Using his sense of smell, Cavan circled along the southwestern border of the territory, trying to figure out just who was in the lands right now. Cortinarri was definitely here, and so was Vestige. Perfect. But of pups? He'd have to wait and see.

The young lions gathered behind Cavan, looking and waiting. Spread out to either side of them were those of Lurker blood; Warfell, Panther, and Angel.

Coming up behind the first group was Ghoul, Hazard, and the horse leader; Prisoner. Ghoul moved up toward the back of the Coalition, while Hazard took the other end. Prisoner waited in the back, trying to be quiet on rock hard feet. She kept her ears perked and her head up, bobbing her head to clear her vision and look in the distance. Then smelt the scent of those that were there.

The young human girl crept silently through the forest on bare feet, followed by her canines, armed with a bow, arrows, and a knife. It was her will to live this way, as her ancestors might have, just to prove that it was simpler. She kept low to the ground and waited. Not a sound escaped her mouth.

Mikia the co lead of the horse group walked up and stood beside prisoner.her nares flared.
cain he followed his mother and watched the land.

Cavan gave a shifty look to the human, not fully trusting any two-legger after all the things they had done to him. But he had to admit, they were exceptionally clever in manipulating the things around them. And on the other side, he was quite pleased that the Haunters were able to assemble a two-legger amonst their ranks.

But enough of these side-thoughts, Cavan needed to get back to business. Once the others were gathered around them, he went over the goals again, "Vestige is our number-one priority. Kill him. And if you manage to find any pups, we will take them too. As for the others... kill them if they get in the way. If they surrender, subdue them."

Unsure of where the pack might be, Cavan led the group onward, nose working hard to uncover any fresh scents of the pack.

Little Tuft was absent from the group while he recovered from his bullet wound. But the other three brothers fanned out on either side of Cavan, putting their senses to work in hopes of locating any Aspen Grove members.

Behind them trailed the three Lurkers. The trio spred out as well, and made sure to keep a watchout for any surprise attacks from behind.

Ghoul. Hazard, Prisoner

Ghoul moved around as well, putting his nose to work to scent out the others. Growling to himself he moved closer to his brothers, he would make sure this alpha died, just so they could get them out of the way and concentrate on Kalaber.

Hazard moved in closer to the other Coalition members as well, keeping his eyes out with an alert twitch now and again.

Prisoner lifted her head but kept quiet. Trying to get a good view around the land. Her ears continually flicked back and forth to alert of of any unwarned attacks.

Mahala/Mikomi/Others

At Cavan's order, Mahala climbed into a lush tree and stood on one of its limbs. There she readied her bow and an arrow.

Riverhawk and Sky Dancer came up beside Cavan and the others, while Yareli and Night Eyes circled around Mahala's tree.

Rex, a son of Windsong and Mikomi, was sitting a good distance from the attackers. However, he did not notice them just yet. Mikomi was several feet from her son. Her hackles raised when she smelled the faint smell of a stranger. She prowled over to where Rex was sitting and looked into the bushes. She saw Prisoner there, but just barely. She ordered her son to go far away, and so he did. "Who are you and what do you want?" The young hybrid barked. Her parents had told her all about the Shadow Haunters and how they poisoned the pack, but she had never heard them talk about a horse being a member of the group this pack so strongly despised.

Mikomi was vulnerable, unaware of the canines and human in her mourning state.

Prisoner

The horse snorted as she heard a canine. "Over there." She snarled before taking off into a spring toward the hybrid. Not even giving a chance to responce as she came nearer to the female, trying to trample her into the ground.

Mahala/Mikomi

Mikomi had little time to react, but managed to scramble out of the way of the horse. "You-You're a Haunter, aren't you?..." She asked, trembling. Kiku came up beside his sister and raised his hackles. "Get your dirty hooves off my land!" He snarled, lunging up at her belly.

Dove and Glider both raised their heads when they heard the commotion. Dove motioned for Silence and Sin to hide, then came up beside Mikomi. Dove pulled her lips back in a snarl, but didn't attack Prisoner just yet. She knew that Haunters weren't stupid enough to attack by themselves. There had to be some more out there. She faced the bushes, ready for an attack. Glider tried to locate the enemies, but had little luck.

Mahala saw her chance to hit Glider. She fired the arrow. It zipped through the air and hit Glider's shoulder. The dog yelped and looked up into the trees. "They have a human!" He howled, waiting for help to arrive.

Rex looked at his mother. Mikomi looked back at him. "Go. Get help from our allies." The hybrid ordered. Rex nodded and bounded off.

Ghoul ; Hazard ; Prisoner

Racing to try and recatch her attack. Prisoner aimed a second time for the mother. But soon felt teeth scraping against her tough hide. Without looking she quickly shot her hooves in Kiku's direction. Hoping to get him off and then charged him as well. Ghoul raced up, seeing a few others "This way!" He growled at full sprint, as Glider was hit by Mahala, Ghoul lurched to tackle the dog to the ground and bit wildly at his neck and shoulder. Bitting at the arrow to cause the dog more pain.

Hazard sprinted as well, and almost went after another of them before watching the kid bound away. "Oh no you don't." He snarled and raced around to cut off Rex. "Well hello there little guy. What's your name" He smiled with a vicious grin.

Kiku/Mikomi/Dove/Glider

Kiku was built like his mother. Lean and very agile. He was kicked to the ground by Prisoner, but quickly regained himself and attacked again. This time for her neck. If he got a hold he'd thrash his head.

Mikomi, seeing her brother under attack, snarled and charged at the horse, leaping up and aiming for her rump.

Glider yelped as he was taken down b Ghoul. There was little he could do now. With a sudden burst of courage, Dove raced straight at Ghoul and aimed to knock him to the ground. "Don't touch my father!" She barked as she snapped savagely wherever she could.

Mikia and Cain

They came charging in. The two horses snorted and came for glider and Dove.They reared and slashed.

Ghoul ; Hazard ; Prisoner

Ghoul growled and moved away Dove came at him. "Mikia, aim for the arrow. Drive it deeper into him!" He said, no bitting at Dove's face, though quickly moved as Cain attacked. He didn't want to get accidentally hit.

Off his target he moved after Mikomi, but was abruptly intercepted by Absolute. "Back off you coward!" Growled the satin wolf. Thrashing his head as he grabbed hold of Ghoul's shoulder. Ghould snarled and began to counter. Bitting at Absolute in the face and eyes.

Hazard raced around. Trying to tackle Kiku before he got his hold on Prisoner. Prisoner reared up, keeping Kiku from attaining his deadly hold, but kicked out at Mikomi behind her.

Dove

Dove managed to pull her father out of the way before either of them could be injured by the horses. Dove suddenly leapt at Glider, yanking the arrow out of his flesh. Glider yelped and struck out at Cain's shoulder, while Dove leapt up for Mikia's face.

Kiku spun around to meet Hazard. He snarled and snapped at the wolf's face. Mikomi was thrown into the air by the horse and came to the ground with a thud. The cream-colored hybrid lifted herself up off the ground and prepared herself for another attack.

Cain

He snorted as he just narrowled missed getting nailed. He then snorted and spun around and kicked at him with his hind.

Mikia let out a snort as she felt teeth rake across her muzzle. She kicked out with her hooves.

Dove/Glider

Being a Saluki, Glider wasn't very strong but had speed on his side. He spun around to avoid being kicked, then launched himself up at Cain's throat.

Dove dodged under the mare, and struck up at her belly.

Cain

The stallion snorted and reared. He too had speed being a horse. He reared but that made it so glider got his leg.He screamed and bucked and struck out at him.He made to bite the creature.

Mikia snorted and moved and made to trample her and then bite hat her.

Dove/Glider

Glider kept a hold of Cain's leg for as long as he could, but he was soon thrown off. He successfully dodged the bite, though, and came back around and made an attempt at closing his jaws on the stallion's shoulder. "Hey! I need some help here!" He called out to the rest of the pack.

Dove narrowly missed being trampled, but Mikia drew blood with her bite. She yelped and spun around, jumping up and trying to land on the mare's back.

Mahala/Koki/Night Eyes

Mahala, or Gray Bird, as her mother sometimes called her, stayed up in the tree, watching the fight with her big brown eyes. She suddenly turned her head when she heard more hoofbeats. She could see a mule stallion gallop in, probably following Prisoner from the Canyon. Could it be? It was her mule! "Koki!" She shouted out. The black mule tossed his head and reared, moving closer to the tree. He had finally found his human! Mahala slid down onto Koki's back.

Koki already knew a little bit about what was going on from what Prisoner said back at the Canyon. Night Eyes came up beside him to tell him the rest. "Alright, Koki. Here's the plan. We're here to kill Vestige. He's the alpha of this pack and he's against my alpha. Kill him and anyone else who gets in your way. Except don't kill our packmates." He explained, looking out onto the land in front of him. He had to find Vestige...

Ghoul. Hazard, Prisoner, Absolute

Ghould and Absolute continued their spar. Tearing at each other, until both were covered in blood and sweat alike. Absolute soon backed away and growled out. "Aspen Grove, we are under attack!" He didn't know of the plan. And almost felt lost, should they run?

Ghoul took a few deep breaths before continuing an assault on the son of Shattered.

Hazard met Kiku's counter, snapping viciously at the other's jaws before ducking down and bitting savagely at the opponents chest and neck.
Prisoner moved around and chased after Mikomi once again. Trying to either chase her off, or pound her into the ground.

mikia

She snorted as the other landed on her back and she made to rear and buck.

cain he moved and then ran at him and attemtped tostomp himinto the ground

Cavan & Others

Cavan stood still as the others charged forth and joined in the assault. He kept his eye out for Vestige.

"Xuvan, over here!" Leopeson called out, leading his stockier brother towards Ghoul and Absolute. The lion brothers took up the assault against Absolute now to help aid their wolven brother. They mainly swatted the wolf with their claws, and offered quick slashing bites if they got the chance. Obeying Cavan's orders, they would give the enemy a chance to surrender first before making any serious attacks.

The long-legged, thickly-muscled Martimoor set out to help Hazard with his battle. Not so much caring about a surrender, the lion rushed Kiku and tried to flip the wolf over and offer Hazard a better shot for the chest and neck.

Panther set his eyes on Glider. The hybrid Lurker rushed for the father, sweeping his jaws to the side as he tried to snag the other's underbelly.

Destroying Angel made her attack on Dove. Careful to watch the movements of her horse allies, Angel lunged for Dove's hind leg, trying to grasp it and yank her off of Mikia.

Warfell was just trying to figure out who to attack when another member of the Aspen Grove appeared. With a smirk, the unknowning Lurker assaulted his own blood.

Likewise, Aminita was clueless that this was her nephew. As he came running towards her, she turned tail and began to run as well, trying to stay away from those savage-looking jaws.

Ghoul. Hazard, Absolute

Ghoul growled happily as the two lion brother's attacked along with him, and within a matter of moments, Absolute was lathered in his own blood. Becoming but a bloody mess. With a loud and painful yelp he threw himself away from the assailants and sprinted off. Panting, limping, wheezing. "Vestige... arg.. V-vestige, we need help!" Ghoul made sure to stay hot on the injured wolf's trail. "Give up and we will give you mercy!" He snarled. "Never! You heartless beasts!" Absolute cried trying to stay away.

Being aided by Martimoor, Hazard intensified his attack and aimed very much to kill Kiku.

Liseli*Altan*Kimama

A white blur came to Absolute's aid, gathering her small bod into a sprint as the beta leapt for Ghoul, hoping to drive him away from Absolute and give the injured male a way to escape. Liseli's pretty face was a grimace of hatred.

Altan also attacked Ghoul, but his tactic was to wait for his mother's attack to land before jumping up for an attack across the spine.

Kimama headed for Hazard, dancing and hopping at the horse's feet, darting forward to nip at his heels and back out. She was small and fleet, and thus perfect for this kind of attack.

Dove/War Song

Glider jumped out of the way of Cain, but was unable to dodge Panther. The flesh on his side was torn and a horrible yelp escaped him. He immediately spun around and snapped at the hybrid's jaw.

Thankfully, because Mikia was bucking, Destroying Angel was unsuccessful at tearing Dove off of the horse's back. She held tight, trying to rip at the mare's flesh.

Being part Saluki, Kiku was very quick on his feet. He seemed to dance out of Hazard's reach and jumped clean over Martimoor. With an angry growl, he struck out for Martimoor's throat.

Mikomi was more like her father. Very muscular, and slightly slower than her brother. However, she was much smaller than Kiku, and while she wasn't as strong as the average wolf, this gave her an advantage when she was trying to dodge. She scrambled out of the way of the horse, but just barely. She stood in front of the pups and growled. "You can kill me but you cannot wound my spirit!" She snarled, raising her hackles.

War Song, an ally of the Aspen Grove, had just arrived with his pack. The black bear led a cougar, a javelina and a deer. While this seemed like a measly excuse for an army, they were all very strong when working together. War Song, went straight for Prisoner, trying to sink his teeth into her flesh. Phoenix (a cougar) launched herself at Cavan, hoping to close her jaws around his throat. Saguaro (a javelina) raised her bristly mane up and snapped at Ghoul.

Ghoul; Hazard; Prisoner; Absolute; Venom; Melee

Slithering into the scene, Venom quickly leapt to the beta, yelling whilst in the air. "Do not attack me Cavan." After landing, he coiled around the wolf's chest and stomach, just tight enough to hold on. "It iss I; Venom. I have come to aid you in thiss fight." He hissed before looking up at the approaching cougar. He lowered himself, trying to cover himself in the wolf's fur until the last second. Then struck out at Phoenix's face. Hoping to give a deadly dose of venom.

Melee looked around the group for someone to help, but found a better idea and began to look for Vestige. Once he was down, the Haunters could retreat.

Taken by surprise, Ghoul found himself hurled to the ground. With a tough grunt he looked up to see Liseli attacking him, and then Altan. Growling dangeriously, Ghoul kicked out at Liseli and twisted his spine to introduce Altan's face to his fangs.

Prisoner raised up and kicked out again to Mikomi. "Then I hope your unwounded spirit will tell the Great Pegasus that I say hello." After her words, the bare had sunk his teeth into her back, quite close to her withers. With a deadly squeel Prisoner rounded on the larger, slower beast and kick out at his gut and legs. Hoping to break some limbs.

War Song/Others

Phoenix pulled herself back before she could be bitten y the snake. "Play fair, you stupid pup!" She snarled at Cavan. "Do you see me with a snake?!" She waited in front of him, ready to attack when she got her chance.

Once again, Saguaro snapped her jaws at Ghoul's spine, trying to break it with her dangerous tusks.

War Song continued his assault on Prisoner until he was kicked in the abdomen. He growled and moved back, coughing up blood onto the grass. "You'll pay for that!" He spat, charging for her again.

Mikomi saw her chance. While Prisoner was distracted with the bear, the hybrid ran straight up to her and struck out for her throat.

Seabird (a deer) gained the courage and charged Prisoner, horns pointed at her side, in an attempt to save his alpha.

Cain and Mikia and Frodo

Cain snorted and reared and slashed.he aimed to hit him with his head.

Mikia:She snorted and now made to ramn into the close tree and crush the wolf

Frodo decided he wasn't needed at the temple they had enough and he was bored so the grizzle came onto the scene and charged the war song the bear. He aimed to close his large mouth onto his back.

Ghoul ; Hazard ; Prisoner

With three attackers on her, Prisoner tried her best to keep herself from falling victum to fatal wounds. As War Song came at her again, she popped up her hind end and struck out with her back hooves at his face. Then hopped up her front end as Mikomi went for her throat, The hybrid successfully grabbed and tore a good sized wound at the base of her neck, and then Seabird charged in gored her through the side. His tines digging deep into her gut as she fell over and kicked blindly in his direction with an ear piercing squeal. She tried to kick his head, his face, his legs... something! She just wanted him off.

With two enemies to his back, Ghoul twisted around to bite both of them while continueing to kick at liseli. Hoping to Cerberus the lions would soon give up chase and help him.

As Kiku went for Martimoor, Hazard leapt at the thin dog's back, in attempts to break his spine.

Venom gave a reptillian grin, "In a fair fight, there are rules. In fair battle, there are none. This is battle, not a fight." He chomped at the air in front of Cavan, trying to intimidate the cougar from attacking again.

Cavan braced himself at first, golden-yellow eye narrowed at the advancing cougar. He had been pummled by that damned Namir before, and he wasn't keen on that happening again. But before he found the need to try and dodge the rush, the voice of an ally came to his stump of an ear. Cavan flinched at the unusual embrace of the reptilian, but instantly felt a surge of power such a creature could bring him, and grinned manevolently. "No, I don't see a snake, how unfortunate for you." He quipped back at her comment, snarky and arrogant. Cavan rushed Pheonix now, snapping like a mad thing at her flesh, but mainly just trying to get Venom within striking range of the big cat.

Xuvan gave up his assault on Abamocho in favor of helping his 'brother'. "Double-teaming? Now that's just not fair..." He snorted, sprinting across the ground as he aimed for Liseli. The muscular lion plunged his compact frame for the beta's, trying to tackle her to the ground and wrapp all four paws around her.

Leopeson too gave up the chase. Rounding back with Xuvan, he set his fangs for Altan. Long canines were driven for the wolf's backside, trying to rip into the muscles of the thigh and shred them up.

Panther yanked his head back, leaving long and deep furrows across his bottom jaw where Glider had bit. With a yelp, he scrambled back at first. Then his father's anger boiled up within, and he leapt at GLider with a ferocious snarl. Teeth went for the other's eyes.

If he were older, Martimoor would have a nice dense mane to stop such attacks. But for now, he was as naked as a lioness. And he knew it. With an angry yowl, he pulled back, but Kiku had snagged a bit of flesh still. Thrashing about against the pain, the young lion attempted to dig his front claws into the neck and shoulders of the other.

Destroying Angel felt her teeth clank together, missing her target. She kept up though, running as fast as she could. Taking care to align her jump, she sprung again, but this time went for the tail. A good yank on that would send quite the jolt of pain up the spine.

War Song ceased attacking Prisoner when he saw Frodo. He spun around, rushing straight at the other bear, trying to get a hold on the side of his neck.

Seabird kept up his attack, twisting his head around in hopes to rip Prisoner's organs, until he was forced to step back.

Phoenix stepped back. "Oh you coward. You call yourself beta and you cannot even fight without a snake coiled around your fat gut? That's sad." She herself was a beta, and rarely fought with help from a friend. She was just solitary that way. As Cavan charged, she leapt out of the way. She had to find a way to get that snake off of him so she could nail the coward to the ground.

Saguaro kept up her attack, pulling herself back whenever Ghoul snapped at her. She finally snapped for the back of his neck, trying to paralyze him either temporarily or permanently.

Dove leapt off of Mikia's back when the mare rammed into the tree. The saluki spun around to meet Destroying Angel. She snapped out for the wolf's face.

Kiku was forced to step back when Martimoor's claws dug into his flesh. He narrowly escaped a broken spine, then rushed straight for Hazard, lunging at his throat.

Glider was unable to dodge Panther's attack. With one eye taken out back at Lost Valley, he had bad depth perception. And now he lost his other eye. He struck out blindly for Panther's face.

Mikomi leapt over Prisoner and tried to tear at the mare's face, a good distance from her hooves.

Risen meant business, as they dispursed from Kalaber's land, Risen had ordered those remaining Warriors who had not been hurt in battle to reinforce the assassination of V.estige.

Venom tightened as the wolf took off, making sure not to lose his hold on Cavan. When he grew close enough he struck out at Phoenix. Trying to become one with Cavan's tactic and strike when he was in range. The upside to his length was that he could reach a good six inches in front of Cavan's face.

Prisoner kicked viciously at the deer as his antlers gored into her side. She could feel the burning erupting into her stomach. She could feel the weakness consuming her as he stepped away, and then let out another squealing grunt as Mikomi lept at her face. Quickly goring out her left eye. She raised her head and tried to get up but immediately stumbled and fell to the ground.

Razor was in the lead of the reinforcements, watching the horse strugle with the two assailants he flew across the land and leapt at Mikomi with his jaws wide open. Trying to wrap his jaws around her throat, his fore-legs around her neck to hold her still while he attempted to suffocate her to death.

Vicious followed right after his son, bouldering himself at Seabird. His teeth went to the hind legs of Seabird. Assisting him was the lead of the Assassins, Halabex. A rather large brown wolf lunged and took bites at the deer's hind legs. Trying to pull one out from under him to keep him from attacking Vicious.

Darmus lunged out, romping quickly into battle. He had chosen Dove; and quickly darted after her hind legs with his mouth open. Hoping to break something in the fragile dog.

Ghoul, now with his other two assaulting oppinents off of him, turned to Saguaro. His fangs open as he lunged at her face, and then at her back and belly vicously. His claws stricking out as well in attempts to blind her.

The last to come in was Tavern. Coming up from the shadows she lunged at the blind side of Phoenix. Hoping to grab her leg and keep a hold, just long enough for the black reptile, that was wrapped around her body, to strike at the beta cougar.

Mikia snorted and shook her head and then turned back and charged dove again she kept an eye on allies.

cain:he snorted and went after glider.He snapped at him.

Frodo:He let out a roar and turned his head to meet the others. The grizzley male stood up on hind legs and made to smack the other.

Cavan didn't let up his pursuit and contiuned after his enemy, trying to bring the snake into range for a strike against her flank, "Get off the pedestal, wolf!" He snapped hotly, "There is only one rule of fighting for me, and that is to win!"

Destroying Angel yelped and sprung back at first, with a bloody gash the stretched across her lower muzzle to the top of her nose. This new pain infuriated her though, and she sprung right back into action with a flurry of snaps at the saluki's muzzle and face.

Martimoor charged right after Kiku. As the wolf ran, the lion struck out his front paws, trying to catch the other's hinds legs and send him tumbling to the ground.

Panther scrambled back from the bites, having felt his teeth tear the soft organ that was the eye. "Give up, and I won't have to kill you!" Panther growled, watching the blinded wolf carefully. He was more lenient than his sisters.

Now the rest of the reinforcements paraded in, swelling the Haunter's numbers a great deal. Leope glanced to his mate before the two adult African lions headed for War Song. They sent tooth and curved claws for the bear's hindquarters and back, trying to maul him to death.

The three young stags choose Seabird as their target. Unfortunately for them though, they weren't even a year old yet, and they had no antlers. But they did have hooves. Wolf Eye, Nightshade, and Diadem converged on Seabird, rearing up as the struck at the older stag with their front hooves.

Phoenix knew that she needed help for this one. "Saguaro!" She called out. The javelina immediately stopped what she was doing and came to the cougar's aid. Saguaro snapped at the snake - the side that didn't have the head - in an attempt to distract him while Phoenix dodged Tavern and lunged for Cavan's face.

Mikomi scrambled back when she saw Razor coming for her, but was too slow. Her leg was caught in the wolf's jaws. Unable to break free, she struck out for Razor's face.

Seabird, being a deer amidst a pack of savage predators, ran a good distance from Vicious and the Assassins before being attacked by the other stags. "Leave off!" He shouted, swinging his antlers at them.

Dove yelped when she saw that she was outnumbered. She dodged Mikia, but felt Darmus' teeth sink into her thigh. She kicked out at the dog with her free leg, trying to injure him enough to make him let go. Then came Destroying Angel, and she struck out at her, trying to meet her fang-to-fang.

Kiku was quick enough to escape the lion. He kept running, waiting for Vestige to come help them...

Glider shook his head. "Never!" He howled. Hearing the horse charge him, he scrambled back out of the way.

"Cowards!" War Song snarled as more and more Haunters went up against him. He ducked out of the way of Frodo and lunged for Dulsca's neck, but took a few scratches to his thick pelt from Leope.

He snorted.Cowards? We just work as a teamhe growled and charged again now being careful.He swung his large clawed pawed for the bears head.

Mikia she snorted and spun around and charged again and snapped at her.

Cain snorted and ran right back for glider.

Jewelheart was silent as she waited for the right moment to attack.She had come to help the shadow haunters fight.Finding the right moment she charged out of the bushes trying to trample her enmys to the ground as she let out a challenging neigh.That she ended with a hoof stomp to the ground.Her black tail and mane were whipping in the wind as she waited for a challenger or a call of help from the other shadow haunters.

Incalia, followed by her son, advanced on the battle field. The hybrid charged across the ground, head down and fangs bared as the pair sought out their targets.

Onslaught spotted Altan, already being tagged by Leopeson. He went round the wolf, hoping the lions attack would keep Altan's attention while he drove for his throat.

Incalia was about to leap into the fray, when fangs caught her rear end. Snarling wildly, she spun round to see Jagged shreading her hind quaters. In a flash she wirled round, breaking his hold on her, and began to slash at his face with her fangs.

Soleil was next, one of the many daughters of Vicious, she had come seeking sanctuary in Aspen Grove. Now it was time to test her loyalty. The stocky but muscular hybrid spotted the human mount a horse, with a canine by her heels. Frowning, she waited for the trio to split up. Once Koki was alone, or at least further away from Mahala, she would aim to tackle him to the ground, and seize his throat.

Draven was also a new member of Aspen Grove, after being accepted into the pack only a few days ago. The ex-Ancient Guardian still had some ties with friends from his original pack, and after sending a call to them, joined the fighting. He set his sights on Ghoul. The triple cross hybrid weaved between the sparring creatures, hoping the noises of the battlefield, and the fact Ghoul's attention was already on someone else, that his attack might be somewhat surprising. Draven went for the back of his neck with his jaws, whilst leaping up to slam Ghoul into the ground, aiming to break his spine.

Vulcan led the group of felines toward the fighting. The Ancient Guardians

Mahala saw the hybrid coming for her and her animals and readied her bow. Once Soleil got close enough, she shot. When the danger of the arrow was gone, the dogs sprung into action. Riverhawk and Sky Dancer leapt for her and tore wherever they could. "Don't touch my human!" Riverhawk snarled.

Jewelheart let out a high wind pericring challenging horse scream.She reared up and bought her hooves down trying to break a bone of one of the enemys.She was here fighting for the shadow haunters and would fight to the death before she gave up.All she knew was fighting from being on her own most of the time and was no stranger to it.It showed in her body were there was claw marks of different fights.

Angelheart was silently passing through when she watched as the Shadow haunters attacked the Wolf pack.
Now she leapt in the battle believing that the shadow haunters had no right to attack the wolf pack.Although she was a young adult wolf she knew perfectly well how to fight.Letting out a low challenging snarl toward the shadow haunter she waited to see if any of them would try and fight her.

Liseli, having been kicked back by Ghoul's attacks and having rammed into a tree, soon found herself ignored. She waited until she believed that everyone had forgotten about her, and then leapt up to rush away, seeming like she was retreating, but really she had another thing in mind... Within moments she had disappeared.

Altan might have found himself in very dire straights indeed, had not the infamous, terrible roar of an angry grizzly rumbled over them all. As Altan fought the pain of Leopeson, who in some strange way had caught his back, Ruin lumbered forward, pushing his way hurriedly through the fighting wolves left and right before rearing up, one mighty paw sweeping for Leopeson while the other drove for Onslaught, getting in the way of the young buck's attack to Altan's throat.

Kimama was about to move to help her brother, but as she saw Ruin take care of that situation, she leapt for the one lashing out across Kiku's spine, aiming to intercept him and drive him down.

Gavan and Astra came streaming in together, leaping to defend Soliel, Astra heading for Riverhawk and Gavan for Dancer.

Jewelheart got impatient waiting for someone to come after her.She pounded toward her opponets trying to hit someone with her hooves.Yall scared she snorted at the wolves.

It had been the end of the training season, and a mass flood of new Haunter Warriors came bounding into the lands with their trainers leading them. Meeting up before entering the battle scene Rasheetah cried out to the new recruits. “Do NOT forget your training, attack as a team!” With that she raced through the brushes and aimed her unsheathed claws at the hind end of Jagged. Her fangs trying to wrap around his spine and break it. Following close behind the cheetah, Villain waited for Jagged’s reaction before looking for a ‘blind spot’ and then lunging for his soft gut, hoping to catch the spawn of Vestige off guard.

Razor snarled as Mikomi tore the skin from his face, closing his eyes and now thrashing to shatter the limb, or even sever it from her forever. Coming to his aid was the first time fighter, yet very large pup: Violence. His current weight was 105, just twenty pounds shy of his full weight, but his training had enhanced his muscles as they surged beneath him.

As if a professional, Violence stalked soundlessly until he was just mere feet from Mikomi; having been trained in the meadows, silence was his key, and he used it to his benefit as he stalked then lunged for Mikomi’s throat, hoping to seize it and break off her windpipe.

Ghoul continued attacking Saguaro and then took chase as the creature took chase to help the cougar. His jaws were just behind her but soon the world tumbled around him as Draven forced him to the ground. Growling, the wolf just missed his spine and was tearing into his back, ripping the flesh open and freeing his crimson life. Savagely he snarled and bit where he could at the other, trying to apprehend a limb and break it.

Soon his younger coalition brother, Hazard, darted to the duo, his jaws now opened as he lunged for the back of Draven’s neck, hoping to catch him by surprise and break the neck to kill him quick.

Venom continued to strike out at Phoenix, but soon heard the call for help and kept up his guard, looking around he spotted the enemy and struck out at her as she leapt for his body. “Back off you lousy excuse for dinner!” He hissed as he aimed to sink his venom into her flesh.

Tavern kept up on Phoenix like killer bees on a threat. She continued to bite out at the cougar as the snake continued to bite out, aiming to keep the cougar away from the beta and hopefully destroy her as well.

Pain was irrelevant to the chow as he seized the leg of Dove. Her dull claws did little to phase him as they raked across his contorted face. When he felt the flesh in his mouth he automatically began sharp jerks backward to rip the flesh and dislocate the ball-in-socket join. He would not let go until a rather loud pop sounded to signify his goal to be complete.

Vicious and Halabex followed closely after the deer as they chased Seabird away. When the deer turned to face the younger stags, the two wolves circled around. Halabex disappeared while Vicious came straight at the front of the deer, snarling loudly before leaping toward the stag, falling just short of a head thrust and then dodging to the side. All the while Halabex came up on the blind side of the deer and struck out to mangle on of the stag’s back legs. Hoping to render the limb useless and slow the prey animal down.

As Glider went was busy with Panther and Cain, Havik and Demolition came up on either side of the dog, creating a box to trap the older canine into his death. Demolition was rather large for his age, already topping 120, but Havik was just a monster, thundering in at 160 pounds already. The two had been trained in the forest, and so the surrounding was just fine for them. Keeping off the ground to minimize being followed, the two traveled along the tops of fallen logs. They had been trained for stealth as well and they hid until they were as close as they could get without being seen. Then launched out and struck for deadly holds on his gut and on his throat, as well as throwing their weight to off-balance the victim.

Iota raced in with both the half blind Shattered, and the first time fighter Riot, at her heels. Riots water training would have little help with her here, except that she was exceedingly adept with strength and grace. The water enhanced her muscles and pushed her to her full weight already at 120lbs. The trio spotted Astra attempting to foil Riverhawk, and immediately bounded for the wolf. Iota, being the oldest, took the female head on. Her jaws opened and aimed for the other’s eyes. Only after her assault did the other two jumped in. Riot leapt and aimed to land on the other’s back to force her to the ground while Shattered aimed to break a front leg, whether Riot got her down on the ground or not; the front leg was the target.

As with Riot, Vidiv’s water training did very little except push his weight to the fullest with pure muscle at 135lbs. Along side him was his brother Fleet and Dab, the two very light on their feet for they had become accustom to their marsh training. Quickly the three brothers attacked after Gavan, Fleet and Dab in the front, showing off their fleet foot and weaving between each other, their jaws open and their eyes ablaze, they made to attack the wolf from both sides, but instead passed by him. Right as their noses passes Gavan’s, Vidiv came up from behind and attempted to bulldoze the wolf to the ground. If successful, the other two would pivot and rejoin in by attack his feet while Vidiv attempted to sever his head.

Wither had arrived with her group, calling to Hector and Estelle. “Stay close to me, we will stay out of the battle for now. When I find Vestige, you two will follow; attack the wolf that I attack, we are here to kill him and only him, the others are throwing their lives away to protect such a low creature.” She growled, staying low in the brush. She had learned a few things in the forest with her group, but the others were more skilled because of their training.

Pheonix would have ripped into Cavan's blind side had it not been for Venom snapping fiercly at the big cat. Having his major senses handicapped, the half-dead and blind wolf was very sensative to touch, and quickly adapted himself to Venom's movements. Feeling the lunge of her strikes, he knew which side an enemy was coming up on, and spun around accordingly. "Come on, kitty!" He snarled arrogantly, his lips writhed back in a sneer as he continued to chase after the cougar.

When Dove struck back, Angel didn't relent in her bite at all. Her lips and gums were soon bloodied, but at least she was holding the dog's attention so that other Haunters would have a better shot at nailing her.

Diadem was struck across the face hard, momentarily stunning the young buck. His legs buckled as he fell down, while two gashes spanned from his temple to his cheek, where tines had connected with his flesh.

Wolf Eye and Nightshade were a little quicker, dodging out of the way after their friend was struck down. They went on either side of the older stag, kicking out with their hind hooves.

Duslca scrambled back when War Song rounded on her, and offered his face a quick swipe of her paw. At the same moment, Leope pounced for the bear's back, trying to sink his long fangs into the back of the creature's neck and severe his spinal cord.

Leopeson was almost too focused with Altan, but spotted the bear at the last second. With a hefty spring, he attempted to clear the swinging paw. But not quick enough. The top of his shoulder was clipped by those freakishly long bear claws. As large and powerful as the adolescent lion was, Ruin's strength sent him tumbling harshly over the ground. A large portion of skin was torn from his shoulder, causing it to bleed heavily.

Martimoor rounded on Kimama now, as this new assailant tore into him. With a yowling hiss, the young lion rolled onto his side and kicked his hind paws out for her front leg, trying to either break the limb in the swift kick, or shred the skin there with his claws.

With the trainees coming in, Callholm followed after. The black panther was joined by Chahaya, the siberian tigeress. Together, they headed straight for Ruin after seeing Leopeson get struck down. Callholm sprinted around one side of the bear while Chahaya went around the other. After a quick vision exchange, the felines leapt simultaneously at the bear's shoulders.

Thunder's Call was next to arrive on the scene. The grizzly went for War Song, sending his heavy jaws for the smaller bear's hind leg in the hopes of holding him long enough for Leope to make a deadly bite.

Along with the new trainees was Yarrow, the young liger. Huerosan, Bergamot, Dawning Eclipse, Monarda, Lion, and Tersek swarmed in as well. Seeing that the enemies looked more than overwhelmed, this new group stuck together. Led by Tersek, they shifted through the throng of fighting bodies and sought out Vestige.

Ino's beaty eyes stared strong at the three she had followed at first, then the request to back up the enemy. The bird squawked loudly before her head twitched to the side. Fluttering up she left the building, only be replaced by one of the more new Hauntr members, a prairie falcon by the name of Oraiyus.

The falcon screeched out to the one who was to alert the allies. "Pirqua, is it? Risen wishes to comprimise with Hydras first. The Lurkers do not need to fight, and their family will remain safe. Lead my to hydras to negociate!" She new she was open for attacks, but she had to relay this bit of information before lurkers joined the fight.

Pirqua had gone out in head of the pack, scoping the number of enemies before she would go east to alert the allies. As she was winging low over the battle, the prairie falcon interecepted her. The peregrine was half-tempted to dive at the other raptor just for mentioning the enemy and compromises! But she had to admit, there were a lot of enemies here....

Pirqua circled sharply around the other, wide eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Very well, but make it quick!" She responded, before rising higher in the sky and soaring south.

Hydras, Bullet, and Skeil were just making their way towards the Aspen Grove, and only a few yards from crossing the border with Pirqua cried out from above. "Hydras! I have someone who wishes to speak to you." Pirqua informed, before perching herself on a high branch. She would make sure that this was not an ambush.

Bullet and Skeil instantly came up beside their alpha, wary and on alert. "It best be quick." Hydras rumbled with clear aggatation. She could smell the stench of the Haunters, and felt a sense of urgency towards protecting Aminita.

Phoenix jumped out of the way of the snake once more. She hopes she could distract Venom and Cavan long enough for Saguaro to sink her tusks into the wolf. The cougar zig-zagged and circled around, while Saguaro snapped at Cavan's rump.

War Song spun around to face Leope, swinging his massive paw and trying to pin the cat to the ground. Thunder's Call got a hold on his leg, causing him to let out a frustrated roar. Suddenly, he thought of something. He and his pack had recently helped Sasha and her herd. War Song knew Sasha. She would gladly repay him. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but it was worth a try. "Seabird! Go get help!" He called out.

Seabird nimbly dodged the wolves' attacks and bounded through the forest, his tail up behind him.

Jewelheart spotted Seabird running and heard War Song yell at him to go for help before Seabird dissapered.Feircly she layed her ears against her head and teeth bared she raced after him to try and stop him.Letting out a snort she plunged in the forest behind him.She was a thouroughbred and using all her strength to try and catch up with the wolf.

The bird landed on a lower branch and looked out to Hydras before bowing to the she-wolf. "I understand your temporary alliance with Vestige, but deep down your pack and his are still bitter enemies." She looked at the battlefield "You don't really want to help him, he's killed pack members of yours, he's stolen your family with his empty promises. We are only here to kill him, we do not wish to harm the others but they persist to attack and protect the vile creature. The creature you very well know needs to meet his end." Her words hardened, although her exterior stayed soft due to her nature. "Risen has asked for a compromise, help her destroy Vestige and we will leave your pack alone, so long as you stay out of our business. The Haunters wish to take charge of the wild and end such little wars as neighbor quarrels. Such battles cause pointless deaths with flimsy reason, our cause is solid." Her eyes narrowed. "We will give mercy to those who ask of it in this fight. I understand you have blood in Vestige's pack lands, we will not harm her if she wishes not to fight us. All we want is the demise of Vestige, and then we will leave." she grew silent, her senses alert in case someone decided to take her down.

Frodo the other grizzle now grined.you should just give up bear for you are out numbered in more ways then one.He growled and vthen lunged for the bears throat.

cain he snoprted and bucked and kicked.

mikia she charged.

As if to further entice Hydras the word whispered "Weigh out the odds:

Fight for Vestige and let your pack mates die defending a wolf who will inevitably turn on you for your help. - or

Kill a life time enemy, stay out of the path of the Haunters, and live in peace amongst yourselves.

It's your choice."

Mikomi spun around, snapping at Razor's face and dodging Violence.

He continued to bite down as she tried to step away he yanked back hoping to break the limb. Continuing to thrash but still feeling her teeth tearing at the skin across his face. She soon caught his ear with her snapping and shredded the tip.

In pain he clamped harder snarling savagely, "You dirty little whore." He pushed forward and up with her leg in his mouth, hoping to flip her onto her back while Violence went for her soft under belly.

Hydras snarls deepened, but scent told her what Oraiyus spoke of. They were far outnumbered by the enemies at the moment. Still, the falcon's words didn't sit well with the alpha, "Risen has proven herself to be a traitor; how am I to trust her to keep to her word now?" She questioned defensively, "And though I will gladly let Vestige fall, I have loyalties with other packs here. Packs that I have vowed to protect."

To Bullet, the deal sounded good - if Risen could be trusted. He would much rather end the bloodshed right now and be done with it.

Skeil was more skeptical. She wanted to lunge up and snatch that little bird between her jaws and crush the life out of her. But the pitbull could not interrupt while her alphess spoke.

Sasha, followed by three stags, seven African wild dogs, four oryxes, a gerenuk, a bird, and hopefully the others of the Oak Prairie, stopped at the edge of the Aspen Grove. There they surveyed the battle, deciding who to attack first. "We have no time for a plan. Just get in there, and don't get killed." Sasha whispered.

Seabird, Meru and Everest, all stags, went straight for Cavan and Venom, hoping to gore the wolf and snake.

Jack, Cassidy and Aaron, all African wild dogs, went straight for Leope, trying to tear at his sides and distract him from their ally.

Lily and Bob, two oryxes, charged straight for Havik and Demolition, trying to distract him from the blind dog.

Vikhuula and Re'em, yet even more oryxes,, stormed towards Thunder's Call, their long, deadly horns pointed straight at his sides.

The rest of the dogs, as well as Min and Sasha, stayed back for now. They'd join in the fight soon enough.

Jewelheart raced back to the battlefield to find that she was too late of a warning.Snorting madlt she went strat into the battle charging at Seabird and anyone else that got in the way that was the enemy.She reared up and came plunging down trying to break Seabirds spine.

Seabird scrambled out of the way when he saw the horse. Mark and Lady, two African wild dogs, growled and rushed into the battlefield, followed by their siblings Alex and Lalika. They leapt up at Jewelheart, trying to tear at her flesh in typical African wild dog fashion and send her tumbling to the ground.

Kokara gained up the courage to follow her mother and father into battle. The oryx rushed straight for Rasheetah, trying to gore the cat.

Jewelheart felt them jump on her and bite her flesh.Fools she spat at them.Rolling over on her back trying to crush them.Then she got up and reared bringing down her hooves trying to hurt anyone foolish enough to stray in her path that was her enemy.

The bird flapped her wings as the alpha of the Lurkers countered her offer. “Risen felt restricted in the Lurkers, her leave of you was for your own good.” Oraiyus spoke the truth, Risen’s aim was to take charge of the Lurkers, her leave of them saved the attempted assassination of Hydras. “Her assaults have been mainly on Vestige and his pack, how would loosing you as a target be any different from her current events.”

She looked back as the sound of reinforcements came to her. Then turned and squawked “All we want is the fall of Vestige! As soon as the sniveling bastard shows his face, all other attacks will halt and every Haunter will divert their attack upon him! Once he is dead we will leave! We don’t want to fight his pack, we don’t want to fight any of you, we just want him dead”

Sasha raised her head and glared at the bird. "Why would we want to step aside and let you kill our ally?" She said defiantly. She herself had never met Vestige, but the Sonnet Forest pack made an alliance with him while she was still a member. Therefore, she felt obliged to help Vestige, War Song, and all the others.

The African wild dogs were quick and had good reflexes. They were some of the most efficient hunters in groups. The four dogs dodged the horse's hooves, then leapt up and tried to tear at her throat and shoulders.

The bird screeched loudly "Because he is a two timing son of a bitch, Why can't you just hand him over and let us leave. None of you have to be hurt in this silly fight." Her eyes narrowed.

Halabex, having lost Seabird in the first place soon took after the African Wild Dogs, each lunging for the hind end of a straggler in attempts to bring them to the ground.

The alphess watched the falcon closely, but had no way of knowing wether she was being set up, or the bird was telling the truth. "Here is my deal - I want to meet with Risen, face to face, one on one." Hydras heard her brother gasp beside her, but paid no heed to his surprise as she went on, "We will meet in a neutral place... the Eskers." She said after a brief moment of thought, "In that way, neither of us can be ambushed, since it is open land and leaves little area for hidding. We can each have our own eyes in the sky, just to be sure the other isn't trying to sneak in an attack." To this, the hybrid looked up to Pirqua, who gave a solemn nod.

Skeil rumbled, her mind screaming in protest, but she still remained silent. Always the loyal friend, she would trust in her alpha's decision.

Bullet shifted uncomfortably, not liking the sounds of his sister going out alone to negotiate with the enemy. But like Skeil, he knew better than to voice protest.

The falcon was silent for a moment, "I shall fetch her" was all she said and then lept into the air and flew off in the direction of the Temple. There weren't many left to ambush the Lurker Queen, the ones who were not injured had been sent to the battle to fight while the others stayed at the temple to heal.

The cubs were getting a bit bigger now. Soon they'd be as large as their father. They crouched down in the bushes next to their teachers, waiting for the signal to attack.

The alphess looked back to her brother and Skeil, "Find Aminita and take her to Lost Valley. Our allies are to remain alert, but not fight yet." With Oraiyus' departure, Pirqua and Hydras left as well.

Bullet and Skeil, keeping their thoughts aside, headed for the battle scene in hopes of recovering their exiled member.

Cavan's plans were foiled when the deer arrived. Those mass of swinging tines would certainly make it harder for Venom to strike at any flesh. Foregoing his assault on Pheonix and Saguaro, the wolf spun away from Seabird and Meru, but was caught off guard by Everest. A tine caught his upper chest and sent him to the ground. With a heavily grunt, the wolf scrambled up and leapt away from the three, hoping that his blunder hadn't injured the water serpent. Before he could rightly get away, Meru's horns cut across his hindquarters, spinning the wolf to the ground for a second time, though he managed to to fall completely and put Venom in danger.

"Cavan needs help!" Bergamont declared, as he began to head for the beta. Before he got far though, Tersek was in front of him, snarling savagely, "I'm the teacher, I'll say who needs help! We will protect the bear and the cats first." He ordered. "Come on!" The wolfdog snapped savagely at the other trainees, before heading for Thunder's Call and the other cats.

Bergamot hesitated, not understanding this. Having no room to quarrel with his superior, he followed after. The young Haunter went for Cassidy.

Huerosan, also not about to question the older Warrior either, followed after. His target was Arron as he struck for the dog's gut.

Tersek and Lion went for Vikhuula, teeth aiming for the oryx's gut and sides.

Thunder's Call let up his attack on War Song for the moment, and tried to evade Re'em's rush. But he wasn't the swiftest creature on the field, and the creature's horns tore into his flank. With a wild roar, the bear swung a deadly paw for the back of Re'ems head, in an attempt to break his neck.

Leope also left off his attack of War Song, allowing Dulsca to attack the bear. With a thunderous roar of his own, the lion wheeled around on Jack, sending a paw full of claws towards the little dog.

Suenga lept into battle, going towards Thunder's Call, fangs bared. He leapt for the bear's armpit, hoping for the best.

Running through the forested territory, the red deer kept his eyes open for the only figure he thought he'd recognize, Sasha. Being new, he was a bit uncertain why a battle was taking place and who it was between... but he had decided to follow the mule doe. Fighting ran strong in his blood and he was determined to prove his worth as an ally.

Rack was extremely surprised when he came upon the battle scene to find a zoo full of various creatures going at each other; birds, snakes, wolves, bears, and a whole gaggle of other animals. An amused grin brightened the stag's face and that unnatural scar across his forhead. He soon spied several deer, many were stags but he recognized Sasha right off. Raising his strong antlers high, he trotted towards her with a low grunt. He was here, but as for knowing what he should do... he was clueless.

Kimama let out a yelp that was terrible to hear as the lion's claws raked across her limbs, causing her to leap back, balanced on the three good legs, panting in pain. But she soon leapt back after him, desire for blood in her usually gentle eyes.

Altan leapt away from his attackers, leaving Ruin to deal with them as he also leapt after Martimoor. He'd let his sister get hurt: that was inexcusable. Now, he would stay closer to her.

But it Liseli watched from the side, hearing so many cursing Vestige's name. What poisonous things had Risen told these fighters, these who defended her without question, in order to spur them to attack mindlessly this way? Her heart hurt, and she called her children aside. They left instantly off their attacks and came to her, puzzlement in their eyes, but they came.

Jewelwing reared up so that they couldn't reach her neck and bite it.Silently she ran around them in a circle real fast to confuse them.Then like a snake she struck out with her tow back hooves aiming for a different enemy with eack hoove.

Jack and his pack pulled back for a while. Jack was an excellent speaker and was known for being very determined and persuasive. He looked at the attacking Haunters and growled. "If you are only here to kill Vestige, why bring his pack into it? It sounds like pure foolishness to me." He snarled, ready to fight again if he had to. But usually, Jack was very peaceful.

Jewelheart wondered what the wolf was talking about.She had come to help and only that.Keeping her ears pricked she listened and waited silently but ready to fight.

The African wild dog looked at Jewelheart and tilted his head. "You, my friend, have been deceived. You're not helping anyone. The Shadow Haunters came here to kill an innocent wolf, and you're assisting them. That makes you a murderer. I suggest you stop before you get a bad reputation." He said calmly.

The white fae was moved by Jack's efforts to make peace, and she moved slowly up beside him, voice soft as winter wind as she spoke to Jewelheart. What have they been telling you to get you to attack us, friend? The only reason we attack is to defend our loved ones from Risen, who is reponsible for many of our number lying in permanent rest. We are bone-weary of this war as I am sure all of you are. I myself have watched so many die... And her voice choked, thinking of Sauda, thinking of Damaged, thinking of Canis Rex. We want an end to the bloodshed, which cannot be as long as Risen still lives, for she will never stop attacking us until Vestige lies dead.

Turning around from his attack he snarled to Liseli and Jack. "We would not attack if you were to ask for mercy, we called that point out at the beginning. But you have yet to ask for our mercy and yet to veer your cowardice, son-of-a-bitch leader. Where is Vestige!" He raised his head high growling louder than before. "If you give us Vestige, we will leave your land alone forever as long as you push nothing against us. Vestige is foul crop though, and needs to be destroyed soon."

Venom moved as Cavan fell, but his tail had been crushed by the wolf. Hissing, he repressed himself from bitting and instead swirled around and struck at the ground in pain. As Cavan rose again, the snake shook his head again. But once more was thrown to the ground with Cavan, though this time he felt that he had not been crushed a second time and curled around the snakes neck. Staying clear away from his mid-body and more heavy anatomy.

The mule deer stag stood next to Jack and watched Jewelheart. "It's your choice. You can be a murderer," He began, nodding to the Haunters, "or a defender." He nodded to Jack, Liseli, and a few others who were on his side. "These packs only want peace. Risen and the Shadow Haunters are blood-thirsty, power-hungry beasts who will kill anyone who stands in their way. We, on the other hand, despise the act of killing another creature merely to rise above the rest. It's your choice. Murderer or defender. Choose wisely."

Razor's statement met with a slow, sad shake of her alabaster head. You ask the impossible, sir. To hand someone we love so well over to certain death at the jaws of Risen... how can you ask that? We want only to preserve those we know and love. Risen has attacked us repeatedly, always with the intention of killing our alphen because he shamed her by nearly defeating her in battle. It is not mercy or pain for others that drives her against Vestige, but offended pride! Her voice raised to carry a little, and a feirce love of pack and alphen shone in the dusty green eyes. She would never turn Vestige over to Risen. Never. If she wants him dead, let her come seek him out herself, fight out her wounded honor in an honest fashion, instead of sending her messengers to butcher the innocent.

"This ends now."

A low voice, as harsh as an ice storm, as strong as a pounding wave, and as solid as a concrete wall sliced the air. A war-scarred form of pure white made his way forward, single blue eye narrowed as he watched the fighting. He made no attempt to attack, instead coming up towards Liseli.

"So here we go again. The same old story replayed over and over again. Once again, you come here without the one who leads you."

Coming to a stop, but all senses on high alert, Vestige watched as words of hate were shouted between the rivalling sides. All over him.

"Your faces, they’re full of hate, but built on what? This is Risen’s problem with me. You all fight for something that is nothing to do with you. I hurt Risen’s pride, so you kill for her to feel better. But she never will. Never. For even when I’m dead, She won’t be able to forget it. For the ones that remember me won’t let her."

A pause, a break, but not the end.

"So, why do you, as individuals want me dead. What is your own personal reason?"

A sweep of the crowd, a gaze that challenged them to tell their own reason, not one Risen had drummed into them.

"Come on then. I thought you weren't scared?"

As Cavan was picking himself up, the three young Warrior stags left off with Seabird and rushed forward to occupy the deer that had previously beset their beta. Diadem was a bit wobbly still, but Wolf Eye and Nightshade were savage with their hooves as the kicked and pawed at the older stags.

Cavan sprinted from the deer, with an evident limp from his newly wounded shoulder. "The coward has shown himself at last!" The small wolf barked out in a scoffing tone, letting his cold yellow eye meet the single orb of Vestige's. "Don't listen to enemy; he's only trying to stall his death!" Expanding his ruff and hackles, the beta padded closer to Vestige, but not close enough to attack yet, "Don't mistake the look of hatred for fear, Vestige."

Martimoor yowled as fangs met with his skin, tearing bloody wounds into his hide. The agony was doubled whent he wolf's brother joined in and added his attacks. With a savage, hissing-roar, Martimoor flopped onto his back and unveiled all of his razor-sharp claws, kicking and swinging like a mad thing at the two siblings.

Now that Ruin was occupied, Leopeson made his own limping approach towards Vestige, but circled around to the side, "That's just the thing - we don't work as individuals. We work together as a family! As one unit!" The young lion glanced at his beta, but Cavan didn't return the look.

"Unless you want your entire pack slaughtered, tell them to back down! Or we will kill them when we are finished with you." Cavan ordered, taking a single step closer. He wasn't much on good morals, but killing what he viewed as 'innocents' wasn't exactly a noble deed.

Vestige wasn't alone. No sooner did he make his appearance than did Cortinarri. The alphess came up beside her mate, noble head held high, "Cavan, you've come a long ways. I would wonder what your son would think to see you now." The wolf said coldly, a pair of perfect amber eyes gazing relentlessly at her former pack member. "Or the rest of your... family."

Jagged's hindend was caught by Rasheeta, her fangs narrowly missing his spine. Yelping in pain, and now swarmed with three attackers, Jagged was about to whirl round to attack the feline, when Villian's fangs slashed into his gut. Eyes wide, he was about to aim for Villian's back, when Incalia took the oppertunity to attack, seizing a throat hold. Just as Incalia's fangs severed his jugular, Rasheeta's fangs broke his spinal chord. Jagged went limp, he was dead.

Incalia, nodding to the other two in triumph, took off in search of her next target, but found Vestige. Grinning menacingly, she began to advance on him.

Luckily, Draven's neck was quick well muscled, so Hazard's fangs didn't manage to kill him, but they did cause sufficient bleeding. The 200 pound hybrid whirled round, trying to grab one of Hazard's back legs and pull him off him.

Onslaught was luckier than Martimoor, and managed to avoid much injury, instead just being winded from the blow. Regaining his breath, he aimed to run round the bear and leap up for shoulder/neck area.

Soleil narrowly missed being stuck in the back with the arrow, but was cut on the side by the arrowhead. Whimpering to herself, but then encouraged by Gavan and Astra, she ran beneath the horse, and aimed to leap up to knock Mahala off the horse.

Following the others towards the fight, the young hybrid followed the group but stopped when Vestige arrived. Glancing to his supiriors, he hesitantly began to advance on Vestige, but would stop before he got too close.

Her keen ears caught Cavan's phrasing. An avoidance! You have no answer! You attack mindlessly, to defend your leader's wounded pride! Answer the question squarely, Cavan, and stop dancing around the point to save your hide. Either you have a reason that Risen hasn't spoon-fed you, or you are her zombies, trained to do her bidding! Which is it?

As Ardeth advanced, she put herself between him and Vestige with a snarl. Back off, pup. The light of her fury was in her eyes, and the edge of something close to madness colored her voice. It was all beginning to tell on her, and now it was open for Vestige to see as it hadn't been before: Liseli was slowly, slowly unraveling. Her teeth were bared in a vicious grimace that had never before cursed the kind face, and though she did not attack, she bristled where she stood, just daring Ardeth or the others to try something.

Never mind that there were enough of them to kill her before she could hurt any of them, after which they would proceed to kill Vestige. Right now, she felt as if she could take on armies.

Mahala was still on her mule, watching the fight and looking for a chance to attack. She looked down at her canines, who were all pointing and growling at Vestige, signaling to attack him. The human girl readied an arrow, aimed at the Aspen Grove alpha, then fired straight at his head. The four canines gathered around Mahala and Koki, so if anyone wanted to attack the horse or human they'd have to get through them first.

Dove yelped as the Haunters continued to tear at her. Eventually, her hip was dislocated. She let out a horrible sound that made both Kiku and Mikomi shudder. But there was little they could do right now. Dove looked around frantically, seeing her friends fall around her. Then Jagged fell. The last son of the alpha that remained loyal to his father. With a burst of rage, the mother wolf spun around and snapped at Darmus' eyes, trying to make him let go. "You demon! I will kill every last one of you for taking so much from us!" The black and tan Saluki cried out angrily.

Kimama was coming forward to stand by her mother when she caught the glimpse of Mahala readying to fire. She made a desperate choice in less than a second, and jumped up as high as she could, taking the arrow Mahala had aimed to kill Vestige in her midsection. A yelp escaped her as she flopped back to the ground, panting heavily.

The sound of his sister's cry tore into Altan as if it were a physical thing, and he moved to stand over her, head lowered and snarling.

Bending to the wishes of the Haunter Beta was not something that he would do easily, but as the side of his eye caught his last loyal, living offspring fall, Vestige decided enough was enough.

"Aspen Grove, and allies. Please, stop your fighting."

Then, the amber eye of Vestige met Cavan's. "Now call off your side."

As the Haunters closed in, Vestige's reflex actions kicked in, making his muscles tense and fur bristle. Tucking his neck, the alpha watched as attention seemed to flicker from fighting towards the standoff. Leopeson's comment didn't seem to gain any reaction, but a short and simple, "Isn't that the point of a pack?" was all he got in reply from the arctic wolf.

As Soleil and Draven both broke away from their attackers under the orders of their alpha, they came to stand around the three leaders; Soleil beside Cortinarri, Draven beside Liseli.

Onslaught was the one who came to the aid of his younger half brother. Charging forward, he snapped once at Liseli's face, before crouching defensively in front of Ardeth. "You back off." Ardeth, stunned at Liseli's outburst, but then suddenly filled with courage at his brothers aid, grinned cockily.

Incalia, ignoring Liseli's blockade, sauntered forward to stand beside Cavan, eyes locked with Vestige. "You shall die this day."

Vestige looked round to the psychopathic Gamma, fixing Incalia with a gaze that was one of many years of living through too much suffering. "I know I shall, but I also know there are many in the next life to greet me. Whereas you..."

Liseli's snarl caught his attention. Stopping mid-sentence, he turned to face his Beta and long time friend, as she seemed to crumble before him, becoming a savage creature totally unknown to him. What had happened to the one he knew so well? The answer was all too obvious to him, for he too had snapped under the surge of emotion some time ago. He had almost taken his own life, but Liseli had been there to talk him round. She had been there for him, and now it was time for him to repay the favour.

"Liseli," he came up alongside her, brushing against her fur, "I can not ask you to fight my battles for me, you have lost too much because of me for me to let you do it anymore." And is if to back up the point, a high pitched yelp filled the air.

The cry of Kimama sliced through the air, and the alpha felt as though an invisible knife had just pierced him. Whirling round, eyes wide, he saw he fall and Altan rush to her side. Running forward, regardless of the numerous Haunters that were around him, he began to nose her fallen form, whining softly. "No...no..." Licking her head, his eyes travelled to the arrow jutting grotesquely from her midsection. The pain he felt for her was indescribable; He had watched her grow, acted like a father to her when her own disappeared. Been through both good and bad with her, and she had saved his hide by sacrificing herself. "Kimama..."

"And so the second son of Vestige falls. Oh well." Krypt came forward, smirking arrogantly as he stepped over Jagged's dead body. "Last loyal son, eh? What a pity he didn’t take my advice and join the right side?"

That single amber orb rose to fix Krypt with a glare that could kill, as the tears that slid down Vestige's face because of Kimama, became tears of rage and hate. A sudden burst of lethal disgust and detest surged forward from the alpha male, as he plunged for Krypt's neck, seizing it between his jaws. Through clamped fangs, the words "You are no son of mine." were hissed, as his teeth slashed through Krypt's neck, severing his jugular. A sour face, no longer smirking, was Krypt's last motion, as the body of the final living child of Vestige and Lady slammed into the ground.

The beta didn't even flinch as Onslaught tore into her face, almost not even feeling the pain as the horror of her falling daughter met her eyes. She could not hear Vestige's comfort, could not feel his nuzzle, could not see or hear anything but the sight and sound of her daughter going down.

As Vestige bent over her, tears filled Kimama's eyes, too, and she struggled to speak around the pain of both body and soul. It... it's okay... Papa... Her breath failed her for a moment, and she panted to catch her it before she could speak again. I'm... only a butterfly. My... my death... won't effect the world. It is... what is done in life... that speaks... speaks to our honor... or to our shame. And the eyes flittered closed, only the slight movement of her breathing letting the observer know that she hadn't, in fact, passed to the next world.

As Altan stood over her, he held back a sob. His heart was breaking, and he could not hold back the tears that streamed down his face. Only Liseli seemed frozen, stopped in time as though she couldn't understand what was going on.

Mikomi stood still as Razor tore into her, watching her friends fall around her. Now she knew what loss felt like. Her brother had been turned into a monster and her mother was shattered into pieces. Her father was dead, and one by one, her packmates went with him. The hybrid turned around and snarled savagely at Razor. "Liseli is right. You're all Risen's zombie slaves who do her bidding because she's too weak to face her enemies. Tell me now, why do you do it? There's nothing in it for you. Just the promise that you won't be killed. And from what I've heard, Risen doesn't feel like she always needs to keep her promises. When she's done with you, she'll kill you." She said angrily, blood staining her once cream-colored coat.

Blackfeather emerged from the forest to see her brother's children being attacked by the enemy. She raised her hackles and snarled at Razor. "Your dirty-blooded pack has taken my brother from me. For that, you will die." The 150 pound Mackenzie Valley Wolf barreled herself at Razor's side.

As Vestige moved out amongst the crowd, Wither trembled angrily for a moment, “Come with me” She spoke to the cubs as she moved out and hauntingly moved to create a circle around Vestige. Pushing his pack members away from him so that when they were issued to attack, they would have front rows.

After watching Vestige kill his own son made the white female cringe under herself. Moving forward a bit with her mouth opened ready to attack the male. “You stupid coward” She snarled, everything in her body wanting her to lunge at the brute but she held herself back until Cavan gave the order to attack. “We should just bring him to Lady Risen with all four legs broken so she can have the pleasure of killing him herself.” She gave a wicked smile before turning to make sure her quadrant was doing alright.

Rasheetah stopped her attack and moved to help circle the enemy, following behind her was Ghoul, Hazard, Violence, Halabex, Vicious, Tavern who had Melee around her neck, Havik and Demolition. The group slowly circled around him, shoving Aspen grove members our of the way as they let their hot and angry breaths seep from their mouths onto the coat of Vestige.

Hearing the pop in the leg of Dove, Darmus lifted his demented stained face to go for her throat but suddenly the words of his alpha caught him. “Darmus leave her alone.” Halabex barked as he ordered the dog to come to his side. The chow gave one last yank on the broke dog before letting her go and gleefully frolicking to the side of the brown pit-fighting wolf. He skidded to a halt just in front of Vestige and smiled. “You’re a bad, bad boy you know that.” “Shut up Darmus” growled Tavern as the snake around her neck grew impatient and opened her fangs to give a false snap at Vestige.

Razor was just about to let go of Mikomi as she insulted him. “Our leader will not kill us. It is against the code for any Haunter, including the leader, to hurt another Haunter, and so far; every promise she has made, she has kept for us. Cerberus may not have blessed her with physical strength, but his intelligence sure rules in her mind. Unlike you pathetic low-life creatu-“ He heard the growls of Blackfeather and turned to face her just as she barreled in for an attack. Grunting the wolf turned and offered a deadly bite to the side of the females neck, hoping to tear open a vein or tear off her ear at the very least. “Stay out of this or you will die with their stupid leader.”

Moving up to the leader of the pack, and the father of whom he had just killed. Villain grew eerily close to the ear of Vestige and spoke out. “You take your anger out on your own blood? Everyone related to you will fall, Vestige. Pray mercy upon their souls.” He ended with a deadly laugh, retreating from the side of Vestige before joining the circle that encompassed the enemy leader.

After their attacks, the two groups of three joined around the circle. Iota, daughter of Tahti and Vicious, snarled demonically to the brute as she looked at the dead Krypt. Shattered looked at the body and then to Vestige, imagining herself doing the exact same right back to him. Riot didn’t care for Krypt; she didn’t know the wolf. Instead she just gave a humorous smile to Vestige as he demanded for the Haunters to quit their fighting. “You should feel special, Vestige. Every Haunter here is after you. You have made quite a name fore yourself. But remember, if you died of old age your legacy would be forgotten. Assassination brings fame to a name. We are all here to kill you.” Her eyes lit up for a moment as she looked around to her half siblings and pack members. All were ready and itching to finish him off. With one word, or a second wrong move made by Vestige, they would all attack.

Fleet, Dab, and Vidiv grew especially close to Vestige, their teeth almost already sinking into his legs. They all wanted their first kill. “Cavan, don’t listen to the mutt. Let the Haunters kill him.” begged Fleed, Dab nodded in agreement but Vidiv stood silently in wait.

The injured saluki lifted herself up, carrying her dislocated leg above the ground. She limped to the circle of Haunters, fighting back tears. "If you want to kill him, you must face us all. Why should we stand aside and let you murder our alpha? This is a war. There are rules. But our love for our dear friend goes beyond any rules. We are a family, and we will make your life a living hell if you take away our brother." She said boldly, lifting her head up high to show that she didn't fear these beasts.

Glider was blinded, but he knew his daughter was in pain by her trembling voice. He bared his fangs and looked in her direction. "She is right. We will rip your guts out and leave your body to the vultures if you touch Vestige."

Blackfeather jumped aside, dodging Razor's attack. "Why should I stay out of it? Only a coward would try to keep a leader's packmates from assisting their beloved friend. Of course, I already know that you have no real courage." She taunted.

Mikomi lifted herself up and backed away, letting her aunt handle Razor. Instead she turned to Vestige. "Don't fear them, my dear alpha. They are only doing what their leader is too afraid to do. The fact that they come here without Risen says that they are her brainwashed slaves, ready to turn on anyone who offends their master. They are weak for falling into Devil Risen's trap." She said with a bow, fearing that this would be Vestige's final moment. She believed what she said. Every word of it.

Kiku slid up beside Mikomi, his black and white coat stained with the same blood that covered his mother and sister. "We are a family. We stand together. Even if our alpha falls, you will be forever scarred by his loving brothers and sisters." He snarled, ready to defend Vestige at all costs.

They all stopped their fighting and croweded around vestige.

Frodo sat back on his hind end watching him.

Jewelheart watched all of this suddenly understanding.She was on the wrong side.Suddenly she struck out trying to hit any Shadow Haunters around.She knew they wouldn't expect an attack from her since she used to be on their side.Their right you shadow haunters are blood thirsty she said snorting with rage.

Delta crawled out of the den, his body tremoring. Rex was gone. Oh, Rex was gone. So was his unknown 3 siblings. Delta was nearing adulthood, but had some growing room. Delta shivered, bones locked like ice. What to do? What to do?

The wolf flinched at the sound of an arrow whizzing through the air, as vague as it sounded to his crippled ear. A devious grin spread then across his muzzle when he watched another enemy fall, taking the arrow meant for her leader. But this was short lived, for Vestige was quick to enact revenge, and take down one of their own.

"Oh, save your breath, fools!" He scoffed in response to what had been said to him, "Preach all you want, it's not going to keep your leader alive. Haunters!" Cavan barked gruffly, turning his small frame and lifting his head to get a quick look at all of the members, "Finish him! And if anyone is stupid enough to get in your way, kill them too." With the orders delivered, Cavan himself took only a few small steps forward. He was not a large wolf, and he was hindered by poor sight and hearing. His attack would follow after a few of his fellow Haunters jumped in.

Leopeson plunged forward, big paws spread and claws unsheathed as he aimed to tackle the wolven leader and opening him up for attack by his Haunter comrades.

Martimoor wanted to finish off Kimama and Altan, but held back. Moving away at a more sluggish pace, he began to circle around Vestige and the others. His wounds was burning like fire, and his energy was sapped quite a bit.

Cortinarri looked from one Haunter to the next, boiling with fury. "Ghost should have killed you both!" The wolfess hissed, trembling in anger as she glared at Cavan, tensing her muscles as she prepared to attack him, "You're..."

"Xuvan!" Cavan barked, as the adolescent lion came up beside him. "Subdue her." The scar-faced brute didn't want to get tangled with the she-wolf who was larger than him. While the lion sprung at Cortinarri, Cavan headed for Vestige. He drove his grizzled muzzle straight for the leader's throat...

Cortinarri snarled wildly as she leapt, but the lion was a hair quicker. Colliding in mid air, Xuvan easily overpowered the pregnant wolf and pinned her down. With deadly fangs pressed around her throat, she was forced to stop her struggles.

The rest of the Haunters pressed in tighter around the beseiged Vestige, ready to take on any of his followers who tried to save him.

Villian's words made Vestige snarl in anger. "While he may have had my blood course through his diseased veins, Haunter, he was nothing to do with me. Not anymore." The enemy closed in, and he knew his last moments were upon him. No backing out, no slipping away. This was it.

The words spoken by Dove, Mikomi, Kiku and the others made that anger swell as tears began to spill from his eyes; white hot tears, full of hurt and anger, but most of all, love for his pack, his family. He couldn't let them fall for him, not anymore.

"Aspen Grove, stop your fighting! I can not watch you fall for me! It's over...It's over..." These words were confirmed as Cavan gave the orders to attack, and Vestige watched as Leopeson seemed to rush him in slow motion. His life flashed before him. Lady, Damaged, Krypt, Jagged, Sauda, Liseli, Dove, Glider, Canis Rex, Mikomi, Kiku, Altan, Kimama, Cortinarri...Cortinarri. His second chance, a new beginning. But good things never last. His single eye, as wide as a saucer, frantically searched for his mate, only to find her pinned by a lion. "NO! CORTINARRI! SOMEONE HELP HER!"

It was too late for him, as no sooner had he cried out, that slow motion spanned back to reality as Leopeson tackled him to the ground. Slamming into the ground, he snarled half-heartedly, as he glanced round at his pack. The pain the lion was inflicting on him he was oblivious to, as his body became numb to the world. All he could feel was himself swelling with pride and love for his family. Aspen Grove, you didn't deserve this, you deserved better than me. Blinking hard, to clear his tear-filled eyes, he couldn't help but smile. "Aspen Grove! I could never have asked for a better pack than you! I love you all, and can never thank you enough for all you have done for me. You deserved better than me, than this! Don't let them brain-wash you, you are free, you know what's right!"

Then he finally spotted the inevitable attack, his death coming closer in the form of Cavan. However, his eyes wandered from the closing form of the Haunter Beta, landing on Cortinarri. ”I love you, Cortinarri. I love you!” All the time they could have spent together, the life they could have had. The children he would never see…

Then the jaws of Cavan came, and wrapped round his throat. The life slowly being squeezed from him as his death grew ever closer. Images of his life, his loved ones, flashed through his mind, as Cavan’s fangs grew ever closer to his jugular. Then, in a matter of seconds, the vein was severed. Blood rushed from his neck, as Vestige’s eyes began to flicker. Blood began to seep from his mouth and nose, as his thrashing began to slow down. The end, it was near, so close, the pain of this life nearly over, but the sadness at leaving all of his loved ones behind pushing him to cling on. ”Aspen G-Grove…”

The alpha of Aspen Grove went limp, his breathing stopped, and his eyes closed. Vestige was dead.

Vestige's shrill cry for help for Cortinarri finally peirced the wall of chill that had enveloped Liseli. She, too, watched in slow motion as the Haunters headed toward Vestige, her heart torn between wanting to defend him and wanting to save Cortinarri. Finally, her heart seemed to talk her mind around for her, and, with a snarl that was thunderous and terrible to hear, she leapt forward to ram the lion atop her alphess. She could not save her falling friend, but she could honor the last request he would make of her.

Let her go! Your enemy is dead. Leave now in peace, before you leave in peices! Her voice was shrill and hoarse, as if she had finally been pushed past the brink of all that her sanity could hold.

Kimama's eyes grew soft and watery as she watched Vestige thrash in the throes of his doom, as when he finally lay still, hopeless sobs wracked her tiny, bleeding frame and the tears streamed in rivers down her silver face. Her voice was a trembling whisper. Go you safe... keep you safe... Wait for me in the world after this, Papa...

Cavan bit deeply, savoring the metalic ting of blood on his tounge, and the sweet taste of revenge that went with it. Mercilious fangs gripped the flesh like ivory vices, holding fast until all movements from Vestige had ceased, and he was sure the foe was dead. Then he released the deadly hold and lifted his head as blood dripped from his tainted muzzle, "Haunters, our work is done!" He growled out in a victorious tone, while his icy-yellow eye sized up Liseli, "Let this be a lesson to you all. We are not to be messed with."

"Vestige!" Cortinarri's choked voice howled out, "I love you!" Her words were laden with emotional pain, and the agony of being utterly helpless. A wave of desperation swarmed over her, and in a last ditch effort to save Vestige, she kicked at the belly of the lion above her, just as Liseli made her rush.

Distracted by Cortinarri's struggles, Xuvan was tackled away by the raving wolf. Ears pressed back and fangs bared, he readied to pounce on the offending creature, "Cavan, what about the alphess? She is a defector!"

Cavan looked to Cortinarri with a sadistic grin, "Leave her, Xuvan. Let her live with her mistakes; that will be torture enough." Stepping away from Vestige's form, Cavan headed out of the area.

Tersek, Dulsca, and the rest melted away from the scene as well, following after their beta. Today, they were victorious.

Cortinarri crouched down beside Vestige, but knew it was already too late. "Oh, Vestige..." She whimpered, pressing her lean muzzle against his cheek and closing her eyes tight, "Please come back, please come back to me..." A sense of burning anguish and animosity flooded her mind. "...Vestige..." Cortinarri settled down on her growing belly, pressing herself close to her fallen love, sobbing quietly.

Incalia didn't rush forward with the others to attack Vestige, instead just observing the death of the enemy. Not flinching, not feeling anything, she turned with her sons, Ardeth and Onslaught, and left with Cavan.

Soleil, her eyes brimming with tears, watched her alpha fall. However, she knew it was too late for him, instead rushing to Kimama. "Hold on Kimama, we'll get you help." Her eyes saw her alphess head over to Vestige's body, and her heart broke even more. Cortinarri was now a solo leader, and what was obvious from her growing belly was the fact that the alphess was pregnant. Pups without a father made the whole situation even worse.

Draven, however, also reacted to Vestige's last orders, and went to tackle Xuvan. However, he fell to Liseli before the hybrid got there. Instead, he just snarled and watched them leave. Slowly, he approached Cortinarri as she sobbed, but was lost for words. Instead, he just stood near her, believing silence was best, for the moment.

Cavan's final insult made her turn firey eyes to him as soon as she'd dispatched Xuvan. The only thing we've learned is that you are heartless enough to leave a female mateless, a litter fatherless, and a complete pack heartbroken. Now get out of my home! If you ever come back here, it will be by way of my jaws dragging your corpse!

That said, she turned her back on Cavan and looked down at Cortinarri, cuddled so closely to Vestige. Only now did her eyes fill with tears, nuzzling her fallen alpha's form for a moment before stepping back to allow his mate her privelege.

She stood there for several long minutes, the sound of Cortinarri's sobs slicing into her, waiting for the flow of tears to give way to shocked silence. When she felt the tears had slowed, she padded forward silently and spoke softly to Cortinarri. My alphess... come, you must preserve your strength. For the pups' sakes.

Kimama lay still where she had fallen, her sobs almost rivaling those of the alphess, though pain lanced through her with every one. She did not even hear sweet Soliel's attempted comfort; between the pain of body and the pain of spirit, she could hear nothing above the anguished cry of her heart.

The black and tan dog watched as her alpha went down. She tried to speak, but choked on her own words. Vestige was gone. After a long, tear-filled moment, she found the words to say. "Vestige is gone, but he has not fallen. He will live on forever in the hearts of mis loyal followers. His spirit will tear at Risen more than he himself ever did. The alpha of the Shadow Haunters will not live after what she has done to Vestige and his pack. Pray that the God of the universe has mercy on her soul." These last words were said with a snarl. Blood flowed down her dark coat and she stood, trembling, until her injured legs could no longer hold her weight. She collapsed on the ground, nearly lifeless.

Mikomi couldn't stand to see her family and friends fall around her. She snarled and barked viciously at nothing, then prowled to where her mother lay. "Kiku! Help me get mother to the humans!" She snapped impatiently. Kiku nodded and helped Dove to her feet. He looked at the rest of the pack. "We're going to take a trip to the humans' territory. It's best to go in a group, so anyone else who needs to be healed should come with us." He said exhaustedly.

Glider turned his head so he faced his daughter and grandchildren. He couldn't see them, and that troubled him. He walked clumsily toward Mikomi's voice and nudged Dove for reassurance that she was still there.