Alone in a Busy World

Chapter Three

I sit with my back to the cave wall and extinguish my little flame, like Lupa told me to. Storm is sitting comfortably in my lap. I extend my mind to his, gingerly trying to communicate without startling him. The darkness surrounds me but I soon find his busy little mind.

Storm? Can I talk to you? I do not want to invade your space; I just want to have a friend to talk to. Storm?

His young voice soon replies, a loving and strong voice that lets me know that I'm not above him but that I'm not below him.

I'm not really meant to talk to you right now. You might be able to sense the elders gathering at the edge of the cave, my mother will be trying to search your mind in a minute. Don't panic though, I'll be helping you. I may be young but I can tell when someone's good enough to join the pack. If things turn nasty, I'll protect you.

As much as I adore Storm's courage I'm not totally convinced by the last part, but I withdraw my mind and sit in silence listening to the low growls and heavy breaths of what must be at least ten new wolves around me.

Extend your mind to the centre of the room young cub. I will now probe your mind and relay everything I find to the elders. Is there anything you wish to say before I start?

Other than the fact that I'm going to be laughed at for having a memory wipe and that I'm by myself and that I won't fit in, no, I don't really think I have anything to say. I just let my mind search its way towards the centre of the room.

I let my defences down and I black out as a cold force hits my mind. I become faintly aware of the searing light that searches through me. I can't move and I become paralysed by a fear of the unknown.

When I come to, I notice the cold force withdrawing slowly. I spring up and rush to bring my mind back to myself. I feel too exposed. Once I am back in one piece I open my eyes. Storm is sitting slightly taught in my lap and I panic that I've done something wrong. My panic consumes me; the idea of being tossed into a fight against so many wolves doesn't amuse me.

Storm, what's happening? Have I done something wrong? I don't want to be alone, not again...

The panic builds as I realise that Storm won't answer me. I hear a few growls around me. If ever there was a time in my life to feel claustrophobic, I do now. The sounds seem to grow louder until there's a deafening noise around me and everything seems to come closer. I don't feel safe until a slight whispering interrupts my thoughts.

I realise with a jolt that I was dreaming and I come to my senses again with Lupa calling to me.

Young cub, come to the centre of the room, there is no need to fear here. If the pack didn't like you they would not harm you.

I gently lift Storm off my lap and walk to what I feel is the centre of the room. Despite not being able to see, I can sense everything really well. I open my mind to allow the clamouring voices of each wolf to enter my head. I'm surprised to find the hush that suddenly spreads around the cavern. I sit cross legged and I sense Lupa standing in front of me.

Our foreheads touch, and in that brief moment I feel more peace than I ever have in my life. I feel a warmth rushing through my bones and when she draws away I realise I'm different, but I don't understand why - at least not for now.

Young cub you have been accepted by this pack, you are strong and willing to fight. You will now be known among our kind as Dragon Fear. You will strike fear in the hearts of your enemies.

The pack spoke in my mind as one, a powerful and authoritative tone held in each voice. I opened my eyes and noticed I could see even better now, I noticed shapes in the dark. Eyes were glinting at me and Lupa stood over me with Storm at her feet. Storm had a little silver choker at his feet with a wolf face merged with a dragon in the centre. There was also a long, black, pointed ring with a dragon wolf on it, curling up to the point of the ring.

I gingerly touch both items, and slowly put them on; I love it immediately despite the fact that I wouldn't usually wear jewellery. The pack was clearly pleased and I felt the room hum with happiness.

For the first time since I can remember, I went to sleep feeling loved and belonging somewhere. I knew I couldn't stay with the pack my whole life, I think the feeling was mutual, but if they ever needed help I wouldn't hesitate to aid them. I hope they would do likewise for me.