Chapter Seven

 

CHAPTER SEVEN

 

    As we drew closer, I began to worry. What if I lose? What will become of me? Will I be kicked out of the very pack I created? Would I become a lone wolf? Oh never mind that, I should not worry myself. I will worry when the time comes. For now I will look towards the future. I turn to look at Craig who hasn’t left my side since I arrived at the den. I grin a wolfish grin to show I am not worrying even though it was a lie. I pick up my pace and Craig is still right beside me.

    Within 4 hours and thirty minutes, we make it to the falls. I stop right in front of the water’s edge and I hear the rest of the pack stop behind me. I turn to human covering my feminine parts. I turn around and speak, “This is where we will uphold the fight for title. The rules are simple, No changing to full wolf form, No changing to full human form. We will fight until either I get tired or you do, or one of us dies. We will fight in our half forms. We will fight in the water, if either one of us breaks the rules we will be unable to continue and title will go to the victor or non-cheater. So without stalling any further let us begin. Razz, step fourth into the water.” Razz steps out from the pack and steps into the water. The pack circles the water and watches with anticipation.

    Razz begins to change into half form. I look over at Craig and begin to change as well. My ears grow out into big stalks, my feet grow longer and my nails turn to claws, my hair grows longer and turns snowy white, fur runs all the way down and around my body, my nails on my hands grow into long black claws, my nose grows into a muzzle, my eyes go black, and my muscles expand all the way out. I look over at Craig and he smiles. He knows Razz doesn’t stand a chance against me. I look at the pack and they stare back at me amazed and stunned by my appearance. I look over at Razz and I see a hint of fear in his eyes. None of the other pack members have seen me like this. It is new to them all, all except Craig. I turn back towards Razz and howl to the moon. The others join in. Razz is the last to join and we all sing to the moon in unison. I stop howling and the others do to. I look at Razz and say in a husky voice, “Let the battle begin.”

     I run towards Razz and knock him off his feet. I drag him under water and hold him there. He brings his left arm around and grabs my neck. He pulls me around and punches me in the jaw. He swims to the surface for a gulp of air. Since I have been here before and can hold my breath for some time, I swim over to the falls and get behind it and wait for Razz to step in front of it. He moves ever so slowly in front of it. When Razz gets close enough I leap and jump on him. I guess he sort of expected it because he pulled me off quickly. I looked up in shock as he drove his elbow hard in my ribs. I yelped in pain and heard a splash of water. I look over and see Craig coming to my rescue. I say gruffly, “No Craig, this is between Razz and me. If he wants to play rough then fine.” I push Razz of me and run full force into him. I head but him in the stomach hard and send him flying into the falls.

     I get up slowly and head towards the falls. My ears fully alert. I listen carefully. I hear Razz change into his full wolf form and just as I am in front of the falls he leaps out and digs his canines into my shoulders. He also digs his claws in my chest and legs as he stands on top of me digging his muzzle deeper into my flesh. I jerk my head up and grab a mouthful of fur and skin and start to twist my head back and forth. Razz lets go and retracts his claws. He turns to half and half and try’s to wriggle free. I just dig deeper and deeper. I eventually get my arms around him and dig my claws in his back as I hold him there. He yelps in pain and goes limp in my arms. I let go and drag him and myself to the waters edge. As soon as I am on land I collapse. Razz falls on top of me and that’s when he digs his claws in both of my sides. Extremely deep. I yelp and push him off. I am awake long enough to see him run off into the north. Then my world goes black.

    I awake to see Craig leaning over me frantically trying to find out what’s wrong. I tell him, “Call Paul out. He can help me.” “Paul! Paul! Come quick. Its Spirit, she is badly injured. I don’t know what to do. Please help!” Craig yells. Paul is instantly at my sides. I see then that the whole pack is circling me. “Did you win or lose?” Kitty asks me. “I won. But it was only because Razz had cheated and turned not only to full wolf form but he also took a cheap shot when I dragged him to shore.” I say in reply. “I will send some people out after him and order them to kill him for doing this to you.” Paul says angrily. “NO!” I say in anger and shock. “How can you say that? He is family. We do not hurt family. I will go after him when you finish bandaging me up. My wounds will heal quickly.” I say gruffly. “Do you mind if I change back to human? It might help.” I ask. “Please do. It will be easier.” Paul replies. I change to human making sure I cover my feminine parts and allow Paul to bandage me up. I look over at Craig and he looks at me with a worried look. “Do not worry Craig. I will be fine. You may come along with me to go find Razz if you wish. I would appreciate your company.” Craig looks at me and relaxes.

   Paul finishes bandaging me up within half an hour. I can already feel my body healing. I quickly get up and tell the rest of the pack, “I will be ok. But welcome to our new home. I ask that you remain in the cave behind the falls until I return. Please and thank you. I should not be gone long. Wait, no, correct that. We should not be gone long.” I look over at Craig. He responds with a smile. The pack begins to move towards the cave. I turn to go but feel a strong grip on my arm. I turn and see Paul gripping my arm. “What is it Paul?” I ask questionably. “Don’t… Be careful. Ok. I think Razz isn’t going to come back. I think he has made up his mind.” “Paul. My great friend. Razz will return. I know it. He is after all, family.” I say with a smile. “You are right. I trust you. Now go and bring him back.” Paul says. I turn and change to full wolf. I howl to the moon. I look

and see Craig already changed. We both howl in unison just as it starts to rain. I look once more at Paul; I turn and run into the woods with Craig right beside me.