OH MY GOD!! -bangs head on table repeatedly before flipping it- I just took my AP test for history on Friday. I was feeling good on the multiple choice, but then it happened…the essay portion began. -gets in fetal position on the floor and repeatedly mumbles 'find a happy place' to self- It was horrible. If I don't get at least a 3, I'll have taken the whole course for nothing! Right now, my fate lies in God's hands. -tears- The test was over 3 hours long. At least I got to go home right afterwards at around 12:15 since the whole class was excused from school the rest of the day.

Chapter 20

Kiska enters a lab in the basement of the house. She's come to check on the progress Valencia and Jeb are making on the blood taken from Max before she left. Jeb gives a nod in acknowledgement to the wolf as she comes closer.

"How's it coming?" she asks somewhat warily.

"We're able to determine the effects Hunter's blood is having on both Max and Fang," Valencia states. "It's almost like when they go into heat, but more serious. They act increasingly possessive."

Recalling things he'd observed while acting as the voice, Jeb adds to this. "They behave in ways unusual for them and become jealous for the smallest reasons."

Kiska appears thoughtful at this, but her attention is immediately drawn back to the two scientists when Valencia continues.

"I pin Max as the type to be subtle and use sabotage to prevent others from going after Fang. Meanwhile, Fang would probably just resort to throwing punches so he's the main concern for actually committing an act. Hunter's blood in their systems seems to awaken their more animalistic instincts adding to their desire for each other. Something as simple as a kiss between the two could easily cause them to snap and to go much further than they had intended."

Sighing, the grey wolf isn't pleased with the magnitude of the situation. If the flock was home, then it would be easy to keep an eye on the two hormonal teenagers. However since they're currently elsewhere, who knows what they will do. On top of that, there's still something rather important that has yet to be understood.

"So now we have the problem of curing them. In order to do that though, first we need to know why Hunter's blood is affecting them this way," Kiska announces.

"Exactly," Valencia says quietly before Jeb speaks up. "What're the chances we can get a sample of Hunter's blood?"

Kiska's gaze goes to the floor at this. "Under normal circumstances, your chances are good. With Hunter in his current condition however…" The canine lifts her head to face Jeb with a somber expression. "I'd say you have better odds at getting struck by lightning."

"That's still better than winning the lottery so we might as well give it a shot," he responds.

Although wary, Kiska agrees and she decides to go with Valencia to find Hunter while Jeb remains in the lab. As the two walk through the house, the feeling that this won't go well builds in their guts.

Lucky releases a yawn as he enters his room. Going over to his stereo, he grabs a CD and puts it in. He really needs some time to relax and as he flops down on his bed, that's exactly what he plans to do.

The hybrid lets the music soothe him as his eyes drift shut and he clears his mind. Now isn't the time for troublesome thoughts.

As long as I could remember I dreamed in black and white
As I grew up and the sun went down I never felt more alright
My mother she use to tell me...Son you better get to church
And its a dark, dark world and the people out there and you know its only getting worse

There's a soft knock on the door alerting the room's occupant that someone needs to speak with him. He represses a groan and opens his eyes to tell whoever has come to bother him to let him relax. Lucky is surprised to discover that Hunter has opened the door and is now standing at the entrance.


Never been much for weddings or anniversaries but
I go to a funeral if I'm invited any day of the week
Some people say that I sound strange some say that I'm not right
But I find beauty in this world every single night

Catching the words of the song, Hunter can't help but think the words apply more to himself than they do Lucky. Mentally, he shakes his head and proceeds to venture further into the room.

Lucky tilts his head to look at the floor. Lately, he's been rather uncomfortable around his big brother. After keeping those secrets and angering the older hybrid so much, the atmosphere seems to turn tense whenever the two are alone together. The fact that they're hardly ever alone with one another anymore adds to the awkwardness of when the time comes.

Take a look at my life, all black
Take a look at my clothes, all black
Like Johnny Cash, all black
Like the Rolling Stones wanna paint it black

"You know, black is really more my color than it is yours. It's always been my favorite after all," Hunter states in an attempt to break the ice.

Lucky nods quietly. "Yeah, I know."

The grey wolf shifts awkwardly as the atmosphere remains slightly tense and the song continues in the background.

The night that we met, all black
The color of your dress, all black
The seats in my Cadillac, all black
I used to see red, now its just all black

Finally, Lucky can no longer just avoid his brother and takes the plunge. "Why are you here?"

Hunter's eyes drop to the floor. "I just wanted to say…I'm sorry." Lucky's eyes widen and he peaks up at the older experiment who continues speaking. "I haven't exactly been fair to you. Everyone makes mistakes and some are bigger than others. I'm sure there was a good reason you didn't mention anything about Itex earlier."

The younger bites his lip to prevent himself from saying anything he'll regret. He so badly wishes to bring up Hunter's own secret. His brother has yet to tell him what's going on.

"Don't worry about it. You had a right to be angry," Lucky states, silently pleading that the older hybrid won't hold a grudge. "Is everything all right with you?"

Hunter's eyes harden as he puts up a wall to protect himself. He sees genuine concern on his little brother's face and he wishes it wasn't there.

"I'm fine," he mutters in response as he turns away slightly.

Lucky's face falls as he regrets opening his mouth. "I didn't mean to pry. I was just wondering."

Hunter seems to ignore the comment as he begins walking to the door. "Dinner's in about an hour. I suggest you don't be late."

Lucky quickly rises and reaches out as if to bring Hunter back. His mouth opens to say something, but he can't find the right words before Hunter is already gone. The Dalmatian releases a sigh and lets his hand drop to hang at his side. His ears catch the words to the new song coming from his stereo and he scowls.

Some say that time changes, best friends can become strangers
But I don't want that, no not for you
If you just stay with me we can make it through

Hunter and Lucky had always been extremely close. They were the best of friends and could always rely on one another. They told each other everything.

'So much for that,' Lucky thinks bitterly to himself as he stares at the door Hunter had silently exited moments earlier.

He hates what's becoming of their relationship. It's become awkward and Hunter seems to be distancing himself from not only him, but everyone else as well. Perhaps everything will go back to normal once the flock and pups return. For now, Lucky can only hope everything will turn out all right.

So here we are again
Same old argument
Now I'm wondering if things'll ever change you
When will you laugh again, laugh like you did back when
We'd make noise til 3:00 A.M.
When the neighbors would complain

A sad smile plays on the canine's face. Hunter had been so angry with him. He briefly wonders if his brother had exploded from years of pent up rage. Behind the laughs that they'd shared, had Hunter been holding back his emotions only to finally release them now? It's as if this whole situation has completely altered the grey wolf's attitude toward life in general and Lucky wishes for nothing more than for Hunter to laugh and be his old self again.

All the things you talk about you know they stay on my mind, on my mind
All the things we laugh about will bring us through it every time,
after time, after time

Of course Lucky remembers the things Hunter's told him over the years. He cherishes the moments his older brother shares some of his wisdom with him because it means he respects him. That's all Lucky's ever really wanted, the approval of his parents and big brother.

But now, Lucky isn't sure if past moments together will get them through this difficult time. The argument between the brothers a few days ago has strained their relationship. Now, Hunter won't talk to anyone about what he's keeping secret.


Don't say a word, I know you feel the same
Just give me a sign, say anything, say anything
Please don't walk away, I know you wanna stay
If you just give me a sign, say anything, say anything

Lucky grits his teeth and angrily goes over to his stereo before quickly turning it off. He can't listen to it anymore. Instead of relaxing him, it's only making him feel worse about everything.

The canine peers over his shoulder towards the door again when he hears a yell from down the hall.

"Get that thing away from me!"

Recognizing the voice as Hunter's, Lucky walks out into the hall to investigate. He finds the grey wolf glaring at a needle in Valencia's hand while his mother attempts to get Hunter to allow them to draw some blood. When they step closer, Hunter bares he's sharp teeth causing Valencia to immediately stop.

"Hunter, what's going on with you?" Kiska demands. "You haven't been yourself lately."

"Would everyone quit asking if anything's wrong?" the oldest son snaps. "You're all frustrating me to no end! Just leave me alone for five freaking minutes!"

With that, Hunter storms off to his room which is located down the hall. He slams the door causing the others to wince. Lucky reaches out to see how Hunter's feeling at the moment to discover a sentiment of self-loathing. So Hunter does feel the same way as Lucky. He too hates what's becoming of his relationship with the others.

"Give him some space," Kiska murmurs drawing the attention of Valencia and Lucky.

The Dalmatian nods in reply before Valencia and his mother go back down to the lab. Lucky glances at his brother's door.

'You don't need to tell me what's wrong if you don't want to, Hunter,' Lucky thinks to himself as if really speaking with his brother. 'Just please for our sake, give us a sign that everything will be all right. Let us know things will be normal again. Don't turn your back on us. I know that's not what you want anyway.'

Unknown to Lucky, Hunter is standing with his back pressed against his closed door. With closed eyes, he hears the silent pleas from his younger brother and is filled with even more self loathing. He so badly wishes he could just tell them all.

Hunter's eyes are still closed as his head falls back, hitting the door behind him. A pained expression takes over his face which is replaced by shock when a hand gently touches his cheek. His eyes snap open to discover Angie standing directly in front of him. He hadn't even noticed her in the room.

The grey wolf sighs quietly as he leans into her touch. His gaze remains locked with hers as they stand there silently. Slowly, a smile creeps onto Hunter's features as one of his hands reaches up to hold Angie's against his cheek.

"Thank you," he murmurs causing his wife to give him a questioning look. "I've been frustrated lately and the comfort you give me is calming," he states in response to her expression.

Angie returns his smile and drops her hand. "We all miss you. You've been avoiding everyone and don't even eat with us," she says. "Would you please spend dinner with us tonight? It would mean a lot."

Hunter smiles lovingly at her as he holds her face in his hands. "I'd love to."

Suddenly, his stomach growls loudly and he brings a hand down to clutch it in embarrassment. He smiles sheepishly at Angie who giggles. "My stomach would love some dinner too," he jokes.

The flock had flown another day and received a good nights rest before they took of this morning. They should arrive back at the house not long before nightfall. Well, that is if a certain brunette would stop slowing them down.

Max peeks over her shoulder and represses a growl when she sees Iggy carrying Ciera. Sure, Max can understand that the girl has been stuck in Itex for years and can't really fly for long periods of time without getting tired, but she really wants to get home already. The pups are pretty much dying from boredom and desire to see their family.

Of course, they wouldn't really be slowed down if Fang was carrying the girl, but Max absolutely refused to allow it. Besides, Iggy volunteered for the job, maybe even a bit too eagerly in Max's opinion. The blind pyro seems to have taken a liking to Ciera in the past couple days.

After stopping briefly to stuff their faces with lunch, they all take to the air again. After several hours, Max is relieved to stop a few familiar landmarks signaling they've almost arrived. She gives a quick message to her Dad as Ty fidgets slightly in her arms.

When they finally land in the backyard, the others are already waiting outside. The pups quickly jump out of the arms of the flock and run over towards their parents. At the sight of them, Hunter falls to his knees and shakes slightly as his children almost tackle him to the ground in a hug. Their little tails wave violently as Angie joins the group hug as well.

When Hunter recovers, he wraps his arms around them tightly and pulls them close. He laughs and buries his nose in their fur. The familiar scent of his pups reassures him that this isn't a dream and that it's real.

Lucky catches a whiff of a strange scent and tenses. His eyes scan the crowd alertly until they rest on Ciera. He studies her for a moment then the rest of the flock.

"Hunter," he says. After successfully getting the grey wolf's attention, Lucky gestures with his head towards the flock. His mouth hangs open slightly as he shakes his head, trying to form words. "Do you smell that?" he finally asks.

Hunter sniffs the air before slowly rising. "Yeah, I do," he says with a glint of anger in his eyes. "It seems that we've got a cat among us. Or should I say rat," Hunter growls as all eyes turn to stare at Ciera.

Hehe…another cliffy. Don't kill me! -cowers in fear while holding arms up defensively- I know I sort of rushed the end, but I didn't really know what to write there and I really wanted to finish this chapter because the good part (at least in my opinion) has sort of started now. The next chapter and a few chapters after that will be the high point in the story. At least, I hope they are. The songs I used were All Black and Say Anything by Good Charlotte. And remember...REVIEW! I need to know what you guys think so I know if I should bother writing. I don't see why I should continue if my work is crap, which it hopefully isn't. I won't know if you like my work or not if you don't tell me after all!