Bye Bye Blackbird [Grizzly]

[aisu]

Aisu was always alone, always alone because she was poor and she was weak and bitter and vile, everything that she despised yet it was the very essence of her being and she wondered why no one despised her yet. Then again she never really gave anyone a chance, Aisu was cold as ice something that she, as a pup and young adult, never thought she could possess. She was always the carefree light hearted one who never had a care in the world, who was as free as the wind.

And yet, with one fatal mistake her whole world shattered before her eyes and she was nothing more than a breathing waste of space with beautiful xylophone bones and a dead bird between her ribs just screaming to get out. 'Let me out before I die! Let me be free and fly away!' that was an impossible task for the former Galaxy Alpha because in a sick way she liked hearing the helpless cries of the bird and liked knowing that she was slowly dying along with those screams that refused to escape her lips.

Her pride was too strong to do such a thing. A useless thing considering she was such a coward. A runaway girl who had no other place to run. It took a moment for her to realize where she was and when she did she wanted nothing more than to keep on running, run and run and run and never look back because this place was nothing to her anymore but an empty memory.

Bad place bad place[/i] the voices chanted in wicked rhythms as they danced about her darker than night mind. They were her only friends, her only company that she could rely on she realized. Who better to trust than your own voices? Except they weren't her voices, they were their own voices. Voices who whispered sweet, sweet lies to her and coiled underneath the stairs of her ghost.

The long grasses tickled her legs as she weaved about them not sure on where she was going and not really caring because she just didn't want to stay in the same place for long. Memories followed her like her shadow as she looked around, she could feel it in her bones when she stepped upon a twig and jumped to spite herself.

Your fault, your fault![/i] the voices cheered in glee at her misery as they danced with the candle lit walls and the decay of her hopeless sanity. This was where her brother died, she could feel it and see it and wanted to run. Aisu half expected to see the little white pup in front of her, but she only saw dirt which wrapped around her six feet under brother's bones.

"I'm sorry Kagey, so sorry."

She whimpered and pleaded with the earth and scolded herself because it had been years and this was still the worst of her ghosts she had to face. She was just a hopeless case.

[aisu]

It had been a long time since Niyol had tread on familiar soil and he welcomed the comforting feeling. Big Mama flew low in the sky keeping a close eye on him even though he was clearly over the age for a babysitter, the bird didn't seem to realize the fact or chose to simply ignore it. They both needed the company after all, or at least he thought but truthfully the wise owl could fend for herself. Not to say that Niyol couldn't.

He puffed out his chest automatically when his pride flared and he could hear Odin chuckle above him causing him to smirk in the banter. The grass was high and he could hardly see where he was going until he looked down and saw a wolf sniffling, he almost felt sympathy for them. Almost.

He felt the owl land on his shoulder and peer down at the wolf. "Oh sugar, are you 'right?" she cooed and turned to glare at her surrogate son in a way that said 'you better help them or so help me I'll whip you so hard, boy you won't be able to sit for a week 'till Sunday.'

Fearing for his rugged good looks the ginger wolf touched a paw to the sniveling creature "Eh, uh, you alright mate?" he asked in his most sweetest voice. Until the wolf turned and he realized who it was, a smirk forming "Aisu, sweetie is that you? Oh honey, what's wrong?"

Never to cease to live up to her nickname Big Mama tried to comfort the she-wolf to the best a bird could. But clearly she didn't feel like talking as she scowled at the two of them, soon getting up and regaining some dignity.

"Well, ain't you a sight for sore eyes." Niyol grinned down at her and when she tried to walk past them he stood in her way, a paw blocking her. "It ain't too nice to walk away from company without a proper goodbye." he chided.

"It's not too nice to fuck someone without their consent either."[/i] Her temper was as quick to blow as ever. He chuckled with a wicked grin before leaning down to whisper death into her ear "You know just as well as I that I can take your breath away in a split second without thinking so much of it, you little bitch. So play nice."

[grizzly]

Grizzly lumbered his way into the grasslands with a lowered head for no strength reminded to keep it held high. The past year had spelled disaster for his already weakened pack with mudslides and other such calamities making it impossible to navigate their own territory. Infighting had broken out amoung the ranks and no amount of diplomacy on his part was enough to keep the pack together. Slowly he watched as one after the other abandoned their posts to seek out opportunity else where on the island. Inwardly, Grizzly scoffed at the notion for ever corner of the accursed place seemed filled with desolation and despire.

He stopped momentarily to muze over the thought since it seemed that every time he returned to the territory all that greeted him was this same scene of doom. He humorously questioned himself for the motive, but quickly pushed on when that all-to-familiar scene of pain began to burn in his chest. Grizzly knew why he was drawn back to the island time and time again better than anybody, but the memories that accompanied that knowlegde were far to painful to release. Thus, he continued on with his aimless wondering across the grasslands while constantly trying to drive that truth from his mind.

Just as he was about to turn his body back over to instinct, a faint scent lingering on the trail forced him to regain focus and he instantly recognized it. Grizzly stood there stunned as every muscle in his body tightened and his fur changed into its defensive spike form. "Aisu... " By just breathing her name, the pain exploded in his chest and he burst into a run covering the short distance that spreaded them in recorded time. He didn't understand why he was reacting so violently, but the thought that she might still be alive drowned out his reason.

However, as he climbed the last hill blocking his view of her, Grizzly stopped dead in his tracks and looked down to see her face level with another male. The eagerness that had filled his body with vigor just moments before soured and bolded into a toxic rage. His mind didn't even take time to process the situation before he descended the hill with his chest out and his teeth visible. He had lost too much and stayed calm for too long just to loss this one precious thing to another male. One thought occupied his mind: Step away or fight!

[aisu]

Aisu snarled at his threat and had the mind to snap his pretty little muzzle off but decided against it. "Try me. Now move aside, fleabag." she growled and tried to pass him again but he still stood in her way. What was his problem? She sized him up glancing at him up and down, and snorted. He didn't seem like much until she remembered his power and what he did to her. Niyol was dangerous weather she wanted to admit it or not, but Odin wouldn't let him fight her right?

She glanced towards the owl and saw that she was looking at her with a kind eye. Then again, she did try to eat Amadeus. Aisu couldn't trust her more than she could trust Niyol. "By the way, you have a son. And he's dead. I really hope you enjoyed it while it lasted." she hissed her voice venomously sweet.

Again she tried to side step him but he still blocked her, worse he blocked her and tightly grabbed her scruff. "Let me go asshole!" she yelped panic wrapping around her being like a snake.
------------------------------------------
Niyol rolled his eyes annoyed and groaned when she yelled "Relax shorty" he smirked muffled from her fur before he rounded her. Big Mama narrowed her eyes at his actions but decided to see what he would do, he needed a family and as far as she was concerned this girl was the only potential family that he would have.

"You smell fine" he purred as he ran his way down her back nuzzling into her shoulders. He could tell she rolled her eyes at his compliment and smirked "Like that's not creepy or stalkerish." she scoffed and went to move away from him but he caught her scruff again.

"Stay put." he commanded glaring before he moved towards her front and went to her mouth, breathing blue mist into her a gap mouth and nose. Aisu was rendered breathless, literally as she gasped for air her eyes widened with panic as she searched restlessly for help.

Then she saw a black figure come over a hill and made an odd sound that sounded between a gasp and a yelp. Grizzly...

[grizzly]

As he drew nearer to the scene his anger only grew, Grizzly was unaware of the powers being used to choke his former mate, but was still enraged at the closeness of the strange male. He left no time for formalities or explainations, but instead charged into the scene and grabbed Aisu by the scruff of her neck. The strength that had arisen from his primal rage made it possible for him to lift her entirely off the ground and seat her a few feet away. Once he released her scruff, Grizzly's anger lapsed for a quick second and he allowed himself to look lovingly down at her while she caught her breath.

However, the scent of the new male caused his blood to boil for a second time and he turned back to size up the challanger. Though Grizzly's fur was as prickled as it could be, the two seem about even in height and the lack of intimidation on his face troubled him. As he struggled to regain his strategic mind, the male's scent began to reveal a strange familiarity that distracted his efforts. He couldn't quite place where he had experienced it before, but the confusion only fueled the fire burning in his chest.

Grizzly took a few steps closer to the male and exposed all of his teeth which had become discolored due to poor diet. "Here's the thing... I don't know who you are or what you're expecting to get from Aisu, but I suggest you turn around and leave." Those words would be his only warning to the odd pair of wolf and bird which he made apparent by planting all four of his feet into the soil. However, he did one thing that went completely aganist his nature... he lowered his his head instead of raising it higher. This slight movement demonstrated how low Grizzly had sunk since the loss of his pack for only a desperate wolf lowers his head to an enemy he's trying to defeat.

[aisu]

My hero... She thought with bitter admiration for her puphood crush as he effortlessly lifted her into the air and set her away from Niyol. When did he get so strong? Obviously this wasn't the same Grizzly she had known a few months ago, he was filled with primal rage and loss. Something Aisu could clearly empathize with. At least they had something in common now, and maybe he wouldn't think her such a bitch.

She noticed that with Grizzly acting as a wall between Niyol and her that her panic attack was beginning to lessen but she still struggled to breathe correctly. A fact that she knew wouldn't go away until the air bending wolf saw it fit for such. Hesitantly she walked towards the black wolf and nuzzled into his prickly fur for comfort surprised when he stared at her with such love at first.

Niyol was taken aback when the female was lifted into the air and moved away from him. The shock had sent him back and thus causing his control on Aisu's breathing to disperse and he glowered at the other male. "Eh, who are you Spikey?" he snarled and moved towards Aisu but found that the quills stopped him.

Who was this guy? The ginger wolf smirked as the other demanded for him to leave noticing that his head was low in a submissive manner. He smelt of Alpha too, what kind of Alpha was this? "Why don't you run along back to your pack and leave me and my mate alone to fuck."

Niyol left no room for conversation in his polite-as-he-could-be suggestion, that wasn't much of a suggestion. To him he sounded and looked like a pathetic vagabond that had no room in messing with others concerns.

Odin was less than amused with the competitive banter as she blinked unimpressed at the other male. "Sugah, are you lost?"

[grizzly]

Grizzly took momentary pleasure from Aisu's nuzzling, but he allowed none of it to show on his face. Instaed, his expression grew meaner when the other male mentioned how he intended to claim her for himself. The resulting rage strengthened Grizzly's resolve, so he reapproached the stranger with his back stiffen and his head risen at eye level. However, he had managed to regain some of his senses and made sure the spikes covering his vital signs were especially sharp.

The owl's question didn't draw away much of his attention, but he made sure to take note of her position in case she decided to defend his cocky counterpart. "Well, Gingersnap, I don't think that's quite possible. Though, you're more than welcome to turn tail and give me and my mate some privacy." Grizzly took a quick second to look back at Aisu before a sudden realization came over him.

The reason this male smelled so familiar to him was because he shared the scent of Aisu's pup. A cynical smirk rolled across Grizzly's lips as he moved back to stare down his opponent. In his mind, he remembered the pain he felt after thinking Aisu had cheated on him and the anger once he learned it wasn't by choice. He made a point to flex his spines and relished in the fact that he would now be able to confront Aisu's assailant.

[aisu]

What had intentionally begun as a day of mourning turned into a day of truths and Aisu wasn't sure if she enjoyed the much needed amusement or if she was annoyed by it. Her heart fluttered when Grizzly claimed her as mate yet she was skeptical if he meant it or if he was just saying it so Niyol would leave. She would have to ask him about it later.

She turned to the ginger male who stole her innocence with a surprisingly calm look. "Why are you here, Niyol? There's nothing here for you." her voice reminded her that she was an Alpha by birth and that he had no right to claim her. But his eyes told her otherwise.

"Aw, isn't that cute? You actually think you're a threat." Niyol smirked and he noticed that the proclaimed Alpha had risen to his true height. Inside the air wolf was a little hesitant to start a fight as it was apparent that the other was stronger than him. He wasn't as stupid to risk his pretty self for some bitch.

Between the cocky exchange of words Aisu was starting to grow more annoyed with the two males talking as if she wasn't there. And since when did she choose a mate? "Excuse me, but when did I chose a mate?" she asked with bite. Not that she wouldn't pick Grizzly anyway but it still annoyed her.

Niyol finally turned towards the female and stared lustfully after her, his expression smooth and calm. "What actually makes you think you have a choice? Shut up, whore." he snarled turning his attention back to Grizzly who seemed to have a keen interest in killing him, and somehow he knew that it wasn't because he was about to steal his pretty friend.

"Oi, you never answered my question Spikey. Who are you?"

[grizzly]

Grizzly noticed the change that had taken place in Aisu and he released a mental sigh of relief over her restored sanity. Though, he couldn't help rolling his eyes at her vain comment about being fought over. 'You can't let me defend you for two seconds without saying something, can you?' Even though this playful thought was only momentary, Grizzly could feel a bit of his old self begin to stir by being around her.

However, he was quick to return to his position between the two once the ginger wolf began moving closer towards her. His reply to Aisu earned him a new round of snarls from Grizzly, but this time he bite the air in front of his face to make a point. The tension in the air was beginning to thicken as he noticed the lust in the other male's eyes. Though he had already been enraged by the stranger's actions towards Aisu, the memory of her now deceased son began to worm its way back into his mind.

Grizzly recalled his brief encounter with the pup and couldn't help, but feel smypathy for his miserible life. There had been a time when he had thought of starting his own family with Aisu, so seeing her son suffer just because of his father hurt him in a way. However, none of this served to enrage him anymore than he already was with the ginger wolf. Thus, it was through clenched teeth that he gave his introduction. "I'm Grizzly... Though I don't suppose you actually care, huh, Gingersnap?"

[aisu]

"'Mmm...let me think for a moment," he replied dryly and proceeded to look around as if actually giving thought to the question. Truthfully he was more interested in a way to get the bitch without getting killed and then getting out of here. He couldn't think of a way that wouldn't end up with him getting hit, unless he used Aisu as a shield?

Yeah, that was it. That pompous ass of an Alpha wouldn't even think of hurting her. Niyol grinned inwardly before returning his gaze to the two "Nope, not really, sorry." he let his grin show and it took every ounce of meager courage to not piss himself when the other snapped in his face.

It was only when he got close enough did he get a whiff of his scent and realize that he was the Alpha of the pack Aisu supposedly left when they met. His grin only grew "Ah, so this is the one who kicked you out of your precious pack little Ai?" he smirked towards her and could tell that she was in agony with the recent memories.

"Aw, I'm sorry. Did I open some old wounds?" he did look genuine in his apology until he side stepped close enough and Aisu could see his cunning eyes "Lets kiss and make up." He lunge at her.

Providing enough opening for Odin to screech down towards the larger wolf hopefully distracting him enough for Niyol to sneak in closer towards the female.

[grizzly]

The remark the ginger wolf had made to Aisu concerning her exile from the pack took Grizzly by surprise. He had never discovered the full truth behind why she had become a loner during his absence. Due to her history of erratic behavior, he had figured she'd left of her own accord, but to think she would have been banished by their old friends was hard to swallow. Once again, Grizzly turned to Aisu with a questioning look hoping for some kind of explanation to this mystery.

However, the last portion of the male's statement about kissing and making up drew his attention back at the last second. Grizzly watched as he lunged towards Aisu and was about to pounce when a nasty pair of talons ripped into his face. He jumped back in defense, but was helpless to stop the owl's burrough of attacks until he sharpened his fur back into spikes. Grizzly waited for her to strike at him again and, when she did, he heard her screech in dismay as her feet met the egdes of his armor.

He tried to take advantage of his assailant's momentary weakness by darting back towards Aisu, but was once again deterred by the same set of claws. He growled up at the owl as she circled him; though it was obvious she had suffered some damage during the assult, as well. "Persistent, old bird..." He shot a glance back at the wolves on the hill, but was stuck there waiting for his opponent to make her next move.

[aisu]

No matter how much she wished it Aisu couldn't hide the shame she felt when Niyol mentioned her banishment, even though it was technically her own fault. She knew she would have to explain it to Grizzly sooner or later but right now was not the time. A snarl erupted from the silent female when the ginger male lunged at her, she ducked and flipped him over onto his back before proceeding to nearly rip open his stomach.

Until she heard the ominous screech of the owl and glanced behind her shoulder to watch as Grizzly was attacked by fierce talons, Odin not stopping until the spines were splintered in her feet. Niyol was completely taken aback when he heard his surrogate mother cry out in pain and at the sight of her being turned into a live shish kabob lost all thought of the original plan.

In distraught terror he found the strength to push Aisu off of him, making enough room to blow a gust of wind towards the owl that sent her out of harms way. He snarled at the Alpha and had enough mind to take his breath away and never give it back but then he turned to the glowering female and thought against it.

Aisu was angry enough to blow his internal organs to smithereens and he knew that she would use it. He got up limply and warily watched the other male before stalking off. The battle had ended, Grizzly had won and Niyol wasn't stupid enough to risk his pretty ass more than he already had for some bitch.

She had had his pup already, and she had let him die. Apparently she wasn't a good mother and he couldn't afford anymore casualties in his life as it was. His wounds would eventually heal and Big Mama was strong enough to recover from her battle scars, although she would forever fly with in crooked line at least she was still alive.

Aisu watched her former mate stalk off and over the hills until he was out of sight. She then turned to Grizzly and bounded over toward him licking his cheek in gratitude, even if she was still sore about the pack situation--or lack thereof he had come to her rescue. Just like she had always hoped he would.

[grizzly]

Grizzly watched cautiously as the wounded bird continued to circle over his location. He had regained enough of his composure by this point to begin plotting out how to disable her and make his way back over to Aisu. The idea was to wait for the owl to become impatient, fly in for another ariel assult, and fall victim to his pin-missile attack. However, Grizzly felt the winds above them suddenly change course which lead to his opponent drifting out of sight.

The unnatural power that seemed to have caused the change left Grizzly bewildered for a second, until he noticed the rival male's stare. Though he was relieved to see that Aisu wasn't seriously injuried, he could tell by the look on the ginger wolf's face that he was planning to do something. Thus, he lowered himself into a defensive stance and perked up his spikes while waiting for the attack. Several seconds went by with them locked in a death stare, but the connection was broken when lighter one turned to retreat.

Grizzly didn't question the other's motives for giving up on the fight, but he didn't withdraw his spikes until he was several yards away. The first thing he noticed once his senses had returned to him was that Aisu had moved to his side and licked his cheek. If it had been under any other circumstances, he might have blushed and moved away from her as was his childhood habit. But, the events of the day had left him mentally exhausted and filled with a lingering pride over having won the right to claim her. Thus, Grizzly looked down loving at the female for a few moments before pressing his nose aganist hers and breathing her name. "Aisu..."