Tyrant

The Snow Leopard Tiger Mix was alone today, out in search of both food and other haunters. Now he'd only been back with the haunters for about two years, prior to that Nuova alba was his captors. He had been raised by them but had remained hating them despite it. His mother was Senka and father Ratenshi. He also had a sister Menace and other half siblings. Nemu his aunt had orchestrated his kidnapping when he was a cub. He was a bold blue gray color with matching bold black stripes. He is large and bulky made for strength.

his mouth opening as he panted as he moved along the edge of the canyon wall looking down it as he walked. The haunters would rise again, they already did their first big attack, given it had been on humans to rescue a mare that was a part of them.

Velvet

Tyrant had a shadow today, in the form of the long-bodied, silk-coated huntress that stalked him from a cautious distance. She hadn't been sure whether the Haunters had withered away and perished, or whether any of them clung to life out in the Valley, as the Nuova was struggling to do now. After chancing upon the hunter's trail, she'd found part of her answer - Tyrant carried the scent of others on him, both canine and feline, so the Haunters were still a thing.

Velvet boldly began to close the distance between them, moving quietly with her large paws as she traversed the uneven terrain of the Canyon. Her eyes were on the big male rather than the view below them though, and once she'd gotten close enough, she spoke in a voice as soft and silky as her tan and white hued coat, "Tyrant... long time, no see." The lion stopped where she was, poised elegantly but with muscles ready to move should the larger cat go on the offensive and try to attack her right off the bat. "Fancy meeting a Haunter all the way out here; I thought you and your kind had died out in the past winter." As inviting as her purring tones were, there was danger behind them as well.

Tyrant

Tyrant was starting to get that feeling that he was being followed. His ears flicked a bit as he no longer looked down but moved alittle away from the edge not daring to confront his stalker near it. His ears flick at his name along with the voice.

The tiger snow leopard turned to face Velvet. He did not fear her not now not ever. VelvetWas all he said in response to her first words. His tail flicked and one ear was back. What did she want? He warily tested the air to see if she was alone but the wind was blowing toward her not him. Like wiseHe said. The haunters have always been strong we will always standHe said. what do you want Velvet?He said calmly.

Velvet

Where Tyrant had no fear of her, Velvet was cautious of the bigger male, knowing he could easily kill her should he get the inkling to do so. It was her wits and intelligence that the lioness relied on now, as she usually did to handle situations where strength was not in her favor. "I don't doubt your strength, at least, as long as they have you in their pack." She started off her reply with a compliment, though she was not pretending to be friendly or butter Tyrant up. They were both enemies and they knew it, but Velvet was playing a careful game, "It's just a shame that you picked the side that turned their backs on Risen and her ideals."

Velvet took a gentle step forward, making sure there was still plenty of room between her and the hybrid that stood towering before her. She could see the way he sniffed at the air, and knew what he was trying to discern. Velvet smiled coyly; she would let him believe there could be other Nuova Alba in the area, even if there weren't. It would give her some minor advantage, at least for the time being. "I just wanted to talk, honestly. Like I said, I thought you and the Haunters had died, and it pained me to know that a cub whom I helped raised might have died because he wanted to live with a lesser pack. But... you say your pack is strong? Tell me, who all lives there now?" She took another step closer, her movements fluid and graceful, without a hint of aggression.

Tyrant

Tyrant watched her carefully and kept an eye on his surroundings, she couldn't be alone, not confronting him, but why hadn't they shown themselves? he snorted at her compliment.i chose my mother and siblings where they go I gohe said calmly. And it wasn't really Risen we left as you well know. Before my mother and Terserk deserted part of the haunters it had fallen from Risens ways thenhe said.

Tyrant saw her step and his eyes fully focus on her now. Lesser pack? He laughed.I would be careful who you consider a lesser pack loveHe said as he watched her. Now why would I tell you who is in our pack? Im not stupid, we aren't allies telling you would be stupid and a betrayle of my pack He said his head slightly lowered as she took another step toward him. What was her intention? If she were truely alone did she really think it wise to try to over power him? He could not back up much or he'd fall to his certain death. Her movements weren't aggressive but as she knew they were enemies and he did not trust her. He made to take a step to the side to try and give himself a better position thenbacking off a cliff.

Velvet

"The so-called Haunters that you follow have fallen into decay after straying from the our founder's teachings." Velvet pressed again, "Tell me, who still lives within the Ruins, and who is left scrounging the Valley without a place to call home, hmm? But, it doesn't have to be that way." Her peculiar eyes, with the slight slant in them that accentuated the sharp angles of her face, traveled over the tiger's form. She watched his head lower, watched as he carefully navigated the edge of the cliff to put himself in a less vulnerable position. Velvet all but smiled to herself, "The Nuova Alba are still your Family, if only you'd put aside your weaknesses and come back to us. You still have the opportunity. Your mother could lead us once more, if she so chose."

The lioness was not so naive to think that he'd truly take this offer, but then that was not the only goal she was after today. "Fair enough, fair enough. I don't expect you to so readily 'betray' your pack by telling me who all is within it. I can find that out easily enough for myself." Velvet reclined into a seated position, no longer advancing forward on the brute. "There is something else I'd like to pose to you though; you do know that one day, one of our packs will destroy the other. The Nuova and Haunters cannot live in this Valley together forever. And it would be a horrible loss to lose such strong bloodlines, would it not?"

Tyrant

Tyrant did to a degree consider velevet a family member but his mother was his mother. We are not left scrounging we have a home but Im not at liberty to discuss our home with youhe said calmly. Once he felt saver in his position he stopped his moving. he was a bit wanting to return home and then he laughed.you would step aside for her? That is very much a lie, I cannot see you willingly step aside to let my mother lead let alone she shares her responsiblity with Terserk and again thats not my place to choose. That would be something you would have to discuss with her. And What ever she chooses is what I choose as I will never become her enemyhe said calmly.

He didn't care that he did just say Terserk was part of their pack/pride it had been known preveiously that the two co lead. However; he had a feeling Terserk was preparing to step down at some point due to age. But he would not say so.

His eyes narrow at the words. Oh he knew what she was hinting at and sure being a male he was tempted, but he would not.Convince my mother to lead your pride/pack and perhaps i'd consider it, but I will not give you cubs to raise under yourself because they will not be my enemies or my mothers and they will know who we are and our waysHe said. His claws slightly come out digging into the earth. he wouldn't willingly at least. Of course females could get very persuasive when they wanted. But his cubs would be in his life and if they remained in seperate prides then there would be no him in their lives unless he betrayed his mother.

Velvet

Velvet had uncovered an unknown fact on the elusive Haunters, though she held back the interest that had piqued her attention. Later, she concluded, she would have to investigate this so called land that they'd settled down on. Instead, the lioness smiled, "Oh Tersek, you know me. Being a leader never sat well with me, my talents lie with other things. I only took up this mantle of leadership because of Bandit's passing, and because the Nuova needed someone with Risen's blessing to guide them. Your mother, she's very strong and very determined - good qualities that I wouldn't hesitate to follow, if only she would come to her senses and see that the Nuova are following the correct path."

Her smile broadened when Tyrant figured out her second reason for even daring to approach him out in the open today. "You know they will be well taken care of, Tyrant. As I said, it would be a shame to lose your bloodline when inevitably the Nuova snuff out the Haunters. Besides..." Velvet idly flicked her long tail behind her, letting the tip of it hand precariously off the edge of the cliff. "They will be told of you and your mother, and I will not lie to them. They will know you were once part of the Family. They wouldn't have to be your enemies."

Tyrant

Tyrant claws occasionally dug into the earth.even so my mother respected Risen, but everyone has their own ways. My mother has her ways and likes them and those that follow us like them. So trying to tell her she is following the wrong path won't work. Sometimes change is good. My mother does not want the whole of the valley to hate us by pup and cubnapping means, thats what caused a big strife with others was the haunters stealing others youngHe said.

Tyrant listened to her.Told sure and I never said they wouldn't be well taken care of , but they would grow up knowing your ways and not mine or my mothers. So if they grow up knowing your ways you will surely tell them that our ways are wrong and again its not just being told I will not have my cubs living in a pride/pack with out me in it so they will know me not just be told about me.As long as you view the haunters as enemies they will learn to view us as enemies so do not say they won't be enemies He said shaking his head at her.

His mother would love to merge the two once again, she had hated the splitting but she believed in what she believed in. She had respected risen and went along with what risen wanted without a word of complaint, it did not mean his mother liked her ways. His mother despised the kidnapping of young from others, When Nemu and Velvet and others kidnapped him especially made her hate it because then she knew how it felt to loose a cub. You do know that you and your pride only ingrained my mother against the whole kidnapping thing even more when you took me? She felt how those other mothers must of felt. She believes in offering others the chance to join our ways not steal and brainwash them against their own familiesHe said.

Her aroma was getting to him but he had to hold to his beliefs. Or else he'd end up with cubs everywhere and sure alot of others were that way but he believed in raising his cubs. He refused to not have ahand in raising them. He'd be in their lives every day. So really the only way for a female to breed with him was for them to join the haunters.

Velvet

"Everyone has their own opinions and beliefs, that's true." Velvet agreed, her voice still carried on a smooth purr as she continued to slyly work her charm against Tyrant. "But when it comes down to it, at the end of the day, opinions and beliefs matter only to those who are still alive. Survival of the fittest is the number one rule here in the Valley, and Risen knew that. She knew that to guarantee survival meant that we had to sometimes do things that seemed... well, cruel. But that's nature." The lioness gave pause to the conversation so that she could hold eye contact with the bigger male. "Stealing cubs might seem cruel, but we did it because it would ensure their survival, and to strengthen our own pack. Because one day, the Nuova Alba will control this entire Valley, and the more we can save by bringing into our ranks early on... well, it's less that have to die while trying to resist us later."

Velvet flexed her front paws, letting her claws unsheath and dig into the soil and rock. The muscles along her back and shoulders rippled as she stretched, not so subtly showing her own formidable strength to Tyrant. "You and I want the same thing, I believe. We want strong, healthy offspring, and a good life for them to live. If only you and your mother could really understand the the vision that Risen has, you would join me." She stood up now and took another slow but deliberate step towards the big cat, flicking her tail aside once more. "We would not brainwash the cubs, we would only tell them the truth."

Tyrant

Tyrant listened to her and began to pace now. I understand your reasons, risens reasons, but it was and is still wrong to take a child from their mother who most likely loves them. What would you do if another pack had the same ideals and stole your cub for the same reasons you just gave me? How would you feel? He said.

He paced back and forth his mouth slightly open. We believed in Risen to a degree, the one thing my mother did not like especially when you stole me is the kidnapping of the young and innocent. That is theo ne thing that your view is different then my mothers Velvet, and mine. That is still beside the point, my cubs will have me in their life whether or not I follow your life and ways and they will learn my mothers ways. They may know both ways and when their adults choose their own way no matter our opinions Velvet. I don't understand what you and the others don't get, Stealing young is wrong. Again i ask you how would you feel if your own weree stolen for the same reason's you just gave me? You wouldn't hate it, you would want them back you would kill to get them back and that causes war. I don't want war. I just want to live peacefullyHe said.

Velvet & Others

"That's the thing." Velvet purred, "My cubs would not be taken from me, because I am too clever, and my pack too strong, for anyone to get the chance. And if they did take them, they and their entire pack would die at my fangs within the hour." It wasn't arrogance that drove her words, but pure and undeniable confidence that the big cat had about her skills and those of her Family. "If I were a weaker creature, and not a part of the Nuova... then yes, I would be devastated to have my young taken from me. I don't deny that cubnapping causes such pain, but I do believe that pain is worth it in the end, for the cubs that we take are survivors. Their mother may suffer, but they will have go on to live and prosper. Such is nature, Tyrant."

She moved another step, until she was just shy of three feet away from the bigger male, "I am not the monster you think me to be. I want peace as well; that was always Risen's goal in the end. Once the Valley is united under our banner, there will be no more warring, no more bloodshed between different packs, because all packs will be Nuova Alba. And there will be no need to save pups and cubs from weaker families; they will all be looked after and loved, and have the entire support of the Valley to help them thrive." Velvet flicked an ear back and held it there, ready to signal her niece and nephew if this last ploy did not convince Tyrant. One way or another, she was determined to have his cubs.

Tyrant

Tyrant teeth became bared at her response about her cubs. to me you are worse then risen when it comes to stealing cubs. You made Nemu my aunt who still loved my mother kidnap me. Now if nothings else is cruel that is. Your weak if you have to steal cubs from others. I will never condone cubnapping. Adopting an orphan is one thing but deliberty taking anothers cub is cruel and wrong no matter our goalhe said. He kept his mouth open and his teeth slightly bared.

He kept pacing not scared of her and was ready to defend himself if he needed to. i do not believe in that form of pain, pups suffer just as much as the mother, If I had been anything else other then what I am I'd still be captive and depressed. The whole cub napping started these wars there are better ways at going at taking over the land.He growled. You will never have the full support of this valley if you cubnap, great bloodlines have been lost or nearly lost because of it, Families turned against families. If you want to unite into one pack you have to take out the leaders. Take out the leaders and eventually those under them will need a leader. But cubnapping that is out of the question. My cubs will not know of such cruelty, they will never condone cubnapping for any reason.He said lowering his head.

Velvet & Others

It was quickly becoming apparent that this angle was not going to work with Tyrant. The brute had very strong feelings on the matter, and he would not be swayed by her honeyed words and attempts to play down the cruelty of stealing young from their mother. When he began to bare his fangs, Velvet took her cue, "Alright then, alright. All I will say is that Nemu captured you out of a concern for your welbeing, as is why I ordered the capture. But that is the past now."

Velvet remained standing where she was, watching Tyrant pace as his anger rose. She had to work quickly to reign the situation back in, "You obviously have a lot of compassion in your heart Tyrant, and that's not a bad thing. At the very least, we can both agree that we care about cubs... we just have different ways of going about it." Her tones continued on that soft purr of hers as she pulled out every trick in her book to calm the big cat's nerves, and keep herself from being attacked. "Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing if you and I... well, collaborated, then? I could put a hold on cub-napping if you could help me find another way of swaying them to the Nuova's side? That would be a win for both of us."

Just out of sight, Zanarah lay crouched beside a tall stack of rocks, her eyes narrowed as she peeked through vegetation to watch her aunt work. The shadow that fell across her provided excellent camouflage against the slate blue fur that covered her back, while her brown stripes and spotted head played nicely with the dappled lighting. Her gaze was on that one ear of Velvet's, just waiting for the signal.

Further behind Zanarah, Lemoar was watching his cousin while he did his best to hide amongst some shrubbery. Though an adult male and pure-blooded lion, he was still smaller than the liger, and not quite as adept at camouflage and stalking as she was. For that reason, he had let her go on ahead while he held back and stayed out of sight, moving only close enough to see Zana.

Tyrant

He continued pacing his fur bristled. He should just run, leave but then he'd risk leading her back to his family and he refused to do that. He licked his lips as he paced his eyes going over as he listened to her words.My well being? Why just mine? Why not care about Menace then? I find that a lie, she did it on your orders because she willingly follows you and even if its against her likes she is loyalHe said shaking his head. His ears flicked.

Her next words had him stop though. In his mind he could use this as a chance to get the haunters back as one, kill out hte nuova alba that way and become known as the haunters once again. Kill out the cub napping frame of mind. What would his mother think though? He could tell though that she wasn't gonna drop it till he joined her and gave her cubs.Fine but there will be no nuova alba attacking the haunters if they ever run across themHe said. He wouldn ot see his mother or pack harmed.

Velvet, Zanarah, & Leomar

"She is loyal." Velvet remarked, "And we would have saved Menace too, if I thought we could safely have done so. But that is all in the past, no need to reflect on what has been." This time she definitely did not try to push the big male by continue on with that part of the conversation. The way he was pacing, licking his lips, bristling his fur... one wrong word, and he could pounce on her and do serious damage before her neice and nephew could jump in.

Her careful wording did eventually pay off however. Though absolute lies, her promise to put a halt on pupnapping managed to cross that shaky bridge towards a truce, and for that the lioness smiled. "Of course, we wont attacking the Haunters as long as they do not cross us." Velvet breathed a very quiet sigh of relief and coaxed her tense muscles into relaxing just a little, "Does that mean that you'll be coming home to the Ruins with me, Tyrant? This could be the start of a grand new era for both of our packs, you know." And with that, the lioness gave her ear that single, quick flick.

Seeing the signal, Zanarah stood up and stepped forward, breaking cover as she moved into the sunlight. Squinting her blue eyes against the brightness of it, the liger gave her coat a good shake, then stepped aside to let Leomar come forward next. The two did not approach any closer, but they let their presence be known, just to quell any possible trouble from Tyrant.

Tyrant

His mind was going over all the possibilities of going to the Ruins. He'd have to some how let his mother know that he wasn't doing this to be a traitor. His tail flicked. Instead he would do this to try and kill the pupnapping issue. Im not saying don't defend yourselves if they attack one of you out on their own but I expect no war started on your part. he said calmly.And If I come if you start cubnapping and I find out I will return that cub or pup myself to the home in which it cameOf course he didn't say he'd leave the Nuova alba he'd just keep returning pup after pup. His eyes narrow as the two stepped forth. He knew she wasn't alone. For nowHe said. He would go. But he would not bow to anyone in that pack. I do expect you to announce to the whole pack that cub/pup napping is over with and that under no circumstance is anyone to kidnap a pup or cub or any baby from their motherhe said. He would get word to his mom and terserk about his plan to change the nuova alba from the inside..

Velvet

"Oh, don't worry about that." Velvet's smile was one of amusement, "We can and will defend ourselves if need be. But all the same, we won't instigate any fights with the Haunters, as I would one day hope for us to become a Family together again." Velvet turned around, flicking the end of her tail across Tyrant's chest before sauntering a few steps away, heading towards her niece and nephew. "Yes indeed Tyrant, pupnapping will be put on hold while we work out how to best help the young in this Valley." She continued moving forward until she reached Zanarah, whom she gave a nuzzle and a quick whisper of words.

Zanarah drew back and looked skeptically at Tyrant, but nodded to what her aunt had told her. Clearing her throat, the liger spoke out, "I'll travel ahead and alert the rest of the Nuova that you're coming. That way there wont be any attempts on your life, Tyrant." With that, the brown-striped lioness turned and disappeared back into the underbrush. Velvet looked over her shoulder at Tyrant, "Leomar, if you'd be so kind as to travel behind Tyrant, just to be sure that no one gets any ideas to go back on our alliance? And, of course, to make sure nobody tries to ambush him."

Leomar merely grunts, but does pad forward with heavy steps that cause his dark main to bounce and sway. He eyes the other male skeptically before circling around behind him.

Tyrant

Tyrant followed her, confident in his ability to defend himself from all three if he needed to. When she whispered to the female he did narrow his eyes not trusting what she told her. Poor way to earn his trust he thought. Why if he was traveling with her would any of the nuova just jump and pounce on him? Then she wanted the male to walk behind him? Well okay she wanted to cover her ass if he chose to attack her. But he never went back on his word. If she could change her ways of pup napping then he would gladly return, his mother would gladly return of course only if she became leader she wasn't suited to be a follower. He ignored the male ash e made to follow her .One ear back on Leomar in case he got any bright idea's. He said nothing though.