Where They Go Death Follows [The 7, Private]

[Sanka]

After walking away from the nonsense that was their first meeting he began their journey into the Sub Serin. Being as thorough as possible he had already scouted the optimal entrance point for them to slip through undetected. Again it was in the harshest part of the area but he was pretty sure they wouldn't meet much trouble going this way. The Unmei Lowlands never had a spring or summer melt, just ice all year keeping most away. Most of the wolves who had chosen to join were dark in coloration so it wasn't the best location for them to sneak through which is why he had to split them up; even if one group was caught the other could flank and destroy opposition.

Before entering the unknown lands he sent the lighter colored and quick Shi off ahead of the group. His lightweight body wouldn't break through the snow too deeply meaning his tracks would be erased in a small amount of snowfall.

He stopped in the blistering cold to face those behind him.[/b][/font][/size]
"Ni, San, Go; please come with me."[/b][/font][/size] He said, looking at them each.

He had chosen them to be a part of his group because they proved to be the most level headed of the wolves who had shown themselves so far. Plus, Sanka didn't want the immortal dying without him and Nestor would prove useless in an advanced scout position and couldn't fly for recon. [/b][/font][/size]

"Esras please fly above about 200 yards ahead, if you see anything moving notify and engage. And Shichi fly 200 yards behind, if you hear anything coming from the group arrive here swiftly."[/b][/font][/size] he asked.

He hated how preachy he sounded, far too much like a leader.
[/b][/font][/size]
"Do you think you can handle that?"[/b][/font][/size] He asked looking over the group.[/b][/font][/size]

[Oki]

After with the deal with the female, Midnight, Free didn't say much in response to her retort. All's he could do was laugh back up in his perch with the others at how she was nigh of being intimidating. When Esras spoke, he could agree, but really didn't care about the others much so he didn't give any acknowledgement to his statement. Ichi created this group and could permit anyone he wanted into it; wasn't his say.

Finally, they were on the move. Allowing Ichi to lead the way, Free wasn't too far behind. Accustomed to travelling, it felt like time flew by with his anticipation of bloodshed. The air became colder and snow increasingly covered the ground and flurries fell from the sky. It started to become nippy, even for Free's thick sooty colored fur. Its been a while since he treaded in snow. Realizing he stood out, there wasn't much that he could do but just be quiet and as stealthy as he could be. Ichi seemed to have everything all worked out. Well, less he had to worry about then. He didn't mind either being given orders, especially when he didn't know a damn thing about where he was or what others are planning to do. "We must be here...", the male stated to himself, watching the floater, Shi, hover away as Ichi sent him ahead.

A whisp of biting cold air swept by the group, pricking at his skin. Shivering, Free heard his codename as Ichi wanted him and two others to follow him. Nodding quickly, he took a few slow step towards him, waiting for the others to follow along. He didn't know exactly why Ichi chose him and the two others; perhaps it was personal reasons or for tactical reasons. Nonetheless, Free followed. As Ichi dispatched the others, Fre turned his head up to observe their flight to their flanks and to scout ahead. He was slightly surprised of how much Ichi was organized. Kinda have to be to lead an invasion of 7 individuals against a whole pack. Now alongside Ichi, he nodded once more as he asked everyone if they understood the orders, "Affirmative, Ichi", he paused and waited until Ichi, himself and the two others were alone, "What are we to do?"

Oi, Sanka, perhaps we can call ourselves the "Creed of the 7 Blackguards" or the "Mephistophelean 7" xD

[Relairah]

He stepped easily behind Sanka, silent and watchful of the surroundings. He had to admit the Sub Serin wasn't a place he was too familiar with. In general, he stayed away from icy terrains such as this. But whatever was necessary, he supposed. He paid attention as direction was given to all members of the group. It was funny how it had been discussed that there was no leader per say but it was quite clear Sanka had organized the group and had it planned. That was good. For a group like this, there had to be such a wolf or else it would all be chaos and they would get nowhere. That had perhaps been perfectly demonstrated by their previous meeting.

Therefore, he was content to follow along orders. He flanked Ichi easily when his code name was mentioned and had not Ni stated the question, he would have himself. He had a feeling for the time, they were just to stay on the ground and stay low and stealthy to avoid being spotted. There forms were dark against the white already and against the white sky would just make their presence all the more obvious. Unfortunately, there weren't any trees, even naked ones, which meant not much in the area of shadows and the like to help them stay hidden. Their destination was the Shinkou Territory, but they would kill anyone who tried to get in their way. This was just like their backdoor in.

His fiery eyes watched the landscape. Typically in regions like this, he would use his element to keep him warm as he traveled. But here, it was too dangerous. It could melt through too much and who knew where the ice thin or thick. He couldn't risk it.

"I am assuming our goal here is to pass through without being spotted, Ichi. Am I correct?"

[Sanka]

"You are mostly correct. As we have already penetrated their territory stealth is one of our lower priorities. The plan is mostly make it to the center of the camp, maybe even stumble upon their dens. We will also kill of much of their prey, once we get into the hunting lands."[/size][/font][/b]

His plan was simple, cause chaos. He wanted his wolves to have no affiliation and code names, therefore when looking for someone to blame the packs would just turn against each other, pointing fingers and finally starting an all out war; all thanks to Sanka having a little fun. No matter how peaceful times are, hunting in a rivals packland is always frowned upon, killing prey and not even bothering to eat it would be a sign of disrespect no alpha could look past. With his ground wolves scouring the ground for prey, and his wolves in the air watching the horizon for opposition they would be prepared for anything.[/size][/font][/b]

"You guy's have any better ways to completely piss off an alpha?" he asked jokingly.[/size][/font][/b]

[Moon_Song]

Esras did not back off from Midnight. It was not in his nature. Instead he just laughed out at her petty display of courage. He would bide his time, though. He left her for now, to her piteous display, and followed above the group as they made their way.

>>>X<<<

After a while they reached the snowy climate of their destination; Sub Serin. Esras circled and landed on the edge of the group as it stopped a moment to organize. There was something he noticed right away. A familiar scent wafted through the air. He could not recall where he had smelled it before exactly, but he knew it was also in a snowy area.

Pushing the though aside, he nodded and lazily jumped and flapped his wings. Once at the desired altitude, he glided on the frigid air. Once again that memory nagged at him. Where had he smelled it before?



Meanwhile...

Ea had a knot in her gut. The forest was far too still. The frigid air did not penetrate her thick, white fur, but she still shivered, vibrating the pendant that hung from her neck. She had a bad feeling, and she couldn't figure out what it was.

She glanced over to where her sister was supposed to be coming from. She had called for her as soon as the feeling struck her, but she was not yet here. She grew more and more anxious as the second, minutes, passed. She was pacing now, leaving a small trail in the snow. She could have stepped back into the cover of the den, but she needed to be outside, moving.

What in the world was going on? Whatever it was, it was something big.

((OoC: I hope it's ok if I have three characters in this, since Ea and Darklight are both pack members here. If it's too early to have them enter, I will edit the post.))

[Relairah]

OoC: I'm up for it...

iC:

Kash listened as Ichi explained his plans in a bit more detail, and it seemed his last comment should almost be made with a sarcastic laugh of some kind. He was silent a while, as if thinking things over in his own mind. Finally he spoke. "Perhaps these very lands might be the entrance way to our next target once our first has been brought to chaos." He waited for Ichi's response, though it had only been a thought and nothing more.

He had been taking a nap in a den nearby, taking time to rest and simply relax. He awoke with a start, however, looking around to realize he had just been having a bad dream. He stepped out, stretching and saw Ea in the near distance, pacing, and looking at a particular point anxiously. Something was definitely wrong.

He approached, features laced with concern and curiosity, a bad feeling coming into his own gut. Perhaps the dream hadn't been merely a dream.

"Serra Ea..." he wasn't sure how to finish that sentence. Asking her if she was alright would be perhaps a dumb question. So for now he left it at that.

[Midnight]

((whispers loudly i guess i should go...))

iC:
Midnight felt stupid. She felt even stupider when Sanka didn't give her anything to do. Whatever. She just followed him. 'I can be useful.' He just doesn't think I can. Well, what a surprise they would get. All she had to do was watch her back for those demons. Why Sank invited them was beyond her. "What up with the demons, Sank?" she whispered. She knew they had code names but she said it quietly, so it didn't really matter.

[Oki]

Nodding in acknowledgement, Free knew now what to do. Grinning, killing for the hell of it sounded fun, but none the pack irritated him a little. At least they were killing their prey to screw with them; it took away some of his irritation and he knew it would piss off anyone in the pack. Toes curling and uncurling, he wanted to get started now, but didn't want to leap ahead of Sanka. "I have an idea...", then his demon eye started to glow and a hologram of the eye's symbol hovered above his face. To the side of him, snapping and fizzing as if he was searching for a better radio reception could be heard. Then, another figure appeard beside Free; another one of him, a clone. Grinning, Free continued, "I can divert the Alpha with myself, make 'im fight me." Free then lifted a paw to touch the other him, but istead of the paw placing on it, it passed through his other self, really being an illusion, "This is me, but an illusion to anyone else." With that, he allowed for Sanka to give him the confirmation for his idea.

Kash had a pretty good idea there as well. It would be fairly efficient to have this pack to be a gateway to their final desitation of Shinkou. Thinking, this was probably just a warm up.

---

Even though Koli wasn't part of the Voyani, he was still within the vacinity and wondered what was going on. He had this weird feeling that kept creeping its way to the surface. And old feeling. He could sense a large amount of darkness all of a sudden, slowly surrounding him and it triggered something deep inside of him. Fear, darkness and vile feelings paralyzed him. Falling to his rump, his forepaws raised to his temples and clawed at his head, pupils constricting, "No...All these years...Not now...", Koli pleaded to himself for this feeling to go away, scared of what may happen.

[Sanka]

Sanka didn't know the lands too well and had no idea how to get anywhere from the Voyani Lands without going back.[/size][/font]

"Maybe you could explain your idea Kash. I'm not familiar with these lands, I usually try to avoid places where I can see my breath when i breathe."[/size][/font]


Saying that reminded him how cold it was as the wind picked up sending cold air rushing through his dense coat. He was tired of waiting and talking things over, they could talk on the move he yearned to leave these godforsaken lands.

He answered Midnight with his back turned as he walked off.
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"These demons are here to help me with my plan. The same reason we are all here. It should be made clear that there is no peaceful takeover for us, just bloodshed. Every situation should be well thought out before any move is made, but that move, whatever the situation, should be you lunging at your opponents throat." [/size][/font]


He began walking again, the talk of battle motivating him more to get out of the sub serin but the Immortal Ni had something to say, or rather show him. He stopped and turned to face him. He laughed at what he saw before his eyes. Free's abilities were much like his, why couldn't he have been given the gift of immortality??[/size][/font]


"It's a good trick Immortal, and a fine idea, one I planned on using myself."[/size][/font]
he said grinning. Sanka's eyes did not glow, his breathing did not change, but in an instant there was a copy of himself next to him. [/size][/font]


"The one thing I don't like about your plan is that an angry Alpha would soon be returning to the fight, ready to kill. Therefore, if you decide to lure him away you will also be taking it upon yourself to injure him. Not kill, the voyani will need a leader when they raid their 'attackers' territory."[/size][/font]
he said. Then he began walking again.

[/size][/font]

[Relairah]

The flame-patterned wolf glanced toward Ni as he created his illusion and suggested his idea. Ichi seemed to approve, though a command went with it. Not to kill the Alpha. Well, hopefully Ni wouldn't screw up. They couldn't afford any mistakes, no matter the size. As Sanka described what would come, how he plotted to turn the two packs against each other, he found himself thinking of his own reputation. He was one who was somewhat known among many and he wondered if that fact would help Sanka. Well, surely Ichi had thought it out... just as he had said each thing was planned, but he truly hoped someone wouldn't recognize him and ruin everything. But aside from all that... Ichi had requested more information from him.

Well, he didn't know that much about Sub Serin in particular... he really didn't come to places with such cold. He did know a few things though, and perhaps they would come in handy.

"Being currently in the terrain called Sub Serin, we are near the Northern Mountains of the Shinkou Packlands. We are also within access of the Giaku territory to the south which across its borders are both the Allied territories and the Yonaga provinces where loners are more frequent and less suspect to interrogation by the Giaku pack members. Perhaps we might be able to move about freely and be more successful as a result."

[Moon_Song]

He made no rush to get ahead, seeing as the rest were still lagging. He did stay the right distance ahead, though. In his solitude here, his mind could wander back in search of why the markings here were so familiar. Nothing in particular came up, and it was nagging. He shrugged it off for now. Maybe seeing someone in the pack would strike a cord.


The sound of Akuma's voice startled her. She was not expecting him to be awake just yet. "Oh, Akuma. Something isn't right," She looked around nervously again, "Something is coming, and Darklight isn't hear yet. I think we need to call every one together." She looked into Akuma's eyes, looking for a reassurance she knew he could not truly offer.

She closed her eyes, stopping herself from letting too much out. She took a deep breath, threw her head back and howled. The call would only be heard about a mile away, as most of the pack would be pretty close by since it was still very early in the morning. In her voice the urgency of the situation was apparent. They needed to get here, and now.

The second call came out. Something was definitely not right. Darklight had been feeling it since she awoke. She had gone out early in order to patrol the southern border, but had found nothing. Now, with Ea calling again, she knew she was not the only one who had the feeling. She broke out into a full on sprint. She was not far. She would be at her Serra's side soon.

[Midnight]

((DX ah sorry for the longness. Epic fail on my part))

iC:
'Well I guess that makes sense.' Midnight thought. She would still keep her eyes on the demons, mostly because she knew they weren't done with her. "What can I do Sank? Other than be tormented by demons, that is." She thought for sure that some wolf in the pack had a bad feeling. They were probably all shaking scared in their dens right now.

[Sanka]

Sanka listened as San enlightened him, feeling foolish that he hadn't looked that far into the terrain. He did do his best finding an easy entrance and exit point and had even gotten information about the general location of Voyanis dens. But advancing straight to another target after here, it was genius really. The Voyani would send wolves chasing them into Giaku lands. If they crossed into the territory they could start trouble and if they didn't then the 7 could march on untouched and, of course, start some trouble of their own.

He dipped his head low in respect and approval of Sans information, it would prove very useful.

Sanka then dropped into a deep stretch as the cold sunk its way into his muscles causing then to stiffen. At that same moment his ear twitched, he turned his head sharply straining his ears to hear over the howl of the wind. He didn't move or breathe for over 30 seconds as he tried to determine whether his ears were deceiving him or not. His concentration was broken by the sound of May's voice. He had taken to calling his friend Midnight May since his name, Sanka, seemed too long for her to say and her name was mayonaka in Japanese, the language he'd used for everyone else. He felt that it fit.[/size][/b][/font]

"You can go check on our new exit point into the Giaku Packlands, make sure it's clear, and if it's not please do so. Come right back though, I'll need you here for when we enter their dens." he replied.[/size][/b][/font]

Worried about the sound he may have heard he picked up the pace into a full on sprint, he didn't want to be tired entering their camp,but he didn't want to lose the element of surprise either. It was all they had to even the numbers.

He looked up, checking on his eyes in the sky. Esras was surprisingly doing as told which made Sanka feel better about assigning him that position.
*************************************
They weren't sprinting before to long when they came upon what he was told was the Koori Highlands. This was one of the possible places the Voyani had their camp, rolling hills and lots of prey made it easy to understand why. He scented constantly looking for any variances in the strength of the voyani packs markings but was only overwhelmed by the scent of prey. He called to Esras with a new objective in mind.[/size][/b][/font]

[Relairah]

San didn't seem to care if Sanka showed him respect or not, although he was glad to put his idea to use. He was certain all would turn out as planned... he dipped his head in return, fiery eyes meeting Ichi's. "You will barely notice my absence." His deep voice rumbled and as they ran toward the sound of the howl, he vanished, his paws covering the ground swiftly.

It wouldn't be long before the Giaku borders were once more in sight and soon he was doing just as he had been told, inspecting that it was clear. The thing about Giaku was that even if the guards... or some other Giaku presence... were nowhere to be seen at that moment, within even one hour it could be an entirely different story. Well, they would have to make the best of the time they had, then. Besides, it was good noone was to be seen at that exact moment... mostly because then he wouldn't have to kill anyone and call any attention. They needed as much stealth as they could get.

Once he was done with his inspection, he turned back the way he had come, his muscles pulsing beneath his flesh and his fur rippling as he ran. He was glad for the adrenaline and the heat now coursing through him. The air was so cold in Sub Serin and the constant wind toying under his fur to chill his skin was not exactly comfortable. He hoped the rush would keep up until they got into warmer climates.

Bi-colored purple and blue eyes looked around with concern at Serra Ea's next words and then back at her, meeting her gaze and seeing her need for reassurance. He wanted to offer it to her, tell her everything would turn out okay and she didn't need to worry. But he couldn't... not yet at this exact moment. He knew something was definitely off and soon she issued her calling howl, summoning the others in the pack. He knew they would arrive in time, though he hoped it wasn't too much time.

There wasn't much else for him to say except to wait on the others to arrive.

[Oki]

It didn't take much effort to create and even sustain Free's copy. He considered it a good idea and something that would and could be useful and since he really couldn't die, at least that easily, it was a duty he could carry out without too much worry. It was a subtle surprise that Ichi could do a very similar technique, albeit with a diferent creation method. Perhaps his magic was more internal. In any case, what Ichi suggested made sense and actually just made Free more anxious and ready for a fight. He licked his fangs greedily, "Ha! Don't have to say that twice, Ichi. I would be more than happy to do that...It may be hard to not to kill...Though the idea of toying with 'im excites me." Following along and staying within the group, his copy walked beside him, a perfect mirror image, even in movements.

After travelling for a short while, a long howl could be heard ahead of their group, though very faint. Almost sounding like a rush of wind flying past his ear, they swiveled to see if he heard what he thought he heard. Noticing Ichi and some of the others freezing in place, Ni did as well. Although questionable, with their situation, they should consider all possibilites and assume the worst. He watched as he sent San off back towards Giaku. The creature was swift and quick, a speed that he doubted he could reach easily.

Before too long, rolling hills were before them, and actually looked quite beautiful with the fresh fallen snow. He was curious as to why some of the others of the group weren't conversing with the others. Sure, they weren't exactly chummy with each other, but at least they could acknowledge one another. Looking over at Ichi, he decided to give his self-dispatch to him, "See you on the other side, I'll warm up the Alpha for ya", he chuckled maniacally as he looked at Ichi and the others before running off towards his destination.

---

Staggaring, another wave of absolute dark energy coarsed through him. By now, Koli knew and understood what was happening and it couldn't be stopped. A thickness was building up from inside and his body was becoming unstable and hot. The snow melted and steamed under his paw pads and snowflakes didn't even have the chance to touch his fur as it evaporated from the instense heat that was eminating from his form.

Stumbling into a tree's trunk, his breath was heavy as a sound of another approaching, quite quickly, came to his ears. Evergreen eyes rolled up to see if he could catch who...or what, it was. They widened as he saw a slightly familiar form. An image flashed into his mind, when he first met the Serra of the Voyani; it was the other that was present besides Akuma. A part of him wanted to stop her, but then, he knew that everyone around him would be in danger in the near future. With this dark energy becoming stronger and stronger, he needed to get closer to it so whenever this inner darkness of his own unleashes, it could be unleashed upon the true carriers of the dark. An agonizing moan escaped between his teeth as he pushed himself to trot, though tripping over himself frequently, to the origins of the black magic.