Nicholas, Mikomi & Others

It took effort the the Officer's part, but Nicholas managed to drag Mikomi from Aspen Grove to the Ruins. Panting, he dropped the limp, barely breathing hybrid down with care that was unusual for him. He let out a loud howl for the Haunters, and who should arrive but... Greyfell?

He was followed by Ravenholm, Blood Moon and, most unusually, Orinoco the yacare caiman and Danger the coral snake. Greyfell was wearing a bridle around his neck and a shackle on his left hind leg with a small segment of broken chain attached to it, an obvious sign that he had been captured by the humans but managed to escape.

"What happened to you?" Nicholas' question was rather blunt, and he gave the Haunter King no time to respond. "Nevermind. She's from Aspen Grove. Hep me get her inside."
"Nicholas..." Greyfell's tone was uneasy and he began to question the canine. "Where's Luna Moth? I was told she was with you."
"Luna M... uh... I... uh..." Nicholas stuttered, trying to find a gentle way to tell the king that his princess was dead.
"Nicholas...?" Greyfell was truly worried now, and nothing prepared him for the sigh and shake of the head from Nicholas that told him his daughter had been killed.
"She's... she's gone..." He faltered for a moment, but only a moment; he soon flew into a rampage, barking out orders. "Blood Moon, get the scouts out there! I want to know EVERYTHING Aspen Grove is doing! If they speak, I want to know what they're saying, if they move, I want to know where they're going. If they blink, I expect to hear a full report."
Blood Moon dipped her head. "Got it, boss." Light on her feet, the Maltese tiger turned tail and rushed into the Temple.
"Ravenholm, you ready a scouting party for when the birds get back. Orinoco, Danger, gather the young, elderly or otherwise weak members into Dima's Temple. If any non-Haunter or non-Haunter ally enters, kill them on sight. And-- where the hell is Cavan?! I need him to prepare the warriors!"

Senka

Senka had been wandering the borders when she came across the group. Her eyes slightly darken at the contraptions on Greyfell.What has happened?SHe said.

Cavan & Others

Cavan was late in returning to the Ruins, due entirely to Ahote's badly wounded hind limb. The small wolfdog could bare no weight on it, and was so ragged from the fighting that he'd had to stop many times on the way back, slowing down the entire group. When he and the others finally made it back home, Cavan's temper had deteriorated to a frightening degree. The emotional pain and overwhelming fury over his sister's demise had festered in the old brute, until it turned his sight red and threatened to cloud his usually sharp mind. He came up upon Greyfell as the leader was learning the fate of his daughter, and calling out for the Captain, "Here, Greyfell. Your daughter fell to the Aspen Grove, and Nicholas was lucky to have not shared her fate after going against my orders." The small but brazen wolf shot Nicholas a reprimanding look, which was unrelenting despite the prisoner that had been taken. "I've also confirmed that Nachi has died, due to their negligence." They way he spoke, so up front and factly when he had every right to break down about his sibling's death, was telling of his strength and loyalty to Greyfell and the Haunters. And yet those words weren't entirely without color, nor were his features. One look would tell everyone that Cavan was in a wretched mood, and the tremble underlying his voice accentuated it.

"Fancy this..." Tersek's deep, heavy voice immediately attracted Cavan's attention, as well as those few canines who'd been a part of the Captain's assault. The one-hundred and eighty pound wolf had responded to Nicholas' call, and now strode to within a few feet of Cavan and Greyfell. "Our mighty leader is pulling out all the stops to avenge the loss of his daughter." His two-toned eyes went to the zebra, gazing upon him like a wolf would a prey animal. His tall ears stood erect, and swiveled to one side or the other to account for those still gathering in response to Nicholas' calling.

"Mind your tongue, Tersek!" Cavan snarled hotly to put the subordinate in his place. Hackles went up, and he took several brisk steps towards the much larger and far more capable male.

Tersek stood his ground and laughed haughtily at Cavan's attempts to subdue him, "You're so quick to defend someone who did not offer their personal support in avenging your sister, Cavan." The old Captain stopped short, narrowing his eyes. What was Tersek up to...? The grizzled son of Vicious continued, with a dangerous look back to the zebra, "Nor did he lend his aid when my own son and daughter were taken by the Nuova Alba. And Senka, what about Tyrant? Who else has lost a child to our enemies, while our grand leader stood by and offered no justice?"

Coming up behind Tersek, Geinah and Destroying Angel looked hesitantly between each other, then to their superiors. Cavan's snarl faltered in his throat, but regained strength as he rallied against Tersek again, "One more word out of you, and you'll be put in your place!"

Greyfell & Others

Deep, expressive eyes met Senka's gaze, and for the first time, the feline might be able to see fear and sorrow in those dark eyes of his. "Luna Moth was murdered." He kept it short and simple, his voice faltering and sorrow choking in his throat.
"Cavan." His head shot up when the captain spoke. "I'm sorry to hear about Nachi. This will not go unavenged." There was a trace of anger in his voice, not for the Haunters, but for their apparently powerful new enemy.

His ears swiveled back when he heard Tersek's snarky remark. "You freak, you waste of oxygen, you little mutt..." His voice was a vicious snort now as he stomped toward the rebellious canine. "I'm going to assume you're not a complete idiot and you're just messing with me, but in case you have gone full moron, let me put it to you in a way a dumb pup could understand." He lowered his head, grimacing at Tersek as he explained the situation. "Number one: as you can see by the chains and scars, I was being held by the humans while Nachi was in trouble. Number two: it's foolish of you to bring up something I wasn't made aware of. If you were so damn worried about what was going on, why didn't you tell me? I'm not an all-knowing holy god like you seem to think you are, so I must be told about situations in order to aid."

Nicholas was seeing a side of Greyfell he had never seen before. The cutthroat, take no prisoners sort of leader, cracking down on the smart-talking subordinate with no mercy. Nicholas, as a close friend of Greyfell, felt the need to step in. "You'd better shut that mouth of yours, or you won't have a throat to talk with, Tersek."

Greyfell took a look back toward Senka and Blood Moon, nodding to them. "I'd like you two to escort Tersek out of the packlands. If he hates my leadership so much, he has the freedom to leave and fend for himself." A pointed glare was given back to Tersek. "Unless you'd like to rephrase your comments..."

At this point, Mikomi was stirring a bit, and her eyes eventually fluttered open. "Wha...?" The cream-colored saluki hybrid examined her surroundings, finding herself in an unfamiliar place. "I... I'm in hell now..." She let her head fall peacefully onto the ground, breathing slowly and deeply. "I thought I had behaved better than that."

Senka

Senka listened and her ears went back. Then Terserk came into the equation and she growled moving forward herself. Her ears went back only temporary at the mention of her son. He was no where to tell Terserk and just cause we are a large group does not necessarily mean we win every fight as much as any of us would like to think.She let out a rather vicious growl and wanted so badly to rip his tongue out. Greyfell then turns his attention on the male and then tells her and blood moon to escort him out. certainly SHe growled taking a step closer to the dog. IF he didn't change his comments and chose to leave yet didn't do it willingly she would gladly grab him and drag him out. At the mention of her son that she had lost brought up a bad taste in Senka and now she was pissed again.

Tersek & Others

Tersek planted his large grey paws on the cool stones beneath his feet and held his ground. Powerful muscles tensed only slightly, so confident was the wolfdog in his words and actions. He'd waited years for this moment, constantly watching and waiting, silently languishing under the likes of the Cavan and Risen, who he deemed weak and unfit for leadership. And then Greyfell had won leadership, and Tersek's disdain for working under a prey animal grew even more. But no more; all those times he'd jockeyed for control, tested Cavan's authority, and proved his strength and worth to the pack were coming to a head now, "I'm not afraid of you, horse." Tersek looked boldly up at the equine that stomped dangerously close to him, and snarled that quiet defiance back in his face. Then he raised his voice, along with his tail, "Haunters, gather and hear me out!"

Corticasi, and Spear had gathered on the scene now, and others were quickly arriving from various locations around the Ruins. Tersek coolly monitored everyone's positions as they arrived, and spoke louder to project his powerful voice, "Two years ago, my son and daughter were taken. Senka's son was taken. Monarda's nephew was killed. And they weren't the only ones." Off to his side, Tersek heard the shuffling of paws as Monarda shifted her legs uneasily. "That was two years ago, and the only attempt to get them back ended in a humiliating retreat before we even reached the Nuova's basin. Why did you give up on them so easily Greyfell? Is it because they were not your children?"

Tersek bristled a little when Senka drew near him, but did not growl or bare fangs at the large cat, who was the only one amongst the Haunter leaders that he had any respect for. She was large and powerful, a true killer predator that he felt deserved a prestigious rank - just like him. "Hear me out, before you write off my concerns! Senka, how long as it been since you've seen your son? We were once a powerful pack, to be feared and respected by the rest of the Valley... and now our children get stolen right out from under our noses, and we sit back and do nothing about it. The Lurkers have taken children from us, and we call them friends!"

Righteous anger built up in the wolfdog's voice as he looked back to Greyfell and continued his tirade, "You were here last week when Cavan first revealed that there was trouble with his sister. You were here when Demos requested aid to bring his children back from our enemies. And you were here when our prisoners escaped two weeks ago. But you did nothing." Tersek's lips drew back now, "You have made the Haunters weak, something to be exploited by those we once lorded over - hell, even the Aspen Grove has bested us now! What do you say to that, dear leader? Why is your daughter's death more important the the rest of our family?"

Cavan's snarling faltered once again and died away. Silence and shock pretty well summed up the feelings of many that had gathered around, first drawn in by Nicholas's howl, and now paying audience to the challenge delivered by Tersek.

Cassanova & Others

Cassanova son of Mikia and Greyfell was watching from the distance until finally he felt his father may need him and the zorse took off at a gallop and came up beside his father. One ear back while the other on Terserk. Watch it canineHe snorted.

Mikia moved to join Cassanova and her son. She was silent.

Darkia, Greda, Unique, Adolfo, and Finn all came forward listening but standing on the side of Greyfell.

Mark, Mena, Shoshu, Taper and Myra leopard seals had been in the moat near by and getting right up on the land the leopard seals a very formidable meat eating Seal came to listen.

Menace the sister to Tyrant and Daughter of Senka came forth and rubbed up against her mother momentarily. She eyed Tersekr however what ever side Senka was on she was on though she agreed with Terserk.

Stark and Nefereti the youngest children of Senka also came forth. They were only a year old but were also on Senka there mothers side.

Joey and his young son Butane came forth. THe Male Elephants were still different in size since Butane was still pretty young but still quiet big.

Hura a polar bear and her daughter Harbinger Angel who was a polar bear cinnamon bear cross. She looked mostly like hura except some black on her face.

Greyfell & Others

Greyfell's cold expression never changed as he listened to Tersek. He looked around at the Haunters, then met Tersek with a curt reply. "Nobody's breaking, Tersek. You're making things worse, bringing up past events that I could do nothing about without being aware of the situation. If it's an audience you want for your little skit, you're preaching in the wrong place. Look around - do you see anybody fawning over you? No. Now get out. You're not welcome here if all you're going to do is pout and throw a fit." He once again nodded to Senka and Blood Moon, instructing them to carry on with the plan to remove Tersek from the territory.

"Come, little pup." Blood Moon's words were laced with venom, her lips pulled back in a vicious snarl. She lunged at the disobedient canine, attempting to grab him by the scruff and drag him away.

"Wait, grandfather." The daughter of Casanova and Chaika addressed Greyfell upon arriving from the sidelines. "I want to kill him. Can I kill him?"

At this request, Greyfell was silent, neither allowing or denying the permission to end Tersek's life. In Greyfell's rage, he didn't see Casanova and the others arrive. Dreamhack, son of Darkia and Greyfell, Mikia's daughter Eros, and Greda's son Thanatos all took the side of their family. The three were devastated at the loss of their half-sister, and Tersek's speech was only putting salt on the wounds.

"Do it, Dogfight." A soft voice broke Greyfell's silence at Dogfight's request. The daughter of Luna Moth and Cain had already lost her triplet brother, Corvus, and now her mother was gone. She was in no mood to put up with Tersek's disrespect for Greyfell.

Tersek & Others

Cassanova was not looked upon with a friendly light by Tersek, though perhaps that was to be expected after he'd finally let it be known how he felt about working under species he considered his food. Greyfell was back in his sights a second later, and he gave a haughty, humorless laugh, "You were fully aware of those situations Greyfell, and you had the entire support of the Haunters at your disposal to deal with them. But you did nothing. You allowed our family to be preyed upon by our enemies, to grow weaker, and now that I'm calling it to attention, you have no good answer for yourself other than to silence me and take no responsibility for your failures?" Tersek swept a look around the gathered faces, not knowing if any had been swayed by his words, or whether they all still stood behind their leader. His two-toned eyes lingered briefly on Senka, then Cavan, and turned once again to Greyfell. "Is that your answer, oh great leader? That our brothers, sisters, parents, and friends are not worth an explanation for why you failed them?"

The large wolfdog easily side-stepped Blood Moon and flashed his cruel fangs at the big cat to warn him off. He had been trained since birth, during the time of Risen's reign, to be an expert fighter and always aware of his surroundings. And lending to the blood of his father that coursed through his veins, Tersek was one of the most accomplished and experienced canines in the pack. "Why don't you go out to pasture where you belong, sheep." He remarked in disgust to his would-be attacker, and showed little fear when Dogfight requested to kill him.

Senka

Senka in ways wanted to listen to Terserk however; she would not betray Greyfell. After all everyone deserved another chance right? Senka looked around at the request. Enough, He deserves to be exiled. However; if he is seen anywhere near here again then thats a different thing. She wasn't being soft but death was too easy of a way out in her mind. She moved forward now with blood moon. Her eyes on Terserk. Of course, he may end up dead if he doesn't get moving She spoke. She was a little conflicted but she didn't let it show. He could of gone about this in a more mature way instead of insulting Greyfell. He could of either challenged Greyfell right out or he could of called for a meeting to discuss everything with all of them in a civil manner. Instead he chose to out right speak horrible about Greyfell. Especially so out in the open.We will be seen as weak if anyone thinks we are having a split in our ranks Terserk your only causing trouble now more or I'll be forced to be roughShe spoke as she snappped at him with her own teeth.

Tersek & Others

Another look to Cavan showed little in the way of the old wolf's feelings about this conflict. The Captain was dead silent, and one could see the thoughts ticking behind that single, yellow eye of his. So then it was to Senka, who's lack of snarling fury told Tersek that he might have some leniency with her, though he could not be sure whether she was at all swayed by his message or whether she was simply trying to stay calm for the sake of the pack. Tersek continued to stand his ground when she approached, "We are already weak, Senka! Can't you see that? The Aspen Grove, the Nuova Alba, the Shadow Lurkers.. they have all taken our children from us, and we've sat back and let them do it. I'm not trying to split the pack, I'm trying to make it stronger, by picking out the weak." The large canine shot a look at the zebra when he said that, and was mindful not to pass so much as a glance at Cavan, who he fully believed needed to be stripped from his rank as well. Tersek steadied his hard gaze on the huntress, "I've lost three children, and not a single one of them has been avenged. Don't you ever wonder what Tyrant would have grown up to be like? He could have been here with you, but he's with our enemies now, abandoned by us because our leader did not see him as important enough to rescue. Is that the kind of strong pack you wish to be co-lead of?"

Tyrant

The very bold blue-gray in color with matching bold black stripes male tiger snow leopard mix had been wondering pointlessly around debating on whether to go and see his mother. He had been old enough to know who she was before he had been taken. He'd only been free for over a year now perhaps less he couldn't remember. HE had no clue if the Nuova Alba knew of his escape or rather he was set free.. Today was the day. He knew he may be attacked but he moved confidentaly onto the land of the haunters. His ears twitched at the sound of arguing and he heard his mothers name and realized soon what was happing. Someone was not happy with the leaders leading and the fact that they had lost others other then himself.

He moved quicker and came u by Terserk not scare that the others may not reckognize him. Excuse intrusion, You probably don't reckgonize me but I am tyrant,His eyes went to his mother who was now staring at him. your son. I escaped my captors a few months ago and I dare say from what I hear I agree with Terserk HIs eyes turned to Greyfell. He had never been happy at the nuova alba even though he had grown up there.

Days on he wondered why his mother or the haunters never came for him. And he blamed Greyfell his mother was a loyal tiger and she wouldn't outwardly go against someone. Do tell me Greyfell why I had to find my way free of them on my own? He said.

Thats hwen Menace his sister barreled toward him and tackled him. He fell on his back and stared up at her. He nudged her and lightly pushed her off of him before returning his attention to Greyfell and the others. He was all for a coup de at of the haunters.

Greyfell & Others

Greyfell's anger was boiling, his heart racing. "I was not aware of those situations, Tersek, and I don't appreciate you lying to the pack about this. You're tearing everything apart." His head twitched a bit, one pupil wider than the other, characteristic of a concussion. "I will not stand for insubordination or blatant lies. Get out of here before I drag you out!"

When Tyrant appeared, Greyfell looked quizzically at the big cat. "Who are you?" He said hastily, keeping Tersek in his sight while he addressed Tyrant.

From the temple stepped an odd-colored tiger, blue-gray on the underside and white on top. Senka would surely recognize the huge beast as her father, Koray. "Leave it be, Tersek. The blame rests evenly. Where were we when all this was going on? And where were we for Greyfell when he was abducted by the humans and sustained this injury? Who went to save him? Those in glass houses should not throw stones. I understand your pain, but we must come to a non-hostile agreement that works for us all." He looked over at his daughter and grandson, acknowledging them both. "Nuova Alba will be punished for their crimes, and I assure you that I will personally take an army to their land and put those traitors in the ground where they belong." He then walked toward Tersek, calmly speaking to the canine. "A fight between brothers and sisters is not what we need here; you're not the enemy, Greyfell is not the enemy, none of us are the enemy. The enemy is out there, and quarreling is distracting us from the objective. A true warrior does not turn on his or her own pack. A true warrior charges into the battlefield, working with their packmates to bring honor to their family."

The tiger, having become quite the diplomat, cautiously addressed Greyfell. "Sir, perhaps you should teak a break from leading for a while. My sister Devaki will see to it that you stay well and recover from whatever the humans have done to you. We will avenge your daughter. You must have some time to mourn, and we will take care of everything." It was a polite way of telling the commander to step down as leader, at least until the quarreling subsided. Koray gestured to Devaki behind him, who grabbed the chain around Greyfell's neck, leading the flabbergasted zebra into the Temple.

"Senka..." Koray approached his daughter. "As second in command, I trust that you can take care of the Haunters without bloodshed among ourselves. Lead well, my dear. I will be always at your side through this time of war."

His eyes traveled over those who had gathered, making sure nobody would make a move to attack anybody else. "I hope that this matter is settled for everybody, at least for now. Any objections would be better voiced after the battle, in a less stressful situation. We are all unnerved by the war, but we must not turn on each other." He watched the pack carefully, making sure there would be no fighting.

Senka

Senka stared at her son tyrant. She hadn't recognized him due to him being gone since he was just a cub but his appearance was shocking.She listened to his words toward Greyfell and her ears went back. Thats when she heard another approach and her head turned quickly to watch as her own father approached the group. She hadn't seen him in a long.

He listened to his speech and her eyes turn back to Terserk. He is right, this is no way to go about it She spoke quietly but she did stop her advance on pushing him out. No she no longer wanted him gone as she turned her body to be sideways facing the two. She watched Greyfell stunned into silence and then led away. Greyfell could not lead, She wasn't sure what he was thinking. He should of known about these activities what did he think he could do as leader if he didn't?

Thats when her father approached her and she nodded . Of course She glanced at Tyrant and then Terserk before turning to address all the haunters. My father was right to ask Greyfell to stepdown, so was Terserk but he went about it the wrong way. I will gladly step up as leader with my father advising me and helping me. Is there any objection to me leading you? She spoke softly. Course her first two things that they would focus on was the Aspen Grove and Nuova Alba. As well as updating the allies of them that she was now leader. Her eyes turned to Terserk.Do you have a problem with me leading?She spoke. She was sure that he didn't the way he had been talking but first she needed to hear it from him.

Tyrant and Menace watched and listened.

Tersek & Others

The approach of a strange tiger was met with growls and flashing fangs from those canines that he traveled past to reach Teresk. The large, grizzled brute himself tensed and lifted his lips back, prepared to make a move... only to learn that this was Tyrant. The snarl stopped in his throat the second he heard that, and the guarded look in his eyes was replaced by something more powerful, more confident. "It's good to have you back, Tyrant." A few seconds later, Tyrant's unexpected reappearance was overshadowed by yet another unannounced visitor, though this was one that Tersek at least recognized from the get-go.

"Where were you Koray? You show up on the eve of change and try to preach to us, when you have not been here for years, so step down from your perch. Demos, myself, and Cavan were forced to pick up the slack when our leader failed us; we were the ones to confront our enemies when Greyfell would not." A chastisement from Senka he might have taken, and he might have taken it from Koray himself if the tiger had been a part of the pack. But he had not been seen in years, and as far as Tersek was concerned, did not have his respect just yet. "If Greyfell was foolish enough to get captured by humans, he was not gone long enough to warrant suspicion from any of us. What gives you the right to step in and start casting orders to everyone? Were you here to fight along side our brothers and sisters in battle the last few years? Did you ever attempt to help the pack in its time of need recently? No, but I was." The wolfdog shook his head next, giving another haughty laugh at the audacity that Koray showed in trying to insert himself into the quarrel.

Tersek wasn't a fool though - Greyfell was forced out, and Senka had been offered leadership. This was exactly what he had wanted. It was a smoother transition than he could have hoped for too, even if the wolfdog would have loved to tasted Greyfell's blood today. “I have one objection, Senka." The snarl fell out of his tone as he looked to the tigress, "As I have been in this pack since birth, and have fought in every battle for the Haunters, I believe I have the right and the experience to lead beside you. I know our enemies and our Family inside and out. I don't care for the politics of leadership, but I can lead us to triumph in any battle we face, which is exactly what we need right now to reassert our power in the Valley. Under the combined strength and wisdom of our leadership, the Family can grow strong again, and be united as it use to be."

Cavan remained quiet during the entire conflict, suddenly very alert and brooding heavily about the rapid changes happening before his eyes.

Koray

Koray raised an eyebrow at Tersek, but shook his head rather than speaking curtly. Instead, he used a soft, diplomatic tone. "I was captured by the Haunters as a cub, Tersek, and the things they had done to me and my siblings cannot be explained with words. I think the fact that I chose to remain loyal to the Haunters after all those atrocities says enough about my character." He sighed when he thought of Estelle, his blind and mute sister, who had gotten the brunt of the abuse. "Tersek, I find your lack of trust in Senka, your leader, unsettling. When she spoke, you argued with her, thus questioning her leadership. Not once have I questioned the leadership of a superior, not even Risen and the others who took me from my parents and forced me into a life that was not my own. But I got used to it, and I have gotten used to this status quo too. It is time that you do as well." He stepped up beside his daughter, offering her a compassionate look. "Senka is second in command, making her the current leader. If she chooses me to aid her, that is her choice and I will not object. If she chooses you to aid her, I still won't object. If she chooses both of us, or neither of us, to fight loyally and fearlessly by her side, I will not question her. I trust her. You should too." While Koray had a bad feeling about Tersek's behavior, he knew that ultimately, anything that went on was up to the current leader, Senka.

After a moment of silence, the big cat peered over at Senka's son. "Tyrant, is it? You have your mother's eyes. Her smarts, too." He offered a compliment that went for both Senka and Tyrant. Oh, how he had missed his family...

Senka

Senka stood there and she was glad no one objected . She listened to Terserk and her father. Her ear twitched. My father will aid me but you too will aid me terserk. But if you ever so much as whisper discontent with me and not confront me in an appropriate manner about something I will not hesitate to finish what Greyfell said to do. If you understand that then you may be a co leader beside meShe spoke her tail flicke.d

Tyrant was listening and then his eyes went to Koray, it seemed he was his gradnfather. Yes, and thanksHe said not use to compliments.

Tersek & Others

"Loyalty to our family is paramount. You were lucky to be chosen by our great pack." Tersek both conceded and accepted Koray's loyalty to the Haunters, and at the same time corrected his choice of slandering the pack's actions all those years ago. His own admittance to the pack had come under very dark and unfortunate events as a pup, and he'd lost his own mother to Nachi's cruelty, and some time later, his sister had been killed by Cavan's sister as well, but his dedication to the group and its philosophies, and his strong bonds with his packmates, would keep him here till his death. When the tiger attempted to call him out, Tersek scoffed and drew his brows up in confusion, "What lack of trust, Koray? I have always been in support of Senka, and respectful of her great strength and contributions to this pack. Had not you shown up just now, it was her and myself I was going to suggest as new leadership. Besides-" The wolfdog shot a look at the Temple where Greyfell had last been seen being lead into, "-sometimes, for the strength and well being of the pack, it is necessary to question authority, not to blindly follow it to our destruction."

Having defended himself and stood his ground, the hot-blooded son of Vicious now gave Senka his full audience, and took her acceptance as well as her bluntly-worded warning in stride. Tersek's first action was to raise his tail high, and then to dip his muzzle to Senka, "You will find such actions unnecessary, Senka. The Haunters will thrive again under our combined strength and wisdom."

Slinking up behind his mother, Ashfur peered around Senka and studied his older brother Tyrant, having never seen his sibling before. Tarun came up beside him, but was more interested in the shifting politics of the pack, and the fact that his mother was now the leader of the Haunters, along with Tersek. He was also interested this Koray fellow, who must be his grandfather?

Koray

"Ah," Koray grunted, "so I was lucky to be tortured and beaten. Mind your tongue, dog. Your true nature is showing, with you wanting to rise against leaders and say a cub is lucky to be a prisoner. You're speaking double; it's a tragedy when a Haunter member is captured and tortured, you're right about that. But how can you say it is right for the Haunters, in their former questionable ways, to commit heinous crimes, snatching up a litter of defenseless newborn cubs and beating them simply for not being 'one of them?'" He bared a fang at this thought, a rumble in his throat. "If that is how you think, I don't trust you around my daughter."

Golden-yellow eyes met Senka's eyes, giving her a worried look. "For him to condone the torturing of cubs, I'm worried about our future if he continues to speak in such a barbaric way and even question your leadership. He's not loyal to our family." His voice was low, just loud enough for only Senka to hear. "But the choice is ultimately yours. I'll always watch over you, dear, even if it is a Haunter posing danger to you or any member of the pack. Just know that I take pride in having the privilege of watching you grow up to the leader you have become, and I place my trust in you."

Tersek & Others

He'd been ready to drop the fight, but when Koray suddenly questioned him the hybrid narrowed his eyes at the big cat and defended himself, "That you were tortured by your own family is a crime. I wouldn't allow such things to happen in my pack, for it would undermine the very loyalty and strong bonds that hold us together. That you were taken and brought into our family is what I was speaking of. Don't put words into my mouth and make assumptions about me just because you don't agree with me being your leader." Because Koray was a very large and powerful predator, exactly the kind of member he tended to respect, Tersek did not get overly hostile with him, but at the same time, he would not belly up and allow his name to be slandered. "I have grown up with your daughter, and has she come to harm? You were not here with her for most of her life, while I was - fighting and shedding blood to protect her and everyone else here, whose lives I value every bit as much as my own. So mind your words Koray, and do not judge me so harshly without first knowing me." Tersek may not be able to hear what the big cat began to whisper to his daughter, but the feline's hasty remarks and behavior were starting to get on his nerves. "If you must say something, surely the rest of the family deserves to hear it as well."

Senka

SEnka listened to them all and as they started to argue her fur began to bristle. ENOUGH! This is one thing I will not have within the pack. We will not argue with each other over petty issues. Father, I do not believe he meant to mean it as we should do such things and Terserk don't you dare mention anything about how he hasn't been here or what not. It is the past and thats it. I will not stand for argument amongst us and if either of you wish to advise me in my leadership in any way then you were not argue, you will not fight and you will not bring up the past. We live for the future not our past. Do you both understand me? Oh yes she was not gonna stand for this.

Fighting only brought strife and if outsiders noticed they would take advantage of it, they would go to one of the fighters and whisper words to them and convince them that they should continue in their arguments. She glanced at the rest of the haunters.This goes for everyone of you, I do not want discord with in us it will make us look weak, perhaps not physically weak but weak none the less. WE all have our differences, our beliefs may vary but we all want whats best for our family. To be strong we must work together, we must be united in our ways and we must trust each other. Can you do that?She said adding a roar on to the end of it. Her tail twitching side to side as she pointedly looked to her father and Terserk to emphasize that this meant the two of them as well.

Tyrant listened to them and smirked at his mothers words. Of courseHe spoke.

Menace nodded.

Koray

Koray wasn't quick to anger, but he felt that Tersek's words were a blatant insult. "I was brought into the pack as a prisoner, a war child, cannon fodder. To even mention me being 'brought' into the pack is to mention my abduction and subsequent abuse." It was a tough subject for him, and they were memories he didn't want to remember. Alas, they were brought forward into his mind. He slightly lifted his head, showing the gruesome, mangled scar on his throat; an injury he sustained as a cub simply for asking for food. "I have no problem with you being leader. It's your misplaced rage that--" He was cut short of finishing his sentence when his daughter spoke. He listed intently, but had one ear back on Tersek to make sure the canine didn't try anything. He lowered his head and nodded ever so slightly. "Of course, Senka." His voice was calm when he spoke to the big cat. "I will have a hard time trusting Tersek with all his pent-up anger and what he has said so far, but for you, I will try. I just need to have the comfort of knowing," he looked back at Tersek, "that he won't turn on me in the battlefield." His attention was once again fully on Senka. "But I have never questioned you, and I have no intent on ever going against your orders. Ever."

"I owe my loyalty to you, Senka, and I will obey your orders." Orinoco smirked, her protruding teeth easily visible. "But if anyone crosses you, just say the word and I'll make sure their death will serve as a warning for any others who would oppose us."

Tersek & Others

Tersek could have gone on, but Senka's irritation with the bickering between he and her father finally reached a point that the tigeress would would no longer tolerate. Her words stilled any retort the hybrid would have made, and when asked for his understanding and cooperation, he dipped his grizzle-gray head deeply, "You have always had my loyalty Senka, and your desire for a unified, stronger pack is shared fully by me. That is all I ever wanted for the Haunters." True to his word, he remained silent even after Koray went on to speak his doubt about the co-leader, figuring it was folly to try and change the big cat's opinion if he were going to judge him so harshly after only a few minutes of meeting him. Instead, he stepped up nearer to Senka and cast his dual-colored eyes out across the sea of faces that looked back at them, and felt no small amount of pride well up in his chest. Almost seven years... seven years it had taken him to finally reach this position, and he'd done it all in one fell swoop without having to even confront Cavan. After Senka's inspiring roar, Tersek raised his voice next, "Haunters, Family! Are you with us?"

The Captain was not happy with these turn of events, yet the aging wolf did not dare speak his mind about Tersek right now, not when so many others in the pack were now backing he and Senka and the change in leadership. Ursa, Monarda, and Lion were just a few among the many that were now raising their muzzles towards Senka and howling loudly to declare not only their acceptance of her as leader, and acceptance of the rules she'd just laid down, but their unyielding support as well. Bergamot, Black Twilight, Huerosan... they and the rest of Tersek's children were adding their voices to the mix, and Cavan cringed inwardly when Warfel and Nahimana joined in next. The Captain cricked his tail, but he could not deny Senka an answer, and thus gave a short howl before going silent.

Senka

Senka would not have such a rift in their ranks. She listened to her father and Terserk. Then you will talk to him fairly and without anger at all and he will do the same. WE must point our anger, hate towards those that deserve it and not each other.She spoke softly. She shook her head an body as Terserk stepped closer and spoke and she glanced around as everyone seemed to accept it. Good, though her eyes did linger on Cavan. She would talk with him later. Cavan, I will speak with you later. I can see that your struggling to accept something and I will discuss what ever it is with you later. SHe knew he'd support it cause of everyone else supporting it. He did care for the pack and she could tell there was something going through his mind.

Everyone is dismissed for now, Do know that I will be calling a meeting later on to discuss our allies, Aspen grove and Nuova alba but till then you may go about your business.

Then she turned to her father and Terserk. I understand father that he has misplaced anger, but perhaps that is because its been building up and now that he's let it loose he doesn't know how to control it. Perhaps you can help him control this anger. I am gonna have a talk with Cavan and when I return I expect you two to be well perhaps not friends but on better termsShe said now turning to move toward Cavan.

Tersek & Others

From all that Tersek saw, it appeared that the vast majority of predators in the pack approved of the shift in power, though he could not be sure whether they were so approving of Senka's role as leader, or his own. Either way, he could see little in the way of nay-sayers, even if he figured those like Cloudbreaker and Icelit might question the change once they found out. With his inspection of the pack done, the big brute swung his grizzled head back to Senka, listening to her tempering words and strong commitment to bringing the pack back into unity. "There is nothing of my anger to worry about. It was more frustration and worry for the family than compelled my strong words today; a pack is only as strong as its leaders, and I wanted to wake everyone up to our state of decline. Now that its been taken care of, and we're here to guide our family back to strength and power, you'll need not worry about anything from me." One cold yellow, and one bright grey eye switched to Koray, "Your daughter is right. Better to use our energy against our enemies than against ourselves."

Off to the side of the conversation, Cavan's attention wasn't so much on Tersek and Koray and their little dispute, but something else altogether. He gave Senka a look, letting his golden eye rest on the tigress for a second or two before he nodded gruffly, and began to pad slowly down along the moat, leading her away from the others where they could have a more private conversation.