Hydras, Skeil, Bullet, Ankh, & Desmon

Moving in through the half-closed doors, Hydras made her way to the other end of the lower floor, where there was room for the entire pack to gather around and hear her announcement.

Bullet, Ankh, and Desmon gathered around in front of their alphess, with only Ankh knowing what Hydras was about to speak on.

Lyckos and Kalion

The two brothers entered the den, chatting about nothing in particular as they made their way towards the group. Kalion plopped himself down next to Bullet, smiling quietly at everybody. Lyckos grinned up at Hydras as he took his place in the group waiting to hear what the announcement was about.

Demon

Demon's ears perked as an announcement was called. He crept over and lay down, watching Hydras and waiting. He glanced at the three others then back at the alphess.

Fanta

Fanta sat patiently, looking up at Hydras, licking eat of her pups on the head motherly.

Snowy Owl & Honthale

Snowy Owl came in next, giving a brief glance to the other members before settling beside her mate, Ankh. She hadn't made it to the outting at the Prairie, nor the little scuffle with the cougars. But she had been near enough to catch the tail-end of what Hydras said, and so she followed the group indoors.

Honthale, a good deal larger than his brothers, sat down near Desmon. "I saw you go after that cat. Pretty cool, bro!" He nudged Desmon with his shoulder, a big grin on his muzzle.

Fallen

The black mist crept into the den. Blood droplets lingering in the air until lowered in a bow to the rest. The veil had only been here a few weeks since her injury, and now she had a new one from those pesty claw users-the cats. The dark one limped close to the edge of the group, laying down with seering pain gripping her every action. She coughed some, winced, and tried to relax. It helped little, but she knew she would live. Her actions waited for the announcement of her alphess. She was eager to hear, even if she was in pain.

Tyrant

The male version of Fallen came sauntering into the den as if he owned the place, or had been a member his whole life. He didn't even bother with the others, he gave a gentle bow to Hydras, and then to all the other females, as he made his way to his mother. Sitting next to her, then letting his legs cripple below him to lay down. Showing the Lurkers he was no threat. "You seem to be well mother... Would you like the update on your son now? Or after this pretty lady gives her speech." He smiled and wagged his tail. A calm expression on his face. Highlighting the fact that he meant no harm.

Hydras, Skeil, Bullet, Ankh, Desmon, & Hatch

Dark gold eyes narrowed faintly at Tyrant, but she felt confident he wasn't foolish enough to try anything when he was surrounded by Lurkers. With most of the pack gathered, and the rest surely nearb enough by, the alphess was ready to deliver her speech. She spoke loudly, head and tail high as her gaze traveled from one pack member to the next, "Shadow Lurkers, you now have two leaders." The alphess glanced briefly to Lyckos, nodding to him as a signal for the male to stand up beside her, "Lyckos is the alpha male, and you will treat him as you treat me."

Skeil thumped her lanky white tail against the ground, showing her approval and happiness for her best friend and Lyckos.

Bullet offered a cheeky smile, "Congratulations." He would have said more, but he was not sure how Hydras would take things. He hoped, as it had with Demon, that Hydras would become more relaxed and less prone to taking her frustrations out on him.

Desmon's nose quivered and a startled look came to his eyes. Turning about, he saw his brother just walking into the Den, but he wasn't the cause of the adolescent's sudden alarm. "Hatch.... He whispered, padding towards his brother and speaking in a quite tone.

"Yeah, what's up?" The other responded, seeing the irked expression his brother carried.

"You smell that? I thought I saw..." Des paused, looking with confusion to a nearby window. "I thought..." He trailed off again as more confusion lit his features.

"I think you're seeing things." Hatch added with a slight laugh, nudging his brother and leading him back to the group circled around Hydras and Lyckos. "Those humans messed with you too much. Just relax, I'm sure the leads will have a celebration of sorts."

Ankh vaguely overheard his sons talking, but failed to smell or see anything out of the ordinary. Putting it to the back of his mind, the small ebony hybrid moved towards Tyrant and Fallen, a yellow eye raised with a bit of suspicion, "Speak loud, so as we can all hear."

Hydras had caught Tyrant's words as well, but had gone ahead with her speech before returning her attention to Fallen's son. "Yes, why don't you tell us all what is up. And while you're at it, perhaps you know something about your sister?"

Fallen .+. Tyrant

Fallens expressions splashed in waves across her face. Confusion as he son entered, delight at the news Hydras had spoken, then fear as all questioned the large beast. However, she had curiousity about what was going on with Crucified as well. And now the subject of Risen... Fallen Shuddered at her daughters name but shook her head to clear any unwanted thoughts. "Yes... do tell Tyrant." She spoke softly, unknowing if her words ment anything anymore to her children.

The dark brute stared as everyone's attention was begining to turn on him. Bleeding orbs fidgiting and then his lips twisted into a smile, parting to give a dark menacing chuckle. "You would like to know the update on my sister more than my brother. I can hear it in your voices. " He paused letting his grin flash. Did agression show? how could he stay so calm with those who would kill him surrounding him. He stayed cool, calm. Not lifting his voice, not even a single hair on his back twitched. Instead his large jaws and neck began to move in a hearty tone. "Just to watch the anticipation, I'll start off with what happened to Crucified." A single snicker burst from him unwillingly. "Hah, ahh. You remember when he decided to be a complete dumbass and have you kill him. Mother here was blessed to keep her memory. Your attack knocked him out for weeks." Fallen twitched at the memory, but tried to supress it back. Tyrant paused until his mother was more comfortable, then continued. "When he awoke he nearly attacked Enola for he believed she was the one who attacked him. After a few word exchanges we began to realize he had lost all memory. He doesn't know who he is, he didn't know who Enola, nor I, was. He didn't know his mate, nor his kids." He sighed. His body remained laying in a dominant male lion pose. " We brought him to his pack and I left as well as Enola. Leaving him to pick up where he left off.... It was a bad Idea. He was uncomfotable, he lost all his leader ways. He hates packs. He watched the pups and his mate, and while distracted, was attacked by our brother. " deep snarls began to thunder through his throat. "That stupid little wench... his mate, left him for dead. Rapture almost tore out his neck. And she just walked off." He shook his head disapprovingly. "I must say I was not proud of my next actions. I distroyed White Tip. And in the blindness of my rage, Sacrifice was able to kill Palitina, one of Crucified's Daughters. Crucified was taken back to the healing human. When he awoke he gave himself a new name. Telling everyone to forget this "Crucified" That he does not know. But I could see it in his eyes. He is hungry for blood now. He will kill more easlily. And he refused to lead a pack. His new name is Hestier, Enola changed her name as well. She travels with him. Her name is Satsu. Right now Cru.... er... Hestier, is looking for a reason to live.... And that is all. He doesn't remember anyone, he doesn't remember anything. He will not remember any of you." His muzzled turned to Fallen, "He will not even remember you. He says that he is born of no one, and that he will never die..."

Silence befell him. Letting what he said sink in and adjust and then he continued with his sister. "Risen, what a wonderful lass." He laughed. "She's kept me busy. Before you attack, I am just a middle-man. The Neutral party, I choose no sides." He gave a hard look to Hydras to prove he would not decieve nor be decieved. After his blunt message his face softened and he continued his tale. You already know that she is trying to take over the lands. Her plans are far from hindered. The Shadow Haunters have about..." He thought and began to count in his head. " more than 20 members. Not all of them are wolves. Betrayal has been killed. And they are moving forward with their plans. Further information is to be with-held. I hope that helped though." He gave a half-hearted laugh and twitched his tail. Watching and waiting as his mother stared speechlessly.

Lyckos and Kalion

Lyckos sat silently as the other members began to file into the den. He was smiling softly, every now and then glancing at Hydras with a grin before watching the next Lurker arrive. However when he saw Tyrant, he instantly became suspicious and watched the male, even though he was surrounded by a pack who would have no trouble killing him. Tyrant was the last to enter before Hydras began to make her speech. Lyckos' ears perked and he tore his gaze from Tyrant to his mate. At Hydras' signal, the Labradane pulled himself up and walked forward to stand beside her, a smile spread across his face. Lyckos nodded in thanks to Skeil and Bullet before turning his attention to Tyrant when Ankh and Hydras questioned him. The alpha listened intently to what Tyrant had got to say, his concern flitting to the back of his mind for the moment. Lyckos winced inwardly, remembering the time Crucified had burst into the den and how he had nearly killed him. He would have succeeded, had it not been for Aaka's interruption which had made Lyckos loose his grip. He shook the image from his mind as Tyrant continued in a cocky attitude which Lyckos did not like. He grew increasingly agitated and bored as Tyrant continued to ramble about 'Hestier'. However he knew that Hestier was Fallen’s son, so didn't say anything concerning him. Lyckos' eyes narrowed, his hackles raising slightly when Tyrant commented on Risen being "a wonderful lass". Flashbacks of the fight in this very room came streaming back to him, making Lyckos become even angrier. Breathing deeply, he attempted to steady his anger. When Tyrant finished, Lyckos didn't really know what to think. Was Tyrant just teasing them? Was Risen really becoming that strong? Personally, Lyckos wanted to interrogate Tyrant further, to find out all he knew about Risen's plans, but he didn't want to upset Fallen. Tyrant, you said not all of Risen's pack were wolves, what did you mean by that? What other creatures does she have on her side? Then he spoke again in a sharper tone. We would prefer it if you didn't praise Risen in our presence, she's caused much damage here. This had been the very place Risen had betrayed the Lurkers and fought some of its members, including himself. Vivid images flashed in his mind. He glanced to Hydras, to see her reaction, before his hardened glare shot at Tyrant. Maybe he was over-reacting? Lyckos breathed deeply, trying to calm down, watching Tyrant with an indifferent expression.

Kalion had been hoping Sequioa would have turned up by now, but the speech started without her and so Kalion directed his attention to the alphess. His tail began to wag and a nod of congratulations was directed to his brother and Hydras. He stood and moved across to stand by Ankh as Tyrant spoke. Not knowing what to think, Kalion looked from one pack-mate to the next, before looking to his alpha's.

Vestige

What the hell was he doing here? Had he gone insane? He was in the land of an enemy, alone, hoping to strike up a deal that probably would not happen and he would probably end up losing his head. The wolf paced in a single alleyway, not far from the den, trying to regain his composure. Your here to protect your home, Vestige. That's all that matters. Suck it up. Breathing heavily, Vestige stopped and turned towards the Den, a blank expression on his face. He felt like he was about to collapse. He was about to walk into the den of the Shadow Lurkers with no help and only words to stop them ripping out his throat. He stopped, closed his eyes, breathed in deeply, and carried on. He padded through the steel doors and into the den, in which most of the Lurkers stood. Oh crap. Vestige wanted to turn and run, which he probably should do, but he had a job to do and he would do it. At least he hoped he would. He came to a halt just inside the entrance to the Aegis den. His body limp, showing no aggression and no fear. Calmly, Vestige spoke. He prayed he wouldn't be slaughtered. Hydras, Shadow Lurkers. I'm here to negotiate an agreement. It would be wise of you to not tear me in half just yet. Vestige paused, to let the words sink in. Images of his pack and family flashed in his mind, but he carried on in a calm, civilised voice. I am here to request a temporary alliance between the Aspen Grove pack and the Shadow Lurkers against the Shadow Haunters. They have just stolen a member of my packs pups, injured my son, and I believe they are harming another of my pack members now. Aminita's pups have been stolen by a wolf named Nachi. I don't recognise the name but maybe you will. Once again, Vestige paused for a few seconds before continuing. Hydras, You remember the battle at the Eskers? I almost killed Risen, had it not been for you stopping the battle I would have suceeded. I believe it is now her wish to slaughter me, and my pack will also be killed. I also know she has betrayed you. I am not asking you to forget that fight, I'm not asking you to perminantly ally yourself with me, but I am asking that we join forces against the Haunters. Vestige stopped, looking at no-one but Hydras. What's your opinion?

Vestige was more defenseless than ever and he knew it. Inside he was screaming at himself to run, run fast away from here, back to Aspen Grove, but he stood in the den of the Lurkers, stared them straight in the eyes, in the hope they would see sense and agree. Hope doesn't get you very far though.

Tyrant .+. Fallen

Tyrant was watching, yes, arrogantly. As lyckos tried to squeeze more info out, Tyrant just nodded " That I can answer, She has not just wolves, but Dogs, lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears, and even horses." He knew Risen would be proud of her collection of members. "And I shall praise whoever I wish. I have no pack so family is all I have. I shall praise them as I wish. I have said nothing against you. If you wish for your names to be praise as well I'll tell you I fear you as a pack. If I were against you, and you against I, I would not be sitting here with my beautiful mother."

At the last of his words Vestige came racing in. Tyrant listened with a pleasant look plastered on. Only at the end of his speech did Tyrant laugh. "Pahahaha. Oh! wow, this is great. She must have you scared shitless if have come running into the den of a pack of wolves who would also like to see you dead, And then beg them for their help!" He found this overly amusing. But a strong "Hush Tyrant." Made the brute swallow his laughed and watch to what the Lurkers would say.

Hydras, Skeil, Bullet, Ankh, Desmon, & Hatch

Shortly before V.estige has entered the den, a dark shape flit in through an upper window, before streaking downward. Pirqua landed on the back of Hydras, whispering something quietly to her friend before flying to a nearby beam to perch.

The alphess was quite for a moment, a warning in her eyes as she glared at Tyrant; his attitude irked her, but only because he was Fallen's son was he saved from being torn to peices by her pack. "While you're near our pack, you won't speak highly of our enemies." Hydras stated firmly, her fangs bared just slightly before her eyes shot towards the entrance where V.estige was just now coming through. The falcon had relayed the enemy was drawing near, and more importantly that none of his pack or allies were with him. For this reason, Hydras wasn't terribly alarmed, though her guard was certainly up. She glanced briefly to Kalion, Bullet, and Skeil, "Surround him." Just to show she meant business.

Bullet and Skeil moved at once, their hackles up and muscles tensed as they took positions around the enemy alpha.

"Risen and I have something in common, I see." She started off, with the sight of her dying niece and nephew flashing through her mind. Above, Pirqua glared coldly down at Vestige, who's pack had slain her son. To say there was tension in the Den would be quite an understatement. And while her first words weren't too hopeful, the next statement showed a turn of thoughts. "While it would be simple to sit back and let Risen pick you and your pack off, I won't abandon my own blood. I will have Pirqua confirm this claim about my niece..." Hydras let her words linger as she looked knowingly to Ninaki then to Pirqua, and finally back to V.estige, "If what you say is true, and Aminita resides in your pack..." There was another pause as she gave her decision a thorough going-over, "...we will aid you. And if Fallen's son is correct in what he claims, I will need your help just as much as you need mine if we are to bring Risen down."

Ankh growled darkly under his breath, flashing a look to Hydras, "He's not trustworthy! It's his fault Kenyon and Yersinia are dead!"

Hydras snarled sharply at her nephew, who quickly lowered himself in submission before the alphess would resort to physical chastisement, "Hold your tounge, Ankh! You, of everyone, have the least say about what goes on in this pack. Do you understand?" Ankh responded with a meek nod, seething in embarrassment.

"You tell your pack, V.estige, that we are nuetral so long as Risen is a threat. But let me warn you." Hydras added, taking a few steps closer to the other alpha, eyes blazing into his to make her point clear, "You'd best be sure Aminita falls under no harm. If she dies, our truce dies as well."

Hatch and Desmon exchanged uncertain looks. They had been informed of the pack's history, but until now, they hadn't been caught up in such turmoil.

Fallen .+. Tyrant

Fallen moved over, her hackles raised toward the brute who had almost killed her daughter. Why should she care now? Although Risen only wished to see her mother dead, she did nothing to advance in that direction. Risen betrayed them for one reason only. Power. Fallen didn't think that way. She liked this pack. Since she was the lowest in the pack, however, she said not a single word.

To Hydras' comment, Tyrant held his ears back, then nodded. Growling slightly under his breath. Packs ment nothing to him, thats the way of a lone wolf. To the words exchanged he listened. As the end he spoke, knowing out of turn, but did he care? "Aminita does live with him. Lyric has told me about the encounter with them and Nachi." He snarled, refusing to give the other's names. He wanted to inform them that the pups would not be harmed in any way. Unless they refused to comply. But the way in which his half sister took them. They would comply quite well.

Tyrant began to wonder. What kind of havoc would reek the valley if the Haunter and Lurker were to ally themselves. Such worthless thought, he shook his pate to rid it and layed his head down. Listening to the tension as he layed alone in the middle of the den.

Vestige & Kalion

Vestige nodded his head. Thank you Hydras. I trust you will not go soft on me once Risen is dealt with. The alpha's head suddenly lifted, and a feeling of dread filled him. Eyes wide, he looked to Hydras. It seems there's no rest for the wicked. Risen's taken one of my pack hostage and I fear that if I leave her any longer she will be slaughtered. She's in the den of the Haunters. I stand no chance with just my pack. Help me. Please. With or without Hydras' consent, Vestige barreled past Kalion, who had circled the alpha as Hydras has instructed.

Kalion cursed, looking to his alpha's. What should he do, follow, or would they not go at all?

Vestige charged out of the alleys, a call echoing out to Aspen Grove. Moonpaw was about to be slaughtered.

Lyckos

Forgetting all of what Tyrant and the others had said, Lyckos focused his attention on Vestige. He listened to the conversation between Hydras and Vestige intently, interested as to what would happen. Even though Bullet, Skeil and Kalion surrounded Vestige, Lyckos patrolled the edge of the circle, his eyes narrowed at the alpha. Lyckos tried to grab Vestige as he escaped, but missed. We may be outnumbered, but what are numbers compared to strength and will? We may stand a chance here, I think we should go Hydras. It's been a while since we tore apart an enemy. What do you think? In a way, Lyckos was excited at the prospect of killing. They didn't need to worry too much about anything in this fight, the only real target for the Lurkers was to reek havoc and maybe kill Risen in the process. Lyckos looked to Hydras, and smiled wickedly. It was up to her.

Tyrant

His eyes grew soft as he listened to their worries. A dark grin cursing his lips as they began to wonder if they were 'outnumbered'. Risen wasn't that advanced in her plans. Though it wasn't completely a good idea to give them that hint.

It was then that heard numbers compared to strength and will. He burst out a small chuckle. " Will and strength are different. I should warn you she doesn't allow the weak to grace her with their fights. They are a burden to her, You will only fight strong creatures from her side. It is not just a matter of strength, but a matter of numbers on your part as well." He stood, sauntering over to the group of wolves. His head even with his shoulders, tail curled arrogantly elevated higher than their lowest member. "One more warning," He growled as he pushed pass toward the exit, pausing and turning to face Hydras. "Each one of those creatures you are fighting are being driving by the power to distroy. Each wants world domination and for the rest of the world to fear them. A deranged mind goes farther than one of the sane mind." He turned to the last few wolves who stood in his way. Gruffing sternly but with no aggrivation. "Move"

Hydras, Skeil, Bullet, Ankh, Desmon, & Hatch

Fur began to bristle up higher, making the alphess look even larger than she was. She made no move to stop V.estige or Tyrant, but had some words for the son of Fallen, "The next time you step paw in our domain, don't expect a warm welcoming." If only he weren't related to Fallen, she would have ordered an attack on him; but for the moment at least, he was safe. She now looked to her mate, her gaze hard with troubled thoughts, "If V.estige falls, then we lose many allies. And I agree; a good tussle sounds good." Hydras gave a half-hearted grin, only held back by the thought of losing one of her members in the fight.

"Bullet, Sasha- escort Fanta and her young to V.estige's pack and wait their with Aminita. The rest of you- we're heading for the Ruins." Hydras announced, having learned the hard way about leaving pups alone with just a few adults.

With Ankh, Desmon, Hatch, Skeil, and the falcons following close behind, Hydras stormed from the den and headed to the battle grounds.

Bullet passed a glance from his mate to Fanta. "We'll be safe there." The big hybrid said, trying to assure the mother as he headed for the Aspen Grove terra.

Fanta

Fanta was to stunned by everything, she lowered her head and shook away the thoughts. "Basterd..." Fanta mumbled while she looked hotly at Tyrant, all they needed was another jack acting all high-honored crap. Fanta hereded her pups into her den, looking at Hydras and Lyckos with congratulating eyes. Pleading silently for Silverfur to watch the pups while she listened to all of Tyrant's stupid words. Knowing she had a better temper then Silverfur.

Tyrant

His words suddenly grew cold. Turning he walked away "I never expected a warm greeting from this pack. You will later learn I am more useful than you think. What you have learned today may save your ass in the end." He growled and thundered up into a canter away from the lands.

Fallen growled softly, then looked to the rest of the pack. Following only after everyone, knowing her place but she wouldn't not back down.

Fanta

"How useful?" Fanta called out gruffly, looking at Tyrant with sparkling blue eyes, challenging him to list everything he coul do good, believing he was no friend.