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The Canine tribes, the wolves, foxes, and coyotes, moved north of the fold with a trio of tribes running parallel with them. Coming to an archaic walled city sitting with a sprawling green field which the Foxes would claim as their own, their village of Seras. Unsatisfied with the location the Wolves pressed on further north joining the trio as they proceeded onward. The Coyotes were not content with the spot either and decided to move east towards a tree line which became a dense forest in a second glance. Though distant these groups shared a bond, a link, between them they could not express nor reason however they remained tied to an obligation to help one another when required.

Sirius, a young red Fox the of fifteen, woke in the early morning rising with the sun as it crested a hill at the end of the valley. She sat and watched eagerly as the light that slipped through the door's crack crept across the room. Watching as it passed the threshold, across the floor, over her legs, and finally shimmering off the pool of water sitting in the basin at the other end of the room. In the city no one had yet stirred from their slumber on this early fall morning however Siri was up and about taking care of her morning chores.

A scream roared through town and shattered against the waves as Sirius fetched fresh water for the day in the nearby stream. Unaware of the commotion she returned to find a crowd formed in the cities center. As she approached the perimeter she could hear whispers and murmurers of ghastly things, what could have happened? Siri need wonder no more as the crowd parted slightly for a brief second and she saw all she never wanted to see.

An older man, a friend of her father, lie mangled on the ground covered and lying in a pool of blood safely assumed his own. The confusion carried on as Siri was swiftly grabbed and escorted home by her mother who was in a state of absolute panic. As the day passed no answer was given as to how the man had met with his fate which made the villagers very uneasy. It was not long before Dalen, Chief of Seras, tried to sweep the whole mess under the rug hoping to curb the fears amongst the civilians.

The following day began as usual with Sirius up and working on her chores before anyone else would raise from bed. As she exited her house that morning, however, she heard strange noises coming from a house across the path from her own. She had known her neighbors all of her life but was always a bit nervous about speaking to others outside of her family. Moving closer the noises became slightly clearer, a splashing sound accompanied by a fierce tearing noise similar to that which was made by the town butcher at work.

She knocked softly and waited a moment without an answer before trying again and again each time making louder knocks until she was pounding on the door. As she waited the noises grew louder and louder before coming to a dead stop after a heavy thud. Sirius waited patiently listening for the sounds of steps but could not hear any over a new noise that sounded like the snapping of branches and tree limbs.

Waiting in silent nervousness Siri was frightened when her father joined her, curious as to why she stood with her ear pressed to the neighbor's door. He looked to her and without a single word knew why she seemed so scared. Hearing the noise as well Siri's father became befuddled as to what was going on within his friend's home. Wasting little time he tried the door, finding it unlocked he was even more alarmed knowing the door to be locked every morning.

He motioned his daughter to wait as he ventured into the house as the sounds once again came to a complete stop. An eerie silence filled the house as he proceed down the hall checking room after room to find nothing out of place or even capable of making the noises he had heard. Making his way to the stares a sudden noise gave him a fright that shook him to the bone. Sirius stood in the doorway with a scared yet curious face. Less concerned for the moment he did not tried to stop her as she began to follow him up the stairs.

At the top was a door leading to a spacious bedroom that was divided but shared between the parents and their two children. For a moment they waited after knocking before trying the door which would not budge though lacking a lock. Pushing as hard as he could the door finally slid open slowly revealing a sight far too gruesome to have expected.

In a pile lay the furs of all the family members perfectly clean and stacked from oldest to youngest in ascending order. The two wash basins in the room had been filled and were overflowing with blood that had formed into a massive pool in the corner of the room. In a row the bodies hung from hooks, the point had been stabbed through the neck and out of the mouth. At the end of the row stood another being shrouded in shadows as the though it were made of darkness. As it turned to face the intruders they panicked which triggered it to run. However as this creature moved it only appeared as a wisp before seeming more corporeal as it knocked into Sirius and her father while making its escape.

The two returned to the city street both looking rattled beyond belief unsure of how to move forward from the situation. Other citizens began to move about the streets, those passing exchanging curious glances with Siri and her father. Finally concluding his thought Siri's father sent her home and went off to find the Chief to seek his help with the matter. It was not long after Sirius had returned home that her father was finished with his business with the Chief.

" We are to pack and be ready to leave before nightfall," he said to his small family gathered in the entryway. "What ever for, what has happened?" his wife questioned in disbelief. Sirius tried to hold her tongue but could not, "Because of what we saw this morning, is that why?" "Unfortunately," he began, "Chief Dalen is worried the land is cursed by whatever that was that we saw in the house. He does not want this to ever happen again so he thinks moving will relieve us of this assailant." "So that is it we pack up and leave just like that and hope we can find another perfect home?" the wife inquired. "There is a place we have been scouting for a while up stream. We will be in tents for a while but with any luck we'll be able to build some homes before winter comes," the man added.

The conversation continued on as Sirius went into the other room the image of the specter still fresh in her mind as though she had just seen it. She watched from the window as she gathered her meager possessions as men with great canvases and large sacks went into her neighbor's home. Moments later the group left carrying away the mess that had been left inside to be given the proper rights before being returned to the earth. After they had left another crew entered leaving with items of value and supplies that could still be salvaged. Once it was all over the house was locked tight, the windows boarded, and before the door would be shut a small fire was left inside. The flames consumed the interior and began to spill out of the windows as the clan left their home for their new start.

Dusk quick became night and up stream now sat a tent city encircling a massive fire in a plain which had been the home of the clan's main prey, the Shren. The Shren were hairless creatures with smooth, slick skin that helped to camouflage them from predators. However their skin could only do so much to hide their massive forms layered with a dense fat that did quite well at protecting it from critical internal injuries. These herbivores' hides were used for everything from clothing to tents while the dense layers of fat were used for oil. The creatures were pushed from their land as the Foxes made their new residents upstream and in the process claimed a large surplus of meat and to help survive the winter while the Shren hibernated .

A month had past, days had become shorter, nights colder, and only one large house was completed and capable of being occupied. The harvest of the year had come to a close and the Shren had begun to burrow and seek out caves to hibernate for the winter, any day snow would start falling. Construction would be halted and the entire clan forced to be packed in the one massive home for the entire winter if it would begin before the exterior could be finished. All had seemed so very good for a time, none could shake what had happened only a month before, especially Sirius, however many would move on from the incidents. Those so quick to forget the brutality of an angry spirit would soon learn all to well never to let your guard down so easily.

Snow had begun to fall, luckily the second house had been finished and the cramped living situation was no longer. Fortunately for Sirius and her family they were able to remain in their place in the first building saving them the burden of relocation. In the time that had passed Siri had forced herself to forget all she had seen but still was not availed of the night terrors it had all caused. She awoke many nights crying, sweating, her heart beating out of her chest, and an intense pain rushing through her body as her she felt as though she was among those in the house. She was losing sleep more and more some nights avoiding falling asleep entirely. Her mind was always racing, everywhere she looked the phantom like face she had seen would be in her peripheral. Slowly Sirius began to show the agony of her torment, she became thin, tired, and sickly looking but none could understand the cause of her pain.

Only a few weeks into winter a dreadful storm began and created a state of havoc for the Foxes just trying to survive the cold. The winds blew colder than they ever had and started to cause massive drifts making travel nearly out of the question. Both houses suffered from the lose of contact with one another as the supplies had been divided amongst the two. So as one house huddled together for warmth another was forced to ration every last crumb they could find. There were those fool hardy enough to attempt crossing the river to help their neighbors as well as take what their own house needed however none would make the round trip. No matter how well prepared the person was who left would not return and be lucky to be counted among the few whom had reached the other house.

Sirius watched the group cling to one another for warmth in the bitter cold of the night while the wind howled outside. She cared greatly for all within her clan however could not bring herself to clutter amongst them with the hope of not freezing. More so now then ever she saw the faint apparition waiting beyond her view and was worried that it was real and worst still what it could do if it were. Siri had all together stopped sleeping at night and had willingly taken up the task of night watch, a job which she worked alone. Many nights she would find herself waiting in the darkness calling out to the specter that stared with its bloody claws shining in the fire's light.

The storm had lasted weeks however it final ceased allowing food and other supplies to be transferred between the houses and restore things to normal. However it would seem the ravages of the storm were not entirely over as some had come down with a terrible illness. It had spread rapidly amongst those who suffered without proper heating throughout the storm. Many of the old, young, and weak had succumb to the sickness with many more contracting it every day.

Chief Dalen was perplexed as to what to do next, he had promised his people safety from such terrible things but now it had seemed they had begun again. He could not be certain but had his beliefs, ones that he would not share though he would not have to. Most would not speak of it but plenty thought it all to be the works of dark forces trying to tear the tribe in twain. Still without certainty Dalen would keep his people in their new home as they were without anywhere else to go as winter would soon come to its apex.

In the darkness Siri sat watching the faint bit of fire illuminate a small path in front of the hearth that slowly receded into itself. She was alone in the dark sitting motionless at the same table she sat every night waiting diligently for anything to happen only to find the sun rising without any problems. This night however there was a quiet sound echoing from the other end of the home, the sound of foot steps accompanied with a low scrapping. From the darkness of the other end of the room stepped something that Sirius could not believe to be real no matter how she tried to reason it.

"Demon," she uttered as the air slipped from her lungs beyond her control, the creature halted its disfigured form fully illuminated by the light of the fire. It slowly raised its head revealing the terrifying face of the phantom that had never left Siri's mind. "You... how did you find us?! Why?! Why have you followed us here?! Beast, answer me!" Sirius was screaming as heart raced ever faster despite the creature's stillness. Her voiced echoed through the building, none yet stirred from the noise but the creature now charged at her.

The creature exited the lit area and before Sirius could react it had landed on the table stopping her hand from grasping the knife that lie nearby. It crept forward staring deep into her eyes as its claw rose higher and higher readying to come down on the throat of its prey. She was frozen, stopped dead in the empty eyes of this monster unable to even react to the dagger like claws floating over head. Siri quaked as the phantom's mouth formed into an all too familiar sinister grim with jagged teeth stained crimson with blood.

Down came the demon's claws however as Siri opened her eyes she saw no blood at least not of her own instead the creature had been removed. Her earlier screams had been heard and answered just barely in time as the responders tackle the beast to the floor. They fought, screaming and yelling fill the house, blood began to cover the floor, and the few onlookers were unsure of what to expect. The struggle continued for a few moments before everything became silent and the frantic fury in the pile of bodies ceased. In the faint bit of light they seen the last of the five who had charged in to protect Sirius, the rest lie bloody on the floor.

Torches lit the small area that now reeked of blood as they pulled body after body off the heap that lay floating in the ocean of blood. As the last body was lifted a question arose as to where the body of the creature Siri had seen went. The beast was not counted among the dead and there was not a single track leading out of the puddle other than the single survivor. Confusion turned to worry and soon to panic as they now contemplated the grave situation the entire house was in with a demon running free.

By morning the news had spread throughout the entire house and before noon was across the river making its way through the other house. Paranoia reigned supreme as many began to pack their belongings and readied to leave the tribe. Chief Dalen worked tirelessly to try and calm his frightened people but it was to no avail as they began to venture out into the cold in droves. Shortly after noon Dalen had gathered all those who had yet to leave and addressed them not as a leader but a man with logic that incorporated emotion.

"I know we have been struggling through trying times and it ludicrous to demand you to stay in a place where you do not feel safe," Dalen spoke gazing into the crowd with a lack of confidence. "However a storm is coming and if we dare venture out like the others we will be caught it in it's fury and likely will die. Staying here is not an option, this I know, but leaving now means certain death, if we stay there is hope that the attack that occurred last evening was just an isolated incident. Now if anyone would like to leave and face the wrath of nature you do so at your own risk but those who stay will still be counted among this tribe an always have a home in it." Dalen's speech was able to quell the uproar of most but they remained afraid, vigilant, and ready for an attack at a moments notice.

Unfortunately for Sirius her family was among those who had decided to stay be it only for protection from the storm. Siri was on edge more so than before which made her night shift a more difficult as her fear would get the best of her time after time. She had not slept during the day and was too paranoia to blink as the darkness filled the house and the residents turned in for the evening. Outside the wind whipped harshly against the building making a spine tingling noise that Siri could not shut out. Indeed the storm Dalen spoke of had come and was in full force before the sun had set in the night sky.

The night was still young, Sirius's body began to feel the cost of her restlessness but she could not ease her mind enough to even relax for a moment. All was quiet, the shadows were chased away with the addition of torches illuminating the majority of the house. Her eye lids were growing heavy trying to shut despite Siri's best efforts to hold them open; she found herself losing minutes to near sleep only to jerk herself awake again briefly. In the midst of one of these black outs a hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder stabilizing her shaking form.

Sirius awoke violently leaping from the table to an adjacent corner she began to wave her knife wildly at the hand. She paused for a moment realizing now it to be another Fox, a boy younger than her holding a cup out with the his free hand. "You should not sneak up on people like that kid! Especially after all that has happened you really can not go around scaring people," Siri said in a flustered voice. The boy stood trying to hold back a faint smile, "I am well aware, you did not respond to me until I grabbed you though. I wanted to offer you some water and some company if you would like?"

Siri let out a sigh of relief for the moment, "Well go ahead take a seat for a bit but not for long, you should be asleep." "As should you but here we both are. You are name is Sirius correct?" the boy asked as he sat and slid the water down the table to her. She drank the cup empty with haste, "Yes, now who are you and why are you bothering with me?" "I guess you would not recognize me, father keeps me shelter even here as though I am secret. I am Dalen, son of the Chief of course, and I wanted to ask you what you saw last night." the young man asked boldly. Sirius was quiet a moment as she struggled to compose herself, "A monster... I know it sounds stupid but.. it was the same thing that my father and I saw.. we saw what it did to them our neighbors our friends, "tears began to stream down her face, "Your father promised these things would go away, that it was just the land but I think he's wrong I think this thing is going follow us until it is through with us."

Dalen sat watching her as she fought her urge to sob in the face of the true terror that could still be lingering out there. "I think father is right, we just have not gone far enough yet. We have only gone up river a bit, not even past our hunting grounds. How can we expect things to change when we can still see our old city on the horizon?" the boy said with an air of confidence. Siri stopped a moment wiping away a tear, "You might be right, do you think your father will move the tribe again once the whether clears up?" "I believe so, it is in everyone's best interest and he truly takes that into consideration no matter he is doing," Dalen said with a smile. The two sat together quiet as the night rolled on until, unable to continue, Sirius blacked out falling against Dalen who did not mind the discomfort.

As morning came Siri was rattled awake by a loud shriek followed by a series of shouts and miscellaneous yelling. Sirius rushed to see what was going on paying no mind to Dalen's absents from the table. Rounding the corner she found a crowd gathered around a body that lie motionless with splashes of red all around him. It was Dalen, he was covered in slashes and cuts, his eye swollen shut, and several bite marks running up and down his body. The Chief pushed through the crowd to comfort his injured child who could barely hold his head up to speak to his father.

"I woke up and was thirsty... I saw Sirius sleeping and as I went... I went to tell someone it got me," Dalen said as he struggled to breath. The Chief's eyes bulged, "The monster, that beast did this to you my boy?!" "Yes and it said... I will not be the last... it said it will consume us all as we sleep another will go everyday until... until we are all gone," the boy fainted then, to weak to continue. Letting the medicine man take Dalen the Chief addressed his public, "We must leave today while we all still are able. The storm will break soon and then we will move and we will move fast and try to find shelter among the Coyotes."

As the crowd dissipated the Chief grabbed Siri before she could leave and brought her to a secluded place within the house. "You fell asleep! You let down the tribe and failed to follow through with your duty! I should leave you here for the demon but I have lost too many to let that happen," he screamed in her face. Sirius fought back her fear and turned it into anger, "Your boy came to me last night! He came and spoke with me and then he let me fall asleep while he remained watchful! If you want to leave me here to die then do it because I am tired of living in fear!" Siri rejoined her parents before the Chief could respond to her rant.

With the eye of the storm upon them the tribe ventured out and immediately made east as fast as they possibly could. The children were carried by their parents knowing full well they could not keep pace with the adults. Elders were helped as much as possible to insure there would be no one left behind for the storm to ravage. Sirius stayed far in the rear, distant from her family however close enough to maintain her sight of the unconscious Dalen. Her heart beat with rage as she thought about why he would turn the tribe against her but could not think of a legitimate reason.

As they sprinted through the woods a small bit of snow began to fall signaling their time to be shorter than they had expected. Soon the snow went from scarce flakes to a complete storm that began to shroud the horizon from the travelers. Thick patches of snow became more frequent now as the fresh snow added to them making traps for many to mistake as safe. More dangerous still were the thin patches of snow that unbeknownst to those unfortunate enough to step in were cloaking open water.

A thin stream ran through the woods zigzagging around trees however despite its size the water ran quickly all year round. Some were lucky to only slip a foot in before leaping out and on their way but others found themselves falling into deep pockets. Many went unnoticed by those around them and relied on the hope that someone trailing behind would save them. Fortunately Sirius was the furthest back of all the Foxes and was compassionate to them. She pulled a total of eight from the frozen stream, some were cut by the jagged ice and others had injured legs and arms however they would all survive if they could reach shelter. The other's tracks were fading fast now with the storm kicking out heavier snow and doing so faster than ever.

It was an immense struggle to drive onward through the snow not even knowing for certain which direction they were heading. Everything seemed turned around now after aiding those in need who in their panic had lost their sense of direction as well. The snow veiled all beyond the tree line as it would almost seem as though the snow had done so mindfully. Hope and faith were running thin as all in the group began to freeze in there wet clothes. Sirius too was weary from her efforts and had yet to even acknowledge her soaked outfit.

In a stroke of blind luck Siri had led the survivors out of the forest not far from the tribe as they made their way into the Coyote's territory. Unsure the group stopped, the brief pause made them all begin to shiver as the cold winds only added to their poor condition. Suddenly a cry was heard in the distance not far but still beyond sight due to the snowy haze. They rushed as fast as they could to find a small Fox lying in the snow with a faint red stripe nearby fading fast under the cover of snow.

A long straight slash crossed her abdomen in the same way Dalen's body had been found not long before then. "The beast, it stocks us still," one man said through chattering teeth. Sirius knelt by the girl, pulled her hands apart, and examined the wound. "She needs help, more than we can do for her. Can anyone carry her?" Siri asked. The crowd went quiet a moment, "I can, it will hurt but she will make it," a burly older man spoke stepping forward. He took her in his shaking arms and held her close basking in the warmth she radiated. They followed in the direction they had come to find the girl until they had found themselves within the perimeter of the Coyote's city Rouka.

The gates were beginning to close as the hypothermic group neared them narrowly slipping in without being crushed. Turning to see those thought lost had arrived many rushed to the weak men and women who had survived more than the storm. Chief Dalen seemed almost surprised to see them alive most especially Sirius. Her parents were beyond words relieved to see her safe return and embraced her as she stood finally beginning to feel the cold dampness of her clothes. Behind the rush of relieved loved ones a group of Coyotes came with blankets and supplies and began to escort the Foxes inside.

The Foxes were treated kindly by the Coyotes under the command of Chief Scion who hoped to gain from aiding Dalen's tribe. "So I see the House of Scion is whom we have to thank for our pleasant accommodation," Dalen spoke with a suspicious voice. Scion stood waiting for him in the tavern, "Scion's always lend a hand to an ally, however this is not something I do by obligation so I will not play coy with you. I am helping you because we too have needs and I believe you may be able to assist us." "What kind of needs do you mean then?" Dalen asked seeming to be impatient. The bartender handed Scion a dirty goblet of wine glistening with a bold red tint, "Our village is one of tents and small cottages as you have seen however such homes make poor residents in these winter months. You on the other hand have a marvelous city made of brick and stone and mortar." "Are you asking for our village? I told you we abandoned our home because it is cursed, why would you want it?!" Dalen exclaimed in confusion. Draining the cup Scion prepared his statement, "You can keep your village but I need help transforming my own into the well fortified city you hold claim." "We never built it, did they never tell you that as a boy, the first city was not built it was found, in need of repair yes but it stood before us." Scion rolled his tongue across the inside of his lip, "You repaired it so building is not a far stretch, think it over, by the way where is your boy? He should be here learning how cooperation works."

Weeks had passed Sirius was less on edge now, however she could still see the face clear as ever some nights as she lie awake. Dalen was recovering and staying far from Siri no matter how hard a task it became at times. The Coyotes had grown weary of the Foxes presences and Scion impatient of Dalen for belaboring the exchange of information he required. Meanwhile Dalen struggled to gather any information from elders of the tribe as to how the repairs were made in hopes to deduce how it was made. The tension was rising between the two tribes as suddenly peculiar things began to happen throughout the village all of which seemed to include a Fox.

Dalen and Scion were soon at each others throats with Scion threatening to run the Foxes out of Rouka and leave them to elements. Scion firmly believed that Dalen was using and abusing his kindness to meet his own ends without giving up anything. Dalen on the other hand claimed the incidents around the village were caused by Coyotes out to do harm to his people. The two would rarely meet in person due their intense mutual hatred towards one another. However on one such meeting disaster would strike beyond the scope of a petty fight.

The two met in the tavern once more as Scion had always been something of drinker though most still knew him to be a good and honest man. "Do you have what I want yet?" he asked before even looking in Dalen's direction. He tossed a thin notepad onto the bar, "That is all I could scrape together for hard information as well as my own thoughts on it, it is the best I could do." "You disappoint me, first you come here claiming to be chased out of your home by ghosts, then you forsake my hospitality, you accuse my people of misdoings, and on top of it all you are too trivial to hand over the one thing I ask of you," Scion said as he swirled the wine in his cup. Dalen was driven to rage by this, "Hospitality! Your people treated us kindly for a week before turning into bitter, cynical, bastards who I am certain are the cause of all these problems around here. And you know I think I know who has been motivating them to do so." Before Scion could reply a blood-curdling broke the air.

Scion and Dalen were first on the scene as they found a Coyote woman lying face down not far from a tent designated for Foxes. Turning her over they revealed a vile gut-wrenching sight none could have predicted they would ever be subjected to. She was split open from her flower to her throat, her insides had been removed with the exception of the bones, not even her eyes remained. Scion was expressionless as though his mind could not process what he was seeing. Unknown to anyone but the two of them the husk of a woman who lie in the street was Scion's a lover, a secret affair but his mate all the same.

He fell to his knees and raised the shell of fur and bone in his arms while tear after tear fell into the open carcase. "Sci... Scion I apologize for what I said.. and more importantly what I did not. We thought what was after us would stop if we abandoned our lands but we were never guaranteed that. I am sorry for bringing this blight upon your people I sincerely..." Dalen was interrupted in the midst of his confession. "Enough! Enough of all of this you hear me! Get out! Get out of my home and take the demons you bring with you! Return and I will personally gut every last one of you," Scion screamed as he rose brandishing his knife to all the Foxes in attendance.

The Foxes were quick as they fled Rouka fearing what Scion would do if they remained a moment longer. Dalen led his people north seeking to territory of the Wolves hoping they would be kind to them through the end of winter. The intent would be to build another city once the spring had come allowing them time enough to build enough houses for all. Of course doubt lingered in the back of everyone's minds, could they really run from this problem or would it find them no matter what?

The young prince Dalen had recovered fully now and was less cautious of Sirius however it would be a mistake as he moved freely through the crowd, forgetting himself as he stared at the beautiful scenery. Siri grabbed the boy by his arm and led him from the group hiding their conversation behind the treeline. "How dare you tell your father that what happened to you was my fault!?" Siri demanded as she cornered the boy. He seemed a bit taken, "I have no idea what you mean." "You blamed me, said I fell asleep and then it got you but you know damn right that you were there awake letting me sleep next to you. So tell me how did it happen since I am the only one who knows you are lying." Dalen seemed nervous now losing his confidence, "Listen what I told father, why I told him, it is all for the sake of the tribe and how or statuses play against one another. I genuinely enjoy find you beautiful however if I were to chose you as my mate it would upset so many who come from higher privileged families and we can not have that." "So you tell everyone that I am to blame? I do not care what happens I am exposing you to everyone," Sirius said as she began to push through the conifer trees. Dalen turned watching her exit, "Do you think they will believe you? Even if you had any proof they still would regard you as the woman who fell asleep while she was suppose to be vigilant of the monster. You have no credibility so waste your time if you want but it will not help any."

Not more than a days travel the tribe came across a towering pewter obelisk layered with jagged looking spikes that hung from its every tier. It was an ominous fear invoking vision to behold up close while from a far it seemed almost unreal. The tribe waited a moment while still a midst the tress unsure if any should go near it or if it were entirely safe. Having become fed up with waiting a few men ventured towards the massive door that suddenly creaked open. Standing within the threshold were Coyotes who looked with a puzzled expression to the Foxes who stood before them in frightened poses.

"Are you gentleman fine?" one of the Coyotes asked in a befuddled tone as the Foxes returned to normal poses. Pushing his way forward Chief Dalen intervened, "We are fine however we are in need. We have lost our home, life has not been kind to us, and those who took us in at Rouka chased us away." "I see, you mean to ask us for shelter than? If that be the case you will have to appeal to council about your problem," the other Coyote said sporting a slightly irritated tone. Dalen could see the man's feeling of disdain for the idea painted on his face however he would not falter, "When can I have audience with them?" "We will see they are very busy however," the Coyote said before returning inside with the others in tow.

Many hours past bringing day to early evening before Dalen was brought into the spire to meet with the council. Dalen returned about an hour after he had entered to restate what he was told; the council would discuss the proposition before issuing their decision. This would mean another night of sleeping in a circle of tents huddled around a fire with as many inside as possible pressing together to keep warm. The whole arrangement would not have been quite so unbearable for Sirius if her guard post had not been set next to the tent housing the Chief and Dalen. She held her tongue as best she could knowing it would only cause problems for her family and herself.

In the pale moonlight a noise could be heard over the low crackling of the fire that had become ever smaller and quieter in absence of much firewood. Siri was not alone to hear this noise as a few others woke and congregated around the dwindling flames. It was a shriek if any had heard such a noise before, this they were quite certain of despite the lack of proof. The night went silent again and all who sat around the fire remained quiet waiting for anyone else to speak up so they would not have to.

"Should we go to the spire, ask the Coyotes if they know what it was?" Siri asked thinking a bit boldly. No one would answer her instead they look at each other sharing a look of indecisiveness before dismissing it and returning their attention to the fire. "Very well if you all are going to sit on your hands because of what you have been told about me I will go myself," Siri said before storming off to the spire. She approached the door nervously and knocked softly however the door was open and was only pushed open slightly more with her knocking. A bit apprehensive Sirius entered the dimly lit building unsure of herself and unaware of what she would find.

Lanterns were sparsely hung from the walls only allowing for a dim path to be lit leading from the entry to a large main room. A horrendous and all too familiar odor hung in the air as she made her way down the path. She realized it to be all to quiet as she entered the main room to see the lamp light reflected against the floor in all consuming pools of darkness. These reflection were broken and segmented by bodies that were scattered across the floor and piled in corners. Sirius ran from the spire as fast as she could screaming as she exited trying to alert those who could hear her voice. She reported what she had seen within and despite the lack of trust most had for her they packed up and left without sending anyone else inside to check the spire.

The tribe continued north towards the Wolf city of Roya tucked far away in the mountains beyond the view of any who sought it without knowledge of it. Though the changing of the seasons was imminent Chief Dalen still persisted on moving deep into the mountains. His hope was that hiding out of sight would keep his people safe and end the reign of terror of which the malevolent force was responsible. The frightful run to the strong for protection but how long would it protect them, how long until Roya shares the same fate as Rouka.

It was not long before the Fox tribe had found themselves nearing Roya, the snow was melting and beginning to flow down the path like a stream. Before coming too close to the city the tribe was stopped by Royan guards. "Halt wanderers, what business have you in Roya?" the guard demanded. Dalen stepped forward to speak with the men, "We are but weary travelers seeking shelter and I audience with your Chief." "Chief Atlai is not expecting any Fox and we are not in the habit of taking in strays," the guard returned in a sharp voice. Dalen could see that this would not be as easy as Rouka, "Please sir I beseech you, let us in so that we may speak with your Chief for even a few brief moments, that is all I ask." The guard paused a moment and quietly discussed something with the other guard, "Very well, however only you may enter old one, you five will help with the gate. "

Chief Dalen followed the guard into the monumentous fort by way of the massive metal door which required all five men to just barely open a passage way inside. As they proceeded in Dalen slipped in quickly behind his father and the guard before the door could close. This made the rest of the Foxes uneasy however they could do little about it once the door had closed. It seemed to last for hours for those outside waiting to hear the verdict, hoping with all their hearts they had at last found a safe haven. Finally after an hour the two Dalens exited the fortress and returned to the anxious mass waiting just down hill.

"He said he would consider it however Roya is currently facing population limitations, they have not the room to fit more than they have know. We will take residents out here for the time being and until their Chief can come to a decision," Dalen reported to his tribe. A chattering started amongst the tribe as they were unsure of what this would mean for them if the Wolves' were facing population issues presently. Meanwhile Sirius pushed through the crowd after Dalen, furious and wanting to thrash him for jeopardizing the negotiation. Dalen was lucky as this time his father kept a close eye on him forcing Siri to end her pursuit in fear of the Chief's wrath.

The sun had yet to set in the sky before the decision had been made however it would be one that did not suit either sides. With a thunderous sound the gates were shoved open revealing soldiers fully armored and armed. They rushed down towards Dalen's tribe however before they could come too close the Foxes were up and running as fast they were able. The weak and old fell behind, their fate to gruesome to behold as the survivors hurried onward. As they exited the mouth of the mountain pass they scattered in every direction but mainly kept southbound. The Wolves would leave the Foxes to run as they stopped at the opening of the pass painting a portrait of defenders rather than murderous monsters.

Siri's family were among the first few to have reunited into the large clot within a forest out of sight from the Wolves' territory. The Dalens' were among them, exhausted and without answers for what had happened between the Wolves and their tribe. "All seemed find when I met with their Chief. Yes he did seem furious at our request but to do this he must have better reasoning then simply disapproving," Dalen said still slightly winded. Sirius would have dared to be so bold to speak her mind however her father seemed to be doing so for her, "Word from Rouka, the Coyotes, if a single word from Scion's tribe were to have traveled to Roya then they would have all the reason in the world to do what they had." "What are you saying you agree with what they did, how they were fine simply coming after us prepared to slaughter any who were too slow?" Dalen shot back in an angered tone. Siri was once again ready to speak up but stopped by her father, "Say one of Scion's men were to bring word that a curse followed us and explained everything they had experienced while we were in Rouka. If nothing else convinced him the most basic description of what that woman looked like as we left would turn them into believers. The Wolves are a very spiritual tribe I am sure that all of it would not leave a favorable impression of us in their minds." "I suppose you are right. If only we could fight back against whatever this things is or give it what it wants... I just wish we could return home to Seras... I wish we knew how and when this all started," the Chief said as he rested on a stump placing his head in his hands.

It would have seemed all their journeying had been for nothing as the darkness followed and hunted them for place to place. Within less than a year Dalen's massive tribe filled with proud devoted members had been cut down to less than half through death and desertion. Some had been lost, never to return, others willingly had abandoned their friends and family to start again somewhere new. The nomads would have to bring themselves to carry on regardless as they wandered the world enemy to all of their brethren. Indeed the spring would fair them well for whether and resources however nothing could bring them to pull themselves from their state of dismay.

After a night in the woods what remained of Dalen's tribe would forge on southbound now taking one final shot at sanctuary. Even with a night's rest and food in their stomachs the tribes struggled to show any spirit as they trudged along down the trail. It was understandable as many had lost hope along with friends, brothers, mothers, and lovers. The few hopeful were brought down by fear as the paranoida of what loomed ahead only struck them with feelings of dread. Dalen was nearly out of hope to go on, strength to lead, and the courage to make the hard decision left to the Chief. Sirius on the other hand was hopeful that something great lie ahead but she now more than ever felt the presences of the malevolent aura. She could not shake it no matter what rather day or night, be she in the middle, front, or end of group it seemed to never waiver.

It had been days with little progress made as the final bits of enthusiasm faded from the weary Foxes' bodies as despair gripped the majority. The few who had managed to hold on to even the slightest bit of hope were only being slowly drained of it by the rest. Chief Dalen had given in finally, no longer could he muster the will to lead and fell behind with the slowest of the group. Siri was not far from the front as the young Dalen now led the tribe though still immature and inexperienced. What lie ahead of the tribe was a valley surrounded by steep walls of earth, a perfect place to close themselves of from the world.

Across the valley there was a fracture in the massive wall of dirt that went inwards quite a ways and was decently wide. "There, there is where we will build our new home. Safe, closed off on all but one side, we will never worry of intruders again," the young Dalen stated as he pointed at the opening. Sirius paused starring at the fissure, "How can you be sure it is safe. We may not even be able to enter let alone inhabit it. What about food, water, and most important escape if there is an intruder?" "Never mind such concerns son," the Chief spoke as he made his way through the crowd, "it will make a fine home where we may rest our weary bodies."

Though a small bit of hope had been ignited in the hearts of many their progress was still little as they moved sluggishly across the valley. Dark skies began to loom behind them and grew darker as they continued on through the day. It seemed to be pushing in the same direction as the tribe, while doing so it seemed to drop an opaque fog that obscured where they had tread. Before long it was as though it had become a wall of darkness following them, chasing them into the fissure.

It could not have been too long after noon when they had reached the opening however the dark clouds would make it seem to be evening. The rift seem to be safe to enter though upon further inspection it was evident that it became ever more narrow further in. A bit shaken by the ominous fog that was pushing across the valley at a noticeable rate they slipped inside to feel a bit of comfort. They set themselves in the center of the passage and unpacked what little they still carried with them. Once they had set up however they realized the wall of blackness was blocking the entrance and slowly creeping inward.

The Foxes were frightened as the darkness moved closer almost as if sentient chasing them into the furthest depths of the passage. Reaching the dead end many knew their fate was sealed as they had no means of escape. Those who could muster the strength tried to scale the walls however met with failure as the dirt gave way after a short while. Others tried to slip into crevasses in the walls to hide while the rest fell to their knees weeping, screaming, fearful of what they knew was coming next. Even Chief Dalen fell under the spell of the dismal haze's madness as he raised his blade to his throat while the shadow wall moved ever closer.

Sirius stood out among the rest as she stared deeply into the void feeling it stir something inside of her that she had never known before. Her mind and vision narrowed focusing only on the shadows, seeking the presences of anything within it. After a moment of this intense stillness she began to move forward towards the all consuming blackness. She was terrified but could not stop herself as deep inside something compelled her to venture into the haze. Siri fought herself trying to stop before it was too late but she could not control her body as though it was not her own at the moment.

She penetrated the veil and as she did so it began to pull her in further and further she would however not put up a fight. As she was pulled through Sirius began to hear whispering voices speaking in a language she did not know accompanied with negative feelings all around. Once she had felt she had reached the core of this black cloud she rolled herself into a tight ball and tried to block out all the distractions around her forcing her mind to go quiet and cease its fearful thinking. For a moment it all became loud and the negativity grew exponentially and then suddenly utter silence within the womb of darkness.

The onlookers could only view on in fear and bewilderment as they first watched the young girl be consumed by the blackness but then seeing the black wall begin to fade and dissipate. It was silent as the darkness completely vanished leaving no trace behind. Only then would the frightened Foxes realize what Sirius had done completely unwittingly. Siri had sacrificed herself for her people without a single word or any obligation to do so, she had given all of herself for them. Her parents could only weep for their lost child wishing they could have known and taken her place.

It was a quiet morning as everyone remained distant from one another, indeed they had a feeling of joy for their freedom from their terror but a force worse feeling of loss superseded it. At mid-morning the tribe gathered together around their tents as Chief Dalen had ordered. "It has been a long journey, too long, but I believe we have finally reached the end. Thanks entirely to the bravery and courage of one young girl, Sirius. Her loss is tragic and devastating however with her sacrifice we all may live to see our tribe grow back to what it once was. I believe now we may return home to Seras and rebuild our lives and our community and we do so in honor of Sirius," Dalen stepped away to signify he had finished as the silent crowd all a very solemn feeling. Not long after the speech the tent city was deconstructed and the Foxes once again on the moving heading east now, heading home.

The journey home was a short one as the tribe moved forward from the tragedy with hope for a future. Siri's grief stricken mother and father were tended too by all as they each Fox shared in their pain but could not understand how terrible it truly was for them. Dalen seemed to have been changed by the incident as well as he became far more distant then anyone else. The Chief returned to the lead realizing now that a leader must show courage and strength no matter the situation something he had forgotten until seeing Sirius display of bravery.

Seras was not derelict when the tribe returned to the surprise of many who had bothered to think about home. Deserters had returned in the winter and had remained safe within the sturdy walls of their homes, feeding off the reserved foods within neighbor's homes. Chief Dalen would not punish these scavengers for their thievery however he was only happy to see more of his tribe alive and well. Before the moon could rise too high in the sky the jubilant Foxes were celebrating the survival of the Seran people and their return home. All were present for the joyous festivities including Siri's parents however reluctant. Meanwhile the young Dalen slipped away shortly after the commencement, hiding in a secluded location far from everyone.

The sun rose above the cliffs and shown upon a woman who's eyes glimmered gold as the early rays of morning light. Her fur was the orange of sunrise with ripples of gold around her arms and legs breaking through the dark bits of her coat. Markings which had contrasted with the white of her muzzle now lightened her face with the same golden hue as her hair which cascaded down to her shoulders. All was very simplistic and cosmetic with the exception of the tail now turned tails that sat behind her. Nine beautiful fluffs of orange fur shined gallantly stemming from her and soaking up the sun. She was a creature of beauty and uniqueness unlike any other before her though she knew what life had been like before her.

"Wha... what? Where am I?" she said staring down the drop off of the cliff while trying to steady her vision from its shaken state. "No one is here, am I the only one? Where did it go, everything is..." Her vision became even worse before black spots covered her sight completely and she became unconscious once more. Near the cliff's edge her dreams took over and would take her far from this place and into realms beyond her own understanding.

It was a quiet place, peaceful, serene, a world a kin to her own yet so foreign and alien from anything she had felt. The was little to no light like a night with no moon, the sky only lit by stars that burnt as bright as they could. In the vast seemingly endless field there were no others only her darkened formed yet there was an air lingering that told of others having been there recently. She relaxed against the shadowy tree that stood tall in the night the sky and waited for someone, anyone to find her.

"You can not protect them forever girl," a shrill voice cried out from the darkness beyond Sirius. Her eyes darted back and forth trying to find the source, "Who are you, where am I, what is going on?!" "Just look at you helpless as ever. Your "triumph" was merely delaying the inevitable and in doing so you've only succeeded to eliminate yourself," the voice jested back now standing just out of view. She tried to back herself against the tree but found it gone with nothing but darkness behind her. "What do you mean? What happened? Last I remember was walking into the darkness." "Yes where you so sadly hoped to be able to fight me and destroy me but now it looks as though you have failed and trapped yourself here with me," the voice cackled now revealing it to be Siri's phantom. Sirius stood shaking unsure of what she could do next, "You! I should have known this to be all your creation, what do you want with me?!" "Oh I have big plans for you and I have waited far too long to make them so," the phantom mocked as he moved in closer. However before he could reach her he was stopped by a beam of light that broke through the darkness of the world. Sirius once again felt something inside lead her as she entered the beam of light. Inside the phantom could do nothing but watch as Sirius let in more and more light from the opening. "This is not over girl, I will have what I want from you soon enough," the creature claimed as the light began to fill the area.

Sirius woke to the sun directly overhead and her body position at the cliffs edge just barely enough to remain on. She pushed herself to her feet and began to realize something had changed not only to her physical form but something at her core as well. Taking a moment she reflected on how her body had transformed without reason or cause. It was a tremendous shock for her as she turned to face nine equally elegant tails flowing in the breeze. Though beguiled at first with the initial thrill of the metamorphosis it wore thin shortly. Sirius decided it was time to find out what she could about what had happened and if anyone was left to gain this knowledge from.

By sunset Siri had descended the cliff and searched the alcove but had turned up nothing, no bodies or tracks of any kind. She observed the walls of the fissure finding a distinct change in colour and texture half way between the opening and the dead end. "Was this naturally occurring or were these marks made by the dark wave as it pushed though and possibly stopped," she wondered. Her search would have to continue you into the night and all night if need be as her curiosity would give her mind no break.

Sirius was unsure where to start her search without any leads to even the general direction she should look. North was no option due to Wolves, south would require travel over the cliffs, to the west there were no other established kingdoms, and to the east home. What seemed to be an easy decision had become a very perplexing one as she weighed the options. West may have been the better bet however she would head to Seras if only just for the comfort of home until she could devise a strategy. The walk was a quiet one as the night sky covered the land yet some how even in the dark the land seemed illuminated.

Seras shimmered softly in the distance lit by the earliest rays of morning light as Sirius crested the adjacent hill. She briefed in deeply the scent of home as she remembered mornings like this when she would wake early to begin her chores. Continuing along slowly she brushed her hands through the tall weeds as she basked in the simple joy of being home. To her the moment was all that mattered as she pushed her concerns from her mind and rested in grass watching the clouds creep across the pastel sky. It was peace at last as even the phantom had escaped from her mind and was beyond even a memory for her to reflect on any longer.

"Lovely morning is it not?" a familiar voice asked from the distance. Sirius rose in shock to find the young Dalen standing a short distance away, "Indeed... why are you here?" "Chief Dalen believed everything to be resolved after you had sacrificed yourself however he knows little of what he is dealing with," his voice seemed to change slightly taking a more sinister tone. Siri stood know unsure of him, "What do you mean? Do you know something more than you are not telling?" "Childish! You act so coy but you must know there is no way you could be so blind to it," Dalen seemed angry now but more bizarre he no longer seemed to be the same man. Siri was impatient, "What are you talking about? Tell me, I do not understand!"

He laughed at the girl as his voice began to change into that of a beast, "You really have no recollection of me after what has happened. You have run from me for the better part of a year and you act like we are not acquainted." "You... you can not be...," Sirius uttered staring into Dalen's empty eyes. The two remained motionless, alone in the field, "Oh but I can and am. You see when they rescued you they nearly killed me but clinging to life I held out until I could find a new body. From there it was merely playing a role to get rid of you, though I never expected you to throw yourself into the dark waves. I knew you were not dead, not yet, that is why I projected myself into your dreams hoping to finally tip you over the edge but it would seem you are far more resilient then I give you credit."

"What is your name demon," Sirius asked through clench teeth as she held her head down, unable to face him without lashing out. The creature found the question humorous, "After everything that is what you ask? To be honest I was hoping for something a little more complex. Ripor, the name that shall soon be famous for the genocide of the Foxes." "You are wrong about that.. because I am going to kill you before you can harm another one of my family! And once I do your name will only be famous as the fool who thought he could make enemies with the Fox and win," Siri shouted before striking a fighting pose.

As the two charged at one another Ripor leapt down on all fours and continued running before launching himself onto Sirius. They collided leaving Siri pinned beneath her foe's weight; he held her down delighted with her struggle he thought of toying with her first. Sirius was allowed to gain the upper hand and threw him off before climbing on top and pounding his face savagely until her knuckles were bruised. Blood covered the ground but Ripor was still going as he tossed Siri off almost effortlessly and waited for her to rise again.

From his finger tips horrid black jagged claws extended through flesh and began to drip blood onto the dirt. Sirius knew he was done with games as she had no weapon to draw or any means of practical defense. She ran but he was not far behind and as he saw his opportunity tackled her down scrapping open her thigh and tearing her skirt. He sat atop of her pinning down her hands and laughing as she struggled against his might.

"Girl I thought your death would bring me the most pleasure but alas I believe I have thought of something infinitely more inciting," he said while pinning down both of Siri's wrist with one hand. Sirius knew what he meant without a single second more and immediately began to kick and flail wildly trying to buck him off. "Now now struggling only delays the inevitable, let me have that sweet purity inside of you and I will you let go," he giggled as he placed his other hand firmly on her scratched thigh. She began to bite now between screams for help, "Never you disgusting beast! You will have to kill be first!" "No, no, no it will wait to make the climax all the more enjoyable," he whispered in his cynical way as he moved his hand further up her thigh.

Sirius fought Ripor as hard as she could as his hand began to brush against the inside of her thigh and underwear. She wanted to cry but deep inside a warmth began to comfort her as though everything was fine despite the external discord. Siri shut her eyes and before long the heat began to fill her body and envelope her completely. Suddenly the discomfort had stopped and Sirius opened her eyes to find Ripor flailing madly in the nearby brush. Smoke was filling the air but there was no fire or cause at all for the smoke.

"Get away!" Ripor shouted as a flame dissipated from his arm, "This was a trick or a trap! You lured me in letting me think you were weak while all along you knew you could stop me." Sirius moved closer unsure yet still furious and violated, "I may not know what you mean but it is not over, you must be stopped!" "If you can not control it than I do not think you can stop me," his claws extended again longer than before, "Now let us finish this!"

As Ripor made his move Sirius stood frozen however unknowingly she was countering his attack before she had even processed it. The markings all across her body had begun to glow as her tails stood straight out in every direction like the sun's rays. Light and heat began to radiate from her and all around her began to glow with whites and golds. Ripor shrieked as he realized what was happening but it was too late as he cut through the air. Siri opened her eyes that shined like freshly minted gold, pointed her palms outward, and forced from her the divine light that had built within.

Two bodies fell to the ground however only one would not rise again once it was over. The other sat propped up on hands and feet quivering while her body recovered from the event. Sirius looked to the corpse to see Dalen's body returned to normal but baring the open wounds Ripor had left the night he attacked him. She sat next to him running her fingers the length of the wounds on his face admiring his beauty despite her disdain for him. However she knew in her heart he was only a puppet and that she would need to make it known what had really happened. She looked to Seras, home, and smiled a weary smile as thought of how much she had missed it so even with its imperfections. As Sirius reflected on her love for her home and people there was one not far from her that held only contempt for her kind and would soon make his hatred known.