Okay, okay, okay; I blew my self-imposed deadline. insert general excuses here So you see, it wasn't really my fault.

In other news, yes this chapter shall reveal the long awaited name of the ronin and more of the nature of The Pit and its servants. Now, I ust come right out and admit something for all you "ronin-must-have-name" people. I originally left out his name for simple style reasons (he was a ronin - thus to showcase it; no mae!) My, I thought, how brilliant. Then came the people; NAME NAME, NAME! they chanted. Well heck, I didn't know his name, I hadn't even thought about it. Thus, the real reason I've waited so long to reveal it was...(drumroll)...I didn't think of one till about chapter 12. Therefore please don't work too hard going crazy over the name or wondering why it isn't more epic. (in case you care the translation of the name is roughly; lone wolf, therefore I called him ronin in just another way. oh-ho-ho, oh-no-no-no, I crack me up sometimes!) Also, right at the end I do reveal the traitor...or do I? Cliffhanger time, wheee! In any case, thanks for checking this chapter out; now read on as the heroes face traitors in the darkness...

Fall of the Heroes: A Tale of Detroit

Chapter Fourteen: Traitors in the Darkness

You mean to tell me you believe an attack isn't called for? Bladesmaster Trent, alpha and speaker for the Silver Fangs in the absence of Lord Argent, glared across the table at Grendal. Even a Caern Warder should realize that if even half of what we've heard is true then it is well past the time to act.

So say the Fangs, grunted Grendal in his deep voice. But I am the Caern Warder, and I say that we have not enough warriors to both assault the Black Spiral Dancer's tunnels, and protect the Raging Falls. Our caern defense comes before any attack.

We understand that you are angered, Trent. All eyes in the council lodge turned to the head of the table where Marn sat. The aged Get of Fenris grinned reassuringly. The Fangs have lost a good leader tonight, even as I have lost a good friend. It is understandable that you are angry. Marn's voice was soothing, gentle words forming from his rough and scarred face. He leaned forward, his remaining eye glinting in the light from the fireplace. But need I remind you that even though my own blood, my own nephew, is out there amongst this danger, need I remind you that I show patience and judgment?

Bladesmaster Trent frowned but also returned to his seat. He nodded his head in supplication to Marn's words. Many of the younger leaders did the same. After all, Marn was one of the great heroes of the Pit. He had faced this danger before. He would know how to deal with Tyranthraxus and this ritual.

There is to be no attack, reiterated Grendal. The towering Get rose to his feet and looked at the other council members. Nor shall we spread unnecessary rumors about the camp. His stern face was set like stone, his eyes hard and unflinching. His military fatigues gave him a sense of command and knowledge, the sleeve pinned up over his missing arm only served to remind others of how much this warrior had given for the cause already. They were sure of his words now. We shall wait and see what transpires. Already Marn has taken steps to see to this problem, there is no need to get too worried.

Now, my friends, said Marn, as though very tired. I have important matters to attend to, thus, if no one else wishes to speak to the cou-

The door of the council lodge was slammed open. The assembled elders glanced up in surprise at the figure standing there. Dominic strode into the chamber, his black trench coat billowing about him in the stiff pre-storm breeze. His eyes swept over the elders, his lips curled back into a half snarling, half sneering grimace. The other elders shifted nervously and looked away. All save Marn, who sat calmly at the head of the table, his one good eye locked on Dominic.

You are all cowards and fools, said Dominic darkly as he stared at them. Long have I thought you the first, but only tonight did I realize the latter also held true! The proud Garou leaders all shifted in anger, flashes of rage appearing across their faces at this bold insult.

Now, now, my friend, said Marn with a small smile as he waved his hand placatingly. You already made your views on this situation quite clear. But we disagree with you. There can be no assault, but, there can be-

Fools! Will you sit here and wait for the Wyrm to swallow you at its leisure?

The bellow was near deafening. The other Garou in the room cringed in fear as they saw Marn rise, anger burning in his eyes as he snarled loudly. You are my friend, and have suffered much this night. Thus I forgive you this once for questioning my orders! Have you no honor in you? The council has made its decisionare you not man enough to obey it?

Dominic's coat snapped wide open. His hand hissed out from behind his back as he drew forth Bonespur. The klaive almost seemed to burn with an inner light as it flashed in the darkened chamber. From outside came a mournful howl of wind, and the distant rumble of thunder.

Look at this blade, Marn. Dominic glared at the leader of the tribes as he lifted the shining weapon. Do not, ever, seek to speak to me of honor and obeying the council when you must remember what blood has stained this weapon before!

You overstep yourself, growled Grendal as he shifted his chair back so he could be ready for an attack. None may draw a klaive in council, not even you.

Dominic's dark gaze didn't flick away from Marn's eye, but he did sneer at Grendal's words. He raised his arm, the knife shining like an errant piece of the moon. Behind him lightning split the sky, casting his shadow across the council table.

Three years ago I thought you cowards for ordering some of our own to be murdered for a crime that was perhaps not even wrong. On that night I went amongst them and slew them for you. Six Glass Walkers fell to my blade that night. I. Murdered. Them. For. You.

One by one each of the councilors turned his face from Dominic's unflinching gaze. Each of them seeing in those dark eyes the sight of a man who had broken his personal code because he couldn't break his honor. Only Marn's eye remained on him, unblinking, and unafraid.

You did your job, Dominic, as is your duty. Do not expect me to cry over the blood of traitors to Gaia.

Who is the traitor, Marn? Whose nephew stands alone against the night? Whose friend was slain because no one would help him search through the city for some lost pups? Who turns away from his duty, to hide behind pretty words and illusory dreams of purity?

What of you, Kinslayer, sneered Marn. Dominics face seemed to grow tighter, and more fearsome at the old name he had earned for slaying the Glass Walkers of Detroit. Who murdered' those he thought innocent? Who stripped his friend of even his name instead of giving him a clean death? Do not think you are any less dirty, dirtier, then I.

I know well my sins, Marn. Dominic pointed his klaive at Marn's chest. But know this, I hold this council's decision to be naught but the cowardly posturings of the feebly old, and the foolishly young. I no longer care what you do, Marn. I only know what I must do.

And what is that?

I am going to return to the Pit, and I am going to drive Tyranthraxus back into the deepest and most damned void I can find. Dominic snarled as he pulled his arm back, slipping Bonespur back under his coat. And, when I return, I am going to take a personal interest in finding out why you seem so complacent about this whole affair.

So speaking Dominic spat upon the council chamber. Yet so great was the fear he had inspired in them, not one of the Garou present found it in themselves to stop him. With a growl of disdain Dominic turned and stormed out into the raging night. Lightning crackled and roared across the sky in huge leaping swarms. Soon the dark cloaked figure was out of sight, another shadow amongst the darkness.

Dominic had gone.


You're lost aren't you? Snapback crossed his massive arms over his chest, his wolfish muzzle twisting into an ugly sneer. Yellowed eyes narrowing dangerously.

I am not lost, growled the ronin. He was the only one of them still in his homid, or human shape. Both Charlie and Snapback had taken to their crinos forms, ready for battle at any instant. Leona remained in her wolf shape, serving as an alert scout with ever vigilant ears and nose. The ronin shook his head as he looked at the three twisting and winding paths that lay before them. I just need to make sure we choose the correct path.

His voice echoed slightly off the walls of the tunnel. Charlie didn't feel very comfortable at all hearing that sound. The tunnel itself was a rounded and rocky affair. Feeling much like it had been bored through the earth by some monstrous worm. Occasionally strange warm breezes would whistle through the tunnels with an eerie moan, giving Charlie the feeling that perhaps they were within the gullet of some slumbering beast.

Add that to the fact that the idiot ronin couldn't seem to figure out which way to go, and that sluggard Snapback was yet again looking to start a fight, and Charlie was understandably annoyed. He shifted slightly, clawed hands curling into fists as he looked at first Snapback, and then the ronin. Neither of the two properly respected him. He was the nephew of Marn . The blood of heroes and leaders flowed through his veins. Why wouldn't they respect him?

s just pick a path and go, better to keep moving then to wait and die in these accursed tunnels. Charlie growled the words, slightly louder then he had expected to. The others turned towards him, Snapback's sneer only growing deeper.

Fool pup, you are a child. Let the men decide the business here. You be silent.

Stupid humans, yipped Leona, always stupid.

The ronin didn't add anything to this. He simply shook his head slightly, his eyes seeming to go unfocused. He remained as useless as ever.

Don't call me a pup, Snapback. I'm as much of a man as you'll ever be, and at least my line is a pure and clean one. Not the twisted rutting that gave birth to a metis!

Snapback's ears fell flat against his scalp. His eyes flared as he bared his teeth. Charlie grinned eagerly, waiting for the fool to start something, so that he might rip him open.

Yeesh, what's up with you guys? Literally I mean?

Four heads twisted in surprise to look back up the tunnels. A short, thin figure quietly advanced on them, its clunky combat boots moving with surprising stealth over the roughly hewn floor. Above her right shoulder floated a crystalline spider that glowed with a soft bluish light that illuminated her face in a odd half light. Josephine Corven's dark eyes gleamed as she smiled at them.

Fancy meeting you all here.

Charlie felt much of his tension seem to fade away as the Corax's arrival dissipated his rage. He looked down at her and the spider. What are you doing here?

the smart money would be that I came down to help keep you guys from doing anything too stupid, wouldn't you say? Also, I happened to figure you all may just come running down here with only half a plan in your heads, no offense, she amended with a nod to the ronin. He simply frowned slightly as he watched her prattle. So, in any case, I went and nabbed our pal Blue Storm here, Jo jerked her thumb towards the spider. See, he's a bit of a unique creation formed with much of Syntax's own energies and all.

Charlie blinked slightly, and then glanced over at Snapback. The misshapen metis simply shrugged, not following Jo's rant fully. Leona seemed likewise confused. The ronin however suddenly nodded in understanding.

Of course, with something so personal of hers, you can track her down.

And guess who gets the gold star today, class? Jo grinned as she reached a hand into her pocket and pulled forth a silver necklace. However, the sword pendant at the end of it didn't dangle downwards, as the laws of gravity would seem to suggest, but instead seemed to be pulled off to the left of her, angling downward but at a gentle slope. Ooooh, look here, it's almost as though I've already started tracking her, whispered Jo theatrically. My, my, my, it seems the right passage to take would be the left passage, right?

chuckled the ronin slightly. Jo went and took the lead spot, her necklace held out before her like a talisman, the odd glow of Blue Storm lighting her way. Behind her trailed the others, their senses alert. The ronin glanced over at Charlie as they walked, his voice a soft whisper. I expect anger from Snapback, but it seemed like you were being affected too. You should be careful.

Careful of what? Charlie growled the words irritably, displeased with being spoken to like a child.

Listen, quietly, can't you hear them? Charlie frowned, focusing himself. When he paid attention there did seem to be a slight buzzing noise tickling at the edges of his perception. He frowned and looked back to the ronin. Don't seem so confused, it was you who recited the poem to me only last night. The ronin cleared his throat softly, then spoke;

From the darkness around them came chattering cries,
A madness filled them, that pulled at their loyal ties.
Eyes in the dark.
With fear did mark.
Whispers that their souls and friends would die.

What does it mean, asked Charlie, still doubtful, but now starting to believe that the ronin was telling him something important.

These are the halls of the Corruptor, the halls of Tyranthraxus. The ronin's eyes seemed to go dark with some old memory. Be careful, within them you cannot even trust yourself


They come.

Her voice was soft and sure. Endelon turned to glance at her, but she only nodded at him. He frowned as he turned and climbed back up the wall to squeeze into the crevice he and her had found. They both had shifted to homid to fit within it, their bodies pressed tightly against one another.

How can you be so sure? His emotionless blue eyes flicked over to look at her. She simply tapped the side of her head with one elegant finger.

He speaks to me, it has been such since I first pulled myself from the Pit. He tells me they come, already the watchers see them.

The watchers?

Don't worry, she smiled at him, though we won't fight alone, I'm sure that there will still be some glory for you and I to claim. Quiet now, they are almost here.

Endelon grinned, and gripped his blades.


He is a traitor. Charlie blinked in surprise at the words that seemed to echo through his head. He watched the ronin walking in front of him raise a hand to call for a stop. He will kill you all, like he has done before.

What the heck are you up to, chirped Jo as she looked back.

We're almost there, said the ronin calmly as he set his wooden box on the ground and unlocked it. It is time I became ready.

I thought you said you'd never wear those things again. Jo's voice was uneasy, her dark eyes watching the ronin carefully. He simply shrugged as he opened the box.

Times change. Inside the box lay two exotic weapons. Two sets of razor sharp silver claws glinted in the dim light of the tunnel. Straps of hardened yet supple leather to attach them to your wrist were hooked to each of them. The long curving silver blades were built to jut out over a hand to create a lethal weapon. The ronin picked them up and strapped them onto his hands with practiced ease. His dark eyes reflected the silver blades as he held them up before his face. One last time do I wield you, one last time do I ask for the deaths of others.

He seeks your death, do not trust him. Charlie frowned as he shook his head.

Does anyone else hear that? Leona growled the words uneasily, the hackles on her back raised.

The she-wolf, she hates all of you human born. Trust her not, she will betray you. Charlie blinked as he felt a surge of distrust and hatred for Leona flow through him.

It's the Corruptor! His agents are trying to turn us against ourselves. The ronin leapt to his feet, eyes darting along the walls. Don't listen!

Don't listen to him, he will murder you if you turn your back to him.

How do we know they lie, snarled Snapback, what about the others you slew when last you did walk these tunnels.

The metis, he hates you all, for you are not like him.

Get a grip, shouted Jo. I've been here before too, these things are just messing with our heads. You can't listen to them.

But they're inside my head, whined Leona as she shook it desperately. Make them stop!

Don't listen to the she-wolf, she plots to feast on your flesh.

Charlie advanced towards her. Calm down, we can beat this.

It is the young and foolish galliard. Do you think him truly so naïve? He has already betrayed you. He is ours, as all of you shall be.

Show yourselves! The ronin's eyes flared as he spun around, advancing down the tunnel. Glaring at the walls.

Why not show your true self, murderer? You who slew your friends.

Charlie started after the ronin. We should stick together.

Yes, you should, thank you for fooling them, Charlie. You shall be rewarded.

Even as Charlie was about to shout in anger at the nothingness that buzzed in his head, he saw the walls shift around him. Green eyes seemed to flare into existence as rocky black bodies unfolded themselves from the stone. The beetle-like creatures buzzed in a drone that seemed to stun him as they raised their barbed forelimbs to strike.

managed Jo before the creatures struck in a deafening wail of buzzing noise. The ronin suddenly went still next to Charlie. His eyes darted back and forth between the onrushing creatures. His hands rested calmly at his sides, the silver blades shining in the darkness.

Then he struck.

Lashing out blindingly quick, his claws were leaping flashes of silver that suddenly became explosions of green gore as they struck their targets. His body seemed to shift and melt, first into one form then the next, as he cut a bloody swath through the beasts.

Charlie bellowed as he charged the first creature approaching him. Its barbed forearm lashed down, catching him painfully in the shoulder. The creature buzzed in glee as it tore its arm upwards again, the barbed hooks tearing deeply at his flesh and ripping it out in tiny dripping chunks. Charlie bellowed in rage as both of his hands swept inward, catching the insect hard in the face, claws raking at its eyes. It seemed to issue a different sort of buzz, perhaps one of anger, perhaps one of pain. Charlie didn't care, instead his claws hooked into the breastplate of the thing. He tore downward, peeling and ripping the armor off the creature's chest in a spray of green blood and wild buzzing. His head shot forward instinctively, jaws tearing and biting deeply into the pale gummy flesh he had revealed.

A second bug slashed him from the side. Charlie snarled as he picked up the first and smashed it hard into his new opponent, sending both toppling to the ground. He took an instant to glance around, he and the ronin seemed to be alone. The others cut off behind a wall of the insect creatures. He glanced over towards the ronin, preparing to suggest they try fighting back towards the others, and then paused.

The ronin stood motionless, his arms hanging by his sides as he looked up the passage. Charlie followed his gaze, and choked back a small whimper of fear. It was Endelon. The black robed figure advanced slowly, two flaming klaives gripped in his hands. The filthy black bandages wrapping his body fluttered with each of his moves. His cold blues eyes promised only death. Beside him trailed a young woman in a torn and bloody summer dress, her hair a wild cascade of platinum blonde locks.

With a start Charlie realized the insects had stopped attacking them. Instead the creatures seemed intent on cutting them off from the others. It was as though Endelon and his companion had claimed them. Charlie snarled as he walked up to stand by the ronin.

I'll handle the woman, can you beat Endelon? When the ronin didn't respond Charlie glanced over in worry. The ronin's face was slack, his eyes defeated and confused. Charlie frowned at him. Don't you hear me? Are you okay?

Forgive him, young pup, but Conner was always so easy to distract.

Charlie echoed the name as he looked from the ronin to the speaker. It was the woman, an odd smile on her face as she watched them.

Don't you know of him, foolish pup? He is Conner Degear. Oh, she raised a hand to cover her mouth slightly as she laughed. I guess you wouldn't know that, after all, isn't he nameless now? All for killing one or two little friends and leaving us behind in the Pit.

It can't be, the ronin's voice was hollow, desperate, confused, helpless.

Actually, my love, it very much can, she smiled at him, her eyes gleaming dangerously.

Even as he spoke the name, Snowflake sprang into action. Moving with blinding speed she charged. The ronin half-heartedly raised his claws to block her, but already she was springing into the air, leaping over him. She landed behind him, her delicate hands snatching out to grab his wrists just above the silver claws. In but an instant she was transformed into a gleaming white werewolf. The increase in her size and strength quickly changed her grip from a light hold to a bone crunching grip as her claws ground into his wrists. The ronin snarled in pain as she twisted his arms and forced him to his knees.

Charlie gasped in shock as he staggered back. Never had he expected the ronin to so easily fall in battle. Then he realized the grim truth as he looked at the ronin's slack and shocked face. He had succumbed once more to Harano, slipping into that mystical depression that affected Garou on both a mental and spiritual level. There was a chuckle to his side, Charlie looked up in fear to see Endelon approaching.

Don't worry boy, we all die sometime.


The halls were empty. He walked along them slowly in any case, his eyes alert, his ears searching for any noise. The only light he had came from the glowing silver gleam of Bonespur, the blade lightly gripped in his right hand. The stink of the place filled his nostrils. The smell of decay and rotten meat. Dominic walked the halls of the Black Spiral Dancers, and he did so unopposed.

As he had expected, the entirety of the stinking tribe would have gone down into the deeper levels of the catacombs in order to watch the ritual. Who knew what dark secrets were left here to find and destroy, unguarded by their twisted masters? But that didn't matter at the moment, only speed and an awareness of the enemy did. For that had Dominic opted to seek his way into the very bowels of the nest. His ears twitched as he heard the plinking sounds of dripping water. His lips curled into a wolfish smirk as he followed the sound.

He stepped through the curtain of hanging black vines warily, his dark eyes scanning the chamber. Pipes crisscrossed the room, water dripping from them into puddles and onto empty cans. The drops made a weird and eerie chorus of sound. Dominic ignored this as he approached the back wall, spotting there small piles of supplies and equipment. His black shoes stepped silently over the random bits of trash and refuse that littered the room. He slipped skillfully through the maze of pipes until he knelt in front of pile of equipment.

One of his gloved hands brushed roughly through crumbling papers inscribed with the twisted runes of the Black Spiral. He knocked aside small personal belongings. Until, with a grin of triumph, he found what he had hoped was there. His hand held up the map, a detailed layout of The Pit. Dominic nodded, this little excursion had been worth the time it would cost him. He may be getting older, he mused, but he was also getting rather more cunning.

The slight rustle of wind behind him alerted Dominic at the last moment, he sprang to the side even as a whip-like tentacle slashed down with a sharp crack on the ground where he had been but moments before.

hissed Dominic in surprise as he saw what now rose up before him. The creature floated a few feet from the floor, its center mass an oily, mucus coated collection of eyeballs. Below them dangled a fanged maw, whose tongue slavered over the jaws eagerly. Around it rose dozens of thick, ropey tentacles that even now were reaching towards him.

Dominic snarled as he raised his klaive, apparently the Spirals hadn't left their lair quite as unguarded as he had first supposed. His clothes seemed to melt away into black fur as he transformed into his crinos state. It was none too soon, for the creature's tentacles again lashed out for him. Only now, instead of retreating, he attacked. The silvered flash of his blade cut through the air in a gleaming arc, severing the first tentacle to reach him.

Come, Wyrmspawn, growled Dominic as the horrid thing wailed in pain and surged towards him. I have no time to waste with you, let us end this!

Dominic sprang forward. His klaive flashed in the darkness. The creature's tentacles slashed inward. It bellowed in rage. Blood sprayed across the floor. Then there was no more sound, simply the dripping of water from the rusting pipes.


And the green mad fires, seemed funeral pyres.

The words of the poem drifted out of Charlie's mouth slowly as he gazed out upon the dread finality of The Pit. Upon their capture he and the ronin had been brought here, prize trophies to parade before the other Black Spiral Dancers. They had been shoved along stone walkways that arched over the bubbling green morass of The Pit. The acrid stench burning Charlie's nose and making his eyes water. His flesh had been torn and abused as the Black Spirals had amused themselves by tearing, scratching, and kicking him as he had been dragged before them.

Finally they had been brought to a cave with a massive window-like opening that overlooked The Pit, it was here they were to bear witness to their final defeat as the Dancers finished the ritual. They had been bound with thick rope. To keep them from changing forms and ripping free a silver collar had been placed around their necks. On the inside of the collar was a spike, that pressed up against their throat. Should they shift, they would kill themselves. A quartet of Black Spiral Dancers had been placed as guards. The four crouched near the door, their baleful yellow eyes watching the prisoners carefully.

Charlie glanced over at the ronin. The nameless wolf who had been called Conner Degear by the woman who had helped capture them. The woman who had outfought the ronin in a matter of moments. The woman that Conner had called Snowflake. Snowflake, the name of one of the packmates that Conner had supposedly slain in this very Wyrmhole eight years ago.

Conner, the ronin, had said nothing since their capture. He hadn't fought back. He hadn't issued the slightest sign of pain or degradation as the Dancers had abused them. The ronin had simply sat there, with that same half dead stare on his face. His mind having slipped into Harano, attempting to find escape in his own dream world, rather then face what he had seen.

Charlie whispered to the ronin, but got no reply. You have to snap out of it, come back. We all need you here. Still Charlie received no reply. The harsh whisper of his old name suddenly caused Conner's head to snap upward, his eyes darting to the side to look at Charlie. His face still seemed slack, and his features hopeless, but at least he was once more aware of his surroundings. Charlie tried to grin. I don't suppose you have a plan or anything.

Plans were Dominic's thing, not mine.

Still, I suppose tha-

She can't be alive, yet she is. I killed her, but I didnt. Now she serves the Wyrm. The ronin turned away from Charlie as he spoke the words. His voice morose and ragged. He looked out over The Pit. The green glow of the slime casting a sickly lime glow across his face. The ronin glanced over at Charlie. I struck her down you know, I loved her and I struck her down. All I had to remember her by was a bit of her fur, bloodied and caught under my claw, and the scars her bite left upon my throat. It was me, Charlie, I cast her into The Pit, I damned her soul to the Wyrm.

growled Charlie, you didn't. I don't know what she is, but she isn't really Snowflake. She's just some illusion, some trick of The Corrupter. Charlie wasn't sure he believed the words himself, and thus was unsurprised to see the ronin fail to react; instead simply slumping back against the wall, a look of defeat on his face.

My, my, what distinguished guests we seem to be collecting for the evening. It just gets better and better, doesn't it, my dear?

Yes, master.

Charlie looked up as five figures entered the room. He swallowed in fear at what he saw. There was the unholy trinity of the Black Spirals. The hulking Kendar, war chieftain of the packs. The quiet, shadowed form of Endelon, master assassin. And Fer-guath, the wizened theurge, clutching at his staff as his needlelike teeth split into a horrid grin. The other two, the ones who had spoken, were Snowflake, or at least the thing that looked like her, and a final figure in a long black robe whose face Charlie couldnt see. Beside him, the ronin, didn't even seem to have the will to look up.

See, master. I told you, the spirit has left his body.

Yes, I see. How sad it is, he cannot even greet me. What is wrong, Slash? Have you not the energy to greet another old friend?

The word drifted out of Conner's mouth like the final whisper of a dying man. He slowly lifted his head, shaking it slowly as he looked at the shadow covered face of the figure. No, it can't be you. It can't be

The shadowed figure chuckled as it reached up and grasped at the edges of its hood. Pulling them back it revealed a simple, young face of an eager and intelligent seeming man. Long black hair pooled around his narrow and intense features as he smiled. Yet, as innocent as it seemed at first, Charlie quickly spotted the horrid truth of the thing. It's face was pallid, and graying, the face of a dead man. Both eyes were missing, not simply hidden in shadows, the gaping black eyeholes seeming to be darker then any normal shadow. It's throat bore a long, smooth slash through it. The rent still soaked in the thick black clots of dried blood. The ronin only shook his head more, his eyes growing wide in terror.

Oh Gaia preserve.

Gaia means nothing here FOOL! The bellow erupted out of the robed figure suddenly and without warning, the shout ringing painfully in Charlie's ears. The shape sprang forward, one pale and unsightly hand clamping tightly on the ronin's long rust colored hair and jerking him roughly to his feet. Don't you speak her name to me! That bitch's days are numbered! She has had her time with the world, now it is the era of Tyranthraxus!!! Don't you see how perfect it is that you are here? You who almost stopped me before, yet failed when his friends wouldn't believe him?

You're Quentin, gasped Charlie as he recognized the face of the figure. You're the theurge who performed the ritual to banish Tyranthraxus. You're dead!

Ah, ah, ah, chuckled Quentin. Just this body is dead, I myself am feeling quite well. He turned to look at Charlie with a grin as he dropped the ronin to the floor. You see, Quentin made an error in his little ritual. He had counted on Argent to be there, but the Silver Fang was wounded, and his cowardice overwhelmed him. He withdrew; thus leaving one inexperienced theurge against all that is Tyranthraxus. Quentin grinned wickedly. To his credit, the boy did last a little while, but in the end his fate was sealed. So I claimed his body, and was about to claim the rest of my power, when this fool, Quentin prodded the ronin with one of his feet, figured out what was happening and killed his friend. Thus leaving me in a dead corpse, without all my power.

I was right all along, gasped Conner. You were possessed by the Black Crystal, you were trying to kill us.

Not exactly, smirked Quentin. I was simply planning to cast a spell that would have corrupted all your hearts to my service. Unfortunately I didn't get to finish it all the way. Thus most of you escaped mostly untouched. He turned to look at Charlie again, the cavernous darkness of his eye socket's seeming to burn a hole straight into the young galliard's heart. Tell me, boy, which of your great' heroes do you think have already succumbed to my touch?

A hero wouldn't fall for your tricks, snapped Charlie quickly. Quentin only rolled his head back in laughter, the move emphasizing the horrid gash in his throat.

Oh, child! What innocence, what idiocy! Do you think that Argent's cowardice was totally his own? Do you think that Conner's Harano was self inflicted? Do you honestly believe that Dominic didn't accompany you here because he chose to, or because I willed it to be so? Do you suppose Snowflake now stands with me due to her own actions? Do you even think that damned fool bird is beneath my notice? Do you! He laughed wildly, throwing his arms out wide and spinning around. Every move, every moment has been but another part of my grand scheme! And you two now have front row seats for a moment eight years in the making. I've waited a long time to finally claim this city Quentin's hollow eye sockets almost seemed to flare with an inner fire. Fer-guath! Prepare for the ritual! My time has come, and my time is now!


Jo sprang backwards even as one of the fearsome insects lunged for her, its barbed arm slashing through the air with an eerie whistling sound. Leona snarled as she sprang forward, teeth bared as she slammed into its side. Her jaws locked onto its neck and bit down hard. But the creature's neck was thick and squat, it was protected by layered chitinous plates of armor, she couldn't bite through. With a contemptuous shrug of one arm the insect tossed her off, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Hey, ugly! The insect looked up just in time to receive a solid cloud of chemicals in the face from the spray can Jo now held. It buzzed in a wild roar of anger as it jerked back, wildly wiping its claws across its face as it staggered blindly. Jo smirked as she held up the can of insecticide towards the other bugs. who else wants some? The bugs droned ominously as they charged. Jo's smile slipped away. double crap.

Leona's body shifted and surged outwards as she transformed into her crinos form. She bellowed loudly as she charged forward, one of her clawed fists slamming hard into the chest of one of the beasts. The chitinous armor splintered beneath her blow and her claws drove deep into its chest with a sickening crunch.

Beside her Snapback roared as he smashed and kicked at the creatures. Tossing them back into each other. His powerful arms easily batting aside the onrushing beasts. He bellowed at them as he grabbed one, twisting and pulling its arm off and then using his improvised club to slash at the faces of the others. Leona snarled as she continued to rip and tear at them. She felt her flesh torn and ripped by the wild slashes of the barbed arms, yet still she continued to fight. Her teeth ripped into pale flesh. Her mouth was awash with the putrid taste of their blood.

We've got to get out of here! Jo's cry seemed to echo out of nowhere Call it a strategic withdrawal or whatever the hell you want to, but we gotta get out of here!

Snapback's hand gripped tightly at Leona's arm, jerking her back from the bugs. The horrid creatures clacked in glee as they continued forward, barbed arms slashing through the air. Leona roared in desperation, realizing that Charlie and the ronin were still back in that tunnel somewhere. Cut off from the pack. Alone. She struggled against Snapback, but it was in vain, his strength far outmatched her own.

In here! Jo ducked down a side passage, Snapback followed, dragging the still kicking Leona with him. They entered into a slightly larger cavern. Each of them pressed up against the walls as Jo opened up her jacket and ordered Blue Storm inside. They waited in that darkness for what seemed to Leona to be forever. But the distant droning buzz of the bugs seemed to become less and less. Finally Jo opened her jacket again, and the blue Weaver spirit again lit the chamber in its soft glow. gasped Jo, that was close.

Yes, it was, wasn't it. Snapback's voice was dark and ominous. Jo's large dark eyes flicked up to meet his gaze, and then quickly darted away. She shifted uneasily as Snapback started to growl.

Yeah, it was. Okay, seeing as how I sorta still know these caves, and have the ritual to track down Syntax. I suppose we better get at it. Just, maybe by a different route and all that. Literally.

Yeah, I see how you should maybe be in charge now grunted Snapback. But I have a question for you first, little bird. Why didn't those bugs attempt to poison our minds against you?

What are you talking about? Jo's voice was quick, agitated. Leona frowned as she watched the Corax shift about some more.

Back before the ambush, those things were filling our heads with all sorts of madness. They suggested I was a traitor, that Leona was a traitor, that Charlie was a traitor, and that that stinking ronin was a traitor. Snapback's eyes seemed to gleam menacingly as he started forward, advancing on the small shape of Josephine Corven. not once did they say anything about you. Kind of odd, wouldn't you think? After all, why try to tell us that everyone but you was a traitor. Why would they want us to trust you?

Why the heck should I know that? They were giant bug things! Excuuuuse me if I don't get their motives all the time. It's not like I had time to ask them or nothing.

Leona frowned as she considered Snapback's words. This hardly seemed to be the time and place to be making accusations. It wasn't as though the pack was in a strong state at the moment, they would need all the help they could get. It also wasn't as though he or Leona had spent much time with the bird, were they really the best judges of the near stranger?

However, when Snapback's arguments were considered, they made a strange bit of sense, especially when you thought about things carefully. And if there was a traitor amongst them, it would have to be dealt with quickly, before they reached the Pit. Her ears flattened against her head as she growled softly. Leona concentrated as she enacted one of her Gifts, a trick that a spirit had taught her to detect when someone was lying or not. She focused herself on Jo.

offered Jo with an ingratiating smile. I'm being totally honest with you here. I have been since the start. Leona's eyes narrowed. Her gift wouldn't be wrong. She had heard the words that Josephine spoke and knew them to be false. She snarled and looked at the dark and shifting eyes of Josephine Corven.

The Corax.

The traitor.

snarled Leona. I remember how this whole affair started. We were ambushed, all of us, at the lake. All of us almost died, Sees-like-an-Eagle did die! But you didn't, Leona growled as she reached out and shoved Jo in the chest, the dark eyed Corax stumbled backwards and collapsed from the none too gentle push. You hung back, watched the whole affair. Almost like you knew it was about to happen.

It was you who brought the ronin and Syntax into this, grunted Snapback. Were you hoping to wipe them out as well? Were they too dangerous for your master to let live? And what of Dominic? I saw how you clung to him, manipulated him. He was alone with you when he opted to flee back to the caern and do nothing about this ritual.

What do you know about the Pit? What secrets are you hiding from us? Leona snarled as one clawed hand reached down and grabbed Jo by her t-shirt, lifting her as though she weighed nothing. Jo's boots dangled three feet from the ground as Leona shook her. I want some answers, Corax, admit it, you've been lying to us all along! Speak now, Corax, Leona growled, I am philodox, I am the Truth of Gaia, and I shall know if you lie.

Have you hid the truth from us, shouted Snapback angrily.

Jo's dark eyes flitted back and forth between the two angered Garou. Her pale, bony hands scrabbled for a grip on Leona's arm as she dangled from it. She licked her thin lips and took a few deep breaths, tried to smile, then stopped and sighed.

Yes, I've been hiding the truth.

You're the traitor, roared Snapback.

Leona gasped.