Three Years Later

Macca could smell it and it frightened him. The chanting was all around him and the scent of blood seemed to cling on the air. The large shadowy wolf snarled at him and lunged, its vicious jaws wide open and aiming for his throat. He tried to run but found he could not move. Angrily and in terror he tried to force his paws forward but to no avail. He turned and screamed as the shadowy figure landed on him biting and tearing at his paw!

            Macca! Macca hold still I’m trying to help you!

Macca woke up with a start, his fur feeling icy cold as he shook in fright! His dark blue eyes looked around him in fear searching for the shadowy figure. Instead they fell onto his older sister Elise. She was staring at him oddly and holding his paw tightly.

            Are you all right, you look like you just saw a ghost!

Macca shook his head and answered panting as he tried to reply.

            Yeah…yeah…I think so! Sorry Elise it’s just that I’ve been having these dreams lately…well they’re more like nightmares…but anyways what are you doing here?

Elise nodded at the paw she was still holding and Macca now understood what the stinging pain had been.

            I came over to tell you to get your butt into town and say good-bye to Dallas. But when I got here you were whining and whimpering like a newborn kitten! So I took a quick look and found this!

Macca winced as she dug the large pine needle out from his paw. So that was the mysterious pain. He smiled at his sister’s look of triumph when the needle came out. Elise would always be the responsible big sister.

            There! Now suck on your paw for a few minutes and lets get going!

Macca saluted with his good paw and laughed at his sister’s bossy tone.

            Yes maam! Right away maam!

Elise shoved him lightly but with just enough force to tip him over. Macca lay sprawled out on the ground looking up at his sister laughing at him. Snorting in pretend annoyance he swaggered ahead of her, moaning about how cruel she was to a butterfly nearby.

            I tell you mister butterfly the things a guy has to take! Talk about your abusive siblings! And here I am her biggest fan and this is the thanks I get!

Elise giggled and nudged him forward.

            C’mon you big lump of a brother, Ill race you to the Post Office!

Macca took off after her, and the brother and sister laughed as they ran, enjoying the sunlight while they still could.

            A black and light yellow wolf husky waited patiently by the Post Office. His ears and part of his forehead and face were light yellow, so was his underbelly and the two high stockings that were on his front legs. His eyes were a light almost emerald green and they were surrounded by light yellow eye patches. The rest of him was dark black, and he also had a dark purple bandana loosely fastened around his neck, it shifted as he laid his head down on his front paws.

            It’s a good thing I’m patient!

He thought to himself as he waited for his brothers and sister to arrive. He had just been about to fall asleep when he heard the excited laughter of some other dogs. He easily recognized his mom and dad’s voice, and his older brother Dallas. His sharp ears picked out Balto and Jenna, and it almost sounded like Kinosh was there as well. Sighing he opened one eye just in time to see Dallas charging at him! Jazz yelped as his brother tackled him roughly and started trying to snatch his bandana. He tried to make Dallas let go, but his brother was too strong. As Dallas kept on yanking Jazz shot a pleading glance at his father.

            All right Dallas! I think we can safely say that Jazz is awake and alert, right son?

Jazz nodded and glared at his older brother smiling smugly. It really wasn’t a fair fight anyways! He told himself grumpily.

Dallas was almost twice as big as him yet smaller than Macca and Elise. Dallas’s muzzle, chest and underbelly were dark brown, along with the tip on his tail. He had light yellow ears and eye patches and all four of his had high yellow stockings. His eyes were like their mothers, a light almost caramel brown. He wore a thick gold collar and ran on the same sled team as their older sister. While Jazz was the quiet one Dallas was the complete opposite. He was always filled with energy no matter what the time, and he loved to tease his brothers and sister. He had always idolized Balto and had always known that he wanted to be a sled dog. Sometimes his teasing could get annoying and then only if you snapped at him would he back off. Truth be told Jazz had always envied Dallas and Elise, they got to visit exciting places and have adventures while he and Macca stayed home and watched Muk and Luk hit each other with snowballs.

Hey Jazz look there’s Dingo and Kodi lets go say hi. Macca and Elise still aren’t here anyways and the rest of the team isn’t ready yet. Before Jazz could say anything Dallas had made a beeline for their two friends. Dingo grinned at Dallas and the two started talking like they were best friends. Jazz nodded politely to Kodi and tried to think of something to say that wouldn’t sound stupid. Although he and Kodi had practicly grown up together they were way too different now. Kodi wanted to make the mail team, while Jazz was content to stay at home. He was just about to comment on the weather when he heard the light laughter of Elise floating towards him. His ears picked up and he had to laugh at what he saw, Elise and Macca were running towards town. Macca had held himself back and was letting Elise win when something caught his eye in the group of dogs. Jazz saw his brother’s ears perk up and a determined grin split his face. Jazz turned around quickly craning his neck to see what had caught Maccas attention. When he saw what it was it came as no surprise to him. Near by a dark brown and light grey wolf dog had just walked up to Dingo, and was now chatting happily with her older brother.

It wasn’t often that Aleu came to see the sled team off and she was a bit surprised with herself for actually coming today. She really couldn’t stand those dogs and their owners, hugging and petting them. All it ever did was remind her that she had never gotten adopted and that she probably never would. She resented the fact that nobody wanted her, and she almost hated herself for even being born and for being made fun of by some of the other dogs. It’s just so hard! She thought to herself as she listened to the droning of voices all around her. A sudden noise caused her to look up in surprise and she smiled as she saw Macca skid to a stop in town. He was panting and trying to catch his breath when Elise came running up beside him. She nudged him good-naturedly and then scanned the crowd for a familiar face, trying to pick out her family and teammates. Aleu watched as Elise’s eyes seemed to linger on her and a friendly smile showed on her face. She walked up boldly to Aleu and wagged her tail.

Hey Aleu how’s it going!

Aleu nodded politely and answered back a little shortly. Although Elise had always been nice to her, Aleu had become intensely jealous of the wolf dog.

Fine Elise. Good race, but I couldn’t help noticing that Macca kicked your tail again!

Aleu noticed with some satisfaction that Elise’s eyes fell and her tail had stopped wagging. She tried to stay pleasant but Aleu knew she had won this invisible battle.

Uh yeah, my brothers a great runner. Look Aleu Ill see you later okay, it looks like Kinosh wants to get everyone ready to go.  

An ugly feeling inched its way into Aleu¢s mind and heart as she watched Elise nuzzle Kinosh happily. The jealousy tore at her when Kinosh nuzzled Elise back longingly, and Aleu wanted to throw up. It just wasn’t fair, Kinosh was the most gorgeous husky in this stinking town and he had chosen that wolf dog over her! Now Elise was flaunting that she had him, she was flaunting the fact that Kinosh wasn’t even interested in anyone else. Aleu glared at the two and if looks could kill Elise would have been dead in an instant.

            Aleu are you okay?

Aleu looked in surprise at the concerned face behind her. Macca stared at her curiously and Aleu felt herself blushing. After knowing Macca for almost her entire life Aleu still found it hard not to stare at his unusual bright red and yellow striped fur. Against her better judgement she studied him and let her eyes linger a little longer on his dark blue ones. He was solidly built and looked every inch the pure blooded wolf he was. His red and yellow fur was striped in a diagonal pattern from his ear to tail, and he was taller than most of the other dogs around town. His fur was thick but it still couldn’t hide the muscle he had on him. Realising that she was looking like an idiot she nodded hello and then said the first thing that popped into her head.

How was the race? Are you tired?

Macca looked taken aback for a moment and Aleu wished the earth would swallow her up. His eyes twinkled at her in slight amusement as he answered and Aleu found her self-having a hard time resisting the urge to nuzzle him. Being a gentleman Macca didn’t mention her stupid comment and instead just answered politely.

            It wasn’t too bad; Elise is getting really fast though. One day she may actually beat me.

He wasn’t trying to brag Aleu knew, just trying to keep the conversation flowing. Anyways before she could say something else Macca called out to someone behind them.

            Hey mom, hi Jenna. Have you guys seen Dallas around? I can never keep track of him!

Breeze walked up to her son and greeted him warmly. Jenna and Aleu chuckled as Macca blushed in embarrassment. Breeze smiled and said happily. 

Knowing Dallas he’s probably trying to convince some of the humans to get free food! Jazz is over there with him and Elise is talking to Aurora.

Macca grinned and then ran off to find his brothers and sister. He heard Dallas’s loud excited voice above the other noise and he laughed at what he saw. Dallas was flirting outrageously with a bunch of females, while Jazz talked with Elise nearby. Macca sidestepped Dallas and groaned inwardly as he saw Kinosh nuzzling his sister. Jerk!! Macca quickly snuck up on the two and neatly tripped Kinosh, causing him to fall flat on his face. Elise looked up in surprise and glared when she saw her Maccas smug face smiling at her innocently. Kinosh quickly picked himself up and started to growl at the red and yellow wolf.

What was that for you jerk!

Macca simply ignored him and started talking to Jazz, but Kinosh would not be ignored. He growled at Macca and grew infuriated when he didn’t acknowledge him.

Hey wolf face I’m talking to you! Who do you think you are ignoring me; I’m the national sled champions lead dog! You can’t just try and make me look like a fool without owning up to it.

It was then that Kinosh did something very stupid. He glared as Macca started to walk away with Jazz, and he quickly kicked a rock at the back of the red and yellow wolfs head. It struck Macca hard and as he turned around Kinosh called out in a high mocking voice.

            Come on you no good cat toy! Why don’t you come over here and show me what you’re made of!

Macca growled and started to circle Kinosh, a crowd of dogs formed a circle around the two and Dallas pushed his way through. He walked up to Macca and held him back.

Come on Macca let it go. Kinosh isn’t worth tearing apart right now, besides mom will kill you if you get into a fight.

Macca nodded and allowed Dallas to lead him out of the ring. He walked over to Elise said his good byes to her and Dallas quickly before heading back out to his den in the woods. He hated being the only wolf in town, the only one that didn’t have an owner besides Aleu. As he reached his den Macca decided to keep walking for a while. He knew that he was different from his family but just because his fur was unusual didn’t mean he was a bad guy. He shook his head in confusion and kept going.

From behind some trees an old greying wolf watched the red and yellow striped wolf in stunned disbelief. He flinched as a young hawk landed beside him and watched as well. Speaking softly the old wolf spoke to the hawk in now certain fear and regret.

            Kebal look, it is just like the legend says. Do you realize what this means?

The hawks golden brown eyes looked at his friend and spoke in a high tenor voice.

Yes Tsinge, the one of red and yellow is here at last. We must get him to meet Ty maybe together they can stop the madness that is the Silent Killers. Isn’t that what the legend says?

Tsinge nodded and felt his heart soften at the mention of Ty, his only son. He knew that the legend ad spoken of this, and that the Silent Killers must be stopped; but why did it have to be Ty, and would this strange wolf be able to defeat the evil that was plaguing them all? Tsinge looked at Kebal and spoke softly to his old friend.

            I am going to approach this wolf and introduce myself; you fly back and let Ty know that we will be back soon.

Kebal nodded and then wishing his friend luck he flew off into the sky, back to where their home was. Tsinge watched him fly off and then walked slowly out behind the strange wolf. He watched as the wolf’s muscles tensed and he stopped, standing stock-still. Knowing he had been detected Tsinge walked forward a couple more paces watching carefully to see what the young wolf would do. Suddenly the red and yellow wolf spun around, his lips frowning and his body held ready. He spoke with a certain type of quiet confidence and his dark blue eyes stared at Tsinge curiously as he sized up the older wolf.

            Who are you and why have you been watching me?

Tsinge started in surprise, for the wolf had given no sign that he had known of their presence. He spoke calmly enough and with a bit of disdain and mystery.

 I am Tsinge the Storyteller and Keeper of Legends and I have a certain legend that might interest you Mr….?

Maccas curiosity was aroused and he came forward and sniffed this strange wolf. His blue eyes glimmered as he asked some questions of his own.

            My names Macca, son of Breeze and Josh, what legends are you talking about Tsinge and how could they possibly interest me? You don’t even know me!

Tsinge cackled a laugh and started to lead Macca back to his den.

Don’t worry Macca everything will make sense to you eventually. Tell me about yourself and your family.

Tsinge listened with interest as Macca told him about his family and his life in Nome. By the time the young wolf had finally run out of things to say they were at an old stone den. Macca looked at the stones curiously and noticed something disturbing; the dens walls were made of stones placed perfectly on top of one another. They were like someone had placed them there. Macca heard alow growling from inside the den and he stopped as Tsinge called out a greeting.

It’s only your old dad Ty, didn’t Kebal tell you we were coming. A light grey male wolf with Dark black eye patches stepped out of the cave. He stared at Macca and found himself strangely looking into two identical dark blue eyes. Macca looked at this strange new wolf and mentally sized him up. He was a light grey all over except for the fur on top of his muzzle, around his eyes, a small tuft in his ears, and a curious patch of fur that encircled his neck and disappeared down his chest. The wolf greeted Tsinge and then looked at Macca cautiously.

Dad you can’t just keep inviting in strangers willy-nilly like this! Its unsafe, part of having a hidden den is to keep it hidden! We cant do that if your always bringing others here.

Tsinge smiled at Ty and answered as he led Macca into the cave.

When was the last time I had someone over, huh?

Ty smirked knowingly and nudged his father lightly.

Last week, that family of four wolves you so graciously invited to spend a few days with us! I mean come on Dad I’m surprised you only brought back one with you today.

Tsinge smiled and chuckled at Tys comments. He looked over at Maccas puzzled face and said.

Macca this is my son Ty, Ty this is Macca. I have something very important for both him and you to know, and it just so happens Ty that it has to do with that family that just stayed with us. But Ill get to that later, have you gone hunting yet?

            Ty shook his head no and then smirked at Macca.

Naw not yet dad, but hey why don’t I take Macca out with me. I could probably use the extra help!

            Macca didn’t like the way Ty had said that, it was like he was going to try and prove something if he went along. But not wanting to be rude he nodded his consent, besides he was still bigger than Ty and he could probably take down the other wolf if any problems arised. He nodded once to Tsinge and then followed Ty out of the cave. They walked in silence for a while until they were out of the hearing range of the cave. Ty turned quickly and snarled at Macca, smirking also.

You may have fooled my father stranger, but you can’t fool me! I can smell the humans and dogs all over you! Your not a real wolf because a real wolf would never befriend the humans or their pets! So here’s your chance, you and I will have a friendly little fight to see who the real wolf is. Are you in?

            Macca smiled lightly and sighed as if he was being talked into it or hesitating.

Okay Ty if you insist!

            Without any further warning Ty snarled and jumped right at him. Macca dodged his charge and then spun around to face him, still smiling lightly. He goaded Ty on by saying.

What’s the matter with you Ty, you missed me! Is that what a real wolf knows how to do best?

Ty snarled and this time faked charging right but actually jumped to the left. He hit Macca hard and they both rolled onto the ground. Macca pinned him down effortlessly and simply smirked at him. Ty glared at him and snarled for a second and then smiled slightly in embarrassment.

Okay you won! Now get off of me before I’m crushed to death will you!

Macca got off and chuckled lightly at Tys indignation He trotted forwards a few steps and then looked over his shoulder and teased Ty lightly.

What’s next Sensei! You going to teach me how to fight a caterpillar!

            Ty snorted and then motioned for Macca to follow him quietly. He led the red and yellow striped wolf down an old wooded path and halted after a while. He nodded to Macca and whispered quietly to him.

Okay big shot here is your next lesson, how to snag a caribou!

            Macca looked at the small valley the caribous were resting in and his mind almost exploded at their staggering size. He had never seen a caribou before let alone hunted one, and he was a little nervous about trying to bite and grab something that big. He looked at Ty with his eyes wide and a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me, look on his face. Ty laughed at him and quickly explained his plan.

Would you relax! Here’s the deal, since you’ve obviously never hunted before your going to be our distraction!

            Macca looked at him in disbelief.

Uh how am I supposed to distract a whole herd of caribou!

            Ty looked at his fur and grinned playfully.

Something tells me it won’t be too hard for you! Anyways while your distracting them so graciously I am going to be picking out a good one for our dinner. Keep an eye out for me because once I start chasing them I’m going to need you to help me tire our dinner out. All you have to do is snap at their legs and if get a chance bite the shoulder or the throat or anything that will help us to kill it! Got all that Macca?

Macca nodded and felt Ty pushing him forwards impatiently. He walked slowly out of the trees and towards the caribou wondering how he was going to distract them all. He need not have worried though because as soon as the caribou spotted the bright red and yellow striped wolf coming towards them they forgot all fear and stared in slack jawed amazement. Macca had gotten up to about twelve feet of the first ones when he saw Ty motioning to a sick and old male bull. Macca grimaced in disgust at the thought of eating this thing that the flies were buzzing around. He looked at Ty and watched him motion again in annoyed impatience. Macca finally nodded and then watched Ty spring at the old male, snarling and salivating. With a start the caribou realized what was happening and they took off, with Macca and Ty snarling and keeping the old male away from the others. Macca saw Ty spring on to the caribous back, and suddenly Macca felt his own lips lifting in a snarl as his instincts kicked in. He tried to bite the caribou’s shoulder but he missed and the old male struck out at him with his hoofs, narrowly missing Maccas side. Macca was shocked that the bull had tried to attack him but he started to get angry and this made him even more determined. This time he actually sprang at the animal’s throat and managed to get his jaws locked onto the caribou’s soft flesh. He quickly pulled hard and felt the skin rip away with something wet and sticky spraying into his mouth and onto his face. Macca quickly landed and then turned around ready to attack again. Ty dropped down beside him and grinned as the old bull fell heavily. With a loud bellow the male stopped breathing and lay still. Ty punched Maccas shoulder lightly and laughed, panting heavily at the same time.

Wasn’t that awesome man! We caught a good one, and hey you were great! I didn’t think you had the guts to go for the throat like that!

            Ty pranced over to the meat gleefully and Macca followed. Despite his earlier repulsion at the idea of eating this caribou, the smell of the meat and the pride he was feeling caused him to bite into the meat hungrily. He had almost swallowed a big chunk when Ty pushed him off lightly. Macca coughed as the meat went down his throat roughly. He looked at Ty in disbelief and glared at him speaking angrily.

What was that all about!

            Ty just looked at him in amusement.

Macca you really don’t know anything about the life of a real wolf do you? I figured this was your first hunt but I assumed you knew about Anius blessing.

            Macca looked at Ty in confusion. He had never heard of an Aniu before and he told Ty that in so many words.

Huh! What’s an Aniu and why do I need its blessing!

            Not its blessing Macca, you need her blessing, it’s an old wolf tradition. Let me do it quickly and then I will tell you all about it while we eat.

Macca nodded his consent and then watched silently in confusion and intrest as Ty circled the carcass three times and then spoke softly.

Great Aniu we thank you for enabling us to catch and kill this creature, and we humbly ask you to watch over us and to look down upon us in favour.

            Ty than sat and howled long, his deep voice rising and falling as he gave his final respects. He stopped after a few minutes and then tore off a bite of the meat. Chewing it hungrily he winked at Macca and then started to tell him of Anius blessing.

Okay Macca Im going to give you a little bit of a wolf history lesson, since you obviously know nothing about it. Aniu was a beautiful pure white wolf that one-day was turned into a spirit after she died. All wolves now believe to some extent that she watches over us even now. Different packs have their own legends about her but one thing mostly all packs do is the blessing before they eat, just like I showed you a few minutes ago. Now don’t ask me how she turned into a spirit or why we all ask her blessing be cause I don’t know. But what I do know is that for a pack to not acknowledge her at all…well that would go against wolf-dom itself!

            Macca tried not to look too sceptical but he couldn’t help it! It all sounded a little far-fetched. The very idea of a wolf thanking another long ago dead was a little bit creepy and foreign to him. He nodded politely and didn’t say anything focusing on chewing the new piece of meat he had gotten.

            Far away an angry patrol of male wolves were committing murder. A large all black wolf, was watching as his soldiers rounded up the remains of the Starclan. He had a jagged scar over one eye and three scars on his right shoulder. These were the marks that told the others of his rank and authority. His dark brown eyes were cruel as he watched the pitiful group of remaining wolves being bullied into a circle. Small whimpers from the pups made him smile as he realized he had the power of life and death over them all. He nodded to his second in command Etani, and addressed him coldly.

Make sure none of them are left alive Etani.

            Etani was a light grey and he looked at the Captain questioningly, a sick sort of delight in his voice as he asked.

All of them Captain Campion, even the pups?

Campion nodded and then watched as his patrol murdered the remains of the Starclan. The screams of the pups reached him and he smirked. That old fool Gunner should have listened to him and swore his allegiance to Cloud. Maybe then this wouldn’t have happened, he thought of how the other, weaker wolf packs around would react to the news. No doubt, it would strike fear into their hearts.  The screams stopped shortly after they had begun and Etani walked up to Campion respectfully with the rest of the patrol.  Campion nodded to them and smiled, he quickly ran off to the farther north knowing that the others would follow him without question. Campions stride increased and he streaked across the snow, without knowing that one-day soon his world would be turned upside down.

A small wolf pup watched the wolves leave and he crawled out of the bushes where he had been hiding and looked around at his old home. With tears in his olive green eyes he found his mother and sisters dead bodies. Their still wet blood ran over his paws and stained them a crimson red. The two cuts on his left ear stung and bled a little and he wanted to howl his loss but he knew it wasn’t quite safe yet. Sobbing he buried his face into his mothers once warm fur and shivered. A cold wind blew through the once peaceful valley and it ruffled the small wolves fur mockingly. The little wolf finished his mourning and a few minutes he had to leave and find shelter or else he knew he would freeze to death. He walked away slowly his paws leaving little crimson paw prints in the snow behind him. He promised himself that somehow he would make the murderers of his family pay. Up in the clouds and the sky, the spirit of Aniu wept for the murdered wolves and for the dangers she knew were coming. 

 The characters Macca, Elise, Dallas, Jazz, Breeze, Josh, Kinosh, Tsinge, Kebal, Ty, Campian, Etani, and Other are all my characters and are copyrighted to me! Please dont use them or draw them without my permission!

Balto, Jenna, Aleu, Kodi, Dingo, Saba, and any other Balto characters I forgot to mention, are the sole property of Universal Studios.

Any relation to anyone else's characters or ideas are simply coincidental and were in no way intended! Thanks for reading and have a great day!

breezestarbuck