Chapter 29: This Is War

•so I'm guessing y'all didn't see that coming haha it had to happen for stories sake...I didn't even plan that. Hope this makes up...well...hope y'all enjoy :)•


~No One~

Everything turned grey. Time slowed. Many lives were lost. These were a few of the effects that occurred when the news spread.

"The Half-Breed Clan has fallen."

That was the rumor spread about the planet. Through the wolves, through the dragons, through the magic users. A rumor all to true.

Erin Sage stood before the Elders in the tower she once called prison. By her own asking, she was being stripped of her power and memory so she could live as a human. Alex's clan had been ordered to kill her own, she couldn't fight Alex and protect her clan at the same time. She watched as one by one they fell. Zukima, slashed across the chest by a boy's claws. Ray, throat ripped out defending Scarlet. Drake, torn in half by a small dragon and his elder brother. Similar deaths were met by the clan, because Erin couldn't fight. Because she was being drained, her body shutting down. Darren died before the Elders and even Victor couldn't save him, Shawn taken down by a rather muscle bound boy. Both of Erin's mates gone, her clan gone, her reasons for living. Gone. Now Alex was free to destroy as much as he wished, to kill to his heart's content.

At least this was the outcome of what was to happen if Fire or any High Elder stepped in and saved Erin's life.

Erin's body was placed on a stone table inside the cliff she, Ray, and Darren once stayed in. Her amulet hung inside a glass case on the wall of the Elder's throne room, between the middle two chairs. Many came to witness her 'burial', came because they didn't believe. Dressed in dark colors or dawning their beast's form.

The clan survived, though all plunged in a pit of misery. Their best friend, their sister, their Alpha, had died before their eyes. Shawn mentally shut down and if anything, physically as well. Ray watched him closely knowing well of the thoughts running in Shawn's mind.

"He'll try suicide, then seclusion. Depending on what strength is left, we've lost Shawn as well. Technically speaking."

Ray had said when all the crying, shouting, fighting, and silence had ended. Ray Cooper was now the Alpha of the Half-Breed Clan. Darren didn't make it to the Elders' aid and Victor blamed himself entirely. Drake was now Beta and Kyle, by Erin's wish, was Gamma.

-two weeks later-

~Drake~

"He's wiped out another pack."

I informed Ray. Alex, like mine, destroyed the pack of Phoenix Blake and his mate. Also like mine, he left them living.

"I don't understand why he's leaving the Alphas alive. Why not kill them as well?"

Ray questioned. The clan moved into my home, after the smell of my pack's blood faded. Ray and I now sat on the steps outside.

"Maybe he has a plan? Rid the Alphas of their warriors so they're weaker?"

I suggested. Ray removed his glasses and rubbed his forehead.

"Alex just doesn't make sense to me."

He said. The front door opened and Scarlet came out with two glasses.

"Tea gentlemen?"

She asked smiling down at us. I took a glass and nodded. My mate was being as strong as she could. At night she would have nightmares and suddenly cling to my side.

"You know where Will and Kyle went?"

Ray asked. Scarlet thought for a second.

"I think Will took Kyle to run the border. Zuki asked me the same question."

She answered and went inside. I looked at Ray. As an Alpha he was supposed to be able to feel the clan, where they are for example. It confused me as to why he couldn't. When I was Alpha, I could sense them all and tell exactly was happening, even when I didn't want to. Such was the job of an Alpha. He didn't even sense when Kyle was running our way waving his hands around with Will on his heels. Ray and I stood.

"What is it?"

I asked.

"The Elders."

Kyle said out of breath.

"They're walking along the river."

Will added.

"And that's worth panic how?"

I asked. Kyle and Will turned and gave each-other looks. Kyle turned back to me.

"They all have blades."

He said.

"Victor!"

Ray called. Victor came running out the door with the girls behind him.

"What's wrong?"

Scarlet asked.

"Victor, watch them."

I told him and pointed at the girls. I knew he didn't feel comfortable being responsible for others lives, not after Darren, but Ray and I needed to go, and Shawn still refused to leave his room.

Kyle and Will rode on our wolf's backs as we ran towards the river that rested not far from my home.

"There."

Kyle said as we came up behind the four Elders. They turned towards us and I saw that they wore battle gear. Derek had twin blades strapped across his back and he wore a black leather jacket that touched the ground around his legs. Cain and Zane had a single sword on their side, both also had on simple clothes like jeans and a lose shirt. Bronze was the only one whose sword was curved, machete-like, and tied to his hip like a true samurai.

"The council has gathered and reached a decision."

Derek explained. Ray and I changed back to our human forms after Kyle and Will slid off our backs.

"Why weren't we told?"

Ray asked.

"Darren and Erin's deaths have or would have clouded any judgement made. It was decided that something he done about Alex."

Bronze said. I sensed Scarlet coming up behind us.

"So what's being done?"

Zukima asked. Her, Scarlet, Victor, and even Shawn had followed us.

'And still Ray didn't know?'

I wondered.

"The clans and packs are gathering, Magic Users we fought alongside long ago and old friends whom we've called upon are cleaning their blades and staffs."

Cain said.

"The ones who survived the Elder War?"

I asked. Derek nodded.

"The only thing we lack is someone to lead us in the charge against Alex's own army I'm sure he's rounding up."

Derek said. Ray and I looked at each-other.

"Who did you have in mind Derek?"

Ray asked. Derek smiled. Bronze and Zane wore knowing grins.

"An Alpha like no other. When Cain and I were changed into what we are, a beautiful woman made us a deal. 'If ever you are in danger, if it is a task you somehow can not complete, call upon me and my sister.'"

Derek said.

"High Elder Ice kept her word. Her and Fire used a power given to them by their mothers."

Cain explained.

"Will you lead our march, James?"

Derek asked, though he looked beyond the clan. We were confused. It wasn't until we turned did we see.

There by the riverside stood a man with long red hair that spiked a bit in all directions. He wore a white shirt that hugged his muscled chest and stomach. His black jeans hung over black shoes. The amulet around his neck that sat just over his heart was an elk's antler. His eyes were a piercing blue-green and surrounded by darkness. In his left ear was a silver ring that matched the one on his eye brow. Before us stood the father of Alex and Erin, James Blood.