Kalaber & Crucifix

Kalaber just could not take it any more. What ever he tried to do to his family back together just turned into shit and turned others against him. So here he was to ask Lyckos to just kill him. He didn't want to speak about his betrayle he just wanted to die. Lyckos Come out! Come and just end my life now!He got to the point of it.His ears flat back.

Crucifix ran after his father.Father no!He cried staying a few feet back.

.Bleak

The black fierce snake slithered along the ledges on the buildings, hanging her head down to Kalaber. "The traitor dares to show his face in the presence of the Shadow Lurkers?" She questioned, her tongue flicking in and out. "I have nothing against your wish, though. I will send for Lyckos." If it were up to her, she'd kill Kalaber right here and now. One bite would have him dead.

Mocha and Vienna, children of Javelin and Isabel, stood below the snake. "We will get Lyckos." Said Vienna as she ran off, Mocha following behind.

.Lyckos, Camden & Kalion

Lyckos' approach would be clearly audible, long before he actually arrived. There was a roar so terrible that it could only belong to the livid alpha of the Shadow Lurkers, who was tearing through the alleys like a bull. Fuelled by his recent speech about this traitor, Lyckos was a frightening sight. His hazel eyes were wide and flashing with indignant rage, his gums were pulled back, revealing his glistening fangs, his ears were laced tight against his head, and his muscles were taunt. Everything about him screamed aggression, and if it wasn't enough that there was pissed off alpha in front, he had called the Lurkers out to see the death of the traitor known as Kalaber.

Behind his father, Camden appeared, and took Lyckos' left side, his eyes fixed on Kalaber with a look of disgust. Kalion stood behind them, fangs on show, but otherwise held back. He would not attack until given an order.

Lyckos' voice hissed, tainted with a lethal undertone as he took a few steps towards Kalaber, "How dare you show your face here! You betrayed us, you filthy whelp! You were one of our closest allies: we lost everything for you and you have stabbed us in the back! You swore to stand beside us, and so we stood by your side, but it was all for nothing, because you are a snivelling low-life backstabber, who deserves nothing more than death. Even if you seek it here, I will not make it quick. You will suffer for what you have done, and I will not grant mercy. Betrayal is not tolerated by the Shadow Lurkers!"

.Kalaber

He turned his head to his son.Crucifix the Avengers are yours now leave, I am no longer ment for this world! He spoke before turning back. He listened to lyckos.That is why I want you to just kill me, Just make sure you kill risen and destroy the haunters... And do not take my betrayle out on the AvengersHe spoke his ears flat bck.He now waited.

crucifix whimpered but ran off not wanting to be there.

.Aurinka

The steel-gray coywolf trotted to the alleys, looking up at Bleak and then down at Kalaber. "Tainted told me about him..." She then turned her gaze to Lyckos. "Has he really betrayed us?"

Isabel exited the den, growling savagely at Kalaber. "Yes, sister, he is the lowlife traitor scum. He called the Lurkers out to help him in his pointless war, and then he turned his back on them. On us." She could see Tainted with another wolf and called her over.

Tainted strode to the group, a few snakes aborning her small body. "You are nothing to us, Kalaber. You know what you have done to my family, and now you've betrayed Lyckos' family." She hissed, as if her words were venom. "Death will come soon, Kalaber. And trust me, it will not be pleasant." She showed complete hate for the wolf and would not be merciful.

.Ebony, Venom & Loathe

Ebony strode towards Kalaber when she found the chance, glancing at Tainted warily but coming towards the male. Two snakes, newfound friends, slide in her coat and hissed tartly. Ebony's eyes flared as she glared into Kalaber's eyes. "You foul bastard!" Ebony howled, "Hydras died because of you! You turned away once your allies were too weak to fight! All for family? Maybe you think loyal is just a bunch of shit! I see you now...Liar, Traitor and Murderer!" Ebony lowered her head, snarling and tense for action. If anyone was going to kill Kalaber, Ebony prayed it was her. They had some unfinished business since the Croal Mountain icident. Yes, that had been Ebony's fault...but she was the type that held grudges like this.

.Wither, Risen, Ynear, Rayne

Risen was as fast as lightning when Cynical had told her about Kalaber's betrayal to the Haunters. Unlike Rayne's idea, Risen never intended turning Kalaber against the Lurkers in such a way, as devious as the plan was, Kalaber had broken ties with them now as well.. And even more than the Lurkers, The Haunters did NOT tolerate betrayal.

Racing around the corner, The tiny gray female made a B-line to the bastard nephew. Venom, Melee, and three of their children hung tightly onto their beloved leader. The snakes set their eyes on those around them. For the Haunter Queen rarely went anywhere by herself. This was a special occasion for the traitorous brute.

Wither, having followed Risen, tried to cut the female off, but wasn't quick enough, nor did she know the alleys well enough to find a meeting point between Risen and Kalaber.

At Wither's heels was the darker colored sister, Ynear. The Mother ran quickly, not wanting to see the death of her brother. But what could she do to stop it.

When everything looked so perfect, so clear as to say Risen would have been able to clamp down on the brutes leg. A mischievous little pest intercepted her lunge. Risen skidded to a halt before a white brute. One just a few pounds more than she, and with eyes so bright, and yet so dark. "Rayne!" The alpha called out in rage. The male opened his mouth to try and explain to her his reasonings for being there, but the female promptly place punishment amongst the adolescence and sent him to the ground in blinding pain. His first punishment, his first lesson. The brute closed his eyes as little flecks of blood oozed from his newly acquired bite marks.

With her fur on frantic ends, the female narrowed her eyes to the brute and then slowly made her way up to Kalaber. Her head down, ears forward, tongue lashing over her lips and pure distaste. "You are a pathetic little low-life you know that? You can't even find your own barrings, you are so self centered! You take on one ally, and then the other, uncaring of who you really hurt!"

Her eyes flicked up to Tainted, another traitor by the words of the feathered ones. She only offered a glare to the female before turning her hatred look toward Lyckos... The whole party was here. Once again, infuriated eyes sought out Kalaber...

Wither and Ynear were still lost, looking for where the group was gathered.

.Tainted

Tainted looked at Risen, baring her fangs, but being careful not to get too far onto Lurker territory. "You fool, you accepted Kalaber as an ally rather than spilling his blood right then and there! And look where we are now? I'm sure you can see the mistake in your actions, Risen. If you have not heard, the Rebels' alliance is off with the Haunters because of your alliance with my number-one enemy. I have misjudged you. I thought you were an honorable wolf. Now I see that you are a cowardly bitch." She railed on her former ally, snakes surrounding the Rebel Queen. Still, she kept a respectful distance from the Lurkers.

Tainted then looked at Kalaber, the wolf who had raised her. "I would still call you father, but I'm afraid that I may vomit if I do. Your mate, after loving me and giving me food even before I could see, turned me away and made me an outcast. Then she killed my one true mother. You're all scum to me. I hope you're happy, Kalaber. If your goal was to shatter as many families and reave as many pups as you could, you have succeeded. But you have not won. You're the loser. You've been defeated, Kalaber, and now you're going to be with your dear mother. Farewell, insolent murderer." Her words were venomous and cut like a blade.

Aurinka stepped up to Kalaber. She then look back at Lyckos. "Might I suggest breaking his legs first? Then he can see how my baby brother felt, who, thanks to Kalaber, never got to live life." Her calm, gentle demeanor was replaced with a merciless, vengeful one. She wasn't going to go easy on Kalaber. Not after what he had done.

.Kalaber

He snarled at all of them but ignored all.Lycko's just kill me now! I am not gonna listen to vermin. I know what i did and i know what must be done. I am no longer fit for this world Now lyckos do it! Or help me god I will just kill myself! But i rather end my life as quickly as possible!He growled his ears laced back.

.Risen

The Haunter Queen snarled at Tainted, "You have no say in who is cowardly, Tainted." In the background Rayne chuckled darkly under his breath. "She is quite a mastermind if you put the math together." Risen turned to the male, eyes narrowing as Rayne deflected the look of his alpha.

The female snorted before turning back to Kalaber, "You're begging for death? Finally doing something right!" She growled, though no humor was leaked from her lips.

.Kalaber

He growled at risen.You are by far the one who should beg for death. But when you do die you wont be happy for we shall meet again and then shall i get my revenge for you brainwashing wither and ynear then shall I be redeemed. It was your little Cynical who ruined for you risen. I kill myself now because I know making that deal with you was a mistake that i would regret one that would cost me my life. My mother would never of wanted that, Palatina would never of wanted that! I will be reunited with them and I shall watch over my sisters and my family that lives on. You will die soon risen and your pack will maybe be unbrainwashed. Only then can they find their true calling. Now i'm done talking to you. Now lyckos please put me out of my misery before i decide to do something I might regret further

.Tainted

Tainted shot a glare to the Haunter Queen. "Oh, shove it, bitch. I have more of a say in this than you, you who accepted your enemy as an ally just so he wouldn't stain your fur with his slobber. Yeah, that's brave, Risen." She retorted. She then turned to Kalaber, her fangs bared. "Your mate killed my mother, Kalaber. Now you die." She launched herself at him, several snakes coiled around her body, ready to bite Kalaber or anybody who got in their way.

.Risen .+. Wither

Running quickly, she could hear voices now, her heart pounding hard against her chest. Faster, Faster her pulse flows through her veins. Eyes catch a sight, an argument. "Kalaber No!" She cries, tears shedding down to soil her father given coat. Images flash, fangs are bared around him. His plea... He wants this!

Claws dig into solid ground, clacking turns to scratching as the female moves faster than any have ever in their life. So close, and yet so far, just feet. Slow motion envelopes the female as she collides with her brother. Full force, she can feel her bones crack against his being. A cough of crimson. A burning in her side. A scream of utter pain.

Wither fell to the floor, writhing with the venom of Tainted's snakes. Jaw agape, a look of surprise and distress frozen upon her face. Eyes wide... I-I'm going do die....

----

Ynear, almost as fast as her sister, lost her speed as her sister's adrenaline took place. Ynear tried to yell, but was cut short as a venomous snake attack as Tainted leaped at her brother, intercepted by her sister. Ynear froze, at the edge of the group, her body instantly going numb... "N-n-" She opened her mouth, fangs bared, eyes in despair. "WITHER!"

.Lyckos

Lyckos was already fuming, only just holding himself back from striking Kalaber down where he stood. Then another showed up that held just as much hate as the traitor had; Tainted. With wild eyes, Lyckos snarled at her, but didn't attack, simply warning her to keep away from him. "You shouldn't be here," he hissed at her, giving a pointed look at Isabel as if to say 'I asked her to stay away'. Nevertheless, he had no time to deal with Tainted, for he had a suicidal Kalaber on his paws.

Apparently this wasn't a private party.

Soon enough, the smell of Haunter caught his attention, and Lyckos was instantly in edge. He was shocked to see Risen out alone. When Risen's glare crossed the Lurker alpha's way, he returned it with just as much venom. They may have been united with their hatred of Kalaber, but the Lurkers and Haunters still stood on separate sides. Still, they both also shared a mutual hatred of Tainted, too. Lyckos didn't say anything in response to Tainted's speech to Kalaber, instead his eyes burned into the traitor, biding his time to strike him down. Aurinka's idea to break his legs seemed good, but that would be too easy. No, he wanted to make Kalaber suffer, by striking him when he wanted it least.

When Tainted dived forward to attack Kalaber, there was a loud, powerful, "TAINTED, NO!" from Lyckos, but he knew better than to jump in the way of her snakes. It was then that he saw a flash of another take the hit for Kalaber. Wither. Normally he would have been happy, one less Haunter meant a smaller job for him, but the look of shock and distress on her face threw him. He was not new to snake bites. Wither would have a few minutes left before she would die; that was inevitable. His mind went back to both Hydras and Quake: both of them had taken bites from Tainted's snakes and both lay dead, or so he thought. His head was hung as he calmly watched Wither, but he realised that this was it - the moment he had been waiting for.

As everyone was stunned into shock at what had happened, Lyckos plunged forward, "It's all your fault Kalaber!" and aimed to ram him to the ground and seize his throat. If he managed the throat hold, he would tear away half of Kalaber's neck. Whether he was successful or not, Lyckos slowly moved back from the traitor, "Now you can suffer for what you've done. Spend your last moments with your sister, Kalaber, comfort her. Your enemies and family will wait in the afterlife for you both. May the Gods have mercy on your souls."

.Kalaber

When wither shoved his body he stumbled having let his muscles be loose.WITHER NO!!!!!!!!!!!!He spoke touching his muzzle to his sister before lyckos got his neck and his eyes flash but he didn't fight him. He knew now that wither was dieing it was his end. His neck was torn open and he bled. His eyes shut.Lyckos if you do not hold a grudge over my pack please watch over thsoe who still live on in my familyHe spoke before nuding his dieing sister and making to stumble away from the whole group. He wanted to die away from them and next to his sister. His eyes then caught ynears.I love you Ynear always have and always will. May god open your eyes to what your so loved alpha has doneHe spoke before waiting for wither to go away from the group.

.Lyckos

Lyckos simply watched, his eyes hard and his heart cold to the ally who had betrayed him. "I will watch out for your family, Kalaber, because they were not the ones to decide to betray us. You alone made that decision, and you alone must pay the price. I will guard your family, but only because I feel sorry for them being pushed into your greedy war. Do not think I am doing it for you. Goodbye, Kalaber."

He knew that Kalaber wanted to die alone with Wither, and no Lurker would change that or do them any further harm. Neither would he attack Risen, for she would be losing one of her own today, and though they were enemies, he was not a cold-hearted murderer. His eyes looked to Wither, and softened ever so slightly, "Goodbye, Wither..." As brother and sister left to die together, Lyckos slowly approached Risen, his body held in a manner that showed he would not attack her. In a civil tone, he quietly said, "You may remain here and take Wither's body back to your temple without hassle from my pack when she...when she has...when she had passed on. It was not her day to die..."

Then, the Lurker alpha quietly turned away, back to his pack signalling for them to return to the Aegis Den. He didn't follow them however, instead he fixed Tainted with a vicious glare, "I want you gone in less than five minutes. If one of the falcons see's you on my land after that time is up, I'll chase you out myself. Just because you don't count us as an enemy anymore, doesn't mean we will welcome you into our land with open arms. You have done the Lurkers - me - too many wrongs, Tainted. I want you out of here, and I don't want you back without my permission."

.Risen .+. Rayne .+. Others

Risen, seeing the flash of her niece take the venomous blow for Kalaber, was thrown into a maze of confusion. Her vision slurred for a moment as the female version of he brother fell to the ground after the strike. "W-w... TAINTED!" Hollow yellow eyes shot a venomous look to the Rebel. But she couldn't speak further after Lyckos took the initiative to tear out Kalaber's throat.

Everything was going so fast, when Kalaber got up and left, Risen fidget to hold herself from assaulting the Rebel Queen. Hearing Lyckos' words made her relax a bit, thinking, plotting... Tainted, once an enemy, and then an ally, and now an enemy again. Risen quickly gave Lyckos a look of "I want to speak with you"... but she waited for Tainted to leave.

Rayne, still gloating in the idea of Risen being a hidden mastermind. To him, still, this was all to wonderful. To turn you're enemy's greatest ally on you. Wonderful, purely, wonderful.

Ynear, body tense as her brother spoke to her, broke down to the ground and began to cry. Covering her face with her paws, the Mother Haunters couldn't look at anyone right now.

Rayne, moved by the one who had raised him, twitched and walked over. Nuzzling the female before laying down near her. "Don't cry Mother...." He gave a soft whine before embracing the caretaker and waiting for the go ahead to retrieve Wither's body.

Oraiyus, who followed after the small group, turned and followed the dying pair. She would return when the two passed.

Wither, dazed by her encounter, began to feel it hard to breath. She looked up to her brother before slowly rising. Stumbling after him as well, and then leading the way out.

.Tainted

Tainted looked at Lyckos. "Affirmative, Sir Lyckos." She said, bowing. "But first, I would like to give you a gift. A peace offering, if you will." Two young fierce snakes slithered from the hybrid and lied in front of their Queen, looking at the Lurker King.

"These two young snakes, Apogee and Laila, would like to join your pack, and I will dismiss them from my own if you will accept them" With that, Tainted bowed once more and left without another word. Though she cast a deadly look to Risen, a look that said, "You disgraceful recreant." Then she was gone.

.Lyckos

Lyckos caught Risen's look, and though at first his mind told him not to agree, he knew he must. He met her look and held it, showing he would speak with her once Tainted had left the alleys.

Tainted's next actions took him off guard. A gift of peace? Lyckos looked down at both snakes through indifferent eyes, but nodded quietly, signalling he was accepting them into his pack. The Lurker watched the Rebel leave, making sure she was doing as instructed, before relaxing.

Until he remembered Risen.

Lyckos turned back to the Haunter Queen and her two grieving pack mates. The large hybrid met her gaze, his hazel eyes locking with her yellow ones, and he held it with intensity. "What do you wish to discuss, Risen?"

.Risen

Her lip curled up into a snare as Tainted offered Lyckos a "peace offering". Staring at the snakes with venomous eyes and then an even stronger burning gaze was turned to Tainted as she left. "Don't piss her off, One word from their momma and they'll turn on you..." He growled at the snakes that stayed near Lyckos' feet. As much as she wanted the Lurkers gone, she wanted Tainted to feel the agony of death more. She would never ally herself to the Lurkers, and this peace offering set aside her original intention of persuading the Lurker King to turn against Tainted.

"I guess my request would be no better than hers. Nevermind..." She looked away, knowing she was older than the brute. Gray hairs decorated her lips, contrasting with the heavy gray around her body. She shook her head and looked to him. A smile planted on her face. "So many things have changed... I should feel proud... and yet, I wonder what would have happened if I would have stayed here..." Her eyes seemed distant. She was a mother, her children sired by a brute highly respected... but she never had experienced the emotion of love... as so many else did.. Some nights she thought about it.. but it made her angry. She didn't even love her children... She was proud of them, respected them, cared for them and all of the other Haunters... but she couldn't love them.... Who's fault was it?

Outer expression turned to one of pain, confusion, and envy. To have her niece and nephew go die together... She knew she was going to die alone. Ready or not, for the final breath.

.Lyckos

Lyckos knew too well that the snakes would turn on him should Tainted change her views of him. That was why he was so hesitant to allow them into his pack, and he was immediately regretting his decision.

"Actually," he mused, with Risen's warning lingering in his ears, "I don't think I should accept you as a gift. I have nothing against you two, I just...I just haven't quite gotten over Hydras' death yet, and the venom of your kin was the weapon she was killed with..." Even as he watched Tainted's snakes, his mind and senses were inside the Pike's Lake battle, watching his mate and son fall to the snakes venom, "Return to Tainted, and tell her thank you, but that I cannot accept you. She should understand."

Then, the Lurker alpha turned to Risen. It was an amusing sight, to see a very large hybrid standing a few feet from a tiny wolf, enemies through opposing packs, yet neither attacking. Lyckos kept a respectful distance from the Haunter Queen. He respected Risen: she had many loyal followers and had built an army that had many fearful of it's name - her name - and he would have probably been an ally to her, had there never been such bad blood between them, and the fact he was on the receiving end of this army's assault. Had he realised that he was the only major roadblock on the Haunter's road to domination, Lyckos would probably have been extremely wary in his position. However, he was aware that he was not the solo target of the Haunter Queen and her brigade; Tainted stood between them. If there was one thing the Lurkers and Haunters agreed on, it was a hate for the Rebel leader.

Yes, Risen was his senior in age, and Lyckos was in the prime of his life. With all the fighting and recent events, the alpha was the picture of a top warrior. He was heavily muscled, was very tall, and had started learning how to block out his emotions. The turning point had been the death of his beloved mate, his son, and the multiple other Lurkers and allies that had died for Kalaber. Kalaber...that traitorous, snivelling bastard. Lyckos was glad he was dying, and glad that he was the reason for Kalaber's death. He deserved everything he had got. Wither: she didn't deserve to die today, but there was nothing he could do to save her now.

When Risen smiled at him, Lyckos head inched up in tentatively, a quizzical flicker in his eyes. He quickly dismissed it, but was put on edge. Indeed, what would have happened if she had stayed in the Lurkers? A question they would never know the answer to. "Regardless whether you stayed in the Lurkers or not, I don't think the valley would be much different. There's always going to be opposing sides. Had you stayed, it might not have been the Haunters that rose to become another powerhouse in this valley. Then again, you and Hidden Betrayal started the Shadow Haunters, so she may have started it without you," he mused, watching Risen through indifferent eyes, "but perhaps they wouldn't have been as successful without you to lead them...We can never truly know the answer to that question. We can think about it, but never know for sure."

If she had stayed, she may have met someone else, had a family in the Lurkers, become a high ranking member, started her own sub-division of the Lurkers, become a friend, lover, ally and mother to many others. This scene could have been very different. Lyckos and Risen could have stood side by side to face a common enemy, rather than stand feet apart with hostility and aggression hanging in the air. Many could still be alive, many could have lived to old age instead of dying in battle.

But it wasn't to be.

"You should be proud, Risen, you have created something others will envy and fear and be in awe of for a long time to come. The Shadow Haunters are going to carry on for a long time, even though people like me stand in the way. A pity we were never on the same side, don't you think? The Shadow Pack's stood side by side? It would have been a sight to behold, even you can't deny that." Of course, it would never happen. Too much had happened, and too much would still happen, and though Lyckos, Hydras and Risen had started the war, it wouldn't end with their deaths. Lyckos knew his children would one day have to face what he did now, Risen's notorious army and a seemingly unbeatable enemy. The thing that hurt him the most was that he would never be there to comfort them and aid them when they had to make the difficult decisions, the decisions that could mean the death of their friends or family. While Risen contemplated the fact she had never felt love, Lyckos realised the horrors he had birthed his own children into. He was the sole parent to three, who had already lost their mother and brother in a battle that needn’t have been fought. Not only that, he had adopted another nine pups as his own, becoming their ‘father’ and raising them to adulthood. If anything, Lyckos had attached himself too firmly to others, but there was nothing he regretted, for the love he felt for his family, his pack, his friends and his allies was something that drove him on everyday, even when the world turned against him.

The sobs of Ynear tugged painfully at Lyckos’ heart, and the Lurker alpha allowed himself to watch her through hurt eyes. He looked back to Risen to find her face a mix of hurt, envy and confusion. “Staying here would have changed everything, Risen. There could have been more love in this valley than hate, there could have been more co-operation than fighting, but it’s no use dwelling on the past. It means nothing anymore, what matters now is what we choose to do. We make our own destinies; we shouldn’t sit around and let someone else make them for us. You know that better than anyone.”

Dying alone was something that Lyckos had never considered, for he knew that he wouldn’t die alone. Or at least that’s what he hoped, what he prayed for every time he looked around the Lurker den to see all the pairs of mates, with their children. Lyckos could never share that joy again, for he would never allow himself to like another. Perhaps he and Risen shared more than they first realised. “Tainted is not an ally to me. She is but part of an agreement. I have had Tahti’s old pack come to me, it was they who told me of Kalaber’s betrayal. They have become my allies, on the condition I made sure Kalaber died. Tainted said she turned on you because you had Kalaber with you, and that she would be my ally if I wished her to be. However, I know she is a fickle friend, flitting between allies when and where it suits her, and she was also the one who killed Hydras. I would never be associated with her. However, I shall not stop her in what she wishes to do, which is destroy you, or so I am told.”

Then, the Lurker King grinned to himself, his eyes slipping to the floor, “If she’s not careful, she’s going to end up in the same situation as Kalaber.”

.Risen

An amusing sight it was indeed; one large, one small, one weak, one strong. Risen wouldn’t deny the fact that she was physically inept. She wasn’t much of an asset for the Lurkers in her time and she knew that she would have never been able to battle her way through the ranks.. She tried on countless times to raise her position whilst a member of the Lurkers, it was another reason she made her own pack. She was too weak to battle and felt that what she was, other wise, was much stronger and more successful.

”The Haunters were my idea…” She spoke straight out… ”I found Betrayal grieving over a lost love at the time. We were sworn rivals and when I confronted her, she was ready to battle. Instead I spoke with her, about my idea and how to make it happen… We made the pack, but the entire time, we knew we still were not friends… So we Haunter to Haunter… The victor is none-other. Betrayal wouldn’t have made her own pack, the Lurkers would still be fighting her old one… You would still be fighting Vestige… “ She smiled when he told her how successful her pack had become and she replied with a simple “Thank you”. His was always successful, but she sought to be even more so, if not the Haunters would not accomplish what they had been created to do… Rule over the Valley.

When he spoke about the “Shadow Packs” She gave a soft chuckle. ”I had had dreams about it, but I know my betrayal to this pack will not go unseen, nor have any blind eye turned toward it. Then it could truly be called “Shadow Valley” With both Shadow packs running it. But it is not my fate to decide. I wish to see it upon my predecessor, or maybe even their’s."

Rayne looked up when she talked about predecessors. Oh how his sights were on that. He would rule the Haunters with an iron, and most unmerciful, paw. His deep eyes flashed at the idea of it before turning back to the grieving mother. Ynear hadn’t let up in the least bit. Thinking of everything that all has been through… Oh Wither…

The last of Lyckos’ words were taken into her ears about Kalaber’s betrayal. Then Tainted came up and the last phrase made her eyes flash dangerously, ”I don’t know how she has managed to stay out of that same situation for this long. I am sure she allied herself to you in the first place, or was she just with Kalaber and Vestige? She will not be re-admitted as an ally to the Shadow Haunters. She will forever be our enemy… We do not take lightly to those who double cross.” She knew she had done the same to the lurkers, but she was young and very must still in her power hungry state at the time.

.Lyckos

Lyckos smiled grimly, feeling the anger flow from Risen, and matching it with his own rage for Tainted. "She used to live with us, but when me and Hydras refused to let Tahti into the den to care for Aurinka, she and a bunch of her siblings ran out on us, claiming that Hydras was the devil, and that we were trying to play God," his eyes began to flash with rage, his voice laced with fury that refused to die down, even though the event was so long ago, "she has been a thorn in our paws for a long time now, but never an ally to us. We will not accept her back into our pack, nor will I have anything else to do with her."

Lyckos took a few steps forward, then seated himself before Risen. "Now, what did you really want to talk about. I know you didn't want to speak to me like this to reminisce about past events."

.Risen

With his anger, her fur bristled. Her lips curling back and being caressed harshly with her tongue. Ears pinned and her devilish yellow eyes flashed. Bluntly, she told him the answer. "I want Tainted dead. I want her to go through pain and suffering. Not just a simple quick death, no... a death that an ultimate traitor deserves. Something slow, something that she will regret as she dies slowly." Risen's mind flashed back to Coriscan. Tainted would need something just as bad, if not worse, but she knew the Lurker King would probably not support such an inhumane death.

Flashes - Tainted grabbed and seized to the ground. Her tail ripped from her, legs, ears, eyes mouth. Staying alive - A bed of ants? Into her skin, her blood, her empty oozing sockets. Drag her mangled body down the burning summer concrete road. Let maggots lay the children within her flesh.

A devilish smile creased her lips as goose bumps trickled down her bod. Oh what a wonderful, lustful, beautiful thought.

Halo; Bear

The adolescents had been listening in on the conversation. They didn't want to barge in, but when Risen spoke, Halo couldn't stop herself. "That's barbaric! My father wouldn't even do that to Tainted, as horrible as she is! He won't even let you suffer when he kills you!" She shouted, stepping up beside Lyckos.

Bear followed his sister, laughing slightly. "Nah, Halo, I think it sounds like a good plan. After all, haven't you heard the stories?" He looked up at Lyckos. "I say go for it, Dad."

Halo snarled at Bear. "You shut up! You're just trying to be tough! If anybody dies, it should happen quickly and painlessly!" She screamed. She was a bit frightened by Risen's words, which would be apparent by her trembling and the tears in her eyes.

.Risen

Ready to throw every fur on end and growl venomously to the pup, she knew not to act in such a way on another's land. Although she did give off a warning snarl. "And you think what she did to all of her allies isn't barbaric? To use one, to make it seem like she is going to be forever loyal, and then throw that ally away once she has no use for them.. Is that not barbaric!?" She lifted her head to the sky, licking her mouth before calming down and shaking her head... to her Loyalty was most important...

.Aurinka

Before Halo could reply, Aurinka showed up. "No, Risen. It is you who betrayed Tainted. She trusted you. You turned your back on her and accepted Kalaber instead of shedding his blood like you always claimed you would. Is it not you who betrayed your allies by joining the enemy in his rampage? Tainted was only reacting to your treason." She challenged boldly, standing near Lyckos for protection. She bowed to the Lurker King before and after she had spoken. If it were up to her, she'd kill Risen right now.

.Risen

The female snarled at Aurinka for her words. "Silence that childish mouth of yours! I was trying to stop bloodshed, not further pursue it. Do you think i want to fight until the day I day. I am growing older and I want to retire with some peace. As impossible as that is, I can always hope for it!" She shook her head. Pinning her ears to her head. She had wanted to see the Haunters raise to victory before her demise. But that was a dream that wouldn't come true.. not in her lifetime, nor her children's life time.. and she knew that.

.Aurinka

Aurinka tilted her head. "You want to stop bloodshed but you still want to torture my sister and let her suffer? That's hypocritical." She stated, snorting. "You should think before you betray your ally, Risen. It would do you good to start thinking period. You had your end of the deal, and Tainted had hers. You broke yous first, so Tainted responded by dropping her end."

Halo growled at Risen. "Stop bothering her, you monster! Don't talk to any of us!" The pup yelled.

.Lyckos

It was not the idea of a painful death that disturbed Lyckos, it was the glee with which the idea was put forth by Risen that really got to him. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly in disgusted curiousity, but he didn't voice his dislike for her joy of torture. Still, he could not deny that Tainted shouldn't have that kind of death thrust upon her. She had, after all, betrayed both Lurker and Haunter alike, and in the process killed many from the Lurkers, including Lyckos' mate and son.

Suddenly, Halo and Bear appeared, shouting at the Haunter Queen. Lyckos immediately rumbled a warning growl. This was not the place for these adolescents, for this was a talk between alphas, not a free-for-all. While the pair of coyote-mix pups battled between themselves on moral issues of death, Lyckos found himself considering Risen's offer. After all, if he allowed her to torture Tainted, it didn't mean he encouraged it. He could still condone her actions. Usually he wouldn't have even considered that proposition, but Tainted had put herself in a very dangerous position in the Lurker King's eyes, and now it seemed she may have to pay for her actions. Pay in pain and blood.

Then, Aurinka showed up. Now the Lurker alpha was bristling with rage. "What the..." but apparently she was above alpha's, for Aurinka began accusing Risen of betrayal. The bows to Lyckos did nothing to make his foul mood subside, and Lyckos did nothing but flash his fangs at Aurinka to show his displeasement of the situation. She may have stood beside him for protection, but all the Lurker alpha did was snap his jaws in the air beside her, showing she was not to stand beside him. He didn't like the fact she had believed he would protect her, for with the bad blood between them currently, she wasn't making it any better by shouting her mouth off. This was his business, not hers.

"ENOUGH."

The roar from the towering canine echoed through the alleys. His eyes were ablaze with the fires of rage and his body was almost shaking with pure anger.

"Halo. Bear. You know not to interrupt me when I am busy. This is alpha business. When you are older you may take part in debates such as this, but currently this is a closed conversation. Save your opinions for yourselves. Now, you can either close your mouths and sit quietly over there, or you can keep talking and go back to the den. Either way you are no longer part of this; I don't want you getting involved in such delicate business right now."

After chastising his 'children', Lyckos rounded on Aurinka.

"And you! You are not a part of this pack. You belong in the Mountains with Quaidah and the Guardians. He is your alpha now, and you must live with him. The alleys are not your home, Aurinka, so I suggest you leave before my patience wears even thinner and I snap. Tainted has not only betrayed Risen but she had betrayed me. Do not defend my enemies in front of me in my own home. You claimed you didn't care about her, yet now you defend her? Maybe you should open your eyes and see the path of destruction Tainted has caused before you accuse Risen of being even worse. If there is one thing we detest above all others, and I speak for Risen too, it's betrayal, and Tainted has commited that act. Now, leave. If you refuse, I shall be having words with Quaidah, and you shall be punished accordingly for underminding your supiriors."

Though he hadn't said anything to the Haunter Queen, Lyckos flashed her a glance. In that look, he was asking her to stay, for he had something to discuss with her.

.Aurinka

Aurinka looked at Lyckos. She was only here because Desmon and her pups were here. She didn't want to leave them. She nodded and left, tears filling her eyes. Would Lyckos really accept his arch enemy's deal?

Bear grinned as Aurinka walked away. "And stay out of my territory, bitch!" He snarled. He stalked after her, staying in the shadows. They were on their way to the mountains.

Halo looked up at her father. "But...you wouldn't really torture anybody, would you?" She questioned tearfully.

.Risen

With Rayne and Ynear now gone, Risen stood alone in the alleys. Watching the on-goings of the Lurkers when Lyckos shot her a request to stay. There was a nod before she looked hatefully to Aurinka. The female had no words to say about betrayal. For Aurinka was a traitor as well. But her wasn't as affective as Tainted... When the female left, Risen gave her her own look. Learn to bite your tongue. There will be trouble if you don't and the look wasn't just for the trouble she would have with Risen, but for all of those she would disrespect with that foul open mouth of hers.

Her eyes flicked down to Halo as she questioned her father about Torture. To Risen, she was the devil, the Cerberus that everyone sent their enemies to. Wishing hell upon them was wishing for torture. Not believing in an after life; Risen would see their punishment come to pass in the living world before sending them to their death. To her... Hell wasn't enough for a traitor. Being a traitor herself, she could feel little pity if at all. But to her, betraying to start her own pack and find her power, and betraying to manipulate others to do your bidding and dancing between the lines of allies were two different things.

She watched Lyckos, question in her eyes. Glee upon her coat as he might take her offer. She didn't really expect him to agree, but to have their support in destroying this traitor was anything but disappointing.

.Lyckos

With Aurinka gone, and Bear seemingly returning to the den, Lyckos turned back to the business at hand. Halo's question didn't provoke a reaction from Lyckos, who was mentally battling with himself over that very issue: would he be able to torture someone? The answer didn't matter. If he accepted Risen's offer to capture and torture Tainted, Lyckos would merely help with the first part of the deal. He wouldn't aid in the torture personally, but he wouldn't stop Risen if that was what she wanted. After all, Tainted had technically subjected Hydras, Quake and Wither to torture from the venom of the snake bites in their systems, so surely it would be a fair deal...?

"No, I don't think I would torture anyone, Halo," Lyckos said quietly, calmly, his eyes fixed on Risen rather than the youngster by his side, "but I cannot dictate the actions of others."

That statement alone from the Lurker King should have had Risen's mind positively brimming with glee, for he had essentially granted her his support to torture Tainted, should he agree to her plan. Lyckos may not be involved directly with the torture, but he wouldn't tell Risen to stop and make a quick kill.

"Halo, I want you to go back to the den now. Go back to the pack while I finish here."

Lyckos didn't talk any further until he was sure Halo had left him and Risen and was out of earshot. It was then that it truly was alpha to alpha (if he ignored the snakes that coiled round her tiny body). The large hybrid seated himself a few feet from her, his hazel eyes meeting hers fearlessly. Of course, Risen herself may have betrayed the Lurkers, but Lyckos wasn't fully aware of that. He hadn't been a part of the Shadow Lurkers when Risen was, and only joined after she had left to start the Shadow Haunters. Nevertheless he couldn't hold that against her, for it was too far in the past and too insignificant to bother him now.

"You see, Risen, my problem is this: accepting your offer means losing an ally, but at the same time losing an enemy. Declining it means I'm stuck in a dangerous loop, with Tainted flitting about and changing her friends constantly. Regardless of what I chose, I will always have enemies. So, it comes down to how much I want Tainted gone, and I think I've made it clear how strong my dislike for her is during this conversation."

So, a pause; a moment to digest and think up an agreement.

"Here's the deal, Risen. You want Tainted dead just as much as me, so I see no reason why I shouldn't help you. She took from me two of the most important people in my life: Hydras and my son, and for that I cannot forgive her. So, I shall return to the Lurkers and ask those who wish to help me bring Tainted down to follow me. Tomorrow morning we shall come to the Ruins, and we can create a plan. However, I will tell you now that the Lurkers will take no part in torturing her. We will help you capture her, bring her back to the Ruins, but we will not assist you any further than that."

However, he wouldn't grant her this without something in return, "Now, in return for our support, I want something from you. Should we be attacked by an ally of Tainted's as a result of this, I would like to know that I could count on you joining us to fight against them. I know we do not see eye to eye, Risen, and that we never will regarding some issues, but we both know that anyone who is an ally of Tainted even after all of her backstabbing is a fool. Surely you would agree that any of her allies that decide they want to avenge her death should be killed to join their beloved friend?"

"I'm open to negotiation, but first and foremost, do we have an accord?"

.Risen

The she wolf smiled with an amused grin as Lyckos granted his permissive support to torture Tainted. He didn't have to be the one to torture the fool, helping her catch the retched wench was enough to satisfy the Haunter Queen. A little more respect showed for the brute as he dismissed the pup to go back to the den. Her eyes followed the pup, silently keeping to herself all of the thoughts of how disrespectful the child had been; but it was not hers to decide what the pups fate was.

When he spoke to her, Risen's ears stayed at attention, her eyes holding his in intense awareness and acknowledgment of what he said. When he spoke of how much he hated Tainted, she nodded her head, for she was sharing that same feeling of hate. The huntress sat stark still. Everything that the alpha of the Lurkers was saying, entered her ears and stayed in her mind.

"An accord we have. I will loan you a few of my warriors, and I will have Oraiyus follow you. If things get out of paw, I will send the rest of the Warriors as well as the majority of the Guards.

Or, we can team up entirely to take her down. Those members of yours which do not wish to fight, may stay at dima's Temple. Openly welcome to stay with the mothers and pups. They will be protected by the permanent guards. Those who come to fight may have snakes to protect themselves. If there is an entirety team up. All of my warriors, and all of yours who wish to fight, will fight."

Standing up the female let her head bow. "I want to see Tainted dead, as do you. I will let my Warriors know tonight that we have an agreement and an accord to the Lurkers. May the Shadow packs unite to destroy such a ... Tainted creature. I shall see you in the morning, Lyckos" Again she bowed, the snakes around her body pressed against her tightly, feeling no threat from the Lurker King, they kept their eyes elsewhere.

As Risen moved away, the shadows behind her dancing. She smiled at the thought of fighting behind the second strongest pack in the Valley. As much as she would like the Shadow Packs to unite, there was a lot of bad blood behind them. Blood that couldn't be forgiven from either pack. For now, at least.