The Pack

Disclaimer: If I owned everything in this story… I'd probably be rich enough to buy my own damn wolves regardless of how illegal it is…

I love all of you readers that review, but it really makes me happy that a lot of you caught onto what was happening! ENJOY!

Chapter 26

Squall POV

When I opened my eyes, I was surprised by the amount of relief I felt inside of me. And that's when I realized…

It wasn't just my own relief… it was Cloud's too.

I could really feel him again… in fact, I could feel him more than I could before. I could feel the relaxation of his muscles and the evenness of his breath.

Squall… you should see this… he's beautiful… I heard Zack's voice. I looked at Zack with a puzzled face as he looked at something with complete awe.

I stood slowly. I knew Cloud was sleeping soundly next to me so I looked over to see if he was okay.

And there he was in all his glory.

A large crème colored wolf was curled delicately as he slept, Zell cuddled warmly in his fur. I knew that is was Cloud.

And that's when it all made sense, I was bearing the real pain of Cloud's transformation and I guess there was a resting period between us that stopped us from connecting. I yipped.

Zack and Riku yipped in reply and I was suddenly hit with the biggest urge to run in circles.

I'll run with you! Zack replied to my thoughts. Xigbar smiled at me and spoke aloud. "You did a fine job, Squall… he's really a sight for sore eyes."

"I am relieved to know that my thoughts on the matter were incorrect… I couldn't have been more wrong. Nature was reinforcing your bond, not breaking it apart. My only question is how this happened…" Xemnas said.

"Who cares? Cloud can finally feel like he truly belongs!" Kairi and Sora yipped.

I agree… I couldn't be happier for him. Riku said.

And that's when I set off running, I had this surging excitement flowing through me and all I could do is burn it out. I weaved through the trees and when I finally found the lake I jumped right into it. Howling happily as I sank deeper into the water. I heard Zack splash in next to me and I swam to the surface. I reverted to human form and yelled and cheered.

Zack laughed at me but I didn't care. I was so happy!

"YES! FUCK YEAH! THE BEST THING THAT EVER COULD HAVE HAPPENED TODAY, JUST HAPPENED! CLOUD'S GOT OUR FORMS AND HE'S FUCKING GORGEOUS! THAT'S MY MATE… ONLY THE BEST!" I yelled and yipped before taking a deep breath and floating on the surface.

Zack swam over to me. "I'm so happy for our family… I feel like it's really complete now… you know what I mean?" Zack asked.

"Yeah… I do." I said with a relaxed sigh. I got out of the lake and shook to dry off. "I have to go back and look at him again. I feel like it might all be a dream." I said and made my way towards the clearing.

I was stopped suddenly by Larxene. This doesn't change anything, I will have you no matter what it takes. She growled.

"Go ahead and try." I said before brushing her aside and running off towards the clearing again.

-The Pack-

Back to Cloud POV

I was so warm… it felt so good that I almost didn't want to open my eyes. And that's when I remembered what happened. Where was I? Who was taking me away?

Xigbar was sent to watch you. When you collapsed he took you back to the clearing. Everything is okay now… open your eyes. Something amazing happened! Squall's voice yipped.

I smiled and sighed happily when I realized Squall could hear me again… but I noticed something else. I could literally feel something that I had never felt before… it was like a gentle clasp around my heart and for some reason… it felt like Squall… like Squall was actually inside of me, guarding my heart.

I opened my eyes and came face to face with a tan-ish colored tail and four legs wrapped gently around my son.

Who was that? I moved to stand only to see the wolf legs move and the tail flick.

Oh my god… were they my legs?

I stretched and could finally conclude that yes, they were my legs and tail… I was a wolf… I think.

You are and you are the most beautiful creature to ever walk this earth. Stand up, let everyone see you as you are. Squall's voice said softly.

Zell woke with a yip. Momma is a wolf now!

I moved to stand, my legs wobbling beneath me. I lifted my head to see everyone looking at me with smiles on their faces. Everything was so clear, the sights, the sounds, the smells… it was amazing… I was really looking through new eyes.

I tried to walk but I stumbled. Squall walked over to me and I leaned on his side. After a couple of minutes, I got the hang of four legs and started to walk on my own. It was really strange. There were so many varieties of walking. I could move one leg at a time, or two… I could move my front legs first or my back legs. I could probably spend days trying to figure out all of the possibilities.

Squall yipped in amusement and I growled in agitation. Don't make fun of me! I thought.

But you're so cute, you're like a newborn pup! Squall yipped again.

I yipped myself when I noticed my tail wagging. With a playful growl I pounced on him. Squall yelped before yipping again at my antics. He nipped the scruff of my neck and I smiled when his little bites didn't hurt me. I had tougher skin now.

I nipped at his heels and he jumped on top of me with another yip. I fell to the ground and smiled when everyone laughed at our playful display.

It's been a while since I've seen a real dog pile. Riku said with a smirk and Squall and I growled.

We're not dogs! We're Loup Garou! We shouted together.

We wanna play too! Sora, Kairi, and Zell said.

I heaved Squall off of me and growled at the three pups. I lowered my front end while my hind quarters were still in the air, my tail wagging playfully. I bared my teeth at them.

I'm the hungry monster and I love eating puppies! I said in a low voice.

NOOO! They yelled and scattered across the clearing. I shot off to chase them only to lose track of my legs and fall to the ground again.

The others laughed and I whined, embarrassed.

Come on Cloud! Get up! The kids yelped.

I got up and focused as I ran, I did a lap around the clearing and smiled when I realized there was a natural order of movements that I had yet to follow. It was like a sudden instinctual epiphany. I yipped before picking up the pace. I could run so fast, the feeling was amazing! The wind bending around me, the rush of my heart, the stretch of my muscles. I couldn't get enough of it!

I set off towards Sora who yelped and began to run. I caught up to him and grabbed his scruff gently with my mouth before lifting him.

Gotcha! I thought to him.

Awwe man! Sora whined. I put him down and asked him to help me catch Kairi and Zell.

Okay! Sora yipped and set off to catch Kairi.

I was about to go run after them when I spotted Hayner sitting sadly at the side of the clearing. I trotted over to him and poked him with my wet nose. What's the matter? I asked.

I don't understand why my mother still doesn't like you. You're one of us now aren't you? Why can't she accept that? Why can't she and I be a part of this family? I want to be… I want to be so badly. I've been alone for so long… I had forgotten what it was like to be with others, to have friends. And why does she need Squall so badly… what's wrong with just having me? I don't think she likes me anymore… she doesn't tell me anything… she doesn't even like when I'm around anymore… she wasn't always like this… and I m-miss h-her… Hayner said before bursting into a series of whines.

My heart almost broke at hearing him vent his thoughts. He was just a kid and he needed his mother, he didn't need anyone else… and I knew that kind of feeling very well after being disowned for two years.

I curled myself around the boy and let him let it all out. He was so upset and I wanted to smack some sense into Larxene for forgetting about the person that loves her most.

You mother loves you very much… she's just loosing sight of the things that are most important to her… if her love for you is anything like my love for my kids, then I know that you are her most precious person. You are the best part of her self and without you she wouldn't ever be the same.

You really think so? Hayner asked.

I know so! I yipped before licking his snout. Hayner yipped and snuggled closer to me. I hope she realizes it again soon. He said.

Get away from my son! You may have stolen Yuu but can't take Hayner from me! Larxene's voice broke through the peaceful atmosphere of the clearing.

I frowned and stood. I didn't steal anyone… and I have no intention of doing so. I voiced calmly.

YOU'RE A LIAR! YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A ROTTEN HUMAN AND THAT'S ALL YOU'LL EVER BE. She lunged for me and I jumped out of the way. She immediately turned to attack me again and I snarled at her.

I don't want to fight with you! I growled.

I won't have you stealing my children and wrecking my family again! Never again! She lunged again and this time I couldn't move quick enough.

I yelped when her teeth chomped down on my back. I could hear the others yelling at Larxene and I could feel their apprehension and helplessness.

They couldn't help me. I was being challenged and if I were to back down or seek aid, I would lose.

I growled and managed to bite her leg. She yelped and I pulled until she let go of me. I then moved to create some distance between she and I. Larxene looked at the wound on her leg before growling lowly. She ran at me full speed and before I could set off to run she kicked up the dirt and it flew into my face. I whined at the burning of my eyes and realized she was probably about to deliver the final blow.

STOP IT MOM! Hayner yelped desperately and I opened my eyes blearily to see Hayner standing in front of me. I don't really know how this stuff works but even I know that was a dirty thing to do mother! It was low and you know it! Why can't you let go of what happened so long ago? We lost a lot of family that day but life is giving us another opportunity to be free and make new relationships. Why can't you be happy with what we are being given? Why can't you be happy with me? Hayner whined before pressing his face into his mother's fur. Why can't you be as happy with me as I am with you?

I am happy with you. Larxene said softly.

You snap at me whenever I try to talk to you and you do nothing but bother about Squall. Squall is taken already… we don't need him! All we need is each other right? That's what got us through everything. Hayner whimpered.

Larxene's eyes widened when she finally came to the realization that she was neglecting the person she loved the most. She nuzzled her son before relenting. You're right… all we need is each other… Yuu has found a new family and I need to let that go… but you Hayner are all I have and couldn't be more precious to me. I love you so much and I'm sorry I lost sight of that.

Can't we give this pack a chance? Everyone in it? This could really be a great thing if they'll have us. Hayner said.

Larxene looked at me. I'm sorry… and I'm grateful that Yuu found someone who loves him as much as you do.

I promise he's in good hands. I said with a smile and relaxed… That was scary. I really thought I was gonna die for a second.

Squall ran over to me and licked the wound on my back. You thought you were scared… what about me… all I could do was watch! I'm gonna have to teach you how to fight. Squall said.

Sounds like a good idea. I yipped before nuzzling his neck.

I don't know about you guys… but I could use a nap! Zack said and snuggled up next to his mate.

I agree… I yawned and settled down next to Zack. I looked at Squall and Zell. You feel like snuggling? I asked with a slight laugh.

Kairi was the first to press herself into my fur. I want to. She said and Sora soon followed after. Zell squeezed himself between them before Squall finally rested against me.

Riku and Xemnas were over by the boulder watching carefully. Hayner pulled his mother over to us and they situated themselves next to us.

I smiled before I drifted off… harmony was restored in our pack and all seemed to be right in the world.

A/N: So all is well now! Yay! Please review and tell me what you think! The climax of this story should be coming soon, just giving y'all the heads up and get excited cuz it's gonna be awesome! (I hope...)