The Constant was still a world that was ever changing. A place that would keep shifting possibly for all of time.

And that meant that there were still people to find and bring to The Haven from whatever had happened to them, to bring them The Constant.

"Just a basic search mission. Anyone we find we bring back." Sabra told Wilson and Woodie as they headed through the portal, supplies in hand. "Best case scenario, no one's in trouble at least in this part. Worst case… Wilson, you know plenty of healing."

"Right."

The portal opened up to a large desert like area, full of tumbleweeds and cacti that adorned the place. Wilson and Woodie grimaced a bit while Sabra flew up, enjoying the warmth.

"Ah, reminds me of Egypt."

"Well, could be worse." Wilson shed off his vest, packing it away into his backpack. "So, where do we start?"

"Anywhere. I'll scout from above and you two look from the ground. If you see anything, just blow that whistle I gave you."

Sabra took off, leaving Wilson and Woodie to their own devices.

"Head north."

Wilson jumped, seeing Jack was present.

"E-Eh?" he whispered.

"There's a life line that leads there. Just head north and you'll find someone there."

"Thanks… Little warning next time?"

"Sure thing."

Jack disappeared into an orb before flying off.

"You feeling okay Wilson?" Woodie asked. "You were kind of jumpy there."

"Just taking care of some affairs." Wilson replied. "Got a little tip off from a spiritual friend of ours. We'll head north."

"Very well. Lead the way, Wilson."

Wilson nodded before he started walking in the instructed direction. It was quite the walk, especially with the sun beating down on both Wilson and Woodie but they kept their minds off it with conversation.

"So, Lucy is doing well?"

"Yep." Woodie sighed happily. "It's been nice waking up in the morning to see her lying beside me. She just looks so happy."

"I'm glad for you both." Wilson smiled. "Rune has been such a huge help and it's wonderful he could bring Lucy back to normal."

"It is." Woodie smiled. "Things are certainly heading in a great direction. Think Maxwell gave up on trying to seek revenge? I mean, you would think he'd strike by now. Unless he's too scared."

"Honestly, I don't think he had a leg to stand on vengeance wise. If he tries anything pulling him into the Light Dimension could finish him off." Wilson replied, checking his compass to be sure they were still heading in the right direction. "And I'm still cross at him for that whole varg thing."

"Don't blame you but least he's staying out of our way." Woodie rubbed the back of his neck. "From what Her Highness said if he tries anything she has a friend who is more than ready to deliver punishment but for the time being is leaving him alone since if he don't bother us then we don't bother him."

"Exactly."

The more they went on, the more they started to notice some odd… structures. Structures that looked like some kind of fallen creature made entirely of scattered bones and rocks.

"What in science is that?" Wilson whispered.

Woodie got in front of him as a new noise made itself present… Barking. Loud, distinct barking that they knew all too well.

"Oh no." Wilson gulped, as dozens of hounds emerged from the structures, howling and snarling. "RUN FOR IT!"

Woodie grabbed Wilson's wrist, making a break for it as a few hounds chased after them.

"TARNATION I THOUGHT WE WERE DONE WITH THESE MUTTS!"

"I THOUGHT WE WERE TOO!"

They scrambled up a boulder, looking down as the hounds tried to lunge up only for their claws to slip on the sandy gravel, sending them tumbling back down. Wilson growled, getting a blow dart pipe out of his bag.

"Why I oughta-"

Woodie grabbed the axe off his back, throwing it at one of the hounds, killing it instantly.

"Scram ya mutts!"

The hounds kept snarling and barking until a loud howl was heard. The men looked to where it came from, seeing a varg was atop one of the structures, staring down the hounds before they retreated.

Wilson narrowed his eyes, taking aim.

"Oh that is it-!"

It was then he noticed something. A small figure atop the varg's back, that was covered by what looked to be the pelt of some kind of animal.

Wilson lowered his pipe.

"Woodie… do you see something on that varg?"

Woodie nodded, squinting eyes.

"It… looks like… a child."

"And the varg isn't mauling it."

The varg gave a howl before starting to move away.

"That's it." Jack whispered. "That's the lifeline."

Great… I might have to wrestle a varg away from a kid.

"Well, guess we have something to follow. C'mon."

"Right."

Keeping an eye out for any more hounds, they went after the varg, seeing where it went. There was another structure, this one much larger to accommodate for the size of a child. The child in question slid off the varg's back, taking the pelt off as well.

"I think we scared those guys real good, Mama!" The child spoke, said child being a little girl with long messy hair and a grin on her face.

The varg noded, nuzzling the little girl, licking her face.

"Uwah! Mama!"

Wilson was dumbfounded.

"She's… kin?"

"Seems so." Woodie said, bringing a hand over his chin. "Hm… maybe it might have to do with whatever deal she made that landed her here in the first place."

Wilson ran a hand through his hair.

"And it seems she's alright for the most part. But this world isn't safe for a child, even if the mutts are handling her."

"We'll bide our time then. See if mama varg leaves her for a bit. I'd rather us not get mauled."

"You and me both. I do not want a second round."

Woodie nodded, getting in a bit of a protective stance.

"They'll go through me first before that happens."

Wilson squeezed his shoulder.

"You really are a good friend."

"I do my best."

And so we wait

ooooo

It wasn't until nightfall that the child left the varg's side, wandering out with a small spear in her hands that looked like it had dozens of hounds teeth tied to it to use as a blade. Her eyes were focused on a vulture that was sleeping nearby.

Just a little more…

She tried to swing at it but sensing the movement in the air, the vulture awoke, flying up, pecking at the girl instead.

"HEY! OW! STOP!"

"SQUAWK!"

"OW! HELP!" The girl covered herself with her arms, trying to get the pecking to stop.

SHINK!

"SCREEE!"

The girl moved her arms away, seeing Woodie had cut the vulture down with his axe, the man snorting a bit as the bird faded away, turning into meat.

"Stupid varmint with wings."

"Y-Yeah." She had a look of shock on her face. She had thought for sure, they had scared him and Wilson off with the hounds. "T-Thanks."

"You're welcome little miss." Woodie knelt to her level. "Got a name?"

The girl smoothed down her hair a little, a shy look coming to her face.

"N-Nancy." She mumbled, looking up at Woodie with wide eyes.

"Nancy, now that's a pretty name." Woodie smiled gently. "I'm Woodie."

Nancy smiled a little before looking to the meat that had dropped.

"Um… is that yours now?"

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Um… High noon." She murmured. "That was the last time."

Woodie looked her over. Her pelt hung off her like a coat and some kind of dress was under it… but she was swimming in it.

Poor little thing must be starving. He thought before offering her a hand.

"You can have it but how about you come over to the fire me and my friend have? We'll cook it up nice and make sure you get all you want to eat."

"Promise?" Nancy asked, getting an excited look in her eyes.

"Lumberjack's honor."

Nancy gathered up the meat and took Woodie's hand as he lead her to where WIlson had set up a temporary camp.

"I can't stay gone for too long." She told him, looking back at the bone structure. "Mama doesn't like me being out at night alone."

"Your mama has a good head on her shoulders then. But I'm sure she won't mind you eatin."

Nancy nodded, getting a worried look as Wilson looked over to them. She ducked behind Woodie's leg, peering out shyly.

"Well hello there. And whom might this be?"

"This here's Nancy. Hope it's alright, but I invited her to share our dinner."

Wilson chuckled.

"The more the merrier. Can't let a child go hungry after all."

Nancy looked at the two, a bewildered look on her face.

Mama was gonna bite 'em… but they're feeding me?

Woodie patted her head, handing off the meat to Wilson as he added it to the pot that was hanging over their fire.

"She was being pecked at pretty bad by a vulture." He whispered. "Stupid varmit wouldn't leave her alone."

"What provoked it?" Wilson asked, looking the girl over with his eyes, noting she had a few scratches from it, one over her eyebrow was bleeding a little.

"She's hungry."

"Of course." Wilson's eyes softened. He knew that feeling… And how it was for children who became trapped in The Constant.

Wendy was doing anything she could to survive, even in the weather we found her in.

Nancy was crouched in front of the fire, holding her hands out to warm them up. There was a look of wonder in her eyes as she looked around the small camp.

"You like what you see?" Woodie asked, sitting beside her, a small bowl of healing salve in his hand.

"Mm-hm. It's real fancy." She giggled. She looked at the healing salve, a puzzled look on her face. "What's that?"

"Something to fix up those scratches of yours."

Nancy got a nervous look, tugging her pelt up over her head. Woodie gave her a gentle look in response.

"You don't have to, but I'm sure your mama would be mighty upset if we fed you and let you go back all scratched up."

"I guess she would..." She sighed. "Okay."

"There's a good girl. It'll sting a little but you'll feel better once you're all cleaned up."

Nancy gave him a doubting look before lowering her pelt, letting him run the healing salve over the scratches she had gotten. She hissed a little before settling down.

"There we are. All done."

"Thanks, mister."

Woodie set the bowl aside.

"Anytime, little miss."

It wasn't long after that they were eating, Nancy digging into the meal like she hadn't eaten in days.

"Nancy, can you answer some questions for me?" Wilson asked when she was done with her meal.

"Um. Okay." She shrugged, bringing her knees up to her chest, resting her head atop them.

"First off - was your um… Mother, ever a person like you?"

Nancy gave him a bewildered look.

"No. Of course not."

"I mean, was there someone else besides the varg you're with now that once took care of you?"

Nancy gave him another confused look.

"The orphanage lady. That's about it. Boy was she strict!"

So she's been alone growing up… Poor thing.

"I see. Alright… Well, how did you get here? Did a man make a deal with you?"

At this, she had a dark look come to her eyes.

"Yeah. A guy with long hair and this real fancy outfit. He was sitting on the swings by himself and I went to go say hello… He asked if I wanted to find a real family of my own so I said yeah… Then I woke up here. He said his name was… What was it?" Nancy put a finger to her chin. "... Castiel?"

So it wasn't Maxwell. He wouldn't curse a child - I would hope at least.

"Castiel huh? Did he leave right away?"

"Ahuh. Said "good luck kid" and left… It's been weird ever since."

"I see…"

"Castiel…" Woodie said aloud. "I thought only Maxwell could make deals."

"I thought so too but then again I remember Grandmother mentioning that others from the Constant can cause disruptions if they want." Wilson brought a hand to his chin. "I'll have to ask her if she knows anything about a Castiel."

"Good plan."

Nancy shrugged.

"I just wanna sick Mama on him if I see him again."

"Understandable. So you've just been here then… I'm just surprised how well you connect with the hounds and varg here. Usually they're not too kind to humans."

She looked down, fiddling with her pelt.

"That involves the deal too… but I can't say. Cause you'd think I'm weird."

"I don't know about that." Wilson crossed his arms. "Woodie and I pretty weird ourselves due to the deals we made."

"Indeed. Wilson has all this knowledge in his brain and has this other form he takes from time to time and during full moons or if I chop down too many trees I turn into a were beaver."

At this, she perked up, looking at Woodie in wonder.

"You change too!?"

"Yep. Big fluffy beaver."

She moved closer to him, an excited look coming to her eyes.

"I change too!"

"That so?"

"Uh-huh! I turn into a fluffy hound!"

Wilson's jaw dropped.

"Stars and atoms. She's a werewolf!"

"More like werepup." Woodie smiled gently. "So you get extra fluffy like me."

"Mm-hm, mm-hm!" She nodded, grinning, showing one of her canines was pointed. "And I get sharp claws and can run super duper fast! I can keep up with Mama and the others all night then!"

"Does it happen only during the full moons?"

"Mm-hm. It just sorta happens. One minute I'm me, next, I'm all fuzzy."

"I know what's that like. That's for sure." Woodie chuckled. "It's the same for me. One minute, lumberjack, next, burly beaver with buck teeth and everything else."

She giggled.

"That sounds neat! I wanna see! Are ya stayin' until the moons full?"

"Well…" Wilson hummed in thought. "I guess it wouldn't hurt. I just better let Sabra know where we are. One second." Wilson pulled a whistle from his backpack, blowing it loudly.

They waited a few minutes before Sabra came flying in, folding his wings behind his back as he landed.

"You found someone?" he asked.

"Yep." Wilson gestured to Nancy. "A young child."

The girl's eyes were wide as she took in Sabra's appearance. She jumped up, looking him over.

"Whoa… An angel!"

Sabra gave her a gentle smile.

"Something like that. Were there any guardians of hers?"

"Just a varg. Seems she's been given a similar curse to Woodie, only she's a were hound."

"Fascinating." Sabra patted the girl with one of his wings. "Are we planning on taking her back?"

"Well, thing is she'd like us to stay for the full moon since she wants to see Woodie change and I admit, I would like to observe this for myself but as for if she wants to leave the pack that is up to her."

She looked at them before looking out to where the mound was.

"Would I never see Mama again?" She asked, her voice getting a bit quiet, eyes getting nervous. "Do I gotta say bye forever?"

"Hm…" Wilson hummed in thought for a minute. Well… You still could visit if you wanted at any time you like. If we could bring them with us we would buuuut thing is vargs and hounds aren't exactly fond of me and would probably not be fond of those in the village."

"And Mama doesn't like you. She doesn't like people 'cept for me… But.." She sighed. "I wanna play with other kids. I wanna make friends too… but I don't wanna be alone."

"And you won't be. We'll take good care of you."

"Hm… I'll pick after the full moon. Deal?"

"Deal." Wilson smiled. "And whatever you choose, we promise we won't be mad."

"Okay!"

oooooo

It was a few days later when the full moon was to rise overhead. Nancy was a ball of energy the whole day leading up to it, trailing behind Woodie, asking him questions of all kind about his transformation.

It amused Wilson to see this. Woodie was good with children but he hadn't seen the man form a bond that quickly with one of them.

"What about fighting? Do you fight? Huh?"

"Only if I have to."

"Can you throw trees?"

"That'd tick off the living ones."

"Ooo!"

Soon enough, the moon started to shine overhead, illuminating The Constant in a gentle glow.

That was when the transformations began. Woodie's shift from human to werebeaver was one Wilson had come to recognize over their time in The Constant. His journal was out and his hand sketching as he observed Nancy.

Her form shifting, her skin becoming covered in a thick black fur. Ears forming on the top of her head until she fell onto her hands and knees…

Completely content, a hybrid of human and hound, her new tail wagging as she got up, running to Woodie, growling playfully.

Woodie looked to her, kneeling down, chittering playfully back at her, nuzzling her with his nose.

She churred, nuzzling back, jumping back a bit before climbing onto his back, holding on with her small claws. They were pointed but not sharp enough to cause any damage.

"Rawr!"

"Incredible. She's just like a puppy. Full of energy."

"It's… adorable." Sabra chuckled, bringing a hand over his mouth. "Reminds me of the dogs I used to play with as a child."

Woodie chittered at her, running around a bit, Nancy squealing at the free ride she was getting to enjoy. She threw her head back, letting out a small squeaky howl.

Wilson chuckled at this, sketching down what he was seeing.

"That, is honestly adorable."

Woodie came to a stop, letting her down as she ran around him, looking at his tail before giving it a small tug.

Woodie yelped a little, his tail flipping up out of instinct, sending Nancy onto his back again.

She squealed, clinging to his back, nuzzling him, the girl making sounds similar to laughter as she did.

Woodie made his own impressions of laughter as well, nuzzling back, churring softly.

Such a sweet little girl.

Nancy gave him a grin ,cuddling close. This was the most fun she had, had in a long time since coming to The Constant. Even with her pack, this was something different.

She was with someone who was like her.

He's so cool!

The two played on through the night till the moon finally set and the sun started to rise. The two were back to their human forms in an instant, both feeling rather tired from both the change and the energy spent playing.

Woodie had Nancy cradled in his arms, nuzzling her gently.

"You've got a lot of energy in ya kiddo."

Nancy yawned, blinking slowly as she cuddled close to him.

"You too." She rubbed her right eye before burying her face a bit. "M'sleepy now though."

Woodie hummed softly, rocking her a bit until she was fast asleep in his arms, part of his shirt being hung onto in her hand. Woodie smiled softly, keeping her close.

"Wilson… I really hope we can take her home."

Wilson smiled gently.

"I hope so too. You two have bonded pretty quickly."

"And she's a good kid. She doesn't deserve to be stuck here."

"We'll have to see what she chooses then after her nap. In the mean time, why don't you try to rest as well?"

Woodie nodded, lying down on a straw roll, keeping curled around Nancy, the little girl burying herself into his shirt.

Boy would Lucy love a little girl like you for a daughter.

ooooo

Nancy wasn't quite sure where she was when she woke up. For a moment, she thought the previous night had been a dream and she was back in the mound, cuddled up to the varg who had taken her in. She smiled when she realized where she was. The little girl sat up, poking Woodie's cheek a little.

"Woodie, nap time's over."

"Mm… Five more minutes Luce…"

She grinned before giving her best impression of a hound's bark.

Woodie opened an eye, chuckling at the girl.

"Well hi there, little lady."

Nancy giggled, giving an innocent look.

"Hi! Didja sleep good?"

"I slept very good. How about you?"

"Yeah! Can we play more today? Please?"

"Sure thing though first we need to know what you've decided, little miss. Do you want to stay here or would you like to join me and the others in our village?"

Nancy hummed in thought for a moment before looking at Woodie with a smile.

"I wanna go with you." She said, her voice a little quiet. "I like playing with you, you're really nice… and you don't mind me being a werepup."

"Then welcome to the family." Woodie opened her arms to her. "Nancy."

Nancy squealed, throwing her arms around him, nuzzling as she went.

"I get a real family?"

"Sure thing. We're all family in the village. You can stay with me actually. My wife and I do have a spare room I could easily turn into a bedroom for you."

Her eyes went wide as she nodded quickly.

"Yes please!"

"Then it shall be. I know my wife would love you very much. Like you were her own daughter."

"And I'll be good, really really good."

He chuckled stroking her hair.

"I have no doubt. Let's get ready to go then."

"Okay!"

Woodie smiled, gathering up his gear and heading to where Wilson and Sabra were, Nancy sitting happily on his shoulders.

"We're bringing her home, fellas." he said, waving to them.

"Wonderful." Sabra smiled. "I'm sure the children will be delighted to have a new friend."

"Oh, the girls are going to be excited." Wilson chuckled. "Welcome to the village."

"Can't wait to see! And Woodie said I can stay with him!"

"Ah, splended. Well gentlemen, shall we then?"

"We shall."

They quickly packed up their camp, starting to make way for the portal. Before they left though, Nancy made one last visit to the varg, giving them a quick hug and kiss good bye before hurrying off to join the group again.

"I hope she wasn't too mad?" Woodie asked the girl as she rode on his shoulders.

"She just said to visit often." Nancy rested her head on Woodie's. "And if those humans do anything mean she would not hesitate to strike."

"Noted." Wilson felt at his neck. "Well, we promise you'll be well taken care of."

Nancy nodded, nuzzling Woodie.

"I trust ya."

Woodie smiled, nuzzling back.

Soon, they approached the portal. Nancy was in awe of the portal and even more in awe as the setting of The Haven came into view.

"Well, what ya think?" Woodie asked.

"It's so pretty!" she squealed. "I've never seen mountains like that and ooo that lake looks really pretty and ooo I haven't seen houses like that in forever! Which one is yours?"

"I'll show ya little lady."

Wilson and Sabra chuckled as they watched the two hurry off to Woodie's place.

"I get the feeling those two are going to be very close." Sabra smiled.

"I agree." Wilson chuckled. "Well, good mission. I look forward to future ones, Sabra."

"Me too."

"In the mean time I need to see if Grandmother knows anything about a Castiel."

Sabra brought a hand to his chin.

"Some how that name sounds familiar but I can't seem to put my wing on it…"

"Well, I'm sure we'll know soon enough."

Sabra nodded.

"Right."

oooooo

"Lucy, I'm home!"

Lucy smiled at the sound Woodie's voice, poking her head out of the kitchen to see him at the door… along with a little girl on his shoulders. She got a surprised and confused look as she took this information in.

"Who be the little miss?" she asked, making her way over.

The girl hid her face a little in Woodie's hair, giving a shy look. Woodie patted her head.

"Her name is Nancy. We found her in the Constant and she could use a home. She's got powers a lot like mine and sadly doesn't have a family. I thought… it would be fine if she lived with us since we got a spare room and everything."

Lucy smiled softly.

"I don't see why not. The more the merrier, right?"

"Yeah!" Woodie lifted Nancy off his shoulders, cradling her in his arms. "See? I told you she'd say yes."

Nancy giggled, nuzzling Woodie before holding her arms out to Lucy. Woodie handed her over, Lucy holding her gently.

"So if we're living together… does that mean we're family?" Nancy asked, tilting her head.

Lucy smiled softly, hugging her a bit tighter. She looked to Woodie, her eyes getting a hopeful look.

"We did always want children."

"And especially a daughter of our own."

"E-Even if I turn into a puppy?"

"Fuzziness and all, Nancy." Woodie stroked her hair.

Nancy nuzzled his hand.

"So… what should I call you guys then?"

Lucy smiled stroking her back.

"How about "Mom and Dad"?"

Her eyes lit up, nodding quickly.

"Yes please!"

"Then it shall be." Woodie brought his arms around both of them, kissing Lucy's head along with Nancy's. "Which makes you, our daughter."

Nancy giggled, kissing his chin and then Lucy's, keeping close to them.

"I have a family… A real family."

Lucy laid her head on Woodie's shoulder, sighing happily.

"And we have a sweet little girl."

"That we do my dear."

Just like we always wanted and so much more.