Told you it wouldn't be as long as the last one.

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This chapter is here earlier than planned due to the lovely review by "iosi" over on AO3.

This person knows how to review, friends! Never felt so encouraged before by a short paragraph! Anyway, enjoy the next chapter.

Traveling through the trees so early made navigating a little trickier, the predawn gloomy sky was not strong enough to reach through the trees to light Squall's way, and the Hunter brought neither torch or lantern to assist him. Fire was not welcomed in the trees.

Nevertheless, time was of the essence, but Squall still made good progress in his frantic determination. He got to the clearing where he'd lost his memories, their meeting place, ahead of schedule.

He'd been unable to sleep well last night, anxiety wracked his body until sleep was only possible via sheer exhaustion. He'd risen early after fitful dreams and bolted for the trees as soon as he'd taken care of his Mother, their sorrowful evening keeping him from leaving upon waking, even if he could only bring himself to stay as long as it took to light a fire, he hoped it would help her see that he hadn't run at first light.

Squall walked around the clearing, clapping his hands to keep warm and listening to the crunch of frosty leaves and grass underfoot. And yet, despite the noisy earth of frost, the wolves still approached without making a sound. Squall only noticed them when he felt their animalistic eyes watching him, and the instinctive wave of joy when his Mate was near after a night alone. He looked at the trees at the exact spot Cloud stepped out from the undergrowth, a full ten seconds before his was visible.

The pair rushed their final steps forward until they were wrapped in each other's arms. Squall pressed his face into Cloud's hair and squeezed him tightly. His Mate held him with equal amounts of fierce affection, knowing without words that Squall needed him more than he needed to breathe.

"Hey," the blond nuzzled Squall's neck, warm in the cool wintery morning.

Squall sighed out a deep breath of relief. With Cloud here lots of his overnight stress went away, his presence made everything feel better, and Cloud was gently rubbing along his back to encourage him to relax; Cloud understood him so well. The Hunter pressed their foreheads together and gripped his Mate in a tight grip. "H-hey," he replied softly, looking into the beautiful blues.

Cloud immediately cupped Squall's face. "Squall?" he queried, his thumbs lightly smoothing over the tense muscles in Squall's temples, his glowing eyes didn't miss a thing. He touched Squall's bandaged hand, "What happened?"

Squall took Cloud's hand and kissed it. "The meeting yesterday-" he shook his head, Cloud wasn't the one who needed to know. "Cloud, I need to speak to Angeal."

Blue eyes flashed in mirth, and he glanced over a shoulder. "Well ... you're in luck."

Following his ominous words came the soundless approaches of several others. Out of the trees stepped a number of other wolves and people. Angeal stood on two legs, clothes better fitting as the sleeves has been ripped off. It was not too unbelievable to think that Angeal had removed them by flexing. The leader's face was patient and relaxed, he nodded what Squall met his eyes.

Squall smiled in relief, unable to stop himself from ducking his head before the strong and respectable Wolfe leader. Cloud squeezed his hand in sympathy, and it encouraged Squall to stand tall before him and the newcomers.

Beside the Alpha came two more figures from the foggy gloom. One was a thin young woman in hide clothes of good quality, splattered in different herbal colours via hard work not design. Her smile was sweet and her hair sky blue! She stepped silently and flowed out of the forest gloom, obviously a Wolfe despite her human appearance.

With her came a large wolf of dark brown fur and blue eyes, and it was the most muscular and tough wolf Squall had ever laid eyes on! Large and powerful enough to expect a tremor through the earth when he walked. But, of course, its movements were soundless over the earth. It was stoic in attitude and watched with silence. The blue haired woman laid her hand upon his back and was lovingly combing his thick fur with her fingers.

Squall assumed that this was Aqua and Terra, another mated pair that Cloud had often referred to. His Mate had described them as a pair of leaders after the Alpha, and their natural comfort so close to him was the final piece to convince Squall of who they were.

Beside them was a younger woman with black hair and brown eyes. Her hide clothes were a little ill fitted, especially around her bust and she mimicked the Alpha's strength by bearing her muscled arms in sleeveless attire. She met Squall's eyes and smiled warmly, waving as they walked into the clearing. Squall found her very familiar …

Four more wolves stood either side of Angeal. One was clearly Zack, his eyes were a bright blue and his tail wagged on seeing them, an attitude Cloud described often in Zack. The wolf also stuck close to Angeal's shadow, as a training alpha wolf should.

There was a small wolf, tiny, like a puppy, and it was entirely dark furred. The tips of their ears were still curved over with youth. The young one seemed very pleased to see him, when Squall looked at the large pup it yipped in welcome, tail wagging wildly. The friendly greeting brought a smile to Squall's face.

The final two stood further back and watched with patient expressions. They were large wolves, one had long fur that covered one eye the second had waves in their fur that appeared pretty. They stuck as close together as Aqua and Terra, and Cloud and himself. They must have been mates, whoever they were. They did not seem eager to approach further than listening and hearing distance, mistrustful and observant.

After taking note of everyone there, human and wolf, Squall focused his attention on Angeal. He breathed out in relief, "Angeal, a moment?" He took a few steps forwards to speak normally when Angeal curiously gestured for him to continue. "There are strange men in the village, supposed Witch-hunters, and they could be a danger to your pack."

Angela's eyes widened, not expecting to hear this. "What do you know, how did you find this out?"

Squall felt the wolves shifting all around, Aqua was sharing frantic whispers with Terra, Zack was growling under his breath and the unnamed dark-haired woman looked worriedly at Cloud as Squall started to explain.

"My village religious leader, Father Hojo, called a village wide meeting, he had invited some Witch-Hunter Agents from outside into the village to hunt out witches, demons, and sinners." Squall winced at his next words, "Father Hojo believes you wolves to be demons ..."

Angeal realised what Squall meant. "These strange men mean to hunt us?"

The dark-haired woman growled and punched her fists together, eyes fiery, "Let then try, we're faster and more cunning than any man with a gun!" Zack and Terra seemed in agreement. The young pup whined in worry.

"Tifa," Aqua cautioned, nodding at the fretting pup. Her blue eyes turned back to Squall as Tifa helped calm the young wolf.

Squall was momentarily distracted, looking at Tifa and realising now why she was familiar to him; he'd met her before, as a wolf, but never as a human. Her friendliness made sense now, as did her concern for Cloud's safety. She was not what he expected her human form to be …

Squall shook his head lightly to refocus. He tried to implore caution as Aqua did; "I'm not sure they hunt as the local Hunters do," he felt Cloud slip his hand into his. "For now, they don't intend to do anything, their leader called this cause unworthy. But Father Hojo is adamant at changing their minds; he had the entire village at his beck and call to prepare for them. If he succeeds ..."

"Then we may have a new, unknown enemy," Angeal concluded, Squall nodded. The Wolfe leader rested a hand against his chin while in deep thought.

He was quiet for a while.

Everyone, Aqua, Terra, even the strange wolfs in the background were watching him.

"What about them is threatening?" Angeal queried.

Squall answered while glancing down at his bandaged hand, "They have enough authority to overrule the local leaders, they're from a place called the Vatican which my Mother told me is the Catholic holy city which can dictate war and peace and the heirs to Kingdoms. I believe these men are influential enough to call in help if they so desired. They're also an unknown, I cannot say if they're likely to hunt directly or sent in others."

"Could they muster an army?" Angeal asked.

Squall nodded, local wars for Princes territories were often sanctioned or given rights by the Church, and people would flock to help upon its involvement. He took a minute to describe the last war that the Vatican had been involved in; the one that had robbed Edea of her husband.

The wolves were thankfully a lot more cautious after that short tangential story. Tifa stepped forwards, close to pushing past Angeal with intense concern, "Do they know about you and Cloud?"

Cloud hugged Squall tightly, "They can't know!" he insisted, shaking his head at his pack, "I've been so careful."

No one was convinced by his pleas once again. Everyone grew worried; the puppy whined, Aqua's hands clasped in concern, Angeal looked ready to grab Cloud and run into the dawning autumn trees all around them.

When Cloud turned to Squall for help the brunet winced, "I was scared that they knew about Cloud-" the blond squeezed his hand. All wolves grew defensive and tense. Squall pressed on, "-by the way the lead Hunter was acting. But I can say that they have no knowledge of Cloud, Genesis doesn't know anything and Hojo has been too caught up in the visiting Agents to notice village gossip, they never said a word about the wolves and haven't for weeks- there's not even been talk of a hunt."

Cloud brightened, "If they don't know then these 'Agents' can't possibly know either!"

"Are you sure?" the Alpha growled.

Squall calmly nodded, "Genesis has a personal hatred of you wolves, and he speaks to Hojo on a daily basis, if they knew about Cloud then I'm sure I would not be standing here. So, I can promise you he does not know."

"That is a relief," Angeal acknowledged, letting go of his tension and returning to deep thought.

Aqua unexpectedly spoke next, "And you Squall?" she tilted her head, "Could they suspect you? Cloud being a secret is all well and good, but Cloud does not have to be known to them as a wolf for you to be at risk. A love between men is enough disapproval to earn their hate."

Surprised that she was asking, and even more surprised by how concerned Angeal's face was and how interested the wolves were being in his wellbeing, Squall blushed. Cloud turned his face, so their eyes could meet and silently showed all his internal panicking and anxiety.

Squall answered after a moment to process the unexpected degree of concern from everyone. "I-I think I'm fine. Genesis had me alone and standing before a crowd, if he needed a moment to expose me or confront me he's had both. The most he's recently said is that he's done dealing with me as the village bad omen, he expects me to be gone by the spring, and to practice lying to come up with a convincing story that'll satisfy everyone's curiosity until then."

Letting out a big breath of relief, Tifa stated: "So if they're curious they don't know anything either."

Cloud spoke into Squall's ear, "How's that going to work? You're a terrible liar!"

Squall shrugged, far less preoccupied with that for the moment, "I'll learn, most people just want a story they want to hear. I'm sure I can come up with gossip to bring it full circle."

Cloud did not look convinced, but Angeal spoke first: "Squall," he Hunter looked up at him, "You have my thanks for telling me this. I'll take steps to protect my pack, and Cloud, under no circumstances go to the edge of the wood until those Witch-Hunters are gone."

The Alpha patiently ignored Cloud's huffy: "Well, obviously."

Tifa turned to Aqua, "What's a Witch?"

Squall answered, "An old woman or small group who curses others with magic to serve the Devil, the catholic evil god."

A few wolves snorted, looking amused at the outlandish description. "That's ridiculous."

The Hunter agreed, but with less scorn. "It is stupid, but they believe it enough to burn people to death."

All laughter stopped.

To Squall the silence dragged on, but the wolves seemed to be silently talking to each other.

Cloud glanced between then with increasing speed as they debated the new information.

Aqua and Terra looked to Angeal with pleading and expectant expressions respectively.

Angeal took another moment of silent until he looked ready to speak. "In light of this, Squall, I must ask if you still wish to go ahead with this challenge, we did not know this outside force was to join the Hunt. It was not my intention to test you against strange Hunters with the authority and power to burn the innocent, just the common civilians. Cloud's challenge is still possible, but we could reconsider your part once they have left for good. With your helpful information no one can argue that you do not deserve chance once the abnormality as passed."

Cloud asked him if he was sure too, with his eyes, and Squall nodded. He cupped Cloud's cheek and silently told him; I'll be fine, I love you.

The blond's head lowered, unhappy, but he did not stop him as Squall verbally agreed. "I'm no Witch, and this concern is only based off an 'if they stay', Father Hojo could very well fail to convince them to stick around. We are all just thinking of the worst possibility."

"That is true," Angeal nodded, "Very well, if you are certain. Cloud?"

Cloud held Squall's hand tight, "I don't like this, Madmen or not," he kissed the hand that held his cheek so preciously, "But if you accept Squall ..." the brunet ran a thumb over Cloud's cheekbone and nodded. After a tense moment where everyone held their breath, Cloud smiled, proud of him despite his fears. "Yes, Angeal, let's do it."

The puppy wolf, Tifa, and Zack all howled in approval. Zack and the pup even chasing each other in a moment of joyful madness that cleared the serious air.

Angeal chuckled at them, Squall hid a smile.

In the morning light, Aqua and Terra took a subtle centre stage, with everyone giving their attentions to the couple on an invisible signal. Aqua began an intriguing sentence with a gentle smile, "There has been a discussion in the pack about the location of your Mother and if visits could be permitted."

Squall was surprised! He assumed that the topic of his Mother's house was long buried.

Aqua's face was kind, after a moment to let him process the words and become invested she revealed: "The result of the debate was that we do not consider your Mother's house a part of the woods. You can visit her as much as you wish."

Angeal interjected, "So long as it is just a visit, we do not want you to live there and invalidate the challenge."

Squall did not care, he was going to be allowed to see Edea! The pain she must be feeling knowing he was going to leave the village would not be added to with avoidance. He was smiling when Aqua finished speaking and Angela's reminder did not reduce his joy! "Thank you- I- Thank you!"

Cloud looked pleased too, as well as smug, like he was revelling in changing Angeal's mind a second time. Squall hugged him close to whisper; "Is this your doing?"

His Mate pecked his cheek in response, "Just another way to prove I'm a worthy mate to your Mother, even if she never knows." His genuine smile made Squall want to kiss him, not caring who was here to watch.

Squall curbed his urge and pressed their foreheads together, "Thank you." I love you, I love you so much.

The pack leader put his hands on their shoulders, a small fond smile on his face that grew when Squall blushed as bright as the evening sun. The two wolves shared a chuckle at the Hunter's shyness then Angeal cleared his throat to speak: "Squall, from the next new Moon until my return with Cloud in the Spring you will remain out of the woods in the village, abruptly and without explanation to your people. And throughout you will keep your loyalty to the pack. Visits to your Mother's home are not in violation of this agreement, so long as you do not step off the path. At the end of winter should you succeed I will personally guard your rights to be involved in Pack life, none can question you or raise hand or tooth or claw against you, your place will be assured by me personally."

Squall nodded, "I accept."

Angeal turned to Cloud, "Cloud, you will accompany me to find new Hunting grounds, and on this journey from the next New Moon til our return in the Spring you will be loyal to me and our mission. You will prove that you have the Pack's best interests at heart and not your selfish desires, you will prove that you are not acting out of spite. You will not run away, and will not disobey an order from myself unless it puts you in danger. At the end of the winter when we return I will personally vouch for your loyalty and levelheadedness, and none can challenge it without challenging me. Squall and you can live in peace within the Pack."

Cloud repeated a moment later. "I accept."

Angeal held up a hand, "Should either or both of you fail, life will be difficult for you. This is your only chance. The kindest solution I can give to you both should that dark day arrive," he breathed in sharply, as if in pain. "Is banishment. From these lands, from the Pack. You will be together, but alone."

Squall checked with Cloud, who looked a little pale at the thought but nodded bravely nonetheless. "That day will not happen," he confidently spoke. Squall squeezed his hand, nodding wordlessly as nothing he could say would compare to Cloud's ability to risk a connection so deep. A connection that had once saved his life.

Angeal hugged Cloud close and murmured something encouraging, looking just as distressed as Cloud and their audience.

Aqua stepped between them all and Terra prowled around the three in a large slow circle. The blue haired lady looked at Squall and held up a simple forest stone plucked from the ground, "I have my own proposition to this challenge, I feel it necessary to give you, Squall, a means of alerting us to other things such as Witch-Hunters or further dangers."

A few wolves looked displeased but Angeal snarled at them to shut them all up.

The woman held her breath seemingly to hold back a growl of frustration herself. When no more ripples in her calm existed, she opened her eyes again and continued, "Place a circle of white stones at the edge of the woods wherever you please. If you are concerned for your safety, or ours, you need merely break the circle and a messenger will meet you that night in the same spot. I will personally see to it that your message is answered."

"I …" Squall lost his words with surprise. One or two wolves growled at the suggestion, but Terra snarled, and they were silent. Tifa glaring down those who protested with teeth bared.

Squall flinched, "Are you sure?" he checked, noting some mixed reactions, and looking around the clearing to see if accepting Aqua's help was a step too far.

Aqua smiled, "Of course I am. While I have no doubt that you will succeed that does not mean we should not adhere to caution."

Squall took the stone and pocketed it, "I will only use the stone ring in an emergency." He hesitated then added, "And thank you, for thinking of me so much, I did not expect it."

She giggled, the laugh lighting up her face like the reflection of sparkling light over water. "I see it more as common sense, you are in a unique position after all, in both danger and opportunity. Though if you take it as a kindness I will not object. Now, are you ready for the last part?"

"One moment!" Cloud gasped. Squall was alarmed at his outburst until the blond took hold of his face in both hands and kissed him in full view of everyone on his lips. He smiled at Squall's blush in response and chuckled as Squall hid behind his hands. "Now I'm ready."

Squall grumbled in embarrassment.

"As witnessed," Aqua began, repressing a small laugh but not an endearing expression, "Everyone heard the terms and agreements of the challenge, everyone here heard their acceptance. The succession of this challenge clears Squall and Cloud of all doubt and suspicion, they may walk among the pack unchallenged; are there any objections?" She looked around; Tifa and the two young wolves were watching, looking pleased, and the older pair were attentively observing.

When no man, woman, or wolf made a move to cut off the agreement Aqua concluded; "Then it is decided."

Aqua produced a clay bowl of black powder and what looked like a wolf fang. Angeal held his hand out and Aqua used the fang to carefully press a scoop of the black powder onto the skin above his elbow. The fang made a shape like a crescent moon. She blew off the powder and a black moon remained in his skin.

Squall watched as Cloud received the same, seeing its importance in their eyes and actions without knowing why. Cloud blew the power off of his arm and admired the small black moon. Aqua stood before Squall but made no move just yet.

"What's this?" Squall asked Cloud softly.

Aqua answered, but first she smiled at him reassuringly, "It is a mark of trial. We had them back before the wolves gave up their hearts. It is a sign to mark all those involved in the challenge, it has never been offered to an outsider before." She used the wolf fang to scoop up more dust, presumably to add a mark to Squall. She held her hand out ready, "It will be up to you if you wish to wear our mark."

Squall exchanged a small glance with Cloud, the blond curiously waiting. Unable to see why he should not be involved in the Wolfe traditions, plus it was also a great honour, Squall rolled up his sleeve and offered his arm.

Aqua looked pleased, as did many other wolves. The powder, surprisingly, stung a little as Aqua brushed it into place. Thankfully it took very little time before Aqua blew it away. The mark was inky black and at first appeared like dirt, floating on the skin, but any attempt to brush it away broke the illusion and revealed that the mark sat within the skin itself.

The female spiritual leader hummed with approval at the sight of Squall with that mark, Squall had the impression that he'd just passed yet another test. She pulled his sleeve back down and patted his shoulder, "It will stay for several moons, then fade as it does. I intended the mark to linger as long as the challenge lasts, though perhaps my mixture will fall on either side of the predicted time," she informed him.

Cloud thanked her, "You're the best, Puddles," the woman laughed.

"It was my pleasure and honour," she put hand hands on their shoulders, her fingers crept up to cup the backs of their heads, her expression was full of hope, "Good luck to you both, may your hearts be strong and your instincts sharp."

Terra came to a stop beside her and touched the couple's joint hands with his nose. Aqua lovingly smiled at the wolf, "Terra wishes you a safe journey to success," she translated for Squall's benefit.

Aqua turned to Angeal and offered a similar wish for success and presumably Terra spoke too but Squall had no way of knowing.

The well wishes seemed like a signal for the other wolves to rush forwards and give their congratulations of their own. Tifa flung her arms around the both of them, and the wolf pup and Zack quickly followed.

Cloud and Squall yelped in surprise but could not resist the hugs and playful wolf affection even if they tried, and thus toppled to the forest floor. Squall held off the Pup's licks and yapping in his ear with a warm smile, thinking that this warmth could be something he'd always have after the challenge.

Aqua sat with Angeal, her Mate, and Marluxia and Zexion on a small rise near the clearing, watching the younger wolves make introductions and play. Aqua leaned on Terra's shoulder, sighing softly, "He shows such loyalty already, telling us of these strange Witch-Hunters. I question why others are so prejudiced when he brings us such useful information." Several there agreed, others shifting uncomfortably. "Is there nothing more we can do repay him? We could offer him more help and protection than a sign at the edge of the woods."

Zexion snorted, turning to growl by Aqua's face, "Protect an outsider?"

"He is Cloud's Mate, that warrants enough concern to protect him. As we would all do for your Mate," Terra growled, snapping aggressively at the sight of teeth near Aqua, he growled down at the scornful wolf in an attempt to make him submit. Snarling, "Or would you rather we threw Marluxia to the Hunt instead?"

Angeal growled too, "All of you, shut up." Both reluctantly backed down at the Alpha's command. "It is decided. Aqua gave him a way to tell us if anything changes," Angeal turned to Aqua, "In my absence I trust you all to keep an eye on how things unfold, and to respond."

Aqua nodded, "I will do my best to keep objective. Though I won't hesitate to act if there is a danger to him."

Marluxia's hackles raised! "Interference was not part of the challenge!"

Terra huffed, "A challenge is not a death sentence. Interference is a last resort. Go chase rabbits and leave your expectations to the wind, you of all people should know how far someone can go for a Mate."

Aqua pulled Terra's head away from the other pair, halting another brewing argument. "You men! I say one thing out loud and you all act like children who don't have your way. Angeal has made the conditions clear and you all had your chance to object or question." She reminded them all, she let Terra go and looked back down at the happy youngsters. "The boys have agreed to it, if this is the response I get for caring about them then I shall speak of it no more!"

Angeal nodded, "I will not ask you to stop caring Aqua. But your worries are misplaced. The Hunter will succeed, no doubt. As will Cloud. I see no reason other than to prepare for their success." He smiled at Aqua who nodded back, having also seen the unstoppable storm in his eyes.

She got to her feet and stretched, tugging at her clothes, "Then our work here is done. Let's return."

Five sets of paws hit the earth and ran towards the mountains, leaving their argument to fate.