Decoe watched his father grip the phone close to his ear. He spoke in a calm voice, so he knew it was his cousin. He walked over gently, and poked his father's leg. "Da. Can I talk to Snively?"

His father looked down, and smiled. "No today Decoe."

He frowned. "Oh…all right." He started to pad off, finding something else to do. He was only 5 years old, so he was found to find something fun to do.

"I'm sorry, Snivs, what was that?" Ivo spoke lightly.

"Oh, no worry; I was just wondering if you could help me." Snively spoke out through the phone, his voice cracked. "Da is out for the next few days, and tomorrow marks the first day as the leader of the Red-Eyes. I…I wouldn't mind a little help." He gave off an uneasy chuckle.

Ivo thought for a moment. "Decoe and Bocoe can't go…am I right? And…" He looked around, trying to see if one of his two sons where around to hear. "I have another kid along the way. I don't want something to harm him before he's…well…born."

A light hmm came from the other side. "Well now, I'll have ten cousins before you turn 40, Uncle." Snively laughed lightly.

"Let me hold my answer for right now. I need to find a sitter. Decoe is too young to watch the house. I'll call you later, Snively." He stud there, staring at the phone. "No one…will want to watch them so late…like this." He closed his eyes. "And with no pay…oh, Ma, please help me." He got up and forced a smile on his face. "Decoe, Bocoe. We are going for a little walk"

Decoe ran over, leaping forward, and grinned. "Where, Da?"

"Go get your brother, Decoe, and then I'll tell you."

Decoe nodded, and ran off. A few moments later, he was back with his little brother closely behind him. They were holding hands, and Bocoe's eyes were tearing up. It was normal, considering he was only 2 years old. He slowly walked over and wrapped his arms around his father's leg.

"Come now, to the park." He gently placed his hand on his younger son's forehead. "We'll have fun."

Decoe was already out of the house. A light sigh slipped from his throat. "Ma…please help me find someone who can help." He followed his older out the door.

When he finally found his son, he saw that he was looking up at a tree. "What is it, Decoe?"

Decoe pointed up. "Look, Da, Look! It's a White Bird!"

Ivo jolted, staring up at the pure white dove. "Ma!"

Bocoe walked over to his beloved brother's side and hugged his leg. "Burhy."

The white dove started to pad her wings and flew north. Follow me, my son…he heard. Everything was fuzzy as he started to run after her.

"Da! Come back!" Decoe's voice echoed in his head. But Ivo blindly kept running.

And running.

Until he ran into a grayish blue body. The white dove was gone.

"I-I am so sorry." He said, weakly. "I was…I was following my mother." He turned his head. "I am so sorry." He gasped. "My kids!" And he ran back in the other direction, leaving the blue gray wolf confused.

He blinked. "Erh…what just happened?" He shook his head and followed him.

Both Decoe and Bocoe had their arms around their father when the blue gray creature walked forward. "Do you need a hand?"

Ivo turned sharply. "Pardon?"

"I asked if you needed a hand. You have a lot on your mind, I can see that." He smiled lightly. "The name is Sleet. I come from a family of 12…and still counting. I know how to help."

Ivo blinked, confused. Here is your help, my dearest son. Ivo's mother's voice spoke in his head. He will be glade to help you. He wishes only to be out of the house of pups.

"You ok? You look a little sick."

Ivo blinked, sending his mind back to earth. "I'm sorry. What was your name again?"

He smiled. "The name's Sleet." Hope flooded the young wolf's eyes. "I wouldn't mind helping out. If it means getting me out of that crazy house."

Ivo looked down at his two kids. They had buried their heads in his sides, taking in his love. "I really don't know. Can I trust with my kids?" Why do I doubt my Ma?

"You can trust me, sir. I have to watch all 12 of my little brothers and sisters; I think I can handle two little cuties." He looked down at Decoe. Their eyes meet.

Ivo smiled nervously. "Thanks. I-well I…" He didn't want to mention about him not getting paid. He wishes only to be out of the house of pups, his mother's words word echoed. "I can't-"

Sleet looked up, breaking the stair down with Decoe. "No need to pay me. I have no use for money."

"What are you, sir?" Decoe's voice squeaked.

Hearing his son's voice made up Ivo's mind: If Decoe was fine speaking with this stranger, he was fine hiring him.

"You'll be able to ask him all the questions you want when we get to the house, Decoe." He looked up at his new friend. "The name is Ivo. I need to go to my Nephew for a few days and I don't want to leave them alone. Sorry for such short notice."

Sleet nodded. "Consider it done." He leaned down, smiling at Decoe and Bocoe.

Decoe smiled happily. "My name is Decoe! And this is Bocoe over here."

"Hello Decoe…oh, and Ivo, Don't you worry about your kids. They will be protected as though they were my own. Don't you worry."

As Ivo led the way to his home with Bocoe now clammed with Decoe's hand, he felt a little uneasy. "Uh…why were you walking over there?"

"Eh? Pardon?" Sleet turned his head. "Oh. Well, I just had a gut feeling that I had to be there. So I went there. You were following a white dove…and said something about following her. Was that her?" His smile grew soft. "She seemed nice."

Ivo felt warmth flow through his body. "Thank-you, Sleet."

"Don't mention it, Ivo." He smiled.