Baphomet

There was nothing like knowing that you could die at any minute to humble a being. Thats how Baphomet looked at life. Get to cocky and arrogant, and something was going to come around and bite you right on the ass. Well, now he was risking his own hide to go find a bunch of big kitty cats. He had heard of a pack in this land, an evil pack that wished to take over. "Peace" They said. This wasn't peace. Keeping others in fear of you, that was not peace. A valley should learn to just get along or get away from one another. That simple. But he had been called here by a bird, a magnificent creature really. He glanced up to see Disaster flying just above him. If anything happened to him, the bird was to fly back to where the large brute had come from and alert his family. What little family he had left. As he neared the Ridge, Baphomet hesitated, but it was for a fraction of a second. May as well get this over with now. He got up upon a massive rock and sat down his leggy frame, then let loose a howl, calling to the creatures that lived in the area.

Feather-Paw

She still retained the memories of a little tabby named Shika who came to play with them, amost three years ago to this date. That had been long ago though, and since then, she had interacted with few other creatures. Every now and then, she would visit her mother who resided in the territory just next to hers. And Ravanok, her brother, lived a short distance away in an adjascent territory. He should have moved on much further, but the humans... they had decimated the lynx population, and the rabbits hadn't been very abundant in the past two years.

The cat's tufted ears perked up at the sound of Baphomet's howl. She would have ignored it, just as she had ignored so many other such howls that rang throughout the area. But this one, this one seemed different. It wasn't a hunting call, it wasn't a call to a mate, or to a fight. It was... calling her, almost.

Feather-Paw, so aptly named with her thickly furred paws, began to creep slowly over the ground. If a wolf was quite, she was deadly silent in her movements. More stealthy than her brother, and more stealthy than her experienced mother. Soundless as a snake, the lynx crept along the top of a low cliff until her gray-gold eyes fell upon the wolf. She crouched down, easing onto her belly as she continued to observe him. Why would a wolf want to talk with the big cats...? Could it have something to do with the crazy group of animals living at the central portion of the mountains, housed in the ancient human temples? If he thought she wanted to join them... pah, that's the last thing she would do! She had heard stories from the birds... that pack seemed cruel.

Phoenix/Saguaro

An oversized mountain lion heard the cry of a canine and padded to the scene. She sat at a distance, ready to defend herself if she had to. Looking back at Saguaro, she said softly, "Hey, pig! Come see this!" Baphomet's call seemed to be a call of war. She, too, knew of the Shadow Haunters. She despised their ways. She looked down upon them and scowled. Their fall would be her best day.

"For the last time, I'm not a pig! I'm a Javelina!" Cried Saguaro angrily. She halted when she saw the wolf. Her bristly fur sparkled in the sunlight. She shifted her weight uneasily, wondering what the wolf wanted.

Baphomet

The male watched as suddenly two creatures came forth. His eyes fell upon the pig, and he blinked at first. What the hell is a Javelina? He nearly winced at that. I'm sorry, not what I meant to say. What I meant to say is, whats your name. A pig that could crush him if it could catch him, and a cougar that he knew could catch him and kill him. Heh, so he wasn't exactly in the best place to insult right now. My name is Baphomet, and I have come here upon word that there is a pack, so dark and evil that it plunges this very valley into darkness. I wish to make a pack, a pack so strong that we could defeat that very darkness, and destroy it, so that no longer shall it plauge our lands. Maybe there were others around, that had heard but didn't as of yet wish to be seen. He could understand that, cats were for the most part, solitary creatures.

Sure enough, one such cat lie in waiting in the bushes. His tail hit the ground with a loud thump, and a soft growl arose from his black lips. The white siberian tiger stood slowly, a magestic beast with a serious attitude problem. So much noise, why was there always so much noise? It was beginning to annoy him. Wasteland came forth, his massive paws barely making a sound across the dirt and rocks, until his eyes fell upon the black wolf, pig, and cougar. Is this a dinner party? He asked. His eyes were on Saguaro, and the massive feline licked his lips. Would he eat the Javelina? Possibly. If someone didn't say something, but was anyone brave enough to go against the 300 pound cat?

Phoenix/Saguaro

Phoenix looked at the other cat. She saw that he was eying Saguaro like a hungry beast. "If you touch her, you're goin' down." She warned. She was smaller than the tiger, but she was fierce. She wouldn't let anyone eat Saguaro. "And no, this is not a dinner party! I could take you out anytime I wanted to! So don't push my buttons."

The Javelina watched the tiger uneasily for a while, then looked at Baphomet. "I understand what you mean." She said calmly. "I am Saguaro, and the cat is Phoenix." She paused and grinned. "I would be happy to join your pack, even if it means my death. I have hatred of evil and always will." She displayed her sharp tusks to the tiger, then rubbed them together as a warning. She didn't want to go to the next step, which was producing a strong odor. "Stand down, cat!" She yelled.

Feather-Paw & Ravanok

Remaining unseen and unheard by the others, Feather crouched even more against the ground, flattening her body and watching in awe as a myriad of animals assembled before her. One of those big white and black cats she had heard of, but had yet to see. And ah, the familiar cougar. And, what's this? A javelina? That was a new one to her, although in her mind, it reminded her of that giant black sow she had seen last year.

As the lynx watched the proceedings, she suddenly caught sound of something bounding through the underbrush. "Sister, here I come!" A voice rung out in a loud, sing-song voice. "It's your favorite twin brother, come to have fun!"

Feather's ears flattened against her skull as she mentally cursed her rambunctious sibling. Why oh why, of all times, did he pick now to come visit her? After three years, he still acted like a blasted kitten!

"Hheerree-coommees-RAVVY!" The voice grew to a louder pitch as the lynx sprung high in the air, his long limbs splaying wide before bunching together. Before Feather could get out of the way, her brother had pounced on her, and the two went tumbling off the rock outcropping and crashing into a currant bush below.

An ear-peircing yowl ensued the fall, as Feather found herself receiving most of the punishment from the plant's many thorns. Of course, it was Ravanok's turn to yowl next as he found his sister's jaws clutched not so mercifully around his hind leg. He sprung out of the bushes, and smack dab in the center of the gathered creatures.

Like a deer caught in the headlights, Ravanok froze. The only thing about him that moved were his eyes, which traveled from one face to the other in utter disbelief. "Uh... hi..." He said uncertainly.

Feather-Paw gingerly picked herself out of the bush as she turned anxious eyes to the group of creatures her brother was standing in the center of. For the moment, she remained half-crouched, poised to spring if her brother needed help.

Baphomet * Wasteland

Baphomet stared at Wasteland for a moment, completely in awe of the magnificent creature, but then he said We don't eat potential allies, cat. As the big kitty chuckled, he felt a chill go down his spine. He was brave, but not that brave. Shaking his head he was about to speak when suddenly he heard Ravanok. What on... Suddenly a yowl then a second pierced the air, and a lynx stood before him. He gave a cocky grin to the creature, and said Glad to see you could join us. I'm Baphomet, whats your name? He normally wasn't this nice, but when you were gaining allies, you did what you have to do.

Wasteland gave a soft growl to the female cougar, and then purred in his deep voice Watch it, pretty girl. I'm no tame kitty cat. When he moved, it was like watching water flow. His muscles bunched beneath his thick coat, his paws made next to no sound and his eyes, oh his bright eyes they seemed to flicker and flame at Phoenix. But he wouldn't eat them. Just threaten. He'd wait on eating. My name is Wasteland. He offered softly.

Feather-Paw & Ravanok

Ravanok did not hide his relief when he was given a pleasant welcome, rather than an attack. "Well, I guess I'm glad to! My name's Ravanok, but most just call me Rave. Or Ravy, but... yeah..." The lynx let his words drift into silence as he took a few steps back to get out of the center of the creatures, and stand more to the side. "So uh, what's going on here?"

Feather-Paw was always amazed at how Rave took in situations, letting things glide off his back like it was nothing. If she had been the one in the center of the group, she'd have shown teeth and claws and been prepared to fight. But her brother, he somehow knew how to keep his cool. Or maybe he just wasn't as 'intense' as she was.

With tension evident in her stride, the sister lynx padded towards her brother as she drew closer to the group. "I have to appologize on my brother's behalf, we didn't mean to interupt your meeting."

Ravanok grinnged and gave his sister a big nuzzle, "What are you talking about, Sis? You were the one spying on them!"

If Feather could have blushed with embarrassment, she would have right now, "I was not spying, Rave. I just happened to be resting on that ledge."

"Uh huh, what ever you say. Anyway, this is Feather-Paw. My sister." Rave went on, not noticing the heated glare his sister was giving to him. At least, not choosing to indulge it.

Phoenix/Saguaro

Phoenix snarled at the tiger. "Wasteland...You live up to your name, I see." She chuckled. "And I warn again, don't try it. I could bring you to the ground right now if I wanted to." She stood in front of Saguaro to protect her, if the tiger should make a stupid move.

"Whatever you need doing, I can do it." The Javelina said, looking at Baphomet. "If you need me to rip the bad guys' alpha's jaw off, I am perfectly capable."

Baphomet * Wasteland

Enough! He said, scowling at Wasteland and Phoenix. The tiger turned those devilish eyes to his, but he didn't back down from the stare. With a soft growl, the large cat sat down, glaring heatedly at the wolf.

Baphomet smiled at Ravanok and Feather-Paw. A pleasure to meet you both. As you have probably heard, I am Baphomet. I have heard tale of a group of creatures that are wreaking havoc upon your lands. I come here, to try and help destory these beings and bring peace and light here to your lovely valley once more. His eyes oh his eyes were so odd. With the half silver, half red verticals upon you he seemed almost ethereal. A creature from Hell, with a heart of gold.

Phoenix/Saguaro

Phoenix stared directly into Wasteland's eyes in a threatening manner, without blinking or moving a muscle. She then looked at Baphomet. "So, then where do you plan to base this Army of yours?" She asked, flicking her tail.

Saguaro sat down, but didn't take her eyes off the tiger. She didn't usually run from an opponent. She usually took a stand against a hungry carnivore. Though she had not met one as large as a tiger before, and she did not have the safety of her herd anymore. Only a self-centered Cougar could protect her now.

Vulcan, Arctic, Venus & Obsidion

Slipping up silently beside Phoenix, another cougar materialised into the midst of the newly forming army. Venus slunk round in front of her, locking eyes with Wasteland. She winked, I dont think you should pick on her dear, Not if we're going to be working on the same side. Venus turned back in the direction she'd first came from and yowled then turned back to face the gathering, smiling devilishly. I'm not alone.

Sure enough, three other cats padded up behind Venus, much larger than her. Two other females, one a Jaguar, Obsidion, and the other a snow leopard, Arctic. Leading the two females was a mighty Siberian Tiger, weighing in at 800 pounds, Vulcan.

Vulcan came up alongside Venus with the other two cats joining the group around Baphomet, I hear your starting an army against the Haunters? Fear not friend, for we are not them. I am Vulcan, these lovely ladies accompanying me are Venus, Arctic and Obsidion. Strange, a pride of different species, but it suits us. Now, tell me, are you looking for recruits or a second in command prehaps?

Arctic circled the group and slotted into an opening beside Wasteland. She was a lot smaller than the tiger, but was larger than a wolf. The snow leopard's tail thrashed, she had heard news that a herd of deer she had once helped had been imprisoned by the Haunters.

Venus, Arctic companion in helping the deer, seemed a bit more...happy about the situation. Taking a place on Wasteland's other side, the cougar made a barrier between Phoenix and the tiger. Her hungry eyes spotted the pig, and her tongue flashed across her muzzle, but she managed to restrain herself from attacking the Javelina.

The Jaguar, Obsidion, was having an even tougher time resisting the urge to kill the pig. For in her natural habitat she would eat boar. With the most powerful jaws out of all the cats, Obsidion kept in firmly clenched shut, in fear that if she opened it, she would strike out at Saguaro.

Draven

I couldn't help but overhear something about an army against the Haunters, and I feel I'm missing out on something. Care to inform me?

Another voice was added to the discussion as a hybrid sauntered up behind Baphomet. Coming alongside him, Draven stopped, smirking arrogantly. The triple cross-breed was big, a mix of Great Dane, Rottweiler and Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the giant was an imposing force. The tri-colored mongrel's dark eyes travelled round the circle, looking at each individual, then came to rest on what appeared to be the army organiser, Baphomet. Im Draven, You are?

Phoenix/Saguaro

Phoenix looked at all the cats. She had trained herself not to eat Saguaro, and she rarely ate any other pig-like creature. She gave a hateful glance to some of them, then spat, "If you touch her, you're all dead!" She kept her position in front of Saguaro, hissing a warning at them all.

Saguaro snorted, uncomfortable around all these big cats.

Nyack

The Sable Antelope bull walked around, snorting. Blood was dripping from his mouth. He had only heard a little bit of the conversation, but he heard enough to know what it was about. "If it is the Haunters you seek to destroy..." He began. "I have some news for you. I just left a Haunter mare's herd with an injury. I was challenging a stallion in a fight for dominance, and the mare said, 'You can fight but you can't draw blood.' So the stallion kicks me and makes me bleed, and when I point out that he disobeyed, he starts making up all kinds of excuses!" He paused and looked at each one. "The news I have is that the Haunters aren't very organized. They're cold-blooded killers who will take lives to get their way, even if the lives belong to their own brothers and sisters." He shook his head aggressively, still blowing off steam.

Baphomet

Baphomet gave a smile to the new comers, then replied to them I am Baphomet. I have heard of a place, not to far from the Shadow Haunters lair. High in the mountains, there is a temple where humans used to worship their gods. We shall stay there. His smile was a dark and dangerous one, and for a moment it was hard to see who was the good guy, and who was the bad. Come! Let us investigate. He gave a stern look to all in the circle And whoever eats the pig responds to me.

Phoenix/Saguaro/Nyack/Desert Storm

Nyack still had the taste of blood in his mouth. "By all means, let's go there!" He said. "I want to be rid of those Haunters once and for all!"

"Chill out, antelope." Said Phoenix, then looked at Baphomet. "Lead us there."

Saguaro stayed close to Phoenix, keeping an eye on all the big cats.

Suddenly, a flash of silver and blue zipped above the group, making a low humming noise. It hovered above Phoenix, looking down at the group. "So what's going on here?" Desert Storm asked, fluttering his wings.

Phoenix relayed the information to the bird. "If you'd like to help, you're perfectly welcome."

Storm quickly zipped a few inches away, nodding his head. "I'd like that. I have heard of the evil deeds of the Shadow Haunters." He said.

Vulcan, Arctic, Venus, Obsidion

Vulcan gave a short nod. Lead the way.

Venus, Arctic and Obsidion all gathered beside Vulcan, ready to move out to the new base.