Chapter 7: Shattered Dreams and Broken Promises.

The pack lay sleeping in a large cave near the coast. They were exhausted after their long trek here. Spirit had been pushing the pack harder than ever lately. Something was troubling him he couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen to the pack. He didn't know exactly what was going to take place. For the first time since his visit to Nome when he had first stood on the beach and howled her name, he was scared. Spirit prided himself on being able to take on any danger, protect the pack from any threat.

"So why am I so terrified." He whispered to himself.

He decided to take a walk to clear his head, before trying to get back to sleep. As he stood up he almost lost his footing, his head hurt and his legs were shaking. He walked slowly out of the cave, careful not to make any noise or step on anyone. He wanted time to think, alone. Spirit inhaled deeply as he stood outside the cave. The cold air hurt his lungs as he breathed. He stared at the water for a while; he still didn't understand what he was feeling. His stomach growled as he watched the fish jumping in the sea.

"Guess I should go and get some breakfast." Spirit mused, still staring at the ocean. "I'll wake the pack later."

He walked for about ten minutes before he got to the small wood. Silently he walked through the forest smelling for his prey. Spirit smiled as he caught the scent of a young caribou. He tracked his prey to a small watering hole. After his breakfast he decided to explore the woods, the pack needed rest.

Aleu woke up nearly an hour after Spirit had left the cave. She walked out into the early morning air. She scanned the horizon, looking for Spirit.

"Where are you Spirit?" She asked.

"Don't worry about him, you know how he likes to explore." Devon said walking to his alphas side.

"Yeah he's a little bit of a pup sometimes." She agreed. "I'm going to look for him anyway."

Aleu walked down towards the shore. Halfway there she noticed the small woods on the left side. Thinking logically Aleu walked into the woods. Spirit must have wanted to get something to eat. Aleu heard the leaves rustle as she walked towards the woods following Spirits scent. "Spirit are you in here." She barked as she approached the tree line.

After a couple of minutes she decided to see if she could find him. Aleu rushed into the woods, terrified that he may be hurt. As she approached the centre of the small forest she heard footsteps in the undergrowth. A pair of dark eyes watched the young bitch as she searched franticly for her love.

"Well aren't you a pretty little girl." He joked walking calmly towards her.

"Spirit is that you?" Aleu said as she turned to face the approaching dog. "Oh excuse me have…" Aleu lost her train of thought as she looked into the mysterious dogs eyes. Her head began to ache and soon she found herself fighting to keep conscious. The other dog never stopped staring into her eyes. Soon her body won and she collapsed onto the mossy ground.

"You're mine now." The dog said as he walked closer to her. A smile on his muzzle.

Spirit walked out of the woods, content with his small breakfast. He walked back to the large cave. As he walked up the side of the hill he saw Devon watching him, a slightly nervous look on his face. Spirit looked confused as he stared at Devon, his beta was worried but about what.

"At least they're awake." Spirit thought.

As he approached the top of the hill Devon ran over to him.

"Spirit where the hell have you been?" Devon shouted, waking the rest of the pack.

"I went to get some breakfast, why?" Spirit answered.

"Where's Aleu?" Devon asked.

"Aleu? Wasn't she here?" Spirit asked nervously.

"She went to look for you." Devon answered.

Spirit ran back down to the small forest, he was worried about her. Whatever he had been sensing lately seemed closer now than ever. She was in great danger, something was determined to destroy the pack and Spirit didn't think he could stop it.

"Aleu what were you thinking." Spirit shouted as he ran to the woods.

He ran into the woods barking her name. He had to find her soon. Spirit stopped dead as he felt a power, something greater and more terrible than he had ever sensed before. Gevadon, Mirage neither of them had felt this powerful.

"Father!" Spirit shouted.

There was only silence in the woods.

"Father!" Spirit tried again.

Suddenly Fenrir's form appeared in front of him. He stared at the small albino wolf.

"Spirit?" Fenrir said kneeling to look in his son's eyes.

"Father" Spirit said looking into Fenrir's eyes. "What is this power I can sense?"

Fenrir looked around the woods before he answered his son. "I'm sorry Spirit, I don't know."

"What!" Spirit shouted. "How can you not know you're a god you should know!"

Spirit was crying now, tears ran freely down his muzzle. Fenrir walked up to Spirit and rubbed against his son.

"What's wrong?" Fenrir asked.

"Aleu's missing I…I'm scared." Spirit cried. "She could be hurt or…or worse."

"Spirit I'd be the first to know if she was dead." Fenrir said. "Go and find her."

Spirit nodded and ran further into the forest, continuing his search for Aleu.

A pair of cold purple eyes watched the conversation between the two wolves. He watched Spirit run deeper into the forest. His attention then switched to the enormous black wolf Spirit had been talking to. The huge black wolf disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

"At least I've got a little more time." He said. "That stupid fool, oh well soon enough but I'd better hurry." He ran back to where Aleu had collapsed.

"I guess I'd better stop messing around with her." He thought.

Aleu's head was splitting when she woke up. She opened her eyes weakly, it took nearly five minutes for her eyes to adjust to the light in the woods.

"What…what happened?" She thought slowly.

She tried to stand up but she was too weak, her legs wouldn't lift her body. She called for help but found she couldn't even speak.

"Ah you are awake…finally." Came a voice from behind her.

Aleu tried to turn her head but she found she couldn't even do that, something was stopping her and this mystery dog had her completely at his mercy. She lay on the ground whimpering to herself.

"Shut up." He shouted.

Aleu became instantly silent, terrified of her attacker, if he could restrain her without rope or chains, who knew what else he could do. He walked slowly around her, as he passed into her line of sight she saw his charcoal black fur. He knelt in front of her staring into her deep blue eyes. His eyes darkened as he spoke to her turning from their normal cold purple to pitch black.

"You are my slave now understand?" He whispered, his cold voice making Aleu's skin crawl.

"Never!" She tried to shout, but she was still unable to speak.

"We'll see about that." He responded calmly.

Only then did it dawn on the young paralysed bitch, he could hear her thoughts.

"He must have similar powers to Mirage then." Aleu thought.

"Yes." He responded. "And I will have what I want." He added.

Aleu desperately tried to avoid eye contact with him but it was no use. She began to feel dizzy again; she could hear his thoughts as he stared into her eyes. Aleu felt like she was falling. As she once again lost consciousness she heard him laughing.

"You are mine now." He laughed.

Aleu awoke with him standing over her. She climbed to her feet and looked him in the eye.

"Lead me to Nome." He said in the same cold uncaring tone.

"Yes, as you wish." She said as she began to walk away.

"Hahahaha." He laughed. "She was strong, I'll give her that. But in the end all submit to my will, my power is absolute."

Aleu led her new "master" out of the woods and started towards Nome. The two dogs walked slowly, Aleu was still weak after her ordeal and although he didn't really care how she felt, he did need her. She was an integral part of his plan.

"At least for now," he thought.

As they walked the mysterious black dog turned and looked towards the small wood they had left. He felt a sudden impact as someone or something collided with his side.

"Aleu what are you doing? The packs…" The small wolf stopped as he noticed the charcoal black dog with his alpha.

"HOW DARE YOU TOUCH ME YOU STUPID ANIMAL!" the mysterious dog shouted in fury.

"Hey Aleu what's going on?" the wolf asked.

Aleu remained silent, almost ignoring the other wolf.

"Who is this infidel?" asked the black dog.

"His name's Blade, he's a new member of the pack." Aleu answered immediately.

"Oh." He said turning to Blade. "You will pay for touching me."

The young wolf started to back away from his aggressor. The mysterious dog quickly closed the gap between himself and the wolf.

"Listen to me wolf, me and your alpha are going to visit her family. If you tell anyone where we've gone I will tear you apart." He warned. "Got it?"

"Yeah." Blade answered. "Who are you?"

"That is none of your concern but my name is Kage Inu." The black dog responded.

Blade began to walk towards Aleu slowly.

"BACK OFF!" Kage growled.

Blade lowered his head slowly the large dog terrified him.

"Why is Aleu with him?" He thought. "I've gotta tell Spirit."

Kage and Aleu carried on walking in the direction of the small town of Nome. As soon as they were out of sight Blade turned and ran to find his alpha.

"Spirit." Blade shouted at the pack.

The pure white animal walked out of the center of the pack and looked at the beta. Spirit took the pack to a safe location and told them to stay there. If he wasn't back in a week then they should forget about him and carry on with their lives. Spirit then started towards Nome.

"Who the hell is this dog?" Spirit asked himself as he walked away.

Cold purple eyes stared at the town of Nome from the nearby tree line. Aleu had already been looking for her mother for 10 minutes. Spirit wouldn't get here for maybe a day yet. He was safe to set up his plan.

"Just wait Spirit." Kage laughed.

Aleu walked through the streets of Nome looking for her mother. She wasn't at home and Aleu didn't want to risk seeing her father. Kage told her to find Jenna and take her back to him. It wasn't time to see Balto, not yet. She eventually caught up with her mother. Aleu slowly closed the gap between her and the husky. Hearing the footfalls behind her Jenna turned quickly. Aleu was less than a foot away from her mother when she turned to face her. Jenna relaxed a little when she saw her daughter. However when she looked closer at the young half wolf she noticed the sinister smile on her muzzle and her eyes, they were different.

"Aleu… what's…" Jenna started.

She never had time to finish her sentence as her daughter pushed her to the ground. Aleu stood over her mother as she lay on the ground. Jenna was staring at the young bitch confused as to what was happening. As Aleu stared into Jenna's eyes Jenna felt her energy abandon her. She couldn't even speak to ask what was happening.

"Don't worry." Aleu whispered gently. "Soon your mind will be at peace."

Jenna's vision started to blur as she continued to stare into Aleu's eyes. She couldn't move her head or shut her eyes. Her head was pulsing with pain as the blue colour of Aleu's eyes changed into purple and then black. She felt like screaming as the pain in her head increased and she would have if her body had let her. As Jenna blacked out she saw who was really doing this to her. She saw a charcoal black dog standing where Aleu was, his eyes shining a deep purple as he laughed. Jenna could only discern a couple of words as she fell into an empty, dreamless sleep.

"Soon…die…Spirit." He laughed.

"What?" Jenna thought as the last of her strength left her.

When she awoke Aleu led her out of the city to where their master was waiting. The two bitches walked slowly and silently down the main street and out of the town. They didn't want to draw attention to themselves or their master. Kage was waiting for them just inside the tree line of the forest.

"Now only one more piece eludes me." He spoke calmly as Aleu and Jenna took his side, all three of them looking out towards the town of Nome, towards their next victim. Kage turned suddenly as something caught his attention, knocking Aleu to the ground as he did.

"Spirit!" He growled as he sensed the albino's power. "Your early it's not time for you yet Spirit."

He slowly turned to his slaves and then back towards Nome.

"You two go and deal with Balto. I am going to slow Spirit down. Got it?" He barked.

Without saying a word mother and daughter ran back into town, hunting for Balto. Kage turned his attention back to his real target.

"All I need to do is slow him down." Kage thought.

He walked calmly away from the town, towards the young wolf.

"We'll see how fast you run on a broken leg, pup." He laughed evilly.

Spirit was running as fast as he could towards the small town of Nome, he had to get there quick. If Blade was right then Balto and Jenna were in trouble. Aleu had totally ignored him when he had spoken to her. This Kage Inu must have done something to her, but why, what did he want with her and her family. As he ran into the center of the forest on the outskirts of the town, he sensed something. It was the same power he had sensed in the woods near the cave. The area was now deadly quiet, never a good sign. Spirit stopped, glancing around to see if he could find anything out of place. As he stood near a large tree, still scouring the area near him, a pair of cold purple eyes watched for the opportunity to do some real damage. Spotting his chance when Spirit was standing beside a large boulder, Kage leapt from his hiding place at the young albino. Kage's paws dug into Spirit's side as the large dog collided with him. His left rear leg had been resting against the boulder when Kage had leapt at him. Now it was pushed violently against the hard rock. The rock itself came halfway up Spirit's leg. The force of the impact had pushed Spirit sideways over the rock. His leg however stayed where it was. Bone now pushed against rock, one would give and both animals knew which one it would be. Spirit's momentum coupled with Kage's weight proved too much for the bone in Spirit's leg. The bone snapped in two and splintered as Spirit hit the ground, a loud crack resonating through the trees. Kage's attack had done just what he had wanted it to; Spirit lay on the ground, rear leg broken. Kage simply ran back towards Nome, there would be time for Spirit later, for now his mind was on someone else.

"Once Balto is mine I'll finish you off." Kage thought as he ran.

Spirit struggled onto his feet, well three of them, holding his broken leg off the ground. His attacker had succeeded in slowing him down and severely hindering his fighting abilities. He walked slowly, chasing his attacker as fast as he could. Walking was difficult on three legs, fighting would be nearly impossible. He almost lost his footing a couple of times as he struggled through the undergrowth. Spirit didn't notice as he put his foot down on a loose rock. The albino slipped and hit the ground hard on his left side, banging his broken leg hard on the ground.

"Ahhhh! Shit!" Spirit shouted as he hit the ground, his pain showing in his voice.

He carefully got back to his feet, not wanting to cause any more injury to his leg. Kage watched the half wolf slip on the stone, laughing to himself he carried on to Nome.

"Looks like I gave myself all the time in the world." Kage laughed. "Just wait, you've got a lot more pain in store pup."

He walked slowly through the streets of Nome. He knew where his slaves were and that they had found their target. As per usual he was at his boat. Kage walked towards the two bitches who were with him, what a fool he didn't even realise there was something wrong. His family were acting normal as they were instructed. Balto turned as he heard the other animal approaching.

"Hold him down." Kage ordered.

Immediately Jenna and Aleu jumped at the half wolf, pinning him to the ground. He struggled under them, trying to get at the mysterious animal. Kage stood in front of the struggling male, he kneeled down staring into the others eyes. Balto clawed at the ground desperately trying to reach the unknown dog in front of him. His family were being controlled he knew that much and he knew that this animal was responsible. Kage continued to stare at the thrashing dog beneath his slaves, Balto's strength would falter eventually, then he would it would be a simple matter to enslave his mind as he had done with the others. Balto continued to claw at the ground however he was trapped under his mate and his daughter. His strength failed a few minutes later and he gave up on struggling against his captors. Kage smiled as Balto gave up. Some mysterious power forced Balto to look into Kage's eyes.

"This must be how he hypnotizes them." Balto thought. "I've got to fight it."

"You can try." Kage laughed.

Balto began to get light headed as he tried to concentrate on fighting this power. He wouldn't let Kage control him without a fight. The black dog's eyes now matched the colour of his fur. Balto continued to fight against the power that Kage was focussing against him. He knew he couldn't win, but he would hold on as long as possible. Five minutes of this exhausting mind game passed before Kage broke eye contact. Balto was panting, physically and mentally drained.

"Very good. No one has fought against me this long before." Kage commented. "But now it ends."

Kage looked back into Balto's eyes. He was also panting, this power must drain him just as much as it did to his victims. The purple eyes quickly changed to black and then to deep red. Balto was shocked by the sudden colour change. Even Aleu and Jenna were startled, no one had seen Kage's eyes this colour before. A wave of pain spread across Balto as Kage howled, his power was intensified ten fold. Balto collapsed, Kage had beaten him. Neither Aleu nor Jenna had made him use his true power.

"Well, your turn Spirit." Kage said looking towards Nome.

Spirit limped through the door into Jenna's house. Still nothing, he was beginning to lose hope that he would find them. There was only one place left to check. His broken leg was agony as he walked up to the beached boat, Balto's boat.

"Hello Spirit." Kage laughed. "Took you long enough to get here."

"You." Spirit growled. "Who are you?"

"My name is Kage Inu." He answered. "And now you die."

Kage leapt from the bow of the boat onto the soft sand. He faced Spirit, a grin on his muzzle. Spirit threw himself at the large black dog in front of him, his teeth on course for Kage's neck. Shooting pain spread through Spirit's body as sharp fangs cut into his side. He glanced left to see Aleu, teeth sunk into his shoulder. He hit the ground a couple of meters before Kage. Aleu released him and walked over to her new master. Claws raked across his back as he tried to stand. Balto gripped him by his front right leg and swung him into the side of the boat. Spirit crumpled to the ground as he hit the wooden object. Blood ran from his back, shoulder and leg. He stood up again as Jenna's fangs cut into his muzzle. He flicked his head to get her off him. He looked at Kage, who stood surrounded by his slaves. If Spirit wanted to free his family then Kage must die but to get to Kage he needed to go through them. Kage smiled as he whispered to his protectors. Spirit ran as fast as he could on three legs at him as his guards left him. Kage laughed and sidestepped as Spirit lunged at him. Spirit opened his eyes to find himself lying on the ground, mere inches from Kage. He was on his feet in seconds, teeth snapping at Kage's soft throat. Kage however simply stepped back, dodging every snap of Spirit's killer canines. As Spirit got alongside him Kage swung his head, catching Spirit's jaw with the sudden move. The albino hit the sand hard from the unexpected attack. Kage laughed above him.

"Why!" Spirit howled. "Why can't I hit him?"

He lay on the ground panting, his broken leg had taken another hit during that fall, as a result it now hurt more than ever. He struggled to his feet, never taking his eyes off Kage. Big mistake, more fangs tore into his side as Aleu attacked him again. She had torn a chunk out of his right side.

"Aleu!" Kage shouted. "Not yet. You can have him later. I wish to break him myself."

Aleu backed down and returned to her family. Spirit watched his mate, his love sit next to her parents. She didn't want to watch him torn apart, she wanted to do it. Anger filled Spirit as he watched her. He renewed his attack, not caring what he got hold of, as long as he managed to hurt Kage. Kage once again dodged Spirit's every move, however he was finding it much more difficult. Spirit's teeth eventually found flesh as they sunk deep into Kage's leg. Kage snapped at Spirit to get him off before he jumped back onto the plank against the boat, putting a little distance between them. He lifted his bleeding shin, growling as he did. It wasn't hurt that badly.

"Can't dodge so well anymore?" Spirit panted, he was beginning to tire from his wounds.

"Your movements are a little more erratic." Kage explained. "Your anger is making it harder for me to read your mind."

"What." Spirit was trembling a little. "Read my mind."

"Yes." Kage laughed at him as he spoke. "How do you think I could predict your attacks so well? Now however you're attacking on impulse, that makes it a little harder for me."

Kage limped back down onto the sand. Spirit knew he had to act on instinct and not think about his attacks. He leapt at Kage who easily dodged again and again. Spirit was thinking too much, plus he was a lot slower now. Kage dodged another strike and countered kicking the young wolfs broken leg. Spirit hit the ground howling.

"He's yours now." Kage said as he walked past his slaves.

The three animals leapt up and ran at Spirit. He was barely off the ground when they got to him. Claws and teeth cut and tore into his body. Spirit howled as his family attacked him, they showed no mercy. Soon he couldn't even stand. Kage watched Spirit get torn apart by the animals he cared for. He had told them not to kill the juvenile wolf-dog, that would be his pleasure alone. When he was satisfied that Spirit was hurt enough he ordered them to stop their savage attack. Spirit lay on the ground covered in gashes, blood pooled under him. Kage got up and started walking to the hurt animal. Spirit lay on the ground panting. His pure white fur dyed red from the blood that was running freely from his injuries. Injuries that had been caused by the tooth and claw of the ones he cared about most.

"Why…are." Spirit started weakly.

"Why?" Kage answered. "You stupid animal. You don't even remember what you've done do you?"

"What?" Spirit whispered.

"Because you took away the only animal I ever loved!" Kage shouted at him.

"Mirage!" Spirit growled.

"Yes." Kage said. "Mirage was my bitch and I loved her."

Kage walked to spirits side laughing at the injured albino under him. As he crouched down to deliver the fatal bite something, some unknown power caught his attention.

"What is that power?" He thought. "Stay with him. I'm going to check on something." He told his slaves.

Miles away a silver furred animal looked towards Nome.

"Wow, whatever that is it must be powerful for me to sense it this far away." It smiled as it spoke, blood dripping off its fangs. "Looks like I'll get another victim today, if it can challenge me then it must die. I will prove myself the strongest."

Spirit also sensed the strange power as Kage took his leave. He didn't care at the moment though. He was seriously wounded. If he could get to Nome, get to help he may stand a chance. If Kage's control was broken then Aleu would help him get to Nome. He felt his life draining away as he lay on the beach. Unless he got to Nome he would die. Kage would only lose control of his slaves if he was seriously hurt or killed. Spirit's life rested in the paws of the owner of that power he had sensed. Now only time would tell if he lived or died.