Rejected, Lost and Found (complete)

Chapter 25

The evening after the battle, we gathered the bodies. The rogues were all taken to the pit to be burned. We had members from the council, Elite Pack, Ravenclaw Pack, Bluemoon Pack, Silversmith Pack, and our pack, Moonscape Pack, gather at our memorial lake.

Councilman Sam walked to the podium and said, "Today, we are gathering for a somber memorial. We are here to say farewell to warriors from our region. No one has a greater love than to lay down one's life for one's pack and allies. These words were written by an unknown author. It is called In Your Honor

Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers,
You left behind your sisters and your brothers.
Leaving your beloved pups and mates,
You put on hold to defend this pack's estate.
On these grounds, you find yourself planted
To fight for those whose freedom you granted.
Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost
But you carried onward, no matter the cost.

Many horrors you had endured and seen.
Many faces had haunted your dreams.
You cheered as your enemies littered the ground;
You cried as your brothers fell all around.

When it was over, you all came back home,
Some were left with memories to face all alone;
Some found themselves in the company of friends
As their crosses cast shadows across the land.

Those who survived were forever scarred
Emotionally, physically, and permanently marred.
Those who did not now sleep eternally
On the ground, they had given their lives to keep free.

With a hand upon my heart, I feel pride and respect; my reverence is revealed
In the tears that now stream down my upturned face
As our flag waves above you, in her glory and grace.
Freedom was the gift that you unselfishly gave
Pain and death were the price that you ultimately paid.
Every day, I give my utmost admiration
To those who had fought to defend our pack nation."

Councilman Julie stood you and walked to the podium, "the bodies of those we lost have been placed on the raft. We bid farewell to you." Then, four wolves stepped forward and pushed the raft to the lake's center. "I will call out the names of whom we lost, and our guard will do a lone howl. When I have read off all 23 names, our archers will light their arrows and shoot them into the air.

She read off 19 names and then got to the last four names. "These next four names died while protecting the pups at the school. The enemy planted bombs at the school. These four grabbed the bombs and took off toward the lake to detonate away from the pack pups. They sacrificed their lives to save the future pack leaders and members. Starting this spring, there will be a $25,000 scholarship in each of their names. We have not worked out the criteria to earn it, but it will be announced soon." Many pack members and parents had tears running down their faces as the names were read.

Beta
Moonscape: Thomas Swift

Alpha
Moonscape: Alpha Jason

Elite
'A'- Aspen

Council
Councilman Carrol

When the last name was said, mournful howls were heard for miles. Once the howls quieted down, there were about 20 flaming arrows shot into the air that landed on a raft. We sat down and watched the raft burn into the night. When the raft sunk into the water, we all went off into the night to head to bed.

The following day, after breakfast, we gathered the pack and everyone else who was still there. Councilman Sam called out. "We are today officially passing the torches to the younger generation. I want to call forth...

    Liam and Ashley Shine from Moonscape Pack
                                                        & Bluemoon Pack
    John Smith from Silversmith Pack
    Quinn Branson  from  Ravenclaw Pack
    Elite Landon, Lindon, and London
    Jean and Jan Dillion from the council."

They all walk to the front and stand by Councilman Sam.  "Last night, the council got together with some alphas. We decided on the course of action needed to maintain the peace and stability with all that has happened in recent months. We felt for that to be established, we needed to appoint strong leaders. You are the chosen one we are going to confirm today." He says, and he looks at the ones he called up.

"With Councilman Carrol's passing, we now have an opening in the council. With his passing, even his mate has decided to step down. Will Jean and Dan Dillion please come here?  It was voted with 100% backing that you two will step into their spots as councilman and woman."

Jean and Dan stand there stunned, and Julie goes up to them and guides them by her mate. She smiles and says, "I think we witnessed the first time them being late and needing to be escorted somewhere." Many people laugh when they witness it. " Please stand by Sam, who has just stepped from the mic.

Then, 'A' steps toward the mic. "Hello, my name is Elite Atlas. With my brother's passing, I have decided to step down as Elite Alpha. I will be going to Bluemoon for now to assist with getting them in order. Your father knew my brother, and I were looking to step down." He was looking at Landon, Lindon, and London.  "We had talked about our retirement a few days ago,  and with his blessings, I am naming you as my replacements. Will you three please come and stand by me." He steps back and stands off to the side of Sam.

Luna Ruth then steps up to the mic, "We know that Liam was named as heir to my mate, and Luna Ashley was named acting alpha until Seth is considered old enough to take over Bluemoon. Will you two step up and stand by me."

Alpha Charlie then approaches the mic, "John, I have always been proud of you, my son.  I know you will be an awesome alpha to Silversmith Pack. Please come and stand by me." John went and stood by his dad.

Then Alpha Dave went to the mic.  "I have seen you grow from a pup to a man I am very proud of. I know it's been a hard road to get here, but I would like to ask you to come and stand by me."

Julie and Sam walked to the mic. Julie says, "Jean and Dan, you have proven your loyalty to the council for many years. Yesterday, we said goodbye to a dear council member. With his passing, his mate also has decided to step down. Today, we welcome two new ones.

They each reach forward and grab a wrist. Then, together, they said, "Trust, honesty, caring, inner strength is what makes a great leader. We pass onto you the integrity of Councilman Carrol and Councilwoman Mason." They bite into the wrists of Jean and Dan. Everyone feels the power flow, Jean and Dan. "Welcome to the werewolf council- councilman Dan and councilwoman Jean."

Jean and Dan walk over to the mic. Jean says, "Alphas, please, with your right hand, take your heir's wrist and place it by your mouth and say, 'From this day forth, I will be known as Elder Alpha, and you will be our pack's Alpha.' And then bite down to pass along the Alpha Power of many generations. Once again, you feel the power in the room increase. You see 'A' repeat it to each sister.

Dan then says, "Ashley, please step forward." She walks forward and stands by Dan. "Today, you have no alpha to bite and pass his ancestry on. Instead, we have this goblet that has your ex-mates blood. He listed you as his heir and guardian to his son. Do you accept this role as alpha until the time comes to pass it to his son?"

"Yes, I do."

Dan hands her the goblet, and she drinks the blood, and once again, you feel the power increase.

Sam moves to the group's center, "this past year, we have had many in the group feel lost, and through friendship, they have found a union until any werewolves union of the past.  The moon goddess has blessed each of these mated couples.  Through their commitment, the moon goddess has blessed each coupe, including you, Jean, and Dan, with a pup.

Every year, we will come together on this anniversary to celebrate this union, and I look forward to seeing you get closer and watching your pups grow. Now let us celebrate the new leadership and this friendship union that has been found."