LT smiled at his uncle's comment about the Therian-weave. It was as if he was his old self for a brief moment. His ill temper had manifested itself quickly and without any real official reason, at least none that was told to the Pipers, other than news of Alpha Xephier's true parentage. LT knew what was bothering his uncle, though. How could he not, considering it was about the Beta and LT's parents?
They had all seen the Beta and the old Alpha's widow together, and it was no secret that they now inhabited his quarters and were engaged. Personally, LT was happy for the Beta, despite what his uncle must think of him. LT had been completely surprised by his Uncle's response to the situation, but none of the Pipers spoke about it, at least not to him or Charlie. They knew better.
They made their way to their practice area in the Tikerak and stood at the edge of the sparring circle just as Vivienne made her silent appearance. His uncle and Vivienne did their best to annoy each other as Charlie stood to his right and was practically wagging his tail like a thrilled puppy. The Sergeant's crush on Vivienne was borderline embarrassing and immensely inappropriate. LT shot a look at him and Charlie turned his attention back to the sparring circle, holding his hands behind his back.
With his uncle on his left, either angry or annoyed, and Charlie to his right, lovesick and distracted, LT sighed unhappily as he watched Domingo and Marko begin their fight.
CO - 1, Fixer - 0 PRISON RULES
Continues from Attempted Robbery, good times
Finally someone let me out of my cage
Now, time for me is nothing cos I'm counting no age
Now I couldn't be there
Now you shouldn't be scared
I'm good at repairs
And I'm under each snare
Intangible
Bet you didn't think so I command you to
Panoramic view
Look I'll make it all manageable
Pick and choose
Sit and lose
All you different crews
Chicks and dudes
Who you think is really kickin' tunes?
- Gorillaz
Brig ran his hand down his chest and marveled at how well the Therian-weave fit under his gray work out sweats and black under-armor shirt. Walking out to the Tikerak for an afternoon of sparring, he rolled his shoulders, not even feeling the material move.
'This is weird,' he said mostly to himself but a little to LT walking to the right of him who was swinging his arms and muttering favorably under his breath about his Therian-weave as well. 'I don't even feel it.' Brig made a funny face, 'It's kinda freaking me out, I think.'
The chuckling of his Pipers floated up to him from behind. They were all wearing their Therian-weave and talking endlessly about it. Brig put his hands down and continued their walk until they made it to the cornered off training area specifically for them.
There was work out equipment stacked neatly around a large dirt circle; approximately thirty feet in diameter, the circle was perfectly lined with chalk divided into two sections. The Pipers ran forward, leaving Brig, LT, Marthinus, and his Sergeant, Charlie, bringing up the rear. Brig looked over at Marthinus and nudged him. The old man was always quiet or at the very least soft spoken. He kept to himself but watched with alert eyes. Brig had no doubt that Marthinus wasn't shy; he was just a smart, calculating man appraising each Piper's skills and finding weaknesses. Looking down at him, Marthinus nodded and ran forward to join the men.
Rubbing his hand on his chest again, Brig came to a halt outside the circle just as two of the Pipers began to spar. The wind shifted, blowing a cool breeze from behind and brought with it Vivienne's scent as she casually, and quietly, came up to his left.
'Vivienne,' he said without looking at her.
It took everything not to react to her scent, squashing down the intense desire he immediately felt. Brig had left her bed not four hours earlier, much to both their displeasure. Their day together had not been questioned by anyone and their return to the Den later that evening went unnoticed, and also without comment. Still, they stalked into the Den, both with annoyed grimaces and without a word to each other.
He was in her room within an hour.
'Here to learn something?' he asked staring straight ahead.
'Har-har,' she replied in a monotone voice.
Only then did he permit himself to smile.
Lothias LT Jameson
13 years ago
Vivienne Sena
13 years ago
Viv tempered down the inevitable arousal from Brig's scent by concentrating on the sparring in front of her. Marko was the biggest, and most direct relative of Hammer's, in the Pipers. The family tree got confusing if you sat down and really thought about how many cousins, uncles, brothers, fathers there were in the Hammerthynn clan. Marko was the nephew of one of Hammer's great uncle's nieces...or something like that. The point was Marko was the most directly related without having to lose his left eye to tradition.
Domingo was, of course, related to Diego, the R&D lead technician whose grandmother married into the Jameson clan back at the turn of the century. So really, they were furthest away from the Hammerthynns, but still within the family tree of the two families.
'Great uncle's...sister's...'
'What?' Brig asked looking down at her.
'Blergh... nothing.' Viv shook her head trying to let the distracting train of thought go as she watched Domingo's knife wielding style and Marko's brute force.
Domingo was very skilled with the wooden sparring knives - grace, precision, and speed as opposed to Marko who used his size and strength to stay on the defensive, carefully choosing when to strike, and when he did, Domingo would pay for it. Stepping in close to jab at Marko, Domingo was rewarded finally with an uplifted knee to the chest.
'Game over,' Red mumbled from the circle as they watched Domingo take the full hit of Marko's knee in the upper chest, pummeling him back twenty feet into the dirt. It was literally Marko's only offensive move - and that's all it took.
Marko had red welts along his arms and undoubtedly along his ribs, but they faded quickly as Viv watched him trot over to Domingo to help him up, kneeling down on the same leg. Thinking back, Viv replayed the fight in her mind and after a moment, snorted softly. Marko protected the right side of his body more than the left; he even favors the left but just a hair more. Domingo got a lot of hits; speed was key with Marko, but it was the protected side that had Viv interested. Out of curiosity, Viv moved up to Marthinus.
Marthinus was the shortest of the Pipers, obviously since there was absolutely no relation to the Hammerthynns or the Jamesons at all. Curious Hammer inducted him into the Pipers, Viv thought. Almost like adding insult to injury to Ellis Duban and her male companion...Huntington, Viv recalled.
'So, Marthinus?' Viv asked quietly. He looked at her with his sparkling hazel eyes. 'Do you see what I see?'
Domingo was, of course, related to Diego, the R&D lead technician whose grandmother married into the Jameson clan back at the turn of the century. So really, they were furthest away from the Hammerthynns, but still within the family tree of the two families.
'Great uncle's...sister's...'
'What?' Brig asked looking down at her.
'Blergh... nothing.' Viv shook her head trying to let the distracting train of thought go as she watched Domingo's knife wielding style and Marko's brute force.
Domingo was very skilled with the wooden sparring knives - grace, precision, and speed as opposed to Marko who used his size and strength to stay on the defensive, carefully choosing when to strike, and when he did, Domingo would pay for it. Stepping in close to jab at Marko, Domingo was rewarded finally with an uplifted knee to the chest.
'Game over,' Red mumbled from the circle as they watched Domingo take the full hit of Marko's knee in the upper chest, pummeling him back twenty feet into the dirt. It was literally Marko's only offensive move - and that's all it took.
Marko had red welts along his arms and undoubtedly along his ribs, but they faded quickly as Viv watched him trot over to Domingo to help him up, kneeling down on the same leg. Thinking back, Viv replayed the fight in her mind and after a moment, snorted softly. Marko protected the right side of his body more than the left; he even favors the left but just a hair more. Domingo got a lot of hits; speed was key with Marko, but it was the protected side that had Viv interested. Out of curiosity, Viv moved up to Marthinus.
Marthinus was the shortest of the Pipers, obviously since there was absolutely no relation to the Hammerthynns or the Jamesons at all. Curious Hammer inducted him into the Pipers, Viv thought. Almost like adding insult to injury to Ellis Duban and her male companion...Huntington, Viv recalled.
'So, Marthinus?' Viv asked quietly. He looked at her with his sparkling hazel eyes. 'Do you see what I see?'
Marthinus T. Steyn
13 years ago
Marthinus knew nothing of Vivienne Sena; such was his luck with her background check. He knew no more about her than leadership did, which he found curious. Besides Hammer's clear disdain for her, and the Commander's obvious attraction (he had heard about the salsa club and resulting fight), she was a polite ghost shadowing the Pipers. No one spoke about her professionally, which would have interested him greatly, but seemed to fawn over her physical appeal more than anything. She was attractive, yes, but no more so than any other female on the property. Marthinus wagered it was her honey-like tactics that swayed the men, and honestly, he was just too old for that.
Miss Sena had asked him a question. Did he see what she sees? Looking back at Marko and Domingo as they were heckled and praised alike by the other men, he considered her question.
'You mean Marko's weakness.' It wasn't a question.
'Yup,' she replied softly with a grin.
Nodding, Marthinus tilted his head and considered his appraisal of the two men. Softly he added, 'Brute strength isn't everything, however it works for the Beta.' Viv snorted and agreed. Pointing to his right side, Marthinus wordlessly answered.
'Could you take him, you think, Mr. Steyn?'
'Well...' Marthinus started before he was interrupted.
'Could you?'
Marthinus inwardly flinched as the Commander's voice penetrated sharply into his conversation with Vivienne. He now understood why the LT looked miserable around the pair and his own expression reflected it.
Miss Sena had asked him a question. Did he see what she sees? Looking back at Marko and Domingo as they were heckled and praised alike by the other men, he considered her question.
'You mean Marko's weakness.' It wasn't a question.
'Yup,' she replied softly with a grin.
Nodding, Marthinus tilted his head and considered his appraisal of the two men. Softly he added, 'Brute strength isn't everything, however it works for the Beta.' Viv snorted and agreed. Pointing to his right side, Marthinus wordlessly answered.
'Could you take him, you think, Mr. Steyn?'
'Well...' Marthinus started before he was interrupted.
'Could you?'
Marthinus inwardly flinched as the Commander's voice penetrated sharply into his conversation with Vivienne. He now understood why the LT looked miserable around the pair and his own expression reflected it.
The Pipers
13 years ago
Domingo would have to sit out the rest of the sparring thanks to Marko's solid knee jab to his upper torso. Something definitely broke, but his innate regeneration immediately healed the break. The damage to the muscle and surface area was apparent; it would be a nasty bruise for a little while - an unmistakable sign that he just got his ass one-hit kicked.
'How come I always get one-hit?' he whined as Marko and Red carried him to the edge of the circle.
Charlie winced through a smile when Vivienne moved up to Marthinus...er Jones, he corrected himself. Sighing sadly, he still mourned the old man's nickname that Red insisted upon calling him. As Domingo settled onto a workout bench near the circle, Charlie listened in to Vivienne's conversation with Marthinus.
'...You mean Marko's weakness.'
'Yup.'
Charlie considered Marko's size and strength, the Hammerthynn side of the family. Charlie wasn't a direct relation to either family having only been adopted into the Jameson's after the death of his parents. He already had the height and the rest came with experience.
Marko was damn near indestructible, but his weakness was obvious to Charlie, having been in the group as long as the LT, but he was impressed that both Marthinus and Vivienne had caught it. Vivienne's soft voice filtered into his mind again.
'Could you take him, you think, Mr. Steyn?'
'Could you?'
Charlie looked sharply to his left to see the Commander watching the two discuss strategies. The look on his face made him gulp, the Commander had that way about him now, and Charlie caught LT's eye. They both grimaced privately. The rest of the men stopped at the edge on the Commander's voice.
Red caught Charlie's eye next and his eyebrows furrowed, confused. Charlie shrugged it off and nodded for the next two men to enter the ring.
The Commander held his hand up, signaling silently for the men to stop. It had been Red and Dougie stepping up, but both retreated to the edge of the circle without a word.
Charlie and LT both took a deep breath, their body language nervous and tense. 'Crap,' LT sighed softly and Charlie closed his eyes in a long blink.
'Take Marko? No.'
Charlie opened his eyes again and both he and the LT let out their breath in relief.
'Not in one hit, no.'
Charlie grimaced.
'You think you could take Marko in a fight?' The Commander laughed.
The look on Vivienne's face turned cold and her eyes narrowed at the Commander. 'Eventually, sure. I have incredible stamina, Commander.'
The Commander glared at Vivienne. Her sarcastic and double entendre replies annoyed the piss out of the Commander. Charlie tried to catch her eye, to plead with her silently to back down.
'Marko.' Marko stood up straight at the Commander calling his name. 'You're up,' he said.
'How come I always get one-hit?' he whined as Marko and Red carried him to the edge of the circle.
Charlie winced through a smile when Vivienne moved up to Marthinus...er Jones, he corrected himself. Sighing sadly, he still mourned the old man's nickname that Red insisted upon calling him. As Domingo settled onto a workout bench near the circle, Charlie listened in to Vivienne's conversation with Marthinus.
'...You mean Marko's weakness.'
'Yup.'
Charlie considered Marko's size and strength, the Hammerthynn side of the family. Charlie wasn't a direct relation to either family having only been adopted into the Jameson's after the death of his parents. He already had the height and the rest came with experience.
Marko was damn near indestructible, but his weakness was obvious to Charlie, having been in the group as long as the LT, but he was impressed that both Marthinus and Vivienne had caught it. Vivienne's soft voice filtered into his mind again.
'Could you take him, you think, Mr. Steyn?'
'Could you?'
Charlie looked sharply to his left to see the Commander watching the two discuss strategies. The look on his face made him gulp, the Commander had that way about him now, and Charlie caught LT's eye. They both grimaced privately. The rest of the men stopped at the edge on the Commander's voice.
Red caught Charlie's eye next and his eyebrows furrowed, confused. Charlie shrugged it off and nodded for the next two men to enter the ring.
The Commander held his hand up, signaling silently for the men to stop. It had been Red and Dougie stepping up, but both retreated to the edge of the circle without a word.
Charlie and LT both took a deep breath, their body language nervous and tense. 'Crap,' LT sighed softly and Charlie closed his eyes in a long blink.
'Take Marko? No.'
Charlie opened his eyes again and both he and the LT let out their breath in relief.
'Not in one hit, no.'
Charlie grimaced.
'You think you could take Marko in a fight?' The Commander laughed.
The look on Vivienne's face turned cold and her eyes narrowed at the Commander. 'Eventually, sure. I have incredible stamina, Commander.'
The Commander glared at Vivienne. Her sarcastic and double entendre replies annoyed the piss out of the Commander. Charlie tried to catch her eye, to plead with her silently to back down.
'Marko.' Marko stood up straight at the Commander calling his name. 'You're up,' he said.
The Pipers
13 years ago
Marko was confused. He was a man of very little words, much like all Hammerthynns, and his Commander calling him back into the sparring ring wasn't an issue, but he was confused as to whom he was to fight.
Stepping quickly into the circle, he checked his feet so that they were dead center of the half circle, and then looked up at the Commander. 'With whom...sir?'
Marko watched as the Commander held a hand out to the ring, looking directly at Miss Sena. He looked at the small woman and his eyes went wide. 'Sir?'
'It's alright, Marko,' Miss Sena said walking into the circle. 'Just...not the face, ok? That's my money maker.'
'Sir,' LT said stepping forward.
Charlie stepped with the LT, but kept quiet, letting his position behind the LT carry his words.
'She's half his size, at the most,' LT started but the Commander turned his head slightly to the right, glaring at the both of them, stopping them in their tracks.
'Tell you what, Brig,' Vivienne said with a glorious smile.
Charlie shook his head at her, dreading the outcome. Her sense of humor was a breath of fresh air, he'd give her that, but now she was pushing the boundaries of what the men could do and would do. Fighting a female half their size in height and weight was anything but honorable. It would be a massacre.
Pointing at the Commander, Vivienne asked, 'Have you...taken Marko?'
'Seriously?' the Commander asked incredulously.
'Lately, have you?' Then she added, 'in human form?'
Stepping quickly into the circle, he checked his feet so that they were dead center of the half circle, and then looked up at the Commander. 'With whom...sir?'
Marko watched as the Commander held a hand out to the ring, looking directly at Miss Sena. He looked at the small woman and his eyes went wide. 'Sir?'
'It's alright, Marko,' Miss Sena said walking into the circle. 'Just...not the face, ok? That's my money maker.'
'Sir,' LT said stepping forward.
Charlie stepped with the LT, but kept quiet, letting his position behind the LT carry his words.
'She's half his size, at the most,' LT started but the Commander turned his head slightly to the right, glaring at the both of them, stopping them in their tracks.
'Tell you what, Brig,' Vivienne said with a glorious smile.
Charlie shook his head at her, dreading the outcome. Her sense of humor was a breath of fresh air, he'd give her that, but now she was pushing the boundaries of what the men could do and would do. Fighting a female half their size in height and weight was anything but honorable. It would be a massacre.
Pointing at the Commander, Vivienne asked, 'Have you...taken Marko?'
'Seriously?' the Commander asked incredulously.
'Lately, have you?' Then she added, 'in human form?'
Brig Jameson
13 years ago
'Put up or shut up, Miss Sena.'
Despite what she was to him, Vivienne was now pushing the line of disrespect in front of his men. He knew this wasn't where she wanted to go with her question with Marthinus, but he could not let her pit one Piper against another, which ultimately she would have done, once Marko and Domingo had heard about her talking to the old man about besting their number one Piper, other than leadership.
Vivienne looked at him silently, her hands on her hips.
Brig shrugged at her nonchalantly. 'It's been a little while, Marko?'
The Piper looked at the LT and then back at Brig. 'Aye, sir,' he replied slowly.
It had been months since Brig had sparred with any of the men. Long since before his sudden personality change. Brig was probably in better condition now then the last time he sparred with the men, after months of being off-duty per the Alpha, his grueling exercise regimen had brought them all back up to top speed and form.
'Sure, ok,' he said moving into the ring and switching places with Vivienne. They passed each other with narrowed eyes.
Brig could see Marko visibly relaxed when Vivienne left the circle, but crouched down in a tense ready position when Brig took his place in front of him. Brig knew exactly what Vivienne and Marthinus had been discussing; Marko did favor his right side from an old silver injury that only affected him psychologically, but silver had a way of leaving more than just a visible scar.
Despite what she was to him, Vivienne was now pushing the line of disrespect in front of his men. He knew this wasn't where she wanted to go with her question with Marthinus, but he could not let her pit one Piper against another, which ultimately she would have done, once Marko and Domingo had heard about her talking to the old man about besting their number one Piper, other than leadership.
Vivienne looked at him silently, her hands on her hips.
Brig shrugged at her nonchalantly. 'It's been a little while, Marko?'
The Piper looked at the LT and then back at Brig. 'Aye, sir,' he replied slowly.
It had been months since Brig had sparred with any of the men. Long since before his sudden personality change. Brig was probably in better condition now then the last time he sparred with the men, after months of being off-duty per the Alpha, his grueling exercise regimen had brought them all back up to top speed and form.
'Sure, ok,' he said moving into the ring and switching places with Vivienne. They passed each other with narrowed eyes.
Brig could see Marko visibly relaxed when Vivienne left the circle, but crouched down in a tense ready position when Brig took his place in front of him. Brig knew exactly what Vivienne and Marthinus had been discussing; Marko did favor his right side from an old silver injury that only affected him psychologically, but silver had a way of leaving more than just a visible scar.
Vivienne Sena
13 years ago
Vivienne walked back to the circles edge, purposely taking her place next to Charlie. The sergeant looked down at her and raised his eyebrows, silently admonishing her for the fight she was picking with the Commander. At least, that's how she read it. Winking at him, Viv watched the blush rise up into his cheeks. Turning her attention back to Brig, she could see his hands balling up into fists and she silently cursed herself. The last thing she wanted him to do was be angry enough to one-hit Marko, which Viv knew he could do. She needed to see Brig fight - both offensively and defensively or the whole point of switching positions with him would be pointless.
Viv learned from observation, enabling her to retain and replicate behavior and abilities executed by others. It wasn't just mimicking, but being able to apply what she's learned was what Vigo Hammerthynn had seen in Vivienne early in her youth. She wasn't the best fighter, not in a straight up fight with someone she didn't know or had not seen fight, and for that she relied on her jungle sense, but she had managed to outlast other male Hammerthynns when pit against Vigo in her early twenties. It earned her Vigo's respect as well as a six inch silver scar along her lower spine, crippling her for twelve months. Hammerthynns fought with brute strength, immense size, and the ability to be scary as fuck. To survive, Vivienne had to learn to fight defensively, using her size as well as her opponent's size in her favor.
Very David and Goliath, you know...all that jazz.
Vivienne watched and learned.
Viv learned from observation, enabling her to retain and replicate behavior and abilities executed by others. It wasn't just mimicking, but being able to apply what she's learned was what Vigo Hammerthynn had seen in Vivienne early in her youth. She wasn't the best fighter, not in a straight up fight with someone she didn't know or had not seen fight, and for that she relied on her jungle sense, but she had managed to outlast other male Hammerthynns when pit against Vigo in her early twenties. It earned her Vigo's respect as well as a six inch silver scar along her lower spine, crippling her for twelve months. Hammerthynns fought with brute strength, immense size, and the ability to be scary as fuck. To survive, Vivienne had to learn to fight defensively, using her size as well as her opponent's size in her favor.
Very David and Goliath, you know...all that jazz.
Vivienne watched and learned.
The Pipers
13 years ago
The Commander had said to never hold back or nothing would ever be learned. Their regenerative abilities made holding back pointless so Marko did as he was told.
(Time passes)
'Oooh!!!' The Pipers yelled out as Marko flew face forward in the dirt, twenty feet from the center of the circle.
Marko pressed his forehead into the dirt and grunted painfully. As he tried to lift his head off the ground, his left arm went to his ribs as he got a knee underneath him. The Commander was immediately at his side, giving him a steady hand. It took the Commander and the LT to help him off the ground, and to his relief, they sat him down on the work out bench next to Domingo.
'You look like you could use a Tylenol,' Domingo said with a chuckle.
Marko raised a middle finger and then went back to cradling his broken-but-mending ribs.
(Time passes)
'Oooh!!!' The Pipers yelled out as Marko flew face forward in the dirt, twenty feet from the center of the circle.
Marko pressed his forehead into the dirt and grunted painfully. As he tried to lift his head off the ground, his left arm went to his ribs as he got a knee underneath him. The Commander was immediately at his side, giving him a steady hand. It took the Commander and the LT to help him off the ground, and to his relief, they sat him down on the work out bench next to Domingo.
'You look like you could use a Tylenol,' Domingo said with a chuckle.
Marko raised a middle finger and then went back to cradling his broken-but-mending ribs.
Vivienne Sena
13 years ago
Vivienne covered her mouth as Marko face planted into the ground. Brig had...well shit, he belted the fuck out of poor Marko, but then Marko did get in a couple good ones. Brig was bleeding from his split lip and his cheekbone was swollen and purple, but all in all, he spent a tense three minutes putting a ridiculous hurt on Marko.
'Oh snap,' she said behind her hands. Gulping, she decided she needed to rethink her plan when Brig turned and looked at her.
Catching his eye, Brig lifted his chin, breathing hard and deep, igniting that desire in her again. He was slightly hunched over at the waist, sweating from the particularly difficult fight with his Piper who was as tall as him but heavier, and emitting the most intense scent from his sweat. Viv literally had to close her mouth just looking at him.
LT moved toward Marko and Brig joined him, carrying the Piper over who Domingo on the work out bench by the circle. He was cradling his ribs and grimacing in pain.
'Shit,' Viv mumbled, having no doubt that Brig probably broke a couple ribs in the huge man. Her jungle sense had put Marko fourth from the top - Brig being the strongest of the Pipers. It was Brig, LT, Charlie, Marko, and then the rest of the men, Marthinus still hovering at the bottom, but only because she hadn't seen him fight yet. LT and Charlie - the way they carried themselves and their position within the hierarchy dictated their ability, but it was clear that Brig was the strongest of them.
'So let's make this interesting,' Brig said as he walked back to the center. Viv looked back at him, bleeding and being absolutely sexy in his bravado. Damn him. 'Step up, Viv. Show us what you learned today.'
Viv made a face and snorted, 'Are you fucking crazy?'
'It's one thing to judge from the side lines. Apply what you've learned here today.'
Viv rolled her eyes and glared at him. 'Listen, I enjoy a challenge...'
'Yeah, Brig. She's just a girl,' a recognizably gruff voice chimed in.
'Oh snap,' she said behind her hands. Gulping, she decided she needed to rethink her plan when Brig turned and looked at her.
Catching his eye, Brig lifted his chin, breathing hard and deep, igniting that desire in her again. He was slightly hunched over at the waist, sweating from the particularly difficult fight with his Piper who was as tall as him but heavier, and emitting the most intense scent from his sweat. Viv literally had to close her mouth just looking at him.
LT moved toward Marko and Brig joined him, carrying the Piper over who Domingo on the work out bench by the circle. He was cradling his ribs and grimacing in pain.
'Shit,' Viv mumbled, having no doubt that Brig probably broke a couple ribs in the huge man. Her jungle sense had put Marko fourth from the top - Brig being the strongest of the Pipers. It was Brig, LT, Charlie, Marko, and then the rest of the men, Marthinus still hovering at the bottom, but only because she hadn't seen him fight yet. LT and Charlie - the way they carried themselves and their position within the hierarchy dictated their ability, but it was clear that Brig was the strongest of them.
'So let's make this interesting,' Brig said as he walked back to the center. Viv looked back at him, bleeding and being absolutely sexy in his bravado. Damn him. 'Step up, Viv. Show us what you learned today.'
Viv made a face and snorted, 'Are you fucking crazy?'
'It's one thing to judge from the side lines. Apply what you've learned here today.'
Viv rolled her eyes and glared at him. 'Listen, I enjoy a challenge...'
'Yeah, Brig. She's just a girl,' a recognizably gruff voice chimed in.
Iov Hammerthynn
13 years ago
'It wouldn't be a fair fight.'
Hammer stood behind the group of Pipers, watching with his foot up on a crate, leaning onto his knee. It was anyone's guess how long he had been standing there, but it wasn't like Hammer to bring attention to him. That just happened naturally.
He had watched Brig pummel Marko into the dirt, showing off to the female. Viv acted accordingly - shocked, dismayed, and no doubt impressed.
'Reverse psychology, nice,' Viv said in a monotone voice.
Shrugging, Hammer approached the circle and came up beside her. He looked down at her in her dark blue Therian-weave and considered his own, underneath his usual khakis. 'Don't worry, Vivienne, I wouldn't let Brig fight you.' He paused and said slowly, 'That would just be mean.'
Was he goading her? Yeah, he supposed he was goading her. Hammer knew what she had been doing, watching the others, learning their weaknesses, and he knew Viv was capable of taking quite a few of the Pipers, if not up to the LT, but there was no way she could take on Brig.
'There's no way, Vivienne.'
Hammer stood behind the group of Pipers, watching with his foot up on a crate, leaning onto his knee. It was anyone's guess how long he had been standing there, but it wasn't like Hammer to bring attention to him. That just happened naturally.
He had watched Brig pummel Marko into the dirt, showing off to the female. Viv acted accordingly - shocked, dismayed, and no doubt impressed.
'Reverse psychology, nice,' Viv said in a monotone voice.
Shrugging, Hammer approached the circle and came up beside her. He looked down at her in her dark blue Therian-weave and considered his own, underneath his usual khakis. 'Don't worry, Vivienne, I wouldn't let Brig fight you.' He paused and said slowly, 'That would just be mean.'
Was he goading her? Yeah, he supposed he was goading her. Hammer knew what she had been doing, watching the others, learning their weaknesses, and he knew Viv was capable of taking quite a few of the Pipers, if not up to the LT, but there was no way she could take on Brig.
'There's no way, Vivienne.'
Lothias LT Jameson
13 years ago
The day kept getting worse and worse, he thought to himself as the Beta came up to the circle, purposely antagonizing Vivienne. There was nothing he could do to dissuade the Commander from fighting Vivienne, now that the Beta had come on deck. Lowering his head, he pursed his lips and crossed his arms. LT could feel Charlie tense next to him, but he need only turn his head slightly at the Sergeant's direction to force him to back down.
'Oh for fuck sakes,' Vivienne grumbled and stepped out into the circle.
The murmur of bets between the men whispered softly into the Piper's sparring circle. Charlie fully turned toward LT and he could feel the hard stare from him. Looking up into the air with a slight roll of his eyes, he stepped forward into the ring.
'Wait a second,' he said and walked up to Vivienne, pulling her aside. She went willingly with him as he tugged on her arm and he felt both Charlie and Marthinus on either side of him.
'You know you can't beat him,' LT said in a firm, quiet voice. Vivienne opened her mouth, shrugging when he cut her off. 'Knock it off. He's at least twice your age and has been doing this longer than any of us here have been alive. He will hurt you.'
Vivienne kept quiet and watched him with her warm brown eyes.
'If you're going to do this, then do it smart.'
Marthinus stepped up to his right and leaned in close to Vivienne, 'You've seen the way he fights.'
Charlie cut in, 'He uses an amalgamation of everyone's style here, plus some I'm sure I've never seen before.'
'Stay defensive...' LT added.
'Use your speed,' Marthinus advised.
'Don't let him get you with his arms. You're done if he bear hugs you.' Charlie leaned in closer than the other two, whispering softly to her.
'No confidence in my abilities at all, guys?'
'Not really, no.' LT said pointing at her. 'This is stupid, Vivienne. Just listen to us and remember...he will not hold back.'
'Oh for fuck sakes,' Vivienne grumbled and stepped out into the circle.
The murmur of bets between the men whispered softly into the Piper's sparring circle. Charlie fully turned toward LT and he could feel the hard stare from him. Looking up into the air with a slight roll of his eyes, he stepped forward into the ring.
'Wait a second,' he said and walked up to Vivienne, pulling her aside. She went willingly with him as he tugged on her arm and he felt both Charlie and Marthinus on either side of him.
'You know you can't beat him,' LT said in a firm, quiet voice. Vivienne opened her mouth, shrugging when he cut her off. 'Knock it off. He's at least twice your age and has been doing this longer than any of us here have been alive. He will hurt you.'
Vivienne kept quiet and watched him with her warm brown eyes.
'If you're going to do this, then do it smart.'
Marthinus stepped up to his right and leaned in close to Vivienne, 'You've seen the way he fights.'
Charlie cut in, 'He uses an amalgamation of everyone's style here, plus some I'm sure I've never seen before.'
'Stay defensive...' LT added.
'Use your speed,' Marthinus advised.
'Don't let him get you with his arms. You're done if he bear hugs you.' Charlie leaned in closer than the other two, whispering softly to her.
'No confidence in my abilities at all, guys?'
'Not really, no.' LT said pointing at her. 'This is stupid, Vivienne. Just listen to us and remember...he will not hold back.'
Vivienne Sena
13 years ago
Aw shit, Vivienne thought as she listened to the three men give her advice on not how to defeat Brig, but how to not get crippled...again. She had only ever fought Brig in wolf form, but they both knowingly held back. This time all bets were off, she wagered. She made eye contact with all three and weighed her odds.
Marthinus looked at her with concerned hazel eyes, but she knew that the old man was right. Speed would be key in keeping the bulk of Brig's hits off her.
LT was all about defensive measures, and again, keeping out of reach. His blue eyes were clear and hard - he did not think much of what Vivienne was doing, not that this was even her plan, but at the very least she knew that he respected her enough to help her.
Charlie...he was just scared for her.
'Okay,' Viv said looking down at the ground, 'Okay, I got it.'
The three men stepped away and when she looked up, she saw Brig standing dead center of his half of the circle across from her. His feet were shoulder length apart and his body crouched over. Before taking her position and starting the fight, Viv replayed Brig's fight with Marko in her mind.
The bulk of Brig's moves were muay thai, utilizing the knee and the elbow to deliver bone crushing blows. She winced recalling Brig's elbow to Marko's face and his final hit, the knee to the ribs which Marko was still nursing on the side lines. The only disadvantage she saw for Brig in maintaining that technique was that she was half Marko's size, so keeping low would be essential. Looking at Brig's legs, she gauged the distance between his ankle to his knee, then knee to his hips. Keeping away from his torso would cut the amount of potential hits in half, but that still left those long legs.
Shrugging, the only thing she realized she had was the element of surprise. 'I'm guessing prison rules, right?'
'Oh yeah!' Red yelled out, followed by the rest of the Pipers cheering and yelling. Hammer stood down the center line dividing the circle and tilted his head to the side. He and Brig locked eyes and then they both looked at Vivienne.
God this is fucked up, Vivienne thought and wind milled her arms as Hammer began to start the fight. Vivienne took a deep breath as Hammer began the count.
'On three,' he said, 'One...'
Vivienne took one step back and then propelled herself forward, using both fists to hit Brig square in the solar plexus.
Hammer never made it to three...and no one ever said they couldn't cheat.
Marthinus looked at her with concerned hazel eyes, but she knew that the old man was right. Speed would be key in keeping the bulk of Brig's hits off her.
LT was all about defensive measures, and again, keeping out of reach. His blue eyes were clear and hard - he did not think much of what Vivienne was doing, not that this was even her plan, but at the very least she knew that he respected her enough to help her.
Charlie...he was just scared for her.
'Okay,' Viv said looking down at the ground, 'Okay, I got it.'
The three men stepped away and when she looked up, she saw Brig standing dead center of his half of the circle across from her. His feet were shoulder length apart and his body crouched over. Before taking her position and starting the fight, Viv replayed Brig's fight with Marko in her mind.
The bulk of Brig's moves were muay thai, utilizing the knee and the elbow to deliver bone crushing blows. She winced recalling Brig's elbow to Marko's face and his final hit, the knee to the ribs which Marko was still nursing on the side lines. The only disadvantage she saw for Brig in maintaining that technique was that she was half Marko's size, so keeping low would be essential. Looking at Brig's legs, she gauged the distance between his ankle to his knee, then knee to his hips. Keeping away from his torso would cut the amount of potential hits in half, but that still left those long legs.
Shrugging, the only thing she realized she had was the element of surprise. 'I'm guessing prison rules, right?'
'Oh yeah!' Red yelled out, followed by the rest of the Pipers cheering and yelling. Hammer stood down the center line dividing the circle and tilted his head to the side. He and Brig locked eyes and then they both looked at Vivienne.
God this is fucked up, Vivienne thought and wind milled her arms as Hammer began to start the fight. Vivienne took a deep breath as Hammer began the count.
'On three,' he said, 'One...'
Vivienne took one step back and then propelled herself forward, using both fists to hit Brig square in the solar plexus.
Hammer never made it to three...and no one ever said they couldn't cheat.
The Pipers
13 years ago
'Oh shit!' Someone yelled out as Vivienne literally blurred across the circle and nailed the Commander right in his solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him and sending him back several feet. Still, he was on his feet, but hunched over at the unexpected first hit from Vivienne.
She hit him and then withdrew, just long enough for the Commander to struggle with one deep breath and came at him from behind, kidney punching him. The Commander reached out quickly, grabbing at her but only succeeded in slowing her down by snagging a bit of her Therian-weave. Twisting out of the grapple, Vivienne returned to her initial start point staying low to the ground.
The Commander backed up, watching Vivienne as she stood casually in her half of the circle. He straightened his back and twisted, trying to get the air back into his lungs when Vivienne took a half step forward. Then the Commander began to move slowly, circling the ring.
Charlie was still stunned into silence at Vivienne hitting before the time to start had been called out, but he had to admit he was happy she decided to fight dirty, as well as offensively ; having clearly defining the 'no rules' rules of the fight, the Commander would play as dirty as Viv and Charlie was dreading it.
It was a short fight in hindsight, but the results of it would last a lifetime.
She hit him and then withdrew, just long enough for the Commander to struggle with one deep breath and came at him from behind, kidney punching him. The Commander reached out quickly, grabbing at her but only succeeded in slowing her down by snagging a bit of her Therian-weave. Twisting out of the grapple, Vivienne returned to her initial start point staying low to the ground.
The Commander backed up, watching Vivienne as she stood casually in her half of the circle. He straightened his back and twisted, trying to get the air back into his lungs when Vivienne took a half step forward. Then the Commander began to move slowly, circling the ring.
Charlie was still stunned into silence at Vivienne hitting before the time to start had been called out, but he had to admit he was happy she decided to fight dirty, as well as offensively ; having clearly defining the 'no rules' rules of the fight, the Commander would play as dirty as Viv and Charlie was dreading it.
It was a short fight in hindsight, but the results of it would last a lifetime.
Iov Hammerthynn
13 years ago
Hammer shook his head as Brig let Vivienne get the first of six hits directly to his core. The men were yelling, cheering her on as Brig kept his defensive crouch and almost refused to come at her the way Hammer knew he could. Finally he could not take it anymore.
'STOP HOLDING BACK,' he yelled, much to the surprise of the other Pipers. Almost immediately Brig switched positions, stepping forward on his right leg, but swinging his left forward, to connect with Vivienne's arm pit, essentially one-hitting her. It went silent as Brig swung his long leg and completely missed her.
Vivienne must have been waiting for it; she turned toward the leg and lunged over it, sailing over it. Hammer's mouth dropped open at the speed at which Vivienne had managed to react. He was fairly certain he had never seen anyone avoid that kick from Brig. Hammer always had to brace himself, using his arms to block it, but it would even send him back a good couple feet for his troubles. Brig kept his momentum and spun around, bringing up his elbow now, coming at her at a blinding speed, and again Vivienne anticipated it, taking the brunt of Brig's elbows in her hands, letting the force carry her since blocking it would have been impossible.
Vivienne flew back out of the circle, but landed on all fours as she slid on the dirt. Almost immediately she was back up and flew toward Brig, planting both feet into his chest, pushing him back onto the ground. Balling up like a compressed coil, Vivienne launched herself off Brig, but not in time to avoid his hands grabbing her feet, throwing her off balance and landing almost flat on her face above him on the ground.
Brig twisted around and threw his heavy body onto of her, crushing her legs, and bringing his fist down on top of her face. Hammer heard Vivienne grunt to avoid the hit and Brig's fist hit the dirt, flying up a dust ball next to her face. Vivienne bent forward and connected her forehead with his in an audible smack that Hammer was sure both would feel later. It stunned Brig long enough for Vivienne to push her legs against his chest far enough to claw her way out from underneath him. Flipping backwards, she landed again on all fours, avoiding anything from waist up from Brig.
Hammer wagered Brig's legs could do more damage than his hands, but LT, Charlie, and Marthinus were smart to warn her about Brig's bear hug. Brig had used it on Hammer a time or two and it was as unpleasant at best.
Brig stood slowly, his eyes on Vivienne and his arms bowed out from his center. Vivienne stood slowly with him and kept her eyes on his face instead of his legs. Hammer nodded - Vigo had taught her well.
'STOP HOLDING BACK,' he yelled, much to the surprise of the other Pipers. Almost immediately Brig switched positions, stepping forward on his right leg, but swinging his left forward, to connect with Vivienne's arm pit, essentially one-hitting her. It went silent as Brig swung his long leg and completely missed her.
Vivienne must have been waiting for it; she turned toward the leg and lunged over it, sailing over it. Hammer's mouth dropped open at the speed at which Vivienne had managed to react. He was fairly certain he had never seen anyone avoid that kick from Brig. Hammer always had to brace himself, using his arms to block it, but it would even send him back a good couple feet for his troubles. Brig kept his momentum and spun around, bringing up his elbow now, coming at her at a blinding speed, and again Vivienne anticipated it, taking the brunt of Brig's elbows in her hands, letting the force carry her since blocking it would have been impossible.
Vivienne flew back out of the circle, but landed on all fours as she slid on the dirt. Almost immediately she was back up and flew toward Brig, planting both feet into his chest, pushing him back onto the ground. Balling up like a compressed coil, Vivienne launched herself off Brig, but not in time to avoid his hands grabbing her feet, throwing her off balance and landing almost flat on her face above him on the ground.
Brig twisted around and threw his heavy body onto of her, crushing her legs, and bringing his fist down on top of her face. Hammer heard Vivienne grunt to avoid the hit and Brig's fist hit the dirt, flying up a dust ball next to her face. Vivienne bent forward and connected her forehead with his in an audible smack that Hammer was sure both would feel later. It stunned Brig long enough for Vivienne to push her legs against his chest far enough to claw her way out from underneath him. Flipping backwards, she landed again on all fours, avoiding anything from waist up from Brig.
Hammer wagered Brig's legs could do more damage than his hands, but LT, Charlie, and Marthinus were smart to warn her about Brig's bear hug. Brig had used it on Hammer a time or two and it was as unpleasant at best.
Brig stood slowly, his eyes on Vivienne and his arms bowed out from his center. Vivienne stood slowly with him and kept her eyes on his face instead of his legs. Hammer nodded - Vigo had taught her well.
Brig Jameson
13 years ago
He was breathing heavy now from grappling with Vivienne on the ground. Jesus, he thought as they began to circle within her half of the divided ring. He had completely underestimated just how much she actually knew and how closely she had paid attention to his fight with Marko. His blood was pumping furiously through his body and the wolf in him was beginning to claw its way out of him, but Brig took deep breaths, controlling the beast within him.
Hammer yelling at him, telling him not to hold back enraged him, but he had been. He really did not want to hurt Vivienne, despite what LT and the others had promised. The fact that Hammer had even shown up and had pushed Vivienne into fighting him had riled him up beyond what was reasonable, but she had pushed the issue. The looks on LT and Charlie's faces embarrassed him - they knew as well as he did that this was over the line. Still, he had to save face in front of the other men so he finally let loose on her.
They stood there, staring at each other. Suddenly she straightened; her posed coil of energy seemed to dissipate. She'd wait for him to act first. He couldn't have that.
Mimicking her stance, he stood at his full height and looked down at her. Shrugging, he asked, 'So you done now?'
She glared at him silently.
'If you want to stop, Vivienne, I understand.' Brig casually walked up to her, right into the swing of her right elbow.
Hammer yelling at him, telling him not to hold back enraged him, but he had been. He really did not want to hurt Vivienne, despite what LT and the others had promised. The fact that Hammer had even shown up and had pushed Vivienne into fighting him had riled him up beyond what was reasonable, but she had pushed the issue. The looks on LT and Charlie's faces embarrassed him - they knew as well as he did that this was over the line. Still, he had to save face in front of the other men so he finally let loose on her.
They stood there, staring at each other. Suddenly she straightened; her posed coil of energy seemed to dissipate. She'd wait for him to act first. He couldn't have that.
Mimicking her stance, he stood at his full height and looked down at her. Shrugging, he asked, 'So you done now?'
She glared at him silently.
'If you want to stop, Vivienne, I understand.' Brig casually walked up to her, right into the swing of her right elbow.
Vivienne Sena
13 years ago
Brig was busy flaunting his ego, talking down to her as he safely, at least he thought it was, came within arm reach of her. She had to jump up and force momentum into her swing, and she came at him with her right elbow, making him back up just in time to miss it, but not the swing that followed. Vivienne maintained her momentum and twisted around, jabbing her other elbow directly into his face, breaking his nose. He bent over and immediately grabbed his nose, blood oozing out from in between his fingers. Taking two steps back, ready to move, she saw that Brig was done.
'K, now I'm done,' she said, turning away and walking back toward the sideline. And you'd think she would've learned her lesson by now.
Immediately Brig was on top of her, all two hundred and fifty pounds of him. She held him for a moment, but the force that he hit her with sent her flying forward, onto the ground. He put her in a head lock and squeezed. Vivienne noticed several things.
First, the length of his body covered her completely, his hips pressed up against her bottom, reminding her of their last fight in the park reserve. She fought against the need to submit as he overpowered her, but it once again reignited that insatiable desire he caused in her.
Second, Brig's nose was freely bleeding down his face and dripping onto her arm. The smell of it, plus his fired up scent filled her nose, forcing the wolf in her to demand its release. She tried digging her nails into his forearm, pulling at it but it only pushed the adrenaline in her to insane proportions.
Thirdly, he was cutting the blood off to her head, making her drowsy, forcing her body to react. Viv tried to open her jaw, to say his name, to warn him, but she couldn't. Her transformation would not be halted and Vivienne felt her body contort quickly and painfully.
Her body pushed against Brig's hold, easily breaking it as she transformed into her wolf form. The adrenaline and pain only helped push it to a speed she had never experienced before. One minute Brig had her in a head lock, the next she was snarling, jaws dripping with saliva, twisting her body around to bark a warning at Brig as he knelt on the ground, completely stunned.
'Viv, no!' he yelled out.
'Wait, NO' she heard Hammer order but it was too late.
Viv was pummeled, broad side, by a russet brown wolf while two more came to Brig's side, growling. Immediately she righted herself and backed up, shaking her head and clearing the rage. Her hackles stood painfully on end as she continued backing up. Brig was getting to his feet, yelling at the wolves as LT rushed out, yelling commands as well, and behind them, standing with the saddest expression she had ever seen, was Charlie. She didn't see Domingo circling around her, charging her until suddenly the sun was blotted out by a huge shadow and the ground shook beneath her.
'K, now I'm done,' she said, turning away and walking back toward the sideline. And you'd think she would've learned her lesson by now.
Immediately Brig was on top of her, all two hundred and fifty pounds of him. She held him for a moment, but the force that he hit her with sent her flying forward, onto the ground. He put her in a head lock and squeezed. Vivienne noticed several things.
First, the length of his body covered her completely, his hips pressed up against her bottom, reminding her of their last fight in the park reserve. She fought against the need to submit as he overpowered her, but it once again reignited that insatiable desire he caused in her.
Second, Brig's nose was freely bleeding down his face and dripping onto her arm. The smell of it, plus his fired up scent filled her nose, forcing the wolf in her to demand its release. She tried digging her nails into his forearm, pulling at it but it only pushed the adrenaline in her to insane proportions.
Thirdly, he was cutting the blood off to her head, making her drowsy, forcing her body to react. Viv tried to open her jaw, to say his name, to warn him, but she couldn't. Her transformation would not be halted and Vivienne felt her body contort quickly and painfully.
Her body pushed against Brig's hold, easily breaking it as she transformed into her wolf form. The adrenaline and pain only helped push it to a speed she had never experienced before. One minute Brig had her in a head lock, the next she was snarling, jaws dripping with saliva, twisting her body around to bark a warning at Brig as he knelt on the ground, completely stunned.
'Viv, no!' he yelled out.
'Wait, NO' she heard Hammer order but it was too late.
Viv was pummeled, broad side, by a russet brown wolf while two more came to Brig's side, growling. Immediately she righted herself and backed up, shaking her head and clearing the rage. Her hackles stood painfully on end as she continued backing up. Brig was getting to his feet, yelling at the wolves as LT rushed out, yelling commands as well, and behind them, standing with the saddest expression she had ever seen, was Charlie. She didn't see Domingo circling around her, charging her until suddenly the sun was blotted out by a huge shadow and the ground shook beneath her.
Brig Jameson
13 years ago
'Oh shit, NO NO NO NO NO!' he yelled as three of the Pipers immediately transformed to come to his aide. Despite the Therian-weave Vivienne was wearing, her fur was unmistakably Vyusher R'asa with her mask and points. The Pipers reacted as they were trained and shifted like lightning, covering his flanks and pushing Vivienne back to Domingo who was ready to launch himself at her back, tearing her throat out.
LT and Hammer began yelling orders, but for some reason the Pipers continued their assault on Vivienne. Even Marthinus had joined the fray, protecting Brig's backside. Standing, Brig held his hands up, yelling at the top of his lungs for the Pipers to hold back when Domingo lunged at Vivienne from behind, but suddenly things got a little bit crazy.
Hammer jumped over the wolves at Brig's side and changed, mid-air, over Vivienne and directly in Domingo's path. Vivienne turned, finally seeing Domingo and backed even further away, covering her back when Hammer landed in wolf form, protecting her. Only then did Domingo let his jump fall short, almost plowing into his Beta.
Hammer was almost twice the size of any of the Pipers and his missing eye only served to scare the other Pipers into submission. Turning, Brig caught sight of Charlie who just stood on the sideline, his face crestfallen, staring at Vivienne and her VR markings.
Turning his attention toward the wolves beside him, he reached down and yanked on the two wolves on either side of him, pulling at their fur and pushing them back. Hammer herded them back out of the circle and back toward the Den as LT, still in human form as well, pulled at Charlie, yelling at him to move. Walking over to Vivienne, she immediately crouched down, her tail tucked under her and she whined softly. Holding his hand out, he slowly touched her as he knelt down on the ground.
Brig sighed. 'You all right?' he asked her. Her only reply was to curl into his arms and shake. 'It's all right,' he said pulling at her head, making her look at him with her chocolate brown eyes.
Hammer trotted back to the circle and growled at the sight of her. Vivienne moved behind Brig, terrified.
Standing, he said, 'Hammer it's fine. Back off.' His cousin glared at him with his one good eye and snarled. 'Come on, she's scared.'
Hammer straightened and sniffed the air. Seemingly satisfied, he sat his enormous body back and looked at the both of them. His Therian-weave covered up his entire torso and part of his hind legs, morphing perfectly with the fur. All the Pipers had morphed while wearing theirs, as well. Hammer barked at him, getting his attention. His large head nodded up toward Brig's face.
Reaching up, Brig touched his broken nose and winced. He could taste his own blood and he wiped at it with the back of his forearm, smearing it.
'Fuck,' he said. 'This is probably what triggered it.'
Hammer stood and turned away, slowly walking back toward the Den when Vivienne finally came out from behind Brig's long legs. They watched Hammer as he stalked back, his massive shoulder blades poking up into the Therian-weave.
'Come on,' he said following Hammer, and after a few steps, saw that Vivienne wasn't following him. She had turned toward the front of the property and was poised to run. 'Don't, Viv. Just...come on.'
She had wanted to run, to get off the property and disappear. He didn't need to hear her say it to know it and see it in her still submissive stance.
'Come on,' he pleaded, holding his hand out to her. He could see the pained expression in her wolf face, her eyebrows knitted together and her anxious body language. Brig understood now what she must have felt like back in Canberra - being on Kadzait property but never really belonging. She couldn't help what her fur looked like, but it marked her as an outsider, just the same.
'It'll be alright, I promise.'
Vivienne took a slow step toward Brig and then turned back toward the front of the property and its main gates. Brig continued to hold his hand out to her, hoping she'd choose him, and when she finally did, he reached down and gingerly touched her fur, trying to soothe her. With a deep sigh, they turned toward the Den and the inevitable.
Continues in - A Situation in the Situation Room
LT and Hammer began yelling orders, but for some reason the Pipers continued their assault on Vivienne. Even Marthinus had joined the fray, protecting Brig's backside. Standing, Brig held his hands up, yelling at the top of his lungs for the Pipers to hold back when Domingo lunged at Vivienne from behind, but suddenly things got a little bit crazy.
Hammer jumped over the wolves at Brig's side and changed, mid-air, over Vivienne and directly in Domingo's path. Vivienne turned, finally seeing Domingo and backed even further away, covering her back when Hammer landed in wolf form, protecting her. Only then did Domingo let his jump fall short, almost plowing into his Beta.
Hammer was almost twice the size of any of the Pipers and his missing eye only served to scare the other Pipers into submission. Turning, Brig caught sight of Charlie who just stood on the sideline, his face crestfallen, staring at Vivienne and her VR markings.
Turning his attention toward the wolves beside him, he reached down and yanked on the two wolves on either side of him, pulling at their fur and pushing them back. Hammer herded them back out of the circle and back toward the Den as LT, still in human form as well, pulled at Charlie, yelling at him to move. Walking over to Vivienne, she immediately crouched down, her tail tucked under her and she whined softly. Holding his hand out, he slowly touched her as he knelt down on the ground.
Brig sighed. 'You all right?' he asked her. Her only reply was to curl into his arms and shake. 'It's all right,' he said pulling at her head, making her look at him with her chocolate brown eyes.
Hammer trotted back to the circle and growled at the sight of her. Vivienne moved behind Brig, terrified.
Standing, he said, 'Hammer it's fine. Back off.' His cousin glared at him with his one good eye and snarled. 'Come on, she's scared.'
Hammer straightened and sniffed the air. Seemingly satisfied, he sat his enormous body back and looked at the both of them. His Therian-weave covered up his entire torso and part of his hind legs, morphing perfectly with the fur. All the Pipers had morphed while wearing theirs, as well. Hammer barked at him, getting his attention. His large head nodded up toward Brig's face.
Reaching up, Brig touched his broken nose and winced. He could taste his own blood and he wiped at it with the back of his forearm, smearing it.
'Fuck,' he said. 'This is probably what triggered it.'
Hammer stood and turned away, slowly walking back toward the Den when Vivienne finally came out from behind Brig's long legs. They watched Hammer as he stalked back, his massive shoulder blades poking up into the Therian-weave.
'Come on,' he said following Hammer, and after a few steps, saw that Vivienne wasn't following him. She had turned toward the front of the property and was poised to run. 'Don't, Viv. Just...come on.'
She had wanted to run, to get off the property and disappear. He didn't need to hear her say it to know it and see it in her still submissive stance.
'Come on,' he pleaded, holding his hand out to her. He could see the pained expression in her wolf face, her eyebrows knitted together and her anxious body language. Brig understood now what she must have felt like back in Canberra - being on Kadzait property but never really belonging. She couldn't help what her fur looked like, but it marked her as an outsider, just the same.
'It'll be alright, I promise.'
Vivienne took a slow step toward Brig and then turned back toward the front of the property and its main gates. Brig continued to hold his hand out to her, hoping she'd choose him, and when she finally did, he reached down and gingerly touched her fur, trying to soothe her. With a deep sigh, they turned toward the Den and the inevitable.
Continues in - A Situation in the Situation Room