Normal Print= Saba's point of view

Italazized=Hectha's point of view

Saba could feel her eyes open to the morning sunlight. She raised her head, blinking hard. She felt the usual reluctance to wake up, but did so anyway. As she got up she felt her legs protest in pain. She flinched a bit. She had run really far and she knew that her legs were simply sore from such a workout. In fact, it wasn't even a workout. She had run away from her former abusive owner. She looked around at her suroundings, but ddint' recognize where she was. She was well aware of her being in the woods, but not this part. Saba began to wonder how far away she was from Nome. 

As these thoughts ran through her mind she began to become aware of scents of a stanger getting stronger. Before she could ponder on this, two wolves lept out from the bushes and encircled her. Saba's instinct took over and she crouched into a defending position and let out a small growl

"Trespassing is a crime" growled one of the wolves

Saba raised an eyebrow

"Oh, really. Since when has it been a crime to walk on land" she retorted

"Careful" growled the other " That mouth will only get you into mroe trouble"

"Under who's authority" demanded the hybrid " Neither of you have the right to tell me anything"

The two wolves were surpirsed, most wolves or dogs woudln't challenge or fight back.

"You're just a pet" said one of the wolves

"And you're just rouge" said Saba

The other grolwed agressively, but his compain interfired

"Relax Tark, pets don't know anything." he turned his attention to Saba " you can get out of our territory, or you will have to face our leader"

Saba ddin't really have anywhere to go, and she was curous to what the leader would say. She might have a chance to ask is they had seen her brother.

"Then take me to your leader"

"Allright we will."

They advanced forward to grab her, but Saba flattened her ears and bared her teeth.

"My legs are just fine! I don't need you to carry me anywhere!" she snapped.

The wolves stopped and backed away. They cast each other a look and turned towrads the direction they were headed. Saba followed them, but as she did she pondered on what she had done. The reason why she had challenged them was to hide her fear. She wasn't completely scared either, but she didn't think she could fight them both off.

Saba noticed that more scents of canine were increasing and getting stronger. One of the wolves, the named Tark, tunred over hsi shoulder to look at her. Saba replied by keeping her head lifted and face steady, a sign of indignation. They began to climb up a hill, and Saba's sorelegs began to protest once more, but she didn't dare slow down, or show it.

They eventually came to the top, whick turned out to be a ravine, and they all looked down. Saba saw several wolves in a area, like some sort of camp. she noticed soem were buched in groups as if were in some meeting or conversation.

Saba followed the two wolves. This is the version I edited :

Over a dozen gleaming, wild, eyes turned to Saba. The female hybrid felt increasingly uneasy. Somehow, she managed to gather up enough courage to speak and tried hard not let her voice shake.

"I've come to your territory not as a threat, but simply to ask if know of the whereabouts of my brother, Michigan. He looks like-" Her words speech was broken off by someone calling her name.

"Saba!" As the voice called out the gathered wolves parted to let the body of the voice be seen. "Get out of my way…” The canine mumbled, mesmerized.

“Michigan!” Saba exclaimed with joy.


She bounded towards Michigan and both hybrids clashed together in a frenzy of wagging tails. Saba nuzzled her brother affectionately, she had missed him terribly since his departure. Michigan seemed to be surprised to see her, but he was ecstatic just as well.

"Saba, I can’t believe you’re here and I'm so glad you are, but..." He turned his muscular neck, looked at a large wolf, that Saba figured was the leader of the clan, and then he turned back to his sister.


"As touching as this is, you cannot simply-" it was her turn to break off.

"Look, enemy wolves ! It’s an invasion!" Cried a voice in fear.

The cry of alarm caused everyone to turn away from Saba and Michigan. They saw a fair number of wolves leap down from a ridge towards the wolf pack. Once they came into closer range, Saba estimated there were ten of them and their bitter scent was of rotting caribou. The enemy wolves began to ambush the clan.


The whole area that was the campus of the defending wolf clan was soon filled with wolves battling one another. Saba could only stand and watch with horror, the poor hybrid didn’t know what to do! She had no battling experience and she didn't think she had the proper skills to defend herself against the attacking wolves which were larger and more aggressive than she. Before Saba could even think of anything to do, she felt something ram into her, making her fall over onto her side. The hybrid whimpered in both surprise and pain. Saba looked up at her attacker.

"Don’t tell me Hawk Tribe is so weak that they're recruiting puny house dogs." The large male jeered with a snarl as he towered over the terrified Saba.

The wolf mocking her was golden-tan with black patches around his eyes with matching black ears, and front black paws and his eyes were a flashing gold. But the physical feature that stood out the most were the healed scars that tore away across his left side of his face.

While Saba was distracted by the strange scars on the face of her attacker, he lunged forward to her with his jaws agape, ready bite. But, suddenly, before even one of his dagger like fangs reached Saba, Michigan sank his fangs into the scruff of the attacker.

Both male hybrid and wolf were equally strong, but the wolf had more experience. The golden-tan wolf had already managed to pin Saba's brother to the forest floor. Michigan began to falter under the enemy's weight. Saba, noticing this, let instinct take over and pulled herself off the ground to help her sibling. Saba flung herself at her brother's aggressor, fastened her teeth on his back leg and began to tear at the flesh. The golden-tan wolf cried out in pain and fell onto his side awkwardly. Michigan took advantage of this and pined him down. Saba, who was still holding his leg, released him. The attacker tried to wriggle his way out from under Michigan grip, but was unable to.

By the time Michigan had pinned the golden-tan wolf the rest of the invading wolves had turn tail and fled the in the same direction they came in. Hawk Tribe had won the battle. The members of Hawk Tribe began to gather around Michigan as he struggled to hold down the invading wolf that he had been fighting along with his sister.

"So you thought you and your other mangy tribe mates could take on Hawk Tribe?” Said a large blue gray wolf, who was the leader of Hawk Tribe.

The defeated wolf only replied by growling angrily.

"Well done Michigan." The leader dipped her head in gratitude at Michigan, clearly ignoring the growls and grunts of the prisoner.

"Thank you Karti" Replied Michigan humbly, "but I didn't do this on my own." Michigan turned to Saba.

Karti looked away from Michigan and to Saba. She nodded to Saba in appreciation.

"Then she has our appreciation. Saba, I apologize that you had to go through this battle. But, I’m going to have to ask you to leave now. You have found who you've been looking for."

Saba looked down at her paws in disappointment, it felt too soon to leave her brother and she had no where to go. She was also amazed by the strength and courage the wolves possessed, and wanted to know more about tribe life.

"Actually, I was hoping to stay here. I have no place to call a home.." As she spoke, she raised her head and locked her eyes with the leader's. "I would like to join your tribe, and train with your wolves."

Gasps of bewilderment rippled through the crowd and the tribe began to murmur amongst themselves. Even Saba felt surprised to hear those words come out of her mouth, but there was passion in them.

Suddenly, a voice howled out from the tribe. "She can’t join, she's a dog, man's slave!"

"She’ll have no respect for our ways and our sacred traditions." Added another voice to the harsh criticism.

"The Warrior life will be too difficult for her, all house dogs are soft or have some sort of pathetic weakness." Called out yet another voice with disgust.

Due to all the harsh protests and outbursts, Karti silenced her tribe by waving her tail. She narrowed her eyes at Saba.

"I don’t think you fully understand what you’re asking for. Our food is scarce and we have to fight to survive. Do you really think you can manage the conditions of the outdoors? Do you honestly think you can fight against all what nature has to offer?”

Part of Saba wanted to reply, "no". Would she really be able to handle such things? But all the same, it was worth staying for, especially since her brother would be by her side.

"Yes, I do." She responded firmly.

"Shouldn’t she prove herself somehow?" Cried out a voice from the wolves, murmurs of agreement sounded from them.

"She already has. Can’t you see how she took on the rogue?" Retorted a dark brown coloured wolf.

Saba was surprised to hear someone supporting her. The supporting wolf gave her a friendly smile. Saba's gaze switched to her the wolf who had attacked her during the battle. She saw that his right hind leg was bleeding and the skin was torn. Had she really done that much damage?

"In that case, Saba, I now accept you as a member of Hawk Tribe. You will have Kalaa as your mentor." She told the female hybrid before turning her eyes to a cream coloured she-wolf. "Kalaa, teach her the rules, codes and ways of our tribe. You will also teach her the fighting skills be a warrior."

The she-wolf pushed through the crowd to stand beside her leader. Kalaa had gray markings all along her pelt. She was young and her face was brimmed with kindness and interest.

"I accept." Said Kalaa.

"Now, about our visitor…" All eyes turned to where Michigan held down the enemy wolf.

"What is your name?" Asked Karti in a cold, emotionless voice.

"Hetcha." He replied with a growl.

"And what did you hope to accomplish by barging into our camp?" The leader demanded eyes beginning to show the burning anger that swelled withing her.

Hetcha turned his head to the leader and gave her a dirty look. "I will not betray my anyone of my group." He said stubbornly.

"Then we have no choice, but to hold you prisoner. Saba, your first tribe duty will be to tend to his needs. Apprentices are normally supposed to tend to the elders and mother’s needs, but since you are older than an average student, you will be in charge of him." Told the leader.

Saba resented this job already. It sounded really unfair and she really didn’t feel like baby-sitting someone who had attempted to kill her. But she had just joined the tribe and she knew that it wouldn’t be very wise to object or complain. Saba nodded and tried to seem understanding.

"Good, that’s settled then." And with that, Karti turned and strode away. The crowd began to break up into small groups, leaving Saba with Michigan and Hetcha.

“Well, first thing's first, we’ll have to get this flea bag somewhere to stay. He can go to the old sycamore tree.” Said Michigan “Common' you.”

He prodded Hetcha with his paw; Hetcha turned and bared his teeth. “Touch me and see what happens!” Spat Hetcha.

He got up, limped to the ancient tree and settled down. Saba could feel a dark, forbidding feeling from his presence, making Saba feel very uneasy about keeping an eye on him. The siblings padded away together leaving Hetcha by himself.

As they padded along there was an awkward silence between them. There was so much to say, but neither of them knew how to start.

Michigan broke the silence and said “I still don’t really understand. I knew you were looking for me, but why? Did you miss me that much?”

They both arrived to the sleeping area. Saba sat down; she had some explaining to do.

“I came looking for you because, I didn’t know what else to do” she muttered “After you left, Kayla died. She had a health problem humans call "cancer" for some time...”

Michigan gave her a sympathetic look, Kayla was a great owner. He was fond of her too.

“Her parents gave me away to some man. He would yell at me and hit me. Especially when he was drunk and all."


Saba watched her brother’s expression darken. The reason why he had been released into the forest was because he too was harassed by some drunk humans. When he had defended himself they blamed his wolf heritage and the father of his owner wanted to kill him, but before he could, his daughter let him go into the forest.

"So I finally ran away and, well, here I am.” She concluded.

“And you didn’t have any real plans, did you? Why didn’t you go to mom and dad? I’m sure they would’ve something.” Michigan asked, curiously.


She shrugged “I dunno.”

The truth was, she did know. She never really got along with her father and she really didn’t feel like crawling to him.

“Well, you’re here now. And I’m glad.” he rasped his tongue over her ears.

Saba smiled to herself; feeling very relieved to be beside her brother again, she nuzzled him affectionately and they curled up together and fell asleep.
 

(excuse the errors above)

“What? It’s still dark out" she protested

It was true; the sun was only barely rising. Surely it was too early, even for wolves.  The brown wolf shook his head.

“Nope. We have things to do. Time to get up. My name is Orkney by the way”

He stepped backwards to allow her space. Saba let out a yawn and slowly walked out of the den. She looked around for Michigan and spotted him a few lengths away talking to Kalaa. Both of them had noticed her emerge from the den and walked over.

“Good Morning. We had to send a wake up call otherwise you’d sleep in until sunhigh.” Commented Kalaa

Saba nodded to show understanding. She was still accustomed to sleeping in and taking her time to get up. She realized now that a lot of things would be changing. She had somewhat already known when she asked to be part of the Tribe. But as she tried to sleep last night she began to think what would change exactly. She could no longer depend on someone to feed her in a bowl. Or have some brush her and give her walks. She would have to take care of herself. And that little fact made feel a bit uneasy. Michigan must’ve noticed how uncertain she felt, because he leaned forward and gave her a small nuzzle.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll catch on soon enough.

 “Come on, I‘ll show you around a bit.” said her mentor

“What are you going to do” she asked Michigan.

“I still have some training to do. I’m not a full warrior yet”

He gave her a small lick and padded away. She and her mentor both slipped out of camp and into the breezy woods.

“Okay, what have you figured out so far” asked Kalaa

Saba pondered for a moment and gathered her thoughts of the currents events.

“Well…..Karti is the leader of Hawk Tribe and we have our own territory to defend. Does that mean that there are other tribes out there?”

“Sort of. There are others out there, but they aren’t tribes. On our north side there is BearClan. They are pretty bad group. They are extra protective and usually stir up trouble. On the east side there is another pack. They are a decent group so we really don’t have to worry about them. We don’t really come across them. There are several packs, but not all of them have anything to do with us.

Saba nodded in understandment. They were at some edge looking down on a small meadow. There were some caribou grazing is some areas.

“Why are we here?” asked Saba

“Watch” said her teacher quietly.

Saba turned her attention back to the meadow. She didn’t understand what was so interesting about it. It was all still except for the grazing of caribou and a few grass twitching from the breeze. A small patch of grey caught her attention and she noticed that the twitching grass where wolves hidden in the grass. As Saba looked around again she noticed that there were several or her clan mates crouched and hidden in the grass. It was a hunting party. And sure enough a couple wolves lept up and ran towards a caribou. The caribou saw that it was under attack and began to run. But another pair popped out of the grass which made the caribou steer the other direction, but as it steered it was slowed down enough to get caught. One of the hunters grabbed its hind leg and made it trip, they then pinned it down and made it their meal.

Saba was amazed at their strength and ability. She couldn’t wait to try that herself one day.

“That was amazing. I wonder how caribou taste like” said Saba to herself

“Don’t forget, part of that meat will have to go to someone else” said Kalaa

Saba gave her mentor a questionable look. Then her face fell. She remembered her little “duty” that was assigned to her last night. Hetcha.

Hetcha’s tail thrashed in annoyance. He was in his usual angry mood, but he had a real reason this time. His leg stung and throbbed with pain, thanks to that mangy house dog. He still jeered at how the tribe had accepted the house dog so easily. It was a sure sign of weakness for the tribe.

He lifted his head up, he heard someone approach him. His fury increased even more, it was the house dog herself. She held a chunk of meat as she walked towards him when she was within a cats length between him, she dropped the meat and nosed it towards him.

“You’re probably hungry” she said

He tried to find hostility in voice, but there was none. To be honest, she sounded rather friendly. He looked up at her and he saw that she was gazing kindly at him. It reminded him of someone, someone he last long ago…  

His only response was to tear a bite out of his breakfast. She was still there when he finished. He decided to ignore here presence, but it was hard. She was no longer looking him, but she was still hanging nearby.

“Don’t you have anything better to do” he growled

She shook her head “I have to keep an eye after you until somebody else takes over”

Hetcha growled to himself. He disliked the red she-wolf, at his own reasons. After an hour the house dog eventually left and had someone to replace her. Hetcha was planning to get out of here somehow. He wanted out.

Saba was relived to be freed form her job. Orkney was kind enough to offer to watch Hetcha. The only reason why she was being nice to the rouge was to make her burden more bearable. Or maybe it was because she felt sorry for him. She knew what it felt like to be baby-sat. She was glad to be able to do some real training. Kalaa had already shown her the territory. As she made her way to Kalaa, she noticed that most wolves where giving her dirty looks. Clearly they thought that she shouldn’t be part of the tribe.

 “Hi” she greeted

Kalaa swallowed the last of her meal. Saba had found the caribou tasty.

“Hi. Ready to get started”

Saba nodded. They walked out of the camp and want to a small grassy area. It looked liked an ideal place to fight.

“Alright, lets start simple. Attack me” Saba raised her eyebrows

“Attack? Just like that?"

“Just like that”

Saba crouched down and tried to pinpoint a place to jump at. She was juts standing there, and easy target. She remembered how she had injured Hetcha last night, by tearing at his leg. She decided to start there. Here back legs sprang and she opened her jaws to grab her front leg, but unexpectedly her mentor swerved and pinned her down, although she was careful enough not too hurt her. She struggled to slip out but she was too strong.

“Try not to aim low, its too easy. Try again”

Saba got up and shook the dust from her fur and spat some dirt that was in her mouth. This time, she decided to go for the chest.

She tried again only to get held down once more. This went on all afternoon until she finally caught him off guard and gained a small victory.

“Great Job” he said

“Thanks” she panted “When do I get to start hunting?”

“Not for a while. The hunting part becomes easier after you learn how to fight. You’ll just hurt yourself.

She felt a bit disappointed, but she didn’t argue. As they entered their camp she saw Michigan a few lengths away and ran over to join him. He also noticed that dinner had been served. She also caught Orkney looking at her who looked away when she noticed. She nudged her brother.

“Hey, who’s that brown wolf over there?”

“Oh, that’s Orkney”

Duh, thought Saba to herself

“He’s about our age. He's a junior too."

“A what?”

“A junior. Oh, I forgot to explain. You are what we would consider juniors, young and learning to be a warrior. One you become a warrior you’re known as Varsity. Once you become too old to fight any loner, you retire and become an Elder. Juniors look after the Elders daily needs. But not you, you have him” he gestured towards Hetcha “over there to look after. You better get going before Nikano yells ay you”

“Who?”

“Nikano is our chief, the second in command."

Nikano look strict in Saba’s opinion. He was a dark grey with grey streaks. He had a scar running across his muzzle. Saba bounded away to grab a slap of meat. She got a little extra for Hetcha and made her way over.

“Hey”

She turned to see Orkney padding up beside her. She blinked at him and found herself unable to respond since she had food in her mouth. She dropped Hetcha’s share in front of him, ignoring his dirty look.

“Hi” she finally responded

“ Erm...you just looked sort of lonely so I decided to drop by”

Saba wasn’t so sure if she looked that lonely. She was just talking to Michigan about a minute ago. But still, she appreciated his kindness, seeing that he was the only one who really talked to her at all, besides Michigan of course.

“Thanks, that’s nice of you. I wont be too lonely though. I have this guy over here” she flicked he tail over at Hetcha “to keep me company”

She meant it in a sort of sarcastic joking manner. Orkney chuckled.

“Then I really need to stick around”

Saba only smiled at him

“You know, I can take over for you tomorrow” he said

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I think its better for now for me to do it. Besides, you already had your turn today. You must really like him if you’re so desperate to look after him” she teased

“Is it really that obvious” he joked.

They both laughed at that. Saba found herself feeling, well…. good. Back at Nome all of the huskies mad her feel intimidated. As if she wasn’t good enough for them. She often got along better with guys, because they were so cut-loose and fun. Maybe that’s why she felt so nice around him.

There was bark of “Orkney!” and they turned to see Nikano waiting for Orkney.

“Time for me to go. Bye Saba” he stood up and walked away

“See ya”

She watched him walk away before turning to Hetcha, who has his usual grumpy look. But somehow, it felt easier to look after him.

It had been a two weeks since she had joined. Her skills were steadily improving and her bond with Orkney was better too.

“You know, I think you’re ready to stat hunting” announced Kalaa.

“Really” said Saba excitedly

“It doesn’t mean you’re a very good fighter, but good enough to get started with hunting”

“Are you just saying that so you won’t have to admit that I’m becoming a better fighter than you?” she joked

Kalaa only raised and amused eyebrow

“Very funny. Before we get started, I want to you to take Hetcha out for a stroll. His mood is getting worse everyday and its like a rain cloud that won’t go away. Maybe some exercise might to him some good”

Saba’s ears lowered in disappointment. She really wanted to take on a caribou NOW. Not waste time baby-sitting some bad tempered flea bag.

“Now?” she asked

“Now”

She groaned and walked off. This was going to be a long morning.

Hetcha was taking a nap when Saba found him. She didn’t want to disturb him and put him in an even fouler mood. But she had to. She prodded him with one paw

‘Hey, hey you. Wake up”

He didn’t wake up or respond

“I said wake up”

He finally woke up and raised his head, looking bleary eyed.

“What? What the heck is your problem, waking me up?”

 “I was told to take out for some air. Now come on”

“What? I’m not going anywhere. Its pointless”

“Its an order” said Saba

“Are you gonna make me get up and walk?” he challenged

“She can’t, but I can”

Both heads turned to see Orkney standing there

“You’re leg is still injured to you’re in no real condition to fight. Besides, if you injure me enough you’ll have the whole tribe set on you. So, are we going go the easy way or the hard way?"

Hetcha gave him a hard look of hatred. He snarled in defeat and got up. He shoved past the two joiners and limped his way out of camp.

“Thanks “ said Saba as she flashed him a grateful look.

“Anytime” was his response “Do you think you can handle him on your own out there?”

Saba wanted to say no that she couldn’t but many wolves of the clan already looked down on her. She had to prove them wrong.

“ I think I can manage”

By the time she caught up with Hetcha, he had gone a long way. They only walked, not saying anything to each other. After a few minutes had passed, Saba glanced sideways at Hetcha. She was surprised to see that his expression was no longer hardened with hatred, but dull with….sorrow? His eyes seemed glazed, deep in thought. The she noticed to her amazement that his eyes where a striking gold color. She has seen brown eyed and blue eyed wolves, even a really light brown color, but never gold. At least not that bright of a shade.   Her eyes traveled over to his scars and she began to wonder what sort of accident or battle he went through to receive them….

“You’re staring”

His voice startled her for a second. He wasn’t looking directly at her, but he must’ve of felt her gaze burn on him. She looked away hastily.

“Sorry. I was just-“

“Just trying to figure out how I got them?"

“Yes” she mumbled “Erm, how did you get them? Training accident?”

She knew it was somewhat rude to ask, but she was fairly curious. She glanced at him at a flicker of sorrow returned to his eyes, then vanished within a heartbeat. He didn’t respond for a few seconds, and Saba was wondering if he was debating whether to tell her not.

“Yes” he reluctantly answered

“Oh. Well, I’m sorry”

“Don’t be!” he snapped, his aggression flaring “I never asked for your sympathy”

“I’m not being sympathetic! I’m just trying to understand you a bit better” she argued

“Why would you want to understand me at all?”

Saba opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She didn’t even know why she wanted to understand him. Maybe it’s because she knew how it felt to be look down upon and treated like dirt. She disliked seeing anyone in that position, because she knew how the pain felt. As she looked at him she began to wonder if he even had any feelings to begin with. Everything about him made felt hard as a rock, and she figured that his heart was no different.

“I don’t know” she muttered “but as far as I can see, you seem as if you WANT everyone to hate you. I don’t know why I even bother to be nice to you”

She strode past him and while she was at it, she slapped her tail against his face to make her point. She didn’t even bother to turn around to see his expression, but by the deep rumple she heard from his throat, she figured that he must be pretty angry. She didn’t care though. Why should she?

As soon as she said that, she quickened her pace to get away from him. He opened his mouth to retort something to her, but was silenced by the slapping of her tail against his face. That action surprised him a bit. He always new and assumed that all house dogs were wussy and soft. But not her. He noticed that she didn’t take crap, meaning that she made her point clear.

To be honest, this sort of impressed him. If he were her, he wouldn’t have dared to touch him like that. He shook his head and kept his mouth shut. She was far from him and he could tell that she wanted to keep it that way. He found it some what fun to make her angry, but felt sort of bad. Her intentions were good, he sort of appreciated her kindness. But he shook it off. Those feelings only interfered his plans…….

When Saba returned she found Orkney waiting patiently for her. She smiled at him and strode over. She glanced over her shoulder to see Hetcha retreat to the old oak, looking rather disgruntled.

“It’s a miracle, she actually survived” joked Orkney

“Yeah, just barely. I can’t stand him, what’ll happen to him when his leg recovers”

He only shrugged “I dunno. I guess we’ll just ask him if he wants to be part of our tribe”

Saba shot him a startled look “What?! You mean I’ll have to put up with that fleabag forever!”

“Only if he wants to”

Saba let out a groan of frustration. She wanted him out of her life.

“Cheer up; I doubt he’ll want to stick around”

“I just hope you’re right”

“Uh oh, here comes Nikano”

Saba turned her head, and sure enough the second in command was making his way over. Orkney dipped his head in respect and Saba followed suit

“Greetings Nikano” said Orkney politely.

“I’ve been told to notify Saba that she will join the morning patrol tomorrow”

He had dismissed Orkney’s greeting and he said her name with hint of dislike. Saba’s fur stiffened, he obviously was one the many who thought Saba shouldn’t be here in the tribe. Saba began to panic slightly, she had no idea what the patrol was and wasn’t so sure how to respond.

“I’ll be there” she finally said, trying her best to sound convincing.

As soon as Nikano was out of ear shot, she burst out saying;

“What is the morning patrol?”

“You don’t know yet? Oh well, in the mornings and at evening, we patrol and scout our territory to make sure that nothing seems out of place or suspicious. Like an attack or something.”

“So do just show up and walk around the territory”

“Yeah, pretty much. And do what everyone tells you to do. Speaking of your duty, you better go to Hetcha”

Saba didn’t need telling twice. Picking up a piece of prey, she dragged over to her job

Saba woke up on time and found her mentor and another wolf waiting for her. The wolf was a blue grey with flecks of brown in her hindquarters. Saba also noticed her short bopping tail, which was black tipped and spotted also. Saba trotted over, deciding not to waste time.

“Saba this is Mayeti, Karti’s daughter. She’ll be joining us on our patrol”

They both nodded to each other, a sighn of respect. When they where out in the woods Saba looked around for anything unusual, but she found nothing.

“Kalaa, can I ask you something”

“Of course”

“The wolves that attacked us the other day, when I first came here, were they part of a tribe or a pack?”

Saba was only curious. She wanted to figure out Hetcha’s origins and she was also trying to figure out why the tribe was so defensive about their territory. It was perfectly natural, she knew that, but when she had accidentally crossed into their territory the first time, the two patrol wolves seemed determined to get rid of her. Saba was wondering if they were facing some sort of outside threat that she was unaware of.

“No. The wolves you had encountered are what we call Outsiders. They are wolves you have been banished or deserted by their clans. Or they simply have never wanted to become of a clan or pack. Lately they have been trying to take territory, but they’re numbers are too small.”

“Why not just give them some land for themselves, that way they can leave us alone”

“It’s not that simple. We need land for prey and resources. The more we give away, they less we have. Outsiders have no real rules. They’ll only waste it. Besides, the law says we have to defend our territory. It’s always been that way”

“Why do we even have territories to begin with? Why not just learn to get along with each other, it sounds a lot easier”

Kalaa and her companion stopped abruptly. The other wolf cast her a look of sock and disbelief, as if she had just used a swear word or something.

“Tell me Saba” began Kalaa “At your previous home, where there a lot of dogs?”

“Yes” she said, thinking of her community of dogs back at Nome.

“Did you all get along perfectly?”

“No” responded Saba slowly, remembering all the rivalries and grudges

“So why should out here be any different? Our traditions might be different, but we are just as similar. By having clans and boundaries, it’s what’s makes us strong and loyal. We learn to unite with our clans and support one another.”

“Oh” said Saba, feeling embarrassed by her stupid question

“Don’t be ashamed. That question comes around every year or so from a curious junior with good intentions. That sort of thinking may mark a loyal wolf”

“Or a stupid one” muttered the other wolf

Saba narrowed her eyes slightly at that last comment, but she was elated. She just might have a home in this place after all. But she was still bothered. “A loyal wolf…” said Kalaa. No matter what happened, Saba would never be a true wolf. She looked too much like her mother. She felt even more ashamed of her wolf heritage; it only seemed to bring in such confusion and resentment.

After checking the territory, Saba bounded of to Hetcha. She decided to make it quick, for she still felt a large amount of anger towards him. She dropped his share of the moose and turned to leave.

“ Hey, Housedog”

It was Hetcha calling out to her. She whipped over her shoulder and cast him a small dirty look. She fully turned around and was waiting for him to make another rude remark. She despised being called that name.

“I have a name, you know. Its Saba, and I preferred to be called that, thank you very much”

“Look, I wanted to apologize for the way I acted yesterday. I had no reason to do that. I’m sorry”

Saba stared at him. Did she just hear what she thought she heard? No, it couldn’t be. She didn’t believe for one second that Hetcha actually apologized. It seemed impossible, but she heard the words come out of his mouth.

“Wha?” she stammered “I mean, apology accepted, I guess”

The last part was muttered for herself. She wasn’t so sure if she entirely believed him. She searched his face for a hint of taunt and lies, but his face was firm and looked possible sincere. Saba turned and walked away before either of them made an outburst. She was still suspicious of his apology but she shrugged it off. Whether he really meant it or not, it wouldn’t cause any real damage. Saba then noticed that Michigan was trotting towards her in excitement.

“Hey! Guess what! Karti said we could go to the Pack Meeting!”

“The what?”

“Oh, I guess no one told about it yet. Every month, the packs gather to discuss anything necessary, to keep things in order. A few juniors and varsities are invited. To make a good impression, you know. We get to go this time”

Saba grew excited. This could be a sign that she was being fully accepted into the tribe.

“When do we go?”

“Tonight”

Saba grunted as she climbed over the ledge. She could hardly wait to see the other clans. But she couldn’t help but feel nervous at the same time. Those in her tribe already marked her as a loner. Michigan pulled himself up beside her.

“Who would’ve thought that it would be so far away?”

Saba only flicker her tail across his nose.

“Don’t you feel a bit nervous?” Saba couldn’t resist asking

“Not really. I’m more excited” he looked down at her “Why? Are you?”

"No” she responded.

She hated admitting that she was scared. To her, it felt like she was admitting that she was weak. Michigan raised an eyebrow, he didn't quite believe her. Saba noticed this, and knew that she couldn’t lie to him.

“Alright, I’m a little nervous” she admitted

"Don’t be. The meeting is held in peace. Any disturbance, Spirit Clan will be angry”

“Wait, what is this Spirit Clan that everyone keeps talking about? Is it some bad luck omen or something?”

“Spirit Clan is our ancestors. Look up. Each star is a dead warrior"

Saba glanced up. Unlike back at Nome, the sky was dappled with an endless amount of glittering stars. Saba could feel her nervousness settle down a bit. She loved the stars very much and enjoyed sleeping beneath them. It sounded dumb that the stars were a different wolf. Saba decided right then and there that she didn’t believe in Spirit Clan. She figured that Michigan was only trying to pull her leg.

“We’re here” someone shouted

Saba’s ears pricked up in excitement. She ran past her brother and into a clearing. Saba looked around in amazement. Several wolves were there, having conversations and walking around to another. Several scents cluttered up in her nose, But she could detect three main ones.

Michigan padded up beside her and looked impressed as well. Saba looked at the center of the clearing and saw four huge stones in a circle. Karti had already lept on top of one. Two other leaders were perched on them, looking tall and authoritive.

“Who are those two?” she whispered

“That is Surgis. He is in charge of Bear Clan. The other is Crossface. He is the leader of Wind Nation."

“So what do we do now?”

“We go around and meet other wolves. Try to squeeze information out of them, without giving away some of our own. Don't get too friendly though, you might have to fight them someday."

Michigan bounded away to a group of guys. Saba didn’t know where to go, until she spotted a cluster of females a few feet away. Saba padded over, trying to look cool  and confident. She was determined to make a good impression. The girls noticed her approach and stopped talking. Saba felt unease come at once, but she forced it away. These girls knew nothing of her past, she had a fresh start.

“You must be that housedog that we heard about”

Saba felt her ears lay flat. They’re not in my tribe, how do they know that I’m not forest born? Did rumors go around fast out here in the wold?

“Yeah, so" replied Saba coolly

“How does it feel? Do you miss your little cosy bed?"

The way she said it made Saba want to tear her up. She said as if talking to a pup you lost his favorite chew toy; mocking. Before Saba could retort with a comeback a howl hit the air. It was time for the meeting to start. Saba gave the snobby titch a dirty look and turned to walk away. These meetings were held in truce, it would take only a fool to break the peace. Saba couldn't understadn why she was beign treated that way. She hasn't even done anything to deserve it all. This only pushed Saba to prove them wrong. She was sick of bouncing around trying to find a place to call home. 

The wolves were gathered around the four stones, the fourth leader was still missign as far as she could see. A leader finally made her way through and leapt gracefully on the the pillar. Saba's jaw dropped. The fourth leader had was a brigth tan color, with bright blue eyes. A single bridge lay on her snout, and she darker ears. Saba wondered how the heck had Alue become pack leader.

When her father returned from a long journey to retrieve her runnaway sibling, he had come back empty pawed. She asked where Alue was and he only responed by telling her that Alue had finally found her home. Saba never gave it much thought. somehow she had just assumed that they had come across another town and got her adopted at last. Then again, Saba knew that Alue had a very small chance of ever getting adopted, it was obvious when alue had never been taken home by a child she had. It made even more sense that Alue would easily be accepted as a wolf. Saba felt a small pang of jelousy, who knew how long it would be until she would accepted into the tribe.

"The meeting has now come to a start" called out Crossface.                                          

The noise died down and everyone gave  the leaders their undivided attention.

"I will go first" grolwed Crossface " Things have been just fine. The other day we had a small invasion from the Outsiders, but I doubt they'll show their faces again. We have a new Fighter, Talonclaw."

Crossface stepped aside and Surgis shifted forward.

"We have three new warriors this month, they were unable to come due to a minor accident. But I also want to warn you all of two outcasts. They have tried to go against our clan and let in then Outsiders. I advise for you to watch your boundaries"

Karti stepped forward and addressed the gathering.

"We'll keep that in mind. We too have a small issue with Outsider. We even have one held captive right now, and-"

"You what?!" exclaimed Alue. Even Crossface frowned on this

"I don't think thats a very good idea Karti. He'll only weaken your clan and ;et the rest in behind you backs"

Karit narowed her eyes "He is injured and we have someone to keep an eye on him at all times. As a matter of face she is here now. We have two new Juniors with us today, Michigan and Saba"

All heads turned to look at them. Saba felt Michigan lift his head up proudly and Saba tried her best to look cool.

"A housedog!" exclaimed someone

Murmmuring spread through the group and Saba felt her fur stood on end.

"Karti, do you really think its wise to allow an pet in to your tribe? Even more to let it watch over a rouge?"asked Crossface "You're putting your Tribe at risk, and further-"

"Excuse, but are you the leader of my tribe?"

"No but-"

"Then let me decided what I should or should not be doing" she snapped to the clan leader

"Either way Karti" said Surgis, a low growl rumbling in his throat " It doesn't take a genius to see that its a ig risk to let a human slave in. Alue, what do you think"

Saba gulped nervously. Would her sister side with the other leaders, or stay loyal to family? Alue look uncertain for a moment, as if she didn't know what to choose.

"It is something different, but anyone can build their way up to becoming strong. Who know's, she might have some wolf blood from our ancestors"

Several out bursts and protests came from the group below. Only Alue's own clan remianed silent, but there expressions told her that they didn't like much what thier leader was saying. Saba fury rise in her. They all discussed it like it was thier problem. But what about her? They weren't asking how she flet about the whole situation. Saba felt like she didn't have to sit here adn feel bad. No one was forcing her to hear this. Sana stood up abruptly and turned to leave.

'Where are you going" asked Michigan, but she didn't answer. Saba walked out and as soon as she was far enough, she ran.          

*******************************************************    

Hetcha was only laying around like he usually was. His leg was healing and doing a lot better, but he still refused to take part of this tribe at all. He began to wonder what he would do next as soon he was completely healed. He didn’t get too far in his mind until he heard someone coming.

The house dog had his meal in her jaw, but she was walking fast. It was a sure sign that she was furious about something. She tossed his share of the food in a rude manner. She was definitely in a foul mood. Hetcha was feeling bored so he decided to play around with her anger, just to amuse himself.

“Gee, did the meeting go really that bad. I guess that’s what happens when you bring a house do-“

“Shut Up!” snarled Saba, as she whipped around. Her fur stood on end, bristling like never before.

“Just shut up! The last thing I need is for something like you to get all smart alecky with me! Just piss off already!”

Hetcha was impressed once again. She obviously didn't take crap from others.

“It probably wasn’t even that big of a deal" he said, still playing with her fury “You house dogs always make a big deal out of nothing, since you’re all spoiled.”

"Oh, I'm sorry" she said in a mocking tone “ I suppose that its not so bad that I’m constantly being pushed aside as a misfit, and can never really find a home! I guess its also not so bad that I have been labeled ‘outcast’ and can never really be accepted! But what crap do you know, you are already a wolf so you can blend in anywhere! You think you can parade around and do what you please, but you can’t! You are no different from the humans themselves, because you DON”T CARE! You’re full of crap and you’re the spoiled one. You do NOTHING but sit around and eat from the food WE get for you!”

Her voice had risen so she was practically shouting. Thankfully everybody was either sleeping or still at the meeting. Both of them stood there bristling at each other. Hetcha was now angry at Saba’s words.

"What do you know?!” he snapped “You don't know what you're talking about! You think that-“

“Oh I don't! How dare you! You don’t know anything of my trials and obstacles. I always have to be thrown around like a pack of unwanted rats! All of my brothers and sisters seem to go along with the world jut fine, except me! I don’t even know WHY I'm marked so different!"

Her voice was beginning to shake. It was apparent that she had never shared her feelings like this before.

“At least you have a family. You don’t have to be a wolf to be fit in all the time” growled Hetcha softly “That is something we both have in common”

*******************************************************

Saba stared at him, unable to believe what he had just said. In common? They had nothing in common. Saba just thought that he was just making fun of her again, but his gaze was unmoving. Saba then remembered what Kalaa had told her about the Outsiders: “…they are wolves you have been banished or deserted by their clans….". Was this what she was referring to?

Saba didn’t even know why he was sharing this with her, heck, she didn’t even know why she was telling him about her hurt feelings. Saba felt the fur lie down a bit on her shouders.

“What? What do you mean?”

“Nothing, forget it” he mumbled. He put his head down.

“Were you kicked out of your pack?”

“I said forget it!” he snapped. He tore away at his slap of meat instead and averted his eyes away from her.

Several minutes passed in still silence. The tribe was returning from the meeting. After how she had acted, she didn’t want to go out there to face them. She didn’t know where to sleep. She decided to go get comfortable on the other side of the old sycamore. Saba was shaking a bit, she usually shook whenever she confronted someone big, or told someone off like that, for some reason it took a lot out of her. Saba was also thinking hard about what Hetcha had told her. She was pretty certain that there was a lot that she ddin’t know about Hetcha. Maybe more than she ever thought of. But she doubt it would mean much to her. She remembered the SpiritClan that Michigan told her about. If there really was a Sprit Clan up there, then surely they wouldn’t of have let this happen, or make her feel this way. This made her believe even more that Spirit Clan was just a story. A myth. With these thoughts in her mind, she eventually fell into somewhat of a troubled sleep….

**************************************************

Authors Note:

Yeah, its a little boring, not much. This part of Saba's story is just an introduction to what happens next. To understand more about the setting, situation and characters. Special thanks to x_X_Emily_X_x because she helped with this fanfic and for letting me use Michigan. Thanks also to Kepru for motivating me to finish this thing after tow years....

More is to come.  

Saba (c) CatLuvsZuko

Hetcha(c) x_X_Emily_X_x

Karti (c)

Kalaa (c) CatluvsZuko

Orkney (c) CatLuvsZuko

Michigan (c) x_X_Emily_X_x

Alue(c) Universal Studios