The chittering lesser hybrids of the Den parted like a school of fish before a shark, as he moved through them. The two other lion hybrids that stood at each of his shoulder, growled a deep note of warning to any of the beasts that got too close to them, baring their white sharp fangs.

The Golden Lion Hybrid, pointed at The Den Master.

“Daar Nokport fell because of timing and necessity, not from senseless brutality and witless bouts of self indulgence. You would know that, if you had been there, as I was.”

The Den Master gave a nervous hop and then flitted up to his nest, and beat his wings once more to properly align his primary feathers, should he need to suddenly take flight again.

“Haru! How did you get in here?” The Den Master warbled nervously. All the arrogant pleasure of his recent success at winning the den over to Silhouette’s dose instantly draining.

Haru the Lion ignored him, and instead held up the limp ragged body of a hybrid twisted by a mutagenic dose beyond any recognition of its animal or anoekian lineage.

“Do you care to explain what I found feeding on an innocent citizen, on my way here Tzreek?” Did you make this creature?” Haru said with disgust as he cast the lifeless body onto the dais, beside Silhouette.

“Was it you who allowed a drainer to escape the Den? Was it you who decided to concoct and dispense such doses, in my den?”

Tzreek cleared his throat with a harrumphing screech.

“Well, you have been absent for so long, and there was a desperate need for leadership, Haru. We are pleased that you have returned once again to us!”

“Where are the Den Elders Tzreek? Why do I only see you, upon my return?”

“The Den Elders have all passed away at the hands of the Draedellians. It was very Tragic. Very Sad. Tzreech said, impassively.”

“I see.” Haru said with a note of incredulity in his voice.

Tzreech fluffed up his feathers and then smoothed them down again, affecting a disinterested attitude.

“Circumstances have changed Haru. While you were off galavanting on your secret mission, some very necessary adjustments have been made to the Den. While you are welcome to take your place as part of the pack you will find the position of den master is currently occupied by me! Tzreek said, casting a furtive gaze towards potential perches that would take him out of the Lion’s reach should the situation become threatening towards him.

“Titles that weaklings bestow upon themselves do not concern me, for true power draws all else unto itself.” Haru said.

Tzreek gave a nervous hop, but he summoned the necessary bravado to address Haru, with his usual arrogant tone.

“This is a happy occasion! Look at you, Haru the Golden Lion, finally returns to us! Back after being gone for over a cycle! What wild stories you must have to share! But be serious now, did you expect us all to remain in cryo unchanged and waiting for your return? Who do you think we are? Drydellians?”

His menagerie of hybrids squawked and tittered sycophantically at the Den Master’s joke.

“How about you flutter down from your comfy nest, and say it to my face?” Haru said, with a dangerous edge in his voice.

“As if I would condescend to your level. Be serious! Before you consider the foolish act of challenging me for primacy you ought to consider what you are up against.”

“Oh? What is that?” The Golden lion said, as he paced back forth in a crescent pattern across the floor. The other hybrids gave him and his lions a wide berth.

“Behold!” The den master indicated Kotuk and Silhouette standing next to him, shimmering.

“Is this one yours?” Haru asked Silhouette, pointing to Kotuk with a clawed hand.

“I know such craftsmanship could not have been fashioned by an imbecile like Tzreek.”

“Kotuk is of my own design.” Silhouette said simply.

“Your dose is of interest to me, for it is supremely difficult to splice in reptilian genes as a base, much less create one that is entirely reptilian.

“Does it respond to your commands? Does it remember who it was?”

Kotuk roared defiantly at that statement.

The golden lion wore a surprised expression. “While it cannot speak, it does seem to understand. When I am done dealing with Tzreek, I should like the pleasure to have several long discussions with you about your craft.”

Silhouette shook its head from side to side.

“I am honored by such praise, but I am afraid that I cannot permit you to unseat Tzreek, for he still has use for me.”

“Hear that Haru? Now take your seat among my beasts and beasties!” Tzreek screeched with delight.

“What possible use could a capable person have with such a fool?” Haru asked Silhouette.

“Fools have many uses, Golden Lion.” It answered curtly.

“I have heard enough of you Haru, and you have outlived your usefulness!” Tzreek gave an abrupt gesture with his clawed hand.

Six hybrids of various species and sizes rushed forward.

“Whoever captures him” Tzreek said, pointing at Haru, “Can eat his heart.”

It was a bloodbath.