Aleu and Niju

Fall Begins in the Newlands

Aleu knew with the coming of a red dawn that today was going to be a bloodbath of some kind or another.

The crimson light filtered into the den and kissed the lids of Aleu's eyes as she stirred. She found Niju already awake and waiting for her, as usual. They exchanged a few brief words while stretching and shaking off the sleep. Niju informed her that dawn was coming later and later in the day now- as if Aleu hadn't already noticed that fall was upon them. The words were almost empty as they both knew what must be done that set off tracking almost immediately and in total silence.

The herd was much farther from the den this time around. Grass once green and lush was starting to turn yellow and lose its nutritional value. Thus the herd had to move much more than usual in search of food. The pair stopped only to drink from a stream running through the plains before following the tracks up a hill. After reaching the summit they gazed down into a sea of caribou. That probably meant the dominant bull was on their level keeping an eye on his herd. She didn't know how to feel when she lad her eyes upon him once again.

Their assumptions proved correct and Broken Horn was in his usual vantage point. Aleu could only watch as she wasn't nearly close enough to take action yet. She knew now he was much smarter than the typical caribou. Broken Horn never let his emotions betray him, which was the trick to stalking him. If he saw her, he would never act like he had. He would silently prepare his attack so that when she made her move he would already be ten steps ahead of her. Aleu wasn't in his line of sight yet, but she watched him like a hawk for the slightest shift in behavior. She was close to being within striking range.

Niju nudged her to make sure she kept moving forward. The bull had been on his mind for the last few weeks as well. He wondered if it was all rather unnecessary. Maybe Aleu should just start leading hunts and worry about respect and glory for her former position later. Circumstances were dire within the clan and Aleu was needed. Hunting alone was all about showing off skill, but not normally utilized in the day-to-day procedures of the pack. Pulling off this hunt would undoubtedly sway the elders into a position of respect and awe. However, if she got this wrong the consequences could be dire. Broken Horn nearly killed her last time; perhaps it wouldn't be worth the risk. 'No, decidedly not worth the risk.'

Niju hated to break it to her now, but there must be a better way to go about things. Of the two of them-he couldn't believe he was the one having second thoughts, but the plan just carried too much risk to be worth it. Aleu was much more important to him now.

"Aleu, forget the bull. We should probably-" His words should have jarred her back into reality. She was steely with determination save for the fire that burned in her bright blues.

Broken Horn turned just slightly and Aleu's world shifted. She recalled an incident with a bear and her father to be similar to her experience now. It was almost like she could hear Broken Horn's thoughts; restless and fidgety in her own head. She could nearly feel his nerve impulses ready to fire. She could virtually see him planning. He hadn't moved, but in that instant Aleu knew Broken Horn had become aware of the situation. She just wasn't going to give him that chance to plan his escape. She hadn't even given herself time to think. Wild eyed, she departed from Niju's side before Niju could even finish his statement.

"Oh spirits." Niju cursed after seeing her take off in a tawny flash. The plan was going to progress nonetheless. He watched it unfold.

Broken Horn ran immediately, however, in his haste he started in a direction that would drive him further away from his herd. He couldn't become lost in his own herd or cause a stampede this time, much to his disadvantage.

Aleu gave chase, following his every move as he ran. Her impulsive attack gave her an advantage; she was much closer to him because she'd reacted sooner this time. Her body felt numb as she practically flew along behind Broken Horn. By some miracle of speed she found herself totally caught up with him and ran alongside his back legs. She wasted no time in sinking her teeth into the sinewy flesh of a leg.

With some uncanny flexibility and agility Broken Horn made contact with her jaw. Aleu was forced to release his leg early as she saw white for the briefest moment. However, no pain came from the forceful kick to her jaw. The adrenaline running through her veins could have carried her across oceans at that moment. The only thing that mattered to Aleu now was getting that next bite into the bull's flesh. As if spurred on by his last blow Aleu raced until she was flush against his belly. She made a tear at his underbelly and tasted the warm richness that poured from his wound. This time she managed to release before his retaliation.

While she still had strength left in her legs she was going to make another go for it. She moved to sink her teeth into to fresh wound she'd created, but with a sudden crack he dealt Aleu a punishing blow to the face. The sheer force of his head actually knocked her a few feet through the air. The spear-like tip on his antler must have broken the skin above her eye, because it was her blood that clouded her vision as she regained her footing.

She flashed back to her last encounter with the bull. The adrenaline running through her kept her from feeling the pain she knew she should feel- the pain she felt last time. Aleu felt major pressure in her head but forced herself to focus on that damned bull.

Broken Horn stood before her much like he had before. Exactly like he had before actually, and the sight of him seemed to snuff out the fire in her blood. He wasn't running; instead he was focused entirely on her. He was waiting for her to make the next move, any of which he could easily counter. His side was bleeding and he didn't favor that back leg but he hardly seemed phased by it. Aleu stared him down and growled lowly in frustration. She could nearly sense something was about to happen, but the thrill of the chase had left her wits ill-attuned. She hadn't even stopped to think that she wasn't alone.

She barely had time into regain her breath before it was stolen away again by Broken Horn fleeing past her. The bull narrowly missed her in his haste to escape from what turned out to be…Niju? She almost missed the black wolf as he ran by her as well. She'd never been so happy to see that insufferable brute.

Nju wanted to let Aleu do this alone. He knew if he actually killed the bull that his scent would infuse with the flesh and the clan would be privy to his actions. However, Niju had no qualms with knocking Broken Horn off his game a bit. Aleu wasted no time in giving chase once again. She knew if she stopped to rest for a moment the exhaustion in her limbs would overtake her.

Niju fell back as Aleu caught up with Broken Horn. Aleu landed another bite to the leg and saw Broken Horn actually stumble from the pain. Much to her disappointment he quickly righted himself and dashed onwards. She had to fall back for a moment as she could feel the pain of her exertion overtake her. The smell of the bull's sweat and blood fueled her to keep on him, thus she was soon sprinting after him yet again. When she grew tired and needed a momentary respite she knew Niju would keep the bull running.

Niju and Aleu worked like that for a bit, they switched off giving chase while the other fell back. They could tell the chase was taking a toll on Broken Horn. Aleu couldn't help but notice that she'd lost sight of Niju as she took over the chase. She questioned her abilities as it seemed her partner had dropped out of the chase completely. She wondered if her body could endure, the pain was beginning to flood her senses.

Broken Horn turned suddenly. He must be heading for the herd. Aleu knew if he started a stampede all their efforts would be wasted. She just couldn't run any faster and Broken Horn was just out of her reach. It was then that Niju's familiar form leapt from the tall grass and blocked Broken Horn's path. In an instant that seemed like an eternity Aleu watched as the startled bull attempted to change directions right in front of her. She watched as his legs failed him and he was brought down to a crashing finale. He seemed to still be falling as she enacted her end game upon him.

Aleu was on to Broken Horn before he even hit the dirt. Niju witnessed the she-wolf grab the bull by the throat with some kind of feral intensity that almost had him questioning his own heritage. Broken Horn clearly injured himself in the fall, but his ability to run no longer mattered. It was all over.

The swiftness in which Aleu stole the bull's life from his throat made Niju wonder if she wasn't captivated by the rush that came with the kill. Aleu's maw was soaked with Broken Horn's life and Niju could do nothing but be taken with the way she was merciless against his last struggles. The bull had a full herd and lots of calves- but Aleu held no pity for him as she voraciously savored his dying breaths and the taste of his flesh. Niju noted the lack of hesitation and knew she'd become just as he'd made her. He took pleasure in watching her do exactly what he would do.

She backed off and let Broken Horn's limp head fall from her jaw. The soft thud it made as it fell into the grassy dirt awakened Aleu into reality. It was really done. And ouch. She was really hurting.

"Great spirits…" Niju was breathless with awe.

Niju moved in closer to inspect her work. "Unless you want to be next," Aleu's words literally dripped with red. "I suggest you back off!" Her snarl didn't suit her quite yet but it got the point across nonetheless.

Niju was a little taken aback. "I… what?"

"The fierce alphess guards her kill, now back off you insubordinate blundering-" She looked at his expression and realized he hadn't understood. "Niju, I'm only joking." She chanced a bloody grin at him but was still fighting to catch her breath.

"Oh," He relaxed. "Very funny." It made him wonder if she could best him in a fight now..It was a very real possibility. However, there was something about taking care of her for the last few months that made him doubt he would ever purposely do damage to her again. If it did ever come down to that he didn't think he could catch her- and even if he did she could still slip out of his grip like a fish. Cold blooded hunter wasn't in Aleu's nature, but it wasn't really in his either. He was impulsive and aggressive, not heartless.

"Ugh okay, it wasn't really as funny as I thought it was. Sorry, my head is killing me and I'm not even sure I still have both of my eyes. I think I do-I hope I do. They're still there right?" Aleu made nervous conversation and another attempt at humor. Her body was shaking and she wasn't really sure what just happened. She remembered every move she made, but it still didn't seem real. The ebbing pain brought a welcome dose of reality to the situation.

"-I mean, at least I didn't break anything this time. And he's dead, I think." She nudged the carcass of the bull for effect. "Yeah, he's dead. Wow. Ok..So I guess we should do something about this- uh Niju?" Aleu was surprised she hadn't heard him reply.

Niju clearly had a lot on his mind. She used to assume Niju thought very little about anything he did or said, but these days he seemed to be thinking quite a lot.

"Yes?" He looked as if he was just now seeing her for the first time today.

"You're kinda quiet." She said as innocently as she could while still soaked in caribou blood.

He shook his head a little and stared blankly at her. "I was just thinking."

She gave him an understanding smile. "Figured as much. Anyways, as I said- now what?"

"Well I suppose you need to inform the-Aleu you're bleeding!" The reality of the preceding events seemed to finally reach him.

Aleu could only grin at that too. "I know, but I'm fine though. As I said, at least I didn't break anything this time." She surveyed her work on the bull at her feet. Broken Horn looked proud even in a dead bloodied heap.

"Thank Aniu for that, I saw you get kicked in the jaw." He muttered.

"I'm okay, really. Did you just now notice my face or something?" She said as she sat down next to the carcass. She supposed she might look a little worse for wear.

"You should protect your eyes more; a good hit and you'll be blinded." Niju hadn't thought about how silly that must have sounded in the moment.

"Really Niju? I had no idea." She threw him an annoying smirk. "Next time I decide to bring down a bull like Broken Horn I'll keep that in mind."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes at her. "Well next time losing an eye might be the least of your worries. You break your jaw and that's the end of the line for you."

She licked the spaces around her mouth in irritation and savored the rich taste of Caribou blood. "I'll be sure to remember that. Now, how about eating some bull instead of talking it?" Damn. She sure had some sass when she wanted to. She prided herself on that remark a little too much. He could tell.

"Quit being an insolent pup, we have things to do." Niju let out an exasperated breath.

"Yeah, like eating. The clan gets most of it but we deserve a bite." Aleu licked her lips, with the blood running down them she looked a tad wicked.

He grunted, "You can go ahead." He sat down in the grass near the carcass and swore he could still feel his heart racing. "It would be unwise for me to join you."

Aleu looked up at him. "What's wrong with the clan smelling you on the kill? You did help after all. If you hadn't jumped out like that, I'd probably still be chasing him."

Niju still looked displeased. "It's not time to make myself known to the entire clan yet. For this plan to work it should be carried out in a particular order, don't you understand?" He'd started yelling by the end of it, as if it should have all been obvious to her. There may have been a hint apprehension in his voice as well.

"What about your friends?" She took a small sample of her work into her mouth as she spoke.

He seemed puzzled by the question, or perhaps more annoyed. His face had one of those unreadable expressions again. "What friends?"

" 'What friends' indeed…" Aleu rolled her eyes at the brute. She knew this probably wasn't the time to laugh, he seemed serious. He didn't answer her mockery, so she could only assume he really meant it. "Oh let's see…Just the ones you've been risking the whole plan for! Nuk, Yak and Sumac sound familiar?" Her tone was audacious.

He sat back on his haunches and looked skyward for a moment. "Oh yes," He returned her disbelieving stare with a wicked glare of his own. "They're not really friends, they're more like… Subordinates." He knew that would bother her somehow.

If it did, she wasn't going to show him. "Well whatever you call them. Haven't you been bringing them food since they seem like a pretty ungainly bunch of hunters?"

Discontentment grew on his face like wildflowers in spring. "Yes, that's it Aleu. I brought them food and then told them to tell the entire clan of my presence." His frown deepened. "They know what would happen if they ever dared do something so foolish."

"I kinda thought you wouldn't kill your own friends." Aleu muttered almost inaudibly.

"I would not. But I sure as hell wouldn't keep feeding that pathetic lot either."

"Isn't that kind of the same thing?"

"No." His answer was the clear defined finale of that conversation.

He really did have better things to do after all. There were much more important tasks to take care of. "You need to tell the clan of your deed here." His words nearly caused her to choke.

Something about the fact that Niju wasn't having any of the kill landed like a stone in Aleu's stomach as she swallowed her final bite. She couldn't quite pin it, but something about Niju's demeanor gave her the impression that he was unnerved. Whatever was setting him on edge she couldn't quite comprehend, but something was definitely bothering him, she felt sure of it now.

"Should I just go straight to the elders?" She avoided his gaze this time.

"I'd go to Quisp first. Then yes, tell them right away. Artok will be pleased and impressed no doubt. The other two are much more fickle and foolish." He stopped to think about his instructions carefully; he wanted to leave nothing out. "Make sure you tell Quisp. I know she will tell the rest of the clan in no time. Tell her to gather as many members as she can to feast upon Broken Horn."

Aleu nodded. "What about the elders?"

That was met by a frown. "They should know of your deed, but let no one take food to them… They've had more than their fair share at everyone else's expense already."

Aleu formed her own little pout as her eyes suddenly met his. "Niju that's not-"

"It's the truth Aleu, and the way things must be to survive!"

"I'll see how this goes." She sighed heavily.

Niju began to turn from her. "Go, then."

"You're not the alpha of me!" She still a little teenaged spunk left in her. "What are you doing Niju? Aren't you coming?"

"No Aleu, I already told you that I cannot." He started to walk away, hating every step he took. How he loathed slinking off like some sort of coward, but he knew they had one shot at this. The end would eventually justify the means.

Her brows knitted together. "I just really want you to be there."

Niju froze mid-step. "Whatever for?"

"Because…Because I don't even know. Do you have any idea how it feels to be given the wrong destiny, then go back and face everyone who suffered the repercussions of your actions? It's scary Niju, and it hurts just to see what…I've done to them. I don't think I can bear to look them in the eyes anymore." She takes a breath that offers little reprieve from the tirade of thoughts. "I was given the task of leading hunts months ago, and I spent most of that time being unable to even walk! Think of all that time I wasted while they starved." She finally broke open as evidenced by the sting of tears in her eyes.

There was a time when she would rather die than show him tears. However, Niju was no longer a hated enemy. Over the season he had become a rather unwitting friend and teacher to the young wolfdog. He taught her much, albeit a bit begrudgingly at times. Even though she was victorious against the bull she still felt she had let everyone down. The thought of facing the plight caused by her lack of knowledge caused the tears to stream down her face. They left a trail of slick fur as they fell, betraying her inner emotions and fears.

"…I'm unworthy of their trust. "She spoke while intensely focusing on the ground. In doing so, she missed him approaching her.

"I've yet to meet someone more worthy of their trust." Niju's voice was warmer than the one she was accustomed to hearing.

She looked up bleakly to find his face nearly touching hers. "What?"

The sudden wet sensation his nose created on her cheek startled her. Niju brushed his broad muzzle against her cheeks, wiping away her tears as he went. He understood her sudden loss of pluck, he really did. It had long been on his mind as well. How could they expect the clan to accept them, respect them and follow them after all they'd done? If Niju wanted only power, he would have charged in and dispatched the elders months ago. This wasn't about power, this was about founding a community to survive and flourish with everything these newlands had to offer. This was something he knew little about. He'd never admit it, but the task frightened him as well- especially if it came to pass that he would go at it alone as they had originally planned.

"I've seen you. You've worked so hard to put this plan into action, the clan will be grateful for all you've done. Do you not see how hard you've worked for them?" He gave her a smile which she weakly returned. "They at least owe you their trust- at the very least. You are what I cannot ever dream to be."

Aleu stood still as he rubbed the dampness from her cheeks. "What am I?" She asked incredulously.

"You are their hope. You're bringing them hope for survival and their futures. When you lead a successful hunt you will see how their spirits lift and how they discover vigor they never knew they had within them." He could see how his words moved her.

"Niju I…" She struggled for her next words but Niju spoke before she could get them together.

"If I am to restore the voice of reason to the clan, you must first restore their faith. You will give them back their confidence in a leader; that's beyond anything I could ever hope to accomplish."

Aleu's eyes fluttered closed while she inhaled deeply and exhaled with restored vitality. "Thank you for that," She pressed her head into him, but he didn't stiffen under her touch this time around. "I got lost for a moment, but I'm back now. Let's fix this."

Whether she was referring to fixing her broken relationship with the clan, the disillusionment of the members or some combination of that and more, he did not know. What he did know was that she was going to do her best and in doing so she would not fail him. This was something only she could do.

"Lead them here eventually. I'll be watching." She knew he meant that her as a form of reassurance rather than some sort of fear-tactic. He was holding his confidence in her.

As she turned away from him she prided herself on just that. In only a season's time she made someone like Niju go from virtually hating her to trusting her with the most important task in his bid to restore order to the clan. But now was not the time to congratulate herself on her "winning personality", she still had to put it to this test. Aleu knew where Quisp liked to spend most of her time, so she began to trot towards the low-lying cliffs on the very edge of the plains. When she broke into a run Niju couldn't help but stare in awe at the beautiful beast she had grown into right before his eyes.

As he stoically watched her fade into the distance he contemplated the possibility that he may have just found the "light" Nava spoke about. That thought returned the grin to his face.

*Artok is one of the three elders. Quisp is a clan member who hasn't been introduced yet. c: