Dark Night

Chapter Two: Lullaby and Leaving

I sobbed then, letting out the grief that had plagued me this past year just as i had done in all the other years when this day came upon me; the endings of too many innocents. Looking back with tear filled eyes towards the place that held my last fifteen years, I knew that I would never be able to face them again, to look into his eyes and utter the words, "I'm fine" knowing that their lie was probably the worst that could ever escape me.

I turned, relief flooding me as I came to a resolve, I would go home, to the place of my birth, to the forest of where I belonged. Lonely or not, it was better than being trapped in a place where no one could ever understand me. My paws felt nothing as they ran from the past that meant nothing but endless nightmares and heart-wrenching desires.

My chest was slowly losing the weight that had settled their with every footfall and I suddenly found my wolf estatic for the freedom. I would tell no one of my leaving, they wouldn't mind as much as they thought they would and that I knew. To them, I was nothing but a hollow figure that occupied too much space. And so I ran harder and faster than ever before, my markings slowly growing in their burning tingling until I hit full speed and they broke out with a blinding light that showed me the way in the harsh darkness.

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I came to a stop at the edge of the forest, a paved road hinting at civilization. I quickly shifted, my markings still letting off a light glow, and felt myself being covered by the greatest of beauties, Lithia. She clothed me in a striking gown that flowed to my ankles wistfully, cinched at the waist which it clung to my skin on the way up, shaping perfectly around my round breasts and cloaking me with a warm breeze before I stepped out into the moon light.

I gave a brief thanks to her, a soft smile, and took my first steps into the human relm. I walked a mile down the road until coming across a run down gas station whose name was much too faded for my eyes to make out. I stepped into the poorly heated building, a bag of silver and gold coins clinking against my hip as I approached the vacant check out desk.

A sign was taped to the counter: BE BACK LATER. Not wanting to run into anyone while here, I quickly set a few coins on the counter where only the clerk would be able to get to and grabbed a few necessities that I would need on my trip to my homeland. I didn't know how far I would be traveling but I also didn't care just as long as I would be home.

I grabbed a single black draw-string bag and filled it with granola bars, bottles of water, and a single chocolate delight just to spoil myself. Then I hurriedly retreated outside, pulling at the strings until only one side was as long as I could get them and slinging it over my head just before shifting once more.

The gown evaporated into thin air, nothing but white smoke telling me that it had once been there and a warm breeze that touched only my skin swept it away into the sky. My journey began then, pushing me forward through the trees at an alarming speed, the sun passing over the sky before setting once again.

I took few naps, not letting myself fall fully into the deep abyss of slumber before I was once again on my feet. My heart felt like a pelican grazing over the calming ocean, flying high above blissfully and calmly. My whole world was revolving around this expedition -- my home. I soon completely forgot all about that lone house in the middle of the woods, I forgot about Patrick and the one that picked at my heart like a mercilless vulture. I forgot about everything except this place, this single place, the most beautiful in all the world.

I would find sollace and comfort, nights full of rest instead of wicked nightmare and creature whose hearts lacked. I ran into no one, not even the raven, on my travels and I didn't stray from the path in which my memory lead me. The days grew longer, the nights were shorter, but my legs never tired. My spirit was high, way above cloud nine and still reaching. I was joyful, which was a first since my infantry.

I could hear her voice growing louder with every step, she was close now. I had passed through seven different territories, ten states, before breaking through the brush and my heart exploded in magnificence. Relief flooded me as I caught sight of the familiar setting. It was a meadow with wild flowers in every color and tall grasses that nearly over took my entire frame.

I leaped forwards, rolling around in the scents that surrounded me until letting the high noon sun warm my fur and I closed my eyes at the memory that was slowly surfacing.

A man stood in the center of the meadow, its grasses cut low to the ground and barely brushing at his ankles. He was tall, standing at six feet and seven inches, with strong arms and legs. His hair was of the finest white blonde and skin hinting at a light tan. A woman cooed down at me and I giggled loudly, alerting him of our presence.

He turned slowly, a smile lighting his strong, narrow face and I reached for him, a mumbled name escaping me,

"Dadd-yy."

He strut forward and took me from her arms, my Mother, with his silver markings glinting in the summer sun.

"Hi there."

His voice was soft but filled with an Alpha's dominance which didn't affect me anymore than it did my Mother.

"She missed you." My Mother smiled, wrapping her arms around the man and gazing down at me softly.

My Father, I realized, brought his face down and nuzzled me softly. I erupted in a fit of giggles before reach up and stroking his face. His smile was one I would always remember. I leaned my head against his arms, burying myself in his skin and breathing in the comforting scent he constantly gave off.

He laid my infant form in the soft grass and tickled my sides until I was screaming with child-like laughter and joy. He lay beside me then, an arm slithering its way around me, before his arm out-stretched and brought back a sweet smelling, purple flower. I grappled at the fragile plant until it was clutched in my fat baby fingers.

I was gentle, making sure not to crush the poor thing, and sniffing lightly at it. Mother and Father chuckled softly as I gazed wondrously at its soft as cotton petals and extraordinary colors that wound itself through the veins. My Father kissed my cheek...

My eyes opened and I realized that I had shifted back into my mortal form but this time I was clothed in a sweet golden yellow gown that the Moon Goddess' mate, Cathian, had bestowed upon me; the Sun God Magnificence.

A sigh escaped me, grief and heartache no longer weighing down on me and I suddenly found myself thrust into a peaceful silence. My eyelids were stained orange from the sun but I didn't mind the comforting heat. My thoughts wandered on their own until the orange became a glistening white and nightfall had encased the meadow silently.

I let myself fall asleep.

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Author's Note: Hey, readers! I know it's been a while but I got grounded xP Anyway, here's chapter two! I hope you enjoyed and please show me some love! I would really like to know if you truly enjoy this story so COMMENT, VOTE, or FAN! I'd really appreciate it!

Izzy Flenniken