His movements were sure and quick. He had been gone for some time, and he was thinner then before, but muscles were thick on hiom, and he looked stronger then ever. His half colored eyes looked around, and the male sent up a howl, calling together his pack. What was left of his pack. He had left without notice. So he would understand if no one came....

Vision heard the call first, and the silver and white female trotted towards the sound of her alpha. Her leader. She halted, the first to circle around him.

The four felines had stayed within the temple, some of the last to linger there. Their hybrid friend, Draven, had left to join a different pack, but these cats had stuck it out in the hope Baphomet would return. And as luck would have it, he did.

The call rang through the temple, and alerted the felines to their Leader's presence. Rising, Vulcan led the other three out onto the Croal Mountains and they traversed the land to come upon his meeting. Vulcan came to sit on the right side of Baphomet, giving him a nod of greeting. Arctic and Venus sat both sides of Vision, with Obsidian sitting next to Venus. They waited for any other Guardians to show up.

Auna and Feather-Paw responded to the howl. The snow leopard and lynx were no longer shadowed by their brothers though; Snowden and Ravanok had been killed in the battle at Lost Valley.

Above the group, the little kestrel flitted about in the air, hovering a moment before alighting on a nearby rock. Pepper had done her best to keep tabs on the enemies, as well as the whereabouts of former pack members.

Fiona was one to respond as well, padding out after the larger felines. The little tabby sat down next to Auna. A bit slower than the others, Ventisshou eventually arrived as well. The rattlesnake coiled up a few feet from Baphomet, "Akili and Tekkenal are still with us as well, though they are bound by the waters." She informed.

The silvery bobcat also came slinking lazily to the call, clawing his way up a tree to listen from one of the lower bows, but his soft voice came forth. I beleive the wolf called Saxton was called away on an unexpected family emergency, so I am fairly sure he will not be joining us at the moment. That said, he fell silent. He didn't really care one way or the other for Saxton, but the wolf had asked him to deliver the message, so he had. His duty had been done.

With the grace and ease peculiar to his kind, the cat curled up on the branch and proceeded to wash himself in a disinterested sort of way, though his tufted ears were perked attentively to hear what Baphomet had to say.

Coming up near the tail end of the little group gathering, Promise moved up and sat furthest from the alpha. She had never really met him and felt it was not her place to grow nearer to the wolf. She was, however, against the Haunter and wished to take part in the war that she hoped was a promise.

Her father's yellow orbs were distinct in her own. Daughter of Vicious and Insecure, she was a perfect blend of both. Her body illuminated like a satin rodent, but her eyes were just as chilling as her murderous father. She said nothing, but gave a greeting nod to let the others know she was to participate.

A soft sigh escaped the black males lips. No others? He hadn't expected many.... Not really. But he was glad.... That he had at least this many. At least this many. We shall wait a few more moments. I have news.... He paused and tilted his head. Listening..... Then he began again. Yes. I have news that could aid us.

Into this gathering lumbered a 725 lb, 7 foot long male grizzly, shaking the water out of his pelt, a large salmon in his mouth. A typical sight in this part of the country, but less typical was how he came within about ten feet of the group and tossed the salmon to land at Baphomet's feet, his voice rumbling across them. A residence price. I understand you are looking for large, unexpected animals. Well, here I am. Abrupt, and odd, but clear.

A soft smile touched the black males lips at the sight of Ruin. Well..... That was different, but no price must be paid. All are welcome, and all here have the same goals. To destroy the Shadow Haunters once and for All. His vertically cut eyes watched the grizzly, and he said just as softly You shall be partnered with Vision. If you feel that you do not like her, say so. The females eyes grew wide. M-me? She stammered. Poor Vision was so shy, it was hard for her to come out of her shell. Yes you. This is hows its going to be. Everyone is going to get a partner. Therefore, if something goes wrong your partner can either aid you, or get help. Any other questions? He was tired, and just wished for sleep, but he waited understanding that there may be much to tell, and not enough to say.

A shrug met Baphomet's declaration that there was no price, and the booming bass sounded more softly. Very well then. Take the salmon to your injured, or to your new mothers, or to whomever needs a meal. I have already eaten my fill.

Ruin's mahogany eyes flicked to Vision, noting her nervousness, and sharing it. He wasn't really... a socialite, either. It had taken all the nerve he could muster to come join these gathered animals, and now they wanted him to be partners with someone. He took a moment to brace himself, and then moved slowly around toward Vision, staying a ways back, knowing that his sheer size could easily frighten her. The rumble in his voice disappeared as he lowered his voice even further. I... am Ruin. Short, sweet.

Speak facts, things that can't get you in trouble, things that won't make others wonder about you. That way, you may not make friends, but you will make no enemies. This, his father had told him many, many times, before he had gone to rest on the winds. He'd never known his mother... she'd died when he was very, very young. Da hadn't really known how to raise cubs...

He pulled away from these thoughts, eyes soft on Vision.