The Time of Wolves 2

Chapter 5: He Who Talks to Spirits

The hour was late in the town of Nome. Night had fallen, and the townspeople were preparing to turn in for the evening. Dingo was also making his last walk around the streets before he would return to his home to rest. It had been a dull day for Balto's eldest son. His youngest brother had left before he could get one more heckles in, his father was nowhere to be seen all day, and his mother had been sleeping most the day away. He may have been the most laid back of his siblings, but even he couldn't escape the feeling that boredom can have on someone. He just wished for some form of excitement.

"Sup bro!"

Speak of the devil. His sister, Saba, just happened to appear out of nowhere. Dingo had no idea where she gets it, but the husky had a unique talent for sneaking up on people. Perhaps his sister just wanted to see if that figment of speech of people jumping out their skins can become literal.

"Saba?" Dingo said without even a shrug. He had gotten used to Saba's antics, "What's up, sis? Are you doing better since this morning?"

"Oh yeah," Saba said while pouting over how she couldn't get one over her older brother, "I don't even remember why I was so upset with my humans to begin with." Dingo rolled his eyes. Of course, his sister would make a mountain out of a molehill only to suddenly forget that mountain even existed, "I wanted to hang out with mom, but she looked so tired when coming back from dads. Maybe I had a chance if she wasn't ambushed by Kodi."

"Wait, what?" asked Dingo.

"I know, right?" said Saba, "He completely took up most her time."

"No, I mean, what do you mean by ambush?" Dingo clarified, "Didn't he come back with mom?"

"No. I saw him come from his owner's house." Saba said, not understanding where Dingo was going with this, "Why?"

"Saba, Kodi left with mom to see dad about not feeling well, remember?"

"Oh yeah." Saba suddenly remembered, "He must've been speedy to get back before her."

"But why take up so much of mom's time when he's been with her all morning?" Dingo again asked, "Something smells fishy here."

"Well, of course it does," Saba said with confidence, "We live on a town by the beach after all."

Dingo moaned in irritation as he rolled his eyes, "Not what I mean, sis. Something seems out of place about all this."

"Like what?" said Saba sounding concerned.

"I don't know," Dingo admitted, "Let's meet up in the morning to continue this, okay?"

Saba agreed, and with that, the siblings parted ways to return to their respective homes. It might be nothing, it could be because he was tired, but Dingo had an odd feeling in his stomach. Something was up, Dingo could feel it. He'll have to wait until the next morning to start investigating. As he entered his home, the rust-colored husky hoped that his gut feelings were wrong before drifting off to sleep.

Balto didn't know why, but he was running. Running through the pitch-black forest all around him. There wasn't anything chasing him. Balto just had the urge to run for safety. As he ran, a massive spike made of ice shot out of the ground in front of him. Balto swerved out of the way before he could run into it. The wolfdog sprinted off in a different direction only for another icy spike to spring up from the ground.

No matter where he went, spikes continued to shoot out of the ground close to him. Balto did his best to bob and weave away from the spikes. A couple of times, he just missed being impaled while making sure to dodge others, but it mattered not. As far as he could tell, there was no way out of this accursed forest; it just seemed to go on forever.

"You're running out of time!" a voice said in the darkness, "If you don't find me, she will most certainly die!"

Columns of spikes suddenly surrounded the wolfdog on all sides. Slowly they converged on each other, leaving no room for Balto to jump through the gaps in between. The wolfdog was pushed to the center of the moving columns of icy spikes as they continued to close in. If that wasn't bad enough, the tips of these spikes were also bending inwards until they pointed at Balto. The spike's tips then began to shoot right at the wolfdog.

From underneath a large tree, Littlefoot awoke from his sleep upon hearing some sort of commotion next to him. Looking up, the little longneck saw that it was only Balto. He must be having quite the dream, for Balto was continually fidgeting in his sleep. He saw how the wolfdog's legs would run along nothing but empty air as if trying to get away from something. It was probably best not to wake him. The little longneck just thought that waking him may cause Balto to jump in fright.

Looking around, Littlefoot could see that he was the only one who was awake as of now. Cera, Petrie, and Boris were soundly sleeping under another tree. Spike was still sleeping next to Kemo, and he could see how Ducky's head was poking out from under the scruff of the giant wolf's neck. Obviously, the morning wasn't here just yet; it was probably best to get back to sleep. Littlefoot laid his head back down so that he may sleep once again. The longneck took in the scenery to wait for his eyes slowly became heavy. First blink: Littlefoot listened to the whistling of the wind through the trees. Second blink: he could make out the sound of rushing water not far from the clearing, which soothed him ever closer to sleep. Third blink: a white wolf appeared directly in front of him.

Littlefoot's eyes shot open as he couldn't believe what he was seeing. This wolf, with fur as white as snow, just came out of nowhere, with no trace, no warning. If Littlefoot had any idea of sleeping well, the sudden shock was enough for him to now be wide awake. The little longneck looked up to face the wolf who stared him straight in the eye. He wanted to look away but couldn't as he looked into the wolf's soft and comforting golden eyes. Littlefoot knew these eyes, he knew this wolf! From long ago, back when the gang was tricked to exile Balto for being a sharptooth, Littlefoot had a dream that night where this exact wolf visits him to warn that Balto was in mortal danger. How her voice, soft and wise, had convinced him to see the errors of his ways. But there was no way this could be her, could it? The wolf was just a figment of his imagination, wasn't she?

"Um…" Littlefoot struggled to come up with what to say to the wolf that just continued to stare at him, "Hello? Who… who are you?"

The white wolf didn't answer. She just continued to stare at the young longneck for a bit. Not long after, she turned around with her eyes still hanging onto Littlefoot until the wolf's back fully set. Soon she was walking out of the clearing, jumping up on the rocks in a way how Littlefoot could describe as floating through the air. On the rocks, the wolf looked back at Littlefoot in such a way that seemed to say she wanted something from him.

"Do you want me to follow you?" Littlefoot asked.

The wolf again didn't answer. She just gave him a sly smile as if he caught on. However, to Littlefoot's surprise, the wolf turned and left without so much a word. Littlefoot, still so full of questions, ran after her without even waking his sleeping friends. He climbed on the rocks to see where she went and was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her tail passing by some trees in the distance before chasing after. Once the young longneck reached that spot, he was almost a second too late as he only again saw the wolf's tail pass by further off.

"Wait!" he hollered, "You're going too fast for me!"

But no matter how hard he tried, Littlefoot couldn't catch up with the wolf. Every time he thought he would close the distance, Littlefoot would find that he just missed her. Even as he quickened his pace, it didn't seem to matter. From around every corner, behind every tree, and through every bush, Littlefoot was always barely able to catch a glimpse of this white wolf before she would appear somewhere else entirely. But after some time, Littlefoot lost track of the wolf. He looks around to see if there were any footprints to follow, but none exist. She had just vanished as suddenly as she appeared.

It was then that Littlefoot realized just how long he had been chasing after the wolf. The forest was already beginning to light up with the coming sun. The little longneck had no idea how far he had wandered off from the clearing. He was utterly lost without his friends by his side. Funny enough, Littlefoot felt that there was a reason for the white wolf to lead him here. Hopefully, his friends will find him soon enough.

"Littlefoot!"

Littlefoot heard off in the distances after several minutes of waiting. Quickly, he shouted off so that whoever could find him. Soon Littlefoot could see Balto barreling from the trees followed by the rest of the gang. It was plain as day that there was much worry in Balto's eyes.

"Littlefoot!" Ducky exclaimed happily while riding on Spike's head, "It's so good we found you. Yep, yep, yep!"

"We so worried." said Petrie as he flew up to hug his friend's neck.

"Thanks for finding me guys," said Littlefoot, "I'm sorry if I scared anyone."

Cera let out a halfhearted laugh, "Scared? I wasn't scared. I knew we would find you," it was clear that her confidence was simply a façade, but Littlefoot chose not to call it out, "Balto, though, I thought he was going to have a heart attack."

Littlefoot turned to Balto, and immediately wished he didn't. The little longneck could see a sternness within Balto. It was no different than how his grandparents would look at him if he did something wrong. It was enough for Littlefoot to want to turn away from the wolfdog's gaze.

"Littlefoot, what were you thinking?" Balto scolded the young dinosaurs, "Wandering off into the woods at night. After what happened last time, you should've known better. You could've been hurt, run into a predator, or worse!"

Littlefoot's head slumped with each possible danger that Balto listed off, which Boris notice, "Boychik, give the kid a break. It was just a simple mistake."

"No, it's okay, Mr. Boris," Littlefoot assured the old goose. Truth is, is that Littlefoot was upset, but not at Balto scolding him. He was more upset for disappointing the wolfdog in such a way, "I'm sorry, Balto. I swear, I really didn't mean to worry you."

Balto could feel Littlefoot's resolve, and thus released a heavy breath he's been holding in since waking up to find his young friend missing, "It's okay," his voice and expression soften, "I was just worried, and a bit frightened when you disappeared on us. But I'm just happy to see you're unharmed." Balto emphasized this by placing a paw on Littlefoot's shoulder in which caused the longneck to give him a warm smile, "Just promise me one thing."

"What?"

"No more late-night hikes through the woods," his response caused Littlefoot to chuckle before happily accepting the demands, "So, with that out of the way, what were you doing all the way out here anyway?"

Littlefoot knew he had no better excuse, so might as well tell the truth, "I was… following somebody."

"Sorry, but that is simply not possible," Kemo chimed in.

"Are you calling Littlefoot a liar?" Cera sneered.

Sensing that she was just looking for an excuse to fight him, Kemo took a deep breath and explained, "No, but Balto and I smelled no others when tracking Littlefoot. Henceforth, there was no one else here."

Littlefoot couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was no one? But that couldn't be true. Littlefoot knew what he saw. The white wolf appeared to him as clear as day. She wanted Littlefoot to follow after her. But, if what Kemo said was true, then what was he following?

"Wait," Kemo said with his nose in the air, "I know this scent." the massive wolf walked only a few feet before, "Balto, have a look at this."

Balto did as his brother asked and walked over to see what Kemo saw. The gang noticed a look of confusion on Balto's face. They all went to see what these wolves found so fascinating. Looking over the two canines, everyone realized what they were looking at. In front of them stood a steep grassy hill, and at the base was none other than a cave. It looked wide enough for all of them to fit in. On high, a large piece of earth protruded from on top of the cave's opening with some small boulders along the side leading onto it. A small tree was growing from on top this slab of as well that looked to be waiting to greet any visitors passing by.

Balto turned to Kemo and asked, "Is this…?"

"Yes," Kemo cut Balto off, "This is Nava's cave." Kemo then turned his sights on Littlefoot, "How did you know this was here?"

"I didn't," Littlefoot said, which made Kemo look at him quizzically, "I swear." he was soon growing uncomfortable with everyone's eyes on him, "Honest!"

Balto could see Littlefoot's discomfort, so he went to calm his young friend down, "It's okay, Littlefoot, I believe you." the wolfdog gave Kemo a look that pled for his brother to not push this any further. The large scarred wolf gave one single blink, which meant that he would comply, "Well, we didn't come all out this way for nothing." Balto turned to the rest of the young dinosaurs, "You guys stay here. Nava's pretty old, we don't want to give the poor wolf a heart attack."

The gang agreed to lay back as Balto, Kemo, and Boris approached the cave. The trio stopped right at the mouth of the cave when Kemo let out a low howl to alert whoever was inside. From inside stepped out an old wolf. This was Nava. He stood two inches taller than Balto and possessed scruffy brown fur, which had dulled out over the years. The hair under Nava's chin was somewhat longer than the rest on his body, giving off the impression that he had a beard. His amber eyes looked over the three who stood before him from Boris to Kemo, before finally resting on Balto. His tired face soon morphed into a smile.

"Welcome, my brothers," Nava greeted the two canines, "Balto, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Nava, it's been a long time," Balto said giving the old wolf a respectful bow, "I would like to introduce you to Boris,"

"Yes, Kemo has told me about you," Nava greeted the old goose, "From what I heard, you did a great job in raising such a fine wolf."

"Well, at least someone finally recognizes my expert parental skills." Such boasting from Boris caused Balto and Kemo to collectedly roll their eyes.

"He also made it a point to mention how tasty you are," Nava said with a chuckle. Legend has it that, for only a fraction of a second, Kemo actually cracked a smile from that, "So, what brings you to me on this fine day? It can't be just to introduce me to your adopted family member."

Balto nodded, "It's hard to explain, but strange things have been happening..."

"Yes, yes," Nava stopped Balto's explanation dead in its tracks, "I would very much want to help with that. But first, it would be rude to continue without you introducing me to the rest of your friends."

At first, Balto turned to his brother with a look that asks how he knew that. Kemo just had a look that said, of course, he did. Balto figured that, since there was nothing left to hide, might as well come clean. The wolfdog signaled to the bushes and trees that it was okay for everyone to come out. One by one, the young dinosaurs walked out into the old grey wolf's area of view. Despite the children's worried looks of meeting yet another predator, Nava did not look at all that surprised at the sight before him. If anything, there was an aura of calm that surrounded Nava as a comforting smile stretched across his face.

"Greetings, young ones," said the old wolf, "You are all from beyond time, yes?"

"Um… I guess so," Littlefoot had no idea how to answer such title, "But how did you know we weren't from around here?"

Nava found some humor in the question as it were common as asking the color of the sky, "Of course, for I have been expecting you. Though I'm no stranger to the powers of the great spirits, it is still a blessing to see them at work." the children had shock expressions on faces, well most of them, "Yes, it is by their will that you are here before us today."

"Oh, please." Cera muttered under her breath.

Nava didn't seem to hear her or, if he did, he didn't show it, "But there will be plenty of time to discuss such things," Nava stepped aside for the young ones, "Before then, please, you are all welcomed in my den to escape the cold."

There was some hesitation from the dinosaurs, but they were reminded of the stories that Balto told of Nava. If the stories were to be believed, then there was nothing for them to fear from the old wolf. Plus, it did help that there was such sincerity behind Nava's voice. It also helped that the adults of their party walked alongside them so to ease the tension. It seemed to work for all but one.

"Cera?" Littlefoot looked back to see the threehorn staying put. There was some initial confusion, but Littlefoot assured Balto that he would take care of this as everyone went inside, "Cera, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Cera said with her nose in the air, "I just don't feel like going in, that's all. I'm perfectly fine out here."

"Really?" Littlefoot looked upon her with suspicion, "Because I remember how you kept complaining about the cold since we woke up here."

"Yeah… well… I got used to it."

It was a blatant lie if Littlefoot ever heard one, "Come on, Cera, what's really going on?"

Cera huffed while trying to hide from the longneck's stares. It wasn't working, "Alright fine," she sneered in frustration, "I don't trust that guy."

"Really?" Littlefoot asked, "But Nava seems nice."

"So were Jiao and his brothers when they first came to the valley," Cera retorted, "At least until we learned how much of a creep he was."

"But Nava doesn't act like Jiao."

"Oh, open your eyes, Littlefoot!" Cera shot back, "Not even ten minutes after meeting him, and he's already spouting nonsense about spirits, destiny, and stuff. Now, who does that remind you of? I mean, we all know spirits don't exist."

At first, Littlefoot didn't know if he could believe that. Not after that encounter with the white wolf who just disappeared in thin air. But he couldn't tell that to Cera, or she'd start laughing at him, "We have no other choice but to trust him." he said before heading into the cave.

Cera just turned away and scoffed at such a notion. Surely they didn't need some crazy old wolf's help to get back home. At least that's what she hoped would be the case. Poor kid really just couldn't let go of her own sensibility of how the world works that was instilled into her for so long. Cera was raised with the sense that the world worked how she and her father had seen it worked for all their years, and anything that can't be seen as real meant it couldn't exist. Oh, how she missed the days she could blissfully believe that things such as time travel, sticks that shoot fire, and being able to fly without wings sounded like nonsensical dribble. However, those days seem to be far behind her ever since meeting Balto. The last thing she needed was to surrender another one of her sensibilities. Reluctantly, Cera entered the cave anyway, for it was better than being alone. Once inside, she could see how everyone was gathered around Nava, who was sitting where he blocked off the back of the cave. From how it looked, it seems that everyone was having quite a good time conversing with the old wolf.

"Look who has finally come to join us," Nava said in a manner that was neither mocking or condescending but welcoming, "I'm glad you join us, Cera, am I right?"

"What? Did your 'spirits' tell you that?" she couldn't help but act critical of such things.

"No. Balto did." Nava again said without any hint of animosity for her attitude. Cera just laid down quietly with her head in between her front legs.

"Please excuse her," Balto said, "They've got a spiritual leader back where they come from, and let's just say he's not pleasant."

"It's alright," Nava assured the wolfdog, "I know that it is hard for some to believe in that which is unseen." Cera grumbled to herself as they talked about her.

"Um, Mr. Nava, sir?" Petrie raised his wing in shyness.

"Please, just call me Nava," the old wolf could sense the flyer's nervousness, "What is it you wish to know, young one?"

"You see ghost, right?" Petrie asked in which Nava nodded and corrected that term was 'spirits,' "You see any here?" he was shivering when he asked that.

Nava moved his eyes around the cave in a way that was more playful than serious, "No. There are no spirits with us at this time."

"Big surprise." Cera mumbled to herself, which was really starting to earn Kemo's ire.

"Excuse me?" Littlefoot spoke up, "What did you mean by what you said earlier about us being here because of the will of the spirits. What does that mean?"

"That is a good question," said Nava, "What you are all experiencing is a phenomenon that isn't to be taken likely. For the most part, the great spirits and their interactions with us are limited. They guide us, test us, warn us, or sometimes comfort us even if we never notice they are there." The dinosaurs leaned in ever so curious, "But the great spirits are capable of much more than that. Some can control elements, tame storms, possess an individual so that his will is their own. For these spirits, time is meaningless. Which is how you've been taken from yours. They need you to accomplice something for them. Only then will you be sent back to your homes."

"If they are so powerful, then why do they need our help?" Cera asked with such a know-it-all fashion, "Why not just handle the problem themselves."

"It is because of such power why they cannot," Nava answered, "As they are the souls of the departed and are not of our world any longer, thus they have long lost their claim to it. There are limits to how much the spirits are allowed to partake in our affairs without outright interfering with us. Those that go too far are severely punished for their transgression."

"But if that's true, then how did these spirits send us to the future if they can't make us do things we don't want to?" asked Ducky.

"A rule that cannot be broken can still be bent." Nava said casually, "To open a rift through time itself a task that is rarely utilized, for it already can interfere with the lives of others. To get around it, the spirits must put you all in a position where going through the rift would have been an inevitability."

"So, they trick us." Cera said bluntly.

Nava chuckled, "If that is how you wish to rationalize it, then yes."

"But what about the reason we were brought here?" Littlefoot asked, "How are we suppose to know what that is?"

"That is not for me to say," Nava was quick to answer, "That is up to the spirit who has brought you here." The gang looked at the old wolf in confusion, "Have you not already spoken to the spirit? Not even through your dreams?" again, they all looked on in utter confusion. All except for Cera, who had a 'no due' expression on her face.

"That's why we came to you, Nava," Balto said worriedly, "I was hoping that you may have some clues to what we need to do. Maybe had a dream vision of some sort."

Nava looked on the wolfdog with suspicion, "Is that so?" he knew that Balto wasn't entirely honest, but looking through the wolfdog's eyes said that he was simply not ready to discuss it. Clearly, something was troubling Balto's mind, "Very well. I have indeed been having dream visions, but, as of late, they are unlike what I've come to expect. They seem twisted, wrong, horrific."

"Sounds like a normal nightmare to me." Cera said sarcastically.

"I know the difference between a dream and my visions," Nava asserted, "But these are unlike the visions I'm used to. You were right, Balto. Strange things are happening. But what they are, I do not know."

"So, there's no way you can help us?" Littlefoot said, sounding defeated.

Nava looked around to see how the children looked down in the dumps along with a few of the adults. It was disheartening to see them all in such a state. In his heart, Nava knew better than to admit what he was about to say but also knew it was their only chance.

"I do know of what could help," Nava's words lit a spark of hope within the group, "Far to the north here there lies a mountain abandoned by the local wildlife. Despite its appearance, the mountain is hollow and holds a secret that the great spirits hid deep within. I believe that what lies there can provide you with the answers that you seek." the little dinosaurs were ecstatic as they thanked the old wolf, "Kemo, you know the way to the Hallow Mountain. I hope it doesn't trouble you to guide them a bit longer."

"You don't have to ask me twice," Kemo replied, "I'll do whatever it takes to help my brother out."

A friendly smile stretched on Nava's face, "Then I will wish you all luck on your coming journey," at least he would before the growls of Spike's stomach echoed through, "But, perhaps you should all get something to eat before your long journey."

With that all said and done, most of the gang left the cave. The dinosaurs, except for Cera, thanked Nava for his hospitality and help as they went to feed on the trees close by. From there, only Balto, Littlefoot, and Kemo remained with Nava. Each of which had parting words for the old wolf.

"Thanks for all the help Nava," said Balto, "It really means a lot."

"Yeah. It's great to meet someone from Balto's stories." Littlefoot remark.

Nava softly laughed, "I'm flattered. But no thanks are necessary. You and your daughter saved my clan from starvation. This is the least I can do."

"Speaking of which," Balto began, "What ever happened to Niju? Last I saw you, you were determined to have him join back up with you."

Nava gave a sad nod of recognition, "I regret to say that Niju has wander where I can no longer follow in my old age.

"Good riddance," Kemo said with venom in his voice, "A wolf that puts his own selfish needs above his pack might as well not deserve one."

Nava urged Kemo to calm himself, "Even though Niju has lost his way, I still wish him peace wherever he is."

"Well, I should get back to the others before Boris starts to nag their ears off," Balto stepped up and began to exit the cave, "Littlefoot, you coming?"

"I'll join in just one moment," Littlefoot said, which Balto obliged as he walked out. Once Littlefoot was sure that the wolfdog was out of earshot, he spoke, "Nava, I was wondering, how do you know if you've seen a spirit or not?"

"Why do you ask young one?" the old wolf asked with a sly smile.

Littlefoot wanted to tell what he saw this morning, but his attention was turned to Kemo, whose eyebrow was raised. Immediately, he felt butterflies fill his stomach. His mind went back to how Kemo acted so suspicious of him when they found Nava's cave. If only the white wolf weren't so intimidating. Either way, nerves got the better of the young longneck.

"No reason." he said before joining the others.

"He's hiding something." Kemo said after Littlefoot left.

Nava just let out a hearty laugh, "He is. But out of worry and uncertainty, not malice. You should really learn to be more trusting."

"I trust Balto, so I trust them," Kemo told him, "Even if one of them drives up the walls." Nava continued to laugh, "You were also withholding information. Why didn't you tell them the full legend of what the mountain holds?" Nava's laugh has ceased as his expression became stern. Even so, the meaning behind his silence was deafening, "He's real?"

"As real as you and me." Nava answered.

Like that, something rare happened in that cave. Kemo's heart skipped a beat. Why shouldn't it if what Nava said was true? Now, with an idea of what would lie ahead was Kemo more willing to look after his honorary brother. Kemo bid Nava farewell before heading off to the others. Not long after the children were well fed, would they start their journey. This group was going to have a long day to follow. The sooner he led to Hallow Mountain, the better to leave it as well.

For the past hour, Nava watched over the group while they remained, and bid them a final goodbye as they left. More time past as Nava stayed in his cave. However, the old wolf was not alone. From deep in the unseen back of Nava's cave, a white wolf crawled out and stood behind him. Nava needn't look back. He knew that she was there.

"It is done," Nava said with looking back, "They will be on their way to the hallow mountain. I suspect they will arrive by the next day. I still believe it is risky for them to go there, especially with the young ones in tow." the white wolf didn't answer, or at least not verbally, "Yes, I know he has become quite restless ever since Balto returned from past. He has even managed to disrupt you from messaging through Balto or Littlefoot's dreams." silence filled the cave as the white wolf made a passing glance northward, "I guess you're right. This will let us know what he's up to. But are you sure you want your son to meet him, Aniu?"

Aniu closed her eyes to contemplate the question. When she opened them to face Nava, she answered, "No. But they were always destined to meet sooner or later."

End of chapter 5

A/N: Another day, another chapter now finished. However, there is more to come. I also hope to post a bonus chapter by the end of the month to better hint at what's to come. Until then, I hope you enjoyed it, and don't forget to leave a review. Till next time.