The fallen wolf-hybrid mother was buried next to the pack's other lost loved one. Achak's father, Cheveyo. The pack's past leader was buried where he had fallen, and Kiona was carried there by Achak. The others buried a whole deep enough to not be disturbed by scavenging animals, placed Kiona within, and covered her with the earth.<br /><br />No words were spoken during this. But after a while, the wolves would leave back for home, one by one. Until finally Achak remained. Like he did when his father died, he just stared at Kiona's burial, thinking about her, and missing her, but no longer crying. He did his mourning already and would have to stay strong for his pack, and for his pups especially.<br /><br />The sun set, and it then came time for Achak to leave her. He knew that Kiona would not want to stay behind and would follow him wherever he would go. So he brought happy memories of her with him on the journey<br />home.<br /><br />Home came within Achak's sight and everyone but Olathe was asleep inside. She looked at her son and walked up to him, nuzzling him. She trusted her son to move on. He seemed a great deal better than he was<br />before.<br /><br />Achak smiled at his mother and peered into the cave at his sleeping pups.<br /><br />"How are they?" he asked.<br /><br />Olathe looked in the direction he was looking and looked back. "I think they'll be alright. They were sad they couldn't go with us today."<br /><br />He frowned. The pups had to stay with the omega while they buried Kiona. He didn't want them to see, even though they hopefully understood what happened.<br /><br />The older wolf continued, "They want to visit her tomorrow."<br /><br />Achak nodded. "Of course."<br /><br />~~~<br /><br />Achak couldn't take the pups to Kiona's grave as he promised them. His body was heavy and exhausted from all that had happened, and he was feeling physically miserable. His children were worried about him, but he assured them that he was alright and asked Kanook and the others to take them with them, and later take them wherever else they wanted to go.<br /><br />When the pups were ready to go, Hokee sat near the edge of the cave.<br /><br />"Aren't you coming, Hokee?" Hinto asked.<br /><br />"Yeah, we're going to see mom!" Nayeli said.<br /><br />Hokee shook his head no. "I don't....want to right now..."<br /><br />The three of them frowned, sad that their friend didn't want to join them, but they left anyway, and Hokee watched them go. The rest of the pack was either relaxing outside the cave, scouting, or looking to make a snack out of a squirrel.<br /><br />The hybrid didn't want to do anything, so he retreated to the cave, even if the intimidating alpha dwelt in there. Lucky for Hokee, Achak was asleep. The pup crept past him and lay himself down directly across from the wolf.<br /><br />He stared at him. He wished he liked him... Kiona was so nice to him taking him in and feeding him... cleaned him. Treated him like his real mother never did. He never knew his father. But he wished that his father could have been Achak. Or at the very least if Achak treated him like he did Hinto or Tonrar..<br /><br />Now he had no one to treat him like he was wanted. Sure the wolves treated him as an equal, but Kiona treated him like he was her own. And Kiona was gone, and she was never coming back..<br /><br />All of this thinking forced Hokee to sob softly under his paws. Great, now he was crying, and he was probably going to wake Achak and make him hate him even more.<br /><br />The alpha clenched his eyes shut and opened them, awaking to the sound of crying. He frowned, thinking that it was Tonrar or Hinto who decided to stay behind, but to his surprise it was the hybrid pup.<br /><br />The crying was a sound the silver backed wolf had heard a lot recently, and done himself, though usually in the comfort of his own presence. He didn't want others to see him grieving so much. It would only dampen their own spirits and Achak had to take care of his family, not make things worse for them, especially now, and perhaps the next while. It may very well take a long time to fully move on from their loss, his loss.<br /><br />No, that was selfish. While the blue-eyed male had loved the hybrid, she was his mate after all, once again, there was the rest of the pack. And the pups especially. And now the one that only he had a disliking to was laying there suffering alone. The alpha knew that Kiona had wanted nothing more than for him to accept the blonde pup as one of his own, as she had done... Loved him, like their own blood.<br /><br />And he knew all too well what Hokee was feeling right now, had been feeling since the incident. The wolf's bright blue eyes couldn't help but soften into something that hadn't surfaced for the younger pup ever before as he gazed at the other. A feeling that came with understanding. Sympathy. Perhaps, for Kiona, to respect her wishes at least, the alpha would try.<br /><br />Standing, Achak walked over to Hokee, looking down at him once he was standing beside him. At the sounds, and caught in the larger wolf's shadow, the pup opened his tearful eyes and looked up, stiffening in surprise, slinking back slightly. He had disturbed the other and now he was going to get it. <br /><br />"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to annoy you..." But the blonde and brown patched hybrid was surprised when the other wasn't looking at him with anger for once. When the much larger wolf sat down next to him, he was confused even more.<br /><br />"I miss her as well...." his bright blue eyes were surprisingly soft as they gazed at the younger lying there. Hokee looked up at the other wide-eyed, unsure of what to think of Achak's seemingly sudden change of heart towards him. Not that it was unwelcome, just...unexpected. But it wasn't long after hearing those words of understanding from the one wolf he had truly wanted acceptance from, that the pup felt the tears come forth again to his eyes, and with a little sob launched himself at the black and silver alpha's body. <br /><br /><br />The pup nuzzled into the wolf's belly, shaking with each breath he took. Achak sighed softly, looking down at Hokee, and eventually draped a comforting arm over him, as he would his own children. This is what he needed. No other words were said. Achak just let Hokee cry and mourn until he fell asleep beneath him.<br /><br />Olathe noticed that the young blonde pup was no where to be found. She looked everywhere and asked the others, but they didn't even see him go with Kanook and the pups. She peered into the cave to ask Achak if he happened to know. And by the looks of it, he did. She smiled at the sight of her son accepting Hokee...and even comfort him. Instead of barging in on them, she turned back around and left them alone for the time being. Things were beginning to look up again.<br /><br />A few days passed since the cave scene, and one late night, after the whole pack was asleep, the blonde hybrid pup was awoken from his slumber by gentle nudging. At first he just turned over and went on sleeping, his tail curling up over his nose. But as the touches continued, a soft voice then added to it, quiet in the large cave.<br /><br />"Hokee? Hokee, wake up, please?" <br /><br />"Hmm, wha...?" His sandy eyes blinked open as his head lifted to look over his shoulder at...Nayeli? Her big gentle eyes wide and, pleading, almost. But she smiled as she saw her friend waking. "Nayeli, what's wrong? What are you doing up? It's still dark out..." he yawned widely, licking his muzzle briefly, blinking a few more times. The black and silver female's ears drooped a bit and her eyes shifted away shyly.<br /><br />"I... well. I... had a bad dream..." At that, the brown patched pup frowned, sitting up. It seemed the other was having a few bad dreams lately. Ever since...<br /><br />"Oh. Well, are you okay? Can I help?" They were friends after all, right? Well, Hokee thought a bit more than that for the other, but was to shy to say so. At his question, Nayeli seemed to become calmer.<br /><br />"Actually, I was thinking, I wanna go see mom, and... I'm too scared to go alone, and, Tonrar and Hinto wouldn't wake up, so... would you come with me?" Her black tail wagged a bit. She would actually prefer to have the hybrid with her over her two brothers, who were currently curled up next to Olathe. <br /><br />Blood rushed to Hokee's cheeks at her request. Of course he'd love to go with her, but would it be okay with Achak? He looked to him. He was fast asleep and showed no signs of being awake or waking up any time soon. So Hokee stood and said, quieter than before, "Okay. Lets go."<br /><br />And they walked out together, closely since the night air was colder. They were silent for half of the journey there, just basking in the other's company. Nayeli was smiling to herself, feeling alot better already and nearly forgot about her dream.<br /><br />"So... w-what was your dream about, Nayeli?" Hokee asked, softly, not intending to bring back any bad memories. He just thought that she'd like to get it out.<br /><br />"O-Oh... it's nothing now." Nayeli said, frowning slightly. "Just something silly."<br /><br />"Huh?" Well now he felt rather dumb for asking. She obviously didn't want to talk about it, so he didn't say anything else.<br /><br />Nayeli paused, looking at him and biting her lip. She supposed it'd be best to tell him what was wrong. There was no harm in him asking. In fact, it was nice that he cared enough to ask.<br /><br />"I dreamed that... Mom went away... then you... then everyone else... Then I was left with just my shadow and I was scared of it.." After a moment she chuckled to herself. "I told you it was silly. Me being scared of my shadow..."<br /><br />Hokee frowned as she was telling him about her dream. He knew was it was like being left alone and it was a terrible feeling. He didn't want her to feel that way at all.<br /><br />"W-Well... I'm not gonna leave you, Nayeli. And no one else is either!" he assured her. "A-And Achak always said that Kiona never left us either. He-He says she's still here, remember?"<br /><br />The usual happy smile re-appeared on the black and silver pup's face. "You're right!" She giggled and licked his cheek, causing him to freeze bashfully in his tracks. She watched him for a minute, finding his face funny at that moment before noticing that Kiona's grave was just up ahead.<br /><br />"We're almost there!" she announced, pushing him slightly with her head. They raced to her grave, Hokee staring down at it respectfully, as he always did; Nayeli smiling at it thoughtfully.<br /><br />"Hello again, mommy," she said to the burial. Hokee looked at her. She talked to the grave before, so this was nothing new to him. Kanook said something about being able to talk to the dead and that their spirits like to feel alive when people do it. "Hokee and I came to see you. I couldn't sleep but," she looked to him, "He was nice enough to come with me and make me feel better."<br /><br />They continued looking at her grave for a few more moments, tho soon it would be time for them to return before Achak woke up.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thankfully, over the next few days, Nayeli's dreams were nightmare free. And in that time it seemed her bond with Hokee had grown as well. The two spent more time together, Achak noticed. Going off to play with each other separately, instead of with Tonrar and Hinto, who seemed a bit confused over it, but didn't really seem to mind, since they had started to get more rough in their play. They didn't want to end up hurting their sister, and liked Hokee, so were still glad Nayeli could have a playmate. And surprisingly enough, the silver streaked alpha didn't really seem to mind as much either lately as he usually did. Not that it wasn't unwelcome. Perhaps the blonde pup was finally growing on the large wolf?<br /><br />Today, said alpha was taking the pups out into the territory again to explore around, get them acquainted with their surroundings. It was important for them later on when they were older and perhaps went out for scouting or just to take a walk, that they didn't stray too far out of the protection of the territory. Within the boundaries it was safest from other packs and threats, though not to say it never happens anyway. But outside the boundaries any young pup or lone wolf was more vulnerable to attack than inside. Especially out in the open. <br /><br />Today was such an occasion. They were going to the river bank just on the border of the territory, out in the open. While there was no threat of hunters this time of year yet, other animals, predators, may be around. So Achak was on the alert. Nayeli plodded along with a smile next to Hokee, occasionally leaning over to gnaw playfully on his ear, to which the hybrid grinned as she pulled, trying to get out of her grip. Tonrar and Hinto scuffled and chased each other, yipping and play growling around their group, sometimes bumping into Achak if he wasn't paying attention to the two. But the black and silver wolf just smiled, even being pulled in at times, at which the two would gang up and attack his legs with their still sharp juvenile wolf teeth.<br /><br />Arriving at the boarder of the woods out to the river bank, the the blue-eyed alpha had the pups wait while he went out and scouted to be sure it was safe enough. The fact that there were deer and birds out was a good sign, but it didn't hurt to be perfectly sure. But in the end it was fine, and he called the pups out, who high-tailed it in excitement out to him, barking and leaping into the water with laughs, splashing around. Good thing it was warm out today Achak sat back, content to watch for now, but again, it wasn't long before the rambunctious Tonrar led the attack on their father. And the games began, first just with them chasing their much bigger parent around, through the water, the bank. He obviously didn't have as hard a time getting through the water than the shorter pups, but that didn't stop them as they hopped, one time Hokee doing so and, upon landing, being completely submerged as he hit a deeper area. Achak couldn't help it and laughed as the blonde hybrid came up sputtering but ready for more, soon being tackled by Hinto.<br /><br /><br />Hokee's head went under again, but Hinto was a good sport and got off him quickly. This was a playful evade in case Hokee&nbsp; pounced him back, but instead the brown pup hastily pulled himself out of the water, coughing terribly, trying to get rid of water that didn't belong.<br /><br />The others watched him, worried that he was choking to death.<br /><br />"Are you okay?" Hinto asked. "I'm sorry I tackled you!"<br /><br />Hokee nodded, getting a few last coughs out of his system. "I'm okay." he replied, walking out of the stream, shaking all the loose water from his thin puppy fur.<br /><br />Achak looked at the sun. It was setting sooner than usual it seemed, so it was a good time to start heading back. He would lecture the pups on the way about any possible dangers they might encounter in their life. He trusted their instinct would know what to do, but extra knowledge wouldn't hurt.<br /><br />"Well, its time to head back." he said, followed by groans of disappointment.<br /><br />The next day all of the wolves went outside as soon as the sun rose. Except for Hokee. He remained inside, shivvering and coughing, trying his best to sit up, but he felt so weak.<br /><br />When Achak noticed that the hybrid wasn't coming out, he went back inside to see what he was up to.<br /><br />"What are you doing?" the wolf asked, simply, seeing that Hokee wasn't looking too good.<br /><br />"I don't...feel so good, Achak.." Hokee said raspily.<br /><br />The alpha blinked, taking a step closer, only to pause as the smell of sickness invaded his nostrils, and he snorted lightly. The pup was sick, that was obvious. And it wasn't too hard to think up how it had happened. The river trip yesterday. His blue eyes gazed over the other's shivering weak form, frowning slightly. The other pups hadn't gotten sick, but then again, Hokee's fur was thinner than the rest of them, and he seemed more fragile to this lifestyle than them as well, having not fully adapted like the other three pups. But the black and silver wolf hadn't thought, with the warm weather lately, that it would be a problem.<br /><br />The blonde pup whimpered, after failing to rise, and laid back down with a shudder, curling up with his tail over his nose as he sneezed. From the cave entrance, Nayeli poked her head in, curious as to why her friend wasn't outside with them. Turning, the alpha told her to stay outside. He didn't want any of the pups to catch it. "Nayeli, go get your grandmother please..." Nayeli looked worried, but did as she was told, her head disappearing from the entrance.<br /><br />"Achak, what's going on, what's wrong?" Olathe padded in, her blue eyes concerned. Glancing at Hokee was all that was really needed though, before she reached them, lowering her head to check the pup over, licking at his warmed face.<br /><br />"Hokee isn't feeling well." Achak said softly. "I don't know if its contagious or not, so I don't want the pups near him right now."<br /><br />"Are you cold, dear?" Olathe asked Hokee. He nodded and she lay next to him, draping her tail around his body as best as she could. He was getting too big for this. But she also noted that his body felt very hot.<br /><br />She listened to how Hokee was breathing. She seemed to recognize what he had and sighed, troubled. "What are we going to do?"<br /><br />Achak paused and thought for a moment. It was his fault for taking them to the river yesterday, so it was best if he took responsibility for the pup. He was going to scout the territory first, but Zepher and the others could do it in his place.<br /><br />"I'll take care of him." He hovered over his mother, who nodded and stood so he could take her place. She said Hokee would get better faster if he coughed more, but to be careful because he could hurt his throat terribly. The alpha took heed of this, but for now, let Hokee sleep his illness away.<br /><br />While it was a bit awkward for Achak to be in this position with the pup, where before he avoided him, the alpha felt he had to do this, and wanted to, to add. After he had laid down, the blonde pup had automatically seeked warmth, curling up against the much larger alpha and coughing, it shaking his whole body. Olathe watched a few moments more, before telling her son she was going to have Kanook and Zephyr start scouting, while Ayashi, herself and Zepher kept the other three pups busy. Nuzzling the black and silver wolf, she padded out, nudging Nayeli with her, who had stuck her head back in, her brown eyes wide and confused.<br /><br />For now, there wasn't anything any of them could do but just watch Hokee and keep him fed and hydrated through this. But being in the wild, nothing was certain, especially since the pup didn't seem to have the immunities they had all built up, even the pups had more than Hokee had, hence his illness now.<br /><br />Each member of the pack volunteered to watch over Hokee, but Achak was the one who took care of him the most. It was terrible watching a pup suffer like this, trying so hard to breathe without going into a fit of coughs.<br /><br />A couple weeks passed already and it was safe to say that whatever Hokee had was not contagious, but it didn't do any better on the alpha's nerves. He hoped with all his might that this pup survived. He couldn't bear the thought of losing him right now. Kiona wanted him to be taken care of.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Nayeli was by herself in the back outside the cave. Her face was wet with tears and she shook with every breath she took. Hokee was wrong. Her nightmare was coming true. First her mother died and now Hokee was going to die too.<br /><br />Zepher rounded the corner and saw the black and silver pup crying. He stopped and hid himself before she saw him. What was she doing back here? And why was she crying? What made her upset? He liked Nayeli and he wanted to walk up to her and make her feel better. But a part of him was too embarrassed to. Maybe she didn't want to see anyone right now and that was why she was by herself. He wanted to respect her privacy too.<br /><br />The yearling looked up from his "hiding spot" and noticed that two scouts were returning. It was Ayashi and Zephyr and they looked very happy together. If only he could be like that with Nayeli...<br /><br />Ayashi giggled softly at a story Zephyr just shared with her about his puppyhood, until she too saw Nayeli by herself. The younger Zepher was out of her sight.<br /><br />"Oh...poor thing.." Aya sighed sadly.<br /><br />"What is it?" Zephyr looked in the direction in which his companion was. "Oh its her.." he whispered, surprised at seeing the ever-social pup isolated from everyone else.<br /><br />"She must be upset about Hokee... I think I'll go over there and.."<br /><br />"W-Why don't you allow me?" Zephyr offered. "When Nayeli is sad it brings down everyone. I don't want you to be sad either." he chuckled.<br /><br />"You'd do that?" Aya asked. She was surprised. She only saw Zephyr play with Nayeli a couple times when she was younger. Aya assumed he didn't&nbsp; like kids, but hearing him put forward like that was very comforting.<br /><br />"It's no problem at all." the older wolf smiled, letting her continue on by herself with assurance.<br /><br />Much to young Zepher's dismay, the older wolf was advancing towards his own goal. What could he do?<br /><br />"Little Nayeli?" Zephyr asked gently from behind, not meaning to startle her. The pup looked back at him slowly. She was indeed crying. "Aw...What's wrong?" he frowned.<br /><br />She sniffled. She didn't expect Zephyr to be the one comforting her, but she didn't mind in the least. It was very nice of him. And he was a very smart wolf, maybe he knew what was wrong with her beloved friend.<br /><br />"I-Is Hokee gonna die?" tears fell harder at the thought of it, making both male wolves' eyes widen in surprise, but for different reasons. Zephyr couldn't believe she'd ask something as depressing as this.<br /><br />Zepher had no idea that she was crying over Hokee. Why was she so concerned about him for? He was just a mutt. They were a dime a dozen, weren't they? And Nayeli had her brothers and himself to play with too.<br /><br />At first the older wolf didn't know what to say and unfortunately for him, the silence made Nayeli want to break it by asking another sad-themed question. "W-What are we gonna do if....if.." More tears fell and her lip quivvered, and Zephyr leaned in close, making sure they kept eye contact.<br /><br />"There there, now.. Hokee isn't going to die." he told her. "He just has a bad cold, is all." Nayeli sniffled and listened to what he had to say. What made him so sure? "When I was about your age, I got sick too. And I was just like Hokee. I could barely move. But after a few weeks of rest, I was just fine." he sat up straight. "And as you can see, I'm still alright."<br /><br />Zepher frowned. Not only was Nayeli concerned about another guy, he was also the one not making her feel better. It was someone else. Why did he wait so long? He could've been by her side... And with that, Zepher left to join the rest of the pack, with his head and tail down.<br /><br />Nayeli hugged Zephyr, her eyes starting to dry off. "Thank you, Zephyr." she said. What he told her lifted her spirits. After so long she wasn't even sure if Hokee was going to survive, but now she was positive he would.<br /><br /><br />Finally, after three and a half weeks of coughing, weakness and chills, the sickness seemed to be leaving Hokee. Unfortunately however, during this time the blonde pup had lost weight due to being unable to keep much food down. He had only been able to eat a little bites of meat only about twice to three times each day, hardly what the young hybrid usually ate. <br /><br />And while he hadn't always shown it, Achak had probably one of the most worried in the pack. If Hokee had ended up dying, not only would he have felt guilty, but that he'd failed at leadership, as well as keeping him alive for Kiona's sake, as well as the other pups. It would have been another big blow for the wolf. But thankfully it hadn't happened and the hybrid was getting better. Once he was able to speak in full sentences again, the first thing Hokee had said upon waking was 'I'm hungry'. Much to the pack's relief and joy.<br /><br />Especially Nayeli, who, since it was found the disease wasn't contagious, had been by her friend's side all day and night, talking to him and keeping him warm. Tonrar and Hinto who's moods had been rather scared the last few weeks, were back to their normal selves by now, but of course still worried, often bringing the brown patched pup their left overs after each meal.<br /><br />Now that the scare was over, Achak's free time was spent on thoughts he had been thinking about since Kiona's passing, but only briefly. Her family. While the alpha still hated other dogs, and wanted nothing to do with where they, or their savage humans lived, something nagged at him. Kiona had told him she hadn't been close to her parents, but it just seemed like it was the right thing to do to let them know their daughter had died. The silver streaked wolf remembered the hybrid telling him that her father had been part wolf, therefore a hybrid like herself. Her mother was a full bred huskie dog. Neither blood thrilled him. And the fact that they both lived in a town was even more unsettling. How would it work...?<br /><br />Kiona's father lived in the west and near humans. If he was going to give him the news, the alpha would have to find him without going anywhere near the humans.<br /><br />Achak planned his approach and what he would do on his way back home. It was best to do this as soon as possible, so he would leave as soon as he let his family know the situation. He returned to the cave and found Kanook. The pack would be rested with the beta in the alpha's absence of course.<br /><br />"Anything interesting on your route, Achak?" Kanook asked with a smile.<br /><br />He shook his head no. "Altho I did some thinking this morning--"<br /><br />"That's surprising, haha." he replied sarcastically.<br /><br />Achak rolled his eyes. Of course it wasn't surprising, the wolf thought nonstop. "I've decided that I'm going to pay my respects to Kiona's father. I think he deserves to know what happened to his daughter. So I'm leaving you to lead the pack for a few days until I come back."<br /><br />The beta nodded. There was nothing odd about the alpha setting out for a few days, and there was nothing especially odd about Kanook taking command. "Who are you taking with you? Dartanion?"<br /><br />"No. I'm just going alone. I'll be quick."<br /><br />"Will you be safe? What if you encounter humans? Or another pack?"<br /><br />"I'll manage, Kanook. I'm not going anywhere near the humans." he assured him. "And if I happen upon an occupied territory, I'll backtrack." Achak had done this sort of thing before, venturing out on his own, beyond the territory. He knew the safeties and dangers about it, and Kanook trusted him to also.<br /><br />The alpha told his mother where he was going and how long he'd be gone. He said goodbye to his pups, not including Hokee because he had gone off to do his business. Once he was finished, he saw Achak heading back out from his scouting, being escorted by Takoda. Hokee coltishly wanted to try spying on them to see if they'd notice him sneaking around behind them.<br /><br />Up until the edge of the territory, neither male noticed Hokee (or pretended not to notice) being focused on their own conversation, which to the hybrid's dismay was about Achak leaving for a few days. He couldn't leave yet! He just got better! He was ready for more exploring with his new father figure. He didn't want him to go yet, he wanted to be near him.<br /><br />So once Takoda left, Hokee continued following Achak.<br /><br />Once beyond the territory, away from Takoda, who had noticed the blonde pup but hadn't said anything, for reasons unknown, Hokee stayed hidden as best he could as he followed the alpha along. Who would have thought all that play fighting and stalking with Tonrar and Hinto was paying off? It was that or Achak was just deep in thought and Hokee's presence was going unknown.<br /><br />It was true, Achak was thinking about his decision. He was still going through with the plan, but was just thinking out any details that might come in handy. He had to avoid any humans after all. How was he going to find them in the first place? The wolf was snapped out of the thoughts however suddenly as he heard a rather loud snap behind him, in the bushes. Whirling, on instinct, the alpha reacted, the fur on the back of his neck and back rising, a snarl on his muzzle as his sharp blue eyes pinpointed the direction the noise had come from. <br /><br />"Who's there, come out!"<br /><br />Hokee winced. Stupid branch. Now he was in for it. Now he had to go out and face the wolf, who probably wasn't going to be very thrilled at seeing him.<br /><br />The hybrid slowly slunk from his hiding spot with his head, ears and body low to the ground and his tail tucked between his legs. He looked up at the alpha who was both angry and surprised at the pup for being there.<br /><br />"H-Hello, sir." Hokee stuttered. He was a bit thankful that since he grew a bit, the alpha wasn't as big to him as he used to be. But unfortunately Achak was still huge and intimidating.<br /><br />"What are you doing here!" Achak growled, making the pup flinch.<br /><br />"I-I-I-I wanted to know where you were going! I-I didn't think you would go far! I j-just wanted to come along! I'm sorry!"<br /><br />Achak huffed in anger, then took a deep breath to calm himself down. This wasn't good. Hokee was going to slow him down. Well... then again he did manage to keep up this far. But if it got any colder Hokee could get sick again and may not survive this time without proper shelter. The alpha had no choice but to let him tag along.<br /><br />"Let's go." he said, turning around and heading back in the correct direction. Hokee quickly followed, very grateful for not being punished. Ecstatic, really; the rest of the day, Hokee was smiling from ear to ear.<br /><br />It took a only couple days to get anywhere, which was faster, to Achak's surprise. Since Hokee often coaxed him into a playful mood, he thought it would delay them those couple days. Then again, they were mostly running and chasing types of play, and it would make sense that would make them get anywhere fast.<br /><br />As the two were walking one afternoon, Achak smelled the ground. A bear had been around and it frightened poor Hokee, regaining memories from a while back. The two quickly ran out of the area and Achak found something peculiar. Wolf claw markings on a tree. He didn't smell any other wolves around before, so he sniffed the claw marks in the tree.<br /><br />"What is it, Achak?" Hokee asked.<br /><br />"The scent... Its similar to Kiona's. Her father must've made these markings." Achak said. He looked around, knowing they were getting closer. And when they continued on, they found more of the same claw markings. It was a trail, almost as if to point in Balto's direction.<br /><br />Eventually, the two travelers same to an opening in the trees.&nbsp; It was the great water that Achak only heard about. It was so big and spectacular. Both of them wished they could admire it longer, but the search for Balto had to continue. The second the the two noticed, much to Achak's disappointment, was the human town next to the sea.<br /><br />"Are we going to the humans, Achak?"<br /><br />"Of course not." he sneered and began to walk again. "Come on. We'll look around. Balto's got to be around here somewhere."<br /><br />The two of them climbed a small mountain just north of the town. Balto's scent seemed to be getting stronger in that direction, so that's where they went. Treading up the mountain was a quiet hike. Hokee trailed a bit behind, getting tired from the journey, but Achak walked slow enough so they didn't get separated.<br /><br />Our of no where came a loud growling noise, that was louder than a wild-eyed grizzly. It scared Hokee half to death and it caused him to run under Achak for protection. The sound was so different to Achak too, but he didn't dare show any signs of fear in case he had to fight. The loudness hurt his ears immensely, but it eventually went away. And as soon as the growling disappeared a smaller brown wolf raced through the same wooded area Achak and Hokee were.<br /><br />The black and silver wolf watched the brown wolf run in the direction of the growling, as if it was hunting it. He sniffed the air and was blasted by the scent he had been pursuing. It was indeed Balto.<br /><br />"Come on, Hokee!" Achak started running after Kiona's father, Hokee struggling to keep up. Achak was having a difficult time himself keeping up with the small, swift brown wolf, but eventually he stopped to catch his breath.<br /><br />Balto looked back, feeling himself being watched and seen the massive black and silver wolf approaching him.<br /><br />The older hybrid's first thought was why this huge wolf was, possibly, after him? He had never seen the other in his life. But then seeing the pup with the other, relaxed slightly, as well as the fact the wolf didn't seem to be acting aggressively towards him. There was a strange sharpness in his blue eyes though that made Balto a bit wary. He backed up slightly as the other walked up a bit close.<br /><br />"Uh..." he smiled a bit nervously. The other was pretty intimidating. "Can I help you?" His maroon eyes shifted to the blonde pup beside the wolf, who had plopped down on his rear to catch his breath. Who was he and why was he with the large wolf? They looked nothing alike. Were they even related?<br /><br />Achak eyed the smaller intently. This was the one he was looking for? This skinny... Sniffing, the alpha couldn't help his lip from twitching slightly in distaste. Hybrid. His bright blue eyes shifted to lock to the other's.<br /><br />"Are you Balto?" It seemed Hokee's presence had momentarily taken a back seat, though the silver streaked wolf could hear him beside him. Right now this was business. <br /><br />The wolf knew him? Well, his name at least. But why? How? The hybrid didn't know many wolves. And of the ones he had met, they were long gone. But as he just stared at the large wolf, thinking to himself, Balto could see the other didn't have much patience for him as his blue eyes narrowed after a moment of silence. Clearing his throat, finally he spoke up. Angering the other was not something he wanted.<br /><br />"Yes, I am, sorry. I was just wondering if I could possibly know you som--"<br /><br />"No, you don't know me." Balto was even more confused now, one dark brown ear tilting down and his mouth hung open a bit. The black and silver wolf sighed a bit, closing his eyes.<br /><br />"So, how do you know my name then?" He was rather curious now. Achak opened his eyes again, and they seemed to be calmer, softer. The hybrid could see what appeared to be passion, caring in the blue depths as well, which took him aback slightly. What was this about?<br /><br />"I knew your daughter."<br /><br />Balto shifted his eyes around then back to the black wolf. "Which one?" he asked, narrowing it down to two possibilities.<br /><br />"Kiona." Achak replied.<br /><br />The brown hybrid blinked, lost in thought for a moment or two. It had been a long time since he heard that name, and he was so glad he finally did. He didn't know of the whereabouts of his daughter since she left and her human returned. Balto figured it was because she had been sold, but apparently she's made it with wolves like her sister Aleu and was doing quite well for herself.<br /><br />"You know Kiona?" Balto smiled. "How is she? How do you know her?" He wanted to know everything that's happened to her all this time. He was certain her adventures were going to be fascinating.<br /><br />"...thats why I came to find you." Achak explained. "Come with me." Achak led Balto around the territory, especially near the ocean, where Hokee took the time to play. The wolf explained how he met Kiona, his relationship with her, and how she died. Balto seemed very surprised about it all, and sad that his daughter had to give up her life. He decided that after a few moments of silence that he could lighten the mood a bit between the two of them.<br /><br />"So, I'm a grandfather, huh?"<br /><br />Achak nodded, watching Hokee try to catch a fish. "It would seem so."<br /><br />"And Hokee here? He isn't yours?"<br /><br />"No, he isn't." He smiled once Hokee caught the fish, then lost it again. "Kiona found him when he was very small and weak. And we've been taking care of him. We guessed his mother more than likely abandoned him."<br /><br />Balto stared long and hard at the pup. "What about his father?"<br /><br />Achak shook his head. He didn't have any idea about Hokee's father. Since the pup made it through a few months of life before he was found again, he was certain that the mother was taking care of him up till that point. The father must have run out on them like the cowardly servant of man they've always been.<br /><br />"I was wondering.... because I know a dog that looks just like him."<br /><br />"Alot of dogs look the same." Achak scoffed. <br /><br />Judging by the wolf's reply, Balto guessed dogs weren't high on his list of animals he liked. He'd better be careful then perhaps, being half dog himself. Thinking a moment, eying Hokee again, who wagged his tail a bit, shyly but in a friendly way. He wondered... Clearing his throat, he took a breath before speaking.<br /><br />"If you don't mind, just to find out for sure, I'd like to go ask him. Maybe they're related? In the mean time you're welcome to come and stay where I live just down the shore here." Hopefully it wouldn't take too long, not wanting to ware on the huge wolf's patience.<br /><br />Achak glanced down the shore line, his blue eyes locking onto a structure in the distance. Perhaps there was what the hybrid meant?<br /><br />"There?" Hokee's ears perked, glancing over himself, squinting his eyes, but curious to see. Balto nodded.<br /><br />"Yeah, it isn't much, but it's home for me. I don't live in town." Well that was a relief for Achak. For any other shelter, they would have to travel into the woods, into perhaps unknown territory. An while staying this close to the town didn't thrill the wolf, they didn't really have a choice. Perhaps the dog was right about his friend being related? The alpha had always been curious as to who the father was after all. Sighing briefly, thinking it over, eventually the black and silver wolf came to his decision, turning back to the hybrid.<br /><br />"Very well, we'll follow you there and wait while you find out." Beside him, Hokee was also relieved to hear they were taking a rest. All the traveling had made him rather tired. His brown tipped tail wagged as he stood. Balto smiled some.<br /><br />"This way then." Even if Achak had already seen the way. The brown wolf dog started walking down the shore, hearing the two behind him.<br /><br />Upon nearing the structure, the old worn down wooden boat that Balto stayed in, the dog paused, hearing voices. Familiar ones at that, coming from the boat. His friends Boris the goose, as well as Muk and Luk, the two polar bears. They must have gotten back from the little day trip Balto had convinced Boris to take the two bears on. Glancing back at his two guests, he grew a little nervous. How would they all get along?<br /><br />"There a problem?" The alpha asked as they passed the hybrid. Balto smiled apologetically at them.<br /><br />"Um, no, just that my friends that also live here are back." The silver streaked wolf snorted slightly, but didn't stop walking, going past the wolfdog the rest of the way to the boat, Hokee obediently following still beside him. Balto hoped things would play along smoothly. For the safety of his friends atleast.<br /><br />On the boat, on deck, Boris was currently cleaning, mop in his grip. Under his breath he was muttering a mixture of English and his own native Russian. Hearing heavy pawfalls up the boat ramp, the snow goose assumed it to be Balto returning from town, and didn't even think twice about it being anyone else. He continued his cleaning, his back currently to the opening where the alpha wolf and pup were currently climbing.<br /><br />"Finally! you get to go off and visit in town and relax, while I was stuck with those two furry schmucks all day in the forest." He was just teasing of course, in his own affectionate, grumpy way. Just now seeming to notice that the pawfalls were quite heavy, the goose wondered if that meant something. "What's with the heavy paws, too much excitement in town?" he chuckled, beginning to turn around. But his eyes caught sight of the two polar bears as he did, pausing. "What's wrong with you two, no annoying jabber?" The two were actually currently clinging to each other in terror, Muk whimpering and pointing to something behind the bird. "What? Spit it out, bears!" Finally he turned and was in for the surprise of his life. The huge black and silver wolf was shadowing him, looking down at him with sharp blue eyes. "Ahh! who are you?!" he whipped the mop around in his grip to point at the huge alpha, backing away. A wolf! A wolf was here! Why?! But finally who he was expecting to be there walked up, coming around the wolf. <br /><br />"Boris, it's alright, they're with me." Boris looked confused.<br /><br />"What?! Balto, what are you doing bringing a wolf here?! How do you know him, and--" he paused, now just seeing Hokee, or rather, heard the pup giggling from his place beside Achak. "...his puppy?" Balto chuckled a bit, while Achak remained unimpressed, if slightly annoyed at the reaction.<br /><br />"I'll explain later, I'm heading back to town for a bit, they're going to stay here in the mean time and wait." <br /><br />With that, Balto trotted down the boat and ran towards town. Achak watched him go and decided to rest while he waited, so he went to the bow of the boat and lay down, watching the others.<br /><br />Hokee crawled towards Muk and Luk, who approached him with less caution, since they've had plenty of experience with puppies.<br /><br />"So you guys are bears?" Hokee asked. He was timid because of the grizzly bear attack. However, that bear was big and dark and vicious, and these two were small and white and actually seemed quite friendly.<br /><br />"That we are!" exclaimed the smaller bear, Muk. "I'm Muk! This here is Luk! He don't talk none, but he's great at playing Slosh!"<br /><br />The pup cocked his head to the side. "Slosh? What game is that?" he smiled and wagged his tail. He was happy to know that other animals liked playing games just like wolves.<br /><br />Luk whooped excitedly and bounced his way down to the beach.<br /><br />"C'mon! We'll show you!" Muk followed after his brother and Hokee ran right behind him with his tongue lolling.<br /><br />The wolf watched the three of them run down the boat, until he felt a pair of eyes watching him. He turned to look at the goose, which caused him to honk in fright and continue about his mopping.<br /><br />Balto ran to the boiler room where most of the dogs were kept. If he ever needed someone, they were always there of all places. He was in too much of a hurry to be stopped by anyone on his way there; he didn't want Achak to be impatient.<br /><br />As he predicted, there was the dog he wanted to see. It was Kaltag, the descriptive chinook, and he was there with his two comrades, Nikki and Star. When Balto walked inside, he was immediately greeted by the three dogs.<br /><br />"Nikki's son is on his way to being a sleddog, just like his Uncle Kaltag! He is the most competent, the most skillful, the most capable, the most--"<br /><br />"He's a chip off the ol' block!" Star interrupted, soon after getting slugged in the face by Kaltag's large paw. Nikki and Balto rolled their eyes at the two. Kaltag was a little too excited about his "nephew".<br /><br />Balto chuckled. "I'd like to stay and chat, but I need to borrow Kaltag for a minute."<br /><br />The three dogs exchanged glances and Kaltag followed Balto out of the boiler room.<br /><br />"What's this about, Balto? Whatdya need?"<br /><br />"Well, my daughter Kiona? Her mate is here." he explained. "And he has a pup with him that is not his own. And he looks alot like you. Only...more wolflike." He chuckled.<br /><br />Kaltag's eyes widened, but he didn't loko at Balto, he just continued to look forward as they both walked towards his boat.<br /><br />"He looks like me?" the chinook asked.<br /><br />"Yeah. But I wasn't sure, because I've never kept track of any girlfriends. Did you have any that were part wolf?"<br /><br />"Something like that." Kaltag smirked. "But I don't think he's mine. If I had a son, I would know! Otherwise--" The dog continued chattering about until the two of them finally made it to the abandoned boat, where the truth would be revealed.<br /><br />Achak heard them coming. Well that was relatively quick... He got to his paws as the wolf heard them walking up the ramp. He couldn't help but be curious about this now. What made Balto think this dog could be related to Hokee? <br /><br />Kaltag didn't know what to expect as they got up the ramp. But as he turned to greet the form he saw there out of the corner of his brown patched eye, he froze at the sight of the huge wolf, stopping in his tracks. A wolf! Balto hadn't said anything about a wolf! He'd mentioned his daughters mate, but no details! The wolf standing there was a beast!<br /><br />The alpha couldn't help but smirk a bit at the dog's reaction. He knew he was intimidating, and sometimes used it to his advantage. But those thoughts were soon replaced by intrigue at the dog's appearance. It was amazing the resemblance. Especially the face. They both had the same brown patch. While Hokee bore more brown markings, it was still a shock just how similar... It was then Balto interrupted the wolf's thoughts.<br /><br />"Achak, this is Kaltag. Kaltag, this is Kiona's mate Achak." Kaltag's gaze shot from Achak to his friend, then back, less shocked though if anything, still nervous. But he cleared his throat, trying to seem relaxed. <br /><br />"Hi there. So Aleu wasn't the only one to follow their wild side I guess." The blonde Chinook stated trying to start conversation, break the ice and awkward silence. But the alpha's bright blue eyes only narrowed at that.<br /><br />"Don't compare her with Kiona." Well that was unexpected. Not only did the wolf seem to know who he was talking about, but Achak didn't seem to have any liking to Kiona's sister. It surprised Kaltag and he blinked, confused at it. What was that all about? Glancing to Balto, the hybrid looked just as confused.<br /><br />"O-Okay. I won't." Kaltag was usually never speechless, but this Achak was so intimidating, he couldn't think of what to say next. Balto could easily sense the tension between the two now.<br /><br />"So, where is Hokee?" Balto asked.<br /><br />"Hokee?" Kaltag looked at Balto, then back at Achak, who looked over the side of the boat. The pup looked like he was fitting in just fine. With the bears anyway. It was nice to see tho. For various reasons.<br /><br />The chinook looked over the same side as the wolf. He was amazed himself. The pup looked almost exactly like him. It had to have been...<br /><br />"He must be...hers." Kaltag said.<br /><br />Achak looked at the dog. "Who?"<br /><br />Kaltag's eyes shifted, looking about space. "This..wolf I met a few months ago. She was the most gorgeous, the most good-looking, the most fascin--" Kaltag paused catching himself ranbling when Achak glared at him harder than before. "Ahem. Anyway. My team and I were stranded. And she told me she'd help us leave. She showed me the way and I fell in love with her. But I couldn't stay, there was no way I belonged with wolves, she was the leader of a pack and I was just a--"<br /><br />"Just a dog aiming for some fun?" the wolf sneered.<br /><br />"No! Not at all! It wasn't like that! I didn't even know that I--"<br /><br />"Really, Achak, he isn't like that at all." Balto added in, trying to get him to understand.<br /><br />Achak scoffed then calmed at the sight of Hokee again. He had to be. This was for the best. "What was her name?"<br /><br />Kaltag felt a bit more relaxed once Achak was. He thought for sure he was going to get him angry. "Kayiya." He paused. "I tried to find her again once my team and I took the same trail as before. But when I tried to get her to talk to me she... well, long story short, she never wanted to see me again." He continued to watch the pup. "I've never had a son before. But it'd be nice, seeing that I'm excited about Nikki's son all of the time." He chuckled.<br /><br />"Hm." The dog sounded heartfelt. And smart too, for knowing that he didn't have a chance with a pack of wolves. But speaking of chances, there was Hokee again. This was now about him. Achak didn't know any Nikki, but what Kaltag said about having a son sounded like something he really wanted. Or even needed. From what he could tell, he would've been a good father to Hokee.<br /><br />"Well, Hokee seems to fit in here very well." Balto mentioned. Achak nodded in agreement and summoned the pup.<br /><br />"What is it, Achak?" the pup called back, still playing with Muk and Luk. He had Luk pinned down in the snow, while Muk was busy laughing about it. They were having such a good time, none of them wanted to stop.<br /><br />"Come here."<br /><br />"Huh? Oh okay..." Hokee slid off the bear's large tummy and scurried up a fallen plank to the deck of the boat. He stopped just before reaching Achak when he saw the new blonde dog to meet.<br /><br />Seeing Kaltag, the blonde hybrid paused, blinking and cocking his head. Wow he looked like him! It made him smile, his tail wagging. "Hey we have the same colors! What's your name?" It was fun to see the other dog, since none of the other wolves looked anything like him.<br /><br />The blonde dog grinned down at the pup. He was still getting over how much they looked alike. Who would have thought that one night with Kayiya would lead to all of this. Never did Kaltag think he would have a son! It was no wonder Balto had thought of him. And the Chinook may not have had too much time yet to think over everything, but as of right now, he was pretty excited.<br /><br />"I'm Kaltag, kid! I'm uh..." he glanced questioningly at Balto and Achak. Was he suppose to say or no? He didn't see why not though, right? the large black and silver wolf interrupted though, his sharp blue eyes looking at Hokee seriously, who seemed happily oblivious, looking between the three olders around him.<br /><br />"Hokee, he's your father. That's why he looks like you." that seemed to do it. Hokee's expression fell slowly as the facts sunk in, his yellow eyes looking back to Kaltag, widening. His... Father? Well it made sense, but... then did he know his mother? It was a lot to take in for the young hybrid and was rather dumbfounded. Inside he was a full range of emotions, while his head was filled with questions. <br /><br />Achak continued, drawing his attention back. The wolf had been thinking about this possibility recently, even more now, since he'd seen and met Kaltag. "I know its a lot for you to take in at once and you must have questions...." He paused a moment, glancing at the Chinook, then Balto. Curious, Boris had walked up closer to listen even. "So I'm going to ask you.... Would you like to stay here with them and be with your father?" <br />