The Make Over [kali]

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan pulled up the small dirt road in his blue pick up truck, Kali on the bench seat next to his. The cab was filled with all of her things that she had bought in town, and the bed of the truck was filled with all of the wood and tools that he needed to fix up the barn and paddock. A backpack pay near his feet which he has not let out of his site, or hands. He hasnt even let Kali near the bag. For in it, were several, and I mean, several weapons. A small pistol for the truck, 3 other small pistols for around the cabin, a large hand gun, and many large knives. He even had a shot gun hidden in the bed for it wouldnt fit in the gun. Kali hasnt mentioned the bag yet, but Ryan was sure she knew what was in it.
He parked the truck near the back of the cabin and hoped out.
let me help you.
He slung the precious backpack over his shoulders before grabbing a few other of Kali's bags. They would get the wood later.

[Kali]

Kali grabbed some of the bags from the back of the truck. Mainly groceries and gardening supplies, she followed Ryan into the cabin with an armful of them. She left the door open behind her, seeing as they would be returning to the truck shortly. Kali set the white bags on the counter, separating them into categories. The food stayed on the counter, and the gardening things went to the floor to be used outside later or stored somewhere else in the cabin. "How was the lumber place?" she asked him, trying for a little conversation as they carried the bags from the truck until the cab was empty. Kali began to put food away, folding the plastic bags and piling them. They might prove to be useful later on, for things like dead plants or carrying muddy shoes into the house or gathering eggs from the chickens.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan did a few trips, truck to cabin, carrying in the bags and other supplies. He added 3 more bags to the pile on the floor next to Kali. But he still needed to sort out the wood and pile it in the barn, or next to it for when he needed it.
It was good. The guys there were helpful and they seemed to know a lot. Gave me some useful tips.
He looked over all the bags on the floor and the kitchen counter and smiled. Man, they blew a lot of cash today, but it least it was all things they needed. he took a step towards the door.
I could use a hand bringing in some of the wood, if you wouldnt mind. It will only take a minute, most of it I can do on my own.
He smiled and headed out the door and walked around the back of the truck, pulling down the tailgate.

[Kali]

Kali followed him outside, closing the door behind her to keep the mosquitoes out. They were nasty little creatures at night, keeping you wake with their noisy little buzzing sounds and constant biting. Her feet stepped quietly against the earth, slightly more dry than when they had left this morning. The dew was gone, but the birds' chirping never ceased.

She stepped around behind the vehicle, and reached for a plank of wood once Ryan had opened the tailgate. Her hand froze where it was, mid-reach to the lumber. She could see a scruff of tan hair and the skin of a forehead among the timber. Whoever it was sensed her hesitation, and shot out from the tailgate. It was a man, clothed in black from neck to toe.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan jumped back as a flash bolted past him and into the trees. He looked at Kali, eyes wide and mouth open from shock.
Get Inside!!
He yelled at her, throwing his arm out, pointing to the cabin. Without waiting to see what she did, he phased into his hyena and took off running. Nose to the ground he followed the fresh scent, his four legs carrying him over the ground and it fast yet easy lope. The scent began to fade, change and rise. Ryan slowed down and looked around, nose still sniffing everything. He stopped running and let out a loud growl/hyena yip. He lost them and he could think of why. Their talisman had been a bird and they took off. This changed things. He growled and padded back and forth not sure on what to do next. They must have been followed, and he wasnt sure if more knew where they were. He phased back into a human and kicked a small shrub in frustration, sending it flying.

[Kali]

Kali didn't think twice once she saw him take off across the forest as a hyena. She snatched the shotgun from the truck and dug into his backpack for bullets, loading the gun as she ran. It was simple enough. The woman followed, blue eyes flashing, trying to find the fleeing man and Ryan's speedy form chasing after him. She too transformed, her paws flying after them, barely touching the mossy ground. The gun hung from her jaws.

The man disappeared, and a vulture took his place. Kali's feet stopped quickly, causing the gun to fumble from her teeth. Transforming and picking it up quickly, she aimed. Pulled the trigger. The musket sounded, followed by a painful screech.

The bird hobbled along the ground from where it landed, it's wing clearly broken. Yet the rest of him was fine, and the man appeared again, attempting to run. Kali aimed again, hesitating. Could she really shoot at a man? She remembered the wounds on Ryan's body, the threatening note and brick. Yes. Again she pulled the trigger. A miss.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan heard a shot and looked to his left and through the leaves and foliage, saw Kali. He growled, spun towards her and sprinted. He reached her side just as she pulled the trigger a second time. He phased into human Ryan and stood next to Kali, he put a hand on the barrel of the gun and pulled it down to avoid a third shot.
What are you doing? We can't kill the man. He is wounded, thats good. We can track him. But please, don't just run off like that again. What if something happened? What if it had been a trap with more Hunters just waiting for you?
He knew he shouldn't yell at her, but it was the adrenaline rush and it couldn't be helped. But now that his breathing and heart rate was slowly, he took a breath and looked at her.
Good shot though.
He smiled and shook his head, impressed and took the shot gun from her hands, putting his other arm around her waist.
You shouldn't have to do this, anything like this, again. I want to spare you from the nightmares they give you. Trust me.
He stood there and looked around, seeing a few feathers and spots of blood on the leaves.
He took a sigh and grappled with his indecision.
Promise you'll stay out of trouble? Come on, let go. We got hunting to do.
He phased back into his hyena, and snatched the shotgun up with his mouth. He sprinted back to the truck and grabbed one of the larger hand guns, tossing it over to Kali. He gave a quick nod of his head and took off into the woods, following the bloody scent trail.

[Kali]

"So what if it had been a trap?!" she demanded, displeased with his anger. But she knew that he cared. Her voice softened. "I'm not going to hide and just let them take you away again." Kali walked with him back to the truck, and transformed when he did. Taking the handgun in her mouth, she followed, her animal instinct taking over her human mind. Her breath quieted, her paws silenced the ground that she sprinted on, soundless. Her legs moved quickly and agilely, carrying her over the earth. Her nostrils flared as she followed the blood trail. This hunt would be interesting. The prey much like herself, and yet far different. Was it murder, or was it fair? Kali shook her head. It was both.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan ran almost side by side Kali. But he was not as graceful she was. He was built more for sprinting and strength, but his lope was easy and rolling, up down up down. His sloped back seemed to make him look like a rocking, his hind legs much shorter then his front, an odd looking creatures hyenas are. Saliva started to gather in his jowls, excitement for the hunt. The scent grew stronger and he cast a sideways glance at Kali. He slowed his gait a fraction, knowing that even at a slow lope they would be able to catch him now for he was wounded. He flicked his short tail, letting it flap against his rump. He gave out a cackling of joy, the hyena enjoyed this so much, and would love to do it more if Ryan let the barrier down. But Ryan was too much of a good guy and kept his talisman in check. As he loped onward, he let his body drift to the side so he was closer to Kali.
Rwememberrr, stay cwose and out of twouble.
He said trying not to drop the gun out of his mouth, drool slowly starting to drip. It was hard to talk with a shotgun in your mouth and he realized he sounded like an idiot, so he gave a small cackled of laughter.

[Kali]

She smiled at his dog-like laughter and wagging little tail. When he spoke, she found it hard not to laugh herself. Kali shook her head. She wouldn't make a promise to him that she might not be able to keep. She could stay close, but out of trouble was a different story. She did have a gun after all. Didn't that imply trouble? The cougar shrugged her shoulders as she ran. It felt good to be in this form. Kali loved it. She slowed her pace to keep in step with him. Her nose sniffed the air, many scents wafting to her nostrils. She sorted them easily and bobbed her head. Go to the right, he's turned. But it was only slight. She could hear the man's feet shuffling beneath his weight, obviously hard to balance with a dead arm. Probably painful as well, Kali guessed.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan eyed her suspiciously when she didnt really say anything, and the shrug of her shoulders irritated him. His muscles propelled him forward, moving in a perfect rhythm. His thick padded feet made hardly any noise as he loped through the forest. His auds flicked left and right, also hearing the foot steps and a broad grin broke out over his jowls. He shifted his weight and headed right continuing his constant speed. His breath was fast now and he could feel his heart pumping, this was more running then Hyena's are used to. He was lucky that he saw a figure crashing through the woods, running in blind panic. He gave cackling howl just to see the man panic even more, tripping over himself. Since he was tiring from the long distance run he gave a quick nod for Kali to pin him down. Ryan slowed his pace to a trot, panting heavily with his tong hanging to the side. His talent was hunting, sneaking around and giving a strong bite to break bones. Not running over a mile.

[Kali]

Kali nodded back, her hind legs lowering her body before she leaped, throwing herself high into the air, as her body was designed. She landed, right on target between the man's shoulder blades. She let loose a loud, strong roar from deep within her throat. Her claws dug into his flesh, gripping onto him. There was no need. He was down, panting and gasping for breath. His arm bled at his side. Growling, Kali glared at him. Her yellow eyes piercing his very soul. She waited for Ryan, tail flicking from side to side. So this was the cursed beasts who took innocent lives and beat innocent flesh. Her claws dug deeper before they released, keeping him under her by sheer weight. These were the foul creatures that tortured those of good spirit. She bared her fangs at him, handgun still in her jaws. Her growling grew louder as she tried to inflict fear into him, the way Ryan had done with his cackle.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan slowly ambled over to where Kali had the man pinned, he walked in a circle around the man eying him. He must be knew, or stationed somewhere else for Ryan did not recognize him. He looked at Kali and said,
Nice.
He strode over to the front of the Hunter and sat down on his haunches near the mans head. he lifted a paw and began licking it slowly, as if he didnt have a care in the world.
Did you know....
He said between licks, he paused and glanced at the man.
That Hyena's jaws are the strongest in any of the animal kingdoms? Oh yes. They can, with a snap of their jaws crush right through a water buffaloes thigh bone. I don't know if you have ever seen a water buffalo, but they are pretty big. You are a shrimp compared to them.
He let his paw fall to the ground and he stood again, slowly moving to the back of the Hunter, near his feet and out of his range of vision. using his teeth, tugged off one of his shoes, tossing it to the side.
I could, and will, slowly, just nibble my way to your hip bone. Unless you tell me what i want to know.
He glanced at Kali and flicked his eyes towards the man, hinting at her to use those fantastically sharp claws of her to create a new surge of pain in his back.

[Kali]

Kali caught his eyes and pressed down below the man's neck, claws extending again. Five, sharp black daggers, tainted only with the crimson blood of the Hunter. The man cried out, but Kali wouldn't retrieve her claws unless Ryan would tell her to. Her ears flicked back to her companion, listening to his voice. It gave Kali goosebumps, and made her feel extremely glad that Ryan was on her side, not the Hunters. Then her ears flicked forward to the man beneath her. She could feel his blood racing beneath her paws, fear streaming through every pulse. Breath shallowing in sheer fright. With a slight smirk, she pressed his face into the ground, making him cough and sputter. Kali chuckled quietly, waiting to hear what Ryan wanted from him.

[Jocelyn[Spirit]]

Ryan waited just a moment for the man to get his breath before going on.
Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. If I know anything about Hunters, id have to say it will be the easy way.
The Hunter grunted in agreement, for they never went the easy way, they always fought back. Ryan sighed and rolled his eyes.
Fine. Who sent you?
Silence. WHO!?
Silence. The Hyena growled and took a step forward, using his jowls and teeth ripped off the mans little toe, spitting it in the dirt next to his face. Ryan swallowed the blood that was in his mouth.
Who....sent you? Marcus?
Ryan asked, tossing out a name of one of the elders. He paced back and forth, dying to know who sent it so he could know what to expect. Depending who it was decided what type of thing they were likely not only going to do, but the chance Kali and Ryan had to escape.