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Chapter 7, coming right up!

Chapter 7: An Emotion Never Felt Before

"Kalil, you gotta rest! You've been walking all night!" Najan argued as the sun finished rising in the East. Kalil grunted and shook his head. "After what happened last night Najan, I'm not stopping until..." he started and drifted off, collapsing to the ground, battling to stay awake. Najan ran up to his face and put his small paws on Kalil's muzzle, looking at him in the eyes. "Big bro, you need sleep," he said and Kalil felt his eyelids start to close. "But... what about you?" he said and yawned. Najan sat down in front of him. "I'll wait right here! I'll be good!" he said, sitting down. Kalil yawned again and knew he was fighting a losing battle against fatigue. "I'll... just sleep for... a... few..." The next thing Kalil knew, he was in a deep sleep. Najan looked around and sighed with boredom. He lay down next to Kalil and fell asleep as well in the warm sunlight.

Kalil saw Tychon in front of him. He glared angrily at his brother and crouched low, growling at his enemy. "Tychon," he said, fury in his voice, "Why did you try to kill us?" Tychon just laughed and leapt on Kalil, biting into his chest. Kalil cried out in pain and pushed Tychon off with his back paws, rolling to his feet. He looked up and saw Tychon's paw collide with his muzzle, sending him flying sideways and rolling on the ground. He coughed, some blood hitting the ground. He glared at Tychon and leapt at his throat, but he passed through him and landed on the other side. "You can't fight your nightmares, Kalil!" Tychon said evilly and bit into Kalil's front paws, snapping them upward and breaking them. Kalil crumpled to the ground, looking up at Tychon as he placed his paw on Kalil's throat. "Tychon..." he gasped, getting harder and harder to breathe, "W-why?" Tychon laughed again and dug his claws into Kalil's neck, pulling back quickly. The last thing Kalil saw was a puddle of his own blood growing underneath him and then it went black.

Kalil quickly bolted upright, gasping for air. He looked around and saw himself in the same place he'd fallen asleep in, Najan curled up in front of him. He sighed heavily and looked up at the sky. It was about noon. Kalil nudged his brother awake with his nose. Najan groaned sleepily and opened his eyes. "Hey big brother," he said and yawned, "Is it time to go?" Kalil smiled down at Najan. "Yeah, it's time to go..." They both stood up and stretched. "So, which way do we go now?" Najan asked and Kalil got a strange look on his face. "Big brother, did you hear-" "Shhhh," Kalil cut in and looked around. Najan scowled at Kalil. "Hey, you don't have to be rude! I was just-" "Najan, shhhhh," he said again, looking side to side, ""We're not alone..."

After a few minutes of waiting, the forest had gotten deathly silent, worrying Kalil more and more. He sniffed the air, clearly smelling another wolf nearby. Where are you? he thought and sniffed again, inpointing the position. He growled and leapt into a bush, hearing a gasp of surprise as he tackled another wolf who was crouched down behind the bush. He pinned the wolf down, not getting a clear look at their face at this point. "Who are you?" he asked angrily. "None of your business!" came a soft, yet fiery answer. A female, he thought and felt her place her paws on his shoulders and rolled, reversing the pin. He looked up at her and could only see her clear blue eyes. "Why are you in our territory?" she asked, glaring down at him. Kalil didn't trust her, he'd been attacked too many times in the past few days. Not taking any chances, he placed his back paws under her stomach and kicked her off.

Kalil rolled to his feet and glanced back to see her try to bite into his shoulder where he'd already been bitten twice before. He crouched and dodged her bite, ramming into her side and throwing her off her feet. He saw her roll and stop on her feet. Time to end this, Kalil decided and leapt at her just as she leapt at him. The two collided in midair and fell to the ground, rolling down a slope in the ground until they both hit a large boulder at the bottom. Kalil's vision fogged a bit and he struggled to his feet, feeling like his legs were going to give way at any second. He looked over at the girl and saw she was just as dazed as he was. He growled at her and was about to attack again until he heard another voice. "Kelia, get down!" he heard a male say this time. Kelia? he thought and turned around to see another wolf hit him in his muzzle. Kalil's head hit the boulder hard and he fell to the ground, unable to move his body. As his vision blackened, he saw another wolf run down the slope, Najan struggling in their mouth. "Lady Kelia, are you alright?" "Yes, I'm fine... Take them back to our pack... Be careful of this one..." Kelia? Then Kalil lost sight of the wolves as his world went dark.

All Kalil still saw was darkness, yet he heard voices now. "What do you think we should do with him?" "I'm not sure Kelia... You said he attacked you, so maybe we should just kill him..." Kelia? "Maybe... but Daddy, he has a little pup with him... Probably his brother. I don't think they meant any harm..." Daddy? Kalil heard a heavy sigh. "We'll have to see why they're here... once he wakes up that is... You sure did a number on him Kelia!" "Actually, I didn't knock him out... Glyan did." Glyan? Kalil groaned and slowly began to open his eyes, a rainbow of colors filling his already blurry vision. "Ah, he's awake!" he heard the deep male voice say that he recognized as Kelia's father. "W-what? Where... where am I?" he asked, his voice shaking. Slowly, his vision cleared and he saw a grey wolf that looked much like his own father smiling down at him. "You're in Crystal Pack territory," he answred, "My name is Bacar. I am the Alpha of my pack." Kalil looked around at all the crystals inside the den he was lying in. "Who... who hit me?" he asked groggily and Bacar chuckled. "Well the one who knocked you out was the Beta, Glyan. He's out hunting right now," he answered. "The female was me," he heard a female say and looked to his left to see a solid grey female, the same female who he'd fought out in the forest, "My name's Kelia. Sorry for attacking you, but we weren't sure if you were invaders or not..."

Kalil struggled to his feet and looked from Kelia to Bacar. "Where's... where's Najan?" he asked, "Where's my brother?" Bacar placed a paw on his shoulder. "Calm down boy, your brother is fine," he said calmly, "What's your name son and where are you headed?" Kalil sat down, his head still throbbing from being slammed into the boulder. "I-I'm Kalil... My brother and I are headed home..." "Then how did you get those horrible wounds?" Bacar asked pointing to Kalil's shoulder and his scratched up chest and muzzle. "These," Kalil started, "Are proof that there are evil wolves out there willing to kill in cold blood... Now where's my brother?" Bacar motioned towards the entrance and in walked a wolf with Najan at his side. "Najan!" Kalil cried out happily as his little brother ran to him and buried his face in his brother's pelt. "Kalil! I'm glad you're alright! I was so scared for you!" Najan said, and Kalil gently patted him on his back. "It's ok, I'm here, I'm alright..." Kelia smiled warmly as she watched Kalil comfort his little brother. It's so strange to think that an hour ago, he was fighting me, she thought and looked over at her father who was giving her a sly-looking grin. She gave him a confused look and he mouthed the words "I'll tell you in a moment."

Bacar cleared his throat and Kalil looked at him. "My guard will show you to a spare den you can stay in for a few days," he told Kalil/ Kalil bowed his head to the generous Alpha and smiled at him. "Thank you sir," he said and nudged Najan with his paw. Najan reluctantly followed the guard out of the den they were in, Kalil right behind him. As he went to walk out, Kalil looked back at Bacar and Kelia. Kelia flashed him a warm smile and Kalil smiled back before walking out. Bacar chuckled slightly and caught Kelia's attention. "What's so funny?" she asked and he smiled at her. "I think you know," her father said, "I've seen the way you look at him. You like him, don't you?" Kelia looked surprised and blushed a bit. "I-I don't... That's not true!" she shot back and Bacar laughed. "You'd better not get that flustered around him, or you'll be a dead giveaway!" "I told you, I don't like him!" she said and he gave her a suspicious look, "I'm telling the truth!" "Whatever you say Kelia," he said and stood up, walking towards the entrance, "But if I were you, I'd work on keeping my cool. You don't want to start fumbling over your words when you talk to him." Kelia opened her mouth to say something, but closed it and looked at her paws, thinking about what her father said. Am I starting to like him? she asked in thought and followed her father out of the den.

Ok, there ya go: Chapter 7. Hope you like it. Only a few more chapters to go! I'll post Chapter 8 either later tonight or tomorrow.

Nice story. I want the next chapter please.

Ok Surface, here it comes!

Chapter 8: A Newfound Strength: Love

Well at least we're not dead... Kalil thought as he nodded respectfully to the guard as he showed him the cozy den with two elk skins laid out on the floor as beds. Immediately, Najan ran onto one and curled up, falling fast asleep. Kalil chuckled and sighed. He must be tired, Kalil thought as he watched his little brother, He's travelled 350 miles in the last few days... Kalil heard a noise at the entrance and turned to see Bacar walk in and look at him, then saw Najan. "I trust your lodging is to your liking?" he asked in a whisper. "Yes, thank you sir," Kalil replied, nodding and Bacar chuckled silently. "You don't need to call me 'sir' all the time," he said and smiled at Kalil, "You're guests! No need to treat me like your master." "Yes si-... alright..." Kalil answered. Bacar chuckled again and walked out. Kalil looked back at Najan and sighed, wondering what to do with the time he had at hand. Well, it's about mid-afternoon, so that gives me about four hours before they should be back with dinner... Kalil lay down and rested his head on his paws, closing his eyes, but not quite falling asleep.

Kelia slowly made her way through their pack, thoughts running through her head. What do I think of Kalil? she asked herself in thought, walking to nowhere in particular, I think he's a pretty good fighter for one. He's strong, protective, determined, cute... Kelia was shocked by her own thoughts, then heard her father's voice in her head. "You like him, don't you?" Kelia shook the voice from her head and kept walking. Do I? she thought and sighed. Looking up, she found herself at a den they had for guests. A quick sniff and she could tell Kalil was in there. Why did I come here? Kelia thought and decided to check on them and make sure they were comfortable. She quietly padded in and rounded the corner to see the two of them asleep. She looked from Najan to Kalil and sighed quietly. They must be tired from travelling, she thought and stared at Kalil, Plus Kalil seems to have done all the fighting. He must be even more tired than his brother! Kelia reasoned that she should go, but her paws wouldn't move. She just sat there and stared at Kalil. "You like him," she heard in her head again and didn't bother to fight back against it this time.

Kalil still hadn't fallen asleep. He found it to be near impossible, for he wasn't tired at all. Which doesn't make sense, he thought, his eyes still closed, I was beaten unconscious and I've been travelling with little sleep for days! Suddenly, he smelled another wolf in their den and recognized it immediately. Kelia. He opened his eyes and saw her staring at him. Ooooook... he thought, slightly confused and smiled up at her. "So, am I that interesting when I seem asleep?" he asked sarcastically. Kelia was snapped back into reality and blushed, her ears lowered against her head. "I-I'm sorry..." she said sheepishly, "I was just coming to see if you two were alright, and... I'm sorry." Kalil chuckled and sat up. "It's alright," he said and shook his pelt off, "I wasn't asleep." Kalil then noticed a light blue crystal necklace hanging around her neck. "That's interesting," he complimented and pointed at it, "Where'd you get that?" Kelia smiled and placed a paw on her necklace. "My Mom gave it to me... just before she passed away..." she said slowly and Kalil immediately started to apologize, but she held up her paw to stop him, "It's ok. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. She'd been sick for awhile and I think it was better that she wasn't in anymore pain..." Kalil nodded slowly and smiled at her, suddenly feeling unlike himself. What's going on with me? he thought and felt his heart warm when she smiled back at him.

Kelia shuffled her paws nervously and looked back up at him. Kelia, you like him, she heard her inner voice say, Start a conversation, take him around your home, do something! "Hey Kalil, wanna take a walk? I could show you around," she offered and he smiled at her. "Yeah sure!" he said happily and stood up, "That'd be great! Let's go!" Kelia took him around, showing him the home she'd lived in since she was born, ending the tour at the Syn River, which ran through their lands as well. They both sat down and shared stories of when they were pups and friends they had. "My best friend is-" Kelia said, but was cut in when another voice was heard behind them. "Me!" said a cheerful voice. They both turned around and saw another female wolf, smiling at the two of them. "Hey Moonlight!" Kelia said and looked at Kalil, "That's Moonlight, my best friend! Moonlight, meet Kalil. Kalil, Moonlight." Moonlight walked up to him and bowed her head, he followed suit. "I haven't seen you here before Kalil, are you a traveller?" she asked and Kalil nodded. Then Moonlight gave a smirk at Kelia, "I thought you said you didn't have a mate..." "He's not my mate," Kelia said at the same time Kalil said "I'm not her mate." Moonlight laughed at the two of them. "I was just kidding! But hey, you never know!" she said and walked off.

Kelia shook her head and looked back at Kalil. "Don't mind her," she said with a laugh, "She's been bugging me about getting a mate, since I just turned one." "Oh really?" Kalil said, "I turned one a few months ago." Kelia smiled at him and looked out at the river. "That's the river that carried Najan and I down to River Pack territory..." Kalil told her and winced as he realized she'd want the whole story. As expected, Kelia turned her attention back to him. "What? Why? What happened?" she asked and Kalil sighed. "My brother and I... we're really not supposed to be here... Our other brother... He pushed us off a cliff into that river and we drifted 500 miles downriver... Now we need to get back to our pack: The Sanarins. That's why we were travelling north through your lands," he explained and looked back at her. "So you've been walking for about 400 miles?" she asked, amazed at his strength and endurance. "Yep," Kalil said, then counted in his head, "Actually, it's more about 350, but you get the idea..." "That's impressive..." she said and stared into his eyes, losing herself again, but she pulled herself back into reality, but not before Kalil noticed. Kalil blushed and looked back out at the Syn River. Go now, make your move! his inner voice said and he sighed. "Kelia..." he started, still looking at the water's surface, "What would you say if I said I liked you?"

Kelia felt her heart stop when he said those words. "What would you say if I said I liked you?" Time seemed to stand still for her as she thought. He likes me... He likes me... Go on! Stop sitting there and tell him! "I'd say..." she started and looked at him, a smile on her face, "I like you too." Kalil was stunned by her response, but not so stunned. She'd been pretty easy to figure out. He turned to look at her and found himself pressing his muzzle to hers, both of them locked in a passionate kiss. After what seemed like an eternity, the two reluctantly pulled apart and gazed into each others eyes before kissing each other again. "I love you Kelia," Kalil said in between their kisses. "I love you Kalil," she replied and smiled at him. From a perch on a nearby cliffside, Bacar watched the two of them, a smile on his face. "I'm glad you've found the one, Kelia," he said into the wind and smiled.

Later that night, Kalil was lying down on his back on his elk skin, thinking of Kelia. Najan noticed his brother, deep in thought, and smirked. He silently crept over and leapt onto his brother's exposed belly. "Gotcha!" he shouted triumphantly and laughed. Kalil was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a weight suddenly press down on his stomach. He looked up, saw Najan, and laughed back, picking Najan up with his paw and laying him down on his back, tickling his belly. "No fair Kalil!" he said amidst the endless laughter. Kalil stopped and sighed. "Alright, time for bed!" he said and Najan caught his breath, lying down on the other elk skin and quickly falling sleep. Kalil rolled over onto his side and closed his eyes, starting to fall asleep. Kelia looked down at Kalil's den from the hill she was sitting on. I love him so much, but am I ready for the next step? she thought and sat there for a few minutes before her eyes filled with determination, Yes. I'm ready to go further with Kalil. I just hope he is... Slowly, Kelia made her way down the hill and snuck into the den. She waited until her eyes adjusted to the darkness and padded silently up to Kalil, who was lying on his side. Kelia raised her paw to tap him on his shoulder, when he grabbed her shoulders and rolled her onto her back with him lying on top of her. "I could smell you the second you walked in," Kalil said and smiled down at her, "What can I do for you?" Kelia felt herself freeze up a bit, unsure how to say this to him. "W-well..." she started and stared nervously at her chest, "Kalil, I love you... alot... I was wondering... if you were ready to go further or not..." Kalil was taken by complete surprise and didn't know how to answer her. "Kelia... I... I... I don't know what to say..." he said and she put her paw over his muzzle. "Just say 'yes' or 'no,' but answer truthfully Kalil..." Kalil sighed and smiled down at her. "Yes Kelia... I'm ready," he said and grinned at her, "Let's get started..."

About an hour later, Kalil fell onto his side, his chest heaving as he panted like crazy. "I... love you, Kelia..." he said between gasps for air, hearing her panting as well. "I... love you too... Kalil..." she replied and curled up next to him. Kalil smiled warmly at her and heard her breathing get heavier, knowing she'd fallen asleep. "Goodnight Kelia..." he whispered and draped a paw over her, cuddling close to his love as he fell into a deep sleep.

The End of Chapter 8. I know, I know, it's a bit more of a romantic one than the other, more, shall I say 'violent' ones, but there's a point to it. You'll have to see what Kalil gains from falling for Kelia and vice versa in later chapters. For those of you who are already anticipating the finale, the final chapter will be coming soon. But until then, I hope you enjoy reading what I've done so far with Traitor. Ta-ta. --Balto5670

I want MORE! Chapter 9. Hey Balto, post Traitor on Alderon,

Alrighty then Surface! One copy of Traitor to go!

Just finished reading everything so far. Amazing story Balto, cant wait for the next chapter

Ok, here's Chapter 9. I think this may be the last chapter before the finale. I'll just have to see how far I get with one chapter. Anywho, enjoy.

Chapter 9: Homeward Bound and Signs Of A Future

Kalil and Najan spent three days with the Crystal Pack. During those three days, Kalil learned some new survival skills, including the medicinal properties of certain herbs. Najan, due to his instinctual puppyish nature, did nothing but play around with other pups in the pack. Kalil also taught Kelia about everything he knew of fighting, survivability, and navigation. The two grew so close to each other, Kalil thought of not returning home at all. Why do we need to go home? Kalil thought one night, I love Kelia and she loves me. Najan likes it here as well. We're welcomed here and if we don't go home, we won't have to face Tychon if he tries to kill us again. Then he heard Najan talking to the other pups of their home and how he missed it and Kalil knew they'd have to go. Kalil savored the last three days he had with Kelia and she did as well. On their last night together, they made love one last time under the star-filled sky. Then, sadly, the day came where Kalil and Najan had to depart.

As the sun rose over the horizon, filling the forest with light, Kalil, Najan, Kelia, and Bacar stood at the northern border of the Crystal Pack's lands. Kalil looked towards the north, the wind tossing his grey and white pelt in the air. He heaved a sigh and looked back at Kelia, who had tears in her eyes. "You shouldn't have to go," she said and nuzzled him, "I love you..." "I love you too..." Kalil replied and closed his eyes, holding back the tears he knew were coming soon. Bacar looked at the two of them and sighed sadly. Bacar, you have a choice to make now, he thought and looked at his paws, Let your little girl go... or risk breaking her heart... Bacar closed his eyes, wishing that his mate, Kelia's mother was still alive. "Let her go, Bacar..." he heard his mate say in his head. He quickly opened his eyes and knew she was right. Kalil kissed her one last time and looked at Najan. "Come on Najan," he said, his voice shaking a bit, tears beginning to run down his face, "Let's go home..."

As Kelia watched Kalil and Najan begin to disappear from sight, she felt like dying. Her first and only love was walking out of her life for good. Kelia began to sob uncontrollably and Bacar looked at her and sighed. He lifted her face up with his paw and licked the tears from her face. "Go Kelia..." he said and smiled warmly at her. Kelia looked up at her father, confusion in her teary eyes. "W-what?" Kelia asked and Bacar nuzzled her fatherly. "Go to him, Kelia. There is nothing left for you here," he said softly, "It's clear you two love each other very much... You belong by his side. Go Kelia... You have my full approval..." Kelia smiled at her father and nuzzled him back. "But who will take over after you?" she asked and Bacar chuckled. "I'm sure Glyan would make a great Alpha... Go now Kelia, before you lose him forever..." Kelia nuzzled her father one last time and beamed at him. "Thanks Daddy... I love you and I'll never forget about what you did for me!" She turned and ran off after Kalil, running towards her new life.

Kalil sighed sadly as he wiped the tears from his eyes, not wanting to seem upset or weak in front of Najan. He missed Kelia dearly, even though he'd only gone five minutes without her. I'll never forget about you Kelia... he thought and kept on walking. Suddenly a voice rang out behind him that made his heart soar. "Kalil!" he heard Kelia cry out and turned around quickly to see her running up to him, a huge smile on her face. "Kelia? What are you-" he started, but was cut off when she tackled him and pinned him to the ground, kissing him passionately. "My Dad said I can go with you, if that's alright," she said after they finally pulled apart. Kalil beamed up at her. "Of course that's alright!" he said happily and kissed her back, "But I think I'll need you to let me get to my feet if we wanna get home!" Kelia climbed off of him and he got to his feet. "Alright," he said, smiling at Kelia and Najan, "Let's go home!"

50 miles to go! Kalil thought happily as he set up a pile of soft brush in the corner of a den he'd found. It had grown dark out by now and the three were settling down for the night. Kalil had already made a small bed out of brush for Najan and his little brother was fast asleep. "Done!" Kalil said proudly as he finished setting up the bed for Kelia and himself. Kelia lay down on the bed and sighed contently. "It's perfect. Thanks Kalil, but I would have helped you," she said and smiled at him. Kalil smiled back and lay down next to her, curling his body around hers. "Thanks for your offer, but I'm capable," he said and licked her cheek. She lay her head down on their bedding and looked up at him. "How much further until we reach your home now?" "About 50 miles," Kalil answered and lay his head down as well, "Goodnight Kelia." "Goodnight Kalil. I love you..." "I love you too..." Soon, they were all asleep.

In her dream, Kelia was sitting next to Kalil, watching the stars in the nighttime sky. "I love you Kelia..." he whispered and kissed her cheek. "I love you Kalil..." she whispered back, then felt a sharp pain run through her stomach and a wave of nausea overtook her. The next thing she knew, everything went black. Kelia awoke, huffing and puffing. Outside, the sun had just begun to rise. Kalil was gone, but Najan continued t sleep peacefully. He probably went to go get some food, she thought, then suddenly felt dizzy. She lay back down and closed her eyes, trying to get back to sleep. Then Kelia felt a sharp pain in her stomach and supressed a groan. What was that? she thought, suddenly feeling violently ill, Was it something I ate yesterday? Suddenly Kalil came back in, dragging in a deer corpse. "Breakfast!" he announced happily and noticed Kelia had an expression of pain on her face, "Kelia, what's wrong?" "Nothing to worry about Kalil," she said, still feeling like she was going to throw up, "Just a stomach ache. I don't think I can eat though... I'm sorry..." Kalil walked over to her and nuzzled her gently. "It's alright, we'll wait until you feel better to keep moving... Just feel better soon, alright Kelia?" Kelia just nodded, hoping the pain would subside eventually.

By noon, Kelia was feeling much better and had managed to eat something, despite her earlier objections. They managed to cover half their remaining distance to the Sanarin lands before night fell onto the world. However, all the way, Kalil worried about Kelia and wondered what had been ailing her that morning, but put it aside, assuring himself that she was right and it was just something she'd eaten. Once more, they set up dens for the night and Najan was the first asleep. Kelia lay down beside Kalil and licked his nose, smiling up at him. "Sleep well Kalil," she whispered and lay her head down. "You're alright now Kelia?" Kalil asked her before he lay his head down. Kelia sighed and smiled to herself. "Yes Kalil, for the thirtieth time today, I'm fine now. Let's go to sleep so we can reach your home by tomorrow," she answered and fell asleep. Kalil knew she was right, as usual, and fell asleep, but not before hoping that she'd be fine throughout the night.

Kelia woke up the next morning to another wave of sickness and nausea. What's wrong with me? she thought and looked over at Kalil, who was still sound asleep. She tried to just forget about the sickness in her stomach, but was reminded when another wave of nausea hit and a sharp pain shot through her belly. She cried out in pain and winced when she'd realized she had woken Kalil. Kalil, immediately fearing an attack, leapt to his feet and scanned the den for any signs of trouble, but lay back down when he saw no one but them. "Kelia, are you alright?" he asked, more worried about his mate now than ever, "This is the second day in a row you've felt sick. I'm worried about you..." Kelia winced again, this time in pain and nodded at Kalil. "I-I'm fine..." she lied, not wanting to worry him, "I think I just pulled a muscle or something..."Kalil nodded and licked her muzzle. "I'm gonna go get some breakfast. Be right back," he said and walked off to go hunting.

As were the other day's events, Kelia refused to eat anything until around noon, when her sickness mysteriously passed completely. They traveled another 25 miles before finally arriving at their intended destination. As Kalil led them out onto the borderline of the Sanarin territory, two wolves jumped out of bushes and growled at them. "This is Sanarin territory," one said, "Who are you three and what is your purpose here?" Kalil stared at the guards he remembered well. "We are Kalil, Najan, and Kelia. We have come home." The two guards looked at each other, then looked back at Kalil and bowed. "Forgive us, Master Kalil, but Master Tychon told us-" "My brother has lied," Kalil interrupted, anger in his voice, "I intend to set things straight. Now please, take us to my parents..." The guards nodded to him and led them past the border and into home.

Yay! I managed to fit everything in! Hope you liked it! The next two chapters are the part many of my fans have been waiting for: the finale, the final part, the resolution of Traitor! Tomorrow should be when I post the first part of the conclusion to my fanfic, so keep your eyes open for a new update! Until tomorrow, this is Balto5670 bidding you adeiu.

Next chapter time!

Chapter 10: Reunion

Niran sat outside of the family den, which was now quiet all the time since Kalil and Najan had died. Tychon was always either out inspecting their territory or, for some reason, at the cliffside. He must really miss his brothers... Niran thought and sighed sadly, Like we all do... As Niran watched the orange sun begin to set in the west, a few tears fell down his muzzle and to the grass beneath him as memories of Kalil and Najan appeared in his mind. "Why did they have to leave us so soon?" Niran asked no one, his voice only being answered by a slight gust of wind. Niran closed his eyes as more tears ran from his eyes. Lunera, who was just as devastated by Kalil's and Najan's deaths, padded up beside her mate and nuzzled him gently. "I know how you feel..." she said so softly it was almost a whisper, "I loved them just as much. They didn't deserve this..." Tears began to well up in Lunera's eyes as well as she buried her face in Niran's pelt. "It isn't fair..." Niran said between sobs, not opening his eyes, "They had so much to live for! Najan never had his first birthday... Kalil never found a mate... It was all too soon..." Lunera gently licked his muzle and rested her head on his shoulder. "I know... I wish dearly that they were still alive..." "As do I Lunera..." Niran replied and heaved another sigh.

A little less than a mile away, Kalil, Najan, and Kelia followed the guards until they stopped at a clearing. "Wait here please," one of the guards said to them, "Your father, Lord Niran, has demanded that only Master Tychon or his Beta may approach your den." The guards walked off further into the forest and left the three there. "So now what?" Kelia asked, slightly confused. Kalil sighed and watched the sun set behind the western horizon. "Now... we wait," he replied and sat down. Najan began to run around in circles, chasing his own tail as they waited for the Beta to show up. Kalil chuckled as he watched his brother chase himself for a good five minutes before finally exhausting himself and collapsing to the grass. "I don't think anyone's coming Kalil," Kelia said doubtfully and a rustling was heard nearby. A very familiar wolf stepped into the open, stared at Kalil and Najan and froze. "No..." the Beta said and took a few steps back, "That's impossible... You two... you died..." Kalil shook his head. "No, we didn't die," he answered, "But we almost did... Twice... Actually three times..." The Beta just stared at them for a moment, then bowed to them. "My Masters, I'm glad you have returned," he said and stood up, smiling at them, "Your parents will be pleased to see you- My God, your parents! They'll be overjoyed when they see you're not dead! Come, quickly! We must bring the great news as fast as we can!" The Beta headed off, leading a very happy Kalil, Najan, and Kelia toward the Alphas.

Lunera gently licked the tears off of Niran's face and nuzzled him lovingly. "Don't worry... We still have Tychon..." she said, trying to cheer him up, "At least we have him." Niran nodded, but knew that Tychon would never fill the places of Kalil and Najan. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when he heard someone approaching. Niran turned around and saw his Beta standing there. "Yes, what is it?" he asked, wiping the remaining tears from his face, a little irritated by the interruption, "I told you only to disturb me if it was urgent..." "It is urgent my lord!" the Beta said, barely containing the joy in his voice, "Your sons, Kalil and Najan, they're alive and have returned!" From behind him, Kalil, Najan, and Kelia stepped into view, the Beta taking a few steps off to the side. "Hey Dad... Hey Mom..." Kalil said wearily, smiling at his parents, "Betcha didn't expect to see us ever again..." Lunera, not believing her eyes at first, walked up to Kalil and stared at him, then nuzzled him motherly. "Oh my God, Kalil, you're alive!" she said, tears of joy instead of sorrow running down her face, "We were so sure you were dead! Najan, I'm so glad you're alright!" She nuzzled Najan and Niran walked up to Kalil and smiled at him.

Niran looked Kalil over, examining his wounds and sat down in front of him, a warm smile on his face. "You look awful, son," he said and laughed. Kalil laughed back and nuzzled his father happily. "It's great to see you too Dad!" he said and looked at Kelia. Niran noticed Kelia and so did Lunera. "Who's this son?" Lunera asked. Niran smiled, pretty sure he knew the answer. "This is Kelia," Kalil said as she walked forward and sat beside him, bowing her head, "She's from the Crystal Pack, 50 miles south of us. I love her; she's my mate..." Lunera nuzzled her son again, overcome with joy and pride for him. "Congratulations son!" Niran said, proud of his son, "I'm sure you two will be very happy together!" "Wait, you approve and you've just met me?" Kelia asked, surprised by Niran's sudden approval. "I trust my son's judgement," Niran answered and winked at Kalil, "If he's in love with you, then of course I approve. I just want whatever my children want."

"Mom, Dad, there is something I have to deal with first though," Kalil said seriously and Kelia knew what he was talking about, "Where's Tychon? Where's my brother?" Niran and Lunera exchanged curious looks, then stared at Kalil seriously. "You never fell off that cliff, did you Kalil?" Niran asked, fully understanding now. Kalil nodded solemnly and Lunera gasped in horror. "Tychon tried to kill Najan and I... Dad, you know the laws of our pack... As much as it pains you and myself, Tychon must be put to death... I want to be the one to do that..." Niran thought for a moment, then sighed and nodded. "He's at the cliffside... Take care Kalil..." Kalil nuzzled his father, mother, and brother before looking at Kelia, worry in her eyes. "Please be careful Kalil," she said and nuzzled him, "I don't want to lose you..." "You won't lose me..." Kalil answered and kissed her softly before turning towards the forest. "Kalil!" Niran said to him as he prepared to leave, "Be humane about it..." Kalil nodded and dashed off towards the cliffside.

End of Chapter 10. This chapter probably has the largest cliffhanger of all the chapters I've done so far! I hate to (and by hate, I mean love) leave my fans on the dge, suspense taking hold of them, but such is life! Stay tuned for Chapter 11!

Ga-a-a-a-a-a-a-a! *shakes his head violently*
Woah, what a ride! You're quite the storyteller, my friend.
The only complaint I have is that Kalil and Kelia's relationship went from aquaintance to mate in what seemd like a very short amount of time. (Though I may have missed something. I read fast.)
I can't wait for the ending!!

Write on.
-LWf

Yes, I'll admit that. You are the first person to point that out and I have a good explanation for that as well. Back in Chapter 8, they started to fall in love. I intended to make it longer, but I lost the original plotline for their relationship that I had worked on for close to a week (a horrible and completely tragic mistake on my part) and was so stocked up on schoolwork, I decided to skip it out. I have recently aquired it again, my evil little brother had found it and kept it from me for reasons I will not explain here. Anywho, I will post what happens either when I send this fanfic on Balto Source or, if you wish, I can post a little extra *cough* 'deleted scenes' sort of thing at the end if you wish. Technically, Chapter 8 was supposed to be Chapter 9, but I was forced to move it up. Explanation on the table, I will correct that, now that my original plot is safely in my hands. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to kill my little bro for doing this to me. *random battle noises in the background*

Omigosh!!! Give me the finale! I need the finale!

Great Job love.. Its comming out really good... sorry i havent been around to read it more... >.>

Hey do what you want with putting back to growing relationship part. Just keep the romance to a bare minimum of description. (We gotta heed the rules, ya know... )

Write on.
-LWf

Yes, I've seen the new rules and I'm doing my best to keep this story well within those lines. Hopefully, everything is in order, for it seems to be. Anywho, hope you like the rest of the story once I finish it!

*plants herself in front of computer* I'm going to keep a close eye on this topic, I'm starving to read the end!