Thanks so much to all of those who reviewed; it means a lot to me! I'm glad that I could move so many of you; it makes me feel accomplished in life! Hehe! Anyway, there aren't too many chapters left in Part 1 of Spirit's Life. I'll let you guys guess where Spirit will end up next. Hint: it's not X-Men. ;) Hope that you enjoy this next chapter of Spirit's Life!

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It was that evening when it happened. Logan was half-drunk, having been drinking all day to even get himself tipsy. Now, he looked out the darkening window, eyes on the full moon. He opened the window to let the cool air inside, taking a deep breath. He couldn't help but think that Spirit would have loved running outside in the cooling air, howling at the moon. He growled to himself, taking another deep draft of beer. When he heard footsteps behind him, he didn't even bother turning.

"What do you want Hank?" he asked, eyes never leaving the moon.

There was a bit of an awkward silence before Hank spoke. "Where did you put her, Logan?" he said.

Logan, confused, turned to look at Hank. "What the hell are you talking about? I haven't put anyone anywhere," he replied.

Hank sighed, rubbing his eyes. "Spirit," he said. "Where did you put her body?"

Logan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are you saying that I took Spirit's body so that you couldn't bury her? That's just sick, Hank! Do you really think I'd go so low as to prevent her funeral?"

"You were close to her," Hank said slowly, trying not to aggravate the drunk mutant. "I understand if you want a little more time before saying good-bye . . . " He was suddenly cut off as he had to dodge the beer bottle that suddenly came flying towards his head.

"Don't you dare suggest I'd take her body!" Logan shouted, eyes bloodshot and his breath reeking of alcohol as he stalked towards the blue mutant, claws coming out from his knuckles. "Don't you dare suggest I'd do anything to take away the respect she deserves!"

Hank backed up. "Logan, you don't want to do this," he said, raising his hands slightly to show that he was unarmed.

"Maybe I do," Logan growled before starting to lunge for Hank. Hank braced for the impact, but it never came. The silence outside had been shattered by the howling of a wolf.

()()()()()()

I look back towards the mansion, leaning against a nearby tree as I pant for breath. I hurt all over, my very blood feeling like needles in my body, yet I find the strength to give off another howl.

Phoenix had taken over my body when she'd lunged at me, completely shattering what had remained of my conscious mind. For weeks, I'd been under her influence, raving mad and losing my mind. I didn't remember much, and I should probably be thankful for that. What I did know was that I'd woken up covered in blankets and smelling of death. I'd made my way slowly outside shortly after I'd realized that I was in the mansion; if Phoenix was still within me, I didn't want to be anywhere near any of my packmates, I couldn't risk them being hurt. I knew that something had to have happened already though, for I was ragged and thin, my teeth shattered and my mouth tasting of blood. It had been a long time since I felt as weak as I did then, and I didn't like it anymore than I did the first time.

I didn't even try to shift; I wouldn't have the strength to go through with it. So, I made myself move further into the mountains, tongue lolling from my mouth and each step leaving blood streaked on the snow; I hadn't even yet realized that my healing ability wasn't working. I wasn't worried about anyone following me; I figured I'd done something horrible to have been left for dead in the infirmary. I had a feeling I wasn't going to make it very far, especially based on how horrible I felt. Sure enough, my legs finally gave out about half a mile from the mansion. I tried to crawl, but even then I didn't make it far. I swore and cursed Phoenix for making me this way, for destroying me completely. I don't know what had made Phoenix leave, and I honestly didn't care, as long as she remained gone.

()()()()()()

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, something was prodding me in the side. I stirred, attempting to stand, but my legs immediately slid back down on the grass. A soft whimper escaped me, and I growled at myself in irritation; I hated feeling so weak. I slowly turned my head to look at the owner of the prodding, and I was shocked to see Logan nudging me with his foot, his claws out.

"Sprite?" he said warily, nudging me again. A hot rage seared through me at my core, urging me to attack the man that had dared to touch me. I growled as I thrust that feeling back down; I wasn't going to hurt Logan.

Apparently, Logan didn't feel the same way. At my growl, he'd taken a step back, bringing his claws up. "Not again, Sprite," he said softly. "I don't want to see you die again."

My ears shot up, and I quieted down. Die? When had I died?! 'Logan,' my thoughts whispered. 'Logan, what's going on?'

Logan's jaw dropped open, and he took a hesitant step towards me. "Sprite, is it really you?" he asked. When I nodded slightly, he gave a cry, pulling in his claws before he embraced me. I startled at first, but was quick to accept Logan's embrace with a happy whine. "You're back. You're really back." I licked Logan's cheek as he ran a hand through my dingy fur, feeling at peace for the first time in ages.

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You guys know the drill! The more reviews, the faster I get the next chapter up! Thanks again for all of those who reviewed last chapter; they made my day! And I will apologize for the shortness of these next couple of chapters since I'm mostly trying to set up Part 2 of Spirit's Life. Thanks for reading and I can't wait to hear about your reactions to this chapter. :)

ML out