Summary: David bonds a little with Max after the events of the bonfire in the Season 1 finale. He plans a fun hike for everyone but David must do his best to protect everyone when a bear catches them on their way back to camp.

Notes: I want to let you all know that the next chapter will be the encounter with Daniel. Thought I'd let that anticipation stew with you guys.

David couldn't sleep. He was too excited about the hiking trip he had planned for everyone the next morning that he sat at his desk looking over the route again. He remembered that a couple miles off to the side of the lake, there was a waterfall from a river that formed a large pool. It was going to be especially hot the next day according to the Farmer's Almanac that David had playing quietly in the background. He grabbed a yellow notepad and wrote a list of supplies that he needed for the trip tomorrow.

Alright. I gave everyone their swimsuits already and I will pack the lunches and snacks for everybody tomorrow morning.

David looked at the little clock on his bedside. It read 1:30 am.

Okay, I will make lunches and snacks in a couple hours then. I want to leave before it gets hot but Max and Gwen will kill me if I wake them up earlier than 7. I know! I'll get them up at 6:30 and have coffee ready when I wake them!

David made his way over to a row of bags beside the door of his room. Each bag had a name for each camper and had their supplies laid out in front of each bag. He smiled as he caught sight of the broken half of the sparrow totem before continuing to check off items on the notepad.

That should be everything! I can always just lay in bed and stare at the ceiling for four and a half hours. I really should try to get to sleep though.

David paced his room for a moment before he walked to the kitchen, made a thermos of hot chocolate, and walked down to the lake.

I haven't sat outside by the lake at night in a long time. The lake in the moonlight is beautiful.

He walked over to the lake and was surprised to see someone there skipping rocks.

"Max?"

Max startled and dropped the rock he was holding.

"I'm surprised to see you awake right now."

Max glared at him.

"I could say the same thing, Camp Man."

David took the thermos and poured out a cup of hot chocolate.

"Would you like some? It's a little chilly tonight."

Max cast a suspicious look at David but took the drink anyway.

"You're not here to howl at the fucking moon, are you?"

David raised his brows in surprise.

"Just because I have some wolf tendencies doesn't mean I have all of them."

Max scoffed and took a sip of the drink. He made a noise of contentment.

"I'm just saying. When Nikki talked to you the day Rusty stopped us from escaping, you referred to us as 'pups' and the camp as 'pack'. I'd say that means you have more than just some wolf tendencies."

David laughed.

"I did that on purpose. I figured Nikki would find it weird if I talked like a human because when I talk to other wolves that's how they talk."

Max looked surprised.

"You can talk to other wolves?"

David took Max's cup, filled it, and handed it back.

"When I am in wolf form, I can talk to any animal in the canine family. Foxes and wolves are the animals I talk to the most. They let me know when dangerous animals are in the area and usually I can chase them off or I get the Quartermaster's help. It helps protect the camp."

Max smiled.

"Never tell Nikki that. Can you imagine the chaos she'd cause if she knew that talking to foxes and wolves could help her find a bear or something? We're just lucky she hasn't thought of it yet."

David let out loud laughs and clutched his stomach.

"She's already tried that, Max. I warned them not to tell her if she asked. She's done it like ten times already."

Max started laughing as well.

"Damn, David. Can't believe you fucking called it!"

The two laughed together for a bit before settling down into a relative quiet.

I'm so glad that we've come to a basic understanding. Ever since the bonfire, he's been nicer to me.

David stretched out. He rubbed Max's hair, smiling when he got his arm shoved away with an angry shout, and handed over the thermos. Max took it in confusion.

"I'm going to bed. We've got a couple hours until the hike so make sure you go to bed soon too, alright?"

Max rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. I'll go to sleep whenever I fucking want." He tried to hide a yawn by turning back to the lake.

David smiled and walked back to his cabin.

Today is already off to a great start.

David's alarm went off at 5 am on the dot. He sprang from his bed and grabbed all the bags he had assembled earlier. He carried everything to the mess hall and set them down in the kitchen.

"Now where is the list of everyone's favorite sandwiches?"

He looked over to the counter and found the yellow note paper in his handwriting that detailed the campers' and staff's favorite sandwiches. David got right to work.

By the time he had packed the sandwiches, trail mix, juice boxes, and water in everyone's bags it was 6:30 am. David started the coffee. He hummed a song to himself as he started on making pancake batter.

…it's good firewood and smells so fine. That is why I love pine! The next is best for carving wood. It's called Tilia Americana. It's cheap and easy to procure, and its instruments just sound so puuurrre!

David stopped humming as the coffee machine beeped.

"Perfect! Time to wake the campers!" David filled one mug for Gwen and the other for Max. He set Max's down on a table by the door and walked up to Gwen's cabin.

"Gweeeen! Time to get up! I made coffee!" He knocked on her door.

He could hear rustling.

"Come on! We're going hiking today! I have your coffee right here and I already started breakfast so if you want to sit down in the mess hall and wake up that's perfectly fine. In fact, I would encourage it! You'll wake up better if you're not in your bed and have better access to coffee when you finish your first cup."

The door slammed open.

"Shut the fuck up David. It's too fucking early for you to ramble. Give me the fucking coffee and you better make me some extra bacon before we leave."

David gave it to her and guided her to a bench in the mess hall. He grabbed Max's cup and made his way to his tent. He peeked inside and smiled when he saw Max asleep with the empty thermos by his bedside. He swapped the thermos with the coffee mug and shook Max's shoulder.

"Hey, Max. Time to get up! I brought you your coffee so don't knock it over okay? If you finish it before you get breakfast I can fill it up, but you're not allowed more than two cups."

Max groaned and smacked David's hand away.

"Fuck you, asshole. Go away."

David shook Neil's shoulder.

"Gotta get up, kiddo. We leave at 7. Neil, can you make sure he gets up?"

Neil sat up and rubbed his eyes.

"Sure, fine. He's already got coffee? I'm not going anywhere near him otherwise."

David gestured to the mug.

"Yep! I'm gonna go wake the rest of the camp."

David walked to the flagpole and pulled out his guitar.

"Come on campers, it's a beautiful day for a hike so it's time to wake up!"

He started strumming Walking on Sunshine on his guitar. He could hear groans from the campers as the got up and gathered at the flagpole.

Max shoved his way forward.

"Seriously? You're playing that? God, you have no fucking taste."

David chuckled and put his guitar away.

"Come on campers! I started breakfast already. I'll give you your bags after."

They followed him to the mess hall. Gwen was more awake now. She looked up from her empty cup as David walked in. He grabbed it from her as he walked past. The kids were fed, Gwen and Max had the coffee, and everyone had their bags and were ready for the hike.

"Let's get hiking! Today's gonna be a great day!

It took the group a couple hours to head out to the swimming hole and waterfall. David led the front and Gwen took the rear. It was a formation that was silently agreed upon so that David could use his smell and hearing to look for danger. There was absolutely no trouble getting there and David relaxed when the kids cheered at the sight. Everyone was soon playing in the swimming hole. Nikki and Ered convinced several other campers to climb up the waterfall and then jump down. Even David did it. Afterward, they all sat and enjoyed their lunch together. Once everyone was dry, they pulled their clothes back over their bathing suits and started to make their way back to camp.

When they were about thirty minutes away, David froze.

That smells like a bear. And it's fresh. It must've just passed through here.

Space Kid bumped into David.

"Uh, why'd you stop walking, David? Is something wrong?"

David gave him a worried smile.

"Everything is fine. A bear passed through here recently so I think we should go this way. Just to make sure we avoid crossing paths."

He gently pushed Space Kid in the direction he indicated and waited for everyone to pass him.

"How recent are we talking?" Gwen asked as she passed. David took up the rear.

"I'd say several minutes. I'm a bit worried. We still have snacks in some of our bags. I'm just hoping we are far enough away that it can't smell it. Can you take the front?"

Gwen nodded. They didn't get much further when David heard rustling. He turned behind him and was assaulted by the strong scent of bear.

"Oh no."

Max and friends stopped and turned to David.

"What's wrong, David?" Neil started wringing his hands.

David turned to the kids.

"Back up slowly. Make no sudden moves and try to talk quietly. The bear from earlier is following us."

Gwen noticed that David and the others had fallen behind. She stopped and shushed the kids. David backed up while pushing the trio behind him. A hulking shape appeared in the trees in front of him. Gwen quickly gathered the other kids behind her as well. The bear appeared from the trees. It growled and stalked closer. Everyone kept backing up slowly. David never took his eyes off it.

"Gwen. Grab Nikki."

Her shout of complaint let David know that Gwen did as told.

"Now. I want you to slowly back away, and once you can no longer see the bear, I want you to run to the camp and lock yourself in the mess hall."

"What about you?" He could hear the fear in her voice.

"I'm going to lead it away."

"What?!" "No!"

David glared at the bear. He turned his head slightly to the campers. Nikki was trying to get out of Gwen's hold. Max looked pissed off and the rest of the group looked terrified.

"It's going to fucking kill you!" Max growled.

David turned and faced the bear again.

"Whatever happens, I want you all to know that I love you all and your safety and happiness is the most important thing to me. Promise me you'll get to safety."

"But-"

"Promise me!" David raised his voice.

He heard Max gasp in surprise.

"…Fine."

David smiled. "Good."

The bear roared and David transformed. He heard the gasps from the campers as they saw him morph into a large red wolf. He growled as he stepped forward. He leaped to the side and nipped the bear on its left leg. The bear growled in pain and swiped at him. David dodged and noted that while the campers were backing up, they were still too close. He darted forward again and this time, bit down hard on the bear's neck. The bear screeched in pain swiped at him again. The paw landed on him with great force and David yelped in pain as he crashed to the ground. He heard someone call his name but quickly got up and shook himself. His tactic had worked. The bear no longer cared about the food the campers had. It was enraged and when David backed up, the bear lumbered after him.

That's right. Focus on me.

David turned and ran back up the trail. He could hear the crashing of the bear as it chased after him. He led it through several twists and turns in the forest. The bear had a hard time keeping up and tripped over several logs and roots on the ground. He was almost to the ravine when he felt something close around his hindleg. He yelped as he was pulled upwards into the trees.

Shit!

David twisted and turned in the rope's hold. He had been caught in a hunter's trap. He could hear the bear getting closer.

Come on! Stupid claws! Cut the rope!

David swung his body in the rope in an attempt to get his front paw close enough to cut the rope. He snagged it twice before he was able to cut himself free. He landed roughly on his back.

Owie! That hurt!

David slowly pushed himself back up on his legs but before he could run again, he was swiped to the side by the bear. The claws from the bear cut through his thick fur and drew blood. He slammed into a tree with a yelp. David staggered back to his feet and dodged as the bear tried to bite him. He continued running towards the ravine.

If I can lead the bear to the edge, I can push it off. It'll survive but it won't come back to this area again.

David barked in joy when the ravine came into his line of sight. His stomach and side were aching. He turned and backed up when he noticed that the bear was a lot closer than he thought. His quickly pulled back his hind leg when he felt his paw slip on the edge. He was cornered. David turned back to the bear in fright. He had to bide his time. The bear stalked right up to him and raised itself on its hind legs.

Now!

He darted under the bear's belly as it slammed its paws into the ground. The ground immediately started cracking at the force. It broke away and David watched as the bear fell down the ravine. He huffed and turned back to the path. He had no idea how long he had been running, but he could relax knowing that the campers were safe.

The longer he walked, the more exhausted he felt. His stomach burned at the strain of walking but David pushed himself to continue going. He had no way to heal himself out here and he was sure that everyone was worried about him.

"Yelp!"

David tripped on a tree root. The pain in his stomach increased tenfold from the sticks and dirt pressing into it. He couldn't hold back a whine as he rolled onto his side and raised his head to look at it. His stomach fur was drenched in blood. He could see two deep scratches from his position and laid his head back on the forest ground.

That explains why I'm so tired. I'm losing too much blood.

He tried to push himself up to his feet but couldn't even manage to take another step before he collapsed again.

Well, I guess this is it. I don't know how far I am from camp and even then, there's no way I can get keep walking.

He huffed.

At least the campers are safe. I'm glad I could protect them.

He closed his eyes and sighed in relief. He was close to falling asleep when he heard a faint noise. He pricked his ears.

That sounds like… Max?

"…AVID! WHERE ARE YOU, YOU SACK OF SHIT?"

David opened his eyes slightly. The forest was blurry but he could swear he heard Max just now.

No, he should be back at camp with the others. I'm imagining things.

David's ears pricked again.

"HEY, YOU FUCKING FURBALL! YOU BETTER ANSWER ME OR I'LL GET HARRISON TO CONJURE ME ANOTHER DOG WHISTLE."

He really is here. He came after me!

It hurt to expand his lungs but David took a deep breath and howled.

"AWOOOOOOOO"

He dropped his head to the ground.

"THANK GOD! I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU FOR AGES!"

David could now hear faint rustling. He howled again.

"GODDAMIT! AM I GOING TO HAVE TO FUCKING COME TO YOU?"

David closed his eyes in relief as the rustling got louder.

"Shit! David, you motherfucker!"

David felt hands brush his side. He opened his eyes to see Max looking terrified. His tail wagged in greeting.

"Damn it. I knew you were going to get yourself killed. I had to sneak away from Gwen to come after you."

David heard cloth rustle and plastic crumple. He yelped when he felt water being poured onto his wound.

"That's what you get for getting hurt. I can't wrap it if it's covered in shit. Now stand up. I can't wrap this around you if you're lying on your side."

David opened his eyes again and forced himself to sloppy sit. Max frowned at David's struggle but wrapped his blue hoodie around his stomach and tied it tight.

"Can you walk at all?"

He shakily rose to his feet. Max let David lean against him as they slowly made their way back to camp. They didn't make it far when David collapsed again.

"Fuck, David!"

David watched Max look around and run towards something he couldn't see.

"Wake the fuck up!"

When did I close my eyes?

Max was in his face.

"I need you to get on this"

David noticed a large sheet of bark. It was turned so that it almost looked like a sled. He dragged himself onto it and watched as Max grabbed a small thing of rope from his bag. He snorted in amusement when Max tied a perfect knot and slung the rope over his shoulder.

"Fuck you, Furball. I know you just praised me for tying a knot."

David wagged his tail at the remark. He tried his best to stay alert as Max dragged him back to camp but he was just too tired to do so.

Gotta stay awake. Gotta watch out for danger. Gotta… protect Max. Gotta… stay… awake…

He felt warm. It was really nice. David shifted as he slowly woke from his slumber. He could feel something draped over him and snuggled in further. As he was falling asleep, he heard a noise. His ears pricked.

"…he's awake yet?"

David shifted and stretched his paws out. He yelped when he stretched too far and strained his wound.

"David!" "Rusty!"

He looked up to see Gwen and Nikki run into the room. David gave a wolfish smile and wagged his tail from under the blanket. He looked around and realized that he was in his cabin back at camp. Max was asleep at the end of the bed. He cocked his head in confusion.

"Aww! You look like one of those funny dog videos!" Nikki laughed.

She walked up and scratched his ears. Gwen gestured to Max.

"The Lil' shit snuck away from me as we made our way back to camp and went after you. Good thing too, because you were badly injured. I was shocked when he came into camp dragging you on a bark sled and shouting at me to grab the first aid kit. He wouldn't leave your side either. It was like the bonfire all over again."

Aww! What a good kid.

"Are you going to turn back into David?" Nikki inquired.

David barked at her.

"He says, 'The change will pull on the wound and probably make it open up again. I'll stay like this for now and change once it's healed.' Alright! I'm gonna go tell the others that you're better now!"

Nikki ran out of the room. Gwen turned to leave.

"I've gotta go back to watching the kids. They've all promised to keep your secret so don't worry about it getting out. I'm glad you're okay." She walked out of the room.

David turned back to Max. He had taken David's pillow and was dressed in his hoodie again. David sat up carefully and nosed Max. Max raised a hand and shoved David's face away.

"Mmph sleepin'"

David did it again.

"God, that's fucking cold! Fine! I'm awake. What is it, goddamit?" He looked up at David.

His face shifted into surprise.

"…Don't read into this! I just wanted to yell at you for getting blood on my hoodie."

David's tail wagged. He stood up on the bed and jumped to the floor. He barely heard Max's call of "Wait!" when he collapsed as he pulled his stomach with the jump.

"You moron. I can't believe you just did that." David staggered to his feet as Max checked his bandages.

"You're lucky you didn't rip it open, Furball."

He opened the door for David and they walked out onto the campgrounds.

"Hey! David's feeling better!"

The campers rushed him.

"You saved us!" "That was amazing!" "That was super cool."

David was so glad to see that they were safe. Max disappeared into his tent and reappeared holding what looked like a pen in his hand. He tilted his head in confusion until Max pressed a button on it. A little red light appeared on the ground. David stared at it for a moment. He looked up at Max and back down to the dot. He lifted a paw and tried to place it on the dot. It moved. He tried again. Everyone devolved into laughter as David got distracted chasing the laser pointer.

This is great! I'm glad everything worked out and everyone's getting along now!

David could relax knowing that today was still a great day.