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Any other time and the wolf would have admired the Huntsman restraint.  His gaze narrowed coldly as the rugged male snatched his keys up and tugged his jacket on. The whispers he exchanged with Red didn't go unheard, brown eyes glaring at the Huntsman furiously. Just you try it, I won't go down as easily as I did last time....he thought to himself before looking to Red and huffing at the disapproving look she was giving him. "Don't look at me like that. I promised Hook I'd watch out for her....not my fault your lumberjack boyfriend drove her into the danger zone. He'd never do that to you...." he snarled before leaving the cabin.

He sat in the back of the car and soon realised the Huntsmans intentions. Letting every pedestrian cross, stopping at every light he could kinda understand but did he really have to slow down so he would definitely hit it when it was Red? "What's betting you didn't drive this slow the other Night?" He growled, fingers drumming impatiently against the car door, brown eyes scanning the street. He could sense Red's unease but avoided looking at her, instead lighting a cigarette and ensuring the smoke billowed forward. If hunter was going to play stupid games so would he. "Windows stuck....sorry" he growled, keeping his finger pressed on the button so the window wouldn't roll down. He knew Red hated the smoke, but he was out to torture hunted and she could easily roll hers down.

Finally they pulled up at the office,  Bigby opening the door the second the car ground to a halt. "You needn't follow.....I got this..." he said roughly, slamming the door shut and not even flinching as the glass cracked with the sheer force he had slammed it. Hands balled into fists by his sides he walked up the path. A glare at Grimble kept the man quiet before he approached the stairs and began his ascent,  soon arriving at his floor and entering his apartment.

He flinched at the foul scent that hit his nose, such a strong flurry of emotions and scents it made him feel slightly nauseous. Joelle wasn't here...he couldn't risk Ichabon seeing him yet so he waited, stood b y the Window with a smoke, casually skimming through files that were left on the desk. Footsteps soon approached, the wolf stubbing out his cigarette and standing poised just in case Grimble had ratted him out.

"Joelle.... " his anger faded, concern meeting his eyes as the halfling stared at him. She looked pale, nervous....something wasn't right. "Hey...." he said as tears spilled over her eyes. He took a step forward before her phone buzzed, his eyes darting down and following her hand as she raised it to her eyes. The reaction made his stomach lurch. "Joelle!" Bigby called her as the phone was dropped and the halfling fled into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. The sounds from within told him enough and made him wish he didn't have a heightened sense of smell. "Elle....?" His knuckles rapped gently against the bathroom door before she opened it, looking worse for wear. She was shaking, her complexion pure white, eyes bloodshot and watering. He didn't understand her words, each sentence quivering and incomplete. He let her grab his shirt, the halfling seeking comfort in his presence. "Joelle what happened....talk to me....." he urged before her grip tightened and she dropped to her knees sobbing.

Cavalry had arrived, Red taking over the situation and helping Joelle to the couch. He was confused, running a hand through his hair whilst muttering a gentle thanks to Red. His gaze shifted to the phone,  his movements slow as he approached it,  plucking the small device from the floor with his large hands. "Something on this...." he mumbled, rubbing his jawline and staring at the buttons. What would happen if he pressed....he touched one the display lighting up.

His eyes widened,  anger bubbling and boiling within him. "No....Those sick...." he looked to Joelle,  back to the phone and gripped his hair. Those disgusting twins....faces curled and contorted into sadistic smirks as their fat sweaty bodies abused her....Most likely under orders.  His stomach churned, the wolf paling slightly before he took a slow breath. "I am so sorry......" he said looking to Joelle and approaching her. He knelt before her, keeping the phone out of sight. His hand resting atop of hers. "Look at me...." he said, meeting her gaze. "I will fix this....those sick bastards will not get away unharmed. I....I can't express how sorry I am for not being here...." he stood slowly,  his hands shaking in rage as he gripped the phone tight. "Red.....Hunter....." he said, not lifting his gaze from Joelle. "Nobody is to come in here apart from me. Understood? Get her a blanket and a warm drink.....keep her comfortable and don't pry..." he snarled before heading for the door. "I'll be back.....maybe.  I've got some business that needs attending to..." he said looking at the phone before leaving the apartment.

Scents were easy to follow, the wolf entered the Archives in the basement with a bang. Bufkin flying off in fright, the noise drawing the attention of the two twins as they tucked into a large chocolate box. "Look who's come back with his tail between his legs...." Dee sneered, as Bigby walked closer, his nails extending into claws subtly. "Finally admitted your guilt? We'll we have a nice bed for you out back...complete with fleas. We can even get you a b***h to fu-" the wolf's hand fastened tight around dums throat, lips drawn back in a snarl. "You made a big mistake touch her....." he said, sinking his claws into the males neck, growling the whole time as blood ran over his hands.

"You enjoy subjecting women to That?  Torturing them....Under Orders? Let me show you what low life scum like you deserve...." Dee had tried to attack from behind the wolf swinging around and flinging Dum into him, flicking blood off his hand as the pair scrambled to their feet. "b***h had it coming.....Ichabon was guna have his turn later....we could even hook you up. Wolves love a good b***h am I-" Bigby didn't let Dee finish his sentence. Phone in hand he forced it violently down the man's throat, breaking his teeth and watching him choke on the device. "Hey wolf...." he turned and dodged the axe swung at him, Snarling as it clipped his side. "Remember This? Your old friend....maybe you need a reminder....pity Hunter isn't here to finish the job" the axe was swung again, Bigby dodging.  His sideburns had grown out, eyes turning yellow, and hair thicker on his forearms. "Don't test my patience...." he snarled, fangs glinting. He was between transformations and roared as the axe hit his arm, drawing blood.

Dee was still wrenching on the phone,  Dum swinging the axe. Eyes narrowing Bigby lunged, ducking the axe and tackling Dum to the ground, claws clamping down into the males shoulders. "It's been centuries since I tried fable flesh...maybe it's time I wet my appetite again huh?" He said before grunting as Dum kicked up into his stomach, knocking the wolf off. "Come on....give us a challenge...." the twin called before helping his brother.  Bigby rose to his feet, hair falling over his eyes. "Don't tempt me..." he snarled before standing ready.

Dum and Dee had both recovered, both looked worse for wear but faced off. Dee rummaging behind some shelves when Dum had Bigby occupied and finding a shotgun. The shot was deafening, leaving Bigbys ears ringing. Blood welled at his shoulder from the bullet before he growled and tore Into Dum. Claws and teeth tore at flesh, blood spattering the ground. Claws sank Into the twins arm before with a yell he ripped it clean off, tossing it aside. "Let's see you pin women down without that...." he snarled, hearing Dee yell his brothers name in horror. Bigby turned and was met with the barrel of the shotgun. It barked loudly, pain exploding through his chest, blood soaking his shirt as he staggered backwards. He swallowed, blood pumping in his ears before the world went dark.

"That b***h got what she ******** slut..." the barrel was between his eyes as the word snapped him back to reality. He was on his back, blood soaking his chest. With a yell he swung out, the shotgun tearing a chunk out of the floor beside him. He tackled the twin quickly "******** Joelle" he panted before ripping out the twins throat with his teeth.

He stood shakily, looking at the carnage he caused. Dee gurgling on blood, Dum passed out from blood loss. His hands shook, his world spun before footsteps made him look to the door dizzily. "Bigby...." Ichabons voice was cold as he glared at the scene in horror before grabbing the shotgun. Bigby took a feeble step forward, staggered and placed his hand on his chest with a slow rough inhale. "You....monster....Joelle never hurt anyone....."he wheeled as the gun was raised. "No, she didn't.....but she is easy to manipulate" Ichabon said before firing the gun again and watching the wolf slump to the floor. "You may be hard to kill Bigby....but I know how to work around these....inconveniences. You have under estimated me...." Bigby groaned, blood soaking his torso. "********...." he wheezed before drifting into unconsciousness, feeling himself dragged along the floor a short while later. His fate? Unknown.

Boney fingers knocked on the door to Bigbys apartment. Ichabon folding his arms, Grimble stood behind him sternly. "Red....how good to see you. You look well...." he said shifting his gaze to see Joelle on the chair. "I have invited Grimble along to clear out this apartment. Apologies Joelle, but you haven't been assigned residency within Silverwood and cannot reside here. This apartment will be emptied and offered to the next fable on the waiting list." He pushed his way inside, letting Grimble and another large male get to work packing up belongings. "My apologies Ms Sesink. This is the procedure when the owner of a fable residence is deceased." He looked to her and Red coldly. "Bigby attacked workers in the archives and was killed in the cross fire. His body will be disposed off in the usual manner and is in an unsuitable state to be viewed. It was quite the brutal fight....very messy for all involved...." he said before handing the bloodied phone back to Joelle. "I believe you lost This? We pried it from Mr Wolf's cold dead fingers.....pity, I would have preferred to see him tried for his crimes. Death is the easy way out...." he smirked before heading for the door. "Good day ladies....and Hunter. I believe Adam is looking for you regarding some work you may find.....interesting" he said before closing the door and walking down the corridor.

____________________________________________

""Who's afraid of the Big bad wolf?
You should be...you wouldn't like me when I'm angry

[OOC!.]

Adam and Bigby

Feeling Belle take his hand, he smiled gently at her offer to help. "Thank you. I'm not going to put you in danger. Bigby is unpredictable....if he hurt you I would never forgive myself" he said before seeing the colour flood her cheeks. She teased him before dancing off to the spare room. Maybe she had changed..."Goodnight Belle" he called gently before retiring to his room.

Adam slept soundly that night and was awake early the next morning. He sat in the kitchen, eating some toast and skimming through the messages Ichabon had sent when a scream chilled him...Belle? He ran to her room, opening the door and.seeing her curled up on the bed sobbing. He let out a slow breath as he realised she was safe before approaching the bed.

"Hey....bad dream?" he said gently, his hand gently rubbing her arm as he perched on the edge. Plucking a tissue from the box on the side he handed it to her, smiling gently. "You know dreams can't hurt you. Falling out of bed can though" he said, nudging her gently to cheer her up. "I was enjoying some Jam on toast and a cup of tea in the kitchen. If you wanted to join me?" he offered his hand with a warm smile.

Serving her some toast with the options of jam,.butter, marmalade or chocolate spread he soon had a cup of tea in her hands. "Ichabod believes Bigby will come back to Silverwood.... I might not have to do anything yet after all" he said with a smile. "So, how's the toast?" he asked. "I'll get some proper breakfast stuff today... Bacon, eggs... Maybe make you an omelette tomorrow?" he suggested, taking her hand.

He was tidying up when his phone rang. Disappearing to his room to answer it he returned 10 minutes later looking thoughtful. "Ichabod wants me at the business office incase Bigby tries anything. I need to go now...how about you take my spare key and sort yourself out here? Bring your clothes, oh and get what you need and want... " he said handing her some money. "I should be back tonight... I'll make us something special for dinner. Deal?" he said softly.

"You know, Snow is in Silverwood. She hasn't been here long but I think they gave her a temporary room on Oak street. Ask around and you'll track her down if you wanted to catch up?" he said as he grabbed his jacket. "She goes by Erin now...incase you have problems finding her" a brief farewell and he was gone. The door clicking closed behind him.

Dragged, chained, beaten and left. Bigby groaned as he awoke in an all too familiar cell. He sucked in slow breaths, attempting to roll over and claw himself to his feet, grunting in pain and collapsing on his side in defeat, warm blood still soaking his chest. His mind was spinning from the pain, he could feel swelling around his eyes, and the cut on his lip. "********..." he gasped before hearing the door to the room open. A boot collided with his side, knocking him flat with a groan of agony, his hand going to his chest. "Should have pumped a few more slugs into you...." the voice....the scent....the shadow he couldn't recognise. His senses were in overdrive...failing to tie together to give him a clear picture. "******** off....." he spat, grinding his teeth together in pain. The voice chuckled, leaning close to his ear "No can do pup....you see your little outburst caused a lot of trouble. We don't like trouble....and we certainly don't like dogs" the foot slammed hard into his stomach, winding him before the figure straddled his stomach, pinning him. "Nasty wounds....let's see....one here...." he yelled in agony before snarling as a blade jammed hard into the shoulder wound twisting and tearing at him. His free hand tried to grab at his attacker, but more hands seemed to pin him. "Bad doggy.....there's a wound here....." the blade ripped free and entered the wound on his side, drawing snarls from him, eyes flickering amber as he fought changing form. He growled, teeth becoming sharp fangs, his body trembling. "Oh...and one juuuust here...." the blade didn't penetrate the chest wound as deep but still caused more damage. Snarling his hands tugged against the grips people held on him.

"Wh...what do you want...." he panted as the blade was ripped free. "A deal...Mr Wolf....you side with us. Join the army for the forsaken....help us win this war and we let you go unharmed" Bigby shook his head "Destroy....what I've...worked so ******** off....." he said, eyes heavy with exhaustion and bruising. He couldn't even remember who had inflicted what injury. "No deals....I'm nobodies lap dog...." he said closing his eyes. A chuckle made him open one eye "Oh but you are Mr Wolf....you see.....you no longer exist. Thrown down the witching well....living in hell...so they say" Bigby narrowed his eyes, vision blurring. "So either you make a deal with us....or...let's say the life you knew is about to become a whole lot more....interesting" he saw the glowing liquid a fraction too late and felt a sharp blow to his head as it was jabbed into his upper arm. Darkness engulfed his vision again as the pressure on his limbs and stomach lifted and he was left alone.

Movement....darkness. The wolf groaned, feeling himself being jostled around. He couldn't move, there were chains keeping him pinned down but the sounds of the engine told him he was in a car...or a van. He tried to move, lift his head and was surprised to see he was in the back of a van....why? He felt different....and a look down to his hands told him. He had shifted? Large black paws stared up at him, he could feel his fur matting with blood, wounds inflicted as he lay unconscious, chains cutting into him. Finally the van screeched to a violent halt and the engine died. His ears pulled back against his head, before he drew his lips back into a snarl. Footsteps...and late afternoon sunlight filled the van, making him squint. Figures...hooded with their scents masked by colone...or perfume....bundled in, adjusting the chains that held him. Blows collided with his body and muzzle when he lunged clumsily for one of his attackers, sharp teeth inches away from a major artery. If only...he felt a muzzle ripped over his head and in his rage a metal collar clamped tight around his throat before he was yanked from his position violently. He gagged, his paws failing him, blood still escaping his wounds. He was weak, and tired...needing medical attention but was roughly forced out the back of the van, hitting the ground with an angered snarl. "Come on Pup!" the collar tightened as the chain was yanked before strong blows from the butt of a gun hit him hard in the legs, sending him to the floor with a growl. He hung his head, trying to stand before another gunshot tore into his side. He hit the ground with whimper, his chest rising and falling heavily.

"I'm sorry about the blindfold....but it's for your safety..You need to see this though. It's important...." Adam spoke gently before pulling up in the woods with Hunter sat blindfolded beside him. He had met the woodsman in the lobby and explained about a once in a life time opportunity he had to offer. All he had to do was keep quiet, and meet up outside the business office building at noon. After which Adam would drive him to the destination to complete the...job as such. "It's a can't miss opportunity" he had said with a smile, his mind drifting briefly to Joelle and Belle. "Ok...let's go" he said, getting out and leading the woodsman up through the trees. A gunshot rang out, Adam freezing before starting to run, stopping at the edge of a clearing and watching a group of mask wearing people prod and poke a large black wolf without remorse.

"Come on Pup...No last words? No regrets?" the wolf snarled, claws digging into the earth painfully. "Get up..come on..." the large creature was jeered and boo'd as it stood shakily on its paws before being struck down violently, dust exploding into the air as the large wolf hit the ground, resting its head on his paws. "Just....do it....get it over ******** cowards...." Bigby wheezed, grunting painfully and resting his eyes, the dirt beneath him turning crimson.

Adam gasped before running forward, "What...what are you doing!" he yelled, folding his arms sternly, guns pointing at him. Bigby opened his eyes gently. "Adam...?" he said trying to move, seeking a small amount of comfort in the blonde prince's presence. "I told you to wait! ******** sake....Hunter c'mere..." Adam turned to face the Huntsman before a masked figure handed him an axe. "You always wanted to be the one to teach him a lesson....He killed three fables....and ******** knows how many more we don't know about for no good reason." Adam stepped forward, offering the axe. "Finish what you started centuries ago...avenge our friends...." he said before stepping aside.

Bigby looked from the Axe to Hunter in disbelief, trying to move...trying to stand only to grunt and flop to the floor painfully. "I..didn't...." he snarled, struggling with his words, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

"Tell us honestly you haven't killed a fable recently then...." Adam said, folding his arms. "Tell us Bigby...our beloved sheriff is as good as everyone says he is? That he doesn't tear people limb from limb....doesn't rip their throats out or devour people. Go on...." Bigby looked from Adam to Hunter, attempting to move briefly. "I....I can't....." he said in defeat before looking Hunter in the eyes "But what they...they did to Joelle I couldn't-" a boot stamped on his side from a masked watcher. "Silence pup...." they growled before spitting at him.

"You don't have to do this.....Hunter?" Bigby said, grimacing in agony. "What they did to...Joelle.....they....it may....what about Red?" he said before more beatings were delivered, the wolf unable to stand on his paws to defend himself as a blow collided with the underside of his muzzle, sending him on his back briefly before he rolled onto his side. He writhed in pain "Ju....just do....do it quick...." he wheezed, falling limp, his chest rising and falling slowly, each inhale burning in his chest. "You've waited....centuries for this Hunter....and now you have a reason. They wanted me to do it.....but who better to than the guy who starred in the main story. The only Huntsman....do this and Red is safe forever. Do this, and Silverwood is safe forever...." he said, Bigby laying unmoving, his fur in matted bloody clumps, patches missing. He was nowhere near the size Hunter had faced him at the first time centuries ago....but the colour, the size was still big enough to jog those memories. His brown eyes opened briefly to look up at the Huntsman painfully "Just like...old times...." he mumbled, bracing himself for the killing blow, eyes closing slowly.

((I'll format later))

Brown hues settled on the Huntsman as he knelt close, venom spewing from his mouth. "You live in the past..." Bigby gasped weakly. "You wallow in what should have been....what things were. This world.... Isn't like home....our story doesn't have a beginning... Middle and an end that's clear." he whined painfully. "Everything is much more confusing.... More complicated. You don't change...you don't survive here....I changed.....I gave up what I truly am....all you need to give up....is the past...." he sucked in a painful breath. "Is that really so hard?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

The axe raised in response, the wolf's eyes.reflecting the glint of its edge before rapid footsteps and a yell halted it's descent. "Red?" Bigby looked confused at the females presence. How had she found him? He watched nervously as she.tried calming the Huntsman down only to double over in agony. His ears.pointed up as he witnessed the transformation, a russet coloured she wolf standing where Red had been moments ago. What had she done?! His eyes immediately shifted to Hunter but exhaustion was washing over him, the wolf fading in and out of the.conversation.

Belle was threatened and this whole thing was going to s**t. Adam stepped back nervously "I'm just following orders. Don't bring Belle into this.... " he urged, green eyes shining in fear. He yelped as the people around him were struck down. "Ok ok! I'll tell Ichabod he's dead....he'll find out though... He always does. Just please.... Leave Belle alone!" he urged. He looked to Red and Bigby briefly, gripping his hair and looking back to Hunter. "I'm sorry.... " he murmured. "This whole situation is just a load of s**t.... I don't know what's right and what's wrong anymore." he said. "I follow orders and I'm the bad guy...." he exhaled slowly. "Don't suppose you need a drink? I've got a bottle of whisky in my car...." he said gesturing to the vehicle with his thumb.

Bigby had descended into unconsciousness, meaning Reds first attempt to rouse him didn't even reach his ears. Her shouting did, the wolf grunting and opening his eyes slowly. "Alright... " he grumbled, slowly moving, gently placing his paws before hauling himself to his feet, head and tail hung weakly. "Never thought... You'd be growling at me...." he said quietly, feeling her body pushed against his to keep him standing. He walked slowly, pawsteps heavy and dragging as they reached the edge of the clearing and disappeared into the trees.

Red had him running, eager to get away from Hunter and Adam incase the pair changed their minds. Teeth gritting in pain her constant reassurance that she had him soon got under his fur. "You say that one more time!" he snarled irritability before she lost her footing. The support gone, Bigby hit the ground hard, dust and leaves exploding into the air before he heard a splash.

Pain....his body throbbed but he was soon dragging himself to his paws and watching a soaked Red wolf clamour up the river bank to check on him. "A twisted paw isn't going to add much to the pain I'm already in. Don't worry about it" he grunted watching her sniff the air. He inhaled as well, not quite trusting her new sniffer just yet before he let his front paws slide out, easing him comfortably to lie on the floor. His head rested on his paws, brown hues watching the Red wolf deal with her thoughts. She shook her fur, Bigby grumbling as water hit his fur.

His ears twitched at her apology "Don't sweat it....seems like you have enough to be sorry for" he said wincing painfully. She sat down, asking him if there was anything he needed. "Nah....I just need to rest" he said. "Thank you Red...." he said gently, setting his head down on his paws again before rolling to lie on his side with a groan. "******** tweedles.... Business office has a shot gun...did you know that?" he wheezed. He let his eyes close "Get some rest....you look like you could use it" he said before his breathing evened out.

He awoke a few hour later, slowly sitting up and drawing his tongue over the wounds he could reach before watching Red sleep, her small form curled up against the cold. Exhaling slowly he stood and struggled to the river, lapping at the water desperately to quench his thirst before slowly entering the water.

He watches the water turn pink around his wounds, washing away the blood from his fur. Dunking his head under he was soon dragging himself up the bank, shaking his fur out. He approached Red slowly, "Hey...." he murmured, nudging her head with his nose. He settled infront of her as she woke. "You hungry?" he asked, brown eyes shining at her. "I can't hunt myself... Doesn't mean I can't show you..." he said hauling himself to his paws painfully. "Don't you worry about me...takes alot to take me down" he said leading the way slowly. "So you going to tell me why you're a wolf? I very much doubt you wanted this..." he asked, glancing back at her before pain made him stop and snarl. "********...." he said, lips drawn back in a snarl before the pain passed and he continued on, slower than before.

"There... See?" he said nodding to the rabbit. "Paws light, keep your tail down and always stay down wind....when you're close enough pouch. A quick bite to the neck and you're all set" he said sitting down painfully. "Off you go" he said nudging her side. "Don't hunt you'll starve out here" he said lying down painfully and watching her.

★ Red raised her head as he began to wince. There was nothing she could do for him, at least that was what he had been telling her. She nodded gently then got back up onto her feet. It felt strange, this body was so different than the one she was used to. She felt naked, but at the same time, not. She was covered in all this red fur that was warm and soft to her. Her head bent down and rubbed against her leg to get the feel of the now drying fur on her face. It was strange... comforting. He was now on his side and talking about shotguns. Her head turned to look at him and her lips raised up over her teeth. So they were the ones who did this. She'd kill them if it was the very last thing she'd do. Oh wait... She wouldn't have to. They were listed in that horrible book that Bufkin had. Her head shook and she brought herself back to reality as Bigby told her she needed to rest. Her large green eyes narrowed and her head shook. "What's that supposed to mean?" She said quietly then realized that he was sleeping before she got the words out. Not like it mattered or anything.


★ This was a strange thing. A very strange thing indeed. How could Bigby switch from one to the other so easily? Forms, switch forms that is. Two legs to four, then back to two. It was so unnatural, so strange. Red made her way down the river and found herself stopping at a small clear swimming hole. The water here was unmoving and a beautiful blue. Red stepped forward toward it and placed her front paws in the water. Rippling rings from the disturbance went across the hole and when the water cleared she finally gained the courage to look down at herself. As she did she suppressed a gasp and tried to keep herself from running away. It wasn't what she had expected... Not in the least. She was... gorgeous. Red moved her face down closer to the water to get a better look at herself. The markings on her face were incredible, the red over and around her face made it look like she was wearing her hood. She continued to get closer, then ended up getting too close and stuck her nose down in the water while breathing at the same time. Smart move. Well, she didn't know how long her nose was, and still doesn't. Red pulled her face from the water then snorted to get water out of her nose. She'd been away for too long.


★ Ruby made her way back to where Bigby was still sleeping and she decided it might actually be a good idea to follow. She laid down semi close to Bigby then curled up and wrapped her tail around to rest on her nose. Her eyes closed, but she was still on edge. Were those people going to follow even though Adam had called them off? She had no idea. For about an hour she laid there with her eyes closed but her ears alert. Finally she had fallen asleep. She couldn't have been asleep for more than half an hour, but by the time Bigby had roused her she was watching the sun begin to drop down behind the trees. At the mention of being hungry her stomach growled quietly. She shifted up to sit in front of him but ended up stretching out her front paws and yawning as her back swayed. He was going to show her how to hunt? Ha! She knew how to hunt she.... didn't know how to hunt without her bow and arrow. She grumbled quietly to herself and began to follow him with her head up high, making sure they weren't being followed. Talk about a paranoid wolf.


★ He caught her attention as he asked about her form. "Oh uh... I don't know if..." She became instantly quiet as he cursed and stopped. The question of what had happened was about to leave her mouth but she thought it was better that she didn't pry. They walked in silence for a bit as Red tried to get her thoughts about her. She needed to tell him what she had done. It wasn't really anything bad, she'd done it to find and save him. And if she hadn't, well then he wouldn't be here right now and she would be without a romantic interest. Speaking of Hunter, of course. The thoughts flew around in her mind and she was happy that wolves didn't blush. Well, she was red all over to begin with, she she was like one big walking embarrassment. Bigby stopped in front of her and she ended up almost running into him. Boy was she thankful that she hadn't, there was no way that she was going to become the meal for the night. Her eyes followed his sightline and she tilted her head to the side. Rabbit, easy peasy. She'd captured plenty of these before, what could be so difficult about it?


★ He gave her the pointers and she lifted her paws to look at them. "Quiet, right..." She pawed around where she was lightly to make sure she could be quiet in this body. Bigby sat down and urged her to go on. Only then did a though occur to her. "We're not going to eat it raw, are we?" Her eyes were filled with concern. The smart remark she got from him made her roll her eyes. "Wolves." She commented quietly before she made a slow quiet b-line for the creature that was soon going to become her dinner. Her gross, nasty, bloody, twitchy dinner. The thought almost made her gag as she got closer to it. It's ears perked up and his head turned slowly to look right at her. She was now on high alarm and so was the rabbit. It took off and she followed. Rookie mistake, she didn't stay completely downwind. She could practically hear Bigby's remarks as she chased after it. The tight corners it made were hard to maneuver for the large animal and she skidded to make a corner and fell more than twice before she gave up.


★ Her head hung as she made her way back toward Bigby, ashamed that she couldn't do the simple task at hand. The only good thing about what had happened was that she had been fairly quiet so hopefully she hadn't managed to scare away everything within a mile radius. She finally got back to the brown wolf and she sat down beside him. "That was... difficult." She said as she tried to find the right word to use. Difficult seemed to be the correct one. Red sighed, something then caught her attention as she inhaled. "I don't know what it is, but it smells good." Red made her way off from Bigby and this time, she remembered to stay where she could smell it, not the other way around. She came to a clearing not too far away from where Bigby was and she spotted it. A pretty good sized deer stood in the remaining sunlight and was grazing. "Isn't that amusing, we've got the same idea." Red took a couple of steps forward, making sure to be light on her feet, then she charged...


★ A couple minutes later Red came trotting back up to Bigby with her mouth tightly around the throat of the animal. The confidence was pouring off of her in waves and she dropped the deer right in front of Bigby. Her body language was practically screaming Did I do good?!Practically like a puppy. But by all means she really was one. Red's tongue lolled out of her mouth as she panted then realized what she was doing and quickly sucked it back in. It was such a canine thing to do, and it was strange to her. But somehow it felt good. Red pushed the carcass toward Bigby and waited for him to do his thing. He needed to eat first, he was the injured one, not her. She could wait. Red made her way toward the river then stuck her nose in it and washed the blood away. Sure, she had a little bit of wolf instinct in her, but not enough to where she'd want to be smelling blood for the whole time she waited to eat.

Red hadn't explained why she was now stood on four paws and covered in fur, she was more concerned with the rabbit he had asked her to hunt. He watched as she lifted her paws to look at them and pawed the ground lightly to brace herself. "That's it..." he said before she looked to him, eyes brimming in concern. Raw? He frowned slightly "Do you have opposable thumbs?" he said tilting his head. She faltered at her answer "Then yes...we're eating it raw. I can't magic up a fire...get to it before it dies of old age" he hid the smirk that tugged at his muzzle when she muttered her comment and turned to hunt the rabbit.

Slowly, carefully but somewhat untactful in her approach towards the rabbit. Bigby watched as her rump swayed back and forth, a lack of majesty about her, before he shook his head as her paw brushed against a twig and the breeze changed slightly. The rabbit turned to look her in the eyes and in a heartbeat had took off. He rose to his paws, ears pulled forward as she gave chase, sending dirt and twigs scattering as she clumsily raced after the creature. "Don't drag your paws...." he murmured before she slid to a halt and gave up the chase, returning quite literally with her tail between her legs. His brown hues settled on her sad form as she sat beside him, expressing how hard it was. "I never said it was easy Red..." he murmured gently, ears tugging back. She looked so defeated about it. "You'll get it next time...not bad for a new wolf" he said about to brush his muzzle against her when she stood. He hid the attempted action perfectly, his loss in balance a prompt to stand, a low growl escaping him as he tore at his wound in his earnest to stay upright. His nose lifted, inhaling slowly. "Mm...yeah...." he said. He looked round seeing her red tail vanish between the shrubs. Smiling slightly he followed silently, watching her prowl closer to the deer as it grazed...closer.....closer....the she charged.

Content with her approach he slowly made his way back to where they had been sat, the wolf dragging his tongue over his wounds and lifting his head as Red joined him with her fresh kill in her mouth. She was practically shaking with pride and adrenaline, gently dropping the kill at his paws and panting heavily. "Second try....I'm impressed. Usually takes two new wolves to bring down a deer this size...you should be proud" he said happily before noticing her shift as she sucked her tongue back in and frowned at herself. Oh yeah...she was still a human at heart. He hid the slightly hurt expression and looked down as she nudged the carcass towards him, prompting him to eat before passing him. Brown orbs watched her leave, trotting after her briefly and watching from the top of the bank as she washed her nose and muzzle in the river to get rid of the smell and taste. Still human at heart....was he stupid to think she might take to the wolf life for a moment? Enjoy another sight...another lifestyle and maybe even understand why he acted the way he did? Stepping backwards he returned to the carcass, walking around it and settling down the other side, brown hues glinting at Red when she returned.

"It's your kill....you get first dibs. Wolf ways....strongest first. Right now that's you...." he said resting his head on his paws. He watched her nervously n** at the carcass, his gaze curious before he slowly got to his feet. "It's dead....it won't hurt ya..." he said, stepping round to join her. "You want the rump...that's the best part..." he said, placing his paw on the top of the deer's hind leg. "Just sink your teeth in and pull...like a steak...or that taffy crap kids always eat" he said sitting down and watching her. He chuckled in amusement, seeing how nervous she was before touching his nose to her side "Nobody is going to judge you Red....let your instincts take over for a minute" he said before dipping his head as she bit in. He waited before joining her, tearing a large chunk of meat from the chest and eating with her.

Carcass devoured quickly between the two large wolves, Bigby drew his tongue over his paws before wiping his muzzle. "That was good...could have eaten it again" he said before looking to Red gently, eyes softening. He got to his paws shakily, touching his nose against the top of her head "Mind if I join you?" he asked, settling down behind her, brown eyes fixing on her green hues "Red...I want to thank you...for today" he said. "Nobody has ever sacrificed anything like what you have for me...I never thought anyone cared enough." he said gently. "I...I don't know what you did to...well....to change....but I will help you change back....it's the least I can do after what you did for me today" he said.

His nose touched hers gently, ears tugging back nervously. "I thought....I thought my story was over today..." he leaned closer, brushing his muzzle against hers and letting her head brush into his neck affectionately. "I'm just sorry you had to become this.....to fulfill you promise to me...." his tongue ran over her ear gently before he pulled away sadly. "I see how you detest this form...how you hate losing yourself to your instincts." he said gently. "This form...is just a beast.....a wild animal....a pest. The way hunter looked at you....I saw your reaction..." he said quietly before standing again, wincing as he did so. "You were horrified....disgusted by what you had become....which is why tomorrow we find you a cure...a solution." he licked the top of her head. "It's funny....I almost expected you to take to this form for a second.....I was waiting for you to find it easy. But I see you fighting....I'm glad. I fight the form I have to take every day....a form others don't want me in....a form that causes me suffering and gains me little...." he shook his head "I should thank you....for showing me that becoming something you're not isn't easy." he said quietly before grunting in pain "Get some rest....we'll head for the city at first light.....I don't want you to suffer anymore than you have to" he said before stepping away.

He laid down painfully and slowly in the growing shade of a tree, resting his head on his paws and keeping his back to her. His mind whirred with a thought....he couldn't shift at the moment....maybe he could just stay here in the woods. Live the life he used to have.....away from anyone and anything that would hurt him. No old ladies who he would be afraid of hurting, no Joelle who he'd be scared to put in danger, no Hunter or Adam looking to swing the axe when his back was turned and no more Red....his gaze saddened. No more green eyed fiery Red head to tease him, to show him that someone in the world cared....no more Red. No more making her fulfill a promise she had made....he sighed sadly, resting his eyes. "I'm sorry Red....." he murmured quietly under his breath.

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""Who's afraid of the Big bad wolf?
You should be...you wouldn't like me when I'm angry

[OOC!.]