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       #Post#: 1652--------------------------------------------------
       Buddy system
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 12:51 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       It was another day for the fanatics and Casimir hadn’t come
       back. Ghost woke with a start to run his hand through his messy
       hair. As usual a woman by his side as the man was trying to get
       a boy. He groaned as he got up and grabbed his pants as he told
       the woman.”get your ass out, before I get back.” He threatened
       before he headed out,”Farid! Let’s go! I’m hungry.” He called
       out with a grumpy look.
       ----
       As usual, Farid had woken up before most of their tribe. He went
       about getting his and Ghost's weapons cleaned and sharpened,
       inspecting one of Ghost's weapons when the Ghost cane out of his
       tent.
       "Figured you would be... what's wrong? Not a good fuck?" The
       fanatic questioned as his eyes trailed the woman that ran from
       the tent barely dressed. He always felt a little jealousy over
       anyone but himself having Ghost's attention but kept such
       information to himself.
       The smaller man got to his feet flipping the blade in his hand
       to offer his friend the handle before heading to collect their
       rippers that were still asleep. "Come on lazy, time to get up,"
       he said as he nudged his ripper he called Bittie who was
       snuggling with her mate who just so happened to be Ghost's
       ripper. The pair had recently finished raising a clutch of eggs
       and their babies handed out once ready.
       Bittie got to her feet, her blue feathers shaking out as she
       followed Farid to be saddled up before he climbed onto her back.
       "Ready?" He questioned.
       ----
       “Nah just trying again.. was hoping for a boy.” He said as he
       watched the woman bounce her way to where the main tent of
       breeders were.
       He went to Mist, to reach down to his muzzle as it woke up and
       rubbed a bit against his masters hand.
       “Can’t wait to see them hatch..” he said with a bemused
       expression before he would get on his ripper’s back, much like
       him- the one he managed to pick was the biggest of the litter.
       He rubbed the rippers neck once he got his weapon.”for the
       hunt!” He cried and laughed as he always had, as they would race
       off in the desert to hunt.
       ---
       Seeing how Ghost was with his ripper always brought a grin to
       Farid's lips, laughing at his friend's antics before the two
       rippers took off into the desert. The hunters running for a
       while before they spotted not only prey, but people as well.
       "Ohhh look, some new breeders if we can catch them." Farid mused
       as the rippers came to a sudden stop.
       "Send Bittie and Mist around the other side, chase them to us?"
       He suggested as he watched the women tending to their livestock,
       clearly form a village nearby. "Or... we could follow them, see
       where they are staying and to a full scale raid... we have
       options, though won't exactly get us fed until much later..." He
       offered. Farid was often the brains of the two men.
       “Sending the rippers be fun- chasing them to be cornered be
       easier.”said the man looking at them. “Or we can totally let the
       rippers do the work and you steal their food? Their land looks
       pretty thriving.” He said.”what you think?” He asked.
       ----
       "Have the rippers spook them, we take their lunches and follow
       them to their tribe! Brilliant!" The much shorter Farid mused as
       he slid off his ripper and sent her off with Mist when they were
       ready before grinning wide as the people were scared off. The
       rippers staying just back enough to let them run home.
       When he was sure the coast was clear, Farid went to dig through
       the belongings finding some great packed lunches and tossed one
       to Ghost. "Jackpot," he mused.
       ----
       The giant of a man slid of mist to watch him go to chuckle as
       farid  went for the food to take it.”nice!” He said as he went
       to follow his rippers  to the tribe that was littered there to
       whistle a bit. “Now we know where they are.. now we can find
       some good ones to snatch.” He said his eye looking over the
       various females to zero on a woman that looked tough.”she looks
       like she’d be a candidate.” He said as he ate the sandwhich
       stopped to pull out an onion and then kept eating.
       ---
       It didn't take very long for the rippers to pull back when the
       women ran into the village and returned to them, Farid munching
       on his own food as they watched.
       "Seems as good as any of them. Can nab her when the sun goes
       down, slip in under the cover of night and all that jazz." Said
       the fanatic as they watched, his eyes trailing after the ass of
       a particularly fit man. He never admitted to his attraction to
       men, just claimed he wasn't ready for offspring or sex. It often
       got him weird looks.
       ---
       Ghost saw the man’s eye trailing a different way to feel a bit
       jealous. “What about you- you finally thinking of breeding or
       just not ready yet?” He asked as he finished. He didn’t know
       why- but the guy staring at that other man was causing a small
       flicker of feelings he didn’t like.
       ---
       A dark blush crossed Farid's cheeks as he pulled his eyes away
       to look at Ghost and his question. "No, I'm definitely not
       ready... besides, if I feel like being puked on, I'll just play
       with your kids," he teased with a smirk.
       "Why? You dying to be Uncle Ghost?" He teased even more.
       ---
       Ghost blinked and looked over to chuckle. “Oh so you’re willing
       to play with my kids but not have your own?” He
       questioned.”honestly think you should have a kid too- brainy as
       you are bet it’ll be just as smart.” He said with a smirk. “If
       anything it sounds like you’re ready to be the doting uncle” he
       said.
       ----
       "Yup, doting uncle Farid, kids just seem like a lot of work,
       hard enough helping you keep the one you got alive," Farid said
       with an eye roll. "I don't get your desire to procreate..." He
       said as his eyes turned back out to the village, watching them
       and staring as a particularly muscular man was chopping
       firewood.
       ----
       “Haha.. still.. she’s way too timid.. if she don’t get to work
       she’d never be at yuwichi’s level..” he said with a sigh. “I
       desire it so because I want a kid.. it’s hard to explain.. “ he
       said. He saw his gaze at someone else to glare a bit more.”so..
       is there something about that man you like?” He asked as his
       instincts were starting to go about fighting the guy. Somehow
       his alpha energy was itching for a fight to prove that he was
       stronger.
       ----
       "Few get to Yuwichi's level. Maybe we should start taking her
       hunting with us? She is at the age to bond with a ripper." Farid
       said before a look of surprise cane to him causing him to look
       back at Ghost. A fresh blush on his cheeks at being called out.
       He cleared his throat and looked away from his friend. "What?
       No.... why are you asking weird questions?" He tried to deflect
       as his blush got darker.
       ----
       “I don’t know- she still acts scared of the rippers- mind
       helping me with that.. mean yours does look pretty.” He said.
       Of course ghost saw the blush and sighed.”ohhhh that guy looks
       so strong- imma go over and fight him.” He said as he walked off
       on farid.
       He approached the ax weilding man he took off to fight the guy
       with out hesitation. Ax smacked blade - his body dodging
       attempts of it going for an arm or his tail. It ended when he
       cut the man’s gut to take off when more people were coming for
       the commotion to hear the horror filled screams of his work.
       ----
       "You know I always got your back," Farid reassured before a
       slight frown came to his lips at when Ghost walked off. The
       fanatic always was impulsive.
       He enjoyed the show of the two sexy men fighting, blushing at
       the thought of thinking of Ghost in such a way. By the time he
       finished his food and chased it with a drink from his water
       skin, the skirmish was over.
       Farid got to his feet and then onto Bittie's back before urging
       her into meeting Ghost where he fled. "Nice fight," he praised
       with a smirk when the trio found his partner.
       ----
       “You know it was.” Said ghost with a laugh.”guy was too easy
       though- honestly- I heard rumors there was a hell of a beastkin
       that been fighting with some of our people- even took one of our
       captured back.” He told him.”heard he’s almost tall as I am..
       that- sounds like a good fight.” He said his toothy grin
       showing. He got on mist as the woman he was looking at was
       already barreling their way. “Oooh? The breeder got teeth.” He
       said as his way of saying fight.
       ----
       "Ohhhh that would be a fun fight to watch," Farid mused as Ghost
       spoke of someone nearly his size. It was hard to imagine anyone
       comparing to the giant that Ghost was. His head turned to look
       at the woman and pulled a rope put of his pack and made a lasso
       before having Bittie whip around and chase the woman again,
       catching her in the rope before hopping off Bittie when she hit
       the ground and hogtied her.
       He then threw the screaming woman over Bittie's back and quickly
       got on as more villagers came rushing out to try and stop the
       kidnapping but the two were taking off with her within moments,
       Farid cackling like it was a fun time. To him, it was.
       ---
       “Damn farid! That was the faster I’ve seen you tie anything!” He
       said as the woman wriggled, and cursing some. “Mmhmm enough
       fight- that’s good- maybe she will live through a few kids.” He
       said to see her still at the realization. “Guess we better get
       back- bet the guys will love the fresh meat.” He said before he
       smirked wider.”first tone there gets the others fruit for the
       day.” He said as he motivated mist to get faster.
       ---
       "Thanks, feel like my roping and timing skills have gotten
       better overall," he mused a little cocky, holding the woman so
       she couldn't fall off. A smirk crossing his lips when she
       stilled.
       When Ghost proposed a bet before taking off, Farid let out a cry
       of unfair before pushing Bittie to run faster, the two rippers
       seeming to be of the same mind ot beat eachother home leading to
       quite the speedy race.
       ----
       Ghost just laughed as he said.”it’s only unfair if you don’t get
       moving!” Ghost could see them leading ever the further before
       Mist  would stop on a dime as he would spill off his
       ripper.”mist! Not again!” He shouted a bit as he saw farid
       making it first.”you co.cky bastard.. you did it again- she
       might be your breeder but you gotta stop doing that- “ he huffed
       a little to sulk a bit.
       ----
       On the race back, holding the woman against his body, he could
       tell she was pregnant. An idea came to his mind by the time they
       got to the camp. The fanatic cackling over Ghost being thrown by
       his ripper.
       When Bittie came to a stop, Farid slipped off her back and put
       the woman down before he unsaddled the ripper who rushed off to
       fuss over her eggs.
       "Seems I remain undefeated," he gloated as he pulled the woman
       to her feet. The woman in tears by this point. "Think I like
       this one, might... take her for a test ride tonight," he joked
       with a smirk.
       -----
       “Because Mist keeps pulling that shit.” Complained ghost.”swear
       yours got a spell over him anytime we race now.” He pouted a
       bit.
       He blinked a bit in suprise at the man finally saying he found a
       woman he could breed.”bout time! Guess you wanted a biter.” He
       said as he walked over a bit to tug her face up.”be good you’ll
       eat, if your with child you’ll be protected.” He said as their
       usual words to the females that have been dragged there.”fight-
       expect to be smacked back.” He warned a little before letting
       her face go.
       ---
       Once the warnings were giving Farid loosened the ropes, leaving
       her hands tied as he didn't trust the woman.
       Kimiko jerked her face away from Ghost's hand when he loosened
       his grip to let go, giving the man a *dark* glare. The giant was
       the man who killed her beloved Shinska.
       "Go. To. Hell." She spat out getting pulled back into Farid's
       arms. "Mmm think I do like them spicy," he mused getting a
       disgusted look from her. "Think I might go and break her in
       right now," he purred darkly, scooping the now struggling woman
       into his arms and carried her off to his tent before closing it.
       Once inside he dumped her onto his bed of furs and then
       stretched as she scrambled away from him. "Oh don't look at me
       like that I'm not going to touch you... look, I know you are
       with child, I need Ghost off my back, you spend time in my tent
       for like, a moon cycle and then you won't be harassed and I
       won't wither.... just pretend the kid is mine..." He explained
       getting a look of pure shock at the fact the Fantic was helping
       her.
       "We got a deal?" He questioned getting a slow nod from her.
       "Good, now make moaning sounds so he thinking I'm railing you,"
       Farid demanded. "Why do you care what he think?" She couldn't
       help but ask getting a blush out of the man before she got a
       knowing look. "Oh..." She said. "Okay.... fine..." She said with
       a heavy sigh before her own blush came to her cheeks as she made
       sex related noises.
       After a few hours he finally let her stop. "Stay here... I'll
       bring you food... best you hide out in here..." He told her
       getting a nod before he left his tent and closed it up before he
       yawned and stretched.
       ----
       Ghost chuckled watching the man carrying the struggling woman
       saying.”have fun.”
       He went to fuss over the rippers a bit as well as fawn over the
       eggs.. his eyes darting wondering which one be best for his
       daughter.. least till he heard the noises.”bout damn time..” he
       said with a chuckle.
       He saw the man coming out and stretching.”have fun?” He asked as
       he moved a bit toward the man. For some reason he felt a hint of
       that weird feeling he got with the man earlier. Though he didn’t
       know why. This was their ways after all. He noticed she never
       came out of the tent- and figured that farid was happy enough to
       keep going with her. “Hopefully she was less bitey after the
       break in.” He joked a little.
       ----
       "Fun? I suppose, once I got her going she was... quite
       cooperative. She looks even better with the clothes off..."
       Farid said, parroting things he had heard other fanatics say
       about their exploits. "She fell asleep after. I'm starving after
       that, want to grab something to eat?" He questioned.
       ----
       Ghost chuckled. “Sounds good to me- and for sure! Planning on
       keeping her overnight?” He asked as he felt the twinge of
       jealousy growing.
       Time passed as it seemed like clock work for the month of farid
       taking the woman to his tent. Ghost continued to get grumpier.
       It was the morning of a new day as he had the egg for his
       daughter picked out, and doing some things as he waited for
       farid.. granted he was acting a bit colder than the norm. The
       fact the guy seemed to fu.ck so much made him wonder if there
       was more to that woman that farid was wanting,
       --+-
       "Yeah, think I will," Farid mused with a smirk. And that was
       *exactly* what he did. He didn't let her leave the tent much if
       at all and even brought her food and water to the tent, claiming
       to want to be sure her child was his.
       It was a long month for Farid, keeping up this lie. He was
       finally ready to have the woman, whom he learned was named
       Kimiko, out of his tent. Though, he had gotten to know her and,
       for once in his life felt guilt over the ways of his people.
       When the month was over and she was properly showing, Farid
       finally brought Kimiko out of the tent. "Ghost! Check it out!"
       He chimed quite excited as he spun Kimi around and showed off
       her belly.  Kimiko blushing dark, but the way she leaned against
       Farid showed she wasn't scared of the man, which was unusual.
       "Is that the egg for little bit?" He questioned in excitement.
       He had noticed Ghost growing cold towards him and hoped this
       would cheer the man up.
       -----
       Ghost heard the man to come over and smiled. “Already showing!
       Congrats!” he said as he saw how the woman leaned against farid.
       His gaze getting a bit hard at her for a brief second to wipe
       off- he knew better than to create any problems- children were
       important after all.
       “Yeah.. she’s still acting timid though- thought about taking
       her out for survival training- and she won’t speak..” he
       grumbled as he seemed to be preoccupied with the egg some.”kinda
       hope this one will have blue feathers like yours and white skin
       like mine.. “ he mumbled as if he was having a child of his own
       with farid of all people.
       ----
       The grin on Farid's lips grew at Ghost's praise. With that,
       Farid sent Kimiko off to be with the other breeders knowing
       Ghost would be off his back on the matter. His attention was now
       solely on his friends. "I think survival training would do her
       some good. Once she learns to properly defend herself she will
       be fine. Personally, I'm hoping blue skin and pink feathers,
       also, raising and protecting a ripper chick really teaches you a
       lot, I think she will open up once she properly bonds." Farid
       suggested.
       ----
       “You think so?” Asked ghost before hearing a bit of a commotion
       to see Casimir back.. and with a breeder.”oh damn.. look at
       those hips..” he mumbled appreciatively of Nefertiti. Seeing the
       man holding her hand made him feel all kinds of funny.”she a
       breeder?” He wondered as he watched the two greet Ayyub and go
       inside his tent.
       ----
       "Of course, you are her dad, she will grow into a fierce woman,"
       Farid reassured before he heard the commotion going on to see
       Casimir had returned. "Looks like it..." the fanatic said with a
       look of annoyance at the way Ghost stared at the woman. "I would
       suspect she is, though... Given Ayyub's recent hoarding of play
       things, wouldn't be surprised if he has some exclusive
       claim..." He said with a shrug.
       "Let's go find little bit that egg will be hatching soon." He
       mused.
       #Post#: 1653--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Buddy system
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 1:00 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       “Very exclusive.” He said to sigh before heading where the
       retired breeders were tending to the young ones. He saw Levana
       sitting near the edge of the area, the kids being rowdy as ever.
       The young beast girl had her tail around her feet her head down
       as he approach.”lev let’s go.” He said gruffly. The young girl
       got up silently to grab her father’s hand. The girl looked as if
       she been in a fight and clearly she lost.
       The other kids kept their distance as ghost frowned.”you’ve
       gotten beaten again? Lev.. you gotta show those claws.” He told
       his daughter as she just seemed to be upset a bit more.
       The woman that had given birth to her approached farid to
       whisper in his ear. She let him know that the kids had been
       ganging  up against her, “it’s not that she can’t defend
       herself- she’s been fighting the past few days on her own.”
       The woman did this as ghost would never really listen to her
       when she tried to talk to him.. but somehow farid even if he was
       scary- was easier to tell since he seemed invested in the child.
       —fin—
       When the retired breeder aproched him, Farid was quite cold at
       first until he heard what she said and his eyes narrowed.
       "Thanks..." He said before they left. "Yo,Ghost, why not let me
       talk over the egg and and taking care of the baby and all that,
       and you go get Mist and Bittie ready. Need me some Lev time
       anyways," Farid said once he decided to have a talk with the
       girl.
       Once alone with the child as he showed her how to set the egg
       up. "Lady watching over you said other kids ganging up on you...
       you know, you and me are a lot alike, we are small, so we have
       to be tougher than the rest, your daddy is big so it's easy to
       be the toughest when you are big, that's why he is so great. But
       what you need, is an equalizer. None of them other brats are
       even close to having their own rippers and you bond with one,
       that will be your partner, hopefully for life. When you have a
       partner, you have someone to watch your back, kind of like me
       and your daddy. Until then though... you fight extra dirty. You
       don't have to win the fight, but make it not worth the effort.
       What I did when I was your age... these kids kept ganging up on
       me so one day I found a blade and the next time they attacked
       me, I stabbed their leader. They left me alone after that and
       your daddy became my friend. It's hard now but the harder you
       fight the better it will get." He attempted to explain to the
       girl.
       -----
       Ghost chuckled.”fine fine.. “ he said as he went to go prepare
       the rippers.
       Levana  helped set the egg up and blinked. Her head shifted to
       the man as she listened to him talk.
       Her ears moved softly as she thought of her mother- she seen her
       only back off for ghost.
       “Watch my back?.. I already fight dirty- is only way.” She said
       and sighed. Her head turned back to see ghost busy.
       “Wish dad would have mommy’s.. “ she voiced for the first time
       to farid.  Seeing how the females were treated here.. did leave
       and impression- but her mother didn’t stop fighting.
       “Why do you not like her?” She asked farid looking up at
       him.”but you like me?” She asked her head tilting.
       ----
       Hearing Levana open up to him had Farid smiling softly. "Well...
       I'll tell you a secret, reason I don't like her, is because I
       want your daddy to myself, I don't like you, I *love* you..." He
       teased in a rare show of affection. "You may not be my blood but
       you are like my own.... you have the potential to rise so high.
       The ways of our people are hard and brutal, especially for the
       women... but... your daddy and me, we are going to try our best
       to make sure you have a good life," he said in his best way of
       explanation.
       The soft side of Farid was only known to Levana and his ripper.
       He was scared of showing it to Ghost.
       ----
       Levana listened a little bit to smile some.”I like you too.. but
       I like my mom..too.” She said as she rubbed her egg some. “You
       should tell papa you want him.” She said softly.”mama always
       said. If you love someone or want someone to tell them before
       it’s too late.” She said. “I love you too farid.. you listen to
       mama even if you don’t like her.. dad don’t like her and he
       doesn’t listen.” She showed a look of frustration. “I fight
       back- I’m tough.. but he just doesn’t listen to girls.” She said
       flatly.
       —fin—
       ----
       "Well... it's complicated... if... I told him... your... daddy
       might not want to... be friends with me anymore... and then I
       won't get to see you..." He explained with a sigh.
       "You are going to go do some survival training... I'll talk to
       him about what has been going on, he might listen if it comes
       from me..." He said petting the child's head as we spoke.
       "The egg should be fine while we are gone, I'll let you steer
       Bittie if you like," he offered affectionately, pulling his hand
       away from the show of affection he he heard approaching feet.
       --+-
       Levana listened a bit to get a sad look. “Why wouldn’t he
       be?”she asked.
       During their talk while ghost was getting things ready heard the
       call of Casimir.”oh come on!” He griped a bit to begin his way
       back to where his daughter and partner were to see a brief
       movement of farids hand going back to gain a questioning
       look.”hey.. we are being called- Casimir says we need to talk.”
       He said with a rather sour look to scoop up Levana to deposit
       her on his shoulder.
       ---
       "What does he want with us?" Farid asked in confusion before he
       got to his feet after giving the egg one last check before he
       followed his partner to where Casimir was waiting.
       ---
       Casimir’s hands were on his hips as he had his grin.”about damn
       time- you lot are slow.” He bitched before he went to a rock
       that was tall enough.”hey you get the breeders too- it involves
       them too!” He shouted at one who would rush off and bring them -
       some showing various stages of pregnancy.
       “Alright- we are defecting!” He called out as confused noises
       flew out. “We are joining a tribe call ravagers and be reforming
       our ways.. to do that means we release the breeders-among
       others, and work towards a better future.” He called.
       Ghost made a gutteral growl.
       “So- in this- those that accept it readily please step your way
       to the left- those that need convincing come with me- and those
       that continue to defy will see what happens next.” He said with
       a chuckle.
       Ghost among the ones that needed more convincing shifted
       Levana.”like hell.. we lived like this for years.” He
       said.”farid keep an eye on lev- if anything happens watch her.”
       He said as the breeder Aelin went over more for her daughter.
       Hope flickered in many of the breeders eyes as a way of freedom
       finally for most.. the fighters of their group.
       She watched  ghost went as Casimir got himself ready for a
       fight. Ghost went for a jump in with a few in a group, despite
       how much bigger ghost was to Casimir was brought to his knees by
       the speedster as he relented to accepting.
       Those that did not ghost witnessed to being tied up. He went to
       sit by farid looking a bit bummed Aelin kept quiet to take
       Levana with her giving a glance to farid so he could have some
       time with ghost her daughter joining her with the other breeders
       to chat.
       The orders to get camp in order got everyone bustling and
       getting ready to go.
       Ghost finished strapping his tent down on mist and gently
       placing levana’s egg he chose in a side pack.”guess we got a new
       life coming..” he said to sigh as he saw Ayyub come out to feel
       his hair on end.
       seeing the man lop the heads of those that were still stubborn
       and unwilling to deal with such a change was chilling.
       ----
       When everyone was gathered, even the breeders, Casimir began to
       talk. The subject of a change in lifestyle had Farid staring
       wide eyes. He took Levana into his arms and found a rock to sit
       on processessing what was happening. "Okay..." was all he said
       before he watched as Ghost went to challenge Casimir. A *deep*
       fear filled him that Cas would kill Ghost. He held Levana
       tightly. When the fighting was over he watched as the ones who
       refused to submit were tied up as Ghost came to sit with him
       while Levana's mother collected her and the excited breeders. It
       felt so hollow to Farid, he didn't even know why he didn't fight
       back but after seeing Ayyub come and kill those who fully
       refused, he found himself grateful Ghost had submitted.
       A part of him knew this was better for Levana and his own
       pretend child, though he wasn't sure how much longer that secret
       would stand once the child was born.
       The tents were soon packed up and Farid felt quite numb now as
       he finished attaching a cart to Bittie so her remaining eggs and
       Far's things could be brought along. He opted to walk rather
       than force his ripper to carry such a load.
       "When we get to this new place... maybe we can find a nice spot
       for our tents that Bittie can nest nearby?" He suggested. It had
       been two years of a routine and familiar sights and in so many
       ways this felt so wrong.
       When they arrived, Farid watched the exchange between the
       brothers and the leaders of the tribe they were joining. A big
       part of Farid wanted to bail and find the parent tribe that held
       Cas and Ayyub's dad. He was sure the man could talk some sense
       into him, it was a matter of getting word to him.
       It was surprising that the tribe allowed them in to set up camp,
       the breeders going off though, Kimiko didn't go from Farid and
       Ghost. Farid had protected her all this time so she had grown to
       trust the moody man. She watched the looks the fanatic gave
       Ghost when he thought no one was looking and got a gentle smile.
       It was rather sweet.
       +---+
       “Be wise to- Casimir told me to keep the rippers close by this
       time as they need to be acclimated to the new tribe.. given
       their fears and what we’ve done- honestly not suprised.” He said
       during their travel. He noticed how Casimir sulked noticeably
       staring at others having their rippers.”wonder what happened to
       fang?” He said softly as they reached the outskirts of the
       ravaged camp.
       By the time they arrived did it look like a sight. He wasn’t
       sure about the ravager leader- he reeked of being soft to him-
       but the spunky red headed woman on the beastkin’s shoulder
       looked fairly familiar to him. His ear twitched in thought as he
       clearly was thinking.”where have I seen her..” he mumbled.
       Before he was with Casimir’s tribe he was with another- he was
       merged after an incident in his younger years.. and it slowly
       was coming to him.
       As he was thinking during the whole exchange,Ghost’s eyes zeroed
       on skoll. Though the guy was a bit shorter than he was-
       definitely felt like he’d be a good fight.. though now he
       couldn’t just up and kill according to the rules.
       He looked at farid when he felt eyes, to get back to his work of
       pitching the tents.
       As he did so he heard fighting among the fanatic kids and saw
       his daughter bite the kids hand to be tossed back. Given their
       ways he just watched till he noticed the breeder Aelin intervene
       when it looked like the girl was about to lose and seemed to
       talk to her. She scooped her daughter up and he saw the amount
       of relief on her face as she walked off being shown where
       mothers with no mates could be, the center most of camp. Eden
       who had the elf following noticed just how heavy the other women
       were to see kimiko.”this is one too many.” She said
       sighing.”hey! We need to make plans to hit up Ocea!” She called
       to scar. His eyes went over the other breeders as he
       sighed.”seems like it- I can get things arranged.” He said
       noticing how the elf needed to talk to meet up with snow and
       Adan when ghost saw them leave.
       >>>
       ^^^
       Ghost wondered if anything would be the same when he was
       approached by another ravager that seemed just below Skolls size
       and mentioning a hunt with him.
       “Fine but farid comes with- we always go together.” He said
       rather huffily.
       “That is fine.” Said Romelo with a smile as he used his
       abilities of manipulating emotions to ease the beastkin. “It’ll
       be a way to curb the bloodlust too- I know plenty of places with
       large prey.” He told the two men as he looked at farid to see
       what he would say.
       -----
       A new plush nest was created for Bittie and Mist, who were nice
       and worn out from the travel and wanted nothing more than to
       sleep. Farid was just finishing setting up his tent when the
       fight broke up between the kids and Aelin's intervention. He
       couldn't help but let off a breath of relief when the women was
       escorted off. Kimiko soon following after.
       What Farid didn't expect was another man to appear and behind to
       seemingly had the *audacity* to ask Ghost for a hunt. If he
       hadn't just promised to not kill anyone he would have already
       attacked the man.
       Even worse, Ghost agreed with the stipulations that Farid had to
       come along. The fanatic gave his best friend the most
       scandalized look. Glaring at Romelo. "Fine...." He agreed,
       feeling *quite* the bloodlust at the moment. "Rippers need to
       rest, and not a good idea to go hunting with a stranger, might
       mistake you for prey..." He snared before grabbing his weapon,
       having quite the emotional turmoil over how close the man was to
       Ghost.
       ----
       Ghost looked at the fanatic who had that weird look.”what? You
       don’t wanna hunt?” He asked as he stretched.”after all of this I
       want fresh meat.” He said with a sigh. He disliked how close
       Romelo was to remove himself and get closer to farid.”I don’t
       know about this guy..” he said to oddly feel his suspicion die
       down. He made another face as he was not sure what the hell was
       going on.
       ---
       "Don't like sharing my hubting partner..." Farid grumbled. "It's
       fine, we can get some meat, guess..... if we have issues we can
       complain to... someone? Casimir? Least the guy probably knows
       where the good hunting grounds here are." Farid said with a
       sigh.
       "Let get moving," he demanded.
       ---
       Romelo walked with the two.”or atreus - yall are required to
       pair with one of us - but we are not ones to break up long time
       partners- and I do.” Said Romelo.
       “So how long have you two been together?” He asked as he seemed
       fairly curious if the duo. “Are you two mates?” He asked as he
       had felt some jealousy from farid.
       ----
       The way Romelo talked made the glare shift to confusion before
       his face turned *scarlet* red at the man's questions. "We met
       when we were kids, I do know, a decade ago... we... arnt mates,
       just... hunting partners..." Farid explained looking away from
       both men knowing he was blushing at this point.
       ----
       Romelo saw the blushing.”my bad- I know few men that act like
       you that is a mate” he said.”got one myself! He’s busy though so
       needed someone to come with me.” He said as ghost blinked.
       Ghost blushed a bit.”mates.. fanatics don’t …mate we got
       partners and breeders.” He said flatly.
       “Believe there’s some boar in one place and some antelope- you
       can’t hunt near the oasis though- scar said he made a deal with
       whoever lives here on preserving that.” He said as he stopped by
       the weapons tent to get a bow and arrow.
       ----
       Hearing Romelo claim they behaved like mates to hear Ghost
       confirm his words made his insides ache. "Might have to change
       that policy.... considering the breeders are free and we can't
       get more.... and you still want a son...." Farid said, his
       emotions coming out as sass.
       The idea of Ghost being with anyone more than a breed made his
       heart break at the idea. He stayed quiet the rest of the walk.
       Despite his short stature, the man was fast, and when he felt
       overwhelmed with emotions. It caused him to be quite far ahead
       of Romelo and Ghost.
       Another ravager approached him while Romelo got his weapons
       sorted.
       "Hey there cutie, got plans later?" The man questioned
       flirtatiously leaving Farid like a deer in headlights. He had
       never been flirted with like this by anyone, let along a hot
       man. Sure, the guy was only 6ft unlike Ghost's 7'2" but the man
       was cute at least.
       "I um.... I'm going hunting right now..." He explained before he
       found himself trapped between a wall and the man.
       "Well, ditch them and we can go off and have some... fun... what
       do you say?" He questioned, his lips less than an inch from
       Farid's blushing face.
       ----
       Ghost blinked a bit.”but..” he stated as Romelo heard
       them.”there are mates that simply co mingle with willing females
       to have kids - but it doesn’t make them mates.” He said his brow
       raising. Ghost hearing this almost didn’t realize that his
       partner had gone ahead till he saw a ravager hitting on Farid.
       He was about ready to fight and kill the guy on the spot - to
       remember he can’t. But since he was taller went over and growled
       a bit to see the ravager look back.”he’s busy- stop pushing - or
       I’ll break something.” He said figuring it be better than
       murdering the man to get him to run off.  “Believe the nerve of
       that guy?” He growled a bit more. “Trying to take what’s mine..”
       his hair bristled a bit before Romelo said behind him.”you sure
       your not mates?” He questioned. Ghost blinked for a moment
       before seeing end practically smacking a female away from skoll
       on the way to the tents .. it felt rather familiar.
       Farid smacking away one of their own when he tried to ask him to
       go hunting. .. that’s when it clicked for him.”let’s go farid…”
       he said as he thought of actually talking to farid about it when
       they got back.
       #Post#: 1654--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Buddy system
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 1:28 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       The fanatic didn't exactly know how to get the man pinning him
       to back off without hurting him, so he let out a relieved breath
       when Ghost cane to his rescue before hearing the man claiming
       Farid was his. It had Farid blushing quite a bit more, even
       worse when Romelo questioned if they were sure they weren't
       mates.
       "Think I would know if he railed me every night... yeah let's
       get going." The fanatic said sassily before they were off and
       heading out of the oasis. It didn't take very long for The trio
       to find the herd of boars.
       "I'll go round and flush them to you Ghost." He told his partner
       before sneaking off.
       ----
       Ghost heard the man speak sassily- but he couldn’t help but feel
       an inkling of jealousy that was mixed in with that sass.
       “Alright- be careful!” He told him to see romelo’s face a bit
       before he’d go a direction as they got ready for the beasts to
       head their way. The two launched the moment farid managed to
       flush some, and made the kills.
       After a bit of cleaning and talking about ravagers ways and how
       they work did they make it back. “Want me to cook or you?” Asked
       the beastkin as he looked at farid wondering just how he was
       going to breach the subject that was eating at him during the
       hunt.
       ----
       The hunting was short and brutal as he watched Ghost take out
       his aggression on the unsuspecting prey. Soon they had the meat
       cleaned and the trio headed back, a bit of relief filling him
       when Romelo finally left them alone.
       "You did most of the work in the hunt, I'll cook," Farid sated
       before they got to their tents to find Kimiko getting a fire
       ready.
       "What are you..." Farid questioned before she was practically
       beaming at him, ignoring Ghost entirely, her own way of avenging
       her husband was torturing Ghost knowing he would get upset over
       any affection given to Far.
       "I wanted to get a fire ready for you! I have to cook some bowls
       I made so figured I could get your fire for dinner ready," she
       chimed as she walked over, draping her arms over his shoulders
       as she drew him in and kissed the side of his mouth. When they
       had discussed such things he had made it clear he didn't want
       her kissing him full on the lips. Kimi was the only one to know
       his aversion to women.
       -----
       Ghost smiled a bit to chuckle.”sounds good.” He said before
       seeing kimiko as he bristled at her sudden affection of how she
       was with farid. His jaw flexed clearly unhappy.
       “That… is nice…” he struggled with his words.”but I really need
       to talk to farid.. alone..” he said trying to hold back his
       temper.
       ----
       An unhappy pout came to Kimiko's lips before pulling away.
       "Fine, I'll be back later," she told Farid before heading off as
       Farid got to work on making their dinner, giving their rippers
       the meat that wouldn't be cooked before going to fuss over the
       cooking meat.
       "What do we need to talk about?" He finally questioned after a
       while of silence.
       ----
       Ghost tried his best to keep himself together as she waked off
       to finally calming down. “Farid.. what if.. like…” ghost went
       quiet”what if partner for us is like mates for them?” He asked
       quietly.”mean thinking about it seeing you look at other guys
       and girls make me jealous.. and .. I know you turn a bit of an
       attitude when I take on a breeder-“ he said softly.”be honest-
       you didn’t want me to breed with them right?”
       ----
       At what Ghost said, Farid got a deeper and deeper blush at the
       suggestion that their partners were more like mates than
       anything else. Pointing out how their moods changed when they
       saw the other with someone else.
       "No... I... don't... I... have always hated it when you take on
       a breeder..." Farid admitted.
       ----
       Ghost seemed to look at farid for a long time.”I won’t take
       another woman.. I’ll stick with the one kid I have.. “ he said
       quietly. Inwardly he was a bit bummed at the idea of not having
       one more but- with farid being honest- felt it was best this
       way.”I’ll need to talk to the bre-..” he paused.”the mother
       though.. we can’t take the young from them anymore-“ he said as
       he looked at the fire.”but if you want that bree- kimiko.. I
       understand.” He said with a sigh.  He fidgeted unnaturally in
       thought of what to do. He wasn’t use to using words- but the
       actions spoke so loud to him now that he could see it around
       with the ravagers.. and how jealous behavior worked.
       -----
       Hearing Ghost claim he wouldn't use a breeder again and even
       made an effort to call the breeders the child's mother was quite
       the shock. A heavy sigh left Farid when Ghost brought up Kimiko.
       "I don't want her, in... in fact... I haven't even bred her... I
       realized she was pregnant when I caught her... and... Lied to
       you.... I... I wanted you to stop asking me when I would...
       Kimiko is nothing more than... a friend I guess, she... is a bit
       attached given I protected her by doing what I did... I'm
       sorry... I've just... never been interested in women..." He
       admitted.
       ----
       Ghost seemed to stop and looked over to farid. “I.. only asked
       cause well- I thought if you had a kid and I did…” he said
       sheepishly.”we could be a parent to both.. peice of you and a
       peice of me.” He admitted.”I’m sorry you had to go that far.” He
       said with a deep sigh at himself.
       ----
       A surprised look came to Farid's features at Ghost's words and
       gave the man a soft smile. "Well... if... we... decided to be...
       Mates... maybe... we can adopt a child to raise together?" He
       suggested, making a point to not look at Ghost. He was too
       scared of the man's reaction.
       ----
       “M..maybe. That will be a lot of thinking for now.” Ghost
       admitted. Kids was something he felt he needed to seriously
       think about. “The kids thing I mean- but I don’t mind us being
       mates.. mean you do help with Lev, but it also means working
       with her mother more on things now.” He said as he relaxed a bit
       more.
       -----
       At first, Farid was crestfallen at hearing the man say maybe.
       Then he heard the man correcting any potential misunderstanding,
       saying he  didn't mind. A chuckle left Farid. "I've... kind of
       already been doing that behind your back since Lev was born. Be
       easier to more openly work with her," he teased with a smirk,
       soon finishing the cooking before serving up two plates.
       "So... does this... mean we should share a tent?" He questioned
       with a blush as he settled down to start eating.
       -----
       “Think so.. mean- it makes sense to me..” said ghost as he got
       the plate to take a bite. Now that things were awkwardly sitting
       into place a twinge of guilt came for kimiko. He stole her
       husbands life out of jealousy for Farid staring at the guy.
       “Also seems- I am gonna be paying another person  back.. for a
       long ass time for what I did.” He grumbled more at himself. He
       was already trying to figure out how to work with the breeder he
       used to get lev, and keeping an eye on another for signs of
       pregnancy- given he was  at the time trying again.  “Would you
       like to share.. tonight?” He asked as he took a bite of food.
       -----
       "To... tonight? I um... I mean... if you are sure... I...
       wouldn't mind..." Farid stammered outwith a deepening blush. He
       tried to focus his mind from laying next to Ghost tonight as he
       ate.
       "I will help you pay back any debts you feel you have," he
       added, soon finished his dinner to clean up his mess. "This is
       all so.... different... it's going to take time to get used
       to... but... we have each other..." He said with a smile.
       --+++
       “It’s gonna be long- “ he said as he went to clean his things.
       “It’ll be different- but you’re right  it’s with each other.” He
       said softly. “So if you want.. you can be on my shoulder.. if
       it’ll keep you from being hit on.. “ he said having gotten the
       idea from end being on her mates shoulder. “M..mean if you
       want.” He said blinking.”oh and we are suppose to sign up with
       patrol shifts- we might have a ravager with us time to time to
       help us understand where to go and how things work.” He said as
       he finished up.
       ----
       "Up... on your shoulder? I suppose we could try that when we go
       walking around next. We can... worry about signing up for shifts
       in the morning...." Farid said as he finished for the evening.
       "Are you... ready to turn in? Might want to you your tent, mine
       is a bit small for you..." He questioned blushing dark.
       ---
       “That’s fine.. I don’t mind.” Said the large wolf of a man as he
       went into his tent, as usual he didn’t hesitate to strip what he
       had on off- the man never did like sleeping dressed. He laid on
       the furs blushing more at the fact Farid would be sleeping in
       the same tent as him- though wouldn’t be Farid’s first time
       seeing his naked a.ss.
       “You coming?” He called as he leaned his head on his hand.
       ----
       Seeing Ghost so quickly disrobed had Farid blushing dark as he
       stared at the man for a long moment before he was beckoned
       inside. The fanatic moving to secure the door before he got a
       darker blush when he turned back to face the man. It took a
       moment for him to lay down next to the man opting to only take
       off his top layer of clothes, he didn't let himself be naked in
       front of others often.
       -----
       Ghost’s ears flickered and moved before he committed to bringing
       Farid in to cuddle. It felt different having the guy nearby like
       this.  He flushed as he wondered just what to do next.. but he
       figured going a bit by bit be best. Farid was never really
       terribly open to the idea of mating females.. but this case it
       was different. “Comfortable?” He asked as he held the thin body
       a bit against him.
       ----
       When Ghost drew Farid in the man's blush got even darker being
       pressed up against the beastkin's naked form had his body
       reacting. "Y... yeah... you are... really warm..." He murmered
       as he tried to relax against the man. His mate. The idea made
       his mind whirl. After so long of wanting Ghost to be his, and
       here he was. Laying there naked next to him. He let out a breath
       to finally relax, though his body very much was reactive to his
       mate's touch.
       "Can... I kiss you?" Farid finally asked with a rapidly
       intensifying blush, it was something he had long dreamed about.
       #Post#: 1655--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Buddy system
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 1:30 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Ghost was enjoying the relaxing feeling of Farid nearby and his
       smell.. till he heard the question as he blushed himself.”yeah..
       you can.” He said looking down at the man. He was hoping he
       could keep control of himself and what could happen. He didn’t
       want to scare Farid. Once he felt the mouth he could not help
       but deepen it.
       ---
       A smile came to Farid's lips when Ghost agreed to being kissed.
       The fanatic moved up to press his lips against the beastkin's
       groaning into the kiss when the man so quicking deepened it
       causing Farid to press even closer to the man as the kiss
       continued to intensify.
       -----
       Their lips mingled as his hands slid down the form of Farid. His
       body reacting and wanting him, but let Farid lead him in what he
       wanted.
       ----
       Feeling Ghost's body reacting to him had shivers running through
       Farid as they made out. The hand traveling his body getting soft
       noises out of him until he finally broke the kiss.
       "I... want you to mate me Ghost... I've... I've wanted you
       for... an embarrassingly long time.
       ----
       Ghost blinked and blushed.”.are you sure? If it’s so you’re
       gonna have to ride me first.. I don’t have a whole lot of
       control and rather you take it in a bit in slow  first..” he
       said sheepishly. Farid was the last one he’d ever want to harm.
       Plus Farid looked smaller than the hardy females he was use to.
       “So… get me ready?” He asked softly.
       #Post#: 1656--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Buddy system
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 2:18 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       "I can do that... you know better than anyone I'm not as
       breakable as I look," he mused before moving down to get Ghost
       ready with his mouth, greedily taking it in and pleasuring the
       man the way he always imagined while he used his own wet fingers
       to stretch himself out a bit before he pushed Ghost fully onto
       his back before impaling himself on the the beastkin with a hot
       groan as his eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head feeling
       so full. "Holy sh.it you are big," he moaned out before his hips
       began to rock and moved over the man as he pulled his new lover
       into a desperately needy kiss. "Ghost, please claim me," he
       moaned out.
       ---+
       Ghost groaned at the right feeling of Farid on him to roll his
       hips.”fu.ck your tight.” He said as he felt the he rocking and
       movement, he flipped them as he began to plow into Farid as he
       claimed his mouth again, their bodies mingling in the passions
       as skin smacked skin. “Mine..” a growl slid out as he pounded
       harder. His teeth elongated before. It would sink in his
       shoulder. A mark of claw marks would show as he continued to
       move.
       ----
       It didn't seem to take very long at all for Ghost to seemingly
       loose control as Farid quickly found himselfnon his back with
       his new lover rather savagely claiming him. He understood now
       why all the women Ghost had slept with had screamed.
       The fanatic was a moaning mess into the beastkin's mouth. When
       the kiss broke, hearing that possessive growl of mine had a
       shiver run through him as the intense pace made it impossible to
       be quiet. "Yes! Yours Ghost! I'm yours!" He moaned out in a near
       yelling moan before his eyes widened at the teeth.
       Given their lifestyle, Farid knew nothing of how beastkin marked
       their mates so he half thought Ghost was going to eat him,
       especially with such a painful bite. "G-Ghost!" He gasped out,
       cu.mming hard between the both of them.
       -----
       Ghost unraveled his teeth slowly sliding out. He realized what
       he had done panicking a bit at the bite mark. Finally giving
       into his natural instincts he wasn’t taught. “I didn’t mean to
       bite you I just couldn’t help it.” He said as he looked around
       for whatever he could to at least clean up what he did.
       ----
       A heavy pant came from Farid when Ghost pulled his teeth away
       before pulling away completely to grab something for the blood.
       He took the cloth the beastkin had managed to find for the bite
       and gently cleaned himself up before reaching up to caress
       Ghost's cheeks. "It's okay, I'll be fine... what... what is
       that?" He questioned as he cleared away the blood to reveal the
       mating mark on his shoulder under the bite mark.
       ----
       Ghost felt his cheeks gently touched to sooth his worry. The
       idea of the fact he hurt Farid on his face in the form of guilt.
       It was then he saw the mark and his ears flickered curiously, “I
       don’t know.. I thought of the image in my head when I bit
       down..” he said sheepishly. He knew Aelin was livid when he
       breeded her, and acted very depressed after. She being much like
       he was figured he’d best talk to her when he got the chance to
       find out. “You in pain?” He asked as he fussed over the scrawny
       man in his arms.
       ----
       "Weird..." was all Farid said before he felt himself being
       pulled back into Ghost's arms. A smile on his lips when the man
       asked if he was in pain.
       "No, I'm okay... you... didn't get off did you?" He questioned
       looking up at his lover.
       ---
       “I panicked…” mumbled ghost.”but I’ll be okay.. maybe we can try
       again… another time?” Asked the man as he was more worried that
       he had hurt Farid over his own pleasure.
       ----
       "Okay... let's get some sleep then..." Farid said soothingly.
       Kissing his lover on the lips deeply before snuggling closer and
       falling asleep. When he woke the next morning, he slipped
       quietly out of the tent to get started on breakfast.
       ----
       After some sleep, the big wolf of a man woke up and sleepily
       grabbed his things. His mind on things as he planned for the day
       to talk to Aelin, and then kimiko on what he could do within his
       reason to make up for what he did. He slid out to see Aelin
       bringing his daughter over to set her down.”watch her.” She told
       him simply. She turned to go to catch the mating mark that
       peeked from Farid’s shirt.”so you finally mated someone?” She
       asked as the man paused.
       Her face went serious.”your telling me you don’t know what that
       mark is? “ she asked as he gave another look of confusion. The
       deepest of sighs came from Levana’s mother. “It’s a mate mark-
       it’s for life- it’s only for those you truly see as your one
       true mate.” She explained. Her voice tinged a little with hurt
       knowing deep down she’d never find hers. Part of her hoped he’d
       step up and mate her but clearly wouldn’t happen now.
       The depression she felt after he got her pregnant the first
       time, being stolen away to have kids with a man that didn’t want
       her at all set in again. It also meant any potential mates would
       smell him all over her and without a mate mark would be seen
       differently.
       “Just.. take care of lev.. I got my own hunting to do.” She said
       as she walked away to go join a ravager and Lione in a hunt.
       “So that’s.. a mating mark..” he said quietly. The word of mine
       rang in his ears from last night from his own voice.. now he
       knew it was instinctual. But seeing Aelin’s face made him wonder
       if she’d find one for herself. He sighed deeply not knowing of
       his own kinds ways- knowing he needed to take time to learn.
       He sat Levana down who smelled the cooked food.”is it ready
       yet?” She asked excitedly.
       ----
       When Levana's mother approached when Ghost exited the tent,
       dumping Lev on the beastkin. He listened to the exchange about
       the mark and blush a little before watching her walk off.
       His attention was quickly turned to the little girl now sitting
       near him. "Almost, how you liking this place?" He questioned
       giving her a smile.
       +--+
       Levana gave a chuckle.”I like it lots- I made a friend.” She
       said with a smile.”they are plenty nice and some of them even
       defended me from Enoix.” She said with a smile.”you?” She asked
       as the man settled down by his daughter as she spoke.
       -----
       "A friend? Well, I will have to meet them and make sure they are
       good enough to be your friend," Farid teased. "Well, it's
       definitely different here, but.... I think I can grow to like
       this place," he told her with a grin. Once the food was ready
       did he make a plate for Ghost and Levana before taking what was
       left over for himself.
       ----
       “Mmhmm his names beast- can turn into a small kitty.” She said
       as she took the food and began to eat. Ghost listened to the two
       talk to blush a bit. To know how farid acted toward his daughter
       was a welcomed surprise. This side looked nice to ghost as he
       felt the image of what he thought was family was clear.
       -----
       "A kitty? How intresting, maybe you can invite him to dinner
       tonight, if your mom is okay with you spending dinner with us,
       could even see if your mama wants to come over for dinner too,"
       he suggested as he ate his food. It felt nice to not hide his
       relationship with Levana now. Seeing the way Ghost looked at
       him, he felt silly for hiding it for so long.
       When everyone finished eatting, Farid cleaned up before bringing
       the child to check on her egg. A crack in the shell that haven't
       been there the previous day. "It's hatching! You will get to
       meet your new best friend soon!" He cheered excitedly.
       -----
       Ghost watched their interaction a bit more and finished eating
       himself. He played with levana as farid cleaned up before seeing
       the man taking his daughter to check on her egg he had been
       careful with.
       Levana heard the egg was hatching to semi cling to farid
       naturally, the other rippers did scare her. Her eyes looked
       apprehensively as it made movement before it would finally break
       it, the shell on its head to walk and bump in the small pin that
       ghost had fashioned.
       The child giggled to see it move, her finally scooting away from
       farid to gently lift the top off the cracked egg.
       It was a stunning creature, the blue feathers standing out on
       its pale skin, the red eyes peeping at her. It chirped as she
       smiled a bit. “You need to name it…” said ghost as she clearly
       looked like she was thinking. “Sky..” she said after a bit.”I
       like sky.” She said as her hand carefully touched the young one
       as it imprinted on her to smile.
       ------
       When Levana clung to him, Farid gave her a comforting pat on her
       head as they watched the ripper hatch, quietly watching the
       special bond to be formed. "Sky is a great name, you can hold
       it, show little sky you love it." He mused.
       ----
       Levana carefully took it in her arms as it chirped and nuzzled
       for her to grin.”it likes me back!” She said and got excited.”I
       wanna show my friend tomorrow! And big sis!” She said excitedly.
       The girl had taken to Eden. It seemed most the younger boys went
       with calling her that as well.
       “We can teach you how to train it to follow your commands- sky
       is your partner for life.” Said ghost with a smile.”least you
       know how to come up with a name- still remember when farid came
       up with bittie-“ he said with a chuckle at his mate. He swore it
       was the only time farid looked like his brain had fried to come
       up with something that wasn’t creative.At least to him.
       ------
       "Hey now, it took me twenty minutes to come up with Bittie! It
       was the best I got!" Farid said in complaint, though a smile
       worn on his lips as he watched the child bond with her ripper.
       "It will be a few days before Sky can leave the tent. But. When
       he is string enough you can show whoever you like." He told the
       girl.
       "I should check on the remaining eggs, if those are hatched the
       others won't be far behind." He commented before heading out of
       the tent a d went to check on her ripper to find a nest full of
       babies and a *very* proud mama. She had never been allowed to
       keep her eggs so he had never gotten to see her act like this
       towards her eggs. "You two did good mama, can I see the babies?"
       He questioned before he was swarmed by baby rippers jumping all
       over him.
       -----
       Levana smiled.”can I bring them here? I promise it’ll stay!” She
       said just clearly excited as any child would be. Of course she
       heard about more babies to get curious.
       Ghost chuckled a bit to see her play.”I’ll be right back- be
       good..” he told her to go over to see farid getting swarmed by
       baby rippers.”seems they all like you.” He said with a chuckle
       to see a rather smug looking papa ripper playing with a larger
       one that had red feathers.”ohhh?” He said and crouched a bit to
       pet the creature for it to nip a bit.”don’t you got bite.” He
       said with a grin.
       -----
       "Suppose it is better than them trying to kill me... what are we
       going to do with all these babies? Mean... suppose Bittie and
       Mist won't have another clutch until these guys are out of the
       nest..." He said as he watched Bittie herd the babies away from
       her person.
       ----
       “Think we can see if anyone wants a ripper partner- maybe if we
       do that with the ravagers they can see why we bond with them?”
       He said .
       After settling on an idea did it get presented and accepted as
       ideal by Eden - overriding scar once again who acted
       apprehensive. Scar wasn’t sure why he kept giving into the short
       red head - other than that they better keep them under control.
       - A group headed out consisting of blade and gin to retrieve the
       hawk women to bring back. Gin figured with him and blade it
       would be easy to defend the women on their way back.
       It was a normal day like any other and ghost had learned a lot
       from Aelin about his own kind. It also fostered a deep guilt in
       him for what he had done to her. He dared not suggest cutting
       her out and in fact managed to create a semblance of
       coexistence. Their talks going as deep as discussing what he
       could do- to show that he changed.
       Aelin asked for only three  things- that Levana never experience
       what she had, to always make an effort to make their daughter
       happy- and if anything were to happen that she would know that
       Aelin was and always will be her mother.
       Aelin became much warmer to farid given his attitude toward her
       daughter. Accepting her as his own, and making her smile. She
       would come by to check on the wound of his arm- making sure it
       was properly cleaned after reaming ghost for not doing that
       properly.
       She was enjoying her time with her daughter and watching her
       play with beast, the two becoming friends from how she felt.
       While the boy was 16 - it was still natural for her wanting to
       keep an eye.
       Meanwhile ghost was helping farid with the rippers and getting
       them settled before heading out for a hunt- the two were heading
       back, and settling things to get food ready for dinner and
       making small talk.
       What they didn’t notice? Was the fanatics that wasn’t their own
       skirting around their encampment. They had covered their scent
       from the beastkin.
       >>>
       A man, that stood a bit of a ways away, and looking through a
       spyglass could see his oldest son- with a half elf- and a
       feathered being. His eye narrowing at the fact his *son* was
       mingling with the tribe like this. Casimir clearly acting out of
       character himself.
       The man was livid as he landed on some children to relax.”they
       took ours - we take theirs- “ he hissed.”grab what you can and
       bring them back.” He growled.. the man standing at a good 6’10,
       his muscular build and scars  a testament to his fights.
       A few took off to aim to grab the girl and the boy. Aelin,
       horrified launched into attack mode to snatch her daughter. But
       as she did so a blade came up from behind from one of the others
       as she did her last act to scream at the top of her lungs for
       her daughter’s sake.
       Eden who had healed from her ordeal and gotten into a routine of
       helping out, she also had gotten use to having her mates close
       by. The moment they heard the scream would the tribe launch into
       defense- but Eden seeing the children being taken away, could
       not help herself. It was as if it was just natural for her to
       start running when people were in trouble- she knew it was
       dangerous- she knew it meant a plethora of lectures later- but
       she had to save them…*now.*
       She launched of skolls shoulder as the wind would wrap around
       before she would launch.  No amount of stop or reasonable words
       would reach her as she taken off.
       Ghost had frozen at Aelins scream during their prep, his
       daughter’s name - being what he heard. He took off jumping his
       ripper - to see Aelin being cradled by Lione who got to her
       first, “no.. he said  his face turning feeling a gale of wind
       and sand- the red head already barreling.. like kimiko had when
       her husband had died.
       Eden managed to launch into one that had beast.”run kid.” Eden
       about screamed taking the head of one,  before she’d go for the
       young girl to see a blade to lev’s neck. Her attack stilled.
       “Let.. her go..” said the woman. >>>
       ^^
       Levana remembering what Farid had said looked at Eden as the man
       told her to disarm herself as she retorted.”your out numbered.
       Drop the girl - then maybe I can convince daddy to keep you
       intact.” She said rather pissed off.
       Levana bit down on the arm of the man that held her to drop-
       Eden seeing this went in to protect her from being snatched
       again as she ran off. Ghost didn’t think twice to take off to
       scoop his daughter up, he was about ready to aid Eden to
       hear.”daughter first!” She told him.
       Skoll as predicted was already on her tail taking out the groups
       that started popping up around, as well as snow. “Get the kids
       in the middle of the camp!” Yelled scar as chaos ensued to
       protect what was left.
       Right then Casimir’s and ayyubs father would make his appearance
       on a ripper that was known well for its speed. His aim went for
       the red head that was closest. Seeing how she fought, and cut
       down the men- was clearly someone of interest.
       Casimir saw their father and paled.”fu.ck! Ayyub!” He called to
       point as the man would smack at whoever got in his way to go
       blade to blade with the short woman- he snagged his rope as he
       watched the red head dodging and cutting through attempts of his
       people trying to grab her.
       A rope managed to get around her neck her hand quickly going up
       before feeling a yank, to cut that before another fanatic
       knocked her blade away, the chaos was getting to be too much.
       Skoll seemed to get protective as she watched him massacre the
       few that attempted to get close.
       Eden  sensed something as her head snapped to see the man that
       looked like a dead ringer for Ayyub, but his build and how he
       looked made her think of Casimir she tuned her lightning as he
       came close the strike knocking her back and causing his ripper
       to skid before he’d reach her to snag her.
       He used the hilt of his blade to smack out end, and took off
       with the woman in tow.
       ——-
       Ghost made it back to farid to hand his daughter to him. “Keep
       her safe go to the middle- “ he told his partner.”I know your
       use to fighting but Aelin.. “ he said in a tone that would give
       it away- that she died. “I need you to protect her in here while
       I fight out there.” Was all he could say before taking off
       again.
       Tael’c  was racing his way to snag a child to toss her to a
       breeder of the ones that were saved. His natural nature to help
       kicking in, what he didn’t notice was a man on a ripper coming
       by to be snagged- being one of the others that the father
       realized who they were attached to.
       Once things had calmed down.. ghost met farid to hold his
       daughter close.
       Tears and cries clearly in the camp and people lost being called
       for.
       ——
       The ones that had been grabbed would arrive at a camp a good
       distance, having been trussed or knocked out depending. Bodies
       were slid off and put on their knees as end dangled from his
       arm.
       “Put them on the stakes outside- Alive-I want my sons to see
       what happens when they don’t listen. This one though, I’ll be
       keeping for myself..” he said in a dark tone. “Remove any
       weapons and stones- don’t know who will be a tuner among them. “
       he growled a bit as he  took the redhead to his tent, there he’d
       strip her of her stones and tied her arms to the pole. His hand
       wandered down her form a little. “Been a while since I had a
       woman this strong..” he murmured.”maybe Yuwichi can shape you up
       for a priestess..” he mumbled brushing the red hair a little bit
       out of her face before he would get up, leaving Eden for his fun
       for later,
       ------
       Beast had slowly grown accustomed to the ravagers camp. It had
       taken several weeks of being bullied and chased around the camp
       by the kids before he finally had taken a stand for himself.
       Though it hasn't just been for himself. One of the new fanatic
       kids had been involved as well. His shifting into a bear and
       roaring at the little sh.its has scared the bullies enough to go
       screaming to their parents.
       A few of the adults had nearly attacked him in retaliation until
       several of the fanatics and a colorful dragon man had intervened
       on his behalf.
       After that he and the young girl were pretty inseparable. He
       might have been older in body, but his mind has been stuck at
       the same age as Levana. Her parents had accepted their
       friendship, though they always kept a close eye on them. Beast
       didn't mind all that much, it was almost like having a second
       family.
       The pleasant day soon turned into living hell when the camp was
       suddenly attacked and overrun by another fanatic group. Beast
       instinctively shifted into his cat form shocking the fanatic
       that went to grab him. He hissed and retreated until he heard
       Aelin's scream and turned back around to try and help his
       friend. Perhaps if he'd followed his instincts and fled he
       wouldn't have gotten snagged, knocked out and tossed into one of
       the attacker's bags.
       ----
       One moment Zuris had been trying to evade the friendly overtures
       of the ravager teens when there were screams and the sound of
       fighting, along with adults yelling for the kids to get to
       safety. Zuris saw red, his eyes flashing brightly and ordered
       the teens to get the younger kids to safety, while attempting to
       keep them safe. At least with all the fighting no one noticed
       him unleashing magic spells to take down the invading fanatics.
       It was a bit difficult to know who was an enemy and who was a
       friend on the battlefield though, which had him using much less
       lethal spells than he normally would have.
       "Zuris! Help me!" One of the teens suddenly yelled, having been
       Grabbed by one of the invaders. Zuris turned towards the yell
       and got hit hard on the back of his head and crumpled to the
       ground with a groan. Then he felt himself dragged off by his leg
       and thrown across the back of a ripper. The last thing he saw
       was Eden getting knocked out before his vision swam and
       everything went black.
       Zuris came to awhile later, feeling something wet trickling down
       the side of his head to hear the leader's order to tie them to
       stakes as examples. He flinched when the amulet around his neck
       was yanked off and tossed to the ground. Thankfully the fanatics
       didn't think it was more than a decorative necklace. it wasn't
       like Zuris was going to tell them it was like a homing beacon
       for his master.
       He was soon gagged and trussed up and lifted onto the stake, his
       legs dangling uncomfortable underneath him. He glanced over at
       those around him, frowning when he noticed Beast was tied up
       tightly in his kitten form, some sort of collar having been
       placed in his neck.
       He hoped that Basredun and a rescue party would come for them
       and soon. Otherwise, who knew what these crazy people would do
       to them.
       ----
       Snow, Einar and Hama were quick to get into the fight,
       protecting those that were vulnerable as best as they could.
       Atreus was quick to usher and women and children he found into
       the safety of the Einar and Hama's tent, taking down any
       fanatics that got close enough. After seeing more than a few of
       their men falling spewing blood the invaders wisely stayed away
       from Atreus and the tent he was protecting. But even from a
       distance he was able to stop several of them with his blood
       speaking.
       When the fighting finally ended, it came as a shock to Snow that
       Skoll and Eden were nowhere to be found. Adan began making a
       list of who was missing, his face growing somber when the list
       was finished.
       "We can't wait, we have to go rescue them as soon as we can out
       a party together," Snow insisted as his wounds were looked over.
       He pulled Adan in and checked him over closely, relieved to find
       only a few cuts and bruises from the fight. "Good to know you
       can fight," he murmured looking relieved Adan hadn't been hurt
       worse.
       "I was trained to fight you know. I agree we need to get a
       rescue party together, though I'm betting you're going to ask me
       to stay behind," he sighed.
       Snow nodded. "Gotta keep one of mates safe. And your smarts are
       needed here,"
       Adan wanted to argue and insist on going to help get the others
       back but knew that Snow was right. "All right, I'll stay. But
       send Pyr to tell Zarik and Gin what happened. You're going to
       need as much help as you can get. That leader is a monster,"
       Snow nodded and whistled for Pyr. The hawk arrived a short while
       later and settled on Snow's arm, on the leather perch he wore.
       Adan quickly wrote out a message for Gin and Zakir, and attached
       it to the red tailed hawk's leg. After a short moment of Snow
       telepathically talking to his bonded hawk, the hawk took off in
       the direction the two dragons had gone to find the hawk women.
       "They should be half way back by now. Einar, Hama, Cas, Ayyub,
       we leave when they get here."
       ----fin----
       A look of horror came to Farid's eyes watching invaders attack,
       trying to snatched up Levana and many others before the killing
       began. Aeline being the first to fall before all hell broke
       loose. Farid was quick to grab his weapon and took the rescued
       Levana into his arms to run for the village center. Holding the
       child close as he listened to the war going on around them.
       When the fighting was over relief filled Farid seeing Ghost
       hugging the man, just grateful he hadn't lost everyone.
       ---
       One moment Skoll was enjoying his afternoon with his mate, the
       next, all hell broke loose as a surprise attack ensued. Skoll
       went into savage mode and he fought hard and recklessly causing
       him to suffer several wounds, even to the point of passing out
       of the battle field.
       The mountain of a beastkin woke, patched up and in a cage like
       an animal in a place he didn't recognize but he *did* recognize
       the sent of the shadow walker.
       ---
       When everyone began fighting, Nefertiti found herself quickly
       knocked out during the battle, waking just as they were being
       strung up on the posts. She began to cause a right ruckus before
       she drew the attention of Ayyub and Casimir's father.
       The feline woman would find herself tortured and raped in front
       of both Eden and Tael'c before she was then choked to death and
       then impaled on a stake still naked with obvious signs of
       assault.
       ---
       The worst possible situation Ayyub could have thought of seemed
       to happen in the flash of an eye. His and Cas' father showing
       himself, stealing his and Cas' mates along with many others. By
       the time the missing were counted Ayyub was already ready to
       leave.
       "You don't understand.... the leader... that was Casimir and my
       father, he took a mate from each of us and they will be the
       first to be killed. We can't afford to wait!" He practically
       growled. "If you all wish to wait, fine, I'm going ahead," he
       decided before mounting red.
       ---fin---
       #Post#: 1659--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Buddy system
       By: Minyaagar Date: February 24, 2026, 2:51 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Casimir having the same mindset was getting on Fang.”and be wise
       you do too- dad grabbed end- he almost never grabs a female
       unless he *really* wants her.” He said as he looked at
       Ayyub.”let’s go.” He said as he went to take off.
       ——
       Meanwhile Tael’c was trying to figure out how to survive the
       situation when Nefertiti woke up to begin her ruckus.”stop your
       gonna..” he started to hear yelling from where Eden was at to
       see the woman dragged out by her hair.”you don’t want to
       cooperate?” She had heard to witness not just one person, but
       two raped.  It drained all the color in her face.
       “Stop it! They didn’t do anything to you!” Snapped the red head
       only to see his ire turned to the elf that was being submissive.
       “That’s two.” She heard to End up seeing the half elf being
       beaten before being dragged off as Eden started to cry while end
       would switch in to fight back, .”that is three.” He warned
       before he’d proceed to murder Nefertiti causing both to still..
       “Good girl..” she heard before she’d be dragged back for what
       would be hell. “Tie the elf by the woman- least he can have his
       last breaths seeing Ayyub if he comes.” Said the father.
       ——
       The two and whoever joined would come on a sight. Casimir seeing
       Nefertiti in such a state made him see red as he took off
       without thinking twice. Tael’c slowly lifted his head to see
       Ayyub. The man also naked but unlike Nefertiti was still alive-
       and tied to be left for the elements. “Ayyub..” he mumbled
       before his head would hang down.
       —-fin—
       Things seemed to get progressively more and more grim for those
       taken by the fanatic. Zuris could only watch as terror filled
       him wondering when he'd get targeted next. When one of the
       younger blood thirsty priestesses moved to terrorize the crying
       teen next to him with a spear point, Zuris got a leg out to kick
       it away.
       He knew it would draw her ire as well as only delay the teen's
       torture.
       "Trying to play hero?" She scoffed, her eyes narrowing at the
       unremarkable looking teen. Before anyone could stop or redirect
       her, she used the spear to tear his gag out, scratching up the
       side of his face rather deeply.
       "Any last words?" She asked, pressing the tip to his throat.
       "No! What are you doing? Get away!" The man that had captured
       yelled at the stupid young woman. He had been the only fanatic
       to have heard him spouting spells during the attack.
       Zuris' eyes flashed a bright orange when the woman glanced
       towards the man yelling.
       "Avariste! Zarus!" He yelled in a far deeper voice that
       resonated with power few mortals had ever felt before.
       Zuris unleashed a fire spell that erupted from his body,
       destroying his bonds and appeared to burn away his human form,
       showing off his red skinned demon form to everyone there.
       Before anyone could react to this, the ground began to shake and
       then split open and a purple skinned devil from the depths of
       hell rose from the pit.
       "You dare attack my little brother!?" Zarus the great Warlord of
       hell bellowed with a furious voice that shook the earth. "You
       will pay!"
       In a blink of an eye, the warlord demon had killed the armed
       guards and cleaved the priestess in half. "My blade thirsts for
       more souls, who's next?" He questioned.
       Zuris moved quickly to untie the others tied to the stakes. Then
       he tore open the bag Beast had been shoved into and cut the
       ropes that bound the poor shifter. He thrust the kitten into the
       other teen's arms. "Stay close, my magic can only do so much
       damage," he warned.
       While his brother fearlessly took on a second wave of fanatics,
       Zuris retrieved a blade from one of the dead guards.
       "Come on Avariste, Bas, could use a little more help," he
       muttered and eyed the dead body of Nefertiti.
       It was a few moments later that not only did Basredun, Grim and
       Yarick arrive with the shadow demon Avariste, but so did Zarik
       and Gin in dragon form, carrying the rest of the rescue party
       that Snow had assembled.
       Then the real fight began.
       -----
       It had been just as the fighting had stopped that Blade arrived
       with Moyra on his back seeing Skoll being dragged off to wonder
       what the hell was going on. He was smaller and faster than the
       other dragons so he arrived first. Given the chaos of
       everything, he didn't give what he saw a second thought as he
       went with the rescue party. Griffin more than ready for a fight
       having failed to protect Lore. Yarick and Karisa ready for a
       fight as well.
       The rescue party arrived as fighting had already broken out.
       Griffin fighting his way to finding Lore and freeing the man
       once found before shoving an instrument in his hands to go back
       to fighting with his sword in defense of the man.
       Karisa and Yarick were both fighting hard and killing lots of
       people as well.
       Ayyub had spotted Tael'c instant as a horrified look came to his
       face seeing the condition his lover and Especially the condition
       Nefertiti was in had him seeing red as well as he rushed into
       battle, fighting his way to the man to cut him down and getting
       him to someone who could heal him before he rejoined the
       fighting, wanting to find and confront his father.
       The reckless Blade was taking out swaths of fanatics as he
       fought harder than he had ever in his life. He spotted the man
       who had taken Eden looking like he was about to kill the woman
       to throw himself in the way, the spear used going right through
       the think scaled on his chest to pierce his heart causing the
       dragon's instant death.
       ---fin---
       Eden who was dragged off was in the middle of what felt like an
       assault- her mind trying to go elsewhere, not wishing to be
       responsible for more hurt-it was till she saw the giant of a man
       hearing Casimir rushing his way livid and tears streaked as he
       witnessed his son working with Ayyub in massacring the group to
       help him with Tael’c first, he saw a blade headed for his head
       to see it blocked by the now freed lore. The man seeing how
       Casimir was fighting against his own- solidified to him that he
       changed.
       Casimir’s hand would yank the drow back to block back.”get her
       body down.” He said choking on his own tears . His blade clashed
       as sparks would fly before he’d cut that one and tune the blood
       to cut a man in half that was going for griffin. “Move your
       ass!” He told the one legged fae to take Nefertiti with him.he
       held her close to his body on his ripper as he saw his father.
       He ran along side Ayyub to witness Eden in his grasp fighting-
       her renewed vigor seeing snow coming in-  she grabbed a blade
       off one facing the man that had hurt so many in front of her -
       it was clear she had some fight as she scooped a stone in an
       effort to tune wind throwing the man back. To blow herself the
       other way to roll.
       Cas watched as his father rolled to gun for him to be cut off by
       one of their more experienced priestesses in training- blocking
       him as he witnessed the enraged man aim for Eden who got up
       slowly to face what would be her and her unborn children she
       barely knew about.
       It was as if the world slowed down at that point.. seeing blade
       - her rival- her friend move with absolutely no thought of his
       own survival- take the hit- Moyra seeing this started to cry,
       she had just gotten him back! She glared at the man that had
       taken her family as a spell would fly to burn his face in turn-
       her own emotional turmoil met with the man grabbing his blade to
       dodge her magic.
       In that instant.. a head would roll by resting near blade.
       >>>>
       ^^^
       Moyras body laid there as Eden who was in sheer shock at what
       just happened- felt an inevitable snap inside. End and her were
       beyond livid.. for blade.. for the unknown female that had lost
       her own life and her unborn child.. to Nefertiti and Tael’c.
       The shock to Eden and End was profound as she got up.
       “Death is too damn good for you!” She screamed. “Don’t kill the
       leader- I don’t care for the rest!” Eden about snapped. Her
       tuning taking off so naturally without her stones and her
       enraged state causing a sand storm that didn’t help either
       party- least till Eden’s lightning started picking off the enemy
       with precision. Every snap, one would go, and if she got
       surrounded her wind would blow the rest back.”you think you can
       do all of this and get away with it?!?” She shouted.”the worst
       you did was you killed my friend! You took a life before it
       could even blossom! You took lives of mothers- Mates and
       children!!”Shouted the woman before Ayyub’s and Casimir’s father
       would sick his ripper on the woman- Casimir paled watching as
       her mask came off glaring the beast that was running her down
       for it to instinctively divert- almost as if it was afraid.
       “Break his legs so he can’t run.” Was all that was uttered
       before ghost would go in barreling to rope the man’s arm.”for
       Aelin!” He shouted to yank, Casimir handling nefertiti kissed
       her head before he would use his ripper to nail the back of his
       father’s knee to make him kneel.”Ayyub!” He called to toss a
       rope that was meant to wrap around their father.
       End would feel arms around her and look back to see snow.. his
       gold eyes looking into her red ones. Her arms encircling her
       mate ignoring the blood that clung to them both. She drew him in
       a kiss that was filled with relief before the leader of the
       fanatics  would be dragged- by his own sons- Ayyub and Casimir
       feeling it best- by his arms,
       >>>
       ^^^
       Once at camp would the man be strapped to a fashioned X now
       looking battered as he did.
       Casimir held Nefertiti close.”I’m sorry..” he sobbed holding
       her close.”I should have been there.. “ was all he could say as
       he hugged her body he had cloaked close.
       Eden’s sand storm may had died down but her enrage state had
       not. Once she gotten herself dressed would she go where the
       leader was being watched after intending to make him suffer.
       Bodies were buried as wails and tears could be heard. Eden
       didn’t want this..she paused to look around at the people and
       faces- she felt the familiar soft arms of twyla who warned them
       of Abaddon's war. She didn’t push her away- almost as if needing
       a tender touch. Her head moved.. noticing.. one very important
       person was missing.
       “Where is Skoll?” She asked her face looking at snow… before
       looking at Adan. It was then would it be realized… he had gone
       missing.. it was in the moment that she realized.. grim..
       yarick.. the teenager that had summoned their demon.. and
       basdrun had vanished.
       End came up - almost comforting each other inside. They would
       cry later- first was the man responsible.
       She walked by Ayyub to snag his sword and took it to stab in one
       leg earning a yell.”so, you will learn will I grant mercy.” Said
       end her head tilting. It shifted showing the softer side -
       Eden.. clearly enraged herself.”this one deserved nothing..” was
       the hiss of pain and sorrow before end would take over.”shhh..
       Eden.. we have time.” She had said back.”much as I know all want
       him dead- it’s too easy.” Said end.”strip him- leave him in the
       sun- I don’t care if he even begs.. he will stay there.. and
       once I feel you genuine in your remorse will I end your pain-“
       said end.”but if you don’t you will suffer all the way to your
       death…” said end. She went and sat on a rock- her hand going to
       her knife. Intending to make sure the man wouldn’t die by any
       other means- “gag him so he can’t bite his tongue.” She said as
       someone listened to her. >>
       ^^^
       Her pain and regret rolled inside.. Skoll missing meant people
       would be looking- far as she was told he wasn’t among the dead-
       so it gave her hope.
       —fin—
       The moment that Zarus spied the dragons' arrival, he unleashed a
       colorful curse and took out five more of the fanatics. His
       intense gaze swept around the battle ground, his eyes taking in
       those that stood out more than they should. Being a demon
       warlord, any people from other timelines would glow in an
       ethereal light.
       Seeing his younger brother Zuris fighting off several fanatics
       attempting to get to the captives, had the Zarus immediately
       heading through the battle field and coming to the short but
       fierce half demon's aid.
       "Brother..gather your friends and we will retreat to your proper
       time. The longer we stay here..the worse it is," He warned, his
       eyes flashing gold as he blocked another fanatic's blow and then
       cut the man in half.
       Zuris eyed the teen and beast and then nodded, grabbing the
       young boy's arm and leading him off to a group of ravagers so
       they could keep the lad safe. "You keep your head down, and
       don't do anything stupid," He insisted, then dashed off to where
       his master Basredun was unleashing defensive magic that was
       taking out more ravagers.
       "Master, We have to go, now! Get Grim and Yarick! My brother's
       going to take us back!" He relayed in a louder voice and caught
       a fanatic that was coming for Bas' back with a fire spell.
       THe attacker went flying back from the blast, and crumpled to
       the ground, only to get crushed by Zarik's massive dragon tail.
       It was quite evident that both Snips and Zarik were both pissed
       off and laid into the fanatics and their rippers.
       Basredun contacted Avariste, and they were soon retrieving
       Yarick and Grimm from the melee. Before they could argue or
       insist they needed to stay longer, Zarus teleported them all
       away. There was a short layover in the demon realm, showing the
       group just how violent the place was before they were finally
       back in their own time..a few leagues from their camp.
       "You needing more help little brother?" Zarus asked, shooting a
       look at Avariste and the odd threesome.
       Zuris glanced up at the giant purple skinned demon that was his
       eldest brother and then glanced at the others. "Have you
       forgotten what my name is already? And..uh..do we need more
       help..M-master Basredun?"
       Zarus raised an eyebrow and glanced at the three, instantly
       picking up on the drow being the master magician of the group.
       "Small one, I've not forgotten," He teased and moved to lean an
       elbow on his much shorter brother's head. "Introduce me
       already,"
       Zuris sighed a bit but didn't attempt to shove the warlord off
       of him. "This is Basredun my master, his mates..Yarick and
       Grim..and my..uh friend Avariste. He's a shadow demon." He said
       gesturing to each of them.
       -------
       Witnessing the deaths of Blade and Moyra, incensed Snow and the
       other ravagers. Snow fought with cold fury, his face a mask of
       pain and rage as he continued to cut down the fanatics with
       meticulous precision. He didn't waste a single move, as he cut
       through those he saw as enemies.  Einar and Hama fought like a
       well oiled team, staying a few feet from Snow as he moved
       through the horde of fanatics.
       When the rescued teenager was brought to them by Zuris, it was
       Dare that took the teen off of the battle field, and kept him
       safe from any attempts to be recaptured, Not many noticed that
       the man was using both magic and tuning together. He'd taken a
       bit of a risk coming to the fight, but wasn't about to miss out
       on helping where he could.
       The fight finally seemed to wind down a bit once the leader was
       caught, and Eden's anger brought up a sand storm and a lightning
       show that picked off the most of the remaining fanatics still
       standing. Snow wrapped a cloth around his face and headed into
       the epicenter to Eden. He slide his arms around her, pulling her
       close, knowing that she needed support for those that they had
       lost in the fight.
       Seeing her unclothed state, rather pissed him off and he was
       quick to get her something to pull on. He didn't want anyone
       seeing her like this, save for him, Adan and Skoll.
       He followed her closely, frowning slightly seeing Twyla moving
       to hug his mate. Hearing her question about Skoll..had him
       stiffening and glancing around. "He's wasn't taken by the
       fanatics? He wasn't with you?" Snow asked, a feeling of alarm
       going through him. He glanced to Adan, seeing that the other man
       had faired well enough in the fight, though he had blood on his
       face and clothing. "YOu haven't seen him have you Adan?"
       Adan felt his heart drop in his chest. "No..I haven't. If he's
       not here, maybe..someone else grabbed him," He muttered looking
       around worriedly.
       Zarik shifted to his human form and made his way to Teal'c and
       pulled the elf into his arms, fussing over him while Ayyub, Cas
       and Eden took care of dealing with the leader of the fanatics.
       He used every bit of the healing magic he had to heal his lover,
       ignoring pretty much everything else. Though he did hear mention
       of Skoll not being there with the others that the fanatics had
       taken.
       "Try to rest, don't move," He advised as he poured healing into
       the elf's body. "I'm not about to lose you just yet my love,"
       It would take a lot of concentration and a bit of help from one
       of the other healers to get Teal'c healed and in a restful
       sleep. He gathered the elf up in his arms, placing a kiss to
       Teal'c's forehead, glancing around at the bodies on the
       battlefield. "Probably should burn the bodies, be easier than
       burying them all," He muttered, still quite pissed off at those
       that had hurt his mate.
       ----fin----
       Watching the fallout of the battle first hand was scary, the
       usually unflappable Ayyub in awe of the raw power Eden held in
       her rage at the death of those helping her.
       As the storm died down, it was easy to see the blood soaked
       battlefield. An ache filled him at the death of his and his
       brother's now former life, but taking his dragon lover's
       suggestion of fire, took a torch to burn it all down.
       He would then go to his mates, getting them both loaded up on
       Red before they would head back to the camp to be settled in
       Ayyub's tent shortly after.
       ---
       Limbo was such a quiet place. Nefertiti hated it here. Just out
       of reach of the gods, yet still bound to the earth, as if
       floating in a sea of nothingness.
       Once out of harms way and settled, the lioness' body began to
       glow slightly as it restored to full health. The gapping hole
       through her chest gone as her eyes fluttered open at the sound
       of Casimir sobbing.
       Her hand gently reached up to wipe away his tears. "Casimir...
       why are you crying?" She questioned as if it couldn't possibly
       be over her.
       -fin-
       Casimir who was sobbing felt hands on his face and heard her
       soft voice. His eyes widened at the sight of her breathing. No
       hole in her chest.. just in complete shock.
       ”neffy.. y..you’re alive…” he said in shock to draw her in.”I…
       thought I lost you- “ he sobbed holding her close. The cold he
       felt no longer but warm.”I thought… you were gone..” he sobbed
       as he faced her to kiss her. “Don’t ever leave me…” he asked as
       he pressed his forehead against hers.
       ——-
       Tael’c didn’t talk much- he let the dragon heal him and watched
       the flames burn and destroy those that didn’t survive.
       By the time they were back and in a  tent did the shock wear off
       as he finally took a deep breath. “That… scared… me.” He said.”I
       thought I was going to die..” he sobbed.
       ——
       Eden was already feeling torn up, she told Adan softly.”we need
       to make a search party..” she said.”we need to try to find
       him..” she said trying to remain calm.
       Feeling like this never  did settle her well.
       ——
       Ghost made his way back, lumbering tiredly. The beast of a man
       feeling he done vengeance for the woman that gave him levana. He
       would return to the tent to hear his child’s broken hearted
       cries.  He never thought he’d hear such a tone before.. sure he
       heard it when breeders were separated.. but this just sounded
       more devastated. He went in to see Farid and the girl clinging
       to him. He sat down to draw them in. “It’s over- they were wiped
       out..” he told in Farid's ear quietly.
       ——
       Grim who was mid fight was dragged back, “wait where the hell..”
       he started noticing no skoll before they were back. The man
       wasn’t use to teleportation still- as he felt sick.
       Avariste looked up at the demon that was the brother of Zuris.
       He made a swift bow.”if we are to go- we must- if anything else
       changes it may be for the worst.” Mentioned the man.
       “But you sure we can’t just help more?” Asked grim as he tried
       to remember any other stories of ‘that idiot.’
       —fin—
       *****************************************************