[Zach]

The area they'd discovered looked like it had potential.

Surveying their darkened surroundings carefully, Zach stood, sharp and silent, feeling a vague sense of satisfaction fill him. The group of six wolves had been travelling together for days, satchels hanging securely from their sides, ready to be used. They'd waded quietly through a thick blanket of fog that evening, searching diligently for minutes, hours, until they finally reached where they stood. The crumbling stone structures scattered before them seemed to suggest they were all manmade, and Zach only knew this because he'd seen ones of similar making before. They were human dens.

And all of them looked abandoned. 

Somewhere on the black horizon, the sky rumbled distantly. Feeling a gentle breeze rustle his coat, Zach breathed in the cold night air without pause, the unfamiliar scents around him making the fur on the back of his neck slightly bristle. The thick and roiling fog did not bother him. Neither did the manmade structures in front of them. But there was something about the area that seemed to stir an odd sense of disquiet in him. Zach couldn't place why. 

Folding his ears back slightly, the golden male canted a sharp glance towards his group. They were an odd bunch that had been selected for this expedition, the majority of them still mostly yearlings—barring two, of course. Zach flitted his milky and turquoise gaze towards Kokipa and Zasha, considering the two older wolves briefly, indecipherably, before he looked away, flicking his tail.  

"Stay sharp," he finally told them all, quietly, skirting along the edges of the foggy encampment, head low, "and keep close."

They'd reviewed their plan of action earlier that day, when it had still been light out, going over it repeatedly until each of them knew exactly what to do. It was a tedious subject at this point, but one could never be too careful. They had people back at home who were expecting them all to return bearing the fruits of their labours. Thus, in order for them to succeed, it was crucial that they all worked together. They would have to stay alert, and proceed with caution.

The golden wolf paused, hesitant for a breath, before the steel in him cooled, and he finally took a step forward, delving deeper into the fog.

Alteron has finally arrived to join the party! As planned, the group are currently unaware that they've stumbled upon Gemini. They just think they've found an abandoned human settlement that they can loot. They've also entered from the lowlands, so they can't see the wall from where they are.

Please let the Alteron group post first. Thank you!

@The Little Imp @waka @Bun @Nova @Apocolips

[seir]

Zach was the son of Cuff. That was one reason of many that they had joined the outing - to keep an eye on him, especially with all that had happened. Violence had found a friendly home in Alteron, one that had Cuff nervous for her family. They had made a promise to the silver Outrider, whether she, or the pups in question, knew of it or not. They had meant what they had said - What happened to Seir would not happen again. Not to her. One red eye stayed fixed on the golden form as Zach considered the older wolves of the group, before flicking his tail. Seir paused only a moment, devil ears useless atop their head to hear the commands, but as they all moved together it was easy to follow along, keeping to the formation that they had read from their lips time and time again. Zach was taking this seriously, making sure that they had all known the plan before moving out. They thought that Cuff would have been proud. They would tell her about it when they got back. Perhaps they could find her a nice trinket as well. Seir swept their gaze over the foggy ground, looking for anything of note in the dark - always checking periodically on their fellows, to not miss any cues their body language might present. As it was, they breathed carefully through their mouth, letting the scents they could get through the fog sit on their tongue. There was salt, heavy yet misty and sharp atop the roof of their mouth. There was mud, swampy muck from the occasionally flooded lands that brought about the urge to wrinkle their nose. They resisted doing so. The tracks of animals weaved through their senses as well, twisting and turning, prey and - Wolves. Seir looked sharply at the others, unsure if they had smelled it as well. It was refreshing, in an odd way - cool spring, but everywhere. The fog made it a little more difficult, but where their hearing had gone, their other senses had picked up the slack. If no one else seemed to notice, they would give a quiet chuff. A warning and a question. Did this change the plan? [ooc: not sure if y’all wanted them to kinda?? figure it out there were wolves?? in a sense? if not let me know and I’ll edit my post ¯\_(ツ)_/¯]

[Zasha]

#a91101
song inspo
And so wake up, it's just a little too late for conversations

His head and heart were always else where, hadn't even listened to what the job had entailed. He was slapped onto the mission because he could get things done with little trouble. Always the tool, that never seemed to change, folding to another queen's words.

Outside of the greenery that was Alteron's forest the world was caught in winter, snow layering the ground as far as the eye could see and it made for difficult traveling conditions and tender toes. There was a prickle of worry from the day he had left, though his children were in more than capable hands, but the fear of the unknown still chewed at him deep down.

The Ex-Hawkeye had been quiet for most of the trip, a wheeze here and there, but nothing much else. It was probably a wonder to Zach how such a greasy fool even caught the eye of the Dragon Matriarch in the first place. He was a rather dull egg after all, almost positively feral.

The cold air was doing Zasha no favors, his nose leaking  and his scarlet eyes tearing up as the wind howled softly in the night. A thick fog coating the area around them, but still there was a certain familiarity about this place. Nostrils flaring and ears perking, no no. He definitely knew this place, he was certain, but his mind buzzed static back to him and he'd winced against the numbing sound. A paw raising to rub against the side of his head.

Scars begun to sting phantom pains, and lips quivered. As Zach and the others pushed forward through the fog, Zasha paused to sniff around more. Here the snow was melting some, but it'd be sure to snow again after the fog dissipated, winter was on their doorsteps after all.

A sudden realization finally hit him as he turned about, shaking his head while doing so.  "Ooooooh oooooooh. Yep." He said simply, nodding affirmatively to no one in particular. He had been here not long ago, yep yep.

[Oleander]

From the beginning, Oleander was just along for the ride.

He’d volunteered to go and he had proven himself to be at least somewhat capable beforehand, so he was granted his permission to leave.

He, of course, had his own agenda, however. Wanted some things that Alteron could not provide him with alone, and sought to grab them up for himself as they scouted around, be it some more trinkets for his growing endeavors, ooor the company of a certain sunspot that he would’ve gone without seeing for a time had he not offered himself up for the trip. Why he gave any kind of shit about that last part was beyond him, but “Zachary’s going?” had been one of a few things tacked up on the short list of why he should take on the excursion too, no point in lying to himself about that.

Beyond those reasons though, Oleander had little interest. He never cared much for the worlds outside of his own plot of land, for Alteron was powerful and advanced, pioneering too far beyond any other pack for Ollie to give their existence the time of day. His sour face seemed to convey that disregard, although this was his typical expression anyway, as he stepped carefully just behind their mission’s leader.

The fog blended in along his cream-colored coat while the darker half of himself melted into the night.

Pointed ears held high upon his head.

Sharp eyes sifting through the mists.

Who knew what they’d find in this, seemingly, deserted place. Something good he hoped at least. Something worth the venture.    

[Kokipa]

Veni. Vidi. Vici.
We came. We saw. We conquered.
- Julius Ceasar

---

The black wraith was part of this exploration for no reason other than it got to to explore other lands by permission of the Dragon. She preferred not to realize she had any ruler, or anyone who took power after a long game. At least that is how she figured it after being back in Alteron for a short time. The wraith had no role, no rank to be useful. The climate that was her home was still in turmoil and this gave her a chance to figure out the power structure. Zach was useful, some how to this new regime. And at least he was easily to spot in this thicker fog, his voice a sharp command as he told them to be alert and sharp. Kokipa was now a ghostly figure in the fog, something like a demon with her bright eyes bright against the fog. One of the wolves on this trip was rather sickly, which annoyed her to no end. But like the others she did not to further communication between them all.

But something about the dense fog was a little unsettling.

 

[Leviathan]

The world outside Alteron was not as exciting as some may have hoped for, but the further they went, the more the scenery changed. Leviathan liked that, staying at the tail of the group is silently taking in the environment and his companions - Always alert, always looking for something to change. His group was, well, a team that didn't seem to fit together in any way other than belonging to the same pack. He had no real opinions on any of them, and Oleander was the only one he really knew a bit of at all.

Still, he liked to see their different approached. Zach took in his leadership role seemingly easily, taking the lead and having everyone stop and go at his distraction. He wouldn't really call it power, but their impromptu leader did well to keep the group together. As they began to approach a place that caught everyone's attention, Leviathan's included, he commanded everyone to stay sharp, and close. Leviathan only blinked in reply, and obeyed, following the others deeper into the fog.

For a moment, the Herald was distracted by the cold on his pads and the cool air that streamed into his lungs. He liked it, body big and fur thick, equipped to deal with the cold. And somehow, it reminded him of a home he's never been in. Deep under water, maybe, freezing cold and foggy and dark. He breathed out, pulled out of his thoughts by Zasha's voice, one of the adults that tagged along probably to keep them from dying.

Zasha spoke as if confirming something, and Leviathan only blinked at him for a moment, before moving closer. "Something familiar?" maybe it was a fake memory like his own, maybe Zasha knew they were taking the right or wrong path. Maybe something more, but Leviathan couldn't place it. He didn't push it though, instead trailing his black, emotionless eyes to the group, making sure to not lose any of them in the thick fog.

Were they really that lucky? To discover a place like this, untouched by anyone else? Well, fuck, maybe, luck seemed to be a large part in his life. A black tongue licked up at his cold nose, and he followed, careful to move as silently as his large body would allow.

[Witch.]

(Let kekkai and zeke post first before more Geminis come thank youuu)

[Zeke]

That fairy fruit was strange but not entirely unpleasant. He was starting to feel funny now though, his head felt like water and his mood was lighter and he was beginning to feel.. what was that, happiness? Gross. Kekkai was beside him devouring his own fruit and couldn't help but wonder if he should share his misgivings about Gemini with his brother. Out of all his worthless siblings he like Kai the best. He always just seemed to get Zeke without him having to say anything. He never judged him harshly or told him off, Kekkai always just went along with him without complaint. Surely he would understand?

But would he?

How could Zeke possibly tell him how he'd been feeling for the past several weeks- months? With the sudden appearance of his grandparents, Shadon and Poltergeist, his entire view on Gemini had begun to shift. No longer was it the land of dreams and conquerors but the land of cowards and traitors and thieves. The rejects of Saboro. But it was as if he was the only one who could see the changes. Was he the only one that noticed the mounting paranoia or the increasing tension? Everyone was constantly looking over their shoulders for Saboro to come charging in. All the while the refugees of Gemini insisted on maintaining perfect smiles and pretending things were fine.

Everything was just a big fat LIE and he HATED it.

He bit into the next fairy fruit aggressively, snatching up two of the fruits laying between his paws and bursting them between his teeth with savage fury. The more he ate the better he felt and the less he cared about how fucked up this place was. Slightly intoxicated, Zeke turned to look at his brother and his head did something weird; it kept going so that he was forced to concentrate on keeping it still. He blinked twice, sharing a baffled look with Kekkai before he burst into laughter. It was a rare, unpleasant sound, rusty and sharp in its disuse. His laugh was cut short with a gasp when suddenly, he was struck by a good idea. Bolting to his feet he nudged his brother roughly, "Oh! I gotta idea! C'mon, Kai!" Zeke took off without waiting for a reply, knowing that his Kekkai would be right behind him.

Together they stumbled across the rolling fields, through the meadows and then finally through the gap in the towering wall that surrounded the inner sanctum of Gemini, heading southwest across the lowlands towards the Smithy. "It's THIS way!" He called to Kekkai, slightly louder than he'd intended but oh well. He knew Shroxx was gone because he'd spotted her bright pink pelt slipping across the border weeks ago and hadn't seen her return. Which MEANT..? That all her super cool gear was still out there, right? RIGHT? Just laying around for anyone, say, a certain handsome violet hellion such as himself to come find it. He slipped through the fog like a ghost, leaving a path of roiling mist in his wake as he headed through the few abandoned buildings towards the Smithy at the center. Hopefully, Kekkai had picked up on what he'd been thinking as he pushed his way into Shroxx's old forge. There was a fine layer of dust on everything but the hellion's scent still clung faintly to the fabrics.

Zeke highly doubted she would be returning anytime soon and if she did, SO WHAT? He'd pay her back for it or whatever(No he wouldn't). "Look'it all this cool SHIT!" Zeke whispered loudly to Kekkai as he pawed through the various pieces of gear; braces and cloaks and satchels with so many straps. He wasn't sure why he felt the need to keep his voice down.. perhaps it was the atmosphere. The fog that had rolled in from the ocean was like a thick blanket that dampened the air and made everything feel muffled and dull. It was eerie and it left him feeling on edge. Maybe it was the fruit or the happenings of the last few days or some weird combination of the two but something told him they weren't alone out here.

Was that the faint sound of voices? Golden eyes flicked towards Kekkai and he raised a brow in silent inquiry. "Did'ja hear that?" He asked hushedly, large dark ears swiveling like radio satellites as he strained to make out the noise. It could just be people from the party, right? But why would anyone from the party come way out here to Shroxx's forge? Leaving the gear forgotten once more the hellion slipped from the forge, walking cautiously into the darkness. Using his father's technique he tried to make his footsteps as quiet as possible as he moved slowly around the abandoned buildings. He couldn't hear shit now. The hell? He wondered if Kekkai could see better through the fog with his creepy shiny eye thing he did at night. Adrenaline was coursing through his body, amplifying the effects of the fairy fruit as he peeked around the corner of one of the buildings. He could just barely make out the dark shapes of several wolves a few feet away. SHIT. Wassit Saboro? HE FUCKING KNEW IT. He TOLD THEEEMM. Oh shit oh shit ohshitohshitohshit. "It's S-A-B-O-R-O." He mouthed silently at Kekkai and nodded up ahead at the silhouettes in the fog. So what do you do when you're confronted with enemy invaders after you've eaten a fruit that makes you fill invincible?

Zeke launched himself at the invaders with a battle cry, tackling a thick, heavy set male. He couldn't make out much in the dark and fog because the guy's monochrome pelt blended into well with the night. Snarling ferociously the hellion tried to maneuver into a position where he could get his teeth into the bastards throat but missed by a long shot. Snapping Zeke would try again to snag any flesh that he could. Anyone who came close would be met with sharp fangs and a snarl. It was at the exact moment that the full moon peaked out from behind the dark curtain of clouds and illuminated the scene(and a certain, familiar golden pelt) that Zeke froze. Wait, he knew that guy. Sunny? No that wasn't his real name. He scrunched up his face as he tried to remember the guys name. OH! "Zach?" Wait, wait, wait.. Zach wasn't a Saboroan.. was he?

"You with Saboro now?"