Now that the fire is out in the forest and a new fire has sparked between Alastor and Heart, it is time to rebuild and get things back in shape.


Ch 15: Something New

It was a few hours till the fires started to die down. Alastor and Heart spent their time up on top of that cliff. They just laid up there with each other, watching over the land. It was peaceful in a way. Heart managed to move around a bit up there, trying to stretch out her stiffness. Her paw was badly sprained, no weight could be put on it. Luckily, Alastor was able to help her with that and managed to fix the sprain. The wolf was happy to put weight on it, but unfortunately her wing was broken. Just a small fracture but it would not be fit to fly. Maybe glide but not fly.

Heart was glad to be ok and alive. She could continue to live her life and now can spend it with Alastor. She felt she found her purpose, her place. It was here all along. Right alongside the deer. She didn't need the dragons like she thought. All she needed was her friends and Alastor.

When they noticed the fires were dying down, it was time to head back. Alastor stood up from the edge of the cliff. "Well love, I think it's time we go down and check on the others."

"Can we check on my pack first?" She asked as she stood up as well.

"Howl? See if you get a response." Alastor suggested.

"Oh, I guess that could work." Heart said with her ears going up. She looked out into the burnt woods and felt a ping in her chest. Even so, she took in a breath and howled.

The howl echoed across the land a moment. When the howl died…another was heard not far off to the right of them. Then another. Until soon she heard a whole chorus of howls. Heart's tail wagged happily at hearing that. They were ok. She could jump for joy but was afraid of falling off the cliff."

"They're ok." She said excitedly and then looked at the deer. "They're ok! I can even hear Ciel! She has a distinct howl that I know off heart. So, she is ok too." The wolf looked back out and howled again. She would see the pack soon. Knowing they were ok though, made her feel so much better.

Alastor was smiling the whole time and was glad to see Heart so happy, "Come darling, let's get back to the demons that need me."

Heart's ears went back with slight embarrassment. "Oh yes. Sorry about that. Let's head home."

"Think you'll be ok to get down?" Alastor asked.

Heart looked at her wings and nodded. "I can glide a good bit. I just can't flap my wings. At least, I hope. Worth a shot."

"Well, if you need help let me know." The deer said as he looked down and then back to Heart. He went to her and gave her cheek a small lick. "Home will feel more like home now." He said softly before jumping down onto the ledge of the cliff and starting to head down.

Heart felt her ears get hot with a blush from the action and his words and it honestly made her feel like she could float on air. "Home will feel more like home." She repeated softly, agreeing with his words.

She looked up and into the horizon as a breeze went by and ruffled her fur. She took in a deep breath and let it out. The hybrid backed up, opened her wings carefully and then ran to jump off the edge of the cliff. She caught the wind a little and it helped her glide a little further into the forest. She enjoyed the feeling of the breeze in her fur and it just felt free.

The feeling just felt different now. She felt lighter. Maybe because so much was lifted off her shoulders at once. To finally get her feelings out with Alastor made her feel fantastic. Like she had started over again and honestly, it wasn't starting over. It was a new chapter. A new beginning. Just like how the fire burned most of the forest, it would regrow. Become stronger.

She looked down and the trees were burned and leaves were gone. Soon she saw a red shape running under her. She noticed it was Alastor and he was running with her to keep up. She was surprised he got down the cliff so fast. She smiled down at the deer as he looked up at her with a smile in return.

Heart couldn't keep herself afloat so she was gently gliding down to the forest floor. Soon she managed to get between some burnt tree limbs and to the ground. Alastor was right behind her as she landed. When the wolf landed, she started to run as well and stayed close to Alastor's side. Thanks to him healing her paw, she was able to run and not feel so held back.

The two ran together across the border back into Alastor's land and headed towards the mountains. The fire had burned a lot of the woods in his territory and he took notice as he ran through the trees. Hopefully with some working of his friends and a little luck with the weather things will start to grow back soon. The mountain was soon in sight for the two and they slowed down a little, Heart was starting to huff and get out of breath anyway. She did breathe in a lot of smoke after all. The deer kept pace with her as they slowed down to a slow trot.

"Sorry, I'm running out of steam." Heart said as she panted, her tongue hanging out of her mouth.

"You're ok dear. It's a far run. You did well. We are almost there." Alastor reassured her.

Heart looked up at the mountain and slowed down to a stop a moment. Alastor noticed this and stopped as well, looking back. The deer went up to the wolf and could see the hurt look in her eyes.

"What are you thinking about love?" Alastor asked softly.

Heart paused a few more moments and then looked back at the buck. "I'm thinking…that no one will want me around anymore." Her ears went back. "That everyone is just going to drive me out…for what I did."

"They won't do anything of the sort." The deer said and licked the top of the wolf's head to reassure her. "I'll make sure of it. You are mine now and they will have to let you stay. My word is law. If they have a problem with you then they have to go through me and they know they will lose their life." He said softly as he put his head against hers.

Heart smiled. "Thank you, Al. I hope they take your words lightly and accept me still."

"They will…or I'll bite their head off." Alastor said semi-joking as he chuckled.

"Alastor, behave yourself." Heart said sternly and knocked her horns with his antlers.

The deer chuckled. "I make no promises, my little wolf." He said and kept his antlers in her horns.

The hybrid rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, I'll just have to take your word that everything will be ok. Let's get going again. I'm sure everyone is worried."

Alastor pulled away and nodded. "Agreed. Let's go." He started to walk again and Heart stayed close to his side. He then had a thought. "Heart, may I ask you something?"

The wolf looked up at him as they walked, "Sure."

The deer paused and his ears felt hot with a blush, "I know we truly are mates yet but…maybe if I just label you as my mate for now, the other demons won't be as questioning about my decision. Would this be ok with you?"

It was now Heart's turn to feel the blushing hot ears, "O-Oh, well, if it's to keep me safe. Then I won't mind at all. Its…just while around other demons."

Alastor nodded, "Thank you love. As I said, it's just to solidify your safety and other demons' questions."

Heart nodded. "Thank you as well, Al."

The two walked up the path of the mountain and as they got to the top, they saw all the demons before them that where in the forest that was ablaze. They all were talking amongst themselves but when Alastor and Heart finally got over the edge they were noticed.

"Lord Alastor has returned!"

"He is ok!"

"Lord Alastor, you're safe!"

"Oh thank Saten!"

Most of the demons cried out happily. Looking around though it seemed about a quarter of the demons were staring at Heart and she could tell. She put her ears back and felt nervous. Her tail tucked and she moved closer to Alastor as their pelts brushed together. The deer looked down at the wolf and just gave her ear a gentle lick before heading down to the group that was starting to crowd. Heart stayed close to him but just a little back.

A chirping was heard as Chicka soon flew down and landed on the deer's antler. "Oh, my goodness, Lord Alastor, I'm so glad you are ok." She said with a sigh of relief. "Everyone was starting to become a little hard to manage." She informed him.

"I came back just in time then. I'm sorry I had to leave so suddenly." Alastor apologized.

"No worries. I'm glad you were able to get Heart back safely." Chicka said and went over to the wolf. "I was so worried about you, Heart. We all were."

Just then the whole group that went with her on her adventure ran up to her and started to cheer happily at seeing her. The wolf felt happiness at seeing all her friends again. They were all worried about her. That is something that filled her with joy.

"I'm sorry to have made you all scared like that. I promise I won't do it again." Heart told them. "I'm glad everyone is safe. Including my pack. I'm happy to see you all again."

The bird's feathers fluffed up and she let out a happy chirp. "I'm happy to see you as well. Safe and sound."

"It was all thanks to Alastor." She looked up at the deer. "He saved me after some rocks fell on top of me."

"My goodness. Are you ok physically?" Violet wondered.

"Yea. I had a sprained paw but Alastor fixed that." She told her. "Only thing I have to worry about is my wing, which has a small fracture. I won't be able to fly for a while just gliding."

"Good to hear that you didn't have any more serious injuries." Oliva said and they all sighed in relief.

As Alastor watched the group he turned back to the group before him. "My fellow demons. I have returned to you. Everyone who was in the woods is now safe from harm. The fires are out so now it is time to rebuild and help the forest come back to life. It will take time but I know we can do it."

"What if the dragons return?"

"Yea what if they attack again?"

The crowd started to burst out slightly.

"That won't happen." Alastor said to reassure them. "The dragons have done their damage. They won't come back; I'll make sure of it."

"The dragons won't be back." A voice behind Alastor spoke.

Alastor and Heart turned around and soon over the small path leading down the mountain, a snake appeared. It slithered up towards them before rearing up to be bigger and taller.

"King Lucifer." Heart said softly as she stared at the snake, she had met a few nights ago.

Alastor looked up at the snake then bowed his head. The other demons bowed as best they could as well. Heart also bowed after a few moments. Her friends stood behind her.

"You can rise." Lucifer said and the demons did so.

Alastor was first to speak. "What honor do we have for you being here, your majesty?"

"I heard what happened with the dragons. When they were out destroying things, I went to see the dragons to have a talk. Nice. Long. Chat." Lucifer's eyes glowed and his fork tongue slid out a moment. "Alastor, I do not think you will be having any more issues with the dragons."

The deer tilted his head. "What do you mean by that sire?" He wondered.

"Let's just say that Lady Nebbia has been, well, let's say…demoted." Lucifer said with a dark chuckle. "I'll be watching over the dragons for a time."

Heart and Alastor looked at each other then back to the snake. "Can you elaborate my king?" The wolf asked.

The snake's eyes looked at her and he looked to be grinning. "My girl, you shouldn't have to worry so much. Also, for Alastor, he shouldn't have to worry about any more quarrels with the dragons."

Heart's ears went back and looked at Alastor but he showed nothing on his face. The hybrid could think of some things that the king might have done, but the only thing that she could think of…was that Lady Nebbia was gone. Dead. She didn't know what to think. The dragon was nice at first, but she didn't get what she wanted. Because of that she had a temper and held grudges. With her not being around anymore…they could live peacefully.

"I understand you did what you did my king. I thank you for helping with the dragons. I hope the new Lord or Lady you choose will be better than the last one."

"I do as well, keeping an eye on the dragons. I hope one comes to my attention more than the rest. Showing me, they can be a leader." Lucifer said. "For the time being, I see that your land has suffered a lot because of this. I will be willing to help you if you want it."

"What kind of help are you willing to give?" Alastor wondered.

"I will help restore most of the forest and put a spell on it to help the land grow. Hopefully, it will all return before the snow falls." Lucifer told him.

Alastor took a moment to think and he eventually nodded. "I would appreciate that, my king. It is a gracious offer and I will appreciate it greatly. Thank you so much for your help."

Heart then took a step forward. "My king." She started. "If I may?"

The snake looked at her and nodded.

Heart bowed to the royal snake. "May you please help my old pack as well? The dragons also affected their land. I helped them escape but I do not know how bad their land is."

"Stand child." Lucifer said and Heart did as told. "I will help the land your old pack stands on. I will grant them the quick restoration of life to the land but that is all I will grant." He said to her.

Heart's tail wagged as she looked up at the snake. "Thank you, king. I appreciate that very much." She said and backed up back to Alastor.

"Now then. Let me do what I need to. I wish for everyone to stand back." Lucifer said and turned back to the deer's land.

The group of demons all backed up a little from the king and watched him work. They didn't want to be in his way. Lucifer started to chant some words and his eyes glowed yellow from the magic. The land began to glow as well from the king's magic that he was bestowing upon it. They watched as it's like they were watching life fast forward in time. The trees lost their black burnt color and started to grow leaves and buds. The scorched forest floor was growing back. The grass and flowers sprung up and it all looked so amazing.

The glow soon died, Lucifer opened his eyes and then turned around to face Alastor. "It is done, it should grow in no time. Please appreciate this gift."

"We will, my king." Alastor said with a bow of his head. "Thank you."

A handful of more Thank you's sprouted out from the crowd toward the king. They were grateful for his help.

The snake bowed its head. "You are welcome, Lord Alastor. I must be off for now. I wish you all the best of luck."

"May Saten, guide you sire." Alastor says before the snake started to slither off towards the dragon lands again. The deer felt so relieved with all this. Grateful that Lucifer was willing to help them. He turned to look at Heart and just had a soft gaze in his eyes. He was thinking of this as a fresh start. Fresh start. Not only for the land and those who lived there, but also for his newfound adventures of the heart he wants to take with the hybrid. He leaned down and nuzzled her head for a moment as she wagged her tail from the action. He pulled away from her. "Let's get to work." He said to her and then turned to the group behind him. "Let's all go home everyone! If you need help with finding a new home, don't be afraid to ask for help and we can assist you as best we can."

All the demons cheered and started to head down the mountain path back into the woods.

"Wait!" A wail came from the crowd.

Everyone stopped and they all turned to face who was the one that yelled. It was the cat demon from the last meeting. The one asking about Heart's permanent stay here. They trotted through the crowd to stand before the deer.

"Lord Alastor, if I may speak before we head back into the woods?" The cat asked.

"You may." Alastor said with slanted eyes at the cat. Annoyed for delaying him further.

The cat paused as they looked at the deer and then to the hybrid a little back from him. They looked back to Alastor. "Why is the wolf still here? Aren't they the cause of all this?"

Alastor's eyes slanted more in anger. "Why do you accuse her of this?"

"Well, they went to the dragon territory. They talked to the leader and made them mad. I heard from everyone around me what happened. I feel unsafe having the wolf here. They are nothing but trouble." The cat said with concern and was stern.

Heart's ears went back in worry at the demon's words.

The deer Lord tried to keep his cool while the cat talked. He snorted as he stomped his hoof. "Even though this happened, it is not Heart's fault. I do not blame her for this. Lady Nebbia had a grudge against me, they did not know this. No one is to blame for what happened except the dragons. King Lucifer is dealing with them so we won't have any problems."

"Even so, she has brought nothing but trouble since she arrived. The wolf is an omen. First the snake and now the dragons. What will be next, my Lord?" The cat retorted.

Heart backed up a little from the two and just looked down as her ears were flat against her head. Her friends that were still around her tried to comfort her as they surrounded her.

"Silence!" Alastor snapped finally. "Heart is now my mate, so I expect her to be treated with the same respect as anyone else."

The cat backed up slightly from that and there were a few gasps from the crowd. There was silence in the air now. Even though they technically weren't mates yet, Alastor wanted to keep Heart protected. Besides, they needed to know one enough more first before they would officially mate, they weren't even in season yet.

"B-But…Lord Alastor…Why?" The cat stuttered.

Alastor's eyes glowed red for a moment, "I don't think I need to explain my feelings to you. If you don't like it-" He bent down to be eye level with the cat. "-Then get out." He said in a deep and dark voice.

The cat demon tried to push itself flat against the ground, its ears back as its eyes were wide as saucers. It was speechless but you could see that it was scared now. It took quick intakes of air and let them out just as fast. Like it was hyperventilating. Quickly it turned and ran off through the crowd and onto one of the other paths that led through the mountains.

Alastor snorted again as he stood up tall again. "If anyone else has a problem with this, they are happy to leave. As for everyone else, let's go home." He turned around and started to head down the mountain path.

Heart said nothing as her friends got away from around her as she just followed close beside Alastor. The friends close behind as well. They walked down into the woods and was happy to see it as it was. Not as lavish as it used to be but they know it will take time to get it to where it was. Things would be ok. Demons went their separate ways, going back to find their dens or nests. Going to fix them up or make new ones. Things would take time but they knew everything will be ok.

Alastor, as well as her friends, walked with Heart as she wanted to head back to her den. She hoped nothing was severely damaged. Even so, she knew everyone would help her. The walk was quiet as they went through the growing woods. More light shines through the trees since there was not as many leaves. Gave the woods a new atmosphere. Was still comfortable.

Soon they got to where Heart's den was. Everything looked ok, except for the tree that had fallen down in the small clearing outside her den entrance. "I expected it to be worse." She said as she trotted to the den. "I'm so glad."

"Let's take a look on the inside." Chicka suggested and flew over to the entrance.

At least the tree didn't block in the entrance but it looked a little harder to get into, especially the deer lord. Heart went over to it and managed to get by the tree and into the den. Alastor couldn't even fix his antlers though. The tree falling down knocked some dirt lose from the walls and ceiling but that was no problem. There was no damage to the inside.

"Looks like it's all ok." Heart said and then turned around to see Alastor struggling to get inside. She quickly went up to him. "Well looks like we have to get the tree out of the way if I want you to fit in here love."

"Seems so my wolf. That won't be a problem though." He said and pulled his head out. "I can move this."

"You want some help?" The small group of friends asked.

"I think some help would be lovely. Come on girls." Alastor said and pressed his head against the tree.

The group of five started to push and eventually the tree managed to get pushed out of the way. Enough so that the opening wasn't so tight. Heart crawled out after they managed to push the tree away and just looked out from where she was on the den.

"The tree kind give a nice little something extra, I think. Probably keep it where it is. Keeps the den hidden a little as well." Heart said as she walked up to the group.

Alastor turned around, "If that is what you want dear, we shall keep it." He said then turned to the girls. "Thank you for your help."

"No problem. Do ya'll need help with anything else?" Veronica asked.

Heart shook her head. "I think we are ok. You want us to walk you back to your dens?"

"I would like to explore the forest a little and then decide on a place to live." Violet told them since she was still new to the forest.

"I can help you." Chicka said and flew to the reindeer. "I don't want you going to some place you're not supposed to."

"Thank you Chicka." She smiled as the bird went to her antlers.

"I'll be ok, I just hope the cabin is still standing." Olivia said with a tiny bit of worry. That abandoned cabin has been her home since the beginning. She would hate to have to move, but…she would miss that cabin.

"Olivia, if you want us to help you find a new place if your cabin isn't there, we can." Heart told her friend.

"I know. I'll come back to you once I find out." Olivia said and turned to start walking. "I'll see you all later."

Once the big cat was gone, the others soon followed after. All going their separate ways so they could go back to their dens. Hopefully, they would be intact or not much needed to be done so that they could rest. Chicka would have to make a new nest but she would focus on giving Violet a tour first. After everyone was gone, it was just Alastor and Heart left.

"I guess you should go off and check on everyone to see if they are ok with their homes?" Heart wondered with a little disheartened tone in her voice. Her ears were back a little bit. She didn't mean to sound that way; she knew he had things to do. He was the leader of the land, he had duties.

"I suppose I shall, but that can wait a few minutes. How about we go into your den for now? I know you need rest and I want to make sure you're comfortable." Alastor suggested as he went over to the den entrance.

Heart's ears perked up a little bit at that. "Ok, that sounds good." She said happily with her tail wagging slightly and walked over to the den.

Alastor managed to get into the den ok, watching his antlers as he got in and walked over to her bedding. Heart got in after him and went over with him.

He laid down first and he made a face. "Your bedding needs changed." He pointed out.

"I guess the fire dried it out. It's ok." She told him as she went to lay next to him. "I probably won't be able to find anything until the forest starts to grow back. I can manage."

The two demons laid next to each other and Heart put her head down while Alastor put his head over her neck. He nuzzled his nose into her fur and felt relieved. Heart's tail wagged like crazy and she just pushed herself closer to him. They laid there in silence, just enjoying each other's company. They were closer now than they were before, so everything they did made sense now. It would be ok. The times they laid like this but it didn't make sense. Now it all made sense. It felt natural. It was all meant to be.

Alastor turned his head a little to try and look at her. "I hope you don't mind being labeled my mate right now, even though we aren't full mates yet?" He asked to be sure so that he didn't make the wolf-dragon uncomfortable.

"I don't mind Al. Things will turn out ok. I know they will." Heart said and then tried to turn her head to look at him. "I feel safe when I'm with you. Now I know I have nothing to worry about."

"Exactly. I just want to keep you safe dear." He said as he lifted his head.

The two looked at each other for a moment in the eyes before Heart leaned forward and nuzzled him. "This is my home now….even now it feels more like home. All thanks to you." She licked his cheek a few times. "Thank you, Al."

"Anything for you dear. I'd face the forest on fire again if I had to." He told her with a smile and licked her own cheek in return.

The hybrid yawned.

Alastor noticed this. "You should rest darling. You had a lot happen today. I'm sure you're very tired." He went and licked the top of her head.

Heart nodded as her eyes got heavy. "Will you stay with me till I fall asleep?" She asked softly.

"Of course, I can, my love. Now lay your head down." Alastor said softly back and rested his head on her neck again.

She yawned again but nodded and put her head back down. She snuggled into him and tried to sleep. The smell of the deer filled her nose and it made her relaxed. Being back in her own bed was nice and felt wonderful. Plus, him being here with her was like a dream. It was all coming true. It wasn't long before she felt the darkness take over her to sleep.

"Rest well…my little wolf." Alastor said as he gave her ear a lick and lay with her.


Hope you enjoyed. This isn't the end of the story, I have more up my sleeve, so there is more to come!