Aleu: The Return: Chapter 3: Feelings Revealed
Kenai traversed the landscape, following Aleu's scent hours. He was determined to catch up to her. He planned to tell her that he was going to accompany her home for her added protection. He would also tell Aleu that he loves her.
I don't know if she feels the same way about me, but I want to tell her anyways. Kenai thought.
It was now sometime in the early afternoon, and Kenai found himself walking in a forest. He sniffed for Aleu's scent, and luckily found that it was still relatively fresh. Aleu must be nearby.
Kenai walked carefully through the forest. The trees could hide any unexpected dangers. Speaking of which...
Thump.
Kenai gasped. "Aleu?" No answer.
Thump...
Thump...
"Aleu, you there?" Kenai asked cautiously. Wait a minute, that can't be Aleu. Kenai thought. Still, be careful, Kenai. Kenai took several steps. Be care-
As Kenai turned, a black bear stood in front of him, roaring ferociously. The black bear swiped twice at Kenai, missing each time. Kenai charged at the bear, only to be swiped back to the ground, bouncing and rolling nearby a boulder. He got up and tried again, dodging another powerful blow form the bear to bite down at it's leg's. The bear roared in pain and staggered backwards a couple of steps. The bear swiped at Kenai again, and gave out another chilling and powerful roar that could be heard from across the forest. Kenai got up once more and tried to jump at the bear's face, but it quickly stretched it's claws and painfully pinned Kenai to the ground on his back.
No, no! No! Kenai panicked, desperately trying to release the bear's grip on him. Kenai looked up at the bear and cried in terror and fear as the bear slowly crushed Kenai to the ground, attempting to end his struggle.
This can't... be the end. Kenai thought in dread.
The bear then pushed him into the ground, then pushed him again with more crushing force. Kenai weakly and helplessly gazed up at the bear. Kenai was even starting to lose consciousness, as it felt like the bear was also starting to crush his lungs. The bear quickly thrust it's head forward as it roared at him and raised it's claws, ready to end Kenai's life here and now. But before the bear could deliver the life ending blow...
"KENAI!" A female voice yelled in terror.
A female wolfdog suddenly jumped into sight and bit into the bear's claws. The black bear yelled in pain as it turned to face the newcomer. The wolfdog Aleu swung forward and kicked the bear at it's nose.
"Aleu?" Kenai said, barely conscious and looking up at her.
The bear swiped at Aleu, throwing her off it's claws. The bear turned it's attention back to Kenai, but Aleu charged and bit into the bear's nose. The bear cried in pain as it staggered backward, finally releasing it's grip on Kenai.
Kenai slowly took in some air, eyes still closed, relieved at not being crushed anymore. Kenai remained unmoving, still kept in shock though the pain he suffered. As Aleu kept the bear farther away from Kenai, the bear attempted to swing it's claws at Aleu, but she quickly saw the danger, and let go of it's nose to avoid the blow. Aleu jumped up and bit into the bear's chest. The bear stepped a couple of steps backwards and fell into a tree. Aleu, thinking the bear would be subdued, let go, and ran back to her friend. Her eyes widened with dread as she spotted her friend remained unmoving, lying down on his back. She got to him and frantically licked Kenai's face and cheek, fearing for the worst.
"Kenai! Kenai! wake up!" She cried in desperation. Kenai groaned as he slowly gained consciousness again and looked up at her.
"Aleu, you-" Kenai coughed. "- you saved my life." he said.
"Kenai, you've been following me. But why?"
Kenai coughed, and Aleu helped him up on his feet. "Aleu, I came looking for you. I wanted to-" Before he could finish the pair heard the bear roar and step towards their direction.
"Aleu, we should run!" Kenai exclaimed. Before he could turn to leave, Aleu stopped him.
"No, Kenai! I have an idea. We stay and fight the bear, but draw it that way." Aleu instructed, pointing her nose to one side of the forest.
"Aleu, what do you-" Kenai began.
"When I heard the bear and realized it was attacking you, I spotted a cliff nearby as I ran over here. Help me draw the bear that way." She instructed.
"I trust you, but I hope you know what you're doing." Kenai spoke.
Aleu and Kenai fought the bear, and worked together to draw it towards the cliff Aleu spoke about. When Aleu and Kenai got nearby the cliff, the bear attacked Aleu, and thrown her to the ground. She tumbled until she hit a tree and lost consciousness.
"Aleu!" Kenai cried in terror.
Kenai retaliated and continued to draw the bear to the cliff, but after being swiped in a similar way as Aleu, he got up and took a step forward. Aleu then gained consciousness just in time to see Kenai step forward, only to fall to the ground, wincing in pain.
Uh-oh. That can't be good. Aleu thought.
As Kenai looked up, he couldn't react as the bear took advantage of Kenai's opening and attacked him. Kenai was thrown in the air and landed nearby a boulder. It didn't knock him unconscious, but he was dazed. Aleu then finished attacking the bear, throwing it off the cliff. However, Aleu was almost taken down the cliff with the bear, but was able to make it to the cliff. However, she couldn't stick the landing and was almost falling down the cliff, but Kenai reached out and grabbed her. Kenai winced in pain as he applied more pressure to his legs. He bared the pain as much as he could, not willing to let go of Aleu.
"Hold on!" Kenai said while holding on to her. He struggled to pull her up, but she also found some ground and pulled herself up. The two panted in exhaustion.
"Are... you... alright, Kenai?" Aleu asked.
"You saved my life... but to answer your question...I'm... alive... thanks to you, Aleu." Kenai replied, smiling at her. She smiled back at him, and as the two got up to their feet. Kenai fell to the ground wincing and crying in great pain.
"Kenai!" Aleu yelled in horror. "What's wrong?" Aleu went to Kenai's side.
"My leg! I think... I think it's broken." Kenai winced, looking at his left leg.
"No, Kenai!" Aleu cried in horror and in denial.
Kenai laid on the ground, wincing in pain. Aleu felt helpless. All she could do is rub Kenai's back with her paw in attempt to sooth his pain.
"Kenai, we got to find you shelter." Aleu said.
"Aleu, leave me here." Kenai replied.
"What?"
"Aleu, leave me. I can't walk with a broken leg. Leave me and continue your journey home." Kenai said.
"No. I can't leave you here." Aleu interjected. "I'll take care of you. I won't leave you behind. I won't."
"Aleu-"
"DON"T ARGUE WITH ME, KENAI!" Aleu cried, but took her words back as she saw how surprised Kenai was.
"No. Kenai, I'm-" Aleu started tearing up and she cried for a few moments.
"I'm sorry Kenai. I didn't mean to yell at you." Aleu calmed down and regained her composure, wiping the tears from her face with her paw. "Don't argue with me, Kenai." she finished.
"But Aleu, your family. Don't you want to go back to them?" Kenai argued.
"Yes, Kenai. I want to return home and see my family again. But I won't go back if it means leaving you. If it takes even another week longer, I'll gladly stay and take care of you until then. I won't leave a friend behind." Aleu said firmly.
"You sure? I'd only slow you down."
"I'm sure, Kenai. After all, I owe you for saving my life." Aleu said.
"But you saved my life first." Kenai reminded. "I can't pay you back like this."
"Don't worry about that. If anything, you've already paid me back by saving my life just now." Aleu assured. "Come on now, Kenai. I won't leave you. I'll stay with you and find you shelter." Aleu carefully slid under Kenai's injured leg. Kenai winced in pain, but allowed her to assist him.
Aleu licked Kenai's face as it almost pressed into her chest. "Don't worry, Kenai. I got you."
"You don't have to do this, Aleu. But thank you anyways." Kenai said. She helped him limp back into the forest as the pair attempted to find shelter of some sort. After an hour, a raven cawed and flew above them.
"It's a raven!" Aleu exclaimed. "Are you here to help us?" Aleu asked the raven. Kenai looked at her, confused. The raven cawed at them and flew. Aleu decided to follow the raven until they found a cave. Aleu brought Kenai into the cave and gently laid him down.
Aleu, there's something I need to tell you." Kenai said.
"What's that?" she asked.
"I came looking for you to accompany you home, and to give you extra protection. Now though, it seems that I need protection." Kenai chucked nervously.
"Kenai, that's so thoughtful of you." Aleu replied and nuzzled her friend. Kenai was caught off guard by her affectionate gesture, but accepted it nevertheless. "I can take care of myself, but I still welcome the company."
"Now that we found shelter, what now? How can you help me get better again and return to your old home?" Kenai questioned.
"We'll find a way. I promise." Aleu assured him. Aleu licked his head. "Just rest and save your strength, Kenai. I'll see if I can bring us some food." Aleu turned, but Kenai reached for her paw to stop her. She came closer to Kenai and he spoke: "Be careful Aleu." he cautioned. Kenai leaned his muzzle forward to nuzzle her. Aleu smiled, and returned his nuzzle. Kenai placed his head down and she licked his head. Aleu gave him another nuzzle and allowed it to linger as he rested and fell asleep. Aleu smiled at him. "Rest Kenai." Aleu whispered as she gently stroked his head with her paw. "I'll be back. Thanks for thinking about me and following me. It is good to be with you again." Aleu then left the cave to go hunting for both of them.
Kenai found himself outside the cave he was sleeping in. He then spotted two pure white females walking to him. One was a wolf, and the other looked like a husky.
"Hello, Kenai." The husky greeted him.
"How do you know my name, and who are you two?" Kenai asked.
The females sat in front of him.
"My name is Aniu." the wolf said. "This is my eldest daughter, Juneau."
"It's nice to finally meet you, Kenai." Juneau greeted. "I'm your spirit guide. You do know what spirit guides are, don't you?"
"Yes I do." Kenai replied. "But your mine?" Juneau nodded.
"I've been watching over you since you met Aleu. Not only that, but Aleu is my niece."
Kenai's eyes widened in surprise. "So you both must be Aleu's family." Juneau and Aniu nodded in agreement. "Aniu, I guess you are Aleu's grandmother, and Balto's mother."
"You are correct, Kenai. Juneau is Balto's eldest sister."
"Kenai, my mother and I came to you to tell you something very important." Juneau informed him.
Kenai nodded, ready to hear what she needs to say.
"I can see in you that you have feelings for Aleu." Kenai looked down, as if unsure.
"Don't deny it." Juneau smiled warmly at him. "I've seen how close friends you have become with Aleu. As much as she enjoys the friendships she has made with each and everyone of her pack members, including Kalhi, she has been closest to you."
Kenai slowly nodded. "You're right. I do live Aleu. I just don't know if she feels the same way about me, even though we are close friends."
Juneau walked up and laid down in front of Kenai. She stroked Kenai's head with one paw and slipped her other paw under his chin to turn his head to face her.
"Oh you would be surprised over how Aleu might respond." Juneau told him sweetly. Juneau held Kenai's muzzle with both of her paws and nuzzled him affectionately. "When Aleu returns, go and tell her how much you love her. Tell her how you feel for her, and then you will find out how Aleu feels for you." Juneau encouraged. She let go of Kenai, and Aniu walked over to them and nodded to Kenai.
"You love Aleu, so tell her how you feel. She's not just any friend. She'll understand." Aniu said. Juneau got up, and Aniu affectionately nuzzled Kenai and got up.
"One more thing Kenai. You won't see Juneau and myself, but we'll be there when you tell Aleu."
"I understand." Kenai said, and Juneau and Aniu nodded.
"We'll see you again, Kenai." Juneau smiled warmly and the two females howled and disappeared...
Kenai woke up and saw that Aleu was entering the cave. It was already evening. Aleu walked over to drop the meat in front of Kenai and sat down in front of him.
"How are you feeling now, Kenai?" Aleu asked as she wrapped her legs and paws around his head and gave him a warm hug.
"Not really changed, but I'm relieved I don't have to go through the bear attack again." Kenai smiled nervously.
"Don't worry, the bear is gone." Aleu reassured him. "You first. You need the meat to help gather your strength again."
"Nah, ladies first." Kenai replied.
"No, injured Kenais first." Aleu teased with a giggle.
"Alright then." Kenai obliged and began to chow down on the meat while Aleu did the same. Both were silent for a while. After they were done, Kenai looked down at the ground nervously, also sneaking a quick glance at Aleu. He remembered what Aniu and Juneau wanted him to do. Here goes nothing.
"Aleu, I have something to tell you. I just... hope..."
"What? What is it, Kenai?" Aleu asked.
"I hope this doesn't turn you off." Kenai warned.
"Nonsense. You can tell me anything." Aleu encouraged. "I won't be turned off. I promise. You've never said anything before that would turn me off."
"Okay then."
Kenai took a full breath and mustered all of his courage.
"Aleu," Kenai began, "I did not come looking for you to protect you as you go home. Though don't get me wrong, I still want to accompany you back home to your family."
"Ok..." Aleu responded.
"That's not the part that I hope doesn't turn you off." Kenai said. "I came looking for you because..." Kenai took a deep breath and sighed. The moment of truth.
"I... I love you, Aleu." Kenai opened his muzzle to continue, but stopped. He looked at Aleu, who was surprised, but did not say anything. She beckoned him to continue, knowing he has more to say.
"I love you, Aleu. I've never met a female such as yourself. When I met you and when you became leader in Nava's place, my life changed. I've always enjoyed being with you. When you said you were leaving, and when you left, I felt that a piece of me was missing, that the world was missing something, or someone, when you left. I just couldn't think of moving on with my life without you, let alone being the alpha. So that's really why followed you." Kenai reached out with his uninjured paw to bring Aleu's paw to him. "I want to be with you, Aleu. I want to take care of you and make sure you are safe. I love you, and I hope this all doesn't turn you off." Kenai finished, and lowered his head, waiting for Aleu's response.
Aleu did not reply right away as she was taking in all that Kenai has told her. She began to tear up, but closed her eyes to keep the tears from flowing down her face.
"Oh, Kenai." Aleu cried out as she reached out to hug his head. She allowed her hug to linger for a few more moments before letting go. She pushed forward to smother Kenai with licks and nuzzles across his face and cheek. She did it to the extent that Kenai could barely respond. After a few more moments, Aleu stopped, and pressed her nose and forehead against his.
"Kenai, you must mean ever single word. Thank you so much for telling me how you feel about me. All of it really means a lot to me." Aleu gently placed her paw and the paw of his broken leg.
"You're not turned off at all?" Kenai asked after a long time.
"Of course... I'm not." Aleu smiled at her joke and looked deep into Kenai's eyes.
"The truth is Kenai, I love you too. No offense to Kalhi, but I've always felt more comfortable with you, of all of my pack mates. You are a truly handsome wolf, Kenai. After all, you did teach me how to hunt and how to fight and defend myself." Aleu smiled lovingly at him. "I love you with all my heart Kenai. Believe me, I felt bad for you when I told you I was leaving. It was so sweet of you to think about me and to go as far as to leave the pack to be with me." Aleu parted. "My mother and father would be so excited to see you, knowing what you've done for me, and what I'm doing for you now."
"Your parents? I don't think I can just come with you and expect to live in town with you. A human town, that is."
"To be fair, the humans probably won't accept you because you're a wolf. That doesn't mean that my family won't. They'll except you." Aleu said.
"Don't get me wrong, Aleu, I do want to be with you. But I did not have in mind living in or near a human town. Maybe a little farther, but still close enough that I can be with you and that you can still see your family." Kenai replied.
"I'm sure there's a way for us to be together while I also get to live with my family again." Aleu comforted.
"But until then, it's just you and me." Aleu said as she gazed lovingly at Kenai. She slipped her head under hear chin and pressed against his throat. Kenai wrapped his uninjured leg around her and held her. For the rest of the night, the pair remained silent, smothering each other with loving and affectionate licks and nuzzles, showing each other how much they loved one another.
Later, Kenai slept, and but Aleu remained awake. Aleu laid herself on top of Kenai, warming his body with hers. She smiled lovingly at Kenai as she watched him and listened to him snore.
I love you Kenai. We're going to spend the rest of our lives with each other.
Just then, a raven entered the room, and flashed. Aleu was closed her eyes, then saw a pure white wolf standing before her.
"Hello, granddaughter." The white female wolf greeted with a smile. "My name is Aniu."
"Aniu, how do you know me?" Aleu asked. "Wait, grand daughter? Are you... my grandmother?" Aniu smiled as she nodded.
"Grandma..." Aleu stared at Aniu in awe. "I guess that means you are my father's mother."
"Indeed I am. Balto is my son, just as you are his daughter."
"Grandma, it's nice to finally meet you. My father told me how that you are a wolf while grandpa was a husky. But I need to say sorry."
"For what, my dear?"
"When my father told me the truth of my heritage, I was so confused and angry at him. I called you a wild animal. I'm so sorry, Aniu. I did not know any better then."
Aniu leaned down and nuzzled Aleu. "You own me no apologies, child. You did not accept the truth over your heritage then, but now you do."
"Grandma, I have to wonder, why exactly did my father not tell me the truth until a hunter nearly killed me?" Aleu asked, looking up at her grandmother with hope.
"One day, you're father will tell you the whole story. I'll tell you this much though. You're father did not want you to give into rejection for looking and being different from everyone else. After he and I were separated, your father lived through some experiences that made him reject his wolf side, as you once did 2 years ago. He has come to terms with it now, but he just didn't want you, or any of his pups, to go through what he went through."
Aleu took in the information for a minute. "I see."
Aniu nodded, and gently caressed the top of Aleu's head with her paw. "You have grown strong and wise, young Aleu. You're father would be so proud of you. In fact, he is. Take comfort that you will see your father, and your siblings, and your mother, Jenna, again. As Nava said to you, there is no simple visit. You can live the rest of your life with your family again, if you so choose.
Aniu then looked down at Kenai. "Granddaughter, normally, it would take you longer to go back home while healing Kenai's injuries, especially with his broken leg."
Aniu's eyes glowed, and Kenai's broken leg glowed. After a few seconds, Aniu's eyes and Kenai's leg stopped glowing.
"Now, it may take as much as four days for both of you to get back to Nome. Two days for Kenai's wounds to heal, and another two to return home."
Aleu gasped in joy, knowing what Aniu had done to Kenai's broken leg. "Thank you so much, grandmother." Aleu leaned in to rub Aniu's nose with hers.
"You are most welcome, Aleu." Aniu replied. "Good night, granddaughter. We will see each other again. Take care of Kenai. Enjoy his company. Before you know it, you two will be back on your journey home."
"Thanks for coming to see us, grandmother!" Aleu said.
"My pleasure, Aleu." Aniu replied. She walked out of the cave and disappeared.
Aleu then rested her head on Kenai's neck fur and deeply breathed in his scent. "Rest Kenai. You're recovery will be much faster than normal. We'll go home, and I'll introduce you to my parents and siblings. They will no doubt accept. you." Aleu whispered in Kenai's ear. She then buried her face back into Kenai's neck fur, closed her eyes, and slept.