A Trip Of Faith

Chapter One: NARYIA'S PACK------------Saturday

Naryia was watching two ladybugs interacting with each other. She was fascinated by the way they acknowledged themselves and not her. In her eyes, their spots were so colourful, full of life and character.
"Naryia darling, will you please leave those bugs alone,"
The lady bugs flew away by her father's voice, it may have brought her attention back to reality but she sure didn't like it.
"Oh daddy, you scared them away," Naryia complained, slightly irritated.
"Shhh," one wolf called Faxy, hushed them as the whole pack was trying to listen intently to their leader, Darian.
"I know you all never wanted this to happen and of course neither did I. But it has all come down to this unwanted option. They have declared a war, a battle to the death. I have tried to reason with them. They want nothing of ours, but land and blood. A few of them seemed to disagree with a war as well, but I'm sad to say that their voices were not enough to be heard." Darian announced, His words were followed by gasping and sighs from the other wolves, some even whimpered.
"Daddy, we won't have to fight will we?" Naryia asked her father. He replied by giving her a saddening look.
"However, there has been a small compromise." Darian continued. "A small one-on-one fight has been declared. I must choose our strongest fighter; if we win there will be no fight over land. If they win, it will take to the battle."
"I will fight for us, great leader!" one wolf declared.
"No I'll shall take on this task!" another objected, and then soon enough all the wolves joined in this debate. There were wolves chattering, tramping, and even yelling over others. Norisus was the one to stop the bickering.
"Everyone quiet!" he yelled over the top of them, they all slowly stopped fighting and kept silent.
"Is this the way we find out who will take on this difficult task?" he started. "No! This wolf must be prepared for anything! He who will succeed or fail with PRIDE! Not he who will trample others for popularity!" He stated.
"That's right!" Darian interrupted. "And that is why I am choosing you Norisus!" Darian turned to Norisus as he revealed his name. The gasps and sighs returned. For a second Norisus showed he was not expecting this but soon covered it with exception. He bowed to his leader. "I will gratefully accept your request sir."
Naryia ran out in front of the worked-up crowed. "Father, you can't do this!" She cried.
"I am sorry my darling but I must," he turned to his daughter and couldn't hide the sadness from his eyes this time as he looked deep into her soul and seeing nothing but depression. Ever since her mother left her and died, she had always turned to him for support, they were the best of friends. She had never had a real friend since everyone turned away from her because of her mother’s betrayal. And now her father was leaving her for a fight he may never come back from.
"But you can't leave me! You said you'd never leave me! You PROMISED!" Tears ran down her face as she thought about the day when her mother had left her. It was nightfall and they were in their den, just a few meters away from the rest of the pack. Naryia was only still a pup and her tears had found their way to emerge themselves from her emotions once again.
"Why did mummy do that?" she asked. "Why did she have to be the bad guy? Why did she leave us daddy?" She looked up to her father for an explanation.
"It was her job, she never meant to hurt us like that my dear, I promise you she didn't," he replied trying to stop tears of his own.
"Why was mummy's job so mean?" she asked. Norisus had trouble telling her everything as she was only a few weeks old.
"I'll tell you when the sun rises, but right now please stop crying and have some sleep." He told her, Norisus was a strong fighter and also would be a great leader one day but all his reputation had gone since his love for the wrong wolf. His honor may be disgraced but his love and pride was still bound to his daughter. Naryia had followed his request and shut her eyes. But before she let sleep take her she had one more question.
"You'll never leave me right, daddy?" her voice was so sweet and innocent.
"Right my child, I never will for anything, I give you my oath," he replied and, at that moment, he knew he would never break his promise, as he knew it would destroy her.
The story of that night rammed itself into Norisus' mind but never left hers’. It took him some time to control his tears; his one promise would break her heart and world. He held his head down in shame for her.
"I am truly sorry, but if I succeed, we will keep our land and we will still have each other," he tried to reason.
"But....that is only IF!" she cried "What IF you don't come back, I will..."
"We will discuss this later!" He interrupted.
She refused to stop crying to try and make him feel guilty, he may have been a strong fighter but his love for her was the only weakness he had left in him. But her father knew her too well and turned from her so he wouldn't have to face her. It may have hurt more than he expected. She saw he was ignoring her so she turned and ran, no one ran after her, they still didn't feel the need to accept her in the clan. She ran alone to the edge of a near forest, she wouldn't run any further than that because she had never been away from her father, it was difficult to leave. She just lay in the dead leaves and cry. "Why can’t I be a leaf?" she asked herself "They grow so strong that they can latch on to their branch for many weeks and as soon as the time comes they recolour and float away, they get taken by the wind and land where they please," She slowly stopped herself from crying but never stopped the tears.
It was starting to get dark and she was debating whether to go home or not. She heard some rustling in the bush and jumped at the sound; she searched the world in front of her and saw a black silhouette running around her. Naryia got scared and ran into the safety of her bounds, hoping it didn't follow her. She got back to her father, who was lying in dirt where they always lay at night (a few metres away from the rest of the pack).
"Father?" she slowly walked up to him, to talk to him but his reply took him a few minutes.
"I'm not talking to you until you accept my duty," he told her.
She slightly giggled but still felt terrible inside, "And you say I'm the childish one. Father? I'm sorry for doing that to you, I know how much you've wanted to forget her and try to get back in good with the pack but..." she got broken off once again.
"I never wanted to forget her," he explained "I wanted to forget what she did to us.....and your siblings"
She held her head down at the thought of her siblings she never met.
"Father...I'm sorry...." was all she could spit out, but the devastation was still lurking inside her.
"I know you don't mean harm," he got up and sat in front of her, forcing her to see inside his eyes. "You never mean any harm, but you have to understand, I must do this,"
Naryia held back more tears, trying to be strong like her father.
"But what do I do if the worst happens?" she asks "You know they will kick me out once you’re gone,"
"Darian won't let that happen, he knows you aren't like your mother at all! Besides they'll be too busy thinking about the fight then banishing you," he tried to reassure her, but he was never good with words when speaking to his daughter.
"Yea that surely helps," she said with sarcasm.
"You know what I'm trying to say, I'm sorry I broke my promise but if I succeed, the pack will let us back in and you can make friends," He saw that Naryia was still a little troubled and full of worry. "Hey, do you really think I can't win a fight?" he asked rhetorically, trying to get her mind off the worst. Naryia put on a smile to show her father his comfort was working, when really it made her worry more.
"Darian told me that the fight was scheduled in two days time, he doesn't know who my opponent will be, but we will all gather at the edge of our territory," He spoke with profession in his voice. Naryia had nothing to say to him, she couldn't open her mouth without something pessimistic slipping out, so she thought it was a good idea to stay quiet. Norisus sighed since his daughter wasn't answering him. He curled up on the ground again.
"You had better rest Naryia darling, no point worrying over it now. Sleep the night, you'll feel better in the morning,"
She did as he asked of her and curled up with him and fell asleep.

Chapter Two: DURANGO'S AND LITZY'S PACK------------Sunday

Durango was out with a hunting pack, he was crouched in the tall grass with his deep green eyes locked on the prey in front of him. The buck was getting closer, it had no idea that Durango was only a few inches away. 'Wait for it.......Wait for it' Durango thought to himself, waiting for the just right moment to strike. The buck was now in easy strike range, he lowered more to the ground for the one good bounce he needed to take his prey down in one hit. He started counting himself down. 'Three......Two.....'
"Hey big brother what are you doing?" The buck ran off at sound and the movement of Litzy, Durango's sister.
"Litzy! You just scared my lunch away....AGAIN!" It was the third time this week Litzy got in the way of his hunting, he couldn't exactly blame her, and she was very fond of her big brother. He was always looking out for her as the big brother he was. She possibly took it a little too seriously, between all her brothers and sisters, he is the only one she cares so much for, sometimes it seems like she doesn't even know the others exist.
"Oh sorry brother, I didn't realize you were hunting..."
"If I wasn't hunting then why did I come with the hunting crew to get us some food?" Durango asked rhetorically.
"Well I guess that should have come to my attention," she thought. "But I missed you. I had to come see you!"
"You could have seen me AFTER I caught the buck?"
Litzy was starting to feel sorry and sat in the grass, she hated it how her brother was always angry at her lately, she didn't know what she was doing wrong and since she didn't know, she wasn't sure how to change it.
"Just go home Litzy!" Durango yelled to her, Litzy hesitated, she didn't want to leave her brother.
"Litzy I said GO HOME!" He huffed, she finally turned away nearly in tears, and she had never made him that angry before. She wandered back to her den, it wasn't strange to see her wandering around without her brother but still everyone had to stare at her in amazement and wonder. No one else could put up with Durango's harsh attitude, but Litzy seemed to love him more than anything. Some thought that took courage, some thought that took high levels of care and love, some thought it took determination and others thought she was just plain crazy. Whatever their thought, they gave her looks of admiration or confusion. Of course Litzy never saw anyone stare at her; you could say she was blind by her own little world she lived in. She saw neither her accomplishments nor good deeds, but has always found the disappointment she held on others, saw the disapproval in one’s eyes towards her little, rare mistakes.
The day had passed and Durango was home with some kill for the pack, along with the rest of the hunting crew. Of course, with all his anger he had in him from Litzy's disturbing actions earlier on in the day, Durango had killed the most. You could say that Litzy had actually helped Durango in his magnificent catch of the day, getting annoyed enough to improve his hunting skills. But Durango never saw it that way, and because of this, he thought of himself as the best. Neither of them thought Litzy had helped in anyway. Most of the pack didn't even realize, but there were some that had noticed, their parents -Gemmy and Erlando- and some of their siblings -the eldest brother and sister, Terro and Ronar.
Terro and Ronar were jealous of their relationship, Litzy never interacted with them (or any of her other siblings). When they were pups Terro and Rona tried to help Litzy because she was the youngest and wasn't very bright, they tried becoming friends at first then slowly have a sibling-loving relationship. But Durango wasn't patient; he butted in on their progress because he wanted to be the better male, and the 'big brother'. He does not regret doing what he did but he does not like it as much anymore either. He thought it would have been a normal situation when he would get the praise and as they got older she would still appreciate it but eventually get her own friends and make her life. But it hadn't turned out that way at all.
Terro and Ronar decided to get back at him for stealing their kid sister away from them. They both walked up to Durango, who was lying in the grass for a short nap, all that hunting would make anyone tired.
"Hey Durango, dear brother. How have you been?" Ronar slyly greeted.
Durango's head shot up at the sound of his sister’s voice. Terro and Rona looked down at the tired wolf at their feet. They had evil smirks on their grin (they're not very sneaky like that) but Durango just shrugged it off and rolled over hoping they would go away.
"Tired I see? Ha! Typical!" Terro huffed. "I suppose all the little puppies need their daily naps," He commented.
"Especially when running after small little calfsies," continued Ronar in a baby-like voice, as if trying to poke fun at Durango.
Durango stood up, still keeping his back to them, and told them in an irritated, deep voice, "I am not a pup anymore, I killed more than half the moose you could ever kill put together!" he then turned to face them, he didn't look very tired, but he felt everything they couldn't see. "Now if you don't mind, I would like to sleep," he said trying to stay calm, they were annoying most of the time and they were his siblings so he should have been use to it, but he still had the annoyance left in him from Litzy and was trying hard to keep himself from napping at them.
"Are you trying to say you're the better wolf?" Terro asked rhetorically.
"HA! If you were the better wolf you'd be out there hunting all alone and not sleep for days!!" added Ronar.
Durango showed his teeth and held his ears back, "Challenge accepted," he growled.
"It's settled then? Tomorrow you leave alone, fend for yourself until the 7th day. Kill anything you find, from rabbit to bear, even a wolf perhaps. Then we shall see who is the better wolf," Said Ronar in a fearful mysterious voice. Durango thought nothing of it, he already knew he was the better wolf and would do anything claim his rightful place. He was still standing there growling, thinking about the looks on their faces when he succeeded.

Chapter Three: ELI'S PACK------------Monday

Eli was in his cave curled up with his siblings as the morning sun rose. He got up and stretched, seeing his family still asleep he had to creep slowly around them to get out. His mind was focused on the entry of the cave and what he would do when he got out. He'd run around the trees and flee through the forest until everyone else woke up. But his thoughts were interrupted by a yelp and a scratch upon his leg.
"OWW!! Eli watch where you're going! You stood on my tail!" Venity screamed as she hacked at his leg with her claws out of reaction.
"Oh I'm sorry," he whispered trying not to wake the others, but now since his focus was on her, he tripped over Boyra and landed on Tacco. The both of them woke from his impact and began yelling at him also. From all the 'bangs' of Eli tumbling over mixed with the screams of pain and yelling harsh words, they all woke up Naxxy and their parents. They all complained and barked at Eli, but Eli's goal was still the entrance of the cave, he ran for it and left them to complain behind him. He sighed to himself in relief, feeling the harsh sun on his skin mixed with prickly cold wind in his fur. He breathed in deeply, this is the reason he got up in the morning. After his morning run he returned to the pack, expecting them to be awake, as they always were. They were all gathered around the pack leader, it took him a while to figure out something important was going on. He ran for the group trying to listen to what the conversation was about.
"I'm sorry to say, we need to exchange someone for their loss," The pack leader -Fali- shouted to them, although he didn’t sound as heartbroken as the pack, Eli didn’t pick that up.
"What's going on?" Asked Eli. The whole pack turned to the wolf that interrupted. The leader gave him a sly smile.
"Will someone please explain to him what I just said?" he turned to the pack, removing his smile and replaced it with annoyance. Patty was the next one to speak.
"Eli dear, you know that pack outside the ridge of the mountain?" she said softly and slowly.
It took him a while to remember but he soon replied with a simple "Yea?"
"Well...Ryn found a wanderer on our territory, she attacked and they died instantly, lucky for us they have forgiven this mistake and let us live but in exchange for one of us." she explained.
"Oh is that all?" Eli had trouble finding the seriousness of the matter. This gained him a lot of unhappy looks. "So who's the one going then?" he asked having no real care.
"They have given us till dawn to decide," this time it was Ryn who perked up.
"Well shouldn't it be you, Ryn? I mean it's clearly your fault we are in this mess," Shot Naxxy.
"Excuse me for trying to help my pack, it was his fault for being in our territory, but of course I didn't mean to kill him," Ryn shot back, she was a very independent wolf, great fighter and always stood up for her own opinion.
"You never mean it! But somehow you always manage to get us into trouble!" Piped Venity.
"That is not true, I don't do half the stuff Eli does," Ryn shot a glance at Eli, trying to make him feel bad, but because of his slow registration he gave her a look that meant 'Wait....why are you looking at me?'
Fali walked up to him and started talking before the girls could fight again (the pack was mainly made up girls, just how Fali likes it. With every chance he gets, he tries to get rid of the rest of the males, so he is the only one left)
"Maybe Ryn is right," he announced, never letting his sight off Eli as he walked uncomfortably close to him. "Maybe we could exchange Eli, considering he is the downfall of this pack." there were some gasps, only few were shocked and disappointed to his latest opinion. Yes Eli was slow and pulled the rest down but he couldn't help it, he tried making use of his disability but it never worked. But of course he didn't care as much; he didn't completely understand his disability either. His stupidity and dullness caused others to dislike him greatly. He was terribly annoying, constantly asking questions that where already answered for the 100th time on a row. Constantly tripping over things that were clearly in the way and injuring himself or another or both. Constantly not listening or caring to important instructions and getting everyone into trouble. All never on purpose of course.
"It possibly may even be an advantage to us if they get Eli," lots of people rejected to Fali's idea because they knew Eli meant no harm. But Fali was a strong and terrifying leader that many wolves wouldn't stand up to, not unless they wanted to be banished.....or killed. Even Eli's mother wouldn't stand up for him against Fali, instead she pleaded.
"Please, you can't do this, he's my son," Patty cried.
"And he's my pain in the neck!" He snapped. "It's done, we will exchange Eli for the lost pack member at dawn!" he announced.
Eli walked to the cave alone, thinking of what would happen, he tried hard to make sense of what was going on, tried to overcome his disability. But no matter how much he tried he couldn't get all of it. The only thing he understood was he was leaving in the morning, he didn't know where, he didn't know why, or how he would cope but he knew he didn't want to leave. His parents didn't want him to leave. So with his lack of understanding, he tried to stand up to Fali.
He turned back and headed to Fali's special den with courage and determination. His goal now was to face Fali and make him stay. But his wishes were soon interrupted by Patty's friendly face as she walked by, her eyes were pink and puffy, her nose was sniffly.
"What are you doing?" she asked him in a whimpery voice, she has never seen him look so serious like this before, she hoped he wasn't going to get himself in trouble again.
"I'm going to face Fali and ask him not to make me leave the pack," He explained.
"Sweetie you can't do that, you know what he is capable of." She said as tears started to fall from her eyes again.
"I have to try mother," He told her, and he walked off before she could object again. He found Fali surrounded by females, as most of the time he was. They were all flirting with each other and giggling together.
"Fali!" Said Eli in a strong tone, "I need to speak with you,"
"Can't you see I'm busy?" he grumbled then turned back to the girls.
"I wish to speak to you about me leaving this pack!" Eli demanded.
Fali put on his terrifying face. He was being disturbed by a stupid mutt, the same stupid mutt he didn't expect a back chat like this from. He stood up and growled. "I told you I'm busy! Now leave me!" He shouted.
Eli ignored his demand because of his stubbornness "You don't look busy to me yet! I would like to speak with you about this!" he shouted back. Fali took no more of this; he grabbed Eli by the back of his neck with his teeth and swung him around to throw him on the ground a fair bit away. He then ran up to him about thrash at his stomach but something stopped him. All the wolves nearby gathered around Eli and Fali, they were watching with interest, even though they already knew the outcome. Some watched in horror, knowing if they interrupted, they would have the same fate as Eli. Fali reminded himself that he needed him for the exchange, but then had a second thought, with Eli gone he could send another male away in his place, 'two birds one stone' he thought with a terrifying grin. Eli only stumbled up, any other wolf would have taken advantage of Fali's hesitation, but Eli just pulled himself off the ground. He wasn't taught how to really fight because no one thought he would understand, no one had the patience for him. With Fali's new idea, he was about to strike again at the insolent mongrel, without hesitation. Eli saw it coming but his legs were too slow to respond, all he could do was shut his eyes and flinch away as Fali's claws impacted on his back, digging deep into his flesh. Eli fell to the ground, not feeling any pain yet. Everyone saw this attack and shuttered as they watched Fali go in for another strike. Fali slashed through his skin again and again, he then grabbed Eli by the scruff with his mouth and threw him into a far tree with brutal force. Eli didn't move, he couldn't move, his brain was too slow to send the message and the pain slowly seeped into him. Fali just laughed, assumed that the weak mutt was dead, and if he wasn't then he would have a slow and painful death lying under that tree. Either way Eli wouldn't be a nuisance to him anymore. Fali was satisfied by his accomplishment and new idea as he trotted pleasingly back to his group of amorous female wolves.
The rest of the pack dispersed to what they were doing before the quarrel broke out. No one cared much for Eli, they were used to wolves dying from a fight with the alpha. Patty was the first to check if Eli was still ok, or at least breathing. Following her was his father Lenny and his siblings. Eli's eyes were closed, he was afraid to open his mouth in fear of screaming from the pain that stung.
"Eli? Eli! He's breathing, he's alive! Eli?" Patty called, her voice was full of concern and fear.
"Is he going to be alright?" Naxxy asked, staring at her brothers’ motionless body.
"He doesn't look like it," answered Tacco "Do you think he's gonna' make it dad?"
Lenny observed the lifeless body, "He may pull through.....if he's lucky," he said slowly.
"What can we do?" Asked Venity softly.
"We can clean his wounds and move him to a warm place for the night, but I'm afraid, after that we can only wait." Replied Patty. Without another thought, they all helped Eli up on Lennys' back and took him to their cave. They set him down in the warmest corner and lay around him providing more warmth. Patty licked his wounds clean and they all stayed with him through the night.
Eli was in so much pain that he felt numb, so numb that he felt no pain.
He finally decided to open his eyes, everything was dark, he wasn't sure if his eyes were actually open or not, he blinked a few time just to make sure. He hadn't known what had happened after he hit the tree, he remembered some murmuring and faint shuffles but couldn't connect them. He lifted his head searching around, trying to figure out where he was. Eli was getting too hot and sweaty in here.
He saw his parents and siblings sleeping around him peacefully. He tried hard not to wake them this time as he walked out of the cave, into the cool breezy air. He was amazed that he didn't stumble over anyone this time. Eli looked up at the night sky, staring into the moon, trying to get his vision back completely. The weak wolf decided to go for a walk, 'they don't want me here' he thought to himself.

Chapter Four: BAAKO'S PACK------------Tuesday morning

Baako wanted to go out on one of his exciting journeys. He was always gone for days, especially when they just move to some place new. He's always out with search patrol, their duty is to make sure the land around them is safe while Baako just tags along for the adventure. He always loves to expand his knowledge of the land. No one minded much as long as he didn't get into any trouble, which rarely he did. But this time Baako asked to go alone so he can find the amazing things before the search squad.
"I won’t be gone for so long this time," Baako pleaded with the alpha, Daxis.
"Son, I don't know about this, there could be so many dangers out here," He replied.
"C'mon, I've done it a million times before! Just let me do this, just once?" He begged.
"Son, we haven't searched this place yet, I really don't think..." Daxis was cut off by Baako's next words. He was getting so irritated, but Daxis stayed calm.
"I'm NOT your son!" Baako yelled, "So stop calling me that!" Baako ran off, he didn't want to talk to him about it anymore. He just left for his adventure, ignoring the alphas' warning or concern.
It was true.
 Daxis was not his father, no matter how much he wanted to be. Baako was found by Daxis when he was only a pup, Daxis figured that Baako simply wandered off, away from his family but what he didn't know was the pups' pack that was being attacked by another clan. Daxis searched everywhere for the lost pups' family but only found the few wolves who were survivors left over from the fight. Hundreds were slaughtered, including the pups’ parents and their original alpha.
Since Daxis' mate had recently died before giving birth, he swore he'd never love again but he did get lonely, so, instead he created his own pack with the pups' left over clan. It's just small enough for the pack to continuously move every season. Daxis adopted Baako as his son, but Baako has never accepted his request of having a new father.
Baako felt as if he was betraying his family by allowing someone else to be his father. It hurt him when Daxis called him by the false implication. Baako did appreciate that Daxis looked after him and cared for him all these years but he'd never allow Daxis to be more than a grateful friend.
Daxis watched over Baako as he ran away. He called over to his search patrol.There were only three wolves who made up this patrol, not including Baako.
"Follow him," Daxis started calmly, as if nothing out of the ordinary just happened. "Make sure he's not alone, it's dangerous out there," Daxis got a few nods in return of his request and they ran off in the same direction as Baako, who got a pretty good head start, but this patrol was also the best trackers in the pack. They could easily find Baako in minutes.
Baako knew his false father would send out a few wolves after him so he ran faster, choosing the most difficult route to follow. As soon as he was far enough ahead he ran in circles, continuously running over the same track and spreading his sent in different directions, hoping it would keep them off his trail. As soon as he thought he done a good job he left and ran as far as he could. He ran for hours and when he finally wore tired he slowed down but never stopped. He continued walking, looking at everything he found, taking in the new scenery. Smelling the forest, smelling the sweat off the trees, smelling the strange wolf near by......
Strange wolf?
Baako was on high alert in seconds and hid behind a bush. The wolf was still too far away to have seen him but Baako didn't take the risk. He waited patiently for the strange wolf to make an appearance. It took about five minutes before the wolf stumbled out of the woods. This wolf was roughly about the same age as Baako.
"Male. No bigger than I. Covered in light browns. Doesn’t seem to be the same breed as I,” Baako was ticking off the wolfs’ features in his mind. The wolf was close enough now that he should have picked up Baako’s scent. But the wolf didn’t react; he looked as if he couldn’t smell him yet. Or what if….Baako thought this wolf might already know where he was hiding and he was pretending he didn’t know which gave him the upper hand. Baako wouldn’t let this happen. He jumped out of the bush, right in front of the wolf, bearing his teeth in a warning manner. This gave Baako the advantage and he was proud of his success. The wolf yelped and curled up in a shadow of a tree. Trying to stay as close to the ground as he could. Baako saw the wolf was scared but couldn’t make out his facial features from under shadow. Baako thought about what his false father would do… He would terrify the wolf so much that he would never hear from it again by using his ‘warning face’ that meant If you speak of our encounter to anyone, you will regret it! Baako didn’t want to do that to this poor wolf.
“You didn’t know I was hiding were you?” He asked softly, letting his lips curl back over to hide his teeth. The wolf didn’t move he just stayed staring up at the wolf that nearly attacked him. From his motionless expression Baako guessed that he didn’t realize Baako had been hiding. There was a long pause of silence. Baako felt guilty for scaring the wolf who was obviously unknown to what was going on even now.
“I’m sorry,” Baako began softly. “I thought you knew and would have taken it as an advantage….” Baako slowly noticed that his logic might have seemed stupid to this wolf, so he stopped explaining and started again. “I’m Baako, who are you? If I may ask?”
The wolf lifted his head slowly out of the shadow of the tree. Baako could now see more details to the wolfs’ face. His light blue eyes was still filled with fear but now had a glint of trust in them.
“I’m Eli…” He said slowly.

Chapter Five: STRANGE SCENT------------Tuesday afternoon

Durango had been out all morning, to prove his greatness to his doubtful siblings. He was so caught up in demonstrating his magnitude that he didn’t notice Ronar and Terro’s plan to be rid of him and get closer to Litzy. He was also unaware of someone following him….This someone had been following him since the beginning of his journey. Either they were fantastic at following him of Durango was not paying very much attention. Durango was having a nice cool drink by a riverside when he finally noticed….For a good hunter he wasn’t good at noticing things.
His head shot up with his nose in the air. He smelt an unusual scent it was slightly familiar but not all of it. He didn’t understand how it could be so similar but so different. He looked down in his reflection in the water. He saw a dark movement behind him. It was blurred by the ripples in the water which didn’t help the identification of the smell.
He decided he needed to know who this was. The familiar scent was driving his mind crazy, he felt he just had to know. Durango turned around slowly, to face this somebody face to face and possibly question them about why they were following him. But as soon as his eyes fell on them, he understood everything, everything but one: this scent wasn’t familiar to him at all. Its dark, black fur was so thick that it almost looked cuddly. But the cuddliness didn’t look too friendly with those long, heavy looking claws and those sharp, dense, white-shining teeth. A mighty roar ripped from its throat, which pretty much threw away that last scrap of cuddliness.
Durango was terrified. There was nothing between him and the bear but about three metres length of short grass. To the right of Durango was a forest about fifty metres away. He thought the bear could easily grab him within those fifty metres. To the left of him was the river he had drank from. It was too wide to swim across and the water would be too deep and cold. He was trapped. The only thing possible would be to attack, hopefully hurt it enough to run away. As Durango was trying to plan his move, the bear was already making its way over to him at a very fast speed. Durango pushed his paws firmly to the ground, ready to pounce if needed. The bear’s clawed hand rose in the air, ready for a hard hit to this dog as it kept running for him. Durango stood his ground, waiting for the right moment, that one instant that would help him stay alive and dodge the blow. Of course Durango wasn’t 100% sure that this instant would come and if it did then he didn’t know if he would react fast enough in that time, but he stood confident and tried to watch every movement of the bear. The bear was just a few centimeters away now, its paw at the ready to lash out for him. Durango searched hard for an opening and as the bear’s claw finally made its movement.
That’s where he found it.
Durango leaped at the bear’s other shoulder that was barely moving. As the bear was thrashing for him it also knelt down quite a bit so it could reach him, this made Durango’s pounce a lot easier for him. As soon as his paws touched the bear’s back he turned around, he twisted with such speed and grace that if anyone was watching they’d think he turned in mid air, but no one was watching…..or were they?
Durango still hadn’t figured out what that familiar scent was that wasn’t coming from the bear. But he wasn’t worrying about that right now. He was more worried about of the bad taste from the bear’s shoulder as his teeth entered its skin. Admittedly he shouldn’t be worrying about that either. The pain from the bear’s shoulder irritated it of course, so it tried to swing at Durango all it could. But Durango was in an awkward spot for the bears grasp. So the bear fell to the ground on its back, hoping to crush Durango between her and the earth.
It succeeded.
The impact suffocated Durango. All air left his lungs, all feeling left his body except one. The pain from the air rushing out of him in such a speed, a speed that burned as it disappeared. Like when you trip over a rope and get rope-burn, only this rope was twenty centimeters thick rubbing on the inside of his skin, across his sensitive life source. After what had seemed to him like some very long seconds of this burning pain, another pain entered his body. This pain was more throbbing then burning and it was in his head. Durango had been holding his breath (Or not having the opportunity to breath in) too long that he gained a headache, his face went red under his fur from the pressure. The bear had rolled off him by this time and was ready to lash out again. Durango was unaware that the bear had moved, he was blind to everything around him. He had no feeling but pain. He couldn’t hear anything but a constant ringing. He couldn’t see anything but multi-coloured blotches blocking his vision.
The bear was ready to strike again, claws raised with a mighty muscled arm behind it. But before the bear could swing down at him, another set of harsh jaws hacked their way into the bear’s other shoulder. The bear roared in pain and irritation, it swung its arms around trying to attack its attacker but again, they were in an awkward position for the bear’s reach. Durango’s pain in his head and chest slowly disappeared along with the colourful moving blotches in front of his eyes. The first thing he saw was the bear swinging around aimlessly. Durango flinched, ready for the hit from the claws.
But it didn’t come.
Durango focused on what the bear was doing, he saw a light coloured figure attached to the bear. Although it still had a sting from the previous pain, his mind clicked. That familiar scent from before the bears attack, how could he have missed it? Even though he should have noticed, it was very unusual for this particular wolf to be out doing crazy things like this. But then again, he shouldn’t have been so surprised.
The wolf’s teeth went from the shoulder to the back of the neck. She was making great progress in harming this bear, a lot of deep wounds spread across the bear’s upper back, as if someone were continuously chewing on it – which was what she was trying to do. Durango pounced up, ready on his four paws as soon as he saw who was helping him. He ran behind the bear – which was easier than normal since the bear was distracted – and gnawed at the bear’s hind leg. The bear roared in more pain as it lifted its foot to try and shake Durango off, but he didn’t let go. The bear soon lost balance and fell to the ground on his back again. Durango and his helper were too fast that neither of them got stuck underneath the bear this time. The wounds from the bears neck and shoulder were deep enough to bleed quite heavily on the grassy floor. The bear wasn’t going to get up in a hurry but that didn’t stop the two wolves from their hasty retreat in those few seconds they had.
As soon as they were a fare distance away from the bear, Durango turned to his savior, he was surprisingly thankful she happened to turn up at that time…Although he didn’t show it.
“What the devil are you doing out here?” Durango yelled at her. The wolf pouted in a ‘sorry’ formation. But she should have been the one yelling at him for running off on his own, after all he would be dead by now if it wasn’t for her.
“You didn’t tell me where you were going so I followed you,” She whimpered.
“There’s always a reason I don’t tell you where I’m going Litzy! It’s to get away from you!” Durango shouted. Litzy’s pout grew into a confused frown. Did her brother really not want her around anymore? She felt sick in her stomach at the thought and a few tear’s escaped from her eyes but she continued to hold her head down so Durango wouldn’t see them. She knew he would be even more angered if he found her like this.
“I’m sorry,” She said softly, trying to stop the rest of her tears from falling. Any other wolf would be yelling back at Durango’s selfishness. But Litzy wouldn’t dare, she looked up to him in the way others look up to role models. She tried to stay calm and strong like her big brother, but his previous words continued to pierce her within.
“Since you’re already out here you might as well stay with me, you’ll need my help in surviving out here and I can’t take you back to the pack,” ‘Otherwise Ronar and Terro will never live this down’ He continued in his head. But part of the real reason he didn’t want to take Litzy back was because he thought he needed her help more than she needed his, but he wasn’t going to mention that to her. He was the ‘best male of the family’ after all.

Chapter Six: NEW FRIENDS-------------Tuesday night

Naryia had been running for hours, running from that horrid scene. She tried blocking it out of her mind but it wouldn’t let her. Every time she had thought she got rid of those images, they came back even more detailed than before. For once her eyes were dry, so dry they stung, she never blinked, she never breathed and she never dropped her eyes from what was ahead of her. She didn’t stop to take a rest, ignoring the tiredness of her body, the aching of her world. The scene played over and over in her mind, she couldn’t stop it. Her stomach burned for food, she swore she could feel the stomach acid dissolving itself just to give her food and energy, but she didn’t need energy. As long as those images were in her mind she kept running. Soon enough her life faded, she could feel nothing, see nothing, smell nothing.
She had collapsed and fainted.
When she woke she felt some of the suns hot rays hitting her through the trees. But that wasn’t the only thing she had felt burning her. All the physical pain that she had pushed out from the night before ripped its way through her body and beyond. The pain in her eyes was still burning – even though they had been closed for half a day now. The pain of her tired muscled in her legs – so sore she felt it wouldn’t be easy to stand. The pain in her stomach from starving herself – it got so bad that she saw a small pile of rodents and birds, it was too good to be true and highly strange so she thought it was a hallucination.
That was until a wolf came out from behind a tree.
“Are you okay Miss?” He asked softly as if trying not to frighten her. Naryia was shocked; she had never spoken to any other wolves beside her father Norisus or her alpha Darian. But the most shocking thing of all was that he was talking to her. All other wolves have been cruel to her since birth, calling her names, pushing her down, yelling/screaming at her for no reason, blaming her for things she could never do, it was only a few years ago that everyone decided to ignore her. She was so used to being alone in the world that this encounter with someone willing to talk to her nearly made her faint again. When Naryia didn’t answer him, the wolf assumed she might have been in shock from the pain he thought she was in.
“Don’t be alarmed Miss, I won’t hurt you. I’m Baako, Eli will be back shortly with some more food for you. May I know your name?” Baako was ever so polite, which made Naryia’s shock grow. She continued staring at him, not saying a word. She looked over him, seeing if he was another wolf from her pack, even though they never spoke or went anywhere near her, she would be able to point out and name any wolf from her pack. But this kind wolf didn’t seem to be on the list. No wonder he was so nice to her, if he knew about her past then he would have acted like any other from her pack. She let go of the shock and decided to answer him.
“I-I’m Naryia,” She stumbled. This gave Baako a light smile towards her.
“Hi Naryia. We have collected you some breakfast,” He said, nudging his head to the direction of the food.
Naryia was so hungry she wouldn’t have cared if the food was given to her by a bear to make her fat and juicy, ready to be his lunch. She shot up as fast as she could to run to the food, but she got up a little too fast, for the pain in her legs had made her stumble to the ground again. This dreadful pain in her legs made Naryia ask herself ‘how far had I run?’ and even more ‘how far had I run without feeling such a pain?’ The frightening images from last night numbed everything she could physically feel.
Baako noticed her stumble and he was just as fast to be at her side.
“Are you okay Miss? You shouldn’t get up so fast if you’re badly hurt.” He warned.
“I’m fine, I just hadn’t realized how far I ran last night…” She explained. As soon as she remembered her running, she thought of what she was running from, but before the images made their way into her mind she shut them out with the pain of her stomach and legs. This pain was easier to deal with than that illustration playing in her mind. She stared at the food, wondering if it was a good idea to eat because as soon as that pain went away she would be overwhelmed by those pictures of the night before. Baako followed her gaze to the food, he thought she wouldn’t be able to stand and walk to it, so he decided to bring the food to her. One animal at a time – sometimes two – he brought over to her, piling them up in front of her for her reach. But the pile disappeared as soon as it was created. Naryia chomped her way into her breakfast. It felt so good as it went down. Her stomach was still burning but the stomach acid had stopped turning on itself and started dissolving the food. When all – or what was left of – the food was in front Naryia, Baako sat by a near tree, waiting for her to finish so he may get some more answers. But on Naryia’s last bite Eli turned up with a few more of his kill. He looked at Naryia and gave her a smile as he set the food down in front of her.
“G-Good morning,” He stuttered. “Nice to see you awake and eating… And alive for that matter,” He muttered that last bit under his breath as he walked away. Naryia looked down at the new, smaller pile of food. It consisted of the same as before:  Rodents and birds.
“Aren’t you going to eat any of this?” She asked them softly.
Eli stopped in his path but only his head turned back to her, giving her a face of disdain mixed with worry, as if to say ‘Of course we aren’t eating, it’s your food and you’re the one hurt the most.’ Naryia looked at him with a frown, staring at something on Eli. Since his back was turned to her, she found some scratches on Eli’s hide. They looked a few days old, just starting to scab and heal. That means he has been in a fight… Naryia started to worry. Not just because those scratches meant he may be a good fighter but now, with no dreadful hunger pain, her barrier to those memories fell. Those scratches on his back blended into the earlier surroundings of the previous day, blood everywhere and screams of pain. Naryia closed her eyes with haste but that helped the images come back faster so she opened them again and saw the deep, black and red marks on Eli’s back. They were all around her. She felt like she could run again, just like she had last night but the pain in her legs wouldn’t let her…..Pain…..Naryia found only one way to stop the reoccurring images. She stood up and turned her back to Eli, making sure she stayed standing for a while so the pain would run through her whole body without the sightly evidence of a fight. She needed to scream but she didn’t want to alarm anyone. Soon her legs gave and Naryia collapsed once again. As soon as she hit the ground two things happened. One: She took in a deep breathe and realized she must have been holding it for that whole time. Two: Baako ran to her side again.
“Are you okay Miss?” He asked kindly but she heard the concern in his voice. It seemed like déjà vu. “Eli didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just that you need the food more than we. You need to keep your strength up,” He cautioned.
With the pain through out Naryia’s body she didn’t want to speak, but it was the only way to keep those pictures from returning.
“I’m fine really… I…I-” She didn’t know what to say. “I’m full,” She finally said, it wasn’t true, she was still hungry but once the pain from her legs were gone she needed some way other way to keep the memories out, slightly starving herself was her best solution.
“Okay,” Said Baako and he lifted his head toward Eli, “You can have it,” He told him. Eli started to dig in before Baako even said anything but Baako paid no more attention to him. He simply sat next to Naryia, a few silent seconds past before he started questioning her.
“So where’s your pack….if I may ask?” He started but Naryia didn’t look at him. She stared at the ground, not wanting to talk about it. Instead she turned the question on him.
“Where’s your pack?” She asked, never taking her eyes off the ground.
Baako knew she wasn’t going to let him in until they knew each other better but since Baako already knew that he was kind and gentle, he just wanted to skip the whole trust thing and become friends, like he and Eli had.
“They’re gone…” he started with his head towards the ground. “But that was a long time ago. I was….unwillingly adopted by the founder of my slaughtered friends and family. I was only a pup then. I left my founder pack yesterday because he didn’t understand my needs. Others tried to follow me but I outsmarted them,” He said with a smug smile. Baako felt great about leaving his ‘founder pack’. He felt free to explore, which was everything he ever wanted.
“What about Eli…?” Naryia asked. “Are you two related?” She felt it was a dumb question. They looked nothing alike, she wasn’t even sure if they were the same breed.
“No we aren’t related. Eli left his pack the day before yesterday. He says he was meant to leave the pack and get re-owned by another, he’s not sure why but he refused to leave. He said he got in a fight with his alpha and that’s how he got those scratches,” Naryia shuttered when Baako mentioned the scratches. Baako saw her flinch but didn’t go into it until he knew she trusted him.
Baako continued, “He ran away that night and found me yesterday. I scared him half to death,” He chuckled, “We started informing each other of our packs whereabouts and we stumbled across you… Sorry that turned into a ‘How We Met’ story, didn’t it?” He said. Naryia’s smile hurt her face but she put up with it. “Your turn…where’s your pack?” Baako pressured. Naryia took a deep breath, still staring at the ground.
“It doesn’t matter where they are…” She said slowly. She didn’t to go any further than that, in fear of her mind being taken over.
“Okay….I see we will be getting nowhere with this conversation. Are you going to go back to your pack or are you going to wonder around alone?” Baako asked softly but he didn’t get an answer. “If you’re going to stay out here alone then would you mind joining us? You didn’t seem like you were in very good shape last night and whether you like it or not I’m staying with you until you are well enough to provide on your own,” Baako said with determination in his voice. But he still had no answer from Naryia. Eli had finished the meal and headed over to Naryia’s other side.
“This isn’t a great place to stay the night,” Said Eli.
“You’re right Eli, there’s no cover here for us,” Replied Baako
“No I meant there’s no food source for miles…” Baako rolled his eyes at Eli’s comment.
“We still need to find shelter,” Baako explained. “I’ll go and search for a near place to spend the night. I’ll come back for you.”
“Okay Baako,” Baako ran off before they could say anything else.
“How are you going to get me there?” Asked Naryia after a few seconds.
“You’ll walk of course,” Said Eli, he hadn’t noticed anything majorly wrong with Naryia, he just thought she was a klutz.
“I can’t walk, I’m in too much pain,” She said.
“Pain from what? You haven’t done anything,”
“Pain from running all night,” Naryia was starting to get irritated by this idiot; she wasn’t sure if he was stupid or if he was just trying to annoy her.
“Well you shouldn’t have ran all night, then you wouldn’t be in pain now would you?”
“Well what would have you done if your pack was being slaughtered right in front of your eyes?” Naryia hadn’t noticed she was yelling and she found herself towering over Eli as well. “Uhh sorry…I’ve just had a bad….day,” ‘or a bad life perhaps?’ She thought.
Naryia lay back down, Eli was too afraid to speak again.

Chapter Seven: RED LIGHT------------Wednesday afternoon

Litzy had been following her brother all day, not making any sound. She thought she had crossed his line when she saved him. They had a late breakfast… or early lunch. But neither were hungry at this point, even when catching their prey Litzy had just sat and watched, she didn’t speak, she didn’t even thank him for the food. Durango had actually liked it this way.  They were looking for shelter at this point in the day. Considering last night wasn’t a pleasant sleep for either of them. Lying on top of sticks and smalls stones with only a tall tree for cover. Thankfully it hadn’t rained on them last night. Actually in seemed unusually dry this time of year. The sun wasn’t overly hot but the ground looked so unhealthy and the dry mud cracked, forming canyons for small bugs. It made Litzy want to spit on the ground just to help the grass grow.
Durango wasn’t searching for just any old shelter, he wanted a shelter that he could live at. One with a nice stream that wasn’t too far away from a big food source. There were loads of places that would have been suitable for two wandering wolves, but Durango was picky. At last they had found a field that Durango would settle for. It had a rushing river, a cool cave and a heard of caribou not too far away. The only problem was: it was a very small field. It was surrounded by trees that looked as if they were on the verge of falling over and ‘poofing’ into dust, it was so dry.
“Here we go Litzy,” Said Durango as he trotted up to the cave – still with Litzy following.
Litzy looked around with a worried expression.
“Are you sure this place will be okay?” She asked.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing really, it’s just… a little… never mind. It’s perfect!” Litzy couldn’t bring herself to complain in fear she may upset him again.
Durango felt confident in his finding, but his finding took them all day. Their only choice was to sleep until dawn so they were able to search the place more.
“We’ll have to take shifts to be on guard tonight. You know, just to make sure no one has already owned this territory. You take the first shift and I’ll…..wake me up when the moon is highest in the sky.” But Durango wasn’t really planning to wake up at all. If he was woken up he’d most likely snap at her. But lucky for the both of them he wasn’t woken up… well not for the shift change at least. Litzy sat outside the cave, occasionally running around just keep herself awake. But it didn’t work in the end, she’d finally drifted to sleep, loosing track of time.
They both slept soundly, until one o-clock in the morning.
Litzy heard a huge crack followed by some repeated small cracks, but it was the big one that had jolted her out of her slumber. It took her a few seconds but she soon remembered she was meant to be on guard. She looked into the sky checking for the moons location. It was time for the shift swap. But as her eyes fell back to Earth she saw a bright light ahead of her (No she’s not dead). This light was a red and orange blaze of colour. She saw tiny sparks of bright orange flying away from this unearthly source. She could feel the heat being thrown towards her, she watched as some trees fell in the forest, creating a wave of those little orange sparks. Litzy’s eye grew wide in fear. She ran into cave kicking Durango and nudging him with her nose.
“Wake up!” She cried. “Durango you need to wake up! NOW!” She gave him a huge wallop in the stomach, which surely woke him up.
“What? Why do I need to wake up, it’s not my shift yet! LEAVE ME!” He yelled back at her.
“No Durango, we need to move now! There’s this strange thing outside, I don’t know what it is but it’s tearing down the forest, tree by tree. And I don’t think it’s a good idea to get caught in it.” She warned. Durango opened his eyes and viewed out the cave. As soon as he saw what Litzy was talking about he suddenly felt the heat it was making. Durango was up, faster than a flash. They ran in a different direction from the fire but only to find that they were surrounded. The dry trees around the small field was perfect fuel to create a big fire, it would have been easy to start too.
Luckily Durango was so picky at his choosing of the shelter. Litzy ran straight for the river, anyone else would think of it as suicide, but in this case, staying there would be suicide. She jumped in with Durango on her tail, no questioning her plan, but Litzy didn’t exactly have a plan. Unless her plan was to be pushed around in the river by rocks and fallen trees, then yes she had a plan, but not a very good one. They didn’t really need to swim in the river because the river simply pulled them along anyway, if they did swim they would just be propelling themselves faster into the rocks and trees, resulting in more pain. They couldn’t just swim across to the other side because the river was too harsh and even if they did manage, the fire would have forced them back in. Because of the late night – or early morning – the water was like ice, even with the few lit up trees that fell into the water, those trees would go from 1200 degrees to 0 degrees as soon as it impacted with the water. It only took about two minutes for Durango and Litzy to start loose their feeling in their limbs. But the water continued to carry them away through the night.

Chapter Eight: MORE FRIENDS --------------Thursday

Although she still had pain throughout her body, Naryia was up and walking. She was staring at her reflection in a calm river. Eli and Baako were still curled up in sleep under a few broken branches, which provided a pretty good shelter.
Naryia watched as one tear fell into the water, creating hundreds of ripples which destroyed the calmness of the river. ‘And that’s how easy my life had fallen apart’ she thought.
She walked into the cool water slowly, she stopped when the water reached the top of her legs, the sun hitting her back. She lapsed up some water with her tongue for a sweetening drink.
Baako opened his eyes and found Eli’s nose breathing into his face.
“Ugh… Now I know why I’ve been dreaming of garbage all night,” He muttered to himself. He pulled his head up to look out for Naryia, but she wasn’t curled up with them as she was last night. Baako had a sudden jolt of fear and worry for Naryia as he was scanning the place for her. His worry left when he found Naryia in the water and he let out a sigh of relief.
Baako stood up and stretched, taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Sleeping with a nose full of Eli’s smell anyone would think a pile of poo would be fresh air. After his stretch – and managing to be able to not wake Eli up – Baako trotted his way over to Naryia.
“Good to see you up and walking,” He said.
Naryia gasped, she didn’t expect anyone to up yet and Baako took her by surprise since Naryia’s thought was deeply in the water. She was wondering what it would be like as a fish and how they felt the sun under the water.
“Oh…yea, it’s great,” She said. Baako sat, slightly in frustration since Naryia wouldn’t open up to him.
“So will you ever tell me why you are out here on your own?” He asked softly. “I mean you don’t have to, but it would be nice to stop guessing. I’ve thought of a lot of scenarios of what made you leave home but none seem to fit with you. There’s one that I thought you were--”
Baako was interrupted by Naryia’s blood curdling scream. It was so hazardous that it even woke up Eli. But all he really did was flop his head around and when he thought nothing was wrong he fell back asleep. Baako, on the other hand, was at Naryia’s side just as fast as the other times.
“What? What is it?” He asked worry filled his words once again. “Are you hurt?”
“No! Look!” Naryia pointed with her nose in the direction of what had made her scream. Baako looked into the water at what Naryia was aiming at. It seemed to be two floating bodies. This shot up Baako’s worry quite a lot.
“Eli! ELI!!” He called, Eli’s head lifted up again, he looked even less aware than last time. “Come help me!” He shouted. Eli took awhile to respond to Baako’s request. He stood slowly and stretched.
“NOW ELI!” Yelled Baako, but Eli – and his slow registration brain – simply walked towards the river clumsily. Baako grunted in frustration as he ran to the bodies in the water.
“I’ll come,” Said Naryia trying to walk through the water behind him. Baako didn’t stop trying to get to the bodies as fast as he could while answering Naryia.
“You’re not strong enough,” He warned her. “Eli, hurry up!”
“I can try,” She said harshly. This would possibly provide Naryia with more pain to numb the images. So she was willing. Eli was still stumbling his way over to river. Naryia and Baako pushed their way through the water, as they did the river was getting deeper and deeper until they had to swim. Baako was the first to dive for them, grabbing one by the scruff and pulling it ashore. Naryia did the same but had more trouble in the matter. Naryia almost choked on the water herself, luckily she got to the surface in time to take a deep breath. But the body she was holding was too heavy and was starting to puller under again. Her legs hurt and nose tried puffing out water which gave it a cold burn. But her goal never changed. ‘Pain is good. Pain is good,’ she repeated in her mind. Baako had already dragged his wolf ashore and Eli – finally – made it to the river bed.
“Take this one back to the shelter, I’ll go help Naryia,” Said Baako. Eli stood there dumbfounded for a few seconds but Baako had already left before he could scold him some more. Baako swam towards Naryia as fast as he could. He dived under them and came up underneath the wolf she was carrying.
“I got it from here,” He told her. Naryia let go of the wolf to debate.
“No I’m fine!” She said.
“NO! You’re not fine!” He yelled. Baako had been pushed to the limits. Mostly because of Eli, which he noticed was only just starting to pull the first wolf away? Baako sighed again and swam off. Naryia stopped, she didn’t want to make anyone hate her anymore and she realized that that is exactly what she was doing. She didn’t notice that she had completely stopped moving until the water reached her nose again. She shook her head and swam after Baako, who was already out of the water and dragging the (hopefully) unconscious wolf to the shelter.
Once she was out Naryia kept her distance from the others. Baako and Eli lay on the other two wolves to provide heat. As soon as they were dry Baako left Eli to keep the heat between them, given the fact that it was close to midday and it would be warm enough.
Naryia was laying down a few metres away from the shelter, she was looking up at the clouds wondering how long it would take her to grow wings and fly away from this mess.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you before,” Said Baako ever so softly. Naryia was caught by surprise again and gasped.
“Oh… It’s okay. You were right, I wasn’t fine,” She said.
“But it’s not my place to tell you what you can and can’t do,” He reasoned.
“It was a matter of life and death,” She mumbled. Naryia sat up and looked at Baako straight in the eyes. “Do you really want to know what happened with my pack?” She said, after that little scenario in the water and how worried Baako had been for her, Naryia thought she could trust him enough with this story.
“Yes I do but you don’t have to tell me,” Baako was kind of taken by surprise, he was suppose to be coming over to apologize but instead he was about to hear her story she was trying to hide from him.
“You have to promise to not change the way you think about me,” She warned.
“I swear on my life,” He said.
“Okay,” Naryia sighed, she wasn’t ready to let in the images but she felt she had to. She tried to control them, one tragic image at a time, starting from the beginning.
“When I was a pup, my mother betrayed our pack by trying to kill our alpha Darian. She died…when she tried attacking the whole the pack to get to Darian. But before she… died, she killed my siblings,” Naryia stuttered, she had a hard time explaining while trying to keep back her tears.
“Oh I’m so sorry,” Said Baako, but he didn’t know what this had to do with leaving her pack if that had happened when she was pup. Naryia continued…
“Since I’m the only one of her offspring that had survived the whole pack kinda… disowned me and my father. They wouldn’t talk to me or go near me and if they did it was only to blame me for something,”
Baako had a harsh frown on his face, like what she was telling him was unbelievable, he was about to comment but Naryia cut him off.
“Anyway, a few days ago, some other pack wanted to take our land. Darian tried to reason with them but they wouldn’t accept anything. However they did settle for a one-on-one fight to determine our fate,” Naryia’s mind played the movie of everything that had happened.
“If we won they would leave, but if they won then they would take our land and kill anyone who tried stopping them. My… father was the one chosen to fight for our side and so he fought,” In Naryia’s mind, her imagination continued playing.
Teeth where bared.
Claws were ripped along skin, creating a horrid noise.
Yelping and screaming everywhere.
Chants back and forth from each of the packs.
“He did win the fight but he spared the wolf’s life. Although the alpha wouldn’t accept it, he said it had to be to the death and by sparing him, he said my father had withdrawed and…” Naryia shuttered, looking at the ground trying to keep her tears back.
“It’s okay,” Said Baako comfortingly, although he knew it wasn’t okay at all, this girl has a lost a family member, just like he had, but Baako didn’t remember as well as Naryia did. Naryia sniffled up her tears.
“The fight broke out, since I wasn’t part of the pack I could only watch up on a rocky cliff. I didn’t stay and see all of it though. I don’t know whose dead or alive, the odds were even between our packs,” Naryia was blubbering by this time with tears falling down her nose and face.
“There’s a chance he could still be alive though,” Comforted Baako.
“I know… But I don’t want to go back there. I’m afraid of what I’ll find,” She whimpered. Baako wasn’t sure about what to say to a crying girl. He wasn’t good at giving good explanations. Luckily they were interrupted by Eli calling for them. Naryia hastily dried her tears and made her way back to the shelter with Baako.
“What’s up Eli?” Asked Baako calmly.
“One of them woke up,” Explained Eli, tilting his head towards one of the wolves. This was the female wolf they had rescued.
“Hello Miss, are you okay? Don’t be alarmed, you’re safe with us. I’m Baako, this is Naryia and this is Eli,” Baako jerked his head towards each wolf as he named them. The female wolf smiled.
“Hi I’m Litzy and thank you I’m fine. What happened?” She asked, she hadn’t realized the other unconscious wolf next her yet.
“We would like to ask the same thing,” Commented Naryia.
“My friends and I pulled you two out of the river a few hours ago. May I ask why you were in the river?” Asked Baako politely.
“The two of us?” Litzy mumbled to herself. Her head turned to the body next to her and shouted as she pounced up. “Oh my gosh! Durango! Are you okay?”
“Perhaps you should just let him rest?” Warned Naryia. Durango didn’t move so Litzy tried her tactic from before, yelling at him and hitting him.
“Durango!” One last big hit and he moaned. Litzy sighed in relief. “Oh Durango, you’re alive!” She said.
“If you hit me one more time, one of us is going to end up dead,” He groaned, but Litzy didn’t seem affected by his threat. “What happened?” He asked as he got up slowly. Durango had a terrible headache and couldn’t move too fast.
“We were drowning while trying to run away from that big red hot thing and these guys saved us,” Litzy exclaimed. Once Durango was up he looked at the three wolves then started to walk off.
“Thanks for your help, we appreciate it but we’d better leave now. C’mon Litzy!” Ordered Durango.
“But brother, we have to stay!” Litzy whined.
“No! Let’s go! C’mon!” He yelled.
“No! I’m not going with you! You never show kindness to others, even when they save your hide! I thought it was just me because I’m your sister and I could live with that. But I’m not going to watch you walk away without appreciating what others do for you!” Litzy yelled. It was the first time she had ever raised her voice to him, so yelling at him would have a big shock.
“I already said I appreciate it,” Durango argued but all he got in response was a deadly glare. Durango gave in to his kid sister. “Fine but only for one night, then we are leaving,” He said in a crude voice.
Litzy was ecstatic.

Chapter Nine: A DEADLY ADVENTURE------------ Friday

It was early morning; Naryia and Litzy were the first ones up.
“Hey, I didn’t get a chance to thank you yesterday, I didn’t understand how much you were actually going through,” Said Litzy. Naryia looked at her in confusion ‘How much I was going through?’ She thought.
“Baako told me everything,” Continued Litzy, hoping to free Naryia’s confusion. Something jolted inside of Naryia, if Baako told Litzy about her painful past then we would be getting a big shock when he wakes up, possibly even before he wakes up.
“What do you mean? What did Baako tell you?” Naryia asked in a rush.
“Just how you almost drowned yourself trying to save us…” Said Litzy slowly, now she was the one confused. ‘Why is Naryia so worried?’ She thought.
“Oh…” Naryia made a sigh of relief in her head. “It’s okay, it wasn’t your fault,” Replied Naryia. A few minutes of silence fell between them and Naryia started getting uncomfortable.
“Uhh gee… my tummy is rumbling. Should we wake up the others and go find some food?” She asked.
“Nah lets go get some ourselves, we can surprise them when they wake up,” Litzy had a big grin on her face like it was the best idea she ever had. She was hoping it might get her back into the good books with Durango. But Naryia wasn’t as excited as Litzy.
“W-what? No, I think we should wake the others, I’m not good at hunting,” She objected.
“Neither am I but that’s what makes a good adventure!” Exclaimed Litzy. Naryia thought this idea was crazy and she tried reasoning with Litzy.
“Can we at least bring Baako with us?” She said. Litzy gave it a long thought but soon accepted. Naryia went to wake up Baako and didn’t notice that Litzy was already running off to look for prey.
“Baako?” Whispered Naryia. “Baako c’mon, wake up,” Baako groaned softly, but it wasn’t an annoyed groan, it was more a ‘ready for another day’ groan. Baako wasn’t a heavy sleeper like the other two. But Baako and Naryia crept as softly as they could to make sure they didn’t wake them. As soon as they were far enough away from them Baako started asking questions.
“What’s up Naryia?”
“Litzy wanted to surprise everyone with breakfast but neither of us are good at hunting so we thought you were our best… choice…” Naryia stopped and looked around, but she could find who she was searching for. “Oh no,” She whined.
“What’s wrong?” Asked Baako who wasn’t quite sure what she was looking for. “What have you lost?”
“Litzy! I’ve lost Litzy,” She exclaimed.
“It’s okay, I can track her,” Said Baako reassuringly. He started sniffing the air for her scent and caught on to it quite quickly. “This way,” He said to Naryia running off behind the scent. Naryia felt relieved and followed Baako. It wasn’t very long until they found Litzy, she was in an open field (Bigger than one Durango had chosen, much bigger) were she was stalking a big caribou lying in the grass. Baako and Naryia looked around and couldn’t see its herd anywhere, they thought it was rather odd. They looked closer at the caribou and noticed that it was already dead; the other thing they noticed was some shiny light in the tall grass behind Litzy. Naryia focused in on the shiny light, when the light disappeared she saw a face, an angry, dark pink face.
“Litzy! Look out!” Naryia cried. Litzy turned to Naryia about to ask was the fuss was about but her words were interrupted by a loud, deafening, low screech. *BANG* Litzy flinched at the sound but she didn’t turn to look at what made the noise, she just ran towards Naryia and Baako. The dark pink faced creature stood up on its hind legs, holding some strange long branch in its front legs. But that’s all they got to see before they ran back to the others in the shelter. When they got back they turned around, checking if the creature had followed them.
“What was that?” Naryia asked, all three wolves were puffing and trying to calm their nerves and shock.
“I’m not sure,” Replied Baako. They all clumped down together in front of the tree branch shelter, they laid there waiting to get their breath back and their nerves settled. A few moments later the other two woke up, well… Eli woke up and as he yawned and stretched, he kicked Durango in the head. Durango wasn’t happy but they were both awake. Baako, Naryia and Litzy were informing Durango and Eli about their scary morning.
“And then the beast stood up on its hind legs and went “GRRR” and it threw trees and boulders at us,” Exclaimed Litzy.
“No it didn’t,” Said Naryia, “It just stood up and we ran away,”
Durango laughed at them, “You’re all hallucinating!” He said, but Eli was amazed at this story.
“What was its name?” He asked, “He sounds friendly,” Baako and Naryia rolled their eyes together, Durango was still laughing, and Litzy was the only one who answered Eli’s question.
“He didn’t look very nice to me,” She said. Durango stood up and chuckled his way over to the river for a drink. But something stopped him.
“Uhh this beast didn’t have funny, patchy fur all over it did it?” He asked, not moving.
“Yea, it did. Have you seen one?” Asked Naryia.
“Uhh yea… five of them actually,” He replied. Baako and Naryia ran up to Durango wanting more information about these ‘beasts’ but Litzy and Eli continued their small talk with irrelevant questions. When they caught up to Durango, all their questions started falling out.
“When?”
“Where?”
“What were they like?”
“Did they say anything?”
“What are they?”
But Durango wouldn’t answer a single one, he continued to stare before him, his eyes wide and his legs unable to move. Naryia and Baako were confused and they followed Durango’s gaze. Standing before them were five similar creatures holding the same strange, long sticks and those angry pink faces. The same crackling, low screech sound came from one of the sticks, a small rock blew out of it at high speed and hit the ground with incredible force right in front of Durango.
“Please tell me I’m hallucinating too,” He said.
“RUN!” Baako cried, the three wolves turned back to the shelter, Durango kept running but Naryia and Baako explained things as fast (And not as informational) as they could to Litzy and Eli.
“The angry beasts!”
“The loud sticks!”
“Five!”
“Let’s go!” Litzy and Eli looked at them both like they were crazy. Another speedy rock flew down on them echoing the snarl of the stick. It hit one of the branches of the shelter, but before it collapsed they ran in the same direction Durango had fled. They found Durango no too far ahead, he was whimpering loudly in pain but the others couldn’t see anything wrong with him.
Until they got closer.
“Get it off me!” He cried, they found a grey mouth at his foot, its teeth were digging into him the more he struggled. Baako tried helping by opening the mouth, but the movement of Durango’s foot made it harder.
“Stop moving!” Baako yelled, but Durango didn’t stop, he just wanted it off him already. The teeth started to remove Durango’s skin and fur, leaving it all fleshy and more painful. Naryia went to the other side of the lip-less mouth, helping Baako open it.
“Guys, we have a few tails” Said Litzy, looking behind them and seeing that those creatures were moving quite fast on those hind legs. Baako and Naryia where straining to get this mouth open.
“GUYS!” Litzy yelled for them. Finally they got Durango’s leg free and they all fled away again, but Durango was slower than before. The teeth nearly dug into his bone from struggling so much to get free. Blood was flowing out of it a fast pace. This (obviously) caused Durango to limp which wasn’t a good thing considering those huge two-legged, loud-stick-holders were right behind them. Those loud sticks continued to go off, getting louder the closer they came.
A broken branch from a fallen tree thrashed along Durango back ankle, swiping deep into the cut. Making him yelp in pain and stumble to the ground. Litzy turned back at her brothers plead for help, she saw the beasts getting closer even faster. She had no idea how to save him but her mind worked in a different way to others.
“When the creatures are steered away, take my brother and get out here!” Litzy yelled to the others. Before they could object, Litzy ran towards the beasts.
“Is she crazy?” Asked Baako at the same time Naryia called “You’re crazy!” But it didn’t matter. Litzy had made up her mind. Hoping this plan would work – Crazy of not.
Litzy made her way to first pink creature, she grabbed on to it’s legs trying to pull him backwards, she succeeded and dragged it along the ground, running into two other creatures and taking them down too. She let go and ran in the opposite direction of the others. Naryia and Baako ran to Durango, helping him up and trying to run (Mostly skipping) as fast as they could away from the creatures. Eli just watched as all the beasts turned to follow Litzy, continuing to shoot those small rocks from the long sticks.

Chapter Ten: COLD HEARTED------------Sunset

Everyone stopped running when they thought they were safe enough. They had stopped hearing those blasts a while ago. Litzy hadn’t returned yet and the others were worried for her. Durango was lying down in some hard, dry grass which felt uncomfortable underneath him. They were sweaty and hot after that long day and there was no water source around to help them cool off. Luckily the sky grew grey with clouds lingering over, which meant one thing: rain.
Fortunately it wasn’t heavy, just a light shower which helped the grass become soft and more tolerable.
“Do you think she’s okay?” Asked Naryia to the guys.
“I think she’ll be fine,” Answered Baako. “What do you think Durango?” Everyone turned to Durango for his answer. They thought he must have felt so much worse then they did, since she was his sister.
“I think…I think she’s dead” Durango replied, he said it with so much poise that others thought he felt nothing, not even the smallest prick of sadness in him.
“Are you serious?” Snapped Naryia, she stood up and cowered over Durango, she wasn’t confident enough to fully stand up to him, but for Durango to be so heartless it discussed her.
“She’s your sister! Your own blood and you don’t care she just risked her life for you? AGAIN!” Naryia screamed. “I have never met someone so heartless!” That wasn’t true although he was one of the few wolves at the top of her ‘heartless’ list, along with her mother and most of her pack.
“It’s her own fault for attacking them!” He roared.
“In that case it’s your fault for getting trapped in that mouth! It’s your fault for moving so much and getting bitten even more! It’s your fault for falling over, making her need to save you!” Naryia roared back. Durango stood up, the harsh light of the sun and grey clouds tears made Durango look even more evil than ever. Naryia tried to stand her ground, she knew she was right. But her disgust wasn’t enough to keep her high and secure. She soon trembled back to the ground beneath him.
Durango’s voice was soft but it was filled with threat and darkness. “Do not speak to me like that again,” He said. Naryia felt like mimicking his voice and saying ‘You know I’m right’ But she knew that would get her into more trouble.
Especially in this situation.
Durango slowly walked away from her and the others, walking out on his own, through the soft rain. He walked through the thick trees and came across a clearance, like a pathway through the trees, he followed and soon a familiar scent lifted in the air.
“Litzy!” He cried with high hopes. He ran along the path with happiness flowing through him. Some tears fell from his eyes but he shoved the back with great force. He stopped in his tracks when he saw what lied ahead.
The pink beasts.
The beasts were accompanied by large metal carriers, one of them snarled itself awake, it was a kind of choking sound. One of the beasts sat inside as the others carried things and loaded them up onto the metal carriers. Durango stayed hidden in the tree, hoping not to be seen. He searched around for Litzy, he was sure she was here. He sniffed the air to double check. Now he was dead certain. He searched and searched, looking from one carrier to another, his head turned at any movement before him.
Until he found her.
Durango stood his ground, he wanted to save her from these strange creatures. But he couldn’t make himself move and there was no point in running for her now. She was in the hands of one of the beasts. She wasn’t struggling to get away either. Durango called for her, hoping she would hear him and make an escape. The pink beast threw her in one of the carriers, she was free. She could move now but… she didn’t. Why didn’t she move? Durango crept up closer, but still far away enough that no one could see him – in this light anyone could hardly see anything. But Durango’s focus was more on Litzy, he looked up to her and called out again.
“Litzy! Let’s go! I’m coming to help yo-” Durango stopped, his eyes grew wide as his saw the reason she hadn’t been moving. In Litzy’s side, a small hole was created by one of those rocks the stick-holders shot out. Blood dripped down her side; her eyes were as wide as his, her face and body were frozen. Durango turned and ran back into the deep, thick forest. He’d been right, although he hadn’t wished he was. Litzy was dead. Durango’s kid sister, the one every wolf thought was the most dedicated wolf around, was now lifeless in the back of a human truck, killed by a pitilessly weapon.
Durango couldn’t hide anything inside any longer. He stopped and fell to the ground. Tears falling from his eyes as the rain slowly stopped. Durango rolled in the mud in frustration, then he got up and ran straight for a tree. He kicked it, he hit it, he ran into it, he yelled at it.
“LITZY! YOU’RE SO STUPID! Why did you do this to me? Now I’m alone…”  He said.

Chapter Eleven: OR WAS HE? ------------Saturday.

In the morning Baako was woken by a very worried voice.
“Baako, Baako? Durango hasn’t come back yet, do you think he’s gone looking for Litzy?” Baako opened his eyes, staring at the soft face who had the sweet voice. Naryia.
“Do you think we should go looking for him? I feel so bad… I shouldn’t have gone off at him like that,” Naryia said.
“I’m sure they’re both fine, we can go looking for them if you like?” Replied Baako, trying to calm Naryia’s worry. They woke up Eli and headed off, Baako sniffing in the air trying to catch their scent.
“It’s old but I think it will do,” Said Baako. Naryia followed Baako in silence, Eli on the other hand wouldn’t stop with annoying questions. “Where are we going?” “Why are we going there?” “Why are we looking for them?” Soon Naryia and Baako gave up with the long explanations and just answered him with “Because we are,” The question that took them both by surprise was:
“Is that Durango over there?” Naryia and Baako couldn’t believe it, they were just about to give up the search. They all ran over to Durango, unexpected to what they had found.
Durango was a mess! A huge mess, the mud on him from the night before had dried into his fur. The cut on his ankle grew bigger and widened, it was still fleshy and even through the mud you could see it bleed. Durango’s eyes were nearly as red as the blood. He hadn’t slept all night, he never stopped crying either. He cried so much it looked like the tears had pulled his bottom eyelids down permanently.
“Durango, what happened?” Asked Baako.
“Did you find Litzy?” Added Naryia.
“Are you all right?” Of course the most stupid question came from Eli.
But Durango didn’t answer, there was too much pain in his heart. When the others realized he wouldn’t speak, Baako carried him to a lake to wash himself off. But Durango just stood in the water. The water only came up to his mid-leg and it stung his cut, but Durango didn’t flinch. He went through his whole life with Litzy, replaying everything in his mind. He noticed that as soon as he claimed ‘the man of the family’ when he was a pup, that’s when he started rejecting Litzy. He felt so horrible that he used to ignore her and throw her kindness away. He was so cruel to her, he never listened, he barely even cared. It never hit him until now and boy did it hit him hard! He felt horrible for he’d done to her, he would never forgive himself, not now. He couldn’t. Baako, Naryia and Eli sat at the edge of the water, whispering to themselves about who was going to ask him what had happened. Finally it was Naryia who spoke up.
“Durango?” She said softly. “Are you going to tell us what happened to Litzy?” A few long seconds past before they got their answer.
“She’s gone… She’s dead… Those beasts killed her,” He said ‘beasts’ like he was more than just revolted and shocked, he said it like there was no other most awful thing on earth, not even in his nightmares. Durango’s statement was returned with gasps and whimpers as they cried. Durango started crying also, he wanted to leave this world finding that what he had done was the worst thing any wolf could do. Durango started moving slowly into the depths of the lake. The others hadn’t become aware of Durango’s movement. They were all inside their own heads of sorrow. Naryia was reminded of her own packs slaughter, which made her cry harder. After a few minutes of this Eli lifted his head.
“Where did he go?” He asked sniffling. The others shot up their heads too. The only thing that was left of Durango were the ripples in water of his trail. Baako leaped into the water searching for Durango. He saw fish under the water but couldn’t see anything else, the water was too deep and dark. Baako surfaced to meet two blubbery, anxious faces.
“Is he okay?” Eli asked.
“Did you find him?” Naryia added.
Baako walked out of the water and sat down with sadness.
“He’s gone,” He said quietly.

Chapter Twelve: A FAMILIAR SCENT? ------------Friday

A whole week had nearly gone by and Baako, Naryia and Eli were still friends – alive and well.
Baako had been teaching them how to hunt big animals and track other dogs and they were getting pretty good at it. It was Naryia’s practice today while Baako and Eli hid somewhere far away, Naryia had to search for them using her nose and new skills (Kind of like hide-and-seek with an advantage).  She was sniffing the air and caught a scent. But it wasn’t Baako’s or Eli’s scent. Naryia knew it was a wolf, so she wasn’t completely terrified but it did give her chills down her back. This scent wasn’t that stranger-ly though, she knew who it was but she hadn’t smelt it for a long time. Naryia decided to follow the scent. Leaving in nearly the exact opposite direction to where Baako and Eli were hiding. This wolf wasn’t very close but she didn’t give up. Her hopes grew high when the scent got stronger.
“I must be getting close,” She said to herself. A few moments passed and all Naryia found so far were some rabbits and birds. But she never gave up her faith.
When she knew she was close enough, she slowed her pace. Naryia peered through the trees, looking out for a wolf who matched her scent. Her ears stood up and her eyes brightened when she saw him.
Baako thought Naryia was taking too long, he feared she may be in trouble.
“C’mon Eli, we need to find Naryia,” Baako said.
“I thought she was looking for us,” He replied, but Baako didn’t answer him.
They both ran after Naryia’s scent. Never slowing their pace. Baako called out for Naryia.
“Naryia! Where are you?”
“I’m over here,” She called back; there wasn’t any fear in her voice at all which was a surprise to Baako. (Eli hadn’t realized much of course)
Baako ran through the trees in the direction of her voice. He stopped when he found her, he nearly ran into her too. But from Baako’s sudden halt Eli ran into him. Baako and Eli fell in front of Naryia together and another strange wolf who looked familiar…
Naryia had a big smile on her face, slightly giggling as the boys fell. Baako shot up as if nothing had happened. He searched the features of this strange but recognizable wolf.
“Baako,” Said Naryia singingly, Baako hadn’t seen Naryia this happy since…well, ever. Then again he had only known her for about a week and a half. “This is my father,” Naryia continued. That’s what was so familiar about him, he looked like Naryia Baako realized. Right now she seemed like a little girl who just became a princess. Baako’s smile was very wide.
“See I told you things would be fine,” He commented.
“Yes, you did. Thank you so much,” She replied. Eli kept silent, he still hadn’t known about her packs fight and the reason she ran.
“Oh Daddy, this is Baako and Eli,” Said Naryia, jerking her head towards the wolves as she named them. Norisus just nodded in approval.
“I here you’ve been keeping my little girl safe?” Said Norisus.
“Yes sir,” Replied Baako. There was a few seconds of silence until Naryia piped up again.
“So Daddy, will you tell me…uhh us what happened in the fight?” She asked.
“As you know, I spared my opponents life and that’s what triggered the fight, but I have a feeling even if I did kill him he would have declared war on us anyway. But we fought strong. As you know Darian was too old for these kinds of things and…” Norisus trailed off and held his breath trying to keep tears down. Norisus and Darian had been great friends since Norisus’ birth. It hurt him to know his friend was on the verve of death. “He… was badly injured, but he is alive…barely but alive. Our pack had won the fight. A few of our opponents joined our side. Not everyone died thankfully. Their alpha retreated when he recognized their numbers were dropping faster than ours,” Norisus spoke with profession as he always did. “We have a few new wolves in our pack though,” But that’s where the profession fell and his smirk grew.
Naryia’s face lit up with joy, she hugged her father so tightly, but Norisus wasn’t as happy as she. He still had some slither of sadness in him for her. “But I’m afraid that the pack still won’t accept you, since I didn’t kill my challenger and caused the fight, they now blame me more than ever, we lost quite a few numbers out there,” He said softly.
Baako saw a glint of misery in Naryia’s eyes, something that her father couldn’t see because she soon looked up to him with the warmest smile on her face. “It’s okay Daddy,” She said. “As long as you’re alive, I’m happy,” Her comment put tears her father eyes, but they didn’t drop.
“I’ll be waiting for you over there, you can say goodbye to your friends,” He said and walked off into the forest just out of hearing range.
“You’re going back?” Asked Baako, his voice was gloomy.
“I-I have to, I’m the only one he has left… and he’s the only one I have left,” She replied.
“You have us now,” He argued.
“I’m sorry, I have to go. Thank you so much for your kindness, your help and most of all your friendship. I’ll hold on to it for as long as I shall live,” She said sweetly. Naryia walked closer to him and planted a light kiss on his cheek before she hugged him – something Baako was not expecting.
“Thank you,” She repeated in a whisper. Then she turned to Eli, “Thank you too,”
“For what?” He asked. Naryia just smiled and gave him a small, quick hug. She turned and was about to walk back to her father when a voice stopped her briefly.
“Naryia?”
“Yes Baako?”
“I think…” It took him a while to consider of how he was going to say this. “I think I like you more as a wolf than I would a leaf,” He said. It took Naryia some time to understand what he was talking about, but when she did she gave him a big ‘thank you’ smile.
“I believe so too,” She said and walked back to her father.

The End