Aaka

She moved quietly towards the alleys, her eyes tear filled. She had just left the Silver Glades, given over the title for a while to her daughter. She couldn't take it right now. To much was happening. She slipped into the Den, her eyes down cast. She slipped in, and laid in the middle of the den clearing her eyes so that she looked cool, calm, composed. This is how the Lurkers would find her.

Hydras, Skeil, Ankh, Desmon, Hatch, & Scaria

As the pack began to file back into their home, Hydras was startled to spot Aaka laying in the center of the floor. Furthermore, the recent bandages the alphess carried added more worry. What had happened to her friend that forced her to seek the help of the Woodland Lady? Moving towards Aaka, Hydras dipped her head down to be level with her friend's, "Aaka, what has happened? Was there a fight... where's the rest of your pack?"

Skeil stood off to the side a bit, sitting back on her white haunches as she listened to Hydras and Aaka speak. She would have gone right up to Aaka to see what the problem was, but didn't want to interrupt Hydras.

Ankh headed up the stairs, to the third floor. With a lengthy yawn, he settled himself down amonst a pile of tattered blankets and closed his eyes for a nap.

Desmon and Hatch found interest in who Bullet had dangling from his jaws. They followed their big uncle around until he stopped by one of the support beams and set Scaria down. "Why don't you three play?" And while Scaria reluctantly padded away with her two older cousins, Bullet waited for Sasha.

Snowy Owl & Honthale

The white hybrid entered the den shortly after the others, having trailed them from the Woodland Farm. A curious glance was given to Aaka before she climbed the stairs to find her mate. With a mimicking yawn, Owl curled up beside Ankh for a good rest.

Honthale padded over to his brothers, looking with interest at his little cousin. "Who is this?" The big hybrid questioned, cocking his head to the side as he dipped his muzzle down to give Scaria a sniff.

Aaka

Her eyes drifted towards Hydras, and a faint smile spread across her lips. I...I can't take it anymore. Until they learn that they're family and have to live with one another, I'm not going back. Her eyes drifted towards the others, taking in them all. I didn't know where else to go. She said in a voice so soft that only Hydras would be able to hear. She closed her eyes, trying to not remember their yelling, the fighting. Hunters came to the packlands. They're dead now, but we scored many wounds on our part. I left Sang in charge while I'm gone. She was praying her daughter could take care of the pack, keep them all together. It was a long shot, but she would try.

Lyckos and Kalion

Kalion filed in after the others, setting himself down away from the two alphess'. He curled up at the side of the den, head on paws, and tried to get some rest.

Lyckos approached Aaka and Hydras, his head matching the height of the two females. A look of concern took over the hybrid's face as he neared them, he could sense the distress in Aaka's voice. With a warm smile, Lyckos dipped his head to the alphess of Silver Glades. Hello Aaka. The he fell silent, not really knowing any words that might comfort the alphess.

Sequioa * Sasha * Vengeance

Sasha had a thrashing Vengeance in her mouth and had about had it. When they reached the Den Site the female suddenly dropped the pup and stepped over her, ignoring her 'vicious' growling. She saw Aaka and stood uncertainly for a moment before shaking her head and moving towards her mate and Scaria. It wasn't any of her business. She lay beside Bullet, a grin on her face as she watched Scaria. She'd take care of Aminita's pup. Even though Scaria could never replace Panic or Lasher, she could come close.

Sequioa came in next with a bouncing Esscence in tow. Wanna play? Do ya? Huh!? She asked, repeatedly trying to latch onto one of the hybrids legs. Would you go play with the others, please? Sequioa said in a soft tone. She was constantly tripping over the pup and her patience was wearing thin from lack of sleep. With a hurt look, Esscence sulked and made her ways towards Desmon and Hatch.

Sequioa lay down in a corner of the Den, about 30 feet from the others in a secluded area. Silence....It was so inviting.

Aaka smiled at Kalion, then to Lyckos. Is it just me or does all your packmates seem to be getting bigger, Hydras? She asked in a faintly amused tone.

Ninaki

Ninaki came in next, passing by everyone and heading up the rickety flight of stairs. Rather than stopping on the second or third floor, he went all the way to the roof. Padding quietly to the far corner, he sat back and kept watch of the area.

Kalion

The hybrid spotted Sequioa enter the den, and he felt a sudden happiness sweep over him. Rather startled at this new emotion, Kalion missed Sequioa send Esscence away as he tried to shake himself of this new feeling. Pulling himself to his paws, Kalion returned Aaka's smile, supressing a laugh at her comment and made his way across to the delta. With a grin, he gently nuzzled Sequioa, seating himself beside her. He didn't say anything, just smiled at her, with a certain warmth in his eyes that he had never shown before. He slipped down to lay on the ground, his tail tapping on the floor of the den.

Sequioa

She blinked as she felt a nuzzle and opened her eyes to find Kalion lying next to her with a grin on his maw. Is there something I can help you with? She said. It was more of a murmer, her voice faint and drowsy but she tried not to let it show on her face. She was so tired these days, she didn't know what was wrong with her. Before he could say a word the delta leaned over and rested her head on the males back with a sigh as her eyes began to drift closed. She just didn't feel up to anything right now. Just laying here was good with her, she could handle that.

Hydras, Skeil, Ankh, Desmon, Hatch, & Scaria

"You know you are welcome here as long as needed. And we still have food left from our last hunt, which you can help yourself to whenever." She paused to watch her pack filter back in, then turn to Aaka, "I have noticed the trend." The alphess said with a wry grin, "Take care, Aaka." Ready for a rest herself, Hydras moved towards one of the far walls, where she would be partially hidden in shadow, but still have a view over the entire room. As she laid down, her golden eyes looked up to see if Lyckos would accompany her.

As Desmon did his best to make Scaria feel at home, the three cousins stopped and looked up to see Essence, "Hey! Maybe we can all play a game?" Hatch suggested, "Maybe we can.... go on an adventure?"

Lyckos and Kalion

Kalion just grinned, slightly surprised when Sequioa rested her head on him, but happy none-the-less. He tipped his head back and yawned, his tail stopped beating against the floor, and he rested his head on his fore paws. Slowly, his light brown eyes began to flicker, then closed shut.

Lyckos smiled at Aaka, after all she was the Lurker's best ally. He nodded his head in respect, Farewell Aaka. The hybrid turned, noticing the pack retreating to get some rest. His dark eyes searched the room for Hydras and he soon found her heading for a far wall, bathed in shadow. Lyckos padded up to her with a soft smile, licking her on the muzzle as he brushed past her to find a spot to relax. He sank down to lay beside her, his mahogany eyes meeting hers as they had the first time the pair had met outside the Aegis Den. The warmth in them increased, and Lyckos nuzzled her gently. You've made me so happy Hydras. The canine stretched out, his mouth opening into a yawn, finally relaxing. His head was placed on the cool floor of the den, but his eyes remained open and fixed on his mate as he waited for his exhaustion to overwhelm him.

Fallen

Fallen was well behind after a small chat with her son. He would not spill anything important, but told Fallen some minor details about the Haunters. After the conversation, only a worried look could be seen on her face. "Over fifty members." She whispered to herself subconsciously. Shaking the thought from her head only brought anew: Risen wanted her dead, and Fallen knew this. What a mess.

She watched the ally alpha in the middle of the floor and tilted her head. Whimpering kindly though she did not ask for she assumed all had been spoken before. Instead of a chat her eyes showed her great sympathy for the alpha then she turned and laid next to the entrance of the Aegis Den.

Jake

The male slipped through the Entrance and his eyes took in Aaka. He stood quietly for a moment before scanning the Den for....Her. As his warm eyes landed on Fallen, the males own orbs lit up with happiness. He came forth, his banner waving. Hey Fallen. He said to her. Without giving her a choice of whether or not she wanted him there, the golden male lay down. His looks were of pure wolf, except the fact that his coat was shiny gold and longer then that of his wolven brethren. His tail still wagged upon the floor as he watched her, warm yellow eyes grinning for him.

Fanta

Fanta was silent, so was Silverfur, Fanta was sick, her eyes were plazed with pain as something inside her tore at her body. Fanta gave a low wimper to Silverfur, who trotted up to Hydras slowly. "Fanta's sick. I...I don't know what's wrong though. It's like something inside her is eating at her insides." Silverfur explained painfully to the alpha, he didn't want to lose another love.

The pups, only five months old, raced up to the older pups when they heard 'adventure' raced up to them. "Can we go? Ple-ase!" The all pleaded.

Patch, the tall black and white fellow, briskly walked up to Desmon, licking his long time friend. "No Feather, Arget, and Suenga. You can not."

"We'll tell Uncle Lyckos and Auntie Hydras!" Arget ventured.

"Shut up Arget....well....What do we say now?" Patch turned to his friends.

Lyckos

Tearing his soft gaze away from Hydras, Lyckos lifted his head to listen to Silverfur. The alpha stood up, stretching his muscles. Ok, I'm coming. He turned his head back to his mate. You can rest if you want, I'll find out what's wrong.

Lyckos guestured for Silverfur to follow, in case Hydras wanted to sleep, and padded over to Fanta. The large hybrid crossed the den to where the sick pack member lay, a look of concern on his features. His hazel eyes looked over Fanta, and saw nothing wrong on the outside. However Fanta's eyes were full of suffering. Lyckos didn't really have any knowledge of illness's or cures. Silverfur said you felt like something was eating you from the inside, Is that true? Have you eaten anything...different or unusual to what you would normally eat?

Really, the alpha had no idea what to do. The only thing he could think of was that she had eaten something she shouldn't have. He thought if she needed it, they would have to take her to the woodland lady. Maybe there was something she could eat to help her? Not having any knowledge of these things, Lyckos was about as helpful as a cabbage, but at least he made an effort. He really just wanted to get Hydras to come over, but if she wanted to rest then she could rest. Secretly he hoped she would come over, he really didn't know what to do. Do you want to go to the two-legger, she might be able to help...

Satan, Vitani, Suki, Kuro

The four wolves were sleeping at various intervals around the den. Satan and Vitani were lying near a few old boxes along the side wall together.

Suki and her mate Kuro were on the second floor, inside a rather small room. The old, tattered mattress they had found was pushed up against the wall. The two were curled up on it, fast asleep.

Fanta

Fanta gave whimper. "Maybe it was some of that garbage I found in the forest. A dead deer, I dunno." Fanta responded softly.

Fallen

Crimson pools looked up to Jack and her tail beat softly against the ground. She made no objections to his company but was confused about his antects. "Hello there Jack." She said, the name flowing from her mouth as she remembered it on the spot. She had bearly seen the hybrid around but he seemed more kindly to her than others. Her own eyes seeming slightly devilish as she stared with a grin, then turned and listened to the rest of the pack for a moment. "Life just seems to get more and more interesting. To bad it doesn't mean much better." She sighed, letting the plays of the day rerun through her head.

Hydras, Skeil, Ankh, Desmon, Hatch, & Scaria

The alphess let her gaze remain locked with Lyckos, her feelings being conveyed through them more than her words could reveal. A heartfull smile was given at his first statement, "I cannot describe what joy you brought to me. To this pack." After so many years of struggling alone, it was thrillingly wonderful to have someone. The moment was cut short however, as all good things must come to an end. With a nod, she watched Lyckos take up the predicament of Fanta.

Desmon looked uncertainly to Fanta's three youngest pups, "I don't think an... an..." The adolescent trailed off, unable to come up with the word 'adventure' for the life of him. Whatever the humans had done to him, the effects still lingered. Giving up on the word, he finished his statement, "It's not safe for little pups."

Hatch backed his brother and Patch on this, "Why don't you three go play with..." Hatch glanced around before spotting Ninaki, "..him." He knew his grandpa for the quiet, brooding type- not so much for being 'playful'. But heck, it might be fun for the pups to try and get something out of Ninaki.

Arget, Feather, Suenga and Patch

The pup's minds seemed to have melted away the adventure, turning and racing up to the dog Hatch had pointed out. "Hey You!" The yipped, leaping towards the dog.

"This is when we break for it!" Patch whispered, inching away towards the door.

Voodoo

She had grown, just as the others had and with it came a temper as fiery as any. She stalked towards Patch, and suddenly struck out at him, fangs going for the males shoulder. In case you didn't notice, moron LAST TIME WE WENT ON ONE OF YOUR ADVENTURES WE GOT CAUGHT BY HUMANS! Her fur was bristled, her eyes flaming anger.

Jake grinned at the female, and suddenly nipped her. Lighten up. We're all happy, war is not here yet. His tail wagged furiously, and his eyes were wondering around aimlessly.

Desmon, Hatch, & Scaria

As Scaria joined Arget and the others in attacking Ninaki, the two brothers began to go with Patch. Until Voodoo struck, that is.

Desmon planed his ears out to the side, shying back a few steps when his older cousin snapped at Patch. "Hey, Voodoo... that's not, it's not..." Again, he struggled to say the word he was looking for.

"Des is right, we're old enough to watch after ourselves! We're practically a year old now!" Hatch picked up where his brother's speech failed him, "Besides, we sent the pups to pester grandpa; he'll keep an eye on the ones who really need it. It's not like we're going to go trapsing into some human's den again; we learned our lesson." The hybrid added, though he still felt guilty that a few pups hadn't made it back from that excursion.

Voodoo * Sasha

Sasha saw her daughter, and felt relief and elation, up until she heard Voodoo's shouted words. A soft growl arose from the doberman, and she came forth on thin stilt like legs towards them all. Your staying here. ALL of you. Her eyes landed on Patch and Hatch, fury burning in their depths. They had gone to the humans? They were lucky for Sasha's kindness, for if Hydras had heard Voodoo they would all be in deeper trouble.

Voodoos eyes flashed to her mother, then to Hatch now. Don't you dare tell me your old enough. I'm older then you are now, and when you get caught I will laugh at your foolishness. Both of you. Esscence, the white pup with a kind heart, came forth towards Desmon. Scowling at Voodoo, she put her body close to his, scowling at the older and larger female. You leave them alone! She said sharply. Her fur was bristling, and she looked just like her true mother in that given moment. Another snarl was Esscences return. Sharp fangs struck out at Esscence now, and blood beaded up across the white females muzzle. A sharp yelp as fangs hit, Esscence leapt back. Tears filled her eyes, but didn't fall as she stared at the once kind Voodoo. What had gone so wrong?

Everything. Two sisters dead. Taken down like flies. Captured by humans, more then once. Being hit, being pet, not knowing when things were good and when they were not. Voodoo was a wreck, and her mother knew it. Voodoo, apologize. Came her soft words. Butter colored eyes turned to Sashas brown ones, and what the mother saw scared her. I'm not apologizing, for anything ever. Came a soft return. Without warning Voodoo leapt at her mother, fangs wide and gaping. Sasha had a split second, and she took it. As her daughters small frame slammed into her, Sasha crumpled and rolled, snapping at Voodoo's front leg. Just as quickly as it began, Voodoo stood and backed away, tears in her eyes. I can't do this....I'm sorry I'm so sorry. She whispered over and over again. She backed away from them all, the flashes of pain and anger, confusion and destruction all in her eyes. What had gone so terribly wrong? Everything.

Patch

Patch felt hurt by Voodoo. "Well yeah...but we were younger, we didn't know how to fight then..." Patch then stepped closer to Voodoo. Patch had loved Equiss, but Voodoo and him escaped together and lived with those humans for a while. "Voodoo, please!" Patch whimpered as Voodoo lurched at Essence, rearing back as Sasha and Voodoo collided. "Everything's okay! Please Voodoo!" Patch had seen part of Voodoo that he had never seen before while being locked up with the humans, he understood her loss for her sisters, he had lost his two brothers and sister and his father in one night. "Don't do this to us. Don't leave us." Patch had a deep feeling in his gut that Voodoo would dash off in fear and pain. Patch knew she had so many tough times, and that she'd was confused...

Ninaki

A less than amused look crossed the hybrid's face as a horde of pups came clambering his way. But the father was tolerant, and so met the group without any show of annoyance or anger. With a heave, Ninaki stood up just as the four came upon him. Ears forward and tail waving to show good intention, he tried to scoop Arget up by the scruff, while batting at the others with his front paw.

Fallen

Her eyes turned soft and she smiled as best she could, her tail moving now, hitting every other beat of his own tail. "Yes, it has not started yet. We are at peace at the moment." She cooed more to herself then to the male. If only words could heal a hurt soul.

Frantically her ears twitched in the direction of the fuss and Fallen had brought herself to her feet. Eyes intent on the fight and loud noses, her tail waved once, mid to her back, in confusion then lowered itself and froze as Voodoo barked both anger and confusion and walked away from the group. Fallen said nothing but looked to Jake once as if for help, then turned and lowered her head to the group.

After moments she fell back to the ground in a soft lay and watched them, closing her eyes as if something terrible was about to strike her. She cringed so deeply, so painfully. Once again her pups flashed through her mind, all of them pups; so small, so helpless. How evil Risen had become, how strong her dear Crucified, and how easily he fell. Tyrant was the only one sane enough to give a rats ass about the one who raised him. Such useless thoughts were shooken aside and she resumed her peace next to Jack.

Arget, Feather, Suenga and Patch

The pups all danced around Ninaki all nipping playfully here and there. "What's your name?" Feather demanded kindly.

Patch quivered for a moment.

Voodoo HEr eyes fell onto Patch, and tears welled up in them. Everythings just gone so wrong She whispered softly. She backed away further and then turned, trotting towards a dark corner. Why was everything like this?

Patch

Patch took a step forward. "It's okay Voodoo. Your home. Nothings bad going to happen to you. We got a bigger, better pack then before. We got Lyckos, Hydras, Demon, my parents, everyone here are very strong." Patch said softly to Voodoo. "Just let the past slip away. What happened to the fun-loving Voodoo I and everyone else used to know?"

Lyckos

Lyckos nodded, thinking of anything that matched what Fanta described. Finding nothing, the alpha cast his head round, but most of the pack were asleep or just resting. He looked to Silverfur, Ok, It looks like she's going to need some help, and though I hate to say it, The Woodland Lady seems our best option. Seeing as your her mate, you should take her. Any trouble, just howl. I'll send Palima to watch over you, she can report back if anything happens. He smiled at the pair, before looking up for the African Hawk Eagle. Palima swooped in and nodded, waiting for Fanta and Silverfur to leave so she could follow them. She flew out of the den and began to circle the alleys as she waited for the two mates to head for the farm.

Lyckos wasn't going to take any chances, If the Haunters had them down as enemies, they needed to be protected.

It wasn't long before Palima was back in the den. Lyckos, Hydras. The eagle landed, looking to the two alphas. There are two unknown canines in the alleys, I spotted them whilst I was outside. A wolf and a dog I think. With a nod, the bird exited the den once again, ready to follow Fanta and Silverfur.

Lyckos looked to Hydras at the news. Should we send someone to check them out? Or just leave them alone?

Sequioa

I'll go. She said to Hydras. She stood, shaking her entire body once to clear off all sleep. She gave what appeared to be a smile to the alphas before disappearing out the den.

Domnio & Pack

A few minutes after Sequioa left the den, five wolves filtered in led by Domnio. The alpha's head turned as he scanned for Hydras, who he found in a shaded corner of the den. With a smile, Domnio padded towards her as the rest of the pack settled. Skeil had told Domnio of the recent news, and so he was more than happy to stand by his allies in the troubled period. Hello Hydras! I've heard a lot has happened since we last spoke. Skeil told me the basic's, and I hear you have a mate now. Lyckos, I think his name was...Anyway, We're going to stay in the alleys, if that's alright with you, until this...well...war is sorted.

Lyckos

The alpha nodded as Sequioa left, before looking to Palima to follow Silverfur and Fanta. The bird did as told, and flew out of the den to track the pair.

The labradane was about to go back to Hydras when five wolves came into the den. Immidiately his suspitions were raised, his hackles rose and his fur bristled. However they made no move to attack or right, so the alpha refrained from any aggressive behaviour. Then the leader smiled and went towards Hydras whilst the others settled down. Confused, Lyckos followed Domnio over to Hydras. He caught the end of the wolf's speech as he cirled round behind Hydras, his eyes narrowed slightly. The whole Risen thing had made him a lot more cautious. He didn't say anything, just regarded the allied alpha in silence.

Hydras, Skeil, Ankh, Desmon, Hatch, & Scaria

As one of her allied packs filtered into the den, Hydras quickly stood up, head high but tail loose to affirm there was no aggression or threat. A quick look was offered to Lyckos, with a brief smile to assure him that these were trusted friends. "It's good to see you again. And your offer comes at a good time; Risen has an impressive pack, I'm afraid to say. She has big cats and bears on her side as well." A slight growl rose on her words at this statement, but she shook her head and eased off the subject. "And Skeil was right, I'd like you to meet Lyckos." Hydras looked to her mate now, that rare smile showing again, and promising to be a not-so-rare thing anymore. "Lyckos, this is Domnio, lead of the Midnight Hunters. One of our best-trusted allies."

Skeil came in a few minutes behind the Midnight Hunters, but did no go directly to her alphas. While they discussed things, she waited patiently by the door for the two strangers to arrive.

Desmon shied back from the fighting, his mind working quick as he tried to come up with a new plan. Something that everyone might agree on. After a moment, he had it. "Why don't we go upstairs. There's a lot of..." Oh no, not another word missing... "...of.. the little gray animals, with the long tails that squeak..." Oh how embarrassing it was! He knew what a rat was, but why wouldn't the word come to mind? "Anyway, why don't we hunt them?"

Domnio

Domnio watched Lyckos stalk round behind Hydras with narrowed eyes. He lifted his head slightly, but didn't make any other show of emotion. His eyes then travelled to Hydras. He then half-smiled as he was introduced to Lyckos. With a nod of respect, Domnio spoke after Hydras, directing his muzzle towards the group of wolves by the entrance to the den. The female is my sister, Xina. Sxythe and Vandras are the two bigger wolves, and Chaos is the one sitting down. As Hydras said, I'm Domnio. Pleased to meet you Lyckos.

Domnio's smile faded as the news of Risen's huge pack was told to him. His fur bristled slightly at the news, Well we'll stay and keep guard, unless there was something you would like us to do? Do you need food, or more allies?

Lyckos

The brief smile from Hydras confirmed that these wolves were friends. Lyckos relaxed slightly, allowing a half-smile to appear. Domnio's almost cold reaction to him made Lyckos frown inwardly, but on the outside he smiled warmly. Likewise, Domnio. It's good to hear your an ally, from the size of Risen's pack it looks like we'll need all the help we can get. The labradane then brushed alongside his mate, still smiling. I think food would be a good idea, If you wouldn't mind. Do you agree Hydras? With a tired pack, they wouldn't be able to do much hunting-wise, but with the Midnight Hunters help, the pack could fill their bellies and be returned to top fighting condition, should the need arise. The smile brightened as Lyckos looked to Hydras, before back at Domnio, his tail wagging gently.