DISCLAIMER: I do not own T10K or it's characters. All the other characters
are made upon my own imagination.
New Life, new adventures
Chapter One
Wolf got tired. He spent the day painting his son's room. He colored the walls blue, adding pictures of wolves and wolf cubs. He wanted to raise his son as a wolf, like him. Virginia didn't like the idea. She wanted her kid to grow up as a normal human. But, that didn't stop Wolf from his thoughts.
- Wolf, please stop painting! Come and have some rest.
Wolf seemed happy to hear that. He actually wanted to hear his wife calling him for supper. He replied:
-I'm coming honey. Just as soon as I finish this one.
He was drawing a big wolf. It seemed so powerful. He wanted that one to be the most inspiring picture in the room. At that moment Virginia entered the room:
- Could you stop this?! Mike is too young to understand what you want to tell him by that!
- Oh, Virginia, you don't understand. I want him to learn about wolves, starting now! He must know who are his ancestors, and his father! ME!
- Remember about HIS MOTHER?? She's a HUMAN. He must learn about that, too.
She went, slamming the door on her way out. Wolf stopped painting and stood near the window and thought:
He went to the kitchen and watched how Virginia was feeding their two-week- old baby. He noticed tear drop going down her cheek. He felt guilty about what he said. He came near, kissed her and said:
- I'm sorry to interrupt, but, uh.. I'm hungry too. Would you feed me?
- O.K., just as soon as I finish with him.
After five minutes she took Mike to her room where his bed was. Mike was already sleeping. She put him in his bed and came back to the kitchen to see her husband sitting on the floor in front of the refrigerator.
-What're you doing? - She asked.
-Oh, I'm waiting (nodding his head).. for my dinner. I didn't want to search for it by myself. I would have eaten everything here if I did so.
- Well.. Thanks for caring at last.. I can't go shopping after each time you jump into the refrigerator.
Wolf looked into Virginia's eyes with a guilty look on his face. Virginia noticed that her husband is starving.
- O.K., 5 minutes and dinner will be ready.
She put the dishes on the table and brought a chicken that she cooked.
- Huff-Puff... I'm starving. Hmm, that smells grrrrrreat! Chicken! Yes! Oh boy, I'm so lucky today!!!
- Wait, I'm not finished with it yet.
Virginia brought some salads and juice. They sat in front of each other. She didn't eat much, but Wolf couldn't hold himself from swallowing everything he saw on the table. Virginia sat there watching him. She smiled and said:
- You look like a person who hasn't been eating for the last two years.
- I'm a wolf! When I'm hungry, I eat everything!
He continued his "dinner".
Meanwhile Mike was sleeping in his parent's room. A person showed up from behind the curtains, dressed all in black. She came closer to the baby's bed, touched his face, and said:
- Hello darling. You won't live to see your fifth birthday.
At that moment Wolf stopped eating and felt a smell. Virginia noticed that her husband was uncomfortable. So, she asked:
- What's wrong honey?
- Someone's here. I smell a bad thing.
- I don't hear anything.- Virginia said in a concerned tone.
Suddenly Wolf shouted:
-Oh my God! Mike! She's there with him!
He dropped the meat and ran to the room, Virginia followed him. He entered, but saw no one there. Mike was sleeping like an angel. Wolf searched everywhere in the room including the wardrobe, under the bed, but found no one.
- I swear I smelled here here. Grrrr, if she hurts my son, I'll tear her into pieces.
- Tear whom into pieces? - Asked Virginia.
- No one honey. I was wrong, there's no one here.
He went out, feeling unsecured. He didn't want Virginia to know what or whom he smelled.
- I lost my appetite.
- Wolf, is there something you're hiding from me?
- Who me? No, no. Everything is O.K., I just lost my appetite for today.
Virginia cleaned the table, and then she started to wash the dishes. Wolf was sitting in his favorite couch. He was thinking about that smell. That evening passed and they didn't talk much.
- I'm going to sleep honey. Are you coming?
Wolf didn't answer. He was busy with analyzing his fears of that smell.
- Wolf! Are you listening?
He turned to her and said:
- Go to sleep my love. I want to stay awake for a while.
- O.K., good night honey.
She came near him, kissed him, and went to sleep.
Finally Wolf reached to the top of his fears. He felt that smell before; he didn't like it at all. That smell was the only thing that he feared.. That smell was like.. The Queen!!
- Cripes! Please tell me I'm wrong, please!
He got up and went to his room. He saw his wife and son sleeping. He took a deep breath, and went to bed.
Two years passed. Wolf forgot about what he felt that day, two years ago. He was watching TV, when Mike tried to make his first move. He noticed that, jumped up and called Virginia, who was at work:
- Virginia! He's walking! Huff-puff! He's walking!
- Wolf calm down! It's normal. You'll scare him by shouting like that. (She paused here) What did you just say? He's walking? I'm coming home.
She ran to her boss' office. Asked for a permission to go home, saying that she felt sick. She went home as fast as she could.
When she entered, she saw them both playing in the living room. Wolf was running after Mike trying to teach him how to run away.
- Honey, I'm so happy! I never thought that I would ever see him walking.
- Oh, come on Virginia.. He's just a kid. He would have learned someday, and today he did!! Isn't that great?
At that moment the doorbell rang. Virginia went and opened the door. She was shocked. She smiled, and welcomed her dad and.. Wendell.
- Oh my God!! I never thought that I would see you again Prince! Oh, I mean your Majesty.
- Hello Virginia. How are you? And please, call me Wendell; I'm tired of the word Majesty.. I thought that I'd visit your father, and he told me that you already have a child. So, I decided to come.
She welcomed him, and invited them to enter.
- Hey, look who's here! It's the King!
- Hello Wolf. How are you?
- As good as I can be! My son walked today!
He held Mike and said:
- Son, I'd like you to meet His Majesty King Wendell, who pardoned all the wolves in the 9 kingdoms.
They had lunch together. And talked about the past, remembered when Wendell was turned into a dog, and how Virginia's hair got long.
Suddenly the phone rang. Wolf felt concerned. He went to answer it, but there was no one there. He knew that there's something wrong, but didn't show it.
- Wolf come and sits. Stop talking on the phone that much!
- I wasn't talking Tony. There was no one on the phone. Maybe it was a wrong number.
- Maybe it was.- Said Wendell in a suspicious tone.
It was time for Wendell to leave. He asked Virginia to bring Mike so he would say goodbye.
- He might be sleeping now. I don't hear his voice. Come, I'll show you his room.
She took Wendell to Mike's room. When she opened the door, she noticed that the window was opened.
- Oh, Wolf forgot to close the window again.- and she went to close it.
- And where is your son, Virginia?
- In his bed, over...- She turned to point to the bed, but couldn't continue the sentence. The bed was empty.
- Mike! Wolf! He's gone!
She ran out to call her husband, and they both came back to the room.
- He's gone Wolf! Mike's gone!
Wolf and Wendell searched the entire house, Tony searched outside. But, no luck. Suddenly, Virginia remembered that the window in the room was opened.
- The window was opened! - She said, and looked at Wolf - You left it opened!
- No I didn't. I closed it this time, I swear!
Wendell found a letter on Mike's bed.
- Look what I found. It was in the bed
Virginia took the letter and started to read:
"Want your kid back? Bring me your husband. You have three days to get here; otherwise you won't see your son again. Christine".
- Oh my God! It can't be.- Virginia couldn't hold her tears.- She can't be alive.
- What? Give me that letter!- Wolf took it from Virginia's hand and read it:
- Cripes! I felt this would happen.
And he remembered what he smelled two years ago.
- She was here two years ago!
- What are you talking about?- Asked Tony.
- She's dead! I killed her, remember?- Said Virginia.
- No, no. She was here. Virginia, remember that day when I was painting Mike's room? When I felt a smell at dinner?
- Yes, so?
- It was she. I didn't say anything, becuase I didn't want to believe that she's back.
- Oh my God.. My son's gonna get killed. Wolf, what'll we do?
- Calm down honey.- He hugged Virginia and continued.- We'll find him. I promise.
- But the letter.. She wants you.. I can't give you to her.
- She didn't mention where she took the baby, didn't she?- Asked Tony.
- No dad. She didn't.
- Then she's somewhere in the kingdoms.- Said Wendell.- Come on let's go there and we'll find them.
They all left to the Central Park, where the traveling mirror was opened. They reached to Wendell's castle.
- Now what are we supposed to do?- Asked Tony.- Any ideas?
- I say we have some rest, and after it we start searching.- Said Wendell.
- I can't rest! My son's gonna be killed. And you say let's have a rest?? I demand that we start searching right now!
Wolf agreed with his wife:
- Yes! Let's start right now. I want my son back, and I want him back right now!
- We will find him.- Wendell was trying to calm the worried parents. But no use.
- I can't wait anymore. I'm going to find him. Virginia are you coming with me?- Wolf asked Virginia, although he didn't want her to come. He didn't want her to get hurt. He knew this was a dangerous thing that they're doing. But, nothing could stop Virginia. They left together. Tony and Wendell stayed at the palace, trying to solve the quiz using a map.
Meanwhile Wolf and Virginia walked through the woods, without knowing where they were heading.
- Wolf, where are we supposed to look for him?
- I don't know honey. I just feel that we are on the right way.
They continued walking until they reached a house in the center of the woods. Wolf was surprised. he knew the woods very well, but he never noriced that house.
- I never saw this house. maybe it's new.
- Things may have changed over here. It's been three years now since we left.- Said Virginia andcontinued.- Let's see if there's someone living here. I'm hungry.
- Me too.
And they came near the house. There was no one outside, neither inside. The house wasempty. wolf tried to open the door, but it was locked.
- It's locked. I'll break this door, so we would get inside.
He brought a piece of a metal that he found near the house. he tried to open the door, but failed. Virginia found an axe and gave it to Wolf. This time the door was opened.
Everything was clean inside. Virginia was amazed.
- Wow, look at the furniture, and the kitchen.. it's so beautiful.
- Someone lived here. I just can't understand how come everything is so clean?
Wolf went to the kitchen, where Virginia was.
- Virginia, I'm hungry. Is there something to eat?
- I'm trying to find the food. But I don't know where is it.
Wolf felt a strange smell. It smelled like... him.
- I don't keep the food here.
A voice heard from the door. Both, Virginia and Wolf turned to see whom voice was that. It was a girl. But she was dressed like a man. She had long hair, and a... tail. And she wasn't hiding it.
Virginia came closer to her to apologize for entering without permission:
- We're sorry to break the door of your house. We thought that no one lives here. We apologize.
Wolf couldn't speak. He was staring at the young woman, who wasn't exactly what she seemed to be. She was half a wolf, just like him.
He came closer to her carefully:
- Are you a...
- Yes, I am a wolf. Just like you.- She replied before he could finish his question. And she continued:
- You are both hungry, aren't you?
Virginia nodded agreeing. Wolf couldn't move. He was in a shock. It was the first time to see a half wolf after all this time. Not to mention it was a female. The last time he saw a half wolf was when they met the gypsies.
- Wolf, are you O.K.?- Asked Virginia.
- Yes. I must go out. Wait here. I'll be back.- And he went out running.
Virginia was confused by her husband's behavior.
- I'm sorry. He must be confused.- She turned to the young woman.- You see, our son has been kidnaped.
- I know, they talk about it here. All the kingdom knows.
- By the way, my name is Virginia. What's your name?
- Lucy. What's your kid's name?
- Mike.
- O.K., oh by the way, nice to meet you.
- Thanks. Umm, Lucy, do you have something to eat? I'm so hungry.
At last Lucy smiled.
- Come, I'll take you to the place where I keep the food.
Behind the house she had a little place, which looked like a store room. They entered the place, and Virginia was amazed with what she saw.
-You have a modern kitchen over here.
- This is where I spend most of my day. The other one in the house is not for me. I don't eat there.
- Then, who does?
- My guests. If I have any. Come, let's see what do we have here.
She brought some fresh meat, cut them into little pieces and made some soup, adding some potatos to it.
- I hope you like it.
Virginia tasted the soup, and said:
- It's great. I never had such a soup before.
Lucy smiled:
- I never made such a soup before.
Meanwhile Wolf was walking in the woods. Thinking about Lucy. He never that he would meet a half wolf again. He decided to go back. When he reached the house he couldn't notice anyone inside. But he found where the two women were by using his nose. He entered without knocking. Virginia and Lucy were talknig about different things, they were laughing so loud. Then they noticed Wolf.
- Wolf, come in, me and Lucy talked about everything. She's so nice. Come and have something to eat.- Virginia offered him a seat.
Wolf wasn't able to eat. All he was thinking about was his son. It was evening, and he was tired.
- I'm not hungry. Thank you, but I can't eat now.
He pushed the plate away, and turned to Lucy:
- I'm sorry to break the door of your house. And, umm, my name is Wolf. I'm Virginia's husband.
- I know Wolf, nice to meet you. I'm Lucy.
- You have a nice name.
- Thank you.
- I feel a strange smell in you. You're a wolf? But you don't smell like a wolf exactly.
Lucy didn't like the question. Her smile disspaeared:
- You're right. Now if you'll excuse me. I'll go to my room. Make yourself at home.
She went to her room, closed the door and broke into tears.
Wolf and Virginia went into the house again.
- Wolf, what're we going to do? How are we going to find Mike?
- We'll find him honey. Go to sleep now.
- O.K., good night.
- Sweet dreams creamy girl.
Virginia went to the room which Lucy showed her. She couldn't sleep. Wolf was still in the living room. He stood near the window watching the dark sky.
It was about 3 AM. Wolf was still awake. He couldn't stop thinking about Mike. Suddenly he heared footsteps behind him. It was Lucy.
- You can't sleep?
- No, I'm concerned about my son.
- Come to the kitchen. I'll make a hot chocolate. It'll make you relax a little bit.
They went to the kitchen which was in the house. Lucy made the chocolate and handed a cup to Wolf.
- Thank you.- He drank a little and continued.- This is good. Where did you get it from?
- I bought it three weeks ago.- Lucy replied, and continued drinking without looking at Wolf.
- So, which kingdom do you come from Lucy?- Wolf asked.
- None of them. I'm not from here.
Wolf was surprized:
- Not from here? What do you mean?
- I was born in New York. My parents are humans.
This time Wolf was interested in the details. He wouldn't meet a wolf whose parents are humans anywhere. So he asked:
- Your parents are humans? Huff-puff! How come you're a wolf?
- It's a long story.
- I'm all ears!
- Well, I was a human before. But someday the queen turned me into a wolf, and when I managed to return a human again, only my body changed, although I still have a tail. But my brain is half wolf's and half human's. Sometimes I think like a wolf, sometimes like a human. It's complicated.
- I know. I felt like that before. But why did the queen turn you into a wolf?
- I was going to stop her plans for taking over the 4th kingdom. She wanted the King's death.
- Cripes! She never stops. But she was dead, wasn't she?- Wolf asked with the hope the answer would be "Yes, she is dead".
- She didn't die. Everyone thought that she's dead. But her evil powers kept her soul alive. She's more dangerous now.
- And she has my son.
- I feel sorry about that. But I'll help you to find him.
No one knew where would the queen be. No one ever saw her after her death. Tony and Wendell decided to stay at the palace and send soldiers to search for Mike and the place where he may be.
It was morning. The second day. Virginia was nervous. She had one day left. She didn't know what to do. She would lose one of the two persons that she mostly love. Her husband and her son. She was confused. She went to the kitchen where Wolf and Lucy were.
- Good morning.
- Good morning honey. Did you sleep well?- Wolf came near and kissed her cheek, trying to comfort her.
- I guess so. Haven't you slept at all?
- No, I couldn't.
- He was awake all night.- Said Lucy.- He couldn't stop thinking of ways to find the queen's place of hiding.
Meanwhile Tony woke up and saw a little bird on the desk which was near the window. The window was opened. He got up and tried to catch the bird, but it flew away. He noticed an envelope on the desk. It was like the one he saw at Virginia's house. He opened it and read the letter: "You have two days to bring Wolf to me. He must be at the lake in the middle of the woods, otherwise you won't see the kid again."
- Oh my God. If she wants Wolf, she would kill him, Mike and anyone else who would be with them near the lake. I must tell Wendell about this.- He ran to Wendell's room.
- Wendell wake up! Look what I found in my room!
- Anthony I have 5 more minutes to sleep. Do not disturb me please.
- Oh, come on! It's a letter from Christine!
- What? Let me see it!
Wendell read the letter.
- But where are Wolf and Virginia? How can they know about this?
- I don't know. I'm sure she's planning something by sending this letter here. She wants us to be there, too. To kill us! Maybe you should send some of your men to look for them. We don't have time. Or even better, we can go out and find them!
- No Anthony, it's too dangerous. Besides, my soldiers would find them faster.
Wendell ordered four of his best scouts to go and search for Virginia and Wolf.
At the same time Virginia, Wolf and Lucy were getting ready to leave the house. Virginia noticed that Lucy took soem bottles of red wine with her. She wondered and asked:
- What is the wine for?
- I'll need it to sleep tonight, so I wouldn't bother anyone.
- But why? Why would you bother us?
- I hate to say it Virginia, but tonight it will be a fullmoon night.
Virginia started to get scared. At that moment Wolf came.
- Come on let's go.- He noticed the bottles and asked:
- What're these for? Are we going to celebrate something?
- No, it's for sleeping.- Lucy replied and moved on into the woods.
- Sleeping?- Wolf wondered.
- Wolf. Tonight will be a full moon.- Virginia said with a scared tone.
- Oh boy. I know that. I guess it'll be an unforgettable night. Huff-puff, let's go now.
They walked untill they reached to a place where the trees were in a circle, making a big open rounded area.
- Let's have a rest here.- Said Lucy and threw her back sack to the ground, and sat on it.
- Where should we go next?- Asked Virginia, believing that the wolves would feel on which direction they should move.
- I'm not sure.- Said Wolf.- I don't smell anything here.
- Even if you try, you wouldn't feel anything here.- Said Lucy.- This place is called Restwood. Anyone who comes here stops to rest, and during it he forgets why was he out here, and after leaving he remembers.
- Oh I see. That means that we would forget that we are...- Virginia stopped.- why are we here?
- I don't know.- Said Wolf.- Let's sleep a little, I'm tired.
After one hour Lucy woke up and decided it was time to leave.
- Wolf, Virginia wake up, we must leave now.
Virginia got up and asked:
- Where are we going?
- You'll know later.- Said Lucy.- Wolf! Come on, get up!
Wolf finally woke up and they headed to the forest again. When they got out of Restwood, Virginia's memory came back:
- I remember now! My memory's back!
- Good for you honey. Try not to lose it again, we'll need it for sure.- Wolf said.
- Let's go south.- Said Lucy, and without waiting for a response she continued walking. Wolf and Virginia followed her.
Wolf was curios about lucy's story. He told Virginia about it. Virginia was amazed:
- Lucy, why did you stay here, and didn't return to New York?
- I didn't want to. If I am a wolf, I would've caused much trouble over there. So, I decided that this is the best place for me.
- Hey! I'm a wolf too, well half wolf in fact (scratching his head), but I didn't hurt anyone there.
- You are not alone. That's why you can control yourself.- Lucy's voice was full of sadness. Wolf knew that there was something behind it. Virginia noticed the sadness on Lucy's face, and tried to cheer her up.
- We're with you Lucy. You're not alone anymore.
Lucy didn't reply, she just smiled and continued walking without saying a word.
After a long walk they found a place to rest. At that moment they heard voices comming closer. It was the scout who was sent by the king to find them.
- Are you Virginia and Wolf?- He asked.
- Yes.- Virginia replied.- And who are you?
- I was sent by His Majesty King Wendell to find you. He and his friend recieved a letter which said that Wolf must be near a lake in the middle of the forest tomorrow evening, by sunset. His Majesty said that the letter was from someone called Chris.
Wolf whispered in Virginia's ear:
- It's a letter from the queen. Looks like Wendell didn't want his men to know that she's alive.
Virginia tried hard to stop her tears. She managed that, but couldn't hold the shaking voice:
- Thank you for the message. Go and tell my dad that we're O.K., and we'll be back when we find Mike.
- Yes Miss. I will. Now, if you'll excuse me.
He rode his horse and went back.
The soldiers couldn't find any track that would lead to the queen's hiding place. They rode back to the palace.
Wendell was nervous. He remembered how his stepmother turned him into a dog. He was afraid that she would do the same again.
- Anthony.- He talked trying to look as calm as he could, but that didn't work.- What if we fail? What would happen if the queen return to the palace? What if she turns me into a dog again?
- You wouldn't live to turn you into a dog.
Wendell stared at him scared.
- Come on, Wendell. She's DEAD! remember? I think that this is someone else, who is pretending to be her. At least I hope so. But if you turned into a dog again, I'll keep you and protect you. Like I did in the past.- He put his hand on Wendell's shoulder.- Just try to relax and think about something else. I won't let her hurt you.
Wendell smiled, and put his hand on Tony's shoulder:
- You're a true friend Anthony.
New Life, new adventures
Chapter One
Wolf got tired. He spent the day painting his son's room. He colored the walls blue, adding pictures of wolves and wolf cubs. He wanted to raise his son as a wolf, like him. Virginia didn't like the idea. She wanted her kid to grow up as a normal human. But, that didn't stop Wolf from his thoughts.
- Wolf, please stop painting! Come and have some rest.
Wolf seemed happy to hear that. He actually wanted to hear his wife calling him for supper. He replied:
-I'm coming honey. Just as soon as I finish this one.
He was drawing a big wolf. It seemed so powerful. He wanted that one to be the most inspiring picture in the room. At that moment Virginia entered the room:
- Could you stop this?! Mike is too young to understand what you want to tell him by that!
- Oh, Virginia, you don't understand. I want him to learn about wolves, starting now! He must know who are his ancestors, and his father! ME!
- Remember about HIS MOTHER?? She's a HUMAN. He must learn about that, too.
She went, slamming the door on her way out. Wolf stopped painting and stood near the window and thought:
He went to the kitchen and watched how Virginia was feeding their two-week- old baby. He noticed tear drop going down her cheek. He felt guilty about what he said. He came near, kissed her and said:
- I'm sorry to interrupt, but, uh.. I'm hungry too. Would you feed me?
- O.K., just as soon as I finish with him.
After five minutes she took Mike to her room where his bed was. Mike was already sleeping. She put him in his bed and came back to the kitchen to see her husband sitting on the floor in front of the refrigerator.
-What're you doing? - She asked.
-Oh, I'm waiting (nodding his head).. for my dinner. I didn't want to search for it by myself. I would have eaten everything here if I did so.
- Well.. Thanks for caring at last.. I can't go shopping after each time you jump into the refrigerator.
Wolf looked into Virginia's eyes with a guilty look on his face. Virginia noticed that her husband is starving.
- O.K., 5 minutes and dinner will be ready.
She put the dishes on the table and brought a chicken that she cooked.
- Huff-Puff... I'm starving. Hmm, that smells grrrrrreat! Chicken! Yes! Oh boy, I'm so lucky today!!!
- Wait, I'm not finished with it yet.
Virginia brought some salads and juice. They sat in front of each other. She didn't eat much, but Wolf couldn't hold himself from swallowing everything he saw on the table. Virginia sat there watching him. She smiled and said:
- You look like a person who hasn't been eating for the last two years.
- I'm a wolf! When I'm hungry, I eat everything!
He continued his "dinner".
Meanwhile Mike was sleeping in his parent's room. A person showed up from behind the curtains, dressed all in black. She came closer to the baby's bed, touched his face, and said:
- Hello darling. You won't live to see your fifth birthday.
At that moment Wolf stopped eating and felt a smell. Virginia noticed that her husband was uncomfortable. So, she asked:
- What's wrong honey?
- Someone's here. I smell a bad thing.
- I don't hear anything.- Virginia said in a concerned tone.
Suddenly Wolf shouted:
-Oh my God! Mike! She's there with him!
He dropped the meat and ran to the room, Virginia followed him. He entered, but saw no one there. Mike was sleeping like an angel. Wolf searched everywhere in the room including the wardrobe, under the bed, but found no one.
- I swear I smelled here here. Grrrr, if she hurts my son, I'll tear her into pieces.
- Tear whom into pieces? - Asked Virginia.
- No one honey. I was wrong, there's no one here.
He went out, feeling unsecured. He didn't want Virginia to know what or whom he smelled.
- I lost my appetite.
- Wolf, is there something you're hiding from me?
- Who me? No, no. Everything is O.K., I just lost my appetite for today.
Virginia cleaned the table, and then she started to wash the dishes. Wolf was sitting in his favorite couch. He was thinking about that smell. That evening passed and they didn't talk much.
- I'm going to sleep honey. Are you coming?
Wolf didn't answer. He was busy with analyzing his fears of that smell.
- Wolf! Are you listening?
He turned to her and said:
- Go to sleep my love. I want to stay awake for a while.
- O.K., good night honey.
She came near him, kissed him, and went to sleep.
Finally Wolf reached to the top of his fears. He felt that smell before; he didn't like it at all. That smell was the only thing that he feared.. That smell was like.. The Queen!!
- Cripes! Please tell me I'm wrong, please!
He got up and went to his room. He saw his wife and son sleeping. He took a deep breath, and went to bed.
Two years passed. Wolf forgot about what he felt that day, two years ago. He was watching TV, when Mike tried to make his first move. He noticed that, jumped up and called Virginia, who was at work:
- Virginia! He's walking! Huff-puff! He's walking!
- Wolf calm down! It's normal. You'll scare him by shouting like that. (She paused here) What did you just say? He's walking? I'm coming home.
She ran to her boss' office. Asked for a permission to go home, saying that she felt sick. She went home as fast as she could.
When she entered, she saw them both playing in the living room. Wolf was running after Mike trying to teach him how to run away.
- Honey, I'm so happy! I never thought that I would ever see him walking.
- Oh, come on Virginia.. He's just a kid. He would have learned someday, and today he did!! Isn't that great?
At that moment the doorbell rang. Virginia went and opened the door. She was shocked. She smiled, and welcomed her dad and.. Wendell.
- Oh my God!! I never thought that I would see you again Prince! Oh, I mean your Majesty.
- Hello Virginia. How are you? And please, call me Wendell; I'm tired of the word Majesty.. I thought that I'd visit your father, and he told me that you already have a child. So, I decided to come.
She welcomed him, and invited them to enter.
- Hey, look who's here! It's the King!
- Hello Wolf. How are you?
- As good as I can be! My son walked today!
He held Mike and said:
- Son, I'd like you to meet His Majesty King Wendell, who pardoned all the wolves in the 9 kingdoms.
They had lunch together. And talked about the past, remembered when Wendell was turned into a dog, and how Virginia's hair got long.
Suddenly the phone rang. Wolf felt concerned. He went to answer it, but there was no one there. He knew that there's something wrong, but didn't show it.
- Wolf come and sits. Stop talking on the phone that much!
- I wasn't talking Tony. There was no one on the phone. Maybe it was a wrong number.
- Maybe it was.- Said Wendell in a suspicious tone.
It was time for Wendell to leave. He asked Virginia to bring Mike so he would say goodbye.
- He might be sleeping now. I don't hear his voice. Come, I'll show you his room.
She took Wendell to Mike's room. When she opened the door, she noticed that the window was opened.
- Oh, Wolf forgot to close the window again.- and she went to close it.
- And where is your son, Virginia?
- In his bed, over...- She turned to point to the bed, but couldn't continue the sentence. The bed was empty.
- Mike! Wolf! He's gone!
She ran out to call her husband, and they both came back to the room.
- He's gone Wolf! Mike's gone!
Wolf and Wendell searched the entire house, Tony searched outside. But, no luck. Suddenly, Virginia remembered that the window in the room was opened.
- The window was opened! - She said, and looked at Wolf - You left it opened!
- No I didn't. I closed it this time, I swear!
Wendell found a letter on Mike's bed.
- Look what I found. It was in the bed
Virginia took the letter and started to read:
"Want your kid back? Bring me your husband. You have three days to get here; otherwise you won't see your son again. Christine".
- Oh my God! It can't be.- Virginia couldn't hold her tears.- She can't be alive.
- What? Give me that letter!- Wolf took it from Virginia's hand and read it:
- Cripes! I felt this would happen.
And he remembered what he smelled two years ago.
- She was here two years ago!
- What are you talking about?- Asked Tony.
- She's dead! I killed her, remember?- Said Virginia.
- No, no. She was here. Virginia, remember that day when I was painting Mike's room? When I felt a smell at dinner?
- Yes, so?
- It was she. I didn't say anything, becuase I didn't want to believe that she's back.
- Oh my God.. My son's gonna get killed. Wolf, what'll we do?
- Calm down honey.- He hugged Virginia and continued.- We'll find him. I promise.
- But the letter.. She wants you.. I can't give you to her.
- She didn't mention where she took the baby, didn't she?- Asked Tony.
- No dad. She didn't.
- Then she's somewhere in the kingdoms.- Said Wendell.- Come on let's go there and we'll find them.
They all left to the Central Park, where the traveling mirror was opened. They reached to Wendell's castle.
- Now what are we supposed to do?- Asked Tony.- Any ideas?
- I say we have some rest, and after it we start searching.- Said Wendell.
- I can't rest! My son's gonna be killed. And you say let's have a rest?? I demand that we start searching right now!
Wolf agreed with his wife:
- Yes! Let's start right now. I want my son back, and I want him back right now!
- We will find him.- Wendell was trying to calm the worried parents. But no use.
- I can't wait anymore. I'm going to find him. Virginia are you coming with me?- Wolf asked Virginia, although he didn't want her to come. He didn't want her to get hurt. He knew this was a dangerous thing that they're doing. But, nothing could stop Virginia. They left together. Tony and Wendell stayed at the palace, trying to solve the quiz using a map.
Meanwhile Wolf and Virginia walked through the woods, without knowing where they were heading.
- Wolf, where are we supposed to look for him?
- I don't know honey. I just feel that we are on the right way.
They continued walking until they reached a house in the center of the woods. Wolf was surprised. he knew the woods very well, but he never noriced that house.
- I never saw this house. maybe it's new.
- Things may have changed over here. It's been three years now since we left.- Said Virginia andcontinued.- Let's see if there's someone living here. I'm hungry.
- Me too.
And they came near the house. There was no one outside, neither inside. The house wasempty. wolf tried to open the door, but it was locked.
- It's locked. I'll break this door, so we would get inside.
He brought a piece of a metal that he found near the house. he tried to open the door, but failed. Virginia found an axe and gave it to Wolf. This time the door was opened.
Everything was clean inside. Virginia was amazed.
- Wow, look at the furniture, and the kitchen.. it's so beautiful.
- Someone lived here. I just can't understand how come everything is so clean?
Wolf went to the kitchen, where Virginia was.
- Virginia, I'm hungry. Is there something to eat?
- I'm trying to find the food. But I don't know where is it.
Wolf felt a strange smell. It smelled like... him.
- I don't keep the food here.
A voice heard from the door. Both, Virginia and Wolf turned to see whom voice was that. It was a girl. But she was dressed like a man. She had long hair, and a... tail. And she wasn't hiding it.
Virginia came closer to her to apologize for entering without permission:
- We're sorry to break the door of your house. We thought that no one lives here. We apologize.
Wolf couldn't speak. He was staring at the young woman, who wasn't exactly what she seemed to be. She was half a wolf, just like him.
He came closer to her carefully:
- Are you a...
- Yes, I am a wolf. Just like you.- She replied before he could finish his question. And she continued:
- You are both hungry, aren't you?
Virginia nodded agreeing. Wolf couldn't move. He was in a shock. It was the first time to see a half wolf after all this time. Not to mention it was a female. The last time he saw a half wolf was when they met the gypsies.
- Wolf, are you O.K.?- Asked Virginia.
- Yes. I must go out. Wait here. I'll be back.- And he went out running.
Virginia was confused by her husband's behavior.
- I'm sorry. He must be confused.- She turned to the young woman.- You see, our son has been kidnaped.
- I know, they talk about it here. All the kingdom knows.
- By the way, my name is Virginia. What's your name?
- Lucy. What's your kid's name?
- Mike.
- O.K., oh by the way, nice to meet you.
- Thanks. Umm, Lucy, do you have something to eat? I'm so hungry.
At last Lucy smiled.
- Come, I'll take you to the place where I keep the food.
Behind the house she had a little place, which looked like a store room. They entered the place, and Virginia was amazed with what she saw.
-You have a modern kitchen over here.
- This is where I spend most of my day. The other one in the house is not for me. I don't eat there.
- Then, who does?
- My guests. If I have any. Come, let's see what do we have here.
She brought some fresh meat, cut them into little pieces and made some soup, adding some potatos to it.
- I hope you like it.
Virginia tasted the soup, and said:
- It's great. I never had such a soup before.
Lucy smiled:
- I never made such a soup before.
Meanwhile Wolf was walking in the woods. Thinking about Lucy. He never that he would meet a half wolf again. He decided to go back. When he reached the house he couldn't notice anyone inside. But he found where the two women were by using his nose. He entered without knocking. Virginia and Lucy were talknig about different things, they were laughing so loud. Then they noticed Wolf.
- Wolf, come in, me and Lucy talked about everything. She's so nice. Come and have something to eat.- Virginia offered him a seat.
Wolf wasn't able to eat. All he was thinking about was his son. It was evening, and he was tired.
- I'm not hungry. Thank you, but I can't eat now.
He pushed the plate away, and turned to Lucy:
- I'm sorry to break the door of your house. And, umm, my name is Wolf. I'm Virginia's husband.
- I know Wolf, nice to meet you. I'm Lucy.
- You have a nice name.
- Thank you.
- I feel a strange smell in you. You're a wolf? But you don't smell like a wolf exactly.
Lucy didn't like the question. Her smile disspaeared:
- You're right. Now if you'll excuse me. I'll go to my room. Make yourself at home.
She went to her room, closed the door and broke into tears.
Wolf and Virginia went into the house again.
- Wolf, what're we going to do? How are we going to find Mike?
- We'll find him honey. Go to sleep now.
- O.K., good night.
- Sweet dreams creamy girl.
Virginia went to the room which Lucy showed her. She couldn't sleep. Wolf was still in the living room. He stood near the window watching the dark sky.
It was about 3 AM. Wolf was still awake. He couldn't stop thinking about Mike. Suddenly he heared footsteps behind him. It was Lucy.
- You can't sleep?
- No, I'm concerned about my son.
- Come to the kitchen. I'll make a hot chocolate. It'll make you relax a little bit.
They went to the kitchen which was in the house. Lucy made the chocolate and handed a cup to Wolf.
- Thank you.- He drank a little and continued.- This is good. Where did you get it from?
- I bought it three weeks ago.- Lucy replied, and continued drinking without looking at Wolf.
- So, which kingdom do you come from Lucy?- Wolf asked.
- None of them. I'm not from here.
Wolf was surprized:
- Not from here? What do you mean?
- I was born in New York. My parents are humans.
This time Wolf was interested in the details. He wouldn't meet a wolf whose parents are humans anywhere. So he asked:
- Your parents are humans? Huff-puff! How come you're a wolf?
- It's a long story.
- I'm all ears!
- Well, I was a human before. But someday the queen turned me into a wolf, and when I managed to return a human again, only my body changed, although I still have a tail. But my brain is half wolf's and half human's. Sometimes I think like a wolf, sometimes like a human. It's complicated.
- I know. I felt like that before. But why did the queen turn you into a wolf?
- I was going to stop her plans for taking over the 4th kingdom. She wanted the King's death.
- Cripes! She never stops. But she was dead, wasn't she?- Wolf asked with the hope the answer would be "Yes, she is dead".
- She didn't die. Everyone thought that she's dead. But her evil powers kept her soul alive. She's more dangerous now.
- And she has my son.
- I feel sorry about that. But I'll help you to find him.
No one knew where would the queen be. No one ever saw her after her death. Tony and Wendell decided to stay at the palace and send soldiers to search for Mike and the place where he may be.
It was morning. The second day. Virginia was nervous. She had one day left. She didn't know what to do. She would lose one of the two persons that she mostly love. Her husband and her son. She was confused. She went to the kitchen where Wolf and Lucy were.
- Good morning.
- Good morning honey. Did you sleep well?- Wolf came near and kissed her cheek, trying to comfort her.
- I guess so. Haven't you slept at all?
- No, I couldn't.
- He was awake all night.- Said Lucy.- He couldn't stop thinking of ways to find the queen's place of hiding.
Meanwhile Tony woke up and saw a little bird on the desk which was near the window. The window was opened. He got up and tried to catch the bird, but it flew away. He noticed an envelope on the desk. It was like the one he saw at Virginia's house. He opened it and read the letter: "You have two days to bring Wolf to me. He must be at the lake in the middle of the woods, otherwise you won't see the kid again."
- Oh my God. If she wants Wolf, she would kill him, Mike and anyone else who would be with them near the lake. I must tell Wendell about this.- He ran to Wendell's room.
- Wendell wake up! Look what I found in my room!
- Anthony I have 5 more minutes to sleep. Do not disturb me please.
- Oh, come on! It's a letter from Christine!
- What? Let me see it!
Wendell read the letter.
- But where are Wolf and Virginia? How can they know about this?
- I don't know. I'm sure she's planning something by sending this letter here. She wants us to be there, too. To kill us! Maybe you should send some of your men to look for them. We don't have time. Or even better, we can go out and find them!
- No Anthony, it's too dangerous. Besides, my soldiers would find them faster.
Wendell ordered four of his best scouts to go and search for Virginia and Wolf.
At the same time Virginia, Wolf and Lucy were getting ready to leave the house. Virginia noticed that Lucy took soem bottles of red wine with her. She wondered and asked:
- What is the wine for?
- I'll need it to sleep tonight, so I wouldn't bother anyone.
- But why? Why would you bother us?
- I hate to say it Virginia, but tonight it will be a fullmoon night.
Virginia started to get scared. At that moment Wolf came.
- Come on let's go.- He noticed the bottles and asked:
- What're these for? Are we going to celebrate something?
- No, it's for sleeping.- Lucy replied and moved on into the woods.
- Sleeping?- Wolf wondered.
- Wolf. Tonight will be a full moon.- Virginia said with a scared tone.
- Oh boy. I know that. I guess it'll be an unforgettable night. Huff-puff, let's go now.
They walked untill they reached to a place where the trees were in a circle, making a big open rounded area.
- Let's have a rest here.- Said Lucy and threw her back sack to the ground, and sat on it.
- Where should we go next?- Asked Virginia, believing that the wolves would feel on which direction they should move.
- I'm not sure.- Said Wolf.- I don't smell anything here.
- Even if you try, you wouldn't feel anything here.- Said Lucy.- This place is called Restwood. Anyone who comes here stops to rest, and during it he forgets why was he out here, and after leaving he remembers.
- Oh I see. That means that we would forget that we are...- Virginia stopped.- why are we here?
- I don't know.- Said Wolf.- Let's sleep a little, I'm tired.
After one hour Lucy woke up and decided it was time to leave.
- Wolf, Virginia wake up, we must leave now.
Virginia got up and asked:
- Where are we going?
- You'll know later.- Said Lucy.- Wolf! Come on, get up!
Wolf finally woke up and they headed to the forest again. When they got out of Restwood, Virginia's memory came back:
- I remember now! My memory's back!
- Good for you honey. Try not to lose it again, we'll need it for sure.- Wolf said.
- Let's go south.- Said Lucy, and without waiting for a response she continued walking. Wolf and Virginia followed her.
Wolf was curios about lucy's story. He told Virginia about it. Virginia was amazed:
- Lucy, why did you stay here, and didn't return to New York?
- I didn't want to. If I am a wolf, I would've caused much trouble over there. So, I decided that this is the best place for me.
- Hey! I'm a wolf too, well half wolf in fact (scratching his head), but I didn't hurt anyone there.
- You are not alone. That's why you can control yourself.- Lucy's voice was full of sadness. Wolf knew that there was something behind it. Virginia noticed the sadness on Lucy's face, and tried to cheer her up.
- We're with you Lucy. You're not alone anymore.
Lucy didn't reply, she just smiled and continued walking without saying a word.
After a long walk they found a place to rest. At that moment they heard voices comming closer. It was the scout who was sent by the king to find them.
- Are you Virginia and Wolf?- He asked.
- Yes.- Virginia replied.- And who are you?
- I was sent by His Majesty King Wendell to find you. He and his friend recieved a letter which said that Wolf must be near a lake in the middle of the forest tomorrow evening, by sunset. His Majesty said that the letter was from someone called Chris.
Wolf whispered in Virginia's ear:
- It's a letter from the queen. Looks like Wendell didn't want his men to know that she's alive.
Virginia tried hard to stop her tears. She managed that, but couldn't hold the shaking voice:
- Thank you for the message. Go and tell my dad that we're O.K., and we'll be back when we find Mike.
- Yes Miss. I will. Now, if you'll excuse me.
He rode his horse and went back.
The soldiers couldn't find any track that would lead to the queen's hiding place. They rode back to the palace.
Wendell was nervous. He remembered how his stepmother turned him into a dog. He was afraid that she would do the same again.
- Anthony.- He talked trying to look as calm as he could, but that didn't work.- What if we fail? What would happen if the queen return to the palace? What if she turns me into a dog again?
- You wouldn't live to turn you into a dog.
Wendell stared at him scared.
- Come on, Wendell. She's DEAD! remember? I think that this is someone else, who is pretending to be her. At least I hope so. But if you turned into a dog again, I'll keep you and protect you. Like I did in the past.- He put his hand on Wendell's shoulder.- Just try to relax and think about something else. I won't let her hurt you.
Wendell smiled, and put his hand on Tony's shoulder:
- You're a true friend Anthony.