Hazel sat there with her paws laid out in front of her. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of loneliness, and maybe even sadness. She’s felt like that since Zuko had left the pack.

That name gave her two immediate reactions each time: longing and anger. She hated him for having tried to bring destruction to the back, all in the name of trying to regain his honor back. At the same time , she missed him terribly. Despite what he had done, she still found him admirable and even suitable for a mate. But she had to remind herself that she would most likely never see him again, and it was probably better that way. At least that what she told herself.

Sudden cries of alarm shot from around the packs settlement causing Hazel to sit up in confusion. She stood up and hastily ran over to what the pack was gathering around. She had difficulty nosing her way through, so she turned to a fellow packmate

“A pup” he panted “The patrol just found it next to the river, practically drowned. But I think he might still be alive”

With that information she forced her way through the crowd until she saw the young one clearly. She gasped slightly at its noticeable condition; his fur was matted from the water and she spotted clots of blood on its body. The pups eyes were closed as well, and he looked like he didn’t have long

“What are you all standing around for!” snapped Hazel, her aggression flaring. This prompted the pack to take a step backwards. Hazel was usually quiet and timid, never before had she yelled at the pack that way.

Hazel darted to the pup and began to anxiously lick its fur the opposite direction, the small one was freezing! While she did that, she made sure to lick away they blood, so that its injuries may receive fresh air to heal. Once she had finished, she raised her head to address the pack

“That hardly matters! Enemy or not, he is still very young and injured! The honor code doesn’t say anything about mistreating pups” her voice quavered with fury and fear “He is mine to care for, until we find out what to do next”

With that final remark she tenderly picked up the baby and pushed her way back to her den. She didn’t know where all of that came from, but she had a soft spot for pups. And what she saw back there touched a nerve. When she settled down in her den she resumed licking the pup’s injuries. She tried to detect any scents from him that would hint where he came from. But the river had washed it away, leaving only the pups scent. Soon afterwards, she nestled him next to her, with her soft tail covering him. She has always wanted a pup of her own, and this could be her chance.

She awoke the following morning, bright and early. First thing she did was anxiously sniff her new pup, checking to see that the injuries hadn’t become infected. Sometime later, the pup began to stir on its own. Her ears shot forward, in anxiety. He was coming around now, and it made her excited. Would he be frightened? He raised his head and peered up at her drowsily.

“How are you feeling” greeting Hazel softly, her voice more soothing than usual

“Where am I?” he responded groggily, he began to look around the den with a small expression of fright.

“You’re in the Pack of the Moon. My name is Hazel. You’re safe now, we found you near the river nearly drowned”

“It doesn’t matter now. Do you remember anything? What’s your name?” Hazel realized that his eyes were a bright blue, and his age was about 2 1/2 months old. He had a small black mask over his eyes and bridge of his nose.

“Drake” he mumbled, still looking shy and drowsy “I got separated from my dad”

“What are YOU doing here!” came a shrill howl from outside of Hazel’s den. Drake jumped in fright and back away, and Hazel drew her tail over him and sat up, her fur fluffed in aggression. She didn’t like the sound of an intruder, and she would do everything she could to defend Drake.Several barks and snarls erupted outside and from what Hazel could see, they had the intruder pinned down.

“Let me go!” snapped a familiar voice. Hazel craned her neck, trying to pinpoint that bark. Where had she heard it before?”

“You dare come back to us” snarled Pack Leader Pako “What is it you want this time”

The pack continued to growl at him, and hazel was aware that Drake was pulling away from her grip, becoming very interested. She couldn’t help but feel a bit curious herself

“Do you want to go see?” she asked. The pup turned around and nodded at her.

She released him and her tumbled forward eagerly. She followed him in long graceful stride, keeping close to Drake.

The two of them strode out of the den, althought Drake had a small limp from his injuries, but he still pressed forward determidly. Hazel nozed here way to the front, while Drake dove in between legs. The two of them had a better view of who was the intruder and it caused Hazel to gasp and feel a sense of dread and fury

"I came here to find my son" snapped Zuko from below, glaring up at the larger wolf/

What in the name of Spirit Clan was Zuko doing here? He dares to show his muzzle back in this pack, even after his scandulous act.

The pack stopped snarling at Zuko and laid the attention to Drake. It took everyone by surprise that the pup was up and speaking, but it was even more shocking that he recognized the newcomer. And he didn't sound scared or anything.Hazel hadn't realized that Drake had wandered so har ahead, and before she could even drag him back, he was scampering towards Zuko with full excitement.

"Drake?" called out Zuko, and his eyes darted around. He wore an expression of hopefullness and anxiety. Drake appeared though the croud and the leapt on top of Zuko, his tail waggin furiously. Hazel stared baffled, feeling hollow. She could feel her packmates eyes on her, and she didn't know what to do. She didn't feel as if she could do anything, so she ducked her head, keeping her eyes on Drake still. Did she just loose him to some scumbag?

"You know this pup?" asked the alpha, who sounded just as taken abakc, but his eyes were narrowed in suspicion.

Zuko wore a small embarrassed expression, and before he could respond, the pup broke in.

"Course he knows me, he's my dad. Well, not really, but I like to call him that. Its cus my real parents-" Zuko had drawn his paw over his mouth.

"What have a told you about being a motor mouth to strangers" he muttered in a low voice

"Good job" he muttered before adressing the pack leader " Uh, yes. I do know who this pup is. Um, he's mine."

Hazel felt her heart sink, and her paws go numb. Zuko, the one who had betrayed his clan and demonstrated hsi cruel nature had a son? Or an adoptive son she should better say. He had already torn her life and heart into shreds before and now he had come back to tear her insides once more. It was past unbearble and she couldn't stand it any longer. She whipped around and seeked refuge to her lonesome den.

It was simply unfair to her. All she had ever wanted was for some companionship, and Drake seemed like he could give it to her. She laid down and curled up into a small bundle, since there wasn't much that she could do. But why Zuko? Why him out of all the wolves within the forest? the last thing she needed was for her past to come stratching to her doorstep. She was then aware of Drake's voice in the distance, and it was getting louder.

She sat up and swiveled her blue-tipped ears toward the den entrace and heard approaching pawsteps. She sat up and quickly smoothed out her ruffled fur. Seconds later, the light was blotted out by a large figure in the doorway. A very surprised Zuko stood in the den's frame, with a very energentic Drake

"Hi Hazel!" he greeted her, before running towards her and pouncing on her small tail with glee

Zuko nodded and lowered his gaze slightly. Drake looked at the pair of them with interest

"Well, now he's coming back. We are going to stay, right Zuko?" he asked, his expression pleading

"Its getting late, we should probably go" said Zuko, who seemed embarrased or stuck in a awkward situation

Zuko opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He seemed at a loss for words, and Hazel knew that he hadn't thought about it. As always, he hadn't thought ahead. Hazel have an eyeroll on his behalf

It was late into the night and the silver sheen of moonlight poured into the den, giving Hazel's extended forpaw a silver glow. Behind her Zuko lay at the far of the den, with Drake nestled beside him. She didn't like having him so close to her, but she felt as if she didn't have much of a choice. She cared too much for Drake's welfare, even though the responsiblity was no longer hers to bear.

Her fur bristled slighty at his comment, but made no reply. She only gave her tail a small swish against the floor of the den to acknoledge his comment. She had nothing to say to him.

"Look, I feel like I offer you small explanation, about Drake" he added "You see, um, he's not really my son. Biologically speaking of course"

"I found him lost, after I left this place...He said that he split with his parents, and he wouldn't leave me alone. I don't know if you've realized this yet, but he has a tendency to grow attached to other quickly. So long as you are nice enough to him. It usually worries me. Anyway, we eventually found his parents...dead. He was all alone now and by then I had grown to like the little guy. He's something allright. He then began to refer to me as "dad", so now he's mine I guess"

He paused to see if he provoked a reaction out of Hazel, but she made no response. Except that her ears were no longer pressed againsnt her skull.

"Well, I accidentally lost him to some rogues and I have no idea what happened to him after that. Now I'm just grateful that he found you instead of some other stranger. Thank you"

Hazel didn't responded at all. She simply closed her eyes and allow sleep to consome her senses

Several days have passed since Drake's first arrival. A high level of tension was set in the air, since Zuko was now amongst the pack. Several members, including Hazel, didn't trust him. He had brought sabotage and distress last time they allowed him within the pack. If it weren't for Drake, they woud've chased him out a long time ago. Something about Drake captivated the whole pack. Now that he was fully recovered, he ran round about the clan with a bright composition. He was never rude or bratty, he was more curious and somewhat mischievious. Some members didn't like him simply because he was allied with Zuko, but soon became to forgive him for it.

Hazel now spent her time keeping a close eye on him. She didn't have to, but she still felt oblidged to do so. Several times Drake ran up to her with a new question each time

"OKay..." with that, he dashed across the clearing towards the pack's nursery. Hazel watched with keen interest. Drake appoached a small group of pups and he crouched down as if wanting to play. Moments later, the pups were in a game of wrestle and tussle. Hazel smiled to herself, and felt content knowing that Drake was now accpeted amongst the young ones. Her attention was drawn to Zuko's appearance. He had seen Hazle and walked towards her. Hazel narrowed her eyes at him and turned away abruptly. Several times already, he had attempted to talk to her. She simply wasn't interested.

She then heard a pups cry from the otherside and a furious snarl. Both Hazle and Zuko swivleled their towards the source of the noise. The pups game had come to a stop, and they were all clustered beneath their mother, who Hazel recognized as Ciya. She was snarling at Drake, who looked terrified at the enraged female. A growl tore from Hazel's throat and seconds later, she stood over Drake with her teeth thrust at Ciya, daring the female to make a move. Zuko appeared at her side a second later, appearing frantic

"What happened?" he questioned, his gaze flickering from the enrage mother and Drake

"No I didn't!" protested Drake from below "We were playing and then I but down too hard. It was an accident!"

Zuko looked offended for a split second and then he flattened his ears, glaring at her. He opened his mouth but Hazel cut in

"Thats no excuse, Drake is innocent from such judgement. You're being unfair and baised!"

Hazel bent down and grabbed Drake by the scruff of the neck and carried him away, casting her a final dirty look. Drake looked at his former playmates with an apologetic expression and allowed himself to be lifted away. Hazel shoved Zuko aside and lifted her head high. She could feel her packmates eyes burn on her pelt, but she was to furious to care.

"I don't understand, I didn't do it on purpose. And what was she talking about? What did she mean by 'not if he is the father' ?"

Hazel lowered him down and gave a resigned sigh. She didn't know if she should explain to him what the pack thought of Zuko. Zuko himself appeared at her side.

"I guess" said Drake "Im not hurt or anything. But what was she talking about. And why did she look at you like that?"

Zuko's expression faltered and he looked at Hazel for guidance. Hazel only turned away slightly,refusing to assist him. It was his problem to deal with, he brought it on himself.

"Look, its almost time to eat. How about you go pick out a piece of the carribou they just brought back"

"Okay!" he chriped, his enthusiasm retunrnig, and he sprinted off for the fresh kill.

When he was far away enough, Zuko redirected his attention to Hazel, looking grateful.

She was still enraged by the outspoken prejudice of Ciya. Hazel understood that as a mother, she had the right to be protective of her litter, but she she was still being far too harsh to Drake, and it was all because he was tied to Zuko. It only encouraged bitter feelings towards him. It was unfair that other wolves had to suffer on his behalf, especially innocent ones.Hazel was then aware of someone's pressence behind her, and a soft voice spoke from behind.

Zuko? What could he possibly want now, especially after everything he has done.. She stood up abruptly and strode away to her den, she didn't even want to look at him.

"There is nothing to talk about" she snipped without turning around, and then she ducked into her den, but he still followed her in. She whirled around and showed him her teeth "You are not welcome here!"

She was tempted to still send him away, but her curiosity prevented it. And still, she had some feeling for him still, despite what had happened just now.

"I know that you're still hurting after what I have done, and you have every right to be. But that was a long time ago, and well...I miss you Hazel" he paused to see how she would react, but her expression remained solid, so he continued "I guess what I'm asking for is a second chance. I know I don't deserve it, but I would still really like one. If you would allow it. You still have feelings for me, I can tell"

She growled at the final sentence and turned her head away. As true as it was, she still didn't want to give in. She was simply scared of being hurt again. What if she gave him her trust and he stabbed her in the back again? She couldn't take such agony anymore. She shook her head, making her decision clear. He gave a disappointed sigh.

"I thought you wouldn't make it easy. I understand, but you leave me no choice...if you give me a second chance, then Drake can be yours too"

"Its no secret that you are attached to him. Do you think the pack doesn't notice? When I claimed him as mine, I saw how hurt you looked, and I notice how you watch after him, even though he is no longer your responsiblity. He talks about you a lot, he really likes you. And he needs a mother in his life."

"You think..." she snarled, feeling furious "That you can just use Drake as a bribe and then I'll accept you as if nothing has happened?!"

"Um, yeah" he said, a small playful look coming across his face "It fits perfectly. I like you, you like me. Drake likes me and you and we both like him. Can it get any better than that? Please Hazel? At least do it for Drake, I know you want him that badly."

She couldn't believe this. He managed to hit her weakness so easily, and the way he put it worked so perfectly, like he said. It wasn't what she wanted to do, but it felt as if she had no choice. If she rejected him, then she would loose a chance with Drake and the two of them may eventually leave the territory. If she accepted him, then she would have Drake to look after and maybe a second chance with Zuko, like she used to fantasize about.

"You will? Really?" he said, a smile. She gave a grim nod "Oh, thank you!!! You wont regret it, I promise"

He turned around and raced off to find his surrogate son, leaving Hazel alone in the den. she hoped the she had made the right decision. Was she really doing this more for herself. She looked around the empty den. She had plenty of room for Zuko and Dante, and she realized that the idea of having a noisy den with a new family made her feel a little happy on the inside. But could she do it? What if she became a terrible mother. What if he got angry and felt as if she were trying to replace his deceased mother?

"Hazel! Hazel!" she heard Drake yap and he came running into the den, barreling right into Hazel. She laughed as she fell backwards from his running start.

Zuko then padded into the den, looking at the sight with full pleasure. It was the second time that she had seem him so happy. And she should too. Sure, things were a bit rocky before, but now things were changing...for the better she hoped.

This was hastily done, so I know its a bit choppy. Its really just a story, nothing big. Don't expect a sequel.