FallingLikeBlood Story

This is a story I wrote about the site. I warn you, though, it's not very good at all - and it's not finished. FallingLikeBlood started a long time ago, under a different site name. It used to be called Redwhisker, and only a few members from the old site still remain. Ignore the fact that there isn't paragraphs or anything. Like I said, it's not very good, and it's not finished.

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Prologue

Maybe, you can afford to wait. Maybe for you there’s a tomorrow. Maybe for you there’s one thousand tomorrows, or three thousand, or ten, so much time you can bathe in it, roll around in it, let it slide like sand through your fingers. So much time you can waste it. But for some of us there’s only today. And the truth is, you never really know. I mean, out here in the forest there’s too many dangers around. You need to worry about which wolves are chewing on your back, or which cliff is unstable - or how many elk are still at the Hunting Grounds. They say that just before you die, your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that’s not what happened to me. To be honest, I always thought the whole final-moment, mental life-scan thing sounded pretty awful. Some things are buried and forgotten, as I would say. I’d be happy to forget all the fights I lost, and how many people I’ve watched die. But, there is some things everyone wants to remember. Like watching your first pup come into the world - or seeing your son become Alpha. My father once told me that everything you do in life is small, and insignificant, but really, no matter how small something you do might be, it could mean the world to someone else. It could make them remember, and say nice things about how you used to be. It makes you think on whether you really deserved to die- once everyone starts missing you, of course. You might ask yourself a million times over, if you are the one who was meant to die. I guess I could say there are a lot of things in my life I would be remembered for, and most of them might not be good, but then again, it’s the little, insignificant things that count, right? I’d like to take you back before I died - before anything insignificant I did happened, and back to the time in the forest, when my father was still alive. That makes me think of something I’d like to see, right before I die. Instead of having the rest of my pitiful life flash before my eyes, I’d rather have a nice memory flash in front of me, instead. To remind me that my death is worth it; that I’ve already left my paw print in the world, and it’ll stay there, even after I’m gone. All I’m asking, is for you to remember me. Remember me like I’d want to be remembered. Not as the wolf who took away so many innocent lives, and for what? Power? Respect? Or to be feared? I can’t even remember anymore, but I do remember - all the nice things I’ve done, too. I remember when I pulled my packmates out of the burning fire, as the flames licked at my paws. I remember pulling my dead son out of the rubble, after the fire had passed. I remember, the time I helped my brother kill our own mother, to gain her rank as alpha. And I remember most of all, the night I died.

No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many lessons you’ve learned, or how many mistakes you’ve made, In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life so far: it goes on.

The shriveled, broken Fall leaves crunched under Midnight’s paws as he walked quietly through the dark forest. The earth was still damp with remains of the earlier rain, and the chilly air was giving him a slight shiver. His firey red fur was nearly crimson under the moonless night. His yellow gaze suddenly shifted to the right as a sound of thundering paw steps seemed to be racing in his direction. He perked his ears - the wind was blowing to the north, so it was impossible to detect a scent. Midnight held his ground until the shape of Jupiter emerged from the shadowy undergrowth.
‘’Midnight!’’ She barked, panting heavily from her trek. ‘’The… The pups! They’re coming!’’ She breathed, and Midnight’s gaze quickly widened, and he bolted past the Healer, racing with her to the camp where his mate, Rain, was birthing their first litter. They crashed through the thorn tunnel, and Midnight poked his head into the Nursery just in time to see Rain cleaning off the last pup of the litter, which he could scarcely see the calico-ish colour of her coat in the darkness. Midnight leaned down, and gave his loving mate a quick lick to the forehead, and then sat down to get his first look at the future warriors of OceanPack.
With a smile, he looked at Rain and asked; ‘’The names we’ve decided?’’ and with a curt nod, she lay her head down on her paws to rest. Midnight’s pride was swirling around in his chest as his pack steadily grew throughout the seasons. New pups were born, new warriors to defend the pack with their lives. But hiding deeply behind all of the pride, the happiness, the strength, was an ominous feeling that Midnight couldn’t shake. Brighten up. Nothing but good can come of this, fool. You’re a father now. With a small shake, he stood up. ‘’Well, I believe I’m going to call it a night. Goodnight, love.’’ He said before nuzzling Rain, and dispersing from the den. The musty scent from damp moss filled Midnight’s nostrils as he entered his den. He huffed, and lay down in his bed of moss and feathers.
With every birth must come a death, and with every death that comes, is a promise that more is to come. The omen rang through Midnight’s ears. He hadn’t told any one of this warning - not even Rain, or the Healer, Jupiter. Until Midnight was one hundred percent sure of what was going to happen, he was going to keep to himself. For all he knew, this was nothing but a mere nightmare. Taking a deep breath, the Alpha closed his eyes slowly, setting his head on his paws, and waited calmly for sleep to take him away.
Morning’s first light awoke Midnight as the bright sunshine rose high enough in the sky to shine into his den. He blinked open his eyes, the drowsiness still clinging onto him. He squinted at the bright rays of light, his golden yellow eyes still adjusting to the light. He turned his head away, not making contact with the sun again. Rising to his paws, he stretched, yawning as he did so. The memories of last night’s overwhelming events flooding into his mind and his eyes widened. He was a father! His firey orange coat was ruffled from his sleep, so he sat down and began to groom his coat vigorously, preparing himself to look nice to meet his newborn pups. Scar, Kiara and Strider, were their names. Three, beautiful, healthy pups that will one day be warriors of OceanPack. His chest was swirling with the pride for his pack, and he stepped out into the Main Camp to see everyone already crowded around the nursery.
Midnight’s beguiling voice broke the chattering apart as he cleared his throat and nudged his way through until he saw Rain curled around Scar, Kiara and Strider. A smile broke onto his face when he saw the sight of his family. Midnight bent down and gave Rain a soft lick on her forehead. Kiara was the younger female, a calico coated wolf with bright green eyes. The other, Strider, the older male, was black with silver streaks running down the sides of his body, with blue eyes. Scar was the oldest. He was a larger grayish-black male with green eyes.
Midnight stepped back, and let everyone else greet the new pups. He would have his time with them later. For now, a dawn patrol was needed. He barked loudly, his tone of voice slightly irritated. ‘’Alright, just because there is new pups in the pack, doesn’t mean the dawn patrol will be cut off for today. Kiba, Nightmare, Killer, and Shadow, you take a patrol up to the Mountains, make sure everything is alright, and scout out the territory.’’ He paused, scanned the camp, and then continued. ‘’Raikal, Abyss, and Violetta, take our a hunting patrol. Rain will be needing a nice meal, since I’m assuming she’s hungry after last night’s efforts.’’ He finished his morning orders and watched the chosen wolves disperse to take care of their given duties. Midnight looked around, the sun was rising higher, and the heat was rising as well. He huffed, knowing it wouldn’t be hot for long. The fall air always brings nice, cool breezes.
He whimpered softly, knowing the danger of winter could mean sickness, and the new pups were more at risk for sickness. He perked his ears, and barked. ‘’Aurora, pick out and apprentice and find more moss and mud for the nursery. We need to make sure it’s extra warm for winter this year. Aurora narrowed her eyes, but nodded and whipped around, finding an older apprentice to help her. Midnight turned around, flattening his ears. He knew Aurora was still upset that she hadn’t become his mate, and he had chosen Rain instead. He shook it off. Nothing to worry about. He thought as he exited the thorn tunnel.
As he headed down to the river, he closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath. The forest air was cooler in the shade, and he could hear the river’s soft current making swooshing sounds as it tumbled against the bank, and rocks. Midnight trotted over to the edge, lapping up a few mouthfuls to replenish his dry throat. He had an ominous feeling deep down in his chest, and he couldn’t push it away. He growled, and shook his head. Everything will be fine. He thought to himself as he turned away from the rushing water. He could see the faint movement of the hunting patrol through the trees as he began his walk back to camp.

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Midnight smiled as Kiara leaped up and nipped his cheek. His pups were growing, and they were to become apprentices soon. His pride and love was strong when he thought of his pups becoming warriors one day in the near future, and he was happy to be the one naming their ceremony. Strider and Scar were chasing a leaf that was blowing again the ground, growling as he missed it. Rain was out hunting, and Midnight was on pup watch. He didn’t mind, really. He knew that Rain wanted to get out, since she was confined to the nursery since the pups were born. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter and son, and teaching them hunting skills. Kiara tumbled over his shoulders, scrambling to her paws and then laughing. ‘’Was that good, daddy?’’ She barked, tilting her head. Midnight had been spacing out, and forgot she was trying to show him a fighting move. He smiled and softly replied; ‘’Of course, dear.’’ She yipped and ran off, tackling Strider when he wasn’t looking.
They broke out into a scuffle on the ground, and Midnight put his head on his paws. There wasn’t much activity in the main camp. Patrols were out, hunting parties were busy, and a few mentors had taken their apprentices out for their training. Midnight noticed a quick movement in the warriors den, and he narrowed his eyes. The pups were rolling against each other now, and then Midnight stood up, perking his ears. ‘’Strider, Kiara, Scar, take that into the nursery, please? Stay there, you’re mother will be back soon.’’ They stopped, and Strider grunted, but Kiara barked in acknowledgment, and then they all scampered off. Midnight slowly walked towards the dark Warriors’ Den, cocking his head as he neared. There didn’t seem to be anyone in there. He shook his head and went to turn around, but was bowled over, and pinned down. He looked up at his attacker quickly, seeing Aurora. At first Midnight thought she was playing, but then he saw the look in her eyes, and the growled. ‘’Aurora, get off of me.’’ He sneered, trying to nudge her off.
‘’No, Midnight. You think you’re the rightful Alpha of this pack? You think your precious little Rain, and your new pups make you an important person in this pack? No one needs you here, and I all think we know you were never meant to be this Alpha. Maybe if you had chosen me, instead of… her, things would be different. But, however, it’s your choice.’’ She declared. Pressing down onto his throat with her paw, he jerked sideways, sending her rolling off of him. Snarling, he jumped onto her shoulders, bringing her to the floor under his weight. He bared his frosty white teeth, flattening his ears and sinking his fangs into her shoulder. Warm blood began to trickle into his mouth as he continued to bite harder, refusing to let go. Aurora had to die, now. She had revealed her thoughts to him, and if she lived, Rain, and his pups would be in danger of her. And that was not an option for him. Midnight ripped and thrashed, felling his teeth shred her shoulder to ribbons. Aurora rolled onto her back, and Midnight let go, jumping to his paws. She flung herself at Midnight, sending them both rolling back into the border of camp.
Tumbling down the hill, Midnight could feel sticks diving themselves into his flesh, and he could feel tufts of fur being ripped out from the sharp stones that caught his fur. The pain was suddenly released as he felt himself flying through the air, and instantly Midnight knew they had rolled off the cliff. The cool breeze made his eyes water as they fell. Midnight could scarcely see Aurora - she was falling too. Water broke their fall as he felt the icy coldness enclose around them. He tried to gasp for air, but only cold water came rushing into his lungs, making him panic. Kicking and splashing, he rose to the surface, the faint current trying to drag him down stream. Aurora was on top of him within seconds, trying to sink her teeth into his soft throat. He pulled away, tackling her under the water.
They trashed about, and he felt his teeth latch onto her side, and as he bit harder, he could feel her individual ribs under his teeth. She howled, clearly in agonizing pain. The tan she-wolf kicked out, sending him to the bottom of the river. Midnight let himself float downwards for a second, trying to fight the current. His drenched fur was pulling him down like an anchor. A sharp pain struck his head as he felt a rock drive itself deep into the back of his head. He stopped for a moment, trying to register what had just happened. He opened his eyes, the light blue water was slowly becoming red as the blood began to leak from his open wound. He began to panic, and tried to swim to the surface, but he could barley move. The strength was being drained from his body, and with every movement more blood was staining the clear water red.. His lungs were screaming for air - he was almost at the surface now, and when his muzzle broke the surface, he took a long gasp of air.
The breath of life that would surely save him now. He gasped, his vision was blurred now, and he couldn’t tell which way the river bank was. He felt his cheeks go warm as blood streamed down them, and it stung his eyes. Midnight couldn’t go on anymore. He just wanted the firey pain to go away. As he stopped swimming, he slowly began to descend to the bottom of the river again. The amount of breath he had left was slowly abating from his lungs, and all he could see was the red stream of blood he was leaving above him. The sandy river floor was the last thing Midnight felt as his golden eyes closed. Air bubbles rose from his mouth as the last remaining moments of life faded away from him. The pain suddenly stopped as everything faded to black.

Strider perked his ears as a sudden shouting came from the clearing outside. He sniffed, smelling an odd smell. The kind he only smelt when mother brought in fresh kill. He blinked and looked at Kiara, who was sleeping in the corner. But, Midnight told us to stay in here. He thought. Not being able to resist, Strider emerged from the den, seeing the wolf they called Aurora being held down by other wolves. Blood was trickling out of several parts of her body, and practically the whole pack was gathered in a circle. He could faintly make out his mother, Rain, who was crouched on the floor with her eyes closed. Something was wrong with mother! He thought fearfully, and raced forward. He pushed his way through the crowd, and walked up from behind his mom. He peeked over her shoulder to see Midnight’s motionless body lying on the ground. His red fur was soaking wet, and his eyes were closed. He sniffed, smelling the odd scent of prey. Is, is that the scent of death? It can’t be! Taking a few steps forward, Strider gulped, and stammered; ‘’Mo- Mother? What’s wrong with Midnight? What happened?’’ Rain slowly looked at him, her golden gaze was filled with such sorrow, Strider couldn’t bare to look into them.
She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing had come out. Scar was already there, sitting emotionless as he looked at his dead father. Strider looked up at Midna, who had her head bowed in grief. ‘’Midna, what happened to my father? Who did this to him?’’ Strider asked, and when she looked away, he felt rage flowing through his body. Why was no one answering him? Strider whirled around and ran to where Violetta , Nightmare, and Avice were holding down Aurora. ‘’What did you do to him?!’’ Strider barked, flattening his ears. She looked at him, blood caked around her face. With a smirk, she bared her teeth. ‘’What’re you going to do, eh pup? That’s right - I killed your precious Alpha.’’ She paused, and then snarled, barking loudly. ’’I rolled with him off that cliff and I drowned him. I pushed him down into the water until nothing remained of him.’’ She screeched, clearly agitated. Strider whipped around and ran back to where Rain was crouched. He pushed past her and trusted his small muzzle into his father’s cheek. ‘’Dad, get up! Please, Midnight, get up.’’
Strider whimpered, and looked at his still motionless father. ‘’Please, dad, get up.’’ Warm tears were building up in his eyes as he waited for Midnight to wake up. ‘’Wake up…’’ He whispered under his breath. Feeling rejected, and at the same time feeling infuriated, he lifted his head again. ’’Wake up, now! Come on Midnight, your pack needs you, and I need you!’’ Strider screamed as the world around him began to blur. The fuzziness settled down into his legs as he nudged his father’s motionless body. He shivered, feeling the coldness of his fur. The camp began to spin, as the ground suddenly came rushing up to Strider within seconds just before everything went black.

Strider’s cold blue eyes opened slowly, the dark sky letting no light from the moon into the den. Looking around, he could barley make out his mother’s curled up body - her chest slowly rising and falling as she slept. Kiara, curled up next to Scar, was fidgeting in her sleep. Strider shook his head, and trotted out of the Nursery. He yawned and then stretched; the night guard was laying down at the end of the thorn tunnel, with his back towards Strider. He glanced over to the spot where Midnight’s stiff body was laying just hours before; but it was gone. The pup could make out Cloud’s coat in the faint moonlight. He turned away, silently making his way through the camp, and squeezing out the side. Not entirely knowing where he was going, Strider slowly walked through the night, blind to his surroundings. The death of his father wasn’t yet a large impact, for he was young, and still didn’t fully understand the concept of death. But, he knew something was wrong. The silver streaks along his flanks seemed to be shining under the light, and he flattened his ears as he heard a soft rustling in the brush ahead of him.
Strider narrowed his eyes, sniffing the air cautiously. This was his first time out of the camp alone, and he was unaware of the dangers of the world around him. With a sudden thud, a large shape was flung at Strider, and a needle like pain was suddenly surging through his chest as a weasel pup sunk it’s teeth into the base of his chest. Yelping loudly, Strider jumped about, trying to detach the attacker. Unable to shake it off, he trying clawing it off with his paw. With no success, he arched his neck, grabbing the weasel’s neck in his mouth, and ripping it off. He bit down instinctively, and warm blood trickled into his mouth. The black pup blinked and dropped the limp creature. It was smaller than him.. And it was food. Strider tilted his head, understanding it now.
Any creatures smaller then him, was food. Shrugging and licking his muzzle, be crouched down and finished his late-night meal. Satisfied, and in slight pain, the wolf pup sat down, looking around at the nice night that surrounded him. Strider whimpered, and decided it’d be best to get some rest, so he turned and trotted back the way he came, his appetite was taken care of, and the pride of making his first catch was surging through him. Scar hadn’t caught any prey yet. Maybe this means I will be better then him, one day! Strider happily thought. He yipped to himself and tumbled back into the camp, sneaking into the nursery and standing as tall as he could, looking down at his sleeping littermates. He narrowed his eyes at his brother. There was something about him that wasn’t right. The way he carried himself was sickening, and Strider had a deep feeling that Scar was going to be a wolf who got away with impunity, and that angered Strider. He had to be the strongest wolf in the pack. He had to follow in Midnight’s paw steps. Not Scar. And Strider was about to make sure that would never happen. The sheer rage was crawling behind Strider’s ice cold gaze as he looked down at his brother and sister, the dark thoughts clouding his vision as his fur began to bristle. Strider glanced left, and then right before laying down next to his mother. The undermining thought that occurred to Strider was gnawing at his conscience. There is no other way.. Huffing quietly, he put his plans aside for later. This couldn’t be done. Not here - not now. He’d have to be patient. He could have no empathy for those he knew. No mercy. Shaking his head, Strider closed his eyes and set his head on his paws, unaware that Scar’s left eye was peeked open, and had been watching him the whole time. Scar’s powerful golden gaze held something similar to Strider’s behind them, and right then and there Scar knew they would get along just fine in the future. And that together, they could do great things. But Kiara… she’d get in the way of things, and then again, so would their mother. And this, this was something Scar could not have.

‘’Come on, Strider! Rain will kill both of us if we don’t make if back in time for the Pack meeting.’’ Raikal called to him. Strider jerked sideways, startled by Raikal’s bark. ‘’Okay, okay, I’m coming.’’ He and his mentor had been out hunting, and he had missed his kill. Disappointed, he turned and trotted over to her, where she was holding her elk calf in her jaws. She lead the way back to the camp, and they made it just in time, as Rain was just calling everyone together. Raikal sat down next to Scar, to was smiling at her. Hmmph. Raikal, and Scar? Together? That’ll happen. He thought to himself jealously. Strider had been watching his brother as they grew. Scar was a little larger then he was, and he had the attention of his mentor, Raikal.
Crystal had come bounding up to him and sat down - her odd coloured fur standing out against his black coat. He perked his ears, and blinked. ‘’Oh, hey, Crystal. Have you seen WindStream anywhere?’’ He asked, and then tilted his head when she looked a little hurt. ‘’Err, yeah. She’s sitting with Shadow.’’ Crystal said, and then turned her attention to the alpha. Rain cleared her throat, her light blue fur was ruffled from the breeze, and she seemed a little annoyed. ‘’WindStream has finished her training, and is ready to become a warrior of OceanPack.’’ Rain said, and paused; waiting for the commotion to calm down. ‘’Shadow has taught her well, and she is a valuable addition to the pack.’’ WindStream dipped her head to Rain, and added
‘’Thank you, Rain. It has been an honor training as an apprentice, and I’ll lay down my life to protect this pack.’’ Strider smirked, admiring her strength and cunning beauty. Strider had been hoping she would’ve sat with him, because he was planning to ask her to be his mate when he was a Warrior. As the pack began to leave, Rain called out; ‘’Wait, one more thing. Scar, you have been learning fast, and you’ve advanced in training faster then any one else. I believe you deserve to become a Warrior early.’’ She said, smiling at her son. Strider halted, glaring at his brother in disgust. Scar perked his ears in surprise, not expecting to be made a warrior early.
Strider, on the other hand, was infuriated. His blue gaze was hard as he watched his brother run off to the forest with Raikal. He could feel his pulse rising higher as he watched his brother leave. Strider turned and nearly bumped into Kiara, who was sitting behind him. ‘’Watch where you’re going.’’ She said playfully as he brushed past her. He nearly made it to the Apprentice’s Den when Kiba had come up to him. ‘’Strider, do you want to go hunting?’’ She asked with a smile. Strider hesitated, for he knew that the only reason he wasn’t made a warrior was because he couldn’t catch a kill. He nodded, knowing he needed to get out of camp. Strider nodded and followed the Senior warrior out of the camp, and plunged into the Hunting Grounds. ‘’Alright, now Strider, I understand you and Raikal have been having hunting problems? Well, I’m the best hunter in the pack.’’ She said with a smile. ‘’And we’re not leaving until you catch something.’’ She added, turning and perking her ears. ‘’There is a herd of Elk grazing on the far side of the hill.’’ Kiba softly whispered, crouching down as the wind changed directions.
Strider blinked - he felt a strange relevance when it came to Kiba. He knew that his father was very fond of her, and respected her. Therefore, Strider respected her; and he trusted her to help him with his first hunt. He puffed out his chest. ‘’I’ll take this one.’’ He said, and broke into a soft run. Slowly down at the base of the hill, he sniffed, and listening quietly. He could hear the hooves as they stepped on the crunchy grass ahead. Stalking silently up the hill, he peeked over the top slowly, and looked for the smallest calf. He lunged forward, and went flying down the hill. The elk herd instantly began to flee for their lives, and Strider went for the calf he had picked out. He barked loudly, and leaped for the behind of the calf.
His jaws snapped shut against nothing but air as he was kicked out of the way and sent bowling over into the tall grass, and everything went black for a moment. Groaning, Strider sat up, his vision was fuzzy, but he could still make out what was around him. Something warm slowly trickled down the side of his face, starting right above his right eye. He stood as Kiba came running over, and gave himself a shake. ‘’Are you alright?’’ Kiba asked, cocking her head. ‘’Yeah, I, I’m fine.’’ Strider said, stretching. ‘’Just warming up is all.’’ Looking around, the black wolf began to pad home. ‘’Where are you going?’’ Kiba asked, catching up to him, and cutting him off. ‘’I said we aren’t leaving until you make your first kill, and I meant it.’’ With a smirk, Strider huffed and turned around. ‘’After that incident, I’d be surprised to catch a mouse.’’ he muttered to himself. Kiba sat down, and gave her chest fur a few quick licks. ‘’Carry on.’’ She said, laying down.
Strider flattened his ears and began to trot away, sniffing the air for any near-by prey. Slightly annoyed at his failure, Strider narrowed his eyes. Looking across the lake, he could see that the sun was going down. Well, I’d better get this over with quickly. He thought as he spotted a small boar down at the lake. Dropping into the grass, and thankful for the growing darkness so that his jet black fur wouldn’t be spotted. Creeping forward silently, careful to not misplace a rock or a twig, he flattened his ears. His paws landed softly and quietly on the floor as he neared his soon-to-be kill. The boar seemed to have finished it’s drink and it lifted it’s head to look around, so Strider froze. Growing impatient, he lashed his tail and began to stalk forwards again. The boar took off, running towards the shelter of the forest.
Strider leaped to his paws, sprinting after it in rage. Closing the gap between them, Strider took a massive leap and landed square on top of the boar’s shoulders, taking it to the ground with his weight and impact. Quickly biting into the boar’s throat, Strider sat back and puffed out his chest. I did it! He dragged the kill over to the clearing and barked for Kiba to come. Snickering, Kiba nudged him with her shoulder. ‘’Nice catch, kid.’’ She said. Strider scoffed. ‘’This? That’s nothing. Come on, it’s getting dark.’’ Picking up his kill, Strider made his way back to the camp at Kiba’s side.

It had been moons since Midnight’s death. Rain still remained Alpha, and her new mate, Thunder, was a real pain in the ass. Strider watched him with disgust in his gaze as he snuggled against his mother. Having become a strong warrior, Strider had grown to become very big. Kiara and her mate, Dark, had become very close. Strider liked him. He trusted that he’d make his sister happy. And then there was Scar. He and Raikal had been working on getting a pup. Strider had grown fond of his brother once they both had grown up. Scar was also very strong, and big. A sharp barking erupted as Breeze began chasing his tail.
Strider growled as he watched the apprentice fly around in circles. He didn’t like him one bit, and he’d like nothing more then to get rid of him. But then again, Strider had his eyes fixed on something bigger. Something better. His mother didn’t deserve the rank that she was given, and Strider knew that. Rain stood and called out the two hunting parties, and the two border patrols. Strider was thankful when his name wasn’t called, and everyone began to disperse to get their jobs done. Strider watched Breeze as he sat down, alone… Strider raised an eyebrow, the scar from his first hunt still remained. Glancing left, and then right, Strider got to his paws and walked slowly over to Breeze, ‘’What, no one chose you to come along?’’ Strider said casually, tilting his head. Breeze looked him up and down, and then huffed. ‘’Clearly not.’’ Strider growled, not liking the tone the pup had. ‘’Aww, that’s too bad.’’
Strider said, sitting down, trying to think of something casual to say. Breeze moved a few tail lengths away, and then muttered something under his breath. Strider perked his ears. ‘’What was that?’’ He asked Breeze, flattening his ears. ‘’Oh, nothing.’’ Breeze said, snorting. Strider’s neck fur rose and began to bristle. He didn’t expect Breeze to be acting like this, but it was giving him a better motive than he had before. ‘’You listen here, you little shit. You’ll respect your elders when they talk to you.’’ Strider snapped as he walked over to him. Breeze tackled Strider, attempting to pin him down as he snapped for his throat. Strider, taken by surprise, snarled and kicked the apprentice off. He put his paw on the side of Breeze’s throat to hold him down as he bared his teeth and flattened his ears.
The rage flowing behind his icy gaze like a blue flame. Strider barked and bent down to finish off his pack member as his mother came running in. Stopping, Strider stepped away from Breeze. ‘’What’s going on?’’ Rain said, narrowing his eyes. Breeze got to his paws and started shaking. ‘’He - he tried to kill me!’’ Breeze yipped loudly. ‘’I was sitting down and he came out of no where! He tried to bit my neck - and…’’ Breeze sniffled, his eyes watering. ‘’I didn’t do anything to him.’’ Strider snarled, now infuriated. ‘’You fucking liar!’’ Strider screamed, throwing himself on top of Breeze and sinking his teeth into the side of his throat. Rain leaped forward and pulled him off of Breeze.
Collapsing onto the floor, Breeze starting yipping and whimpering, the puddle of blood beneath him growing larger as the life bled from his throat. Strider watched with a smirk on his face as Breeze stopped struggling, and became very still. Rain turned to her son, bewildered. ‘’Strider - how could you? Breeze was just a pup!’’ She growled, flattening her ears. Her light blue fur was bristling as the pack members started to come back to camp. Strider looked at them all, and then bared his teeth at Rain. ‘’This pack is full of weak, good for nothing dogs.’’ Strider sneered as he turned to leave. The blood dripped from his muzzle as he gave himself a shake. ‘’I don’t need OceanPack. I’ll be better off without any of you.’’ Strider growled. On his way out he stopped to look at his sister, which was the only person he didn’t want to leave. ‘’Take care, Kiara.’’ He whispered before disappearing into the dark forest.

The freezing wind howled in Strider’s ears as he trekked through the dark territory. His blue gaze had seemed to have a red tint to them, the anger flowing through his body like a wildfire. Strider didn’t exactly know why he was in fact so angry, but the feeling just wouldn’t go away. The look of his first murderous kill had excited him, and he wanted more. He stopped, narrowing his eyes as a strange sound erupted. Strider huffed, ignoring it. Now a long way away from the camp, the black wolf lay down, yawning. I don’t need them. I’ll make something of myself, all on my own. I will be back, though. And when I do come back…. Strider traveled away from his thoughts, his treacherous plots already beginning to form in his mind ….I’ll be the Alpha of the pack. No one will get in my way. Growling softly at the sheer thoughts of his future, he set his head on his paws, letting the darkness sink in around him.

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

Rain opened her soft amber gaze, blinking at the dim lighting in her den. Stretching, she got up from her nest - shaking a few scraps of leaves from her coat as she did. Perking her ears, she sniffed the cool air. Winter is going to be here, and soon. Shaking her head, Rain trotted out from her den and into the camp. ‘’Ahh, I see the dawn patrols, and hunting parties have departed.’’ She said aloud, mostly to herself. Jade approached and smiled, dipping her head to her alpha. ‘’Rain, me and some other mentors were going to take the apprentices to the training hollow. Scar said it’d be a good idea; to train together, that is.’’ Rain tilted her head, surprised Scar would make such a proposal to the female, since Scar was dark an ominous. Shrugging, Rain nodded. ‘’Sounds fine.’’ She said with a curt flick of her tail. As they left the camp, she glanced around, huffing. Heading back to her den to think, she sneezed, feeling a sense of dread.
The darkness in alpha’s den was soothing to the black wolf that was sitting in the back of the den, hiding in the shadows. Through glaring eyes, the male watched the alpha with a cold stare. His calm blue gaze flooded into a firey red as he got to his paws. It was time. ‘’Hello, mother.’’ Strider said as he stepped out of the shadows - the demonic grin spread across his face showing his snow white fangs. Rain gasped, spinning around. ‘’St-Strider?’’ She stammered, looking him over. ‘’You’ve come back!’’ She said, sounding relieved. With a quick laugh, Strider flattened his ears, his neck fur beginning to bristle. Rain blinked and took a step back. ‘’Strider?’’ She asked, gulping. Strider let out a bloodcurdling snarl as he continued to corner his helpless mother into the back of her den.
The large jet black coated wolf came to a stop. The silver streaks running across his sides seemed to give off a shine from the color. His dark red gaze was filled with such madness, such hate, that Rain shrank back, terrified at the sight of her own son. ‘’Strider, what are you doing? Stop it now.’’ She growled, finding her strength. Rain was convinced that her son would never touch her, and she stood up tall, allowing her rank in the pack to try and demoralize him. Strider perked his ears for a moment, looking at her as if pondering her death or not. Flicking his tail after several moments in silence, he flattened his ears again. ‘’Goodbye, mother.’’ He said in a soft tone.
Lunging at her with a loud bark, Strider tackled Rain into the wall of the den, breaking through from their combined weights, and force of impact. Rolling across the camp floor, Strider sank his fangs into Rain’s shoulder, shaking his head viciously as if trying to rip off a piece from his kill. Rain howled in pain and fear as she tried to kick off her opponent from her, his weight being too much to handle. She hadn’t realized at the time how much Strider had grown - both in size and muscle. Pinning her down, with drops of scarlet stained across his tongue, and dripping from his mouth, Strider growled, pressing down hard against his mother. Rain noticed a sudden presence that wasn’t there a moment ago, and she looked over to see Scar standing there in silence, watching them. Strider stopped and looked up at his older brother, their size almost being the exact same. Scar’s dark colored fur was smooth and ruffled from the crisp breeze. ‘’Scar, help me!’’ Rain screeched as his golden eyes seemed to just stare at them. Scar came trotting forward, and came to a stop in front of them. ‘’Hogging all of the fun? What good am I if I can’t even help?’’ Scar snarled at Strider, shoving his brother from his mother. Getting up, Rain shook herself. Scar knocked her back to the ground, placing a large paw against her throat. ‘’And where are you going, eh?’’ He growled, as a demonic grin just like Strider’s appeared across his face. He huffed, and glanced at Strider. ‘’Playing with your kill isn’t alpha-like.’’ Scar instructed, and bent down, sinking his large fangs into Rain’s soft throat, instantly piercing through the large vein that supports her life. With a small squeak, Rain struggled against Scar, trying to get away as the pain grew greater within her body. The pack began piling in, barking and growling as they heard the commotion. Scar and Strider stood together, a thick river of crimson blood washing over their paws as the life bled from their mother, and alpha’s throat. Rain coughed a few times, and then became limp. The pack watched in astonishment as the alpha slowly died, unsure of what to do now. Strider barked, taking a step closer to the terrified pack. The foul stench of blood, death, and fear hung like a thick fog around the camp air. Scar stood next to Strider and cleared his throat. ‘’We’ll be your new alpha’s from now on.’’ Scar growled. ‘’If you don’t like it, you can leave, or die.’’ Taking a pause, he bared his teeth. ‘’Whichever comes first. But either way, both will take place.’’ Scar added, flattening his ears. Strider lifted his head and began speaking. ‘’From now on, we will no longer be called OceanPack. From now on, we are… The DarkBloods!’’ Strider howled, the bloody paw prints spread out from where he was walking. Rain’s lifeless body was still pulsating blood from her cut throat - her light blue coat was now plastered with blood, which was slowly caking to her fur. Scar grinned, turning to Strider and growling. ‘’This is our pack, now, brother.’’ Strider smiled and flattened his ears. ‘’It always has been. And now nothing can change that.’’ With a bloodcurdling laugh, his bloodied gaze grew darker.

‘’Traitor!’’ Armillo screeched as loud as she could as she flung herself at Strider, bowling him over. The massive black and silver wolf rolled with her, placing his large paw against her shoulders as he pinned her down. ‘’You think you’re going to win this fight, Armillo?’’ He sneered, pressing down harder - the tips of his claws piercing her flesh. Scar sat nearby and watched with a smirk. He had never really liked her. Abyss and Crystal watched, and Kiara thought about intervening. Armillo snarled. ‘’You and Scar should never have been Alphas. You will never be like Midnight or Rain!’’ She yelled at him, snapping at his lower chest. Strider snorted, and then cocked an eyebrow. ‘’Well, let’s hope not. Because if I were like them, I’d be dead. And no one wants that. Now, I was going to spare your pathetic little life, but now since you’ve insulted my brother and I, I think I’ll have to kill you.’’ Strider concluded, and leaned over, grabbing her soft throat in his jaws and tugging at it, breaking through her layers of skin and fur. He closed his eyes for a moment once he felt his razor sharp teeth pierce her jugular, and then flattened his ears when he felt warm blood trickling out onto his tongue as he began to kill her. She squealed and thrashed wildly beneath him, but he was too strong for her to manage. He stepped off, and sat down - licking his chops. Armillo stood up, gasping for air several times as she struggled to breathe. Shaking, she opened and closed her mouth, her eyes widened in fear as death closed it’s jaws around her, and slowly began to drag her soul away. Strider watched with a smirk on his face as his power began to grow. The stench of blood and fear filled the camp, which was no surprise. Armillo collapsed onto the ground and a spurt of blood shot out from his open muzzle, and the blood slowly began to spill onto the sandy floor. Strider huffed as her open brown eyes were glazed over. ‘’Some one clean this mess up.’’ He ordered, and then walked off, taking a seat under the shade of a tree. He saw his younger sister approach him slowly, and he flattened his ears, knowing a lecture was about to come. ‘’Strider…’’ She said softly, sitting down next to him. ‘’Why are you doing this? I’m afraid to love and care for my own brother, because of who you are.’’ Strider rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the softness in her voice. ‘’Kiara, enough with the lectures. I like who I am. My people fear me, and that’s all I need. The prisoners are cooperating.’’ Strider growled. Shaking her head, Kiara looked at him and asked ‘’But Strider, is it not better to be loved than feared?’’ Strider looked back at her and flattened his ears. ‘’Fear lasts longer than love does, my dear.’’ He said with a grin, and then flicked his tail, indicating that the conversation was over. As she slowly walked away to take her place next to Dark and Thunder, WindStream plopped herself down next to Strider. He looked at her and smiled, perking his ears at the female. ‘’Hello, WindStream.’’ He said in a smooth tone. She smiled back and blinked. ‘’Hi, Strider. Nice work, you’ve done.’’ She said as he flicked her tail towards Armillo. Puffing out his chest, he laughed. ‘’I try.’’ The dark gray-blue female laughed as well, and Strider couldn’t help but stare at her cunning beauty. He had been thinking about asking WindStream to be his mate, ever since they were little. Especially now, since they were both older, and stronger. Strider knew she was a valuable addition to the pack. But Strider knew that Crystal also had strong feeling for him, as well. Perking his ears, he could see Crystal watching them from across the camp. Feeling uncomfortable, he got to his paws. ‘’Well, WindStream, I really must be going. I’m going on a quick patrol, but I’ll be back shortly.’’ With a quick turn, he trotted out of camp and was quickly running through the sunny forest - wind whipping through his fur, his ears flat, Strider ran on. The warmth of the sun gave him a nice feeling as the sunshine quickly warmed his back. The black and silver wolf sat down, looking at the stream in front of him. Before long, he heard the footsteps of another wolf approaching. The sweet scent of Raikal filled his nose as she sat down next to him. ‘’Strider,’’ She said nuzzling him, ‘’I’m worried about you. Kiara cares about you, you know. She only wants to help, and you keep pushing her away.’’ She blinked, and looked at him, waiting for a response. After waiting a few moments, Strider finally huffed. ‘’I know, Raikal, but… I don’t know, there’s something about Kiara that I just don’t understand. She’s different then I’ve ever known her to be, and I don’t like it at all. ‘’ Strider didn’t really understand fully what he was talking about, but he had no other way to describe it. Raikal whacked Strider against the back of his head with her paw, and then growled. ‘’You idiot, Kiara isn’t like you. If you hadn’t noticed, she doesn’t like the fact that you kill innocent wolves, for absolutely no reason. Wolves that you both grew up with. Your friends, Strider.’’ She said, ‘’I felt the same way Kiara did when Scar took my Timmax from me. Timmax was just a pup. Our pup. Scar had no reason to take his life, and now he walks with The Stars. I only get to see him in my dreams, because of that monster. The monster that I love, unconditionally.’’ Strider looked at Raikal for a long time, and then licked her cheek affectionately. ‘’I’m not like my brother, Raikal. I can control myself, unlike him. He would kill me, if he really thought it would help his ego. Me? I’d never hurt you, Raikal. He would - that’s the only problem between us.’’ Raikal sighed and got up, leaving Strider by himself. Flicking his ears, Strider turned his attention back to the stream. He shook his head, got up, and then slowly began to follow his old mentor back to camp.

Kiara collapsed onto the ground, shaking in fear as thick, scarlet red blood slowly oozed out of the open gash on her chest slowly. She avoided eye contact with Strider as he bent down, baring his teeth at her. ‘’What did you say?’’ He snarled demandingly, as he flattened his ears. Kiara took a deep breath, and rose to her paws. ‘’I said I won’t do it.’’ She replied. ‘’I’m not going to kill that innocent wolf just because he disobeyed a simple order!’’ She yelled at her brother, who was growing angrier with every word she spoke. Barking loudly, Strider knocked her over and placed a paw onto her throat, baring his teeth again. ‘’Then maybe you should be the one to die, instead of him?’’ Strider said with a growl as be beckoned to Smoke with his tail. ‘’It’s either him, or you, sister.’’ Strider said with a snort. Kiara looked at the Healer Apprentice with sorrow clouding her amber eyes. Smoke had done nothing wrong, really. He attempted to save Chrome’s life after Strider had slaughtered the prisoner for attempting to escape. Strider narrowed his eyes, his neck fur bristling. ‘’Star, take Kiara to join the other prisoners. If she won’t act like a DarkBlood, she won’t be treated like one.’’ Strider ordered, and watched Star push Kiara away. He shifted his gaze to Smoke, who was huddled on the ground. Strider knew Cloud was growing older, and Smoke would be needed as Healer when she was gone. ‘’I don’t want to see your face for the rest of the day.’’ He growled in the gray male’s ear, and then watched him scamper into the Healer’s Den. Scarlet snapped at Smoke as he ran past her, and then grinned at his fear. Galaxy was watching from a distance; Smoke was his friend, and he didn’t like this. Scar growled, and looked around. ‘’Anyone else wish to join Kiara?’’ Scar asked. When no one replied, he snorted and sat down. ‘’Eclipse, you and Moon are on guard duty. Make sure the prisoners don’t give you too much trouble. If they do, you know what to do.’’ Scar called over to them. As they left, Thunder and Dark came in, followed by a silver she-wolf. ‘’Strider, Scar, we found this at the edge of our territory.’’ Scar snarled and looked at her. ‘’Who are you, and what’re you doing on our territory?’’ Strider perked his ears. She was gorgeous. Without a doubt, the most beautiful thing Strider ever laid eyes on. She glanced past Scar at Armillo’s dead body, which was being dragged out of the back of camp. ‘’My name is Echo, and I was just passing through. I didn’t mean any harm, but I was just-’’ Scar cut her off with a snort. ‘’Trespassing, eh?’’ He flattened his ears and bared his teeth. Strider looked at him. ‘’Scar, knock it off. She hasn’t done anything wrong, and she looks hungry.’’ Shifting his gaze to Echo, he grinned, and Scar snorted, and left. Raikal joined him and she gave his cheek a quick lick. ‘’Scar, relax. She doesn’t seem like a threat.’’ Raikal soothed as she pressed against him. Their pup was coming soon, and Scar was excited to be a father. Echo hesitated, but then nodded. ‘’Yes, I’d like that.’’ She answered with a polite smile. Strider led her to his den, and then brought in a deer for the silver wolf. As she began to eat, Strider sat and caught himself staring at her. Her pelt was all silver, and she had light gray markings on along her face - followed by crystal blue eyes. ‘’So, are you the alpha?’’ She asked when she was finished. Strider nodded, and then added ‘’My brother, Scar, is the other alpha.’’ She sat up and looked at him, then looked away. ‘’I really should be going..’’ she said as she stood up. Strider stood up also, and thought of something quick to say. ‘’Are you sure? You really are welcomed to stay, it’s no trouble. I mean, if you’ve got no where else to go.’’ Shuffling his paws, Strider looked around the den. He felt strange, and felt the need to be nice to this stranger. He wanted her to stay, and be with him. Echo thought for a moment, but then smiled. ‘’I mean, if you say it’s alright. I wont be any trouble, I promise.’’ She said Strider smiled back and then lead her outside. ‘’The warriors’ den is over there. Don’t let anyone give you too much trouble.’’ He said, and then added. ‘’Things can get a bit rough around here.’’ Echo nodded, and then disappeared into the den.

Blood painted Strider’s face as he flew against the ground with Dark. Dark snarled loudly, sinking his teeth into Strider’s paw as he got pinned down. Strider snapped at him, and was thrown off. Standing up, he bared his teeth. ‘’You basterd!’’ Strider howled. Dark tackled him, and sent them both rolling backwards. Strider clawed at his chest and then was pinned down by Dark, who was an equally big wolf compared to him. Dark pressed hard against Strider’s broad shoulders, and Strider kicked at his stomach, which eventually got Dark off. Strider was upon him in seconds, clamping down hard again the back of Dark’s throat. Thick blood oozed through his clenched teeth as he strained to take the wolf’s life. ‘’Stop it!’’ Kiara screamed as she through herself onto her brother, trying to protect her mate. Strider threw his sister off of him, and then released his grip on Dark - who fell to the floor weakly. Kiara rushed to him, nuzzling him. ‘’He’s done nothing wrong Strider!’’ she screamed, tears swelling in her eyes. Strider growled; he didn’t like Dark one bit. The way he acted near his sister, and the fact that their pup would come soon. Timmax, Scar and Raikal’s son, hid behind his massive father in fear. He was nothing like Scar at all, and Scar resented that. Strider huffed and turned to Echo, who was watching him. It turned out that she was in a way, like him. Raikal nuzzled Strider, who was like a brother to her. ‘’You need to calm down, Strider.’’ She said, and whacked him across the head. ‘’Fighting him will get you no where. Your sister is happy, and that’s all that should matter to you!’’ She growled. Strider looked away from her, and he knew she was right. Raikal was always right, and he loved her for that. Strider looked over at Echo, and went over. ‘’Come on, let’s go into the forest for a walk.’’ He said, and lead her out into the chilly night. They cam to a stop at the creek, and Echo sat next to him; so close that their fur touched. ‘’Strider, you need to learn to control yourself. Dark has done nothing wrong.’’ She soothed. Strider looked away, but nodded. ‘’I know, but I just don’t like him..’’ He muttered. He looked back at Echo, who was looking at him with perked ears. ‘’Strider, there.. There has been something I’ve been meaning to tell you.’’ She said softly. Strider perked his ears, his blue gaze filled with curiosity. ‘’Yeah?’’ Echo shuffled her paws, and then looked away. ‘’Well, I’ve been with the pack for a while now, and I’ve been thinking about something lately.. And well, Strider, I think I’m in love with you.’’ Strider blinked, shocked by what she needed to say. ‘’Y- you do?’’ he stammered. Echo looked at him, and nodded slowly. Strider smiled, and shuffled his paws, trying not to blush. He had liked echo ever since he had first set eyes on her, and now he could finally have her. ‘’I - I love you too, Echo.’’ Strider whispered to her softly. With a smile, Echo nuzzled Strider softly, the cool breeze filling Strider’s nose with the sweet scent of her fur.

Seasons have passed since Strider had asked Echo to become his mate. Many wolves have come and gone, and some new faces are now apart of DarkBloods, formally renamed to EmberPack. Kiara and Dark have had a pup together. Her name is Flare. Scar and Raikal are no longer together, after he had killed their only pup, Timmax. Echo and Strider have had a pup together, as well. Comet is now an apprentice, and is growing very strong. Things have changed around the pack. Strider has become a bit nicer, but Scar is still brutal as ever. Namida - the new Healer, has become a closely trusted friend of Strider’s. It has been raining for the past few days, and everyone is getting sick of it. Strider was laying with Echo when Scar had emerged from the warriors’ den. ‘’I’m leaving, Strider. These mutts have no need for me, and I’d be better off without them.’’ He declared. ‘’What? Scar, you can’t just leave. We need you here.’’ Scar shook his head. ‘’Good luck, brother.’’ Scar gave Echo a quick lick on the forehead, and then left camp - just like that. Strider sighed, but shook his head. ‘’Life must go on.’’ Scar was just a warrior, after all. His deputy, Night, was doing a fine job. Night had fallen when Echo got up from snoozing with Strider. ‘’I’m going on a hunt; I’ll be back shortly.’’ She announced, and then left. Strider glanced over at Comet, who was sharing a kill with Moth. The pair had become close after they became Apprentices. Strider didn’t realize how much time had gone by until after he noticed everyone was sleeping. He perked his ears, and stood up. Echo had never returned. Trotting out of camp, Strider sniffed the air - her scent was still strong, and it would lead him right to her. Strider broke into a run as he followed her trail down to the cliffs. The scent suddenly faded to a stop, and Strider stopped in his tracks. ‘’Echo?’’ He called out. He waited, but no reply. A ominous feeling of dread began to rise in his stomach as he slowly padded over to a large boulder, where strong stench of blood was coming from. Strider peeked around the corner to find the most horrid sight her could imagine. There was Echo - motionless on the ground. Crippled and beaten. Strider fell next to her, and pressed his muzzle against her silver coat, which was stained red with blood. He closed his eyes tightly, the sweet scent of her fur was replaced by the smell of death; and the smell of her killer. Instantly Strider knew the smell of a werewolf. Tears rolled down his face, and he was unable to find his voice. The one thing Strider truly loved in this world. The one wolf who kept him moving throughout the day. Gone, forever. ‘’Echo…’’ He whispered, pressing himself closer to his limp body. He looked up at the dark sky, where his ancestors were watching. Don’t leave me, Echo.. Strider whimpered softly as he got to his paws after several hours. The sun was now rising, and he needed to get home to his son. Picking Echo up softly by the scruff, he began to trudge home.

Collapsing onto the ground with Echo, Strider whimpered again. Tears slowly trailed down his cheeks as the stared at his motionless mate. Her blue eyes were sightless as they stared off into space. The first wolf to come out was Namida. At first she stared in shock, but then she came over and nuzzled Strider. ‘’I’m so sorry, Strider..’’ She whispered, and sat next to him. Wolf by wolf, the pack began to awaken and gather around Echo. Comet was still sleeping, and Strider needed to tell him what’s happened. Getting to his paws, Strider broke away from the grieving pack and made his way into the apprentices’ den, where a sleeping Comet was curled tightly in a ball. ‘’Comet…’’ Strider whispered, and nudged him softly. The purple and silver colored wolf stirred, and then his golden eyes opened. ‘’Stri - Strider?’’ He asked, puzzled. ‘’What’re you doing? What’s wrong?’’ Strider looked down at his paws, as the tears began to come again. They dripped onto his paws and then Comet stood up, flattening his ears. ‘’Dad, you’re scaring me. What happened?’’ Strider took a deep breath and looked back to his son. ‘’It’s Echo.. She, she’s gone. A werewolf got to her when she was out hunting last night, and, we couldn’t get there in time.’’ Strider whispered, and watched as his son took in the news like a car wreck. Falling slowly to his paws, Comet stared off into space. His golden gaze clouding with sorrow as he realized he’d never speak to his mother again. Or see her face, or ask her for guidance. Pressing against Strider, he held back tears that threatened to come out. The lump in his throat was almost overwhelming as he fought to stay strong for his alpha, and father.

Comet sat next to Echo’s motionless body and looked down upon her. His fur was ruffled from the wind, and mostly everyone had given him space to be alone. ‘’I’m so sorry, mother.’’ Comet said under his breath as the tears rolled out of his golden yellow eyes. He whimpered, and pressed himself against her cold fur. It was time to let her go. Getting up, he turned and walked away. He glanced back once more to see Strider and Kiara picking her up to be buried. Moth was laying quietly outside the den, her head on her golden colored paws. Her amber eyes were filled with sorrow for Comet, and he looked away from her. He always thought his mother would be with him for a longer amount of him, but things change.

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

‘’And from this day on, these following Apprentice will now be full Warriors of EmberPack.’’ Strider said, and then paused. ‘’Comet, Moth, Twilight, and Fire. Congratulations on your training.’’ He said, and then jumped down from the Highledge; signaling that the meeting was over. Comet puffed out his chest with pride that he had done good with his training. And now that he was a warrior, he was thinking about asking Moth to be his mate. Strider went over to his son and licked his cheek. ‘’Well done, Comet. Your mother would be proud of you.’’ He said softly, and looked down. It had been a few seasons since Echo’s death, and Strider hadn’t been the same since. He’d been nicer - more caring. Strider had even stopped Night and Dark from nearly killing each other in a fight just last morning. Comet never fully understood why his father had once been the way he was. Killing wolves, for no reason? It wasn’t right. Comet had a feeling it was Scar who had influenced Strider to be that way, but he never had the courage to ask Strider. Comet - had never even been in a real fight yet. Let alone kill anyone.

Raikal walked slowly through the sunny forest, stepping every now and then on a crunchy leaf. Her brown and blue fur was ruffled with worry. She knew Strider wasn’t right. Something was different about him, and she didn’t like it. She cared for Strider as if he was her own pup. She grew up with him around, and she was always there for him. She trained him right, and tried to teach him to be good to people. He had never once snapped at Raikal when The DarkBloods was around. He listened to her always, and respected her. She wished dearly that Scar could have been like him. No matter how much she hated him for taking the life of their only pup, Timmax, she couldn’t stop loving him. He had so much hate in him. The massive grey wolf was trouble, but she couldn’t help her connotations. She sighed, and sniffed the air. The reek of werewolf. She flattened her ears, and knew that it was the same one who had got Echo. He had picked off two others since then, and Strider was always on the lookout for it. Raikal hoped that he wasn’t going to do anything stupid to try and kill it. Even though Strider was a werewolf, too, she still was worried. Not many people know of Strider’s secret. He hates the fact that he could transform into his werewolf form, like his brother Scar. He had only done it three times, and only a few were there to witness it. But Raikal knew Strider was up to something tonight. He had come to her asking advice. Oh, Strider. Please don’t go after this creature tonight. Revenge wont to anything to bring her back. Raikal lowered her head, and took a deep breath.

Strider plunged through the dark forest, his vision blurred from the thick fog that clung to the trees around him. Icy rain stabbed at the back of his neck as he ran on, his drenched black fur was ruffled with fury as the scent he followed grew faint. His blazing Cyan Blue eyes were filled with anger as he looked around. Where did you go?! He growled to himself, and then perked his ears. There! Strider took off, bounding in long powerful strides as he cut across the meadow. It was in plain sight now. His muscles rippled along his shoulders and back, and in every paw as it struck the ground. He flattened his ears, and felt the rage building up in his chest. The werewolf that had killed Echo was right in front of him, heading for the boulders. Strider knew what was about to happen, and he urged it to come faster. Slowly, a warm fire spread through his entire body, warming his fur, his muscles, his blood. Strider could hear the blood roaring in his ears as he ran on, his breath coming in fast, loud huffs as he tried to control his breathing. His rage kept building pressure in his chest. A sudden tightness grabbed his chest and stomach, the intensity feeling as if his skin was ripping, until finally - Strider’s speed increased. His blazing eyes grew brighter as the monster inside of him broke through, and his massive size doubled, his silver streaks in his fur grew longer, and his rippling muscles became bigger. The black wolf took longer strides, running as fast as he could to keep pace behind hid prey. Judging the distance, Strider knew this was his moment. With a loud snarl, he flung himself at the other werewolf, quickly closing the gap between them as he went tackling it to the ground with him. Sand flew up in a mist that blurred his vision. Warm blood shot out of Strider’s shoulder as the werewolf sank it’s fangs into him. Howling with pain, Strider kicked at the larger werewolf, and at the same time he scored his claws deep into the back of it‘s shoulder, and dragged them over to the front of the shoulder blade, and down the chest. Leaving long gashes down the werewolf’s body, Strider let go, and jumped back to escape a blow from his attacker. He could tell that it didn’t have a wolf form, like he did. He sank his long canines into the lower neck of the opposing fighter, and held on as the werewolf trashed about, clawing and trying to pull Strider off. Thick blood trailing down the sides of his muzzle, and down his chest as he bit harder into the soft flesh of the werewolf. He clawed at it’s chest, and then was suddenly flying through the air as he was ripped from the werewolf’s grasp. Landing hard on his side, the breath was driven from his lungs for a moment. Before he could get to his paws, the werewolf as upon him within seconds. Strider, kicking at his stomach and snarling furiously, Strider was quickly undermining; weakening. He hadn’t even felt the slash across his throat as he continued to fight. Not until he stood in front of the werewolf, thrashing at him. Both were flailing angrily until they both came to a sudden stop. The fight was over. One would fall - one would live. They stared at each other for a quick heartbeat, and then the werewolf was gone; leaving Strider alone to die. He was slowly transforming back into his wolf form, and the thick scarlet blood was staining his black fur and the green blades of grass around him as it flowed down his throat and chest. It dripped onto the ground as Strider collapsed to the sandy floor, gasping for air. His blue gaze wasn’t filled with fear, but disappointment. And more at the fact, that he’d be leaving Comet alone in the world. Now Raikal, Namida, and Kiara would need to look after him. Strider coughed for air, but only blood came out. Strider was at peace with him dying, and he didn’t mind it so much. He’d be with Echo now. He closed his eyes and slowly let the blackness consume him as the pain slowly faded away.
‘’No!’’ Comet screamed as Timber and Night dragged in his father’s dead body. He flung himself at him, burying his nose into his fur. Cold blood was sticking to his muzzle as he wept into his motionless father. This was the day he thought he’d never see. His father - tough, merciless Strider. Dead. The pack stood in shock and grief as their deceased alpha lay on the floor before them. Raikal stood next to Comet, her soft gaze soothing. ‘’Comet, I’m sorry.’’ She whispered. Kiara fell against her brother’s side, pressing her muzzle against his shoulder. Warm tears rolled down her calico fur, her eyes closed as she quietly sent prayers to The Stars Above. Night dipped his head to his former Alpha, and then nudged Comet. ‘’Comet, come.’’ He said. Comet left his father and stood with Night, perking his ears. ‘’What?’’ Night sat down. ‘’Comet, I know that I was your father’s beta for a long time, but I don’t know how I’d be alpha of this pack. Strider was the only leader I ever knew, and I cannot compare to him. I - I’m just not ready for this, and I think Strider would want this.’’ Comet flattened his ears. ‘’What’re you getting at, Night?’’ Night looked around and then sighed. ‘’I‘m saying I think you could be Alpha. I just want to be a regular warrior again.’’ Night said, and dipped his head. Comet watched him walk away, and he stared at his packmates, wondering, wishing things could be different. He hadn’t even been able to tell Strider that Moth had said yes to becoming his mate. I need to stay strong. For Moth. For EmberPack. For Echo and Strider. For me. Comet told himself, and then he perked his ears and took a deep breath. His eyes fell upon WindStream as she took her turn to mourn for Strider. Comet knew that she had grown up with Strider, and she was a fine warrior. Well, I think I’ve found my beta. The purple wolf thought to himself. He took a deep breath, and then started towards his packmates.
The night was cold as Strider slowly opened his eyes. There was no breeze - no moon. Nothing. He got to his paws slowly, looking over his body carefully. All his wounds were gone, and his fur was no longer drenched with his own blood. He knew where he was, since he had been here in his dreams when seeking advice from his ancestors. His blue gaze was filled with curiosity as he looked around him. His body was a bit faded, as he could almost see through his paw as he looked down at it. A gray wolf approached him slowly. Glowing green markings were spread out above and under his right eye, and on two of his legs. One front, one back. He appeared to be blind, since his eyes were the same glowing color, but glazed and clouded without pupils. Strider gulped, and had heard about this wolf from Midnight in his dreams. This wolf was Dekaye - the guardian of the sky. The most powerful wolf that had ever lived, and died. Dekaye stopped in front of Strider, and then sniffed the air. ‘’Welcome, Strider.’’ Dekaye said; his husky voice sounded scratchy with age. Strider hesitated for a moment, and then cleared his throat. ‘’Greetings, Dekaye. I’ve heard about you befo-’’ Strider was cut off as Dekaye spoke again. ‘’What you did was careless. Raikal was right - even if you had killed that Werewolf, it wouldn’t have done anything to help Echo. There’s dozens of werewolves in this world, and any could easily find their way to your pack. Now, you have to deal with the consequences of your death.’’ Dekaye said, and sat down. ‘’Bu- Where’s Echo?’’ Strider asked, with a tilted head. ‘’I would have thought she would be the one to meet me.’’ Dekaye huffed. ‘’Echo had only lived with you for so many moons. Her heart was somewhere else, in another pack. The pack she had left when she came to EmberPack was where her soul would go when her death finally came. She does not walk in our skies, Strider.’’ With a feeling of sheer stupidity, Strider looked down at the ground. ‘’I’m sorry, Dekaye, for what I’ve done. I should have listened to her, but I was blinded my fury. I loved Echo, with all my heart. She shouldn’t have died when she did. We had another pup that would have come into this world. I would have had a daughter, Dekaye.’’ With a court nod, Dekaye got to his paws and turned around. ‘’Let’s go, the others are waiting.’’ Strider followed Dekaye in silence; his tail dragging across the sandy floor until they reached the cloudy camp which the deceased hang around. Strider instantly recognized many wolves there. Some of which he had taken the life from, some who lost their lives in battle, or of other causes. And then he saw Rain and Midnight. He made his way to them, and nuzzled his father. ‘’Father,’’ He said, ‘’I never thought I’d get to feel your fur again.’’ Midnight smiled, his brownish-red fur smooth. Rain didn’t make eye contact with her son, but Strider bent down and licked her ear. ‘’Mother, I- I’m so sorry for what I’ve done to you. If you would have stayed alive, you would have stopped me from going out on this night.’’ Rain looked up at her son, her yellow eyes still filled with love for her pup. ‘’Strider, I am not angry with you. I forgive you for what you’ve done, and Scar too. You are my boys, and I’m with Midnight, which is all that truly matters.’’ Strider sighed, and turned away from them. It was so peaceful here, but he didn’t belong with them. I shouldn’t be here. Strider thought angrily. The rage still wouldn’t go away, no matter how hard Strider tried. With a long sigh, he began to walk away. The territory was so familiar, but at the same time it was strange. But still, it was home now. He saw wolves he knew, some of which gave him cold stares for being the cause of their untimely demise. He perked his ears when he saw a meadow far off in the distance. He passed a few wolves who were leaving the meadow, and he continued to walk until he was all alone on the field, and then sat down. He looked up at the dark night sky, which held so many stars, his head began to spin. He looked back at the ground, and saw EmberPack. The camp was disserted, and everyone was asleep except for the night guards, which was Moon and Twilight. They sat side by side as they watched the camp, whispering to each other every now and then. Strider turned to the Warriors’ Den, and looked for Comet, but he wasn’t there. Confused, he looked through the rest of the camp, and finally found him and Moth curled up next to each other in the Alpha’s den. Strider’s blue gaze welled up with tears as he looked down at his pup, who looked so innocent while sleeping. Moth’s yellow fur stood out against his purple colored coat as they lay next to each other. Dekaye slowly sat down next to Strider and looked on with him. ‘’Comet will make a great Alpha, Strider. You’ve taught your son well, and he has a very good heart. He’ll lead EmberPack in the right direction.’’ Strider looked at Dekaye and gave him a small grin. ‘’I hope you’re right, Dekaye. I tried my best to teach Comet how be a good warrior, but I wasn’t much of a good role model for that topic, if you hadn’t noticed.’’ Strider replied in a low voice. Dekaye’s ears twitched as he pondered the reply. ‘’Don’t worry, Strider. Everything will be fine, and one day it’ll all be yours to hold again. I promise you that.’’ Strider got to his paws, and so did Dekaye. ‘’What do you mean by that, Dekaye? I’m dead. My body is rotting somewhere in the ground, and there’s nothing we can do about it.’’ With a light growl, Dekaye flattened his ears. ‘’Strider, I’ve been walking these skies longer than anyone up here has. I could bring any one of you back to life if I truly wanted too, and I’ve had this plan for you ever since you were born. Ever since Midnight started sharing dreams with The Stars. You aren’t supposed to die, Strider. Not yet. Your time is not finished, and your destiny will be laid out for you, but for now you will remain among the stars.’’ Dekaye rasped, and then began to walk away. ‘’But wait!’’ Strider called, and took a few steps forward. ‘’Let me go now, please.’’ Strider pleaded as he trotted after the elderly wolf. ‘’I wasn’t supposed to die, you said it yourself. Why should I have to stay here, with these people? I put most of them here, and I can tell they would rather me leave. All around me, Dekaye, are familiar faces, worn out places, worn out faces. I need to get out of here. I need to get back to my son. Yeah, I trust that Comet can be a good Alpha, but I need him.’’ Strider said, and came to a stop when Dekaye did as well. Dekaye never turned fully around, he just slightly turned his head to the side as he spoke. ‘’You will stay here, Strider. I promise you though, you will go back one day, and one day soon. But you need to deal with the consequences of your death. Comet will have to deal without his father in the meantime.’’ And with that, Dekaye slowly faded away as he walked back to the camp. Leaving Strider alone in the meadow - tears welling in his eyes

‘’First, you implore your brother’s death. Then, you try to avenge it. Now… you will share it.’’ Comet sneered just as his lips curled back into a vicious snarl, moments before he sank his teeth into the soft throat of the she-wolf under him. As the blood ran out of her open wound like a river’s current, Comet stepped off of her to avoid getting her warm, sticky blood on his paws. Raising an eyebrow, Comet snorted at the body that was shaking beneath him. Midna stared at Comet and scowled. ‘’Comet, stop this nonsense. Would your father have wanted you to turn out this way? This was not the way he raised you. He doesn’t want you to be like this!’’ She growled. Comet, lashing his tail, stood so close to Midna that the clouds from their breath mingled together. The chilly air almost made him shiver as he flattened his ears, scowling at the she-wolf. ‘’My father doesn’t want anything, Midna.’’ Comet said, and turned around before adding, ‘’He’s dead.’’ Without another word, Comet trotted away from the she-wolf as he made his way to his den, where Moth was sleeping. Comet poked his head in to see her sleeping - a slit snore sneaking out every now and then. He smiled, and then turned around to look around the clearing. Hmm, everyone seems to be alright. As Comet tilted his head to the sky, he wondered what his father was doing in the stars above. Comet had been Alpha for a long time now, and his beta, Kiba, was helping him keep the pack in order. The DarkBloods were as strong as ever, and Comet was loving every minute of it. He sighed, went into his den, curled up next to Moth, and shut his eyes for some much needed sleep.

Strider stood at the edge of the grassy cliff, his head bent as he looked over the edge. The freezing night winds whipped across his face, and it felt like needles. His ears were flattened as he watched the forest below; where the living roamed. The dark cumulonimbus clouds boomed above him as the thunder roared, and the lightening clawed the sky. His piercing blue gaze was dark with rage as he watched his former pack. This is not what I wanted my son to become. I wanted him to change the pack for the better. With a growl, he lashed his tail. Behind him, Timmax had approached and sat down. ‘’Strider, do you regret doing the things you’ve done, when you were living? I mean, don’t you think you could have led a better life, if you had done something better with yourself?’’ He asked, cocking his head. As Strider processed the question, he didn’t look at the pup, or even step back from the cliff’s edge. ‘’I am no one special; just a common wolf with common thoughts. I've led a common life, and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and for me, that has always been enough.’’ Timmax blinked, and looked at Strider as he thought of a reply. His mouth opened, and closed, and opened again, but nothing came out. With a flick of his tail, he got up and left Strider to be alone once again. As the pup’s paw steps faded, Strider sighed and looked up at the dark rain clouds circling above them. Echo, I’m sorry this had to happen to you. But wherever you are, wherever you’ve gone, I will see you again. I know I will. Strider looked back down at the pack below, and then turned and padded off into the clouds.