Howdy, yay for internal conflicts! (have you lost it?) What? It adds for interesting and funy twist to the story... (uh huh, that's what they all say...hehe) that's right and I say dat what you say, is what I say (wow...you can tell you watched Newsies earlier) hehe, enjoy! (help me... just kidding) Nevah Feah Brooklyn is heah! (SPOT!!!!!! you came!!!!) um, that was me acorn, using his quote. (oh, can we go get him?) yeah, he escaped from teh closet again... (SPOT, how many times do we have to tell you, no leaving my room unless one of us are with you? Jack, go get spot please... jack runs off to find spot) Anyway...enjoy!
Angel was left in the medical room when Jack was called to the drawing table because Spot sought his council. Jack went and assisted Spot with some irritation. Renee joined them shortly after.
"Jack, if I may have a word in private." Renee asked.
"Indeed Madame." Jack said.
"Spot, are you finished for the moment?"
"Yes Madame." Spot answered before taking his leave.
"What troubles you?" Jack asked.
"Did you learn anything from Taivin upon his behavior?" Renee asked.
"Indeed I did." Jack said amused.
"Do tell."
"First I have a question for you. Do you know who sired you?"
"I do not. What is the relevance of this?'
"It is of great relevance."
"Such as." Renee said her eyes darkening from Jack's coyness.
"It is he that sired you."
"Explain."
"He was the one who bit you. And followed you and Mush around America." Renee fell silent a moment, she hid her shock and pain from being abandoned with a coldness in her eyes.
"And what of his aggression for the vampires?"
"Apparently, when your children were slaughtered by a vampire, that was when his hate was born."
"Ah."
"It is a just reason. I apologize for any pain my predecessor may have caused you."
"It is the past. The battle nears and we are not ready." Renee said changing the subject.
"Indeed you speak the truth."
"I heard of the attack on Angel, how is she?"
"Wounded and angry with me."
'Why so, should it not be too bold to ask."
"No it is not. I have asked her to take an easy load until she heals."
"A reasonable request."
"She has warriors heart and wishes to be in the front lines."
"I am certain she will have her fill of battle."
"Aye." Jack said reluctantly.
"What troubles you?'
"It is my desire that she not see battle at all." Jack said. Renee fought back her urge to laugh at such a request.
"Of course."
"I just wish her to remain safe."
"Remain by her side and she will be."
"You speak the truth."
"It is good that I do."
"Aye."
"Renee!!!!!" Les yelled.
"I am surprised he still has a voice." Renee thought out loud. "Come!"
"Does he yell for you often?' Jack mused.
"More than the entire pack combined."
"He looks up to you."
"It is well that he does."
"Renee where are you?!" Les yelled.
"Use your senses." Renee replied shortly.
"What? Oh." Les said finding them. "Hello."
"Greetings young one." Jack smiled.
"Greeting blo- Head."
"I shall leave you two be." Jack said before leaving.
"What do you seek?" Renee asked.
"Skittery hit me!" Les reported.
"Was this provoked?"
"Maybe?"
"Boy look me in the eye please."
"Yes ma'am." Les said looking at her while pouting.
"You are not being punished. Simply use posture."
"Yes ma'am."
"Was his attack called for?"
"Maybe."
"There is no maybe Les."
"Yes."
"What did you do?"
"I poked him."
"Is that all."
"Uh huh."
"Go about your routine, I will speak with him."
"Yay! Oh and Mush was fighting with Taivin."
"What?!"
"Mush and Taivin were fighting."
"In what matter?"
"Verbally, but they may be fist fighting by now."
"Where was this?"
"Near the tunnels."
'Good boy." Renee said sprinting to the tunnels. She found them on the verge of fighting.
"It is your duty as mate to the lobo to help protect the pack." Taivin growled.
"I know my role." Mush said clenching his fist.
"Then why did you sit idly by?"
"I was unaware."
"It is also part of your duty to be aware."
"You are so well at telling others of what they are to do yet what do you do?"
"I protect the lobo in my own way."
"She needn't protection, least of all from you."
"MOST of all from me."
"You disrespect my role as mate by claiming she needs you more than I."
"Peace my pack." Renee said walking along the wall.
"My lobo I did not see you there." Taivin said respectfully.
"Hence the reason I chose the spot."
"What can I do for you Madame?"
"Go in a corner and silence yourself." Mush growled.
"Do not start with me pup." Taivin said as Mush glared at him. "You would not win."
"You are the one who was injured by a lackey in th-" Mush started before Renee raised her hand and silenced his tangent. She was trying to treat Taivin as if he was not her sire.
"I tire of this feud between you two." Renee said.
"I tire of this pup's insolence." Taivin said insulting Mush.
"He is hardly that."
"One cannot tell from his actions."
"I have been with is pack from the beginning." Mush growled.
"I have been here longer than you. You did just not know of it."
"How so?" Renee asked.
"I have followed you lobo from before you were here in America." Taivin explained.
"Had I known of her sooner, I would have followed then." Mush said stepping toward Taivin.
"You were not a thought in your mothers womb when I knew of her."
"How?"
"That is something I will speak to her and her alone about."
"Then let us speak, alone." Renee said giving Mush the signal to leave. He did so reluctantly. "Proceed." Renee said once Mush was out of hearing range.
"How do I say this." Taivin pondered.
"It would do you wise to speak it."
"Many years ago I was on a prowl in the woods of England. A young girl that was rushing to meet her father who was returning from the Crusades crossed my path and startled me. Acting out of impulse I bit her but out of fear I fled again."
"Continue."
"I let her be for many years and after some time she fled to America. Shortly after her arrival she met a wolf born werewolf and they were married. All was going well for her when a cruel vampire decided to lash out against her and slaughtered her children."
"Ah, and why did you not contact her?" Renee asked trying to control her voice.
"For fear that she may not want me."
"And why now do you speak of this." She hissed.
"Because that ignorant vampire leader Jack, couldn't keep his mouth shut."
"That is true."
"You knew?"
"I did."
"For how long?"
"Less then an hour."
"Renee!" Les shouted running to the wolves.
"Yes pup." Renee asked shortly.
"I'm hungry."
"Feed."
"On what, there's nothing here."
"The stash is empty?"
"No but, that would require effort."
"Then give it effort little one."
"Are you mad at me?" Les asked with sad eyes.
"No, never my little one." Renee said feeling guilty for taking her anger out on him. "Come, we will let you feed. We shall finish this later."
"As you wish my lobo." Taivin said as Renee took Les away.
Angel grew restless while doing nothing. Jack came to see her.
"How goes it my love?' Jack asked walking in the room.
"Boring." Angel replied flatly while looking at the ceiling.
"I do apologize."
"For keeping me locked in here?" Angel hissed.
"You are not locked in."
"I need action."
'There will be much of it and you shall partake."
"You mean you will let me?"
"It is not my choice to hold you back. You will be needed."
"Thank you."
"You are welcome."
"My apologies for showing you anger."
"Think nothing of it."
"As you wish."
"Tell me of your mind upon this."
"Frustration is building up."
"Yes. Would it be shrew to allow Lucas to think Renee had fallen?"
"What mean you?"
"He left her knowing she was badly injured. Should we play upon that, and he thinks she is dead then he would assume the wolves fought to avenge her, not necessarily to untie with us. Such an impression would make him think we could be pitted against one another and destroyed easier."
"This could possibly work."
"Yes, however, the wolves would need to be as if this had happened. Or at least give the appearance of it."
"Due to the event of earlier, what if there is still a traitor in our midst and they foul our plan."
"Then we would need to have her out of sight."
"Do you think she will agree to this?"
"I know not, due to recent events it shall be even harder to know."
"What recent events do you speak of?'
"Her sire, do you know her story of origin?"
"Yes."
'The one who sired her is in the pack."
"Whom?"
"Taivin."
"That old wolf."
"He was bitter toward the vampires because of the attack on Renee's pups. He told me his story and relayed it to Renee when she asked."
"Good. I am glad I know you sired me." Angel smirked.
"Fortunate you are indeed." Jack said sitting on the bed next to her.
"Thank you again for that."
"I am pleased of the choice."
"Jack!" Les yelled running into the room.
"He calls me now?" Jack asked astounded.
"Apparently he looks up to you as well." Angel mused.
"Hi My Lady." Les said.
"Greetings little one."
"Jack."
"Yes Les." Jack asked.
"Um, Renee is prowling but she said to tell you that the stash runs low."
"Thank you for alerting me."
'Does that mean we get to hunt?" Les asked growing excited.
"Not you little one."
"Why not?"
"You are too young and your prey could probably eat you."
"After all the fighting I do with Skits, I can fight!"
"They would still be larger than you. And larger than Skittery."
"How large?'
"Think of Blink."
"Wow."
"Indeed."
"However, you can come and keep me company while they hunt." Angel said.
"Okay, and it's safer here." Les said sitting next to Angel.
"Why is it safer here?"
"I sto- uh nothing."
"Mh hmm."
"Hehe."
'Now what did you do again?" Angel asked. Just then Skittery knocked. "Come in." Angel called. Les sniffed the air and hid under the blankets.
"My apologies for disturbing you." Skits said coming in the room.
"You are forgiven." Angel said.
"May I borrow Les for a moment?"
"What are you going to do to him?"
"Help him learn.'
"Learn what?" Jack asked.
"Self defense."
"In that case, no."
"Hahah!" Les laughed.
"Little Chihuahua, you can't hide with them forever." Skits growled at the laughing lump under the blanket.
"Can to!"
"No."
"I don't have to, just till Renee gets back."
"Where did she part?"
"I dunno."
"She is prowling." Jack answered. Skittery's face sobered.
"Ah." Skits replied.
"She should not be doing such things." Angel said.
"Why is that my love?" Jack asked.
'She is with child."
"What?!" Les asked poking his head out from under the blanket.
"That means, she will have a baby, ya know, you." Skits said.
"I would let her tell you in her own time though." Angel cautioned.
"Of course."
"Why?" Les asked.
"It is her business." Skits said.
"Oh."
"Hey Les!"
"What?"
"Race ya to the far tunnel!"
"You're on!" Les said leaping out of bed to have Skits pick him up upside down.
"Punk." Skits said walking out with him.
"Let me go!!!!" Les screamed and kicked to no avail.
"I promised you that if you stole something from me again I'd let the rats eat you."
"NOOO!"
"I wonder if that pup has a bad timing alert." Jack pondered.
"Perhaps, and perhaps not. But he is no longer here." Angel smiled.
"That is true." Jack said closing the door and locking it. The two showed their love for each other and later rejoined the others. They were discussing the food situation when the vampire on guard of the tunnels came running into the meeting between the leaders and rapidly knocked.
"Enter!" Jack and Renee called in unison. The vampire entered.
"My lieges, gargoyles approach at a rapid rate." The vampire reported.
"We have no reason to fear them." Angel said. Mush growled.
"Peace. Where are they?" Renee demanded.
"Near the East sector, they seem to be seeking something." The vampire said.
"Then may I suggest you see what it is." Jack replied.
"What if they are not friendly?"
"Find what they seek and call for Spot should you need assistance."
"Very well." The vampire said hastily leaving.
"So, do we feed or not?" Spot asked getting back to the debate.
"Who would monitor the feedings?' Mush asked.
"Under normal circumstances the gargoyles." Jack answered.
"These are far from normal times." Renee commented.
"As is noted."
"Should a system be set up, then yes I say we feed." Renee offered.
"What do you suggest Madame?" Angel asked.
"Find the number in our groups, how much they would require, let it be law that they not go over their assigned amount or they will be punished."
"Governed if not by gargoyles then who?" Spot asked.
"The leader of the group." Jack said.
"Indeed this is wise." Angel pondered.
"Should this pass, when would it go into affect?" Mush asked.
"Soon as this war is over." Jack said.
"Agreed." Renee said.
"So, do we have an accord?" Spot asked.
"It would appear so." Angel said.
"Let us set it in stone." Jack said referring to writing and planning it out. They drew up the restrictions and where to or not to hunt. The blood banks would still be used. And should the chance allow it, the vampires would feed first upon a human until they are filled and leave enough blood to keep the body fresh so that if a were wolf may feed upon the heart and body of the human. The leaders gave their approval and left their mark upon the document.
"Madame, one more issue." Jack said.
"Yes?" Renee responded.
"Lucas thinks you dead. Should we use that to our advantage, it would benefit us greatly."
"Hm, I see your logic."
"However, the pack would have to be convincing of the act." Angel pointed out.
"They are able."
"Yes I have no doubt. However, should there still be a traitor amongst us our plan would be ruined."
"What do you advise?" Mush asked.
"That she not be seen, least till battle." Spot said. Renee and Mush looked at each other for a moment.
"The pack will become difficult to handle should I be absent." Renee said.
"So you do not agree?" Jack pondered.
"Should they be kept at peace, I agree to it."
"Then perhaps there is one who can stand in your absence and receive orders through you." Angel mused.
"There is someone." Renee said looking at Mush.
"What?" Mush asked. "I do not lead. I advise."
"I would still be lobo, you would simply be my voice as well as enforcer." Renee answered.
"Should that truly work, I would have to display a different way. One of which as if you had indeed fallen."
"That is what makes a plan work." Jack mused.
"Very well." Mush nodded.
"It is settled then." Angel said pleased with the progress made. They went out to the other loyal ones and found two more had come. Blink was being affectionate with Beth and Izzy was with Skittery. Renee smirked and vanished into the darkness so she would not be seen.
"Greetings." Izzy said to the leaders.
"Hello Izzy." Angel smiled.
"How is it you come to be here?" Spot asked knowing David had said the gargoyles would not give aid in battle.
"We are here in secret."
"Aah. Consider your secret safe then." Jack said.
"My thanks Head." Blink smiled.
"Does your presence indicate you shall war or simply keep your mates company?" Mush asked a little edgy since he had to start acting as if Renee was dead.
"That is uncertain." Izzy answered not use to Mush's coldness.
"Why is this so urgent to know?" Skittery asked.
"It is wise to know things Skits." Mush answered.
"Indeed so." Jack said.
"An inquiry, are Skittery and Les to know of the lie since they have seen her as of late?"
"Yes, they must be aware of our plans." Jack answered in a hushed voice.
"Very well." Mush nodded. "Skits with me."
'Yes Mush." Skittery said following Mush where he was caught up. After Les and Skits were told of how to act, Mush went to find Taivin and tell him of the matter.
"Since the rebel vampire does know of our location, will he not bring his allies down on us?" Spot pondered.
"That he will. However, one of ours was sent to follow his trail and should be back soon to tell me of his location." Jack explained.
"Which one is this?" Angel asked.
"Bumlets."
"Him?" Spot asked a little annoyed.
"Indeed. Do not let your petty rivalry cloud your judgment." Jack cautioned.
"Can he be trusted?" Spot asked, now unsure of his bid as future head. He and Bumlets were both in line to be Head, causing strife between the two.
"You doubt Your Head?"
"I do not."
"Then you should not worry yourself over trivial matters."
"Yes My Head."
Dellia and Bumlets walked up, joining the group. Spot's distaste for Bumlets grew when he saw the vampire with his wife.
"My Head." Bumlets said bowing, "My Lady, I bring news."
"Do tell us of this news." Spot growled through clenched teeth.
"Of course, Not-Yet-Head." Bumlets said making Spot even angrier. "The rebel has been tracked, to the far South sector."
"Far south, does he think that by placing himself far away that he can daunt us?" Jack thought out loud.
"There are many at the camp, but I do not believe it is the whole group."
"This does not bode well with our group." Angel mused.
"Have not the vampires and wolves joined, My Lady?" Bumlets asked.
"Indeed they have, however what does not sit well with me is that they should dare to come closer and catch us unaware while we are feeding?" Angel pointed out.
"A possibility that can be answered by a squad retrieving food as opposed to one or two alone." Spot said.
"Do not underestimate your enemy, he will pick off the group as well, regardless of numbers." Jack stated.
"Then what are we to do?" Dellia asked.
"I do not know." Jack said worry creeping into his voice.
"Do the wolves have wisdom on this?" Bumlets asked.
"Dellia, please send for Mush and Skittery." Angel told her.
"Yes My Lady." Dellia bowed before setting off to find the two wolves.
"Why do you not send for Renee?" Bumlets asked.
"She was fallen by Lucas." Jack said acting the part well.
"When was this?"
"She was shot by him before we came here, she died from complications due to that." Angel said mournfully.
"A great loss indeed, how is her pack?"
"Most are in denial." Spot said pulling the reason out of thin air.
"Their denial shall turn to anger. What then?"
"We shall deal with that when it arises." Angel said.
Skittery was spreading word of Renee's "death" when Dellia found him.
"Skittery, My Lady wishes to consult with you and Mush." Dellia said.
"I know not of Mush's presence, but I will come." Skittery answered.
"Indeed, I shall seek him out."
"Very well." Skittery said as he made his way to where the vampires were meeting.
"You sought me?" Skittery asked as he joined the vampires.
"Indeed we did; where is Mush?" Angel asked.
"That is unknown, Dellia seeks him now."
"Very well. We shall wait for him then."
"Of course. Who is this?" Skittery asked gesturing to Bumlets.
"A spy, for us."
"I am called Bumlets. And you are?' Bumlets asked.
"Skittery." Skits answered a bit uneasy being surrounded by vampires even though they were allies. His trust had been shattered due to Austin's betrayal and was fighting to be fair with the vampires.
Dellia found Mush arguing with Taivin near one of the tunnels.
"I say it is so." Mush growled.
"I will not listen to a baby such as yourself." Taivin snorted..
"I am not the new lobo you fool. Simply act as if it were so."
"Act indeed because you could never fit the part." Taivin said hatefully. Dellia cleared her throat.
"Pardon me. Mush your presence is requested by My Lady." Dellia said.
"I will come." Mush said before turning his back squarely to Taivin and walking with Dellia over to the others.
"Yes?" Mush asked as the two joined the group.
"We are in need of your council." Spot said.
"On what matter?"
"Hunting actually." Angel said. Mush raised an eyebrow at her request. "Allow me to elaborate on this. In the past gathering food and hunting was done in small numbers so attention was not attracted. However, Lucas would be likely to attack such a convoy. Should we instead send larger groups, would it serve as protection?"
"It is dependant to the location of where it takes place. Should a hunt occur in the open he will know of it. Should one hunt, and I mean a human hunt, in the city, it would be safer due to the many other inhabitants and buildings. As for blood banks, he knows those locations so despite the number of the group it would be a risk." Mush concluded after some thought.
"Thank you for your wisdom good sir." Angel said.
"I could have come to that conclusion." Skittery thought out loud.
"Then why did you not?" Jack mused.
"I was not asked so it was not my place to offer it."
"Indeed you are wise." Spot said.
"It is a blood trait." Skittery smirked.
"Hi." Bumlets said to Mush as the group separated and began to go their separate ways.
"Hello." Mush said not knowing of this strange little vampire.
"I am Bumlets."
"Greetings Bumlets."
"I heard of the loss of your lobo and would like to offer my apologies and hope a drift is not created between our races."
"Your apologies are accepted."
"Were you her mate?"
"Indeed."
"So you are lobo now?"
"No, lobo is not something that can be elected or given. It is in the blood. The Head is a position that is handed down to the best fitted. The lobo holds position for a long time."
"Ah. How long?"
"It is unknown. Renee was the first lobo since she formed the pack."
"There is no more food left." Beth said running to Bumlets and Mush since she did not know where Jack or Angel was.
"How much hunger grows?" Mush asked.
"Much, it can be controlled for the most part but soon all will feel it and want to feed."
"Then let us seek council from the vampires and act with haste to eradicate this." Mush said.
"Where are they?" Bumlets asked looking around. Mush sniffed the air and after catching their scent led the way to them.
"My Head My Lady. Troubles arise." Beth said joining Jack and Angel who had been getting ready to have a moment.
"What is it Beth?" Angel asked slightly annoyed at the intrusion.
"The food, it is gone."
"Completely."
"A bit left for only a few."
"Then we must hunt." Jack pondered.
"Which ones to the city?" Mush asked.
"I would like to go." Angel volunteered. Jack was hesitant a moment before nodding with approval.
"Very well. Bumlets, Mush, if you like, and Taivin." Jack pondered.
"I say no to Taivin." Mush said angrily.
"Angel, Bumlets, and yourself would not be enough. Spot and I are keeping watch and holding order here. Pick another if you are displeased with Taivin." Jack said realizing Renee had not told Mush of who Taivin was. Or maybe she had which had added hate to Mush's feelings toward Taivin.
"Skittery is fast, he will do." Mush said after pondering.
"Would it not be that the ones who hunt would be the only ones who feed?" Beth asked as she felt hunger gnawing at her stomach.
"We shall bring back food, it must first be killed." Angel smirked.
"Of course." Beth bowed before taking her leave. Mush left and found Skits who was pleased to go on a hunt. The two wolves met with Angel and Bumlets and took their leave. They made their way deep into the city where it would be difficult to seek them out. Mush found his prey and quickly took a human down by breaking the mortal's neck. He sliced into the body and put the heart in the designated container that had been brought for that purpose. Bumlets then went to drain a human for him self. After doing so he killed another, this time hooking the human up to a device that sucked the blood out and stored it in a container. The four had been collecting food when they decided to separate to cover more ground and not have the killings so close together. Bumlets did his work swiftly and met up with Mush after filling his containers. Mush put Bumlets to use and showed him how to cut out the vital organ, which were wolves fed on and Bumlets helped him gather the food. Skittery was almost done and decided to take a detour to a carnival. After leaping over the fence, Skits rode some rides and gathered a little more food. He was making his way out when a security guards dog caught scent of the contents of the container Skits carried and began to bark. The guard trusting his dog confronted Skittery and noticed Skits had no mark showing he paid to get in the carnival.
"Sir may see your ticket please." The tall and thickly built guard asked as he cornered Skits in a corner blocking his escape.
"I misplaced it." Skittery replied shortly.
"May I ask what's in the bag?"
"Yes you may." Skits said tightening his grip on the backpack, which held the container.
"Sir I'm going to have to ask you to open the bag." The guard said resting his hand on his handgun.
"I assure you that it's not drugs."
"Sir open the bag." The guard commanded growing serious.
"That would be invading my rights as an American citizen. You have no right to order such a thing nor do you have a warrant to make me."
"Power is granted to me by the owner of this carnival and it his order that I do what I see fit. That and I have just cause for suspicion giving me the authority to search your property if you do not open it now."
"Oh my gosh she's dead!!!!" a voice shrieked from behind the two where Skits had killed a girl.
"It would appear you have more urgent matters to attend to." Skittery said pushing past the man and running.
"STOP! Come back here! Stop him!" The guard yelled running after Skittery when one of the murdered girl's friends ran up to him and stopped him. The guard let the dog of its leash and it bolted after Skits. Skittery heard the dog coming and skidded to a stop. The dog came rushing toward him barring its fangs. Skits smirked and let out a blood-chilling growl. The dog whimpered and tucked its tail between its legs before running away. Skittery laughed as he ran away from the sight as cop cars pulled up to the carnival. However his actions did not go unnoticed and a she wolf that had been a member of Renee's pack who had joined with Lucas began to trail him. She was getting ready to attack him when she caught wind of a vampire. Curious she left Skittery's trail and searched out the new scent finding Angel. Knowing who Angel was and her position she deemed it wise to take Angel as a more influential hostage than Skittery. She stalked her prey to an alley and walked along the walls pondering when to attack when Angel sensed her.
"Who goes there?" Angel called into the darkness. The she wolf moved from the walls to the ground landing behind Angel.
"Victoria." The she wolf smirked.
"Am I in your territory?"
"Not mine but my master's."
"Who is your master?"
"A wise lobo."
"Does your lobo have a name?"
"Indeed he does. It is Lucas, he was once with you correct?'
"That is correct but he began to sow seeds of rebellion."
"He has indeed."
"Why do you come here?"
"I sought an old pack member but decided to seek you instead."
"Is that so."
"It is."
"And what do you seek me for?"
"Your presence would be appreciated."
"Appreciated or not you shall not get it."
"Why's that vampire?'
"I have matters to attend to."
"Yes so it would seem from the blood you carry in your bag."
"To feed the members of my clan."
"You care deeply for your clan?"
"I do."
"Then you should not bring despair to them."
"Indeed I shall not."
"Then you will accompany me."
"I shall not."
"Willingly or not, you shall."
"You will have to drag me away."
"It is unwise to give a wolf such an offer Lady."
"It is unwise to attack a vampire who is defending her clan."
"I mean no harm to your clan which is why you will come with me."
"Come at me then." Angel said.