Wolf-Friend

Hiking had been fun. It had been a long time since the team had gotten together, just the four of them, to do something so unrelated to work. Tim shared some of his knowledge from his Scouting days, and Gibbs even told a few stories from his camping vacations as a kid. Ziva practiced her ability to move silently, successfully sneaking up on Tony and McGee. She tried it once on Gibbs; just before she was about to drop down from a tree right behind him, he made an off-hand remark concerning a weakness in the branch she was on – without ever looking up. The branch broke, but she executed a mid-air twist that had her landing on her feet and earning her applause from Tony and Tim and an approving grin from Gibbs.

They made sure to be back in town well before dark. Gibbs grilled some steaks for dinner while Ziva put a salad together and the others worked on side dishes. They ate in a comfortable silence, watching the light change and sky grow darker.

Ziva was brewing tea and the others were drinking coffee in the living room when the first howl sounded in the distance. They'd heard howls now and again overnight, so it wasn't startling at first… not until more and more voices joined it, until the entire town seemed involved. It was more cacophony than chorus, and the rage behind the howls was palpable.

The team remained quiet while the howls continued, finally reaching a crescendo and then suddenly falling silent.

Tony sat very still, staring into his coffee.

"You look pale, Tony," Ziva commented.

Tony glanced up and gave her a wry smile. "Kinda because of me the entire town is hunting him right now."

Gibbs shook his head and laid his hand on Tony's shoulder. "Daniel made his own choices. For all we know, the pack would have figured it out themselves."

"He'd have more of a chance if I hadn't used silver on him."

"If you had not, we would likely be mourning your death," Ziva said quietly.

Tim nodded in agreement. "They're right, Tony. Daniel wouldn't be in this mess if he hadn't killed Patryk, and you're too important to us to lose. None of us blame you, and from what I saw neither does anyone else."

Tony nodded slowly. "I know he's ultimately responsible for his own actions… but still."

Gibbs looked at his watch. "He's had a little over ten hours to get far enough away or to hide. I'm sure he knows how to cover his scent."

Tony raised his head and met Gibbs' eyes. He nodded again, huffing out a sigh. "Yeah. Out of our hands anyway." He looked over at his teammates, giving them a genuine smile. "Thanks, guys." He finished off his coffee and stood. "Think I'll turn in early." He went into the kitchen; they heard the water run briefly, and then with a little wave he was jogging up the stairs.

Gibbs watched him go; Ziva and Tim watched him watching.

"Do you need to go to him?" Ziva asked.

Gibbs was clearly uncertain. "I'll give him some time," he said finally.

Ziva nodded. "Chess?" she asked, gesturing to the set on the coffee table.

After beating Ziva two out of three games, and the same with Tim, Gibbs decided to join Tony. He reminded the others to be ready to go by quarter of nine the next morning, then headed for the master bedroom. He opened the door slowly, moving as quietly as he could into the dark room.

"Hey, Jethro."

"Tone. How ya doin'?"

"Been better. Been worse."

Gibbs grunted in reply, heading into the bathroom for several minutes before emerging, stripping down to his boxers, and joining Tony in bed. Tony turned over and put an arm around Gibbs, resting his head on the older man's chest.

Gibbs ran his fingers gently through Tony's hair. "What's really bothering you about this, Tony?" He felt more than saw Tony raise his head to look at him. Gibbs gripped the back of Tony's neck and shook him lightly. "You've killed criminals plenty of times, always justified, and it's never gotten to you like this."

Tony sighed and laid his head back down. "You're right, as usual. It's not the silver, not that I had to fight him."

Gibbs moved his hand away from Tony's neck and ran his fingers through his hair again, waiting.

"He led this pack for twenty years. These are his friends, his family, and they're hunting him down as if he's nothing more than food. Hell, not even that… if they catch him, they'll tear him to pieces and probably leave those to rot. I just… I keep imagining what that feels like, being hunted by people you know and used to trust. He knows that's what they'll do, that they're coming after him. I've been putting myself in his place… if I were on the run from you and Ziva and Tim… Abby…"

Gibbs grimaced, making a mental note to give himself a head slap for leaving Tony alone with his thoughts for too long. He shifted down in the bed until he could get both his arms around his partner. "I'm sorry, Tony."

Tony reached up and tapped him on the head. "Rule six, Jethro."

"No, I mean it. Shouldn't have left you alone."

"Nah, it's alright. I wanted the space. Wasn't ready to talk it through yet. You actually had good timing." It was his turn to run his fingers through Gibbs' hair. "How can I get you to let this grow out a little?"

Gibbs snorted, but didn't say anything.

"What were you doing down there anyway?"

"Chess. Beat Ziva two out of three, same with Tim, although he almost got me the last game."

"Good for him."

They were quiet for a few minutes.

"Jethro?"

"Yeah?"

"How come we're staying for this party thing? We don't usually stick around for the aftermath."

Gibbs shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. "Feels more like a diplomatic mission in some ways than a simple case. Seemed like the right thing to do."

Tony considered that. "Okay… I'll buy that. There's more though, isn't there?"

Gibbs sighed. "Feel somewhat responsible for what happened to Patryk."

Tony's head came up. "Why?"

Gibbs didn't answer, so Tony thought it through. "They were in your house. You feel like you should have picked up on something... a problem between them, Daniel being a psycho."

"Something like that, yeah."

"Gotcha." Tony thought some more. "If the others ask, want me to go with the diplomacy angle?"

"Yeah."

Tony smiled. "On your six, Jethro." He shifted a bit, getting more comfortable. "I'm exhausted. Mind if we just sleep?"

"Of course not, Tony."

"Guess I was right after all... you're not getting lucky tonight."

Gibbs laughed softly. "Already have, Tony."

"Excuse me? Was 'chess' a euphemism or something?"

Gibbs tapped him on the head. "You and me, we're both here right now. Counting that as pretty lucky."

Tony pressed a kiss to Gibbs' chest. "Ya know, you're pretty smart, Jethro."

Gibbs ruffled Tony's hair. "Night, Tone."

The next morning found the team walking toward the field where the party was to be held. Tony was a little jumpy, not knowing what to expect. Gibbs had simply told them all to keep their eyes open but to try to relax and enjoy themselves. He'd warned them not to ask about the outcome of the hunt, since they didn't know the protocol involved, and had told McGee to stick to non-alcoholic drinks.

They could hear music as they approached: drums and flutes. When they reached the field, they saw a huge crowd of people, all colorfully dressed, with long tables containing food and drink, and something they hadn't seen at all during their stay: children. Kids were running around, some with toys, most without, pouncing on each other, wrestling, shimmering and popping in and out of wolf form.

Martin jogged over to them. "Good morning! Welcome! We have a space set aside for you, a place of honor." He noticed them watching the children. "Young ones don't control the shift very well," he explained. "Everyone else will stay in human form; it's easier to carry drinks and talk that way." He grinned at them all and led them across the field to some large trees, where large cushions had been set out.

Erik was there, along with Arina, Anton, and few other people the team recognized. Erik greeted them enthusiastically; Arina smiled warmly and introduced them all to Anton, naming him Erik's new second. They took seats on the cushions, along with the three werewolves. Erik leaned over, speaking to Gibbs. "You guys have excellent timing. The formal ceremony is about to start."

The drums and flute fell silent. The crowd drew back, leaving a large clearing in front of the trees. Aleksandra stood in the middle, wearing a colorful silk robe over the usual jeans and shirt. Images of all sorts of different animals were embroidered on the robe.

Aleksandra gestured, and the crowd sank down onto the grass. Kids pushed their way to the front, watching her intently. She raised her arms, turning slowly as she spoke so that all could hear her. "We give thanks this day for a successful hunt." Tony winced at that; Gibbs reached out and took his hand. "We give thanks for a new leader and a new path forward." She faced Erik, holding out a hand to him. He rose, walking over to her and taking her hand. She raised their joined hands high into the air, and the crowd roared approval. She held out another hand; Arina rose, blushing, and joined them. "We give thanks for a new pairing, bringing new blood to the pack!" Another roar as those hands went up into the air.

"New blood?" Ziva asked.

"Maybe they mean new gene combinations," McGee speculated. "Doesn't seem as though either Erik or Arina have kids."

Aleksandra lowered her hands, letting go of Erik and Arina, who returned to their seats. "We give thanks this day to one who selflessly responded to challenge, proving our betrayal, and freeing us from dishonor." The pack fell silent as Aleksandra turned and held a hand out to Tony.

Tony cleared his throat, looking at Gibbs with wide eyes. Gibbs grinned at him. "Go on," he said. "All those awards you accepted for me? Time you got your own." Tony shot him a look, then got to his feet, joining Aleksandra. He searched her face, but found so sign of animosity. She looked tired and sad, but she smiled at him as she took his hand.

Turning back to the crowd, she spoke again. "This is Tony. I name him Wolf-Friend." She raised their joined hands into the air, and the pack roared approval once more.

Aleksandra released Tony's hand and stepped back as an older couple approached. "These are Patryk's parents," she whispered to Tony as she moved away. "Sofia and Mihail."

Tony felt a moment of panic, not sure what to do or say. Mihail reached out and shook his hand, smiling. "Thank you," he said. "Because of you, our son's spirit can find peace beyond this world." Tony simply bowed his head, not able to think of anything he could say that wouldn't sound trite.

As soon as Mihail released his hand, Sofia moved in, hugging him. Tony automatically returned the hug, surprised at her strength. Sofia released him, handing something to Aleksandra, who had moved forward.

Aleksandra held up what looked like a ring on a chain. "With this token, Tony is known as Wolf-Friend and welcomed to all packs," she announced. She faced Tony, who lowered his head as she put the chain around his neck and fastened it. "It has been many centuries since we have named someone Wolf-Friend," she continued. "May this day foreshadow greater understanding between our people and humankind."

She stepped back and the music started up again. Tony was immediately mobbed by children who wanted him to play and had a million questions. People moved toward the food, or began dancing. The sounds of guitars and a piano joined the drums and flute.

Gibbs, Ziva, and McGee stayed where they were, talking with Erik and Arina. Ziva congratulated Arina, who smiled and thanked her. McGee congratulated her as well; she pulled him into a hug. "I must thank you for the opportunity. Being your liaison helped me move up in rank."

Erik grinned at them both. "I'd have asked her to be my mate anyway," he said. "Her status just makes things easier on both of us."

Anton was watching the crowd. "Excuse me," he said, a smile on his face, as he left the group. He returned a few minutes later, fending off a few of the more energetic pups as he brought Tony back to the team. Tony sat down heavily, breathing hard. His clothes were dirty, his hair mussed, and there was a tear in one of his sleeves.

"What happened to you?" Ziva exclaimed, as Erik, Arina, and Anton looked on in amusement.

Tony glared at her as he brushed ineffectively at the dirt. "I'm never having kids," he muttered. "Or a dog," he added under his breath.

Gibbs grinned at him, while Erik leaned forward and apologized. "Our children can play rough. They're excited about a Wolf-Friend; they have only heard legends."

Tony grinned. "I'm a legend," he bragged to his teammates. Gibbs rolled his eyes and gave him a light head slap. Ziva and McGee simply shook their heads at him.

"What's on the chain?" McGee asked.

Tony stopped brushing himself off and picked up the pendant, holding it out so they could see it. It was a small ring made of crystal, with symbols carved on its surface. Braided grey hair was encased in the crystal.

Arina reached out to touch it. "Wolf hair," she said. "Patryk's. It is meant to bring you luck. The symbols tell all werewolves and werewolf allies that you are one of us." She sat back in the circle of Erik's arms. "Mihail and Sofia are jewelers. They designed and made the token after you fought Daniel."

Tony looked closely at the ring. "Thank you," he said. "I'm honored."

Erik grinned at him. "Go eat, all of you! Mingle if you wish. The dancing will start soon."

Ziva looked at the crowd, many of whom were dancing haphazardly to the music. "What do you call that?"

Anton smiled at her. "Formal dancing is different. Aleksandra and others will tell our story in dance."

The team got up, heading for the tables of food. Tony hung back, looking at Erik. "Last night…"

Erik nodded. "We found him, perhaps a little more than ten miles off." His eyes met Tony's. "It was a clean kill," he assured him. "Sofia tore out his throat before the pack descended on him. He died as well as a betrayer can hope to do."

Anton nodded. "We scattered and buried the remains. His blood and body feed the plants, which feed our prey. His spirit is gone."

Tony's eyes widened. "He's not going to haunt me, is he?"

The werewolves seemed surprised by the question. Eventually Erik shook his head. "I don't think so. A betrayer's spirit can't rest in this dimension. He must seek forgiveness from his ancestors in the realms beyond. He would have no reason to stay."

Tony wasn't convinced. "Revenge would be a pretty good reason."

Arina laid her hand on his arm. "He knows he was wrong. You are not the reason for his death; the pack declared him outcast. You have nothing to fear."

"So, werewolves don't hang around and become ghosts?"

Arina looked at the others, then shook her head. "It is very rare. Patryk might have, given how he died, but we had no contact from him, so we assumed he moved on. Why stay when there are other realms to explore?"

Tony took a deep breath. "I guess I shouldn't expect human motivations, huh?"

They all shook their heads. "Daniel has moved on. He'd have no peace here. Blaming you wouldn't help him."

Tony thanked them and went to catch up with the others. "I'd feel better about that if I weren't supposedly a ghost magnet," he muttered to himself.

A while later they were all seated under the trees again, watching as werewolves in both human and wolf form went through an intricate performance. Arina narrated for them, explaining how the dancers depicted the werewolves' arrival from another dimension, establishing towns, hunts, and even battles between werewolf factions as different groups split away from each other. Watching the dance was fascinating; Aleksandra and the others danced beautifully, but the ones in wolf form moved with a special grace none of the humans would have expected in such a deadly predator. The dance ended with a stylized version of the previous night's hunt and included a ceremonial presentation of a wolf's head to Patryk's parents. Arina promised them it wasn't actually Daniel's head.

The performance ended and the werewolves, all back in human form, joined in formal line dances with intricate steps. Erik asked Arina to dance, but everyone stopped to watch as Aleksandra, no longer wearing the silk robe over her clothes, went to Gibbs and very formally asked him to dance with her. Tony thought his partner covered his surprise and reluctance very well, taking Aleksandra's hand and walking with her onto the field. The werewolves were clearly pleased to see the visiting pack leader out there with them, and Aleksandra was smiling.

Tony, Ziva, and McGee all watched avidly as Aleksandra began the intricate steps, clearly demonstrating them to Gibbs and then inviting him to join her. Tony's jaw dropped as Gibbs performed the steps nearly flawlessly. The werewolves cheered him on, then began dancing again themselves.

Anton approached Ziva, who eagerly joined him. A shy young woman asked McGee to dance with her, and Sofia approached Tony, who had a hard time following the dance and trying to watch Gibbs at the same time. Everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves; Aleksandra and Sofia eventually executed moves that had them switching partners, leaving Gibbs and Tony facing each other on the grass.

"Bonded pairs should dance!" Anton called out. Gibbs shrugged and held his hand out to Tony, who hesitated only a moment before grinning and joining him. They danced together to the cheers of the werewolves, managing to follow the steps of the dance well enough to avoid disrupting the entire line.

Finally, Gibbs and Tony broke away from the dancing, going back to their seats, breathing a little heavily.

"Wow, Jethro. I had no idea you could do that."

Gibbs grinned at him. "Four wives, Tony, of course I can dance."

Tony returned the smile and watched Ziva and McGee dancing together. A short time later, Erik and Arina joined them. "The party will last the rest of the day," Erik told them. "We'd love you to stay as long as you wish."

Gibbs thanked him. "We still need to find Petty Officer Haynes' killer," he said. "I'd like to get back to DC this afternoon."

Erik nodded. "I expected as much." He reached out to shake their hands. "You will always be welcome back here; we'd love you to visit. The more positive contact we can have with humans, the better." Arina nodded emphatically as she hugged each of them.

Tony signaled Ziva and McGee as soon as he could catch their eyes. They dropped out of the dance and joined them, also saying their goodbyes to the new pack leaders. Erik took a card out of his back pocket and handed it to Gibbs. "My cell and email," he said. Gibbs gave him one of his own cards, and promised to update him on the case.

They watched the dancing a little longer before finally leaving the field and heading back to the guest house and their cars. They loaded up their bags, then gathered around Gibbs. "Meet up back at the office," he told them. "We'll order dinner in, get more background on Haynes, and go from there." He hesitated a moment, then added, "Good job, everyone."

They headed for their respective cars. Ziva and McGee heard Tony just before he closed the car door, "So, Jethro, ever see Dances with Wolves? 1990, starring Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, and Graham Greene –"