I had a really fun thing in mind for the pups, it's something I came up with as a pup with all my friends. The only thing is that I need to get permission from Kate because it isn't the safest thing to do if you don't do it right.

"Come on, Kate, I promise no one will get hurt," I begged my mate. She still looks as though she's against the idea.

While we were discussing this, the pups were looking at us with confusion. They seemed really interested in what log sledding is and really wanted to try it out, but wondered why Kate wouldn't let them.

"I don't know, Humphrey. You know how dangerous it can get. Don't you think we should let them get older before doing this?" She questioned. But I don't see the problem.

"I'll start the off easy. There are some small hills that would be perfect for their first time," I tried to persuade her. She had a thoughtful look on her face, before ultimately giving in to my pleas.

"I guess that'll be alright. Just don't do anything crazy, I know how you can get."

"Don't worry Kate, I'll start off slow and easy."

By this point even David, Andy, and Smitty seemed interested in what I was talking about. They all followed me over to a small hill, but not small enough to be boring or course. I told everyone to stay put while I search for the key thing needed for log sledding, the sled. I walked around for a minute examining everything until I found the perfect one. I dragged it to everyone else who seemed even more confused now.

I told them everything would be clear, but first they'd need to help me get this up the hill. They did as I asked and in o time we were at the top if the hill staring down the slope.

"Alright, first things first you need to know some rules. First, I'm the captain which means you need to listen to everything I say, got it?" I asked.

"Got it," they all cheered in unison, getting so excited for what we were about to do.

"Alright, now everyone jump in the log. I'll be in the back," I ordered. They all proceeded to do what I said and jumped in.

"Alright, when we go down I'm going to be yelling direction to either lean left or lean right. We need to do it together to work effectively, understood," they all nodded their heads, ready to get going.

"Alright, on three I'll push off and we'll get going. 1… 2… 3… here we go," I said, pushing us over the edge. We immediately began picking up speed, rushing our way down the hill. The pups all yelled with a mixture of fear and glee as we zoomed down to the bottom; the first time is always a little scary for everyone.

I told them to lean left and right and they followed my direction perfectly. There wasn't anything in front of us to dodge, but it's good practice for when we start to do harder hills.

We reached the bottom and all the pulse jumped out from the log cheering and yipping with joy. "So was that fun," I asked with a knowing smirk.

"Yah," they all shouted, begging to do it again. I told them we'd have to get the log back up, but that was no problem for them. They grabbed ahold of the thing and rushed up the hill.

I turned towards Kate with a smile and offered her my paw, "Would my lovely mate like to join me and our pups?" I asked. She took a second to think about it before shrugging, saying "why not".

For hours we were sledding. Going up and down the hill. Moving from one hill to another every now and then to gain more of a challenge. The pups were all naturals at it. I even let them do it by themselves once, much to Kate's displeasure, and they made it down just fine aside from having troubles stopping and nearly slamming into Smitty. Luckily, no one was hurt. Even David and the other two got in on it and actually really enjoyed themselves. What can I say, it's a really fun past time.

Eventually, the day started coming to an end as it became late in the afternoon. At this point nearly everyone was exhausted, and the pups were all 'starving'. I would have gone to get them some food, but I felt like I needed to do something else.

"Hey, David. Do you mind going and grabbing the pups something to eat, I'm going to go check up on that wolf," I told him. He nodded, saying he'd be happy to go and do it.

"I think I'll come with you," Andy said to me. I asked him why, and all he did was shrug.

"I don't really have anything else to do. Also, it's kind of my job not to let you go anywhere alone, so…" I nodded my head, telling him I got the point.

"Race you back to the den!" Dakota yelled to his siblings, taking off back home followed closely behind by Blaze, Katie, then Hannah.

"I better catch up to them and make sure they don't get into trouble," Kate chuckled. I agreed, telling her I'd be back soon.

We said goodbye then Andy and myself left towards the healers den to see if that wolf's condition has improved at all.

It didn't take us long to get to the den. Andy said he'd just wait outside while I did my thing. I told him I wouldn't be too long, and that he may not even be awake yet. I walked in and scanned the room seeing Earl talking with the wolf from earlier. Earl must have heard me coming and turned to face me.

"Ah, Humphrey, we were just talking about you. This is the wolf that brought you here," Earl gestured towards me. The wolf seemed to look at me with a certain 'awe' present on his face. Not going to lie, it is kind of weird.

"You are Humphrey?" he asked in disbelief, with an accent I've never heard before.

"Uh, yah. Why?" I questioned, getting a weird feeling about this. Not bad, just weird.

"You are the one who fought and defeated Alex, aren't you?" I nodded my head, confirming his suspicions. I readied myself for a fight, just out of instinct, but what happened was something I did not really expect. He laughed with joy and started thanking me nonstop. Like I said before, this is really weird.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down for a second. How do you know me?"

"Everyone from my pack knows who you are," he explained, "When all the alphas came back defeated with Alex on their backs, word spread like wildfire. Eventually, your name came up." He was smiling like a pup. Now that I know the story, it's actually a little heart warming. But that didn't explain something.

"If you're apart of that pack, why did we find you beaten?"

He sighed, his face dropping showing pain from his memories. "Not everyone was so lucky after the defeat. While some were able to get away and avoid Alex's rage, I was among those who weren't so lucky. When three wolves came to liberate us, Alex caught wind of it and quickly escaped with all those who were still loyal to him. He was also able to forcefully take some slaves, like me, to a new location. I was there for quite sometime until I couldn't take it anymore. I tried escaping yesterday but wasn't able to get out unscathed. After that it was all a blur. Next thing I know I'm here talking with you." He told his story, having some sympathy from me. No world should have to serve under such a monster. I wish I could have killed that wolf when I had the chance.

"Hold on just a minute, that voice can only belong to one wolf," a cheerful Andy stated as he walked into the den and towards us.

"Nikolai, it is good to see you my friend," Andy smiled.

Nikolai perked up and seemed surprised when seeing Andy, "Andy, I thought you were dead,"

"What gave you that idea?"

"Alex said he killed you, along with the other two," he stated.

Andy laughed at this, "He would say that, the bastard. Nope, I'm alive and well, and so is the other two. In fact, I think I hear them coming now," Andy said with his ears perked.

Seconds later David entered the den, "Sorry to intrude, but Kate insisted I come and see what's taking so long," he said, looking defeated. I chuckled a little, Kate doesn't take no for an answer when it is important to her. I saw his eyes leave me and go to Nikolai, immediately brightening his spirits.

"Out of all the wolves to see today, you are the one I least expected," David said happily.

"Its good to see you too, friend," Nikolai smiled.

"I'm sorry to break up the reunion, but I should be getting back to my family," I said. The others understood. Andy and David said goodbye to Nikolai, saying they'd have to catch up later.

As we were walking back, I had a question cross my mind. "So how long have you guys known Nikolai?" I asked.

"Oh, since we were pups," Andy said.

"Yah, him and his family were relocated over from Russia when he was young. We knew him before Alex took over. He lost his family as well, but wasn't as lucky as us to escape." David explained. It seems that wolf hasn't been very lucky. Hopefully he can start a new life here where he can be happy.

We got back to my den just as the sun set, and I was met with very sleepy pups. They were all already passed out while being pressed up against Kate. I said goodnight to my friends and walked inside.

I lied down behind Kate, getting as close as I could to her. She asked what took me so long and I explained everything to her. She seemed a little shocked at first.

"Well, I'm glad he's away from that monster," Kate spat.

"You and me both. I just wish we didn't have to be scared of him. If only I had finished the job," I growled at myself.

"Come on, Humphrey, you can't beat yourself up over that. You did all you could and saved a lot of wolves by doing so. You are a real hero." She tried to comfort me. A real hero wouldn't have allowed such a cruel and despicable wolf to get away, not that I said that aloud. I just nodded, snuggling up closer to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

We said goodnight and we drifted off to sleep.