Dixie

Dixie woke up this morning and decided that it was high time that she go out and take a walk on her own. Ever since the pups had been here she had spent her every moment with them and though she wouldn’t trade that for anything, they were growing up now and were getting quite independent. Maybe it was time for her to do the same. So, she had asked Holly to keep an eye on the youngsters while she excused herself for a short walk. It was a brisk day, only being in the lower forties but it was bearable since the wind was still. She was sure that she would enjoy this little outing very much.

And as she exited the den she found the peace of the alley way to be very enjoyable indeed. Though, maybe this caused her to let her guard down slightly. It seemed that the area that was already strongly covered by human and canine scents slightly masked the freshness of this new scent. By the time that the Boxer girl knew that there was anything amiss it was too late. She had been captured.

The human who grabbed her was not one that she had seen picking up other dogs, though. No, this human was not a dog catcher by profession. Yet the smell of canines was strong on him… There was something off about his mannerisms from what she had seen in other humans. There was not even any attempt at friendliness from him as he roughly shoved the angry boxer into the cage that was in the back of his truck.

Dixie fought the whole time in the cage, trying to free herself from the confinement. Soon the truck came to a stop and she was taken out, with much hassle a muzzle was placed on her and she growled fiercely. Though, it was no use. She could no longer use her teeth to defend herself so she was shoved into a pen. She had no idea what was soon to happen but she didn’t have to wait long. The man returned with a bigger dog who was not muzzled, the dog growled menacingly at her as he was placed in the pen.

The slender Boxer girl had no idea that she had gotten herself caught by a dog fighter who planned to use her as a bait dog to train one of his fighters. Yet, she wouldn’t go down without a fight even if her jaws were useless. She fought hard, trying to scratch or whatever possible to defend herself but in the end it was no use. Eventually everything around her began to go blurry as her consciousness faded. She barely even felt herself being lifted into the back of the truck and driven back to the alleys where her unconscious body was dropped a little ways away from the entrance of the den and the man left.

Pepper

Pepper watched as his muzzle barely gave indication to her words. Tersek was soon gone back inside the Temple, and the black and white colored girl barely had time to pace before he was back. With him was Black Twilight, Drekh, Dulaity, Black Gyre, and Huerosan. Each canine was greeted with a nod while from her as she moved with the rest of her siblings toward the Alleys. The girl barely made her first step when another voice stopped her briefly. Rampage, a wolf she had not expected to come along and ask to join, had just done exactly that. A brief grin came to her maw. The more the merrier. Was her only response as she kept following after Demos.

Demos greeted them all with a look of gratitude before moving to set a fast pace. Nava stuck close to Anui, her ivory, small, and fragile frame held somewhat low as she wondered if a fight would happen. Phobos, small and fragile like Nava, carried her form high as she traveled near Demos, her fur bristling as she prepared herself for what was going to happen. Victoria glanced one last time behind them to see if they had been caught, but nobody had caught on to the groups intentions.

Nighteyes looked to Tersek and knew what the other titan wanted, and he was probably the only wolf here that didn’t approve. Rampage was another wolf he would have to watch, but at the moment he just followed along beside his pack members. As a strategist he was going to do his best to keep things diplomatic, even if he must demand his comrades to back down. None of the other pack members here had the authority to declare war.

Once the group arrived, Demos slowed down to make sure everyone had stayed together before they would comfront the Lurkers. Nobody had noticed Dixie quite yet, but her unconscious form was only a short distance away from them.

Tersek & Others

Tersek's blood was up, almost as high as his wolfish tail as he jaunted along with the group, heading from the mountain ruins and down into the valley. Upon entering the city and navigating their way to the Alleys, the large, grizzled brute began to display more intensity and alertness. And as they drew nearer to the Aegis Den, he had the audacity to hold himself as the most dominant in the group, and spoke in a commanding tone to address the others, "Keep your wits about you, the Lurkers are a vicious bunch. They may very well treat our attempts at civil diplomacy with fangs and aggression, so be prepared." Nevermind that Tersek had his fur bristled ever so slightly to make his already large body appear even bigger, or that his tall ears were directed forward and his tail held stiff and unfriendly.

Huerosan had not missed the way Nighteyes was keeping a closer eye on his father and Rampage, and he understood why. Quiet and often times aloof, Huerosan was highly perceptive of those around him, and knew exactly what Tersek and Rampage had in mind; he also understood Nighteyes well enough to know his fellow packmate would want to avoid bloodshed and find a solution to this problem without a fight. Remaining silent as always, Huero merely watched the group, waiting to see how things would play out today.

"I smell blood." Duality woofed softly. Tersek and the others immediately turned their noses about, twitching and sniffing to try and pick up what she had discovered. "It smells fresh- look." Then she saw it, the boxer laying unconscious in the shadows. Cautiously, the wolfdog moved forward, but was soon eclipsed by her father as Tersek brushed past her and lowered his muzzle to sniff at the wounded Lurker. He used his grizzled muzzle to nudge her, and in doing so, accidentally smeared her incriminating blood across the front of his snout. "She's a Lurker, and she's still alive."

Drekh and Black Twilight moved forward now, drawing in closer to the dog while Huerosan hung back and observed.

Pepper

Pepper watched as her packmate became bold and watchful as they neared the Alleys, and more importantly the Aegis Den. The girl said nothing when he raised his tail and head higher than everyone else, but when he started giving commands she found herself speaking up. Do not attack or do something foolish unless we all agree. This was a warning to the large, grizzled brute who thought himself in charge, she wasn’t going to be bossed around. Tersek had offered to come and help, which she had welcomed, but she did not ask him to become the official leader of this mission.

Nighteyes could see how Tersek held his tail and his fur bristled. Do not show aggression unless we absolutely have to. The words had barely escaped him when Demos rounded around and glared at them all. I will do what it takes to get my children back. By that point it was obvious that he was distraught over the possibility of loosing his kids.

Nava let a low whine loose when she smelled the blood and Duality confirmed it. Anui pressed her body against her siblings in silent comfort, as she watched her companions move toward the wounded boxer. Phobos gasped softly when Tersek said the unknown canine was a Lurker. Seems like the Lurkers finally got the trouble they deserved for all that they’ve given us.

Pepper shot Phobos a look to shut her trap as she and Victoria moved closed to look at Dixie. Victoria finally spoke at that point. She has pups, perhaps we should go get help? She said, help referring to the Lurkers. Demos rolled his eyes. Do something or lets go, I have children to worry about as well.

Argolis & Others

After pushing his luck and receiving mild criticism for his actions, Tersek found the line which he couldn't cross... not yet, anyway. At the same time, the big brute saw an opening in the form of Demos' lament about his children, and a streak of potential desperation that Tersek could use to his advantage. He passed a brief look back at Pepper, speaking evenly to his packmate, aside from a slight growl that was meant for the Lurkers, "Foolish? It's not my actions that you need to worry about." His dual colored eyes then switched Demos, giving the other male a knowing look, with an edge of sympathy, "I want only to get your offspring back, and retain peace between the two packs, if such a goal is reachable." The way Tersek spoke implied that he felt such 'peace' would be hard to reach with the Lurkers. Certainly, the dominance and aggression that played out in his body language hadn't eased up all the much, and continued to contradict his words.

"I wonder what happened..." Quietly Black Twilight murmured this as he stepped up cautiously near Victoria, feeling a pang of sorrow for the wounded female. His pale gold eyes flicked over the various wounds on Dixie's body, all appearing to come from the fangs of another dog, or dogs perhaps. To the side and slightly behind his brother, Drekh scoffed under his breath, not at all sharing sympathy for the boxer. He might have made a comment to back what Phobos said, but he caught the reprimanding look that Pepper shot her, and decided he best keep his thoughts to himself.

"Demos is right-" Tersek, on the other paw, immediately picked up where Demos left off, once again using the father's anguish and anger to his gain, "-there's nothing we can do for her anyway. The longer we wait, the longer our packmembers remain with the Lurkers." Tersek made a move to travel away from Dixie, boldly attempting to 'lead' the group towards the Aegis Den. He didn't get far however...

The alpha of the Lurkers had been alerted to the group's presence after catching the sound of their voices in the distance, and picking up their unmistakable odor. He had been out already in an attempt to locate Dixie after she failed to return earlier, and having found no sign of her yet, the grizzle male was in a sore mood. As he approached the group, Argolis failed to notice Dixie at first, "What business brings you here?" The alpha's tones were stern, but not threatening.

Pepper & others

Nighteyes, a grey brute with white ears and a black tipped tail, looked to Tersek and responded instead of Pepper. If everyone plays nice then we won’t have to worry about anybody’s actions. He hoped to end any potential argument.

Pepper’s gray form with black sprinkles bristled a little, her white ears going against her head briefly. She didn’t like the cool way Tersek spoke to her, and if she even thought that growl had been aimed at her then there would have been trouble. This girl may not be a ranked member of the Haunters, but she demanded the same respect she gave everyone else, especially since she risked herself just as much as them. Nighteyes’s lyrics just got a soft sigh and nod of her head as her disposition returned to normal.

Demos ignored their words until Tersek spoke directly to him. I’m sure the alpha will be reasonable, I heard he recently became a father himself. There was no doubt that his children will be back with him, and he would pull upon Argolis own fatherly instincts if he had to. The titan made to follow near Tersek when they were stopped by Argolis. His response was quick and honest as he answered the King of the Alleys. I want my kids. There was no question to his voice, just a fierce, determined, and desperate tone of a father. The powerfully built grey and white son of Windsong and Kia wouldn’t take no for a question, he couldn’t because it would severely hurt him inside. The dip of his crown, to show respect, was late but he finally remembered to give the alpha his acknowledgement.

Nava spoke quietly from where she stood near Anui. They may take insult to the way you hold aggression in your form Tersek. She kept her gaze down mostly, but she could still see them all without looking directly in anyone’s eyes. Nava flattened her small, white form further to the ground when she saw the angry form of Argolis. Anui stood protectively beside her sister, making her look like a white, black, and silver tail tipped guardian.

Victoria glanced to Black Twilight with her gold eyes when he came near her and the boxer. Yes, she wondered what happened as well. Maybe we could help her? After all we are headed towards her pack. Perhaps they would be so grateful that they wouldn’t fight over the young ones she thought to herself. She made no move to follow Tersek when he tried to lead them away, she knew they would have a better chance if they helped the injured Lurker. Instead, the wolfess made to lay her form next to Dixie to keep her warm until the others agreed to help. Besides she couldn’t bring herself to let the other canine suffer alone. Tersek and Demos didn’t make it far, Argolis had chosen that moment to show up. Upon seeing Audra, she stood and side stepped to bump her black and white form against her pack mate to have him move back as well. Her words weren’t as quiet as she had tried for, and wasn’t sure if Argolis had heard, but her lyrics were meant for Black Twilight. He didn’t even notice his hurt pack member.

Audra had not only been following the scent of her alpha but the scent of blood. The fact that Argolis scent was now mixed in only made her get there faster. Seeing all of the wolves there didn’t slow her run down, not when she connected the scent to Dixie. Her and the alphess may not of been best friends but she was still her pack member and Queen of the Alleys. Audra’s silvery black figure didn’t stop running until she was standing protectively over Dixie’s unconscious form. Yellow soul gates watched them all as her ears went against her head in warning to the closest wolves to back away, especially the one who was right beside Dixie. Flashes of her white belly could be seen the whole time but her posture never became aggressive or threatening, she had no right for that yet, but she was at a warning and worried stage. For now she just waited on orders from her alpha as she took in the state of Dixie’s injuries.

Argolis & Others

All that Tersek gave back to Nighteyes was a flip of an ear to catch the others words, and what sounded like a dismissive grunt. He couldn't afford to start conflict amongst his own packmembers, so for the sake of not riling anyone else up, the big brute held his tongue and decided to play things more carefully at this point. It was Demos again that he reserved his stronger words for, "Perhaps. And it could also make him more protective of your children and less inclined to let them return to their rightful father... speaking of." Argolis' arrival stilled Tersek's words into an inaudible whisper. He heard Nava's quiet suggestion, but didn't alter his posture any at all. "That's right, we're just here for the kids."

Meanwhile, Black Twilight had seated himself near Dixie, with the idea to help keep her warm and protected alongside Victoria. "There's enough of us here, it wouldn't hurt if we stayed back while the rest carried on." As he agreed with Victoria's idea, his sister moved in and sniffed delicately at the boxer's damaged body. Violet then drew her muzzle back after inspecting the downed Queen, "She's still breathing; she may be in shock." Like Black Twilight and Victoria, the black and tan female poised herself to stay with the small group; but now Argolis had shown up now, and Audra was not far behind him.

Black Twilight was quick to rise up on his legs and take a few steps back with Victoria. As Audra rushed forward, he lowered his head defensively and positioned his body close to hers in a protective gesture. Violet Fyre growled quietly and took a few paces back with her packmate and brother. Like him, her ears went back and her eyes trained hesitantly on Audra, but she showed no signs of aggression.

"Your kids?" At first, Argolis was confused about the request, until it dawned on him what Demos was talking about - the group that had arrived some time ago. The muscles along his shoulders tensed and his bright eyes narrowed faintly, as a subtle warning to Demos and the not-so-friendly looking Tersek. It was the father's tone, and Tersek's blatant aggression that put Argolis on alert, and turned what could have been a peaceful negotiation into a tense encounter, "They are Lurkers now, and I won't simply 'give them back' to anyone." A whisper from Victoria, though not meant for Argolis, still reached his tall, black ears. It was then that he finally noticed the body, or what he could see of it behind all the canines. Audra had just arrived and dashed past all the Haunters in order to stand protectively over Dixie. A guttural snarl left Argolis' throat as he barreled past Demos and Tersek, not caring if he accidentally rammed either of them in his hurry. "Dixie!" The sight and smell of blood, and her ravaged form, nearly blinded the alpha with rage and worry. His mind jumped hastily to conclusions, and he snapped viciously at Victoria, Twilight, and Violet to drive them back away from the boxer, "Which of you are responsible for this!?" His trembling form crowded in near Audra's as he went from gnashing his fangs towards the Haunters, to lowering his muzzle and gently but urgently nuzzling his mate.

Pepper & others

Demos eyes widened briefly at Tersek’s words, surely the Lurker alpha wouldn’t be so cruel as to keep his children from him? After all it was his pack members that for all intense and purpose stole them. It was nice having his pack mate back him up about the kids but he wasn’t sure if his posture or tone was welcoming. Argolis seemed confused about the question of his kids until he realized where the large group of teenagers came from. Well, young adults now, and when he was suppose to take them to the Haunters now. The titan seemed to tense up as he said that his offspring were Lurkers now and that he won’t give them up. His body trembled as he held back his pain at the idea of not getting his children. It made it so he couldn’t respond right away and besides Argolis went into a blind rage at that point. His form got brushed but that was it since he was already moving aside.

Victoria glanced to Black Twilight when he said that there was enough from their pack for them to stay and help Dixie. A nod was given as she watched Violet Fyre sniff over the boxer. Her words made the female wonder what they could do for the Lurker Queen. Before she could respond Argolis and Audra showed up. She was moving back when Twilight moved closer to her and gave off a protective stance. It didn’t go unnoticed but her eyes moved quickly to Fyre to make sure she was okay. There was no aggression from her, Audra had basically turned a blind eye on them as she tended to her alphess. We think she might be in shock. Victoria’s voice was gentle and seemed just a little timid.

Nava pressed into Anui as she saw the ire in the large Lurker male. A whine left her as she tried to make herself invisible. Anui growled softly when he snapped at her pack mates but she did nothing at the moment. It was best if things didn’t turn into a fight just yet since they were just to remain peaceful.

Phobos moved to stand near Nighteyes. Do you think things will stay peaceful Nighteyes? That male is obviously looking for revenge and he will take it out on us. Perhaps Tersek was right, maybe we should fight. Nighteyes remained silent and waited for his chance to step in. After Pepper’s outburst he was quick to intervene. What my pack mates mean Argolis, sir, is that we did not harm the female boxer. He made sure to give the alpha some respect while he tried to keep things away from bloodshed.

Pepper was the one who reacted to the demand of who was responsible. Her fur bristled in the slightest, the first sign of aggression from her, as she moved to stand before the alpha. How dare you! We are your allies and you accuse us of hurting one of your own? The male had better be careful on how he answered the female, it was obvious she was offended by his accusation. The Lurkers were allies with the Haunters after all, for now at least.

Audra ignored the quiet growl and was just relieved that they backed up. Her ears and half glances was the only thing she spared the Haunter group as she tended to Dixie. She could smell humans and unknown dogs on her as she inspected the wounds first. After determining that the boxer was unconscious, from maybe shock or exhaustion, she glanced to Argolis. Should she say anything, surely he could smell the humans and stray dogs on his mate? This group didn‘t seem to care if there was bloodshed between the two packs, at least a few of them. She will be fine, we just need to get her back to the den so we can tend to her. I can call for help if you need to deal with them? It was also a hint for backup when she sensed the tension in the situation.