OOC stuff goes here

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She had been ready for a while now. Adelle trained every day, improving her skills. Each weapon was taken and learned, the metal gloves of her childhood left behind. They didn't fit her anymore, even though it broke her heart to acknowledge that. She was old enough for the truth though, and didn't sway away from it. The weapon she carried now was an ax taken from the armory. Not Grandpa's great one, but one that she could take with her as she patrolled.

It was heading along here that the scent struck her. Growling the young warrior headed along the edge. Someone had crossed into the pack. Adelle followed the trail, finding an old dog at the end of the trail. He was younger than Grandpa, though age still showed in his movements. What are you doing here? Leave! The dog whirled around, baring his teeth at her. Seeing how young she was the dog let out a laugh. You should run home, little girl. You are messing with things you don't understand.

Another growl escaped from her, angered by his words. Hackles raised as she moved closer, lowering the ax from her shoulder. I'm warning you. Leave this pack. She wasn't messing around. Adelle spent a lot of time training so she could protect the pack. Now that the opportunity was here she wasn't about to back down and let some filthy loner have his way in the pack. He wasn't injured, didn't need help. He was an intruder, nothing more.

The dog rose up, a dagger clasped in his hand. Back off, brat! I'll do what I want. Seeing red Adelle charged in, snarling her anger. Barks intermingled as she swung the ax, planning on cleaving his skull open. This was a real battle though, not just one of the sparring matches she had spent so much time on. The dog twisted out of the path, moving forwards rapidly with the dagger to stab at her exposed stomach.

Adelle backed off, but not before a light cut had opened across her stomach. Feeling the pain only sharpened her determination. The dog's mind focused on the enemy, picturing his movements. Adelle swung forwards again, ax ready. Seeing her repeat herself the dog laughed, coming forwards to jab at her again. Expecting it Adelle smiled, lifting up a leg and kicking out at him. The old dog was sent back, coughing slightly from the blow.

You little piece of- She didn't give him a chance to finish, coming in again. The ax struck flesh this time, striking across his leg. Howling with pain he stood before her, his own teeth bared. The icy color of her eyes was flooded with excitement, feeling the rush of the battle. Adrenaline flooded her veins as she moved, unaware of the price of battle. She was winning, and that was all that mattered. Everything she had imagined was coming true.

The dagger flashed again, slicing across her arm. Adelle leaped forward, one hand dropping from the ax to slash across his face. The dog caught it in his teeth though, biting deeply. Howling with pain she swung the ax, hitting his arm. Warm blood sprayed through the air as the heavy weapon bit down into bone. The warm liquid was surprising to feel, the dog's teeth tightening with surprise. Wrenching away from her he clutched his arm.

A feral smile covered Adelle's face as she moved closer, still on the attack. Fear flickered across his face, realizing that she wasn't going to stop. The ax was raised again, this time whizzing and slicing off an ear. The old one knew when to run. He hadn't lived for so long without it. He broke into a run, leaving the border behind. Adelle chased after him, wild cries breaking from her throat. Tail wagging behind her she stood at the border, blood falling from her wounds. She had won. Her first battle.

Raising her head Adelle howled, her deep voice echoing through the air. A challenge for all who would face the pack. She was strong, and she would defeat them all. Adelle had passed the first test. She was a warrior at last.

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