A War Sails In
Trees trembled from the mighty howl of Alpha Linus. Corresponding roars shook them even harder as the crisp night air trembled from wolves of all manner, raising their snouts to the sky. A copper-red wolf raced his way from the packhouse to a clearing in a crop of trees to the south. A line of 100 or so wolves followed behind him, with Alpha Linus bringing up the group's rear. The wolves took the forset as their dance partner, weaving their way through snowcapped trees and leaping over frosted rocks. The copper wolf was the first to make it to the clearing, yipping excitedly and pawing at the ground while he waited for the pack to catch up. In the blink of an eye, they all came into his view. Animated yaps filled the air as they circled the copper wolf and pawed at the ground. Another minute later, the Alpha wolf broke the Circle, making his way to the center. It looked as though diamonds frolicked in the silver streaks of his fur from the glimmer of the moon. The great white wolf sat and let out a loud bark that quieted the forest and made all wolves look center. Throwing his head back, another great howl was aimed towards the moon before he stood and circled the new wolf. After the third pass, Linus let out a low growl causing the copper wolf to drop to the ground and roll over, exposing his tummy. Alpha Linus walked over and placed a paw on his chest, bellowing a long howl. Leaves in the forest shook once again as the rest of the pack joined in the cry. Bearing his fangs, Linus bit the exposed neck of the copper wolf. Removing his paw, he let the copper wolf stand.
Congratulations, Brett; this was the last step to joining the pack. You are now mind-linked to the rest of us and have specific duties expected of you from now on. Linus stated through the mental connection they now shared as pack members.
I am so happy to be a part of this fantastic group of wolves. I can't wait for a chance to prove myself. Brett responded, electrified.
Now, let's go for a run, everyone. Linus relaid to the group.
Exhilarated barks filled the air as the wolves took off into the trees. They were weaving their way through the snowy forest, the excitement of the new pack member fueling each wolf. It seemed as though no time passed before they reached the cave at the end of the forest. Linus addressed the pack, letting them know that he wanted to be alone in the caves and they were free to enjoy the night. His pack dispersed, and he shifted back to human form inside the cave. This underground oasis was Linus' favorite place to soak after a long run. Reverting to human form, he walked over to the mouth of the cave and checked to make sure the clothes he'd placed there earlier hadn't be stolen by one of the younger pack members as a prank. Seeing them still neatly folded on the ground, he continued deeper in the grotto until he found the fluorescent blue pools he sought. The steam frolicked and swirled above the bright blue ponds inviting him to take a dip and relax. These pools were deep enough to take a swim in, and the minerals made it easy to float. Linus stepped to the pond's edge, put his hands together, and fell headfirst into the pool. The heat from the below permeated his muscles, relaxing them instantly. Popping his face up and shaking water out of his hair, Linus swam to the edge of the pond. He laid his head in a space he specially carved out and let his body float upwards and unwind.
Alpha Linus snapped his head at the sound of his beta's howl, breaking the peaceful silence of the night. Linus lept out of the serene volcanic pools and sped through the caves. He put his clothes in his mouth, knowing that whatever dangers caused the alarm, it would need his wolf to be solved, but he didn't want to be left naked. Sounds of bones cracking echoed through the otherwise quiet cave as Linus lept off a rock, shifting to a white wolf remarkably similar to that of his fathers. There was less silver in Linus' Fur, though; he had two sliver lines that ran from the sides of his eyes around his head and go down his shoulders and back in two parallel lines to the tip of his tail. The cave's dark wall became a blur as his wolf's muscular legs rocketed him out to the open field. Linus came to a halt at the mouth of the cave, sat back, and let out a mighty howl informing Lupin that he had heard his cry. Gathering the clothes that fell with his jowls took off running in the sound of the uproar. Life there had been peaceful for so long. It was irritating to Linus to have never been able to have known that peace in his lifetime.
"Everyone Quickly run towards Lupin's howl and hold strong until I can get there." Linus mind linked the other pack members. He didn't bother informing them to listen to his beta's commands as he already knew that everyone in the pack not only respected Lupin but would lay their lives down for him the same as they would for Linus. Why can't there be a moment of peace on this island? He thought to himself, trying to take in the scenery around him as he leaped through the forset gracefully. He loved the way the trees would display the crystal snow on their leaves. The moonlight danced across the snow on the branches and gave the best shadows displays on the ground. He thought about the stories that his dad would tell him as he raced across the snowy island. What a sight it would have been to see this island before it had thriving supernatural communities sprawled out between the mountains and the trees. The picture before him cut through his thoughts as he saw his pack lined up at the shores facing six boatloads of humans. Linus weaved his way through his men. The Lonewolf pack was large after all of these centuries and spanned over 200 wolves. All of his wolves stood tall and strong. Dropping his clothes in the back, he slowly weaved his way through the battle formation until he was at the head of the pack. Eventually, he made his way front and center with four of his most vital wolves at his side, two on each side. Fifty of his wolves were grouped directly behind him, with two more groups of fifty on each side facing the boats. The reserve group of twenty-five would be able to either pitch in or get help should things go badly. "I am going to shift to see what these humans want. Do not make a move unless I shift to my wolf again. If that happens, attack immediately." Linus' mind linked to the pack. "Yes, Alpha."He heard in unison from all the pack members.
Linus took his time taking in the surroundings. They were on the only beach that was accessible to humans. The white sands reflected the full moon and displayed the ship's shadows. Waves lapped the bottoms of the vessels, and the soft rocks caused the boats to creak. The night was crisp, and it was cool. Unfortunately, there was a fog rolling in from the shore. There are six boats that I can see but are there more beyond the mist, Linus wondered. The fog formation did not seem natural. There was a lot hovering around the boats, but very little fog seemed to make its way up the shore. Linus couldn't tell if it was supernatural or just an odd phenomenon, which was a problem. It's always best to know what you're going up against in battle, and both he and his wolf could sense that they didn't have the full story. The tension in the air was thick as both sides stood staring, not saying a word. Linus' ears twitched upon hearing a faint sound. It was the steady steps of someone walking up from the bow of the boat. A serious but rather average looking man emerged from the bowels of the massive ship. He removed his white naval hat placing it under his right arm and revealing his buzz cut as he took a look around. The average-looking man swiveled his head around, clearly surveying the scene before him. "Well, I do love myself a pretty dog, but I am looking to have a conversation," he hollered to the wolves before him. Linus let out a vicious roar before shifting into his human form. A female wolf from the front rank rushed over and positioned herself hiding his nakedness in front of him.
The naval officer threw a disgusted look at Linus, grabbed his cap from under his arm, and threw his hands up to his side. "You couldn't even be bothered to bring clothes to this battle? What kind of amateurs am I dealing with!? He yelled out, turning side to side to look at his men. Linus met his glare with one of his own. Who was this worthless piece of shit to get him worked up? Such childish gripes wouldn't take his attention off the gravity of the situation he was in which he found himself. Every second you give yourself counts, though, Linus thought. "let me get him worked up," He whispered to himself. Looking up, Linus yelled out, " I did bring clothes actually, but who the fuck are you to make me get dressed?" The man walked forward and spit over the edge of the boat, then yelled, I'm an admiral of the king's royal navy and head officer of the council of humans, and you should learn to respect your betters." The Admiral stood upright and walked back towards the center of the boat. My better, huh, this guy has a lot of freaking nerve, but I won't let that distract me from the situation at hand.
Yes, there weren't many boats, he thought to himself, but who knows who and what they have on those boats. The humans have been getting equal parts smart and cruel in battles over the years. "There are way more than six boats, Alpha. I see at least 15 through the fog. " Well, s**t that's just what I needed, an even larger amount of unknown. "Send a wolf to gather the witches and have someone contact the mermaids." He ordered his soldier on the mountain. "Yes, Alpha he heard in rin response. Surely the humans wouldn't put someone so dense in charge of so many, Linus thought to himself.
Why is he making such a scene? Is this to distract from something Linus wondered to himself. No, that can't be it, he thought to himself; thanks to the alliances on this island with the witch and fairy magic combined, there was only one way to access this island if you were a human. Linus always wanted to close that area, but for some reason, the alliance was unable to find a way to do so without blocking everyone. Some supernaturals that visit like to leave and mingle among the humans; the only issue is that they had to leave an area open or risk attempting to make their own way and causing havoc with the protection around the island. Leaving a waterway through treacherous rocks that leads them to a shore where a mountain greets them was the workaround. The jagged rocks that proceeded the islands were spelled so that only boats made on Riara island that had blessed lolite gems in them were guaranteed to pass safely. From the water, the mountain is looming and is impassable. Linus spent his life prepping for war because of the human's rediscovery of the supernatural. The story his father told him he ran through his head. Just seventy short years ago, a young vampire visited humans. He met a beautiful young woman, and they spent the night together. He accidentally drained her while they were making love. His failed attempt at hiding the body cause humans to investigate. That young vampire could make it back to the island and ultimately home to Jestan before they caught him but that only spelled terrible news for Riara Island. From then on, they have consistently tried to gain access to the island. The occasional straggler from a raggedy beat-up ship would make it through, making it relatively easy to take them down. Since Linus was born and turned of age, thought ships were starting to make it to the island more intact. Never had a whole fleet made it through the rocks, though. The humans were adaptable and cruel; that kind of enemy requires constant forethought. In his father's time as Alpha, the wolves would go around the mountain since it was relatively easy to take care of just a few humans, and they could take their time. With the increasing amount of attacks, Linus needed a better way to get to the battlefield. Through the mountains, with the help of the witches, the wolves forged many paths. The main path leads out to the middle shoreline, where all of his wolves emerged, greeting the boats. There were, however, many more paths that led through the mountains where he had some of his fighters lying in wait should any surprises be thrown their way. Now knowing the fleet's full extent, Linus wasn't sure if those men would be enough. He sent for the witches, but this was a pretty large island; he only hoped they would arrive on time.
"Ughguh," Linus turns his head slightly at the sound of the naval blowhard clearing his throat. "That's enough starting at each other, I think," he said, laying his hat down on the edge of the boat and walking forward. " I came here to talk, so let's talk, shall we," the Admiral paused, waiting for Linus to respond. In any other situation, I would have attacked this asshole already, Linus thought to himself, but he was glad for the extra time for his men to gather the witches. Looking around at his men to give himself as much spare time as possible. Linus extended an arm and said, "OK, let's talk then." Linus watched the man's face curl into a sinister smile as he looked around the island. "Tell me, what are you hiding here! As an admiral in the king's royal army, I demand and have a right to know," he boomed. "You disgusting abominations refuse to let humans here in your unholy resting place." The Admiral lifted his hands and lightly touched his fingers together and continued, " Which means could only mean that you are plotting to take over." The Admiral picked his hat up and placed it back on his head, resting his hands behind his back, and continued quietly, "It's simple really; if you have nothing to hide, then just let us on the island to take a look around." Anyone could see the murderous glint in his eyes as he looked down at Linus even without supernatural eyesight. Linus chuckled as he boomed back. "You come into my home, insult my family and me while expecting a proper welcome." He let out a cold humorless chuckle as he glared back at the Admiral while growling, "and you call us disgusting abominations.
The Admiral returned Linus' cold laugh while looking down on him and sneered, "I can't help being a brutally honest man and calling it as I see it." He shrugged and took a couple of steps back towards the middle of the boat. "So I take it, then you're not going to be a good host and invite us in," stated the Admiral with a cold smile, making the tension in the air even thicker. "Not even if you asked nicely," Linus retorted, returning the cruel smile. "Perfect, Just as I thought," cackled the Admiral. "After them, Now!" screamed the Admiral.