AN: Sorry for the long wait everyone. This chapter isn't much, but it's something. I'll try to update again soon.
"Where did they go?" Kate's growl was the first thing Humphrey heard that morning. He forced his eyes open to find out what was bothering her.
"If I remember," His mother's voice sounded, "There were plenty of mornings your parents and I woke up to find you two gone."
"Yeah," Kate replied, "And I know where we went! If they're anything like us, which they are…" Kate's voice trailed off. She didn't need to finish the thought.
"What's going on?" Humphrey asked, groggily.
"The pups are gone!" Kate exclaimed, "They were gone when I got up this morning!"
"Wow, they must have been really determined to do something if they were up that early."
"This isn't funny Humphrey!" Kate snapped.
Humphrey looked at his mother. "We're not usually like this, but after what's been happening lately, we're being a little overprotective."
"Let's just go track them down," Helen cut in, "It'll be best for everyone."
The other two nodded. The group left the den, Kate hot on the trail of the pups.
As they were making their way across to the fallen log that crossed the ravine that cut off the pack's dens from the most popular part of the forest, Kate noticed a rather nervous looking Alpha sitting outside of the den where they had put Nick. The shame on his face caught Kate's attention.
"One second," she told the others as she made a beeline for him.
Upon seeing her, the wolf nearly jumped out of his pelt. He couldn't stand to look her in the eye.
"What happened?" She asked quietly. The same kind of quiet there is before a storm hits.
"He said he was sick, I-I went to get him help," The wolf admitted, "When I came back, he was-"
"Gone," Kate finished for him. "You had one job, to watch Nick," her voice began to rise, "And he just escaped!"
"But… I…" the wolf began.
"No 'buts' mister!" She growled, "You're grounded! Go to your den, right now!"
The wolf jumped up with a yelp and did as he was told.
Helen gave her son a look and he smiled back.
"When Kate's mad at or worried about the pups and a wolf does something wrong, she sometimes forgets to turn of the mothering mode. It's pretty funny actually." Humphrey suddenly gasped as his mind made a connection.
"Kate," He called, "Nick's gone and so are the pups! Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Kate nodded as the same conclusion dawned on her.
"God, how many times does this have to happen?" Helen sighed exasperatedly, "What is this, the third time! It's getting a little old."
Once again the trio set out again. They followed the pups' trail to a nearby clearing where Kate picked up Nick's sent as well.
"He took them, again!" Kate growled.
"I don't think so," Humphrey replied.
"What?" Kate and Helen both asked in unison.
"Come on Kate," Humphrey said, "You know the pups. Get the drop on them once, not too hard. Twice, that's a little more impressive. But three times! He couldn't have possibly kidnapped them a third time!"
"So what, they just went with him willingly?"
"They must be as intrigued as we are," Helen said, "Maybe they decided there was something to Nick's theories."
Kate groaned. "Well too bad. It's too dangerous for them to be down there. We have to go get them. If Nick wants to keep on exploring, more power to him. I'm tired of dealing with him."
"Kate's right, no matter how unhappy they'll be, it's better they stay out of that place."
"I can't believe you two!" Helen exclaimed, "This from the wolves who, as pups, would vanish for hours doing all sort of crazy things!"
"We grew up," Kate replied.
"Besides, we saved all of our weird adventures for adulthood," Humphrey added.
Helen rolled her eyes. "Fine, they're your pups."
"Come on, let's go get them, again," Humphrey said. In part, he was hoping to keep an all out fight from breaking out between his wife and mother.
"I am never going to get a chance to tell you why I'm here," Helen complained to herself.
"Wow, this part of the Cave looks exactly like the other one!" Stinky commented.
"Didn't your parents ever tell you patience is a virtue?" Nick asked.
"Yeah, several times…" Claudette began.
"But we were never patient enough to listen," Runt finished.
"They must be so proud," Nick growled.
"You know, we are helping you," Stinky growled, "You could at least be nice!"
"I've concluded that I don't need your help," Nick retorted, "You are only here because you want to be here and I, being the responsible adult that I am, decided I might as well combine our expeditions so I could keep an eye on you."
"You like us and you know it!" Runt teased.
"How about we just stay silent until we get there?" Nick suggested.
"What exactly is there?" Claudette asked.
"You'll know it when you see it," Nick replied, "Now, silence."
Several moments passed before that silence broke.
"I have to pee," Stinky announced.
AN: Well, that was a pretty useless chapter. Luckily, the next one will actually get into things. It's not long until you learn what's really at the bottom of the Cave!