Chapter 16: Atem and the Bear
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh
Yami and the other ladies had been making pretty good progress on the first baby blanket. It was nice and soft and it would no doubt be able to help keep the children warm in the winter.
"How long will the pups be well, puppies?" Yami asked.
Kisara sighed, "I guess you could say that it depends on the pups. There are those that get curious and can shift as early as a few months old. And then there are stubborn ones like your mate who refused to change at all until he was what, 5 or so Mana?" Kisara said.
Mana snorted, "My stubborn litter mate of a brother refused to transform until he was six years old. My father actual told him that he needed to transform or he'd force him to and that he wasn't allowed to change back for two whole weeks." Mana replied.
Yami sighed, "Any idea why some transform earlier than others?" Yami asked.
Kisara shrugged, "I would guess it would depend on their parents to varying degrees. If they keep seeing their mother or father in human form then they themselves will shift so they can be like mom and dad." Kisara said.
Mana bit her lip, "And not to be tell you what to do or anything Yami, but once you have the pups you will probably have to stay in your wolf form more than you are used to. The pups will be relying on you for warmth and they'll also have to milk from you. Which, if you have more than two would be very difficult in human form." Mana said.
Yami sighed once more, "Yeah. I had a feeling it was going to be something like that. As awkward as that'll no doubt be." Yami said.
Kisara shrugged, "It really isn't that awkward at all. Instinctively you'll know what to do and so will the pups." Kisara explained.
Yami nodded, "I hope so. I really do." Yami said.
Kisara lightly knocked her shoulder against Yami's, "I'm sure you will. And if you need any help I will be more than happy to help you." Kisara said.
Yami smiled, "Thank you. That, that really means a lot that you're willing to help me." Yami said.
"Hey! We're happy to help to! Aren't we Serenity?" Mana piped up.
Serenity nodded, "Yes we are, although unlike Kisara neither of us have ever had any pups." Serenity said.
Mana pouted, "Yeah, talk about lucky. Malik and I really want to have pups but we can never manage it." Mana said.
Kisara snorted, "You do know that Alpha and his mate will do the vast majority of the reproducing for our pack. Yami'll probably have four large litters before either you have a single small one with either of your mates." Kisara replied.
Yami coughed, "Oh, I don't know about that." Yami muttered. She had barely begun to get her head wrapped around having a litter of puppies. She wasn't even going to begin to try and think about having more than one litter. Maybe a few years from now when she was older her and Atem could discuss trying to have another one.
Mana rolled her eyes, "I'd bet that you'll have another litter in the Spring."
Yami flushed, "In the Spring? Why would you say that?" Yami asked. She had learned her lesson before she wasn't going to not ask a question when the ladies mentioned something. Her silence led to her stumbling head first into mating with Atem. She wasn't making a mistake like that again.
Serenity sighed, "Because come around February or so you'll go into heat. And, well...there is little doubt that Alpha will..." She trailed off with a blush of her own.
Mana snorted, "What our sweet Serenity is trying to say is that you and Alpha will go into a mating frenzy for about three or four days and after that's finally done we can practically guarantee that you'll be with pups again." Mana said.
"Heat? Is that something that happens...a lot? What is that even like?" Yami asked, her cheeks were no doubt cherry red at this point.
Mana shrugged, "No clue. I've never been in heat. None of us have." Mana said.
"Then, why would you think that I would go into heat?" Yami asked.
Kisara chuckled, "Because you are Alpha's mate. That makes you the Alpha female of this pack. Only the Alpha's go into heat. No other Weres in this pack ever will, but you and Alpha will once a year." Kisara said.
Mana nodded, "Yeah, all I really remember about it was that my mother would really start to stink. Like really bad. Then my dad would be all over her." Mana said.
"Although not super common I've heard of some Alpha pairs having up to three litters of pups in a year. Most however, have two litters a year. The one after the heat is a guarantee...then again, every single time you are with Alpha there is a pretty high chance that you'll end up with pups." Kisara supplied.
Yami groaned, "And this is yet another thing that Atem decided I didn't need to know apparently." Yami muttered.
Serenity shrugged, "Maybe it just didn't occur to him. He's never been in heat himself yet." Serenity said.
Yami snorted, "Sure, I'm positive that's why he never mentioned it." Yami muttered.
"BETA!"
Yami and Kisara both looked up sharply at the unexpected howl to see two wolves come charging back into the clearing at full speed.
Mana frowned, "What is Malik doing back already? I thought he'd gone with Alpha." Mana said.
Yami slowly rose to her feet as Seto came walking out of his and Kisara's den.
"What is it?" Seto asked.
Yami didn't even remember moving away from the sewing circle but next thing she knew she was standing next to Seto. "Is Atem okay?" Yami asked.
Malik shifted back into his human form and nodded, "Yes, Alpha is fine. He's left our territory with Akefia and headed even further East to meet with the pack of invaders. That isn't what he sent us back about." Malik said.
"Then what was it that Alpha wanted me to know?" Seto asked briskly.
"Alpha wanted you to put the pack on high alert. There is an injured Were from another pack somewhere in our territory." Malik said.
Seto frowned, "An injured Were? Is Alpha certain?" Seto inquired.
Malik nodded, "Yes. We came across the sight of what looked like a nasty encounter with a hunter. And one dead Were. There was a second Were that headed to the North and it was without question injured." Malik said.
Seto nodded, "And what about the hunter?" Seto asked.
Malik sighed, "Alpha doesn't think the chances of the hunter having survived the encounter and made it all the way back to Domino are good but he did want you to alert Ishizu to the possibility regardless." Malik said.
Seto nodded once more, "I'll call her. And she had better not ignore my call again because I'm not going all the way to Domino to speak to her in person. Especially not with Alpha out of the territory and an injured Were nearby." Seto said before he turned his attention back to Malik and Marik, "Go and rejoin Alpha. Tell him that I will take care of things for him here." Seto declared.
"Yes Beta." Marik barked before he turned and trotted back out of the clearing with Malik shifting before trotting back after him.
"Have everyone gather in the center of the clearing. After I make this call to Ishizu I have some announcements that I need to make." Seto told Yami before he turned and briskly headed back into his den.
Kisara lightly knocked her shoulder against Yami's which startled her because she hadn't even noticed that Kisara had followed her, "I'll help you get every one gathered together so Seto can make his announcements." Kisara said.
Yami nodded her thanks for the assistance as the pair made their way back over to the sewing circle. "We'll have to clean this up for a little while. Beta has to make some announcements so we need to gather in the center of the clearing." Kisara said.
Serenity nodded before her and Mana quickly began to gather up their supplies and stored them back in the baskets they used to hold extras while Yami and Kisara wandered around the clearing telling every Were they came across that Beta had an announcement and for them to gather in the center of the clearing.
Once they had passed the word onto everyone they could find Kisara and Yami joined the others in the clearing. They didn't have to wait for long before Seto came striding into the center of the circle.
"Alright everyone, listen up. Alpha has informed discovered that there is an injured Were from a different pack in our territory. The Were was wounded during a fight with a human hunter. Until this Were is found bitches and pups are to stay in the clearing. Under no circumstances are any to be wandering off. There will also not be a hunting party going out today. If you absolutely have to leave the clearing I want to be personally informed that you are leaving and report back to me upon your return. That goes for everyone. Bitches and pups, if you need to leave the clearing a male will be accompanying you. I don't want any complaints on that. Am I understood?" Seto stated.
"Yes Beta." The pack replied.
"Then you are all dismissed." Seto said briskly before he strode out of the clearing as the meeting began to break up.
Yami sighed as she turned to Kisara, "Is it really dangerous? Another Were in our territory?" Yami asked.
Kisara sighed, "It could be. The fact that the Were is wounded is what makes this a tense situation. Wounded animals are desperate ones and they are more likely to lash out and attack then they would be in a normally. Its smart of Beta to have us exercising caution. We've already lost two members of our pack. We don't need to be losing anyone else." Kisara said.
"Right. That makes sense." Yami said as she followed Kisara back towards where the sewing circle was reconvening. There really was nothing better for them to do although Yami couldn't help but be worried about Atem.
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Atem and Akefia quickly made their way through the neighboring wolves territory, only occasionally having to stop and sniff the trees to verify that they were on the right track.
"Do you think it means anything that they've retreated Alpha?" Akefia asked as they ran.
"I would rather not draw any conclusions until I have met with their pack Alpha." Atem said.
"I suppose that does make sense." Akefia conceded as they climbed another hill, this one steep and rocky before coming to a small plateau on which there were several caves. Once they had reached the plateau several wolves exited the caves.
"What business do you have here Halfbreed?" A large gray wolf growled.
Atem snorted, "I want to speak to Lupis. And I won't leave until I have." Atem growled.
Another large gray wolf came trotting out of his cave. "And what business do you have in my territory Halfbreed?" Lupis growled.
Atem barred his teeth, "Your pack murdered two pups from my pack yesterday." Atem growled.
"We did no such thing!" Lupis snarled.
"Get your facts straight Halfbreed! We haven't been in your territory since the full moon." Another wolf snapped.
Atem cocked his head in mild confusion, "Why did you leave my territory Lupis? You were quite adamant when I confronted you last that you would not leave no matter what I had to say on the matter. Yet, you expect me to believe that you decided to retreat to your own territory without any further prompting." Atem growled.
"We were chased out as you know damn well." Lupis growled.
"Chased out, by whom? No one from my pack had anything to do with..." Atem began.
"It was by another halfbreed just like you. They stank of human. They attacked our hunting party and drove us right out of your territory and back into our own. Don't play me for a fool Halfbreed." Lupis growled.
Atem snarled, "No one from my pack engaged with yours. I gave strict orders for members of my pack to not wander out to the eastern portion of my territory so there would not be any confrontations between our packs. If you were chased out then it wasn't by us." Atem snapped.
"And perhaps you aren't a strong enough Alpha to control your pack." Lupis snarled.
Atem bared his teeth, his posture tense. "I assure you, I am more than capable of controlling my own pack. Just like I am more than capable of defeating you in a fight Lupis." Atem growled.
"Get out of my territory Atem! Or there will be trouble you filthy Halfbreed." Lupis growled.
Atem snarled at Lupis once more before he turned to Akefia, "We're leaving." Atem declared. Akefia nodded before he trotted after Atem heading back down the rocky hillside and heading back towards their own territory.
They hadn't gone far before they ran into Malik and Marik. Marik whimpered, "Don't tell me we missed watching you teach those wolves a lesson."
Atem snorted, "Lupis and his pack claim that it was not them that attacked the pups. They claim that they haven't been in our territory since the full moon. Claim a couple of Weres chased them out." Atem said.
"But, none of us did anything. You were very specific that we were not to get into it with the wolf pack." Malik pointed out.
"Exactly. Which means the Weres who chased out Lupis's pack are more than likely the Weres who tangled with that hunter." Atem said.
Akefia snorted as well, "Which means that damn Were probably isn't going to be leaving our territory any time soon." Akefia said.
"We could always hunt him down and chase him out?" Marik suggested before adding, "The four of us could easily do it."
"We could but I would rather return to the clearing for today and we can be on our guard. Tomorrow we'll head north to see if we can track down the other Were." Atem said.
Malik snorted, "That eager to return to your mate, eh Alpha?" Malik teased.
Atem snorted, "I'd like to see how long you were comfortable leaving your mate alone if she was carrying pups Malik." Atem said.
"That's wonderful news Alpha! Congratulations." Malik yipped.
Atem nodded, "It is. And I would like to celebrate it. Tonight when we return to the clearing." Atem said.
Marik let out a bark of delight before he playfully nipped at Marik's flank, "Then lets get a move on!"
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Yami was starting to get a bit antsy and she really couldn't even explain why. The sun was slowly beginning to set and Atem still hadn't returned. What if something had happened to him? After all he had gone to confront the wolf pack that had murdered two of her pack mates.
Yami shook her head. It still was really throwing her how quickly she was falling into the mindset that the Weres that made up this pack were like a family to her. They were still mostly strangers but yet...on some still alien level they felt like family.
Yami glanced down at the beautiful baby blanket that her and the other girls had managed to sew earlier today. And she could already see herself wrapping up a baby in that blue blanket to help keep him or her warm. Nights in October could be pretty cold and they didn't have the option of turning on a heater out here. Yami didn't even want to think what winter would be like.
"You look pensive."
Yami jumped and whipped around to see that Atem had come trotting right into the den with her once again completely unaware the was even there. Yami forced a scowl on her face, "You need to quit sneaking up on me like that. One of these days your going to give me a heart attack." Yami growled.
Atem snorted before he shifted, "Or you could finally begin to pay closer attention to your surroundings and be able to tell that I'm coming. That is the outcome I am hoping for." Atem replied.
Yami rolled her eyes, "Jerk." Yami muttered.
Atem shook his head fondly before he tugged Yami into his arms. "I missed you." Atem whispered as he lightly nuzzled against her throat.
Yami felt her cheeks heating up slightly and her heart beat quicken just a tiny bit. It was stupid. Her and Atem weren't actually a real couple which meant the fact that she did miss him and had worried about him was ridiculous. Absolutely utterly and completely ridiculous. But, it didn't change the fact that she had.
"Your such a sap." Yami ended up muttering.
Atem laughed, "Admit it for such a savage beast I can certainly have some very human emotions. Isn't that right my precious mate?" Atem said.
Yami snorted, "Well, you definitely got the savage beast part correct. Now, mind telling me why you've decided to shift into your weaker form? I can pretty much understand wolf now so by all means stay in your true form. Wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable on my account." Yami muttered.
Atem rolled his eyes, "Believe me if I didn't want to be in this form then I wouldn't be. But you are correct that I shifted for a reason beloved." Atem said.
"Oh? And what reason would that be? And if the reason involves wanting to have sex again you might as well shift back because you're going to be disappointed." Yami said.
Atem snorted before he wrapped an arm around Yami's shoulders drawing her closer to his body. "Then it is probably a good thing that isn't the reason I chose to shift. I shifted because we're going to have having a bit of a human style celebration tonight. So, in keeping with the theme I have requested that everyone be in their human form. And yes, that means even me." Atem said.
Yami snuggled into Atem's body for a few moments feeling the last remnants of tension leave her completely, "Oh? And do I want to know what the occasion is?" Yami asked.
"We are celebrating the fact that you are carrying puppies. I am going to officially announce the news to the pack." Atem said.
Yami bit her lip, "So, would it be a bad thing if I already told Serenity, Mana and Kisara earlier today?" Yami asked.
Atem shook his head, "No, not at all. I already told Akefia, Malik and Marik while we were heading back from our meeting with the wolves." Atem said.
"How did that go by the way? There isn't going to be some massive Were versus Wolves war or something, is there?" Yami asked.
Atem shook his head, "No there will not be. I'll tell you more about my meeting with the wolves later. Right now we have a party we need to be getting to." Atem said.
Yami slipped out of Atem's grasp and made her way out into the den to see what appeared to be Akefia, Malik and Marik it looked like in the middle of building a massive bonfire. There was another man who was tanned and wearing just a blue pair of shorts with black hair held out of his face by a blue bandanna focused on skewering fish and some squirrels on sticks like makeshift kebabs.
She glanced over to see Mana excitedly dancing around and some young children giggling while they chased each other around the clearing. Kisara and Seto slowly made their own way out of their den. Yami watched as Kisara paused and glanced back for a moment before, much to Yami's shock she saw a young boy with waist length black hair slowly limp out of the den as well before he fell into step beside Kisara who lightly draped her arm around his shoulders.
"Is that Mokuba?" Yami asked Atem in a whisper.
Atem's arms wrapped themselves around Yami's waist. "It is. He still has a lot of healing to do but the fact he is able to be up and about is a good sign. And certainly something else for our pack to celebrate." Atem said.
Yami nodded, "I would say so." Yami agreed before she slipped out of Atem's arms and began to make her way over to where the other Weres were gathering. Atem lightly grabbed her wrist, tugging her into the center of the circle beside him as all of the gathered Were's fell silent.
"Tonight is a night for celebration. Not only has young Mokuba found the strength to venture out of his den and join us but my mate and I also have some wonderful news to share. Yesterday morning we were able to confirm that my mate is pregnant and will be having puppies come October." Atem declared.
The entire pack let out a shout of pure joy so loud that it was reminiscent of the stands at Domino High School when their football team scored a last minute field goal to win the game and earn themselves a spot at the State level tournament.
Atem waited for the cheers to finally die down before he continued to speak, "As no doubt you all agree this is an occasion that needs to be celebrated. So, tonight we shall dance, feast and have a grand time." Atem declared.
This statement was also greeted with a shout of delight however it was no where near as loud as the initial cheer had been. And then to Yami's surprise music began to be heard through the clearing. She glanced around for a moment looking for the source and was only mildly surprised to see a few Weres had managed to produce some instruments from somewhere and were more than capable of carrying a tune.
Yami was drawn from her observation by Atem tugging her closer and spinning her around and beginning to lead her through a merry dance. "Since when did you learn how to dance?" Yami asked.
"Years ago. Don't be so surprised. Parties like this may be rare but they most certainly do happen." Atem said as a wolfish grin appeared on his face, "Why are you constantly acting surprised that you have such a talented mate?" Atem teased.
Yami snorted, "I wouldn't go as far as to say talented." Yami teased back.
Atem snorted as well, "Of course not. Can't possibly have you admitting that there is a single positive thing you could say about me." Atem shot back, although despite his words his tone was still light and teasing taking any bite out of his statement.
Yami laughed, "Exactly, can't have you getting a big head now, can we." Yami replied.
Atem laughed, "Isn't me getting a big head why we're celebrating to begin with?" Atem replied.
Yami flushed before she playfully smacked Atem in the shoulder, "Damn it Atem! There are children nearby! You can't be saying things like that and risk corrupting their innocent little ears." Yami growled.
Atem just laughed before he leaned down and captured Yami's lips in an unexpected yet once again very tender kiss that made Yami's toes curl and left her utterly and completely breathless as Atem pulled away.
"And what was that for?" Yami asked as she shyly pressed her face into Atem's chest, embarrassed by the wolf whistles their kiss had drawn.
"You're going to be a wonderful mother." Atem whispered.
Yami had no idea how to respond to that. Atem however, seemed perfectly fine with Yami's silence as he continued to lead her around the bonfire. Their dance, however was cut short by three young children who latched themselves onto Atem's legs.
"Alpha! Alpha! Alpha!" The children called.
Atem slowly released his hold on Yami with a fond sigh as he glanced down at the children, "Yes, what is it?" Atem asked.
"Marik won't tell us the story. He said you'd have to tell it. PLEEEASE Alpha!" The children begged.
Yami quirked a brow, "Oh, and what story is this?" Yami asked.
Atem laughed, "Okay, fine. I'll tell the story but only because my mate hasn't heard it before." Atem said.
"Yes!" The children cheered before they scampered off and plopped down on the ground a short distance away from the bonfire. Atem shook his head fondly, his arm slipping around Yami's waist as he led her over to the children.
"You never told me what story the children want you to tell." Yami said.
Atem smirked, "Because you'll find out soon enough. No reason to spoil the surprise." Atem teased.
Yami rolled her eyes but allowed Atem to lead her over to join the children. He did pause briefly to snag a squirrel kebab which looked like it was freshly pulled from the fire which he handed to Yami. "A snack to eat while you're listening to my harrowing tale full of daring and heroism." Atem replied.
Yami rolled her eyes, "Right. I'm surrre that's exactly what your story will include." Yami muttered before her and Atem sat down on the ground, with Yami resting comfortably against Atem's side, his arm still wrapped around her.
"Now, you all want to hear the story about me and the bear, right?" Atem asked.
"YEAH!" The children shouted.
Yami frowned, "Bear? What bear?"
Atem chuckled, "Alright, alright I get it. You want to hear about the bear." Atem said before he cleared his throat, "Well, it all started on a warm summer day not unlike today had been. Akefia, Seto, Malik, Marik and I had decided to go out as our own hunting party. We were what, twelve? Thirteen?" Atem asked.
"Thirteen, Alpha." Seto replied as he took a seat not far from the children. Kisara and Mokuba with him. "Sorry, Mokuba loves the story about the bear. He didn't want to miss it." Seto added.
Atem nodded, "Right. Thirteen. Anyway, like I said the five of us had set out to do some hunting. We were hoping to be able to bring down a doe. We reached the meadow to the far east by the river and were looking around for a doe when it came flying out of nowhere." Atem said, his voice taking on a suspenseful tone.
The children were giggling as they were sitting on the edge of their seats.
"BAM!" Atem suddenly shouted making all of the children jump back before they just started laughing, "A 500 pound Black Bear came charging out of the woods. Without any warning. It was on us in seconds." Atem said.
"The bear slammed into Akefia, his massive paw swiping across his face knocking him to the dirt. There was blood everywhere. For a moment we really believed that Akefia was dead and that we were going to be next unless we did something." Atem said.
"Now, we had two choices. We could've retreated with our tales tucked beneath our legs leaving Akefia to become a bear's dinner. Or we could take on the bear ourselves." Atem said.
Atem chuckled, "I don't really believe in retreating so I told the others that we were going to take on the bear. I sent Malik and Marik to try and flank the bear from the right. And had Seto go in from the left. And I was going to go right up the center." Atem said.
"I ran as fast and as hard as I could at the bear before I leapt into the air and latched my jaws around the bear's throat. Then I was in for a wild ride." Atem said.
"The bear thrashed about doing everything it possibly could to try and throw me off." Atem said.
"But you were too strong, weren't you Alpha?" One of the children asked.
Atem nodded, "That's right. I was too strong and soon the bear had managed to lose enough blood that I was able to bring it down." Atem said. He smirked, "I was battered and bruised for sure, but I was alive."
Seto snorted, "Yeah, and after we managed to rouse Akefia it took all five of us working together to drag the damn thing back to the clearing. We ate bear for a whole week." Seto said.
Atem nodded. "That we did. I remember you saying something about how you would never complain about eating deer again." Atem replied.
Seto chuckled, "You would be correct Alpha. And I haven't." Seto replied.
"Thanks for the story Alpha. You're awesome." One of the children declared, their voice shining with pure adulation.
"Yeah, you're so amazing!" Another child whispered, sounding awestruck.
Atem chuckled, "Thank you. Now, why don't you kids go off and have yourselves some fun." Atem suggested.
The children needed no further prompting before they got up and scampered off.
Kisara just shook her head, "I've heard that story at least eight different times and each time I swear the bear gets bigger with the telling. At least its still a Black Bear in the story because the next thing I'm expecting if for the tale to be the five of you taking on a Grizzly." Kisara muttered.
Seto rolled his eyes, "You're exaggerating dearest. The bear was massive. If you'd seen it you would agree with us." Seto said.
Yami sighed, "I take it that is the story of how Akefia ended up with that scar on his face." Yami said.
Atem nodded, "That it is. It is also the story about how I got the pelt that I like to wear around my shoulders. That is a portion of the pelt from that bear. The rest of it is in our den." Atem said.
Yami snorted, "Well, isn't that an absolutely lovely story." Yami muttered.
Atem chuckled, "Are you trying to say you weren't impressed by the tale?" Atem teased.
Yami rolled her eyes, "Sure. You were brave and you managed to take down a bear. With help. You got lucky that all five of you didn't get yourselves killed." Yami muttered.
Atem just shook his head fondly, "Did you at least enjoy the story?" Atem asked.
Yami sighed but nodded, "It was a good story. But I'm serious Atem I don't want you ever telling our children that story. The last thing I want is for our children to set out to take on a bear because their father had managed it when he was a teenager."
Atem laughed, "Alright. Alright, fine. I won't tell them the story. But, that doesn't mean Seto, Malik, or Marik won't tell the story themselves." Atem said.
Seto slowly stood up and whispered something in Atem's ear. Atem frowned but nodded and whispered something back before Seto turned and disappeared into the crowd.
"What was that about?" Yami asked.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. Now, I don't know about you I want to get in a little more dancing before we call it a night." Atem said tugging Yami to her feet before leading her back out to dance.
