Who Doesn't Love A Good Fairytale?

WoW O.0 I got THAT many reviews?! My mind is blown! I love you all so much lol. You have no idea how much they all mean to me. I would do personal responses if I didnt have to fear the mods deleting my story for having a long A.N. Already had one run in with them :/ and I deleted a review due to it Q.Q I'm so sorry to the reviewer I deleted! I did not mean to! And Sorry for this chapter too. Its mainly filler to lead up to the next 2 chapters. And its so damn WORDY! and this is the version I edited down twice lol. Hopefully it wont feel to rushed :/

-> I blame my friend right now for telling me the real definition of insanity to make a point about my actions lol.
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Who Doesn’t Love A Good Fairytale?
Ch.2


Words and definitions can vary greatly. Not only in different language’s but in the same language. All depending on how you look at them.

Heavy eyes opened slowly and blinked rather owlishly before movement was attempted. First a brown ear twitched. Then a nose. And a mouth opened in a mighty yawn, that was quickly stifled. Saddle didn’t bother opening his eyes at first. He never did in the morning. The longer he could keep them closed and his breathing even then the longer his mother was willing to let him stay in bed. Even though he sure his mother knew he was faking. And today, more so them most, he just wanted to sleep. He wasn’t to sure why… But vague images of a wolf with confusing eyes, rapped in the guise of a wet dream, danced at the edge of his mind. The thought of having to clean himself off from another wet dream while hiding it from his mother was just one more reason to stay in bed. No matter how strangely uncomfortable it felt. A thought along the lines of ‘maybe turning over will help’ crossed Saddles mind… That was when his mind cleared and everything went wrong…

Turning over was made impossible by a rope that had both of Saddles arms tied above his head in a rather comfy, but still restricting position. “HELP! SOMEONE! HEEELLLLLP!” It was real. He hadn’t dreamed it! Saddle knew he wasn’t that kinky! Why hadn’t it clicked sooner? He had wasted precious time sleeping when he should have been escaping.

All Saddle could try to focus on was the dull red rope that was holding him prisoner. The rock walls and sealing were seen but didn’t register. Nor did the body of another sitting on the ground, not far away, by a small fire. “Fair warning, not only will struggling make those ropes tighter, but it’ll piss me off. Neither will cause anything good, thumper.”

The bunnies head jerked to the side so fast his ears almost whip lashed him in the face. The wolf. No, not the wolf. Koga. The bogie man that had haunted his forest home for more years then he could count, had a name. And it was Koga.

The older male leaned back on his arms to look over his shoulder at Saddle more easily. The rabbit was frozen in fear and didn’t make a peep. Koga gave a rather wide, almost goofy grin and said, “That’s better. No one needs that much screaming right after waking up. No matter late in the day it is.” Then he turned back to the mini fire pit and began to mess with things that Saddle couldn’t see from his place on the makeshift bed. Saddle took that moment to renew his struggles. He was so intent on escape he again failed to notice the wolf and his movements.

A soft whisper tickled Saddles ear. “What did I say thumper?” Saddle’s pale eyes met the wolfs amber ones. The faint red ring was around the edge, but it wasn’t as bold as he remembered it being. Saddle wasn’t sure if it was how hard he was starring at the wolves eyes or if the wolf felt he didn’t need permission… maybe it was both, but Koga suddenly shoved his tongue into Saddles mouth. The captive started to move again, ignoring the burn of the ruff ropes against his skin. A faint glint at the edge of his peripheral vision resulted in a rather audible gulp.

At the sound Koga pulled back. Both of his ears angled back slightly and Koga looked annoyed. It took Koga only a second to fallow Saddles line of vision and look at the knife in his own hand. His ears perked back up and he said, “Calm down thumper. Not planning on cutting you up. Keh, you got the ropes tight with all the wiggling. I have to cut you free now if I want to cause the least amount of damage. Now hold still or I may cut something you don’t want cut.”


Saddle closed his eyes and took a deep breath while trying to hold still. He was shocked but still managed to stay still when a feather soft kiss was placed on the corner of his lips. It was only a moments distraction but it was apparently enough for the wolf to slice the ropes holding the young bunny in place, because the next thing Saddle knew, his arms were free and the fingers of his right hand were woven between the fingers of the wolfs left and the larger male continued his slow assault. By the time they broke apart almost half of Koga’s golden eyes were over taken by red.

“Yo-your eyes…” Saddle’s hand felt like it had a mind of its own as it raised and touched the predators cheek just below the left eye. Koga’s face broke into a smirk. “Heat.” was all he said before pouncing on the small hare. Saddle gave a jerk and a squeak and flailed his arms a bit before falling back off the bed and landing rather hard on his poor bottom. Which suddenly chose to remind him that it was still mad at him over the previous nights activates.

Saddle huffed a bit and pouted as he rubbed his bottom. “Ouch.” He looked up at the sound of someone laughing. “Poor baby.” Koga purred as he propped his head up in his hand while stretching out on the piles of fur that softened the flat bolder he was on. Saddle jerked his head to the side to avoid looking at the meat eater. That was when he caught the smell of something unexpected. Honey suckles and clean water carried by fresh air. It was just a whiff but it was enough for him to focuses in the other direction… and see freedom. His heart started humming in excitement and fear. Saddle’s foot gave a little jerk as he braced himself to make a run for it. He would only have to outrun the wolf until he reached the caves entrance. Then he could slip into nature and disappear! Even if he didn’t know where he was it would still be easy… He would just have to use the things around him as his mother had taught him. He was sure he could-

“You have ten seconds to stop that train of thought or you will live to regret it fluffer.” A cold chill ran up his spin at the wolves words. Yet he couldn’t stop his other foot from giving a twitch. Koga pushed up supporting his upper half with his arms as he warned, “Don’t.” But it wasn’t enough. Saddle was gone faster then snow in the spring time.

A howl was heard as Saddle darted out of the entrance but he didn’t dare look back. It didn’t matter in the end anyway. Not even ten feet from the cave he was tackled to the ground and pinned with his arms behind his back with one hand. Another hand grabbed both of his long ears and gave a jerk. “Oh, not smart bucktooth!”

Saddle started shaking and couldn’t stop. A breathless laugh chilled him to the bones. “Little late to try playing cute. I should gut you right here and get to making breakfast.” The bunny tried to get a deep breath but it was almost impossible with the heavy wolf laying on his back. All he could do was mutter, “I knew it…”

Koga gave him a jerk before asking, “Knew what, thumper?”

“Knew I was dead. Knew you were gonna kill me the second you had me… It’s not fair… I don’t wanna die…”

Both were still and silent after those hollow words. Neither sure what would happen next. Both stuck battling their own minds. It was with a heavy sigh that the wolf finally stood up, pulling the younger boy up with him. Before Saddle could get his balance on his feet he was pulled over a shoulder.

And indignant, “HEY!” brought a smile to Koga’s lips. “Be quite… and be grateful while you’re at it, before I change my damn mind.” Saddle remained silent as he was carried back into the cave he had just escaped. Despite a firm hand shamelessly groping his abused bottom. He was dropped like a sack of potatoes by the rock circle that held the small fire at bay. The wolf said, “Don’t. Move.” And, for the first time, Saddle thought it wise to head the wolves words. But that didn’t stop the white haired boy from fallowing every step that the wolf took. When the man came back over he had one of the pieces of rope, the same sharp knife he had used earlier, and a sharpened wooden steak it looked like. Saddle tensed until Koga put the knife back into its sheath at his hip.

Koga kneeled down behind Saddle as he spoke, “Now sit still. You try fighting and I pull the knife back out. Got me?” Saddle nodded and focused on the dieing embers in front of him. He wasn’t sure what was going on behind him but his arms were clearly being tied again. Saddle jumped, as rabbit hybrids often do, when a thump was heard behind him. He wasn’t sure what it was but it has grazed his little tale and that always put him on edge. A ‘Hump’ sounded behind him and then the wolf walked back into view. “Good enough.” Was all the wolf said, as he sat down next to the rabbit. Saddle tried to pull his hands up over his head so they would at least be in front of him and he could cover his face with them. But he found them oddly… stuck… That was when he realized what the wolf must have used the wooden steak for and what the sound had been. The wolf had driven the wooden peg into the ground to keep him in place. But poor Saddle didn’t even get a minute to wallow in his own misery before smacking and chewing sounds pulled him from his self pity.

Looking over to his left Saddle saw a sight that both interested and sickened him. Koga was eating… meat… Though no sound had been made yet, Saddles stomach was empty and wanted something… But just the sight of the bloody hunk of meat was enough to make him feel even more uneasy.

Koga stopped mid bite and looked at the young boy. Koga rolled his eyes and sighed. Then he rather messily shoved the remaining hunk of meat into his mouth and chewed as he reached over to grab a wood bowl Saddle hadn’t paid any attention before. “Here.” Koga spoke around a mouthful of meat as he extended the bowl for Saddle to see what was in it. Even before Saddle got a good view of its content he knew it had some of the sweetest berries that he had even smelled. The ragged wolf set the bowl in the crook of the bunnies crossed legs. Saddle’s ears pulled back and his brows furred together. He took a moment to gather his nerves as the wolf finished chewing and swallowed. “Umm… Ha-how am I suppose to eat with my arms tied?”

Koga looked over at the glassy eyed boy and spoke with a smirk, “Guess you should have though of that before you tired to run away and ruined my fun. But I’m not without compassion.” Somehow Saddle doubted that when the wolf ran his hungry eyes up and down his body “So I’ll let you barrow my hands for a bit. You just have to… Earn it.”

Saddle had to close his eyes and force his lungs to work at the last two words. He had a good idea as to how the wolf would make him earn it. But he could try to delude himself in his own mind at least. “How?” Saddle asked with a rather broken voice.

“How about we start with something simple fluffer.” Simple? Surrrreee. Like the wolf would make it easy on him. “How about… you give me your name for the first bite?”

Saddle’s eyes snapped open and he looked at Koga like he must have been pulling his leg. “My name?” He asked unbelieving. The black haired male gave a nod. “Yep. Don’t get me wrong. I think thumper suits you rather well, but it would be nice to know that name of the little guy I’m fucking.” The smile Koga wore could have almost been called friendly. If not for the glint of fang it showed.

A faint whisper could be heard if Koga twisted his ears to catch the sounds. “Saddle.” Koga looked thoughtful for a bit. Then met the pink eyes watching him. “Saddle?” A positive shake of the head was given. “Not what I was picturing… I thought a little prince like you would have a more regal name for some reason. Say ah.” Saddle opened his mouth on instinct. After growing up with his mother saying that to him a dozen times whenever he was sick it was ingrained to do so when ordered. A strawberry and two blueberries were popped in. All were ripe and juicy. They were a bit to much for his mouth to handle and a trail of juice dribbled out of the side of his mouth.

What sort of second rate predator would a wolf be if he passed up such obvious opportunities?

Koga leaned forward and with one swipe of his tongue the fruity trail was gone. “Not bad.” He said with a smirk. “So what next? Oh the things I could come up with… Ah, to bad my mind doesn’t want to work with me right now. Do you have any clue how hard it is to keep my head around you with my heat pounding in my head, Saddle? How about something to help with that? Bear your neck for me fluffer.” Now that had been the type of thing Saddle had first expected the wolf to demand. Something that put him at the others mercy, even more so then he already was. But really… as it was… did he have a choice? Refuse and be forced into what the wolf wanted anyway or do as he was told and get fed for being a ‘good boy’.


Swallowing whatever was left of his pride, Saddle scrunched his eyes up tight and tilted his head away from the wolf. Bearing his neck. It took less then a heartbeat for the wolf to have his face flush against the slender bunny neck. Koga worked his lips and tongue over the column of flesh. Sucking harshly and leaving nips over each soon to be hicky was apparently this wolves favorite thing in the world to do.

“Gods above, I got a sweet one this time.” Saddle felt the other smile against his throat and couldn’t help the tears that gathered in his eyes. But even before the first one could fall, our rugged wolf was in action. With what felt like the most minimal amount of effort used to our little bunny, the steak had been pulled free from the earth and Saddle found himself sat on a fur covered lap. “Not having that thumper. Not stopping again.” The wolves steady hands moved up and down Saddles back in a calming manner. Saddle found his body relaxing against his will.

“How about a bit of fun now Saddle?” Koga purred in a dropping ear. Saddle struggled a bit at the question. “Please. Don’t.” The wolf heaved a sigh to end all sighs. “Oh come on! You’ve got to be kidding me! I know you want this. It’s in the air. You can’t fake that scent thumper. You want this. See?” A large hand reached down and palmed Saddle’s growing erection. “No, don’t.” The hand already touching his most sensitive spot tightened its grip. “Don’t. Stop. Is that all you can think to say?”

Saddles checks burned red and he couldn’t stop the words before they escaped. “Fine! How about let me go! I want to go home! I don’t even know why you’re doing this! You’re a meat eater! You eat my kind! And you think I’m just going to stay here and let you rape me?! I’m going to keep trying to escape until I can’t run anymore! So you may as well get it over with! Dow what ever your twisted mind can think up! Because I may be a rabbit but I’m not a quitter. Mama said to never quit! I’m not a… I’m not a coward. I’m not! I’m not! I’m not… ” At the end of his loud tirade Saddle found himself huffing, trying to catch his breath. He didn’t even know he was shaking worse then a leaf in a hurricane. And all he could think was that he WAS. He was a quitter and a coward and most of all, he was dead… Sooner or later…

The wolf that held him captive heaved an exasperated sigh and dropped his head to his captives shoulder. Saddle was afraid of trying to catch the breath that had felt so needed just before the older males action. A self mocking little laugh broke the spell and air filled Saddles lungs again. “Do you know what the definition for the word insane is, Saddle?” Both of the boys eyebrows scrunched up and his upper lip lifted in confusion. He had no idea what to say. He wasn’t even sure if the wolf really wanted an answer or not. At a prompted “Hmm?” Saddle found his voice. “It mean’s crazy… Not right in the head. Mama say’s that’s what it is when someone comes down with rabies back home… That they’re driven insane.”

The wolves chuckle shook the long eared boy a bit. “Close.” He muttered, “But not completely true. That’s more what the word is used in place of nowadays. The true definition is ‘To try the same thing over and over again, and expect a different outcome each time.’… So… Do we have to keep up this act of insanity or can you behave for a bit?”

Saddle wasn’t sure when the light peppering of kisses against his neck had started but it had sure made fallowing the dark haired males words a pain. And any attempt at comprehending the words went out the window when a slick tongue slid past his parted lips and began a fight with his own.

The time flickered by much like it had the night before. And just as time was ticking the same way, the tingling heat was returning as well. Traveling the same course and burning hotter and hotter by the second. A growl rumbled in Koga’s chest but Saddle didn’t feel the strength to try to pull away. His hands were tied anyway. What good would it have done? “This is how it should be fluffer. Now lets get this off you.” Saddle foggy mind wasn’t sure what Koga was talking about but he felt hands tugging at his bottoms and put two and two together. The pink eyed boy was starting to anticipate what was to come as the wolf pulled harder at his bottoms. Butterflies in his tummy reminded him of the deep swimming feeling he had felt the night before during their rutting and he just blushed a deeper shade of red.

Is it fate that rings a bell when two lovers first meet? Or snaps a twig, to break a moment of silence? Perhaps… Perhaps not… But a sly fox surely may…

Pointed wolf ears twitched as if a sound was trying to penetrate them but the ears refused to hear. Koga couldn’t have cared less. Then a near deafening snap was heard and echoed around the large cave. Koga ripped his lips from Saddle’s and his intense red stare met the face of one very smug looking fox.

Koga couldn’t keep the growls out of his words as he spoke, “Not. Now. Lock.” Saddle wasn’t sure who the new comer was but the sly smile he wore made him lean towards him not being welcome company.


“Awww no hello for your old buddies, Koga?” All Saddle could think as he heard the playful voice was that he must have been higher then he thought, because the fox hadn’t moved his lips to speak. But as Koga moved him a bit to get a better grip Saddle noticed another fox standing on the other side of the caves opening. The second fox was identical to the first. Same athletic build, at just a few inches taller then Saddle himself. Same shoulder blade length orangey-brown hair. Same intense orange eyes. Same shaped lips. Down to the same, almost white, fur like birthmarks on their cheeks with freckles over the bridge of each nose. Saddle gave a little giggle and said, “I’m seeing double.” as he closed his eyes and leaned his head against his wolf.

A shaky clawed hand moved through Saddles hair as it’s owner spoke. “Dimmit. Not both of you! I though Universe said she had you two on a tight leash until further notice?”

The foxes moved in perfect harmony, weaving back and forth between each other, as they creped closer to the two locked in a tight embrace. The second to appear was the first to speak as they moved. “Oh come now. You can at least act happy to see us fuzz butt. Right Lock?” He grinned and peered more at our little bunny as the other picked up where the first left off. “Right you are. As if Universe could keep us under wraps with breeding season about to be in full blaze. No matter what she threatened. She’s not that heartless.” The one labeled Lock cut in with a grin, “And the fact that she’s in need herself doesn’t hurt either.”

Koga had to fight to get his words out over his growing anger. “I don’t care what Universe decided to do or not do with you two jokers. You’re not getting anything from me today. Now, get. Out. I don’t want you scaring my little thumper.”

By this time Saddle found he was much more clear headed and that he was nearly nose to nose with another meat eater. Saddle tensed and jerked closer to Koga. He heard a happy sounding murmur and looked up to the one holding him. “Then again if you’re going to chase him back into my arms, then I may have finally found something useful for you two screw up to do.”

“Hey-” The fox furthest from Saddle sounded ready to defend his and his twins actions but he was cut off at the start. “Key! Key, come look at this! Koga went and caught something yummy. And I think he wasn’t planning on sharing.” Key shifted his eyes a bit and moved to stand next to his twin. “Ohhhh that is something yummy looking, isn’t it Lock?”

All little Saddle could do was whimper. “Alright you two! Back it up a bit! I’m in no mood for your trifling about.” Saddles ears perked up a bit and he looked between the two turned heads of the foxes before him. A third that had come out of nowhere. Yet the tone of this ones voice, thought angry at the time, was still calming. Almost motherly. She looked nearly identical to the twins, Lock and Key, if not slightly older somehow. Her well formed chest being the only difference that jumped out at first glance. However, what with her being dressed like the first two and therefore being topless, it was hard to miss. Her tanned coloring, height, build and markings were all the same. Her tail and ears even moved the same way that the first two moved their animal appendages.

The two male foxes spoke in perfect sync as they turned and faced the female. “But Universe!!! Koga found something interesting! We can’t leave until we’ve looked into this matter!”

The female fox, strangely named Universe, bristled and every hair on her tail stood on end. “I let you go so you could find screw buddies before your heats got to strong. NOT so you could come bug Koga!”

Key began speaking, “Keh, you know what I think Lock? I think Universe is jealous.” And then Lock took up talking for him, “Oh yes she is. Poor Universe lost her own fuck buddy to a cute little bunny! That must sting a good bit.” The two fell into laughter and failed to react swiftly enough to avoid the girl running at them. Each was slammed in the head with a well aimed arm and dropped like sacks of potatoes. Again they spoke in unison, “Bloody hell Universe!”

Key was the first to move to stand up. So he was given a careless kick to the ribs and dropped again. Then Universe turned her head and made eye contact with Saddle. What Saddle had first been sure were pure orange eyes he found were lined with red.

Saddle’s ears quivered as a since of doom overtook him. But then… she smiled. It wasn’t sweet and it wasn’t calm, but it wasn’t strained or twisted either. Just a smile. And the feeling fled. The fox female, labeled Universe, stretched out her hand and palmed his cheek, leaving trails of goose bumps where each of her black tipped claws ran over the skin. Almost breaking the skin but no blood was spilled.

Koga gave a grunt and held Saddle tighter. “I see my beloved brothers are right for once. I need to look for a spring time rut somewhere else I suppose. So what’s your name cutie?” Saddle bit his bottom lip in confusion and unease. “Hmp, you really are cute enough to eat kid.” She closed her eyes and gave a grin that matched her brothers in shine and fang count. Saddle knew on some level that it was just an old saying and most likely an innocent joke on the foxes part. But on another lever Saddle also knew he was a young, helpless bunny-rabbit in a dean full of meat eaters.

Saddle tried to move his hands up to cover his face, only to remember they were tied up. So he settled for hiding his face against his living pillow’s neck. He felt Koga’s words as much as he heard them. “His name is Saddle. And yeah he’s mine, so you better keep moving if you’re looking for a good screwing. And be sure to take your brothers with you, Universe. They interrupted our breakfast. We keep getting interrupted and I’m already fuckin’ sick of it.” Universe folded her arms and scoffed, “Sure. Breakfast. That’s what you were in the middle of.”

Saddle wasn’t sure what was really going on, but it felt like a silent conversation was held between the two dominant meat eaters. While the other two moaned and groaned, getting to their feet.

Finally Universe spoke. “Get over yourself Koga. You’re no better then the rest of us and you know it. So how about we have a little talk? In private. I can see from your eyes that you’re not in dire ‘need’ so don’t even try it. And before you try to play prince charming, don’t worry your little head about me. I’m fine and perfectly capable of holding a simple conversation with an old friend before returning to my own hunt.”

Saddle lessoned more to the rumble in Koga’s chest then he did to Koga’s words. “And leave my little thumper alone with these two half wits you call brothers? I don’t think so.”

Koga was petting his ears in a very pleasant manner. When Universe began again, “My brothers are dumb as stumps but they do head warning. Lock! Key! Behave! No scaring the kid. Koga! Come!”

Saddle felt Koga shaking his head and laughing and he started to move around. As he stood he set Saddle down gently and started to fallow Universe out of the cave. When he reached the entrance and Universe was out of sight, he stopped and turned to face the two young males that had already moved far to close to the youngest of the group for his own piece of mind. Koga laid his index finger against the side of his nose as he said, “If I smell a single drop of his blood or if he smells even a hair more panicked then normal, I don’t care what Universe says… You’re both my new throw rugs.” And with that he too was gone.

Lock and Key looked at each other with raised eyebrows. But the stunned looks were replaced with wicked grins. Key looked from his brother to their new toy and back again. Lock nodded his head and said, “You know. Koga said they didn’t get to finish breakfast since we showed up. Maybe… we should help him finish it.”

Key turned about and looked over his shoulder before he spied the half spilled bowl of fruit. “AH! Found it.” But before Key could grab it, his twin had the wood bowl in hand. Key stomped his foot and yelled at his brother, “HEY! I want to feed the little bunny!” Lock stuck out his tongue and said, “To bad. I want to feed him.”

The two went back and forth over who was to feed the ‘little cutie’ Koga had caught. As they did Saddle was unable to dispel the bewildered look from his face. Saddle couldn’t help but see the similarities between the two older foxes and the countless number of younglings that he had seen Mrs. Oraic try to control in the open circle in his home. They too fought and squabbled and whined and even played keep away, just as the twins before him were. It really made him think. And with the thought of the elderly Opossum babysitter, came more thoughts. Thoughts of friends. Of his home that he would never see again. Of the morning race that he would never take part in again. And most of all, thoughts of his mother. All alone. Morning for him… The tears fell and both foxes in the room froze, unsure of what they could do...

Some unknown distance away, near the heart of a lush forest, standing in the very circle that Saddle was visiting in his memories, another long ear stood… revisiting some of those same memories. And having thoughts along the same lines.

Snowflake turned her head from the sky and looked to her dearest friend. She wanted to ask Trapper to tell her it was alright. Or that it would be in the end at least. But as she watched him squint his tired eyes and run a massive hand over his stubble with a weary look on his face, she knew he couldn’t.

They had searched for almost two hours, after Snowflake had pulled herself together. And all that had turned up for the emergency scouting call would have surely kept searching for days. If someone had not caught Saddles scent… covered by the smell of wolf…

So there Snowflake stood. In the middle of the biggest gathering of the woods since the announcing of the deaths of her beloved mate, Ramsey, and their old Peacekeeper, Forlong. And just like the last time she had done this… she found she was at a loss for words. Slowly, she walked up to the large stump that was easily the size of her sleeping chamber and hopped up onto it. All of the low whispering dropped into nothingness. Parted pink lips drew a deep breath and words began to tumble from Snowflakes quivering lips. “I thank... All who came to my aid this morning. And I thank you all for your support in our search. And a deep personal thanks to our local tracker for finding the only clue to my sons disappearance. But… Peacekeeper Trapper and I… have just finished speaking… And have decided-” Snowflake stopped as tears flowed down her cheeks and she found speaking impossible.

A hand landed on her shoulder. She knew only three people who had the right to stand up next to her at a time like this. And she was sure by the friendly show of support that it could be only one of them.

“It is decided,” Trappers mighty voice boomed out of him, forcing the new chatter back into a hush, “that all hope is lost in recovering the body of our fallen brother. A laying to rest will be held when the sun is highest in the sky, in two days time. In honor of Lady Snowflakes only heir, young Saddle. All are welcome… I would also like to take this time to remind all of the young ones, that have just lost this dear friend, why it is so important to avoid night time perils. This is not the first time tragedy has stuck our homes. Nor will it be the last, if children do not heed warning!”

Trappers voice carried on, as he continued he speech. But Snowflake was to busy thinking to hear his words. She walked briskly past many well known faces. Weaving in-between the ones who didn’t even look at her. However, none were brave enough to be the first to speak. That was just fine with Snowflake. She had a mission of her own to worry about. The elders may have decide that it would be pointless to risk the lives of their best trackers and scouts just to find the leftovers of a dead body in meat eater territory, but Snowflake would be damned if she had another laying to rest of a loved one without the body. She may not have been able to travel that far on her own or find her son… But she knew someone who could. Someone who even the counsel dared not to order around. Let alone the elders, who seamed so dead set against her as of late.

Just as she was nearing the edge of the clearing her goal came into view. Standing at the tree line, hidden in the shadows, was a clear outline of a body. Lady Snowflake took a calming breath and paced her steps. Even before she had a clear view of the one she sought, a silky voice spoke to her. “My deepest regrets on your loss My Lady. It is… tragic how your family falls.” Most would have thought the words mocking, but the white haired woman knew it was just his way.

After what felt like forever, talking slow and steady steps, he came into perfect view. A man as pale as herself, with dark marks on his face almost like that of a panda, was leaning back against a tree with his arms crossed over his chest. He was rather scary to look upon for most that called the area home. He was tall and had 3 razor sharp talons on both his feet and hands. His folded arms gave a marvelous view of his paper white ‘wings’ that were tipped in ink black. He had arms like most, but whereas other birds in the area had wings along there backs, he had his on his arms. They grew out in layers, starting about the middle of his arms and growing back around and out. The started small and downy at his wrists and grew to foot long feathers at his shoulder blades. More importantly, where most bird hybrids had wings that no longer worked for flight after so many generations, he could glide about the heavens better then any that had even been seen in the forest before.

But at this point what made him the most useful was his mind. He knew the outer areas, the places where the meat eaters lived, like the back of his hand. He should have of course. He had lived there his entire life, before he had come to their little area. It wasn’t that odd really… After all he was an Owl. A bird of prey. A possible, and likely meat eater. Granted none had ever seen him eat meat, and he had worked his hardest for years to earn the right to stay in the peaceful place he had found, and came to love. But still, doubts lingered and people gossiped. He was someone most hated and feared, but she trusted him above all else. He was a good man, just hard to understand.

“Thank you for your words Apowl. I wish to speak to you about that very matter. If you are not busy.” Snowflake clenched her hands over her heart and waited for his response. Apowl closed his yellow-brown eyes and tilted his head down. “Of course. Anything for our local healer. You have my ear.” the little feathers atop his ears twitched twice as if to backup his words.

Snowflake looked over her shoulder and saw a few people with awed and confused looks glancing at her. She moved closer and whispered, “Someplace more private, perhaps?”

Apowl pushed off his tree and smoothed out his light brown loincloth that had his own dropped feathers woven into it. “Very well. Fallow me, My Lady.” Apowl turned and lead the way further into the darkness. They reached a tree with a hanging ladder connected to wooden boards higher up. Apowl gave a little bow to let Snowflake go first. After she had reached the top step Apow gave two strong flaps and met her on the landing in front of the door to his home. He took a seat on the railing and she took one on a pillow. Apowl fiddled with the thing hanging around his neck and caught snowflake off guard when he spoke. “So what is the favor you wish to ask me, My Lady?”

Snowflake blushed a bit in shame as she asked, “And what makes you think that I wish to ask a favor?”


Apowl met her pale eyes. He leaned back dangerously far on his perch and countered with, “Am I wrong?”

The healer ducked her head a bit and her bangs fell over her eyes. She found it easier to talk in the dark area they were in if she wasn’t looking at his glowing eyes. “I simply wish for you to fly over the outer area, just where we think the wolf lives, and see if you can find my son.. Or… what is… left of…” The owl didn’t need the hare to finish her sentence to know what she was getting at.

“Why,” the large bird started, “should I help you with this?” Apowl twisted his head around in an inhuman way, and his short white hair fell forward around the sides of his face like a veil. Lady Snowflake raised her head and her eyes were steady for the first time during their entire encounter. “Because… You owe me a debt. And I am evoking it now.”

Apowl drew a sharp breath and puffed out his chest, which drew focus to the tiny patch of white feathers between his collar bones. He looked miffed for a moment but he deflated and looked rather sad. Apowl glanced out into the darkness. Lady Snowflake wasn’t sure if he was really starring at something or if he was just pretending to so he wouldn’t have to look at her.

Standing up, Apowl ruffled his feathers and clicked his teeth together in frustrations. “I shall try to return before sunset. If not, I shall speak to you about whatever I may see, early tomorrow.” The snowy owl stood, his talons clicking on the wood, and pulled the thing around his neck up and moved it until it sat higher up on his head and covered his eyes with the wavy looking glass that was set in two circular frames. Snowflake barely had the chance to think that they looked like the goggles that the otters used to protect their eyes when diving in the rivers, before Apowl jumped over the twisted railing. Just as fast as he was going down, he was going back up and he burst threw the thick tree tops that had blocked the sunlight so well a heartbeat before.

Looking up into the hole of sunlight, Snowflake had to shield her eyes that had grown accustom to the darkness. She couldn’t help but think that the light Apowl had left in his wake looked almost holey. Comforting, as it consumed her. Encased her in protections from the darkness all around her. It was more then she could even dream her son had. He was likely in a place she couldn’t even bring herself to think. And it was solely her fault.

As if hoping by doing so, she could bring Apowl back sooner with the news, Snowflake stayed in the same spot. Sitting there holding herself was just how Trapper and two trackers found her after fallowing their noses.

Apowl flew as high up as he could without becoming dizzy and circled twice, before flying off on an all to familiar path. He knew it was hopeless. It was the mating season after all. And none of the ones he had come across while he had lived out there, had ever taken suppressant herbs. They would all be in full swing and if they didn’t have a mate to rut with then they would be feral monsters. Honestly, as far as Apowl could tell, all of the nightmare stories told about his fellow meat eaters had been based on encounters that had happened during the mating seasons. And none of his gentler counterparts had any clue what it was like to feel the full power of the heat without a mate or medical help.

So Apowls mind came up with two possibilities. One, the boy really had been taken by a fanged creature and eaten. Or two, the more believable thought, someone hot under the collar had found something to fluffy and soft to pass up. So the boy was either already gone, or was well on his way to being to far gone to help. Both thoughts were grim. And all to realistic for him to deal with. Apowl looked out at the world in all its muted glory from behind his visor and just let the wind carry him.

People come and go, and cross paths all the time in this world. Rarely do they return home. Let alone in one piece. So as new journeys begin and old ones are remember, we are left to wait and wonder.
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So there you have it- Chapter TWO! I hate the ending :( it didnt come out right but I feel like I left my amazing reviewers waiting long enough ;) Now the questions is... is anyone willing to read chapter 3 after that headache lol?