Part 21

Two days later I find myself back in the village with the rest of my pack as well as Wolfie’s pack. We are helping the village finish the last of the repairs to building that were damaged during the attack. My strength has fully returned as my injuries have fully healed leaving only scars as a reminder of what I have suffered.

I am holding a support beam for the roof of a new house up while two men from the village are putting up pillars to hold its weight. It feels good to be able to be in my wolf form and to see the others able to be in their fur as well working side by side with the humans of the village. The tension of the past where we hid our natural forms to ease the fears of those we protected has all but disappeared.

As I stand there holding up the beam I look out towards what I can see of the village. Most of the damage from the attack has been repaired and new construction is everywhere. The physical scars on the village have almost been erased though the scars on its spirit will last much longer.

But instead of letting those scars form a black pit that ate at the inhabitants from within they have banded together and created a shining new future of cooperation and hope. For a moment I am reminded of my child hood and growing up in Atlantis where the sight of a human and a werewolf walking down the street in conversation was as normal as having breakfast in the morning.

At that moment while I am thinking of events so long in the past Jasper walks around the corner with one of the village elders beside him. They are deep in discussion as each points in turn to different buildings. I assume they are discussing the construction efforts going around and I can’t help but smile.

The two men that are putting up the pillars for the beam I am holding up finally get them secured and I am able to let go of it and relax my arms and back. Stepping back from where I was standing I turn and look at the progress we have made on the roof and smile at the men, “It’s really coming together now. I bet we get finished by sundown what do you think?” They both nod in agreement as they pass around a cup of water. I take a swig then excuse myself and head to the road where Jasper and the elder are walking by.

I wave to them as I say, “How is the rest of the reconstruction going?” The elder smiles up at me and I recognize him as Peter Mathews, a man I have known since he was a toddler. Peter holds out a hand which I shake in greeting as he says, “It is going well Seeker. Due in no small part to the help you and your pack has offered, as well as Alpha Steele’s pack.”

Letting go of his hand I say, “That’s good to hear, it is also good to see everyone getting along so well especially after what happened. I was afraid that the trust we had built over the years had been damaged beyond repair.”

He waves my concern away with his hand, “You don’t need to worry about that. There was a bit of tension at first, which was only to be expected. But since those who were behind the attack were exposed and everyone saw firsthand the real evil behind it they were able to overcome that tension. Of course seeing you defend us and nearly die not once but twice doing so really cemented the villages trust in you and your pack Seeker.”

I try to shrug off his words by saying, “I was only doing what comes natural to werewolves Peter. I was protecting my home, my family, and my friends and I consider many in this village to be in those categories.” At that he lets out a laugh that causes his rather large belly to shake, “Ha, I should hope so. After all you have known most all of us since we were in diapers. Some families you have known even longer. I know you may see yourself as separate from this village Seeker, but you are as much a part of it as any one of us could ever hope to be. Even if you don’t actually live in the village.”

I scratch the back of my head a bit trying to hide some of the emotions he has stirred in me. Before I can say anything he continues, “As for your fear of our trust in you and your kind being damaged, well I hate to burst your bubble my friend, but we are not that easily scared away and I for one know that I have never once had anything but the utmost respect for you and your pack for all you have done for this village. Even if most people never know about it.”

I smile down at him and say, “Thank you Peter that really does this old wolf good to hear.” He smiles and says, “It’s the truth Seeker, especially after what you did for me that day so long ago.” He looks me in the eye and I know that he is referring to the day when I saved his life when he was a young foolish kid roaming the woods.

The moment is broken when Jasper speaks up, “Sorry, but what did you do for Peter?” I look at jasper and let out a small laugh at the same time that Peter does as well and say, “Now you know how I feel all the time Peter, these youngsters always have a way of making us feel old don’t they always reminding us about things that happened before they were born.” Peter laughs and answers Jaspers question, “That would be before your time. Seeker saved me from being mauled by a bear when I was a young stupid kid. I owe him my life.”

Jasper looks at me with a bit of respect and admiration in his eyes, “It would seem that we all owe you more than we can repay.” I shrug off his statement saying, “You owe me nothing Jasper, you never have and never will.” He rolls his eyes as we go through a conversation we have had many times before, “We will never settle this will we?” I laugh, “Not if you and your brother keep trying to say you owe me.”

He looks me straight in the eyes and says in a voice that expresses his deep emotions about what I did for him and Rick though he will never voice them himself, “If it wasn’t for you Seeker, my brother and I would both be dead now and you know it. Don’t think that we will ever forget that.” I just pat him on the shoulder and smile while saying, “Well perhaps one day we will settle this to our mutual satisfaction.”

For a moment the three of us stand there in silence each thinking about how the others have impacted their lives when a voice comes from down the road getting louder as it approaches, “Isn’t that just typical. Leave you men unattended for a few moments and you stop working to start talking, and you say women like to gossip.” We turn as one and see Rosalie approaching at a brisk pace. As she gets closer she says, “There are still houses to be built, repairs to be made, and work that needs doing. What do I find when I go looking for a spare hammer but two wolves and a village elder standing around flapping their lips.”

Jasper and Peter try to look ashamed under her gaze but I just laugh saying, “Well I don’t know about these two but I just spent the better part of the morning holding a roof up.” She turns her gaze on me and if I wasn’t covered in fur I would get a chill. With irritation she says, “And what were you doing holding up a roof? It has barely been over a week since you were on your death bed and don’t give me that whole wolf healing bunk.”

For a moment we just stare at each other before she smiles and embraces me in a firm hug which I happily return. When she lets go of me she looks me over and says, “It is good to see you back to normal even if I think you should take it a bit easier for a while.” She turns on Peter and Jasper and asks, “What are you two doing then? Certainly not holding up any roofs.”

Peter tries to puff his chest up a bit as he stands a bit straighter under her gaze, “I was showing Jasper here our plans and current projects and asking his advice on prioritizing the work. He has a really good head for getting people working and on task to get things done fast and done right.” Rosalie huffs at him, “Well just don’t take too long watching others work before you pitch in and help.”

With that she turns and waves for me to follow, “Seeker can I have a moment of your time?” I nod to the other two as I they head off back down the street going back to their conversation from earlier.

I catch up with Rosalie and fall in step with her as we walk down the road with no clear destination in mind. After a few minutes she speaks up, “I have been giving some thought to what you offered me Seeker, about becoming a guardian like you and Shadow.” Her words catch me off guard for a moment before I ask, “Is there something you want to know?”

She nods, “There is a lot I want to know about it, but there will be a lot of time to learn that later. What I wanted to ask first though was about the change when I become a guardian.” I nod thinking I know where this is going. She continues, “I would ask Shadow how his change felt, but seeing as how he was unconscious at the time I doubt he remembers, and since you are the only other guardian around I figured I’d better ask you.”

We walk in silence for a few moments as I think back on a day that hasn’t been in my mind for a very long time. Remembering the day when I became a water guardian I try to put to words what I felt that day, “When I was given the gift and responsibility of being a guardian it was a bit of a celebration. There was all kinds of ceremony and celebrations that really had no importance beyond being tradition. It was one of the most exciting days of my life. I remember entering the water guardian’s temple and approaching the pedestal where the four masters stood waiting for me.”

“I remember my father being there with pride shining on his face as Master Nerine gave a speech about the water guardian’s role in Atlantian society and how each guardian had a role to serve. I don’t much remember it, she was a bit long winded when it came to speeches.” With that comment I feel a slight tingle in my tattoo and I know that remnants of the masters that I carry within me now are listening in. With a small smile I continue, “At the end of her speech all four masters placed a hand on my shoulders and I felt power and strength flow into my body. I remember looking down at myself and seeing my body grow before my eyes and feeling my limbs stretch as the gift of being a guardian coursed through my body.”

“After my body finished changing I felt a warm burning sensation on my wrist, kind of like when you touch a piece of metal that has been in the sun all day. When I looked down at it I saw the trident tattoo appearing on my wrist marking me as a guardian.” I hold my right wrist out so she can see it, “After that I remember a feeling of great energy and power for several days. Eventually it becomes a part of you and becomes normal.”

I look at her to see her looking down at the path in front of us. Her forehead is wrinkled as she is deep in thought. I raise an eyebrow and ask, “Does that answer your question any?” After a moment she looks up and I can see still more questions forming in her mind as she says, “I suppose that it will have to do for now. Is there anything that I need to do before I become a guardian and when do you think that we will be able to do it? I’m not getting any younger you know.”

I give a small chuckle and say, “There really isn’t anything you need to do to prepare. Though I would suggest that you get a good night’s sleep and avoid breakfast that day. I remember more than a few new guardians losing their meals after their change. As for when we can do it…” I look down the road and stand still for a moment thinking about creating another guardian when I hear muffled footsteps from a short distance away.

As though from a great distance I hear master Nerine’s voice say, “You know already how to create a guardian Seeker. It is your destiny and gift to the world.” A smile spreads across my face as I hear her words and I realize that I have known all along how to make other guardians like Shadow. I had seen it happen enough times in Atlantis and I had done it once myself.

I look down at Rosalie and say, “We can make you a guardian when you are ready, just say when.” She smiles up and asks, “Well if there are no special preparations we need to make how about today? I had a light breakfast this morning that has had plenty of time to settle and I am good to go for several more hours before getting tired. Both packs are already here as well as the rest of the village. May as well give them another reason to celebrate and getting a third guardian would go a long way to making everyone recover from the last couple weeks don’t you think?”

I scratch my chin as I think about her request for a moment before responding, “I really don’t see a problem with that at all. Though we will need to let everyone know so they can witness it.” She looks past me pointing and says, “Somehow I don’t think that will be a problem.” I turn to follow her gaze and see Luna, Tabatha, and Eve standing a few paces away all of them trying not to bounce where they stand as excitement shines on their face.

I roll my eyes and let out and exasperated sigh, “Oh very well go on. But don’t let me catch you snooping on other peoples conversations again. In a blur of fur they separate and take off in three directions to spread the news that a new guardian is on the way.

As soon as they are out of ear shot I laugh and turn to Rosalie who is looking at me with a knowing look on her face, “You knew they were there didn’t you?” I nod, “Yep, for a few minutes now.” A slow grin spreads on her aged face, “And you let them get away with it because you were going to use them to tell the others weren’t you.” I nod again this time with a smile as I say, “Well in three thousand years I have never seen better way of spreading news than those three.” She throws her head back and laughs before we turn and continue walking down the path chatting more about what it is like to be a guardian.

Soon villagers begin to seek us out and approach Rosalie asking her if it is true that she is going to become a guardian later that day. I choose that moment to excuse myself so she can talk with them while I go and find a place to relax a little before trying to turn her into a guardian.

I walk alone through the streets of the village with no real destination in mind as I allow my mind to wander freely for the first time in several days. Eventually I look up and realize that I have wandered into the town square. The site of my fight with the creature that was possessing Harandoom at the time and where Shadow became a guardian shortly after stepping in front of an attack meant to kill me.

Looking around I see that most signs of the fight have been erased by the repair work that is underway across the entire village. The one bit of damage that has been left untouched is the well in the center of town that I destroyed when I brought forth the water from deep within it to fight that evil creature.

The stones of the small well lay scattered around the ground around the hole leading deep into the earth. Stepping up to the hole I look down into its darkness where I can sense the flow of the underground water.

I don’t know how long I stand there looking down into that hole. I was suddenly brought back to the present by a voice from beside me, “The villagers have decided to have this well rebuilt in your honor. For saving us not only during this battle but for all the times you and your pack has stood as our protectors without us ever even knowing.”

I turn to see Peter standing beside me looking into the well himself. I look at him then back to the hole as I say, “That’s really not necessary. There isn’t a need to dedicate anything to me or my pack. We were just…” He cuts me off by saying, “You were just defending your home. Yes I know. But the thing is Seeker, you had been defending us for a long time before you ever had a pack and I know for a fact that you didn’t have any reason to do so then. I don’t know what kinds of dangers you have faced on our behalf before today and I may never know. Only you can answer that.”

His words ring in my ears. It’s true that I have protected this village and the whole valley from a wide variety of dangers over the last century. Though none of it came close to what had nearly destroyed it all not two weeks before.

He places a gentle hand on my arm and I turn to see him looking up at me with a smile, “We are not going to take a no on this, it has already been decided and a design is in the works for the new well. Not that anyone really uses it anymore since most everyone has indoor plumbing now.” I let out a laughing sigh of defeat, “Oh alright, since you will do it anyway. But I don’t want to see any fancy ugly thing, just something simple and functional. Sometimes I think the whole village is just as stubborn as Rosalie.”

Peter just laughs, “Well we do tend to have that little personality quirk don’t we.” We both stand there for a few minutes watching work on the nearby buildings begin to slow down and eventually stop as the news about Rosalie’s upcoming change rapidly spreads. Before long a group has begun to gather in the town square.

Looking around the square I see that tables have been set up with food on them, blankets have been set out on the ground for families to sit on, and people have begun to play yard games. But what strikes me most is the fact that there are wolves and humans mixed so well and getting along then something catches my eye.

A group of kids runs by chasing a ball but the most surprising thing is seeing the two werewolf cubs running with them laughing and playing. My jaw falls in surprise as I realize that there were kids in Wolfie’s pack that made the trip with them. So much had happened in the last few weeks that I had never noticed there were cubs around.

A voice steps sounds from beside me as Shadow speaks up, “It’s good to see cubs laughing and playing isn’t it.” I turn to him and say, “I didn’t realize there were any cubs in their pack.” He smirks, “Not surprising since their mothers arranged to keep them hidden with a caretaker at the edge of the valley when the attack was launched. Wolfie didn’t send for them until he was sure they would be safe here. You were still unconscious at the time and their mothers kept them out of the way while you were healing. Today is the first day they have been allowed out of their rooms.”

I smile as I watch the cubs and human kids kick the ball around. It has been a long time since I saw cubs just being cubs. For several long minutes we stand there watching the young friendships blossom as kids of both races who are innocent and free of the cares and worries that come from growing up run around and have fun in the bright afternoon.

Then Shadow says something that surprises me, “Have you ever thought about having or adopting your own children some day?” I look at with surprise as I realize that the thought had never really crossed my mind. I answer him saying, “I never really thought about it before actually. Why do ask?” He shrugs, “Oh no reason. I just get the feeling you would be a good dad is all.” I smile and say teasingly to him, “If I would be the dad what would that make you?”

He looks at me a moment with confusion written on his face. Then realization dawns on him and he almost cries out, “Oh there is no way they would call me mom, that’s so not happening.” I can’t help but burst out laughing as Rosalie walks up asking, “What’s so funny?”

Once my laughter is under control I say, “Shadow and I were just talking about the possibility of maybe adopting a cub or two one day. He doesn’t think he would be a good mom to them.” She looks him up and down with an appraising look then says in a sneaky voice, “Oh I don’t know. I think I can get a nice floral print apron in his size for him to wear.” Shadow just glares at the both of us causing us to burst into renewed fits of laughter.

With a snort he rolls his eyes and says, “If you two are through it looks as though everyone is gathered.” Looking around I see that he is right. Both packs are here as well as all of the villagers. I look down at Rosalie and ask, “Are you ready?” She nods and replies, “As ready as I’ll ever be I guess.” I pat her on the shoulder and step forward clearing my throat. In a short moment silence spreads through the entire gathering as all eyes turn to look at me.

After the complete silence falls I take a deep breath and begin talking, “Two weeks ago our three groups experienced one of the worst days of our lives. It was also a day that will change this village and the world as a whole. That day I was granted the ability to create new guardians of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Just like the ones that existed in my birth land Atlantis. On that day some of you even saw the birth of a new guardian.” I gesture behind me towards Shadow, “My mate Shadow became worthy of becoming the first Fire Guardian in over three thousand years.”

“Today we have asked you all here to be witness to the creation of another guardian. Many of us have known Rosalie for a very long time, some of us longer than she would have liked perhaps.” That earns a round of laughter as I feel her glare at the back of my head. I smile as I continue speaking, “Those of you that know her know how she has been a fierce friend, has a cool mind under pressure, and that her rage towards her enemies is worse than the fiercest storm. These qualities and her actions in her life have made Rosalie worthy of becoming the next guardian, a Guardian of Water.”

I make a half turn and gesture for Rosalie to step in front of me. When she is standing in front of me looking up at me I ask her, “Are you ready to take on the responsibilities and gifts of being a guardian Rosalie?” She stands up as straight as she can and looks me square in the eyes, “I am.”

Nodding I place a paw on each of her shoulders and concentrate on feeling the same thing I did when I turned Shadow into a guardian. Soon the familiar tingling sensation starts in my tattoo as it begins to glow a cool blue. The glow begins to spread up my arm until my entire body is glowing. As soon as the glow reaches my paws it moves to Rosalie’s body and begins to spread over her till she is radiating the same blue glow.

As we both stand there the glow fades from me but remains strong around Rosalie as she begins to change. Her skin smoothes as her youth is restored. Her grey hair darkens to the reddish brown from years past, though a touch of grey remains at the temples. She stands up taller and straighter as the effects of years sitting at a weaving loom and sewing machine vanish from her back and limbs. She holds up her hands and watches with awe as her skin tightens and regains the glow of someone half her biological age.

Soon the glow around her begins to recedes and focus on her wrist where a blue trident tattoo forms marking her as Guardian of Water. I smile down at my oldest friend as she looks up at me with an energy and vigor I haven’t seen in her in decades. I ask her, “Well, how do you feel.” She looks back down at her hand and clenches and unclenches them before she looks up and says in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, “Well it got rid of my arthritis so I guess that’s something.”

She looks up at me and winks causing me to shake my head laughing as everyone else around starts laughing at well. She may have regained her youth, but she hasn’t lost a bit of her personality or sense of humor.

A cheer goes around the crowd and I turn to address them again, “Today the world has seen the birth of a new Guardian. Do you all find her acceptable?” There is a thunderous cheer of approval from every man, woman, and wolf present. With that I take a step back and give her a nod before saying, “Now we celebrate, but tomorrow you and Shadow both begin your training.”

She looks from me to Shadow then back and says in her normal tone, “No one told me I would have to back to school.” Just then Aaron yells from where he has been standing next to Rick, “Hey we can be in the same class!” That gets a round of laughter from everyone including Shadow, Rosalie, and I.

After the laughing dies down and my adrenaline stops flowing a wave of fatigue washes over. I feel like I have been sparring with Rick for hours. My limbs are sore, I feel light headed, and I am very hungry all of a sudden.

The crowd is too focused on Rosalie’s transformation to notice me stumble back a step. Everyone except for Shadow that is. In an instant he is by my side offering his arm in support with a concerned look on his face asking, “Are you ok love?” I place a hand on his shoulder to steady myself as I respond with a tired smile, “I’m fine it just took a bit out of me is all. I will be ok in a bit just need to rest a few minutes and get a bite to eat.”

We make our way over to where Rick and Luna are relaxing under a tree. He is sitting on the ground leaning against the tree with Luna sitting in his lap. His arms are wrapped around her waist as she reclines against his chest.

I lean against the tree and lower myself to the ground with a tired sigh. Shadow sits down next to me leaning against me and asks with a worried voice, “Are you sure your ok love? You look really tired.” I nod giving him a tired grin, “I’m fine, it just took more out of me than I expected it to. I will be ok in a few minutes just need a bit of rest.”

Rick and Luna over hear our conversation and Rick asks, “Are you ok Alpha?” I let out a slightly annoyed sigh saying, “Yes I am fine. Making Rosalie a guardian just took a lot of energy.” Just then my stomach lets out a rumble. Trying to suppress a blush I say, “It also made me rather hungry.”

At that Luna disentangles herself from Ricks arms and gets up as she says, “Well I think that is a good enough reason to track down some food and from the smell of things there is more than enough floating around to feed a dozen packs.” Once she is on her feet she drags Rick to his and they set off in search of the nearest table of food.

I lean back against the tree and close my eyes as Shadow scoots closer to me and leans his head against my shoulder. For a few minutes we just sit there relaxing until Luna and Rick return with several plates loaded with food. I peek through a barely open eye to see what they have brought over and instantly my eyes go wide as my hunger takes full control of my mind.

I take one of the plates that Luna is holding out to me and Shadow and begin to eat ravenously ignoring the stares I get from the other three. I feel as though I have not eaten in days and in a few short minutes my plate has been emptied while the others have barely begun to eat. Setting my now very empty plate to the side I lean back against the tree with a satisfied sigh.

Rick looks at me in between bites and asks, “Were you hungry? I have never seen you eat that fast.” I cover my muzzle with a hand to try and hide belch as I say, “I haven’t been that hungry in a long time. Thanks for bringing it by the way Luna.” She just nods in between her own bites of a burger. It would seem that making others guardians takes a lot of energy to do.

I file away that bit of knowledge in my mind as I lean back against the tree shifting as I do so that I am as close to Shadow as I can get. Before long my eye lids grow heavy and slide shut as the warm afternoon air and sounds of laughter lull me into a light sleep.