{PRP} Old ties (Blake, Raine, Akemi, Cody, etc)

[Cornetified]

Nodding, Blake took another long sip before forcing himself to set the glass down. It wouldn't do for him to drink the whole pitcher out of nerves before dinner had even been served! "As long as she keeps her hunting to the woods, she should be fine," he said encouragingly.

He chewed on his lip a moment. There were other customers, but they might as well have been in other rooms, being so focused on their own meals. Akemi wasn't there to heckle him... "Raine... I..." ..........nope. "Thanks for letting me come. You've never told me much about your family, so I realize that coming back after so long is probably hard. I can't imagine it though. I mean, what if I suddenly got a note saying that my father was sick and wanted me to see him!?" He laughed, but it felt a little hollow. Having never known his family made the joke a little awkward in his mind. "I just.. I wanted to say thanks. For trusting me to help. If you need anything, let me know. Okay? You need only to ask..."


Cody had plucked up the heavy leather thong for wood collecting, and stared at it. That interesting red woman was soon going to be but a memory. He looked up to get one last wistful glimpse of the mysterious female... but saw more than he'd expected. A couple males known for being a hassle had pushed away from the wall they usually loitered around during the day, and were following after the stranger. If it was just the two of them, the dead-eye woman could probably handle herself. ..Of course, those weren't the only men in that gang, and he wouldn't consider himself any sort of man if he didn't follow to at least keep an eye.

"Back in a bit, gramps," he called, plucking up a few daggers as he walked briskly after the suspicious crew. He heard his grandfather holler something, but he paid it no mind. Sure, she might consider him a stalker if he had to jump in and expose his presence, but it was better than.....

Sure enough, his teeth set on edge as the males cornered the very irritated female. Why had she come so far off the main path? A death wish?! A third male suddenly appeared at her side, and a fourth was creeping out from the building on her other side. "Bunch of cowards," he growled under his breath as he pulled back his arm and threw. The male who had been reaching for Akemi was suddenly howling in pain, a blade now sticking out of the very arm that had been about to grab at her. "The lady said to let her pass. I think it'd be good on you guys to listen to her.."
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine nodded though she still bit the inside of her cheek. If only it could really be that easy to believe. Then again the twins weren’t here to cause havoc…so perhaps there was a chance after all? But she did have that awful temper still. Surely it was her worry for Akemi that was giving her such a bad case of nerves right now. Her chest was a mess of butterflies at the moment and Raine couldn’t seem to figure out exactly why.

Hearing Blake speak distracted the wolf from her tangled thoughts, “Yes?” She asked before the feeling in her chest tightened then was wiped away in confusion as he thanked her. Raine’s delicate features relaxed into a soft smile as she shook her head at him, “You don’t have to thank me. Really I should be thanking you for wanting to come along. I’m afraid once you get there you’ll regret it really…” She turned her gaze to the side as her hands laced together on the table, “As it is though this is nice! Last time I took this trip it was different.” A small laugh came out wobbly as she tried to hide the quell of fear that the memory brought.

“Still you’re amazing, Blake.” Her gaze gleamed brightly as she looked back at her companion, “I couldn’t be luckier to have such great support. I really appreciate everything. So I guess it’s my turn to thank you.”

Akemi felt her fur stand on end as the males cornered her. The bunch of dirty rats! She wished she could easily tear into each and every one of them like a true pack fight…but there was no support here. No packmates to guard her back as she rammed herself into them. No Riker…her golden gaze sharpened stubbornly. Who needed help against such a sleazy group anyways? She was better than that!

Her right hand had been slowly slipping down towards a front leg where a knife was securely strapped when the other blade whistled through the air. Akemi’s ears twitched upwards in surprise as she recognized the noise of a blade meeting flesh. Who? Her gaze widened even more before narrowing sharply once more. Out of all the taurs to come to her aid…why this guy? Still the thought didn’t keep her from tossing her own blade out so that the one who was slipping up behind Cody was stopped. Another howl of pain filled the alley as the others stood back uncertain whether to attack or not now that they saw the cold steel that the female wolftaur was boldly gripping in each hand.

“Bring it or leave!” She hissed before taking the second to bolt to action. Moving past others the female elbowed and danced her way towards the familiar face, “Come on before they get the chance to actually grow some balls!” Grabbing his hand she tugged him after her, only briefly stopping to reclaim her blade and grin wickedly at the one who had tried being a sneak. Pulling Cody after her the wolftaur struck a dark blade against the wall sparking up a piece of wrapped cloth. As it quickly caught fire she let it drop behind her sending out a fog of stinging smoke.

She didn’t stop running until they broke around several corners. Even then her body was tense and alert, “It…would be so much easier if I could….have fought.” She breathed letting go of his hand so that she could lean against a wall. Running like that was hard on an empty stomach. The thought made her eyes close wearily. She should have went with Raine and Blake for food instead of getting into this trouble.
 

[Cornetified]

Raine's reply made Blake's brow knit with concern. She thought he would regret going? What was that strange laugh? Even when she brightened up, called him amazing, and thanked him in return, all of which would normally have melted him into putty, his concerned expression remained. Her home was so terrible...? Slowly, he reached over and cupped his hand over hers. "If I come to regret anything, it'll be letting you go back to a place you don't wish to go. There's nothing I regret if it helps you," he said softly.

Of course, the server came right then with their plates, and unceremoniously cleared her throat. "Enjoy," she said flatly, dropping the plates dangerously close to the edge of the table since the wolves' hands and Blake's body were in the way. She earned the tiniest look from the male, but only turned back to fetch her next order from the kitchen window.


Cody flinched his head to the side as the blade flew at him. What was she thinking?! Of course, the cry of pain answered his mental question, peeking back over his shoulder at the pained male. This woman impressed him more and more... By the time he looked forward again, Akemi was practically on him, and he spun to get caught in her momentum. ...Was it weird that they were fleeing a band of thugs, but he was still tickled to be holding her hand? .....Yeah, it probably was.

He tried to guide their direction a bit, giving her arm a yank if she tried turning them around a corner that would have led to even deeper shadows of the alleys. He was panting softly when they did stop, and he hid his concern as Akemi leaned so heavily against the wall. That sprint had tired her out? Had he missed something? "A fight woulda been easier?" he asked with a fully amused snort. He looked back the way they'd come, his ears perked and eyes alert. "Seems we lost 'em," he said, slipping a blade into its sheath. "Come on. I'll show you where to get a drink of water. Or something heartier, if you want." Gesturing with a flick of his wrist, he turned to head for the main strip, but moved slow at first to make sure Akemi wasn't about to pass out against that wall.
 

[Sabra Knight]

He was just amazing. She was glad he was there for her like this, yet she worried if he would be better off away from her and that place which was waiting for them. At the thought Raine smiled sadly, “Sometimes Blake we have to go to places which we planned to never go near again…but I guess that’s just how life goes.” She tilted her head before shrugging quietly as if that one motion could roll the heavy burden she was feeling on her shoulders, “Don’t regret anything that you had no control over.” She squeezed his hands before pulling back as the server dropped their food on the table. Frowning the blue wolftaur wished she could just knock an arrow into that doorway, but had to remind herself that acting like Akemi would not be the best way to behave.

“Alright let’s just eat and get out of here.” She took a bite of food, “Sitting here is just making me feel meh, so I’d rather eat quickly and get moving into the woods again. Less stuffy.” Raine laughed softly, “Maybe Akemi is rubbin’ off on me already now.”

Akemi frowned at his reaction, “A ‘ell of a lot easier.” She grumbled in reply as she closed her eyes against the spinning scenery. Out of all the times to get into trouble…all she had wanted was some damn knives! Didn’t even get to eat anything either this morning, what a pain. Biting down on her bottom lip she kept herself from flinching as pain shot out from where he canines stabbed her lip. The copper taste of blood and the rush of pain made her focus come back for a few moments, “Yer persistent…really persistent.” She took a few steps and cursed as the spinning town kept returning despite the bite on her lip.

Determined not to rely on a stranger to support her the wolftaur then decided that digging her nails into her upper arm would help. Pain was always an answer for focus after all. It was good that Rain wasn’t here to chastise her for her misbehavior. Causing a ruckus on an empty stomach…what type of idiot would do such a thing? Then again she hadn’t asked for trouble. Akemi frowned, this was why she hated towns. Nothin’ made sense here. At least this guy was persistent. She looked over at him as she slowly forced herself to follow, “I guess food would work.” As much as she hated it Akemi needed to get something.
 

[Cornetified]

A small smile rose, and Blake gave her a small nod. There was much in life that they didn't have control over... "The only thing we can control in life is how we react to whatever it throws at us," he said with an encouraging nod.

Helping himself to his own plate, he shook his head. "Akemi or not, anyone would be eager to get over with something they didn't want to do, but had to." Right then, his eyes narrowed and he cocked his head, pointing out the front window with his fork. "Do you see what I see?" He had to look around a couple heads, but he knew that rusty red hide. He sighed softly at how wobbly she looked. "How long have we been here? She's already gotten herself in and out of trouble..."

Cody's brow rose before he realized what the woman mean, and smirked. "Hey, this isn't another play for your attention. You just look like you could use a drink is all," he said with a little chuckle. "I'd hate to count this as a first date~"

He kept his pace slow and even, using his ears and peripheral vision to constantly check on Akemi and their surroundings. Soon enough, they were back on the main path, and headed for a small diner. As it was, it was right across from the tavern that Blake and Raine were in. He pulled the door open and held it for Akemi. "Here. They have soups, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks; both weak and stiff. Order what you need to perk back up."
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine smiled at Blake and felt her heart give a little jump. There was so much she wish she could just pour out to him, but even now she felt so much relief at just having him here with her. Maybe Akemi did have a good idea by inviting the male along with them. Before Raine had just found his presence something she had grown accustomed to, a comfort in her once hectic life. Now she was realizing that she had started relying on him far more than she had ever imagined possible. Maybe after they got back from the north and returned home she could put her feelings into words to him.

Taking a bit of a roll Raine frowned in confusion before following his point to look outside, “Akemi?” The name was muffled through her food, but the wolftaur quickly swallowed the bite to continue, “Surely not…there would be more yelling and destruction. Maybe even fire…still should we finish here and go see?”

“Really?” Akemi rose an eyebrow at that before shrugging half-heartedly, “Alright then. Still I bet you can’t complain for this chance.” She added in with a small smirk before digging her nails into her arms once more. The flare of pain instantly combated the throbbing of her head as she forced her paws to follow the other wolftaur. It was a pain to be in this state. Normally she would have taken better care of herself, but they had been in town longer than she had expected.

If it hadn’t been for her foggy head Akemi may have paused at the entrance of the dinner to catch Raine and Blake’s scent. Instead she just nodded at Cody and slipped into a seat, “You go ahead. I don’t know much about these places…just get me something good.” Last thing she needed to do was drink while traveling no matter how tempting the idea may have been. Still it was odd just how much the place was spinning. Akemi cursed softly under her breath before clutching at her head in silent agony. She just had to make it through this and then find Raine. Food was all she needed right?  

[Cornetified]

Looking to Raine, Blake laughed and shook his head. "We are inside a building. Don't be surprised if we see smoke from the other end of the town." Still, he nodded. "Looks like she could use a hand, even if she doesn't want one." He got right focused on his plate, concerned that Akemi's weary appearance might make her more inclined to cause trouble inside that tavern.

Nodding, Cody made sure Akemi got to a table before hurrying to the bar. He ordered two large waters and two roast sandwiches, asap. Then he walked back to the table with the waters, setting one if front of Akemi before sitting down with his own. He sat silently for once, just watching Akemi to make sure she wasn't about to pass out or something.

The sandwiches didn't take long, and Cody pushed the plate at the female. "Go on. Eat. If you need more, just ask." Picking up his own big sandwich, he took a big bite and gave a quiet but pleased moan. Yum...
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine just shook her head though her gaze gleamed with quiet laughter. She would definitely believe that. Quickly her expression sobered at the comment of Akemi needing help. Oh my. I hope that pup is alright. Finishing up what was on her plate quickly she prepared to leave and find her friend.

Akemi grabbed at the water but nearly missed it. Biting her lip to keep her curses silent the wolftaur attempted again and once she grabbed the glass raised in to her lips. It hurt to swallow though and she winced at the feeling of rejection her stomach was giving her at the smell of food as well. She was hungry right? But she hadn’t wanted to eat this morning either. Setting the glass back down she purposefully looked away from Cody to hide the pain shimmering in her gaze. Where was Raine? She needed her packmate desperately right now.

Determined to not show weakness Akemi nodded as Cody pushed the plate towards her. Hands reaching out she raised it in front of her mouth but unlike Cody who was obviously enjoying the meal Akemi found it hard to even take one bite. What was going on? Rolling her eyes at his reaction to the food Akemi nearly had a smart comment before another wave of uneasy feelings passed through her. Once more she looked at her own plate. Don’t be a weak pup. Closing her eyes she forced herself to swallow one bite and then another. By her third bite though the wolftaur was done and she pushed the sandwich aside, “Thank you for the food, but I really…should go.” Everything was still spinning as she stood up boldly from the table and tried to make her way out towards the door.
 

[Cornetified]

Gulping down the last of his drink, he pulled out the proper amount of payment and dropped it onto the table, giving the waitress a wave to show he'd done so. Confused by the sneer he got in return, he gestured to Raine and hurried on outside.

Yanking the door of the other tavern open, he instantly spotted Akemi wobbling toward the door. "Akemi." He hurried over and took her arm. "Akemi. What happened?"

Already more than halfway through his sandwich, used to having to eat quickly, his brow rose as he saw Akemi push her plate away. His brow knit, and he quickly swallowed his mouthful with a drink of water. "Hey, wait!" He tossed a handful of coins onto the table and hurried after her. "Come on. Quit that. You look like you're ready to pass out! You should sit a bit longer."

When the gray male entered and went straight for Akemi, Cody frowned and took a step back. Was this...? Was this the guy she had mentioned before? Well, at least she had someone to help her properly now...
 

[Sabra Knight]

Before she left after Blake Raine paused. Something had been bothering her during their dinner, but she couldn’t quite understand it. Peering once more towards the inside she blinked as the waitress was already gone from sight. Perhaps she was just imagining it then? Had to be…

“Akemi!” Spotting the obvious fever that was blushed out across her packmate’s features Raine reached out for her friend as well, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Actually grateful for the arms which supported her the wolftaur smirked, “That would ruin the trip. It’s just a simple fever…anyways.” She was radiating heat by now and nothing seemed to stop the exhaustion that made her want to drop to the ground. For some reason her gaze flickered back towards Cody for a brief moment before she sagged against Raine, “Damn.”

“You really…” Raine sighed before wrapping her arms around the wolftaur, “You didn’t have to come with me if you were feeling that badly. We’ll get a room here and take care of you…”

“No!” Akemi glared towards her friend, “You have to go, just leave me in the trees somewhere. I’ll recover in a day and catch up.”

Raine just laughed, “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”

Before Akemi could make another comment the doors busted open once more and another group of wolftaurs came in headed by the waitress from the other tavern. Soft words were spoken between her and a male before she pointed towards Raine, “Is that not the girl?”

Growling Akemi immediately tried springing to her paws, knives in hands, and only Raine’s pressure on her side kept her from falling right back down. Biting her bottom lip the blue wolftaur looked about the room which had suddenly emptied, “This doesn’t look good…” Her free hand reached for a dagger of her own as the other wolftaurs approached.
 

[Cornetified]

A fever? When had she picked that up? ..When did Akemi ever get sick? Blake caught the glance back at the other male though, and he looked at the stranger curiously. Why did that guy look so concerned...?

He didn't have long to think on it though. That waitress? Those wolves.. were pointing at Raine. They were coming for her. A hand placed protectively onto Raine's shoulder as he moved to stand in front of her, pulling himself up tall with his free hand on his own blade, and quite surprised to see the other male there while the rest of the tavern emptied. He couldn't spare a moment to question it though. "Don't come any closer!" he growled out.

And now another female? ..How big of a group was she with? Well, still, this meant she had plenty of support without him. Yet, he couldn't back off just yet. He had to make sure she really would be cared for...

When the group of wolves stormed in, Cody reacted without thinking, and jumped forward to stand next to Akemi, just a little in front of her, blades now in both hands and his mouth turned in a snarl. These guys were bad news...
 

[Sabra Knight]

Raine didn’t believe growling at them with weapons out would really help their situation and she was right. Sighing the wolftaur had to deflect a blade that had been tossed towards Blake from the side with her own dagger, “Akemi…” Her gaze flickered with worry towards her friend before pausing to look at the stranger for a brief moment. Her friend seemed to know the male though so Raine wasn’t worried. Whoever he was he seemed rather protective of Akemi. And for that she was glad.

As the wolftaurs pressed closely towards their smaller group Raine looked around. What to do?

Akemi seemed to have the answer as she growled and moved forward, fever shinning in her gaze. They weren’t going to hurt Raine! The whole lot of them…her mouth curled in distaste as she swiped at the air against one of the wolves who had gotten to close. She frowned as she realized Cody was protecting her side as well, “Not your…fight.” She muttered towards him before taking another step forward, “Back away from Raine ya mutts.”

As she threw a knife towards the waitress it was like a spring had been sprung. Immediately everyone went to life and Raine found herself struggling to fight while protecting her Akemi. The wolftaur’s fever was no better and the adrenaline she was running on was not limitless. And they were obviously outnumbered…without Akemi in fighting condition this battle was not in their favor. What could they possibly be wanting from her? Suddenly recognition of a much younger version of the waitress hit her in mid-strike. They weren’t…were they? Even after all this time he still had orders out about her?

It was when a knife was being thrown towards her friend that Raine finally shouted, “Enough already!” Her own weapons dropped to the floor and she held out her hands, “Just stop this stupid fighting!” Her gaze was sharp, authority somehow fitting the blue wolftuar, “If you’re here to take me to my father I was heading to him on my own. This was not necessary.”
 

[Cornetified]

A snort rose as Akemi warned him off. "Neither was back in the alley," he replied. Besides, that gray male had jumped to protect the blue female... meaning he wasn't Akemi's boyfriend... Meaning that until that idiot showed up, he would stand to Akemi's defense. He stayed like her shadow during the fight, watching her back as though it was his sworn duty. He realized who this group was. The tales were not exaggerated...

Blake didn't understand any of it. Why was the group so hostile? What had they done?

But then Raine yelled out, and he stared at the attacking crew. Her father.... THIS was Raine's old clan?! "Raine..?" He stood back at her side, his hand on her arm. How was she supposed to go back to a group that handled her return like this?! Now he had a small idea though of why Raine hadn't wanted to come... Why Akemi had come along...
 

[Sabra Knight]

“b***h.” The waitress commented under her breath with her nose crinkled at the sight of the blue wolftaur who was suddenly acting like she could order the group around again, “You left.”

“What was that?” Raine’s gaze went straight through the other wolftaur, it was scary how despite the lack of resemblance her fur and body had with her father that her gaze was exactly the same one, “Veruia, right?” Her arms crossed, “You were just a pup when I last saw you.” It was a shame that she had turned into such a young, reckless wolf. But Raine’s expression flickered…there was a reason for that hatred against her then. She was a traitor to her own clan after all.


Akemi growled and pushed forward, “Raine. Let me just take care of them for you.” Her hands gripped her weapons tightly as she made to move forward, but Raine just shook her head and touched Akemi’s shoulder.

“Don’t. They are my escorts I suppose.” Raine’s gaze was calm as she looked around the room, “I suppose my father really doesn’t trust me.”

“Like he should? You cowardly deserter!” But another male moved in front of the girl and cut off her words of protest.

“Mistress Raine. We should go, whether you were heading there or not doesn’t matter.” His gray gaze locked tightly with hers, “We’re here to take you home where your father is waiting.” A small hint of a bitter grin came over his features, “Our leader is not a patient wolf.”

“I know.” Raine sighed and hugged Akemi, “You stay here.”

“What?” Akemi’s gaze narrowed in frustration, “I won’t!” Immediately though another wave of dizziness hit the wolftaur and she swayed backwards, “Dammit, Raine…if Riker was here…we wouldn’t have to do this.”
“I know.” Her gaze softened considerably as she hugged onto her friend, but the emotions that flickered through her eyes were obvious as she stared at Blake, “Blake…I – you should stay and take care of Akemi.”

“Hell no.” Akemi whispered and pushed away from Raine, “If I can’t go that boy is atleast going with you. I don’t think he would want to baby me either…he came for you, Raine.” The blue wolftaur made to argue but Akemi shook her head weakly, “I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

“Fine.” Raine looked over at Blake, “Only if you wish to. I would much rather Akemi be safe though…” Trailing off she looked towards the stranger again, “If you are her friend then take care of Akemi. I know she’s a handful, but don’t you dare let her go off into the woods like this. She needs rest and medicine. If I come back and she’s still suffering or worse then I won’t let you off easily.”

Akemi only growled softly before sitting down against the counter. Stupid wolves, they would have been screwed if the situation was different. Raine’s home pack ruled the northern lands, but the pack she had joined held even better warriors. Akemi was an example of it and the rustic wolftaur was silently beating herself up for allowing sickness to actually take a hold of her like this.
 

[Cornetified]

Cody grit his teeth at the back and forth between Akemi and this Raine girl. Raine... was of that clan?

He stiffened up when Raine's gaze turned to him, but something hidden within her stern warning... The softness and concern that he'd never seen in that clan... He firmed his chin and nodded. "She'll be back at your side before you know it," he assured, pulling Akemi against his side to help support her, as much as she might not like it. ....And also to keep her from lunging after her friend.

Blake shook his head slowly. This couldn't be real... Their leader... her father... Was her father really sending goons around to capture her? He wasn't used to her sudden tone of voice. That much authority hadn't been heard in quite a while.

Looking between the two females, he didn't even have time to protest himself! Akemi had taken the words right from his mouth. Forcing his emotion down, determination showing through, he took Raine's hand into his own in a silent promise. He was there for her. He would do anything he could for her.