The group found themselves on a Sky-train that was rapidly making its way to the top of the Citadel. The inside of the train wasn't much different than what you would see for a subway train, only a lot cleaner, and far more comfortable seats.

From what they were told the top floors were where the leaders of the major species spent most of their time. Those who traveled to these floors either worked for the Firmatha Sanguar governing bodies, maintaining the core Systems that kept everything going, undergoing some sort of trial or hearing, and other assortments of other bureaucratic nonsense that helped to maintain some order.

"Stop staring stupid." Roisin chided Zidane.

"I'm not staring! I'm looking intensely." Zidane retorted.

"That's staring!!" The two continued to whisper-yell at each other, much to Lun's amusement, and Sage's annoyance.

"Can't really blame him. This is a lot to take in." Trigger thought to himself as he looked over at the person Zidane was looking intensely at. It was a young woman, with fox-ears and 4 fox tails, and next to her was another young lady with blue-tinged skin, and what looked to be gills covered by a device that was filled with oxygenated water. Even by human standards of beauty the two of them were beyond enchanting.

"Be careful boys. Kitsune and Mermaids are alluring and very… friendly. But if you're not careful they'll put you in a stupor of lust, and you'll wake up 40 years later, with no memories." Lun chuckled.

Trigger and Zidane instantly straightened their backs and looked out of the window, to take in other sights. The two young lady, just let out enchanting giggles that gnawed at the back of Zidane's and Trigger's mind. Sage and Roisin then shoot looks at the two women. The Kitsune and Mermaid smirked at the two of them without concern. However when they turned towards Zac, all they received was a cold stare that sent shivers down their spine.

"That's enough games, ladies." His voice was cold and commanding.

The two young cryptids lowered their heads and went silent.

"You don't need to be too harsh on them. They're young, and just playing around, they're no threat." Lun, who was sitting across from Zac and the others, interceded on the young ladies behalf. It wasn't uncommon for the young of those species to play around in such a way. At most they would toy with young males for a few minutes, hours if they were a particularly unpleasant sort, and then release them from their charms.

"I'm aware. If I thought they were a threat to one of my kids. They'd be dead already." Zac sighed as he turned his attention towards the outside of the train. They were far above the clouds at this point and the sky was beginning to turn dark as they entered the upper atmosphere.

"Hmm, it's odd." Zac muttered.

"What is?" Sage who sat to his right asked.

"All the missions I've done, all the places I've been. I've… never looked at the Earth like this."

"It's beautiful." Trigger responded, who sat on his left.

"And small…" Zac sighed.

Trigger and the others stared at Zac, and saw the vacant look in his eyes. Since they all came together, none of them could fully understand the state of mind Zac was in. Sometimes he felt like his old self, other times it felt he was on the verge of exploding, and then there were moments like now. Where he seemed disengaged with everything. They all understood what he was going through but none could relate, none had the life experience to know what to say to him. No one but Lun,

"Yeah, when the light fades, everything looks unimpressive. You just need to find something to light it up again." Lun said. Zac closed his eyes and let out a sigh,

"Did you find something?" Zac asked,

"I'm still looking. But if you ask me, you still have a few sparks left." Lun said as he eyed the four kids who were attached to him by the hip since he met them. Zac looked to his sides and saw his "sparks".

"Heh, I guess you're right."

Their ears all perked up when they heard the announcement that they had arrived at their stop. They pulled into the station, and made their way out of the opening doors.

As soon as they arrived on the floor, there was someone there to greet them and guide them to the Covenant Chamber, where the 7 Seats were waiting for them. Their guide was an androgynous blonde haired green eyed Elf, they introduced themselves as Zephorei.

Zephorei seemed more like a tour guide than anything else as they led them down the long Ascendant Hall that led to the Covenant Chamber. The Ascendant Hall was as much a corridor as it was a living museum. The walls were composed of shifting translucent panels of crystal that flicker with visions of the past, present, and possible future.

Zephorei did not go into great detail. They just explained their general meaning, and crucial events. Zephorei understood that they were not here for a tour, and would not disrespect these important guests by wasting their time, by answering questions that weren't asked.

Sage noticed similarities to the figures she studied in that Skinwalk cave. It seemed that it wasn't just a myth of their species, but something that was core to the existence of the cryptids as a whole.

"This hall shows the choices of our leaders, throughout our history. Not allowing them to shy away from the consequences of their choices; it reminds them with every step." Zephorei explained. An image of Lunara declaring his departure was shown on one of the crystal panels. Lun simply sighed and kept moving.

Floating along the corridor were Sentinel Orbs, spheres of energy that drift in silent orbit, shifting color in response to those who pass. They were the silent judges of the hall, sensing intent, emotion, and even deception. Should an unworthy soul attempt to breach the chamber, the orbs will pulse in unison, reshaping the path, turning corridors into endless loops, until proper measures can be taken.

At the end of the hall was a grand archway of intertwining bio-mechanical vines. Zephorei extended their hand and those vines parted at their command. Zephorei bowed their head, and then announce,

"Now entering, Lunara Pursivon, Seventh Seat of the Covenant, and his esteemed guests."

The chamber they entered was not a room in the conventional sense. It was a vast, shifting expanse, suspended in a translucent dome of glass. Above the glass you could see the System that was used to maintain the Citadel, it was beautiful in its intricacies and staggering in its size.

At the center, a circular platform of obsidian and woven light serves as the meeting space, hovering weightlessly. Each leader had a seat, floating above the platform, though none were identical. Some were formed of crystalline vines, ever-growing and shifting; others, smooth obsidian. One might be a crystalline thone with a swirling of wind inside, another a throne of gold and jewels.

The 7 seats weren't the only ones there. Surrounding the platform were 100s of others, all of different species. From the look on Lun's face this didn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary, and it wasn't. While the 7 Seats had the final say, they conducted Town meeting style. All who had something to say would go onto the platform and plead their case. Everyone of those present were either chosen officials of their area or managed to acquire permission to come.

At the introduction of Trigger's group, there was a large amount of chatter. Coming from the crowd that surrounded the platform, most of them were concerned as to why there were three humans here. The others were sending glares at Lunara. There were still plenty who resented him for leaving all those years ago. The remaining, including the 7 Seats had their attention drawn on Zac and Trigger.

Trigger's group all looked up at the 7 thrones floating above the platform. One of them was clearly empty. Lunara looked at his seat and sighed, that no one seemed to have taken his place.

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"Well just don't look at it, get your ass up here little puppy." A gruff voice spoke from one of the thrones. They all looked over to see the 2nd seat Vaerros, the Gorvath(Titan Orcs)Warchief, speak. He was a mountain of muscle, when standing, easily reaching 3 meters. He had tanned red-tinged skin, marred with battle scars. He was adorned in leather armor, a giant axe almost the size of himself floated behind his throne made of bones from his slain conquest. His piercing red eyes glared at Lunara, before his long curved tusks arched into a toothy grin.

"How can you just let him return to his position! He left his post for decades, and you haven't allowed anyone to fill his position! Because of that…" A disgruntled werewolf in the crowd protested

"That's because in the decades that have passed, none of you pups have been worthy of that seat." Spoke the 3rd Seat Nethyros; the matriarch of the Vaelthora(Leviathans, mermaids) race. Her enchanting voice filled the room. She had striking light blue-skin, with scales that lining her eyes and parts of her mostly exposed body, those scales shimmered like sapphire under the dim glow of bioluminescent.

She had long flowing hair the color of the midnight sea, and sat upon a grand throne that was a masterpiece of coral that twisted and curled in an array of reds, purples, and golds, encrusted with pearls and glowing anemones. The seat was cushioned with the softest kelp. Her dress resembled crashing waves, and clung to her body, and seemed to be constantly wet.

"Well it appears some of my people don't agree." Lunara declined.

"Get up there!" Zac ordered.

"What?"

"Having the 7th Seat and not the former 7th seat makes things easier for us. Get up there!" Zac said again.

"But…"

"Who cares about the opinion of sheep… get up there…" Zac looked at Lunara coldly.

Lun sighed and walked towards the platform. As he approached its edge, Nethyros made a hand motion and a System appeared under Lun's feet, and rose him onto the platform. He walked towards the center and looked over at his throne. Compared to some of the other thrones it was rather modest, much like Lunara himself. It was a simple throne made of stone and wood. However there were intricate carvings of wolves all along it. He reached out his hand and the throne glowed. He was moved through space and reluctantly took his seat. He sighed as he leaned back in his seat and rested his head in his hand.

"Welcome back Lunara." 1st seat Zyvaroth, the Vampire leader, spoke to Lunara. He was in a black fine pressed tailor suit, and sat upon a luxurious victorian throne. He had slicked back platinum-blonde hair, pale-gold eyes, with equally pale skin. Outside of his unnatural coloring, one would mistake him for an abnormally good looking human male.

"Yes, it's been too long since the 7 of us were all together." Nethyros spoke with warmth.

"You look like you've gotten stronger since you left. I want to see how much later. I wanna see if the pup has finally turned into a wolf worth skinning." Vaerros, the Gorvath Warchief, taunted Lun. However, Lun did not back down,

"I will be more than happy to add another scar to your illustrious tapestry." Lun growled as he stared at the clawed scar on Vaerros' chest that he left there many years ago. Contrary to the shock expressions of the crowd, Vaerros let out a boisterous laugh. Much to the annoyance of the other 7 seats.

"Good!!! Good!! I thought you lost your edge the way you were tail wagging behind those two hatchlings!" Vaerros started to laugh again.

"Hatchlings? So you know what we are?" Trigger asked.

"Of course we do, otherwise we wouldn't have entertained a meeting on such short notice." Zyvaroth oozed elegance and refinement. The others in the crowd who were going to make complaints about Zac's words earlier, decided it was best they kept their mouths shut, after seeing the respect and care the 7 Seats took with them.

"But with all due respect, we were in the middle of something before you arrived, and we would like to conclude those proceedings before we address your concerns." Nethyros inserted.

"Do what you need to do, we have time." Zac smirked.

"Thank you for your consideration." Zyvaroth bowed his head in appreciation.

"Back to the topic at hand, we were discussing the appointment of an 8th Seat." Nethyros refocused the meeting.

"Yes and how convenient you immediately reinstate Lunara as soon as he returns. After I suggested they fill his empty seat." Someone from the crowd shouted in discontent.

"He wasn't reinstated, because he was never removed from his position. Even if they didn't arrive today, that suggestion was never on the table." A gruff Dwaven voice echoed, from his simple Obsidian Throne. The 5th Seat, Ferradorn. He was dressed like a blacksmith and carried the aura of someone who was told to attend a meeting during their lunch break.

"You guys never removed me?" Lun asked curiously.

"Why the hell would we? Your mate and pups were killed. I say a leave of absence is fine. It was just 300 years… not like you missed much." Ferradorn waved off Lunara's question.

"It's actually been 220 years." Sylvaira the 4th Seat, an elegant Elven woman spoke. Her golden hair flowed over her body, and her Throne, made of cystline vines. Peeking out through strains of hair was a form fitting green sheer dress. Her emerald green eyes looked at Ferradorn with amusement as she shook her head.

"220? Even better, nothing happened, who cares." Ferradorn brushed it all off.

The person arguing from the crowd had a clear look of distaste on his face.

"Don't take us for fools little pup. We are aware of what you're trying to do. We are not humans and there is no place for that scheming foolishness here." Nethyros called out the Werewolf who seemed to be at odds with Lunara.

"I see." Lunara sighed as he looked at the one causing problems. It was easy to see what he was going for.

220 years was nothing to them, but there was plenty of time for a dissenter to try and maneuver their influence. At the end of the day, the strongest is the one who leads the pack, Lunara was sure this individual was the strongest in his absence. However, this pup wasn't strong enough, nor did he have the political pull Lunara had, to fill his shoes. But if Lunara lost his seat, that would sure up one of his weaknesses.

"He's going to be a problem isn't he?" He mumbled to himself.

"Welcome back." Zyvaroth joked.

"Anyway, who is this person that we're suggesting for the 8th Seat? I heard they were a Skinwalker. Are they qualified?" Lun asked.

"They are reasonable and intelligent enough." Sylvaira commented.

"How strong are they?" Lun asked. There was a minimum level of strength one needed to have, to even be considered. Vaerros let out a hearty laugh at Lunara's question, because he felt that was the only thing that mattered. He slapped his knee, the force of which let out a thunderous clap, as he responded,

"He wasn't as strong as you when you first joined, but he was better than most of the pansies sitting here now. Like that cat for instance." Vaerros pointed at one of the other Seats.

"I'm a fox! You miserable…why do I bother?" The 6th Seat Veydris, the Matriarch of the Spirit Foxes spoke. She wore a loose fitting short kimono, as she lounged on an ornately encrusted ottoman throne. Her 6 tails waving behind her in frustration. Vaerros was the only fool who didn't understand her value. Mostly because he was a brute that thought of nothing but battle, and a woman who wasn't a warrior was just breeding stock. There wasn't an ounce of lust in him, other than for a good fight.

"I see, then why are you guys dragging your feet?" Lun asked.

"The Skinwalkers have integrated themselves in with the Werewolves and other shifters for centuries. So obviously we would have to figure out how to divide land, personale, responsibilities, etc." Veydris explained.

"Hmm, then him just filling in my position would have been an easier transfer of power." Lun said. The Werewolf in the crowd had a conflicted expression.

"Yes, the idea was sound, the motives behind it, is what gave us pause." Sylvaira replied.

"We come too far through unity, to have some little pup start this scheming shit, just to scrap together a little bit of power and influence. " Ferradorn added on.

"Yes, if he wants to lead The Pack, he should do it the proper way. Take it by force!! Have you submit, or mount your head on his throne! Then he can come to battle me!" Vaerros let out another hearty laugh.

"Fair enough. Then in the spirit of unity, how about we do this. We just split the responsibilities in half? Nothing really needs to change. By doing so, it leaves the both of us to focus on other things, without worrying about being stretched too thin." Lun reasoned.

"That's an excellent suggestion, but it only works if you are returning from your leave of absence. So… are you back?" Nethyros asked.

Lunara looked at the other 7 there, and turned his attention over towards Zac and Trigger. There were things that we would need to take care of back in Seattle, but there were things that could no longer be avoided here. Their world was going to have a huge shift, and he would be a fool to miss it.

"Yes, I'm back."

"Fantastic, it's settled then. We will have the formal initiation at a later date, and we can go over the details then. Is that alright with you, Varythiel?" Zyvaroth asked.

"Yes, that is perfectly fine. I initially just wanted the right to represent my people. This is an unexpected boon." A voice that was familiar to Sage, spoke from the crowd gathered there. She had thought so at first, but now she was positive that this Skinwalker was the one they had encountered on their first mission. If he was strong enough to become the 8th Seat, then their decision to negotiate was the best choice.

"Well we are all your people, and now your choices will affect all of us." Nethyros commented.

"You are correct, I will take your words to heart." Varythiel responded.

"Now that's over, let's get down to the juicy bits, shall we? We have a very special guest today. A VERY special guest. Two Gteju have blessed us with their presence." Zyvaroth spoke, and everyone looked over in Zac's and Trigger's direction.

"Please come up and tell us, what exactly do you want from us." Nethyros requested.

Trigger and then others walked up to the obsidian platform. The 5 of them were elevated onto the platform. Once there Zac simply said,

"We want information."

"Ask away." Nethyros smiled.

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