Around the Border (Open)

[Blitz]

It was that opportunity, that chance! There, that one, Dust watched as the female began to convulse. As the alpha approached, head held low, looming over Byorn's seizing body. Trying to avoid Byorn's jaws that could easily turn fatal at this moment of close proximity. Eyes fixated upon the old female's neck, the throat, the source of life. Lips peeled back, it was a slow, almost painful process of all this. As Dust finally began to reach down, her eyes snapped to Bear.

The old male's gaze was fixated upon them, bitter about all this, he abandoned the pup. No, no, no, Dust couldn't touch his Byorn. Old muscles worked hard to get to the pack, forcing himself between the small beast of an alpha and his convulsing female. Bear had to admit, he'd gottan rather fond of Byorn and surely knew she wouldn't want to pass by the jaws of Dust. No, Bear would stand over her now. Taking any of the snapping bites from Lucifer, gently he reached down. Watching Byorn's body for a moment more, pained by a decision.

She was tired, frail from age, and Bear quietly knew that Lucifer was a damned monster. How could he? To wear out such a blissful being like this, the male looked away for a moment. It seemed dramatic, to those with cold hearts such as Dust. Who merely snorted at the male, sneering at his reactions. Finally, Bear leaned, "I'm sorry, Byorn." He mumbles with obvious remorse for his next actions. The massive male leaned his head down, massive jaws attempting to snap at Byorn's throat. To finally put her to rest, in a sense, Bear thought it was the only thing to do for her.

[leiutenantlovemuffin]

Lucifer forced a large snarl out of her as Dust approached, for he knew he had to test her strength to kill the elder. His whole thing was that a REAL Alpha would be able to kill a wolf for any sort of reason, to keep them from hurting others... and this was what Dust was doing. In a sense, he was relieved that she was doing what he had wanted... and he had chosen the elder because she was weak and he did not care if she had made it through this or not. A sacrifice was meant for weak wolves... such as Byorn. She had turned over a new leaf, or so everyone had thought. Her eyes went from blood red, to her usual slate blue... then to Emerald.

Byorn's heart raced as she watched Dust come to kill her, for the devil was testing her through the frail chalky-white body of the elder. Byorn began to whimper, for she knew that this was the end... but the devil had restrained her vocal chords so she could not beg for mercy from the Alpha.
//Fuck.// She thought, for she could not do a damned thing about her fate with Dust. But before Dust could actually get to her, a familiar more gentle face came into view.
//My love.... Bear.// she tried to say aloud, but alas... Lucifer still had her by the throat as he whispered
"I'm sorry" into her ear as his jaws met her fur...
In that moment, her eyes opened wide as she went to go and scream. The devil had let her go in the last second of her life... but it was too late for Bear had already done the deed.
Her breath stopped, for Bear's canines had cut her esophagus just enough where she and slowly slipped away, although her heart beat very... very slowly.

[Blitz]

A scream ripped through the air, Bear backed up with a sudden yelp. What had he done? Oh god, oh god, no. The male licked at her cheek, she was back! But was she alive? He whined, nosing the side of her cheek and gently licking at where he'd bitten. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Bear said over and over again, trying to keep her alive. He wouldn't dare leave the female's side, not at this moment. "I shouldn't have done it." The male continued to ramble, as if his apologies would help her.

"Please, oh, please." Bear's current world was made up only of two, Byorn and himself. There was no Dust, no Orca, no Tash, not even a Derby. As the crisp fall air whirled about his figuire, lashing out at his ears, Bear only whinced. It had been a long time, since Bear was so attatched to another, or even had such a friend. Of course, with his age, friends had passed before. The male whined, continuing to try and comfort Byorn. How foolish of him, stupid for jumping the gun.

"You killed her." Dust sneered at Bear, who didn't hear her. No, she wouldn't attack Bear, as if she even cared. But simply because the canine was more amused by this male crying about the loss of this- elder. "You killed the elder." Dust taunted once more, looking down on Byorn, who had made Dust jump when she screamed. Although, Dust didn't know Byorn's heart was still beating, Dust didn't care in the slightest. Eyes then roamed to Blast, that foolish male. He was the one who was in trouble at this moment. With a flick of her tail, Dust stalked towards Blast with ill intentions.

Looming over him, bitter feelings apparent in her eyes. "You're a fool." She spat at him, circling around the male who laid upon the grass. Knowing he was currently resting from the sudden surge of steroids that he hadn't been able to use. Stupid Miseo, although it was his job to protect the alpha. Ears folded back, Dust tried to snap at Blast's shoulder. Although her aim was a bit poor since she hadn't stopped circling him.

[Kae]

Orca exhaled deeply, her breath sending a stray leaf fluttering before her; she didn't rise from her prepared crouch, however. There were still many strange wolves about, and if that elder had been caring for the pup, it may too carry whatever disease led to her seeming insanity and self-forming wounds. Orca was a practical type: not one to be carried away by mysticism or superstition. As far as she was concerned, they would do best to vacate the area and wait for the body to fully decompose, and the snowmelt to carry whatever disease taint from the soil... but it was not her decision, and she needed to not run out on her alpha like that curl-tail omega Chaos had.

While she kept her eyes locked on Bear, she watched her alpha and miseo out of the corner of her eye.

[leiutenantlovemuffin]

Byorn was not quite with the program yet, thus still laying there motionless. Her throat is bleeding profusely as tears roll down her cheeks from the intense pain her body is in physically and mentally. She cried, silently... but hard.
She hadn't known that Bear knew that she was still alive, for her emotions were getting the better of her at this moment. She could not believe that Bear had tried to kill her, for she didn't know what she had done prior to this moment of pain and a clusterfuck of emotions. Byorn's eyes migrated upward to her lover's eyes as he apologized a hundred times over. She mustered up all the energy she had within her and spoke softly... ever so softly.
"What have I done....?" she said as blood squirted out of her throat for Bear had cut vital organs and pipes in her throat that were of most importance to her life if she was to carry on. Her eyes welled up with tears as she watched Dust pad away.
"Dust, child..." she said, returning to her regular self as she lay gasping for breath, hanging on to every word.

[Blitz]

"Shh, shh." He tried to urge, wanting her to save her energy. Curious as to why she would call for Dust, he took a glance at the foolish alpha. Snorting, stupid female, he loathed the day he'd ever met such a creature. Turning back, Bear pressed his nose to her cheek, begging silently for her to live. Although, Bear had bitten to kill. "You don't need her, Dust is a monster." Bear murmered softly, laying down beside her. The male continued to tend to the wounds as best he could, tongue red from all the blood he'd been trying to stop.

"I shouldn't have done that." The male continued to murmer and whine. All he could do was look back at Dust, this was her fault. All of it, her fault, and yet he knew she felt no remorse for her actions.
"Dust, get over here!" The male snarled at the small white canine. Black ears perked up at the snarl, no one spoke to her in such a manner. Although.. that might just be one of the perks of Bear. As Dust strided towards the male, expecting him to scold her for her actions. Looking down at the blood splattered image of Byorn. It didn't seem to phase the female, who'd killed wolves before to better herself. "What is it you want?" The female snaps with obvious annoyance, she had Blast to tend to. Not this foolish male.

Looking at Byorn, it appeared- was she still breathing. "You're kidding." Dust sneered, this elder was still alive. How was that even possible? Dust wasn't sure, it must have been sheer will that kept Byorn going. The will to live was stronger than Death's grip, something almost to admire about the female. Dust circled the two for a moment before sitting beside Bear. Leaning on the large male, gaze still fixated upon Byorn.

[leiutenantlovemuffin]

Her gaze shifted upward at the white female whom stood above her, seemingly doubting the female's ability to push through.
"Dust...." she whispered as the blood upon her neck began to clot strangely... almost un-wolf like. A healing that could not take place without a higher power being present... what the hell is happening?
Byorn coughed a bit, as blood dribbled from her muzzle as she lay motionless, yet her tail now began twitching a bit.
"Come closer, my dear Dust...." she said, wishing to share a secret with her that she hadn't shared with anyone. This wolf had a deathly secret... one that would kill the others if not careful. It seems like this elder held the secret of the world... and with the shit she's been through it might as well be so. Her Emerald eyes darted upward to her love, Bear as a twinkle of blue shown through just for a moment.

[Blitz]

Black ears folded back, while not fearful of the elder, to be so close seemed too vulnerable for the canine's liking. Rather, she gave the bleeding wolf a look of warning, a vicious glare and a slight growl. Leaning closer to the elder, fur bristling slightly, her eyes shifting to the wound that was- healing? Dear sweet goodness, it was! Warily, Dust began to ready herself for whatever this elder was doing or was about to say. "What is it, elder?" She finally snaps, snapping her eyes to look dead into Byorn's.

There is the sound of someone clearing their throat, of course it's Bear. He was monitering Dust, but now too noticed Byorn's healing. His ears raised, she was alright, Byorn was going to be alright! His tail wagged furiously, a look of bliss upon his time worn features. But he would not speak and allow the two females to work through whatever was going to happen. Finally, the old canine seated himself and allowed himself to lean back on his back legs. Muscles were no longer wound up, all seemed peaceful for the time being. Although there was a pang of curiosity, as to why Byorn wished to speak with Dust.

[leiutenantlovemuffin]

The elder wheezed a moment as her gaze became glued to Dust, for she felt that her secret was far too large to tell and that it was to be unleashed at a later date. Therefore, she had to come up with something rather quickly but not something that she also did not feel in a whole.
"Dust, I am terribly sorry..." she said, covering up the truth about the Emerald Winter to her and her lover, Bear. Continuing, she said "I did not mean to hurt you in any sort of way, if I had. Please..." she trailed off as her breathing grew shallow once more. Yes, her wound healed remarkably... only a surface scratch appeared upon her throat. Her sudden halt from her words was caused by her tiredness from the run that the devil had given her... it had literally run her to the ground... where she lay at that moment.
Suddenly coming back, she finished before she had to stop and rest for a moment or two,
"Please don't leave me... I feel as though I need you to help protect me, as I could help protect you. Let's work as a team, eh?" she said in hopes that Dust would accept.

[Kae]

Orca snorted at the elder's words, noting to herself that she'd stay well clear of this diseased and deranged old wolf if the alpha did for some reason accept yet another stranger into the pack. She doubted so old a wolf would survive another winter anyway, in the shape she was in. She kept her mouth shut, however; Dust would ask her opinion if she wanted it, and Orca knew better than to speak up.

[Draconis]

Glad that he was rid of Bear, Derby ran over to Dust, standing proudly next to her. His little head was held high as was his black-tipped tail. Pawing at the ground, he was tempted to laugh at the sight that was before him, but only to impress Dust. The pup felt some guilt, knowing that it was his fault that all of this happened, but he shook the thought away. Lowering his head, the pup made a silent growl that only Dust could hear.

A whimper of pain escaped Blast's mouth, for pain rushed into his body. He felt weak...this...this feeling for Dust. He could not believe it! Inside of him of filled with nothing but rage. Opening his eyes to Dust, he growled. "Kill me Dust...I am useless now and am weak. I have fallen so low..." he would not tell the alpha why she should kill him. No, he would never tell why she should kill him. If she would not do it, Blast would ask Wrath. Blast awaited a response from Dust as she was near the elder, blood pooled onto the ground.

Wrath watched in awe at what the elder said. Slithering next to Orca, he hissed, his black tongue flicked out. "Thissss one thinksss that the elder issss a fool. Though thissss one worksss for the devil, so thisss one would not really care whether or not they are allied, but then Wrath will not be able to lisssten to the massster any longer." He said the last part loud enough for Dust to hear. He did not want to leave Dust, but if Byorn ever turned back into Lucifer by any means, he would have to obey.

[Blitz]

Her ears are set forward, listening to the wheezing of Byorn. Watching the wound that had once been there, gushing blood, but was now nothing but a scratch. How, how, how. Dust's head reels back, uneasy about this elder who had been previously possessed by Lucifer. Bah, that fool. There is the sound of teeth clicking, annoyed with such a decisions at hand. This would take time to flop through her mind, there was something very, very not right about Byorn. Especially with Bear around, who could protect Byorn himself. He was large with muscles and a rather lovely smell. Mmmm.

No, no, think straight. "You've yet to prove your worth." The creature snaps at Byorn before turning tail to walk back towards the Miseo. Looming over the male, she had heard him before. A cold gaze, one that easily surpassed her usual awful stare, was fixated upon Blast. Kill him? The alpha's ears are pulled back at such a thought, Blast was possibly one of the closer things to some kind of 'friend'. Well, rather, he was one of her favorite play things. There is a yearn to whine at Blast, continuing to glare at him, Dust snaps her jaws at the male's muzzle. "Do not order me around." She snaps finally, lips peeled back in a slight snarl.

Bushy tail sways from side to side, staring at Blast dead in the eye. The smaller canine sits beside the larger male. Looking up at the sky, before glancing back at the Miseo. There was obvious confusion, why the hell would he suddenly want to die? That would be considered fleeing and fleeing was a crime punishable by death. How dare this foolish canine.

------

Bear lets out a snarl as Dust walks away, how dare she! To judge his lovein such a manner. Quickly he looks back to Byorn, "There's really no winning with her." He tries to assure her. Shaking his head, the male lays down beside Byorn. Allowing his nose to gently touch her cheek, "You gave me quite a heart attack." This was said in a more teasing manner. Hoping to lighten up the mood despite the horrific events that had taken place.

Looking back at Dust, the male gives a snort. Selfish, that's the only word that comes to mind at the mention of her name. Seemingly a rebel without a cause, Bear would dare to say. No, this was time for Byorn, not vicious thoughts. Fair, lovely Byorn, who seemed to have shaken up the male's world ever since she'd arrived.

[leiutenantlovemuffin]

The elder spat in Dust's face as she rudely spoke to her. She had done nothing wrong in her person, for Lucifer had taken over the second she arrived. Her fur began to stand up upon her neck as she arose, more muscular than before. Emerald eyes glued to the Alphess as she padded in the other direction, ignoring the elder now.
"Fuck you, and your pack..." she said in a low growl, almost sounding like the almighty Lucifer again. He was not there, but he was forever inside of her. She allowed him to appear when he did, therefore allowing him to escape whenever he pleased.
Looking back at Bear she sighed lightly, mouthing the words "I love you" to him as she turned back to Dust.
"What, are you scared that I am not dead? Or are you just plain fearful that you cannot stop my wrath." she said, looking to the snake in the distance with the other wolf, Orca.

[Blitz]

As soon as the spit hit Dust's face, the animal lashed out instantly towards the elder's muzzle; although unsure if she'd made her point. Rising to her paws, waves of snarls tore through the female's throat. Ears set back, Dust had enough of this stupid female. The gateway of hell and now, she'd spat in Dust's face. Stupid, stupid, stupid. "Shut your mouth, tramp." Were the spiteful words that shot from Dust's muzzle after the rude words of her pack.

The small canine began to circle around the elder, a moving target should she take offensive action. "I am not fearful of you, for a mere elder, are you not?" She snaps, although it seems Dust does what she does out of hate. There can be logic to some of the words she speaks. "I have no use for an elder who will only slow me down, especially the one with that." The 'that' in question is Bear.


Although, Dust would admit, it was a 'ballsy' move for the elder. For Dust was young and sure footed, with a keen sense of battle tactics. What was this old creature? Nothing, might as well be the dirt the alpha walks upon. "The only thing you've proved is that you've got guts, elder." Dust sneered such words, standing behind Byorn now. Cold gaze set upon the back of Byorn's head.


----

His ears perked up when Byorn mouthed the words, tail swaying from side to side with a childish joy. As if he'd just been told he'd done something good for once in his life. Quickly rising to his big ol' paws, the male began towards the two. Passing by Orca and Wrath, he gives them a nod before coming to stand slightly behind Byorn. Although the male does not know she the two are speaking about, the tension in the air tells it all. A sigh escapes him, would the young and old ever be capable of coexisting? With old ways and new ones mingling together into an explosion of supposed disrespect and foolish ways.

Bear bites his tongue, whincing at the pain. There is a small amount of copper tasting blood that begins to flow into his muzzle. But it is ignored, what is a little pain every once and awhile? Reminded him of his younger days, that was for sure.

[Draconis]

A sigh escaped Blast's mouth as he stared towards Dust. He did not rise, for all he felt was weakness. He had the strength, but would not even attempt. "Dust, do not think I am a coward. But it is merely that I have grown weak and will not be able to hold the position of Miseo." Pausing, another chuckle escaped the brute. "Besides, I am sure that you can find a Miseo with some wits." He did not want Dust to know how he felt, but he stayed alive, she would eventually find out. Staring at the pup Derby, he growled. "You will never be Miseo foolish pup!" A growl erupted from Blast's mouth as he said this.

Derby walked up to Byorn and swiped his paw at her face, though he was not going to actually hit her. "Watch what you say to the alpha you...you..." he could not think of the right word, for he was only a pup. "..Swine!" He turned around, holding his little tail straight into the air. He then kicked with his rear legs and threw dirt into the elder's eyes.

At Blast's comment, Derby broke. He ran at the fallen Miseo and scratched at his muzzle, making a small scratch mark. "Shut up!" he yelled, though he meant it more as a question than answer.