Tersek & Others

Dally had led the group south along the Croal Mountains, and then east towards the towering White River Mountain Range, hugging the foothills that lay in the shadows of these natural giants of the landscape. It was a journey of nearly an hour, with plenty of jumping back and forth between branches as the falcon waited for his slower, land-bound packmates to follow him. Eventually, the group as led to a quiet roadway, one of the few that courted the White River Mountains, and one that Ethan would have to take to get to his cabin in the deep woods.

"You sure he'll come this way? And he hasn't already passed by?" Tersek asked, slowly approaching the gravel road with a look of disgust wrinkling his grayed muzzle. He despised the humans, and being this close to one of their landmarks made the old co-lead nervous.

"No one's passed by this morning." The ringing voice of Cedarwood announced, from higher up in a pine tree. The eagle had kept watch with his mate while Dally had gone to fetch the Haunters. "From here, I can most of the road before it curves back into the trees. After I've spotted him, you should have several minutes to prepare your ambush before he reaches this point."

Tersek nodded, then turned to face Azula, "Alright, this part's up to you. Find a good spot to play bait, the rest of us will hide."

Azula

She nodded as she scoped out the area. She found a spot right beside the road and laid down doing her best to look like she was hit by a car or something. She labored her breathing.

Tersek & Others

Dally had taken off, flying swiftly to the east to meet up with his daughter in Atroe City. That left the rest of the Haunters to anxiously guard the roadway, waiting for their chance to rescue two of their wayward packmates.

Ditaren, Lupanare, and Blackmist had all faded into the surrounding landscape, taking up position near tangles of barren bramble or beside the dark stone boulders that dotted the area. Tersek had instructed Lemoar to stay closer to Azula, while he traveled further down the road to seek a good ambush point.

Up in his pine tree, Cedarwood watched the road. For nearly another hour, the group would wait, before the eagle's voice rose and relayed information to the ground-dwellers, "Head's up! We have a thunderbug!" And sure enough, keen ears would hear the rumble of a vehicle bumping along down the road, heading in their direction. Muscles tensed and auds strained, with eyes peering intently through the leafless branches as each Haunter awaited the arrival of the vehicle.

It was a smaller car, a dingy brown in color, and it slowed as it came upon the ambush site. Under Cedarwood's vigilant gaze, the car diverted towards the shoulder of the road, slowing until it came to a stop, parallel with where Azula lay. Cedar couldn't easily see the occupants, but he could see the window on the passenger side roll down as the human in the vehicle attempted to see what kind of creature this big cat was, and whether she was alive or not...

Azula

She did her best to keep herself still enough yet breathing enough to signify she was alive, but possibly injured even when the car stopped near her.

Blackmist, Tersek, & Velvet

Leomar watched with baited breath and muscles tensed like coiled springs ready to unleash. His rounded ears perked when he heard the man's voice sound from within the car, and his tail twitched when the man shifted inside the vehicle and unclipped his seatbelt. The door opened, and with the car still running, the fellow stepped out and began to circle around to the shoulder where Azula lay.

Wordlessly, Leomar surged forward, twigs snapping and leaves flying under the force of his movement. In a few quick bounds, giant paws carrying his 357 pound frame with ease, Leomar had reached Azula and lunged, sailing clear over her prone body as he tackled the hapless man to the ground.

"Another car!" Cedarwood cried suddenly from above, "Incoming!"

Tersek growled as he started forward, heading immediately for the running car. "Hurry! We need to find them and get out!" Even as he approached the vehicle though, Tersek's keen nose didn't find the man's scent familiar. He couldn't smell Aizen, or any canine for that matter.

"It's not him." Blackmist was the first to realize their mistake, "We have the wrong two-legger!"

Azula

Azula got up when Leomar attacked and she frowned. Are we still visible to the incoming thunderbug? Maybe the incoming thunderbug is him and maybe he'll stop to help this guy, though we'd have to be more careful. Or let him go and we'll see what happens?She aid her tail twitching.

Tersek & Others

"You've got a few seconds before he rounds the corner!" Cedarwood called out, responding to Azula's question. The big eagle shifted restlessly in the branches above, sending a few shavings of bark tumbling down to the road below, as he bobbed his head up and down and to the sides, trying to keep tab of the approaching vehicle through the branches.

Tersek darted away from the car after a brief sniff through the driver's side door. Growling under his breath, he nodded to Azula, "Azula's got a good idea, everyone fall back! Leomar, let the human go for now." The co-lead himself sprinted off the road and back into the brush, and was quickly joined by the others.

Leomar was not happy to release his prey, but did so at the order of Tersek. "I almost had him." The big lion muttered as he stepped off the mauled but living man, and slunk back into the forest, stepping carefully around Azula.

The rattled and bloodied man picked himself up, stumbling a bit before getting his barrings. Clutching a vicious wound to his shoulder, he staggered back to the road, just as the other car was rounding the final corner. He shouted and waved his other hand as he moved around to the driver's side door, trying to seek help and get to the safety of his vehicle...

Azula

Azula was calm and quiet until the man started screaming her ears flicked. ugh what awful noises humans made when injured! Maybe she should of let him kill the human. Now she frowned a little. What if the human in the car thought it too dangerous to help the man? Her tail flicks lightly as if she was injured. She is watching the human and car but is not moving very much.

Tersek & Others

Leomar's claws dug into the ground, his eyes fixated hungrily on the man that stumbled back to his car. The end of his tail lashed with agitation, but the big cat obediently held his ground and listened with some distraction to the second thunderbug that was rapidly approaching.

Dally! The name flashed through Tersek's thoughts as he spotted a bird swooping in low after the second vehicle, followed close by the larger form of his daughter, Erathi. "This is it, this is our human!" Tersek delivered this message in a sharply pitched howl, striving to have his voice heard over the rumble of the machines and that hollering of the human.

The second car slowed down, the engine quieting as the metal behemoth eventually came to a stop a few yards from the first. Blackmist was almost quivering with anticipation, gaze locked onto the hazy silhouette of the human behind the wheel, waiting anxiously for them to step out and reveal themselves. Unfortunately, the driver's door never opened, but the window was rolled down, and the face that peaked out was unmistakably that of Ethan. "When do we attack?"

Tersek was equally as tense, but there was greater control in the elder Co-Lead. "Wait. If the man doesn't leave the vehicle, we can target the second one again, and lure the other out."

From within Ethan's car, Momo and Aizen would be able to hear Tersek's initial howl. And while Momo was left untied in the backseat, now trusted to behave herself, Aizen had a metal muzzle bound around his face, and a rope tying him to one of the backseats, so that he couldn't lunge into the front seat and disturb Ethan during the journey.

Momo

She heard the howl her ears going back at it. aizen what have you doneShe whimpered. She didn't even honestly remember how to live in the wild. She was very dependent on Ethan to survive. She whined nervously.

Aizen snarls occasionally trying to remove the metal muzzle from his face and pulling against his rope.. His ears perk up at he howl.

Azula trys to wait. Her tail twitching.

Tersek & Others

Ethan was laser-focused on Azula and the surrounding landscape, tuning out Aizen's snarls and Mimi's whimpering. He spoke even as he continued to look about their surroundings, trading words with the frantic man outside. After a tense moment of back and forth between the two humans, Ethan leans over and rolls down the passenger side window, hawk-like gaze briefly fixated on the she-cat laying beside the road. Thanks to the other man, he knew there was another 'giant cat' lurking in the woods, so he was wise enough not to leave his vehicle. But he did carefully reach for his glove box...

Meanwhile, the initial human had begun hobbling back to his car under Ethan's advice. Leomar lashed his tail angrily and growled, "That one's getting away, and our target isn't getting out." It took every fiber of restraint for the big cat to hold his ground and not rush forward.

Hearing the growling and whimpering, Blackmist simply couldn't hold back. She could hear her friends, and worried that Ethan might get spooked and drive away before they could be rescued. The wolfess broke from cover and rushed across the pavement before vaulting into the air towards the open window. The window was not down all the way though, and being the large hybrid she was, Blackmist couldn't fit. She was tall enough to stand on her hind legs and squeeze her head and front paws in, and immediately began to snap at Ethan...

Seeing that their cover was blown, Lupanare broke cover next, and began to circle around Ethan's car, looking for a way to attack and disable the giant thunderbug. A few snaps at the exterior defied even her strong teeth, but she found the tires a little more giving, and so began to bite and chew on those.

After witnessing Blackmist's failed attempted to enter the car, Duality utilized her slightly smaller size by leaping for the driver's side window while Ethan was preoccupied with Black. A well-timed jump and a bit of awkward scrambling got the hybrid halfway through the window. With her hind paws scrabbling outside the door for purchase, and her front end lodged inside the vehicle, Duality quickly assessed the situation. "Mimi! Quick, bite Aizen's rope!" She herself was scrambling to get further into the car while offering snaps at the man...

Momo

Momo was more fearful of Ethan then of anything else so at Duality's words her ears go back.I can'tShe studdered.

Aizen odesn't have the same fear yet that his sister had and pulled desperately against the rope.

Azula growls when the cover is blown and gets up and rushs the car biting at the tires.

Tersek & Others

Confusion initially struck Duality when Momo refused to help. She had never encountered a fellow canine whose spirit had been so thoroughly broken by a human, and even though Blackmist had warned her that their friend was not the same, it still broke her heart to see it first hand. "Momo, please! You're with family now, you can do it." Duality pleaded. She wiggled more until she was fully through the window, yelping as a horrible pain suddenly struck her neck and caused her body to momentarily seize. A similar yelp came from Blackmist moments later, as she too was struck by the business end of a cattle prod.

While Black fell down outside the car, momentarily dazed, Duality rallied her strength and dove for the back seat as a fist connected solidly with her ribs, knocking the wind from her. Swearing she'd tear his throat out when she got the chance, Duality first went for the rope that held Aizen, trying to slash through it as quickly as she could...

Outside the vehicle was organized chaos, with the entirety of the Haunter's attack squad now pouring into the roadway to deal with Ethan and his car. Leomar climbed onto the hood and took several swipes at the windshield, while Lupanare and Tersek circled and snapped at various points of the vehicle, determined to kill the 'creature', or at least make it spit out its occupants.

Meanwhile, the initial fellow managed to make it into his own car with the door tightly closed and windows rolled securely up.

Momo

Momo fear of the human was too great especially when he brought out the cattle prod. Her body trembles from everything and she tries to scramble away to no degree of being able to.

Aizen snarls through the muzzle trying to get it off and even if Duality breaks the rope he still had that metal problem on his face.

Azula tried to bite and slash the tires they seemed softer then the rest.

Tersek & Others

Thick as the rope was, it was no match for Duality's keen fangs. In a few quick bites, the rope is severed and Aizen is freed. A jolt of pain lights up her backside seconds later as the cattleprod connects with her thigh, bringing a strangled yelp from the wolfess as she collapses into the backseat.

Ethan's tall, imposing stature becomes a slight burden to him now as he clips out of his seatbelt and struggles to swivel around in the front seat and grapple with Duality, throwing a heavy punch for her head. Far too smart to step out of the vehicle and into the jaws of the vicious Haunters, he was more than confident in his ability to handle a loose canine in his car, especially since he trusted Momo not to attack him, and Aizen was helpless with his muzzle on.

Outside on the road, the pack would find little to damage on the vehicle. The tires were of high grade, a necessity for a man who had to drive his vehicle along rough, unforgiving roads. They mostly resisted Azula's fangs, though she'd be able to tear some chunks off if she kept at it.

Aizen

DUality go just goHe growled as he now moved to block duality from Ethan moving to stand in the middle but allowing Duality once she recovered to squeeze by and squeeze out of the window. He tried hitting Ethan with the muzzle since he couldn't bite him.

Momo laid down and placed her paws oer her face.

Azula kept attacking the tire.If we can get these things to deflate we can back off and let the man get a sense of securityShe growled. He'll have to get out eventuallyShe growled.

Tersek & Others

Blackmist had eventually lost her purchase on the side of the car and dropped down from the window. She had the taste of blood on her fangs at least, and Ethan had the marks of her teeth nicked across his forearm. It wasn't much of a victory, but it was one she would happily claim. "Aizen! What's going on in there?" With her tail stiff and her hackles up, she began to circle around the vehicle, rearing up on her hindlegs to peer in through the windows.

Duality turned a snap at Ethan, but between Aizen now being in the way and the tight confines of the vehicle's interior, she wasn't able to land any solid contact with the man and his honed reflexes. "I'm not leaving either of you behind!" She had her ears planed out, and her dual-toned eyes staring savagely at the human and that wicked metal bar he held. She wanted so badly to lunge at the vile two-legger and tear his throat out, but knew that weapon of his would stop her, if his fist didn't get there first. She already had several bruises rising beneath her grizzled coat, and a few sets of burn marks where that prod had made contact. Cursing out loud, she offered Ethan a savage snarl before bolting awkwardly for the passenger side window and squeezing out, "Aizen, now's your chance! Grab your sister and follow me before his thunderbug starts moving again!"

Outside, Azula finally managed to take a chunk out of one tire, while Leomar removed a wiperblade. "Nothing about this thunderbeetle tastes alive." He complained as he pawed at the hood, leaving scratches in the paint, but otherwise doing little to the integrity of the vehicle. "Even a turtle's shell bleeds - has anyone drawn blood on it?" The heat from the engine convinced Leomar this thing had to be alive, but he couldn't wrap his mind around how it was, or how best to kill it.

Aizen

He would love to grab his sister but his muzzle was currently behind a metal contraption.Momo come on go! Sister is waiting at home please goHe growled keeping himself between Ethan and their escape. Dont worry about having to hunt we can hunt for you we will take care of youHe said.

Momo finally got up seeing her brother wasn't going to leave this be and she attempted to get by him and then out of the car.

Azula spat the chunk out.Not alive she growled but attacked the same wheel again.

Tersek & Others

From outside there car, Blackmist and Duality both were calling to Momo, pleading with their traumatized friend to join them. Duality eventually circled back to the driver's side door and reared up, with the intention of trying to snap at Ethan again. To her dismay, she found that the window had already been rolled back up, and the thin glass between her and the evil man on the other side was too tough for her claws or fangs to break through. That didn't stop her from snapping at it though, trying at least to distract the two-legger long enough for her comrades to escape.

If 'focused' had a name, it would be 'Ethan'. The man barely glanced back at the window where the terrifyingly large hybrid was gnashing her ivories, having full faith in the glass's durability. He also showed little concern for the two giant cats outside, either of which could easily end his life if he stepped out of the car. His could eyes were on Aizen, and in an attempt to subdue the wild canine, he turned the cattle prod against Aizen's stomach...

"No" The thunderous bark of a word was aimed at Momo now, as she attempted to squeeze by. Aggression filled his tone and he swung his free hand for the canine, try to grab one of her legs and forcibly yank her back into the back seat...

Outside, Leomar was getting agitated with the situation and the lack of response the thunderbug had to his attacks. "Alive or not, this stupid thing has no neck for me to bite. It's hide is like rock!" He swiped at the windshield, his claws screeching against the glass. Climbing up onto the roof, the lion's weight caused the car to rock, and the shocks to groan with complaint.

Another chunk of tire was dislodged by Azula, with the hot, rubbery taste of the material invaded her sense of taste and smell. The wheel had taken considerable damage by this point, but the man inside seemed defiant about stay in place so far.

Azula

She keeps tearing and spitting out the tire.this thing tastes disguesting!She said but keeps at it.

Aizen yelped and collapsed to his stomach for the moment. But when he saw the man hand on momo's leg however he attempts to shift his body to land on said arm. He cant do much damage but he can get his sister free.

Momo whimpers when one hind leg is grabbed. She does not attack his hand proof of her fear of him but she does try to pull her leg free to get out the window.

Tersek & Others

"What's going on in there?" Tersek's disgruntled voice calls out as a deep bark above the bedlam around him. He can see shapes tussling about through the windows, but his old eyes can't easily make sense of it. Giving up on the tire he'd been attacking, the wolfdog makes a sudden rush at the second car, where the wounded fellow had since escaped into. Instead of scaring the man away, which had been his intention, the fellow in the car lays on the horn, blasting it as he shifts the car into drive...

Inside Ethan's besieged vehicle, the man is struggling with his two canines. "Heel!" He barks the word out with a threatening tone, but Aizen is now slamming his body down against his arm, wrenching Ethan's elbow downward. Between the sheer force and suddenness of the move, and Momo's desperate struggling, his fingers slip off her leg for a few precious seconds. Ethan drops the cattle prod and swings a powerful fist straight for the side of Aizen's face in retaliation for this. Momo had seconds to scramble out of the window, and if she wasn't quick enough, Ethan's reaching hand was going for her hand leg again...

The sound of the other car's horn startled Leomar badly enough that he'd jumped straight up. When the big cat came back down, it wasn't a graceful landing, with one hind paw slipping off the side of the roof, and the rest of his body fallowing suit. With a yowl of surprise, the lion makes a graceless landing on the pavement, hitting his side and rolling wildly to his feet. "The hell was that?! Did that other thunderbug just scream?"

Blackmist, Duality, and Lupa all pinned their ears at the blast of the carhorn, but none of them could be distracted for long from their mission. Blackmist continued to assault the window, while Duality was now pacing outside the passenger side door, "Come on Momo, you're almost there! Leap for it! You'll be safe outside, I promise."

Lupanare piped in as she sprinted around the front of the car, eyes open for any possible opening, "She's right. And we wont let that human touch you again. The second he steps out of that bug, he's lunch."

Momo

When he said the word she was actually a little confused. How was she suppose to even do that in here? But despite her fear she took the moment or release and scrambled out the window. Her ears were back and her tail goes under as she does.

Aizen is not as lucky as he is hit in the head and dazed from the hit.

Azula stopped attacking the tire at the sound.

Tersek & Others

Ethan's fingers brushed through the fur of Momo's tail, nearly snagging the appendage before the hybrid is able to thrust herself through the opened window. He barks another order for her to return to his side, but she's already gone. Realizing the futility of trying to order Momo to jump back into the car, Ethan counts his losses and hits the button to roll the passenger window up, lest one of the big cats gets the idea to swipe a paw through while it's still down. The other hand is grabbing Aizen by the scruff and shoving the dazed canine back towards the backseat.

Tersek immediately runs to his freed daughter, icy-yellow orbs looking her up and down and finding a mix of relief to have her back, and disgust at how submissive and spirit-broken she was. "You alright? Blackmist! Stick with her, while we-"

HOOOOONK!

The second car blasts its horn again, and shifts into reverse. Another ear-shattered honk is given before he backs the vehicle up with a burst of motion, heading towards Azula and Leomar...

"Ahh great!" Leomar hesitates before springing aside, knowing that his claws and teeth can't penetrate this strange beast. "Azula, watch out!"

Tersek and Duality both dart towards the shoulder of the road, with Tersek flattening his ears in aggravation, "Haunters, fall back! Get out of that thunderbug's way! Where's Aizen?"

Momo

Momo's body was dying to listen to the command. She knew how some of the haunters thought which was why she never stuggled to get free from Ethan. Her twisted jaw caused the majority of the haunters to ignore her, she was always last to eat her and her other sister. Aizen was fairly able to fight enough to get food. She lets her father sniff her over her tail under her body.In the car stillShe studdered.

Aizen couldn't stop from being pushed back but as they moved away he is looking at the window of his family.

Azula leaps out of the way just in time lashs instinctivly out at the car.

Tersek & Others

With the scent of human still aggravating his nose, Tersek cursed vibrantly under his breath when he realized Aizen was still in the vehicle. "AIZEN!" His bark became a howl, but it as too late now. Ethan's vehicle was beginning to move too, albeit in a thumping, wobbling locomotion due to the damaged tires. Tersek could now see his son peering from the back window, and it caused his blood to boil. Happy though he was to have Mimi back, he viewed Aizen as more able-bodied, and was not happy that they'd traded places. "Dammit all Imre!" Tersek took a step back, "Retreat! Fall back to the Ruins and regroup!" Icy yellow eyes shot upwards, "Erathi, I want you with us. Dally, lead Cedarwood and Tracey after that thunderbug and report back when you've found where he's being taken."

Duality padded up beside Momo as the cars pulled away, pressing her muzzle briefly against her cowering half-sibling when their father didn't bother trying to console her. "Hey, it's going to be alright, Momo. Just stay by me for right now, alright?" She gave her malformed sister a caress on the top of her forehead before offering a gentle nudge to guide her into the forest, and away from the road.

Above, Dally gave a sharp cry before wheeling out over the trees and following Ethan's vehicle. The heavy whoosh of Cedar's wingbeats followed next as the eagle rose higher in the sky and trailed after.

Below them, Lemoar was lashing his tail with anger, "That was a bust! I didn't get to kill anything. But look-" He nodded to Azula while his eyes followed the vehicles, "I think you injured it pretty good, look how it's moving. Next time, I think we can kill it for goood."

Momo

Momo didn't want to leave her brother behind and she remained cowering down. She hated that even her father seemed to view her much lowly then her brother. It made her wish she just stayed in the car. I shouldn't of gotten out im not wanted out hereSHe said her ears back and tail tucked despite Duality words and touch. She had no choice but to follow she would die if she didn't. She kept her body low and her tail tucked tightly under herself.

Aizen watched them vanish into the distance.

Azula snarled lashing once iwth her claws.I'll take it out in no time next timeSh growled.

Tracey took flight and followed as well.

Tersek & Others

It pained Duality to hear her sister say this. Her ears flicked back for a beat as she struggled to come up with some word or gesture to ease Momo's distress, but nothing came to her in that moment. Their father could be callous, that she knew, and there was no denying it. After a second or two, she nudged Momo again and stayed at her side as they moved into the woodlands, "Father... has a poor way of showing his concern. But, he did help organize this all to save you."

Blackmist trailed behind, quietly listening to the pair talk. She vowed to keep an eye on her aunt as she eased back into packlife, and make sure that the others didn't harass her too much.

Lupanare and Leomar joined with the rest as the melted back into the cover of the trees, with the lion nodding his eager agreement to Azula. As soon as they found out where Aizen was, he would be ready for vengeance.

Momo

Momo ears were back as she went.only because he cares about AizenShe said. You waisted your time no other haunters want me around, I am of no sue I can't hunt and I can barely eat as isShe said.

Duality & Others

Duality used her radar-like ears to keep track of the rest of the pack as they filed away into the forests, while her two-toned eyes studied the miserable half-sister she walked beside. "Father is happy that your back, I guarantee it. He's just... upset about loosing Aizen, and I'm sure his mind is running a hundred different scenarios on how to get him back." Duality wasn't honestly sure whether her words were true or not, but she spoke them as if they were the gospel. Trying to find something to cheer Momo up, Duality shifted the conversation elsewhere, "Ursa will be happy to see you- we found her a while back, along with Geinah and Cavan. Quilikahm too."

Momo

She snorted.yet if you posed the question to him who he would save first it would always be AizenShe said shaking her head.It would be Ursa next and me last because i need help eatingShe said with a snort.

Duality & Others

Duality knew Momo was right in her words, so she didn't bother trying to make up a lie to cover for their father. With a sad smile she nodded, "I think he follows his mind rather than his heart when he makes those decisions. To keep the Family strong, he... has to help our most able-bodied members first, so they in turn can keep the rest of us safe." Doubting that would make Momo feel any better, the wolfess added on with a brighter note, "With spring settling into the Valley soon, I'm sure we'll be expecting new cubs in the pack. We'll need den Mothers to help keep an eye on all of them, and I think that'd be a perfect job for you."

Momo

She snorted at that.that does nothing for meThen she snorted.No I don't want to be a den mother, Im not allowed to have my own pups In the haunters eyes and so there fore I will not watch over the others childrenSHe said with a snort.Ill maim them if they are not my pups then see how the others in the haunters feel about that. I don't know why you guys even came for me. The haunters are a corrupt group that only care about strengthShe said. She may love her family Duality included but she knew where she stood. She knew if she tried to breed she would be attacked for it.

Duality & Others

She briefly flicked her ears back and turned a furtive glance around when Momo suggested attacking other pups. Fortunately, Tersek had carried on further ahead and hadn't heard the comment, and Leomar had detoured off away from the group at his own pace. Lupanare wasn't far off, but cream-coated fae didn't seem to react to their sibling's hostile comments. Duality sighed and lowered her voice, "Careful with your words, Momo. If the wrong Haunter hears that..." She trailed off, figuring her half-sibling knew what kind of punishment might await her.

Duality was quiet for a moment, trying to think of anything that might console Momo. The fae's anger was certainly justifiable, and her heart ached for the rough life she'd been given, especially being born to Haunters. "Why don't you talk with Quilikahm? Maybe being a Healer might suit you?" She raised her ears and gave her tail an encouraging wag, "We always need Healers, and that's a well respected title among the Haunters. Even Dad agrees with that."

Momo

She snorted.Good She said and then snorted.Nope I will bring my own pups in to this world whether they like it or not as if im gonna be in the wild and watch others have pups then that is what I will do I will have pups and I will raise them. Ill be what ever it is the hell I want to be they can't tell me no I won't let them. Anyone who disagrees should be killedShe growled her tail now up. You should of left me with the human, These haunters we belong to only care for the healthy. If it comes down to having to defend others I and Ursa and even Aizen will be last to be defended if at all. The others will attack me when I try to breed and most likely theyll kill any pup I haveShe said.

Duality & Others

Duality slowed her pace, allowing herself to fall behind as the rest of the Haunters carried on like wraiths through the underbrush, filing back to their hidden home in the mountains. The further the conversation went, the more concerned she became with Momo's safety. "Momo, sweetie..." She began, touching her snout to the side of the other's neck in a consoling gesture, trying to calm the irritated fae, "Senka and Tersek won't allow you to bear pups, not with.. not with the way you were born." Duality wince a little herself for saying it, but she knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Tersek would not let Momo bear offspring, even if she were one of his own daughters.

"Do you remember the stories of Coriscan, and what happened to him? I don't want you to be punished that way." The fate of Cori had been before her time, but the story of the hybrid's demise had been passed down as a warning for any Haunter who dared to defy the orders of the Family. He had been mutilated, and then kept alive long enough with Quilikahm's cruel help, before being dropped into the lava at the Ashen Domes to atone for his wrongdoings. "Why don't we just get home, and you rest a bit? This must all be a shock to you, and you need time to readjust to life with us again. I promise it'll be better than being with that human. Blackmist and I will look after you."

Momo

She snarls at this.I DON"T CARE WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM! MAYBE MY FATHER AND SENKA NEED TO BE FORCED TO STEP DOWN. I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO HAVE PUPS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! She snarled this loud enough for them all to hear. I never asked for any of you to come safe me I know how the haunters do not care for me Ursa or even Aizen we are nothing but demented things that should of been killed at birth. Father should of been stoped from breeding himself. AFter all we share his genes! If If aeveryone else is allowed to have pups then I too will have pups. Let them do something to me ill find a way to punish them for having offspring then too. I will not sit back and be treated any different then you or the others and if they got a problem with it too bad let themShe growled her fur now bristled. rest? Why should I rest? How is this better then being with that human? Im pretty sure he'd let me find a mate in his pack and have pups. He made sure I could eat and never looked down on me for my deformity. He actually cared none of you do you only pretend for Aizen's sake. The haunters hsould of been disbanded when risen disappeared. It is a pack that cares nothing nothing for its pack mates only the power and strength they provideShe growled.If I can't have pups then kill me now because I will breed I will start my own family whether they like it or not and there won't be shit they can do especially when Aizen gets free he'll defend my right, Ursa will Defend my right and I wouldn't put it past both of them to want to have pups tooShe growled.

Tersek & Others

Despite her best efforts to stall Momo enough for the rest of the pack to travel out of hearing distance, there was no calming the fae's unbridled emotions. Her voice rose to a snarl and her words rang loud and clear through the forest for even their aging father to catch wind of. A look of worry wrinkled Duality's expression and she nudged Momo again, trying desperately to calm her friend, "Shhh, Momo. You must keep your voice down." But it was too late, she could hear the rustling of several forms heading back in their direction, and was not surprised to find Tersek's scowling face emerge from the sparse vegetation as he stalked back towards his two daughters.

"Momo." Her name was delivered in a deep, warning bark that was followed by a low growl and the bristling of his grizzled fur. "Are you questioning my authority, and how Senka and I run the Haunters?" His tail was flagged as he stalked stiff-legged towards his crippled daughter, two-toned eyes sizing her up and demanding submittance.

Duality immediately turned her ears back and lowered her head in the wake of her father's bristling anger and authority. Old as the Co-lead was, he was still nearly twice her size, and had the scars of countless battles to prove his ferocity and wisdom in battle. "I think she's still in shock from everything, father. Please don't mind her words, she's been away from us for-"

"Quiet." A flash of fangs and a sharp growl from Tersek quieted Duality. He stepped closer to Momo, speaking to her in an unblinking fashion, "You are unfit for breeding, and I won't have your blood weakening the Haunters. You have other strengths to offer the Family, but bearing crippled offspring is not one of them. Now come along Momo, we need to get back home and plan how to rescue your brother."

Momo

HEr fur bristles at her father and she laughs at him.My blood? is your blood and I am questioning it. I will have pups or How about no one has pups? Especially anyone that has your blood it is your blood that is foul father. I am not in Shock Duality. I never asked to be born i never asked for this. Other strengths? I have strength to bear pups and that is what Ill do, or you can kill me father because you won't be able to stop me . If you and anyone else of your blood is allowed to have pups then so don't I aizen and Ursa. The haunters need strong leaders that care about everyone not just the strong and none crippled. It is not my FAULT i was born this way it is yours. I can still bite you know? Just because I can't hunt and have trouble eatting does not mean I can't have pups. I hate you! I hate any one who thinks I am unfit and I rather die then be part of the haunters. Aizen and Ursa will join me and im pretty sure there are other haunters who think the same way. You are cruel father I am your blood and you call me unfit! I am unfit because of you you fowl loathsome beastAnd with that she attacked. She aimed to bite him hard any where she can however she could. She didn't care that he was old.you don't care about us at all you probably want us to die anyways so why go safe him he is unfit too right? Your unfit yet you can bear children because you have no visible deformity! The haunters are an unjust unfair group who shouldn't exist!She snarled.

Tersek & Others

"It was your mother's blood that was weak. The entire litter was frowned upon by Imre, but because the Shadow Haunters were strong, we were able to care for you all despite your flaws." Tersek shot back with a steady growl, his ire growing quickly at her laughter and the audacity she had to suggest he was inferior. "Look at your sisters, and tell me they aren't strong. They come from my blood as well, and from stronger mothers." His fangs were bared now, with aged, yellow fangs exposed in all their cruel glory. "Life is not fair Momo, and in any other pack you would have starved to death because of your deformities. You should be thankful that you were born to us, to a Family that could look after you. But instead of being grateful, you demand more! You selfishly demand to have pups, to bring more weakness into this world that will hinder our strength as a pack! You may hate me, but I will not change my mind. These laws are in place to ensure the strength of the Haunters, and I will not have you undermine that for your own greedy desires."

What Tersek did not expect was for Momo to attack him, and giving his age and slower reflexes, he couldn't react fast enough to dodge her. Fangs found their mark on the side of his cheek, gouging the flesh and drawing a steady welling of red through the gray fur. Tersek's snarl turned sharp and he swung his jaws for the side of Momo's shoulder. Without holding back, he aimed to bite her equally as hard, and use his one-hundred and eighty pounds of weight to thrash her like a rag doll...

Duality was stunned by the move and took a step back, eyes wide with disbelief. "Momo! Father, please!" She didn't dare intervene, but she did shoot a worried look to Lupa and Black, unsure of what to do.

Black whined anxiously, wanting to jump in and defend Momo, but fearing the consequences of going against one of the co-leads.

Lupanare's expression was mixed; the caramel fae didn't look as worried as her comrades, and likewise wasn't going to get herself on the wrong end of Tersek's wrath.

Momo

Tears flew from her eyes at everything.IT was still your choice to bear young wit hmy mother don't you blame my mother for this, It is all you. I never said they were weak but they share my blood so should be treated the same way as me! your ight life isn't fair because of ones like youShe snarled.i was making it just fine in that humans care.She snarled and then she had grabbed her fathers cheek and wehn he bit with no mercy she knew her answer. He hated them. Her ears go back as she pulls away and hobbles away defeated.Just let me die then if Im so unfit just le me die you care for nothing father your a disgrace the whole of the haunters are a disgrace. Aizen is in better hands. Filthy mongrelsShe then curled up and jsut let the tears flow from her eys not caring that her shoulder was gushing blood. Why did they even let her live.

Tersek & Others

After Momo pulled away, Tersek had snapped at the air, inches from her neck. Duality couldn't be certain if this was a warning snap, or whether he truly intended to make a bite for his daughter's throat before she hobbled out of his range. The grizzled old brute, with his ears pressed forward and crimson stained muzzle wrinkled back in a look of pure aggression, did not soften his stance when Momo withdrew from the fight, nor did he hesitate at the sight of tears. "That human coddled you, made you weaker. And he'll do the same to Aizen if we don't rescue him soon." And while Duality watched with anxious concern, Tersek's eyes held disdain at the sight of his daughter curling up in defeat on the ground, "We risked our lives to save you and Aizen, the least you can do is try to live. But if you are so determined to produce offspring, you are better off staying where you are." Tersek's growls quieted and he turned away from Momo. Without a look back, he began to pad away, stalking through the forest, and off towards the Ruins.

Leomar and Lupanare were quick to fall back in line with their leader, leaving Blackmist and Duality alone with the wounded Momo. Duality was the first to move up to her side again, turning a tongue to her sibling's freshly bleeding shoulder. "Ooh, Momo... I'm sorry." While she didn't agree with the human bit, she felt sorrow for her sister's lot with the Haunters. "Please stand, and come with us. We'll take you to Dima's Temple; Father and the others aren't allowed there unless for emergencies, and Quilikahm will take care of your shoulder."

Blackmist watched from the sidelines at first, wondering if Tersek had really knocked the fight out of Momo, or whether she'd really try for pups. And she feared what would happen to Momo if she did break that code. "Duality's right, we should at least get you back to the Temple. Ursa will be happy to see you." She forced her tail to wag, trying to find some bright spot for Momo.

Momo

She glared at her father. Oh she was still gonna do it. And she was gonna cause a rift in the haunters because this foolishness had to end. that human took care of me and he would of been okay with me breeding. IT is not mom blood that has fowled us it is yours she has had other pups that are perfectly healthyShe growls back. She glares after him. She stood up.Fine but I am having pups and Ill kill any one who trys anything. I will not stand for haunters to be weak like this, I see weakness as those like father. not those who have physical deformities. She said. Oh she would and she couldn't wait either.

She was going to do it and she was going to put her father in his place. Ursa wouldn't only because of her nature and the fact she couldn't see too far ahead of her, but she knew her sister and Aizen both wanted their own family.Aizen and ursa will stand with me they both want a familyShe said.

Mijuu

She had fled from the haunters in that finall battle. She cherished her life over any of that. She had been listening to terserk belittle their daughter and now she steps out blocking his way.You blame me for them? Your a sorry excuse for a father. A father should stand up for their child no matter who the other parent is or what wrong with the child. You should support your children with what ever it is they want not belittle them and make them feel worthless and strip them of rights. Everyone has the same right as you and i when it comes to breeding and seeing as both of us can produce healthy pups I would say their litter just a freak accident and she shouldn't be penalized for itShe said. HEr teeth bared. She had greyed somewhat.

Tersek & Others

Tersek had heard Momo's words, but hadn't responded. He kept moving, putting his focus on returning to the Ruins and waiting for the raptors to return with news on Aizen's location, while considering how he might deal with Momo if she really did show up pregnant at the Temple. A rustle of wet leaves and dampened sticks is what caused him to finally pause, with a growl rolling through his chest. Lupa stopped too, darting a look and offering a growl herself as she heard someone heading their way.

"..Mijuu?" Tersek spit the name out in surprise as the old rottweiler made her appearance, brazenly stepping into his path. It took Lupanarea a little longer to recall the name, having been very young when Mijuu was still around. The look of surprise on the co-lead's face quickly gave way to anger though as she laid into him with a verbal assault. His tail shot up and he once more exposed his fangs, teeth still pink with fresh blood from their daughter, "I was the one that ordered a rescue party for her after we discovered her still alive, despite the risk it brought to the Family. Don't you try to pin me as a villian, Mijuu. I will gladly risk my life for any Haunter that needs aid, daughter or not. Disabled or not." His voice lowered in pitch, a snarl beginning to play heavily into his words, "You joined the Haunters willingly, and you bred with me willingly, knowing full well what codes we follow. Only the strongest breed, to ensure the health of the pack. If you and Momo don't agree with that, you can find another pack who does and live with them. But I will not bend the rules just because she is my daughter." He took a step closer to her, "Are you a Haunter, or not?"

Not too far off, Duality and Blackmist both looked on in surprise as Mijuu appeared. Uncertain of what was going to happen, Duality took a step closer to Momo and waited withe bated breath.

Mijuu

Mijuu was not afraid of him.Yet anyone who produces crippled offspring should then not be able to breed either but both of us have you will bend your ways Terserk or I will make you. I am a haunter through and through always will be but I do not agree with denying anyone the right to breed.She growled and took a step toward him. If she cannot breed then none of your other children can breed because then we can't risk them carrying said demented geneShe said.

Momo ears went up at her mothers voice but she was unsure of her mother even so.

Tersek & Others

"We've both produced litters that were exceptional. That particular litter..." Tersek snorted and shook his head, "-that one was cursed by Imre, for reasons she only knows why. My healthy offspring have produced equally sound litters, so it's not my blood that's bad." He nodded his muzzle to Blackmist now to prove his point, while his eyes remained locked on the fae before him. "And if you truly are a Haunter as you once were, then you know why we have these rules and you will abide by them. She can be useful as a Den Mother, and raise all the pups she wants to there, but her blood is tainted and would weaken us by bringing more like her into this world." The grizzled brute closed the gap between himself and Mijuu, that his breath could be felt against her muzzle, and scarcely an inch separated the pair, "I'm your Leader, Mijuu, and you'll listen to me if you want to rejoin our ranks. The further you argue this, the more time is wasted while our son remains with that human - that is our enemy."

Mijuu

Momo limps forward.So you want me to be depressed raising pups that are not mine? No I don't think so. I am haunter through and through but it is time that we stop judging anyone for their dissabilities. I will breed, if my entire litter comes out demented like me then I won't do it again. That is as much as i am conceeding to you father. My blood is as strong as yours, mothers and blackmists, this is just my outward appearance nothing more. And if you are so sure that its not your or even moms blood that caused it then it must not be genetic and therefore my pups could come out just fineShe snarled. Though the loss of blood was getting to her.

Mijuu growled.we will change those ideals, The haunters shouldn't be a prejudice group. I we want to be strong then we need to support everyone of us and let any one of us have pups and be what we want to be, making her a den mother would be insultingShe growled.

Tersek & Others

"If you choose to dwell on things that can't be changed for you, I can't help you." Tersek returned to Momo, his tail still high and his fangs now only subtly bared. "If you're worried about how we run things, you and your mother are welcome to leave the Haunters and establish your own pack, or go join the Ancient Guardians if they're even still alive. But I won't let the two of you change the very core of what Haunters are suppose to be, just because your feelings are hurt." The fur along his back bristled again, rising along with the rest of his coat as his snarl deepened, "I won't let your selfishness impair our strength, and you will be punished if you go against our code, just as past offenders have been punished."

Duality stepped forward now, ears back to show her submission as she interjected, "Tensions are high, and the both of you need to bee seen by a healer. Why don't we go back now, and finish this debate when we've all had some food in our bellies and time to rest?"

A loud snort came from the lion standing behind the group. Leomar swished his tail and turned, "Agreed, I'm famished." The big brute appeared to have little concern for the family drama playing out, and was more interested in the fight to come with the humans.

Blackmist, on the other paw, was deeply divided by the argument. She worried for Momo's safety and happiness, but also worried for the fate of the Haunters, who were just beginning to rebuild after so many years living on the fringes in hiding.

Momo

Momom just rolled her eyes at her father.Oh we'll come back, But even if i were to become a den mother I will make sure all the pups I RAISE know they are mine that no other female wolf is their mother. They will never know their wolf mother ever. The lion and feline cubs can go fend for themselves thoughShe growled. Oh she planned on having her own pups and she would divide the haunters. She knew some haunters would be on her side easily.And you say we could leave form our own pack but if you are ticking to haunter core then you would hunt us down and kill usShe said with a snort. Mijuu snorted at Tersekf.Momo I will make sure you have your own pups and I plus many others will defend you. Cause I assure you others are just too scared to make their opinions known because of beasts like your father nstilling fear into them She said. She snapped at Terserk and made her way to help Duality wit hher daughter.

Tersek & Others

His eyes narrowed, "You balk about not being treated fairly, but would deny nurture to offspring because they are a different species than you? You will not be a Den Mother either, Momo." His old fangs snapped together as he said this, speaking with greater anger now. "And whether we would hunt you down or not would depend on how you split from us. Be like Cloudbreaker, and yes, you'll be viewed as an enemy and hunted on sight. Be smart about it, and you could be an ally." Beside him, Lupa's ears perked at the mention of the zorse that had left their ranks to join her own kind, leaving Darkia as the only remaining equine within the Haunters.

Raising his dial, Tersek pressed his ears forward and bored his yellow and amber eyes into Mijuu, "You will not return with us to the Ruins, Mijuu. Your ideals clearly fly in the face of what it means to be a Haunter, and you're openly instigating rebellion. Leave now and I'll let you go peacefully... try to follow, and I will put you down."

Leomar, who'd grown bored and turned towards the mountains, stopped now and swiveled his head back curiously. As Duality and Blackmist all but held their breath, the big lion waited with interest to see what would happen.

Mijuu

Mijuu snorted at Tersek.OH ill leave but you already got desent happening and it will continue to happenSHe said. DO what you must MomoShe nuzzles her daughter before leaving.

Momo rolled her eyes at her father.Why if I left would I want to ally with someone like you? Who hates his own offspring enough to deny them rights that everyone else has?She growled. She would stay with her siblings however and she woudl breed.NO I'd raise them but I couldn't claim them as mine that all I meant. Any canine raised by me will never ever know who their real mother would be. But I will have my own biological pups too at least one litter to proof you wrongShe said calmly.

Tersek & Others

"It's not that I hate any of my offspring." He corrected, "Only that I don't put my personal feelings above what is best for the Family." The lack of regret in his tones suggested he felt little remorse in the fact that he was denying his daughter the right to breed, but it was unsurprising coming from a brute who refused to take a mate or have any nurturing roles regarding the upbringing of his young. His hard, unwavering stare against Momo further backed that up. He did pause to regard her comments on being a Den Mother however, and gave a slow nod, "You'll be supervised by Quilikahm then, until I'm sure that you can properly take care of Haunter cubs." As Mijuu faded into the background, and Momo calmed from her rattled emotions, Tersek was left with raised fur and a muzzle wrinkled into silent snarl, not so easily dropping his anger. "Enough of this nonsense, come back home with us, so that we can focus on rescuing your brother."

Duality waited until her father turned around, moving once more in the direction of the Ruins before she stepped up beside Momo and licked gently at her wounded shoulder. "There are a few new faces at the Temple for you to meet. And I'm sure Ursa will be thrilled to see you again."