Basilisk, and whoever else wished to be there, saw the Warlord and Isa off. This was truly it, there was no turning back from this. They bid their farewells, and watched Bear as she pulled the wagon with the last bits of the Warlord and Isa’s belongings along behind them. He watched for perhaps a little longer than was necessary, before he turned to look at those wolves that had come to see the old wolf off.

He knew what he needed to do, he needed to call a meeting and assemble the wolves of the Armada. He needed to make this pack his own, and make changes to the roster. There was a great deal to do, and the only wolf he had to lean on now was Hazel. But there was no one else he would rather have Where had she gotten off to? He scanned the crowd, looking for - and instead, his eyes landed on Kite’s, she was staring him down, and a single word spluttered from her lips in anger. You?


"Basilisk"

It was the day… the day his father and Isa left the Armada. There was a mix of feelings in Charlie’s heart as he watched the cart pull away. He loved his father dearly, respected his leadership, appreciated and valued his insight from both roles that he had in the young man’s life. Having another step into that role of leadership would take some adjustments, but Charlie felt confident his father would not have passed the pack to Basilisk if he did not feel his cousin would fill the role well. Sure things might change, but if there was a doubt… then his father would have chosen someone else. He relaxed his shoulders and let his gaze slide over to Bas. What future awaited them?

…only a single word, spoken in anger, came from his sister and Charlie arched a brow as he looked toward Kite. Oh no… was she really going to start drama right as their father was leaving? He didn’t understand what could have made her so upset, but he frowned… not in disapproval, but he did not like the direction this would be heading. The pack erupts with drama and the former Warlord wasn’t even out of sight yet on the horizon. “Kite…?” He questioned softly. He wanted to understand what this was about. How could he possibly make the right calls without all of the information?

"Speech," 'Thought.'

Crux didn't need to be happy, but he also didn't need to make it anyone else's problem. Frankly he wasn't even sure he had a real problem with his nephew taking over, he just didn't know if he trusted him either. Basilisk had never been anywhere near as bad as his father but Crux wasn't exactly close with much of his family and he'd had more than enough reasons to avoid getting too close to Azure's kids for much of his early life. Still he'd give his nephew a fair chance. Crux knew more than well enough that you couldn't expect a son to be like father. Just look at him.

But also he was in the process of trying to get his thoughts about his father sorted. He'd never really grieved his mother, not properly at least, and he wasn't sure he'd even know how to do that when the time came for his old man. Sirius hadn't been perfect, a bit too permissive of his eldest in Crux's opinion but he was still the only remaining parent Crux had... And he was just barely an adult... Crux watched his father's caravan leave, having said his goodbyes... Not certain there would be a welcome home. Finally as the atmosphere shifted he sighed and turned his attention to his nephew. He wanted to bring his worries up soon as possible but he wanted to give Basalisk the space of privacy when he did that, so for now he just looked at his new warlord. From where he was Crux could not see Kite's expression, he couldn't know just what was going to happen.

"Speech"

Art by MarkLix

Sirius departed, leaving Hazel unsure what to expect. His exodus enough to tug at her heartstrings, even now. What was it supposed to feel like, watching him walk away? Shit. Hazel had moved off to Halo's side for a bare moment-- as much as she knows Bas needs her, he's not the only one. The woman's eyes were misty, and Hazel had to try. For her. Pressing a gentle kiss to Halo's cheek, a supportive gesture, before returning to Basilisk.

It's in the same moment that her gaze slips to the same location, heart catching in her chest. Hazel's eyes went wide for a moment, muzzle bumping against Bas's shoulder. Tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, Hazel speaking up first. "Kite, we can talk about this." The words are soft, the look on her face beseeching.

"Speech"

“You?” Kite asked, standing up and staring her nephew down. How did that asshole end up with the pack? Everything that spoiled wolf ever wanted was handed to him on a silver platter, while she scrapped and fought for the scraps. Enough was enough. He didn't deserve the honour given to him. She would never follow a wolf she despised so much. “I challenge you for Warlord!” She declared, her voice ringing through the space between them. As the echo of her voice faded, she wasn't sure what expression was on the face of the Warlord’s favourite brat, but she had a terrible feeling it was pity.

Her anger only grew, a living poisonous snake in her belly. She stepped up, passing through the wolves. Refusing to look at them, ignoring their questions and the judgement in their eyes. They'd be hers soon enough. A slave army to do her bidding.

She didn't give Basilisk any time to protest further, the moment she reached him she attacked. Lunging at his colossal paws as she extended her claws. She was going for blood. If she could maim him before this fight was over, she would see it as a personal victory.


"Speech"

He paused mid-search, staring at the partly blind and furious wolf of seer’s youngest litter. “Kite--” he started, knowing this was a bad idea. He had no desire to kick her butt before the gathered wolves. To start his reign by beating up his Auntie, but he would, if that's what it took. She kept coming, and he read the determination in the lines of her face. She really wanted to do this?

He knew she wouldn’t accept this change until he did. Fighting back a sigh, he set his stance, giving him space from the wolves around him and waited for her.

She charged at him, going for a frontal attack. As her claws closed over his leg, he yanked it suddenly towards himself, hard. Bringing her with it. He aimed to grab her scruff, but she was ducking her head and suddenly charging forward, under him.


"Basilisk Fatalis"

He wasn't taking this seriously, she could feel it in his fighting style. Even if he did manage to surprise her, pulling her forward and towards his mutant-sized form. She released his paw but let the momentum carry her forward, shooting under his stomach. Baring her teeth as she aimed to scrap her fangs across his underbelly. It slowed her forward pass, and she didn't realise at first how bad a decision that was. She felt his teeth clamp around her right hind leg, yanking her to a stop.

She hissed like a cat, and scrambled for his own hind leg. Trying to cling to it and pull herself forward. She felt a strain on her leg as she savagely tore at his skin. “Kite! She heard his voice, muffled over her limb, warning her. “Kite, enough.” He started to pull her backwards and she ripped further into his back leg. Shredding it, tasting blood. It excited her, and her rising blood blinded her from logic. He pulled harder, but she refused to let go. He gave one hard yank, and she heard and felt the snap vibrate through her. She let all strength bleed suddenly from her attack, and with the sudden lack of resistance she felt herself flying backwards. Pulled out until she was in front of him once more. Her face was white, and so was his. “Kite, I- I didn't mean-” She stumbled backwards, her broken leg refused to take her weight and she tilted, almost falling. Malice, hate and anger in their purest forms vibrated through her body. “Blood enemies.” She spat at him, swearing he would die but her paws. She turned, moving as quickly as she could on three paws, and fled the Col. The packlands. The place she had called home and every cursed wolf in it.

"Speech"

The fight had been short, and more brutal than he had intended. She - like every other wolf in his life - was so small beside him. Regret and anger washed over him. Why did she have to keep pushing? Why didn’t she know when to stop? She had brought this upon them both, and now he had to live with it. He watched her go, watched her for longer than he needed to, because he knew the judgement he would see on the face of every wolf around him. There were more wolves of her litter here than anyone else in the pack.

He took a slow, steady breath, and then looked about him. His eyes cold, and closed off. He was Alpha now, and he had to take charge of that. “Any other challenges for Warlord?” He growled. Let them all come at him now, and get this over with. Was any other wolf here waiting for him to fail?

"Basilisk Fatalis"

To say that Charlie only grew more confused was an understatement. Kite was beyond angry… but why? He had never seen Bas lay a paw on her before, or anyone else in the pack. Had he missed something? Ears pinned against his head. “Kite, Dad passed the pack to him for a reason…” But if there was any chance of reasoning with his sister it was long gone. There was so much hate and malice… and she tore into the new Warlord as Charlie rose and hesitated on the sidelines. He loved his sister, but rather than offer an explanation or be reasonable, she fought… and Bas defended himself.

Charlie heard the snap of her leg and gave a whine, his head lowering as he watched Kite stagger back. There was no explanation for anything that had happened, and his gaze helplessly turned to Hazel and Basilisk, longing to understand… Was this Bas’ fault? Kite’s? He figured Andy would go after her, maybe Crux as well, but Charlie remained where he stood, almost as if he’d been physically stunned. “Did… did Kite have any reason to attack you?” He didn’t want to assume that their new Warlord was necessarily at fault, especially considering how little he’d been around Kite or Bas…

…he just wanted to try and make sense of what happened… and figure out what to do next.

"Speech," 'Thought.'

At the question of Charlton, a direct litter mate to Kite, He shook his head. His expression still shut down, and closed off. He knew he would have to do damage control for this, but he found himself almost unreasonably angry at Kite. She had come at him, relentless to the point of self destruction. He didn’t have a reason for the way she had acted. He didn’t know of any slight he had done against her that would cause this. It had looked personal, but personal against him, or his rank?

“I didn’t see it coming.” He said truthfully. ”Does anyone know what drove her?” He asked, finally looking amongst the wolves that had come to see Sirius off. Was she going to be a threat to the pack later on down the road?

"Basilisk Fatalis"

It all happened so fast, he didn't know about Kite's personal grudge but he knew he'd throw his support behind her any day. She was, ultimately, his biggest blind spot. Because deep down he understood. He harboured the same anger and resentment she did. He'd just internalized it where his sister had always externalized it.

He heard the snap, saw the way her leg dragged and he grit his teeth. 2 years, his whole life's worth of resentment bubbling so close to his throat. And Charlie... Fuckin' Charlie. "Dad's not perfect Charlie, grow up!" He growled, a gentle bump on Riya's shoulder was all she needed to dash off after Kite. "Before him Dad's heir was someone who tormented us. Me, Kite, Vanta. He hated us. Do you know what he did to our sisters? He pushed Kite's face into a fire. Broke out sister's toes. And he stayed in power." He shifted steely gaze to look at his nephew as he continued. "The one thing I've promised myself since Azure left was that I'd never let anyone treat us like that again. His son or not." It was a message for his brother more than Basilisk but he wanted to twist the knife a bit. "Unfortunately his son is exactly the man I feared he might be." Then he spun around and stormed his way towards the caverns of the Col. He had one objective and one objective only. Make sure Kite and Stratum were safe, that his nephew couldn't hurt them. He'd drag his brother kicking and screaming from the Col if he had to. But they were the ones who needed to get away the most.

-Exit Crux-

"Speech"

Art by MarkLix

It makes sense, in Hazel's mind at least. It's a valid challenge for Warlord, laid out by an heir to the crown. Kite had challenged for the right to put her name in for beta, and she'd lost. Feeling like you have something to prove isn't new to the girl. While the challenge is grim, and one Hazel doesn't relish, she doesn't flinch. She knows as well as anyone else that Kite can't be talked out of it.

As the crowd parts, Hazel takes a place beside Halo. Regal, though her expression is drawn. Grim. Trying to look every bit she should. The General, turned... well, shit. On a day a long time ago, Hazel had joked to to Sirius about being the Warlord one day. Now?

The fight breaks out, and it's all she can do to let it. Decorum at odds with her feelings, and then... shit. As Bas grabs the leg, Hazel can hear Halo's strangled no a heartbeat before the crack of bone. The healer had already been moving, seeing the injury coming as it happened. It's all Hazel can do to wrap her forelegs around the healer, holding her tightly. As much as Halo wrestled against the girl, tried to get involved-- she and Hazel both know emotions are too high. To get involved, to put herself in the middle, it would only make things worse.

As Kite races off, Hazel lets the healer up. Halo is quick to make an exit, chasing after the wounded girl. Hazel's expression remained grim, moving to stand at Basilisk's shoulder. "Same thing that made her try to put herself up for co-alpha seasons ago, probably." The words are sharp, Hazel's tone stony. The fight had gone too far, tempers flared, but at the end of the day? It was hard to blame the girl for trying.

Sighing deeply, Hazel's gaze flickered over the remainder of the wolves gathered around them. Bas's question still hung in the air around them-- any other challenges for warlord?

"Speech"

Crux’s comments struck a nerve and Charlie suddenly bristles with a snarl. “You grow up asshole! Unless you didn't notice, Kite went for him!” The leg snap wouldn't have happened if Basilisk had not been left to defend himself. His gaze burned after his brother. “He’s not Azure - a man who isn't even here and abandoned us! And maybe I'd know what he’d done if you guys fucking told me anything, instead of acting like my trying to be be mindful of you and being around you was such a a burden!” It wasn’t as if he hadn’t tried to ask! But no, fighting instead of explaining or talking was the only reasonable action. Damn hypocrite.

Angry tears stung his eyes. As far as he was concerned, they didn't care to tell him what went on. They didn't care at all. At least Sirius had done his best. At least their father tried to interact with him. He wasn't perfect, no, but Charlie hadn't claimed the man to be. His brother put words in his mouth and hurt flooded through him as he turned and stormed away. If Kite and the rest wanted to leave, to blame Bas for defending himself when Kite challenged him they could go. Where that left him Charlie didn't know, but it was clear to him all his efforts with his siblings had been in vain.

-Exit Charlie-

"Speech," 'Thought.'

The day had finally come where Sirius and Isa were leaving for the Hallows and would no longer be a part of the Armada. Andy offers them hugs, loving words, and kisses as they ready to leave and she stands amidst the group that watches them from inside the Armada lands until their forms disappear into the horizon; their twilight years now set to be spent down with her older sister and her family. A bittersweet smile pulls at her lips as she they finally fade from view, the talk with her father about what he wishes to happen after he passes playing through her mind. Pale blue eyes watch the place that where they had disappeared as a pang of sadness stabs her heart. Questions swirl in her mind as she wonders if this be the last she saw them. Worry gnaws at her brain as Kite’s anger-filled words are sputtered at Basilisk and Andy’s attention immediately snaps around to watch the tragic scene play out. Biting her tongue, she allows the tempers to flare and, while she does not understand why behind it, she remains passive as Kite challenges for the rank of Warlord. Features are schooled into a neutral mask as the resounding snap of bones fill the air and, while her stomach flip-flops, the lavender woman does not move. Kite had always been angry, ready to take on the world for every slight that she thought she saw and, while Andromeda has been her constant, loving, supportive sister, she knows that she must help to keep the pack together. Eyes move around, taking in each wolf that she loves with all her heart as they speak and the feeling that something horrible is happening to tear them apart worries her. Crux and Charlie snap at each other, heated words spit at each other and still, she remains silent. Only when they move to begin to walk away does she slowly move toward Basilisk and Hazel, features soft and understanding as she confidently says, “I support you, Warlord.” While her words are simple it is her way of showing the newly crowned Warlord that Andromeda will continue to be his Gladiator, if he wants her. Dipping down into a respectful bow, she then straightens to turns her attention toward the retreating forms of his siblings. Calling out so that they all might hear, Andy says, “Father believed in Basilisk and, while you may harbor ill-will toward Azure, it is unfair to place the blame of all that he did onto his son. You are both smarter than that and I will remind you that Sirius would not leave the pack in the paws of someone he does not completely trust.” Gaze flicks over to Bas for a moment as she inhales deeply, nostrils flaring slightly as she adds, “I love you all and it hurts my soul that everyone is so angry right now. However, the sins of the father will not be passed to his son.” Words are firm and meant to remind them both that they have lived in the shadow of their own father for so long and Andy hopes that can move past the anger right now, to move forward together. Continuing on, she looks to Bas and says, “He is his own wolf and the fact that he was simply defending himself makes you immediately believe that he is Azure, tells me that you entered this with a biased mind. Crux, Charlie, if you wish to talk about what has happened, I will be there for you. For now, I will go after Kite and make sure she is safe.” Looking to Basilisk, she dips her head with polite respect as she adds, “If you give me leave.” Truthfully, even if Basilisk denied her the chance to chase after Kite, Andy would slip away to do so when no one was looking. But right now, with a divide appearing within the Armada, she hopes that Basilisk sees the wisdom in her seeking his approval and will give her permission to go while helping to solidify his position as Warlord. "Andromeda Fatalis"

Spider slinks into view as Charlie exits the group, having witnessed everything from the outskirts of the Col. they’d been silently fuming over Kite’s outburst, something black and ugly flaring within them as she flung accusations through the air. Spider already harbours dislike for her over their match all those months ago - and now she has the audacity to challenge Bas’ reign? she, who hasn’t done even a tenth of what Bas has for the pack. who doesn’t have so much as an inkling of what it takes to lead.

as Andy defends Bas, they move forward to brush against his pelt, demonstrating their own support. “i’m with you,” they promise, lifting their chin to meet his gaze. “every step of the way.” their expression is uncharacteristically grim, eyes sweeping over the remaining faces with anxiety tightening their stomach. they didn’t think Bas’ rise to power would cause such a stir within the Armada; but then, Bas’ succession makes complete sense to them. something settles within them; a resolution of sorts. anyone who objects to Bas’ ascension can expect to take it up with them, too.

"Speech"

Spider has a male raven companion named Doomsday and a female snake companion named Lady Snakeskin. Assume they are present unless stated otherwise.

What a farce. Levi didn't refrain from rolling his eyes as a few of Sirius' youngest got all emotional and threw what he perceived to be a tantrum or two. Emotions were high, for some reason, everyone knew this was coming, it wasn't as if it was a surprise. Levi certainly wasn't the supportive brother type, but he had no qualms about Basilisk taking the throne- if someone else wanted it they could always fight for it, couldn't they? Kyanite's effort was trite at best, all worked up and emotional, she might have stood a better chance if she'd kept her cool.

"Well this is dramatic." Levi, as always, didn't sound particularly impressed. He moved then, padding slowly across the open. He was on his brother's side by default really, though he wasn't above to clap him on the shoulder in congratulations or anything.

Basilisk watched with steely eyes as Crux passed judgement on him, comparing him to his father. It was irrelevant who Azure was, he had become someone who abandoned his pack and his family. For a moment, he was tempted to stop Crux. He knew that to do so would be to fight him for the right to stay or leave, and that in doing so would be the last straw that tore this family apart. Instead, through Kite’s actions and Crux’s words, lines were drawn in the sand.

He let Crux go, acknowledging as he did so that the pack was going to need another healer to apprentice to Halo. The next to speak would be Charlton, who seemed as confused by this dynamic as Basilisk was. He would remember who Charlie was at that moment. How he had defended him.

Andromeda spoke next, but her words were to him first, and not the crowd. He nodded his head to her. “Thank you, Andromeda, your support is welcome.” He told her. He let her speak her piece, giving everyone an equal voice in the Armada. “Kite has made her choice, what she did, she did for herself, not the pack. But I won’t stop you.” He told Andy, giving her permission to leave.

Spider came forward next, and Basilisk placed a paw over his childs. “Thank you” He said, gripping the other’s paw for a moment in silent support. Basilisk needed to take charge of this, before the pack crumbled around him. “Sirius is the only Warlord this pack has known, but I don’t intend to let this change crumble the pack. If any others wish to leave or challenge, speak now and I will accept your challenge.” He raised his voice, so it would be heard among the collected wolves. He had intended to create a pack meeting shortly after Sirius left. This one was impromptu, but he knew he needed to nip any more challenges in the bud. He did flick his ears in acknowledgment to Levi’s words. He didn't pretend to be offended by this drama. He knew he hadn't earned their respect yet.


"Basilisk"

Change wasn't something that came easily for Tethys Fatalis. Sirius leaving felt like an even harder change than she knew what to do with - he'd ruled the Armada since she was born, and she didn't know Basilisk well enough to know if he'd do as good a job or not. But he was family, and Sirius had entrusted him with the position, and that was enough for her to give his rule a chance. Apparently not everyone felt the same though. Exactly why she wasn't sure, but she was present when the whole commotion began, and she watched with interested (albeit confused) eyes.

If they had supported Sirius, and Sirius had chosen Basilisk to lead, there was no reason that she could find to not support him as well. Brows furrowed tightly as she watched the scene, alarmed at Kyanite's outburst, and equally alarmed at Basilisk's swift violence in response. It made sense to her to explain it all in very black and white ways. Hazel had tried to challenge to rule and she had lost, quite swiftly too. "I support you as well. There's no reason I shouldn't," she said plainly, her gaze finding those that were trickling away from the group. Though she didn't intend for her words to have any hidden meaning behind them it wouldn't be hard to assume differently, given the dramatics that were currently unfolding.