Camden & Kalion

Kalion, with his nephew Camden following close behind, entered the Aegis Den with a face like stone. He walked right to the centre of the room, and he and Camden both howled deeply, calling the Shadow Lurkers together. This summons held a note of something sinister; something was very wrong.

Camden glanced to his uncle, before stepping in front of Kalion. He decided to fill in for Lyckos while his father was outside talking to two females who had delivered the news; news that would change everything.

Patch & Others

Patch was first to come forth, looking at Kalion with such respect. The look on Kalion's face was not welcoming, and Patch felt befuddlement wash over him. Sitting down in front of them, he waited patiently.

Stormchaser followed her father closely, with Maladay close behind. Things did not seem right, and Maladay feared the worse.

Temptation

Although she was never really accepted into the pack, Temptation had been residing here since the lurkers had moved off and did their own thing. She had lost sight of bullet and now began to doubt herself in her own efforts as an actress... Shaking her head, she had to keep this up... just a little longer.

The black female had battled against her pack to prove that she was well enough to be "trusted" with the Lurkers. She even had scars from where Ghoul had drawn her blood. Her golden eyes held low, even though in reality she wasn't submissive. In due time... in due time...

She slunk over; head down, tail between her legs. Moving close to Patch, she laid down and gave a soft, meek. "Hello" She didn't want them to think anything bad of her. Trying her hardest to please them... for them to accept her... Then she looked up to Kalion, a pained expression on her face... By this time, she would smell like Lurker, so those on the outside, wouldn't be able to tell her Haunter background even in the least bit.

Bullet & Others

"Hehe, can't catch me!" Orchilla chimed as she sprinted about the latter end of the room, waving a bit of scrap hide in her mouth as she went. Montrone, Rataska, Stormpaw, and Katabana were all after her in a yapping, barking horde, doing their best to catch her.

Ninaki had come forward at request of a meeting, seating himself near the others, and donning the stoic facade that he always seemed to wear. Quite his opposite, Bullet had become a mix of emotion, either going through bouts of relative good feeling, or being sorely heartbroken and ill of heart at the death of so much of his family. Today, at least, he didn't harbor quite the dismal look he was wont too, and with his son at his side, the two settled themselves down to wait for the meeting to commence.

Desmon couldn't be in better spirits, with his mate and offspring all doing well, and a new batch of brothers and sisters. Of course, he was a bit frayed at the moment, trying to corral his own boisterous offspring and that of his cousin's. "Quite now - Orchilla! Enough of that, please. We're having a meeting now, come along."

Where Desmon's soft-spoken pleads were easily ignored by the group of youngsters, Lerna stepped in and nabbed Orchilla by the ruff, hoisting her clear off the ground with a strained grunt, and putting a quick end to the game. Once the other growing pups came to a sliding halt in front of her, the dane mix set the sister back down and gave them all a stern look, "Be respectful. You can finish your game after the meeting - now, go find some place to sit." Her words were as soft as Desmon's, but baring a definitely authority that he lacked. Without question, the pups scampered towards the rest of the adults.

Argolis was still plagued by a notable limp in his leg, but the rest of his previous wounds were mere scars now, standing out in mute defiance of his victory over death. Hobbling along with Skeil at his side, the brindle-coated brother found a place near Honthale and Temptation.

Vale;; Patch & Others

Vale walked into the Aegis Den, feeling wary about being in her parent's former enemy's home. But, what the heck, Kalaber was the enemy now and these canines offered their viciousness to bring down Kalaber. Vale steadily stayed beside Lyckos, looking at the large male. "Wow," Vale commented, looking at the number of canines coming forward. The pups brought happiness into Vale's eyes, remembering when she, Isabel, Rowan, Summit and Bria were merely pups, under the protection of Tahti and Windsong, life was great. Now, everything just fell into pieces. How perfect.

Patch glanced at Temptation, not really trusting the female in the first place. Instead, Patch moved himself near Desmon, looking for Equiss. "I haven't seen Equiss at all...were is she?" Patch questioned, he hadn't seen his mate for a good while, nor had he seen Darsie or Havana. It was worrying him, but they must be elsewhere around the Alleys. But still, Patch had worried about his mate.

Stormchaser remained by Temptation, unlike her father, slightly sitting close to Argolis is case. Stormchaser didn't want to be rude like her father, but she didn't exactly want to sit by this wolf.

Isabel

Isabel followed her sister to the den. It was good to know that the Refugees were now on the side of the Lurkers. She noticed Des and his pups there. She turned to Vale and whispered to her, "Vale, we should ask Des and Aurinka if they and their pups want to live at our place, since we're allies now."

Havik, a steel gray and black pup, circled around her father. "When's mom gonna be home? She said she was just getting a bite to eat." She said as she circled.

Rival grinned at his sister. "I bet she got eaten and she's never coming home!" He taunted.

Basil pawed at her brother's head. "Shut up, Rival. You're so stupid that you make cats look smart." She sneered, snapping at Rival's shoulder to reprimand him.

Lyckos, Kalion & Camden

Lyckos had sent Vale and Isabel ahead of him to the den, following close behind his newest allies. The Lurker alpha's eyes were dark, filled with a light that was vicious and vengeful. Ever since the 'death' of Hydras, the hybrid had become an angry, volatile creature; nothing like the once kindly canine he had been before her passing. With the heavy losses his family, friends and allies had suffered, Lyckos had taken it upon himself to right those wrongs, and he was determined to seek revenge for the pain the Haunters had dealt them.

When he entered the den, he found that his son and brother had already assembled a large proportion of the Lurkers. Quietly, he moved between Isabel and Vale, brushing gently against them both to guide them forward with him. He weaved through the crowd of Lurkers with an air of authority and power, taking his place before them, flanked by Kalion and Camden, as well as Isabel and Vale.

However, something was different about the solo leader. Something had changed within him: it could be seen in his eyes, in his posture, could be heard in his voice.

"Shadow Lurkers," Lyckos began, his voice reverberating around the room, "I have news; news of two things. One that is beneficial to our cause. The other is one that will change our lives." His assertive stare moved across the room, looking at each individual member as he addressed the crowd. It never lingered, never stopped, not even as it slid over Temptation, signalling that Lyckos considered her a part of the pack, or at the very least, a friend of the Lurkers. "Isabel and Vale have travelled across the valley to tell of a betrayal. One of our closest allies, whom we have supported continuously in his actions, has stabbed us in the back. Kalaber has joined the Shadow Haunters!" Kalion frowned, Camden growled, and Lyckos' gaze grew in intensity as his fury began to build once more.

"Kalaber is a traitor! He has made a deal with Risen and in turn has thrown everything we have done for him in our faces! It is his fault that our friends, our allies and our family are not here with us: he called us out to fight for him against the Haunters, he organised the battle and swore to stand beside us in the face of our enemies, but as our family fell for him, he crawled to Risen's side like a good puppy! We have lost everything for him, and this is how he repays us?!"

By this point, Lyckos had worked himself up into a blinding rage. His ears were pinned back, his eyes were wide, the tips of his fangs were on show, and his hackles were raised. Thunder rumbled outside the den as rain hammered down onto the ground, lightning filling the inside of the den with brilliant light.

"The traitor will pay! Lurkers, as I stand before you, I swear he shall die. Our biggest rule is loyalty, and he has broken that without a hint of remorse. That is something I cannot tolerate. The blood of our kin is on his coat - without his ridiculous fight they may still stand beside us! We shall make him pay. Whatever it takes I will get my revenge - for Hydras, for Quake, for every single friend, ally or family member, I will strike him down!"

It was at this point, that he stepped back to stand between Isabel and Vale. "I would like to introduce you two the two who delivered this news; Isabel and Vale. Treat them as you would treat me, because these are our newest allies. They are joining us against Kalaber and the Haunters. We also have another who has turned on the Haunters - Tainted. I will not forgive Tainted for anything she has done, she will not be an ally to us as long as I live, but I will not stop her in fighting beside us against the Shadow Haunters. I have been assured she will not come anywhere near us, and if she did I would be first in line to tear her apart, but as much as I hate to admit it, we need her help if we are to take down the Haunters."

He paused, for either Isabel or Vale to say anything, before adding, "Shadow Lurkers - are you with me?"

Temptation

The female looked around the room as Patch moved away from her words. Her ears lowered, eyes darting to the ground as she learned her place... They were all wary of her... Her thoughts will this pack ever accept me... and then the answer came to her... as Lycos, the leader of her enemy, flashed his approval to her. There was a smile of hope and happiness in her eyes. Her tail wagged, her innocents gleaming as she felt a warmth around her... she was doing her job... and she must have been doing it flawlessly for him to suspect nothing from her.

As the leader continued on with his conversation, it was news to her... to early for the birds to inform her of the alliance. Her fur went up, more in surprise than in anger, as Kalaber's new alliance was mentioned. Temptation disapproved greatly at the alliance. She would easily run along and kill Kalaber.. Not for the Lurkers, but for herself.... for everything he had done to the Haunters...

Unknown to her, her face had contorted to a vile sight as he continued on about the "traitor". It was a look of disgust.. for it was sickening to her... It wasn't until Tainted was brought up that she snapped out of her trans. Looking up with her golden silver eyes. Her black coat had been subconsciously ruffled, now settled on her back.. Though she had to force it down... Tainted.... Now there was a traitor she never trusted. When Lycos spoke of taking her down, she envisioned herself next to him, making the final kill... "Backstabber.." She whole heartedly meant tainted... catching herself she added. "How dare he even..." Suggesting she meant Kalaber all along.

And then the last words.... At the climax of his speech she felt compelled and moved. Lycos was a strong leader, no doubt one the Haunters would have to worry over... The heat moved through her and when he asked if his pack was with him. She stood up, Howling powerfully. "I am.. To see the downfall of the traitorous Kalaber... and the final demise of the Haunters!" Her howl was powerful, long, echoing around the room. A wanting for the others to join this power she felt... even if it was false for her... she would motivate the Lurkers... more to trust her than anything.. but still... her act goes one... with a renewed confidence in her abilities.

Ninaki & Others

Dinning his voice down as the congregation of Lurkers settled in for the important announcement, Desmon offered the worried Patch some assurance about his mate and absent children, "Don't worry, Patch - Moonshadow said they were clear on the other side of town when the meeting call went out. They should be along soon enough." And indeed, just as Lyckos was heading into the speech, the limber, brown-bodied Equiss came slinking in, with her daughters trailing close behind. With ears back and a brief nod to her alpha in apology for her tardiness, she perched herself down next to her mate.

When at last the stunning news of Kalaber's betrayal hit the air, the looks on the collective faces of the Lurkers was a mixture of emotions. Desmon, for one, gave a shocked gasp and drew his eyes wide. Ninaki's fangs were unsheathed in a silent snarl as the hairs along his neck began to prickle up in ire.

"We are with you." The sharp, defiant return came close after Temptation's, being squalled out by Pirqua. Around her, the rest of the canines began to take up the cry, raising their voices into a shivering chorus of howls and barks to pronounce their faith in Lyckos, and will to fight beside him and correct this injustice.

Among the few that weren't entirely settled with the idea of Tainted as an uneasy sort of ally, Argolis and Honthale were looking to the newest arrivals with a less than inviting look. But both were given a harsh glare from Lerna, who's stern chocolate eyes were enough to warn them to keep their minds to themselves.

Lotus

Lotus led her brothers and sisters back home in time to hear her father's speech. Her eyes widened. She knew little of Kalaber, only that he was once an ally, and the stories she had heard from her packmates. She had heard about when Kalaber called the Lurkers out and how Hydras was killed in that war. A chorus of growls from the pups exploded through the den. "He has asked for our help countless times, and now he turns his back on us?! Never in my life have I heard of anything more cowardly, low, and dishonorable. I will not rest until Kalaber is dead." She proclaimed, trying to act adult. She glanced at Isabel and Vale. She hadn't really heard anything about these coywolves, but if Lyckos trusted them, so would Lotus and her brothers and sisters.

Halo crept past the new allies and stood before Lyckos. "Dad, when you have the time, I'd like to tell you about something." She said quietly, looking up at the hybrid who towered over her.

Lyckos

With the pack rallied, and a new burst of energy in him, Lyckos looked over his forces with pride. He had never imagined he would lead a pack such as the Lurkers, and standing before them now felt like a dream. He knew it wasn't, because there was no Hydras standing beside him, but he had to stay strong for the pack she had entrusted him with, and he would lead them until the day he died.

The arrival of his 'children' prompted a brief, but warm smile for Lotus and the others. Once Halo had moved from her siblings and started to approach him, Lyckos' hazel eyes - which had soften for his daughter - followed her journey towards him. He quiet request made another smile flash over his face, and he silently nodded his head, indicating for her to follow him. Dismissing the gathered pack to talk about the news, Lyckos walked deeper into the den, towards the far wall, and sat down, waiting for Halo to come to him. He was an imposing figure, but there was no hint of the aggression he had just demonstrated in the speech. There was only warm affection for the pup he had taken in as his own.

"What did you need to tell me, Halo?"

Halo

Halo followed her father and sat down in front of him. "It's nothing too important, but we claimed a territory near here. We don't believe we're old enough to lead it yet, so if you would like, you may put somebody else in charge of that land. Somebody more experienced." She informed, acting more mature than she looked. She had to be mature, for that was the only way to survive in this dark valley of war and hate.

Lyckos & Kalion

At first, Lyckos was shocked. They had claimed a terratory in the name of the Lurkers? He had no idea, and a sudden burst of concern hit him. Having them in another terratory had them open to attack, and memories of the raid on Lost Valley hit him. However, a sudden rush of pride accompanied that fear, and a smile spread over his face. It was a big gamble, but perhaps this was what the Lurkers needed? A boost, something to energise them, showing that the loss in the recent battle hadn't slowed down this great pack.

Lyckos chuckled, leaning forward to brush his muzzle over Halo's head in an act of affection, "That's quite important, Halo," he laughed, his voice warm and gentle for his daughter, "That's a good idea, though, and I'm very proud of you and your siblings for doing what you've done. Now, it would probably be for the best to have an adult or two with you, until one of you is old enough to take over."

But who? He didn't want to send Ninaki or Skeil, because he needed them with him here. A messanger bird would be helpful too for the new sub-pack - Grey Feather? Maybe Kalion could go as a guard, and another as a temporary leader? Bullet maybe?

"Come with me," he said quitely to Halo, before standing and moving back towards the gathered pack. It was here that Lyckos called out above the chatter, "Kalion, Bulllet, can I speak with you please?"

Kalion's head lifted at his brother's call, and he quickly made his way over, smiling at Halo as he stood before his brother. Lyckos smiled at his brother in greeting, before turning to pick out Bullet in the crowd. He would wait for him before speaking his plan to them both. A look was sent to Lotus and her siblings to come and join them.

Bullet & Others

Excusing himself from a conversation with Pistol and Skeil, Bullet hauled himself to his feet and dutifully padded through the throng of canines. Lowering his head and adopting a neutral, yet attentive gaze that banished away all the usual forlorn look he was now wont to carry, Bullet was all ears. When it came right down to it, he was ever a Lurker at heart, and having grown up immersed in war and death, he knew when to put aside his feelings and focus on the here and now.

Halo

Halo followed her father with a smile. "Thank you, Dad." She said, trotting proudly but neutrally behind him, thinking about his kind words. She loved being the alpha's daughter.

Lotus, seeing her father's look, stood up motioned for her siblings to follow. She, along with her brothers and sisters, met Lyckos, Halo, Bullet and Kalion there.

Mocha & Vienna

The two ran into the den. "Excuse me...Lyckos?" Vienna called out. Mocha stepped up beside her. "We are children of Isabel. We would like to tell Lyckos that Kalaber is looking for him outside." He said, disgust in his voice when he said the traitor's name.

Lyckos

With Kalion and Bullet before him, Lyckos smiled, his eyes switching between the two adults as he spoke, "Bullet, Kalion, I have a favour to ask of you both. It seems that we have another branch of Haunters starting out, but as it seems that they-," he directed a look at Lotus, Halo and their siblings, "are too young to rule over a land yet, I was going to ask you, Bullet, to be the acting alpha until one of them was old enough to take over. I know Hydras wasn't always kind or patient with you, but she loved you and trusted you deeply, and I trust you too, so I ask you to do this for me because I know that your sister would have approved of it too."

"Kalion, you will go with Bullet to act as a guard to protect the pack. I will also be sending a falcon, so if you are attacked, they can bring word to us and we shall come to your aid immediately. If you both feel you need another adult, then that's fine by me."

His hazel eyes moved between both Bullet and Kalion, "Is that alright? I don't want to-..." but he was cut off by two canines running into the den. Lyckos was on guard instantly, that soft look he had held for his packmates and 'children' lost in a blink when the name was called out. That name. The alpha snarled sinisterly, before barking sharply, "Lurkers! Let's welcome out guest! Camden, Lerna, Argolis, with me!" With his biological children by his side, all previous thoughts were pushed to the back of his mind, and Lyckos plunged out of the den and into the heavy rain, his eyes flashing with malicious intent