It was hard not to tear the rest of her enemy's throat out, but Hydras managed to keep her senses about her and lead the badly-wounded alpha to the Woodland Farm. If he died, she feared it could look like a murder, and the rest of the Aspen Grove pack could turn on them and Aminita. For the sake of her disgraced niece, it was in Hydras's best interest for V.estige to live. That, and he could prove a crucial ally in defeating Risen.

Skeil was likewise having trouble not turning her fangs on the wolf. But she was loyal and obedient, and so helped V.estige as was needed to get him to the Woodland Farm. With Ankh aiding her, the two did what was needed to get V.estige to the steps that led to the porch. From there, Ankh climbed the stairs and began to bark furiously for the Lady's attentions.

Hydras stood back in the timber line, taking the opportunity to fill in her mate. "They say that Aminita's pups weren't at the Ruins. It was hard to tell whether they were lying or not... but in any case, we had little choice but to retreat. We don't actually know what her pups look like." She admitted with a bitter touch, then shook her head. "Aminita choose long ago to live with one of our enemies... it was a bad choice on her part, for our enemies - the Alley Pack - have since been destroyed." Hydras looked to Lyckos now, taking a step closer to him so that their shoulders brushed, "She is forever exiled from our pack, but she has never attacked us or wished ill of us. For this, we offer her protection when need be... but never will she be accepted into the family."

Lyckos followed his mate. He didn't hold a grudge against Vestige as he hadn't been in the battle at the Eskers, neither had Kalion. However if the Lurkers, especially Hydras, deemed him an enemy, Lyckos did the same.

Lyckos nodded, remaining silent until Hydras had finished. We'll find them, I'm sure he, a look was directed at Vestige, could tell us what they looked like. We could probably find them from their smell, they must carry some hint of their mother... He trailed off, not really knowing if that was true.

Kalion wandered over to Hydras and Lyckos, his face void of any emotion. I was going to head back to the alleys, would you rather I went to get Bullet and Sasha from Aspen Grove? I could tell the pack their alpha was here and we could leave him here when they arrived... Lyckos nodded, If it's alright with Hydras.

Vestige slowly sank to the floor in front of the house on the steps, his breathing laboured and his energy waring out. His blured vision caught sight of Ankh barking at the house, then he faded out. Half of his neck was torn out, part of his windpipe severed. Blood was pouring from the wound and there was risk of infection. Foam and blood was running out from the alphas moth as he flitted in and out of conciousness.

Her sight followed Lyckos's and fell on the battered form of V.estige, "You're right, he will be able to help us when he recovers. I believe the Haunters have it out more from V.estige than they do for us, which may be a good thing. They will be more focused on him during the battle. When he is out of the way though, we will be the next targets." Hydras said quietly, already plotting her future moves, before looking suddenly to her mate, changing the subject as a notion came to her, "I've been calling the shots this entire time... if you feel I'm out of line, Lyckos... we are a team. We're equals." She said, her eyes searching his as she tried to figure out what she wanted to say, "...I've been leading on my own for so long, I just bark out orders. I have to learn to..." Before she could finish, the brother of Lyckos came over. "Yes, that would be a good thing to retrieve our own from the Aspen Grove. And while you're there, bring back Aminita's remaining pup. She'll be safer with us, at least until the Haunters are taken care of."

Desmon and Hatch inched closer to V.estige, eyes wide and hearts racing. The sight of him brought back horrible flashes of memory from when Torture led an assault on the Aegis Den. Des grimaced as he recalled the terror and pain that was unleashed that day. "You think... you think he'll live?" The adolescent questioned.

Hatch shrugged his shoulders, "We shouldn't care, he's an enemy." He was reflecting on all that Hydras had said, and decided from himself that this V.estige character wasn't to be trusted. Why he couldn't be trusted was only vaugely understood by Hatch, but as far as he was concerned, what ever Hydras said was to be taken seriously.

Desmon was skeptical of this, and couldn't help but feel some pity for the suffering wolf. After all, maybe he had a family to go home to.

Kalion nodded and began his journey to Aspen Grove to retrieve the Lurkers and Aminita's pup.

Lyckos listened to his mate, thinking about what she had said. It was true, when Vestige was killed, they would be next. It bothered the hybrid, knowing they would put up a fight, but from the number of Haunters and their allies, it seemed the Shadow Lurkers didn't have much chance, even if they would put up a good fight. Then she changed the subject, and Lyckos paid full attention, pushing the issue of the Shadow Haunters to the back of his mind. He smiled, looking her right in the eyes, Relax? He finished the sentence for her. Hydras, I understand it will be difficult for you to loosen up on leading the pack, but to be honest it will be difficult for me to give orders. I've never done it before, so it'll take some getting used to. I'm quite happy to let you make the decisions right now, I'm still getting used to being your equal. When I'm ready, I'll help you to hand out orders, for now the title and you are enough for me. Lyckos grinned, nuzzling her gently. It's fine, Honestly.

The blackened fea rounded the corner to the lodge and paused near the front step. Blood red eyes staring intently on the door, but she gave a ragged growl to Vestige. Bad memories were all the came up when she saw the brute, but she tried to push them away. Knowing he could be an asset to the group.

From the bushes behind came a dark cackle. One of almost insanity. Tyrant emerged only half way from the brush and looked at them through slitted orbs. "My my, your family betrays you, your members betray you. Lets not hope dear Lyckos does the same." He said in a deadly tone then laughed "HAH, Of course it was a joke, laugh laugh!" He wavered a bit. Standing with his stupid grin. "I must ask now, Can you condemn me a liar? Did I not tell you what she had on her side? There was more than that, and much more to come. Vestige may be a good blockade for now but what happens after his demise. If you want some real news. Risen wasn't going to go after you next. You are too large for her just yet. But if you push it, you will Become her next targets. " He stood now with a serious face. Head fully up as if no one could break him, and from the distance, it would take some time to even catch him.

Returning the nuzzle, the was a softness that entered her eyes, "Thank you for understanding." It felt good to finally talk about it, and she was glad that Lyckos understood. A much unwelcomed voice caused Hydras to spin around, her eyes at once loosing the softness, to be replaced by a furious distate as she spotted Tyrant, "I should wonder how great a pack is, when their own leader is known for her unloyal, uncaring ways!" Hydras countered hotly, taking a single step nearer to Tyrant. She was partially inclined to give chase and show him just how much she dispised him, but figured it would be a waste of time, "I should also wonder where you stand in this battle. With your own mother, or with those mongrel's your sorry-excuse for a father created."

A short while after Kalion's departure, Bullet was back. Scaria dangled from his jaws, curled up tightly into a ball with her eyes shut. Hackles rose when he scented Tyrant, but Bullet wasn't about to set down the defenseless pup in order to shoo away the pest that was Fallen's son. Instead, he circled around and stopped behind his sister and Lyckos, before setting Scaria on the ground. "We have her. Poor thing is scared witless. We ought to get her with Fanta's pups; they will be better company."

Kalion padded in after Bullet, still sad about removing Aminita's last pup from her. Still, she would be safer. He approached the house but his mood worsened when he saw Tyrant. Backing up his alpha's, Kalion stood just behind Hydras with Bullet, in front of Scaria.

Lyckos turned when Hydras did, the same feeling of hate entering the hybrid. He began to growl. Hydras knows I will always be loyal to her, otherwise she wouldn't have made me alpha male. My pack trusts me as I trust them Tyrant, so don't you dare question my loyalties. His eyes narrowed, hackles raised and ears were pinned back against his head. Hydras' comment about Tyrant's father made Lyckos smirk, a low mocking chuckle escaping from him. Stepping up beside his mate, Lyckos lifted his head to match Tyrant's in a challenge, his posture oozing dominance, as well as hatred for Fallen's son. Tyrant's actions didn't change the alpha's view on Fallen, but every time he was around, Lyckos' dislikening for him doubled.

The wolf bounded in after Kalion and Bullet after hearing the news his brother was dead and his father was injured. Leaping past the Lurkers, Jagged ran over to his father. Dipping down, he began to lick at Vestige's wounds, trying to stop the blood from pouring out and prevent infection. He began to call loudly for the Lady.

Sasha had gone to speak with Lost, and had come out better then Sequioa. Lost is safe, she is amongst others. She said merrily. Her eyes landed on Vestige, and they narrowed dangerously. She made no word, but instead looked at her alphas, the same sweet smile in place.

He laughed now stepping forward with a graceful strut. "Is that jealousy I hear, or fear? Only one who fears their opponents call them such dirty names" He stood tall now, tail down, head up, halfway between the pack and the woods. "As I have said, it was a joke, lighten your heart for none are after you here. "He looked at the last remaining pup, holding his breath. "Instead of being a group of such complainers, to find the pups why don't you ask that little one how to find them" His muzzle elevated toward Scaria.

It was then he saw Damaged run past him, he had only heard what the brutes brother had done to the pup. " And you must be proud to be the brother of one who attempts to slay the innocent. Such children have no control over the direction in their life, and to hold their death in your hands shows how low one can really get." He snarled now. Killing innocent pups pissed him off. Humans were different, they grew up to be monsters either way.

Knowing how thin the ice was beneath him, he became quite alert for any on coming attacks. Knowing now he was really pushing buttons. What a fun little game.

So many seemed to be in need of her skills of late, the Lady found herself rather busy. A few minutes after the frantic barking alerted her, the old lady came out of the house with her medical kit in hand. With a quick glance, she could see that there was no need to sedate V.estige; he was well nigh out of it anyway. Moving slow, as to not startle the other canines, she knelt down beside him.

With so much blood, it was hard to tell just what was damaged, but the foam told her that air was leaking through his neck- which could only mean that his trachea was damaged. Her first task was to stifle the bloodflow and clean the wound as quickly as possible. From there, she repaired what she could of his neck, binding his tissues together with stitches that would dissolve away in a few weeks. When that was complete, she wrapped a thick gauze all the way around the neck, spraying it with a hefty amount of antibiotics to chase away any infections. The gauze, like the stitches, was designed to decompose on its own in about a month. And to be sure no friends of his tried to take it off sooner, the material was laden with a horribly bitter-tasting agent that should stop even the most determined wolf from chewing on it.

Though she had done her best, there would undoubtably be a large scar left when all was healed. And it would take another few weeks before he would regain complete flexibility of his neck, for there was a lot of tissue that needed to be regenerated.

Starlit Eyes knew the Shadow Lurkers well enough, though the Haunters had yet to come fully to her attention. Hearing the pointed words from Tyrant and the others, the black hybrid moved briskly towards the timberline, placing herself boldly between the two parties, "You'll both hold your words while in the territory of my master!" She flashed a stern glare to Tyrant and the Lurkers, a sort of look that a mother gave to her disobedient children, "Fight all you want elsewhere, but this land is neutral and I won't tolerate the threat of violence around my master!" They were pretty bold words from one who was outnumbered, but rarely did anyone oppose the guardian of one of the only humans who could and would heal all wildlife.

The massive brute smiled sweetly to the young fea with a generous bow of the head. "I did not mean to cause trouble m'lady. These ones are just on edge from the battle before hand. I have only come to see their member's good health, and now I shall be on my way." He turned, flicking the black bush of a tail to the side. "Farewell love. And good-bye to you mother....and to you, Hydra's." Hearty words they were as he continued and then dissolved back into the woods.

Ahaha, Reappearing in the land you just left. How amusing young Tyrant. He made his way through the brush once again to face the Lurkers and their hubs. Bowing his head greeting as if they had not left on such a sour note. "I have brought my nephew with me, he is against Risen and wishes to speak with you." the large black beast laid down peacefully at the foot of the porch. Only 10 feet from the Lurkers pack.

Fallen growled at her son. Red eyes beaming at him, her black figure moving towards him. "Hydras said to not return." Tyrant only chuckled. "And the pretty miss over there said no fighting. I am in no mood to fight against you. I never was."

Boki came up with a grin plastered on his face. "Wow, Tyrant, you look just like your mother." Fallen growled slightly to the dog and looked over to Kalaber, She had never seen her grandson before and growled at him as well. Tyrant spoke gently as he nodded off to sleep. "Mother fear not this is your grandson. Kalaber, he is the son of Crucified."

With that fallen perked up and wagged her tail. "Really?" Her mouth opened to say more but she turned to Hydras and began to back slowly into the pack. Knowing Hydras had first words. Especially since they were against Crucified, how would his blood be any different.

He followed close to his uncle his tail semi lowered knowing that this was another pack that he was going near though he kept it up alittle.He listened and watched tyrant.His ears went back as his grandmothe rgrowled at him. He had never met her either.He then sat down.He would not speak till the alpha spoke.His ears twitched.He would defend his father but right now that wasn't what he wanted to accomplish. He wanted to avenge his mothers death and sisters. And to get his two other sisters back though for wither it looked bleak.

Hydras.....They killed Hidden Betrayal. She was our inside, she was going to bring down Risen. The hybrid spoke uncertainly, shifting from foot to foot uneasily. She didn't know what to do about Tyrant and the others, so she pretended as if they weren't there. Sasha however was different.

She went forth and stared hard at Boki first, and then her eyes turned to Kalaber. A snort was emitted and she batted lightly at Boki. I like this one. She said, as if they were at some sort of sale and the three of them were one show.

Jagged ignored Tyrant, he wasn't in the mood for comments for it. He growled lightly as the Lady approached Vestige, but stayed away until she had finished with him. He lay by his father, waiting to see if the treatment had worked.

Vestige's wound was sorted out swiftly by the Lady. He would regain conciousness soon. His neck would be stiff, and he would be a bit groggy, but otherwise alright. The bloodflow stopped, as did the foaming.

Kalion's tail began to wag and he smiled softly as he saw Sequioa. He barked to her in greeting. Long time, no see! He gave her a friendly nudge on the shoulder with his muzzle.

Lyckos continued to growl, which stopped when Tyrant left. The hybrid glanced to Starlit Eyes, but his glare was swiftly returned to Tyrant. There will be no trouble, as long as he behaves. Lyckos muzzle was directed to the opposing male. When he left, Lyckos calmed down, Smiling at Sasha and Sequioa as they arrived with news of Aaka's offspring. With a polite nod to each of them, the growl returned as Tyrant re-emerged from the forest with his nephew. His narrowed eyes darted to Kalaber. He lifted his head, still slightly sceptical about the whole thing but said nothing. His fur bristled and hackles were raised. However he let Hydras have the decision, as he didn't know much about Kalaber or the Haunters and their family.

The group had moved further into the timberline when the human appeared, keen to stay out of her way. Hydras response to Starlit was only a heavy sigh and a look that said 'Yes, I've heard this all before.' Was it only four years ago that Demon suggested taking over this land and killing all the pets here? Good thing that plan was stopped...

"I would like to get in touch with all of them sooner or later." Hydras responded when news of Aaka's daughters came to her. And then the news of Betrayal's death, to which she cast her eyes down, "It is a loss for us." Then the biggest news came with the return of Tyrant, which brought narrowed eyes to the alphess and a rumbling snarl in her throat. "The son of Crucified, brother to Risen... for some reason, I find this proposal hard to believe. But I will hear you out." She said, looking to Kalaber with a critical gaze. Taking in a deep draft of air, she found instantly that his scent carried more of the muck-smell of the Marsh, rather than the musty-damp of the temples. Still, there was reason to be skeptical.

Despite the tension in the air, Bullet's tail waved merrily when his mate appeared. He happily came up beside her, persona beaming with joy. "You think they are trustworthy? This one doesn't even smell like a Haunter." The hybrid pointed out, sniffing briefly at Boki.

Skeil stood firmly beside Hydras, knowing well enough to keep quite until Hydras had finished negotiations. Her dark eyes never left Tyrant.

"If you ask me, we ought'n waste our time with him. If he's the son of Crucified, what good can come from him?" Ankh questioned coldly, glaring at Kalaber with distrust. His words didn't go unpunished, as a swift muzzle-bite from his aunt had the ebony hybrid cringing on the ground and regretting his statment.

Desmon and Hatch, eager not to draw unwanted attention on themselves, moved more towards Fallen. "I think 'e seems nice." Des commented about Kalaber, quietly though so that Hydras wouldn't hear him.

Hatch shrugged, "I don't know, dad doesn't like him... I don't think we should like him either." The adolescent decided, though he didn't know why Ankh disliked Kalaber.

Desmon frowned a bit, "We should give him a chance.. he could help us. Besides, he hasn't done anything wrong."

Scaria, all but forgotten for the moment, inched over to Sasha and Bullet. Of all the hybrids clustered around, their wagging tails and lack of growling and bickering made them seem the friendliest.

kal listened to all of them looking from one to the next."i understand you dislike my father but i don't know why. I only knew him when i was a pup."he paused."I've come to find allies who are against risen and her shadow haunters. You may think im a part of them when im not"His eyes turned hard."They killed my mother and one of my siblings. As well as still two of my other siblings. Yet one is completly loss of hope. Yet my youngest sister can still be persauded other words. Im an avenger.I will seek out and destroy the ones who have torn my life in to pieces. Im not part of the shadow haunters and never have been.Risen may be my aunt but i don't care for her. She is nothing but trash and is the start of all this trouble. They have caused me pain and have turned my heart cold.I ask for an alliance and help to rid this place of the shadow haunters. You do not need to accept it but I will not harm your pack for there is only one pack i wish to harm"He said.he sat calmly and like a true alpha.

The large black brute sat comely against the porch. His eyes drifting into the lands of sleep, staying only half awake to hear the conversation. When the started speaking of Crucified he snickered once through his nose. Only after word exchanges did he speak in a quiet tone. Vocals only accenting the whisper, "As I have said, you have judged my brother to quickly." His red orbs opened, glancing at Skeil as she held him in her gaze, and then looking to Hydras. "Have you forgotten it was my sister who pitted you against him. The only reason he hated the lurkers was because you housed Risen. His intensions would be no different from his sons if he were still of mind." Again his eyes closed and he returned to his comely sleep.

Fallen watched as the two pup grew closer and began to speak. She smiled, "You're parent's cannot judge who you like, it is up to you to decide whether you trust him or not. I have never met him, Crucified has never come to the Lurkers to show me, and I have never left to visit. I've only heard news from passing birds. His mate was killed and so was one of his daughters. That boy has lost his mother and three sisters because of the Haunters" Her words were soft and cooeing. Gentle yes sad. "The first time I saw Risen since she left was that little fuss we had. I love all of my children, I understand why Crucified attacked me. And I understand why Risen is the way she is. Their father... isn't the best guy." Fallen had been raped to concieve the three pups she calls her dears. But still, she loved them all.

Boki watched and wagged a tail. The yellow lab/shepherd mix nodded his faintly masked face. "I have not even heard of the Shadow Haunters until Kalaber spoke of them." He gave a weak chuckle. "That black brute there has said I have been sheltered not to hear. I'm not sure myself what to think of either of them. I have heard of Vicious, and they say they are related to him. Disgusting." He commented on Vicious. "I've never met the devil brute but I heard he's quite heartless." Yellow limbs brought him down, listening to all that was happening now. He was trying to decide if he should really be against these Haunters. Where they really so bad?

Vestige finally came round. He blinked a few times as his eyes slowly opened. He looked up to see Jagged and smiled weakly, knowing that if Jagged was here, he knew that his brother was dead. Krypt...K-krypt is with R-risen. He coughed. Slowly and painfully, Vestige pulled himself up to stand. His neck was on fire and hurt terribly when he moved it. Slowly, the wounded alpha made his way towards Hydras, with the aid of Jagged. Thank you for not turning against me Hydras. I need to go back to my pack now, but I will speak with you again soon, hopefully under civil circumstances. Farewell. Father and son made their way towards Aspen Grove.

Lyckos just narrowed his eyes at Vestige and Jagged. Once they had left, he turned back to Kalaber. You seem genuine, yet something keeps telling me not to trust you. His eyes darted towards Tyrant. I believe you, but I don't trust you. An alliance against the Haunters seems reasonable, but at any time if we change our minds, we shall not hesitate to break it. Then again I believe we are going to need all the help we can get. That is my opinion, Hydras? Lyckos turned towards his mate, to seek her opinion on the matter.

Hydras, can I keep this one? I like him. She again batted at Boki, a look of play on her face. After dealing with Lost, the doberman was beyond happy and her tail wagging. What little of a tail she had. As the pup came near her, she smiled and bowed down it. Wanna play, baby doll? She asked in a gentle mothering voice. She wasn't really paying attention to much, Vestige and Tyrant were out of her head as if she had put up a mental block to them so they didn't exist in her world. She was beginning to lose her sanity with all the killings, with her fellow pack members falling right and left. If she blocked it out....Maybe it would all just go away.

He listened and nodded his cranium.He then glanced at sasha."He is with me"he said rather calmly.His tail swished and he waited to hear from the fem hydras.

"Our alliance remains." Was the alphess's simple reply to V.estige. Then her gaze flashed from one speaker to the next before landing back on Kalaber. "Lyckos has spelled it out very clearly. From this point on, we are in alliance. Let us hope that you are not like your aunt." Hydras said, finalizing the deal. "As part of our deal, we will help you when needed, but you are expected to rise to our aid if need be."

Desmon tilted his head to the side a bit, "That is awfully sad. I hope that we can help each other then." He said, eyes drifting towards Kalaber as the alliance was sorted out.

He listened again and bobbed his dial."Ay When ever your in need just call."He said calmly and then stood.

"Thank you, Kalaber. Expect the same in return." With the negotiations complete, the alphess looked back to her pack and gave a faint nod. It was time to head back home. Dropping her 'serious' poise for the moment, Hydras brushed affectionately against her mate before headed to the Aegis Den.

Bullet's tail was still waving slowly from side to side as he looked to his own mate, "Come one, Sasha. We've got a new pup." He grinned a bit, hiding a tinge of sadness in his heart, for this new pup had been ripped away from his now pupless niece Aminita. But maybe the little hybrid would make his dear Sasha happy. Picking up Scaria, he headed after Hydras.

Skeil and Ankh followed close behind, both casting uncertain glances to Tyrant and Kalaber, although Skeil didn't hold Vicious's grandson in such suspicion, now that her alphas had made him an ally.

Desmon and Hatch traveled behind the group, walking should to shoulder in a brotherly comradeship.

Tyrant continued his laziness and only listened as the group took off. Fallen turned to her dark son and woofed a soft good bye, nodded to her grandson, and then followed the others out and to the den.

Boki started to follow the kind dogs but turned to look at Kalaber. Kalaber had a strong rule, but it might be even to strong for Boki. The only thought in his mind rang "If you are not with me, then you are against me." The echo made him uncomfortable and he continued to inch toward the Lurkers.

Tyrant gruffed a soft growl at Boki then turned to Kalaber. "Now what? Should I be on my merry way, or do you need me for anything?" He cracked a smile as his eyes flitted toward the group of dogs, his mother being one of the only full wolves with them. Risen would have spat at them, Crucified would have cringed, Tyrant only smiled as he watched them go. "They will never know." He gruffed under his breath.

Lyckos's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more. Turning, he followed the others back to the alleys, his brother in hot persuit.

"boki don't you dare"He growled his tail up how dare he wish to follow them."No i dont need anything"

The golden dog sat down with his head down, grumbling under his breath. "Fine" He spun around on his hind end to face Kalaber. Not lifting his seat even for a moment. "So now what? What kind of pack am I living in with you?" He murmured argumentatively in slight hesitance to follow.

Tyrant nodded to his nephew then stood and began to stalk toward the brush once again. Flicking his black tail to and fro. If Kalaber needed his help, Tyrant would be there, but he would not be a simple string to pull around, no matter what the cost.