The Pack

Disclaimer: Me=plot, Disney/Square-Enix=characters

Chapter 6

When I woke on the second day of living with the pack, it was because of hunger pangs…

I didn't eat at all yesterday…

Here, eat. A voice rang in my ear.

I looked to my left and saw Squall handing me a bottle of water and what looked like a sandwich. I took it from him and began to eat.

Yesterday, Zack said that he, Xigbar, and I would go hunting. I was a little nervous though… I mean, I would have to kill something right?

I felt much better after eating and when I had finished the water bottle, I stood and looked to the sleeping couple next to me.

I smiled. Zack and Xigbar was a strange pair… but I couldn't help but think they were meant to be.

I got up and stretched. I needed to get to the lake… as much as Zack's clothes were sufficient, I wanted to get back in the clothes that didn't hang off of me.

When I started to make my way through the trees, I heard someone behind me. I turned to see Squall.

'What are you doing?' I asked.

You wanted to go to the lake, I was going to walk you.

'I'm not some helpless child, I don't need you to walk me anywhere. Please leave me alone.' I thought and gave him a perfect stay away growl.

Squall turned and walked back towards the clearing. I sighed in relief.

After the fight we had yesterday… the last thing I want to be is alone with him. He still pissed me off.

When I made it to the lake, my clothes were still hanging on the tree branch. I took off Zack's clothing and decided I would take a bath before going back.

I walked into the cold water and tried to relax my aching muscles from running so much.

I didn't realize how bruised up I was until now… it seemed that the bruises needed a whole day to actually form.

The bruise on my chest was pretty nasty. I decided I would refrain from touching it. I washed all the dirt and grime from my body and just soaked myself in the water… trying to get a hold of my thoughts.

Only three days left of this and then I can go back to the bakery and immerse myself in making food for others to enjoy.

It's kind of funny… you never really realize how popular you were until you're not popular at all.

Who knew I would actually miss all the attention I had at the bakery. I mean if I liked someone who came to the bakery, at least I would feel like I had a fighting chance…

But I need to stop thinking about that! What is the matter with me! I mean if this was three days ago, I would have never minded being alone. I was always alone…

Why do I mind now? Why do I want someone to be with me? More specifically, why do I want Squall to be with me? I mean I haven't even known him for a week and I'm already contemplating being with him for the rest of my life… this is so messed up.

Why can't I just be like I was? I just… wish I could be okay with supporting myself again. I hate this feeling…

The feeling of being rejected and alone…

I was happy my face was wet… I could just use the water as an excuse for my tears…

This was really fucked up. I was acting like such a pussy.

I smiled a little. Maybe I'm just living up to my title as kitten.

I sighed and dunked my head under the cold water. When I came back up I was better.

I got out of the water and kind of shook myself dry before putting on my clothes. When that was done I felt refreshed. I made my way back to the clearing.

Everyone was awake now. I walked over to Zack and put his clothes down.

Wow Cloud! You really smell like the lake! It's great! Zack yipped.

'Thanks…' I said.

So… I think we should hunt soon. I can sense a storm coming.

I nodded. 'You want to go now?'

Yeah wait a sec. Hey Squall! Cloud smells like the lake! Come see! He smells really good.

'Zack! What are you doing!' I yelped.

I jumped and suddenly became aware of the body standing over me. I shyly looked up to see Squall bring his face close to mine and sniff.

He does smell like the lake. Squall walked away.

Let's go hunting now! C'mon Xig! Zack yipped excitedly.

I'm comin' fool. Xigbar grumbled.

I smiled. 'Is there anything I need to know before I do this?' I asked.

Yes. We wolves have principles. One, every kill must have a purpose… aka what you kill, you gotta use somehow. Like eat the meat and dry the hide. Two, never kill more than necessary. As top predator, you have a duty to maintain the balance of the food chain. For example, if we don't regulate the number of herbivores, all the plants will get eaten and the land will become barren. Thirdly, you must attack with no hesitation or fear. If you go in for the kill, you can't back out. It's like a giant insult to our pride and the balance of nature. Finally, you must respect the dead… after a kill you must pray for their souls… Zack recited.

'Pray… for their souls… what should I say?' I asked.

That they return in a new form with a new purpose. I usually add that their death is for the health and prosperity of my family. Xigbar said.

I nodded. 'Alright. Let's do it.'

We walked around. I noticed that Zack and Xigbar were looking at the ground.

'Are we looking for tracks?' I asked.

Zack grunted affirmatively. Maybe a scent as well.

I nodded and started looking around on the ground. I moved a ways away form Zack and Xig, thinking we might be able to search more space if we split up.

And that's when I noticed something. 'Hey guys, I think I found something.' I said.

Zack and Xigbar trotted over and Zack yipped.

Cloud you did it! You found deer tracks! And it's a big one! Look look, Xiggy! The tracks are fresh. I'd say she passed here around fifteen minutes ago! Zack yipped some more.

'How do you know all of that?' I asked.

Well, look at the tracks… the soil is still loose. That's how they're fresh. The print of the foot is deep… that means she's large. The rest I knew from the smell.

I nodded.

Now's the time to be quiet. I'd say she went toward the lake for the moist shrubs. From the look of it, she's not in a hurry. I think we'll be able to find her quickly. Xigbar said.

Here Cloud. You'll need this. I think you should go in for the kill today. It's all part of the test. Think you can do it? Zack said, dropping a sharp looking branch in front of me.

'Yes.' I said knowing that I had to be sure.

Zack, Xig, and I walked for about twenty minutes and then they stopped.

Okay, we're gonna have to split up in order to surround it. Cloud I figure this is going to be hard for you. Stay low to the ground and be completely soundless. She's got good hearing, if she hears you, she'll run and it will take hours to track her down again. We're going to close in slowly. Cloud, for some reason, you're more connected to us than other humans. I think if you focus hard enough, we can be in sync and do this perfectly. Since you're the head of this operation Cloud, we'll attack on your signal. We have to force her in a corner. Luckily it's near the lake, we can corner her there, and Cloud when the time comes, go for the throat. No hesitations. No fear. Xigbar explained.

I nodded. I was going to do this. If I was ever going to become a man, I needed to do this.

We all moved a little closer to the lake. The deer was finally in vision.

This is where we split. Good luck. Zack said.

I waited for them to run off. After maybe three minutes, I focused all my concentration on the prey.

That's when I noticed something strange. It felt like, it wasn't just my heart beating in my chest.

There were two others beating as well… I think this is what Xigbar was talking about.

I crouched low and started to move in. I was very aware of my surroundings. I would be perfectly silent. I soon realized that we wouldn't have tree cover soon. When we ran out of trees we would only have grass… making us visible. Meaning, that once we were out of the trees we would need to square off the prey and make it incapable of running. When I was behind the last tree, the hearts in my chest started to pick up speed in their thumping.

I knew what it meant. We needed to close in now.

I suddenly sprinted off towards the deer. I could see Zack and Xigbar coming in from the sides.

The deer didn't know what was coming, and when she finally noticed, we had her on all sides.

Zack on the left, Xig on the right, the lake from behind, and me in the front.

The hearts were pumping. I could feel them. Then suddenly, I jerked forward.

I was going in. I jumped for it. I got a hold of its neck and did what I needed to do.

The deer fell with a thud.

'Deer… you were a fellow being on this earth… a sister, maybe a mother… Those purposes you once fulfilled will not be forgotten today. I pray that your soul will go on to fulfill more purposes that nature hands to it. I thank you for allowing me to feed a family that loves and respects nature, as they should. They will not let your death go wasted. Until we meet again, rest in peace.' I prayed before removing the sharp branch from the deer's body.

That was really beautiful Cloud. I'm proud to call you brother. Right Xigbar?

Yes… thank you Cloud.

I smiled. 'Thank you for guiding me. I am grateful.'

We should get back and eat this before the rain starts… Zack said.

I nodded and stood. Xigbar reverted to human form and lifted the deer. I was not flustered by Xigbar's naked form. I simply began my way back to the clearing with them.

Everyone! Look at what Cloud helped us track down! Everyone is going to be full today! Zack yipped as we got back to the clearing.

A deer… and a large one at that. I'm impressed. Who took it down? Xemnas asked.

Cloud did! He was amazing! It was like he was one of us! There was not a moment of hesitation and his prayer was genuine. If I were that deer, I would have been proud to die like that. Zack said.

Cloud! You're the best! Kairi and Sora jumped excitedly.

It really was impressive. Xigbar said.

Does that make him part of the pack, officially I mean? Sora asked.

If he would like to be. Xemnas said.

'I would like it… though it's a little tough to be out here. Being included in your pack means a lot to me.' I thought, completely serious.

Welcome. Squall grunted.

I nodded and decided I needed to take a run into the city to get some food. 'Enjoy the deer, I'm going to get some food in the city and come back.' I said.

They nodded and I moved out.

I was starting to recognize my way around here. If you pass a tree with a hole in it, you were going towards my part of the city. If you wanted to go to the lake, you needed to find a fallen tree with moss all over it.

When I finally got to the city, I realized I needed to get my wallet from the house. Luckily my key was still in my pocket on my pants.

I opened the door and I was met by two very angry people.

"Where were you? You've been gone for two days, the school called and told us you weren't there." My mother said.

"I was no where. I'm going back to school next week… but I don't believe that's really any of your business." I said and walked to my room.

"While you're living in my house it is!" My father yelled angrily.

I sighed, grabbed sets of clothing and my wallet. I then shoved them into a bag. I took my toothbrush and toothpaste.

"If you must know. I'm camping, with my… family." I said. "Please excuse me."

They moved out the doorway with shocked looks on their faces.

"Family? What Family?" My father asked.

"My new brothers and sisters. I'll be back this weekend." I said and left.

I walked to the convenience store and bought a frozen dinner. I paid for it and asked the store clerk if they had a microwave I could use. Surprisingly, they did and I heated up the meal and ate somewhat quickly. When I was done I threw away my trash.

"I was wondering where you've been, you used to come here everyday." The clerk said.

"Well, I didn't have time…" I said. "I'll see you around."

I ended up running back to the clearing… it started as a fast walk, which turned into a jog, which turned into a sprint when the clouds started rumbling.

When I made it to the clearing, there was a reddish smear where the deer's body was.

'Did you guys eat everything?' I asked.

We are capable of eating everything… even the hair. Riku said.

'That's a little gross but okay.' I thought.

Wahhhh, I'm so full I don't even want to move! Zack said with a satisfied sigh.

'I'm glad you enjoyed it.' I said and looked up to the sky. 'Are we going to find a place out of the rain when it comes?' I wondered.

Yeah, there's a den we made out of a bunch of boulders that we chill in. Xigbar said.

'Well, should we get going?' I asked.

Right now… I just want the food in my stomach to settle. We'll leave in a little while. If the thunder get's any louder… Zack said and Riku nodded.

For some reason… I had a really bad feeling about this. I sat and waited with them… petting Kairi's and Sora's heads, feeling a little uneasy.

Relax. The storm won't come until… maybe twenty minutes… that's plenty of time to get to the den. Squall said.

I nodded and tried to calm myself. But that's when I felt a rain drop.

'Are you sure the storm isn't coming any minute now? I just felt rain.' I said.

I believe Cloud is right. We're going. Xemnas stood.

I silently thanked Xemnas and frowned when everyone was slow to get up, grumbling and stretching before they started to walk.

Keep a good watch out for traps. Don't let the pups run off. Xemnas warned.

I nodded and we moved through the trees. Riku and I on either side of the puppies.

It gradually got a lot darker, due to the large, thick, dark grey clouds.

We're picking up the pace. We'll be in the den soon. Xemnas said and I started to jog to keep up with them.

The rain started not long after. Sora and Kairi giggled and yipped. They jumped around trying to catch the many droplets that fell from the sky.

'Sora, Kairi… could you stop that? I know the rain is fun to play in… but let's get to the den okay?' I asked.

Cloud is right. Don't slow us down. Riku added.

Sora and Kairi huffed and grumbled as they trotted along with us.

The rain started to pour after a couple of minutes. My nerves were racing… I didn't know why… it was bothering me. Greatly.

It was when the den finally came into view that the lightning crackled down, followed by an enormously loud crash of thunder.

I heard the sound of Sora's frightened yelp first. I saw Riku grab Kairi by the scruff of her neck. Then a dark blur zooming in the corner of my eye caught my attention.

"SORA!" I yelled and ran after him. I dropped my duffel and ran as fast as I could. I knew something was going to happen, I just knew it!

Another crack of lightning illuminated the forest for a split second. I managed to see Sora running for what I feared most.

A bear trap. It's teeth glared from the gloss of rain. The wind must of blew the leaf cover off of it.

Sora wouldn't notice it… he was too afraid of the lightning. I somehow summoned the strength to peddle faster on the wet ground.

"SORA NO!" I screamed and jumped for him.

My body floated in the air for a second. I managed to pull Sora to my chest at the last minute.

When I hit the ground, I slid on the slicked forest floor, right into the jaws of the trap.

I screamed in pain as its jaws dug into my skin surrounding my shoulder. I squirmed in agony…

Wrong move. The teeth sank deeper. I growled in pain and looked at the puppy in my arms.

'Are… y-you okay?' I asked gritting my teeth.

C-Cloud… your shoulder… I-I'm sorry! Sora howled and whined in sorrow.

I slowly used my good arm to pet Sora's head. 'It's better my shoulder, than your little body…' I said with a smile.

"CLOUD!" A voice yelled and I looked to see Squall's wet face before blacking out.

-The Pack-

When I woke… I was really warm. I snuggled closer to the warmth only to flinch.

I opened my eyes and noticed the midnight blue fur in front of me. I scooted closer to see his sleeping face.

Squall… I thought to myself quietly. I looked to my shoulder. The trap had been removed and I gasped.

The deep cuts were already partly closed. "How…" I said to myself.

At the sound, Squall's ears perked and he lifted his head.

Cloud. How are you feeling? His voice rang.

'My shoulder hurts…' I thought simply. 'But… why… how are they half way healed already?' I wondered.

Like this. Squall said and I felt a soft tongue on my shoulder.

"Ah! What are you doing!" I yelped.

If I lick your wounds, they will heal faster… that's why the healing process has already started halfway. Squall said and moved closer.

'Well… I…' I started to think but stopped. 'Is Sora okay?' I asked.

He's fine. He feels guilty though… he thinks it's his fault you got hurt. He's back at the clearing waiting for you to return. Squall explained.

'I'll have to talk to him…' I thought.

Squall started licking at my shoulder again. I winced and shied away. 'I-I d-don't…' I trailed off.

If you sit still for ten minutes your cuts will be healed. Please stop being stupid. Squall growled.

"Look! I understand your feelings towards me! I get it and I know you're just trying to help… but please try to respect my feelings! I don't want you around me… It bothers me… a lot. You… can figure me out. You can see right through me… but I can't even… just please leave me alone. I can't handle your kindness… " I said.

Squall moved towards me again and licked my shoulder.

"STOP IT!" I yelled and pushed his head away… only reopening some of the cuts on my shoulder. 'Ow!' I flinched and growled. "LEAVE ME ALONE! STOP TRYING TO HELP ME! WHY ARE BEING SO NICE TO ME! AREN'T I A DISGUSTING HUMAN! I CAN'T… I can't take it when you're nice… it gives me hope for something that won't ever happen… please… just leave me alone!" I yelled tears falling… mostly from the pain in my shoulder.

I watched Squall get up and leave. When he was out of the den I sighed and wiped my face.

I shivered… it was a little cold now that the extra person was absent. "It's for the best." I told myself and ran a hand through my hair.

"Cloud…" I flinched when I heard Squall's voice again.

"I told you to leave…" I said softly.

"I know you did but I think you need to understand something." Squall said and moved in front of me. His hat wasn't there, it was strange.

"I'm second in command… it is my duty to protect the pack. But just because it's my duty doesn't mean I do it because I have to. I want to protect and provide for the family I love. As of today, you are part of that family." Squall said.

"What are you trying to say?" I asked.

"Since the moment you agreed to officially become part of the pack… you became one of us. And when you saved Sora today… it proved that you were very serious about every one of us. It proved that you love this pack enough to risk your life for one of us… it was something I needed before I could choose." Squall said.

"I still don't understand…" I said.

"The time at the lake… when I said I wouldn't choose you… it was because you were human… but… right now, to me… you're just as much of a wolf as I am… you made that clear when you passed all the tests… and I realize that you don't plan on deceiving or leaving us… so… I can choose you as my mate…only if you can still choose me. I want you to be mine… and I want to be yours…" Squall said staring at me with shining, stormy blue eyes.

"You're choosing me… now?" I asked.

"I needed a mate that could prove themselves faithful and strong. I couldn't see that you were before… but I can now." Squall said and put his hands on my face. "So I need you to choose me… if I need to prove myself, I will. I'll do anything… but I want to be your mate." Squall said.

"Will you promise to stay with me… I hate being alone now… so promise not to leave me…" I said.

"I will never, ever leave you… I will give you my loyalty and everything I have." He said.

"Okay… I choose you…" I said… smiling brightly.

Squall yipped and licked my face. I chuckled and with my good hand I grabbed his chin and connected our lips. I opened my mouth for him and let him explore my mouth. I let out a happy sigh through my nose.

When we parted Squall nuzzled my face. Can I heal your shoulder now? He asked.

I nodded and only fidgeted for a couple minutes before getting used to the feeling. It was only when the wound was completely healed that the licks at my skin started to feel pleasant.

Squall pulled away. "Are you ready to go back to the clearing?" he asked.

I nodded… feeling a little disappointed at the missed opportunity to further our little establishment. I walked out of the den and made my way towards the clearing.

I jumped when Squall came up behind me and licked up my neck. Don't be upset kitten… patience. Squalls voice rang and my ears as I watched him trot towards the clearing, mirthful yips mocking my eagerness.

I growled and chased after him.

'Later…' I thought to myself.

A/N: TEE HEE! Cloud you horny little monster! REVIEW IF YOU WANT MORE!