τφ When Two Worlds Collide φτ

[Kifo]

" You think so?" Anjou asked, looking at both Shanara and Ronan with hope starting to find its way into his eyes.
Unfortunately, Shiro arrived in the valley just in time to hear Shanara's words and Anjou's reply. The fear he had inside of him thanks to the approaching flames dulled as he got down off the back of Asylum and looked over the scene before him; his older brother seemingly cowering in the dark while Sarba, Kaine and Mazari looked on with the slightest hint of fear in their usually guarded expressions. Without intending to, Shiro picked up on the fear that was rolling off the cats and, as always, he hated being bombarded with all that fear. And the memory of when he had felt the adults' fear towards his older brother the first time he had come back from Lone Drover's Pass only worsened that hate. Believing it was all his brother's fault due to what he had done, Shiro focused on the older, 'cowering' wolfdog and growled.
" Shots is not a good boy," He growled, not caring that his brother's ears glued themselves to his head as his body went ridged. " he's a murderer. As far as I'm concerned he should have stayed up there. I don't care if it was Lone Drover's Pass with that evil, death hunting ghost or if it was up in that fire. He's hurt too many people and all he can do is cry. Shots is not good and he certainly is not a leader. He's not even the eldest here."
" Shiro that's enough!" Mazari roared.
The liger may not have been able to hear most of what Shiro had said, but he definitely knew what the boy had mouthed. And despite originally having those same thoughts when he had first been told of Anjou's involvement in his favourite uncle's death, he certainly didn't wish any harm on one of his oldest friends now. So he knew, despite the small amount of fear that he once more hid within him as he got to his feet, that Anjou needed him now more than ever.
" I don't care if he's not the eldest here. I don't care that I'm older by one day. You know I can't hear, so you know that Anjou is the best option to take command." He continued to growl.
" I will not follow a murderer any more!" Shiro growled back.
" You will do what your brother tells you to do!"
The two stared at each other intently, Mazari's glow brightening as his rare show of anger grew thanks to the younger wolfdog's words. Behind him, Mazari could sense that both Kaine and Sarba were also on their feet, though - and judging by the twitch in Shiro's ear - Mazari could tell that Kaine was still a little nervous. He'd learnt to read all the little cues that Shiro sent ever since he agreed to come to terms with what Anjou had done and he was told about what was going on. So he knew what was going on behind him without having to turn around.
The only thing Mazari wished for was that Shiro behaved.

" It's all good." Lynk replied with a smile. " But now I must get back to my wife. You enjoy your meal and make sure you get home safe. Something doesn't feel quite right, though I'm not quite sure what it is yet."
He then waited a few minutes for any response from the young wolf before turning from the small den and making his way back home. There were three things on his mind as he made his way back to the Blade Falcon; that Link was going to be safe, that he really needed to clear a path between his home and the main camp, and just how mad Kilier was going to be when he got back to his plane. But he also couldn't help but worry about the strange feeling that he was picking up around him thanks to his still dulled senses.

Demanicus nodded his head in understanding to the elder's words, but something confused him.
" Why are they seeking approval? And for what reason?" He asked, noticing Iora's ears flick to attention as she tried to keep out of the conversation by eating her dinner.

" Thank you." Kaygis smiled once the rabbit was placed beside him.
While a curious Tidus batted at the ears of the dead rabbit (innocently not knowing what it was or what it was for), the black panther turned to watch the exchange between Bloodshot and Uphere. It was a swift exchange which ended when the red dragon nodded his own thanks to the young chumager before watching as Bloodshot continued with his errand. But almost as soon as th e three deliverers went back outside, the red dragon snatched the rabbit gently in his jaws before tossing it slightly into his mouth; a mere morsel that disappeared within a matter of seconds.
And yet, Kaygis knew that the rabbit was eatten, not just because Uphere was hungry, but because the red dragon didn't want to upset Bloodshot. The responding growl for more food coming from Uphere's stomach was instantly ignored, however, as the red dragon once more wrapped his head around a still cold Magnar and started falling asleep.
Kaygis, himself, didn't touch his rabbit until after Kokoda had finished with his own meal and, with his stomach now satisfied, had also fallen asleep. Of course, with the way both Mana and Gemma were watching over Akira, he wasn't too comfortable with having the panda cub sleeping within their view. So he shuffled the other cubs over to where Kokoda slept, grabbed the rabbit he was given, and lay down with his back facing the three females on the other side of the barn.
He said not a word as Dakota walked into the barn but tried to keep the babies from making any noise. He just couldn't help overhearing the show of dominance going on behind him thanks to the otherwise silent barn. And he tried to block it out. So he busied himself with tearing off the rabbit ears for Tidus to continue batting at and eating his meal. There was no way he was going to get involved with something like that if he could help it.

(Shiro is a very sensitive canine when it comes to others emotions, almost like an empath but at the same time, he's not.)

[Bakura]

Shanara nodded to the hopeful words form the younger dog and smiled. "I know so."
Her ears flicked when she heard Shiro's words and she frowned. She ran over the pups words as he bickered with Mazari and she understood the situation. She looked back to Evie for assurance that she was correct and Evie nodded, knowing they were sharing the same thoughts. The situation was the same as with Link, he may not have pulled a trigger but he just as well signed the death of their little cousin. After Mazari's shouted a command to behave, Shanara stepped in front of Anjou and flicked her ears back. She knew the pain of someone else being afraid to follow you after less than savory actions and she knew it wounded Anjou that his little brother acted in such a way, they really were so alike.
"Shiro, I do not know specifics, however, I do understand the anger and fear you are all projecting in Anjou's direction, what he did was unforgivable." She said softly, flicking her tail to brush Anjou in comfort. She then straightened her back so she was looking down on the young dog. "However you need to grow up. He is your brother. And your elder. Regardless of his actions, respect must be given. It hurts now and it will never truly stop hurting, the loss of a loved one and at another loved one's paws no less, but for the sake of your family, and your brother, you put that pain behind you and you comfort the one who was truly hurt by all this. You think you're in pain from the loss? Try being the one who caused that loss, whoever he was involved in killing, I'm sure he was just as close to them too. If it hurts you, then it's killing him. Open your eyes and look at your brother," She said standing aside so Shiro had full view of Anjou. "If you were in his paws, how would you feel? It was an accident and you're treating him like the dirt you walk on, when all he needs is forgiveness from his flesh and blood." She growled, trying to teach him the lesson they all had to learn after finding out about young Kaylee. "He just needs his family." She finished in a soft voice, not sure what else she could say.

"Thank you and you get home safely too." Link replied and he sat outside the burrow, watching till Lynk disappeared into the trees. After the cyborg was gone from sight he picked up his bag and headed into the burrow. With a smile, he turned around and lay down to start eating the assortment of fruits and berries that Lynk had given him, after the first bite he ravenously ate realizing just how hungry he was. When he ran out, he summoned some more and ate his fill, before falling into a restful sleep.

Phoenix acknowledged his son's return, smiling as he immediately feel asleep and looked back to Demanicus at the dragon's curious words. "It might be strange for you to hear, seeing as you seem to have a few dragons, but where we live it is only Snowdrift, Bloodshot and their younger brother Zanzabar. No other dragons for miles to come, they, despite having the souls of elders, have never actually met another dragon before besides each other. This construction has given them something myself or my wife never could, interaction with their own kind. They were born Chumagers, but with the obtaining of their dragon forms, came a longing for a family and species since long dead. They look up to you, and while their dragon minds are older than yours and demand respect as such, their hearts are hatchlings who seek the approval of their elders. They probably don't even realize they are doing it." He tried to explain, speaking slightly higher as he knew Iora was curious as well despite trying to stay out of the conversation.

Charmed listened to the meeting of sorts as Dakota put Akira in her place and once the four had left the barn, she rose her head and looked to where Kaygis seemed to almost be shielding the young from them. She didn't want to move from where she was curled around their own young so instead, she just called out to him, softly so not to disturb Uphere.
"I do apologize that you had to bear witness to that display. Akira can be, a troublesome packmate. Dakota didn't want to do that in front of witnesses as much for Akira's as your sake too, but it couldn't be helped though. So please forgive Alpha, she would have rathered you not be privy to that. I hope it hasn't changed your opinion of her, she likes having your friendship." Charmed explained, unsure if he had heard her or not. She then curled her head back around the young and waited for sleep to come.

[Kifo]

Shiro turned to face Shinara at the mention of his name, but once she was done talking, he snorted and turned his head away.
" Luigi wasn't even a member of my family. He was just a friend of my parents." He grumbled.
" My father was like a little brother to them." Kaine finally said with a shake of his mane to try and hide his own fear.
" Whatever." Shiro growled. " He was just another member of my parents' gang. And, fine, I was upset about it at first. But not anymore. So I don't see what the problem is with Shots. Oh wait, I know what it is. It's the fact that he's a murderer and a freak. He probably got told to kill Luigi from that freak ghost in the Pass."
" That's enough!" Anjou roared, finally having had enough of his little brother.
In one swift motion, the older wolfdog was on his feet and leaping at his brother with teeth bared and a dark look in his eyes. He landed on top of Shiro's shoulders, trying to force the younger dog to the ground, but Shiro was just as determined as he was to get his brother to submit.
" You know how this is going to turn out, Shiro. Give in." Anjou growled before slapping the black wolfdog in the head and aiming a bite at his neck.
" Never."
" I'm going to muzzle you!"
Hearing that, Shiro struggled to get away from his brother, knowing full well that his brother will muzzle him. He'd been muzzled before and he did not like it. In his attempt to prevent himself from being muzzled, he managed to escape his brother's jaws. The two danced around each other - one trying to show dominance over the other - but within a matter of minutes, Anjou had managed to force Shiro to the ground and onto his back. Anjou's final act was to think of the muzzle his family reserved for punishments and, as promised, muzzled his brother with the Shiro-shaped, mesh muzzle that appeared beside his brother's head.
" Now get up." Anjou ordered before turning around and facing the onlookers with a sigh. " I'm sorry you all had to see that... and hear that. But, yes. I killed someone. I didn't mean to. I've been punished by everyone as well. My father even had me in the police holding cells for a week as part of his punishment. You can rest assured that I won't hurt anyone ever again."

Demanicus smiled as he looked over to the sleeping brothers. " They don't need to do that. The fact that we're friends is enough for me. I'm actually surprised they're still interested in this rather large project, to be honest."

Kaygis did hear Charmed's words and turned to face her. But by the time he was ready to respond, she had already closed her eyes. He didn't mind at all what Dakota had done, it was part of a leader's life after all. He just didn't want the young ones exposed to it just yet... even if they probably wouldn't remember it when they grew up. So, satisfied with the cubs not planning on moving away from each other any time soon, Kaygis picked up the remains of his rabbit and quietly walked it outside before returning to lie back down with the cubs.

[Bakura]

Shanara pulled Ronan back from the two brothers, shifting him towards Daemon and April as she took a seat beside Krystal again as the two began arguing. When the two brothers began physically fighting Evie shifted in front of Krystal, Shanara and the three pups. She tensed, ready to jump into the fight and felt reassured as her uncles and father took up positions beside her. After the fight was won by Anjou and Shiro was muzzled she relaxed slightly glanced behind her to make sure everyone was alright. When Anjou apologized, she turned back to him and listened to what he had to say. She nodded once he was done and smiled slightly. "Shanara is right you know, it was an accident. A terrible thing happened, and you have suffered the consequences of being involved in the accident. However it is past, you have paid your due and time has moved on. You will find no ill-will from any of us, there is no reason why you should continue to be punished." She said lowering her head in a slight bow, she then rose her head and looked back to her family as she addressed everyone. "We should move on, we have spent enough time down here." She then turned back to face Anjou again. "Let's put this past us and head home." She said with a smile, turning to her side so she could outstretch her tail towards the young wolfdog.

Phoenix nodded to Demanicus' words and too looked over to his sons. "You're right, normally they would have lost interest by now. When they are in their birth forms, the elder's memories are in the backs of their minds and the forefront is young. They enjoy doing things that normal teenagers do, and they normally try to avoid hard work and responsibility that doesn't involve the safety of others, which they take very seriously no matter their form. But as dragons, it is switched. Their young minds take a backseat and the elders memories are brought to the forefront, and their actions take a 180. Their mannerisms and how they speak change greatly and they are more grown-up than most of our adults. I believe because they approached you whilst in their dragon forms, their cats have no choice but to abide by the promise their older minds made to help." He tried to explain, hoping to shed light on his sons so their new friends could understand them better.

[Kifo]

Anjou sighed, muttering to himself " I don't think I'll ever be free of what I did." Still, however, he tried to put it behind him once more... if only for the sake of those around him.
When Evie turned to him and offered him her tail, he was confused. He had no idea what she was doing, but the hopeful look on her face could only mean that she wanted peace between them. So he followed her lead and turned to his side before making sure that the tip of his tail touched hers, still unsure if this was what she meant for him to do.
" I agree. We should all find our way to the main camp. We'll be safer there." He added once he had taken his tail back.

" So their dragon forms are actually older spirits trapped within them?" Iora asked, slightly worried.
" I don't think they're trapped, Iora." Demanicus replied, nudging his younger sister in an attempt to comfort her.

[Bakura]

Evie chuckled at the younger dogs unsure action, choosing to overlook his soft words and bumped her tail against his in a copy of his own action. She then took her tail back and nodded at him. "Indeed."
"I will lead the way out of the valley, and then Krystal can lead us home." Skype said from his position beside Bane.
Krystal stood up at his words and smiled as Evie looked back at her for confirmation. The two shared a nod and Evie turned to Mazari.
"My friend, are you okay to lead the way by their sides? The light will be a great help." She asked, unsure if the ligers new form was a strain or not.

Phoenix heard the concern in the she-dragon's question and he shook his head. "Demanicus is right, The spirits themselves have long since moved on, only their memories remain. You see, hundreds of years ago, Alpha Dakota's family created the first morpher. It wasn't long after that scientists began to try and recreate the serum which made it possible. Alpha Bane's grandfather was the one to perfect the serum, which when mixed with the DNA of a creature through blood, claws, teeth, scales and the like, alters the subject it's injected into. Allowing them to draw forth the injected DNA and become the creature it was made from. It's a rare occurrence, but sometimes the abilities contained within the DNA is passed on, and even rarer so, if the soul has a strong spirit, as dragons tend to, then memories can even be passed along. They are aware of the Elders, and respect them greatly but whilst in their dragon forms they will feel like they are the elders, when in fact they only have their memories and abilities." He tried to explain, not sure of all the details himself.

[Kifo]

Anjou watched, shocked, at the tail bump, still not sure what to make of everything. With the way Evie was acting, he could only assume she was trying to give a handshake or a fist bump with her tail. But with everything going on around him - what with being in some strange world that seemed to want to burn every single one of them as well as the trouble with his brother - his head felt like it was going to explode... and the constant chatter of the spirits didn't help. Before he could ask what all the signals with the tail meant, however, the seemingly young leader had already turned her attention elsewhere. To Mazari to be exact.
The glowing liger, at the mention of his task, puffed out his chest and had a brighter glow in his eyes. It was clear that he had heard the blue wolf's words and the odd flicker of his tail tip clearly stated his excitement.
" As long as I don't get eaten on the way there, everything should be fine." Mazari said with a goofy grin on his face, knowing full well that the vampires weren't going to harm a single hair on their heads.
" If you're fine with it." Anjou said, trying to hide the confusion in his voice.
" Hey, if we get lost, you'll at least be able to find me easily."
It was true, but the Rebels kids could only roll their eyes at the mischievous liger. Even Shiro managed to look slightly annoyed despite being muzzled. The only one who didn't roll their eyes was Astro who instead decided that, despite all the commotion from earlier, it was now safe enough to climb onto his cousin's back and fall asleep. Gently, so as not to jostle the tiger cub too much, Mazari rose to his feet.
" When you're ready, sir." He said to the lion vampire, his voice raising slightly as he spoke due to his deafness.
Seeing the lions and cheetah also getting to their feet, Anjou turned to face Sarba.
" Sarba, can you help me with Shiro please? Keep him on the right track?" the older wolfdog asked.
The white lion merely gave a nod before moving to Shiro's left side, Anjou taking up position on the other side of his brother. Shiro growled at the escort, but a heavier growl from Anjou silenced him. Finally, they were ready for what seemed to be a long trek ahead of them.

" So it's a dormant trait... kind of like how you are a Keeper of Time, Iora, but Uphere and I aren't, even though we have the same ancient blood running through us all." Demanicus said, trying to help the Japanese Ryuu understand.
" Wait, you've got Keeper blood in you too?" the dragoness asked.
" Yeah. Akira and Kainan too. Believe you me, Uphere and I were both shocked at that discovery. Remind me to ask Dad why that is when we find him."
" If we find him."
Iora laid her head on the ground between her front paws as she sighed out the words. The memory of her brother's death played on her mind once more as thoughts of not being able to even find her father in this strange world started to emerge. Demanicus, seeing his sister clearly worried and saddened by the mention of their brother, began rubbing his head against hers as a deep purr like growl emerged from within his chest.

Having had his fill of the zebra meal before him, and feeling safe and comfortable enough to allow himself to return to the darkness of his shared mind, Clemens closed his eyes and blocked out everyone and everything that was around him. In an instant, the next breath that his body took in was let out by the eldest of the four alters. His senses returning to him, Conrad opened his red eyes and took a look around him, noting that Kaygis was nowhere to be seen.
" Ah, dinner time. Pity it's not capybara or caiman." He said, his gruff voice making Raimundo look up at him in surprise.
" When did you show up?" the younger twin asked.
" Just now. The fraidy cat finally let me come out. Probably too tired of needing someone to walk him everywhere."
" Conrad, meu amor, you know that Clemens needs help getting around in strange areas. He is blind after all." Ritara said, taking the change in her stride.
" Yeah, whatever. I have a feeling that we're going to need a watch tonight, so I'm going to stay up. Kaygis inside?"
" He's looking after Tidus, Aquile, Finealta, Jacob and Kokoda while Ebony and I eat."
" Go and feed the cubs and let him know that he can eat. I need to talk to Kubikuro."
That said, Conrad got up and scanned the area for the brown and black canine. Almost instantly, he found the dog, just finishing his own meal and tearing off a leg from the zebra he was feeding on. With a firm step and a swipe of his tail as he passed the other group's alpha, the jaguar made his way over to where Kubikuro was just placing his prize on the ground.
" Kubikuro." Conrad called, making the dog lower himself slightly to the ground at the sound of his gruff voice.
" Yes Conrad?" Kubikuro asked, trying not to show the slight fear he had towards his leader.
" I want you on night watch with me. I just know something's going to happen tonight."
" Of course."
" And what's the leg for?"
" I was going to take it in to Uphere. He's been watching Magnar all this time with barely anything to eat. He's bound to be hungry... despite this not being much at all for him considering his size."
Conrad looked at the leg on the ground. Despite Kubikuro's best intentions, there really wasn't much for a dragon to eat on the limb. And despite all the snarky comments that popped into his brain at the sight of the leg, he knew that the dragon needed to eat. So he looked around for anyone other than Kubikuro to deliver the morsel. His eyes laid themselves on Anjiti.
" Anjiti, can you take the leg to Uphere?" He asked.
" I can do it, Conrad. There's no issue." Kubikuro tried to assure his leader.
" No. I want you out here with me."
" I'll do it, Conrad. But I don't want you to destroy my husband while you're out here." Anjiti replied, a steel look in her eyes.
Conrad merely shook his head and gave a small smile. " I'm not going to do anything to your husband. We're just going to be watching the camp."
It was then that Kubikuro had a thought enter his mind as he looked around the campsite. " What about the other group?"
Conrad merely looked at Kubikuro, making him shrink slightly once more, before turning around and making his way over to where Dakota and her sisters were eating.
" Dakota, I have a question for you. If you were to have a night watch for this camp, who would you choose to join Kubikuro and myself?" He asked the grey wolf.

After Conrad had made his way over to where Kubikuro was eating, Ritara also got up. Her path, however, was back into the barn. A quick look around the barn found Charmed and Tasuki both asleep by the doors alongside Uphere who remained in the back of the barn coiled around a still unconscious Magnar. Kaygis greeted her arrival with a smile as he stood up and she walked over to him.
" You can go eat now, Kaygis. I can take things from here." Ritara whispered once she was close enough.
" Thank you. Kokoda's been fed and Tidus is starting to hunt for his own meal." Kaygis replied, looking back at the cubs.
Sure enough, Tidus was blindly pushing his sister out of the way as he tried to find where his mother was after sensing that she was near. Ritara merely chuckled slightly as she lay herself down and nudged her children closer to her. She then looked back up at the already retreating black panther.
" One more thing, Kaygis. Conrad has emerged."
" Alright. I'll be careful."
With a nod, Kaygis left the barn and made his way to the remainder of the carcass that Ebony was only just finishing her fill on. He greeted his wife with a purr and a lick on her head before tucking in to some dinner himself.

[Bakura]

Evie smiled at the Liger's eagerness and felt relieved that it wouldn't be too hard a task for the elder. She chuckled at his playful comment.
"I'm sure they can keep their jaws to themselves a little while longer." She joked back before watching as the other group readied themselves to leave, once they were ready she turned to Riki. "I want you at the back with me." She said to him and at his slight nod she smiled and turned the vampires. "I want you to space yourselves out along the group to offer as much protection as possible." She offered and at their nods, she turned to Rakshaw and Rohei who were gathered off to the side talking lowly with concerned faces. "I know you two want to go find your father and cousins, but please wait until we get back to camp, I want you guarding the young." She said knowing it was the only way they would be convinced to not split once out of the valley.
She watched as their concern was taken over by determination and the two quickly gathered Daemon, April and Ronan before moving over to Mazari, to watch over young Astro as well. Noting that everyone looked ready to leave, she nodded and Skype turned to Mazari.
"If you will all follow me," He said with a slight bow before starting off towards the exit.
Krystal walked over to Mazari to follow his lead, ready to take over from Skype once out of the valley. Evie positioned herself close to Anjou with Shanara and Riki by her side, while Takora and Shenzi stayed towards the back.

Phoenix listened as Demanicus explained a comparison to Iora, he couldn't understand what they were talking about but knew the younger Dragon had understood him and was explaining it to the she-dragon in terms she could understand. He frowned slightly at the sadness in Iora's voice when they mentioned finding their missing father and a low whine fell from his throat as he thought about his missing cub. Needing comfort of some sort, he got up and shifted so he was laying down beside his wife. He rested his head against her shoulder calming himself with the heat coming from his mate's body. Tendrils of his Phoenix fire gently floated through the air around him in his relaxed state, as the fire passed over Jordon, the tiger released a content purr and Phoenix joined his family in sleep with thoughts of finding their son.

Dakota gnawed on a bone, not really hungry. Instead, she was annoyed. Frustrated at herself, and her abilities. Ever since she had made a connection with Taka on the day they came here, she has been able to feel every little trace of sadness, anger, happiness, weariness, fright, that comes from the other group. Normally she many emotions, blocking out the lesser ones and only allowing the ones which require attention into her mind, but it's becoming harder and harder to block out the littler ones since meeting them, filtering through the feelings of her own family and then the rebels on top of that. It was beginning to harm her mind and put her on edge. Her eyes darted around the camp, as she tried to pinpoint the wave of sadness through the other emotions and she frowned as it was already settled by the time she discovered it was coming from Phoenix and the dragons. She sighed as she looked down at her paws, both Gemma and Mana looked to her with confusion, but she just shook her head and they, knowing to leave her be, went back to eating. Dakota's head shot up when a sense of fear shuddered through her body, she glanced around and located a slightly lowered Kubikuro talking to Clemens. Dakota frowned at the color of his fur. "Conrad must have come back out." She said to herself before glancing back to the barn with worry, remembering what happened last time he was out.
When she noticed he was coming in their direction, she lowered her head and continued gnawing on her bone, pretending she hadn't been watching them. She didn't move until the two stopped before them and she was addressed. She sat up at his words and noticed Ritara head into the barn to swap with Kaygis. "Aluna." She called deciding to delay her answer to the jaguar, unsure about how he will react.
The black leopard got up from her resting position beside Akira and ran over, she sat down beside Kubikuro head bowed in Dakota's direction. "Yes Alpha?" She asked softly and Dakota smiled.
"Can you please relieve Charmed and Tasuki of pup sitting, I know you are still worried about your girls. Perhaps spending time with the young with help ease you're heart." She offered softly and Aluna nodded before heading into the barn. "And can you please ask Tasuki to come here." Dakota called over her shoulder and she knew Aluna heard her when the leopards tail flicked.
Dakota then looked down at their meal. As none of them had been really hungry, the whole back half of the zebra was still untouched and her sisters were licking their paws clearly done with their meal. She recalled Uphere being in the cave during their talk with Akira and glanced around not noticing him in the camp. She remembered Kubikuro had a leg with him when Conrad approached him and scanned for it. It was by Anjiti who was still eating. She looked back at their dinner with a nod. "Gemma, Mana, take the untouched half to Uphere and get the rest from Anjiti so her meal is undisturbed." She ordered, and the now bloodless Betas looked at the messy job and frowned. They got to their feet and separated the eaten half from the rest, loud cracks coming from the carcass as they broke the bones and once separated, Mana got a hold of the Zebra. She clamped her jaw over its back, she then jumped slightly, so the carcass wasn't dragging along the ground. She then flew it towards the barn entrance and waited for Gemma. The blue Beta moved through the camp towards Anjiti and sat down.
"Alpha has asked us to feed Uphere. She said you had something?" Gemma asked softly, head bowed slightly.

Tasuki and Charmed smiled as they left Aluna with the young. The sadness in her eyes was still there, but the leopard's pain was clearly eased by the pup's presence. Charmed nodded as they passed Mana and Tasuki nuzzled her, choosing to ignore the zebras' blood that smeared into his fur from the action, he then followed Charmed towards Dakota. Tasuki sat down beside Dakota and Charmed nuzzled into the Kitsune before crossing the campsite to eat beside her mate. Tasuki returned her nuzzle before lowering his head slightly once she was gone as he noticed Conrad. It was then that Dakota addressed the Rebels Leader.
"Nightwatch is a good idea, despite nothing having happened yet, it is best we take no chances in everyone's safety. For the watch, I would like our Omega and our newest Beta to stand guard. If that suffices." She said and Tasuki looked to her startled.
Dakota chose to not address his shock and a small smile crossed her muzzle when she heard the affronted comment come from Akira across camp at the mention of her title.

[Kifo]

Mazari trotted slowly beside Skype, leading the group out of the valley while also giving some light to the older cat. Every now and then, his ears would flick back in an attempt to check on those behind him (especially Astro). And every time, the flick of his ears was accompanied by a slight turn of his head to make sure that everyone was still there because he couldn't hear anything.
Faraji made his way behind the liger, instinctively trying to watch out for the sleeping tiger cub as well. But he was also a little curious about why Rakshaw and Rohei would even want to leave their little group without checking with the main group first. He didn't say anything, however, fearing it was not his place to question them. So he turned his head slightly to try and ignore the questioning urge. This forced him to look behind him and when he did, he saw Kaine yawning his head off, all the while trying to watch what everyone else was doing. Mid yawn, however. the golden lion surprised himself by tripping over a small rock that lay on the path.
" You alright, Kaine?" Sarba called once his younger brother had gotten back onto his feet.
" Yeah, just tired." came his reply.
" Hopefully we're not too far from the main camp." Anjou sighed, looking out of the corner of his eye at Evie and Riki and wondering if he was being watched by them.

Conrad snorted as Dakota obviously ignored his question. He tried to be patient about it, but the constant flicking of his tail tip against the ground clearly showed his annoyance. Kubikuro - who had followed his leader to where the other group's leader rested - didn't know what to do, so he kept quiet. But he remained watching his leader's every move with a never faltering gaze. The only time he did look away was when he heard Akira's anger at the mention of her title. It was at that point that the dog's ears flicked backwards as he feared for his life what with two easily angered animals being close by him.
Unfortunately, at the sight of Tasuki, Conrad's tail swept at the ground in clear agitation. He may have gotten used to the nine tailed fox being around, but he still wasn't comfortable with the kitsune being near his kids. He just managed to stop himself from growling when he noticed that Tasuki had come from the barn... where his youngest children lay defenseless with only a debilitated black panther with a whacked out bloodline and someone else's heart as their guardian. Thankfully a few deep breaths managed to calm him down enough for him to speak.
" Whether or not nothing has happened before now, we have always had someone awake at this time." Conrad said with a slight growl. " Without knowing it, the dragons have been protecting camp while they were doing night work... even if they, themselves, were also a danger at one point. Now they sleep, we must pick up the slack. If you want the fox and the coyote, fine. It just means I won't have to worry about blue tail being near my kids." As an after thought, mainly to himself, he added " This has to be a group effort after all."
Then, with a nod of his head, the Rebel's leader stalked off to being his patrol, leaving a slightly whimpering Kubikuro behind.
" You'll have to forgive Conrad. He has trust issues." Kubikuro said, turning his attention to those around him. " Ever since I've known him, he's been a hard person to be around and his dark past doesn't help. From what I understand about what I was told, he's seen some dark things when he was a cub and its affected his entire life, not to mention what happened to him when he was captured. He's getting used to you, though, Tasuki. He didn't threaten to kill you this time."

Anjiti looked up from her meal, finally satisfied, and licked her lips to try and clean them before replying.
" I was ordered to take a leg to him in place of Kubikuro. And you do not disobey Conrad." She said as she walked around the carcass to the side Gemma stood on. " I was just finishing my fill before completing the task."
She then picked up the leg and turned to face the blue wolf, waiting to see if she was going to join her in the barn. As she waited, she noticed Ebony finish her own meal and head into the barn to feed her cubs. She could only smile as the female black panther looked at Tasuki with slight unease, obviously still trying to assess if the kitsune was a danger to her cubs or not.

[Bakura]

Skype despite not needing the light to see, smiled as his path was lit by the liger. He slowed his trot slightly, to allow the others to keep pace with him as he led them out of the valley. Krystal, noting Mazari's concerned actions, kept a close ear on those behind them as she traveled by his side. Rakshaw and Rohei traveled beside Faraji close behind Mazari and Krystal, so they could keep an extra eye on Astro. Rakshaw noticed when Faraji's turned his head slightly away from him and shifted April onto his back to free his maw, he recognized the action as others had done it many times before to try and quell the urge to question his father about the elders appearence.
"Speak freely friend," He said softly. "There is something you want to say, is there not?" He asked with a slight smile turning to watch the king cheetah, knowing his brother's eyes would remain glued to the tiger cub.

They had been walking for a few moments when Evie looked to Shanara with questioning eyes, he left ear drooped.
"Will you be okay?" She asked softly, the brown wolf glanced from Evie to Anjou who was beside her and back again. She nodded slightly and Evie smiled before nudging Riki. "To the back." She ordered and the lion slowed his gait allowing everyone to pass him. Evie watched him go and nuzzled into Shanara's shoulder before brushing Anjou's flank with her tail and falling back herself. Once at the back of the pack she kept pace with Riki and kept an eye out for danger.

Dakota felt Tasuki quiver beside her, noticing the Kitsune had dropped to the ground slightly behind her and had to bite back her growl at the jaguar's words. She rested her tail over Tasuki's shoulder and couldn't prevent her hackles from raising slightly. After he was done and he stalked off Dakota glared after him. She turned back to Kubikuro as the dog started speaking and her ears flicked as she listened to his words. "I know he is your leader, but troubled past or no, I will not tolerate disrespect. I am an Alpha and will not be talked down to like some pup." She growled out, however she didn't move to follow the Jaguar knowing it would only cause more problems. Instead, she looked behind herself to Tasuki. "Stand tall, you are my Beta and he has no right to treat you as such." She ordered and despite still feeling scared, Tasuki got to his feet, his tails curled beneath himself. "Sorry Alpha." He apologised for his cowardice and she shook her head. "You did nothing wrong, go and fetch Akira and prepare for nightwatch." She ordered and he bowed slightly before running across camp to the annoyed coyote. She saw him say something and then the two headed back over to them. Akira looked to Dakota with annoyance but she nodded nonetheless. She then turned to Kubikuro, "We are ready when you are." She said gruffly and she sat down awaiting his orders.

Gemma nodded at her words and smiled as the wolf waited for her. Gemma moved up beside her and grinned. "Mana is waiting beside the barn entrance with more food for Uphere." She said as she followed the wolf in her sister's direction.