இ۵Ŗace Ågainst ₦atureஇ۵

[Soriams]

Ahote
Male | 36 | Fighter
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Ahote watched Resin and Mirage while he waited for sleep to come, but was far too concerned about what was happening to let it find him just yet. After a few moments, Resin sent Mirage to his side, and headed off into the twilight in the direction the omega had been looking. For the entire time that the Alpha was gone, Ahote felt as though he held his breath, every nerve on edge as he waited. He couldn't stand the thought of something happening to her, and it took nearly all his self control to stay put and not follow. Seconds seemed to merge into hours, and the gentle whine from Mirage made the fighter startle, and he manages to tear his eyes away from the horizon and look to the young wolf next to him. "It's alright... I'm sure she'll be back soon," he said, more for his benefit than that of the Omega's.

After what seemed to be an agonizingly long time, Resin reappeared, and Ahote let out the ragged breath he had been holding. Seeing her unhurt and settled back in with the rest of the pack was such a relief that the weight of weariness came slamming back down on him all at once, and he yawned expansively. Finally he felt sleep reaching for him again, and he pulled himself closer to Mirage, sharing warmth with the younger wolf until he passed out.

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Hours later, Ahote's eyes fluttered open at the sound of Resin's voice, and almost immediately closed again as he winced back from the burning light of morning the stung his eyes. Truth be told, the large wolf feels like something very large and heavy rolled over him multiple times, and every joint and muscle is stiff and sore. Though he is grateful for receiving at least some rest, it feels as though it is not nearly enough, and at first, he pain refused to move, pawing irritatedly at the sleep in his eyes. However, when he saw Mirage hop up to his feet beside him, practically prancing in his youthful exuberance, he simply had to get to his feet. There he stood, grumbling about the cursed affects of age, until the rest of the pack arose.

When he felt awake enough to move, Ahote made his way over to Resin listening carefully to her instruction. As always, everything she said made sense, and he nodded in agreement, hanging back as he watched the other wolves file past into the mammoth-wake. Hearing Resin call out to Ash, a small smile comes to his face when he hears the Beta's reply, appreciating his good humor even over the distance. Within a few moments, the entire pack was on its way, and Ahote was just about to follow when another howl sounded, and he froze. The chilling sound of it made the fur of his ruff stand on end and he lifted his head, staring off in the direction from which it came. Head up, and tail high, he stood his ground, watching, waiting to see if anything more would come from the thinly veiled threat.

[-Starchild.Keith-]

Xani
- Female - 21 - Fighter -

Ever since Ahote returned to the pack, he seemed to be near Xani. They were both fighters, so it was only right. Now as the pack regathered to start moving once more, she found herself seated next to him again. She simply nodded as Resin's orders, knowing that it was her duty to guard the flank. She stood and stretched a bit before turning to scan the group. She trotted away from the pack ever so slightly, just so she would already be behind them when they started moving. She froze when a howl carried to her ears. Though she could almost smell the fear spread through her pack, her hackles instantly raised. She growled angrily and was tempted to seek out and attack the other wolf, or at least howl a response. She knew Resin would simply be angry, and it could endanger the pack, so she did nothing.


Junco
- Male - 15 - Omega -

For the past while, Junco had been just relaxing and letting everything pass him by. He tried to pay close attention to Resin and follow her orders whenever given, and so far he'd been just fine. Since River had left, he had been rather lonely. She was always friendly towards him, and he missed her perky attitude. As he awoke from his slumber in the morning light, his ears perked at the sound of the alpha's voice. Apparently it was time to move again. He shook himself a bit, but froze when he heard a howl. It frightened him some, but he simply scooted closer to the others.

[Hannah Elise]

River
4 summers; female grey wolf pup

River's ear flickered at Ash's voice, opening her eyes slightly she could see a bird in front of her. Tummy rumbling at the smell of it she slowly sat up and yawned, River's ear flicked again at the distant howl blinking her eyes she slowly ate the meal in front of her before padded over to Ash "Are they coming?" she asked curiously yawning again she laided down and watched waiting for at least one of the pack members that will come into view. River had missed Junco and couldn't wait to see him again, yawning again River turned her head towards south "Do you think the south land is just over that mountain looking thing in the distance"

Grimshaw
27 year old Male Loner Wolf

Grimshaw was glad that the group was finally ready to move forwarded, still annoyed at some things he waited for the leader to start moving.

[Resin]

Resin- Alpha Female- 30 Summers

The reply howl from Ash made her roll her eyes. Of course he was bored. Though thirty summers old, he had the attention span of a two summer old pup. She was surprised that he'd sat still this long. Resin was just preparing to push the pack into a run when she heard the second howl from behind.
"That cheeky bastard..." she thought. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that the howl had come from the big male that had been pacing back and forth behind them. His howl was filled with the promises of death. His attempt to strike them down with fear may have worked for some, but unfortunately for him, Resin wasn't afraid of much. She especially wasn't afraid of hidden threats. The fact that he decided to hide rather than show himself before her made him weak in her eyes.
The brute may be huge, cunning, dangerous... but she had something that he did not have: A pack that stood behind her one hundred percent. When and if he came, she would meet him head on. Resin would never allow her pack to involve themselves in a fight in her stead. Her pride and honor would also not allow more than a one on one battle. If the male came, she would be the one to fight him first. If she was struck down, he was fair game for Xani and Ahote.
The ScarPaw pack also had a backup plan. Ash. Resin had appointed him as Beta to keep him out of fights. Knocking his head about in battle could possibly send him into a fit. When his mind was addled, he was merciless. She had seen him rip an ice bear to shreds before she was able to bring him back. If by some work of the ancestors this male was able to get through all of them, Ash would stop him.
Instructing the others to keep running South, Resin made her way back to where Xani and Ahote ran at the tail of the pack. Motioning for them to stop, she tipped her muzzle up, motioning towards the way that they'd come from. "This wolf is a danger." A strong gust of wind blew towards them and she could smell the brute's scent strongly. With it came the scent of blood. Not the mammoth that they'd left, but wolf blood. Apparently he carried out his threats.
"Keep a watchful eye out. If he comes, I will face him." The dark female shook her head lightly. "No one threatens us and lives." A bit brutal of her, but she wasn't in charge because of her pretty looks. When her parents had been alpha's, she had been a fighter. She learned from her father that, in order to keep outside forces from challenging you, one had to be prepared to follow through with their own threats. She was more than prepared.
Glancing at Ahote, she flicked one ear slightly. "You know that I rely upon you for so much, and I must do so again. If I should fail, I ask that you keep as many of them safe as you can." Yellow eyes fell upon Xani as well. "I know that you will do your part to keep everyone safe, Xani." She addressed them both. "Ahote is a born leader, whether or not he wants to accept that. Everyone will listen to him and follow him." Again that black ear flicked. "Keeping the pack safe is paramount."
Leaving the pair behind, she made her way around the perimeter of the group, instructing them to stay closer together. A less spaced out group would make them more difficult to pick off. She was sure that cutting down their numbers gradually was the male's plan. It was the most cowardly way.
Before she prompted the wolves into a run, she returned the rogue male's howl. He had promised that he was coming. Her response? "I'll be waiting."

Ash- Beta Male- 30 Summers

He had just flipped onto his back and was rolling about when River asked her question. He looked towards the upside down mountains. They were a long ways off. They would still have quite a distance to cover to even reach those mountains. "I'm not sure. The Alpha is the only one who knows where we're going." Finishing his roll, he flipped back into his stomach. "I've never been to those mountains. We're almost as far South as I've ever been."
Ash motioned with his nose towards sporadically placed trees in the distance. They were of the tall, spindly coniferous variety. "The last time that I came this way I saw trees like that. We're getting closer, but we still have a long, long ways to go." Looking to the pup, he smirked, his tongue lolling out of his smile. "You think you're going to make it that far on those little legs?"
In the distance he heard howls, but he couldn't make out much of what was said. It seemed as if the pack was having issues, however. Furrowing his brow, he strained his ears to try and catch any other communication, but all was silent. He wondered what the commotion was about, but would have to wait for them to arrive to appease his curiosity.

[BlackJaguar]

{{First off I am very sorry for my more than projected absence. Beyond just being very busy as I was, the place that I was also had VERY sketchy internet service... never of which I was able to hold onto long enough to be able to post anything. Anyways it seems that Attican was not TOO much needed though during the time of which I am thankful for so I wasn't holding anyone up. But anyways, I am back now and am certainly able to return to posting my usual amount.}}

Attican

73 - Brute - Keeper

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The brute had eventually fallen asleep in his snow nest after his mind had finally seemed to run out of things to buzz about. The constant hum of his thoughts getting shoved out only by the physical need of his older body to rest. Over the nighttime snow had collected on his back, effectively sealing Attican in a little unseen pocket, completely hidden from view. If it had not been for his unusual bit of snoring from being so exhausted, Resin may have had a hard time to actually find him to wake the brute up.

But the Alphess had and told him it was time to get going. Groggily he lifted his head above the snow, eyes blinking to a bleary world. He nodded to her words even in his residual sleepiness, knowing that he must get up to perform his given duties. His head was followed by his tail that seemed to spring out of the snow like some sort of strange arctic plant - sticking straight up as he shifted his back legs around to stand. They wriggled beneath him and with one stretching movement the brute was standing. "I'm up." He said, voice raspy simple from sleep.

A few minutes went by and in a the short amount of time everyone seemed to be rallied and getting ready to go. Attican was just about to make his way to the center of the pack for his job when a new, thinly-veiled threating voice came ringing from the North of which they came. Instinctively, the hairs on the Keeper's neck rose, hackles growing to make the large brute look even more massive than he already was. A lip pulled back to bare a tooth.

Funny enough, there was a small period of time that both Resin and Attican had bore a same role. Before Attican had his role changed to the Keeper of the Past, he had been the rank of a very high fighter. Also, before she had become Alpha and during her parents reign, Resin too had been one as well. Now it was very strange to think that they both ever had been in the same drafting due to their current positions and how long time had gone by since then. But still in all it had happened. And still regardless of how many years it had been, the Keeper felt his blood rush through his body with a Fighter's adrenaline. His muscles clenching at the thought of something threatening his Pack. It was a vindictive urge to not just run after the call, meeting the owner of the voice head on in attempt to neutralize the situation before it even got to its apparent main goal. But with great self-control he suppressed himself, knowing that the thoughts were not welcomed. In his head and heart there was still the great brute of a Fighter, muscles still willing to put any effort that they had. But still the fact of the matter was was that if their efforts would be good enough anymore. The answer to that question Attican did not know.

His nostrils flared, listening to Resin's reply back. He walked down the small gap between him the the pack, taking his place to begin their journey again. However, the little bees of thoughts seemed to trickle into his mind again, whispering their own thoughts into the mix. If push came to shove the Keeper was just too dedicated to the safety of his pack. If the situation seemed dire enough to appear truly risk the welfare of the wolves around him Attican had no questions in his mind that he too would do whatever he could to stop it. The fire inside him was lit. He would do anything to save a life of anyone here, and if that meant to risk his own, well, he'd try.

Restraint gripped at his body, for now just letting things go as rank would put them.

[Resin]

((Glad to have you back, BlackJaguar. I wondered where you'd wandered off to. (: Introducing Pipaluk.))

Pipaluk-Straggler-97 Summers

"Stuff it, you old walrus. Who are you to tell me that I'm lost?" The old grey and white wolfess grumbled to thin air, then stopped to listen to it's reply before giving it a piece of her mind. "I have an excellent sense of direction, thank you very much. I don't see you leading the way. If it wasn't for me, you'd be lost." She shook her head at the voice and started moving once more at a gentle lope. "If I get lost, it's going to be your fault. Remember that. You're the one that told me to go this way."
Anyone that came upon her would believe her to be crazy. They wouldn't exactly be wrong at that assumption either. Pipaluk was an old, old wolf. She'd watched generations live and die. Her own family included. Sometimes, when things died, they didn't just fade away. They stuck around. Nanuq, her mate, was the one that she was having an argument with now. When age had taken him, he had refused to leave and now followed her, or led her, in this case.
Pipa had been travelling for quite some time. She hadn't exactly made much headway since she had this bad habit of zigzagging rather than walking straight ahead. She blamed Nanuq for this. If he wasn't constantly telling her that she was going the wrong way, she'd be able to pay more attention.
Though she didn't hear well, she did catch a series of howls come from the West. "Aha, I hear voices." Nanuq must have made a snarky remark, for Pipaluk growled and bared her few remaining teeth. "REAL voices. Maybe I'll find someone that's a better conversationalist than you."
Continuing her lope, she crossed the tundra, following the voices that she was pretty sure belonged to real, live wolves. If they weren't real... well, then she'd just keep going Southish.
After a while of running and arguing with Nanuq, he informed her that he could see wolves ahead. Pipa yipped as loud as her old vocal chords would allow and continued on towards them. Hopefully they were a friendly lot. If not, she'd figure that out when they got to that point.
By the time she drew close to them, they had mostly run past her. Only a few slower wolves were still within range. She sat in the snow, her tongue lolled out as she panted. At some point one of them would have to stop and check on an old lady, right?

[Hannah Elise]

River
4 summers; female grey wolf pup

River watched the mountain for awhile with one ear back listening to Ash's words of the south land and the trees in the distance but we still have a long, long ways to go hearing those woulds River plonked her head down on her front legs and flicked her ear in annoyances. She was hoping the mountain was alot closer than it looked "You think you're going to make it that far on those little legs?" River looked up at Ash and poked her tounge out before again looking out towards the mountain.

Grimshaw
27 year old Male Loner Wolf

Grimshaw flicked his ear at hearing the howl from the loner wolf tailing them promising death and couldn't help but chuckle at what was to come waiting until most wolves where away from him. Grimshaw throw his head up and howled a deeper response letting the loner know that if he needed any help from the inside that Grimshaw is happy to help in anyway, flicking his hear he sent another howl this time a little longer letting the loner know that there are only two pups within the pack and one was injured by him a night ago and quite badly at that, the strongest wolf is the Beta and by his thoughts the Alpha seems quite weak at fighting. Eventually he bounded after the pack smiling at the thought of helping the loner in someway hoping for a reply although he was really expecting one, keeping close to the pack Grimshaw wondered where that Beta and the pup actually went.

[Soriams]

((Ah ha, awesome! I love Pipa! I can just see her with one of my old characters, Spitchen. The two of them would have the craziest adventures. All in their own little heads.))

Ahote
Male | 36 | Fighter
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Ahote growled, deep in his throat as he continued to look back toward the hills where the howl had come from. His instinct to protect was strong, and no matter what, he wouldn't leave the pack. Not when there was such an obvious threat present. So even though his first thought as a former alpha was to seek out this upstart and teach him a lesson, he would gladly keep his bulk between this fool and the rest of Scarpaw. Soon enough, Resin came to speak with them and Ahote listened carefully, his golden eyes intent. Like many who rise to the rank of alpha, he was no stranger to fighting, and much like Resin and Attican, a bit of that ferocity lingers in him. Plus, he had the added bonus of having recent spars with the other fighters to keep his skills sharp. "Resin, we will protect the pack no matter what happens... But you must know, we would not leave you. You too are part of this pack, and your life would not be given in vain," he said with a finality that was uncharacteristic of him. He let the leader comment pass for now, knowing full and well that it was not worth the argument, especially at a time like this.

When Resin turns away to answer the rouge, Ahote turns to Xani, catching her eye before speaking. "Fan out, so that we can keep an eye on each other, as well as the pack," he said in a grim tone before making his way up and out of the mammoth trail. By walking far enough apart that they could see the entirety of each other, it would be nearly impossible for another wolf to sneak up on one of them without the other seeing. In this way, they can trail the pack and guard their retreat from the foolish brute who would attack them.

A bit of a ways back from the rest of the group, Ahote hears the ragged end of another howl, joining in with the brute who stalks them. The sound makes his hackles rise again, as it almost sounds as though it would offer aid to this beast, and from the direction of the pack. However, the sound is wind-torn and the syllables almost impossible to make out, and he can't be sure if it is truly another, or some strange echo.

Just as Ahote is considering bringing it up to Resin however, the sound of a loud yip startles him and he stops, looking back. Confused, he looks over the drifts trying to figure out where the sound came from. "Did you hear that?" he asked, looking over to Xani.

[Apocalyptic_Punk]

Curse
{{Fae||Straggler||Alone||

Curse stiffened upon hearing the howl from behind the pack, her heart thudded against her ribs as years of mind washing training warred inside of her seeking to answer him. She knew who it was, but she shook her head her entire body as hard as she could clearing her head. She bared her fangs and let out a long, angry and cold snarl of anger in the direction of the howl, and then threw her head back letting out her own howl, telling him that he could try to come, but she would meet him and she would kill him before he could harm another innocent life. She finished the howl with a cold snarl before she turned to follow the pack, catching the other howl she twisted her ears about, trying to catch the words in the call, growling dangerously as she did so.

Mirage
{{Brute||Omega||10|| The Pack|}}
The young omega shivered at all the howling, he wanted to crawl into a den and hide away forever, he was not one to enjoy confrontation, and this was getting close to home, and it was scary promising death, and pain and torture. He didn't like any of it. He nearly jumped from his skin when he saw Curse howl in response to the threat with a threat of her own to back up Resin. He whined softly, it almost seemed they were bringing the threat down on them. He whimpered and picked up his pace wanting to get as far away from the cries, then he stumbled to a stop as the loner males voice filled his ears he let out a huff of air as he listened trembling in fear now.

Drago
{{Brute||Loner||49||Following the Scarpaw pack|}}
Drago stood on the ridge, listening to all the other wolves crying and calling back to him, with their threats and anger. Oh how he relished though cries and promise of pain, especially for the accursed female. Then came the information from a lone wolf near the back of the pack, Drago's eyes practically glowed with appreciation of the betrayers call, he filed away the information his entire body trembling with the urge to attack and maim now. He tilted his head back and sent a howl that was pretty much just a laugh at the threats he laughed softly and padded along the ridge and began to make his way down and to the east of the pack so he could scope them out better.

[Resin]

((Spitchen is fantastic! I could just imagine. Two crazy old ladies, never knowing if they're talking to each other or to the spirits around them. (: ))

Resin- Alpha Female- 30 Summers

On and on she pushed the pack. They had waited too long a the last camp and she was determined to make the best of this easy run. The mammoth path had done exactly what she expected and had allowed them to fly easily over the land. Periodically she would stop them, allowing the slower wolves to catch their breath and eat some snow, then she'd drive them along once more.
Looking up, she judged the time by the suns position. They were definitely making good time today. Soon a small dark colored spot came into view on the side of the path, and as they drew closer, a much larger white spot appeared as well. Arriving beside the pair first, she tossed a bit of snow on her sleeping brother. "Time to wake up, sleepy." Seeing River, she smiled and nodded. "Thanks for keeping him company, River. Without you he probably would have slept so much he would have frozen to death." Again she flashed the pup a grin."We're going to head out again soon, so get ready."
Once she was sure that everyone had pulled in together, she had them gather around her. "I'm sure you all heard the howl of that male wolf back there." Jerking her head in the direction that they'd come from, she continued. "He has threatened us and, should he show his cowardly face at some point, he will die." Her words were clear and precise. As she scanned the faces of the wolves that she was sworn to protect, her yellow orbs lingered upon Grimclaw. "As will any that aid him in his foolish endeavors."
To help alleviate some of the fear that showed itself in the younger wolves, omegas, and mothering females, she continued, pacing slowly back and forth before them. "What this silly brute doesn't know is that, though we have two appointed fighters, we're packing a lot more than that." Curved white canines flashed in the light as she smiled somewhat wickedly.
"Xani and Ahote are seasoned fighters. They will guard you well from behind. Some of you have joined us after I was made alpha of the ScarPaw pack." Again her eyes roamed over the attentive faces before her. "Both Ash and myself are seasoned fighters. We even had a silly nickname, which I won't get into here." A slight attempt to lighten the mood. She could hear Ash laughing from behind her. "Attican is a former fighter as well. Don't let his age fool you. This old brute is still tough and fit."
Taking a deep breath, she continued on a more serious note, giving them their orders for the next trek. "Pups, older wolves and Omega's will run in the center of the group. Xani and Ahote will take up the rear. Ash will run right flank and I'd like Mirage to run left flank. Sephora, guard the center. Everyone stick close together. If your nose gets tickled by another's tail, that's ideal."
After confirming everyone's readiness, she started to move to the front of the group. "Grimshaw, you're running with me." His howl hadn't gone unnoticed. The only reason that he was still alive was that, if he attempted something, he would serve as a lovely example of what not to do if you wished to stay alive in the ScarPaw pack.

Ash-Beta Male-30 Summers

Of course he had fallen asleep while he was waiting. What was better than sleep when you were bored? The big white male pulled himself to his paws and shook the snowy debris from his coat. He rolled his eyes when Resin made the 'frozen to death' comment. Then he looked to River and whispered jokingly. "I'm much to handsome to die like that."
As his sister began to speak to the pack, Ash settled himself slightly behind and to the side of her. He listened as she spoke of some threat that they'd received and his black lips curled in a growl. Who would dare threaten them? Obviously someone that had never heard of the ScarPaw pack before. They were well respected within the Great Wolf community. Not only were they an honorable and just pack, they were able to maintain their position with tooth and claw if necessary. Very few opposed them.
He sat and listened to Resin's speech. It was a good one, and when she arrived at their nickname, he couldn't help but laugh. When they were younger and were the fighters for their parents, they had been jokingly called the Berserker Twins. They hunted together and fought together. They were always together. Had it not been for his malady, he would have ascended to Alpha Male and Resin would have been his Beta.
Now that Ash saw the sort of toll being an Alpha had on a wolf, part of him was glad that he would never have to worry about it. Many nights he watched as Resin paced about, not able to sleep. He worried that the stress would kill her before her time, so he did his best to keep things running smoothly. Ash was grateful for Attican and Ahote's help as well. They were both well respected, so they kept things in order as well, making the pack well rounded and well looked after.
Once the speech was finished, Ash took his place, eyeing the wolves that would be running near him. He would keep a watchful eye upon all that were within his vicinity. Should any trouble arise, he was more than prepared to head it off.

Pipaluk- Straggler- 97 Summers

"Damn hooligans..." When the group ran past her, Pipaluk burrowed down into the snow, covering herself with it completely. The little ice den was cozy. After running to catch up with the wolves, she had become quite tired. Even if she had caught them, she wouldn't have been able to keep up.
"I'M slow? YOU'RE slow, you smelly badger." After some more grumbling, she fell asleep, an old wheezing snore being the only sign of her presence.
She dreamed.
Pipaluk and Nanuq were running across the tundra, side by side, steps in tune. Both were in their prime. She was a lovely young wolf again and he was his robust dark self. Suddenly the world slowed. It took longer and longer for their paws to reach the ground until eventually they didn't move at all. The pair were frozen in mid leap, their eyes the only things able to move.
A dark shape ran past them, it's movements slow. A large black wolf with eyes as red as blood pursued his prey. His gaping maw ran red with blood. Someone would die.
Time had stopped them and the wolf ran on by. Pipaluk believed that time saved them. They had a job to do.
Nanuq roused her from her sleep. "Yes, yes, I had the dream. Well of course I'm going to try and warn them." Popping out of the snow, she shook the powder from her face and cleared her throat before growling at the air. "If you'd give me a damn minute, I'd be able to tell them. The more you talk, the longer it takes."
Lifting her old muzzle, it took her a few tries and a fit of coughing and hacking before she was able to let out a decent howl. Her message to the wolves was simple. "Danger is coming."