wolf-dog to lead us." He said. "She's abandoned us hasn't she?"
Timbre leapt from his position on the step and growled at the wolf. "Take that back!" He spat. "Aleu cared more for this clan than anyone here! She'd have died for you, you fool!"
"Yeah, shut up!" a few of the other wolves chimed in.
The wolf sat down and remained silent.
Balto sighed and continued. "No, she didn't abandon you. She... she was hit by a car."
The wolves all gasped. "Is she alright?" One asked. "When is she going to be back?" Asked another.
Balto shook his head. "No, no that's what I'm trying to tell you... she's... Aleu's dead."
The wolves all gasped again. "Oh no!" one of them cried. "How could this happen?" Another called. "Are you sure?" Still another asked.
Balto nodded. "I..." He stopped and sighed. "I won't go into details... but yes, I'm
sure."
Balto felt as if the cave walls were closing in on him. The once vast Main Chamber now seemed close and claustrophobic. He found it hard to breathe and knew he had to get off the step. His legs started shaking so hard Balto thought he would collapse. "I... I believe Thunder would like to say a few words." Balto said. He turned and walked back beside Dash. Then he sat down.
Thunder walked up to take Balto's place, his head held errect; his shoulder forward. He walked with the steadiness of one years his senior. Only his eyes betrayed the grief that split his soul. He stopped walking and gazed out over the assembled wolves. He waited until hte chattering had died down, and then he began. "Good evening brothers and sister's my name is Thinder. You all know me as Aleu's adopted son, what you don't know, and what neither she not I talked about much is the circumstances that led to my adoption. I would like to share that with now." As Tunder contunued, his voice remained steady, his eyes focused on his audience. His stance was strong and sure.
As Balto watched him continue he couldn't help but feel an intense pride in his grandson. Only a very slight quiver in his lip belied the storming emotions behind his cool blue eyes.
Thunder took a dep breath and began. "I was born far from here, in the high mountains to the north. Our clan was small, but we were a tight group. My... my real mother was shot down in front of me... I... I laid there beside her as she... as she died... the rest of my family and friends were similarly slaughtered by the humans that called themselves hunters... I alone was spared. the humans took me to their home and imprisoned me there. was barely six months old at that time. Aleu was already there, along with many others of out species. As I was soon to learn this place was hell for us. The humans tortured us day in and day out hoping to drive us insane so they might take us to town and show everyone how dangerous we were. By the time I was introduced to this environment Aleu had been there for a few days already. The humans put me in a cage with she and two others. The other two were hopelessly mad and tried to kill me. Aleu attaked them both and saved me. She thought I was asleep as she laid down beside me, protecting me from the oher two wolves... but I was wasn't. I saw her up close then... her fur was singed in places, her skin burned black by the electric rods the humans had used on her. Almost every inch of her body was covered in scrapes, cuts, or bruises. she was in great pain, yet... yet she still found the strength to save me. I have no doubt in my mind that those wolves would've killed me in a heartbeat... Aleu didn't have to attack them. She didn't even know me... yet she rised her life in a desperate situation to save me. That was a driving force in Aleu. She was always thinking of others..." Thunder stopped as his emotions finally caught up to him. A small tear dripped down his face and his voice cracked. "...she... she loved her family very much... not.. not just us, but all of you. Aleu.. Aleu was always thinking of someone besides herself. She... she loved being you Alpha. The only reason she gave it up was... was because we asked her to." Thunder stopped and sighted again. "here are some among us who believe that she commited suicide... but I can tell you without a doubt that this is not true. Aleu would never put herself before anyone, especially all of you. She may have been distraught over... over the fall of Aniu, and that might have distracted her... but sshe did not kill herself. I would bet my life on it." Thunder stopped again, searching for the strength to continue." Aleu was all that I could ask for, all I could hope for. I know my real mother would thank her for taking care of me. When we finally escaped the humans, Aleu took me aside and told me that she would adop me and care for me if that was what I wanted. I could think of nothing that would make me happier. she..." Thunder stopped and lowered his head as he started to ccry, his calm facade finally collapsing around him. He looked back up and when he continued his voice cracked and he had to stop a few times. She told me then that... that she couldn't replace my real mother, and that she wouldn't try. she... she told me I didn't even have to call her mother if I didn't feel comfortable with it... that... that just Aleu was fine.. that.. that she wouldn't be dissapointed if I didn't..." Thunder stopped again and looked out at all fo the wolves gathered in the chamber. He sniffled once and closed his eyes. When he opened them again they were steady. "...but I can tell you all here today, I have never met a kinder, more friendly, or more compasionate soul, and it is my honor to call her mother," Thunder sighed and looked around the room again. Then he froze...
Thunder lost control of his emotions then and ran down the last few steps, dashing through the crowd until he reached the back of the group and the wolf he'd seen standing there. Thunder laid his head on his father's shoulder and cried.
Shadow put his paw on his son's shoulder, and when he spoke his voice was choked with tears. "That... that was absolutely beautiful son." Shadow said. "It was perfect."
"I miss her dad." Thunder said.
Shadow nodded, barely able to hold himself together. "I... I know." Shadow said. "I... I do son." He patted his son on the shoulder, then took a step forward, every step he took required all the effort Shadow could muster. It felt as if he had a thousand pounds on his back and with every step that weight seemed to get stronger and heavier.
The crowd parted as Shadow made hes way forward. Some of the wolves whispered their condolances in hushed tones, others shot him sympathetic glances, and still others just turned away, unsure of what exactly they'd say.
Shadow hopped up the steps and turned around. Timbre stood up and walked over to him. "Hey Shadow... look, I'm... I'm really sorry."
Shadow sighed. "Thank you Timbre." Shadow said. ...really, but... but I don't think I'm ready for that just yet."
Timbre nodded and took his place beside Dash.
Shadow turned back to the wolves gathered below him. "Good ebening... I... I hadn't... hadn't planned on... planned on being here tonight... but... well..." Shadow sighed and as he continued tears started to roll down his face. "...Aleu was... was the best mate... the best anyone could ask for..." He sighed and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry... I... I can't do this right now." He paused and took a deep breath. "As you all know our Alpha Saba was killed in the battle against Lytion and the Shadow Clan. Unfortunately her children did not survive her; Lytion claimed their lives as well. Those losses leave us without a leader. with the fall of Aniu, Lytion and the Shadow Clan will surely attack us again, and we need someone to lead us in the event of such a retaliation." Shadow stopped and sighed. "Now, normally the job would fall to me, as leader of out Defense Force I am the second in command... but due to the recent casualty among my own family... I feel I am unable to lead you... therefore I have decided to abdicate my position. I have chosen to appont Dash as my sucessor. During his time with the Defense Force, Dash has risen above the rest, and as the Leiutenant of the Second Unit of the Defense Force he showed great aptitude for leadership. Dash has served this clan loyaly and faithfuly for quite a number of years. I have no doubt that he will make a fine Alpha." Shadow stopped and looked behind him. "Lieutenant Dash, center!"
Dash walked up and stopped in front of Shadow, kneeling to the ground, casting his face to the stone. "Lieutenant Dash, reporting as ordered Sir."
Shadow looked down at his friend. "Lieutenant Dash, repeat after me." He said. As he continued Shadow paused inermittantly to allow Dash the chance to respond. "I Dash... do solemly swear to uphold and defend.... all that which the Talbourne stands for... I will never waver in judgement... but will be decisive in insuring that justice... is brought to the members of this clan. I know that the forces of evil... are constantly plotting our downfall... and will work with dillegance... and perseverance... to insure this does not happen... I will be ever mindful... of the needs of the members of this clan... and will strive to insure they are met... I will provide for them... before myself... I will never abandon my clan... even if faced with certain death... I will strive... to be an example... for others to emmulate... I accept this charge... willingly and without coersion... so be it.... until either I... or this world passes away into the night... and we be joined with Aniu forever." Shadow let Dash
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