Aaka

Aaka trotted home making sure to keep Phelan in her sight at all times. As she reached the pack lands she halted and lay her gaunt frame down. "Now tell me phelan. What lies did she fill you head with?" His mother gazed warmly at him nothing but love in her eyes for the son she had thought she lost.

Phelan

Phelan sat down by his mother, head held shamefully low whlie his ears were tucked back against his skull. "She.... she said that..." The adolescent toiled with his words, almost afraid to speak them. "... you and Dad, that you... you were going to kill me. And that you two..." Now he paused and pawed at the ground anxiously, "...planned Laporta's death..."

Aaka

She growled darkly and said in a hurt voice "Did you believe her Phelan? Did you honestly think that I killed my own daughter and that I would kill you to?" Aaka watched her son through sad eyes. She knew the answer before he said it but she wanted to hear it from his own mouth.

Phelan & Sweetclover

Phelan dropped his gaze again, pawing at the ground still, shivering. For a long time he said nothing while he tried to gain courage. Then, slowly, he looked up into Aaka's eyes, "I'm sorry Momma... I was so confused..." Not really a direct answer, but he was afraid to admit what he had believed. He couldn't lie to his parents.

Sweetclover had scented her mother and now came running fast. She was still perturbed and confused over what Atticus had done, but she had forgiven her brother. "Mom!" She barked, tail waving. Clover slowed down as she reached the two, immediately sensing something was wrong. "Phelan, you're back. Mom, what happend? You're thin..."

Phelan looked briefly to his sister's eyes, then looked away.

Aaka

A sad smile crept over her lips as she turned to Sweetclover. "I am fine, my child. Tell me, where is Atticus?" She had not seen the male for some time nor his brother. Lost was still missing as well. Aaka sighed softly at Phelans answer. She knew what he wanted to say but he did not have the courage to. "All is well now my child." But it wasnt. So much was going wrong and Aaka had no idea how to stop it all.

Phelan & Sweetclover

Phelan burried his muzzle into his mother's fur, wishing to hide from everything right now, and seeking solice in Aaka.

Sweetclover moved closer, still worried about her mother and brother, but relieved that they were here before her, alive and unharmed. "Atticus... I'm not sure. I think the humans might have done something to him." She had smelt the faint stench of oil and gas on the ground, mixed in the odor of her brother. Then Atticus's trail ended, engulfed by the fould smell of human machinary. "What about Faute, Sang, and Lost? I'm afraid I haven't seen them either." Unlike Phelan, Sweetclover was far more composed and clear-thinking, able to hide her emotions when the time called.

Aaka

She smiled and nuzzled Phelan lovingly then turned to Sweetclover a shadow crossing over her face as dread came over her. "They arent here? I...I left Atticus and Sang here. They should have been here!" She whispered the last part softly. She stood suddenly and nuzzled Phelan softly. "Stay here with your sister. DONT go anywhere. Either of you." She said giving a pointed look to Sweetclover. "Remember what I told you about Nachi. Both of you." With that she turned and trotted away swiftly, her long legs covering the ground in easy flowing strides.