Aurinka

Winter was already here. Last winter, Aurinka was just a pup. Now she was a young adult.

Snow came down heavily, but Aurinka could barely tell, as the buildings blocked most of it from reaching the concrete below. The coywolf sat in a corner, shivering. She had a high fever, depression, apathy, and a bad cough. She knew she was sick, but with what she didn't know. She didn't want to get too close to the others for fear that they would catch what she had. What she had was a weak strain of distemper.

The young mother stood up and heaved, bringing up her meager meal. She immediately fell back to the ground and began convulsing.

Desmon & Others

While Kalion and Bullet busied themselves with entertaining the younger Lurkers, Desmon sought out Aurinka again. He had grown quite attached to the other, and was rightly mortified when he found her convulsing on the ground. "Aurinka!" He barked sharply, eyes widened in alarm. Poison. It was the first thought that flashed through his mind as he ran towards her, bringing his muzzle down and nuzzling her neck and head, "Aurinka, can you hear me? Aurinka!" He whimpered, then lifted his muzzle briefly to howl for help.

On the other side of the room, Honthale scrambled at the sound of his brother's call. Bullet was right after him, followed by a brigade of younsters. "Woah, what's going on here? Aurinka!" Bullet gasped, nudging aside his nephews as he leaned down over the coyowolf.

Pistol, Dianthia, and Narsinia crowded up by their father, looking with a mixture of horrow and curiousity at their writhing packmate. What in the world was happening to her?

Aurinka; Kahvi; Susi

It took a while for Aurinka to stop convulsing. She looked up at the others, barely breathing. "Who are you?" She asked wearily. Her left front paw was twitching, while her left rear leg was paralyzed.

Kahvi and Susi stood behind Desmon. "Mama? What's wrong?" Kahvi asked with tears in his eyes. Susi howled and sobbed at the same time. "Mama's gonna die! I know she is!" She cried pitifully.

Desmon & Others

Aurinka's response sent a cold chill down Desmon's spine. Whimpering sorrowfully, he hunkered down next to the female, placing his muzzle near her's in a comforting gesture, "It's me, Desmon. Auri... do you know where you are?" Painfilled eyes shifted to his uncle, begging for help.

Bullet's mind was racing. What had happened to make her this sick? Before he could try to comfort either of them, Hydras had made her way to the scene. She was silent for a moment as she assessed the situation. Distemper was something that Hydras had never experienced before, so she put this down as some sort of human attack. Wanting to be safe rather than sorry, she was going to post an alert to the rest of the Family and allies, in case the humans were on one of their 'poisoning' campaigns again. "This could very well be a human-related attack. They are fond of poisoning our food." The alphess explained grimly, having heard countless horror stories from her parents, "Desmon, get Aurinka to the Woodland Farm. Bullet, alert Aidan and his family. Honthale, go to your father. Kalion, to the Silver Glades. Pirqua, Sedge Creek." After these orders were given, she looked to the pups, "I want all of you to stay inside the Den until things are sorted out. Do not eat anything without first asking an adult."

Their rambunctiousness was completely gone now as they were faced down by their aunt. The three pups nodded obediently.

Desmon stood up and nudged Aurinka, "Can you stand?" It seemed like a poor question, for she looked wretched. He was sure he'd have to drag her there.

Aurinka; Kahvi; Susi

Aurinka's memory slowly came back a few minutes after the convulsion. "Des...I can't stand. I don't know what's wrong." She said breathlessly. Then her daughter's cry met her ears. "I think Susi is right - I'm going to die" She whispered.

Avara

Avara's eyes filled with tears as she nuzzled Aurinka desperately. "No! Stop thinking like that! Mama's gonna live, just have hope, Susi! Have hope, Mama!" Avara licked her mother's muzzle, breathing heavily with fear. "Don't die! You can't go! No!" Avara wouldn't leave her mother's side, no matter what. The others would have to pry her cold, dead paws off of Aurinka.

Aurinka

Aurinka nuzzled her daughter, then pushed her away. "Do not come too close. You might catch what I have." She said with a raspy voice before a bout of coughing.

Avara

Avara shook, standing beside Susi, sobbing. "Stay strong, mama! We need you!" Avara pleaded, trying to sound like the adults when in desperate situations, but the tears kept flowing. "I love you, don't leave me!"

Lyckos & Kalion

The howl had brought Kalion over towards Aurinka, and while the other crowded round her, he looked over the youngsters to see Aurinka convulsing. Shocked, he remained silent and watched, sorrow filling him for what she was going through. Once Hydras came over and gave him orders, however, Kalion was alert and nodded, before heading out to Silver Glades.

Lyckos arrived at the scene a few minutes after Hydras, just catching what she was saying about the humans and poison. Sighing heavily, he glanced to Desmon, "Would you like me to come with you to help with Aurinka?"

Hydras & Others

His ears were pasted flat against his skull, and it was hard to keep a whimpering tone from seeping into his words, "You're going to be fine, Aurinka. The humans will help you." He tried to soothe, then looked quickly to Lyckos, "Could you?" By himself, Des knew it would take a while to get Aurinka to the Farm, especially since he wasn't fully recovered from the alligator attack.

Hydras kept her worries to herself, but couldn't help but fix her gaze on the stricken Aurinka. While the adults were dispersing out on their errands, she would remain behind and be sure the pups were safe.

Aurinka; Tahti; Tainted

Aurinka nodded to Desmon, trying to lift herself up off the ground. Her eyes drifted around the area and stopped at the end of the alleyway. She saw somebody standing there. Could it be? She waited a moment to allow her eyes to focus. "Mom?" She asked confusedly.

Sure enough, Tahti was standing there, staring at the Shadow Lurkers. Her head and tail were held low. She wasn't stupid. She knew not to come into a stranger's land acting like she owned the place. She stepped forward slowly, glancing at Desmon before looking at her daughter. "I can help. I am her mother." She said cautiously.

Tainted's eyes widened when she saw Tahti. "If you're her mother too, that means she's my...sister..." She gasped, amazed.

Avara & Suenga

Suenga was standing beside Tainted, his eyes wide when he suddenly made the acquitance of Tainted and Aurinka. "Damn..." Was all he could say, glance from sisters to their mother.

Avara looked up at Tahti. "Is that...?" Was all she could say, her eyes wide. "I'm not leaving her side." Avara stood her ground next to Aurinka, determind to stay with her mother.

Hydras & Others

The alpha snarled darkly as she stalked towards the coyote mother, "Out of my home now!" Her hackles were up, and tail high. "We are her family, and we will take care of her!" Her voice dropped into a deadly, hissing whisper as she brought her fang-baring muzzle closer to Tahti, "Do not force me to kill a mother in front of her daughter..."

Desmon remained quietly beside Aurinka, knowing better than to get tangled with Hydras when she was like this.

Aurinka; Tahti; Tainted

Tahti stepped back, knowing not to challenge the alpha. "I am no longer a Shadow Haunter. I have left them, and now I am only an ally of them and my family scattered around the Valley." She said, her head lowered submissively. "Please let me help my daughter. I already lost one child."

Aurinka looked at her mother, then at Hydras. "Please let her stay. She just wants to help me." She pleaded.

Tainted kept her distance from the rest. She didn't want to get involved, even though she wanted her mother to stay here.

Tyrant

A familiar voice flooded in from the doorway of the den. "It wont hurt to let her help. Do you think she's going to rat out her own daughter?" spoke the over sized beast in a calm yet demanding manner.

His crimson eyes held something new for once, he wasn't happy. His heart didn't flutter and his head was held level with his shoulders instead of up with his usual cockiness. His scared face turned for a moment, from one lurker to the next, but he did not budge from the door to invite himself in like usual.

"You are looking well today Hydras" spoke the ignorant brute. He would say this line even if she were mangled and bleeding, or to the fit of all fittest. He then lowered his head in greeting to Tahti and Aurinka, and then a solemn nod to everyone else that was there.

He had no particular purpose here. He just wanted to see the pack again. As if hoping his mother would be amongst them; and it showed as his crimson eyes looked around blankly for the small black fea that would never return. But he kept his scanning secret, as if just looking over them again and again. His insides hurt, but he would not flinch on the outside.

And maybe he was here for another reason...

Avara

Avara stared at Hydras with fear. The leader she adored threatened to kill her grandmother. Avara was afraid, and everything was rolling out terribly. Death, pain, anguish, Avara was going threw so much in her young life. Who was this brute? What was wrong with this world?

Hydras & Others

Determined eyes narrowed at the offending coyote, before they shot hastily to Tyrant, "I wouldn't put it past a Haunter." She rebuked coldly, "Their callous disreguard for pups is quite obvious." The Lurkers in particular had suffered quite a few losses to their enemies. She gave an indignant snort to his last comment before rounding on Tahti again, "You are lucky I haven't torn out your throat! The fact that you are still in alliance with them makes you an enemy, not that I have any reason to believe your words anyway. Now, I'm only going to tell you one more time - get OUT!" The alphess took a threatening step closer to Tahti, ready to launch at her if she continued to argue.

There was little Desmon could do about it, aside from trying to keep Aurinka calm. A saddened look was cast to Avara, seeing the fear in the younster's eyes. Des gave a small 'woof' to call her over to him.

Tahti; Aurinka

Tahti shook her head. "I am only their friend. I am also my daughter's friend. There is one thing I never do - I never hurt my children. To hurt Aurinka's pack would be to hurt her. I would kill myself even if I stepped on the foot of my daughter's friend." She said submissively. Her head was lowered, telling Hydras that she would accept any punishment. She was trying to gain the alpha's trust. "I am my daughter's ally as well. Therefore, I would not harm her or her pack." She rolled over onto her back in a rare display of submission.

Aurinka looked from Tahti to Hydras, somewhat confused about all this. "She doesn't want to hurt you. She knows that you are my friend. She won't hurt my friend." She said before taking a few gasps of air. "I...I'm sure she would accept an alliance from you, too. She really doesn't want to hurt anyone. She just wants to take care of all her children." It was true - while Tahti was rather full of herself, she only wanted what was best for her many children.

Lyckos

Lyckos was about to put his offer to help Desmon with Aurinka into motion, when the arrival of another put everyone on edge. Lifting his head to face the intruder, the hybrid's hackles instantly shot up. Haunter..

When Hydras launched forward, he was at her side, his fangs on full show as he rounded on the coyote. A sinister snarl rumbled from his throat, as his lifted his head to look down upon the tiny coyote in disgust. Then, as if to add more fuel to an already searing flame, Tyrant arrived. Lyckos' eyes widened in outrage, as he whirled round to face the other, shaking in rage. "How dare you talk to Hydras as though you are a friend - You are nothing to us, vermin! Now, explain why you are here, or get out! Before I drag your sorry carcass out of here myself!"

Yet still, Tahti didn't obey the simple command from Hydras. With a deadly glare shot at Tyrant, Lyckos now advanced on the coyote, his fangs bared even though she was in total submission. "You disgust me; you claim to say that if you were to hurt our pack - the pack your daughter belongs with - you would kill yourself, yet you remain ally's with a pack who have done nothing but damage this pack time and time again! You may not have killed one of our family, but your friends certainly have!"

Tahti; Aurinka

Tahti looked up at Lyckos. "I already said why I'm here - I'm here to help my daughter. Only a demon from hell keeps a mother from her pups." She retorted, still on her back. "You cannot blame me for what my friends have done. I took no part in that. In fact, I would be willing to drop my alliance with them and go neutral, just for my ailing daughter and her pack." Her voice hinted no lie, nor did her eyes. Finally, the coyote had come around.

Aurinka looked at the alpha male, tears in her eyes. "Don't talk to my mother like that!" She cried desperately. "She's telling the truth! She wants to help me!" Right now she really wanted to give Lyckos what was coming to him, but she was much smaller and weaker than him.

Suenga & Avara

Avara felt the hot tears in her eyes, and gave a sharp bark, trying to end the adults useless fight. Tahti was friend, correct? Tahti no longer wanted to kill Lurkers, nor Haunters. What did Hydras and Lyckos find fault in her? Judging her past. "Please don't fight! Momma's sick, why are you fighting when she could die? Is this what you do to sick members?" Avara didn't mean much, but her worry for her mother blocked her common sense. A pup being mad at the alpha, pigs must began to fly.

Suenga was standing beside Tainted, wincing as Lyckos and Hydras attempted to drive Tahti out. He didn't know if Tainted was tense and willing to defend her mother, for he was to busy deciding what he should do if she did. Defend Tainted, his friend, or stick up for his pack?

Hydras & Others

A sharp look was cast to Aurinka and Avara, warning them to keep silent. And then she was back to Tahti. "I can blame you, and I will!" She snarled darkly, fed up with the verbal fighting now, and not in the least bit swayed by the coyote's words or submissive behavior. Experience had taught her that - once an enemy, always an enemy. She would not make the same mistake for the third time and put her pack at risk for another betrayal.

The alphess lunged at the submitting coyote, jaws snapping for the throat...

Desmon tried to place himself in front of Aurinka and Avara, knowing they could get themselves in trouble with Hydras if they continued to involve themselves in the argument against her. "I know this looks bad... but she..." Desmon glanced back in time to see his aunt lunging for the coyote. Oh, that was bad... "...she does what she feels is best for the pack..." It was a sorry excuse for an explanation, but he was trying to distract them and keep them from getting in trouble.

Lyckos

The 200 pound hybrid spun round with an ominous snarl, his eyes ablaze with infernal fires as Aurinka shouted at him. "You will not tell me what I can and cannot do, Aurinka," came the reply that was surprisingly quiet, but very sinister, "I accepted you into this pack when you were a pup, after you had run away from the Haunters, and you promised me your unwavering loyalty to myself and the Shadow Lurkers."

Hydras launched an attack on the coyote, and Lyckos didn't even flinch, his hazel eyes turning back to the sick Aurinka. "Your mother may want to help you, but I refuse to let her. Where was she all those months ago when you came here looking for sanctuary, when you needed protection? We are your family now, and we will look after you." There was strong determination in his deep voice, and it was laced with a frightening darkness that hinted that right now, he was not to be messed with.

The 34 inch tall mass that was Lyckos then looked down at Avara, and through narrowed eyes he studied the pup as she too began to question Hydras' and his own judgement. "Desmon," he barked, his eyes not leaving Avara, "take Aurinka to the two-leggers for help. Suenga will help you to take her there."

Tahti; Aurinka; Tainted

Aurinka stepped back when Hydras lunged at her mother. "Don't hurt her! She only wants to help me!" She cried out. She then turned to Lyckos, eyes ablaze. "You evil, half-blood bastard! My mother sent me here because she thought that it would be safe. How could she know that you would persecute us?" She turned around and looked at Desmon. "I'm leaving. If my mother is not welcome here, I'm not either. I am her flesh and blood. You can come with or you can stay. It's your choice. If Mother doesn't help me, I die. It's as simple as that."

While Tahti wasn't nearly as strong as Hydras, she had speed on her side. She quickly leapt aside and ran to her daughter. "Come, Aurinka. I thought this would be a safe place for you. Forgive me, I was wrong." She sighed, lifting her daughter up in her jaws. She glanced at Desmon as if to say "You can come if you want."

Tainted looked at Suenga. "We can't let them do that! My mother doesn't mean them any harm!" She whispered.

Hydras & Others

Hydras was after Tahti in a flash, claws scrabbling loudly against the cement as she spun around. But she held back for a moment when the coyote rushed to her daughter, "You will not speak to Lyckos like that!" The alphas bellowed to Aurinka, leaning her menacing head closer to the mother and daughter. If not for Desmon's obvious love for Aurinka, Hydras would have continued her assault on Tahti, and rounded on Aurinka with a chastising muzzle-snap for her rudeness and insubordination, "If you wish to go with your mother, then so be it." Hydras seethed, holding back still, though she craved to end the coyote's life, "It is the humans that will help to save your life. None of us - your mother included - that have the skills to heal you. Why you suddenly take her side when she has scarecly been there for you... it's beyond me. We have been there for you. Remember that." Her voice had grown darker and more deadly, "Aurinka, if you leave us now, you leave us forever. Keep that in mind." It was the coyodog's last chance to remain with the Lurkers, or she would be forever exiled like Aminita - only, on even more strict terms.

Desmon held Aurinka's gaze for a moment, brown eyes glistened with moisture as he listened to her words. It felt like his heart was breaking in two as he listened to the fighting, "Please, Auri, don't leave." He pleaded softly, ears back and tail low. He was a Lurker through and through, and although he loved Aurinka greatly, he couldn't not betray his family. They had always been there for him, and he would not abandon them.

Tahti; Aurinka

Aurinka snarled at Hydras. "My mother has been there for me every time I was in danger. When Windsong attacked, she saved me and my siblings from being harmed by him anymore. He can't touch us now, thanks to Mother. Every single time I was in danger, Mother helped me." She shot back. "Are you here for me now, Hydras? You are keeping a mother from her daughter. You are playing God. You do not have the power to tear us apart. I have a choice. I can go with the coyote mother who has loved me and helped me through my whole life, or I can go with an arrogant tyrant who doesn't give a damn about me as long as her own ass is out of trouble." She leaned against Tahti for support. "I think I'll take my chances with my mother."

Tahti looked at Hydras. "Aurinka is my family. To tear us apart is to disrespect her and every family on the face of the earth."

Aurinka looked at Desmon, frowning. "I am no longer welcome here, Des. I love you, but I belong with my mother. Hydras and Lyckos don't really care about me if they don't want my mother here. What threat does she pose to them? Mother is only taking me to the humans - it's her responsibility. I'll be back sometime soon." She replied in a whisper. "You can come with and we can come back when we're done."

With that, Tahti lifted Aurinka up and began walking away.

Hydras & Others

She was fuming, but somehow refrained from striking out at the hot-mouthed Aurinka, "I have been here for you, but you are too blinded by hypocritical logic to see that! If we didn't care for you, then why did we attempt to take you to the humans for help? Your mother is the one who choose to live with a pack that is built upon taken young for their mothers - and I don't care if she says she's reformed now; she chose to be with them and do their evil biddings. So don't you dare try to pin the bad-guy rep on me!" Her voice had built back up to a roaring tone, while her eyes were alight with indignant rage, "I do not make decisions for my own self-interest, Aurinka. I make my decisions for the well being of my pack, while you seem to make them for your own self-riteous ideals. You have made your decision. Do not return here."

Desmon cringed to the ground under the verbal assault. His hopes sunk lower, "Auri... I love you." It was all his grief-striken throat could choke out before his eyes drifted to the ground. A single tear escaped and traveled along the length of his muzzle, until it melted into his tri-colored fur.

Tainted

Tainted looked at Suenga. "I thought these canines were our friends!" She cried out. "They're persecuting my mother! What did she herself ever do to them?!?!?!"

Tyrant

The large brute gave an arrogant smirk as Lykos barked at him in such a demeaning way. Moving aside so that Aurinka and her mother could exit, her slowly began to enter the den. This time instead of waltzing in, he stepped lightly as to make his way toward Hydras. "Things seem to be going down shit creek for everyone. Seems as if fate is trying to pit everyone against each other. Or maybe it's just my sister who is deciding the fate of the valley. Either way, we are all falling, are we not?" He stopped and looked at the ground before looking at Hyrdas with strong and powerful eyes.

Tainted

Tainted looked up at Tyrant, then at Hydras. "He's right, you know. Mother told me about her old alpha who wants to rule the Valley. She must be trying a different tactic now - turning everyone against their friends." She glanced back at Tyrant, figuring this was the sister he spoke of. "No offense."

Hydras & Others

When Aurinka left, Hydras turned her attention to Tainted, "The coyote has attacked our friends, and was involved with a pack that abducted several of our members - and killed several more. That is why she is not welcome." Anger radiated from her tones, but she bit back any crude tones or snarls to the youngster.

Now it was Tyrant's turn to fall under her trying orbs. She was not at all amused with his arrogant smirk to her mate, and she made abundantly clear with the seething look that eminated from her gaze. "Risen is quite the thorn in our paws, yeah." She conceeded heatedly, then took a jab at the other, "If it weren't for her, you would still have your mother. But enough of this; why the hell are you here?"

Tainted; Kahvi; Susi

Tainted bared her teeth. "What the hell did MY MOTHER herself ever do to you?! You're a tyrant. You're so cocky and arrogant that you think you can control everybody's lives. And you're lying about MY mother!" Truthfully, Tahti hadn't really attacked anyone. She was once in a fight with Kalaber, who apparently attacked her for no reason. She was simply defending herself. She never really participated in any wars.

Kahvi and Susi looked up at Hydras. "That was our mother you sent away. Why do you have to lie about my grandmother? You're just going to turn your pack against you. No wolf wants to be ruled by a liar." Kahvi said, disappointed.

Hydras & Others

Her patience, or what was left of them, were wearing desperately thin, "Watch your tone when you speak to your superiors!" She snapped, then growled darkly as she went on, "She attacked our allies in the war that saw several of our pack members killed. I would not mistake such an event, Tainted." Her eyes shot to Kahvi and Susi, "Don't any of you dare question the morals of myself or Lyckos, without first looking at the kind of coyote your mother is. She willingly lived with the Haunters, who have claimed more lives of my family than any other enemy. And if you think that I am going to suddenly forgive her or any other Haunter, much less invite them into my pack, just because they say they've suddenly reformed..." She shook her head muscles flexing tensely, "...you have severely misjudged me. I have encountered far too many spies and backstabbers in my life to make that mistake again."

Tainted; Kahvi; Susi

Tainted snarled at Hydras. "Aurinka was a Haunter too, was she not? Not everyone stays the same, you lowlife, venom-mouthed demon!" She snapped back. She had an idea. She'd form an army. Hydras would be sorry. Oh, she'd pay for what she had done. "You need to learn to trust. You can't be a paranoid bitch all your life, expecting everyone to turn on you." With that, she turned and left the alleys. She needed soldiers.

Kahvi and Susi had tears in their eyes. "Why is she doing this?" Susi asked in a whisper. "She's probably the devil. Mama said that the devil is a really bad guy who hates everyone." Kahvi replied.

Hydras & Others

"She was but a pup!" Hydras countered quickly, when Aurinka was brought up. "I trust those who've earned it, Tainted." She added in a pointed, chilled tone, "Your mother has done not one thing to earn my trust. On the contrary, she has done everything to lose it! You should learn to think before you speak!" She was use to insolent youngsters, with Ankh coming quickly to mind, but rarely did she have to put up with the likes of Aurinka and Tainted. When the other left, Hydras did nothing to stop her, nor did she send a falcon escort after her. With a weary sigh, she turned back to Tyrant, quite livid that he had to see all this bickering in the normally cohesive pack.

Kahvi; Susi

Susi stepped forward. "But Mother fought too! She said it!" She then sealed her lips, realizing that she shouldn't have brought up Aurinka's dark past. Kahvi stepped up now. "What has our grandmother done to lose your trust? If anything, she should be the one shunning you!"

Hydras & Others

Hydras forced in a deep breath, trying to still her anger around the youngster. "Aurinka and Blood risked their lives to save Desmon, and that act alone was enough to earn them my respect and trust." She explained carefully, "Your grandmother attacked our allies at the last battle, for one. But furthermore, she was involved with a pack that killed several of our members and has stolen several more." He eyes hardened on Kahvi, "She can shun me all she wants. I have only done what is best for my pack." Her words were tempered this time, for she was speaking with a youngster. But there was still a stern authority in them, and more than a little hostility.

Kahvi; Susi

Kahvi shook his head. "Mama said that my grandmother was at the humans' land." True, Tahti was a captive at Ethan's house during that last battle. "How can she be in two places at once? And wasn't Mother involved in the same pack? Grandmother just tried to save Mother. Of course, you didn't want to let her because you want to control everybody's lives."

Hydras & Others

She rumbled with annoyance, but relented to answering the questions anyway, "I saw her there with my own eyes, attacking one of our allies from my neice's pack. I don't know who is feeding you these lies, but this arugment is folly either way." The nerve of this youngster! But Hydras, reserving her fury, continued still, "I don't understand why you perceive my as control lives - I give orders, yes, but that is the duty of an alpha. My members are free to do as they wish, so long as their actions do not put the rest of the pack in danger."

Kahvi

Really, Kahvi didn't know what Hydras was talking about. "Grandmother never put your pack in danger. She wanted to help her daughter and you kept her from doing that. You are a disgrace to every animal on the planet." He had tears in his eyes and a look of disappointment on his face. "Poor mother is going to die because you're too arrogant to let a weak mother save her daughter."

Hydras & Others

"As I stated before, we were in the process of taking her to the humans. Your mother stalled the process and stubbornly bickered with me on my own turf about it!" If Kahvi were older, her words would have earned her a good chastisement, but Hydras was reasonably tolerant of pups - up to a point. Kahvi was starting to reach that threshold. "I understand your mother telling you good things of your grandmother, but I speak from experience. That trumps the lies you've heard, as well-intentioned as they might be."

Patch & Suenga & Avara

"Tainted! Wait!" Suenga stopped, gulping. "Hydras, what the hell are you doing? Are you the Hydras I know? The one that shedded caring around, who loved pups and cared for others? Or was that all bull shit?" Suenga's hackles raised, he glanced at Avara, Kahvi and Susi. Knowing Aurinka, she'd want her pups. "Ava, Kah, Sus...come with me. It seems as if any wolf who has blood of a Haunter is no longer welcome." Suenga looked at Hydras briefly, before turning and running down the alleys, not caring if the pups had followed, or if Hydras had let them. He didn't want to hear any more shit from Hydras.

Patch had entered the alleys, Suenga rushing by him made him fell unwelcome. "What the hell..." Patch murmured to Desmon. "Where are they going?" Patch, thinking Suenga was just pissed off, stood beside Desmon. His best bud since the early days. Patch had heard Suenga say Hydras was full of shit, and he suddenly understood. Suenga is in love with that Tainted girl. "My family's shattered." Patch whispered softly to Desmon. Patch looked over his shoulder, hoping Equiss was not far behind.

Avara, her eyes full of tears, jumped up and raced after Suenga, not caring what Hydras said. Avara didn't want to live in a place full of canines that didn't like her, or her ancestors. Avara was going home.

Tyrant

Tyrant, looking from one side of the conversation to the next quickly turned a stern eye to Kahvi. “It is best not to question your alpha. Your mother chose this pack because she felt it would be safer for you here, why do you question her choice? Hydras is just trying to keep you safe from the Haunters, their darkness makes it hard to trust anyone outside of your pack, whether they have blood ties with them or not.” He gave a soft sigh, “Just trust your alpha on this, what would your mother say?” He hopped the answer was to just trust the alpha.

Then his eyes turned to the alpha before bowing his head. “I’m here for something my mother would possibly have appreciated, I offer you my assistance as a body guard. But it is only to you and you alone, Hydras. I will not have you accept or deny, it is not a question of whether you accept or not, it is a promise I am here to make. I am just here to inform you of it.” He stood strong, his sharp eyes staring boldly at her as he gave her his reasoning to being here.

Hydras & Others

The conversation had turned decidedly disasterous in a very short time period. How her inentions of protecting her pack could be twisted and turned against her so violently by her own members was beyond the hybrid. But she could see where their loyalties lay, and she wouldn't hold them prisoner if they didn't want to live here. For a brief moment, a look of hollow defeat melded into the queen's eyes as she watched Suenga lure Avara away. But then she snapped back to her senses and adopted a defiant facade. Being alpha meant that she had to be strong for her pack, not crumble under stress.

"I have told you my intentions and the truth of the matter. If you wish to obscure the facts and label me a monster, there is nothing more I can do to disuade you." She rumbled quietly, turning away from the younger members and once again fixing her weathered gaze to Tyrant. And what he said threw her for a loop - it was entirely unexpected. It took a moment for the alphess to recover herself and form a reply to what he had said, "A... body guard?" She stated at length, as if unsure she had heard him right. She had always been unsure about this brute, as he had traveled the fine line of a nuetral. "And what if your sister should happen to attack me? Where would you alegience lay?" She was skeptical to say the least, but her words more more of wonder than of edge.

Desmon offered a brief smile through his shroud of remorse and grief, "Tahti came here to see her daughter..." He began, keeping his voice low and whispered so he wouldn't interupt the discussion between Tyrant and his aunt, "...Hydras attempted to chase her off, but Aurinka got defensive of her mother. Tahti refused to back off.. then... things escalated from there." The hybrid looked down a moment as his eyes stun with growing moisture. He could hardly bare the thought that he wouldn't be with his Aurinka any more. "...Tahti's offspring sided with the coyote over us." There was a bit of hurt in his voice at this, for the Lurkers were bred under the banner of loyalty and alegience to family.

Knowing better than to sass their aunt, Pistol and the others were deathly quiet in the background. They could scarecly believe the words and accusations that had been passed. Maladay seemed more focused on the cuss words than anything, while Narsinia was trying to figure out where the strange coyote fit in to the whole thing. Most of them were too young to know much of the battles yet.

Equiss trotted back into the Aegis Den, tail held loose and head low. She hadn't been here in ages, and as good as it felt to be back, she was disturbed the the obvious tension that high so heavy in the air. The lean-bodied hybrid settled down uncertainly next to Patch, pressing herself close to him.

Kahvi; Susi

Kahvi looked at Hydras once more. "I thought you loved us. I didn't think you'd be a bigot." He then looked at Tyrant. "Hydras isn't keeping us safe from the Haunters; she's ripping our family apart. What makes you think my grandmother is still a Haunter? What makes you think my mother is still a Haunter?" He paused, shaking his head. "Don't bring my mother into this. She has already had her say. She's siding with us. She won't let a demon like Hydras rip our family apart." He sighed, nudging Susi, and they both followed Suenga.

Tyrant

"I can only wish to hold her off. As much pain as she's put me through, I refuse to harm her in any way. Same with my family, but I will fend them away from you by taking the bites they offer. From there you can decide to make an escape or attack back, I am just armor, armor doesn't fight back." He replied to Hydras before turning to the pups as they ran off. He knew he couldn't even open his mouth to stop them, they were gone. "I'm sorry for such rudeness, and I'm sorry for such confusion, I see things are a downward spiral, I wish I could help you out of it." He lowered his head respectively before raising it again and planting his haunches on the ground, feeling a little more welcome as she questioned his reasoning. He placed his ears to the side, keeping alert at the members around him.

Hydras & Others

Hydras had all but tuned out the passing words of the last defectors, since it was painfully obvious they were going to believe their own percieved truth, reguardless of what she said. Her attention was finally on full focus with Tyrant, "Fair enough. But if you are going to reside in our home, I expect you to abide by our laws and treat our members with respect. And we will do the same in return." She pointed out, not about to let anyone have a free pass just because they were her personal guardian. With his last words, she gave a single nod, "These are the darkest days I have ever seen in the Valley, and that is saying something." She was tired of talking now, and of debating and dicission-making. Brushing lightly past her mate, the alphess headed for a second-floor room for a rest.

Patch & Magnet

Patch nuzzled Equiss, listening to Desmon with cold eyes. "And my brother followed. Damn." Patch licked Equiss's cheek, smiling softly. "Equiss, May I talk to you in private" Patch slowly trotted to the top floor, away from everyone.

Magnet sat beside Maladay, listening to the arguement with a whimper. "I wish they wouldn't fight like this." She whispered, but didn't care much about it. She hated angry voices.

Desmon & Equiss

Equiss had never really gotten into the politics of the pack, having spent most of her time outside of the Alleys. It pained her to see her older cousin to remorse, but she didn't know how to help. Instead, she allowed Patch's question to distract her, "Sure, of course." She responded, with a curious grin etching the side of her lean muzzle, trotting after the other.

Desmon dropped his gaze to his paws now, staring bleakly at them. Sorrow throbbed with every beat of his heart, and he had a hard time reminding himself that the events that just took place were reality, and not some twisted dream he had yet to wake from.

Lyckos

So much happened in such a small space of time. It went through his mind like a blur; registering in his memory, but he didn't quite take it in properly. He saw it, but he didn't think about it.

Aurinka. He had taken her in, offered her sanctuary in her time of need, when he and Hydras should have turned her away, they welcomed her - she threw it back in their faces for some rat of a mother who wasn't there for her when she needed her. The poison that flowed through the minds of both Tahti and Aurinka was deadly; they were delusionary traitors, and Aurinka, in his eyes, was no longer worthy of any salvation he would have offered her.

The coy-wolf's arrogant rudeness had happened all to quickly for him to react with any sort of physical attack. A low, sinister growl was present from the large hybrid throughout the argument, but there was no time for him to react physically to her insubordination. The names the wretched mongrel had called his beloved mate had made him seeth with anger, and if he should ever see her again, the rage he now possesed would see him tear her apart in seconds flat. If anything, this encounter had changed him, and fueled the fire that had been burning inside him for a while now. The nice, calm, accepting Lyckos was slowly ebbing away, only to be replaced by an encroching darkness that swallowed him in all things 'evil'.

He had trusted Aurinka, let her into the heart of the Lurkers when she had no-where else to go, when she was still classed a Haunter. He gave her trust in return for loyalty and she's stabbed him in the back, and all for her Haunter mother. To think he even thought he could trust her made him sick, and he was disgusted with himself. He remembered asking Hydras if he had done the right thing, but the answer was staring him right in the face now. Of course not. He would never make that mistake again.

Tyrant's sudden urge to become a body guard for Hydras certainly threw Lyckos. However, in times like this, he knew they would need all the help they could get. Protecting Hydras was at least one thing he and Tyrant could agree on; there was no way Lyckos was going to let her suffer in pain, or see her hurt. He would protect her with his life, and he would rest easier to know that someone else was also there, in case he wasn't. No words were said to Tyrant, just a simple nod of understanding and gratitude - even if the wolf hadn't ment for his idea to aid Lyckos in any way, he was still helping him by protecting his dear mate - and Lyckos wouldn't forget it.

Approaching Tyrant, Lyckos met the other's gaze with one of calm acceptance. "You may do as you please now, Tyrant. You are welcome to rest, or explore, or whatever you may desire." Hydras brushed past him, and he smiled weakly at her. Her pack was falling apart before her eyes, and he could only imagine what sort of pain she must be feeling. Deciding it was best for her and himself to leave her to her grief, and for him to calm his anger, Lyckos stood and made his way out of the den to try and work off this burning rage that threatened to break loose from inside him.

Patch

Patch knew Equiss could sense it. He stopped and stared at a snowflake that fluttered down upon his black muzzle. "Equiss." Patch started unsurely. "I love you and I think its time, we had...pups." He held his breath, still unsure about this all. So much had happened, and he hoped saying this wouldn't be throwing something new at her. His eyes glittered, his muscles tense. Don't make me sound like a idiot! Patch pleaded to himself.

Equiss

There was just a split second of time where the lean, brown-coated hybrid remained silent. And then she all but melted into an expression of joy and delight, showering Patch with licks while her tail waved a mile a minute. "And I love you too, Patch!" She returned the words, pausing in her display of affection to look him in the eyes. This was her Pathc, her mate, her soul... her future!

Tyrant

The giant brute looked to both as they parted, and then called out to the two of them. "I must return to my pack. My dear friend Lyric will be the tie between us. I will always be closer than you think. As if on cue, a tiny yellow-fronted cardinal flew in and landed on a railing. Looking bravely around at those other birds that could eat her. " I will stay here and act as a messenger while he is away." without even thinking of saying farewell, Tyrant turned around with his tail up and head down. Leaving the alleys and heading for his home.