Chapter ?

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The waves of the ocean swayed back and forth, pushing out from the sands only to return back to the tropical soil. The sun began to set in the east. As the bright orb descended along the horizon, it created a sight that was truly to behold. The breeze brought with it the smells of this warm and sunny paradise.

Walking along the beach, a woman strolled down the shore. Normally she wouldn't be taking a walk at this hour. But today she just felt that now was the time for a period of time to be alone. As her hind paws left footsteps in the sand, she gazed to the east and marveled at the natural beauty before her.

After some time of walking, she noticed that someone else was here, admiring the sights and smells of the sea. A white tiger wearing a beautiful robe and sitting on a fallen log like a bench. He too stared out into the east, enjoying the sea sighted sunset.

The woman walked over the log which the tiger was resting on. When she looked downward she heard a familiar voice say "Ah, hello there."

The woman looked to her left and saw that the tiger greeted her with a warm smile. Not wanting to be rude, the woman replied "H-hello."

The white tiger could tell she was in need of some company. So he patted the empty side of the log and said "Come, there's always room for one more."

The woman accepted his kind offer and sat next to him on the log. They both continued to stare out at the sunset. This man was very kind to the woman, ever since arriving to this distant place.

The woman held her head downward, rather than gazing at the ocean, she stared at the ground near her feet. The tiger could tell something was troubling her.

"Is there something wrong?" The tiger said in a concerned tone.

The woman paused a moment before replying. "I'm… alright."

The tiger then asked "Is there… something troubling you?"

The woman stayed quiet for a moment and answered "It's just. There's someone that I miss. Someone, I've been separated from." The Tiger listened while scooting closer to her. "It's been so long since I've seen him, so long since I've heard his kind voice."

The woman then shed a couple tears and the tiger placed his paw on her shoulder. The woman lightly placed his paw away, a gesture saying she was fine right now.

"Not a day goes by that I don't worry for him. He's all alone, in a world that's cruel, dangerous, and violent." She said with a tone of woe.

The white tiger paused a moment before saying "Yes, that world is violent and harsh. But, I've seen a hero rise up against that world's evil."

The woman turned her head to him, deciding to listen to his words instead of lingering on grim thoughts.

"This hero has endured many terrible trials, and yet he fights for not just his himself and his kin, but also for all people who value peace. This hero has saved many lives, and he's helped bring hope for those in their darkest hour." The tiger explained. "And he continues to do so for all people. Even me… and even you."

The woman became curious and asked "What's this hero's name?"

The white tiger looked out to the sunset and simply answered "His name… is-"

((()-()))

Within a royal bedroom inside a large palace, a deer girl was putting the finishing touches on a painting she was making. A visual, artistic reminder of an adventure she had, and one of the greatest friends she ever made. A painting of her along with a wolf boy. Together they not only saved her father's life, but also helped uncover a sinister plot.

Just as she finished her piece, her bedroom door slid open. In came her family. Her father, mother, and baby sister. A family who, though were of noble lineage, cared deeply for the people they served, both within their royal home and out.

With her parents and baby sibling here now, she showed her painting. Although art wasn't her specialty, they all agreed it was a well crafted work, that would serve well as a memento of the adventurous stay at the Jade Palace. And Yingyu looked at the wolf boy in the painting, hoping that soon she'll be able to see her friend again.

((()-()))

On the boardwalk, people of all kinds, young or old, citizen or tourist enjoyed the fun filled evening this town had to offer. Sitting on a bench by the beach, a group of friends sat together and ate popsicles. This group of high school students, though pretty normal looking, had the greatest adventure of the summer just a few days ago.

As they all licked their frozen treats, a big gust of wind blew from behind, and one boy's flaming colored bandana was pulled from his head. The native boy quickly grabbed his head band with his free paw, saving his decorative garment.

Upon looking at his bandana, he remembered another wolf kid who shared his love for these special scarves. A boy he might never see again. But even though the native knew he would never see his friend form the past again, he had the memories they made together. The Time when he found another good hearted trouble maker. So he put his bandana back on, and continued to enjoy the last day of summer vacation with his friends. One of whom, was a bear that wished their friend from the ancient past a happy and fulfilling life.

((()-()))

In a small village, a caravan of merchants settled down for the weekend. Once again they found a town to sell their goods, such as the family had done for years. As the family of merchants got ready for selling and buying with the locals, the youngest of the family explored the town a bit with an action figure of the greatest kung fu warrior he ever met.

As the young boy walked along the road, he saw a girl his age crying on the side of the road. The goose boy thought of what to do? He then looked at his toy, which was of a wolf wearing a bandana and wielding a bow and arrow. He then walked over to the girl and offered to play together. And he cheered her up and helped her. Just like his hero did for him.

((()-()))

In the Jade Palace, master Tigress was sitting in her room alone. While she was changing for the night, she took off her robe. The beautiful piece of clothing given to her by her late mother, who even after harsh words of rejection, showed her love for her grown daughter.

Tigress remembered the young hero who was with her that day. The boy who comforted her after that dark moment of her life. She would always treasure that robe, for both her mother's sake and her young friend's.

((()-()))

A panda was enjoying a nice dinner with his father, and his new business partners. As they were talking and eating, they remembered a boy who helped them all, in more ways than one. Whether saving one their lives, providing company on lonely days, or giving support in time of need.

((()-()))

In a small humble home, a couple of wolves snuggled together by the warm fire. On the wall of the home they lived in was a painting they had made just earlier today. A family painting, consisting of a father, a mother, and a son. The tow parents were grateful and proud of the boy they were raising, and ever grateful for all he's done for the both of them.

((()-()))

The white tiger answered the woman's question, and he spoke the name of the great hero he spoke of. And upon hearing that name, the woman begun to shed tears of joy. That name, belonged to a boy she greatly loved. Many years ago, she tried so hard to have puppies. But despite her efforts, she was barren and could not conceive. But now, she was filled with comfort when she heard of what her dingle young has become.

The tiger could see hope and happiness return to her face so he said to her. "The child I blessed you with, now has a family again. One as large as his home village, and filled with people of all kinds who love him just as you did."

The woman sported a grateful smile as the tiger continued. "He now has a mother, and a father who care for him. And he also honors both you and your husband.

The woman looked out to the sunset and with tears on her face said "E-E-…Erdan."

She then looked at the tiger and hugged him. He said "Throughout his times of hardship and loneliness, I watched over him always, and guided him to the family that loves him today."

"Thank you, thank you so much. Thank you" the woman said with tears of joy.

The tiger finished their hug, looked at her and said "Now, go,and share this news with your husband."

The woman hugged again while saying "Thank you.' Again. Then she went off the tell her lover of what has become of their son. The boy who was separated from them long ago.

The white tiger looked out at the finishing sunset, and thought of the great things that boy had done for the people around him, whether nig or small, That lad's deeds have created a new hope for his people, and all others. The tiger sighed restfully as the sun finally disappeared, bringing the coolness of night. A night where two lovers, will sleep peacefully once again.

((()-()))

Author's note:

And with that, "Wolf Tales" is complete. A big thank you to all the people who've enjoyed and read this mini-series. And to those who want more of Erdan and his friends, "Erdan 3: A Legend's Rebirth" Will arrive early next year.

Stay safe, stay cool - Jeffwolf