The Chase of the Sun and the Moon (Part 1 and 2)

[Takai Masamune]

(12AUG2024)

A spillover from the night of Julia Winters challenge against the Baron of Cadentia and Old Market, Matt Simon. Whispered words of chaos making Delaney stir in embarrassment and playful banter. As the fight ended, the poking continued and out of the Arena the two went with a burst of playful energy.

With a loud "Sorry!" Takai burst out of the inn and onto the streets. Luckily that door was a push, requiring a lot less momentum to open. His body traveled through the air as his bare feet slapped on the cobbled sidewalk below him, skipping the steps. An unfortunate soul receiving the edge of his shoulder and spinning to the ground, too surprised to make a sound. His feet sped through the street and across to the next sidewalk, his head shifting back with the same devious look he had earlier to see if she was actually in pursuit.

"Coming through!" Takai had covered the apologies for both of them in her opinion. Besides, she wasn't steamrolling through people like he was and tried to give proper warning! Okay, maybe she planted a barefoot onto a chair, hopping up onto a table and running across the length of it before dropping to the other side. Going over the obstacle rather than around it. She shouldered her way through the front door of the Inn and cleared the steps in a single bound the same way he had. She let out an audible gasp when Takai's beefy shoulder took out an innocent on the street. "Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!" It was her turn to pass out the apologies since Takai didn't. Delaney dug the balls of her feet into the sidewalk, pumping her arms with the fabric of her skirt still gripped in one fist. She was in pursuit alright. And it seemed the runt was built for speed.

A look of panic shot across his face as he realized how close she actually was, "Shit." He definitely was no longer fast like he was before he had gotten here. He knew she wasn't a magic user so he wanted to keep the chase fun. His mind raced as he eyed his surroundings, running along a line of buildings. With a loud grunt, he leapt from the ground, his right foot planting into a brick windowsill before he launched himself into the air. The sound of scraping metal against stone screeching out as his arms hooked around a thick metal weather vane. The vane ripped from the wall a few inches above his head, slowly bending to the side under his weight. The muscles in his arms flared, the balls of his feet squeezing so hard into the thick metal, the pipe bent under the pressure. He burst up into the air, his hands slamming around the piping still attached to the side of the house. Like a monkey, hands around the pipe and his feet along the wall quickly shimmied up the wall to the steepled clay tiled roof. With a breath of sharp air, his hands gripped and hoisted his heavy frame on top of the tiles. He could feel them crumbling under his weight as he began to move up the roof.

She heard that curse drop from him and that had a laugh ringing from her in reply. The laughter cut short when he left the ground. "Oh, come on!" She was obviously annoyed that he took the fight above ground, but that didn't mean she was going to stop. She released the fabric of her skirt as she approached the side of the building he had just launched himself up. There were a few soft cracks and snaps of bones that mingled with the sound of her bare feet slapping the ground. It almost looked like she was going to slam right into the wall. Instead, she threw herself at the wall in a leap, extended claws finding purchase where they could. She was quick, the way she found foot holds and places to grasp as she scaled the wall. While Takai had the strength to push and burst his way higher and higher, she merely had to keep plugging away at the wall until she pulled herself up and over onto the roof in a low crouch. "You're about to fall into someone's apartment. Can't you hear the cracking?" Del wasn't one for invading someone's home, but even she had to laugh at the idea of Takai crashing through the roof into someone's living room. Considering she was lighter than him, the roof tiles didn't protest beneath her as much, but she didn't look entirely confident combining her weight with his.

With a heavy breath nearing the top of the roof, his feet shook as he felt the weak clay snapping under his weight. Below a door swung open, angry shouts and confusion on the street starting to pick up after the initial start of the chase. "Maybe you should go back down then, Del." He stalled, his eyes shifting as his head spun to look for an exit, there really wasn't a good one. He felt the roof shift slightly under him as he took another step. "Tch." His tongue clicked as he reached the top of the roof. He watched her carefully, his eyes now piercing yellow orbs again under the moon's light, though not as bright as they were in the forest. They danced happily across her nimble frame, her top revealing most of her midsection to him. With a deepening grin and a light hop, the sounds of breaking clattering tiles could be heard as he slid down the other side of the roof. He wasn't sure if he could make the jump but knew he'd be fine if he couldn't. As his feet neared the edge, his toes dug in righting his body. He leaned forward and leapt, leaving the roof as he plunged towards a second floor balcony across a small alleyway. He had so much momentum, his shoulder met the wall with a loud meaty thud and a short grimace of pain. He quickly built up his momentum again, vaulting to the next balcony and following it behind a blind corner around the side of the building.

Her eyes widened, on full alert when she heard all the shouting. Despite the worry in her expression, her words came out in a light tease. "And let you have all the fun?" Although she did stay in place for now, crouched low to the roof with her claws sunk into the clay tiles. There was no need to go cavorting over to him just yet, not until he was set on his path. Really, she'd be lying if she said she wasn't just a little worried for him. She could hear that shift in the roof when he moved and his tongue click, which had her holding her breath briefly. "Are you peeking again, Takai?" She liked his eyes a lot, for many reasons, but she had to admit the glow to them did make it easier to track when they swept left to right or down.

When he crossed over to the other side of the roof, Delaney was on the move. The tiles didn't protest beneath her quite the same way they did for him. Lighter and faster, she was able to keep herself moving so they didn't have enough time to shift. She ran down the other side of the roof. "Fuck, fuck, fuck." She either needed to lean into the leap or bail, but there would be no in between. If she hesitated, she was going to hit the alley floor. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" Delaney didn't curse often, but this seemed like a good time to do it. She pushed forward, running straight to the edge of the roof to make sure she had as much momentum as she could muster. A mighty leap, she soared through the air while following the path he had picked, then she slammed into the wall of the second story balcony. Without the added meat to her frame for protection, that got a sharp yelp out of her. Perhaps more out of shock than actual pain. Though it did manage to reignite an ache in those still healing bruises from her own challenge. Her pace had faltered, but she carried on, pushing forward to leap from balcony to balcony until she could turn the same corner as him.

A hundred thoughts probably crossed his mind as he turned the corner. The fighter in him wanted to trap her, the mouse finally standing up to the cat and stopping it in her tracks. The man in him wanted to stand there and wrap his arms around her in a cheesy fashion as she inevitably rounded the corner and collided with him. The wolf in him though, wasn't done being chased. He couldn't remember the last time he had someone chasing him without a weapon or spell in hand or crossing their angry tongues. This was a full blown match of tag and every wolf knew being chased was the best part.

He chose to continue, his hand slapping down on the edge of a light wooden table and tossing it to its side with a loud wooden clatter. A makeshift obstacle for her nimble feet. Hearing her loud yelp, the faintest moment of hesitation shot across his face before leaving his feet. They found their footing against the side of a sturdy stone railing of the balcony, his hand planted between his legs to stop his momentum as quickly as possible. With a light hop he fell, his body spinning simultaneously as he dropped. Quickly his hands gripped the railing before letting himself slip down further until they came level with the balcony floor where they repeated their grip. A second later his bare feet slapped against the cool stone balcony of the first floor, his body dropping quickly into a crouch before hopping and turning once more to the street with a loud grunt of impact. Glowing yellow orbs happily danced up as he stared up to the balcony he had been on with a playful grin, slowly building his pace before breaking back out into a run down the dark back alley way.

Delaney could deal with a trap. The wolf in her would most likely be disappointed if the game came to such a sudden end gathered up in Takai's arms. The woman in her might have a different opinion. This was the most fun she had experienced in a long while. This wasn't dueling fun or karaoke fun. This was animalistic and primal, while still staying on the lighthearted side. This was the sort of game she craved to her bones, but she always struggled to find the right playmate, until now.

After turning the corner drained her speed slightly, she carried on. She smirked at the table that laid in her path. She refused to slow her pace to step around it. Instead she planted her palm onto the rail, bracing her angled body as bare feet ran across the table top to clear it to the other side. Part of her felt bad that someone's property once again got thrown into the mix, but she couldn't deny it was fun! She finally came to a halt at the edge of the railing, peering down over the edge. She was wasting valuable time, but she didn't make it a habit to leap from balconies, despite what her earlier roof jump might say.

Her amber gaze searched out her path and created a plan of action before she was hoisting herself up and over the rail. The same way she had scaled the building, she was making her way down, level by level. It was nowhere close to being as quick or as confident as Takai, but she would give herself a mental pat on the back when she finally landed on bare feet at ground level. She turned instantly, rushing after him in hot pursuit. He had a massive lead on her now because of her hesitation and she wasn't sure if she would be able to catch up, even if she did feel speed was on her side. What's a girl to do?

Suddenly, Delaney's thoughts came to a screeching halt, her nimble pace struggling beneath her as she went crashing to her hands and knees on the alley ground, skin skirting across gravel roughly. "Glass. There's glass, Takai." The words weren't yelled, but she said them loud enough that she assumed he would be able to hear them. For someone who spent their free time getting punched and stabbed as a hobby, the pain in her voice couldn't be masked. "My foot." And if he was able to hear that, she was certain he would be able to smell the sudden tinge of copper in the air. Delaney's blood had been spilled as she stayed in her crumpled position, too injured to proceed.

He knew he had the lead, she was quick but he wondered how many chases, escapes and pursuits she had to concoct in her life. From the things he knew, maybe she had run away at the least after her family's borrowing sprees. He had made good ground, hearing her movement behind him as she descended to the street. The sudden burst of pained words quickly crossed his delicate ears, his pace almost instantly slowing to a halt as he looked back concerned.

He was immediately ashamed of himself as he saw her on the ground, his antics causing the she-wolf to get hurt. "You okay?" His breath heightened from the chase as he sobered up from the fun. He quickly closed the distance as he doubled back to her. He hadn't noticed the glass but as his adrenaline slowed, he assumed his almost hoof-like feet had easily moved across it.

She was aware that he had asked a question, but she couldn't really get any words out. While she was always so bubbly, bouncy, and full of energy... in that moment she looked the part of a wounded animal. There might have even been a few whimpers that escaped her. She sat pitifully in place on the alley ground, not caring that her skirt and skin were getting dirty. Patient as she waited for him to double back and clear the distance between them.

It was only when Takai was within arms length of Delaney that her gaze shot up from her injured foot and wild amber eyes locked on him. Lips peeled back from her teeth and those previously very human canines were replaced by elongated fangs on both the top and bottom. A low rumbling growl deep within her chest was paired with the movement. She had a foot poised beneath her and she put every ounce of energy she had into lunging directly at him. Was it even possible for Delaney to tackle Takai? She thought the element of surprise when his guard was down might work in her favor, but who was she to say? Her arms wrapped his middle and she tried to use every bit of weight she had to drag him to the alley ground. Don't worry, Takai. There's not actually any glass to be body slammed into. Delaney, it seems, had fibbed.

From the start, Takai didn't have posture, he walked over loosely, completely ignorant to the trap. As she waited deviously to deploy her trap, he only closed the distance. Suddenly his eyes opened wide, the yellow orbs in his skull flaring slightly as she dove at him. If this had been a life or death scenario, he probably would have done more than stare in disbelief at the lovely woman. A somewhat blank but surprised look filled his face. Takai actually grunted as he felt her head, neck and shoulder slam into his abs, soft and unsuspecting. He felt her grip tightly around his midsection as the friction below his feet disappeared. He took the full brunt of her tackle, and it worked.

Regardless of how strong someone was, leverage and physics existed in this realm. Unless someone could shove their toes so hard into the ground to cement themselves upward or were perpetually braced for a shock, there was little chance anyone would survive the unexpected surprise un-toppled. With another large grunt as his shoulders slammed into the ground of the back alleyway he lost his breath for a short moment. His lungs quickly filled after the small shock. His face never left hers though, his neck bending as he faced her buried face in his abdomen. The swift intake of air and his mind finally catching up made his stomach tense causing her warm face to rise and fall. He was silent, his head finally dropping with a soft thud to the ground beneath them. "..." She probably couldn't see it but he smiled, admitting defeat in his head as his heavy hand rose and gently dropped on the back of her soft hair, holding her skull with gentle short brushes.

While Delaney didn't always involve herself with the rough housing antics of her cousins, there were plenty of times when they didn't give her a choice. Either she was going to live her life as a flattened pancake, or she needed to learn to use her strengths to her advantage. Once a runt, always a runt, but there were plenty of ways to level the playing field. The wounded animal trick couldn't be repeated often, but she decided to play that ace here and now.

Her body had practically went horizontal as she laid into him, not thinking about the incoming rough landing or the aftermath. Cat and mouse was a win and lose game and she was intent on winning this round. Would there be more rounds to come? She hoped. The pair slammed into the ground and when the dust settled, she was laying on top of him with her cheek still buried against his middle. It was only when the pair stopped moving and he managed to catch his breath that she lifted her head to peer up at him. She was grinning ear to ear as always, but this time around she was still flashing those extended canines. "Gotcha." A single word, soft and carried on an exhale.

She set her chin against his stomach. She had planned on perhaps standing over him to celebrate, but he put his hand on the back of her head and she wasn't willing to give that up just yet. "Uhm, it was just a little..." She lifted her palm, flashing a modest sized cut there on the heel. Blood had been spilled to get the scent in the air, but it certainly wasn't anything serious. "It was nothing bad. Just a little claw scratch. You were really worried. That was sweet." He could most likely feel the way her body shook with silent laughter. Not at him, but the situation as a whole. Or maybe she was still surging with energy. "That was fun. Did you have fun? I hope you had fun." Another giggle followed the words.

As she spoke, explaining the ploy in her own almost cocky words his eyes rolled, manly mental walls returning. "Shut up." He said in an annoyed but still playful tone. Yellow eyes rolled to the side, glancing down the dark alleyway as he felt her warm breath tickle the small thin hairs along his stomach, his fingers delighted at the feeling of her soft curly hair slipping between them. The position they were in caused the inside of his brain to fluster slightly. He was more than strong enough to handle the weight of a hundred Delaneys but he could still feel her sprawled along the inside of his legs. A gentle weight like a heavy blanket. Warmth radiating from her soft muscular and womanly frame pressing against him. "That was dirty, runt." He shifted his vision back to her as his head rose off the ground, looking at her bubbly face resting on his stomach. He felt himself melt under her playful gaze, struggling to maintain the 'over it' look on his face. Going for a low blow, his hand lifted from her head regretfully, as both of his elbows shifted to support his weight on the ground beside him, lifting his torso as he looked at her, "You're not exactly light, ya know?" He didn't want her to leave, he just didn't want to lose unconditionally.

Delaney was obviously on cloud nine at the moment, so she only mirrored Takai's eye roll when he insisted she shut up. "Yeah, yeah." She waved off the words, confident he didn't actually mean them. As her hand waved, there was that familiar crack of bone and pop of cartilage. The gnarled claws she wore proudly, that served her so well tonight, returned to delicate little digits. Delaney knew, somewhere in the back of her head, that she should probably remove herself from him and rise to her feet. Yet no part of her wanted to. He smelled of salt, sweat, and the earth. He was solid and all hard edges. Gruff and glaring. All of that only managed to make her smile that much brighter. "Dirty... or really creative and something you kind of respect about me now?"

She grinned, but it dimmed briefly when he removed his hand from her hair. She should have kept that to herself, but it was an unconscious reaction that happened before she could really control it. Then he dropped that line at her. Brows lifted up her forehead. "I should have used my Dire form and left a Takai shaped imprint on the alley ground with impact. Are you a sore loser? Ew, Takai." She gave a sigh and rolled aside, finally pushing herself up to her feet. Her clothes were tattered and dirty, but she brushed them off delicately like they could maybe be saved. Delaney then held her hand out to him, the one that wasn't cut, an offer to help him up if he accepted.

As soon as her tone shifted, he knew he had said something he shouldn't have but he also knew it was effective. At what cost though? As she left him and her weight relieved, his body craved the sensation once again. His defiant orbs following her as he watched her stand, he couldn't help but gleefully let those tiny full moons dance across her. Everything she did, absorbed into the endless depths of the black circled in each of their centers. She bent to stand, he noticed the arc of her back, the subtle rump in the light dress. She brushed her dress to free it of filth, her shaped smooth calves following down to the soft edges of her heels. Her arm extended to give him a lift up, supple caramel breasts leaning against her satin bralette full of subtle motion. He wasn't some dweeb, of course he looked and he wasn't afraid to make it obvious.

A deep guttural sigh built inside of his chest as his eyes slowly shut, his scent glands filled with her. She almost smelled right. A quick clap sounded, his powerful hands gripping her forearm as he used her to lift himself from the ground. His legs and free hand did most of the work but he still put enough of his weight on her to let her know she helped. He paused as he returned to his feet, his calloused hand barely able to feel the soft, smooth skin of her darkened flesh as his fingers gently slid down the length of her forearm. His digits playfully tickling across her wrists and into her hands as his head rose, eyes meeting hers in a gentle moment of solace and contentment.

Her body ran naturally warm and it was a rather standard summer night in RhyDin, but she would be lying if she said their parting didn't leave her with a chill. Maybe a pang of disappointment. That had been his goal, hadn't it? To get her off him? And she delivered. Then, the complex and ever changing conundrum that Takai was, he openly ogled her all the while. Her expression was pure patience. Why would she rush him when she was also taking inventory?

When his hand gripped her forearm, she wrapped her hand around his in return the best she could and tugged him up. She assumed it would be a job well done and a release. Instead his fingertips grazed her skin and she stilled. Her gaze lifted to his face, amber eyes burning just a bit brighter after everything tonight. Her lips parted, a quiet inhale, like she was readying herself to say something. It's Delaney after all, she always has something to say. But it seemed words failed her in that moment. His fingers moved along her wrist and to her palm. It was Delaney that linked a finger with his. Just one, her pointer, wrapping his. There was obvious uncertainty in her expression, brows creasing gently. Still, she held onto him, even if it was only with one curled index finger.

Takai was a weird one. His mind had been warped from years of terrible events. A seemingly peaceful and possibly even romantic night at a beautiful forest glade? Maybe it was romantic. A back alley tussle in the middle of a night after a fevered chase over something trivial? That was something to him. His eyes shifted down to his hand as he felt her small digits grip him so tightly, a compassionate stare falling across his face. His hand rose slightly as his wrist turned, his fingers forcing their way through hers, connecting and intertwining their hands with a firm grip to let her know he was there. It almost seemed as though his breath had paused, so slow and so quiet.

Maybe he liked the violence of it all. The confusion. The destruction and the chaos. Delaney would honestly look back on this night a lot more fondly than the night by the lake. Sure, skinny dipping by moonlight might seem the way to go for many, but to Delaney it was enjoyable yet rather mundane. But to scale buildings and leap from rooftops? To unleash a ploy of blood and glass to take someone down? So much happened that evening, but it could be summed up so easily. She wanted to play and in him she found someone to play with. At least for tonight. That curl of a single digit was soon answered by his fingers lacing hers and she answered in kind, returning that firm squeeze.

His eyes rose back again to meet her own as he began to move. Awkward short steps, walking with someone between him as he pushed her back cautiously. His other hand lifted to find hers, fingers interlocking hers again. A long few moments of jerky uncertain steps backwards for her, she'd feel a wall against her back, cool unforgiving rock as she was gently pressed against it. He stared at her as he gently pushed her arms against the structure of an unforgiving wall. His knuckles woven through her hands taking the brunt of the leaning pressure as he held her against it.

Takai was on the move and Delaney fell in line with his unspoken urging to step backwards. Their other hands laced and once again she gave a solid squeeze. This one got a soft hiss from her, the fresh cut of her palm being pressed against the rough and calloused terrain of his hand. Not that it made her shy away from the hold. It was when her back bumped into the alley wall that her brows lifted up her forehead. She had played the part of a wounded animal earlier. Now she felt something more akin to being trapped. Yet there was no thrashing or attempt to escape on her part. She walked herself right into this cage and she was going to enjoy every moment of it.

He could hear shouts from around the corner, angry patrons of the neighborhood still angry over the sudden commotions that had ruined the corner of a city block. Broken bottles, cracked chair legs, a useless weather vane, a ruined roof, displaced furniture, it didn't matter. It was all for the love of the hunt and the chase. Takai moved closer, his body sliding into hers in soft upward grind as he slid into her body. Eyelids lowered, hiding the bright eyes of his as his face approached hers. Finally closing as his lips gently rested against hers for a brief moment. A quick pull away only let his mouth connect again with hers firmly, as he kissed her. His weight only shifted against her more as he kissed her, pinning her hands against the wall near her shoulders.

Delaney's gaze flickered aside briefly, unable to ignore the angry shouts of the townsfolk. Would they come with pitchforks and torches, seeking the two beasts raining havoc along their peaceful evening? It got a light smile out of Delaney as she looked back up to Takai. Warm amber and pale yellow. The sun and the moon. When he slid closer to her, she inhaled slowly, a soft rise of her chest and a quiet exhale of warm breath. Then his lips found hers, gently until he thought better of it and came back with fervor. She tipped her chin upwards to meet him, to deepen the kiss what she could from her pinned position. Finally, her leg adjusted, snaking its way out to hook her calf against the back of his thigh. It could have been considered lewd by onlookers, but that hadn't been her intention. It was her way of saying that he might have her where he wants her, but he had been captured by her as well.

[Takai Masamune]

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[The story that unfolded on the Twilight Isles before the second chase.]

[Takai Masamune]

(07 SEP 2024)
As the events of Wolfmania neared their end, Takai having finally regained himself during his transformation baited Delaney's newly awoken Were form. Like a game of cat and mouse, the two exploded out into the early morning streets of Rhy'Din.


The short lived life of WereLaney flashed before her eyes with the incoming sword wielded by Myth aimed at her back. It was a good life. Lots of growling, biting, clawing at people. There was peanut butter at one point! When it seemed like the sword would find its mark, the massive black fur covered frame of Takai was body slamming her out of the way of the incoming weapon. Laney rolled along the ground post impact, ending on all fours with her paw dug firmly into the sand. All of that rage and focus she had been pouring towards Myth was now instantly shifting, finding its target in Takai. Another Werewolf. One that seemed to save her life. And how does a feral Were repay the favor? She reared up to her hind legs, unleashing a massive spit dripping growl in Takai's direction.


Oh, the fresh Were wanted to growl at him? It was his turn to steer this angry creature. Takai didn't hold back. His massive head slammed down as his body shoved itself away from her, his body rearing back as his arms flared out to their sides. A deep intake. From his mouth poured an ear splitting roar, aimed to shatter the very heavens. How he hated them. A hungry gaze dropped to the wolf before him. Maybe a hint of fun burning in the golden blaze. With a snarled grunt his body slammed forward, his right arm raising to deliver a savage blow of claw and anger. His left jutted forward though. It shot out into the wolf's stomach. Maybe she wanted to come at him, but no matter how strong she was in the ring... He was the fucking alpha wolf in this relationship. There were no others around besides the child and the mutt who wished. His eyes scorched his skull as he shot forward.


Savage and ready. Her own growling was met with a roar that would make anyone with an ounce of sense cower. Luckily, for all involved, WereLaney seemed to be lacking sense this evening. This also seemed to ignite a new fire in her, just when she seemed to think she had run out of steam. She prepared for the right and was met with the left, the impact causing a howl of pain that echoed on the Isle. The insult of it all enraged her more than the hit itself. Muscles wound tight and she reared back briefly before launching herself full speed at the wolf, looking to clamp her gnashing fangs into the side of his neck. Something about it felt fitting. Something about it felt like payback.


His claws dug into the FemWere. Burying themselves shallowly into her muscular abdomen. Her body met his though, she wasn't ready to submit. That was fine. He still had feelings lingering deep inside him from his first time. No memories, just feelings. She'd be lucky to remember a thing. The island was on fire, blood spilled everywhere. An entire battle field had erupted across the small area of the Twilight Isle. It had been an epic adventure. For Del though, it had been rage. He knew the feeling, it wasn't until now that he had finally come full circle from where he was as a child. Strange how even as an old dog, the wolf was not only learning new tricks but remembering old ones. Her teeth sank into his flesh and fur. A burst of anger exploded as his body gave way to allow her force to take them back. A powerful leg twisting the pair as he fell backwards and she fell forward. His body forced a spin as the two mingled. Was this wolf flirting?


The claws in her sides ripped another roar out of her around the mouthful of Takai her fangs had taken hold of. Finally!! She had found a chew toy and even gave a rough shake of her head to add insult to the injury. Then the pair were collapsing towards the sand with Takai's maneuvering. Except the she-beast brought both legs up tightly between them the moment she felt them leave the ground. Once her back made impact with the sand, it was a ruthless kick that she inflicted on Takai's middle, looking to send the Were flying up and over. She didn't even release his throat when she did it, hoping to take a chunk out of him as a parting gift.


It seemed the she-wolf wanted to try and assert her dominance. Takai had no part of it. Not in this setting. The wolf's jaw lowered into Del's bite. His neck muscles bulged under the wolf's teeth. It wasn't helping, but the angle allowed him to ensure his windpipe never met the savage fangs when he eventually would pull away. Blood spilled into the female's mouth, probably ravaging her senses on his intoxicating scent. Takai did the last thing anyone should as her hind claws began to rip and tear at his stomach to push him away. He ripped his entire body back. Chunks of flesh and fur ripped where her gnarled fang clamp, it didn't matter too much yet.


Blood gushed from his throat as his body leaned away only to return. His claws came down onto her thick meaty thighs with a tremendous effort. He was going to give her a run if she wanted. Pointed nails forced their way into the small gap of her exposed fibulas. The snakey fingers looking to find purchase in the small skeletal grab of the Were's legs. If he found it fully, his entire body would slam violently to the leg as his paws tightened, ensuring his grip. She'd be thrown like a fuckin' discus across the sands following a ferocious growl, his fingers locked to the bone if they made it. As she left his grasp, claws would tear the flesh from her legs. If they didn't... Well, at least he gave her something to think about as his claws dug deep.


It was during the grand finale fight of the evening that Delaney got that true taste of blood she had been craving the entire night. A satisfied snap, growl, and chomp causing the splatter of red to overtake her muzzle and fur in a splash. This seemed to be the distraction that Takai needed to get his claws dug into Delaney's legs. Nails sunk into the flesh and muscles, causing her head to thrash back to release an ear splitting howl. The howl continued as Takai launched Delaney off and away, somehow the massive form no match for the strength of the Were she had set her sights on. She landed with a roll, a mixture of his blood and her own coating the sand where she lay. This would be a perfect spot to stop and rest and think about everything that transpired throughout the night. But once again, WereLaney didn't seem inclined to stop and think. Her movements were heavy, large fists planting themselves into the sand to push herself up to her feet. The slice of muscle should have rendered her down and out, but it only managed to slow her down.


Literally, her frame was huge compared to most that had been on the isle, but she was technically smaller and quicker for a Were. Her bullet fast pace of previous fights was not what it had been as the healing abilities worked overtime to reconstruct the torn muscles and flesh, but she was still quick enough to be a menace. Determined enough to make it all Takai's problem as she began charging him, incapable of giving up or letting it go. A roar was released in his direction as she devoured the space between them that he had created.


Takai had thrown the wolf and knew the bitch would come straight for him once more, as soon as she righted herself. His form had followed through with the throw. He twisted his frame, claws planted into the sand as all fours touched the cool grit. As soon as she lunged for him, maybe even a bit before, his body had shot off. The rest of this would be handled the way wolf matters should be. Deep in the tree. She was going to learn what being a wolf actually meant. The prison she had lived in was an ill excuse of an education. She was gonna' learn today... well, tonight.


The wolf exploded from the sand, a sorry excuse for pocket sand as a plume of grit rose into the air. He was off. A massive form blistering away from the rings. He leapt over the bar, a wide berth given to the man and she-bear. His eyes locked to them, very little emotion reflected but hopefully enough to imply...


'I got this.'


His vision focused on the barrier in front of him as he bound for it, his aim the portal. He needed to get her out of the Isle, back to a forest she remembered or this was going to be an even more painful night for them both than it needed to be.


She had found a rhythm in her pace, easing herself forward to continue her run on all fours. He had muted her speed considerably, otherwise the game would be over long before it began. But as Takai cut a path through the wreckage of the Isle, Delaney merely followed. Not even a passing glance for Colleen and Jake as she moved, which was probably for the best since that prey would have been much easier to catch. Maybe. But where was the fun in that? Instead, the feral Werewolf trailed Takai earnestly, heading straight to the portal and to more familiar grounds.


Once again, the chase was on between The Sun and The Moon. The moon only glanced with a feral gleam in his eye, excitement of the chase beaming from them. This time everything was correct. Blood and fire. A wolf close in tow. He burst through the portal into town. Lost in the thrill that was sure to follow.


The healing abilities this form afforded Delaney were doing their best to mend the torn flesh and muscle of her legs, but her insistence to diligently push herself in pursuit of Takai was hindering the process. Bloody wounds closing and reopening with every thump of paws against the ground as the pair bolted through the portal to be delivered onto the city streets. It was surely the only act of luck afforded to the town on an evening full of chaos, blood, and fire. Had Takai picked any other portal, the two could have been deposited smack dab in the middle of the Red Dragon Inn, a buffet waiting to happen for the new feral Werewolf.


Not that the sights and sounds of the city didn't already pique her interest on the other side of the portal. There was a distinct stutter in her sure galloping steps. The fire lamps burning to line the streets were almost too bright. The sounds of patrons in restaurants and bars were absolutely too loud. But it was the scent of so many warm blooded humans, ripe and ready for the picking, that had the beast pushing forward.


The onyx werewolf ahead of her had kept her interest on the Isle, but even she seemed to acknowledge the difficulty in capturing that target. Straight ahead, the giggles and guffaws of a drunken group of both men and women leaving an establishment had The Sun readjusting her plan on the fly. Soaked in alcohol and too focused on where the rest of the evening might take them, the group didn't even seem to register the danger they were in. The feral Werewolf's quickening pace carried forward in the wake of the moon, but was obviously zoning in towards her newly found targets.


It was out of sheer luck that the night's events ended the way they did. If Mira hadn't been there to push Takai so far, there was a good chance the two wolves would be simply trying to eat one another or running amuck together. As soon as he hit the streets a twinge of overstimulation washed across his mind. A reactive snarl and flexing arms shakingly bringing his pawed hands to tightly balled fists. There was no time. He knew she'd be captivated.


He set off to the side of the portal before he dropped to all fours with a loud clawed scratch along the cobbled street. His entire body turned to face the portal. It seemed as if he was hyping himself up now. His breath suddenly becoming ragged as his claws bit by bit forced themselves into the rocky ground below. A curtain of jowls lifted, savage gnarly teeth lighting up his mouth against the shadowed fur. The instant he noticed the first strand of fur exit the portal, a racket of rock and claw boomed into the air. Takai was off like a boulder across the short distance.


A golden eye gleaned the sky, it was dark. The moon's glow was nearly gone. The world was at its darkest. Dawn approached. Using the distraction he knew would present itself to the new wolf, his body left the ground in a shallow arc towards her. A massive left paw shoved back by a bulkier and blood globbed furry shoulder. He fell like an angry rock across her, his claw wildly striking toward the wolf's exposed face with his entire weight behind it. The blow would be followed up with a brutal shoulder after his claws passed through her flesh and fur.


As the feral Were cleared the portal, already intent on her newly selected quarries, the other Werewolf could have gone entirely unnoticed. It seemed that would not do for Takai and he was intent on making his presence her entire world. The incoming claws found their mark, slashing from a pointed ear and dragging mercilessly to slice across cheek and muzzle. His blood was already caked and dried into her fur, but these new wounds released another flood of red wetness pouring down her jawline and splattering onto her shoulder and chest. The howl of pain that erupted from the wolf echoed off the surrounding buildings. Deep, guttural, and mad. That caught the attention of the nearby gaggle of drunks who had no idea how close to death they had truly come. The women shrieked and maybe some of the men did, too.


A flurry of movement as they poured themselves back into the nearby bar to barricade themselves against the evil that roamed the streets tonight. All the while, the shoulder from Takai crashed into her sternum. Forcing her form to rock back on still healing legs and launching the Werewolf forcefully to the cobblestone ground beneath them. Takai's body would follow, crashing down on top of her as they landed roughly. She was ready for it. Claws poised to sink into the side of his torso, going deeper as he fell onto her. Pointed claws pierced flesh, muscle, and scratched along bone before the paw was tightened into a fist. He could pull himself away, same as before, but she was intent once again on gathering a keepsake from him in the way of meat and fur.


Takai's eyes were almost entirely on the she-wolf, he could care less about the drunks. He just wanted her full attention and it seemed like he got it... two fold. Had he not been battling the wolf in his head and body, irony would have tugged at him for falling on a set of claws twice in one evening. Things were different this time though. He felt those claws of hers rip into his sides, his muscles doing what they could to keep them out from under his ribs. His maw opened in a furious roar of both anger and pain, saliva and blood exploding out across her face. Immediately the rage took over, forgetting his mission for now.


It was only a matter of time before his teeth would find their hold and sink themselves around her muzzle. His mouth lunged at the she-wolf's. Teeth gnashed and clacked against her returned assault of deadly fangs. A growl tumbled from deep inside of him as both of his claws went from bracing himself to returning the favor. He had the weight, height, and positional advantage. His body began to rear off of hers for a brief moment feeling her claws rip across his flesh. It returned quickly after, both of his claws aimed to shove their way into the side of her rib cage as well. The hands didn't sink though, fighting the urge to find a lung. His mind returned as his hands one by one retreated and returned to deliver blow after blow of razored claw into her sides.


There was a distinct scratch of claw against bone, but it was by a sheer miracle or the inexperience of the beast that she didn't find purchase beneath his ribs. Blood and spit coated her face, dried patches of nearly black matted fur layered in more gore. A deep growl reverberated throughout her, fangs clacking at Takai's roaring mouth. The tug-o-war was fought but inevitably the inexperienced wolf lost as Takai took hold of her muzzle to keep her snapping maw at bay.


That was certainly the next step in her on the fly unfolding plan. To tear and bite and bleed him dry if given the chance. Another roar burst forth from her, a clash of teeth and animalist sounds taking place between the creatures as she ripped free from his bite. Both trying to take a bite from the other and evade at the same time, creating a flurry of fur and fangs.


He drew back from her, another successful letting of blood coating her paw, fur, and the cobblestones beneath them. There wasn't a single moment to celebrate. He was back on her, sinking his own claws deep into the sanctuary of her ribs, two fold. The she-beast was ready to thrash, certain she would be pinned by one solid swing of claws. Instead the claws retracted and sank into her sides, over and over again. He had made the choice to not go for her lungs, but there was no way for her to be aware that she was being spared, the word used so loosely. Her right paw and claws swung wildly, aiming a sharp swipe for the side of his face. So many of her moves before had been intent on keeping him close, the easier to lay damage on him. This move, it was very clear, was determined to create space.


As he saw her frantic paw come around, he hadn't been fast enough to dodge it. Her claws caught the entire upper portion around his quickly shutting eye. His skin erupted with the sharp sear from ripped flesh, as once again the she-wolf's face was painted in it. His right paw had been retracted to send another blow but this time. It held just long enough to send a handful of penetrative claws along her open stomach as he followed her blow and turned his form away. She wanted distance and he had accomplished his goal.


Like a bat out of hell, Takai was off once more to lead the wild beast. Unlike Del, he wasn't raged out of his mind anymore. He was at a disadvantage. The scuffles hurt, which he could deal with. What he didn't want to have to deal with was trying to kill her. Not after being the one to coax the beast out to begin with. Takai bolted around the corner and shot for a narrow back alley he knew to lead in the correct direction. A bloodied paw slammed against the hard wall which he used to correct his fevered movement and push his way forward down its narrow passage. Streaks of blood and gore left on the scratched wall, out from under his claws.


So much of the evening on the isle had been spent trying, and thankfully failing, to spill the blood of those she deemed friends from around town. It had been a frustrating endeavor for the beast. An unaccomplished desire to rip and tear; let red paint the ground beneath her vengeful body. It had been in constant denial, over and over again. Even with his claws buried deep into her sides, there was an overwhelming exhilaration as the scent and taste of copper infiltrated her senses once more. The feeling was fleeting, replaced by the burning pain of her belly being unceremoniously shredded, in retaliation for the blood letting she had managed.


Takai was off and the feral creature stayed on her back, laying in an ever growing puddle of blood of his and her creation. Was this it? Was this the moment Delaney managed to surface from the depths of the Werewolf's mind? Piecing together what she had done and giving up the pursuit once and for all? No, of course not. Even with the moon sinking further towards the horizon and the night of carnage drawing to a close, there would be no such luck. Instead, it was the animal taking inventory of itself.


Claw marks criss crossed her body, strips of flesh dangling from her belly and face. But oh, what was that? It seemed the time on her back locked in battle with the other Werewolf had given the muscles of her legs the time needed to heal enough to regain some of her previous speed.


Five... four... three... two... one.


The head start was not given as a kindness. Instead, the she-beast was intent on playing with her food. Once those mere seconds had passed, she was off again. Up on all fours and moving in a sprint along the trail that Takai had created. She moved in a streak down the cobblestone path, so fast she passed by the entrance of the narrow back alley. Claws dug into the ground, scratching rocks to back track. She moved down the alley in loping strides. He had been given so much time to get ahead of her and she was intent on catching up.


The wolf chugged down the pathway, every step he could feel the ripped sides of his gush. The pain was quickly bringing the wolf back to the surface as a twitch of an ear caught wind of the quickly approaching she-were. The alley was almost at an end, he could see the open pathway and another building blocking his path. Coming through! A memory implanted itself into his mind just as fast as it was pushed aside. It wasn't the time for pleasant memories; or turning. The only thing that mattered right now was keeping a lead. The wolf chose verticality. He was far too big to turn on a dime. His body lowered as he approached the building, planting himself on a chosen spot. An explosion of muscle sent the wolf toward the brick building’s side. His legs came up to meet his hands against it and with another explosive push across the narrow alley he shot, nearly as fast as the first leap. As his body mimicked the previous jump on the second wall, his body screamed under the stress. The push cracked the brick under its weight sending the wolf not only back across but up. With barely enough momentum to get just over the roof's edge, claws tore at the tiles atop the building. Wildly flailing to pull the remainder of himself aloft, he finally succeeded in his attempt. With a scramble of clawed toes he was up and clambering to the roof's center. He could hear the entire roof complaining under his weight, pained creaks sounding from across its length. With a slowed pace and flattened paws to try and disperse his weight as much as possible, he slowly moved his way along.


The feral female creature did not have the same luxury of memories from not long ago trying to invade her mind. Perhaps if they did, things would be going a lot differently right now for both of them. The exertion of running caused blood to pour down her belly, soaking her thighs and splattering the ground with every thumping step. The distance between them was large, but that certainly wasn't going to deter her.


By the time she reached her target, he was pushing himself up and over the roof's edge. It had been a display of such skill to launch himself side to side up the alley with repeated bursts of strength. It seemed the newly minted Werewolf was not going to take the same path. It was with her own burst of energy that she launched herself at the same building he was now perched atop.


Instead of the zig-zag pattern, she settled on a path of pure destruction and chaos heading upward. Claws of both front and back paws found purchase in brick, causing the solid foundation of the wall to crack and loosen with each hand and foot hold she created. Bricks tumbled to the ground in a clatter. That plus the bloody prints and smears would clearly indicate in the dawn of light exactly how she had ventured upward and was flinging herself over the edge onto the roof. She stopped briefly at the roof's edge, scanning until burning bright amber eyes locked on the large form of the black Werewolf.


Previously, during the chase between Takai and Delaney, so many moons ago, she had hesitated to get too close to him. Worried about his safety as much as her own while not wanting to destroy a building in the process of their game. This time, the she-beast was off, running full force in his direction and seeming to not care at all about the creaks and clatter of shifting tiles beneath her weight. It seemed the creature had as little concern about her own safety as anyone else. Not hesitating at all to put both of their massive weights together in one spot on the roof, if it meant she could capture her prey.


Takai had made it to the peak of the roof and began down the other side by the time he heard the claws assault the side of the building. He had to deal with her here once more it seemed. Damn, first turn Werewolves had too much energy for his liking. His whole form shifted as the air of caution left his mind. As soon as she cleared the roof and darted forward, Takai's massive arms rose and his paws turned to bloody fists. Like a furious ape, his body slammed down at the rooftop. Between their combined weights the roof cratered. Takai had destroyed the load bearing beam at the roof center and the entire roof quickly followed.


The loud cracks and shatters of tiles filled the night. Two beasts fell through drywall and wooden beams of the attic. Dust consumed the air. The wolf's breath held tight in his chest after the roof pound. Into the house they fell, screams billowing out around them as the two monsters awoke the sleeping patrons. He had planned it but besides the smash, all else was left up to fate. He felt a thick splinter of wood pierce his thigh from the bottom and exit the top with a sharp spine as his back slammed into the wood floor, shaking the entire house as the remainder of the roof fell around them. Golden Moons never left sight of where The Sun should set to.


If she had more sense, even an ounce of it, she might have seen it coming. Or would have been more cautious. Or never ended up on the roof to begin with. Unfortunately, the creature wasn't motivated by any sort of actual thoughts. She had not been at any point throughout the entire night. She was driven by carnage. Feed and destroy. And how the destruction came, even if it was not truly of her own doing, not intentionally. At no point did she pause in her pursuit of Takai, even when his arms lifted and thundered down against the roof. Even when the tiles and beams were caving in beneath them, she snapped wildly at the air in his direction. Attempting to get a bite before it all gave way.


She did not succeed and was promptly swallowed up by the wreckage of the roof beneath them. The screaming should have rallied her into another delighted round predatory excitement, but that wouldn't be the case. Her body, all muscle and fur, had landed with a mighty thump against the floor. The roof continued to cave in, a domino effect as the structure overhead gave way. The feral creature had yet to move from its spot on the floor. Wood, tiles, and nails a bed beneath her, all stabbing into her thick skin in so many places like a pin cushion. It was one beam in particular that seemed intent on doing what so many had tried to do all night.


Somewhere over the screaming of the patrons, all calling amongst themselves to vacate the building and leave it to the beasts, there was another solid crack. A beam loosened from overhead and fell, bringing along with it another round of wreckage. The beam cracked soundly against her thick skull, wrenching only a brief pained yelp from the creature that was promptly buried beneath the still falling ruins of the roof. Eventually, the destruction came to a slow halt. For now, what was intent on falling from overhead seemed to be done. The room was a cloud of dust. And the pile that lay over the brand new Werewolf was so very still.


A moment of respite. Barely visible through the chaos that had just unfolded, Takai watched as the second part of the beam fell and pinned the she-were to the floor. As much as he dreamed of laying still on the floor a bit longer, the animal in him refused to feel sorry for itself. A painful growl was heard as he picked his heavy frame from the ground slowly. Something moved behind him. A woman shot past him heading for the exit. She was quickly met with a rough slam from the back of his arm, sending her body into the nearby wall with a loud bass filled thud and cracks of bone. It may have seemed mean, but the stupid woman was about to sprint past a caged animal. She was forgotten as she laid slump to the floor.


Takai's breath had remained ragged as his blood drained body struggled to produce enough oxygen to fuel his muscles. The wolf cautiously approached Del. His body hunched and ready to deliver any kind of blow she might deserve. Squared up on the trapped wolf, a thought of a previous rampage flickering on his mind. This was a good chance to keep the beast woman on her current back foot. Without a second of hesitation, a savage haymaker came down on the wolf's head, massive dense bone crashing across her skull. Glass. Another but from the opposite direction. There’s glass, Takai.Each time his body rose and fell like a pile of bricks to let the rage blinded creature know her place at this point in time. Fury built inside of him, the beating fueling his animalistic desires. He wanted more. He wanted to make the wolf bleed. He lost his mind. As the third fist came down his body went forward across her thick skull, powerful muscles rippled as he hoisted up the heavy support beam, ready to bash her skull in with it. You okay?


The she-wolf, it seemed, was intent on lulling those around her into a false sense of security. She was incapable of moving, the beam pinning her making sure of that. But all she needed was someone to come close enough. That fragile human seemed like she would fit the bill, but Takai quickly dismissed that plan with a sound back arm swing. When he loomed over her, it was a sorry state of affairs.


Damage ravaged her body, so many lacerations that were small but numerous. With the tally of injuries growing higher with every passing moment of the night and the moon sinking lower, it was becoming so much more difficult to bounce back. Difficult, but not impossible. The moment he entered her orbit, there was a ferocious growl and a rapid snap of fangs that couldn't quite reach.


The move was barely executed before a massive closed fist was crashing down onto her skull. There was a yelp mingling with the growls. Until the next hit drew an outright whimper from her, the sound of a truly wounded animal. The sound stopped after the final blow. Her entire body was heaving with that rage that managed to fuel her the entire night. Yet there was only so much anger could do when a wolf huffs and puffs and knocks a large part of a house onto you. Her massive head lulled aside, tongue hanging out of her panting maw. Her fur was nearly black as his, covered in so much blood and dirt.


She should be grateful for the beam being lifted off her frame, but that wasn't going to happen. All it could be viewed as was an opportunity. With the heavy beam hoisted from her body, the she-creature gathered every last bit of strength she could manage for a single burst of action. Fighting against exhaustion and so many wounds breaking open to reject the sorry state of her healing. It was with another pour of blood and anger that she lunged at him while he still had that beam held aloft. Not a care in the world for his safety, her own, or anyone around them. The beast's form hunkered low and sprang with all that she could. Driving Takai back through the second story window causing a shatter of glass as the pair fell to the alley ground below. The fall below wasn’t on her mind this time, there was no fear.


The pain of her yelp sank into his mind, a very slow fall through the clouds of rage until it finally found what it was looking for. His mind cleared in time for her hulking form to shoot from the debris. The hit registered with a numb feeling, the only thing he truly took in was how warm and slick she felt. The feeling was sickening, thick fur slathered in blood and covered in spines. The beam was dropped, almost thrown from her carried momentum.


Claws scratched at the floor failing to find a hold. As he heard the shatter of their bodies crashing to the ground, his shoulders rocked, adding a shifting momentum to their fall. The gravity felt like a brief peace, a paw wrapping itself around the back of her shoulder. The other to the back of his leg. As something exploded in his head, his eyes flared to life. The golden Moons bore nothing but anger.


The she-wolf had pushed too far.


A sickening splat was heard as the two slammed to the ground. Both of them took the brunt of the hit as they landed on their sides, blood packed fur and open wounds painting the streets in a bloody picture of battle locked animals.


When the shock cleared, the hand that had reached for his leg was now pressed to the underside of her rib cage. A thick wooden skewer lodged deeply into her body. His claw pulled away. Feet finally finding purchase as a knee pushed off the ground. It took almost everything left in him to stand faster than she could. Both paws slammed themselves down towards her. His right forced a new hole in the back of her rib cage, digits wrapping around the steel cage. His other simply shoving itself into the side of her thick chest meat, finger and thumb meeting between the twisted threads of muscle. With a furious roar the wolf yanked and up she came.


A pull back followed for a bit more room to thrust. He threw her, every muscle in his body bulking under the heavy load. He swore he felt a rib crack from the sudden forced change of motion. Her body left his gore slicked paws only to find itself slammed against the brick wall behind them. Another loud meaty slap. His body screamed in pain, his call to action too great for his quickly depleting energy.


A place where the Sun and Moon differed. The sun was bright. Always bright. So, when it dimmed, it didn't know what to do. The moon spent its entire life in darkness, gifted glimpses of happiness only to have them stolen. The darkness brought terrible things and with terrible things came only death or an unnatural grit. A survival technique no one could mimic.


It was an eclipse.


Takai's body flared, his fur standing on end as his arms curled to his chest. As if he were a lion, his head reared back and off to the side before slamming down along with a pursuing frame. His arms ripped to their sides as he let death scream from his blood and spit spewing mouth. The city was silent under its tone. He had its attention. A lunge came for the woman once more. His paws gripped into her abdomen. A flash of lust tugged at his heart strings. His fingers sank deeper.


As his snarling webbed mouth of hungry slobber found refuge wrapped around her neck, squeezing down into her throat. Instantly he could taste her. A warm tongue across salty flesh. A lover's passionate embrace. His head thrashed, razors ripping and gnashing, growls of rage and dominance. This hadn't gone how he wanted. A Moon glaring at the face, burning bright and fierce as if it had stolen all of the Sun's grandeur.


Somehow, the fall felt like forever. The entire evening had been a blur of blood and fangs, but now? Fatigue was truly setting in, even if pushing this fight was a hole she dug for herself, foot by foot. Well on her way to six feet. They crashed to the alley floor, the sound of the two beasts landing echoing off the walls of the buildings surrounding them. The crack of bone and squelch of gore filling the void before silence overtook them once more. Interrupted again by the sudden stab of a wooden spike being lanced into her already mangled frame. The gush of blood paired with a wheezing exhale through her gaping muzzle. The blood soaked beast couldn't even bring herself to growl.


A hand wrapping her rib cage. Fingers splicing through muscles. The way her whole body felt like it was being cracked asunder and discarded as it was flung unceremoniously against the alley wall like discarded trash. Hitting the bricks and leaving a ghastly smear as it slid into a pile of blood matted fur on the ground.


Previously in the evening, her healing had been nearly instantaneous. Hit after hit, taken and practically absorbed as she went back greedily for more... and more... and more. But this no longer seemed to be the case. The wounded animal no longer playing up the angle as a ploy. She could not wrap her rage filled brain around what was happening. Or wasn't happening rather. She felt broken open and exposed as her body lay in a crumpled heap. The endless supply of energy from before was no longer within her grasp. Fear overtook the beast’s mind. A desire to hide buried deeply clawed to the surface, but never to feel the light. Her body cowered weakly when he closed in on her again, but that was all she could manage since a roar or growl felt like it would use too much of her quickly declining energy. The sound she did make was against her will.


Claws dug into her abdomen and tore a yelp from her, something akin to that of an injured dog that settled into a whine as teeth sank themselves into the crook of her meaty throat. Her fellow beast shook his head, fangs sinking in even further through fur and flesh and muscle. The whine faded out. She wanted to howl. She wanted to thrash and roar. There were so many things leaping to her mind, but her battered and broken body had finally found its limit. The line had been crossed. The night came to a close. It was with his fangs sunk into the crook of her throat that the moon finally set on the crest of a new day. For Delaney, everything went black.


When he finally felt the wolf go limp in his clutches, he didn't yield. His trashing stopped but the teeth remained. His growl rumbled across her throat. Seconds seemed to feel like minutes. Had she finally lost the battle? Did the Moon finally catch the Sun? It was his fingers that released her first. They pulled out of her gingerly, the sounds of moist meat. Soon after his teeth followed suit. His frame shifted away, ready for another go only for her body to flop to the ground in a pile of mess at his feet. The wolf stumbled back as a wave of stress washed away.


His body suddenly slammed back to the floor, heavy breaths over taking him. The toll of the night had been high. Higher than he ever could have imagined. His head dipped as tired eyes shut. The wolf's mind slowly returned, his eyes would eventually reopen. The sun was close. Its light starting the golden and pink outline on the horizon, the sky trying its best to cover all the darkness in calming blue. Reassurance the night was gone and the world would continue.


His eyes fell upon his kin. Kin. She was a lot closer to what he was. Enough that he could call her that, finally. It took everything left in those tired limbs to force himself to her. A hand reaching for the stake, ripping it out with little heed for her feelings. The wood clattered on the ground behind him a moment later. His back finally met the same wall as hers, as a wave of exhaustion and peace washed over him. Quietly and painfully the wolf became man once more. The typical cracks and tears doing very little to him at this point. He had been hurt enough. Naked, disgusting, battered and bloody Takai sat next to Delaney, a struggling grunt pulling the heavy creature's massive head to rest in his lap, a tired but firm grip on her skull. A gentle scratch as he comforted her unconscious mind. His head looked away, eyes watching the sunrise over the building tops from the alley as the irises dimmed to the slowly growing shine of the sun.