Lyckos

Staring out at the bay allowed him to clear his mind before the grim event that was ahead. Another war; and once again, the Lurkers were involved. The war-hardened alpha watched the horizon, enjoying these few moments of silence while he waited for his son to return. He had sent Camden out as a messenger, to call each pack, whether friend or foe, to the Bay for a council that would set the battle-lines for the fight. He knew it would not be easy, but at least this would allow each leader to see their opposition, and act civilly (to the best of their ability) before the blood-shed began.

A sharp bark behind him caught his attention, and Camden padded over, panting. "Everyone has been notified, father. They should start arriving shortly."

"Thank you, Camden," Lyckos replied, "you may return to the alleys." With Camden now heading back to the alleys, and being completely alone, Lyckos only hoped the other leaders would have enough honour to listen to his request and arrive alone. So, he stood with his back to the land, on the lip of the bay looking out to the mouth of the river while he waited for each leader to arrive.

Doteni & Crucifix

Doteni hadl eft aphrodite watching over the pack. The all white male ran fast as he ran to orca bay. His tail up as he approached lyckos.Good day lyckosHe spoke as he approached his friend. His fur bristled when he saw his uncle. He had a scar on his leg from crucifix and a scar on his scruff from Rowan. He stood waiting.

Crucifix the black wolf approached. His black fur looked almost perfect except for some scars showing. Sure he's been told plenty he was doing his own father Kalaber wrong by his family but he just ignored them. He kept his distance from the two but he still had honor so he just took up a position. He of course was on devils side.

Nightshade; Amari; Sasha; Everest, Greyfell; Sanctuary; Rampage

Nightshade had met up with Amari on the way to the council. She had heard the rumors of the return of her deceased great-grandmother, and though she never knew her, she knew much about her through word of mouth. It was sworn that the small coyote was the reincarnation of Tahti, and Nightshade was beginning to believe that. The young coyote looked exactly like Tahti, and usually acted a bit like her too.

The black coywolf and her coyote friend sat down near Lyckos, bowing to the Lurker King. "Hello, Sir Lyckos." Amari began, "I am Amari, alphess of the Valkama Pack. This is our first formal meeting, if I remember correctly. Isabel and Rowan had preferred that I don't leave the pack until the time that I am more mature, and finally that time has arrived. I must say that it is truly a pleasure to meet you." For some reason, Lyckos was familiar to her.

Nightshade nodded to Lyckos. "Looking good today, sir." She said, showing little emotion, though she seemed a bit anxious about having to be in the same place as Saydin.

Greyfell led a few of the other alphas to the council. Sasha and Everest, the cervid leaders of two neighboring territories, had been requested to join in. "King Lyckos, I hope you don't mind that I brought some of my allies. You may have met them. Sasha of Oak Prairie, one of strategic advisors, and Everest of Golden Rose Canyon, one of our warleader allies. Sanctuary will be coming soon; he is of Tahti's descent, and always fights beside the Valkama Pack." The zebra stated humbly. Sasha might not be an excellent warrior as she was a small doe, but she was extraordinarily good with strategic plans. Everest led a great leader; he was often the first to lead his allies to war. Perhaps he was a bit ambitious.

Sanctuary arrived shortly, feeling a bit strange without his pack by his side. Rampage of the Rebels stalked over from the opposite side, keeping a respectful distance from Lyckos. He himself had done nothing to hurt Lyckos, or anyone for that matter, but he knew that his mother had caused great turmoil. "I am Rampage, alpha of the Rebels. I will gladly fight by your side." The black hybrid said in a low tone.

Devil May Cry

The wind felt great in his fur as he ran, letting all his muscles absorb the impact of the run as Devil made his way to Orca Bay. He felt good about war. Yes, he may have a lot of enemies, and good ones at that. But he also had good allies. Plus its not on many you have, its on how well you fight. His whole body had been tense for a while, waiting on something to happen. He had always known it would. So when the messenger wolf Camden came to his territory to call him, he was only too ready to answer the call.

Acoustics laced back upon his skull as he ran, nothing accompanying him but the blur of the trees and the rush of the wind still managing to get into his delicate ears. His whipcord flowed out behind him, a true branching off of his body, for once not in a fluffed out pose of aggression or an erect posture of dominance. For once he was just..a wolf. Blowing out through his airways as he ran, Devil felt like he was meditating, so refreshing was the run. It flowed through his lungs and back out again, taking with it the tension and anticipation of this meeting. Oh, how he'd waited.

But too soon and the run was over. His golden eyes narrowed as he took in the growing number of gathered silhouettes up ahead. His pace slowed to a jog as he got nearer, his gaze sweeping over everyone present so far. He only recognized a few, but that was a given. After all, he was still rather new to this area and hadn't gotten a chance to meet all the alphas yet. The bad part was, now he'd probably have to meet the ones he didn't get around to at the other end of his teeth. A bad way to meet, if I do say so myself.

His tail went up to the alpha position, though not so obvious since he was in a meeting of alphas right now, and so there'd be no showing of dominance here. Just equality and business. Psh, he could do that easy. Ears went forward slightly from their laced down position, swiveling to take in everything. Everyone was greeting one wolf, who Devil took to be Lyckos, the one who called them all here. He followed their example, bowing his head in greeting to Lyckos as he took up a standing position next to Crucifix, since he knew him and liked that he was on his side.

Sitting down on his haunches, since he knew this wasn't going to be no short meeting, he wondered if he should introduce himself or if there'd be time for that later. Would they all do a big circle, saying their names and what pack they dominate? Devil couldn't help but smirk. Okay, a little humor wasn't so bad, right? He'd overheard some already doing that to Lyckos when they arrived so he didn't want to be rude and keep the guy, and the others he hadn't met yet, waiting. His eyes finding the gaze of Lyckos, he bowed his head again respectfully. I am Devil May Cry, alpha male of the Parnassian Meadows Pack. He figured enough said there and promptly shut up.

His sun kissed visionaries looked around the bunch, picking out ones he knew and ones he didn't. Of course the ratio was for every one he knew, there was about three he didn't. And so since there wasn't many there yet, he figured so far he didn't know a whole hell of a lot of wolves in the first place. Though let's not be racist here, there wasn't just wolves at this gathering. He also noticed a deer, a coyote or two, and even a zebra. Wow, a lot of animals fought in wars, he thought. Though it seemed a bit odd, since the herbivores are mostly runners in the wild, becoming the meal to the wolves.

He looked at them more closely, trying to check their teeth for sharpness. Maybe they were cannibals or something. Maybe they went against nature and ate wolves, kind of like a revenge thing. Devil's eyes sparked, the only clue that he was thinking of anything other than the serious business that had brought him here. Oh, how rude of me, I hadn't even said hello to my friends. Devil turned his head to Crucifix beside him for a second, bowing his head in greeting. He wasn't sure if words were allowed other than to Lyckos right now so he let the head gesture say his hellos. Saydin wasn't here yet, that much he had distinguished. Everyone would know it if that chick was here.

Devil couldn't help but smirk. Saydin seemed to have that presence that the others here, including himself, only wished they had. He was glad to have her fighting on his side. Very glad indeed. Curling his tail around his hindquarters, Devil continued to bide his time, glancing at the others. He knew most of the people here so far were probably against him, but hell, he didn't even know half of them, so who was he to judge?

Ankh & Others

Completely oblivious to what all was going on, or that Devil was at the center of a potential war, Ankh's thoughts were squarely on Lyckos. Good heavens, had he royally ticked off the King Lurker when he took over Papillion's territory, had he been to vicious in his words, and stirred things up too much as his mate had warned him about...? That's what the little ebony hybrid was anxiously pondering as he traveled shoulder to shoulder with his contrastingly colored mate. "I didn't actually attack anyone... what's he going to do, anyway?" Snowy Owl could almost feel the tension and worry bubbling up in her fiesty partner, and knew that in him, it would come out as defensive anger before it did anything else. Calmly and quietly, she responded to his fears with rational words, "There's no reason to believe this meeting has anything to do with you. It may be a group hunt for all we know, or an issue with humans. Just remember... please take time to think before you speak." That didn't do much to pacify Ankh, who furrowed up his face in a troubled, concentrating look and muttered back, "Yeah, well I'm pretty sure my cousin mentioned something about war in his message." And on the two went, trading words until the reached the rendezvous site, where they quickly went quiet, and both dipped their heads in mutual greeting to the others gathered.

Hailing from the human's land, Aidan and his mate reached the rocky beach a short time after Ankh had. The blue eyed brother of the temperamental black male was wise to keep his distance, and to plant himself nearer to Lyckos and further away from Ankh to avoid any unwanted tension his way. Why his own brother hated him so, Aidan didn't fully understand, but the bitterness ran deep enough that not even Hydras had been able to fully quash the rivalry.

Last but not least, the ambassador of the Ancient Guardians arrived, standing by his mother parents in a pose of complete neutrality. He was a perfect mixture between the two, having Aidan's grizzled coloring and long coat, but the thicker pit bull build of his mother Tahirah, complete with a blunter snout and a pumpkin head.

VALIAN and KARITANIA

It was strange. Had this been a few weeks ago, she would not be attending this council at all. However, a lot had changed for her. She had, with the blessing of Valian and Saydin, left Sedge Creek to reform her Ribellarsi Pack with Diseased. Now, the war had come, and she was at a loss for what to do. As Karitania approached the circle, she paniced. Where should she sit? It seemed simple – she should sit with her side – but she was worried, because, really, she didn’t have one. Of course, she was with Sedge Creek, and that put her on the side of Devil, Saydin, Crucifix, yet her previous kinship with the Lurkers and their allies left her stumped. She was still friends with them, with Lyckos, Ankh, those who she had fought beside against the previous Haunter army and their allies, and now she found herself on the opposite team. It was at that point, as she saw the Lurkers alpha and the various others grouped together, that she made her decision. She would fight on the side of Sedge Creek, but she would take no part herself in harming the Lurkers, unless herself attacked. A confusing and difficult situation, but one that she could not find an escape from, without losing someone important to her.

---

And then came Valian.

The funny thing was, that from a distance, he would look like Saydin. The same black coat, the same lithe and agile gait, but as he came nearer, the size and muscle would show him to be not the notorious alphess of Sedge Creek, but her equally as deadly other-half.

Valian, Cerberus; a monster that few would dare to provoke, his pitch black coat, with it single white patch over his chest, and those eyes: those eyes of power, of danger, of nightmares, ominously yellow, haunting and eerie and piercing. Everything about Valian screamed danger. He approached the gathering like a wraith, like the Grim Reaper himself, his muscular body dancing like a serpent, so calm, so charming, but always with that promise of striking mercilessly. A true hunter, an unforgiving killer.

The father of Sasha’s final litter.

He took a place beside Devil, as silent as the grave, but those feral eyes held that dangerous flash, that mocking edge, and though his face remained as cold as a mask, those eyes...they simply dared one of the gathered to challenge him, so he could tear out their throats.

---

Karitania, meanwhile, had taken her place in the circle, opposite Lyckos, whose eyes she met with a small smile of kinship, then realising Valian was now present, quickly looked towards the direction he had come. For where Valian cleared a path, the Queen of his world, Saydin, was sure to follow.

Saydin

Saydin moved quietly and quickly, having snapped orders to her remaining pack members. Take care of this, take care of that, but she followed closely, arriving no more then ten minutes after her mate. The little black wolfess slid beside him, all dainty and pretty, but those yellow eyes were once again bone chillingly cold, and she watched Lyckos as well as everyone here. She gave a glance to Devil and a mere nod, acknowleding his presnence. She wasn't here to fight today, no matter how much she wished for it. Today was a day for calm, a day for peace.

Soon after Saydin came Framed. She ran the Crave territory, a small piece of Sedge Creek but all together a different pack. They were Saydin's rejects, the wolves she found to be "to crazy, or not quite right" which was saying something coming from a wolfess like Saydin who wasn't exactly sane herself. Framed took up a position near Ankh, for really she had no "ties". Of course she would protect her mother, but it was out of duty and not out of love. Saydin had given her life, and without her Framed would be nothing.

Lastly to follow was Diseased. The large black and white male moved calmly, following the scent to his mate. He sat down, giving a grim nod to Lyckos, out of respect. Unlike his short tempered, mentally unstable sister, Diseased was a diplomat. Oh, indeed he was an excellent fighter but he preferred to talk things through. Live now, die tomorrow.

Reincarnation

Reincarnation was one of the last to arrive. The white wolfess moved towards Lyckos and sat down, bright yellow eyes staring at Saydin with a glowing hatred. That bitch, she was tearing apart her valley. Her valley. Aaka still believed this valley to be her own, run by herself. When she spoke, it was Aaka's voice rather then Rein's. When will this shindig start, Lyckos? Straight and to the point. Aaka never beat around the bush. The monster was barely contained, barely leashed. She was ready to just tear into Saydin right here, right now. Saydins own eyes met hers, mocking, laughing, as though Saydin knew the hatred that Rein felt towards her.

Devil May Cry

Devil turned his silent gaze toward the borders of Orca Bay, watching as one by one, the other wolves and creatures started to arrive. His measuring occuli took in every single one that trapsed forward, taking in their appearance, their build, potential weaknesses, etc. Our boy was well aware that they were here to chat, not to fight, physically anyway, but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared. He didn't know probably about half of the others here now, though those odds seemed a little better than before. Auditories of death kissed hue laces back upon their master, needing to pay no special attention to those coming in now.

Recognizing the figure of Ankh, Devil kept his features neutral, not sure how Ankh would react to the war coming. He wondered if the alpha male would be torn between calling an alliance to Devil or whether he would simply jump to his closer allies, the Ancient Guardians, who stood on the side against our boy. A small sniff escaped nares. Ankh would go with his stronger allies, for sure, and Devil wouldn't blame him. It'd be a move he'd make. When it actually came to blows, Devil planned on watching out for the other alpha. He at least wouldn't be attacking Ankh and his pack if he could avoid it. He wasn't saying he'd help them take on someone getting the best of him from Devil's own side, but he certainly wouldn't help in Ankh or any of his members' defeat. Devil could honor the conversation they'd had at least that much.

A lone pinnacle swerved toward Valian as he made his presence known like the lean black shadow he was. A small smirk leaned on Devil's velvet lips watching the darker alpha male approach. He appreciated Sedge Creek's alliance and would do all in his power to fight alongside them. He could tell Valian was ready for war in the way he held himself, like a soldier ready to rip some throats out if and when the time came. Devil respected that. He himself was dancing behind his calm red flakes visions, ready to tear out some jugulars and take counts later. He returned Valian's nod gracefully, flicking his whipcord in a "how do you do" greeting.

Next he wrinkled his sensitive nares at the scent of the very familiar dark heroine of Sedge Creek. Saydin. Acoustic of midnight flicked toward the mistress, Devil's lips remaining in a smirk as she neared. Yes the aroma was her own deadly perfume, the smell of a killer coming to a picnic. Devil could tell by her stalking walk that she was prepared also, but in a more restrained manner. Her body language said "I'm here to talk, not walk, but just say the word and I'll trample your ass in the dirt." Revealing pearlies from beneath their smooth black exterior, he dipped his crown in greeting to the dark angel, feeling her sit next to Valian with a grace unmatched by many.

He continued to watch the others come in, not knowing any of these now that they made themselves known. Either way, he was sure he would get to know them by the time the war swung around, one way or another. He just hoped he'd be able to hold himself sane enough in all the pain and bloodshed not to rip the wrong throat or slice the wrong stomach open. Devil could get a little carried away sometimes, especially in the opportunity of so much killing. He could really enjoy himself on the battle field. Auditories laced back once more, the greetings over to the ones he knew. Flicking his tail again, he let it curl back around his haunches, velveteens folding back over their secret weapons to reveal again when the time was right. He heard the last pair of wolves come in and listened as one addressed the leader of this meeting, Lyckos. He was starting to wonder too when it would begin. He was itching to do something other than sit and wait. Of course, our hunter was good at hiding his anxiousness. Turning his cool gaze back to Lyckos, Devil awaited the brujo's words or speech or whatever he was going to make to get this party started.

Let the fireworks begin.

Lyckos, Karitania & Valian

The approach of another drew Lyckos' attention from the bay, and he turned to see Doteni was the first to arrive. The Lurker alpha moved forward, away from the lapping water’s edge to begin the circle of alphas for the council that was to begin shortly. "Good day to you, too, Doteni. I trust you are well?" It was then however, when Crucifix arrived. Lyckos turned to watch Kalaber's son indifferently, for right now was not a time for conflict, but for diplomacy. As the one who had called this meeting, he had to keep it civil, and as such had to keep his opinions of everyone attending to himself.

Next to arrive were Nightshade and Amari, the two small, lithe and slender descendants of Tahti almost a complete contrast to the Lyckos. Surprised by Amari's youth, Lyckos found himself drawn to her, as if she was familiar to him in some way. He put it down to her maturity, something he found himself impressed with, being the alphess of such a vast pack at such a young age. "It is a pleasure to meet you too, Amari. Know that the Lurkers and I are always by your side." Smiling warmly at the young alphess, Lyckos then turned to Nightshade, nodding a greeting in return with a reassuring nod, sensing her apprehension at seeing Saydin.

Next, Greyfell and a handful of his allies arrived, to whom Lyckos nodded his appreciation and acceptance into the circle. "Of course I don't mind, Greyfell. Your friends are mine and vice versa. Thank you all for coming." His last words were also directed at Sanctuary and Rampage, both of whom seemed a little uncomfortable, and so Lyckos tried to reassure them. They would need everyone in calm, level heads if this meeting was to be at all productive.

With 10 alphas present, including himself, Lyckos finally sat, taking his place at the head of the meeting with his back to the Bay. He knew this could go very wrong, but he trusted each alpha to hold themselves with enough poise and dignity to not try and tear each other apart. This was a necessary diplomatic event, for everyone to see who was who and what side each pack was on. Battles are hard enough without also having to work out who your friends and foes are. Speaking of the latter, Lyckos noticed another approaching the group, one who he had never met before. This must be the trigger for this sudden war, Devil May Cry. The respectful nod from Devil was returned by the Lurker alpha, and with the confirmation from Devil himself that he was who Lyckos had suspected he was, Lyckos took to noting him to memory.

Then, the Lurker families arrived. Ankh and Snowy Owl, to whom Lyckos nodded to and smiled to respectively, closely followed by Aidan and Tahirah, for whom Lyckos once again spared a smile, as he did for Quaidah too. With his fellow Lurkers by his side, Lyckos now took to counting who was present, and who still yet needed to arrive. Of course, there were no prizes for guessing the pack who were arriving fashionably late. Sedge Creek.

Karitania, the previous Beta female of that pack, arrived before her previous alphas and friends, now holding her own alpha status with her mate Diseased. Lyckos watched her approach and smiled bitter sweetly. She was a close friend of his, but she was also such to Saydin and Valian. Which side had she chosen to fight on, then? There was little time to ponder this before Valian arrived, immediately bringing tensions into the group. Something about his was wrong, an untameable danger, and this was why Saydin was so fond of him, Lyckos guessed. He met Valian's gaze unafraid, and held it, but sure enough Saydin appeared to join her mate. Tensions skyrocketed, and even Lyckos found himself wanted to growl at her, but he restrained himself. He had to keep everything neutral and civil, no matter how hard it was. He glanced at Framed, and Diseased, giving the latter a nod in return. The circle was filling up nicely. Only one more to go.

Rein's arrival gained a smile from Lyckos, and his eyes flashed with a spark generated from the fact that he knew that his old friend Aaka was now beside him. Her question prompted him to glance round the circle once more, and now that he was satisfied everyone had arrived, he stood to signify the council was to start.

"I would like to begin by thanking you all for coming, and for remaining civil and dignified in your approaches and actions. If this could continue until this meeting is through and we are all home safe and sound, that would be lovely, and then you can tear each other apart as you wish, I don't care as long as we can all get through this in one piece." With the preliminary parameters set, Lyckos moved onto beginning the meeting. "Now, the reason you are all here is simple. A war has been called, and we are all part of it due to our connections to one of the opposing sides. Here, I wished for us all to see who we were to fight with, against, and set the stage for the battle."

Lyckos took a moment to look round the circle as he spoke, his voice level and calm, yet powerful and authoritative. Though in the company of alphas, this was neutral ground, and as the one who had called the meeting, he would hold jurisdiction here. Mutual respect was a given.

"So, as we have newcomers here who may not know who everyone is, I think it would be best to start with an introduction. If we could each say our name and the pack we lead, followed by whether we are a friend of the Lurkers or Sedge Creek, just so we can see which side everyone is on for everyone else’s benefit."

Yes, it was tedious, but with so many involved in one war, it was necessary, especially when some of the gathered were unknown to each other.

"For example, I am Lyckos, I lead the Shadow Lurkers and I am, of course, on the side of the Lurkers."

Valian was quick to speak next, and although a wolf of few words, he countered Lyckos hotly; a guttural drawl, "Valian, of Sedge Creek."

Karitania went next, to get the pressure off her, "I'm Karitania, of the Ribellarsi Pack, and..." she didn't finish, glancing to Diseased. Whichever side he chose, she would support with him.

Diseased

The males green eyes flickered to Karitania, as she was undecisive. Diseased himself had not been at the war at Pike's Lake, but when he spoke it was with a calm authority. I am Diseased of the Ribellarsi pack. We will fight neither against Sedge Creek, nor Shadow Lurkers. However, everyone else is fair game. We protect our own blood. His eyes lifted to meet Saydin's, his tiny little sister, then went to Lyckos. But we will not fight against our friends either.

Saydin watched her brother with a look near murder. He wasn't going to kill Lyckos? Saydin's hackles began to raise, and her lips drew back in a sneer. I am Saydin, alphess of Sedge Creek. Her voice was a low hiss, bright yellow eyes glaring murderously at Diseased. She paid no attention to Karitania, for her ex-beta had not chosen the sides. Her mate had. Saydin would just have to have a little word with him...

The next to speak was Framed. Framed, Sedge Creek. Her voice was raspy and low, for the female never spoke. But now was not a time to hold true to that, and so she gave a nod to Lyckos. She was not much for fighting, more along the lines of manipulation.

Reincarnation was the next to speak. Rein, alphess of the Silver Glades. We are allied with the Lurkers. Her voice was a soft hiss next, her eyes glaring into Saydin. We'll tear the little bitch apart. The words did not escape Saydin, who stood with her hackles raised, causing Rein to stand as well. The two little wolfess's were about the same weight, same height, both deadly in their own rights. Saydin growled deep and low, followed by Rein's own growl of disapproval. Two short tempered females, neither one quite sane. Lyckos would have his hands full trying to keep this diplomatic...

Doteni & Crucifix

Doteni dipped his head in greeting to friends.I am well now LyckosHe spoke calmly. His eyes then went to his uncle Crucifix. He licked his lips and shook his head slowly. He listened to the mall speak and then he spoke. I am Doteni alpha of Heavens avengers and we fight beside the LurkersHe spoke calmly and proudly. He loved to have his grandfathers old allie as his.

Crucifix wrinkled his nose slightly and he waited for his turn.I am Crucifix Alpha of the Cryptic Vigilante's and we fight with Sedge creekHe spoke. He was scared about this war his pack was huge buth e also knew doteni and the haunters were huge as well. His tail flicked to the side.

Devil May Cry

Lithe eavesdroppers perked from their lain down position to listen as Lyckos began to speak. He had felt the Lurker's alpha glancing at him periodically throughout the arrival of the other alphas. The smirk deepened upon his handsome features. That's right, get a good look at the newcomer. He's going to royally fuck your world up. Devil had respect for all the others here, being as they held the same position as him. Yet his target immediately became the ones who stated their alliance with the Lurkers. The pair who didn't chose a side, he was undecided about however. Gaze swept around to alight on Saydin hearing her familiar snarl. So Saydin was not a happy camper about the pair's indecisive move. Apparently she wanted them to chose a side, most likely hers. Just a guess though.

Devil let his banner raise and flick once, no other emotions held on his neutral countenance. Our boy knew how to be civil when times called for it. There was going to be no bloodshed here and so no reason to waste his energy flaring his hackles and drooling all over the place. Now if someone trashed him, Devil would be the first to return the garbage, because that's just the way he was. Honorable. Devil never backed down from a fight without a really good reason. Just like the Lady's Promise situation. He wouldn't have given the bitch up if that slut hadn't threatened Yarouchi and her unborn pups. His pups. Devil wasn't having that. All he would have was have a little fun with the Promise chick, maybe have his way with her a few times, fuck her up then clean the wounds. She'd feel like the most spoiled whore in the world. I know what you're thinking..what a gentleman.

AH, but now introductions. He knew there would have to be some kind of circle thing going on here, with so many enemies in one place. He glanced at Lyckos. Good luck keeping the peace, brother. You've got a lot of really pissed off and not so "there" if you know what I mean bitches here today. How you going to stop a little bit of catfight havoc? Dentals flashed at the thought. Ah, how Devil liked a good wolfess on wolfess action. Zephyrs swiveled upon their bases, landing their tips toward each wolf in turn as they stated their name, position, and side. Seeing it getting closer to him, Devil fidgeted a little. He wondered just out curiosity how many wolves present had a special target on his head. He knew his little drama at Toklat Canyon was part of what fueled this war. He wasn't stupid. Yes, it might not be the only reason, but it was definitely a factor.

Why, he'd even got a first class warning right after the incident, what with Failure and Nightshade sending a message that there would be war. He hadn't even completely made an alliance with Valian at the time. So he knew his alliance with Sedge Creek was not the starting, probably just more fuel for the already simmering fire. And he had started it all. It felt good. Flicking his tail again, Devil calmly nodded his crown as the circle came around to him. Well, no need for a speech. He was sure most of these wolves had heard of him already. Whether it be mostly good or bad, frankly he didn't give a shit. He'd still be taking down the ones who attacked him, no matter what their name and rank. Devil didn't give a shit about names, ranks, who you're related to, who you're fucking. Nothing. The only thing he wanted to hear in wartime was you choking for air as he chewed on your life cord nearby. Feeling the eyes of the wolves around him settle on him, Devil cleared his throat.

I am Devil May Cry, alpha of Parnassian Meadows. I fight with Sedge Creek.

His gaze roamed over each and every fellow lupine as he spoke, making eye contact with everyone, even Lyckos. A slight twinkle melted into his red flaked golden ooids as he met each of their gazes. Who knew what that spark meant. It could mean he'd look forward to tearing your throat out later, or it could simply mean hello. When he reached Valian and Saydin, one eye closed in a wink. He almost waited for the boo's and hisses after he spoke.

Nightshade and Others

Nightshade was a big canine, at a stunning 190 pounds. She had both the blood of Vicious and Windsong in her. She also had the blood of Tahti, and was just as sly and cunning as her great-grandmother. The coywolf wondered where her mate and alpha male of the pack was. He should have been here, but then again, the pups were still rather young. She had recently given birth to the dirty little rape pups, a 'souvenir' from the time that she was captured by the humans and their filthy pets. Failure was probably taking care of them. Nightshade and Failure surely both treated those pups as if they were sired by Failure. Nightshade would not treat her children poorly.
She looked across the circle at Saydin, baring her fangs a bit. "You will die for killing my father, you whore. You killed your own mate in cold blood. I look forward to tasting your poison blood." She snarled savagely. In a moment, though she glanced back at Lyckos. "Sorry." She said simply. She figured that she shouldn't start anything here. "I am Nightshade, alpha female of Toklat Canyon. I will never leave the side of the Shadow Lurkers." She paused and looked around. "It appears that my mate could not join us today."

Amari knew of the politics in the Valley. She had remembered some of it. It was Tahti's memory that she kept a bit of. "Amari, alpha female of the Valkama Pack, on the side of the great Shadow Lurkers." It was Tahti's vacant, deadpan voice that left the young coyote's mouth.

Sanctuary, who stood beside Amari, was the next to speak up. "I am Sanctuary, alpha of the Night Watch on Tears of Dew Island. I look forward to fighting beside the Shadow Lurkers in this war." The hybrid, who quite resembled a German shepherd stated proudly.

Rampage sat on the other side of Amari. The son of Tainted was barely like his mother; he wasn't as cold-hearted and merciless she she once was. "Call me Rampage. I lead the Rebels, allied to the Lurkers." The big black canine said with a grin and a bow.

Everest and Sasha stood side-by-side. With Wardell gone, Everest had accepted Sasha into his harem, though they were currently in different herds. Their relationship was somewhat secret; Everest had some enemies who would gladly take anybody close to him. "Everest of Golden Rose Canyon," the mule deer buck began, letting Sasha finish, "...and Sasha of Oak Prairie," added the mule deer doe. "Glad to be of service to the Lurkers," Everest finished.

Greyfell watched and listened each alpha intently. This might be the biggest and most violent war of the year. The zebra swished his tail once as he spoke. "Greyfell, commander of the Shadow Haunters. I fight beside the Shadow Lurkers." He said humbly.

Failure

Failure's black figure could be seen making it's way down the bay. His head and tail was carried in alpha position, showing that he had a right to be here. Ever since his mate's kidnapping he wasn't too far behind her, and the only reason he was late this time was a slight difficulty at home. It was solved soon, simply two of the pack members squalling over something foolish. Everyone had been on high alert since the kidnapping if you asked him. Anyways, taking his place next to Nightshade, who he greeted with a brushing of his tail against her side. Greyfell had just finished speaking and he spoke next. He was careful to note everyone that was there, giving a blink of welcome to his friends and a daggering glare to his enemys.
"I am Failure, alpha of Toklat Canyon, I am with the Shadow Lurkers now and forever." He waited taking in some new faces, but for a moment he halted on Devil's. A snarl appeared on his face, but he looked away soon so not to cause any trouble. It was the same mutt that had caused him problems so soon after his mate's dissapearance. I should of know you were causing everyone trouble he though. Looking to Lyckos he waited for the older brute to continue on with the meeting.

Ankh & Others

Truthfully, there was no hierarchy taking place in this formal gathering of alphas, but the little leader of Lost Valley couldn't help but feel the presence of Lyckos and know that he stood a notch below their king when it came to power amongst the extended Lurker packs. It was the labradane, in fact, which kept Ankh's otherwise volatile temper in restraint and prevented him to making snide comments here and there. It didn't quite stop him from snickering or alternately glaring at some of the others, or the few crude words that passed, but he for once kept his thoughts to himself... for now. "Ankh, ruler of the Lost Valley Lurkers. Till my death, I remain loyal to the Lurker." A brief, inquisitive gaze shot towards Karitania and Devil, though he didn't say anything else after his brief introduction. He'd gladly slaughter all of the Sedge Creek if he could, but was wondering what he was to do with Devil and his pack at this point; was he the sort of middle ground creature that Karitania was presenting herself as, where she wouldn't harm her allies? Or was he just as loathsome as Saydin and the others, and thus not worth the treaty Ankh had agreed to? It was a question that would only be answered in the battle.

"Tahirah." The pitbull spoke out, rather than her Lurker mate, having already discussed things with Aidan prior to arriving at the Bay. There was enough tension between Aidan and Ankh already, and she figured it would be best that she be the focus of their branch of the pack, "Of the Ranch Lurkers. We fight for Lyckos and the rest of the Lurkers."

That left Quaidah to speak, standing solo as Lyckos was, though he at least was not bereft of a mate - he'd never had one to start with. "Quaidah, son of Aidan and Tahirah, leader of the Ancient Guardians. We defend the Lurkers, but prefer to avoid bloodshed." Well... that was the main idea of most of his mixed pack, anyway. A few members pushed that code a bit too far.