Chapter 15

It had been quite a few weeks since Dally had been in the cooler, and I had spent most of my days with the rest of the gang. it was pretty boring without the toughest greaser to cause some chaos around town, but Two-Bit and Steve managed to step up to the plate. They would go around town hunting down nice broads (despite the fact that Steve already had a perfectly fine girl). I went with them sometimes, but mostly I preferred to stay around the house with Ponyboy and Johnny and Darry.

One day I heard a loud commotion outside, and poked my nose out the window to see some Socs beating up Ponyboy! I started barking, and Darry got up out of his chair to see what was the matter.

"Oh shit! C'mon Shadow," he said as he lumbered out the door, me on his heels. Two-Bit, Steve, and Soda were already trying to get to the Socs through their car window, and I chased after the car as it drove away. I was stunned when I was nearly knocked over by Dally as he heaved an old board at their car. Dally was back! I was thrilled.

I approached the gang as they crowded around Pony, and stepped forward to comfort the young greaser who was struggling not to cry.

"Did they pull a blade on you?" Soda asked, concern lingering in his big brown eyes.

They gang continued to talk about Socs and how awful they were, but I didn't pay much attention. I did, however, manage to catch that Dally was going with Pony and Johnny to a movie, and I wagged enthusiastically. I would certainly be going with them tomorrow night, because I didn't really care about watching Soda and Steve make out with their girlfriends, or witness Two-Bit pass out on the side of the road.

The gang eventually all split off, one by one, and I followed Ponyboy home. Darry headed off to bed, leaving Ponyboy to finish his homework, while Soda sat with his eyes glued to the TV. Finally they both went to bed, and I followed close behind. I curled up on the floor right next to the bed, and dosed off.

The next day, Pony arrived home from school and slung his backpack on the floor.

"Hey Dar, I'm goin' out with Johnny and Dally tonight, we're gonna go see a movie." He announced, starting out the door.

"Alright that's fine, just don't be gettin' yourself into any trouble, and be back by 11, ya hear?" Darry responded unsurely. Ponyboy nodded in response, and I trotted out behind him. We met Johnny at the lot, but walked in silence most of the way. Finally the three of us arrived at the corner of Pickett and Sutton, where Dally stood watching the girls go by and smoking a cigarette.

"Hey Dal, whatcha wanna do?" Pony asked.

"Nothin' legal man, lets get outta here." He said and strutted down the street. The greasers talked to some other guys, and we watched a fight, and then headed down to the DX station. After a few minutes of talking to Soda and Steve, I was beginning to get bored. I decided maybe it would be best to go back home with Darry, but I didn't want the gang to worry.

Dally soon left though, followed by the two younger boys, and I stayed at the DX with Soda and Steve. Two nice looking girls showed up a while later, and the boys faces lit up when they saw them.

"Hey Soda! I sure am excited about tonight, is this your dog?" the girl with blonde hair said, smiling down at me.

"Well, she's more like the gang's dog, but she lives with me. Shadow, this is Sandy!" Soda gestured to the girl, and I wagged my tail and gave her a friendly lick. Soon enough, Soda and Steve's shift at the DX was over, and the foursome began heading down the street. I was getting tired, but a flash of movement across the street caught my eye. There was that strange scent again, that I had managed to match with that dog.

That was when I spotted him, his dark fur blending in with the night. I cocked my head, and then slowly crossed the street. He looked up and saw me, amber eyes gleaming as I approached.

"Well well, if it isn't the little greaser dog! Finally straying away from your gang I see?" he said. I wasn't sure what to say, and I felt so stupid just standing there frozen in place. to my surprise, he let out a little laugh.

"Hey, c'mon chill. I was just messin with you! My name is Storm, and you are?" He questioned me, smirking a little.

"I'm uh, Shadow. Where do you live?" I finally managed.

"I rule this town. I live all over the place, always moving. Never really leave the town though, too good of a town to leave." Storm replied.

"Oh, I used to go from town to town but then I found my gang and they're like family. I tried to leave them once, but I had to come back. And speaking of the gang, I don't want them to worry. I should really be getting back." I said, taking a step back.

"Alright alright, but I wanna see you again. You're a nice girl, Shadow. See ya around!" he said with a wink, and bounded off, leaving me standing there completely stunned.

Finally I turned and walked home, his scent lingering, still fresh in my mind. I scratched at the door, and it was opened by Darry. A quick glance at the clock told me it was 11:30. Soda was back, half asleep on the couch, but there was no sign of Ponyboy. Darry sighed and settled into his chair, picking up a paper. I jumped up on the couch (I discovered a few days ago Darry didn't mind) and laid my head on Soda's legs, dozing off.

I woke to the sound of Darry's harsh voice, and looked up to see Pony standing in the doorway, shivering.

Sorry it took me so long to update, I feel bad. Writer's block is the worst ): if anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them! Thanks for reading and reviewing, I hope you like it.

PS: S.E. Hinton owns The Outsiders, I only own Shadow and Storm.