It's a beautiful day in Jasper, one would say it's perfect. The sun shone across the valleys and mountains bringing a nice warm feeling. The skies as clear as ever and the air blew slightly in a cool summer's breeze, truly the perfect day for everyone. Well, most everyone.

In a small lone cave, that was off to the side from the den of the head alpha, a lonely gray wolf lies in the mouth of his den looking into the bright blue sky. This weather used to make him happy, would get him running around in a frenzy as he played with his friends and his mate. He loved those times of no responsibility or obligation to anything besides having fun and keeping the peace. But those days were far in his past and shadowed by many hardships. Still, he enjoys reminiscing on the good times. However, today was not a day of happiness or celebration. No, today marked the anniversary of his mates death.

Humphrey still remembers the day she died. His life long companion taken away from him in her sleep. His heart ached for weeks with her no longer at his side, and the pain still resides within him. He loved her so much and seeing her go broke him. No longer being able to wake up with her curled into his side; no more taking walks through the forest; not being able to express his love for her; it was all so painful. All of that mixed with his old age caused him to seclude himself in his den. He isn't lonely though, he still gets welcomed visitors. Unfortunately, none from his friends that he had grown up with.

The old gray wolf was something of a miracle, most wolves only live to be eight, they can reach nine or ten if they are lucky. Humphrey, however, has lived to the ancient age of 14 with no signs of dying. He knew who he could thank for that, but that's a whole story. Nope, Humphrey was alone for the most part. All his friends have passed away and he is the lone survivor of his generation.

"Dad?" a voice caught his ears. He looks up and smiles at the approaching wolf. His friends may be gone, but there are still wolves that never fail brighten his day. A wolf identical to that of Humphrey, though with the amber eyes of his mother, approached his father's den.

"Jake," Humphrey said with delight, "What brings you to your old man's home?" Jake wwaled up near his father and sits down, Humphrey immediately notices that he's nervous about something. "Hey, is everything okay?" Humphrey asked, concerned.

"Yah, everything is fine, it just," he pauses for a moment thinking of the best way to ask him this; you'd think he would have come up with something after thinking about it all day. "Its just that we know you don't like talking about your past," Jake stated. Instantly, Humphrey knew where this was going. "You are already really old, no offense, and we'd like to know more about you before you, ya know…" Jake explained shyly. His father's past was always an avoided subject, neither him nor his mother ever talked about it. The younger wolf looked at his father for an answer, but Humphrey seemed to be thinking it over. His expression is blank and he looks to be deep in thought. After awhile, Humphrey looks up at his son, and smiles.

"I guess it's time."

Jake has to admit, he didn't actually think his dad would say yes. He just hoped to know more about him and it seems his wish is coming true. "This is great, I'll go get Kailey and the rest of the family," he expressed joyfully.

"Wait, wait, wait, not so fast Jake," Humphrey called after him, stopping him in his tracks. The younger wolf turned around and looked at his dad with a puzzled expression. He watched as Humphrey picked himself up with great effort, the years taking their toll on his body. "I was thinking of a bigger audience," Humphrey smiled.

"What exactly do you mean," Jake questioned, not exactly knowing what his father has in mind.

"It's time the entire pack hears my story Call for a meeting, it is time everyone learns the truth."

Jake was now beyond confused, not understanding a thing his father was saying. "Learn what truth?" he asked.

Humphrey let out a light hearted chuckle, "You'll find out soon enough," he smiled at his pup. Deciding to just go with it, Jake nods his head and goes over to the meeting area which is only a few strides away from his father's den.

Humphrey watched as his son walked away, and hearing his summoning howl only a few moments later. "Wish me lucky old friend," Humphrey spoke seemingly to himself as he slowly walked out from his den and into the bright, warm day.

He walked over to where his son and daughter-in-law sat, both looking confused as they spoke in a hushed conversation. He smiled cheerfully at the two while he walked over and sat down next to them. As he took his place, others began taking their spots below them looking up at the three wolves perched on the rock. Many whispers were shared between one another as they pointed at the old wolf, wondering what it was that their elder wanted.

Among the crowd, Humphrey was able to spot his other cub, Kailey, and her family. He couldn't be prouder of both of them, both have families who have families of their own. He has loved being able to see them grow up; unfortunately they always reminded him of probably the darkest time in his life, a part he stored deep in his thoughts.

When he saw that everyone was there, all 27 of them, he began to speak. Unfortunately, nobody was listening at the moment. All were talking amongst themselves about why they were called here. Humphrey tried to gain their attention but it was unsuccessful. Jake stood up and said he'd take care if it, Humphrey on the other paw had a better idea. He stopped Jake and said he'd take of it. He cleared his throat and took in a deep breath, "QUIET!" his voice boomed and echoed across the woods, cutting through the crowd and making everyone stop talking. All look surprised at the old wolf who spoke with such volume; even Humphrey's own cubs were shocked. "Haven't had to shout like that in ages," he chuckled to himself.

Humphrey faced the crowd with a happy smile. He looked at many of the older wolves and recognized them, knowing them in their youth; though none had any clue who he was except for the old pack leader and father of the current one. That's why he was going to share his story, to bring them out of darkness.

"I know you are all curious as to why you are here. It may seem odd, but I had my son call you so I could tell you a story." Unsurprisingly, everyone looked confused, yet inexplicably intrigued like some outer force was making them want to hear what their elder has to say. "This is the story of a war, the greatest battle the Jasper had ever seen. But before we get into that, I need to tell you were it all began; in the northern pack of Jasper on any ordinary day with your everyday wolves," Humphrey looked back at Jake and then down towards his daughter who sat looking straight into his eyes; it made his smile grow even larger.

"This is the story of my life."

A short little intro for the beggining of this rewrite and already it is 10 times better than the original. I hope you all enjoy it even if most of you know where this is going.

Keep On Keeping On

Peace Out