Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize from the book, that is all Diane Duane's, however everything else is mine - plot, a couple characters, etc. I'm not making any money off this, yaddah, yaddah; you know the drill…

AN: as an apology for making you wait twice as long for the previous chapter, here's another short one in case i don't get around to updating for a while... .. enjoy!

Chapter 6: Werewolves and Instant Messages

Kit scuffed his way down the sidewalk while Ponch panting his way alongside him, occasionally forging off on his own to investigate a particularly intriguing tree or pole. "Come on, Ponch!" he called irritatedly.

Why grouchy boss? the dog inquired.

I'm not grouchy. Kit growled.

Ponch cocked his head to one side and evaluated him. You're grouchy boss. Is it because your anlach is gone?

Anlach? What's that? Kit asked, trying to think of the translation for the word.

It means packmate-that-is-not-mate-but-is-close-to-the-heart. the dog offered.

Oh. That's long.

That is why we call it anlach. Ponch smiled. You miss her.

Yeah. Kit stood and just gazed moodily into nowhere.

I miss her too boss. She makes you happy.

Kit smiled and tousled the dogs ears. Thanks Ponch. I'll try to be less grouchy. Do you want to go play catch in the park?

YESYESYESYESYES! the black dog ran in happy giddy circles around his young master.

"Alright! Alright! Let's go then!" Kit replied, reverting back to verbal communication.

Kit and Ponch joined a rather large group of people who had decided to play ball with their dogs at the park too. About fifteen dogs of varying sizes and breeds were already happily chasing balls, frisbees, and various other toys thrown by owners of all ages. Ponch and his soggy tennis ball soon joined the fray. Everyone was very friendly and soon Kit found himself throwing balls not only for Ponch but also for a large german shepherd, a dalmation cross, and a rather drooly spaniel.

As the morning stretched into afternoon, the german shepherd left, only to be replaced by a huge black dog that looked eerily like a wolf, although Kit didn't have time to ponder this, as the dogs were constantly barking and dancing about, begging him to throw their toys for yet another retrieval.

By the time another hour had passed, the various owners and their dogs began to leave, one by one. Eventually Kit and Ponch and the black dog were the only ones left. "Hey fella," Kit said absently to the black dog. "Wonder who you're owners are? And where they are." He looked around, but there was no one around to claim the large animal. "Huh." Kit said, thinking aloud. "Well, let's see if you have a collar." He started towards the black dog, but it growled low and backed away from him rumbling, Don't touch me.

"Oh, for pete's sake." Kit grumbled, then said in the Speech. Don't worry. It's ok, I'm not gonna hurt you. C'mere.

The dog looked very surprised and answered back tentatively in a very female voice, You… you can hear me?

Of course I can hear you. I'm a wizard. Kit said impatiently, taking advantage of the dog's surprise to grab it by the scruff, searching for a collar. "Hey, no collar…" then in the Speech, Did you run away from home?

Not exactly, the dog answered, shaking loose of Kit's grip. It's kind of hard to explain.

Well you're owners will be worried sick about you. And since you aren't wearing your collar, how am I supposed to know where to return you to?

Well let's get one thing straight. I don't HAVE any OWNERS. the dog said sounding insulted.

Stray then. Where's your pack? Or do you live alone?

I do now, she said sadly. The Shadows took them all.

The Shadows? What shadows?

The Shadows. That's all the name I have known them by. In both forms.

Forms? Kit was beginning to think that this was the most complicated conversation he'd ever had with any dog but Ponch, and certainly much more … intelligent wasn't quite the word; sophisticated maybe. This dog had very advanced communication skills, particularly for a dog that didn't seem to have talked to many wizards.

You don't think I look like this ALL the time do you? the dog snorted at him.

Uh, what else do you look like then?

Like you, only a female. the dog replied shortly.

What? How is that…? You're a … ? Whoa.

Please do try to finish your own sentences. the dog said drily.

Well excuse me, but it isn't every day I talk to dogs who think they can become people.

I am a WOLF, and I CAN become human, just not for another three nights.

A wolf! Huh. I did think you were awfully big for a dog.

Humans. So glad I'm not one of you.

What exactly ARE you then? Kit wanted to know.

I am, as simply as can be put, a werewolf. We are not wolves, not humans, but something inbetween. Shapechangers. Skin and pelt, fangs and teeth, blood and chocolate.

Blood?

Well, ok maybe that's an exaggeration, we're not vampiric, but we do hunt. Usually deer or rabbits or squirrels. Whatever's available. Although prey around here has been running rather low. I'm starving.

Kit scratched his head. I suppose you could come home with me for a bit. If you don't mind dogfood.

I've eaten worse.

Ok then. You'll have to keep a low profile though. I'll say you're my friend's dog and that I'm 'sitting for him.

Whatever.

Come on then. Kit whistled for Ponch, who showed up seconds later, wearing an innocent grin and not looking a bit surprised that the wolf was coming home with them. Kit glared at Ponch. You knew.

Yes. the dog replied. Told sad wolf you'd help her. Take home and feed. She very hungry.

I see. Well I hope you don't mind sharing the house for a bit then.

Don't mind. Nice wolf.

Kit glanced behind him at the wary black wolf. I just hope mom thinks so.

"Why didn't you tell me about this before?"

"I forgot, mom."

"Forgot, forgot, isn't good enough!! Next time, you tell me!"

"Yes, mom."

Kit's mother whirled back to the numerous pots and pans on various stove elements. "Go feed those animals Christopher."

You owe me for this one, wolf. He grumbled to himself, fetching dogfood for both animals and setting it out. The two ate hungrily.

"And it stays in YOUR room, Christopher." A voice from the kitchen added.

Kit sighed. "Yes, mom!" he yelled back, then to the dogs, C'mon you two. He shut them up in his room then turned on his computer and went online for a while, logging onto his instant message program. He wasn't on long before an instant message flashed on his screen.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: HEY!!!!!!!

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: dogsitting?

kitster - dogsitting - says: it's a long story. :P how are you? things ok over there?

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: yah, been quiet since yesterday. we moved to Cortown today. miss you. how're things?

kitster - dogsitting - says: miss you too. pretty quiet over here too. picked up a stray 'werewolf' today. that's the gist of the 'dogsitting' story.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: 'werewolf'?

kitster - dogsitting - says: crazy dog thinks it's a werewolf. the thing is, I almost believe it too… it talks like a human, not like a dog.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: !!!!

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: duz it have silver eyes??

kitster - dogsitting - says: huh.. I dunno… hold on one sec? I'll be right back….

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: ok

Kit walked over to the wolf, who was laying on the end of his bed and watching him lazily out of the corner of one eye.

Look at me. he commanded.

What? the wolf said, sitting up and opening both eyes in response to the request.

Kit gasped. Her eyes shone bright silver.

Electra? he asked tentatively.

Smart boy. the wolf grinned and settled back down on the bed. Yes, I'm Electra.

Kit was about to answer back, but a pinging noise from his computer stopped him. "Nita." He remembered, returning to his place in front of the screen.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: Ping? request

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: …..

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: hello?

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: r u there?

kitster - dogsitting - says: sorry! just checking on that eye thing. u'll never believe this….

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: after wut happened yesterday, i think I could believe anything

kitster - dogsitting - says: well, she duz have silver eyes. but that's not all

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says:oh?

kitster - dogsitting - says: it's electra.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: ….. the wolf in your house is actually Electra??? wow.. ok… any way to check for sure????

kitster - dogsitting - says: dunno.. she says she can't turn human again for three more days, and some other weird stuff about Shadows.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: huh. Shadows with a capital eh? well. wonder wut they are.

kitster - dogsitting - says: not a clue.

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: oh darn it, my aunt needs her laptop back, so I gotta go. good luck wit the 'dogsitting', or 'wolfsitting' I mite say! talk 2 ya l8ter, bye!

rowangirl - In Ireland! - says: thanx, good luck 2 u too. bye

rowangirl - In Ireland! - has signed off

Kit stared at the screen for two full minutes, then signed out himself. What am I getting myself into? He thought. Electra growled sleepily at some night monster, and Ponch rolled over so he was now on top of Kit's feet. At least I have company.