I do not own Molly of Denali, or any of the characters contained within this story. Molly of Denali is the property of Kathy Waugh and Dorothea Gillim.

Please review all my stories. Feedback would give me ideas I can use for not only this story but for future ones. Thank you for your time and happy reading.

Leafwing2 Thanks for the encouragement. I am glad you liked the way the story has been progressing. I hope you like the second part.

Chapter One: Coming Home

Layla, Atsaq and Nina were sitting at the dining room table at Auntie Midge's house. Renata and Midge were making tea. "Do you think they have found them yet. It has been about 15 minutes since you have landed and came here." Midge asked Layla and Atsaq.

"They were close, so I am sure they would have called the second they were found. They know we are all waiting for some news." Layla told her.

As they were passing the time drinking tea, the phone rang. "Renata being the closest answered. "Hello, Renata speaking. You did, that is great. You will be back in a little bit. Okay, I will let everyone know. I will let you get back to work. See you soon. Bye." Renata hung up the phone and turned and saw all the women and Oscar just staring at her.

She smiled, "I have reason to believe you all know what I no longer have to say. Right?" she asked rhetorically.

"Nat said they will be bringing the kids to the trading post. That will be the triage area when they get back." Renata said looking at Atsaq.

"I am on my way. I need some time to get set up. Layla, please help me. Afterwards, we will take them to Anchorage." Atsaq mentioned heading for the door with Layla and Nina close behind.

"Do you need another helping hand?" Nina asked.

Without turning around, "Of course. The more the merrier."

********** A While Later at the Denali Trading Post **********

"Can you believe it Dad? Now I must go to the hospital. My first time." Trini whispered as Atsaq administered pain medication and a sedative into the IV that was in her left arm.

"Yes, Texas, I can see that. According to Atsaq, you have several breaks. You overdid it. Don't you think?" Daniel pointed out covering her with a thick hide as she was being strapped onto the gurney.

"I know, but it was fun, what I remember of it. I will talk more later dad. I suddenly feel sleepy." She yawned before laying back and falling asleep.

Daniel hugged her as she slept and kissed her twice. Once for Joy and once for himself.

Daniel took out his phone and started a video call. "Hi honey. Has there been any updates, I saw that a storm ended earlier this afternoon. How is the search going?" Joy asked anxiously.

He answered by turning the phone. Trini entered the frame. "Trini bear, why didn't you tell me they had found her!"

"I couldn't tell you because I was one of the ones that found her and brought her back home." Daniel smiled.

"We brought them to the trading post for treatment before they all prepared to go to Anchorage for further testing and treatment. Atsaq just put her to sleep for the trip." Daniel informed her keeping the phone on Trini as she slept.

"My poor baby, this is not going to be easy for her, based on the videos we saw." Joy said as her eyes slowly glistened.

"Like I said before Joy, we got this. She will be good as new the next time you take leave and come back home." Daniel assured her.

"I know, I just do not like seeing her in pain like she was earlier. You know how I get when it comes to my little Trini bear." Joy smiled.

"Yes, I know. I love her just as much. I must go; they will be loading them onto the plane soon. I kissed her twice. Once for me and once for you." Daniel beamed at Joy.

"I must go, we are all helping triage, Atsaq is directing. I will update you once I get news from Anchorage. I love you Joy, Trini will be fine." He added.

"I know she is in good hands. Both Atsaq and yours. I love you both very much. I will be waiting for any news. Bye honey." Joy said as the called ended.

"Dad, are the dogs, okay? Is the sled broken? Did you find Khi and Cali?" Kenji listened as Tooey rattled off question after question.

"Yes, Little Wolf, the dogs are okay and are outside being fed. About the sled, I will check it when the storms stop. As to whether we found Cali and Khi. They found us, they returned to the house the day you crashed into the hole. They are at home in the shed." Kenji finished.

"Thanks for the update dad. How are Trini and Molly? He asked.

Looking around he saw that Molly was standing nearby talking to her parents. Trini was on a gurney. She was sleeping. "I hope they can fix her. She took a bad fall." He whispered.

"She's in good hands, and in a few minutes, you'll be in good hands too." Kenji said.

"Dad, I told you. Molly and I are okay. Trini is the one that really needs help. She broke her ribs."

"Atsaq took an x-ray of her, and she only has three broken ribs, several of the others were seriously bruised. She still needs to go to Anchorage for more tests." Kenji informed him.

Tooey turned back to his father, "I am so sorry my friends got hurt. I really should have seen that and avoided it. I am so sorry." Tooey said as tears formed in his eyes and started flowing.

Seeing this Kenji hugged him hard, "Little wolf, you are not at fault. Storms can be fearsome, and we cannot anticipate mother nature. We are all glad you are all safe and back in Qyah." Kenji stated.

"Just wanted to tell you that I did the best that I could." Tooey repeated.

"We know, now hold still for your mom." Kenji said.

Tooey looked around, he felt his mother taking his arm and wiping it with alcohol. "Mom, Trini is the one that is hurt. I am fine."

"Little wolf, you are all going to Anchorage. This is to help you sleep since I do not want any of you kids to be awake on this trip. You need the rest. Okay, young man." Atsaq stated with finality.

"Yes ma'am." Tooey said holding his arm still and allowing the IV to be placed in his arm. A few moments later he was fast sleep thanks to the sedatives and painkillers she gave him.

"We are proud of you. You kept your friends from being hurt worse. You are a good musher." Kenji whispered lowering Tooey onto the gurney.

"Mom, are Tooey and Trini, okay? I know I messed up when I fell onto Trini. Are we going with them to the hospital?" Molly asked, not realizing she was being placed on a gurney.

"Schahnyaa, all of you are going to the hospital. Atsaq feels you all need check-ups and, in a few cases, further treatment." Layla relayed.

Molly looked around and saw that Trini was already sleeping on the side of the trading post where the counter was. She then looked for Tooey. He was talking to his mother and father closer to the storage room.

She noticed they had placed her alongside the wall where the book nook was. "I am sorry I hurt Trini. When she wakes up can you tell her that?" she asked as Shchada walked over.

"Molly, we saw the videos and Trini said it was not your fault. It could have happened to anyone. She forgave you, now you need to forgive yourself." Nat told her kissing her on the forehead.

"Yes Shchada" She whispered.

"Now, when she finishes with Tooey. She is going to give you some medicine to help with the pain and help you to get some rest for the trip to Anchorage." Layla warned her.

"I just bumped my head, I am fine." Molly countered.

"No, buts." Walter began,

"Atsaq feels you all need to rest and let the adults take it from here. Understood Molly Doodle."

"Yes sir." Molly answered laying down at her mother's insistence.

Layla watched as Molly endured a moment's pain as the IV line was placed in her arm. Layla winced when Molly winced since she was holding her daughter's hand and felt her squeezing it hard.

Molly was looking at her parents as Atsaq added a sedative and a pain killer to her IV. A few moments later, she felt groggy. "I love you mom, dad, and Shchada." Molly tried to say as she calmly fell asleep.

Layla and Walter heard, "I wuv roo rom, brad, n shaaaa." Before she passed out. They all smiled watching as she slept peacefully.'

Atsaq removed her gloves and looked around the room. Kenji can you get the trash and place it into biohazard bags? I am going to help Layla with loading the kids.

"No, Daniel, Walter, Nat, and I will help load the kids. You have done enough. The others can help clean-up as we prepare the kids for transport." Kenjo countered.

"Okay, thanks dear. We will be in the plane preparing for takeoff." Atsaq told them all.

Daniel, Walter, Kenji, and Nat rolled the kids through the Trading Post, out of the back door, and then onto the plane. Layla and Atsaq were already in the process of their pre-flight checks.

Daniel and Nat secured the kids into the back of the plane and gave Layla a thumbs up. She returned the gesture and once the hatch was closed. She turned the plane and powered up for takeoff.

A moment later, the men watched as the plane carrying their kids and grandchild, lifted off into the dark night heading for Anchorage and better treatment.

********** Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska **********

Layla sat in the waiting room, and she watched other people milling around doing their respective duties for other patients and personnel. She had been sitting there for about twenty-five minutes before the overhead speaker startled her.

"Can Mrs. Mabray please report to the emergency room information desk. Can Mrs. Layla Mabray please report to the emergency room information desk. Thank you." Blared from the speaker. She quickly stood and walked to the information desk.

"Hello Catherine, what's up?" she asked, stopping in front of the receptionist.

"Hey Layla, Good to see you. Just wanted to let you know, you can go inside. Examination room three." As she pushed the button that opened the door to the emergency room examination rooms.

"Thanks Catherine. See you later." Layla said as she waved to her friend. Walking past the nurse's station, she waved at the nurses she had met when bringing people to the hospital from Qyah and other villages.

Molly was sitting up when she entered the room. Molly instantly perked up when she saw her mother. "How are you feeling Molly cub?" She asked, kissing her on the head.

Molly smiled, "Atsaq said she will update you when she came back. She was checking on Tooey and Trini. She never told me about them though." Molly informed looking down since she was feeling sad not knowing about her friends.

"She has to alert their parents before she'll give you a status update." Layla said. Molly smiled but stared at her mother.

"Mom, her son is Tooey, so the only one I am waiting on is Trini."

"I can understand why you would be genuinely concerned about her." Layla said.

Molly's expression did not change. "Just remember, do not beat yourself up over this. Trini does not hold you at fault and neither should you or Tooey. Things happen we cannot anticipate. Period." Layla said smiling again.

Molly retreated into her mind but nodded when her mother finished talking. "She may have forgiven me, but her injuries wouldn't have happened if I hadn't fallen on her."

Layla watched as her daughter's demeanor remained sad. "I wish she did not blame herself so. She would never hurt a fly, but accidentally hurting one of her best friends seems to be really bothering her. I hope she feels better when Trini is taken care of." Layla thought as she reached forward and hugged her.

"Mom, I never hit my head. How could I break something? "Tooey asked as she lowered the railing on the side of the bed. She then opened his gown and pulled his legs off the side of the bed.

"Ouch, Mom what are you doing? I am not hurt, Trini is." Tooey asked, trying to stop her from moving him.

Atsaq noticed he had winced when he suddenly moved his legs. She glared at him, and he instantly stopped fighting her. "Young man, I am talking to you as your doctor and not your mother. Let me do my job. Do you understand?"

Tooey gulped and placed his hands to his sides. "Yes, ma'am. Can I ask what you think is wrong?"

"Yes, you can. You have a hairline fracture in both of your legs. To prevent further injury to your legs. I am putting braces around them. You will not be able to walk while they are on. Therefore, I am having a wheelchair placed onto the plane for when we fly back to Qyah."

Tooey's eyes registered his surprise at the news his "doctor" was giving him. "Huh? How did that happen? I never felt like they were broken." He stated in a panicked voice.

"According to the videos Molly had sent. She had mentioned she had hit her head and had fallen against Trini. You also said when you fell into the hole, your legs hit the brace that was in front of you when you landed. I can see this may have been when you cracked the bones in your legs." She said holding up the x-ray that had been taken.

"Thin fractures like this can go unnoticed but later, can be painful once the bones shift. I need you to use the wheelchair for at least five weeks. Walking on them could make the problem worse." She said pointing out the fractures in the x-rays and watching his reaction.

"Yes Dr. Ookami." Tooey acknowledged with a slight smile on his face.

Atsaq smiled as she realized he was now talking to her as his doctor like she wanted in the beginning. "When my mother comes back, let her know I want to speak to her. Could you please doctor?" Tooey asked as she put the braces over his legs.

Smiling she nodded, "Yes Mr. Ookami, when I am done, I let her know."

"Dr. Ookami, do you have a moment?" A nurse asked as she was tightening the braces and helped him to replace his gown.

"Yes, please give me a moment. I must talk to my son." She told the nurse.

"I'll be back in a moment then." The nurse mentioned returning to the nurse's station.

"What did you want to tell me or talk about Tooey?" she asked, removing her gloves.

"How are Trini and Molly?" Tooey simply asked.

"I am not at liberty to discuss the treatments of other patients, until their parents or guardians have been notified. Only then can their care or disposition be discussed. Am I clear Tooey?"

Tooey looked down as she was talking. "I am just concerned mom. Thanks for at least telling me that." Tooey sighed as he laid back and covered himself with a sheet.

Atsaq saw his demeanor change when she had to respect her other patient's privacy. Tooey turned towards the wall as best he could since the braces were tight and restricted his movements.

"Dr Ookami? Are you free now?" Sandra asked.

"Yes, what's up?" Atsaq acknowledged.

"Trini Mumford had just been wheeled into surgery. She should be out in about an hour. Just thought you should know." Sandra relayed.

"Thanks, I will inform her parents concerning her current disposition. Thanks Sandra." Atsaq waved as she walked from the nurse's station to Trini's exam room.

She picked up the chart and then walked into the exam room where Molly and Layla were sitting.

"Hi Layla, Molly how are you feeling now?" Atsaq asked, picking up her chart and looking at it.

"Atsaq, I feeling okay, my head no longer hurts. What happened." Molly asked aloud.

"You suffered a concussion thanks to meeting Trini's head when you all fell into the crevasse. The medicine I gave should keep the pain at bay until the swelling returns to normal. You will be taking it for a few more days."

Layla listened as Atsaq informed her about what happened to her head. "Layla, when you get a chance, go to the pharmacy, and get the headache medicine I ordered. She will need to take them twice a day for the next few days, until the swelling subsides. Okay?"

Sure thing, I am on it." Layla mentioned as she walked from the exam room.

"How is everyone else Atsaq?" Molly asked.

"Trini is in surgery and Tooey is resting." Atsaq told her.

"I wish I could tell you more, but I cannot do that. Sorry Molly. Doctor-Patient confidentiality."

Molly frowned and looked down at the floor. "Oh, I understand, I was just hoping they were both okay."

"Molly everyone is being taken care of. When everyone is finished, we will bring you all together and give updates okay?" Atsaq asked looking at her for a response.

"Yes, Atsaq." Molly agreed, still bowing her head.

********** Qyah Library, Qyah Alaska **********

"Yes, she was just rolled into surgery. No, they did not tell me how long she would be in surgery." Daniel relayed.

"What was the extent of the injuries that the kids sustained?" Joy asked.

"Well from what Atsaq said, Trini suffered a few broken ribs and surgery was needed to ensure they healed properly and in the right way since her ribcage was crushed against what they were supposed to be delivering to Qyah." Daniel told her.

"Any word on the others?" Joy then asked.

"I have no idea, Atsaq would not tell me. She said we would all be told when she was in recovery and awake. The others will also be informed then as well." Daniel added.

"That's good, glad to hear the others are better since you had found them earlier." Joy beamed.

Both Daniel and Joy smiled. "Honey please keep me informed as to what is going on with the kids. I must get back to work. I love you and miss everybody. Bye for now." Joy said as she blew a kiss.

"Joy I could never do anything without letting you know." Daniel replied.

"Nat, has Layla called back yet?"

"No Walter, she has not called back yet. I can almost guarantee she will call as soon as something changes. Do not you worry about that." Nat stated as he put another log into the stove.

Walter looked at the phone on its stand and wondered how everyone was doing in Anchorage. "Nat, do you think we should drive to Anchorage?"

"I wouldn't because we would have to dig out the truck, and then navigate the snowy roads. If we did, we'd be in a worse situation than the kids were." Nat stated.

Walter thought for a moment, "Yeah, you're right. Calling would be a better option. Back in a moment." Nat watched as Walter stood and retrieved the phone and quickly dialed Layla's number.

A few moments later, the phone was answered. "Hi honey. What's up?" Layla asked.

"Hey honey, I am calling because Nat was curious as to what was going on with the kids." Walter looked over and saw Nat smiling as he was shaking his head.

"Really, I happen to know if Dad was worried, he would have called himself." Layla said as she confronted her husband.

Walter smiled as he noticed Nat had heard his daughter defending him. "Okay honey, I was wondering. How is Molly doodle?"

Layla answered by handing the phone to Molly. As Molly was talking, she reached into her bag and removed her charger.

"Hi dad." Molly replied.

"Molly Doodle, how are you feeling?" He asked.

"I am fine, my head has been hurting but Atsaq gave me something for the pain. As for Tooey and Trini, Atsaq is not telling. She said we'll all be updated later after Trini is out of surgery, and Tooey is done resting." Molly mentioned softly.

Layla listened as Molly talked to her father. She took Molly's phone and placed it on the charger. The phone had not been charged since they had left for Nenana. Molly looked up and saw her mother charging her phone as she was talking.

Despite the distance between them Layla and Water noticed their daughter's demeanor change as she was talking. Layla again sighed and wished she could help her daughter to understand that she never hurt Trini and could not have helped what had happened.

Walter heard her voice, he sighed quietly, "Let your mother know we also want an update when you get it, okay Molly doodle?"

"Yes sir." Molly quietly answered passing the phone her mother.

"Mom, Dad asked for an update when Atsaq updates us, when Trini and Tooey are recovered and healing."

Layla accepted the phone, "Honey, I'll call when the kids are getting together. Relay to Dad, and Auntie Midge."

"Sure thing. I'll be awaiting your call. Layla, please keep an eye on Molly, she sounds depressed. She is not at fault. She needs to stop blaming herself. See what you can do, okay?"

"I do what I can, I'll call when they're ready. Bye honey." Layla clicked the phone off placing it into her flight bag.

Layla shook her head as Molly turned away from her and stared at the wall. She reached over and stroked her hair and brushed it lightly as her I was afraid daughter retreated into her mind like she always did when thinking deeply.

"Atsaq, will you guys be returning today, or should we be expecting you back tomorrow?" Midge asked looking at her computer.

"I would like to be back by tomorrow. Trini will be needing some time here to recover after her surgery. How is the weather forecast for the next few days?" Atsaq asked apprehensively.

Atsaq heard some typing and Midge making some sounds as she was reading whatever she was looking at. "Why am I getting the feeling that I am not going to like your report?" Atsaq said with dread in her voice.

"You're right the forecast will not be good. However, we have the necessary equipment to keep the runway clear and ready for you all to return home." Midge said smiling.

"How much snow are we expecting? Will Mr. Rowley, and Mr. Patak be able to handle it?" she asked, looking out of the window.

Midge consulted her computer, "Thankfully not much as we've been receiving. They'll manage. Just bring those kids home safe please."

"Yes, Auntie Midge will do." Atsaq affirmed hanging up the phone.

She then dialed the phone a few moments later Mr. Rowley answered. "Hello Midge, what's up?"

"Just talked to Atsaq, they'll be bringing the kids back tomorrow. Could you and Mr. Patak plow the runway again?"

"I'll call Patak, and coordinate when we can do that. Please let us know when they'll be expected, and we'll start plowing before they arrive."

"Sure thing Mr. Rowley, I'll call when Atsaq let's me know they're either being discharged or loaded up." Midge relayed.

********** Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska **********

Trini opened her eyes and looked around. She didn't recognize anything for a few moments. She turned towards the window and quickly closed her eyes. "Where am I?" She asked herself.

"I sound like dad. What happened?" she asked, opening her eyes again and looking around. Only after looking down and noticing her bed and the white sheets did she remember that she was in the hospital for the first time in her life.

As she was looking around, she tried to take a deep breath and noticed she was not able to get one. She lifted her gown and noticed she had a brace around her ribs. "I wonder what they did to me, I still hurt." She looked to the side of the bed and saw the remote control.

Picking it up she saw the numbers on it. She also saw a button that had a red cross in it. She noticed the words "nurse" printed on it. Shrugging her shoulders, she pressed the button. From her bed she heard a ding sound out in the area outside of her room.

A few moments later she heard a knock on the door. Trini answered, "Come in." A nurse pulled the curtain aside and entered the room.

She was smiling, "Yes Ms. Mumford, how can I help you?"

"I have a couple of things I would like." Trini began.

"I'll do my best, what is it that you require Ms. Mumford?" She asked.

Trini tried to take another breath and still found it hard, but thankfully not as hard as when they were trapped in the hole earlier or was it yesterday." She wondered. "Ma'am, when did I get here?"

"You arrived with your family and friends yesterday. You just got out of surgery a few hours ago. Is your voice scratchy, or are you thirsty?" She inquired.

"Yes, please. Where are my friends? Can I see them? Where's Atsaq? Can I call my dad? Also, where's the bathroom?" Trini asked sheepishly.

The nurse smiled and raised her hand before answering. "Ok, yes, I can bring you some water. Your friends are in other rooms nearby. Atsaq will be the one to let you know if you can see them. She is taking care of your friends as we are speaking. There is a phone right next to you. You can call him anytime you like. And finally, the bathroom is outside your room on the right, next to the water fountain. Do you need help getting to the restroom?"

Looking on both sides of the bed she didn't see her sneakers. "Ma'am where are my clothes?" she asked, looking under her gown and noticing she was naked.

Smiling again, the nurse walked over and opened the closet and showed her where her clothes were being stored. "They're right here, but we require you to remain in your gown for the time being. Just in case the doctor needs to check on you, your regular clothes could get in the way."

"Oh ok, I was just wondering since it is kind of chilly in here." Trini mentioned shivering.

"I understand but the hospital usually maintains this temperature for the sake of keeping people safe and healthy. I can get you another blanket while you're gone if you'd like?" she offered.

"Yes, please and thank you for your help." Trini mentioned trying to move to the side of the bed and finding it hard with the IV still in her arm.

"Can you remove this so I can go to the bathroom?" Trini asked, holding her arm out to the nurse.

Before she could answer there was another knock on the door leading into the room. "Come in." the nurse answered.

"I don't think that would be a good idea Trini." She heard the sound coming from the door. She perked up when Atsaq walked into the room carrying a couple of clipboards and was accompanied by Layla pushing a wheelchair and another nurse.

"Does someone need to go to the bathroom?" Layla asked, pushing the chair beside the bed.

"Yes, I do, I feel like I've been holding it for hours." Trini admitted sliding over to the edge of the bed.

"Well technically you have been. Your surgery was yesterday, and you have been sedated since coming out." Atsaq mentioned.

Layla locked the wheels and helped Trini get into the chair while the nurse Trini had been talking to retrieved the stand where the IV was and brought it around the bed. "Layla I can walk, why do I need the chair?"

"Hospital rules, everyone has to use a chair until you are discharged." Interjected Atsaq.

"Oh okay." Trini softly said.

When she finished in the restroom was wheeled back into the hallway. She was pleasantly surprised to see her friends waiting for her also in wheelchairs. Her excitement was short-lived when she saw Tooey's legs wrapped in a light blue kind of leggings.

"Tooey what happened?" She nearly screamed.

"Hi Trini, Mom said there are a couple of small fractures in my legs, and I need to wear these braces and use this chair for a few weeks." Tooey mentioned smiling slightly.

Her jaw dropped when she heard that he would be needing the chair for so long. "Holy cow, that's a long time." She said with awe in her voice.

"Hi Trini. How are you feeling?" Molly asked.

"A lot better since I was able to use the bathroom, but I feel even better seeing you guys." Trini gushed.

"We happy to see you too." Molly and Tooey said simultaneously.

"We really need to stop doing that." Molly said, turning to Tooey.

"Are you sure, it kind of feels good to know we are all thinking the same things. It shows how good we are as friends." Tooey mentioned smiling.

While the kids were talking, Layla, Atsaq and the nurse were off to the side talking amongst themselves. A moment later they each went to the different chair and unlocked them and started wheeling them out of the emergency room and into another room that had a regular door instead of a sliding door.

"Mom why are we here, why couldn't we continue talking in the hall." Molly asked.

"We moved you here so as not to disturb the other patients that may have been trying to rest after their surgeries and procedures." Atsaq told them.

"Oh." They all said, before laughing. Layla and Atsaq just rolled their eyes, and both said "Kids." Laughing themselves.