, the pain in her legs unimaginable, but the pain at seeing her pups die even worse.

The lupe looked at the small bundle of periwinkle fur. He laughed again, louder, the sound pounding in her ears. The pup shivered in the cold. Jerad bent down and nuzzled the pup into the arms of his mother. Kwanita looked at him, puzzled.

"Now, I leave you this single pup, as a reminder of how only he survived the murder of your family. Whenever you see this pup run and laugh, you will remember that there once was four rather than one. You will remember how you watched them die, able to do nothing. Nothing! NOTHING!" The lupe walked out of the den laughing manically. It faded off into the distance.

She had waited there, sobbing, blood oozing out of her legs, a single puppy with her on that cold night. She knew his name was not Trabbeh as she had called him, but the name of her great ancestor, Labifron, who was the only child of a lowly lupe couple, who earned greatness with his skill, and soon was in the royal warrior lines. She whispered the pup his new name, and waited for her mate to come. Jauck came finally after the storm was over, the afternoon of the next day. They managed to drag Anita to Kauvara's house, over two miles away.

Jauck came home from doing whatever, to find the pups curled up against the uni, and Anita sleeping with them, the beekadoodle she had had for so long keeping watch. He curled up against the back of his mate and fell asleep.

Morgan:

Waka and Mosh could only stare at the bizarre creature in front of them. H-hello? Who're you? Waka said, and Moya whipped around, ponytail getting caught on a tree branch. She had been muttering to herself about Waka, but he couldn't hear her, being deaf and all. She had had no idea that they were there.

W-w-w-waka?!?! B-b-b-but y-you c-can't... You shoulda... You're s'posed to be... Oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my oh my... She babbled crazily, eyes wide, ignoring her tangled hair.

Waka was getting REALLY annoyed. SHUT UP!... He screamed telepathically, and everyone in the vicinity winced. That screech could really give you a headache! Waka thought for a second, then decided to ask her something. What the heck ARE you?! What's your name?! HOW OVER KRELUDOR DO YOU KNOW MY NAME?!?!

Moya looked startled, then stated I am Moya, a Water Faerie. I am telepathic, like you, or rather you are like me. Yuh see, it's kinda my fault that you're deaf an' such... She hung her head sadly, only to feel the branch tugging her ponytail. "YOWCH!" She screeched aloud, and Waka only saw her mouth flapping wide as she said quite a few curses that she wouldn't have said if Waka could hear. She recovered, and continued, flinching slightly, Well... You see... I was going to bless your mother so that the winds would aid your pack when they went hunting, but I messed up and missed... They all went in your ear and swished all your hearing an' colours out. To make up for my own bungle brains, I intended to bless you with telepathy, but again, being the bungle-butt I am, I gave you ALL of my powers... Which was never intended, but is now irreversible. She sighed heavily, looking sad. I'm terribly sorry, Waka... But why did you leave your herd?

Firstly, it's a PACK, not a HERD, and secondly, they thought I was stupid. THEY are the stupid ones!! I can make it on my own... I know I can... But Waka looked uncertain. Mosh was remaining silent because he knew Moya. She had a quick trigger temper, and she would kill him if he entered the conversation. She wouldn't harm Waka though, and he knew it.

Moya started up again Well SoOoRY! How was I s'posed to know, mister smarty-pants? Waka had no idea what these "pants" Moya spoke of were, but she didn't bother to explain, just plowed onward Anywhowaysies, I'm not sure if you know this, but you can change your appearance. Her eyes narrowed That is, IF you can control your powers... Which, since you're a mere puppy, I doubt you can! HA! She wondered if reverse psychology worked on little beings. Apparently so.

I'll show her!! I'll change colours right now! And he did. His fur took on the colour of the night sky, black with tiny white specks, his eyes turned deep purple, the darkest shade, with no hint of their usual pink, and his wings were pitch black, with tiny white tips on the top and bottom points. Now no one from his pack would recognize anything except his scent, which he also decided to change. After a moment's concentration he smelled like air after a thunderstorm. Moya just gawked at him.

How can a mere pup do all of that without breaking a sweat?! He... He's stronger than I am!! Oya oya, this is definitely NOT good!! W-wow. Impressive. How did-id y-you do th-this? She asked, her nervous stutter returning. Waka had no explanation, and just stared at his reflection in the pond nearby. The pond where his parents had met. What are they doing now?

Meanwhile, Ally was sobbing. Wuff couldn't comfort her, since he had the same grief. They were mourning for their son, who had left while they slept. The pups, for once, were silent. Etsu and Nani were devastated. They knew, though they wouldn't admit it, why Waka had left. They felt the guilt weighing them down, but didn't tell the others, because they were afraid of the consequences. It was a silent night that night, and no one made a sound. They continued to be silent for the next three days, but then they got hungry. Ally nearly exploded when Etsu and Nani admitted it to her. They ran and hid for two more days, but Waka and Mosh knew none of this. They only knew that now Moya was offering to be Waka's... Owner?! What over Kreludor was THAT supposed to mean?! Waka decided to tag along after Moya though... For a while at least.

Uni:

The fillies giggled happily, Shagya brushing her beautiful wings on Gipha's coat.

"Well," Orora said, recovered from her past night, "let's show you the herd, children!"

The foals got up, and, springing up and down, galloped behind their mother. The herd was disposed in two rows, and Lumino stood in the back, along with two jet-black stallions.
As the newcomers approached, Lumino's two guards began to speak.

"Orora, the lead mare's daughter, had had two fillies last night. It is with pride and happiness that we welcome Shagya and Delta."

As Orora and her babies walked towards Lumino, the mares all smiled warmly and looked at each other, before bowing down swiftly.

When Shagya and Delta neared the lead stallion, Orora stopped and nudged them forwards.

"I, Lumino, this Herd Leader, acknowledge that Shagya and Delta will now be part of this herd, which will protect them, feed them, and cherish them. May everyone neigh in their honour!"

And so, every member of the herd whinnied, and some even reared up. Shagya was looking brightly at all of them, but Delta, a bit afraid, simply turned her ears in all directions.

TLT:

Anita heard mumblings of the herd. She looked up to see Lumino introducing two brand new foals. Shagya and Delta. They were still a little wobbly from being so young. The Unis neighed, even Very, very weakly, and the ebony filly was confused, while the white one was happy to see everything. Anita smiled, but as she did, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. Hungry already? She supposed it had been a day since she last ate. She walked quietly to Very and told him she was going out. She motioned to Jauck, who followed.

The two lupes wondered how they would eat. It had been days since Jauck's last meal, and he was itching to hunt unis, but a sharp look from Anita told him no. They wandered the plains, until they came to a small marsh, surrounded by thick trees, deep green grass, and petpets galore. The two caught petpets, fish, and even tried some of the strange berries growing there. Anita ate her fill and more. Jauck took time to catch more buzzers, and angelpi than they needed to save for later. The two ran home, chasing each other, their petpets, and playing games of hide and seek and tag.

A jet black lupe watched from the deep grass. He sat on his hind legs, his paws shaking with rage. He smiled at the couple. He would soon have the revenge he wanted so dearly. It would be simple, and yet it would hurt her more than she had ever hurt before. He grinned again, before slinking off into the grass.

Very waited until everything died down. Most of the unis were gathered around the foals. Anita and her friend had gone off, to hunt something.

He shifted his weight and put his legs under him, then slowly lifted himself up. It hurt like the devil, but he could stand. His lungs continued their usual burning, though it got worse for a moment. Very tried taking weight off one leg, and slowly lifting if up. He took a step, one after another, until he was comfortable walking, if he ignored the burning when he took a breath, and the searing pain as he moved each muscle. He walked slowly to the shore of the lake and took a deep drink. He flapped his wings. The first few flaps felt horrible, but after that, they worked pretty good. He managed to get off the ground, and carefully transferred weight back to his hooves. He looked at his reflection in the lake. He had large streaks of mud where he had been dragged from the lake to the shore. His horn wasn't glistening like it should, and his the feathers of his wings were horribly out of place. He paused, wondering if he was ready for this, then stepped out into the lake. The mud felt horrible on his fur, itching like crazy. He swam a short way into the lake, to where he could stand if he needed to, but was deep enough to swim. He flapped his wings underwater, and shook his coat to loosen the mud. The cool water felt wonderful to his burning muscles. It was wonderful to stretch and use them finally. He swam more, to get the kinks out of his legs, then walked back to the shore, where he met a worried Anita. Her friend stood well back, but she ran up to him and checked him over. She tissked and she tasked but she didn't reprimand him at all. Very chuckled at the thought of the little lupe telling him, a uni three times her size, off.

Anita was glad he finally could stand up and walk though. He wasn't the surest of foot, but he could stand. Perhaps they could go with Trab soon. Hopefully.

Tasia:

But on this morning, the mare would not get up. The stallion stood above her, fidgeting his tail and his head. The gelert's brow was squeezed between his eyes "What going on?"

"She's sick!" the stallion said, almost in a sob.

"Well I know she's sick you fool! What's wrong with her?"

The stallion shook his head.

The gelert bent his knees and studied at the red mare "A little fat, isn't she? I knew I should have cut your foot supply. She ate herself fat!" he walked over and gave the mare a slap on the side. "Come on you fat grubball, get up!"

But the mare screamed. "It's not the slap," the gelert turned. The black stallion was addressing him "The pain is coming from inside."

The gelert rubbed his chin "Great, looks like I'm going to have to see that witch,"

Shiko had left the barren place he once called home. Now he was a roaming lupe. Of course, the uniphin followed him every step of the way. Shiko had gotten used to Noe, even gotten to like her- the way she befriended every petpet she saw, the way she would skip nonsensically from one subject to another, even the way she seemed to pry into his thoughts.

He thought, if it wasn't for her, Shiko wouldn't even be on this world. He felt he had to take care of her. Well, that didn't really make sense. Noe was tangled in paradoxes. She was certainly the most strongest creature he ever met, and with enough self assurance to go around. Yet at the same time she was always at his side, no matter what the cost. It was as if she couldn't stand to let him out of her sight.

Perhaps it had something to do with the two species that had parented her. Unis, he knew, where valiant and sure, while the peophins he had met ducked under the water and shied away from he and Noe without a word. Of course, it could of had to do with a strange change that had come over him.

He found that creatures were afraid of him. Not just naturally skittish animals, like the peophins, but high flying pteris, and the massive skeiths, and even other lupes. There was an occasion when, while traversing the mountains above the endless plains and Neopia Central, he and Noe had accidentally stumbled onto a pack territory. Instead of chasing him away, which he expected, they shivered and crouched, and tails tucked under legs, let them pass. This behavior confused Shiko, and one night, camped on a beach in Kredulor's full view, he questioned Pehanoie.

"Well," she said "you are an imposing figure. Sure, your not very big, but you have that look in your eye, like your dead."

"I'm dead?" he wished Pehanoie would for once make sense.

"Yeah. Like, you fought a war, and your fed up with the world, so your dead. I mean, your still walking around and stuff, but your dead."

Shiko blinked "I did fight a war." then it occurred to him that in nearly a year that he had known Noe, he had never told her about himself. So right there and then, he did. He told about how he had never known his parents, but instead raised on the good heartedness of Hod. He told about being the omega, and being bullied by the other lupes. He told of his friend Wuff, who had been banished from the pack for strangeness.

Then he told of Zhairk's death and the insanity of Hod, and the massacre. This all came cascading out much easier than he thought it would. Shiko told of finding Wuff again, and the once uni- Ally. He told how Wuff, Ally, and he had ventured across the endless plains to visit the strange kau Kauvara, who changed Ally into a lupe, took away his dreams, and introduced them to the captivating Fay.

He told her about the war, how Hod had planned attack on the unis, and how Ally had killed Hod and the packs numbers were increased by those members once in Hod's pack. He also told how he slipped away from the pack when peace was finally won.

"I wanted to get to a place where there was no one. Unfortunately, you were there." but he said it in good humor.

"The Alpha himself went crazy," she said "that's amazing."

Shiko was getting annoyed. "Look, the past is out, lets not bring it back up again."

Noe nodded "Okay Sheek."

Shiko grimaced "Komoshiko," he muttered, but said "Tell me, Noe. What was your life like before you met me?"

Fay rolled over onto her back. Her frame was much more lighter than a uni's "Boooooring!"

Shiko gave her a sideways look "Is that why you went to a place of isolation?"

"Place of ice?"

"I mean, is that why you wanted to be alone?"

Noe got quickly up to her feet. Shiko turned to see what was wrong. He thought he saw- it couldn't be- tears in her eyes? "I didn't WANT to be alone!"

"Hey hey, sor-ry!"

"I didn't."

"Okay, I believe you."

"I didn't!"

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay."

The uniphin collapsed laying down "Good!"

Shiko grinned "Noe, just go to sleep."

"I'd like to buy a license for capturing wild neopets."

Judge Hog looked down at the young boy over his coffee mug "Sorry, you cannot get one. Neopets, as you call them, are sentient creatures. It is unethical to capture one from the wild."

Clarence gave him a look "You don't believe me do you. This dark green lupe ate my chia!"

The moehog spit the hot stuff right out "Did you say, eat?"

"Yes,"

"As in, eat an omelet? The lupe ate your chia?"

"Yes..."

Fay came and stood next to Ally. She said nothing, just stood there, making a silent promise between the both of them, that Fay was her friend. How did it feel, for a mother? Fay didn't know. She thought darkly, she would never know.

"Fay!"

She looked up sharply. Who was calling her, and so jovially?

"Fay!"

She spotted the dark green lupe on the green landscape. He came to her and dropped something red at her feet. Fay just looked into his eyes "Phunis, come here." she said coldly, as if reprimanding a child.

"Fay, what's-"

Once they were out of distance, Fay turned on Phunis "Where were you for the last four days?"

"I was in Neopia Central..."

"Do you even realized what's happened?"

Phunis blinked, and shook his head.

Fay took a breath "Ally's and Wuff's pup, the white one, disappeared. He might be gone, Phunis." she watched the lupes face for a reaction "Everyone's in mourning." she said.

"Fay, I'm sorry. I didn't know-"

"WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU WHEN THIS HAPPENED!?"

"I told you, I was in Neopia Central hunti-"

"I don't care. I don't even want to talk to you!" she stormed past him, and sat down again next to Ally.

Phunis picked up the dead chia, and brought it to their shared den. When the mourning was over, he would give it to Fay. Then maybe she would be happy with him.

TLT:

Anita found herself digging furiously at a small hole created by some petpet. She didn't really know why, but figured she would just catch the petpet. She was hungry already, even though she had stuffed herself only hours before. The thought of a nice tasty symol was making her mouth water. She found the digging fairly easy, and she had excavated a very large, cave at the bottom of the tunnel. Her mind was wandering and she didn't realize what she was doing until she had put several mounds of dry grass and leaves at the bottom of the hole. She shook herself and sniffed around for that petpet. She heard a squeak, and saw something run toward the entrance. She wasn't fast enough, but could've sworn the thing winked at her, from the top entrance. Anita walked out of the hole, and found Jauck, looking at her curiously, at the top.

"What's with the hole? You've been at it all afternoon, since we got back."

Anita shrugged. "I was bored, that's all." She suddenly found her self very tired. A sharp gust of wind blew over her. She looked at the sky and saw storm clouds coming this way. With out thinking, she went to her tunnel and built a small wall around the entrance, just enough to keep the water out, but short so she could easily hop over them. Another breeze blew through her fur. She ran over to Very and saw that he was laying down in a nice spot and covered with leaves to keep warm. He could tell a storm was coming and thanked her. Anita was drooping, ready to drop down for a nice long nap, and barely managed to get to the den she had created. She fell asleep almost instantly, with Jauck laying next to her. The two fell asleep to the sound of a light rain shower. They didn't notice as Jauck's Cobrall came slithering back into the cave, where he took his place around Jauck's neck.

Jerad was ready to howl in glee. Anita was having pups! She had trapped herself in a den with only one entrance! If he wasn't so careful about not being caught by the Uni's, he would of done a little dance while barking the news to everyone. He would have his revenge on the single lupe that killed his only offspring, brought his pack to ruin, and stole his beta. Now all he had to do was wait for that dummy Jauck to get out of the way.

Anita woke up an hour later, to find four small creatures with her. Her mind was in a daze, and she had no idea what they were. She smelled them. They smelled like lupes, and her. One was a bright green, another a rich brown, one with periwinkle fur like her own, and the last with a rich golden coat. As she woke up fully, she realized that they were pups. How the heck did that happen? It did explain why she had been so hungry, and why she had dug this hole.

Anita staggered out of the hole, slightly stiff from being in there without moving much. The bundles of fur followed her. The rain had stopped, and for now, the sun peeked through the clouds. In the light, she realized that they needed names. She thought about this. The green one would be Verin, a variation of Very's name. The yellow-gold pup reminded her of Lumino, so she dubbed him Lumrino. The brown female was rather spunky, so she called her Giph. The runt gave her trouble. She thought and thought, and finally decided on Trabbin, thought it didn't suit him at all.

She proudly marched over to where Very and Jauck sat chatting, and introduced them. Very was pleased with his namesake, playing with him more than the other pups. She toted them away and showed them off to Lumino, for him to introduce them to the herd, and for his approval of the golden pup, then dragged them to show Gipha, to see what she thought of the brown pup that bore her name.

The dark lupe watched all this with glee. Everything has worked as he had hoped, even better for Anita had dug that wonderful den. Revenge was so close, he could taste it.

Uni:

Lumino snorted impatiently, whipping his white tail. The Uni paced around, and snorted again.

When in the world are they going to come back?! He frowned to himself. One pack had proved its friendship ... but I doubt that all the Lupes of the Plains had wanted to abandon their hunt ... Lumino neighed in frustration, and reared up, horn glowing. A little Weewoo flew off the Uni's weapon, and having received Lumino's mental command, flew away, fast as wind.

The fillies can now fly, and Shagya did this especially well, her marvelous Faerie wings making her fly better then her sister.
Delta was keeping quiet, never manifesting her emotions, and keeping them to herself. The black foal was even more mysterious then Trab; but she was far wiser then most other fillies.

Wishing to make them explore the Endless Plains, Orora led them to the forest, Silver Star at her side.

The sweet smell of ripe berries and blossoming flowers made its way into the Uni's nostrils; faint rays of silver light lit gently the forest ground in small patches of white. Flowers were rivaling with each other, their bright colours making the woods extremely beautiful.

Beekadoodles sang prettily and there was no other sounds then their soft singing. Shagya marveled at the beauty of the place, while Delta followed quietly behind her. They walked along, smelling the roses and playing with the butterflies.

As they walked past a little lake, Shagya dipped her white nose into the clear water, and drank the pure liquid.
Delta, however, was looking at her reflection. No one saw the tear that leaked from her eye. No one saw the glittering drop hit gently the water, rippling its calm surface. No one saw the filly's amber eye full of sadness and fear. No one will understand her ...

As Orora led Shagya towards an ancient tree, Delta silently galloped away, her purple mane flowing. Her hooves hit lightly the ground, so that no one could hear her. Finally, between two trees, the filly lifted herself from the ground, slowly, gracefully.
It will be the last time Orora will see her daughter.

I'm sorry ... A single silver tear dropped from her eye. Forgive me ...

With that, Delta flew away; away from her family; away from her sister; away from the herd; away from everything.

Goodbye ...

TLT:

Very was getting up regularly now. He could walk a little ways, with relatively little pain. Aside from the burning lungs, aching joints, and sore muscles.

Anita was very happy with her puppies, playing with them all the time. Jauck went out and caught them petpets everyday. Everything was so busy with four bouncing pups that the peace and quiet of hunting was great. Everything was happy with the lupes, there was nothing to be afraid of, and everything went better than planned.

The clouds in the sky never actually cleared up. They seemed to stay there holding their fury until the night when Jauck was out hunting, and Anita was snuggled in her den with the pups. Then the clouds broke loose, a torrent of rain coming toward the earth forcing everything to find shelter in its wake. Lightening struck the ground, the pups huddled next to their mother. Anita was more thankful than ever that she built her den. Being out was suicide in this rain. She hoped Jauck had found shelter. She worried a little more about Very, who was snug in a pile of leaves, before dropping off to sleep.

Jerad was excited. This was the night. The day he sought revenge. Jauck had left, and he wouldn't be back for a while in this rain. Jerad waited until the rain lightened up, before trotting from his hiding place to the den where he would finally avenge his son. He had thought about this for the past weeks. He had decided to kill the pups, perhaps leaving one to remind her of the incident forever.

He stood at the mouth of the little cave and waited for some thunder to awaken his adversary. He smiled, white fangs glinting in the flash of light. He trembled as he smelled the pups and the lupe he had longed to kill. She had been a wonderful hunter, the best he had ever seen, but now she was no longer part of his pack. What she had done destroyed the pack, fostering suspicion and hatred among the members. But now he would have his revenge for all the pain and suffering, the days without a pack to go home to, being rejected from different packs, one by one, until there were none left for miles and miles.

With revenge so close, he couldn't help himself. He laughed until the he could see the pups squirm and Kwanita's eyes grown wide with fear. Then, he spoke.

"So, Kwanita, you now are a mother. You have small bundles of joy, who run and laugh at your feet. You have the love for them only a parent can have. Now you can suffer as I did, when you killed my son, my pride and joy. I shall kill your precious pups, slowly, while you huddle in the corner, unable to do a thing."

He crawled into the den, and reached over to Anita. She was trapped in a corner, filled with dread, unable to move from fear. But to her surprise, he didn't grab the closest pup, Verin. Instead, he grasped her fore leg, and severed the back ligament. She whimpered in pain. He grabbed the other leg and did the same. Only then did he reach for the pups.

He killed Verin, Lumrino, and Giph, slowly as they whimpered and growled in pain. He grew antsy as time wore one, and killed them with a swift shake of the head, snapping their necks. Anita was relieved at this. The didn't suffer too long.

Jerad grabbed the fourth pup. A small one matching his mothers color. Jerad smiled at this pup. He put it at his legs, where it tried to crawl back to its mother. He laughed again, imagining what she would see every time she saw this pup. He knew enough from watching her that she favored the green Verin and brown Giph over the others. The runt was her least favorite, he knew. He had saved him for last, knowing that she would see him, and think, why hadn't Verin lived instead? Why didn't he kill this poor runt, and leave me my baby Giph? Oh yes, his revenge was sweet, warm and fresh, the best thing that had happened to him for a long time. He smiled again. Kwanita gave him a funny look, confused, but happy, longing for her pup. He pushed the pup toward her, and tried to control his laugh as he explained what it was. It was a curse. She wouldn't realize what he was doing unless he told her, so he told her it all, explaining his curse, strengthening its effect.

"Now, I leave you this single pup, as a reminder of how only he survived the murder of your family. Whenever you see this pup run and laugh, you will remember that there once was four rather than one. You will remember how you watched them die, able to do nothing. Nothing! NOTHING!" His laugh broke out, and he walked out of the den with an evil laugh, delighted at the success of it all. Then he ran toward his home in the woods, to haunt all who entered there.

When he got a comfortable distance from the lake, he howled a long song that told how he finally got his revenge for his dead son. He howled loud enough for every uni and lupe on the plains to hear, how he mercilessly slaughtered three pups, leaving the fourth to haunt his mother for the rest of her life. He did the same when he got to his wooded home, announcing his presence, that he had killed, and finally avenged his broken pack.

Anita realized what Trabbin's real name was. Labifron. The name of the only child of a lowly lupe couple, who earned greatness with his skill, and soon was in the royal warrior lines. She whispered the pup his new name, and waited for her mate to come.

Jauck heard Jerad's howl and stopped in his tracks. He had thought he was imagining things, just a longing for home when he smelled his previous leader. Now he heard Jerad's victorious howl, and knew it meant only one thing. He ran home to find a weeping Anita, three blood covered puppies, and a scared Trabbin. He walked out of the den, and howled, the loss of puppies, a crippled mate, and the need to avenge his pups, and how the cycle would continue of revenge. Then he carried a petpet to share with his mate and only remaining son, to comfort them.

Tasia:

Gipha sniffed the little lupe, absorbing it's smell in her huge nostrils. She gave it a sideways look that said 'I know you'll grow into a monster, so I'm not trusting you'. But she smiled at Anita. The smiled was forced. She wondered why the lupe had chose her a variant of her own name for the pup. The namesakes of Verin and Lumrino had always treated Anita warmly. Finally she said "Beautiful."

"Well? Where is she? I'm a busy zafara you know!"

"Right here, Edna." the gelert lead the bright green zafara to were the mare was fast asleep. The zafara got to work, examining her swollen stomach, her ragged breath. Then she cackled to herself.

"What is it? What is so funny?"

"She's not sick, she's full of foal!"

"Pregnant?!" he rubbed his hands together and mumbled "this is terrible timing..."

"How did you let her go for so long without noticing. Bad, bad!" she cackled inside her throat. "I will stay with her for a the few days she has left."

The gelert stormed out of the stable. The stallion met him "Is she okay?"

"Okay!" The gelert barked indignantly "She's pregnant!"

"Preg...nant..." his mouth dropped.

"Pregnant! Stupid wild neopets. I should have followed you into the woods."

It took a second for the stallion to realize what he was talking about "You think I," he began "But, I didn't!" he remember the conversation he and the mare had had a few days before. He didn't, so far as he remembered.

They were on a peninsula, which hay that grew to Shiko's neck, and the smell of brine in the wind. Shiko sneezed a puff of yellow pollen into the air, and Noe laughed.

"And what's so funny about that?"

"Oh, nothing."

Shiko rolled his eyes. Then, he had an idea. He ducked a little, under the grass until it overlapped his ears.

Morgan:

Waka was walking with Moya through the woods, Mosh perched on his shoulder, when he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, having just thought of something. Moya? But... That's one of my sisters' names! Why...? He was cut off.

I told your mother I was going to bless her and what my name was. We talked while you slept... I also told her of my sisters, Zonk, a dark faerie, Morgan, a light faerie, Nagrom, an air faerie, and Nami, a fire faerie, but she didn't like most of those names. In gratitude, she named little Moya after me. That is why, smart one. I also had an Earth Faerie sister named Jennaleigh, but she hated her name and chose Baelia instead. She had her wings ripped off by another evil faerie... Jennumara. I don't wish to avenge anyone, revenge is for lowlifes like that scum Jenny and her pal Judy --

Jenny and Judy? Waka interjected.

Jennumara and Jhudora. Anywhowaysies, Her voice was strange, much sadder than usual.

Waka realized that he had hit a sore spot. He looked down, then took off flying. Moya was flying up toward Kreludor and Waka wanted to follow her. Mosh prepared his umbrella just in case, and they flew off all together in a new direction, heading towards the pack Waka had left, but Waka didn't notice. He was too busy regretting what he had said earlier.

Ally looked at her pups now, after she had mourned for three days. Etsu and Nani had returned, and Ally had caught word that Anita's pups had been killed. They were racing off to her. They arrived at her den and Ally immediately yelled at the pups to go back to Wuff. This was terrible! 3 newborns in revenge for one son?! This was... There were no words to describe it. The clouds had finally cleared, but now Ally smelled rain. Something was strange about it, but she shrugged it off. She and the pack decided to pay a visit to Anita. They found her easily enough, and waited for her to begin talking.

Waka stared dumbstruck down at the scene below him. He had seen a single Lupe murder three newborns, or so they appeared to him. This made him burn with rage. He had known Anita. He wanted revenge. Suddenly, Moya's words floated to him, clear as a bell. All of my sisters tried to get revenge... And all fell. They are now Grey Faeries... Lost and wandering forever. I'd prefer not to speak of it again, little pup. He shuddered involuntarily, remembering that Moya had told him not to stop the crazed Lupe. We mustn't meddle in the affairs of mortals any more, Wacky. It is not our business.

But we must -- .

No, we mustn't. Now that he looked back, he realized that she had mentioned mortals. All her powers?! Immortality was one of them! He would outlive his mother, father, siblings, nephews, nieces, grandnephews... He would see many of his kin die. He would live until either his power waned, he gave his life or powers away, or he was murdered. He realized what Moya had meant now, and decided to say goodbye to his mother. She was below him, looking in horror at the terrible scene. He followed her and touched down, invisible, beside her. Goodbye, Mother. This is Waka. I won't see you any time soon, but don't worry, I'm safe. Goodbye... Mommy. After shedding a few tears, he flew off silently. Ally had whispered goodbye, and a tear had rolled down her own cheek. She would miss her baby boy.

Tasia:

She smelled blood in the morning. She thought, oh no. Anita and her mate had taken someone in the herd. Then, there was a new emotion: glee. Lumino couldn't doubt that Anita was a murderer now. All she had to do was see it. She got up, and made her way, stepping over sleeping unis. The blood was around the den Anita had made for herself. She moved to a space in front of it. What had really happened, was even worse than she imagined.

Anita's back legs were injured- perhaps she would never run again. Her face was twisted in pain, but not from her legs. Three dead bodies lay in front of her. Lupes foals. Pups. The pups Anita had been so proud of. And Gipha knew the names. Verin, Lumrino, and Giph. The little pup Anita had named after her. Gipha tapped the little brown pup with her nose. It rolled- and for a moment Gipha thought it was playing a game- but the roll was too loose. Gipha saw the wound, and thought she was going to vomit, but she couldn't look away. The pups, they weren't even eaten. They were just killed. Killed, for the sake of being killed? That made no sense at all! Gipha thought of Zhairk, and his father Hod. Neither did their actions make sense. Were all lupes this way? Then another thought came. She had thought Anita had killed a uni! But, all except for losing her temper with Gipha (And Gipha didn't really blame her, she was a very rebellious uni) she had never shown that she had been like Hod or Zhairk. She had cared about Very a lot. She felt, almost as if she was responsible.

Gipha met Anita's eyes. She knew enough that lupes didn't like to make eye contact, but she didn't really what to do.

Now, more lupes came. There was a white one and a black one- they must have been the herd leaders. Behind them marched twenty two other lupes. Maybe, the new pack? Orora had reported the alpha's names were Ally and Wuff. The white female- she must have been Ally, came and spoke to Anita. Then each of the lupes said a word to her. Most of them just muttered short mumblings, to seemed to have been recovering from weight of their own. Suddenly, Gipha couldn't handle it any more. Here, she had lost her pups, and she expected to speak with all these lupes!

"Give the mare a break!" she snapped. The lupes looked up in surprise at the red uni that had made herself obviously there. Some of them watched her broken wings and must have thought what an easy catch she was "Fine!" Gipha called "Eat me! But leave Anita alone." A few snapped and barked "We have every right to be here!"

"Hey? Who do you think you are bossin' everyone around?" it was a red female. Her features were almost perfect.

"You just get the hell out of here."

"Oh, swearin' ah we? That won't get ya fah,"

Anita lay outside, three small mounds of dirt before her. Tears streamed down her face.

The little Labifron danced and plaid in the sun. He was too young to realize what had happened. All he knew was that his playmates were gone, his mother was very sad, his father very angry, and the unis that surrounded them worried. His puppy mind didn't bother thinking about that though, he focused on swatting the long tail of that bird that sat on Mommy's shoulder. He gave the feathers a nice smack. The beekadoodle screamed and dive bombed at the puppy. Even this young, the pup was skilled, rolling on his back to dodge the attack, and attacking the bird with his hind legs. Jauck growled menacingly, shooed the bird away, and scooped up Labifron. The petpet squawked at the injustis that she couldn't aptly punish the puppy. Lab squirmed to get out of his fathers mouth. Jauck dropped him and then walked away, to lie down a short distance away, always watching. Labifron sat with his head down. The last few days, Dad had been so unfair, taking Lab away from all his games, and never playing himself. Mom hadn't plaid either, she was so busy sitting at those mounds of dirt. That wasn't fun at all, why didn't she come out and play with him like she used to?

Since his game with the beekadoodle had been taken away, Labifron went to find his uncle, the great big white uni. Very had been getting steadily better with the company of his own favorite pup and namesake, and now that he was gone, Very moped almost all the time. He cheered up at the sight of Labifron, forcing jealous thoughts out of his mind. Labifron walked behind them, and Very pretended not to see, and acted startled when the little pup jumped on his back, gnawing his wings. The two were busy playing, and they didn't notice the group of lupes who came to Anita.

Anita found herself surrounded by lupes, and the uni Gipha had come over. They said some words, but Anita took no notice. She couldn't hold it in, and her tears grew worse. She didn't wait for the lupes to talk to her, they were silent, waiting for her. She spoke so fast that she didn't let them talk at all. She sputtered often, and the words were drowned out as often as not, but she needed to say the thoughts that built up in her mind so much, that she took no notice.

"Oh my poor babies.... Killed mercilessly, to avenge a single lupe, I killed by accident! He... he killed them so... slowly, while they howled in pain, and he took joy in it!" Anita's rage was burning, her voice thick with hatred. Her tears ran dry as anger took over sorrow. "While I lay there able to do as much as my petpet. Less even, as at least she could move! Even now I can't stand or sit upright because of him! If he had given me a little more warning, if he hadn't taken me by surprise... I would've ripped out his through. No! I would cripple him as he did to me. The I would... I would tear at his skin, leaving him bleeding! Yes! Bleeding to death, as I would sit there and laugh and laugh. Then I... I would break all of his bones. Lots of bones.... Break the bones... "

Anita began muttering, consumed by hatred. Jauck watched her, glad she was injured, because if she wasn't, Jauck knew she would be on the lupes in an instance, babbling as she did to the lupes who didn't move fast enough what she would do to Jerad. He shuddered. Anita was still laying down, staring out into space, her mumbling broke by occasional laughter. The other lupes didn't dare interrupt her, not with the warning glance Jauck shot them.

Suddenly, Anita's hatred was consumed, by a stray thought that led her to thinking of the curse the lupe had put on her. Her eyes went clear, and her voice picked up to an understandable level, slowly so her words were cut off. "... and its true. I do look at my dear pup and wish that it had instead been Verin who wasn't killed." Tears were once again running down her face. "And even Very, I see him look at Labifron and I can see the jealousy, that he wishes Verin was here as well, and that he wishes it wasn't this runt that lived, even Lumrino had higher favor in our eyes. And I know that, and I feel terrible, Playing favorites with my own children, wishing one pup dead so another would live." The tears came on so hard now that Anita couldn't speak. She cried harder than ever, not able to think straight. Jauck came over and motioned for the lupes to follow him. Anita needed to be left alone.

Jauck got right to his point. "Where did you go? I know you went somewhere to heal Wuff. Anita needs help, she can't walk, and if she can't be allowed to take revenge on her pups, I don't want to think about what she would do. I have only one son now, I need to avenge his brothers and sisters as well. Its a custom, one that has lead to many many deaths, but I would be dishonorable not to uphold it. Jerad doesn't even deserve death. It would be too quick and easy. I need to get my revenge, as does Anita. Tell me, where can we go? Very needs help too, I can see him wince when he stands, he bears the pain and tries to hide it, but its there, always there. Tell me where to go!" He said the last words with more force than he meant, but it was too late now. He studied the white lupe, who he had never met, but knew she was the leader.

Morgan:

Waka turned around and stared at the Lupe that was yelling at his mother. He thought for a moment, and, with Mosh and Moya's approval, dropped the red gem, a note attached. It landed in between the Lupe and Ally.

Ally gaped at the note. It smelled exactly like... "Wakarimasen..."

The note read:

I heard your plea, and decided to help. Break my trust and pay. Pick up this gem and wish for the exact weapon you need (something to destroy ONLY and I mean ONLY the Lupe you are after) and it will appear. To heal the wounded, take them to Kauvara. Mother can give you directions.

Best of luck,
Wakarimasen, the stupid genius

Ally was reading the note aloud when she noticed something. She was crying. She wanted to help Anita, so she nudged the gem over to Jauck. She and the pack waited patiently for his response.

Uni:

Delta's black feathers gleamed in the pale glow of the Moon; her amber eyes shone with wiseness and understanding; but her face reflected a terrible pain and sadness.
She hadn't had any news about her family, but she knew that Shagya should be amazingly beautiful now.

The filly sighed. Her purple mane floated and flew in the gentle breeze.
A shooting star suddenly tore the sky with its flash of light and colours, making slowly its way among the clouds.

I want to see my family again ... Shagya ... mother ... Gipha ... oh, how I wish I could be back Home!

A single silver tear, the same tear that dropped onto the forest ground so long ago, rolled on her soft cheek, and landed on the lush grass.

I miss you all ...

The shooting star vanished, leaving in sky dark and cold.
Suddenly, an extraordinary burst of light surrounded the filly. Magic erupted from everywhere, twisting around the Uni's legs and wings.

Delta watched, astounded, as her wings became lighter and paler. Her hooves lightened, and her weight vanished.
As the light slowly faded, Delta was only a semi-translucent figure, and light radiated from her whole body.

The Uni watched as she lifted herself into the airs as safely and as easily as air. She wasn't a Uni made of bone and flesh, but of magic and light. She could change her appearance and turn herself invisible, as well as flying higher then any living being.
Her face was also more beautiful than ever, purity and innocence rushing through her like her blood did. Delta was a being made entirely out of good, hence her new name: Harmony.

Filled with joy, the filly lifted herself, and shot towards her Home; the Endless Plains ...

Tasia:

Gipha was about to say something, but Anita began to talk and she figured she should set aside her differences.

Fay wanted to say something. Dammit, the uni had made her so mad! But Phunis pressed against her, and shook his head.

She listened to Ally read the note "Waka's alive?" she questioned, and looked around. Well, where was he then?

"Kill the one who did this?" Gipha said, and she aghast to hear the delight in her voice. Lumino's words echoed in her mind unis don't kill without reason. But, this was a reason. The murderer deserved justice!

She remembered little Giph. She had been so quick that day to snap at her mother as Anita pushed her forward. She had laughed. In fact, the little pup didn't want to do anything her mother wanted! She realized, only then how much she admired that in the pup. Anita had probably given her the name Giph because the pup's spunkiness reminded her of the uni. Maybe. She giggled a little.

"Oh Sheek, I'm bored!" she looked to where then lupe was "Sheek?" maybe he had gone ahead. But she looked ahead, and she didn't see his ears. She didn't see him to her right or to her left. Where was he? "Sheek? Sheek!"

There was a pain on her heel. She reared and screamed, then ran. "Sheek?! Sheek! KOMOSHIKO WHERE ARE YOU!" she ran and ran and ran, until she hit a solid wall, and fell down on her side.

She looked up. In front of her wasn't a wall but, A BUTT! She laughed at it. Then the butt began to move, as the creature owning the butt turned to look at her. Noe's jaw reacted to gravity.

The animal was gray green and furry, with a darker green mane that fell in her eyes. She had two horns, one on her forehead, which was sickle shaped like Noe's, and one on her nose. Her body was stout, and her legs were short. Instead of feathery, her wings were membrainy. Her tail twisted, and ended in a spade. Most amazing were her adornments. There were feathers tied in her hair, and there was a ring through the cartilage in her nose- the sign of the matriarch. Noe stared at it and thought, that must hurt! Her next thought was, I'm in trouble.

"Why have you returned?" she asked coldly.

Noe gulped "I, didn't mean too. I didn't even know I was in your territory."

"I thought I made it quite clear, Pehanoie, we don't want you here."

"And I don't want to be here,"

"We don't have murderers in this herd."

"Please Daquinti, let me explain!"

But the uni was looking over Noe's shoulder "What is that?"

"It looks like a lupe," another uni, also with the membrainy wings and two horns, reported.

Noe turned "Sheek!" she ran to the lupe (nearly stampling him!)

"Noe!" he seemed out of breath "What's wrong?"

"Oh noth-" a shoulder like a rock pushed into hers, forcing her aside "Are you traveling with this uniphin?"

Sheek looked annoyed at being addressed so abruptly, but nodded.

"I suppose she wooed you into letting her travel with you, and led you here in some kind of attempt to bring a lupe to take down her adversary." Quint snorted.

"Wooed me? Noe's adversary? Now in all honesty,"

"I feel obligated to inform you on the uniphin's crimes."

Shiko looked like he had been slapped in the face "Crimes?"

Noe just couldn't listen anymore. She ran. She didn't know where she was going, she just had to get away. Sheek, her only friend was about to find out her secret, and then he would stop being her friend!

TLT:

Jauck was puzzled. He read the note over several times. Wakarimasen? Who was that? Perhaps one of Ally's pups? He said mother, so maybe that was it. Only, why wasn't he with Ally and the rest of the pack? It was confusing, so he focused on the other part of the letter. A single weapon that would kill my only adversary, and only my adversary... He picked up the gem carefully in his mouth, and walked away, not even muttering a thank you, his mind busy thinking of something else. He walked over to where VeryVain lay, playing with Labifron. Lab looked hurt at having his fun ruined. He snorted at his father, then ran off to see the strangers that had appeared. Jauck dropped the gem at Very's feet without a word.

Very read the note once, then read it over again to make sure he had read correctly. "A... A Gem of Gratitude?" Jauck shrugged, knowing only as much of this thing as the note told him. "I had heard of such things... As you know, I spent quite a year or so in Neopia Central. I thought they were pure fiction... But here it is, completely real." Very was silent as he read over the note. He thought of something and snorted in laughter. Laughing hurt him worse than anything, but he couldn't stop, chuckling at the irony of the idea.

Jauck gave him an odd look. "What's so funny?"

Very only shook his head, chuckling to himself.

"You know of humans and these strange weapons they give their slaves. We have the opportunity to get one. I know of none that can kill a single lupe, from a long range."

"What if it didn't kill, but severely cripple?" There was a humorous glint in Very's eye. Jauck wasn't sure if he was joking, or if he was still laughing at whatever was so funny.

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Very explained, "there is a certain magical powder I have heard of. It is extremely rare, and extremely devastating. It would be the worse anything could happen to a lupe. It would humiliate him, cripple him so he could do no more evil, and dying would be a merciful thing to happen."

"What is this powder?!" Jauck was definitely interested. Jerad deserved a punishment worse than death. This sounded perfect. But he couldn't think of such a thing that would be as devastating as Very's object.

"I believe it is called 'Chia Powder',"

"Chia Powder?!" Jauck's hopes dropped. If this was one of those species specific weapons he had heard of, it would be useless to him.

"Yes, Chia Powder." The mischievous glint was still in Very's eye. "It is a wondrous, magical powder, made of the finely ground bones, fur, and dried blood of chia's, and the dried blood of lupe to give it such magical power. Whatever pet this powder is sprinkled on, that pet turns into a chia. A nice yellow chia." Very chuckled again. He knew of the great feuds between the chias and lupes. It was worse than between Unis. From what he had heard, chia meat was sweet, tender, juicy, and wonderfully flavored, but only to lupes. Chias had been hunted to extinction here. It amused Very greatly to think of how a little yellow chia would run from a pack of excited and hungry lupes.

The two talked a while longer, making a plan. They laughed often, thinking of the irony, and how sweet this revenge was. Jauck didn't even have to stain his paws with blood. He just had to lure Jerad close enough to spill the powder on him, then howl a greeting to all the lupes in the area, inviting them to hunt this splendid little chia he had found. It was so simple, and yet so effective...

Labifron ran up to where the lupes were all standing, gaping toward where his father and Very sat talking. The blue-purple pup looked at these strangers, trying to figure them out. The large white female was obviously the leader, along with a black male. Behind them were many other lupes, of all colors. The one that had spoke up earlier was a reddish color. Directly behind the two lead lupes were 11 smaller ones, only these had wings! Labifron looked closer. Why, one was a uni, only without a horn or wings! He sniffed at the lupes. The white one smelled faintly like a uni. Labifron looked at them, puzzled. He gave a small yip, to make sure they knew he was there. He lowered his head and front legs and raised his hindquarters, asking them to play. ((Those with dogs should know what I mean...If not XP)) He was interrupted again by his father, who came to speak to the white lupe, stepping over Lab without a thought.

"Very, our friend, has come up with a plan. Thank you for that jewel. We have thought of the perfect way to use it against Jerad." Jauck went on to explain of how he would seek out the lupe, and goad him into a fight, where Anita's beekadoodle would drop the powder on Jerad, and what the powder would do. Then Jauck would call any lupes in the area and invite them to hunt the chia. "All we need now is instructions to go to this Kauvara's of which the note speaks." Jauck pronounced Kauvara "KA-OOO-VA-RA", having never seen or heard the name before. "Please. Anita needs help. Very needs help. And I need time to prepare for this fight with Jerad. Please" He was almost begging at the end, as if he didn't believe they would give up the instructions freely.

Labifron went over to where his mother sat. He came up to her and gave a little bark. Anita smiled at him, but didn't move at all. She couldn't even if she tried. The ligaments were sliced clean through, and that meant there was nothing connecting bone to muscle. She had learned enough from hunting to know this basic biology. She had forgotten that this was Jerad's favorite technique, she had hunted so much, while he and his mate usually watched. She remembered what Jauck had said. "Ol' Hanuwa was killed while hunting. She hadn't hunted for so long, because you lead the hunts, that she had forgotten, got careless, and a hoof smashed into her skull. She was killed instantly." Anita remembered the lupe fondly. She was like a mother to Anita, like Jerad had once been a father to her. She remembered that icily, thinking of what he had done to her defenseless pups.

As his mom did nothing, Labifron went over to Very once again. The lupes had left the uni alone, and Labifron was bored, full of energy, and wanted to play. He plaid with Very a while, him trying to attack Very's horn, while Very pretended to attack back. Labifron "won" and the two lay panting, Lab laying between the unis shoulder blades. Lab spoke up. "Uncy Varee, whats "nee-ope-ee-uh cen-trail?"

Very was shocked. Lab had never spoken before. He was always silent, except for little yips to get peoples attention, and growls when he was in a bad mood. Very thought he was too young. He wasn't but a few days old, and already he knew what was happening and asked questions? Very decided it was only fair to answer. "Well Fron," Very was the only one to ever call him that. "Neopia Central is a huge place full of neopets! There are quiggles and kikos, grundos and meercas, and even a couple krawks or draiks." Labifron asked what each one of those was, and Very described it with detail. Labifron was asking all sorts of crazy questions, like what was that big shiny thing in the sky? When Very told him about the sun, Lab sputtered, "No! The thing when its darks!" Very told him about the stars, after telling the story of Kreludor.

Tasia:

Gipha looked down at the little pup playing with Very. So quick to forget Verin, aren't you, VeryVain? What was the pup's name, Trab? Well Anita was wrong. The periwinkle pup was nothing like her father.

At the thought of her father, her heart felt as if it was split in two. Where was he? She had only dreamed about, except for that short period of time whence she knew he him. Now he and her mother were gone.

She walked up to Jauck "Please," she said "I want to help you avenge this lupe. But I am in terrible shape. You see, my wings have healed wrong, and my chest hurts so I cannot run in times of need. Get something from this woman, Kauvara?" she knew how ridiculous it seemed to be asking him for help, when she had always been cold to him "Unis are fast," she continued "I can help you. Please."

She didn't know about what weapon they were going to choose to annihilate this lupe, but she was sure the part would have been fine with have choose fangs and horns. She took delight (which started her) in driving her horn through his chest.

Uni:

A Lupe silently crept through the grass, stalking the hardest of prey - Unis. Its white shoulders were muscled and strong, whilst his attentive ears scanned the sound of the herd.
The Lupe raised delicately its nose, and took a deep breath. No one had noticed him. Flattening its ears, it crawled forwards, making almost no noise as his well-trained brain calculated the distance and the power of the jump to make.

Preparing his snow-white legs underneath him, the Lupe silently extracted its deadly claws from his paws, and in a sudden burst of white, leapt forwards and landed on the back of a big mare.

The White Lupe was licking its fur with care, picking up the droplets of blood that remained on it. His stomach was working quickly, and energy was pumped powerfully up to his brain.

Frowlickle was an excellent hunter; his soft paws made him as silent as the air, his long, muscular legs made him agile and incredibly fast, and his sensitive scent and mobile ears paired with his fast reflexes and sharp claws, making the Lupe one of the most powerful and effective Hunters around.

Frowlickle's blue eyes scanned the plains, and his ears were searching for the wind's direction.
Alerted by the near presence of a herd, the Lupe trotted away. He was satiated, he didn't have to waste his energy in hunting until he became hungry ...

Tasia:

"Crimes?"

"You, lupe, you kill, don't you?"

Shiko nodded.

"Well then, perhaps this will be hard for you to understand. You see, unis don't kill without reason." and he took this to mean unis didn't kill at all. Daquinti looked out over the field as the breeze picked up her tangled hair and scattered it among her shoulders "We are the last of our kind- pushed out of our home by a new breed. They are stronger, faster, more enduring than we are. So we are here, by the sea, where the grass is thin and slick by the sea air. Our only company are the peophins- skittish and shy, certainly a disgrace to all creatures. They did not aid us- indeed, they would let us get near them! So had to make it on our own.

"Now, whatever Safande saw in the peophin stud she met, I shall never know. But young Pehanoie was born, and WE welcomed her. The peophins swam away, afraid of her strangeness, but we took her in. And how does she thank us? Well, I knew she spent too much time with the young colt , and how shocked I was when she drowned him! Obviously, her vicious instinct was got from the peophins. Of course, the lad was dead. Safande- Flarazil was her only other foal- hasn't spoke a word since.

"Well, unis do not kill without reason. And we had no choice but to banish her. Personally, I'm surprised she has stayed alive so long. She never had enough wits about her to keep herself fed even when with the herd. But, I suppose that's the unfortunate side effect of a relationship between a uni and a peophin."

She struck him with a golden eye. Shiko felt as if he were paralyzed there "If I were you, lupe, I would get rid of her. She has plagued this world to long. Unis don't kill without reason, but lupes do. You would be doing a service to this herd. And who knows, maybe uniphin meat is tasty? Well, I wouldn't."

The uni left him on his own. Shiko felt like the world was very small, and he was looking down at it. He felt like his lungs didn't work. Noe- a murderer?

When he saw the bright green zafara coming at him, she almost pounced on her "Is she okay?"

"A healthy filly." She cackled inside her throat. The gelert hated her when she did that "Tell me again," she said "How did you get those nice, willing slaves?"

"Oh, quite simple. You see, if a slave knows that there is something better, he is more likely to rebel. But if you can take away that knowledge..." he gestured to the wheel of misfortune, and one icon which showed a book, ripped in half. "Most of the time, landing on this will make a pet forget one book he has read. Unfortunately for two bedraggles unis who came in here a while ago, they hadn't read any books. So..."

"Their memories were taken instead! Brilliant! But, is it reversible?"

"Well of course! Only those spells cast by faeries are not reversible. To reverse the spell, they must hear their names. That's why I haven't called them anything but big lump or even slave. I'm don't know what their names are, but it could be anything, and then there would be trouble!"

"Amazing. How does the spell work?"

"Well, the average spell works with mushrooms of forgetfulness, but a newborn's brain makes it stronger."

"A newborn's brain?"

"Yes. Someday I want to get out of this business, but for now the young uni will do. Besides, I haven't tested the magical quality of other items. It would be interesting to experiment."

"But if you take the filly away from her parents, they will be angry."

"Yes, but if I let them keep the child, they will be absorbed in it."

"True..."

"Perhaps it would be best to execute all of them."

TLT:

Labifron sulked. The adults were busy talking about this strange powder, his mom still couldn't move, and Very was taking a nap, saying that he needed to rest up for the journey. Lab didn't know where Very was going, and was curious, but Very just shooed him off. Lab was fed up with being ignored. He went to Anita, who was still muttering under her breath, and was able to get something to eat from her, then he waited for when the adults were all busy, and darted off into the plains.

Once out there, he was completely confused. Nothing was like he had ever seen before. He was surrounded by grass taller then he was, and he couldn't see. Once he realized his mistake, he tried to go back the way he came, but he couldn't find it, his internal compass not yet fully developed. By the time he fully recognized his being utterly lost, and howled for his parents, he was far enough off that his weak puppy voice didn't carry to the lake. He howled again, then whimpered with no effect. He was lost on the endless plains. How would he get back to his parents, Very, anybody?

There was a faint rustle in the grass. Labifron had already lost all his courage and spunk, and huddled and whimpered, hoping that whatever it was it would go away and leave him alone. No such luck. A odd creature stepped out of the grass and looked at him. Seeing it was only a petpet, though a large one almost his size, Lab stood up and went over to it. The petpet was one he had never seen before, of course he had only seen his fathers Cobrall and his moms Beekadoodle, as well as a glance at a few of the Unis petpets. It was like a lizard, but it walked on two legs, and its front feet had only three claws and were tiny. Labifron got up closer. The little raptor like creature bared its teeth and hissed at him, taking a few steps back. Lab halted his approach and looked curiously at the creature. It was a shade of slate gray, with lighter blue-grey stripes on its back and neck. ((For those non telepathic folks, its a grey Niptor, not that they come in that colour, but I don't like the regular combination of tan and purple...))

The Niptor reared, gave a short screeched and lunged at Labifron. But the pup wasn't the descendant of many great warriors and hunters of days gone by for nothing. Lab rolled out of the way, and while the Niptor was still confused about what had happened, the pup pounced, pinning the petpet to the ground. The niptor was frightened, having never found anything that put up a halfway decent fight before, and it quickly gave up struggling. Labifron recognized its fear, and got off him and walked away. The niptor followed, finally finding its master. Lab didn't even realize it until they had traveled a ways. By then he was too tired to argue, and the petpet stood guard, as ready to please as any faithful petpet could be. Labifron fell asleep with the Niptor at his side, ever watchful.

Tasia:

Gipha caught a bit of conversation "Chia Powder?" she walked right up to one of the lupes, and they told her about it. Gipha was a little disappointed. She had wanted to drive her horn through a lupe's heart, but she supposed a chia was just as well.

Pehanoie had been walking for twelve hours, and still she saw no sun. There was a full moon over the sky- hadn't there been a full moon a few days ago? A creature hooted behind her, and Noe jumped. Oh man, were was she?

Noe rounded a tree, and a smell reached her nose. What Noe saw was like- well, formless. She saw red slits of eyes in the darkness, and formless darkness which seemed solid. She shook her head, but she still saw it "Hello?" she called.

Black pupils in red slits focused on her. The slits narrowed and, became bigger! Eight claws glinted, and a crease below the eyes became visible, showing rows of sharp tiny teeth! Pehanoie nearly did a summersault trying to turn herself around. Her uni legs under her, she ran hard, the pant devil behind her at every turn.

TLT:

Labifron awoke with a start. He was alone, his back against a cold rock, a tiny clearing filled with holes in front of him, and completely surrounded by tall grass. It took him a minute to realize where he was. When he remember he was lost he howled a long sorrowful note, though he was willing to bet no one heard him. There was a rustle in the grass. Labifron sat up, his ears flat, his eyes wide in terror. He had never felt so alone, so hungry, so cold, so scared, in all of his short life. The niptor stepped out of the grass, a limp form in his jaws. It wagged its tail, an idiotic grin on his face. Labifron knew it was only trying to help, and took the dead petpet from its mouth. A pink hopso. Lab tried to hold down his disgust, and praised the niptor, who closed its eyes in ecstasy. Labifron closed his eyes, and wolfed down the hopso, his empty stomach welcoming the food. The little niptor ran around in circles, engulfed in mirth that his master had enjoyed the food. Enjoyed was stretching it by far, but the grey petpet didn't know that. Labifron smiled weakly at the petpet and realized it needed a name. Labifron thought about this. It was incredibly loyal, willing to do anything for him. Lab faintly remembered the tales Very had told him of other neopets, and decided on Gerlert. He told the niptor its name, and the not-so-small raptor jumped into the air with glee. Labifron felt sorry about how faithful it was, but it was obviously happy, so he had no problem with it. He walked into the grass again, the niptor at his heels.

Habernill walked precariously out of the forest and into the plains. She was completely alert for any unknown noise in this strange place. The lupes in her home were friendly and helpful, but she didn't know about the ones here. She trotted out into the prairie, still vigil. She didn't smell or see any lupes. Or did she? She took another whiff of the fresh air and scented a lupe. It was a small lupe, a mere pup, alone. No, wait. She smelled a niptor with him. She heard a howl from the lupe. That explained it. He was lost, all alone out here, away from his family. The uni chuckled at the lupes predicament, then trotted toward him, knowing a very young pup would be no match for her.

Labifron heard hoof beats. Very! Very had come to save him! He would take them home to where they were safe. He smiled at the thought. The pup ran toward the approaching sound. He saw a uni, but it wasn't Very. It was a female uni, very large, a snow white where she wasn't covered by large brown patches. Her horn gleamed a brilliant gold, her wings completely white. She trotted over to him. She lowered her head and looked him straight in the eye. He froze with fear, trembling slightly. The uni threw her head up and laughed loudly.

"So, what is a little puppy like you doing in a place like this?"

Labifron opened his mouth but didn't say a word. She laughed again. "Foolish little lupes. I reckon you aint half bad, come on boy, I believe you have a family waiting for you." Labifron trembled more, still not daring himself to speak. The uni neighed her high pitched laugh, then kicked him in such a way, that he flew up in the air and landed on her back without feeling a thing. The niptor took a running leap at the uni who ducked deftly, so the petpet landed next to Labifron. Both were scared stiff at the very open, carefree uni.

"Hold on tight, here we gooooo!" She ran into the wind, and flapped her mighty wings, and soon was soaring above the prairie. She managed to pry the fact he came from a lake from Lab, and flew toward the large, glistening body of water, the two creatures on her back trying to huddle together and hang onto her mane at the same time.

Morgan:

Wuff was shocked by the letter his son had written. He chanced a glance at Ally, but she didn't notice. She curled up into fetal position, and Wuff knew that he had to step in. "Jauck. My pack will led you to Kauvara, it is almost Saturday and we need to feed." He noticed Jauck's expression and clarified. He nudged Ally gently, and, when she didn't respond, his lifted her up like she had lifted him when he had almost died. He frowned at that memory. If he hadn't been there, Ally would... He refused to think about it and lead the pack off toward their friend Kauvara.

((OOC: is Waka thinking and is Akaw (you'll see) thinking. BTW, Theck is a word I made up.))

Waka stared down at his family. He felt strange though, not sad like he had expected. He felt like he was different from them. Well you ARE different, you will never be like them. You're too weird, Waka. Waka whipped around, searching for the voice that had spoken to him. All he saw were the strange looks that Mosh and Moya were giving him.

Who over Kreludor are you?! Where theck are you?! And what in Terror Mountain are you doing here?!

I am Akaw, and I dwell within the darker recesses of your mind. I am here to keep you in check. Wouldn't want the little freak of nature to run loose now would we? Moya over there is afraid of you, can't you tell? She stays with you to prevent you from destroying the world as we know it. Mosh? He wants your power so he can rule the world instead of you. He stays with you to control you and your power. No one truly cares about you, Waka, no one in the world. Waka looked at Moya in a new light.

She... She hasn't done much to disprove what you have said... But... Mosh... He ca-... Wait a second! Soon after he met me he tried to develop my powers and he... Why that little! He glared at the both of them and they both took a step back, seemingly justifying Akaw's notions. He growled silently to himself. Why I'll...! I'll... What?! I don't know what, but I'll do something!

Yes yes... Why don't you silence their snide laughter? You can't hear anything, so they take advantage of that. Do you even have any IDEA what they are saying about you?! They are laughing about you, thinking you to be too stupid to realize what they are saying! You could... Kill them.

Moya stared uncertainly at Waka, then burst out laughing. His face looked hilarious! It was twitching between being incredibly evil and the usual utter innocence. He glared at her, and her smile stopped. She was worried now. Something was wrong. She tried to read his thoughts, but something kept her out. She was scared now, and, unbeknownst to her, was using the right expressions at the precise timing for Akaw's evil plot. Mosh was going through the exact same thing. They gulped in unison, and feared going to sleep beside their old pal. They felt like they didn't even know him any more.

Uni:

Frowlickle rolled in the dry dirt of the forest ground. Little parasites were making homes in the Lupe's brilliant coat, and Frowlickle was way too proud of his fur to let them stay. As the hunter raised his nose, a breeze came in his direction.
The Lupe sniffed deeply, and caught the scent of a Lupe pack. Frowlickle shrugged.

I don't fear any Lupes, anyway ... I've triumphed over so many before. Who cares about them ...

Stretching, the Lupe raised himself and admired his shining claws before retracting them and beginning his morning hunt.
The Hunter never tackled Unis in the morning. It was far too dangerous, and the Unis often position themselves in the western direction, so that they could see the attacker's shadow from behind.

So, Frowlickle began a morning feast of Beekadoodles and Peadackles. Quick as lightning, the Lupe jumped between tree branches, always landing on his prey.

As the sun lifted itself from th horizon, Frowlickle contemplated the pack that he could see from his bush. As far as he could see, the Alphas were two Lupes - a Shadow one and a White one. They looked as if they were heading to someone's.
The Hunter shrugged again.

TLT:

Habernill was glad to finally be out of the woods. They were crowded, she couldn't see much, and definitely couldn't fly. She closed her eyes as she felt the wind whip through her mane. It felt so good to be flying again. Labifron finally spoke up.

"M-m-miss? Wh-where are you t-taking us?" The niptor growled as if to repeat what the lupe had said.

Habernill laughed. "Why, I am takin you youngins home!" She continued laughing as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard. Labifron and his niptor exchanged worried glances.

"M-ma'am? I-if y-you're taking us h-home, you sh-should g-go over there, t-to that lake. M-ma'am?" Labifron stuttered in his nervousness. He was scared stiff. What was this uni going to do with them?

"Oh I know silly. I've been here long enough to recognize a lake when I see 'em." She laughed again, her high pitched whinny piercing the sky. The three of them flew until they landed on the shore of the lake, opposite of the side where the unis and Labifron's family was. She rested a bit, before flying on.

On the other side of the lake, Anita and Jauck were in hysterics. Jauck had heard what the black lupe told him, but right after he said thank you, Very asked him where Labifron was. Anita was howling to try and locate her only son, while Jauck was searching all around with his delicate nose. He hardly heard it when his cobrall whispered to him. He started to walk off, but then it registered in his head. "What?!" He asked sharply.

"He hassss gone away.. You payssss too little attention to thissss pup. He hasss gone to findssss adventure. Boringssss here.... Nothingsssss to do..."

Jauck realized this was true. It struck him that he hadn't spent much time with his pup, and had ignored him several times, breaking up his games often. Jauck felt a wave of shame pass over him, and vowed he would pay more attention to his only remaining son. But in the meantime they had to find him.

That night, there was no word of the pup. He had seemingly vanished, not even a decent scent trail to follow. It broke up in several places, and trailed off into no where often. Jauck was frustrated. He sat down and howled his grief and anger several times. It was mid morning when he finally gave up, and went back to the lake shore.

"Oh, Yoodle whooo! You lookin' for somethin'?"

Jauck looked up, to see a large spotted uni flying toward them. He got to his feet and shouted up. "Yes! Have you seen a small lupe puppy running around?!"

"I reckon I have." The mare nickered in laughter. She landed gracefully without a sound, then lowered herself to the ground, so two creatures could climb off. The niptor jumped from the unis back, landing with a thud, and looking anxiously at Labifron. Labifron leaped down and ran to his worried father. Jauck had tears in his eyes as he looked at the strange uni.

"I am Habernill. You may call me that, Aber, or Nill. I just happened to find those two little critter running about. Seems your boy has found himself a good petpet." She laughed again, at a joke known only to her. "I managed to get him to tell me where you folks were, and I took him here. I needed a good run and a chance to stretch my wings." Habernill fully extended her huge wings, larger than most unis, to exaggerate her point. The feathers were perfectly aligned, a glistening white. She brought them back to her sides gracefully. By now, she had Very's full attention. "So, you folks mind if I wash up, and possibly stay here a while? Ah've had a long journey, so if it isn't too much trouble... "

Very didn't wait for anyone else to reply. "Of course, mi-lady. We would be glad for you to stay. I thank you for rescuing our dear friend." Very stood up carefully, determined not to show any weakness. He walked up to an amused Habernill. "Miss, over here you will find a spot suitable for bathing, covered by weeds and bushes, and over here you will find my personal favorite grazing patch, full of fresh green grass, with an occasional clover and dandelion." Very escorted her away talking all the time. Habernill looked over her shoulder and winked at the astonished Jauck, and allowed herself to be taken away.

Uni:

Frowlickle cast his blue eyes on the Lupe pack. He had silently followed them, darting between bushes and trees, quick and agile. His white fur became a blur as he ran behind them, spotting the Alphas' guards and memorizing their weaknesses and positions. As long as Frowlickle knew (and he knew quite a lot), the pack seemed unfamiliar to him. However, the Shadow Alpha had a pinch of a weird smell - the smell of a murderer; Hod.

The Lupe had known him in the past. He had been a vicious cannibal and a blood-thirsty fool, then he had treated his pack with kindness and allowed only foals and weak Unis to be killed. But one day, as his son perished, he had rediscovered his killing instincts, and had destroyed most of the pack. Frowlickle was gone long before that happened, but he though of his friend, Gradyti - he was probably gone too.

But smelling a Lupe who was alive during the kill amazed him; maybe the Alpha knew Gradyti like he did. Then, he would know if Gradyti had died - or if he had survived. The thought of the silver Lupe urged him to follow the pack, step by step.

I must join a pack. If Gradyti is alive, I know that he'd have built a family. But I'll join him, and we will unite our forces and be as wild as Unis!

Flourishing with hope, the Lupe cautiously jumped from his hiding to catch up with the Alphas ...

Tasia:

Very approached Jauck, worried. He asked where Labifron was, and sure enough, the pup was gone. When Anita found out, she howled a sound that felt to Gipha like claws digging through her. Jauck tortured himself trying to find the young one. Gipha's mind twisted. Anita had admitted to preferring little Labifron last, now he was gone. This was sickening. Three pups murdered, one pup lost? She shook her head as to get rid of an ear gnat burrowing into her brain.

Gipha went to stand over Anita. She stretched her neck down in a sort of hug "It's not your fault,"

There was a change in the air, and a strange call. Gipha looked up. A nice looking light and dark mare landed gracefully at the waters edge. Gipha eased forward. The uni spoke a strange tongue, and she noticed her wings were very large. She Gipha watched as the uni revealed something under her wing, the blue purple pup.

It was then that Gipha noticed Very. He did not seemed to limp as much as usual in fact, he seemed to grow healthier in the presence of the mare, who revealed her name to be Habernill. Nill asked if she could stay for a while, and Very exclaimed yes. He went to tell each of Gipha's favorite places to Nill, the cleanest of waters, the sweetest of grass. He even went so far as to call her Mi'lady!

Gipha snorted. This was going too far. She stomped with the grace of her father, putting herself in front of Very "I'm sorry," she said in the dignified manner of her mother when speaking to Lumino "Our friend VeryVain has been with the herd less than a year. He comes from far away, and he doesn't realize the harsh conditions on the endless plain. Fall is approaching, and that means the grass will die away. We have to collect a supply at this time, sometimes we do not have enough. I fear there is not room in the herd for another uni."