The Generous Lupe

by TomatoSoup

It was just another sunny day in Neopia. Exlund the white Lupe cheerfully padded across the worn path home to his owner. He had just come back from the training school. He was quite tired but he was still feeling great. Exlund bounded into the dark forest, crammed with beautiful Neopian trees. This was not his favourite part of the journey home for there were many dangers flooding the gloomy forest. Luckily he had no Neopoints with him so ghosts were not a problem.

Exlund shuddered to think of the evil mutated Grundo crossing his path. True, they were slow and stupid, but if he did not keep alert, he would get in trouble for sure because those ugly green creatures were stronger than many Neopians (including himself). Exlund was strong and brave, but knew his limits, so he tried to stay far from monsters and ghouls and other bone-chilling creatures. Suddenly he heard a twig snap and a low growl rumbled in his throat.

Exlund bristled and bared his fangs, hoping it was only a wild Chia or Cybunny prancing around. A branch fell from a tree filtering light through a narrow crack in the canopy. Dimly, Exlund saw a form about his size emerge from the brush. He peered at the form and used his night vision ability to see what stood before him. Luckily it was another Lupe, his fur was a deep blood red and sort of dirty, ragged and scuffed up. Obviously this was a wild Lupe. Exlund greeted the male Lupe as if they were old friends but the other Lupe showed no emotion and continued to glare coldly at him. Exlund studied the large Lupe's face. He was older and wiser but he was terribly skinny. Carefully, Exlund rolled on his back showing respect for the elder Lupe, even though Exlund was indeed much stronger. Exlund looked at him and when he saw the red Lupe's tail wag slowly, he knew that the red Lupe was peaceful.

Exlund got up and barked happily, the red Lupe looked solemnly at him and said, "I am RedBlaze. I am the leader of the pack and I am looking for food, for my pack is starving, all the others are too weak to come and I must find meat. I considered you but I can tell you are too powerful," sighed RedBlaze. "Well we must do something to help your pack lead me to them I know how to help!" cried Exlund worriedly forgetting the old Lupe had planned to kill him. The red Lupe hesitated but then signaled Exlund to follow. They walked silently, Exlund gazed at the old Lupe and admired his determination to survive. As they hurried along Exlund struggled not to go to fast, but he always found himself ahead a few steps. Soon they came to a circle of trees clumped close together surrounding a big cave. As Exlund entered the circle he stopped dead in his tracks too horrified to move.

All scattered around the open grassy circle were dying Lupes. They were groaning and moaning loudly and he watched as a mother Lupe howled in sorrow over her young pups. Exlund gulped he had never known such suffering and could not imagine what the poor Lupes were going through. "Please help them" whispered RedBlaze, Exlund could hear the sincerity in his deep voice. In a flash, using his abilities, Exlund had created a grand feast, enough to feed the entire pack. He watched as RedBlaze and the others dove into the food and hungrily devoured every last bit. For the first time in months all of the packs' bellies bulged with food. Exlund figured he should stay the night for many were still quite weak. He noticed a yellow female Lupe with a litter of pups snuggled close to her gazing at him gratefully. Exlund politely smiled back, as RedBlaze nuzzled her affectionately, he figured she was his mate. RedBlaze welcomed Exlund into the pack, Exlund promised he'd feed RedBlaze's pack until they were on their feet again.....

****

After a few weeks everyone was strong and healthy once more and Exlund became like a member of the pack. Exlund had told many of the pups how it was like belonging to a human. "How did you get so strong?" yelped a tiny blue Lupe. Exlund grinned and told of the training school and quests he completed. All the Lupes listened to Exlund's story intently but they all informed him how they intended on staying wild Lupes. RedBlaze explained that since Dr. Sloth came their prey has decreased greatly since most had become mutated and dreadfully powerful. Exlund remembered the horrid Dr. Sloth well and the very mention of his name made his lip curl. Exlund had decide to stay longer, he really felt at home surrounded by his fellow Lupes but knew he could not stay forever. One day Exlund was chewing on a purple Negg when a gorgeous young female Lupe gracefully paced toward him.

When Exlund saw her he felt as if he were in a trance, as she strutted over to him. "Your fur is so white and glossy it reminds me of the winter snow and I'm impressed with your power and abilities I've never know any Lupes as strong as you." she said admiringly nuzzling him. Exlund gave her a sloppy grin and dreamily gazed into her beautiful yellow eyes, her fur was not as dark as RedBlaze's rather it was a faded red but pretty none the less. Over the weeks SweetHeart the red female Lupe and Exlund became close and they told each other of their different worlds they lived. One day Exlund knew it was time for him to go, the Lupe pack had grown larger and was very healthy now. As he lay next to Sweetheart with her head rested on his back, he slowly rose from his spot and frowned sadly. "What's wrong?" she asked and cocked her head slightly. Exlund sighed, "I must go home I've been gone so long my owner most likely thinks I'm dead." replied Exlund sarcastically. Sweetheart nodded sadly as Exlund told RedBlaze the news, the wise Lupe nodded and Exlund said his good-byes to everyone, they were all saddened but knew they would see their hero again someday. When Exlund came to Sweetheart she rushed over to him and blurted, "I want to come with you and live with a human please take me, I can't stand to part with you!" she sniffled. Exlund smiled and looked to RedBlaze for his approval. Excitement swelled in him as RedBlaze nodded. Later, Exlund and Sweetheart headed home finally ready to begin their life in Neopia Central. As Exlund gazed back at the pack he knew they would never forget him. Neither would he.

THE END