Chapter One
Red Dolphin sat in the cave that the Soji Pack called their camp, watching as several wolves ran around, either playing, ordering other wolves around, or panicking about the upcoming meeting with the Posa Pack. You see, every New Moon the two packs, Soji Pack and Posa Pack, gather in a large cave around a huge rock that glows yellow in the pale starlight. They gather there and act as if they were great friends. This powers the forcefield around the island of Inflania. Theres a lot to go into but now is not the time. Beside Red Dolphin was another wolf, their fur identical to Red Dolphins. This was Sparrow Flight, Red Dolphins sister. On Sparrow Flights shoulder was a brown marking in the shape of a bird. This was where Sparrow Flight got her name; most wolves got a special marking on either their shoulder or on their forehead. Depending on what this marking looked like, they were named off its appearance. If a wolf didnt have a marking, then they were named after their appearance. The alpha of Soji Pack was named Stub Tail for his small, stubbed tail. There was also Obsidian who was named after his pitch-black fur. Red Dolphin was named for the red dolphin-like marking on her forehead. Lots of markings have special meanings, such as the dolphin means second chances and new life, birds mean graceful and entrancing, moons and stars meant insight and intelligence, and plants mean growth and healing. With a sigh, Red Dolphin stood, and Sparrow Flight looked up at her, her head tilted, but she didnt say anything. Sparrow Flight new that Red Dolphin got bored easily and today was a very boring day. Everything was the same as every day. Red Dolphin trotted towards a brown and white pup and stopped at his side. Hello, Thorn, Red Dolphin laughed as the pup jumped in surprise. How are you? Geez, Red, Thorn sighed. Do you always have to scare me like that? Yep, Red Dolphin puffed out her chest in pride and amusement. I like to do that a lot. But hey, if its the only way to get something entertaining around here then Ill do it. Thats your problem, Thorn shook his head. You need to, you know, go out more. Maybe I will! Red Dolphin snorted. A loud bark echoed through the cave and Red Dolphin looked up, expecting danger. But she saw a brown and gray wolf, White Fang, wagging her tail at the entrance to the cave. Several wolves padded up to her to see what was going on and, after she murmured something that Red Dolphin couldnt pick up, all the other wolves seemed excited. Finally, she came up to White Fang, listening to what she was saying. Its true! The brown and gray wolf said. The Ghost is back! Red Dolphin held in a gasp. The Ghost from the stories? She thought. The one that saves pups in danger? It couldnt be true, he had been gone for years! But Red Dolphin ran outside with the others, willing to see if they were joking or not. When she finally managed to squirm out of the cave, she saw a huge crowd gathering around a wolf who was laying on the ground, covering their ears with their paws. This commotion was obviously bothering him. With a huff of annoyance, Red Dolphin picked up a large stick and threw in in the crowd. She heard a yelp and the crowd backed up, wide enough for a wolf to walk through. Run! Red Dolphin yelled, and the wolf surrounded by all the other wolves darted, their tail tucked between their legs. The mob chased after them, screaming for them to come back. Red Dolphin followed in amusement. After racing for a while, Red Dolphin stopped. Something felt odd The mob had continued to run but she stayed back for now. Suddenly, she heard a whisper from the bushes. She looked at the bushes and got in a crouch, her hair rising. A snout peeked through the leaves and Red Dolphin backed up Heyfollow me, the snout said and disappeared. For a moment, Red Dolphin didnt move, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Then, after a sigh, she followed. At least this would make her day more interesting. After following the tail of the wolf that called her, she reached a small tunnel beside a large tree. The tunnel was almost completely hidden by fallen leaves and by the trees shadow. Sitting near the tunnel was a wolfs silhouette, dark in the huge trees shadow. She padded up to the wolf slowly, her head high and her fur bristled, trying to make her look big and tough. The figure had no expression as it dove into the tunnel. Red Dolphin followed, her tail swaying in excitement. She went down the dark roots of the tunnel, following the scent of the wolf. Soon the reached a large cave with a small spotlight shining down from a hole in the roof. The wolf sat in the light, their pelt now visible. It was a male wolf, his fur pale gray and white. Several battle scars were strewn across his body, one eye completely pale and blank. That eye must be blind, Red Dolphin thought. His other eye was a deep blue like a new puddle from fresh rain. Red Dolphin felt her face go hot; why was this wolf so attractive? Get a hold of yourself, she told herself. This wolf could be seriously dangerous. She thought of how mad Poppy Eyes would be when she got back. Well, if she got back. Red Dolphin shook those thoughts out of her head and stepped closer to the mysterious wolf, her ear flat against her head. Who are you? She barked, her fur standing on end. But the wolf didnt reply. His fur lie flat on his back. He looked up, his eyes shining in the ray of light. It was like he was trying to trick Red Dolphin to become hypnotized by his gorgeous eyes. Red Dolphin growled and bent down in a pouncing position, ready for any attack that the wolf may throw at him. The wolf stood, and Red Dolphin flinched, as if about to throw herself aside to dodge any attack. The wolf made no comment at her reaction, as if seeing her so tense was like seeing a wolf counting blades of grass. Dont be afraid young pup, he said in a calm voice. Dont call me a pup! Red Dolphin snapped back. Im hardly younger than you! The wolf just kept his emotionless stare and walked toward her, her tail swaying from side to side, the silky fur going dark in the shadows, but it still had a deep glowing sensation as though thousands of glowing flies had dug their way into his fur and made nests there. Red Dolphin bared her teeth, trying her best to hide her awe. Answer my question! She barked. Who are you? My name The wolf paused as if wondering if he should tell her. This just made Red Dolphin more anxious and upset that he wouldnt tell her. But, finally, he made up his mind. My name is Ghost. |
