Summary: In a world of kingdoms and the fight between good and evil the wolf-people struggle to remain neutral between the two. Will Kai be able to lead them through this with the arrival of another wolf-being? Or will this new arrival end up dragging them back into real society and into their struggles?

Rating: M

Warnings: Quite a bit of violence, male/male relationships, probably some not so nice language.

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or any of its characters. I do, however, own my main OC.

A.N.: I forgot to add all this on my first chapter.. just kind of got away from me. Please, please review. I love having them reviews, yes I do.

Nirvana

Chapter II

The beast growled in annoyment, its primalistic yellow eyes glimmering with anger as it stalked forward across a well built dark wooden bridge with a slight limp. It had stopped bleeding long ago, leaving acidic burns in the ground from its blood that was richly black. It was bitter, this animal, snarling as it moved forward past frightened soldiers with its massive form and thinking over its failure in its mission. It was supposed to bring back the wolf he was attacked by, not come back empty handed due to complications. There was no doubt the hellhound was going to be reprimanded and punished for coming back with nothing.

Turning down a large hallway the scaled animal, pitch black in color with sharp taloned claws that clicked against stone with each step, made his way down the lead way to the throne room where his master was located. The creature was one of many that its master owned, a collector of sorts that wanting everything and anything all to himself. A greedy man that had power to back it up, a strange power that made most men flinch away in horror. Being able with magic was considered the most ultimate sin when the magic was dark, when the arts were corrupted and dangerous. However the man had grown all-powerful, his kingdom growing and becoming a danger to all those living, though the dead as well felt his powerful touch.

The castle itself was built out of rough yet sturdy stone that had been dug up from the foots of volcanoes and the depths of the dark lands, their deep onyx color a foreboding of what was to come. There were walls beyond walls, chambers within chambers, the towers built strong and formidable. Thin arrow slips lined the walls, and the bridge that crossed an alligator infested swamp was formed to turn into a protective wall against the main gates when it was withdrawn. Never before had the castle been invaded, nor had any succeeded in coming so close to the walls. It was impenetrable, as far as the master saw it.

Sitting upon the throne, a wonderfully dark piece of wood carved to look like skeletal creatures of hell climbing out of the abyss, was the man the hellhound knew as master; the man than many were forced to consider as King, Voltaire. He was a broad man with gray hair, beady dark eyes peering out with an undeniable wickedness to them that made many men quiver in fear. His posture and stature was perfect, yet he spoke with a bitter vileness that sent creatures scattering with tails between their legs.

"You're back," rumbled the unhappy voice of Voltaire as he sat forward and fixed his wrath-filled eyes upon the hellhound before him. The creature, despite being big enough to take the large man down, still showed a very clear submissive behavior, wishing to be forgiven or at least another chance to correct its clear failure. "You were supposed to come back with that wolf-being; I want him, he is and will forever be mine. You will not fail me again.."

Leaning back against the padded throne chair the dark King was overcome by a thoughtful expression, thick stubby fingers drumming against the wooden arms that ended in a snarling head of a hellcat. A wicked smile soon played upon his features, as if another plan had come to mind, a better one. "There are others like him in that forest near the small village.. I know there is; I feel their presence in the back of my mind whenever they shift forms. They all will be mine as well, but we must flush them out of their home to get them to come to me--they will be my pack of wolf-beings.."

The hellhound gave a snarl in reply, one that held a clear note of respect yet agreement as well towards its master. If he was going to get another chance to successfully carry out an order than he would gladly take it and never return until it was completed. Whenever a slave, or as the king put it 'a part of the family', was successful they were dually rewarded with a full stomach and a warm bed to sleep in. This was the best reward of all, as their current accommodations were cages and foul meat and leftovers.

"You, my son, my creature, my pet… You will go back to the village and kill every living being there--everyone. These people are providing the wolf-beings with things to live off of. Clothes, food, tools, things of the such.. You will kill all the sheep as well, eat them if you so choose to. I want to cut off any supplies that they are getting, force them to move. That is where I will catch them, all of them. They Will. Be. Mine." There was a pause before Voltaire glowered darkly at the hellhound before him, slamming his fist down upon the arm of his chair. "What are you waiting for? Leave already!"

Spaded tail tucking between its hind legs the creature gave a growl, quickly turning tail and loping out of the throne room. Its claws could he heard clicking against the stone floor as it ran down the hallway, down a flight of stairs, and out the gate to cross over the wooden bridge that covered swampy mass of land that encircled the castle. From there it would run and keep on running until it reached the village to carry out its job; total elimination.

Watching the hound leave from a window was Boris, a man who followed Voltaire with little question and was very well indeed his right hand man in everything. He was a lanky man with a head of purple hair and a pair of frigid red eyes that were just as intimidating as Voltaire's by all standards. He wasn't human, though instead he was more of a strange spirit creature, bound to one form when they were caught and imprisoned until their master died--at times they too died with their master if they were so attached to them.

"What is it about those…wolves that so enthralls you, my lord? They're nothing but filthy animals, and we really have no idea if they are tame or not, nor if they will be as easy as the others to get under your rule. Don't get me wrong, you are a strong and capable master.. But the wolf-people are known to be very strong willed," commented the purple haired Boris as he turned away from the window and walked over to stand next to his king.

"These creatures are a lot more intelligent than you're giving them credit for. They have the wittiness and instincts of a wolf, but they are also human as well. The mix is a deadly one, and the extent of our knowledge on them is short and limited. It's known that they have one form of wolf, and one form of human…but is there more that we don't see, or possibly that they don't know of? It's hard to say until we actually have a specimen to study." Voltaire leaned back and tapped his fingers together slowly, brow knitting together with his train of thought.

"They're immortal," he continued cautiously. "But not in the sense that they can never die. They can be wounded and killed like any other being, but their wolf side tends to…how should I put it…heal them and take their pain away? From what I saw through my mirror.. The wolf-being that the young hellhound was supposed to bring to be was shot by a crossbow bolt, yet he still lives. Those hunters in the village could've killed my pet.." With a glare Voltaire rested his elbow upon the arms of his throne, leaning his chin down upon his grasped hands. "Now they shall pay.."

----

Tightening the saddle belt of a docile bay mare Kai glanced back at his family; his pack, before pulling himself up into the saddle and grabbing the reins. He was dressed in decent clothing, not too rich yet not peasants clothing either as he didn't want to make the villagers too curious about him. Judy Tate was a good woman though, and he trusted her to trade fairly with him. Packed neatly in a saddle pack were furs of animals that they had hunted; a bear fur, two deer pelts, and several smaller animal furs. He would use them to trade for other supplies that he and his pack needed.

"We'll be back by sundown. I want this camp clean when I get back, and if our brother wakes then make sure to give him a warm meal. Don't badger hi with questions, just make him feel welcome until I get back. If he is in a fragile state of mind.. Then he could be very well dangerous to us." Turning his crimson eyes to the side Kai watched as Brian pulled himself up into the saddle of another horse they kept within their strange camp-like home. It was a mellow coal colored stallion, a beautiful creature just like the bay mare yet just as docile and calm around the wolf-people--they knew they weren't going to be harmed.

"Should I put the horses back in the stable inside the cave, Kai? It smells like it's going to rain again, and the sky looks dark and angry meaning it will rain rather badly when it does. I know they need to be brushed, fed, feet taken care up, equipment cleaned.. But they might enjoy the rain." Kenny was the one to speak, already feeding the horses some fresh hay and oats yet first making sure they weren't too dusty so the animals wouldn't get colic.

"It'd be best to just put them in out of the rain. We should move the camp back into the den as well. The weather is too wet for us to be out in where everything will become soaked and useless. I believe the wet season has come early this year, so we need to be on watch. Just do what you believe needs to be done. Someone should go fishing today, though I'd prefer if Mariah and Lee stay here at camp with our sleeping brother. I'll see you all when I return from the village," finished Kai before her guided his mount to turn and move through the forest. Brian was soon to follow him, quietly following his leader at the easy set pace.

They all were used to Kai leaving for supplies, and no longer did they stare after him wondering of he'd ever return to them; he always did. Their home was indeed a strange one, though it was comfortable to their lifestyle. There was a large oak tree that made the entrance of their home, as its massive roots were coiled around large rocks that were scattered through the forest. The trunk was supported by one of the larger rocks, as under it left a opening that lead into what they called the den. Their home was partially underground, fallen tree trunks chopped down to be smooth poles of wood to form walls and a sturdy ceiling. Most of the cooking was done in a 'room' that had an opening in the top for the smoke to get out, and the more comfortable living quarter was filled with pillows, blankets, pelts of animals, and other comfortable amenities that made their living more at ease; they could always live off the land as wolves, but they all lived their human forms. The stables were the horses was down a side path inside the den, one that was fenced off so the animals wouldn't wander off, and each horse had its own stall. There was a larger area where they would let the hoofed animals have their free space, and there was even a whole in the ceiling there to catch fresh rain water in a trough and where sunlight would come through. It was a home within the ground, yet it was always clean and cool in the summer, warm in the winter.

Kenny was already moving to brush down the eating horses--six of them remained; two more mares, three more stallions, and a young filly that had been born a few months ago. He might be one of the smallest of all of the wolf-beings, but he managed very well and pulled his own weight, that and the horses rather took a liking to his kind and shy nature. As the animals ate he'd check their hooves, cleaning them out and at times giving them a slight file or clip to even them out. The horses were bred to be used to wet climates, so their hooves were sturdy and didn't need to be shoed.

It was automatic for the pack members to go about doing as they were supposed to; it was a routine they loved and respected, and even Kai did his own fair share of work when he was at the camp. The leader was the better cook of them all, even though Mariah rivaled him very well in that aspect. However the arrival of the new wolf-being set their routine off a bit, yet they were adapting well. Where Mariah sat in the tent with their brother the others took up her job around the camp to keep things from falling behind. It was a silent agreement among them, that they'd help each other out no matter what, that they'd be there to pick up the slack when another wasn't able to.

Lee helped Rei start moving their supplies and equipment back inside the den, putting everything in their respective orderly spot before going back for something else. Everything was cleaned before it was put away--blankets and clothes hung out near the fire to dry before the rain came. It was still rather cold out and with rain coming it was useless to try to air dry anything without the help of a warm fire.

Setting an axe aside, putting it inside the den so it wouldn't rust yet would still be in easy reach, Tala picked up the wood he had just chopped, putting it in the pile with the rest of the dry fire wood before brushing his hands off upon his pants. He swung but Kenny on his way around the camp, helping him move to horses inside before departing his brown-haired lover with a fleeting kiss upon the cheek and grabbing a wooden water tight bucket on his way towards the edge of camp. "Going to go catch some fish, be back when the bucket is full," called out the young male before disappearing into the surrounding forest. He'd walk to the river as man, but he'd catch fish as a wolf seeing as it was much easier that way.

Within the tent burned several small candles up on a little stool so that light flooded through the small area. Mariah sat back on a simple cushion with a sewn together small book of parchment covered in a thin elk hide to water proof it, a small piece of charcoal in her fingers as she jotted down this and that's into the small booklet. It was more of a tablets of what herbs and roots did what and a small diary of things she cared to keep note of during her long lived life. She was proud to be a successful healer, to know how to cure near any ailment that came upon her pack.

"How's he doing, Mariah?" Came Lee's deep voice as he pushed back the flap of the tent and slipped inside to keep the cold air out. He settled himself down next to his pink haired mate, smiling when she settled herself within his lap and leaned against his chest. He quite adored this young woman, someone he'd been mated to for so many years of his life, and he didn't care to trade his feelings for her to another being ever.

The woman smiled, giving her head a curious tilt as her amber eyes gazed upon the sleeping male before her. They were all unique, the wolf-people, in some way shape or form, but Mariah had yet to see something quite like this before. Leaning forward she took up the sleeping male's hand, holding it so that Lee could see the gray colored nails that he had. "I've really never seen anything like this.. He's doing well, though I wish he'd wake up so he could eat.. But still, even his markings as a wolf are unique. He may be one of us, but he could very well be a different breed all together."

"You worry yourself too much, Princess. He's just as much what we are as we are what he is. We're all unique in some way, you know this as much as I. Also we haven't seen any others of our kind in a good long while. We all were beginning to believe we were the last ones left." Lee leaned forward, placing a kiss upon the back of Mariah's neck before pulling her back to sit against him again so she would let so of the other male's hand. "Let him get his rest, he very well deserves it."

"I suppose you're right, but still… That smell he had on him before falling into the river. I wasn't all that close to him as the rest of you were, but God… What the hell was it? It didn't smell like any dead animal I've ever gotten scent of. It actually burned my nose to smell it, but I still don't understand what. Somehow it was.. Wrong, like it shouldn't have been here." With a sigh Mariah turned, hugging Lee as he merely shrugged and told her to let it go until they had time to ask him about it.

----

"Kai, Brian! How good to see the both of you again," greeted Judy as she took the reins of both men's horses and tied them up on a post so both could go on without having to worry about their horses possibly shifting on them as they got off, though the animals were good natured to begin with and didn't often shift without reason to do so. "I figured you both would be here some time this week, so I took the liberty of getting your supplies ready before hand."

"That is much appreciated, Lady Tate. Storms are rolling in and we need to get out of here before they come and ruin out supplies with their downpour. I suggest you get your own horses in as well as your children before the storm hits," comment Kai as he patted his mare on the neck affectionately before untying the saddle bag full of pelts and furs and following Judy into the supply hut. Brian was on his heels, carrying another pack of pelts.

"You think so? I was hoping the clouds would just pass us by.. Oh well, we can't get everything we want. I'm sure you've brought plenty of furs for us, you always do. I'm afraid we didn't have very much grain this time for you, but I've put in more fresh sheep's cheese and milk in exchange of that in hopes it would be alright," smiled Judy as she took the pack from Kai and put it on the table, doing the same with Brian's before gesturing for them to have a seat. "Let me get you a warm drink of mead to warm you up before you go on your way."

"The exchange is quite alright; we still have a small portion of grains left to make up for it anyways. And thank you, we'd both very much appreciate having a drink before we start packing, Lady Tate." Pulling out a chair before himself Kai took the time to sit down and start unpacking the pelts for the woman, showing her what they had so she knew what she'd take from the whole collection. He wanted the trade to be fair, as always.

Moving to the fire burning in a makeshift stone fireplace Judy filled up two mugs from the warm container of mead handing over the flickering flames and heat. The mead was sweet, even for the time of year it was, and its smell drifted through the air a she put the mugs down in front of both Kai and Brian, who himself finally took a seat. From there she went on inspecting the furs as the men drank, smiling appreciatively at how clean and wonderfully prepared and thick they were. Pausing she soon picked up the bear pelt, frowning softly.

"This bear pelt and the deer pelts would be payment enough for everything my village is giving you--there are too many pelts here for a fair trade. I don't want to take things from you that the village hasn't earned, it would be wrong. You take back the bear pelt, the rest of what you brought will be payment enough for what we're giving you. Here.." Folding the brown pelt of the bear up carefully Judy moved to put it back into the pack before she was stopped by Kai's hand taking the packs from her.

"That one if for you and your son; you've helped us enough to very well deserve that, and more. I don't believe your people respect you enough for what you do, woman or not, but in my family's eyes you deserve this and more--however the more will have to wait until another date." Rising from his chair, mead finished, Kai moved over to start shifting through the supplies that he was to take with him, putting this and that into the saddle bags before handing them off to Brian so he could put them back onto the horses.

"You're very honorable Kai, but I couldn't accept this.. The men here, they would think--" Judy was cut off by the stern look that Kai gave her, and after a moment she smiled thankfully and hugged the folded pelt to her chest. "Thank you very much, Sir. This will do well for my son with as cold as it has been lately. I hope your trip back goes well--here, let me help you pack some of this." Tucking the pelt safely into the pocket of her worn apron, the large fur weighting it down quite a bit, she started to help organize the supplies and bring them out to help Kai and Brian pack their horses carefully so the animals weren't strained.

----

"How long until you think it's going to rain, Rei?" questioned Kenny as he put out the fire outside the den with a bucket of rainwater from the days before. There was hiss as the fire went out, the red embers going dark and cold as smoke rose from their smoldering forms. A few hours had passed, the camp site was clean, and he was looking forward to his brother waking, as he had heard a bit of commotion in the tent just minutes before.

"It probably won't start until night has already settled in, so it's hard to tell. I'm hoping just after Kai and Brian get back so we can get everything inside before it all gets wet and possibly ruined. But the weather is hard to predict, so be ready for anything." Shrugging lightly Rei picked up the pot with the remaining stew in it, carrying it over into the den so that it wouldn't be bothered by any other animals until they came back inside to look after it, or until it was finished.

Just moments later Tala was walking back into the camp, arms weighted down by a heavy bucket full of water and still living fish. They always kept the fish alive until they ate them, therefore they were fresher longer and they didn't start to stink up their campsite with a fishy smell. Rei was moving to take the bucket from him when a scream startled all three of the young men, eyes darting towards the tent where it had come from.

In seconds Mariah was stumbling in a rush to get out of the tent, amber eyes wide as she hand her right hand clamped over her left forearm. If anything she looked more appalled than angry, pink hair mussed from her effort to get so quickly out of the tent. "He bit me!" she cried out indignantly, her hand rubbing at the cleat teeth marks in her arm. "That ungrateful mutt bit me when he got his senses about him! He's mad, I tell you, absolutely crazy!"

"Stop your yelling Mariah, we're right here, we can hear you just fine. Now would you care to explain what's got you all work--" Tala stopped in mid-sentence as motion started up within the tent, and by the looks one could almost assume rough housing was going on, that is until Lee started yelling something about needing to calm down before someone gets hurt. Cautiously they all approached the still moving tent, only to see it fall in upon itself before the strangely colored wolf shot out from the fallen tent and into the forest, almost as if something was chasing him away.

"Grab the horses!" yelled Lee as he found his way out of the fallen tent, his dark eyes looking both surprised and frustrated at the same time. However he was greeted by several confused faces as he looked at the others. "He's going back to the village--said something about a hound or another. Don't just stare, we can't go there as wolves with those hunters there; they'd kill us," growled Lee impatiently.

"Already ahead of you," called Kenny along with the thudding of many horse hooves. He was already mounted bareback onto his long legged yet small chestnut colored mare, the other others prancing out from behind to their respective rider. "Now lets go before Kai has to deal with our brother showing up at the village out of no where." He watched as the others mounted their horses, already urging his forward with a gentle kick to its sides. It wasn't long before he was pushing his horse into an all out gallop, the other horses already running off a few feet ahead of him.

"He's skin and bones," called Lee over the rush of wind. "Yet he is still up on his feet and running faster than even our horses can. Hell, I doubt Mariah could even keep up with him in her wolf form--he's just too damn fast. But how, why? He was sane enough when he first woke up, just cautiously looking at Mariah and I…ad then bam, he put on his fur, bit her, and wrestled past me to get out of the tent."

"A liable reason, I'm sure.. Just smell the air, past the smell of rain and the scent of the forest. He knew what he was looking for, or in this case smelling for," put out Tala as he urged his mount forward more quickly. "We all smelled that horrid smell that followed him when he was running from those hunters, yet the question is still what--obviously he knows what it is, and if it's at the village.. I'm afraid we really don't know what the hell we're getting into following him back into the village. Kai will know what to do though, lets just hope whatever that scent is coming from doesn't get their first."

----

"Thank you again Judy for getting everything ready ahead of time and helping us pack, it has made this process so much easier. You very well deserve that bear pelt, and if anyone dare say something of it tell them to come to me on my next visit and I'll handle it--though I'm sure you're a very able woman. Might I be able to see your son before we take our leave?" questioned Kai as he turned his crimson eyes politely to Judy, watching as she smiled warmly and nodded in response.

"He'd be more that excited to see you and Brian again for sure. Come, I'll take you both down to the sheep's pen where he and Emily are playing near. They're always out with the animals… always getting into trouble it would seem, as well." Turning Judy led both men down the dirt path that ran down the middle of the village and right to the pen where she sheep were held. A few people paused to look at her and the visitors she led, though they said nothing and soon went about their way again as if nothing had happened.

As they approached the pen the narrowed her blue eyes at the disorder within it wooden fences. All the sheep were at the back of the pen, right in front of them and bleating like mad. They were making so much commotion she had to wince every now again at the irritable noise being made. The animals wouldn't stay still, moving constantly and trying to get out of the pen as they often jumped upon one another and kicked each other.

"Mommy!" The voice calling was young and frightened, Max's voice and it was soon followed by Emily's scream as the young girl clung to the boy fearfully. Judy's eyes became wide as saucers as she heard her boy call her and Emily scream. She was moving to run to them when Brian moved suddenly to grab her with both arms and hold her back with only as much force that was actually needed. She was going to ask why, but Kai spoke up first.

"Just look, Judy," demanded Kai, his voice firm despite the fact this was the first time he ever called the woman by her first name. "You can't go down there whether you wanted to or not without being torn about by that.. Thing. Where are your hunters when you need them?" With a growl, one that sounded much like a wolf's, the pack leader darted his crimson eyes around quickly, trying to see if there was indeed anything he could do.

Down at the end of the sheep's pen were the two children laying on the ground paralyzed in absolute fear of the creature that was hovering over them; the hellhound. It sharp, saliva drooling teeth were bared as a deep growl was issues from the creatures throat. It would have revenge from having failed in catching its last pray, that and it would not fail in its new mission of killing everyone and everything within the village. He wouldn't come back empty handed again.

Moving forward Kai jumped the wooden fence and into the pen, some of the sheep daring to bite at his legs as he invaded their precious space in their most fearful moments. He was pushing them aside, out of his way as he took slow steps forward, trying to make his way over to the children. However it would seem he wasn't the first to get there.. Nor was the hellhound the first to get to the children.

The strangely marked wolf, barely anything against the size and muscle of the hellhound that lunged at the children, was the first to get there, strong jaws closing upon the snout of the hellhound and tearing savagely so that acid black blood started to flow freely. As the creature yelped, pulled away, the wolf released his hold and nosed the children hard, trying to get them to move, to run away where they were in less danger for the moment. However they didn't seem to be getting the picture.

"That wolf!" cried out Judy as she wriggled free of Brian's grasp. "He's the one that has been protecting my children for the past month or two.. But he barely has any meat upon his form--he'll surely die! Max, Emily, get up! Run, come to me!" She was desperate, trying to snap the children out of their revere as Kai still pushed himself forward through the sheep. He wasn't getting there very fast, even with his aided strength and speed; the sheep were too frightened to do anything but act like a mad mob and near knock him over every step he took.

Recovering, though in pain and with a nose muzzle, the hellhound turned its attention to the wolf, lunging at it with a throaty growl only to be snarled at viciously in return as the smaller and more lithe animal ducked under the hound's body and ran right under him. The hound was rewarded with jaw closing upon its long tail just before the spaded tip, and upon whirling around to snap at the wolf the spade was torn off as the grip upon the tail refused to be released.

Finally getting through the sheep Kai ran forward, light and quick upon his feet, towards the children. His first aim was to get them out of harms way while still hoping his brother could take care of himself until then. He had to roll to the side as some acidic blood splattered where he had just been running, and upon rolling again he was kneeling near enough to the two kids to grab them both within his arms and turn back to run to Judy and Brian. He understood why Brian remained out of the fight--it was to keep everyone else back as people were starting to gather near them.

There was a shrill yelp and Kai turned momentarily to see what was going on; the hellhound had sunk its teeth into the wolf's shoulder, though he didn't look beaten yet despite the crushing force coming down upon his shoulder. Turning back forward Kai put all his effort into getting the children into safety, finally reaching the barrier of sheep once more. However Brian was coming forward to meet him at the fence to take both Max and Emily from him.

The was the hound had bitten the strangely colored wolf he had left his throat open, and next to that throat a very strong pair of jaws. It was too late before the hellhound realized this because even as he moved to let go to change his grip the sharp teeth were upon its open throat and tearing with a soulful rage that reached a strange color of mahogany eyes. Jumping away, tearing flesh and acidic blood with him, the wolf limped around the badly blooding and severely angered hellhound. It wasn't long before the wolf had to duck again as the larger creature pounced at his form, though this time he tore savagely at the weak underside of the hellhound.

The acidic blood was burning sizzling holes within the ground, and there it more thickly rested upon the wolf it caused a mild burn, but his other side kept on taking the wounds and pain upon itself to keep the lupus from being too badly injured, yet they both were loosing energy fast. However help was on the way, as thundering sounds of hooves tearing at the ground were now bearing heard as several horses with riding on their bare back came more clearly into view.

With the wolf under the hellhound now he was also in sorry shape seeing he was suddenly in very serious condition when he was knocked off his feet. A taloned paw was soon on his side, pressing down with all the weight it had in it front upon its lower half. The wolf growled, snapped, snarled, showed its teeth viciously, yet the hellhound kept on coming closer with its looming fangs… only to have the massive form of a black horse ram into its side and sent it sprawling.

It wasn't but a moment later that several crossbow bolts hit's the hellhound, two within its head, and the rest hitting other parts of its body. Kai and Brian both were pushing their way through the sheep, dropping the crossbows they had acquired from two of the hunters and running forth to meet their family and the still fallen wolf that didn't look as if it was getting up anytime soon; however the animal knew better than to change forms in front of all these people, despite the fact it would very well save his life at this point.

"What the hell is that thing?" Questioned Rei as he glanced at the fallen animal wearily only to look at the crowd of people and the hunters readying their crossbows again. "Never mind that, we need to get out of here--now. Those hunters are going to kill us if we don't." Lifting his fingers to his mouth Rei gave a sharp whistle only to be answered by two whinnies as before the two horses that were packed with all the supplies came cantering around the crowd and down the side of the fence towards their general area.

"I have a feeling our brother here knows, but now isn't the time. Rei is right, we need out of here before things become worse than they already are. Those hunters have no brains, they merely want to shoot us and Judy can't stop them right now. Brian, grab the wolf--Rei, switch him horses for now." Kai's orders were quickly followed as he jumped the fence to get to his own horse. Rei assisted Brian in getting the wolf up on the horse with him cradled against his body. Within a gathered ten minutes they were off, guiding their horses back towards the forest where their home was.