Hydras & Pack

The pack was fed, there was no recent enemy activity, everyone seemed healthy... and the pack was growing. Things couldn't be better right now. Especially with four new pups. Her pups. Curled up snuggly amonst a nest of tattered blankets under the staircase, Hydras had a few new pups nestled at her belly. Her pups, at last!

Bullet and Skeil were laying down at the edge of the second story lookout, gazing down at the basement floor below them. "How many you think she had?" The big brother of Hydras asked, knowing that his sister had pups, though he wasn't about to go down there until Lyckos or Hydras announced the occasion.

"It's her first litter, probably not that many." Skeil replied in a hushed tone, chocolate eyes drifting towards the staircase, but she could not see her best friend from here.

Desmon, Hatch, and Scaria were playing at the other end of the basement, oblivious to the new life. "Ok, you go tell tell Dad we're leaving." Hatch commanded, speaking to Desmon.

"You do it, brother." Des shot back, nuding Scaria as he headed for the door. Scaria bounded happily after her cousin.

Hatch rolled his eyes, "Uugghh, fine!" Mumbling under his breath, he trotted over to Ankh, who was snoozing in a ray of sun near a broken window. "Hey, Dad!"

Ankh cracked open a lazy golden eye as Hatch blurted out his statment, "Des and I are going out for a bit. Scaria and Hon are coming with, ok? See ya later." Before Ankh could rightly respond, his son was dashing away, joining his brother and cousin as they left the Den. With a sigh, he closed his eye and drifted back into his nap.

While Mesa kept a lookout above the building, Pirqua was nesting on four eggs. They would soon be hatching.

Lyckos, Kalion and Others

Satan and Vitani were on the roof of the den, enjoying the warmth of the sun as they relaxed for the first time in a while.

Dozing in a room on the second floor, Kuro and Suki also enjoyed the peaceful break, taking time out to top up on some long lost sleep on full stomachs.

Kalion stretched, pulling himself up from the ground as he woke from a light sleep. The canine padded towards Bullet and Skeil, smiling dreamily. "Has either of you seen Sequioa?" Kalion had decided, with all the pairing up that seemed to be happening around him, that maybe it was time to share the feeling he held for Sequioa.

The new father slipped past the various pack members scattered throughout the den, decending the steps to the basement in a fluid movement. His hazel eyes caught the motions beneath the staircase, and a smile spread brightly across his face. Lyckos padded over towards Hydras and her litter, but stopped a few feet away to give her space if she wanted it. He grinned when he spotted the four pups curled up next to Hydras, his eyes shining with joy. "They're beautiful..." He paused, taking in the first sights of his sons and daughter. "How are you feeling?"

Hydras & Pack

While Bullet got a look of confusion on his face, Skeil answered quickly, "I haven't seen her recently, but I can guess that she's roaming out in the human lands. She does that quite often." The pit bull informed, recalling the last conversation she had with Sequioa.

The mother's tail thumped against the ground when Lyckos arrived, and a pleasant smile was stretched over her muzzle. The past few months, and especially the pups... they had brought on a change for the once solo-leader of the Lurkers. "I'm feeling well, thank you." Hydras carefully stood up, stretching out a bit before reaching her muzzle foward to nuzzle her mate. "I think we should..." Before she could finish her sentence, two anxious looking nephews came slinking into the room.

Desmon and Hatch paused at the door until they saw their alphas. They seemed to bicker a moment before Desmon came foward. Ears and tail back in submission, he slinked up towards Lyckos, wanting to avoid aggravating his aunt right now, "Erm, Lyckos? Hatch and I... we need to ask you a question..."

Hatch drifted back beyond the door, until he was outside again. That's when Scaria peeked her head in, then pulled it back quickly. She turned to Aurinka, "Des and Hatch will explain everything, don't worry."

Lyckos

Name

Lyckos

Gender

Male

Heritage

50% Labrador retriever, 50% Great Dane

Home

The Alleys

Pack

The Shadow Lurkers

Rank

Alpha

Mate

Hydras

Offspring

Lerna, Argolis, Camden, Quake

Appearance

This dog takes his height and weight from his Great Dane heritage. He stands at 86 centimeters (about 34 inches) and weighs 90 kilograms (about 200 pounds)

His coat is made up of 2 colours. Black is the base colour with Brindle streaks in it.

His body is very muscular from his Labrador heritage. He has a thick powerful neck that has a long narrow head on top. He is long and tall. He has muscular thighs and a good bone structure. He has dark brown eyes and short fur.

Lyckos

I . t o w e r . over . y o u

Grinning, Lyckos' tail began to wag harder as she came to meet him. Stepping forwards, he brushed against her before planting a lick on her muzzle. His ears pricked as she began to speak but he too spotted Desmon and Hatch.
He stopped smiling when he noticed their submissive manner, and watched as they fought quietly. With eyes narrowed in confusion, he glanced to Hydras but Desmon began to slink forward. Ears forward, Lyckos watched in silent apprehension as his step-nephew crept forward. "What is it?"

Aurinka

Aurinka followed her fiends timidly. She kept her mouth shut, knowing that it was better not to speak when she does not know what is going on.

Hydras & Pack

Glancing back at the door, Desmon began to scoot away from Lyckos, as if trying to draw him away from Hydras, "Hatch and I... we were teaching Scaria about humans and stuff at the Croal Mountains. And then we came across this hybrid, she says her name is Aurinka." Desmon looked up at his tall alpha now, swallowing hard before he went on, "She is - er, she was a part of Risen's pack, but she isn't anymore. She... wants to join us."

Hydras watched the interaction, but her nephew spoke in a quiet voice that she couldn't hear. With a sigh, she circled and laid down with the pups again. Argolis and Lerna, welcoming the warmth of their mother, snuggled against her fur.

Scaria wagged her tail apprehensively, "His name is Lyckos. He's big, but he's nice. I bet he can kick Risen's butt." She said, giggling as she peeked her head past the door to get a glimpse of Lyckos and Desmon talking.

Hatch remained quiet as he listened to his cousin's words of optimism. She was too young to know just how dangerous Risen's pack was. Or just how powerful it had gotten lately. But if Aurinka could be trusted, she might offer some crucial insight into the enemy pack.

Lyckos, Camden and Quake

Desmon's plan worked, and Lyckos followed him away from Hydras, his head dipped to hear the hushed tones in which he spoke. The nervous behaviour of Desmon concerned the hybrid, but he didn't say anything of it.

"She is - er, she was a part of Risen's pack". Lyckos' ears went back, his head lifting up to it's full height. One of Risen's lot wants to join an us?! His eyes narrowed further as he looked past Desmon to the floor behind him in thought. Aurinka could help by giving information, but at the same time Risen could have planned this to see what they were doing. After all, who wouldn't trust a little pup?

He sighed, hazel eyes now moving back to Desmon. "Where is she? I'd like to speak with her." He began, but quickly spoke again. "Bring her in, but stay with her, I'll be over in a minute." With a half-smile, Lyckos turned and headed for the stairs. Padding up to the top floor, he made his way out to the roof and barked at Mesa. "Scout the area, there's a Haunter pup who apparently want's to join us, but I don't trust her story. Keep an eye out for anyone who enters the alleys, especially if they are headed for the den. We don't know who we're against these days." With a nod, he re-entered the warehouse.

Decending, he spotted Bullet, Skeil and Kalion. He smiled, but there was a hint of anxiety in his eyes. "We have four new additions to the pack. I'm sure Hydras wouldn't mind you going to see them. However, Bullet, could you please keep watch outside the den, there's a Haunter pup that apparently want's to join us. I don't like it, could be a trap of some sort. Stop anyone you see, I don't want anything to happen, especially now. Oh and Skeil, could you let Hydras know what's going on, please." He smiled once again, but in a more business-like manner. Turning once more, he came down to the basement and headed for the door to the alleys as he waited for the pups to bring in Aurinka.

She would be in for a surprise as she neared him, standing at a full height of 34 inches and weighing in at 200 pounds, he was almost triple Risen's size; and by no means less deadly.

Camden & Quake

Camden had shuffled closer to his smaller siblings when Hydras had left. The multi-toned pup snuggled in closely to her when she returned, squeaking gently in satisfaction that her warmth had returned.

Quake closely followed his brother, the black mass squashing in with his brothers and sister to get as close to Mom as possible.

Hydras & Pack

Desmon, dipping his head down more, took a few paces towards the door, "Hatch, bring her in."

"Just be polite, and tell the truth." Hatch instructed, before stepping through the door to lead little Aurinka towards Kalion. Like his brother, Hatch held himself submissively to his alpha.

At Lyckos' approach, Mesa dropped down to a railing at his level, listening with the attentive poise of a soldier as he gave her the command. "No one will get near without me seeing them." Came Mesa's assured words, before she took flight and headed outside.

Tails waving pleasantly, Bullet and Skeil showed a mixture of emotion at their alpha's words. Pups were great news! But a possible intrusion into their domain? Bullet's excitement over his sister's new pups faded into worry. "You can count on me." He replied with a bow of his head. Normally carefree and lax, the hybrid's tone hinted at nothing but devotion. Heading down the stairs, he offered his sister a fleeting smile before heading outside via the hole in the wall.

Skeil's address came next. Her waving tail slowed down a notch at the mention of possible trouble, though it was hard to supress all of her joy over the arrival of new pups. Giving a nod to Lyckos, she headed down to the main floor to speak with Hydras.

Aurinka

The pup was shaking. What if they didn't accept her? These were dangerous times, and not many packs were very willing to let even the nicest ex-Haunter in their land. Then she would have to go back to the Ruins and explain why she left and how her brother was killed. That's the last thing she wanted to do.

She soon stood in front of Kalion. She took on a submissive posture and whimpered. "I-I'm Aurinka, and I would like to live with your pack, please." She said softly. "I will answer any questions you ask me."

Ressurrection

Her leg was healing, and they hadn't been paying attention to her. Not for some time. They were all talking, all laughing and enjoying themselves. She had stuck to the back of the building, in the shadows. Now was her time to leave. She stood slowly and began to limp further into the shadows, her coat blending and seeming to melt itself. She was near the door now, could she make it?

Sequioa

She was silent, so very silent as she made her way past them all. She didn't even see Res, for her thoughts were just to deep. She brushed passed the alphas, Kalion, Bullet all of them and nimbly ran up the stairs. She felt as if she were in a dream, a very...Very real dream. Nightmare, really. She wanted to break down and cry. She couldn't though. Pride, to much pride. She went to the roof, and seeing the others she moved to the furthest corner from them and lay down. She didn't bask in the sun as they did, but lay there like a mighty spinx, just so still....So very still.

Lyckos and Kalion

Kalion blinked as he saw Sequioa appear. A grin spread across his muzzle and he stood up to greet her, but she went straight past him. The smile faded, and he turned to watch her disappear up to the roof. Should he follow her?

Slipping out onto the roof himself, Kalion's eyes found her, alone and still, oh so very still. Concern outweighed all other emotions as he approached her, placing a warm smile on his face. "Hi," Pausing he stopped a few feet away, "Are you alright?"

Lyckos watched as Desmon and Hatch returned with Aurinka. His hardened hazel eyes showed nothing but distrust. He didn't like the thought of inviting a Haunter pup into their pack, especially with someone leading them as Risen. It could all be a plan, a plan to take down the Shadow Lurkers from the inside or something equally as nasty. Then again, it could just be a pup wanting refuge from a terrible monster of a 'pack'. The Labradane watched the three youngsters approach and stood like an imposing statue as they each slipped into submissive postures. His eyes were solely on Aurinka as she spoke, and they didn't once flicker as he replied in a steady, powerful tone. "How do I know your not working for them, pup. Your family aren't exactly the nicest of creatures, if they can even be called that. Still, if your willing to walk into the heart of the Shadow Lurkers domain, then maybe your not a spy." He fell silent, eyes narrowing. "So you want to live with us? I don't know if that can be possible...right now. Tell me this, Why are you here? I know you want to join us...but why?"

Aurinka

Aurinka found it hard not to cry when Lyckos began questioning her. She lay flat on her belly and looked up at the dog. "I don't like Risen!" She wailed. "She's mean and nasty! A tiger killed my brother! I want to save my mother and sister from the same fate!" She closed her eyes. "If we can keep them from fighting, nobody will get hurt. I only want to join your pack to save my family. I want what's best for them." She breathed deeply, ready to pass out.

Honthale

The largest of the four brothers sauntered towards the group, ears forward but head lowered respectfully below Lyckos. "I don't trust her. Desmon, you were nearly killed last time our enemies attacked. Panic and Lasher were less fortunate." Untrusting eyes looked over Aurinka, not believing her one bit.

Lyckos

The hybrid watched the pup as she seemed to go into meltdown. He frowned, eyes narrowed and ears back against his head. "Calm down, Aurinka. I won't harm a pup, that's barbaric." One ear lifted as Honthale voiced his opinion; Lyckos agreed, but felt he somehow might be wrong about her. He fell silent, deep in thought. Maybe he could use her, gain her trust and learn what she knew about the Haunters.

"I've made my decision," Lyckos lifted his head, but his eyes remained on Aurinka. "You may join us, but there are rules: Firstly, you will not be allowed to leave the den unless another member of the pack is with you. Secondly, you will have no contact with your Haunter family. Thirdly, you tell us all you know about the Haunters; their plans, their weaknesses, everything, and finally you give us your undivided loyalty. We are taking you in from an enemy side, and it would do you good to obey us. Now, Desmon and Hatch, show her around the den, but no going outside for now." He began to turn away, but stopped, turning his head back to give Aurinka a direct look. "Respect your higher ranked members and fellow Lurkers in general. If I'm willing to trust you, you had better give me your full devotion to the Shadow Lurkers or there will be deadly consequences. Deserters are not welcome here." Lyckos nodded and padded a few feet before barking at the new pup. "Oh and Aurinka," He smiled, "Welcome to the Shadow Lurkers"

The alpha then finally dismissed the pups, to play or do whatever they wished inside the den. Lyckos still felt worried that he could have made the wrong decision, but for now he would stand by it. Finally losing his stern attitude, a grin spread across his face as he padded over to Hydras and Skeil. Coming alongside the Pit Bull, Lyckos' gaze fell on his children, "They're beautiful, aren't they." Smiling brightly, he stepped forward to lick Hydras on the muzzle before inspecting his pups closely for the first time. His hazel eyes shone, "I never thought I'd be a father," he said, then looked up at Hydras, "and I never imagined having a mate as gorgeous and amazing as you. Or indeed a pack as incredible as the Lurkers."

He fell silent, his eyes falling back to his first litter as his heart swelled with fatherly pride. They'll hold up the banner of the Shadow Lurkers, no problem... He thought, still smiling with overwhelming joy. "I let Aurinka, the Haunter pup join. I get the impression she really doesn't want to harm us, and she just wants to help her family. She could help us, give us information. Maybe the Haunters aren't as strong as they appear to be, if the younger generation are leaving to join the opposing side." He looked up to Hydras, this time without a smile. "I just hope I'm doing the right thing..."

Sequioa

She nearly jumped out of her skin when Kalion spoke, she was so lost. Tears welled up in the large hybrids eyes, and she whispered I don't know what to do. Should she tell him? Should she say what she had over heard? Well, she wouldn't give names. Say the pack has an ally, and this ally has done you, only you, wrong in the past. Like, killed your family wrong. Say you hear that allys own flesh and blood want to kill this specified being. Do you tell the others, or do you just let it all go down? Now hows that for a dilemma?

Kalion

When she looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, his ears went back and he crouched to lay in front of her; whining softly. This was not like Sequioa, or at least what he had known her to be.

He listened intently as she whispered, watching her as she told him of one huge problem. Once she had finished, Kalion dropped his gaze to the floor in thought. "Well," he began, looking back up, "who is this 'being' they want to kill? Someone connected with our pack or our allies?"

Sequioa

Her eyes lifted to Kalions, and she said softly One of our greatest allies. But in stopping the others from killing these allies, we risk losing two other large allies. Breathe. Breathe in and out. She could do this, no problem. I won't be responsible for telling them, Kalion. I can't. Shes....She destroyed my life, and the life of so many others. She deserves what she gets. Quiet. She was quiet for a moment before raising her eyes to search his. Right?

Kalion

Kalion listened, sickened at the fact it was allies murdering allies, but he knew that what she was doing was right. The fact that one of the Lurker's best allies had hurt Sequioa, badly, made him feel an even bigger surging need to protect her. "Yes, we must not interfere. Let's just see what happens. I won't say anything about you knowing if anyone asks, whatever happens." He smiled, but it was a worried smile. "Sequioa...I," Should he tell her now, when they were alone. Or would it be too much for her, after what was happening. "I'm always here for you, alright?"

It wasn't the right time...

Hydras & Pack

She sat up now, tail flicked about her side as she reached forward to give her mate a lick on his cheek. "You have done much to make this pack as great as it is, dear." Showing a smile that wasn't such a rare thing now a days for her, Hydras let her eyes fall to Aurinka in the distance. The smile faded slightly as she thought back to Danger's pup, back in the day. That hadn't turned out well at all, but then, they had pupnapped her. "She is young, and I'm sure she hasn't picked up on her sister's vile ways yet." Hydras said quietly, though there was a bit of worry hinting in her tones. The fact that she was a mother now made her sympathize with Aurinka, but at the same time, made her highly protective about her own young and pack.

Desmon dipped his head lower, "Yes sir." When Lyckos moved off, Des brought his head up, hackles raised slightly as he glared at Honthale, "Hon, she's done nothing wrong! I trust her, and so does Hatch." With a lengthy glare, he looked back to Aurinka with softened eyes, "There are some cool places outside to see, but we have to listen to Lyckos. So... um, I guess I can show you our other pack members?"

Hatch looked over to the stairwell and nodded, "Over there, that's Hydras. She's the other alpha. And that over there..." His head nodded to a small, tall-eared black hybrid snoozing in a patch of sun, "That's our dad, Ankh."

Aurinka

Aurinka managed a smile. But she couldn't help but think of her sister back at the Ruins, and her brother who was murdered. She stayed close to her new friends and listened to their every word. "Hydras is a pretty name." She said softly. "Your dad seems very nice." She tried not the think of the tiger that had taken her brother away, but it was hard to eliminate that memory.