Concealed Congregation [OPEN]

[Typhoon]

[bg=666666][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,false][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq227/Pideaux/RPG/Typhoon/T4.jpg] Rust coloured paws stepped lightly, yet deliberately along the bank of the ocean, creating deep impressions in the earth that would soon be washed away with the coming tide, as if he had never been along this path at all. His neck was craned slightly to the left, watching the rolling waves push their way towards the shore. It was quiet, peaceful. Yet the disturbances that swelled within it's waters would show themselves when needed. As lovely as the ocean seemed most of the time, there was a violence that could be unleashed like no other. A smirk formed on the brutes maw as he considered this for a moment. These waters mirrored the Barzakh pack quite well. When wanted, the canines within this pack could unleash a terrible storm upon others, but this was only used as a last resort. Otherwise, the pack was peaceful and welcoming to all. Even the rival members of Metnal were allowed to enter upon these lands and assume to leave unscathed. Of course, after a severe interrogation of their reasoning. The one female Metnal member who came and went as she pleased was the simple minded white ball of fluff he had seen numerous times. Kiyoko, he recalled. Things had settled around the pack now that the invasion onto Metnal territory to reclaim what was at least half his was over. Typhoon had yet to see Eridas face, but this was less than bothersome to the Rottweiler. She would show up soon enough. It was unlike her to sneak around so the Barzakh Alpha felt he could safely assume he would encounter the Metnal Queen face to face before any retaliation would be made by her. Typhoon assumed the day would be beautiful if it weren't for the thick cloud of ash that engulfed the entire island. As he looked up into the blackened sky, a low sigh was released. Were they being punished for killing off the humans here? Did Eridas dark mind suffocate the earth now? He quickly shook the thoughts from his mind and focused on the caves that were now peeking through the black fog of ash. Inside these caves was a place that everyone could escape the suffocating ash and this was the place he hoped to find someone. Now that his mind was finally at ease, the more pleasurable side of the Rottweiler was finally showing through. He was happy and he couldn't imagine anything much changing that for a long time. Peeking around the corner, his eyes scanned the darkness before he took his first step into the largest of the dwellings. Barzakh scent hung heavily in the air. There was no need to ever mark this part of the land. He saw a few forms laying around on the cave floor and he cleared his throat to make sure he didn't startle them. Everyone on the island must have been feeling the bleakness and boredom. Some hardly ventured outside, fearful of suffocating in the ashed air. He couldn't blame them at all, really.

[Scáth]

[bg=666666][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,false][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq227/Pideaux/RPG/Extermination/Gifts/ScathBG.jpg] No, the Metnal alphess was not one to sneak around. But there was another dog who was. And he was currently braving the ominous weather conditions in order to live up to that reputation. Erida had been furious, as he'd expected. It was only the 'injuries' he'd received along with the abrupt geographical changes coming over the island that had kept the Metnal Alpha from flying at him; for once, the Dutch Shepherd had not been able to casually shrug off the blame and simply slip under the radar of punishment after offering up a satisfactory psychological diversion. It was a humbling experience, to have abruptly stumbled across the breaking point for his leader's tolerance of his behaviour. Scáth had pushed and pushed, until he'd come startlingly close to pushing her over the edge; and being dragged down with her to his inevitably gruesome end. The Metnal Beta continued his carefree facade, acting as unfazed as ever, yet mentally he had definitely backed off from Erida's case for now. It was only when one stared death in the face that they became aware of how truly and irrovocably they craved life. Scáth was still trying to wrap his head around such a bizarre epiphany. He'd been left in charge while Erida went exploring with some of her minions. For the first day - the day Erida left - Scáth had actually hung around ground zero, behaving as per usual yet simultaniously giving some semblence of authority and order to the pack. The second day, he'd wandered off a bit, doing 'scout work'; he still brought back fresh-kill, though, and put some effort into keeping things organised. The third day was today, and today, he'd decided to visit the pups. Well, not officially. If anyone had asked his motive for leaving Metnal territory to trespass on Barzakh's turf, they would have learnt that the vigilant metnal Beta was tracking down Metnal's fluffbrained pariah. After all, Kiyoko considered everyone to be her friends, and apparently the Barzakh pack were no different. The Dutch Shepherd suspected that she came to play with the pups, too, playfully dumb thing that she was. Scáth actually was quite fond of Kiyoko, though his less perceptive packmates would never have guessed it from observing their occasional interactions. Just a psychopath and a giant pup exchanging meaningless goodwill, back and forth. Nonetheless, it was true. Kiyoko was his valid reason for escaping the confines of camp; his alibi for sneaking a peek on the scraps that Typhoon had taken under his metaphorical wing. On the subject of Typhoon... Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear. The Rottweiller's scent was faintly distinguishable amongst the choking stench of ash, and Scáth followed it, limping towards the Barzakh dens like a fish being drawn downstream by the river's persistant current. The entrance to the water-carved stone dwelling loomed over him suddenly; the Dutch Shepherd paused, the scents of a strange pack overwhelming his nostrils. One could wonder whether Scáth had ever considered leaving Metnal. Undoubtedly such a topic - as had thousands of other topics - had lazily meandered its way into his thoughts at some point, nudging his subconscious for attention; however it, like so many others, had only been briefly pondered before being cut loose from the Dutch Shepherd's focus and allowed to drift away into the massive, gaping void of insignificant things he came across. It was not as if such a decision was a simple one, after all. Apart from his rank as metnal Beta, Scáth had a reputation that would most likely never allow his presence to be accepted into another pack. He was just too unreliable, too sinister, too dangerous to be considered trustworthy. He was a monster and a mankiller like the rest of them... Or so it was assumed. Scáth grinned crookedly, and entered the cave. His burgundy eyes noticed several curled-up shapes dotted further in, but they never strayed from the back of the first figure... The closest. The most familiar. " Heya, Ty, "the Dutch Shepherd spoke up, ominously cheerful as ever. "What's up?"

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[Typhoon]

[bg=666666][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,false][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq227/Pideaux/RPG/Typhoon/T4.jpg] Consideration was a expression that could be found on the black face, in the dark brown orbs that rested in the center of his face more often than not. Not all considerations needed to be anything of significance, though. Considering was nothing more than thought and nothing was more important than keeping your mental senses sharp while in a position such as Alpha. Few of the canines stirred in their sleep when Typhoons appearance became apparent and this was exactly what he wanted. The Rottweiler was here to lead, to be confided in, to support the best interests of the pack to his fullest potential. None of these things should separate him in such a way that demanded their full attention or up most respect. Barzakh was molded for equality and fear was not a factor in the band of dogs foundation. Everyone here was expected to pull the same weight to support the whole. This was exactly what Typhoon considered to be a pure utopia. Without cause, to an outsider, the Barzakh Alpha appeared to be no more important than the one who in any other case would be considered an Omega. Unfortunately, cause was creeping up on the most sensitive area of Barzakh territory as all these thoughts coursed through his mind. If it weren't for the suffocating scent of sulfur that stung the insides of his nostrils with each intake of air, the brute would have surely noted the upcoming Metnal stench far before it had a chance to slither it's way around to the entrance to the dwellings. When the inauspicious words pierced his auds, no sign of surprise was given because none was felt. Typhoon wasn't sure if the Metnal Beta could be surprising in a particular way to the Barzakh Alpha anymore. The large, thick skull lowered as his eyes closed. If he could, his lips would purse before his sigh was released. Dark brown orbs shifted along with his neck towards the scarred Shepherd, disappointment overtaking his features. Typhoon said nothing, only turned and pressed his shoulder into the Dutch Shepherds own in a way that suggested he was trying to lead the Metnal canine out of the dens. The Rottweiler didn't go far, just around the corner, just out of sight before he turned back towards Scáth and studied him for a long moment. Typhoon wasn't sure if the the Dutch Shepherd was ever really up to anything now. Erida had chosen quite the peculiar character for her second in charge. He would never understand what was to be gained through all the games. With a sigh, Typhoon finally spoke, ignoring the greeting and question altogether. "Scáth. You should know better than to come here. To this spot. Is there something I can help you with or are you just playing games again?" His voice was laced with nothing but disappointment, his eyes suggested that he was feelings somewhat sorry for the Dutch Shepherd although the reasonings behind the look were unclear even to Typhoon himself.

[Scáth]

[bg=666666][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,false][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq227/Pideaux/RPG/Extermination/Gifts/ScathBG.jpg] Of course, Scáth was aware of the political differences between the two packs. Barzakh was a new Elysian, all sunshine and rainbows and fairness, only a little more inclined to respond to violence with violence. It was almost hypocritical to the Dutch Shepherd, really, for these canines to act civil and peaceful when fighting and confrontation still came naturally to them. After all, Scáth lived in Metnal, where there was no such thing as politeness and self-restraint was a rare quality. In Metnal, the Alpha was the law, the Beta was feared and the Omega was a chewtoy. Pack subordinates jumped to attention when the Alpha or Beta approached, for they were soldiers, drones to be despatched and commanded at the Alpha's leisure. Sure, the Dutch Shepherd was aware that the Metnal system was corrupt, twisted, callous towards the weak. But then again, so was he, to an extent, after living under it for two years. It was not ideal, but he was used to it, and he fitted in more than he ever theoretically could at Barzakh, so there was no question of defection. Of course, Scáth was still unaware that there were two more packs on the island... He observed Typhoon's reaction to his presence with mild interest; the lowered head, the resigned sigh before those dark brown eyes turned back to regard his scarred frame. There was a strange emotion in those eyes, one he had not seen in years yet still piercingly familiar. Disappointment. The Dutch Shepherd cocked his head to the side, intrigued; the heartaching memories that emotion had dredged up were reflexively repressed as quickly as they appeared. The Barzakh Alpha wordlessly pressed his shoulder against Scáth's own; the Dutch Shepherd allowed himself to be led out of the caves without resistance, strangely calm, ominously passive. They only went around the corner, just out of sight of any canines in the cave; the Metnal Beta eyed the Marzakh Alpha speculatively as he was sized up. Typhoon did not like the 'games' Scáth played so frequently, did not like all the deception and evasion and facades. Little did he know, though, that most of what he saw in Scáth was just that. The Dutch Shepherd had kept the mask on for so long that even he was uncertain as to what the face was. Another sigh, and they were down to business. "Scáth. You should know better than to come here. To this spot. Is there something I can help you with or are you just playing games again?" The Dutch Shepherd looked sincerely thoughtful for a moment, ignoring the tone of the words. Ignoring the disappointment that hurt some deep part of him for an unknown reason. " You know, Ty, that's a silly question. You should know by now that I prefer the best of both. " He half-grinned, before the sincerity returned. " I'm pupsitting, so to speak. Came to find Kiyoko before Sunshine does her nut. If I run into any other little familiar faces on the way, then that's just a friendly coincidence. I've met a few of your crew before, after all." Casually spoken, yet the implications should be clear to the Rottweiler. Kiyoko was the coincidence, the excuse. The Dutch Shepherd's real interest lay in seeing the pups; not that he'd ever say that aloud. Such a thing was far too big a risk, and could be used against him if overheard.

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[Typhoon]

[bg=666666][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,false][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,400,true][atrb=background,http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq227/Pideaux/RPG/Typhoon/T4.jpg] The only thing that changed about his features was the way his brows furrowed deeply as he intently listened to the Dutch Shepherds words. As the Metnal Beta finished, a flare of fiery protection and perhaps a hint of anger flashed through his orbs. Typhoon knew exactly what little faces Scáth was speaking of. It wasn't only because Scáth had come to inquire of them in his own way that forced the emotion to rise out of his gut and into his dark brown eyes. If any canine, Metnal or not, had came to Typhoon in this manner they would have received the same glare just before the same suspicion started to take it's place. Wincing his lids closed slightly and studying the Shepherd for a moment was all that was needed for Scáth to know Typhoon had understood. Then it was gone, any trace that Scáth had even, in his own way, mentioned the pups was not to be found in heart, mind or the face of the Barzakh Alpha as his almond shaped eyes diverted from the face of the Shepherd, as if trying to recall something that seemed unimportant at the time and in reality, it had been something the brute had hardly taken notice of. "About an hour ago she was heading East." A entirely too obvious fake smile creased the brutes maw that quickly turned into something more devilish as he closed the space between the two canines, face to face with the Shepherd. "As for your other inquiry, if you happen upon them, give the small feisty terrier that's by their side a nod for me." One of the main reasons the Barzakh Alpha seemed less than concerned for his pups was that small beast that was always with them. Although she didn't amount to much in battle, she would try her best to chew Scáths ear off until bolting to the dens was the last option. Doidle was faster than any canine Typhoon had ever had the pleasure of meeting in the past. It would take no time at all for her to reach help. Not to mention the fact that it would be extremely hard for the Dutch Shepherd to force the pups to do anything they didn't wish to considering their rapidly growing size. After looking into the Shepherds eyes, a look that suggested he was staring right at the soul of the canine, as if he were focused on all the secrets that were held within that scarred frame, Typhoon walked away from Scáth. Typhoon was sure he wasn't meant to see the almost startling heartache that flicked through the Shepherd when Typhoon first looked at him at the entrance to the dens. It had passed through so quickly that the Barzakh Alpha wasn't sure if he had seen it at all. It was something he had been musing over through the entire short conversation. He has always assumed something was amiss with the Shepherd, but his assumption always led him to the psychotic behaviors. Now, something new had arisen. Something that Typhoon would hold dear, something that gave the brute new reason to suspect the Metnal Beta. As he started walking away, Typhoon glanced up towards the sky again and he paused, once again considering something with his skull slightly cocked and information he had been given previously in the day seeped back to him as he turned towards Scáth once more, nodding his head slightly to the sky. "What do you know about this? I received word that Erida was heading East from Metnal. There is nothing East of Metnal. What is she doing?" Typhoon wasn't interested in gaining Metnal intelligence from the Beta, but something now made him feel as if Eridas escapade was to figure it out for herself. If she felt a reason to go looking, she must know something. The Barzakh Alpha felt as if it were information that should be shared with the whole of the island and who better to ask than the exact canine that Erida considered her second.