streaked wolf wondered how he was going to get out of this…injured, he doubted he would be able to get to the shelter of the woods in time. The human smirked. “Got nowhere to go now, ya little beast…” The gun was coked. Ice blue eyes widened, then closed tightly, his whole body tensing awaiting his fate, his imminent death. But then a snarl, and--

“ACHAK!”

The shot pierced the air.

Silence. Was he dead? No…he hadn’t felt any pain…

“What the..” at the voice, Achak slowly opened his eyes. There was a large shadow covering him, along with the strong smell of blood. Droplets of crimson red dripped onto the white snow, staining it with it’s rich color.

“Achak…You’re alright now, don’t be frightened.” The young wolf gasped.

“…F-Father!” Cheveyo…His father…had just jumped in and in front of his son just in time to protect him from the threat. But in doing so…he had…Achak stepped forward around the alpha, gasping again as he saw the blood soaking his father’s chest. Forgetting all about the hunter, the blue eyed wolf began licking at the wound. The great black male coughed, and the ground was once more speckled with red. Feeling his legs give out, Cheveyo sunk to the ground. With a startled yelp, Achak tried to support his bulk, but it was no use. And the quiet atmosphere was once more broken by the familiar noise of a cocking gun. Slowly, the young wolf turned. The man was aiming at them again, looking triumphant.

“Looks like I’ll get to kill two wolves in one day…” He pulled the trigger….but nothing happened, just a soft ‘click’. The human made a surprised choking-like noise, looking at his weapon. Them came the very welcomed sound of wolves from their pack’s howls. They were approaching their fallen leader and his son, hackles raised, eyes wild, and fangs bared. Slowly, the hunter backed up, dropping the gun into the snow, then turned and ran. A few of their pack mates gave chase.

Now with that threat gone, Achak turned back to his inured father, nudging him with his muzzle. Cheveyo’s dulled golden eyes opened a moment tiredly, and he took a raspy breath.

“Come on father, we have to go now…” The stained ground under the alpha was spreading rapidly, and it was beginning to scare the younger wolf, causing his voice to shake. “Please, you have to get up…” Moving to Cheveyo’s side, he pushed, trying to get his father to his feet. Why wasn’t his father not even trying?! Tears started stinging his bright eyes. “Father! We have to go home now!”

“…Achak…” if not for their good hearing, the weak voice of the black wolf would not have been heard. “…I’m not…going home with you…” His son shook his dark head, ears going back in disbelief. “Achak...listen to me…” The silver streaked wolf closed his eyes, holding back tears, but listened. “I’m so proud of you…you’ve grown into a strong and caring wolf. I feel at ease…leaving the pack to you, my son. Take care…of your siblings and mother…and tell your uncle I’m sorry…” the dull golden eyes closed, and coughs racked the large wolf’s body.

“Father!” This couldn’t be happening! His father was…was dying!

“Grow strong…Achak…and become a great and wise leader….” with a fond little smile, a sigh was the last thing to leave the older wolf’s body….then nothing. At first Achak didn’t want to believe it, tail tucked in beneath him, he nudged at his father’s face.

“Father…?” Nuzzling the body, he laid down next to it, and buried his face in the silky jet black fur. But there was no reply, or movement. The black and silver wolf couldn’t hear the once strong beating of the other’s heart within his chest. “…F-father…” Now realizing the impossible had happened, the salty tears ran down his black and silver colored face.

Emerging at a run from the trees, but stopping at the sight before him, Kanook was frozen in place. The mighty black wolf…his best friend! Laying on a crimson stained ground…and the sobbing Achak at his side. Slowly, the other wolves emerged after their co-leader, each with the similar expression of shock, pain, or sorrow.

Finally raising his head, his face soaked with tears, Achak sat up, head hung, with tears still running freely down his young face. But then he raised his head, and the most mournful, heartbroken, yet beautiful howl sang through the air, piercing every wolf’s heart. For today was and would always be remembered…

The day Cheveyo: Leader, father and mate…died.