Amoux and Aurora: The Era of Wolves

Chapter 11: Hurt & Mind Games

In the forest, deep in the fog, Amoux was floating into the river unconscious as he ended up on shore. "Ugh." said Chris as he stood. He then looks up the ledge where he had fallen. He then gasped. "Carla. Luna!" said Chris as he tried to climb up the mountain but fell back down. "Crap! It's too steep. I gotta find another way up to get back to them." said Chris as he sheathed his axes and began his march into the woods. Meanwhile, back at the Sanctuary, Carla, Luna, Dire, Kate and Humphrey returned and saw the destruction that was caused by Death during his battle with Amoux. "Our home." said Dire as wolves walked around and picked up pieces from the ground. Luna couldn't bear to witness anymore as she sprinted into the den. "Luna." said Carla as she tried to call for her but Kate spoke. "Give her some time, Carla. She's been through a lot." she said as Carla sighed. Luna was in the den sitting in the corner in tears, overwhelmed with depression and guilt after what happened to her father. Then, Runt, Stinky and Claudette enter the den and approaches Luna. "Hey Luna, you okay?" asked Runt as Luna ignores him. Claudette then sat next to her. "Luna...sorry about what happened to your dad. But don't put so much guilt on your shoulders. It's not your fault that your father is gone. It was all the monster's. You were just making sure your dad was okay and that's fine. It shows how much you care about him. But us and everyone else believes he's still alive. Plus, you have a cool dad." said Claudette as Luna slowly looks at them. "Yeah! Your dad is awesome! That's why he's such a great leader!" said Stinky. "Plus, your like your father. Your strong, your capable of being a leader!" said Runt. Luna slowly smiled. "Besides, you have us! Your best friends!" said Claudette as they all hugged Luna as she slowly laughed. Little did they know, Carla was watching as she smiled, knowing her daughter is comforted by her best friends. "Excuse me, ma'am." said a wolf as Carla turns to the wolf. "What do we do now?" asked the wolf. Carla looks around and sees the wolves looking at her. Believing Amoux is still alive, she spoke. "Everyone! Keep your head up! We can't lose hope!" said Carla. "How? Amoux is gone. Without him, who's gonna protect us from Death? He could show up again for all we know." said another wolf. "I don't believe my husband is gone. He's alive and I know it. And if he were here, he wouldn't like this talk your giving yourself. He would want us all to keep fighting! Have faith in yourselves! We as a pack are strong!" said Carla as everyone wolf clammored in agreement as they howled in the air. Back with Amoux, he stumbles in the forest as he hears whispers. "Amoux...do you really think your immortal with your power? Thinking you don't have to worry about your life in danger?" said a voice. "Don't even think about playing mind games. Nothing won't stop me from getting back to my family." said Amoux. "Even the fact that I took your father after he died?" said the voice as Chris frozed. "What do you mean?" he asked. "Well...after your good friend wounded him and died in your arms? Well, I was there to witness his death and then when there was a chance he could live, I took it before it could happen. Your father thought he would be immortal with his power...but he was foolish to believe that and I felt nothing but disrespect! Now here you are, following the same path your father took. With his power and I decide to come fight you and take it myself. But not before I head to your home and kill your tribe and your family!!" roared the voice as Chris was in disbelief and shock as he ran from the forest. "Run along, Amoux! It's only getting more fun." said the voice as it laughs evilly in the back. Amoux stops at the river as he looks in the water. He then stops and takes off his mask as he puts it on the ground. He takes a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Dad...I don't know what to do. He is right. I don't think I'm worthy for this power." said Amoux as he slowly sheds tears. "Son." said a voice as Chris looks up and sees his father. "Dad." he said. "Chris...don't think like that. Death is playing mind games with you. You need to stand and show no fear." said Malcolm. "But how? I've done everything I can and I'm afraid I might suffer the same fate as you did." said Chris as Malcolm sighed. "Chris...when you were born, your mother and I saw a strong leader born inside you. It was the proudest day of my life. Whenever I trained you, you never stopped and never gave up. That is what makes you who you are. It shows others you are. You are the Mythic Wolf. Leader of the Nightwolf Tribe. A husband. A father. And most importantly...my son." said Malcolm as Chris slowly chuckled as he sheds happy tears. "I love you, Dad." he said. "I love you too, Chris." said Malcolm as Chris opens his eyes and slowly glares with a smile on his face. He puts on his mask as he heads back to the Sanctuary to reunite with his wife, his daughter and his tribe.