To Be A Pickle {Izori}

TO BE A PICKLE
(c) Izori

What does a pickle feel?
In its youth, a cucumber,
Basking in a sunny field
The honest dirt under your shoulder
The leaves above.
Something grabs you
And you go up and up and up
And put in a basket
The world is dark until you find yourself
Floating in a briny jar,
Distorted images through the glass,
Then the chill of the refrigerator.
A sucking sound as the lid pops open
Then a hand grabs you by the nose
And lifts you out
into the big, wide world.
A soaring moment, a view of the kitchen
And sunlight streaming through the window.
Then suddenly--
Crunch.

Trumpet's Secret (Final) ~ Struggle

Kasta's feeling a bit better, but will the stress of being the lead trumpet player at the state jazz festival be too much for her?

Chapter 8: Struggle

    On the bus, Kasta began to feel lightheaded. It was going to be a struggle to get through the day, that was for sure. Across the aisle, Alex was playing with magic 8 ball that she had on her iTouch. Sara looked thunderstruck; apparently she had been told that she would be run over by a truck later that night. Everyone was laughing because Sara was a very careful person. Suddenly, Mrs. Ochono, sitting a few rows back, jokingly asked a question that make Kasta stand still.

    "Will Kasta make it through all the songs without dying?"

    Alex gave a little smile and shook the little contraption. "Absolutely not. Sorry Kasta. Guess you really should have stayed home today!"

    Kasta knew it was all fun and games but she turned to the girl sitting next to her, Abby, who was a 6th grade trombonist. "Explain this all to me please."

    Abby though, had just eaten several M&M's and as a result was very hyper. Abby's friend Yovanna who was sitting behind them shook her head. "I told her not to eat sugar." Suddenly, Yovanna's hand flew out and smacked Abby in the head. "There. That should settle it."

    Kasta laughed. "I sure hope so. She was really getting on my nerves. Now, does anyone have an idea as to how I can get through without dying?"

    Abby eagerly bounced up and down. "I know! I know! You're a cat! With nine lives! So you can die during every solo! And still have five lives left! For, like, next year!"

    "OK then......." Abby really was starting to freak Kasta out. "Hey Yovanna, there's nobody sitting next to you, right?"

    "No. You wanna move back here?"

    "Uh, yeah. That's why I asked. This one-" She indicated Abby with a twitch of her head. "is starting to scare me."

    "No problem." Yovanna smiled. "Ever wonder why I let YOU sit with her?"

    "Ha. Ha. Very funny. You knew it would happen didn't you?" Kasta picked up her stuff and moved it to the seat behind her. "Thank God."

    Yovanna rummaged through her backpack. "But. Ya know what?"

    "What?"

    "You may just want to move, or else you'll be in the war-path of Mrs. Ochono. I just remembered that I left all my music in my locker back at school."

    Kasta quickly moved into the seat behind Sara and Alex.

•••

    Kasta followed the rest of the band down the hallway after their performance. They had done the best they could under the circumstances, but would it be enough? Her head felt so heavy and she was lagging farther and farther behind the rest of the band. Up ahead she see Abby jabbing her trombone slide at random people from other bands, but Kasta was too worn out to laugh, even though Abby had really good aim and was hitting most of her targets. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and Kasta turned to see her friend Charlotte Greybird by her side. Charlotte, or as her friends normally

called her, Birdy, had moved away at the beginning of the school year and they hadn't been able to see each other since that time because of the Erica situation. "Hey Birdy. Long time, no see, eh?"

     Birdy's face was worried "Kasta. Where's your band? You look terrible!"

    "Room 201..." Kasta's eyes glazed over as she fell to her knees and toppled backwards in a dead faint, her cornet spinning skyward and then caught in her friend's open hands.

    "KASTA!" Birdy knelt down to check for a pulse, and finding that, left Kasta lying spread-eagled in the hallway as she sprinted off to find room 201.

    Mrs. Ochono was just doing a run-down of the performance and the procedure that would follow when a strange girl burst into the room. Her tightly curled black hair frizzed out and she seemed to be quiet hysterical and out of breath. "Are-are you, are you Mrs Ochono?"

    Mrs. Ochono looked puzzled. "Yes, but you are...?"

    "Cha-Charlotte. Charlotte Greybird. But people normally just call me Birdy" She stopped for a moment to catch her breath. "I'm a good friend of Kasta's. I'm really sorry to interrupt but-"

    Mrs Ochono snapped to attention at the mention of her missing student. "Kasta Shepsheir? Do you know where she is? She wasn't feeling that great, and she hasn't come back yet."

    "Well, she's, um, lying on the hallway floor, and, uh, unconscious."

    Mrs Ochono clenched her jaw. "Looks like we're going to miss awards. Sorry guys. Sara, Alex, Yovanna, and Jason come with me."

    Birdy led the small group down the halls to were her friend lay. Sara knelt down right away and declared that water would probably make her wake up, and Yovanna rushed off to the nearest bathroom to wet some paper towels. She was back in a minute with a big wad that she promptly lay on Kasta's forehead.

    It didn't take long, and soon Kasta opened her eyes and sat up. "Whaaa-

what happened?" She groggily asked.

   

    "You fainted."

    "Oh. Who's that?" Kasta pointed to the man who had walked up behind them.

    The man laughed and turned to Mrs. Ochono. "I'm Mr. Jones and I'm the one who ran the festival this year. I noticed that you and your band weren't at the awards ceremony so I came to see if you were still around and to give you the good news. Your band won Division 1!" He handed Mrs. Ochono a plaque. "Also, two of your students received musicianship awards. Jason Chévez and Kasta Shepsheir are the names, I believe."

    Kasta turned to look at Mr. Jones, smiled, and fainted. Again. Alex sighed. It was turning into a very tiring day.

  Next Installment- Chapter 9: Surprise

My Wolf story. Ending! (er, beginning!)

* * * * *


Kiba was at the old denning area. He motioned the others to get ready. Shara gasped as she saw Datar dive for Sader.

"Kiba! Datar is killing Sader!" she whispered urgently. Kiba whipped his head around to see Sader yelp in pain as he was pounced on by four other wolves who ripped at his fur and legs. Datar stood back with a smirk to watch them kill him slowly. Kiba and Shara were one as they gave a war cry and soared over the rocks and logs that were makeshift shelters. Shara slammed into Datar while Kiba pounced on Sader's attackers. Zora ran side by side with the other girl she had sat with.

"My name's Zora." she panted while they raced over to a pack of wolves.

"My name's Kachi." the young wolf responded. The grinned briefly before Zora spoke.

"Let's get their miserable flea-bitten pelts out of here!" she roared as they charged. Kachi charged under a wolf while twisting around to grab his leg. His leg crumpled and he yelped. Zoraz had slammed into one and then jumped onto a wolf's back, using s trick she had learned she held on while he hopped and jumped in an effort to gte her off. He finaly rolled over and as he did she jumped into the air and landed on his unprotected stomach. She sank her teeth in and jerked back and forth. He tried to get away but Zora held him firmly. Then she let go and he went howling for the deeper forest. Kachi's wolf was also heading in the same direction. Kachi and Zora smiled and then went over to fight some more. Kira was battling a smaller female wolf around her size. She also used the trick Zora used. It worked and she sank her teeth into his tender under-side. Spike was with another male who was helping him attack a large wolf that had been hurting Tredor. Splash and Kira were fighting a huge wolf three times their size! Soon that wolf joined the rest of the retreating wolves. Shara and Kiba cornered Datar. Kiba stepped towards the snarling mass but Shara held a paw in front of her mate.

"This is my fight, Kiba." she whispered. "Many wolves have died in this fight. I get the honor of this wolf."

"But Shara, can't you-" Kiba started to protest. but then lowered his head and stepped back. Shara glared at Datar. He was wounded.

"Datar. I've waited a long time for this. . . ." Datar's eyes widened.

"You'll never kill me! Your too weak. You could never do it. Besides," he growled. "everybody is against you and for me!"

"No, Datar. They're gone. Nobody is for you now." Kiba snarled. Shara closed in and suddenly Datar flung himself at her. Kiba jumped over and slammed into his mate's attacker. Fur flew as they snapped and ripped with their teeth and scratched with their claws. Datar's eyes were narrowed with fury. Or was it fear? And he slashed out and bit hard into Shara's side. That just enraged Shara more and she fought harder. Blood splattered the leafs, bright red against green. Suddenly Datar was on his back on the ground and cornered. Shara and Kiba stood over him. Shara spoke.

"You have three choices Datar. Either be killed, run away and never come back, or surrender and follow my mate's pack under his and my rule." Datar swallowed while he considered his choices. Then he looked into Kiba's eyes and slowly he spoke in a clear strong voice.

"I always wanted to be better than Minu. I never was. Even though I was older he always was my father's favorite. When mom died she gave him The Mark, and then he had all the power. I never could understand why I wasn't good enough. I was jealous. My envy swallowed me and I couldn't escape it. That's when I ran away and gathered wolf' to start a pack to kill Minu and tear apart his pack. When I killed him my envy died and I felt terrible. But then it was too late. I couldn't go back so I tried to make it better. My jealousy arose again when you said Minu chose you to be next. I was cruel to the pack. I didn't help them or satisfy their needs. I just now realized why I was still scared. I was too terrified of you and what you would do if you found me or tried to attack. Thinking of you took away to much of my energy and I couldn't hunt. Just now when you cornered me I realized I had to die, forever live in my hate and envy, or submit. But I've made up my mind to change forever and follow your pack. Never again will jealousy overpower me like that." Datar stood up and lo ward his head in defeat. Shara and Kiba were stunned. Kiba blinked several times and he then lowered his head to Datar and spoke softly.

"I understand. But until you prove it to me you will be closely watched!" Datar looked grateful. His tail swept from side ot side and he grinned at Kiba.

"Thank you! Thank you! I will obey you always, my leader!" Kiba smiled and then he and Shara walked to the Leaders Rock and jumped up. Kiba watched as all the wolves came together beneath him while the other pack fled deeper into the forest to begin a new life. His pups were sitting next to other young wolves and grinning. Everybody sat down below him and looked up expectantly. Kiba looked down at them and then howled his victory to the forest. Shara, and her pups joined in and soon the whole pack was howling along with their leader. Peace had been restored to the forest. . . .



The End





The Tale of Eviksero! The Sequel To Shara's Glory.

200 years later, the tale was still being told of how Kiba defeated the enemy pack, how Shara and Kiba found each other, how the puppies grew up and started their own packs, how they all lived in harmony, and how peace was once again restored to the forest. But one thing was forgotten. Only Spike and Zora passed down The Mark to their puppies. And only a few wolves still had The Mark. And only they knew how to use the power. The Mark is a power that sometimes you are born with and sometimes is able to be passed along to The Mark holder's offspring. The Mark strengthens your best talent and ability. The Mark also gives you the knowledge of how to use it in battle. The Power is what is also in The Mark if you receive it at birth. The Power is what gives you and extra power or ability. When you have both it is almost certain that you will win in battle. No wolf had ever received The Mark and The Power exept one wolf that lived two generations before Kiba's. Legend says that one wolf will have The Power and The Mark. No one remembered that. The excitement of knowing they might be the next wolf with The Mark wore off until it was forgotten. But some remembered. And I was one who remembered. My name is Eviksero! I am a respected leader of the pack, Rohlok. The Rohlok pack remembers most of the true tale. We are all descendants from the wolf Spike. Few of us have The Mark. It is a rare thing to have The Mark and great feasts are held for pups who are born with it. And I was one who was born with The Mark and The Power! This is the Tale of; Eviksero Of The Rohlok Pack!
(And I will start writing! Please comment and say how you like it!)

-Zoraz

Little Boy Walks {Cornet Crazie}

This is my latest poem entitled 'little boy walks' and tells a story of this little boy. I used a different style with it then my other poems and I am quite pleased with the results!

little boy walks

(c) Cornet Crazie

little boy walks,

through the forest.

arching ferns,

dappled sunbeams,

and squirrels chittering,

in the trees.

little boy sits,

on mossy rock.

happy smile,

content at heart,

and never wanting,

to leave this place.

little boy stands,

and turns towards home.

sky darkening,

stars appearing,

and moon emerging,

from the clouds.

little boy dreams,

in silent sleep.

of leafy trees,

raucous birds,

all struck down, 

and wiped away.

little boy wakes,

smelling sawdust.

out the window,

silence reigns,

everything gone,

and all is still.

little boy strides,

among the stumps.

trees once there,

strike a chord,

lone feather lays,

in the carnage.

little boy weeps.

Trumpet's Secret (Final) ~ Experiment

Kasta's sick right when her band needs her most and Mrs Ochono thinks that the trumpet may cure her. Will the experiment work? Or will it have ghastly consequences?

Chapter 7: Experiment

    The winter days passed slowly, but soon the snow melted, the flowers pushed their way out of the ground, and Kasta again became very, very, sick, only four days before she would have to perform at the state jazz festival. She wasn't school on Monday or Tuesday, but instead was left at Erica's house lying in bed while Erica was at work and then out partying late in the night. Kasta could only lie in bed, the sickness coursing through her body, and the fever racking her brain, while her cousin wouldn't even take her to see the doctor. On Wednesday afternoon, Kasta received a phone call from Alex.

    "Kasta?"

    Kasta only grunted to show that she was listening.

    "Oh Kasta. Kasta, Kasta, Kasta. You're not contagious are you?"

    Kasta didn't reply for several minutes, then quietly whispered four words. "I don't think so."

    Alex didn't hesitate at all but only said "Great we'll be right over!"

    Kasta slowly hung up the phone and sighed. It was turning out to be a strange week, that was for sure. She pushed her self upright, changed into

jeans and a sweatshirt, run a brush through her hair, quickly straightened her bed and flopped right back down, totally exhausted from doing the small amount of work. Presently, Kasta heard footsteps racing up the stairs. "Hey." Her voice rasped and crackled as she spoke. Good thing it isn't a chorus concert tomorrow. She thought to herself. I'd totally suck.

    Alex walked into the room, closely tailed by Sara who was carrying a large black case in her hands. Alex ran over and sat down on the edge of the bed and Sara followed after dumping the case on the floor.

    "Oh Kasta...." Alex's voice trailed off for a moment. "I'm sorry Kristy and Jasmine aren't here but they needed to talk to Ms. Schzer about the French homework. They're missing you too, but the jazz band is missing you most of all."

    Sara cut in at that point saying "You see, Mrs. Ochono kinda ordered us to come here Kasta. She's really stressed about you not being at school this week and states tomorrow and no one prepared on the lead part and solos! So uh..."

    Alex then interjected. "She told us to come and tell you she doesn't care if you're dying, she wants you at school tomorrow."

    Kasta let out the breath that she had been holding in. "I don't know. You can see how sick I am, and Erica refuses to call the doctor. Even if I called, there's no way I could get down to the office for my appointment. I just don't know how I can. I've never been this sick before."

    Sara reached down and pulled the case off the floor and set it on the bed. "Mrs. Ochono said to bring this. She said you would know what to do."

    Kasta opened the case and peered inside, and strong sense of security engulfed her, as she lifted the trumpet out of the case. "Yeah right. How's this going to make me better for tomorrow? I'm sorry guys, but I don't think I'll be there."

    Alex smiled. "Believe me, we know. Now just rest, and maybe we'll see you tomorrow." She and Sara got up and left as quickly as they had come.

   Kasta lay back down fingering the trumpet, and felt a single tear run down

the length of her face. Kasta put the trumpet back in it's case, rolled over and went to sleep. She could dwell on the trumpet mystery in the morning.

•••

    Kasta awoke the next morning feeling immensely better. She was still shaky and looked terrible, almost like a corpse with her hollow cheeks, pale skin and dull, glassy eyes. But the fever had broken and the uncontrollable cough seemed to be gone, and those had been the worst things anyway. Kasta looked in the mirror and smiled. Maybe that trumpet had special powers to make her feel better and maybe it didn't, but all that didn't matter in the least to Kasta. She was going to the state jazz festival and no one was going to stop her.

    As Kasta entered the auditorium that morning, everyone in the jazz band cheered. Their lead trumpet and soloist was back and they had a chance at placing again. Mrs. Ochono just smiled winked at Kasta. "Glad to see you're feeling better. It's been a stressful couple of days around here."

    For an answer Kasta simply pulled out her cornet and said "What are we waiting for? Let's go win this thing. I didn't come to school today for nothing."

    Mrs. Ochono laughed at her student's straightforward attitude. "Soon Kasta, but the buses aren't supposed to get here for another hour. For now, let's run through your solos to make sure that you are totally prepared.''

Next Installment- Chapter 8: Struggle

Pack Brother: Life's Race

Prologue

A chilled, deadly mist blew across the clearing. Two wolves gathered around a small clear pool. “What’s happening to The Place of The Stars?” A small white wolf with icy blue eyes barked panicked.
  “It’s just us, Ice, our bad spirits are making the weather change” A much older, brown wolf with strong black muscles barked calmly.
  “So what now? The prophecy, we are all tense about it, no wolf knows where it came from, our families are looking up and we can do nothing for the packs below.” Ice barked calmly, causing the wind to calm down a bit.
  “I’ll recite the prophecy once more then we will pick the wolves who we must crash this on them” Rock, the brown wolf barked.
  “Put it like that!” Ice snapped back. Rock grunted.

“The time of darkness falls,
The packs will work together,
Heroes of Time and Light will come,
Lost will find peace,
Peace will bring joy.”

Ice thought, who could of created such prophecy? she looked at Rock, “Who shall it be? How? Will a mother give birth to them? We only know we must pick two!” Ice barked frantically. “What if we go?”
  “Why don’t we come back to life as brothers, we could to it, we just have to get the others to pick us, it’ll be good.” Rock finished looking hot with embarrassment.
  Ice looked at him and smiled, “Yes lets be the heroes of time and light!”

Wolves flooded into a small cave. “Ok, you are choosing to be in The Pack of The Mountain. You are going to be brothers. Your names will be Edon and Nilo?” Sorcerer, the wolf of knowing was going to make them new lives. They nodded. Together they leaped onto the Crystal Stone, then Sorcerer spoke, “New life, together, brother, mountain, friendship, loyal, kind, brave, Heroes of Time and Light, peace, love, passion”  the black wolf leaped up and down and the two were gone.

The wolves looked as two pups lay there born again, in a cave with the best family, the best mother, the best father and the best pack. But what would become of The Heroes of Time and Light?

Wolf Story {Zoraz}

Chapter One: The Battle




Kiba looked up to the sky and threw his head back and let out a long sorrowful howl. His leader had just been killed by an enemy pack. He felt so confused inside. What now? Who would be the next leader? This was so sudden. None of them had even expected this! Minu was so young. How could he die now? Which wolf had killed him? He wished he could sink his fangs into the flea bitten pelt of the enemy wolf. Kiba lowered his head and sat. Then he tried to think of what to do next. Minu had said he would be next leader if he died in this battle. Kiba got to his feet. He looked around. Most of the enemy's had left. Cowards . . . 'kill and run. Kill all innocent animals and then the king. Make sure he's killed. Get three groups of five of the strongest wolves and kill him. Oh yeah, and kill all the little pups.' Kiba thought irritatedly. He hadn't let them kill all of the puppies but they had killed some. He could hear the mothers howling for their lost puppies. Where was the rest of the pack? He had to find them, make sure they were safe. He had to get to his mate, Shara! What if they were attacked by another pack? These wimpy cowards wouldn't dare to attack twice!

Suddenly there was a growl. Kiba whirled around and saw a wolf, unrecognizable because of the shadows.

"Still mourning for the flea-bitten 'king'? You act just like a newborn pup!" the intruder sneered. Kiba's lips rose into a snarl and his fur stood up along his spine. The wolf spoke again. "You see how 'powerful' your leader was? Ha! Everybody knows he was not the best wolf to be leader. I was."

Kiba was curious. "And who do you think you are?? You speak lies. Every wolf in the pack greatly respected Minu!! He was also my friend. Who are you to speak like this!"

The strange wolf came closer and out of the shadows. He had a long scar down his face, from his right eye and across on the left side of his nose and his left ear had a chunk out of it. He many scars all over his body.

"You stupid young pup," he snarled. "You know nothing."

Kiba growled and stomped his front feet.

The strange wolf continued, "You might know more about your wolf ancestors if you were not so ignorant. Did you know Minu's father? or were you never taught anything about your leader?"

Kiba was outraged. Who was this to be speaking to his fallen leader like this? He needed to teach this wolf a lesson. "Who are you?"

"I am Datar. Minu's older brother. Our father left Minu to be leader instead of me and banished me from this land, many years ago. It was all a betrayal. I was supposed to be leader."

Kiba was silent. He never knew Minu had an older brother. Wolf pack leaders left their oldest son to be head of the pack. If what Datar said was true, then Minu may have not been as noble and moral as Kiba had thought. Confusion swam in his head. Who could he trust? Did it even matter? He just wanted to get back to Shara, his pretty mate. He was already tired of fighting enemies and worrying about the pack.

"Well you were banished! I am next in line. Minu said so!" Kiba jumped forward snarling as he spoke. "So back off! This is the reason you weren't king. You betray your own blood just for power! Raaaaaaah!" Kiba launched himself at Datar furiously. Datar, completely unprepared for such a bold attack, fell backwards with a yelp of fear. Kiba was thoroughly enraged now. "You will not speak of my leader that way!" Datar jumped back and recovered enough to speak. "Your so called 'king' was the runt of the litter! He shouldn't have been alive. Minu was the youngest and I was the oldest!

Kiba stopped where he was.

"The runt?"

Datar sneered.

"Yes young cub! I had a right to be king but Minu said I 'wasn't strong enough and was too power hungry' the stupid fur-ball. He didn't understand that to be a powerful king you need to know your own strength. He was weak and gave the throne to my brother at an early age. Minu was foolish and banished a powerful member of the pack. Me!" Datar turned his head halfway and spoke to something behind him. "Back off female! This isn't your fight!" Kiba whirled around. Shara was standing in all her glory in the moonlight.

"Datar. I knew you'd be behind this cowardly attack. What do you want, Flea-brain?" she snarled. Kiba jumped in front of his mate as Datar stepped forward.

"Back off Shara. This is your final warning. I won't say it again." Datar glared at them.

Kiba was nervous for his mate.

"Shara. Please! Your pups. You need-"

Shara cut in. "To rest? To go lie down? To let you fight to the death yourself with me standing by watching? No! I won't watch you die like I did with our leader. Enough is enough and the fighting must stop." Datar sat down and yawned in mock boredom.

"Take your relationship disputes somewhere else. I'm here for a reason and if you get in my way, you will die."

Kiba stood next to Shara and looked questioningly into her eyes. He could see she was mad.

He said under his breath, "We can't let him do this. Shara?" Shara wasn't looking at him. She was looking over her shoulder. Kiba heard a noise too.

Suddenly two more wolves sprang of the trees and lunged toward them.

"Hold the female down!" Came a growling order.

Kiba all the sudden felt a blunt pain in his shoulder. Datar had leaped onto his back when he wasn't looking and he sank his teeth viciously into Kiba.

"NO!!" He wiggled with all his might and flipped Datar over. It wasn't easy, Datar was a bigger and more mature fighter.

"No Datar!! Nooooo!" Shara screamed. Kiba tried to pin down Datar but he wasn't strong enough. He tried biting his attacker's leg as Datar lunged at his throat and tore into his flesh with all his might. Kiba yelped loudly at the intense pain. Datar's teeth ripped and yanked and the pain was almost unbearable. Kiba tried to focus and see where Shara was, but he was losing a lot of blood and he felt lightheaded. The darkness was getting darker and his eyes filled with tears. "No....I can't leave my beautiful Shara. The puppies. My pack..."

He could faintly hear Shara barking and howling and crying for her mate but he couldn't react. He hoped she would be okay. Datar still had his teeth sunk into Kiba's neck as blood flowed out onto the grass. Kiba's body stopped squirming and lay still. Datar unhooked his grip and stepped off his contender.

He licked his lips and laughed.

"See who's more powerful now, stupid pup?"

He felt so alive. He was the pack leader now! He sat back and let out a loud victory howl at the sky. The two dogs that held down Shara let go of her and also joined in the howl. Shara was injured but not badly. She looked around frantically, looking for her handsome mate and the father of her puppies.

It was dark and hard to see. She bounded over to where they had been fighting and tripped over a warm motionless body lying in a pool of blood.

She saw his beautiful eyes shut, seemingly lifelessly up at her and she couldn't breathe. How did this happen?

She couldn't do this alone. She had puppies to take care of. A few yards away the enemy dogs still howled their victory, Datar still had Kiba's blood on his fur. He finished his howl and turned to look for Shara. he saw her and gave a blood curdling growl.

"Kill her." The other wolves had heard him stop and now they followed his gaze. Then they slowly crouched and slithered towards her.

She closed her eyes and blinked back tears. Then looked back down at Kiba and whispered, "Bye. My brave, my wonderful Kiba." She bent down and licked his cheek. She thought she saw him move but the wolves were closing in on her. She blinked again and then ran for her life into the dark woods.

Shara choked on sobs as she ran as fast as possible with her large stomach. A new thought worried her. The puppies! She stopped and stared up at the sky.Kiba! You can't leave me. Where are you? What happened? Shara screamed into the sky."Ki-i-i-iba-a-a-a!!! Why did you leave me? What about the puppies? I can't do this on my own!" Shara choked on her sobs and tears streamed down her face. She flung herself to the ground in agony. "Kiba." she whispered. "I can't. I just can't do it . . ." sobs rocked her body. Her pain seemed so unreal. But it was real. . . .



* * * * *

Shara had four wonderful puppies. Splash, a brown and tan male wolf pup with white feet, nose, belly and tail tip. Kira, a female with the same markings as Splash only black and white. Spike, black with white feet, white tail and a white blaze. And Zora. A female with white feet, tail underside, belly and muzzle--the rest of her was black. Shara believed that Kiba was alive. Somehow, someway, he had to be. She was teaching the cubs to be strong and brave! She flopped down on the grass while the puppies splashed in the puddles near the river. It was evening and they were tired and hot.

"Careful, Splash!" she warned. Splash had wandered across the grass, over the slippery mud and into the rushing water. He splashed his paw into the water, trying to catch a minnow that was swimming past. He looked up as his mother called.

"Yes, mom!" he called. The puppies were always obedient. As he ran back up the steep side he slipped on the wet mud and went sliding back down to the rapid moving water.

"Mo-o-o-om! Help me!" Spike and Kira looked up in unison.

"Mom! Splash fell in the rapids!" Spike barked urgently. But Shara had already bolted over to the water and thrown herself in, ears and eyes searching for any sign of Splash. She spotted him clinging to some rocks, and she swam downstream towards him. Spike, Zora and Kira huddled together nervously. If he slipped off those rocks . . . the water fall behind it was extremely deep. The water threw the devoted mother onto the rocks. Shara spotted Splash and paddled over to him. She picked him up by the scruff of his neck and swam easily to the shore. Kira, Spike and Zora were waiting in the shallows and helped her bring him up. The pups looked up at Shara and blinked. Shara swallowed hard and returned their anxious stare. Then Zora asked the question that was on all of their minds. "Is he okay?" Shara swallowed again and shook her head; as if to clear what had just happened from her mind.

"I think so." she looked down at splash. He gave a low moan and coughed. His eyes flickered open.

"I'm fine. I just swallowed lots of water." Splash coughed and then got to his feet. His mom nuzzled him and then stood back as he shook his fur dry. Zora, Spike and Kira crowded around him full of questions.

"How did you fall in?"

"Did you slide down the mud like mom told us not to?" Zora stared sceptically at him.

"Was the water cold?" Splash pretended to glare at Kira, who had asked if it was cold.

"No." he pretended to snap. "it was perfectly warm." Kira pretended to bare her teeth and be indignant. "Just as I thought." she said smugly as she turned on heel. The other puppies and Shara watched with interest as Splash sneaked up behind her and pushed her in a slightly deep puddle.

"Is the water warm? Because the river was freezing!" Splash pranced away as Kira spluttered and laughed at the joke, and soon they all joined the splashing game. Shara lay back and rested in the sun to dry her fur. She watched as they splashed each other in he shallows. Splash seemed to recover fast. Last week he had hurt himself on the slippery river rocks. the wound healed in a night. How did he recover so fast? Not even a scratch or scar. I wonder. . . . Shara mused with new interest. Suddenly she sat bolt upright. Her fur stood up along her back and her whole pelt prickled uncomfortably. Splash. Water. Healing fast. She blinked uncertainly. What does it mean? Does he have a power? she gasped as she realized that this might mean she and her pups could defeat Datar! She pictured them fighting back to Datar's horrible rule. Though Shara and her pups lived in secret, the others didn't! They were watched constantly. She pictured Splash and Kira, Zora and Spike, all fighting as a team. Defeating him. She imagined Kiba by her side. Warmth and confidence shared with each other. Then he was gone and she charged Datar by herself and gave him the same mercy he gave Kiba. Shara snapped at a fly absent minded as she saw the war in her mind. Just then, Splash chose the wrong moment to pounce on her leg. Already tense, she jumped into the air whirling around and cuffing Splash on the head. He went tumbling down the slope to the puddles.

"Splash!" Shara gasped at her shock of hitting her own pup. In a few leaps she was at the bottom of the slope. She stopped Splash and held him steady as he shook his head and wobbled.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Splash nodded but stared at her nervously, as if she was some poisonous snake and he didn't know when she would strike.

"I'm sorry, Splash. I was thinking and . . . well, I was too involved in my thinking. I thought that you were an enemy or something." Shara looked embarrassed and Splash smiled. Relief showed in his eyes.

"It's okay. I'm fine." Splash looked over and saw the rest playing, oblivious to what had just happened. "let's keep this between us though." he whispered with a grin. Shara returned her young pup's grin.

"It's a deal." they nuzzled each other for a moment before Splash ran off to play. Suddenly Shara realized how much he looked like Kiba. Tears came to her eyes. She blinked and then glared defiantly at the darkening sky.

"Datar!" Shara howled in fury. The pups jumped and pricked their ears in interest as their mom spoke to the terrible leader she had talked about. The name Datar made everybody jump if spoken. it was a terrible name now. "Datar!" she repeated. "I will give you the same mercy you gave Kiba! You will beg me for mercy before I kill you! I won't give up. YOU . . . WILL . . . DIE!!!" Shara inhaled after every word, then bellowed it to the moon-lit sky. She then turned to her young puppies. She spoke softly so she wouldn't sound angry at the puppies like she was at Datar.. "You will defeat Datar. You will put a stop to his horrible rule. We will train hard. Training starts tonight. Do it for me, your mother . . . and for . . . and for my mate-" she swallowed and tears poured down her face that was twisted in agony as she sobbed out; "And for Kiba."

The next few months they trained some of the day and mostly of the night. They got strength by running against the current, they got power by wrestling, they also got power by sharpening their teeth on rocks and dragging logs into the strongest part of the current and then swimming down and dragging it back to shore. soon they even were bringing down deer.

"Already so powerful." muttered Shara. She had recently been staring off into nothing and snarling and snapping at imaginary enemies, imagining the big war. Datar . . . misserable scum. Doesn't deserve to live. Shouldn't rule . . . Can't let an innocent wolf live . . .All killed . . .Sader? Shara stood stiffly. Ready to flee at a moments notice. What about my brother, Sader? And my sister, Kasmire? And Blaze and Paw, the little cubs who were probably as old as her pups by now were Kasmire's. And also Tregar! Tregar was her best friend. He was Kasmire's mate. Panic rose in Shara as she realized her family and friends was back with the pack. Still under the dirty, filthy, cheating, pup-killing scum's rule . . . she thought savagly. When Kiba had died everything faded. A part of her died. She had forgotten about her family. She looked up to the Sun-lit sky. Darkness was coming on. It was time to fight!

"Zora! Spike!" Shara called her two oldest responsible pups. Around six months old now, they were ready to go to war.

"Yeah, mom?" called Zora. Spike followed her, swishing his fluffy tail in rythem with his steps.

"Find your brother and sister. Were going to fight Datar tonight. Tonight when the moon is above the tree's, you will do everything I have taught you. Stick in pairs. Work together. Watch each others backs. Don't be afraid to kill. They must die. They did not understand words, so maybe they'll understand this! She scraped both paws on the tree and left a wolf like figure marked on the tree. She then slashed it to bits.

"Blood. Blood and fur. Tooth and claw. They all must die!" Shara hissed and then sat back and howled a war cry. Not far away, a wolf was listening . . . The male wolf slid from shadow to shadow, never looking away from Shara and the cubs, all howling. Suddenly he leaped out. Zora saw him first and barked an alarm. She dove at him and felt her brothers fur next to her. Suddenly she felt a wolf slam into her brother and send her flying into Kira and Splash who were headed over to attack him also. Spike shook his head and turned around. Shara had shoved him out of the way and was next to the stranger in a second. He cocked his head as they licked each other and soon the intelligent young pup pieced it together. Two voiced howled out two names.

"Kiba! Kiba! Oh, Kiba it's you! Oh! Kiba, your alive!" Shara's eyes were bright and shining.

"Shara. Oh, Shara. I knew I would find you . . ." his gentle voice made her give way and she hung her head. I knew he'd still be alive. . . . she thought. She stared at him in amazment anyway. She began to cry as she realized she wasn't alone anymore. They would stay together now and would be fighting along side of her as a team.

"I just can't believe your back." Shara cried. "I thought you were dead. I had lost hope that you -" Kiba wiped away her tears of joy and spoke softly.

"I am back now. After they took you away I got up and found some rags to stop the bleeding. I was half dead but day and night I continued searching. I wouldnever give up on finding you. Never! And we will never be parted again." Kiba gently licked her cheek and she returned the lick. She tried to smile but seeing him again still made her eyes sting. Kiba. Her mate was home! She hung her head on his shoulder again and sobbed. He gently nuzzled her and licked her face while she cried. When Shara got ahold of herself, she smiled and gave introductions. Soon stories were being exchanged. the puppies stared wide eyed as Kiba told his tale.

"Datar was staring after the two wolves. I saw Shara running and I got up and tried to follow her by going through the shadows. Soon i realized I couldn't travel with my wound and so I found some rags. I also found some fresh meat. I deer had been killed and left. I ate and then searched for Shara. I lost her scent because of the awful stench of blood. I found Finch and told him to contact as many as possible and tell them to wait in the forest until I found you." Kiba paused and gazed at Shara. Splash cocked his head.

"What place? Is it secret?" Kiba nodded gravely.

"No one knows exept Shara, the pack and I. And now you. My big wonderful powerful pups. . . ."

"What happened then?" asked Kira, wide-eyed. Kiba smiled.

"I heared howling and I found Dasko. I told him what was happening and he told me that most wolves had been recaptured! He said he had to return or die by Datar's teeth. I helped him catch a rabbit and then he left. He looked extremely thin. . . . Anyway, I kept going and then I heard howling again. It was you, Shara! I didn't even know it was you until I saw your Mark." Kiba snapped his mouth shut and looked at Shara. She gasped and said,

"Kiba! They're too young!" Kiba shook his head. They must learn how to use it." Shara shook her head at the puppies questioning stare.

"Soon." she promised. Then she told Kiba what they had been doing. How they had been training and what they had learned.

"And they've been training for several moons now." Shara finished proudly. "And . . . we have decided to go to battle tonight." she looked up at the moon. "Soon. Very soon." Kiba frowned

"Are you ready? It's going to be a big fight." he asked. Shara nodded her head.

"We have to. Now or never! Datar must be stopped. Other wolves are still under his rule! Who knows what he's making them do." She stepped forward and spoke again. "Pups. We leave now! Come on Kiba. Let's go!" the young wolves followed her, Kiba bounding next to them. They jumped over mossy logs and splashed through streams. Shara and Kiba were neck and neck with the pups in a little race, following them as they rushed silently through the forest. When they arrived at the clearing Kiba had told them about. The pack was nothing like it was when Shara last saw them; scared and frightened from the attack. The mothers were defiant and proud. The puppies coats were glossy and sleek. Their heads were held high and they seemed ready for anything. They all jumped when Kiba and Shara burst in.

"Were attacking tonight! Is everyone ready?" Kiba took charge instantly. Shara ducked her head and stood back. She had forgotten Kiba was leader. Kiba motioned her up to his side again though.

"It's fine. You're my mate after all!" he smiled and licked her cheek. He turned back and jumped onto a rock. Shara followed him with the pups standing awkwardly next to other half grown puppies. Zora stood boldly next to another female. They grinned shyly at each other and then looked back to Kiba. Everybody nodded as Kiba asked again if they were ready to fight.

"Then let's go!" the new leader and his mate jumped off the rock and headed out into the forest towards their true home. . . .

Datar lay next to a bed covered in tree branches, moss, fur and bird feathers. He lifted his head as a skinny wolf crouched up to him.

"Why do you have no prey, Tredor!?" Datar screeched in fury. Tredor didn't look Datara in the eyes.

"There isn't enough. I am too weak to catch anything. There isn't enough prey for me to keep up my strength." Datar jumped off his bed and jumped off the Leaders Rock that his bed was on. Tredor coward in fear as the leader bounded over to him. The leader struck him to the ground and sunk his teeth into his neck. Tredor howled in pain and feebly tried to fight back. Blood poured from a wound on his chest. he was dying!

* * * * *

Kiba was at the old denning area. He motioned the others to get ready. Shara gasped as she saw Datar dive for Tredor.

"Kiba! Datar is killing Tredor!" she whispered urgently. Kiba whippedd his head around to see Tredor yelp in pain as he was pounced on by four other wolves who ripped at his fur and legs. Datar stood back with a smirk to watch them kill him slowly. Kiba and Shara were one as they gave a war cry and soared over the rocks and logs that were makshift shelters. Shara slammed into Datar while Kiba pounced on Tredor's attackers. Zora ran side by side with the other girl she had sat with.

"My name's Zora." she panted while they raced over to a pack of wolves.

"My name's Kachi." the young wolf responded. The grinned briefly before Zora spoke.

"Let's get their miserable flea-bitten pelts out of here!" she roared as they charged. Kachi charged under a wolf while twisting around to grab his leg. His leg crumpled and he yelped. Zoraz had slammed into one and then jumped onto a wolf's back, using s trick she had learned she held on while he hopped and jumped in an effort to gte her off. He finaly rolled over and as he did she jumped into the air and landed on his unprotected stomach. She sank her teeth in and jerked back and forth. He tried to get away but Zora held him firmly. Then she let go and he went howling for the deeper forest. Kachi's wolf was also heading in the same direction. Kachi and Zora smiled and then went over to fight some more. Kira was battling a smaller female wolf around her size. She also used the trick Zora used. It worked and she sank her teeth into his tender under-side. Spike was with another male who was helping him attack a large wolf that had been hurting Tredor. Splash and Kira were fighting a huge wolf three times their size! Soon that wolf joined the rest of the retreating wolves. Shara and Kiba cornered Datar. Kiba stepped towards the snarling mass but Shara held a paw in front of her mate.

"This is my fight, Kiba." she whispered

"But Shara, can you-" Kiba started to protest. but then lowered his head and stepped back. Shara glared at Datar. He was wounded.

"Datar. I've waited a long time for this. . . ." Datar's eyes widened.

"You'll never kill me! Your too weak. You could never do it. Besides," he growled. "everybody is against you and for me!"

"No, Datar. They're gone. Nobody is for you now." Kiba snarled. Shara closed in and suddenly Datar flung himself at her. Kiba jumped over and slammed into his mate's attacker. Fur flew as they snapped and ripped with their teeth and scratched with their claws. Datar's eyes were narrowed with fury. Or was it fear? And he slashed out and bit hard into Shara's side. That just enraged Shara more and she faught harder. Blood splattered the leafs, bright red against green. Suddenly Datar was on his back on the ground and cornered. Shara and Kiba stood over him. Shara spoke.

"You have three choices Datar. Either be killed, run away and never come back, or surrender and follow my mate's pack under his and my rule." Datar swallowed while he concidered his choices. Then he looked into Kiba's eyes and slowly he spoke.

"I always wanted to be better than Minu. I never was. Even though I was older he always was my father's favorite. When mom died she gave him The Mark, and then he had all the power. I never could understand why I wasn't good enough. I was jealous. My envy swallowed me and I couldn't escape it. That's when I ran away and gathered wolf' to start a pack to kill Minu and tear apart his pack. When I killed him my envy died and I felt terrible. But then it was too late. I couldn't go back so I tried to make it better. My jealousy arose again when you said Minu chose you to be next. I was cruel to the pack. I didn't help them or satisfy their needs. I just now realized why I was still scared. I was too terrified of you and what you would do if you found me or tried to attack. Thinking of you took away to much of my energy and I couldn't hunt. Just now when you cornered me I realized I had to die, forever live in my hate and envy, or submit. But I've made up my mind to change forever and follow your pack. Never again will jealousy overpower me like that." Datar stood up and loward his head in defeat. Shara and Kiba were stunned. Kiba blinked several times and he then lowered his head to Datar and spoke softly.

"I understand. But until you prove it to me you will be closely watched!" Datar looked grateful. His tail swept from side ot side and he grinned at Kiba.

"Thank you! Thank you! I will obey you always, my leader!" Kiba smiled and then he and Shara walked to the Leaders Rock and jumped up. Kiba watched as all the wolves came together beneath him while the other pack fled deeper into the forest to begin a new life. His pups were sitting next to other young wolves and grinning. Everybody sat down below him and looked up expectantly. Kiba looked down at them and then howled his victory to the forest. Shara, and her pups joined in and soon the whole pack was howling along with their leader. Peace had been restored to the forest.

Trumpet's Secret (Final) ~ Remembering

It's a snow day, and Kasta takes this unexpected day off to review a couple old memories of the past October which make her wonder even more what is behind the discovery of the old trumpets.

Chapter 6: Remembering

    Kasta awoke that next Tuesday morning to find snow falling thick and fast the house. She laughed "No school today! But no jazz band either..." She hopped out of bed, ran a brush through her hair and pulled on some comfortable jeans, her black UnderArmor top and her white treble clef tee. Kasta then quietly crept downstairs to make some hot chocolate and make a fire in the fireplace. Cousin Erica wouldn't be up for a couple of hours, and she was going to enjoy this little bit of freedom. She plopped down in her chair, turned on some music and began to read. Perfection.

    Clomp. Foot steps were coming down the stairs. Kasta sighed. Nine o'clock. Erica had awakened.

    "Where IS that girl? Kat! Come here!"

    Kasta got up and walked over to her obnoxious cousin. "Please don't call me Kat. It's Kasta."

    "Legally, I can call you anything I want. Make my breakfast."

    As soon as she was out of earshot Kasta mumbled all the bad things about

Erica under her breath. "No right. Makes me...." She sighed and got to work.

•••

        Later that day, when the snow had finally stopped falling, Kasta began to think. She thought about those two days back in October, those two horrible days, the days when her world was broken. Nothing could be as bad as those days. Nothing could be worse than seeing your family's plane blown up in front of your own eyes, right? Kasta got up and ran to her room. There at the back of her closet was her journal that she kept. It was filled up now along with several others but Kasta wanted to go back and revisit a few days. She sat down on her little cot that Erica called a bed, and flipped through the pages until she found the ones that she was looking for.

October 6, 2008

I am afraid. What do you do when someone you care about seems to have lost all sense? Mrs Ochono was like that today. Always in her own little world. What's up with her? She's usually so predictable, not so...., out of it. She yelled at me and called my cornet a trumpet. I'm really worried, and too distressed to write any more. I wonder when Carl will be back.

October 7, 2008

Today has been a great day. I'm at Sara's now, getting ready for the dance. I was worried that it might not be a lot of fun, but Carl came back today! Also, Mrs. Ochono is back to normal. She actually found these two very old trumpets in the back of the instrument room yesterday. One of them has no lacquer, and is very interesting. There's something about them. Something really special. I have a hunch that they are what made Mrs. Ochono act so oddly yesterday, and why I felt kind of strange today. Maybe they control emotions? There's also that weird mark inside the bell. I wonder what it means. Oh, Jasmine is ready to do my hair now. I'll write about the dance later.

Later

How could this be happening?

        Kasta sighed. She wished she had written so much more on those days. About her family. About the trumpets. About Carl. She knew that those had been the final two days that she had ever spoken to him. After the explosion, she wouldn't talk to anyone, and Carl broke up with her because he preferred a girlfriend who would actually talk. Kasta sighed. Carl was such a jerk anyway. Kasta sat in silence for awhile remembering the trumpets. Remembering the strange marks. The little thing that looked like a peace sign. Was someone just having some fun, or did it really mean anything at all? The sound of a phone ringing jerked Kasta out of her stupor as she rushed to answer it. "Hey Jasmine."

    "Awww man....I wanted this to be like a prank call. Darn. You're just too good at recognizing voices."

    Kasta laughed. "No I'm not, silly. Erica has caller ID."

    "Oh." Jasmine paused. "Well, do you want to come down to my house? If you can get down here, my mom will bring you back after dinner."

    Kasta smiled. "Sounds like plan. Erica is really getting on my nerves! See you in a few!"

    "See ya."

    Kasta pulled on her coat, told Erica she was leaving, and walked out to the garage. There she searched around until she found what she was looking for. Reaching behind towers of disorganized objects Kasta was finally able to pull out her downhill skis, poles, and boots. Taking them outside, Kasta laughed. It was downhill all the way to Jasmine's and since Erica wouldn't give her a ride, it was quicker and easier just to ski down to her friend's house, gliding over the foot and a half of snow that had fallen earlier that day.

Next Installment- Chapter 7: Experiment

An Interesting Situation

As you may have noticed, this blog was deleted for some time today. I'm not sure what happened, and I am trying to get to the bottom of this mystery, but the good thing is that everything on ANecdote is back up and running again! 

Cornet Crazie

Shattered

How I feel right now...


Dreams come
Dreams go
Things can snap
Just like that
I have dreams
None can stay
Oh how I wish 
They could stay

Just something quick I did

The Frisbee Contest ~Zoraz~

I am SO on board!!!!




The Frisbee.

By Snapshot Nikon bennetto



Wind swishes through my fur.

My paws pound across the grass.

Small clouds of dust form as I rush past.

My tail streaks out behind me as I run.

Trees and bushes are blurred as I fly by them.

My legs bunch beneath me, ready for the jump.

My eye is on the target.

I push hard and soar into the air.

The excitement send me further into the sky.

I twist and turn.

My mouth opens and then snaps shut again.

A snapshot is taken of me as my teeth clamp down on the frisbee.

I hit the ground lightly and bolt towards my owner.

I drop the frisbee at her feet and sit politely. The clock says I took fifteen seconds. We turn to leave.

As I trot home, a large blue shiny ribbon is swinging back and forth on my collar.

I have won first place.

~Snapshot Nikon.

Trumpet's Secret (Final) ~ Breaking Open

Kasta's family is dead and three months after the crash she still won't talk to anyone. But an exciting offer comes to Mrs Ochono which might be the key to pulling Kasta back to them.

Chapter 5: Breaking Open

    Slish, slosh, slish slosh. Kasta's feet trudged through the snow. She reached up, pushed the snow back out of her eyes and looked at the ground again. She didn't look up again until a large brick building came into sight. The loss of her family had hit Kasta hard. Three months later, and she still wouldn't raise her hand in class, or talk to anyone except her friends and occasionally, Mrs Ochono. Kasta was living in a state of dull shock every day.

    She was early, but Kasta went in anyway and went to find Mrs Ochono. The band director was in her room and Kasta silently entered and sat down next to her.

    Mrs. Ochono looked up and smiled at Kasta. Poor girl. She thought to herself. Such a nice child, with so many problems forced upon her.

    Kasta did not return the smile, but instead burst into tears. "Life sucks."

    "Dear Kasta," Mrs. Ochono sighed. "Life will get better. I'm sure that cousin of yours that you're staying with isn't all that bad. And anyway, I have a surprise."

    Kasta stopped crying and looked up at her teacher.

    "How would you like to play for the president?”

    "I'd RATHER that plane crash had never happened."

    "Oh Kasta, I know you do. But, you have to keep looking forward. You can't get stuck in the past."

    Kasta sighed. "OK, but how do think we can play for the president?''

    Mrs Ochono held up a form. "This."

    Kasta and Mrs Ochono worked on the form until homeroom and then again after school. After filling in names, sections, numbers, grades, honors rankings, and getting recommendation letters, the form was finally complete.

    "So." Kasta began reading the form. "Names of all students, blah, blah, blah. Low brass, trumpet, clarinet, percussion, clarinet, sax, flute. Ummm. You forgot cornet, Mrs Ochono."

    "Fine." Mrs. Ochono scribbled the final instrument in.

    "Thanks. Sixty-two in the 6th grade band, forty-nine in the 7th grade band, and forty-one in the 8th grade. 'A' average in all grades. 99% honors acceptance rate. And five letters of recommendation. I think we're ready to send this to Washington!"

    Mrs. Ochono chuckled. "Don't you think we should tell the other band students first, Kasta?"

    "No. They like surprises."

    "Kasta-"

    "Fine. We tell them, they go crazy, and then we don't get picked and they're all disappointed. Is that REALLY what you want? I know these kids, Mrs. Ochono."

    Mrs. Ochono rolled her eyes. "We're telling them. Bottom line. Gotta get to a staff meeting, Kasta. I'll see you at jazz band tomorrow, OK?"

    Kasta just smiled and picked up her backpack and laptop. Suddenly she stopped and turned back around. "Mrs. Ochono, is that a new trumpet?" She

pointed to a brand new ProTec case in the corner.

    "No Kasta. A very old trumpet."

    Kasta's mouth fell open. "You mean..."

    "Yes. That case contains one very special trumpet."

    "I still don't really understand it, but maybe we're not meant to. See you later Mrs. Ochono!"

    Kasta walked outside and headed home-or back to her prison was more like it. She sighed. Stupid cousin she didn't even know she had until three months ago, wouldn't let her do anything. Normally Kasta walked home very slowly, but today the sparkle was back in her eyes and the spring back in her step, swiftly outpacing the storm boiling and churning in the sky behind her.

Next Installment- Chapter 6: Remembering

My Wolf Story: Editing Still In Progress. ~Zoraz/Dog Trainer In Training~

Intro:






Kiba looked up to the sky and threw his head back and let out a long sorrowful howl. His leader had just been killed by an enemy pack. He felt so confused inside. What now? Who would be the next leader? This was so sudden. None of them had planned for this. He tried to think of what to do next. Where was the rest of the pack? He had to find them, make sure they were safe. He had to get to his mate, Shara! What if they were attacked again?

Suddenly there was a growl. Kiba whirled around and saw a wolf in the shadows, but could not tell who it was.

"Still mourning for the flea-bitten 'king'? You act just like a newborn pup!" the intruder sneered. Kiba's lips rose into a snarl and his fur stood up along his spine. The wolf spoke again. "You see how 'powerful' your leader was? Ha! Everybody knows he was not the best wolf to be leader. I was."

Kiba was curious. "And who do you think you are?? You speak lies. Every wolf in the pack greatly respected Minu!! He was also my friend. Who are you to speak like this!"

The strange wolf came closer. He had lots of gray in his fur and his left ear had a chunk out of it. He had many scratches on his muzzle.

"You stupid young pup," he snarled. "You know nothing."

Kiba growled and stomped his front feet.

The strange wolf continued, "You might know more about your wolf ancestors if you were not so ignorant. Did you know Minu's father? or were you never taught anything about your leader?"

Kiba was outraged. Who was this to be speaking to his fallen leader like this? He needed to teach this wolf a lesson. "Who are you?"

"I am Datar. Minu's older brother. Our father left Minu to be leader instead of me and banished me from this land, many years ago. It was all a betrayal. I was supposed to be leader."

Kiba was silent. He never knew Minu had an older brother. Wolf pack leaders left their oldest son to be head of the pack. If what Datar said was true, then Minu may have not been as noble and moral as Kiba had thought. Confusion swam in his head. Who could he trust? Did it even matter? He just wanted to get back to Shara, his lovely mate. He was tired of fighting enemies and worrying about the pack.

"Well you were banished! I am next in line. Minu said so!" Kiba jumped forward snarling as he spoke. "So back off! This is the reason you weren't king. You betray your own blood just for power! Raaaaaaah!" Kiba launched himself at Datar furiously. Datar, completely unprepared for such a bold attack, fell backwards with a yelp. Kiba was thoroughly enraged now. "You will not speak of my king that way!" Datar jumped back and recovered enough to speak. "Your so called 'king' was the runt of the litter! He shouldn't have been alive. Minu was the youngest and I was the oldest!

Kiba stopped mid-jump.

"The runt?"

Datar sneered.

"Yes young cub! I had a right to be king but Minu said I wasn't strong enough and was too power hungry. He didn't understand that to be a powerful king you need to know your own strength. He was weak and gave the throne to my brother at an early age. Minu was foolish and banished a powerful member of the pack. Me!" Datar turned his head halfway and spoke to something behind him. "Back off female! This isn't your fight!" Kiba whirled around. Shara was standing in all her glory in the moonlight.

"Datar. I knew you'd be behind this cowardly attack. What do you want, Flea-pelt?" she snarled. Kiba jumped in front of his mate as Datar stepped forward.

"Back off Shara. This is your final warning. I won't say it again." Datar glared at them.

Kiba was nervous for his mate.

"Shara. Please! Your cubs. You need-"

Shara cut in. "To rest? To go lie down? To let you fight to the death yourself with me standing by watching? No! I won't watch you die like I did with our king. Enough is enough and the fighting must stop." Datar sat down and yawned in mock boredom.

"Take your relationship disputes somewhere else. I'm here for a reason and if you get in my way, you will be sorry."

Kiba stood next to Shara and looked questioningly into her eyes. He could see she was mad.

He said under his breath, "We can't let him do this. Shara?" Shara wasn't looking at him. She was looking over her shoulder. Kiba heard a noise too. "What?"

Suddenly 2 more wolves sprang of the trees and lunged toward them. "Hold the female down!" Came a growling order.

Kiba all the sudden felt a blunt pain in his shoulder. Datar had leaped onto his back when he wasn't looking and he sank his teeth viciously into Kiba.

"NO!!" He wiggled with all his might and flipped Datar over. It wasn't easy, Datar was a bigger and more mature fighter.

Shara screamed. "No Datar!! NO!!"

Kiba tried to pin down Datar but he wasn't strong enough. He tried biting his attacker's leg as Datar lunged at his throat and tore into his flesh with all his might. Kiba yelped loudly at the intense pain. Datar's teeth ripped and yanked and the pain was almost unbearable. Kiba tried to focus and see where Shara was, but he was losing a lot of blood and he felt lightheaded. The darkness was getting darker and his eyes filled with tears. "No....I can't leave my beautiful Shara. The puppies. My pack..."

He could faintly hear Shara barking and howling and crying for her mate but he couldn't react. He hoped she would be okay. Datar still had his teeth sunk into Kiba's neck as blood flowed out onto the grass. Kiba's body stopped squirming and lay still. Datar unhooked his grip and stepped off his contender.

He licked his lips and laughed.

"See who's more powerful now, stupid pup?"

He felt so alive. He was the pack leader now! He sat back and let out a loud victory howl at the sky. The two dogs that held down Shara let go of her and also joined in the howl. Shara was injured but not badly. She looked around frantically, looking for her handsome mate and the father of her puppies.

It was dark and hard to see. She bounded over to where they had been fighting and tripped over a warm motionless body lying in a pool of blood.

She saw his beautiful eyes shut, seemingly lifelessly up at her and she couldn't breathe. How did this happen?

She couldn't do this alone. She had puppies to take care of. A few yards away the enemy dogs still howled their victory, Datar still had Kiba's blood on his fur. He finished his howl and turned to look for Shara. he saw her and gave a blood curdling growl.

"Kill her." The other wolves had heard him stop and now they followed his gaze. Then they slowly crouched and slithered towards her.

She closed her eyes and blinked back tears. Then looked back down at Kiba and whispered, "Bye. My brave, my wonderful Kiba." She bent down and licked his cheek. She thought she saw him move but the wolves were closing in on her. She blinked again and then ran for her life into the dark woods.

Shara choked on sobs as she ran as fast as possible with her large stomach. A new thought worried her. The puppies! She stopped and stared up at the sky. Kiba! You can't leave me. Where are you? What happened? Shara screamed into the sky."Ki-i-i-iba-a-a-a!!! Why did you leave me? What about the puppies? I can't do this on my own!" Shara choked on her sobs and tears streamed down her face. She flung herself to the ground in agony. "Kiba." she whispered. "I can't. I just can't do it . . ." sobs rocked her body. Her pain seemed so unreal. But it was real. . . .



Chapter Two: The Battle





Shara had four wonderful puppies. Splash, a brown and tan male wolf pup with white feet, nose, belly and tail tip. Kira, a female with the same markings as Splash only black and white. Spike, black with white feet, white tail and a white blaze. And Zora. A female with white feet, tail underside, belly and muzzle--the rest of her was black. Shara believed that Kiba was alive. Somehow, someway, he had to be. She was teaching the cubs to be strong and brave! She flopped down on the grass while the puppies splashed in the puddles near the river. It was evening and they were tired and hot.

"Careful, Splash!" she warned. Splash had wandered across the grass, over the slippery mud and into the rushing water. He splashed his paw into the water, trying to catch a minnow that was swimming past. He looked up as his mother called.

"Yes, mom!" he called. The puppies were always obedient. As he ran back up the steep side he slipped on the wet mud and went sliding back down to the rapid moving water.

"Mo-o-o-om! Help me!" Spike and Kira looked up in unison.

"Mom! Splash fell in the rapids!" Spike barked urgently. But Shara had already bolted over to the water and thrown herself in, ears and eyes searching for any sign of Splash. She spotted him clinging to some rocks, and she swam downstream towards him. Spike, Zora and Kira huddled together nervously. If he slipped off those rocks . . . the water fall behind it was extremely deep. The water threw the devoted mother onto the rocks. Shara spotted Splash and paddled over to him. She picked him up by the scruff of his neck and swam easily to the shore. Kira, Spike and Zora were waiting in the shallows and helped her bring him up. The pups looked up at Shara and blinked. Shara swallowed hard and returned their anxious stare. Then Zora asked the question that was on all of their minds. "Is he okay?" Shara swallowed again and shook her head; as if to clear what had just happened from her mind.

"I think so." she looked down at splash. He gave a low moan and coughed. His eyes flickered open.

"I'm fine. I just swallowed lots of water." Splash coughed and then got to his feet. His mom nuzzled him and then stood back as he shook his fur dry. Zora, Spike and Kira crowded around him full of questions.

"How did you fall in?"

"Did you slide down the mud like mom told us not to?" Zora stared sceptically at him.

"Was the water cold?" Splash pretended to glare at Kira, who had asked if it was cold.

"No." he pretended to snap. "it was perfectly warm." Kira pretended to bare her teeth and be indignant. "Just as I thought." she said smugly as she turned on heel. The other puppies and Shara watched with interest as Splash sneaked up behind her and pushed her in a slightly deep puddle.

"Is the water warm? Because the river was freezing!" Splash pranced away as Kira spluttered and laughed at the joke, and soon they all joined the splashing game. Shara lay back and rested in the sun to dry her fur. She watched as they splashed each other in he shallows. Splash seemed to recover fast. Last week he had hurt himself on the slippery river rocks. the wound healed in a night. How did he recover so fast? Not even a scratch or scar. I wonder. . . . Shara mused with new interest. Suddenly she sat bolt upright. Her fur stood up along her back and her whole pelt prickled uncomfortably. Splash. Water. Healing fast. She blinked uncertainly. What does it mean? Does he have a power? she gasped as she realized that this might mean she and her pups could defeat Datar! She pictured them fighting back to Datar's horrible rule. Though Shara and her pups lived in secret, the others didn't! They were watched constantly. She pictured Splash and Kira, Zora and Spike, all fighting as a team. Defeating him. She imagined Kiba by her side. Warmth and confidence shared with each other. Then he was gone and she charged him by herself and gave him the same mercy he gave Kiba. Shara snapped at a fly absent minded as she saw the war in her mind. Just then, Splash chose the wrong moment to pounce on her leg. Already tense, she jumped into the air whirling around and cuffing Splash on the head. He went tumbling down the slope to the puddles.

"Splash!" Shara gasped at her shock of hitting her own pup. In a few leaps she was at the bottom of the slope. She stopped Splash and held him steady as he shook his head and wobbled.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Splash nodded but stared at her nervously, as if she was some poisonous snake and he didn't know when she would strike.

"I'm sorry, Splash. I was thinking and . . . well, I was too involved in my thinking. I thought that you were an enemy or something." Shara looked embarrassed and Splash smiled. Relief showed in his eyes.

"It's okay. I'm fine." Splash looked over and saw the rest playing, oblivious to what had just happened. "let's keep this between us though." he whispered with a grin. Shara returned her young pup's grin.

"It's a deal." they nuzzled each other for a moment before Splash ran off to play. Suddenly Shara realized how much he looked like Kiba. Tears came to her eyes. She sniffed and then glared defiantly at the darkening sky.

"Datar!" Shara howled out her fury. The pups jumped and pricked their ears in interest as their mom spoke to the terrible leader she had talked about. The name Datar made everybody jump if spoken. it was a terrible name now. "Datar!" she repeated. "I will give you the same mercy you gave Kiba! You will beg me for mercy before I kill you! I won't give up. YOU . . . WILL . . . DIE!!!" Shara inhaled after every word, then bellowed it to the moon-lit sky. She then turned to her young puppies. She spoke softly so she wouldn't sound angry at the puppies like she was at Datar.. "You will defeat Datar. You will put a stop to his horrible rule. We will train hard. Training starts tonight. Do it for me, your mother . . . and for . . . and for my mate-" she swallowed and tears poured down her face that was twisted in agony as she sobbed out; "And for Kiba."

The next few months they trained some of the day and mostly of the night. They got strength by running against the current, they got power by wrestling, they also got power by sharpening their teeth on rocks and dragging logs into the strongest part of the current and then swimming down and dragging it back to shore. soon they even were bringing down deer. Already so powerful. muttered Shara. She had recently been staring off into nothing and snarling and snapping at imaginary enemies, imagining the big war. Datar . . . misserable scum. Doesn't deserve to live. Shouldn't rule . . . Can't let an innocent wolf live . . .All killed . . .Sader? Shara stood stiffly. Ready to flee at a moments notice. What about my brother, Sader? And my sister, Kasmire? And Blaze and Paw, the little cubs who were probably as old as her pups by now were Kasmire's. And also Tredor! Tredor was her best friend. He was Kasmire's mate. Panic rose in Shara as she realized her family and friends was back with the pack. Still under the dirty, filthy, cheating, pup-killing scum's rule . . . she thought savagly. When Kiba had died everything faded. A part of her died. She had forgotton about her family. She looked up to the Sun-lit sky. Darkness was coming on. It was time to fight!

"Zora! Spike!" Shara called her two oldest responsible pups. Around six months old now, they were ready to go to war.

"Yeah, mom?" called Zora. Spike followed her, swishing his fluffy tail in rythem with his steps.

"Find your brother and sister. Were going to fight Datar tonight. Tonight when the moon is above the tree's, you will do everything I have taught you. Stick in pairs. Work together. Watch each other's backs. Don't be afraid to kill. They must die. They did not understand words, so maybe they'll understand this! She scraped both paws on the tree and left a wolf like figure marked on the tree. She then slashed it to bits.

"Blood. Blood and fur. Tooth and claw. They all must die!" Shara hissed and then sat back and howled. Not far away, a wolf was listening . . . The male wolf slid from shadow to shadow, never looking away from Shara and the cubs, all howling. Suddenly he leaped out. Zora saw him first and barked an alarm. She dove at him and felt her brothers fur next to her. Suddenly she felt a wolf slam into her brother and send her flying into Kira and Splash who were headed over to attack him also. Spike shook his head and turned around. Shara was next to the stranger in a second. He cocked his head as they licked each other and pieced it together. Two voiced howled out two names.

"Kiba! Kiba! Oh, Kiba it's you! Oh! Kiba, your alive!"

"Shara! I can't believe I found you! Shara, my lovely Shara!" Shara nuzzled him and licked his cheek. Tears fell down her face and she turned away.

"Shara. What's wrong? I'm back? The pup's are here? What . . ." his gentle voice broke her and she sobbed on his shoulder.

"I just can't believe your back. I thought you were dead. I had lost hope that you-" Kiba wiped away her tears and spoke softly.

"I am back now. It's your mate. And I will never leave you again. Now," Kiba's voice was strong and he turned to the stunned pups. "Who's who here?" Shara smiled and gave introductions. Soon stories were being exchanged.

"And they've been training for several moons now." Shara said proudly. "And we have decided to go to battle tonight." she looked up. "Soon. Very soon."