Chapter 1:

--Night out

Sharioi was born in a litter of four including herself. Her mother and father Alphas, and soon all four were welcomed into the pack. The pack was blessed with two males and two females. All shades of pink, black and grey...

Although the whole forest belonged to the pack, a daring tresspasser walked into their territory, hiding in the thickest of shadows. And one night when Sharioi's mother wandered out to get a drink of water, she had met the strange, demented creature. It's pelt dark like the shadows, fangs glistened in the moonlight and pupil-less eyes sparkled like the stars. A soft red whisp of smoke writhing around it's dark body, as a michevious grin crep across it's face. Only the small flowing river seperated her from the creature.

Hello Hello.." it breathed, and it let out a menacingly laugh, it's large thick claws scraping against the crusty ground.

Wh-who are you..?" came the reply from the female, her body seemed fragile compared to the large, towering muscular body of the stranger. Her voice alittle shooken at first but then came firm and domminent.

Who are you?" she demmanded.

The creature pulled his head back alittle, as if taken aback. But then once again another smile slithered across it's muzzle, jagged sharp fangs poking at his bottom lip. He stepped forward alittle, stopping at the beginning of the river before striding ahead, walking calmly as the river gushed at his belly fur. He stood a few yards away his head lowered as he looked at her, small and petite figure. Beginning to encircle her, he nudged at her back, her gaze following him as he circled her like a vulture. Her fur bristled in alarm and she tensed.

A sharp smile crooked at the corners of his mouth, before he stopped behind her, resting his muzzle next to her ear as he whispered, "Why are you so...tense? Hmm...are you..NERVOUS?" his voice suddenly raised and he pressed against her shoulder with his massive paws, knocking the breath out of her, and his wicked breath curled around her muzzle. She squirmed and a sharp pain shot up through her body. She yelped, and wriggled free as he slowly liftted the pressure on her shoulder.

Gasping for air, she scrambled up to her feet, her chest heaving, and she smirked in disgust. "If you are planning to take away our lands, you will have to kill us all." she said, her chin lifted high and she stared hard at him. And he sat with his back against the tree, examining his claws. And his eyes suddenly narrowed as she finished speaking, lifting his head to glare at her, and he jumped to his feet to where he was face to face with her, lips pulled back in a threatening snarrl.

Is that a challenge?" he growled.

Well what do you think?" she growled back, glaring just as hard. And she huffed as a sudden flash of red and black before she hit the ground with a sickening 'thump'. And a sharp sting on her cheek made her realize that he had swatt at her face. She gasped and suddenly fear struck her, she scrambled to get up, but then weight on her chest made her gaze flicker up, to see red glowing eyes. And his foul breath wreathed around her. She struggled under his large paw pinning her to the ground.

Wh-what do you want?" she whispered.

He stared up, a small 'hmm' escaping his lips. Then he looked back down at her, a wicked smile carved into his face as he replied with a low, raspy breath. "Give me someone who will serve me well." a soft grin swept across his chin. Before lifting his weight off of her chest. "Bring them tommorrow night, do not tell anybody, or bring anybody else, or... else." he threatened with a snap of his jaws.

Goodnight." he laughed. She jumped to her feet to see he was gone. She was left clueless. And slowly walked a few paces before running at full speed. She entered the pack's cave before hurling herself at her love's sleeping body, nudging him sharply and poking him in the ribs. Getting a painful groan from him before he blinked open his eyes. And suddenly they softened, a small yawn exiting his large powerful jaws.

What is it Tess?" he mumbled.

Rist,....we need to move...we need to leave...now" she urrgently whispered, beginning to pull at his scruff.

He shook his head lightly, still half asleep, before gently laying his chin on his paws. Struggling to keep his eyes open. Another yawn as he replied, "Tess...what's wrong? It's late, I think you need some rest..." he murmured, his eyes slwoly closing.

Rist...you don't understand...we have a tresspasser..."

He opened his eyes once more, "Tess, if there was a tresspasser our pack would of recognized them by now...just lay down, you need your sleep, and our pups need you. Now goodnight." he muzzled her before closing his eyes one last time and drifting back off to sleep. She watched helplessly, a soft sigh, and she turned to pad behind him and lay down next to him, her pups sleeping, all but one, which yipped hungrily. A warm smile glided over her muzzle, and she lay with her back brushing Rist's, and guided her pups to her stomache. The small, pink and black pup continued to yip as she was seperated from the others, Tess having to reach with her paws to welcome her in. And suddenly dread struck her again as she realized, she had to make a choice, whether it would let her pack survive, or have them all perish...

Chapter 2:

--Horrible dream

The next day...

Tess slowly blinked open her eyes, and a scent of fresh blood filled the cave, she gasped, her vision still blurred she saw the figure of her mate outlined at the entrace, blood splattered all over his fur. She shot up to quickly bolt to his side.

Oh my.." she breathed. Tears edged at her eyes. And she nuzzled him roughly before licking his nose, and then examining him qucikly. "Did you get hurt? Are you okay? What happened? Was it him? It was him wasn't it I am SO SOR-" she began to break into muffled sobs, and was stopped by his soft chuckle, and nuzzled under her chin.

What are you talking about? Me and the few of the pack members just went hunting. Are you....feeling okay?" he raised a brow before padding slowly into the den and plopping down and licking his fur.

She scrambled over to him, a sigh of relif as she exhaled. She frowned, and sat next to him. Watching him as he cleaned himself. Her face now deep and serious. "Rist...I have to tell you something.." she began.

He suddenly looked up, attention now caught by her serious tone. "Wh-what is it, Tess?" he stuttered.

Rist...when I was out last night...I met a strange creature...h-he said...tha-that...he wants someone....who will serve him well.....he wants one of us to be his slave. And I'm scared Rist..." a small tear trickled down her cheek, and she began to quiver.

He frowned, turning away to consume everything he just told her, but then a soft tilt of his head and he nuzzled her comfortingly. "It's alright Tess...I'm sure this...thing won't attack a pack of 15 canines, bigger and stronger than him...don't worry, he'll leave soon-" he was swiftly interrupted as she swiveled her head.

Rist, he did THIS to me..." she turned her head to reveal the deep scratches that scraped across her cheek. "He played with me, knocking me from side to side, pinning me down, nipping me...believe me Rist, we need to do something, NOW."

He frowned, his frown soon turning to a silent snarrl as his mate showed him the deep claw marks, his lips pulled back to show ragged, sharp teeth. A small growl rumbling deep inside his throat. "Don't worry Tess. I'll take care of him. I'll take a few of our best fighters, and we'll show him who to mess around with." he vowed, before standing to his feet and turning to pad outside, his head down and lips still pulled back.

WAIT!" she called, but he must of not heard. She sighed, laying her head on her paws. "Oh Rist...you don't understand. I-I don't...don't think this guy is messing around...I thi-think....that he may ruin us....I feel....I feel something bad is coming...I can feel it in the pricking of my fur....I can feel it..." she whispered quietly, her voice rasped and low. Her eyes squeezed shut, and fear crackled throughout her entire body, and her heart pounded painfully in her chest.

What, have I done..?

Chapter 3:

--The Hunt

A half moon slowly rose to the middle of the midnight blue sky. Dim stars speckled the sky, seeming distant and dull, a soft chill running down Tess's spine as she rose. Dull silver light washed inside the cave, her four pups softly suckling at her stomache, nuzzling them and licking their fur untill Rist appeared at the cave entrance.

It is time to find this sliming mutt.." he growled lightly, his chin tilted upwards showing his pride, and his claws gently scraped against the stone-cold floor. She nodded solemnly, and slowly rose, licking her pups one last time and nuzzling their tiny bodies.

Have Tia come and watch over the pups." she called as he walked out without waiting for her. Moments later she met with two others at the camp entrance, Stone and her brother Grud. Two strong, muscular males, their tails slowly swaying side to side, eyes determined. Although she couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Her stomahe churned, and heart pounded. And she slowly worked over the face of the whicked creature, and was soon interrupted as Rist came trotting towards them, his muscules rippling beneath his coat, head tilted up to the moon.

Let's go." he murmured. And soon they walked out, Rist on her right side, with Grud on her left and Stone brushing Grud's side. Her breath began to rasp as she grew closer and closer to the spot where she had met the twisted animal. She lifted her tail in signal, and all three males halted behind her. She slowly walked forward untill she was where she had been the night before. She lifted her muzzle to sniff the air. Nothing...?

There was a sudden hiss....could that be the river- She squeaked as she was bowled over, her side slapping the ground, and large paws pressed against her throat. And in seconds she was grasping for breath, and she could hear that smooth, malicious voice as a hushed whisper.

Oh dear, you gave me,...quite a fright. Sneaking up like that.." he snickered. Pressing twice as hard against her throat. Her eyes grew wide and her paws flailed about, trying to knock him off. Where was Grud, Stone, Rist? She felt almost about to pass out when she heard a small 'huff' and the weight was lifted, and she panted, gasping for the air she breathed and lived by. Her legs trembling, and she looked over to see the devil wrestling with....Grud! A mischevious grin swept across her face. And soon a caterwatle echoed around her, she glanced around frantically, pressing herself against the ground incase the creature had brought guests.

Her heart jumped as she recognized the dark grey figure of Stone launching himself at the other canine. Snapping, growling, snarrling, slicing, scraping, shoving, pinning, pushing...and shaking her head briefly, she bolted into the fight, snapping at the black fur of her enemy. She could smell blood, fresh, fresh blood...

Soon after Stone entered the battle, so did Rist, jumping ontop of the creatures head and nearly ripping his fur off, but was soon tossed aside when the creature threw his head back.

A paw was thrown at her head and she thumped against the ground next to her brother.

His eyes full of excitment, blood ozzed from his mouth, crimson blood trickling down from a cut above his eye. "G-grud...you saved me!" she panted. "Don't you remember..." he rasped. "when I promised mom I'd never let anything happen to you?" he chuckled and jumped to his feet, letting out a loud caterwalt. Soon she had been fighting with all three males again. Pride surged through her body at the thought of defeating the dangers that could cost them all of their pack's lives. She was soon batted across the face with sharp claws, ear nearly ripped off, side trailed with deep gashes. Her body began to ache...they had to finish him off soon! She would have already guessed any normal animal would of died..

After about 10 mintutes she heard a shrill screech, and she saw a body flung into the water, and she was thrown off. Quickly scrambling to her feet, she ran to the aside of the river to search who it was. Her heart sank, and pure terror struck her like lightning when she realized it was the mangled body of Grud.

GRUD! PULL YOU HEAD UP! KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE THE SURFACE!" she wailed, sprinting after him and she shot into the water, it's temperature freezing her to the bone. Her limbs slowly nubbing. She struggled, paddling and faliling, nearly an inch away from grasping his grey fur...

Grud..." she breathed. Her vision starting to blurr, and body nearly numb. With a last effort, she jabbed forward, sinking her teeth into her older brother's neck and pulling him up. Struggling to bring him onto land, her paws slipping and as his body was nearly half on land. She nudged his rump with her muzzle and her paws slipped, and she was tugged underwater, twirling and swirling she could feel her body being thrown around like a peice of meat. And soon, her vision blurred, there was no more rushing of water in her ears, no more numbing pain in her limbs....no more...pain...

What seemed like seconds later, a soft prod in the side woke her. Her eyes drearily blinked open. Her vision kept blurring, but soon she made out the familiar den of her's and Rist's. Was she dreaming...? But the aching sting in her body alerted her she had infact not been sleeping, but she had passed out, she re-traced to what happened last.

I fought...and....oh gosh, GRUD! She went to stand but found out her paw fell from beneath her, and she screeched as pain shot up her leg. She licked her leg, and noticed how swollen it was compared to her other paw. A soft grunt, and she looked around, the pups were out of sight.

HELLO!" she called. And soon the familiar face of Rist poked in, and she continued to attempt to get up. He quickly shot ot her side as she fell once again, catching her fall by jutting beneath her with his neck. He slowly slid out from beneath, and nuzzled her neck. "You...okay?" he whispered. Pulling back to lick her forehead.

I'm fine." she assured. "Where's Grud? Is he okay? What about Stone? Did anybody else get hurt? Did we drive that devil-some creature away? Is he still here-" he silenced her with his tail, a deep, painfull sigh rolling off his raspering breath. His face expressing pain, and sorrow. Another deep heartedly sigh, he stared at the ground before looking up at her.

T-Tess...I-I don't know how to tell you this but,....G-grud..." his voice cracked with a deep sadness. "T-tess....G-grud....h-he.......hes gone..." he croaked. His throat tightening and he swallowed harshly, waiting her reaction.

At first she didn't believe it. "No...no.." she whispered faintly, staring down at the ground shaking her head lightly. Her heart stopped for a moment, she stood up, lifting her right paw to make sure she hadn't put any pressure on it.

Wh-where is he..?" she squeaked. He nuzzled her softly, murmuring soft words to try and comfort her. But obviously, it wasn't working, and she could tell it on his face. He was helpless. Grud was her last family member alive. Well...maybe not anymore.

She limped out of the cave into the clearing, where tons of bodys where closely hudded to together, head down and ears back, tails pulled in closely, and pups asking 'What's happening?'. All heads turned once Rist and Tess came closer. And they seperated slowly to form a small gap, and in the center of them all, was the bloody, matted, scarred mangled grey body of her brother, Grud. A sharp inhale and she held it as she left Rist, limping over to her brother. Nudging him, and then proding him gently. She swallowed harshly, trying to contain her sorrow. But she couldn't help tears fly down her cheeks. She nudged him harder. A soft whimper.

Grud....G-grud...wake up...w-wake up.." she murmured. Her breath growing faster, her nudge becoming rougher, and calls louder, tears began to stream down her cheeks, soaking her face.

G-grud...Grud. GRUD. Wake up...WAKE UP. WAKE UP GRUD!!" and she began to nip his side. Still no response. His body cold, stiff, dead. She kept taking small inhales, letting them build and build and build, untill she banged her forhead on her brother's side. And she let out a sharp wail, and her body jerked as she let everything out. Sobbing mournfully. Whipsering, to him about when they were pups, and how they'd always play in the river. She nuzzled his fur.

Oh Grud...why...wh-why did you have to leave me? Y-you promised....y-you promised mom you'd take care of ME....but...b-but maybe I was too selfish...I-I...I should of been protecting YOU. Oh Grud...oh grud...please don't....don't leave me..." she bowed her head, sinking into her brother's damp fur. She felt a tail comfortingly patting her back, and she felt fur brush her side. And she turned to see Black, one of their oldest pack members. She was one of her mother's best friend.

Grud....was a great pack member...a great canine...just like your mother and father....he was.....encredibly brave...and...one of the best personalities you could ask for...he was...loving...and passionate...." she whispered, her voice cracked and rasped with age. And soon her voice grew louder.

He would of died to let his pack survive, and see his family and friends strive....which...is exactly what he did...he risked his life...knowing his pack would be in great paws if he left....and that's exactly what he did....he died....in honor to protect his family...and we will always remember, as one of our greatest warriors, Grud. May he rest peacfully in eternity."

Chapter 4:

--Mourning

Days had gone by since Grud had died, and all had been quiet and solemn, slumping around camp with their heads down. Tess was stressed. The pups finally began to open their eyes, and she had to figure out what to name them, who would be alpha next, what they were going to do about their tresspasser...

Rist trotted in with a fair rabbit dangling from his jaws, and dropped it infront of her, nudging her lightly as she stared into space. He sat next to her. "What are ya thinking about?" he mumbled, and she jumped lightly, and glanced over at him, a soft sigh escaping her muzzle.

Well...trying to think of names...I think I want to name one after Grud..." she murmured, nuzzling the bundle of their four pups.

All he could say was 'Hmm'... And a soft nod, and he nuzzled the back of her ear. "If you want to...you can." he whispered ever so softly.

Another deep sigh and she daintily picked one up at a time and brought them between their father and mother. "I was thinking....this one." she lightly poked a small grey with her nose. "Could be....Grud.." she hoarsed. A small smile cracked across her muzzle, and she rasped quietly, "And this one..." she licked the forhead of a black pup, "Could be...Peri...or...Teri.." and she gently swept her tail over a red one like it's father. "Oh..and this one...I think it's a male...and the oldest...I was thinking...maybe Sid?" she coughed.

He nodded lightly, but then she read his exspression, confusion? He quirked a brow. "Wh-where...where's the third?" he murmured.

She tilted her head, and then with an 'Ooo' exspression, turned to search around her, and found the last pup, the second largest, with swirls and shades of pink and black. She gently rested it near her paws. "And...I'm not sure...about this one.."

He stared out into space for a few moments, and without looking at her, his mouths gaped in a small word. "Share-ee"

Wh-what did you say?" Tess murmured back, nudging him gently, and he blinked and figedeted. He turned his head to look at her.

What?" he murmured. "I'm sorry." he chuckled. "Must of spaced out a bit...now what were you saying?"

I know what we'll name her. Share-eye-oh-eye." she pronounced.

Sharioi..." she breathed as she stared up at the ceiling...

Chapter 5:

--Play fight

A few moons had passed since the fight, and Tess's paw was finally healed. The pups were now a few moons old, their eyes were open, their personalities were developing everyday, and they had began to try and wander out of the cave, still getting use to walking. Their markings began to sharpen, and soon their senses too. They could sense their father coming, or could smell freshkill. They had all been named, there was two males and two females. The oldest, was strong and muscular like his dad, his fur black and red named Sid. The youngest pup was a male, a soft gray and brown pup, whom they named Grud. And the second oldest was a female, pink and black shades, some-what like her mother, and they named her Sharioi. Or Shari, and her youngest sister, Teri, who was just a black bundle of fur.

Tess lay on her side, a warm smile spreading across her muzzle as she watched a large bundle of wrestling canines. The four pups growling, tackling, nipping and batting each other. A soft laugh escaping her lips as she watched Teri and Shari fighting over who would be 'pack leader'. And Sid climbing up a small rock to announce how the pack had 'just found new territory' and were to claim it as their own. Grud clambering up to him to bowl him over and then nip his ear.

Teri had pinned down Shari, she squealed as Teri dug her claws into her stomache.

Ha, pinned ya." she lifted her head in triumph. A soft growl emerging Shari's throat, she slipped her hind legs under her sister and pushed her off. Her sister hit the wall of the cave with a small 'huff'. Shari jumped to her feet, a small smirk taking place over her muzzle. And her tail thrashed behind her. She shot over to her sister who was still slightly dazed. She faked to the right and shot left at her to grab her scruff and throw her onto the ground, Shari quickly jumping on top, and pressing her paw against her sister's throat lightly. Back paws holding down her thighs, and other front paw on her chest.

Look who pinned ya now!" she teased, and jumped off, swatting her sister's head with her tail, but stopped as a sharp pain crept up her back, she wailed, whipping around to see her sister clamping down on her tail. She growled, and flung herself at Teri again, and swat her over the face with sharp claws. Her sister yelped, before rolling over to knock her feet out form under her. Shari fell with a soft 'plump'. And she saw her sister flash by, and soon she was pinned again, she quickly jabbed forward to snap at her sister's neck, and she squealed, shaking her head to have Shari release, and she batt her sisters muzzle again. Feeling her sister's jaws around her neck, she screeched, flailing her paws, and aimed a blow to her head which quickly knocked her off. A small mischevious grin, and she ran at her sister, and tackled her, clinging onto her back with her claws sunken into her sister's flank. She dug her teeth into her sister's shoulder, before she layed down and rolled over, squishing Shari and having her let go. Shari's chest pounded in a rythmetic drum. Panting and gasping for air, before she was attacked from the side. Her sister once again gripped her throat, this time sinking in deep, and not showing any mercy. Shari gasped for air, yelping and whimpering, her body violently shaking..

MOM!" she wheezed. And soon she heard a growl and her sister was lifted off of her. Her vision shifting, she shook her head lightly, blood oozing from her throat. She slowly stood, her legs trembling, and she glared over at her sister who was dangling from her father's jaws. She glanced over her shoulder to see Sid and grud still playfully wrestling, but not as aggressive as her and her sister. Her ears fell back, and she frowned.

Sorry papa.." she murmured, guiltly looking down at her paws. Her father placing Teri down and nudging her rump to get up. She scrambled to her feet, sitting down with her tail wrapped around her neatly, ears back and she rolled her eyes.

Dad, she started it...she scratched me..." she daintly lifted a paw to lick it and cautiously swipe it over the deep gashes in her cheek.

He growled lightly, his claws scraping against the ground. "You guys shouldn't be hurting each other. Your sister, for howling out loud. Can't you play nice for once?" he scolded, shaking his head lightly.

He glanced over to his sons. "Hey.." he called, and they immediantly stopped, Grud holding Sid's tail and Sid having a paw on his brother's head.

No more, you guys need to calm down...." his gaze shifted back to his daughters, and his eyes narrowed. "No more play fighting for a few days...for you two anyways, I'm very disappointed to see you two fighting like starving bears. Now, go sit in the opposite corner for now." he commanded, and they both dipped their heads and slunk to the corners.

Rist padded over to his mate, and sat next to her. "Why didn't you stop them?" he asked.

She slowly blinked her eyes open, "Wh-what?" she rasped drowsily. "Sorry Rist, I haven't been able to sleep lately..." she stiffled a yawn. Stretching her paws before her.

Ahh...what's wrong?" he asked, and nuzzled her affectionatly.

Just...can't sleep...I keep thinking about...that...thing we fought about along time ago...what happened to it? Did we kill it?"

He frowned. Shaking his head lightly and thinking back to that night. "W-well.....we didn't exactly...kill him....he kinda....disappeared....when me and Stone where fighting it, he said something....something about he'd.....'be back'....and he just...faded. That's when I saw you and Grud...but...I don't think he is coming back, we nearly finished him off....besides, 1 against a whole pack? I don't think so.." he gave a small humor-less laugh.

She frowned. "Oh,...." was all she could say.

Later that night Rist cuddled up next to her, her pups on her right side all sleeping soundlessly. And Rist...well he had just dozed off. Tess yawned, blinking slowly...

After a few moments, she blinked her eyes open again, to see her pups where gone, and Rist..? He was gone also. Her heart pounded, and she quickly got up, trotting outside to see nobody insight. She started to breath heavily, fear rippling like giant waves, and crashed on her, almost knocking her over. She ran, the forest silent, the moon only a small claw mark in the sky, and there were no stars....

She slowed as she came closer to the river where she had fought...where Grud had died....and she gasped as she saw a large figure standing by the water... GRUD!

She leaped over the river to tackle him. He was better than before. "G-grud! I-I thought you were de-" she screeched as she realized the tint of red in the eyes, the foul breath, and the horns that poked at it's head. It was it. It was him.

Hello again.." came that whicked smile. "So...you thought you could get rid of me by...bringing along friendss?" he hissed, and knocked her over by a blow of his paw to her face, she thumped twice against the ground. She growled, and got to her feet once more.

Need me to....brake some more of your paws? I'd be glad too." he cackled. And he stood over her, and pounded the gorund with his back hooves. He snorted, a silver ring that gripped his nose glistened in the dim light.

She shivered. Where was everybody? "Don't worry about your....friendsss...I have them all taken care of.." he whispered. And another smirk before he signaled with a claw and drew it over his neck in a small line that curved upwards. In others words, he signaled death.

N-no...y-you couldn't of!" she exclaimed, looking at him disbelieving.

Oh really now...why don't you....see for yoursssself?" he hissed, and got off of her and motioned towards a slope, upwards a few trees parted for a small pathway. Swallowing harshly, she climbed up, and the trees thinned out into a small clearing, and he brushed up next to her.

Seeee..?" he whispered menacingly. And her eyes grew wide with terror as the forest was on fire, flames engulfed the whole clearing, and she saw, Rist's limp body in the flames, all four pups accept for Sharioi, lay near their father, Sharioi's tail tip was burnt, and her muzzle along with her legs, she wailed painfully. She sobbed, tears streamng down her soft cheeks as she watched her father and sibblings burn, crying and screaming for them to come back....

Tess woke with a start. Her heart pounding in her chest, and her breath heavy and shallow. It was as it a large boulder suddenly dropped on her shoulders, and she whimpered, her gaze flickering around frantically to see her pups still lay next to her, Rist still sound asleep.

M-momma...wh-what's wrong?" came a soft murmur, and she gazed down at Shari, head perked and head tilted.

A small smile cracked upon her lips, and she nuzzled her, licking the top of her head. "Nothing. Nothing at all my love. Go back to sleep-" she began to whisper comfortingly before she interrupted.

B-but momma, I keep having scary dreams...it's a grey wolf....he keeps saying he knows you..and daddy....he-he says his name is Grud...he told me to watch out....but then some big scary monster with horns on his head and with red eyes whispered something to me, and he got the grey wolf....and....they disappeared in the water...the thing with horns said his name was Lucifer....a-and he told me to w-watch my back....and it seemed so real momma! I thought I was by the river...." her voice dropped and her small body quivered.

Tess swallowed harshly. "It was only a dream Shari..here, come lay next to me..." she beckoned, and gently reached over and grabbed her by the scruff, laying her besides her stomache, and wrapping her tail comfortingly over Shari.

Was it just a dream...?

Chapter 6:

--Returned

And soon, a few weeks later, they had began to find dead carcasses laying around their territory. Demolished deer, and berangled rabbits and bear skulls. Blood traced on tree trunks, deep scratches scarred the wood of the trees. Shrubs were beginning to wither away. Blood pawprints were smudged into the ground, leading off into the forest and suddenly disappearing. He was never seen again, but something was coming, something horrible. She could of swear, hearing his voice rolling off of his tounuge in a hiss. His rotten breath, and could feel his fur brushing hers, nipping by her ears, whispering diffrent unknown languages. Was she...imagining?.

Well, this story comes to an end one day in Summer. The sky was cloudless, and wildlife began to roam plenty in the forest. All four pups were nearing adulthood.

Tess and a few others of her pack were beginning the daily routines, mark their territory, patrol the area, and hunt. The forest seemed strangely quiet, birds stopped signing, and other creatures burrowed deep within their dens.

Tess wondered what was going on, but continued and forgot all about it. They soon came to a small brook, marking their territories, her and the others began to turn and leave, before a warm breath tickled the back of her neck. Her eyes widened and she shivered, figuring it was just her imagination playing with her. And she froze, the warm stench of blood nearly choked her, thick and fresh.

She slowly turned her head, to see two red glowing eyes glaring at her. And that familiar voice whispered to her once again.

Hello, how are you?" his voice first pleasant and welcoming, but after the hello is got deeper and he began to laugh menacingly. His head tilting and he threw back his head howling triuphantly, she swiveled around. He was caked in blood. She paniced, her quick intake of breath short and sharp. Her gaze flicked around frantically for her pack members, and she darted off, not daring to look back. She called out as she neared her camp.

RIST! OH GOSH RIST! HE'S BACK!!! GET THE GUARDS, HURRY! LOCK UP THE PUPS AND MOTHERS, RIST!!" her voice began to raise into a scream. And she charged into the camp, rounding the corner sharply....

Chapter 7:

--Prepared

Shari had watched her mother and packmembers leave for the day's duties. She sighed, how she wished she could of come. Laying down, she crossed her paws, piling them and resting her chin on the top. Jaws gaped in a small yawn, she slowly began to close her eyes, everything fading away..

Her ears perked after what seemed a few mintutes as she heard a call from her mother...it sounded...frantic? Alarmed, Shari shot up, glancing around for her father.

DAD!" she called, before running out to meet her mother. Her mother was panting, and quickly Rist followed and met with his daughter and mate. His exspression softened.

What's wrong?" he gently muzzled her.

Rist.....h-he....he's back..." she panted heavily, body trembling and eyes wide with fear. "Rist..." she began to come to a tremble sob, Oh Rist...h-he's back....we have to do something."

His lips drew back into a snarl, exposing white teeth. "I NEED GUARDS!" he called out, and snapped at the air with a short, demanding bark. He sat up on his haunches and tipped his head back, howling to the sky.

This demon creature dies today, or we shall die trying!" he growled, kicking dirt up into the air and digging his claws into the ground, scraping the dirt with his hind legs.

Soon many gathered, and soon they were off, their mother leading the way. "I'll be fine Shari, I promise..." her mother soothed, licking her forehead, but she couldn't help feel her monther's tension.

She growled lightly, "But mom I want to go..." she mumbled under her breath.

Goodbye love.." she whispered, and was off, she watched her mother walk off, and disappear into the forest....

Chapter 8:

--Death

Shari lay inside the den, waiting for her parents to return. After what felt like moons, she slowly began to doze off again. Still trying to keep herself awake. She shook her head, but slowly she begant to relax, and doze off....

She jumped back up awake as she smelt.. Smoke? Eyebrows arched, she padded outside. She poked her head inside the dens. Where had everybody gone?

She growled lightly. "WHERE IS EVERYBODY?" she called out, and began to walk into the forest. Strangely it became hotter within every step. No birds sang, no deer grazed...nothing..

Hello?-" she began to call, and froze as she rounded a corner. Flames tickled up the trees, and black smoke rose, the trees began to bend as the heat began to engulf them whole.

She slowly began to back up.. Her rump hit something....hard. Turning her head, she saw a awful creature stand behind her. Was that the thing that....she saw long ago in her...dreams? Her body froze, and she realized it was when it spoke.

Hello deary..." he cackled. And a michevious grin swept across his deviant muzzle as he lifted his paw to swing a blow to her head. Blood spilled over his whole body, covering and soaking him to the bone. She squealed as she was knocked across the ground, with two small thumps. She gasped, and quickly jumped to her feet, trying to run.

His form suddenly flashed infront of her, and she tried to turn before she ran into him. He lifted a paw before pressing her against the ground.

Where ya' goin' deary?" his wicked smile cracked over his lips, jagged yellow teeth poking out.

Her breath was pressed out of her as he pressed his paw against her chest. She gasped, trying to kick him off. Soon she saw a figure flash over her and the heavy pressure was off of her. She quickly jumped to her feet again. Her gaze focused on her rescuer. It was..her older brother, Sid!

She watched them wrestle, unsure of what to do. She gazed around, and suddenly her heart skipped a beat. There laying in the burning flames was...

FATHER!

She bolted over, and quickly dragged his beaten body out of the reach of the flames. His body was gashed open, deep wounds that nearly inflicted close enough to the bone. Tears streamed down her face and began to rain upon her father's body. Her throat tightened with grief, and she rubbed her muzzle through his bloodied fur.

Oh father..." she croaked, her voice cracked with greif. She stopped, listening carefully...no...he was gone. No pulse, his warmth was gone. Her body began to tremble as she sobbed. Where was the rest of her family?

She heard a screech, and realized she forgot all about her brother. Quickly turned to leap at the creature, clawing at it's back. She sank her jaws into's it's throat, and nearly ripped out it's throat. She shook her head violently, drawing deep large wholes in the animals throat. It staggered back, and fell into the river.

She stared down at Sid. She nuzzled him lighlty, and licked his nose. "Thanks...wh-where is everybody?"

He looked around, as if he couldn't see. "The-they're dead." he croaked, voice weak.

Mom? Wik? Teri..?" she gasped lightly.

His eyes began to dialate. And he shrugged lightly. "I-I....Haven't s-seen.....m-mom....nor Wi-wik....T-teri...I-I-I haven't seen s-since we left..."

Sid...are you saying he took on our whole pack...?" she murmured.

H-he's stronger than you think....our whole pack is nearly dead..." his voice shook with greif.

Not really...there's me and you...!" she nuzzled his chest.

N-not for long...I-I can't hang on anylonger, Shari..." he whispered, his voice raspy and low.

No! NO!" she began to sob. "Sid...don't leave me please....don't leave me alone..." she began to sob into his fur.

He gave a small chuckle. "I love you sister, never forget me. I-I must go..." his eyes began to roll in the back of his head, and his breath became low and shallow.

NO! Please no. PLEASE." her body trembled and she cried. Her face soaked. She watched helplessly as her brother's life slowly ebbed away.

SID!" she screamed. It was no use.. Suddenly his heart skipped a beat.

I-.....I shall see you one day sister..." he whispered ever so lowly, and his heart stopped, his body relaxed, and eyes closed, he had a long exhale, and....he was gone.

She sobbed, and burried her face into his chest. "I-I'll never forget you.."

Chapter 9:

--Beginning? Or end...

Soon Shari had to leave, she ran away, and never returned back home. Unsure if her family ever got away and still lived on, wondering where she was. She is now imprisioned by the creature that tormented her family, and killed them off. Her 'master' sends her out to assassin some, and steal other's jewelry and gold. Ever since, Shari has never forgot her homeland, and wishes she can go back one day, free...of her master.

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