Tumult + Rayne

Tumult, with an air of demand and leadership, moved into the empty temple. His golden eyes fixed on the stage that lay before him. The seat of power from where his mother made her demands and directed the Shadow Haunters. It was his turn to take this seat to announce to the entire Haunter army that a new power must be voted in. Whereas many didn't seem that confident, for the ones that were, he had a secret weapon him his fur.

Moving up the steps, he heard another's claws clacking on the cold hard ground. Tumult turned to see the snow white beast, Rayne, making his way up to the stage. The fur down his spine stood for a moment as the rival kept his pace, then lowered steadily so that he could not see Tumults discomfort. " Kuzmemf Rayne..."

Rayne glanced up to Tumult, his facial expression didn't even twitch as he moved up the opposing stair case. He stood at his end of the stage and looked at the door.

Tumult sneered a bit at the silence of the other before moving toward the center of the stage and letting out a mighty howl. Calling to the birds to relay the message to all those who could not hear him.

"Today is a great day for change, a day for the Shadow Haunters to recognize as the first day of freedom. All Haunters must report to the Temple for voting... The next generation of Haunters is about to begin! And it is your choice as to who will be the leader!"

His howl echoed through the enclosed area and through the windows to the freedom of the world. Waiting the arrival of his fellow Haunters. The ones he stood by while he grew up. Each had their own plans, each strategist would have their own way of running the Haunters, and the Haunters would pick by majority vote as to which new rule they wanted to follow.

Nicholas; Crimson; Defcon; Others

Nicholas, the sole son of Luke and Fanta, stepped up onto the stage and glanced at Tumult. He wished the best for whoever was elected leader of the Shadow Haunters. While many were in mourning over the disappearance of Risen, today was indeed a great day.

Nicholas was a level-headed hybrid, built strongly like his parents. In nature, the strongest wolf always rose to the alpha position. It was a way of ensuring the survival of the pack. But in Sparkling Creek Valley, things were different sometimes. After all, Nicholas had met some pretty scrawny leaders here. And some of the candidates, though not always the strongest physically, were expert strategists. Coupled with a strong, loyal pack, even a tiny but smart wolf could win a battle.

Nicholas, Rayne and Tumult weren't the only candidates. Soon came Crimson, the African wild dog. Her fur was beautifully painted in reds, blacks, creams and whites. Her dark eyes showed her intelligence and experience, and her body displayed her great speed, strength and agility. Her species was built to be one of the most efficient hunters on the planet. "Good luck to you all. May the best candidate win." She said with a smile, nodding to her fellow hopeful leaders.

Defcon was a surprising candidate, for he was not canine, or even feline, like most of whom he knew were running beside him. He was a zebra. Medium-sized, stocky and striped. He took his place beside his fellow strategists and looked down at Rayne. "I'm not so sure there's room for your big head on the throne, brother." He joked lightheartedly. While it was true that he was only joking, he thought it would be the downfall of the Haunters if Rayne was elected.

Angel

Angel had been patroling with her wolf "friends" when they started back. All Angel knew was that something important was going on from Gold's wagging tail and fast pace. The 11 year old girl hurried to catch up with her packmates. Gold, Vicoria, Silvertip, Nighteyes, and Pepper followed behind Angel as they filed into the building. Also among the clatter were Kenya and Kia who kept silent as they listened to Nicholas and the others talk. Ears perked upon their heads. Jasper was there too. A recent member to the group and father to Angel. Sitting with him was Wing, Sunlight, and Eclipse. All them watched the going on silently a bit unsure who's side to go with.

Deadra

Deadra walked in and walked up to the stage she let her long tail swish.

the others came in..

Tumult .+. Rayne

Tumult watched as the Haunters slowly moved into place around the stage. The strategists looked a little antsy to get this thing started, and very much to win the attention and the hearts, or even just the minds, of the Haunters. Taking immediate charge, Tumult walked around the stage for a moment, calling loud and clear to all that were in the temple. "Greetings fellow Haunters and friends! As you well know, our leader has been missing for quite some time now...." He paused for a moment as he lowered his head in respect for the absence of his mother. " But this is no time to grieve for her loss as we are now leaderless and vulnerable! My mother told me a long time ago that after she is gone, she wants the Haunters to vote in a new reign of power. To choose their next leader and not have the traditional heirs to the throne. However, she wishes only a strategist to be the lead."

There was an uneasy shift with some of the warriors as Razor snapped with a demanding remark. "And why can't a Warrior be in command?" The black brute, now speckled gray with old age, snarled for a moment at the thought of not being able to take the thrown at the head of the Haunters. Rayne's eyes narrowed a moment on the thick black beast, a warm feeling deep in his gut arose and he almost, but failed to, let a smile crease his lips.

Tumult cleared his throat for a moment and continued. "Risen herself was a strategist and feels the Haunter's are stronger under such power. It is not my demands, it is Risen's wishes that only strategists participate. Possibly in the future of the Shadow Haunters, that may change, but for now, the Warriors may not participate." For a moment he looked across the stage at all of those who were competing to be the next Haunter alpha, and to his surprise, the majority of the Candidates were male. "The way this is going to work, each Haunter Strategist will take turns, only going once, and announce to the rest of the Haunter pack what changes you will see to the Shadow Haunters. Let them know WHY they should vote for you to be the new leader of the Shadow Haunters!"

At that, Rayne scoffed and turned his daunting yellow eyes to the Son of Risen. He had so many thoughts flying through his mind as his eyes strained out across the members of the Shadow Haunters. Some of his ideas, he'd keep secret until after being awarded leadership. If they so happened to do so... but he already started planning.... if he didn't win this... he'd break off and create another power in the line of the Valley... one more terrible than even Risen herself could even imagine. "I will start" The pure white brute said as he walked up next to Tumult. His deep hollow yellow pair of eyes stared at Risen's son for a moment before turning his tapered coyote shaped nose to the crowd. Being a quarter coyote, the hybrid had an elegant, and yet cynical look about him. Mixed between three species of canine, he was what the Shadow Haunters had been meant to create.

As Tumult glared for a moment and then silently fell to the back of the stage, his eyes calling the other back while Rayne gave his speech. Rayne turned to the crowd and puffed up his chest, for a short moment, the gaze of the army of the Shadow Haunters put him in sort of a trance... So many of them, the power he could have if all of them were under his rule..... Don't mess this up Rayne.... if they do not accept you as their leader, then they truly accept that they are weak!

"Haunters! Warriors! The most feared group of animals this valley has EVER seen, and possibly will EVER see again! The most powerful, close knit, organized group of creatures in the world! We were so close to even having the Human population fear our very calls.... But now look at us... Our leader is gone, and we are just waiting here for her to return. But Guess what? We cannot wait forever, and she wouldn't want us to wait! We are growing stagnant because of our inactivity, We are being forgotten because we are not enforcing our rule! And truthfully, we are growing weak as we sit on our asses, day after day without any training, without any thought of what to do next! I will tell you!

I don't want to see the Haunters grow weak! I WILL NOT SEE THE HAUNTERS GROW WEAK! It hurts me to thing that this beast, this power that we have created is being laughed at by outsiders! The valley is mocking us as we lay dormant and unresponsive! Do you really want the Valley to see us as weak... I've even heard the birds say we are giving up on our goal to make the Valley into Shadow Valley. Well I'll tell you. I will not only make sure the Haunters claim the Valley, I will make sure this Valley gets our name before my time is through! First, we must create new order! Discard all that didn't work and concentrate on all that did! Converters! What are you really doing? We could use you somewhere else, we don't need you to change the minds of others. If they are attracted to the Shadow Haunters, they MUST BE STRONG ENOUGH TO JOIN US! All Creatures wanting to become a Shadow Haunter Will have to be a WARRIOR! In a Shadow Haunter Pack Rulled by Rayne, I would not allow weak animals to come to us for protection, because if they are weak, there is a high chance they are acting, and a high chance that they are going to attempt to foil us from the inside out. Requirements to actually get the name SHADOW HAUNTER Will be harder! Everyone Present, All who are already part of the Shadow Haunters, will have the chance to be in a Council. A Council of Elders....

Only Offered to Warriors, After 5 Years of fighting, you will be offered to Join the Council of Elders. If you Decline, you will be re-asked every first snow fall if you would like to retire to the council. The Council, WARRIORS, will submit ideas and complains to the Strategists, who will evaluate and give the suggestion to me.

As for the children! They will start training younger than what we have. By their First moon, they will start lessons on the History of the Shadow Haunters as well as mock fights, in their Third moon of life, they will be in intense training until they are 6 moons old. At their sixth moon, they will be given a test to see if they are Warrior Worthy, or if they will be brought to the Healers.

The Guards title will be undone, There are no more guards... instead we would have Three Ranks of Warriors. The Alpha Warriors, The Beta Warriors, and The Gamma Warriors. The Alpha Warriors will be the front line, The Beta Warriors will always come in second, and the Gamma warriors will usually be placed in the Temple to protect the mothers, healers, and young. I will also organize a plan to build a barrier... known to the humans as a wall, around the central power of the Shadow Haunters. The Ruins will be known as Shadalya under my rule....

Unlike Risen's plan to take over multiple places at once, we will divide the Haunters into two, The Mothers, Healers, Young, and Gamma Warriors would stay here at the temple, Surrounded by the wall we would create, while the Alpha Warriors, Beta Warriors, and Concoctionists will go to a second land I will call Hauntora.

Concoctionists you ask? There are only healers now, and they are training in two fields instead of one and cramming their memories with one thing and not the other. Instead of a main category of Healers, we will have Herbalists who will be sub categorized into Concoctionists, who will solely concentrate on how to create poisons and their antidotes and Healers who will concentrate on animal anatomy and how to heal.

I have many more ideas and plans, but none that I want to spoil for you now." He grinned before bowing to them and moving to the back of the stage, taking a deep breath before looking over the other strategists. Tumult twitched before looking at someone else. "I would like to go last."

Stacey

Stacey stood watching everyone. Her eyes taking in the surroundings and listening to the first speech. When it came time for her to speak she stepped up. She took a deep breath. The daughter of Samara had finally gotten over her mothers death.

Greetings fellow Haunters, this is indeed a tough time for us but Risen would not want us just sitting around and wondering where she is and let our family fall apart. She made us to what we are today and are we going to just sit around and let that fall apart? No We shall not. What I plan to do shall I be elected as your new leader will be as follows:

Warriors will be placed into two categories, The first one will be a front line which will be made up of large animals such as elephants, Lions, tigers and so on. They shall be the front line as for the second line, the second line will be made up of Wolves, coyotes and alike as well as the snakes who in battle will be disguised in the fur of us.

The Strategist will remain as such but there will be three who will be chosen that are the main strategist of them and those will most likely be the older of the group. Those three strategists shall live here while the other strategist will take a group of warriors and live in a separate pack.

The guards will remain as they are except there will be two chosen to be the top guards most likely the biggest but could also be the smallest. Also the water guards there will also be one of them chosen to be the top guard of the water.

Healers there will be three chosen as the top healers and then the others will be split off to go with a pack. I would like at least one healer per sub pack in case any need attention.

Mothers will keep up that duty and nothing will be changed. They will live here as they have been.

Converters will wonder a lot but are allowed to live and sleep here but during the day or night depending on when they like to be out they are to be out till dusk or dawn.

And Messenger birds will remain as they are. Once there are more I would like a bird to live with a sub pack so if a sub pack needs help they have someone to send.

I have many more plans and idea’s that can be put into place but that is the major proportion of what will happen shall I become your new leader. Thank you

She then moved back and sat down.

Guko and Mildred both listened

Defcon

Defcon dipped his head to his fellow candidates and stepped to the center of the stage, his hooves clacking on the cold stone. He looked over his audience before he began speaking.

"Fellow Shadow Haunters, my Brothers and Sisters, today you will choose a new leader. That choice is yours and you will let nobody choose for you. I trust your judgement; I always have and I always will. You are my family. It is my wish that I will lead this great pack through everything that meets us.

There are many who are against us. Why do so many packs hate us? It's because they fear us. They are intimidated by us. Why do we continue to snarl and hiss and light the Valley with a raging fire when it turns potential allies against us? They should not fear us. They should respect us. Fear is not respect. Fear does not bring respect. I am not suggesting that we plant flowers all over this land. I am suggesting that we find a way to make our enemies respect us. How can we create Shadow Valley when so many of the inhabitants hate us? How can we create a massive army if we kill everybody before they have a chance to see the benefits of joining our ranks?

If I am elected leader, I alone will not make decisions. I will consult with The Trusted, a board of advisers. You will choose The Trusted, just as you choose your leader. Our pack should be fair. Everybody gets a say in what happens. A member of The Trusted could be eight months old or eight years old. Again, the pack will decide, and I trust that you will make good choices while you are voting.

The Guards will be kept on the lands of the Shadow Haunters, with some around our Temple and some on our satellite lands. We cannot win a war if our territory is unprotected.

The Warriors will be in two groups: Heavy and Light. Heavy Warriors, those who are the largest and strongest, will guard the front lines. Light Warriors are the quick and agile yet still strong and highly trained in combat. They are guarded, so to speak, by the Heavy Warriors, while they atack the enemy.

There will be no more Converters. In their place are the Diplomats. The Diplomats deal with our allies and enemies. They are our voice.

We will no longer be 'expanding or land' - at least, not how we have been doing it. We will create Shadow Valley by creating Shadow Packs. These are the packs who already exist here, though they will become one with the Shadow Haunters.

I have many plans, as I am sure you do. I cannot list them all here. If I am accepted as your new leader, we will discuss these plans and put them into place.

Thank you for your attention, my Brothers and Sisters. Today you and I will make history and create the future for the Shadow Haunters, the greatest pack this world has seen."

With that, he bowed and ended his speech, stepping back to allow the next Strategist to have his or her turn at making history.

Velvet & Others

From bear to cat to deer, the room was crammed with the massive pack that was the Haunters, whose sheer numbers alone were enough to warm the ancient chamber and steam with the breath of over one hundred animals gathered together. At two years of age, Leopeson and his surviving brothers now boasted full manes and muscled frames, while their only sister had transformed in a lush-coated, elegant faced lioness with a pair of fox-slanted eyes. Velvet, the remaining female of three original she-cubs, graced the stage next after Defcon took his leave.

Taking her time pacing across the stone platform, her sly eyes roved from the crippled Dandelion standing off towards the back, who's branching antlers and proud stance veiled his handicapped leg, then drifted to Genaih, daughter of Risen and Cavan. The strategist had the look of 'crazy' lurking in the back of her gaze, suggesting she may very well grow up like her aunt Nachi. "Brothers, Sisters, Mothers..." Her melodic voice carried out after a telling silence, "We are at a great crossroads as a Family, and time for change and growth is at hand." The feline paused for affect, again casting her vixen-like gaze across the assembled audience, looking from the few reptiles Guards that had made it in, to the birds that had returned from their jobs to perch on the backs of their fellow Family members. "Whoever is to lead us next has a great burden to bear, and also a great reward to reap - cleansing of the Valley, and the pride in leading us into a new age of prosper and domination. I have heard a many good ideas so far, and it is clear that we have promising new rulers at hand."

What Velvet said next got a few murmurs to stir from her fellow listeners, but she went on strongly and without falter, "I stand before you not as another candidate in this change in power. As a strategist and fellow Sister, I want to remind each of you-" Almond-hued eyes darted for Rayne and the other strategists, and then slyly towards Tumult, "-that a ruler will only succeed with the support of their Family. And with that, I bid you take great thought about the pros and cons of the ideas that each of our great strategists have offered. Think of the Family first, and let that guide you in making the best decision." The bizarre speech given, the lioness dipped her head briefly before departing from the stage, but not before turning a brief glance to Quillikham.

"What was that about..." Martimoor rumbled under his breath, furrowing his broad face into an assortment of creases as he donned a confused expression.

"Who knows..." Tuft returned in a whisper and a shrug, "...that's strategists for ya. They're kind of a different lot."

Sol

Sol was slow to moving, he elevated his muzzle and sighed. "I may be a stragetists, and I claimed to participate with the election, but I am withdrawing my vote to become leader. Hark, I will admit I am far from experienced for such duties. However this ends, I will follow the Haunter leader til the end." Sol dipped his head to the others and padded to the ranks, sitting front row with several other high-ranked Haunters.

Incalia & Family

They had all been sitting at the back of the room, one of the leading Haunter family's. At the front was Incalia, flanked by Onslaught and Bandit, and behind them sat her other children and grandchildren in a semi-circle. Ardeth, Kamari, Malacath, Vaermina, Vaermina's children: Assari, Dynas and Harrow, and Incalia's youngest son Dante. It would have been expected that one of Incalia's offspring would have put themselves forward for election, but it was not to be the case. For one, Harrow was the only strategist, but the main reason was because Incalia had simply told them not to. This family were not born to lead such a vast pack. It was not a question of lack of ability to lead, for Incalia still held the position of Gamma, but more a case of the fact that her bloodline held the power and diversity of the warrior, and not that of anything else.

So, as the candidates announced their plans, the canines sat and listened, in an eerie silence, their eyes untelling of what their thoughts were. Most of the strategists had spoken, so now the family turned their eyes to Tumult, the last to speak. Then, it would fall to a vote. Before Risen's son began, Incalia stood, and moved forward to join those of the upper ranks, alongside Onslaught and Bandit, whom moved to sit with their Coalition brothers. The rest of the family moved to sit amongst the main bulk of the Haunter army, and prepared themselves for the new era of the Haunters.

Tumult

Tumult listened intently to all of those who went before him. You can't be nervous, you just can't be nervous! He screamed in his head as he watched as the crowd either cooed or booed the speakers as they were up. Some of them gave wonderful speeches, while others gave odd ones, and then there was the one that withdrew himself from the election.... that was one less opponent. He took bits of information from each of their speeches and began to work it into his own. Changing some of the guards and having two types of warriors was an great idea.

After all had gone, he nodded to his opponents then took center stage. Yellow orbs flicked across the room from one Haunter to the other. He paused for a moment and smiled to the group as the temple was starting to warm up with the body heat of all the animals. Not even winter could touch the Shadow Haunters. "My brothers and sisters, today we gather here, not only to choose a leader, we are here to choose our future! By the freedom Risen has given to you, you will be choosing who will lead the Haunters next, and I hope there will be no sore loses. For the candidate who wins will have won by majority vote, and as a pack I hope you trust the choice of your fellow siblings.

"Growing up, one can only notice how close we are as a group. Even with the claims of us being an evil pack, we share each other's hopes and dreams and fight as on in the face of the enemy. However, with the title of evil skewing our intentions to cleanse the valley, many packs refuse to join our efforts to wash away the evil and torment that plagues the Valley. Risen hated the old ways of the wolf, the old ways of living. To fight for nonsense and to fight for entertainment. We are fighting with a purpose and that is what keeps us strong. To someday rid the Valley of the sinful and create Shadow Valley. I want to see Risen's vision come to pass. I want all of you, who stand before me, to watch this Valley transform into something the world would never expect. Because we are already the unexpected...

"As a leader, as a brother, and as a friend, I will lead the Haunters to take another giant step in achieving Shadow Valley. To move forward to a new light. As the others have said, Converters will be reassigned. Warriors will be split into two groups: Front-line and After Shock. Guards will only consist of the water creatures. All land dwelling guards will move into the category of After Shock Warriors.

"As for leadership, Under my rule there will be a small Council of the Wise, These will be three retired members, under them will be the Council of Elders, About six members over the age of three summers. And under them will be the Council of Youth, this will consist of twelve members between the ages of one and three summers. You, as a pack, will be able to select each and every one of these members. The Council of the Youth will be the ones to hear your ideas and concerns, they will discuss it and if deemed worthy will be passed onto the Elders... if they also see fit the idea will be passed onto the wise. Finally, if the Wise see the idea needs to come to pass, they will present it to me and I will agree or decline.

"The packs will stay the same, in individual teams, and everything else will remain in order as Risen has dictated..."

"If chosen I will be heading out personally to our enemies land and tell them of our leader change. Now, don't see my actions as weak for I will be doing anything but reasoning with them. In fact, I have a little flower held up my sleeve that may prevent them from even attacking us. For she was once one of them.... in fact.... she once lead them, but she has come to see the light.

"Haunters! Shadow Valley is in view! And I can see it... As a leader, I will bring this valley to its rightful place... and that place is out of the paws of evil, and into order. And the one who will be standing by my side, to help convince our enemies that their efforts are anything but futile,"

His lips creased and eyes brightened as he mouthed her name softly. "Lajzig.... please, come to my side my dear." He lowered his head, awaiting the converted Lurker Queen to stand by his side. Saying nothing as he watched for the expression of the Haunters, be it a positive or negative rush... he was proud of his puppet.

Lajzig & Others

Of all the Haunters, Velvet was perhaps one of the only not to react with any extreme expression when the ex-Lurker made her grand entrance. Walking with her skull held at shoulder-level, the tri-colored hybrid sauntered across the stage with Quilikham in tow, scurrying to keep up with the ex-Lurker's fast stride. Hydras, former Queen Lurker, took her place beside Tumult without an ounce of fear or anger gracing her wolvish face. Yellowed eyes held little but expectation and wonder as she looked out over the sea of faces before her, none of which seemed to stir any recognition in her mind, though they certainly knew who she was... or, who she use to be.

Quil stood a little off to the side, her tiny frame dwarfed by the two canines she'd been helping since Hydras had been taken in in secrecy. Through the many months of Lajzig's rehabilitation, the muntjac was happy with the progress that had been made. The ex-Lurker had retained her strong-willed personality and defiance, and at the same time had her confidence shaken just enough from her broken memories and lack of identity to feed right into Tumult's words and depend upon him to lead her.

Luke & Others

Luke listened closely to all the speeches, though he was a bit disappointed that his son had withdrawn himself from the election. It was after Tumult's speech and the introduction of his 'friend' that Luke felt like a bomb went off in his head. He pinned his ears back. "We were told she was dead! I thought my daughter killed her!" The hybrid outraged. He was sure Tainted killed Hydras in that war, and now he felt that Tumult was playing with the entire pack. 'Accept me as leader, and by the way, one of our greatest enemies will be helping me lead.' That's the way Luke felt.

Hector felt the same way. This wolf had wronged his mother, dear Tahti, and Hector felt that Tumult bringing her up on stage was also a great disrespect to Tahti. He kept his mouth shut, though, even with as much as he had to say about this.

Shadi looked up at Tumult, not as hostile as her packmates but still quite annoyed. "We fought so hard to bring her down, and you've been keeping her alive? Keeping secrets from us? She was supposed to be dead, Tumult!" She shouted.

"Calm down, guys!" Xan said. "I'm sure Tumult has a...good reason for keeping the poor bitch around."

Kagura

Kagura sat thee watching things and she watched everyone and then her fur bristled when the lurker queen apparently was still alive.

Deadra paced a bit listening. Oh how much she wanted to run for leader but no stupid damn strategist were the only ones allowed.

stacey watched carefully

Fanta

Fanta lifted her head, snarling at Hydras. "This is a bunch of shit. Keeping an enemy around, one that could easily flash back to reality! What will we do when she remembers who she really is and then is provoked to kill off us all for what we have done?" Fanta barked, her fur bristling as she pressed her hip into Luke's. Suenga had tried so hard to bring Hydras down with his mate, Tainted. "What happens if and when she remembers her past? What hell will she unleash?"

Wolves like Foxtrot or Forbidden just stared at ex-Lurker queen. They were Shadow Haunters, through and through.

Sol looked at the Lurker Queen...no, the to-be Haunter Queen. Tumult had put on a good show. But Sol's mind lingered to Rayne. He looked to be the next Shadow Haunter successor. Of course, what did Sol know?

Tumult

The wolf took all of the glares and shouts with a grain of salt. Calling in a loud, but easy voice. "She is not our enemy, and she is definitely not a Lurker! Her name is Lajzig and she has the strength of a leader. If anything, think of how the Lurkers will react when they see her. The possibilities are endless with her by my side and as queen. We would be an unstoppable force. How many of her ex allies would attack her?! How willing do you think Lyckos would be to destroy his ex-mate. We would have the upper hand, in every way." He turned to her. Offering a bow with a soft smile, "We can only hope for the best...." He said softly to her, and to her alone.

Then he turned back and called out again. "There is always that chance of her remembering... but there is always the chance that she wont as well. If she were to remember everything, who is to even say she may not still want to be a Haunter..." He pinned his ears back... he would only be able to feed her lies if she did want to turn on them. "We have the winning piece right here. It is your choice... to trust me... now.... Choose your next leader, We will move to separate corners, and you will lay down around the one you vote for." With that, he nudged Hydras to follow him. Moving to a corner close to the door.

Rayne, seething with anger and hate toward Tumult, moved to the exact opposite corner of him. Cursing under his breath. "Tumult will be our fall if he is elected leader."

Stacey

Stacey listened and had to agree with Rayne on that one but she moved to an opposite corner of the two. Her tail flicked as she sat down and waited to see if any would come to her side.

tumult:Jack, Guko, Mildred, Bijuu, Frodo, Death

Rayne:Deadra,Gai,Hura, Kota, Hong Kong, Jiju, Jiro

Stacey:Cain, Kagura, Yuri, Boltz, Aerial, Maguya royal, Kiju, Mijuu, Tazera, Mena, Mark(and their three babies), Myth, Tigo, Golliath, Shrimp, Martha

Defcon:Mikia, Greda , Joey,Darkia, Tarzan, Boltz

Tumult

Rayne
Ino; Rift; Temptation: Cashton; Melee; Venom; Black Ivory; Cynical; Razor; Riot; Villain; Temptation; Dab; Fleet; Havik Stacey
Allamonique; Fragile Moment; Adora; Aorta; Gymba; Hitori; Shrowd; Viyanna; Fastrack;

Defcon
Fawn; Owl; Runi; Alderon; Umarra; Yzunala; Ichigo; Prisoner; Tachi; Toki; Vidiv ; Hazard;

Tumult
Sacrifice; Silver Trace; Shattered; Anathema; Ynear; Breathless; Gaivis; Darque; Demolition; Hidari; Iota; Oraiyus; Keltinon; Ghoul; Rasheetah

Defcon

Rayne
-Kane -Enchanted -Ransom -Ralavi -Nyx -Krove -Ivory -Victoria -Nuray -Pensri -Kolchan -Elijah

Defcon
-Luke -Nicholas -Cameo -Ravenholm -Pandora -Akula -Starling -Iavia -Tigris -Exodus -Luna Moth -Corvus -Orinoco -Akahi -Sekou -Xan -Pepper -Lycaon -Umbra -Polar -Click -Sekunti -Cross -Redshift -Crimson -Xanthas -Kalina -Cascade -Blood Moon -Gavina -Leviathan Stacey
-Hannibal -Kuvis -Cronus -Kamaria -Crescent -Harcourt -Shadi -Castor -Levi -Torch -Cress

Tumult
-Archangel -Bain -Hemera -Qiuyue -Taigi -Caraway -Alpine -Blizzard

Lajzig & Others

Needless to say, Lajzig was a little disgruntled by the calls of protest that went up against her when she was introduced, and it was a little unsettling to be yanked about by their words and hissed at about her former life. Former Lurker....? Her mind reeled for a moment, but never once did her proud face betray any sign of resignation towards the others, or defeat at their harsh words. She stood in dignity beside Tumult, letting him do the speaking until they were called away for voting. "Do you think they'll come around?"

"Yes, Lajzig-" Quililkahm was quick to pipe her, her tiny voice planting like a seed in the queen's mind, "They're just... nervous, is all. There has been so much fighting, they are right to be wary. But they will come around."

Velvet watched the reactions of the others, still unpulsed by it all. As the group began to disperse for their voting, she slunk back towards her brothers.

Rayne
-Harcourt -Erathi -Nachi -Dune -Duskstalker -Stranglethorn -Chark -Gamble -Krone -Ursa

Defcon
-Donte -Dally -Igans -Shinnan -Amanon -Bergamot -Hawkeye -Icestar -Warfell
Stacey
-Khala -Calholm -Chahaya -Hathalia -Icepaw -Aerial -Boulderdash -Destroying Angel -Ice -Lamiac
Tumult
-Leope -Leopeson -Little Tuft -Martimoor -Velvet -Geinah -Dulsca -Ginger -Jequire -Ratenshi -Yarra -Yarrow -Channentile -Corticasi -Dawning Eclipse -Druid -Heurosan -Kapp -Lion -Monarda -Spear -Sunburst -Novaray -Oswega -Recon -Tiffen -Quilikahm -Cavan -Thunder's Call

Incalia

Stacey:

Dante

Rayne:

Onslaught Ardeth Malacath Vaermina Harrow

Defcon:

Kamari

Tumult:

Incalia Bandit Assari Dynas

Incalia joined the chorus of rage when Hydras entered the Temple. Her cry of anger was echoed by the family clustered around her, and was only quelled when Tumult began to speak. Incalia, though disgusted with Tumult decision at bringing the ex-Lurker into the Haunter stronghold, had to think of her situation. Her age was now a handicap, and thus she must choose what would be best for her, so she begrudingly moved to Tumult, but sat on the other side of Risen's son to Lazjig. There she was joined by Bandit, Assari and Dynas.

When Incalia moved, so did Kamari and Dante, who went to Defcon and Stacey respectively.

Lastly, it left the few who had been drawn in by Rayne. With Onslaught at the helm, who firmly believed Tumult was a traitor to Risen through bringing her greatest enemy in to lead her great pack, the group consisting of himself, Ardeth, Malacath, Vaermina and Harrow moved to Rayne, casting the final votes in the election.

The new leader of th Shadow Haunters had been decided.

Tumult + Rayne

Tumult nodded his head as everyone was firmly in place. Walking around the temple on light feet as his golden eyes scanned all of the members of the Haunters. The votes were really close... he said as he counted Stacey, and then Rayne.... when he reached Defcon.. his eyes widened a little.... There are so many... he hadn't even counted his yet. Pausing at the group and counting their head softly under his breath. He turned to his group and trotted toward them, taking a second to count the members he took in a deep breath as two heads seemed to be the only way he won... "Thank Cerberus..." He gave a heavy sigh before turning. Toward everyone:

"Thank you all for voting, the results are very close! Here is the order of votes from least to most.

Rayne.... You have gathered around you, 49 heads." He shivered a little at the thought of so many voting for the evil heartless brute.

At the sound of his voice, Rayne winced a little, then his outer expression relaxed. He seemed to be in a daze, but inside his fiery soul was screaming. And he DARE mock me... Tumult, you will see a light very soon, you are traitorous and foolish. To soft for your own good! his cursive rant went on in his head, but his exterior smiled and bowed his head as 'respectfully' as he could.

Tumult continued:

"Stacey... You have gathered around you: 50 heads. Defcon... You have gathered around you: 60 heads.... And I," he paused as he collect himself

"Those who had gathered around me... 62 heads." He bowed his head. "I can only say I'm honored, and to be up against such brilliant competition. Tomorrow, the changes will begin! But for tonight, get a good night's rest, it has been a long day for everyone."

Crickets sang their lullaby song outside as the temple began to grow dark. With a wolf's eyes, the night was but the shade of the earth. Tumult moved out, dismissing the group to get their rest, for when the sun appeared, his changes would start to take effect.

Stacey

Stacey sighed out and looked to the others. She might of stayed if it was any of the others. But Stacey was against letting an enemy whether x or not help lead. She sighed and bowed her head to Tumult ad looked to the others. The Tigress stood up ad shook her pelt. She did't wat to start a uprising or aything. I am sorry brothers and sisters, but i do not think I can stay here any longer not with that choice atleast. No offense Tumult if you weren't bringing a old enemy into our lives then maybe I would rethink my decision. I have nothing against most of what you spoke except that one part. I do hope you fair well. Feel free brothers sisters to join meShe spoke softly and she sighed and padded out of the temple and made to leave these grounds.

The ones who followed her were Nemu, Joseph, Aizen, Greda, Joey, Tarzan, Myth, Mariah, Mayori, Ikkaku

Kagura sat there her tail flicking. She was uneasy with the decisio but would say nothing to it.

Greyfell/Defcon; Others

Defcon looked at Hydras and couldn't help but snort. They had fought so hard to kill this creature and now Tumult was announcing that she was their new leader. It sickened him. He wasn't upset that he didn't get picked as leader - he was angered that his enemy was picked as leader. There was only one thing he could do. He had to leave. And he had to take all those loyal to him.

"Tumult, I will not hesitate to say that I am outraged that you picked our greatest enemy as your second-in-command. Moreover, I am outraged that you have kept her a secret from us. Do you really dislike us enough to side with the enemy and keep secrets from those who were loyal to you? Do you really trust her more than you trust us? We never tried to kill you or the pack. Hydras did. Think about that, Tumult." He watched as Stacey left before he once again looked at the leader of the poor, innocent fools who were conned into voting for their enemy. "I am leaving. I am taking with me all who do not wish to be held captive by the beast who tried to kill them."

Defcon was no longer a Shadow Haunter. He was now Greyfell, leader of The Night Watch. A large army followed him out.

Tumult

Tumult, almost laughing as Defcon tried to guilt him, spoke back in a deep and bold tone, "She was not a secret from you, but more a secrete from my mother. And because I decide to hide a weapon speaks not of my level of relationship to the rest of the pack. I am NOT siding with the enemy, and she is NOT our enemy any longer. You have failed to see that she is no longer a Lurker, as well as failed to see what victory this can bring us! Our enemies will crumble when they are faced with their old friend, their mother, their leader, their ally. They wont even know what hit them.

SHE is NOT Hydas, Her name is Lajzig, She is NOT a Lurker, and she is more than ready for the task at hand!" He turned to her. "I know she is."

Tumult returned his gaze to Defcon, "Resolve yourself, the Haunters know who they voted for, and taking the loss so poorly says you are afraid. They will not be held captive, it is my word over all others, you think I would put this pack in danger?" He let his lips raise and snarled a bit, moving next to Lajzig and gently brushing against her, "Come my darling" He said in a soft, and yet agitated by Defcon and Stacey, tone.

Archangel & Others

Archangel had a feeling that Greyfell and Senka were right. Hydras was the enemy. She was always the enemy. Tumult was a traitor to his entire pack. A liar. A cheater. No sane creature would follow him.

The young wolfess watched confusedly when Tumult spoke to thin air after Greyfell and Senka left. "Ummmmm... Tumult?..." She asked, worried that he really was losing his sanity. "Sorry, Tumult, but I agree with them. They're not taking the loss poorly. They just don't like that you betrayed us." She was obviously upset. She too walked out of the Temple, leaving Tumult to talk to other creatures that weren't really there.

Bain, Hemera, Quiyue, Taigi, Caraway, Alpine, Mahala, Koki, Night Eyes, Yareli, Sky Dancer and Riverhawk followed Bain. They were not going to live under the rule of the one who betrayed him, and who they now thought seemed to be losing his sanity, if he even had it in the first place.

Lajzig & Others

The words of the others struck the hybrid with a bitter cord, but she continued to stand there stoically, holding back her own tongue with the knowledge that she didn't know near enough about these defectors to begin to help out the situation. All she could do was remain silent and wonder over what they were saying about her - none of it brought up any recollection of her past, nor stirred any other emotions aside from frustration and confusion.

"Let our Brothers and Sisters take their time with this." Quilikahm was always there to whisper advice to her and Tumult's puppet, helping to guide and mold Lajzig into the perfect weapon for the Haunters. "Once they see how great you truly are, so much better than what you were... they will come around."

"Shinnan." Taking a stance at the edge of the stone platform, Velvet's liquid voice didn't need to be loud or snarling to catch the younger feline's attention. Shinnan and Igans paused as they were beginning to trail after Defcon, turning an almost uncertain look between them before looking up at the lioness. "Where are you going?" Icestar, poised next to the hybrid felines, was stopped in his tracks by the curious way in which Velvet's voice carried a note of threat amid all its sweetness and innocents.

Igans glanced to the Coalition, feeling a little jolt run down along his spine when he met Martimoor's stark gaze. In so few words, the sister lion had leveled them with an ultimatum - if they left, he and Shinnan would not be in the Coalition as they had been working up too. And if Igans was reading Martimoor's gaze right... leaving would not only ruin his chances of joining the powerful group, but label him as an enemy. "Just to our quarters. Tomorrow's a big day." Bobbing his head a little in respect, the big cat shuffled past his brother and Icestar, bowing down to Velvet's silent commands. They were staying with the Haunters, even if they weren't sure what to make of Hydras.

The lioness smiled and nodded in return to the younger brothers, immensely pleased that she'd been able to so subtly throw her power around. It had taken a lot of work, but she had managed to influence quite a few members, with a bit of help from her own kin, of course. Leaping gracefully off the platform, Velvet padded towards Tumult and Lajzig, bowing her head deeply in acknowledgment of her new leader, "I think you've taken a great gamble and risk, and I also think it will pay off in the long run. I look forward to following under your command."

Incalia, Onslaught & Others

As the votes were counted, and Tumult announced as leader, there were mixed reactions in the Haunter ranks. However, when people started to leave due to their unhappiness with the results, Incalia immediately forgot about Lazjig, and forgot about her concerns with bringing the former Lurker into their group. Standing, she approached Tumult, her head held in such a way that showed she was below him, as they all were, but that she had earned her place as one of the highest of the Haunters.

"Never fear, Tumult," she said, her deep voice laced with a growl as she watched the others leave behind Stacey and Defcon, "They are only doing what should have been done long ago. They are cleansing our genepool of the defectors, the traitors and the cowards, leaving but the brave, honourable and powerful behind." Here she paused, and her head seemed to lower by the smallest amount, something that would only be visible if one had been looking, and her voice lost its rage, "You shall always have my support, Tumult. Your mother was a great friend of mine, and her blood runs through your veins. You will be a great leader."

Onslaught, on the other paw, was contemplating his future. On one side, he could stay here and live under Tumult with his coalition brothers and family, but on the other side... "Rayne, are you planning on breaking away as well? He was very careful not to use the word 'defecting', for if Rayne did decide to go, Onslaught would be very much inclined to follow him. Ardeth listened very intently to his older brothers hushed words, while Malacath, Vaermina and Harrow began to wander towards the main group.

Unlike the others, Dante and Kamari would not follow Stacey and Defcon from the Temple. It would take a great deal of belief in someone to drag them from their family, and they also knew Incalia would make it her mission to deter any of her children from defecting from the Haunters with brute force. Yes, she was old, but she still had a vicious temper, and a bite to match. They moved to meet with Kamari and Dante in the middle of the temple with the others who were staying, and were joined by Assari and Dynas.

Bandit was watching Onslaught very carefully, knowing that there could be a chance he might break away with Rayne, along with Ardeth. Without drawing attention to himself, he moved towards the Coalition, taking a seat beside Martimoor and the other felines. "It seems we may have to persuade another to stay with us. Onslaught looks a little to eager to stay beside Rayne..." Bandit sounded dangerous, his eyes locked onto Onslaught, and his voice hissing ominously.

Tumult .+. Rayne

His heart began to sink as so many of the Haunters turned up their noses and walked out of the Temple: Traitors. He closed his eyes and winced a little, "Fine, selfish, ignorant." His golden eyes looked up, strong but very angry at how many were so weak in their alliance with the Haunters themselves. "If my mother were still running, how many of these would have turned on her?"

Tumults eyes turned to Hydras, "I am sorry for their disrespectful ways, I didn't know how many traitors we had in our pack." His eyes turned to Quil and nodded to her words. "Yes, they will see how great you really are...." Harks caught the sound of Velvets steps and he turned to listen to her words of encouragement. A smile graced his lips and he lowered his head in thanks to her. "Sometimes you have to close your eyes and have some faith."

Then Incalia came up to him, and for her to lower her head to him made him almost dance on a cloud. One of the oldest and most respected Haunters, showing her respect to him. His smile increased and he bowed his head to her as well. "I thank you for your words my dear Incalia and a cleansing has been long overdue for the Haunters. It only pains me to see how many disloyal there really were and how many of them could have turned against Risen at any given moment." He nodded to Incalia, smiling all the more.

--.+.--

Rayne sat in the corner, seething under his anger and defeat. How weak, how weak these creatures are- HAH! and the losers who sulk off to cry to their dead glory. What wretched fools. His eyes flinched as a canine came up to him with the daring question of him being a defector. Being a mixture of all three canines, the coy-wolf-dog felt superior to all others, he lifted up the side of his lip and offered a grungy smile. "I am no defector, If this is what Lady Risen wanted, then this is what she shall get, I will keep my loyalty to this pack so long as Risen is still in charge mentally and spiritually." He stood and moved away, it was late, and he was ready for the night to consume his mind.

Gold

Angel, Gold, Vicoria, Silvertip, Nighteyes, and Pepper all stayed behind. Angel saw her mother leave, but she remained behind. At the age of 12 she believed she could make her own decision.

However Jasper followed after the leaving group. Wing, Sunlight, and Eclipse were behind them.