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Balto: Children of Aniu

Written by: Anthony E. Rotramel (A.K.A. RTW)

Started: 11/28/07
Finished: 02/05/08

Pages: 196 (4” x 6”)

Words: 36, 200













The Characters Aleu, Shadow, Dash, June, Shasta, Kalia, Jack, Melody, Timbre, Ami, Nick, Alyse, Jason, Fairbourne, Dema, Shade, Lytion and the events of this story are (c) 2007 Anthony E. Rotramel. The other characters are (c) 1995, 2000 and 2005 Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.

This Fanfic is rated PG-13 for Blood and gore, violence, mild language and suggestive themes. Readers discretion is advised.


© 2007 Anthony E. Rotramel.
All Rights Reserved.

Kiona (c) Catwhohas14tails

Achak (c) Draco

Note to the readers: I don't know why exactly, but I have hidden four quotes from the three original Star Wars movies in this story. If you think you recognize them PM me with the Character's name that said the line, (both in Star Wars and this story) and what the line was. We'll see how long it takes for someone to find all four... just a friendly competition from RTW. XD



Previously in Balto: Fall of Aniu…

Lytion turned and leapt up on a large table-like rock in the center of the clearing. “It was here, on this very rock that Aniu was slain by our father, and it is here that her blood will be spilt upon the Earth again. Aniu herself has provided us with the way that we shall kill her. Her followers tout her as perfect, as one who can do no wrong, but we know otherwise. Long ago, Aniu forged a bond with this Earth against those that control things’ wishes… many have forgotten about this place, including Aniu herself, but she shall be reminded of it this day. On this day she shall pay for it, she shall pay for all of the things that she has done, not only with her life, but with her very soul!”
A new figure had joined Lytion on the rock and stood beside him. It was a beautiful stark white wolf, the likes of which Aleu had never seen on Earth.
The white wolf’s eyes were closed, her head lowered. Her fur was quickly soaked by the rain and hung matted at her sides.
She raised her head and opened her bright blue eyes. Then she looked at Lytion.
“Behold, the great Aniu!” Lytion yelled. He knelt in front of her in mock homage. “All hail the great Aniu!”
He stood up and looked her in the eyes and laughed.
Aniu sighed. “You have no power over me Lytion.” She said.
“Oh really?” Lytion said. He suddenly growled and hit her, knocking her to the wet rock, a yelp of pain escaped her muzzle, and bright red blood splashed across the rock.
The rain did not wash it away.
“How’s that for power over you?” Lytion said, laughing.
“…no.” Aleu said.
She tried to move forward but Balto pulled her down. “Aleu, stop, are you insane, there’s too many of them.” He said.
“…this can’t happen.” Aleu said. Tears sprang to her eyes and she started sobbing. “…it can’t…”
Aniu opened her eyes and stared right at Aleu. Aleu felt a calming sensation come over her. “…be still my child… the time will come, but not yet. What is happening must happen.” The sweet voice echoed in her mind.
Aleu crouched back down, unwilling to watch anymore… but unable to look away from the beautiful white wolf.
Aniu climbed to her paws and looked at Lytion, blood dripping from her muzzle. “You have no power over me that hasn’t been given to you by the one that created me. I have made an error, and for that I must pay the price… but it is not by your hand.”
Lytion laughed, and the rest of the black wolves started laughing as well.
“Do you all hear this crap?” He said. “I have no power? I’m going to kill you Aniu, right here on this rock. How’s that for power.”
Aniu hung her head, the rain running in rivulets down her soft fur. Then she looked back up at Lytion. “…do what you must do.” She said.
Lytion smiled. “…sure thing.” He said.
Then he snapped out and wrapped his jaws around Aniu’s throat. He stepped back and twisted his head, ripping a chunk of her away as he did so. Aniu cried out in pain.
The great white wolf stood there for a moment, and Lytion spit out the piece of fur covered flesh he had in his jaws, then he looked at her.
Bright red blood jetted from the wound in her neck and covered Aniu’s shoulder, running down her sides until almost her entire left side was covered in it.
She looked at Aleu as her brilliant blue eyes started to fog over and Aleu heard the sweet voice in her head again.
“…forgive me… my child.”
Then Aniu stumbled backward and fell to the rock. She breathed for a few moments longer… then her movement ceased.
Lytion started laughing, his muzzle covered in Aniu’s bright red blood.

Aleu climbed up on the rock and laid down on the wet surface, burying her face in the dead wolf’s soft, blood covered fur.
“Aniu forgive me.” She said through her tears. “Oh God please forgive me. I… I tried Aniu, I tried… but I failed you… you were wrong to put your trust in me. I let you down… I let you die.”
She sobbed into the white wolf’s fur and laid there.

Tiembe knelt down and gently nuzzled Shanaea, careful not to wake her. He wished he could’ve said goodbye in person… but Shanaea would have never understood… instead it was better like this. He stood up and looked at her, more tears springing to his eyes as he realized this would be the last time he ever saw her.
He smiled as he thought of all the times the two had spent together… and then he sighed when the memory of her lying in the hospital came back to him. …but then happy memories flourished through his mind. She’d been everything he needed when he was recovering, supportive, loving, caring… but it wasn’t fair to her to have this burden placed on her shoulders.
“I… I love you Shay...” He said quietly. “I love you so much. I hope you know that. I hope you know that it’s because I love you that I have to do this… that I have to leave you. I… I know it will hurt for a long time… it hurts me too… but it’s what is best for you. I will never stop loving you Shay… and maybe… maybe when I get over this condition I can return to you.”
He knelt down beside her again. “…good-bye Shay.” He said.
Then he kissed her gently on the forehead and walked out of the Wheel house.

As Aleu stumbled along she thought of what Aniu had said to her when she tried to move to save her. The sweet voice echoed through her mind again. “…be still my child… the time will come, but not yet. What is happening must happen.”
Aleu sighed. “…what other time Aniu?” She thought. “When will there be another time?”
…but there was no answer. “…and,” Aleu thought. “…there never will be.”
“We need to cross here Aleu.” Balto said.
Aleu nodded and Shadow stepped out of the alley to her left.
Aleu looked up and saw something approaching. She turned to Shadow. “I’m sorry.” She said. “…I can’t fail you.”
Then she stepped out in the street.
“Aleu no!” Shadow yelled. He leapt forward, but Balto dragged him down.
Aleu was never really aware of what hit her. The car screeched on it’s brakes, but on the icy roads, now slick with rain it wasn’t enough. The bumper of the car hit Aleu in the side of the head and she went down under it, the car bumped over her and swerved to the left, running up on the sidewalk. The driver stopped and looked, then seeing that no one was around he drove on.
Balto and Shadow stood in shock.
Shadow looked at the still form of Aleu laying in the middle of the road and started to walk over to her. Balto just stood there, not even able to process what had just happened.
Shadow made it over to her and fell down beside her. A large pool of blood had spread out beneath her. He buried his face in her fur. “ALEU!” He yelled. “ALEU NO! NOooo! ” He started sobbing and clung to her. “Aleu no… why!” he yelled. “Whyyyy….”
Balto’s mind finally caught up to him and tears sprung to his eyes as he walked dumbstruck out to where Shadow lay.
As he neared her he couldn’t even look at her. The pressure from the car had burst her belly, and it was not a pretty sight.
Though grief consumed Balto he retained enough sense to know that having a wolf laying in the middle of the road, even on the edges of town wasn’t a good idea.
He ran over to Shadow.
Shadow picked his head up and looked at her face. “Aleu… Aleu speak to me.” He said. “…please Aleu…”
Balto made it over to him then. He tried to pull Shadow up, but it was hard. Finally he got Shadow to stand up.
Already Balto could hear people opening the doors to their homes, stepping out to see what the noise had been.
“Balto, come on, we’ve got to get her to a hospital.” Shadow said, his face streaked with tears.
“Shadow, she’s dead,” Balto said. “…she’s dead Shadow, come on, we’ve got to get out of here.”
Shadow looked down at her again. “N-n-no-o… she… she can’t be dead… she can’t be…”
“She is Shadow, now come on, we’ve got to get you out of here before someone notices you.”
“N-n-no-o I I can’t… I can’t leave her like this… Balto… I can’t…”
Tears covered Balto’s face, but he tried to push the emotions down inside himself, tried to keep himself from falling apart. “Shadow, you have to.” Balto said. “You have a family to take care of… you’re the only one they’ve got now.”
Shadow shook his head and cried. “N-no-ooo I… I can’t… I can’t… She… she’s… she’s dead…. Oh God Aleu’s dead… Nooooo….”
Balto hated to be rough with the poor guy, but people were starting to come out of their homes and walk toward the mess on the street.
“Shadow come on!” He said. Balto pushed him and Shadow fell to the road. He laid there and stared up at Balto.
“We’ve got to get out of here Shadow!” Balto said.
Shadow nodded, unable to speak and got to his feet. Balto threw up on the road, unable to hold it in any longer.
“…now… now come on Shadow…” Balto said. His emotions started to get the best of him then and Balto felt like laying down beside her himself, but he knew he couldn’t. He was crying so hard now that it was hard to talk. “…come on Shadow, let’s… let’s get out of here… follow… follow me.”
Balto took off running for the woods at the edge of town and Shadow followed running hard trying to outrun the fact that his mate, his partner in life was gone… Shadow lost himself in the run.




























Chapter 1:

Aleu opened her eyes to find herself lying on a shimmering golden floor. She groaned, more out of disorientation than pain, and stood up.
Aleu found herself in a room unlike any other she had ever seen. The walls of the small room, like the floor beneath her paws, was coated with smooth gold. Elaborate engravings covered the walls, scenes of angels and demons, the never ending struggle of good versus evil. Interlaced amongst these engravings were every type of gem and precious stone that Aleu knew a name for, and many that she didn’t. The walls rose up for what seemed like forever , but as Aleu’s eyes grew accustomed to the dim light in the room she realized that high above her the walls terminated and a pure white dome rose over her, it’s edges trimmed by thousands of pearls and diamonds.
“Where am I?” Aleu thought.
Just then the room was flooded in bright light, which made her wince and take a step back with its intensity.
As her vision returned Aleu could see a large lectern that rose above her, it’s surface coated in the same smooth gold and engravings as the walls. At the top of the tall lectern a luminous being sat, a large book in front of him.
When Aleu’s gaze fell upon the being she immediately knelt to the ground and cast her gaze to the bright golden floor.
“Rise Aleu of the Talbourne.” The being said. His voice boomed through the room, commanding instant obedience.
Aleu stood up. She looked up at the being and felt a wave of fear was through her, but it was accompanied by a strong sense of affection that she didn’t expect and couldn’t explain. She stepped forward. “Excuse me, but… how do you know my name..and who are you Lord?” Aleu asked. She paused. “…why did I just call him that?” She asked herself. She couldn’t recall making a conscious decision to do so, but she’d said it nonetheless.
“I am The Great I Am.” The being said. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I am he who was, is, and always will be. I am the Lord your God. The one that created you Aleu.”
Aleu’s mouth went dry and she stepped back.
The being flipped through the large book on the lectern and, finding the appropriate page, he stopped. “Now, Aleu of the Talbourne, you were born to Balto and Jenna of Nome, Alaska. Whereas your siblings embraced the dog in them, because of the influence of my servant Aniu, you embraced your wolven blood and rescued the Talbourne Clan from their prison on the island of Illeana. This is as it was meant to be. When their Alpha Alai was killed you took over as Alpha of the Talbourne and since then you have led them with diligence and perseverance. You never hesitated to give your clan everything that you possibly could, even when faced with extreme danger and cost. You have faced many trials in your life and you always came out on top. This too is as it was meant to be.”
The being paused. “Just recently you were faced with an impossible task. I say impossible because it was in my will that Aniu should fall. Though unfortunate, she has disobeyed me, and for that she, like all my creations, must pay the price. I know it was hard to see one you revered so highly treated in such a way, indeed, the feelings of failure you felt were the hardest thing you’ve ever faced…”
Aleu sighed and nodded, but remained silent.
“…which brings me to the last few hours of your life.” The being continued. “While in Nome you were struck by a car, which resulted in your death. Tell me Aleu, did you see it coming?”
Aleu sighed. “…yes Lord… I did.” She said softly.
“Then why did you step out into the street?” The being asked.
Aleu sighed again. “The feelings of failure consumed me Lord.” She said. “I felt that I couldn’t go on having failed so badly… because of me everyone I love… everything will be destroyed. Without Aniu to reign him in, Shade will destroy everything. I failed everyone. Shade will even destroy those that Aniu has brought to you…” She paused. “I guess in that respect I failed you as well Lord.”
“You have failed me Aleu.” The being said. “…though not in the way you described. Have you no faith in me Aleu? After all I have done for you, protected you, guided you throughout your life, have you so little faith as to believe that I would not protect my creation from Shade until another could take Aniu’s place?”
Aleu hung her head, ashamed, and no words came to her. She looked up and tears sprang to her eyes as she saw the hurt expression on the being’s face.
“Aleu of the Talbourne, you have failed me.” The being said. “…not by allowing my creation to be destroyed, but by destroying it yourself. You took your own life which I so freely gave you. This was not yours to take and I cannot allow one who takes my ultimate gift so lightly in my presence any longer.”
The being paused. “…why Aleu?” He asked. “Why did you forsake me? Did I not guide you and keep you safe? Did I not always give you food to eat and a place to lay your head? Did I not bring all those who opposed you to their very knees at your paws? Do you not know that I would never give you a burden that you could not bear? Indeed, I would have carried you had you only asked it of me. Instead you chose to deal with things on your own, and because of that you leave me little choice…”
A shimmering red portal opened in the floor in front of Aleu.
“…step forward and receive your punishment for the sins you have committed.” The being said.
Aleu looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “I’m… I’m sorry Lord.” She said. “…please forgive me.”
The being glared at her. “Who are you that ask for my forgiveness?” He asked, his voice shaking the very walls of the chamber around her. “Depart from me, for I do not know you.”
Aleu sighed, took a deep breath, stepped forward, and vanished.






Chapter 2:

Balto walked a little behind Shadow as they made their way through the forest. Shadow looked as if only the will to live was forcing him to take the next step and Balto feared that even that was fading fast. Balto still couldn’t believe what had happened was real. Aleu was his first born. As a wolf, and Alpha no less, she was in constant danger, but Balto had never considered the fact that she could die… that he’d never see his baby again. For a moment Balto’s thoughts turned to what had happened after the horrible accident. Later, after all the people had left, Balto and Shadow had returned to at least drag her out of the street.. but more of her stayed on the road than came with them.
Balto pushed these graphic images from his mind. “Right now I’ve got to get Shadow back to the Talbourne. They’ll be time to deal with that later.”
He sighed and a tear came to his eye. “I can’t believe she’s gone.” He thought.
The two of them stopped as they entered the clearing in front of the Talbourne Cave. Dash was standing guard outside the main entrance and he ran out when he saw them approaching.
He stopped in front of them, a smile on his face. “Thank goodness you’re back.” He said. “The clan is really wanting Aleu back as Alpha. I think they’ll pressure her into it if she resists.”
Tears came to Shadow’s eyes at the mention of his mate’s name.
Dash’s smile faded. “What’s wrong Shadow?” He asked. Dash then noticed for the first time that there were only two of them. “…and where’s Aleu?” He added.
Shadow sighed. “Dash… while… while we were in Nome…” Shadow paused and his next words were choked by tears. “…Aleu was hit by a car.”
Dash gasped. “Oh no…” He said. “…well is she going to be okay?”
Tears came to Shadow’s eyes then and he tried to hold them back… but he failed, and started sobbing. He hung his head and shook it slowly. Then he looked back up at his friend, regaining his composure for a moment. “Aleu… she’s… she’s dead Dash.”
“…what?” Dash asked, unable to believe what he’d just heard.
“She’s… the car… it killed her Dash.” Shadow said again, dissolving into tears.
“Well… are you sure?” Dash asked.
Balto realized how hard talking about this was for Shadow and stepped forward, tears in his own eyes. Shadow began to sob so hard it was all he could do to remain standing. “We’re sure son.” Balto said slowly, unable to come up with the words to convey this horrible news.
“That can’t be true…” Dash said, tears coming to his eyes. “I… I just saw her not two days ago… she wasn’t doing too well… but… but she was alive…”
Balto shook his head slowly. “I know it’s hard to believe son.” He said. “I’m not sure I believe it myself yet.. but.. but it’s true Dash.”
Dash looked at Shadow, but the words to console his obviously distraught friend failed him. “God… I’m… I’m sorry Shadow.” He said.
Shadow just nodded, unable to speak.
“Do.. do you want me to make an announcement to the clan?” Dash asked.
Shadow swallowed hard and nodded. “Yeah, but… but do it later tonight… we’ll have a memorial for her… I… I don’t know if I will be able to go or not… you may have to lead it.”
Dash nodded. “Whatever you want Shadow.”
Shadow sighed. “…right now I’m going to go see my family… they’re… they’re all I’ve got left.”
Dash nodded. “Alright Shadow.” Dash said. “I’ll stay in command till then. Shall I tell the team that you’re back?”
Shadow shook his head again. “I’m… I’m in no condition to lead them right now… and I doubt I ever will be again. You… you take command Dash. The security teams are yours. I’ll… I’ll promote Ami to Lieutenant and she can take your place as Second Unit’s Lieutenant… I’m.. I’m through with all that.” Shadow said.
Dash nodded, still stunned by the awful news he’d just received. “Alright Shadow, but it’s yours again if you want it. All you have to do is ask.”
Shadow nodded. “Thanks Dash.” He said. “I’ll be up in my chambers.”
Dash nodded and Shadow walked away.
It was silent for a moment, then Balto spoke. “Dash… there’s something Shadow didn’t tell you.”
Dash turned back to him. “What’s that dad?”
Balto sighed. “Well… I’m not certain of this, and the clan doesn’t need to know, but… well we think Aleu saw the car.”
“Oh no…” Dash said. “…so... so you think she…” Dash fell silent, unable to speak the words.
Balto sighed and nodded.
“…but why would she do that?” Dash asked.
Balto shook his head. “I don’t know Dash.” He said. “She… she was real upset about… about Aniu…”
“Well yeah.” Dash said. “…but I never thought…”
Balto nodded. “I know, neither did I.”
It was silent for a long while before Dash spoke. “Well Dad, you look really tired… you can crash in my chambers if you like.”
Balto shook his head. “Thanks Dash… but I’ve got to go tell Melody first.”
Dash nodded. “I… I can’t believe it.” He said.
Balto nodded. “I know…”
After that it was silent again. Neither dog knew what to say. Finally Balto sighed and broke the silence. “Well Dash, I’m going to go see Melody… I’ll see you a little later.”
Dash nodded. “Dad… would… would you like to say something tonight… I know… I know she’d like it.”
Balto nodded. “…sure.” He said. Then he started walking toward the main entrance.
“I should tell June.” Dash thought.
He walked back to the main entrance. “…hey Rauel.” Dash called.
A black and a silver wolf walked up to him. “Yes sir?” he asked.
Dash sighed. “can you watch my post for a minute… I’ve got to go talk to June.”
Rauel nodded. “…sure thing Sir.” He said. “Sir… is everything alright Sir?”
Dash shook his head. “No Rauel… no it’s not… you’ll.. you’ll find out about it tonight though.”
Rauel nodded.
“..thanks Rauel.” Dash said. “I’ll be right back.”
Rauel smiled. “It’s fine sir, take as long as you need.”
Dash nodded and started walking inside the cave.

It didn’t take Dash long to reach his chambers and he stepped inside. June wasn’t in the small entry chamber. Dash guessed she was probably in the bedding chamber, either tending to the kids or asleep.
Suddenly, the weight of the news he carried hit him and his legs faltered beneath him. Dash slid down the cave wall and lay on the floor. His grief finally overwhelming him as the horrible news hit him like a freight train. His eyes quickly filled with tears and his throat closed tight, making it hard for Dash to breathe. He looked up at the ceiling of the cave. “…why Aleu?” He asked quietly. His words were choked and barely audible. “…why…”
June walked around the corner then, a smile on her face. Her smile vanished in an instant when she saw her mate lying on the floor. She ran over to him. “…Dash?!” She asked. “Dash, are you alright?!”
Dash didn’t trust himself to speak so he just shook his head.
June laid down beside him and pulled him close. “What is it Dash?” She asked. “…are you hurt?”
Dash shook his head. “No, I’m… I’m fine June.” He said. He pulled her closer and laid his head on her shoulder.
“…then what is it Dash?” June asked. “What’s wrong? …you’re starting to scare me.”
Dash picked his head up and looked at her, his face wet with tears. “It’s… it’s Aleu.” Dash said.
“What about Aleu?” June asked.
Dash sighed. “She’s… she’s dead June.”
June gasped. “Oh no! …when? …how?”
Dash sighed again. “Dad and Shadow were with her in Nome yesterday... she was hit by a car.”
June laid her head on his shoulder and pulled him closer, tears in her own eyes now. Aleu had been her close friend… one of the few she had. She nuzzled Dash and squeezed him tightly. She wanted to comfort her distressed mate, but she didn’t know what she could say… maybe it was better that she said nothing, as just her physical closeness to him opened Dash up a bit and he could begin to breathe again.
He hugged her tightly. “…but there’s more.” He said.
June picked up her head and looked at him. “…more?” She asked. Her voice quivered a bit and Dash saw a stream of tears run off her muzzle to splash on his shoulder.
Dash nodded. “Shadow resigned his commission.”
“…what?” June asked.
Dash nodded. “He’s… he’s taking this really hard.” Dash said.
“I imagine he is…” June said.
“…he said that he was in no shape to lead the teams.” Dash continued.
“…but who will replace him?” June asked.
Dash sighed. “I… I guess I am…”
“What about your unit?” June asked.
“Shadow is going to make Ami a Lieutentant and give it to her.” He said. “…she deserves it, and she’ll do a great job…but… but I’m afraid.”
“…afraid of what?” June asked.
Dash sighed. “Well… with Saba and… and Aleu gone, that leaves me as temporary Alpha.”
June nodded. “It does… but you’re a great leader Dash.” She said. “Why would you be afraid?”
“It’s not commanding the teams that’s got me scared.” Dash said. “I’m comfortable leading my unit, and the teams, though on a grander scale, is more or less the same, but… but all I know is war. I know nothing of the needs of the pack, of politics…. I’ve been a member of the clan behind the scenes, doing what needed to be done to keep the clan safe… I’m just a soldier, I follow orders, not make them… now I have to step into the scene. I’ve got to call the shots that decide who lives and who dies. I’m just afraid I’m going to fail them…”
June smiled. “Dash, I’m surprised at you.” She said. “During that little spiel right there you said “I” like eight or nine times… you should have said we, us. I’ll be right there with you, always. We face everything together Dash, because no one can stand against we two. We’ve had our share of hard times. When… when I lost Dalchiei… I though the world would stop spinning… and I know you had a hard time with… with Shasta...”
Dash nodded slowly.
“…but we made it through Dash, together.” She continued. “We did it because we were together… and that’s how we’ll survive this too, together. I’ll always be by your side Dash.” She said. June pulled him closer and nuzzled him softly. “…always.”
Dash smiled and nuzzled her back. “…you’re right of course.” He said. “…but then aren’t you always?”
She smiled back. “…most of the time.” She said.
Dash sighed. “Thank you June.” He said. “I… I really needed that.”
June smiled at him and put her paw on the side of his face. “It’s my job.” She said.
Dash smiled. “Oh it’s far more than that June.” He said. He was going to say more, but he yawned instead.
“You should get some rest Dash.” June said. “You’ve been going non-stop since the Shadow Clan left.” She stood and smiled. “Come on, let me show you some of my other jobs.”
She winked at him and he chuckled. “…believe me, I’d like to June, but…” He sighed. “…I’m on post for a while longer, so I’ll have to take a rain check on that… but I’ll be back… and the kids are out today right?”
June smiled and nodded.
Dash smiled. “Alright, it’s a date.” He leaned over and kissed her on the nose.
June backed up a bit and wiped at her nose with her paw. “Dash, you know how I hate it when you do that…” She said, smiling.
Dash smiled back at her. “I know…” He said. “…but the face you make is just priceless.”
June laughed.
Dash sighed. “Well, guess I should get back down there… Rauel is covering my post and he goes on for the next six hours.”
June sighed. “…always busy huh?”
Dash nodded. “…you know how it is June.” He said. “…and it’s not going to get any better if I take over as Alpha.”
June smiled. “…guess I’ve got to learn to share you with the rest of the world.”
Dash smiled. “…guess so.” He said. “…but yeah, I’ve got to get going. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”
June nodded. “I’ll be waiting.” She said.
Dash smiled at her. “I’m counting on it.” He said. He turned and started to walk out of the chamber, then he stopped and turned. “Oh, I told dad he could crash here… if he wanted… he’s not taking this too well either.”
June nodded. “Well I’ll take care of him don’t worry.”
Dash winked at her. “Let him lay down in the kids’ chambers since they aren’t here… that way we’ll be alone in ours. …be a little awkward with my dad looking over our shoulders wouldn’t it?”
June laughed looked away, embarrassed by Dash’s comment. . “….yeah, yeah it would Dash.”
Dash grinned. “I love you June, see you in a bit.”
“…love you too Dash… bye.” She said.
Dash turned and walked out of the chamber.

Balto stood outside Melody’s chambers. He didn’t know if he could relay this news again. Balto had tried to remain strong for Shadow’s sake, and his family’s, but Aleu’s death had hit him just as hard as everyone else, if not harder.
Balto had let the wolf in him surface and that had kept him from falling apart… but the wolf was losing the battle and Balto’s mind was beginning to twist and bend under the pressure.
Finally he sighed and walked inside…
…but no one was there.
Balto stopped and looked around for a moment. His ears tilted forward, instantly becoming ultra-sensitive to the slightest sound that might indicate an assailants’ presence.
….right now nothing would really surprise him.
“…Melody?” He asked quietly. His head moved side to side slowly as he surveyed the chamber. He took a step forward and called a little louder this time. “…Melody?”
Her reply was muffled by the rock wall that separated them. “Hang on just a second.”
Relief flooded through Balto as he heard her voice. He didn’t think he could take losing anyone else.
Balto shook his head, ridding himself of that horrible thought and sighed and his mind quickly shifted gears to the task at hand. “…just tell her what you told Dash.” He thought. “Give her the facts, but keep it vague. You can tell her more after you deal with it yourself.”
Balto heard Melody approaching and the words started forming in his mind.
Then she stepped out into the chamber and smiled at him. The words caught in his throat and then evaporated, leaving him speechless.
Balto’s gaze took on a surreal look and when he spoke his voice was so quiet that Melody could barely hear it; his tone flat and unemotional. “I’d forgotten how much you look like her.
Melody took a step forward and smiled. She asked him something, but Balto couldn’t make out the words as time slowed to a crawl. He could feel her blue eyes sucking him in; only he saw not the vibrant, happy eyes before him, but those wide with pain… clouded by death.
He saw himself and Shadow standing alongside the road. The memory was in a harsh black and white, except for the blood…. all the bright red spattered across the gory asphalt was glistening in the white moonlight. That and those blue eyes, eyes which had been so full of life and hope… now vacant and dead. The steadily falling snow added a certain surrealness to the horrifying scene. Balto looked at Shadow and saw his face blank, utterly emotionless.
He was still in shock.
Balto tried to shove what they were here to do out of his mind, but it wasn’t an easy task. Finally Balto turned to Shadow. “…help me.” He said dryly.
Shadow just nodded, the same unemotional stare on his face. Shadow hadn’t said a word since the accident this morning.
Balto and Shadow knelt down and each took one of her paws in their jaws. Balto looked and Shadow and nodded, then the two began to pull back, attempting to drag what was left of Aleu off the road. …but it was no use, Aleu didn’t budge. Finally Balto heard a sharp pop and a sickening wet tearing sound and Shadow stumbled backward. Balto looked down to see that Aleu’s foreleg was missing. Her freshly torn flank glistened in the pale moonlight and again Balto saw the bright red splash of blood contrasted by the eerie black and white scene
Balto turned to see Shadow staring at something on the ground and a look of complete horror and disbelief took over his features.
Shadow’s face was splattered with blood. Balto looked down and saw Aleu’s leg and most of her shoulder and flank laying in the pink mush that had recently been snow.
Shadow stood up, turned and bolted, heading back to the woods as fast as he could.
Balto stood up and started shaking. He closed his eyes and put his front paws on top of each other, willing them to stop shaking. After a few moments the shaking subsided a bit and he looked at the mangled, mashed up mess that had once been his daughter. Balto noticed something that he hadn’t before…
…she was smiling.
Balto was suddenly overcome with sickness and a harsh ringing started in his ears. He stumbled back a few steps and then to the side. He closed his eyes to try to get rid of it, but it persisted and Balto shook his head. Finally he was unable to stand it anymore and he threw op on the snow. Then he looked back up at those dull, lifeless eyes. “I’m sorry Aleu…” he said quietly. “…I don’t want to leave you like this but…”
Balto turned and ran, trying as hard as he could to catch up to Shadow. All he could see were those eyes…

All of this flashed before Balto’s eyes in scarcely a second; less than the time it took Melody to step forward. Balto started shaking and he stumbled forward. His legs finally gave out on him and he crashed to the floor.
Melody gasped and ran to her father’s side “…Dad!” She cried. “Dad, are you alright?!”
Balto said nothing, just lay there and shook, his eyes closed tightly as the event ran through his mind again and again. …those eyes…
“Hang on Dad!” Melody said, leaping to her paws. “I’m going to get Dash!”
As Melody turned to run from the chamber a chill ran down her spine. “He’s not too young anymore.” She thought. “What if he’s having a heart-attack or something?” She didn’t need to talk to Dash to know they were a good ways from a vet.
As Melody took the first few steps outside the chamber her father’s voice, choked by tears, stopped her. “Melody… come here.” He said.
Melody stopped and turned to see her father’s eyes open. Balto set up and Melody walked towards him. “What’s going on Dad?” She asked. Melody sat down in front of him. “You scared me half to death.” She said. “”I thought you were having a heart-attack or something. Heck, you almost gave me a heart-attack.”
Balto sighed. “…sorry Melody. I… I don’t know what came over me.” He lied.
Melody sighed. “Well we definitely need to talk.” She said. “…what’s up?”
Balto sighed and wiped the tears from his face with his paw. “Melody, you sister… Aleu is gone.”
“What?” Melody asked. “Where’d she go?”
Balto sighed. “When she, Shadow and I were in Nome…” Balto stopped and hung his head.
“What is it Dad?” Melody asked. “What happened, where is she?”
Balto closed his eyes and sighed. When he replied his voice cracked. “…she… she was hit by a car.”
Melody took a sharp breath. Though she knew by her father’s emotional state that the question wasn’t necessary. She asked it anyway. “Is… is she okay?”
Balto shook his head, closing his eyes even tighter as if that would help to disspell the gory images still flashing in front of them. “The… the car pulled her underneath it.” He said. Balto sighed and looked up at his daughter. She could see tears squeezing between the lids of his tightly shut eyes. Then he opened them. “She’s… she’s dead Melody.”
Melody shut her eyes and looked at the floor of the chamber. Balto stood and walked closer to her. She looked up at him, tears covering her face. “Oh Dad!” She said through her tears.
She leaned forward and rested her head on Balto’s shoulder. Balto sat down and let her cry on his shoulder for a moment. “It’s okay Melody.” Balto said. He put his paw on her shoulder and rested his head against her neck squeezing her gently as he started to tear up again and his voice cracked. “It’s okay…” Balto fell silent then, unable to say anymore and father and daughter sat there, mourning their fallen family member.
After a few minutes Melody picked up her head, pulled back from her father a bit, and looked at him. Melody wiped the tears from her eyes and sighe. “I… I can’t belive she’s gone…”
Balto nodded. “I know…” he said. “I’m not sure I believe it myself just yet.” He sighed. “..but… but Melody, there’s something else you should know.”
Melody sighed. “…what’s that dad?”
Balto put his paw on Melody’s shoulder. “I think Aleu… well, I can’t know for sure, but I think she saw the car.”
Melody looked up sharply. “What?” She asked. There was an unexpected edge in her tone. “What did you say?”
Balto sighed. “I think… I think she saw the car.”
Melody shrugged her father’s paw off her shoulder and stood up. She stared at her father for a moment and walked toward the wall.
Balto sighed. “…and…and Shadow gave up his position.”
“Who is going to replace him?” Melody asked softly. She stared at the cave wall.
“…Dash is.” Balto said.
Melody whirled around. “…what?”
Balto sighed again. “Shadow told Dash to take his place as leader of the teams, as well as temporary Alpha.”
“Well that’s just great!” Melody snapped. She turned away from her father and stamped her paw in anger. “…***** you Aleu.” She said. Tears sprang to her eyes and she shut them tightly. “…***** you.” She said quietly.
Balto looked confused. “…did I miss something?” He asked. “Melody, are you alright?”
Melody whirled around to face her father. “No Dad!” She yelled. “No I am not alright!”
Balto stepped forward. “Well… what’s wrong?” He asked.
Melody scoffed at her father.
"What's wrong?!" She screamed. "What's wrong?! I'll tell you what's wrong! Timbre was supposed to retire tomorrow!"
Balto still looked confused. "...I guess... I guess I'm not understanding... what does that have to do with anything?"
Melody glared at her father. "It has everything to do with everything!" She screamed. "I know things are still all cushy-cushy in good old Nome, but out here we have the real world to deal with!" She yelled. "In case you haven't noticed the Shadow Clan has declared war on everything Aniu stood for, and that means us, our clan! The fall of Aniu has left us without the support that's kept us alive so long, and our Alpha is freaking dead! War is imminent with the Shadow Clan and a lot of us are going to die if we even survive at all and my mate, the light of my life, is going to be leading the freaking charge! He was supposed to retire tomorrow and be out of danger... we have kids and lives of our own to think of now! Timbre leading the Third Unit was great, fine, until that happened! Then all I cared about was that my mate was protecting our way of life and I was so proud of him! ...but now I don't care about that anymore, ***** the Talbourne to the depths of hell, all I care about is Timbre, about our family! ...and now, thanks to my stupid freaking sister going off and doing something so freaking stupid as killing herself, my brother is taking her mate's spot because he's too torn up over her stupidity to do anything, and that means that Ami is going to take his place, which means that there are no wolves eligible for promotion to Lieutenant left! That means that Timbre will be out in the middle of the battle when he should be here safe with me and our kids! Don't you freaking see?! I mean, do you know what it's like to have your mate go out there, knowing that he's facing death at every turn and staying back here?! Do you know what it feels like to be among all the other females standing in the entrance to the cave just wondering if he's coming back?!"
Balto's face took on a surprised expression and he stumbled back a few steps. He started to speak, but the words failed him and he remained silent.
Melody sighed and hung her head as tears sprung to her eyes again. "Dad..." ...but there was nothing she could say and she stopped.
Balto just stared at her. He'd never seen his daughter get this upset before. Melody was usually so mild tempered. "I... I thought that issue had been handled." He said.
Melody sighed. "It was... well... I was okay with it, but..." She sighed again. "About a month ago Timbre brought it up again. He volunteered... apparently that's the way he feels now too... I don't know... I guess I'd gotten used to the idea. I mean... I don't know..." She sighed again and looked down for a moment, then back up at her father. "I'm sorry I yelled at you. It's... it's not your fault, you couldn't have done anything to change it... I was out of line."
Balto nodded. "Well, it's alright Melody." He said. "If you feel something that strongly then you should get it out. It's not good to hold things like that in."
"I know..." Melody said. "...but still..."
It was quiet for a moment before Balto spoke again. "I know that Timbre's job is dangerous, but... but it's also very important. He keeps all the wolves in this cave safe. He is one of the leaders of the finest fighting force in the wolf world. You should be very proud of him, of the sacrifices he makes."
Melody sighed deeply. "Dad, every time they go out we meet them on their return, and every time I go running to him, but there's always those that don't find their mates among those that are left, every time I see females that have lost the only ones they cared about, every time I see them and I feel sorry for them... but inside I'm just thinking about how glad I am that it's not Timbre, that he's okay... but you can only cheat death so many times Dad... if he keeps going out there... one of these times he's going to lose the gamble. One of these times it's going to be me standing there in tears. One of these times he's not going to come back..."
Balto walked over to his daughter and put his paw on her shoulder. "Melody, I know it's hard. ...and I'm sorry things didn't work out the way you planned... but you shouldn't blame your sister for this. There's no way she did this to hurt you."
"...but she did." Melody said. "...she hurt all of us."
Balto sighed. "I know sweetie, and... and I'm not sure why she did it, but..." Balto sighed. "Time to get this out of your system buddy." He thought. "....but once she grew up Aleu was never selfish. She always put others ahead of herself."
"How could she be thinking of others with this?" Melody said. "...suicide is the most selfish action anyone could ever take. It hurts everyone around you."
Balto sighed. "Melody... Shadow and I... we went back before we came here."
Now it was Melody's turn to look confused. "...went back where?"
Balto sighed again. "To... to the road just outside town... where... where she was hit. We..." Balto stopped as tears came to his eyes again. "...we tried to drag her off the road... but... well, more of her stayed there than came with us." He fell silent.
"...oh God..." Melody said. "...Dad... I'm... I'm sorry."
Balto swallowed hard and sighed. "Yeah... well... yeah... but... but that's not the important thing, the important thing is... well, she was smiling."
Melody still looked confused. "...smiling?" She asked. "Why... why would she be smiling?"
Balto sighed. "Melody, your sister had a great understanding of the world beyond our own, of the spiritual world. I think... well her last words to Shadow were "I'm sorry, I can't fail you"... I think... well, Lytion said that Aniu using the origin and being killed would send her to hell."
"The fall of Aniu, of course." Melody said. "That's why we're so weak now... why Shade actually stands a chance at winning."
Balto nodded. "...and that's why Aleu... why she killed herself." He said. "At first... at first I thought that she was just depressed... but... but that doesn't make any sense. Aleu wouldn't kill herself."
"...but she did Dad." Melody said.
Balto sighed. “I refuse to believe that Aleu would kill herself without a good reason.”
“Oh, and what would be a good reason?” Melody asked.
“I don’t know.” Balto said. “…I don’t know… but there has to be one. Aleu always, always had a plan… she wasn’t one to give up like that.”
Melody shook her head. “I’m sorry Dad,” She said. “…but I think you’re letting your grief override your sense of reason. You’re searching for a way to justify an action that cannot be justified.”
Balto sighed. “…I hope you’re wrong Melody.”
Melody sighed. “Dad… if she killed herself… it was for herself, no one else. You saw how she was… she was despondent, distanced… she killed herself because she couldn’t deal with her guilt… what could she possibly accomplish by doing something like that?”
Balto sighed. “I don’t know… yet… but I know there has to be a reason… Aleu wouldn’t abandon all of you.”
Melody sighed. “Dad, a week ago I’d’ve agreed with you, but… that’s exactly what she did…” She sighed. “Dad. You... you look really tired, you should try to get some rest."
Balto could see that his chance to convince his daughter had evaporated for the time being, and that to push it on her further would only be counter-productive and hurt his daughter. He nodded. "Yeah, I could definitely use it… "
"...do you need a place to sleep?" Melody asked.
Balto shook his head. "...no, Dash already invited me to stay in his chamber."
Melody smiled. "Well... Timbre's gone for a while... out training the younger ones... with him gone I'd... I'd really like it if you could stay with me. It’s awful lonely around here without he and the kids."
Balto smiled. "Alright Melody... let me go tell Dash and June so they don't go looking for me or anything, then I'll be back."
Melody smiled. "…alright Dad."
Balto started to tear up again and he smiled. "It's... it's going to be alright Melody." He said.
She sighed. "I hope so Dad…"
With that, Balto turned and walked from the chamber.
Melody looked up at the ceiling of the chamber. “..what have you done Aleu?”














Chapter 4:

As Dash walked into his chambers, he noticed that his father was absent. “That’s odd…” He thought. “I’d’ve thought that he’d be back from Melody’s by now.”
Dash walked further into his chambers and ducked through a low passage near the end, following the short tunnel until emerged into a small but normal sized chamber. June slept against the far wall.
Dash smiled and walked over to her. He knelt down beside her and looked at her for a moment and a smile spread across his face. “…you’re… beautiful.” He said quietly.
Though Dash still loved his former mate Shasta, he was very much in love with June. At first it had been very hard for him to move on, and he’d thought that he’d never be able to love anyone again after Shasta’s murder. …but in time he’d come to realize that it wasn’t possible to be with Shasta anymore and his children needed a mother… but more important than that… Dash found he needed a mate. An intimate relationship with someone he loved and he found that in June. Now, June was his life; his family was his life. Dash loved the Talbourne, but if the truth were to be known he would do anything for his family… even if it meant leaving the Clan he loved.
Dash raised his paw and laid it on the side of her face, rubbing it gently. He leaned in closer to her, nuzzled her softly and then kissed her on the cheek.
June’s eyes fluttered open and she smiled. “…hey you.” She said.
Dash smiled back at her. “…hey.”
She yawned and put her paw against his. “…so you’re off post now?”
Dash nodded. “Yeah… yeah, I’m yours till the meeting tonight.”
June smiled and wrapped her other leg around his shoulder, pulling him closer to her. “Mmm, I like the sound of that.”
Dash smiled and kissed her. “I love you June.”
She smiled back squeezed him tight. “I love you too Dash…”

A few hours later June opened her eyes. She was still laying against the wall. She closed her eyes and rolled over next to Dash… but he wasn’t there. June opened her eyes again and saw him standing on the other side of the chamber.
She stood up and yawned, then padded slowly over to him. She stopped at his side and sat down. “Whatcha doin’ over here?” She asked.
Dash sighed. “…just thinking… thinking about tonight.”
June nodded, but she really didn’t know what to say, so she just remained silent.
Dash sighed again. “I mean… Aleu was the most beloved Alpha in the Talbourne’s history… what do you say to something like that?”
June sighed and laid her head on his shoulder. “I don’t really know that there’s anything anyone could say to make things right… but I’m sure you’ll think of something appropriate.”
Dash smiled. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right…”
June smiled back at him and rolled her head up to look at him. “Can you think while you lay next to me?” She asked. “I really like having you close. We haven’t had that much time to ourselves lately.”
Dash nodded. “Yeah I’m sorry about that June. I really should make the time for you… but I’m afraid that if I laid down beside you I wouldn’t get much thinking done.”
June smiled coyly. “Well that doesn’t sound too bad either.” She said.
Dash smiled. “…June, I have to admit it doesn’t to me either, but… well there’s only an hour, at most two before the meeting… that’s when I told Rauel to have everyone gather in the Main Chamber.”
June blinked her eyes slowly and smiled, rubbing him lightly with her shoulder. “…aww, come on, please?”
Dash sighed. “June I really need to go get ready and…”
June rubbed up his shoulder with hers and licked his cheek, then looked up him and opened her eyes wider.
Dash sighed again. “…oh come on June please don’t do…”
June’s lip started quivering. She opened her eyes even wider and turned her head to the side a little.
“…oh… alright.” Dash said.
He smiled and kissed her. “You know I can’t turn you down when you do that.”
She smiled and nuzzled him. “I know… why do you think I do it?”
Dash grinned. “My, my you are such a manipulative little thing.”
June laughed and kissed him. “…when it comes to spending time with you, of course.”
Dash placed his left foreleg in between June’s and bumped her shoulder. She squealed and fell to the left as he had planned, but Dash’s legs got tangled up in the mix and he fell with her. Dash managed to get his paws back underneath him before he landed on her, and he stood over her.
She grinned up at him from her position on the ground. “What was that?” She asked.
Dash smiled. “You like to manipulate, I like to take control.”
June leaned up and kissed him. “…fine with me…”
About an hour later June still lay beside Dash, who was staring at the far wall of the chamber. She picked up her head and looked at him. “You seem a bit preoccupied…” She said.
Dash sighed. “Yeah, sorry June… I’m just thinkin’ is all.”
“…whatcha thinkin’ about?” June asked.
Dash sighed again. “well… the Talbourne has been led by a lot of wolves over the years,and they’ve faced a lot of trials… now, well… in a few hours anyway, I’ll be the leader, and… and I just don’t want it to fall on my watch.”
June laid her head against his shoulder and sighed. “Dash, I don’t think the Talbourne will fall. The Talbourne have faced many challenges in the past, you’re right… but, though Aniu’s power was a great boon to us; I don’t think that’s the sole reason we’ve always won in the past. The reason we’re still here today is you and Shadow and Timbre; because you inspire the wolves under your command to fears I have a hard time believing sometimes.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her head against his shoulder and up the side of his neck. Then she opened her and turned her head to look straight up at him. “I’ll be honest with you Dash, sometimes I really hate your job, I really do. I hate it when you’re gone; when you’re out there in danger without me by your side… but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m very proud of what you do Dash. You love it, and I love you. …and there’s not a day that goes by that I’m not so very proud of you.”
Dash smiled and put his paw on the side of her neck, squeezing her against him. Then he looked down and kissed her gently. “You always know what to say June; what I need to hear. How do you do it?”
June smiled and let her head slide down to her shoulder. “…guess it’s just something we females are born with.”
Dash laughed. “…guess so.” He said.
June snuggled up against him and closed her eyes.
Dash sighed. “Well June, I’s about time to do this thing… the wolves are going to be gathering in the Main Chamber soon and I need to talk to Shadow.”
June sighed too. “I know… but I don’t want you to go. I wish we could stay together like this forever.”
Dash sighed again. “I know.” He said. “I wish I could stay with you too, but you know how it is… duty calls.”
June sighed as well and sat up. “…doesn’t it always?”
Dash sat beside her. “…yeah, guess it does.”
June smiled. “well I’m sure you’ll do a fine job as Alpha Dash. The Talbourne has never been in better paws.”
Dash smiled back at her. “Thank-you June.” Then he stood. “Well, I’m going to go talk to Shadow.” He said. “The wolves are going to be gathering in the Main Chamber soon. You should probably get out there yourself.”
June nodded. “I will, Timbre should be there too. He’ll have the kids.”
Dash nodded. “Alright,” he said. “I’ll meet you after it’s all over and we’ll move up to the Alpha’s Chambers.”
June nodded. “Okay... I really enjoyed my time with you today.”
Dash smiled. “I did too June…” He paused for a moment. “…think Timbre could be persuaded to take the kids for the night, or you think he’s had enough of them today?”
June smiled back and nuzzled him. “Oh, I don’t think they’ve been that bad. They’re a good bunch of kids.”
Dash kissed her. “Yeah they are.” He said. “I’ll talk to him afterwards and see what he says, but right now I’ve got to get to Shadow’s Chambers.”
June smiled. “Alright, go get ’em Dash.”
He smiled back at her. “See you soon June… and thanks for the support. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
June smiled. “…or I you.” She said. “See you in a bit Dash.”
Dash turned and walked out of the chambers.

“What do you mean he’s gone?” Dash asked for the second time in as many minutes.
Thunder sighed. “I mean he’s gone.” He said. “I don’t know where he is.”
Balto stepped forward. “I talked to the sentry at the Main Entrance and he said that he saw Shadow leave about three hours ago. He didn’t say where he was going or when he’d be back. As far as anyone seems to know he’s still out there.”
Dash turned to his father. “What were you doing up here Dad… I mean, no offense or anything, just wondering.”
“No problem son,” Balto answered. “I just came up here to see Shadow; to ask if he’d mind if I led the memorial service tonight… but he wasn’t here.”
Dash sighed. “Well in his absence I’m in charge, and if you wouldn’t mind doing that it would be a great help, and really appreciated.”
Balto nodded “I don’t mind; thanks son.”
Thunder looked up at Balto. “Grandpa, since you’re in charge now…” The young wolf sighed. “I’d really like to say a few words about… about mom.”
Balto nodded. “That’s fine Thunder.” He said. “I’m sure she’d like that… you can sit with me tonight and I’ll call you up when the time comes.”
Thunder nodded.
“Well, we better get out there.” Dash said.
Balto nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”
With that Thunder, Balto, and Dash walked out of the chamber.

Chapter 5:

Balto, Dash and Thunder walked out of the Alpha's chambers to see that every last wolf in the Talbourne Clan, from the youngest to the oldest, was standing in the Main chamber below them. As Dash stepped out into view the wolves' voices fell silent. Dash led the way down the shelves of rock until he came to the third one from the ground floor. His paw-steps echoed in the eerie silence of the chamber. Dash stopped and turned around, telling Balto and Thunder that they could sit down.
Timbre stood and walked up the steps, stopping in front of Dash. "Sorry about..." He stopped, words failed him and stayed quiet for a second. "I... I just heard." He said finally.
Dash nodded.
"Shadow hasn't come back yet." Timbre whispered. "I'll stand in for him in this ceremony if you'd like."
Dash nodded. "...thanks buddy."
Timbre nodded back at him and stepped backwards. He turned sharply to the right and walked behind Dash, stopping beside Balto. He sat down and waited.
Someone started to talk quietly near the back of the large group, but was quickly shushed by everyone around him.
Dash sighed and began. "My Fellow members of the Talbourne, I apologize about the lack of notice about this gathering here tonight..." Dash paused and looked back at Timbre.
"There are two hundred and forty eight present." Timbre whispered. "All Defense Member's present and/or accounted for sir."
Dash nodded and turned back to the wolves before him. "...but it seems everyone is here." He continued. "I have called this assembly for multiple reasons, but the first is the most.."
Dash stopped as tears came to his eyes and his lip quivered slightly. "...not already..." He thought. "...most important." He finished. Dash turned and looked back at Balto. "Dad, I believe you have something to report."
Balto nodded. "Yeah..." He said.
Dash nodded back and turned, walking back to sit beside Timbre Balto moved up and took Dash's place at the front of the shelf. Balto had no idea what he was going to say... what there was he could say. ...no amount of words would bring his daughter back to him.
Balto sighed and began. "As most of you already know, my daughter Aleu, Shadow, and I went to Nome yesterday... what you don't know is that she... she won't be coming back..." Balto paused, lacking the words to continue.
One of the wolves stood up. "I knew we shouldn't have trusted a 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 finish the last line, then he spoke again. "You may now rise Dash, Alpha of the Talbourne, and leader of her Defense Force."
Dash stood up.
Shadow smiled slightly. "Congratulations Sir."
Dash nodded at him. "Thank you Shadow."
Shadow sighed. "That's all I have... the floor is yours sir." He walked down the steps and made his way to the back of the crowd.
Dash watched his friend, wishing he could do something to aid him... but he didn't know what he could do. He stepped forward. "Thank you Shadow." He said. He turned to Timbre and nodded.
Timbre stepped up next to Dash. "Ami, Exectutive Officer of the Second Unit of the Talbourne Defense Force, center!" He called.
Ami stepped out of the ranks of her unit and walked up the steps to stop in front of Timbre and Dash. "Executive Officer of the Second Unit Ami, reporting as ordered sir." She said crisply.
Dash nodded at Ami and turned his attention to the member's of the Defense Force gathered at the front of the crowd. He cleared his throat and began. "Good Evening my brothers and sisters. I have several things to address here tonight and I know you all want to get back to your families..." Dash paused and glanced at June, who sat just behind the Defecse Force. "...at least I know do."
June smiled at him, and Dash smiled back as he continued. "...so I'm going to get started. The first thing is a military matter, but it's good you're here to witness it. As most of you know I have been the Lieutenant of the Second Unit for quite some time. Almost two years ago I had the priviledge to meet the wolf that stand before you now. When I first met her I knew she was destined for great things, though she was only a trainee at the time she had set herself apart from her fellow trainees. However, she didn't only excell and stand out from them, she mentored and led them. Ami was the first trainee I hand picked to come to my unit. Once she was part of the Second Untt it didn't take me long to appoint her as leader of the third quarter. There she continued to impress me and almost a year later I appointed her Executive Officer of the Second Unit. As Executive Officer she was second in command of the unit. She was also responisble for the personal aspects of the unit, both of these she performed exceptionally well. There have been several times in the past that I have had to leave her in command of some or all of the unit; I have never thought twice of doing this. I always knew they were in good hands. Recently I had to leave the cave alone, and Ami was in charge of the Second Unit when Lytion and the Shadow Clan attacked. Though I wasn't here I am told that she led them very well, and that even in the fane of total dfeat she never called retrear and never deserted her unit... this is the ultimate test of a leader and I'm extremely proud of her. Since I have assimed commant of the Defense Fore as a whole I will be unable to carry out my duties as Second Unit's Lieutenant. When thinking of a replacement there really was only one wolf who cmae to mind. One wolf who I feel competely at ease with giving command of my unit to... and she stands before you now.
Dash paused and shifted his gaze to Ami, who was doing her best not to smile. Dash couldn't help letting a little grin slide across his face as he remebered how he felt when Shadow appointed him a Lieutenant. he fixed his gazze on Ami's brown eyes as he began. "Wolves of the Talbourne Clan, let it be known to all those present that on this forty-fith day of the winter quarter, I do hereby appoint this wolf, Ami of the Talbourne, to the rank of Lieutenant in the Talbourne defense force, and do hereby charge her with the responsibility of commanding the Second Unit of said Defense Force. I, as leader of this Defense Force and acting Alpha of the Talbourne Clan, do charge others of lesser grade to show heir obiendience to lawful orders that she may give from time to time, and do charge her to follow such otders as I may give."
Dash smiled. "Lieutenant Ami, do you have anything you wish to say?"
Ami's eyes were clouded with tears and she shook her head slwly. "...not at this time Sir." She said. "My words are for my unit Sir."
Dash nodded. "Very well Lieutenant Ami, take charge of your unit, and make sure you take good care of them."
"Yes Sir," Ami said. "I will Sir."
Ami turned and walked to the front of the Second Unit.
As she made her way down Timbre stepped forward. "...Second Unit, ten-hut!" He called.
The wolves of the Second Unit stood up and stared straight ahead. Ami stopped and centered herself on the unit. "Second Unit, at ease." She said. The wolves sat down and relaxed. Ami looked over the wolves assembled before her and smiled. "...my unit." She thought. She turned around and sat down.
Dash sighed. "Now, as you all know, Lytion and the Shadow Clan are still a threat to us. It is undoudedly clear that they will attack us again. The last time we were ill prepared and caught off guard. That won't happen again, I assure you. Saba was a good leader, but one must face the facts.. her tactics were flawed. When the Shadow Clan attacked they found one of our units nearly exausted from constant patrolling, and the other three asleep. The only wolves on duty were the sentries. Our Defense Force was mobilized quickly... but not fast enough. In light of these tactical decisions I am making the following ammendment to our procedures. As Alpha of the Talbourne I am declaring this clan under Martial Command, effective at sun up tomorrw..."
The wolves all began talking at once, discussing the implications of this new order.
Dash cleared his throat and the and the wolves quieted down. He paused for a moment and then coninued. "Now, I am ammending this order. Normally this order meas that everyone in the clan is to be conscripted into the Defense Force. Member's of the clan are defined as being one year or older. However, this order will only take effect in the event that we are attacked. There will be no running away or hiding this time." Dash stopped asighed. "Beleive me, I know what this means for all of you. By issuing this order I'm placing my own family in danger too... and that's the last thing I want... but the Defense Force lost far too manny of it's member in the first battle against Lytion... there is no time to train willing volunteers... and so I executing this executive order. Now, as you may have realized I said it goes into effect at sunup tomorrow. that is because I am extending this order an amnisty period. If you find yourself unable to follow this order... please leave this cave by sunup tomorrow... under this executive order, desertion will be punished by death. You have tonight to think about it and discuss it with you families... but I ask you this... if everyone leaves... who will defend all that we have fought so hard to attain? Who will stand against Lytion if not we, the Talbourne? Search you hearts and souls... you cannot ignote what this clan has fiven you, now she is in grave danger. Lytion has all but eliminated the other children of Aniu. The Onasie, Storm, River and Snow Clans lie in ruin, indeed the Storm, river and Snow Clans Cease to exist. We can only hope that some survived and that they will make their way here... the Onasie Clan is so crippled that I don't believe they will be able to stand against Lytion. I will be sending an emmisary to their cave to ask them to join us here. Now, as I said you are free to leave before tomottow... but where will you go? Left to their own ends Lytion and Sahde will destroy everything on this earth... where can you hide? The Talbourne has always stood against Sahde, and we have always triumphed. Instead of running I ask you to stay, stay and fight for what is right, make a stand. We are cornered by the forces of evil, we have suffered some horrible losses... but we are not defeated, not by a long shot, not as long as a breath remains in my body. I will fight, alone if I must, and I may die, but I will die facing evil and standing for what is right. I will fall with a a clear concience, knowing I did everything I could to insure that this great clan doesn't vanish from the Earth, not only this clan, but more importantly what she stands for, goodness, mercy, kindness, acceptance... this is our home, but more importantly it's our way of life... the Talbourne is more than just our clan... it's our family, it's our belief, it's everything. When you all made the decision to become members of this clan you stood up and said"yes, I will stand for what is right.", now that is being challenged. This we cannot allow. Weith the fall of the other cildren of Aniu the remnants of those clans will be looking to us. They will be looking to us and asking, "what now?" What will they see? Will they see a bunch of frightened pups running with their tails between their legs? ...or will the see us standing tall, pressing onward, working aginst togh odds to insure that goodness does not ever vanish from this Earth. Now I just stood before you and took an oath, that oath was to uphold and defend all the Talbourne stands for, and to never abbandon her. My choice is clear, I I know what I am to do... what I ask you now is this... will you stand with me?" Dash paused a moment and when he replied his vioce increased in volume, echoing off the halls of the chamber. "Will you stand with me and be counted with the best that this world has to offer?! Will you stand with me against evil to fight what is right... will you stand here and defend our home, our family?! Will you stand?! Dash paused a moment, catching his breath. The wolves below him started cheering and soon the chamber was consumed in a roar of voices, all blending as one, all blending to form the Talbourne. Dash caught his breath. "That is all I have, you're dismissed, Defense Force members, stay put, I need to talk to you."
The wolves continued to cheer and yell as Dash made his way down the steps to the Defense Force members, Timbre close by his side. June tried to make her way to her mate, but she was going against the flow, and it carried her with it, away from him. She saw him talking to Ami and timbre and then all the Defense Foce members began walking toward one of the many side chambers.

Dash walked into the chamber to find most of the Defense Force already standing there. Ami walked up to him. "Sir, the Second Unit are all present and/or accounted for. we've got two that went to their sentry positions, Matthew and Tom. we're just waiting for Timbre..."
"I'm here." Timbre said, walking up behind Dash.
Dash turned to look at his friend.
"...everyone is present now Sir." Timbre said.
Dash nodded. "Go ahead and take charge of you units." He said.
Timbre and Ami moved to the front of their units, all the wolves stood in rank before their new leader.
"At ease..." Dash said. "I won't keep you long, you all know me. I've led the majority of you, and trained a great nember of you as well. I want you to know that I have your best interests at heart, and I will strive to make things as sage as I can for you. That said, we are at war, and we're short two Lieutenants... Shadow and Jack... due to casualties in the battle with Lytion we don't have anyone eligible for promotion to such a rank... so that means the one's we do have are going to have to pull double duty... bow in a conflict situation I will take charge of the first unit... but I will be unable to go on patrols or stand guard because of my duties as Alpha." Dash turned and looked at Ami. "Lieutenant Ami, you take duty with First Unit..." Dash turned Timbre. "...Lieutenant Timbre, you'll take Fourth Unit, understood?"
Both wolves nodded.
"...good." Dash said. "Now as to rotations and procedures... those have to change. You all heard me declare Martial Command, however that doesn't mean every wolf in the cave is a member of this Defense Force. As far as guard and patrols go; those remain our responsibility. Now, we're going to be on a rotating schedule will kick off. We will have one Unit at rest, or off duty... during this time you are free to go to you own chambers, leave the cave, pretty much bussiness as usual. One unit will provide our sentries, there will be seven posts on a rotating three hour schedule. the first three posts are roving posts. They are: Post Six, five hundred yards out the main entrance, Post Five, three hundred yards out, and Post Four one hundred yards out. these are to be manned by one wolf every hour of every day. Post Three will be a two man post and is located just within the Main Entrance. Post Two is a one man post and will be located just inside the back entrance. These are all stationary posts. Post One is a roving post within the cave. None of these posts are sleeping posts. Please don't get caught sleeping on guard... you're only out there for three hours. Stay alert; you're our first line of defense. If you are standing these post you will stop every wolf you do not recognize. Deadly Force is authorized, but make sure the situation warrants it. Your actions will come under my review. The portion of the unit on sentry duty that is not posted will stay in this chamber. You may not leave for more than then minutes. Food will be provided for you, and your familes may subsist here as well. I strongly reccomend you take the time to sleep, you're going to need your energe. Now, as for my Lieutennts, you will hold the post of Chief of the Guard, or COG. This is a twenty-four hour post. You will supervise the posting and relief of the sentries. From sun up to sun down this is not a sleeping post, howenver, once the sun goes down you will be permitted to go to sleep. It will be Post One's job to wake the COG as well as the oncoming sentries approxamately fifteen minutes prior to time to post the releif. The wolves that are not posted will be considered to be in a "react" status. This means that in the event of an attack you will be sumoned to the area of conflict. React's will be led by the COG. ...and that takes care of the sentries, relief for the unit will take past at sunrise the next day. One entire Unit will be placed in a react status.This unit will be allowed to go to thier own chambers, but they may not leave the cave, and if they are going to be anywhere other than their chambers they must notify the duty COG. If you wish to leave the cave while in a react status you will speak to me directly. The last remaining unit will be patroling for the enemy and carrying out hunting parties so the on duty unit can eat. At each quarter of the day a patrol will go out. I will provide instructions to your Lieutenant as to route and location on a daily basis. The tour of duty for all of these posts is forty-eight hours. The rotation will start as follows: Second Unit, you're at rest, Third Unit, you're on react, First Unit, you're the oncoming sentries, and Fourth Unit, you're my patrol... understood?"
The wolves all answered as one. "Yes sir!"
Dash nodded. "...great, see you all here at sun-up tomorrow dismissed, Lieutenants, hang around for a minute."
The wolves quickly dispersed and soon only Timbre and Ami were standing with Dash in the chamber. Dash sighed. "Look, I'm sorry to give you two such a horrible scedule, but it was the only thing I could come up with where you got any time off at all..."
Ami smiled. "It's alright sir. It's not that bad."
"Yeah Dash," Timbre said. "We know you did your best."
Dash nodded. "Well it as quite a problem..."
"I think you did a great job sir." Ami said. "The overall security of the cave will be much tighter now. Before it was... lacking."
Dash and Timbre nodded.
Dash sighed again. "Look... when you're out on patrol... keep an eye out for any sign of Jack or Kalia... we can't seem to find them among the bodies, which is a good thing... but we don't know where they are."
Timbre nodded. "I'm going out tomorrow. I'll keep an eye out for them buddy."
Dash smiled. "Thanks, I'd appreciate it Timbre." He paused for a moment and then smiled. "Hey bro, think... well, would you mind keeping the kids tonight?"
Timbre sighed and rolled his eyes. "...well I guess so..." He said. Then he smiled. "Yeah, no prob buddy."
Dash smiled back at him. "Have a good night Timbre."
"You too Dash." Timbre said. Then he turned and walked out of the chamber.
Dash turned to Ami. "So, how does it feel to be a Lieutenant?" He asked.
Ami smiled. "It feels great sir... I can't thank you enough."
Dash smiled. back at her. "Well there's no need to thank me Ami, you earned it yourself." He paused for a moment and then smiled again. "You know now that you're a Lieutenant... well when there's no one from your unit around you really can drop the "sir" thing."
"Thank you..." Ami stopped for a moment. "...Dash."
Dash smiled. "See, that wasn't so hard was it?"
Ami smiled back. "...it sounded weird."
Dash laughed. "Well you'll get used to it Ami, take care of yourself and I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Ami nodded. "You too si... Dash."
Dash started laughing again and walked out of the chamber.

























Chapter Six

Dash laughed softly at June as they walked up the shelves of rock on their way to their new chambers. The cave seemed deserted, and an eerie silence had descended upon the cave. Everyone had retreated to their chambers quickly after Dash's announcement. Now, only the roaming interior post could be seen walking across the Main Chamber.
Dash sighed. "I don't know June." he said. "Do you think I did the right thing? ...or did I jump the gun?"
June smiled. "Dash, you really should quit worrying." She responded. "You did fine."
Dash shook his head. "I just don't know June..."
June sighed and stopped walking.
Dash didn't realize she wasn't at his side and took a few steps past her before he stopped and turned. "What is it June?" He asked.
"...come here Dash." June said.
Dash walked over to her.
June put her paw on his shoulder. "Sweetheart, you know I love you, and I'm very proud of you... I believe with all my heart that you will do great things as Alpha... everyone does... except you. No one doubts you for a second... the only person that's doubting you is you. Timbre, Ami, your entire Defense Force.... everyone is looking to you. As Alpha you need to gain some self confidence. Stop worrying so much and do what you do and know is best, because you really are the best."
Dash smiled. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around."
June tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "...hey!" she said. She smiled. "...but seriously Dash, this is the last time I want to hear you say something like that."
Dash smiled. "Yes Ma'am." He said. He leaned over and kissed her. "Thanks June... I needed that." He smiled again. "...but I have something to confess..."
"Oh, and what's that?" June said a confused look on her face.
"...there's a few other reasons I keep you around for.."
June smiled. "...such as?"
Dash smiled back at her. "let's say you have certain... talents that interest me."
June laughed. "Oh really?" She asked. "Is that all I'm good for?"
She rubbed her shoulder against his and slid her cheek up his neck and nuzzled him.
Dash grinned and nuzzled her. "Well it might not be all your good for, but you are pretty good at it."
June laughed and gently slid her leg over his shoulder and pulled him to the ground. The two of them rolled down the steps a ways and then landed hard, skidding across the rock to a stop. Dash laughed and June jumped on top of him, pinning him to the ground quite easily.
Dash grinned. "Alright June, you got me... now can I get up." He raised his head slightly, but June smacked it back down. "Ow..." Dash said. He tried to sit up and June smacked him back down again. Dash looked at her with a confused look on his face. “What are you doing?” He asked. He rolled over slightly and wrapped his front legs around her forelegs. He twisted sideways and tried to throw her off of him. The move went well… at first. Her forelegs lifted off the ground and she raised up on her back legs. It seemed for a moment that she would topple over, but June twisted her upper body until her forelegs came free and then she dropped them hard on Dash’s chest. The air exploded from his lungs and he had to really restrain himself from kicking her. He looked up at her, trying to regain his breath to speak. “June… what the… what the hell?” He asked. “That.. that hurt. What… what are you doing?”
June smiled at him. “…come on tough Alpha wolf, get away.”
Dash struggled again, and managed to get his head up, but then June slammed it down again.
“Is that really the best you’ve got?” June asked. “I thought you were some kind of fighter…”
Dash smiled at her and raised his back leg, then kicked her just above her right hip. She yelped in surprise and relaxed her hold on his shoulders. Dash immediately entwined his forelegs around hers and raised up, then he further unbalanced her by getting his back leg underneath her stomach. Dash kicked with his leg and twisted his body and June hit the floor fairly hard. He rolled over and came up on top of the startled female.
June was breathing hard. “What… what are you doing?!” She asked.
Dash smiled and leaned down, kissing her gently. “I got away.” He said.
June smiled. “...but… you hurt me.”
Dash smiled and kissed her again. “You hurt me…” He said.
June smiled. “Alright tough guy, let me up now.”
Dash just smiled and pinned her tighter.
“…come on Dash, we’re out here where everyone can see…” She said.
Dash smiled. “That didn’t seem to matter when you were on top.”
June laughed softly. “Alright Dash, you’ve got me there… but really, let me up, please?”
Dash smiled again and then June opened her eyes wider.
“Oh no June… don’t do that…” Dash said.
June turned her head sideways and her lip quivered.
Dash sighed and stood up. June followed him.
She bumped into him lightly and smiled. “See, I can always get you to move.”
Dash laughed and nuzzled her. “…well you’re right about that. I’m powerless against your almighty pout.”
June smiled and started walking up the steps, Dash followed. “Is your leg alright?” Dash asked. “I didn’t kick you too hard did I?”
June chuckled and shook her head. “No, I’m fine, I was asking for it anyway.”
Dash laughed. “Yes you certainly were.” He said.
June laughed and the two began walking back up the steps. It didn’t take them long to reach the Alpha’s Chambers.
They stepped just inside the entrance. June closed her eyes and nuzzled him. “You know with the kids gone…” She stopped and her eyes snapped back open. “…what’s wrong Dash?”
Dash sighed. A familiar scent had reached him. He looked beside him at June. “…wait here June.” He said
June nodded and Dash walked toward the side chamber. He ducked through the entrance and there he was, in the middle of the chamber. Dash sighed and started walking forward again. “Hey Shadow…” He said.
Shadow glanced behind him. “Oh, Dash… hey.”
Dash stopped and sat beside his friend.
“…guess you’re wanting to move in, huh?” Shadow asked.
Dash sighed and nodded. “…yeah, guess so.”
Shadow smiled. “Yeah, well it’ll be better for that big ‘ole family of yours.”
Dash nodded, but remained silent.
“You’ve done alright Dash.” Shadow said. “I feel secure in leaving the clan to you. I always knew you were destined for great things…”
“…you did?” Dash asked.
Shadow nodded. “Why else do you think I accepted a pet turned wolf into my teams?” ...and a wet behind the ears pup at that.” Shadow laughed and Dash smiled. “…but seriously though…” Shadow continued. “You’ve done really well Dash, you and Melody both. I’ve seen many pets try to make it out here… and I’ve seen a lot of them fail.”
Dash sighed. “Thanks… it’s… it’s good to have you back Shadow. I was starting to worry about…”
Shadow cut him off. “I’m not back Dash.”
Dash stopped as his mind shifted gears. “What do you mean Shadow?”
Shadow sighed “I only came back because it was my duty to do so… now it’s over.”
Dash took a step forward. “No, no it’s not Shadow.” He said. “We need you here.”
“I’m just another member of the Clan now Dash.” Shadow said. “You said that every member of the Clan had till tomorrow to decide whether or not to stay, right?”
Dash nodded. “Well… yeah, but Shadow…”
Shadow cut him off again. “Well I’ve decided to leave.” He said.
“…but… why Shadow?” Dash asked.
Shadow sighed. “I… I just can’t do it Dash.” He said. “I can still see her everywhere I look. I can still smell her, hear her voice… she haunts me here.”
Dash noticed then that the entire time he’d been talking to Shadow his friend’s vision had been locked on a rock in the middle of the chamber.
“…see that rock?” Shadow asked.
Dash nodded.
Shadow sighed. “I… I remember…” He stopped as tears started rolling down his face. Shadow closed his eyes and lowered his head between his forelegs.
Dash couldn’t believe this was Shadow he was talking to. Shadow had always been so strong. Dash had thought nothing could shake him… but now something had not only shaken him, but torn him down. The Shadow Dash knew was nothing like the wolf who stood before him. It made Dash feel uneasy he watched his friend, wishing there was something he could do, something he could say to comfort his friend, but knowing from personal experience that nothing anyone could do or say would console him.
As Shadow continued his head remained lowered and Dash could barely understand him he was sobbing so hard. “…I… I remember… I was… was standing right here… and… I’d… I’d just gotten back from a hunt… I rushed back… fastest I’ve… I’ve ever run… I walked in here and… and what I saw… it just… it… it stopped me in my tracks… I… what I saw was… was Aleu… her, and… and she was laying right there… right there against that rock… and… and curled up beside her was… were our two newborn pups…” Shadow became unintelligible at that point and slowly lowered himself to the ground, as he was shaking so hard he didn’t think he could remain standing much longer.
Dash knelt down beside his friend.
“Why would she do that?” Shadow asked. “I… I accept now that… that… she… that she took her own life… I.. I can’t stop seeing it. It… it plays over and over… in… in my mind. …but why would she do something like that? Why… why would she… why would she take herself away from me? …why would she do that? Why… why?”
Dash sighed. “I… I don’t know.” He put his paw on his friend’s shoulder. “I… I can’t tell you why she did what she did Shadow.” Dash continued. “…I wish I could, but I can’t, because I don’t know either, but…” Dash sighed. “I think Thunder was right.”
“…what?” Shadow asked.
“When he was talking today…” Dash said. “He said that… that he didn’t believe… Aleu killed herself because it was completely out of her character to be so selfish. Aleu never did anything to hurt her Clan or her family, least of all you… if Aleu really did kill herself… she had a reason of some kind.”
Shadow shook his head. “Why… why? I just… I don’t… I can’t understand.” He sighed and fell silent. “I’m sorry Dash.” Shadow said finally. “…it’s… it’s not that I don’t care about the Talbourne… I love this Clan more than my own life… but… I just can’t stay here… not right now.”
Dash nodded. “…look buddy… I… I know exactly what you’re going through… and I know it’s hard…” Dash sighed. “…look, take as long as you need. I’ll take care of them till you get back.”
Shadow nodded. “I’m sorry Dash… I wish I were stronger.”
Dash shook his head. “You are strong Shadow. You’re the strongest wolf I know… since I’ve been away from my father, you’ve been like a father to me. No one is ready for a loss like this, not ever.”
Shadow sighed and nodded. “…thanks Dash…”
Dash smiled slightly. “Hey, it’s alright buddy.” He said. “It’s alright to cry, it’s alright to hurt. It’s natural. It’ll only help.”
Shadow nodded. “…look Dash, thanks for the support, but I think I just need to be alone right now.”
Dash nodded and Shadow stood up. “Thanks for talking with me Dash.” Shadow said.
“…not a problem buddy.” Dash said.
Shadow sighed. “…take care Dash… I’m going to step out the back entrance… just… please don’t tell anyone about… about this.” He said.
Dash nodded. “…sure thing.”
Shadow nodded. “I already spoke to the kids…” He sighed. “…Thunder is the only one who seems to understand… but… well hopefully I’ll be back… but I really don’t know.”
Dash nodded. “…just be careful Shadow… keep your wits about you out there… and don’t do anything stupid…”
Shadow nodded. “I’m not Aleu.” He said. “I know I have a family to consider.”
Dash sighed and stood, watching as Shadow walked to the back of the chamber and ducked through a small entrance near the back, slinking through one of the many tunnels that only he and the Lieutenants of the Defense Force knew about.
Soon, his pawsteps faded and he was gone.
Dash watched the entrance for a moment, then turned and ducked through the one he’d come through. June was waiting for him.
“What was it Dash?” She asked.
Dash sighed. “Don’t tell anyone else alright? …but… it was Shadow.”
June sighed. “Poor guy’s really taking this tough huh?”
Dash nodded. “…was I as… as bad as he was after… after I lost Shasta?”
June sighed and nuzzled him. “Sweetheart, if you don’t remember… well if I hadn’t grabbed you we wouldn’t be talking right now.”
Dash nodded. “I guess… I guess when you’re that low you really don’t realize what you’re doing.”
June nuzzled him again. “…or who you’re hurting.”
Dash nodded.
“Do you think he’ll be alright?” June said.
Dash nodded. “Yeah… I mentioned that.”
“What did he say?” June asked.
Dash sighed. “He said ‘he wasn’t Aleu”. That he knows he has a family to consider.”
June sighed. “I wish he’d stick around… he didn’t did he?”
Dash shook his head. “..no, no he didn’t.”
June nuzzled Dash softly. “…well you were there for him. You’re a good friend to him Dash.”
Dash sighed. “Yeah, yeah I hope so.”
June smiled at him and kissed his cheek. Dash laid on the floor of the chamber and June laid across his back, placing her paws on top of his. She licked his cheek and buried her muzzle in his neck. “…now where were we?” She asked.
Dash smiled and looked up, kissing her on the neck. “…oh, I think somewhere around here, but I don’t think backtracking a little would be too awful bad.”
June smiled and kissed him.





























Chapter 7

It was near midnight when Jack finally made it back to the cave where he'd hidden he and Kalia after their flight from the Shadow Clan's attack on the Talbourne. In his mouth he held two rabbits clenched tightly in his jaws. Catching the two small animals had proved problematic, but he'd managed to get them. After four days, hunting around the cave had grown scarce. Soon he'd have to extend his range farther from the cave to get food.
Jack ducked through the entrance to the small cave and made his way toward the back, where it was warmest, and where he'd left Kalia. Jack was hoping to see her moving around, maybe even seeing her open her eyes at his approach... but nothing. Jack was growing increasingly worried about the young female. He'd had to knock her unconscious to get her out of the cave during the attack. Injured as she was from her valiant attempt to fight off the attacking Shadow Clan members, she would have almost certainly been killed... Jack would not let that happen, not while he was around.
He walked over beside her and dropped the rabbits on the stone floor. He sighed and laid down beside Kalia. He gently nudged her with his nose, but she didn't respond. He sighed again and laid his head on his paws, determined to get some sleep... hunting all day had tired him out. He had just closed his eyes when he felt a sharp pain in his side. He gasped and turned his head.
Kalia had kicked him.
He smiled. "At least it's something..." He thought.
Kalia moved her head a little, and then slowly she opened her eyes.
Jack jumped up. "Kalia!" He yelled. "Kalia, you're alright!"
Kalia groaned. She couldn't quite make out the figure in front of her. Her vision was very blurry. "Who... who are you?" She asked slowly. "...and... where am I?"
Jack sat down beside her. "It's me Kalia, it's Jack." He said. "Are you alright?"
Kalia winced a bit, and then rolled over. Pain shot through her entire body, and she struggled to sit up.
"...you should rest Kalia, don't worry about getting up." Jack said.
Kalia didn't listen to him and she finally succeeded in standing up. "...Jack?" She asked. "...why are we here we should be..." Kalia stopped short as her memory caught up with her like a snapping rubber-band. "...Sunny!" She called. Kalia could still barely make out anything, but she tried to run. However, she took one step and sprawled to the floor.
"Kalia!" Jack yelled. He ran over to her. "Kalia, take it easy, we're out of there. Take a deep breath, no one is in danger anymore..."
Kalia looked at him. "...wait a minute..." she said. "...you... why don't I remember coming here? Why did we leave the cave?"
Jack sighed. "Kalia... the cave was lost."
Kalia gasped. "...no... Sunny, Saba?"
Jack sighed. "...dead." He said. "...Lytion executed both of them."
Kalia closed her eyes and hung her head. "I failed..." she said. "...I... I should've died there... I failed my mission. I was sleeping, and the heirs to our Clan died because of it."
Jack shook his head. "...you didn't fail." He said. "...look at you. You tried hard... you almost died."
Kalia shook her head. "...I should have. That's what I deserve..." She said. "I might as well have killed them myself."
Jack shook his head. "Kalia... you tried, there was nothing anyone could've done. The Shadow Clan was just too strong."
Kalia sighed. "...so how did we get here?" She asked. "I don't remember anything after..." She fell silent, and then Jack saw her eyes ignite with anger. "Wait a second..." She said. "...you... you hit me!"
Jack sighed. "Yes... I... I did."
"...why!?" Kalia asked.
"...because it was the only way to get you out of the cave." He said. "I tried to get you to just come with me... but you wouldn't listen."
"...so you hit me!?" Kalia yelled. "...I thought you were my friend Jack!"
"I am..." Jack said. "I couldn't think of any other way to keep you from running off and getting yourself killed; which is what would have happened."
"What do you care what happens to me?" Kalia asked. "I deserved to die, that was my duty. I failed the Clan... the least I could've done was rescue Sunny."
Jack shook his head. "...not with me around."
"...why?" Kalia asked. "It was my duty, I'm a part of the Defense Force. We are expendable in comparison to our Alpha or her family."
"You'll never be expendable." Jack said. "That's a horrible thing to say."
"Why do you care so much all of a sudden?" Kalia asked.
Jack sighed. "I.. I told your dad I would watch over you while he was gone."
"...what?" Kalia asked. "What are you talking about?"
"I told your dad when he left that I would take care of you."
"...sure." Kalia said. "...you're good friends with my dad all of a sudden.. I know you didn't talk to him before he left. I was with him all day."
"...well.." Jack started, but Kalia cut him off. "..go ahead." She said. "...tell em another one, but make this one interesting, oh I know, Aniu told you to do it, right?" Kalia turned away from him and started limping slowly toward the front of the cave. "...probly just wanted to get me out here alone so that you could..."
At this point Jack cut her off. "...alright, alright." He said. "You want the truth, fine... I... I love you Kalia.'
Kalia stopped walking and turned. "...surely I didn't hear him right..." She thought. "What did you say?" She asked.
Jack hung his head. "...nothing." He said. "..go on, go ahead and leave..." He turned and walked to the back of the cave.
Kalia turned and limped toward him. "...Jack... really, what did you say?" She asked.
Jack turned around. "..I said.. I said I love you Kalia." He sighed. "I just... I couldn't let you run off and get yourself killed... I... I couldn't."
Kalia stepped forward. "...but... you love me?" She asked.
Jack nodded. "...yes."
"...why?" Kalia asked.
Jack smiled. "Well... for starters you're absolutely beautiful, and you're smart, and fun to talk to... I don't know... all I know is that I would've given my life to save you back there if that's what it took."
Kalia smiled. "...wow... guess I really stuck my paw in my mouth huh?"
Jack smiled back at her. "...not really."
"...you're serious though?" Kalia asked.
Jack nodded. "I've never been more serious about anything in the world." He said.
Kalia smiled. "...well I kind of like you too there Jack."
"...kind of?" Jack asked.
Kalia smiled and bumped into his shoulder with her own. "...knock it off." She said. "...well... if you're staying, I got us some food earlier."
"Good, 'cause I'm starving." Kalia said. She turned to walk toward the rabbits and then she stumbled and her leg gave out on her, spilling her to the ground.
"Kalia!" Jack called. He ran over to her side. "...you should just lay down." He said. "You're going to hurt yourself."
"...I'm fine." Kalia said.
"...you're stubborn." Jack said. "...and you aren't fine."
"...just give me a minute." Kalia said.
Jack sat down and put his paws on her shoulder, holding her down.
"What are you doing Jack?" Kalia asked. "...get off of me."
Jack shook his head. "...not till you promise not to get up."
"...but I'm hungry." Kalia said.
"I'll get it for you." Jack said.
"...alright." Kalia said. "I won't get up."
Jack eased off her and she rolled over to face him. He walked over and picked up the rabbits, then he walked over and sat them in front of her. Kalia was very hungry and she tore into one of the rabbits as soon as Jack dropped it in front of her.
Jack walked behind her and sat down, placing his paws on her shoulder."What are you doing now?" Kalia asked. "...I told you I wasn't going to move anymore."
Jack started licking her injured leg, cleaning the blood out of her fur.
Kalia smiled and swallowed the chunk of meat in her mouth. "...aren't you going to eat?" She asked.
Jack stopped for a moment and looked at her. "...I already did." He said. Then he went back to his work as Kalia set to eating again.
By the time Kalia had finished with the first rabbit, Jack had cleaned all her many wounds throughly. Kalia smiled at him. "...thank you." She said. "You did a good job, it feels much better now."
Jack smiled back ."...not done yet.' He said.
He stood up and walked outside the cave.
"What are you doing?" Kalia asked.
...no answer.
"...Jack?"
...still no answer.
Kalia shrugged and started eating the other rabbit, as she was chewing the first bite, Jack reappeared dragging several large green leaves. She swallowed the meat and then asked. "What are those for, beds?" She asked.
Jack laughed. "...not exactly." He said. "When I was very young I was shot by a hunter and a young Inuit found me... I learned about these from him." Jack stopped dragging the leaves and sat down, behind her once more. He took the leaf and tore off a sizable chuck of it, then he started licking it, grimacing a bit.
Kalia chuckled. "...what's the matter?"
"...doesn't taste too hot." Jack responded.
"...well then why are you licking it?" Kalia asked.
"...you'll see." Jack said.
He stopped licking the leaf and tore it into small strips, then he picked one of them up with his teeth.
"...oh don't put it on me now.' Kalia said, giggling.
"...that's the point." Jack said. "...this might burn a bit at first."
He laid the chunk of leaf over her leg and pulled it underneath, tucking it into the other side.
Kalia winced a bit. The leaf did burn at first, but a moment later a chilling sensation slid down her leg. She closed her eyes and sighed.
"...feel good?" Jack asked. He finished wrapping another of the strips around her leg, overlapping the first.
Kalia kept her eyes closed and nodded. "...what is it?"
Jack smiled and wrapped another of the strips around her side. "It's aloe-vera." He said. "I noticed some of it growing near the cave when we first got here. It will clean your wounds and help you from getting any infections... that wound on your leg is especially deep, we don't want you down longer than you need to be."
"...do you think it's broken?" Kalia asked.
Jack nodded. "...yeah, looks like it... and I think you probably have a concussion too, probly a few broken ribs and it looks like your shoulder may be dislocated. ...it'll be a while before you can go anywhere."
Kalia sighed as the pain that filled her body started to fade.
Jack walked in front of her and she smiled. "...thank you Jack... I'm sorry I was so cross with you a moment ago... thank you for saving me."
Jack smiled. "...you're welcome Kalia. I just didn't want anything to happen to you."
Kalia yawned and Jack smiled. "...well, we should probly be getting some sleep. You need to be rested so you'll heal, and I'll have to go out hunting tomorrow."
Kalia nodded and Jack laid down beside her.
He closed his eyes and put his head on his paws.
Kalia put her paws on his shoulder and pulled her head up onto his neck and nuzzled him.
Jack smiled.
It had been a while since he'd had anyone close to him like that... it did kind of feel weird that it wasn't Kami... but Jack thought she'd understand.
Jack picked up his head and laid it on Kalia's. Thinking about Kami and how close he'd just come to losing Kalia brought a tear to his eye. He sighed and wiped it away with his paw.
Kalia opened her eyes and saw another tear roll down his muzzle. "Jack, what's wrong?" Kalia asked.
Jack sighed. "I was... I was just thinking about... I don''t ever want to lose you, not like I lost Kami." He said. "I... I don't think I could live through that again."
Kalia smiled. "It's alright Jack." She said. "I'm a little banged up, but I'm fine."
He smiled. "...yeah." He said.
She nuzzled him again and closed her eyes, snuggling up to his side.
Jack closed his eyes and soon the two were fast asleep.

Chapter 8

It was a dark winter night in Nome, Alaska. It felt especially dark and cold to one inhabitant, curled up in a blue blanket in the wheel house of an old boat on the outskirts of town.
The young dog shivered in the blanket, but not from the drop in temperature... the dog shook violently as the images of the preceding evening played through her mind.
She'd never gotten along with her sister, and the two of them were always fighting and fussing... but never before had her sister ever done anything like she did the previous evening.
It had started out innocently enough, a small scuffle between she and her sister, nothing serious... but their father had seen, and so the two dogs found themselves in the boat that had passed as their father's home for the night, alone.
The young dog remembered her father's parting words to her. "...now maybe after spending a night together you two will come to an understanding... you better, 'cause you're not coming out 'til you do."
The dog had been a bit skeptical. It was more likely for a meteor to smash her flat than for her to understand the other dog, or visa-versa.
"It's all your fault anyway dad." She thought. "...it's the blasted wolf side of us that makes us fight so much."
The dog shivered again as she remembered her sister trying to talk to her. The small pup was less than conversational, and said very little... it was then that her sister tackled her and... the dog couldn't even think about it anymore, the memory seared her mind like an iron. She remembered her sister holding her down and... she shook all the more as the memory struck her again and again like a freight train, blasting her young intellect with each barrage, leaving her feeling like a drifting ship in rolling waves.
Strange thing was that... the young dog knew what her sister had done to her was wrong... but it had kind of felt good... in an odd way.
The young dog shivered harder and drew into a ball. She was usually strong. She usually won the scuffles with her sister... but she was unprepared for this... for what her sister had done, and the repercussions of the event. One thing was for certain in the young pup's mind.
If things had ever stood a chance of being fixed before there was no way now... no way for the her to forgive her sister, no way at all. The dog swore that one day she would exact her revenge, one day she would kill her sister for what she had done to her... A red dog and a gray wolf stood in a clearing in the forest, facing one another. The two slowly began to circle. "I don't want to fight you." The gray wolf said. "...you're my sister, it's in the past, I'm sorry but it's time to let it go."
"...you're sorry?" The red dog asked. "...that's all you have to say is sorry?"
The wolf sighed. "...please."
"No," the dog said. "There is no room for anything but this. That night so long ago you destroyed me. You destroyed the bond that even made us sisters... you're nothing to me... you're dead, and I plan to keep you that way."
With that the dog leapt at the wolf, who dodged lightly. "...please don't do this." She said.
The dog glared at her. "...your pleas fall on ears made deaf by your inequity."
The wolf shook her head and the dog leapt at her again, this time slamming into the wolf's shoulder. sending them both sprawling to the ground. The red dog rolled with the wolf, and finally came up on top. The wolf tried to push her sister off, but to no avail.
The dog glared at her sister and then latched her jaws around the larger wolf's throat. She felt her teeth slide through fur and flesh, the familiar taste of blood filling her mouth. One jerk of her head and it was done.
The dog dropped the wolf's head to the ground and watched as she gasped for air but could find none. Her eyes grew larger and opened wider, then she mouthed one word...
"...Kiona."

"...Kiona!" A voice roused the red and white dog who laid at the back of a small stone cave.
The dog came awake suddenly, gasping. "...wh... what?!" The dog answered. "...what is it?" She opened her eyes to see a familiar face before her. "What's going on Ayashi?"
The wolf looked a little excited and was short of breath. "...bad dream?" She asked.
Kiona sighed. "...bad memory." She said. "Why'd you wake me?"

"...there's a trespasser in our territory." Ayashi said.
"...what?" Kiona asked. "...friendly?"
"...don't know yet." Ayashi answered. "Achak sent Dartanion out to meet him."
"He's alone?" Kiona asked. "...that's odd... where's his pack?"
Ayashi shrugged. "...don't know, that's what Achak is hoping to find out."
Kiona nodded. "Where is he?"
"Who, Achak?" Ayashi asked. He's just outside, in front of the cave."
Kiona walked out of the cave to find Dartanion and a brown wolf, Kanook just outside the cave, talking to Achak. A few yards away sat a dark brown wolf with white markings.
Kiona walked toward the entrance of the cave. As she was walking she passed a small black and white wolf sleeping behind a rock, near the entrance.
Kiona stopped and kicked him with her paw lightly. The wolf didn't stir, so Kiona kicked him a little harder. This time the wolf's eyes fluttered open and he sighed. "What is it Kiona?" He asked.
"...Shiro, I need to leave the cave for a moment, watch the pups, they're sleeping in the back."
Shiro nodded and yawned. "Yes Kiona." He said. He stood up and walked toward the back of the cave. Kiona kept walking toward the entrance and stepped out in to the snow. She made it almost all the way up behind Achak before the black and gray wolf sensed her presence and turned. "Kiona, what are you doing up so early?" He asked.
Indeed it was early. The sun wasn't even up yet. Kiona hadn't realized this until she stepped out of the cave. "Ayashi woke me." Kiona answered. "...she said there was a trespasser?"
Achak nodded. "Yes, but he's no threat."
Kanook turned to her. "He's here to ask for help."
"...help?" Kiona asked.
Achak nodded. "...he's from the Talbourne Clan."
"Why do they need our help?" Kiona asked. "Aren't they big enough to handle their own problems?"
Dartanion nodded. "...they're over two hundred strong last we knew."
"...so why do they need our help?" Kiona asked again.
Kanook sighed. "A wolf named Lytion leads a group of wolves... religious fanatics after a demonic wolf who calls himself Shade... the supposed ruler of the underworld. They intend to wipe out every pack who doesn't bow down and worship this nut-job."
Achak sighed as well. "...and they've got the numbers and skill to do it. Apparently the River, Snow and Storm Clans have been completely wiped out, and the Onasie to the northwest has been crippled. The Talbourne are the only Clan in the area with the manpower to stop this lunatic."
"Are you going to help them?" Kiona asked. "...how can we, we're too small."
"No," Achak said. "No, Kiona has said exactly what I was thinking... we're too small to make much difference, and until this Lytion threatens us we have no quarrel with him. Dartanion, show this wolf the way back to his Clan."
Achak turned to walk away, but Olathe, his mother walked out of the entrance to the cave, where she'd been sleeping. "Achak, Achak, come here." She said.
The large black and gray wolf turned and walked toward his mother. "What is it?" He asked.
Olathe smiled. "Achak, think about what you are doing." She said.
"I have." Achak answered. "I am keeping my family safe. I won't endanger all of your lives for the sake of another clan whom we have no ties with."
Olathe smiled again and she took a step closer to him. "Achak, I overheard their scout when he was talking to you. This Lytion must be stopped."
Achak nodded. "I can see that... but we will only engage him if we have to... we may be able to stay out of sight enough he'll leave us alone."
"Achak..." Olathe said. "The Storm Clan had only fifteen members... that's not much larger than our own, and this Lytion targeted them and wiped them out."
Achak sighed. "...I know."
"The Talbourne stands more of a chance of making a stand against Lytion and his clan... perhaps we should help them, do what we can."
"What can we do?" Achak asked.
"Achak... you're a great leader." Olathe said. "You've grown much over the years... grown to be much like your father..."
At the mention of his father, Achak's heart swelled with pride and he smiled.
"...I'm sure the Talbourne could benefit from that leadership. Their scout said they were down two Lieutenants. You could help them."
"...and leave you all here?" Achak said. "...not a chance. I love my family too much to leave them at a time like this."
"Tell me this Achak..." Olathe said. "What are you going to do if your don't go and the Talbourne is defeated. What are you going to do when this Lytion attacks us here?"
Achak sighed, but remained silent. He knew his mother had him there.
"...you're not going to be able to do anything." Olathe said. "They outnumber us one to twenty at least. Go with the Talbourne, do what you can to stop Lytion before he can make it this far."
Achak nodded. "You're right." He said. "...I'll go."
Olathe smiled. "...good." She said. "I know you'll make us proud Achak. Be careful, and I'll see you when I get back."
Achak nodded. "Thank you mother." He said.
Then he turned and ran toward Dartanion's retreating form.
Kiona watched Achak run past her.
"...Achak?" She said. Then she turned and ran after him.
"Dartanion stop!" Achak yelled.
The wolf stopped and Achak caught up to them. "What is it Achak?" Dartanion asked.
"I'm sorry, what was your name again?" Achak asked the brown and white wolf.
The wolf smiled. "...Nick."
Achak nodded. "Well Nick, do you plan to stop this Lytion?"
Nick nodded. "We're going to give it our best."
"Well I'm going with you." Achak said.
"...what?!" Kiona asked as she caught up with them.
Achak sighed. "...Kiona, listen to me. I have to go. I have to do what I can to keep you and our family safe."
"...then I'm going too." Kiona said.
Achak shook his head. "No Kiona, no you're not. It's going to be dangerous. You stay here and protect the kids. They need one of their parents close by."
Kiona stepped closer to him. "Achak I'm going to..." Achak cut her off. "Kiona, you're not going to do anything but stay here like I told you too. I am still Alpha, and you will still obey my orders."
Kiona hung her head. "Yes..." She sighed. "...sorry Achak... be... be careful." She said. She stepped up and nuzzled him gently.
Achak smiled. "It's alright Kiona, all is forgiven. I'll be back soon okay?"
Kiona nodded and turned, walking slowly back down the hill toward the cave.
Kanook walked up just then. "Hey, I heard all kinds of noise, what's up?"
"...personal business." Achak said. "Kanook, I'm going with Nick to the Talbourne's cave, hopefully we'll be able to stop this Lytion before he's a threat to you."
Kanook nodded. "I think that a wise decision Achak."
"I'm leaving you in charge as Alpha until I return... take care of them Kanook."
Kanook smiled. "I will." He said. "...see you soon Achak."
Achak nodded. "...see you soon."
He looked at the younger brown and white wolf. "So Nick, you know the way?"
Nick nodded. "...sure do... what did you say your name was again?"
Achak smiled. "...Achak." He said.
"...sure do Achak." Nick said.
"...then lead the way." Achak said.
With that he and Nick started walking through the forest. Kanook stood there watching them until they faded from view, then he turned to Dartanion. "Get the rest of the pack together... the sun will be rising soon and we'll need to hunt for the days food."
Dartanion nodded and ran off down the hill to carry out the order.
Kanook turned and looked over at the hill that Nick and his nephew had disapered over. "...be careful Achak." He said quietly. Then he turned and walked down the hill.

Chapter 9

The pack had some trouble finding prey this day. It was nearly sunset, and if they didn't make a successful kill soon the pack would have to wait until tomorrow, but it seemed as if nature might have cut them a break.
Kanook stood just inside a tree line looking at a herd of deer just down the hill. He turned and nodded to the rest of the pack, who fanned out behind him. The pack was in luck. There was an injured deer in the herd, and not only a deer, but a fairly large buck.
Kanook looked at the right side of the formation and nodded again, silently cueing the wolves to go after one of the does. The doe would feed Shiro and the pups back at the cave. The injured buck would provide for the rest of them.
The wolves from the right side of the formation broke off, forming their own v-shaped formation. Kanook looked back at the remaining wolves and nodded again. Then he turned and started walking down the hill.
The buck looked up and Kanook froze. It seemed as if an eternity passed, predator staring at prey, and prey staring right back. Then the deer snorted, alerting the rest of the herd and turned tail, bolting across the meadow.
"...Kiona go!" Kanook yelled. He knew that she was the fastest in his group and that he could count on her to catch the injured deer before it got away.
Kiona took off running, easily pulling alongside the young buck. She came up on it's right flank and leapt through the air, colliding with the deer's shoulder. Both deer and wolf sprawled to the ground, landing hard. Kiona, who was by this time an experienced hunter, was quick to recover and rolled to her paws only moments after the impact.
Kiona's thoughts shifted inexplicably to Achak then. "I wonder where he is?" She thought. "...if he's okay?" It felt strange to her to have to wonder these things. The Alpha Male had been her ever present companion for so long now she was unused to his absence.
Kiona was brought back to the matter at hand by a blur of brown as the buck lashed out at her with its hooves. Kiona rolled to the left and the hooves slashed through the air she'd occupied moments before. "I've got to keep my focus." She thought. Kiona knew that the buck's hooves were deadly missiles that could seriously wound or even kill her if she was careless. She crouched down and growled at the deer, preparing to spring at him. Kiona turned and saw that Kanook and the rest of the pack were still too far away to help her. She would have to handle this buck on her own.
She sprang at the deer and her jaws found purchase in his hide, tearing through to the muscle of the deer's shoulder. She hung on to the deer as it bucked and swung her around. Kiona knew that if she lost her grip and fell beneath the deer he would surely trample her to death.
The rest of the pack seemed to be taking forever to get to her. In reality only a few seconds had passed since the fight began. To Kiona, who was right in the middle of it, it seemed like hours.
The deer succeeded in getting one of it's back legs over the attacking wolf's head and brought it's hoof down hard on the back of her neck.
Kiona yelped and her jaws snapped open. She lost her hold on the deer and soon found herself flying through the air. She saw only a blur of white before she hit the ground. The deer snorted and ran towards her. The air had been knocked out of her lungs and Kiona found it hard to breathe. Her head started to throb, but she shook it off. There was no time to deal with it now. The deer was in her face before Kiona could get back to her paws and she brought her forelegs up around her face. The deer's hooves could break bone, and though it would be a crippling injury, Kiona would rather have a broken leg that a crushed skull.
Kiona rolled with the deer, trying to get out from under it as it continued to pummel her forelegs. It wasn't long before one of the deer's hooves connected with the side of her leg and Kiona felt an intense burn travel up into her shoulder. She rolled away from the deer, coming up on her paws, but the deer saw that he had hurt her and pursued her. Kiona had barely gotten her bearings when the deer's leg came up under her, kicking her hard in the stomach.
She yelped again and was tossed to the snow, landing on her side and sliding a bit before she came to a stop. This time she didn't even have time to prepare, the deer was just there. Kiona tucked her head close to her chest as the deer started kicking her again. Kiona tried to ball up, protecting her vital organs by rolling and trying to block the strikes with her legs, but one of the deer's hooves came down hard on her her shoulder, just below her back. Kiona screamed and she felt a splash of blood across her side, then she started feeling dizzy. She was only vaguely aware of a voice calling her name as the deer began to pummel her again, the sounds of her whimpering and yelping drowning out all else in her mind.
The deer finally caught her unprotected and it's hoof smashed into the side of her head, just below her ear. Kiona's vision fractured and she went limp, no longer trying to protect herself as she drifted away...

Kanook was running as fast as he could. He could hear signs of a struggle in the woods ahead of him and knew that it had to be Kiona and the deer. Kiona had chased the deer across the meadow and into a small but thickly wooded area. "I'm coming Kiona!" Kanook called. He ducked under a branch and finally he could see her. The deer had her down and was advancing against her again and again. Kanook's sharp eyesight took in the scene and analyzed it in a second. The snow was pink underneath Kiona, and although Kanook could see a patch of blood on the buck's shoulder, he didn't think that the majority of it belonged to the buck. Kanook saw the deer kick Kiona in the side of the head, and she stopped fighting, her forelegs dropping to the snow, twitching slightly. Her eyes were open, but she had stopped resisting. "Kiona!" Kanook yelled. Then he leapt.
Kanook soared through the air and smashed into the deer's back. The startled deer reared up, but Kanook was an experienced fighter and it didn't take long for his sharp teeth to find their mark. He sunk his teeth into the deer's throat and jerked his head side ways, feeling the skin and sinew rip away. A splash of blood hit his face, then he jumped off the buck's back.
Kanook landed on his paws and whirled around to see the deer try to run, but the blood loss had made it clumsy, and it went down, kicking in the snow. Kanook knew it was only a matter of time.
Kanook sighed and turned around, looking at the crumpled form of Kiona a few yards away. he padded through the snow, sure of what he'd find.
"...how could I let this happen?" He thought. "I gave the order... Achak left her in my care and I... now she's..." Tears started to come to the older wolf's eyes. "...what am I to do now?" He thought.
Kanook finally made it over to her side. Blood matted the fur on her shoulder and the side of her head. other minor cuts covered her forelegs, evidence of her attempts to block the deer's attacks.
Kanook sighed and nudged her.
She didn't respond.
By this time the others of the pack had made it to the wooded area and and Kanook turned to look at them.
Ayashi stepped from the group. When she saw Kiona lying on the snow her mouth fell open, but no words came out.
Kanook sighed and shook his head slowly, then he began to walk back to the group.
Ayashi darted forward, but Kanook caught her, holding her back. "Kiona was her best
friend." Kanook thought. "...she doesn't need to see her like that."
Ayashi tried to fight Kanook and get passed him, but Kanook held her back.
Not an eye was dry in the group of wolves. "...I guess... that wolf-dog touched us all." Kanook thought. He closed his eyes and Ayashi increased her vigor to get away from him.
The female finally found her voice. "Kanook, Kiona she's...."
Kanook cut her off. "...I... I know Ayashi." He said.
Ayashi shook her head and finally managed to get out of his grasp, darting toward Kiona.
Kanook sighed and turned, then he stopped.
Kiona was laying on her side... but her eyes were open.
"Kiona!" Ayashi yelled as she reached the injured wolf's side. "Kiona, you're alright!"
Kiona closed her eyes and shook her head slowly. "I... I think so." She said.
Ayashi nuzzled her friend. "I thought we'd lost you for sure!"
Kiona tried to stand and after a few tries she succeeded. "I... I thought you'd all lost me." She said.
Kanook smiled and walked toward her. "Kiona, are you alright?" He asked.
A look of disdain took over Kiona's face. "...do I look alright?" She asked.
"No," Kanook said. "...no, of course not. We need to get you back to the cave."
He looked at her, noticing her injured shoulder. "...do you need assistance?"
Kiona shook her head and pushed Ayashi away from her gently. "No, no I... I think I can manage."
Kanook nodded. "Well we're going to watch you, you're out in front." he turned to Dartanion and Zephyr, who were standing a short distance away. "You two, get the food. We'll be eating when we get Kiona safely back home." He said.
The two wolves nodded and started to shoulder the carcasses.
Kanook turned back to Kiona. "I'm glad you're alright..." He said. "....Achak would've killed me if you'd... well I'm just glad you're okay."
Kiona nodded. "Thanks Kanook."
He smiled. "Come on Kiona, let's go home."

Only an hour later Kiona lay near the back of the cave. She was all alone but that was the way she wanted it, Kiona had always been a creature of solitude. Achak was the first one she'd allowed herself to get close to; the only one with whom she felt safe lowering all her defenses, both physical and emotional. Before Achak Kiona had never let anyone inside. She'd always put up a facade that everyone, including her parents, had believed was her, it wasn't.
Kiona didn't know why she was so guarded about her true self, but something inside told her to keep it close, and to share it with no one. This true self included her memories of abuse at the paws of her sister, the homicidal thoughts and intentions she would carry out if she ever saw her again, the anxiety that filled her every time she realized she was a mother, and the mate to an Alpha male, the fear that she would be inadequate, the almost unbearable pain that accompanied the memory of her firstborn child.... all these things Kiona kept close and lashed out at anyone who tried to work past her facade.
...but Achak was different and Kiona really didn't know why. She didn't know what it was that had attracted her to him, but she did know that it shouldn't have ever been. Why Achak had chosen her to be his mate was beyond her. His decision really didn't make any sense. Kiona mixed blood flowing through her veins . True she was part wolf, but she was also part dog. Kiona was quite proud of her family, indeed not one other accomplishment in her life could stand with the same stature as being a mate and a mother. Still, every time Kiona saw her children she felt she had weakened the pack. This didn't mean she didn't love them, quite the contrary, Kiona wouldn't give a second's though to giving her life for her children... but it was a realization she was continually pelted with anyway...
"It's not their fault..." Kiona thought. "...it's mine. Achak is full blood wolf... I'm the one that's part dog... I'm the one that made our pups wolf dogs like me..." She sighed. "God I miss you Achak."
No matter if it made any sense or not, the large black and gray wolf had stolen her heart and her soul and she didn't ever want it any other way.
Ayashi walked up then, disrupting Kiona's reverie. She smiled. "Hey, look who's awake." Ayashi padded over and laid down beside her friend. "I figured you'd be asleep."
Kiona shook her head. "...can't sleep." She said.
Ayashi smiled and yawned. "...well I can." She said. "That deer is good and I'm afraid I ate far too much of it." Ayashi paused for a moment. "There still some left if you want it Kiona. The pups and Shiro have already eaten, so you can have the rest. I don't think anyone else can hold it." Ayashi laughed, but Kiona just sighed. "You didn't eat much Kiona." Ayashi said.
"...wasn't hungry." Kiona said.
Ayashi smiled. "Well you might ought to eat something." She said. "We may not hunt again for a day or two."
"Look Ayashi," Kiona snapped. "I said I wasn't hungry. Can we please just drop it?"
Ayashi jumped slightly at Kiona's outburst. "Okay Kiona." She said. "Now what's up? ...what's wrong?"
Kiona sighed. "It's... it's your brother."
Ayashi smiled again. "You miss him too, huh?"
Kiona sighed and nodded. "Yeah, but... but it's not just that..." Kiona fell silent for a moment, then suddenly she jerked her and stared straight into her friend's eyes. "Ayashi, I need you to watch the pups for me, can you do that?"
A confused look came over Ayashi's face, and her ever present smile disapeared. "Well I guess so Kiona." She said. "...but why?"
Kiona closed her eyes. When she opened them again Ayashi saw Kiona's strength return, along with her resolve and infamous stubborness. As Ayashi gazed into those chocolate colored orbs she knew that Kiona would accomplish whatever she had in her head and this scared Ayashi because she thought she knew what Kiona had in mind.
"I'm going to join Achak." Kiona said flatly.
Ayashi sighed. "Kiona you shouldn't..."
Kiona cut her off. "Ayashi please don't try to stop me."
Ayashi sighed. "...but Kiona..."
Kiona cut her off again. "No buts
Ayashi... " She said. She stood up, favoring her left leg quite a bit. "I really like you, don't make me do something I don't want to do."
This statement caught Ayashi off guard. "What are you going to do Kiona, attack me?" She started to laugh, then she saw the seriousness of Kiona's expression.and fell short. "I'm sorry Ayashi." Kiona said. "...but I can't be without him. I don't understand why exactly, but without him I'm not whole. It's... it's like a piece of me is missing and I can't stand it. I'd rather risk his anger."
This statement surprised Ayashi even more. She went silent for a while as words failed her.... then she finally found her voice. "Geez Kiona... I'm your friend." She said. "You don't have to threaten me."
Kiona sighed. "I'm... I'm sorry Ayashi... I just... I get fixed on a goal and I can't see anything else... I shouldn't have said that."
Ayashi nodded. "Thank you Kiona... but will you please just listen to what I have to say?"
Kiona sighed. "Yeah... yeah Ayashi, what is it?"
Ayashi nodded and began. "Kiona I understand what you mean. I love Achak too. He's my brother. He's been at my side since I first opened my eyes... but what you have to realize is that Achak is more than just my brother or your mate, he's also our Alpha and he gave you a direct order to stay here with the pack.
Kiona nodded. "...but why do you think he did that?"
Ayashi sighed. "...because... because this Lytion guy seems very dangerous and..."
Kiona cut her friend off. "...and he didn't want me to get hurt, right?"
Ayashi nodded, but stayed silent.
"Well what happened about an hour
ago?" Kiona asked.
Ayashi sighed. "You... you almost died Kiona."
Kiona nodded. "Achak left me here so I wouldn't be in danger, but I'm a wolf; we're always in danger. If I'm going to be in danger I'd rather be at his side.
Ayashi nodded. "I see what you're saying Kiona and it makes some sense... but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do."
"Look here Ayashi," Kiona snapped "I'm not wanting you to justify this, or even agree with me. I'm going, no matter what anyone else says. That decision has been made and it isn't changing. What I'm asking you about is taking care of the pups. Now, can you do that for me or not."
Ayashi sighed. and was silent for a moment. "...you know he's not going ti be happy to see you..." She said.
"He'll get over it." Aleu said flatly.
Ayashi sighed again. "Alright Kiona... yeah, I'll take care of them."
Kiona smiled. "Thank you Ayashi. She said. I'm going to be leaving now.
Ayashi nodded. ""Be careful Kiona." She said.
Kiona smiled and pulled her left foreleg close to her side. "I will." She said. "..and don't worry Ayashi, everything will be just fine."
With that Kiona turned and walked toward the exit of the cave, trying to keep quiet to avoid waking the others.
Her ploy was doomed to failure though, because not everyone was asleep. A voice caught Kiona in mid step. "Kiona, where are you headed at this hour?"
Kiona turned to see Olathe standing just inside the mouth of the cave. "...busted." Kiona thought. She looked to the mouth of the cave, which was only a few feet away. "...and so close." She turned and smiled. "Hey Olathe, I could ask the same question."
"...you first." Olathe said.
"I'm just going for a walk." Kiona said.
"...can't sleep.
Olathe smiled. "..thinking about Achak aren't you dear."
Kiona sighed and nodded. "Yeah... I'm... I'm really worried about him."
Olathe nodded. "I am too Kiona."
It was quiet for a long while, the only sounds that could be heard were the insects chirping in the forest.
Finally Kiona broke the silence. "Olathe... was there ever a time that... well that when Cheveyo was alive that... that you did something that he didn't want you to... because you really cared about him?"
Olathe sighed. "You're thinking of going after Achak, aren't you dear?"
Kiona sighed. "Yeah... yeah I am, not thinking about it, but I'm doing it."
Olathe smiled. "So you weren't going for a walk then. were you?"
Kiona smiled sheepishly. "Well... a really long one."
Olathe smiled and walked up beside Kiona. "I thought as much. Today got you shook up didn't it?"
Kiona nodded. "Yeah... yeah it did."
Olathe smiled again and laid her paw on Kiona's shoulder. "Kiona... as the Alpha female you have a lot of weight placed on your shoulders, and I think you're just getting to learn that now. Even though Achak leads the pack, you and your relationship have to stand the absences, the seperation, and the fact that even though Achak loves you, and would give his life for you, ultimately you have got to be second in his life. It's no easier on him than you dear, believe me..." She smiled and looked into Kiona's eyes. "I know Achak never seems to show a weakness, but I've had my share of talks with him in the middle of the night too."
Kiona smiled. "Thank you Olathe, really, I appreciate your concern... but I have to go after him."
Olathe nodded. "Ultimately you must do what you feel is right of course." She said. "...but before you go, I believe you asked me a question that I haven't answered yet. Do you remember what it was?"
Kiona smiled. "Alright Olathe, I'll bite... what are you doing up so late."
Olathe smiled. "I knew I'd meet you here."
Kiona laughed. "Alright Olathe, now you've got my curiosity up, how'd you know you'd meet me out here?"
Olathe smiled. "I was young and impatient once too Kiona. Cheveyo had to go on a long excursion one time just after we met.. I was sick at the time and he told me to stay behind. ...and I did, for a while... but then I got worried about him. He was investigating the news that some humans had moved up near where we had the pack then. I decided to go after him."
"What happened?" Kiona asked.
"I nearly died." Olathe said. "A snowstorm kicked up out of nowhere, and now not only was I sick, but I was caught in a blizzard. I howled for help, and eventually Cheveyo found me... if he hadn't... I wouldn't be standing here talking with you right now."
Kiona smiled and looked up. "Well there's not a cloud in the sky Olathe, so I don't think I have to worry about a blizzard. I'll be fine."
Kiona turned to walkaway, but Olathe's voice stopped her. "Kiona, you know he's not going to be happy to see you. As your Alpha he ordered you and as your mate he asked you to stay here. He won't be happy that you defied
him."
Kiona sighed and looked behind her. "I know Olathe... but if that's the consequence of being with him then so be it. I don't care about anything else right now."
Olathe nodded. "...be safe Kiona."
Kiona nodded. "I will be."
Olathe turned and walked back in the cave, but Kiona just stood there for a moment. "Odd," she thought. "I thought she'd try to stop me."
Then she shook her head and turned back to the forest. "I need to keep my focus." She thought. "...of all the times to lose it, this would be one of the worst."
Kiona waited for her eyes to adjust to the pitch blackness of night, and then she set off through the woods at a dead run. "Hang on Achak..." She thought ."I'm coming..."













Chapter 10

Aleu's eyes fluttered open. She'd been awoken by someone shaking her. She blinked the effects of sleep away from her eyes to see that that someone was Shadow.
His face bore a look of concern and sighed. "Aleu, we have to get you out of here, quickly."
Aleu sat up. "...why Shadow?" She asked. "What's wrong?"
"Humans in the cave." He said. "Now come, follow me."
Aleu nodded. "...let me wake the kids."
Shadow shook his head. "There's no time Aleu. I'll come back for them. First we have to get you out of here."
Aleu nodded. "...alright." She said.
Shadow turned and started to walk out of the chamber. Aleu started to follow but a voice stopped her. "...mom?"
Aleu turned to see Lima standing there. She smiled. "Hey Lima, why are you awake at this hour?"
"I heard dad talking so I came in here." Lima said. "What's wrong?"
Aleu shook her head. "Nothing... nothing is wrong sweetheart, go back to bed. You'll need your rest."
Lima smiled. "Okay Mom." She said Then she turned to walk away.
"...and be quiet." Aleu added.
Lima turned to look at her mother.
"...your brothers are sleeping." Aleu said.
Lima nodded. She was about to speak, but an explosion cut her off.
Lima's face disintegrated and a wash of blood and gray fur splashed against the wall.
"LIMA!" Aleu yelled.
"Come on Aleu!" Shadow yelled.
Another shot rang out and a chunk exploded out of the rock right beside Aleu.
Shadow ran past her and Aleu followed, running into the kid's chamber.
Tears pured down Aleu's face as the events of scarcely a second earlier played itself over and over again. "...Lima is dead..." She thought.
Aleu collapsed on the floor.
"Get up Aleu!" Shadow called.
This noise woke the other two boys. Thunder was up first. "Mom, what's wrong?!" He asked. Then he saw Lima's paw sticking out of the entrance to the door and the pool of blood that was rapidly spreading from underneath it.
"...Lima!" He yelled. Then he ran toward her.
"No, Thunder don't!" Shadow called, but it was too late.
As soon as Thunder crossed the threashold of the chamber another shot rang out and Thunder dropped.
"...Thunder!" Aleu yelled.
Thunder pulled himself up on his forelegs and with some effort, finally made it to his paws. He turned and Shadow gasped.
A hole the size of his paw had manifested itself in his son's chest. The front of Thunder's chest was covered in blood and a line of it was tricking out of his mouth. His muzzle trembled and Aleu's mouth dropped open as she stood and walked toward him.
"...Thunder?" She said.
Then another shot rocked the chamber and Thunder's muzzle exploded forward and disintegrated into a mixture of blood and fur that splattered on Aleu's face and chest. What was left of Thunder's head fell to the right and he slumped to the ground.
Aleu stood there, her muzzle trembled as if she were going to say something, but no sound came out. She shook her head and body, trying to fling the blood out of her fur, but it was no use. It was there to stay.
A man stepped into the chamber then, rifle held to his shoulder. Aleu just stood there as the man aimed at her.
"...Aleu!" Shadow yelled. He leapt forward and collided with Aleu just as the shot went off.
Aleu was knocked to the ground. Shadow didn't catch himself, but sprawled on top of her.
She picked up her head and Shadow smiled. "I... I love you." He said.
Aleu felt something wet on her shoulder then and looked down. A large round hole was letting blood squirt in a steady pulse from Shadows neck, where it splashed onto her shoulder.
"...Sh...Sha...Shadow?" Aleu asked.
Shadow laid his head on her shoulder. "I'm... I'm sorry Aleu... sorry... sorry I couldn't save... save you and... and the kids..."
At this Aleu looked up to see the human smile as he raised his rifle again.
"...dad!" Luke yelled.
Aleu shut her eyes as the shot went off. She didn't need to look to know that her son had been killed. The silence was enough.
She sighed and tears continued to poor down her face. She couldn't even speak anymore. She just pulled Shadow close to her and held him as his breathing got more and more shallow. In reality it was only a minute, but to Aleu it seemed much longer until finally she didn't feel his warm breath against her neck anymore.
She looked up to see the human level his rifle at her. Aleu stared down the barrel.
"...why?" She thought.
The last thing Aleu heard was the shot...

Aleu's eyes fluttered open. She'd been awoken by someone shaking her. She blinked the effects of sleep away from her eyes to see that that someone was Shadow.
His face bore a look of concern and sighed. "Aleu, we have to get you out of here, quickly."
Aleu sat up. "...why Shadow?" She asked. "What's wrong?"
His reply sent shivers up her spine "Humans... in the cave..."

Chapter 11

Shanaea sighed. She stood on the top deck of the old trawler, looking out over the expanse of frozen snow and ice below. She glanced back over her shoulder at the wheel house. She could see the blanket that she slept on every night, and right beside it the pale blue one that Tiembe had slept on.
She turned her head toward the frozen plains again and sighed. "I wonder where you are." She thought.
It had been only a few days since she'd went to sleep beside him. When she awoke the next morning he was gone. At first Shanaea had thought that perhaps he was out looking for food, or had went off to think... but it had been several days now, and still no sign of him.
"He wouldn't just leave me." Shanaea thought. "...he loves me, and I love him... why would he leave me?"
Shanaea didn't have the answer to this question, and trying to think of one had only brought more questions.
"I knew he was having a hard time lately, what with his dreams and all... but I didn't think he'd leave..." Shanaea thought. "I didn't want him to leave."
She sighed again and laid her head on her paws, looking at the rising sun over the horizon. "I miss you." She thought.
A voice from behind her disrupted her thoughts. "Hey Shay."
Shanaea picked up her head and looked over her shoulder. "Josh, hey, what are you doing here?"
Her brother walked over and sat beside her. "Shay... Jenna and Alyse are gone." He said.
"What do you mean gone?" Shanaea asked.
"I mean they're gone." Josh said. "No one has seen them in four days."
"Well it's not like Jenna to wonder off like that." Shanaea said.
Josh nodded. "I know... dad's out looking for them now." He paused and looked around. "Where's Tiembe?" He asked.
Shanaea sighed. "He's... he's not here."
Josh sighed. "He's gone, isn't he Shay?"
Shanaea nodded. "I... I don't know where he is. He left four days ago... I don't know why he'd leave. I'm really worried about him Josh."
Josh sighed. "I thought so."
Shanaea looked up at him and a confused look came over her face. "...what?" She asked.
"I knew he'd be gone." Josh said. "...and I'm scared too, not for him, but for Jenna and Alyse."
"What do you..." Shanaea paused. "...you aren't saying... you don't think..."
Josh nodded. "That's precisely what I think."
Shanaea sighed and looked away. "No, that's not possible, Tiembe is past that."
Josh shook his head. "You keep telling everyone that he's better, but... Shay, how do you know? How can you tell? ...because that's what he says? That doesn't mean much."
Shanaea turned her head back to face him. "Well why do you think Tiembe is behind this?"
"Look Shay... the last time anyone saw Jenna was four days ago... the same time that Tiembe dissapeared. It can't be just coincidence."
Shanaea shook her head. "I won't believe it Josh... I just won't believe it."
Josh sighed. "Well... I'm supposed to be looking for them now so... I guess I'll get back to it... but look... if you see Tiembe let me know. I have some questions for him." Josh said.
Shanaea shook her head. "Whatever Josh, you've never trusted Tiembe."
Josh stood and looked down at his sister. "...and it seems I was right in withholding my trust."
Shanaea just sighed and turned to look out over the deck.
"...take care Shanaea... and if you see him again... be careful." Josh said.
Shanaea just shook her head. "...sure thing Josh." She said.
Josh turned and walked toward the wheel well.
Shanaea laid her head on her paws. "Is it true?" She thought. "...did you take them Tiembe... did... did you kill them? Is that why you left?"
Again Shanaea had no answers, only more questions. She closed her eyes and sighed. "...I love you Tiembe." She thought. "...you could've at least talked to me."
She opened her eyes and stood up. Then she turned and walked back to the wheel well. Shanaea curled up on top of her bed and laid her head on her paws. "...it can't be true." She thought. "...it just can't be."
Shanaea closed her eyes. It had been a long night. She'd sat out on the deck all night waiting to see if Tiembe would return. Soon she drifted off to a deep sleep.

Jenna was roughly awoken by a harsh slap to the face. Her eyes snapped open and she yelped, recoiling back from her attacker. The dog hit her again and Jenna jumped up. she swung her paw at the dog and caught it in the side of the head, but the strike was little more than an attemp to lash out at the cause of her pain. It lacked direction and power so it barely fazed the dog. The black dog brought up her left paw and smacked Jenna just below her right ear. The blow sent Jenna sprawling backward. She lost her balance and fell to the floor.
The dog laughed. "...feisty today aren't we?" She said.
Jenna was about to reply when Jason walked in supporting Alyse on his shoulder. Jeena stopped with her mouth open as Jason shrugged her off his shoulder and she collapsed to the floor.
Alyse didn't move.
"...Alyse?" Jenna asked. She took a step forward and a line of blood trickled out of her creme colored muzzle.
There was no response from the golden colored Collie.
Jenna glared at Jason. "What did you do to her?" She snapped.
The black female smiled and walked over to Jason's side. "She didn't want to play." She said. A sdistic smile cut across the black dog's face.
Jason smiled. "...but for what it's worth she fought us hard. She's hot a lot of spirit." Jason laughed. "...or had anyway." He turned to the black dog. "Dema, guard this doorway with your life. Do not let them escape. If they do, and they don't kill you, I will, understand?"
Dema nodded. "Yes Master." She said.
"....Master?" Jenna thought. "...what's that about?"
Dema and Jason exited the room and Jenna ran to Alyse's side. "Alyse!" She called. "Alyse, are you alright?"
Alyse groaned and Jenna laid down beside her friend. Then she began to assess Alyse's injuries; they were many. Various cuts and scrapes covered the Collie's body from head to tail. The wound that caused Jenna the most concern though was the one on her right flank, which was laid open nearly to the bone.
"Oh Alyse..." Jenna said. "What did they do to you?"
"I... I feel terrible." Alyse said.
"I bet..." Jenna said.
Alyse propped herself up on her forelegs and with some effort turned to look at Jenna. "Why... why are they doing this?" She asked.
Jenna sighed. "I afraid it's my fault." She said.
A confused look split Alyse's pain laced features. "...what?" She asked. "How could this be your fault?"
Jenna sighed again and sat up, taking up position beside her freind. "I... I know him."
"...know who?" Alyse asked.
"....Jason." Jenna said.
"...how do you know a crazy dog like that?" Alyse asked.
Jenna sighed. "He... he wasn't always crazy." She said. "He used to be a nice dog. He's Gemeni's son."
"Gemeni's son?" Alyse said. "...where'd she go wrong?"
Jenna shook her head. "It's... it's not that at all... well..." Jenna paused. "Alyse, I was banished from Nome not too awful long ago."
"....banished?" Alyse said. "...you? ...why?"
Jenna sighed. "Alyse... to make a long story short... two of my children broke the law, substantially enough that Drake, the Keeper of the Law before Blaize, sentenced them to death. He and a posse of dogs chased them down and we thought they'd been killed... well.... we thought me son Everest had been killed, we learned later that he hadn't... that he'd escaped... but I didn't know that. See... Drake was Gemeni's mate."
"...and so Jason's father." Alyse said.
Jenna nodded. "...right." She said. "Anyway, Drake didn't seem to understand how I was feeling.... and... and I decided to see what he would feel like if he lost one of his children."
"...oh no." Alyse said. "Jenna, you didn't..."
Jenna sighed and nodded. "I'm afraid I did." She said. "I decided to kill Jason. Even now those words don't sound right coming out of my mouth. I... I don't know what I was thinking."
"Well obviously you didn't kill him." Alyse said. "...what happened?"
Jenna sighed again. "Well... I couldn't do it." She said. "I had him right there, but... but I just couldn't do it. Anyway his father burst in as I was trying to get up my courage and I was tried and found guilty of kidnapping and attepted murder. Drake sentenced me to be banished from Nome forever."
"How come you're here then?" Alyse asked.
"Balto took my banishment almost harder than I did." Jenna continued. "He tried to talk Drake into being more lenient, but Drake wouldn't back down... then something bad happened. I'm still not sure on the particulars, because I wasn't here, but... well... Drake attacked Balto, and Balto's owner Luke shot him. Drake... Drake was killed."
"So that's when Blaize took over then." Alyse said.
Jenna nodded. "Yeah, he pardoned me, put me on permenant probation and let me back into town."
"You got lucky Jenna." Alyse said.
Jenna nodded. "I know, but... well... I haven't told anyone this yet, so... can you keep a secret?"
Alyse nodded. "...sure Jenna."
"....when I was banished I was having a tough time making it on my own in the wild." Jenna said. "I was starving to death, then this wolf named Dolo found me. He took care of me and started teaching me... and well... I thought I'd never meet Balto again, and I felt kind of attracted to Dolo, so we got really close... then... well... Alyse, I'm pregnant."
Alyse's eyes opened wide. "...how long?" She asked.
Jenna sighed. "...three weeks or so."
"...and I take it these are this Dolo's..." Alyse said. "...not Balto's."
Jenna nodded.
Alyse sighed. "Jenna... when were you going to tell him?" She asked.
Jenna sighed. "Soon... I just... I don't know how to tell him." She said. "I... he got really upset when I told him I wanted to stay with Dolo and he said some things... things he took back, but things that were true... I'm afraid..." Jenna stopped.
"...afraid what?" Alyse asked.
Jenna sighed. "I'm... I'm afraid he's going to leave me if I tell him."
Alyse sighed as well. "Yeah well.... that's a possibility I guess... but you can't just not tell him. You're going to start showing soon, and then you won't be able to keep it a secret."
Jenna nodded. "I know... I just... I don't know how to tell him." She said. "It's going to tear his heart out."
Alyse nodded. "Well... sometimes you have to do that though." She said. "There's a point where trust becomes very important, and this is far beyond that Jenna."
Jenna nodded. "I know."
Alyse's legs gave out on her and she fell to the floor.
"...Alyse!" Jenna called. "...are you okay?"
Alyse nodded. "Yeah... just really weak is all."
Jenna smiled. "Well you need to get some sleep." She said.
Alyse nodded. "Yeah, I think I will."
Jenna grinned. "It feels good to tell someone... I have managed to keep it a secret until now."
Alyse nodded. "While I see your point, I think you should tell him... if we ever get out of here that is"
Jenna nodded. "Yeah, I will.... soon as I figure out what to say." She smiled again. "...and don't worry Alyse, we will get out of here."
Alyse sighed. "I hope you're right Jenna."
Jenna laid down on the floor and laid her head on her paws. "...me too." She thought.




















Chapter 12

Timbre stepped lightly over a fallen tree branch, trying not to make a sound. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the fourth unit spread out behind him. It was the fifth patrol that the unit had done, and thus far it had turned up nothing. "Still got to be careful." Timbre thought. "No doubt the Shadow Clan is out here somewhere."
One of the wolves behind him decided to speak then. "Man sir, why are we even out here." The disgruntled wolf said. "The Shadow Clan got what they wanted when they killed Aniu, why would they care about us now? we should be back in the cave asleep. It's too early to be doing this now."
Timbre stopped and turned around. He wanted to give the wolf a stiff reprimand, but he held his tongue. "Morale is as important as anything right now." He thought. Timbre called the unit to a halt and walked out in front of them. "Is that how all of you feel?" He asked.
Some of the wolves nodded, while others shifted uneasily on their paws.
"We have to stay on our guard." Timbre said. "Dash beleives that the Shadow Clan will attack again, and I have to say I agree with him. That means we're out here securing the cave, making sure we know where they are.We have to stay on our guard, and stay watchful and alert. The Shadow Clan may be watching us right now..."
As if on cue ten black wolves tore into the clearing and two of them leapt at Timbre, two more followed, quick on their paws. Timbre was a good fighter, but there was no way he could take four of them. He got in a few good strikes and then was knocked to the ground. Two of the wolves jumped on top of him and started trying to tear him apart with their sharp teeth.
The fourth unit just stood there, dumbfounded by the turn of events. Finally, Raye stepped out of the ranks of the fourth unit. "Fourth unit, rally around the LT!" She yelled. "First quarter, move to flank on the left." She dodged an attacking wolf and slammed him to the ground on his back, then ripped into his throat, She looked back up, blood dripping from her muzzle. "second quarter, move to cover, third flank the other side, fourth, you're with me, straight in."
The wolves all nodded, accepting the orders iwth the military like dicipline that the teams were famous for. The wolves scattered and moved to carry out the intended offensive. Timbre was still struggling with the four wolves, but he was losing the battle fast. Raye led her wolves straight at him. A group of three of the black wolves broke off the attack from the fallen Leiutenant and ran toward her. Raye charged straight at them. Then, just before the wolves collided, the first quarter slammed into them, rolling to the ground, scraping and biting. Raye and the fourth quarter jumped over the rolling battle and continued toward their commander. Timbre was trying to get away, he'd made it more than a hundred yards from where they'd been attacked, but the fight had exhausted him, and he could go no further. he collapsed to the ground and five of the wolves jumped on top of him. The second quarter took up the position that first had before and slammed into the wolves from the left, taking a few of them off of Timbre, then the third quarter hit them from the right. The Shadow Clan found themselves sorely out numbered and turned to retreat, but just as they turned, the fourth unit, led by Raye, slammed into them. The wolves were now surrounded by over twenty wolves and it didn't take long for the battle to take it's inevitable turn. A few minutes later the clearing was quiet save for the heavy breathing of the wolves of the fourth unit. All around them were strewn the bodies of the Shadow Clan wolves. The snow, before a pure and sparkling white, was a glaring pink, bathed in blood.
Raye looked around and saw that two of her unit were down, and wouldn't be getting up again. She sighed. "No time for grief now." She thought. "They'll be time for that later." She looked at Timbre and gasped. He was laying on his side, and wasn't moving. "On no!" She yelled. "...Timbre!" She ran to the fallen wolf's side and slid to a crouch beside him. "Timbre, Timbre, are you alright?"
Timbre groaned and pulled his head up out of the snow. "....thanks to you I'll survive Raye." He said.
Raye smiled.
Timbre pulled himself up to a sitting position, and Raye followed. "You took control quite well there Raye, how'd you know to do that?"
Raye smiled again. "My father..." She stopped and her smile faded. "...my father made sure I knew how to fight, how to lead." She said.
Timbre nodded. "Well I'm glad he did." He said. "Those wolves were going to tear me apart, thank you. You saved my life Raye."
She smiled. "You're welcome Sir." She said.
Timbre stood up and promptly fell to the snow.
"...sir!" Raye cried. "...are you okay?"
Timbre sighed. "I will be, yes, however..." He winced. "However I don't think I'll be able to continue the patrol."
"We don't have an executive officer." Raye said. "Who will take your place?"
Timbre smiled and pulled himself back up to sit beside her. "Go on and continue with the plan of the day Raye." He said. "I trust you can find your way to our way-point and back to the cave, right?"
"Where's the way-point again Sir?" She asked.
"The crest of the ridge, just beyond that far mountain." Timbre said. "That's as far as we'll go for now."
Raye nodded. "I... I can take them there Sir." She said. "Should we send someone with you?"
Timbre shook his head. "Now that we're sure the Shadow Clan is out here you need everyone you can get." He said. "I'll be fine... and if not... well the unit is more important."
Raye nodded. "Yes sir."
"....go ahead and take charge." Timbre said, standing.
Raye nodded and ran over to the rest of the fourth unit. "Fourth unit, listen up." She said. "Lieutenant Timbre is injured and unable to continue the patrol. He's put me in charge, form back up, staggered V, spread out and keep quiet."
Timbre smiled and then turned, limping through the woods.

Some time later Timbre made it back to the cave. He'd been moving so slowly that the patrol had reached the way-point and turned back before he'd made it halfway home. Raye had continued to lead them and they'd just picked Timbre up on the way back.
Dash was checking on the sentries when they walked up and he saw one of the wolves carrying his friend. Dash ran over to them. "Timbre, my gosh, what happened?"
Timbre winced as the wolf set him down. "...we got attacked."
Raye walked up behind him. "...correction Sir, you got attacked." She smiled. "Not to interrupt Sir, but do you want me to dismiss the unit?"
Timbre nodded. "Yeah, yeah, go ahead Raye. Tell them to be back here in eight hours. We're going back out."
"...and yourself Sir?" Raye asked.
Timbre smiled. "I'll be going back out too, don't you worry Raye." He said. "I've been hurt much worse than this."
Raye nodded. "Yes Sir." She said.
Dash looked at Timbre, then to Raye, and then back to Timbre. "What happened out there?" He asked.
Timbre sighed. "She saved my life is what happened."
"...the Shadow Clan?" Dash asked.
Timbre nodded. "Ten of them attacked me while I was addressing the unit... they just froze... but Raye took command and did really well..."
Dash sighed. "Well there it is." He said. "I'd hoped that I wouldn't be right on this, but it appears I am. The Shadow Clan is going to attack us again."
Timbre nodded. "...seems like it."
Dash sighed. "I hope we're prepared." He said. Then he smiled. "Look, get some rest, and if you're not feeling up to taking out the unit, don't. I'm sure Ami won't mind."
Timbre nodded. "Dash... look. We're short two lieutenants and well... after seeing how she reacted out there... I think we found a third."
"Who Raye?" Dash asked.
Timbre nodded.
Dash frowned. "I don't like that much." He said. "She's the last surviving member of her family, the Alpha of the Onasie Clan. She needs to be kept safe."
Timbre nodded. "...true." He said. "...but she's going to be in danger regardless if the Shadow Clan attacks. Why not put her abilities to use? She's already a member of the teams... and you should've see the way she took control of the unit when I was down... it's in her blood Dash. we need Lieutenants and she's an excellent candidate."
Dash nodded. "...so you vouch for her ability to act under fire?"
Timbre nodded. "...most definitely."
Dash sighed. "Well I don't like it... but... alright." He said. "...get the Defense Force assembled in this chamber, everyone except those out on post."
Timbre nodded.
Dash turned and walked away.

Only a short while later all the wolves of the Talbourne Defence Force were gathered in the Main Chamber. The chamber ecohed with the sounds of the wolves' voices as they all conversed, trying to figure out why this impromptu formation had been called. The ones who were at rest were irritated to be taken out of their chambers, the ones on guard were wondering how long the formation was going to take so they could go back to sleep before going out on post, and the ones on patrol were just tired.
Raye turned to Timbre, who was seated beside her. "Sir, do you know what this is all about?" She asked.
Timbre smiled. "...not a clue." He said.
She smiled back. "...something tells me that's not true."
Timbre smiled. "Well you'll find out soon won't you." Then he stood up and walked to the center of the chamber. Dash had appeared at the fourth step and was making his way down to the ground floor. Timbre turned to face the entrance of the cave. "Talbourne Defense Force, fall in!"
The wolves all fell into their positions, quarters and units. Each one stood still as stone. Ami stood in between First and Second Unit. She turned and walked down the ranks, mentally counting off the number of heads in the formation. When she reached the end she turned again and walked back to her position. She stopped and turned to face the front. "Sir, Talbourne Defense force assembled as ordered!" She called. "All wolves present and/or accounted for sir!"
Timbre nodded and turned just as Dash walked up to him. "Hey Timbre, everyone here?" He asked.
Timbre nodded. "As you ordered sir."
Dash smiled. "...very well Timbre, take your position."
Timbre nodded. "Yes sir." Then he turned and walked back in between the third and fourth units and turned.
Dash took his position at the head of the unit. "At ease." He said.
The wolves all relaxed and sat down.
Dash took a deep breath and then began. "I'm sorry to have called all of you out here tonight on such short notice, but we have an issue of grave importance to take care of tonight and it is vital to the survival of our clan that you all witness it. As you all know we have a severe shortage of Lieutenants right now and we need all the help in that area we can get. However I'm not going to promote someone that isn't ready for it because that puts all of you in danger." He paused. "It came to my attention today however that we have such an eligible wolf in our midst." Dash turned his head and nodded.
Timbre turned sharply to face his units. "Raye of the Fourth Unit, report to our Alpha!" He called.
Raye gasped, then she recovered her bearing and turned, walking out of the side of the formation and then turned, walked up to Dash and turned to face him. "Raye of the Fourth Unit, reporting as ordered Sir!" She said.
Dash smiled. "Raye today you showed extreme courage under fire and an innate ability to take control of a volatile situation and turn it against the enemy. We are not going to force you to accept this appointment, but we invite you to accept it. Raye, will you accept appointment to the rank of Lieutenant within the Talbourne Defense force until such a time as you can return to your own pack?"
Raye nodded. "Yes... yes sir!" She said.
Dash smiled. "Very well..." He said. "Attention to orders!"
All the wolves snapped back up to their feet, resuming the position of attention as Dash continued. "Wolves of the Talbourne Clan, let it be known to all those present that on this forty-eighth day of the winter quarter, I do hereby appoint this wolf, Raye of the Talbourne, to the rank of temporary Lieutenant in the Talbourne defense force, until such time as she decides to become a member of the Talbourne Clan and do hereby charge her with the responsibility of commanding the Fourth Unit of said Defense Force. I, as leader of this Defense Force and acting Alpha of the Talbourne Clan, do charge others of lesser grade to show their obedience to lawful orders that she may give from time to time, and do charge her to follow such orders as I may give." He smiled. "Do you have anything to say Lieutenant Raye?"
Raye smiled. "Yes sir, but only to you."
Dash raised his eyebrow. "...go ahead Raye."
She smiled again. "Sir, who recommended me for this appointment?"
Dash smiled. "...Lieutenant Timbre."
Raye turned sharply and smiled. "At ease." She said.
All of the wolves sat down again.
"Wolves of the Talbourne Defense force I will be glad to help you out in your time of need." Raye said. She turned to face her unit. "Fourth Unit, I will do the best I can to lead you. I haven't had much experience leading an entire unit, but I will give it my best, you have my promise that I will never surrender you and I will never leave any of you behind if it depends on me."
Then she turned back to face Dash. The smile disappeared and she stood stiff again. "That's all I have Sir."
Dash smiled. "Very well Lieutenant Raye, take charge of your unit."
Raye fought down a smile. "Yes sir." She said. She turned crisply and walked back to the front of the fourth unit.
Timbre stood and walked in front of third. "Fourth Unit, ten-chun!" hit called.
The wolves of the Fourth Unit stood back up quickly.
Raye turned to face them. "...at ease." She said.
The wolves all sat back down.
Dash smiled. "That concludes the purpose of this formation." He said. "Lieutenants, tkae charge of your units and carry out the plan of the day."
"Yes Sir!" The three Lieutenants called.
Dash turned and walked away from the formation as the Lieutenants called their unit's to attention. He frowned. June hadn't been feeling good all day and he was kind of anxious to get back up to her. "...I hope nothing is seriously wrong with you." He thought. "I don't think I could handle losing..." He closed his eyes and sighed, unable to even think about it. In the background Dash heard the lieutenants give the call to dismiss. "I just hope you're okay." He thought. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." Dash shook his head to get the thought out of his mind, then continued up the steps.












Chapter 13

Jack made his way carefully through the forest. His jaws were empty on this evening. His stomach rumbled, reminding him yet again that he hadn't eaten today, and wouldn't until tomorrow. "...if I can find food." He thought. "...it's getting scarce, might have to chance moving her." His thoughts drifted back to what he had seen earlier today while he'd been hunting. "...if she can move we have to, tomorrow, otherwise they might find her and..." Jack didn't even finish the thought. He shook it out of his mind. "...that will not happen." He thought. "I won't let it." Jack glanced over his shoulder to be sure that he wasn't being followed and then he ducked through the leaves that hid the entrance to the cave where he'd left Kalia. He walked back and sat down near her. Jack watched her as she slept, watched her breathing. He smiled. "...she's beautiful." he thought. Jack hated to wake her up, but he needed to talk to her. He stood and walked over to her, then nudged her lightly with his nose.
Kalia didn't move.
Jack nudged her a little harder.
...still nothing.
"...Kalia?" Jack asked.
He bent down to push her again...
Suddenly Kalia rolled over and wrapped her forelegs up under him. Then she rolled the opposite way and pulled him on top of her. She smiled and nuzzled him. "Hey, glad you're back Jack." She said.
Jack smiled and raised his head, still somewhat shocked. "You're in a feisty mood today."
Kalia smiled. "...somewhat." She said.
Jack smiled back at her and nuzzled her. "...so I take it you're feeling better?" He rolled off of her and stood up. He shook himself off and then sat down again.
Kalia pulled herself to a sitting position, favoring her left foreleg fairly prominently. "...yeah, quite a bit." She said. "My leg still hurts, but it will for a while. I think I'm going to survive."
Jack grinned. "...good to hear." He said. "It's actually really good that you're feeling better, we might have to move tomorrow."
Kalia's smiled disappeared. "Why's that?"
Jack sighed. "While I was out hunting I ran into a group of black wolves."
Kalia gasped. "...the Shadow Clan?"
Jack nodded. "Yeah, I think so."
"What were they doing out there?" Kalia asked.
"I don't know." Jack said. "I didn't stick around to find out. There were at least twenty of them, maybe more. For all I know they could've seen me. We need to be careful. I don't think anyone followed me back, but I don't know for sure."
Kalia nodded and moved to nuzzle him, but Jack stepped back.
Kalia frowned. "What's wrong Jack?"
Jack sighed. "Kalia, I've... I've been doing some thinking and... I mean I love you, don't get me wrong there, but... I just... I don't know how a relationship is going to work out between us."
Kalia stood up and turned away from him as her heart fell to the floor, then jumped up in her throat. "...this can't be happening." she thought. "...not after last night, he can't just..." She turned and smiled, trying to hide how much his statement had hurt her. "...why wouldn't it?" She asked.
Jack sighed again. "Kalia, look at us, tell me you don't see a difference."
Kalia smiled. "I'm looking at you Jack, and I see nothing wrong with you."
Jack sighed. "Kalia, you know what I mean... I'm old enough to be your father."
Kalia's calm disappeared and she lost control at that instant. "...and that matters now?!" She yelled. "After... after last night, you're having second thoughts?! What the hell is your problem Jack?"
Jack sighed. "Kalia... I love you..." Kalia cut him off.
"...then stay with me Jack." She said. "If you love me and I love you then that's all that matters. Screw what other people think. I love you Jack."
Jack shook his head slowly. "Kalia... what about your father?" He asked. "What's he going to think?"
Kalia smiled and stepped toward him. "Jack, you don't get it." She said. "I don't care what my father thinks... I care about you, that's all. The rest of the world can go straight to hell if they think they can tell me that's wrong."
Jack smiled. "...you're stubborn Kalia, you know that?"
Kalia smiled. "...runs in the family."
Jack sighed. "...but seriously Kalia, this is something we need to think about... what are we going to tell him?"
Kalia smiled. "We're going to tell him that you saved my life, that we love each other, and that maybe, just maybe he's going to be a granddad."
Jack smiled. "Okay, we don't know that yet."
Kalia smiled back at him and nuzzled him, this time he didn't pull away from her, but laid his head against hers. "No..." She said. "...but after last night it's possible right?"
Jack smiled. "Yeah... yeah, I guess it is."
She smiled and picked her head up, looking into his eyes. "That's what you wanted wasn't it?" She asked.
Jack smiled. "Yeah... I mean... I certainly wouldn't have a problem with it."
Kalia smiled. "...good, me too."
Jack smiled.
"...so Jack, you said we might have to move tomorrow, right?" She asked.
Jack nodded. "Yeah..."
"Well if we do... do you think we can go back to the Talbourne?" She asked.
Jack sighed. "Kalia... I don't even know if they exist anymore."
Kalia sighed. "Yeah... do you really think the Shadow Clan killed everyone?"
Jack shook his head. "I don't think so... I mean... there were a lot of them, but that would take more than a lot... you know?"
Kalia nodded. "Jack... do you think I'll ever see my family again?"
Jack sighed. "I... I can't say." He said. "Your dad... well he was outside the cave, so I'd think he is alright, but..."
"...mom was there." Kalia said.
Jack nodded. "...but she's not a member of the teams so..."
"...you think they left her alone?" Kalia asked.
"...hopefully." Jack said.
Kalia nodded.
"Tell you what..." Jack said. "We'll get close and I'll go scout the area and see if they're still there. If the clan is still in power then they should have sentries out beyond the entrance... if it's clear then I'll come and get you."
Kalia nodded. "Alright... sounds good to me."
Jack smiled.
Kalia sighed. "Jack, there is one thing I want to talk to you about."
Jack grinned. "Sure, go ahead Kalia."
Kalia sighed. "Jack... I know... I know that you just lost your mate of four years..." Kalia stopped as the smile disappeared from his face.
Jack sighed. "...go on Kalia, what is it you wanted to ask?"
Kalia shook her head. "I'm sorry Jack, it's not important."
Jack sighed. "Kalia, it is important, otherwise you wouldn't have asked." He said. "...now go on, ask."
Kalia shook her head. "No Jack, it's... I don't want to hurt you."
Jack sighed. "Kalia, you're right." He said. "This is a valid topic that we have to address, now go on and ask."
Kalia sighed. "...okay." She said. "...do you think you're ready to move on already? I mean... do you think it's going to be a problem?"
Jack sighed. "Kalia... I..." He stopped, unsure of what exactly to say. "Kalia, I loved Kami... I loved her very much, and we were together for a long time..." He paused. "Your dad talked to me when we first met. I guess he recognized something in my eyes that told him something bad had happened... anyway, he told me about your mother... then I couldn't even think of moving on. He said that I would eventually, but I didn't believe him... then I met you. I can't say that you will ever replace her in my life because... well I never want to forget her... but... but I'm sure that I can move on, that it won't be a problem. I know this for a fact. Because... because I love you Kalia... with all my heart. I would give my life for yours in less than a heartbeat." Jack stopped and sighed as tears came to his eyes. "When... when Kami... when she was shot she... she was pregnant..." He trailed off and fell silent.
Kalia sighed. "I'm so sorry Jack... I... I had no idea."
Jack nodded. "Well I mean... I guess everything happens for a reason... but... but I miss her, I miss her a lot, for a long time..." He stopped and hung his head as the emotions swirling inside him finally won the battle. He sighed and looked back up at her, his cheeks wet with tears. "...for a long time there was a hole in my life, something that I never thought would go away... but when I'm with you I'm... I'm free Kalia, It's like... like that hole is covered up and I can breathe again... and it doesn't hurt so much... that's how I know I love you, and how I know that... that I will never leave you, no matter what that means for me."
Kalia stood and walked over to him. Then she nuzzled him and he laid his head on her shoulder, sobbing against her fur. She sighed. "I'm sorry Jack I... I shouldn't have brought it up."
Jack nuzzled her back and raised his head. He shook it once to clear his mind and took a deep breath. Slowly he began to regain control of himself again. "...no, it's fine Kalia." He said. "...it was a valid concern... plus... well it's good to talk about it to someone. I've kept those emotions bundled up inside for too long... just too stubborn to let them go I guess."
Kalia smiled. "...runs in the family." She said.
Jack smiled. "Yeah... yeah I guess so."
She nuzzled him and slowly pulled him down to lay down beside her. "I love you Jack." She said. "I mean that more than anything I've ever said to anyone."
Jack nodded and smiled back at her. "Yeah I... I love you too Kalia."
She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder. "We're going to need to get some sleep." She said. "...got a big day tomorrow if we're leaving and all."
Jack nodded and laid his head on top of hers. He placed his paws on top of hers as well and pulled her close. "...goodnight Kalia." He said
Kalia smiled. "...night Jack."
Then Jack closed his eyes and quickly sank into a deep sleep.
Kalia watched him for a while, a smile on her face. "...just wait and see Jack." She thought. "...you'll see, everything will turn out great... everything will be fine." She snuggled up against him and closed her eyes. Not long after she too slipped into the calmness of sleep.

A man stepped into the chamber then, rifle held to his shoulder. Aleu just stood there as the man aimed at her.
"...Aleu!" Shadow yelled. He leapt forward and collided with Aleu just as the shot went off.
Aleu was knocked to the ground. Shadow didn't catch himself, but sprawled on top of her.
She picked up her head and Shadow smiled. "I... I love you." He said.
Aleu felt something wet on her shoulder then and looked down. A large round hole was letting blood squirt in a steady pulse from Shadows neck, where it splashed onto her shoulder.
"...Sh...Sha...Shadow?" Aleu asked.
Shadow laid his head on her shoulder. "I'm... I'm sorry Aleu... sorry... sorry I couldn't save... save you and... and the kids..."
At this Aleu looked up to see the human smile as he raised his rifle again.
"...dad!" Luke yelled.
Aleu shut her eyes as the shot went off. She didn't need to look to know that her son had been killed. The silence was enough.
She sighed and tears continued to poor down her face. She couldn't even speak anymore. She just pulled Shadow close to her and held him as his breathing got more and more shallow. In reality it was only a minute, but to Aleu it seemed much longer until finally she didn't feel his warm breath against her neck anymore.
She looked up to see the human level his rifle at her. Aleu stared down the barrel. "...wait a minute." She thought. "...this... this isn't right."
She looked at Shadow's face.
"...he's dead." Aleu thought. Then she shook her head. "...no, no he's not..."
Aleu jerked her head up as the realization hit her.
"...I am." She thought.
The man smiled and pulled back the hammer on his rifle.
Aleu didn't shut her eyes as she had the hundreds of times before.
She was no longer afraid.
"...it isn't real." She thought.
The man squeezed the trigger.
"This isn't real!" Aleu yelled.
The gun went off and the bullet sped toward her, but something was wrong. Aleu could see it, and it was slowing down. As she watched the bullet stopped mere inches from her face, still spinning slowly. Then the bullet began to break up, the tiny peices sucked back into a vortex beyond the entrance of the chamber. The man started to break up as well, and as Aleu watched in amazement, the same thing happened to Shadow and Thunder.
Soon they had disappeared, leaving Aleu in the chamber alone.
She stood and looked around. "...it wasn't real." She thought. "...but then where am I?" She took a step toward the entrance and leaned outside it. A long hall stretched down in either direction from her chamber. It ended in a T about five hundred yards ahead of her. She turned her head and saw that it was a dead end on that side.
Aleu stepped out of the chamber and turned to the right, heading for the T. She heard something scratching on the rock floor of the wall and turned. She saw a glimpse of a horrific creature slipping into one of the other chambers. Aleu leapt behind a rock in the wall and waited.
A shrill shriek emanated from the chamber and then a high scream of pain. Then it was silent.
Aleu could hear the scratching sound again and crouched a little lower. As she sat there, she got her first look at the creature and gasped.
The creature had once been a wolf, though there wasn't much left of it now. The creature stood on six long shiny legs that ended in two sharp points which dug into the ground whenever it walked. The front half of the creature's torso was wolf. Grayish hair covered its body and a lighter gray fur marked its chest and muzzle. The creature had two very short leg looking appendages growing out of it's chest that moved constantly, as if sensative to the very air around them. The creature's muzzle was full of razor sharp teeth that were far too long to be a wolf's. Toward the back of the creature's body the gray fur ended and grayish scales began. These scales continued as the body narrowed and rose upward over the creature's back in a thick, muscled tail. The end of the tail held a vicious looking blade that looked much like a battle ax.
The creature had no eyes at all... just empty sockets. However Aleu was afraid that it could see all too well.
It turned it's head toward her and growled.
...oh... crap." Aleu thought. Then she turned and ran toward the T at the end of the hall. The creature immediatly gave chase and Aleu found that it was very, very fast.
Aleu looked ahead of her, wondering whhich way she should go. She saw a light to the right and turned, running toward it. The light got blindingly bright, then vanished. Leaving Aleu in another long hall. She glanced behind her and saw the creature still following her.
Aleu cursed and ran again, sprinting for the T at the end of this hall.
Suddenly she felt a burning pain in her left hip and looked over her shoulder.
The creature had fired one of the short leg like appendages from it's chest and it was now sticking completely through her leg. Blood already covered her hip and dripped to the floor.
Then the creature began to pull her toward it, retracting the appendage back into it's chest, dragging Aleu with it.
As soon as she got close enough the creature tried to drive its leg into her head, but Aleu rolled to the side and the leg stuck deep into the rock. Pain shot through Aleu's leg and she yanked herself up and swiped at the appendage with her paw.
Three scratches oozed greenish fluid as she struck.
The creature yelped and Aleu smiled. "...at least you can be hurt."
Aleu scarcely had time to blink before the creature's tail whistled through the air and a blazing pain filled her left foreleg.
Aleu cried out and looked down to find her paw was missing. The blade had completely severed it. She gasped and looked up as the creature took a deep breath and, with a whoosh of compressed air, fired the other appendage into her chest at point blank range.
Aleu felt the wind leave her lungs as the sharp claw lodged itself deep within her. She tried to take a step, but she was too weak, and fell to the ground. She tried to crawl away, but the creature raised one of it's sharp legs and drove it through the center of her back. Aleu heard the clawed leg sink into the rock beneath her and her vision started to get blurry.
The creature ripped the claw out of her hip and took most of her left leg with it. Then it took a deep breath and fired the appendage through the side of Aleu's throat.
Aleu's eyes bulged and her mouth fell open, but nothing came out of it but blood."
Slowly Aleu drifed away as the creature began to tear her apart...









Chapter 14

Achak's eyes snapped open just as the sun peeked its head over the horizon, spilling its brilliant light over the night sky. He blinked a few times and looked around. Finally his eyes adhusted to the chaning light and he saw nick a short distance away, sleeping soundly.
Achak got up and walked up to the young wolf. He stopped beside Nick and watched him for a moment.
Nick didn't move, didn't even stir.
Achak sighed. "What's wrong with the young ones today?" He thought. "If I was an enemy he'd be dead." Achak kicked the young wolf in the soulder and Nick's eyes opened half-way. He saw Achak and sighed.
"What is it Achak?" He asked. Nick yawned an blinked a few times before continuing "...something wrong?"
Achak's face remained emotionless. "The sun is coming up." He said flatly.
Nick looked at the sky and then back down. A confused look came over his face, then he chuckled and yawned. "Yeah, it seems to do that every day Achak." He said.
Achak sighed and resisted the almost overwhelming urge to chastise the young wolf. "We need to get moving." He said.
Nick groaned. "Oh come on Achak." He said. "It's five-thirty in the morning."
"Yes it is." Achak said. We stand much less of a chance of getting tailed now, and if this Shadow Clan is as bad as you say they could be attacking your clan right now."
Nick shook his head and stood up."Okay, okay, I got you." he said. Nick looked over his shoulder and smiled. "You really need to lighten up Achak." He said.
Achak just stared at him for a moment. "My attitude has kept me alive out here." He said. "You would be wise to do the same."
Nick just stared at him. "...are you serious?" He asked. "...what about the fun in life?"
Achak just stared at him and stayed silent, as if unable to believe what the young wolf had said. Then he tossed his head toward the horizon. "...lead the way." He said.
Nick smiled and shook his head. "...sure thing Achak." He said. He turned his nose toward the sky and sniffed a few times until he picked up the trail, then he looked back down and grinned. "...this way." He said. Nick started walking through the woods. Achak followed close behind.

Nick jumped over a fallen log and looked over his shoulder at Achak. "...so were those wolves your family?" He asked.
Achak nodded. "Yes, most of them anyway."
Nick nodded. "...cool."
"So how long have you been their Alpha?" Nick asked.
Achak didn't answer.
"...Achak?" Nick asked, continuing to walk.
...still nothing.
Nick turned around and saw Achak standing a few feet back.
"...Achak, what's wrong?" Nick asked.
Achak sniffed the air.
Nick's expression turned to one of concern. "...is it the enemy?" He asked.
Achak didn't answer, he just closed his eyes.
Nick trotted back to him.
"Achak..." He began, but Achak cut him off.
"...shhh." Achak said.
"...but..." Nick started, but Achak cut him off again.
"...be quiet." He said.
Nick sighed.
Achak opened his eyes. "I feel a presence I've not felt since..." His voice drifted off and he looked at Nick. "Nick, continue walking in the direction we were." Achak said. "...and continue talking. "Someone is following us. I'm going to go up on that hill and watch to see who it is."
Nick nodded and Achak took off up the hill.
Nick turned and sighed. "...first you tell me to shut up, then you tell me to talk." He mumbled. "...can't you make up your mind?" Then he started walking.
Achak crouched down in the bushes and waited. He could hear Nick talking as he resumed walking, and he waited.
Shortly, just as Achak expected, a small form entered the clearing.
Achak sighed. "...what are you doing here?" He said quietly. Then he stood and started making his way down to their pursuer.

Kiona stepped lightly over a fallen log and continued walking. She'd picked up Achak's scent fairly easily and had made very good time catching up to him. Even if her sense of smell wasn't enough she could hear Nick talking.
"...lucky he hasn't gotten Achak killed." Kiona thought. "I'm surprised Achak hasn't told him to shut up yet."
Kiona stopped for a moment and looked around, trying to get her bearings. She something brush her tail and turned quickly, teeth bared, expecting a fight. When she saw who was behind her she gasped. "...Achak." She said.
Achak glared at her.
Kiona smiled. "Achak it's so good to see you!" She said. Kiona took a step forward and moved to nuzzle him, but Achak pushed her back.
A look of shock crossed Kiona's muzzle and her mouth opened slightly, but it was only for a moment. Then the smile returned to her face. "Achak, I missed..." Achak cut her off.
"Kiona, what are you doing here?" He asked. "I told you to stay at the cave, did I not?"
Kiona sighed. "Yes, but Achak..." Achak cut her off.
"No buts Kiona, I'm not in the mood for excuses." He said. "Didn't I order you to stay at the cave."
Kiona sighed. "...yes." She said.
"Then why are you here?" Achak replied.
"...because I missed you Achak... I love you." Kiona said.
Achak shook his head. "...go back Kiona, now." This last word he added with an emphasis that almost made Kiona jump, but she managed to keep her composure.
"...no." She said.
Achak narrowed his eyes. If looks could kill Kiona would've been in serious danger. "...what did you say?" He asked, his tone clipped, but calm, never betraying the roaring anger swirling through him.
"I said no." Kiona said. "I won't go back, not without you."
Achak glared at her. "...and what of the children?" He asked. "...don't tell me you brought them on this foolish endeavor."
Kiona shook her head. "Ayashi is taking care of them."
She smiled and stepped forward to nuzzle him again, but Achak pushed her away again, this time a little harder.
Kiona looked at him. "...what gives Achak?" She asked.
"I don't want to talk to you right now." Achak said. "...fall in and keep quiet."
"...but..." Kiona started, but Achak cut her off.
"I said be quiet Kiona." Achak said. "...don't make me tell you twice, now fall in."
Kiona sighed and turned away from him, walking forward to Nick, who'd heard the two talking and turned around.
Achak sighed and turned as well, walking toward Nick. Kiona fell into place behind him. As Achak reached Nick, the young wolf sighed.
"...family problems huh?" He asked.
"I don't really want to talk about it Nick." Achak said. "...lead on."
Nick nodded and the three of them headed off through the woods once more.

Aleu slowly opened her eyes.
"...what just happened?" She thought.
The last thing she remembered was getting mauled by...
"...by whatever that thing was." Aleu thought. "...but that makes no sense. I should be dead." Aleu looked down and checked herself out, but she had no wounds. "...that's odd." Aleu thought. "...because that was definitely real..."
She stood up and looked around. There was no sign of the creature. "...whatever the reason it didn't kill me I need to get away from here before it comes back." Aleu thought.
She took off running down the hall again, reached the T, and this time took a left... she still wound up in yet another rock hallway. Aleu ran forward again, and took a right this time... still a rock hallway. "...what is this, a maze?" Aleu thought.
She heard a shriek behind and turned.
"...*****." She said under her breath.
Standing behind her was another of the creatures.
Aleu turned slowly and started to walk away from it, hoping that the creature wouldn't see her.
...no such luck.
The creature shrieked again and Aleu bolted down the hall. She turned left at this T and found herself in yet another identical hallway. As she ran she looked back to see the creature stick it's leg's into the rock walls, beginning to run on the wall, and then the ceiling.
Aleu reached another T and this time she took another left. Then she heard the creature take a deep breath...
Aleu jumped to the side to avoid the claw as it shot forward, but she didn't quite get over far enough, and the claw hit her in the side of the head as it shot past, clipping off part of her right ear and knocking her to the ground.
Aleu felt the breath leave her lungs and balled up on the floor, trying to get up, but unable to breathe.
She heard a crash and looked back to see the creature had dropped to the floor and was walking toward her.
Just then Aleu heard someone yell and saw a blur of color slam into the creature, knocking it over on it's side.
Three dogs ran up and started tearing at the creature's throat.
The creature managed to fire one of it's claws through the bottom of one of its attackers muzzle. The claw slammed up through the dog's head and exploded outward between it's ears in a spray of blood.
The dog fell to the side, lifeless.
The creature managed to retract the claw and fired it again, striking one of the attaker's in the side, pinning it to the wall.
The dog howled in pain.
Then the dog that had knocked the creature over in the first place ripped into it's throat. There was a spray of greenish blood and an ear peircing screech... then silence. The creature fell limp and then, just as the bullet in Aleu's chambers, the creature began to dissolve, the millions of pieces shooting down the hall and out of sight until there was nothing left.
Aleu was still addled from the blow she'd recieved and couldn't really see. She saw a black and white blur walk over to her.
"You really have to be careful of the Hunters." The dog said. "They won't attack you if you stay in a chamber."
Aleu shivered. "...there's something familiar about that voice." She thought.
It was a voice Aleu heard in her worst nightmares.
She gasped and all the words escaped her save one.
"Steele…"

To Be Continued

I know that cliffhanger was a doozey wasn't it! XD ...part of the fun of being the writer. I already know the story. lmao! However I am sure you'll want to finish this story, so watch for part III of the Trilogy of Aniu, Balto: The Grace of our Father, coming soon from RTW! As always, your comments, critisiems, complaints and reveiws are welcome! XD

You know my thoughts on this XD

Great story I can't wait for the next part, I wonder how Balto will react to Jenna being pregnant from Dolo. Good work RTW

Great! Now, I can't wait for the third one. I wonder what will happen...

Wahey! Another big change in your story's pace, as usual always making it better I enjoyed the lot of it the whole way through. Although I got swept up in the story so much that I kept forgetting to look for the Star Wars hints, only found one XP

Another great story saved to my computer for future reading and now I'm awaiting the next one with as much anticipation as the one before, keep up the great work!

Aright I think I am ready to review now.. so without furthur adieu onto the review (Unintentional, don't ask! lol)

To sum it all up:

EMOTIONAL : This one really makes me wanna stick it to the man BIGTIME
CAPTIVATING : self-explaintory
ACTION-PACKED : as always as with all of your other fics
TRIBULATING : self-explaintory
INCREDIBLE AS ALWAYS! YOU ROCK AND CAN'T WAIT FOR THE CONTINUATION!

If the above doesn't sum it all up then I don't really know what will!

-Icestorm

O man! I will be checking the forums every single day awaiting the last part! I'm beginning to feel that there is hope for some of my favorite characters now, after recovering from all the shocks of Part 1.

The writing really has amazing depth, quality and everything a great story needs. I love it! I sure hope you bring Shadow back in, and hopefully find a way to save Aleu >.< I still miss Saba and Everest.

Man I have no idea how Balto's going to take Jenna's surprise with Dolo :O

my only suggestion is to give Jack and Kiani more harmony together... they seem a little rough... maybe even a little doubtful (if that even makes sense in this context).

Wonderful writing Rotramel, and Godbless.

..........
Oh my...Wha...What just happened here?
Honestly my head hurts. Feels like I got stomped by an elephant.
Woo...hoo...What a ride.
Can't quite explain what I think of this story. I'm just a bit overwhelmed here.
If you don't mind, though, I do have a few questions/guesses...

*SPOILER ALERT!! NEW READERS KEEP AWAY!**

So, not only has Aniu fallen and been sent through the red portal, but Aleu too?
On the other hand, the description of where they are doesn't match the one of where Steele was sent originally, so at least there not in that place. It seems to me that they're in purgatory, not H***. Good...sign...I guess... *shudder*

I was thoroughly surprised when you brought Kiona into this. Quite a shock for me. ("Wait, where'd she come from?!")

And, on a lighter note, I'm so happy how you handled Jack and Kalia! I couldn't have done it better myself, if that means anything.


And, now I'm going to take a break and listen to music while I write. First, I need an icepack. My head still hurts.

Write on!!
-LWf

PS: There should be a "Hailz Yeah!" option on the poll. But since there isn't I'll have to settle for yes and just think what I do. Rock on.

Awww.........*affectionately licks the tear rolling down Jack's muzzle*