VOICES:

-Everest: Ben Affleck

-Will: Ralph Macchio

-Odin: Sam Troughton

-Fly: Jennifer Aniston

-Hiatus: Alan Rickman

-Quick: Jeff Berg

-Tempest: Ann Hathaway

-Arrow: Ben Stiller (come on guys, take him seriously this time)

-Cedar: Steve Martin

-Alder: Ken Jenkins

Chapter I

            Calmly but deliberately, the white and grey wolf with cold yellow eyes prowled into territory he had hoped would have belonged to his allies. But if it was their choice not to be, it was also their choice to suffer. They helped the enemy, and now they must pay. Arrow smirked next to him. Arrow has so much potential Hiatus thought. Then he thought of the wolf they were currently after. Too bad He didn’t. But now he can only be good one way. Dead.

            Someone giggled up ahead and Hiatus halted the pack. Then, he quietly snuck forward until he saw two Aklark pups playing all by themselves. With a lunge faster then lightening, Hiatus had the female in his teeth. Her brother shivered in horror.

            “Go tell your Daddy that we wanna say hello!” Arrow sneered.

The young wolf spun around and barreled through the snow. The pack waited in silence until another group almost as large as theirs arrived led by a flustered chocolate wolf.

                        “Chestnut!”

                        “Daddy!”

Hiatus chuckled and let Arrow hold onto Chestnut.

                        “What do you want?!” Cedar, the alpha asked, voice quavering.

            “You know what I want” Hiatus said with a faint smile. “Where is he? I’ll reward you if you give him to me”

Cedar’s confused face lit with remembrance.

                        “He’s not here anymore”

 Hiatus tsked and shook his head. As he did, Cedar could see three scars running across his left eye.

                        “Maybe he’s gone for good! Please give me my daughter back!”

Hiatus shook his head again.

            “I don’t think you understand” Hiatus said coolly. “For every day he’s not right here in front of me, one of your pack dies. And she’ll be first”

Hiatus turned around again and headed for Chestnut.

                        “Wait!”

Hiatus glanced over his shoulder and grinned. Cedar sighed and lowered his head.

                        “Bark, go find Everest”

                                    *                                  *                                  *

            Everest, closely followed by Odin and Will dashed through the snow, sending the powdery stuff everywhere. With a laugh, Will play tackled Everest and Everest let Will “trip” him. Then the golden wolf rocked back onto his feet and playfully tackled Odin, sending him rolling dangerously close to a stream. Odin stopped just before the running water and stared at it petrified. Everest and Will stopped running and came over to see what was wrong.

            “What’s wrong with him?” Will asked curiously.

Everest just grinned and shook his head.

“There’s fish in the water”

As if on cue, a silvery fish flew out of the water, inches from Odin’s nose. The sandy wolf yelped and flew back a few feet. Everest and Will burst out laughing.

                        “Laugh while you can!” Odin barked dramatically. “But when they start eating us, I’ll have the last laugh!”

“No” Everest replied. “Cause you’re the slowest and they’ll eat you first!”

Everest took off with Will and Odin followed right behind. Both darted through the trees, confusing Odin until they drifted apart. Everest crept along and soon spotted Will. Will nodded and Odin came into view, nose to the ground. Everest grinned and nodded to Will. Each slowly counted to three, and then took off, making Odin jump. Laughing, the pair looked back at Odin joyfully. Then, Everest turned to look where they were going when a wolf jumped right out in front of them. Everest tried to stop, but he was going too fast and the snow was too slippery. Will crashed into Everest. Odin crashed into Will. But all three stopped before they hit the intruder.

“Bark? What’s wrong?” asked Everest, recognizing Will’s brother.

            “It’s Hiatus! He has Chestnut and he says for every day you don’t return, he’s going to… he’s going to…”

“It’s okay” Everest comforted, temper starting to rise. “I’ll go back with you and we’ll get her away from him”

Bark nodded, biting his tongue to hold back tears.

            Hiatus glanced up at the sky. The sun was turning the sky pink. The moon was visible now too. Cedar paced back and forth, not taking his eyes off of his daughter. They waited longer until the sun disappeared but the sky was still light.

            “Time’s up” Hiatus said simply. “Guess he’s no hero after all”

Hiatus smiled and approached Chestnut. Hiatus looked at Cedar for a reaction then lunged for his daughter. He never got her. There was a blur of gold, a spray of snow, and Everest had Chestnut in his teeth instead… several feet away from Hiatus. Everest murmured something to Chestnut, never taking his eyes off the big white wolf, and gave her a nudge toward her father.

“Hiatus… just heard about the reward. If I help you find me, do I get a reward?” Everest asked quizzically.

Hiatus scowled at the taunt but nodded, cueing Arrow and his friends to get Everest. Everest noticed the threes gashes and gave Hiatus a pleasant smile.

“Nice battle scars there” he said politely, walking toward Hiatus. “Must have been a heck of a fight to get those”

            “Nope” Hiatus replied, just as calm. “I got them from aimless youngster who thought he could stop things that were out of his paws”

Everest let a smile play across his face.

“Still, must have been embarrassing to have something like that happen in front of your whole pack…”

Hiatus frowned.

            “Enough of this” he growled. “Just get him”

Arrow, Ice and Echo lunged forward, snatching Everest. The golden wolf just laughed. Cedar motioned his pack to move forward and Everest frowned at them.

“I’m fine” he said, twisting his neck to try to see the pack.

            “Then you won’t mind coming with us” Hiatus growled, beginning to lose patience.

Arrow shoved Everest hard and the gold wolf fell face down into the snow. Slowly, he picked himself up and shook off the snow.

“Just one thing…” he turned back to the pack. “Odin, Will, if you trust me, don’t follow me”

Suddenly, Everest felt himself being picked up by the scruff of the neck. That was demoting…

            “If you’re going to act like an immature brat, you’re gonna be treated like one” Hiatus said, hardly able to contain his joy.

Everest didn’t complain or even try to get away. His mind was cooking something up…

            Odin and Will watched miserably as their leader was carried away.

“Now what?” Will moaned.

            “We need to go after him!” Odin barked.

“No! Didn’t you hear him? He said not to follow him”

            “He’s in trouble! And he saved your life! You should help me save his!”

Will sighed and walked back with the rest of his pack. Odin snorted. He didn’t need Will! He’d come up with his own rescue!

            Once at the den, Everest, who had been dropped by Hiatus halfway there, stopped and looked around. Some of the pack stopped what they were doing, curious to see why Everest was back. Fly was one of them.

            “What are you doing back here?!”

                        “He came voluntarily” Hiatus supplied with a cruel smile.

Fly’s face clouded with anger and she opened her mouth to spit out insults when Everest cut her off.

“Don’t worry your little heart out. Did you really think I wouldn’t be back here?” Everest said, nodding to the scratches across Hiatus’s eye.

Fly giggled, understanding. Arrow growled and plowed Everest into the snow. Everest picked himself up slowly again, ignoring the looks on Fly’s and Arrow’s faces.

            “Arrow, take him to the den until we decide what to do with him” Hiatus ordered calmly.

Arrow smirked and knocked Everest right back into the snow.

                        “You heard him, get moving!”

Arrow and his three friends roughly escorted Everest back to the den. Laughing, they left the golden wolf in the dark cave to guard it from the opening. Everest sighed. This better work he thought. He sat down and faced the front of the cave, sitting stiffly, knowing that any second, Hiatus would waltz in, ready to scare or hurt him.

Not a few seconds after, the white and grey wolf slipped in.

            “I’m sure you know why-.”

“I’m here to warn you”

Hiatus blinked.

            “What?!”

“I’m here to warn you”

            “I’d warn you too” Hiatus sneered. “But it wouldn’t be worth it. By this time tomorrow, you’ll be dead! No one will even remember that you even existed…”

Everest didn’t move a muscle.

“There are others that will do exactly what I’m doing now” Everest said quietly, looking straight ahead.

Hiatus snarled, but Everest didn’t seem the least bit phased.

“What you’re doing is wrong. You do this, and you’re going to mess everything up. I’m old enough to know that there’s a balance and if you start to kill off packs… nothing’s going to be right again. It’s not going to give you the power you wanted. It’s only going to make you a bigger coward”

Hiatus snarled and lunged for Everest. The golden wolf didn’t do anything. Didn’t flinch. Hiatus stopped inches away from Everest’s face, teeth bared.

            “Nothing you say matters! I’ll see you on top of the hill at dawn!”

With that, Hiatus stormed out of the cave. As soon as Everest was sure that he was gone, the golden wolf lost his composure and started to pace. This hadn’t gone the way he wanted to! Hiatus was power hungry enough to destroy himself and everything around him. There was only one more thing that he had planned on doing, but it wasn’t what he wanted to do at all! It was too risky…

            More clicks from toenails echoed in the den and Everest did his best to collect himself again, sitting stiffly and trying to wipe any emotion off his face. But instead of Hiatus’s cruel glare, Fly’s blue eyes came into view.

            “What do you think you’re doing?!” she hissed.

Everest blinked.

“You were just happy a few seconds ago…”

            “That was before I found out what happened! Giving yourself was the stupidest idea anyone could come up with!”

“They were going to kill-!”

            “They’re going to kill anyway! Did you really think giving yourself up would stop him? Killing you would just crush the hopes of anyone who’s trying to stop Hiatus! And you just waltzed right up to him!”

Everest sighed, shaking his head.

“You don’t understand…”

            “What’s to understand?!” Fly cried angrily. “So you can say you died bravely?”

“Listen” Everest said sharply. “This wasn’t what I was planning. I’m going to get out and I’ll make it up as I go along…”

            “Do you know what they’re going to do to you tomorrow? They’re going to take every ounce of dignity away from you… just let me help you!”

“That would put you in danger and you know it”

            “Then let me escape with you!” Fly cried, nuzzling Everest suddenly.

Everest nuzzled her back.

“You could help me better from inside this pack, not in mine” Everest said softly, looking into her eyes.

Fly sniffled and shook her head.

            “Just please promise me that you’ll be gone by tomorrow morning. I’m not the only one that needs you”

Everest gave her a small smile but as she exited it changed to a sad smile. Everest knew he couldn’t keep that promise…

Chapter II

            As quietly as he could, Odin snuck through the forest.

“Alright! All alone and still, no one has detected me! They might as well call me the master of the night!”

The sandy wolf followed the paw prints through the snow, knowing where they would lead him too. The moon lit the path in front of him and made the unseen creek ahead shine- not that Odin saw it. Before he knew it, he had splashed into the water and little silvery things glinted around his feet. With a horrified shriek, he shot out of the water and ran backward. Then he spun and galloped clumsily into Ublureak territory, continually trying to get a glimpse of the fish in the creek he was trying to escape from. To make matters worse, one of his front feet hit something softer then snow. A raccoon. The furry peppered animal he stepped on snarled, giving Odin something else to run from. With a yelp, the sandy wolf scrambled away, raccoon on his tail until the raccoon had begun to chase the wolf up a half fallen tree. Although it could climb better then Odin could, the raccoon stayed at the bottom of the tree as if it were entertained by the fact that it could scare a wolf up a tree instead of the other way around. Odin waited. And waited. By the time that the raccoon had left and the sky was starting to lighten, Odin was sound asleep.

            “Do you need some help or are you gonna sleep around all day?”

Odin woke with a start. Will looked up at him, grinning.

            Eyes wide open, Everest stared at the wall. He had been awake all night and not a single plan had come into his mind. Is Fly right? he thought to himself. What have I gotten myself into? Any second now, he knew Arrow and his friends would come in here and drag him out to Hiatus who would be waiting on top of the hill. Chills went down Everest’s spine. Someone hurried into the cave, interrupting his train of thought. Everest closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Here it comes.

            “We’ve come to rescue you!”

Everest’s eyes popped open and he scrambled to his feet.

“Odin?!”

                        “And Will!” Will added as he followed Odin in.

            “And no one saw anything!” Odin breathed proudly.

                                    “I think they’re in the den!” a far off voice called.

Odin frowned.

“Well let’s get out while we still can” Everest said, leading the way out.

The group of three slipped out quietly, making sure not to wake anyone or catch the attention of Echo or Wave who were hot on their trail. Upon successfully reaching the safety of the woods, Everest stopped.

            “What are you waiting for?!” Odin barked. “Let’s go!”

“Just one second” Everest grinned, amused. “I just want to see the look on Hiatus’s face when he figures out I’m gone. It shouldn’t be too long now”

            Everest was right. Hiatus was just sitting down, a gleeful smile on his face when the group stopped. Everest could see that Arrow, Echo, Ice and Wave were going into the cave. He could also see Fly fidgeting nervously in the front of the pack, eyes darting from Hiatus back to the den. Suddenly, Hiatus snapped to attention as Arrow and his three friends darted out of the cave, yelling something inaudible to Everest, Odin and Will. Hiatus bristled and thundered into the den himself, knocking Ice and Echo out of the way roughly. Everest grinned to himself. Hiatus was definitely underestimating him! And he would be furious with Arrow and his gang! They’d probably sleep outside! Everest stopped abruptly to think about that part. They probably would be sleeping outside…

            The small pack stayed hidden in the woods, confident that Hiatus would think they had gotten too far away to waste energy on. Everest laid down coolly watching Hiatus until the sun began to set. All day, Everest had found he was right once again. Hiatus had been treating Arrow, Ice, Echo and Wave with unusual cruelty and their day would probably end with a cold night with the rest of the pack.

“I’m going back down” Everest announced quietly, not taking his eyes away from the Ublureak pack.

            “What?!” Will and Odin yelped in unison.

            “We just got you out of there!” Odin added desperately.

“It’s different then last time… you can watch from up here. I’ll be in and out before you know it. Just trust me”

Odin and Will exchanged glances but Everest didn’t wait for approval. Silently, he slipped down the tree line until he was behind the den. It was too dark to be picked out, but Everest still snuck into the den as cautiously as possible. Hiatus would be here any second. Alone. Everest calmly sat down off to the side so that he wouldn’t e seen until Hiatus had laid down.

            A few moments later, the wolf Everest waited for entered the den, muttering ferociously about his horrible day. Shaking his head, he collapsed, facing away from Everest… making it all the easier for Everest. The golden wolf waited a few seconds, then lunged. In a flash, Everest had Hiatus pinned and pressed a paw on Hiatus’s throat so he couldn’t call for help.

“You’re starting to underestimate me” Everest warned in a low voice. “I’m going to take my paw off your throat. You scream, I kill you”

Hiatus’s face spread into a false grin. Everest removed his paw.

            “You wouldn’t kill me” Hiatus said coyly. “You would have done it a long time ago”

“You don’t know me as well as you think you do” Everest said sharply.

            “I knew your father and you’re proving to be as big a menace as he was”

Everest was quiet for a second, a little stunned, but quickly recovered.

“Well I’m still here and I’m not going down without a fight. And I mean me only. If you ever, and I mean ever hurt anyone to get to me again, I will kill you. One hair harmed on a pup’s head to get to me and I’ll find you. Get the message?”

Hiatus frowned.

            “Unfortunately, I play dirty… so you might as well kill me now…” the white wolf drawled lazily, pretending not to be fazed.

Everest narrowed his eyes. But he didn’t move.

            “See, you can’t do it. You never will be able too” Hiatus said airily. “It was your father’s downfall and it’ll be yours too”

With a disgusted look, Everest quickly maneuvered himself out of Hiatus’s reach and darted to the mouth of the den.

“Remember, just one hair, and you’re dead”

            “I look forward to it” Hiatus replied lazily.

Everest frowned and dashed away. Odin and Will waited nervously for him, fidgeting.

“See, it went off without a hitch” Everest grinned.

            “You got lucky this time!” Odin complained dramatically. “What happens if he traps you next time?! You were lucky Will and I even tried to save you!”

“But you’d do it all again wouldn’t you?” Everest grinned.

Odin stumbled for words and Will watched, amused.

            “Th-that… is beside the point!”

Everest shook his head. Then he glanced around.

“We’re a pack right?”

Will nodded. Odin raised an eyebrow.

“We should probably find some territory to stake out… one that’s really tricky for outsiders. And close to the Ublureak”

Will’s face lit up.

            “There’s an abandoned territory in the mountains!” Will offered excitedly. “It has more mountains and rock formations everywhere! Really thick woods and tons of caves! My dad said no one lives there because it’s supposedly haunted”

Everest smiled thoughtfully.

“Then I think we’ve just picked out our new territory”

            A few days later, the pack of three had found the territory: one as big as the Ublureak’s and ten times more mountainous. And as promised, numerous caves could be found, but the biggest was a cave nestled into the side of a dried river bank. Although there was a creek running through, there didn’t seem to be much food since most of the landscape was grey, snowy rock. Deer could be found here or there, but it was clear that it wouldn’t last too long. But getting food in another close by territory didn’t seem that hard. It almost seemed like the territory was built just for them! However, within a few days, Everest began to suspect that they weren’t alone…

“Will, are you sure that this territory is empty?” Everest asked curiously, ears twitching.

            “Positive” Will replied, jumping off from a small boulder to stand next to Everest. “Why?”

“Just have a hunch” Everest mumbled, half to himself.

                        “Let’s go check it out then!” Odin said, chest puffed out. “We can take ‘um!”

Everest shook his head.

“I don’t think we need to fight, but we should look around… I feel like we’re being watched”

            Everest led them off; Will and Odin followed closely, hackles slowly rising. They covered most of the territory until they reached the side of the territory farthest from the Ublureak territory. Then a low groaning noise met their ears. All three stopped. Then Everest went forward and glanced around a boulder where the sound was coming from. There lay a grey and white shaded wolf, moaning in pain. Everest didn’t smell any blood, but the wolf did reek horribly of something the Illiivat wolf couldn’t name. Everest nodded to Will and Odin and the other two came forward as well.

“Are you alright?” Everest asked cautiously, still on edge.

The grey wolf looked up with strangely colored blue eyes.

            “I think so” he grumbled, trying to roll back to his feet. “Had a bad encounter with some wolves on the other side of the territory. They were picking on some younger pups and I stepped in. We got into a fight, but I managed to run through here… is this your territory?”

Everest nodded.

“Do you have somewhere to go back too?” Everest asked casually.

The grey wolf nodded.

            “I should probably head back…” he started. But as soon as he took a step, he stumbled and fell.

Everest, Will and Odin rushed over.

            “I guess they got me a little more then I thought” the grey wolf said with a stiff smile.

“I guess you should stay with us for a while…” Everest replied, aiding the wolf.

            “Thanks… uh…”

“Everest”

            “Everest?” the new wolf asked suddenly taking interest. “Then you must be Will” he added, turning to the Aklark. Then he studied Odin blankly.

            “I don’t think I’ve heard of you…”

Odin frowned. It took everything they had for Will and Everest to hold back their laughter.

                        “It figures!” Odin yowled ferociously, turning to lead the way back to the den. “I saved his life! And I was just as big a part!”

            This new wolf, Quick, didn’t seem to know anything that was going on. He’d heard of Hiatus… and Everest, Will and nowOdin. But nothing beyond that. He thought Hiatus was liberating other packs… not killing them. But obviously, he was on Everest’s side, as he repeated over and over, but Everest was still suspicious. What was it that made him so nervous? All Everest knew was that this strange wolf was hiding something… and Everest could tell it was dark.

            About a week later, Quick fit into the pack just fine. Odin seemed particularly annoyed since Quick seemed to get a thrill out of scaring him half to death, but otherwise, Everest and Will had warmed up to him. However, there was still something about him… but Everest was on the verge of finding out. Later on that week, Everest had been keeping a close eye on Quick… who was hunting. What’s so strange about that? Everest asked himself, eyes following Quick. Suddenly, Quick spied something and made a quick, sharp dive. He had a rabbit dead in his teeth faster then Everest could blink... Then it hit him. Everest knew what Quick was!

“Hungry?” Everest called over to Quick, smiling pleasantly.

Quick gave an uneasy smile and nodded.

“It’s probably time to hunt down a deer or something”

Odin and Will got to their feet.

“Let’s try something different this time” Everest suggested. “Quick and I will start at the west side and you guys can work your way over from the east. We’ll meet at the usual hunting grounds. Okay?”

Odin tilted his head, confused and insulted that Everest was teaming up with someone else. He opened his mouth to say something but Will cut him off.

            “Better get there before the deer all run away!” Will said, understanding that Everest was trying to do something.

Odin followed Will reluctantly and Everest turned to Quick. Getting to the hunting grounds from the west was faster then the east, so talking to Quick wouldn’t be a problem. They traveled briskly, and Everest never let Quick fall behind. He had a good reason not to trust anymore. By the time they reached the hunting grounds, Everest knew exactly what he needed to do.

            “So these are the hunting grounds…” Quick started airily.

“Stop it. I know who you are and I know what you came to do” Everest replied sharply.

Quick froze.

            “And what would that be?” he said casually.

“You’re Hiatus’s little assassin, aren’t you. He couldn’t get me in front of everyone, so he sent you to go ahead and fetch me for him”

Quick turned around, cruel smile spreading across his face.

            “That’s not exactly what he said” Quick replied darkly. “That would be too easy”

Everest shook his head, tsking his tongue and sat down.

“Hiatus really is losing his touch”

Quick frowned.

            “I think you’re underestimating me”

Then, in a blink of an eye, Quick darted for Everest with teeth bared, moves exact and deadly.

Chapter III

            “There was something definitely wrong with him” Will pondered thoughtfully. “But what? Everest obviously thought there was something wrong or else he wouldn’t have split us up”

“What if he tries to pull off something like last time?” Odin suggested worriedly. “What if Quick drags him back to Hiatus?!”

            “Even Hiatus isn’t dumb enough to send a single wolf to bring down Everest”

“Maybe he’s going to melt Everest down with those creepy blue eyes” Odin chuckled nervously.

Will stopped, knowing exactly what Everest had noticed.

            “What’d you say?”

“I was saying his creepy blue-.”

            “Blue eyes” Will interrupted, stunned. “Not gold like Adlartok or brown like Ublureak”

Odin raised an eyebrow.

“So what? He has blue eyes”

            “There was only one pack that were grey and had blue eyes”

“So?”

            “They were assassins. Not ordinary ones. Killers”

Everest didn’t know how long he could keep it up. He had thought he was quick… until now. Each time Quick lunged for a fatal bite, Everest got out of the way but only just barely. Already, Quick had nicked Everest a few times, but it wasn’t the few scratches that made the gold wolf so weak. Quick’s movements were accurate and from what Everest could see, didn’t require much effort. Everest on the other hand, hadn’t learned that type of fighting. All he had to rely on were the dodging moves that Cedar and Will had taught him.

“Getting tired” Quick sneered.

“A little” Everest admitted. “You?”

Quick lunged yet again and Everest swerved out of the way. Quick’s teeth skimmed across Everest’s nose.

“I’ll take that as a no” Everest panted. “Can you at least tell me why you want to kill me?”

            “Hiatus said so”

“If Hiatus told you to jump off a cliff… would you?”

Quick didn’t answer. His face was emotionless as he crouched for another attack.

“I see” Everest replied weakly.

Quick sprang yet again, this time trying to dive under Everest. The golden wolf jumped off to the side, barely missing Quick’s sharp teeth.

“Can you just stop for a second?! Let me just ask you something”

Quick paused for just a second, and Everest spoke quickly.

“Do you really think getting rid of me will justify anything? Do think it’ll get rid of your problems?”

Quick thought about. Then a cruel smile slipped across his face- the same one Everest had seen on Hiatus’s face.

            “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t” Quick replied coldly.

In the distance, Everest could hear Odin and Will sprinting toward them. He glanced over his shoulder for a second, then turned back to Quick.

“If I’ve really caused you that much pain and trouble, go ahead. Kill me”

Quick rushed forward with blinding speed just as Odin and Will arrived.

                        “Everest!”

“Stay where you are” Everest ordered sharply.

Quick latched around Everest’s neck, but Everest didn’t flinch.

“Just one more question” Everest said calmly. “Do you know what pack you came from?”

Quick raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“I’m not joking. You can let go, I’m not going anywhere”

                        “Are you crazy?!” Odin yelped.

“I would be if I didn’t know what I was doing”

Quick let go, but didn’t move any farther away.

            “What do you think?” Quick growled. “I’m Hiatus’s son”

Odin and Will exchanged confused looks. Quick lunged again, but Everest interrupted again.

“Strange though… I didn’t know Hiatus had blue eyes… I thought he had yellow”

Quick stepped away, but this time, his face was unreadable.

“You’re not from the Issumatar Pack like Hiatus” Everest said. “Will, you should know. What is he?”

                        “Ipiktok” Will provided.

“Do you know what happened to them?” Everest asked Quick sharply.

Quick opened his mouth, but for the first time since they had meant, he seemed at a loss for words.

“They were wiped out. Do you know by whom?”

Quick remained silent.

“The same one who’s trying to do it again. And you’re helping him. If you still think you should kill me though, go right on ahead”

No one moved. Odin and Will, tense and ready to defend Everest kept their eyes on Quick. Everest’s blue eyes seemed to bore holes right through Quick, who couldn’t move. He had never heard that side of the story before…

“You’ve got two choices. Go ahead and kill me… I’m not fighting back. Or you can help reverse what you’ve already done”

            “You’re going to let him in the pack after all-!”

Will bumped Odin, making him shut up. Everest sat still and watched Quick, who didn’t know what to do. Everest stood up.

“I’m going back to the den now. Okay? Since it’s pretty clear you’re confused, you can either suck it up and meet us back at the cave, or you can call me out and we can have another fight. You know where to find us”

With that, Everest turned and started back for the den. Will followed after, giving a wary glance at Quick and Odin scowled, following Everest too and muttering the whole way back to the den.

            Later on that night, the three wolves settled back in the cave to sleep. But just as each was closing his eyes, the sounds of soft paws padding on the cave floor drew their attention.

            “The nerve of him coming back! I’ll teach him a thing or-!”

“Go to sleep Odin” Everest said sharply.

Odin grumbled and curled into a tight ball. A few moments later, Quick’s unsteady form shuffled in. He swayed for a few seconds, as if still unsure, but finally settled down near the mouth of the cave, a little farther away from everyone else. Everest closed his eyes and sighed peacefully. He had nothing to fear from Quick anymore. And when morning came, Quick was still in the cave. Everest was the first awake, as usual and stepped quietly out into the sun, letting it warm his coat. Something scuffled behind him.

“Mornin’ Quick” Everest yawned, glancing over his shoulder.

Quick nodded but didn’t say anything. Like the day before, his expression was unreadable. Everest climbed up the side of the dried riverbank so that he could get a view of the territory. No one ever entered anyway, so there was no rush…

            “Uh… about yesterday” Quick started quietly. “I… um… wanna be part of the pack…”

Everest nodded understandingly.

            “I think I kind of owe it to you… Hiatus still thinks I’m a part of his pack. If you need me to go back there, just say so”

The sun continued to rise and just when Everest thought for sure that there were no intruders, something caught his eye. Squinting, all he could make out was a lone figure. Loners were more dangerous… more capable of being spies and not being seen. Everest hopped back down to the riverbank.

“Odin, Will. Intruder… let’s go”

Odin and Will scrambled up.

“It’s a loner, so don’t rough him up too much. He looks like he’s wandering around, not trying to find anything”

            The pack trekked through the slippery rock until they had reached the lowest part of their territory. The lone figure, a black wolf with red-brown and white markings, sniffed the ground franticly, almost as if his life depended on it. Everest studied the loner, then stepped out.

“Lost?”

The wolf jumped and spun around.

            “Stay away from me!” he hissed. “I’m not going back!”

“I’m not trying to bring you anywhere. This is my territory”

The wolf narrowed its eyes. Odin and Will came out, backing up Everest, but this only made the intruder more on edge. He froze, dark eyes studying. Then, he spun, trying to make a break for it. He only got so far… Quick had snuck up behind and the smaller dark wolf ran right into Quick and practically bounced off.

“Are you lost?” Everest repeated, a little louder.

The dark wolf threw an angry glare at Everest, but Everest stared kindly back. Suddenly, the wolf’s glare broke up and he started to sniffle.

            “They took my brothers and father” he sniffed. “I don’t know why! This huge white wolf just came in with his pack and took our best defenders!”

Everest’s kind eyes burned. Hiatus was starting his project...

“Will, why don’t you take him down to the creek so he can get a drink. We’ll fill you in when you get back”

The red brown wolf nodded and led the way down to the creek. As the pair walked slowly along, Will wondered about the wolf trailing him. His father had told him about wolves like this one from the Palartok pack, but Cedar had also said that these wolves were so shy and so rare, he was probably never going to see one… but he also said the same thing about Illiivat wolves. Will snorted to himself.

            “What?!” the other wolf said defensively.

“Nothing!” Will shot back. “I was just thinking about something… so, uh… what’s your name?”

            “Why should I trust you? Every time I even remotely trust anyone, it ends up biting me in the butt”

Will mulled it over in his mind. He’d never really thought about that… Everest and Cedar had both taught using trust.

“Everest’s not like that. We’re not like that. Well, Quick tried to kill Everest… but they’re friends now. And we’re trying to help you”

The other wolf was quiet for a while.    

“My name’s Tempest” the wolf said quietly. Then, as Will tried to follow her down to the creek, she added “Do you have to babysit me while I go get a drink?”

Caught off guard by Tempest’s harshness, Will moved aside. Tempest pushed past Will roughly and stalked down to the creek. Will settled down and carefully kept a watch on the newcomer. A few moments later, Tempest returned, refreshed and calmer. But this time Will could smell something different… His eyes popped open.

“You’re a girl?!”

Tempest stopped and threw Will a shocked and disgusted look.

            “Are you spying on me?!” she shrieked angrily.

“I-I-I w-wasn’t watch-spying on-!”

Tempest shoved into Will, sending the still stuttering wolf stumbling backward.

“I’m sorry- I didn’t-!” Will continued, trying to follow Tempest. The branch Tempest had pulled back whipped back and hit Will square in the head, knocking him to the ground. Tempest stormed back to the pack and when she reached them, Everest studied her curiously.

“Where’s Will? I thought he was supposed to be watching you?”

            “He tripped” Tempest replied.

Everest raised an eyebrow, but his eyes shifted to Will who tottered up, uncertainly.

“I thought you were supposed to watch him”

            “Her” Will said quietly.

“No him”

            “Her. He’s a girl” Will said. “Her name is Tempest”

“Oh” Everest said. “Anyway, we figure Quick can bring me in “dead” since Hiatus thinks he’s still part of the pack, but… Hiatus would probably try to make sure… any ideas?”

Tempest’s eyes lit up.

            “I do!” she supplied excitedly.

Chapter IV

            Quick and Tempest quietly made their way into Ublureak territory, eyes searching for the scouts they knew would be there. Everest was draped over Quick and playing dead.

“Just play it cool” he murmured, “The only reason you can’t see them is because they think I’m dead”

            “You sure do smell like it” Quick retorted. “How long does it take for that sulfur to go away?”

                        “It washes away with a lot of water” Tempest said.

Quick and Everest were calm and cool, but Tempest was nervous and jumpy. For all of her life, she had lived in peace and never had to do anything like this. She had never trusted anyone outside of her family either. A voice ahead of her brought her thoughts to a halt.

“Ah, Quick, I was wondering when you’d be back” Hiatus beamed.

            “And I got something for you too” Quick grinned. “Two things actually”

Hiatus looked at Tempest.

“Oh yes, she got away from us yesterday” Hiatus exclaimed. “Put her with the others”

Arrow and Wave snatched Tempest roughly and dragged her away. Once Tempest was out of site, Quick dumped the “dead” Everest on the ground. Hiatus could barely contain his joy.

“And I trust he really is dead?”

            “Of course” Quick gloated, eyes half closed.

“Well in that case, throw him in the cave with the others so they can see what’s coming. And tomorrow, we’ll parade him around”

Quick nodded and dragged Everest to the den which had now been dug out so it could hold more wolves. Quick placed Everest on the ground and looked around.

            “I’ll check in on you later, okay? Otherwise Hiatus will know something was up”

Tempest nodded and Quick exited. Everest picked himself up and shook off. Everyone in the cave except Tempest gasped and pressed themselves as far away as possible. Tempest turned around and grinned.

“It’s alright. I was never dead” Everest smiled.

            “It’s sulfur” Tempest told an older wolf. “Everest, this is my dad, Alder”

The older wolf Tempest nodded to stepped forward.

“Hello sir, it’s an honor to-.”

            “You survived” the old wolf interrupted.

Everest stopped and studied Alder’s face.

“Well, yeah. Tempest suggested sul-.”

            “You were supposed to be dead. Aryan killed you. And your parents”

“What…?” Everest breathed in disbelief.

                        “Everest… what do we do now?” Tempest asked. “We need to get out”

Everest tore his eyes away from Tempest’s father, forcing himself to think.

“Um… tonight. We’ll try to get out tonight when it’s dark and no one can see us”

Everest turned back to Alder, but the old wolf had laid down and was closing his eyes. Before Everest could speak again, Alder cut him off.

            “What is in the past should be left in the past. Not that it matters… it’s just repeating all over again”

Everest thought about it for a few seconds, and then plopped down onto the floor so that he still looked like he was dumped there. Thoughts raced through his head but as it got later, his eyelids got heavier until finally, they drooped and closed.

            When Everest woke up again, he heard Quick’s voice.

“You don’t understand” Quick whispered hoarsely.

            “What’s not to understand?” came Fly’s angry voice. “You killed him and now you’re gonna pay!”

Everest rolled over quietly to see what was happening. Fly had Quick pinned up against the wall, both paws on his throat. Quick’s eyes jumped to Everest.

“Fly, he’s not lying”

Fly gasped, let Quick crumble to the ground and dashed to Everest, tears running down her face.

            “I thought you were-!”

“Dead? Naw, just taking a nap” Everest smiled, licking the end of her nose. “And planning a little rescue”

Fly frowned.

            “Well at least this time he’s not going to try to kill you since he thinks the job’s done. Just be gone by morning. And I don’t want to do this every other week! Worrying about you getting captured….”

“Don’t worry about it” Everest said. “But we’re going to get out of here soon, so you better get out so no one sees you”

Fly nodded regretfully.

            “I’ll probably see you again in a few days when you’ve been recaptured again” Fly smirked, giving Everest a last nuzzle.

Fly left sulkily Quick moving sharply out of her way as he watched her leave.

            “Don’t make her angry!” Quick advised. “It’s not pretty… well actually now that I think about it…”

“Is it dark out?”

Quick nodded.

“Then let’s go”

Everest, Tempest and Quick woke up the rest of the Palartok pack and Everest led the way out. Quick had knocked out the four wolves that were guarding the cave, so it was easy for them to slip away.  The Palartok wolves picked up the pace while Will and Odin, who had waited all night, stood guard at the woods and Everest came last, making sure no one fell behind.

            “Halt where you are!”

Hiatus, wolves scrambling after him, stormed after the pack. Everest shoved the wolves that had stopped but both Quick and Tempest darted back, blocking Everest from view.

            “Quick?!” came Hiatus’s confused voice.

Quick stiffened up and Everest rolled his eyes. Well there goes our spy…

                        “That’s right” Quick said coldly. “You never told me what you were doing… and you killed my family!”

Everest heard an uneasy silence and could only imagine Hiatus’s shock at Quick.

            “Who told you that?” Hiatus hissed. “That’s a lie!”

                        “The only person that seems to tell the truth around here!” Quick yelled back.

Everest could imagine Hiatus’s cruel smile.

            “Yes but you killed him…”

Even though Everest still couldn’t see him, he knew that cold reality was washing over Hiatus.

            “Arrow, was there anything left in the cave?”

                        “No…” Arrow’s small voice answered.

            “Where is-?”

“Right here!” Everest declared, not able to take hiding. “You’re going too far! I told you already, killing off packs isn’t going to do anything but ruin how everything’s balanced!”

            “I’d watch it if I were you” Hiatus said coldly. “Each word coming out of your mouth is shortening your life. I wasn’t really trying to get you before, but don’t underestimate me”

Out of the corner of his eye, Everest could see wolves creeping up behind them. Tempest and Quick had noticed as well and both concentrated on Everest for hidden directions. Everest, who could practically feel their eyes watching, tilted his head ever so slightly to the right, knowing they’d get the message. Tempest and Quick picked up on it and tensely waited to spring into action. All at once, Everest dived at Hiatus. Tempest and Quick broke into a dead run back at the woods leading the three other wolves with them.

            “Leave them!” Hiatus thundered. “Get the Illiivat but don’t kill him! That’ll be my job…”

Everest paused to look over his shoulder and see if Hiatus was following him. Then, satisfied, Everest took off. He led the group chasing him into the unoccupied territory between the Ublureak and his own pack’s then stopped and crouched low. A few minutes later, Arrow led his three friends ran past where Everest was hiding, but Everest still stayed where he was. When Hiatus passed, Everest got to his feet and carefully tracked Hiatus. When the white and grey wolf went down a trail that was alongside a cliff, Everest took the trail that would end up above the one Hiatus was taking. Everest picked up the pace and found a point where he knew Hiatus would be unable to get him. Then he lay down and waited for Hiatus to pass.

“You’re not going to find me down there” Everest called.

Hiatus whipped around and searched until his yellow eyes found Everest. The golden wolf rested his head on his paws.

“I’m not going anywhere anytime soon either. This is another warning…”

Hiatus shook his head.

            “I don’t know when you’re going to understand this, but you’re not going to win. Sure you might be a little brighter then dumb and faster then Arrow, but do you really think it’s going to last? My pack grows every day. Your cause is hopeless and if I were you, I’d just come down here so it would be over quick and painless”

Everest pretended to consider it.

“Naw… staying alive seems like much more fun so far”

Hiatus frowned.

            “Honestly, how long do you think you’ll last out here?”

“As long as I have to” Everest replied sharply.

Suddenly, something made fur stand up on the back of Everest’s neck. Something flickered in Hiatus’s eye. Before Arrow jumped from behind him, Everest knew he was there.

“Arrow, you don’t have to do this” Everest started sincerely as his old pack mate missed him by inches.

            “Shut up. I’m with Hiatus and I know what he’s doing. You’re not going to win me over”

“What about what your father taught you! Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

            “What father?” Arrow growled. “He could have cared less about me. All he talked about was you!”

Everest paused for a second. Hiatus is going to get up here soon.

“Arrow, I don’t want to have to hurt you but I will!”

            “Yeah right! Hiatus already told us that you don’t kill!”

Everest glanced over his shoulder and turned back to Arrow.

“I’m warning you!” Everest growled. “Either let me go or else”

            “There’s no way I’m letting you go!”

“Suit yourself” Everest said quietly.

Arrow dived for Everest, misjudging the distance between him and the edge of the trail. Everest didn’t do anything more then sidestep. Arrow slipped right over the edge and tumbled down to Hiatus who was still trying to find a way up to Everest.

            “You idiot!” Hiatus yelled. “I’d have a better chance if I’d trained squirrels!”

Everest peered over the edge again.

“I better get going then” Everest grinned.

            “Don’t get comfortable” Hiatus growled, eyes burning. “You’ll be dead before you know it”

“I look forward to it” Everest nodded.

Everest took one last look then turned and headed back to the den.

            Just as Everest had imagined, his pack was pacing around in front of the cave.

“Miss me?”

Odin, who was closest, scrambled to his feet.

            “Where were you?!”

“Talking to Hiatus” Everest replied casually.

The Palartok pack, now much more relaxed and calm, were waiting.

            “They refuse to leave without talking to you first” Will grinned.

Alder, now smiling, greeted Everest first.

            “Our pack is in your debt, young Illiivat”

Everest smiled.

“It was the whole pack…” Everest said. “It’s all in a day’s work”

            “But if there is anything we can do…”

“There is one thing… what happened? A long time ago… when my parents were alive?”

Alder frowned.

            “I’m not the person to tell you that. What happened back then is something everyone wants to forget… but Hiatus is determined to relive”

Everest thought about it curiously.

“Then who’s supposed to tell me?”

Alder shrugged.

            “All in good time. Until then, we thank you”

Everest nodded and the Palartok pack started off. Tempest hung back for a few seconds, looking between Everest and her pack.

            “Come along Tempest” Alder called.

Tempest jogged up to her father and whispered something in his ear. Alder glanced at Everest and the pack and gave Tempest a curt nod and smile. Tempest bounded back and the rest of the pack continued on.

            “Why is your pack leaving without you?!” Quick demanded.

Quick turned to Everest who shrugged.

“We could always use more pack members”

            “But, but, but-!”

Tempest grinned and followed Everest and the rest of the pack into the den.

                        “Oh I’m not that bad!” Tempest smirked. “But you better get used to me since you’re going to be seeing a lot more of me!”

Everest, Fly, Hiatus, Will, Chestnut, Bark, Tempest, Alder, Quick, Odin, Arrow, Wave, Echo, Wave and Ice (c) me