Chapter 38: Stephen's Theory (written on June 30, 2013)

Stone must've been that pup who was washed away in the dividing river. Stephen already knew about the Grand Pack and how Stone came the Eastern Pack during his Alpha School winter. So he came up with a theory of what could've happened.

As Stone was carried away from Humphrey's mother on Western side, he went downstream. He must've got himself out of the river somehow but end up on the Eastern side. He also must've forgot all about his puppyhood because Stone has never talked about it. Though the only thing he did say was that Stormfast's mother, Debby, took care of him.

Stephen now wanted to tell the news.

"Hey, Humphrey!" he called out.

"What is it, sport?"

"I know who your brother is!"

"What? How? My mother couldn't find him."

"He got himself out, that's why. It's Stone! He's your bother." Humphrey looked promisingly convinced.

"What is his fur color?" he asked.

"Just as you described Vert."

"Whoa! I believe you. You know, because you probably lived with him. I'd really like to meet him now!"

"Oh, c'mon Humphrey. That's the wolf who declared war on us," said Kate.

"Oh, don't be so up-tight, Kate. Brothers forgive each other."

"Yeah," Stephen agreed. "Maybe if we tell him, he'll forget about the war or abandon it because of Humphrey." Kate started to realize it.

"Stephen! You're a genius! You should go back to Stone's Pack and tell him."

"I don't know, Kate... Stone's not the easiest wolf to deal with. Besides, I just got banished."

"Don't worry about that. Sure he'll question you but when you mention his brother, he's most likely gonna crack."

"Hmm... Okay. I'll try it." He frowned.

"Oh, don't be upset. Think of this as a time to see your old family again." Kate was right. Stephen really missed Jane which was his metaphorical little sister. This was a chance to meet her again and stop the war. It was already the afternoon. He decided to run back.

"See you guys later!"

Two hours later at Stone's Pack...

As Stephen was reaching the main den, he though of the dream he had about six moons ago. Now he knew what it meant! Coincidence?
Soon enough, he met Stone on the way. With him, was the face he wanted to avoid.

"Stephen! What are you doing here?! You are banished!"

"Stone! Stone! *pant* I have found your family! You weren't a Eastern but a Western!"

"What? Foolishness Stephen! I was an orphan, remember?! I didn't come from the Grand Pack."

"Dad, you are misunderstanding this. How would you know? Do you remember?"

"Unfortunately no... but it doesn't make sense. Since Easterns are related to Westerns because they originated within the same lone wolf ancestor nearly two hundred years ago (Dog Years), meaning that if you're saying I can't be an Eastern, I can't be a Western either."

"Well, all I know is that I can prove you wrong. I've met your brother."

"Foolishness! Impossible!" he yelled.

"No, really! His name is Humphrey!"

"I don't care what my so-called brother's name is. Now go away!"

"C'mon Stone. Don't you want to see your family?" There was a long silence after that. Soon he came back to his senses.

"No. The last time I was in a family that took care of me, I was tricked into belief that they actually cared. Besides, I already have a family. Now go before I hunt you down and force Jane to eat your meat!" Stephen then ran. The plan didn't work. Stone was far too gone to save. Nothing seemed to stop his ambitions. Now Stephen wished Stormfast could've. If he could reason with him, maybe this war will end before it starts...

Next: Chapter 39: A Great Friend