Balto: The Grace of Our Father

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

Started: 02/08/08

Finished: 02/28/09

Pages: 262

Words: 50,769

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.

© 2008 Anthony E. Rotramel.

All Rights Reserved.

Kiona (c) Catwhohas14tails

Achak (c) Draco

Previously in Balto: Children of Aniu...

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 adjusted to the changing 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 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…"

Chapter 1:

In the darkness of night a lone figure silently climbed a tall mountain, slowly but surely making it's way to the top. Snow was falling steadily from the sky and the figure was cloaked in dense white powder. He continued to climb, unsure of what exactly he hoped to accomplish when he reached the summit. He looked up and saw that his goal was more than two hundred feet off. He shook his head and snorted, blowing the snow clear of his face. The effort was hardly successful as the falling snow quickly replaced that which he had shaken from his body. He was breathing hard with his efforts and his breath clouded in front of him like an angry dragon's steaming breath.

The dark orange wolf sighed and took another slow plodding step. The wind picked up and he shook his head, trying to dislodge the snow from around his eyes before it crystallized and blinded him. He thought back to the horrific event which had forced him out this far from his home. He sighed. Home really didn't seem like home anymore.

He'd been a leader in his clan, second only to the Alpha. He'd been the head of security and leader of all military forces of his clan. In his time in this position he'd seen the cruel face of death many times; it had glared down from the heavens and swallowed up friend and foe alike. Over time the wolf had built up a shield around himself that he retreated to when death took someone too close to home... he'd thought this shield impenetrable for death had come for her many times and many times she had leapt clear at the last second... the wolf had thought it would always be, after all, this was a chosen one, one that had a specific purpose in life. Surely Aniu would protect her wouldn't she, else it would take great evil to overcome the wolven deity's protection.

However, in the end it had not been a great evil that had finally shattered through the shield and taken the only one he had vowed death could not have. ...it had only been a car.

Shadow blinked back tears as he recalled the event, cautious of the wetness on his face, lest it freeze his eyes shut. Being blinded on this steep mountainside would surely be a death sentence.

Shadow stopped.

Was that what he wanted?

Was that why he was climbing this tall mountain in the first place?

He shook his head and continued his slow and perilous journey up the side of the rocky mountain. He would not go out that way. He'd decided this a few days ago as he stood near the edge of a large cliff. He'd climbed that particular hill with that sole purpose in mind. Yet...

...when he reached the top and stood at the edge he couldn't do it. Not because he was afraid of death, nor because he didn't want to die. Every breath since the death of his beloved Aleu had been pure torture to his soul, every step felt as if he were walking on heated coals. He longed for it to end, had asked for an end to find him...

...Shadow was ready to die.

He could not kill himself because he was not a coward, and Aleu wouldn't have wanted him to take his own life. If he died as a result of circumstances beyond his control that was one thing, but to willingly take his own life was something he could not stomach.

He took another step against the howling wind and thought back to that moment. He could still see her as she stood beside him, her countenance one of grief and despair.

She'd taken Aniu's fall very hard, just how hard Shadow could not have possibly imagined.

She turned to him, and the scene shifted to slow motion, her glossy light gray coat hung suspended in the air, falling back to her shoulders much slower than it should have. Her ice blue eyes held more grief than Shadow had ever seen in them... but there was also a warmth to them that they seemed to always hold when they gazed upon his. There was no sound to the memory, but Shadow watched as she mouthed the words. "...I'm sorry Shadow, but I can't fail you again."

He wanted to move to save her, knowing what was coming, but he found himself unable to move. Try as he might he was rooted in place on the sidewalk, doomed to revisit the inevitable conclusion.

She turned again and closed her eyes. Then she stepped off the curb and onto the cool surface of the road. She turned and opened her eyes as Shadow's ears filled with the sound of screeching tires... the bumper of the car hit Aleu sqauerly in the head. She fell and the car bumped over her, the tires running over her belly, putting an almost unbelievable amount of pressure on her mid-section, then the car was gone and Shadow gazed upon the still body of his best friend and mate. A splatter of blood and loose gore had sprayed out of her middle when it had burst from the pressure exerted upon it.

Shadow's mouth fell open, but still he was rooted to the spot, he couldn't move. Finally Balto took a dazed step forward and Shadow followed. As the two got nearer to the decimated body of his beloved Balto faded and then disappeared from view, leaving Shadow alone.

He fell on his face in front of her, crawling up to her side. Hoping against hope that somehow she had survived, though he knew in his heart that it was impossible. She was gone.

He opened his eyes and saw that she was smiling. Her blue eyes wide and clouded by death's cruel hand.

Tears clouded his eyes and he tried to speak her name, but found himself unable to do so. All he could do was focus on the spreading pool of blood and the pile of her insides that laid on the road. He looked back to her face and her graying eyes seemed to pull him in, he drowned in those eyes, feeling as if he couldn't breathe. He gasped as his very soul was pulled from it's moorings and swirled down into those eyes.

The vision faded and Shadow felt tears streaming down his face. He closed his eyes tightly against them and sighed. When he looked up he found that he was closer to the top. He found himself on the edge of a rocky precipice and looked down.

All he could see was swirling snow, the bottom wasn't even in sight. He looked back up and shook his head, clearing his face of the tears that streamed down them. He looked back up and backed away from the drop, then he ran and jumped...

...and missed the ledge.

Shadow slid down the side of the cliff thinking that this was it, the end that he had asked for had come.

...and he was glad.

Then his claws caught a small fissure in the rock and stopped his perilous fall.

Shadow winced at the pain in his shoulder from the shock of the stop. Then he looked up the rocky wall toward the top of the ledge. It was more than fifty feet away, nearly straight up...

He felt his muscles getting tired. Though he didn't know why he felt a burning need to reach the top of this mountain, as if something were waiting for him at the completion of his journey. Shadow raised his other paw and gripped the rock side tightly with his claws. The sharp points dug into the cracks in the rock. Shadow turned his head and looked down and immediately wished he hadn't.

There was nothing but air beneath his swinging rear paws. Shadow didn't know how far away the ground was, but he knew it was far enough. The muscles in his forelegs started to burn and he realized that he couldn't hang on like this much longer. His paws flexed and then relaxed, dropping him a few inches closer to the perilous drop. "Maybe I should just let go..." He thought. "...it would be quick, and..." He turned and looked at the ground again. "...and maybe I could be with her... now, today. ...end this pain." Almost as soon as he'd thought it he looked back up to the top of the hill. Again he felt an inexplicable need to continue his climb. As if she waited for him at the top.

"I'm coming Aleu." He thought. Shadow reached up and grasped another crack with his claws, pulling himself another few inches of the sheer rock face.

After a few more minutes of this the strain was really beginning to tell on Shadow. His legs started shaking and he found it was harder to keep his grip on the rock. Finally he raised himself another few inches and he could get his back legs dug into the rock as well. Shadow kept up his slow and steady pace, slowly but surely inching his way up the face of the bluff.

After nearly seven minutes of this Shadow finally threw his front paws over the top of the hill and strained every muscle in his body as he threw the rest of his body over the top. He rolled over on his side and lay there, panting heavily.

"...I did it Aleu." He thought. "I didn't give up... I didn't give up..."

Shadow caught his breath and stood shakily.

He looked up at the sky. "Alright..." He said. "I made it. ...now what?"

When the voice came it startled Shadow and he turned quickly.

"...now we need to talk my friend.'

Shadow's eyes widened. "...it... it can't be you." He said breathlessly.

The blueish colored wolf walked closer to him. "Oh but it can be, it is." He said.

Shadow shook his head. "...so it was you pulling me here?"

The wolf smiled. "...something like that." He said. Then his tone became serious. "Shadow, it is very important that... I know that Aleu's..." The wolf sighed. "That Aleu's death was hard on you, and it shouldn't be any other way, but... you must go back now."

Shadow shook his head and sighed. "Lightning... I can't." He said. "I know I should, I tried... but I can't."

"Why not Shadow?" Lightning asked.

Shadow sighed and turned away from his friend. "Everywhere I look I... I see her." He said. Shadow closed his eyes and sighed. "I can still see her there, I can smell her, hear her..." Shadow opened his eyes and turned to Lightning. "Why can't I just let her go?" He asked. "Why does she have to linger like this..." His voice trailed off and he fell silent.

Lightning sighed and walked over to his friend. "Shadow, I've never seen a pair of wolves as close as... as you and Aleu were, never heard of it. You two were connected in a special way, besides just being mates... it was more than that, it was spiritual. ...and now... now that she's gone you feel a hole in yourself that you're running from. You don't want to face the loss you've suffered. You're running away, both mentally and physically, and... you must stop. You have to return Shadow... to face this, to truly let her go, you must face her loss, and you must return home."

Shadow sighed. "I can't Lightning." He said. "I tried, I just... I can't."

Lightning walked in front of him. "Shadow, when have you ever said those words before?" He asked.

Shadow smiled slightly. "...not much." He said.

Lightning remained persistent. "Try never Shadow. You can, who was it that told me that the only time you can't do something is when you say it, hmm?"

Shadow looked up at him. "...Lightning, this is different." He said.

Lightning shook his head. "No, not it's not Shadow. You only think so because finally something has hurt you. Finally something has come into your life that seems insurmountable. You've never had to face something like this. You only think it's different because you're afraid to face it."

Shadow glared at him. "...of course I'm afraid." He said. A growl entered his voice as he continued. "Aleu was... was my mate, my everything. I can't just let that go!" He turned away and looked out over the valley. "I can't..." he said quietly.

Lightning walked up to his friend's side and put a paw on his shoulder. "Shadow... you must." He said. "..of all the wolves in the world you and Aleu should know the far reaching consequences of the one's actions."

Shadow's voice was gruff as he replied. "What does that have to do with anything?" He asked.

Lightning sighed. "Shadow... if you don't return you will destroy everything that she worked so hard to build, so hard to preserve."

Shadow shook his head. "...how?" He asked.

Lightning locked gazes with him. "Lytion is still out there Shadow. He is unlike any other the Talbourne has ever faced. He threatens not only the Talbourne, but every wolf in every part of the world. He must be stopped."

Shadow shook his head. "...he's too strong. We can't win that battle. We saw that already."

Lightning stamped his paw. "Listen to yourself Shadow?!" He yelled. "You've given up, you're retreating, why?!"

Shadow looked away from his friend and sighed. "This war has cost too much already." He said. "...I've paid a price I wasn't willing to, that I wouldn't have. If I'd known that... that she'd be killed... I'd've taken her away from him, away from the war, and ***** the Talbourne."

Lighting's mouth fell open slightly in shock. "Shadow... what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I would've let the Talbourne fall for her life, okay?" Shadow said. "I'd've been willing to give any price, any at all, except that."

Lightning sighed. "Shadow... what do you think Aleu would be doing right now... if it'd been you in Nome?"

Shadow sighed and looked away.

"Shadow, why are you looking away?" Lightning asked. "Why aren't you answering

me?"

Shadow sighed. "...because..." Lightning cut him off. "...because you know she wouldn't be out here, don't you?"

Shadow sighed. He started to speak. Then he lowered his head and nodded.

"Where would she be Shadow?" Lightning asked softly.

Shadow sighed again. "...she'd... she'd be at the cave, stepping into the Alpha's position again... leading the Talbourne."

Lightning nodded. "She would, and you should." He said. "It's not that she wouldn't have mourned you. She would've missed you horribly. ...just as much as you're missing her now. ...but she would've carried on Shadow. Do you know why?"

Shadow sighed.

Lighting leaned around his friend and looked into his eyes. "Shadow, she knew that the fate of the Talbourne was more important than anyone, you or herself included. You said that you would've taken her away from the war if you'd known the price she'd pay, do you know what I have to say about that?"

Shadow shook his head.

"I think you'd have been alone still. She wouldn't have let you take her away, even if she knew in advance what was going to happen. Aleu was completely dedicated to the Talbourne Shadow... and you are too. I've seen it in you before Shadow." Lightning said. "This isn't the first time you've lost her." He said. "When she lost the battle with Shade you took over the clan, you pressed on. You didn't give up like this... why?" He asked.

"...because..." Shadow fell silent and then looked up at Lightning. "Lightning... she was... was..." Shadow's face twisted as he struggled to get the words out. Tears began to form at the edges of his eyes. "She was destroyed... I've never... I never wanted to see her like that.... ever. It was bad enough that she... that she died, but... but I had to see her like that? ...why, what was the point of that? ...when we.." Shadow fell silent.

"What is it Shadow?" Lightning asked.

Shadow shook his head. "...never mind." He said.

Lighting sighed. "Shadow... it's better for you to talk about it."

Shadow sighed and swallowed before continuing. "...when we went back... she... she came apart..." Shadow gagged as the images flooded through his mind again. He turned his head and threw up on the snow.

"Shadow..." Lightning said. "I'm sorry that it had to be so horrible for you. I really am, but... if you don't return all that she spent her whole life setting up will be destroyed... do you understand? You must go back. ...for her."

Shadow nodded slowly.

"...please Shadow."

Shadow sighed. "I'll try." He said.          

Lightning sighed. "With an attitude like that you've already lost. ...and without you the Talbourne is doomed to destruction."

Shadow sighed. "Alright Lightning, alright... I'll go back."

Lightning smiled. "They need you Shadow."

Shadow nodded. "I'm sorry for letting them down my friend... thank you... you really helped me."

Lightning smiled. "Shadow, you are my friend. Always was, and always will be."

Shadow nodded and for the first time in a long while, he smiled. "...yeah." He said.

Shadow closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he opened them and smiled again. "...Lightning, who sent you?" He asked. Shadow waited for a moment, but there was no answer. "...Lightning?" He asked. Shadow turned to look for his friend...

...but he was alone. Lightning was gone.

Shadow turned again and looked out over the valley. "Alright Aleu, I know what I have to do now..." He thought. "...don't worry... I'm going home."

With that Shadow leapt down off the top of the hill and landed on the ledge below, his legs filled with a new strength, the strength of purpose. "...I'm coming home."

"Steele..." Aleu said.

The black and white malamute grinned. "So I see you haven't forgotten me."

Aleu narrowed her eyes. "I will never forget, nor forgive the atrocities you committed upon my clan."

Steele smiled. "Well Aleu, you seem to be forgetting something..." He said.

"Oh yeah, and what's that?" Aleu snapped.

Steele chuckled. "I just saved your life." He said. "...or saved you a lot of pain anyway. You could at least be a little grateful."

"...grateful?" Aleu asked. "Are you serious?" She said. "Are you even aware of the pain you brought upon my family? ...especially my brother Dash... you took his mate from him. Shasta was a great wolf... grateful? Sure, I suppose it was nice of you to step in, but if you think that in anyway mitigates your actions... you're dead wrong."

Steele sighed. "Aleu, we don't have time for this.. it is important that I speak with you, but not here, we must move. The hunters know when one of them falls and soon there will be many of them here. Come, I will lead you to our chambers, somewhere we will be able to talk."

Aleu shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere with you." She said. "I never want to see you again." She stood up.

Steele sighed. "Aleu, please, I beg you to reconsider. Think of your purpose here."

Aleu glared at him. "I have no purpose here." She said sharply. "I'm here for the same reason you are."

Steele shook his head. "Aleu, you have a purpose here, and it's vitally important." He stopped and heard a high pitch howl in the distance. He looked behind him and then turned back to Aleu. "...we must hurry." He said. "...come."

Aleu looked behind her as the creature howled again.

"Aleu... please." Shadow said.

Aleu sighed. "...guess things can't get much worse here." She said. "Alright I'll come with you."

Steele smiled. "...great, follow me."

By this time the wolves who had been killed had revived. "...quickly, come." Steele said. The group ran down the hall and turned to the right, then Steele ducked into the fourth chamber on the left hand side. He ran past many wolves lying on their sides.

...the wolves were screaming, some were kicking as if running, some swung their paws violently in the air, trying to fight off demons that didn't exist.

"...they haven't woken up yet." Aleu thought. "...I was one of them."

Then Steele crawled into a small crack at the base of the far wall and Aleu followed. The two emerged into a small chamber with high ceilings. They were quickly followed by the others in the group.

Steele sat down. "...good. We can talk now... we're safe... for the moment."

Aleu nodded. "...now what do you want Steele?"

Steele smiled. "It's not a question of what I want... it's a question of what she wants..."

Aleu looked confused and irritated. "First off Steele, I don't like you, secondly in the last few days I've been hit by a car and thrown into hell, torn apart and god knows what is in store for me... stop playing these stupid games and talk, or I'm leaving... what do you mean she?"

Steele smiled and stepped back. "My, my, touchy aren't we?" He said.

Aleu growled and stood up, walking back toward the crack in the wall.

Steele leapt up and ran over to her, blocking her exit. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry Aleu." He said. "Please stay."

Aleu glared at him. "...who is she?" She asked again.

Steele sighed. "The she I speak of is Aniu."

Aleu tried hard, but could not conceal the shock on her face. "Aniu... what do you want with her?"

Steele smiled. "Well... she could be my only ticket out of here." Steele said.

Aleu scoffed. "..and why would she do that Steele?" She asked.

Steele smiled again. "That's the beauty of it, I have no idea." He said. "She told me so, she told me to do something, to help her."

Aleu shook her head. "Why would she do that?" She asked.

"I don't know." Steele said. "I really don't, but she did, and this place has a way of finding religion for you pretty fast."

Aleu sighed.

"Will you please stay?" Steele asked.

Aleu sighed. "Alright, but if I get run around one more time..."

Steele nodded. "...I'll be straight with you Aleu... I promise."

Aleu nodded and sat down. "Have you seen her?" She asked. "If you know where she is, I must talk to her."

Steele sighed. "I have no idea where she is, but the way Shade used to talk about her I'd think it'd be somewhere special."

Aleu nodded. "...most likely." She sighed, and then looked back up at him. "If you don't know where she is and haven't seen her... how did she speak to you?"

Steele shrugged his shoulders.

"How do we know it wasn't Shade just playing with us?" She asked. "...trying to foster false hope?"

Steele smiled. "I can't explain how I know it was her Aleu." He said. "I just do... it's... it's the feeling I had when I heard her voice."

Aleu smiled back. "That sounds about like Aniu." She said.

"...so will you stay?" Steele asked. "the two of us could really use your help."

"I'll stay." Aleu said. "...but only for Aniu."

Steele shook his head. "...doesn't Aniu teach her followers forgiveness."

Aleu glared at him. "...don't push it Steele." She said.

Steele nodded. "..fair enough." He said. "Our first step has to be to find her."

Aleu nodded. "...but where could she be..."

Chapter 2

Achak silently followed Nick through the darkened woods. They'd been traveling all day an most of the night. By his best guess, they should be nearing the Talbourne's cave by now. He glanced back and saw Kiona behind him. He sighed. "What am I to do with her?" He thought.

This was a problem that had been facing him for a while now, but one he had been hesitant to correct. This was unusual for Achak. Usually he was quick to confront a problem in his pack, but he this particular one had left him somewhat confounded. He did not understand the young wolfdog's penchant for disobeying him whenever she felt like it. "Does she understand that I am her Alpha, as well as her mate?" He asked himself. "Yes, she must," He said. "I've only been too clear with her in the past." He sighed. "No, the time has come to confront this problem... but how..."

He was pleased that at least she had followed his direction to remain quiet. At first she had balked at even that, angering Achak even more, but finally she had lasped into a silience that told Achak she was sulking, not repentant, not sorry, but at least quiet.

Suddenly he looked over and saw a slight movement in the bushes. He stopped and looked at it for a moment.

Nick sensed that Achak had stopped and followed suit, turning to look back at him.

"...something wrong Achak?"

Achak's gaze remained locked on the bush. "Nick, how far are we from your clan's home?"

Nick smiled. "Only about ten minutes or so, why, are you getting tired Achak?"

Achak looked at Nick. "No, I am only wondering why your sentries are not stopping

us." He said. "That is your sentry in that bush over there is it not?"

Nick looked. "...I actually don't see anyone Achak. ...might you be mistaken?"

Achak shook his head. "It really is a wonder to me how you are still alive Nick." He said. "How do you manage to survive out here?"

Achak walked a short distance away and stepped into the bushes. Nick watched with interest, wincing a bit as he heard a struggle in the bushes. Shortly Achak stepped back out of the bushes, dragging a young wolf by the scruff of his neck. He drug the wolf over to Nick and dropped her in the snow. "...there's your sentry." Achak said. "She didn't put up much of a fight... wonder any of you are alive if this is the way you do things."

Nick smiled, a somewhat embarrassed look on his face.

Achak looked down at the wolf he'd drug out of the bushes. "Why did you not challenge us young one?" He asked.

The wolf gulped and looked at Nick.

Achak growled at the terrified young wolf. "Don't look at him." He said. "I asked you a question, answer me."

The young wolf's ears drooped low. "I... I saw Nick walking with you and... and I just assumed..."

"You assumed?" Achak asked. "You assumed it was safe... did it ever occur to you that perhaps I had threatened Nick into taking me to the cave and that he had led me so close to one of his sentries so that he could get an alert to the cave before we reached it?"

The young wolf considered this for a moment, and looked at Nick.

"Why do you keep looking at him?" Achak asked the young sentry. "Do you expect him to answer for you?"

The wolf looked back at Achak and shook his head. "No sir..." He said. "No Sir I didn't think of that."

Achak frowned. "Well you should." He said. "You're a sentry, the first I've seen, that means that you're the first means of alert for your clan. You must take your job seriously young one."

The young wolf nodded.

Nick smiled. "Jane, may I introduce Achak of the..." Nick paused and turned to Achak. "...what exactly do you call your pack?"

Achak looked at him. "...nothing really, just my pack."

Nick nodded. "Very well, anyway, Jane, this is Achak. Achak, this is Jane."

Achak looked on the young one with a gaze of disdain. "She's a bit young to be fighting isn't she?"

Nick sighed. "The casualties from our earlier confrontation with Lytion and his wolves have made it necessary." He said.

Achak simply nodded.

"Have you come to help us then?" Jane asked.

Achak nodded again. "...keep a careful eye Jane." He said. "You're still young yet. You have a lot to learn. Just watch carefully."

Jane nodded. "...yes sir." She said.

"Go on then," Achak said. "Get back to your post, and pay attention."

Jane nodded. "Yes Sir."

The young female almost fell over herself in her effort to obey the order. Soon, she was back in the bushes.

Achak turned to Nick. "How many more young ones do you have in your forces."

Nick sighed again. "...a few." He said.

Achak frowned. "...and do these few have as little training as little Jane?" He asked.

Nick sighed again and began to walk forward again. "We're working on their training in their spare time. They are far from untrained, just... inexperienced."

"They are too young." Achak said. "They should not be out here unsupervised."

"I couldn't agree more Achak." Nick said. "...but we have little choice."

Achak nodded. "...that's a shame."

Nick nodded but remained silent.

The silence reigned until they had reached the main entrance of the cave.

"Halt, who is that there?" An unidentified voice called.

Achak leaned over to Nick. "...nice to know someone knows their job."

Nick smiled. "It's me, Nick, Timber."

A brown wolf stepped out of the shadows. "Ah, it is you." He said. "...back already?"

Nick nodded.    "I couldn't find anyone

else." He said. "Several packs were destroyed completely, others crippled and unable to send help."

Timbre sighed. "I feared as much." He turned to the two wolves following Nick. "...and who are these two?"

Nick smiled. "Timbre, this is Achak and his mate Kiona." He turned to the two wolves. "Guys, this is Timbre. He's one of our Lieutenants."

Timbre nodded. "Nice to meet you both." He said. Then he turned back to Nick. "What do you plan to do with them for the night?" He asked.

"Well I was planning to take them to see Dash and see if he couldn't tell me an empty chamber they could sleep in."

Timbre shook his head. "Can't do that." He said. "Dash is asleep and he really needs to get some rest. He's been at it all day."

Nick nodded. "Okay, is there an empty chamber?"

Timbre nodded. "The chamber beside the react room. No ones in that one. They can stay there for tonight."

Nick nodded. "...where're you off to?" He asked.

"I'm just going out to meet the unit." Timbre said. "We're going out tonight."

"...again?" Nick asked.

Timbre nodded. "Yep..."

"Didn't you just get back last night?" Nick asked.

Timbre nodded. "Yeah, but Ami isn't feeling well."

A touch of alarm crossed Nick's face. "...what, when?"

Timbre smiled. "It's okay Nick, she's fine." He said. "I just told her to rest is all. I'm going to take her duty tonight."

"Where is she?" Nick asked.

"In her chambers." Timbre said. "...but if she's sleeping, let her sleep Nick."

Nick nodded. "..of course Sir." He said.

Timbre laughed. "...for now, see Achak and Kiona to a chamber so they can sleep." He said. "They'll have a busy day tomorrow."

Nick nodded.

"..and you should probably get some sleep too Nick." Timbre added.

Nick nodded again. "Yes sir." He said.

"Take care of yourself Nick." Timbre said.

Nick smiled. "You too." He said.

Timbre turned and ran out into the woods.

Nick watched him for a moment and then turned to the pair behind him. "Come with me." He said. Then he turned back and led the two wolves through the Main Entrance. He nodded at the two guards on duty as he passed and lead Achak and Kiona into the Main chamber and then to the empty chamber Timbre had spoken of.

Nick walked about half-way into the chamber and turned around. "Well Achak, this is it." He said. "You can stay here for the night." He walked forward and stopped in front of the large gray wolf. "I'll come get you in the morning and we'll go talk to our Alpha, Dash. Until then, feel free to make yourself at home. You don't have to stay here. You can explore if you like. I'll find the roving guard in the cave and tell him who you are and what you're doing here. There shouldn't be any problems."

Achak nodded. "Thank you." He said. "I think I'll probably just stay inside tonight. We've been traveling for a while now and I could do with the rest."

Nick nodded. "All the same I'll tell the guard anyway so you're not disturbed." He said. "...step out here for just a moment Achak?"

Achak nodded and turned to the red wolf-dog beside him. . "Kiona..." He tossed his head toward the center of the chamber. "I'll be right back."

Kiona nodded and walked into the chamber. Achak followed Nick as he stepped back out into the Main Chamber. "See that chamber up there?" Nick asked. He lifted his paw and pointed at an opening on the second shelf of rock at the far end of the chamber.

Achak nodded.

"..that's my chamber." Nick said. "I'll be there or at the one next door. If you need anything during the night, please don't hesitate to let me know."

Achak nodded. "Thank you Nick." He said. "I will."

Nick smiled. "Well then, I'm off to see a friend, then I'll see about getting some rest too."

Achak nodded. "Take care of yourself Nick." He said.

Nick smiled. "...as always." He said. "...you too Achak."

Achak nodded and turned. He walked back into the chamber and saw Kiona lying in the center, her head on her paws, eyes closed.

Achak sighed.

It wasn't like him to be unsure of himself. The feeling filled him with a sense of unease... he didn't like it.

"Kiona, we need to talk." He said.

Kiona sighed and kept her eyes closed. "What is it Achak?" She asked.

Achak walked over to her. "How about paying attention to me first Kiona." He said. "...sit up at least, come on."

Kiona sighed and opened her eyes. She sat up and yawned. "What is it Achak?" She asked again.

Achak shook his head. "Kiona, you're smarter than this." He said. "I know you are. Why won't you listen to me?"

Kiona sighed and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "I do listen to you Achak." She said.

"Then why are you here?" He asked.

"...because I didn't want you to do this on your own." Kiona said. "If this Lytion is as dangerous as everyone says he is... I didn't want you to face him alone."

"You disobeyed a direct order." Achak said.

Kiona's gaze narrowed. "Well who are you to order me around?" She asked. She started to say more, but Achak cut her off. "I'm your Alpha, that's who I am." He said sharply.

Kiona shook her head and stood, walking quickly to stand in front of him. "We're mates Achak, doesn't that count for something? We should make our decisions together." She said. Her tone rose with each word she spoke.

"It counts for a lot Kiona." Achak said.

"...but in certain situations I can and will give you an order, and I expect you to obey it."

Kiona said nothing, but her gaze said it all. She narrowed her eyes and sighed.

"What you fail to understand," Achak said. "...is that yes I'm your mate, and I love you, but I am your Alpha first. You are a member of my pack and you will do as you are told or you will be dealt with."

If the red wolf-dog's gaze could've killed Achak knew for certain he would be dead. "Oh yeah?" She fumed. "...and how exactly do you plan to deal with me?"

Achak sighed. "I was hoping it wouldn't come to that." He said.

"Well maybe it needs to." Kiona spat back. "You never consult me Achak.

"...sometimes I don't need to." Achak said. "Did you ever stop and think why I wouldn't want you here? ...why I would want you there?"

Kiona remained silent.

"I wanted to ensure our children's safety." He said. "You were to be there for them. You are right in saying that this Lytion sounds dangerous. What if something happened to me? I wanted one of us to be there for them, no matter what."

"I wanted to be here." Kiona said coolly.

"See now that's the problem." Achak said. "You always do what you want Kiona and everyone else be *****. What if something happens to both of us? Did you stop and think about that?"

Kiona stopped and hung her head. She closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. "...no... no I didn't." She said.

"See?" Achak said. His voice was remarkably still calm and firmly in control. "Maybe I'm not so stupid after all."

Kiona opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Achak, I never said you were..." Achak cut her off. "No you didn't say it verbally, but your actions speak louder than words Kiona. You decided on your own to disobey my order and follow me out here without even thinking of the consequences. That's not satisfactory, not from a pup, much less you. Of all the wolves in our pack you, my mate, should be an example to all the others. They should look up to you. I should be able to depend on you to do the right thing, no matter what... but I can't." Achak shook his head. "Kiona, I've held off confronting you about this for a long time, and maybe that made it worse. Maybe I should have collared you the first time, but I... I didn't want to hurt you, to upset you... but Kiona... you're not the one I can depend on to do the right thing. You're the one I can depend on only if it fits your design. I always have to wonder if you're going to follow the order I give or go off on some ridiculous rampage throughout the countryside on your own."

He stopped and Kiona's ears drooped a bit as she hung her head. "I... I just wanted to be with you Achak." She said. "...that's all."

Achak sighed. "I know Kiona. Believe me, I wanted you to be with me too, but sometimes things happen that are more important than what we want. The safety of our family is one of them. I told you to stay with the pack and you just up and decided to completely disobey me..." Achak paused. "Kiona, no one can depend on you when you're insubordinate like that. You're... you're a liability to the pack... to our family."

Kiona's head jerked up and flames ignited behind her brown eyes. "So I'm a liability am I?" She asked.

Achak sighed. "Kiona, my mission isn't to hurt you, but the truth is the truth."

Kiona glared at him and started walking briskly from the chamber.

Achak turned and Kiona stopped at the entrance to the Main Chamber. She turned and looked at him. "..congratulations." She said. "...you failed your mission Achak." Then she turned and started walking from the chamber again.

Achak sighed. "Kiona, where are you going now?"

Kiona whirled around to face him. "It doesn't really matter does it?" She snapped. "You'll be better off not having to worry about me being a liability won't you?" She sighed and shook her head. "I'm going to get some air." Then she turned and walked around the corner.

Achak watched her, trying to decide whether he should follow her or not. Finally he laid down in the chamber and put his head on his paws. "I'll give her some time." He thought. "She's in no mood to be receptive right now. Hopefully she'll come to realize what I said on her own." He yawned and closed his eyes. "...hopefully." He thought.

The trip had been harder on Achak than he'd let on and he was very tired. Soon he drifted off to the comforting blackness of sleep.

Nick was careful to be extremely quiet as he stepped lightly in the the shadowy chamber. He was conscious of slight sound his footfalls made against the hard stone as he made his way farther into the small room. He peered around the tall stalagmite growing out of the floor of the chamber and smiled.

Ami's smallish form was curled up against the far wall of the chamber. Her head was nestled against her back paws. Her long flowing tail rested across the gentle arch of her back. Her green eyes were closed lightly and her breathing was deep and easy.

Nick wished she were awake so that he could talk to her, could tell her that he was there if she needed anything. "...that I'll always be there." He thought. Nick sighed and watched the slow steady movement of her head as it rose and fell in time with her breathing. "...but Timbre is right." He thought. "I'm not going to wake her. She needs her sleep."

Nick turned and had started to walk from the chamber when Ami's sweet voice stopped him. "Timbre, is that you?" She asked.

Nick turned and walked back into the chamber. "No, it's me Ma'am." He said.

Ami sat up and yawned. "...Nick?" She asked.

Nick nodded. "Yes Ma'am." He said.

Ami smiled. "When did you get back?" She asked.

Nick smiled and sat down in front of her. "...not too long ago Ma'am." He said.

Ami shook her head a little and laughed softly. "Nick, I think we've known each other long enough to drop the Ma'am thing, don't you?"

Nick chuckled. "...sure thing Ami." He said.

Ami smiled at him. "So, what brings you by here so late?" She asked.

Nick smiled sheepishly and looked at the chamber floor. "Well I uh... just wanted to let you know that I was right next door."

Ami laughed. "Nick, you've always been next door."

Nick chuckled. "Yeah, I guess so, huh?" He said. "It's just that... I ran into Timbre on my way here and he said that you were sick so... I thought that I'd drop in and check on you and let you know that if you need anything... I'm right next door."

Ami smiled. "Aww Nick," she said. "That's sweet, thank you."

"You're welcome Ami." He said. "So, how are you?"

Ami sighed. "I guess I've been better." She said. "I've been sick the last couple days."

"Oh, that sucks." Nick said.

Ami nodded. "Tell me about it." She said. "It started a few days ago, I just felt tired all day, thought I might just need to get more sleep, but then yesterday I started feeling sick and today I actually collapsed."

"...oh?" Nick said.

Ami nodded. "Yeah, I was just coming back from a patrol and I stepped into the cave, I'd been feeling bad the whole day, but I stepped into the cave and all of a sudden I felt really light headed... that's the last thing I remember. I guess one of the members of the unit brought me up here. Timbre and Dash came to see me. They decided I was too sick to stand duty, so Dash appointed one of the wolves in Timbre's unit as COG for the day and Timbre volunteered to take my unit out on patrol tonight."

"Well that was nice of him." Nick said.

Ami nodded. "Yeah..." She sighed. "...but I feel bad for having to make him do it. He just got back off patrol last night. This is supposed to be one of his easier days."

Nick nodded. "Yeah... I wouldn't worry about Timbre though, he's a strong guy."

Ami nodded as well. "Yeah... but he still needs his rest." She paused and sighed. "I don't know... I guess I just feel kind of useless right now."

Nick smiled. "Well you shouldn't." He said. "You're sick, nothin' you can do about that. Just take the time they gave you and rest up so you'll get better faster. Then you can resume your duties. Don't worry about it now."

Ami smiled. "Yeah, I guess you're right Nick." She said. She paused for a moment and then decided to change the subject of discussion. "So, did you find anyone?"

Nick sighed. "...only two." He said.

"...two?" Ami asked.

"Well actually one, but the other decided to follow him, so now there's two, though they're not too happy with each other right now."

"What clan are they from?" Ami asked.

Nick smiled. "..no clan apparently, don't even have a name for their pack. The guy is big, huge. He's the Alpha of his pack. His name is Achak. I'm thinking Dash might make him a Lieutenant and take some of the pressure off you guys." He said. "He seems to really know his stuff. The female is named Kiona. She seems kinda strange, but I'll bet she could hold her own too."

Ami nodded. "Nick, what happened to the others out there?"

Nick sighed. "I came across entire packs that had been slaughtered, even the pups... lying dead in the snow where they fell... others were decimated, crippled. They couldn't spare anyone, though a few of them said they would make their way here when they were able..." Nick's voice drifted off and he fell silent.

"That's horrible." Ami said. Nick nodded and she sighed. "We really need to kill Lytion."

Nick nodded again. "Yeah..." He said. Ami started coughing and Nick's expression turned to one of concern. "...are you alright Ami?" He asked.

Ami stopped coughing and nodded. "Yeah..." She said. She yawned. "I'm fine."

Nick smiled. "Well, I'm going to let you get some sleep, you need it."

Ami nodded. "...guess so." She said.

Nick smiled again. "...night Ami."

Ami yawned again and then smiled back at him. "...night Nick." She said.

Nick turned to walk from the chamber and again he was stopped by her voice.

"...and Nick?" She asked.

Nick stopped and turned back toward her.

"I know I'm a Lieutenant now, and with that I have some new responsibilities... but that doesn't mean we're not still friends first."

Nick smiled slightly. "...yeah." He said. "...friends." He said.

Ami smiled. "So I'll see you tomorrow right?" She asked.

Nick smiled and nodded. "...of course. I'll drop in and check on you."

Ami smiled back at him. "I'd like that Nick." She said.

"...till then then." Nick said. "...get some rest Ami."

Ami nodded. "I will, you too. You're bound to be tired."

Nick nodded. "Oh I will Ami, believe me."

Ami grinned at him. "...night Nick."

Nick smiled at her. "...night Ami." He responded. Then he turned and walked out of the chamber.

Balto was walking through the darkened streets of Nome, Alaska. He felt the cool crunch of snow underneath his paws as he walked along the ice covered sidewalk.

Suddenly he head a familiar voice call his name., drawing out the middle consonant. Balto's ears slid forward as he recognized the voice.

"...Jenna?" He asked. He ran a few more feet forward and stopped. "...Jenna!" He called.

Balto heard the call again.

"...Jenna!" He called. "Jen, hold on I'm coming!"

Balto took off running after her voice, darted into an alleyway, and leaped over a discarded crate. He followed the voice as it called his name four more times and skidded to a stop as he realized he was standing just across the street from the outskirts.

He hesitated, then heard the voice again, yelling this time. "...Balto!"

He through his inhibitions to the wind and sprinted into the outskirts and down an alley. Then he stopped as an ear piercing scream reverberated through the charred wooden walls of the alley.

"...Jen!" He called.

He heard a sound behind him as an old trash can overturned in the alley. He turned and saw Jenna's familiar form stumble into the alley. She was covered in dark red blood.

"...Jen!" He called.

What stumbled out of the alley next was impossible. Balto knew it was impossible, but it was real all the same.

Drake stumbled into the alley. He was a mottled shade of green. One eye dangled uselessly from it's socket, his bones showed through the tattered fur in several places. A large hole was torn in his shoulder.

Balto blinked a few times and saw Jenna stumble and fall in the alleyway. "..Jen!" He called. "Jen hang on!"

"He's after me Balto!" She called. She turned her head to look backward and screamed as she saw Drake behind her. Jenna looked back at him. "...help me." She pleaded. Her voice was racked by her sobs.

Balto couldn't move as Drake dropped his paw and slammed Jenna's head into the pavement. Then he knelt down and tore into Jenna's throat, covering the alley in a spray of bright red blood.

"....NO!" Balto yelled.

He blinked and they were both gone.

"...Jen!" He called. "...Jen where are

you?!" Balto ran out of the alley and skidded to a stop in front of the building just across the street from the more normal side of Nome, the edge of the outskirts. He froze at what he saw.

"...no..." He said. "...NO!"

Jenna was hanging from the front of the building. Her insides had been removed and her brown eyes were blank, dead. Her mouth was open in a silent scream that would echo through Balto's mind forever. "...NO!" He screamed. Above her hanging body were the words "help me" scrawled in bright wet blood.

Balto heard a sweet voice that all of a sudden filled him with warmth. "Go to her son."

Balto looked up and saw a white wolf in the window.

"...she needs you." The wolf said.

"...Mom?" Balto asked breathlessly.

Then Balto blinked and it was all gone...

Balto awoke shouting her name.

"...Dad? Dad it's okay." Melody said. She was gently shaking her father awake.

"...Melody?" Balto asked.

Melody nodded, her eyes full of concern for her father. "...yes." She said. "Yes it's me dad. It's alright."

Balto buried his face in his daughter's shoulder and sobbed.

"What's wrong Dad?" Melody asked.

Balto picked up his head. "...it's your Mother." He said.

"...what about Mom?" Melody asked.

"She's in trouble." Balto said. "I had a horrible dream... a nightmare..." he paused. "...it was Aniu." He said.

Melody's face contorted into a look of confusion. "What? No, Aniu is dead Dad." She said.

Balto shook his head. "I don't know how, but somehow she warned me. Your Mother is in trouble. Her life is in danger." He paused and looked at his daughter. "I have to go back home." He said.

Melody nodded. "Alright Dad, we'll talk to Dash in the morning."

Balto shook his head. "This won't wait that long." He said.

Melody shook her head. "Dad, Dash should know, he's the Alpha now."

Balto shook his head again. "No, you don't understand Melody." He said. "If I wait then your Mother will be dead by the time I get there."

"How do you know this?" Melody asked.

Balto shook his head. "I can't explain it Melody." He said. "I just know."

Melody looked at the seriousness on her father's face and paused for a moment. Then she nodded. "...alright." She said. "Go ahead. If you're right she needs you. I'll talk to Dash."

Balto nodded. "I'm right Melody." He said. "My dreams have never been wrong before."

Melody nodded. "...maybe... but with Aniu gone... well, there's a first time for everything."

Balto nodded. "I hope you're right

Melody." He paused. "I've got to go."

Melody nodded. "...take care of yourself Dad." She said.

Balto nodded. "...don't worry about me Melody." Balto said. "...just watch out for yourself. Be careful okay?"

Melody nodded. "I will Dad."

Balto smiled, then he turned and ran out of the chamber.

Melody walked to the entrance of the chamber and looked outside, but he was gone.

Chapter 3

Tiembe shivered as he walked through the drizzling rain. He looked up at the clouds and swore silently. “Can this day get any worse?” He asked himself. The clouds had looked gray and nasty all day, but he was hoping to get to the next town before it started raining. Things had been looking good until he got within sight of the town. Just as he’d stepped over the crest of the hill he’d seen the town lying there down below. He’d smiled. “Town means shelter for the night, and maybe even some food if I’m lucky.” He’d thought.

Tiembe had gotten used to living on the road, but it had been a while since he’d had to run from a home.

Tiembe’s reflections screeched to a halt and he shook his head. “I’m not running away.” He told himself. “Shay is better off without me… it’s because I love her that I…” He sighed. “…that I left her.” He said quietly.

Tiembe shook his head and began thinking back to how he’d gotten in this predicament. It was better than keeping his thoughts in the here and now, which was decidedly wet and cold.

When he’d seen the town below he could tell it was some distance away. “…probly an hour, no more.” He’d thought.

He’d guessed correctly, for now it was just coming up on an hour and he was nearing the main street of the small town.

What he hadn’t planned on was the torrential downpour that had soaked him to the skin in merely seconds. The clouds just seemed to open up out of nowhere, no sprinkles, no drizzle just the floodgates opened and Tiembe was drenched.

The rain had died off for a bit, but it was picking back up steadily.

Tiembe picked up his pace and ran down a sidewalk that ran down the left side of the main street. The rain picked up a bit more and Tiembe started running.

“Hey!” Someone yelled.

Tiembe turned his head and saw a yellow dog standing inside the open door of a barn just ahead.

“…in here!” The dog called.       

Tiembe didn’t have to be told twice. He turned and ran toward the door, skidding to a stop once he was inside.

The yellow dog pushed the door closed and walked over to him. “…goodness, you’re soaked!” She said with a smile. “…you poor thing.”

Tiembe smiled. “Aw, I’m alright.” He said. “I’ve been through worse.”

The dog walked in front of him. “You’re awful lucky I walked out to see how the storm was moving in. If I hadn’t you’d still be out in the rain.”

Tiembe nodded. “Thank you… um…” He paused. “What’s your name?”

The dog smiled and laughed. “My name is Tahnee.” She looked at the ground as her face took on a look of embarrassment and her yellow fur seemed to glow. “My mother would be disappointed in my lack of manners.” She said.

Tiembe smiled. “It’s alright.” He said. “My name’s Tiembe.”

Tahnee smiled again and looked up. “So what brings you to our town Tiembe?” She asked.

Tiembe sighed and lowered his head. “…old wounds opening up back home.” He said. “…it’s safer for me here.”

Tahnee nodded, the smile disappearing from her face. “I’m sorry to hear that Tiembe. It seems we have something in common.”

Tiembe looked up at her. “…oh?” He asked.

Tahnee nodded. “Yeah… see… I was involved with a bad group of dogs in this town some time ago, when I was a youngster…”

Tiembe smiled. “You don’t seem too old to me.” He said. “…to be referring to yourself as a youngster some time ago.”

Tahnee smiled. “I’m almost three Tiembe.” She said.

Tiembe laughed. “I’m a little younger than you… but not by much. I don’t think of myself as old.” He said.

Tahnee smiled. “Yeah, I guess I’m not that old…” She sighed. “…just feels like it I guess.”

Tiembe nodded. “I know what you mean.” He said.

It was silent for a bit and then Tiembe looked up at her. “…so, what happened?” He asked.

Tahnee sighed. “Well… I was mates with this dog… his name was Zander. He was a bad dog. He hit me all the time… and I put up with it for a while… but then I met Matthew.” She smiled. “…Mat.” She looked up and smiled. “Mat saved me… Zander said he’d kill both of us if we ever returned… Mat took me away from here… to a town in the west called Applegate. We lived there for a year… and then I got word that my mother was sick… Mat and I decided to come back, even though Zander was probably still around. My mother was more important to us…”

“What happened when you got here?” Tiembe asked.

Tahnee sighed. “…my mother passed on.” She said. “…old age I guess.”

Tiembe closed his eyes. “…I’m sorry Tahnee.”

Tahnee smiled slightly. “It’s alright Tiembe.” She said. “I got to sit by her side, at least I was here. I was a comfort to her.” She sighed. “…but that’s not all.” She paused before continuing. “Mat and I lived here for another year, and then… then one day his stomach hurt really bad and our owner took him to the vet… they found out he had stomach cancer. He told me later his father had died of it too. It was bad, and there was no hope for him… the doc gave him a few months… it took a few weeks.”

Tiembe shook his head. “That’s awful.” He said.

Tahnee nodded. “At first Max said he wanted to leave, to spare me the pain of watching him die… but I wouldn’t let him. I made him stay here. I wanted us to be together, whether he was sick or not.”

Tiembe nodded. “…but didn’t you know that it was going to be bad?”

Tahnee nodded. “…sure, I knew… but I loved him. There’s no way I’d ever abandon him.” She smiled and looked up, her eyes taking on a faraway gaze. “I sat with him every night… the pain got so bad he couldn’t sleep, so neither did I. It took a few weeks but finally… finally one of those nights he looked up into my eyes and said that he loved me, and that he was sorry for putting me through this. …he told me he would see me again some day, and then he laid his head on my shoulder… a few minutes later I couldn’t feel his breath in my fur anymore.”

Tiembe sighed. “I’m sorry to hear that Tahnee.” He said. “…that must’ve been a horrible experience.”

Tahnee nodded. “It was… but it was better than sitting up every night wondering if the dog I loved was okay, if he was dead, if he was in pain… at least this way I could comfort him. I could hold him close.”

Tiembe nodded.

“…ever have a mate Tiembe?” Tahnee asked.

Tiembe shook his head. “…I met someone… back home that I wanted to ask, but..." He sighed. "...she's better off without me there. I'm nothing but a burden to her."

Tahnee smiled. "I bet that's not true." She said. "I bet she misses you more than you know."

"I know she misses me." Tiembe said. "...I miss her too... but for me to be near her is to put her in danger."

Tahnee smiled again. "I bet she'd rather have you there and be in danger than have you gone." She said.

Tiembe sighed.

"I mean... I guess it's none of my business." Tahnee said. "...but I know that if my Mat had left me just so I'd be safe..." She paused and smiled.

"...well I'd be furious. I'd want him by my side no matter what that meant."

Tiembe nodded but remained silent.

Tahnee leaned close to him. "...what's her name?" She asked.

"...Shanaea." Tiembe said quietly.

"Ah, well Tiembe..." Tahnee said. "I'm not Shanaea, but I should think she probably feels the same way I do." She said. "...you do love her right?"

Tiembe nodded quickly. "...yes I do."

"...and she loves you?" Tahnee asked.

Tiembe nodded. "...she does."

Tahnee smiled wider. "Well then I'd say you have all you need."

Tiembe nodded. "Yeah, I guess we do." He said.

"Tahnee smiled. "You should go back to her."

Tiembe nodded slowly. "Yeah... yeah I guess I should."

Tahnee laughed. "...but I'd wait until this storm lets up." She said. "...you're liable to catch your death out there."

Tiembe nodded. "Yeah..." He said. He yawned.

Tahnee smiled. "You look tired Tiembe." She said. "You can crash here if you'd like."

Tiembe smiled and nodded. "I am awful tired Tahnee." He said. "...and thank you. I really have no where to go."

"Well now you do." Tahnee said. "...you can lay down in one of the stalls over there."

"...thanks." Tiembe said. He stood up and walked over to one of the stalls, falling heavily into the soft hay. He nuzzled his head into his soft fur and felt his breathing slow as he relaxed. He sighed. He hadn't realized how tired he was.

He closed his eyes and then felt a soft blanket pulled over his back. He opened his eyes and smiled.

Tahnee let the corner of the blanket fall on his neck.

"...thanks Tahnee." He said.

Tahnee smiled. "You're welcome Tiembe. I'm going to lay down too..." She yawned and smiled again. "I'm tired."

Tiembe smiled. "...sweet dreams Tahnee."

Tahnee smiled. "You too Tiembe."

Tiembe watched her walk over to the stall across from him and lay down. Then he closed his eye and drifted slowly away. He sighed. "...Shanaea..." He said softly. "...don't worry, I'm coming... home." He said. Then he drifted into blackness.

Chapter 4

Achak awoke but kept his eyes closed. he was surprised to notice the absence a a warm body next to him. He opened his eyes quickly. They flashed with an instant alertness born from years of living in constant peril. He was unaccustomed to the feeling of absolute safety the wolves of the Talbourne seemed to feel inside their home and he didn't plan to get used to it; it made him uneasy. He looked over at the far wall of the chamber. He'd been sure that Kiona would return during the night, perhaps she'd slept away from him, a final sign of the stubbornness she'd exhibited as a result of their argument the night prior.

...but she wasn't there either.

"...hmm that's odd." He thought.

Most of the times that he and Kiona quarreled she was beside him again in the morning.

"I should go out looking for her." Achak thought. He stood and stretched once. It was all he needed. The dangers of life had taught him harsh lessons and one of those was to be quick to rise and quick to act.

Just then Nick stepped through the entrance, a lopsided grin on his face. "Heya Achak." He said.

Achak sighed at the other's excuse for a greeting. "Good morining Nick." He said.

"...if you're ready I'll introduce you to our Alpha, Dash." Nick said.

Achak frowned, thoughts running through his head. It was important for him to speak to Dash, but what about Kiona's absence?

He nodded his head curtly. "That's fine Nick," He said. "...lead the way."

Nick smiled and turned.

Achak started to follow him out of the chamber. "It'll be alright." Achak thought. "This isn't the first time that Kiona's been out on her own."

He quickly followed Nick up the steps to Dash's chambers.

Nick stopped as he reached the top shelf of the cave and turned to the dark gray wolf behind him. “Achak, just chill here, I’m going to go let Dash know you’re here.”

Achak nodded, wondering how he was supposed to “chill”. He shook his head. “These kids today and their vernacular.” He thought. “…the old words just weren’t enough for them.”

Nick reappeared a moment later. “Thanks for hangin’ out here Achak, Dash has requested your presence in his chambers.”

Achak took a deep breath and reached a place of utter calm, then he stepped forward and walked into the chamber.

He was immediately greeted by a red wolf… “…or is that wolf/dog?” Achak thought. “…odd that a wolf dog would be leading the Clan… but that’s undeniably what he is.”

The red wolf/dog smiled. “Hello, you must be Achak.”

Achak nodded. “Yes I am. …and you are Dash are you not?”

Dash nodded. “Yep, sure am.” He smiled. “Nick tells me that you’re here to help us in our fight against the Shadow Clan, is this true?”

Achak nodded once. “Yes it is. I am here because Lytion and his wolves present a serious danger to my family and friends. At the size of our pack it is hardly feasible that we could stand against him… seems to me that there is strength in numbers, that our purpose would best be served by siding with you.”

Dash nodded. “…sure. Where are the rest of your pack?”

“…in hiding.” Achack said. “They will do their best to stay away from a confrontation with Lytion, they protect my children.”

Dash nodded. “…good plan.” He said. “…may I ask you Achak, what duties do you hold in your pack?”

Achak smiled. “I am the Alpha.”

Dash smiled. “This is great news Achak. You are used to responsibility then, to leading from the front and following orders?”

Achak nodded once.

Dash smiled again. “Achak, I have need of a Lieutenant for my Fourth Unit… interested?”

Achak bowed slightly. “I would be honored to lead your troops Dash.”

Dash nodded and smiled. “…great.” Then he sighed. “They’re actually due to go out on a patrol soon… like… thirty minutes. We can start this tomorrow if you like.

Achak shook his head. “…wouldn’t be setting much of an example that way would I? …I’m prepared, I would rather take them out myself if that’s possible.”

Dash nodded. “…of course, if you like, you may do that. I’m sure you’ll hear no complaints from Timbre.”

“…Timbre?” Achak asked.

“He’s the leader of Third Unit.” Dash sighed. “Even with you we are still short a Lieutenant right now… The Lieutenant over the Second Unit Ami is down.”

“…injured?” Achak asked.

Dash smiled. “No, thank Aniu she is only ill.”

“…thank who?” Achak asked.

“…Aniu.” Dash said again. “…you… you know of the great wolfess Aniu don’t you Achak.”

“I know of her legend.” Achak said coolly. If you need some spirit to lean on for strength then that’s fine, but I draw that strength from my pack, my family. I’ve seen things in this world to make me believe that there can’t be anyone watching out for us but ourselves… no greater spirit cares about us… no one cares for us or cares how we feel, whether we live or die.”

Dash raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Well, we’re all entitled to our beliefs I suppose.”

Achak nodded.

Dash remained quiet for a moment. Then he smiled. “Well, you’d best get down to the Main chamber, otherwise your new unit is going to leave without you.”

Achak nodded. “Thank you Dash.” He said. He turned to walk out o the chamber, but was stopped by a female voice.

June stepped up beside her mate. “Achak, I’ve seen things in this world that tell me that the “legend” of Aniu is true. Aniu loves all of her children, even you. If you ever want to talk about her, we’d be glad to share her story with you.”

Achak shook his head and forced a smile. “I’ll… consider it.” He said. Then he walked from the chamber.

Jack opened his eyes and yawned. The mid-morning sun streamed through the cave’s single opening. He smiled and thought about smaller female cuddled up next to his side. Never in a million years would he have told Kalia how he felt about her. “It just… it wouldn’t work.” He thought. He smiled and laid his head on her shoulder which rose and fell slightly as she breathed. “…well now it has to.” He thought. There was only one hitch in the plan. “…Dash.” He thought.

Jack was nearly three years older than Kalia, and that was something her father might not go for right away.

“…or ever.” Jack thought. He looked at her closed eyes and her muzzle, which was turned p in a slight smile as she snuggled her head against his side. “…Dash is my friend, and I don’t want to lose that but… she’s more important.” He thought. It had taken him a while to come to this decision, but now that he had he planned to stick by it. He sighed. “…that’s if Dash is even still alive.” He thought.

Kalia stirred and lifted her head. She yawned and stretched, then laid her head on his neck and smiled. “You’re up early Jack.”

He smiled. “…yeah… just doin’ some thinkin’ is all.” He said.

Kalia tiled her head to the left slightly. “…thinking about what Jack?” She asked.

Jack smiled. “…thinkin’ about you.” He said. “…and how much I love you.”

She smiled and nuzzled him. Then her smile faded and she pulled back slowly. “…are… are we going to return to the Talbourne today?” She asked.

Jack sighed and nodded. “Yes… it should be safe now… but… Kalia… I want to warn you that…”

Kalia cut him off. “…I know Jack… but… I’d rather not talk about it till we’re sure… you know?”

Jack nodded. “…alright Kalia.” He said.

“Which way is it?” Kalia asked.

Jack tossed his head at the entrance of the cave’s opening. “…it’s north. I didn’t know how far I should take you… didn’t know if you were alive or not really, so I just took us about ten miles away… shouldn’t take too long to get back, but we should be careful. If the Shadow Clan did win that battle they may still be occupying the cave. If that’s true then there’ll be patrols… I won’t lose you again Kalia.” He said.

Kalia nodded. “…we’ll be careful.”

Jack stood up and Kalia followed.

Jack looked at her. “…so, you want to eat before we leave?”

Kalia sighed. “I’d… I’d rather find out about my parents first…” She said.

Jack smiled and nuzzled her. “…alright.” He said. “…follow me, and stick close.”

With that he walked out of the cave.

Kalia stopped at the entrance and looked back, a small tear dripping down her muzzle.

Jack saw it and stopped. He walked back to her. “What is it Kalia?” He asked.

She looked at him and smiled. “…it’s kind of sad is all.”

“…what’s kind of sad?” Jack asked.

She smiled and nuzzled him. “We’re leaving our first home together.”

He smiled and nuzzled her back. “…yeah I guess so.” He said. “…but you know what they say… Home is where the heart is, guess where my heart is?”

She smiled. “…where?” She asked.

He nuzzled her. “…with you.” He said.

“Awww…” Kalia said, nuzzling him back. “…that’s sweet Jack.”

He laughed. “Yeah, guess so… ready?” He asked.

Kalia nodded. “…lead the way.” She said.

Jack started walking again and Kalia stayed at his side as they made their way through the forest.

Chapter 5:

Jason scowled as he stomped down the rotted stairs. He jumped off the last three and landed in the dirty snow that covered the ground of the outskirts.

Fairbourne was getting to be more trouble than he was worth. “I’m tired of taking his orders, who is he to order me around. It’s my revenge, my veangence we’re planning, why should he tell me when and where to do it.” He kicked the snow with his paw and growled. “Pompous fool doesn’t know who he’s created.” Jason thought. “…who he’s messing with.”

In what was left of his heart Jason knew that he owed a lot of Fairbourne and the training he’d given him. That’s the reason he’d decided to leave the burned out building just now. To keep himself from hurting Fairbourne. He turned and walked toward the soft lights of Nome.

The light in the Old Mill was warm and soft, flickering over the aging wood like flames bent on devouring it and everyone within the aged building.

Blaize stood at the head of a large crowd of dogs. He sighed. “…so that about wraps it up.” He said. “Please keep a look out for them. My mother Jenna and her friend Alyse were reported missing yesterday, we have no information whatsoever on their whereabouts, but any that we can get would be greatly appreciated.”

One of the dogs in the center of the crowd stood up. He was a gray husky. “…maybe they just decided to get off on their own for a while.” He said. “…maybe you’re worrying about nothing Blaize.”

Blaize sighed. “..I hope you’re right Phonze.” He said. ‘…but I don’t believe it to be true. My other never goes anywhere substantial without telling someone. I fear something may have happened to them. Also, remember Jason, Gemeni’s child is still missing as well… please keep a sharp eye and ear. Any information will be rewarded.”

Josh stood up then. “…Blaize, isn’t it true that Tiembe is unaccounted for as well?”

Blaize sighed. “…yes, yes that’s true.”

Josh sighed and shook his head. “…can’t you put two and two together Blaize?” He asked. “A schizophrenic psycho goes missing and then two females disappear, sound like a coincidence to you?”

Blaize shook his head and sighed. “…look Josh, you have no evidence to support that, I can’t take that under consideration until there’s proof.”

“You’re blind Blaize.” Josh said. “You know, you have no one to blame but yourself.” He said. “You let him go, you let him live here, even after he tried to kill my sister.”

Blaize growled. “Josh that’s enough.” He said. “…stop, now.”

Josh chuckled. “As you wish oh keeper of the law.” He said. Then he turned and walked out of the Old Mill.

Silence reined in the building for a moment as all the dogs looked at him questioningly, doubt showing on many of their faces. Then Blaize sighed and broke it.

“With that you’re dismissed. Please be sure you take care heading home.” Blaize turned and walked to Astarre who was waiting behind the makeshift stage.

“…come on.” He said. “You need some sleep, you’re sleeping for more than yourself now you know.”

Astarre smiled. “…yeah I know.”

Blaize sighed. “I wish Mom or Dad were here so we could tell them.”

Astarre smiled and nuzzled him. “…I’m sure she’s fine.”

Blaize nodded. “…maybe you’re right.” He said. “…I hope so.”

Astarre smiled and nuzzled him again. “…come on Blaize.” She said. Then she led him off toward the back of the Old Mill.

Gemeni walked through the darkened streets of Nome. She felt the wind blow harsh against her soft coat and she shivered. She looked around her at the shadowy alleys. “I wish you were here now Drake.” She thought. She realized she was trembling and looked down at her paws, silently chastising herself as she remembered her younger days. “When I thought I could take on the entire world.” She thought. “…and I probably could have… but now…” She looked up at the stars and moon and sighed. “…now I miss you Drake.” She said aloud.

“…that’s funny, so do I.” A voice said.

Gemeni turned and gasped. “…Jas … Jason?” She asked.

The dog before her nodded. “Yeah, it’s me mom.” He said.

“Jason, where… where have you been?” She asked. “…I was worried sick about you.”

Jason smiled. “…really?” He asked.

For just a moment the joyful pup of days past reflected in his black rimmed eyes, then it faded. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me the truth?” He asked.

“…what?” Gemeni asked.

“…the truth.’ He said again. “..about dad’s death. He wasn’t killed in the line of duty, I know that now. Why did you help Balto cover it up, why did you go against Dad?”

Gemeni sighed. “…son, Balto and I… we only wanted to protect you, we … we may have lied, but… but it was what was best for the town.”

“..what?!” Jason yelled. “Why was it the best for the town, because Balto is the town hero?!”

Gemeni sighed. “Son, it wasn’t like that at all, it was such a mess, and I didn’t know how to deal with it so.. so we made something up. Something to make your father a hero, someone the town could… could remember.”

“Where did it really happen?” Jason asked. “…and don’t lie to me again.”

Gemeni sighed. “…Al… alright Jason.” She said. “…no more lies… it happened at Balto’s home.”

Jason shook his head. “…I…” He looked up at his mother and growled. “…you’ll all pay for what you’ve done.” He said. Then he turned and darted away.

“…Jason?” Gemeni called. “…Jason, come back!”

No one answered her calls.

Jason ran through the streets, he turned and jumped up on some stacked crates till he could jump on the roof of the adjacent building, then he started running along the roof line. “Well that proves it.” Jason thought to himself. “My mother betrayed my father to save Balto.” He could see the scene unfolding in front of his eyes as if it were happening right now and he was the sole witness.

His mother smiled as she nuzzled Balto’s cheek. She smiled and said something as she rolled over, but Jason couldn’t hear it. Balto smiled, then his father came into view, he was shocked and hurt, tears in his eyes, words were exchanged, but again Jason couldn’t hear them. Suddenly Balto attacked his father and as he was pleading for his life, Balto growled and ripped out his throat. Blood poured across the ghostly scene, coating his Mother and Balto. Balto walked over to his mother and smiled; both of them dripped in the crimson syrup of life. Balto nuzzled his mother and his mother smiled back, nuzzling him as well. Balto said something, and this time Jason could hear it. “No one can know.” He said. His mother nodded. “…it’s best for the town.” She said. She nuzzled him again. “…and us.” Meanwhile his father thrashed on the floor, coating everything in a sheen of red.

The scene faded from his view and Jason slid to a stop on the rooftop. It was all so clear now. He looked down and found that he’d been following his mother throughout his vision of the past. The grisly image of his father’s death still fresh in his mind. He growled. “What I said is true Mother.” He said quietly from his perch on the roof. “…you will pay for what you’ve done.” Then he leapt off the roof.

Gemeni was confused more than ever now. The appearance of her son had been great, she’d been worried that something had happened to him. …but what he had to say had shocked her. “How’d he find out?” Gemeni thought. “…only Balto and I knew the truth.” She sighed. “…surely Balto didn’t tell him…” Then she quietly chastised herself for doubting her friend. “Balto isn’t even here.” She thought. “…so how did he find out?”

Just then Gemeni was aware of a dark shadow falling down on her. She spun around just in time to be crushed to the snow by a heavy object from above.

An object with fur.

She struggled underneath it and called for help. Suddenly searing pain shot through her shoulder as the creature tore into it with it’s teeth. She thrashed about underneath it and her attacker extended his claws into her sides. She finally managed to get her forelegs free and shot from beneath the attacker.

She didn’t make it very far.

A few steps away she fell to the snow. She struggled to her paws again and felt blood dripping down her body. She turned and looked to see four deep cuts from the claws that had slashed down her whole length on both sides when she’d darted away.

Gemeni felt a surge of anger run through her, felt her strength return, felt the need to fight. She turned to face her attacker…

…and the feeling vanished entirely.

“…no.” She said. She began to shake. “…no, this… this can’t be possible.” She said quietly. “…why… why Jason?” She asked.

“I am my father… come back for his revenge.” He said darkly.

Gemeni looked confused and shook her head. “…what?” She asked.

Jason ran at her and Gemeni found herself unable to move. He hit her once, twice, three times in the face before the fourth blow staggered her and she fell to the snow covered ground. “You lied to me!” Jason yelled. He tore into her shoulder with his teeth and pulled her to her paws, then he hit her again. “Why did you betray dad?!” He asked. “…was Balto’s reputation really worth it?!” Then he hit her again and threw her to the ground once more.

Gemeni crawled to her paws and took a few steps away from her son before he charged her, slamming into her side. The blow took her off her paws and through her into the side of an old barn. She crumpled to the ground and Jason stood over her. He climbed up on top of her and began swinging his paws at her. Gemeni managed to block a few of the blows, but the majority of them rained down on her face, pelting her nose, her eyes, her ears, her neck and shoulders.

Suddenly he stopped.

Gemeni was fading in and out. She heard some of what her son said as he continued to rant and rave, but the majority of it sounded like he was talking underwater.

“Now….. pay ….for…. Balto…”

She shook her head and opened her eyes as her ears cleared for a moment allowing her to hear the end of what he was saying. “..goodbye mother.” He said.

Gemeni felt a warm rush around her chest and on her cheeks. Dazed she looked up at her son. His face was red now. She shook her head and then saw the liquid dripping from his jaws. Had he…

Suddenly Gemeni knew what that warm feeling was. She began to feel the blood pool beneath her as it ran from the shredded skin and matted fur of her neck in steady pulses. Her pretty golden coat was quickly coated in the crimson silky embrace and she felt her thoughts slowing, her legs, which she hadn’t realized she’d been thrashing about in the reddened mush of snow beneath her, were slowing. It came to be more than she could do just to raise her paw, then to blink. Her eyes slid shut and she could hear her breath in her ears, could feel the last few beats of her heart as it sped up, straining to pump blood to her extremities… but almost all of her blood was pooled around her. Her heart kept beating, struggling to pump the nonexistent blood to her body, She felt her head begin to throb as her brain began to die without the oxygen her blood normally carried through it. Her thoughts began to slow and then fragmented brilliantly in a shower of sparks against the blackness of her eyelids. “Who am I?” She thought. “…my God I can’t remember my name… what’s I?”

She continued to sink further into the blackness. She felt her heart slow as it ran out of oxygen itself, struggling to pump the non-existent blood through her body, bent on accomplishing this impossible task. Then she saw a light, and inside that light was…

“…Drake?” She asked.

The dog smiled and turned, walking into the light. “Come with me Gemeni, everything is fine now.”

Gemeni smiled and ran to him as her heart thumped in her chest one… last… time.

Jason smiled as his mother’s body heaved one last time before settling to the snow, still, bathed in hot blood and mushy pink snow. Her eyes slid open and her mouth opened slightly. Jason knelt down to her and smiled. “…good to see you again mommy.” He said. Then he looked around the streets. Once he was sure no one had seen him he turned and darted into the darkness. Leaving his mother sprawled out on the sidewalk.

Chapter 6

Josh’s heart was beating hard in his chest. He was waiting for Blaize to return. Just thinking about what he’d found this morning turned his stomach and he felt like he was going be sick again. He fought down the urge to do so and swallowed painfully.

He still couldn’t believe it. “…Gemeni wouldn’t hurt a fly.” He thought. “…who’d want to hurt her?” Then it hit him. “…her.” He said to himself. “…Tiembe.”

Tiembe saw Blaize climbing the stairs to the old mill and ran out the door. The chilly air nearly knocked the breath from his lungs as he skidded to a stop on the snow covered porch.

Blaize looked up at him, a look of sadness on his face.

“…well?” Josh asked. “…it was her wasn’t it?”

Blaize nodded. “Yeah.. it was Gemeni.” He said. “…looks like she was murdered… sometime last night.” Blaize sighed. “The injuries looked to be inflicted by a canine.”

“Any idea who?” Josh asked.

Blaize shook his head. “No, there was no fur or other identifying evidence that I could find.”

Josh nodded. “Blaize, I think… well, first Tiembe leaves, then Jenna and Alyse disappear, then we find Gemeni murdered? …three females go missing right after a convicted killer… don’t you think there’s a connection?”

Blaize sighed. “…could be.” He said. “I have to admit it sounds possible, maybe even probable, but there’s no evidence whatsoever to support it. Until we find something that points in his direction I’m not going to start a search for him.”

“…you’re not?” Josh asked.

Blaize shook his head and sighed. “No Josh, I’m not. Tiembe is innocent until he’s proven otherwise… and right now we don’t have any evidence to prove anything.”

Josh leapt off the porch and started walking down the sidewalk.

Blaize turned. “Josh, where are you going?” He asked.

Josh stopped and looked at Blaize, a smoldering fire in his eyes. “I’m going to warn mysister that there’s a murderer in town.” He said. “…as if she didn’t already know that.”

Blaize shook his head. “…don’t do anything stupid Josh.” He said.

Josh just shook his head. Then he turned back around and ran toward the edge of town.

Tiembe stopped at the forest at the edges of the large clearing not two miles from Nome. He looked across the expanse of frozen snow and saw the boat jutting up from the surrounding landscape. He took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves. He’d run all the way back home, not taking much time at all for himself for rest. He knew now that leaving Shanaea was the stupidest thing he’d ever done. He started off across the arctic plain before him and his thoughts shifted back to the thing that had been on his mind from the moment he turned back from his flight from Nome. “Will she want me back?” He thought.

It had been a while since he’d left and Shanaea had no doubt noticed that he was gone, that he had left her. He sighed and picked up his pace as he neared the boat. “What if she doesn’t?” He thought. “Have I destroyed the only person that really cared for me?”

Tiembe shook his head and full out ran to the edge of the boat. “No,” he said aloud. “I can’t think about that now.” He stopped at the ramp up to the top deck and sighed. Then he began to walk slowly up the wooden ramp. Each step got harder and harder to take as with each step he realized he was getting closer and closer to the thing that he’d been running from, and the thing that now meant more to him than anything else in the world. …he was also nearing the time that he would discover whether that person would take him back after his stupidity.

He finally reached the top of the ramp and stepped off it onto the top deck. He turned right and walked across the deck into the wheel house.

There he stopped and smiled.

Shanaea lay on a blanket in the corner of the wheel house. The early morning sun bathed her in it’s golden light through the portholes.

He walked over and laid down beside her, just watching her breathe for a moment, noticing the slight smile that creased her muzzle, the barest hint of her sweet scent, the way her ears flicked back and forth faintly as she slumbered. He placed his paw on hers and nuzzled her cheek.

Shanaea opened her eyes slowly and yawned. Her eyes fell half closed again and she smiled.

“…Tiembe?” She asked. Then she jumped up and a wide grin split her muzzle as her eyes opened wide. “…Tiembe!” She cried. Then her smile drooped and sighed. “Tiembe…” She said as her eyes narrowed and she walked over to the window of the wheel house.

Tiembe sighed. “Shanaea I…”

Shanaea turned around. “Tiembe, what are you doing here?” She asked.

Tiembe smiled. “I love you Shay.”

Shanaea sighed and shook her head. “Why did you leave then?” She asked. “You didn’t even say goodbye… do you know how worried I was… how much that hurt?”

Tiembe sighed. “I know…” He said. “I… I didn’t want to hurt you Shay, I really didn’t… I did this to protect you.”

Shanaea shook her head. “…whatever Tiembe.” She said. Then she turned around and looked out the window again.

Tiembe sighed.

Josh was quickly approaching the boat. He could see it now. His mind was full of images; images of his sister splayed out on the deck of the ship like he’d found Gemeni…

He shook his head to clear it of those awful images, then ran faster. He came to the ramp and quickly climbed it without announcing the news of his arrival.

He climbed out on the deck and was about to call his sister’s name when he heard her voice.

“What do you mean you did this to protect me?” She asked

He heard a sigh, and then an all too familiar voice. “I mean… I felt it starting to consume me.” Tiembe said. “I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat; it was all I could think about… and… and I gave in.”

Shanaea sighed as well. “Tiembe, why?” She asked. “I… I thought we were past this. Didn’t we talk about it?”

Tiembe must have nodded because Josh didn’t hear a response from him and heard his sister reply. “Then why did you run off and do it anyway?” She asked.

Josh gasped. “…she knew?” He thought. “I knew that Shanaea was in love with him, but she let him live here knowing he was a danger to everyone, knowing that he was still a risk?” He shook his head. “…and now Tiembe’s come crawling back with this new mess on his paws asking you to fix it again.” He thought.

Shanaea sighed and Josh heard her paws-steps as she crossed the room to Tiembe’s side. “I’m glad you’re back Tiembe, I really am.” She said. “I missed you. I love you too, but… but you have to promise me that this is the last time.” She said. “…that I won’t have to worry about you anymore, because… because I can’t keep doing this.”

“I promise Shay.” Tiembe said.

Josh almost couldn’t stop a growl from issuing from his throat and he turned, walking away from the wall of the wheel house. He reached the ramp and started down it. Then, once he’d reached the snow he took off for town. Surely Blaize couldn’t ignore him now. The events he’d witnessed were still kind of jumbled in his head. “…and just like that she forgives him again.” He thought. “…just like that everything is fine and dandy even though he killed Jenna and Alyse and Gemeni, as long as he promises not to do it again it’s fine.” He shook his head. “I love you Shanaea, but sometimes you can be the stupidest person I know.” He sighed. “…well not this time.” He thought. “…Tiembe, I swear to God I’ll see you pay for what you’ve done.” He thought. Then he just ran.

Shanea nuzzled Tiembe. “Why didn’t you think that we could work things out?” She asked. “…why did you run?”

Tiembe shook his head as tears started running down his face, mingling with hers. “It… it wasn’t that Shay.” He said. “I’d… I’d never run from you, I… I didn’t want to leave, but… but I was afraid.”

Shanaea looked up at him. “…afraid of what?” She asked.

“…of losing you.” Tiembe said. “I… I had that dream… and… and I couldn’t get it out of my head.”

Shanaea smiled and nuzzled him. “…well I’m here Tiembe.” She said. “I’m here and I’m fine.” She kissed him softly and smiled. “…and.. if having you here with me meant that I wouldn’t be fine; that something would happen to me…” She paused and looked into his eyes. “…then I’d still want you here.” She said.

Tiembe smiled and kissed her back, leaning against her and pushing her against he wall of the wheel house. She slid down the wall to the deck under his weight and he allowed himself to follow her.

Shanaea began to breathe a bit faster as she gazed up into his eyes. “I love you Tiembe.” She said.

Tiembe felt a bit of nervousness growing in the pit of his stomach as he realized what was about to happen, and what it meant. He put his paw against the side of Shanaea’s face and nuzzled her and the nervousness left him. “I love you too Shay.” He said. If Tiembe was only sure of one thing in his life it was this.

Josh took the steps to the porch of the Old Mill two at a time. He nearly slammed into the door of the old mill as he skidded to a stop on the slick porch. He pawed at the door until it was pushed open by Astarre. She was smiling, but her smile disappeared when she saw Josh.

“What is it Josh?” She asked. “…is everything okay?”

“No it’s not.” Josh said. “…is Blaize here?”

Astarre shook her head. “No, he went to see if he could find any clues as to Gemeni’s murder.”

Josh nodded. “Thanks Astarre.” He said.

Then he leapt off the porch and took off down the road.

Astarre sighed and pushed the door closed. There were times she wished she hadn’t volunteered her mate for his job.

Blaize sighed and pushed Gemeni’s paw with his nose, moving it close to her body so he could see beneath it. He shook his head. “…nothing.” He said. “…***** it Gemeni.” He said. “…who did this to you?”

Just then a voice came from behind him. “I think I know.”

Blaize jumped and turned. “What the! …oh, it’s you.” He said. “Josh you about gave me a heart attack.”

Josh walked past Blaize and pointed his paw at Gemeni’s blood covered body. “I know who did this to her.” He said.

“…and who is that?” Blaize asked.

Josh turned. “…it was Tiembe.”

Blaize shook his head. “…Josh…”

Josh cut him off. “No Blaize I know now. I heard my sister talking to him. She knows too. Can’t you subpoena her or something, make you tell her?”

“So you’re saying that Tiembe is at the boat now?” Blaize asked.

Josh nodded. “I heard him myself.”

Blaize sighed. “Well it’s good to know that he’s back.” He said.

“…that’s it?” Josh asked.

“Josh I still haven’t found anything to link this to him.”

Josh shook his head. “…I don’t believe you Blaize.” He said. “There’s a murderer living right here in Nome and you don’t do anything at all.” He turned and began to walk away.

“Josh, don’t go and do something stupid.” Blaize said.

Josh growled at him. “…someone has to do something.” He said. Then he took off, leaving Blaize alone.

It didn’t take Josh long to stir up a crowd down at the boiler room. Soon a group of dogs were gathered around him.

“…so you say Tiembe is killing again?” One of them asked.

Josh nodded. “Yes. He killed Gemeni this morning.”

“..what?” One dog asked.

“…why?” Another said.

“…are you sure?” Still another questioned.

Josh nodded. “…who else would have done it? Gemeni didn’t have any enemies.”

“That’s true.” Said one of the dogs.

“So why don’t you tell Blaize?” One of the dogs asked.

“I did.” Josh said. “He’s not going to do anything.”

“…why not?” Another asked.

“…because he’s afraid.” Josh said. “He’s afraid of Tiembe.”

“…then he shouldn’t be Keeper of the Law.” One of the dogs said.

Josh nodded. “…we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now Tiembe is back in Nome again. I just heard him talking to my sister in the old trawler. Now, are you with me?” He asked.

The dogs nodded.

“Let’s go get him!” Someone cried.

Josh smiled. “…I’ll see you in hell Tiembe.” He thought.

Tiembe opened his eyes and smiled. His thoughts drifted to the soft furred creature snuggled up to him, her paws rested on his, his nose inches from her creamy muzzle. Her eyes were closed and her body rose and fell beneath him in a slow and steady rhythm. She’d fallen asleep, as had he. Tiembe smiled and his thoughts turned to how lucky he was. Of all the things that had ever happened to him this was the best. This special union with the one he loved held no comparison. She stirred beneath him and opened her eyes halfway. A smile slid across her muzzle and she looked up to kiss him on the cheek.

“Hey you.” She said.

He smiled back and nuzzled her. “…hey.” He said.

He stood up and slid off of her to lay at her side.

She yawned and laid her head on his paws, then she rolled over on her back and stretched. “Well, what are we going to do now Tiembe?” She asked with a sigh.

He smiled. “Well… I was kind of wondering if you wouldn’t mind being my mate too much.” He said.

Shanaea smiled and rolled over onto her paws and kissed him. “You mean that Tiembe?” She asked. “…no more running away, no more fear, no more facing things on your own?”

He smiled and shook his head, kissing her back. “..Yep.” He said. “…from here on out we’re a team.” He said.

She nodded. “I love you Tiembe.” She said. “…and nothing would please me more than to stand at your side through anything and everything.”

He smiled. “I love you too Shay.” He said.

He nuzzled her.

“Hey Tiembe, you in there?!” A familiar voice said.

Tiembe sighed. “…what’s he going to think of this?” He asked her.

Shanaea sighed. “I don’t guess it matters.” She said. “I mean… he is my brother, but… you’re my mate.” She smiled.

Tiembe smiled back. “I like the sound of that.”

She nodded.

“…don’t worry.” He said. “I’ll go smooth things out with him.” Teimbe stood.

Then Shanaea did too. “We’re a team remember?” She said. “We’ll face this together.”

Tiembe nodded and nuzzled her.

“Teimbe you might want to come out of there now!” Josh yelled.

Shanaea sighed. “…after you?” She said.

Tiembe laughed softly. “He is *your* brother.” He said.

She laughed back at him. “…guess he is huh?” She asked. Then she stepped out of the wheel house…

…only to have a large gray dog slam into her side, throwing her to the deck.

Tiembe was caught completely by surprise by the dog that leapt at him. The dog knocked Tiembe away from Shanaea and they rolled to the other side of the deck.

Shanaea reacted on instinct and latched her teeth into the paw of the dog that had tackled her

He yelped and slapped her across the muzzle, being careful to keep his claws retracted.

She yelped more in surprise than pain.

“SHAY!” Tiembe called. That yelp gave him drive, gave him focus. He turned and rolled out from under the dog. The dog growled and snapped at Tiembe.

Tiembe dodged his head sideways and sank his teeth high into the dogs leg. He turned and threw the dog sideways.

The dog slammed into the railing of the deck and with one god push from Tiembe went over it, dropping the three stories to the snow covered ground. The dog yelped and lay still in the snow below.

Instantly three more dogs pinned Tiembe to the ground.

He fought for a moment, sinking his teeth into whatever yielding flesh presented itself, but he was losing the fight. Soon they had him pinned to the deck.

…put up quite a fight there Tiembe.” Josh said, stepping toward the downed dog.

Shanaea twisted under her assailant, trying to get free. “Josh, please don’t do this, we’re…”

The dog that was holding her down swatted her in the face again.

Again she yelped and stopped moving so much.

Josh whirled around and growled at the dog. “Hit my sister again and I’ll have your balls for breakfast.” He said. “…think I’m kidding just try me.”

The dog nodded and eased up his grip on her.

“Now, Tiembe I’m charging you with the murder of Gemeni and the suspected murder and kidnappings of Jenna and Alyse.”

“What?” Shanaea and Tiembe both asked.

Josh sighed. “Shay, he’s using you. You just can’t see it. You’ll thank me for this someday.”

He turned to look at Tiembe who had ceased struggling beneath the three dogs. “…the sentence? …death.”

“Who are you to sentence me?” Tiembe asked. “If you suspect me of these crimes let’s take it to Blaize, let him decide if the evidence points toward me or not.”

Josh walked over and belted Tiembe in the face several times, drawing a yelp of pain from his throat.

“…Tiembe!” Shanaea yelled. “…Josh don’t!”

Josh leaned down to Tiembe’s face and growled. “I’m her brother, that’s who I am to sentence you.” He said. “…and that sentence is death. He smacked Tiembe in the side of the head again and Tiembe went limp in the dogs’ grasp. Josh spit on the unconscious dog. “…no one messes with my sister.” He said. He nodded at the three dogs and two of them started pulling Tiembe up onto the other’s back.

Josh walked over to his sister and smiled. “I know you don’t understand.” He said. “…but trust me, one day you’ll thank me.” He said

Shanaea lunged forward, half out of the dog’s grasp. She got her foreleg free and smacked Josh across the face with her paw.

Josh yelped and jumped back; twin streaks of blood visible on his muzzle. He growled. “Throw her in the wheel house.” He said. “…and guard it, make sure she stays in there.” He said. He started to walk away and then stopped and turned. “…and kill anyone that tries to let her out. My sister and I need to have a little chat later.” With that he turned and followed the dog carrying Tiembe down the ramp.

One of the dogs pushed open the door to the wheel house and the other pulled Shanaea to her paws. He gripped her by her leg and pulled her over to the door. “…Tiembe!” She called. “…Tiembe don’t worry I’ll come for you!” She stood up on her hind legs trying to get away from the dog to rescue her mate, but he just pushed her toward the door.

Shanaea saw her opening and latched her jaws around the dog’s exposed hind leg. He yelped and clamped his jaws on her leg. She let go and screamed and the dog threw her into the wheel house on her back. Shanaea lunged at the dog again, but he hit her in the face with his paw, knocking her to the deck. He hit her again, and again and again, till she didn’t leap at him anymore.

Her face was streaked with tears when the dog pulled her muzzle up to look at him. “Look sweetheart,” He said. “…big brother isn’t here to save your sorry tail anymore. Bite me again and I’ll rip your heart right out of your pretty little body.”

Then he hit her again, throwing her against the wall of the wheel house.

The door slammed shut and the big dog laid down across it, blocking her in. He looked at the others. “Hey Kale.” He said to the other big dog. “Go down there and make sure she doesn’t get out any other entrance.”

The dog nodded and ran down the ramp.

Shanaea climbed to her paws and ran at the door. She slammed into it hard, but it didn’t budge. “…no, no, no.” She cried. Then she ran to the window and put her paws up on the sill. Through the small window she could just see the dogs carrying Tiembe toward the jagged black outline of the outskirts. She slid down the wall to the floor and cried.

Chapter 7:

Ami smiled and pulled her tail further over her eyes to hide the light streaming through the cave opening. Inwardly she sighed and knew that she should wake up, but she knew that Dash would simply force her back to her chambers until she was well. She sighed again and cursed herself for being sick.

Nick stood at the door, indecisively. He turned, almost fleeing back down the corridor he'd come, then stood, arguing mentally with himself. Finally, he closed his eyes and cleared his throat. He opened his mouth, but all that came out was a small squeak. He cleared his throat again, before speaking. "May I come in, ma'am?"

Ami flicked her tail away from her eyes and opened them slowly, blinking a few times as they adjusted to the light. "Sure.." She said. She yawned and stretched slightly. "...come on in Nick." She grinned and stood, walking shakily toward him. "..and you know you don't have to call me Ma'am... I think we talked about that last night, didn't we?"

"Yes, ma'am," Nick said automatically. "I...I mean..yes" Nick stammered to a halt, momentarily flustered. "Are you feeling better this morning?" he said, forcing himself not to add ma'am to the end of the sentence

Ami sighed. "...not really." She smiled. "Well better I guess, yeah, but still pretty weak. I hate it." She frowned. "I should be out there leading my unit, instead the other lieutenants have to work twice as hard to pick up my slack. It's despicable.

Nick smiled sympathetically, "You know it's not your fault, Ami. Everyone gets sick...it just happened that you got sick at an inconvenient time. You need to take your rest, so you can get better and lead us again." He put a reassuring paw on her shoulder, before remembering that she was still his superior. His eyes widened in alarm. "I beg your pardon ma'am. I forgot my place."

Ami smiled and slowly raised her paw, wobbling a little before she regained her balance, and placed it on Nick's shoulder. "...your place?" She asked. She chuckled. "Nick, since when have you cared about military bearing? ...and you seem to be fairly nervous, something up?"

Nick sighed, and glanced at th paw on his shoulder, before chuckling half-heartedly. "You know me so well. But then, I guess you should. We've known each other a long time. We grew up together, entered the service together, and we're in the same unit..." Nick trailed off, chewing his words almost like they were physical objects which might choke him. He laughed again, "And you're right, I don't care much about military bearing."

Ami chuckled and moved her paw up to nudge his cheek before dropping it back to the floor of the cave. "I recognize that look." She said. "You're in love aren't you Nick?" She smiled and winked at him. "Don't worry, I can keep a secret, so, who's the lucky gal?"

Nick laughed again at her apt words. She really could read him like a book, in every way but the most important one. "Well...she's a lucky girl alright. Smart, capable, beautiful....you're right. I am in love." Nick dragged his gaze up to her eyes. "You'll have to forgive me... I seem to have forgotten my place again. Because...I think....Aniu forgive me, but I'm in love with you, Ami"

Ami's eyes widened and her muzzle fell open slightly. She mouthed words, but they didn't come out. She turned around and walked toward the center of the chamber, then turned around. There were tears in her eyes. "...Oh... oh nick..." she said.

Nick dropped his eyes to the floor, drawing himself up to attention. "I'm sorry ma'am. I shouldn't have said anything." He fumbled for more words, but was unable to find them, and trailed off.

She sniffled and looked up at him. "Nick... no, my goodness no, something like that... you can't keep it secret. I... I just didn't expect it is all." She sighed. "...and... and well... I know you aren't much for military bearing, but... well I'm an officer now... not that that makes much difference to me, but..." She fell silent and then started walking toward him.

"I understand of course," he said, scarcely bearing to look up, tears pricking the corners of his eyes. "With your permission, I will request a transfer to another unit. Conflict of duty or..or..or..." His tail drooped even lower and it would have been obvious to anyone that he didn't really want this.

She shook her head and leaned down and nuzzled the quaking wolf. "I don't want you to leave, and I'll not approve a transfer." She said. "You're too good a wolf, a soldier, and a friend for this unit... for me to lose you." She sighed. "Look... Nick, I really like you too. I have... I have for a long, long time... but... but how can we? ...do you know of a way?"

Nick's heart fairly leapt at her words, and he inhaled his breath sharply. "You....you.....you have?" he asked incredulously. He accepted the nuzzle gratefully. "I don't know....perhaps...maybe after this war...you...I...we..." He trailed off, his eyes closing softly as he ventured to nuzzle his commanding officer's shoulder.

Ami sighed and took a step back. "Nick... with the war going on... well I don't know how Dash will handle it, but Shadow's punishment for fratnerization was... well was rather permanent... and it was directed toward your end, not mine.

Nick grimaced and looked at the floor, knowing full well the penalties for what he felt. "Well....does Dash have to know?" he said, an almost pleading look in his eye.

Ami sighed. "Nick, I've..." she looked at him and sighed again. "...I don't suppose..." She stopped again. "Oh dammit all this is so unfair!" She yelled. Then she winced and looked around, wondering who'd heard her outburst.

Nick took a quick look around, nervous for a moment. "I know it is..." He moved in quickly, and gave her a soft lick on the muzzle. "I do care about you, Ami. It's going to be very hard."

She smiled. "I know Nick." She said, nuzzling him. "In public... at least for now..." She sighed. "...***** it." She said. "I want to be with you Nick but... I don't want it like this... what if we get caught?"

Nick smiled softly, almost sadly. "I'd love to say that we'd run away together and start a new life." His eyes dropped to his paws. "But I really don't think that's how it would happen. We can't abandon the pack, even if we were given the option to." He sighed, and nuzzled Ami again.. "I really don't see a good way for this to work."

Ami sighed and pulled him close. He could feel her trembling beside him; her warm breath through the fur of his neck. "Nick I... I want it to." She said. "I do, but... if anyone found out... they'd report us and I'd lose my commission, but... that's not half of what you'd lose." She gulped and glanced at his tail. "...I mean... I don't want to see you get hurt because of me... I'd... I'd feel awful..."

Nick looked into Ami's eyes. "Well....if I can't be with you now...then I'll wait...if I have to." He nuzzled her again. "What if we make this...sort of... our little secret? If we wait until after the war...then....then...maybe it will be ok."

Ami smiled and a tear ran down her muzzle to slide down his nose. "I suppose that could work." She said. She sniffled. "It'll give us some more time to come up with a plan.. but it seems so far away... like an eternity."

Nick nuzzled the side of her muzzle before licking away a tear on her cheek. "Aw, Ami, don't cry. It'll be ok... we'll find a way to make things work..." He looked away briefly, to hide the tears lurking at the corners of his own eyes.

She frowned and sighed. "Nick what if... what if one of us... doesn't make it?" She asked. "I mean... you know how bad Lytion is... what if..." She sniffled again, unable to say it a second time. "I... I've been waiting so long to hear you say that that... now I don't think I could live if I lost you."

Nick let out a shuddery sigh. "I know, I've been thinking of that too. And I don't have a good answer for you. If one of us... doesn't make it.. then.. well.. the other will have to carry on." At this point, his voice cracked like a teenagers and he trailed off. "I don't know how I'd stand it either"

Ami nodded. "I... I suppose so. It was hard enough ordering my best friend into battle... now... can I do it? ...maybe you should just be put on permanent cave guard or something... at least that way you're out of harms way..."

Nick frowned and sighed. "As my commanding officer, you have that option. But I'm not going to cry off my duty to my alpha or my pack."

Amy sighed. "...I suppose... I suppose that's kind of... well... unfair to the others, isn't it?"

Nick replied, "Well... they all have loved ones too.. I swear though, I'll do my best to keep you safe, Ami. I guess all we can do is perform our job to the best of our abilities, and then... after the war is over... well... I'd really like to be with you"

Ami smiled and stretched. "I want to be with you too Nick." She said. She chuckled and reared up on her back legs, coming down on top of him and knocking him over. "...but I don't want to wait till the war is over.. obviously some... events will have to wait." She winked at him and licked his nose. "...but that doesn't mean that we can't still be together."

Nick grinned slyly, and without a word, lunged upwards, feigning playful bites at her neck and shoulder, mouthing her with his jaws. After a moment of softly mouthing her collarbone, he settled into a soft nuzzle.

She smiled. "You know Nick, I could report you for assaulting a superior officer for that." She said as she idly batted at his ear with her paw.

Nick smirked. "Just glad to see you're feeling better. I see your sense of humor isn't sick."

She smiled and deftly flipped him onto his back, coming up on top of him, pinning his shoulders to the ground. She smiled and licked his nose. "Oh I'm feeling much better." She said. "...seems having the one you most care about tell you that he loves you that did that I think." She grinned at his surprised expression. "Oh come now Nick, has it been so long that you've forgotten who won all the sparring competitions in our class?"

Nick grinned. "Oh, I haven't forgotten...but I wasn't allowed to do this in sparring class." He reached up with his muzzle and placed a wet lick on the tip of her nose. He chuckled, "I may let you pin me more often!"

She laughed and was about to speak when Timbre rushed into the chamber.

"Ami, I'm sorry to disturb your rest, but..." He stopped as he saw the blonde wolf on top of Nick. "...what... what exactly is going on here?" He asked. "I came looking for Nick, but... what are you doing?"

Ami tried not to let the sheer terror that filled her mind show in her expression. "Oh well um... I was just teaching him a little." She said. "...if you remember I was the top fighter in my class."

Timbre nodded slowly. "...um sure, but aren't you sick?"

Ami smiled. "...actually I feel quite a bit better." She said. "What's up, what do you need Nick for?"

Timbre sighed, not looking away from Ami's face. "Lytion may be making his move, some enemy wolves were sighted moving toward the cave, and they out numbered the patrol that saw them.

Ami nodded and got up off of Nick. "Well that can't be good." Ami said.

Timbre shook his head. "Dash doesn't think so either."

Ami turned to Nick. "Nick, go with Timbre and join the Unit, I'll be down shortly." She said.

Nick leapt to his feet as though he were on fire. "Yes, ma'am, right away, ma'am" he said, in his most soldierly tone, thanking Aniu that Timbre was more concerned about the attack than the more compromising position he'd been in.

Ami turned to Nick. "...be careful." She said. Then she turned back to Timbre. "I'll be taking control of my unit now." She said. "I'm plenty strong and you guys need everyone on their paws."

Timbre nodded. "...that we do." He said. "You sure won't hear any complaints from me; as long as you are sure you can handle your responsibilities on the battle field."

"I can." Ami said. "Thank you for covering for me while I was down Timbre."

Timbre half smiled. "...not a problem Ami." He said.

Ami turned to walk out of the chamber, but was stopped by his voice. "Ami..." She cursed inwardly and turned.

Timbre looked at her for a moment as if deciding what to say. "...if ever you see fit to train young Nick in your chambers again... it might be fitting to have a witness present... you know... so people don't get the wrong idea."

Ami gulped and nodded. "...sure, yeah, I should have thought about that."

Timbre nodded. "Yes you should have." He said. "Fraternization between the officers and troops is prohibited... but you're smarter than that aren't you Ami?"

Ami nodded. "...yes sir." She said.

Timbre nodded. "...good." He said. Then he turned and left the chamber.

Ami sighed. "...that was close." She thought. Then she turned and left the chamber.

Chapter 8:

Later that night Timbre stood outside the chambers of the newest addition to the Talbourne Security Forces' chambers. He'd been introduced to the large black and white wolf at a meeting held by the clan earlier today. Timber didn't know why, but for some reason he wanted to confide in the wolf about one of the fears he had about the state of things within the teams. He sighed and cleared his throat. "Hey Achak, you in there?" He asked.

"Yes I'm here." Achak said. "You can come in if you like."

Timbre stepped inside the chamber.

Achak sat in the middle of the room.

"Sorry to bother you at such a late time." Timbre said.

"...not a problem." Achak said. "...Timbre isn't it?"

Timbre nodded.

"...what's on your mind Timbre?" Achak asked.

Timbre sighed. "It's a situation within the teams. It's been bugging me all day and for some reason I thought I might get some advise from you on it."

"Well I will try." Achak said. "What is it?"

"You know that I'm a Lieutenant right?" Timbre asked.

Achak nodded.

"Well there's another Lieutenant in our teams that... well I caught her with one of her subordinates this morning and she was on top of him.

Achak raised an eyebrow.

"...now she said that they were training ." Timbre added quickly. "...that he'd asked for some help..." Timbre's voice fell off, as he was unsure of how to continue.

"...but you don't believe her do you Timbre?" Achak asked. "...otherwise you would not be here."

Timbre shook his head. "Now this can't go any higher than the two of us right now. I'm only asking for advice."

"What makes you think she was lying?" Achak asked.

Timbre sat down in front of the larger wolf. "She and he have been good friends for quite a while now." He said.

"...before or after she was promoted?" Achak asked.

"...way before." Timbre said. "She was only recently promoted to Lieutenant, but I think that it hadn't progressed past friendship until now."

Achak nodded. "Obviously so if she thinks she has to hide it from you."

Timbre nodded. "...exactly. So my question is... what should I do? I mean... she's a good Lieutenant, or will be anyway, and he's a good soldier. I don't want to see anything bad happen to either of them. ...and I don't really have any hard evidence so..."

Achak shook his head. "You're finding excuses because you want to protect them Timbre. Have you tried talking to her about the dangers of what she's doing?"

"...kind of." Timbre said.

Achak raised an eyebrow questioningly.

Timbre sighed. "Well... I told her that she ought to have someone else present if she was going to do that because of what others might think."

Achak nodded.

"You think I should turn them in to the Alpha, don't you?" Timbre said.

Achak shook his head.

A surprised look came over Timbre's face.

"As you said, you have no hard evidence." Achak said.

"...but you said.." Timbre started, but Achak cut him off. "I said that to see if you'd agree with me. If you did it would have meant that you were."

Timbre nodded.

"Rather than turn them in I think you should talk to her about why the rules are the way they are."

Timbre sighed. "I know I should, but... I trained her, we're good friends, and she hasn't had much luck in the area of romance... now that she's found someone..." Timbre stooped, unsure of how to continue.

Achak nodded. "So you have a conflict of interest where she's concerned."

Timbre nodded. "I guess I do."

"Well I don't." Achak said. "I'll talk to her."

Timbre smiled. "I'd appreciate it Achak." he said.

"I assume this Lieutenant we're talking about is Ami?" Achak asked.

Timbre nodded.

"...and who is it that's taken an interest in her?"

"His name is Nick." Timbre said.

Achak shook his head. "...can't say I'm surprised."

"Why do you say that?" Timbre asked.

"He seems like a nice enough guy." Achak said. "...but he has a lot to learn where soldiering is concerned."

Timbre nodded. "...that may be." He said.

It was silent for a moment.

Finally Timbre spoke. "Well I guess I should let you get some sleep before your patrol tonight." He said. "Thank you for your help."

Achak nodded. "...not a problem."

Timbre stood. "Well... goodnight then."

"...good night." Achak said.

Timbre turned and walked from the chamber. He felt much better. "I should be getting back to the react chambers soon." He thought. "The sentries will be needing to be replaced soon." Timbre turned and walked away from the chamber.

Ami smiled.

Nick was talking about something, but she wasn't really paying much attention,. She was just looking at him.

Nick stopped talking for a moment. "Ami, are you listening to anything I'm saying?"

Ami smiled and shook her head. "...not really." She said. "I'm just enjoying looking at you."

Nick grinned and stood up. "Ah, then look away." He said. Nick began turning in a slow circle. When he faced Ami again he stopped turning and strutted toward her, a serious expression plastered over the grin that seemed to be ever present on his face.

Ami laughed. "Okay hot-stuff." She said. "Get over here."

Nick grinned and plopped down beside her. He leaned over and licked her nose.

Ami snorted and laughed. "Would you cut it out?" She asked.

Nick grinned; his tongue lolling half-way out of his mouth as he tilted his head to the right.

Ami grinned and shook her head. "Is everything a joke to you?" She asked.

Nick pulled his tongue back in his mouth and leveled his head, a serious expression on his face. "...everything but us." He said.

Ami leaned over and nuzzled him.

Nick smiled and dug his nose into her neck.

"I hope nothing ever happens to you." Ami said.

Nick pulled his head back. "You shouldn't talk like that Ami." He said. "Nothing is going to happen to me or you." He smiled. "We're like two shooting stars that no one can stop."

Ami smiled and sighed. "Nick, that's awfully romantic sounding, but we have to be realistic here. There's a war going on, and we're both soldiers..." Ami stopped there, unable, or more likely unwilling to finish that thought.

Nick smiled. "Ami, Aniu could take me home tomorrow and I'd be the happiest wolf to ever have lived."  

"Shhh!" Ami cried. "...don't say such a thing Nick." She buried her nose in his shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." Ami turned her head to the side and laid it on her shoulder.

Nick smiled and laid his head on top of hers. He was surprised to feel her shaking beneath him. "I'm sorry Ami, just trying to be realistic."

Ami pulled her head up and kissed him. "Then forget being realistic." She said. Ami laid her head back on his shoulder and wrapped her paw around his back, pulling him close as if she were afraid something might try to take him from her. She sighed. "Nick, it probably wouldn't surprise you to know that there have been others that were... interested in me." She said. "...but none of them were ever like you." She paused and shifted her eyes back and upward to look at him. "I love you Nick."

Nick smiled. "I love you too Ami." He said. He sat up and yawned.

Ami laid back a bit and smiled. "Well this has been really nice." She said. "...but it's getting late and we have a patrol tomorrow. I should probably let you get some

sleep."

Nick smiled and laid his head on her shoulder. "You're right, I am kind of tired, but I might just stay right here."

Ami smiled. "...much as I'd like that I don't think it would be a good idea Nick." She said.

Nick scooted closer to her and closed his eyes.

Ami liked having him close, so she decided she'd wait a moment to bring reality to the situation. She began to think about she and Nick and lifted her head, thinking about their future. As she was pondering this she realized that she liked his body close to her. It made her feel warm, secure...

"...and safe." She thought.

...but she knew that feeling of safety was an illusion. Not so much because of the enemy outside...

"...but those inside." She thought.

Finally she sighed. "Nick, come on, you should go to your chambers." She waited for a moment, but there was no response. She looked down. "Come on Nick, Timbre..."

She stopped mid-sentence.

Nick's eyes were closed and his breathing was slower. He'd fallen asleep on her shoulder. Ami knew that she should wake him, should get him out of her chambers, but instead she smiled and laid her head on top of his, snuggling in close. Ami brought her muzzle close to his ear. "Timbre doesn't matter." She whispered quietly. "...only us."

She closed her eyes and soon she too was sound asleep.

Ami awoke the next morning, her head still nuzzled closely to Nick's. She could feel his warm breath on her neck. Ami smiled an snuggled closer, wanting to close her eyes and get back to sleep. She'd slept better last night than she had in a long time. In fact, as long as Nick was there beside her she never wanted to leave her chambers.

"...but we have a job to do." She thought. Ami raised her head and watched him for a moment. He looked so content lying there on her shoulder that she didn't want to wake him. "...but I must." She thought. Ami leaned down and licked his cheek gently a few times.

Nick's eyes fluttered open and he yawned, then looked at her. "...thought you said this wasn't a very good idea?" He asked.

Ami smiled and nuzzled him. "I changed my mind." She said.

Nick nuzzled her back. "I'm glad you did." He said.

Ami stood up. "Well, ready for that patrol?"

Nick stood up and yawned again. "I suppose." He said.

Ami laughed. "Come on sleepy head; you can help me assemble the unit. Achak will be back soon and I'm sure he's ready to be relieved."

Nick nodded. "Probly so, it's a long night on patrol."

Ami nodded back at him. "Well, come on, we better be getting down there." She stepped toward the exit to her chambers and looked around, then she looked back at him. "Come on, it's safe." She smiled. "...sentry must be on the other side of the cave."

Nick joined her outside the chambers and together the two set off to wake the rest of their unit.

Ami stood in front of her assembled unit. "Alright, as soon as Achak gets back we're heading out." She said. "Make sure the wolf net to you is your buddy and stick close to them. Things could get nasty while we're out there." She turned and looked at Nick. "Nick, you're my executive officer, stick close. If I fall you're in charge."

Nick started to say something and then stopped and nodded. "Yes ma'am." He said.

Ami turned around and saw Achak walking up to her. His unit stood at the entrance to the cave.

"Ami, I wonder if I might have a word with you." He said.

Ami nodded. "Sure Achak." She said. She turned back to the group. "Nick, take charge of the unit and make sure they are ready to depart. I'll be back shortly."

"Yes Ma'am." Nick said.

Ami turned and followed Achak to a room off the main chamber, then she stopped. "Anything out there last night?" She asked.

Achak shook his head. "...not that we could see." He said. "Looks like a lot of tracks headed away from here. I'm going to report it to the Alpha."

Ami nodded. "So, what did you want to talk about?" She asked.

Achak sighed. "Well Ami, I understand that Timbre caught you in a rather disreputable position yesterday."

Ami shook her head. "No, as I told Timbre, we were only training. Nick asked for some help and I was showing him some techniques."

Achak shook his head and looked at her.

Ami sighed.

"...come on Ami, admit it." Achak said.

Ami looked away for a moment and then looked back at him. "Okay, so maybe we were just wrestling for the fun of it, that's not a crime is it?"

"No," Achak said. "...no its not, but engaging in familiar realtions with a subordinate is, and you know that."

Ami sighed and looked at the ground. "...I... I know." She said.

"What are you thinking Ami?" He asked. "How long did it take you to make Lieutenant, how hard did you have to work?"

"...pretty hard." Ami said.

"...and if Dash finds out about this then you could lose it all. It it worth it?"

Ami looked up at him and nodded. "Yes it is." She said. "I love Nick."

Achak shook his head. "If you really loved him you wouldn't put him in the position you have now." He said.

"What position?" Ami asked, her voice rising a bit. "I've done nothing to force anything on him. He came to me."

Achak nodded. "That may be true Lieutenant, but you are the ranking officer. You are the one in charge. It's your duty to stand up and tell him why you two cannot be together."

Ami shook her head. "...when I'm off duty there is no rank between Nick and I Achak."

The large wolf shook his head. "Ami, the rules are made for a reason. You have to know that. You have to. What if your relationship with Nick causes you not make the right decision sometime and that gets someone in your unit killed?"

"That won't happen." Ami said. "I won't let it."

Achak shook his head. "You say that now, but can you really order him into a situation that he may not come out of alive? hm? What if that one sacrifice saved the team enough time to return back from their patrol before the enemy caught up with them, and Nick was the best one for the job? ....could you still send him?"

Ami's lower lip trembled and she started to speak, then stopped and looked away from him.

"...that's what I thought Ami." He said. "You have to be a soldier first, even though your heart wants to lead you astray. You've got to reign it in with this..." He tapped her in the side of the head fairly hard with his paw. "...to overcome that." He placed his paw on her chest and pushed her backward a bit. "There is no room in war for emotion Ami." Achak said. "...emotion gets others killed."

Ami hung her head. "...so, are you going to tell Dash?"

Achak shook his head. "No, I was specifically told not to. So I won't. Besides, I think you should be able to make the decision on your own. From what I've seen you're a good Lieutenant. You shouldn't throw it away."

Ami shook her head and turned around. She looked out the chamber entrance and saw Nick standing in front of her unit. She knew in her heart that Achak was right.

Then she spun around. "Say Achak, weren't you with a red and white dog when you came here?" She spat the words at him.

"...she's a wolf/dog." He said. "...and yes, her name is Kiona."

Ami smiled. "I can tell by your defense of her that you care for her." She said. "...mate?"

Achak didn't answer.

Ami nodded. "...thought so." She said. "Look Achak, how would you like it if someone just up and told you that you couldn't be with your pretty little wolf/dog anymore, would you be a good little soldier and follow orders?"

Achak felt fire ignite behind his eyes. He idly scraped his paws against the ground and remained silent.

Ami shook her head. "...I didn't think so." She said. "...look Achak, the Talbourne has no ***** right to tell me with who and why I can fall in love. It's none of their concern. I'm not going to let it affect my leadership, or my unit's efficency. ...back off."

Achak shook his head. "You're making a mistake Ami." He said. "...but I suppose you're just going to have to learn the hard way."

Ami scoffed. "...and hows that, punishment?"

Achak shook his head. He had an almost saddened expression on his face. "...much worse than that Ami." He said. "...you're going to have to learn from experience."

Achak turned and walked away.

Chapter 9:

Ami hopped over a log and looked back behind her. She watched as Nick followed after her. As he lifted his head to look up after his leap over the log he caught her gaze and tilted his head to the right. He crossed his eyes and smiled at her. In spite of herself Ami smiled and giggled a bit. She shook her head and turned to face the front again...

...the wolf sailed into her with no warning whatsoever.

One moment Ami was laughing at Nick, and the next she was rolling in the snow and fighting for her life.

The black wolf snarled and swiped his paw at her muzzle.

Ami saw the strike coming an d rolled to the side. She narrowly avoided the strike and threw one of her own. She rolled over and threw the wolf off of her.

The wolf jumped up and rushed her.

Ami rolled onto her paws and sprang forward. The wolf and Ami met in the air and Ami twisted her body so that she landed on top of the wolf. She wasted no time in snapping her jaws around his throat and ripping it out. The wolf thrashed around for a moment and she held him down as his struggles slowed, and then stopped all together. Ami was breathing hard as the wolf's last breath wheezed it's way out of his muzzle. Her ears were still ringing with the howls and barks of the enemy wolf.

Slowly her tunnel vision cleared and the ringing in her ears deadened. The clearing was covered in wolves, both her unit and shadow clan members, all rolling and growling and fighting.

"AMI!" Nick yelled.

Ami turned, almost in shock as she saw the state of disarray her unit had so quickly fallen into. She turned and tripped over a member of her unit who was thrashing on the ground. When Ami stood again she was covered in blood and the wolf had ceased struggling.

"Ami, come out of it!" Nick yelled.

Ami shook her head and her thoughts cleared. She turned to Nick. "Nick, run to the cave, sound the react, bring Achak!" She yelled.

Nick looked behind him at the flood of wolves headed down the hill toward Ami and the rest of the beleagered second unit. "...but Ami..." He started.

"Never mind them, you're the fastest runner." Ami yelled. "Now go!"

Nick hesitated for just a moment, then he nodded and turned. Nick sprinted off through the woods.

Ami turned back to face her unit. She tilted her muzzle skyward and howled. "Second Unit, rally on me!" She yelled. "We have to hold them here!"

One by one the wolves began to assemble beside and behind her. Ami looked ahead of her and growled as the shadow clan's soldiers approached at a dead run.

Nick was running as fast as he could. He hopped over a log and he could see the main entrance to the cave just down the hill.

"Hey you, stop!" Someone yelled.

Nick kept running and heard the other wolf star off after him.

"Alert at the Main Entrance!" He heard the wolf cry out. "...incoming from the front!"

Three wolves quickly moved to cover the Main Entrance, and Nick was nearly there. He slowly lost speed until he finally trotted up to the three wolves.

"Nick, what happened?" One of them asked.

"...trouble on the patrol?" Asked another.

Nock nodded and fought to catch his breath. "...ambush..." He said. "...ten... ten minutes southwest of here... in the... in the gulley."

One of the wolves nodded at the other, and then he turned and sprinted away, howling the alarm.

One of the other wolves stepped up. "Sit down Nick." He said. "...catch your breath, before the react comes."

Nick sat down, still gasping for breath.

"How many were there?" The other wolf asked.

"...twenty." Nick said. "...maybe more."

Achak ran up then, his unit close behind. "Nick, the guard was yelling something about an ambush." He said.

Nick nodded. "In the gulley... ten minutes southeast."

Achak nodded. "We'll respond then." He looked at Nick for a moment, taking in his condition. "You going to live son?"

Nick nodded. "I'm not your son, and I'll be fine, let's go."

Achak nodded and then Nick turned and took off.

Achak had a hard time keeping up.

Ami grunted as another black wolf slammed into her side. This was the fourth time she'd been knocked down in this battle and she was getting tired. The wolf snarled as he got on top of her and straddled her. Ami had a lot of training under her belt and she knew this was a bad position for her to be in. She kicked the wolf in the stomach, trying to roll him off her like she'd been taught, but she was tired and didn't have the strength to complete the maneuver. The wolf growled an snapped at her and Ami raised her paw out of reflex. The wolf's teeth sank into her leg and she yelped in pain. She knew she was losing. "Oh Aniu..." She thought. "It can't end like this van it? ...not now. Help me... please."

Suddenly she heard a yell and the wolf flew off her, another wolf growling and snapping as he rolled on top of him. THe wolf sank his teeth into the wolf's neck and he fell silent. AMi's savior climbed off the wolf, leaving him thrashing in the pink snow.

Even covered in blood Ami thought that he was the best thing she'd ever seen.

Nick's expression turne to one of alarm as he saw the blood on her leg. "Are you okay Ami?" He asked.

Ami hopped to her feet, and though her leg hurt, she could rest her weight on it, so she knew it wasn't bad. "I'm fine." She said. "Did you get..."

Achak howled as he came over the hill, his unit close at hand.

Ami smiled as she saw him. Everything was going to be all right now. "You did good

Nick." She said.

Achak's unit moved to flank the enemy wolves and Ami turned to her unit. "...fall back!" She called. "Third unit, cover the react's rear!"

The beleagured wolves didn't have to be told twice. They disengaged and let second unit through to the front.

The fighting there was fierce, but short lived. The second unit was fresh to the battle and they quickly mopped up the remaining enemy.

It wasn't long until the black wolves were running over the hillside.

Achak let them go and retreated back to Ami and her unit. "Everyone alright?" He asked.

Ami nodded. "We've got some walking wounded, but for the most part we're alright."

Achak nodded. "Well, you and your unit look tired, and that leg looks like it could use some rest. Head on back to the cave and take over react. We'll handle the patrol from here."

"Are you sure Achak?" Ami asked.

Achak nodded. "We'll swap again when we get back."

Ami nodded at him. "Thank you Achak." She said. Then she turned to her unit. "Second Unit, fall in, we're headed back to the cave. ...and keep a sharp eye. They may try to circle around and hit us again." She sighed and turned to Nick. In her heart she knew why she hadn't sensed the ambush. "Nick, take rear security. I'll lead."

Nick looked surprised. "Ami I'd rather..."

Ami cut him off. "Last time I checked Nick I'm a Lieutenant, and I gave you an order. Now take the rear and let's move out."

Nick blinked and then regained his composure. "Yes Ma'am." He said.

Nick moved toward the rear and Ami started back toward the cave.

Ami sighed and walked across her chambers for the twentieth time since she'd sent her new executive officer to get Nick. "How can I do this?" She asked herself. She shook her head and turned around. "I have to.' She said aloud.

Nick walked in, unsure of what to do or say. He and Ami hadn't talked much since the ambush. "What's up Ami? I was told you wanted to see me?" he said, walking into the chamber, but standing by the door

Ami sighed. "Nick... ...stand at attention please..." She walked over and stood in front of him.

Nick resisted the urge to sigh, smirked and snapped to an exaggerated attention. "Sir, yes, sir!" he said, his voice falsetto and deep. He couldn't keep his concentration and broke into a laugh, still at attention. "What's going on?" he queried again, a look of honest puzzlement mixed with good cheer on his face.

Ami shook her head. "Nick, now's not the time for jokes..." She sighed and then pulled her head up straight. "...ten-hut!"

Nick sensed that she was serious and the smile drifted from his face. He stood at an appropriate attention, looking straight ahead, and waited for her to continue.

Ami sighed and snapped to attention herself. "Nick, for personal reasons applicable to the efficiency and safety of my unit you are ordered to stand down from your duties with second unit and will report to Lieutenant Achak tomorrow morning which is where you will resume duty. Do you understand?"

Nick paused a moment, digesting this statement. His face took on a baffled and somewhat offended look, as though he'd been offered something unpleasant to eat. "What?" he asked. "What do you mean, report to another unit? Why?"

Ami sighed. "Nick... Achak was right." She said. "He told me this would happen and it did. We were lucky no one got killed... I'm sorry Nick." She said.

Nick face took on a petulant, hurt look. "Well, see, that's just the thing. No one got hurt, well, not seriously at least. Everything is still fine...we just have to be more careful." He broke the attention and stepped to Ami's side. "I mean, come on, Ami. That ambush was just one of those things. It could have happened to anyone."

Ami closed her eyes and turned around. "Nick, you're at attention!" She snapped. Then she sighed. "Nick... it could've happened to anyone else, you're right, but... but it didn't. What if I had lost someone? I didn't see that ambush coming because I was looking at you... I could be talking to someone, telling them that their father, or brother, or mate isn't coming home. ...because I wasn't paying attention. I... I can't do that Nick. I have a responsibility."

Nick shook his head. "No... Ami please..." He looked up at her as tears glistened in his eyes. "...I love you. I don't care about anything else. We just need to be more careful."

Ami sighed. "Nick..." Then she fell silent and shook her head.

Nick scoffed and sighed. "You know... I don't get you Ami." He said. "...just last night you were all cuddled up next to me and..."

"...and that was wrong!" Ami said. "I shouldn't have Nick, I liked it, but it shouldn't have happened. We can't always have what we want."

"Why not Ami?" Nick asked.

Ami sighed and a tear ran out of her eye. She tried to stop, to resume her strong stance, but she could not. The first tear was joined by another, and then a third. She pulled her head up and looked at him. "...I'm sorry." She said.

Nick let out a shuddery sigh. "Me too," he said, in a voice that cracked with sadness. "...me too." He shook his head and then locked his body. "I'm sorry that you made this decision without talking to me at all. I'm sorry that you have to throw me out like some unwanted garbage, and above all I'm sorry that I told you all this in the first place."

Tears threatened Ami's eyes, but she held them back, vowing to stay strong. "Nick... don't say that." She said. "I love you."

Nick shook his head and a tear rolled down his muzzle. "...how can you say that to me?" He asked. "After what you've said here how could you tell me that?"

"...because it's true." Ami said. "I love you Nick."

Nick winced as if he'd been struck. "...don't... Ami, either keep me or throw me away, but don't dangle me out there like this."

"...Nick..." Ami started, but Nick cut her off. "Ami, I do love you. I'd do anything for you, fight anyone, or anything, even this blasted rule, that's what love is. You don't love me, because you are giving into the system, a system that tries to tell us who we can and can't be with. If you support that system, then you don't love me. I don't even want to hear it anymore."

Ami nodded, the tears even closer now. "Personal issues aside... do you understand your orders Nick?"

Nick nodded. "Yes Ma'am I do."

Ami sighed. "...Nick, please..."

Nick remained impassive. "...last time I checked you were a Lieutenant Ma'am."

Ami shook her head. "It doesn't have to be like this Nick."

Nick had tears dripping down his face now, but he remained at stoic attention. "Yes it does Ma'am." He said. "It has to be this way because you made it this way."

Ami sighed. "...Nick, carry out your orders, you're dismissed."

"Dismissed, Aye Ma'am." He said. Nick stepped back and then looked up at her. "...good evening Ma'am." He said, then he turned and walked stiffly out of the chamber.

Ami waited until she was sure he was out of hearing distance and then she let her tears flow free. She slid to the floor of the chamber and sobbed.

Chapter 10:

When Jack and Kalia topped the hill in front of them Kalia spotted a familiar wolf down below. She smiled and turned to Jack. "That's mom!" She whispered excitedly. "...she's alright!"

Jack nodded. "She seems to be." He said. "...but we're going to err on the side of caution. It could be a trap."

Kalia nodded. "...good idea." She said.

Down below June turned and tossed her head forward, then she began walking down the holler. Pretty soon a few other wolves walked into view.

"Hey, those I recognize too!" Kalia whispered. "...mom must be leading a hunting party or something." She paused. "...can we go and see her?"

Jack looked the wolves over and then nodded. "I don't see any black wolves amongst them so I guess it's safe."

Kalia grinned and jumped up. She took off down the hill at a dead sprint.

"Okay..." Jack said to himself. "...not exactly how I'd've done it, but..." He hopped up and took off after her.

June looked behind her and saw the rest of her group coming up behind her. She turned back around and was about to take a step when suddenly she heard a crashing sound to her right. June whirled around, teeth bared, ready for a fight. "Why didn't I see them?" June thought. "They were right up on the hill and I never saw them!" She saw the wolf tearing down the hillside, another hot on it's heels. She couldn't make out any details about the wolf, but she snarled and readied herself for a fight.

The wolf stopped. "...mom?" She asked.

June stopped growling as soon as the wolf spoke and a wide grin split her muzzle, for she'd instantly recognized the wolf's voice. "...Kalia!" She called.

The wolf smiled and ran toward her and June could see her clearly.

Kalia nuzzled her mother fiercely and then pulled back. "Mom, I was so worried about you!" She said. She nuzzled June again. "It's so good to know you're alright."

June nuzzled her daughter in return and then stepped back. "We've been worried about you too honey." She said. "What happened? Where've you been?"

Jack caught up to Kalia and stopped slightly behind her. He paused for a moment, trying to catch his breath before he spoke. "Kalia... you... you really shouldn't have run off like that."

Kalia turned her head back to him and smiled. "I know..." She said. "I'm sorry."

Jack smiled back at her. "Well nothing happened, so it's alright. Just keep it in mind."

Kalia nodded. "I will." She said.

June grinned. She recognized the look on their faces. "So, what's been going on between you two all this time?" She asked.

Kalia smiled. "Jack saved my life mom." She said. "I wouldn't have made it if it weren't for him. He carried be away from the battle and took me to a cave just north of here." She stopped and turned back to Jack. "...didn't you Jack?"

Jack smiled and nodded.

June grinned back at him. "Well then we are in your debt Jack." She said.

"...but there's more mom." Kalia said. She turned and smiled at Jack.

He smiled back and stepped up beside her.

"I can't be sure yet." Kalia said. "...but you may be a grandmother soon."

June started to speak and then stopped. "...but who..."

Kalia nuzzled Jack and June smiled. "...you two?"

Kalia smiled back and nodded.

June grinned. "Oh sweetheart that's wonderful!" She said.

Kalia smiled. "I'm glad you think so." She said. "What do you think dad is going to say?"

June smiled at her daughter. "Well I'm sure it will come as a surprise but I'm sure he'll be... supportive." She said. "...let's find out." She turned back toward the group of wolves that had respectfully kept their distance from the trio. "...Sammy?" June called.

A red and gray wolf stepped forward. "What is it June?" She asked.

June smiled. "Take charge of the hunting party will you?" She turned to look at Kalia and Jack. "I'm going to take my daughter home."

Sammy nodded. "...sure thing June." She said. She turned to the other wolves. "...come on." She said. "I'll lead."

The wolves nodded and followed Sammy over the hill.

June watched them until they dissapeared over the hillside. Then she turned back to Kalia. "Let's go see you father." She said.

The three wolves turned and set off down the valley.

June stepped into she and Dash's chambers. "Hey Dash, you here?" She asked.

Dash stepped out of a side chamber to June's left. "Yeah, I'm here." He said. Dash walked up and nuzzled her. "You're back from the hunting party awful early aren't you?" He asked.

"Yeah," June said. "They're still out there I left Sammy in charge."

A surprised look came over Dash's face. "...oh?" He asked. "Why? What's the trouble?"

June smiled. "No trouble." She said. "...but I ran into someone out there."

"Who's that?" Dash asked.

Jack and Kalia stepped into the chamber then. "Hey dad." She said. "

Dash ran over to Kalia and nuzzled her. "Kalia!" He said. "You're alright!"

Kalia nuzzled her father back and smiled. "What happened during the battle?" He asked. "When you went missing your mother and I feared the worse."

Kalia smiled. "Jack saved me."

Dash looked up and seemed to notice his presence for the first time. "Oh Jack!" He said. "Sorry, I didn't even notice you there."

Jack smiled. "It's alright, gien the circumstances I understand."

So you saved her?" Dash asked. "What happened? Why did it take this long for you to return?"

Jack sighed. "Kalia was fighting four of the Shadow Clan when I first came upon her. I tried to asssist her, but they got her down before I could reach her. They left her there for some reason and I took her away from the battle. She was hurt, and hurt bad, certainly in no condition to continue fighting. I took her to a cave I came across before you found me. She actually recuperated pretty fast, given the extent of her injuries, but I feared the clan might have fallen during the battle and I decided to hole up in that cave until I knew it was safe."

Dash smiled. "well I am in your debt Jack." He said. "Thank you for saving my daughter."

Jack nodded.

June stepped up and looked at Jack and Kalia. "...but there's still more to tell." She said. "Go ahead Kalia, tell him what you told me."

Dash looked at his daughter. "What is it Kalia?" He asked.

Kalia smiled. "Well I don't know for sure yet..." She said. "...but there's a good chance that soon you'll be a grandpa."

The smile on Dash's face faded. "...what did you say?" He asked.

Jack stepped forward. "Kalia and I.." He looked back at her and she smiled and stepped up to his side. "We wish to become mates." He said.

Dash frowned. "...sounds to me like you've already made the decision."

Jack sighed. "Yes well... I'm sorry about that Dash, but given the circumstances... we didn't even know you were alive."

Dash shook his head and sighed. "Jack, right now would be a good time to keep your mouth closed."

Jack nodded.

"...in fact, get out of here Jack." Dash said. "I need to speak to my daughter alone."

Jack nodded. "Yes sir." He said. Then he turned and walked out of the chamber.

Once he was gone June turned to Dash. "Honey, please..." but Dash cut her off. "...not now June." He said. Then he turned back to his daughter. "Sweetie, what happened out there?" He asked. "Did this happen while you were out? Did he drag you out there and force..." Kalia glared at her father and cut him off in mid-sentance. "...don't you dare talk about Jack like that!" She yelled. "He's the nicest wolf I've ever met; he'd never do such a thing! I made the decision myself, *after* I healed up. It's because of him that I'm even alive. You should be thanking him!"

Dash glared back at her. "So that gives him permission to just drag you off alone and do whatever he wants to you?" Dash asked.

Kalia rolled her eyes at her father. "He didn't do anything to me dad. We made the decision together."

Dash shook his head. "I should go out there right now and kill him is what I should do." He said.

Kalia didn't speak for a moment, but when she did her voice held a deadly serious tone. "You do and you'll have to kill me too."     She said.

Dash shook his head. "...what?" He asked. "So you spent a week with him and now you're so convinced he's the one that you would fight me for him?"

Kalia nodded. "If you make me choose between you, then yes, I will."

Dash shook his head and sighed. "How... how sure are you that you're going to be a mother?" He asked.

"I said I didn't know." Kalia said.

Dash sighed and didn't speak for a moment. "He's as old as I am Kalia." He said. "Don't you think that a bit odd?"

Kalia shook her head. "No, I don't." She said. "He loves me, that's all that matters."

Dash smirked. "He loves you." He said.

Dash remained quiet for a moment. "Well I'm holding off on my judgment of that." He said. "I'm not going to make a decision on this until we know for sure whether there are pups involved or not. If there are then they'll need a father of some kind. For now you'll stand down from any duties with your unit and any responsibilities outside the cave. If you are going to be a mother then you need to take care of yourself."

Kalia nodded. "Father, Jack and I wish to have a chamber of our own, may we?"

Dash scoffed. "Well you've done about all you can do with each other so I don't care. There's a chamber free on the left side of the react chamber, enjoy."

Kalia shook her head and chuckled disdainfully. "Thanks a lot daddy." She said. Then she turned and took a step toward the exit of the chamber.

Dash stopped her with his voice. "Hey Kalia."

She stopped and turned.

"If you ever say daddy like that to me again I'll slap that disrespect right out of your head, understand? I'm only thinking about what is best for you."

Kalia nodded and walked away.

June stepped up to her mate's side. "Dash I think..." but Dash cut her off. "Now's really not a good time to talk about this June." He said. Then he turned and walked into the side chamber.

June sighed and turned to follow him.

As Kalia exited her father's chambers Jack smiled and took a step toward her, the expression on his face hopeful.

Kalia looked at him, sighed and shook her head.

Jack's ears drooped. He looked at her and started to say something, then stopped, unsure of quite what he should say.

Kalia looked at him and smiled slightly, then she sighed again and tossed her head forward.

Jack began to follow her as she started to walk away from the Alpha's chambers. They made their way slowly down to the Main Chamber. Once they reached the ground floor,Kalia turned and walked past the chamber where one of the wolves on React duty stood guard. She continued on to the the chamber to the left and walked inside. Jack followed her.

Kalia walked to the center of the chamber and turned around. She sat down and hung her head. Her facade of strength crumbled and she closed her eyes as tears began to stream from them. She raised her paw and wiped it across her eyes.

Jack walked up to her and put his foreleg around her back. He let his paw slide up to the side of her neck and pulled her close.

Kalia laid her head on his chest and sobbed. "...why Jack?" She asked. "Why does he have to be such a... such a..." her sobs masked the curse that followed. "...why can't he just be happy for us?" She asked. "...for me?"

Jack sighed. "I don't know Kalia." He said. He leaned down and nuzzled her softly and then began to lick at her cheeks, lapping up her tears. "...but we knew that this might be the way he reacted..."

Kalia shook her head and buried it into the thick fur of his chest. "I know we did." She said. "We even talked about it but..." She stopped and sobbed some more before she finally regained control of herself. "...but I didn't know that it would hurt this bad." She said.

Jack pulled her closer to him and nuzzled her.

She sagged against him and he lowered her to the floor of the chamber.

Her sobs echoed through the chamber and he held her close. Her chest heaved with each breath and her ragged cries were choked by her tears.

Jack sighed. "Kalia... what happened between us..." He smiled and nuzzled her. "It was worth it Kalia." He said. "I like your father, and I like this pack, but... screw them and their thoughts on the matter." He said. "...all I care about is you Kalia, you and our kids."

Kalia's sobs died off a bit and she looked at him, her eyes red from crying. "...you mean that Jack?" She asked. "...with my father being the Alpha things could get pretty nasty."

Jack smiled. "...bring them on." He said.

Kalia smiled weakly and laid her head against his neck. She smiled and looked up into his eyes. "Jack... I love you." She said. "I really, really do."           

Jack smiled back at her. "I do too Kalia." He said.

Kalia's smile grew bigger and some of the strength returned to her face. She looked around the room. "Well, this is it." She said. "Our first real home together."

Jack looked around. "I think it'll be

perfect." He said.

Kalia smiled up at him and hugged him close. "Anywhere is perfect as long as I'm with you."

Jack grinned and leaned over to nuzzle her softly.

When he pulled back Kalia sighed. "Sorry about that." She said.

"...about what?" Jack asked.

"...about my nervous breakdown a minute ago." She said. "I'm not usually like that."

Jack smiled and hugged her close to him. "...it's okay." He said.

She looked up and kissed him.

Jack kissed her back and smiled as she slumped into his embrace, her eyes closing and her breath steadying as she relaxed completely. "...it's okay."

Ami was sitting in her chambers when she heard a voice just outside. "Lieutenant Ami, are you in?"

"Yes I am." Ami said, standing. "...please come in."

A large black and silver wolf stepped into her chambers.

Ami smiled. "Lieutenant Achak, what brings you here?"

Achak stopped in front of her. "It's that new transfer you sent me, Nick. He's even worse of a soldier than I imagined."

Ami frowned. "What do you mean?" She asked.

Achak shook his head. "That kid is a mess, and he's going to get someone killed."

Ami sighed. "Achak, specifics..." She said.

Achak laughed. "Well, for starters he seems to have nothing but contempt for me and my orders, or maybe it's just authority he's got a problem with, and then there's the fact that when we were out on patrol he was talking non-stop, never heard of tactical silence I suppose... oh, and then there's this morning. I found him asleep at the main entrance, which he was supposed to be guarding. I've got a patrol this morning, and I'm not taking him with me, not in the afternoon either. He's in no shape for anyone to depend on." Achak stopped. "...look Ami, I know why you had him transferred, and I know you don't want that coming out in the open. I also know that same situation is why Nick is the way he is now, and I know that he will most likely tell Dash if I turn him in for his infractions, so I I'm giving you a chance to get through to him. If you can't... regardless of the consequences I'm going to have to turn him in to Dash for disciplinary action."

Ami nodded. "I'll see what I can do." She said. "Send him here."

"...he's just outside." Achak said. Then he turned and walked to the entrance of the chamber. "Nick, report in to Lieutenant Ami." He said.

Ami could hear Nick's response. "...Aye Sir." he said.

Achak turned and walked away from the chamber.

Nick stepped stiffly into the chamber and stopped in front of Ami. "...good-morning Ma'am." He said. "...Nick, reporting as ordered."

"...at ease Nick." Ami said.

Some of the stiffness left Nick's body, but he still stood erect and tall. "What's this about Ma'am." He said. "...call me here to see if you could rip my heart in any more pieces than it already is?"

Ami sighed. "Nick... what're you doing?"

Nick chuckled. "...what do you mean Ma'am?"

Ami frowned. "...ten hut!" She called.

Nick sighed and slowly stiffened back up, eyes straight ahead.

Ami walked up to him, her muzzle inches from his own. "I tried being nice with you Nick." She snapped. "I tried treating you like an equal, but that doesn't seem to work with you, so maybe some old fashioned military discipline will."

Nick rolled his eyes.

"Nick, you are at attention!" She yelled. "You are at attention and I am a Lieutenant, you will give me the respect my station deserves, understand me?"

Nick blinked. "Yes Ma'am." He said.

"Good!" Ami yelled. "Nick, what the hell are you thinking? What are you doing?"

"I don't understand Ma'am." He said.

"You don't understand?!" Ami shouted. "Really Nick, Achak tells me you're shirking your duties, talking back, falling asleep on post? ...come on Nick, you're smarter than that... you know better than that."

Nick sighed.

"...now what's wrong Nick?" She asked.

Nick remained quiet.

"Nick, Achak tells me that he found you asleep on post, don't you know that he could have killed you?!"

"...what if I wanted him to?" Nick asked.

Ami was shocked and stepped back. "...wha... what?" She asked.         

"What if I don't want to live anymore Ma'am." He said. "See I knew this girl, and I really liked her, but she turned out to be a real heartbreaker, and now I really don't care anymore. If I can't have her in my life then I don't want life at all."

"Nick...." Ami started, but she didn't have the words and so, fell silent.

"What ma'am?" He asked. "...and don't even say I'm sorry, or I love you. All that will do is make it worse."

"...Nick, you're not only endangering yourself with your actions." Ami said. "...you're endangering the whole clan..." She stopped for a moment. "Nick, this isn't you, this isn't the Nick I know."

Nick shook his head. "No, I'm pretty sure you killed him." He said sharply.

Ami walked back around in front of him. "...Nick, listen... if you don't start towing the line and doing your job Achak is going to report you to Dash."

"...so?" Nick asked. "...then you won't have to worry about me anymore."

"...what do you think Dash is going to do when he finds out what there was between us?" Ami asked. "...besides you, who else do you think is going to be in trouble?"

Nick smirked. "...well let's see I'm pretty sure he'll bust your tail, if you get to stay in the defense force at all."

Ami looked hurt. "Nick... I've worked my whole life to get to where I am now. I've sacrificed a lot, I've suffered and I've bled for this clan. I deserve this position. ...you talk about it like it doesn't mean much to you, but it means a great deal to me. No matter how cold you act I know you still care about me in there somewhere... please... don't do this, don't mess this up for me. If you can't do this to save yourself.... do it to save me, please Nick."

Nick sighed. "...why should I help you?" He asked. "Why should I care about you at all?"

Ami sighed. "Nick... not long ago you said you loved me. If that was true... love doesn't just die."

"...unless it starves to death." Nick said.

"Nick please..." Ami said. "I did what I did because it was best for both of us right now, and you know it. Think about it, really think about it and you'll know it too. We cannot be together right now. We just can't be. Later, when we're not at war, maybe things will be different, but for now things are better the way they are."

Nick sighed.

"Nick... please don't push Achak." Ami said. "He will turn you in, and I don't want to see anything happen to you."

Nick shook his head.

"...please Nick." She said. "...give me a chance, wait a while, things may be different then, maybe then we can be together... please?"

Nick sighed again. "...alright Ma'am." He said. Then he shook his head. "...I mean... I will Ami." He said.

Ami smiled and a tear ran out of her eye before she could stop it. "Thank you Nick." She said. "I know it's hard, believe me. I cry myself to sleep every night just thinking about it, but..." She sighed. "...it's the way things have to be."

Nick nodded. "...I'm sorry Ami." He said. "I've been selfish, immature, and I've brought more stress to you... I'll try to do better." He said.

Ami nodded. "Very well." She paused and then snapped to attention. "...ten-hut!" She called.

Nick stiffened up and looked dead ahead.

"Nick, you will report back to third unit to resume duty with them. You will not be present within the patrols today, but instead will fall back a day, talk to Timbre and see if he needs an extra sentry. Do you understand your orders Nick?"

Nick nodded. "Yes Ma'am I do."

"...good." Ami said. "Nick I don't want to see you back in here for something like this again."

Nick nodded. "...that shouldn't be a problem." He said.

"...good." Ami said. "...see that it's not." She paused. "...you're dismissed Nick."

"...dismissed Aye Ma'am." He said, stepping backward. "...good evening Ma'am." He spun around, but was stopped by Ami's voice.

"Nick..."

He turned.

"I think when no one else is around you can just say goodnight."

He smiled. "...night Ami." He said.

She smiled back. "...night." She said.

Nick turned and walked out of the chamber.

Chapter 11:

Tiembe looked around him. His chances of escape were fairly bleak. There were four dogs alongside him that were at least twice the size of Timbre. Their fur held scars and marks that spoke of many fights, and obviously they'd been won. He couldn't make much out in the darkness, but when it had been daylight he'd seen two more dogs by the door to what appeared to be an old warehouse of some kind. The dogs were keeping him in a back office that had been long since abandoned by its previous owner.

Tiembe smiled. "So, how long am I in for?" He asked sheepishly.

The dog at the side laughed. "...life." He growled. "...but don't count on that being too

long."

Tiembe gulped. "...but... why?" He asked.

The dog growled and turned. He may have been big, but he was fast too.

Tiembe found himself on the floor of the office. His jaw ached from the strike and he decided to stay down for the time being.

"Hey, back off!" A voice called. "...it's not his time yet."

Tiembe looked up and saw his savior approaching. He climbed to his feet and was about to thank him when the dog stepped into the moonlight. "...Josh?" He asked.

Josh nodded. "...indeed." He said.

"Why are you doing this?" Tiembe asked. "...have you lost your mind? Those guys hurt Shay. Why would you let them do that."

Josh laughed. "...oh I'm sure they stung her a bit... they wouldn't hurt her. They're under specific orders not to."

"...orders?" Tiembe asked. He looked around at the dogs. "How can you give them orders?"

Josh smiled. "I just promised them what no one else would give them."

"...what's that?" Tiembe asked.

"...justice." Josh answered. "I mean... let's face it, you pose just as much a threat to these guys mates and daughters as you did Jenna.... or Alyse? ...or maybe you can still taste the blood from Gemeni's murder."

"...what?" Tiembe asked. "...Gemeni's.... she's dead?"

Josh scoffed. "...don't act so surprised Tiembe."

"...what about Jenna and Alyse?" Tiembe asked. "...are they... dead?"

"I don't know." Josh said. "...but I'm sure you do." He walked over and put his paw on Timebe's throat, holding him down. "Tell me Tiembe, did you kill them? ...did you rip them apart and hide them so that we wouldn't find them? ...did you keep them somewhere nearby?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Tiembe asked. "...you're crazy Josh."

Josh laughed. "...you, calling me crazy? I'm not the one that slaughtered young females just because they fell in love with me."

"That's behind me." Tiembe said. "I've dealt with that demon."

"...have you?" Josh asked. "...then why do Jenna and Alyse dissappear right after you do? If you love my sister so much why did you leave her?"

"...I was afraid she'd get hurt because of me." Tiembe said. "I had a dream where... where she was killed."

"...so you left to protect her?" Josh asked. "Do you really expect me to believe that?" He growled. He pulled up his paw and smacked Tiembe in the nose. "I love my sister!" He screamed. He hit him again. "You almost killed her!" He hit Tiembe again. "How can you say you love someone you tried to kill!" Josh hit Tiembe again and then he stepped back.

Tiembe slumped to the floor.

Josh was breathing hard and he stepped up to Tiembe, placing his paw on his throat to hold him down. "Your time is coming Tiembe." He said. "I'm giving you time to think about it, to think about all those you killed one more time. Tomorrow your day of judgment arrives." He smiled. "...and don't expect this judge to give into sob stories."

Josh spit on Tiembe and backed off.

"...hope you enjoy your last night alive Tiembe." He said. He laughed and walked away.

It was early in the morning when Balto trotted up to the old mill, though the sun hadn't risen yet. He ran up and scratched on the door. He'd made awful time on his journey here, but as much as Balto wanted to get here quickly, arriving in one piece was more or less a good idea and with the Shadow Clan in the area he couldn't afford to be careless. He wouldn't do Jenna any good dead.

It seemed like hours before the door to the Old Mill creaked open and Astarre stood in the doorway.

She yawned. "...what is it?" She asked. "...do you have any idea what time it is?"

Balto smiled. "Hey Astarre."

Astarre's eyes snapped open. "Oh, Balto!" She stepped out onto the porch and nuzzled him. "How are you? I thought you were staying with..." She sighed. "...at the Talbourne.

Balto nodded. "I'm fine, and I was. ...but I had this dream and... well, is Blaize around?"

Astarre nodded. "Sure, I'll go get him."

Astarre disappeared inside the Old Mill and momentarily Blaize appeared to take her place.

"Dad, good to see you." He said.

Balto smiled. "You too son." He said. "How are things in Nome?"

Blaize sighed. "...not too good dad." He said.

"Oh?" Balto said. A concerned look came across his face. "Why do you say that?"

"...mom's gone." Blaize said. "I tried to find her, but... no luck. No one's seen her in several days."

"...that's not good." Balto said. "...Alyse?"

"...gone too." Blaize said. "As best as I can tell they disappeared together."

Balto thought for a moment. "....Tiembe?" He asked.

Blaize sighed. "He was gone when they disappeared."

"...what?!" Balto cried. "Where is he now?" "...last I knew he was at the boat with Shanaea. He got back yesterday. I don't know where he went, but I don't think he did it."

Balto shook his head. "No... no, it doesn't fit his profile does it?"

"...not unless Mom and Alyse fell in love with him."

"...not likely." Balto said.

Blaize shook his head.

"...any other theories, anything else strange happen lately?"

Blaize sighed. "Dad... Gemeni was murdered."

"...what?" Balto asked.

"Josh found her this yesterday morning." Blaize said.

"...how?" Balto asked.

"...looked to be a canine." Blaize said.

Balto stepped backward as if in a daze. "...but... but who would..." He fell silent and looked at the snow.

"I'm sorry dad." Blaize said. "...I know how close you and mom were to her."

Balto nodded. "She was a good friend." He said.

Suddenly his mind found the answer, like a light in the darkness. Suddenly he knew where Jenna was, and who held her.

"I'm such an idiot." Balto said.

"...dad?" He asked.

Blaize, I know where she is." Balto said.

"...dad, you're not making much sense. " Blaize said.

"...listen, stay here." Balto said. "...if I'm right then this will be dangerous, and it's something I have to take care of myself."

"...but I've looked all over for them for the last week and I have nothing." Blaize said. "How can you possibly know something I don't."

"...because I do." Balto said. "I'll tell you when it's over, okay?"

Blaize nodded. "...whatever you say dad. What do you want me to do?"

"Go check on Shanaea." Balto said. "...if Tiembe disappeared and then showed back up with no reason it could be trouble. I want to trust him... but she is in love with him."

Blaize nodded. "Okay, I'll go check on her, but I'm sure she's fine."

Balto nodded and turned, looking toward the shadowy outlines of the outskirts in the distance.

"...dad..."

Balto turned to look back at his son.

"...be careful." He said.

Balto nodded.

"...you too son." He said. Then he turned back around and sprinted down the street.

Blaize hadn't noticed anyone out on the way to the trawler. "...of course there's no one

out." He thought. "It's gotta be at least two in the morning. I'm just going to get there and make Shanaea angry because I woke her at this hour."

He sighed. "...but if something is wrong..."

He was approaching the ramp up to the top deck of the trawler and he stopped and looked around. He didn't see anyone, so he began to walk up the gangplank. He kept low to keep his profile small and below the line of sight. He felt kind of stupid crawling up the gangplank like that. any minute Shanaea herself would probably pounce on him thinking he was an intruder. He reached the top and peaked over the edge.

He sighed. "...how does dad always know?" He asked himself. A large dog stood just outside the cabin door which was shut. "...does Tiembe have friends?" Blaize asked himself.

He began to stand up and then he sensed someone behind him. He stood up and turned around.

A large black dog stood behind him.

"Ah.... hey there..." Blaize said.

The dog growled.

"...just a... checking the place out." Blaize said.

The next thing Blaize knew he was in the air. It was a long drop off the edge of the boat, so he twisted his body and reached out with his forelegs. His claws caught the edge of the gangplank and he stopped for just a moment, then his momentum caught up with him and he swung out under the ramp. Blaize lost his grip and fell the rest of the way to the ground. He hit it with a solid gasp and rolled over onto his side, trying to get air back into his lungs.

After a few moments he stood up shakily and looked up at the top deck of the boat. "Well... can't go that way." He thought.

Blaize shook the snow off himself and walked around the back of the trawler.

Kale was getting hungry.

He was also getting very tired of sitting in front of this blasted door. He had half a mind to just go through the door and kill the feisty husky in there and just be done with it. Josh wouldn't be happy, but screw him. Kale and his buddies would take care of that loser soon anyway.

The dog got up and pushed the door open. There she was, curled up in the corner.

He grinned. "Hey sweetheart, I've decided I don't want to guard ya anymore. So I'm just going to negate the situation. Now this can be fast and easy, or slow and hard, all depends on how much you fight me."

"Leave me alone." Shanaea said.

The dog shook his head. "One quick nip in the neck is all it takes, then I'll leave. If you want to fight me it gets.... messier."

"Josh will kill you." Shanaea said.

The dog shook his head and smiled. "Your brother has no idea who he's dealing with. We aren't some dumb animals he can command to do his every wish and whim. We're just waiting for a good time. Sure, he'll kill that mate of yours, but after that he must be insane to think he'll make it out of the outskirts alive." The dog grinned and growled. "Now, just hold still and this will all be over in a second." He pulled back his head and Shanaea closed her eyes.

"Leave her alone!" A voice called.

Kale turned just as Blaize barreled into him through the open back door.

Kale smiled. "You messed up now O Keeper of the Law. We have a pact, you don't mess with us and we don't leave the outskirts."

Blaize growled. "You're not in the outskirts, and you're under arrest for assault."

The dog laughed and threw Blaize across the room. He slammed into the wall and rolled back up to his paws. "You intend to resist then?" Blaize asked.

The dog caught Blaize across the jaw with his paw. The strike picked Blaize off his paws and threw him sideways into a pile of blankets and toys which clattered across the room.

He stood up and shook off a bit. "I'll take that as a yes." He said. He growled and charged Kale.

The black dog backed up and Blaize jumped up, latching onto the dog's back with his jaws, digging his claws into his sides.

Kale howled in pain and tried to buck the dog off him. In the process of doing this he backed closer to the open window in the left wall of the Trawler. He stopped when his paws hit the edge of it.

The dog bucked up and Blaize's back was through the window.

"Uh-oh, not exactly what I had planned." Blaize thought. He dug his claws into the dog's side and spun around, coming up on top of the dog's belly, then he kicked hard off the dog and both dogs went flying. Blaize rolled across the floor and Kale tumbled out the open window.

Shanaea winced as she heard the muffled crunch of snow and bone as the dog landed far below.

Blaize stood up.

"...Blaize!" Shanaea cried. She ran over and nuzzled him. "Thank God you came... I think he was going to kill me."

Blaize nodded. "I think so too. What happened?"

Shanaea sighed. "Josh showed up. He pulled this group of vigilantes together."

"...what?" Blaize asked.

Shanaea nodded. "They took Tiembe. I think they're going to kill him."

Blaize sighed. "I told him not to do anything stupid." He said.

"...what?" Shanaea asked.

"...nothing." Blaize said. "Come on, we've got to get you out of here."

He looked around. "It'd be better if we didn't leave anyone to rush off and tell Josh I'm coming.

Shanaea nodded.

"...we go out the front." Blaize said. There're two rather large dogs there, stay behind me. The first I'm going to drop quickly, the other one we need alive, we need to talk to him and find out where Tiembe is."

Shanaea nodded.

Blaize backed up and then looked at her. "...ready?"

She nodded.

"Here goes." He said. Blaize ran at the door. He and Shanaea hit it at the same time and knocked it open. The dog on the other side of it went rolling and before he had stopped Blaize was on top of him. His jaws clenched around the dog's throat and then he sprang off him, knowing that one was finished.

He could taste blood in his mouth. He hated that taste, hated to have to resort to violence, but sometimes that was the only way.

The black dog that had thrown him off the side of the boat earlier looked at Blaize, with blood dripping out of his muzzle, then looked at his friend who was struggling to regain his paws amidst the spreading pool of blood.

Shanaea stepped up and smacked the dog in the face.

The black dog turned and ran toward the end of the boat.

"..crap." Blaize said. Then he was off after the dog, Shanaea close behind him. Blaize caught the dog and jumped on him, but barely missed his target. His forelegs caught the dog's hip and both of them went rolling. Blaize toward the railing, the black dog toward an opening in the rail at the nose of the ship.

Shanaea shot past Blaize and slid toward the dog. Just as the dog started to slide over the edge she clamped her jaws on his tail, holding the rear half of the black dog's body on the deck of the ship. She started to pull him back up but Blaize's voice stopped her.

"Hold him there Shanaea." He said. He stood up and shook himself off. Then he trotted up to the nose of the boat.

"Please have her pull me up!" The black dog said. "...please, I don't want to die!"

"Now that's a coincidence." Blaize said. "...because I need to know where a friend of mine is, perhaps we can help each other."

"...man, they'll catch up to me and skin me alive." He said. "I can't help you, please just pull me up!"

Blaize smiled. "...I don't know that she can do that by herself. She's awful small."

As if they'd rehearsed it, Shanaea let herself slide a little, dropping the dog down another few inches.

"No!" the dog called. "Please don't let me go, please pull me up, please! You can't do this! You're the Keeper of the Law, you're the good guy, you can't just drop me man!"

Blaize smiled. "I don't think anyone will question me when I tell them you fell, do you Shanaea?"

Shanaea shook her head, which caused the dog to drop another few inches.

"Okay man, okay, pull me up and I'll help you!"

Blaize smiled. "You don't think I'm going to fall for that one do you?" He asked. "...tell me now, then I pull you up."

"How do I know you won't drop me after I tell you?" The dog asked.

"...because, as you said, I'm the good guy, my word is better than yours." Blaize said. "..but you better hurry, I think she's getting tired."

Shanaea slid forward another few inches.

The dog screamed. "...okay..." The dog said. "...they're in the old docks building... the tuna cannery over on Joyce, it's in the outskirts, now will you please pull me up?!"

Blaize smiled and looked down at Shanaea. "...need any help?"

She shook her head and began to pul the dog back onto the deck.

Once he was up on the deck he leapt to his paws. "You guys are crazy!" He yelled. "What's the deal, hanging me out there like..."

Blaize silenced the dog with a quick strike to the side of the head.

The dog collapsed, unconscious.

Blaize turned to Shanaea. "Let's get out of here."

She nodded and the two of them headed down the gangplank.

Once they were down Blaize looked back toward town. "Shanaea, go to the Old Mill, stay with Astarre until this is over. You'll be safe there."

Shanaea shook her head. "...not on your life." She said. "Tiembe is my mate, if he's in trouble then I'm going to help him."

"It could be dangerous Shanaea." Blaize said.

Shanaea nodded. "I know, but I can handle myself."

Blaize nodded. "Well that much is evident, but... can you handle yourself against your own brother?"

Shanaea sighed. "I love Tiembe." She said.

Blaize nodded. "All right, let's get out of here then, but be careful. Kodi will gut me alive if I let anything happen to you."

She smiled. "You're probably right." She said.

Blaize frowned. "Hey, you're not supposed to agree with me." He said.

Shanaea laughed. "Let's go." She said.

Blaize shook his head. "...alright." He said.

The two of them sprinted off toward the outskirts.

Balto had been standing on the sidewalk on Second Street for the last twenty minutes. It was snowing a bit here and there, but the wind made it look like a blizzard. Balto could barely see the darkened hulls of the buildings in the outskirts of Nome.

"Blaize said that Gemeni was killed near the outskirts." He thought . "...that means Jenna is out here somewhere..."

He sighed and looked around. "...but where to begin?" He asked himself.

He stood there a moment later and then shook the snow off his back and started across the street. "I've got to start somewhere..." He thought. "I'm not doing Jenna any good just standing there wondering where to look." He stepped across the sidewalk on the other side of the street and then trotted into the alleyway between two burned up buildings.

Balto glanced around, trying to keep an eye out for possible enemies in the blowing snow. It was hard to see and the snow stung Balto's eyes. "If I'm right he's most likely alone." Balto thought.

His thoughts were jolted to a stop by a clanging noise to his right. He whirled around and growled. "Who's there?" He asked.

Another clanging noise came from within the blowing snow and Balto barked and growled again. "...show yourself or I will attack." He said.

Laughter echoed out of the blowing snow and Balto paused.

"Do it dog, you'll have your paws full it you do." A female voice said. Presently a young gray and white cat stepped out of the alleyway.

Balto sighed and stopped growling. "It's alright." He said. "I'm not going to attack you."

"Pfft, go ahead, try it." The cat said. "I've taken dogs bigger than you before."

Balto laughed. "...is that so?" He asked.

The cat nodded. "Yeah, that is so." She said. She got a little closer to him and then her eyes opened wide. "Why you're... you're Balto aren't you?" She asked.

Balto nodded. "...sure am." He said.

The cat smiled. "Oh, my goodness I'm sorry, my upbringing has been less than... well... civilized." She said. "I had no idea I was speaking to a great hero."

Balto laughed. "Well I don't know if I'd put it quite like that." He said.

"Why not?" The cat asked. "...everyone else does."

"Yeah but..." Balto fell silent.

"...but what?" The cat asked.

Balto smiled. "Well... I don't know." He said.

The cat shook her head and laughed, then she straightened up and became serious again. "You should be careful here Balto." She said. "The outskirts isn't a nice place."

Balto laughed. "...no offense, but if a little kitten like you can make it I'm sure I can."

The cat frowned. "Who're you calling a kitten?" She asked. "I'm two years old. I'm just small."

Balto smiled. "Oh... well I'm sorry." He said. "It's just that... you're so small."

The cat nodded. "I know, I know." She said. "...everyone says that, and everyone thinks that too. I was the runt of the litter, mamma even abandoned me, guess she didn't think I'd survive." The cat spit on the ground. "...but screw her, I did, I had to scrap and fight my way through life from day one, but dammit I'm still here."

Balto laughed. "...like I said I'm sorry." He said.

The cat smiled. "No problem." She said. "What brings you to the outskirts?"

Balto sighed. "...looking for someone." He said quietly.

The cat tossed her head toward town. "...someone from over there?" She asked.

Balto nodded. "...yeah."

The cat shook her head. "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this Balto, but the outskirts is a nasty place. ...isn't often a townie lives very long when they come through here."

Balto smiled half-heartedly. "...if anyone could it'd be Jenna."

"...Jenna?" The cat asked. "...that the name of the dog you're lookin for?"

Balto nodded. "She's my mate." He said.

"Oh..." The cat said. "I'm sorry to hear that Balto." She fell silent for a moment, her ears hung low. Then she perked her ears back up and smiled. "Hey, I get around these parts a lot, maybe I've seen her. What's she look like?"

Balto nodded. "Yeah, maybe you have. She's red and white..."

The cat nodded. "...and got a red bandanna around her neck?" She asked.

Balto smiled. "Yeah, have you seen her?"

The cat beamed. "Yes I have." She said. "...not long ago actually, a few days maybe."

Balto laughed. "Ha ha, imagine the luck." He said. "...was she with anyone?"

The cat nodded. "Yeah, there was another female with her, she was limping pretty badly."

Balto nodded. "That'd be Alyse." He said. "...Jenna's new friend. Was there anyone else?"

The cat nodded. "Yeah, three others."

"...three?" Balto asked."

The cat nodded. "I didn't get a good look at the first two, I know they were males, but outside of that I couldn't tell you what they looked like because they stuck to the rubble and debris... but there was a female with them, she was hurt too, she was black. Reason it stuck out in my mind is your Jenna and her friend didn't seem to like their escorts very much."

Balto nodded. "...they kidnaped her."

"Oh..." The cat said. "...I'm sorry... again."

Balto half smiled. "It's alright." He said. "Do you happen to know which direction they were headed?"

The cat smiled and nodded. "...not only that, but I now which building they went into. ...and I haven't seen them leave it yet."

Balto grinned. "...great." He said, where is it?"

The cat smiled. "...going to rescue her huh?" She asked.

Balto nodded.

"Well there's three of them, do you have any help coming?" The cat asked.

Balto shook his head. "...no, just me."

The cat shook her head. "...you're going to need help." She said. She grinned and looked up at him. "Hell, it's been a while since I've scrapped with a couple of dogs, think I could tag along?"

Balto shook his head. "I'd hate for you to get hurt." He said. "...and you're so..."

"...what, small?" The cat asked.

Balto sighed and nodded sheepishly.

The cat scowled. "Look here Balto, I may be small, but as I told you, I can hold my own."

Balto nodded.

"...besides..." She continued. "...it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

Balto laughed. "...but you're a cat." He said.

The cat laughed. "...whatever." She said. "You know what I mean."

Balto nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean, and I guess... I'd be glad to have your help..." He paused and smiled. "...what is your name?"

The cat grinned. "They call me Kate." She said.

Balto nodded. "...glad to have your help Kate." He said. "...thank you."

Kate smiled. "...not a problem Balto." She said.

"...so where did they go?" Balto asked.

"...down on fifth street, the old post

office."

Balto nodded and turned. He started running down the street.

"Hey, come back here!" Kate yelled.

Balto stopped and trotted back to her. "What is it Kate?" He asked.

She smiled. "Well... being small does have it's disadvantages." She said. "...think I could hitch a ride?"

Balto laughed. "Ha ha, sure." He said. He ducked down and the Cat jumped on his back.

Balto started to run and Kate extended her claws into his back slightly to hang on.

Balto winced.

"...sorry." She said. "...I have sharp claws."

Balto nodded and laughed. "Yeah, ha ha, yeah you do. ...but don't worry about it."

Kate smiled and Balto increased his speed.

Chapter 11:      

Aleu nodded as Steele finished speaking. "Okay..." She said. "...assuming that I believe you, how the hell do we rescue someone from... well, hell?"

Steele smiled. "I saw her."

Aleu's ears perked up. "...Aniu?" She asked.

Steele nodded. "Since we talked last I snuck away and took a look for myself."

"...how?" Aleu asked. "When I went exploring I just ran around in circles. It was an endless stream of the same hallway."

Steele nodded. "I know." He said. "...it was the same for me, but something was different this time. I think... I think it was her."

Aleu shook her head. "She wouldn't be able to help us here." She said. "She's been sentenced here, same as we have."

Steele nodded. "Well that makes sense, but something led me the right way."

"...is there a right way?" Aleu asked.

Steele smiled. "You're not going to believe this." He said. "I ran through the wall... at the T, when you have to make a choice, I just ran straight ahead. I should have knocked myself senseless, but I didn't. I went through it."

Aleu nodded. "Well that's not so strange, given where we are."

Steele nodded. "I think I was in Shade's inner-sanctum or something. That's where she was."

"...Aniu?" Aleu asked.

Steele nodded. "Yeah," He said. "I didn't get to speak with her. She was chained with fire."

"...fire?" Aleu asked.

Steele nodded. "She's in pain, in great pain. We need to do this soon."

Aleu nodded. “Yes we do.”

“So how are you going to save her?"

Aleu looked at him. "...faith has always been enough." She said. "Our father is merciful at times." She sighed. "If it does not work then... then we have waited too late."

Steele nodded.

The black wolf smiled as he walked into a small cave. He was accompanied by four other members of his unit. He walked up to Lytion. "M'Lord, Sixth Unit is back." He said.

"How did the ambush go?" Lytion asked.

"...not well m'Lord." The wolf said. "Their patrol crossed on the other side of the valley. There's no way they ever even intended to cross at our position."

Lytion nodded and turned to face an orange wolf sitting in the corner. "...isn't that where you said they would be?" He asked. "Didn't you swear to me on your life that you were telling me the truth?"

The wolf started shaking. "...yes... yes II d...did Lytion... sir." He said.

Lytion nodded. "So why weren't they there?"

The wolf smiled and shrugged. "I don't know sir a... uh... change in procedure?"

Lytion growled at the wolf. "I'll deal with you later." He said. He turned to the other black wolf. "Lieutenant, do you have anything else to report to me?"

The wolf nodded. "Yes m'Lord. We took one prisoner."

"...prisoner?" Lytion asked. "...why did you not just kill it?"

"She was alone." The wolf said.

Lytion nodded. "...strange." He said. "Bring her to me."

The Lieutenant nodded and two larger black wolves entered the chamber. In between them was a smaller red and white wolf/dog.

"..here she is m'Lord." The Lieutenant said.

Lytion smiled. "Hello there sweetheart." He said. "My men mean you no harm, I can assure you." He nodded at the larger wolves and they stepped aside.

The Lieutenant leaned over and whispered in Lytion's ear. "Be careful with that one m'Lord." He said. "She's a fiesty one. She killed three of my men and wounded two others."

"...by herself?" Lytion asked.

The Lieutenant nodded.

Lytion smiled. "...excellent." He said. "...my kind of girl."

He turned back to face the prisoner. Though the guards had backed off they remained ready to pounce on her at a moment's notice."

"I'm sorry about the way you were

treated." Lytion said. "My men obviously don't know how to treat a lady." He smiled. "What is your name?"

The wolf/dog glared at him. "...go to hell." She said.

Lytion smiled. "Thanks, but I've already been there. I think I like it here better." He smiled. "Come now, you must be more cooperative."

She growled at him. "...leave me alone, and let me go or..." She paused.

"...or what?" Lytion asked.

The answer came not from the wolf/dog, but from the orange prisoner behind him. "...or her mate will kill you." He said.

Lytion turned around. "...you know her?" Lytion asked.

The wolf nodded. "I was on duty when Nick brought them both in."

Lytion smiled. "Ah, I see..." He said. "Tell me, what is her name?"

The wolf/dog glared at the orange prisoner and mouthed the word. "...no."

"...Kiona." The prisoner said.

Lytion grinned. "Ah, Kiona is it?"

Kiona growled. "You traitor!" She yelled. "Why are you helping him!"

"...because if he does not I will kill him." Lytion said. "...you would be wise to take the same advice."

Kiona growled. "You're a murderer, and a sorry excuse for an actor." She spit at his paws. "I'll never help you."

Lytion nodded and turned. "Oh, and you lied to me." Lytion said.

The orange prisoner's eyes went wide. "...lie? ..to...to you?" He asked. "I.. I didn't ever..."

Lytion cut his stammering off. "Did you not tell me that second unit operated in the valley and that they would cross at the creek?"

"..well... yes... yes I did.."

"...and did they?" Lytion asked.

"...well... um... no." The wolf said. "..but that's not my fault."

Lytion nodded. "It's okay, I'll make it fast." He turned to the wolf/dog. "Let this be an example to you. I have no mercy." He said. "You're either with me..." He turned to the orange prisoner. "...or against me." He said.

"No, stop!" The prisoner said. "Please, I know how you can use her!"

"...shut up!" Kiona hissed. "...die with some dignity."

Lytion smiled at the prisoner. "...so how can I use her?" He laughed. "...besides the obvious of course."

"She's... she's the new Lieutenant's mate." The prisoner said.

"Ah..." Lytion said. "..the large black and silver one?"

The prisoner nodded.

Lytion smiled. "My, my, that is interesting news. What's his name?"

"...Achak." The prisoner said.

"...so were I to kill her and send her mangled body back to him in pieces it would substantially lower his morale and therefore his ability to lead his unit so... impeccably."

The prisoner nodded.

Lytion smiled. "...very good idea." He said.

The prisoner smiled. "...thank... thank-you m'Lord."

Lytion turned and growled. "...I have no mercy, remember?"

The prisoner screamed as Lytion tore out his throat. The scream died into a gurgle and the prisoner fell to the floor of the cave.

Lytion stood up and turned toward Kiona. "Sorry to have to do this darling, but he does... ha ha did have a point." Lytion licked the blood off his muzzle. "You will serve me better as a corpse."

Lytion took a step toward her and Kiona started to quiver a bit.

"..wait!" The Lieutenant called.

Lytion growled. "...why?" He asked.

"Why not trade her m'Lord."

Lytion turned around. "...what?" He asked.

"M'Lord Achak is not a member of the Talbourne. His loyalties to this wolf/dog are stronger than those to that pack."

Lytion nodded. "Yes, yes, well?"

"M'Lord I propose we keep her alive and trade her to him."

"...for what?" Lytion asked.

The Lieutenant smiled. "...for him." He said.

Lytion thought about it for a moment. Then a grin spread across his face. "...yes..." He said. "We will trade her to him and then we will execute him."

“No!” Kiona yelled. She leapt up and growled at the larger black wolf.

Lytion laughed. “My, aren’t we spirited.”

Kiona snarled and lashed out at him with her paws, striking him on the side of the head and knocking him to the ground.

Lytion snarled and leapt to his paws. “You hit me?!” He screamed. Lytion hit Kiona three times in quick succession and she stumbled backward, her vision blurry. He advanced on her again and his teeth tore deep into her forleg. He turned and hauled her to the ground, then smacked her across the face.

Kiona fell limp.

Lytion growled and raised his paw high over the immobile wolf/dog.

“Wait m’lord!” He called. “She’s no good to us dead!”

Lytion stopped and smiled. "Very well Lieutenant. Guard her, keep her safe." He said. He turned and smiled at Kiona. "We wouldn't want anything to happen to her now would we?" He laughed. "Tomorrow morning we will send a messenger to the Talbourne."

The lieutenant nodded. "Yes, m'Lord."

Lytion laughed. "...everything is coming together Lieutenant. Soon, the Talbourne will fall."

The Lieutenant nodded.

"...join me Lieuteant." Lytion said.

The Lieutenant followed Lytion out of the chamber.

Four of the biggest wolves Kiona had ever seen walked up to her and stared down at her.

"..what do you want?" She snapped. She shakily climbed to her paws and noticed her left foreleg didn’t want to support her very well.

The wolves growled and her ears drooped a bit. She nodded and followed the wolves as they walked her over beside the dead prisoner.

Kiona curled up on the floor and sighed, licking her injured leg. She watched as the large wolves sat down in front of her, standing guard. The dead prisoner caught her gaze then and a tear came to her eye. "...oh Achak." She thought. "...what have done?" She curled up a bit tighter and buried her nose into her shoulder. "...what have I done."

Dash turned and looked at his Lieutenants. They had all assembled and were standing side by side; Timbre, Ami, and Achak. Dash sighed. “So, what you’re telling me Ami is that the Shadow clan is moving toward the origin.” He said.

Ami nodded. “…looks like it Sir.” She said.

Dash sighed again. “We’ll mobilize our forces.” He said. “If we can catch most of them in one place…” He paused for a moment. “…we might stand a good chance at ending this thing once and for all.”

Timbre nodded. “I agree Sir.” He said.

Ami grinned. “…as do I Sir.” She said. “…an end sounds good.”

Achak nodded. “I have to say it does.” He said.

Dash nodded. “Then assemble the Clan.” He looked up at them. “We’re going to need everyone. When you assemble your units tell them they have ten minutes to speak with their families. The Defense Force will be going in as the first wave. I will lead.” He stopped and sighed. “…the casualties among us will be... substantial. They might as well know that going into it.”

The Lieutenant’s nodded. “Yes Sir.” They said.

Just then a white wolf ran into the chamber. “I’m sorry to interrupt sir, but it’s urgent.” He said.

“What is it?” Dash asked.

“There are wolves at the Main Entrance.” He turned and looked at Achak. “They wish to speak to you sir.” He said. “…and they’re Shadowclan.”

Dash frowned. “…what?” He asked.

Achak stepped forward. “What do they want?”

The wolf shook his head. “I don’t know.”

Achak looked up at Dash and the leader nodded his head.

Achak turned and sprinted out of the chamber.

Dash turned to Ami. “Alert Achak’s unit as well.” He said.

Ami nodded.

“You’re dismissed.” Dash said.

The Lieutenants turned and walked out of the chamber.

Dash turned and walked deeper into his chambers. He had to talk with June.

It didn’t take Achak long to make it to the Main Entrance. He had a sneaking suspicion of the reason there were Shadowclan members here to speak to him.

He prayed he was wrong.

Finally he trotted up to the entrance and stopped. Achak turned to one of the guards. “I was told there was someone here who wished to speak to me.”

The guard nodded. “Yes sir. They’re just outside. They insisted on staying away from the cave.”

When the voice came it almost made Achak jump. “Oh we’re out here.” It said. “Come out and we’ll have a chat.”

Achak sighed. “Alright, I’m coming out.”

He took a step forward and the guard stopped him. “Sir, will you be alright out there?”

Achak nodded and continued walking.

When he had gone almost one hundred yards from the cave he heard the voice again. “That’s far enough Achak.” It said. “You can stop there.”

Achak stopped. “Why don’t you show yourself?” He asked.

A black wolf walked out of the trees in front of him. “Hello Achak.” He said.

“…what do you want?” Achak asked.

The wolf smiled. “Ah, straight to business eh? …very well. I’m here because I want to trade.” He turned his head and nodded.

Two black wolves stepped out of the trees with a very familiar looking red wolf between them.

Achak nodded, his expression still calm. “So that’s why she didn’t return.”

The black wolf smiled. “…it would seem.” He said.

“…what do you want to trade for?” He asked.

The black wolf smiled. “…that’s the easy part. We want you.” He laughed. “Your life for hers. She hasn’t hurt us, we are content to let her live for the moment, to return her to the Talbourne, but only if you take her place.”

Achak’s expression remained calm, but a fire of fury burned in his cool eyes. “What’s to keep me from killing all three of you and taking her back myself?”

The black wolf smiled. “Oh Achak, don’t you think we were prepared for that?” He nodded again and twenty black wolves emerged from the forest and encircled Achak. “…either you trade with us, or you both die.” The black wolf said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Achak sighed and looked at the wolves who had begun to walk a slow circle around him. He mentally attacked them several thousand times, but every time the attempt ended in his death. There was no way he could take them. “Alright, I’ll trade.” He said. “…but I want to speak to her first.”

The black wolf smiled and nodded. “…sure.” He said. “You have five minutes.” He turned and nodded at the wolves beside Kiona and they stepped aside.

As soon as they were clear she ran to Achak.

Achak nuzzled her and then stepped back.

“You can’t do this Achak.” She said. “I did this, let me pay for it.”

Achak shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that even if I could, and you know that.” He sighed. “…but they aren’t giving me that choice. If I don’t go with them then they’ll kill us both.”

“…but Achak…” Kiona started.

“…but nothing Kiona.” He said. “You made the mistakes that brought us to this point now I have to fix it, as I always have had to do.” Achak shook his head. “Do you see now why I told you to obey me? Why I told you to stay back when I came here in the first place?” He sighed. “Kiona, my only weakness is you. I knew that. That’s why I asked you to remain behind…” He looked up at her. “…but none of that matters. You didn’t listen to me and when I tried to correct you, to help you to understand my reasons you ran away.” He shook his head. “You ran into enemy territory and got yourself captured. Now all that’s left is for me to fix it. …and the only way I can do that is to go with them, to give my life to save yours.”

Kiona’s lip started to tremble a bit. “…no Achak, there has to be…”

“There is no other way!” Achak said. “This is it, this is what I have to do!”

The black wolf stepped behind Achak. “Sorry to break up the reunion, but your time is up.”

Achak sighed. “Go home Kiona.” He said. “Go home and take care of our children. Tell them…”

“…let’s go Achak.” The wolf said. “Any longer and we’ll just kill both of you.”

Achak glared at the wolf and stepped back from Kiona. “…tell them that I died protecting them.”

Kiona shook her head.

“…goodbye Kiona.” Achak said.

He turned and the twenty wolves drew in a tighter circle around him until they were standing in a four by five rank with Achak in the middle. Then they walked into the woods, quickly vanishing from view, leaving Kiona in the clearing alone.

Blaize stopped walking and looked back at Shanaea. The smaller female was struggling up the hill behind him. He turned forward again and looked toward the Outskirts. “I can’t send her against her own brother.” Blaize thought. “…and this very well could end up in a fight.” Blaize truly liked Josh and though his latest actions had been misguided and illegal he still was not relishing the idea of having to fight the young husky.

Blaize stopped walking and waited for Shanaea to catch up.

Finally she stepped up beside him, panting heavily.

Blaize turned to her. “…you going to make it?” He asked.

Shanaea nodded. “I’m fine, just need to catch my breath.” She paused and then looked back up at him. “Why’d you stop?”

Blaize sighed. “Shanaea, I think it best that you not come any farther.”

Shanaea sighed. “Blaize, we’ve been through this already…” Blaize cut her off. “No, we haven’t Shanaea.” He said. “Look… I’m afraid that…”

“…that what?” Shanaea asked.

Blaize sighed. “That this could end in… in a fight.”

Shanaea frowned. “…with Josh, no.” She paused. “…no?”

Blaize sighed. “With his actions of late… I’m afraid that it… that it might.”

Shanaea shook her head.

“Think about it Shanaea.” Blaize said. “…he kidnapped Tiembe, had you imprisoned in your home… it all depends on how much he believes that Tiembe really is dangerous.”

Shanaea sighed. “Well… he believes it quite strongly.”

Blaize nodded. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Shanaea shook her head. “…but Tiembe is my mate, I’m not going to leave him. If Josh chooses to fight then he chooses to fight. My loyalty is already decided.”

Blaize smiled. “…and I’m sure Tiembe will appreciate that.” He said. “…but I don’t want you to have to fight your own brother, or to be there if…”

“…if what?” Shanaea said.

Blaize hesitated.

“…oh my God.” She said. “You… you think you’re going to have to kill him don’t you?”

Blaize sighed. “…it’s… it’s a possibility Shanaea. Believe me. I don’t want to, but… he may not give me a choice.”

Shanaea sighed. “…so… so what do you want me to do?”

“Go to Nome.” Blaize said.

A confused expression passed over Shanaea’s face. “…to Nome, but what am I going to…” Blaize cut her off. “…you’re going to go get your father.” He said. “Josh respects him. Kodi may be the only one that can end this thing peacefully.”

Shanaea sighed.

“…please Shanaea.” Blaize said. “I really like your brother and I don’t want to hurt him. Go get your father and bring him to the outskirts, to the tuna cannery on Joyce.”

Shanaea nodded. “…alright, I’ll go.” She said.

She turned and began to walk away, then turned and looked at Blaize. “Blaize…”

Blaize stopped and turned.

“…promise me you’ll save Tiembe.” Shanaea said. “…whatever the cost.”

Blaize saw a fire burning behind the young husky’s eyes; a very dangerous fire.

“…Josh…” She stopped. “…my brother has made his decision.”

Blaize nodded. “I promise Shanaea.”

Shanaea nodded and then turned, sprinting toward Nome.

Dusty smiled and nuzzled her mate. “My gosh Kodi.” She said. “Can you believe how much time has passed?”

Kodi smiled and nuzzled her back. “Seems just yesterday that I was standing across the street there watching you and trying to clutch onto the dream that I could be here beside you.”

She smiled and kissed him. “Well you must have found a pretty good handhold then.”

He smiled and kissed her back. “I did, it was you.”

She nuzzled him and sighed contentedly.

Just then Shanaea burst through the door and ran up to her parents.

Kodi leapt up. “…Shanaea?” He asked.

Shanaea stopped and caught her breath. Then she looked back up at her father. “I need you to come to the Outskirts with me dad.” She said.

Dusty stood. “…to the Outskirts, why?”

“Josh has him.” Shanaea said.

“…has who?” Kodi asked.

“…Tiembe.” Shanaea said.

“...what?” Dusty asked. “I’m confused, what’s going on here?”

Shanaea sighed. “Josh came to the boat and took Tiembe from me. He imprisoned me in the boat and took Tiembe to the Outskirts.”

“…Josh did that?” Dusty asked.

“Yes!” Shanaea yelled. “Yes, and he’s going to kill him!”

Dusty frowned. “…surely Josh wouldn’t…”

Kodi turned to his mate. “…let me deal with this Dusty.” He said. Then he turned back to his daughter. “Why didn’t you go get Blaize Shanaea?”

“He rescued me from the boat.” Shanaea said. “He’s going to the Outskirts now. He told me to come get you because…” She stopped.

“…because what?” Dusty asked.

“…because Blaize is afraid he might have to kill Josh if you don’t talk to him.”

“…kill him?” Dusty asked. “…kill my son? Why would he have to do such a thing.”

Shanaea scowled. “Josh has lost it mom.” She said. He attacked us at our home, banded together with some big dogs from the outskirts and convinced them that Tiembe posed a threat to them. He told me he plans to kill Tiembe.” Shanaea turned to Kodi. “…please dad, we have to go.”

Kodi sighed and turned to Dusty. “I think I have to.” He said.

Dusty had tears in her eyes, but she nodded. “…go.” She said. “…try to talk to him.”

Kodi nodded and turned to Shanaea. “…let’s go.” He said.

Shanaea turned and followed her father out of the shed.

Chapter 12

Dash turned to the wolves that were gathered in the Main Chamber. He looked out over all the wolves, friends and family; and knew that in the next few hours he would be placing them all in danger, asking them to be willing to give their lives for the continued survival of his clan. “…now I know why this job weighed so heavily on Aleu.” He thought.

“Good evening my brothers and sisters.” He said. “We the Talbourne are faced now with a danger which surpasses all we have ever faced. Lytion and the Shadowclan could destroy us all, not only the Talbourne, but all the wolves in all the world if he is allowed to live. I know that most of you are not trained fighters like those of our defense force, but the clan requires your participation in this coming battle for us to even stand a chance. We must stand, we must fight, and we must survive!”

The wolves all cheered and Dash smiled. “It is this purpose that has drawn us all here today, this reason which has joined all of us together against our common enemy. In a few short hours we will be joined in battle with the Shadowclan. I feel I must tell you that I have never been more proud to stand before a group of wolves, to lead them to their destiny. You have stood by me in my times of need, and now I will stand by you. I will lead you in this coming fight, and if Aniu is merciful we will survive. Though she is dead I believe her spirit still guides us, and in this belief I am not alone. Join with me now, stand, fight, die if necessary, but prove to Lytion once and for all that we will not go quietly into the night like some vapor in the wind, but that we will fight him with every bone in our bodies, with our last breath, with the very essence of our spirit. We the Talbourne will survive!”

The wolves cheered again.

Dash smiled. “Fall into your positions and ready yourselves to move out. The time is short.” He jumped down from his place on the rocks and walked through the throng of wolves to his Lieutenants, who stood by their units. He noticed one was missing. “…where’s Achak?” He asked.

“He won’t be coming.”

Dash turned and saw a red wolf/dog limping into the cave. “Who are you?” He asked.

“My name is Kiona.” She said. “I am…” She sighed. “…was Achak’s mate. They took him. He traded himself for me.”

Dash nodded. “I am sorry we cannot spare the forces to save him. He was a great help to us.”

Kiona nodded and limped past him.

Dash turned back to his two Lieutenants. “Who else is qualified to be a lieutenant at this time… anyone?”

The voice that answered him came from behind him.

“…how about me?”

Dash shook his head, sure that the voice he’d heard could not be right. He turned and a smile split his muzzle.

Shadow walked through the Main Entrance and up to Dash’s side.

“Shadow, it’s good to have you back.” He said. He stepped forward. “By all rights the position of Alpha is yours, you may take it if you want.”

Shadow shook his head. “I think you’ve done fairly good at that so far.” He said. “I’m just here to do what I can.” He knelt in front of Dash and cast his vision to the floor of the cave. “I pledge my allegiance to you my Alpha. I am sorry I forsook you for so long, but if you’ll have me, I’d be honored to lead our wolves to victory against Lytion and his Shadowclan.”

Dash smiled. “…of course Shadow.” He said. “Please, rise.”

Shadow stood. “Where would you have me sir?” He asked.

Dash smiled. “Take control of Third Unit.” He said. “…talk to Ami, she’ll bring you up to speed on our plan of attack.”

“Yes Sir.” Shadow said.

He turned to Ami. “So, what’s the plan?”

Kiona walked through the throng of wolves as if they were not even there. Indeed, she could not see them in her mind’s eye. Her vision was flooded by one face, one name…

Achak.

All of the times the two had been together sped through her mind in the background of his proud face. She felt the chilling cold of the snow that had been falling when he’d found her, saved her from almost certain death. She felt the warmth of their love, the pain of childbirth, but then also the sense of pride, of purpose that had swelled within her when she saw the three small balls of fur. She heard Achak’s voice as he told her to stay with them, to protect them.

Her ears drooped.

She stumbled through the cave as if in a daze as her memories continued almost overshadowed by that strong face that still persisted in her mind.

She saw herself sneaking after him, getting discovered, yelling at him, fighting with him.

Kiona walked into the chamber where Achak had slept the last few nights. Now that she was out of the public eye she allowed a tear to drip from her eye. It was soon joined by several more.

The scene in her mind shifted now as she recalled her mate’s words to her just a few moments ago.

…his parting words.

…his last words.

“You didn’t listen to me and when I tried to correct you, to help you to understand my reasons you ran away. You ran into enemy territory and got yourself captured. Now all that’s left is for me to fix it. …and the only way I can do that is to go with them, to give my life to save yours.”     

The face in her mind’s eye contorted in pain and red shot across her vision as the eyes went slack.

The face fell.

Kiona was no longer able to stand and her legs buckled. She fell to the ground and laid there on her side. She could hear her breath in her ears, rushing through her body. “It’s my fault.” She thought.

The body of the silver and gray wolf fell to the snow.

“…my fault.”

Time seemed to stop for the wolf/dog. She could no longer hear her breathing. She couldn’t hear anything, all was silent.

Suddenly she sprang to her paws, not noticing the pain this caused in her leg. She stood ram-rod straight and growled.

“I’ll be ***** if I let him die!” She thought. “To hell with his orders! He is my mate first, Alpha second. If he has a problem with that he can take it up with me later but for now…”

Kiona turned her head and looked out at the forest beyond the main entrance of the cave and blinked away her tears, replacing the look of sadness on her face with one of pure purpose. “…I must save him.” She thought.

Kiona sprang away from the rocky floor and sprinted out of the chamber. She dodged wolves left and right and even leapt over one that remained in her way.

Nothing would stop her.

Nothing could stop her.

She ran through the entrance and headed off into the forest. It had been a while, but she picked up his scent almost immediately. “Don’t worry Achak.” She thought. “I have made mistakes; I know that now… but I’m not going to let you die for them.”

She leapt over a fallen tree in front of her and landed on another. She ran along its length and then jumped back to the snow.

“I have to disobey you one last time Achak. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Kiona found she could run faster than ever before as her love for her mate pushed her farther and faster toward her onrushing destiny.

Chapter 13:

Aleu and Steele sprinted down the stone corridor. She saw the T up ahead and ran at the wall, trying to imagine that it wasn’t there. Trying to imagine the room beyond that Steele had spoken of.

She heard the squeal of the Hunters and looked back to see two of them rushing along the hall.

She turned to Steele. “We seem to have attracted some attention.”

Steele smiled. “I thought we might. Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of it.”

Aleu heard a howl and turned her head to see ten dogs burst into the hall, smashing into the sides of the hunters, knocking them to the ground. She heard the noise of battle and then turned her head back to the front as she heard yelps of pain.  They were approaching the turn now.

“Remember, run straight through it.” Steele said. “It’s not a wall. It just looks that way.”

Aleu nodded and steeled herself, trying not to think of it as a wall.

She increased her speed and yelled as she ran into the wall…

…and passed through it.

Steele and Aleu slowed to a trot. The sounds from the hall could no longer be heard.

No growling, no yelps of pain…

…only the rush of flames.

Steele stopped and stood by a stalagmite growing from the ground. “There she is.” He said.

Aleu looked and a tear came to her eye. “…my God.” She said.

The white wolf stood in the center of the cave-like room. Six chains extended from the ceiling. They ended in hooks which had been driven deep into the white wolf’s body; one in each shoulder and two along her back, forcing her to stand. The chains were on fire.

“…my thoughts exactly.” Steele said.

Aleu ran from behind the stalagmite and down the hill toward the white wolf.

Aniu had burned stumps where bluish wings had once been.

Aleu stopped beside the white wolf.

Her eyes were closed.

“…Aniu?” She asked.

The eyes opened and Aleu could see extreme pain reflected behind her flashing blue eyes.

“…Aleu?” She asked. “My child, what are you doing here?”

Aleu sighed. “When I saw you die… I had to rescue you… I… I killed myself, stepped in front of a car… so that I could be with you, so that I could find a way to save you.”

Aniu cast her face to the floor. “Why my child. You must know that there is no escape from God’s will… why did you do such a thing?” She asked. Her voice was full of sorrow. “I deserve to be here.” She said. “My sentence here was just, but you? …you were the best of the wolves, my chosen one. You do not deserve this.”

“…but I had to save you.” Aleu said. “You’ve saved me so many times… how could I just leave you here?”

Aniu shook her head. “I could have left at any time child.” She said. “God has given me the ability. I have chosen to remain here.”

A shocked expression came over Aleu’s face. “…but why?” She asked. “We need you, my clan needs you...” She sighed. “I need you.”

Aniu smiled, her expression warming Aleu even through the immense pain she was suffering. “This is God’s will my child.” She said. “I have accepted that. Now, you must as well.” She paused. “You committed the sin that got you sentenced here for the wrong reasons. I will return you instead.”

“…but without you Aniu…”

Aniu smiled again. “God will always take care of you Aleu, with or without me. He will not allow Lytion to destroy his creation, or his followers. I must ask you to trust me… to trust him. That is all that we can ever do.”

Aleu nodded.

Aniu looked up at the ceiling of the cave and closed her eyes. “Oh God, thank you for giving me the choice to save myself; to deliver me from this hell, from this sentence of eternal torment. I ask instead that you pardon the sins of this one Lord, of Aleu. She did what she did for the wrong reasons, not to take your creation from you, but rather to save my own. In this her life was given in self sacrifice. You said it yourself; greater love hath no one than this, that he give up his life for his friend. Now I beg of you to allow me to use the last of my power which you have bestowed upon me to restore her soul to its former state of righteousness, that she might have the reward eternal life with you that her faith throughout the years has deserved. This request I ask in your name, A-men.

She looked down at Aleu and opened her eyes.

Aleu was staring in shock at what had happened.

Aniu frowned. “What is it my child? Something troubles you?”

Aleu raised her paw and Aniu saw that a brilliant blue flame licked it’s way along it.

Aniu smiled. “It is done.” She said.

Aleu looked at the blazing chains that were stabbed deep into the white wolf and remembered her fight with Shade so long ago.

She raised her paw and swiped it across the chain.

The fire along the length of the metal died and the chain snapped.

Aleu looked at Aniu.

Aniu smiled. “Praise God.” She said. “He has provided for us all.”

Aleu hit the next chain and it too snapped. She continued this until all six chains had snapped and withdrawn into the ceiling. Then she looked at Aniu.

The white wolf’s fur was matted with blood and the ends of the chains were still embedded into her body, leaving a length of about a foot to dangle by her sides.

Aniu stood up and looked at the ceiling of the chamber as her paws started to catch fire with the same brilliant blue as Aleu’s.

Steele felt a tingle in his paws and looked down to find that his too were blazing. He hopped back and shook them in an attempt to put the flame out.

“Fear not child.” Aniu said. “That flame will not harm you.”

Steele stopped and looked at his paws for a moment, and then looked at Aniu. “What is it?” He asked.

Aniu smiled. “With the sword of my spirit shall I strike down evil.” She said.

Steele looked down at his paws. “…but what have I done to deserve this.”

Aniu limped over to him and placed her paw on his shoulder. “You have believed.” She said.

Steele looked down at his paws in astonishment. “All my life I have done evil. I have served myself, and I did not realize it until I was sent here.” He paused. “I have had much time to think here; to wonder how things would have been had I served you, instead of selling my soul to Shade.” He looked up at the white wolf. “Perhaps now, for once in my worthless life I can do some good.”

Aniu smiled. “…perhaps.”

Chapter 13:

Balto slid to a stop in front of a building. He turned his head over his shoulder. “So this is it.” He said.

The gray and white cat jumped off his back. “Yes, this is the building I saw them enter.”

Balto nodded. “Thank you Kate. I am in your debt.” He sighed. “…but this is as far as I want you to go. If I am right… and I’m sure I am, then this is going to be dangerous. I cannot ask you to go any further.”

The cat scoffed. “Please, spare me the pity party. I came this far, now I’m going to help you save your mate.”

“…but…” Balto started. Then Kate cut him off. “But nothing, ***** have you still not learned that I can…”

“…can take care of yourself. Okay, okay, I get it.” Balto said.

Kate smiled.

“…thanks.” Balto said. He looked up at the building. “…let’s go.”

Balto crept up the dust covered stairs and heard a slight whimper coming from under the door just ahead. He turned to the small cat beside him. “Do you hear that?”

She nodded.

Balto crept closer to the door and stuck his nose out into the hall. “It’s clear.” He said. Then he crept out into the hall and to the door. He nudged it open slightly and glanced inside. His heart skipped a beat and he smiled.

Jenna sat against the window, gazing out at the night sky. Her body shook in racking sobs.

He opened the door further and it squeaked.

Jenna whirled around. “If you’ve come to hit me for looking out the window I…” She stopped in mid-sentence. “Oh my…” A smile split her muzzle and she sprinted over to him. “Balto!” She cried.

Balto nuzzled her. “Shhh!” He said.

She grinned. “…sorry.” She said.

She nuzzled him back. “I’m so glad to see you.” She said. “Jason he…”

“I know.” Balto said.

Jenna buried her nose in his shoulder and sobbed. “I thought… I thought he was going to kill me… me and Alyse.” She said.

“…Balto?”

Balto turned and saw Alyse stumble out from behind a dust covered dresser. He smiled. “…Alyse.” He said. “…good to know you’re alright.”

“Heh, alright yes, but I injured my leg trying to escape. I’m afraid that it’s broken.”

Balto walked over to her and looked at her leg. “Yeah… yeah, looks like it to me too.” He looked up at her. “Can you walk?”

Alyse nodded. “…anything to get away from this place.”

Kate stepped into the room. “So is this your mate?” She asked.

“Who’s that?” Jenna asked.

Balto smiled. “Jenna, Alyse, this is Kate. She’s the one that led me to you.”

Jenna smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

“Thank you.” Alyse said.

Kate smiled. “…not a problem.” She said.

Jenna cleared her throat. “…not to break up the meet and greet or anything, but… can we get out of here?”

Balto smiled. “Yes.” He said. “…let’s go.” He stood and walked toward the door. “…follow me.” He said.

Kate followed him and then Jenna and Alyse fell in line.

He crossed the hall and walked to the stairs. Then he froze.

A black dog was walking up the stairs.

“…shoot!” He whispered. “…back this way, come on!” He turned and walked quickly down the hall and took a left into a large room.

“…bravo Balto.” A familiar voice said.

Balto looked up and saw Jason standing beside another, unfamiliar wolf across the room.

Jason walked down the steps toward the middle of the room. “…quite a rescue effort Balto. I expected you to come a lot sooner.” He glared at Balto. “Perhaps I should have killed her instead.”

“Jason, I know what you think and…”

“Shut up!” Jason yelled. “Don’t try to twist my mind, don’t make me think that what I know to be true is false. I know the truth!” He snarled. “You killed my father!”

Balto sighed. “Jason, he attacked me I had no choice but to…”

Jason leapt across the room and slapped Balto across the face and threw him to the ground. “…shut up!” He yelled. “He did not! You killed him. You murdered him!”

Balto looked behind him and then sighed and looked back at Jason. “Jason, even if I did… Jenna and Alyse have done nothing to you or your family. …spare them? You have me now, why make them suffer?”

Jason appeared to consider this for a moment and then nodded. “Fine, they can go.”

Balto looked behind him. “Kate, get them out of here.”

The cat looked as if to question him, then nodded and turned. “…come on.” She said.

Jenna hesitated.

“Go Jenna, I’ll be there soon.”

“Balto I can’t…” She started, but Balto cut her off. “Go Jenna, don’t worry about me.”

Jenna nodded and turned, following Alyse and Kate out of the room.

Jason smirked. “That was so cute Balto.” He said. “…but you see… you won’t be along soon, or ever for that matter.” He laughed. “See, Fairbourne here has taught me how to fight, how to kill, and I’m very good at it.”

Balto looked to his left and saw a kerosene lantern burning attached to the wall beside him. He suddenly sprang up, hooked his paw on the lantern and threw it at Jason.

The younger wolf ducked the flying glass object and it hit the far wall, exploding into flames.

Jason stood up as Balto landed back on the floor. He snarled. The wall behind him quickly caught fire and his visage glowed with the blazing background. “Enough!” He screamed. “Now is the day of retribution. Now is the day you die!” He snarled again and leapt at Balto, teeth flashing.

Chapter 14:

Lytion looked behind him and saw the mass of black wolves gathered in front of the Origin of Aniu. He smiled gleefully and looked down at the soil, his long black locks falling across his blazing red eyes. “It is our time now father.” He thought. “Hers has come and gone, now our reign begins.”

He raised his head and jumped up on the rock that marked the birthplace of all of the wolves of the world; the point of Origin for the greatest of them, Aniu. He looked out over the wolves and an evil smile split his muzzle. “Do you see how far I have brought you?!” He screamed. His voice echoed off the many trees surrounding the sacred clearing and came back at him twice as strong. “Do you see what I have accomplished!? I have paved the way for this moment! This time of equality for all of us!” He scanned the crowd of black wolves. “Look around you! When you started you were all the colors of the rainbow, members of other packs and clans, subdivided, told that you were better than others of your own species! Now look around! As you have accepted me and pledged to follow me you have all turned one universal color, have become one mind and one spirit. What is great to me is great to you. What I loathe, that you do also. We are one! Look around you! What was your life like when you entrusted yourselves to that angelic ***** Aniu?! She was constantly at war, war with no end. A war against those who were unafraid to be themselves, to stand up and speak out about her oppressiveness and the ridiculous expectations of her “God” that shows us all the sweet things that life can give us and then sets the rules in opposition to those longings. Who would have you struggle all your life to meet his unattainable standards, look around! What have I asked of you that was ever unattainable? What have I expected of you that you have not already wanted to give? I come here, not to save you, not to give you hope that you may one day, despite innumerable stumbling blocks that I placed in your way, attain my love and respect. No, I come here to offer you a way out, to tell you that you are fine the way you are, that you need not struggle, you have my support, my love, and my respect just by agreeing to follow me; nothing else has been or will be required of you. You will always be acceptable to me, regardless of how ugly or blackened your spirits are. We are fallible creatures you and I, given to jealousy, deceit, murder and all kinds of evil. I know that, and I don’t ask you to contradict it. I ask instead that you channel it. A time will come when all those that oppose us will be dead and destroyed. How great is that God? He allowed his own “angel of mercy” Aniu to be destroyed by me on this very rock. She was faithful to him for how many thousands of years? Yet in one moment, with one action, his love was directed away from her and he turned his back on her and I, Lytion, killed her on this very rock. Now, I will use this rock to bring armies of destruction upon our enemies. When the dust settles and the last of our enemies’ death rattles can be heard on the battlefield, then there will be peace. Then will I free you to your own wims and wishes, whatever they may be. You will be truly free, able to do whatever it is that your black hearts desire without reprisal from me, without me telling you how evil your actions are, without me turning my back on you. This is my promise, and solemn vow; that I will never forsake you, that you will always be welcome in my house, and that you will be free!”

The black wolves all cheered.

Lytion stopped speaking for a moment and silence filled the clearing.

Lytion looked down at the rock. “Father, I ask now for your assistance. You sent me into this world to gather for you an army to add to those you have mustered in hell and I have done this. I ask now that you would add that army to our number, that we might crush all those that oppose you. Father Shade you have guided me in the destruction of Aniu, and the desecration of all she stood for. For this guidance I thank you. I know that you require a payment for your assistance. One part of that payment was the blood of an angel, spattered here on this rock. The blood remains of the greatest of angels. The other part of the payment is the blood of a demon. I offer it now, the blood of a prince of demons.”

Lytion raised his paw and tore into it with his teeth. Blood poured from the wound and fell to the rock where the bloodstains from Aniu’s violent death remained. As the Lytion’s blood struck that of Aniu the ground shook. A few of the trees on the outlying edges of the clearing toppled over, and the sky became dark as night. Rain began to fall and lightning streaked across the sky.

Lytion raised his head. “It is begun.” He said. “The end of days, the reign of him who was cast out.” An evil grin split his face, exposing his daggerlike teeth. “…the beast has returned to claim his crown.”

The earth rumbled and shook as if in great turmoil. The ground behind the origin split open and a great orange glow emanated from it. Over the sharp clap of thunder could be heard the howls of pain from ten thousands of souls trapped in the fiery pit. Suddenly blackened and burned wolves began to leap from the pit, growling, their fur steaming in the falling rain.

Lytion turned to face them. “This is my army.” He said. “Join them.”

The torn and tattered visages of the demon wolves moved to stand beside the black wolves already gathered there.

Lytion grinned. “If this God is so great, if Aniu was his angel, why does he remain silent? Where is his champion?” He grinned. “Who will stop me?”

The voice that answered Lytion surprised him. “We will!”

Lytion turned to see an orange wolf flying at him. He tried to fend off the attack, but he was too surprised to react quickly.

The wolf slammed into him and toppled him off the rock.

Suddenly the clearing was filled with screams of battle as the wolves of the Talbourne slammed into the back of those gathered at the origin.

Soon howls of pain, of anguish, of suffering could be heard over the growls and snarls.

The war had begun.

Blaize looked up at the road sign on the corner of the deserted street he stood on. The wind blew and snow filled the air as he saw the words on it.

Joyce.

He looked ahead of him and saw a decaying billboard of a fish and an aluminum can. He saw a dog standing outside the building and quickly sprinted across the road into an abandoned and burned out building. He ducked under a fallen rafter and hopped over an overturned table. He jumped from this to an ash covered sofa which he ran along until he came to a glassless window. He jumped through it and landed on the snow outside.

Blaize looked around and once he was sure that no one had seen him he ran across the street and ducked behind a stack of crates outside an abandoned warehouse. He walked among them for a moment and then sprinted across an alley to the side of the cannery.

He paused here to catch his breath and edged up to the corner of the building.

A second dog had joined the first guard since his strategic approach. He stayed his ground and simply watched.

The new arrival turned to the guard and laughed. “Wow, you pulled a fun detail.”

The guard scowled. “Tell me about it. I’m freezing my tail off out here.”

The new arrival laughed again. “…just glad it’s you instead of me.”

“…whatever.” The guard said.

“Well, I’m going to check on our guest.” The new arrival said. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes to relieve you.”

“Then it will be your tail that’s freezing off out here.” The guard said.

“Yeah, yeah.” The new arrival said. Then he turned and walked back inside the building.

Blaize closed his eyes and counted to thirty, giving the dog enough time to get far away from the guard, then he snuck around the corner. The guard had turned to look down the street. Blaize sprinted at him, keeping low. When he had closed the distance between them to five feet he leapt.

The dog never new what hit him.

Blaize landed on his back and simultaneously sunk his teeth into the dog’s neck. The dog fell to the snow and Blaize went with him as the dog tried to kick and squirm away. He tried to scream, but all that came out was a wet gurgle.

Finally the dog went limp and Blaize released his grip on the him. He stood up and spit, trying to get the coppery taste of blood out of his mouth.

He hated the taste of it.

Blaize sighed. He knew that before the night was over he’d probably taste it again.

He looked around and made sure that no one had heard him or the guard in their scuffle. When no one appeared through the door he snuck up to it and looked inside, keeping low.

The dog was coming back.

Blaize withdrew his head and stayed at the side of the doorway.

He closed his eyes and listened to the paw-steps as they drew closer, getting louder with each passing second.

The paw-steps paused in the doorway as the returning dog saw the downed guard and the blood on the snow.

Blaize opened his eyes and leapt.

He grabbed the dog at the side of his neck and threw his weight forward, flipping himself over the dog.

The dog’s head went with him and Blaize heard a sickening crunch as the bones snapped.

The dog fell to the ground, twitching.

Blaize stood and ran into the building.

He found an office at the back of the cannery and slipped inside.

There was a dog there.

He growled and hit Blaize across the face.

Blaize flipped sideways and landed on his back.

The dog was on top of him before he could do anything about it. He growled and tore into Blaize’s leg.

Blaize howled in pain.

The dog was suddenly thrown off of him and Blaize rolled over to see Tiembe holding the dog’s head off the ground by his neck.

The dog’s eyes were dead already and Tiembe dropped him to the ground, then he turned to Blaize. “Boy I am I glad to see you. How did you know I was here?”

Blaize smiled. “I went to the boat to check on Shanaea.”

“My God, Shay, how is she, is she alright?” He asked.

Blaize nodded. “Yeah, I sent her to get her father.”

Tiembe smiled. “Some rescue.” He said with a smile.

Blaize got to his paws and stood up. “Yeah, well you got one, I got two.”

Tiembe nodded. “Sure.” He said. “…but I got the one that was going to get you.”

“…and I got both of you.”

Blaize turned. “…Josh!”

Chapter 15:

Balto recoiled back from Jason’s attack for the third time.

His face was cut and bloody from the short but violent fight that had been going on for the last ten minutes. He stumbled back and looked at the dog in front of him. He was hardly recognizable as the cheery pup that Balto had known a short time ago. Now his face was contorted in anger, his muzzle and paws stained with Balto’s blood.

Balto felt weak, as if he might fall at any moment. It was all he could do to remain standing.

The roof faltered and a beam fell as the fire ate it away.

Jason deftly dodged the heavy piece of wood.

Fairbourne sprinted down the stairs to Jason’s side. “Let’s go Jason. We have to get out of here.”

Jason looked at his mentor and sneered. “What?” He asked. “Leave now? I’ve got him reeling. It’s only a matter of time before he’s lying dead at my paws.”

“…but the fire.” Fairbourne said. “You’re not going to prove anything if you kill him and then burn to death trying to escape.”

“You’re afraid.” Jason said. “In our moment of triumph you’re afraid.”

“I don’t want to die.” Fairbourne said. “There’s a line.”

Jason growled. “That’s not what you taught me. You’re weak old wolf.”

Fairbourne sighed. “Jason, I’ve taught you well, maybe too well, but you have to realize that staying in this burning building is suicide.”

“If that’s what it takes for my father’s soul to rest in piece then so be it.” Jason said.

“Stay if you want.” Fairbourne said. “…but I’m leaving.”

He turned to walk away.

Jason snarled and leapt at him, pinning him to the ground.

“Jason, what are you doing?” Fairbourne asked.

“Getting rid of the weak...” Jason said. “…like you taught me.”

“Jason no!” Fairbourne yelled.

Jason clamped his jaws down on the older wolf’s throat and ripped upward, shredding the fur and muscle. Brilliant red blood splattered his face and fur.

Jason stood up and let the wolf thrash on the ground as he bled to death. He looked at Balto and grinned, blood dripping from his jaws. “Now, where were we?”

Josh gave Blaize no warning.

He ran at him and hit him three times in the side of the head, sending the older dog reeling back, his vision split and fractured.

Josh turned to face Tiembe as Blaize fell to the ground behind him and he sneered. “…thought you were just going to walk away huh?” He asked.

Tiembe glared at Josh. “Why are you doing this?” He asked.

“You know why.” Josh answered. “…don’t give me that.”

Blaize raised his head and blinked a few times, trying to clear his vision. “Tiembe, get out of here.” He said. “Go, now!”

Tiembe turned and ran at the door.

Josh turned around and ran into Tiembe’s side, knocking him to the ground.

Tiembe struggled to stand and finally made it to his paws, then he ran at the first thing he saw, a pair of metal stairs leading up to a narrow catwalk above the factory floor.

Josh followed.

Tiembe ran down the catwalk and glanced behind him to see Josh climb up on the catwalk. He turned his vision to the front again and skidded to a stop as he saw that the rusted catwalk was broken in two just ahead.

He looked down and decided that it was too far to jump. Tiembe turned and saw Josh barreling toward him. He made the decision then that his only choice was to fight. There was nowhere else to flee to.

He ran at Josh and the two collided in the middle of the catwalk.

Tiembe surrendered himself to instinct, the deadly instinct that he had lost control of so many times over the last few years.

The fight sharpened and slowed as his fighting spirit resurfaced after being suppressed for so long. Tiembe could see Josh’s every move before he made it. He countered and blocked ten times before he saw his opening. As Josh lowered his paw, Tiembe went in close. He drove his paw upward into Josh’s muzzle and then jumped up off his other leg and as the first fell to support him he brought his right paw up and hit Josh in the side of the head.

Josh stumbled backward, a surprised look on his face.

Tiembe hit him with his left, then with his right, and again with his left.

Josh shook his head and stumbled sideways, almost unable to stay on his paws.

Tiembe growled and brought his right paw around and smacked Josh in the jaw.

Josh’s vision fractured and sparkled. He stumbled sideways and fell on the railing on the catwalk. For a moment it seemed as if the rusted metal would hold his weight, then it creaked and snapped.

Josh fell off the catwalk and to the dusty floor below. There was a loud crack as the old wooden flooring gave way and Josh plummeted through the hole, falling through the rafters that had cracked and fallen as a result of the impact of the floor above.

Josh’s head hit a metal light fixture and his weight snapped it free from the ceiling, leaving a sparking, dancing wire in its wake.

Josh hit the floor and a rafter landed across his back.

He tilted his head up. Blood ran into his eye and he blinked to clear it.

The bare wire swung sideways and attached itself to a broken rafter. The wire stayed there for a moment before it sparked and a flame shot out of the rafter, licking along the length of the aging wood.

Josh’s eyes grew as he recognized the imminent peril of his situation. He tried to move but the rafter pinned him down.

He looked up at the flame, and prayed.

Tiembe ran down the catwalk and down the stairs. Then he raced to the hole in the floor. By this time smoke had begun to fill it. Tiembe looked down inside and saw Josh laying on the floor, the flames growing closer by the minute.

Suddenly, Blaize was at his side. “Come on Tiembe. We need to get out of here. That’s a fire. Let’s go!”

Blaize started to run away and then turned to find that Tiembe was staring into the hole in the floor. He stopped. “…Tiembe…”

Tiembe looked at him and in that moment Blaize knew what he was going to do.

“…Tiembe no!” Blaize yelled.

Tiembe jumped down into the smoke and landed on the fallen rafter. He slid sideways and fell off, landing hard on the floor below.

He struggled to his paws and coughed, trying to breathe in the thick smoke. He looked around and saw the beam sticking out of the smoke. He ran at it and actually wound up running into it. This impact caused him to fall to the ground once more. He choked and spit on the floor, then climbed to his paws. He stumbled and got to the rafter. Josh looked up at him.

“…Tiembe?” He asked.

Tiembe nodded and used his paw to wipe away the blood that was running into his eye. He pushed on the rafter and Josh screamed. “…bad idea!” He said. “…thanks, but bad idea.”

Tiembe nodded. He looked at the rafter and began to think.

“Get out of here.” Josh said. “I’m… I’m sorry, but just… get out of here.” He said. “Take… *cough* take care of Shay.”

Tiembe looked at him. “No matter what you’ve done; I’m not going to let you burn alive.”

Josh grinned up at him. “Guess… guess I was wrong about you… huh?”

Tiembe shook his head and then stopped. He looked at the rafter again. “Josh, shut your eyes.”

“…what?” Josh asked.

“Just do it!” Tiembe yelled.

“Okay, okay.” Josh said. He turned his head and closed his eyes.

Tiembe took a deep breath and raised his paw. Then he closed his eyes and slapped the burning wood. It cracked, but did not break. He howled and slapped it again. The wood creaked again and almost gave.

Tiembe raised his paw and looked at it. The fur was burned and singed.

He closed his eyes and raised it again. His paw shook and he took a deep breath. Then he hit the rafter again.

It gave more.

He hit it again and it cracked and gave.

As the rafter fell away from him Tiembe pushed Josh out of the way of the tumbling wood.

Tiembe stood up on his paws and coughed. Then he took a deep breath and set his burned and smoldering paw on the ground. He winced and opened his eyes. He saw Josh on the floor. He wasn’t moving.

Tiembe pulled Josh up on his shoulders and stumbled through the flames toward a set of stairs at the far end of the room.

He finally made it to the stairs and struggled up them and through the door at the top.

Tiembe dropped Josh to the snow outside and stumbled forward a few steps before he fell to the snow.

He didn’t move.

Back at the Origin Dash was fighting for his life. A wolf was growling and snapping its jaws inches from his neck. The wolf had surprised him and gotten him on his back. The wolf had his forelegs pinned to the ground and Dash was having trouble figuring out how it had happened.

Suddenly the wolf’s head jerked up and Dash watched as a trickle of blood ran out of his muzzle.

The wolf fell to the side and Dash saw June standing behind him.

Dash rolled to his paws. “Thanks…” He said.

June nodded. “…be careful Dash.”

Dash nodded and turned as a wolf howled and ran at him. He sighed. “…and it begins again.” He thought.

Ami was reeling back from several attacks that her latest opponent had thrown at her. He hit her again and she fell to the ground. She rolled to the side as the wolf pounced at her. She sprang to her paws and in the time it took to blink The wolf had covered half the distance between them. Ami felt the shakiness in her legs. She knew she couldn’t possibly withstand another attack so soon. She’d go down. “…and if I go down he’ll kill me.” She thought.

Suddenly she heard a yell and saw a blur intersect the wolf, knocking him to the ground. She blinked again and saw it was Nick rolling on the ground with her assailant.

Nick grabbed the wolf’s head in his paws and snapped his jaws around the wolf’s neck. Blood poured from the mortal wound and Nick threw the wolf off him. He stood and looked around, but Ami had disappeared into the throng of fighting wolves.

Chapter 16:

Aleu felt a shudder along the floor of the cave-like room she, Steele and Aniu stood in. Behind them a red light split the ceiling and a rushing wind filled their ears.

Souls and demons began to pour from the walls, being sucked out of ***** by something more powerful than all of them.

“That’s a hellgate.” Aniu said. “…and it’s our way out. The Lord has provided again.”

Aleu nodded.

“Just let the wind carry you.” Aniu said.

Aniu closed her eyes and suddenly she was whisked away toward the ceiling.

Aleu took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Suddenely she felt herself rising off the ground, gathering speed as she approached the bright light framing the ceiling.

The next time Aleu opened her eyes she stood on a battlefield.

She looked around and recognized wolves of the Talbourne all around her joined in battle with those of the Shadowclan, augmented by Shade’s demonic followers.

She turned and froze.

Shadow was pinned to the ground by one of the demons.

She ran to him and raised her paw, finding it still charged by the blue flame. She swung it at the wolf’s head and it exploded.

Shadow blinked and looked up.

Aleu smiled.

Shadow’s eyes grew larger.

She reached out and touched his paw and the blue flame traveled from hers to his, engulfing both of them.

“…fight Shadow.” She said. “The battle is yours.”

Shadow climbed to his paws. “…how?” He asked.

“…later.” She said. “You have the spirit of our creator in your paws, pass it on.” She smiled. “We have a battle to win.”

Balto ducked under a flaming beam as it fell from the ceiling. He looked through the burning flames at Jason’s sneering face. He tried to see the cheerful pup he’d known such a short time ago in his mind’s eye.

He could not.

“Jason, look at yourself!” Balto yelled. “Look at what you’ve become!”

“No!” Jason yelled. “Look at what you made me!”

“I didn’t make you anything!” Balto yelled. “You did this to yourself. You and this… Fairbourne character! You allowed him to twist your mind against me! …for what reason I don’t know, but he used you to get at me!”

“You killed his mate.” Jason said. “Just as you killed my father.”

Balto shook his head. “Jason, I did not kill Draco, he attacked me.”

“…but why?” Jason asked. “Why wouldn’t anyone kill one who was sleeping around with his mate? Tell me, did you tell Jenna? Did you tell her?”

“Tell her what?” Balto asked. “There’s nothing to tell her?”

“Why did you both lie to me then?!” Jason yelled.

Balto sighed. “We… we did lie to you Jason.” Balto said. “…but not because we were sleeping together. I love Jenna. How can you think such a thing?”

“Then what happened?” Jason asked. “What’s the truth?”

“We lied to you… to protect you.” Balto said.

“…to protect me from what?” Jason asked.

“…from the guilt over your father’s death.” Balto said.

“Why would I feel guilty for my father’s death?” Jason asked.

Balto sighed. “Jason… remember that night he told you to come home and you were late?”

Jason nodded.

“He… he came to my home. He thought that I had kidnapped you because of his decision in Jenna’s case.”

“…no.” Jason said.

“He attacked me. He was going to kill me. My owner came down and he… he shot your father.”

Jason shook his head. “You’re lying!” He yelled.

“Look at me!” Balto yelled. “Am I?”

Jason looked at him.

A beam from the ceiling fell to the floor in flames.

“…but…”

“…you killed your own mother!” Balto yelled. “You killed her, she did nothing to you and you killed her!”

Jason stepped backward. He looked at the floor and paused a second.

Then he looked back up at Balto. “I’m sorry.” He said. Then he turned and ran.

Balto ducked another flaming piece of wood as it fell from the ceiling. He looked and saw the stairway was clear. Then he ran at it, choking on the smoke.

He sprinted down the stairs and burst through the door, rolling to the snow outside.

He stood up and saw Jason sprinting down the street, a black dog at his side.

Balto turned and fell exhausted to the snow as the building behind him burned.

Ami swung her paw hard at her opponent’s face. The demon’s glowering muzzle disintegrated.

She looked down at the blue flame that covered her paw. She could scarcely believe that faith could make her this strong. She looked out over the battlefield and saw hundreds of blue flames flitting to and fro across the battlefield destroying demons and killing the members of the Shadowclan. “We’re going to win.” She thought. Shadow’s words earlier came back to her. “Do not fear Ami. The battle is ours.”

It was soon after this that he had touched her paw and the blue flame had spread onto it.

As she stood there she saw a spirit flit in front of her. She did not even strike the demon in her way, yet he still disintegrated.

The spirit stopped and hovered there for a moment. Then it turned and set itself upon the ground. It was a wolf whose fur The spirit coalesced and looked up.

Ami gasped. “It’s… it’s you.” She said.

The wolf smiled and Ami heard a sweet voice in her mind. “Yes my child. I am returned and this battle is over. You have been faithful. You and all my children. For this, you have been given your enemies.”

Ami nodded slowly. She was unable to look away from the apparition.

Then, as quickly as it had come it had gone.

Ami looked around, but the spirit was nowhere to be found.

Nick was on the far side of the battlefield. He too saw a great white wolf striding through the battlefield. The black wolves of the Shadowclan that stood in her way fell dead, the demons simply exploded.

The wolf looked at Nick and though he had never seen her he knew immediately who she was.

“…the Great Aniu.” He whispered. “…but how… you were killed. They all said it was so.”

Aniu smiled. “My child, the reports you had heard were true. I was killed and cast into hell for my arrogance against our creator, but he felt it right to offer me a second chance and I was freed from its fiery chains.”

Nick smiled and nodded slowly, as if in a trance.

“My child I know that you are troubled. You have spoken to me, and I have heard you. All those nights that you cried out your soul to me; I heard, but was unable to answer. Now, I have the solution for you.”

Aniu opened her mouth and a great wind blew past Nick’s face.

Nick closed his eyes and heard a voice singing in his mind. For only a moment he was standing, not on a bloody battlefield, but a field on a warm summer’s day. He closed his eyes and basked in that warmth.

He opened his eyes. “…of course.” He said quietly. Then he blinked and looked around frantically.

She was gone.

Nick smiled. “Thank you Aniu.” He said. “…thank you.”

Lytion leapt fifteen feet to his next opponent. He threw the wolf on the ground and ripped his throat out, spitting the blood onto the ground. He snarled and then a great voice filled the battlefield.

“…STOP!”

The voice traveled like a great whirlwind and instantly everything on the battlefield stopped.

The wolves of both the Talbourne and the Shadow clan looked around, searching for the source of the voice. The wolves of the Talbourne started to step back, the Shadowclan members began to drop dead as a white wolf strode through the narrow canal of wolves, her vision cast to the ground, watching her paws advance one after another.

Lytion growled. “It cannot be you.” He said. “My father has you in chains.” He smiled. “I have seen it, and I have reveled in it.”

Aniu’s face remained unemotional. “Son of my enemy your time is up. It is true that your father had me in chains in the pit of fire. …but neither you, nor he ever had power over me that was not given to you by he who created me.” She grinned. “…but now, my father has given you to me.”

Aniu stepped forward again and Lytion stepped back…

…or tried to. He found that he was unable to move at all. He looked back at Aniu and snarled.

“…fight!” He screamed. “…of course you can defeat me when I am unable to move. How about you make this a fair fight! Let me go and let’s finish this!”

Aniu smiled. “Your ideal that this is a fight at all is mistaken. When I say that my father has given you to me; I mean exactly that. The battle has already been waged… and you have lost.”

Aniu looked up and her blue eyes flashed a fearsome ray of blue.

Lytion screamed as the blue enveloped him and he burned away under the gaze. The ashes that fell from Lytion piled up on the ground until there was nothing left.

Lytion’s scream echoed off the trees for a moment. Then it was silent.

The remainder of the demons amongst the Talbourne exploded into ash themselves, and those of the Shadowclan that had survived turned and fled.

Aniu smiled. “…and he who is against me is fallen, his ashes; like his followers.”

Aniu paused and blew gently. The wind picked up and blew the ashes up into the sky where they disappeared.

“…scattered to the far ends of the earth.” She turned and looked out over the members of the Talbourne; bloodied and breathing hard from their battle.

“…such is the result of the mercy of the merciful, the righteousness of the righteous, and the depth of faith of my chosen few.”

Aniu finally reached the rock of the Origin and stepped up on it, then she turned and looked over her clan. “You are my voice to the world. You are the physical wings of my spirit, and you are the sole preservers of the graciousness of our great creator. Some of you had seen me before, and you believed. Many of you had never seen me, and yet still believed. Now, all of you have seen me and I urge you to share your belief. Our victory today is not complete, not yet. In time the battle will be over, one by one you will be called home to be with he, and with me when the time is right, but until then you must continue the fight each day. The fight may not be physical as it is today, but every day, every choice is a battle; a battle between the one who created you, and he who wishes to destroy you. Choose this day, now, who you will serve and keep that choice ever present in your heart and mind. Consult it often, and know that I will always be with you, whispering in your ear.”

Aniu nodded and two other spirits walked up onto the rock. Aniu looked at them and smiled. Then twin wings of the most brilliant blue extended from her shoulders. She took off in a great whirlwind and the rock was split in two.

The wolves of the Talbourne found themselves in the clearing alone, and yet… they knew they would never be alone again.

Chapter 17:

Achak looked around him. He’d tried to get away from this group in his mind over a thousand times since they’d left the Talbourne’s cave and all of them ended in disaster.

He sighed. It had been a long time since he’d felt completely hopeless. “…but it’s looking that way now.”

A red blur shot out from the trees and smacked into the rear wolf unnoticed by the others.

There were now nineteen.

The red blur shot across again.

There were eighteen.

The blur shot across the front of the group and the lead wolf was suddenly on his back, a very angry red wolf/dog on top of him, paw on his throat.

“Let him go.” She said.

The wolf laughed. “Why would I do that?” He asked.

“…because I’m going to kill you if you don’t.” She said.

“…but you’ll die.” The wolf said. “You may get me, but my soldiers will get you.”

“You’re probably right.” She said. “…but it won’t matter much to you.”

The wolf gulped. “…Lytion will kill me.” He said.

“Who says you have to go back to him?” Kiona asked.

The wolf appeared to think this over. Then a confused expression came over his face “…back off.” He said finally.

The wolves looked at one another, unsure they heard the order right.

“…back off!” He yelled.

The black wolves backed away from Achak.

“…he’s dead.” The wolf said. “Lytion’s dead. There’s nothing to go back to.” He looked at Kiona. “No one to kill me.”

Kiona looked at him.

“…would you mind letting me up?” The wolf asked.

Kiona got up off of him and the wolf nodded at his soldiers. They all took off in different directions.

Kiona turned and looked at Achak.

She hung her head and walked toward him.

“What… what are you doing here Kiona?” he asked.

Kiona sighed and stopped in front of him.

“…didn’t I tell you to go home?” He asked. “Didn’t I order you?”

Kiona nodded. “…but… I couldn’t.”

Achak smiled. “…for once I’m glad.”

Kiona smiled and nuzzled him. “I love you.” She said. “…and… and I’m…”

Achak nuzzled her back. “…you’re what Kiona?” He asked.

Kiona smiled. “…I’m going to try harder.” She said.

Achak laughed. “You just can’t say it can you?”

Kiona smiled. “Well…”

She sighed. “I’m… I’m sorry okay?”

Achak smiled. “…okay.” He said.

“...let’s go home Achak.” She said..

He nodded.

Achak turned and he and Kiona walked away.

Josh awoke first. He coughed up blood on the ground and was surprised to find himself lying on the snow. He looked up and saw the Cannery in flames, most of its structure had collapsed.

His memory came back slowly as he recalled Tiembe crashing through the ceiling, saving him.

Josh got to his paws and stumbled over to the brown furred lump on the ground not far away. He looked at Tiembe and a tear came to his eye. “What have I done.” He said aloud.

Tiembe coughed. “…you’ve… burned down a derelict building I would say.”

Josh smiled. “You’re… you’re alright?”

Tiembe rolled over and stood to his paws. “I suppose.” He said. “…but then, since when have you been concerned about that?”

Josh smiled. “Since you opened my eyes and saved my life.”

Tiembe smiled. “So I shouldn’t expect you to burst in and cart me off to be executed anymore then?”

Josh sighed. “I’ve… I’ve been a fool Teimbe.” He said. “…as far as I’m concerned… you and Shanaea have my blessing.”

Tiembe smiled. “Well I hardly think that’s necessary, but thank you.”

Josh smiled.

Shanaea and her father had no trouble finding the Tuna Cannery on Joyce. They just followed the smoke. By the time they reached the flaming building she was very concerned. She saw Tiembe and Josh standing outside. “Josh, no!” She screamed. Then she ran at them.

Josh turned and smiled.

Shanaea stopped. “Josh?”        

She looked at Tiembe. “….Tiembe?”

Tiembe smiled. “Shay.” He said. Then he ran to her.

Shanaea had tears in her eyes as she nuzzled him fiercely. “I… I thought I’d lost you.” She said.

Tiembe smiled and nuzzled her back. “…would take more than an angry brother to take me away from you.”

Shanaea smiled. “…and Josh?”

Blaize walked up behind him. “…he must be arrested. He is guilty of kidnapping and attempted murder.” He sighed. “He must stand trial for his crimes.”

Josh sighed. “…he… he is right.”

Tiembe smiled. “Blaize… I don’t wish to press charges. In fact, as far as I am concerned this whole thing never happened.”

Josh looked at him. “Why would you do that?”

Tiembe smiled. “…because I believe that you have had a change of heart Josh, and that is all that was needed.”

Blaize looked at him. “Tiembe, are you sure?”

Tiembe scoffed. “Are you kidding? I think he should be thrown in the stockade.”

Josh sighed.

Tiembe smiled. “No, I’m kidding. …of course I’m sure.”

Blaize smiled. “Well that makes my job easier.”

Tiembe nodded.

Josh walked over to his sister. “Shay, I’m… I’m so sorry.”

She nodded. “Josh… so much has happened between us. This is all so… sudden, I don’t know quite what to say, but… in time I might.”

Josh nodded.

Shanaea turned to Tiembe and smiled. “Let’s go home.” She said.

Tiembe nodded.

Shanaea and Tiembe walked away from the burning building.

Kodi looked at Blaize in shock. “What… just happened?” He asked.

Blaize started walking back toward Nome. “…perhaps you should ask your son.” He said. “It’s a long story.”

Kodi turned to his son. “…Josh?”

Josh sighed. “I’ll tell you on the way home dad.” He said.