order.

"Y-Yes, I can," the yearling said, "Follow me!" and ran off in the blink of an eye.

Achak took a few steps toward the leading wolf. "Zephyr," The yearling stopped to look back, and Zephyr's ears perked up attentively, awaiting orders. "You come with me. Kiona, take everyone back home, and I'll meet you there soon, alright?"

Kiona nodded. "Be careful."

When Zephyr went to follow Achak, Dartanion spoke up hastily. "Achak, is it alright if I go with you instead? I have a...hunch about something." Achak wasn't really sure why Dar would want to trade places with him, but he didn't ask and allowed it. Zephyr stayed behind with the others while Dartanion followed Achak, who followed the yearling, who was noticed to have good spring in his step.

Achak, still keeping the human trespassers in mind, decided it was best to get some sort of introduction in before too long, so he caught up to the black and white yearling and asked for his name.

"My name is Zepher, sir," he said in between breaths.

"Ah, so that's why you stopped when I called my pack-mate. His name is Zephyr." he mentioned.

"Neat!" Zepher smirked.

This Zepher sure was friendly. One would think, being along, at his age, that he would be more timid, cautious of other wolves. At least he was willing to guide them. A few miles back, the black and white wolf slowed, his body language giving off that they were in the area where the human threat was. Achak's senses were on high alert, as were Dartanion's, as they all scanned the area with their eyes, and listened.

Suddenly hearing faint voices, Achak pulled Zepher back behind some boulders, and out of sight. His blue eyes narrowing, and glancing a moment over his shoulder at his tri-colored pack-mate, he started around the rock, eyes sweeping the area. The voices grew louder. The owners were nearing. Judging by the footfalls and counting them, they were definitely human, and more than one. Maybe three of four.

The alpha tensed when the forms finally came into view about 100 yards or so out from where the three of them hid. So far, the silver streaked wolf couldn't see any weapons, but one was carrying something long over his shoulder as they trekked through the snow, talking. So not hunters...then why were they out here? When a gasp came from behind him, Achak looked back, seeing Dartanion coming up beside him with a shocked look on his face as he gazed out to the group of humans.

"What is it?" The tri-colored wolf looked to his alpha a moment, then back to the group.

"I...I know them..."

Achak's eyes widened in surprise and looked back at the humans from Dartanion. Zepher did the same thing, tho he wasn't sure why, he just wanted to seem like he knew what was going on. The young yearling oddly enough felt safer around with these two older wolves and didn't feel the need to run like he did earlier.

The alpha stared at the humans once more. So they were the ones Dartanion was held captive by. Altho Dartanion was healthy and fine now, Achak still glared at the group of people. He wanted them gone, and Dartanion knew this, also figuring why the humans were here. No other animals were in cages like he was in when he was released when he was young, so Dar figured it was to check up on him.

"I'm going closer." Dartanion said to Achak, starting off slow just to make sure he was fine with it.

"Is that wise? What if they want to capture you again?" the alpha asked, poker-faced.

"They won't. They're just here to find me," Dartanion assured. "I won't get too close anyway." Before leaving, they arranged a meeting spot nearby when they were prepared to get out of there, hopefully with the humans departing as well.

Achak never removed his eyes from neither the humans nor Dartanion. He would make for certain they didn't get near his friend.

Silently moving along through the forest, keeping his maroon eyes on the humans nearby, Dartanion followed the small group. He was a bit surprised Achak was letting him do this, knowing his deep hatred for them. The tri-colored wolf was grateful as well for this chance.

Managing to get ahead of the group of humans, Dartanion knew he would have to be careful not to get too close. He wanted to see the people again, but didn't want to risk anything with the pack. The wolf made sure he was far enough away from where he and Achak had been before showing himself.

The humans spotted Dartanion and he could sense the excitement in their voices. There was a part of him that wanted to get closer, but he knew that wasn't in anyone's best interest. They got to see him and that's what they wanted. He got to see they were doing well, and that's what he wanted. He felt the good memories returning to him, but as soon as the bad memories reached him, he felt that was a good time to leave, and he did.

Dartanion ran to the meeting place where Achak and the young Zepher were, trying to shy away the tears in his eyes. Once Dar gathered himself, Achak took the opportunity to ask if they were leaving. They all looked back at the humans whom they could barely see through the trees. They all seemed to be gathering their belongings.

"Yes...they're leaving." Dar replied, beginning to leave with Achak.

The alpha then turned to Zepher. "Thank you for your help. Do you need an escort back to your pack?"

Zepher shook his head back and fourth. "No. I don't have a pack, sir."

"Oh?" Achak frowned. It really was no wonder that the yearling was running around by himself. Usually Achak would send the boy on his way, but...those humans would be sure to catch him. And the boy did seem to make a good scout and an even better runner. When he grows older, with a little practice, he'd surely be a strong wolf indeed. And even with the offspring of this past season food would soon be scarce, being made up of mostly mothers and babies.

"Would you like to be a member of my pack?" Achak asked. He explained how Zepher would be of use to the pack. Dartanion seemed a bit surprised, but he wasn't at all against his leader. It was actually a good sign that Achak was being rather accepting right now, what with Hokee still here an all.

Zepher nodded vigorously. "I would, sir!" Achak smiled and continued walking with Dartanion and Zepher following. When they made it back to the cave, Achak was bombarded with nuzzles from Kiona. She was really worried about him, and he returned the favor.

Their three pups ran to greet them too, along with the rest of the pack, happily saying hi to the yearling. Achak announced that Zepher was going to be a new addition to the pack and Nayeli seemed happy about this especially because this event meant having a new friend in her life.



To be continued...



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