Crucifix

Crucifix was quiet content with his new home in the meadow. It was smaller then all of Soloughvien downs with no human trafic. His pack was large but the meadow still was easily capable of holding them. Along the winds or shall we say the birds came the news of the haunters attack on Aspen grove and the possibility of Aspen Grove retaliating.

Well that brought excitement to Crucifix's eyes and he along with Isias left the meadows for Aspen grove. When he go to the boarder with his tail above his back the son of Kalaber and Black Plaque lifted his cranium to the sky and released a howl calling starscream to him. Once he heard his howl echoing around him he lowered his head to await the alpha.

Starscream & Isias

Isias hadn't been a part of Crucifix's pack for long, but she had settled very quickly into her new home. And with her connection to the Aspen Grove, it was only right for her to accompany her alpha as they sought out her brother for a potentially alliance. She knew Starscream well... and she knew how stubborn and isolating he could be with the pack, and sincerely hoped that her presence would be able to convince him of taking up Crucfix's offer.

Starscream's response came quickly. His piercing, high-pitched howl was impossible to miss, and distinguishable enough for even the poor-hearing humans to pick him apart from other wolves. Isias moved up beside Crucifix as they waited for her brother to arrive. She kept her posture lower than his, with her tail and head down, though the rest of her body language spoke of confidence.

When eventually Star arrived, his coat was bristled out to make his 130-pound body look even bigger than it already was. That, and the way his muzzle and tail were raised high, were meant to distract Crucifix from the still healing wounds on his legs and sides; or at the very least, show that he was still a capable alpha, ready to assert his power if anything thought of crossing him. "Isias...? And who are you?" He stopped a few feet from the boarder, first addressing his sister, then looking questioningly to the male.

Crucifix

Crucifix was 140 lbs and he made it obvious to others that it wouldn't be smart to attack him. Sure he didn't mind a fight but really he couldn't afford to get injured when he wanted to take down the blood haunters. His ears twitched at the sound of the returning howl and he held himself as tall as possible and puffed up as much as possible. He watched the male approaching him.He had no problem with the Aspen grove at the moment. I am Crucifix son of Kalaber and Black Plaque and alpha of the Cryptic Vigilante'sHe spoke letting it all sink in to the other male. HE glanced at Isias before continuing. I heard that the haunters attacked you and that it was also possible that you may retaliateHe said calmly his eyes never leaving Starscream now. IF you are I ask to help you in it for i detest the haunters for everything they have done to my familyHe said the haunters with a venom like sound to his words.

Valian, Karitania & Others

Leading the way towards the marked borders of the territory was a familiar creature, robed in black fur with a white patch on his chest, his bright yellow eyes picking out Starscream talking to another fellow and a female. Having not seen his sister in a long time, it took a moment before he realised who she was, but once he did, his eyes lit with dark humour. All the siblings are reunited it seems!

Rather than interrupt the other alpha, Valian called his pack to a halt some distance from Crucifix, Isias and Starscream, but their scent drifted downwind the little group, easily giving away their presence. Beside Valian stood Karitania, his trusty Beta, and his other side was flanked by his daughter Avarice. Avarice was the perfect blend of her father and her mother, Saydin. Her blue-black fur very much her mother's, the white patch on her chest clearly from her father, and her mossy green eyes were fixed curiously on the small group before them.

As Valian stopped, the rest of the pack took to sitting or laying down to wait for Starscream to finish with Crucifix.

Starscream & Isias

For as long as he'd been in the Valley now - nearly six years - Starscream had not taken tabs on the packs around him to any great degree. He'd heard of Kalaber and Black Plague, and knew vaguely the story behind the two, but not to any significant degree. His sister, on the other paw, was far more aware of these things, and was wise enough to know that her brother would need help before all of this was over. "Well Crucifix, I'm Starscream; son of Vestige and Cortinarri. But I'm sure you already knew that." Star darted a questioningly look to Isias, but the fae remained perfectly calm and spoke not a word yet. The alpha returned his amber gaze back to Crucifix and the powerful posture that the other male was holding himself in. "I don't know what my sister told you, but we aren't hauling off to fight the Haunters, or anyone else for that matter. We drove them off just fine on our own, and they haven't dared come back for a second round of defeat." Pride drove most of his response, along with a healthy dose of fear for what would happen to he and his pack if they did go to confront the Haunters.

"Star, don't be such a stubborn hothead." Isias broke her silence with a flat insult, knowing she could cross the line with Starscream without worrying so much about his flashy temper. "You know the Aspen Grove cannot hold off the full force of the Haunters, and you know that if they aren't confronted, they'll just keep doing this." Starscream was glaring hotly back at her. She carried on, a little more softly, yet very pointedly, "They've done it before."

A growl rose quietly from the alpha's throat. He glanced again to Crucifix, torn between knowing he should accept this offer, and wanting to bury his head in the sand and do everything he could to avoid the impending conflict. "What stake do you have in this fight, Crucifix? How..." Movement from some distance behind Crucifix and Isias caught Starscream's attention and abruptly derailed his line of thought. Valian! Star wasn't sure what he felt more at seeing his brother - a meager amount of joy, or greater anxiety. Misreading the situation, he bore his fangs in an empty threat at his sister, "You've brought him into this too? I don't need to be babysat, sister. I can handle me pack just fine without your help."

Crucifix

Crucifix listened to both and his fur bristled at him. Your sister is right, once they've chosen a pack to attack they will not give up till they get what they attacked for your a fool for thinking otherwise starscream. You may of postponed it at the current moment but they will come backHe said. Then Star's next words came to a halt and he too looked behind him. At Stars next words. You talk of that male behind us? He is not with us and if it wasn't for your reaction I might of thought that you had some of your pack go around and behind meHe growled glancing once more to the other group. His tail stiff. He turned his head to the side so he could see both Star and this new commer. Answer now Starscream, I grow wary of standing here and leaving my pack in my sisters hands. Do you want our help?He said. As for my reason for fighting the haunters? I blame them for my fathers death. True it was Lyckos of the lurkers who killed him but that wouldn't of happened if they hadn't brainwashed my father into giving them a chance.I want them either dead or fully dismantled. I don't want them to be called a pack no moreHe said his teeth momentarily bared.

Valian

Starscream's eyes met Valian's, and he could have practically danced with glee at the reactions it caused in both his brother and Crucifix. His yellow eyes remained on the trio, fixed and unwavering. As Crucifix glanced suspiciously behind him once more, Valian felt he should probably make his intentions clear, despite the fact all this tension at his mere presence brought a warmth into his heart, and sent a shiver of delight through his skin. He raised his voice loud enough to carry over to the little group:

"Don't mind me, I'm not here to cause any trouble. It's more of a family reunion...Isn't that right, Isias, Starry?"

He looked pointedly at Scream as he pointedly pronounced his brother's loathed nickname, and the stifled sniggers from his pack he hoped would only increase Starscream's ire.

Kurok

Kurok had been watching from the distance and when he saw the other group a ways away he grew un easy and the beta male moved to now stand slightly behind starscream. His tail up and his fur bristled slightly but he did not speak.

Megatron had ventured from the den despite his fathers orders. The 7 month old pup watched his father and the group but kept his distance despite it he could feel the tension. The pup growled out loud and bared his teeth. His little tail stiff.

Starscream & Isias

The short fuse on Starscream's stress was burning quickly, as it was wont to do when he faced several pressing issues at once. Valian was treated with an unhappy glare and show of fangs for the much-hated nickname, before he switched back to Crucifix and did all in his power to keep his lively temper under wraps. It was more easily said than done, for Star. "He's not a part of my pack." His curt response was mostly for Valian's sake, and those tone became marginally more civil when Star got back to the major subject at hand. "You and I are at least on the same grounds when it comes to our shared hatred for the Haunters, but I won't risk myself or my pack in going to war against them. You can fight them if you will, but don't drag the Aspen Grove into it."

"Star!" Isias raised her voice into a gruff bark. She had a far more level head than her brother, and could handle his temper as well as Valian's darker attitude without showing any outward anger or unease. She gave her darker sibling only a querying look, half suspicious of his words and arrival, before admonishing Starscream, "For elder's sake, you have a family to protect! Crucifix is offering his help, and you're going to turn your back on that? Because you're too much a coward to stand up and face your enemy?" She got a particularly volatile look from Star for that one, but spoke before he could snap back. "Perhaps I should have sought out Valian first; at least he doesn't run away from his troubles."

If Isias was not of his own flesh and blood, if Crucifix and Valian weren't so nearby... he'd have thrashed her for such a brazen attack. Instead, all he could do was fume and stew, and attempt a weak defense, "I am not running away from anything. ...Meg?" The alpha had looked back at the sound of paws approaching, and though he was glad that his beta had shown up, he was most certainly not happy that his young son was tagging along. "Get back to your mother!"

Crucifix

Crucifix listened and then laughed out loud and shook his head.Your a fool again! A war has already been started if they have attacked you once they will come against you again and this time they'll beat you!He snarled. They crave blood and destruction and your gonna sit back and let that happen? No wonder I don't think your pack at any point was allies with my father because my father would only get allie who weren't weak!He said he glanced at the male that came up to stand with Starscream and then the pup. The pup looked nearly like a mini me of starscream in ways at least future wise. His tail flicked and then his eyes focused back on starscream.They will come back, they'll kill you and steal your pups and your willing to allow that to happen? Take a stand Starscream, shwo the haunters your not one to just sit back show them your strength. You won't be going in it alone thats why we get allies for things like this. He said. Unlike his father he was much more into throwing words out there he was good with speaches where as his father was more action then words. His eyes narrowed a little. I'll ask again, Stand with me against the haunters! Help me show them that this Valley is not theirs to rule but all of ours.! If you do not you might as well submit to their rule now with your belly up!He said. He stood taller now his head pulled slightly back.

Kurok's fur was raising as the two spoke and he bared his teeth in warning. Megatron frowned at his father and stopped only a few feet behind the beta and his father. But their being mean to you! And your letting them dad! And don't call me MEG! Thats a girls name! Its Mega or Megatron!He snapped at his father. He felt the tension in the air but he didn't think anything would come of it so he refused his fathers words.But mommy is annoying with bathing! and I rather learn from you!He said.

Valian

Valian did not visibly react to Kurok’s arrival, guessing from the way this male carried himself that he was Starscream’s new Beta. He couldn’t help the rush of pleasure he felt at the flash of fangs from his brother, and while Avarice’s eyes narrowed, none of them dared voice any dislike for Starscream’s attitude towards their alpha without his permission. Valian seemed more than content to sit and watch his brother’s fuse rapidly burn, and wait for the fireworks. His sister was acknowledged coolly, as he merely watched and waited. On hearing his name in her admonishment of Starry however, Valian’s eyes lit with humour, and he rumbled a laugh, that was soon echoed by his pack. Oh, Scream would not enjoy such a lashing from Isias, and to add insult to injury the dark sibling tilted his head to fix his brother with a smug stare, completely in agreement with his sister’s words. He knew he didn’t need to say anything to provoke Star any further, his mere gloating presence would irritate him no end!

Starscream & Isias

Getting called fool once, Starscream was willing to let slide, and only because Crucifix was another alpha, a big enough to be a real threat to him. But when Crucifix used it again, and added the insult of calling his pack weak, Starscream reached the end of his sorrowfully short patience. His face wrinkled into a snarl and he started forward abruptly, ready to defend his honor... only to have Isias come forward at the same time to place herself between her own alpha and her brother. She shot a beseeching look to Crucifix, then a sterner one to Star, "We didn't come here to fight. We came here because we have a mutual enemy that we cannot fight alone, but we can take a stand against together." This time around, Isias used a calmer tone of voice to even out the blunt authority she'd been turning against Starscream. "Our family has lost enough already because of the Haunters..." A pause allowed for the wolfess to draw Starscream, Valian, and Crucifix into her amber gaze to drive the point home; they'd all lost a father to the war the Ruin-dwelling pack brought about. And instead of looking back just to Starscream, her gaze lingered on Valian and his pack for a few seconds in an open invitation to them as well, "All of us need to work together to bring them down and end this terror."

Starscream hesitated. His ears were caught between being angled aggressively forward, and tilted subtly outward in growing annoyance at Valian's silent goading. Poor Star could never quiet figure out that if he just ignored his brother, maybe he wouldn't take such enjoyment at picking at him like this. Rather than answer Crucifix or his sister right away, Starscream turned some of that pent up anger against his own son, going so far as to bare his fangs at the youngster and use an ugly tone with him, "I said get back to your mother!" He lifted his head up after that and shifted one of his front paws anxiously. At great length, the alpha responded, "Fine. But I get to deal with Cavan." Isias still didn't know that it was Cavan who had killed their father nearly six years ago - Cortinarri had kept the secret well to protect them - but she didn't question the odd request from Star.

Megatron

Megatron was all puffed up as much as the little pup could do and thats when his father turned on him and he actually did cower down. At that point he did turn and run back toward the den.

Kurok's fur bristled and his own ears were forward in an aggressive stance.

Crucifix own teeth became bared at Starscream and he stood his ground. He huffed when Isias stepped in front and he kept his stance as he listened. His ears forward but more so in a listening fashion. Good and that is fine with me.He said. HE didn't care who he went for, he just wanted the haunters put in their place if not destroyed.

Valian

When Starscream moved to launch forward at Crucifix, Valian had shot to his paws, and his entire pack had fallen silent from their chatter to watch with avid interest…until Isias had come to the defence of her new alpha. All eyes were fixed on the trio, and Valian’s own were lit with a dark fire, full of anticipation and glee at seeing Scream burn so readily, and in such an important meeting with a potential ally! With a glance at his pack to stay put a respectful distance from the trio, Valian began to move forward to really put himself into the groups line of sight, not fully in their circle, but close enough that he had made it clear he was no longer here as a spectator. The black coated sibling’s ears flicked back momentarily at the reminder from Isias that they had lost their father to the Haunters – Valian had had the privilege (if you could call it that) of finding out the circumstances of their father’s death from Cortinarri long before his siblings…around the time he had been asked by his mother to kill Nachi, but that’s another story! – and the gloating look was gone, replaced by a dark solemnity. “Believe it or not, but that is why I was here. I heard from my sources that you’d been attacked, and I had come to offer my help to my family.” Valian’s tone was surprisingly sincere. “I also have some allies that I’m sure would be willing to help us. They have their own…reasons…for wanting the Haunters out of the valley.” His stare moved between Isias, Crucifix and Starscream, calm but serious. He held himself very neutrally, relaxed, and did not make any effort to assert any kind of posture of dominance. To Crucifix he said “I would be willing to have an alliance with you, if you would accept me? We have a common goal.” And then aloud he continued, “So you need us,” he said, and suddenly his eyes were on Scream alone, and his next words were accompanied by a familiar look of superiority and mocking, “all of us.”

Especially me, Starry.

Starscream & Isias

A small tinge of regret lanced at the alpha to see his son cower back. He'd never snapped at any of them before, not like that. There was no time to check his anger though, and all Starscream could do was tell himself that he had no choice but to order his child away, to ensure he remained safe. With more pressing things to attend to, Star shoved that disquieting feeling aside and flicked an ear in his brother's direction. His line of sight followed next, sizing Valian up as if he were trying to weigh the sincerity of the dark wolf's words. Isias could just see the snide remark that was getting ready to form on Star's tongue, so again she took the opportunity to speak before he could, hoping to take Valian's attention and keep the two brothers from continuing their worldess squabble, "We could use all the help we can get. Our pack is a sizable one, and we're just south of the Aspen Grove border - close enough to respond quickly, if the Haunters attack before we make our move." Because she was not the alpha of the Vigilantes, Isias said this with a look to her leader, to get his confirmation. She also took the opportunity to take a few steps back now that Starscream had been quelled, placing herself back at his side.

Star bristled anew at Valian's latter words. His blood boiled again, but this time he held his temper in check and didn't cop back too much of a snarl. "It's nice to see you care." The sarcasm dripped from his words, then turned as distrustful and accusing as the expression that now gleamed in his narrowed eyes, "Allies? Pray tell what kind of friends you have that are going to help us."

Listening to this, Isias couldn't help but be curious as well. There had always been something about Valian that rubbed her the wrong way, but she never questioned her brother's loyalty, and any suspicion she held over him were mostly superfluous. Besides, Isias wasn't about to question whatever help that came their way to oppose the Haunters. Attempting now to keep the conversation from veering of track, the female voiced a pertinent question, "Crucifix, do you have any plans on when our assault will be carried out?"

Crucifix

Crucifix would finish what his father had started and he would not let another brainwash him. He stood tall no hint of fear in the males eyes. He had found himself being drawn closer and closer to Isias and since ZEnyetta had not returned he was actually debating on asking her to be his mate and alphess. But that would wait. Since you don't seem to be one to fear going head on with the haunters then I accept your allianceHe said turning his head to Vallian momentarily before focusing on STar again. He listened to Isias words and then stepped forward.i believe we should do it now or as soon as possible. AS word has it Greyfell has been replaced by a tigress. Things will bea bit sloppy while they are getting themselves together and most likely having a meeting. WE must take them by surprise. Attack before they have a chance to summon their allies. However; doing that means getting across that moat without being detected. There must be a land bridge somewhere, I doubt all those animals can swim.He said pacing a little now. His claws dug furrows in the ground. We will not harm cubs, no that wouldn't sit well with me nor will we take the young cause that would just make us the same as the haunters. We are just there to show the haunters that we will not sit for their shit.He said.

Kurok listened his ears twitching.

Valian

Luckily, Isias’ quick intervention did indeed draw Valian’s attention back to her. He was surprised to note she has joined the pack to the south, and mentally scolded himself for not keeping better tabs on his family, but knowing she was nearby (and in a fairly large pack if he remembered correctly from his travels) was reassuring. The dark sibling was very concerned with keeping his family safe, most importantly his mother, and for her sake he would also defend his siblings to the death…else she would most likely be very sad if one of her offspring was killed and he could have prevented it. He simply nodded to Isias and Crucifix, seemingly satisfied with what she had said, and gaining an alliance with Crucifix, before he heard Starscream’s sarcasm, and he turned to fix his brother with a rather amused stare. “Of course I care, we are family after all, and nothing is more important.” His words seemed genuine, and rather than get drawn back into their little sibling squabble, Valian breezed over Star’s distrustful glower and said flippantly: “They’re called the Nuova Alba. They’re a lovely, obliging bunch…very much my kind of creatures, and most importantly, they despise the Haunters more than anyone.” He deliberately left out a few key details…for one, if Starscream didn’t know about the past of the group, then he didn’t need to know until they were too far into the plan to back out, and if he did know who they were…well then it was a case of they wouldn’t have much choice but to accept their aid, on account of sheer numbers of the enemy.

Listening to Crucifix’s plan, Valian cocked his head a little, “Wouldn’t attacking them in their own home give them an advantage? I would suggest we draw them to a place of our choosing, so we can have the advantage of knowing the terrain, or at the very least call them out to somewhere neutral, so the land does not play to either sides strengths? We can still make use of their scrambled state by challenging them sooner rather than later?”

Starscream & Isias

Starscream shifted his gaze between his brother and the pack that stood back some distance from them, as if trying to judge whether he should trust Valian's words or continue believing that the brute had some ulterior motive. Maybe it was just him being paranoid - Scream certainly had more on his plate than he could rightfully handle - but at least his ignorance of the Nuova Alba meant that he didn't known enough about the pack to be more wary than he already was. "Nuova Alba, huh?" The alpha muttered, as if he knew more about them than he already did. After that, he content not to question Valian any more for right now, if only because of the belated realization that Val was offering to help him, when he could so easily stay out of the conflict. He moved to try and regain some of his dignity and composure by switching gears and delving back into the real matter at hand, "I can't afford to send anyone far from the packlands, not when I have so many pups at the den, and members too old or injured to fight." Isias and Valian got a knowing look from their brother, "Mom is in no condition to battle, or even travel to the Ruins for that matter."

Isias listened to the ideas that were brought up, all the while standing calm as her alpha paced nearby her. "When they attack, they are almost certainly going to send most of their fighters here to the Aspen Grove. They were humiliated a few days ago... no doubt they'll want to make an impression and ensure victory in their next attack. I say that we give them no warning that the Aspen Grove has any allies on their side; let them march into this territory-" Starscream narrowed his eyes faintly, not immediately following his sister's idea until she went on, "-and find it empty. The pups, the elderly, and the wounded can have shelter in our land, if Crucifix agrees. While the Haunters are left trying to figure out where the Aspen Grove has gone to, we can launch a surprise attack against them, attack from behind and cut off their retreat back to the Ruins. If we have enough on our side, a second group can assault the Ruins, and further take down what members they have left guarding their home."

Crucifix

Crucifix listened to everyone and only when Isias was finished did he speak.Isis plan has merit, Bring your injured and pups and then we can wait for them to come to your land again and we will close them in. That is a perfect plan. However; about the second group, the only thing I must insist is that the young be left alone and those guarding them specifically alone as we can't just leave the young without adults and no I don't believe in taking the young either. That would make us no better then themhe said calmly never taking his eyes off starscream.

Megatron had gone and gotten reassurance before escaping his mother again and this time he stayed in the long grass and crawled closer and closer to the area stopping when ever he thought someone noticed him. He was now within hearing distance and his little snout could be seen if you looked down at the ground.

Lucey

The Peregrine Falcon was resting in the branches of a tree, taking a short refuge after spying on Sedge Creek. In fact she had been there long enough that the bird smelled only of that land. This made it easy to lie if she got caught right now. She had woken up to hearing these wolves discussing an attack and she soon realized that this was enemy territory. Normally she would have cussed herself for being so dim-witted but right now she was excited inside. She hadn't heard much so far but what she did hear already was enough to have her stay and risk her life. An attack? But when and where? What kind of diversion? Maybe more would be mention. The female falcon was smart enough to make sure it didn't look like she was paying attention to them. In fact she wasn't even looking in their direction but staring pointedly at the ground as if searching for prey. None of the ones present would know who she was considering she hadn't met them yet. Yes, her mistress liked to keep her hidden and a secret. That was why she was trying to go unnoticed at the moment.

Starscream & Isias

Had Starscream glanced up again, he probably would have ignored the falcon that landed anyway, so familiar was the sight and sound of birds flitting through the trees. It never once dawned on him that there could a spy up there, or that their conversation was now being quietly recorded. Instead of worrying about that, Scream was shifting his eyes between one speaker and the next, contemplating all that was said and weighing the choices against his own conservative nature. "There's no gain in killing young." A single ear flicked back in the direction Meg had gone. It was a wordless display of concern for his son, and a major reason why he was siding with Crucifix' stance on not killing or stealing pups. "If we can get enough to leverage an assault on their turf, we only need to bring down their fighters and reduce their numbers. Count me out of that group though; I'm fighting on my own land."

This was looking more hopeful than Isias had expected. Not only did they have the support of two brothers, one which she hadn't expected to hear from, and one she hadn't expected a compromise from, but there would be another pack brought into the fray by Valian. "If we're at an agreement then, we need to think about organizing our groups and figuring out when to move the pups to the Parnassian Meadows, and how to keep an eye on the Haunters. Timing will be crucial if we're to be gathered and poised for an attack, especially if we're trying to manage such a large force on our side. Valian, do you have any eyes in the air?"

Crucifix

He listened to each and every word spoken. He had picked up enough about his fathers past to know that his siblings had been kidnapped at a young age, he being the only one to escape, then one of his sister escaped and in turn was murdered the other two were brainwashed and thats part of what drove him about the pups. He would not stoop to their level, even if they had changed their ways. What they have done cannot be undone they had ruined so many families already.I don't think it will be long before they stage their attack. even if their ranks have changed they will mobilize soon enough, I wouldn't put it past them to be forming a plan this very instant. However; for them to not get word of the move the move must take place late enough that the word won't reach them before they step foot into this landHe spoke calmly. Eyes are definietly needed in one form or another, bird or small animal is the bestHe spoke.

Megatron remained hidden as he tried to listen in catching snippets of words.

Lucey

Lucey listened intently while remaining hidden in the trees. As soon as Crucifix gave his last word she found herself slowly moving along the limb, in normal movement, to get away from them. Then when she deemed herself safe and unobserved she took flight. The female falcon was smart enough to head further among the cluster of territories and acted as if she was looking for prey still. Once she felt safe she changed course and headed to The Ruins as fast as her wings would carry her.

Starscream & Isias

Lucey's departure went without anything more than a swivel of ears from Scream. He didn't look up, or think twice about the rustling of leaves or the fluttering of wings against the air. "If we're going to be moving the young and vulnerable to your land, I'd like to have a look there first, and get them moved as soon as possible." Above all else, the alpha would make sure his children, and those of his packmates, were out of harms way. "Then we can discuss tactics for the rest of us." Having never really fought a major battle before, Starscream had little choice but to heed the advice of the others, and accept their help despite his desire to draw back and handle things in his own way. He hated it, and it drove him out of his comfort zone... but Cavan's assault and Nachi's death had opened his eyes to how very quickly things could change for the worse, even in the quiet corner of the Valley where the Aspen Grove was nestled.

Crucifix

Crucifix listened to all and listened and then nodded.Then come, we shall go there now. We have multiple dens. And I will leave one or two of the big cats behind when we fight to give the young more protectionHe spoke. If Starscream agreed to go now he would turn and lead the way.

Starscream & Isias

None of this felt right to Starscream, but alas, what else could he do in the face of such a threat? What's worse, he had no clue that a little bird had just overheard everything and was now heading due south to alert the Haunters of their plans, and potentially bringing the Valkama pack into the mix. Scream glanced to his sister and brother, then sighed shortly, "Lets just hurry." He started after Crucifix, but didn't leave before howling briefly to alert Korek, letting his beta know that he'd be back soon, and that it was now just duty to watch over and protect the Aspen Grove in his absence.

Isias turned with Crucifix, following her alpha just a few strides behind him, and a little to the left.