Fan Fiction ❯ Esthenia ❯ Part Three, The Dragonwolf ( Chapter 3 )

Part 3. The Dragonwolf

Sorrow

The clan was devastated. The loss of their leader had a major impact on them. After the fight, the warriors hauled Wotan's and Hons' bodies somewhere. Kovu was also carried away. I still didn't hear if he was still alive or not. Nobody felt like working, so Neara did the best as she could to keep them going and tried to keep everyone calm. As the alpha she had to stay strong, and Rinoa was by her side the whole time. It amazed me about how loyal she was to Neara.

The death of Hons was also an impact on some. Especially Aslynn. I kept on wondering why she was so sad about it. The force field that blocked my nose had worn off and I could smell her sorrow every time she was near.

As for Pagasis and I, we stayed out of the way. Sitting by the fire and not saying much. I had too much on my mind to talk. Hons' words were still going through my head. What he had said about Neara being his mate and that he was the one who killed her mother, Tswuki Mona. I then realized that Tswuki Mona was named after Tswuki Maro, the moon goddess. I thought about that for a moment then I went back into thinking about Hons. In the end I figured that Hons must have done what he did so he could become the alpha of the tribe with Neara as his mate. I was surprised that he didn't turn into a demon. His rage and hatred were strong. I could smell it on him.

A few hours later, Rinoa walked up to us. She looked tired and exhausted.

Pagasis and I looked up at her.

"So?" I asked.

Rinoa sighed.

"Well, Hons is definitely dead. Kovu however, is still alive. He's in Aslynn's hut right now being healed by her. She's a good nurse."

"What about Wotan?" I asked. I then got the chills when the picture of his dead body crept back into my mind. Lying there, still and lifeless.

Rinoa lowered her head.

"They took him to the shrine." she said as she sat down next to me. "They are holding a burial ceremony for him later, and then they are having the alpha ceremony after."

"The alpha ceremony?" I questioned.

Rinoa nodded.

"Yes. The alpha ceremony is when they celebrate the coming of a new leader."

"Oh…" I sighed.

Like Rinoa said, there was a funeral. The whole tribe including myself, Rinoa and Pagasis, walked out into the forest. I didn't know where we were going until I almost tripped over a large stone. I looked down at it to see that it was a grave marker.

The whole area we were in was a burial ground. There were mounds and stones everywhere. It was all in a sunlit clearing not to far from the village. The scene was kind of eerie to me. I looked around some more as we all walked in a line to the place were Wotan was to be buried. We stopped when we reached a large tree at the other end of the clearing. There were flowers growing all around the base of the tree. As I sat down next to Pagasis and Aquita I could see that there was only one solitary grave marker there. I asked Aquita who's it was.

"That's Tswuki Mona's." he said. He had a solemn look on his face.

I could tell that he was depressed about Kovu's condition. He seemed to be a very good friend of Kovu and was worried about him. I could see that the devious look in Aquita's eyes were gone. I remembered when the fight had first started and Aquita tried to give Kovu his spear.

He wanted to protect Kovu. He didn't want him to get hurt. He wanted to be loyal as a friend and a warrior.

I looked up to the front were Neara was. A group of warriors had carried Wotan's body, witch was in a large wooden coffin, and sat it in front of her next to Tswuki Mona's grave. Neara didn't look down at it, instead she was talking to Rinoa who was standing beside her. Her expression was sad and mournful.

I could smell everyone's sorrow all around me. I felt trapped for some reason. I felt like I was in a dark and lonely cave, all by myself. I then looked up at Pagasis. He was looking up at Rinoa, deep in thought. I wondered what he was thinking about. Something about Rinoa had been troubling him for sometime. I could smell it on him whenever he looked at her. I wasn't sure what it was all about. I didn't ask.

The crowd was quiet as Neara spoke. She talked about how great her father was and what a great leader he had been. She tried hard not to cry as she spoke. She didn't hide her tears back though. They were streaming down her face and landing on her father's coffin.

I could feel tears on my face too. I wanted to wipe them off with my paw but I was too miserable to move. I didn't even blink. I just stared at Neara's sad face and listened to her words. We then took a bow of silence as Rinoa dug the hole to place the coffin in. Her claws dug up the earth swiftly, and in no time at all they were placing the coffin inside the hole.

After they buried it, Neara tilted her head back and howled. The air was filled with sorrow when the whole clan followed her in the song of sadness.

Moons

When we got back to the village, the crowd was buzzing with murmurs. They set the blankets back out and stoked the fire.

The smell of the delicious food met my nose. There was to be another feast, honoring their new alpha. Pagasis and I went back to the shrine. When I got inside, I went to my back pack and opened the zipper with my claw.

"What cha' doin?" Pagasis asked me.

"Checking the time." I replied as I rummaged through the bag. I finally found my clock.

"It's 3:00 already." I moaned. I didn't want to waste any time in finding the bird. It was already the third day. We only had four days left, if Pagasis even lasted that long. His death cheeped back into my head again. I tried hard not to think about it. It just made me sadder.

Pagasis walked up to me.

"Don't worry about it." he said.

I smiled at him. He knew what I was thinking. I couldn't hide it from him, no matter what I tried. It seemed like he could read my mind sometimes. He always knew when I was sad or worried. Of course, couldn't all horses do that?

"So Pagasis," I said as I rummaged through my back pack again to find the calendar. "What's up with you and Rinoa? You haven't been talking to her much lately."

Pagasis looked a little uncomfortable.

"Well, I don't quite know myself. Se seems a little different…"

I looked at him.

"Really, in what way?"

"Did you see her eyes?"

"Yeah! As a matter of fact I did!" I said after thinking about it. I remembered when we were being ambushed and when we were holding her back during the fight.

"It was pretty odd…" I murmured. "I thought that I was the only one who noticed."

"Nope." said Pagasis as he shook his head. "I don't know, she's just been acting strange lately. I think it would be best if we stayed out of her way for a while."

I nodded. I then pulled out the calendar and looked at it. It was Tuesday already.

"What is that thing?" Pagasis asked me while peering over my shoulder at the calendar in my paws.

"This? It's a calendar." I replied. "We humans use it to tell what day it is. By the way Pagasis, when where you born?"

"Uh, one and a half Moons ago?"

"Moons?"

"Oh, yeah, we go by Moons." he said.

"What's a Moon?" I asked. I knew he wasn't going by the moon in the sky.

"It's our years here." he said. "They seem to go by faster than your human years. One Moon is ten years in your world."

"One and a quarter!" I exclaimed. I had done the math in my head. He was thirteen years old. The same age as I was!

"So you are a teenager." I said.

"Yeah, I guess." he said.

"So if I was born thirteen years ago, then this island came about…" I thought out loud. I was adding it all up in my head when Pagasis spoke.

"If this island came out of the sea thirteen years ago in your time, then it came up one hundred and thirty years ago. That would be thirteen moons."

"One hundred and thirty years!!" I awed. Then a bad thought came into my head. "Pagasis would age before my very eyes. He's the same age as me now but about a couple years from now he could be old. As if that mattered, he's going to die soon anyway…" I tried to keep my mind off of his death again by asking, "But then why are our days the same?"

"You know what?" Pagasis shrugged. "I don't quite know…"

Suddenly, Rinoa's large head appeared through the door flap.

Pagasis and I jumped. She had given us quite a fright.

"Sorry." said Rinoa as she walked inside.

Pagasis and I just looked up at her. We didn't know exactly what to say to her. I felt kind of guilty for talking about her, and I had a feeling that Pagasis felt the same.

"What's the deal with you guys?" she asked. She had a hurt look on her face.

Pagasis looked at the ground. I knew he didn't want to tell her what he was thinking out of fear of hurting her feelings.

After a moment of silence Rinoa said, "Hey, I think I know what this is about."

Pagasis looked up at her with wide eyes.

Rinoa leaned down. Her nose was inches from his.

"I'm sorry if I've been ignoring you. A lot has happened over these last few days. Most of them aren't good things, but I want to get involved. I don't know… There's just something about this place… I feel like I have a family here."

She quieted for a moment. She looked at the ground with somewhat of a guilty smile.

"I know it's strange…" she said. Then she looked up at Pagasis again. "But nobody will replace you as my friend. Not even Neara. I want to save you more than anything, and I will do whatever I can to do it."

I watched as Pagasis and Rinoa smiled at one another. I was smiling too. I was glad that it was all cleared up. Suddenly, I watched as Rinoa leaned forward and lick Pagasis on he head. I began to laugh when I saw Pagasis' expression and the state of his hair. It was covered in drool and sticking out in odd directions.

Rinoa grinned. Her appearance looked evil once again.

"… Nobody will replace you as my friend…" Pagasis mocked as he shook his head and snorted. Drool flew in many directions as he did so. He then rolled his eyes and frowned at me, who was laughing historically.

Well, I was laughing until Rinoa decided to give me a "kiss" too. Her huge tongue nearly lifted me off the ground. I was sopping. I flailed my arms out to knock some of the drool off. I could feel that my ears were pressed back like as if I were some ornery cat. I hissed at the laughing Pagasis.

Just then Aquita walked in. Actually, he stumbled in. He appeared to be very happy although he was panting as if he were running. Chelle was on his shoulder hanging on for dear life.

"I WILL survive!!" the little fox kept shouting. "No matter how much you trash around!"

"What's up?" Rinoa asked him as he tried to catch his breath.

Aquita gasped then smiled up at her.

"It's Kovu." he said. "He's going to be all right. Aslynn healed him."

"All right!" I cheered. "I bet Neara's pretty happy about it."

"She is!" Chelle said.

Aquita stroked the little fox's head.

"So, can Kovu get up yet?" I asked.

Aquita looked at me.

"No," he sighed. "He's still unconscious. He got a pretty big lump on his noggin."

He then narrowed his eyes at me.

"What happened to you anyway? Is it raining outside?"

I frowned when Pagasis and Rinoa began to laugh again.

"Ah, shut up…" I hissed.

The Balance

We all filed out of the shrine. It was time for the alpha ceremony to begin. There was to be a feast, dance, and announcement made by Neara to present the new beta of the clan. Apparently, she had made up her mind about who it would be. This surprised me a little, knowing that it would be a hard decision to make. Of course, I always had trouble making up my mind.

We ate on the blankets again. I sat with Pagasis, Rinoa, Aquita, and Neara. Aslynn was still in her hut tending to Kovu. The atmosphere had totally changed. Everyone was happy and laughing in spite of earlier. The drums were beating and natives in colorful costumes were dancing around the fire again. I could smell Neara's nervousness and excitement. She looked it too.

It was a while until Aslynn finally appeared. She still looked glum but satisfied. She sat down next to me.

Neara nearly jumped on her.

"Is Kovu all right?" she asked.

Aslynn smiled at her.

"Yes, he's doing fine. He's just resting now."

I smiled up at Pagasis, who smiled back. We were both glad to hear that Kovu was all right.

"Thank god." I sighed with a smile. "I was really worried about him."

"Yes." said Aslynn. She looked pretty proud of herself. "I used the finest practice on him. He'll be ship-shape by tomorrow."

We continued to eat and talk for sometime. I just sat silently, listening to everyone else talk. Neara left to prepare for her speech, and Rinoa and Pagasis went back to the shrine for a moment. Leaving me and Aslynn. I didn't mind it, though she didn't talk for quite a moment. She looked sad to me. I could smell her sadness. When I finally asked her what was wrong she heaved a deep sigh and said;

"I knew my brother was trouble…"

I felt my jaw drop.

"Hons was you brother?!" I exclaimed.

Aslynn looked at me with her sad eyes. The shimmered bright blue then purple as she turned her head.

"Yes… And I knew of it all. It's not easy, seeing the future. It's like a curse sometimes, and there's nothing I can do about it." she said.

I couldn't really say much about what she had just said. I was too busy thinking about it.

"She knew her brother was going to die?" I thought to myself. "Can really she see the future?"

"Why didn't you try to prevent it?" I asked.

"No," she said while shacking her head. "I cannot interfere with what goes on. If I did, the balance would be broken, and that would be a bad thing."

"The balance?"

"The balance is what runs the course of life. If I interfered with that, things would go… well, crazy. If my brother didn't die… He would have became the alpha, that's was betas do. And he would have left the barrier up. You know, the barrier that blocked sight and scent of this village from the outside world. We would have all starved to death without outside help. And there is more… But, I cannot tell you."

"You can really see the future?"

Aslynn nodded.

"How?" I asked, somewhat thinking that it was a rhetorical question.

Aslynn pointed to her shiny eyes.

"These," she said. "I was born with it. Out of the blue. I didn't start seeing things until I was a yearling pup. My parents tried to hide it from me, knowing that it would cause me great suffering. Eventually, they knew that I was seeing visions. I didn't understand what was happening and I was afraid. They then decided to tell me. I learned that it happened once every other generation. They taught me the rules and advantages before they died."

"I'm sorry." I murmured.

Aslynn smiled at me.

"Don't you worry about it." she said as she flicked the thought away with her hand as if she were swatting a fly.

I felt very sorry for Aslynn then. She was all alone now. Her parents and her brother were all dead. I wondered how she could be so light hearted. There were a million thoughts just sitting in the back of my mind. I wanted to know if we could save the island. I wanted to know if Pagasis was going to really die. I wanted to ask Aslynn these questions, but I knew that she wouldn't tell me. I then decided to change the subject.

"You know." I said. "You and Rinoa have pretty voices."

Aslynn smiled at me.

"Really? What makes you think that?"

"Well," I said. "I heard you singing to yourself earlier, and I could hear Rinoa when she was howling at the burial ceremony. I bet if you were in my world, you both would become famous."

"Are you just trying to butter me up?" Aslynn asked with a raised eyebrow and a grin.

I grinned back.

"Maybe," I said while shrugging.

The Alpha Ceremony

Eventually, everybody came back. Neara was dressed in a traditional Alpha female gown. It looked pretty on her but she said it looked sissy.

This made everyone laugh. We knew she didn't like to dress all pretty. I admit, I don't like to either. Pagasis and Rinoa claim that they weren't taking a short nap, but I still didn't believe them, and I teased them about it until the crowd around us quieted. I looked around to see what was going on. I then saw Neara standing high above the front of the crowd. I couldn't see exactly what she was standing on but I sat and watched like everyone else.

Neara stood with her arms raised. When everyone was completely quiet she spoke. It was in the native language and I couldn't understand it, but then she spoke in English.

"My dear friends," she began. "First of all I would like to give my thanks to those who cooperated and took part in all of this. I know since the sprall this morning that it's been hard for all of us, for me as well. Well, what I'm saying is that I am glad you all except me as your leader."

I could tell that she was holding back her tears while she spoke. It almost made me want to cry. Her sincerity and significance charmed everyone.

She was silent for a moment. Nobody spoke.

"Well," she continued. "For all of you who care, and I mean that in a very caring way…"

A couple natives laughed.

Neara giggled.

"Kovu is going to be all right." she said happily. A group of warriors, including Aquita, stood up and cheered and hooted. More natives laughed while the warriors did a funny little dance. I laughed too. They reminded me of a group of class clowns in my school who would do anything to get attention. It was always annoying, but funny.

Neara tried not to giggle again. She was stifling her laughs.

"Okay, okay… I can tell that you do care. I would also like to announce the beta of our clan."

Everyone quieted again. T hey were anxious to know who it would be.

"I know for the last… well, many years, we had a tradition. That tradition was that the beta was to marry the princess and become the Alpha pair. That is going to change."

A buzz of murmurs came from the crowd.

"Instead…" Neara went on. "Like a prince, the princess can pick anyone who she and her parents deem worthy. I am saying this because our beta will not be able to marry a princess. There are two, in fact. That is, if they're up for the job."

The murmurs stopped. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Neara. Many of them looked shocked.

Pagasis and I looked at each other. I mouthed a "woa" to him.

He nodded his head, and we looked back up at Neara. "The first one I would like to announce, is gifted and brave for putting up with it. She is always been there for me like a sister. Though, she was almost my sister. Aslynn, I would be honored for you to be a beta."

Aslynn stood up. I could see tears forming in her shiny eyes.

The crowd yipped and howled for their new second-in-command. Many of them seemed to respect her.

Aslynn swept past me and walked through the crowd, and too Neara's feet. She bowed to Neara and walked up next to her. By now I could see that it was a small, wooden platform that they were standing on. Aslynn then threw her arms around Neara in a tight hug.

A long "awwwww" came from the crowd. Actually, it was more like the restless group of warriors.

Aslynn bowed to Neara again and said that she was proud to take on the responsibility. She stood next to Neara and awaited the final beta.

"This next beta, is strong and swift. She is cleaver and experienced. I'm not sure if she noticed this, but she was Alpha for one brief moment. And I believe that she has the full ability to take on this responsibility. She showed courage and wisdom beyond my years. She proved loyal to me. Whenever something troubled me, the fight… I am proud to announce that I would be honored if Rinoa was our second beta."

Everyone was speechless. Especially Pagasis and myself. We didn't look at each other, speak, or even blink. My mouth was partly open. I couldn't believe my ears. "Rinoa!?"

The crowd began to cheer as Rinoa stood up. She held her head high and her chest out. I knew at once she had exempted the job. Careful not to step on anyone, she walked up to the platform. She looked proud and dignified. She sank into a bow then stood next to the platform.

"I accept your offer." she said. "I am proud to stay by your side."

I felt a movement beside me. I turned my head and looked at Pagasis. I could see that he was looking at the ground with a somber look on his face. I then realized what the problem was. Rinoa wouldn't be able to continue with us. As beta, she would have to say at the village to maintain her duties. I bet Pagasis felt like he had lost his best friend.

I put my paw on Pagasis' shoulder.

He lifted his head and looked at me. Then smiled.

"I'm proud of her." he said. "But…"

"I know," I said to him. "Don't worry, we can manage without her. I'm sure of it."

Our New Guide

After the announcements, we all sat down on the blankets while more natives performed in front of the fire.

Aquita, doing his fire dance, tossed one of the flaming sticks into the air and caught it like it was a mere feather.

Rinoa and Neara were sitting back at our blanket. Pagasis didn't say anything to Rinoa as she sat down beside him. She smiled down at him. He didn't smile back. He didn't even look up at her.

"Hey," she said while nudging him with her elbow.

He looked up at her and tried to smile.

"Listen, I'll always be your best friend. No matter how far apart we are. This is where I belong. I never knew I had a place where I'd fit in, until now. And all those years I spent my time alone, you were always there for me. You were always my friend. I thank you for it. I would have been lonely if it wasn't for you. Even with your family around, you treated me like I was one of them…"

I felt like I was going to cry when I heard this. Rinoa's words seemed so sincere. She sounded sad too. I knew that she didn't want to leave us either.

Pagasis smiled at her.

"I'm proud of you." he said. "You have what it takes to be a beta. Who knows, maybe someday we'll all be together again. The island would be free from the demons, and we can all come out of hiding. That is, if we find the bird…"

He couldn't say anymore. He leaned his head against Rinoa's arm. Tears were forming in his eyes.

I decided to butt out of their affairs and talk to Neara. She was joyful and fun to talk to.

I asked her if Kovu would become the Alpha male.

She nodded, and giggled.

"I hope. If he wants to."

"Oh, I know he will."

We talked for a while. I then decided that it would be a good idea if I went back to the shrine and found out what time it was. I wanted to leave and search for the bird. We were running out of time.

I opened the bag and peered at the clock. It was 5:32 in the evening. Pagasis and I would have to get going soon. I than realized that we were in trouble. We wanted to go to the marsh and look for the bird, but without Rinoa, we wouldn't be able to find it.

I ran back out of the shrine and went up to our blanket. Pagasis and Rinoa were happy again and talking to one another, and to Aquita, who just finished his dance.

I realized that Aslynn was gone. I sat down next to Neara and asked her where Aslynn was. Neara told me that she went to check up on Kovu.

"Oh." I said to her reply.

Suddenly, a warrior stood up from the crowd.

"Look!" he called to us while pointing behind us. "It's Kovu!"

Neara turned head with wide eyes.

We all turned our heads.

Aslynn and Kovu were approaching the blanket. Kovu had a cloth wrapped around his head. He had his usual smile and was looking at Neara in amusement like nothing had happened.

Aslynn looked proud of her handy work.

Neara stood up and ran up to him. She threw her arms around his neck in a tight hug.

He held her in his arms as well.

The crowd howled and cheered for them.

Aslynn walked around them and sat down on the blanket next to me.

"Well," she said while shrugging. "I wanted him to rest some more, but he was so anxious to come out… I couldn't lock him up."

The warriors were cheering and doing their little dance again. Everyone was laughing.

Neara and Kovu finally released and joined us at the blanket.

Aquita was very exited and gave Kovu a hug too and a pat on the back.

Kovu grinned at him.

"That hug was completely a-sexual, right?"

Aquita punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"You are such a butt head. I cannot believe you are trying to be funny at a moment like this."

We were all laughing. It was pretty funny.

"A moment like this?" said Kovu. "So that hug meant something else?"

Rinoa knocked him in the back with her huge paw.

"Oh, hi." Kovu said as he looked up at her.

Rinoa lowered her head next to his.

"Listen," she whispered. She then said something so low that I could hardly hear it.

Kovu must have heard it because he nodded.

Just then, Neara grabbed his hand.

"Kovu." she said. "I want you to be our Alpha male."

Kovu gave her a warm smile.

"I would be honored." he said. "And I want you to be my mate."

The two hugged again. This time they kissed. It was just like a human kiss, long and compassionate.

Just then Aquita stood up and howled. Rinoa joined him. Then the whole clan joined in as Kovu and Neara stood up and howled themselves.

The clan was celebrating their new alpha pair.

I roared. I don't know how I did it, I just did. I managed to harmonize with the song. Then beside me, I heard Pagasis whinny. I've never heard him do it before. I supposed that we all could do things that I never thought we could do. Even when it came to singing.

Bye Rinoa

We all sat down again. We talked and joked. Everyone was happy. I couldn't believe what all could happen in one day. I knew by then it was past 6:00.

"Pagasis," I said to him.

He looked at me.

"Yeah?"

"How are we going to find the marsh without Rinoa?"

"Oh, that is a problem…"

Kovu leaned over to me.

"I don't mean to be rude but I couldn't help but over hear your conversation… Big ears, you know." "Yeah," I said. "I didn't think you missed much with those."

Kovu laughed.

"Yeah, that's right. Anyway, you both need a guide right?"

I nodded. I then widened my eyes.

"You mean you?"

Kovu nodded.

"That's right. Your friend Rinoa told me that she couldn't show you the way, so she ordered me to do it."

Everyone at our blanket was looking at him now.

"She ordered you?" I said with a raised eyebrow.

Kovu grinned and leaned closer to me.

"Yeah, after all, she is the beta and I have to listen to her. She's scarier than hell too."

Rinoa nudged him with her elbow.

"But Kovu…" said Neara.

"I have to." Kovu interrupted. He held her hand again. "You and Rinoa alone can handle the clan. They need me. For now, I am merely a captain."

"But what will the warriors do without you?" Neara asked. "They need their captain to lead them."

"I know." said Kovu. He then let go of Neara's hand and looked at Aquita. "My friend here, will take my place."

Aquita didn't say anything. He just stared at Kovu with a blank expression.

Kovu placed his hand on Aquita's shoulder.

"Leadership is a hard burden, but I believe that you are strong enough in your youth. You deserve this. You are a great warrior and a friend."

Aquita nodded. He had a serious look on his face now.

Kovu stood up. He looked at Pagasis and I.

"We should move out soon." he said.

Pagasis and I nodded.

We went back to the shrine so I could grab my bag. We were leaving the village now. It was about 8:00 now and we wanted to reach the marsh before sun down. The sky was already beginging to turn orange, and the village was covered in shadow.

I was glad that Kovu had decided to give up his role of Alpha for a while to help us out. I knew that it meant a lot to him, and that he loved Neara more than anything, but he was still willing to do it. It made me wonder if he was meant to help us. I bet Aslynn would know.

Kovu walked up to me with his spear in hand. He also had a little leather pouch around his waist. He told me that he had some sewing materials and jerky in it when I asked him.

"Can't be too careful." he said cheerfully.

I could see that he had a good outlook on life, no matter what happened to him. I knew that the scars and the bump on his head would be a consent reminder of the whole ordeal that happened that morning.

Pagasis joined my side. He looked down at me with his usual smile.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

A group of natives stood around us. Aslynn, Neara, Rinoa, and Aquita with his group of rambunctious young warriors, were included.

Neara walked up to Kovu and put his arm around his chest.

"Come back alive." she said. "I just don't want to lose you."

"I will." he said. "Just don't let them drive you nuts."

He pointed to the group of warriors, who all had innocent looks on their faces at this time.

Meanwhile, another sneaked up behind Aslynn and grabbed her sides.

Aslynn immediately screamed and jumped. She turned furiously to the laughing young warrior. She didn't seem to find it so funny. She snapped his fingers in his face.

He immediately lowered his head and his ears dropped. He had to submit to his beta, and her beauty.

Aslynn had a very stern face as she leered down at him. She pointed to his hand.

Timidly, he raised his hand.

Aslynn grabbed a tight hold of his wrist. She then turned it knuckles up and slapped it. It made a loud snap sound.

I knew it must have stung. Although the warrior was totally humiliated, I couldn't stop myself from laughing. Everyone else was laughing too. Especially the group of warriors.

The humiliated one was called Lopah. His cheeks turned red and he crept back over to the crowd of warriors. They were all still chuckling and patting him on the back. Just then, one of them leaned over to Aquita and whispered something in his ear. Aquita grinned.

So did I. I heard every word the warrior told him and I anxiously waited for the worst.

Aquita walked right up to Aslynn. She just stared at him, not expecting what he was about to do.

I could tell that Aquita wasn't afraid at all. He didn't mind all the people staring at him, or the warrior's silent chuckles. He just kept to his usual confident grin as he looked into Aslynn's eyes.

She looked back into his. Wondering what he was up to.

Aquita then leaned forward and kissed her.

I could see Aslynn's eyes widen in shock. All of us had the same look, except for the warriors. They were laughing like crazy.

Aquita backed up. He looked triumphant and rather proud of himself.

I put my paw over my mouth and looked up at Pagasis with wide eyes.

He looked back with the same expression with his mouth hanging open. We both couldn't believe what Aquita just did.

Aslynn didn't make a sound. She just stood there with her eyes still wide with shock. I could see her cheeks slowly flush. She was trying so hard not to smile.

"Boy, what a fine squad this turned out to be." said Kovu with a sarcastic tone.

Aquita walked back up to the other warriors. They were all giving him pats on the back and giving him high fives.

Everyone else was just grinning and shaking their heads.

Meanwhile, Rinoa walked up to Pagasis.

"I hope we see each other again..." she said, trying not to sound dismal.

I looked at Pagasis' scar. I then realized that all his wings were black except for the tips of his feathers, and it was starting to grow around his stomach. I also noticed that Pagasis still had the necklace that Aslynn had given him the day before.

Pagasis knew of this too. Like Rinoa, he tried not to look or sound sad. He heaved a sharp sigh.

"I hope so too."

I could smell the sadness coming off of both of them. Pagasis voice sounded broken when he spoke. It was enough to make me want to cry.

"Well," said Kovu. "Shall we hit it?"

I nodded, and watched as Kovu give Neara a final hug. He then turned and walked a couple yards away, waiting for Pagasis and I to say our goodbyes.

Pagasis was staring longingly at Rinoa. He would miss his best friend. Possibly never see her again.

"I'll miss you." he finally said after a brief moment. "Just remember. Whatever happens to me, don't let the demons win."

Rinoa grinned.

"I won't let you down. I will fight to the death. For you and the island."

"Yes," said Neara who appeared at Rinoa's side. "We will all fight. This island is our home, and we must protect it. We will no longer hide here. You have our alliance."

Just then, Aslynn appeared on Rinoa's other side.

"Remember," she said to Pagasis. "All I can do now is wish you luck on your journey, but I can advise you on one thing. Keep that necklace on at all times. Don't lose it. For it would have a major impact on your future."

Smiling, Pagasis bowed to them, and they bowed to him in return. He then turned from them and went to Kovu.

I walked up to Rinoa.

"I'll miss you too." I said to her. "It will be different without you."

Rinoa lowered her head until it was level with mine. Her huge nose was only inches from mind.

"Be brave Esthenia. I know we'll all pull through."

I smiled and hugged her nose. I could feel her steady, warm breaths on my fur. After a moment I let her go. I backed up a couple paces as Rinoa rose her head tall and proud. I bowed to them, and without a second glance, I turned and took my place next to Pagasis.

He and Kovu smiled at me. We then all nodded to each other and began our journey to the Marsh. I could hear the howling of the natives as we passed the last wooden hut at the edge of the clearing. I could distinguish Rinoa and Aslynn's voices in the song. They harmonized with one another and made a wonderful sound. A tear rolled from my eye. It wasn't a sad tear. It was a tear of joy. Knowing that we were getting closer to saving Pagasis with every step the three of us took, that the Omogoa natives were willing to fight, and Rinoa finally found out where she belonged.

I think that the cheerful mood gave us all a little hope that day. All three of us walked with a little spring in our step and a song in our hearts.

The Marsh

I looked up at the red sky as we walked through the forest. It got darker and darker.

Kovu was leading the way. Moving low hanging branches aside with his spear, and nearly bush whacking me.

"Low bridge!" he shouted as a tick branch whipped bast my head.

"Okay," I hissed. "You did that three times already."

Pagasis just chuckled and shook his head. Just then he got a mouthful of leaves. He didn't look to thrilled about it.

Kovu and I laughed.

Pagasis just snorted.

"Don't worry Pagasis." I reassured. "We're laughing with you, not at you."

"Yeah, right." Pagasis snorted.

The darkness swiftly came. The moonlight shone dimly through the trees. I could see pretty well, but I didn't think that Pagasis could. I could see him running into trees at times.

"How in the world can both of you do this!!" he suddenly shouted after hitting another tree. "I can't see anything."

Kovu stopped and looked back at us.

"I have no idea." he said with a grin.

I gasped when I saw his eyes. They were glowing a bright yellow in the moonlight.

"What are you so surprised about?" he asked me. "Your eyes are glowing too."

"Yeah? Well mine aren't. I can't see a darn thing." said Pagasis.

"Oh, stop your complaining." I said to him. "I have something..."

I slid the bag off of my back. I sat it down and opened it.

"What `cha got there?" Kovu asked while curiously looking over my shoulder.

"A lantern." I replied as I pulled it out.

"Interesting..."

I closed my bag and put it back on my back. I then checked the lantern to see if it still had all it's fuel inside the canister. I told Kovu to turn the little nob to turn on the gas because my paws were too big. He turned the little nob and held it up so I could blow a small flame inside it to light the wick. He must have turned it up to high because the very moment I shot a small flame inside it, it immediately caught on fire.

Kovu dropped it and it exploded when it hit the ground. Leaving us in darkness once more.

"Nice work genius!" I hissed. "Now my father is going to kill me!"

Kovu and Pagasis were rather spooked. Their eyes seemed to be as large as my head with shock.

"What just happened?" Kovu blinked.

"It just exploded!" I said as I pointed to the charred pieces of the lantern on the ground.

We continued to walk in the darkness. I must have been getting used to all the walking because my legs weren't bothering me as much. I guided Pagasis so he wouldn't run into anything. He was grateful for it.

At one time, Kovu stopped and kneeled on the ground to look at some foot prints something had left behind.

"We best be cautious." he said as he stood up. "Sidie is near."

"Uh, who is Sidie?" I asked.

"Sidie is a giant rock bear that dwells near the cliff. The cliff is beyond our boarders, but sometimes she wanders over here to find food. She probably has a cub so if you see a cute, blue eyed little spike ball, Run."

I decided to take his advice and keep a lookout. We continued to walk for another hour. That's when my feet began to start hurting.

"Are we there yet?" I asked for the fifth time.

"Soon," said Kovu. "Never mind..."

Suddenly, the trees vanished and we stepped out into a clearing. I stared in awe at the still water in the center of the clearing. There were creeks flowing into it from all around. The moon reflected off of the surface of the crystal-clear water. It was the marsh. We finally made it.

"We're here." said Kovu. "Anyone thirsty?"

We all walked up to the edge of the water. I looked down into it. It was so clear that I could cleanly see the bottom. I leaned down and took a drink. It was pure and fresh. It cleared my mind, just as Kovu described.

I rose my head and looked at Pagasis and Kovu.

"This water is good." I said.

Pagasis licked his lips.

"Yeah," he said as he looked back into the water. "I wonder what makes it so pure?"

That's when I saw it. A large purple feather lying just a few feet away from me.

"Hey guys, check this out." I said as I ran up to it. I picked it up with my claws. As I did, shimmery dust fell from it and disappeared before it hit the ground.

Kovu and Pagasis appeared over my shoulders.

"It's a Misia bird feather!" Kovu exclaimed.

I stared at the feather. I rotated it slowly with my claws to examine the whole thing. It was several inches long and had a light green tip.

"That's a rare find." said Kovu. "Keep it close. It's a gift from the bird to you."

I smiled and put the feather in my pack. Just as I closed the zipper, I heard a bubbling sound from behind me. It was a light gargling, then it began to get louder. I turned around and looked at the clear lake. Only it wasn't clear or still anymore. A whirlpool had formed in the middle of it, and it was gradually growing bigger.

"What's... going on?" I stammered. I could feel the ground lightly vibrating under my paws.

Kovu and Pagasis couldn't answer. They just stood there and stared at it too. They were both lost for worlds.

The whirl pool got larger and larger. A deep hole had formed in the middle of it, and something large was emerging from it.

A head appeared, then a long, scaly neck and body. It rose until it was rearing thirty feet over the water. It looked like a serpent or dragon with large fins. It's shiny blue scales glistened wetly as well as it's huge fangs. It's angry eyes glowed red, and they were looking straight at us.

Zacoda, The Aqua Fox

All three of us trembled in fear as the huge beast leered down at us. I didn't know what to do. I was paralyzed with fright. The beast's murderous eyes seemed to put me in a trance that seemed to make my life flash before my eyes. I then heard the sound of hooves as Pagasis walked right in front of me. He lowered his head and stared back at the beast. His hoof pawed the ground. I gasped. He was protecting me! I wanted to tell him to move, I wanted to push him out of the way, I didn't want nothing to happen to him.

I looked back up at the beast as it let out a loud, screeching hiss. That's when I saw it. A small creature was perched on top of it's head. I tried to look more closely as it ran to the edge of the beast's nose and jump off the end of it as if the beast's were a diving board. I watched it land with a small splash in the calming water.

I waited a moment, scanning the top of the water for any sign of the small creature.

Seconds later, it popped out of the water and landed on the shore only a few feet away from us. It was pretty short with slippery blue skin. It looked somewhat like a fox, only it's ears and feet were webbed and its tail was like that of a dauphin's.

"Zacoda?" said Kovu, as he lowered his spear that he had pointed at the beast, and took a couple steps toward the small creature.

Pagasis relaxed.

"What is that thing?" I asked.

Kovu looked down at the little creature and pat it on the head.

"Zacoda here is an aqua fox. I wasn't supposed to tell anybody about them but I suppose since you've already seen one, there isn't any harm in telling you."

"An aqua fox?" said Pagasis. "I've heard of them. Aren't they water purifiers?"

"Correct." said Kovu. "They keep the water clean here. They live deep in this lake and the water flows to the ocean."

"Deep?" I said as I looked at the small lake. "How deep could this thing be?"

"Very." said Kovu. "Don't let the size of it fool you."

I then took a closer look at the water. I then realized that the beast had vanished.

"Kovu, what was that huge monster?" I asked.

"That is an ocean Guardian." Zacoda said. "It just stopped by here for a visit."

"Oh." I murmured. I knew what the ocean Guardians were. I supposed that they were as fearsome as they sounded when others told me about them.

Zacoda ran back up to the edge of the water.

"I'd better go now." he said. "The boss will be very mad at me."

"Wait!" Kovu cried before the little fox could dive into the water. "Have you seen the Misia bird?"

"I've heard about it being here," said Zacoda after a moment of thinking. "But I haven't seen it myself."

"Oh." Kovu sighed. He then ran up to the fox and kneeled down in front of him.

"Listen." he said. "There is going to be a battle. We are gathering up all the island's inhabitants so we can defeat the demons. Tell your leader. We will need your aid."

Zacoda nodded and without another word he turned and dove into the clear water.

Kovu stood up and turned to us. He was looking pitifully at Pagasis.

"We should go to the cliff." he finally said. "Maybe we'll spot the bird up there. Plus, we may find more allies in that area. It's beyond our clan boarders so I don't know what's up there."

"Pagasis and I have been up there." I said. "I don't think it's too far from here."

Pagasis looked at me and smiled.

I smiled back. Both our minds went back to when we first met. He took me up to the cliff, to were it was safe. I remembered the cave and the beautiful view. I felt pretty down though. I could see that Pagasis was almost completely black now. Only his hind quarters and back legs could be seen in the darkened forest. The moonlight made his white fur and eyes glow. He looked sad and contempt. Even when he looked happy. There was this look of despair in his eyes. I knew that he relied on me and I wanted to help him more than anything. Not just because he was my Guardian, but he was my best friend, and I loved him dearly. One thought always made my hope decline; I feared that we would never find the bird in time.

Sidie

Kovu kept our spirits alive by telling jokes and looking at the brighter side of things. We decided to bed down for the night and get some rest. It was pretty dark and scary, but Pagasis and I made another fire. It gave us a lot of light and was warm and comforting.

The woods all around us were black. Kovu stated that he'd never been to this part of the forest before because it was past the clan boarders. That had me pretty worried. I feared that we had gotten lost. The trees seemed to close in on us the farther we walked. They completely shut out the moonlight.

I yawned.

"So are you sure you know what way to go?" I asked Kovu.

"I'm pretty sure of it." he replied.

I laid on my stomach, staring at the glowing fire. I could hear Pagasis' steady breaths as he lay next to me in a deep sleep. Kovu and I were the only ones awake.

"Don't worry about it." said Kovu as he took out a piece of leather to sharpen his spear tip. "I'll scout ahead. I'll probably be back before you wake up, and if I'm not, then don't worry about me."

I watched him as he rubbed the leather up and down his spear tip. He had a piece of jerky in his teeth. He wasn't really eating it, just nibbling. His yellow eyes were sill glowing. They gave me the creeps.

"What if something happens to you?" I asked him moments later.

"I can pretty much take care of myself." he said. "But if you and Pagasis get into trouble, just call my name. I can hear you from miles away."

"That doesn't surprise me. This might come off as a bit rude," I said, thinking about his ears. "but why do you look so different?"

Kovu grinned and chuckled.

"I get that a lot." he said.

"Well I mean, you're not that different, just…"

"Don't worry." he interrupted. "I don't quite know why myself. I've always looked this way since I was born."

"Do you know who your parents were?" I asked. "Surely they would have known and told you."

"I never knew my parents." he said. "Wotan told me that they died when I was a pup. He took care of me."

"Oh, Kovu. I didn't know…"

"It's all right." he said. "Like I said, I never knew them. So it shouldn't matter."

"You said that Wotan raised you. Is that were you got your good fighting skills?" I asked while trying to take a stab at changing the subject.

"I guess." he replied. "He taught me everything I know. He gave me my rank as captain and gave me my spear. He was a good guy."

"Yeah." I said. "So, you knew Neara as a pup then…"

Kovu nodded.

"She and I were good friends. I wasn't until a few years ago when we fell for one another. Both of us were pretty young. We couldn't be together around the village though. She had to be marred to the beta. I'm glad that little rule has finally changed."

"Are you going to have any children?" I giggled.

Kovu's white face turned a little pink.

"I think so… Uh, sure. Why wouldn't we?"

I grinned. I then turned over on my back and folded my arms behind my head.

"I wonder what your children will look like." I said. "I bet they'll be adorable."

Kovu just chucked and shook his head.

"You should get some sleep." he finally said while gathering up his things. "You need your rest. The demons might return, and if that be, we'll fight. We need all our strength."

I nodded.

"Good night, Kovu." I said while closing my eyes.

"Good night, Esthenia."

I heard him swiftly walk away into the brush. I was glad I had gotten to talk to him. I knew him better after that. He was a nice person. Wotan had raised him right. I felt a bit afraid after he left. Being alone in the dark. That's when I turned over on my side and realized that I wasn't alone at all. Pagasis was still there. Though, I could hardly see him because he was so dark, I could feel him. I could feel his warmth, and I felt protected. I watched him sleep, trying to keep the thought of his death out of my head. I couldn't think about what I'd do if he weren't around. I felt like I knew him all my life. His personality was the exact opposite of mine so I didn't know how we could have possibly gotten along. I enjoyed my privacy and solitude, but I never knew what it was like to be truly alone. I would have thought the worst of it, but Pagasis, he thought the best of it. He was strong enough to take his fate while I would find a way to change it. I, myself have never believed in fate. I've always believed to control my own life, to change some things that may come. I didn't know if Pagasis was going to die or not, I didn't know if we'd find the bird and wish him back to normal, I just knew we'd get through this… together.

I finally fell asleep. It didn't seem to be too much longer when I was awoken by Pagasis. I sat up and looked at him from head to toe. The scar was beginning to grow to his back legs. The rest was completely covered. He gave me his usual smile, the one that always made me feel good.

"Good morning to you." he said.

"Morning, Pagasis." I yawned. I got up on all four paws and stretched. I felt my back pop a couple times, but I didn't care, it felt kind of good.

"Where's Kovu?" Pagasis asked.

"He said that he'd scout ahead to make sure we were going the right way." I replied. "I take it he's not back yet."

"Nope." said Pagasis.

I sighed and walked over to my back pack that I hung on a low branch the night before. I took it down and sat it on the ground. I wondered what time it was. The sun was just barely rising so I knew it was definitely morning. I opened my bag and looked at the clock. It was exactly 6:00 am. I closed my bag and turned to Pagasis.

"What `cha doin?" he asked me.

"Just keeping track of the time." I replied.

"Oh, do you think we should go look for him?" Pagasis asked.

"Kovu, nah, he said he'd be back by morning. He'll be here."

"Oh, okay."

I looked at Pagasis. Something wasn't right about the way he looked at that moment. It was kind of a tense, nervous look.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm not quite sure." he said. "Something's out there, I can sense it."

"Really? Like what. You don't think it's a demon do you?"

"I hope not."

Pagasis stared around, he still looked pretty tense. Hoping it was Kovu and not some demon, I looked around too. I couldn't smell anything else but, Pagasis' anxiousness. That's when my ears twitched. Something was rustling the bushes behind us. I got Pagasis' attention and we both turned around and waited for whatever it was. The sounds haven't stopped. It sounded like someone was just wandering around. I was a bit frightened by what it might have been. I had my claws dug into the ground in attack position in case it was something bad. Then, a little creature popped out from behind a tree. I relaxed.

It was no more than two feet tall and had little clawed hands and feet. It was covered from head to toe in large, gray scales. It's large, friendly blue eyes were looking at us curiously.

"What is that thing?" Pagasis asked with a queer look on his face.

"I don't know." I said with amusement. "It looks like a baby dragon or something. Whatever it is, it's adorable."

For some odd reason, I had a desire to pounce on it. I could feel my tail swish back and fourth. I went down on my hunches.

"Don't even think about it." said Pagasis.

I looked up at him as he strode past me and right up to the little creature.

"Uh, Pagasis." I said. "Maybe you shouldn't get so close…"

Pagasis grinned.

"What? How's this little thing going to harm us?"

I didn't reply, I was too busy looking up over his head were a large gray mass had formed. I wanted to tell him but was paralyzed with fright.

Pagasis' eyes grew wide when he noticed my expression.

"There's something behind me isn't there?"

A large claw came out of nowhere from behind Pagasis. He ducked just in time and dodged a second blow. He ran up to me and turned in a defensive position.

A huge, scaly gray beast emerged from the brush. It was standing on two legs, over eight feet tall. Its scales and spikes looked like they were made up of solid stone. Its two-clawed hands thrashed around and it's large, sharp teeth glistened with drool. It ambled out into the clearing.

"This doesn't look good!" I whimpered.

The Return of Rinoa

"That must be that rock bear Kovu told us about!" I said while backing away. "That other thing must be it's cub."

Pagasis continued to stand his ground. He pawed the ground with his front hoof while he stomped nervously with his back ones.

Sidie, the rock bear, went down on all fours and looked at her cub. It ran up to her front leg and began to whimper. Sidie growled and looked at us murderously.

"What are we going to do?" I asked. I was so afraid, my fur was standing on end and my claws were digging deep into the ground.

Pagasis didn't answer. He didn't want to show the bear that he was afraid. He continued to paw the ground, threatening to charge.

The bear reared up on it's back legs and let out a thunderous roar. She then dropped back down on all fours and charged at Pagasis.

Pagasis dodged out of the way. He was much smaller than the bear, making him much quicker.

Sidie swung her claws, trying to hit whatever was in their way. Trees and shrubs were torn like paper as the long, sharp claws struck them.

Pagasis jumped back and landed next to me. He was sweating and panting hard. His ears were pressed back and he continued to look threatening.

"Run!" he said to me.

"What? What about you?"

"Don't you worry about me! You should get out of here. I'll hold her off as long as I can."

I felt angry.

"No! I won't leave you!" I shouted.

Suddenly, something struck the bear in the back. Sidie roared and thrashed around as a spear landed at my feet. I looked down at it in shock.

Just then, Kovu appeared in front of me. He picked his spear up out of the ground and pointed it at the bear.

"Kovu!" I cried.

"In the flesh." he said with a grin. "I leave you two for a second and you get into trouble. Don't move. She can't see you if you don't move."

Pagasis and I didn't move a muscle. Everything went quiet.

Sidie went back down on all fours. She looked around for a moment. She then look straight at us and roared. She then charged at us.

"Let's get out of here!" Kovu shouted.

We turned and ran.

I ran as fast as I could. I could see my friends next to me and hear Sidie crashing behind us. I was afraid. I was very afraid. I couldn't think or talk. I just ran. Leaves and branches struck me in the face. They stung my face and neck. I didn't stop though. That is, until I almost ran into a large rock. I stopped. I could hear Kovu and Pagasis halting beside me.

"Well… we found the cliff." said Kovu.

I looked up. It was like a large rock wall in front of us. We were trapped! I turned toward the forest. The tree's crashed and snapped as Sidie drew near.

"Oh, great!" I shouted. "We're trapped!"

Kovu held his spear out in front of him.

"You two can fly away." he said through gritted teeth. "I'll…"

"No!" said Pagasis. "We aren't going to leave you here."

"We're in deep do doo!" I shouted as I backed up against the wall.

Pagasis and Kovu did the same thing.

Suddenly, the tree branches were shredded as Sidie clawed her way out of the forest. She was still charging at us. Her claws were raised and she was roaring and growling with anger.

I flattened myself against the wall, waiting for impact. I knew I couldn't fight my way out of it. My claws wouldn't of even left a scratch, and my fire attacks couldn't of effect it either. I was merely no match for her. She would have squashed me like a bug.

Suddenly, my ear twitched and a huge, black wolf dropped right in front of us.

I felt my heart stop and my mouth fly open. My eyes must have been the size of dinner plates.

The wolf launched itself at the bear and they engaged in physical combat.

"Rinoa?" I gasped.

Kovu and Pagasis' eyes were wide too. Kovu finally found his voice and leaned forward with a grin and yelled,

"Way to go! Kick her butt!!"

Pagasis was speechless.

Rinoa and Sidie ripped and tarred at each other. Rinoa's large fangs found themselves on Sidie's scaly back, and swung her around.

Sidie roared in aggravation, then slashed at Rinoa's nose.

Rinoa yelped in pain and dropped Sidie with a loud thud.

Sidie landed on her side. She sat back up and stood up again. She roared and growled at Rinoa maliciously while Rinoa showed her large teeth and growled back.

The whole thing was a frightening sight. I didn't know what to do. I felt kind of guilty just sitting back and watching, but I was too shocked to move.

Rinoa's hair was standing on end. She looked huge and frightening. Suddenly, her eyes flashed blue again. That's when it got weird. Rinoa's fangs began to grow longer. They grew until they were as long as my arms!

I stared in awe. I couldn't believe what was happening. I didn't take my eyes off of Rinoa. Something about her had changed.

Rinoa continued to stare at Sidie. Her eyes were still blue.

Sidie thrashed around in confusion. She wasn't hurt or bleeding, she was afraid. Then she froze.

I gasped when a blue field formed around the bear. I looked at Rinoa once more. She didn't move. She just continued to stare. I didn't understand…

Then, Rinoa's jaws opened and a huge blue fireball blasted out of her open mouth. It flew through the air and hit Sidie dead on.

The bear shirked in pain and agony, then fell to the ground.

Rinoa's eyes went back to normal. She was panting and tired, shocked at the same time. She turned her massive head and looked at us. Her fangs were back to normal.

Nobody moved. We just stared a her, our eyes wide with surprise.

"What just happened?" I finally said.

"I… don't know…" Rinoa stammered.

"I do." said a female voice from above.

We all gasped and looked up. And there, on top of the cliff, was a huge white wolf.

It's large, blue eyes were looking at us from it's great height. There were black markings around them and her ears were black as well, and long too. Large, green wings were on it's shoulders.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

"Is that a…?"

"A Dragonwolf…" Pagasis awed.

A Family Reunited

The Dragonwolf looked at each of us. Her bright blue eyes seemed to pierce my body and look right through me. She appeared to by lying down.

I didn't move. I was so bewildered and amazed that I couldn't take my eyes off of her.

"So this is a Dragonwolf." I said to myself. "She's huge!"

Everyone was as shocked as I was. They were probably thinking about the same thing.

The Dragonwolf stood up and leapt down from the cliff. Her large, leathery wings made her seem to float down when she spread them. When she landed, the ground seemed to shake beneath my paws.

I could see every detail of her now. She had large, green spines going down her back. Her whole hind end was like that of a dragon. Dragon legs and feet and a long, whip-like tail. Every thing was white except for a bit of green hair on the end of her tail. She was taller than Rinoa. I guessed it was by six feet.

"Who are you?" she asked me.

I looked at her more closely and noticed that she was looking straight at me. Her stare gave me the chills.

"Uh… me? I'm Christy." I stammered.

"Ah, so it is you." she said with a grin. "You are Esthenia. You came here to save the island from the demons."

"Yes." I said, sounding a bit more brave. "And to save Pagasis."

She closed her eyes and shook her massive head. She had a sympathetic look about her.

"It's too late for him. If you had come here in search for the bird your quest is in vain. The bird has already left the island."

I gasped. I looked at Pagasis. I could see fear in his eyes as he continued to stare at the Dragonwolf. I felt tears form in my eyes.

"How do you know of this?" Rinoa finally said. "Who are you?"

The Dragonwolf looked at her with a frown.

"I am called Carona," she said. Then she smiled. "And you are Rinoa. I'm glad you didn't turn out the way you were supposed to be."

"What are you talking about?" Rinoa growled. "Have you been watching me?"

"Indeed I have. You and your brother."

Rinoa looked angry.

"My brother!? I don't have a brother. You must be mistaken."

Carona shook her head.

"No. I know my children when I see them."

Everyone gasped.

"Your… children?" Rinoa gasped. Her eyes were wide.

"Yes. I am indeed your mother Rinoa. You are of Dragonwolf blood, and demon blood. I raised you when you were young to not become one of them like you were supposed to. Your brother was taken to the village to be taken care of by the alpha. I was able to disguise him, but not you."

Rinoa looked down at Kovu, and he looked back up at her. They both had the same expression.

"You mean… She's my sister?" said Kovu. "And your my mother?"

Carona nodded.

Rinoa's fur stood up. She was trembling with rage.

"Why did you abandon us? How come you never told us? We lived a lie!"

Carona looked a bit hurt.

"I'm sorry…" she said softly. "I had to protect you. Our kind has been evolving over the years. They began to loose their powers and dragon heritage. In some cases, you Rinoa, have demon blood in them."

"Demon blood!?" Rinoa growled. "Is that why I look this way!"

"Yes. I couldn't hide you in the village. They would have treated you like an outcast."

"Why did you have to hide us in the first place?"

Carona looked at Rinoa. She had regained her stern, sedate appearance.

"It was your father." she sighed. "He and I were the last of our kind. We were mates then. He was great and proud. Until, he was taken over by greed. It began to grow worse and worse. I didn't realize it until his countenance began to change. Whenever he looked at me, I could sense their coldness. He had become a demon. When Rinoa was born, she was as black as the night. I knew that would be a problem. Seeing as how that is a demonic symbol. Digarah, your father, had grown so evil that he was immutable. After Kovu was born, he declared that he didn't want anymore Dragonwolves on the island. He wanted to rule the island with me by his side. He wanted to kill you both and everyone else on the island. So I banished him. We fought until he fled.

"Out of fear of him returning, I hid you from him. I didn't want him to find you and kill you. I love you both and I've been watching you. Proud that you've lived up to your nature, and discovered your power."

She was looking at Rinoa, and Rinoa knew what she was talking about. I could see tears form in her eyes. They were forming in mine too.

"So after I took care of your brother, I taught you how to survive and take care of yourself. I also taught you the good ways. Kindness and loving. If I didn't you would have become a demon. You may look it, but you are no demon. Your heart is true and pure. These days, color doesn't matter anymore. It's the sole inside that shows the real you, and that is when I see when I look at you Rinoa. You may not be a true Guardian but you are a loyal, devoted protector and I am proud to have you as my daughter."

Rinoa was speechless. She didn't even smile or blink, but her eyes had a softness to them. A softness I've never seen before. I could smell the compassion coming off of both of them. Their family was united at last.

Rinoa walked up to Carona with a smile.

"Thank you." said Rinoa. "And I am proud to have you as my mother."

Carona licked Rinoa on the cheek and smiled. They then looked at Kovu.

He'd been standing there the whole time, not moving a muscle. His eyes and mouth were open with shock. He was kind of in between the stage of fainting and laughing.

Carona grinned down at her son.

"I've been watching you too. Your fighting skills are remarkable. You get them from your father. He was a great warrior, and handsome too. You have his looks too. And I suppose I shall reveal your true form…"

Kovu's True Form Unveiled

"Wha?" was all Kovu said.

Carona's eyes turned a bright blue and Kovu was lifted off his feet.

Pagasis and I took a step back. It was like a force of some kind was pushing us back and making us unable to see or smell. We weren't quite sure what was happening. Pagasis looked frightened. I was kind of mixed between that and excitement. A strong wind had formed, sending up dust and leaves. It roughly blew my hair around. I dug my claws into the soil to keep myself on my feet.

Rinoa also stepped back as her brother began to glow.

Kovu looked confused. We could barely see his expression for long because a burst of light blinded us and sent Kovu shooting straight up. He looked like a swirling firework at a display ready to burst open like a colorful flower, and when it did, huge pair of wings spread out from his body like a cocoon.

It was still to light to see any detail, but I could see his form floating to the ground. I stared hard until his feet hit the ground. Right away the light cleared away and the dust settled. And there he stood. His feet were larger making him a few feet taller than he was before. He had large leathery, green wings and a green spine like Carona had and a long whip-like tail (minus the green hair). However, unlike Carona, he had green chest scales that went all the way down his stomach and two horns on top of his head. He still had his long, black ears and the black markings around his eyes, only his eyes were now blue, his eyelids were green and the markings were larger. A shimmering blue jewel was right in the middle, partly covered by his bangs. He had long, black hair now that went past his shoulders.

He looked down at his hands, then touched his chest. He was definitely speechless. He looked at himself from head to toe then looked up at Carona.

"Thank you, mother." he said after a moment.

Carona smiled and nodded. Kovu ran up to her and she lowered her head. He hugged her nose. Carona chuckled as he let go.

"I've always wondered why I was different." said Kovu.

"Wow!" I said while walking up to him. "Kovu, you look great. I should have known you and Rinoa were related."

Kovu smiled down at me.

I then stood up on my hind legs and elbowed his side.

"I bet Neara would love this…" I teased.

His cheeks turned a bit pink.

I then sat back down and looked at Pagasis. He was still standing were he'd started. He hadn't moved in a while. He looked sad to me. Then a shadow went over me and I realized what was wrong. His back legs were all black except the end of his right foot.

"Carona," I said.

Carona looked down at me.

"Yes?"
"Well, you said that the bird has left the island. Is it true, that Pagasis can't be saved?" I asked desperately.

Carona closed her eyes and lowered her massive head.

"I'm afraid it is so…" she said.

I turned to Pagasis with my eyes welling up in tears. He was looking back at me, trying to hide what he was really feeling. I ran up to him.

"Calm down." said Pagasis with his usual smile. I knew he was trying to make me feel better.

"No!" I said. I was too stubborn to let him go. "I don't want you to die! You're my best friend…"

I leaned forward and threw my arms around his neck and broke down. I didn't know what to think just then. My mind went blank.

"I know how you feel." said Pagasis softly. "And believe me, I know what it's like to loose a loved one, but I'll do what I have to."

I released him and looked into his blue eyes. They looked sincere. I didn't say anything, just nodded.

"Listen to me." said Carona urgently.

We all turned our attention to her.

"The demon army is returning today. They heard of the rumor that Esthenia herself was here, and they have a new recruit. A powerful one. Now then, we must spit up and gather our people to the meadow. There isn't much time. The demons will be here by the end of this day."

We all looked at one another, wondering what to do. Until Rinoa finally made up our minds for us.

"Okay," she said. "Christy and Pagasis, you go get the Aqua foxes. Kovu will go to the village and round everyone up. I'll stay here and let everyone know when the demons arrive."

We nodded and went our separate ways.

The Death of Pagasis

Pagasis and I made our way to the marsh as quickly as we could. We decided not to fly. Pagasis said he was feeling a bit tired. This worried me a lot. I knew that it was only a matter of time before it happened.

The sun was shining through the trees. I had a feeling that it was around noon at that time. I couldn't look at my clock because I had accidentally left my back pack at our camp site were we met Sidie. The rock bear hadn't died. When Carona appeared, Sidie vanished. I was kind of glad to see that she didn't get killed. Her cute little cub would have been motherless.

Pagasis and I didn't talk very much as we walked. I wanted to talk to him but I couldn't think of anything to say. He tried to look happy as if anything weren't happening, but I could see it in his eyes that he feared his demise. I was angry with myself mostly. I couldn't help him. I didn't care about the island anymore. I wanted him to live.

It didn't take us to long to reach the marsh. The bright sun reflected off the lake, making it glow a soft yellow. An aqua fox met us almost as soon as we reached the shore.

This one sounded like a female. She was a bit smaller than Zacoda and lighter colored. She told us that they were all ready to go.

"Good." I said. "Now go to the meadow and wait. The Omogoa natives are on their way too. Be ready. The demons are coming today!"

"Okie dokie!" she said while she gave us a solute. She then dove back into the water.

Pagasis and I looked at each other strangely.

"Those things are weird." I said.

Pagasis just laughed.

We then decided to stop back at our camp site really fast to pick up my bag. While we were walking over to it, we began to talk again.

"This whole thing has got me creeped out." I shuddered. "Those demons sound awful."

"Well, with your fire power you should handle them rather well." said Pagasis.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Demons hate the heat. That gives you the advantage."

I smiled up at him and he smiled back. We then decided that we would fly to the village after we got my bag back. Flying would be a lot faster than walking. I also wanted to hear about what Neara thought about Kovu's new appearance.

"I wonder how Rinoa's going to let everyone know when the demons are coming. Maybe she'll howl or something." I said. I then waited for Pagasis to respond. It was all quiet. A feeling of dread went trough my chest. I spun around and there he was.

He was just standing there behind me. Not moving a muscle. His eyes were wide open and staring. They weren't really looking at anything. It gave me the chills. I could see beads of sweat on his head.

"Pagasis?" I said. I didn't move either. "Are you okay?"

He didn't reply, and that's when I saw it. The right spot on his left foot was black. Suddenly, a red flash burst out of his forehead followed by blood. His eyes grew even larger and his pupils shrank. Then they rolled as he began to fall.

"No!" I cried as I ran up to him. I was suddenly blinded by tears.

Pagasis hit the ground hard. I could feel it beneath my paws.

"No!" I kept yelling. "No! Get up! You can make it!"

When I finally reached him his eyes were closed. His long legs appeared to be frozen as well as the rest of him. He wasn't moving. Not even his chest when he would breathe.

"Pagasis?" I whispered. "Pagasis, get up…"

I then broke down. I rest my head on his still chest. Pagasis was dead.

"We were so close." I sobbed as a lay over my friend. "Don't leave me…"

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't think. The whole world around me seemed to disintegrate into nothingness. My chest was burning, and I could hardly breathe. The sick feeling in my stomach made me want to throw up. I didn't want to leave him. I didn't care anymore. I wanted to die myself.

I then felt a chilling sensation. I could feel the hair ridge along my back. I didn't realize what was happening until I sat up. I felt a surge of anger go through me.

"That demon, Isthrak." I thought to myself. "That evil demon killed Pagasis! He took his horn and left him to die in my arms…"

I was trembling with anger. Then, without warning, I felt my claws slash the right side of my face. It burned badly, and I realized that I'd done that myself without even thinking. I then stopped crying. My eyes were dry and burning like the right side of my face. I then realized what was happening to me. I gasped.

"No! I don't want to become a demon!" I roared. I felt my paws clench up and my claws digging into my palms.

"Esthenia…"

"What!? Who said that?" I said. I felt myself begin to relax. "Pagasis?"

I then looked up. The sun shined through the trees and lit up my surroundings.

"Don't do this Esthenia… Don't be angry."

"I can't help it!" I said to the sky. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't want to become a demon."

"Look at the body."

I looked down at the dead, black Pagasis in front of me. I didn't want to look but I dared not hesitate.

"See the necklace?"

I looked at the dream catcher necklace that Aslynn had given him.

"Yes." I said. "I see it."

"Take it."

"What? No, I couldn't do that…"

"Go ahead. Don't worry, he won't mind."

I gasped and then realized that it was a female voice that was talking to me. One that I never heard before. I decided to take her advice and lean over and untie the leather string with my shaking claws. My whole body was shaking uncontrollably. When I had it, I took it off his neck and looked up again. Not sure what to do.

"Put it on."

"Okay," I whimpered, and I put the necklace around my neck and tied it in the back with my claws. I suddenly felt a warmth spread through me. It started at my chest and went to my stomach. It wasn't the hot, sick feeling I had, but it was a cozy and comfortable feeling. I also noticed that my face wasn't burning anymore. I felt it with my paw and realized that the scratches were gone. I wondered what had happened and my question was shortly answered.

"Don't feel bad." said a familiar voice in my head. I then gasped and realized it was Pagasis' voice. The same one that made me feel comfortable and happy no matter how miserable I felt.

"Pagasis?" I said to myself.

"Yes, it is me. Don't worry. I'm coming back."

A New Beginning

Suddenly, the dark body in front of me began to glow. I was startled and backed away. I could only see the outline of my friend's body. The rest of it was swallowed in a bright, white light.

"What's going on!" I whimpered out loud. "What's happening to him!"

I was answered by a burst of light. It was so bright I couldn't see a thing. I felt myself roll back and my back slamming into a tree. I didn't care about the pain. I wanted to know what was happening. I closed my eyes because the light began to make them really hurt. Once more I could feel a wind blowing around. I didn't know what was up with the wind and light thing. It seemed to be happening a lot lately. Then, all at once, everything stopped. I opened my eyes, and there in front of me was a white winged horse.

It wasn't the one I remembered. It had red leg hair and a red jewel on its forehead. Just above it was a shiny, gold horn. I then looked at its blue hair and small white ears that poked out of it. Then into its blue eyes and realized that it was exactly the same one I remembered.

"Pagasis…" I whispered.

The horse smiled.

"I told you I'd be back." he said.

When he spoke, his mouth didn't move. It was like he was speaking from his mind, but it was still that same voice. Tears of joy were streaming down my face. I ran up to him and threw my arms around his neck. I laughed with joy.

"You're alive!" I cheered over and over again.

Pagasis laughed too.

"I thought you had died!" I suddenly cried. More tears were streaming down my face. "I don't know what I'd do without you!"

"I was only gone for a couple of minutes." said Pagasis.

I let him go and backed up. I was pretty angry with his optimism.

"You were dead for a couple of minutes you moron!" I shouted. "Do you have any idea how much you scared me!!"

"…"

"Well?"

"I was only joking…" he finally said.

I felt like hitting him upside the head to knock some sense into him. I then realized something.

"Uh, Pagasis?" I said. "Why aren't you dead?"

He gave me a rather queer look.

"No, no!" I exclaimed. "I didn't mean that! I just… how?"

"You know the legends that I told you?" he asked. "About Esthenia's first Guardians?"

I nodded.

"Well, they were both half gods. My kind was born from Simone, the daughter of the great dream god. After I died, I saw her. I couldn't exactly see her, but I felt her there. She told me that I was her closest descendent and that I was half god as well…"

"Woa, woa, woa!" I said and waved my paws around. "You meant to tell me that…"

"Yes." he said. "I am immortal. I can't die, unless you die."
I gasped.

"Isthrak knew it too." he said. "He knew that I wouldn't die, but he did hope that I would turn into a demon by taking my horn. I appeared to be dying, but really, I wasn't. As soon as the scar spread through my whole body, I would resurrect and live again in my true form as a god and regain my power. He had hopped that the whole ordeal would infuriate me and turn me into a demon where I would be forced to join his army."

"Simone told you all of this?" I asked curiously.

"Yes." he replied. "She spoke to you too."

I looked down at his dream catcher necklace around my neck.

"So that's who it was…" I said to myself.

"Yes." said Pagasis. "It was her. You almost became a demon if it wasn't for the charm."

I gasped and looked back up at him.

"What? Did you just hear what I was thinking?"

He nodded.

"And when you put it on… I could hear your voice inside my head, and I replied it. That charm that Aslynn gave me was to make sure that I didn't become a demon. It kept me calm by putting an image inside of my head for me to look at when I was angered or sad."

"What did you see?" I asked.

He gave me a warm smile.

"It was you." he said. "And you saw me. We are able to see and talk to each other telepathically when you are wearing it. Our thoughts become linked. And when this island goes down, I go with it."

"So, when I wear this," I said while looking at the charm. "We can talk to, and see one another?"

Pagasis nodded.

"Woa…" I blinked and sat down. This whole thing was getting way too weird for me. I couldn't possibly imagine that something so strange could happen to me.

Suddenly, a howl rang through the forest. I realized right away that it was Rinoa.

"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed. "The demons must be coming!"

"Then lets go." said Pagasis with a wicked grin. "I have a little score to settle."