The next morning the pack was roused by a great noise, courtesy of their leader. At first confused, and a bit annoyed by Dax's excitement, the others quickly realized that the storm system that had been moving in their direction had gotten closer, and the clouds much darker. Within an instant, everyone was up and alert…save for a certain lupine-feline couple.

"Jenny, Selena!" Dax shouted urgently shouted, not caring that the two girls were openly cuddling in their sleep, both just moaning in discontent at being roused from their sleep.

"Come on Boss," Jenny moaned as she nuzzled herself deeper into the fur on Selena's back, "five more minutes."

Dax was having none of this.

"Come, we overslept, the storm is closer now, and if we don't hurry the pass'll flood before we get there."

This caught Selena's attention. With lighting speed she was up, a yelped and groan escaping Jenny's throat as her head was suddenly jerked up, only to plop down once Selena had stood up. Upon noticing the discomfort that she had caused the beautiful wolf she had fallen for, Selena helped Jenny to her feet, placing a tender lick on her cheek as she did so. This off course was noticed by Dax, but at this point all he cared about was getting to the pass.

"Come on," he said, "the others have already gone ahead. We need to catch up."

With that, the trio quickly ran to catch up with the others, desperate to make up for lost time as the storm clouds crept closer and closer. And in Banff, the wolves hunkered down in Rex and his mate Jenna's den could tell that Sam and the others would be having a difficult time as they watched the howling wind buffet the trees and the heavy rain pelting the ground.

Standing at the mouth of the den was King, Alan, Rex and his mate Jenna, and Humphrey, the five wolves watching with worry as the storm seemed to get worse. And one thing that caused them great dread was the valley below, which was now a flooded, muddy mess thanks to the rain causing the nearby river to overflow its banks…ten feet in fourteen minutes.

And knowing that a small streamlet ran through Rogue Pass…it would not auger well for Sam and the others. But, as the four grown males watched the raging storm, they were pulled from their current state of mind by a small gasp of amazement that had emitted from between Humphrey's front legs.

"Wow."

Looking to the source of the sound, both males looked down to see a young wolf, her body covered in stunning silver fur and just exiting her preteen years, watching the storm outside, her ice-blue eyes wide in wonder and amazement as she watched this natural phenomenon occur.

"I like the rain," she said in a sweet voice, "it looks so amazing, and the sound is so relaxing."

The four males couldn't help but chuckle at the girl's observation. Even Humphrey couldn't help but smile at the girl whom he still could not believe was his little sister…well, half-sister. Yes, they shared the same father, but had different mothers. But, Jenna had agreed with Rex that the most fitting name for their daughter, who had been born shortly after the whole "Cain Fiasco," should be in memory of Rex's late wife, the mother of Humphrey…

Melody.

Meanwhile, deeper in the den, was Garth, Al, Ewan, and Collin, Sam's brother-in-law taking the time to take a late-morning nap, while Sam's nephew paced the den, his worry radiating from his very being. Now, Garth couldn't blame Collin for his worry, but at the same time it annoyed him with how much of path Collin was creating in the den floor.

"Coll," Garth gently called, catching the young adult's attention, "you need to relax."

"I can't Garth," Collin responded with a sigh, "I just can't relax when I know that my uncle and cousin are out there in all of this."

"I know," Garth responded with a warm smile, "but worrying never helped anyone. You just need to have faith that they'll make it through."

At first, from what Garth could see, Collin had a pensive look on his face, a clear sign that he was thinking over Garth's words. And finally, after a few moments, looked at Garth and offered an understanding smile, finally allowing himself to relax as he laid by his father, deciding to join him in a nap as well, having realized for the first time how much her worrying added to his fatigue.

But, as Collin drifted off, Garth couldn't help but feel a heavy worry settling in himself as he looked past the wolves at the mouth of the den, his worry growing by the second with the worsening storm. But with the Wayfaring Pack, things seemed to appear to be going their way as they approached what could only be described as a towering stone gateway that led into a long gorge, which obviously had many twists and turns within…

Rogue Pass.

"Well," Sam said with a smile as he walked alongside Selena, "here we are…Rogue Pass! How could I have ever doubted you?"

And while Sam meant it as a compliment, Selena felt his words weigh heavy on her conscience, her heart aching as she knowingly led these wolves to their fate. But as she continued to lead the way, she felt soft fur brush against her side. Looking to the source of this feeling, Selena allowed a small smile to form on her lips as she laid eyes on Jenny, the female wolf cozying up to her lovely feline companion.

"You have no idea how much this means to them," Jenny whispered as the pack finally passed the entrance to the pass, taking noticing of a small stream that cut right through the middle. And hopefully, if they were fast, it wouldn't be too much of a problem. And as they continued to walk, jenny continued to speak, saying something that she had been wanting to ask Selena since last night.

"When this is over…I want you to stay."

This caught Selena off guard, as evident by her stumbling over her paws. And when she had finally composed herself, the large cat looked at Jenny with wide eyes, her heart racing at what she had just been offered.

"I meant what I said last night. I love you, and I can see us building a life together. And even though you're a cougar and I'm a wolf, we can make it work. I mean, look at the pack you found. It's hardly normal, but that's what makes it perfect. And you can add to that perfection."

At this point, Selena found she could not control the tears that had formed in her eyes, the cursed liquid staining the fur on her cheeks as she gazed lovingly at Jenny, her heart melting more and more for the wolf by her side. But unfortunately, her heart broke at the knowledge of what she was doing for her father. And finally, she gave her response.

"I love you too, Jenny," she sobbed, placing a tender lick on the wolf's cheek. And before long, the pack was well into the gorge. And as Sam and Dax observed, they were making excellent time. The storm system was still a good hour or so away, and if they timed it right, they would get out of the gorge just before it hit, a fact confirmed by Selena.

But, as the pack continued to move forward, Selena, who had lagged behind the pack to ensure everyone was accounted for, suddenly looked up when she caught movement in her vision, her eyes going wide at the sight of one of the males from the pride looking over the edge of the gorge, sending Selena a firm nod before disappearing. And as Selena looked from the ledge back at the pack she was deceiving, she had a great epiphany.

I DEFINITELY can't do this.

"GET DOWN!"

The pack quickly paused as they heard this outburst from Selena, the entirety of the pack looking upon her with curiosity, and even suspicion. And as Selena ran to the front of the pack, making sure to halt any progression, Sam and Dax could see her eyes wide with alarm.

"Why?" Sam inquired warily, his suspicions rising as Selena began to stumble over her words, her mouth closing every time she went to open it to speak, the feline shaking her head with each moment as she worked up the will to tell them the truth. But what really led her to spill her guts was when she cast her eyes up, her entire form seizing as she looked into Jenny's concerned gaze.

"At the center of the pass…my father's pride is setting up an ambush."

"What do you mean ambush?" Dax quickly said, his hackles raising as he glared menacingly at Selena, his mind running a mile a minute as he tried to make sense of everything. Luckily, Sweets beat him to it.

"You set us up," she growled, joining Dax as she raised her hackles, her throat emanating a low growl as stared at the know frightened Selena, who's fear was joined by heartbreak as she took in Jenny's hurt expression, tears of anguish forming in her eyes as the look of betrayal would be forever ingrained in Selena's mind.

"It was my job," Selena began to defend, tears of her won forming in her eyes as her voice cracked, "I was suppose to lead you to them…but then you…"

"YOU BROUGHT US HOME FOR DINNER!" Liam interrupted, his growls joined by Jake and Duke as Kyle added his two pieces of caribou.

"THAT'S IT, YOUR OUT OF THE PACK!"

At this point, Sam was beyond livid, especially by what Selena said next.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, her head hung in shame, only to let out a startled yelp as she found herself on her back…with one of Sam's paws pressing down on her throat.

"NO YOU'RE NOT!" he shouted, only to bring his face close to hers, a menacing growl escaping his throat as he continued to speak.

"Not yet."

"Listen," Selena sobbed, her tears now freely flowing as she tried to pry Sam's paw off her throat, "I can help you."

Sam was having none of this.

"Everyone stay close; we'll have to fight our way out if we have to!"

"You can't!" Selena desperately argued.

"What the pride lacks in numbers, they make up for in strategy…I can help you but you have to trust me!"

"TRUST YOU?!" Sam snarled, "WHY IN THE WORLD SHOULD WE TRUST YOU?!"

For a moment Selena just looked up at Sam, his hazel eyes burning into her golden ones as he searched for any malice. But the more he looked, the more he could see the genuine concern that Selena held for them. And as Selena looked at him, her paws still trying to pry his off of her throat, she gave an answer that convinced Sam through and through.

"Because I'm your only chance of getting out of here alive."

After thinking it over for a few minutes, Sam released the pressure he had on Selena's, the big cat taking the opportunity to take a much-needed breath, her lungs grateful for the air that filled them, but as she began to stand to her feet, she noticed that all eyes were on her, each holding a high level of trust despite her assurances that they would help them. In fact, the one wolf she was surprised to see with a greater amount of trust was Jenny, who offered a sad smile to her cougar lover.

But then…the rumble came from overhead.

"Slade," Dax said as he continued to glare at Selena, nothing else needing to be said as Slade immediately to the sky, returning within ten seconds with grim news.

"Storm will be on us within the hour, Boss," he reported, taking his place back on Sue's head as he and the bear joined in staring down Selena, who at this point was all but curled in on herself.

"Alright," Sam said, his voice firm, "you said there are several paths in the pass…which gets the youngsters on the high ground?"

"The youngsters," Jake implied, looking at Sam in confusion.

"In case the pass floods before we can get out I want to know that the pups will be safe…is their a path?"

"Yes," Selena said confidently, "there is a narrow path that branches off just ahead. It takes a little longer to get through, but the pups would be safe."

"Faith, Elsa and Sue can lead the pups through," Sam began to explain, "Slade can fly ahead to make sure there are no…surprises."

This was said as Sam sent a burning glare toward Selena, who cowered even more as she continued to feel Jenny's gaze on her. But, luckily for Selena, Jenny's gaze continued to hold support, even though disappointment was also laced within the blue peepers. And after making his point clear that there were to be no surprises, Sam turned to his son.

"Liam, you, Sweets and Kyle are going with them."

"NO DAD!" Liam firmly asserted, his eyes burning with fierce determination as he stepped toward his father, his head held high in open defiance.

"Liam, it is not up for discussion," Sam quickly countered, his expression growing even firming as he stared down his son, who faltered some in his stance, but still maintained his confidence as he took one more step forward, his yellow eyes never breaking contact with his father's. And, with a firm and deep voice that Sam had never heard before, one that made his eyes widen in shock, Liam made it clear that his decision was not up for discussion.

"I'm staying."

Sweets, inspired by Liam's courage, held her head high as well, marching toward a stunned Dax, who only realized that's he was beside him when he felt her soft fur rub against his side. Looking toward Sweets, Dax couldn't help but let a small smirk form on his muzzle at what she said.

"I'm staying too."

And while Sam knew it was better not to try and not talk Sweets out of it, as she was an adult and could make her own decisions, he just couldn't bear the thought of losing his son…

Not again.

And, in a dirty gambit, Sam played the one card he knew would get his son, and his friend to listen to reason.

"If not for me, do it for Al and Candy."

This caught their attention.

"What do you want them to hear, that you both died before you could see them again?"

That did it.

"Cheap move Sam," Sweets laughed as she went to rejoin the others, but not before placing a firm kiss on Dax's lips, the silver wolf shocked at first, but quickly melting into the gesture. And as she passed Sam and Liam, her heart melted as Father held tearful son in a tight embrace, the younger of the two reluctantly pulling away before rejoining the others.

"So what are you going to do?" the young wolf inquired.

"Dax, Jenny and I are gonna try to talk some since into Selena's father," Sam quickly answered, "and if that doesn't work…pull a 'Trojan Wolf.'"

And in an instant, Liam and Sweets smiled at the mention of a tactic Humphrey pulled during King's failed invasion of the Bear Kingdom…

Pit the pride against itself.

"Alright," Dax shouted, "get moving. Hope, you're with us. We'll need you to listen for trouble."

And of course, with the worsening storm, Hope knew what that trouble was.

Before long, the main bulk of the pack, being led by Slade and Sue, found they're to the passage Selena had talked about, while Selena herself led the three wolves in her company along the path they were currently on, minus Hope who was lagging behind so as not to draw attention to herself. While Hope had excellent hearing, it was practically useless in a fight. And to say the air was tense would be an understatement. But, they pushed forward, trying not to let the heavy silence bother them.

That is until Sam spoke up.

"What can you tell us about your father?"

At first taken aback, Selena knew that if the wolves she was with were to stand a fighting chance, she would need to give them information about her father that would aid them in such a feat.

"My father Kako is a brilliant strategist. As I said before, he can take his meager numbers and make one cougar feel like ten. But, I will admit, he is also overconfident, which you can use to your advantage. In fact, my father is the brains of the pack, with the only one even on parr with his intelligence being me. The others are three brainless males who can't think for themselves, and two females who have the libido of…"

Selena faltered some, her eyes momentarily landing on Jenny, who blushed slightly at this information she had been given. Even Sam and Dax found themselves, slightly embarrassed by the turn of conversation. Luckily, Selena quickly worked her way round it.

"Anyway, my point is, you can outthink the others, but my father is the one to worry about the most."

"Yes indeed my dear."

The group froze at the sinister voice that sounded overhead, their wide eyes looking up to see Kako and his pride towering over them from several rock ledges, each big cat hissing and snarling at the wolves and Selena below. And from her hiding spot, Hope could here the escalating situation, only to be pulled away from what was happening a something wet landing on her nose, then her ear, then her tail, and before long, the tell tale sound of thunder came in with the rain, the steady drizzle quickly growing into rapid downpour.

But at that moment, Kako wasn't that bothered, as evident by him jumping down from his ledge, followed quickly by the rest of his pride, each slowly advancing on the wolves and Selena, backing them into a shallow crevice in the gorge…blocking off their escape.

"Oh Selena," Kako said sadly, the genuine heartbreak in his eyes coming as a great shock to Selena's lupine companions, "how could you do this? Betray your father, your pride, your SPECIES…for what? What could you gain from this?"

With each question, Selena and the others were surprised to see Kako's expression break, his face contorting as if he were in pain, the tears streaming down his cheeks indistinguishable with the rain as he looked upon his daughter, his only child, But luckily, as he watched the exchange occur, Sam realized he didn't have to outthink Kako…but rather use his own emotions against him. Because as he studied Kako, Sam was surprised to see that the feline patriarch, unlike King in the past, our Cain, was not driven by the want for power or revenge, but the will to survive, and had become misguided in what was desperation.

All this, from how he addressed Selena.

"Kako," he began cautiously, a gentleness to his voice he often reserved for his children, taking a careful step forward as he spoke, the action not going unnoticed by the other cougars, who intensified their feral noises. Sam, not paying them any mind, continued to address Kako, who at this point began baring his fangs at Sam.

"Listen," Sam continued, ignoring the pouring rain as it continued to intensify, "I know you don't want to do this. I understand. You are just doing what is best for your pride. And that is just what Dax is doing for his pack. They are just passing through…just trying to find a home."

At this point, Sam could see that he seemed to be getting through to Kako, who's fangs were no covered, and whose muscles seemed more relaxed. Even his one good eye seemed to convey that the older cougar was listening to him. Taking this as a good sign, Dax, Jenny and Selena moved forward to join Sam, the movement catching Kako's attention as his eyes suddenly fell on his daughter.

"Don't do this, Daddy," she pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears as she stared at her father, silently hoping that Sam's words had gotten through to him. But, to their disappointment and sorrow, any hope quickly vanished as, after just a minute of silence, Kako looked at his daughter once again, his eyes still sorrowful, but with a hard expression on his face.

"I must do what is best for the pride," he said in a quiet voice, slowly stepping back until he was with the rest of his pride. And to the pride, this was a clear signal to have at it. And in a matter of seconds, the pass was filled with sounds of growling, hissing, roars and barks as the two opposing forces went at each other in the now muddy gorge, the rain coming down even harder as the thunder rolled, making the small stream swell with each passing minute.

Dax found himself against two of the three males, easily dodging a leap from one, only to let out a loud yelp of pain as the other landing a successful hit on his side, several deep scratches embedded in his hide. But he remembered what Selena had said about the males being less than intelligent. And so, when both began to once again charge at him from both sides, Dax quickly jumped away. The sudden move, combined with the slippery mud, caused the two felines to barrel into each other, leaving both dazed and confused.

Sam was actually debating with himself on whether or not he should tell the story of how he beat both of the females. But, needless to say, he got inside their dirty minds, egging them to the point they couldn't think straight. And the moment they were too horny to think, Sam butted their heads together with enough force that it rendered the two unconscious.

As for Selena, she was having a hard tome holding her own with the last male, who was holding his own against after having dispatched Jenny, who had been thrown against one of the gorge faces, effectively disorienting her. And as the male continued to fight Selena into a corner, the female began to panic as she felt her tail hit the stone.

"Time to end this traitor," he snarled with a sinister smirk. But just as he was about to lunge for Selena's throat, a might cry sounded from bind the male.

"THAT'S MY GIRLFRIEND ASSHOLE!"

And before the male knew it, he found himself with a really bad headache as Jenny slammed into his side, the sudden impact sending the male sliding until his head hit a large rock, the sickening smack heard by Selena who winced at the sound. But, after recovering from the sound, Selena soon found herself looking at Jenny with a teasing smirk.

"Girlfriend, huh?" She playfully inquired, causing Jenny to blush.

"Too soon?" Jenny asked with a nervous chuckle, only to receive a great surprise in the form of Selena planting a firm kiss on her lips, the action actually causing Sam and Dax to chuckle warmly at the sight, despite everything that had happened.

"No," the cat laughed as she pulled away, "I like girlfriend."

"There's still one more to take care of," Dax interjected, his face soon turning serious as the four friends looked upon a now visibility fearful Kako, who at this point was beginning to realize he may not get put of this fights the victor. But, as his four opponents advanced on him, the gorge was suddenly filled with a terrible sound, one which was not thunder.

"DAX!" The group suddenly turned to see the running form of Hope, her unseeing eyes wide with fear as she ran in the direction, she thought was the way to safety.

"Hope?" Dax called, his confusion growing by the second.

"RUUUUN!" Hope yelled again, "MUDSLIDE!"

And the moment those word left her mouth, a massive wave rounded the corner, almost as if chasing the poor girl as he bolted past her friends, colliding with Kako only to rise to her feet and continue running. And with the form of Hope retreating behind them, the others just stared in horror, especially Sam, who guessed that the massive torrent of muddy water was ten times bigger the one that swept him, Sweets and Liam away.

"Run," he finally had the voice to say, only to say much louder when he noticed everyone just continuing to stand in place.

"RUUUUN! UP THE SIDES!"

But, as the other began to run after Hope, Selena suddenly stopped when she realized her father wasn't following. Looking behind her, Selena was astounded to see Kako walking toward his fallen pride, each unaware of the fate that was about to befall them. But Selena, unwilling to see this happen to her father, ran to him, leaving behind a shocked Sam, Dax, and Jenny, the shocked female calling out to her girlfriend.

"SELENA!"

But Selena didn't hear. And the moment she reached him, she put her back to the approaching wave of mud and debris.

"Daddy," she sobbed, fresh tears now falling down her cheeks, "it's time to go."

For a solid moment, Kako stood in silence, looking over his fallen pride, finally speaking after taking in the unconscious faces of every member.

"I gave so much to this pride, fought to keep it strong…it is hard to believe that this is how it ends."

At that moment, Kako looked into his daughter's eyes, gazing into the mark of his genes as gave her a sad smile.

"You saw the pride's weakness and refused to let it be a part of you…which is why you are leaving without me."

"You deserve better than this," Selena attempted to argue, only to be quickly shot down by her father.

"NO! I don't…but you do. So go, Survive, LIVE!"

At first refusing to leave her father, Selena knew that it was better to argue with him, especially when the thought of the life she could have with Jenny. But, just before she left her father to her own devices, Selena affectionately nuzzled her father under his chin, a gesture she was overjoyed to have returned. And after pulling away, Selena shared a tender smile with Kako before running after the others.

And as Kako turned back to the massive wall of destruction barreling toward him, he once again looked at his pride before laying down with them. And just second before the wave hit…

Kako greeted death with a smile.

As Selena and the others continued to run from the torrent that had already claimed her father and his pride, they managed to catch up with hope, who had managed to find what appeared to be a stone ramp leading up to higher ground.

"HOW DID YOU FIND THIS HOPE!" Selena called as the group ran up the slowly ascending ramp.

"I LISTENED FOR BREAKS IN THE RAIN!" Hope responded, "AND FROM WHAT I HEARD, THIS RAMP WILL DEFINITELY GET US OUT OF HERE…OR AT LEAST HIGH ENOUGH SO WE DON'T DROWN!"

"WAIT!" Dax suddenly called, latching his jaws around Hopes tail before she could run off of a sudden drop. After making sure that everyone was safe, Dax and Sam quickly assessed the situation. It appears that at the halfway point out of the pass, the still pouring rain had caused the dirt foundation of the gorge wall to give way, causing a massive gap in the ramp. But, luckily, the gap seemed narrow enough that the quintet could jump across with ease.

"Alright," Dax said after crafting a plan, "Selena, as a cougar you're obviously the best jumper. You jump first. Jenny, you next soi the two of you can catch Hope. Sam and I will go last. Sound good?"

"Sounds good," Selena said with a smile, quickly preparing her body for the leap she would make. Crouching down, Selena wiggled her shoulders, almost as he if hunting for prey, before kicking off of the ledge with a great bound, the group letting out a sigh of relief as Selena landed on the other side without issue.

Next came Jenny, who also managed to land, albeit a little ungracefully, beside Selena. But, the moment that Hope prepared to jump, she let out a startled yelp as the ground she was standing on suddenly gave way, another section of ramp falling into the rising water, followed closing by more chunks from where Selena and Jenny stood.

Looking behind them, Sam could see the wall of water getting closer.

"Hope," he said urgently, "you're going to have to give it a running start. I'll tell you when to jump."

And even though she was terrified, Hope knew that this was her only chance. And so, mustering as much bravery as she could, Hope ran as far down the ramp as she could. And the moment her paws hit the rising water, she ran back up, picking up speed as she drew closer and closer to the edge. And the moment she feared she would fall, Sam yelled…

"JUMP!"

With a mighty yelp Hope flew over the gap, her claws digging into the vertical face of the opposite, only to be grabbed by Selena and Jenny at the last minute. Now all that remained was Sam and Dax. And despite Sam's attempts to get Dax to go first, the southern wolf insisted that Sam go first. And so, after taking the steps that hope took, Sam leaped across the gap, successfully landing on the other side as he did. Unfortunately, his leap had caused another section to crumble away.

It was at that moment that Dax realized that the water had risen so much that he could no longer get a proper running start. And with the raging torrent just seconds away, he knew the only chance he had now was to take a massive leap of faith. And so, giving himself as much of a running start as he could, Dax charged the edge, the torrent hot on his heals as he leaped over the edge, his paws outstretched for his friends to catch. And for a moment, it seemed as if they were getting out of this…

But the muddy wall was faster.

To Be Concluded in Homeward Bound...