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Chapter 6: The truth, Night

Dante got up the next morning and half-heartedly ate and did the farm chores, Fable always used to watch him do them, always used to help with fetching things and carrying things. But he had to get over it, Fable had now been convicted as a cold blooded killer, he had no way of proving she didn't do it, and Rick had many ways of proving she did, who was the town going to believe, the new guy, or the trusted Rick?

Dante went down to the poultry farm to apologise to Ricks mother for the loss of her chicken. When he got there she welcomed him warmly and explained that anything that had happened between him and Rick was none of her concern and that quite frankly it could have just as easily been Rick's fault that he got into a fight, she knew Rick had a short fuse.

He and Rick's Mother went outside to watch over the chickens while they talked about raising chickens, he was curious because he had a place for chickens and he would need them to make his farm complete. As they approached the hen pen they noticed a wolf pup similar to Fable in the hen pen chasing after the chickens. Rick's mother panicked and Dante did not know what to do, the pup was savage.

A growl came from the hole that had been dug to get to the hen pen, suddenly another wolf pup jumped out of the hole and pounced on the one that was chasing after the chickens. Rick's mother did not know what to think. But Dante knew that pup; the red bandana marked it as Fable. Fable bit the other wolf pup and it's blood got onto her fur and around her mouth. The same scene had happened when Rick had accused Fable of killing the hens. The other pup bolted after Fable bit it again and Fable began to fill the little tunnel with dirt. Fable approached the side of the hen pen and jumped over it.

Dante scooped her up in his arms and let the blood on her smudge his clothes, he didn't care, he knew she hadn't done it and that was all that mattered to him. Fable licked his face playfully and let him cuddle her as much as he wanted.

"Well, I guess this means that you were right, and we have a new town hero" Exclaimed Rick's mother as she went inside again.

Dante had no idea what she meant by it, but she appeared to be busy so he did not bother her further. He went down to Yodel Ranch to see what old Barley was up to, the old man did enjoy his company and was always waiting to sell him a cow and some fodder to get his livestock count growing. Dante put Fable down and they walked into the yard together. Fable bounded over to where May, Barleys granddaughter, was standing. It appeared May was playing with a horse, or more like a foal.

Dante strode inside and searched for Barley.

"Just heard the news my boy, didn't think that that there pup was capable of hurting a fly unless it really had to, congratulations, Rick will really be steamed up about this one though" Said Barley, his old voice dry and crackling yet he still appeared in good health and ready to run a marathon, at least, that was what he told people.

"How did you know?" Said Dante incredulously; mouth dropping and eyes ready to fall out of his head.

"Just got off the phone to the mayor and Harris, seems they have been notifying everyone of Fable's heroic deed, and your training and ownership has given you a good name, seeing as she is a wolf and all" Said Barley in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh" Was all Dante could manage, he was happy that the town would hear, but he did not want Karen to, she would think that it was some kind of set up, that all of it was just a big hoax to make him look good in front of the town. He had to find a way to apologise to her.

"Look, today we were supposed to have the cow festival but because of all the ruckus going on in, and out of, town because of what your pup did, and didn't do, we cancelled to see if we could talk some sense into everybody" Said Barley

"Thank you, I need all the support I can get at the moment" Said Dante relaxing into one of Barley's chairs.

"I also had to cancel because of the foal you no doubt seen May outside playing with. We can't seem to find a good home for him, perhaps your farm would be a good place for him, what do you say Dante?" Asked Barley, Dante couldn't say no after all the man had done for him, and he wanted a horse anyway, but the man would not allow him to say no anyway, Dante could tell by the tone in Barley's voice that he was set on this and would convince Dante that he wanted one even if he hated them.

"Sure, just inform me on what I need to do to make sure he is taken care of properly" Said Dante grinning pleasantly.

Barley took him outside and set him up with the instructions on taking care of the foal properly. Barley informed Dante on the Horse Racing Festival that he would be expected to participate in and of all the things he would need to take care of it. It was all very simple, talk to it often and brush it once everyday, when it matures ride it once every day, make sure to give it a good run and continue to brush it.

Dante led the foal home with Fable at his heels watching intently for any sign of that other pup again. On the way he ran into Karen.

"You again!" She said irritably and pushed past him.

When he got home he set up the foal in the stable and filled the trow with food and gave the foal water. Dante emerged from the stable and took Fable for a walk to Saibara the Blacksmith. Saibara sold him a brush for a small fee and Dante was on his way.

Dante returned and brushed the foal; he didn't have a name for it yet so he thought. It was a black foal and looked as though it would grow to be very strong and ultimately fast. Dante decided to call him Night to match his colour and mysterious look.

When he emerged from the stable this time Fable sat near the door of the farmhouse, waiting to be let in so that she could sleep. Tomorrow Dante would build her a door flap so that she could let herself in and out, tomorrow he would go and help Rick's mother rebuild the hen pen so that no further wolves could get in. Tomorrow he would try and find a way to apologise to Karen. Tomorrow…