Post by Luc on Jul 28, 2009 8:41:07 GMT -5
Hey everyone! Ive been talking about making a book for a long time, but now i've had the oppurtunity to do my final outline on it, and now im doing the book for real! As proof, i'm going to post it right here! I will update it each time i get a couple more chapters done! Your gonna get to see creativity in progress! Enjoy! Oh and btw, the fonting on proboards sucks. I copied and pasted it but it doesnt show the Italics! So anything that looks like speech but doesnt have the quotation marks, thats a thought. Just wanted to give you the heads up 
Prologue
The bright colors of the elemental realm were flashing brighter then they are supposed to. 6 wolves have gathered around a rock with many symbols that seem to be the centerpiece of this strange world. These were the wolves of the elements. They were in charge of the elements of the world below their paws. They were responsible for the spirits of the good and the bad as well. They were called SkyPack for this reason. A red furred wolf named Fiore, the controller of fire, spoke up first. “The moon has turned blue, and at the same time, a world different from the one we oversee has collided with them. Unfortunately, it seems that the demon realm has opened up again, as you all can see, bad phenomena of every kind are occurring all over the world we stand atop. The Demons are finding themselves there, which is very bad I assure you all. But there is something different as well. It seems that even the inhabitants of the colliding world are spilling into ours. It is too late to separate the worlds, and I do not come to understand why we couldn’t sense all this.” Beside Fiore was a brown furred wolf named Ester. He was the controller of earth, he interrupted Fiore. “Perhaps we may not have any other choice left but to unify the worlds and possibly form a ward of peace?” Fiore grunted at the thought, but Aqua, a light blue furred wolf who was the controller of water, had a pretty fair ideal. “But the inhabitants of the other world that are spilling into ours are confused as well as us. If there is a way to prevent a war because of fear, then it will be by fusing both worlds, but keep lots of ocean between these worlds to keep them apart, and it will be like nothing has gone wrong. As far as the phenomena are concerned, I believe this is the doing of Umbra, the ruler of the demons. He has been waiting for his revenge on us for rejecting him and you all remember that time. He must have waited for this opportunity because right now it seems he is controlling the demons and relocating them awfully close to these new creatures that have come to our world. I believe he is trying to convince the new creatures to attack the packs for some whatever reason he comes up with. After all, he IS a very powerful Idol. Persuasion is a specialty that got even us fooled for a certain period of time.” She explained to the others. Kairo, a light purple, blue, and white wolf who was controller of air, decided to put his theory into action. “Although we need to act quickly, were forgetting that we can’t control everything. We can’t even go down to the world we watch over without using someone else’s body as a vessel. He/she would have to bring on the unification by defeating Umbra. So we mu-“ Kairo was interrupted by Kioriku, a black furred wolf with purple markings. He was the controller of shadows. “Yes, yes. You must explain no more. I have been watching a wolf in AsukaPack who is a very special one. Her name is Hamano. She possesses talent that I have never seen within an ordinary wolf. I belief she has been affected by the blue moon and might actually be receiving some of the powers that are flooding from the other world. Which is known as Phantasia, I’ll have you know. I am willing to go to Hamano and show her how to use her unknown powers. And I will help her from time to time by taking over. She can be the one we will choose to defeat Umbra and restore balance to the worlds, and create a successful unification, if you may allow me, of course.” The other wolves thought about it for a while then turned to a yellow furred wolf. “Sierra, do you have anything to say about this?” Fiore asked her. Sierra, quiet as usual, only shook her head. Was she still quiet after she gave the wolves of the packs the gift of colored vision? All heads were turned back to Kioriku now. “Kioriku, the rest of the wolves of the Elemental Realm permit the meeting of this ‘Hamano.’ Go now, the worlds are in your paws now. Good luck on you journeys.” “Thank you all.” Was all Kioriku had to say before he took the western gate to Usari, the wolves of the elements name of the world which the wolves of the packs live in. Along the way, Kioriku quietly thought to himself about what he was about to do. Finally, a chance to show myself that shadows are not that bad. Which is what the wolves of the Elements have been thinking about. I almost joined Umbra, after all. How can that be easily forgivable? But I’ll show them. VesperiaPack, KakeruPack, TakumiPack, AsukaPack. Please be careful. The world is in danger more then ever, and your greatest strength will be needed to survive these harsh times. Hang in there, Packs of Usari.
Chapter 1
The Preposition
Hamano, the aqua green furred defender, had just returned from a hunt lead by Regal, Hamano’s blue furred father, Leon, the Packs black, blue, and red furred Deputy, or 2nd in command, and two other defenders, Aster and Reed. They had caught 4 Deer and a rabbit that was apparently deaf because it was easy to catch. Although the rabbit is small prey, it’s usually a healthy serving of meat for the pups. In fact, they had 4 pups. And all of them were one litter. The pack is lucky to have so many youths. Hamano couldn’t help but overhear Stahn’s lecturing of his trainee, Hawk. “Your form isn’t correct. You have to dive over them like this, not like that. You need to have a little angle so as not to let the opponent scratch your underside while your still in the air. That’s a bad position to be in.” Hamano didn’t listen any further to the conversation. Kind of like my start as a trainee. I was lectured a lot by Regal, who happened to be my father too, so that’s probably better, for parents usually give you a little slack. Was all she thought as she noticed that the sun was setting from the now pinked sky, as if the summer sky itself was tainted by the suns blood. The Elders, Haku, Terry, Lauren, and Breeze, were the first to gather around the newly-dead. They ate their fill before the rest of the pack began taking their portions and padding back to their rocky dens. Hamano looked at the sky and saw the blue moon again. She sighed as she wondered what in the world would make it blue, until the ground started shaking violently. The pups were wailing with worry, until the shaking ceased. The pups were freaked out again, and the wolves of AsukaPack was chattering amongst each other. Hamano tried to ignore it as she headed to the Defenders den to try to get some sleep. She wasn’t hungry tonight. But that didn’t matter. I’ll eat in the morning. That is, if I get ANY sleep after all this chatter. Hamano grumbled as she layed down on the patch of grass that was set up by one of the trainees. Her eyes began to feel heavy and the noise around her quieted. Even the scents of their worry went away. Hamano drifted into a deep sleep.
Hamano awoke to see blackness as far as the eye could see. In the distance, the glow of a purple fire could be seen in the distance. But as the fire came closer, the flames were not what they seemed. But instead, it was a black furred wolf, with deep violet eyes and purple markings throughout his fur. “Hamano.” He said, apparently it’s a male. “I have come to you for a reason. I am Kioriku, ruler of the Shadows, a part of the Wolves of the Elemental Realm, what you all call SkyPack. You are aware of the blue moon, but it is a bad omen. Two worlds have collided, and not only that, but the demon realm has opened up as well. This is bad news, for any normal wolf can easily be wiped out by their powers. But you are special, Hamano. You have powers that have not been seen by any wolf that has lived before. We need you help to defeat Umbra, the one who is controlling these demons to attack this world.” It was a little hard for Hamano to comprehend, but she was beginning to understand. “But how am I different from the others?” She asked. “I thought that you would ask that. Like I said, you have special powers inside you. And I need to use you body as a vessel to stay on this planet. I will not possess you all the time, but only when necessary. If we do this together, we can save this world, and we can unify it and separate the worlds with ocean as if nothing has gone wrong. The collision of the worlds is what’s responsible for the phenomena that are occurring in this world, for example the earthquake’s, and creatures from the other world are arriving in this one, so any foreign creatures you may meet I will help you explain what it is. Hamano, Defender of AsukaPack, SkyPack needs your help now. And I will assist you with anything you need. Please. For the sake of this world. Without you, every wolf will die, and Umbra will take over everything, and even we won’t be able to stop him after a certain period of time. Will you help us?” Hamano was both bewildered and confused. Help one of the Elemental? Is this for real? How can I have special powers that no one else has ever had. Demon’s? Aren’t they creatures that roam nightmares? And now they have come and are attacking by a demon lord? How come SkyPack hasn’t told us somehow about this earlier? Didn’t they predict this was going to happen? Hamano looked up at the shadowed wolf, his violet eyes looking like they were going to swallow her up in a pool of darkness. “I will help. But why hasn’t this been predicted before?” Hamano asked him wonderingly. “The same reason that you can’t predict when the seasons change. The world came through dimensions, making it impossible for us to forsee it. We don’t control the whole universe, and you know that. We are only in charge of where the deceased go and the elements we control. I suggest you bring at least one friend. That is all I have to say. Anytime you need me, ask me in your thoughts. I’ll be right beside you. Please don’t think ill of me.” Kioriku disappeared in a burst of the same purple flame.
“Hamano, wake up!” Hamano grumbled as she was awakened by Alice, another trainee. “Marta wants you. I think it’s serious.” Hamano quickly got up at the name Marta. She was the Medicine wolf of the Pack. She was good with herbs. Could she possibly have forseen what I heard last night in my dream? Hamano padded to the Healers den, her paws greened and wet from the heavy dew on the grass. As she arrived at the den, the reddish brown she-wolf herself was checking her herbs again. Hamano sighed. “Did you want me?” Marta turned to Hamano. She had that look on her face that meant she had been fretting about herbs all morning. “Yes I do! I needed you and Aster to find some dewberries because they only live during dew, before the die out again. I need you to get some quick!” Hamano grunted and walked out, the scent of herbs still clinging to her fur. Well at least she doesn’t know about this situation. It’s better off that way. Although she didn’t like to be told what to do like a trainee, Aster was a fairly good friend of hers, because he was similar to Hamano. He thought more logically then others. He didn’t goof around or be really energetic like certain wolves. So they did pretty well together. Aster, the blue and white wolf himself, scented Hamano and turned. “I heard about the medicine thing. Lets get going.” Hamano breathed a sigh of relief for she hated explaining things. Maybe you can do that for me for now on Kioriku. She thought to him. I wouldn’t count on it if I were you, was his hazy reply. Hamano grunted at the response and she and Aster headed down to the plain where most of the herbs were. Aster turned to Hamano. “What did you do, Hamano?” Hamano looked back in confusion. “What do you mean?” “Well I mean what did you do to make us have to get herbs? Because technically this is a trainee’s job.” He told her. Hamano snorted, “Don’t ask me, I’m a little suspicious right now because of what you just said.” Aster nodded, his dark brown eyes gazing for the right herb. Then he yelled out to Hamano “Here! Dewberries can be found near holes because that’s why they only sprout during dew. Their green color is hard to distinguish from the grass, but easily seen from the dirt. Looking for them in grass is a nearly impossible task.” Hamano sighed. “Whatever. Let’s just get these things and get out of here. I don’t want to get caught by medicine wolves of another pack. It would spread everywhere during the next meeting to Howlon that Hamano was picking herbs.” Hamano and Aster gathered as many Dewberries as their jaws could hold and slowly padded back to Marta. Dropping the herbs on her paws. “Hope your happy now. Next time get a trainee to do it.” Hamano snorted. Marta scoffed, “Every Defender has to get herbs every once and a while. No wolf is treated better then the other, despite ranks. Even Leon has to go get herbs sooner or later.” Aster nodded and left behind Hamano. “Something doesn’t seem right about you today. Is something bothering you?” You have no idea. Hamano thought as she replied, “Just got woken up by Alice again. Her squeaky voice is NOT the first thing I like to hear in the morning.” Aster padded to Leon as he was preparing a hunting party, but not with joy, as always. Leon rarely has any positive feelings. Hamano began to pad back to the Defenders den. You’re a good friend, Aster. You’re the only one who understands me.
Chapter 2
Learning New Powers
After Hamano took an extra nap to get a little more sleep, the sleep that Alice disturbed… No, the sleep that Marta disturbed. Well, after that extra sleep, Kioriku told Hamano to go down to the plains that are just out of the rest of the packs sight. Its time you learned your powers. But first I must explain how you got them. The blue moon has affected several creatures in the world. They are called the ‘Aura Focal Points.’ They bring balance to the energy that is exploding around this world as we speak because of the collision between Usari, or your world, and Phantasia, the world colliding to this one. You are one of the three Focal Points. Since the energy is constantly going through you and the other two Focal Points, putting this energy to use is beyond useful. Understand? Kioriku told Hamano. Sort of, was her reply, with a little confusion in her voice. Kioriku sighed. All right, the first thing you should be able to do is manipulate objects. For example, take the boulder on your left side. You should be able to lift it without touching it by focusing at it intensely and think about how and where you want it to move. Try it. Hamano’s eyes widened in shock about the power. I can do that? She thought to him. If you concentrate on the task at hand, maybe so. Don’t get yourself distracted. Doing that during the use of this power can result in brain damage, so I suggest you stop thinking back to me and began concentrating, Kioriku snorted back. Hamano grunted and she turned to the rock on her left flank. She began to stare at it intensely and focused on wanting to move it a little more to the left so that it was closer to the herb field. Suddenly, the rock quivered, and it glowed a pink aura as it lifted above the ground, leaving a spot of dirt where the rock once was. It moved to the spot that Hamano thought about and loudly slammed down, slightly shaking the ground. Hamano flinched back as it did. Well done. Kioriku told her. Probably just beginners luck. No big deal. She replied. The wind was beginning to pick up as the sun sank down, and it felt just a little colder. Yikes! The Pack will be wondering where I’ve gone! Hamano paced back to her den and it seems like nobody noticed she was gone. Until Regal saw her. “Where have you been? I was worried about that shake, and I couldn’t see you around. I was wondering where you ran off to.” He asked. Hamano was a good liar, and although she hated to lie to her own father, it seemed that she had no other choice. “I needed some time to myself. The pack has been too talkative today because of the earthquake last night. I couldn’t hear myself think, so I decided to go down near the herb plain.” She lied. Regal nodded. “Well, your here now, and that’s all that matters. Just be careful ok? Things are getting a little shaky if you know what I mean.” He half joked, half scorned. Hamano nodded and wandered to the newly-dead pile and took a leg from a deer and headed to the defenders den. Do these ‘Aura Focal Points’ Have anything to do with why I’m almost never hungry? Hamano asked Kioriku. That could probably do it, for food is consumed for energy, and if you already have the energy you need, why would you need food? But it’s also because I’m here with you. The wolves of the elements never eat. They don’t need to. Kioriku responded. Hamano curled up in her patch of grass after eating her meal and proceeded to get some sleep.
The sun began to rise once more, turning the dark blue sky to a shade of yellow. The Border Patrollers were being set up by Leon again. After all, that is his job. Hamano was assigned as one of them. She was patrolling with Leon himself, Richter, who was the Alpha Male, Colette, Marta’s trainee who offered to help for the morning, and Stahn. His yellow fur was rumpled, revealing that he was rolling around last night, again. When the patrol left the main campus, they were heading to their first border marker, the Tall Stone. Leon set the border marker and the patrol went around to the next few. Hamano went to Stahn. “Stahn, were you talking in your sleep again?” She asked exhaustedly. “Hey! I might have but so what? It happens to everybody!” He yelled. “Shut up! You don’t have to yell like that.” Hamano growled. “Sorry.” Stahn said. “Yaaaah!” The patrol turned to see that Colette tripped. “Whoops.” The patrol sighed and kept going. Stahn backed up to Colette. “Aaaaw, don’t worry about it Colette. I was as clumsy as you when I was a trainee. Sometimes I still am. Cheer up, your not the only one.” Stahn told her. She smiled and continued on, talking to Stahn. Hamano sighed as she was left alone again. Richter approached Hamano. “You need to stop sighing. Bringing yourself down will only make you feel lower then you are. You should stand up for yourself more and not act so lonely, the whole pack is your friend, and you should know that by now without me having to explain it to you.” He told her. “Yes sir.” Was all Hamano said. She didn’t like talking to the Alpha male of the pack. Richter was a tough wolf, but he was dependable and trustworthy at the same time. Which made Hamano feel better. But also, being told about that kind of stuff is like what parents tell their kits, it was embarrassing. Some of the wolves chuckled, but not Leon. But Richter turned around and yelled at them. “Anyone who laughs at another Pack mate is a coward! All of you stop that now or you’ll be doing trainee duties for the next week.” The wolves that were laughing immediately ceased, their tails between their legs and their ears bent down. “That’s what I thought.” Richter scorned as he turned back around. “Fortunately you don’t do those kinds of things. Your father is a good example you should follow, Hamano.” Hamano nodded. My father is a very noble wolf indeed. I think he’s the most unique of all the wolves in the pack, Richter’s and exception though, he’s very unique too. I’m glad to have such good examples around me. My mother wasn’t like Regal at all. Sakura was always like a trainee. And she was constantly in love with Regal. I wonder how Regal’s love got started. They STILL won’t tell me how. She thought quietly to herself. But she had forgotten that Kioriku could hear her thoughts. But, as if he himself knew that was a private thought, he didn’t respond. When the patrol was done, the wolves headed back to their spots, Richter back with Hinata, the Alpha Female, Leon back in his private cave, his thinking spot. Leon was always listening to the sounds of the area around and stuff. He didn’t like talking to people. Well, Hamano didn’t either. Her only exception was Aster, of course. Aster was approaching and signaled with his tail to meet him behind Leon’s rocky cave. Hamano followed him and they both sat. “What’s this all about?” Hamano asked, her tail quietly swishing the grass. “Last night I heard you talking to yourself in your dreams. Something about you having powers and these ‘Aura Focal Points’ and such. I heard everything about your quest and stuff. And I wanted to ask if I could accompany you. I know you more then anyone, and I know you can fight by yourself, but with all this talk about demons and such I believe that teamwork is necessary for this task. Hamano, may I join your quest to stop these disasters?” Aster explained. Hamano held a gasp. Would that be all right with you Kioriku? Maybe you could teach me more of my powers ‘on the go?’ Hamano thought to Kioriku. Your friend Aster here is absolutely correct. I never knew a wolf could have such a high degree of intelligence. Yes he may come with us, but I must explain myself. And also, I forgot to mention that Umbra lives in Konno, the black plains. And they are surrounded by mountains. So where you see mountains is where we must go. He answered blandly. “Aster, you may come with me.” Hamano told Aster. Aster nodded. “Thank you.” “Anything for a good friend.” The two walked to the Defenders den as the sun began to set once again. It was time that they got some rest before they could come up with safe routes and such. Aster would know because once of his ancestors had to take a trip to the Kiode Mountains to find VesperiaPack, who ran off when a rockslide fell upon their home. But much later that was cleaned up when the Packs believed that Aqua summoned a large body of water to sweep way the rocks and to drag them underwater. That was the past though. Now this journey will be even harder, for we may run into some of these ‘new creatures’ and the demons. It will be fight fight fight for a long while during the journey.
Chapter 3
Plans
That next morning, Aster and Hamano began making plans for the safest routes they should take. There was a forest called Twilight forest along the way, they would stop there to hunt and rest and the next morning they would continue on past an arid area called Amber Canyon. And try to make it to the Kurin River for water, and maybe TRY to fish. Then they would continue on past a vast plain and go over the Kiode Mountains and into Umbra’s lair. It would be a long journey, and it could possibly take weeks, but to save the world, you have to be willing to do anything. “We should announce our journey in two days time.” The day after Aster said that, it was almost a full moon. “The day were gone will be the full moon, meaning that the Packs will meet in Howlon, and howl their songs to Skypack and addressing anything new. Richter will keep word of our journey silent, for telling such a thing would have the other packs knowing that there are two less Defenders in the Pack, and that would mean one of the packs would attack and try to take over our territory.” Aster told Hamano. She nodded. “Then we better get some extra rest today, for we have a long quest ahead of us.” She replied. Aster nodded and proceeded to go to the next hunting party while Hamano got some extra rest. The sun was fully raised in the sky when the hunting party returned with 2 elk and 1 deer. Several wolves huddled around the newly-dead and began to eat. The elders had already had something to eat earlier so they stayed in their dens and continued talking about ‘the good old days’ and such. Hamano tried to avoid the elders as much as she could, otherwise she could be stuck in a lecture for SkyPack knows when. After Aster ate, he sat down next to Hamano again, staying silent like he has been for at least half the day. He’s probably thinking about our quest. Or maybe he’s having 2nd thoughts? No, not Aster. Aster’s never turned anyone down before. I don’t think he would start with his best friend. Hamano thought to herself. Aster has courage to go with you on this trip. Does he have feelings for you? Kioriku asked Hamano. What?? Aster? Of course not! Don’t be ridiculous! Hamano was blushing, but she was looking away so no one could see her. After she was done, she walked to Aster. “It’s your turn to get some extra rest, Aster. Don’t even so your not tired. Go.” Aster nodded and he padded to the Defenders den. Hamano headed to the next hunting party with Hinata, Reed, and Sakura. “I’m Starving! Let’s go!” Reed exclaimed. Hamano and Sakura sighed as they went down to the hunting field. At first It seemed there was nothing, until Reed had disappeared and reappeared chasing a deer. “Come on guys help me out!” He yelled. The rest of the party gave chase and eventually took it down after Hamano tripped it and Hinata bit its neck and shook it until it fell limp in her jaws. She dropped it and the rest of the party picked it up by its legs and dragged it back to the pack. Then they proceeded to get two more by the time the sun had set. Aster had apparently awoke while Hamano was hunting, for he was standing in front of the Defenders den, but he wasn’t waiting for Hamano. His eyes were closed, and he had a calm look on his face. Meditating? I thought only Leon did that. Great minds think alike, I suppose. Hamano, again, wasn’t hungry, so she padded to her spot where she slept and plopped down almost too quickly, worn from Reeds excessive hunger, he drove everyone crazy. Even Hinata was scared for a second. She was even quieter then Leon, and shy most of the Howlon gatherings. But when the pack is in danger, she won’t hesitate to give out orders. Hamano is confused in how the two found love. That is, if it is love. Richter doesn’t seem like the type of person who could find love, yet whenever he’s around Hinata…. Well, he’s a lot nicer. What seemed like months later, Hamano was finally able to get some sleep. In her dreams, Kioriku told her that she also has the ability to talk to any creature. When she awoke, Aster was waiting for her. She grumbled and got up. Once the sun rose a little more, the two went to Richter. Hinata wasn’t around so this wasn’t going to be very pretty. Hamano was going to speak about the situation. When Richter saw them approach, all he asked was “What do you want?” “We need to talk to you privately, Richter.” Aster said. Richter grunted and the three went to the same plains as Hamano learned her first power. “What is this all about, you two?” Hamano explained everything she was told by Kioriku. Afterwards, Richter told them, “But if that was true, then Hinata would have gotten something. And she always tells me about those things. It was probably just a dream.” Hamano was mad. Let me handle this. Kioriku told her. She felt like she was falling back, and found herself in a blackness that seemed endless. Are you taking over Kioriku? She asked. It seems that Richter will need the proof. Was his only response. Outside, Hamanos fur was changing to black, the markings began to appear, and her orange and blue eyes changed to a flaming violet. “Just a dream? What do you take me for, a joke? You disappoint me Richter. I thought you were better then that.” Kioriku told Richter. Richter and Aster were wide eyed. “Hamano…. You were telling the truth.” Richter mumbled. “Well of course she was! Has she ever lied to you before? Mortal wolves cannot predict everything, even a prodigy like Hinata. You should understand that now..” Kioriku snorted, and Hamano began returning to her normal self, her eyes and fur restored to their normal colors, and Kioriku was back where he was before. But instead of standing, she fell to a heap on the ground. Aster and Richter exchanged glances. “Aster, did you know about this?” “Barely. I heard her talking in her sleep about all of it. I offered to accompany her. We were going to have you address it to the pack so they would know what’s going on. Suddenly, clouds rolled in out of nowhere and rain began to pour. “The weather patterns are changing. It was clear sky only moments ago. This is bad. We have to head back.” Aster said. “Yes. I’ll address your leaving when the rain stops.” The two picked up Hamano with their teeth and dragged her bag to camp. Wolves left and right were exchanging worried glances to each other. When they made it to the defenders den, Richter let go and Aster carried her the rest of the way to her grass patch. “Richter, I’m sorry for all this.” Aster was interrupted by Richter. “No. I should be the one who’s sorry. I didn’t believe you, even though you two are the some of the most trustworthy wolves I know in this pack. And the lord of Shadows himself had to come out himself to defend Hamano. This is my fault. I’m heading to my den now. I’ll see you when the rain stops.” Richter padded out of the Defenders den, the rain soaking his red and black fur. Everyone was inside their dens.
The pitter-patter of the rain lasted for several long hours. Until finally, the dark gray clouds past, and instead whiter colored ones took their place. With small patches of blue here and there. Richter reached the highest point in the Campus. “Wolves of AsukaPack! I demand your attention!” Everyone slowly stumbled out of their dens onto the wet grass and looked up to Richter. “Two members of our pack have figured out the cause of these earthquakes, and the cause of the blue moon. These two have figured out how to stop it. But it involves leaving the territories to go to a place far from here. I wanted you to know this so that you didn’t panic about their disappearance. These two are Hamano and Aster. Hamano, Aster, please step up.” Hamano and Aster exchanged glances and they climbed their way to the top of the rock. Richter turned to them. “Will you promise to watch out for each other, and guard each other with your very lives?” Richter questioned them. “Yes.” “Do you promise to keep to the rules of the Packs, no matter how far from the packs you are?” “Yes.”
“Then I grant you permission to start your journey whenever your ready.” The wolves below half cheered them for a few moments, than turned to go back to their duties. Richter met up with Hinata, and things got a little boring after that, but Colette padded up to them. “Do you need anything before you go?” She asked politely. “No, we’ll be fine. You should tell that to Marta to so she won’t ask us that same question.” Aster replied. “Ok. Good luck!” Colette went back to the medicine den.
The next morning, it was time to begin their journey. The wolves of AsukaPack stood near the exit to say their goodbyes. When it was time to go, everyone was line up. When Hamano and Aster said their goodbyes, they walked down to the exit, out of the Main Campus, and, soon, out of AsukaPack territory.
Chapter 4
The journey begins
“Finally, we got started.” Aster sighed. “First, Richter didn’t believe us, then you fall unconscious, and then it starts raining….. Things could get more difficult, the more time we waste.” Hamano growled in response. Is that going to happen every time you take over? She angrily asked. No. Only when I have to take over without the approval of your will. He answered, unfazed. Hamano grunted, and looked up to see a dark forest far in the distance. “Is that our first stop?” She asked Aster. Aster looked up. “Correct. However, it’s farther then it looks. It will take at least until sunfall to get there.” He explained. The two began moving again. “So, Aster, I don’t think I finished the story. Remember those ‘Aura Focal Points’ you overheard about?” Hamano questioned. “Yes, why?” He replied. “Because according to Kioriku, I’m one of those Focal Points. But it still doesn’t make much sense. By the way, do you think you could tell me about the other stuff I can do? Hamano wondered. Well yes, if we find a place we can stop. Kioriku responded. “Aster, lets stop here for a minute. Kioriku’s trying to teach me something.” Hamano told Aster. “Well all right, if its something that can help us on our quest, go for it. But try to make it as quick as possible. I’ll scout the area.” Aster answered. Hamano headed a little east while Aster headed south to a large pillar looking rock formation. “All right, Kioriku, what do you have for me?” Well actually, you only have three powers left. The rest of them can only be used by me. All right, so you sacrifice some energy, you can have stronger physical capabilities, such as faster running, being stronger, longer and sharper claws, that kind of thing. It only happens when your worn down. Your extra energy then kicks in and this is the result. Another one of your powers is to control plants. Which at times may not be impressive, but others it is. Say you need a defense. You can summon up a barrier of thorns so enemies can get to you. Stuff like that. But your final power is the power of persuasiveness. Which is something you have always had. You had it since you first learned to talk. But you haven’t put that to go uses. It’s about time you did. Next time we run into a foe that ISN’T a demon, you can try it out. But these powers are limited, for they depend on the energy that flows through you. Using it to quickly will result in lack of body functions, and possibly even death. Watch yourself, and don’t take these abilities too lightly. Understand? Kioriku explained. “Ok. I’ll use them only in defense.” Good. Now head to Aster. Like he said, we need to move as quickly as possible. Hamano headed to where Aster was waiting. Not a sign of impatience on his face. Even his tail was perfectly still. His eyes had a simple gaze that said “Ready? Better be, it’s been like half a day.” Hamano padded ahead of Aster, and Aster caught up with her. “How did it go? What did you learn?” He asked. “Its not really something I would want to talk about, but you’ll probably see later on.” Hamano replied. Did she hear jealousy in his voice? Maybe. But Aster isn’t the type who would be jealous about anything. Except maybe love. But Aster and Hamano were just friends. Nothing higher….. Right?
“Hamano. Remember when we were trainees? When I tried to climb the tree to chase that squirrel?” Aster asked. Hamano laughed at the memory. “Yeah. You fell off and landed on me, I almost fell unconscious. That was probably the day you felt the heaviest.” “Oh shut up. I didn’t fall. I jumped.” “Yeah. Ok. Coming from the guy who apologized a trillion times saying ‘I slipped. I swear that squirrel is evil. Just look at it. Its glare knocked me off.’ That’s exactly what you said.” Aster groaned at the fact that he lost the quarrel. Hamano swiped a paw playfully on Asters head. “Look. The suns setting.” Aster said, trying to change the subject. But he was right. The partly clouded sky blocked some of the light, but gaps in the clouds brought out slivers of the orange light coming from the sinking sun. Eventually it was covered up by the clouds and they couldn’t see it anymore. “We better hunt Aster. I have something I want to try out.” Hamano suggested. Aster nodded and the two looked for any nearby prey. But there was nothing in the open field. She saw a canary fly by and decided to try her communicative power. “Hey! You! Flying around and such! We won’t hurt you, we just have a question.” The canary stopped and perched upon a tree. “What are a couple like you doing out in the open fields anyway?” It asked. “No, listen, where asking the questions here. Are there any deer, elk, goats, etc?” Aster told it. “Well yes, but there closer to that forest over there.” “That’s all the information we need, thank you.” Aster told it. The canary shrugged and flew away. “Well it looks like were going to have to travel farther, Hamano.” Aster explained as the sun began to sink down from the summer sky even more. “No duh, Aster. I just heard everything because I was right here next to you! Am I invisible or something?” Hamano sighed as the two headed down farther through the plains to twilight forest.
Chapter 5
Starlight in the trees?
The sun had now fully set, uncovering the white and yellow stars in the dark blue night sky. The moon had turned full. Its blue light wasn’t as bright as the yellow full moon, so it was harder to see through the night, the only thing guiding Hamano and Asters path was the strange starlight that could be seen through the trees, being at the heart of Twilight Forest. But now they must rest, for they have been going almost nonstop without any food, although Hamano wasn’t hungry, Aster, however, was starting to get hungry. Kioriku, can I possibly share some of my energy to him? He could starve to death. Hamano thought to Kioriku. His response was, Yes, you may, but don’t give him a lot because the energy you have is not in high amounts, just quickly replenished. Hamano walked to the tired Aster. “Hold still for a minute.” She told him. “You think I’m going to move at all tonight?” He grumbled. Hamano put a paw on Asters forhead and closed her eyes. She tried to concentrate on transferring the energy through her and to Aster. Hamano felt a slight sapping of her energy as it went to Aster. When she was done, she plopped down on the ground. “What did you do? I don’t feel hungry anymore.” Aster exclaimed. “I transferred some of my energy to you so you would stop wining about being hungry. Being a focal point, I already get the energy I need so I’m not hungry much.” She explained to him quietly. “Now shut up and go to sleep.” Aster closed his eyes and soon he was fast asleep. I don’t feel entirely safe, Hamano. Is it alright that when you fall asleep, I can take over and stand watch? Your dreams will not be disturbed so you wouldn’t notice. Kioriku asked Hamano. Do whatever you want, just don’t scratch up my body, hear? She tiredly joked. All right. Hamano felt her eyes feeling heavier and heavier and soon fell to sleep.
Kioriku took over the same way as before, and he stood watch for Aster, seeing no enemies, even in the long distance because he can see through any darkness.
The next morning, Hamano and Aster would finally reach Twilight Forest. It was only about a sunrise away now. They stretched themselves and stood back up. Hamano yawned as she said, “Today’s going to be a faster day then yesterday, isn’t it?”
Aster nodded. “Especially if we might run into some trouble down near that light. We need to watch our step, who knows what’s happened to this forest after all these seasons?”
Prologue
The bright colors of the elemental realm were flashing brighter then they are supposed to. 6 wolves have gathered around a rock with many symbols that seem to be the centerpiece of this strange world. These were the wolves of the elements. They were in charge of the elements of the world below their paws. They were responsible for the spirits of the good and the bad as well. They were called SkyPack for this reason. A red furred wolf named Fiore, the controller of fire, spoke up first. “The moon has turned blue, and at the same time, a world different from the one we oversee has collided with them. Unfortunately, it seems that the demon realm has opened up again, as you all can see, bad phenomena of every kind are occurring all over the world we stand atop. The Demons are finding themselves there, which is very bad I assure you all. But there is something different as well. It seems that even the inhabitants of the colliding world are spilling into ours. It is too late to separate the worlds, and I do not come to understand why we couldn’t sense all this.” Beside Fiore was a brown furred wolf named Ester. He was the controller of earth, he interrupted Fiore. “Perhaps we may not have any other choice left but to unify the worlds and possibly form a ward of peace?” Fiore grunted at the thought, but Aqua, a light blue furred wolf who was the controller of water, had a pretty fair ideal. “But the inhabitants of the other world that are spilling into ours are confused as well as us. If there is a way to prevent a war because of fear, then it will be by fusing both worlds, but keep lots of ocean between these worlds to keep them apart, and it will be like nothing has gone wrong. As far as the phenomena are concerned, I believe this is the doing of Umbra, the ruler of the demons. He has been waiting for his revenge on us for rejecting him and you all remember that time. He must have waited for this opportunity because right now it seems he is controlling the demons and relocating them awfully close to these new creatures that have come to our world. I believe he is trying to convince the new creatures to attack the packs for some whatever reason he comes up with. After all, he IS a very powerful Idol. Persuasion is a specialty that got even us fooled for a certain period of time.” She explained to the others. Kairo, a light purple, blue, and white wolf who was controller of air, decided to put his theory into action. “Although we need to act quickly, were forgetting that we can’t control everything. We can’t even go down to the world we watch over without using someone else’s body as a vessel. He/she would have to bring on the unification by defeating Umbra. So we mu-“ Kairo was interrupted by Kioriku, a black furred wolf with purple markings. He was the controller of shadows. “Yes, yes. You must explain no more. I have been watching a wolf in AsukaPack who is a very special one. Her name is Hamano. She possesses talent that I have never seen within an ordinary wolf. I belief she has been affected by the blue moon and might actually be receiving some of the powers that are flooding from the other world. Which is known as Phantasia, I’ll have you know. I am willing to go to Hamano and show her how to use her unknown powers. And I will help her from time to time by taking over. She can be the one we will choose to defeat Umbra and restore balance to the worlds, and create a successful unification, if you may allow me, of course.” The other wolves thought about it for a while then turned to a yellow furred wolf. “Sierra, do you have anything to say about this?” Fiore asked her. Sierra, quiet as usual, only shook her head. Was she still quiet after she gave the wolves of the packs the gift of colored vision? All heads were turned back to Kioriku now. “Kioriku, the rest of the wolves of the Elemental Realm permit the meeting of this ‘Hamano.’ Go now, the worlds are in your paws now. Good luck on you journeys.” “Thank you all.” Was all Kioriku had to say before he took the western gate to Usari, the wolves of the elements name of the world which the wolves of the packs live in. Along the way, Kioriku quietly thought to himself about what he was about to do. Finally, a chance to show myself that shadows are not that bad. Which is what the wolves of the Elements have been thinking about. I almost joined Umbra, after all. How can that be easily forgivable? But I’ll show them. VesperiaPack, KakeruPack, TakumiPack, AsukaPack. Please be careful. The world is in danger more then ever, and your greatest strength will be needed to survive these harsh times. Hang in there, Packs of Usari.
Chapter 1
The Preposition
Hamano, the aqua green furred defender, had just returned from a hunt lead by Regal, Hamano’s blue furred father, Leon, the Packs black, blue, and red furred Deputy, or 2nd in command, and two other defenders, Aster and Reed. They had caught 4 Deer and a rabbit that was apparently deaf because it was easy to catch. Although the rabbit is small prey, it’s usually a healthy serving of meat for the pups. In fact, they had 4 pups. And all of them were one litter. The pack is lucky to have so many youths. Hamano couldn’t help but overhear Stahn’s lecturing of his trainee, Hawk. “Your form isn’t correct. You have to dive over them like this, not like that. You need to have a little angle so as not to let the opponent scratch your underside while your still in the air. That’s a bad position to be in.” Hamano didn’t listen any further to the conversation. Kind of like my start as a trainee. I was lectured a lot by Regal, who happened to be my father too, so that’s probably better, for parents usually give you a little slack. Was all she thought as she noticed that the sun was setting from the now pinked sky, as if the summer sky itself was tainted by the suns blood. The Elders, Haku, Terry, Lauren, and Breeze, were the first to gather around the newly-dead. They ate their fill before the rest of the pack began taking their portions and padding back to their rocky dens. Hamano looked at the sky and saw the blue moon again. She sighed as she wondered what in the world would make it blue, until the ground started shaking violently. The pups were wailing with worry, until the shaking ceased. The pups were freaked out again, and the wolves of AsukaPack was chattering amongst each other. Hamano tried to ignore it as she headed to the Defenders den to try to get some sleep. She wasn’t hungry tonight. But that didn’t matter. I’ll eat in the morning. That is, if I get ANY sleep after all this chatter. Hamano grumbled as she layed down on the patch of grass that was set up by one of the trainees. Her eyes began to feel heavy and the noise around her quieted. Even the scents of their worry went away. Hamano drifted into a deep sleep.
Hamano awoke to see blackness as far as the eye could see. In the distance, the glow of a purple fire could be seen in the distance. But as the fire came closer, the flames were not what they seemed. But instead, it was a black furred wolf, with deep violet eyes and purple markings throughout his fur. “Hamano.” He said, apparently it’s a male. “I have come to you for a reason. I am Kioriku, ruler of the Shadows, a part of the Wolves of the Elemental Realm, what you all call SkyPack. You are aware of the blue moon, but it is a bad omen. Two worlds have collided, and not only that, but the demon realm has opened up as well. This is bad news, for any normal wolf can easily be wiped out by their powers. But you are special, Hamano. You have powers that have not been seen by any wolf that has lived before. We need you help to defeat Umbra, the one who is controlling these demons to attack this world.” It was a little hard for Hamano to comprehend, but she was beginning to understand. “But how am I different from the others?” She asked. “I thought that you would ask that. Like I said, you have special powers inside you. And I need to use you body as a vessel to stay on this planet. I will not possess you all the time, but only when necessary. If we do this together, we can save this world, and we can unify it and separate the worlds with ocean as if nothing has gone wrong. The collision of the worlds is what’s responsible for the phenomena that are occurring in this world, for example the earthquake’s, and creatures from the other world are arriving in this one, so any foreign creatures you may meet I will help you explain what it is. Hamano, Defender of AsukaPack, SkyPack needs your help now. And I will assist you with anything you need. Please. For the sake of this world. Without you, every wolf will die, and Umbra will take over everything, and even we won’t be able to stop him after a certain period of time. Will you help us?” Hamano was both bewildered and confused. Help one of the Elemental? Is this for real? How can I have special powers that no one else has ever had. Demon’s? Aren’t they creatures that roam nightmares? And now they have come and are attacking by a demon lord? How come SkyPack hasn’t told us somehow about this earlier? Didn’t they predict this was going to happen? Hamano looked up at the shadowed wolf, his violet eyes looking like they were going to swallow her up in a pool of darkness. “I will help. But why hasn’t this been predicted before?” Hamano asked him wonderingly. “The same reason that you can’t predict when the seasons change. The world came through dimensions, making it impossible for us to forsee it. We don’t control the whole universe, and you know that. We are only in charge of where the deceased go and the elements we control. I suggest you bring at least one friend. That is all I have to say. Anytime you need me, ask me in your thoughts. I’ll be right beside you. Please don’t think ill of me.” Kioriku disappeared in a burst of the same purple flame.
“Hamano, wake up!” Hamano grumbled as she was awakened by Alice, another trainee. “Marta wants you. I think it’s serious.” Hamano quickly got up at the name Marta. She was the Medicine wolf of the Pack. She was good with herbs. Could she possibly have forseen what I heard last night in my dream? Hamano padded to the Healers den, her paws greened and wet from the heavy dew on the grass. As she arrived at the den, the reddish brown she-wolf herself was checking her herbs again. Hamano sighed. “Did you want me?” Marta turned to Hamano. She had that look on her face that meant she had been fretting about herbs all morning. “Yes I do! I needed you and Aster to find some dewberries because they only live during dew, before the die out again. I need you to get some quick!” Hamano grunted and walked out, the scent of herbs still clinging to her fur. Well at least she doesn’t know about this situation. It’s better off that way. Although she didn’t like to be told what to do like a trainee, Aster was a fairly good friend of hers, because he was similar to Hamano. He thought more logically then others. He didn’t goof around or be really energetic like certain wolves. So they did pretty well together. Aster, the blue and white wolf himself, scented Hamano and turned. “I heard about the medicine thing. Lets get going.” Hamano breathed a sigh of relief for she hated explaining things. Maybe you can do that for me for now on Kioriku. She thought to him. I wouldn’t count on it if I were you, was his hazy reply. Hamano grunted at the response and she and Aster headed down to the plain where most of the herbs were. Aster turned to Hamano. “What did you do, Hamano?” Hamano looked back in confusion. “What do you mean?” “Well I mean what did you do to make us have to get herbs? Because technically this is a trainee’s job.” He told her. Hamano snorted, “Don’t ask me, I’m a little suspicious right now because of what you just said.” Aster nodded, his dark brown eyes gazing for the right herb. Then he yelled out to Hamano “Here! Dewberries can be found near holes because that’s why they only sprout during dew. Their green color is hard to distinguish from the grass, but easily seen from the dirt. Looking for them in grass is a nearly impossible task.” Hamano sighed. “Whatever. Let’s just get these things and get out of here. I don’t want to get caught by medicine wolves of another pack. It would spread everywhere during the next meeting to Howlon that Hamano was picking herbs.” Hamano and Aster gathered as many Dewberries as their jaws could hold and slowly padded back to Marta. Dropping the herbs on her paws. “Hope your happy now. Next time get a trainee to do it.” Hamano snorted. Marta scoffed, “Every Defender has to get herbs every once and a while. No wolf is treated better then the other, despite ranks. Even Leon has to go get herbs sooner or later.” Aster nodded and left behind Hamano. “Something doesn’t seem right about you today. Is something bothering you?” You have no idea. Hamano thought as she replied, “Just got woken up by Alice again. Her squeaky voice is NOT the first thing I like to hear in the morning.” Aster padded to Leon as he was preparing a hunting party, but not with joy, as always. Leon rarely has any positive feelings. Hamano began to pad back to the Defenders den. You’re a good friend, Aster. You’re the only one who understands me.
Chapter 2
Learning New Powers
After Hamano took an extra nap to get a little more sleep, the sleep that Alice disturbed… No, the sleep that Marta disturbed. Well, after that extra sleep, Kioriku told Hamano to go down to the plains that are just out of the rest of the packs sight. Its time you learned your powers. But first I must explain how you got them. The blue moon has affected several creatures in the world. They are called the ‘Aura Focal Points.’ They bring balance to the energy that is exploding around this world as we speak because of the collision between Usari, or your world, and Phantasia, the world colliding to this one. You are one of the three Focal Points. Since the energy is constantly going through you and the other two Focal Points, putting this energy to use is beyond useful. Understand? Kioriku told Hamano. Sort of, was her reply, with a little confusion in her voice. Kioriku sighed. All right, the first thing you should be able to do is manipulate objects. For example, take the boulder on your left side. You should be able to lift it without touching it by focusing at it intensely and think about how and where you want it to move. Try it. Hamano’s eyes widened in shock about the power. I can do that? She thought to him. If you concentrate on the task at hand, maybe so. Don’t get yourself distracted. Doing that during the use of this power can result in brain damage, so I suggest you stop thinking back to me and began concentrating, Kioriku snorted back. Hamano grunted and she turned to the rock on her left flank. She began to stare at it intensely and focused on wanting to move it a little more to the left so that it was closer to the herb field. Suddenly, the rock quivered, and it glowed a pink aura as it lifted above the ground, leaving a spot of dirt where the rock once was. It moved to the spot that Hamano thought about and loudly slammed down, slightly shaking the ground. Hamano flinched back as it did. Well done. Kioriku told her. Probably just beginners luck. No big deal. She replied. The wind was beginning to pick up as the sun sank down, and it felt just a little colder. Yikes! The Pack will be wondering where I’ve gone! Hamano paced back to her den and it seems like nobody noticed she was gone. Until Regal saw her. “Where have you been? I was worried about that shake, and I couldn’t see you around. I was wondering where you ran off to.” He asked. Hamano was a good liar, and although she hated to lie to her own father, it seemed that she had no other choice. “I needed some time to myself. The pack has been too talkative today because of the earthquake last night. I couldn’t hear myself think, so I decided to go down near the herb plain.” She lied. Regal nodded. “Well, your here now, and that’s all that matters. Just be careful ok? Things are getting a little shaky if you know what I mean.” He half joked, half scorned. Hamano nodded and wandered to the newly-dead pile and took a leg from a deer and headed to the defenders den. Do these ‘Aura Focal Points’ Have anything to do with why I’m almost never hungry? Hamano asked Kioriku. That could probably do it, for food is consumed for energy, and if you already have the energy you need, why would you need food? But it’s also because I’m here with you. The wolves of the elements never eat. They don’t need to. Kioriku responded. Hamano curled up in her patch of grass after eating her meal and proceeded to get some sleep.
The sun began to rise once more, turning the dark blue sky to a shade of yellow. The Border Patrollers were being set up by Leon again. After all, that is his job. Hamano was assigned as one of them. She was patrolling with Leon himself, Richter, who was the Alpha Male, Colette, Marta’s trainee who offered to help for the morning, and Stahn. His yellow fur was rumpled, revealing that he was rolling around last night, again. When the patrol left the main campus, they were heading to their first border marker, the Tall Stone. Leon set the border marker and the patrol went around to the next few. Hamano went to Stahn. “Stahn, were you talking in your sleep again?” She asked exhaustedly. “Hey! I might have but so what? It happens to everybody!” He yelled. “Shut up! You don’t have to yell like that.” Hamano growled. “Sorry.” Stahn said. “Yaaaah!” The patrol turned to see that Colette tripped. “Whoops.” The patrol sighed and kept going. Stahn backed up to Colette. “Aaaaw, don’t worry about it Colette. I was as clumsy as you when I was a trainee. Sometimes I still am. Cheer up, your not the only one.” Stahn told her. She smiled and continued on, talking to Stahn. Hamano sighed as she was left alone again. Richter approached Hamano. “You need to stop sighing. Bringing yourself down will only make you feel lower then you are. You should stand up for yourself more and not act so lonely, the whole pack is your friend, and you should know that by now without me having to explain it to you.” He told her. “Yes sir.” Was all Hamano said. She didn’t like talking to the Alpha male of the pack. Richter was a tough wolf, but he was dependable and trustworthy at the same time. Which made Hamano feel better. But also, being told about that kind of stuff is like what parents tell their kits, it was embarrassing. Some of the wolves chuckled, but not Leon. But Richter turned around and yelled at them. “Anyone who laughs at another Pack mate is a coward! All of you stop that now or you’ll be doing trainee duties for the next week.” The wolves that were laughing immediately ceased, their tails between their legs and their ears bent down. “That’s what I thought.” Richter scorned as he turned back around. “Fortunately you don’t do those kinds of things. Your father is a good example you should follow, Hamano.” Hamano nodded. My father is a very noble wolf indeed. I think he’s the most unique of all the wolves in the pack, Richter’s and exception though, he’s very unique too. I’m glad to have such good examples around me. My mother wasn’t like Regal at all. Sakura was always like a trainee. And she was constantly in love with Regal. I wonder how Regal’s love got started. They STILL won’t tell me how. She thought quietly to herself. But she had forgotten that Kioriku could hear her thoughts. But, as if he himself knew that was a private thought, he didn’t respond. When the patrol was done, the wolves headed back to their spots, Richter back with Hinata, the Alpha Female, Leon back in his private cave, his thinking spot. Leon was always listening to the sounds of the area around and stuff. He didn’t like talking to people. Well, Hamano didn’t either. Her only exception was Aster, of course. Aster was approaching and signaled with his tail to meet him behind Leon’s rocky cave. Hamano followed him and they both sat. “What’s this all about?” Hamano asked, her tail quietly swishing the grass. “Last night I heard you talking to yourself in your dreams. Something about you having powers and these ‘Aura Focal Points’ and such. I heard everything about your quest and stuff. And I wanted to ask if I could accompany you. I know you more then anyone, and I know you can fight by yourself, but with all this talk about demons and such I believe that teamwork is necessary for this task. Hamano, may I join your quest to stop these disasters?” Aster explained. Hamano held a gasp. Would that be all right with you Kioriku? Maybe you could teach me more of my powers ‘on the go?’ Hamano thought to Kioriku. Your friend Aster here is absolutely correct. I never knew a wolf could have such a high degree of intelligence. Yes he may come with us, but I must explain myself. And also, I forgot to mention that Umbra lives in Konno, the black plains. And they are surrounded by mountains. So where you see mountains is where we must go. He answered blandly. “Aster, you may come with me.” Hamano told Aster. Aster nodded. “Thank you.” “Anything for a good friend.” The two walked to the Defenders den as the sun began to set once again. It was time that they got some rest before they could come up with safe routes and such. Aster would know because once of his ancestors had to take a trip to the Kiode Mountains to find VesperiaPack, who ran off when a rockslide fell upon their home. But much later that was cleaned up when the Packs believed that Aqua summoned a large body of water to sweep way the rocks and to drag them underwater. That was the past though. Now this journey will be even harder, for we may run into some of these ‘new creatures’ and the demons. It will be fight fight fight for a long while during the journey.
Chapter 3
Plans
That next morning, Aster and Hamano began making plans for the safest routes they should take. There was a forest called Twilight forest along the way, they would stop there to hunt and rest and the next morning they would continue on past an arid area called Amber Canyon. And try to make it to the Kurin River for water, and maybe TRY to fish. Then they would continue on past a vast plain and go over the Kiode Mountains and into Umbra’s lair. It would be a long journey, and it could possibly take weeks, but to save the world, you have to be willing to do anything. “We should announce our journey in two days time.” The day after Aster said that, it was almost a full moon. “The day were gone will be the full moon, meaning that the Packs will meet in Howlon, and howl their songs to Skypack and addressing anything new. Richter will keep word of our journey silent, for telling such a thing would have the other packs knowing that there are two less Defenders in the Pack, and that would mean one of the packs would attack and try to take over our territory.” Aster told Hamano. She nodded. “Then we better get some extra rest today, for we have a long quest ahead of us.” She replied. Aster nodded and proceeded to go to the next hunting party while Hamano got some extra rest. The sun was fully raised in the sky when the hunting party returned with 2 elk and 1 deer. Several wolves huddled around the newly-dead and began to eat. The elders had already had something to eat earlier so they stayed in their dens and continued talking about ‘the good old days’ and such. Hamano tried to avoid the elders as much as she could, otherwise she could be stuck in a lecture for SkyPack knows when. After Aster ate, he sat down next to Hamano again, staying silent like he has been for at least half the day. He’s probably thinking about our quest. Or maybe he’s having 2nd thoughts? No, not Aster. Aster’s never turned anyone down before. I don’t think he would start with his best friend. Hamano thought to herself. Aster has courage to go with you on this trip. Does he have feelings for you? Kioriku asked Hamano. What?? Aster? Of course not! Don’t be ridiculous! Hamano was blushing, but she was looking away so no one could see her. After she was done, she walked to Aster. “It’s your turn to get some extra rest, Aster. Don’t even so your not tired. Go.” Aster nodded and he padded to the Defenders den. Hamano headed to the next hunting party with Hinata, Reed, and Sakura. “I’m Starving! Let’s go!” Reed exclaimed. Hamano and Sakura sighed as they went down to the hunting field. At first It seemed there was nothing, until Reed had disappeared and reappeared chasing a deer. “Come on guys help me out!” He yelled. The rest of the party gave chase and eventually took it down after Hamano tripped it and Hinata bit its neck and shook it until it fell limp in her jaws. She dropped it and the rest of the party picked it up by its legs and dragged it back to the pack. Then they proceeded to get two more by the time the sun had set. Aster had apparently awoke while Hamano was hunting, for he was standing in front of the Defenders den, but he wasn’t waiting for Hamano. His eyes were closed, and he had a calm look on his face. Meditating? I thought only Leon did that. Great minds think alike, I suppose. Hamano, again, wasn’t hungry, so she padded to her spot where she slept and plopped down almost too quickly, worn from Reeds excessive hunger, he drove everyone crazy. Even Hinata was scared for a second. She was even quieter then Leon, and shy most of the Howlon gatherings. But when the pack is in danger, she won’t hesitate to give out orders. Hamano is confused in how the two found love. That is, if it is love. Richter doesn’t seem like the type of person who could find love, yet whenever he’s around Hinata…. Well, he’s a lot nicer. What seemed like months later, Hamano was finally able to get some sleep. In her dreams, Kioriku told her that she also has the ability to talk to any creature. When she awoke, Aster was waiting for her. She grumbled and got up. Once the sun rose a little more, the two went to Richter. Hinata wasn’t around so this wasn’t going to be very pretty. Hamano was going to speak about the situation. When Richter saw them approach, all he asked was “What do you want?” “We need to talk to you privately, Richter.” Aster said. Richter grunted and the three went to the same plains as Hamano learned her first power. “What is this all about, you two?” Hamano explained everything she was told by Kioriku. Afterwards, Richter told them, “But if that was true, then Hinata would have gotten something. And she always tells me about those things. It was probably just a dream.” Hamano was mad. Let me handle this. Kioriku told her. She felt like she was falling back, and found herself in a blackness that seemed endless. Are you taking over Kioriku? She asked. It seems that Richter will need the proof. Was his only response. Outside, Hamanos fur was changing to black, the markings began to appear, and her orange and blue eyes changed to a flaming violet. “Just a dream? What do you take me for, a joke? You disappoint me Richter. I thought you were better then that.” Kioriku told Richter. Richter and Aster were wide eyed. “Hamano…. You were telling the truth.” Richter mumbled. “Well of course she was! Has she ever lied to you before? Mortal wolves cannot predict everything, even a prodigy like Hinata. You should understand that now..” Kioriku snorted, and Hamano began returning to her normal self, her eyes and fur restored to their normal colors, and Kioriku was back where he was before. But instead of standing, she fell to a heap on the ground. Aster and Richter exchanged glances. “Aster, did you know about this?” “Barely. I heard her talking in her sleep about all of it. I offered to accompany her. We were going to have you address it to the pack so they would know what’s going on. Suddenly, clouds rolled in out of nowhere and rain began to pour. “The weather patterns are changing. It was clear sky only moments ago. This is bad. We have to head back.” Aster said. “Yes. I’ll address your leaving when the rain stops.” The two picked up Hamano with their teeth and dragged her bag to camp. Wolves left and right were exchanging worried glances to each other. When they made it to the defenders den, Richter let go and Aster carried her the rest of the way to her grass patch. “Richter, I’m sorry for all this.” Aster was interrupted by Richter. “No. I should be the one who’s sorry. I didn’t believe you, even though you two are the some of the most trustworthy wolves I know in this pack. And the lord of Shadows himself had to come out himself to defend Hamano. This is my fault. I’m heading to my den now. I’ll see you when the rain stops.” Richter padded out of the Defenders den, the rain soaking his red and black fur. Everyone was inside their dens.
The pitter-patter of the rain lasted for several long hours. Until finally, the dark gray clouds past, and instead whiter colored ones took their place. With small patches of blue here and there. Richter reached the highest point in the Campus. “Wolves of AsukaPack! I demand your attention!” Everyone slowly stumbled out of their dens onto the wet grass and looked up to Richter. “Two members of our pack have figured out the cause of these earthquakes, and the cause of the blue moon. These two have figured out how to stop it. But it involves leaving the territories to go to a place far from here. I wanted you to know this so that you didn’t panic about their disappearance. These two are Hamano and Aster. Hamano, Aster, please step up.” Hamano and Aster exchanged glances and they climbed their way to the top of the rock. Richter turned to them. “Will you promise to watch out for each other, and guard each other with your very lives?” Richter questioned them. “Yes.” “Do you promise to keep to the rules of the Packs, no matter how far from the packs you are?” “Yes.”
“Then I grant you permission to start your journey whenever your ready.” The wolves below half cheered them for a few moments, than turned to go back to their duties. Richter met up with Hinata, and things got a little boring after that, but Colette padded up to them. “Do you need anything before you go?” She asked politely. “No, we’ll be fine. You should tell that to Marta to so she won’t ask us that same question.” Aster replied. “Ok. Good luck!” Colette went back to the medicine den.
The next morning, it was time to begin their journey. The wolves of AsukaPack stood near the exit to say their goodbyes. When it was time to go, everyone was line up. When Hamano and Aster said their goodbyes, they walked down to the exit, out of the Main Campus, and, soon, out of AsukaPack territory.
Chapter 4
The journey begins
“Finally, we got started.” Aster sighed. “First, Richter didn’t believe us, then you fall unconscious, and then it starts raining….. Things could get more difficult, the more time we waste.” Hamano growled in response. Is that going to happen every time you take over? She angrily asked. No. Only when I have to take over without the approval of your will. He answered, unfazed. Hamano grunted, and looked up to see a dark forest far in the distance. “Is that our first stop?” She asked Aster. Aster looked up. “Correct. However, it’s farther then it looks. It will take at least until sunfall to get there.” He explained. The two began moving again. “So, Aster, I don’t think I finished the story. Remember those ‘Aura Focal Points’ you overheard about?” Hamano questioned. “Yes, why?” He replied. “Because according to Kioriku, I’m one of those Focal Points. But it still doesn’t make much sense. By the way, do you think you could tell me about the other stuff I can do? Hamano wondered. Well yes, if we find a place we can stop. Kioriku responded. “Aster, lets stop here for a minute. Kioriku’s trying to teach me something.” Hamano told Aster. “Well all right, if its something that can help us on our quest, go for it. But try to make it as quick as possible. I’ll scout the area.” Aster answered. Hamano headed a little east while Aster headed south to a large pillar looking rock formation. “All right, Kioriku, what do you have for me?” Well actually, you only have three powers left. The rest of them can only be used by me. All right, so you sacrifice some energy, you can have stronger physical capabilities, such as faster running, being stronger, longer and sharper claws, that kind of thing. It only happens when your worn down. Your extra energy then kicks in and this is the result. Another one of your powers is to control plants. Which at times may not be impressive, but others it is. Say you need a defense. You can summon up a barrier of thorns so enemies can get to you. Stuff like that. But your final power is the power of persuasiveness. Which is something you have always had. You had it since you first learned to talk. But you haven’t put that to go uses. It’s about time you did. Next time we run into a foe that ISN’T a demon, you can try it out. But these powers are limited, for they depend on the energy that flows through you. Using it to quickly will result in lack of body functions, and possibly even death. Watch yourself, and don’t take these abilities too lightly. Understand? Kioriku explained. “Ok. I’ll use them only in defense.” Good. Now head to Aster. Like he said, we need to move as quickly as possible. Hamano headed to where Aster was waiting. Not a sign of impatience on his face. Even his tail was perfectly still. His eyes had a simple gaze that said “Ready? Better be, it’s been like half a day.” Hamano padded ahead of Aster, and Aster caught up with her. “How did it go? What did you learn?” He asked. “Its not really something I would want to talk about, but you’ll probably see later on.” Hamano replied. Did she hear jealousy in his voice? Maybe. But Aster isn’t the type who would be jealous about anything. Except maybe love. But Aster and Hamano were just friends. Nothing higher….. Right?
“Hamano. Remember when we were trainees? When I tried to climb the tree to chase that squirrel?” Aster asked. Hamano laughed at the memory. “Yeah. You fell off and landed on me, I almost fell unconscious. That was probably the day you felt the heaviest.” “Oh shut up. I didn’t fall. I jumped.” “Yeah. Ok. Coming from the guy who apologized a trillion times saying ‘I slipped. I swear that squirrel is evil. Just look at it. Its glare knocked me off.’ That’s exactly what you said.” Aster groaned at the fact that he lost the quarrel. Hamano swiped a paw playfully on Asters head. “Look. The suns setting.” Aster said, trying to change the subject. But he was right. The partly clouded sky blocked some of the light, but gaps in the clouds brought out slivers of the orange light coming from the sinking sun. Eventually it was covered up by the clouds and they couldn’t see it anymore. “We better hunt Aster. I have something I want to try out.” Hamano suggested. Aster nodded and the two looked for any nearby prey. But there was nothing in the open field. She saw a canary fly by and decided to try her communicative power. “Hey! You! Flying around and such! We won’t hurt you, we just have a question.” The canary stopped and perched upon a tree. “What are a couple like you doing out in the open fields anyway?” It asked. “No, listen, where asking the questions here. Are there any deer, elk, goats, etc?” Aster told it. “Well yes, but there closer to that forest over there.” “That’s all the information we need, thank you.” Aster told it. The canary shrugged and flew away. “Well it looks like were going to have to travel farther, Hamano.” Aster explained as the sun began to sink down from the summer sky even more. “No duh, Aster. I just heard everything because I was right here next to you! Am I invisible or something?” Hamano sighed as the two headed down farther through the plains to twilight forest.
Chapter 5
Starlight in the trees?
The sun had now fully set, uncovering the white and yellow stars in the dark blue night sky. The moon had turned full. Its blue light wasn’t as bright as the yellow full moon, so it was harder to see through the night, the only thing guiding Hamano and Asters path was the strange starlight that could be seen through the trees, being at the heart of Twilight Forest. But now they must rest, for they have been going almost nonstop without any food, although Hamano wasn’t hungry, Aster, however, was starting to get hungry. Kioriku, can I possibly share some of my energy to him? He could starve to death. Hamano thought to Kioriku. His response was, Yes, you may, but don’t give him a lot because the energy you have is not in high amounts, just quickly replenished. Hamano walked to the tired Aster. “Hold still for a minute.” She told him. “You think I’m going to move at all tonight?” He grumbled. Hamano put a paw on Asters forhead and closed her eyes. She tried to concentrate on transferring the energy through her and to Aster. Hamano felt a slight sapping of her energy as it went to Aster. When she was done, she plopped down on the ground. “What did you do? I don’t feel hungry anymore.” Aster exclaimed. “I transferred some of my energy to you so you would stop wining about being hungry. Being a focal point, I already get the energy I need so I’m not hungry much.” She explained to him quietly. “Now shut up and go to sleep.” Aster closed his eyes and soon he was fast asleep. I don’t feel entirely safe, Hamano. Is it alright that when you fall asleep, I can take over and stand watch? Your dreams will not be disturbed so you wouldn’t notice. Kioriku asked Hamano. Do whatever you want, just don’t scratch up my body, hear? She tiredly joked. All right. Hamano felt her eyes feeling heavier and heavier and soon fell to sleep.
Kioriku took over the same way as before, and he stood watch for Aster, seeing no enemies, even in the long distance because he can see through any darkness.
The next morning, Hamano and Aster would finally reach Twilight Forest. It was only about a sunrise away now. They stretched themselves and stood back up. Hamano yawned as she said, “Today’s going to be a faster day then yesterday, isn’t it?”
Aster nodded. “Especially if we might run into some trouble down near that light. We need to watch our step, who knows what’s happened to this forest after all these seasons?”
