Chapter One
Nena
I awoke at dawn feeling refreshed. I saw the other wolves still sleeping. I better get up very slowly. I decided. I got up slowly as I planned but when I thought I didn’t wake anyone up.
"Let everyone gather around highrock for a pack meet!" called my father, Lion.
"What is it now?" grumbled my sister. I always hated her because she got the most attention just because she was youngest. The other wolves woke with a start.
“Oh my Starpack! What does he need?” an older warrior growled. All of the other wolves got up and left the den. I went after my sister. I so want to get her. I thought bitterly.
"Maybe something important," I answered. I saw my mother and my father sitting on top of the Meet place with sad glances. I looked at the other wolves sitting down but I walked closer to my worried parents. My friend, Storm came with me.
"What is it mother and father?" I ran toward them.
"We have to decide which one of you shall be the next leader," My mother Leopard answered.
“Maybe they picked you,” Storm whispered. I looked at the gray she-wolf; she was smiling with evil in her eyes.
"We picked your sister." She answered. I was stunned, at first I thought they picked me! Then, I thought even more why the reason why they picked my spoiled sister!
"Why?!? Just because she's younger? I hate you!" I cried. "You always hated me so that's why I'm going to kill her." I growled.
"No! You won't!" Lion stepped in.
"Watch me," I snapped. I crept up on my sister, Leeana. I clawed at her right ear. She cried in pain. Got her! I thought. I smiled evilly.
"No!!!" Leopard jumped from Highledge and clawed at my face. My right eye was at pain. I went down ad collapsed to the ground. I fell into darkness. What happened? I thought. I felt so much pain and I soon found myself in a sparkling woods.
“Welcome,” A voice said.
“Where am I?” I looked around for the strange voice. Then, a sparkling white she-wolf came out of some brambles.
“You’re in Starpack’s forest,” She answered calmly. “My name is Snowfall. I’m part of Starpack. And you’re Nena, and your father just attacked you from your sister, Leeana.”
“Wow, you were watching? Well, that had to be embarrassing for me for a Starpack wolf watching me,” I bluffed.
“Don’t worry, it’s not that bad! You didn’t know,” Snowfall answered with an understanding voice. “And you get used to it.” She mumbled.
“Okay, I see now, and why am I here?”
“You have to let your body rest until you’re fully healed,” The white she-wolf said. “It will take until Sunset to wake up. Don’t you see the Herbal Wolf taking you into the Herbal Den? You’ll be all right once you’re awake.”
“Will I see through my right eye? That’s one bad scar,” I shivered looking at my damaged eye.
“Yes you will,” Snowfall answered.
“Good,” I said, sighing with relief. I just hope Leeana is hurt really hurt badly so that she dies and so my parents will worry about me instead!
“She won’t die, Nena. I can hear your thoughts and if you keep that up, you will be going to the Dark Woods,” Snowfall growled.
“Fine!” I glared into her eyes. I turned away from her and headed the wrong way.
“You’re going to Dark Woods!” called the ancestor of my pack.
“I don’t care!” I started running, faster and faster till I reached Dark Woods and saw yellow angry eyes glaring at me in the bushes. I stopped quickly. “Hello?”
“Welcome young one to Dark Woods. You are totally welcomed,” a voice said, chuckling evilly.
“Who are you?” I looked around. I was scared now!
“I’m Blackheart, because my leader thought I had a blackheart so he named me right,” A black male wolf came out. His yellow eyes shining in the moonlight. His black pelt swaying in the wind.
“Well, you must know my name then,” I said shyly.
He nodded and added. “Nena, what you did wasn’t wrong it was right. Just think! Snowfall just wanted to have Leeana be the leader not you. Did you see how Snowfall protected Leeana? She snapped at you for saying that Leeana is spoiled! Kill Leeana! Do it for your rights and let no one know that you killed her.”
“But who will I blame?”
“Blame anyone you want! Maybe even say that she tried to kill you and so you had to protect the pack from evil!” The black wolf’s eyes lit up when mine did the same. “So you will do it?”
“You bet I will! Can I stay and talk to you about my future as the leader till Sunset?” I looked up at the older wolf. He nodded his head. “Perfect.” I growled. Soon, I’ll be leading the pack and Leeana won’t be able to stop me!
Chapter Two
Leeana
“Ouch,” I whimpered.
“Its okay, Leeana. You’re fine, get some more rest,” the Herbal Wolf calmed. He was a white wolf with blue sparkling eyes. His eyes showed comfort and understanding for me.
“Okay. I’ll… try,” I whined. I looked over at my sister, Nena. She had attacked me without warning. Fool! I don’t see why she would do such a thing to her future leader?!? I mean Mother and Father picked me because I’m more understanding and I don’t lie! I thought. I saw her right eye with a bloody scar; it was shaped as a lightning bolt. Ouch! My ear hurt even more! I felt my left ear with my paw and saw blood on my paw. “Huh? What-What happened to my beautiful ear?!?” I looked over at Cloud, he came running over.
“You’re ear got clawed by your furious sister!” Cloud started licking my left ear gently.
“Who-Who stopped her?” I looked up at the Herbal Wolf. His blue eyes were in pain.
“You’re father, Lion did,” He answered quietly. Cloud’s eyes went over to Nena. “We mustn’t tell your sister this or she will destroy your father for good.” His eyes were now sad.
“Why?” I was confused.
“She just will! I can’t tell you about your sister anymore than that she will try to kill you,” Cloud all of a sudden disappeared and I fell into darkness.
In my dream I found four wolves were in front of me. Two she-wolves and two male wolves.
“Welcome to Starpack, Leeana,” the first she-wolf spoke. Her shining silver pelt was glittering in the moonlight.
“We have come here to tell you that you must stop your sister! She’s with Blackheart in the Dark Woods! Find her and bring her back here and we will do the rest,” The second she-wolf spoke. Her unusual pelt was a brown color with some white.
“Listen to Bird,” the fist male wolf said. He had a black pelt; his green eyes were filled with determination.
“I’ll do it!” I dipped my head. “Where is Dark Woods?” The second male wolf was pointing into some dark brambles.
“Follow into those brambles and they will show you where your sister is,” He said. I nodded my head.
“Thank you so much!” I started for the brambles and started running. I have to try to stop my sister! But how? When? Where? Why? I thought but I had to keep running.
I stopped when I heard voices from behind some dark brambles. I must be in Dark Woods now. I thought.
“Ready?” asked a voice.
“Yes, Blackheart! I’m so ready,” The second voice answered. A she-wolf with a male wolf.
“Okay, show me the first two moves in a row,” the male wolf called Blackheart said.
“Okay,” the she-wolf answered.
After a few moments, the male wolf spoke again. “Very good, Nena. Now, try them on me!”
“Ya know, I’m only gonna beat ya! And then I’m gonna kill ya, again!” snarled the she-wolf and the battle began. I watched from my spot and saw the furious battle over nothing.
“That’s Nena! I have to keep watching to learn more of what her evil pan is,” I whispered, but it was loud enough for the male wolf to hear. He stopped and so did my sister. His black pelt bristling.
“What is it?” asked the gray silver she-wolf.
“Intruders,” Blackheart growled, looking toward my direction. Nena sniffed the air.
“Leeana is here,” Nena snarled. “Let’s get her!” They both started for me, smiling evilly. And then Nena jumped first and clawed at my side.
“Aw!” I cried in pain. I saw Blackheart leaped after me next and clawed at my face. My blood spilled on the dirty ground, and me on top of the mess. I cried in pain and saw both the wolves snickering evilly. Watching me, snickering at me and soon they both disappeared and I woke with a start.
“What happened?” I was startled by my scary dream.
“Bad dream?” a voice startled me.
“Oh it’s just you, Nena,” I sighed, and then I was scared again! Would she kill me at my weakest point? I didn’t know what she would do next but I would think it would be a horrible, horrible thing that’s ever happened to me!
“Who did you think it was? Some Dark Woods Wolf? Oh my Starpack, did you actually have another bad dream, again?” asked my furious sister.
“Um, yes I did actually have another bad dream! Why? You going to tease me for it? I don’t know what your problem is with me being future leader! Goodness, you have some sensitive feelings,” I snapped back.
“Because I think you just think you can get away with anything that you do wrong! I’m going for a walk,” Nena got up slowly. She was shaking.
“Maybe you shouldn’t,” I suggested.
“Don’t interfere in my life! I can do whatever I want to whenever I want to! I’m not going to have a pup boss me around when it becomes leader!” she walked straight out of the den.
“She-she called me a pup and an it! I’m not an it! She is!” I got up slower and padded out of the den.
“Thank Starpack you’re alive!” cried a voice. Leopard came up to me and started bathing me and telling me she loved me so much!
“Mo-Leopard! I’m not a pup anymore! Stop treating me like one!” I backed away.
“You called me Leopard? You are growing up to be a fine leader!” my mother started for me again but I ran out of the camp.
“And I’m proud of my ear!” I called back. I was running in the forest. I saw Nena at last. I stopped by her side.
“Go away,” Nena snarled at me.
“No,” I snapped. “What’s that matter?”
“None of your business,” she growled and walked on.
“Please tell me,” I pleaded, catching up.
“Fine,” Nena stopped and sat down. “You’re not going to tell anyone in less I tell you! Got it?” I nodded. “I-I- I want to be leader. Always wanted to but Leopard and Lion won’t listen just because I’m oldest! I don’t think they care of what I think!”
“Of course they do! You know what?”
“What?”
“When I become leader, I’m going to make you my deputy!” I smiled.
“What?!? You will?!?” she sounded shocked. “Oh no.” Nena shook her head.
“What?” I asked.
“Blackheart wants me to kill you,” She answered with a sad voice.
Chapter Three
Nena
“What?!? Blackheart wanted you to do that? But why?” asked my confused sister.
“I can’t tell you. I’m sorry,” I answered.
Then Leeana mumbled something I didn’t catch.
“Well, can you tell me that you won’t try to kill me? Then, I’ll be able to; Leopard and Lion, and Storm believe you and trust you. Maybe even Claws,” Leeana winked and giggled. Claws was the most handsome male wolf you would ever see!
“Shut up! Sides, he wouldn’t want to hang around me now,” I sighed.
“Why not?”
“Don’t you see? My eye! It’s horrible! I wouldn’t pass as a mate to him or anyone else. I’ll be known as Scarface forever!” Leeana looked at me.
“No you won’t! All you have to do is believe in yourself that one day you’ll have a wonderful mate and maybe even have pups! Just use your imagination! And you’ll see what your true future is!” My sister left and disappeared into some brambles.
But how can I do that? I mean it’s so hard to believe in myself if you get clawed in the face by your own mother! I thought. I would go back to camp and see what happens and decide weather to leave my home and live in the outlands or stay in my home and might not have a wonderful life. I ran back to camp.
I kept running and soon I looked to my right and saw the spirit of Blackheart appear, snarling at me.
“I don’t care what you think! I’m going to see what happens,” I snarled back.
“Fine,” Blackheart agreed, and he disappeared.
“Let’s see something happen at camp,” I said and kept running.
Camp
“Let everyone gather around highrock for a pack meet!” called my father, Lion.
Good, made it just in time to see what my parents say. I thought. I stopped and went into a walk when I came into camp. I saw everyone gathering around highrock for the meet.
“Nena, you’re back!” a voice exclaimed. It was Claws! He was worried about me! Why? The black male wolf came running toward me. “I was worried you left for good.” He licked my ear.
“Yeah,” I said. We both walked with each other back to his spot and sat down.
“All right, let’s begin!” Lion looked around to make sure everyone was there. “First, we have a new prophecy! And second, Leopard and I will decide what to do with Nena and Leeana! Let’s begin with the prophecy!” The pack got excited. “I was walking when a wolf came out and attacked another, and then, another wolf came out and helped the first attacker. I was in the middle. I didn’t know what to do to help the helpless defender. Two she-wolves and one male wolf. The first attacker was a she-wolf and the male was helping the she-wolf. The other she-wolf got clawed and clawed over and over again! I heard a voice say, ‘To stop evil, you must stop it first. Two will rise up against another and kill! Two she-wolves will face off and one will fall and the other will rise!’ I thought for a moment and realized that the one who will attack would be other than Nena! And the other she-wolf would be Leeana! Now what should we do with you, Nena?” Lion snarled and glared at me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” I defended myself but the pack’s glares outstand me and I ran out of camp, terrified.
“Wait! Nena! I need you!” yelled Claws and he ran after me. I sprinted out of the border as fast as my legs could carry me.
I finally stopped off of the border of my pack.
“Wait, Nena!” cried a voice. Claws came bursting out of some bushes.
“What do you want? Go away! You don’t want to send your life with a murder! Now, do you? Now leave,” I growled.
Claws shook his head.
“Why not?”
“I don’t care what the others think of you. I-I-”
“You what?” I waited for an answer.
“I love you and I don’t ever want to leave you! Please let me come with you!” He pleaded.
My anger went away and soon I felt happy. “I love you too, but where will we go?”
“To the outlands,” Claws decided.
“That’s where we will belong,” I stood up straighter. “Let’s go.” Claws nodded.
We both headed off to seek our new life.
Dusk
Soon, it was dusk. Claws and I were tried, thirty, and hungry.
“I think I see a den!” Claws tried to lift my spirits, again.
“I think it’s just another squirrel,” I barked. “Seriously! This is like the 100th time you told me there’s a den! Knock it off! Okay? Thank you.”
“No, Nena. It’s actually a den! You got to believe me this time,” he pleaded.
“Fine,” I agreed. I walked where he was pointing to the den. “This better be good!” I soon got out of some twisted brambles. They scratched at my itchy back.
Then, I saw it, the den Claws was talking about!
“Told ya,” Claws said, just coming out behind me.
“Whatever.” I sighed. I looked at the den in front of us. It was huge! Big enough for a bear, a fox, and a badger to share altogether. Boulder were all around. The huge den was dark gray with black.
“Let’s get some moss and go to sleep. We need to get some rest for tomorrow,” Claws suggested.
“Right, you go get the moss. I’ll check the den for any dangers. Good idea? Okay,” I explained.
“Yeah, good plan. Okay I’m going,” Claws said and turned around. He headed toward some trees behind the huge den. I watched him go.
“Okay, Nena. Time to check the huge, scary, frightening den,” I whispered. I took two steps forward and then just walked up. I looked up, and then looked down.
I finally went inside after a few moments outside. It was very, very, very dark. I could barely see! Soon, I saw a bright light. I ran toward it.
“Wow!” I saw that the bright light was a shiny stone of some short.
“Welcome,” a voice said. I jumped.
“Who-who are you? Show yourself!” I looked around urgently.
“Well, I’m Blueshine,” the voice answered.
“Where are you though?” I asked again. I was still looking for the voice.
“I’m part of Starpack. A she-wolf of Starpack. Leader and watcher of Starpack. Here let me show myself.” Soon, a blue-gray she-wolf came out of the stone.
“Wow! You are a Starpack Leader,” I exclaimed.
“Yes,” she answered. “I hear you’re going to sleep here and move here? Live here? You may, as long as you don’t try to kill me.” Blueshine chuckled.
“Done,” I said. “One thing.”
“Yes?”
“May I ask you to light up the den over by the entrance a little? It’s very, very dark back there,” I explained.
“Sure! Why didn’t you ask sooner? Let me just get something here,” Blueshine walked back into the stone and soon came out again. This time with a smaller version of the bigger shiny stone.
“Light up the den just like day! Soon they will sleep all the way! Stone now!” After when Blueshine said the magic words, the front of the den was lighting up brighter than before.
“Thank you so much,” I barked happily.
“No problem! Now, you must go back to the front! Okay? Thank you. I must go and watch over Starclan and lead it,” Blueshine said. She dipped her head, back away and disappeared into the larger stone.
“Good-bye,” I whispered.
“Nena! Nena! I’m back! Claws is back!” yelled a new voice of Claws.
“Coming!” I ran toward the entrance.
“Any good news?”
“Yep! No badgers, bears, foxes, other wolves or adder snakes,” I explained.
“Good,” Claws said. “Here’s the moss. I made our beds already. Did I hear someone back there with you? Someone is here?”
I shook my head. “No, just uh… talking to myself! Yeah, I was just doing two different voices! Okay? Now, Good Night!” I crawled into one of the moss beds and began to fall asleep. I started to pretend to snore.
“Good Night, Nena.” Claws yawned and fell asleep beside me. I stopped my fake snoring. I opened my right, damaged eye and saw Claws cuddling up against me.
Do I love him? Does he love me? If he does, I will too. Soon, he’ll find out about it, soon, but not now. Maybe I’ll tell him about the stone and Blueshine. Tomorrow will be a rough day. Good Night, Claws. My sweet Claws. I love you no matter what. And I fell asleep, smiling.
Chapter Four
Leeana
I stood staring at the camp entrance. What will happen to my sister? My heartbroken sister? I thought.
Don’t think of her! Now, you have the leadership you always dreamed of having and now you get it! Another thought rose.
I ignored the cruel thoughts about my sister. Everyone was going back into their dens. Silently I waited.
“Come on, Leeana. She’s never coming back,” a black male wolf piped in on my thoughts.
“No,” I said firmly. “Night, you wouldn’t understand at all. I love my sister no matter what she does to me. I know you think I might be crazy loving my sister but… its true sister love.”
“I know,” Night answered. “I also have a brother who left me and never returned. He… joined another pack and now, I have no idea where he is.”
“Did…did you search for him?”
Night shook his huge, black head. “Sadly no. I didn’t have the guts then. Sides, I was only a worker, but he… he was a fighter! And a hunter! He was the coolest.”
“Wow.” I sighed.
“Yeah, may I ask you something that might lift your spirits? Or at least take your mind off of your sister and won’t leave you lonely,” Night asked.
“Yeah,”
“Will you become my mate? We share everything and I won’t let you down at anything! I’ll be the best mate you ever had and I won’t leave you,”
I was shocked. “Uh… um… yes.”
“You… you will? That’s great! Thank you so much! I love you!” he nuzzled noses with me.
Now, I won’t ever be alone. Well, at least for now. We padded back into the den.
“Hey Night,” Sky greeted. Her blue eyes shining in the moonlight. Her blue-gray pelt with silver spots were glistening.
“Hi Sky,” Night answered. I settled into my nest and fell asleep. Night went by me and fell asleep also by me.
“Why you by Leeana now?” Sky was confused. But I was mistaken. Night was still awake.
“We’re mates now,” Night answered.
“Wow. Never knew you would ever have the guts again!” Sky teased.
“Yeah, but I love her and she loves me,” Night confessed.
“True love that is,” Sky agreed. “My former mate, Grass? Well, we also had true love but after he died. I’ve been awfully lonely.”
“You are getting old, no offense but maybe you should join the elders? You’re getting aching bones and getting tired all the time,” Night suggested. Sky was sharp tongued, but she surprised me.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right there, Night. You always have the best ways of suggesting. No wonder Leeana has chosen you.” Sky sighed. “Well, good night.”
“Yep, Good Night,” Night finally fell asleep.
Morning
*********
“Good morning,” my mate woke.
“Huh? Oh, good morning.” I yawned.
“Want to go hunting, my sweet?”
“Yes. I would love to! Let’s go,” I said, getting up. That’s right, we’re mates now. I love him and he loves me.
“Where should we go hunting today?” Night got up and walked out of the den with me right behind.
“I don’t know. Maybe by New Rocks? Or Sky Tree? Or even Snake Froze?” I suggested, still yawning.
“Maybe New Rocks would be best,” Night answered. “Let’s go! Okay, bye Leaf!” Night headed out of the camp’s entrance.
Leaf was guarding. Her brown pelt was glowing in the sunlight, like always. Her amber eyes blinked at me with gratitude.
“Bye Leaf!” I called and ran after Night.
New Rocks
We soon got to New Rocks. Night stopped and I trotted up to him.
“You go downwind and I’ll go east,” Night decided.
“All right,” I answered. I headed downwind in some bushes.
“Ready?” called Night from the east.
“Yes!” I called back.
After a few moments, a rustle in some leaves.
I go first. I thought. I came forward in a crouch. A plumb mouse was right there. I was about ready to pounce when someone else got my mouse!
“Night! You know that the she-wolves go first!” I complained but Night didn’t get my mouse! It was a stranger.
“Leeana?” the male wolf exclaimed. His gray pelt was bristling at me.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“You’re worst enemy of course,” the male answered.
“Is that Adder?” Night came out of the east brambles.
“Night? Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be looking for me? Well, you never did find me!” the male wolf did a little laugh.
“I… I never had the guts to,” Night said sadly.
“Adder was your brother?” I was shocked.
“Yes, you just forgot about him,” Night looked over at me and sighed.
“Adder, we should go back and tell the pack you’re back,” I suggested.
“We should,” Night agreed.
“No, I’m not going back,” Adder said firmly.
“Why?!?” exclaimed his brother.
“I live somewhere else now,” Adder answered.
“Where?” I stepped in.
“The outlands where Darkpack is now forming. We have no leader or deputy, but we think we have finally found one,” Adder explained.
“Who?” I asked.
“A she-wolf named, Nena,” Adder answered.
Oh no! “Oh no.” I said.
Nena
I awoke at dawn feeling refreshed. I saw the other wolves still sleeping. I better get up very slowly. I decided. I got up slowly as I planned but when I thought I didn’t wake anyone up.
"Let everyone gather around highrock for a pack meet!" called my father, Lion.
"What is it now?" grumbled my sister. I always hated her because she got the most attention just because she was youngest. The other wolves woke with a start.
“Oh my Starpack! What does he need?” an older warrior growled. All of the other wolves got up and left the den. I went after my sister. I so want to get her. I thought bitterly.
"Maybe something important," I answered. I saw my mother and my father sitting on top of the Meet place with sad glances. I looked at the other wolves sitting down but I walked closer to my worried parents. My friend, Storm came with me.
"What is it mother and father?" I ran toward them.
"We have to decide which one of you shall be the next leader," My mother Leopard answered.
“Maybe they picked you,” Storm whispered. I looked at the gray she-wolf; she was smiling with evil in her eyes.
"We picked your sister." She answered. I was stunned, at first I thought they picked me! Then, I thought even more why the reason why they picked my spoiled sister!
"Why?!? Just because she's younger? I hate you!" I cried. "You always hated me so that's why I'm going to kill her." I growled.
"No! You won't!" Lion stepped in.
"Watch me," I snapped. I crept up on my sister, Leeana. I clawed at her right ear. She cried in pain. Got her! I thought. I smiled evilly.
"No!!!" Leopard jumped from Highledge and clawed at my face. My right eye was at pain. I went down ad collapsed to the ground. I fell into darkness. What happened? I thought. I felt so much pain and I soon found myself in a sparkling woods.
“Welcome,” A voice said.
“Where am I?” I looked around for the strange voice. Then, a sparkling white she-wolf came out of some brambles.
“You’re in Starpack’s forest,” She answered calmly. “My name is Snowfall. I’m part of Starpack. And you’re Nena, and your father just attacked you from your sister, Leeana.”
“Wow, you were watching? Well, that had to be embarrassing for me for a Starpack wolf watching me,” I bluffed.
“Don’t worry, it’s not that bad! You didn’t know,” Snowfall answered with an understanding voice. “And you get used to it.” She mumbled.
“Okay, I see now, and why am I here?”
“You have to let your body rest until you’re fully healed,” The white she-wolf said. “It will take until Sunset to wake up. Don’t you see the Herbal Wolf taking you into the Herbal Den? You’ll be all right once you’re awake.”
“Will I see through my right eye? That’s one bad scar,” I shivered looking at my damaged eye.
“Yes you will,” Snowfall answered.
“Good,” I said, sighing with relief. I just hope Leeana is hurt really hurt badly so that she dies and so my parents will worry about me instead!
“She won’t die, Nena. I can hear your thoughts and if you keep that up, you will be going to the Dark Woods,” Snowfall growled.
“Fine!” I glared into her eyes. I turned away from her and headed the wrong way.
“You’re going to Dark Woods!” called the ancestor of my pack.
“I don’t care!” I started running, faster and faster till I reached Dark Woods and saw yellow angry eyes glaring at me in the bushes. I stopped quickly. “Hello?”
“Welcome young one to Dark Woods. You are totally welcomed,” a voice said, chuckling evilly.
“Who are you?” I looked around. I was scared now!
“I’m Blackheart, because my leader thought I had a blackheart so he named me right,” A black male wolf came out. His yellow eyes shining in the moonlight. His black pelt swaying in the wind.
“Well, you must know my name then,” I said shyly.
He nodded and added. “Nena, what you did wasn’t wrong it was right. Just think! Snowfall just wanted to have Leeana be the leader not you. Did you see how Snowfall protected Leeana? She snapped at you for saying that Leeana is spoiled! Kill Leeana! Do it for your rights and let no one know that you killed her.”
“But who will I blame?”
“Blame anyone you want! Maybe even say that she tried to kill you and so you had to protect the pack from evil!” The black wolf’s eyes lit up when mine did the same. “So you will do it?”
“You bet I will! Can I stay and talk to you about my future as the leader till Sunset?” I looked up at the older wolf. He nodded his head. “Perfect.” I growled. Soon, I’ll be leading the pack and Leeana won’t be able to stop me!
Chapter Two
Leeana
“Ouch,” I whimpered.
“Its okay, Leeana. You’re fine, get some more rest,” the Herbal Wolf calmed. He was a white wolf with blue sparkling eyes. His eyes showed comfort and understanding for me.
“Okay. I’ll… try,” I whined. I looked over at my sister, Nena. She had attacked me without warning. Fool! I don’t see why she would do such a thing to her future leader?!? I mean Mother and Father picked me because I’m more understanding and I don’t lie! I thought. I saw her right eye with a bloody scar; it was shaped as a lightning bolt. Ouch! My ear hurt even more! I felt my left ear with my paw and saw blood on my paw. “Huh? What-What happened to my beautiful ear?!?” I looked over at Cloud, he came running over.
“You’re ear got clawed by your furious sister!” Cloud started licking my left ear gently.
“Who-Who stopped her?” I looked up at the Herbal Wolf. His blue eyes were in pain.
“You’re father, Lion did,” He answered quietly. Cloud’s eyes went over to Nena. “We mustn’t tell your sister this or she will destroy your father for good.” His eyes were now sad.
“Why?” I was confused.
“She just will! I can’t tell you about your sister anymore than that she will try to kill you,” Cloud all of a sudden disappeared and I fell into darkness.
In my dream I found four wolves were in front of me. Two she-wolves and two male wolves.
“Welcome to Starpack, Leeana,” the first she-wolf spoke. Her shining silver pelt was glittering in the moonlight.
“We have come here to tell you that you must stop your sister! She’s with Blackheart in the Dark Woods! Find her and bring her back here and we will do the rest,” The second she-wolf spoke. Her unusual pelt was a brown color with some white.
“Listen to Bird,” the fist male wolf said. He had a black pelt; his green eyes were filled with determination.
“I’ll do it!” I dipped my head. “Where is Dark Woods?” The second male wolf was pointing into some dark brambles.
“Follow into those brambles and they will show you where your sister is,” He said. I nodded my head.
“Thank you so much!” I started for the brambles and started running. I have to try to stop my sister! But how? When? Where? Why? I thought but I had to keep running.
I stopped when I heard voices from behind some dark brambles. I must be in Dark Woods now. I thought.
“Ready?” asked a voice.
“Yes, Blackheart! I’m so ready,” The second voice answered. A she-wolf with a male wolf.
“Okay, show me the first two moves in a row,” the male wolf called Blackheart said.
“Okay,” the she-wolf answered.
After a few moments, the male wolf spoke again. “Very good, Nena. Now, try them on me!”
“Ya know, I’m only gonna beat ya! And then I’m gonna kill ya, again!” snarled the she-wolf and the battle began. I watched from my spot and saw the furious battle over nothing.
“That’s Nena! I have to keep watching to learn more of what her evil pan is,” I whispered, but it was loud enough for the male wolf to hear. He stopped and so did my sister. His black pelt bristling.
“What is it?” asked the gray silver she-wolf.
“Intruders,” Blackheart growled, looking toward my direction. Nena sniffed the air.
“Leeana is here,” Nena snarled. “Let’s get her!” They both started for me, smiling evilly. And then Nena jumped first and clawed at my side.
“Aw!” I cried in pain. I saw Blackheart leaped after me next and clawed at my face. My blood spilled on the dirty ground, and me on top of the mess. I cried in pain and saw both the wolves snickering evilly. Watching me, snickering at me and soon they both disappeared and I woke with a start.
“What happened?” I was startled by my scary dream.
“Bad dream?” a voice startled me.
“Oh it’s just you, Nena,” I sighed, and then I was scared again! Would she kill me at my weakest point? I didn’t know what she would do next but I would think it would be a horrible, horrible thing that’s ever happened to me!
“Who did you think it was? Some Dark Woods Wolf? Oh my Starpack, did you actually have another bad dream, again?” asked my furious sister.
“Um, yes I did actually have another bad dream! Why? You going to tease me for it? I don’t know what your problem is with me being future leader! Goodness, you have some sensitive feelings,” I snapped back.
“Because I think you just think you can get away with anything that you do wrong! I’m going for a walk,” Nena got up slowly. She was shaking.
“Maybe you shouldn’t,” I suggested.
“Don’t interfere in my life! I can do whatever I want to whenever I want to! I’m not going to have a pup boss me around when it becomes leader!” she walked straight out of the den.
“She-she called me a pup and an it! I’m not an it! She is!” I got up slower and padded out of the den.
“Thank Starpack you’re alive!” cried a voice. Leopard came up to me and started bathing me and telling me she loved me so much!
“Mo-Leopard! I’m not a pup anymore! Stop treating me like one!” I backed away.
“You called me Leopard? You are growing up to be a fine leader!” my mother started for me again but I ran out of the camp.
“And I’m proud of my ear!” I called back. I was running in the forest. I saw Nena at last. I stopped by her side.
“Go away,” Nena snarled at me.
“No,” I snapped. “What’s that matter?”
“None of your business,” she growled and walked on.
“Please tell me,” I pleaded, catching up.
“Fine,” Nena stopped and sat down. “You’re not going to tell anyone in less I tell you! Got it?” I nodded. “I-I- I want to be leader. Always wanted to but Leopard and Lion won’t listen just because I’m oldest! I don’t think they care of what I think!”
“Of course they do! You know what?”
“What?”
“When I become leader, I’m going to make you my deputy!” I smiled.
“What?!? You will?!?” she sounded shocked. “Oh no.” Nena shook her head.
“What?” I asked.
“Blackheart wants me to kill you,” She answered with a sad voice.
Chapter Three
Nena
“What?!? Blackheart wanted you to do that? But why?” asked my confused sister.
“I can’t tell you. I’m sorry,” I answered.
Then Leeana mumbled something I didn’t catch.
“Well, can you tell me that you won’t try to kill me? Then, I’ll be able to; Leopard and Lion, and Storm believe you and trust you. Maybe even Claws,” Leeana winked and giggled. Claws was the most handsome male wolf you would ever see!
“Shut up! Sides, he wouldn’t want to hang around me now,” I sighed.
“Why not?”
“Don’t you see? My eye! It’s horrible! I wouldn’t pass as a mate to him or anyone else. I’ll be known as Scarface forever!” Leeana looked at me.
“No you won’t! All you have to do is believe in yourself that one day you’ll have a wonderful mate and maybe even have pups! Just use your imagination! And you’ll see what your true future is!” My sister left and disappeared into some brambles.
But how can I do that? I mean it’s so hard to believe in myself if you get clawed in the face by your own mother! I thought. I would go back to camp and see what happens and decide weather to leave my home and live in the outlands or stay in my home and might not have a wonderful life. I ran back to camp.
I kept running and soon I looked to my right and saw the spirit of Blackheart appear, snarling at me.
“I don’t care what you think! I’m going to see what happens,” I snarled back.
“Fine,” Blackheart agreed, and he disappeared.
“Let’s see something happen at camp,” I said and kept running.
Camp
“Let everyone gather around highrock for a pack meet!” called my father, Lion.
Good, made it just in time to see what my parents say. I thought. I stopped and went into a walk when I came into camp. I saw everyone gathering around highrock for the meet.
“Nena, you’re back!” a voice exclaimed. It was Claws! He was worried about me! Why? The black male wolf came running toward me. “I was worried you left for good.” He licked my ear.
“Yeah,” I said. We both walked with each other back to his spot and sat down.
“All right, let’s begin!” Lion looked around to make sure everyone was there. “First, we have a new prophecy! And second, Leopard and I will decide what to do with Nena and Leeana! Let’s begin with the prophecy!” The pack got excited. “I was walking when a wolf came out and attacked another, and then, another wolf came out and helped the first attacker. I was in the middle. I didn’t know what to do to help the helpless defender. Two she-wolves and one male wolf. The first attacker was a she-wolf and the male was helping the she-wolf. The other she-wolf got clawed and clawed over and over again! I heard a voice say, ‘To stop evil, you must stop it first. Two will rise up against another and kill! Two she-wolves will face off and one will fall and the other will rise!’ I thought for a moment and realized that the one who will attack would be other than Nena! And the other she-wolf would be Leeana! Now what should we do with you, Nena?” Lion snarled and glared at me.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” I defended myself but the pack’s glares outstand me and I ran out of camp, terrified.
“Wait! Nena! I need you!” yelled Claws and he ran after me. I sprinted out of the border as fast as my legs could carry me.
I finally stopped off of the border of my pack.
“Wait, Nena!” cried a voice. Claws came bursting out of some bushes.
“What do you want? Go away! You don’t want to send your life with a murder! Now, do you? Now leave,” I growled.
Claws shook his head.
“Why not?”
“I don’t care what the others think of you. I-I-”
“You what?” I waited for an answer.
“I love you and I don’t ever want to leave you! Please let me come with you!” He pleaded.
My anger went away and soon I felt happy. “I love you too, but where will we go?”
“To the outlands,” Claws decided.
“That’s where we will belong,” I stood up straighter. “Let’s go.” Claws nodded.
We both headed off to seek our new life.
Dusk
Soon, it was dusk. Claws and I were tried, thirty, and hungry.
“I think I see a den!” Claws tried to lift my spirits, again.
“I think it’s just another squirrel,” I barked. “Seriously! This is like the 100th time you told me there’s a den! Knock it off! Okay? Thank you.”
“No, Nena. It’s actually a den! You got to believe me this time,” he pleaded.
“Fine,” I agreed. I walked where he was pointing to the den. “This better be good!” I soon got out of some twisted brambles. They scratched at my itchy back.
Then, I saw it, the den Claws was talking about!
“Told ya,” Claws said, just coming out behind me.
“Whatever.” I sighed. I looked at the den in front of us. It was huge! Big enough for a bear, a fox, and a badger to share altogether. Boulder were all around. The huge den was dark gray with black.
“Let’s get some moss and go to sleep. We need to get some rest for tomorrow,” Claws suggested.
“Right, you go get the moss. I’ll check the den for any dangers. Good idea? Okay,” I explained.
“Yeah, good plan. Okay I’m going,” Claws said and turned around. He headed toward some trees behind the huge den. I watched him go.
“Okay, Nena. Time to check the huge, scary, frightening den,” I whispered. I took two steps forward and then just walked up. I looked up, and then looked down.
I finally went inside after a few moments outside. It was very, very, very dark. I could barely see! Soon, I saw a bright light. I ran toward it.
“Wow!” I saw that the bright light was a shiny stone of some short.
“Welcome,” a voice said. I jumped.
“Who-who are you? Show yourself!” I looked around urgently.
“Well, I’m Blueshine,” the voice answered.
“Where are you though?” I asked again. I was still looking for the voice.
“I’m part of Starpack. A she-wolf of Starpack. Leader and watcher of Starpack. Here let me show myself.” Soon, a blue-gray she-wolf came out of the stone.
“Wow! You are a Starpack Leader,” I exclaimed.
“Yes,” she answered. “I hear you’re going to sleep here and move here? Live here? You may, as long as you don’t try to kill me.” Blueshine chuckled.
“Done,” I said. “One thing.”
“Yes?”
“May I ask you to light up the den over by the entrance a little? It’s very, very dark back there,” I explained.
“Sure! Why didn’t you ask sooner? Let me just get something here,” Blueshine walked back into the stone and soon came out again. This time with a smaller version of the bigger shiny stone.
“Light up the den just like day! Soon they will sleep all the way! Stone now!” After when Blueshine said the magic words, the front of the den was lighting up brighter than before.
“Thank you so much,” I barked happily.
“No problem! Now, you must go back to the front! Okay? Thank you. I must go and watch over Starclan and lead it,” Blueshine said. She dipped her head, back away and disappeared into the larger stone.
“Good-bye,” I whispered.
“Nena! Nena! I’m back! Claws is back!” yelled a new voice of Claws.
“Coming!” I ran toward the entrance.
“Any good news?”
“Yep! No badgers, bears, foxes, other wolves or adder snakes,” I explained.
“Good,” Claws said. “Here’s the moss. I made our beds already. Did I hear someone back there with you? Someone is here?”
I shook my head. “No, just uh… talking to myself! Yeah, I was just doing two different voices! Okay? Now, Good Night!” I crawled into one of the moss beds and began to fall asleep. I started to pretend to snore.
“Good Night, Nena.” Claws yawned and fell asleep beside me. I stopped my fake snoring. I opened my right, damaged eye and saw Claws cuddling up against me.
Do I love him? Does he love me? If he does, I will too. Soon, he’ll find out about it, soon, but not now. Maybe I’ll tell him about the stone and Blueshine. Tomorrow will be a rough day. Good Night, Claws. My sweet Claws. I love you no matter what. And I fell asleep, smiling.
Chapter Four
Leeana
I stood staring at the camp entrance. What will happen to my sister? My heartbroken sister? I thought.
Don’t think of her! Now, you have the leadership you always dreamed of having and now you get it! Another thought rose.
I ignored the cruel thoughts about my sister. Everyone was going back into their dens. Silently I waited.
“Come on, Leeana. She’s never coming back,” a black male wolf piped in on my thoughts.
“No,” I said firmly. “Night, you wouldn’t understand at all. I love my sister no matter what she does to me. I know you think I might be crazy loving my sister but… its true sister love.”
“I know,” Night answered. “I also have a brother who left me and never returned. He… joined another pack and now, I have no idea where he is.”
“Did…did you search for him?”
Night shook his huge, black head. “Sadly no. I didn’t have the guts then. Sides, I was only a worker, but he… he was a fighter! And a hunter! He was the coolest.”
“Wow.” I sighed.
“Yeah, may I ask you something that might lift your spirits? Or at least take your mind off of your sister and won’t leave you lonely,” Night asked.
“Yeah,”
“Will you become my mate? We share everything and I won’t let you down at anything! I’ll be the best mate you ever had and I won’t leave you,”
I was shocked. “Uh… um… yes.”
“You… you will? That’s great! Thank you so much! I love you!” he nuzzled noses with me.
Now, I won’t ever be alone. Well, at least for now. We padded back into the den.
“Hey Night,” Sky greeted. Her blue eyes shining in the moonlight. Her blue-gray pelt with silver spots were glistening.
“Hi Sky,” Night answered. I settled into my nest and fell asleep. Night went by me and fell asleep also by me.
“Why you by Leeana now?” Sky was confused. But I was mistaken. Night was still awake.
“We’re mates now,” Night answered.
“Wow. Never knew you would ever have the guts again!” Sky teased.
“Yeah, but I love her and she loves me,” Night confessed.
“True love that is,” Sky agreed. “My former mate, Grass? Well, we also had true love but after he died. I’ve been awfully lonely.”
“You are getting old, no offense but maybe you should join the elders? You’re getting aching bones and getting tired all the time,” Night suggested. Sky was sharp tongued, but she surprised me.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right there, Night. You always have the best ways of suggesting. No wonder Leeana has chosen you.” Sky sighed. “Well, good night.”
“Yep, Good Night,” Night finally fell asleep.
Morning
*********
“Good morning,” my mate woke.
“Huh? Oh, good morning.” I yawned.
“Want to go hunting, my sweet?”
“Yes. I would love to! Let’s go,” I said, getting up. That’s right, we’re mates now. I love him and he loves me.
“Where should we go hunting today?” Night got up and walked out of the den with me right behind.
“I don’t know. Maybe by New Rocks? Or Sky Tree? Or even Snake Froze?” I suggested, still yawning.
“Maybe New Rocks would be best,” Night answered. “Let’s go! Okay, bye Leaf!” Night headed out of the camp’s entrance.
Leaf was guarding. Her brown pelt was glowing in the sunlight, like always. Her amber eyes blinked at me with gratitude.
“Bye Leaf!” I called and ran after Night.
New Rocks
We soon got to New Rocks. Night stopped and I trotted up to him.
“You go downwind and I’ll go east,” Night decided.
“All right,” I answered. I headed downwind in some bushes.
“Ready?” called Night from the east.
“Yes!” I called back.
After a few moments, a rustle in some leaves.
I go first. I thought. I came forward in a crouch. A plumb mouse was right there. I was about ready to pounce when someone else got my mouse!
“Night! You know that the she-wolves go first!” I complained but Night didn’t get my mouse! It was a stranger.
“Leeana?” the male wolf exclaimed. His gray pelt was bristling at me.
“Who are you?” I asked.
“You’re worst enemy of course,” the male answered.
“Is that Adder?” Night came out of the east brambles.
“Night? Why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be looking for me? Well, you never did find me!” the male wolf did a little laugh.
“I… I never had the guts to,” Night said sadly.
“Adder was your brother?” I was shocked.
“Yes, you just forgot about him,” Night looked over at me and sighed.
“Adder, we should go back and tell the pack you’re back,” I suggested.
“We should,” Night agreed.
“No, I’m not going back,” Adder said firmly.
“Why?!?” exclaimed his brother.
“I live somewhere else now,” Adder answered.
“Where?” I stepped in.
“The outlands where Darkpack is now forming. We have no leader or deputy, but we think we have finally found one,” Adder explained.
“Who?” I asked.
“A she-wolf named, Nena,” Adder answered.
Oh no! “Oh no.” I said.