Hola amigos! Sorry for the long wait, but I'm back!

I want to give a big shout-out to my long-life comrade in writing (and that's you, Perry-chan) for filling in the gaps and helping me bring this chapter to life. Love you, my brother! XD

I will say that this was one of my favourite chapters to write; not just because of where the characters are going, but I get to upload this the day before my birthday - so it's a birthday accomplishment! Dang it, I feel so old - looking back at my first story, I remember starting out here on FF in March 2010.

As always, I hope you have fun reading this chapter as Perry and I did making it, and be prepared for a few surprises up ahead. Enjoy! :)

Chapter 20: Something Lost, Someone Found

Maia stood timidly in the doorway. No matter how much she fidgeted with the sash around the waist, the hems of her fluffy pink bathrobe parted cheekily, revealing the delicate curves of her creamy-white figure.

And that wasn't all she was hiding – Phelan nearly crumpled to his knees at the sight of a two-piece bikini gently hugging her bosoms and waist.

But instead of the alluring, yet innocent picture of beauty Phelan (and even Soron) had often fancied about, something was clearly not right. Maia's eyes were wide with shock, her body quivering as it turned whiter by the second – and there were hardly any draughts inside the stuffy cabin.

"Maia? What's the matter?"

Before Phelan could run up and grab her, Soron had thrust a firm paw against his chest, holding him back. The Rogue's eyes glared with a blazing fire – not at Maia, but towards the shadow lurking behind her trembling shoulders.

There was something else inside the cabin, but it wasn't just the spirit of any ghost from the past.

A fully-grown wolf – as large as the spectral hounds who once prowled Phelan's dreams – was now circling about the room. At the first sight of Phelan, it walked boldly up to him and sniffed the air, wrinkling its snout against the whiff of his scent.

Phelan lowered his bunched-up fists. This one had to be a she-wolf. With a sleek hazel-brown coat and searching violet eyes, she moved as lithely as a branch in the wind.

But this was no dream; Phelan could feel her gaze burning deep into his soul, as though searching for all his past deeds and mistakes, understanding his secrets and fears. Satisfied, she let out a warning growl and padded back to Maia, like a loyal hound at its master's side.

Instead of the anticipated dread, Phelan felt an aura of utter calmness – wait, calm wasn't exactly the right word to describe his thoughts. Peace? Tranquility?

And then it hit him.

Serenity.

How dare you, Soron Andrews? How dare you! I knew you were despicable, but I never knew you could sink this low as to spit on our cherished Order.

At first, Phelan thought it was just a trick of the mind; no one had spoken during the intrusion. But neither he nor Soron had heard the she-wolf's voice – her thoughts were being projected, loud and clear while they bounced vividly across the corners of the room.

"Excuse me, whoever you are… Um, miss?" Phelan spoke up. "I don't believe we've met before, but I hope we can talk this out."

I know who you are, spawn of the Darkness. This is none of your concern, so don't tell me how to run my own Order!

"M-my lady…" whispered Maia, tears flooding down her cheeks. "Please… I can explain."

The wolf snapped her jaws at Maia, baring a set of dangerously gleaming fangs.

Silence! Her tail lashed against the calm night. Were it not for your position, I would already have your head for this treason!

She rounded on Soron, but not before flicking a glance at Maia that clearly said I will deal with you later.

As for you... You had yourself banished from the Order because of your inexcusable behavior! You fraternized with those who stand between us and eternal harmony! And now you wish to corrupt my brightest and best by making her perform a Marking ceremony with this… this mutt? Her voice shook with fury at the very thought of her enemy.

"Hurts like a bitch, doesn't it?" grinned Soron. "Now you know how I felt when I didn't get a chance to defend myself."

What are you playing at, Andrews? Did you really think you could destroy the Order from inside out?

"Not in the slightest, my dear; I just wanted to hit you where it stings the most. And I gotta admit – it's really making my day. That look right now on your smug face?" He paused for a moment, filling his next words with the deadliest venom he could muster.

"Your face is bucking priceless."

The screams that tore straight from the she-wolf's jaws sounded like a war waged between an anguished howl and a strangled roar. Had Phelan not clamped his paws over his ears, his eardrums would have certainly been shattered to bits.

Even the dim light surrounding the cabin grew paler by the second, as though it was a source of energy now transformed into a wave of lupine fury.

With a ferocious snarl, the wolf pounced into the air, claws extended and jaws rendered open in a deathly abyss.

Somehow, the rush of adrenaline forced time to slow down to a freeze-frame shot: Maia, dead centre in the she-wolf's way. But so was Soron. Heading for Maia, heading for Soron – Phelan couldn't tell. Or maybe he was the target instead.

His first instinct: to conjure up a barrier of shadows. Or shoot up some tendrils; anything to block the wolf's oncoming attack.

But Soron was faster.

Like a renegade football player, the silver-clad chipmunk dove straight for the wolf's exposed belly, ramming his shoulder straight through her body. Winded and unable to counter the attack, he picked up the she-wolf and hurled her like a rag doll, straight through the cabin walls with a sickening crunch and out of sight.

Where a strong foundation used to be, there now lay a large gap right in the centre, like a mouth hanging open in shock at Soron's remarkable prowess of strength.

"Soron, what the hell?" blurted Phelan. "You just threw a wolf through a wall!"

"I hope you're still out there, you coward!" Soron called out to the waiting night. "'Cause when I'm through with you, you're going to regret the day you kicked me out from the Order!" He rolled up his sleeves, making a beeline for the forest.

Phelan leapt to his feet. "Wait, I'm coming with you!"

"No." As if to prove his point, Soron held both Phelan's and Maia's paws, before resting them atop each other.

"Right now, your place is with her. And she needs you, more than ever. Me?" He chuckled darkly at the very thought. "I've got a date with an old flame, and I'm going to take her out. Even if it kills me."

Phelan tapped a paw on Soron's shoulder, before sweeping him into an affectionate embrace. "Then take care, brother. May the Light be with you."

Soron flinched, as though his brother's words were an insult to his pride. But he merely shook it off and returned the hug.

"Thanks, Phelan. But I don't think that line suits you well." There was that all-too-familiar smirk upon his face, albeit warm and honest. "You, um… Go do your thing. I'll give you all the time you need."

And then, as though saying a final farewell, Soron reached up and kissed the dark warrior on his tufted forehead, as well as Maia's. "Light be with you both."

With one last look of reluctant consent, the former warrior of the Light straightened his robes before disappearing in an orb of light.

Outside, the first thing Soron felt was the chill of the night breeze against his fur. The next was the wolf's hind paw in his face, sending him flying against a nearby oak tree.

He fell sprawled out, his back colliding against the rough bark with a painful thud. But for a seasoned warrior, nothing could stop him getting back on his feet within seconds, as though ready for the next dance.

And speaking of dances, he would have to make do with a she-wolf for a partner; a carnivorous creature of livid, growling fur and flesh facing him in a square-off.

"Looks like you haven't lost that leg power of yours. I haven't felt a kick like that since the day of my Marking. Or was it yours? I swear, that foot o' yours is killing my brain cells every time you hit my poor ol' head." He breathed a mocking sigh, paws aglow with the light of battle.

I was too soft on you; I should've killed you the moment you stepped out of line! But now I will make amends for my mistakes. And then you, along with my regrets, shall be wiped off the face of the earth.

"Did you really think I wasted all these years doing nothing?" the silver-clad chipmunk asked. "I know I'm a lazy-ass munk. But I'm damn well prepared for this. And from the looks of it, you and I still have minds alike."

The wolf dropped into a hunter's crouch, her hackles raised like tiny spears. I am nothing like you, Andrews! If you think for one second I would drop to your level, then you are making a big mistake!

"So you say…" As Soron stepped into a fighter's stance, his trademark smirk twisted the corner of his lips.

"But you have to admit, you wanted this fight for a very long time, haven't you?"

Back at the cabin, the din of battle echoed through the gap in the now-silent walls.

Maia was struggling hysterically to escape Phelan's grasp. "You've got to let me go, Phelan. Please! If anything happens to Soron, I'll never be able to forgive myself!"

Her anxiety jolted to a halt at the sound of a pain-filled howl – too deep for a chipmunk to cry, followed by a barrage of insults in what could only be Soron's voice.

"Don't worry. He'll be fine," said Phelan. "Heck, I've seen him go up against the Darkness and all he got was a scratch. But there's something I'm not quite getting. That wolf – how did she know you?" And more importantly, why was she speaking in riddles?

"No, you don't understand! She'll kill him! She won't hesitate to bring Soron down because of his crimes to the Order."

Realization dawned on the young chipmunk's face. "She's your mentor, isn't she? Is that why she was attacking us, but not you?"

The words came out as a statement, rather than a question. Perhaps that was why Maia, sensing no threat whatsoever, threw down her gauntlet.

"I – I'm sorry! I… I'm not allowed to say anything! I'm not supposed to compromise the Order, remember?" She bit her lip, her throat clogged up with sobs.

"Maia. Maia. Shh…" Phelan held her tighter, like a father concerned for his daughter. "Maia, I'm not asking you to betray your Order. I never had."

His paws might not have been magical, but they certainly worked their charms on Maia, who had discarded her tears for a calmer composure.

"H-How can you still love me, even after what we've been through? You can't love a wild thing like me, Phelan."

To her surprise, the wolf-like chipmunk let out a tiny chuckle.

"You, a wild thing? Then I guess that makes us two of a kind."

"Oh? Why would you say that?"

"Well…" Phelan sighed, trying to find the out the right words. "Let's just say I come from two completely different worlds. You see… I'm a chipmunk from my mother's side. But my father was a wolf."

Maia widened her eyes in reply, her jaw slightly dropping.

"I've never told anyone about this – not even to my brothers or Soron. I… I just didn't want anybody making a great fuss over nothing, I guess."

"But it's clearly more than nothing, Phelan. Your past makes you who you are. And judging from the things you've done, I'd say you've got one heck of a great package." Her mouth hung agape, struck with a sudden thought. "Wait a second… Could it be that your father was one of Victory's Pack?"

Phelan raised an eyebrow at her, surprised.

"How'd you know about them?"

"The Order's library archives. I read about the Wolves back when I was a kid."

Phelan chuckled softly, slowly pressing his lips on hers, the night breeze passing through their fur as they kissed.

"Can you keep it a secret for now? I want to tell Alvin and the others, but only when the time's right."

"I promise…" She whispered, breathless when they parted.

"Come on, we should do this Marking Ceremony thing already. I know Soron can handle your mentor, but I want to get this done as soon as possible."

Maia slowly nodded as she stood up, letting the robes fall off her waist, and the world stopped turning to see.

For the first time tonight, Phelan saw her for who she was: vulnerable, yet pure; fresh, but certainly promising. Her belly button, positioned right at the centre, was as precious and delicate as the cherry on top of a cupcake.

As she turned around, a little nervous at first, Phelan stole a glance at the little bumps protruding from her spine – they were like waves in the night sea. It was those little irregularities that made her oh so perfect.

"Not too much, I hope?" She asked. When he didn't reply, her smile faltered a little. "Oh dear. I-I borrowed it from Brittany…"

Was it just a slip of the tongue? Or did Maia suddenly look like the girl he once longed to hold and cherish forever?

"N-n-no… I think it s-suits you f-fine…." He stuttered as he swallowed the huge lump that formed in his throat, his face turning bright red.

Maia's cheeks were burning too, but she shyly hid her face from him as she unpacked the contents of her bundle.

She gave him a paintbrush and a small jar of amber paint. Phelan looked at her confused.

"What's this for?"

"Well… There any many ways for a member of the Order to get his or her Mark during the ceremony," explained Maia nervously. "Soron told me he got his with ink and a tattoo needle. But I... You don't think I'm chicken for doing this the easy way?"

Phelan shook his head, smiling. "I don't even know how to use a tattoo needle, my dear." He held up the brush, twirling it friskily. "But does this really work?"

"It should; Light users simply channel their internal energy into the shape of the Mark on their partners," she said. "But Soron infused this paint with his powers, and a bit of your DNA, since you obviously don't have any Light within you."

Phelan shook his head, laughing softly.

"Typical Soron. You know, he keeps saying that he and nice don't mix. When is he going to stop hiding in that lie?"

"Yeah, lie…" Maia repeated, a sudden guilt sweeping across her face. Phelan, noticing her discomfort, gave a wolf's kiss on her cheek, causing the chipette to squeak and jump in surprise.

"Nervous, aren't you?" he asked, chuckling softly. "Don't worry, it's my first time too. Are you ready?"

With a slow nod, Maia spread her arms wide, showing herself fully to the chipmunk of her heart. Phelan smiled softly as he opened the jar of light-infused paint, dipping the brush in it.

"Try to hold still, okay? I promise I'll make it quick and gently as I can."

Phelan knelt in front of her, slowly tracing the wet brush across her belly fur. As the soft bristles ran delicately across her sensitive spots, Maia couldn't help but giggle, which made Phelan smile all the more as he continued to paint her stomach.

She petted his forehead as though he was a cute puppy. "Do I get a hint?"

He shook his head, chuckling softly. "You'll find out when I'm done."

Maia covered her mouth with a paw, stifling her giggles as her body occasionally flinched from trying to stand still.

After a while, the painting stopped, and Maia could feel the moistness on her tummy slowly dry away, revealing a faint glow. As she looked down, Phelan gave her an approving nod.

Painted across her belly was a large heart, adorned with a king's crown resting atop. Two long arcs clasped each side of the heart, like wings forming a ring-like shape.

"W-what is that?"

Phelan blushed and paused for a moment, looking away from her for a while. "It's, uh… It's my engagement ring to you, Maia."

Maia gasped, her face turning a bright pink.

"It's called a Claddagh Ring," he continued. "When you give it to someone, it symbolizes eternal friendship, loyalty and… and…"

And then, before her very eyes, Maia was left speechless as Phelan shifted to one knee, his paws holding up Maia's left. Unlike before, all she could feel was bone and bristled fur.

"I know I'm all bark and no bite, Maia. I'm not the wolf I used to be. But that doesn't mean I won't stop loving and cherishing you for the rest of my life, even when we're old and gray."

He paused, steeling himself to clear his throat.

"Maia, will you let me stand by your side as your mate?"

Time froze like an icy lake. The only sounds Maia could hear were her rapid heartbeats fighting to leap out of her chest.

What lasted only for a few seconds seemed like an eternity to Phelan, and here he was, fighting to keep his hopeful eyes on the girl of his dreams.

Why isn't she saying anything? Was I being too cheesy? She's probably going to hate me for it! Aw man, I knew it was too soon!

With a squeal of joy, Maia leapt into Phelan's arms, clinging tighter than a koala on a eucalyptus tree. He swung her around in his grasp, laughing as pools of happiness leaked from the corners of his eyes.

"Yes. Yes, I want nothing more than to be your mate, Phelan!"

This time, when Phelan licked her cheek, Maia giggled and licked his in return.

They stared into each other's eyes, the waning light of the moon reflecting their glorious colours. Slow and gentle at first, the taste of their lips on each others' tongues fuelled their kiss with a burning passion as Maia removed Phelan's trench coat, while Phelan slid a paw under the strap that held Maia's two piece, taking it clean off with one stroke.

Naked, they fell onto the wooden floor, the fire from the fireplace imitating the flames in their eyes as Phelan lay on top of her, kissing and licking her neck. For a meek and graceful chipette, Maia's moans were loud and high-pitched. She caressed his face, pulling him close enough to whisper in his ear.

"Whenever you're ready, Phelan. Take me – I want to be forever yours…"

He nuzzled comfortingly into her chest, purring at the reassuring scent of vanilla whilst responded to her feelings. "There is something I must ask of you, Maia. Will you promise to do it for me?"

With a question like that, it was almost impossible to say no. But as Phelan whispered his desires into the wind, Maia's eyes grew wide with horror.

"What? But Phelan, I can't do that!"

"Maia, please. You must. For my sake. It's not fair that you have to bear all this pain for us."

"But… I don't want to hurt you… I can't…"

"It's okay, my love," assured Phelan, cupping a paw underneath her head like a pillow. "I can take one for the team – for both of us. Mo chuisle, remember?"

Maia nodded, pressing herself closer to his face. "Mo chuisle, Phelan."

He stood before her threshold, nervous at first, before he burst through with one swift thrust.

A sharp, short yelp pierced the silence of the cabin – but it came from him.

As per his request, Maia bit down hard on his shoulder the moment she felt the slightest pain. As fur and iron shot up her taste buds, she fought back the tears, not for herself, but for what she did to her saviour.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry… oh God… please forgive me, Phelan," she murmured, licking his bare shoulder.

"Hey… you have nothing to be sorry about." He cupped her chin in his palm, pressing their foreheads close together. "If anyone should ask for forgiveness, it's me."

To him, pain was only found through the years of torture endured under the iron will of the Darkness. This was a small price to pay.

After all, she was his for the taking, his wild Irish rose.

He kissed her over and over again, letting the wondrous balm of his tongue dry her tears and calm every inch of her skin.

Then, as he delved deeper into her soul, he was lost.

To Be Continued...

Bet you weren't expecting that. Or were you? :P

And with that, I shall have to take my leave.

To all the writers here on FanFic, I wish you many more years to come of making up stories. May you keep your pens forever sharp and your imagination flowing endlessly.

See you soon, and please don't forget to review! :)

"Always believe in your stories"

~ Wind