Hour Of Darkness
Paul's Chapter, Run For Your Life
Paul bounded off into the woods, glad to feel the comfortable drop in temperature. The field had been stifling, but the forest was dark and cool, and Paul was for once glad that he had the nice thick fur coat. He jumped through the bushes, able to jump higher and run faster than ever before. He had half a mind to head off to find something to chase.
He stopped in a small clearing, sniffing the air. Various smells lingered in the foggy air, and amazingly enough, Paul could single out and identify each and every one. Let's see...a moose...no, we'll leave him alone. Uhm...another wolf...best not to chase her. Aha! A rabbit! Paul trotted over to the left, hot on the trail; his ears perked up, his nose smelling the trail. He began to run, instincts taking over his mind. He was now a wolf completely; body and soul.
Paul raced off through the forest, the smell of the young rabbit getting stronger with every bound. Adrenaline surged through Paul's slim, grey form, every muscle working in perfect coordination. Any minute now, the little rabbit wouldn't know what hit it. Paul didn't intend on killing it; just having a little fun.
He came bursting into a small thicket, the little brown rabbit sitting in the middle of the clearing, munching on a clump of clover. Paul crept up silently, his footsteps silent on the soft green moss. The bunny continued to munch happily, blissfully ignorant of its impending doom. Then, Paul stepped on a thick twig, the branch snapping. The sound of the snapping twig sounded like a gunshot in the silence of the forest, and Paul looked down, cursing. When he looked up, all he could see was the tiny white tail of the rabbit disappearing into the bush.
Paul quickly took chase, launching himself through the brush after the little ball of fuzz. Racing throught the forest gave him an extreme pleasure, his body twisting around sharp curves and turning at the last second to avoid the occasional tree. The rabbit was no match for the large wolf's speed, and soon Paul overtook the terrified animal. He leapt through the air, pushing off from a large granite rock, and pinned the poor rabbit between his two front paws. He looked at it proudly, cocking his head at the squirming animal. He batted it around for a few minutes, and when he tired of this, he released the poor, terrified thing into the forest. It zipped off without a second thought, gone before Paul could even blink. He smiled (well, as much as a wilf can!) and trotted off into the woods. He eventually came to a stream, and eagerly lapped up a great deal of water. That was fun! He thought to himself, licking his whiskers and sighing contentedly. His rationality was returning, and he started thinking as a human again. He walked off slowly into the forest, not sure of what to do next. He smelled another rabbit in the air, but he wanted something faster...something more challenging, something that would fight back.
A rustle in the bushes behind him caught his attention. He whirled around, the fur on his neck raised, growling softly. He regarded a motley assortment of wolves, all apparently traveling in the same pack. The alpha wolf, a male, was dark grey in color, scars dotting his muzzle and face. Behind him were five more wolves, all fanned out and staring at the newcomer. The wolf furthest to the left was a striking white, eyes the color of the clear sky; quite obviously female. She had a certain grace about her that Paul couldn't quite explain. To her left was a young wolf, obviously so in manner and energy. His tail wagged nervously, his fur the color of chocolate. To his left was another female, this one considerably older and more experienced. Her fur was a pale grey, but not as white as the first wolf's. She, too, was dotted with scars, and Paul noticed that one of her eyes was shut, a ghastly scar keeping it so. The next wolf was younger than the previous, but nowhere near as young as the brown wolf. This wolf had an air of experience, but his coat was light grey and spotted, like a young wolf's. The last wolf seemed detached from these surroundings, his stormy grey eyes peering off into the forest. He looked sad, in a way, as if he were missing someone. Paul returned his attention to the alpha wolf, who was regarding him sternly. You are a stranger here. We are not sure if you are welcome.
Sirius, that is no way to treat a newcomer. The young, white wolf gently chided. Welcome, stranger. What is your name and place of origin? Sirius looked at her sternly, saying, Liryl, you are too trusting of foreigners. However, let him speak. He then turned back to Paul, awaiting his answer.
Paul stood there for a moment, trying to get used to the concept of talking wolves, and intelligent ones at that. Eventually he regained his wits. My name is Paul, and…uhm...I'm from a far off place... He began slowly, wondering how much he ought to tell them. Before he could continue, though, the young brown wolf butted in.
Are you from across the mountains? His long tail wagged eagerly, such that Paul decided it might be a good idea to agree.
Yes, I am. You are correct. The alpha wolf nodded appreciatively, and the young wolf's tail wagged ecstaically, so Paul figured this was the right answer. He shifted nervously, not quite sure what to do yet.
Paul, the young female said thoughtfully. What a strange name. Is everyone from Valeth so strangely named? I have encountered Valethian wolves before, but none with such a name as yours.
Paul wasn't exactly sure how to respond to that, so he didn't, just standing there.
Stranger Paul, The alpha wolf, Sirius, began. The reason that young Spartus is so…thrilled…that you are Valethian is for the simple reason that he wishes to join our pack. For any one wolf to join our ranks, he…or she… He looked fondly to Liryl, then continued. …as the case may be, must defeat a Valetian wolf in battle. Paul swallowed hard. What was he getting himself into?
And if I refuse? Sirius smiled.
We will eat you alive, Stranger Paul. The old wolf turned and disappeared into the woods, the others following close behind in single file; Sirius, Spartus, Caridessa (the old wolf), Orem (the sad wolf), Thanus (the other young wolf), Liryl, and finally Paul, his tail between his legs. They walked for some time, and for Paul it seemed like hours. He whimpered softly, wondering what he ought to do. He chuckled quietly as he remembered his new nickname: Stranger Paul. Boy, if John were here, he'd get a kick out of that. John… Paul wished the other three were here. They could help, or at least provide moral support! He hoped they were doing better than he was…
Paul? A soft voice broke his reverie. Liryl had lagged behind the others until she was walking in step with Paul. You look worried, stranger. Paul laughed to himself. Worried? She didn't know the half of it…
He looked at her, sizing her up. You beat a Valethian wolf? She looked rather small, her shoulder a few inches below his own. She drew herself up to full size, fur ruffling proudly.
I did. It was a long and bloody battle, but eventually, I took off the scoundrel's tail… Paul swallowed hard, and she smoothed her fur down.
Strictly between you and me… she said, inching closer; Paul edged away slightly. Spartus is not the strongest of fighters. In my opinion, he could not defeat a Valethian wolf such as yourself.
This returned some sense of pride to the worried Paul, but he was still unsure. They walked the rest of the way in silence, Liryl allowing Paul to think.
Eventually, after what seemed like miles to Paul, they reached a large clearing. There was no grass; it had been cleared away, leaving only a barren circle. A strange white powder fringed the perimeter, marking the boundaries of the fighting ring. Paul stepped in gingerly, opposite the energetic Spartus, and listened carefully to the rules being read.
Should either wolf exit the ring willingly, it would be thought of as retreating, and therefore lose the match. Should either wolf exit the ring unwillingly, namely being forced out by the other wolf, then he had only ten seconds (subject to the opinion of the spectators) to reenter the ring. Both wolves agreed to these terms, and with a shout from Sirius, the fight began.
Spartus growled fiercely, circling the ring. Paul did his best to remain opposite the smaller but more experienced wolf. Spartus lunged, but Paul quickly sidestepped, and Spartus was eating dirt. Paul jumped to the other side of the ring as Spartus righted himself, seething with rage. Paul growled weakly, trying to look imposing by drawing himself up to his full size. Spartus was not impressed, and once again he attacked, this time not allowing any room for Paul to move. He slashed Paul across the muzzle, and Paul retreated to the other side of the ring whimpering quietly. The spectators whispered amongst themselves about how this large Valethian wolf was acting like such a coward. This angered Paul, and he could feel his rage bubbling up inside him. His instincts took over the fight.
Paul growled menacingly, his fur standing on end from the scruff of his neck to the base of his tail. He flew at Spartus, slashing the young wolf with his claws across the shoulder. Spartus yelped, then retaliated with a swift bite to Paul's tail. Paul howled, then sank his fangs into Spartus' back leg. Try as he might, Spartus could not break free, twisting this way and that, howling in pain. He eventually wrenched free after taking a bite of Paul's soft ear. The two wolves retreated, glaring at each other, bleeding slightly from various wounds. Spartus glared at Paul, and Paul glared back. Then, Spartus shot at Paul, howling. Paul lay onto his back, diverting the young wolf's energy into a nearby pine tree. His spine hit with a sickening crunch, but nonetheless he reentered the ring and attacked Paul, teeth latching onto his ear again. Paul yelped, twisting helplessly as the young wolf bit completely through his ear. He ripped away, a large chunk of his ear now missing and bleeding profusely. Enraged, Paul flew at Spartus, catching the young wolf off guard. A murmer of appreciation floated from the crowd as the two wolves tangled. Paul sank his teeth into the back of Spartus' neck, not letting go until a large gaping wound was present. He slunk off to the other end of the ring, gazing at the panting Spartus. Give it up, Spartus!
Never!
Paul! Liryl shouted from the edge of the ring. He will not retreat until he has won! He will fight to the death if necissary! Paul did not find that comforting.
I don't want to kill you, Spartus! Give up! I have won!
Never!!! Spartus flew at Paul, teeth bared and howling, wounds still bleeding, but he had the energy of a fresh fighter.
Catching Paul off guard, the young wolf landed on top of him, but Paul quickly rolled over and sank his teeth into Spartus' neck. Warm blood filled his mouth, and he immediately let go. Spartus' limp form fell to the dust.
Spartus? Paul asked tenatively, retreating to the other side of the ring.
Spartus! Sirius flew into the ring, running to the young wolf's still form. He sniffed Spartus' body, then turned on Paul, lip curling in rage. You killed him! A collective growl went up from the host of wolves, save Liryl, who only looked uncomfortable. The four enraged wolves gave chase, and Paul shot off into the forest.
Paul limped terribly, his ear stinging as leaves hit it as he raced through the forest. The wolves were howling behind him, and a thought dawned on Paul: this was not fair at all.
If he refused to fight the young Spartus, he was killed. If he fought Spartus and lost, he was killed. If he fought Spartus and won, he was killed. All in all, it seemed rather weighed against him.
He raced through the trees, panting heavily with exertion, muscled screaming for rest. The wolves behind him howled eerily in the dark forest, never giving up the chase.
After what seemed like hours of running, Paul slowed, listening carefully, every sense alert. The howling had stopped; the wolves had given up. Settling wearily into the nearest bush, he fell into a deep and troubled sleep.
* * * *
Paul awoke with a start, nightmares of young Spartus' still body plaguing his restless sleep. He heard a rustle in a nearby bush, and instantly his instincts took over and he growled softly.
Paul? Is that you, Paul?
Go away, Liryl. They cannot see you with me. Go. The young white wolf hesitated. Go! He shouted. She didn't move; rather, she nestled down next to him, licking his ear gently.
I apologize for the actions of my pack. They know not what they do.
It's not your fault. He was touched by her sincerity. Liryl…
Yes?
There's something you ought to know about me…
What?
He wasn't sure how to tell her, but he knew he had to. He knew he could trust her, and hopefully she trusted him.
I'm not from Valeth…
You fight with the courage and stamina of one. He smiled.
Thank you, but… He paused. Liryl, I'm not even a true wolf.
She cocked her head to the side. What are you then?
He stood up shakily, then closed his eyes tightly.
Jai guru deva om.
His body grew upright, his features returning to their original state. Luckily for Paul, the battle scars faded as he transformed. Liryl stared at him in astonishment.
You are a shapeshifter! Paul nodded. Liryl jumped on him, looking at him pleadingly.
I, too, am human, but for years I did not wish to be one! I never transformed back into a human, but when I did, I found I had fogotten the sacred words! Please, repeat them! Help me!
"Of course." Paul spoke normally. "Simply say, or think, I guess, Jai guru deva om."
Liryl closed her bright blue eyes. Jai guru deva om.
Instantly, she began to change. She grew to full height, about two inches shorter than Paul. A flowing white gown appeared where her fur had once been, her paws lengthening into graceful long fingers. Her muzzle shortened into a beautiful small nose, and long golden hair flowed from her scalp to her waist. A leather collar identical to Paul's adorned her slim neck, and upon closer inspection, it was seen to hold a small fluttering blue butterfly. She retained her beautiful blue eyes, which streamed with tears. She fell into Paul's arms, sobbing with joy.
"Oh, thank you, Paul, thank you!" He lifted up her chin, wiping the tears from her cheeks, smiling.
"You're welcome."
On to Chapter Seven!
Back to the intro!
Comments? Suggestions? Email me!
