Chapter 2

Kino

Ten Years Later…..

"Ha ha, can't catch me Papa", Diego's daughter, Kino, exclaimed. They were playing tag on the glacier.

"Oh yeah, then watch this", Diego replied as he caught Kino in his mouth by the scruff of her neck and hoisting her up on his back. She giggled happily as Diego walked over to the pack.

"No fair, you cheated", Kino said, getting down.

Diego smiled and asked, "Oh, how so?"

"Cause you're taller that's how so", she responded.

"Well, technically, father's are supposed to be taller than daughters, so I think I've got an excuse." He chuckled as Kino raced around him playfully, wanting to restart their game. "You never give up, do ya squirt", Diego asked.

"Why do you think I should", Kino asked, jumping up and down excitedly.

He laughed and said, "Okay squirt you win, this time anyway." Diego carried her on his back to his mate, Nilo. She started to play with Kino, so Diego started surveying the area. Then he spotted Soto looking down on him from a cliff. He motioned for Diego to come up and he obeyed. Once he had joined Soto, the leader turned to the position Diego's family was in.

He focused his attention on Kino and said, "Oh Diego, look at that cute innocent face. Won't it be nice to train your daughter to be a skilled huntress?" Diego nodded to Soto. "Of all the cubs in the pack, young Kino is the most spirited. I can't wait to tell her she'll rule the pack someday", Soto continued. Diego looked shocked at his proposal.

"My daughter, leader of the pack? She's a little young to learn yet Soto."

"Oh Diego, you're never to young to lead the pack, remember when I was told by Akarin that I would lead someday, and here I am. And I was no younger than Kino is now."

Diego nodded hesitantly and said, "Yeah, I guess your right Soto, I'll tell her tomorrow." Soto smiled and dismissed Diego.

As Diego walked down, Zeke, who was close by asked, "Did Soto say we're gonna maul something, huh, huh, did he, did he Diego!"

"No Zeke, maybe tomorrow", Diego stated calmly, as this was normal behavior of his friend. Zeke frowned and walked off.

Ch.3 coming soon! Reviews are welcome!