ONE

Chapter 15 Suddenly

      "CloudTail!" He yelled suddenly. The she-Wolf galloped in the room almost instantly. She bowed lightly. He snorted and rolled his eyes. "Is Michael paying you to mock me now?" Redeye asked.
      She stood back up. "Yes." She lowered her head. He sighed. "If I wasn't being treated so kindly I'd bite his tail." He announced to her soothingly. She looked up, as if imagining that perfect scene. Redeye laughed and strode over to her.
     He took a breath. "Hey, CloudTail, do you have any idea where Odey-" the clanging of the huge copper bell in the middle courtyard interrupted his question.
     Michael came flying down the hallway. He gathered his breath, and then exploded; "The Division of the Soaring Eagle is attacking full force." 
      A call sounded from down the hall. "THE ELVES!!!!" CloudTail glanced at Michael. "And some of the wolves from Sky's camp that escaped." He said grimly. CloudTail looked at Redeye, then raced out of the room.
      "All right. There's wolf armor in the basement." Michael growled. "Wait... What?" Redeye stammered. "I haven't fought a day in my life!" He rushed. Michael surveyed the scar raked over Redeye's back. "Somehow, I'm assuming you have."
      They galloped down the cobbled stairs into a cavernous storage room. "All right." Michael tossed him a clanking metal suit. Redeye squirmed into the chest plate and helmet, feeling clunky and odd. "Maybe I fought in my, er, past life. But definitely not with all this armor on." Redeye mumbled.
      "Michael and Redeye." The General regarded them hostilely. He shrugged his shoulders casually. "Ah, why not. Go make yourselves useful." He gave Redeye a small glare, like "You're still mine, now and always."
      "Who are we trying to kill again?" Redeye howled after Michael. "Whoever tries to kill you!" Michael yelled back, plunging into the fray. Redeye watched as a member of the General's house hold skirted around the hooves of a charger, being ridden by a silver haired elf.
     "IS THIS SAFE?!" Redeye screamed at Michael, who was barreling over a small gray wolf, who was yelping and clawing. But Michael was stronger. "Nope!" He barked happily. He raised a paw, preparing to club the small she-wolf over the head, until she twisted free and raced over to Redeye. He stiffened and looked down as she embraced him. "What the?!" He snarled, shaking her off. She looked extremely puzzled.
      Michael walked over. The she-wolf moved close to Redeye. "Stars Redeye hey! Could you help me?" Michael gave him a quizzical look. The thunder-cloud-grey she-wolf looked up into Redeye's eyes.

"Redeye?" She mewed.

He barked at her. She slowly backed away. "Redeye!" She yelled, talking over the clashes of metal against metal in the battle ahead.
     The dark grey wolf glanced from Michael to Redeye. "Is this some kind of game?" She yelled, the tension rising in her voice. "Are you going to dart between sides for the rest of your life?" Tears were spilling from her eyes now.
     "Do you know this wolf?" Michael asked tentatively. Redeye shook his head.
      Her face softened, but the ice was still in her eyes. "Redeye! Why are you here?" She raced towards him, and instinct took over.

He clawed her in the face.

     She stood in shock for a second, trickles of blood seeping from her wounds. Then she started to spin away, back into the battle, but a white-and-red furred wolf leapt in front of them. He was breathing heavy, and covered in claw marks.
     "What's your problem?" He hissed, shoving Redeye to the dirt. Redeye stared up at him, mortally confused.
      "The problem is, we're not on your side!" Michael snarled. "Are you expecting Redeye to greet your little she-friend with open paws?"
     "Oh now you're with Sky and the General. Since when? Oh, I know, since we've needed you back home the most!!!" The red tinted wolf howled venomously.
     And suddenly Redeye realized. Realized that these were his friends. Before his mind ran away.

"Take me with you."

He whispered.