Vicious .+. Risen .+. Others

Vicious came racing in with an angered expression upon his face. Had he heard the new to late or could he stop it before it happened. Letting out an urgent howl he called to Risen.

It wasn't long before the group came back with their injured comrade. Gently, they ste Liekki on the ground and Risen called for Quilikahm and Aurinka. However a third member was to show up as well. Fawn moved in and bowed her head to the alphess. "I have been searching for a meaning in life, and I believe I have found one. Please may I join as a Healer." Runi walked up with her head down. She stood much larger than a wolf and her background was ment to kill them, but that was the last she wanted. "And may I be a Mother." Risen looked them over, they were weak but knew their places. She gave a nod to them. "Work starts immediately."

Oh but how Fawn knew nothing of healing. She was ready to learn. Runi nodded to her sister then moved toward the children once again.

"RISEN" She-devil turned her head to a hyper father. His eye locked straight on hers. "What is it." "They are gathering!" Risen's eyes grew slightly wider, but just as quickly resumed into a now more decisive look. If the pack were to live and succeed, they would have to act as quickly as possible. Who knows how long they had been... gathering.

She turned to Bandit with a smile. "You will go through your training now." With that she walked to the middle of the temple and barked out. "Warriors can retreat to their divisions for rest, we will come up with a plan. Sacrifice will inform you all later on what is to go down. But first. Pups, I am sorry, but being in a division with your parents will hinder your training. Ghoul, Onslaught, Martimoor, Xuvan, Little Tuft, and Leopeson will go with Razor until your training is complete. Then you will be free to move about the divisions as you please. Iota, Toxin, Panther, Destroying Angel, and Black Claw; you will train with Incalia and the dogs." She nodded the dismissale of the Warriors.

Razor nodded then looked to his new troops. Barking out for Krypt to follow, then nodding for the new recruits to join him. Ghoul eagerly went, looking back to Bandit with a nod of approval then nipping at Onslaught and making his way to Razor’s land.

Shattered, Silver Trace, and Wither moved their own separate ways. Shattered move sluggish and looked toward Bloodlust to follow. Rasheetah looked to her group and nodded for them to head out.

When all the Warriors filed out Risen looked to the rest of the group. "Mothers, bring the children to the basement for the night." Ynear nodded and nuzzled the pups to head down the staircase and looked back to Nymph. When they got down there, Ynear offered her warmth and her grooming. Temptation cuddled near Snowfall instinctively. Closing her eyes to let sleep consume her.

With the Mothers down, Risen spoke up once more. "Converters! This is desperate times! You must gain as many alliances and members as you possibly can. I fear we may be late but please try. Stay safe and move." She dismissed them as well. Villain nodded and headed out of the Temple. Making his way to gain trust and respect from others.

"Messengers must listen. Healers; tend to Liekki up stairs." at the order Fawn picked up the pup and went up the stairs to heal the help the little one for rest and healing.

"Strategists! We must now plan for how to increase. We have the converters out, Messengers waiting to spread out decision. All I can come up with - Our mothers will work over time. We will need temporary baby-sitters. The strongest of the strong Warriors need to breed. I allow no inbreeding. But is there an alternative to this?" She stared, she did not show the desperation she was feeling. Showing only a calm and rule out figure.

The group, which should consist of: Risen, Cavan, Lion, Velvet, and Bandit, was signaled to create a circle. What were their options?

Bandit

Bandit raised his head as Vicious came in calling to Risen. 'They?' He wondered, but stayed silent. He rose to his feet [he was laying down.] When Risen acknowledged him about training, he bowed his head in agreement. He met Ghoul's gaze and watched them go, until out of sight. The wolf then listened intently to her orders, until finally many of the canines had dispersed. Finally they were to come to a circle, which he abided and sat down in the circle which was being made. She spoke out what they needed quickly, and he worked on his thoughts. Increase...animals, they needed animals. Wolves. Cats. The Zoo. The Wolf Center. The Pit. The Dog Pound. So many places flashed to mind...
"We're in a need to increase, and there's many animals out there with no alliance. **The wolf center, if we can convince some to join, we could try to help them escape? The dog pound and zoo, as well? Many canines and animals live there with nothing. Converters can try to convince them to join the Haunters, and we can find a way to get them out." Bandit fell silent after speaking his thoughts, not quite sure how to escape the animals even if they did convert them.

Onslaught, Krypt, Litharaz & Incalia

Onslaught batted at his brothers nip, giving a friendly nod to Bandit, then scampered after Razor.

Krypt brought up the rear of the pups, even on his damaged leg, he could still fight and train.

Incalia respected Risen's choice. With a nod to her alphess, the hybrid called the pups that were to join her, and started out a journey to her packland with Litharaz bringing up the rear.

Kage .+. Kaiya .+. Belial .+. Silhouette

Kage moved quickly, her steps effortless and floating as she came up by Risen. She gave the alphess a cock eyed grin, her tail waving a bit. Oh God, she was having another one of her spells. What is it that we are fighting against, dear Risen? She was pouting because she had missed seeing Kalaber, oh how she so truly wished she could just kill him and get it over with. He was White Tips son, haha and whatever came from White Tip had to die. It had to.

Kaiya came forth once more, using her hearing and touch as she had before. Where would you like me. Her eyes were solemn, as was her dark face. The youngster was gentle and kind, but fierce and loyal.

Belial came trotting forward, and he sat next to his brother with a dark grin. He flashed a look to Hostage, whom is brother was speaking to and at the others words he replied Think you can handle it? Taunting little devil, now isn't he?

Silhouette just rolled her eyes at her brothers, then moved silently towards Nymph. Without hesitation, the small female leapt upon her, with a snarl as fierce as she could possibly manage. To and adults ears, it was just a puppy growl, but to hers it was a roar.

Tahti/Liekki/Aurinka

Liekki whimpered when he was set down. He was breathing hard and the pain was great. Both of his front legs were wounded and he had many small injuries elsewhere.

Aurinka left her mother and ran to Liekki. "Who did this to you?!" She asked, tears pouring from her eyes. She began to assess his injuries. "Deer...Um...Deer? I need help!" She called out. By deer she, of course, meant Quil.

Liekki gasped. "I-I think his name started with the 'K' sound. K-K...Kalaber! That was it...He has a little tiny fox friend who wanted him to stop beating me up." He said, trying not to let himself cry.

"We have to wait for the deer." Aurinka said, "I have little knowledge...But I think the deer has some plants that make the pain go away." She began licking her brother's wounds.

"I-I wish I could train with Iota." Liekki said, as if his life was over.

Tahti stood up, closing her now blind eye. "I am a Converter. I must go now." She said, looking at her son. "Do not come after me again. I should have never called you. Stay here and train." She rolled in a puddle, washing off all the blood. With that, she left the Temple.

Firestorm/Nitro

The sound of hooves trotting across the stone echoed through the Temple as a pair of horses walked through it. The stallion whinnied when he saw the group. "I caught the last bit of your conversation." Firestorm said. "I'd like to join your Army and be a Warrior" Sweat ran in beads down his side.

Soon after, his sister arrived. "I'd like the same. I'd like to be a Warrior." She said, catching her breath. She hoped Risen would accept their offer.

Risen

She had risen from her seat as the two arrived and nodded to them. Smiling, "Alright, sounds wonderful. The horse division is to the north of here." With that she explained the directions to the south of heaven land.

After dismissing them she turned to Bandit and nodded. "That is a fair deal, any other ideas?" She looked around. Assessing each in the circle.

Firestorm/Nitro

Firestorm nodded and began to walk away, signaling for his sister to follow.

"Thank you." Nitro said, then galloped ahead of Firestorm.

Penny

Penny watched as all the creatures went their separate ways. The Great War is beginning... She thought, closing her eyes. She began to say an Irish prayer in her head:

"May those who love us, love us;
and those who don't love us,
may God turn their hearts;
and if He doesn't turn their hearts,
may He turn their ankles
so we'll know them by their limping."

She opened her eyes and looked around, making sure the 'monsters' had not heard her thoughts.

Chahaya & Others

The lion cubs mingled together for a moment, speaking their farewells before each one took off to their designated areas. As Chahaya bayed her own goodbye's to her offspring, she and the rest of the adult felines headed back for their own terra.

Velvet remained behind, her large, slanted eyes taking in the curious creatures that formed the circle she stood in. She was still very young, but her mind was quick and thorough in its thoughts. While she'd need wisdom to hone her mind, she had enough experience and lessons taught by her mother to offer some advice in the council. "If we get stormed by a lot of enemies, I don't think Dima and Orinoco alone can hold off alot. We need more water creatures in that pond."

Quilikham hurried over to Liekki, assessing the youngster's wounds. "I will be right back." The tiny deer bounded away, heading for her room. A few moments later, she returned with a mouth-ful of green leaves and tender new shoots. "Hypericum leaves are one of the best for healing wounds." She said, looking briefly to Aurinka. "Crush them up into a poultice..." She went on, mashing the leaves as she spoke. "...place them on the wounds. These plants can be found all over the place. They are shrubs, that stay green all year round. In the summer, they have fuzzy yellow flowers, and large seedheads during the rest of the time." With the poultice created, she lifted it in her mouth and spread it out over Liekki's wounds, using a gentle touch to press it down without causing him to much more discomfort. "Remember this plant, because it is very important. It also helps to calm the wounded, making them more relaxed."

Aurinka/Liekki

Aurinka nodded as Quilikham spoke, watching her mash the leaves. She looked down at her brother, but did not smile. "I hope that mean wolf gets what he deserves!" She said, filled with rage. "Nobody should attack a child, even if they are not on the same team."

Liekki yelped when his wounds were touched, but he soon calmed down. If he and his mother had not been so foolish around an animal bigger and stronger than them, he would not be in such bad shape. "When can I train with the other pups?" He asked, looking up at Quilikham with his little puppy eyes.

Fawn .+. Risen

Fawn looked over the wounds as one of the new healers she payed close attention to what was being said and done. She kept quiet though, dark thoughts beginning dig through her mind like unwanted worms. Gah, the feeling was annoying as well as painful and she knew she had to toss them away to be able to concentrate in such a big pack. Especially if she were to be one of those who helped the injured.

Risen turned to Velvet and nodded her head. "Yes we do, but how do you persuade a water reptile? The could breed if they submit the the idea. If not we will have to journey and find more. We already have guards for deer now. Two Rhinoceros, Alderon and Gymba, Alderon said he would come in times of battle. We already have to help free zoo and other human bound creatures as well as find more water animals. Any proposals on how to do so?" She said with a stern voice and looked around.

Bandit

Proud he had an idea they were using, the canine thought further. "Hasn't there already been an escape from the inside of the Wolf Center? We're on the outside, maybe that could be an advantage. But should we traverse there first and inspect, for maybe a weakness in the way they trap them and help them out that way?" Bandit shook his head. Never being there himself, he didn't know how they'd work out how to get them to escape, the future allies.

Nymph

The black lioness had been so preoccupied with Snowfall that she did not even see Silouhette's mock attack until the pup landed on her nose, startling a smile out of her. Looking up through the maze of paws, she spoke purringly. Well, my my, little one. Having fun? And her large paw came up, batting ever-so-lightly at Silhouette's hinds, so as not to hurt the pup. After all, Silhouette was still slightly smaller than Nymph's own front paws, because they were gigantic, as befitted a large, steady-footed cat. Her purring voice came again, this time to Snowfall. See, this young one here is a friendly sort. Perhaps you will learn to be friends.

Snowfall

Snowfall looked at Nymph. If Nymph said it was so, it was so. She stood and padded over to Silouhette. "Hello, Silouhette," she squeaked. "I'm Snowfall." She smiled sweetly and pawed at the pup's ear.

Silhouette

Her eyebrows raised at Nymphs words. Nice? Oh Hell no. She wasn't nice, she was just as evil as her brothers. Suddenly a paw hit her ear and the female shook her head and scowled. No no no, they were not allowed to touch her. But.....GAH! She had to play. Suddenly she leapt forth, aiming for Snowfall to send her toppling over. Dark laughter escaped her, and she glanced over her shoulder to make sure her brothers weren't watching.

Nymph

Nymph kept her eyes closely on Silhouette, for she knew better than to assume that because the pup was small that she must automatically be kind. Her words had been to reassure Snowfall. She watched carefully, making sure that neither pup would be hurt, though of course the greater concern was for the shy and timid Snowfall, her little "daughter". She was confident that if Silhouette behaved too badly, she could separate them.

Snowfall

Snowfall toppled over and growled playflly. She stuck a paw out to bat her nose. "Silhouette." she barked and squeezed out.

Temptation .+. Ynear .+. Hazard .+. Runi

Temptation watched as her sister fumbled about with the new Snowfall. Her tail wagged viciously and she moved closer and bite at her sisters legs playfully. Jumping about and nipping her rump.

Hazard glimpsed the trio playing but thought nothing of it. He kept his attention on Hostage, then looked for his brother, Belial. "So, what do you think this training is like? I hope it's worth it cause I bet I could take down a lot just fresh from the baby sitters..... I think... He turned his views on the group of mothers."

Ynear laid there and watched the group carefully. Temptation was obviously done with her bath. Ynear knew Hazard would allow her to bathe him. This thought only made her smile and glance to Runi who sat and completed the trangle. The long bodied borzoi watched the group and nuzzled any pups who came near to her. Her tail waving gently to create a small current around the pups.

Aurinka/Liekki

Liekki tried to stand, but fell. He wanted to cry, but he also wanted to look big and brave. He held his tears back.

Aurinka helped her brother up and allowed him to lean on her. She was gaunt and weak, but it was better than nothing.

Liekki leaned up against Aurinka, wincing with every step. They walked closer to where the pups were playing. "If that stupid wolf wouldn't have attacked me, I could play with the other pups!" He growled.

Aurinka had a habit of speaking before she thought deeply enough. "Maybe Risen can attack him for you." She said. She didn't want to use the word 'kill.' It just didn't feel right.

Liekki yipped to the pups. "Are you having fun over there?" He asked, getting impatient.

Silhouette .+. Belial

His smile was dark on Hostage, and in a soft voice he murmered to his brother Think he is good enough to be one of us? Belial was normally the silent brooder, taking in everything and everyone, learning their weakness's and their strengths. Hostage had yet to show him either. However, his ears had caught Liekkis words, as well as Aurinka. He rolled his eyes, and turned his head around to face them both, and in his dark and sinister tone he said If you hadn't been foolish, you would still be fine. And you! Thinking of asking the great alphess to attack someone for a mere fool. If they decided to attack him, he was ready. His fur was beginning to bristle, his eyes taking on that glow of fire, that inner darkness coming up to consume him. His brother would back him up, possibly even Hostage. He could take on the world, and think nothing of it.

Silhouette let out a startled yelp as her sister grabbed hold of her leg, but it was soon turned to a fit of giggles. No fair! She said in a light tone. Her voice was her most deadly weapon. When she spoke, she could change her voice so that she could be whomever she wished. The quiet and peaceful angel, or the dark and deadly demoness, reaching for your throat as you sleep.

Kaiya came from within the temple, and up behing Aurinka and Liekki. At Belials words, blind eyes narrowed and she said to him Watch your step, young one. Do not be a fool and get yourself into trouble. Her eyes were in the center of his forehead, not in submission and respect, but because even though she was trying she couldn't pin point where his eyes were.

Hazard .+. Ynear .+. Tempation

There would be no fighting, Ynear would see none of it. Instead she shook her head disapprovingly to Belial and continued to watch the youngsters. Nodding the the co-Mother, Kaiya. "Son, Risen will not go after Kalaber for just hurting the pup. He has been a big pest ever since they rescued us..." Her mind was completely brainwashed in the tangled lies of Nachi. "He will pay, He has become the evil one..." She shook her head so softly, she wanted to cry for her brother. For his 'chosen' path, but would not show weakness to the pups.

Hazard growled slightly at Kaiya then turned to the pained Ynear. With a slight sneer he turned toward Liekki and woofed at them with anger. Idiots, he though almost everyone was an idiot except for the selected few. Especially if they got hurt in such a pathetic and arrogant way.

Temptation growled to her brothers. "Watch it. If you were in his position, I'd be laughing at you as well. HAH Idiots." She growled to the two of them. Hazard stared numbly then turned back to Hostage for further conversation.

Tempation said nothing as her brother turned back around but continued light nips on her sister and friend. Easily forgetting her anger as if it was never there to begin with.

Aurinka/Liekki

Aurinka growled. "It was my mom's fault!" She snapped. "Not Liekki's! Kalaber attacked Mom for no reason! Liekki only tried to save her!" She bared her teeth, snarling. "Watch your tongue next time, stupid dog!"

Liekki looked at Aurinka. He had never seen her this way before. She looked so...not nice. "Think twice before calling me a fool. I only did what I had to, as a Shadow Haunter. Perhaps you weren't aware that we have to stick up for each other, even if it means risking our lives. In this case, it was not foolishness. It was bravery and loyalty." He was quite calm, despite the pup's rude comment.

Hostage

Hostage stared at the other, and he stood coming up beside Belial and his brother. Watch it, little girl. His words were soft, but something about them held malice and ill intent. Belial and his brother were the only ones that had been nice to him besides Snowfall. He wouldn't hesitate to protect them. That and he was willing to prove how strong he was. If her pup had to go save her, she must be pretty pathetic. I mean, think about. Pup...Adult. Loser. His eyes were beginning to flame, and his tail began to wag to and fro but not in a friendly manner. Protect one another? You got caught. If you had died, I would have said its the circle of life. The weak die. The strong live. End of story.

Tahti/Aurinka/Liekki

Aurinka growled, but she was soon silenced by Tahti.

The coyote had just come in, yet did not bring any new members. She looked at her children, then at the group of pups. "Aurinka, what is wrong?" She asked.

"Those babies are being really mean and saying that Liekki was a fool." Aurinka replied, trying not to cry.

Liekki nudged his sister. "Quiet!" He whispered.

Tahti looked at the group again. "I do not mind you calling me pathetic. For all we know, I'm the most pathetic Haunter there ever lived!" She narrowed her eyes. "But if you have a problem with me, take it to me instead of filling my childrens' heads with your crap."

Aurinka glared at Hostage. "So, if Kalaber were to kill your sister, you would have shrugged it off and said, 'Suck it up all you stupid whiny babies. It's the circle of life.' Would you not?" She said. "We're all family here. And, if you were in an enemy's jaws, you would want somebody to save you, right? I mean, you wouldn't want everyone to leave you and say, 'We don't care if you die because it's the circle of life.'"

Liekki had to try hard to keep himself from laughing at Aurinka's comments.

Hostage

Something glimmered in those puppy blues as Aurinka made her first mistake. Back off.... HE warned. He began to come closer, his fangs bared at the female, his fur bristled. The difference between my sister and your brother, is that my sister is not stupid enough to be caught! That was her only warning. Hostage suddenly came forth, his fangs bared and going straight for Aurinkas throat. He couldn't do to much damage at this stage, he was still quite young but she had made the mistake of angering him, and you never wanted to anger a male with a soul as tainted as his. He paid no mind to Tahti, she was just another fool. The fool who had gotten herself nearly killed.

Tahti/Aurinka/Liekki

Aurinka tried her hardest not to cry, but she felt a tear run down her cheek. "Liekki is not stupid!" She screamed as Hostage's teeth met her throat. She was knocked to the ground, stunned. She was weak at birth, and quite skinny. She could not protect herself nearly as well as others her age.

Liekki fell over when Hostage brushed up against him. He would not attack...he would not attack. "We did nothing to you, so why must you attack my sister?" He asked, looking at the pup.

Tahti raised her head and howled, then looked at Hostage and delivered a warning growl. "Let go of her!" She commanded, snapping at Hostage's tail.

Sasha

Sasha looked at Penny one last time. "I will see you soon. I promise." She said softly, before walking towards the exit. But she looked back at Toxin. "Please let no harm come to the bird." She added, then left.

Ynear

The mother growled, quite agitated the moved over to the squambeling group. Biting Hostage on the scruff to cause a temperary paralysis that accured when the neck was bitten. Lifting him up gently until Aurunka was out of his grasp and bringing him across and down to the basement. Two levels away from the healers.

After placing him down she came back up and barked for the others to follow her down. Hazard and Temptation growled somewhat then slowly made their way down to the lower level. Out of the sight of Liekki and the others. In this time they did not need to make worse what was already bad. "Come mothers." Ynear said in a now more dominant tone. Nachi was rarely there and she was now being forced out of her shell to run the things going on with the mothers.

Nymph

Nymph, seeing that Ynear had grabbed hold of her "son", reached down to grasp Snowfall up, voice soft. Come along, then, little one. And her steps followed Ynear's, coming down to the lower level.

Liekki/Aurinka

Aurinka gasped when she was free. "Mean little mutt." She said under her breath. She sat down, watching Ynear walk away.

Liekki sighed. So much violence for such young pups. He was nothing like his parents. But he was happy to be a Haunter, even if some of his packmates did things that he didn't like. He looked down at his legs. They were still broken and covered with dry blood. He soon had to look away to avoid getting sick.

Nymph

Nymph's steps could soon be heard, following Ynear. She soon came into view with Snowfall clasped in her mouth, for she had to keep an eye on her "children". She had promised Camarin she would watch over them. Coming to a halt, she set Snowfall down gently, voice flowing forth. Hostage... come here, dear. She knew that the attacks had frightened his sister, and she hoped to at least make him a little more cautious. A reckless warrior did not live long in real battle. Only the prudent survived. And she had promised... promised to keep them safe.

Hostage

He turned those flaming eyes to Nymph now, and there it could be seen. Those ancient eyes of his, the ones of his forefathers and he came towards Nymph not because she said, but because that was where Snowfall was. He nuzzled his sister and lay down, his eyes on Liekki. In them was something dangerous now, something threatening. Yes, this was the future generation. How the Hell was it going to survive?

Nymph

Indeed, she caught the fire there, and mentally shook her head over it. If this kept up, he would break his sister's heart... but she did not say it. No, she let the soothing purr back into her voice. There now, we're all together. Safe and warm.

Oh boy oh boy... what WAS she going to do with him?

Ynear .+. Others

Ynear smiled at the others, but her glee was short lived as the cub asked where his mother was. Speaking in a soft tone she cooed to them. "I am your mother now, you blood had run and left you for dead. Well..." She looked behind her to the other mothers. "We are your mothers, you shall stay here, you will be safe and protected from the darkness that plegues the world. Come children." She said softly, We have moved down to the basement, you may greet and catch up with others there.

-------

Dab, Fleet, and Vidiv looked to their other siblings to see their reaction. They had already been told this and had gotten over the truth. Vidiv was the only one who really lowere hid head in sorrow. To Dab and Fleet, life would have to go on, and that is how they saw it.

Moving swiftly now, the three boys turned and padded their way to the spiral stair case and began to clamber down into the basement. Fleet and Dab did not part, but Vidiv moved to a wall by himself, looking at his other siblings as if to motion them to join him.

Hazard growled at the sight of new pups, but huffed and turned to his brother. They were out of sight from the adolecent male, Liekki, now. No more of a bother.

Temptation looked around to the new males and smiled deeply. Golden silver eyes flickering a bit and then moving toward them like a house cat would to a stranger. Swirving in a bit before she circled around toward Vidiv. She smiled as he shifted uncomfortably under her stare. "Well hello there cutie." Vidiv gave off a small growl. "What do you want?" Temptation only smiled and pressed against her half brother. Making him shift away. It only caused her joy to see males shift under her own actions.

Tahti/Aurinka/Liekki

Tahti smiled. "Locket...That is a lovely name for a lovely pup." She replied. Her voice was soft and quiet, something you would expect in a Converter. She looked at her own pups and called to them. "<>BAurinka, Liekki...Could you come here for a moment?"

Aurinka and her injured brother approached the other pup, smiling. "Hello." Aurinka said softly.

"Children, this is Locket. Would you like to meet her?" The mother asked.

The siblings nodded and began to speak, the sister first. "I am Aurinka." She said. "It is good to meet you."

Liekki left his caring sister's side and stepped closer, sitting down painfully. "Hi, Locket. I am Liekki. I hope we could be good friends." He said politely. "I am sorry. We would introduce you to our sister, but she is in training. Perhaps she will be back soon."

Locket * Leviathan * Hostage

Leviathan followed his brothers, more then happy to do so. It was nice to be around males again!

The smaller albino pup lifted her eyes to see others coming towards her now. Her eyes changed, turning to a puppish-whatever-you-want look. Her tail curled about her and she gave them a sickly sweet smile. A pleasure to meet you all. Her red eyes told nothing but it could be seen. She would make the best converter, with her dark and deadly ways.

Seduction suddenly came and pounced upon Aurinka. Hiya! She said. Unlike her sister, it was hard to tell just yet what she would be. So upbeat and happy, maybe a mother. Her innocence radiated off of her like a beacon, and she was more then happy to show it.

Hostage lay down, not bothering with the new pups or introducing himself. Not much of a point, really.

Nymph

Nymph kept a vague eye on the pups, but most of her attention was now devoted to Hostage. He was... different. So she reached over to wash him, speaking as she did so. So... have you decided what you'd like to do when you get bigger, dear? She had, of course, heard what he'd said, but she was interested in his reasoning, the desires behind his choice.

Wasteland

He knew it was the perfect time to strike. The Haunters were gone, trying to gain more allies and had left very few here. The amur tiger drifted into the temple, his eyes seeking Penny. He let out a fierce roar, a warning and a calling. His tail lashed out behind him, his eyes seeking. He saw pups and mothers not to far, and wondered if he should confront them. His eyes glittered at the idea. Cause some trouble while he was here, eh?

Quilikahm, Chahaya, Purple Haze, & Yarrow

Taking a light nap in her den, Chahaya was not in a good mood. One of her three newborn liger cubs had been stolen by a human while she was out getting a bite to eat. She would have tracked the mangy two-legger down, but couldn't afford to leave her two remaining daughters alone. Resolved to alert Risen of the trouble, the clawless tigeress was extra alert right now. Purple Haze and Yarrow, her two daughters, snuggled in close to their mother.

Quilikahm was hustling about gathering plants here and there when the male tiger arrived. Hearing the roar, the little deer froze, dropping a mouthful of herbs on the ground as she turned teddybear ears towards Wasteland. "Intrudor! There's an intrudor!" She barked out as loud as she could, but wasn't sure who all was around to hear her.

In her chamber, Chahaya woke up with a rumble, blinking in the darkness as she listened to the muntjac's plantive cries. If anyone dared enter her lair, she'd fight for all she was worth to kill them. Unfortunately for her though, all she had to fight with were her fangs. Thanks to the humans, she had no claws.

Locket * Wasteland * Hostage

Hostage turned to his new mother, and his dark eyes were flat and emotionless. I'm going to be a warrior. I'll make my dad proud of me, and prove to the world that I'm not like every other power hungry wolf out there. There has to be a reason to fight. Not just attack. If Risen wants an army, she'd best explain to me why we're attacking and if its not good enough then its not for me. Then the nearly all black male faced Ynear, then his eyes drifted to the tiger. Take the cat for example. He looks as if he has a purpose, and he knows exactly what it is. His leader obviously sent him here for a reason, and it wasn't just to stand there and look pretty. So young, but so cool. Yes, that was Hostage.

Locket felt herself being picked up, and voiced nothing. But as soon as she was set down, she waited silently until no one was paying attention then slid over to her brother her red eyes glowing in the darkness. She to saw nothing, but that wouldn't stop her from listening. Her pup ears twitched forward, and she slid herself between the wall and Vidiv so that she was barely seen. Shut up! She hissed at the others.

Wasteland turned his eyes first upon Nymph, then to Ynear and the others. You may wish to check on your friend, I fear that I struck harder then intended. There was a glint in his eyes that suggested other wise. He had done exactly as he had intended to Ireshk. All I came here for was the bird, Penny. Give me her, I leave you in peace. You fight me....You fight all of us. In the main part of the ruins there were others. A Snow Leopard, a bear, a deer and a bird that looked like Penny. Wasteland had been sent to watch over proceedings, but what was the fun in that?

Penny/Sasha/Saguaro/Tahti/Aurinka/Liekki

Penny opened her eyes. She heard her name. She looked out the doorway at the group. Noticing the tiger standing tall and strong, she squawked to him. It appeared as if somebody was finally coming to rescue her!

Suddenly, Sasha and Saguaro burst through the doorway, running like maniacs. "Alright! Who dares to mess with us?!" Saguaro exclaimed, both running for the room that Penny was in.

"I do." Tahti replied racing after the deer and javelina. She lunged at Sasha when she was close enough, and unfortunately grabbed her hind leg.

"Keep running!" The deer exclaimed, struggling to get out of the mean coyote's grasp.

"Mom! Stop! Let the nice deer go!" Aurinka cried, bursting into tears.

Liekki growled. "MOM!" He exclaimed, glaring at his mother. "STOP!"

Tahti ignored, and kept her grip on Sasha's leg.

Saguaro kept running for Penny, squealing. When she got there, she had no time to speak or examine injuries. She grabbed Penny by the neck very gently and quickly dragged her to Wasteland. She set the bird down and stood over her. "If you want the bird, you face my tusks first!" She spat.

Penny looked at Wasteland. "A-Are you an angel?" She asked timidly.

Tahti shook her head violently, still holding her grip on the deer.

Aurinka finally snapped. She raced for her mother, chomping down on her belly.

Tahti let go, yelping. She snapped at her daughter. "You are in big trouble, missy!" She warned.

Sasha had just enough time to escape. She limped to the tiger and javelina, staying right next to Wasteland.

Chimalli

Chimalli swooped down from his post, calling through the Temple. "Intruders! Fight here! They've taken the bird!" He squawked, beating his wings powerfully. He made the message known with more loud calls.

Arctic, Draven and Vulcan

With wild eyes, Arctic slipped up next to Wasteland with fangs bared and a deep growl echoing from her throat. Casting a look down to Penny, She half-grinned, "If he's an angel, I'm God." Turning her hissing wrath on the Haunters, Arctic snarled.

Draven soon arrived, with Vulcan along-side. The hybrid grinned maliciously, tongue running across his canines. He stepped across Penny, neck tucked and fur bristled. This was a mighty canine, a triple cross-breed. Three of the biggest breed's combined to create him, he wasn't an easy fight, no way in hell.

Vulcan, the siberian tiger, weighed in at 800 pounds, and came up on the opposite side of Wasteland, tail thrashing and long fangs glistening. "Listen up, You have two choices. Let us leave with her, or fight us for her. I'm sure your little friend outside will know what choice he should have made..."

Tahti/Chimalli

Tahti snarled at the big cats. "The bird came here by her own will, so she is ours!" She snapped, circling around the group. She eyed Vulcan. "If only you knew how foolish you sounded." She grinned. "If you want the bird, you must rescue the other hostages first. They're over there." She pointed at Dima's Temple with her nose. "We have a litter of baby tigers, and some little baby alligators. One of the tigers is dying." She smirked, watching the group. Her words were lies, but she was good at making them sound like the truth. She nodded to Chimalli. "I need you to guard the hostages, okay? Tell them that somebody has come to 'save' them." She said to him.

The Crested Caracara smiled and flew to Dima's Temple, knowing that Tahti actually wanted him to warn the crocidilians of an attack.

Penny/Tahti

Penny snapped at Tahti. "You liar. I have been down there and there is nothing besides Orinoco and her friend." She spat.

"Oh, but we took some hostages down there since you have left." Tahti said, smirking. "Hurry up. The baby tiger is dying."

Tuari/Penny

Tuari walked through the doorway, looking for any sign of Penny. When he saw his sister among the group, he raced to her, ignoring the Haunters around him. "Pen!" He exclaimed happily. "I haven't seen you for a long time! How are you?"

Penny looked up at Tuari and managed to smile. "They broke my legs, but I'm fine otherwise. These animals saved me."

Tuari looked at Wasteland and the others. "Thank you for being so kind and helping my sister." He looked at the Haunters around him, ready for a fight. "You don't take somebody's sister and expect to get away alive." He snapped, beating his wings.

Ynear .+. Others

Ynear snarled as Tahti attacked but could not stop the fighting. It would have been better for her just to take the bird and go, but now she had a string to lie on and hopefully get these guys more than they can bite.

Instantly her face contorted to anger, hissing dangerously. ">b?They would have been better off not knowing there were other hostages. Then we could have kept them from the other packs." She turned to the group. "You have what you want, now leave. The temple out back has nothing for you, make your way out or your dead." She made it oh so easy, so tempting to think hers were lies. She was letting them go, without a second fight as if to keep the 'hostages' out back. Quickly she glanced to Tahti, 'speak no further.' was the simple words, she hoped what she had said would spur them on.

Lyric hid away near the top, a small harmless canary watched below and then took flight to the temple to give a suggestive warning, and further instructions of course.

Tuari/Sasha/Saguaro/Penny

Saguaro glared at Ynear. "You lie very convincingly." She said hatefully. "You would not be so brave if I took your limbs off." She looked at Sasha. "Let's get the bird back home." She lowered herself down, and Sasha helped Penny onto the Javelina's back. They ran home, hoping to get Penny back in time.

Tuari watched as his sister was taken away. He looked at Ynear. "Do you want a fight?!" He snapped. He stepped forward, towering over the canine. He launched his head out, bill open, aiming for Ynear's eye.

Ynear

Lithe femme watched as the bird came closer and dodged his attack with precision. Leaping to the side and rolling out of his way. "My words are not lies. There is nothing else here for you." She growled, further to fog their judgement. "If I wanted to fight I would have initiated one, but now you have to pay." With that she launched at the bird, faking and then dodging. To fake a second time. But then she did another, to fake a fake she faked a bite, flicked her head and then bite at his hind end to hopefully confuse him. She did not want to fight but to drive him away.

Bamboo

The Masai Giraffe walked into the Ruins, barely fitting through the doorway. "I need one of you to give your leader a message..." She said. "Tell Risen that her Army is dead. By the time you reach her, it will be true." She walked to the group of enemies, towering over the Haunters. She lowered her head and spoke quietly. "This is the time that you surrender." She looked at Ynear. "Leave the bird alone, filth! He's not falling for your tricks!"

Tuari

Tari smirked as he dodged Ynear's fake attacks. "Oh no...I'm so scared..." He said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He launched himself into the air, then divebombed Ynear, hoping to cause some damage.

Arctic, Vulcan & Draven

Vulcan stepped in between the rowing Tuari and Ynear. "Enough. We have what we came for, let us go."

Arctic turned, trying to shepherd the rest of the group away with Draven as support. They needed to get back to the temple in the Mountains, who knows, the Haunters could well be on the way back, and they would be outnumbered.

Vulcan met Ynear's gaze and held it with a sinister glare. "We will be seeing each other very soon, Haunter. Don't think our bark's worse than our bite. Next time, we won't be so leniant. We outnumbered you, and could have killed many, but we are not like you. However if it comes down to it, The Ancient Guardians will fight for what is right in this valley." He turned, tail thrashing and left, bringing up the rear.

Bamboo/Tuari

Bamboo looked at Vulcan. I am not yet finished here." She turned her head back to Ynear. "Well? Are you going to fight?" She raised her hoof, then brought it down where she saw Ynear, hoping to trample her.

Tuari snapped at Ynear. "This is a warning. Next time, the whole Valley will be after your heads. All of you!" He then turned and flew away.

Bamboo, however, stayed, ready for a fight.

Ynear

The bite had only gotten the top of her head, creating a small laceration that made her back away. At Vulcans words she growled. "You are the ones who are not in the Right, you want to keep the valley as it is. Gangs against gangs, death is a frequent. We wish to rid the valley of that but you all stand in our way."

As she spoke, Bamboo continued to press forward and she growled dangerously. It wasn't until then that Gymba, the white rhino, came in with her rather large front horn. She watched the gathering of enemies and called out. "I suggest those who are not of the Haunters should leave." She would not make the rash decision to attack what she could not see. They were all blurs but she could feel the mood in the temple was unsettling.

Bamboo

Bamboo sneered at Ynear. "Alright, stop pretending to be smart!" She snapped. "Everyone knows that the Haunters are not all they say they are. If you guys are so strong, why do you not rule the Valley?!" She stomped her hoof when Gymba came. "What?!" She spat. "Oh...So now the oversized pig is going to settle the fight! Funny..." She raced directly at Gymba, then swung her large head at the rhino.

Gymba

The cow rhino snorted as she saw the orange figure racing toward her. Angerly she flattened her ears and chared the Giraffe. Keeping her horn low until she was up and under the animal and then thrusted up with her large 44 inch front horn. Hoping to puncture through heart and organs. She snorted.

Ynear growled anxiously "STOP IT! Both of You!! JUST STOP!!!!!" She closed her eyes and growled, staring at both of them, they could not afford being in a fight now.

Bamboo/Chinue

Bamboo snorted as the rhino's horn grazed the front of her chest. She had stepped back quick enough to avoid being skewered.

A Fierce Snake slithered through the Ruins, eying the giraffe. "Oh, dear Bamboo, gotten yourself into trouble again?" She teased, flicking her tongue. Knowing that her species was the most venomous snake on the planet, she was not one bit scared of the Haunters around her.

Bamboo gasped, trying to catch her breath. "Leave, Chinue. This is not your battle." She ordered, keeping her distance.

"Ooh...Getting bossy, are we?" She turned her head and looked at the rhino. "Is the fat one being mean to you? You seem to be a bully magnet." Her words were soft and sounded deadly. Nearly as deadly as her venom. She slithered closer to Gymba. "If I bit you, rhino, you would suffer and drop dead. Nothing would help you." She went around the room, looking at each one there. "The same goes for all of you." She stopped when she reached Gymba again. "Be careful what you do. One wrong move and you're dead."

Bamboo watched as the snake handled things calmly. "She's telling the truth, you know." She said, keeping her eye on Chinue.

Quilikahm, Chahaya, Purple Haze, & Yarrow

Fighting her fear, the little muntjac stood strong beside Ynear. With her tusks, she could inflict serious damage on someone her size, but this giraff... she could only hope to mar up the legs a bit, if even that. Sometimes, it really sucked being this small. Her eyes grew wide when the Fierce Snake showed up, and the little deer snorted in alarm. Her kind was graced with the ability to eat plants that would strike others dead in minutes; but she was not immune to snake venom. "I know of herbs to counteract snake venom, but this one... her venom acts too quickly, and too strongly for any plant to fight." The muntjac glanced to Gymba before looking to Chinue, trying desperately to think of some way to prevent this imminent disaster. The only thing that came to her was a threat, ">B?You bite her, and I will have your head before you can slither away. Wether you manage to bite me or not before this, you will be decapitated! Yes, I will be a martyr for my family and give my life. But then, so will you. We will have gained nothing for our packs." Her words were strong, yet quite spoken. She may look calm on the outside, but she felt her heart might give out at any moment from the speed it was racing. "You've got what you came for, so there is no need in pushing your luck and returning with one less member than you set out with."

Bamboo/Chinue

Chinue hissed aggressively at the deer. "Does it look like I care if I die?!" Se snapped, slithering closer to her. "I would be dying for a cause. Unlike you, you buck-toothed donkey. You kill only because you can. You throw your strength around because you like to. You think you're doing the Valley a favor when you're really slaughtering innocent creatures. For what? You don't have a reason. You find joy in snapping necks and making good natives bow down to you." She raised herself up, so she was at the height of Quilikahm. "No reason." She turned around to face the group. "What has become of you all? You are strong, and you are smart. Don't throw your lives away. Take my advice, and escape the plague that is known as the Shadow Haunters. You all are better than this. Now act your age and stop being babies."

Bamboo looked at the deer. "You pretend to be strong. I know that you're different." She said calmly. "I can see the fear in your eyes."

Aurinka/Liekki

Aurinka looked at Leikki when the snake spoke. She hated snakes...even though this was the first time she had seen one. She knew they were dangerous.

Liekki stood in front of his sister and growled. "Leave, serpent. Go back to where you came from." He knew that it would be hard for him to attack with the injuries he bore, but he was sure that the rest of the Haunters would back him up. Then, without thinking, Aurinka yelped and bolted out of the Temple.

Ynear .+. Gymba

The black wolfess snarled savagely. She had never been so furious in her life. Never had she felt this pain that washed over her body. Her brain was on fire, her eyes were flooded with salt. Her nose dripped with burning liquid. She could not contain her fury any longer. She could not take this any more. She twitched, eyes closed, legs convulsing under her wieght. Slowly slumping and then throwing up her head in a devilish roar that could shake the dead to life. How could one that had come from the kindness of both White tip and Crucified result as something so horrendous as this when Ynear was infuriated.

"I SAID LEAVE!!! YOU HAVE GOTTEN WHAT YOU WANTED NOW GET THE FUCK OUT OF OUR TEMPLE!! YOU ARE MORE LOWLY THAN WE!! WE GAVE YOU BACK YOUR MEMBER, SHE WAS THE ONE WHO INTRUDED, SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RELEASED BUT SHE IS FREE NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF OUR LANDS!!!" She panted angerly, fumes heard through the hissing weezing in her throat. She had screamed her lungs out in the demands to make the intruders leave. They were unprotected and the others knew it, they were sinking just as low, if not lower, that the Shadow Haunters.

Gymba took a step back at the scream of the tiny wolfess and flicked her head. She could see the one that was screaming, and all that was going on. She had only defended herself and the other. Ready to push the others out if need be.

Bamboo/Chinue

Bamboo snorted at the wolf. "You have to try harder than that, fool." She said arrogantly. Chinue slithered around Ynear, flicking her tongue in and out. "You really do not know how much danger you are in, do you?" She asked in deadly tone, then looked up at Bamboo.

"Fine. Have your own way, spoiled brats." Bamboo sighed before departing from the Temple. Chinue stuck around longer, but soon followed her friend. I know we'll be back soon... She thought.

Quilikahm, Chahaya, Purple Haze, & Yarrow

The muntjac was trembling quite badly by the time the enemies had retreated, and didn't know if it was from fear of the snake, or fright from Ynear's sudden outburst. For a moment, she remained still and silent, afraid to speak lest she tempt the wolfess into another rage. Then, after a tentive silence, Quil spoke, "We have at least found a weakness in our defense." She spoke in a hightened, timid little voice, "Serpent allies, or pack members... they would be a great asset to us."

From the depths of the Temple, the siberian tiger came out. Behind her trailed two little liger kittens, both female. "Is the danger gone?" Chahaya questioned, in almost an irritable voice. It was very much out of her character to sound the way she did, but the loss of her male kitten had struck a corde with the feline. Her temper would settle soon enough, but the intrudors hadn't done much to hasten that process.

Purple Haze, with eyes that were a stunning amethyst color, sat down in front of her mom. Her eyes would eventually fade into blue, before settling at a pale yellow; but for now, she lived up to part of her namesake. The delicate little feline, with her gorgeous gaze, held the most promise of Chahaya's litter.

Beside her sat Yarrow, her hide more yellow in color than her sisters. She was also leaner in build, and with a face that was akwardly drawn out and long. Yet she was nothing to be scoffed at; little Yarrow would grow to be one of the largest cats in the world, along with her sister and stolen brother.