Hello everyone! No, I am not dead. And I'm sorry for not updating this story in the longest time. Life got hectic, things needed to be done, time was used up. School, family, and my personal life all made it impossible to write, and I admit that during that time I found it very difficult to be inspired to continue the story. But things have slowed down, and I've got some ideas!

Sorry if this chapter is short, I'm just getting back into the groove of things. The next chapter will probably take some time, and I wont be going on a regular schedual. So please be patient with me XD

Thanks to everyone for the reviews, I love getting them! I'm not going to reply to any this time, simply because I don't quite remember which ones I've already replied to XD Sorry.

And if you have any ideas or suggestions for the story, feel free to share them with me! I love getting the opinions of my readers!

Alright, here we go! (Sorry if I'm a little rusty XD)

~River~

River glanced over her shoulder to see Oak, Storm's father, watching the pups from the entrance. With pinned ears, the silver male padded into the den and separated the pups with his paw. "Storm, please stay away from the rogue. She could be sick." he said before picking Storm up in his jaws. River could tell that getting sick wasn't the only thing that Oak was worried about, as his cautious gaze never left Ritco. It's not like she could attack us, even if she wanted to. She fumed silently. Clearly the pup was too weak to be any danger. And not only that, but she was a pup. How could she possibly hurt anyone? But apparently Oak did not see it this way, and he carried Storm back to the nest he shared with Pool. "Don't go near her, understand?" Oak looked down at Storm, who was beginning to whine. "But why? She's fun! It's not fair! Why can't she be my friend?" Oak sighed angrily but kept his voice calm. "Just do as I say. It's not that hard." Oak turned away before Storm could continue questioning him and left the den. "But Dad!" the pup called after him, but Oak did not return.

River finally spoke. "I'm sorry, Ritco. Storm's father is just worried, that's all." The dark pup said nothing, her expression unreadable. Pool, having finished eating, lay down beside Storm. "I know it seems unfair now, but don't worry, little ones. Once Ritco has been here for a while, the others will start trusting her. It's just a matter of time."

As she spoke, a slender form entered the den.

~Ritco~

Ritco had sat silently as Storm's father spoke. Upon hearing Storm's whine, she wondered Should I say something, too? No. I don't get to complain. I don't belong here. So she remained silent, staring at the ground. She didn't look up when River spoke to her and the same when Pool spoke. But she did listen to what they said. Could I belong here one day?

"Pup." A firm voice spoke. In surprise, Ritco looked up to see a slender wolf with a mottled gray and white coat standing before her. When did she get here?! "You must come with me." the wolf continued. River stood beside the pup. "What is the meaning of this, Ice? She needs to stay in the nursery!" Ah. So it was their Beta female. Ritco recognized the name from earlier. Ice narrowed her eyes at River. "Do not question me, River. It is not your place." There was a growl in her voice, and Ritco's eyes widened. "It is by order of the Alphas. Now, come along."

Ritco began obediently walking to her when River stood in her way, saying "I will come with her." Ice growled at River, but spat, "Fine. Let's go." She turned and quickly left. Ritco looked up at River, who was looking down at her. Finding comfort, Ritco nodded, and the two followed the Beta out into the clearing.

There, all the wolves of the pack stood with critical gazes. The trio stopped in front of The Alphas, Ice moving off to the side to sit while River and Ritco stood. Fox spoke, his voice echoing through Quarters. "This pup has been brought here in kindness, found in the territory hungry and tired. She has informed our Beta male that she is a rogue, claiming that she travels alone." The pack was silent. Fox continued. "I have been given reason not to trust her." At this, Ritco heard River gasp beside her. She herself felt her legs begin to shake. But, why? she wondered desperately. Looking around, she saw that most of the wolves didn't seem surprised.

"It was pointed out that she was found only moments after the run-in with the Darkseekers. This, and the fact that she suspiciously passed out near one of our kills where she could be easily found, suggests that could be one of them." The pup shivered and tried to speak. "But I'm not! I told-" she was cut off by Ridge, who sat nearest to the Alphas. "Quiet! You have no right to speak here!" he growled. Ritco could see that River was shaking with anger, yet her friend said nothing to defend her. The pup hung her head.

"Whether she could be here to get information or to set up a trap, we're not sure." Ivy added. "But we are not taking the risk. And so, the pup will stay in the Dirt den, where she will be constantly watched and have no communication with the pack. There, she will wait until it is decided what is to be done."