Hura&Jiju&Kiju&Kagura

Hura was probably the first mother to arrive at dima's part. She dove right into the water holding the young cheetah up out of the water as she swam across the water to the other side.

Jiju followed suit.

Kiju:he looked at the water.Momma Im ScaredIndeed this little bear was scared of water.

Nymph

Nymph followed soon after, carrying two pups clutched in her large jaws. As she pulled up beside the frightened Kiju, she spoke softly. Aye, I have no fondness for water, either, little one. But it's tame enough, and I will swim with you, so if you have trouble, I can help. Okay? Her silver eyes rested kindly on the cub, thinking what a strange thing it was for a polar bear to fear water. She waited for Kiju to make up his mind.

Hura

She had gotten to the other side and lowered the cub to the ground when her ears caught her other sons words.She looked across and nodded to nymph.Kiju its alright you can swim its second nature you'll be fineShe spoke.

Jiju:Come on brother!he said running along the edge

Kiju:he looked to nymph and then to the water.He put a paw in it then pulled it away.Then he moved slowly into it and moved slowly towards his mother.

Kagura:She squealed as they entered the water.She started to chirp calling for her mother.She then ran as far away as she could from the water.

Akki*Kihaku

Soon the paw-pads of two new pups came down towards the water, both owners silent, but in two different ways. Akki was silent in sullenity, his tan-marked white face scowling his displeasure at the world around him. Kihaku's black-speckled white face was silent in a trembling apprehension, and a little fear. As they came to the edge of the water, both paused. They were barely old enough to walk, and had never swum at all before. Two pairs of eyes, one mocha brown and one burnt honey, gazed helplessly at the far shore.

Kamari, Vaermina & Malacath

Kamari was quick to arrive after Nymph, and clutched in her jaws were two pups. She slowly slid into the water, paddling swiftly across it, to emerge on the other side. Placing down two of her youngest siblings, she swam back across, ready to carry over her other brother and sister.

Vaermina and Malacath huddled together, watching all these strange creatures. They had only ever known each other and their mother, Incalia. Never had they seen such animals before! After only just getting used to Kamari, they were now thrust into the multi-species Haunter army, but they would soon get used to it.

Kamari glanced to the other two mothers. "My mother, Incalia, just had her newest batch of pups. Two girls, two boys. They," she indicated the two huddled on the opposite side of the water, "are Malacath and Vaermina. The other two were just behind me..."

Hura

She licked kiju and then lept into the water again and swam back to the other side and grabed the two pups that stood there.She carried them acrossed.

Akki*Kihaku

Even Akki could not keep the small amazement out of his eyes as Hura approached them, and his sister's frightened yelp set a low growl in his throat, though both rode peaceably enough. As soon as she was set down, Kihaku ran and crowded up next to Malacath, trembling but trying her best not to look afraid. Only Akki stood apart, sitting and scowling up at everyone.

Ynear .+. Runi .+. Anathema

Ynear made sure to grab the cheetah cubs along with some of the other pups. Soon the three mothers shuffled all the pups to the temple in the middle of the lake.

Placing the others down on the ground around the temple, Ynear went to shuffle them up the stairs to safety, but was stopped by Runi. "Let them play in the sun and open land. But keep your eyes out for any enemy who enters the water and we will herd them up the steps." She looked at the temple from her spot, then out across the water and to the other side. Ynear nodded; "The children can stay in the grass, but mothers must be on their highest alert." She barked. Then looked at the creatures on the ground.

Hidari looked around, growling as those who were not related to her passed. Toki, on the other hand, openly went up to the newest patch of puppies with his head held high. "Hello, my name is Toki, Son of Rasheetah and Kankuro. Who are you?" Unlike the canines, the cheetah ordered his mother before his father. In respect to the one who carried him for so long and nursed him.

Moving into the land. Viyanna looked down to the water, and then to her herd-mates. An order from across the lake shook the foal for a moment. "come across! You need to be with us for protection." Viyanna hesitated for a moment before letting her hooves sink into the water. After catching herself, she sank into the liquid and swam to the other side. When came up from the water, her hide shook furiously to rid her of the water. Then promptly she laid on the ground and began to roll. Covering herself in dead grass and dirt. Instead of standing back up, however, she just laid there and watched to predator cubs in the distance.

Kagura

She just watched them but now started tocall yet again for her mother.

Greda:The young mare soon became present right behind prisoner's foalShe led her sister and brother into the water and to the other sid.e

HE followed quickly and shook his pelt

Tero/Leila/Taina/Shadi

Tero, Leila, Taina and Shadi came along with the mothers and rested on the cold stone. Shadi, in an attempt to cheer up the scared bear cub, approached him with a smile. "I'm Shadi, daughter of Windsong and Blackfeather." She said kindly.

Leila had always been fascinated with big cats. She approached the cheetah cubs and wagged her tail. "I'm Leila, daughter of...of..." It finally hit her that she was never told who her parents were. "I guess my mother is Nachi, I think." But this wasn't true, for she was a daughter of Tahti and Flak. But she didn't know that.

Nachi & Others

Nachi splashed into the water and paddled quickly across. After a good shake, the wolf ascended the narrow staircase and perched herself in the sun. As she began to clean her pelt, her eyes landed on the young cheetah cubs, watching them with keen interest.

Quilikahm crossed the water as well, working her tiny legs to keep herself afloat in the deep water. Staying on the other side of the water were the three deer asigned as guards; Kintanese, Dandelion, and Zanfire. They'd use their keen sense of smell and hearing to help keep watch for enemies. And if enemies did show up, they'd retreat across the water and stuff themselves in the narrow stairway as Lion had instructed. Anyone who managed to get past the Water Dragons would then have to contend with them.

Dima cruised the water as well. With Akahi's new batch to protect, he was more aggressive and protective than ever.

Hidari .+. Toki

Hidari's eyes narrowed on the cub as she approached. Her teeth curled back in a devilish grin. "Cut it out Hidari." mumbled Toki as he came up to the hybrid cub. "How are you. Don't mind her, she's just a snob." He growled, then looked to his sister.

Hidari snorted at the comment then turned to her sister who was chirping for their mom. "Kagura, mother isn't going to come back. She told us these bafoons are going to take care of us until we are old enough to fight. You will just have to wait until then. Go torment some poor creature." She chuckled.

Akki*Kihaku*Taini

Akki himself moved to the very farthest point of the platform that he believed the mothers would let him go, not attempting to speak to anyone, flashing a fang at anyone who attempted to come near, but otherwise remaining silent.

Kihaku, on the otherhand, was trembling at the presence of so many other animals, having never before seen even a cheetah, much less a polar bear or a mountain cat. She pressed her small body up against Malacath, and squeaked out, I'm... Kihaku...

Taini shook off as she exited the the water, hopping up onto dry land and placing herself at an unoccupied edge of the platform, guarding from this direction.

Ard-Rai

Ard-Rai also slipped from his sunning rock into the water, a hiss already settling into his voice as he submerged and re-emerged near the platform. He too, had a clutch laid with Orinoco, so soon the little temple would hold so many more little reptiles, and it put him on edge, made him protective.

Hura

Hura kept watch and kept her ears and nose going.

Kagura:She smiled to her sister lightly.yah bafoons they are!She then snickered and then glanced around and spotted the one hiding and squeaked out her name.Aww is the little baby scare..She mocked.

Kiju:he yawned and curled up with his brother

Greda:She stayed on the alert.

King stayed near his twin and groomed her.His little ears twitched.

Malacath, Vaermina & Kamari

Kamari watched a Hura carried Akki and Kihaku across the water. Once satisfied they would be alright, she came to sit beside Taini. Smiling at the new mother, much like herself, the hybrid wagged her tail. "Hello. I'm Kamari, A mother-in-training."

Malacath stood protectively in front of his sister when she crowded up next to him. Though he was amazed at all these different creatures, he knew they would not hurt them, as they were all mothers, healers or guards.

When Toki approached them, Malacath resisted the sudden urge to bear his small puppy fangs. Instead he simply replied, "Malacath, Son of Incalia and Shaman." Malacath's reason for naming his mother first was also simple. Incalia held a high rank within the Haunters, his father, Shaman (whom he had never known) was not even in the Haunters, so not worthy of first position.

Vaermina, the smallest of her litter, but definitely the most striking, dipped her head. "Vaermina, Daughter of Incalia and Shaman."

Malacath suddenly began growling as he caught the comment made by Kagura. His fangs, small but incredibly sharp, were flashed in an instant as he sprang in front of Kihaku. "Shut up you stupid idiot! Leave my sister alone or I'll make you regret it!"

Vaermina came closer to her sister, brushing up against Kihaku. The strange thing about Vaermina however was her figure. It was lean, built for running more than strength but legs are well muscled, for both endurance and power. Her shoulder blades seemed to stick out more than a normal canine, making her appear almost feline. Her color gives her away, though. A stunning white all over, save for black tipped ears, a black tipped muzzle and a black tipped tail. Her dark brown eyes fixed Kagura with a sinister glare. "If you'd just been dropped into a pack that is full of creatures you had never seen before and could kill you in a heartbeat, you would be too, fur ball."

Kagura

She hissed and swiped out at the wolf with her claws.Hurt me and my mother will personally see to it that your killedShe hissed.

Toki .+. Hidari

A sinister look crossed Hidari's face as her sister began to torment the little creature. As the other's came up to protect them, Hidari moved up next to her sister. "I suggest you don't stand in our way, half-wit. Step down before I make you." She flashed her tiny fangs as the ruff around her neck frizzed.

Toki chirped in frustration before getting up and facing against his sisters. "She didn't do anything to you. Leave them alone." He growled out. Hidari's eyes narrowed on her brother, "You are the last one to speak Toki." Toki snarled back but soon offered a submissive bow of his head.

Ynear heard the bickering from a distance and watched the young as they squabbled, ready to step in.

New on the island were the two healers, Fawn and Owl. They had just crossed recently and took part in keeping a look out. Although they had no patients yet, they would help protect the young until their duties were to be filled.

Malacath and Vaermina

Dodging the claws that were sent his way, Malacath growled, eyes flashing as he hunched down in a defensive position. "You wish. My mother is Incalia, the Gamma of the Haunters. She'll be killed for attempting to kill me. There's no way she would. So I'd watch your tongue."

Vaermina began growling, as she came up next to her brother, fangs bared. "No Toki, You may have your say. Everyone has that right." A deadly glare was shot at Hidari.

Kagura

She growled and laughed.oO so scary Gamma. Rank means nothing really besides the alpha. My mother could easily fight and take that postion if she wanted to.She snarled baring her fangs.Toki get over here! How dare you stand against us!

Nymph*Taini

Taini smiled at Kamari, though her eyes flicked at the pups as they began to squabble. None of the pups back home were as vicious as these seemed to be, and it surprised her, but of course they were pups, and so she would help the other mothers to physically separate them if there was a real problem.

Nymph's eyes also rested on the quarreling pups, but in almost a lazy fashion. This was normal, and it was good to see a fighting spirit in most of the pups. As long as it didn't come down to tiny fangs trying to rip each other apart, let them quibble.

Akki*Kihaku

It seemed that nothing in this world could move Akki to tenderness or care for a another being, for even as the others teased and harried his siblings, he remained where he was, refusing to join in.

But there just wasn't a cruel bone in Kihaku's body. Even as the other pups tormented her, she spoke softly, tremulously. It's... it's okay, Mally... they're right. I... it's not scary in here. A first lie, a first cover-up, trying to make herself look strong and brave, when she was not. She still remained crouched near her sister, but her eyes looked up at Kagura and the rest, trying to muster the oomph to look tough and vicious, but not really succeeding.

Kagura

She hissed.Oh please your scared I can see it and smell it you pathetic little pupShe hissed and swung a paw at who ever was close enough

Kihaku

She let out a small yelp as Kagura's claws raked the skin under her left eye, making the eye water and smart, but not really doing any damage. And her accusing words made Kihaku speak again, still so soft. I didn't... say I... say I wasn't scared. I said... it wasn't scary... in here. I'm still scared... but there's... there's no reason to be. But her voice was so tiny, so low, that it seemed a meager defense to the cat's accusations.

Toki .+. Hidari

Toki growled at the words being thrown back and forth between the groups. His ruff growing rougher as he stood and strained forward. When Kagura struck at the scared pup, something in Toki clicked and he launched himself at his younger sister.

Teeth and fangs bit at her face and shoulder while he flipped onto his back and began to kick at her with his feet. "I said to leave her alone!" He growled defencively.

Hidari's eyes widened in surprise at her brother's bold actions but growled more wildly than ever. "How DARE you! She snarled deeply before launching herself at her brother, grabbing at scruff and scratching at his back.

Toki felt the claws rake across him but kept his attack on the sister that wounded Kihaku.

Ynear kept her eyes out for danger, but soon the sound of growls and snarls filled her and her ears perked to the now fighting group. With a sigh she stood up and made a slow way to the group. Stopping a short distance to see if they could resolve it themselves. "Pecking orders are essential." She recited as she watched them from a short distance.

Kagura

She snarled as her brother came onto her.She snarled and bit at his face and slashed at him for any place.Your a weakling brother! She hissed her eyes shutting every now and then to avoid claws to her face.

Kihaku

As everyone began to fight, Kihaku shrank back, her little quavery voice barely hearable over the thrown insults. No, no! It's okay, she didn't really hurt me! Don't... don't fight over me! She looked desperately up at Ynear, wondering why the mother wouldn't stop the fighting. Kihaku detested fighting. She was painfully timid and submissive, and if rolling in the dust to please someone kept her from upsetting anyone, that was what she would do. Please... please stop...

Malacath and Vaermina

Malacath snarled, smirking a little at Kagura's comment about her mother taking the place as Gamma. "You wish! Risen wouldn't let your mother take that place, it has to be EARNED! The Haunters would attack your mother for even thinking about attacking mine!"

Both Malacath and Vaermina jumped back to avoid the rogue claws that were sent their way. Now truely ruffled, both hunched down in aggression. Malacath didn't turn to his sister, Kihaku, instead just yelling to her above all the other voices. "No! How dare they pick on you! They don't have the right, pieces of scum!"

As fights broke out, Vaermina stood defensively in front of Kihaku, whilst Malacath lunged for Kagura. The biggest of his litter, Malacath inherited the best of both his parents. Jaws were sent for Kagura's throat, while his blunt claws were aimed at her eyes.

Abyss/Dreamscape/Foxtrot/Forbidden

Abyss sat in the dry spot of the temple, the pups playing in the water. "When do you suppose the battle will be over?" Abyss asked Nymph.

Foxtrot and Dreamscape both played with the small patch of lilypads, yipping and nipping at each other.

Forbidden approached the two polar bear cubs. "Wanna play tag?" Foreign questioned.

Kiju and Jiju

Kiju looked up and nodded.yah that woudl be fun Im not it!

Jiju:I guess

Nymph

As Abyss' question reached Nymph's ears, the silver eyes lit upon her form, voice soft. The battles themselves almost never last more than a sunstep or so. The arguements of wounded parties, however, sometimes last long into the evening. As she spoke, her eyes also turned to the quarreling pups, keeping an eye out so that no one would get seriously hurt.

Ynear .+. Others

Ynear watched the group as the last one joined to quarrel. She gave a sigh then moved over to Kihaku. Picking up the pup by the scruff she moved her a few feet from the fight and moved toward the pups. "Break it up. I've taken away your reason to fight." The mother was ignored. Hidari continued to assault her brother while Toki continued to claw at Kagura. Ynear paused and then growled loudly and barked. "I SAID ENOUGH!" She roared to them, trying to get her words through their thick little skulls. Hidari skittered back at the loud noise, as did Toki. Both hissing perfusely as their hackles raised. They stared straight at the mother. "I have had bunches like you. I know how to get across. Don't make me do it often." Hidari snarled, "Bitch." The mother turned now, to face the little cub. "What did you say?" She growled. Hidari repeated with a snear. "Bitch" Ynear gave a mock lunge at the cub. Causing the little one to hunch over and lay down. Hissing to the wolf. "Say it again and you'll be doing work." Hidari stayed silent, a strong glare creased across her eyes.

Ynear stayed in her position for a moment. Glacing around to the others for any more protests. If there were none, she would take Kihaku to where she was once resting. To keep her there and away from the others.

Kagura

She growled and hissed as the pup lunged at her and she sent her claws straight for his face. She didn't budge when the mother first said a thing but when she said it the second time she backed off and stood beside her sister.She hissed as the mother scared her sister.Her hackles raissed.

Runi

She got to the edge of the lake and paused for a moment before dipping herself into the cool liquid and paddling across to the other side. Looking back now and again for the tigers.

When they surfaced on the other side she spoke to them. " The healers should be here, they will help you." She looked around for the healers. Fawn had come up and looked at the tiger's injuries. Runi explained but Fawn frowned. "I haven't dealt with breaks yet. Her fractured ribs just need time to heal. Don't jostle them around or you could make them worse..." Fawn, still being in training, looked around for the head Healer to help the tiger.

Runi paused for a moment before another call entered her ears. "I'm off again, take care of them." Fawn nodded. "I will." And with that Runi splashed back into the water and made her way toward the secretary bird in the Ruins.

Zahavi/Keryn

The tiger gently set his mother down on the stone, so he wouldn't make her injuries worse. He sat down next to Keryn and waited.

Akahi/Knucker/Leviathan/Adelinda/Tanith

Akahi carried a mouthful of baby alligators into the water and let them lose. She did this over and over again until all her children were in the lake. Leviathan, a white male, swam up to the shore and looked at the land creatures. "Hi! I'm Leviathan!" He exclaimed. One of his brothers soon joined him. "And I'm Knucker!" The other added. Two of their sisters, Adelinda and Tanith, kept to themselves, hiding amongst the water plants.

Runi .+. Others

Orgus swam around where his mother was, but didn’t venture far. Uncertain about the knew environment and the larger creatures on the land.

Ikazga was more daring, instead of even staying on the beach, he bumbled on to the land and where Kihaku was. Puffing up his stomach to look bigger, the baby gator squeeked. ”I’m Ikazga, who are you”.

Portrus moved up near his other two brothers. Staying further behind them in case they had to run somewhere and hide. He wasn’t sure about the larger creatures on land.

Daifiana dove under the water and began to explore the liquid environment. Her interests where no where near the living creatures on land. Instead she began to chase the little moccasin babies that were swimming beneath the water.

Abritt joined her sister in chasing the little stringed creatures under the water. Trying to poke them with her nose and scare them away. She loved to watch them bunch together and then scatter when they grew close.

Verdict sat quietly on the beach; quietly watching the mammals on land. She didn’t care for anything at the moment, except to sun bathe in the cooling months.

Runi came in, dipping herself into the water and then looking back at Laine. ”You can just fly across, tell them you are seeking to be one of us and you have to wait for Risen’s approval. I’ll be over there as soon as I can” She said then moved into the water and began to swim. Trying more than ever now, to be careful of the baby reptiles.

Toki looked up from his scare to see the baby alligators. "H-hi, my name is Toki. W-what are you guys?" He quiestioned, moving closer to them for inspection.

Laine

The bird nodded, spread her wings and soared across the water. When she reached the other side, she stretched out her long legs and landed on the stone. "I am Laine, daughter of Penny and Samuel, and I am hoping to be accepted into your pack by Lady Risen." She informed, bowing to the creatures she saw there.

Tuari/Others

The four secretary birds flew to where they knew Laine would be. They landed at the edge of the lake and peered into the Temple. "Laine! Are you there?" Samuel called out. Laine looked at her father and smiled. "Yes, and I have no intention of going back to your side. I have seen the light." She replied arrogantly. Akahi looked up at the birds. "You heard her. She's one of us now." The albino gator said. Tuari frowned at his niece. "Come back here right now!" He ordered. Laine smiled cockily and flapped her wings. "Make me. I dare you to cross that water and make me come back." She taunted. Tuari, fed up with this one's attitude, plucked up and took flight. Laine leapt into the air as well. As soon as they were both above the middle of the lake, they were engaged in aerial combat. They snapped and clawed at each other while trying to stay in the air, always moving so they wouldn't fall. Finally, Tuari gained speed and rammed straight into Laine, sending her toward the water. Akahi caught her safely and gently in her jaws, and quickly brought her back to shore. "Kill him! Kill him before he gets away!" The female bird called out. Before Tuari could react, Akahi launched herself out of the water and into the air, snapping her jaws shut around him. "Let me go!" Tuari cried. Akahi looked to the land creatures, as if to ask them what she should do. She wanted to kill him and there would be no stopping her from doing so if those higher in rank than her didn't say anything.

Ynear

The mother looked up, growling for a moment. As the bird informed her she nodded and left her alone. Keeping her eye on Kihaku as she guarded her from the other pups.

Runi soon came up, making sure not to step on the beached reptiles. "My they are so cute." She said, complementing Akahi.

Ynear

"Take him under the water" She snarled her command. Then nodded to Laine for her well done battle.

Akahi/Tuari

Akahi nodded to Ynear, then pulled the struggling bird underwater. Bubbles came up, and, after a while, Tuari was dead. The gator turned to the other birds that stood at the shore. "Laine stays with us. And unless you want the same fate as your friend, I suggest you leave." She warned.

The three birds quickly turned around and flew off, squawking fearfully.

Malacath & Vaermina

Malacath dodged the claws sent for his face, and was about to launch another attack when Ynear called for it to stop. Stopping the first time, he watched as Ynear took Kihaku away. Glancing to his sister, the pup moved away to lay next to the wall.

Vaermina, however, followed the mother and her sister, slipping past Ynear to lay with her sister. She began licking the facial wounds her sister had received, saying nothing.

Akki*Kihaku

The fight that began only caused Akki to glance over, an unreadable smirk on his face, before he continued to ignore everyone. He kept his thoughts to himself.

Kihaku sat trembling in Ynear's embrace, trying her hardest not to cry. Her tiny voice was tremulous. I... didn't mean to... I didn't want to cause such a fuss. I really... really didn't mean to... She leaned into Vaermina, trying to calm herself and keep from letting the other pups see how much the tiny pup-battle had bothered her.

Kagura

She growled and then stalked alittle ways away.

Ynear

Switching from defensive guardian to a comforting mother, she turned on a soothing voice and spoke to the child. "It is not your fault. hush hush, it is just in their blood to act that way. They are the type that will be warriors, you seem to be more of the motherly or healing type. It is not a bad thing, I promise you. You did nothing wrong, and they just like to be bullies, stay away from them. You'll be safe." She continued her coo as she watched the others pups dispurse from the battle scene.

Dima & Young

The father made his rounds in the water, his movements less than graceful thanks to a half-missing tail and amputated limb. But for his handicaps, the rest of his body was thickly muscled and in glowing health. He couldn't traverse the waters so quickly, but he was still swifter than any land creature that might enter his domain. And his vigilance was higher than ever now, as he kept a close watch on Akahi and all the little Water Dragons; partiulcarly his own.

The swarm of young were scattered about the lake, though most of them had convered near the steps where they could bask in some sun and watch all the land creatures.

Yejideh, the albino female, stuck out like a sore thumb amongst her fifty-six other siblings. After bobbing around on the surface for a while, she swam towards her mother and attempted to climb up and rest atop her head.

Adirondack was absolutely fascinated with the wolves. That fuzz they seemed to be covered with had his attention, and he was just dying to see what it felt like. But an inherited fear kept him from approaching any of the wolves yet.

Krubi and Irrisorie engaged the little minnows that populated the lake. The two sisters took turns trying to corral the little fish towards each other.

Runi

Again the hybrid moved into the land with outsiders following her. But this time she was oblivious to their true intentions. Moving into the water she watched for all the baby creatures. "Be careful, the water reptiles just had babies and they are overly protective now." She said Swimming to the other side then surfacing and sitting on the ground.

A few of the moccasin babies moved toward the new snakes, but quickly departed down into the depths of the water and away from the creatures. The babies were still unsure about the others.

PERIL/DANGER

Peril swam through the creek and into the temple, looking around at all the creatures. This would be nice. Now they just had to pick a target and wait for their victim to be alone. Danger quickly swam across and reached the other side. She looked down into the water at the baby reptiles, then at the land creatures. "Hello. I am Danger, and this is my friend Peril." She said, nodding to the sea snake in the water behind her.

Akki*Kihaku

Akki turned his alabaster head toward the newcome Danger and Peril, the pale tan markings on his face almost invisible in the meager lighting. He turned his good ear to hear Danger's greeting, and then turned back around again, wordless and silent. He was an island. These others were not important.

Slowly, slowly, little Kihaku began to relax in the fold of Ynear's embrace. Her little feathery, black-speckled tail even brushed the ground once, twice, trying to look confident, though not really succeeding. But her dark amber eyes looked gratefully up at Ynear, speaking not, for the orbs said enough. Thanks...

Ynear .+. Others

Ynear looked up at the two new comers, She was alright with birds coming into the domain, for they were near harmless, but two venomous snakes made her shift. Especially while the warriors weren't home. But she wiped away the look of unease. "Why hello there Peril, Danger. My name is Ynear, a Mother of the Shadow Haunters. It is good to have you here."

Toki looked at the snakes and smiled, moving up to them, then backing a little. "Wow, you're really big." Gawked the little cheetah cub to Peril. Then to Danger "And you are very pretty. The other snakes aren't as colorful as you." He smiled, Hidari growled at the snakes, looking to her sister before ignoring th rest of the world.

The eleven moccasin babies soon beached themselves and looked at the older snakes. They huddled around each other, illuding to almost look like a wig. Keltinon raised his black head, his dusty white underside almost looked as if it were floating off his body. "My name is Keltinon, Son of Venom and Melee." The others paused and then began to raise one at a time, introducing themselves: "Cashton" raised an olive green male; "Virgus" Raised another male, his color was a dark grey-tan. "Zuhara" Peeped up a dark olive female. "Gaivis" "Umarra" The two were both dark olive, but their undersides and markings were different. "Adora" "Herougan" Two olive black ones spoke, seperated only by the color of their underbellies. There were two females left. A sepia black one squeeked up "I'm Vesyva" The other female hesitated then spoke. "And I am Uskina." She was a dark brown. They all awaited for a moment before curling back over themselves and into a shy ball.

Orgus, Ikazga, Portrus, Daifiana, Abritt, and Verdict all gave their attention to the snakes for a moment to give them their names, then returned to what they were doing prior to the introductions.

Oraiyus

Softly on the wind, ever so softly, sailed in a delicate looking white and brown prairie falcon. Amber eyes scanning the ground as she came around, tilting her wings; she turned to circle the area once. Obviously scouting the contents of the terra. After a few circle Her tail shifted, sending her rocking back and forth before declining toward the roof.

Her wings slanted, tail tucked, she slowed as she back-flapped. Landing gently before looking around, her eyes piercing as she gave a sharp cry for those who did not notice her, to notice her.

Kagura

she glared and then moved to her sister and jumped on her to play fight.

Kalina

Kalina flew into the Temple and landed on the balcony, ruffling her feathers. "I bring a message from Tahti. She is well, but there is something she would like me to tell your leader if she is willing to listen." The majestic gyrfalcon said, looking around for the one named Risen or anyone else who was high in rank.

Abyss

Abyss turned to Kalina and narrowed her eyes. "Our leader is not here, she is in battle. But we have Dima." Abyss pointed her nose at the alligator

Kalina

Kalina looked down at the gator. "Well then, Dima. Will you hear this message?" The falcon asked, tilting her head.

Dima & Young

The reptile had mainly ignored the talk of the others, until his name came up. Shifting his coarse, Dima sailed towards the shore and looked up at Kalina, "I will."

The gator hatchlings that were near Peril and Danger spoke up when the names were asked. "Aldorvanda." "Gray Tooth." "Lemna." "Storm Claw." "Italia." "Ferus." "Velox." The names went on, until around twenty of the babies had given off their calling. There were still many more who were too busy exploring around the lake or looking for a bite to eat.

Veriquess had her eyes on the tangle of cotton mouths. She glided towards the steps, her little webbed feet sticking out on either side of her as she floated in front of the stoney beach. "You're all so tiny." She piped up in a tiny, almost shy-sounding voice. Of course, she too could aptly be described as 'tiny'.

Kalina

Kalina caught her breath and went down to the gator's level. "I have a message from Tahti. You may choose to listen to her or not, but she believes this is important." She began. "She is trying to convince the human pets that she wants to be one of them. She will obey the humans to a certain extent. When the time is right, she and all the warriors she can gather up will attack the humans and their pets, then run. She will hide for some time before coming back here, so she will not lead the humans to the Shadow Haunters. Please, do not go back for her unless she specifically tells you to through me. If you do go to fetch her, do not be surprised if she acts hostile toward you. She doesn't mean it." She tilted her head and looked around. "She says a wolf by the name of Windsong has captured her daughter named Aurinka. She wants you all to know that if anybody hurts Aurinka, they die." She paused and took a breath. "Aside from that, Tahti also told me I should look into joining the Shadow Haunters. Will you accept me?"

Orinoco & Young

Orinoco looked up at Kalina. She knew Tahti and respected her as a fellow Haunter, but never thought of her as a friend. Then she looked over at Oraiyus. "Yes, stranger? What is it you want?" She asked. She was especially protective today, as her children just hatched.

Some young caimans, children of Orinoco and Ard-Rai, swam up to the shore and began introducing themselves to the land creatures. "Greetings, fellow Shadow Haunters. I am Gold-Heart, son of Orinoco and Ard-Rai. These are my brothers and sisters." The male said, nodding to the reptiles behind him. "I'm Ukawei." The darkest colored one said. "I'm Amazon." A female chimed in. "Kasa." Said another sister. "I'm Arquen!" The smallest one squeaked. "They call me Thief." Said the last one, hiding among his siblings.

Risen

Risen came in with her head up. Even though she was covered in wounds and blood from her fight with Kalaber. Stopping at the waters edge she barked up to the bird. "Her mission to take down the humans may continue. However, Aurinka is alive and a traitor and must be dealt with as such. We do not welcome traitors with lolling tongue and wagging tails. Her daughter will be punished; but the severity of the punishment rests in the rest of the pack. As I have foreworn all members of the Haunter's pack before they enter. The punishment for betrayal is worse than death. If Tahti has a problem with it, she can speak to me personally. For now, she is just to remain a prisoner. She will be used as bait eventually. As for membership. I give you warning: Betrayal is not tolerated. If you believe you are worthy of this pack, then you may carry the dubbance of a Haunter."

Oraiyus looked up from her perch then cried out. "And I Lady Risen, I wish to become a member as well. My name is Oraiyus." The brown and white bird moved a little. "I will be strong and loyal, you will not have to worry about lack of loyalty." The alpha growled, then nodded.

After a moment, Risen looked into the water, not daring to enter due to her wounds. "I have a plan, a new tactic for this recent batch of cubs. Were as the current cubs are trained in elemental terrains. These ones will be training with partners." Her eyes crossed the small bunch of snakes before looking at the mammal cubs; and then up to the bird. "I will go into further detail of it later though." With that she turned and jumped onto a rock. Laying down so that her wounded side would scab over.

The snake bunch spoke in unison. "Yes, we are small, but we are deadlier than you. We want to grow up and be guardians of the pond along side you though. So we shall see you as equals, if you see us as such." They continued to slither over each other, then listened to the Alpha. Unknowning to what she spoke about.

Kalina

Kalina tilted her head. "There was one other thing the coyote told me. She said that Aurinka's own packmates drove her and her brother away." She informed politely. And this she knew was the truth. The other pups tortured Aurinka and Liekki to the point of betrayal. And did the mothers do anything about it? Of course not.

Risen

The alpha scoffed slightly, "The adults and the rest of the dominants did nothing of the sort, she should have come to us with the problem so we could solve it out. -Plus she should have foughten back with them. They were being pups, that's what pups do: They try to show everyone who is boss." She replied. Her head laying down lazily on the rock. Then looked up to the bird with a serious poise. "I- Do not - tolerate - betrayal." She stared, making her point. Ever since seeing a traitor punished with a quick break of the neck, she felt that betrayers got off to easily, and she would not stand for it.

Oraiyus looked from alpha to the other bird of prey. Flapping her wings uneasily.

Kagura

again she made to pounce on her sister she bit at her ears.

Hidari

The cheetah cub fuzzed and growled playfully at her sister, then turned and nipped at her face and pawed at her shoulders. Yowling all the while.

kagura

Kagura growled playfully and nipped at her sister her paws going at her sisters rump

Hidari

Hidari's heart felt alight for once as she was submersed in her sisters play. All the others were now out of her mind as she gnawed at her sisters hind paws. Her owns paws swatting at the other's rump before rolling over and kicking her legs. She pauses, looking at the sky, then the two birds, then back across the sea that lay before them. A tiny destraction as she flexed her back to meet her sisters face with paws grabbing at her ears.

kagura

she kicked her back legs and ran off a few feet aventually and then came running back and lept at her.

Ard-Rai*Isis*Poseidon*Tyr*Valkyrie

Ard-Rai pulled up beside Orinoco, a silent snarl on his face, for he was in protective mode. But a glance to his pretty mate softened the hard gaze into what might have been a tiny smile.

The little grin grew in size as four more little caimanlings came toward the platform. Black-banded Isis darted in front of her mother's nose, giggling madly and chasing after the dark-emerald green Valkyrie. They were playing water-tag, never content with remaining still, not noticing all the foreign animals around them.

Tyr remained close beside Orinoco, a little miniature version of her attached at the side. Momma... what're those? His voice came out a tiny version of his father's gravelly rumble as his eyes rested on the wofl pups and the kits up on the platform.

Poseidon was nearby, sunning on a small rock, with a pleasant and curious smile on his face, but not moving to join the others. He was... kind of shy.

The hard look came back into Rai's orbs again, as he shifted a little to include his little hatchlings in his defense as best he could given the circumstances.

Orinoco

Orinoco looked at Tyr and smiled. "Those are wolf pups and feline cubs. They're our friends." She said calmly, watching her children closely.

Hidari

Hidari growled with a smile as her sister came bounding toward her. Slowly she haunched down and leapt up with her paws in the air to catch her sister or scare her away.

Kagura

She didn't scare.She collided with her sister and bit lightly at her shoulder.

Dima & Young

Dima was quite happy to have Risen return, for he didn't want to bother with remembering so much information. He wasn't as wrapped up in the politics and plans of the others, and prefered to just stay in his lake and guard his family. When his alphess took over, Dima returned to his guarding duties.

Veriquess tilted her little head ever so slightly to the side, her giant, unproportioned eyes wide and curious as she watched the little serpents. "But how can you be deadly with you have such tiny teeth?" Venom was something she had yet to be taught about.

Sunspot, defined by his lighter coloring, climbed up near his brother Poseidon. Like the others, his dark eyes seemed so massive compared to his little body, and were framed by the bony ridges inherited from his father.

Torva, one of the gator hatchlings, made her way towards the baby caiman to check them out.

Perched at the edge of the balcony, Dally had his eyes on Kalina. He had been so wrapped up in the Haunters till this point that he hadn't even thought about a mate until now.

Kalina

The white gyrfalcon saw so many new and strange creatures that he didn't notice Dally until just now. She looked up at him, and tried to hide her smile when she saw that he was watching her. She flew up to the balcony and perched next to the falcon. "Hey. I'm Kalina." She said politely in that soft, friendly voice of hers. "I've never seen all these different kinds of animals working together. It's very interesting."

Dally

Dally was surprised to feel a flush of nervousness creep into him, and at first, he was at a loss for what to say.

"Dally." He returned after a faultering pause, looking away for a moment. Then his dark eyes returned to Kalina and he found his voice once more, "All thanks to Risen, our leader." Dally informed with a touch of pride for his ruler, "You're... uh..." Dally paused, blinking in stupor as he lost his voice again, "...an interesting color." That was stupid! He chastised himself as soon as he finished the delayed sentence. What he had meant to do was compliment her, but it didn't turn out quite right.

Kalina

Kalina smiled and blushed. "Thank you." She replied at his compliment. "You're quite a handsome bird yourself."

Hidari and others

Hidari growled as she continued to bite at her sister, she wasn't going to hurt her, no, but if she got her claws on Toki, he'd be begging for her mercy.

Oraiyus peered down to the alpha as she spoke to a bleached wolf. Then her colored eyes searched the other birds. Kalina was an interesting color, but to her, birds were birds, an interesting bird would be one you could see through.

With a soft snort, she leaped from the top of the temple and glided down near the alpha, back flapping a few times before landing on the boulder Risen had been sitting on prior. Her yellow eyes stared at the female for a moment before turning to the reptiles in the lake.

The snakes continued to coil, though soon the females dispersed themselves into the water. Leaving the males to continue the conversation. "We are more deadly, for even our tiny fangs carry liquid death. If we so choose, we can bite down and deliver death to those we want dead." They giggled amongst themselves as the ball grew tighter for a moment then splayed out.

Kagura

She growled playfully. she bit at her sisters tail now.

Ard-Rai*Tyr*Poseidon*Isis*Valkyrie

And I'd pluck down all the stars for you
There in your eyes to shine
I listen, and all you say is true
The shine in you
Reflects in me
The stars in your eyes are mine.

Poseidon gave Sunspot a soft smile and scootched over so that there was room on the rock for both of them.

Tyr's eyes absorbed the sight of the pups and kits as his audits listened to his mother's words. His tiny mouth opened in that word of infinite wisdom. Oh...

Isis finally caught up to Valkyrie and nipped her tail gently. The sister giggled madly and swooped about, now reversing the chase.

Rai's gaze enveloped them all, careful not to let his wandering daughters stray too far, especially with the venemous reptiles in the room. The snakes would have a hard time breaking the caimanlings' tough skins, but still..