Howl of an Owl

Chapter 11: A New Hope

Shadow flew after Phoenix as fast as his wings could go. She was swift on the snow, and she was graceful too. 

"Let me show you a few things." Phoenix began to teach him the ways of the wolves, and Shadow told her about his journey here.

Shadow flew side by side with Phoenix, the two creatures one. Feathers and fur, talons and claws, they were all the same. As Shadow flew next to Phoenix, he felt as if he was a wolf too, racing through the snow with powerful legs. His body may have been an owl's, but his spirit's was a wolf.

***

Maybe Shadow was bound to be with Phoenix. Maybe they were to grow old together. Maybe that was why Ruby sent him on this quest. He had finally found a best friend. Sure Loki and Yaya were his friends, and Idana, but Loki and Yaya had each other, and Idana, well. Idana liked to be alone. But Phoenix was different. She was kind and caring, and beautiful. He was bound to be her friend. 

Shadow couldn't imagine life living in that dark forest of ashes again with no family at all. Maybe he would stay here. Maybe he could stay with his friends forever. 

No, that can't be right. Destiny brought me here to do one thing: save the wolves. But maybe he could save them all. Maybe he could make them realize that fighting wasn't the only path. Maybe they could all live, together.

"Shadow, you look excited. Have you forgotten what we are here to do?" Idana appeared next to him on the tree branch.

"I was just thinking. Maybe the wolves don't have to fight. Maybe we could all just become friends!" Shadow hooted hopefully.

"I'm sorry Shadow, but life doesn't work that way. Everything can't go your way. These wolves are bound to be enemies forever. All the way to the end of time. Nothing can stay perfect forever." Idana said. Just then, a cry rang out from within the wolves. But it wasn't a wolf's cry. It was an owl's.