Aleu awoke with Drexel and Nagu lying next to her under the pine tree with herself and Night-shade. She started, mostly to herself, "Hmm? How did..." She didn't finish. Night-shade had began to stir as well. Aleu noticed that much like in the dream there was no longer any trace of the bleeding gash which had been on her leg the previous night. The noise roused Nagu and Drexel. The two males had been shielding her and Night-shade from the cold. It had actually become mildly stuffy, though not uncomfortable, due to the combined heat of the four bodies. Nagu looked to Aleu and Night-shade. She gave him a look that said 'I'll tell you later', and she looked instead to Night-shade. The dark wolf had trouble at first lifting her head. She gritted her teeth with the effort, and collapsed for a moment. She tried again, and this time Aleu caught her. Night shade opened her eyes, and remembered what had happened in her dream. She looked to Aleu with a plea in her eye. "Aleu?" She began, "I am so, so sorry; about everything. Would you consider taking me back?" Aleu smiled and nuzzled Night-shade affectionately. She had know Night-shade since that first day she and he father had wondered into the Nava's territory. She was glad to have Night-shade back as a friend and comrade.

It was early in the morning, and the sun was well on the rise. As the four walked home, Nagu explained how he and Drexel had searched for Aleu the previous night, fearing the worst. They had found her biting Night-shade, passed out, for a reason only she and Nagu knew. Aleu found herself once again admiring the strapping wolf before her for his wise disposition, given his heritage as grandson of Nava. She noticed he had started shedding his old coat for one which was a lighter, more tan color. She guessed he was one of those wolves who change fur color during the winter for camouflage and warmth. Aleu was grateful that he had found her, else she would have been very stiff this morning. As she was, Aleu was no worse for wear. Her fur was highly unkempt, and her eyes were drooping from her mental exertions in the dream the previous night, and her body did ache with fatigue, but she was good enough considering; The battle and healing had left her drained. She felt her stomach rumble deeply; She was hungry now too. Aleu also heard a similar sound from Night-shade, and she comforted the weak she wolf with the prospect of food back at the cave.

Aleu had not managed to finish healing Night-shade's injuries last night. Now, she would need Whisper's help in finishing the job.

Nagu, who had over heard this took it upon himself to make a kill for the two. While Aleu gladly rested, she spoke with Night-shade. Apparently Night-shade remembered some of the dream, and wanted to apologize formerly for her past behavior. Aleu was willing to accept her apologies gladly, and openly. They talked about how it was that Aleu had even gone into Night-shade's dreams in the first place; The dark wolf was a little awestruck that her leader had learned such a skill. Not even Nava was able to achieve such a feat.

It was not long before Drexel and Nagu returned with a pair of rabbits, which she and Night-shade consumed with gusto. It had hit the spot, and within minutes Aleu felt energized again, and was able to make the remainder of the journey with ease, though not without a little discomfort.

As she led the group through the cave opening, she was greeted with a chorus of happy howls greeting her return; the welcoming comity gasped, however, when they saw Night-shade arrive behind her. Aleu thought this would be a good time to make the announcement. She howled for silence and attention, and when all was silent she began, "My fellow wolves... Night-shade has returned! She is once again a valued member of this pack. She has repented for her attempt on our lives, and I have forgiven her. I want you all to find it within you to do the same." She dismissed them all, and as Aleu watched, Night-shade was greeted by some of her old friends as they welcomed her home.

Aleu noticed that Gale was sitting up a this point. Aleu remembered that Whisper had agreed to allow Gale to go back to her duties this day. However, Aleu could see Gale was still weakened by the disease. It was too bad she couldn't use her dream walking power just whenever she wanted. The dream world was never meant for someone with conscious thought to navigate, and thus could often be perilous; otherwise she would have used it to heal Gale long ago.

Aleu went over to her sick Beta and friend and greeted her. "I see you're feeling a little better. At least your able to sit up now." Gale replied, "Yeah; I've been feeling stronger lately. Any day now I should be able to return to my duties completely." Now Aleu replied, taking a seat beside Gale, looking out at the activities of the wolves. There were many pairs sitting down together, eating small snacks. Several wolves came and went from the cave while they watched. Aleu looked over to where Night-shade sat chatting with several friends. Aleu watched as they burst out laughing together at something Night-shade had said, though she couldn't make it out from where they sat. Whispering wind brought a wrapped package of herbs to Night-shade, who ate it without complaint, though her face made it clear that she disliked the flavor. Aleu felt a feeling of warmth and pride swell within her. 'This was her pack; and it was safe and happy.' Aleu couldn't ask for much more.

Feeling an itching question arise within her, Aleu turned to her friend and asked, "Has something changed about Nagu, Gale? We haven't really been talking much." Gale took on a shocked look, which was quickly replaced by amusement. She replied, "Funny; He asked the same about you just last night when he left to search for you." Aleu was now the one with a shocked look. Gale laughed to herself at Aleu's expression, and continued, "He is a loyal wolf Aleu. His duty to you is his highest priority; but, he also misses having regular conversations with you..." She paused now, and looked down. "So do I." Aleu's expression had since turned stern. She was hanging onto every word Gale uttered. She sighed, and replied, "I'm sorry. This winter has been crazy for me. I'm constantly on edge." Her ears perked up with a sudden realization. "But... Now we have Night-shade back. She'll be a wonderful asset. She's a skillful winter hunter as I recall." Gale's look betrayed nothing.

She started a new subject, saying, "That's a wonderful point Aleu; But, if you're not truly busy right now, why don't you take a moment to rest, and just talk with someone." Once again, Aleu found this bold statement by Gale a little pushy. She failed to fully suppress a light growl, her ears betraying a little irritation as she said, "You know I have to worry about the pack Gale. Resting and chatting aren't often an option." She took a moment, and let her anger settle. "Still, I guess you're right." She snorted to herself, and continued, "You usually are Gale." She lay down with her friend. "I'm sorry. I guess I have been avoiding you and Nagu and Nuk. I'll keep you're advice in mind from now on." Aleu suddenly had a question she had earlier wanted to ask. "I saw the other day that you and Nagu are closer than I would have thought, Gale." Gale's look of surprise returned. "Of course we're close Aleu. He's my brother."

Aleu openly gasped. "What? You mean you and Nagu have been siblings this entire time and never even bothered to..." She stopped while she was ahead, and laughed to herself. She knew she was on route to saying something even weirder sounding than what she'd already said. In fact, Gale laughed at Aleu's reaction. She replied, "Sorry Aleu. I didn't think it was important. If it's any consolation, he still wants to be your friend." She paused now, a look of intense sadness coming over her. "I've all he's got Aleu." She looked away, trying to repress a single tear, but Aleu caught it. She recalled the event which had cost Night-shade her own parents. She looked thoughtful. "I'm sorry Gale. I, uh... I can't know what it must be like, but you both still have us." She motioned to the pack around them as she said this. Gale nodded her thanks, her look of sadness somewhat abated. Aleu nudged Gale affectionately, and started toward where Nagu lay on the ledge, off to the side of her own bed, for he was her number two wolf.

Nagu nodded his greeting to his leader as Aleu jumped up beside him. She landed a little awkwardly, feeling that she still felt fatigue from her healing excursion in Night-shade's dream. She sat beside where he lay, and looked out over her pack. She sighed with a deep peace, though she felt anxious for some reason. She looked down to where Nagu lay. "Gale told me about how you and her are siblings Nagu. I'm so sorry I was never there for you before." He had not been looking at Aleu at first, but he now sat up, and looked her in the eye. She once again felt trapped by his gaze. "Gale and I weren't the only ones to lose our parents that night Aleu." He looked away, out toward the forest beyond the cave mouth. He continued. "It happened a long time ago, back when Gale, Night-shade and I were all pups, barely old enough to eat meat." He looked back at her now. "Thanks for your concern Aleu; Really; It means a lot, but I'm more concerned with the present." Aleu was slightly hurt by his rebuke, but she didn't press him. She could guess the memory was painful. "Alright Nagu. In that case, I want to talk about Night-shade." Nagu nodded thoughtfully.

He began, "I don't know what you saw while in her dream Aleu; Frankly, that's between you and her, and should never be shown to another. However, that said, only you could possibly know if she is trustworthy." Aleu felt blown away by his wisdom. 'Not even Nava had known how to use her ability.' Still, Nagu was right. She had seen Night-shade's soul, and it was good. "I trust her Nagu. I think one day she will become a valuable wolf to this pack." Nagu nodded his approval of her decision, before bidding her goodbye, for he had a patrol to lead.

Aleu watched him leave before going over to where Night-shade lay speaking with Whisper. Aleu sat before them. "Whispering-Wind." She nodded in greeting. "I haven't properly congratulated you on you success of healing Gale." Whisper thanked Aleu for her praise. She continued, "I would like to promote you Whisper. We need a trained healer like yourself in such a large pack, and I believe you would be all the more efficient if you were our honorary healer, and a Beta." Whisper's ears lay flat from shock at such wonderful news. For a moment, Aleu thought she wouldn't stop thanking her for the opportunity, and had to refrain from interrupting. 'After all, Whisper did deserve her promotion.' Night-shade also congratulated Whispering-Wind and, Aleu noticed, showed no obvious signs of jealousy.

Aleu asked Whisper to attend the ceremony later that night, and declared her a Beta. Before dismissing her, Aleu asked Whisper and Night-shade to attend a morning hunt the next day. It would be just the three of them, and Aleu wanted to ensure both were up to the tasks of their respective duties. Whispering-Wind would have to be able to defend her title as Beta, and Night-shade still had a damaged femur which would need to be tested before being put to use.

Whisper bade them good day, and went off to restock her herbs. Aleu turned to Night-shade. "I also want to ask you something Night-shade." Night-shade replied, "Oh? What is it mistress?" Aleu lay down beside her. "If something were to happen to Gale, I think I would want you to take her place as one of my advisers, and Beta." Night-shade was shocked. She hadn't expected to be received with such a high expectation, though she wasn't at all disappointed. "Oh... are, are you sure Alphess? I mean, I just got here." Aleu was slightly amused. She knew Night-shade's modesty was genuine. She said, "I'm very sure Night-shade. I've seen the real you, and I trust her. I'm sure you would make a fine Beta." Night-shade was still staring wide eyed. She truly didn't deserve such high praise and regard, especially from Aleu. 'Who was this special person, who could so easily forgive and forget; More than that, she had raised Night-shade up to a higher position than before, showing absolute trust.' She wanted to prove to Aleu now, more than ever, that she could be trusted. She told Aleu the same. Satisfied, Aleu thanked her for listening, and offered to help clean her fur. Night-shade was glad for the company.

Aleu and Night-shade went on like that until they had both finally had a proper cleaning. Aleu bade her goodbye, and went to check in on Nuk. According to the large wolf, a patrol he was leading earlier that day had come across three coyotes. They had chased them off, but Aleu cautioned him to ensure they didn't return for the next few patrols. Aleu was hardly concerned with a few coyotes. Hibernation day was two days away. Aleu felt she wouldn't be surprised to hear Nagu had fought one off by the end of the night. She stopped herself from thinking, "You mean if he fought it off." Such an event would be crippling not only for the pack, but also to her. She was growing fond of the unusually wise and strong willed wolf. Aleu believed she would not be able to function should he not return.

Aleu went to check one last time on Gale. She was willing to go on a patrol the next day. Aleu was not willing to crush her hopes, and simply advised her to take it easy while out there. Gale was borderline ecstatic. She was obviously bored to madness. Aleu was glad of this. Gale having her determined, up-beat attitude again was a definite improvement.

The sun had long since started setting, and its ruby light filtered through the snow and trees, and was pouring in through the entrance of the cave, bathing all that lay within in its blood red light. Aleu thought it was a very beautiful sight for the minute and a half it lasted for, before the incidence became too steep, and the sun gradually became duller, eventually setting below the next hill. Now, the entire area was in shadow as night approached.

Aleu watched from her ledge as wolves who were either out hunting, or were on patrol began trickling in. Although most had long since shared tongues with their friends, a few were still coming in and doing so. Aleu noticed even Yak and Sumac were bathing each other. Obviously it was going to be a cold night, and not even the Niju trio from her first meeting wanted to sleep alone tonight.

The last patrol to return was Nagu's group. As usual, he had gone extra miles, ensuring his assigned border was safe another day. Aleu watched as he lay instead with his sister, Gale. They were chatting up a storm while they cleaned one another's fur. Previously, when she didn't know of their blood relation, she would've felt jealous. Aleu couldn't hear what they were saying with all the other activity, but she guessed Gale was talking to Nagu about Aleu.

Nagu sat beside Gale. His sister gingerly cleaned around his right ear. He was looking up toward where Aleu lay, looking out over her pack. He wondered if she was even thinking of him. He wanted to ask Gale her opinion, but decided to keep the subject stagnant. Instead he asked, "So, I heard Aleu discovered that we're siblings today." Gale was preoccupied with Nagu's head fur, and simply made a muffled affirmation. She stopped cleaning long enough to say, "She had no idea before. I can hardly believe she only now stumbled onto the subject." Nagu's ears flicked at the word 'stumbled'. "What do you mean? Did she ask about our parents?" Gale replied, starting to get fussy about not concentrating on his fur, "Something like that. She said something about Night-shade and her dreams. I guess she made the connection of all our parents then." Nagu remembered the day vividly, though he was young when it had happened. Hunters had been after the pack for weeks, and had set-up ambushes all around the area. Many wolves had died that day. Nava had taken in the orphaned cubs, including himself and Gale. Gale finished his fur, saying, "I guess the subject never came up before then."

He and Gale continued talking until he had finished cleaning Gale's fur. Apparently, Gale thought he ought to seek Aleu's heart, not just her trust. He had turned down the idea, but they both knew perfectly well how he really cared for Aleu. Regardless of the subject, Nagu had an early morning patrol, before sun-up, and he would need his sleep. Thus, he wished Gale good night, and took his place adjacent to Aleu, and he settled in for the night. He thought Aleu was already fast asleep, but she wasn't. She had noticed the sadness in his step as he padded over to his bed. She thought to herself, "He must be hurting for some reason." She felt sorry for he friend, and so she decided, if he wouldn't come to her, she'd go to him. Little did she know, this was a decision that would affect her for the rest of her life. Still, for now, Nagu was surprised, and glad for the company. They both knew it would be especially cold that night, but they wouldn't mind, for tonight they had one another.

The next morning, Aleu awoke to find Nagu had already left for patrol. She had known he would be keeping the east borders that day. Aleu didn't mind. She'd likely run into him while on the hunt with Whispering-Wind and Night-shade. She went to find the two, but they had gone to tend their call to nature. Aleu knew healing herbs weren't the best thing in the world for the stomach, and so she occupied herself with Helping her subjects organize themselves. Many were glad for the help she noticed, though not for the first time. She also spoke to Nuk who stated he was sending a second patrol to investigate further coyote activity. Thus far, everything seemed stable. Now it was her turn to do a hunting patrol. No wolf had had any taste of fresh caribou for two days and she herself was feeling famished.

Whispering-Wind and Night-shade returned after a few short minutes and they were on their way. They crossed the gorge and continued eastward, still not finding any sign of caribou herds. After about an hour they had reached the border. They had smelled Nagu's team, for they had passed by minutes ago. Aleu was lightly disappointed for having only just missed him, but her self pity was interrupted by the smell of a large herd of large herbivores. She didn't recognize the scent, but the others did. It was the scent of a herd of Musk oxen. Aleu would have been reluctant to cross the border any other day, but for now, they still had nothing to show for their hunt, and Aleu could not find any sign of another predator's territory. Thus, they went across, into the plains of the east, carefully.

It did not take Aleu and her two followers long to find a small herd which had broken off of the main herd a mile off. The herd she now stalked was only three strong. There was a mother, an adolescent calf, and a bull. Aleu could still understand them, but their accent was thick, so she couldn't truly know what they were saying. She formed a plan. "Alright you two," she began, keeping to a whisper. "The bull is the most dangerous. Whisper, you can help me with him. Night-shade, you try to distract the mother. The last one we'll take is the calf. Got it?" They all agreed hers was the best plan available, and so they took up their positions.

At Aleu's signal, Night-shade sprang at the feet of the cow, before spring away to avoid her stamping feet. The bull had turned its attention, and Aleu gave Whisper the signal to make her move. Aleu noticed that Whisper actually had a perfect form. She sprang exactly at the right time, and landed exactly where and when she was supposed to. She sank her fangs into the hind leg of the bull, and Aleu immediately went for the throat as the bull reared in anger. Her fangs now cleaved the flesh of the bull. As she bit down, she felt the blood begin pouring into her mouth. She had to release the bull, before she drowned. She and Whisper jumped away watching as the bull struggled to stay on its feet. Aleu was glad she couldn't understand the bull as it cursed at her. She didn't get to watch for long, as she had let the cow get too close. She and Whisper narrowly escaped being trampled, and Aleu actually felt the large, sharp horns of the angry female as it clipped her rear foot. The pain of the impact shot through her, and she barely landed from her jump on her feet. She felt warm blood trickle down her leg. She looked back, and saw a small gash where she'd been hit. "Ahh... Shhheezzz that stings!" She hissed to herself. She watched as the bleeding stopped. It probably wouldn't be more than a scar by tomorrow if the past is a teacher. She dodged again as the angry cow charged her a second time. This time however, she was prepared, and she dodged, she used her momentum to jump off a nearby boulder, and catapult herself onto the cow's back. She landed, and stayed just long enough to land a hard bite into the neck of the enormous creature. She hit bone with her teeth, and the animal beneath her bellowed in rage and pain. Aleu jumped off before she could be thrown off. They fought like that on and off. Even Night-shade managed to land two bites onto the cow's shoulder.

After about two minutes, the battle ended with the cow finally succumbing to exhaustion and blood loss. The field was practically watered with blood, and Aleu felt sorry she had made the mother ox suffer at their claws and teeth for nearly three whole minutes. Her emotions aside, however, Aleu stood atop her latest kill, and claimed the first food, according to the order of things. Whispering-Wind and Night-shade also took their turns. It had started to snow, so it wasn't truly necessary for them to bury their kills. Aleu had noticed by now that the calf was certainly nowhere to be seen, and so she and her team headed back home. Night-shade had volunteered to direct all the other wolves to the location of the kill. Aleu suggested that she take a patrol back to guard the kill while the other wolves came for their share; after all, it wasn't currently on their territory.

Once the trio had arrived back, Aleu surprised everyone, including her two group members by announcing the promotion of not only Whispering-Wind, but also Night-shade. Night-shade had already been told she would be replacing Gale in the case of a tragedy, but she'd never expected to be promoted after only one successful hunt. Truly Aleu knew something about her, for not even she still trusted herself with power. She didn't have long to mull over it, before Aleu reminded her of her duty to the clan. Thus, Night-shade immediately assumed her role, and assembled a guard of volunteers, including Nagu, to help bring the kills into their borders. Aleu was satisfied with how Night-shade had handled the situation. It was almost sun-high by now, so before she left, Aleu asked Night-shade to meet her and Whispering-Wind by the lake. She had a plan for Whisper which involved her new, and official role as the healer; It was actually Anyu's idea. Aleu sometimes spoke with her in dreams, and sometimes sent messages to her. Often, she would meet a raven who would turn out to be Anyu. Apparently, she liked to spy on her granddaughter. There was another issue Aleu had to take care of before she could proceed with her special naming ceremony however; She needed to convince Elandra to be present a well.

It had been almost a week since Aleu had seen the fox, though she was sure Whispering-Wind had seen her recently. She only knew two ways to find Elandra. She chose therefore to go to the lake itself.

When she'd arrived, she found the location of the den she and Nagu had stayed in once. She was amazed that it was still in almost the same condition that she'd last seen it in. Aleu made a few fine adjustments to its structure, and sat down in front of the den, facing toward the frozen lake. She closed her eyes, and relaxed her body and mind.

As Aleu emptied her mind, she found she could almost reach out, and touch the souls of the the creatures of the forest near her, another one of her attributes as being a decedent of Anyu. She pictured her spirit guide, Muru in her mind. She called his name, and asked him to speak with her. She opened her eyes, and there, before her, a cyclone of snow formed, and Muru materialized from within it.

"Well hello Aleu. It's nice that you have summoned me again. I enjoy our little talks." Aleu was honestly glad to see Muru too. "It's great to see you too Muru." She licked him affectionately, noting his ethereal texture, yet his strangely physical reaction. He continued, "Now then, I see our friend Whispering-Wind has finally come to realize her potential has she." Aleu nodded happily. "Yes she has. I wanted to pass on some of Anyu's power onto her, so she can be even better of a healer. I was hoping you, Anyu, and Elandra would be here to witness, and advise the ceremony." Muru responded gleefully. "Oh! How exciting. Of course Anyu already knows as you can see." Aleu heard a raven caw from where Muru was pointing. She smiled, and looked. There was a raven watching them. She nodded to the bird, knowing it was really Anyu. She looked back at Muru as he continued. "I'd be happy to inform Elandra for you. I'm sure she'd be delighted to serve as your watcher. Also, might I just say it was wise of you to choose to spare your new friend Night-shade, Aleu. I can promise you, it will be beneficial to your pack." Muru turned away, and began to blow away with the wind. Aleu didn't catch the look of sadness that he had allowed to cross his face.

Aleu waited for several minutes. She eventually heard a rustling in the forest beside her. Elandra stepped out into the clearing, and walked over to Aleu. She greeted the fox, saying, "Hello Elandra. Did Muru inform you as to the reason I have sent for you today." Elandra responded coolly, though with a hint of joy. She said, "Yes Aleu. Muru told me of Whispering-Wind's promotion. I would be delighted to observe the ceremony and advise you in the dream world. As I understand it, you've even done a similar process at least one other time?" Aleu wasn't surprised the wise fox had found out about her venture into Night-shade's soul. She told the fox just that. Aleu thanked Elandra for her willingness to participate, and then they waited.

After a few minutes, Whispering-Wind and Night-shade stepped into the clearing, and looked around for Aleu. When they located her, they quickly joined her by the den. At first, Night-shade was unsure of who the fox was, or why there was a raven watching them. Aleu explained that the raven was both Anyu, and her grandmother. "YOU'RE related to ANYU!?" Night-shade was incredulous, but Aleu had no time to fool with her over it, so she remained strictly matter-of-fact. Whisper had no trouble speaking with Elandra, for she had a gift of befriending other creatures, much like Aleu. Night-shade however, was unsurprisingly confused as to why Aleu and Whisper were both speaking with a fox. She also kept glancing back at the raven, which had adopted a humorous way of cawing at Night-shade every time she'd turned to look.

When Elandra, Whisper, and Aleu were about ready to start, they each took up a position. Whisper would be laying in the middle. She would remain awake until Elandra bit her ear, and Aleu bit her foreleg, simultaneously. Aleu made sure she was aware it was going to hurt; a lot.

They were about ready to start, so Night-shade took up a guard at the entrance. Whispering-Wind was clearly anxious, but then, so too was Aleu. Elandra was the only one truly calm. She had a final warning for the two she wolves. She said, "Remember you two. You will be bonded eternally in sisterhood. Aleu; You are already one with Night-shade. If you do this however, you must take care not to allow one another to influence the other unintentionally." She then ordered Aleu to begin the ceremony.

Aleu closed her eyes, took a slow breath, thought of her grandmother, Anyu; she re-opened her eyes. They had taken on the bright, translucent glow about the irises again. Whisper jumped in surprise, but Elandra quickly calmed her. She hadn't imagined Aleu could do that. This was just the start however; Now, Aleu began to speak with a poly-tone voice, as if both she and Anyu were speaking at once. She said to Whisper, "Whispering-Wind; You have proven that you have the capacity, will, and personality potential to fulfill a great destiny for you clan." Whisper stared at the icy, glowing eyes of Aleu, mesmerized. Aleu continued, "We have chosen that you would be able to serve you clan and your destiny with the aid of our power. Should you accept, you will be like the spirit walkers." Whisper glanced at Elandra, who nodded her support. She returned her vision to Aleu, who then prompted, "Are you ready Whispering-Wind?" She replied simply, but with Confidence: "I am." Aleu nodded, then said, "Then let us proceed." Aleu's eyes now took on a glow which engulfed them entirely. Whisper glanced back to Elandra, whose eyes were glowing green. She took a deep breath, and held on.

Aleu and Elandra bit into their respective areas, and Whisper was instantly thrown into a whole new world of pain. The pain from Aleu's bite shot through her body, while Elandra's bite caused her to start blacking out. She could sense nothing, as a lifetime of Aleu's and Elandra's own memories, and those of their ancestors mixed with her own. She felt her body spasm, and Aleu and Elandra released her, but it didn't matter. All three were cast into the black void of dreamless coma.

When Whisper awoke, she knew immediately she wasn't awake at all. She had been here many times before, she could feel it. She sniffed the air, and smelled the sweet aroma of her mother's den. She looked around, but saw not a soul. Elandra called Whisper, though she couldn't quite pin-point where from. Just then, Whisper heard another sound, and smelled another scent. It was a sulfurous smell, accompanied by the howling of hounds. Suddenly, Whisper was in a dark forest of dense, scratching branches and thorns. There was a path, and either end was filled with darkness. Suddenly, the smell of sulfur, and man came from the tunnel to her right. She heard the dogs coming closer. Then, the red eyes of a hunter gleamed forth from the shadows, and a Whisper felt a gunshot, and felt a sharp pain pierce her shoulder. She ran through the other tunnel, and then darkness came again.

Meanwhile, Aleu had awoken in a familiar setting. She recognized the place as her father's boat. Suddenly, she heard a guttural sound from behind. It wasn't the sound of any creature she knew. She jumped around to face the strange creature, and there hovered a shadow creature. The red eyes glared, and it roared resoundingly. Aleu felt a terrible urge to destroy it in it's entirety. Aleu didn't even waste time growling; she simply pounced and caught it beneath it's eyes, upon what felt like a throat. She bit down hard, harder than anything she'd ever bitten. She felt something give beneath her. Aleu opened her eyes, and there was Balto, her father, between her teeth.

Aleu gasped, and dropped her father. "Papa!?" She felt flesh between her teeth, and blood trickle from her mouth. Balto landed with a sick thud. He looked around to Aleu with barely open eyes. He said between bubbling, shallow gasps, "Wh... Why Aleu?" Another voice sounded in front of her. "Aleu!? What are you doing here? Wha... What have you done!?" Aleu looked up to see her mother, Jenna. "Mama!? Mom, I... I, I swear; I didn't mean; I thought..." Jenna interrupted her, "You're a monster Aleu!... You're a monster!" Jenna ran off before Aleu could say anything, but Aleu followed her through the door. However, when she passed through the bright light, she looked squinting into the forest. There she saw Nagu. Aleu felt sick at what she'd just seen moments ago. She tried to hail Nagu, but he walked around a curve. Aleu called him again, following close behind. When she was about to reach the curve, the familiar voice of Night-shade called to her. She shook her head, forgetting this was a dream. When she turned the corner, what she saw actually made her sick. Her entire pack lay in a stack of corpses, with Nagu's skin strung up on a tanning board. Nagu was still alive, though skinless, and bleeding. "Aleu... help... us..." he pleaded. She heard the voice of Night-shade again, this time more distant. She called, "Aleu. It's your fears. Come back Aleu. Come back." She realized what was happening. It was a dream, and her soul was still too dark. She took a stance before the murder scene before her. A shadowy hunter form appeared before her, and pointed a rifle at her. Aleu knew she couldn't flinch. The hunter fired, and Aleu roared. She felt a sharp pain pierce her heart, but she knew better than to allow it to stop her. She forced her self onward, drawing closer to the hunter. The shadow fired a gain, this time hitting her leg. Aleu felt a bone break. She felt the pain as it hobbled her. Now she knew it was hurting her physical body, for she felt strength ebbing from an invisible source, she guessed was her real body. She had to hurry. Now she was two meters, and a shadow-like bear trap appeared, and bit her entire foot off. This would have made Aleu stop, but the sight of a missing foot was just a little ridiculous. She felt no pain; he strength returned. She stood before the hunter, and screamed, "I am not a monster! And I will not let my pack die to hunters!" She roared again, and the hunter was torn open into an abyssal portal to an unknown place. She tried to step through it, but could not push more than a single paw through it.

Now Aleu was just curious, but that would have to wait; Before her, on the other side of the portal, was a frightened, injured she wolf. Aleu gasped in realization. She was looking into the soul of Whispering-Wind. She called out, but winced, as she felt the dream world start to collapse around her. She noticed that the disturbance happened at the same time Whisper had collapsed. Aleu looked closer, and saw that she'd been injured. She could hear Whisper weeping. She cried out for her parents.

Aleu recalled her vow. She took a step back, closed her eyes, and pulled forth strength from a torrent she had felt before. It was her grandmother's spirit, residing in her, along with her own soul. She opened her eyes, and released the most powerful howl she thought she would ever muster. Aleu poured all her determination, and her faith in herself and her pack into it. It was so great, she felt it hurt her actual throat, and it shook the dream world. The portal exploded with a black flame which engulfed everything in a flash of brightly colored black light. She closed her eyes until the flash had passed.

When she re-opened her eyes, she found she was in an infinite white room, with Whispering-Wind laying upon the ground before her. Whispering-Wind, however, saw it as an everlasting blackness. She continued to weep. She felt as though there was nothing in the universe except for weeping uncontrollably.

Aleu stood over her, and called her name gently, nudging her cheek. Whisper looked up, and saw the face of Aleu, shining like the sun in her world of blackness. It was kind, hopeful, and determined. She wanted nothing less that to catch it and never let it go. Whisper stood, and ran after the light as it moved farther from her. She called out for Aleu to wait for her.

Aleu, however, stood before her friend. Whisper had only been able to look at Aleu, her eyes empty, and fatigued. She collapsed her head to the ground, now whimpering rather than weeping. She called for Aleu.

Aleu responded, still moving away, "I'm here for you Whisper." Ironically, the voice was becoming a whisper, and the light of Aleu's face a mere speck in the distance.

Aleu looked to Whisper's chest, and saw a bullet hole which matched what the shadow hunter had previously inflicted upon her. She heard the voice of Muru, Anyu, Elandra, and Night-shade within her mind, all speaking simultaneously the same phrase: "Save...her...soul." Aleu knew what she had to do.

She lay before her injured friend, concentrated, and tried to channel all her strength into a single healing touch. She opened her eyes, revealing the glow of Anyu, and as she touched her nose to Whisper's injury, she spoke.

What Whispering-Wind was experiencing was different. As the voice and the light became more distant, she felt weaker, and slower. Her injured heart bled, literally, and it bled of sorrow. She felt so alone. Then, she heard Elandra. She said, "You are not alone Whisper." A flicker of hope and strength appeared within her. She put it out by replying, "Yes I am. My parents are gone; I have no one." She heard her own voice; it was an echo, a memory. She heard it, then she saw it before her. She saw Aleu, Elandra, as she spoke something incoherent. She didn't care though, for the fox was smiling. Whisper saw Gale. She too spoke with a smile. Whisper saw Nagu come into the scene. He was Gale's brother. They had both lost their family and yet they smiled to one another.

Finally, Whisper felt something, like a burning pain in her chest. It was a good pain; the one that makes you weep with joy. She heard Aleu speak, saying, "You do not have to be alone anymore Whispering-Wind." Aleu's smiling, bright face appeared again. She continued, "Because, we are your family now." Aleu was the one to explode now, and Whisper too found herself in the chamber of white. She looked up, and what she saw made her smile. There was Aleu, and behind her was everyone she'd ever loved. She realized, they lived on in her, and in her pack.

Aleu reached out with her paw, and said, "Don't leave us Whisper... Because I will not leave you." Whisper touched her paw to Aleu, and another flash erupted.

Whisper awoke with a start. She felt stiff, and her paw and ear hurt terribly. She noticed several small incisions in her leg, and remembered that it was where Aleu had bitten her. Then, Aleu awoke beside her, though much more calmly. She sniffed Aleu, and confirmed everything was normal. She looked to the side, where Elandra had lain, but found only her imprint. Elandra was nowhere to be found. Somehow, neither Aleu and nor Whisper were surprised to find she had vanished. Night-shade, however, could only sigh, and say, "I'm not sure about any of what happened, but judging from what happened to me, I'm not sure I even want to know." Whisper and Aleu glanced to one another, and decided Night-shade was right. It was for them alone to know, and share. All three wound up laughing, and chatting all the way back to the den. When they arrived, Whisper was no longer just a Beta. She was the healer, and a spirit walker. She was Nava's Daughter.