On My Fathers Wings
By Kaynight
‘Dad…DAD.’ A small pup yelled running up to Niju and pulling at his tail as he snoozed in the shade. ‘You promised we could go play today.’ The pup said rolling over onto his back and looking happily up at Niju who didn’t even open his eyes as he yawned.
‘Riddick please I’m busy.’ Niju said opening one eye and looking at his son who stood up.
‘You’re always busy.’ Riddick complained looking a little saddened. |
‘Niju quick Nava has called a meeting and we all need to go.’ Sumac said in a puffed voice as he ran up beside Niju who instantly stood up.
‘When will that old fool step down…?’ Niju grumbled stepping over Riddick. ‘…because of him we are starving we need a new leader.’ He finished holding his head up high. Behind him Riddick followed suit after his father, ‘Riddick stay here and wait for your mother!’ Niju snapped turning around to face his son who instantly stopped and sat on the ground. Riddick watched after his father his tail wagging behind him hoping that his father would soon return and then they could play.
‘Riddick, sir?’ Came a deep voice as slowly Riddick opened his eyes and looked up at the den entrance to see his friend and unofficial Beta standing there looking at him.
‘This better be important.’ Riddick growled closing his eyes.
‘We have just received word that the Spirit pack has completely disappeared!’ As soon as the beta was finished Riddick shot up and walked out the den.
‘Packs just don’t disappear you fool.’
‘One minute they were there and the next they were all gone.’
‘What about my father?’ Riddick spat hoping that he had left with the pack he had so wanted to lead but never had the brains to actually do so.
‘He and the old one have remained but they are not talking.’ Bursting into laughter Riddick walked away from his beta. ‘Should we gather the wolves and launch our attack now?’
‘Yes, yes as soon as possible but I have a special duty for you and a few others Blaine…’
‘What ever you wish sir and it will be done.’ Blaine said obediently as Riddick turned back to look at him.
‘My father…kill him.’ With that Riddick marched right past Blain and into the shadows.
Niju shivered madly as he huddled into a ball trying to warm up from the freezing water he had fallen in. His head lay on his paws as he looked out towards the ocean where his pack had all but disappeared. He was hoping and praying that maybe they were wrong and would come back home, come back to their land.
He waited for hours just staring out towards the ocean but still nothing but waves rolled upon the shore; the reality just couldn’t seem to sink in they had left him, his friends, his pack mates they had deserted him, why? He was doing what was best for them this land had been the home of the Great Aniu and many many generations beforehand why would they want to leave the promised land? They had just been going through a bad time the caribou would return why couldn’t they see that?
The rays from the morning sun did little to warm Niju as he admitted sadly to himself that they were not returning and it was time to leave the sea-side and get back on with his life.
Walking to the old meeting place Niju shivered when all he could hear was the wind howling through the gullies. He walked up to the ledge that Nava stood upon when he spook to the pack; the alpha position. Standing on the ledge all it had promised Niju, its power, its respect...he didn’t feel any of it, all he looked down upon was an empty ground with nothing left but empty footprints.
Of course he had seen Nava but Niju had too much pride and sought not to find him and hoped that he would do the same. Niju sneered to himself Nava had thought he was a such a good leader and loved by all but then why did they leave him also? They made no effort to help him and to think he allowed the pack to be run by a half-breed!
Returning to the all but empty forest Niju began to try and find food even though everyone else was gone because it didn’t mean he couldn’t hunt, he didn’t need them, he was strong and proud as well as an excellent hunter.
Niju wandered around for hours and still he found nothing but the scents of his pack mates who had already searched the entire pack lands days or even weeks before and had found nothing. He had to quickly admit that him alone stealing from a nearby pack would be nothing but suicide but perhaps just getting something from their pack lands and returning unnoticed would be a better option? As he began to walk to a nearby pack land he heard a very faint sound of a twig cracking, was it Nava? Turning around Niju only just managed to move out of the way of a huge wolf lunged at him. Gasping a spinning around teeth barred for a fight he soon noticed in the corner of his eye as two more wolves approached him from behind and one he recognized. Looking back around he watched as
‘You dare walk upon the lands of the great Spirit pack? Nava will have you killed.’ Niju growled.
‘Nava that old fool wouldn’t hurt a fly but however we know well clear your pack has left you for dead.’
‘Your son has given me some pretty clear orders about you.’
‘I have no son.’ Niju said through gritted teeth looking at Blaine who rolled his eyes.
‘Don’t worry no need to be jealous of your son any more…we’ll make sure of that.’
Niju glances behind him at the young wolves and smiled to himself, he had been born on this land and knew it like the back of his paw, if there was one thing he could do it was lose them. Bursting through some undergrowth Niju began to run back towards the seaside and the huge cliffs. Reaching a cliff face Niju ran along side it until he was sure the wolves behind him could see and he instantly changed direction jumping off the cliff beside him. The two wolves behind him quickly came to a stop and began laughing, ‘That fool just killed himself!’ One laughed looking at the edge of the huge drop on the side.
‘Lets get back to Riddick he’ll need us for the attack on the
‘We just need an excuse to take power now think you three!’ Niju yelled at Yak, Sumac and Nuk who all looked at each other trying to think of something.
‘Dad!’ Riddick yelled running forward up to Niju who looked shocked as the small pup sat at his legs looking happily up at his father.
‘What are you doing here Riddick!’ Niju yelled. ‘You should be with your mother.’
‘I want to come with you.’ Riddick smiled.
‘Go back right now!’
‘But dad…’ The pup pleaded standing up and looking at his father who just frowned.
‘Listen young pup its time you began to learn…’ Niju didn’t have time to finish because Riddick quickly got a little teary before turning around and running away. Looking after him Niju tried to hide his guilt but his son had to learn. Niju was not going to make the same mistakes his father had made on him, Riddick would grow up into a strong pack run by his father, safe and surrounded by family but Niju knew he had no time yet for being a father…he would soon enough and than he could give his pup the future he deserved.
Sighing to him self Niju sadly walked along the cold beach towards the nearest pack lands to hunt for food and even perhaps seek asylum. It was obvious his son like him wanted nothing to do with him, but unlike his son Niju would never ever hurt Riddick and he knew it was best for his son if he just disappeared.
Soon darkness again descended upon the beach and the calmness of the night began again, the full moon turned the sand a glowing silver color and lit up the whole beach. Feeling tried Niju sat down on the beach and as the waves rolled ashore near his paws. Just in front of him he could see the invisible border between his packs and the next but he wasn't sure if he could cross it...it scared him.
‘We have killed Niju!’ One of the wolves who had chased him reported happily back to Riddick who nodded happily.
‘Yes very nice…’ He stopped when he saw
‘They are prepared to attack the
‘Then give them the word!’ Riddick said walking up to Blaine who quickly nodded before he and the other two wolves walked away towards the Summit Peak Pack. Watching them go Riddick was glad to finally be left alone in his thoughts. He walked down to a small stream and took a quick drink before looking at his reflection and shaking his head as he looked at the large scar on his left eye. Sitting down Riddick stared down long and hard at his reflection and almost laughed at him self because he was so similar to his father that it sickened him. He was never going to be like his father, his father had never treated him like a son and because he was so afraid of change he never let him become or do what he really wanted. It was his fathers fault that he had that awful scar and his fathers fault that his mother was killed but it wasn’t his fault of what he had become…Riddick knew he had become better than his father and now that he was dead there was no one is his way no one to hold him back. He would become the Alpha of the whole land, have power, strength and respect something Niju had yearned for so long and failed to get but now Riddick knew he would get it, he’d be a better wolf than his father.
Early the next morning Riddick stood where his father had been standing only the day before as he to looked down at an empty land, but not for long. In the distance he watched as
‘How you can draw so much support for your evil ways remains a mystery to me.’ Thor said bitterly staring at Riddick.
‘You an elder?’ Riddick laughed, ‘I thought you knew everything! What everyone needs is safety a world that they can belong to, that makes sure no one is forgotten…’
‘Don’t try and hide you own ideas of power by clouding it with your lies.’ Thor sneered.
‘Lies!?’ Riddick yelled walking right up to Thor who stood his ground and didn’t look the least bit intimated. ‘It was your pack who had forgotten me! I could have been many things, a leader, a hunter but no me and my mother were discarded like an old piece of meat.’
‘If you don’t learn through your mistake or others then will never learn anything, revenge is not the way.’
Turning around Riddick shook his head, ‘No…no…don’t tempt me with your stupid wisdom I will create a pack where everyone is looked after where we are all equal and safe…’
‘How can killing those against your wishes be saving anybody?’
‘I will a great Alpha and prove myself…’
‘Prove yourself to who? For I’m sure you have no one left.’ When Thor finished he could hear Riddick snarling.
‘What should I do with the old one?’
‘Kill him…’
Opening his eyes Niju yawned and stood up looking down the beach where his footprints had already been swept up by the waves, he hadn't realized how far he had gone. Starting to walk back towards the neighboring pack lands he stopped when he reached the edge and stood for a long time looking at the invisible line in the sand. He could feel himself shaking slightly, he had never before left his land, his packs land but there was one thing stronger than fear itself that made him take that step, it was family and despite everything he wanted what was best for his son. Once he was completely in the other packs territory he looked behind him and he could feel a huge urge inside that just wanted to pull him back across and for a moment he even considered it but had to quickly stop himself and walk forward a few more steps. As long as he didn’t turn around he would be fine, he could come back anytime…not like the traitors that abandoned his land he would return when the time was right. As he walked he tried no to think about why he was afraid of leaving his land but it kept flooding back with every step he took.
‘Mum I’m tired.’ Little puppy Niju yawned looking up at his mother who was nudging him and his two sisters awake.
‘Come on we’re leaving this place.’ His mother said calmly.
‘Why I thought dad liked being Beta and we have so much food.’ Niju smiled rolling over and showing his mother his full belly.
‘It’s time for a change, time to move on.’ His mother said pushing Niju towards the den entrance where his father waited patiently in the dark.
His mum and dad and his two sisters all quickly sneaked away from the den with his mum telling him it was game and so Niju played along not realizing that as they moved further and further away from their pack lands they moved further into dangerous lands.
A few weeks later the two parents had dug a shallow den in another land and Niju and everyone seemed to be happy. His parents had explained that they could no longer live happily under the authority of the Alpha and needed to escape, raise their own pack and live….
Niju shuddered to himself the flashes of wolf attack, flashes of his parents and sisters…his mother screaming at him to run...a nearby pack had found out about the small new pack and quickly decided the kill them off. Niju could remember running and running until he ran into Nava who adopted him as his own son into the pack. Niju remembered how as he grew up he put more and more blame about what had happened on his parents, why did they want to change? Why weren’t they satisfied with what they had? They had killed themselves and his sisters, every since that day he had been afraid of change, scared that it meant something bad. He had been so scared that if he ever left the spirit pack the pack that had killed his parents would come back for him and that feeling had just never left him, until now.
As he walked he suddenly picked up a familiar scent and it took him a few moments before he growled to himself, ‘Blaine…’ Picking up his pace he quickly walked further into the pack lands. He soon noticed that the packs patrols unless they were incredibly bad had not even picked him up yet which could only mean something bad.
‘Dad…’ Came such a soft whisper that Niju thought it was just the wind until it spoke again. ‘Dad…’ Following the sound Niju walked over to a nearby bush where he could see two small pups cowering and crying. Niju had never been good with pups and was unsure what to say to calm them down.
‘Hello?’ he said looking down at them and as they cowered beneath him. ‘Where’s the pack? You’re Alpha? Your patrols?’ Niju queried which instantly caused the pups to start crying again, instantly knowing he had said something Niju quickly tried to think of something else to say. ‘Do you remember anything?’
‘Some wolves came and took everyone…’ One pup whimpered.
Before Niju could say anything the breaking of a branch instantly made him spin around just in time to avoid an attack, thinking it was the attackers Niju jumped the wolf biting down on the back of its neck casuing it to howl but before he could do anything else he heard a voice.
‘You are surrounded Riddick…’ Instantly flashing around Niju looked straight into the blue eyes of a white and grey female white wolf. ‘Your not…’ She said shocked.
‘Who are you?’ Niju spat looking down at the wolf who had attacked him as it slinked back over towards the female.
‘My name is Sable and I see you have me my inexperience eldest son Slate.’ She said frowning down upon the wolf Niju had attacked as he frowned but said nothing. ‘I thought you might have been that killer Riddick.’ She said before nodding as some wolves behind her went over and picked up the pups.
‘Where are you from? And how did you know this pack had been attacked?’
‘My patrols are some of the best in the land they soon noticed when similar border patrols form this
‘I have never heard of you before and I live quite close by.'
‘So you're not from this pack then?’
‘No I am from the Spirit Pack….’
‘Ah yes the pack where the mighty Aniu was born and beame Alpha she to is legend upon my land, her bravery is strength inspires us all...well call your alpha then he and I have many important things to discuss.’
‘They have all but gone.’ Niju growled to himself.
‘Yet you remain? I see no help given by only a single wolf, we will not be needed your services.’ With that Sable went to turn around.
‘This Riddick what did he do here?” Niju called out after Sable who stopped and turned back to Niju.
‘From a survivors account we have word his wolves came and declared they were under his rule, anyone that disagreed were killed…’
‘Wait how can a few wolves take on an entire pack!’ Niju exclaimed in shock knowing quite well his son didn’t have that many friends and followers.
‘Riddick had aligned allies within the pack it self, once the Alpha had been killed the rest fell all to easily.’
‘Let me help you fight against him.’ Niju said walking up to Sable who considered the option for a moment.
‘I do suppose you look like a strong warrior...and i suppose we need as many wolves as possible, so yea you may come with us, hopefully you'll prove useful.’ With that Sable turned around and began to walk away with a group of wolves following after her. For a moment Niju stood there thinking about it he would really fight against his own son? Before following her still not having decided on an ansewer.
By the time they reached Sable’s pack lands it was dark and the stars covered the sky with the waning moon above them. ‘Hey you!’ Sable called out to Niju who looked up at her.
‘You sleep over there.’
‘My name is Niju.’ He said walking up to her as she stared down at him.
‘Alright Niju you sleep over there.’ With that she walked away and Niju looked after her frowning.
‘Yes, Alpha…’ He mumbled turning around almost bumping into Slate who was looking up at him. ‘Yes?'
‘How did you hear I was coming before?’ He asked grinning.
‘It’s called skill and experience of which you have neither.’ Niju said sitting down on the ground. ‘Your mother is the happy type.’ Niju said looking over at Sable who was talking to a nearby group of wolves.
‘She is the Alpha and with my father gone she really had to stand up, especially now with this Riddick attacking us…why is he doing this?’ Slate finished looking at Niju who sighed.
‘Maybe it was something that happened when he was younger, an over protective father who was too protective and let him down…’ feeling himself starting to mumble he looked up at Slate who laughed.
‘No he’s just evil, goodnight.’ Slate said before walking over to his mother and they both descended down into the Alpha den. Niju watched the den entrance before lying down on the ground, it was a long time before he finally feel asleep.
‘No…mother…please come back…’ Riddick said in his sleep as
‘Riddick.’ He said softly as Riddick instantly stirred and spun around to look at him.
‘What do you want?’ he mumbled putting his head back down on his paws.
‘The pack is complaining of hunger we need to go hunt…’
‘Then go hunt but make sure everyone goes I will not have anyone slacking everyone needs to pull together to help each other.’ He stopped standing up and thinking for a moment. ‘If any try to escape kill them…just make they have enough for everyone.’ Nodding
Stretching Riddick walked out of the den and looked at all the wolves in his pack standing nearby looking frightened, he smiled at them knowing that soon they would all think of him a great leader who cares and provides for his pack. Seeing an elderly wolf amongst the group Riddick walked forward up to her. ‘Now don’t you address your Alpha?’ He exclaimed looking at her but she didn’t reply. ‘What’s this bear got your tongue?’ He laughed out aloud.
‘Everyone lets go hunt.’
‘He said go hunt.’ Riddick ordered looking at her.
‘Please Alpha she is old and tired…’ Another younger female wolf said running up to them.
‘No everyone must pull their weight in my pack.’
‘Please she is old and weak…’
Riddick seemed to consider the option for a moment before yelling, ‘Anyone who refuses to hunt will not be fed or allowed to the river for a drink.’ Stopping he looked down at the young female. ‘Does that suit you?’ He scoffed and as though she was to scared to say anything she quickly nodded before following everyone else whilst the elderly wolf just stood where she was. ‘Those who do not pull their weight…are dead weight.’ Riddick sneered walking away.
‘Hey you...Niju’ Sable said looking down at a sleeping Niju who slowly opened one eye and looked up at her with a frown.
‘What?’ He mumbled.
‘I need your help with something.’
Standing up and stretching Niju followed her to a group of wolves who all stared at him. ‘Who is this!’ One exclaimed loudly.
‘He is from the Spirit Pack.’ Sable commented sitting down.
‘Blasphemy they all disappeared for all we know he is one of Riddick’s spies!’ The same wolf spat.
‘I am not with Riddick.’ Niju said calmly. ‘What did you need me for?’ He asked looking at Sable.
‘The Spirit Pack’s land is the closest line of attack to catch Riddick… with its lack of food he would not go there and thus would be a good place to hide before we launch an attack.’
‘The land is perfectly fine!’ Niju snapped suddenly defending his home land. ‘How ever I can lead you there.’
‘I still don’t trust him…’
‘Nero please we need him.’ Sable snapped turning to Nero just scoffed as he looked over at Niju who had a smirk across his face. ‘We leave as soon as word from the Ocean Pack is received.’ Sable nodded as everyone walked away except Nero and Niju who stood there staring at each other.
'Riddick has spies in every pack and I assume he has some in ours which will destroy any plans we have of getting him.’
‘I agree it is more than likely that spies are lurking in this pack, in the council even perhaps, so you better find them.' Niju sneered before thinking for a moment. 'Sable appears to be a strong leader but she is going in on this to quick, Riddick is no fool.’
‘Yes he’s no fool but neither are we. Long ago Aniu helped our packs from the fighting and wars over pack lands, what she has given us he is quickly taking away we must kill him.’
‘I will not take part in any murder.’ Niju snarled.
‘You sound like one of his spies more every second.’ Nero said walking over to him.
‘Prove that I am not and perhaps I will do the same to you.’ With that Niju turned and walked away with Nero frowning after him. Finding Slate amongst the groups of wolves Niju quickly walked up to him.
‘Have we heard of this other pack?’ Niju asked casually.
‘Not yet, mother is beginning to worry about their fate.’ Niju nodded in agreement as he walked away up to Sable who had just finished talking to one of the wolves in her pack.
‘Was that any news?’ He said sitting down beside her.
‘You will address me as Alpha before you talk to me.’ She said holding her head up.
‘Look I have issues with authority and I’m hardly a member of your pack I am only here to help, so don’t treat me like I’m one of them because I’m not.’ Niju looked up at the shocked look on Sable’s face but ignored it, he had always had issues with authority and would do almost anything to try and get power for himself rather than follow it. He was no fool though he knew quite well from the small time he had been with Sables pack that they followed her blindly and so any chance of him taking over or competing for Alpha was out of the question.
‘I can easily kick you out of the pack.’ She said angrily.
‘That’s fine with me I’m perfectly capable of surviving on my own…’
‘What about everyone else? Your pack, your friends and family won’t you fight for them?’ She said bitterly. ‘We all have something to fight for.’
‘I don’t have anyone Nero allready mentioned how they had all gone, or didn't you hear that Alpha…if you want me to show you to the Spirit’s pack meeting area then we leave tonight.’ With that Niju turned around.
‘How dare you order me, the Alpha!’ She yelled as Niju stopped and turned back to her.
‘I leave tonight whether or not you decide to come with me.’ With that he walked away to go hunt.
Once he was far enough away from the pack Niju slowed down to a slow walk and thought about what Sable had said, he had always looked out for himself because that was all had ever had and when ever he tried to look after someone else he lost them whether it be his, his mate, his family, his pack, they were all gone. Why should he fight and risk his life for a group of wolves who he didn’t know, that didn’t understand him, didn’t care about him? It was obvious that Sable and even Nero saw him as nothing but a worthless pack wolf who’s only use was to help them. He knew he could never hurt his son so how could possibly wage war against him when all war stood for was hurting others? But he to admit the compnay of the pack made him feel, almost whole again, he wans't sure if he could really survive in a world all alone. Somewhere deep inside he hoped that they came with him, whilst elsewhere he was to proud and hoped they didn't.
‘The
‘Yes Sir.’
‘Riddick what have you done!’ Niju screamed looking at his son and the cut on his left eye.
‘I was just trying to find you.’ Riddick wept as Niju walked closer to his son growling loudly.
‘You’ve just killed your mother and you almost killed me! Why don’t you ever listen to me Riddick you could have prevented this.’ Niju sat on the ground panting slightly as Riddick cowered beneath him crying. ‘Go live with the neighboring pack.’ Niju said bitterly standing up and turning his back on his son.
‘Dad please let me come with you…I’m sorry…I just wanted to be like you.’ Riddick watched as his father began to disappear. ‘Please wait.’ Riddick cried out after his father who soon disappeared. Turning around the small pup looked at the destruction around him before laying down on the floor ground crying not noticing as a small group of wolves approached him.
‘What’s this!’ One of them laughed pushing Riddick with his paw.
Quickly we must leave before anyone picks up our scent.’ Another one argued.
‘Who are you.’ Riddick said not looking up at them.
‘We’re loners, we don’t need a pack to survive but one day when we’re big enough we’ll get them all.’ The wolf laughed.
Riddick quickly stopped crying and stood back up, ‘Can I come with you?’ He said trying to hide his tears and sadness.
The wolf thought for a moment before saying, ‘If you can keep up…’ With that the group of wolves including Riddick slowly walked away and as he walked away Riddick’s sadness suddenly began to turn into anger not only at his father, but at all the packs who had let him down and it was at that moment Riddick knew that when he was older he would create a pack where no one was an outcast, no one was on their own, no one…
Night soon descended upon the land as Niju waited patiently in the shadows to see whether or not Sable and her pack would be returning with him or not, he would leave soon whether or not they were coming with him.
‘You must have known Nava.’ Sable said walking up to Niju who nodded as he turned to her. ‘He was a great friend of my fathers.’
‘You’re a little young to be Alpha.’ Niju commented.
‘My father died long ago…’
‘What about your son, where is his father?’
‘His father died soon after he was born, I changed when he died I had to be strong for my pack and for my son.’
‘Life’s not always a pretty picture.’ Niju commented bitterly.
‘You show very little remorse for others.’ Niju laughed out aloud but said nothing. ‘My pack is gathering and we will leave soon.’ With that Sable walked away not realizing that shadows in the darkness were following her. Laughing a little to himself Niju slowly stood back up and decided too go back to the main den and wait now that he knew that they were coming with him. As he waited he could hear muffled voices inside but decided not to call out as he slowly entered the den to see what was going on and as soon as he did he could see Sable standing in the shadows. ‘What’s…?’ Niju started but didn’t have time to finish as a wolf who had been hiding in the shadows attacked him. The two scuffled on the ground trading scratches and bites until finally the other wolf made a run for the den entrance. Panting and looking after the wolf Niju turned back to Sable ignoring the pain coming from his scratches and bites. He walked over to her and saw that she was crying, ‘Your fine.’ Niju said looking at her noticing she wans't hurt.
‘I’m scared.’ She said looking up at him her fierce demeanor suddenly disappearing.
‘Come on we need to leave.’ Niju said turning around and stopping looking back at her.
‘Everyone always told me that my father was cursed by having an only a daughter, and every since that day I’ve tried to be strong…’
‘There’s more to being Alpha then being strong…’ Niju thought about Nava. ‘Leaders are wise and do what’s best for their pack, something I was never born to do.’ Sadly Niju turned and walked out of the den where he saw the pack gathered outside.
‘What happened to you?’ Slate yelled running forward, Niju knew if he told them about the betrayal of one of their pack mates it would send nothing but panic across the ranks.
‘Hunt gone wrong, I don’t want to talk about it.’ Niju mumbled looking around where Sable appeared out of the den.
‘Mother we are all ready to leave.’ Slate said running up to her.
‘Yes, Niju here will lead the way.’ She said looking at Niju who smiled a little before moving forward his head held proudly.
‘WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK ALREADY!’ Riddick screamed looking at the wolf who had managed to escape Niju’s grasp without killing Sable.
‘Sir I…I…she had a bodyguard and I…’
‘You’re pathetic!’ Riddick spat the hair on his back standing on end. Turning to Blaine who was nearby Riddick recomposed himself before saying, ‘Kill him, and you go, track them find out where they are…be back by morning and you will show us the way to attack them.’ Riddick said at Blaine who nodded and turned to the wolf who had just returned who looked petrified.
‘I’m sorry…’
The familiar scents of pack-mates long gone; the familiar sounds of the breaking waves nearby and the familiar view of the huge rocky cliffs that was once his home made Niju smile glad to finally be back home. ‘You did well.’ Sable said smiling and walking forward past Niju.
‘Lucky you were there to save her weren’t you?’ Nero said walking in front of Niju and staring coldly at him.
‘I suppose I was.’ Niju sneered.
‘A little bit too lucky, seems like it was planned from the start to gain her trust…’ Niju tried to hold back a laugh at how ridiculous Nero was sounding. ‘…you haven’t got mine and I won’t let you do anything to harm her or anyone in this pack.’
‘I would never harm Sable or this pack, however you're a different picture, now you watch your back ok.’ Niju growled as the two stared angrily at each other. ‘Now will you excuse me…’ Niju said walking past Nero who growled low as he watched Niju disappear towards the beach.
This whole pack is crazy Niju thought to him self as he walked calmly down the beach thinking about what he was doing back here, he just couldn’t seem to leave it was as though this land has a hidden rope around him that kept pulling him back, pulling him back to memories he just couldn’t forget. Niju was never an optimistic and he knew that the situation involving Riddick really had no good side, his son would do anything to gain power, to prove Niju wrong to prove that his father was weak and that he was strong. Sable and her little band of rebels had no chance, it was obvious from his last encounter that Riddick would kill anyone even his own father to get what he wants, he had close followers who were to scared to not obey him and thus no one dared stand up to him. The way only way to fight him was to play it his way and Niju thought he knew how to do that now…
‘He’s crazy!’ Nero said laughing sarcastically.
‘Shut up you idiot he has a point if we fight we’ll die…’ Kael argued at Nero who instantly went quiet. Niju knew that Kael was the pack's Beta and usually kept to himself however ever since the attack on Sable she liked to keep him close.
‘I’m glad someone around here is starting to see sense.’ Niju nodded at Kael who he growing to like before turning to Sable.
‘I’m not sure, we’re not cowards…’ Sable muttered.
‘Were not acting like cowards were acting like intellegient wolves, the only way to defeat Riddick is get inside his pack and get everyone to rebel all at once. Try to do this singularly we will all be killed.’ Niju argued.
‘How do we know they’ll find us here?’ Kael asked turning to Niju.
‘They have found every other pack it will not be hard to find us here, that wolf I attacked last night would have returned by now and Riddick would have sent out my scouts to track us down.’
‘You seem to know quite a lot of Riddick for someone who have never met the wolf before, how would you know what he would do?’ Nero sneered.
‘Because that’s what I’d do…’ Niju knew no one would truly understand what he meant but he did know the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, knew that Riddick would have listened to his fathers plots as a child and couldn’t help but pick them up, Niju had created a monster is his own image.
‘So we just sit here and wait?’ Sable asked.
‘Then look surprised when Riddick arrives…’ Nero rolled his eyes, ‘Oh no looked Riddick look how surprised I am.’ Niju growled loudly and stepped towards Nero who looked more than ready for a fight.
‘Stop it you two, save it for when we need it. Kael get everyone together we probably don’t have much time and remember tell no one to fight back as far as Riddick is going to be concerned we have given up.’ Nodding Kael quickly ran to round up the pack. ‘Nero you go do the same.’ Sable said coldly not looking at Nero who frowned and walked away.
‘That wasn’t an easy decision.’ Niju said looking at Sable who nodded.
‘If this fails it will be on your head not mine.’ Sable shook her head before walking away leaving Niju on his own.
Not far away hiding in the shadows
‘Riddick….I…’ Blaine said standing in front of Riddick stuttering for words as Riddick happily watched his pack of wolves all sleeping together surrounded by guards of course so they couldn’t leave, Riddick knew rest was important and made sure each wolf got enough sleep.
‘Spit it out
‘I saw them at the beaches near the rocky ridges…and I saw something else…’ Riddick’s ears pricked up. ‘I saw Niju…’
‘You what!” Yelled Riddick so loud that most of the sleeping wolves all woke with a shock and looked up at him as though they were going to be punished. ‘You told me he was dead!’ Riddick said walking forward.
‘I….I thought he was…I…’
‘You there gather as many wolves as you can we will attack these wolves right now. MOVE IT!' Riddick yelled as a nearby guard who quickly nodded. ‘As for you…’ Riddick growled as he approached
‘Riddick?’
Niju couldn’t sleep, he constantly tossed and turned thinking about what was going to happen when he and Riddick met up again, in reality he would want his son to be happy that he’s still alive but that reaction was extremely unlikely. Finally giving up on trying too get to sleep Niju walked away from the other wolves who were all in the same area not wanting to be alone with the incoming attack that was to come anytime.
Niju walked through the lush forest until he arrived at the beach which was so calm it made no sound, it was as though it wasn’t there at all. Sitting down Niju looked out in the distance remembering the exact day, the exact moment when his pack left him because it was that moment he realized that no one there ever cared about him, no one cared that he was going to be in solitude now. Not a day went by when he wouldn’t think of what happened to them, where did they go, whether or not Aleu would indeed be the new leader which would guide them a new bountiful land. As he looked in the distance he suddenly felt a cold shiver which instantly made him turn around expecting someone to be there, but there was no one. Laughing at his stupidty he turned back around where in the corner of his eye he saw a silver cloud dance over the water in front of him. Looking up into the sky thinking it was a reflection he was shocked to see that there were no clouds in the sky. Moving closer to the water he looked down at his reflection until the silver cloud came back dancing over his reflection; he must be going crazy! Niju said to himself himself, but he still couldn’t look away. The silver cloud suddenly began to form an image and when it had finished he saw Aniu in the water looking straight back at him, gasping in shock Niju looked away and stepped back away from the water.
‘Niju…’ Came a ghostly voice and Niju continued to back away from the water shaking his head, he really was going crazy. Spinning around he suddenly stopped in his tracks when the beautiful Aniu stood there looking at him, taking a few steps back Niju was at a loss for words.
‘Aniu…this…I must be dreaming.’ Niju mumbled looking for words.
‘Riddick comes soon.’ Aniu whispered.
‘I know!’ Niju frowned.
'You must stop him, if you don’t stop him he will only grow stronger.’
‘What are you saying? Are you saying I must hurt my only son? Because I can’t do that!” Niju said loudly. ‘He’s my son I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him, I just want him to forgive me so we cna live happily again…’
‘Many have already been killed, and if you let him loose only more will suffer the same fate…’ Aniu said as Niju turned around.
‘I can’t…’ When Niju didn’t hear a reply he turned back around looking directly into the eyes of Blaine who was staring at him. ‘You.’ Niju frowned. ‘I thought you would have been killed especially since you failed to kill me before.’ Niju laughed.
‘Riddick has more important matters to deal with…’ Niju instantly thought of Sable and the pack. ‘…you need not worry about the pack of rebels that all surrendered peacefully and are being taken back to Riddick’s land.’
‘I suppose you’re here the kill me?’
‘No Riddick wants to see you; I think he wants to have the honor all to himself.’
‘Yes…’ Niju sighed following after Blaine knowing there was no point in running, he had to face his son eventually and without him the entire plan he had made would fall apart and as for Aniu said he knew that she was wrong, he couldn’t possibly do as she asked, he couldn’t hurt his son no matter who or what he had become.
‘Niju I thought you were dead!’ Sable said running up to Niju as
‘Was anyone injured?’ Niju said looking past her to makes sure that everyone was alright.
‘No we’re all fine, however all the other wolves here are scared out of their mind, they don’t speak and do nothing unless they’re told to.’
‘All of you shut up!’
‘I’m so happy you’ve joined me and my perfect pack.’ Riddick cooed stepping out of the shadows and looking directly at Niju. ‘Especially my very own father.’ Riddick smirked walking towards Niju.
‘You can’t be…’ Sable muttered stepping away from Niju who didn’t look at her as he hung his head low.
‘You haven’t told you’re friends?” Riddick laughed. ‘Yes everyone, this is my father! The very wolf who turned me into what I am today, I must thank him because without him I wouldn’t be here.’ Riddick teased standing right in front of Niju who looked back up at him. ‘Aren’t you going to say hello to your son?’ Riddick grinned.
‘If you’re going to kill me then just get it over with…’ Niju growled.
‘That would be no fun…’ Riddick snarled and before Niju knew it Riddick slammed his paw across Niju’s face cutting it and causing it to bleed but Niju held his ground breathing heavily as the blood dripped down his face. ‘How does it feel to be helpless?’ Riddick said stepping forward whispering menacingly into Niju’s ear causing him to shiver. ‘You hurt me…so long ago…’ Riddick said shaking his head. ‘I just wanted to be like you…’
‘Mum when is dad coming home?’ A puppy Riddick said jumping up at his mother’s legs as she stood calmly waiting for Niju to arrive.
‘Calm down.’ She laughed giving him a quick lick on his head. ‘Your father will be here soon.’ Looking up from her son she held in a sigh knowing quite well that Niju never intended to spend anytime with his son.
The day quickly went by until finally it was dark and still no Niju had appeared to spend the promised time with his son.
‘Come on lets go home…’ His mother said gently pushing Riddick who refused to move.
‘He promised.’ Riddick said holding in tears and he stared out into the darkness still expecting his father to walk through any moment with a big smile ready to have fun, ready to play.
‘It’s getting to dark and dangerous to be out here alone, we must go Riddick.’ His mother said sternly looking down at her pup who shook his head and stood back up.
‘No…’ Riddick said, ‘He’s coming for me!’ Riddick yelled running away from his mother into the forest. 'He promised!'
‘Riddick come back!’ His mother screamed running after him.
Ignoring his mother Riddick kept running and running hoping to find his father but because he was so young he took no notice of the creatures around him and suddenly he ran straight into a huge bear who was hungry and angry. Stopping in his tracks he looked straight up at the bear its eyes staring straight back down at him. To scared to move Riddick just stood their petrified as the bear raised its paw…’Riddick run.’ His mother screamed, snapping out of his fear Riddick turned to run but the bear managed to just clip him on the side of his face causing him to yell in pain as the bear claw cut a deep gash in his face just missing his eye.
Almost blinded Riddick could hardly see what was going on, all he could here and see were blurred images of the bear and his mother. ‘Mum, I’m scared…’ Riddick wept trying to understand what was happening or what was going on around him….all he knew was that his mother wasn’t answering him…where was she? ‘MUM?!’
Riddick was shaking as he stepped back away from Niju, ‘When you arrived it was to late, I saw the result of what you had done….IT WAS YOUR FAULT!’ Riddick yelled turning around breathing heavily as though he had just relieved the exact moment. ‘After that when you LEFT me I decided to create this pack, a pack were no one is left behind, everyone pulls their weight, we look after each other…and I made myself Alpha because I knew I could be better than you ever could have been. I have become everything you wanted, to be a leader, to be a good leader, to not depend on others for what I want, aren't you proud of me?’ Riddick said turning to Niju who looked away from the monster he’d created. ‘AREN’T YOU PROUD OF ME?!’ Riddick yelled looking at his father who still refused to say anything. Calming down a little Riddick continued, ‘At day break you will be killed enjoy the night father…’ With that Riddick spun around and walked away quickly followed by A few months later….
Thanks for reading.
Looking after him Niju turned around to all the captured wolves who were all frowning at him but refused to say anything.
‘I trusted you.’ Sable said looking up at Niju who remained quiet. ‘Don’t you have anything to say?’ She continued and when Niju said nothing she turned and walked away. Niju looked over at Slate who hung his ehad low before walking over and sitting down beside his mother.
Not looking after her Niju laid down on the ground but he wasn’t thinking about the plan they had formed he was thinking about what Aniu said, if he didn’t do anything he would be killed but if he did he would be hurting his own son something he could never do.
‘Niju?’ Kael said walking up to him. ‘I…from that display I think its obvious that you had nothing to do with us getting captured.’
‘At least someone here has a brain.’ Niju mumbled.
‘I think we should go ahead with the plan…’ Kael said in a whisper so that the guards all around could not here them.
‘I’m not going to harm my son.’ Niju said sitting up and looking at Kael.
‘I understand that’s why I will kill him all you have to do is stop everyone else, get Blaine and his minions out of the way.’ Kael smirked.
‘These wolves aren’t going to fight.’ Niju said turning to look at all the petfried wolves around them. ‘They’re scared of Riddick and of me, they won’t risk their lives for freedom.’
‘I will.’
‘Then you will die.’ Niju frowned.
‘No, you’re the one whos going to die tomorrow if you sit here and do nothing at least if you help me we might have a chance, to save yourself, to save Sable and all the wolves here and perhaps you can save your son from himself?’
‘It’s to late, just leave me in peace for my last few hours…’ Niju said turning back around and lying on the ground. For a moment Kael stood there looking at him before slowly walking away looking disappointed.
‘He’s so beautiful…’ Niju said smiling at his mate as she gently licked the tiny pup beside her. ‘We’ve been blessed.’
‘He looks just like you.’ His mate said softly.
‘You will make’s a great mother.’'
‘And you I will make a great father to our little Riddick.’
‘Niju come play with your son he’s starting to run and he won’t stop’ His mate laughed looking at Riddick who was playing with a leaf on the ground.
‘I can’t! I need to work on this plan I think it will work.’ Niju said pacing from side to side not noticing Riddick walk up beside him holding the lead proudly in his mouth.
‘D-dad look!’ Riddick said with the leaf in his mouth.
‘Oh I know!’ Niju said quickly running away from Riddick who watched after his father but he wasn’t saddened, he just sat there wagging his tail waiting for him to come back…he would wait a long time…
Stirring in his sleep Niju slowly opened his eyes to see the first rays of sunshine peeping through the trees in the distance. Taking in a deep breath Niju stood up and turned around to see all the other wolves sleeping peacefully, including Nero, Kael and Sable.
He watched as the sun slowly began to rise quickly illuminating the sky as more and more wolves began to wake up. When Kael and Sable woke up they walked over to Niju. ‘We know you have given up on us…but…we are all ready if you want to make a move…get Riddick down and we can take the guards.’ Kael said looking at Sable who nodded.
‘You don’t understand I won’t…’
‘We know. We’ll do that just get him to the ground, all we need is a split second.’ Sable nodded. ‘Can we trust you?’
For a moment Niju stood there is silence trying to figure out what to do. ‘I don’t know…’ before he could finish Riddick appeared from his den causing Niju to turn around and face him.
‘Good morning everyone!’ Riddick smiled. ‘Now everyone can relax for a moment before we all go and get a drink. Because we have some, entertainment. Step forward father.’ Riddick said watching a Niju slowly walk past the guards encircling all the wolves before standing in front of Riddick who for Niju looked almost as though he was looking into a mirror they were so alike.
‘Why do you want to kill me son?’ Niju asked.
‘You represent everything I hate, I wanted nothing to be like you until that day when you left me and I realized something…that I was BETTER than you. You being alive just reminds me of all the hate I feel and I don’t want these feelings anymore, I don’t want to be sad, I don’t want to be angry, I just want to forget and move on.’
‘You can never forget who you are, you can never forget me or you mother, do you really want to forget your mother?’
‘You killed her.’ Riddick said looking away and tensing up. ‘Now you will pay!” Before Riddick could do anything Niju glanced behind him at Kael and Sable who both nodded slightly, quickly looking back at Riddick Niju quickly leapt at him and Riddick not expecting his father to do anything was caught unaware and knocked to the ground. In the flash of an eye Kael and most of the captured wolves instantly leapt at there guards whilst they were momentarily distracted and a huge brawl erupted. Riddick didn’t stay in shock for long and quickly stood back up looking at the brawl in front of him. ‘Get them!’ He yelled trying to see what was going on in the disarray in front of when, slowly
‘No…’
‘You traitor…’ Riddick snarled at his friend just as Niju quickly stepped between them.
‘He’s right, let it go son…come home with me. It’s over.’ Niju could see the fear and sadness in his son’s eyes and how it was slowly tearing him apart, Niju already knew Riddick’s sanity was already hanging by a thread anything could push him over the edge.
‘No, I will create the perfect world!’ Riddick said shaking his head and quickly running past both Blaine and Niju into the forest.
‘You organize yourself and stop this, tell your pack to stop.’ Niju ordered looking at
Niju prided himself of his good tracking skills and so Riddick’s trail was as clear it was as though Niju was simply following an arrow that pointed exactly where his son had gone. Quickly catching up to his son he watched as Riddick slowly began to cross the thin ice across a large river to try and get to the other side, Niju knew the ice was melting and any wrong step could said Riddick through the ice.
‘Riddick come back it’s not safe!' Niju yelled running to the edge of the ice river.
Stopping Riddick turned back around to face him. ‘Since when did you ever care about me? Stop pretending and just let me go, let me have a life without you.’
‘Please…’ Niju pleaded hearing the ice crack and break in front of him.
‘At least tell my why you hated me, why you never wanted to spend time with me.’ Riddick said holding back tears. 'Tell me why you left me! Why wasn't I good enough for you?'
‘I…I was stupid, I was so caught up in becoming Alpha and improving my rank, I thought once I was Alpha I could create the perfect word for you. Everytime I came close something would get in my way and so I kept putting off sending time with you because I always thought I would become Alpha and then I would spend time with you…I knew I could never provide you with the love and affection you need, I thought you would go back to the other back...’ Niju shook his head. ‘It was always my fault, I never stopped loving you or your mother, all I wanted was a perfect world for you but it never came I could never offer you a brave strong Alpha father.’
‘I never wanted an Alpha, I never wanted a strong, smart or brave father I just wanted a father, I just wanted you but I was never good enough for you.’
‘You’re better than me! You wanted to create a perfect world for everyone all I ever wanted was a perfect world for myself…you’re nothing like me, you’re better than me. I know you can never forgive me but please come back we can create a new world together but I can only do that if your by my side son, help me create your dream.’ Niju said looking at his son who looked shocked by his words.
‘Dad…’ Riddick said with a small smile as he took a step forward but just as he stepped forward the ice beneath him suddenly cracked sending him falling into the water below.
‘No…!’ Niju yelled instantly running out on to the ice towards where Riddick had fallen in. ‘Riddick can you hear me?’ Niju yelled looking into the water which was so rough that it splashed though the whole threatening to crack the ice where Niju was standing. Looking down the river all he could see was more ice and no other breaks in the ice for miles where Riddick would possibly come back up and call for help. Sitting down beside the whole Niju didn’t take his eyes away from it half expecting Riddick to suddenly come back up alright because he would, any moment now.
Niju waited for what seemed like hours till he heard someone walk up beside him, glancing back he saw Sable standing there looking sadly at him. ‘The guards have been defeated…we did it Niju.’ She said softly walking up beside him. When Niju didn’t reply she continued, ‘It’s not safe here.’
‘No I can’t leave what if Riddick needs me, if he comes back up I need to be here for him.’ Niju stuttered looking back down at the whole.
‘He’s not coming back Niju…’ Sable said watching as Niju just shook his head.
‘I’ve let him down…I've let my son down again’ Niju said closing his eyes and lowering his head trying to hold back the tears. ‘He needed me again and I let him down.’
‘Please come back where it’s safe and rejoin our pack, most others have already spread back out again and we’d be honored if you joined ours.’
‘No…’ With that Niju slowly stood up and began to walk away from Sable who looked after him but didn’t say anything as she watched him disappear into the forest on the other side of the river.
That night Niju sat on the beach looking out into the distance and up at the stars, he had never felt like he did now, it was as though a huge part of who he was had been torn away and left a huge hole that was eating away at him until eventually he knew nothing would be left.
‘He looked up to you, you know.’ A voice said as Niju turned to see
‘I’m surprised you’re still here.’ Niju replied turning back around.
‘All he ever wanted was to make you proud.’ A silence came over the two of them as they looked up at the stars. ‘What are you going to do now?’
‘Live a dream…make my sons dream come true and create a world that treats everyone fairly, where no is left behind or forgotten, I owe it to him.’ With that Niju stood up and turned to walk away knowing he was going to make his son proud of his father.
‘Can I come with you?’
‘Alright, just don’t annoy me to much.’ Niju smirked as
Many Miles Downstream…
‘Who is it?’
‘Is it alive?’
Riddick slowly opened his eyes and looked up at a small group of young wolves all looking down at him as he lay beside the river.
‘Who are you?’ One of them asked.
‘Riddick…my names Riddick….’
‘Where’s you pack?’
‘They’re…’ Riddick thought for a moment before smirking to himself. ‘They’re dead, I’m alone…’
Written By Kaynight