Prologue: Turn the Tide

[Immortals]

The future was supposed to be bright. The future was supposed to put everything that made history's mistakes a footnote in humanity's story in its grave; forgotten details that everyone looked back on with a fond smile and a grateful nod that things were finally where they needed to be. History wasn't supposed to rise from the grave after decades of struggling to put those sins away forever. Yet, here they were, facing turmoils and tribulations that no one really thought they were going to get out of this time.

First it had been slavery; an ugly truth that everyone still kept in their back pocket like a dirty card in the game. Then it was homosexuality and the issues of equality. People fought tooth and nail for their rights at every turn, and each time, humanity would finally crack and accept these differences with either open arms or begrudging prejudice. One way or the other, humanity fought and fought against one another until everyone managed to come to a stalemate and agree to disagree, if only it would stop the fighting for another decade or so...

At least until the next earth-shattering difference reared its head and rocked humanity to its core.

Now, humanity has been used in these statements for a very good reason. While the world fought with itself to accept such things as racial and sexual equality, there was one thing every single human being on the face of the earth learned to agree on:

Never trust a supe.

What's a supe? Simply put, a supe is any creature of the earth that was not mortal. They are creatures of myth, of lore and fantasy, and many of them hold dark secrets, as anyone would. Witches, dragons, Wolves, merfolk, halfings, vampires... just to name a few. They walk among humans every day, and have for thousands of years. For the very same reason that people of varying proclivities and creeds walked with their heads down for years, so do supes, for they are just as afraid as humans, and desire nothing more than to live in peace and quiet, with those they love and their needs fulfilled... even if they are but slightly different needs.

This is not a story of tragedy for humans. This is an odyssey of hurt and war for the supes, who no longer wished to hide in the shadows.

The day the first supes were discovered amongst humans, it was the year 2048. A halfling boy was seen playing with children at a park. No one thought any different really, though suspicions were planted like seeds sown in the field of mistrust. Perhaps he was just a small boy, at least half the size of any other boy his age-though it would come as a shock to find that the halfing boy was really twice the age of the children he played with. As it goes with all supes: longevity and time beyond measure were their natural prisons.

No, no one thought of the halfing boy-only in passing when the truth came to light to the world. No one could turn a blind eye on the Wolf, however. She was the second supe to be discovered. The she-Wolf, as it was, turned out to be the turning point in a long and tragic series of events that would span for decades and decades to come. The she-Wolf (we'll call her Breena) was boisterous and curious Wolf, if but selfish and thoughtless of others. Now Wolves look just like humans when they choose to. It is their nature to transform into their True Skin when they so choose. Some Wolves are slaves to the moon-cycles, though some semblance of control is maintained during these times. Breena, however, was in full control of her transformations and traveled the world as she saw fit. When she was discovered on the sight of a human military base, the scientists there took great interest in her. They lured the girl into their lab where they placated her with food and money if she but tell them everything she could about her kind. That was the downfall of the carefully crafted facade that supes had withheld for centuries. One token of "good faith", and a naive and selfish she-Wolf had doomed all Supes to a future of torment.

Humans, naturally, are suspicious creatures and covetous of information and a sense of control. If there is one thing any human in the world is guilty of, it is not having power over things they do not understand. Granted, there are the few that seek out peace and equality for everyone, even non-humans, and still do to this very day. We'll call them Supe-Sympathizers. While there are few that still care to give the peace and quiet that all desire, they are few in number and quickly shrinking. 

In the beginning, the suspicions of Supes was nothing more than curiosity to discover what really made them so much different from humans, an era that quickly began to rub friction between Supes and Humans. When their peace and privacy was disrupted, all in the name of a few hundred dollars and food for a selfish she-Wolf, temperaments quickly grew heated, though the desire for peace kept things at a quiet simmer for twenty years.

When the Viles attacked in the year 2074, however, everything changed. Viles, unlike Supes, are what fueled every nightmare and horror story since the beginning of time. Goblins, ghouls, Lycans, Orks, Serpents. The things that go "bump" in the night, as the old adage once said. They are the creatures that caused such suspicions of Supes since the beginning of time, a prejudice undeserved but easily confused, especially in these times. Viles razed every major city across the globe to the ground in a bid to wipe out humanity and Supes and destroy the planet, turning it to a graveyard of spirits and darkness. It was a massacre that caused world-wide hate of everything non-human. Not even simple, non-magical animals were spared the hatred. When the Viles attacked, an army of Supes and humans fought together to drive them back and reclaim what lands they could, retreating to Stronghold Cities across the globe to try and reclaim their world.

But the damage was done.

A second war on an equally large scale broke out between Humans and Supes, nearly as bloody as the Viles War that crushed nearly all life on the planet. The Viles war started the End of The Peace. The Second War raged on between supes and humans... And still does to this day.

~*~

There was a temporary stalemate in the battle on this day. Aiden slipped through the burned trees of the forest, holding his raze-rifle close to his chest as he darted through the foliage towards the pit where his comrades waited. The blonde haired Wolf slid across the mud-slicked leaves of the forest floor and dropped into the pit, yanking the cover back over as he turned to his companions. "It's not looking good out there. Can someone bloody explain to me how we're the unnatural Breeds, and THEY have bigger guns than we do?!" Aiden snapped, scrubbing his scabbed and bloodied fingernails through his tousled hair in exhaustion. Dumping his pack onto the ground, He watched his companions dive upon the meager rations he'd managed to snitch from a human settlement some three leagues away from the Supe lines.

it had been three years since the Second war had started, and there seemed to be no sign of the war ending anytime soon. While mortal, the humans had been suspiciously smart with their weapons. When the Viles had attacked a decade before, they'd taken to secretly stockpiling every weapon they could against the SUpes with every intention on wiping them out once they'd rid themselves of the Viles. And so far, that plan had seemed to work in their favor.

From the huddle of cold bodies before him, Aiden watched in sad silence as his comrades forced food down their throats, the flasks of blood handed off to the Vampires of their group. One man, a Hedge Skald by the name of Oraiyon, looked up from his food and smiled at his friend, offering him a portion of his ration to the Wolf "My friend, you look half-starved. You should have taken James with you to stake out food."

Aiden shook his head, looking to the side where his pack-mate James sat, watching them all with a quiet look in his eyes. "Aye, but then I would not have gotten quite the work out that I did, going alone. I promise Oraiyon, I am fine. I've gone longer without food before."

Oraiyon smiled fondly, standing from his spot on the floor and made his way to the Wolf's side, sitting down with a weary sigh, and rubbing his hand across his face. He'd managed to smear some mud on his cheek in the process, but after fighting and healing his companions for three days, the Shaman was exhausted. Not to mention his worry for his wife and children had him on edge. "Just don't go hurting yourself, Aiden. I did not dub you and James the God-fathers of my children for you to go and die on me." He murmured, clapping his hand on the Wolf's shoulder. It wasn't often that they got a quiet moment between the lot of them, but it would be a peaceful night that night. Their platoon could dispatch back to the Supe lines and regroup in the morning. "I heard word that Solomon pulled through the night. Praise the gods, I did not think he would make it..."

Oraiyon's face clouded with worry as he thought of his son. The babe, barely a week old when they'd had to deploy back out to the Wilds, was on rocky ground. He was born prematurely, nearly strangulated by the cord. It had taken everything in the doctors' and the Skald's power to save both wife and child, and the whole family slept fitfully that night to see if they would pull through. Oraiyon's wife, Meadre, pulled through, but Oraiyon had deployed not knowing if his son would make it. "Tara took to feeding her little brother and keeping him warm while Meadre tended to herself and working out the newest battle plans in her recovery. Spitting image of her mother, Tara is... Meadre wrote and said she and Solomon have already bonded as siblings. They will be inseparable now." He spoke these words with unyielding pride. Of his Breed, Witches and Skalds were of the same vein. Skalds, generally male-witches offensive Aural powers, were seen to use their power of Shouts and music to rally troops and dismantle enemy lines. But Hedge Skalds were a rare breed indeed, focusing their Shouts and magic to healing and regenerating. When Tara had been born, Oraiyon knew that she would immediately take over in her mother's stead as a powerful Shaman. With Solomon's conception, however, Oraiyon was eager to find the magic of the Hedge Skald flowed in the unborn babe's veins. it had been very tense pregnancy, though. One that Oraiyon was sure they would lose the babe. To know that Solomon had fought and bonded with his Sister already was good news in these dark times indeed.

[spnfox]

The small glow of the flames on candles that lit up their small hole in the ground , bounced off the dusty wooden walls and cast them in an off orange glow. James' eyes flickering as he watched their group in silence. Things where bad, very bad. Their heads weren't all in the fight, Oraiyon was worried for his family thus more then often , leaving a rather sloppy job when it came to their defenses. James was worried for his group. The humans where getting close to nearly breaking them. It could mean the very end for them.

Aiden's return to the group had Him at bit more ease now. His last pack mate of his whole pack , it was enough to make James fight tooth and nail to keep the white male safe at any cost. It helped a lot to be immune to the lot of things that ware's were weak against, as well as his deep spiritual healing powers served as quite the boost in comparison to his size in his true form. Watching the others interact and talk about Oraiyon's young boy , James sucked his teeth as he stood from his chair and strode over to aiden, snagging him by his dirty coat and backing him into a chair before hovering of him. Giving him a good once over before pinning him with a hard stare. " don't take our moment of silence as a time to breath. We have to keep ourselves on our toes, not swapping stories... you where gone for far too long for a mere food run. What did you see... " he held him in his grip. Ignoring that Oraiyon has placed his hand on both of his shoulders and tried to coax the dark haired brute from Aiden. Only serving to make James growl at him but otherwise ignore him. The commotion dragging the attention from everyone else as tension flew through the air and filled the space like wild fire.

James was at his wits end, having seen far too many of his comrades go down over the span of 3 years. Having fought in every single one to try and better the situation for himself and the rest of the supe race that wasnt against the idea of equality, it was a wonder how he even kept his sanity for everything that he had been through . So it was no surprise he was reacting the way he was.

[Immortals]

Everyone in the bunker watched with bated breath as James confronted Aiden in such a hostile manner. It had been relatively tense in the bunker since the wee hours of that morning. When Aiden had volunteered for the sixth day in a row to stake out the area and fetch them food, James had grown increasingly tense. Being James' beta, Aiden was sworn to defend and honor him in any way possible, but going a full week without eating or sleeping was beginning to reflect on his handsome features, prematurely aged beyond his Wolf's youthful appearance. And the worry James displayed for Aiden was beginning to grate on everyone's nerves.

But when James shoved the beta into the chair and began to interrogate him, everyone leaped to their feet, rushing over to separate the two in case they devolved into a fight. However, it was Orayion that stayed their hands, gesturing between the Wolves and urging the others to quiet.

Aiden, taken by surprise by James' actions, looked up at his alpha with huge blue eyes, a dog-like whine in his chest before he lowered his gaze and leaned forward. He pushed his forehead into James' chest, nuzzling him tiredly before heaving a shaky breath and trusting himself to speak again. "I... I swear, I just went out to get food and find out the whereabouts of the Humans but.. I found something... really bad." he murmured, his fingers digging into James' shirt as he pleaded in wolf whines and a cowered position for forgiveness for his transgression.

Soon enough, James had let up on the beta and the two were sat together, Aiden looking absolutely exhausted as he leaned his head against James' shoulder. "I found one of the main human encampments by accident. But.. they are pulling a wild card on us. They stole the good guns when the war started.. but they've recruited Dragons to help them. Recruited, or brainwashed, I dont know.But it looks really bad." Aiden looked up when he heard the collective gasp from his comrades and he nodded, looking slightly sickened by the news he had to bear. "Two Wyverns, an Ice Drake, and an Asian serpent. I dont know how they got a hold of them, but theyre being trained to stake out any supe encampments they can find."

The bunker fell silent before Orayion spoke up again. "We must warn our homestead of this. If they are truly going to use our own kind against us, we'll need to lock up any impressionable supes we can, to defend ourselves. James, Aiden. I know, you're exhausted, White one, but I need you two to come with me. You're the fastest. The Vampires and the Dwarves can take over from here. We need to get the Fauns and Centaurs out of the woods. Let's move!"

[spnfox]

James sighed and calmed the moment aiden began his submissive nudges. Causing the dark male back off to finish letting him explain. His eyes flicked green as he looked back at orayion as he spoke of his plan. James was quick to go and shake his head and begin to protest on the idea of being separated from Aiden again , but found his pack mate whining at him again. Pleading at him to do this, they would need to split up to cover more ground , saving lives was priority at this point, so he was reluctant before he finally caved and nodded his head silently. This didnt settle the deep dreading feeling he had fluttering in his chest.. this was going to go bad.. he just wasnt sure how badly it would be.

~**~

Morning came far too soon for the platoon. James up at the sign of first light, hardly having slept in his anxiety for the next morning, standing stoicly out to the dense forest and before them. The fog wafting through the air like a poison infecting the land. The smell of fear and war filling his nostrils. He would never admit how scared he was this time around, but he was terrified. Losing anyone of his troupes meant chipping pieces of his already breaking emotional shield.

A presence caught his attention, turning to see Orayion at his side, sipping on a hot mug of what he knew by the scent to be a rather strong herbal tea that he could barely stand the smell of. Turning back to the forest " ... the calm before the storm... " he spoke up , his tone deep and unused due to hours of silence. " I hope your plan is the right plan 'ion, we need to get out of this alive... splitting up isnt the best idea .. you know this.. " he frowned. His eyes glowing a worried forest green, his brow furrowing as he scuffed his foot against the dirt at the mouth of their hide out. Moving about a small rock as he awaited Aiden to awaken.

[Immortals]

The platoon slept fitfully that night, fear and worry for what the daybreak would bring, weighing heavily on their minds. Aiden, for his sake, slept soundly, soaking up as much rest as he could from his nearly week long quest between enemy territory and their own. The only other person who did not sleep that night, was Orayion. Fear for his people's safety and his family kept him awake that night, though he tended to his own medicinal tricks and guns to keep his mind occupied. But when morning broke, cold and dreary, he spotted James making for the outer patio of the bunker, looking out through the trees.

With a cup of herbal tea in his hand, the Hedge Skald followed after his friend, listening to his worries before he took a fortifying sip of his drink and sighed. "I understand your hesitance to separate from Aiden, James. I truly do. But we don't have a choice at this moment. The rest of our people need to know what is coming, and I'm sorry to say, but Aiden is faster than you. He can make the rounds to the farthest reaches of the Wilds before you can. I need you with me at the front lines; your strength is necessary to defend our stronghold."

Orayion looked out to the forest, his senses itching with anticipation. The sun was just at the edge of the horizon and he sighed, finishing his drink before looking back to the bunker. "Waken Aiden. Send him on his way. I will have the others up and ready to go..."

~*~

As the years passed, what once had been basic division between human culture had crumbled, leaving the world in a unified state of being. There were no longer countries or cities as they once were thought of. Instead, the world had taken on a new name, and with each continent, a new identity. Outside the City formerly known as New York, the land was overrun with vegetation and wildlife. Indeed, in the time since Civilization took its new meaning, There were Outposts and Citadels, versus sprawling cities and suburbs of long ago. It was this City that the Supes had taken as their stronghold.

Fear permeated the city as those creatures too weak or sickly to fight, stayed behind and took care of one another. Halfings and fauns too young to stay in the Wilds, were left in charge of medical and food supplies while the stronger creatures defended them. After the Viles War, the majority of the sprawling landscape had been leveled, leaving smaller buildings and temporary housing remaining in these times.

it was in one of these sturdier buildings a little girl, no older than 3 years old, sat in the Main Hall, while her mother worked diligently on escape strategies and defense intervention, should the Humans attack without warning. The little girl, Tara sat on the stairs, her bare feet dusty and calloused from running errands for her mother and tending to the two life forms she'd been given guidance over in her young life. To her left was the bassinet that cradled her sickly little brother. The infant was pale and drawn, barely cried, nor ate. Even now, the fighter that he was, his health was on the edge of a knife. Should the humans attack before they were ready, the babe would be dead within moments. Tara vowed to never let her little brother fall ill or injured, no matter the cost.

In her arms, however, the toddler held a precious bundle of another kind. In a soft while blanket, the toddler held a dragon's egg. The shell was jet black, flecked with spots of blue, and the egg was given to Tara to watch out for while her mother worked. Aside from her parents, these two things were the most important aspects of the little girl's life, and she never left either alone for more than a few moments.

With a head of bright, flaming red hair bent over the egg, Tara sang a lullaby that her mother had taught her. She reached out a tiny hand and caressed her brother's cheek as she sang to both egg and infant, rocking the egg in her lap as she smiled. She was so engrossed in her task, she barely heard her mother and nanny exit the room, until a hand touched her shoulder to draw her out of her revere. "Mama! Nanny Grey. I think the egg will hatch soon! Do we know what kind of dragon he will be? I know it's a he! Ive already named him!" Tara said proudly, looking up at the two elders with a beaming smile on her dirt smudged face.

[spnfox]

Meadre smiled at her young daughter as she beamed up at her about the wyvern egg in her lap. " is that right sweet heart?. and what have you decided to name him?" she smiled at her as she crouched down next to her, placing a hand on her daughters red head , giving her soft strokes before looking over to her small infant. His pale features worried her, yet she was honestly just grateful that he was such a little fighter in this vulnerable stage of his life. The war had taken its toll on everyone, Not only the warriors out fighting it, but those on the defense back in the small compounds of supes trying to survive and continue their legacies over the years. Life would have to continue on, If it stopped, humans would be able to wipe them off the planet forever with their many atomic weapons. Being the wife of Orayion, came with many responsibilities in their close knit settlement. Leaving Meadre with the responsibilities of bringing news and not only keeping her family safe, but those around her as well. She tried to not let this reflect in her face nore in things she did on a daily basis. However, it was moments like this , with her beautiful little girl beaming up at her, that she felt at peace in the moments of darkness.

[Immortals]

Annie Grey watched the little girl speaking to her mother and she chuckled. Reaching out, the brunette plucked the egg from the excited girl's lap and wrapped the blanket more securely around the egg and held it close to her thin bosom, keeping it warm. "Well to your first question, little miss, this egg will hatch into a Wyvern. A fire wyvern. And from the pattern on the shell, he's going to be a handsome brute, with dark hair and blue eyes. He's a very lucky hatchling to have you watching out for him like this." Annie smiled, rocking the egg close.

There weren't many eggs left in the world, now that the wars had wiped out most creatures the Humans had deemed dangerous to them. Dragons, how could anyone think them dangerous as a whole? Most were kind and wise creatures. With the exception of the Shadow Drakes, they were the most caring creatures of the Earth. If tested, though, they made formidable foes. Annie sighed, looking down at the egg in her arms and glanced down to see Tara climbing into her friend's lap. Annie smiled, bowing slightly to them. "Miss Tara, I will watch out for your egg while you and mama catch up, alright? Make sure you give Solomon a cuddle for me." she said, bowing and taking her leave of the small family.

Tara giggled, waving to her Nanny as she left. "Mama, when will Annie's sprites come back? The shadows seem so dull without them." she said before her eyes widened. "OH! I will name him Samael! It's a strong name, and I remember Daddy telling me a story of a man with that name. He was handsome and strong, just like my dragon will be!"

Meadre chuckled, holding Tara on her lap and picking up the babe from him bassinet to breast feed him. She pulled the flap of her dress open to try and coax the baby to drink, but as usual, Solomon turned away from the offered nipple in favor of whining in pity and squirming, his too thin fists waving in the air. "That sounds like a lovely name, Tara. He will be a strong dragon when he grows up." she said, though her earlier smile had faded as she wondered why her son just would not thrive.

[spnfox]

~**~

Black paws thundered against the earth below him. his claws digging in to further the ground he covered. The sounds of hooves thundering behind him had him growling as he picked up the pace, bullets zoomed past him, some embedding into his thick fur and into his skin as spurts of blood flew from him. Gritting his teeth he kept the pace , he couldnt back down now. He would allow himself to go down, not with his troop running for their lives just a few leagues ahead of him. He wasnt the fastest of the group , but he sure as hell was faster then some humans pet horses and what ever little created wheeled motor vehicle. However his lack of eating and sleep over the past few months, and the wars he repeatedly fought in had James running on fumes.

The bullets began to pop out of his skin , his self healing kicking in as he continued to run. It was when one of his troops feel to the ground , that he skipped a step and snagged him in his teeth quickly, locking his jaw as he carried the fallen supe in his ivory rows. ~no falling behind !~ he huffed through a mental link. Picking up his pace he zoomed passed the upcoming trees signing the beginning of the border to escape into the forest. That is, until he missed a well hidden trap that snagged his back paw the moment it hit the ground. Causing him to lurch forward, pulling his leg from under him and his body hitting the ground with a harsh crack. His leg pulling out of place making him yelp in pain. His jaws slacking as his troop mate went flying into the woods. He was soon to be surrounded. His ears pinning back he looked behind him and took a deep breath .. ~ go .. GO .. YOU'LL BE SAFE JUST GO ! ~ he barked. as he moved to get himself back up to his feet, only to find the snared leg limp beneath him. Baring his teeth he turned as much as he could to growl in the upcoming fleets direction. Like hell he was going down with out a fight..

With a sharp intake of breath, he let out an ear shattering below. His howl covering the air and space around him , flying over the heads of the humans, causing their horses to halt and scatter in fear as it echoed through out the neighboring woods. If he was to go down right now, the others should know about it. He just hoped no one was foolish enough to come and try to help him.

[Immortals]

As suddenly as the calm had washed over the battlegrounds beyond the city strongholds, the forces of human attack rushed upon them like a tempest. As soon as Orayion had spread word to the surrounding Supe bunkers that they were to head back to the city, all hell had broken loose as the camouflaged humans surrounding them had sprang to action. Surely, however, Aiden had darted into the trees, a white ghost on the dark earth as he took to the deepest and most dangerous parts of the forest to warn the other supes. They would all need to return to the city grounds, without alerting any Viles nearby, to stand strong against the human ranks. They had no idea how far the humans had communicated to coerce the dragons to join their sides, but if their previous actions were anything to go by, the odds were not in the Supe favor.

Orayion and his men had taken to the trees, running a dead bolt for the city as they heard the Humans take charge behind them. The vampires of his group, including one young brunette by the name of Lance, had taken up the rifle and were firing upon their enemy to give the slower species a chance to escape. Orayion nodded to Lance, giving the vampire (no older than 20) a nod before reloading his gun and taking lead of the remaining supes of his platoon. "THIS WAY!"

Behind them, the humans flooded the trees, flanking the supes as they attempted to flee. They had been warned that they might try to return to the city. With explicit orders, they were to wipe them out before the warning could be spread to the others. It was with a satisfied realization that their largest member had been snared in a trap, felled before them. What a victory it would be that they could kill one of the strongest alphas known to their intel. A nice pelt for the records would earn the humans quite a bit of notoriety across the realms.

As they advanced slowly on the felled wolf, the sound of his howl shook their morale, before the eldest of the human company urged his men forward. While most supes would not dare come close to a fight of this magnitude, they didnt have time to waste on this one Wolf. They had other creatures to destroy as well.

It was, of course, where they made their mistake. While MOST supes would not dare come to James' aid, one kind would. And it was with a titanic trumpet of a battle horn that their presence was made known. Before the men had a chance to recover, they were surrounded by a squadron of Centaurs lead by none other than their leader, Ryfan Bralans. Hooves trampling the underbrush as they charged the humans, Ryfan leveled a spear towards the leader of the human platoon, spearing the man through the chest as the great ebony furred and skinned Centaur stood over James. "AYE then! If the rest of you shits havent anything to say to the wolf, then BUGGER OFF! Else meet your end now." he snarled, his hooves thundering the ground as his strong arms held the spear in defense of the Wolf. Of course, the men before him simply prattled off insults before raising their guns, much to the annoyance of the centaurs. "Very well then. Centaurs. Destroy them." he grumbled tiredly, shouldering the spear as his soldiers attacked, slaughtering the stunned men before them.

Satisfied that the humans were of no threat, the leader turned to James, and dropped down to his knees, the withers of his horse-body flinching as he reached out to brush a hand over the Wolf's flank. "James. You bloody idiot, how did you manage this." he murmured, meeting the Wolf's gaze.

[spnfox]

James all but barked at them to return to the saftey of the woods, they had no time to be saving his hyde, however his voice fell on deaf ears. They where not listening, and it was to his surprise yet annoyance, that the humans soon backed off with the death of their leader of their squad and scrambled away as the others laid waste to the vehicles and machinery. Ryfan's presence making him sigh as he relaxed a bit as he was chided for his capture. ~ its not like I planned to get snagged~ he sneered , baring his large teeth but other wise huffed as he yelped when moving his leg from under him. ~ its out of place, but if i shift, ill break it.. ~ he realized , giving Ryfan a once over before lowering his head. ~You have to take me back to the city, I need to be there to protect my god children ~ He whined as he grunted , shifting down back into his human form. The scream of pain ripping from his throat came quickly as his leg twisted into place yet remained limp at his side, now definitely broken.

[Immortals]

Ryfan sighed as he watched the wolf change before his eyes. His staunch demeanor did not flinch once as he watched the mangled limb twist before him. Leaning on his knees, the centaur reached into his flack pack and withdrew a bandage, doing his best to wrap the wounded leg and set it before any movement would further damage theblimb. "Tellan. Take James back to the city. He needs medical assistance as soon as possible. The rest of you, follow me. We must fan out and try to dissuade the rAnks of meN before they reach our home. Quickly now!" he ordered, getting to his hooves and shaking his tail out before taking up arms again.

"We will return as soon as possible. This war is getting too close to the end, my friends. We must not Tyler them sway our chances. Off with you, Tellan! Make sure the wolf is safe." he commanded the female, before turning to his companions and calling out the order the move out.

As Tellan lifted the wolf to her barrel, she gave him a mildly concerned look before her tail flicked and her hooves thundered across the landscape. Once they'd reached the city, she called out to make way as the supes and creatures allowed her passage. Tellan took the wolf to the main hall, where inside Meadre looked up from her daughter and gasped in shock at the sight of the injured wolf. "JAMES. what happened? Where's Orayion!"she gasped, putting the infant in Taras arms and rushing over to help the centaur lower the Wolf to the ground.

[spnfox]

James gave a half grunt as he offered a weak smile , only to wince in pain once again. Leaning on Tellan's back before giving a small kiss to her shoulder" thank you Tellan... maybe next time the ride wont be so rough " he winked at her before sliding off of her , landing rather wobbly on his good leg. " Meadre, looking lovely .. as ever " he grunted in his pain. His muscles working over time to heal his broken leg. The pulsing feeling making his head swim. " Your husband is fine, but things are getting bad out there. I got snared in a trap, broke my leg in the process... its going to take a day or two for it to fix itsself. " He grunted in some pain as he limped towards her. " we have to get you and the children to safety... I cant protect you if im like this " he whined at her. His hair falling into his eyes and around his shoulders as he shook his head " i cant let that happen, i wont forgive myself if anything happens to you.. "

"JIMMY! " Tair came scuttling out with her baby brother in her arms. Looking up at one of her god fathers with big eyes, her red hair a mess on her head . Her smile faltering slightly as she took in his dirty and mangled appearance. " momma jimmy is hurt ! " she squeeled in her upset , Solomon choosing this time to open his little eyes and whine up at him , making James frown " hes not doing well is he , Meadre?"

[Immortals]

 Meadre nodded, looking down at her sickly son in her daughter's arms, and she inhaled sharply. "Yes.. he's getting weaker. He wont feed anymore, no matter how his belly begs for it. I wish i knew what was wrong with him. No healer can diagnose him. Ive exhausted every spell i could think of to use on him. I fear he will not make it to the end of the week." she murmured, looking up at her husband's friend with a small smile on her sad face. As she spoke, she could hear the bustle of noise outside the Hall, and she frowned, glancing up to see Tellan looking agitated. "Tellan, investigate and report back." she murmured, looking at James and slipping his arm over her shoulder to help him to the Med bay. "Tara you stay with Annie!" she said, helping James into the room and onto the bed.

Outside, Tellan stood resolute outside the door, seeing the form of the white wolf come barreling into the city. She lowered her spear and looked down at the white wolf as he came to a stop in front of her. "Report, Wolf. What did you see out there." she said, looking out to the forests.

Aiden panted, dropping down to his belly in exhaustion, before he could catch his breath to speak. "The humans are coming. Their dragons are readied. I saw them take flight! Theyre coming this way! We have to evacuate!" he said, looking up to the skies with panic in his yellow eyes. "I did not find Orayion and his men, nor my alpha! Have you seen them!"

Tellan nodded. "James is in the Med bay. He broke his leg, but otherwise is well. We rescued him outside the city. Go to him. I will raise the alarm to take to the bunkers. If they have dragons, we will not be able to evacuate the city in time." Tellan barked, turning and galloping off into the city.

Aiden, still exhausted, got to his feet and shifted quickly to his human form, running into the Med bay. "ANNIE! GET THE CHILDREN OUT OF HERE TO THE BUNKER!" he shouted, seeing the shadow sprite with his god-children and waved his arms. "Dragons! Theyre being controlled by the Humans. Theyre coming this way!" As he spoke, he could hear the distant thunder of a dragon's roar and his blood ran cold. They were close, like a storm on the horizon. "We've got to get out of here now!"

[spnfox]

James was just barley getting put down in the bed when aiden came bursting in with the news. His ears perking at the sound of a dragons roar. His head whipped to the side to look at aiden, his eyes blowing wide as they quickly turned green. His teeth grinding in his jaw as he moved to get out of bed and shift, but the pain in his leg had him yelling in pain and grasping his leg. " AAHH" He screamed in agony, looking down at his leg only to fight through it and roll off the bed. " Aiden, Please, we need to save them.. " he pleaded, his little extended family needed him, and he was unable to move his blasted leg. " .. go .. I.. I cant.. " he cried, his eyes brimming but unshedding of his desperate tears. " go .. move them... hopefully they will be distracted enough with me that they wont search you out.. GO !" he barked His eyes blazing a lime green hue. " please.. "

[Immortals]

He heard his alpha's voice from the next room, and he whined, shaking his head. "NO Jim I wont leave you." he said, looking to Meadre and whining again. When Jim fell to the ground, Aiden was by his side in an instant, helping him to his feet before he slung the alpha's arm over his shoulders." Meadre! Go with Annie and the children. Ill take James from here. Please go now we dont have much time!"

Aiden ignored the protests from James and he swallowed, glancing at his injured Alpha with sorrow. "I cant leave you. You're my alpha. I have to stay with you." He murmured, tightening his fingers around James' wrist as he held him close to his side. "C'mon, up you get! Meadre, go now!" he barked, glancing up to see the witch hesitating. He shot her a glare before she finally conceded and left the room. Aiden sighed, helping James to his feet. "That's it, James. Ive got you. I wont let you fall." He murmured, helping him to  the nearest door to flee the building.

Meadre had watched in silence as Aiden assisted his alpha before finally turning on her heel to fetch her children and friend. "Annie! Gather Solomon, please, we must hurry!" she begged, picking her daughter up.

"MY EGG!" Tara wailed, pointing to where the egg was nested on the table in its basket. Meadre gasped, rushing over and instructing her daughter to pick the egg up. "Quickly now! Annie, this way!" she shouted, holding her daughter close to her chest. Outside on the streets, the people rushed past in a panic, screams of terror filling the air as the sick and weak were ushered to the nearest bunkers. Meadre looked up to the sky, seeing a shadow of a hulking drake pass overhead through the clouds. She felt her heart run cold in her chest as she held Tara close. "Don't look up love!" she whispered, holding her as they ran for their lives.

As the Supes ran for their lives, the Human army made its way through the woods into the city limits, mowing down everything in its path. Above, a few humans brave enough rode the dragons into the city. Their guns at the ready, the men fired upon the city, bullets and beams blasting the buildings apart, striking down the stronger Supes in their tracks. Fire coursed through the city, engulfing buildings and creatures alike. Meadre watched in horror as a small family of Halfings tried desperately to lift a burning beam off of a small hut with a mother and her child inside. The screams were terrible, and she felt physically sick at being able to do nothing. But she wouldnt act until Tara was safe in the bunker. "Tara. Do you see that building there. Beneath it is the bunker. Take the egg and go!" she gasped, putting her daughter down and pointing. "GO! I HAVE TO TRY AND HELP" she begged, watching as her terrified daughter quailed, unsure if she should leave her mother.

"Mama, I can't leave you!" she wailed, tears running down her dirty cheeks as she held the egg close.

"There's no time! Tara, GO!" Meadre commanded, her fingers already burning with light as she began to summon her power. Tara finally nodded, turning on her heel as she bolted for the bunker. But, it would not last. Meadre had barely turned to assist the Halfling family, when she heard her daughter's shriek. Whirling around, Meadre saw with horror as a wingless drake clambered over the rubble, pushing Tara back until the poor girl fell to the ground, still clutching the egg. From the drake's back, a man in full body armor stepped from the makeshift saddle and laughed, pushing his visor back.

"Well well.. what have we here? Hm? A little witch and her egg? I think I'll be taking that now." the man sneered, kicking the little girl in the ribs until she cried and dropped the egg. With a satisfied smile, the man picked the egg up and held it aloft, smiling. "A wyvern.. now that is interesting. You must be the last one..." he murmured before remembering the sobbing girl on the ground. "Oh don't worry, little thing. We'll find a suitable cage for you to live in." he grinned, reaching out to grab the girl by her hair.

"DOMOVOI TROUST! PUT THE EGG DOWN AND STEP AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!" Meadre snarled, her fingers lighting in power as she stepped up to the heavily armored man. Her eyes blazed with light as she faced one of the strongest human soldiers in the opposing army. She met his gaze head on, watching as he just laughed and settled the egg into the saddlebag of the wingless drake before drawing his gun and aiming at her.

"Do you really think your magic can stand up to a gun. May not be as elegant, but shit does it get the job done." he said, firing a warning shot that splintered the ground just a few inches away from Meadre's feet. The witch didn't so much as flinch as she could feel the pulse of her marriage bond suddenly growing closer. Orayion was close. He was coming. Smiling, she raised her hands to the man, uttering a few words under her breath as she threw the man back against the rubble. "TARA, RUN!" she shouted, looking back as she heard her husband's distant call.