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The Woodland Visitor Pt 11

A New Pup

It was a weary group that exited the Chinook and made our way over to several van's waiting for us to take us home. Twenty minutes later I stood in the garage looking over our group. I needed to tell them I was sorry for the way I acted but we all were tired. Deciding it could wait till morning I turned back.

I opened the side door of my house and was just about knocked off my feet as Sienna leapt into my arms.

"Tom."

I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight. When I finally drew back I looked into her eyes then leaned in and kissed her. It was light at first but soon all the love for her came forward and the kiss filled with passion.

"Get a room you two." Steve replied as he slipped past us.

I released her and looked down blushing. She grabbed my face and again kissed me passionately. When we finally parted I looked her in the eyes. "I love you."

"I love you too," Was her reply.

Wrapping my arm around her waist, I turned and made my way into the kitchen. I saw that everyone was split up between the kitchen, dining room and living room. Weaving between everyone were several furs I didn't recognize, serving every one food and drinks.

Out of the crowd came a female lion that stopped in front of me. "Brenah awaits you in the living room."

"Thank you Celiene." Sienna said before she steered me into the living room. Brenah and Major Denton sat on the couch while Steve and the Wolf Pack were spread around the room. We stopped in front of Brenah and waited for him to see us.

"Tom, from what I hear the mission was a success. I take it that this matter is now closed?"

"Not quite closed yet."

All eyes turned to me as Brenah asked the next question. "What do you mean, it's not closed?"

"There is one more thing that needs to be done. One last promise that has to be kept before it's closed." When everyone heard that the mission wasn't closed they crowded around to hear what I had to say. "Tanya left me specific instructions for when I got back." I looked around the room and saw confusion on some of the faces. "I'm sorry to ask this of you but I need you all to be at the resting place of Tanya tomorrow morning when the sun rises. Not a minute before and not a minute after."

Rayven stepped up. "Where is she buried?"

"I will take you there." Sienna said.

"Who do you want there?" Steve asked.

"It's not who I want there, it's who Tanya wants there. Everyone who went with me on this mission," I turned to Sienna. "You and your parents are to be there too."

"Where are you going to be?" Rayven asked.

"I need to leave tonight, to be there before everyone else. I still need to find peace."

"Then go and find peace. I'll make sure that we're there at sunrise." Sienna said as she leaned in and kissed me then led me to the door where my stuff rested. Picking up Tanya's rifle, I slung it across my back and turned to go when Sienna grabbed my shoulder.

Turning back I watched as she held out a small sack. "Can't forget the candles." She gave me the sack and leaned in for another kiss before she opened the door. I slowly turned and made my way out into the fading light of the evening.

Dawn found me kneeling at the foot of Tanya's grave. I was finally at peace with myself and could continue on like Tanya wanted. I didn't like all the decisions I made. Especially with the possibility of loosing someone I loved again, but I was persuaded otherwise.

As I knelt there letting the coming events sink into my mind and be slowly accepted, I felt a light touch on my mind.

~There here~

I was going to stand up when it felt as if someone were holding me down.

~Call them, let them come to you~

"Please, come out my friends." I called. I could hear sounds of people coming up and forming a half circle behind me. I felt the pressure disappear from my shoulder and I slowly stood up. Just as slowly I turned around to face them. I was just about ready to speak when again I felt this hand on my shoulder. I heard gasps from those assembled as I turned around. There before me stood Tanya.

~Thank you~

Reaching out, I placed my hand on her cheek, "You're welcome." Turning I walked over to where Sienna stood and took my place beside her.

~This must be a shock for some of you. But some things need to be said. First thing is to the Wolf Pack. I want you to know that I forgive all of you~

She now stood before me and reaching out, she wiped a tear off of my cheek.

~Especially you, my love. There are those who need you now more than I do~

I looked down at Sienna who had laid her head on my shoulder and looked up at me.

~Promise me you will love her like you loved me. She needs you now~

"With all my heart." I replied.

~Now, Wolf Pack. I'm somewhat disappointed. Have you forgotten why we were formed? Do you think just because I'm no longer around that the world doesn't need our help? They need us just as much as they did before. I know you lost your will to continue when I died, but I'm asking you not to give up. The world still needs you~

"Our team is broken. How can we continue like we are?" Rayven asked her.

~You have the best team in the world Winter. You just have to open your eyes and see it. Together there isn't anything that will stop you~

"But we're so small now." Rayven countered.

~Again, you need to open your eyes. I see more than our little family here. I see a whole new family. I see a family that has already proven themselves in battle, a family that would follow the Black Wolf to the ends of the earth. I see a family that needs to recognize each other and help each other. Everyone has their demons Winter, but with the help of each other you can face them, just like you helped Tom face his. Now you have to look around and welcome your new family~

"No one could ever take your place." Joseph said quietly.

~You're right no one could take my place, but there is one here who I would be honored if they would act in lieu of me.~

I looked up at Tanya. "Who do you have in mind?"

Tanya came over and stood in front of me. Slowly she reached her hand out to me. ~May I~

I took her rifle off and held it out to her. Slowly she took it from me and caressed it. Then she looked at those who were assembled.

~I know everyone considered this to be my good luck charm, my most prized possession, even my life. I also know that you were surprised when Tom had it. I was surprised when he asked me to use it. It is only now that I realize that it was meant to be used, that it can be better used by the one that I feel could use it in my stead instead of being stored away in darkness~

Turning she held the rifle out.

~Sienna, I would be honored if you would accept my gift and act in my behalf~

Sienna stiffened up and her ears fell flat against her head in fear. She shook her head and started muttering. "I... I... I'm no soldier. I can't do it. I don't even know how."

~Sienna, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. I have faith in your abilities. You just need to have faith in yourself. As for not knowing, the Wolf Pack knows. Look to your new family to teach you everything you need~

"I... I... I can't"

~I ask you to do this for me. I can no longer look after Tom. I would like you to do that for me. I am asking you to be the partner I can't be~

Sienna slowly reached out and took the rifle from Tanya. "I'll try." She said as she looked down at the rifle.

Tanya leaned over and kissed Sienna on the forehead. ~I can ask for no more than that~

Sienna leaned over towards me and I reached around her and pulled her tightly to me.

~Tom, I want you to train her and help her when she needs it. You are hers now, always be there for her~

Sienna looked up at me. Leaning down I kissed her and watched as her face slowly relaxed. She looked into my eyes and slowly nodded her head. Smiling down at her, I said, "I love you."

She went to wrap her arms around me but couldn't while holding the rifle. Reaching over I took the rifle from her and helped her sling it across her back. She then wrapped her arms around me and held me tight. I could barely hear her whisper, "I love you too."

Tanya turned to Major Denton.

~Major Denton, your role in this will be as informant. There is a spy in the company so I don't want the Wolf Pack to have anything to do with them. I know this because they knew we were coming and as a result I was... shall we say removed from the group. I don't want that to happen again. Major Denton, I charge you with being what the company was to the Wolf Pack. You shall accept the "requests" and pass them down. Only with your promise will I feel safe."

Major Denton snapped to attention and saluted Tanya. "Then I shall promise to look after the Wolf Pack as you have requested."

A smile crossed Tanya's face. ~Thank you Major, a part of me can now rest in peace~

I waited while Tanya again approached me. ~The last thing I have for everyone is that if you ever need to talk, I will be here. I won't interfere but I will offer what comfort I can. Come see me, and don't forget me~

"I could never forget you love." I quietly said.

~I know~

I watched as Tanya faded from sight. When she was gone, I slowly walked up and blew out the candles. No one said anything for a long time. Finally, I turned and broke the silence.

"I hope you now understand why I brought you here. If I were to tell you what she just said," I put my head down, "you wouldn't have believed me. She needed you to hear it from her, so did I. That's how she wanted it. She wants the Wolf Pack to be whole again. I don't know how we will manage that with a big hole where she was. But, I am willing to accept her challenge and bring our newest brothers and sisters within our pack and like a new pup, train our latest in the ways of the pack."

Everyone cheered and was yelling their approval. I turned to Sienna and leaning over I whispered something to her. Her eyes grew wide as she looked up at me. I saw her nod when I silently mouthed the word 'please' to her. Turning back I took two steps and turned back to the group. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I had my family back.

Holding my hand out, palm down, I said, "Then with the emergence of a new day, it will hold the emergence of the Wolf Pack."

One by one each person put their hand, or paw, in and waited. Looking around the circle I began the words that would bring the pack out of the darkness and back into the light.

"To the gates of hell and back..."