Okay, and here's the last chapter of this story. Hope you've enjoyed it though I got no reviews.
Life Happens chapter twelve: A Second Chance
Three years later.
Morgana had decided to take a break and head home for the first time since leaving college. It had been a long time since she had seen her family. Nine years to be exact. It didn't take long this time due to the fact that she could use her powers to travel and she didn't live as far away. She was home in no time. Walking through the south entrance as she always did, she passed through the center of the village. How she missed this place. Why hadn't she come back sooner? she thought to herself. 'That's right. The events leading up to me quitting college.' She would have to face her parents, but she could get through this.
Many recognized her and greeted her as she went as if nothing had happened, and she hadn't been gone more than a year. Rippling Water wasn't at her tipi, but she'd find her later. She headed on to her family's tipi.
"Earth! Is that you?" Spotted Fawn yelled running out.
"Mother, I'm home!" They hugged tightly. Grey Wolf came out then. "Father!" Why hadn't she come home to these loving parents?
"It's so good to see you! What are you doing home? Shouldn't you be at work or something? It's been so long we hadn't a clue as to where you were or what you've been doing," her mother said concerningly.
"We've gotten the letters saying you were fine, but very busy. Nine years is a long time between visits," her father spoke up.
"Mother, Father, we need to talk." Fawn's eyes got big. "No, mother, nothing like that. It's about school."
"Well, what is it?" her mother asked as they stepped into their tipi. They sat down together. She began by telling them everything, except for the drinking and the tattoo again.
"So for the last nine years you've been using your powers to catch criminals and you work at a museum, saving your money to send home." Morgana shook her head. "Dearling, I'm so sorry. I know becoming a lawyer meant so much to you."
"Well, I've found something else that works for now. And it makes me happy." 'Sorta', but she didn't add the last of her thought. She was happy, but she still felt she had let her tribe down. Still carried the shame.
"That's great, honey," her father comforted, "But why did it take you so long to come home?"
"I felt like I had failed the tribe. Failed our people." She hung her head.
He lifted her chin, and said, "You could only fail if you didn't try."
"Thank you." She lifted a scarf to dry her eyes.
"What's this?" Fawn asked, fingering the charm on the delicate chain.
Moragan looked to the ceramic leaf and remembered how she had gotten it three years ago. "Given to me by an acquaintance after I moved to San Francisco."
"Is that where you are now?" Wolf asked.
"Yeah. I have a small apartment that's big enough for me and Wingguard. Good view of the bridge and city. You need to come see it."
"Who's Wingguard?" Wolf asked, this time confused. Had his little girl met another native in the city?
"Oh, my redtail hawk. I was practicing on the rooftop and heard screeching." She was glad the subject of her necklace had been dropped. She honestly didn't know why she still wore the little charm. "I found him wedged between two bricks. Both wings were broken, and a leg. I was able to heal him, and he's grown stronger ever since. He's my second pair of eyes."
"I'm glad you found someone to talk to in the city," Fawn said approvingly. "Now, how about some lunch?"
After lunch, the three were resting in the sun, Morgana's several younger siblings running around. A shadow flew over head and they heard the sound of beating wings and a loud screeching. Morgana stood on a rock and held out her left arm. The giant red tail glided in, landing squarely on her arm. All her sisters and brothers stared in awe at the bird.
"Mom, Dad, this is Wingguard, King of the San Francisco skies." Wingguard screeched then preened himself. "He says he has a message for me." She began speaking with the hawk. "Really? You're sure?" The hawk gave an indignant screech, as if offended.
"What is it?" Wolf asked. "Morgana?"
"He says there's a good chance an old 'friend'," she used that word lightly, "has come back to town."
"Is there something between you and this friend?" her mother asked.
"Let's just say he won't be getting away this time. Mom, Dad, I'm sorry I have to cut my vacation short. I'll come back when I settle this up. I'm sorry. I have to go."
"Dearling, we understand. Just be careful with this criminal." her mom stated proudly.
"I will." She hugged them both. "Can I leave Wingguard here? He's been cooped up in the city so long. He needs to remember where he's from."
"That's fine. He can stay as long as he wants, or until you need him again."
"Thank you." Wingguard took off at that.
"Good luck, dearling." With that Morgana used the wind to lift herself into the sky and headed back to San Francisco. Back to catch her mysterious thief.
End chapter 12 and the story. And you know where we head to next. The beginning of the pack.
