Wolf Warriors: Eternal Twilight

Lak wrote:

[Wolf Warriors: Eternal Twilight]
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___Key info___
Grand Forest; a super-continent covered in forest, this is where the story takes place.
Clans; groups of wolf families, gathered under one "house".
The Clanless; wolves exiled from their Clans for crimes beyond death. Clanless are depicted as without honor and savage.
Great Tree; the largest tree in Grand Forest, home to only the Clanless. It is sacred ground to all animals and it stands like a beacon in the center of the Great Forest. It scales taller than the mountains.
Redwoods; tall sacred trees from ancient time that were fabled to speak to the denizens of the forest.
Keepers; a Clan's story teller. Most Keepers are very old, and apprentice a pupil to retell the old legends. Many Keepers argue over how the stories are told, as some Clans warp the story over years of telling.

___The Legend of Blood Moon, recounted by the Keeper Lak the Swift___
Blood Moon, also called The Hunter's Moon by newer clans and Clanless, is an old legend told seldom occasions.
Said to rise once every thousand years over the Grand Forest, when the last Redwood sealing the evil away becomes bare.
Crafted not from nature but by demonic magic, Blood Moon was made to be a vessel to bring demons into our dimension.
Anything in the forest caught in it's red glow would be corrupted by the spirits of Ethereal.
It was by Howl, the First Warrior of the One Clan, that Blood Moon was stopped before, but singing to the last Redwood under the light of both the Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse a song stolen from Ethereal.
And as a tribute to Howl, wolves howl at the moon to keep the trees growing and the demons out.

The legend's details on Howl's title differs with the Clans and Clanless, some Clans suggest he was one of theirs and the Clanless hold that Howl was a Clanless who united all the clans into one.

_____Currently_____
The Clans of the Great Forest have been in civil war before, but never so intense.
As old rivalry and skirmishes break through the forest, threatening to tear the forest apart, more and more monsters have been sited. Keepers have began to call this the Age of Chaos...

An old wolf sat on the tree stump near the fire, his blood red eyes glowing from light.
The young wolf pups all gathered around the stump, waiting for their story.

"So there i was, going toe to toe with Kel!" Lak hissed the name, the pup's lowered in fear from memories of Lak's tales of Kel.
"A bolt of lightning caught me in the chest and threw me through the hall of Kel's Fortress. But that wouldnt stop me." Lak grinned, the pups were really yanked into his story.
"So i ran, faster than the wind through the Gold Prairie, so fast the air cracked!" Lak slammed his paw down on the stump, making a resounding Crack!

Two of the pups yelped, Lak fought back laughter and kept his 'Story telling face' straight.
He noticed some of the clan's warriors were looking over, also listening to the tale.
What he also noticed was Gyre's grin behind the group of pups.
He was still young, but a little old for these bed time stories...

"I slammed into Kel, and ran him through the end of the hall and out of the fortress!"
"Bu-but what happened next?" One of the pups asked.
"Next? Next you all go to bed before evil Kel eats you for dinner!" Lak roared. The pups scattered.
Lak started laughing.
_ _ _ _ _

The moon looked a few nights from Full, Lak patrolled the large circle of dens that made up the Clan.
He was not the only one on night watch, but weary bones never let Lak sleep long.
Lak slowed his pace and noticed he was breathing hard, he was getting much weaker.
A snapping of twigs announced to Lak he had been followed.
"Gyre, shouldn't you be sleeping?" He said without turning around.
The fox sized wolf whimpered in reply.

Lak sighed.
"It's dangerous out here. Grand Forest has always had it's dangers, but now more than ever."
Not a night ago the Warriors of the Moon were attacked by a skirmish of unknown wolves. Had they not been so organized Lak would have thought they were Clanless.
The old Keeper turned to the apprentice.
"Go back to bed, it's not safe."
"But... I can take care of myself, and want to hear the end of your story!" Gyre asked with eager ears.
'Damn.' Lak thought to himself. Gyre never missed a step, he knew something was wrong.
"I... Kel won. That's all." Lak said, looking down at his apprentice.

Lak's expression was cold, like a worn old man.
"I... I didnt realize..." Gyre stammered, his ears flattened out. He wasn't expecting such a blunt explanation.
Shaking his head, the old wolf turned away and started walking again.
"Go back to bed, Gyre."

A few yards away from where Lak was, Therebas was preceeding to subdue a demon who had broken loose of the control of the Infernus. The demon stag Malakarr had been summoned by an inexperienced follower of the demonscar clan... the demon's presence was causing the life around them to become diseased, and start decaying, even the ground which nourished the plants was dying from Malakarr's presence.

The defeated corpse of the demonscar summoner lay in a pool of blood. A wolf, with fur as dark as night emerged from the shadows wearing a long black hooded robe that he stole from the humans. He stood before his ally's murderer, a demon which was normally under their control. The demon opened its mouth and harsh rasping words came out of its mouth.
"Stultus lupus , vestri summitto eram misellus satis experior voco mihi vacuus meus bona. iam EGO sum solvo , tamen primoris vos mos pereo!!" (Foolish wolf, your subordinate was pathetic enough to try to summon me without my blessing. I am now free! However first you much perish!!")
"Malakarr, you know that my cultists and the demons of the other Ordo, all work towards summoning back him.. one of the the three Dea, and your Deus. The death of this cultist though, sad and pathetic only aids in our efforts."
"SATIS!! Visio ira del a everto de alter ordo! Instruo morior procul manuum of REX RIGIS DE MORBUS!!!" (ENOUGH! Face the wrath of a demon of the second ordo! Prepare to die at the hands of the KING OF DISEASE!!!)
The wolf smirked.
"You'd do well to know who you are attacking, the bearer of the eight-pointed brand! Therebas Demonscar!"
Therebas kneeled low as a runic circle appeared beneath him, his three tails swaying as magic caressed his fur.
Ganthorazz I request your aid, come into this world and ignite this demon so that the pain may force him into submission!
"AVAVAGO!!!"(That which incinerates)
The incantation resonated throughout Great forest reaching many of it's denizen's ears. Therebas' tails stood upright as red flame swirled up and around them, eventually combining into the form of a great red dragon known as the Demon Ganthorazz, the aspect of destruction.

Ganthorazz smiled at his fellow demon, taking a deep breath and exhaling he exhumed red flames that lit the body of Malakarr. The demon writhed in pain as Ganthorazz laughed.
"That will be all Ganthorazz.. I can seal him again"
Ganthorazz vanished in swirling flames and Therebas prepared to seal away Malakarr once more.
Once again the forest resonated with Therebas' incantation.
"EMNA OL ADRPAN ADNA ZNRZA OXEX RACLIR!!" (Herein I cast you down, swear your obedience with vomiting and weeping!)
A portal opened up beneath the demon, skeletal hands grasping at it's legs and pulling it down back into the demonic realm.

Therebas surveyed the area around him... there were rotting trees, the ground was now black, and there were also some trees and shrubs on fire... it would not belong before others showed up to see what happened or who caused this.
"A chance to show some chaos for my lord no less..."
In a burst of green flames a piece of parchment appeared in his paw on it he wrote,
"We are the Shadowscar Mercenaries,
The destruction you see here is nothing compared to what the civil war has caused, two clans were fighting here and we intervened, limiting their destruction to what you see now. Should the reader require our aid, one drop of blood on the eight pointed seal at the bottom of the page will summon one of us to make a deal.
Signed
TD"
Therebas dropped the paper and in a flurry of green flames he vanished.
"Your time comes soon my lord...soon..."

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar sat nearby, listening as the old Keeper Lak told the pups the story of his battle with Kel.
She heard the pups gasp in awe as the story grew more and more intense, and when one asked what happened, Lak roared out, " Next? Next you go to bed, before the evil Kel eats you!"
A giggle escaped her as the pups scattered, running to the dens of their parents to go to bed so that Kel wouldn't 'eat' them.
Moonstar could swear that the old dog was getting crazier every day, but that didn't matter, she loved Lak and his silly antics either way.
Rijo padded up beside her, " We should head back to our den as well."
The she-wolf looked back over to Lak and his apprentice, a young fox looking wolf named Gyre, and then followed Rijo to the den.
The recent pups, Solar, Moon, Haryah, and Brighteye were now warrior apprentices, and were training to become strong like their mothers and fathers, Solacea, Theron, Amethyst the 2nd, Skylett, Stormcloud, and Great Uncle Hashiru were full blown warriors, much had changed since the passing of the Age of Kel several years ago.
Tales of the old times were still told, about Grim and his legacy, Amethyst's leadership and passing, betrayals, and love, but whenever her mother's name was mentioned, Moonstar would break down into tears.
There was a permanent scar on her heart, their mother having died when they had been so young...it was as if Fate had intended Amethyst's death all along.
She held back tears as she neared the den, and stopped suddenly, her eyes scanning the area.
A sudden presence, foul, vile, and absolutely reeking of corruption, had permeated the peaceful night air, and a roar filled her ears, followed by the scent of burning wood.
Forgetting all about sleeping, Moonstar looked back as Rijo entered the den, and then bolted off, tracing the scents of smoke and corruption to the source to see what had happened.

****** Sayre ******

They had been traveling almost all day, yet the presence of the Great Tree still felt so far away...they would need to rest for the night.
Sayre padded alongside her twin brother, Blaze, keeping her nose to his shoulder, but her crystalline, pupiless eyes ahead.
The two looked almost nothing alike, Sayre had antlers and large bat-like wings, while Blaze had neither horns nor wings.
Sayre had fur all over, with pale blue markings, as well as a blue mane that extended from the small lock of it on her forehead to the curly waves along her neck, Blaze was almost fur all over, save for the red scales on his one arm and leg and along his back, and his fur was black as coal, with no markings to show.
His eyes were azure, with pupils, hers were crystalline blue and had no pupils, many a stranger thought of her as blind.
Blaze's eyes were solemn, but kept alert for threats as he walked next to her, taking slight notice of her nose on his shoulder.
Sayre was wondering where they could stay for the night, and reached deep within, contacting the essence of the grizzly bear.
" Dearest Sayre," came the grizzly's rumbling, thunderous tone, " What do you seek to know?"
' Mighty Grizzly, with your widened knowledge of the forest, we seek a place to take shelter and rest for the night,' Sayre replied, showing respect to the wise bear.
There was a pause, and then, " There is a cave next to a river, not far ahead, you may take nightly stay there, rest your weary limbs, until you are revived enough to travel in the morn."
Sayre smiled, ' Thank you, Wizened One...'
Her senses pulled into reality, and she spoke at last to Blaze, " I found a place to stay for the night."

"That can't possibly be Ol' Grim the Icewalker. He's just a stupid myth the elders use to entertain the young ones." A burly werewolf said.
"Are you sure? He's missing an arm, just like Ol' Grim." a second replied.
"Enough! This old timer has ventured into the wrong territory. He need to be taught who's in charge now." the leader of the three werewolves interrupted.

The old werewolf looked up at the three younger werewolves. Although his face showed signs of aging, his pure blue eyes still shone as bright as they did when he was a young werewolf in his prime. He dropped the facade of an old traveler, standing proud and upright. He glared at the three werewolves. This would be no fight if they attacked. The old werewolf tried a different approach then. He conjured up a solid ice sphere and held it in his hands.

"You know, the stories they tell are just exaggerations. They said Grim the Icewalker killed giants. They said he fought dragons, sorcerers and vampires. They said he burned cities to the ground. They told how he is immortal and can't be killed. They were wrong. I never burned villages. However, this sphere shows how much of a threat you are to me, Grim the Icewalker." He crushed the sphere with little to no energy. The three werewolves looked stunned.
"Er... on second thought, we'll let you pass by. We mean no trouble." the leader said.
"That's a good boy. Now go run to your master."

The three werewolves fled, and Grim almost chuckled at their fear. He relaxed until he smelled a foul smell of corruption nearby. Taking off in an instant, he sprinted to the smell and rising smoke.

****** Moonstar ******

The stench got stronger and stronger as Moonstar neared the specific area where the smoky scent was emanating from.
Her hackles rose, the fur on her neck standing on end, this did not bode well.
She slowed, quietly padding over to the spot, and her eyes beheld a terrible sight.
The area was rotting, trees were gnarled, and some were burning, as well as a few shrubs.
But what really caught her eye was a glowing green object, near the center of the corrupted area.
Should she dare step foot onto the rotting land? That green thing may provide a clue as to what happened here, but, this was dangerously close to the site of the Warriors dens, were they being targeted by some unknown force?
Closing her eyes, the white star pattern on her chest glowed as she surrounded herself with a barrier of divine energies, so that any loose auras from the corruption would not harm her.
Swallowing quickly, Moonstar gingerly made her way through the area, the blackened ground squelching rather disturbingly under her paws.
Upon nearing the object, she saw it was a glowing green parchment, with something written on it.
Moonstar tilted her head at an angle and read as her eyes followed the words:

"We are the Shadowscar Mercenaries,
The destruction you see here is nothing compared to what the civil war has caused, two clans were fighting here and we intervened, limiting their destruction to what you see now. Should the reader require our aid, one drop of blood on the eight pointed seal at the bottom of the page will summon one of us to make a deal.
Signed
TD"

TD? Who or what could that be? She stared at the eight-pointed symbol at the bottom of the paper, whoever these Shadowscar Mercenaries were, telling from what happened here, it couldn't mean well.
Her thoughts were interrupted as a strange scent hit her nose, and the sound of pounding pawpads grew louder as they neared her location.
Moonstar got into a defensive position, ready to attack whomever was running towards her.

Grim saw shadowy outline of a werewolf as he sprinted towards the stench. As he got closer, he saw a black she-wolf with green stripes stretching along her sides. She looked poised for a fight, and was growling as Grim rapidly closed distances. As Grim made it to the clearing, he lunged to the side as the she-wolf attacked him. The she-wolf was fierce, and she was vigilant in her defense against him. Grim didn't want to fight her, but he had to keep defending from her attacks. If he were younger, she wouldn't have lasted a chance against him. But she fought very well, almost reminiscent of someone he knew, from many years ago. Someone of great importance. Grim had an idea.

"Enough fighting!" Grim said. He instantly slammed into the ground, causing the ground to freeze the she-wolf in place. As much as she tried, her feet were frozen to the ground. "You, I know you. From long ago, back when you were but a small pup. You are Amethyst's daughter, no? Moonstar. Are you Moonstar?"
"It is you then..." Moonstar looked shocked to see the old werewolf.
"Yes, it is me, Grim." he said, unfreezing the ground and letting her free.

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar was in shock at the sight of the old wolf, Grim, and slightly surprised at how readily he recognized her.
" Grim? Icewalker Grim?" she asked in wonder.
Her memories came flooding back into her, she remembered seeing him during the battle in the glade, towards the final battle between him and Kel.
" It is you!" she said, her heart swelling up with joy as she bounded over and nuzzled into him, " I have missed you so very much... They often told stories of you back by the pack dens, but I never had expected you to come back. I'm quite surprised that you remembered me after all these years."
Grim nodded, " Indeed, I am guessing you sensed the corruption as well...there wouldn't be any other reason why you would be here."
She looked down at the parchment near her paws, then said, " Aye, and I found this... it is signed by someone or something who goes by the alias of TD, perhaps you know who it is?"
He looked at it, studied it over, and said, " I know not of anyone named TD, but I think Lak may want to see this...speaking of which, where is he?"
Moonstar looked over towards the direction of the dens, " He is patrolling around the dens back in the clan territory, he's gotten old and slightly crazy, if I might add, but I'm sure he'll be overjoyed to see you again."
She bent down and picked up the green parchment in her mouth, Lak would definitely have to see this, it could possibly mean something bad, or something good...
Either way, they'd have to find out themselves.

****** Sayre ******

Blaze looked down to her as she spoke, " Alright, where is the den?"
The white and blue she-dragon wolf pointed her muzzle up ahead, " There's a cave near a river not too far from here, we could rest there."
He looked to where she was pointing, and said, " Let's go."
The two began walking towards the destination, not noticing the two other wolves nearby as they walked past them in the brush.
A foul scent hit Sayre's nose, and a look of disgust crossed her face, " Such a vile smell! Can you smell it too, Blaze?"
He nodded, " I think we should just try to keep going..."

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar's ears perked up as she heard the name Blaze mentioned, it had been all too long since her dead father's name was mentioned...
She turned to Grim, " Take the parchment and get to Lak, the clan dens are over that way," she pointed her muzzle in the direction of the dens, " I'll take care of some... 'guests.'"
He took the paper, " Very well then..."
As Grim took off in the indicated direction, Moonstar turned and followed the voices where she had heard them.

Blaze and Sayre truge into the into the riverside cave and collapse on the floor and laugh. "we made it to the cave without finding any stupid wolves bothering us and the river looks beutifull right now" Blaze said as he gets in front of Sayre tl protect her "I agree Blaze it does look beutiful but we need our sleep to make it to the great tree tomarow." Sayre muttered as she slide off to sleep Blaze nods his head and does the same.

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar had followed the voices to a riverside cave, but did not stray any farther.
She had seen two, one was a young, black furred male with azure eyes, crimson red scales on one of his arms, one of his legs, and along his spine, the other was a white and blue female with deer horns, bat wings, and loose patches of scales in her fur.
Upon observing them from a distance, Moonstar frowned, the black wolf looked similar, but was quite different from the Blaze she knew, her dad.
Her father had only had scales on one arm, not an arm and a leg, nor any on his back, and he had wings, big black ones. This other wolf was slightly different, yet the resemblance to Blaze was striking.
She had overheard them saying they were heading to the Great Tree, so perhaps it would be best to leave them well alone.
Moonstar turned and walked back, heading towards the clan territory.

****** Sayre ******

Sayre snuggled up into Blaze's fur as they lay in the riverside cave to sleep.
But during that time, the she-dragoness wolf had gotten an odd feeling that they were being watched, but it gradually faded away.
Focusing on going back to sleep, Sayre knew she had to get enough rest so that they could possibly make it to the Great Tree tomorrow.

Far off in a temple nestled in the Blackwind Mountains Therebas reappeared.
"My lord welcome home, the shine has refused to speak to anyone but you for now..."
"Thank you Corion, your service to the Dark one is valued as always, power and deceit friend.."
Therebas walked through the temple ground, for a temple it was more like a dark citadel, the stone pillars were crafted from onyx and obsidian, decorated with purple and green gemstones. The members of the Cult called the temple Sanctuary, outsiders called it the Demon's Gate Shrine... They were all wrong, in reality the temple was called Auldrathar, The Obsidian Temple counter part to it's sister temple Aeldinar, the Ivory temple located in the Whitesky mountains in the north. Eventually he came to a hall light by candles that burned with purple flame. The hall was completely dark save for their light, on either side of him were the statues of the eight infernal demons at the end was a door with a seal on it. Therebas placed his hand on it.
"Teloc Vovin"
The door shook as if it was made of water and he walked through. It was a special door that only Keepers, Leaders, and Mediums of the Cult could open. Inside of the room behind the door was a massive statue that served as a Shrine to the cult's dark lord. A massive wolf with demonic features, its once lifeless stone eyes began to glow red with power.
"Therebas it is good that you have come... my time is coming... I feel my power strengthening each day... the bloodshed caused by the civil war sates my hunger for blood and the chaos between a single people empowers me more than any mortal could understand!"
"We work tirelessly to aid you master, the infernal demons and my cultists as well... I have planted the invitation as you requested, my cult will now be able to sew the seeds of chaos within the ranks of the other clans as mercenaries."
"Have you knowledge of which clan has received the invitation?"
"Yes... if I sense the weilder right... they have the intention of brining it to the warriors of the moon"
"HAHAHAHAHA... My old allies.. my old enemies... Amethyst... your clan lives on... but they will perish soon...
"You know of them my lord?"
"Of course I do... I once fought along side them... and against them... I attempted to wipe them out by detonating the most part of my soul... but my core lived on.. gathering strength.. power... they will not be able to defeat me this time... For now I am one of the Three Dea!! Tell me are any of them one of the priests of Aeldinar? The Ones of Order?"
"No my lord, they have never entered the Sanctum of Order... nor the Sanctum of Balance, they have no idea how to defeat or subdue you..."
"Then this time the clan shall be eradicated permanently... Toy with them as you wish Therebas... I still need to gather power, and take the power of Verithias to play with their emotions..."
"Then I thank you and take my leave my lord and master... may your coming shake the world to its foundations..."
"Go my faithful servant and carry out my will! Per fatum exsisto coegi!"(By Chaos Be Driven!)

Therebas left the Sanctum he was in, known as the Sanctum of Chaos, and back into the hall of infernal demons... he looked upon the statue of Verithias.
"They will summon me soon... and the deal will be made... I can feel it"

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar picked her way back to the clan dens, wondering if Grim had gotten there.
Who knows, maybe he and Lak were talking already...
Her mind occasionally drifted back to the two she had seen earlier, perhaps that black wolf was a reincarnation of her father?
No, that couldn't be right...her father had blown up his soul, how would he be reincarnated?
Pushing it out of her mind, she slowly padded over to where she saw Lak, and sure enough, Grim was there as well.

Kel sat atop the cliff of Helthorian Mountain, where he and his clan made it their home. It was an ideal place for them, with beasts roaming around and the dark energies suffusing the surrounding mountainside. The cliff where Kel sat upon now is a drop that is nearly vertical to the ground. The sheer drop of the cliff bothered him not one bit, since he could always fly away. He stared at the moon, and again thought of how he was reborn.

"Fear naught..." whispered the voice. "You will be reborn..."
Kel wandered aimlessly in the dark abyss, where he lost all senses. Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight... He had nothing except those that were in his thoughts, and the voice whispered in his mind.
"There is always a need for evil in the world... For there can be no progress if there is perfect contentment in the world. Go forth, and do what you think is right...."

Kel shook his head, and watched as the clouds covered the bright moon. He spread his wings, and took flight. Jade and Quill, excellent subordinates and minions, dead. It would take many moons to find another like them, and even then, individuals rarely work as well as teams if they don't have the power he possessed. Power which he used to save the world once... And would save it again to Purge the humans from the surface of the world! Most of Nature was defiled by them, and they have no respect for the Wilds. He gritted his teeth and growled softly, increasing his speed all the while.

Storm

Many moons had passed since the defeat of Kel, and Storm had felt them all. Her weary battle scarred body was beginning to slow down with age. Not for the first time she wondered if it was time to pass on her deputy duties. There were plenty other young and willing wolves looking to prove themselves in the clan. But Storm knew she would miss being Deputy as it was her last connection to Amethyst left.
Grumbling to herself, Storm pulled herself out of her thoughts as she smelled a new but familiar scent enter the clan's den area. As the scent came closer Storm saw a wolf appear out of the darkness and head towards the watchful figure that was Lak. Concern for her friend engulfed her and she raced over to where Lak was sitting just as the unknown wolf reached him. Suddenly she paused as the wolf's unique colouring, silvery gray fur lined with streaks of black, awoke her memories of the days where Kel still ruled. The familiar way that Lak greeted this wolf made it click for her.
"Grim!" She yelped, excited as she made to pounce on him.

Makair

Makair grumbled as he settled down in his den for the night. It had been a few years since his banishment but feelings of resentment still lingered in his mind. His control over the shadows had only grown and this made other clanless wolves wary to come near him. Makair had built a reputation of icy indifference and ruthless that ensured that he was left alone.
Of course, any new clanless wolf that arrived at the Great Tree felt the need to challenge him, which resulted in many wolves scampering off with their tail between their legs. This had happened today and had put him into a fouler mood then normal.
As he settled in for the night, the shadows told Makair of two young wolves heading towards the Great Tree. He had always had a soft spot for young wolves and these two were no different. He resolved to go meet them when they arrived at the Tree tomorrow. It would not do for them to be attacked because of their youth.
'I'm getting too soft,' was his last thought before he drifted off into the blackness of sleep.

in the early twilight hours Blaze Sayre awoke and continued on towards thier goal of the great it was a short journey that day but it was not over yet. At mid-day the twins made it close enough to the great tree to see a bustle of activity going on of the other clanless going on with there daily lives. Blaze shoves Sayre with his nose a little "ha dont be afraid sister they wont bite you not with me around!" he laughs and moves on ahead with her on his heels. As there heading towards the tree a lone figure of a wolf that looked like it was shrouded in shadows heads towards them.

****** Sayre ******

Sayre growled a bit in annoyance as Blaze shoved her a bit with his nose, but followed closely behind him.
Of course, they had gotten up in the mere twilight hours to continue their journey.
So far they had not encountered any other wolves, or anything that would prove to be dangerous, but even so, they would be able to protect themselves.
She gasped at the size of the Great Tree as they neared towards it, it seemed a lot bigger than in her vision...
There was movement around the tree as some of the other Clanless wolves stirred about, and Blaze was telling her not to be afraid.
Sayre would've retorted that she wasn't afraid, she just wasn't used to being around so many wolves at once, but was stopped when she saw someone coming over to them as they made their way over to the tree.

"So there I was, the giants debating how they would eat me, when all of a sudden-" Grim was telling an interested Lak when he saw a figure lunge at him. He didn't dodge in time, and he was tackled by a werewolf. As Grim recovered, he noticed that it was Storm, from long ago, that had tackled him. Beaming with delight, Grim swarmed his old friend, all while Lak laughed next to them.
"Grim! How long has it been?!" Storm asked the silver werewolf.
"Hm... I think it's been many years... not since Kel's passing. You see, I had resided in the Halls of the Gods for years, but had grown tired of the emptiness it brought. Nom was there, but he just seemed at peace and was overjoyed that Nor'a was allowed to be with him. I was restless and troubled during my stay. I missed all of my friends, all i knew, all that kept me to Arka... I begged to come back, not as a demigod, but as Grim. They allowed me to, but granted me the power to change back to my greater form in times of great need. Nom offered to come, but I would not allow him to leave Nor'a. He did say he would return to this world in times of urgent and utmost need of him. That has not happened yet." Grim said.
"Why did you not find us sooner then?" Storm asked almost angrily.
"I tried, believe me. The lands had changed, and when i went to the Warriors Shrine, it had been vandalized and destroyed. I had thought you had all been killed by some great evil. It pained me, and I began traveling around the world looking for signs. Along the way, of course, I had some exciting...situations, no doubt you heard exaggerations of."
"Yes, they were brought by travelers. Wonderful stories, I might add." Lak cut in. "I had a wonderful time telling them to the youngsters. They even began comparing you to me." Lak started laughing. "Said it would be a wonder to watch the two old bats we are spar."
Grim erupted with laughter. "That would be a sight indeed. Too bad they didn't get to see us young, eh?"
"True, so true." Lak nodded, staring into the sky at some fond memory.
"Aye, it would have been glorious. So tell me, what happened to the others? Why do I only recognize you two and Moonstar?"

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar walked over, listening as Grim was telling Lak an interesting story, when the Clan Deputy, Storm, tackled him from behind in greeting.
Grim was explaining how he was able to come back to see them, where Nom and Nor'a were, and how the lands have changed over the years.
The young she-wolf flinched when he stated that the Warriors Shrine had been vandalized and destroyed, why would someone do that?
Her hackles rose slightly, if anyone had disturbed the Amethyst Tree, one of Moonstar's last remaining memories of her dead mother, she'd swear to find them and maim them thoroughly for destroying a sacred treasure.
When he asked why he only recognized her, Storm, and Lak, Moonstar cut in, " Everyone else is most likely asleep, the clan has grown quite a bit since you left."
That was an understatement, of course, the clan had grown a LOT since the passing of Kel. Solacea, Amethyst the 2nd, Theron, Skylett, Stormcloud, and all the other first litter pups from back then had grown up into full-trained warriors, Moonstar and Rijo were decent warriors as well, Haryah, Brighteyes, and the twins Solar and Moon were apprenticing, and then there was Gyre.
The fox-looking wolf had sort of joined the clan out of the blue, but already Moonstar had taken a liking to him, he was sure to make a great leader when Lak passes on to the forest in the heavens.

Storm

As Grim was telling stories of his journey's Storm felt anger welling up in her when she heard of the fate of the Warrior's Shrine. It was a place dedicated to the sacrifices made by some of the bravest warriors ever, and such a sacred place should never have been violated by violence like that. If Amethyst's tree had been harmed Storm would never forgive herself, and by the look of her, Moonstar wouldn't either. Her appearance into the conversation had startled her slightly, which made Storm feel even older.
"What are you doing out at this late hour Moonstar?" Storm asked, seeing some sort of paper by Moonstar's paw.

Makair

Makair stretched and opened his great mouth in a yawn as daylight stole over the Great Tree. Shaking his fur roughly, he heard the sounds of the other wolves preparing for their daily tasks. Suddenly, a small creature of shadows, a cat, appeared next to him in his den.
"There is news Master," the cat said, it's head bowed to Makair. The wolf sighed irritably and gestured for the cat to raise out of his bow.
"Nim, how many times have I asked you not to call me Master."
"At least once more." Nim's eyes twinkled mischievously. Makair sighed again and shook his head.
"Cats, I swear I have no idea how I put up with you lot." He muttered before speaking louder. "What news do you have for me Nim?"
The cat straightened up and became serious. "One of the scouts saw those two pups you were watching for. They should be arriving at any moment."
"Ah." Makair smiled. "Good work Nim, tell that to your scouts as well. You may go now." Nim bowed his head and vanished back into the shadows. Makair sat back on his haunches thoughtfully. 'So they've finally arrived. Time to see if they are worth my attention, without it they may not survive living here.'
Makair got up and casually walked out of his den. Immediately he could spot the two pups, as their bright fur gave them away. One, white fur with blue patches, was leaning against the other, black fur with what appeared to be crimson dragon scales down his right legs, in apparent apprehension. Makair shook his head. 'It appears that I will have to take them in. They are not strong enough to live on their own at the Great Tree. Any weakness will be exploited by the other wolves.'
Makair maintained his casual pace towards the two pups even as they stiffened at his approach. Eventually he stood in front of them, his eyes roving over the two as though they were pieces of meat. Finally his eyes met each of theirs, one azure and the other crystalline blue. He snorted as he saw the defiance in them.
"Come pups, follow me closely."

****** Moonstar ******

Moonstar looked over at Storm when the Deputy questioned as to why she was out so late.
" Erm....I....." she tried to find the words.
She noticed Storm was looking at something, and upon followin her gaze, found that the Deputy was looking at the glowing green paper in her paw.
" I found this note in an area nearby that seemed to have been corrupted by an unknown force....I was thinking maybe you and Lak would want to see this..."
The she-wolf hesitantly handed over the paper.

(ooc: either Lak or Storm can take it)

****** Sayre ******

Sayre was quite frightened by the way the strange, shadowy wolf looked her and her brother over, but stared back at him defiantly as to not let her fear show.
She noticed Blaze do the same, and then the wolf finally snorted and said, " Come, pups, follow me closely."
The she-dragoness wolf looked to Blaze once, then slowly began to follow the other wolf.
Blaze soon padded up next to her and followed as well after a moments hesitance.
Sayre was quite wary of the wolf who was leading them towards the tree, and kept pressed close to Blaze in case something went wrong.

Storm

Storm took the glowing paper from Moonstar's outstretched paw with a nod. She unrolled it gently and took in the words inscribed upon it.

"We are the Shadowscar Mercenaries,
The destruction you see here is nothing compared to what the civil war has caused, two clans were fighting here and we intervened, limiting their destruction to what you see now. Should the reader require our aid, one drop of blood on the eight pointed seal at the bottom of the page will summon one of us to make a deal.
Signed
TD"

She paled quickly after reading it. There were rumours floating around about the Shadowscar clan, rumours that said they dealt in demons, and although they were never proven most clans tended to give Shadowscar wolves a wide berth.
She passed the note to Lak.
"What do you think of it?" She asked.

Makair

Makair could almost snarl in frustration! The pups following behind him were so slow a rabbit could outrun them! Granted they were allowed some cautiousness, especially after being approached by a strange wolf, but this cautiousness could kill them here! Did they not understand what it meant to live at the Great Tree, where strength gave live and weakness gave death? Already Makair could see other wolves gathering together and staring at the slow moving group with hunger in their eyes. A few had already begun to advance towards them.
Makair looked over his shoulder and did let out a small snarl. The female was so pathetic! Being so submissive in plain view of these wolves was as good as a death sentence. And the male was even worse! Everytime Makair checked over his shoulder to make sure the two were following he was met with a fierce glare of defiance and self confidence. Hah! As if a brat like him would stand a hope of beating Makair.
Never the less, Makair had taken it upon himself to ensure their safety for at least a little while. With that thought a brilliant idea came to him, one that would ensure they wouldn't be bothered by the other wolves.
Makair spun around sharply and came fast to face with Red and White, the formers teeth bared while the latter cowered slightly against him.
"You wish to fight me so badly Red?" The dragon scaled pup started before giving a slow nod. Makair nodded. "Fine then, your wish will be granted." Red began to get excited and moved to attack before Makair motioned him to wait. "There is one more thing before we get started. First, White you may not get involved in this. This between me and Red." After receiving a reluctant nod he continued. "Second," here Makair raised his voice and faced the pack of clanless wolves. "Let it to be known to all clanless wolves! If I win in a duel against this wolf, he and his sister belong to me! No wolf is to harm them lest they want to face my wrath!" Makair growled and snarled at the end of his impromptu speech to show that he meant what he said. The wolves whimpered and backed away, forming a loose ring around the combatants.
Makair turned his white eyes to the confident azure ones of his adversary. "Come."

Blaze stepped protectively in front of Sayre. "If you fight you just fight me!"
He charged the larger wolf and went for his neck with his claws, but the larger wolf easily dodged the attack lashing out with his own claws. Luckily for Blaze the hit landed his scaled legs. Blaze jumped back as the other wolf disappeared into the shadows. Blaze looked around, slowly circling in spot until he spotted a glint in the darkness. At which he breathed fire at the other wolf, catching him by surprise, but the wolf managed to bring a shadow creature to bear against the fire. The fire was more powerfull than the other anticipated and his shadow creature dissolved into nothing. along with the darkness as the flame caught him in his rights shoulder, burning him. With a yelp the wolf fell to the ground, hurt, and there was a chorus of growls from the spectators. The other wolf jumped up with blinding speed and charged Blaze, but before he could come to bear Blaze smacked him across the face with a flaming tail. Unfortunately, that didn't do anything to the other wolf who quickly laid some fast and accurately placed attacks that took down Blaze. The other wolf planted his right paw on Blaze's neck and howled his victory over him.

******* Moonstar ******

Moonstar shuffled uncomfortably as Storm's face paled looking over the note.
The Deputy handed it to Keeper Lak, asking, " What do you think of it?"
She silently watched him, waiting for his answer.

****** Sayre ******

Sayre watched as Blaze fought against the strange wolf, obviously confident in winning.
With seemingly almost no effort at all, the wolf floored Blaze in a few seconds, the only visible wound being the burn on his shoulder.
She saw the wolf place his paw on Blaze's neck, howling his victory to the sky.
Sayre almost sighed, Blaze could be a bit of a hothead at times, he still had to learn how to pick his fights...
But, another sense welled up in her, a sense of respect for the older wolf...and since he had won fair and square, they were his now.

Makair

Makair replaced his paw with his mouth and bodily pulled up Red from his place of submission. Giving him a quick once over he turned to face the circle of wolves watching the fight.
"As you all witnessed, I defeated the young Red in combat. As per the rules of our engagement he and his sister now belong to me. If I see so much as one scratch on them..." He let the threat hang as he glared menacingly around the circle.
"Now that that's over," he turned to Red and White, who had approached during his warning. "Follow me pups, and faster this time." He gazed at the two and saw something that made him take a double take. White was staring at him with something that looked like respect.
Putting his gruff exterior back on Makair turned and led the two young wolves over to his den, where he would explain some things after taking a quick nap.

(out of character note: sorry for my inactivity in the RP, been busy lately )

Lak read the note, his eyes taking longer to focus on the words than normal.
'Are my eyes fogging over?' Lak pondered just as his vision cleared.
He began to read the script.

"Shadowscar... I've hear the name of these mercs in rumors, however my knowledge of them is limited to just that. The rumors."

Lak looked at the seal, and something triggered in his mind. The structure was more than a simple summoning seal.

"I've seen this glyph before, when i was learning the rites to be a keeper." Lak said abruptly.
"It was from a ... Argh!" What felt like lightning striking his mind dropped Lak to a crawling position.
His vision was gone, every sense was in chaos.

_ _ _ _ _

Gyre watch from the bushes, he was afraid what would happen if Lak knew he had disobeyed his order.

He saw Keeper Lak, Moonstar, Lady Storm, and the silvery wolf he heard called Grim, like the old legendary warrior, talking over a scroll.
Gyre refused to leave his master's side in his condition, regardless if the Keeper knew it or not.
Only Gyre knew Lak woke up in the middle of the night with seizures brought on by intense nightmares.

Only Gyre knew of Lak's 'fits' where he'd lose control of his body and mind, muttering as he shook.

Lak was reading the scroll when his knees buckled and he rolled over in pain.
Unlike any fit before, it wasnt when he was half asleep with his mind off guard.
And Lak normally muttered.
Lak was disturbingly silent.

Gyre rushed out of the brush, revealing himself as the old wolf convulsed, foam in the corner of his slacked mouth.
"Please help me get my master back to the den!" Gyre begged, tears pooling in his eyes.

Kel felt the spasm of twitching muscles in his right arm and knew that another seizure had gripped Lak. The twitches turned into stabbing needles of pain and he knew that this was different from the others. He clutched his arm and slowed, angling his body so that he could land towards the top of a tree. He stood delicately atop it while still struggling with the pain of his arm, forcing the pain down with his mind.

He wondered briefly if Lak knew of the connection between them. Kel saved his life, after all. With his power, no less. Then again, Lak was smart and powerful, he probably suspected it, though he couldn't confirm it. Lak can never truly die, not unless he killed himself or Kel did so. Likewise, Kel can't die if Lak wasn't the killer. He grinned sardonically, they both knew who would win if they fought again. The result years ago proved that, and Kel would prove that again. Perhaps they would be surprised by his youth, aging not one bit since the day he resurrected.

A rustling beneath the thick canopy of the trees caught his attention as the pain faded away. He shook his arm to make sure the pain is well and truly gone, before he sent little waves of static energy to scan the movements below. None could hide from him, since everything is related to his power. Werewolves, judging by the size and the power, and three of them. He decided a battle of sorts could fend the boredom, for now.

He dived down and hit the ground with four paws crackling with energy, sending shockwaves through the trees and knocking the werewolves down. They cursed and recovered quickly, jumping to their feet while heads scanning the new threat. These were no rookies, but then again, he'd be bored if they were.

"Who are you?" snarled one with a scar over the right eye. The leader of this group. "Reveal yourself!"
Kel stood on both legs. "My identity is of no concern to you. Since you won't be leaving this place."
"We are of the Shadow Scar Clan! Leave if you know what's best!"

Amusing, how they thought the name would mean something to him. It did, of course. One of the dark clans, allied only with themselves and the demons, he saw that much. Kel felt amused that they thought they were the most powerful clans in existence, when his own clan, the Black Moon Clan and the Warriors of the Moon are the strongest in terms of ability. He would have to show his clan in the annual Moon Meet to let the whole world know that he still existed. But then, the Warriors of the Moon would probably attack as soon as he spoke. Back to the present.

"Oh? I know what's best for myself." replied Kel, charging his energies as he did so. "You need to learn to respect power."

Before they could react, he released those energies, slicing off pieces of fur and flesh. They howled in pain and attacked, surrounding him with the most basic of tactics since the stars were young. He calmly and smoothly deflected all their attacks, waving his arm as they attacked not as a team, but as individuals. Kel only had to use one hand to deflect them, and he didn't even use a millionth of his power! The warriors these days lacked training. The lead werewolf, frustrated, bared his teeth and went feral. The other two followed suit and Kel was mildly surprised when he had to use both arms.

"I think it's time to end this, don't you?" asked Kel to nobody in particular. He swatted them aside, and before they could land on the ground, sliced their throats open with his claws. That last battle with Lak certainly paid off, since he realized speed ties with power as the most essential in any fight. Not that it mattered to these werewolves anymore. With a contemptuous glance at the dead bodies, he jumped off and disappeared into the night.