The Moon's Slumber

[hitobannofokkusu]

*Kazumi feels someone thinking about her, so she looks around and sees the same wolf who had been in the clearing. She smiled at Dawn, who smiled back and she walked over to the golden wolf.*

I'm sorry, I don't think I got your name? If I did, I'm terribly sorry for forgetting it. Hitoban's asleep or she would tell me.

*Kazumi smiled nervously; she wasn't used to talking to anyone besides Hitoban and Katashi.*

[Tsukikage]

Kage smiled, "Well, I dunno... I guess it'll be nice to see it. Well, we will be living there after all, right?" He watched the snow fall and walked just a wee bit closer to Dawn, though he paused to look at Kazumi walk off to talk. This got him thinking, "Hey, Dawn..." He said tenuously, "what's it going to be like, living with Hitoban and all? I mean, I just... don't want any surprises, y'know? After all, I'm Tsuki's protector, right?"

[Wahya Ayawisgi]

Wahya continues to run a little more until he stops holding his head up with his eyes closed as the snow flakes land on his grey fur. Winter.... reminds me so much of my past....

Wahya lowers his head and looks back to see the others slowly making it to where he stopped.

[Tsukikage]

Mar stepped toward Wahya, Tsuki still asleep on his back. He did not look at Wahya, just stared at the snow fall, "Not that it's any of my business, but... the snow holds special meaning to you, doesn't it? You don't have to tell me, and I certainly don't want to get into a barking-match like you did with my boys, but I wanted to let you know that people can tell when something is on your mind." He looked at the ground, now such a long way down... "I used to think that was a sign of weakness, I don't know anymore." He looked down at Wahya, "Whatever it may be, winter is nearly over; spring may be a good point to start from. Maybe it's time to move forward?" He sighed, "Ah, well I'm really talking to myself more than you, ya know... talking helps me figure things out. Thanks, Wahya." Without waiting for a reply, Mar went back to the others.

[hitobannofokkusu]

*Dawn got a little confused at Kage's statement, but then she remembered about Katashi and Kazumi. She smiled.*

It should be relatively the same as traveling with her. When she's really happy, she lets Kazumi out, and when she's extremely angry, sometimes Katashi can break through and take over. If she loses her mind like she did back in the clearing, Katashi is given complete control because although Kazumi is a wonderful Healer, she is terrible at fighting. She cannot keep Katashi at bay for very long when she's on the outside, and when she's on the inside, it's even harder. When Katashi takes complete control, she puts up a barrier in Hitoban's mind, blocking everyone out. the only way you can get inside, even without the barrier there is to be connected to Hitoban's heart. If you're connected to her heart, you can enter her mind and try to break through Katashi's barrier. If you can manage to break her barrier, then you can lead Hitoban safely back to sanity. It's not really bad, except when she's fighting someone or she gets her heart broken.

*Dawn's ears perked and her nose twitched as she smelled something familiar. Kazumi smelled it too, but she had no idea what it possibly could be. They both looked in the same direction as a strongly built but slender wolf strode through the trees towards them. He was blue with flecks of white and lighter blue paws. He also had a crescent moon on his forehead, like Dawn, and his eyes were sky blue. He stopped in front of Dawn and smiled at her.*

"Hello Little Sister. It's been a long time."

*Dawn looked into her older brother's eyes and tears began to fall to the ground.*

Twi...light? Is that...really you?

*Twilight nodded and Dawn burst into hysterical sobs as she flung herself at him, biting at him and lunging at him. He dodged her with ease as she had her eyes closed, and when she finally gave up, he was right there to catch her and set her gently on the ground. She looked up at him, tears still streaming down her face, and he nuzzled her.*

I missed you...so much Twilight. Where did you go?

"I went home, back to Peace Valley. I have a mate now. Her name is Sheeta. And we have a wonderful, strong pup named Reyana. He looks a little like you, you know. He has your eyes, but he's white, like Sheeta. And he's got my paws and my build. But he's got a bunch of black flecks all over him so it looks like he's got fleas."

*Twilight laughed a little and Dawn rubbed her face on her paws, drying her eyes. She stood up and led Twilight over to Kage.*

Kage...this is my brother, Twilight. Twilight...this is my Kage.

*Twilight nodded at him and looked him over. He got a knowing look in his eyes and smiled at him.*

"Thank you for making my little sis so happy. She looks like she's on top of the world. You'd better be able to protect her. Are you sure you can?"

*Meanwhile, Kazumi watched the scene with interest. She woke Hitoban so she could see.*

"Oh my god...Twilight! Let me out Kazumi!"

Of course, my sister.

*Kazumi's fur faded red and black and white again and Hitoban ran up behind Twilight, tackling him in the side and knocking him on his back. She stood over him, baring her teeth and pinning him down. She snarled at him, wanting so badly to bite him but not daring to follow through.*

"How dare you...? How dare you leave her and not tell her where you're going?? You're DESPICABLE! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WOULD BE LIKE THAT TWILIGHT! I...I...I should kill you now! But I won't, because I know Dawn wouldn't have it. Now get up."

*Hitoban stepped off of him and he swiped at her feet. She jumped, letting him miss her and kicked him in the jaw. There was a tiny crack and Twilight yelped.*

"What the hell Hitoban? Aren't you happy to see me??"

"Of course I am, but I can't believe you would just up and leave Dawn without telling her where you were going!"

"I'm sorry..."

"Tell her that, not me!"

Hitoban, it's alright. Seriously! you didn't have to kick him!

"He tried to pin me!"

You pinned him!

"So? he deserved it!"

Hitoban!

"Girls, stop it! Dawn, I deserved it. Hitoban, thank you for not killing me. Are we all happy now?"

*Hitoban turned away from him and huffed. Dawn turned away from Hitoban and huffed.*

Oh, by the way-Hitoban's got a mate too now. Tsuki-he's laying over there. They're going to start a pack.

"She'll be good for that. She always was a good Alpha. But seriously Dawn I came here for a reason."

"Let me guess, you need something from her, am I right?" Hitoban skulked over near Tsuki.

"No...Dawn...Father is...well he's...he's dead."

*Dawn's face looked like someone had just kicked her in the stomach. Tears welled up, but she couldn't believe it.*

What...what do you...what do you mean dead? What happened to him?!

"He was old sis...old wolves die...it's nature..."

No! I don't believe you! I refuse to believe that you came back just to tell me Father has died! No! That's what happened last time! You came back to tell me Mother had died and you asked me to come back and be Alpha, but I didn't want to. I went back to pay my respects and then I left. You did not come back to tell me Father is dead. YOU'RE NOT LEAVING ME AGAIN!

"Dawn...I have to go...I'm Alpha now, remember? you left your duties, but Reyana isn't old enough to run the pack yet. I have to be Alpha now...I have to leave."

I won't let you!

*Dawn bit into Twilight's shoulder, slamming him against a nearby tree. Hitoban ran over and pulled her off of him before she could do any more damage.*

"Dawn stop it! You're acting like a child! Flamestar is dead and there's nothing you can do about it! I know you're sad...I know that feeling all too well...but there is NOTHING you can do about it. Killing Twilight will not help anything. Come here."

*Hitoban led Dawn over to Kage. Dawn broke into hysterical tears, this time tears of sadness instead of relief. She buried her face in the fur on Kage's chest and cried. Hitoban walked over to Twilight and helped him up. She summoned Kazumi, a feat that Twilight was all too familiar with, and she healed him. She touched her nose to Twilight's wound and breathed into it. The skin closed over it and Kazumi smiled as she faded back into Hitoban. Hitoban then walked over to Tsuki and laid her head on his shoulder, letting a few tears loose.*

[Wahya Ayawisgi]

Wahya watches as Mar walks off before he could answer him, If he only knew.... if they.... only knew.... Wahya sighs and follows.

He stops when his sees Hitoban and Dawn talking to a new wolf, he walks over but keeps his distance as he watches.

[Tsukikage]

Kage tilted his head and listened to Dawn's explanation, nodding at the appropriate times to indicate his understanding of what she was saying. He was about to respond when the new wolf appeared. He felt very relieved and proud when he heard that this was her brother, and not... well, anyway, it all seemed to go downhill from there. Kage watched the scene play out. He couldn't describe what he was feeling, he couldn't even speak, let alone comfort her, he couldn't quite understand what was happening, just that Dawn was hurt. Kage howled and burst into tears. Tsuki, I don't understand, what's going on? Dawn is crying and there's nothing I can do about it... help me

Tsuki spasmed and fell off of Mar's back. He hit the ground hard, but got up and limped over to his brother. "Dawn," He said, "I am sorry for your loss, if there's anything I can do, please, don't hesitate to ask." Then he turned, took a few steps, and collapsed from the sadness around him. This time, his heart didn't hurt, it ached, his whole body was completely paralyzed, but he managed to smile, and he began to cry.

Kage turned to Twilight, "You! What's your problem?!?" He snarled, taking a few steps back from Dawn. His expression was one of fear, confusion, and rage. Tears were still flowing from his eye as he lunged at Twilight. His mind was clouded, and his aim was poor, but he managed to get hold of Twilight's right shoulder and slam it to the ground. "TAKE IT BACK!!!" He demanded, "Damn you, just..." Kage released his futile hold on Twilight and collapsed, "Just... Dawn..." He looked over at where Dawn stood... he'd forgotten... "Dawn..." He walked back over and held her close. I can't get carried away like that. Right now, she needs me to be here for her, right? He continued to weep with her, "I'm here, Dawn..."

Mar watched in silence, even when Tsuki fell, he did nothing more than to sit, towering over him. He nodded to Hitoban, then turned towards Dawn and Kage and began singing. The song was so much more than a mere howl, it was his way of paying tribute to the dead. The song was long and graceful, gliding smoothly over the ground and reaching out to the hearts of those who would listen. It was a sad song, but it somehow made Kage's sadness seem lighter. It was as if the song itself was strengthening him, making the sadness more bearable.
Dante joined in, harmonizing with Mar. Even Tsuki found strength enough to sing. The wolves requiem rang out through the snow, and then faded to silence.
Mar looked to the heavens and smiled, "May you rest in peace." He said in hushed tones, "I can only pray that such mourning will accompany my death as well. You are a lucky wolf to have such sadness at your departing... Don't worry, my son may yet be learning, but he'll be good to your girl."
Dante had often heard such talk to the dead, but never had he understood it. Now it became clear, his words were meant to ease the hearts of the living, not reach the ears of the dead. Tsuki stumbled again and fell, but more out of exhaustion than anything else. Mar stood watch over him, and there was silence.

[Wahya Ayawisgi]

Wahya's ears perked to Mar's howling. He looks away as he does, and notices that the snow was still falling but seem to not hit the ground. Wahya closes his eyes as a tear rolls down his face and hits the ground. The pain inside is too much..., Wahya turns the way he was looking and starts to walk slowly with his head hung low.

[hitobannofokkusu]

*Hitoban listened to the beautiful howling and felt the urge to howl with them, but she restrained herself. She would mourn later, just her and Dawn under the moonlight. She padded over to Tsuki and lay beside him, letting her head rest on his shoulder, eyes closed. She listened to Dawn's sobbing and tears ran down her face. She had never personally known Flamestar, but she could feel Dawn's unbearable sadness, and that alone was enough to bring her to insanity. The only things that kept them both sane were Tsuki and Kage. As the snow fell silently around them, Hitoban felt strangely at peace. She felt that nothing could disturb this moment.

Twilight sat and licked at his shoulder, knowing fully well that he deserved anything they wanted to throw at him. The only reason he dodged Dawn when he first came was because she needed to know of their father's death. A single tear rolled down his cheek and he smiled inwardly as Kage comforted Dawn. That's right...you need to be there for her. If you aren't, then I don't know who is...I've never been there for her, and we both know it. We wish it was different, but it's not. I have my life, and now she has hers. Help her make her life complete, like Sheeta and Reyana did for me.

As Dawn sobbed into Kage's warm fur, she listened to the memorial song. It comforted her, but only slightly compared to having Kage there with her. She was surrounded by those she loved the most, and if she wasn't she probably wouldn't be able to bear this pain. Hitoban and Kage were the only ones she really trusted now. She loved Tsuki like a brother, and Twilight would always have a place in her heart, but she only trusted Hitoban and Kage completely. As the song finished, Dawn thought she could hear the faintest trace of a whisper in the wind.*

Dawn...we love you...be happy now...

[Tsukikage]

Dante walked across Wahya's path; he'd somehow caught up, or maybe he anticipated Wahya's departure. "It's late," he said calmly, "Do you really think this is the best time to leave?" He smiled, but would not move from Wahya's path, "I need to speak with you before you leave," he yawned, "but in the morning, eh? It's your choice, really, but would you deny this request of an old wolf?"

Tsuki felt Hitoban against his body. He tried to shift into a position where he could see her, but it was no good. The bitter-sweet peace made his body feel like lead sinking into the ground, worn out from the pain his heart felt today. He could still move his head though, so he moved it as close to Hito's as he could.

Mar smiled and turned around, no longer worried about Tsuki. Hitoban was more than capable, he'd decided, his "test" was foolish. He was curious about where Dante had gone, but thought it best not to break the silence, so he merely bowed his head to Twilight and rolled his huge body down to the ground and slept, leaving the old wolf to his own way.

Kage sat erect, with Dawn pressed against his body. Together, they sobbed. He couldn't speak, or think about anything but her. It was as if they were the only two creatures on the planet. He heard her sobs, her tears fall to the ground, even her heartbeat. He nuzzled her affectionately, and began licking the tears from her face. He held her until sleep finally overtook them.

[hitobannofokkusu]

*Hitoban looked over the scene. Everyone was asleep except for Wahya and Dante. She didn't really want to eavesdrop, but she didn't really want to sleep. She took one more look around and decided upon sleep. She got up as softly as she could and moved to Tsuki's other side so he didn't have a crick in his neck when he woke the next morning. She nestled into him and felt the rhythm of their heartbeats keeping perfect time with each other. She fell asleep to the lulling heartbeats and Tsuki's warm body.*

[Tsukikage]

The morning had been gifted with a thin blanket of glistening snow. As Mar shook the snow from his fur, he saw Dante sitting patiently a small ways from the group. Mar approached, curious as to what Dante was up to. "There is not much time left," Dante said sadly, "have you decided?" Mar thought back to Dante's offer...

**Dante had been riding on Mar's back all day, thinking about what was to be done about the sudden changes Mar'd been through. It was clear to him that Mar's body was having difficulty adjusting to the new parameters, but there was a way... "Mar," he whispered, "you have an option; I could try to transmute your body, piece by piece, until it accepts the new size, or I could build you a new body. The only other option is death. Don't respond, and don't tell anyone, just think about it."**

"So?" Dante questioned. Mar's mind came back to the present. He'd thought hard about it, really hard. He wasn't sure how Jira would take this, but... "I became this way because I was selfish and unkind. This will be..." he began to cry, "I don't want a new body that's going to look like my old one; I'm never going backwards, but I want to live long enough to try and make up for what I've done. Transmute my body."

Dante nodded, and gingerly cut a circle into Mar's chest, belly, back, hips, and shoulders. "It will take some time to do it safely, and I have other business today, so this session will be quick." He whispered the strange words and stabbed a twig into the circle on his hip. Mar did not yelp, even though the pain was great; he didn't want to wake the others. The circle glowed, and the twig grew flowers. They were beautiful sakura. They flowers bloomed, then fell into the circle, fading into his body. The twig and the circle both vanished, becoming sakura and following the others. "That should get some of your organs working for the new size...ngh" Dante stumbled, "There is not much time, I must rest before the next transmutation, go now, rest your body." Mar left, but Dante had to speak with Wahya one last time.

[Wahya Ayawisgi]

Wahya who had stayed awake the whole night lays in a tree as he watches the others. Wahya was not one to ever get a good night sleep since the way his life was.

He notices Dante up and leaps off the tree and walks over to Dante and looks over him, noticing something different about him now, "So Dante, what was this thing you wanted to tell me? And you seem to look different somehow.... I don't know... but what was it?"

[Tsukikage]

Dante coughed a bit, straightened himself, and spoke promptly, "Wahya, Pack-Master of the Full Moon, this may be the last time we see each other..." He looked down for a moment, "after staving it off for so long, death is finally catching up with me..." He looked into Wahya's eyes, "You mustn't tell the others, Mar needs me to help him, and if anyone else new, they'd hinder my work. I did not tell you this for pity, or sadness; I wish to give you something, just a token to remember me by."
He sat up straight, and breathed in. As he exhaled slowly, he whispered some strange words, and the ground beneath him lit up. The snow lifted and swirl, and a great gust of wind enveloped them both. The snow blew all around, and then burst into tiny, shining specs, like broken glass glinting in the sunlight. The dazzling bits and pieces gathered, and with a bit of rope, which Dante had prepared earlier, they formed a pendant with a briliant clear gem. The wind died down slowly, lowering the pendant to the ground at Wahya's feet.
Dante panted hard. "This," He said, "this gem will carry your voice on the wind, and allow you to speak with anyone you wish; living, dead, or even... well, you get the idea. I will give one to Tsuki as well, and this way you can call for aid when you need it, or just call to him for a friendly chat. I leave it's use to your discretion, but I would ask you not speak to the dead... that is not what it is meant for. I give this to you so that you can stay in touch, and to know that you are only as alone as you choose to be... if you choose to use it for other purposes, that is your decision... but do not betray my trust." With that, Dante bowed, and returned to the group to rest, looking back to bid a last farewell, "May your blessings be many, and your troubles few, Pack-Master."

[Wahya Ayawisgi]

Wahya looks to the ground at the pendant. He lowers his head and examines the gem connected around with the braid. Can this really talk to others just by me wanting to....

Wahya puts his nose underneath the braid and raises his head. It slips on around his neck and it dangles below Wahya's dream-weaver. Wahya looks up to Dante and bows, "Thanks Dante, I will try not to betray you." Wahya raises and watches as Dante walks away.