Sound Of Madness {Were Plotline}

[Wulfgar Fenrisulfr]

Yeah, I get it, you're an outcast
Always under attack, always coming in last
Bringing up the past, no one owes you anything
I think you need a shotgun blast, a kick in the ass
So paranoid, watch your back
Oh my, here we go
Another lose cannon gone bi-polar
Slipped down, couldn't get much lower
Quicksand's got no sense of humor
I'm still laughing like hell
You think that by crying to me
Looking so sorry that I'm gonna believe
You've been infected by a social disease
Well, then take your medicine
I created the sound of madness, wrote the book on pain
Somehow I'm still here to explain
That the darkest hour never comes in the night
You can sleep with a gun
When you gonna wake up and fight

The world was going to hell... Literally and figuratively. Oh yeah, Wulf had known it was coming for some time now but the rate that shit had been going down still astounded the ancient warrior. On some level, he'd all ways been aware that the fate of the world would rest on the shoulders of those most capable of holding the threads together. He just hadn't counted on himself being the one in the hot seat when the music quit playing.

Son of a bitch... He hated the political scene.

The old ways were so much simplier. If you saw something that needed killing, you killed it. Simple, fast and effective. But oh no.... these modern ways had to go and complicate matters. Now a person or creature had to be proven guilty and convicted before a sentence could be brought about. Never mind that in the mean time they could do more harm and cause more problems than if dealt with surely and swiftly.

By the gods how he hated these mad coils of fate. He knew his fallen comrades were literally laughing their asses off at him in whatever paradise of death they had found themselves in. How the hell had he landed in this predicament again? Oh yeah, because he was the bloody freaking leader who'd managed to keep his head on his shoulders and his clan in tact for the last thousand years. So they'd gone and given him the bloody booby prize of being the badass in charge. Ye Freaking Ha.

Sighing at his own thoughts, Wulf slouched on a bar stool in the back corner of Screamers and watched the crowd. There was something in the air that had his hair standing up on the back of his neck and the meeting request he'd recieved earlier hadn't exactly been welcome. The were leader who'd been making noise had sent around a "polite" inquiry for a chat and Wulf had sent one just as "polite" back. After all, he was one that always gave as good as he got.

As "Bad Moon Rising" played on over head, the ancient shifter gave a rueful smile into his scotch and contemplated just what the hell his rival wanted. Actually, he thought he probably already KNEW what he wanted but it was always best to let it out in plain speaking. He hated this pussy footing around shit. Might as well spit it out so that he could tell him exactly where he could go with his demands and then be about the war the fool was so desperately trying to engage. Only a fool went about business this way and it certainly wasnt the avenue to get anyone to agree to his proposal, much less Wulf himself. As far as he was concerned, the were leader was exhibitin the very things that were most hated about the were's. If anyone deserved a seat on the council, it was Draven.

Pulling himself from his black thoughts, the Celt glanced about and caught the eye of his "honor guard". Christ sake... Didn't his brothers think he could handle a few pesky weres? He wasn't that old and feeble. Shaking his head at the protective measures they'd seen to behind his back, he hid a smile. Well, it was better than having to defend his back from his own kin he supposed. He supposed he was lucky that Kaera hadn't shown up too.

[dom]

It was time to get this show in the road, Dominic knew the shifter leader Wulfgar wasn’t going to conceive to his demands, he wouldn’t expect him to do so. He expected him to deny him and his weres a position of power in the council, that would rally the others and make them more susceptible in putting his plans into action and annihilate any hopes some of them had of a foolish peaceful resolution.

A war was needed to shift the balance of power, so much should be obvious to any idiot. But apparently some still dared to hope otherwise. No, blood had to be shed for things to change, the history of the world was full of examples and no matter how many things changed, that old truth remained the same.

And so it was that he stood there, dressed in a blue tshirt, jeans and a brown leather jacket. A simple and unpretentious look for one that demanded power and servitude from his army. And it was quite an army indeed, its numbers very well near the hundreds and sweeling.

Cassandra, his second in command was busy away at her assignment and if all went alright his army numbers would suffer a hefty increase, she was as lethal as she was beautiful. At his back today he had six of his most trusted soldiers, all lethal and ready to die for him and his ideals, every time Cassandra couldn’t be around, they would. Losing any of them would be a waste, but if he did, that would make the others call for bloody retribution.

But now it was time for this nonsensical try of peace talks. He would ask and beg for the Shifter to stand down and allow his people some control, and when it was done he would prove without the shadow of a doubt that his plans were necessary.

The weres would be united like never before.

Pushing through the doors, the were leader moved through the club and ignored everyone in his path until he found the one he was looking for in a table in the back. He stepped inside and stared at Wulfgar straight in the eyes as if measuring him and trying to not look menacing. “Wulfgar of the shifters council, I must speak with you in behalf of the weres.”

[Wulfgar Fenrisulfr]

Let the Games Begin.

Wulf knew the moment his opponent stepped through the doors and was aware of the subtle shift in the tension of the room. Leaning back with his drink in hand, the shifter nonchalantly took a swig and then cradled the glass as he watched the other man approach. His eyes didn't miss the six were's he brought with him and a brow arch eloquently as he fought to hid a smirk. Only six? Damn... He must be going down in the books. They used to do him the honor of at least a dozen honor guards. He might have to just remedy that soon. It wouldn't do to let them believe he was growing soft.

As the other man halted before his table, the celt meet his gaze levelly but gave none of this thoughts away as his foe fired the first volley. Did the man think he had gotten where he was by being stupid? Surely he didn't think him such a fool that he was going to believe a word he oh so politely said. Shrugging inwardly, the warrior decided that if the man wanted to play games.. well then, games he would get.

Nodding to the seat across from him, he waved at the bartender and watched as the man brought a fresh, unopened bottle over before twisting the top and pouring two fresh drinks into tumblers.

"Mights as well have a seat then, Roth. In my time such things were better discussed over ale and fine scotch. Call it what you may, I am a creature of habit and I prefer the old ways."

Taking up his own glass once more, he observed the other man with a sharp eye and then continued.

"You and I... we are both fighters so lets cut the crap and speak plainly, shall we? I think it will save us both time and effort as we both know why you are truly here.....So...let me lay out my side of things for you in a clear manner....." he drawled out, seemingly relaxed but with an alertness that belied his soft words. "You have been making a bit of trouble lately, my friend. I know well of your desire for were recognition on the council but that is not mine to grant and your actions have not exactly.... encouraged the others to accede to your demands. You have been stirring the flames of a were/shifter civil war and it doesn't sit well with anyone. Even had I the desire to grant you a place on the board.. I would be over rode. By your very actions, you have ruined the progress I had already made in trying to obtain a were seat. "

[dom]

The somewhat indifferent attitude of the shifter unnerved him, but he pulled the urge to rip off his head with a practiced ease. Dominic believed he would be able to take Wulfgar and Brom out, but his soldiers wouldn’t leave this room alive. It wouldn’t do him any good to let his enemy draw him into starting aggression, it would only led credence to his case even if those with him would fight for him to the bitter end.

“Very well Wulfgar, let’s be straight,” he said with a serene voice and took a chair across the table from the shifter. “You bash on my actions, but all those who know me will understand what I’ve done so far were for the greater good of mine…of our race. Every drop of blood was justified and I seek nothing more than a peaceful resolution for our…impasse. It’s not much we ask, a position for one of us, a chance to guide our own destinies and be treated as equals. I heard of you being a just ruler, and all I ask is what is just.”

Taking the glass, he sniffed it to make sure it wasn’t tainted with poison, Dominic was no fool after all an open bottle could easily be sealed again and immunity to a poison could be attained by administrating weak doses to oneself on a regular basis, he knew and it was something he would do. When he was satisfied that it was clean, he sipped from the glass.

“You certainly know the numbers of those who seek me and share my vision are increasing steadily. I have an army at my back, but we do not wish war. All that we wish is for you to reconsider. We have seen a great commotion of otherworldly intrusions, rumors of a war…but I’m afraid no one of my allies will be willing to fight in it without a show of good will from you.”

[Wulfgar Fenrisulfr]

It was only by centuries of control the Wulf managed to hang on to his temper. It was a hard fought battle though and he could feel his brothers anger too. The creature might say that he wanted no war but but amassing an army.... There were no other conclusion to be drawn. Those weren't the actions of someone wanting a "peaceful" resolution.

It was obvious that the other man had not done his homework if he came to Wulf with terms such as this. He wasn't anyone's fool and he could see the savagery shifting in the other mans eyes even across the darkness of the club. Part of him almost hoped the other man would make a move so that he could put him out of both their miseries before any other damage was done.


Unfortunately, the man held his cool. More the pity.

Swirling his own drink in the glass, Wulf eyed him cooling as he thought over his options. Had he been free to act on his own, he would have ended the conflict then and there. The other were's with him gave him no pause because he knew those at his own back. It would be a bloody battle but one that they would win. However, because of his post as Council leader, his hands were tied for full frontal assault unless the other man did something that was a direct attack.

Suppressing a growl again at those thoughts, the ancient berserker tossed back his drink and then leaned forward.

"Turning innocents into battle fodder are not the actions of a man with the best of intentions. Raising an army with the sole purpose of forcing my hand is also not the actions of an honorable man. You speak with a glib tongue but your actions to not match your words. If you had issues, you should have approached me BEFORE taking these radical steps. My job is to protect the humans in our care from those who would use them treacherously and your actions have decreed you to be the monster they believe us all."

With cold eyes, he paused for a moment to let the other man see how deadly serious he was and then continued.

"I will not give in to your threats, Roth. You are a fool to think I would but I suspect that is not your game at all. I think you know exactly what you do and you don't care who dies as long as you get your way. Unfortunately for you.... This is one war you can not win for you badly mistake how far my reach is. I am a man unafraid of battle and my comrades are of the same nature. If its a war you want... Its a war you will get... But the blood will be on your head when its all said and done."

Even though the vikings manner was relaxed, his body was prepared for anything as he gazed hard at the other man.

"You have only yourself to blame for my decision in this matter. Someday... There will be a were on the council... but it will be a frozen day in hell before that creature will be you.... you can take that as my answer to your request."

[dom]

Dominic held back that smirk that fought to spread into his lips. Just as he had expected Wulfgar’s demeanor was cool but his words held an offensive tone towards him, the shifter was an impatient warrior and he could see the barely contained temper behind his eyes, but he was also cunning and wouldn’t make the first move.

But he didn’t really have to.

An angry growl sounded from behind him as the big blonde behind him stepped forward. Ah…Kane, always so quick to anger, so quick to judge.

“THIS IS WHAT WE CAME HERE FOR? PLAY NICE WHILE THIS BASTARD MOCK OUR PLEAD?” the were screamed with an angry snarl, “Doom did nothing but help us, offer us shelter. We came to him, elected him as our leader. It was his idea to come here and try for a peaceful solution, against our advice, AND YOU ACCUSE HIM? I HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR POLITCS AND POISONOUS TONGUE SHIFTER!”

Kane’s face contorted and his face twisted in anger as the were was about to shed his human skin and attack, but instead Dominic stepped up and stood between him and Wulfgar.

“THAT WILL BE ENOUGH KANE!” Dominic told his loyal soldier and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. “Let’s not fall into this pit brother, we didn’t came here for bloodshed. You know I spoke true when I said I don’t want a war, please brother I beg you to stand down and don’t make me pass for a liar.”

Lowering his head, Kane stepped back and did as Dominic asked of him. The were knew were his loyalties lay and even if it didn’t settle well with his hot blood, he would obey his leader, he had never failed them.

Gazing back at Wulfgar over his shoulder, Dominic sighed. “I hoped the stories I’ve heard were true, that you were an honorable and just leader, but obviously I was mislead. You cling to power and fear change, and for that I’m afraid no one of my brothers will stand at your side in the coming days. I pray that you can stand the coming storm I hear it’s coming from the other planes Wulfgar Fenrisulfr, for not even I will be able to convince my brothers to your aid now.”

With a resigned look on his eyes, Dominic moved towards the exit of the club and his loyal subjects followed. Only Kane stopped momentarily in his path to shot both shifter brothers a hateful look.

--

The cold night air did little to cool Kane’s temper as he growled ferociously and the others joined him in his anger.

“You know the others won’t stand for this any longer Doom, once they know of this they will cry for war!”

Brow furrowed, Dominic gazed at Kane’s eyes and then slowly moved his gaze to do the same with all of his soldiers, the time was right. “I know brother, I wish they would hear but I fear they are too self absorbed and corrupt. But an all out war would only bring us all unnecessary bloodshed and sorrow. I wish it didn’t come down to this, but our hand is forced into desperation. We need something Wulfgar and Brom hold dear, a leverage to force them to make way for change…Kaera, they will hear if we have her…it is the only way. Get ready, we act tonight.”


(It would be a good time to get the Kaera kidnapping in motion? Let me know if you'd rather have it in another thread.)

[Wulfgar Fenrisulfr]

Its was only by pure instinct that Wulf caught Brom's forward motion as if to intercept Dom's man and push him back. His brother snarled savagely at the other mans words but the Viking simply lifted a brow and watched them leave. He'd learned long ago that others would say about anything to get a rise and it pissed them off far worse by not giving them the satisfaction. However, the moment the door closed behind them, the huge warrior was in motion.

"Brom... Get ahold of Kincaid. Tell him to get his ass here as fast as he can manage it and call in the rest of our allies. Shits about to hit the fan and I don't want anyone unprepared."

Nodding at his brother, Brom was immediately lifting his cell to his ear and the calls went out. Dom might think this was a war he could win but Wulf hadn't call on the strength of the shifters in many a century. All that was going to change after tonight. Heaven help them all. It was about to get bloody.

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(I think a new thread would be best, Dom. I just closed out my boys here.)