Big Bad, Little Red, and the Hunters. (Fates.Gamble and Gunner)

[LilGunner]

Catty felt a pang of sadness and regret seeing Aeric writhe and howl so piteously. The sudden appearance of snapping and snarling guardian at her flanks, as well as Freja's chorus of sounds, just added to the cacophony. It was too loud! She was trying to calm him and none of them were helping. Catty wanted to shout at them to stop it and be quiet! Of course adding her own voice to the din wouldn't help a damn thing not to mention she was way out of her league with all the supernatural creatures. Never mind the new weapon and armor, she was still the only human present. Frustration boiled in Catty's chest, the noise getting to her as she tried desperately to reach Aeric. The massive wolf was more concerned with the fetters than anything at the moment, writing and snapping to loosen them. Honestly she didn't know how strong the crystal bond were.

Air rushed out of her lungs as powerful jaws cracked and shattered the bonds. A cold rush flooded her body. A frozen little statue she didn't even scream as long, clawed fingers wrapped around her armored waist and hoisted her into the air. The bow tumbled from her hands and clattered to the ground. It took the snarling lunge of the wolves to snap her out of the daze. Her little hands jumped to the strong fingers, doing little more than scrabbling against their strength. Aeric ran with her, her legs finally regaining feeling and kicking out to free herself. They didn't go far and she was slammed against a nearby wall. Breath was driven from her lungs, mouth open as she struggled to get it back. Had it not been for the armor the impact and grip might just crush her. She'd have to rethink talking shit about the odd armor. Terrified blue eyes lifted up and met ferocious crimson. Her breath returned in a stuttering, sharp gasp as she stared up at the wolf. This was it, this was how she would die. Just a silly little girl who loved a boy, trying desperately to get him back.

Nothing. The beast just stared at her. A small glimpse, a meager flash of recognition. Catty stopped her struggles though her hands still rested on the long, gnarled fingers holding her captive. She held rigidly still, unblinking, fighting the urge to reach out for him. Any small movement might break everything. As she stared back she swore flecks of green appeared in those eyes. No, she wasn't going crazy, his eyes were really changing. Catty sucked in a shivery breath as the rest of the change came swiftly. She let herself breathe freely again as the dark fur melted away to flesh. Her arms lifted around Aeric's neck as his own thick, strong arms encircled her. Limbs trembled as the adrenaline raced out of her replaced with a flood of joy that constricted her throat and burned her eyes. If not for the wall they might have tumbled down with Catty and the wall supporting nearly all of Aeric's weight.

"I'm here...I'm here," she whispered back as he weakly mumbled her name. His grip on her body only grew tighter. Her fingers dug into his thick, silky hair, holding him tightly as he buried his face into her neck. All the horror and fear of the past couple of weeks, certainly the past half hour, washed away as she held him close, lightly stroking his shaggy black hair. Anyone else in attendance was forgotten as she held him, feeling the tremors in his body slowly subsiding. A couple of tears managed to squeeze their way out and she sniffle lightly. The relief and happiness was enough she might not even mind ugly crying at the moment. Had to keep it together though.

When he regained his strength and pulled back she wanted to just clamp her arms tighter. Just a few more minutes. For a moment her grip did tighten but just that moment, she relinquished the tight hold on him so he could stand up fully, her hands still resting on his shoulders. Her brows rose with his question and she burst out laughing. She lifted a hand to her eyes and pushed away the tears with the heel of her hand as she laughed. Perhaps she had finally lost her damn mind. "All this shit and you're concerned about my clothes, naked guy?" He stared but not long, the others gathering around seemed to catch his attention. Catty looked over to the group, crossed between grateful for their fight to get Aeric back and a bit annoyed they gathered around so quick. Clearly privacy was not common with supernatural creatures.

One of the wolves padded over, nosing Catty's bow towards her. She blinked a moment before giving a crooked smile and scooped it up. "Thanks," she said as she slung it over her back. That's how Legolas did it, right? "I'll explain later," she said before Aeric could question the weapon. The silvery grey wolf that brought the weapon over shifted, standing tall on his two human legs. Just like the siblings the man was a hell of a specimen, rippled with tone muscle, his ashy brown hair hung around his jaw. He was older than Aeric and Freja but not by a massive margin. Fierce brown eyes stared Aeric down, his solid jaw clenched tightly.

"So, this is the fabled beast?" His voice was low and grumbling as he looked Aeric over. "Just an overly emotional pup. You're more a danger than anything. You woulda killed us all if you could. You got lucky, your mate especially. Would have killed her and moved on to the rest of us."

"Hey!" Catty snapped, taking a step forward as if her little physical barrier would do a damn thing.

"Shut up, human. You're as stupid and ignorant as the rest of your kind. Even with that shit you got he would have ripped off your head and thought nothing of it." As the lycan spoke he never took his eyes off Aeric. "I bet you don't even remember, do you? Just a mindless monster, rampaging and slaughtering. The resistance doesn't need a monster to babysit, we got enough problems."

 

[Fates.Gamble]

How Aeric would have loved to linger in that moment; to remain shielded from all the pain and turmoil by the warm embrace that held him. In Catty’s arms it was nothing but a hazy memory, all too easily forgotten with nothing save her affections to think about. But it couldn’t last, Aeric scarcely unable to consider her retort before one of the other wolves intruded on their joyous reunion. Skeptical eyes followed Catty as she retrieved the bow from the wolf, slinging it over her shoulder as though it were made for her. She promised to explain later but Aeric was bursting to know just what the hell was going on. Just when had she decided to become Robin Hood? And where did Freja and the rest of this group come from?

How long was I out of it for? Aeric wondered to himself, feeling like a newborn pup compared to all the conscience minds gawking at him. And, judging by the silver wolf that approached him, Aeric wasn’t the only one sharing in the thought.

Despite the sting of the words, Aeric’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the older male. He felt venom on his tongue, and was more than ready to spew it back at the arrogant prick of a wolf. But in the end, no words came. Aeric could only set his jaw, teeth gritting once he swallowed the truth of what was said. Instead, Catty jumped to his defense, yet would good could her interference do? The wolf’s words cut right through her to further batter him down.

No, he couldn’t remember the details of his transformation. There were only the faintest glimpses; nothing cognizant in recollection, but he could recall the feeling of rent flesh; of bones giving way beneath the might of his jaws. And, even now, he could taste the iron of blood in his mouth. But that was all; the rest was a complete blackout. To awaken in Catty’s arms, however, must have meant she was very lucky indeed. The realization only rendered him into a deeper silence, for what could he say that would redeem such actions against someone he cared for?

“Back off,” Freja growled, having changed to her human appearance and stepped towards the male threateningly. “You don’t know anything about him.”

To this, the fourth wolf finally responded, the tawny-coated beast padding towards her mate and shifting to take her place, laughing at his side “Look at this! He lets the females fight his battles for him!” she said, taunting Aeric, though her furious, amber eyes were focused squarely on Freja, as if daring her to try anything.

“Enough!” boomed the minotaur. Aegeus shoved his way forward, putting himself in the middle of all of them. It was impossible for the brutish creature not to command their attention as he stared down the lot of them with an annoyed snort from his massive nostrils. “You all waste time bickering amongst yourselves while the real enemy remains upstairs, or have you forgotten?” His eyes focused on the hostile pair of wolves, staring them down intently. He could understand their logic, but they had to look at the bigger picture.

“If they perfect that serum everything is lost,” Aegeus explained. “So I suggest you get over your personal differences, because we need all the help we can get.”

“What serum?” Aeric demanded, finding his voice at last. “What are you talking about?”

Aegeus looked impatient with the ignorance, but knew that a quick explanation might be the best way of winning their support, which they could undoubtedly use. Even if they couldn’t control that nigh unstoppable beast, it could make short work of their enemies if in a pinch.

“Manticore venom,” the minotaur told him plainly. “On paper they call this place a drug and research facility, but in truth they’re using bioscience to create a toxin to wipe out mythos on a global scale. Once they perfect their drug, they’ll distribute it en masse, leaving humans unharmed while slaughtering all manner of mythical creatures. We cannot let that happen. ”

Aeric passed a look at the two, leering wolves who were against his association while he considered what he’d just learned. “Don’t worry,” he told them snidely, “I wouldn’t dream of joining your sorry attempt at a resistance. You’re crazy if you think your group has any chance of overthrowing the government and bringing about some new world order. But as far as this toxin goes…” His eyes fell back to the minotaur. “You’re right, that can’t happen.” But it wasn’t just his decision to make; it wasn’t his place to throw Freja and Catty head first into danger, and so he deferred to them.

“What do you guys think?” he asked of them.

“I came here to get you out of this place,” Freja answered at once, “But I was on board for this from the beginning. They helped you, now it’s time for us to help them, and everyone else in the process.”

Aeric nodded to all that, and turned to the remaining party. “Catty?” he asked, seeking her opinion. If they wanted, they could just run now and leave all the craziness behind. This was their chance to be free of this hellhole, after all. Remaining would only lead them to an uncertain future. Though, seeing her standing there dressed in her suit of armor and a bow slung over her shoulder, he couldn’t picture her running away from a fight anymore; even if she didn’t look the most confident in it just yet.

 

[LilGunner]

Catty could almost feel the tightness in Aeric's body as she stood by him, both staring down the loud mouth wolf. None of it should be her fight, she knew that. She had been dragged into their odd world kicking and screaming. Yet she was there now and they'd been through enough shit she wasn't about to let some asshole spew his dumbass shit. Her chest puffed up to yell right back but Freja cut in, having shifted back to her human form. The fourth wolf, another woman, chimed in. Catty's eyes narrowed at the woman and her taunts at Aeric. Her limbs tightened, ready for some kind of fight to breakout among the lycans and Catty viciously imagined kicking the woman's teeth out.

She jumped at the sudden bellow from the minotaur. The massive beast shoved his way into the group, effectively blocking off the two teams of would be combatants. Catty craned her neck back to look up at him as he chastised them all, while primarily staring down the other lycans. Real enemy upstairs. Catty knew, decently well, what the facility was about but there were plenty of secrets she didn't know either.

Andor scowled up at the minotaur, clearly unimpressed with the interruption but stayed quiet as he folded his arms. He didn't need to be chastised like some unruly pup. Amber eyes flicked to his mate, softening a little with her quick readiness to join him in a fight. They didn't linger long on her before flashing back to Aeric and his mate as the pup demanded his answers. Andor snorted with derision, shaking his head. Yet Aegeus deigned to answer the questions, clearly alright if the pup were to turn into a monster again if it meant their mission would succeed. Andor stored that away. If that were to happen he'd ensure to just get him and his mate the hell out of the way.

Catty's attention stayed on the minotaur as he explain what they were really there for. Foolish girl had honestly thought it was merely rescue. Not just for her and Aeric of course but all the creatures locked up in the facility. A cold shudder raced through her as the large creatures spoke. A toxin to wipe out mythos on a wide scale. The scientists at the facility treated even the sentient creatures with such disregard it should not have surprised her. Yet she couldn't help a small reflex of her hand, reaching over to brush her fingers on Aeric's arm. The idea was horrifying, even if the idea of this hidden world had been frightening and overwhelming. Wholesale genocide. Her stomach roiled with the memory of her involvement, innocent and forced as it was. She glanced over at Aeric as he finally unleashed his own venom at the other wolves.

Despite the vitriol of the other wolves part of Catty cringed with Aeric's vehement condemnation of the resistance. Sure she wasn't entirely keen on some young adult novel fairy tale edition, despite suddenly becoming some Xena/Katniss hybrid. At the same time it would be better than constantly on the run, just the three of them against some massive agency. Freja was clearly on the side of the resistance. Her ultimate goal was getting them out but she didn't seem hesitant on the main goal of the cause. Her eyes lifted to meet his with the simple question. Catty hesitated.

It was almost impossible to believe it had only been a few weeks, not even two months, since she'd found that wounded 'dog' on the road. It felt like years. She was barely part of their world. It shouldn't be her fight...but she couldn't let anyone down either; let alone Aeric. Her hand reached out again but rather than a light touch she gripped Aeric's hand, gently at first. The armor and weapon helped of course but she wasn't exactly some battle hardened solider. In truth she wanted to leave, get as far from the insanity as possible. Even still, a small voice in her mind screamed that it was wrong. The indecision warred on her face as she held Aeric's gaze. On the other side of the minotaur she heard the male wolf guffaw, something along the terms or cowardice were muttered to his mate. Catty cringed, her whole body reacting to the guffaws and the war in her own mind. Her eyes squeezed shut a moment and her fingers gripped Aeric's hand.

With a loud, huffing sigh she relaxed her body and nodded, her eyes opening again to look over to the minotaur. "This place needs to burn," she said with a little growl. Scared as she might be about throwing away the potential of freedom and rushing into a fight she had a score to settle as well. Not just for her, not even just for Aeric, but for all the creatures she'd had to fix up time and again from the abuse they had suffered. So it was agreed upon. They'd join the fight for the moment then...well first step was surviving a fight. New armor and cool bow were nice and all but Catty was no combatant. She was desperately trying to keep a brave face but it would be easy for Aeric to feel her unease in her grip on his hand.

Andor snorted, certainly not impressed with a human's sad attempt at bravery. He said nothing before shifting back to a silvery wolf, turning to lead the way. With keen ears and noses it shouldn't be hard for them to find the rest of the resistance.

Before Aeric could shift Catty gripped his hand harder to grab his attention. Her other hand found the back of his neck as she stepped close and popped up on her toes. She pressed her lips to his, the kiss hard and hungry. Since arriving to the facility she never knew if she'd ever see him again. Every passing day could have meant the end of them and now, after all of that, they were rushing back off into a fight. She kept it brief, fighting her urge to do anything foolish like cry in relief and fear. "We should get some Italian later," she said in a strange, strangled kind of laugh. She was desperately trying to seem brave and at ease with it, the new gear helped but only so much. Even more so, she'd just gotten him back...what if she lost him again? Permanently?

Ready or not the group was ready to move on. Between the wolves and the minotaur the pacing was fast. Catty was still getting a handle on the armor, sliding a bit when trying to turn or stop but she had at least stopped ping-ponging off of the walls. She clutched the handsome bow in her hand, a finger on the string but no pressure and no arrow. Her heart thrummed in her chest and it certainly wasn't because of their furious pacing through the facility. Andor lead the group, trying to sniff out the battle. Hard to do given they needed to find stairs. Catty called out once or twice to give direction. She had only been upstairs once but had gotten a better feel of the strange labyrinth in her time there. Andor glanced back with a wolfish glare but still followed the advice. As much as he didn't like humans he was well aware that she would know the place better than any of them.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Aeric could hardly blame Catty for her hesitation. From the beginning she’d been unwillingly swept into this madness. Both of them were unknowing victims to the ploy that brought them together, but at least Aeric was familiar with the world she’d been dragged into. Guilt, sympathy, and affection alike welled up within him while Catty pondered their involvement in this fight. Deep down, however, he knew what she would choose. This woman he’d grown to care for was unfaltering; she’d proven as much the last time he’d put her in such a situation. She’d put everything on the line to help save Freja, there was no doubt in Aeric’s mind that she would do so again.

But the others did not know Catriona Sinclair in the way that Aeric did. A growl formed in his throat as he heard the ignorant mutterings of the other wolves. Under any other circumstances he would have been happy to challenge them both; they would learn who was truly processed of cowardice then. But as it stood, Aeric couldn’t have cared less about either of them. His attention remained on Catty, his hand squeezing hers in support. And when the confirmation of her decision finally came, Aeric agreed wholeheartedly. Not only did he want to see this place burn, he wanted to be the one to strike the match.

“Then we’ll tear them limb from limb,” he said with a growl, eyes jumping from Catty back to the abrasive male that continued to doubt them. Aeric knew it shouldn’t have bothered him, especially having been the one to lose control, but his blood ran with a hot fury once Andor shifted into a beast to assume the lead. The tawny wolf was quick to join him in the hunt, passing Aeric and his mate one last look of condemnation before changing form. If nothing else this conflict would be a good chance to prove his worth and rub their arrogant noses in it. Or, if worse came to worst and he lost control again, maybe they wouldn’t be so lucky to escape him this time…

With everything sorted out, Aegeus gave a satisfied snort and turned to follow the weres. Aeric was on the verge of changing back into a quadruped to join them, but Catty snared his hand, stopping him in his tracks. He opened his mouth to speak but before he knew it, she pulled herself into him and seized his lips with a hungering kiss. His hands gravitated to her waist, holding her in place as he kissed her back every bit as yearningly. It was over near as quick as it began, leaving Aeric hungry for more when she pulled away. It was almost cruel how little time they had for one another. This thing between them was only just sprouting, yet there was always something there to set it aside, giving it little room to grow.

“That sounds so fucking good,” Aeric said, cracking a smile at her suggestion. A bit of normalcy was exactly what they needed, and it sounded like the perfect way to celebrate bringing this place down. But Aeric could sense her nervousness, and admittedly shared in her fears. With every encounter they’d only just managed to scrape by; who could say when their luck would finally run out? To that end he clung to her still, reassuring her with his embrace just a while longer. That was, until Dolos, who’d lingered behind with Freja, urged them to get a move on.

“You know,” the trickster added, frowning at Aeric’s appearance, “If you’re going to wear the skin of a shapeshifter, the least you could do is use it. Though, honestly, the others might not be so prickly if you weren’t carrying around a dead mythos.”

It took Aeric a moment to register what he was talking about. With everything that happened since the lake house, he’d forgotten all about Eddy’s final gift to him. It remained hidden away, invisible to the naked eye until Aeric chose to call upon it. Doubtless the other wolves could smell it, no matter its deception to the eye. So what was Dolos; who smelled every bit like the human he appeared to be?

Freja saw her brother eyeing him curiously as the trickster took his leave, jogging up ahead to join the others. “I’d keep a close eye on that one,” she warned the both of them, keeping her voice too low for Dolos to hear. “You might see things around him…” She shuddered to even think about the man’s sense of humor, her trust in the illusionist anything but solidified.

“What do you--” Aeric began to say, only for the booming voice of the minotaur to cut him off, telling them all to hurry their asses.

“Just… Remember that if something doesn’t feel right, it might just be in your head.”

it was Freja’s last bit of wisdom before turning away, shifting into her snowy white form, and sprinting on ahead. Aeric nodded to Catty before following Freja’s example, becoming a black wolf that dashed to join the others. Normally it was an easy thing for Andor and Della to sniff out the other members of their pack and track them down. But these halls were filled with a multitude of potent scents now that the other mythos had broken loose and ran rampant through the facility. But as their direction became more clear, Catty proved a great help, steering them away from dead ends and righting their course until the sound of an ensuing struggle from above became all the guide they needed. Even louder than the telltale sounds of fighting rang a fierce, lion-like roar of pain.

“That’s Matthaois!” Aegeus said, urging them to put on another burst of speed in making their way to the upper floor.

Before they could make their way to the lavish office to join their commander, however, they broke through a pair of double doors to reach a sizable laboratory. Inside was a large group of soldiers who’d managed to corral a number of loose creatures. Those too slow or confused to find their way out of the building were at the mercy now, the nearest of which was a nine-tailed fox pinned under the weight of an enemy’s boot and a rifle to her head. Aeric was as quick as an arrow from Catty’s bow, shooting passed Andor and Della and launching himself upon the man. The man saw only a lunging, black shadow with teeth, his reaction too slow to turn the gun on the wolf before it pounced him to the ground and tore into his soft throat.

Aeric ruthlessly savaged his prey, heedless of the crimson spray that stained his midnight coat, or the others soldiers that turned their attention on him. He knew the others would handle them; the minotaur becoming a more immediate focus as he barreled through like a tank. Aeric saw Freja run past, a white streak of lightning that struck another man to the ground while Della and Andor worked as a pair in taking down another. Any man quick enough to lift his gun found himself halted by an unexpected vision, their minds unraveled by the illusionist among them and thus becoming easy targets for the archer, or other fighters among them. In no time flat their enemies would be driven to fall back and abandon their cause.

Now free of their captors, some of the creatures fled while others sought retribution, giving chase to the soldiers who ran. The fox remained among the latter, keeping at Aeric’s side while the black wolf nipped at the cowards’ heels. With the tables turned, it was the men who were too slow or confused who paid the price this time. Aerc’s jaws snapped shut around the leg of the hindermost soldier, and even as he took him down, one of the other mythos would fall upon another victim. One by one they were picked off, the small army of beasts and rebels hunting them all the way back to the commander the fled to.

Only a handful of soldiers were left by the time they reached the office doors, which were broken through in a fit of panic. Inside they found furniture torn asunder, broken pillars and scarred walls, and the trophies of slain mythos, once mounted upon them, now scattered about the ground. In the middle of the warzone lay a gargantuan beast straight out of myth. On any other occasion the manticore would have been a fierce sight, but now he was broken, bloody mess, his breath raspy and shallow while two soldiers worked to chain him down. A third figure stood behind the manticore, his hand wrapped around the haft of his spear which had been thrust downward, bladed tip pinning the monster’s tail to the ground. The hunter’s attention leapt up at the skirmish that came bursting through the door. His scarred face twisted with annoyance, yet he dared not risk removing his spear in order to join the fray.

Despite the soldiers all around him, Aeric’s eyes gravitated towards the huge, downed beast. It was a creature unlike Aeric had ever seen; a breathtaking sight even in its pitiful state. Yet the manticore was forgotten once he saw the one pinning it in place. Something snapped in Aeric’s mind then, all the shouts, screams, and gunfire seeming to fall silent once the black wolf spotted the man who destroyed his pack. His blood ran with a hot fury, his thoughts becoming single minded with paws carrying him forward before he even realized it. The hunter barely had time to react, his eyes catching the dark shape that bolted for him just in time to yank his weapon free of the tail and lift it in defense as the wolf crashed into him, breaking them both down to the ground.

Aeric remained atop his prey, heavy paws keeping him down while his teeth snapped shut, clamping around the metal shaft of Gungnir instead of the fleshy face he’d intended for. In his rage, he was every bit as mindless as his monstrous form. Jaws tore and gnashed about the spear, futilely attempting to reach the man who struggled behind it. Before he could, the hunter gave a shout and turned the spear with all his might, throwing the wolf off in the process. Aeric felt the sharp edge of the spearhead cut into his side, but ignored it as he fell away and scrambled back to all fours.

“We need to get him loose!” He heard Aegeus shout to Catty and the others, urging them to free Matthaios from his bonds. But the Aeric ignored his allies as readily as he did his wound. He was a beast consumed now, heedless of the rest of the chaos unfolding while he circled his singular prey for an opening.

 

[LilGunner]

Part of her wished she had just declined. As Aeric held onto her tightly she wanted nothing more than to just leave with him. Go get some Italian and figure out their next plan. Every step had been a snap decision out of necessity, out of fear and panic. They'd had a small break of peace at the cabin but it hadn't lasted long, even still it was interrupted in the middle with that lake monster. She clung as tightly to Aeric as he did to her, letting her forehead rest on his chest. They needed to go, needed to take the final step before they could taste freedom. His hard grip was at least grounding and set her a little more at ease. They would be fine. He was strong and she finally had some semblance of her own protection and means to fight.

They were interrupted by the man who had arrived with Freja. Catty turned her head to look at him as he spoke of shapeshifter skin. A confused frown creased Catty's brow until the realization dawned on her. That's right! That ugly coat Eddy had given to Aeric! He had been wearing it the whole time. Super weird considering she was hugging his naked body at that moment. The supernatural world was still super weird. The man kicked up his feet to go catch up to the others and Freja cut in. She was weirdly elusive as she spoke of the odd man. Her advice odd and confusing. Catty had to assume Dolos wasn't a regular human but by all accounts he looked like one. Of course...so did Aeric and Freja. Super weird world indeed.

Between the noses of the wolves and Catty's mild knowledge of the facility it didn't take long to find their way. Even Catty could hear the sounds of fighting eventually, the group using them as their waypoint. As they drew nearer the fearsome, beastial, lion-like roar made her footsteps falter. What in the hell was that?! No time to ponder it. The group slammed through a set of double doors where the remnants of the facility soldiers and the freed mythos were. Not so free, herded into the lab to be subdued once more. Catty recognize most of them, a little pang in her gut to seem them trapped after spending so much time freeing them. Aeric was the first to push aside his surprise and rush in, quick to take down one man in a bloody spray. The rest joined in. Catty noted how some of the soldier who tried to raise their weapons seemed to suddenly halt. Catty hung back from the fray and raised her bow. A wicked arrow formed as she drew back to her cheek and let fly. The arrow soared through the air and struck one man right through his neck. She kept up at a steady pace, her arms and back starting to ache by the fifth arrow. As handy has the weapon was she certainly wasn't in prime archer shape and its draw was strong. Hell, she hadn't been to the gym in almost two months.

The soldiers tried to retreat through another set of doors but the group, with more mythos added to their tiny squad, gave chase. Bursting through another set of doors Catty went still at the sight. Never mind the battle ground her eyes fell on the massive beast being chained down. She had a basic grasp of some mythology and recognized it as a manticore. Her breath stilled as she stared, everyone momentarily stilled at the scene. She had to force her eyes away to the man who pinned down the wicked tail. A ripple of fear and anger rushed through her. Him! She put her fingers to the bow and began to draw back but Aeric suddenly rushed forward. The pair went tumbling down in a mass of fur and cloth. Catty's eyes remained locked on them as they struggled on the floor. If Aeric would move she might have a good shot but she was too frightened to hit Aeric to even try. Even as the other Mythos attacked the soldier Catty was unmoving, transfixed by the struggle. She stayed utterly still until Aegeus bellowed at them.

Catty jumped, broken from the trance, her head whipped around to the minotaur then to the manticore. Free him. Right. Catty slung her bow across her body and ran forward to loosen the chains. Given most of their party were some sort of quadraped she was among the few with functioning thumbs. She got to the first chain and began unbinding it from the massive beast, hoping it would be able to recognize friend from foe. Just as she got it almost off her hair was grabbed in a heavy fist and she was yanked back with a yelp of pain and fright. A thick arm wrapped around her neck, cutting off her air and pressing on the already darkening bruises Brooks had inflicted. She felt a hand on her head, the soldier behind ready to simply snap her neck. Something heavy slammed into them and hauled the man off of her. Catty sucked in a long, hard breath, coughing as she turned. The silvery wolf and his tawny mate were on the man, savaging his neck and gut as he screamed and gurgled before laying still. Catty was more than surprised to see the two that had intervened.

"Thanks," she rasped to them. Andor looked up, his muzzled wet and red, giving her a sharp nod. Stupid and useless as humans were he wasn't about to just let the bitch get killed. For the time being, however much he hated it, they were allies. The pair hung close as Catty went back to the chains to free the manticore. It didn't take her long to work all the chains free, able to do the job without worry with the two canine guardians. Soon the beast was free but would likely need help getting out of there. How they were going to carry him was beyond her. She could finally turned her attention back to the hunter and Aeric, taking up her bow once more and putting her fingers to the string. If there was a shot at him she would take it. Aeric might want to be the one to end the man but she would be damned if she wasn't going to take the shot to end him.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

The scarred hunter was a dastardly one, his steps light and purposeful as he walked about, his eyes locked to the snarling black wolf that came at him single mindedly. Aeric was lightning quick with his strikes and lunges, yet his prey was always one step faster. His every dodge was made with masterful positioning, making sure Aeric remained an obstacle for the archer who dared take aim at him. But before he knew it, the game had changed. The paltry group of beasts and their red haired mascot made a beeline for the manticore in an attempt to set it free.

Dodging another lunge from the wolf the hunter lifted his appear, aiming it directly at Catty once she reached the chains. Knowing Gungnir would never miss its target when thrown, Aeric could not afford him the chance. He whirled about from his failed attempt and threw himself at the hunter’s legs, his savage jaws wrapping around the meat of a calf. That was enough to change his priorities, the spear thrusted down towards Aeric instead. But the wolf was already gone, having bitten and ran before he could be rendered into a canine shish kebab. His distraction would give Catty enough time to free the beast, albeit it with Andor and Della’s save.

Before the reinforcements had arrived, Matthaios had all but given up. But as the weight of the chains fell away, the sound of battle rousing his ears, his weary eyes cracked open, one large pupil focusing on the mortal that broke his tethers. She appeared fierce for a dustling, unpracticed hands wielding her bow as though it were made for her all the same. It was inspiring to see one bereft of strength act so courageously. It was inspiring enough, in fact, that the manticore summoned upon his own reserves of strength, quivering limbs pushing him up from the cold, stone floor. His wounded tail came to life, a little more sluggish in its movement than usual, but snake-like all the same. His stature was impossible not to notice, especially when his pierced, bloody wings spanned wide, making him appear more formidable than ever.

Aeric came lunging for the hunter again, but his prey was quick to respond, smacking the wolf away with the flat of Gungnir’s blade. Aeric recoiled upon hitting the ground, lights dancing before his eyes. The opponent could have finished him off then and there, but seeing the manticore back on his feet, lashing tail preparing a barb meant for his heart, the hunter had to act fast. Gungnir was hefted and launched in a panic, its wielder relying on the runes carved into its tip guide it. The mythical weapon would find its mark as expected, piercing the manticore’s tail with such a force that it was nearly severed in two. It fell limp and useless, Matthaios leasing an ear shattering roar of pain that shook the walls.

Even without the use of his tail, the manticore was a deadly foe. Pain and raged caused him to lash out, friend and foe alike forced to flee his proximity less they find themselves crushed beneath him. One soldier was a little too slow to the draw, a panicked expression the last thing to cross his face before being torn asunder by the swipe of a paw. Aeric however, was relentless. He dodged around the thrashing beast, his ears ringing from its furious shouts as he made to assault his prey. The wolf’s persistence left the hunter no time to recall his spear, forcing him to draw the blade sheathed at his hip instead. Aeric saw the silvery glint of the sword as it came free and darted to the side, narrowly dodging a slash from it.

Having been on the receiving end of that blade once already, Aeric was compelled to keep his distance now. If it managed to gut him again, there would be no cozy studio apartment to shelter his recovery this time. He half expected the hunter to seize the opportunity of his hesitation and chase him down. Instead he kept rooted to the spot, sword at the ready while he waited for Aeric to make his next move. It might have been a great opportunity for Catty to take her shot if the rampaging manticore hadn’t been there to obscure it. Matthaios proved to be beyond all control, no matter how Aegeus might try to calm his old friend. In the end it would come down to Dolos, an assuasive illusion bringing an end to their leader’s mindless fury. By the time he was pacified, their enemies had all but been destroyed.

While the others mopped up the rest, Freja leapt away from her most recent kill to join her brother in his hunt. Together they worked in unison, one grabbing his attention long enough for the other to come at him from another direction. But their foe was uncanny in their movements, allowing neither to get close enough to lock their jaws on his flesh. While their combined efforts left him no quarter, it also continued to deny Catty her shot. When there wasn’t a mass of black fur in the way there was a cloud of white. Yet, even when her opening finally came, it would prove useless, for the man’s perception was practically inhuman. The moment the arrow left her bow he would take a hasty step, jerking aside to see the projectile whistling past his nose. Such fast reactions had the wolves frustrated, not to mention exhausted as they danced around the silver blur of his sword whipping about. But, no matter his martial expert, there were simply too many of them.

Aegeus was next to join the fray, the minotaur rushing in from the hunter’s side. Aeric and Freja spotted the charge and baited their prey, keeping him entertained long enough for Aegeus to make contact. A broad slash drove the two wolves away in time to realize what was coming, but while he managed to avoid being gored by those pointed horns, the minotaur still managed to clip him in the side. The force of the impact left the hunter rattled, knocking him to his ass and the sword free of his hand. The silvery blade went skidding across the marble floor while Aegeus pressed his attack, rounding about to charge the hunter again before he could find his footing. Yet, the mythos underestimated the man’s speed.

The hunter was back on his feet in no time, and this time he stood his ground even as the minotaur came charging in. Just before the collision he launched himself forward and took hold of the bull by his horns. It was like hitting a brick wall, the hunter digging in his heels and holding bringing the minotaur to a halt despite his immense strength. The two appeared an even match as they grappled, each struggling to gain ground on the other. But then the hunter changed tact, using his leverage on the horns to twist and pull, effectively wrestling Aegeus to the ground.

Freja made a beeline for the two combatants, intent on helping Aegeus before the hunter had a chance to snap his neck. Aeric might have gone to do the same, but instead he turned his attention to where the silver sword had fallen. One blow from that blade and he’d be stuck in this form for days; he couldn’t risk it getting back into his enemy’s hands. So while Freja ran for Aegeus and his assailant, Aeric dashed for the sword. Just before reaching the blade he shifted forms, a human arm shooting out to snatch it up by the hilt. With the reminder from Dolos still fresh in mind, the coat changed forms along with him, as though feeding on his memory to mimic Aeric’s appearance from the night he’d first encountered the sword.

Aeric had intended to grab the sword and run to the aid of the others, yet something… strange overcame him the moment he took it in hand. Though it was small enough to wield in one hand it felt unusually dense and heavy. He’d seen the hunter swinging it around quick as a whip, yet a couple of swings were like to have his muscles complaining. His mind felt burdened as well, as though a large storm cloud had settled over his brain and left him dizzy. Fatigue, perhaps… His transformation from earlier had already taken a lot out of him, to say nothing of the ensuing battle.

A pained whine from Freja brought Aeric back to his senses. He looked up to find the hunter standing over her, a bloody tear in the side of his coat. What price Freja may have paid for landing the bite he couldn’t see, but as Aegeus appeared to winded to move, Aeric only focused on rushing to her aid. His target was crouched low over Freja, arm cocked back in preparation for a blow to her skull. He was just about to deliver it when the sound of Aeric running in brought him to about face. He stood at the ready for what he expected to be a wolf, only to find a man wielding his own sword against him. Aeric took the sword in both hands, lifting it high above his shoulder and bringing it down with all his strength. The silver blade cut through flesh like butter, slicing his opponent clean from chest to hip.

The hunter fell back with a gasp of pain, eyes wide over the unexpected damage. Aeric was caught in the selfsame surprise as he watched his opponent fall to the ground, a line of blood already soaking through his clothes. As he stood there, dizziness from earlier overtook him once more. But this time, as the fog rolled in over his mind, a thunderous voice came with it.

DO IT! The voice encouraged him. KILL HIM NOW!

But the voice came as such a surprise that Aeric froze in place, head whipping around in search of its owner. But even more astonishing than the etheral voice was force that took hold of his arm when he hesitated. Muscles twitched and moved against his will, arms going high to lift the sword as though his body were possessed. Horrified, he took control back, fingers releasing the hilt to drop the sword entirely out of shock. The moment the weapon fell from his hands Aeric felt the cloud disperse from his mind, the voice and force that took hold of him disappearing entirely.

Aeric was so perturbed by the experience that he’d forgotten about the bloody hunter sprawling about. His eyes were on the sword, having deduced it to be the origin of the strange feeling and ominous voice. Meanwhile, his opponent had managed to get enough distance to lift his hand and call for Gungnir. The all but forgotten spear responded with a twitch before springing up into the air and rocketing back to its wielder. The feel of it whooshing by reminded Aeric of his priorities, but by that point it was already in the hunter’s hand.

He would have loved to send the wolf to Helheim then and there, a spear through the heart a just reward for delivering such a grievous wound, but settling a personal vandetta did nothing to increase his odds for survival. Instead, he gave the wolf a bloodied grin, Gungnir coming to life in his hand with same, crackling energy he’d seen back at Ally’s cabin. Aeric stepped forward to stop him but he couldn’t cross the distance before the spear was hurled upwards. Like a bolt of lightning it shot towards the ceiling, colliding with one of the support beams in a furious explosion. Rubble and debris went flying, the ceiling uttering a terrible groan before the weight of it came crashing down, forcing everyone to scurry for cover.

Aeric caught a glimpse of Freja up on her feet and dashing away before rubble and dust obscured the view. Aegeus, however, was scarcely off the ground before the debris came crashing down, seemingly burying him. Aeric couldn’t be sure, as he sought to find his own shelter from being crushed. Of Catty and the others and knew even less, the shattered remnants of the office coming down between them before he could so much as look their direction. He’d only just managed to avoid being crushed himself, having shifted from man to wolf for an extra burst of speed in his flight. By the time he made it to the far corner of the room the room was a mess of detritus, and the air was choked by a cloud of dust.

 

[LilGunner]

Just as Catty had been wondering how they would lug the massive manticore from the building he moved. Then seemed to gather what strength he had left and slowly came back to life. Catty craned her head back, still close to the massive creature. A grin spread on her face. She didn’t know them but it was awe-inspiring to see it rise with renewed vigor. Tattered wings spread, only adding to the imposing shadow the beast cast. Even as it rose to its height a silvery flash sped through the air. Catty saw the spurt of blood from behind but her eyes snapped shut, hands leaping to her ears with the roar of pain. Even with her human ears it was painful, besides she was standing right by it. It shook her from toes to crown as it reverberated around the room and through their bodies.

Eyes closed she didn’t see the wild paw lash out. Lucky for her it was a back swing, the claws thankfully away from her. Magical armor or not they might have shredded her. The force drove breath from her lungs and sent her through the air to land hard on the concrete floor, tumble a few feet, and slide till hitting a distant wall. Her vision darkened and danced when she came to a halt, torn between a need for sleep and to vomit. It was the worst hangover she’d ever had in her life. Andor and his mate had gotten away in time to avoid the thrashing. The tawny female trotted over to check on Catty, giving a huffing snort after confirming the human had survived. Joy. With a nod to her mate the pair went back to ending the last remnants of the soldiers still foolish enough to linger while Aeric and his sister dealt with the leader.

Catty missed most of the fight, struggling to keep awake and keep whatever food might be in her stomach down. Eventually the world settle. The manticore had been settled, somehow. Freja was pinned down by the hunter, a bloody gash in her side. Aeric had, at some point, shifted back to a man and held a sword. She was no expert on swords but it appeared heavy as he held it awkwardly. Catty reached for her bow even as Aeric charged. Her vision was barely settled, sometimes still shifting to doubles and blurring. Aeric swung and hit the hunter. Breath caught in Catty’s chest. It was over. It had to be. No, he still lived but that red weal across his front spelled his doom. She held her bow but didn’t draw the string just yet even as Aeric froze in place. What the hell was wrong with him. “Do it Aeric,” she whispered quietly starting to put pressure on the string.

The sword raised but still he hesitated. Then, of all things, the sword tumbled to the ground with a high clatter. Catty raised her bow and pulled back on the string. If he wouldn’t do it she would. Before she could loose an arrow Gungir flew through the air once more, called to its master. A crack of energy bolted from the spear and lightening shot up at the ceiling. Catty stood transfixed a moment. They had lost their opportunity! How the hell had they managed that? No time to think about it! The ceiling started crashing down. Catty felt a warm, hairy slam in her legs as Andor raced by, glancing over his shoulder. Run you stupid human! Already the space was full of dust. She caught a glimpse of Aeric and Freja before huge chunks of ceiling came down. Catty turned and ran after Andor and his mate. They bolted out of the large office, sliding to a halt when they were safe. The small group stood there, listening to the roar of the collapsing ceiling. Catty’s vision was still off and she felt the warm, wet, trickle of blood on her neck.

An eternity passed before the sound stopped, dust billowing out from the gaping hole that had once been two doors. Catty sucked in a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She said nothing before slinging her bow and running back into the room. Behind her she heard the annoyed growl of Andor but then the click of claws following. “Aeric!” She yelled into the dusty, dark abyss, giving a little cough from the plumes of dust. “Freja? Anyone?” In the gloom she heard the groan of the massive manticore. It would have no trouble surviving the falling debris.

Andor shifted back to a man, staring into the cloudy darkness. “Matthios! Aegeus!” He shouted, standing beside Catty. “Come on….don’t be dead.”

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Aeric’s senses were overwhelmed. His ears were ringing from the crash, and the particulates in the air agitated his sensitive nose, making it difficult to breathe. The dust covered him, rendering his sleek, black coat into more of a dingy grey. It was thick enough that the chalky feel of it on his tongue was all that he could taste. Worse than all that, however, was the sudden wave of fatigue that took him. Aeric swayed about the wreckage, feeling as though his legs would give out on him at any moment. He’d been riding on the adrenaline of everything so far, but now his abused body had caught up to him. Everything ached in the wake of his transformation, the trauma of it becoming no less difficult to bear. The wound at his side complained as well, the fur there wet and matted from a mixture of dust and blood.

Despite the deplorable state, Aeric had been lucky overall. He’d only just managed to avoid a large piece of equipment that came crashing down from the floor up above; a few steps slower and he would have certainly been crushed beneath its weight. Whether the rest of their party had been so fortunate, Aeric could not say. He was somewhat conscious of movement somewhere to the left of him; of a dark blur that stumbled about before disappearing into the powdery haze that choked the air, but his mind was too addled to consider who or what it might have been. It was the same for the voices that came shouting out, the sound of their plea muddled by the hissing in his ears. That garbled sound of Catty’s shout was the last thing he heard before the exhaustion won over, the ground running up to meet him before his vision went blacker than his coat.

Freja was a bit quicker when it came to gathering her wits. The white wolf had been among the first to react to Gungnir’s attack, her sleek form bolting for cover as quick as the explosion itself. Even so, she was winded, her every breath coming with a sharp complaint from her ribs. She had the hunter and his fist to thank for that, but it didn’t feel serious, and Freja was no stranger to pain besides. Ignoring her hurts, she anxiously padded about the wreckage, looking for any sign of the others. With the dust continuing to settle, however, it was hard to see anything outside of a few shapes, but her ears perked at the sound of Catty and Andor’s voices. Freja’s feet carried her towards them at first, only to stop before a dark, lumbering shape which came crawling up out of the rubble.

Matthaios! Freja, realized, taking a step back as the great beast rose, dust and debris pouring off his form. She was relieved to find the manticore alive, though he looked as though he might keel over at any time. His legs were quivering by the time he stood upon them, and his tail was little more than a broken, bloody mess dragged along behind him. Freja watched him take a tentative step, one that nearly saw him collapse back to the ground, before she shifted back into the form of a woman and cautiously approach the manticore’s side.

“Over here!” She shouted first to the others, before turning her attention back to Matthaios. “Easy now… You mustn’t push yourself.”

“Is he dead?” Matthaios demanded, his voice as deep and and rumbling as a grindstone, “The hunter! Has he been slain?”

“I’m not sure,” Freja admitted, her eyes jumping to where she’d last seen the man. The spot was completely buried by the wreckage that came crashing down from above, leaving no trace of the hunter that once stood there. “I didn’t see what happened after he threw the spear…”

Yet more concerning than the state of the hunter, was that of her brother. As much as she hoped their foe’s lifeless body was pinned beneath that rubble, she was just as worried that her sibling had shared in his fate. Freja’s eyes peered through the settling dust, searching for the ebony fur of his coat and hoping not to find it among the lifeless figures strewn about the rubble.

“He had the vial…” Matthaios grumbled, stirring Freja from her thought. “Her venom… I-I have to make certain…” The manticore attempted to push forward, yet hardly made it three steps before his legs buckled, causing him to collapse.

“Stop!” Freja snapped, bounding forward to interfere as the man beast made to rise once again. “You shouldn’t be moving around in this condition.” Her eyes jumped to the other wolves, looking for their assistance once they arrived with Catty. Della was the first to respond, her tawny coat giving way to long, silky hair of the same color as she shifted from beast, into pale-skinned beauty.

“She is right, Matthaios. You can leave this to us now. Come, Andor, we must search for Aegeus and the others. And should we chance to find the hunter in one piece, we will remedy that with fang and claw.”

No sooner than the words left her mouth did Della change shape, her human appearance tucked away in favor of her true, four legged form. From there, the she wolf wasted no time in putting her nose to work. A multitude of scents filled the office, all of them mixed together like a mess of tangled cords. Most of them were strange to her, undoubtedly left by the men and creatures that occupied this place, but after sniffing them out a bit, she was able to sort out a few recognizable ones. Latching on to the first, she hurried forward, padded paws guiding her safely across the hazardous terrain.

Meanwhile Andor, having caught a whiff of Aegeus, struck off in the opposite direction. The minotaur’s fragrant scent was easy enough to track, his nose eventually guiding him towards a solid mound of rubble. The wolf approached warily, keeping his distance from a few live wires sparking around the debris. A few sniffs told him Aegeus was somewhere under that mess, but before he could investigate further the pile of scrap gave a shudder and rumbled to life. Andor sprang back in surprise, unsure of what was happening until he saw a meaty fist break free of the rubble, followed by the sharp point of a horn.

“Aegeus!” Andor called, having shifted back into the form of a man in order to help pull his friend out of his predicament. After a bit of effort, the minotaur came free of the wreckage, looking bloody and beaten, as if he’d just climbed out of hell itself.

“Are you alright?” asked the wolf.

“A little bruised,” he said, emitting a bull-like grunt of pain, “But still breathing.” Even so, he had to pause to gather said breath. Once he had, the wellbeing of Matthaios was his first concern.

“About the same as you,” Andor told said of the manticore, gesturing towards slouched beast. “Were the two of you lesser creatures, I don’t think we could say the same.”

“You don’t need to tell me…” Aegeus mournfully agreed. There was no need for words when the bodies of the less fortunate were all around them. Friend and foe alike lay broken, some fallen in the heat of battle, others crushed by the falling skies. But now was not the time to lose themselves with grief. The danger would not be over until they quit this place, so he ignored his hurts, both physical and otherwise, and forced himself back on his feet. Andor remained like a shadow, ready to help should his comrade stumble in his attempt to regroup with the others.

Della’s first discovery was a far less joyous one to be had. The tawny wolf came stopped cold once she spotted the motionless remains of not one, but two of their pack members.

Edon… Gerwulf…

A deep sadness overtook the she wolf as the approached the cold, lifeless bodies of her two pack mates. Their wounds were gruesome, undoubtedly delivered by the loathsome hunter and his spear even before she and Andor had arrived to help. Now, she and her mate were all that was left of their once mighty tribe of wolves. As the reality of that sank in, so did her grief, intermingled with her regrets.

If only we’d been together... she quietly mourned, thinking back on how their team split upon the appearance of the monstrous Aeric.

Della’s grief was broken by a touch of anger once her nose picked up the trail of the very werewolf she blamed, bringing her to turn away from the tragic scene and follow it. It didn’t take long to find him, her legs carrying her a short distance across the rubble where she found the ebony wolf collapsed to the ground, looking as motionless as the corpses around them. But as she crept nearer to investigate, Della found that Aeric was still breathing. Rather than relief, she found herself furious, especially once her presence stirred something in the unconscious wolf, prompting one of his bright, emerald eyes to crack open and spy her.

“What bitter irony,” she spat, having changed forms to loom over the downed beast, “That you should live while the rest of our pack is destroyed….”

She couldn’t help but lay the blame at his feet after his blind assault upon them. His lack of control was bad enough, but thinking back on his battle against the hunter helped to fuel her rage as well. It didn’t matter that he was no longer a monster, for Aeric remained every bit as mindless in that fight as he was before. And worst of all, when the black wolf finally had a clear chance to end their foe once and for all, what should he do but drop his weapon and blunder the opportunity?

“Go and lick your wounds with the others, but never forget, wolf: These deaths are on your head.”

They were the last words Della had for Aeric before shifting back to a beast and padding away to continue her search, and they hit hard. In fact, Aeric found himself rooted more by her declaration than he was due to injury and exhaustion. He lay there a long moment, eyes shifting about the look at the carnage all around him. Della was right, of course. If he’d been more in control of himself, perhaps things would have worked out differently. But he could not afford to focus on that now, not when Catty and Freja’s wellbeing was still of concern to him.

Gathering his strength, Aeric pushed himself back up on his set of wobbly legs, ignoring the wet trickle of blood from his side as he slowly crossed the way towards where their small group of survivors had gathered around Matthaios. Freja was the first to notice his coming, and as a white wolf, bounded over to greet him. Relief flooded the both of them as they brushed against one another, elated to have found each other safe. Freja soon stepped aside, however, giving him a clear path to Catty who he was just as worried about. Upon seeing her, Aeric changed from beast to man, quickly closing the gap between them to embrace her.

“Thank the gods,” he said with a breath of easing nerves, “Are you alright You’re not hurt are you?” Never mind his own pains, Aeric knew he would never be able to forgive himself if something happened to her as a result of his actions.

 

[LilGunner]

Dust still hung thickly as the remaining few stood in the destroyed office. The fury and fear from battle settled quicker than the chalky ceiling dust. Catty’s heart still thrummed against her chest. Nothing at first from any of their shouts. Then a rumbling shift of the ceiling debris followed by Freja’s shout. Catty and the two wolves were quick to run over as Matthios tried to rise, desperation, fear, and pain in his voice. Despite his injuries, despite all, his prime concern was the hunter and the manticore venom. The wolves were quick to sett off in search of survivors. With no nose to aid in the search, despite the rising fear for Aeric, Catty stayed with Matthios.

“Er…hello…” she said awkwardly to the massive beast. Her eyes bounced around the multitude of wounds he had sustained. How in the fresh hell were they going to get such a massive creature out of there? Catty could hardly help herself, checking over the Manticore. The worst of his wounds seemed the nearly severed tail. “Boy I hope you can change shape like the others…I might be able to stich your tail back together though…” she said as she moved around him.

Distantly she heard the rumble of debris and her heart gave a mighty leap only to fall. Not that she shouldn’t be grateful that Aegus survived but she kept hoping to hear of Aeric. No one seemed to have found the body of the hunter yet either. With the rising anxiety Catty was just starting to think she might as well run off to gather whatever she could to help mend Matthios when she heard Della speak. The sheer anger and vitriol in her voice could only mean one thing. Catty’s attention whipped around as everyone began gathering again. From the dark a tawny shape emerged slowly followed by that oh-so-familiar black wolf. A long rush of air fled Catty’s lungs, the relief so strong she thought her legs might give out.

Freja rushed forward to greet her brother. The two wolves brushed against one another in happy reunion. They didn’t linger and even as Aeric rushed forward Catty moved to meet him. She found herself engulfed in familiar strong arms, both of them near shaking in relief. Catty’s throat tightened but she wouldn’t cry. Nope. No crying. “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she said with her face buried into Aeric’s chest. “Just a bit of a bump on the head,” she said as she eased herself back in the tight hug to prod at the top of her head. There was still a little blood but it seemed the active flow had mostly ceased. “You’re the one who’s actually hurt,” she said, lightly brushing her fingers near the wound in his side. “Getting a little tired of sewing you up ya know,” she said in a pained attempt of humor.

“Yes yes, the least deserving have survived, joy,” Andor’s voice cut in sharply. “All this and that bastard got away, I can’t find him anywhere.” The older male strolled into the group, arms folded across his broad and naked chest, with a thunderous expression. “We saw the fight, why the hell didn’t you kill him when you had the chance you stupid pup?” The grief of loss and his already existing disdain of Aeric was pouring out. He stepped forward like he was about to lunge at Aeric to throw a punch but stopped himself. “Now we have to start over, find the asshole, and try to take him down again. I hope you’re happy.”

Catty poked her head around Aeric. For a brief second she tried to remember the couple of times Andor had saved her butt. Just a brief second. “Hey, fuck you pal, you’re not the only one who’s suffered loss because of all this shit. Let’s get out of here first before we start having a pissing match about who’s fault is what.”

 

[Fates.Gamble]

After so many close calls, Aeric couldn’t help but hold Catty in his embrace, his sense of relief immeasurable. They’d been through hell and back in this place, but here they were, alive and kicking, if a little banged up. For all their misfortune clearly they seemed to have the luck of the devil. Yet, in the back of his mind Aeric found himself wondering how long before that luck would run out. Death had been chasing them from the moment they found each other; sooner or later, it was bound to catch up.

“It’s nothing,” Aeric said, attempting to brush off Catty’s concerns over him. Stubborn as he was, however, there was no hiding the wince that swept his face once her fingers teased near the wound. It was not so grievous an injury as the night they met, but the bladed edge of the spear had cut deep all the same. Still, he managed to smile weakly through the pain, somehow finding his own sense of humor. “Hopefully this will be the last time. I doubt I could afford all the vet bills.”

But while the two of them still found the spirit for banter, the grim reality had apparently settled over the rest of their party. True to form, Andor was the first to round on them, spitting his venomous words at the pair. Aeric’s eyes burned with an emerald fury as his attention lifted to the rival wolf, his tongue sharpening for a retort. The comments about his fight with the hunter, however, struck it down, leaving the words dead in Aeric’s throat. Andor may have been an insufferable prick, but he wasn’t wrong. Aeric had every opportunity to deliver a fatal blow, putting an end to the man’s campaign of terror and avenging his family all at once. The furious wolf demanded to know why he hesitated, and rightfully so. But what was he supposed to say?

‘The voice in my head freaked me out before I could’?

These other wolves already thought poorly of him; the last thing he needed was for them to believe he’d lost touch with sanity as well.

The fiery ginger in his arms found her voice where Aeric couldn’t, once again coming to his defense. Della was quick to snap back in the form of a vicious growl, hair standing on end as she stood by her mate. The four were proving to be a rather volatile mix, and Aegeus for one, was losing his patience with the lot of them.

“That’s enough of your squabbling!” The minotaur boomed, coming to stand between the group. “I won’t tell you again.” The bull gave a frustrated snort as he gazed hopped between the group, settling lastly on the manticore at the center. Matthaios’ breathing was shallow, the great beast hovering on the edge of consciousness after the ordeal he’d gone through. Catty had offered to treat his wounds, but with the condition he was in, Aegeus doubted the manticore had enough strength to stand, let alone revert to his human form. Luckily, help was waiting just outside the facility.

“The girl has the right of it,” Aegeus said, agreeing with Catty. “The sooner we’re rid of this place the better. I’m calling in the recovery team.”

Freja stood by Matthaios’ side as the minotaur stepped away, her bright eyes settling on the rest of their group. It was troubling to see how few had survived this encounter, but there was one particular absence that she found most disturbing.

Where is Dolos? She wondered silently.

After all the time they’d spend together, she knew the trickster to be far too crafty to die here. Thinking about it, she had no recollection of seeing the man during their battle against the one who’d slaughtered her family. The last she’d seen of that slippery bastard was when they stormed the lab downstairs. With her suspicions quickly building, Freja resumed her human appearance in order to voice them to the rest of the group.

“Something isn’t right,” She told them, her attention jumping to Aeric in particular. “I saw the blow you landed…” There had been enough blood that she could recall the smell of it, the stink of iron having flooded her nose. “There’s no way he could have fled with an injury like that…”

“So what are you saying?” Aegeus demanded to know, his call finished as he rejoined the group. “You think that asshole’s buried beneath the rubble?”

“Maybe,” Freja admitted, sounds doubtful. “Or maybe he had help.”

“But who could have--”

“Dolos,” she said pointedly. “In case you haven’t noticed, he’s missing just like our prey. And who better to pull a fast one on us? He’s been working as a double agent all this time, right? Are you certain he’s your agent?”

Aegeus frowned at Freja. He clearly did not want to entertain the idea, but she could see the seeds of doubt sprouting in his expression. Without so much as a word, the minotaur turned away from her, hooves treading through the debris as he ambled towards the place where the hunter had fallen before launching his cowardly attack. He was rather beat up himself, his muscles sore and numerous cuts and bruises across his body, yet Aegeus paid the injuries no mind as he threw himself at the pile of rubble, seeking to disprove Freja’s theory. Aeric soon found himself following suit, slipping out of Catty’s arms to join the great brute in his search. The gash at his waist screamed in complaint as he bent down and began to dig through the ruins, but there would be no dissuading him. His exhaustion and injury was nothing against his hunger to know the truth.

Between the minotaur’s impressive strength and the wolf’s stubborn persistence, it took little time to clear away the rubble, and as the scene of his battle with the hunter was exposed, Aeric shot back to his feet and took in the evidence of his failure. Freja was right. There was no body here, only a wet puddle of blood where his enemy had fallen, and beside that, the silver sword which Aeric had so foolishly dropped in his time of triumph. Despite being buried the sword appeared in perfect condition, its gleaming blade free of dents and seemingly unmarred by blood or dust. Aegeus , appearing drawn to the weapon, reached out and took the sword by the hilt. Aeric watched him like a hawk as he took the blade in hand, his thoughts jumping back to that disembodied voice that rang through his mind. If such a thing haunted the bull, he showed no evidence of it. Not even so much as a frown as he lifted the sword, eyes drinking in the runes inscribed upon the blade.

“If Dolos did this…” The minotaur rumbled, lowering the weapon once more.

“Then I’ll tear him limb from limb,” Freja promised with a growl that sounded more beast than human. “He couldn’t have gotten far. Not after losing that much blood. Della, Andor… We’ve got hunting to do.”

“I’m coming too,” Aeric insisted. Never mind his dizziness and pain, if that spear toting bastard still drew breath it was his responsibility to remedy it.

“I’m sorry Aeric, but no. Not in your condition, you’d only slow us down.”

“But…” He started to argue, gritting his teeth in frustration.

Della wasn’t sure who died and left this snowy coated bitch alpha, but she wasn’t wrong, least of all about excluding her brother from this search. “You’ve already done enough,” she snapped at Aeric, eyes narrowing at the foolish pup. “Stay here licking your wounds until you’ve learned how to make a proper kill.” Aeric seethed at her words, yet managed to hold his tongue while Della shifted to her tawny form in preparation of the hunt.

“The others should be here soon,” Freja said, turning her attention towards the lone human of their group. “Catty, can you make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid until then? Stubborn fool with bleed to death if he has his way.” Aeric still had plenty of argument left in him, but Freja didn’t give him a chance before changing form and taking off, leading the other two wolves out of the room in search of their all too elusive prey.

~

Freja’s instincts couldn’t have been more keen. Dolos sat in wait just one floor below, silently wondering how long it would take the rebel beasts to line up the pieces and solve the puzzle of what happened upstairs. They weren’t like to be happy once they realized he’d pulled the wool over their eyes, spiriting away their mortal enemy before he could meet an untimely end. Of course, there was still every chance that he might. The black wolf’s had practically gutted the hunter with his own sword. Even now he bled freely, the man possessed of a stubbornness to rival the beast that brought him low.

“Things would be so much easier if you just used one of these little tonics you spent so much time developing,” Dolos teased him, brandishing a vial of red liquid at the man as he huddled over a sink with a blow torch and a metal file, intending to cauterize his wound.

“I’d sooner bleed out,” the hunter growled, voice weak as he focused on his work. “It’s demeaning enough I had to rely on you of all things.”

“Come now, that cuts almost as deeply as your sword.” Dolos said with a grin. He propped himself up on a nearby table, watching as his companion readied his tool. “But if you ask me, your hypocrisy is showing. How many years did your lab rats spend making these miracle cures? All the funding that went into this project… Not to mention all the mythos who gave their lives. One gulp and you’d be good as new, yet you refuse to partake of the fruits of your own labor. If your hatred of them is so great, why bother harvesting the beasts at all? Let me guess… Because it is the ‘Will of the Allfather.’”

The hunter ignored the trickster’s goading, keeping his back to the man as he doused the torch and lifted the hot iron. He was not one to stand on ceremony, bracing himself with no more than a deep breath before pressing the searing metal to part of his wound. His face contorted with pain as the torn flesh was burned and closed. After a couple of seconds he pulled the file away, sucked in a few ragged breaths, and moved on to the next section. Dolos had to give the tough old bird his credit; It must have been an agonizing process, but not once did he cry out from the pain. Anger, on the other hand, well, the hunter had plenty of that to spew.

“That fucking half-breed!” He snarled, throwing away his tool. Dolos watched as the metal file slid across the floor, soon coming to a halt in a pool of blood from one of the less fortunate soldiers, where it lay sizzling. “I’ll rip him to shreds!”

“Oh, I’m sure,” Dolos went on, “What is that, the second time he’s gotten the better of you? Or would that bandage on your hand make three? Ah well. Maybe in your case, the fourth time is the charm. Still, I can’t imagine the Allfather will be too pleased once he learns you’ve lost that sword to him. We both know he doesn’t tolerate failure. Gungnir might appease him, but once he realizes Tyr is in the hands of the enemy now…” Dolos shivered with embellished fear. “Let’s just hope the wolf is the only one that suffers.”

The hunter found this ceaseless prattle to be as torturous as cauterizing his wounds. He knew better than to let it get to him, but worked up as he was, every word that came pouring out of Dolos’ mouth was another log on the fire of his rage. He fell for the trickster’s bait, whipping around to sneer at the cocky bastard.

“And what do you think his tolerance is for betrayal?” He asked, challenging Dolos. “I couldn’t help but notice that white coated bitch was alive and kicking. That body you laid at my feet was one of my own men!”

Dolos’ face cracked with a wide grin as he met the hunter’s eye without the slightest hint of remorse. “I wondered how long it would take you to figure it out.”

“Tell me now, Dolos, which side do you truly serve?”

Dolos shrugged, his mirthful grin slipping into a frown of tedium. “Unlike you, Muninn, I’m no lapdog begging for a master. Besides, taking sides is boring. It’s much more fun bouncing from one side to the other, sowing whatever chaos I can. I couldn’t care less which of them comes out on top, I’m happy enough fanning the flames until one of them comes out on top.”

“You’re still a fucking child. Always playing your games.“ Muninn grumbled with irritation before turning his back on Dolos once more to set about redressing himself instead. His freshly sealed wound screamed in complaint as he shrugged his coast back on, hiding away the tapestry of scars riddled across toned muscle. This body had seen its fair share of abuse even before his misfortune with the wolf… Another encounter like that it was sure to give out on him.

“We are who we are, friend. You take after your father, I take after mine. Now. You’d best hurry up with those robes. That ‘white coated bitch’ of yours has an annoying keen nose. She’ll have sniffed me out by now. A pack of wolves will be here any time and we wouldn’t want them to find us being cordial, now would we?”

Muninn scoffed, securing the last of the buttons on his coat before gathering up Gungnir from its resting place. “You really think they’ll trust you again? You’re an even bigger fool than you look.”

“Maybe not all of them,” Dolos admitted, playfully tossing up the his vial with only to snatch it back out of the air and instant later. “But the manticore’s word is law to this group, and he’s bound to vouch for me once I hand this over to them.” Reaching out his hand, he unfurled his fingers to reveal the vial. Gone was the red liquid from before, its lifesaving contents replaced with a much more deadly substance.

Muninn’s eyes sparked with fury upon seeing the venom, a quick pat down of his coat to find the pockets empty enough to tell him it was indeed the genuine article. “You miserable fucking shit!” He roared, lifting his spear and stepping forward with murder in his gaze.

“That’s the spirit!” Dolos said, jumping down from the table without fear. “We’ve got to make this escape look convincing, after all.”

~

If nothing else, Freja shared in the hatred of Dolos as much as the hunter he taunted. The seeds of mistrust were planted in her mind the moment she met the trickster, his antics watering them until they’d grown as tall as Yggdrasil itself. Parading about that apartment wearing her deceased father’s face had vile enough, but ensuring that his killer escaped justice to live another day? That was simply unforgivable. But Freja had convinced herself that was what happened even before they found the first rogue drop of blood. Its sudden appearance several yards away from where their prey was wounded was all the evidence she needed.

Sloppy work, Dolos, She thought, lowering her snout to get a whiff of the crimson droplet. The trickster’s illusions were potent indeed, his magic covering the scarlet trail that should have guided them from the beginning, but once she got ahold of the hunter’s scent it was like a fog lifted from her brain. She couldn’t see the trail of blood, but the smell of iron painted it in her mind, showing her the way to go. She could smell that the bastard was close, no more than a floor or two below them. The thrill of the hunt quickened Freja’s step as she took off, Della and Andor following close at heel.

The trail led them down the stairwell, the small pack of wolves darting across the stone steps with all haste as the sound of a commotion from below came clear. They’re in the lab! Freja came to realize, her paws carrying her like the wind towards the location. Della and Andor found themselves falling behind, Freja’s determination to catch her prey seeing her through the entryway of the lab without so much as a thought towards her companions. There she found them, Dolos sprawled out across the floor with Muninn looming above him, his spear raised for a decisive blow. It never came, however, the hunter changing his priorities once he caught a glimpse of the ravenous wolves bolting towards him.

Instead, he Gungnir at the pack, forcing Freja, Della, and Andor to break off their pursuit and scatter lest the spear find its mark. The bladed weapon cut through linoleum like it was butter, sinking halfway through before sticking in place. The hunter didn’t bother to retrieve it, rather using the attack as a distraction to wheel about kick the large window at his rear. The pane of glass shattered against the force, permitting a frigid breeze along with a loud, awful buzzing. Freja recognized that sound. She’d heard it once before, back at the cabin when he’d flown in and surprised them all.

A helicopter! She realized, sliding to a stop and spinning about to make another beeline for her escaping prey. But it was too late, the crazy bastard jumping out into the darkness of night mere moment before her jaws had a chance to snap down on his leg. She could only watch from her perch as the chopper came flying up, the wind of its blades battering her fur when it blew past. A rope ladder swung freely from its side, and dangling from that was the hunter, pale-faced and struggling to climb. For a moment it seemed as if his strength would give out and he’d fall to his death anyway, but a couple of his subordinates reached down and helped him up before he had the chance, dragging him up to safety. No sooner than he was safely inside did Gungnir give a violent jerk, pulling free of its resting place and zipping past Freja’s head on its way back to its wielder.

Anger and disappointment tore at Freja’s heart as she watched the helicopter fly off into the darkness, her chance at justice seemingly gone. That was, until she heard Dolos picking himself back up off the floor. Freja shifted to her human form before lunging for the man, her hand clutching around the trickster’s throat which she squeezed with all her strength. Dolos didn’t even try to fight back as he was thrashed about, his back slamming against the wall mere inches away from a 30 story fall out of the broken window.

“You son of a bitch!” She shouted, baring her teeth. “How could you!? We trusted you, asshole! Why would you help that murdering bastard get away?”

“I-I did it to save--save the mission!” Dolos managed to wheeze out, trying to draw her attention to the vial of manticore venom clutched in his hand. Freja was too angry to give a shit. She would have preferred to throw him out into the darkness, vial and all. She very well may have too, if Andor and Della hadn’t changed form and rushed forward to dissuade her.

“That’s enough Freja!” Andor shouted, grabbing her by the shoulder.

“What?” She snapped, appalled at the sudden interference. “You’re not telling me you believe this fucking lunatic? We’ll be better off without him.”

“Dolos is our problem,” Della said, stepping forward and staring Freja down. “Matthaios and Aegeus will decide what to do with him, not you. You’re not one of us yet. You and your brother just happen to be along for the ride.”

Freja met the tawny bitch’s gaze, pure defiance in her eyes. For a moment she weighed the risks of ignoring her and doling out justice anyway. If Della and Andor threw themselves at her, so be it. At least she would know justice was done. In the end, however, she released her grip, taking what little satisfaction she could in the sight of the trickster gasping and sputtering for air. The recovery team arrived even as he was catching his breath, the group of armed men blowing through the door only to lower their weapons once they spotted the friendlies.

“Good thing your friends are here to protect you,” Freja said to Dolos, her eyes jumping between the trickster and the two wolves defending him. “You won't be so lucky the next time I go for your throat.” She turned her attention towards their approaching allies, rudely shoving past Della and Andor as she made to leave. “Don’t bother with this one,” she said of the gasping man. “The ones that need your help are upstairs.”