THE WOLF PACK
By: Angela R. McClelland 

   A low howl travels across the dark jungle, breaking the silence. A wolf pricks 
his ears, smiles, then carries on the message. Soon a group of wolves travel in the 
moonlight to the center of their pack's territory, a steep, short hill. As they waited for 
the rest wolves to get there, they whispered excitedly to one another. "I can't believe
 it! "one wolf said. "The day has finally come!" 
     After a while, when the whole pack was there, they sat in front of the den and 
waited silently. After a few minutes, two wolves, Shadow, the pack's leader and oldest
 wolf , and his first grown son, Blazer,  finally emerged from the den. All the wolves had
 excitement burning in their eyes. Finally breaking the silence, Shadow spoke. "My wife 
Misty and I have both a boy and a girl."
     The pack cheered and howled, but silenced when Blazer spoke. "My wife Sunny and
 I have three sons."
      Once again the pack cheered. They celebrated and congratulated the fathers. But deep
 in the jungle another pup was born. But his birth was not celebrated. His parents were 
scapegoats, so they lived only two weeks after he was born due to starvation.
     After the celebration, Blazer and Shadow walked back into the den. First walking 
through a narrow passage, they finally reached the room. They stopped for a moment and 
smiled at each other. "Congratulations, son. "Shadow said.
"Thanks, dad," Blazer said as he gave Shadow a hug.
      After they hugged, Shadow and Blazer walked over to their wives and pups. "How 
are they? "Blazer whispered.
"Active so that's good," Sunny replied.
"Well, they're not so active now," Blazer said as he looked down at the sleeping pups.
*               *               *
      Three weeks later, the pups were finally old enough to come outside the den. Rocky, 
Shadow's son, was the first one to stumble out. He was blinded by the sun when he first 
came out, but his eyes finally adjusted to the light. He gaped in awe at the huge trees and 
surroundings. "Wow, " Rocky whispered. 
     Sandy, Ace, and B.J walked outside of the den, followed by their parents and the limping 
Corky. " Whatcha' lookin' at Rocky? " Sandy asked.
"Everything "Rocky said.
      "What are you doing, son? " Shadow asked.
"Looking at all the neat stuff, Dad! "Rocky replied. 
"Be careful okay? "
"Sure, Dad. "
     Blazer walked over to Shadow and sat down next to him. "Dad, "Blazer started to
 say. "I don't think Corky will live long. Look at him! He can't even use his right foreleg! " 
"Shhh, " Shadow said. "He'll live. "
"I hope you're right, Dad. I hope you're right. "
     Corky glanced at Ace who was sitting next to him, and got an idea. Corky grinned 
and pushed Ace. "Hey! "Ace shouted as he pushed Corky back.
     Soon the two started play-fighting. Sandy and B.J jumped in to play, too. Rocky 
heard a bunch of noise and turned his head. "You guys better give up! " Rocky said as 
he trotted over. "I'm the strongest!"
     All the fighting suddenly stopped. "Oh, yeah?!"the pups said at once.
       "Yipe!" Rocky squealed.
     The four pups tackled him at the same time. As they were fighting, B.J. lunged at Ace, 
but he moved away, sending B.J. rolling down the hill.
When he stopped rolling, B.J. rubbed his sore head and looked up. "Huh?"
B.J. said as he looked over a rock. 
     Some wolves from his pack were chasing a deer. The wolf in the lead leapt onto the 
deer and bit its neck, tripping it. The other wolves ran over to help kill it. "Blech!" B.J. said, 
disgusted.
     When he went to walk back up the hill, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. 
He turned his head to see what it was. A large bird had landed in the grass. B.J. lowered 
himself to the ground immediately and smiled. "Oh boy! My first prey! Wait 'til I tell the 
guys!" He thought.
     He inched his way closer and closer. "B.J.!" Ace shouted. "There you are! Didn't 
you hear us ...,"
"Shut up!" B.J. snapped quietly. "Get down!"
     Ace reluctantly lowered himself to the ground and crawled over to B.J.."What are 
you doing?" he whispered.
"Shhh! I'm stalking my prey!" B.J. whispered back.
     Ace thought for a moment, "You can't do that! You just came out of the den! "
     B.J. just ignored him. He got ready to strike then leaped. The bird saw him and flew 
away, narrowly escaping. So instead of hitting the bird, B.J. hit the rock that was behind 
it. "Owww!!" B.J. hollered in pain.
     Ace burst out laughing. "It's not funny, Ace!" B.J. shouted, half-crying.
     Ace kept on laughing, so hard he couldn't stop. Rocky and the others peeked over the 
edge of the hill because they heard someone laughing. "What's so funny, Ace?" Rocky asked.
     Ace tried to answer him, but he was laughing too hard. "I hit my nose on a rock, what's 
so funny about that?"  B.J. cried.
     Sandy giggled and then said, "Lets go home." 
     They all started up the hill, but Ace couldn't even get upright. "Let's leave him, " B.J. said.
"B.J.! " The pups shouted at him.
"We'll get Dad, " Corky told him.
     Corky, Rocky, and Sandy ran up the hill with B.J. trudging behind. Soon, Blazer came 
down the hill and picked up the tear-drenched, hysterical Ace. 
     Later, when Ace could breathe, he told everybody what happened, against the whining 
of B.J.. When everybody started to laugh, B.J. hid deeper in Sunny's arms.
*             *              *
     The next day, the five pups were lying in the den, since it was too hot to go anywhere. 
Blazer and Shadow walked into the cool room and laughed at the lazy pups. "Why aren't 
you outside? "Blazer said. "It's a beautiful day."
"It's too hot!" Sandy moaned.
"Join the club, " Rocky said.
"Where do I sign up? " Sandy growled.
     The other pups giggled. "Cut it out you two," Shadow chuckled. "Now why don't you 
go down to the pond and swim? "
"It's too hot! " Corky whined.
     Blazer bent down to him and said, " Well, son, when you get in the pond, you won't be 
hot anymore."
  "Oh, " Corky said quietly.  
     They thought about it and nodded their heads. "Okay, guys, let's go! " Rocky said.
     They all got up (Corky got some help from Blazer) and walked outside. As they were 
walking, B.J. whispered to Ace, "What are you lookin' at? "
"What? Oh, nothing. "
"Heh, you were lookin' at Sandy! " B.J. teased.
"Uhh, no I wasn't, uhh, I was looking at that tree. Isn't it beautiful? " Ace lied.
"Ace and Sandy sittin' in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! " B.J. mocked.
          Ace could see Sandy looking back at him, embarrassed. Ace growled and pushed 
B.J. in a bush. "Hey- "
     The pups looked back as B.J. flew out of the bush, with an angry porcupine following 
him. The pups were laughing, when Corky said, "There it is! "
     They ran leaving B.J. behind to pull the quills from his rear and leapt into the pond. 
"Hey, Ace! "
     "Huh? " 
     As he turned around, B.J. jumped over to him and pushed him under the surface of the 
water. Ace came up coughing and sputtering. "Thanks a lot B.J.," Ace said as he splashed 
water in B.J.'s face. "Now I have water up my nose! " 
      Suddenly, another wolf came. The pups stopped playing immediately.
"What do you want, Fang? " Rocky said coldly.
"Get out of my pond, " Fang growled.
"Hey, the scapegoat speaks, " B.J. said as they all got out of the pond.
"Why don't you come up here and say that? " Fang snapped.
     B.J. decided he should keep quiet. "Why don't you just go away?" Sandy said.
"Sorry, I can't, sweetheart, " Fang smiled.
"Hey, don't call her that! " Ace shouted, as he got out of the water.
"Yeah! " Rocky joined in, following him.
"Yeah? And what are you wimps going to do about it? " Fang sneered.
     Rocky and Ace hesitated for a moment. Finally, Ace said, "I'll tell my dad! "
"Awww, the poor little puppy is going to tell! " Fang mocked.
     Rocky couldn't take it anymore. With a growl, he tackled Fang and started to bite 
him. Fang threw him off and said, "So it's a fight you want, Huh? "
     Rocky answered with a growl and leapt on him again. Catching something in his mouth, 
Rocky yanked as hard as he could. Suddenly, Fang started to scream. "My ear! "
     Rocky opened his eyes and realized he was holding part of Fang's left ear in his mouth. 
Quickly, he dropped it on the ground, and backed up. "My ear, " Fang growled menacingly, 
raising his fiery eyes up to Rocky's. "My ear is ripped to shreds because of you! " 
     Rocky remained motionless. Fang started to growl and walk towards Rocky, but 
stopped when Ace and B.J. stood by Rocky, ready to fight if they had to. "You may have 
beaten me this time, Rocky, but I'll be back. You can count on that! " Fang shouted as he 
retreated into the jungle, and beyond the pack's territory. "And someday, I'll be the leader, 
No matter what it takes! "
     Rocky leaped forward with anger and barked at Fang as he ran out of sight. "Well, if you 
do come back, we'll be ready for you! " Rocky shouted.
*            *            *
     Fang ran as long as he could, finally stopping when he reached a large hollow log he lived 
in ever since his parents died. "Man, that stupid Rocky," Fang said to himself as he checked to 
see if his ear stopped bleeding. "My ear won't ever grow back! "
"Maybe you would like to get him back? " A voice suggested.
"What? Who's there? " Fang asked as he backed further into his home.
     Suddenly a dark head appeared from the top of the opening. Fang covered his eyes and 
cried, "Please don't hurt me! Please! Please!"
     The shadowy figure jumped down and said, "Get up. "
     Fang slowly opened his eyes and walked out of the log. "Who are you? " he said slowly.
     "My name is Karak, "The stranger said as he stepped into the light exposing himself to be 
a young, teenage black panther. "Listen, do you want my help to get Ralph.."
"Rocky, "Fang corrected.
"Whatever, " Karak said, annoyed. " Do you want my help or not? "
"What do you mean 'help '" Fang asked.
"I'll train you to fight like a panther, "Karak said as he lied down. "What's your name anyway, 
kid? "
"Fang. "
 "Look, do you want to get even with Rocky or not? "Karak asked.
     Fang was thinking when Karak added, "Who knows? You might even become the 
leader of that pack. "
     Fang smiled and said "Let's do it! But what's in it for you? "
"If you win, you have to let me be second- in- command. You know, sort of like vice 
president."
"It's a deal! "Fang said as he shook paws with the panther.
*           *           *
"Boy, I can't believe you beat up Fang! "Corky said as he tried to keep up with the others.
"Yeah, especially since Sandy usually beats you when you wrestle! "Ace said as he started 
to laugh.
"Hey! "Rocky laughed. 
     When they finally got back to the den, their parents told them go to bed because it was late. 
But after their parents fell asleep, they moved to a quiet corner and talked some more.
The next day, which was a lot cooler, Rocky was walking with Shadow. "Hey, Dad, when 
I grow up, will I be the leader of our pack? "
"You might, " Shadow answered.
"What do you mean, 'I might' ?" Rocky asked, confused.
     Shadow and Rocky stopped and sat down for a rest as Shadow answered Rocky. "When 
Ace, B.J., Corky, and you are all adults, we will fight for the right to be leader. Every male
 has to fight one another."
"So I have to fight you, Blazer, and my friends? "
     Shadow nodded his head and then said, "Come on, lets get home and eat. I heard that 
they caught a big deer. "
"Deer? Yummy!! " Rocky said as he rubbed his stomach.
     As they walked into the clearing, Rocky saw the deer and started to run toward it, unaware 
that a stranger was watching him. Suddenly, a panther jumped out of the trees towards Rocky. 
"Rocky! "Shadow screamed.
     Rocky jumped out of the way as the panther landed on the ground next to him. Shadow 
and Blazer leapt to protect Rocky as he ran away. The young panther was angry that he 
had missed Rocky, but he wasn't about to give up. Teeth bared, he slapped Shadow 
aside, making him hit a tree, knocking him out. Blazer jumped at the panther and bit him 
in the neck, making him roar in pain. Another wolf jumped in to help Blazer. Seeing that he 
was out- numbered, the panther shook Blazer off his neck and leapt into a tree and ran off. 
Blazer was panting very hard, but he managed to ask, "Where's Rocky? "
*           *           *
     Rocky ran until he collapsed on the jungle floor in tears. "It's all my fault! I should have 
been more careful! " Rocky cried.
     Rocky crawled over to a small bush and lied down under it. "Rocky! " someone shouted.
"Over here, "Rocky sniffed.
"There you are, "Blazer said as he walked over and looked under the bush. "Why did you run 
off? "
     Rocky crawled out from under the bush and hugged Blazer's leg. "What's the matter, Rocky? "
"Dad's dead! " Rocky screamed. "It's all my fault, I should have been more careful! "
     Blazer smiled as he realized what was happening. "Rocky, look, "Blazer said as he pointed 
in the trees.
     Rocky looked over and screamed, "Dad! "
     Shadow limped out from behind the trees as Rocky ran toward him, then stumbled backward 
a few steps when Rocky leaped onto his neck, embracing him in a hug. "I thought you were 
dead! "
"No, I just have a few scratches and a major headache," Shadow said, rubbing his head.
They laughed until Blazer said, "C'mon, let's go home. "
     Rocky let go of Shadow and then they walked home, Rocky keeping close to Shadow's 
side. After they ate a delicious meal, they all talked as they sat in last light coming from the 
setting sun. "Panthers don't just attack like that with no reason, "one wolf said to Shadow. "It 
was strange that it kept it's attention on the highest ranking  wolves. When I went up to help 
Blazer he didn't really pay attention to me. "
"The only explanation is that someone set up that attack. Probably trying to kill you, Shadow. 
He probably thought that you were the leader, Blazer. That might be the reason he only knocked 
you. "
"Wait! "Rocky said. "A few days ago, I had a fight with Fang. When he was running away, he 
said that he'd be the leader someday, no matter what it took. "
"Really? " Blazer asked.
     Rocky nodded his head. "And you know Fang, whenever he wants something, he'll keep
 going at it until he gets it. "
"That's true, "The other pups agreed.
"Go look for Fang, " Shadow said angrily. "Fan out and find him! "
*               *               *
     Days have gone by, and nobody could find Fang. Shadow said for everybody to keep 
an eye out for him. One day, Rocky decided to take a walk. He thought that if he found Fang, 
he'd be a hero. As he was walking, Rocky heard something in the bushes beside him. Thinking 
it was Fang, he got ready to pounce, then jumped into them. But when he landed, he wasn't 
looking at Fang, he was looking straight into the eyes of a young tiger cub. "AHHH! "Rocky 
screamed.
"AHHHH! "The tiger screamed, surprised.
     Rocky kept screaming until he ran behind a tree. Slowly, he peered out and looked at the 
bush. He heard the tiger cub snuffling from it. "He's scared of me as much as I am of him. "Rocky 
thought. 
    Rocky walked slowly over to the bush and pushed his head in. The little tiger cringed back 
and said, "Please don't hurt me!"
"It's all right, I won't hurt you," Rocky said, "My name's Rocky, what's yours? "
"Stripes."
     Rocky persuaded him out of the bush, looked around, then asked, "Where's your 
parents? "
"I'm an orphan, "Stripes said, looking down.
"Oh, I'm sorry, "Rocky apologized. "You look hungry, c'mon, I'll get you something to eat."
"Thanks! "Stripes said a little louder.
     They talked as Rocky led him to his home, getting to know one another. As they arrived, 
Ace ran out to greet him. Seeing that Stripes was behind him, he dived back into the den 
and screamed, "Look out, Rocky! A tiger is following you! Run!" 
     Rocky looked at Stripes and laughed, "Don't worry about Ace. He's sort- of weird."
     Stripes laughed as Rocky yelled to Ace, "Hey, it's okay, 'Goof- Ball' he's my friend! "
     Ace slowly walked out of the den, and said, "Are you sure? "
     Rocky rolled his eyes and said, "No, I brought him here to attack you. Of course he's
 my friend! "
     Rocky called the rest of the pack to meet Stripes. Since he didn't have any parents, 
Shadow told him he could stay and live with their pack. One day, while Rocky and Stripes 
were playing in the jungle, Rocky asked, "Hey, Stripes, what happened to your parents? "
Stripes sighed and started his sad story." When I was born, my dad was already gone, since 
tiger dads don't stay that long. Well, that
 day, I was playing in a bush, while my mom was taking a nap. I was starting to chase a 
butterfly, when I heard a loud 'bang'. When I went to see what it was, my mom was gone. "
"Really? " Rocky asked.
     Stripes sniffed and nodded his head. "I never found her. "
"I'm sorry, " Rocky said.
"They might have gotten me too, if I wasn't chasing that butterfly. "
     They both stood up and walked back home without another word.
*               *               *
     Time passes by, and much has happened. Rocky, Ace, Sandy, B.J., and Corky are 
now teenagers (in human years), and ,for some unknown reason, Stripes has disappeared.
     A rain- drenched rabbit leaps over a hill, and a short distance behind it, a rain- drenched 
Rocky bounds after it. "Get 'im, Ace! " Rocky shouts over the thunder.
     Ace jumps out of the bush, and chased after the rabbit, who narrowly escaped his jaws. 
As he joined up with Rocky he said, "B.J. 'ill get him! "
     As the rabbit reached the end of the hill, B.J. bounded out of the bush, but as soon as he 
hit the ground, he slipped and fell in a mud puddle. As the other two reached the him, Ace 
said, "We'll never get this hunting thing down. "
     B.J. lifted his muddy head out of the puddle and said, "Let's just starve when it rains." 
"Yeah, you starve, we'll hunt, "Ace laughed.
"Look! " Rocky said.
     They looked over were Rocky was looking and saw Shadow chasing the same rabbit out 
of the jungle, and back over the hill, splashing water in their faces. As they watched Shadow 
disappear over the hill, they heard him laugh, "Hey boys! We're having rabbit tonight!"
     The tired young wolves sighed and started toward home in the rain.
*               *               *
     Karak was snoozing on a tree limb while Fang was chewing on the bones of a deer. Fang 
belched and said, "Man that deer was good! " 
"Whatever," Karak sighed and went back to sleep.
Fang looked at the setting sun. "Just you wait Rocky," Fang said as he admired his large 
muscles. "In a few more weeks I'll be the leader, your leader! " 
     Two weeks have passed, and the pack is just lying in the hot sun. Rocky yawned, lazily 
got up, and dragged himself over to Ace and Sandy, who were lying under a tree together. 
"Hey Ace, could I talk to you? "
     Sandy looked at him sleepily as Rocky added, "Alone? "
"All right, "Ace said.
     Ace yawned and told Sandy he'd be right back. Then he followed Rocky into the den. 
Rocky cleared his throat as they both laid down. He cleared his throat again before he said, 
"Ummmm, Where did Stripes go? I heard you were the last one to see him before he 
disappeared."
"Rocky, "Ace said. "I've told you this a million times. He said that he just had to leave. Is that 
what you woke me up for?"
"No, I wanted to ask you, "Rocky cleared his throat yet again. "Why are you and Sandy 
always together all the time? "
     Ace opened his eyes and raised his head. "You mean you don't know? Nobody told you?"
     Rocky shook his head, confused. Ace sighed and said, "Sandy is around me all the time 
because she's my girlfriend. "
"What? "Rocky shouted.
"She's my girlfriend, "Ace repeated.
     Rocky was furious. "Why didn't anyone tell me?! I mean, she's my sister!"
"Now calm down, Rocky. Talk to your mom, she knows about it, in fact she thinks it's great
 that I'm going out with her."                                                                                                                                                                                                                "Well I don't, okay? "                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         "Rocky, "Ace said softly, as he got up. "You don't own her. She's grown up just like you 
have."
"Some friend you are Ace! "Rocky yelled as he stormed out of the den.
     Ace stood there for a while, stunned. He sighed, then walked out of the den and laid back 
down next to Sandy. She yawned before asking, "What was that all about? " 
"Oh, Rocky just wanted to ask me a few questions."
"What did he ask? And why did he barge out of the den like that?"
     Ace hesitated for a moment, but then said, "He wanted to know about Stripes."
"And? " Sandy said, because she knew that he was hiding something.
"He got mad because he didn't know we were going out."
"Oh, "Sandy said quietly.
*               *               *
     Rocky was so mad at Ace for what he had told him, he had to take a walk. "I can't 
believe it! They didn't even tell me! Man! "Rocky said as he slashed a leaf. 
     Rocky heard a rustle and a growl in the bushes, but he was so mad he didn't pay any 
attention to it. Suddenly, a tiger jumped out of the bushes and roared. Rocky ran as fast as
 he possibly could, while screaming in his mind, "I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!"
    The tiger jumped at him and knocked him down. "Please don't eat me!  "Rocky pleaded.
     The tiger roared and lunged his head towards Rocky's to finish him off. "NO!" Rocky 
screamed as he shielded his face with his paws.
     Suddenly, the tiger stopped growling. He took another look at Rocky's marks on his 
paws before he saying slowly, "Rocky? "
"Huh? "Rocky said, looking up over his paws.
"Rocky, is that you?"
"Yeah, who wants to know?" Rocky said quietly.
"It's me, Stripes!" the tiger said.
"Stripes!" Rocky shouted as he recognized his old friend. "Man have you 
grown!" 
"You too! I see you're starting to grow a mane!" Stripes said as he helped Rocky up.
     Later, Rocky said, "Hey! I've got an idea! Let's go visit everybody!"
     Stripes's smile immediately faded. "What's the matter? "Rocky asked.
"I can't, "Stripes said, lowering his eyes to the ground.
"Why?"
"I just can't, okay?" Stripes shouted. "I'm sorry, I just can't face everybody."                                                                                                                                                                                      "What do you mean? "
"You know, because I ran away."
"Why did you run away, anyway? "
"Because I couldn't do anything you guy's could. I felt left out when you guy's played
 'Who-Can- Howl- The-Loudest', I could understand what everybody was saying, I just couldn't 
answer." 
"Stripes, it was only a game. Also, you're a tiger, not a wolf. And besides, you could roar!" 
Rocky said. "When we woke up that morning, and you were gone, we thought that you were 
playing a game. But when we couldn't find you, we cried for days. "
"Really? "
"Stripes, we missed you so much, Corky almost died."
"How? "
"You were the only one that would walk extra slow so that he could keep up with you." 
Rocky explained. "He got so depressed, he wouldn't eat or sleep." 
"Wow, " Stripes said quietly. "I never knew you guys liked me so much."
     The two were silent for a while, finally, Stripes said, "So, how's everybody doing now?"
"Great, except for one thing, "Rocky said.
"Which is, "Stripes said.
"Sandy has a boyfriend, "Rocky growled.
"Why is that bad news? "Stripes asked. "That sounds great!"
"Not if it's one of your best friends. "
"I don't understand. Who is it?"
"Ace."
     Stripes sat there staring at Rocky, confused. Rocky sighed when he saw that and 
said, "It just doesn't feel right." 
"Okay, "Stripes said slowly, not understanding his old friend.
     Rocky asked Stripes if he would come with him now, but he still refused. "Why 
not? "Rocky asked.
"I'll tell you later, it's hard to explain, "Stripes said.
"What do you mea- "Rocky started to say.
"I have to go, "Stripes said, twitching his ears as if he heard something. "I'll visit, I promise. "
"But.. "Rocky said. But Stripes ran off before he could even say good- bye.
*               *               *
     Rocky was walking home when he heard someone calling him. He turned around and 
saw that Sandy was running up to him. "I've been searching all over the place for you, "She
 said, out of breath. "Where have you been? "
     Rocky scowled and said, "Why didn't you tell me? "
"What are you talking about, Rocky? "Sandy asked.
"You know, "Rocky said, not even looking at her.
"Oh, "Sandy said, remembering what Ace had told her. "Rocky, what's the matter with Ace 
and me going out?"
"I don't know!" Rocky said, finally looking at her. "It just feels weird!"
     Sandy walked over, sat down next to Rocky, and nuzzled his soft cheek. "Just because 
I love Ace doesn't mean I love you anymore! I mean, you're my brother!" Sandy said.
     Rocky started laughing and said, "I guess you're right."
     Sandy kissed Rocky on his forehead and said, "C'mon! I'll race ya home."
"Hey, no fair!" Rocky shouted as Sandy ran ahead, getting an early head start.
*               *               *
"Hey, B.J. ,where is Sandy? "Ace asked.
"Last I saw her she went into the woods, lookin' for Rocky," B.J. yawned.
     Ace was about to thank him when they heard a howl. B.J. leaped to his feet and said, 
"That wasn't anyone from our pack!"
"But it sounds so familiar, "Ace thought aloud.
     All the other wolves walked up and stood beside Ace and B.J.. They watched as slowly 
a wolf appeared from the jungle. Ace gasped when he saw that the wolf's left ear was torn.
 "Oh my, god," he whispered.
"I'm back! "the strange wolf said menacingly.
*               *               *
    Rocky was finally catching up to Sandy when they both sensed something was wrong. 
"Something doesn't smell right," Rocky whispered as they came to a stop.
     Sandy nodded and said, "Yes, and the jungle is too quiet."
"We'd better walk up slowly and see if everything's all right first, "Rocky whispered.
     The both cautiously crawled over to a bush and peeked over it. "Everything looks all 
right, "Sandy said.
"Not everything, "Rocky said. "Look."
     Sandy looked over where he was looking and said quietly, "Oh my gosh, it's..."
"Yep. It's Fang."
*               *               *
     All the wolves stood there, stunned. Surprised at the sight before them. "Be careful, "
Ace said to B.J.. "He has to have someone with him. He's not stupid enough to come 
back here alone."
"What do you want Fang? "B.J. shouted.
     Fang smiled, "I'm a member of this pack, I have the right to take part in the fights."
"You aren't a member of this pack and you never will be!" Ace shouted.
     Fang scowled and was silent for a moment, finally he said, "Weren't my parents part of 
this pack? "
"Yes, but they were the lowest rank, they didn't even deserve to be in our pack!" B.J. 
shouted.
"It doesn't matter," Fang sneered. "They were still part of the pack, stupid!"
"Hey! Don't call him stupid!" Ace shouted.
     Fang glared at Ace. Slowly, but without fear, Fang walked up to B.J. and stood right 
in front of his face before he said, "Hello, stupid."
     Ace growled and leapt onto Fang. Suddenly, out of the shadows, Karak jumped out 
and headed right towards Ace. Corky leapt in to help Ace, so instead of hitting Ace, 
Karak slashed Corky's stomach. But Karak's claws also managed to cut Ace's shoulder 
to the bone. Corky hit the ground with a loud thump.
     Sandy or Rocky couldn't hold it any longer. "Ace! "Sandy shouted. "Corky!" 
     They bounded out of the jungle and into the clearing. Rocky rushed to Corky's aid. As 
he got there, he saw that Corky was breathing heavily. "Corky?" Rocky said quietly.
     Corky looked up with tear- filled eyes and rasped, "Is Ace all right?"
     Rocky nodded, starting to cry. "Rocky, "Corky said quietly. "Please don't cry. Just do 
something for me."
"Anything, "Rocky sniffed.
"Just, make sure he doesn't win, "Corky said.
     Corky laid his head back down and was silent. "No," Rocky said. "No! You killed him!" 
     Ace lifted his head from the ground. With tears filling his eyes, he painfully got up and 
limped over to Corky's dead body. "No!" he screamed as he cried in Corky's soft mane.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? "Fang said.
     Then he turned to Karak, nodding his head. Karak nodded back and with a roar, he 
chased Sandy and Rocky away from Corky and Ace. "Hey, leave her alone!" Rocky 
shouted as he turned around.
"Why, if it isn't my good friend Rocky! "Fang said sarcastically.  
"The rat returns, "Rocky growled.
"So it's the weasel!" Fang growled back.
"I takes one to know one," Rocky said as he walked closer.
     They both walked until they were in each others faces. All was silent until Fang said, 
"You're as scrawny as ever."
"Hey, I can take down any wolf, any time, anywhere!" Rocky challenged.
"Well, you'll get your chance won't you? Isn't the tournament today?" 
"Well it was," Rocky said as he walked over to Ace. "Until your 'friend' over there hurt Ace."
"What do you mean?" Fang raged.
"I mean that the laws of this pack clearly state that every male wolf of age has a chance 
to fight! "Rocky shouted back.
     Fang was very embarrassed, but he tried not to show it. He walked over to Karak, 
who had his back turned, and bit him on the leg. "You idiot! Why did you attack him?!"
     Karak leapt away and looked at his bleeding leg. "Because you told me to, "He 
growled.
"Shut up!" Fang shouted.
     Karak walked over to a shadowy corner and licked his bite. "Bad move, Fang. Bad
 move, "Karak snarled quietly.
     Fang stomped over to Ace and said, "I'm sorry Karak hurt you, "
"Never mind about me," Ace growled. "What about Corky? "
     Fang acted like he didn't hear him and walked away. "Are you okay, Ace?" Rocky 
asked.
"Yes, "Ace said. "Except the fact that my brother is dead."
"I'm so sorry. "Rocky looked at Ace's shoulder and said, "It's cut bad."
"I'll live," Ace sighed.
     Rocky left Ace and walked over to find Sandy crying beside Misty. "It's going to be 
all right, dear," Misty said, trying desperately to calm her daughter down.
"Uh, Sandy? "Rocky said.
     Sandy turned her head with a sniff and looked at Rocky with sad, tear- filled eyes. 
Rocky gulped, then said, "You can go over to Ace now. I'll try to keep Fang and Karak away."
"Thank you, "Sandy said, giving Rocky a hug.
     Slowly she walked over to Ace and started to talk to him. Rocky sighed as he watched 
them. "The perfect couple," someone said behind him.
     Rocky swung around to see his mom looking at him. "Yeah, I guess," Rocky sighed 
again.
"What's the matter, Rocky?" Misty asked.
"Nothing, it's a long story."
*               *               *
"Are you all right?" Sandy asked.
"Yeah," Ace said as he smiled at her.
     Sandy laid down next to him and they rubbed heads with each other. She looked at 
his cut and said, "Hold still."
     Ace stared at her blankly, wondering what she meant. Sandy sat up and licked his 
cut. "Ow!" Ace shouted.
     Sandy looked at him and said, "Stop acting like such a puppy, Ace. "
"I'm not a puppy!" he moaned.
"Now, Ace, "Sandy said. "If I don't clean this it will get infected and you could die."
"At least I'd be with Corky," Ace sighed.
     Ace and Sandy looked at Corky, now being drug away by two wolves. They also saw 
Blazer trying to comfort Sunny, who was crying very hard.
Ace sniffed, "He gave his life for me."
"Yes, I know he did," Sandy said quietly as she kissed Ace on the cheek. "Now hold still 
so I can clean your cut."
She went back to work, Ace moaning all the way. Rocky, who had been watching them, 
laughed at Ace's every moan. "He's such a puppy," he told Blazer, who was walking up.
"Some wolves never grow up, "he said as he looked over to were the wolves were 
disappearing with Corky into the jungle. "And some don't even have a chance."
*               *               *
     Two weeks have passed, and Ace's cut has finally healed. Shadow walked out of the den 
at dawn, climbed up the short hill, and howled for all the wolves of his pack to come for the 
tournament.
     Fang was especially happy that morning, humming to himself, and practically prancing 
around. "So my good friend, "Fang grinned. "When does the fighting begin?"
     Ace sighed and said, "Noon."
"Thank you," Fang said joyfully and trotted away.
"What a wacko, "Ace said as he walked away.
*               *               * 
     Later, just before the fights, all the wolves were warming up for the fight. All that is, 
except Fang. He spent the time showing off his panther- like muscles off to the other females 
who were sitting around, waiting for the fights to start. "What a jerk," Rocky said to Ace, 
who was warming up next to him.
"He better not go near Sandy, "Ace growled.
"I agree with you there," Rocky said.
"Now, boys," Blazer said. "You'll get your piece of him during the fights."
"I already did a few years ago, "Rocky whispered to Ace.
     Ace laughed but stopped when he heard Shadow howl. This howl meant that the fights 
were about to begin. A silence fell over the wolves when Shadow began to speak. "My fellow 
wolves, whoever wins these fights automatically becomes leader, no questions asked. I will 
not fight, for I am too old. I will just step down to the winner."
     The wolves that were fighting nodded in agreement. "My oldest son, Blazer will start the 
fights. "Shadow said.
     Blazer walked out into the opening and barked a challenge to B.J.. As B.J. walked out, 
Ace said, "Good luck."
"You know what, Ace?" Rocky said, looking at Karak. "He reminds me of something."
"Now that you mention it, he does. "Ace said.
     They stared at Karak, ignoring the fights. Suddenly, Rocky gasped. "What?" Ace asked.
"He's the panther that attacked me!" Rocky said. "Fang probably told him to attack me!"
"We'll get him later, "Ace whispered. "Let's watch the fights so he doesn't get suspicious."
     They both turned there heads back to the fight to see B.J. get pinned by Blazer. B.J. 
limped back, while Blazer challenged Fang. Fang walked out coolly and took his position. 
Blazer, who was no match for the panther- like movements of Fang, lost immediately. Fang 
laughed to himself as his eyes swept over the two remaining wolves, Rocky and Ace. He
 laughed a little louder as he picked Rocky. As he walked out Fang said, "I'm going to tear 
you up so bad, it will make up for my ear and my parents."
"Gotta catch me first, Fang," Rocky growled.
     Fang lunged at Rocky, but Rocky jumped out of the way and leapt onto Fang's back, 
sinking his teeth into it. Fang threw him off and clawed Rocky's shoulder. "You planned 
that panther attack, didn't you?" Rocky said, dodging Fang's teeth.
"Yes I did, Rocky, and it almost worked, too," Fang growled.
"But if you did kill my dad, "Rocky said. "Blazer would have become the leader."
"My orders to him were simple, "Fang said, before leaping onto Rocky and biting his neck. 
"Kill everybody who was related to Shadow. Once that you and your family were dead, I'd 
move in and take over."
     Rocky pushed him off and leapt onto Fang and pinned him. Fang was afraid he'd lose and 
shouted, "Karak, help me!"
     Karak hesitated for a moment, but with a roar, pounced onto Rocky knocking him off of 
Fang. Karak started to laugh as he lifted his clawed paw, ready to bring it down onto Rocky. 
Suddenly, Stripes leapt out of the bushes and tackled Karak, sending them both flying away 
from Rocky. Taking advantage of the moment, Rocky rolled over and ran away from the 
fighting cats. Stripes lunged at Karak, and bit him on his bad leg. Karak roared in pain, then 
turned his head and bit Stripes on the back. Stripes wriggled free, turned around, and clawed 
Karak across the face, hitting an eye. Realizing he had just lost an eye, Karak ran into the 
jungle while he had the chance, leaving Fang alone. Stripes glared at Fang, who retreated 
to where he was sitting. Stripes snorted at Fang before walking over to Rocky and the group. 
"AHH! "Ace screamed. "Tiger!"
"After all these years you still give me a good greeting, Ace, "Stripes said, shaking his head, 
with a smile spreading across his face.
"Rocky, how does this- Stripes!" Ace shouted. "Is it really you?"
Stripes nodded before saying, "Are you all right, Rocky?"
     Still shaken up, Rocky just nodded a yes. Suddenly, Fang jumped onto Stripes's back and 
started to bite and claw it. The other wolves tried to help him, but they couldn't get past Stripes's 
swinging claws and flying teeth. Just then, another tiger jumped out, and with one swipe of her 
paw, sent Fang flying off of Stripes's back. She looked at the other wolves and bared her teeth. 
Afraid, Rocky and the others backed off. "No, they're okay, "Stripes said quickly.
     The tigress looked at him questioningly. "These are the wolves I told you about," Stripes 
said. "Everybody this is my girlfriend, Crystal."
"Hi," everybody said hesitantly.
"I'm sorry I scared you, "Crystal apologized. "I thought you were trying to get Stripes too."
"Hey, where's Corky?" Stripes asked. "I want to introduce Crystal."
     While they were telling Stripes and Crystal about the death of Corky, no one saw Fang slip 
into the jungle.
*               *               *
     Fang was limping through the jungle, not knowing where he was going. He sat down, taking a 
short rest. While he was resting he heard a deep voice. "You're going to be sorry, Fang. I lost an 
eye because of you!"
     Fang shivered when he recognized Karak's voice. Finally, Fang saw the panther coming out of 
the shadows. "Now, now, Karak. We'll get them back," Fang said.
"We?" Karak said. "I don't thing 'we'll' do anything."
"No, Karak! Keep away!" Fang shouted as the panther got closer.
     Fang limped away as fast as he could. He looked back and he didn't see the panther anywhere. 
He stopped, exhausted. He heard a branch snap and whirled around just in time to see Karak 
leaping out of the bushes towards him.
     Meanwhile, as Stripes, Crystal, and all the wolves were getting to know one another, they 
heard a scream being carried by the wind. "That was Fang," Sandy whispered.
"I bet Karak got a hold of him, "Rocky said.
     Everybody nodded their heads, agreeing with him. Shadow walked up to them and said, 
"Rocky, Ace, you two are the last ones left. You have to fight."
     Rocky and Ace looked at each other and sighed. "How would you two like to watch- Hey!" 
Rocky said as he turned. "They're gone!"
     The wolves looked around, but Stripes and Crystal, were gone.
     All the wolves gathered around for the last fight. Ace and Rocky looked at each other as 
friends for the last time. Finally, the fight began. Rocky growled at Ace and leapt onto his back. 
Ace rolled him off and bit Rocky's  neck. Rocky yelped and shook him off, then he tackled 
Ace and pinned him to the ground. But Ace wasn't about to give up. He swung his hind leg 
and tripped Rocky. Ace rolled over as Rocky fell, then he quickly got up and pinned Rocky. 
Rocky tried to get up, but it was hopeless. "I won!" Ace shouted. 
     All the wolves ran over to congratulate him. Rocky slowly got up, shook the dirt off him, sat 
down, and sighed. Ace looked over the heads of the wolves, looking for Rocky, finally 
spotting him sitting with his back turned towards him. Ace got away from everybody, walked 
over to Rocky, and sat down next to him. "You okay, Rocky?" Ace asked..
"Yeah, "Rocky said. "Man, I thought I won! Until I tasted dirt."
"You tried, Rocky, and that's what counts," Ace said. "And besides, I really thought you had me
 when you pinned me. Tripping you was an act of desperation."
"Really? Thanks Ace. Or is it 'sir' ?" Rocky said, doing a sarcastic bow.
"Aw, quit it!" Ace laughed, playfully pushing Rocky.
     They both walked back to the crowd of wolves, laughing. Ace walked to the middle of 
them and shouted, "Everybody, I have an announcement to make!" 
     Everybody hushed immediately and listened. Rocky pushed his way inward so he could 
see Ace. Ace walked over to Sandy and said, "Sandy, it would do me great honor, if you 
would marry me."
     Sandy's mouth formed a huge smile in surprise. Then she looked over at Rocky, who just 
smiled at her. "Yes!" Sandy shouted.
     The entire pack cheered as Sandy hugged Ace. Rocky walked over and hugged his little 
sister. "It couldn't have been a better wolf," he said.
"Thank you, "Sandy whispered as she hugged him again.
"Hey, congrats!" B.J. shouted to the couple.
     As Ace and B.J. walked away talking, Sandy looked at her big brother and said, "Thank 
you for understanding,"
"I realized that you weren't a puppy anymore, "Rocky said. "And that you were all grown up."
     The pack celebrated all that night, not just for the new leader, but for the marriage.
*               *               *
     Almost a year has passed, and the pack has prospered. Unfortunately though, Shadow has 
died, but he died peacefully of old age. But, the pack has grown. Rocky, Ace, and Sandy, all 
now full grown, walked out of the den to join the other wolves. When they got outside, Ace 
turned his head and said, "Tucker! Tracy! Don't you want to come out of the den? I thought 
you were excited to come out for the first time."
     Two little heads poked out from the hole. Slowly they crawled out and looked around. 
"Wow, "Tucker whispered. "HEY!"
     The wolves looked around to the little pups. Tracy had jumped on her brother to play fight. 
As the two were playing, Rocky heard a sound and said, "What's that?"
     They stopped and listened. Another branch snapped. Rocky and Ace leapt in front of the 
pups, ready to die protecting them if they had to. Suddenly, two little tiger cubs tumbled out 
of the bushes. Confused, the wolves watched the cubs. They smiled and laughed when Stripes 
and Crystal walked out into the clearing. Ace, Rocky, and Sandy walked over to the tigers, 
with Tucker and Tracy following cautiously behind them. "Hey, how are you guys doing?" 
Ace asked. "And who are these little ones?"
"This is Boomer, and this is Andrea," Crystal said.
"Mom!" Andrea said. "It's Buster!"
     The group of wolves looked at them questioningly. "Her brother called her that once and 
she liked it, she's a tom- boy," Stripes whispered.
"She gets mad when someone calls her by her real name, "Crystal added. "It's either Andi, 
or Buster."
"So, who are your little ones?" Stripes asked.
"Well, this is Tucker, and this is Tracy, "Ace said, looking at the pups hiding behind his legs. 
"Why don't you go play with the tigers?"
     The pups looked up at him and shook their heads no. So Ace pushed them over to were 
the cubs were sitting. "Dad, can we go home now?" Boomer asked.
     Stripes walked over to him and whispered, "No, son."
"When can we go?" Buster whined.
"Look, guys, your mom and I haven't seen our friends in a long time. So go play with Tucker 
and Tracy,"
     Boomer sat down and sulked. Tucker walked over and started check Boomer out. But 
Boomer just turned around and punched him in the face. They ended up in a big fight. But, 
luckily, Buster and Tracy got along very well. "Sorry about that," Stripes apologized.
"Why did you guys leave from the fight?" Rocky asked.
"Fight? Oh! That fight, "Stripes remembered. "When your tournament was going on, our cubs 
were only a few days old. I heard you guys howling about it so I went over to watch. When you 
were in trouble, I leaped out to help."
"We had to leave because we couldn't be away from the cubs for that long," Crystal said. "But 
we did hear who the winner was while you were howling."
"Hey, wait a moment, "Rocky said. "You told me that tiger dads don't stay with the mom or 
cubs that long."
"I just loved her so much I couldn't leave. I told myself after she gives birth, then I'll leave. 
But, with one look at those tiny faces, I decided I would stay. And besides I owe her my life. 
She's the one that taught me how to take care of myself after I left you guys."
"Hey!  It's Stripes and Crystal!" Someone shouted.
"Hi, B.J.! "Stripes yelled.
     They introduced B.J. and the pack to Boomer and Buster. Stripes, Crystal, Boomer 
(who finally made friends with Tucker), and Buster stayed in close relations with Ace's pack
 from then on. They were all treated equally as wolves and they lived happily from then and 
long after.
THE END
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