Gwen.....

Gwen....!

Gwen!

Where are you.....?!

Every night he had nightmares of Gwen dying or runing away.

Kuro was thinking only of Gwen but he knew he could leave with the pack still climbing back from breaking apart.

Nick was his closest friend after that day.

He tried to tell Kuro that Gwen is fine but Kuro had to know for sure but everytime he would try to go something comes up and he has to put in aside.

Duncan kept looking for her as Kuro did his duty.

Despite his efforts he always come home with empty hands...er paws.

The Search parties didn't find her either.

Kuro was begining to lose his cool but hid his concern in public.
 

He had to find her!!

He couldn't wait any longer so one night he tried to escape the pack until he bumped into an outsider.

"OH! Excuse me young one......"It was an older wolf. Her eyes looked like Gwen's but her fur was faded white and a full blooded wolf.
 

"No. That was my fault." he said.

"May I ask who you are? I don't think you are apart of the wind clan." He asked the elder wolf.

"I'm Aiko. And no I'm not. I'm a rouge wolf and grandmother of Gwen and Duncan." she said.

Kuro's eyes widen.

"Gr-Grandmother?!?" he spoke.

"Yes. I wanted to visit my little pups. Where are they?" she asked.

He saw the physical traits so he knew she was telling the truth.

"Come. I'll tell you." he said.

He explained to her what happened to Gwen and where Duncan was as he lead her to the land.

"Poor pup. Its just one negitive thing after another." Aiko said sighing.

Kuro got curious.

"What do you mean?" he asked as they sat down.

"Well I shouldn' t tell you this but ever since she was born she was trouble from what I was told.
 

Her grandfather ,who was a husky, hated me after he found out I was a wolf. I told them after Gwen's father was born. He was so mad he took him as I slept and told him that I abandon him.
 

I met a wolf in the water clan and made him my mate. Had a female then a few years later she had 2 daughters. I stayed to watch them until  " she said.

Kuro listined to her closely.

She continued.

"Then when she was born he saw me in her. He probably ignored her to spite me he saw in her. Gwen was cursed in a way. It probably would have been better if she wasn't born at all."
 

His ears perked up.

"What?" he said coldly.

"Don't get me wrong but it would've been better if it was just been Duncan that was born. She's a hybreed. The males of the bloodline were treated better than the females any way-"
 

"Enough! Why would you say that about your granddaughter?! she's your flesh and blood!" he said staring at her.

"Forgive me. I'm tired from the trip. But one thing puzzles me. Why would you care so much about her any how?" she asked.

"I'm her mate." he said.

There was silent moment before she spoke.

"Really? Who would have thought she would catch someone like you. Interesting. I think I'll retire at Duncan's. Would you mind telling me how to get to his den? " she asked with a smile.

He growled quietly but pointed to his den. 
 

As she left he went back search for Gwen but the sun rose then he knew he had no time to go look.

"I'll find you Gwen! Just hang on." he said going back to his den alone once more.

Gwen was on a river bank.

The Mizu (water) clan territory wasn't far from the wind.

She felt something poking her.

She slowly she opened her eyes.

"Its Alive! " Gwen heard one say.

"Let's get her inside." the other said as Gwen blacked out again.

She woke up surprisingly outside again. A few wolves observed her as she woke up. Her wounds were healed quickly to her surprise. 

A large wolf of ligh blueish fur came to her. She assumed that she was the alpha. 

"Are you alright Gwen from the clan of the wind?" She said.

"Yea. You know me?"

"We've met at the leader's meeting yes? Your mate Kuro was there as well."

"Yes.You're Kasumi. Leader of the water clan." Gwen said.

"I must say this is a weird way to pay my clan a visit. Why are you here?" she asked Gwen.

"Well someone from a different clan tossed me off while I was trying to hunt. " Gwen explained.

"I see. Well stay as long as you need. we will take you back as soon as you are suit enough to leave." she said.

A wolf with peach creamish fur and golden eyes came to Gwen.

"This is Jayla. She will help you ." said Kasumi.

"Nice to meet ya." she said.

Two weeks went by.

Kuro tried every day to find Gwen but it was all in vain.

But the reason why he couldn't find her was she fell through a path that only the water clan knows.

Gwen wounds were fine but she was too weak to travel.

She didn't want to stay and make the other worry but she wouldn't survive  if she was attacked.

Jayla and Gwen quickly became friends. They talked and trained together.

When it was time to leave Jayla requested to accompany her and Kasumi granted her request as long as she returned.

Kuro was going out of his mind! Duncan and Nick has to constantly to calm down. He had hid his concern in public so the others would remain stable but Kuro was slowly losing his nerve.

Gwen's grandma was quite most of the time. She observe the clan and its members but rarley spoke unless it was with Duncan.

Once more he was about to go and look for Gwen once more Gwen but saw that he was followed. 

"Who's there?" he asked.

"Its just me.Aiko" 

"Aiko. You should be resting." he said.

"So should you. Why do you keep looking for her? Like you said: No traces of her are left." she  said.

"I will not stop until I know what happened to her. Why aren't you trying to look? Duncan tries too but he has to stay to his family and the clan. You should be just as worried." he said annoied.

Unknown to them Gwen was about to enter the land as she went ahead of Jayla until she heard them talking.

"Is that Grandma Aiko?" she thought to herself. She observed them. 

"She was mistake. They were told that they were to have only a male.  In truth, if it wasn't for her brother her father would have killed her for his anger towards me." she said.

Gwen felt her heart shattered like glass.

Kuro couldn't beleive what he was hearing!

"Well I'm glad that she was born! Making Gwen my mate was the most smartest thing I have ever done. My dad was strict and I barley remember my mother. Everyone treated me different because I was a jerk to everybody. Gwen was the only person who actually told me off. She was the only one with guts to tell me the truth. "he said.

"I heard that she got into fights. Huh. A wretched pup. Don't know her place." she said.

"Her place? Her place is with me and me with her. If you got your facts straight she only fought to protect Duncan." He said.

 "I also heard she was charged with treason. Like I said a curse life." she said.

"She was framed. My exgirfriend tried to get rid of her to get to me. If she didn't run off  to proved her innocents it would have been  a full scale war." he said.

She didn't respond.

"If you only knew how beutiful she and  her spirit is. Despite everything she still has a reason to smile. She is kind and she always tries to help. She makes me happy. I mean no disrespect but I will not sit here and listin as you insult her!" he said to her.

"KURO!!" Gwen shouted as she tackled Kuro with a hug.

"Gwen?! You're alive! I'll never leave you out of my sight again." he hugged her back.

Aiko stared at them.

" I missed you so much. I was scared that I wouldn't see you again. I don't think I can take it. Everytime you leave I...." he said trying to hide his tears.

"That will never happen. I will always return to you no matter where I am.My heart will be with you forever." she said with tears in her eyes.

"How? How did you survive? tell me!" he said to her.

"I will. I will. But think I need to talk to-" But as they turned Aiko was gone!

"Where did she-"

"Don't know but to be honest I really don't like her." Kuro said.

"Kuro that's my grandma, but I don't blame you. She didn't like me to well even as a pup. I never knew why." she said.

"Mabey I should talk about Aiko later." he thought.

"You must be Kuro. He's a keeper alright." a soft voice said  from behind.

Kuro turned to see Jayla.

His body completly froze.

"Kuro? Is something wrong?" she asked.

"I guess cat got his tounge." said Jayla.

"Oh right I forgot. Kuro this is Jayla. She helped heal me and nursed me back. Jayla this is my mate Kuro." she introduced them.

"Uh....Hi. Its nice to meet you." he said politely.

 "Likewise." she bowed to him.

" She's beautiful." he thought as her eyes captured him.

"Kuro.Kuro?Kuro!" Gwen shouted.

"Huh? What did you say?" Kuro snapped out of it.

"I said I'll go to Duncan's to let him know I'm fine." She said.

"Oh.Okay." he said.

"I'm alitle tired from the trip Gwen. I think I'm going to turn in for at least a week." said Jayla.

"I understand. Why don't you show her a place to stay Kuro?" she said. 

"Oh......oh that might not be a good idea. Say NO!!" he thought.

"Uh I don't think-"

"That's a good idea Gwen!! It'll go alot faster if you showed me."said Jayla.

"Its settled! I'll be back soon Kuro!" she said as she ran to Duncan's.

"Oh....man! Just stay calm," he thought.

"Follow me then." he qickly walked infront of her.

"Just don't look at her." he kept saying to himself quietly.

He led her to a huge tree with huge branches that's good for shelter.

"Here. at least you'll have shelter from rain." he said as he started to walk away.

"Kuro? Leaving so soon?" she askedhim.

"I want to make sure that Gwen is alright." he said not facing her.

"Uh Is something wrong? You're not facing me." She said as she placed her paw on his sholder.

His body shivered. He felt her warm breath on his ear made him quiver. Her fur combined with his as she came closer. She felt nice and soft. Her sweet scent filled his nose then he shook his head.

"Don't! You just got Gwen back!! You don't need this!" he thought as he walked ahead.

"I don't mean to be rude but if someone saw us they would think You were flurting with me."he said.

"Mabey. Were you checking me out when you first saw me?"

"Of course not!!" he shouted.

"You're lying Kuro." She said.

But he didn't respond. He only ran back to his den.

Kuro paced back and forth. "No. Jayla doesn't like me. She's Gwen's friend and I can't cheat on Gwen. Not after what she's been through. I can't hurt her." he thought. 

 "Kuro?"

"Huh?" he looked up.

"Is there something bothering you?" she asked.

"No. Not any more now that I got you back." he turned to he but she didn't simle.

"Kuro....is there somthig-"

"Nothing is wrong. Really! Now you should sleep. Must have been along way to come, Gwen." he said going to her.

"Well..I...guess." she said lying down then went to sleep.

"Why did her friend had to be so hot?!?!" he thought.

He lied next to her but he couldn't sleep at all.

"Come on Kuro. Control yourself. You have a mate. You don't need this. Just tell her you're not interested in the morning." he thought when sleep finally caught with him.

The morning came too soon for Kuro. It was the crack of dawn and Gwen was already up. 

"Come on Kuro! You got work to do." she said trying to wake him up by nudging him with her paws.

"Wake up Alpha!" she said.

He groaned as he got up.

"Since when are you so perky in the mornings?" he asked.

"Well I told Jayla I give her a tour around the clan." she said.

Kuro was about to say something.

"I know! I won't show her everything. Just things down mermory lane. The places me and Duncan used to play and other stuff. No secrets." she winked at him as she smiled.

His heart warmed when he saw that smile. He kissed her on the cheek. 

She turned as she blushed.

"Where did that come from? Not that I'm complaining." she said as she touched her cheek with her paw.

 "Nothing its just....I want you to know that I.....well..." he paused. He was always a good public speaker but he would hate when he sometimes stutter or lose words when she would.....

He sighed.

"Love you too Kuro. I won't be long. After I 'm done with Jayla I'll come to help out ok?" she said kissing him as she left the den.

"Oh. Right! Today's hunt. Winter is coming soon. Better get everything set up for Winter." he said to himself as he left the den to start the day.

Gwen took Jayla around like she promised.

"This is pond is where Duncan used to scare me when I try to relax by swiming. He loved playing pranks on me.The little pest but I always beat him up for though." said Gwen with Jayla.

 They both laughed.

Gwen enjoyed having Jalya around.

Besides Aurora she was the only few female friends she has.

"So. How do you like here J?" she asked her.

"Beutiful. I like the sites already." she said.

"I'm glad."

"I wish I had a mate like yours." she said to Gwen.

"He's alittle stiff but I love him just the same. I feel so happy with him. Like the other half of me."

Jayla looked at her for a moment.

"Hmm? What's wrong Jayla?" she asked.

 "Kuro. He...reminds me of my dead mate: Marcus. The marks, his body,almost everything about him makes me think about him."

 Gwen was quiet. "What should I do? I don't want her going aftter Kuro but she's just hurting over her mate. I would be hurt too if something happened to Kuro." she thought .  

  "I'm sorry for your loss Jayla but Kuro is my mate. I need you to respect that. I really don't want to be friends if you want Kuro to be your mate. I'm sorry Jayla.Take care.I hope you get home ok." Gwen said sadly as she left Jayla alone before she could respond to her.

Gwen was hurt but she couldn't let Jayla have Kuro. Jayla was her friend but...

Which one will you choose? Jalya or Kuro. Her thoughts echoed in her mind. That chose weighed on her heavely.

She couldn't help Kuro knowing he would worry if he saw her. 

Aurora!  She had to see her. Her only friend she has.

With knowing that she ran to Aurora's place.

Blade and Angel was bigger than before so they both were old enough to start their training. While they wer out Gwen just caught Auroracomign from scouting the forest.

"Gwen? You look awful! What happened to you?"" she looked at Gwen's sad expression. 

"Can we talk?" she asked Aurora.

"Sure what's up?" 

Gwen explained how she met Jalya and the rest followed afterwards.

"Wow. That's sad. Sorry that happened." 

"I did the right thing. Did I?" she turned to Aurora.

"I think you did. I would have done the same thing. But Do you think you did right?" she asked Gwen.

"I....Yes. Yes I do." she said.

"That's all that matters." she said to Gwen.  

 Gwen smiled.

"Thanks Aurora." she said.

"No prob. But aren't you suposed to be helping with Kuro?" she asked.

"Right. I feel better now I should go. Thanks again.....!" said Gwen as she ran.

"Bye!" she said.

"Its too late to go to the hunt now. Mabey I should wait for him at the den." she thought as she ran.

"Hmm. I wonder where's Gwen? She said that it wouldn't take long." he thought.

"Sir? Sir!"

"Huh?" Kuro forgot that he was leading the hunt again. He started to focused on the game of deer.

"Were waiting for your orders sir." one young wolf said.

"Ahem. Right. I need the new members on the right to scare them into the second group so they can take them down. The rest are with me. Move out!" Kuro commanded.

 The young wolves snuck around the game tio get the right direction. As soon as  soon as Kuro gave the signal to strike they sprung out of the forest started to bark and snarled at the deer.

The deer naturally panicked and ran in one group.

They fell to their trap eaisly as most of the older wolves tackled some of the deer. It wasn't much but it will sustain the pack for the whole winter.

"Sir? Should we go after then?" one asked.

"The sun was setting. Hunting at night would be difficult." Kuro thought.

"No. We have enough meat for the pack. We'll go tomarrow for extra for emergency. Let's head back everyone!" Kuro said.

Blade and Angel was behind him.

"How was I? I was fast wasn't I?" Blade said with an arrogant smile.

"Yes. You were fast-"

"I knew it!" he shouted.

"But. You can't just rely on speed. Angel. That was impressive on how you took down that buck by yourself. Both of you keep traning." he said walking back.

"Grr. No fair." said blade.

"I thougt you were good." said Angel.

"Oh really?" he said as started to playfully chase his sister but didn't tackle her because she was strong.

Kuro went back to the den and saw a figure.

"Gwen? Its that you? Why didn't you come to help hunt? I waited and-" then he stopped.

The figure wasn't Gwen. The fur was lighter and the scent was different.        

 He growled. " Show yourself!"

The figure came closer.

"You!!!" he said. He backed away.

Jayla came to Kuro.

"Please Kuro! Let me talk to you." she begged. 

 "I don't want to hear anything you say Jayla. I think you're cute and all but I have a mate. I have to ask you to leave....now!" Kuro said.

"Kuro. I jut want a little kiss is that so wrong?" she came closer.

"I won't. Get out!" he said but Jayla kept coming.

"Just ...one kiss.....Marcus?" she asked.

"My name is Kuro." he corrected her.

"Oh right. Of course." she said.

 She was VERY close to him. Lips inches away from his.

His impulse wanted to get closer but his mind finnally spoke out.

"NNOO!! STOP! ARE YOU INSANE?!? GWEN IS YOUR MATE!!!! GET OUT OF THERE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

He tried to leave but it was too late. Jayla grabbed him and kissed him fully on the mouth.

He tried to move but Jayla wrapped her tail around his neck  to prevent him from doing so.

He struggled against her. He broke her grip. 

"See that wasn't so hard was it Marcus?"  

 Kuro was furious. "How dare you !? I Told you to get out!"

Then suddenly they both heard something run away.

"Uh no! Don't tell me it was-"

He ran out of the den.

He heard crying going away to the forest.

"Gwen..." He thought.

He ran to the forest.

"Gwen!! Gwen are you there? Let me explain!! Gwen!!" he shouted at the top of his lungs but all he heard was the echo.

"Way to go leader....You can lead a whole clan but you can't learn self-control.......I wouldn't blame her if she ......

Gwen was hiding behind a tree on Kuro's right.

"Why? Would he do this to me? I thought he loved me...." her thoughts made her sob.

Kuro's ears picked up her voice sobbing.

He quickly ran to the source before she desided to run again.

"Gwen?"

"What do you want?!" she yelled.

"Please Gwen. Just let me talk to you." but he saw that she wasn't in the mood to talk to him.

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" she yelled.

She tried to run but Kuro blocked her everyway she turned.

"I know what it looked like but-"

"I don't need you to say anything! I trusted you. I Always loved you. I can't believe I defended you over Jayla but you wanted her too! I never want to see you again!" she yelled.

"You don't mean that! She forced me to kiss her!! Its the truth!!" Kuro was yelling too. 

"You looked like you enjoyed it! Did you?" she asked. He was quiet.

"Did you?!" 

"Ok I liked it but It wasn't lke the way I feel when I kiss you." he said.

"So it was better...." she said coldly.

"NO! Listin I love you Gwen you know that. I told her to leave but she forced me to. Do you really believe I would purposely hurt you Gwen?"

  "You're a Liar..." she said.

"Gwen...please..."

She ran before he could speek another word.

She ran so far that she got lost.

She stopped and cried again.

"I figured this would happen." a voice came from behind.

Gwen 's vision was blurred by her tears but she made out the wolf infront of her.

"Grandma Aiko." she said coldly.

"I knew that wasn't going to last very long." she said.

"What wouldn't?" Gwen asked wiping her tears.

"You and your mate. He was way too good for you anyway. I saw the female he was hanging out with. He probably didn't care much about you. I guess he was all talk when it came to you." she remarked.

 "Why are you so bitter towards me? I did nothing to you." Gwen said.

"You have your father's eyes." she said ignoring the question.

"So that's your answer?" she asked.

"You wouldn't believed the truth. Your  too stubborn. Even when your mate was telling the truth you ignored him." Aiko said.

"You were listing?" Gwen said.

"Please. You were shouting so everyone heard." Aiko said.

"Kuro was...." Gwen started.

"I thought something was up when I saw that she snuck into his den and talking to herself."

 "Kuro...oh Kuro....I'm so sorry...!" she thought as her tears came back.

Aiko sighed. "You're pathetic."

"Kuro I'm sorry....Please forgive me."

"Only if you forgive me Gwen." 

A face that Gwen knew too well came from the fet.

"Kuro....How long you were there?" She turned away.

 "I was here for a while. It didn't take me long to find you. I told you I'm not letting you out of my sight again." He said fermly.

 "Kuro I'm sorry!! I'm so sorry!! Please forgive me!" She started as she tilted her head and began to cry again.

"I already have." He said in a surprisingly soothing voice.

He came and sat next to her.

"Its not your fault. I should have never..."

he sighed.

"Forgive me?" he asked

"Of course.....Love you" she said. 

"You too." he said.

"Hmp!" said Aiko.

"Grandma Aiko I must talk to you." said Gwen.

"We have nothing to...."

"We have plenty to say. Like you pushing me over the cliff."Gwen added.

"She...What?" Kuro was stunned.

"Tell me why you tried to kill me!" she yelled.

"Please. I knew that fall wouldn't kill you. Your stubborn like your father. I just wanted to see if someone would actually miss you." Aiko explained.

"You're lying." said Gwen.

Both Aiko and Kuro turned to her surprised.

"Why would I lie?" she asked.

"You said that my parents didn't want me because I was a female. You wanted dad to be happy Since he thought you abandon him so you tried to kill me but it didn't work. Then you sent your other granddaughter to seduce Kuro from me."

"What-" Kuro for once had a completly blank look on his face.

"Aiko scent is simaliar to Jayla's. And I heard Aiko's story before I came to you Kuro." Gwen explain.

"Gwen." he thought.

"Hm. It seems that its best that I should leave. But you gott one thing wrong my dear. Jayla was supposed to kill him but the memories of her late mate rose as she saw you. Pity." Aiko said pointing to Kuro.

"Her late....?" Kuro thought. "That's explains why she she kept call me 'Marcus' "

"Why don't you take my couson too? Aparently my famliy isn't happy with me except Duncan."said Gwen coldly.

"Goodbye Gwen. I probably won't see you again. I'll make sure Jayla is happy too." she said to Gwen.

Gwen didn't respond. 

 Aiko ran from their sight.

"Gwen? Gwen are you okay?" he asked her.

Her eyes were cold and empty. He never seen her so......

"I'm fine Kuro really." she said with a smile.

The Smile didn't convice him. He still sensed that something was wrong but descided to deal with it the next day.

It was very late.

"Let's go home Gwen."he saidas he tapped her.

  " *Yawns* Sounds like a great idea." she said rubbing her eyes.

The truth was he wanted to go home too.

She walked back as Kuro left behind her.

"Something's very wrong." he thought.

She lied close to him as she slept.

As much he was glad to be with her he had to find what's bothering her.

The next morning Gwen went out early to help Kuro with the daily work. While she was busy Kuro went to see Duncan.

Luckly the pups were out training again and Aurora was in the hunting party.

"Duncan?" he called as he looked in the den.

 Duncan was out cold sleeping at the end of the den.

"Duncan." he called to him as he nugded him.

"I told you Aurora. Its YOUR turn to train the pups zzzzzzz........." he mumbled.

"Wake up duncan!" Kuro said annoied.

 "Wha?" he fliped over to see Kuro.

"Oh...Sorry. Did you need something?" He said as he yawned.

 "Its Gwen, Duncan. She's been quiet after what happened with Aiko." he said

Duncan looked confused.

"what happened?" he asked.

Kuro explained what happened that night.

"Wow. I knew Grandma didn't like her but I never thought she'd go that far." Duncan said as he shook his head.

"You have to give her some space she's pretty hurt of she heard all that. Just let her know that what grandma was wrong about her just wait." Duncan said.

 The rest of  the day went painfuly slow for Kuro. He wanted to hurry the normal check up on the pack so he could check on Gwen. He tried to give her space like Duncan said, but it was driving him mad not knowing what she was thinking.   

When Kuro ran back to the den at sundown,Gwen wasn't there. Kuro got worried and asked Duncan and Nick where she was but it was all in vain.

His heart started to beat harder and harder.

"No no no. I can't lose her.....not again." he thought as his pace quickened.

He when lastly to her favorite meadow but she wasn't there.

"No more!I can't take this. GWEN WHEN WHERE ARE YOU!!" he howled.

"Kuro? Kuro what's wrong?" the angelic voice called to him.

He lookedup to gwen's beutiful face.

"Gwen! Where were you? I looked for you everywhere! " he said as he hugged her.

"Kuro. Aurora and I went to hunt together so I can clear my head. I told you this morning but you just mumbled when I left the den." she said calmly. 

Then his memory caught up with him."Oh." he said embarrassed.

"Um......You didn't hear that did you?" he asked her as he releashed her.  
 

"I think the whole pack heard you." She giggled.

He looked away."Perfect."he thought.

"Don't be embarrassed." she said.

"I'm not! I just thought you were gone." he said stubbornly.

She smiled as she nuzzled him.

Chills went through his body like before.

"My heart is yours Kuro. I wouldn't leave you for the world." she softly said to his ear.

She kissed him hard.

His heart pounded a thousand times a minate!

"Now let's go home my cold ruthless leader." she said laughing as she ran.

"Not Funny!!" he said chasing after her.