Furry-Within

It was raining, The heavy downpour drenching everything in the camp. Turning dirt into mud, Warm fires into smoking heaps. Yet the cold wind did nothing to help, Sending soldiers inside their little tents. It made everyone who had to be out in a sour mood.
  At the very center of the camp sat a hundred or so people. Bound in chain's huddled together for warmth. The only sound was the slight wrinkle of chains, the occasional crying of children as they sat in the mud. 
He looked at them, eye's looking into nothing as they all accepted their fate. He knew each and every Man, Women, child. A trophy from various villages. The panther was like them, a trophy to be sold for a few coppers and gold.
  No, that was not the fate the panther chose for himself. Huddled and shivering there in the rain and cold. he was merely a boy who thought himself a man. Those blue eyes of his cold and spiteful. Anger and hatred raged in his heart.
Despite his torn clothes, his muddy fur and short black hair. he watched as the guards stood under what little cover they could find. Anything to get away from this cursed rain.
   The panther boy wrapped his arms just a little tighter around his legs, trying to keep himself warm. Masking his movements as he worked on the locks on his ankles.  His eyes scanning the  hundred or so slaves. Searching for something. A look in their eyes. For any sign that spoke of resistance, any signs of a fighting spirit...

The rain, always the rain, he hated rain. It was raining the night he was born, raining the night his mother died, and it was raining the night he was captured too, now it was raining as they were lined up to be examined. He could see it now, they were setting the "trophies" into makeshift groups. Some would be sold for golds and coppers depending on their age and build. Some would be put to work as slave labor, and the ones that weren't worth either. Would be executed, he'd even heard rumors that the ones that were executed would be chopped up and fed to the laborers to keep them from trying to escape. Nothing kills the spirit like knowing you're eating someone that tried to do the same thing.

He looked over the crowd, his own spirit not dying, it was dead, long dead, he'd ceased caring, yes he was cold, he was freezing, but it didn't help to bother shaking or huddling close, he simply leaned forward, letting the rain slip off his muzzle and drip loudly into a puddle between his legs, the guards wouldn't pay too much attention, but, if anyone was looking carefully, they could see his claws rubbing against the chains, trying to scratch just enough to reach in with fingers and snap them, the chains weren't very high quality, but there were a lot of new trophies and well made chain was expensive.

He could see a panther that seemed to still have fight in him, he couldn't tell if the boy was using a twig, a sharp from some smith's forge nearby, or his own claws but he was working the lock on his chains, he blinked at the boy, a single movement, nothing obvious, but only one eye, if the boy saw it it would clearly be a message, begging his attention, showing they were after the same thing.

No one escaped alone, in all the admittedly few years he'd been trapped and laboring for them, he'd never seen anyone succeed alone, but the boy still looked tough, maybe freshly captured, and together . . . the might just make it out alive, or he might just make it far enough to only need to outrun the boy. Either way, it was a chance.

Fresh meat from a bunny tribe dragged into the camp and over to the others that were already there. Blood ran down from above my eye having reached up to wipe it away with the rain falling down into my face. My wrists were bond in front of me including my ankles. No  shoes upon my feet and clothed in torn clothing. My nose flared with anger not having the fight beaten out of me.  My parents had been the leader of our tribe now dead when they had refused to submit to the invaders, only a few of us where left from my people.

Looking around seeing everyone else that were huddled together for warmth and in chains. Having heard about this in stories never knowing it could really happen to us. Tripping and falling into the mud landing upon my side as i get covered in the mud, a guard grabbing me and picking me back up onto my feet only to shove me deeper into the group.
Passing by Arashi catching the anger with in his eyes as i passed by.  My own deep golden eyes reflected the same anger. 

Getting shoved back down upon the ground as my eyes coming up to the guard. My nose flaring in anger, as he walked away.  I remain still looking around also having seen these tribes either in passing or trading with them at one point to another.  My eyes coming across Mik as he was hunched into himself.  My ears lift up onto my head, seeing Mik try and make eye contact with Arashi.  Looking around seeing the guards not paying attention,  moving to bring my legs up as i cross them infront of me.  Making a big hole between my knees so i could get to the mud that i was sitting on.  I move to pick up some of it with my hands as i start to lather my wrists in the mud to make them slick, having been cursed with nimble fingers and slender wrists.  I start to try and slip from the cuffs.  Bitting my lip as i duck my head a bit to hide my eyes and my mouth,  struggling just a bit as I get one of my wrists free of the cuff. Flexing my hand having had hurt my hand to do it, my lip bleed from when i bit into it to muffle the pain. My heart starting to race in my chest as i start to work on my other wrist to try and get it free.

 He had caught the wolf's eyes as he gave just a little nod of his head.  Staying still as new arrivals came into the cold wet group. Only a few of the new ones caught his eyes.
  he scanned the groups, Making eye contact with the wolf again. he looked towards the Rabbit among the group. One in particular. The one that had made eye contact with him.
Slowly ever so slowly he made his way to her. His muddy fur touching her own. His voice was low.
"Calm yourself.." He said to the rabbit "You'll draw their attention if you move to much".
  A plan dawning in his head, He knew that to big of a group would draw to much attention. But bunny and the wolf would make a good ally.... Or distraction.
  A soft "click" was all he needed to hear. His ears perked as a flood of adrenaline hit his system. he waited until It calmed down. his ears folding flat against his skull.
The three of them might be able to do it.  he looked at the wolf waiting until he got closer, laying out his plan in a slow whisper. he tucked the small finger bone into his fist. hiding it.
   "That group over there.. " He gave a little nod towards the north group of slaves. Huddled together. " They plan to jump the feeding guards when they come. They want the key and then they are going to try and escape. The guards will be busy for a bit.  Our safest route is into the main body or the army.. or at least to where all there tents are. "
   he waited silently Falling over into the mud he curled himself into a little ball around the bunnies feet. pulling up mud and the likes around her feet. Quietly he began to work on her locks*
  "With so many trying to escape they might not notice us.... We have a better chance slipping away.."

Mikkaddo continued to work on the chain, he broke through the link in one side on his ankle, then then worked on the other. The Panther had some kind of plan, knowing the slaves it was most likely to rape the new rabbit that had just come in. It wouldn't surprise him though, this was no life for love or romance. Then he noticed how the panther was moving around her legs.

He was getting her out of her chains! no, it was too soon! He had to move, so he waited until a guard was patrolling, and walked in time with him, staying in the guard's shadow, staying in time, and then silently sat down with the pair. "Don't do that now, it's too early . . . if the patrols even look down, and see the chains gone you'll die. Do like this" and he points down to his ankles, both edges had a broken link but if you didn't pay careful attention they looked normal. "It's more important to have your legs than your arms when we escape . . . and don't run the same direction as the rest, I'm going west while the rest go south, follow me . . . we might just make it out alive."

He looked at the Panther, then the Rabbit again. "At least two of us might . . . if you can't keep up, don't bother, you don't want to know what they do to escapees that don't get away little bunny. Trust me." He fell silent as another patrol came by and pulled the Panther back like they were fighting over the rabbit. "Oi! stop that, you slugs don't get fresh meat, that's OUR preroggative!" the Guard smacked both of them on the back of their heads with a club and then went on with his patrol.

Jumping hearing the Panther whisper in my ear while i remain still upon the mud.  Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Keeping my hands in my lap to hide that i had gotten one wrist free.  Looking over to the group of slave's he was refering too.  Looking down to the panther as he wrapped around my feet.  I kept huddled into myself as i watch the guard move passed slowly.  Keeping my ears back and down, watching Mik come over to us.  Whispering softly to the both of them- I can keep up, don't worry about me.   With the rain and the mud we will be slick enough that they can't grab us.  -Jumping when the guard grabbed the panther and dragged him back up.  My eyes going wide with fear as i huddle down more.  Having seen the link broken upon the ankle cuffs.  I held still, not wanting to know what they were going to do with me.  I move to get my other hand free of the cuff leaving both of them in my lap.  Moving to take some of the mud and run them up my arms slowly to cover them.

I move to Dig in the mud, having found a rock i could use.  I move to use it on the link near my cuff. Using it to slowly woke on the cuff keeping still and keeping quiet.  Taking in a slow deep breath and letting it go, opening my eyes as i keep my head tucked.  Whispering softly while i remain still- " The forest line would be better for us to escape.  We can find places to hide and run under the cover of the trees. They are to big and bulky to follow. If i know the area correctly its the route we want to take.   We run when they make the move upon the chow line. "

Finishing one of the links as i move to the other side to break the chain off  the cuff.  Keeping my voice quiet as i watch the guards slowly "you might want to work on the chain between your wrists. the weight will slow you down."  Keeping still as i bring my legs up to my chest bringing my arms up so my wrists where hidden between my chest and my legs.  Keeping my ears lowered back to keep the water out of them. I move to slip the cuffs back upon my wrists, having gotten passed the pain i was able to get them on and off.  

He listened carefully to them both. Taking careful note on both his new... allies.
  When he was grabbed her let out a little snarl. "She's mi-"
  He never got the chance to finish. A blurr of white and him hitting the mud. Fuck! those things hurt. He laid there a long moment getting his barring's. Curling himself up in the mud.
  His body shivered from the cold, yet his hands still worked on his ankles. This time He opened his cuffs. Using the metal edge to twist and pry at the chain. Surprised by how easy it was to snap.
Slowly his eyes opened, Sitting up. he stuck the little bit of claw into the opening of his cuffs,  wrapping his wrist. It looked locked at least.
  He could feel hot sticky blood starting to ooze from his scalp. yet he said nothing as he simply waited.  It wasn't long until food arrived.
  The panther moved a little picking up a small bundle. Holding it close to his body, the only indication of a person was a black tail and black foot paws. It was almost time...
"Oiee! you lot. It's feeding time. "
Without another Word he began to toss out hot steaming meat. Sometimes aiming for people other times the mud. "I hope your Ungry, you lot ain't Gonna eat for a whiles I say."
It happened so fast, those that were free moved together in a great hoot and holler over powering the Guard. One was easy.. But the panther knew more would come.
He looked to the wolf and the rabbit. holding the tiny bundle close. He gave a little nod as if letting the others know, he was ready when they were.

Mikkaddo was ready as soon as the guard was screaming about the meat. It was time, he'd been waiting, training for this for nearly a full year, testing the strength of chain, making his claws stronger and making the small metal caps to grind down the chain with, and teaching himself to walk with broken chains that won't appear broken, he'd had at lest 3 broken ribs testing that part. But now he was ready. His arms he would work on once they got out.

He quickly stood and ripped his legs in a single strong motion to either side. The chain ripped and broke, and he grabbed the length as it flew up, and darted off silently to the south, if they were smart they would follow him, he'd worked every station in this camp that laborers were allowed in, he might be young but he was quiet, so he heard everything. He knew what they did, where the guards were thinnest, where everything was, even most of the traps. The south had the least traps because of the . . . local wildlife. They called them "Icewraiths" but he heard one of the older leaders refer to them as Winterwolves, an ancient pre-evolved lupine something like 12 feet tall with white fur and ice on the edges, frozen blue eyes and according to legend, magic powers.

Mikkaddo doubted that part, he never saw magic, but saw plenty of fools professing it and using simple tricks to steal from other fools, or burning effigies in the name of "gods" that didn't bother to help. How can they exist if they wont' help? hell, how can they exist if a place like this did. 

No, now wasn't the time for that. He made his way through the muddy place, rain slicking his tracks, making grip difficult, but he'd been training for it, buildling his muscle and sneaking food when he could so that he could build muscle, carrying extra weight when he pulled carts to do the same, now he was running for everything. The guards were rushing past him and along the walls of the slave area, the bigger issue was the growing rebellion apparently, not 3 kids running in a different direction likely out of fear of the beating they would surely receive.

Then, he got to it, the place he'd made, a spot in the fence that was weak and needed mending, they'd asssigned him once to mend the fence along the south wall, all but one space he did exactly that, he left a single moldy and ancient plank in place, just enough to squeeze through. He leapt at the board and smashed it with his legs, then quickly squeezed his way through, looking back and whistling at the others, they needed to keep up, if he got too far ahead he'd run the risk of getting caught himself, and if he had to keep looking for them he was even more likely to be caught or hit a trap he'd memorized. But, after the fence they'd be in an open field for about a few hundred meters then the forest wall would hit and they'd be all but in the clear. Assuming the Winterwolves weren't real, which, again, likely, they weren't.

Watching the meat sore over head as someone went down infront of me.  Jumping up with ease as my body moved like liquid grace.  The chain upon my ankles was already broken.  I move to take off running after Mik my toes spread out allowing me to move easier over the mud like it was nothing.  Moving to take the restraints off my wrists as i throw them over my shoulder.  Not sure why but who knew we might need them, dodging bodies as i move after Mik.  Feeling a hand try to grab onto me only to slip out of it's grasp.   My foot slipping on some mud as i drop to my ass and slide into the fence with it stopping my momentum.  I move to get up my fur slicked down by the mud. 

With the rain coming down as i move to wipe my hair from my face keeping my ears back.  My eyes start to glow as my vision sharpens allowing me to see better at night.  Getting to the hole in the fence as i move through it after Mik standing on the other side of the fence looking around keeping look out.  Waiting for the panther to follow behind us, having not looked back to see if he followed.  Trembling in the cold i move to wipe the blood from my eye.  I move to rip the sleeve off my shirt as i move to wrap it around my head to try and stop the bleeding until i could properly mend it.  The mud would be useless until it stopped raining.  Not going to be scared going to turn it into energy so i could run and keep up with the other two.  Having a Willowy frame would allow me to be light upon my feet and to keep up with the both of them.  My ears perk up on top of my head as my ears move around picking up sounds.   Keeping quiet having a few questions to ask but wanting to be far from here. 

The panther was not far from behind them. Running as fast as his feet could take him. he clung to the ball of Rags and the fur underneath it.
He ran for his life fallowing them as close as he could. But his burden was heavy, The panther refused to toss it aside.
  A hand grabbed his shoulder yanking him off his feet and onto his back.
  Oee! where are you going boy"?
  Panic grasped him a moment. The guard that spoke to him had a hand on the bundle that held the little fur. he reacted, Shoving the bone into the guards eye.
Wha- AH-
  His scream was cut off quickly as the panther took the guards knife. stabbing him in the neck, He didn't look back, so close to the fence. He shoved the bundle through first.  he tossed the dagger through  before he started to squirm through.
  When he heard it. A horn.. long and loud. It made him look back. Already the guards on their tail.
Noo!.. it was to early.. they'd catch them for sure.
  The panther grabbed Mikks fur pushing the little bundle in his hands along with the dagger. A hard look in his eyes.
"Get her to safety..."
    With that he turned and went back through the hole. His hand drew the dying guards sword. The panther didn't look back, instead he braced himself. Fighting the fear that threatened to consume him And rushed the guards...

He took the bundle and knife, holding both close, rushed past the rabbit toward the forest wall. "GO! we don't have time to wait for him! he's either dead or following, so just run!" he didn't know why the panther took a child with them, it was a massive risk and an even bigger threat to survival after, a third or even fourth mouth to feed, and if was young enough to need milk . . . they were screwed, he doubted the rabbit was old enough for that yet, and even if she was old enough, he doubted she could just . . . make herself do that. Whatever, now wasn't the time, maybe it was his sibling. He just ran, hard and fast, rain stinging his eyes and the sound of the horn ringing still in his ear. They had no fucking time. They had to get away.

He heard screams and cries from behind them, the Panther might be dead or dying, but he was goign to take at least a few of them with him. Mikkaddo had to admit, he admired that, he even felt a little pang of regret for leaving him instead of turning and fighting, getting his own taste of revenge. But now was not the time.

He reached the forest wall, passed it and went into the udnerbrush, finally he could run properly, leaping over bristles and brambles and leaping off the side of trees to gain speed. They might make it if the rabbit could keep up. Then he felt it, sudden, terrifying, instant. A chill hit the air around them, but it was summer! that's not possible. Then it seemed to fall dark, and he saw something flash to the side of him, ice blue, this was bad. Very bad. The stories were true and they would die. He could feel them bearing down on them, all around like they were circled.

Finally he just stopped, dead silent, all the fur on his body standing on end, his blood red eyes burning and wide, a harsh growl building in his throat. His tail was a massive cloud of fuzz behind him, a sign the Rabbit would find impossible to not notice, even if she didn't notice the edge of their presence like he had, she'd notice his fur and the fact that he stopped.

Seeing the bundle shoved through the hole as the panther stayed behind to cover our exit.  Not going to question it as i take off running after Mik.  Keeping pace with him  having nothing to slow me down, my eyes still glowed golden in color.  While we ran i made a suttle shift with the wind behind us to scatter our scent to cover the tracks more.   My ear racing in my chest as i followed Mik through the bushes.  Getting clear in the forest i was able to jump over bushes and bambles.   My mother having always told me i had a way to manipulate the air in what i needed it to do. 

Having ran passed Mik when he stopped in place, i skidd on the mud coming to a stop.  My ears perked up as the twitch around on top of my head.  LIstening then hearing the ice wolves feeling the chill in the air, i come walking slowly back to him.  My eyes still glowing becoming sharper so i could see in the night.  Whispering soflty -Is that what i think it is? -Looking around some more my tail flicking behind me as i stood there. Keeping my voice quiet.- We need to keep going.  Either the guards will catch us.  Or the wolves would eat us.  Unless...-moving to as take the strip of clothing off my head since it had my scent upon it.  I move to lift it up, asking the wind to take it.  The cloth flies up into a whirlwind taking to the sky as it goes into the opposite direction of us.  Hoping to use that as a decoy to gives us time to find shelter.  - There that should gives us some space to let the wolves hunt my scent.  But it's a small window for us to run and hide. -  I move to start move again in the direction we were heading.  I turn to look over my shoulder to see if Mik was following me or if he was still scared shitless.  There was other things i was scared of and the wolves were not it tonight.

That bit of cloth fallowed the wind. Shifting slightly it was carried away. That tiny scrap of cloth heaving through the tree's. A moment passed. A rustle in the woods, the howling growing slightly fainter as the wolves fallowed the scent. It Fooled the wolves, If only for the moment.

Behind A long ways off was a tell tale sign of someone looking. A single torch, Just far enough in the distance a tiny thing. It wouldn't be long before it was joined by others. One torch turned into two, two into four as more torches joined .Another, blast of the horn in the distance, one short three long blast echoed into the stormy night. nearly drowned out as the first flashes of lightning lit the night sky...

The torch was the thing that took the rest of the Winterwolves, a bigger score, more prey than the small pair would be, more prey means more food. Mikkaddo suddenly darted off in the southern direction again, passing the rabbit and still silent. He bounded over brambles, bounded off of trees and then disappeared as he ducked into a hollowed out tree next to a massive rose bush, it wasn't a perfect spot to hide to let things die down behind them, or let her bloody cloth guide them away.

Once the wind had the ribbon, my eyes stopped glowing and the wind around use died to nothing.  Blinking and feeling tired standing there and  breathing heavily as if i ran for days.  Feeling my head throb in pain, unable to ignore it.  Looking up and towards the direction we had come from with the lights and the horns bellowing.  My eyes go wide getting scared as i turn to see MIk take off running again with out me.   Brushing my hair out of my face, as i move to start following Mik again through the bushes and brambles.  Getting into the area that Mik was at not seeing him duck into a hallow tree.  Looking around for him slowly as i turn in a circle.   My tail flicking behind me as  my ears perked up listening trying to find him. Wondering if i had gotten to far behind him that i lost him.  He had already stated that he wouldn't stop for me.  The mud and the rain messed up scents of the forest.   Trembling in the cold as i stood there, wanting to cry as i pull back the tears knowing this wasn't the time to cry.  I look down to the mud to see where the tracks left off to.  But the water had washed them away.   Whispering softly.- Hello? -keeping my voice quiet not wanting to draw attention.  The cold seeping into my skin and bones needing to get warm.  Heading over to the rose bush that was the tree he was hidden in.  I move to get down upon my stomach to crawl under the bush going to use it as shelter, curling up the best I could.  To try and get warm.

*The torches grew nearer as they fanned out into the woods. It wasn't long until She could hear the calls of tracking dogs baying in the darkness. The sounds grew closer as the soldiers crashed through brush and thorns. The sound of metal hacking at underbrush.  Soon the forest sound were replaced by hundreds of them searching the woods.
  The guards walked past the rabbit first, almost unnoticed. Well hidden, However it was the dogs that gave her away. snapping and yapping at her hiding spot. It only took a few moments until the guards found her. Grasping her by the foot paw and yanking her clear of the hiding spot. they tied her up, wrist, ankles and neck.
   "The other's must be close, double your searches men. Don't let that scum get away"!

Mikkaddo was dead silent, he was about to rip the rabbit into the tree with him when the Guards found her, he wanted to get away, even without her or the Panther but not like this, he wasn't the type to just let someone get taken, but he had the child in his arms too, he had no time to think, he tucked the child in the tree and leaped up, bounding off of the tree and into the face of a guard who was chasing after them. The guard had to let go of the rabbit and fell to the ground Mikkaddo ripping at his arms and tearing at his throat, in an instant all of the rage and hate filled him and fueled him and he tore himself upward, screaming in bloody satisfaction, feeling his throat warmed with the blood and flesh of the corpse under him. Then he finally realized what was going on around him, the Rabbit was being taken by another guard and there were no less than 3 swords stabbing at his neck as his chest heaved, his blood lust didn't drain, but his logic was coming to the surface, he knew he couldn't win, if he tried anything, he'd be dead before he had a chance to get to even one more of them.

Keeping quiet hearing the voices and the dogs search for us.  My ears keeping closer to my head.  Hearing them move around.  Taking in a deep breath and holding it slowly trying to calm my racing pulse.  When they passed by me, i let the breath out quietly.  Jumping when the dogs start to bark and snap at my hidding spot.  Moving to try and get away from them only to be dragged out by my ankle.  Fighting and struggling to get away from the hands that held me.  Squeeling with fear which made me fight harder to get free.  Feeling my arms getting tied as i lifted myself up kicking a guard in the grion with my feet.  Watching him go down for a moment only to be back handed hard by another guard as my legs get grabbed and tied. The guard holding me started to walk back towards the camp leaving the other two to deal with Mik. I struggle more in his arms trying to get down. The guard heard fighting behind him and threw me to the ground to readvance upon Mik.

I shift my body in the Mud to trip the guard in his advancement upon Mik, trying to give him a few seconds to react to the new guard coming.  He had his sword out but lost it when he fell.  I move up onto my knees as i scramble for the sword, picking It up as quickly bring it down upon the guards back before he knew what happened.  I use the sword to cut the rop from my legs as i stand up.  Having killed the three of them in a short moment in time.  I get myself free of the bonds, I move over to Mik seeing him bleeding.  My hands slippery with the rain and the mud, wanting to run.  KNowing i could l run and leave Mik behind as my escape card.  But he came out of hiding to help me.  I move to stand my ground, even as the other guards come closer to the sound of fighting and the rage filled scream.  I move up beside Mik going to protect him, the sword was to heavy for me to handle with skill.  Out numbered going to die first before they raped me. Not looking to mik but loud enough for him to hear. -thank you..... -moving to charge a guard only to have one  hit the sword with his own making it vibrate through my hands as i drop it in pain.  AS the guard moves to hit me in the head again with the blunt end of the blade.  Why kill a beautiful peice of meat, when screaming is better. I fall to the ground out cold .

It wasn't long until more came. torches lighting up the forest floor, The sounds of horns in the distance. A few Guards swelled to many as the small group of two were surrounded.
  The rabbit was already out cold by the time the captain got there. That left only one.. The wolf who damn near ripped apart a man with his bare hands.
Already They had chained the rabbit, taking careful care to chain and tie her.  however the captain pushed the others away, looking at the mess. Soft whispers circulated through the crowd of mercenaries.
  "Bring them back and bind them with the panther. We'll let the general decide their fate".
  Carefully the shackled the wolf, Tying him up with rope as well. Shoving him towards the rabbit.
"Pick Her up and carry her to the camp. You six, surround this wolf and make sure he is chained with the panther. The rest of you look for any other escapee's that may be around.
  The walk back to camp was short. Or seemed to be. leading the captives to a tent. Stout new chains and rope greeted Them as They hung there hands from a thick wooden beam.  A Extra muzzle was clamped and locked over Mikk's face.
  The guard Eye'd up mikk.
"Not so tough now are you asshole".
The Guard swung his gauntleted fists. Striking Him firmly in the ribs.  With that the guard left Standing guard just outside. Strange as it was they all faced towards the tent. Watching...
  The panther moved his head, he was in pretty bad shape himself. Dangling so that only his claw tips touched the ground. His face a swollen mess. He looked away.. His voice barely a whisper.
"Thank you..." Was all he said.

Mikkaddo's fur was still standing on end when the captain arrived and he immediately turned to face him before he'd ever spoken to the group surrounding the pair. Mikkaddo was chained and roped without a fuss and brought back to camp. Hung by his hands and muzzled just to be sure. They were scared of him now, his kind was not well known, a very rare breed that had the ability to enter a special kind of blood lust that made them nightmares.

As the final guard punched him in the ribs he screamed with agony, but as the guard turned to leave, Mikkaddo's body swung forward, latching his legs around the guard's throat and was squeezing it hard, his fur going on end once more. The guard began screaming as much as he could, swinging against Mikkaddo's legs hard with one arm while trying to pry his legs off with the other. Seconds later three more guards came in, ripping Mikkaddo's legs off the first guard and then all four beating on him before chaining his legs up as well as his arms, a weight hanging down from his legs to keep him from repeating his performance. His growling was loud enough to echo.

His chest heaved hard and fast for hours afterward, he had trouble coming down out of the bloodlust but he was finally coming to. His head turned around, taking in the surroundings, a single guard at the front of the tent, the Panther to his right, the Rabbit to his left, this was not normal. They were hanging, segregated, seperated from the rest of the slaves. Apparently this was what happened to failed escapees prior to executions. He turned to the Panther and grunted low, a growl still to his voice. "What happened to you? you were gone before we got anywhere, and what was with . . ." he turned, the guard wasn't looking, he was half way bent out of the tent, in a shouting conversation with someone. "With the . . ." he whispered "child?"

Getting picked up by Mik and brought back to the camp still out cold in his arms.  Slowly waking up as i get dropped upon the floor groaning out.  Tightly Bound up so i could fight the guards. waking up with the trip back to the camp.  Feeling myself get dropped to the floor as they string up Mik by the panther. 

Pretending to be asleep upon the floor of the tent, hoping they forgot about me.  With the commotion from mik making with the guards as he tried to kill one, i look around finding a small piece of metal as i wrap my hand around it.  The guards tripping over me to get to Mik to teach him a lesson for fucking with them.  One of them finally noticed me and strung me up next to Mik my feet barely touching the ground as hung there. by my wrists.  Whimpering and crying out my ears lowered back against my head, the guards leave my legs alone since i could barely touch the ground and the extra weight would be torture on me.  And who knows what the general would want from me.  Watching the guard poke his head out side the tent.  I move to reach up and pull up onto on the chain trying to lift myself up some more, so i could see the lock.  Unable to do anything really with the lock having had a stupid idea of trying to pick it.  I move to start spitting on my wrists.  Trying to lubricate them enough to try and slip out of the restraints like like time. Hearing Mik try to talk to the panther.  My light frame allowed me to lift myself up more easily since i didn't have that much weight to begin with.

Trying to concentrate on what i was doing to block out both their voices. not having enough spit to do what i needed to do.  I slowly drop back down as i hang there in place. Seeing we were in a tent, it was kinda of sturdy.  I try to Yank down upon the bindings holding me up.  Wondering if we could break it.  Not giving up with out a huge fight.  With out my legs shackled down i try to swing my body back and forth. - We might be able to bring the tent down if we work together.  -whispering softly as i continue to try and swing my body. My head throbbing in pain from the blow.  Stopping the swinging trying to hold back the bile before i threw up. My ears lowered back against my head as i hung there.  Not wanting to be raped or killed. Seeing Mik having special abilities and my own little ability to call upon the wind for a short period of time.

The panther looked about, Or at least the best he could with his swollen face.  He hurt, and knew the others had to be hurting if not more so.
  "I had no choice, They were coming after us. I held them off the best I could. Drawing their attention, But there where to many. Just to many of them, It wasn't much longer until they took me down."
His head tilted back as he drew in a deep ragged breath before coughing. He spat upon the dirt floor.  Trying his best to keep the strain off his shoulders.
  Those sharp eye's looked about He could hear the guards walking around. See their feet and shadows upon the tent walls. There was to much noise, Making it easy to talk. Fear kept his voice low.
    "My kid sister.." Was all he said, Least out there she had a chance. better that she died or escaped. All he could do was hope.
  The panther could barely see the bunny, His eyes looking up to the beam and down to the pillars that held them. His eyes checking the chains, but unlike those other ones these were new.  He listened to her puke.
  "Easy.. those pillars I wager are barred deep, Iron nails holding them in place. Fairly new... "
  A few moments later another guard bringing.  three slaves with them. Each slave had a large hammer and a thick deep wood spike.
  "Right there you lot, Drive it in deep and no slacking
     The Wood spike was almost as tall As they where, driving into the ground inch by inch until barely a foot of it remained above ground. The Panther watched curiously, What the hell were they up too?
  When the slaves where finished, more guards came in Long restraining poles and ropes was used on each of them Holding them into place as slaves secured a strange device on each of their legs. It was almost like a steel boot with three locks each. Two steel eye lets holding a length of chain about 8 feet in length. These chains connected to a single round steel ring, That ring secured around the wooden stake.
  The panther knew the only way free was to dig that stake free. They cut the panther down first, he struggled despite the bonds as they freed him. the only thing holding him was that damn steel boot. He watched in turn as each of them where taking down the same way. he checked the boot, Locks and chain. Each of them fresh and new, still warm from the forge.
   All right you lot.. Take down the tent. You there.. Hurry your  with those logs or it's your ass!
   The tent was taking down, revealing a wooden circular wall around them. the panther crawled as far as his chain would allow him. Even then it was half way to the wall, He had a bad feeling about this as he moved back to the peg. What the hell were they doing? He knew none of the other slaves had this kind of experience before. Nothing like this was ever done, he was puzzled. What the hell was going on?
  He looked to the other two, seeing if they had a clue.  His arms wrapped around his legs, trying to keep warm.  Hunger keeping his mind sharp as he watched the guards on the wall. There were always six of them.
Finally he spoke, but didn't look at the Wolf and the Rabbit. "What's your names"?

His sister? he had a sister? whatever, it was not the right time to be concerned with stuff like that, they had other matters to worry about now that the soldiers were rushing around them, tearing the tent down around them. Then they started building something odd, like a wooden ring around them and a huge stake buried in the center. Then they were chained to the stake and the Panther was testing it's length. Mikkaddo's legs were no longer weighted but they were chained together like before, but with fresh chains, thick, good ones, he couldn't break through these.

He was deep in thought, trying to calculate how much work it'd be for him and the panther to pull the stake. He felt certain with the continued downpour they could do it, but it would take a lot of work and several days. This was not good.

It was minutes later before he realized the Panther was talking to him. "Hmm? oh . . . Mikk, just, just call me Mikk." He didn't get a chance to go back to his calculating how to get out before someone stopped and then grinned, coming into the wooden ring. Mikkaddo smirked at him too and in a single blur rushed from his spot at the man's throat, his arms up claws out, like the one he killed before. His arms rushed forward when the chain hit it's limit and his claws barely missed the man, inches from him if that. The man just laughed and spat in the wolf's face.

"Pathetic, all of you. Did you REALLY think you could get away?" he walked around them to stare down the panther, swollen face, blood caked into his fur, the smell of it still fresh in the air. "You I knew would run for it, the moment I saw that little BRAT with you. Shame about her, I hear she vanished sometime during your "escape" I guess someone got a little more hungry than you three." He started laughing and then moved on to Mikkaddo. "And YOU great "masked" marauder . . . don't think we'll let anything like that happen anymore, we're watching you . . . until the General gives the final word and we get the shallow graves dug, we've got no less than 3 snipers watching you at all times, ready to lay you out without any warning." Mikkaddo let a long angry breath out in a single huff and then saw a tiny shine behind the Captain. He looked carefully, there was a man with an arrow nocked and ready to fire.

The captain then took a slow stroll to the rabbit, and bent over her, the two threats in the area already taken care of and reached out to grab her by the metal collar now around her neck. "And as for YOU . . . well . . . soon as we decide when the three of you are gone, you're going to do the rounds real quick . . . and I get first choice when they're . . ." he licks his lips, looking her directly in the eye. "Freshly Ripened . . . mmmm, so tender, so young." He moved his other hand to stroke her cheek, cackling. "At least you won't die a virgin . . . mmm, by any definition." He let go and backed up as Mikkaddo gave another lunging rush at the Captain, his claws again inches away and the subtle whistle of arrows was barely heard over the bustle of the camp and the pounding of the rain, one in his arm, another in his leg and one nailing one of his feet to the ground.

He cried out in pain and fell to the ground grabbing at the arrow in his arm. The Captain stood over him and started laughing darkly. "You know what? this one's got a lot more fight in him than I thought, almost a shame to see him die."

Hanging there trying to get break what we were connected to only to stop swinging and hang there when the guards came in.  Watching them put the metal boots upon our feet.  I struggle to pull my legs and feet away from them kicking one of the guards in the jaw and sending him backwards.  The other guards fall upon my feet and finally get them into the metal boots.  Watching the pole in the ground and us chained to it.  Seeing the tent come down as we fall to the ground, I landing upon my back sucking in air trying to breath past the pain.  Trembling in the rain as it starts to come down.  Looking up at the sky wishing it would stop raining.  I pull my legs up to my chest as i remain still trying to think of anything to get free of this.  Tilting my head hearing both of them give their names.  Speaking quietly. - Neris.. - leaving off the last name since it didn't matter anymore.  Seeing the capitan walk around us hearing him laughing at the attempts that were made.  Seeing the capitan stop in front of me as he caressed my cheek.  When Mik was shot with the arrows and the capitan distracted by it and after his little speach.

I rear up and bit him hard upon the hand sinking my teeth into his fleash as i break the skin letting my mouth fill with his blood. He growl/yelled in pain I spit the blood back into his face as i get back handed hard sending me back down to the mud. I lay there dazed trying to regain my barrings. The captain moved to wrap his hand up. Glaring in my direction. He moved to pull me up from the ground so I was face to face with him- I am going to enjoy..Your sweet body,  what your mother was put through will be heaven compared to what we have in store.  -tossing me to the ground as i land hard upon my side, feeling dazed as i slowly move to get up.  The captain walked away to get his hand looked at. -

The panther gave a slight nod of his head. Not moving from where he was. His eye's closed as he hugged himself. His back to the peg, All he could do was watch his companions resist.
  An overwhelming sense of despair held onto him. He didn't see the point of resisting, So he didn't bother to help Mikk, or Neris.
It was easy to ignore the captain, His taunt meaningless. Yet he could not ignore what he owed his new companions.
It was only when The captains back turned did he move. So quickly, he was a blurr. His fingers snatching the arrow from Mikks foot as he lunged. Burying the arrow deep into the captains neck. 
The panther watched as the captain drowned in his own blood. His hands closed into fists waiting for the arrows to come and claim his life.
  And yet none came. The panthers eyes roamed around searching, Yet nothing happened. The panther drew the Captains sword. Finding it to heavy for him to wield. For fucks sake it was almost as tall as the panther. 
  Yet he dragged it planting the tip in front of Mikk.  he stood there standing. Finally spotting someone at the wall. He watched as the figure turned and walked away. For a moment longer the panther stood defiant, accepting what ever would come his way.
  After nothing happened he sat back down. hugging himself as the rain finally stopped.
  "Arashi.." *he hugged himself to keep him warm. "My names Arashi".

Mikkaddo was on the ground, and screamed again when Arashi took the arrow from his foot, and was still on the ground when the Captain was dead in the mud. Once the sword was dropped at his feet, he looked at it, then Arashi, then the sword again. Slowly, he stood, arrows sticking out of him and through him. He stood.

He took the sword with both hands, massive and heavy, it was almost wider than his own arms, but he grabbed the hilt and lifted. He had gotten used to carrying the carts, dragging them up hills through the mud and with no aid. This was almost the same, a struggle to be overcome. He lifted it up, the blade barely pointing upward at all, but it was off the ground, it was in his hands and off the ground. Mikkaddo knew this was illegal, the snipers were probably aiming at his head now to keep him from doing anything with it. But nothing happened yet.

He looked side to side, nothing, no one, just the other two, and neither so close right now, while he was at the edge of the chain that he needed to worry. Both arms struggling against the massive weight he swung, one side, then the other. Nearly spinning in the slick mud with the heavy blade, each time he stopped it nearly threw him off his feet. He'd never felt something like this, it was so heavy . . . it was so fast, so POWERFUL. He had a thought.

He let the blade drop, then, he ducked down, his muscles suddenly bulged as his eyes went wide and dark with rage and he spun as he brought the blade up, swinging it over his head in a swift arch, it came CRASHING down at the stake that held them in place.

CLANG! the sound echoed through the air, he almost saw a sphere of clean air when the sword hit the metal ring on the stake that held their chains.

Like a switch, everyone in the camp was looking at them, the Snipers were all readied and aiming at him, and the guards, even the ones that were coming to collect the body that Arashi had left, stopped and stared at them. Mikkaddo turned around in the mud, the sword still in his hands, like the carts, he was getting used to it, holding the blade out in front of him, the chain around his throat leading down to the stake dripping, lightning struck behind Mikkaddo, and for just a moment, it almost looked like he had wings behind him. The guards took the corpse out from the area, and where whispering to each other about Mikkaddo and the blade, but no one tried to take it from him.

-Moving to sit up and move over to the spike sitting there, keeping my arms around me.  Trying to breath slowly through my nose and not panic, having watched what they did to my mother as my father bleed to death across the room from her and me.  Before they had dragged me out they had killed her.  My ears keeping back against my head as i watched Arashi take one of the Arrows and killed the capitan seeing him move fast.  My eyes not leaving him as he brings the sword over to us.  STanding there defiant, feeling the sense of hope that we would escape this.  Only to see the sword fall to the ground, and Ashari goes back to being huddled for warmth.   Catching him say his name as i nod.- At least it will be nice to know who i will be killed with.  -my voice was quiet as i sat there.-

My eyes slowing falling down to the ground as i sigh, feeling a tear run down my muzzle or it could be the rain.  Either way the it matched how i was feeling. My eyes flash up as Mik moves to pick up the sword using great stretch to start hitting at the post and metal ring to try and free us.  Nothing was happening no snipers to take down Mik as he moves.  Moving to keep my legs up against my chest.  Feeling tired as i watch Mik stand there with the lighting crashing behind him.   TAking a deep breath and letting it go.  I slowly turn a bit facing the post.  I start to pull the mud away from the post going to try and dig it out.  Unsure of what i was going to do, but digging the post out is better than nothing right now.  Trembling my hands were freezing from the cold rain, my body was trembling also.  I start to cough  near Arashi, sniffling to myself.  Not going to let them turn me into a sex toy then kill me.  My mother would want me to live,  and escape the clutches of this evil around us.  Not much on talking trying to get down more into the mud looking for anything useful.

Arashi didn't move, didn't even try and stop the others from what ever the hell they were doing.  It was easy to tell that breaking the chain was useless, digging out the stake was useless.  But he knew it gave them hope, A thick sigh escaped his lips a he passed between awake and lucid sleep. Always lightly sleeping, never fully asleep.
  He moved closer to Neris, Quietly sharing his body heat with her. Night turned to morning, Morning into day. The warm sun was welcomed against his muddy fur, Still he kept himself still his eyes closed as he saved his energy, waiting...
  Another guard came just out of reach, Staying well away.
     "Feeding time you lot.."
  He tossed some cooked meat wrapped in rags at them. Backing up without turning his back to them until he was well clear  and was gone. Arashi rubbed his sleepy eye's Catching the scent of meat. A thick yawn escaping his lips, His stomach growled at him. Reminding him that he was indeed.. fucking hungry.

Morning came, and Mikkaddo was still not done. He was at the end of several hours of work, exercising, pushing himself, and then swinging the sword around over and over, training himself. He was going to be ready next time, he'd find a way to get a sword away from a guard and he'd be slicing through them like a bloody wave of hate. This time he'd be prepared.

Then a guard came down to them and threw some wrapped meat into the ring with them. He didn't want to show any weakness to them. He refused to show them how hungry he was, and the others needed it more than him. He knew it. He let them take all the meat, let them eat and resigned himself to taking the scraps they would leave behind. He decided to guard them, he knew what the guards wanted from the rabbit, and he refused to let that happen. Arashi, like him, would simply be executed, but they'd take their time with her. Soon, when they stopped paying attention to him working himself like this, he'd start training Arashi too, clearly the boy had some chops, but he didn't have much muscle, yet.

-Having given up on the digging in the mud, moving to snuggle closer to Arashi to sleep.  Resting my head upon his shoulder feeling tired worn out and sick to my stomach.  Soft whimpering sounds would escape from me while i slept.  Only probably woken by Mik or Arashi with a comforting hand to ease my restless sleep.  Easing back down to sleep more, until the morning light.

Waking up to the warm sun, i turn my golden eyes up to the sun.  Glad to see another morning and yet dreading it just the same.  The smell of cooked meat was nauseating to my nose, being a vegetarian meat never appealed to me.  My stomach twisting in hunger as i remain still watching Arashi eat like there was no tomorrow.  I moved my eyes up to Mik as he continued to work out and guard us.  Wanting to go back to sleep, but the nightmares were to much.  I eat enough of the food to stop my stomach from hurting.  I stand up slowly and walk over to Mik and gave him the majority of my food since he seemed to needed more than me.  I move back to the post sitting next to Arashi.  I move to lay my head upon Arashi's shoulder, having some comfort was better than nothing.  To know Kindness before i was dragged through hell.  Sniffling a bit as i pull my legs back up to my chest, trying hard not to break down and start crying.  Tears would slowly fall down my face keeping quiet so not to draw attention to myself.  Thinking the guards watching us would love to see a girl cry.

The panther Ate slowly, he liked being hungry. The pain kept him sharp and alert. Being full made you fat and complacent. He only ate a little, but he ate fast. Poking at the cloth.
He stopped dead in his tracks as he examined the cloth. His eyes closed as he gripped it tight in his fist. Not saying a word.
When His eyes opened again there was this hard look. Something fierce and defiant.  His jaws clenched tightly as he sat there. Staring into nothing.
  He didn't have the heart to tell the others. Instead he tied that bit of cloth around his wrist. Letting the bunny rest.
It wasn't long after till he saw him again. The General on top of the wall, Arashi gave a little whistle. shaking Neris awake.  Knowing something was going to happen.
  And so it did. the gate lifted as slaves poorly armed with shields and spears and various other weapons and farm implements.
   The panther got up Readying himself. He put the broken arrow into Neris paws. His back to Mikk and Neris.
  "First one to kill them gets to go free"! The general shouted.
  Arashi's hand's opened and closed as he prepared himself.  There was six of them. he let out a low growl, crouching.
  So this is how it was going to be, nothing but entertainment until they died. Fuck it, he wasn't going to go without a fight.

Mikkaddo heard the gate open and then the General's words registered in his head. He turned to see the open gate, the slaves rushing toward them with crude implements. He stood ready, making certain he was in front of the bunny but a bit behind Arashi.

This was it, this was their purpose now. Entertainment through murder, they'd be tested until they died. He'd heard stories about it before his village had been destroyed. Ancient civilizations used to pit slaves against each other as grand entertainment.

He was ready though, the first slave came rushing at them quick, rushing directly at Arashi and being dealt with in no time, the other 5 stayed back, shocked and confused. They were untrained, just as the three were, but they were now facing the truth that Mikk and the other two had faced long ago, this was either the end of THEIR life, or the others.

Mikkaddo moved to Arashi's side, and let the sword rest on one of his shoulders, and used his free hand to taunt one of the bigger slaves into rushing him. He grabbed the hilt with both hands, as the idiot ran directly at him with a makeshift club. The wolf brought down the sword over his head at the rushing slave, cleaving half way into his chest, then kicking at the dying body, it took several times before it finally fell down into the mud under his sword. "We're going to survive this Arashi . . . if I have to kill every slave and guard in this place myself."

Getting woken up from my slumber i slowly rub my eyes looking around having forgotten where i was at.  Then having it dawn on me.  Seeing Arashi stand up as i follow suit.  Looking up to the General as he stated that we were going to fight other slaves.  My eyes go wide with fear, as an arrow is thrusted into my hands for a weapon.  Looking to Arashi then to Mik wondering how in the hell was i supposed to kill someone with a fucking arrow. Feeling Arashi at my back and Mik coming a bit to my side and yet infront of me to protect.  Taking in a deep breath letting it go slowly.  Glad to know that them two were gun ho on surrviving.  My ears lowered back against my head while i remain still holding the arrow. 

Seeing the only slave that rushed in with a club moved to get killed by Mik.  I kneel down and scramble for the club, since it was better than a sword.  Getting up and moving back towards Arashi and Mik.  On of the more timid slave moved to try and attack me.  Hearing him coming up behind me as i turn blocking the club with my own.  Fight or flight activated in my system as i turn just in time to block the one moving to attack me.  Being smaller helped to my advatage as i dodged his blow moving backwards, getting in a few hits myself to try and slow him down.  When getting back to ARashi and Mik allowed either one of them to finish the slave that had started to attack me.  When that slave was killed and kicked off to the side i held his weapon and gave it to Arashi to have something better to guard himself than an arrow held.  The three of us now armed and ready to kill what was thrown at us.  Keeping my eyes upon the other slaves.

A question had popped into my mind.- I thought the general wanted me alive to allow the guards to have their way with me?  Why is he wasting his slaves on me? -having ment that to be internally but it was spoke allowed for Mik and Arashi to hear me.~

Arashi took the spear from Neris. Turning to cover their blind spot. Mikkaddo on his left, Neris on his right.  He held the spear in both hands as he prepared himself.
  It was damn near impossible to keep track of so many furs.  Being chained in the middle did not help their cause. Making it easier for the attackers to soround them.  Arashi trusted with his spear  catching the shield full on pushing the fur back, over extending himself.
Arashi felt the arrow before it hit him, making him step backwords. Pausing for a moment. The arrow just south of his heart.
  Arashi attacker took the opportunity to charge.  The panther didn't think, only react as he trusted into the shielded furs foot. His right hand thrusting as his left tore the arrow from his chest thrusting it into his eye socket. The Adrinaline did only so much. The pain made him howl as he gritted his teeth.
focus... he thought to himself. Trying to ignore the bleeding and pain. His hands trembled as he gripped the spear picking out the archer.
It took everything he had in him to send the spear through the air.barrying it low on the archers gut.
There was no reprieve for him as he pulled on the shield. His shake hands drawing the machete like blade. He held the shield high, leveling out the small blade.
He heard Neris's question. A little chuckle escaped his lips, he instantly regretted laughing as pain set in like a wave. This was not an easy fight.
" If I was him, I'd be more afraid of you giving him a good pounding with your club, not the other way around."

Mikkaddo was still reeling, his first taste of blood, he was pretty sure he could actually taste it! The blade didn't even feel all that heavy in his hands anymore. That's when he finally looked, the world was so slow! he could see the rain falling and it felt like he could move his hand past each drop before it fell, that's when he saw what was coming at him. Another huge figure, this one wasn't a  slave though, it was a guard! The wolf was guessing the sword he'd gotten before was stolen from a guard by an enterprising slave, and now he was here to get it back himself. He was wearing armor too, chainmail but still, it was thick and would be difficult to get past.

Mikkaddo growled at him, feeling like 3 others were all screaming from within him at once, and swung his arms together as one bring the sword down over his head again, everything ended up even slower for just a moment, he saw the man trying to lunge forward toward him, to get him before the blade could. The wolf was ready though, he ducked down, feeling the weight of the sword keep it on track, and JUMPED forward, moving a foot to step into the guard's chest. The sword was hit with the sudden shift in his position and momentum, and suddenly was pointed forward, then he was standing up on top of the man for an eternal instant. The sword was buried almost to the handguard down the man's throat, straight through his mouth.

He was shocked, terrified, this instant was surrounding him, and making him understand. He'd just killed 2 people . . . two lives ended within seconds of each other because of him. TWO SOULS had been lost because of his own actions. But it was fine he told himself, he had to, if he hadn't he'd have been killed. The others would have too! But he felt it, like a pair of ice cold hands grasping his shoulders, like a hot breath against his neck. A deep voice echoed inside him "Yes, you HAD to . . . after all, if they got to her first, you wouldn't have YOUR chance at that fresh meat." He spun and the time came back to him, his legs shot forward and the blade pulled back, slicing the man's face in half and ripping a few ringlets of his chainmail open.

He was spinning in the air and fell backward, the blade nearly crushing his chest, he could hear a crack! it was only later he would realize the crack was the sound of the dead guard's neck snapping in half. He pushed the blade off of himself and then slowly stood up, on his hands and knees then getting up, he pulled at the blade, but it was stuck in something, he turned and jerked it. He could hear something creaking and wrenching and tearing and finally another solid SNAP! he didn't bother to look to see what happened, just to make sure the blade was still solid. He turned as another guard was on him, apparently they didn't like his choice to kill someone.

He threw an arm forward at the man, it gets caught in his mouth, being bitten by the guy. Then he throws his other arm forward, the blade came down against the guard's back. The guard's mouth shot open as he screamed in agony and Mikkaddo kicked him hard in the chest, pushing him down and standing on his chest, and then took the sword with both hands, standing over him, the blade over his unguarded chest, and he screamed like a beast as he brought it down into the man's flesh. The guard's uninjured arm shot up as he tried to scream
NO!" but it was shortly cut off by the sound of him gurgling on his own blood, his arm shakily falling to the ground.

Seeing both Arashi and Mik fight the on coming enemies as they charge at us.  My ears lowered back as i hold onto the club, Wanting to fight with them.  FEeling scared as i swing it hitting a couple to get them to back off.  I wasn't a fighter, for goddess sake I was a rabbit!  Everything in my body told me to run, and run fast. Unable to run and hide I watch the hordes come at us it was never going to end until we were dead. A high pitched sound came from me, thinking i was screaming wanting it to stop. Even if i gave myself over to the stupid comander, trading my body for their freedom they would still come back for me.  Or worst case he would keep them there as they did terrible things to my body.  Defending myself when i can wanting it to stop wanting to escape.  I turn to the Commander-  If you stop this now!  and Let them go!  I'll do anything you want!

The other slaves kept coming over and over again!  "STop this because you are loosing your Slave's you can sell!  SEnding them to their death!  Me and you stop this senseless fighting. "  The commander has the guards to halt the incoming slaves.  He was seriously thinking it over. My heart was racing in my chest as i kept my ears back against my head while i held still, scared of what he would do.  Scared for my own life and what this would mean to me.  Already having seen my mother raped, tortured and then killed before me.  Her death flashed through my eyes as i held still between the two.

Arashi held his hand over his wound. Trying to stem the bleeding. His chest heaved for breath as his lips remained open. Each breathfelt harder and harder to get. His lips parted as he sucked in air.
He could See Mikk fightijng on.Arashi's limbs felt heavy as he forced himself to move. Thrusting with a  spear, trying to keep another gaurd at bay.
That's went he felt it a spear parting his flesh from behind. The panther looked down at his chest. Watching as the spear pulled back. He turned just in time to watch as Mikk Cut him down.
  His legs trembled as he dropped to his knee's. His vision blurring. Curious thing... this feeling that over took him as he tried to force himself to live. Arashi dragged himself forward trying to fight.  Yet his limbs failed him as he dropped to the muddy ground, unable to lift himself again. The world slowly recided from him... Leaving him in a void of blackness. ..

There were even more guards now, surrounding all three of them, this was over, the slaves they'd sent in to kill them were all on the ground, or in pieces, and there were several guards among the corpses. Mikkaddo knew it was probably the end, but he was determined to not go down without a fight, he really did think for a while that he could get away. Even WITH the two of them . . . but he realized now it was hopeless.

But he was going down fighting no matter what. Three guards crowded around him now that Arashi was gone, he'd really wanted the kid to survive . . . he knew the two of them together could do great things . . . he didn't know the rabbit even as well as the panther but, he didn't like that she was going to suffer too. But now he had 3 men to deal with. One of them came at him and got the sword he was using coming down at his shoulder, but the blood rage was waning, and his strength was too. It clanged against his chestplate and he laughed, grabbing it and ripping it from the wolf. Another guard grabbed both of his arms from behind and the third struck him across the face. He could feel his head turn and only by what he could image was pure will, did not break.

Then, the first guard brought a fist up into his abdomen, punching deep, it felt like the fist nearly hit his spine, as it landed he cried out in agony, spitting blood onto the muddy ground.

His sight started to go dim, this was it . . . they were killing him, and they wouldn't even kill him like Arashi, nice and quick . . . no they'd stay here and beat him to death. Then, the guard behind him let go, and unable to even breathe properly he fell down helpless to the ground, unable to stop it as the guard's leg came up and then slammed down with a CRACK! against his ribs. He coughed blood and screams against the pain but it didn't matter. The world went black and his body went limp.

Suddenly, it was like he was staring down at himself from afar. He could see the setting all around him, but he couldn't touch anything like it was miles away even though it seemed to be right before him. He reached out to the rabbit but before his hand could come near her a guard stepped in front of him, and then he felt something, like an itch in the back of his mind. His body was being moved and he heard something.

The captain was standing on the edge. "I think we finally broke them . . . well, those two for sure." he walked toward the three, Mikkaddo ran toward him screaming in rage and jumped at the man's form, falling down behind him somehow, the Captain acting as though he'd not even seen the wolf. "Yeah . . . take this one to The Cauldron, he'll make a nice meal."

One of the guards picked up Mikkaddo's limp form and said "well, what about this one?" The Captain came over to the wolf's body, Mikkaddo screaming from a distance at the impossible scene. "Hmm . . ." the Captain came closer, and put an ear to Mikkaddo's chest." Oh for fuck's sake, he's not even dead! can't you blithering idiots do a single damned thing RIGHT?"

"So we should kill him?" one of the guards asked, and was promptly smacked across the face. "no . . . put him back in the barracks . . . any luck and the rest will eat him alive . . . after all" the captain grinned darkly at them. "Those was their family he just slaughtered . . ."

Seeing both of them fall to the beating the guards had giving them.  The captain walking over to me as he grabs me by the ears.  I scream out struggling to get free of his hold upon my ears.  Another guard walks over and undoes my feet only to chain them together and then my wrists behind my back and to my ankles preventing me from attacking them.  Throwing over of a guards shoulder as I get taken away from the both of them.  Screaming a high pitched sound scared of what was going to happen to me. -  You have to heal them!  You promised! - the commander just laughs as he follows behind me.-  I didn't promise anything...And you will meet the same fate as your mother.   If you behave..i can see you have a life better than the scum we are going to sell. -his laughter echos in the air as i was taken into his tent. 

When getting into his tent my wrists were unchained from my ankles. I was left standing there as he hooked the chain to my wrists to the post above my head, forcing me to bend over with my arms being pulled up into the air.  Whimpering and crying out as i struggle to ease the pain in my shoulders.  The guard kicked my feet apart and placed a spreader bar between my ankles forcing them wider than i have ever had them spread.  The guard runs his hand along my vagina seeing it wasn't wet, he would start to tease my folds with his fingers working my body slowly so i would become aroused.  Unable to get there because of how scared i was, the guard slaps my ass bending over my small body he whispers in my ear.- you will enjoy pain-my eyes go wide as i struggle in the bindings unable to move.  The guard heads over to a small metal heater in the commanders tent as he strokes the fire to get it hotter setting in a branding iron to be ready for the commander to use.  The guard leaves the tent, leaving me to struggle in my bindings.  I try to free myself of them, but they were to tight for me to escape from.  Tears fall down my face as i was left there my stomach twisted as i throw up from being scared of what was going to happen.  The commander came into the tent seeing me throw up onto the ground as he moves step out then coming back with a bucket of water as he dumped it over my body, yelping from the cold water as i tremble standing there now dripping wet.

He sneered at me as he slowly walks around my body examining it closely. Running his fingers over my rags, he moved to rip them off my body with ease.  He moved his fingers between my legs as he shoved them up into my tight little hole.  Grinning noticing that i was tight and still a virgin.  I cry out as i try to pull away he moved to slap my ass grabbing onto my ears.- stay put slave! -crying as i remained still.  He pulled his fingers away from my pussy and walked over to the metal fire pit, pulling out the fire brand as he walks up behind me looking for a good place to put his mark upon my body.  He comes to face the front of me, as he places the mark against the front of my face upon my right cheek pushing it as the fur and flesh burn under it.  I scream out in pain as he holds my face in place. Loosing my bodily functions due to the pain I black out from the pain my body going limp as my arms are unable to hold up my body weight.  He laughs walking away as he shoves it back into the fire.  Coming back to me he slaps my face on the other side, being unresponsive he heads to the tent flap and orders for a couple more buckets of water. 

They are brought to him as they are placed inside the tent, he picks up on of them and tosses it over me as he glares his eyes narrowed in anger.-  You are not allowed to pass out!  Each time you do that is a 10 lashes against your back side.  -he grins as he walks behind me pulling out a whip as he starts to cut into my skin with the leather going for 20 lashes with his whip.  My skin is cut from each hit, crying with each hit of the whip as i remain there tied and bleeding from it.   He stops and admires what he has done so far to my body.  He unties his leather pants his cock was already hard and ready.  Not caring if my body was ready for it he steps up behind me and shoves it deep into my ass.  My eyes bugging out of my head as i scream, my throat hurting from it as i go horse from it.  More tears fall down my face as i struggle to breath passed the pain.  He rips my ass up with his huge cock, sliding it in and out of my tiny hole. His cock throbbed in my ass as i cry out feeling him shoot his cum deep in side me.  He would pull out letting it hang there between his legs.  He would shove his cock back into his pants.  Picking up some shackles as he unties my wrists as i drop to the floor before him.  He would put the shackles over my wrists as they close over my hands preventing me from picking the lock.  He would lock them to the beam of his tent leaving me there, he would walk through his tent flap to deal with the rest of the slaves.

All he could remember was blackness, The feeling of floating and no pain.  Arashi heard them talk about his body, what they planned on doing with it.
  That is when he heard it...Another voice.
Still Haven't given up yet? It said to him, A strange Female voice, oddly comforting. It laughed at him. Yet He could not respond..
   I Like it little dark one.. It said to him Open your eyes little one..

It was almost as if the voice gave him strength, His vision cleared. To his horror he was serrounded by dead. Dead furs in various states, some skinned others laying there to be processed. That etheral voice laughed at him, and the voices of the dead fallowed. All laughing at him, until it quited once again. Only the butcher seemed unaware of this.
  Give Up allready little one...Forget this world and join your kin...
 
It was tempting to simply give in, to fallow that soothing voice. Yet he could not, "NO"! His mind screamed as he tried to move his limbs... And yet he could not move.
  That voice laughed at him I like you kitten, Perhaps we can make a deal? Become mine and I will give you what you desire?

That voice made his soul shiver, and yet he wanted to live. The voice laughed at him again Excellent kitten...Rise, Reek your vengance and honor me with death!

He heard it first, A rythmic sound, faint and distant growing closer. Until it was like a steady drum. Pounding in his ears, It took him a moment to realize that was the sound of his heart. His eye's moved, something he couldn't do before. It was as if he had control of his body again.
  His hands curled around a broken bone. His body moved slowly at first, Quite as death.  It was as if his body was being controlled, His arm wrapped around the butchers mouth. That sharp bone sliding easily into his throat.
He held him until he knew the butcher was dead, Thats when it hit him. Like an orgasm that made him want more. Arashi dropped the body, Letting it half lay in the fires.
  It was as if darkness wrapped itself around the panther. His fur covered in blood as he moved. It felt as if everything around him was moving... slower. It was then did he smell him, The captain.

Standing alone with his cock out, The sound of piss hitting the ground. Slowly he crept up upon the captain. That bone held tight in his hands, Slowly Arashi stood as the captain turned. That bit of bone flashed out slicing his throat. A shallow cut, but deep enough that the captain could not cry out.
  The panther did the only thing he could Rushing in he tackled the captain. Together they faught amongst the ground. kicking and biting until the captain pinned the panther to the ground. they both faught over the bit of bone. Arashi desperately trying to keep it's sharp edge from piercing his body. Yet the captain was to strong! The panthers body jerked as he let the bone pierced his flesh. His hand grabbed the captains dagger pushing it into his ribs, tickling his heart.
   A soft rasp of death, the dead captain bleeding on him. He panted as he pushed the dead body off of him.
  That voice...It laughed at him Wonderful! beautiful even!
  The panther looked about.. but had seen nobody.
  You are mine now...Never forget!

He Felt a huge gush of wind from no where. kicking up dirt sand and fire. Yet there was a bit of calm around him. As if the very air around him was stilled. But only in the swirl of sand, fire and darkness did he see a vague outline of a women.
  "Take his keys" She said to him "Rescue your friends.....Serve me well kitten"
  With that she was gone. Leaving the panther in the dust storm. He stood there for a moment.
Friends?...Mikk..Neris

He had no idea where his friends were. No idea where to look. His ears perked as he heard it, As if his thoughts summoned it. Two sounds.. one fainter then the other...Almost, like a heart beat.
  The fainter of the two closer. Arashi moved without thinking.  Catching the gaurds as they just unlocked the cage. That dagger flashed as he made quick work of them.
  "Mikk...hey... " Arashi eye's scanned the dust filled camp. Visibility was damn near zero as he grabbed mikks arm  putting it around his shoulder. "Come on.. we need to get Neris..."
   

the hours into the night were impossible and infuriating. He watched as his body was taken, dragged by the legs really, back to the barracks. Thrown into a crowd too scared both of him and the guards to act. Soon after, they started staring at him, watching for something to happen, some sign of life and he could see them sniffing at the blood that was in the air from his many wounds.

No matter how much he screamed they didn't break their stares, no matter how many times he struck them or swung at them they did not react to him. Finally, he heard something, a soft hum, like a whistle or a breeze at first, then it grew into a soft lilting whisper. A familiar voice just behind him, like a mother cooing to calm it's child. "They won't hear you child, they are beyond you . . . come with me, you belong in a better place . . . I will take you there." He slowly let his arms fall to his side, then fell to his knees, weeping at the side of his own unconscious body.

Suddenly he felt hands on his shoulders, warm, calm hands, slowly the arms came down and wrapped around him and he could feel a cool breath against him as the voice came once more. "This world is only pain and torment . . . you deserve better, you've always deserved better. Come with me . . . I will take you where you belong." He thought about it, the voice was right . . . he did deserve better. This wasn't right, his life, stolen from a family he was forced to watch die . . . beaten and starved and abused, worked to death and back again, then he finally gets a chance to escape it, even with two others, and they get captured and forced to slaughter the other slaves along with them. Then it hit him. a child, nearly an infant, he hid her in a tree . . . he left her there, alone, helpless and in the dark. He knew he couldn't leave.

He stood, feeling the arms slip back off of him. "I can't go anywhere . . ." He turned to look at who or what the voice came from. But nothing was there, he shuddered, realizing what must be happening but not wanting to admit it. Even to himself, he couldn't even bear to whisper the words in his own thoughts. He came to his own body, tried to touch it, grab it, lift it up in his arms. But his hands and arms slipped through it like it wasn't there.

He had a dark moment then, a pure instant where he truly gave up, a point in time where there was no hope whatsoever in his mind or heart. He saw his entire life pass him by like he was watching a play that was all around him. He saw his parents, watched his birth, saw them raising him and the attack that slaughtered his family and burned them to death, the tall and terrifying beings that took him away from their crisp ashing corpses. He could see the abuse he'd suffered, beatings, starvation, fires that burned so hot he could scarcely focus to be able to sleep.

He watched the work he was forced to do, running through mud soaked camp areas to bring carts weighing more than himself from the forge to the warriors and officers, lifting and carrying massive barrels of what he now knew were corpses to be used for food, and then eventually working the forge itself which allowed him the chance to take time every once in a while to steal away and learn the most basic way to use a blade.

Finally he saw their escape, the child he left behind, and the capture of them once more leading up to what he knew, and refused to admit, was his death. Then, another voice came to him, powerful, booming and intimidating, it seemed to weigh him down with it's strength and menace. "Do not weep child, your path of suffering and torment is far from over. Do you honestly think I'd have lightened the weight on your shoulders when you still have yet to realize your potential? I have such plans for you . . . SUCH plans.

Suddenly, like a smack in the face, he was awake, he took in a sharp breath, which was halted into coughing blood onto the muddy ground. He was above the ground, but in agonizing pain, impossible pain and he wondered a moment how. Then, he heard the panther's words and it hit him what was happening, he was being carried. But how? he had to weigh at least twice what that skinny cat did, how was he lifting Mikk's immense weight? "what is-?" his question was cut off with more coughing. He wanted to know what was happening, where they were, and where they were going. But no words could come out, he couldn't even lift his head to see where they were going. Everything hurt too much for movement.

After he left, laying there in pain barely able to move.  My body was hurting to the point i wanted to roll over and just die.  I didn't want to be his fuck toy or his pet. I didn't want to end up like my mother.  I move to slowly sit up looking down at my hands in the metal bondage mittens.  I try to flex my fingers to get any movement in them.  They were tight Barely able to move my fingers.  Taking in a deep breath, feeling tired wanting to sleep. I move to slowly sit up fighting to stay awake.  My body screaming in pain as i sat there.  Closing my eyes as i slowly open them, taking in a deep breath summoning forth my magic as i start to blow on the cuffs. Cooling the metal with my breath, the cuffs weren't made that well and out of cheap metal.  My wrists and hands started to hurt as the mental continue to get colder with each breath. My hands start to cramp from the pain and the cold.  Shuddering making it harder to do this.  Wanting to stop but knowing i needed to get out of this tent find my friends and get the hell out of the camp.  Having it really dawn on me that there was no point of escape.  They would find us and make us suffer again.  Falling over onto the floor layin there, the cold metal wrapped around my hands.  One tear starts to fall down my face then another, slowly crying myself asleep as i remain still upon the ground.

Falling down a dark tunnel wishing for nothing but peace of the afterlife.  A soft warm glow starts to fill my vision while i slept.  A figure appears in my dreams slowly picking me up and cradling in me in their arms.  Holding me close as the song of our tribe starts to fill me with peace.  Looking up to the figure unable to see their face i nuzzle into their chest.- Please i just want to come home. -the figure continued to caress my face gently adding a gentle warmth to me. They really never opened their mouth but the words rang softly to me.-  Child your journey has just begone, to wish for peace in the way you want would end your life to soon my dear child.  I am the spirit of your clan, come to help you now that you can hear me. -Looking up to the spirit as tears fall down my face they smile softly and brush the tears away. -  We will unlock the greatest gift from our tribe. So that we will live on through you.  -feeling the kiss upon my forehead as my power starts to grow slowly with in me.  Feeling myself getting pulled from the comfort of my tribe feeling the flow through me guidling me.  I start to wake up feeling the shackles upon my hands.  Slowly sitting up feeling better almost healed, The burn was still fresh upon my cheek.  I look down to the cuffs as i start to heat them up with my hands the metal breaks apart freeing myself.  Bringing my fingers up to cut away the collar with my magic, feeling a pull of it as i slowly moving to the entrance of the tent.  Looking out of it seeing the guards that stood at the entrance.  I move to the back of the tent slicing it open with a small fire spell.  Slipping out of the back of it.  I move along the tent keeping hidden from the guards.  I send out a rush of air going through the camp seeking out Arashi and Mik.  Using the wind to slip passed the guards moving close to the shadows the wind would becon them to follow a safe path were we could meet up and escape together again.

God damn! he was glad to hear Mikks voice, His ears perked as he listened. Carefully he set mikk down. Grabbing a little bit of rope, he wrapped it around mikks chest and arms.
  The panther sat back to back with him as he tied Mikk to his back, giving him use of both arms.
Still he had to do something about that sharp bit of bone in his Gut. He took a few very rapid breaths as he pulled the bit of bone out. Expecting a ton of pain. But none came, His hand held over the would he got up.  fallowing the heart beat that he could hear.
His body felt sluggish and slow.  Yet he kept moving. one foot in Front of the other. A single thought made him chuckle despite the bleak sitaution. perhaps it was madness setting in.
  "Why is it when I'm around you Mikk, everyone wants to stab me".
  He pushed the thought away, Hearing the distant heartbeat getting closer. Barely in the distance he could make out a figure, A moment more and he was sure it was Neris.
  It seemed all was clear for the moment, The only weapon that any of them had was that bit of sharp bone.
"Neris..."
His head turned looking about, It felt like a trap but no one came.  Moving his hand a little he checked his own wound. The blood was thick and dark and slow. Still he couldn't feel anything.
   "Lets get out of here...".
Arashi gave one last look back in the camp. he could see the fire starting to spread through it. Slowly he forced one foot in front of the other, moving always moving.

He heard something in his ears, like a buzz, distant and small, and he could see a figure in the distance too. The Rabbit . . . it had to be her, what was her name? he could hear it . . . it was on the tip of his tongue and he couldn't fucking figure it out. Then, like an echo, the name came to him, soft, then glass shatteringly loud. NERIS. The name shook his head and he was suddenly lifted by it, he could feel himself floating. By the realization of a name . . . what connection did he have with her? where was Arashi? what was happening? what was tightening around his chest? rope . . . that made more sense. He tried to look, but his neck and head ached like death itself. He knew he was hurt, deeply, badly, something was wrong, he could see red glowing in the mud behind them, how far had he been dragged? how long had it been?

He could see behind them, there were guards everywhere . . . and slaves . . . and they were all staring at them! THEY WERE COMING FOR THEM! it wasn't until they got close enough to spit at them that he realized what he was seeing. Spirits, ghosts, the dead seeking vengance, each of them rushing and then running straight through them as he had before. Somehow . . . he had died before . . . he knew it now, whatever he'd seen, had resurrected him earlier . . . he didn't want to think what it meant. He tried to move. His entire body ached, his arms were hanging down and he tried to send the message, tried as hard as he could to force his arms to move.

His hand slowly clenched, he felt Arashi's arm, the man felt alive with power, it was amazing . . . he realized once more, that tiny panther was CARRYING him . . . something he couldn't fathom.

My tribe flowed through me, the currents of the hair so shuttle that it never aroused the guards suspicion.  Using it to find my way around the camp avoiding the guards, almost like a dance to all this.  Feeling really empowered by this as i moved with grace through the tents and hiding places.  My vision was sharp everything was crystal clear to me.  Stopping as i sent a current of air through a tent and found three weapons that were left by guards.  I move to slowly cut the tent open getting through the opening as i find the swords.  I sling the three weapons over my body so they would stay with me.  I leave the tent before someone came in.   Taking in a deep breath and letting it go feeling alive and well, my body wasn't hurting of course it was an illusion for now until it wore off then i would be screwed.   

Getting way from the tent that i got the weapons from as i move swiftly through the camp unseen.  The wind once it found arashi and mik would cover them so they were like leafs if any of the guards would turn their way.  Getting to a safe place while i hid there looking to see Arashi carrying mik with him as i beckon them both over.  The Burn on my face was still angry it hadn't been healed.  Whispering softly- Are you two okay?  I found weapons for us or at least for the both of you.  I know how to escape from here and the wind will guide us towards my tribes Temple where we can be safe to recuperate and heal.  The wind will mask us from the guards all the way there so we should be safe.  -keeping my voice soft seeing them worse for wear knowing this trek would be hard on the three of us.  I move to touch both of them as my tribe would flow through them healing their wounds and rejuvenate them for the time being allowing Mik and Arashi to move better and faster giving them liquid grace like my tribe to be able move with ease through the underbrush of the forest since we had to travel towards the mountains. I move to lead the both of them towards part of the fence that wasn't really heavily guarded.  I stop my ears would lift up on my head, sniffing the air as my ears twitch upon my head listening.  My senses would heighten with the power just flowing through me.  I would point to the fence whispering as i look to them.-  Stay..I will tell you when you can move. -  I move slowly out between some of the tents making sure they could still see me.  I look around heading over to the fence as i start to work the boards apart making an opening large enough for them to slip through.  Looking both ways the wind telling us where the guards where at and if they moved.  I beckon them forward so they both could go through the fence.  -

Arashi felt Mikks paws curl around his wrist. he paused for a moment. his eyes looking about.
"It's ok Mikk, We're getting the fuck out of here. Alive or dead. "
  It wasn't  much longer until he spotted Neris.  Despite himself a little smile played on his lips. Happy to see someone else alive.  Arashi moved towards her, His hand rested on her shoulder seeing the burns.  His jaws clenched as a soft little hiss escaped his lips.
His ears turned this way and that as he looked about. Not sure how much danger they actaully are in.
"Yeah, I'm...Allright".
Arashi's voice didn't sound very convincing to even him. He cleared his throat "Mikk's in pretty bad shape".
  He felt neris touch him, The touch feeling warm and comforting. All that tiredness leaving his body. As if he just slept and woke up.
  He gave Neris a nod "Good good". *he tossed the bit of bone away, taking he sword from her. He did what she asked of him, staying there. That sword clenched tight in his hands. he couldn't help wondering what the hell happened to all the gaurds. How the hell did they get this lucky.
   With Neris's signal he made a run for it. Stopping at the fence, he looked back once, before he pushed his way past the fence.

There was a sudden voice as her power rushed into him, he could feel it starting to heal him, gathering in his chest where the worst wounds were, and suddenly a face shown before him. It grinned with a face that wasn't there and whispered in words that weren't spoken to him. "No no no my child . . . your pain will be your power, you must learn to USE it though . . . this . . . this will not be the way" then, the warmth was pulling away, he reached forward trying to get it back, trying to take it. But his hands pushed through the energy like it was mist, immaterial. He fell back again, now to the ground, realizing he'd been let down after what felt like hours. The power was gone, the healing too, he still bled but he could breathe. He could see clearly.

"What, where . . . what's happened? is that? are . . . Arashi, what . . . what the fuck is going on? did we get out?" He was on his knees now, staring at the ground and trying to focus on breathing. Then, slowly, he felt long ice cold fingers on his shoulders, and another whispered voice without words speaking. "Oh, you're not out yet . . . and I get the feeling it won't be near as easy as the rabbit wants . . . I can almost taste her soul . . .mmmm, traces of it in that little spell she wove for you." He growled hard at the voice, he couldn't stand it, couldn't take it! it was taunting him now. "So . . . innocent, even after everything they've done to her, mmm . . . I can't wait to taste the rest of it." Suddenly Mikkaddo screamed out "FUCKING STOP!" only realizing afterward the mistake he'd made, he prayed in an instant that no one heard him, but he knew at least Arashi was near by and would hear him yelling at the voices in his head. He had to figure out what was going on, what was happening and what was going to happen next.

Stopping out side the fence as i look around keeping down as i pull Arashi down to hide him like the rabbits do.  I hear the yell as i stop my heart racing in my chest as i move back to the fence.  Looking Arashi.-  stay hidden.  Listen to the wind..it will tell you if people come.  Be like the rabbit tribe.  I'll get him.  -moving back towards the fence as i poke my head through it looking around the wind was on full alert allowing me to feel the guards were moving towards us.  I come back through the fence keeping still as i look around.  Moving to step forward as i stand up slowly looking around my ears moving back and forth as i wave to Mik.  Running over to him swiftly as i give him the extra sword so he could defend himself.  I take his hand and start to pull him towards the hole in the fence.  Bringing him over to it as i stand there looking both ways as i point to it.-  Go through first.  I will follow.  Go now! -whispering softly with urgency to get him to move before the guards caught up to us.  Not wanting to go back to the commander and have him touch me again my ears kept up as i trembled in fear. -

may i please join?))

Arashi crouched there, looking watching. Neris seemed as determined as he was to get out of this hell hole. His ear swiveled a bit as he listened to Mikkaddo.
  "Yeah, we're. We are almost out of here. Hold on, just hang on a little longer. "
Arashi looked at Mikk, he still seemed to be in a bad way. As he began to shout. Arashi dropped his sword his hands covering his mouth.
"Shhhhh, Shut the fuck up". There was real fear in the panthers eyes. He knew deep down if they fought anymore they would certainly die. All of them, all of them had dug deep in order to get here. There was nothing left to give. barely any strength to stand and keep moving as it was.
With as much effort as he could summon he pulled Mikk through the fence. Leaning over he picked the heavy wolf up. His legs trembled as he struggled to move.
"Hurry Neris.."
    He was slow..So slow. All that dirt in the air clinging to his fur. The panther began to walk, one step at a time. He didn't think about were he was going. He just went, walked through mud and water. Dirt and brush. His head down as he focused on one foot in front of the other.
The panther walked through the night, his head turning only to check on Neris.
  It was only a little pass dawn, when he realized how quiet it was. His eyes scanning the horizon  as he watched the birth of a new day. Brilliant hues of red,blue and yellow raked the sky. The panther let out a deep sigh as he pushed deeper into the woods. It seemed like this area was more wood and waist deep clear water that seemed to go no where.
  That's when he spotted it. a crumbled old stone building, massive and huge, over grown with thick jungle vines. Yet this area seemed green.
"Neris.." *He motioned with his head in the direction of the building. Exiting the pool of water he climbed the steep steps into the building itself. It looked like some ruins of a temple. The carved stones covered in mosses. Still he could pick out figures of rabbits doing various things.
  "Do you recognize any of this Neris"? The panther went as deep as he could. Until the stone floor had sunk in the main room creating a deep pool that seemed to glow slightly green. Carefully the panther put down mikk, checking to see if he was still alive.

He could see, but he couldn't, and his voice sounded a thousand miles away. His arms were heavy, too heavy, and his legs drug against the ground but somehow he was moving. It wasn't until the light of the dawn sun burned his eyes that he finally saw his shadow, or rather, shadows. There were two of them and he finally understood, the panther was carrying him. He tried to say something, to thank him, to cry in pain from the burning piercing agony in his chest. But his voice was so quiet. "Arashi . .  .my . . . my chest it . . . the pain . . . I can barely . . . . I'm still bleeding."

-Getting out of the fence as i move foward through the forest leading the way.  Stopping ever so often to look around for any raised alarm.  With Mik extremely hurt and Arashi carrying him, the pace was slow.   Running guard for Arashi leading people and guards a different path, breaking up Arashi's path to confuse anyone trailing behind us.  Half the time i was not with them and the other half i was moving to check on them.  The swords strapped to my back so i had some weapons. 

Having given us some lee way, my ears perking up as i start to follow behind ARashi while we hiked through the forest.   The energy i seemed of of had was going slowly.  Coming out of a daze as we came upon a temple.  Looking up to it my eyes lightened up while i smiled.-  "Yes..this was apart of my sister's tribe.  We must be in their lands before they abandoned it when all hell broke loose."  -Getting into the temple as i move to look around at the pictures upon the walls with the different bunnies, my ears lowered back against my head.-  "it used to be our holy ground, but no more. "-  Looking back to Mik while he lays on the floor still bleeding.  My ears perked up a bit while i remain still.-  "WE can rest here.  The water and the wind will keep them off our scents.  The different paths i took to cover up get away will have them running around in circles for days. " -moving over to some jars as i open them up to see what in in there, finding different herbs.  Picking up the jar and bringing it over to Arashi.-  "I think these are used to cover up wounds.  there should be a fountain around the temple with fresh water. "  -shrugs while i stood there looking to him, my eyes banged with worry, the branding mark upon my face was blistered over and it was still hot to touch. -  "See if you can make him more comfy.  I will go and find what i can." -taking both swords off my back as i move them over to where mik was laying so they would be close if Arashi needed them. I would head deeper into the temple to find things we could use.-

The panthers legs trembled as he crouched, His hands resting on his knee's as he simply breathed. He barely heard Mikks voice as he spoke, But at the least the big wolf was alive.
"Hang in there Mikk, this will make a great story for your grand kids some day".
The panthers hands reached for Mikks wounds, Poking at it. he wasn't a doctor damnit! Arashi was mentally exhausted, hungry and tired. Despite this, he took the jar from Neris. With a groan he got up on his feet, A sword gripped tightly he began to hack some vines down.
"That beating you took was way worse than any of this" Arashi kept talking to keep himself calm. It seemed to ease some of the tension* "But i swore you did it on purpose so i had to carry your fat ass. "
Arashi tossed the vines in a pile. Using the hilt of the blade he began to tap them against random stones he picked up.
  "I wouldn't have minded so much if you had titts. Would have made you more comfortable to carry. Course beggars can't be choosers. HA! there we go"
  The panther finally found a rock that produced a spark. He began to make a fire, The first embers seemed to smoke so he leaned in and blew upon it. Satisified  as a few fingers of flames appeared. The panther put the sword tip into the fire.  bringing mikk a piece of wood which he pushed into his mouth.
The panther crouched there looking at mikk as the fire began to heat steel. "Now, you better live damnit. I don't wanna have to carry your sorry ass for nothing. Bite hard. "
It was the only way he knew how to stop that slow bleeding was to burn it. He drew the dull hot sword from the fire. Covering mikks eyes.
"Now.. on the count of three. Ready?"
  The panther didn't even bother to count. pressing the hot blade against the wound he let it sit there until he smelled cooking meat.  The panther tossed away the blade, taking the dry herbs. he dipped the jar a little into the pool of water before them. It looked  clean, the water itself was crystal clear.
  Arashi hoped he was doing it right. The herbs turned into a gooey like substance. He pressed it against the wound covering it up the best he could. He reached for the sword he had moments before tossed away. pressing the handle into his hands.
  "Fight damnit..fight and live."

He could hear the voice, and all but feel the hands on him, moving around, tracing claws along his flesh and laughing at him. "The Cat thinks he can make you new . . . oh but what's that funny little star I see shining bright here eh?" His eyes didn't work, but somehow he could see the panther, see him moving around nearby. That fucking voice too though, taunting him . . . pushing toward something, he couldn't tell what.

Soon though, he smelled it, the fire burning near, and the clang of steel, he liked that sound, it was familiar, it felt strong, safe, it made him happy. He reached a feeble arm out, only to feel something shoved into his mouth. It tasted like ground, dirt and mud and mold, he thought the taste was like wood, and it was in between his teeth now. He started to reach his hand up toward it, to be rid of the nasty taste of mud and wood and mold, and then he felt the burning searing agony in his chest, his hands clenched and released and his jaw snapped shut so fast the wood in his mouth shattered. His mouth then slamming open and screaming AAAAAAAHHHHH! with the red shining pain of it.

The voice laughed again, that horrible chilling giggling laugh. "I wonder if the cat will see it now . . . your real power my precious acolyte . . . let him see . . . he'll never believe, nor will you even further, you're not ready to know true yet." The wolf didn't know, it was true, that his arms, his chest, his neck, all of him in that moment when that searing red burning metal touched the wound in his chest, immedaitely pulsed and swelled. Veins coming to the fore and throbbing like they were shook with his scream. His muscles stretching and his whole body growing larger by several degrees, a sudden darkness to the dim light of the fire and a chill to the air that set a thin spine of ice over the surface of the water.

Once the wound was closed and rubbed with herbs his eyes shot open and his hands clamped to his chest, he flew forward, ending up on his hands and knees, his body it's normal size and shape once more, like nothing had happened. He was panting and coughed blood no less than 3 times at the stone floor. Then he took in a long breath of air and screamed again at Arashi. "WHERE ARE WE!? THEY WERE AFTER US!  WHAT IS HAPPENING? WE CAN'T REST!" He looked around, not seeing the bunny from earlier and stood, running fast toward the entrance "WHERE IS NE-" and he immediately fell, his feet seeming to shake and not hold his weight.

-Having found a room with clothing and blankets, my ears perked up hearing the scream wondering if the boys where okay. I moved to lay out a blanket as i piled clothing onto it of different sizes and colors all of them earth tones to help hide in the forest.  Finding some dried meet, sniffing to see if it was good.  Tasting it and not finding anything wrong with it.  I but the bundle of the jerky in the blanket with the clothing.  Adding a few more blankets to the pile, pulling the corners together as i start to dragg it up the stairs back to where i had left them.  Getting to the door entrance only to see Mik run towards me and fall to the ground.  Getting onto the main floor as i drop the bundle and kneeling down next to Mik caressing his face with  my cool hand.-  Sh..it's okay..I'm here.  We are safe for now.  -smiling softly my ears perked forward while i kneeled next to him.  I look to arashi seeing he needed rest. reaching for Mik's hand as i rest it upon my leg so he could feel that i was close.  I pull over the blanket that i had stuff in.  Opening it up a grab a blanket to lay over Mik's body pulling it up so he was covered.- rest now..both of you rest.  -picking up another blanket as i toss it over to Arashi. -  WE will be safe here.  This temple will only come out to those who are need of help and vanishes with the mists.  We are fine.  - my voice was soft almost like a lullaby to sooth mik.  I sit down near him.  Reaching for the pouch of dried jerky i found, i take out half of it  then closing the other half inside the pouch and tossing it to Arashi to eat.-  Here i found some jerky, it still smells good to eat.  Eat up we are going to need it if we start to move again.  Moving mik's head to the side.-  "Do you think you can eat something right now?  To help?" -Having not really taken any for myself since i was going to look for more stuff to eat once they both where sleeping.  All the tribes new that the rabbit tribe would take in a wounded person reguardless of their tribe, and treat them as if they were one of our own.  Our tribe was neutral, no one tribe would ever think about crossing us.  Because we knew the routes and the best area's to get herbs and to hunt.  And it was agreed upon by the other tribes to leave the rabbit tribe alone for fear of loosing the better hunting grounds and the herbs that were rare and hard to find. But like everything else, with those men coming in and enslaving everyone.  It was still a sad day for all.  I remained by Mik's side going to keep an eye on him. I look back to arashi.-  If you need another blanket or warm clothing, i found some down in the deeper rooms.  I didn't know your size if something doesn't fit, i can take it apart and sew something bigger to fit you.   

Arashi sat down where he was at, Rubbing his face as he scooted across the floor. Close enough to either of them to share some body heat. The bag of jerky turned his stomach, making him think of his kid sister. He tucked the bag away, suddenly not as tired as he was.
  "Thank you.."
That was all the energy he had left. His body ached and trembled as he rolled into a ball on the floor. closing his eyes and just instantly passing out.

He had passed out after he fell over, he screamed his responses, standing in front of the bunny but unable to actually speak at all. The air seemed to chill around his person, the breaths of his unconscious form misting and making little snowflakes that fell down to his fur.

The screaming was unbearable to him, he could feel the scratching in his throat, yet he could see them both seemingly ignoring him. It wasn't until at least another full minute passed of screaming and flailing his arms that he noticed his own unconscious form in front of Neris. He looked at it confused and terrified. How was it possible? how was he there? how was he standing and on the ground before the bunny?

He tried to grab at the bunny's shoulders, surely his body was a mistake, something was wrong, he had to figure something out. His hands phased through her like he wasn't there, he couldn't understand how it was possible. He ran to Arashi, only a few steps away and fell forward straight into him. He stood up again, more scared by the second. Somehow it was like he was invisible, or worse . . . the first instant of the thought chilled him to the bone. Then, he heard the horrid black giggling laugh and the sensation was replaced with burning impossible fury.

Unknown to the wolf, as that fury built and burned in him, boiling his blood, his body shook and shivered, the muscles spasming and then swelling hard, his body once again growing in size and weight suddenly. This time his body stayed larger and heavier while he stormed around in the open place, the small fire dying down to barely embers, the water nearby freezing over across it's surface.

It was the cold that woke him up from his deep sleep, that instinct that told him it was to cold to sleep through. Yet it lingered like a silent promise, that if he slept he would never wake. slowly he forced his eyes to open. Forcing his body to move as he stired the fire, Since when did it become so cold? He pushed the embers to life as he tossed more wood upon the fire.
His ears twitched as he heard scrapping upon stone, It took a bit of longer until he realized what it was. The sound of claw upon stone, a few minutes longer to register it was just one. The panther's breath lingered in the air before it dissapeared. Despite his excellent night vision it took him a moment after looking into the flame to adjust back to darkness.
That looked like...
"Mikk"? He said hesitantly, Was That mikk? The wolf had taken some serious injury he didn't expect to be up so soon. The panther held a burning branch behind him as he lifted it higher to outline the form.

Looking over to Arashi as he came over to curl up near mik and me.  I nod slowly to him, my eyes where sunken and tired, the mark upon my face burned and hurted.  Feeling to tired to actually get up and move again when my body screamed for sleep.  I move to sit up between both Mik and Arashi placing my hands upon them to give comfort since we all needed it.  I slowly start to fall asleep sitting up just feeling tired and needing the rest. 

Sleeping sitting up before falling over i felt a chill moving through my body, my eyes shot open as i looked around my ears perked up and moving around trying to hear anything.  Looking around then catching Arashi's movement in the dark shadows.  Seeing the fire embers come to life a bit.  I look over to the fountain and see that i was freezing over.  Taking in a deep breath and letting it go as my breath came out of my mouth.  I slowly move over to Arashi whisperings oftly-  what is going on? -looking to him then looking to where his eyes where at, my eyes go wide as my heart started to thud in my chest.  Getting scared my body goes ridged thinking of running from the great beast before us.

"Stay back Neris..."
  The panther kept his voice low, almost quiet like. He didn't want to draw To much of Mikkaddo's attention. Still the panther moved between him and neris. He held the burning branch low, Ready to strike if that be the case.
  Something about this seemed all wrong, He hadn't seen mikkaddo like this. If he had this kind of power they would have gotten out long ago. All he could do was watch, and wait.

Mikkaddo screamed anew at Arashi, his voice was breaking and his throat felt like it was ripping apart and flying out of him in pieces. "THAT'S NOT ME! I'M HERE! IT CAN'T BE ME THERE!" They didn't see him, he was somehow invisible, and, apparently, mute as well despite his yelling. This was awful, there had to be something he could do.

He stormed around, ending up on the frozen water, he felt his feet touching the ice, felt the chill it left on his skin and turned back around to see them again. That's when the sound came once more, a horrifying giggle that chilled him deeper to the bone than the ice under him did. "You can't be serious . . . they won't see you, they won't hear you . . . you're too far away, you're down there, on the ground . . . and look at that, several times larger than before. Hmm, I wonder what they will think . . . I wonder how they'll deal with that. I wonder what the Cat is planning to do with that torch of his."

That was when Mikkaddo had an idea . . . he remembered now, suddenly, when the burning searing metal touched the wound in his chest, he looked down at himself, seeing the wound on his chest and on the one on the ground too. He looked at Arashi's torch and rushed toward him. Grabbing at it and pulling. He pulled the flaming branch and somehow, unlike the Panther or the Bunny, the branch came with him, not slipping from Arashi's grip, but pulling him as well, he pulled the burning ember end to his chest, and felt it burn, felt everyhting go blinding white and red and the next thing he knew, his eyes were open, and his body was normal.

He was on the ground again, smoke sifting up through the air from a fresh burn on his chest where the wound had been touched before, he panted again and again, seemingly unable to get enough air into him with any breath to be able to survive. "Gods . . .what . . . where . . . Arashi . . . Neris, what the FUCK is going on?!"

Staying back behind Arashi, knowing that he was tired and i was tired.  Just wanting a night of rest, my ears keeping back against my head as i stood there watching Arashi and Mik.   Whispering softly to Arashi.-  "Do you think he is okay?"-Seeing the torch get lifted in the air by something.  I squeek and move to hide more behind Arashi.  Just wanting now with wide eyes.

Looking down to the ground seeing Mik laying there awake and smoking from his chest.  My ears perked up hearing Mik's voice.  I step to the side to get a cup and fill it with ice water.  I slowly come over to Mik to help him sit up as i offer up the ice cold water to him. "i am sure we could ask you the same thing.  I don' t know what is going on, but we are in my  tribes temple for safety.  Or until we can rest then move on.  I am not sure how long it will take them to find this place.  It's been abandoned for years. "  keeping my ears up looking a bit more tired just wanting to rest now seeing that mik was hopefully okay.  I turn to look to arashi then back to Mik.  "we all need rest. "  my voice was soft while i sat near Mik keeping the cup up for him to take and drink.

Neris was right, they all needed sleep. His sleep deprived mind could barely handle everything that was going on right now. Truth was, a lot of strange shit was happening and none of it made any sense. Maybe they were all going mad, That seemed the only logical answer.
The panther rubbed his face, taking a deep breath.
"What the fuck..." *His jaws clenched as he couldn't help the absurdity of it all. They had just escaped certain death only to death with this bullshit. If there were gods out there they certainly had a stupid sense of humor.
  His paws clenched in fists, he didn't look at his companions.
"Yeah, your right Neris..Sleep.."

Mikkaddo was panting hard and fast, his hands clutched at his chest, like he couldn't get enough air into his lungs. "What . . . what the fuck?! what . . . what is even going on? Arashi, what was that? why was I on the ground? why couldn't you see me? what . . . where are we? what's going on?" He was looking side to side, soft cracking and shattering sounds coming from the pool near them as the thin ice that had formed earlier was now melting and shifting at the same time.

Sitting on the ground looking up to Mik as i move over to him and touched his lips with my fingers gently.-  "It's okay Mik."  -my ears lowered back against my head as i look into his eyes with my own softly eyes.-  "Breath slowly and deeply.  Calm down.  Your okay.  We are in a safe place.   This was a temple of my people.  It was destroyed by invaders, and we abandoned it for safer grounds.  We don't know what happened to you.  You were hurt and Arashi catheterized the wound.  then this dark black mass took over you.  We don't know what happened." -just keeping a calming presences and it helped that i was tired and needed sleep. - "We have a few days here to rest and gather our strength before moving on. " -pulling my finger away from Mik's lips.-  "arashi and i both need sleep, and so do you.  Please lets rest and look at what happened with out tired minds.  Please Mik."  -looking up to him with my soft concerned eyes..-