Lobo's Story (temporary name)

[Fire Opal]

Chapter 1: Predator and Prey

A chilling wind swept across the high desert. The bristling boughs of juniper trees swayed, and the tan prairie grass tossed about. A bare half-moon remained suspended above the distant mountains. It was unusually cold for the time of year, which was fall. It predicted a harsh winter, and life was already harsh enough. The elk and deer were in decline, as were the jackrabbits and mice, all prey that is vital to many carnivores. But there was nothing one could do but wait it out.

Lobo shook out his ruffled fur, shifting his weight on his paws. He gazed out from his rocky lookout with the cunning eyes of a wolf. Indeed, a wolf he was, a large male wolf. His pelt was predominantly white, but was brushed with bold black and tinged with earthy brown and grey. Lobo abruptly terminated his long gaze upon the land below. He threw his head skyward and out of his jaws came a low, haunting howl. The sounds vibrated in his chest and he knew that they would be heard from miles around. Suddenly there was a muffled padding of paws, as Lobo’s song began to fade. He snapped his jaws and glanced behind him, where another wolf emerged from the nighttime shadows. This was a she-wolf, her movements swift and playful, for she knew the meaning of Lobo’s call. Her name was Luna, thus called by the locals for her white and silver fur. As she approached Lobo she brushed against him, her pale tongue flicking out to touch his muzzle. Lobo accepted the kind gesture, then turned back to survey his environment. A single wolf’s howl, floating from the distant trees, made his ears prick. It wasn’t long until two more voices joined the first. Lobo then turned away, his tail flicking behind him. Anticipation pricked his paws as he kicked into a mile-eating trot, with Luna stringing out behind him. They weaved in between the broad juniper trees, slipping in and out of the sage with nimbleness. The wind picked up, flinging the scents of the wilderness up Lobo’s nose. Sadly, there was no scent of prey. No deer or hare. It was this lack of prey that now sent Lobo and Luna on their mission. The rest of the pack was gathering now, Lobo’s intentions having been made in his howl. Lobo knew to expect them at their destination. (c) to Fire Opal.

This isn't all the chapter, I've got more, I just didn't want to scare everyone away! Anyway, this is a story I've been working on lately. I'm looking for some opinions, and critique is always welcome. Tell me if you want more!

[SomebodyDude]

POST.... Have you ever read that book Lobo Uno?

[Fire Opal]

Lol, no. Lobo means "wolf" so it just fit my character.

[SomebodyDude]

Oooohhhhh! {POST IT ALREADY!}

[wolfgirl159357]

I LOVE IT CONTINUE PLEASE!!!

[Fire Opal]

Okie-doke! Continuation of chapter 1:

They slipped through the night like ghosts, their steps silent as they flowed over the rocky, dry terrain. It took them an hour of fast travel before they closed in on their terminus. The low moans of cattle brought them closer. But it was here that they would stop, and wait for the remaining wolves to arrive. Lobo paused and tested the air with his nose. In the meanwhile Luna peered about, studying the barbed fence that stood at least ten yards away. She parted from Lobo and slipped into the shadows, following alongside the fence. Lobo watched her go, but did not prevent her from leaving. He knew she was circling the area, strategizing. A sudden huff from behind caught Lobo’s attention, and he turned, his tail flagging above him. Two wolves came into view, both two-year-old males, one named Raven and another Runner. They came to great him, pushing their muzzles against his own, and Lobo wagged his tail merrily. He lifted his head to escape from their licks and lifted his lips, revealing a dangerous set of fangs. The two wolves, his sons, got the picture and ceased their zealous greetings. Lobo shook his pelt. He was glad that they had come, but he was the boss, and he had to maintain his dominance every waking moment. For though they were his sons, they were also his rivals. Luna returned just as another wolf arrived, his daughter, the only survivor of his first litter with Luna. She was called Misty. Misty and Luna met with playful growls, but it was Luna than pounced first and snapped with a bite that was slightly reprimanding. Luna, like Lobo, had to uphold her position unfailingly. The slightest mistake was too big to make in a place like this. Misty backed away wisely, her tongue flicking out and ears down as a matter of apology. Luna accepted by turning brusquely away, her tail flashing coyly before Misty’s face. Lobo growled softly, and the ominous sound returned everyone’s minds to the matter at hand. Each wolf grew still and silent, each one keeping its gaze upon Lobo. Their eyes glinted with expectancy. Suspense hung in the air.

Lobo turned tail and faced the cold autumn wind. Luna dashed away, flying like a spirit over the ground, and Lobo knew she would make the way clear. Like the other wolves, Lobo perceived that there was a farm dog nearby, a guardian designed to protect the cattle. The dog was near the farmhouse cabin, and his danger alert would waken the humans inside. This was a chance that he could not take. Luna would ensure that the beast made no sound.

With a flick of his tail he gathered his progeny and started forward, his steps quick and fluid. Lobo knew Luna’s work would be done in a matter of seconds, so it was time to begin the hunt. The wolves strung out in an orderly line, with Lobo leading, Raven and Runner behind, and Misty bringing up the rear. They ran at an earnest lope until they reached the barbed wire fence, which would be no problem to the wolves. Lobo ducked and slipped nimbly underneath the bottom wire, then stopped to observe the situation. His nose told him that many cattle where present. All were in good condition, and none with calves. This excluded any easy target. Lobo studied the air further, and cast his gaze about the darkness. Through the shadows he could see the diluted figures of the cattle, which were at least fourty strong. They were not far away. Lobo glanced to one side and saw that all of his pack was ready. Then he broke into a bounding gallop, his legs flying, fur tossed about in the wind. Even at this pace he was soundless, and still the cattle did not know of the approaching danger. The wolves flew over the stretches of barren land, the sage half-eaten and ground trampled from many busy hooves. It wasn’t long until they reached the herd. (c) to Fire Opal

[wolfgirl159357]

GO ON!!!

[Chloe Taylor]

magnificent!

[Fire Opal]

Thanks!! A little note on this chapter: a cow is killed. I do not elaborate, and its not that violent, but I thought you might as well be aware.

They aimed for a cow that had strayed the farthest from the rest, as it would be easiest to take down. By the time the drowsy cow had lifted her head they were upon it. It bawled once in terror before Runner sped by and launched himself at the cow’s head, his jaws closing around her nose, muffling her cries. Meanwhile Raven and Misty attacked the haunches, scoring deep with their fangs. Lobo made two large leaps and sunk into the cow’s throat. The cow kicked and thrashed like a wild thing, but each toughened wolf held fast, and the cow’s desperate acts only made it more exhausted. It was then that Lobo slit its throat; the blood ran until the cow finally stumbled, then fell. The wolves leaped back and just as quickly pounced upon the still carcass. It had been a quick, organized kill.

And it was during the time of the killing that the rest of the cow herd stampeded. They were blind in their panic and ran right into the fence. They pulled down the posts and trampled their barricade, but not without a price. Many of the cows were injured by the barbed wire. They were slashed on their head and chest. They caught their legs on it and lamed themselves. Come morn there would be many pieces to pick up.

However, the wolves had no knowledge of that. Even if they had, they wouldn’t have cared, for they were quite busy making quick work of the carcass. Snarls, growls, and teeth characterized the wolves’ dinner. Though they did eat a fair amount of the carcass, they also made it a goal to remove the legs, haunches, and any other chunk of meat that could be taken on the road. Each wolf knew the danger of staying so close to human quarters, and they could not drag the carcass away due to the barbed wire fence. Even with every wolf occupied, there were a few scuffles. Lobo lunged toward Raven when the wolf became too boisterous for his liking. Instead of dropping in submission like his brother would have, Raven fought back with quick snaps of his jaws. Lobo buried his fangs in the back of Raven’s neck and shook. He did not shake hard enough to kill, but enough to knock some sense into the rebellious wolf. The fight ended there.

A yap from Misty caught everyone’s attention. Every head flew up, every body tensed. Every eye followed Misty’s gaze. A man had approached in the distance, a gun in his hands. His shining spotlight fell upon the feeding pack.

Lobo dove for a removed haunch, and in the same second Raven, Runner, and Misty also snapped up the remaining pieces. Then they ran like the wind, but not before the man opened fire. Having some experience in the matter, Lobo swerved to and fro on a wild course that gave the man no clear aim. The bullets only kicked up dust. His pack had since learned the same principles and followed suite, leaping and dodging like hares on the run. Once Lobo heard a wolf shriek, but neither he nor the rest of his wolves slowed their pace. They dragged both themselves and their meat underneath the fence, then ran into the safety of the darkness. (c) to Fire Opal

[wolfgirl159357]

Go on

[Chloe Taylor]

I wish I could write like this

[SomebodyDude]

GO ON.{Did Luna Die?}

[wolfgirl159357]

Go on go on

[Fire Opal]

No, Luna wasn't hit. Read Chapter 2: Live On to find out.

The wolves ran the full hour home, never stopping, never slackening the holds on their meat. Though it was unlikely that the human would follow them into the night, it was vital they put as much distance as possible between themselves and their hunters. In the morning there would be vengeance. Knowing of human ways, Lobo led his wolves through a stream for half the journey, leaving not a sign of his presence. There would be no tracks or scent left behind to point the way, for the cold water washed it all away.

They finally approached Lobo’s lookout. The pack ascended the rocky hill that led to the top. After reaching the summit they dropped the cow meat, but they could not relax yet. They gathered around Lobo, nosing each other to ensure that no-one was injured, and bonding together again after the experience. Lobo circled around every wolf, and each responded with happy tail-wagging and licks. All but Raven. Lobo’s gaze landed upon the wolf, and he immediately realized that there was something wrong. Raven seemed subdued, yet there was a certain desperation in his eyes. When he moved his left hind leg seemed hesitant to cooperate, and Lobo’s sensitive nose caught a whiff of blood. And the faintest tinge of cold metal.

Lobo slunk forward, ears back and a cautious growl tainting his lips. He sniffed at Raven’s leg, while the wounded wolf cringed and turned away. Lobo knew the nature of Raven’s injury. It was a bullet, lodged deep into Raven’s hindquarters. Raven had been brave; he never once lagged on the journey home, his pace never slackening. Raven’s pride had not allowed him to give voice to his pain nor show it until now. Lobo let Raven limp away and settle down with the cow’s leg he carried home. He knew that the wolf’s wound was not fatal, and that he should recover if it healed properly. There was nothing more Lobo could do, and his mind had not the capability to worry and fuss, so he simply picked up a haunch and set his great teeth to work.

All the wolves were busy devouring the remains of the cow when Luna appeared. Lobo raised his head, ears thrown forward. He had been waiting. Luna strode right in and picked up the closest piece of meat, which Runner had been chewing on. He looked disgruntled, but only chose another limb to satisfy his hunger. Luna lay down next to Lobo, having no fear of his impressive set of jaws. Lobo saw and smelled blood on her face and chest, but he had no fear. It reeked of dog. Clearly Luna had dealt properly with that cur at the farmhouse.

After all the cow had been eaten, the pack rose and romped, rising up in playful tussles. Raven alone refused to take part, instead choosing to sulk in the shadows. With their bellies full and spirits high, the wolves tightened their relationships and lived free. Eventually each wolf departed, each going its own way. Raven left first, his hind leg stiff and gait awkward. He would find his den and lay up for the rest of the night and the following day, letting his body heal. Runner nuzzled Raven in farewell before he went, a slight tension in his body. He did not like to see his brother stricken like he was. Misty left last, after frisking with Luna. The night seemed much quieter, much more forbidding without the sounds of playful growls and quick, light pawsteps. Lobo lingered for a moment, his body still, his steady gaze scanning the distance. No movement. No danger. He turned as Luna intercepted him, her teeth reaching out to tug roughly at his ear. Lobo opened his jaws and gnawed on her muzzle, his eyes gleaming and devious. They leapt apart, whirled, then bounced forward again, dancing together in the shadows. The two wolves soon ceased their playing and stood, their breath coming out in big puffs of fog. The wind had died down. It was time to sleep. (c) to Fire Opal

[SomebodyDude]

Good...It seems in every story one of the animals die off in the first five chapters.... GO ON!