Topic: RPG - Supernatural: Vampire vs Werewolf

Fort guided the Doc through the conclave, but he did not give him a tour. He simply led him to a room right next to his own. There were the usual dirty looks from other werewolves, but they knew that the Doc was there to help the situation so they did not act. As soon as the Doc entered the room he began taking all sorts of tomes, ingredients and other foul smelling things out of his Bag of Holding.

" We will begin firs ting tomorrow nigh'." The Doc tolf Fort as he unloaded things onto the desk in the room.

"Alright I'll come back later and we'll discuss the plan."

"Aight." The Doc said and never looked at Fort. He was preparing himself.

Fort nodded and walked out of the room and shut the door. We would need to prepare also. He patted Nasher on his back and headed towards the practice chamber.

(Sorry for the short post. Almost back home, ill post everything then. I'm also on my girlfriends sidekick so I can't use the chatroom.)

Daphne took Anita to her room and cringed as she opened the door. She and Nathaniel had certainly made a mess. “Sorry about the mess,” Daphne said feeling her cheeks burn pink with embarrassment.

Anita smiled knowingly, “Don’t worry I understand.”

That made Daphne feel even more embarrassed, this was Nathaniel’s mother after all.

“So you wish to speak of Nathaniel and the Luna Eclipse,” Anita probed as she sat down on the floor away from the broken items.

Daphne joined her, “Yes. I wasn’t sure exactly how much he knows.”

Anita nodded, “I seriously doubt his father told him anything. Our time together was short, though I loved him a lifetimes worth.”

Daphne didn’t probe any deeper into Anita’s past. “So you don’t think Nathaniel would know about the ritual to bind mates together?”

Anita shook her head, “I doubt it. If he does he’d have read it from a book.” Anita let out a sigh, “Unfortunately Nathaniel has been more concerned about killing werewolves then getting to know them.”

Daphne felt as though her heart had suddenly been frozen into a heavy lump, “So his response to me could simply be a reaction to the Luna Eclipse because he hasn’t been with a she-wolf before?”

Anita shrugged, “Who knows what he’s thinking. But in all my years of snooping around I’ve never seen him look at another female the way he looks at you.”

That gave Daphne some relief but not a lot, “I think I should tell him about the ritual.”

Anita tilted her head to study Daphne, “Why?”

“We have drawn each other’s blood in the heat of passion. He has bitten me once, I don’t think he realises the implications of doing so during the Luna Eclipse.” Daphne pointed out feeling ashamed of sharing such an intimate moment with Nathanial’s mother.

“Ah,” Anita said, “He’s following his instincts even if he does not know the ritual.”

“I think he deserves to know what he’s getting into,” Daphne pointed out.

Anita shrugged, “He needs a good woman and you are certainly that.”

“You haven’t really answered me,” Daphne replied.

Anita smiled, “You know you could be carrying my grandchild even now. How would you feel if Nathaniel rejected the idea of becoming your life mate only to find out that you’re pregnant with his child?”

The thought chilled Daphne, “He should still have a choice.”

“And maybe you should wait to find out if you’re going to be a mother,” Anita told as she got to her feet. “A she-wolf needs her mate during such a time. To give up a child is the worst thing a mother can ever experience.”

Daphne sat in shock. The logical part of her brain had ceased to function when Nathaniel was around. She should have remembered that pregnancy was an extremely high risk in the upcoming time of the Luna Eclipse. She looked at Anita, “How long before I’ll know?”

“If you don’t get morning sickness straight away then a pregnancy test will work after 10 days,” Anita informed her.

Daphne swallowed, ten days would mean she’d know after the Luna Eclipse.

Anita touched her shoulder, “Think on it a while. Besides we still have the demons to defeat.” With that Anita left.

Daphne got to her feet and started to clean up in an attempt to clear her mind. She picked up a photo frame that the glass has smashed in. It was a photo of her family back when her mother and brothers had been alive. A question came to mind, Had Nathaniel been the slayer who had killed her brothers?

Audrey followed D and Ashryn. She observed the pair of vampires sword fighting and felt a chill go through her. These vampires knew how to fight and D certainly had a lot of power. She felt so small and insignificant. She wondered why they wanted to help her.

She looked at Ashryn, “When can I see John again?”

-

Joo-Eun was grinning as she was enjoying her moment with Striker. He was an excellent fighter. She would have had the upper hand if D hadn’t pointed out Striker’s positioning.

“So my ratty friend do you surrender?” She smirked as she backed him into a corner.

He laughed, “You think a corner will stop me?” He leapt over her head to land behind Joo-Eun.

She ducked and pivoted but Striker already had his blade against her throat, “Do you surrender, my lady?”

Joo-Eun smiled up at him, “For now,” she said and took his hand as he offered her. She rose to her feet, “Your skills are improving.”

“Having a decent sparring partner helps,” Striker said as he replaced their sabres. “It’s a shame you spend so much time with Valiant, your skills are wasted.”

Joo-Eun studied Striker for a moment, “I found moments of fun with Valiant. However those moments are over. Would you like to hunt with me?” she asked and extended her arm.

The night approached.  The wolf in him was restless.  It hadn't killed humans for a long while.  For too long he had been suppressing it.

He gave himself to the wolf.  It choose a half-human half-wolf form.  Silently he left the conclave and headed to the city.

((I want some confrontation.  :P))

She looked at Ashryn, “When can I see John again?”

Ashryn looked into the young vampires eyes. She was obviously alone and afraid. But she also had strength. He admired that.

"Your slayer friend concerns me. I make it my business to know the dealings of Murk Valley's Vampire activity. That is my service to the coven. Even a halfling stranger among our kin must observe and respect our laws. Attacking our kind is not looked at lightly. However...he has kept his word in allowing you to join us. I shall keep mine." Ashryn looked at D, then again at Audrey. "His word should count for something. The slayer...John, is it?...is to be left alone. However, inform him that such offer will be terminated if another of our kin is murdered by his hand. There is already too much going on here I don't like. I don't see why she shouldn't see him, D."

Daphne decided to see if Nathaniel had returned to his room. She knocked on the door and he opened it with a smile, “Hey gorgeous.”

She smiled in return, very tempted to push him back onto the bed and have her way with him. Instead she said, “Can we talk?”

Nathaniel opened the door wider for her, “Come in but I need to get ready to hunt.”

Daphne walked inside and felt Nathaniel’s hand move to her backside as he closed the door. “No more pinching,” she said sternly to him.

Nathaniel raised his hands in the air in mock surrender, “You got the wrong man. I’m innocent.”

Daphne smiled as she realised that Nathaniel only played these silly games with her. She wondered if he even realised that he’d let his guard down with her. She walked up to him with her hands behind her back and stopped only a hands breadth away from him. “Is that so? I would have thought you’d hunt down and kill anyone else to put their hands on your woman?”

Nathaniel grinned and placed both hands on her behind, “Okay it was me.” He pulled her close for a hot kiss. Daphne closed her eyes and pressed against him. She almost forgot why she’d come to see him. She broke off the kiss but he still held her close. “I came here to talk.”

Nathaniel grinned at her wickedly, “You’re a woman and I’m told they can do more than one thing at a time.”

“Except it’s hard to talk if you’re kissing me,” Daphne pointed out.

Nathaniel shrugged, “So talk.”

Daphne let out a sigh, “Have you ever hunted in Murk Valley before?”

Nathaniel moved and sat on the bed while he still had his arms around Daphne so she sat on his lap. “No I haven’t hunted here before or at least that I can remember. Why do you ask?”

Daphne pulled a photograph from her pocket and showed it to Nathaniel, “This is a photo of my family. My mother was killed by a slayer which my father is currently pursuing in France. My brothers were also killed by slayers, I’m just hoping it wasn’t by you.”

Nathaniel frowned and took the photo out of her hand to study it, “I don’t remember their faces but it depends on what form they were in and where they were killed.”

Daphne looked down, not sure what she should do. Nathaniel cupped her face with his hand, “Look at me.”

She looked up at him as he asked.

“I’m a slayer and I have killed a lot of supernatural things in my time. In the heat of battle you don’t always look at your opponent thoroughly. There’s just not the time,” Nathaniel explained.

“Why did you choose to kill your own kind?” Daphne found herself asking.

Nathaniel let out a curse, “I’m half-wolf, Daphne. The only true werewolves I’d seen were vicious and deadly. They killed anyone who crossed their path. I could never accept that side of myself. I tried to remain as human as possible.”

“You don’t like what you are?” Daphne asked as she reached out to touch his face, she traced her finger along his eyebrow, down his cheek and to his collarbone. Before he could answer she whispered quietly, “I like what you are.”

She saw that he caught his breath at her touch and when he looked at her it was with desire. “You’re the first she-wolf I’ve wanted to be with.”

She smiled but it was touched with sadness, “What do you know of the Luna Eclipse?”

Nathaniel grinned at her devilishly, “I know it makes me want to do all sorts of things to you.” His grinned widened, “Well some of those things I may have already done but I’d like to repeat them, over and over again.”

Daphne could help but smile back, “You said you needed to get ready to hunt.”

“I never said what I felt like hunting,” Nathaniel said in low in his throat as his eyes moved to study her lips.

“No but I thought it involved going out,” Daphne said knowing she should probably get off his lap.

Before Daphne could react, Nathaniel spun her to the side and down on the bed he moved over her and pinned her hands above her head. She tilted her head to study him, “I believe I have already surrendered to you, sir.” She teased.

Nathaniel eyed her hungrily, “I can’t seem to get enough of you.”

As his mouth came down to claim hers Daphne spoke, “You know the Luna Eclipse makes us more fertile.”

Nathaniel paused to look at her, “What do you mean?” he asked as his lips brushed over hers.

“I mean if we keep this up we might become parents,” Daphne said and expected him to get off her like a scalded cat.

Instead he studied her intently with an expression on his face she couldn’t read. “I should get ready shouldn’t I?”

“I guess so,” she replied and waited for his reaction.

-

Karen held Griggs in her arms. He still hadn’t answered her about the whereabouts of her brother’s car but she found she wanted other things, namely some quality time with Griggs. She felt almost shy but the Luna Eclipse was calling to a base need that she hadn’t felt towards any other werewolf. “Griggs, I ah wondered,” she started feeling nervous.

Griggs looked at her and Karen felt rather hot and bothered, “Do you want to come see my room?” she blurted out.

Griggs blushed the Luna Eclipse was coming but he was an old fashioned kinda guy. He scratched his head, “How about we go to a movie?”

Karen grinned seeming relieved, “Okay what will we see?”

Griggs smiled. "Both Predator movies are on a double feature at the State-Line Drive-In...we can take Eleanor." Griggs raised a brow.
"I'd like that." Karen smiled wider.
"Good, I was afraid you'd say no." Griggs said in a sarcastic, yet loving way. "But first I need to do something about my appearance. I'm looking a bit...wolfy."

Paul was slid into an alley.  He sat there and waited.  Soon enough he saw a lady struggling with a man who was trying to relieve her of the purse she was carrying.  Saliva was forming in his mouth.  He leaped across the street in 2 bounds and was upon the mugger.  Taking out his jugulars the man was dead before he could scream.  The lady not seeing much because of the darkness came up behind him.

"Thank-you sir!  I was scared spitless!  I thought he was going to kill m-"  She stopped dead as Paul brought his bloodied muzzle up from the corpse.  Her mouth was opening in a scream but Paul was faster.  He shot out his paw tearing out her throat.  Her hands went to her neck trying to stop the blood as she fell to the ground.  After having his fill he made his way out of the alley.  Sniffing the air he picked up a scent.  Vampires.  The wolf wanted to hunt.  But he wanted to go back.  But the wolf had not been fully sated.  It wanted more blood.  He sniffed the air again.  One scent was familiar.  It was the Asian vampire.  The other was unfamiliar.  Slinking through the shadows he made his way to the source of the smell.  Hopefully the wind would stay at his back.

Karen chuckled as she looked at Griggs, "Yes you might get a few strange looks. No close your eyes and concentrate. Imagine a deep peace falling over you, imagine running through a field in your current form. Now visualise yourself changing back to your human form. Feel your body move back into it's normal shape."

Griggs stood with his eyes shut and Karen watched as he gradually returned to his true form.

"Now open your eyes," she instructed him.

Griggs did so and looked at his hands, "It worked!"

Karen smiled, "Of course. Now let's see these movies."

"Yeah ok then. I was going to go to the practice room before checking in with the Doc. Care to join me? I think I could teach you a thing or two." Fort said as he lifted Nasher off a table and clipped it to his back.

Fort didn't want Daphne to think that he wanted nothing to do with her after finding out that she could get pregnant. Yet Fort did not want a child to be quite honest. At least not now, later on, when he retired and had time to take care of a son or daughter maybe. He did not want a repeat of his own life for his child. He did not want him or her growing up without a mother or father and being confused about what they are. He saw the pain his father endured not being bale to raise him with Anita, he didn't want that again. Fort would commit to the child, and Daphne. Yet before that could happen.....he wanted to save his father.

This argument raises another question however. During past Luna Eclipses Fort found that he could not satisfy his lust with human women. He required the supernatural ferocity and passion of a werewolf like Daphne. Then how was it that Elric was able to qwell Anita's lust? What supernatural quality did Elric have that could satisfy Anita?.....

(Hee Hee Hee :D

P.S.

IM BACK WOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Expect somewhat normal and more frequent posts now. The Balor Lord fight will be soon :D )

(And suddenly....the plot becomes more complex...)
John wandered around, about as bored as he was before. There was a stong breeze, and he smelled something faintly. Two vampires, and...something else, he wasnt sure what.
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Nikoli almost felt sorry for the deer. One moment it was eating the next thing it knew it was on the gorund kicking randomly as it's throat was torn out. Blood soaked his fur, and he lifted his paw from the carcass. He ran, smelling the air, looking for prey.

Loxley left the company of Crispin and was determined to put his new skills into practice. He was going to keep his anger in check, as it was no longer going to rule him. In the meantime however he was going to make Paul’s life extremely uncomfortable.

Loxley took his time wandering around the conclave. He made himself ignore Daphne and Nathaniel as he passed the Practice Room. He came to the Mess Hall and found who he was looking for: Michelle.

Michelle sat eating a bowl of noodles looking rather solemn. Loxley grabbed a muesli bar and sat down opposite her. “How are you Michelle?”

She looked up in surprise, “Oh hi Loxley, I’m okay I guess.”

Loxley raised a brow, “That’s unusual for you Michelle, normally you are more upbeat.”

Michelle twirled her fork in her noodles and studied it, “I guess I was hoping Paul would let me back him up when he takes on the demons.”

Loxley had to stop himself from smiling, this was almost too easy. “Wait, Paul doesn’t want you to fight with him? That seems odd, most males want a female who is willing to fight with them, it proves that they will be a fierce mother when the time comes.”

Michelle chewed her bottom lip, “He said he didn’t want me to get hurt.”

“He’s worried he won’t be able to protect you, it’s the Omega coming out in him.” Loxley said coolly, suppressing his anger and letting it only simmer.

Michelle looked at him with concern, “He’s not the Omega anymore, is he?”

Loxley leaned back in his chair, “He’s been the Omega for a long time, what makes you think that his way of thinking has changed?”

Michelle picked up her fork and looked even more concerned, “He seems to have changed as he helped take down a whole coven of vampires.”

“He may have been holding the ammunition for all you know. Don’t be fooled Michelle, Paul is an Omega at heart and always will be.” With that he stood and left Michelle to ponder what he said.

Joo-Eun and Striker walked the streets together looking for a meal. Joo-Eun preferred criminals as she liked to think she was performing some justice.

A gargled scream came from nearby, “Sounds like breakfast,” Joo-Eun grinned.

The pair of vampires rounded the corner to find two bloody corpses and a hungry werewolf. “Oh crap,” Joo-Eun cursed as she pulled her sword.

“Let’s play,” Striker smirked.

Paul smiled a wolfish smile as he saw the vampires pull out their swords.  He charged muscles pumping.  Had they not enhanced relfexes Paul would have gored the male.  But he barely managed to get out of the way and Paul glanced off him sending him into the female.  Paul wheeled and saw the two vampires get up fast.  The male charged and Paul side stepped his attack and was about to slug him but the other female was bringing her sword down.  It glanced off of his shoulder.  He howled as pain erupted in his left arm.  Silver.  He snarled at female.

"Oooh that one looked like it hurt wolfie.  Shall we dance?"  She bared her fangs at him and came in for a side-slash.  Paul was fast and had one of his sai blocking the blade.  SHe didn't expect that.  But the other vampire was there with his blade.  Before he could bring it around Paul used his free hand to smash him across the face and shove off the female.  He turned and faced them both, both sai ready.

John wanted to find something to do, and the best idea was to find that vampire, Valiant. He began to run through the streets, searching. Eventually he caught something on the wind, and when he reached the source, he found him. Feeding of some woman. John shot once, the round ripping through Valiant's leg. He fell, and his victim fell with him, to far gone. Valiant rose, drawing a sword. "So the slayer wants to play, huh?" John had closed the distance, and was now about ten feet away. He had his knife ready. "Yeah sure, just try not to die to fast."  Valiant swung, John barely avoiding being about a head shorter. He slashed at Valiant, the blade cutting into the Vampire's arm.

Joo-Eun smiled as she’d been looking for a fight. Striker moved in and tried to keep the wolf’s attention. Joo-Eun moved to the side and decided to make things interesting. She cut low and hamstrung the wolf’s right leg. “Let’s see you run now, scumbag,” Joo-Eun hissed.

The wolf lunged at her and bit at her face, Joo-Eun snarled and bared her teeth. Striker tried to decapitate the wolf but Joo-Eun was in the way. Paul deflected the blow but Joo-Eun sank her teeth into his neck and feed on the wolf before he threw her into a wall. Joo-Eun laughed manically, “You’re tasty wolf, I plan to bleed you dry.”

Paul was hurting.  His neck was throbbing and his arm was hanging uselessly at his side.  He had his back up against the wall and escape was limited.  They were both advancing.  He needed to do something.  He threw his one sai at the male and it landed square in the male's chest.  He stumbled back sai protruding from his chest.  MEanwhile the female was chargin at him.  He was slowly fending off but his one arm was getting tired.  He had one shot here.  He engulfed her in a bearhug and used his momentum to grab her arm and throw her at the wall with all his might.  With both vampires dazed he quickly shifted into a full wolf form and hobbled off back to the conclave.

He was just at the borders of the conclave when the adrenaline when he was hit with a wave of pain.  Gasping for breath he collapsed and fell to the ground.  The wolf left him and he shifted into his human form.  He looked up and saw a form coming towards him.

"Help...me..."

A familiar voice spoke up.  "Well well well.  Look who decided to come back."  Loxley.  "Come to beg for mercy?"

"Please.  Help." 

"Once an Omega, always an Omega.  Crawing on the ground is where you belong." 

"Loxley?  Loxley I've thought about what you said and I need to talk!"

Michelle!  Please please come this way.  Paul thought.

Loxley leaned in close to Paul so no one could hear.  "Looks like you're girlfriend has come to save you.  But you may need to look at who your friends are in the future."  He smiled devilishly as Paul slowly lost consciousness.

----------------

"Loxley?  Loxley?  There you are- PAUL!  What's happened to him?!"

Loxley shrugged.  "I dunno.  THese look like silver wounds.  So it's probably a slayer or vampire."

"Well don't just stand there like an idiot!  Help me get him back to the conclave!"

She grabbed his arms as Loxley grabbed his legs.  They began making their way back to the conclave.

Loxley helped Michelle carry Paul to her room. He didn’t say a lot although he could have easily carried Paul on his own. He shifted Paul roughly to land on Michelle’s bed, “Hopefully he won’t bleed everywhere.” Loxley commented.

Michelle quickly grabbed a first aid kit and started looking over Paul. “Oh my, he’s been bitten by a vampire!”

Loxley turned his head to examine the wound, “So much for your mighty hunter.”

“Now’s not the time to discuss such things, just help me.” Michelle said with annoyance.

Loxley shrugged, “Fine but he’ll heal. I survived a sword through the head.”

Michelle looked surprised by that, “Really?”

Loxley nodded, “Yep Paul’s a little fragile by the looks of it.”

Paul groaned as he tried to wake.

Paul awoke to pain.  He lay there taking it in.  Slowly as he got used to it it dulled a bit.  He realized he was lucky.  One or two more good strikes more from thier blade and he would have been dead.  He lazily looked around the room and saw Michelle attending to his wounds.  He smiled weakly and stroked her hair.

"Awake Paul?  Good.  Help me clean your wounds."

Paul was a bit taken aback by this cold reaction.  He pulled himself into a sitting position.  He grabbed a small vial of holy water in the kit and sprinkled a little on to his wounds.  It burned slightly.  But it was expected.  At least the disease would spread.  He worked on his left arm and the gash.  It took out a good hunk of flesh.  But the worst was his hamstring.  She got him good there.  That would take the longest to heal completely.

"How you doing Paul?"

"Better."

Loxley sat in the corner observing.

Anita made her way toward Crispin’s quarters. She wanted to know what his plans where for the up and coming fight with the demons. She also wanted to know his thoughts on her son.

Anita knocked on the door and Crispin opened it and smiled as he saw her, “To what do I owe the honour?”

A small smile escaped Anita’s lips, “I’ve come to talk about the preparations and Nathaniel.”

Crispin raised a brow, “Sit down.”

Anita found a chair and did just that. “You didn’t seem too concerned about your grandson playing bait to a demon. I was wondering why?”

Fort and Daphne entered the practice room and Fort unsheathed Nasher and walked to the center of the room.

(The room looks exactly like the one from the Matrix, the one Neo and Morpheus fight in. However, this one has all kinds of melee weapons lining the wall.)

"Choose your destiny." Fort said as he waved his hand at the weapon racks and held Nasher, tip downward, in his other hand. Just then Griggs and Karen walked by the room as the door was closing and Griggs yelled into the room.

"MORTAL KOMBAT!!!!!!" Karen looked at Griggs with an eyebrow raised and Fort nodded at him. They continued down the hall and headed towards the exit(theyre still going to the movie theater right?).

Daphne slowly looked around the walls of the pratice room.

"I was never one for melee combat... I've only been in this room for martial arts practice." She said, eyeing a silver flail.

"Well better late then never. Pick one. Before I officially joined the Knights I worked as a squire for them and became a weapons master in the process. I'll show you how to use whatever you pick.

Daphne perused over the weapon racks and came to a dusty old chest behind a large rack of war hammers. She pulled the rack aside and knelt down in front of the chest.

"What did you find?" Fort said checking Nasher's blade.

Daphne saw that there was no lock on the chest. She lifted the lid. (Imagine the little tune from Zelda play when Link opens big chests)

The inside of the chest and a velvet lining. Nestled within was a shining sword. http://www.nitroplus.co.jp/pc/ranking/gunimage/rapier.jpg (Add a large ruby to the pommel. Hee hee hee....the plot thickens)

Daphne closed her hand around the hilt and lifted it from the chest. She admired it for a few seconds and then turned and brandished it at Fort.

"Ah, a rapier. And a nice looking one at that. Now for defense the rapier works like a two handed sword like Nasher here. Quick and small wrist movements the position your blade for parries. However, offense couldn't be more different. Two handed swords use either medium lunge attacks or all out huge swings which cleave your foe. Rapiers still use quick movements of sweeping arm movements for greater damage. Got it?"

"Well, I gue-"

"Good, HAVE AT THEE!" Fort yelled and lunged at Daphne. Then, the teaching began.

Daphne managed to block the blow but only just, "Hey I wasn't even ready."

Nathaniel grinned, "You must always be ready. You're opponent won't wait for you."

"True I guess," Daphne said as she struck back. Her attention was momentarily distracted as she saw Loxley walk by. She had expected him to walk in but he passed with only the briefest glance. She felt the cool blade of Nathaniel's blade touch her throat. She hissed as it started to burn.

"Oh sorry, I'm used to sparring with humans." Nathaniel said as he moved the silver blade off her skin.

Daphne touched her fingers to the burn, it was already healing. "Does it bother you that I'm not human?"

"I know its strange that it doesn't since I'm a slayer but, no it doesn't bother me. At least not anymore. I was pretty convinced that all werewolves were ferocious beasts at first. This conclave is the first to show any sanity towards me." Fort replied. He then lifted Nasher and brought it down with a strong overhead strike. Daphne lifted the rapier and blocked it. She backed away and Fort lifted Nasher again.

"Rapiers aren't for straight on blocking too much. Its more for parrying. Im gonna attack again and this time deflect Nasher out of the way and go for a parry." Daphne nodded and Fort came at her again. He swung Nasher downward and Daphne aimed upward and turned her wrist. Nashers blade slide along hers and out of the way. She took the opportunity to land a parry attack.

Fort had much more sword skill than Daphne however. He was quite adept at using his blade. Daphne knew Nasher was out of the way and lunged at Fort with the tip of her blade. She would put it at his neck and ask him to yield. Suddenly the pommel of Nasher smacked into the side of Daphne's face. This sent her reeling and she fell to the ground. Fort was a hard teacher.

Daphne felt the side of her head. He hadn't hit hard enough to break skin...but it damn hurt. She looked up at him and narrowed her eyes at him. He smiled at her. With lightning speed Daphne rose and swung her rapier at Fort. He easily deflected the blow and swept his leg under her. He jumped and stabbed at him. Nasher once again blured in front of her and her blade was deflected. Daphne was truly amazed at Fort skill with such a large heavy sword.

"Dont give in to your anger." Fort said and stabbed at Daphne.

She deflected the blow and tryed to parry again. This time however she sent a kick straight to Fort's chest after he dodged the parry. He grabbed her foot with a free and and twisted. She spun and kicked him in the face with the other foot. She took the chance and swung again. Fort recovered quicker then she anticipated though and he blocked another blow. They backed off momentarily.

Fort wiped away blood that trickled down the corner of his mouth. Daphne smiled and lifted her rapier again. Fort lunged and swung quickly she dodged and swung at an exposed area of Fort. He sidestepped and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her towards him. He went in for a kiss but she slapped him hard across the face and he retreated backward, covering the slapped area.

Daphne leapt at Fort, rapier raised. Fort fell onto the ground and raised his leg. His foot connected with her stomach and he launched her away. She landed a few feet away and attacked again. Fort brought Nasher downward and he held her blade down with Nasher. He released Nasher with one hand and sent a viscious backhanded slap at Daphne. He connected with her cheek and her head spun. She let out a growl and slipped her sword from underneath Nasher and swung upward.

Her sword bit into Fort's chest and slashed from his waist all the way up to his collar bone. The atack costed her however. Fort swung Nasher horizontally with an attack that would and cut her in two if he had not turned Nasher and hit her with the broad side of his blade instead. The impact threw her sideways and sucked the wind out of her. She backed away and Fort ripped off his now ruined vest.

Blood flowed freely from the light cut across his chest and he raised Nasher once more. Daphne recovered her breath and sped at Fort. Fort blocked her blade and grabbed Daphne's arm. He pulled hard and swung her away in the opposite direction. She clattered among a rack of short swords and picked herself up again and grabbed a shortsword and threw it at Fort. Fort deflected it with Nasher and ran at Daphne. She picked up another short sword and began duel weilding with it.

This is when Fort's speed with Nasher really showed. She lunged at Fort and swung rapier at him. Fort blocked it but the short sword came quickly afterwards. He backstepped and dodged it. Daphne began an array of lightning quick attacks with the two swords and was causing Fort to fall back. He could hold himself however. She surprised him however with a kick to the chest that tossed him into a rack of war hammers. He threw the hammers off and rose with a roar. Unknowingly his fangs were released.

Fort lunged at Daohne again and attacked ferociously this time. Daphne was caught off guard by the ferociousness and Fort siezed the opportunity and rapped Daphne's hand with the flat of Nasher's blade. She dropped the shortsword and Fort kicked it away. He dodged a strike from the rapier and uppercutted her chin. Fort could have sworn he heard the faintest "Excellent" in the distance(lol). Daphne was sent flying several feet backward and into the air and landed amongst a rack of spears.

Daphne's landing was hard but she appreciated what Nathaniel was trying to do. The demon would have no mercy so that was why he was showing none. Daphne stood, rapier in one hand and a spear in the other. She calmed herself and calculated her next move. As she had hoped, Nathaniel attacked. This time she watched his shoulders to gage his movements. She managed to avoid a few blows by blocking with the rapier though it was hard one handed.

She twisted the spear to wrap it under her arm. She pivoted so Nathaniel would have to duck to avoid being hit. He tried to chop the spear but Daphne kept him occupied with her rapier she marked his forearm with a Z.

"I thought Daphne started with a D, not a Z." Nathaniel said cheekily.

"Zorro's my hero," she grinned in response. She flicked the spear at him and he deflected it. Now it was her turn to take him off guard, "Your fangs have grown."

Nathaniel's hand instinctively moved to his mouth and Daphne took her opportunity. She threw the rapier in the air, shifted to wolf form and ran beneath Nathaniel's legs. She shifted back to human form caught the rapier and held it against his throat. "Do you yield?"

Nathaniel grabbed her with one hand and flipped her over him and onto her back. She looked up and him and laughed, "You don't give up, do you?"

Nathaniel shook his head, "You can't give up when you know that you'll die if you do."

Daphne nodded, perhaps it was why she was losing. She wasn't taking it seriously because she was fighting Nathaniel and she trusted that he wouldn't truly hurt her. Nathaniel offered her a hand up and she accepted it. As she stood she realised that her clothes were a shredded mess from her transformation. "Guess I better get changed," she commented.

Nathaniel grinned, "I don't mind if you stay as you are."

"Of course you don't," she said in response. She raked him with her eyes then raised her sword, "Well your not exactly fully dressed so I guess we can continue."

"You say that I am not concerned about my grandson fighting a demon? I'm insulted!" Crispin said to his daughter. "Believe you me, when the time comes to battle the demons, I will make sure no harm comes to the boy. I give you my word, daughter."

"If you for him as much as you now say, why didn't you protest when he decided to bait himself? Why didn't you attempt to stop him?"

Crispin stood there for a moment, staring at his daughter, his eyes warmed over in love for his child. "Because," He said finally. "He is my grandson, and your son, and as such, his will is not easily bent or deterred. The McPhees are very famous for their determination and stubborness...as you well know."

John blocked another strike, puching Valiant with his free hand.  Valiant pushed him away and stabbed him through the shoulder, sticking him to a nearby tree. He stood back, as if considering how to kill John, when he stopped, and looked down the street. "Smells like some wolfs are coming. You might make a good meal for them." Valiant grinned, and left.

Fort nodded at Daphne's comment and continued the training. They fought and sparred for hours. Daphne had become quite adept with the rapier. However, the sword was giving Fort an odd feeling. He would inspect it later.

After both Daphne and Fort became exhausted they decided to end the training. Daphne looked through some weapon crates and found a sheath suitable for the rapier and strapped it to her side. Fort smiled, it looked good on her.

Fort walked out of the room with numerous cuts that were already healing and Daphne was just sore all over from punches, slaps and smacks from the flat of Nasher's blade.

"I'm going to check in on the Doc." Fort said as they walekd towards their rooms.

"Ok, im going to get some intact clothes."

Fort looked at her shredded outfit. He was tempted to follow her to her room again, but he did not have the time.

"I'll look for you afterwards. I think its time. Inform Crispin." Fort said. Daphne nodded and opened her door as they reached her room. Nothing more was said. The calm before the storm was intense.

Fort went to his room first and showered. He put on a new pair of combat pants and a fresh tactical vest. He didnt strap any of his slayer equipment to it however, he just needed to see the Doc. He left his room with Nasher on his back, he never went anywhere without it.

Fort went to the room next door that was Doc's room. He knocked and opened the door.

Pale fumes spilled out of the room and swirled around his ankles. Fort rolled his eyes. The Doc had all his incenses and weird concoctions brewing. The room had undergone a cmplete transformation. The Doc had filled it with all his various charms, trinkets, statues, books, candles, markings and other odd things. There were several insences burning and a small cauldron in the center of the room. It had a bright blue swirling liquid inside it and the Doc rose from the fog and shadows behind it and filled a large vial of the blue liquid and stuck it into his sash after putting a cork in it.

His sash now had a vial of the blue liquid, glowing pink liquid, a disgusting looking green liquid and a fourth vial with what appeared to be.....nothing. It was empty.

"De Balor Lord jou tol' me bout iz only preying on peopol who ah alone no?" The Doc said, lifting the cauldron and tipping it into the drain in the sink.

"Yes. I'm going to be the bait." Fort knew Griggs would do it too, but he couldn't vouch for him now.

The Doc raised an eyebrow and looked at Fort and he put the cauldron back.

"Bery well. Pick de area where jou would like to fight the demon. I am prepared. I will subdue heem for jou, yet one of jou must kill it. My magics cannot." The Doc said while sitting down in a chair. "Round up de wolfies, wookiemon."

(Everybody ready? Its probably going down late tonight or tomorrow.)

Loxley stood up and made to leave.  "Well I feel pretty much useless standing here.  I'm leaving.  Hope you feel better Paulie."  He added some contempt to his voice.  "But remember what I told you Michelle."  He winked at her and left without another word.  Paul noticed this.

"What was that Michelle?"

She averted his eyes.  "Nothing." 

Paul sat there contemplating.  He wasn't sure whether to press the issue.  Most women didn't like it when men where persistent about something.  But this was concerning Loxley.

"You know I am more than willing to listen if you have anything in mind."

Her brow furrowed in deep thought.  She climbed up onto the bed beside him.  "Why can't I fight?"

He arched an eyebrow.  "I told you.  I've lost Clara.  I don't want to lose someone else."

"But that's because she was all alone.  I would be at your side the entire time."

Paul breathed in and leaned back.  He really was considering what she had proposed.  He wouldn't let her out of his sight for one.  But there was whether she could fight or not?

He sighed.  "Can you fight?"

She hugged him.  "Can I fight?  Do wolves howl?"  To demonstrate her point she pulled out a saber she had in a display case and executed a flurry of attacks. 

"And I'm half decent with a gun too."

They both heard a knock at the door.  Michelle answered the door and saw Fort and Daphne ((sorry if this cuts off some of your dialog but I assumed Fort would go for Daphne first.)). 

"Are you ready Paul?  It's time."

Paul turned and sat up and experimentally placed one foot on the ground.  Not falling over was good.  He walked to the farside of the room.  He felt good.

"I'm ready.  And if you don't mind I'd to bring a friend."

"Oh go right ahead.  We'll meet you in the mess hall in about 3 hours."

Johns cell rang, he pulled it from hsi pocket and answered. "Yeah?" He grunted, he was still stuck to the tree. "Get ready, it'l be in a couple hours."

"How many?"

"Three to five."

There was a hint of another voice in the background, female. "Alright. Have fun with your freind" He said hanging up.  He put the phone back in his pocket, and grabbed the sword by the hilt, yanking it out. He looked at the sword then the wound in his shoulder. "(censored) ruined my OzzFest shirt." That didnt matter much though. He headed home, to get the AK-47, keeping the sword with him, it was nice.

(LOL, I think everybody has a sword now...)

(its not like hes going to use it.....Unless he fights someone...but then he would be better with the knife/pistol....or the AK...:D)

((Swords rule.  Thats all there is to it.))

Nick was crouching on a chair in the mess hall, watching the lycans and half-breeds enter the room alone or in pairs.  He grinned goofily.  If he was sill back home, his mother wuld be screaming at him to get his feet off the chair, and to sit normally.  Just another pleasure of living on your, own, he assumed.  He saw Daphne and Fort enter the hall, followed by Paul, and another lycan he recalled as Michelle.  So the guy had found love at last  He grinned even wider.  That was good.  Paul hd been ignored for too long, in Nick's opinion, but he could do little about that situation earlier. 

He shrugged his shoulders, once more feeling the comforting weight of the blade in its scabbard slung across his back.  Having a wapon made him feel good, adn swords more so than others.  With this, he felt like he could take the demon lord on all on his lonesome.  Which, of course, he kenw to be senseless bravado.  Best to attack in a pack.  They were wolves, after all...

Nikoli stepped into the mess hall, Loxley turned his head "Took you long enough."  Nikoli looked over.  "You would look good with a silver bullet in your brain." Loxley shut up. Nikoli looked around, many of them were there, all ready to fight, and Nikoli knew, die for their pack. By coincidence Daphne was across from him. Nikoli looked at her, taking no notice of Fort, who was looking around to see who was there. Nikoli looked away, trying, not to sucsefully to think.

Loxley had snapped at Nikoli but it had all been for show. He didn’t want the creep to think he’d learnt to control his anger, well to some degree anyway.

Loxley’s brow twitched. There was something none of the others knew, a deep dark secret that gnawed away at him continually. But then it might not be his own turmoil. Loxley looked at Daphne, he’d done it for her and he’d done it for Thomas.

He looked at the floor. A fresh wave of anger washed over him. He threw his head back in attempt to control it with the new skills Crispin had begun to teach him. His nostrils flared as he lowered his head, Nikoli was looking at him funny. Loxley gave him the one fingered salute.

“Cute,” Nikoli said in response dryly.

Loxley gave him a sardonic grin. His eyes turned back to Daphne and he closed them tightly, he could not give in. He’d been fighting to keep it at bay for so long.

Daphne looked at Loxley as he opened his eyes. He wanted to reach out to her, she soothed the beast within and now she stood with the halfing. She smelt of him and it only flared Loxley’s anger more.

-

As Daphne turned to look at Loxley she realised something was very wrong. The irises of both his eyes were changing to red. "Are you alright?" she asked him as he doubled over to hold his belly.

His hand lashed out to grab her arm. He was shifting into his humanoid wolf form and his talons were digging into her arm. "You're hurting me," Daphne said feeling certain he'd let go but he didn't. "Loxley let me go!" she demanded. He released her and dropped to all fours.

"Get away from me!" Loxley yelled as he scuttled away.

Fort pushed Daphne behind him, much to her protest. He stood between Loxley and Daphne and unsheathed Nasher. The sound resonated in the messhall and all the werewolves turned and looked at Fort. He looked at them and cursed inwardly. That was not a wise move, yet the Luna Eclipse made him very protective of his mate.

The werewolves surrounded Fort and Loxley. Yet they didn't make a move, unsure whether to attack the slayer that was threatening one of their own or to allow Fort to defend his mate.

Fort looked back at Loxley whos eyes were burning red. Loxley looked back and the red intensified. Fort leveled Nasher and prepared for a duel.

(Its up to you Mel)

Nikoli placed his hand on his machete's leather wraped handle. He wanted to be ready in case anything happend. He watched Fort and Loxley calmly, though his grip on the machete was turning his knuckles white.

The need to fight burned deeply in Loxley, he knew the source of his anger and it was not from the slayer in front of him. The demon was near, he was coming and he was consuming the emotions flowing from Loxley.

It had been his price to live while Thomas had lay dead at his feet. Loxley ignored the slayer and turned to Daphne, “There’s more to the night that Thomas died.” He said as he dropped to his knees, his hands going to his own throat as if to pry away the hold of an unseen enemy.

“What do you mean?” Daphne said as she moved to Nathaniel’s side.

“He told me not to go with him. He told me to stay behind to watch over you. But Thomas was my friend and I stayed as his back despite his wishes.” Loxley said as he rose to his feet with a strange grace that belied his current state. He continued, “I followed Thomas and that’s when the demons arrived. The large one killed Thomas while the other one toyed with me.”

“What?” Fort snarled wanting to know more.

“The one that toyed with me wanted more, he wasn’t satisfied with the death of one werewolf, he wanted to kill us all. His pet, after all, was hungry.” Loxley told as he shook his head violently. “I told the demon I had to live because I’d promised Thomas that I’d look after Daphne if he were to die. The demon laughed at me then seemed to get an idea. He placed a burning had on my chest and something has been wrong with me since.”

Daphne blinked, it all made sense. Loxley had never been emotionally volatile until after Thomas’ death. She had assumed that grief and guilt had been responsible for his change in character. “What did the demon do to you?”

“I don’t know but it’s almost like it feeds my anger, my rage and all other explosive emotions within me. Perhaps it feeds from them but I really don’t know.” Loxley said as he grasped his own head and let out a scream of pain. “It comes and it wants all of us dead,” he screeched before passing out cold.

"Just what the hell's going here?" Crispin demanded, making his way to the crowd. He came across Daphne leaning in over Loxley's unconscious form.

"What happened?" He asked. Daphne filled him in on Loxley's secret.

"Well..." Crispin said, bringing a finger to his lips to gnaw on in concern. "...This changes things."

After speaking to Crispin, Daphne took a moment to examine Loxley. He seemed okay physically but the more she thought about the past the more she realised just how changed Loxley was. When she’d been with Thomas, Loxley had been funny, thoughtful and sometimes a bit wild. However he’d never shown any of the possessive angry characteristics that now seemed normal for his behaviour.

How had she missed the bleedingly obvious signs? Because you were grieving Thomas and because you were so busy trying to avoid Loxley’s strange obsessive behaviour that you didn’t take a minute to think why he was doing it. She answered herself.

Loxley wasn’t a monster, well no more than any other werewolf, he was the victim. “How can we help him?” she asked Nathaniel.

He looked at her with a possessiveness that was flattering rather than scary. “I don’t want you near him. He poses a danger to us.”

Daphne wondered if it was jealousy that guided Nathaniel at this moment rather than sense. “He’s a victim, Nathaniel. Remember that,” she reminded him.

She turned to Nikoli who stood near, “Can you carry Loxley back to his room?”

Nikoli didn’t look pleased with the idea but he roughly picked up Loxley and moved away with the unconscious wolf.

Nikoli didnt slam Loxley to the ground, but only because Daphne had asked him to bring him here. Nikoli dumped Loxley on his bed and left. If the demon was coming that meant things were about to get bloody. Nikoli liked bloody.

Fort sheathed Nasher and rubbed his eyes. Things were just getting worse. He wanted to end the Balor Lord threat as soon as possible and then worry about the greater demon. He turned and faced Daphne.

"Alright I'm not too familiar with dealing with possession. I've come across it many times but I've never been able to actually fix it without killing the one who is controlling the being. Right now, I doubt we're going to find the demon affecting Loxley around the corner and be able to kill him right away. We gotta take him to the Doc." Fort told her. "After he sees Loxley and does what he can I want to stay on schedule. We need to kill the Balor Lord as soon as possible. With or without Loxley. If he can't fight then he stays here. I'm going to see the Doc and take him to Loxely. You can come if you want."

For then turned to Crispin, but faltered momentarily. He was still a little shocked that he was his grandfather. This new problem didnt make things easier.

"I need you to brief the werewolves on whats going to happen. Were going to stage the fight a little deeper into the forest outside of the conclave at a clearing there. The Doc is going to use some enchantments that should momentarily daze the Balor Lord out of the greater demons direct control and attract it to where we will be. When that happens, he ambush it. The Doc will have a number of spells ready to weaken it and help us in the fight. But still, many will probably die. The Balor Lord will fight furiously. I need to see the Doc now and ask him to see Loxely."

Crispin nodded, "Very well." was all he said. He was somewhat uneasy about talking to his new grandson as well.

Daphne turned to Nathaniel, “I’ll go see Loxley and tell him what we’re going to do.”

Nathaniel grabbed her arm, “I don’t want you to be alone with him. He might attack you in his current state.”

“I’ll see if Nikoli’s still there. If not I’ll find someone else,” Daphne told.

Nathaniel gave a nod and released her arm with a caress. Daphne smiled and he smiled back at her. She turned and headed for Loxley’s room.

Nikoli had pulled a chair over, setting it across from Loxley's door. He wasnt going to let him out of the room, he might be dangerous. He sat in the chair, testing the blade of the Machete, knowing he wouldent be able to use it on Loxley. Some one came around the corner, it was Daphne. Nikoli stood up. "Is he awake?"

"Far as I know, if he is, he isnt making much noise, and he hasnt tried to get out yet."

Daphne opened to door a crack to peer inside. Loxley lay on his back and twitched every so often but he was definitely unconscious. Daphne closed the door and turned to Nikoli, "He's still out. Could you keep an eye on him for now?"

Nikoli nodded, "Anything for you."

Daphne smiled lopsidedly, "Thanks."

She was walking towards the strange witch doctor's quarters when she saw Anita. The older she-wolf was loaded up with weapons and looked like she was on a mission. "Where are you going?" Daphne asked.

Paul was astonished after Loxley told all.  He was shocked.  How could he have not noticed?  He was too busy wallowing in self-pity obviously.  He was ashamed of himself.  Michelle noticed this and put her hand around his shoulder.

"Don't worry Paul.  No one saw this coming."

"But we should have."

"Like the saying goes hindsight is 20/20.  Sometimes you get caught in the moment."

"Can we go talk?  I'm itching to have a good conversation with you.  And can we go to your place?"  He smiled bashfully.

"Sure."

She led him to her place.  He sat down on the couch and she sat right next to him close.

"So what was it that Loxley was talking about?"

"He was just planting thoughts in my mind.  I wasn't stupid enough not to see that.  But they still crept in.  And I listened.  I'm so sorry."

"It's okay.  As someone once said the beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth."  He smiled.

She chuckled.  "That sounded very smart."

"I have my moments.  Do you know what?  I want to go check on Loxley.  Just to see how he's doing."

"Well he was possessed...  You may not get to talk to him."

Paul shrugged and got up.  "It's worth a try."

He made his way to the door and Michelle followed casually slipped her hand into his.  He looked at her and smiled.  And she smiled back.  They walked over to Loxley's finding Anita, who was packing some serious weaponry, Daphne, and Nikoli, who was staring at Daphne.

Joo-Eun pulled herself to her feet and walked over to Striker. She removed the sai from his chest and wiped the blood off on his pant leg. “You’re getting sloppy,” she commented.

“Well if you’d wiped that somewhere else I wouldn’t be,” he said with a smirk.

“You’re a fool,” Joo-Eun said in response as she helped him to his feet.

“Maybe, but we need to find that wolf and put him down,” Striker said as he straightened his clothing and brushed away the dirt.

“He shouldn’t be hard to follow,” Joo-Eun told as she looked at the droplets of blood the werewolf had left in his wake. “Let’s finish him off,” then an idea came to Joo-Eun she looked at Striker, “Call Ashryn he might want to see why Valiant and I have been reducing the wolf population.”

-

Valiant stood watching Joo-Eun and Striker. He didn’t approach them but he was curious to know what Joo-Eun would do. He enjoyed watching her fight. She had a grace and elegance few fighters were ever blessed with. Valiant smiled, none of them were blessed. Damned was more like it.

Nikoli sat back down in the chair, he pulled the claymore from its sheath, it could use some sharpening. Only problem with that was the lack of a whet-stone around here. He would need to take care of that later. He was bored, but Daphne had asked him to make sure Loxley didnt get out. He would wait.

Ashryn had been hunting with D and the new vampire, Audrey when his phone rang.

"It's Striker," Ashryn said to D who looked at him curiously, then shrugged and went back to his conversation with Audrey.

"Go ahead, Striker." Ashryn said.

"You busy?" Striker asked.

"If its important, I might be able to get away. I don't think D needs me right now, anyway."

"Joo-Eun and I would like to speak with you. It's about the furballs." Striker said.

"I see," Ashryn said, "I'll meet you at the Underground."

"See you in a bit then."

Ashryn looked at D and Audrey and said, "I apologize, but I have some business to attend to at my club. Joo-Eun and Striker wish to meet with me about their current overactive hunting habits. I'll inform you the moment I get the whole story, D."

"Please do, Ash. Come child, there's more to learn about survival here in Murk Valley. You see..." D's voice trailed off as Ashryn Le Faye turned down another street, headed towards his personal haven, a nightclub he owned and operated as a haven for vampires and source for information, The Underground.

Crispin stood in the main hall ,with the vast majority of his clan surrounding him. He stood at a podium, made from goblin bones, that Crispin had builty himself.

"My friends, my brothers and sisters, my comrades in arms," He began, gripping both sides of the podium with clawed hands.

"As you all know, we are faced with the challenge of defeating a Balor Lord, lest it bring the fight to us and exterminate us one by one. It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that the beast is not alone, and has been manipualted by an unknown demon of far greater power."

Many werewolves gasped in suprise at this.

"But to counteract, we have brought forth a..." Crispin thought about how his pack would react to knowing a witch doctor would protect them. "...skilled warlock to help combat these supernatural foes. Now I know that even with our new friends' help, this battle will be the most difficult battle we will ever partake in, and many of you may die defending the conclave. But know this:

"When we succesfully slay the beast and its master, the glorious story of this pack's ferocity and power will spread through the underworld like wildfire. Those who are part of the pack will be feared and respected world round, for helping to slay not only a Balor Lord, but one who could control it.

"So if your heart wavers, and you doubt your resolve, do yourself a favor and either take your life or take your leave and never return. If you flee you will be spared the war, but you will also be spared the glory. I do not doubt any of you. Do not doubt yourselves."

With that last inspirational note, Crispin stepped down from the stage to find his daughter, her son, the witch doctor, and all their ilk.

John stepped outside. He had changed into a shirt he didnt like as much. He had plenty of clips for his desert eagle, his kife, the AK and his newly aquired short sword. He was pretty ready for a fight. He walked down the street, waiting for a call, or a giant demon to apear being attacked by a pack of werewolfs. His shoulder was still pretty sore, but he could handle whatever happend he thought. He breathed in deeply, not getting anything, there were bits of smells, but nothing he could identify. He wasnt a werewolf, he couldent identify smells that well.