Forest

A bird dropped from the sky diving at the spirit animal pecking at its eyes ~why don't ya pick a fight with something...more your size~ he said as he transformed into A full grown Siberian Tiger and started clawing at it

Just as animal leapt an arrow flew through the air and hit it in the back leg. Distracted now by the arrow and the Siberian tiger that was attacking it. Not a clean shot but enough to knock it off balance. Quickly drawing another arrow he aimed it at the man. "Back away slowly if you value your life" he said in a firm, deadly quiet voice.

"What the....well it seems like more of your friends are here to help." He said frowning a bit as he watched his spirit animal get pulverized by the huge tiger. He said to the boy "Is that the best you've got?" He stepped closer now but jumped back to get out of the tiger's way while it was fighting his spirt animal. He regained his footing and stood there ready for anything.

******

Zirean heard the commotion and followed the sound. Stopping now and again to listen. She just hoped they were alright. Following the sound they came to the edge of the clearing. Zirean saw Frieght just standing there as if he was worn out. She saw Sef and a wolf fighting. Then she saw Him. She roared and charged. Enraged out of anger and fury she jumped on him and clawed and bit him. Jumping off she growled in a protective sort of way stood in front of Frieght.

"Ahhh, I see." He laughed after she clawed at him. He was bleeding in several spots but didn't seem to notice. "My dear. You need more practice." He laughed as he stood ready for another attack.

Laohu had had enough. Aiming carefully he aimed for the man's heart. Then counting the breaths and making sure Zirean would not get hit, he let the arrow fly. Quickly cocking another arrow he aimed for the man's neck if need be.

The man stagered but wouldn't give in. He stared at the man surprised. There was no need to say anything. He stagered forward and fell. Looking at the girl one more time with anger in his eyes.

****
Zirean growled once at the man as he stagered forward. He fell luckily and just kept staring at her. She laid her ears back and watched as his breathing slowed and stopped. Zirean let out a breath and heard whispers ~Thank you daughter. We are free.~ She let a tear fall out of happiness. She morphed back into herself overjoyed.

D'Heiren leaped into the clearing just as the scarred man died. ~sorry, i got lost- oh...~ she said, looking around. she stayed near Zirean protectively, still in cat form, even though she knew that she wouldnt be needed.

"It's alright......" She said to them. "It's over." Zirean bent on her knees in overwhelmed.
She looked at D'Heiren "Sorry about that. It just went by too fast. For a second I didn't know myself."
She then looked at Loahu and then everyone then back to the ground. "I don't know how to repay you all. You have no Idea what this means to me." Tears were streaming down her face. For years she'd almost gone insane because she was trying to find him.

Laohu nodded in grim approval as the man fell. Then stepping forward he placed a hand on Zirean's shoulder. He handed her her father's sword. "Make sure" he whispered. "There can be no chance" he stepped back and waited. He would decapitate the corpse himself if he had to, but he would take no chance of this phantom coming to haunt her again.

Zirean tilted her head and then nodded in understanding. She took the sword, and wiped her face so she could see. Zirean looked at the body and walked over to it, then raised the sword up. Bringing it down with all her might she decapitated the mans head. Steping back in surprise because she saw a black shadow rise from the corpse then it disappeared. Zirean let out a breath not realizing that she'd been holding it. Walking away from the corpse she walked over towards Frieght she said "thank you." puting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it. She went back over to Laohu.

"ypur...welcome" he said coughing "ugh...I need...a nap..." he said collapsing on the ground. Ayla came out of the shadows and stood by him growling a warning into the air telling them to let him rest

seeing that Freight needed what she could offer- watchful protection- more than Zirean, D'heiren approached him slowly, careful to make no noise. ~i will keep watch with you, little one,~ she said to Ayla, sitting a respectful distance away.

Laohu's eyes grew as he watched the black shadow rise but he to let out a sigh of relief. He offered his arms to hold Zirean as she walked toward him. "Thank you" he mouthed to Frieght and Sefiroso.

She smiled and let Laohu wrap his arms around her. Zirean buried her face against his chest hiding it. Tears ran down her face, she was just so happy right now. There were no words.

~maybe. we should get him inside?~ ayla asked D'heiren as she curled up by Freights shoulder

~maybe, if you arent opposed to waking him up enough to ride,~ D'Heiren replied, ~i can morph into a horse.~

Laohu wrapped his arms around her and gently held her. Then seeing the others getting Freight home, he quickly put a arm under her knees and lifted her up. "Lets go home love" he whispered in her ear and kissed her forehead. Leaving the man's body for the forest animals to dispose of he quietly carried her home as the others took care of Freight.


--------------Laohu's shack------->

"Home?" She asked tilting her head and laughing after he picked her up. She grabbed hold of his neck and gave him a peck on the cheek. Not wanting to look back at the dead bodies. she leaned her head against his shoulder and let her arms drop.
-----------Laohu's shack------->

~Alright...~ she said as she tried to think of a way to wake up Freight. She decided to ram his face which made him jump with a start ~what is it Ayla?~
~get ready to ride D'heiren will transform into a horse so we can get you...to a more relaxing place~
Freight stood up and looked over at D'heiren ~alright. thats probably a good idea

D'Heiren morphed quickly back to human, then into a horse, since she couldnt turn from a mountain lion directly into a horse. ~climb on,~ she said, ~we'll head back to the stable, i guess.~

Freight climbed on. It took him a while to get on because he was out of energy, but eventually he got on and into a good riding position ~ok... ayla tell her im ready to go~
~He said hes ready to go to the stables when you are~

~alright. i wont go too fast.~ she started back toward the village at a quick walk, careful not to go under any low branches. after a few minutes, she was satisfied that Freight wasnt going to fall asleep on her back, and picked up the pace somewhat.

(do you just wanna go ahead and post in the stables lol its up to you XD)

(ok, i'll do that. i dont think anyone else is around, though...)