The Pack: Two Tales

Disclaimer: Don't own

Chapter 26

Zell's POV (at the clearing on the day of the new moon)

Tension was thick as the night of the new moon slowly approached. So, the pack has been rather subdued lately as we knew big things were up ahead.

After all that training, Axel was going to finally fight for Roxas' life in order to be his mate. Death was going to come to two of our pack members tonight. And to top it all off, we were all pretty sure Roxas got his heart broken and has been trying to recover from that.

I'm really worried about him. Riku said and I looked over at the black wolf.

I just worry that all of this is happening so fast, when does Roxas really get to have a break from it? After its all over? It seems kind of brutal... I thought and Riku nodded.

But that just seems like the cat way. It's all very fast and furious, you're either ready or you're not. Riku looked over to Kairi who was leaning against a boulder, her pregnant belly swollen and just about ready to burst.

I really wouldn't mind that! Kairi groaned, I'm tired of being pregnant...

I yipped before standing and trotting over to her. That's merely nature's way of telling you the baby is pretty much ready to come out, just a little more patience. I encouraged and pressed my nose to her baby bump.

Do you think Roxas' and Axel's courtship is going to affect me? Kairi asked, frustration passed.

Maybe, we are all connected. It might even help you, who knows. I replied.

I'm ready to reclaim my duties as child mentor. Riku said and I barked a laugh.

My mom always called you the baby-sitter, child mentor sounds way more dignified! Riku grunted in displeasure.

Well it's nice to know what your mother really thinks of me! Riku huffed.

I only ever referred to you as baby-sitter fondly, don't be offended. Cloud's voice chimed in as he entered the clearing.

Riku walked over to Cloud and head butted him gently, I forgive you only because I have a feeling I'm going to need an ally soon. Riku said.

Why's that? I wondered and my mother looked at Riku for the reply.

Well, some time ago I placed a bet with Roxas saying that if he could get Axel to fall in love with him I'd run through the thorn bush... Riku trailed off.

Well that's gonna suck... My mom responded sympathetically.

It's worse than that, Riku added. I also said that I'd take Xemnas down with me! Riku curled into himself in shame and I couldn't help but laugh.

Riku! I grinned.

That's so unlike you. Cloud said and Riku sighed.

I was feeling very confident, it seems... I switched to my human form and put an arm around Riku.

There's a small bright side to this. I said looking at my mom.

What could possibly be the bright side to this! Riku asked incredulously.

I snorted. Well, I didn't say it would be a small bright side for you, Riku. But it will be funny as hell to watch you try to get Xemnas through those bushes! I finished with a laugh and my mom sighed.

I think we'll all be just about ready to face anything after all of this is over. Cloud said, bringing the atmosphere back to seriousness.

I looked over to the other side of the clearing where I could hear my dad approaching. When he arrived, I waited for him to walk over to his mate and sit down before talking.

How's everyone over by the lake? I asked

Squall huffed before laying down to get comfortable. Doing the same thing you are, sitting and waiting for something we have little to no control over. I nuzzled him gently when I realized he was feeling a bit agitated about the situation.

Did you know about the bet? I asked my father with a smile.

When I first overheard Riku and Roxas having the conversation, I thought for sure it would never happen.

See, I wasn't the only one! Riku yelped and Cloud sent his eyes over to his mate.

You really didn't think that they would end up together? If there's anything I ever learned from modern television, it's that the most unlikely pair at first ALWAYS ends up together. My mother said and I nodded.

I mean, look at me and Tidus! I yipped.

But with Axel and Roxas it was different. They are pretty much matched at the same level in their own ways. They're catalysts, they like to get things started. And if you've ever watched the two individually, they are both really good at demanding attention without actually demanding it outwardly. I figured, if you put those two together in a small place, they would sooner get in a fist fight than make out... Well, now that you think about it... I laughed when my dad paused. I guess you're right. He acquiesced.

My mother must have sent him a loving feeling because Squall rumbled low in his throat before nuzzling Cloud gently.

I smiled and thought about Tidus. Any day now Kairi was going to have her baby and I was finally going to get to mate with him. I wondered then if this is the kind of feelings Axel was having at this very moment, knowing that sometime very soon someone you love was gonna be with you forever.

I think Axel's a little more terrified than you are, my love. My mother said and I nodded.

Do you think you could do it? I asked.

Kill Squall, I don't know. I guess it would depend on the context.

I mean if dad was a cat and had to be brought down first before you could become mates. I explained.

I'd do it somehow. But I would probably hate every second of it. Cloud answered and Squall rumbled again.

If it were me, I'd happily rip your throat out. My dad yipped and Cloud huffed with a tail swish.

Please, you'd cry like a little baby! Cloud countered.

Yeah... Squall agreed and I shook my head at them.

And then you'd never leave my side until I woke up again. My mother added and Riku gagged jokingly.

You two are just disgusting. Riku yipped.

I bet you Xemnas would find the strangest way possible to kill you! I yipped before pausing to think. Xemnas would throw you off a cliff or something.

Actually, I think I'd strangle him with my bare hands. Xemnas entered the conversation and we all were surprised we didn't notice him coming.

All this cat stuff is beginning to rub off on you. Riku said, giving his mate a fond look.

I'm just about ready to be done with this mating frenzy, in all honesty. He said and moved over to Kairi, who had begun to doze off at the beginning of the conversation.

It was at that moment that a painful churn of the stomach bubbled up inside of me.

Kairi opened her eyes with a groan. Oh god... she bellowed softly and I knew exactly what had begun.

Kairi! I trotted over to her to give her more support. That was a contraction! I think the baby's getting ready to come out! I said happily, even though the feeling in my abdomen was jarringly painful.

A brief second later Sora came running into the clearing looking like he was about to go nuts. I ran up to him and changed into human form.

"Sora, don't freak out. It was just a contraction and soon there's gonna be another one so just stay calm." I said and Sora took a breath before nodding.

But it seems so unfair for it to already be this painful! She's not even in real labor yet... Sora whimpered and I wrapped my arms around his massive head.

"Everything is going to be fine. We are ready for this baby, despite all he things that may or may not be against us," I looked over at Kairi. She looked like she was waiting for another wave of pain to crash over her. "Right Kairi?" I asked.

She groaned and looked over at us. You're damn right!

Sora shook off the rest of his nervousness for now and settled down next to his mate. Everyone slowly made their way back to the clearing to offer Kairi support as she got used to the rhythm of her first contractions.

After that, it seemed like time started to move even slower than it already was. Every minute waiting for another contraction felt like waiting an eternity.

Can I please be in labor now? Kairi asked the air, as through the wind might send her message to Mother Nature.

"We're going to have to move to the sacred spot for that. Shouldn't we move soon?" I asked and looked up when everyone's eyes were on me.

Zack spoke, Well, you're the Gamma, you tell us.

When my mother noticed the flash of confusion in my eyes, he changed into his human form and grabbed my shoulder. "Zack is trying to say that as Kairi's gamma you have to take the role of leader when it comes to the safety of her and her child. The child birthing stage is a gamma's biggest moment. So it's time for you to take the reigns and let us know what needs to be done," Cloud said. His encouraging and motherly smile filling me with confidence.

I took a deep breath.

"Okay, after Kairi's next contraction, which should be in about five minutes, we need to head over to the sacred place. Zack and Xigbar, I want you guys to go on ahead now and prepare the spot. Make sure there are enough soft leaves, we want Kairi to be as comfortable as possible," I ordered and Zack changed into his human form to salute me.

"Aye, aye, captain!" Zack exclaimed and Xigbar smiled after nodding in understanding.

As they ran off, I looked to the rest of my crew. "Once we get to the sacred spot, Sora can stay close by. But a want most of you guys to hang back. We don't want Kairi to feel crowded. So give her support from a safe distance away," I explained.

I think another contraction is coming... Kairi whined and I gave her belly a gentle stroke.

"Hang in there, okay? This is the home stretch," I said softly and took another breath when I did feel her pain starting to bubble up again.

The sacred spot is prepared for Kairi! We heard Zack's voice call.

"One more thing before we get ready to leave. Hayner, Dad, I want you guys to be runners. You guys are the fastest people here. If something happens where we get in a situation that calls for equipment or supplies that I don't have, but could get from the city. I'll need you two to be the one's to run the errands," I added.

They both grunted in agreement. I felt even more confidence when I felt my father's pride swell in his chest a moment.

I winced when Kairi's contractions returned full force. Kairi inhaled deeply before a whimper escaped.

"Kairi, it won't be any less painful, but if it hurts you can cry out. You're having a baby!" I said and I felt some of Kairi's relief as a long pain-filled yelp left her mouth.

"Remember to keep breathing," I said and we patiently waited for Kairi to ride out her contraction.

I want this to be over already! Kairi yelled when the pain tightened its grip on her body.

"Ride this one out, Kairi. Then we're heading to the sacred spot and getting this birthing party started, okay?" I said and Kairi growled.

I know it hurts, Kairi... Sora said in a gentle and calm voice.

I felt it immediately affect Kairi. She braced herself against the pain and took a deep breath through it.

"That's it, Kairi," I encouraged as her contraction slowly dissipated.

"Alright, Xemnas can you help support Kairi with Sora as we relocate?" I asked, and Xemnas moved to flank Kairi's other side as she stood.

The walk to the sacred spot was paced, but full of building anticipation. I looked to my runners. "Can you get me a bowl of warm water and some towels from my apartment? I leave the window open these days, so it won't be hard to climb up there and get in," I said and I watched Hayner zoom off towards the city.

"I'll make sure no one comes this way," My father said.

I looked up to the sky as the sun continued it's descent into night. It wouldn't be long before the sun disappeared and a moonless sky would blanket the forest in darkness. I began to wonder why Mother Nature would want Kairi to give birth on a night when she was at her weakest. I could only think that this was some sort of test. How could so many events be happening all at once? Fate had its hand in all of this, it was undeniable.

"Have you guys thought of a name for your baby?" I asked and Kairi nodded.

We've thought about it, but at the end of the day, we wanted to see if she would inspire us into giving her an different name. Kairi said.

"You know it's a girl?" I asked.

It has to be, if I don't make it through this, who's gonna continue our amazing pack lineage? Kairi joked but Sora frowned.

"Kai, you really shouldn't say something like that," Sora said and I slid down into the sacred spot to pet her head gently.

"Kairi, you are a badass wolf. We will make it through like we have always have, with you. We are here with you. Let us lend you our strength when things get tough, okay?" I asked and Sora rumbled low in his chest.

I just don't want to you rule out the possibility, okay? Kairi said, and I nodded.

Kairi smiled before another contraction took hold. Okay, something is happening here! She groaned loudly, and I understood.

This was the beginning of the beginning.

"Okay guys! Look sharp! By the end of tonight, Kairi will have given birth to new life in our pack!" I called out with a smile and I heard the other hoop and holler in excitement.

I'm ready! Kairi called and Sora sent her excited energy. Then I turned to Kairi, whose water had broken.

As the sun got lower and lower in the sky, Kairi's contractions got closer and closer together. Gathering in both intensity and pain. When the sun sunk below the sky Kairi bellowed as a huge contraction slammed into her.

I did my best to keep Kairi comfortable. But Sora was a true key in making Kairi fight through the worst part of her contractions.

Eventually it came to the point where Kairi needed to start pushing as the contraction came, but Kairi suddenly became uncooperative.

"Kairi, the baby needs to come out," I said firmly, knowing that she was in serious pain that she wouldn't release.

Something is wrong! She yelped and I closed my eyes to try and block out the distractions around me. There really was something deep inside that felt very off.

"Kairi, you need to push. You could hurt yourself and the baby," Sora added.

I can't! Kairi yelled and tried to stand. I snapped out of my thoughts and tried to hold Kairi down.

"Kairi, this is dangerous. I know it's scary, but you have to keep moving through this..." I trailed off and sighed.

It was Roxas.

He was dead.

And Axel was crumbling.

She can't come out at a time like this! I don't want her to come out in this darkness. It could hurt her! Kairi cried, hysteria creeping in.

"Kairi, if you try to keep her inside, you WILL hurt her!" I yelped patience waning.

Calm down, Zell. My mother's voice chimed and I took a breath.

"Kairi, you have to remember that Roxas will come back to us. You can't see this pain as your only reality. And remember that Axel will pass too. If you wait, it'll be too late. We need to push, Kairi, for the love of this pack, you need to push," I said calmly.

"Kairi, I'm here... I'll protect you and the baby from anything and everything," Sora whimpered and pressed his face in her fur. "Please, you need to push when the contraction comes." Sora begged.

I'm scared... Kairi whined, her body shaking.

"I know, and it hurts. But our pack is only at a temporary imbalance, this time tomorrow, all will be well again. Think about that," Sora said.

Sora, I love you. Kairi whimpered. I d-don't want to die. I'm not ready. Kairi cried.

"Kairi, you're NOT going to die," Sora growled.

"Kairi, it's coming. You have to push. If you fear for your life, you need to push!" I said.

Kairi whined, fear and sadness making pain sharp and merciless. S-Sora, don't go... Please d-don't leave me h-here... S-sora w-wake up... P-please, please, I need you! Kairi seemed to be blind with sorrow. It was as though she couldn't even remember where she was.

"Kairi, I'm right here!" Sora asserted passionately, tears in his eyes. And even with his voice right there for Kairi to hear, it was as though Kairi was somewhere else.

I think she's channeling Axel's emotions too much. It's taking her ability to think straight. My father's voice this time.

Kairi threw her head back as the contraction hit her. She screamed her pain in a way I had never heard before.

"Push!" I yelled and Sora grabbed Kairi's face before smacking her on the nose.

I was about to yell at Sora when Kairi's eyes cleared and she roared as instinct kicked in. She began to push.

"That's it, Kairi!" I yelled in encouragement.

"Come on, Kairi!" Sora urged.

Soon the baby was breaching and I did all that I could to keep her coming.

"You're almost there, Kairi!" I yelled.

Kairi yelled as she pushed her last push and the baby slipped into my arms.

I felt all of hearts swell as the little wolf pup mewed its first real breath of fresh air.

"You did it!" I yelped, disbelief and relief mixing together as tears came to my eyes.

Kairi was heaving breaths to calm herself. I placed her baby in front of her and I heard her whimper.

"That's your baby, Kairi!" I exclaimed.

"We made it, my love... I told you we would," Sora said and Kairi huffed as she cleaned her baby.

I did the most work... She mumbled before her eyes softened at the little wiggly puppy , eyes unopened and helpless. She's beautiful... She smiled.

Sora gave the pup a lick and rumbled in his throat. The puppy mewed in reply.

"Everyone can come back to see her, now!" I called and everyone slowly approached.

"I haven't seen a pup so small since the three of you were babies," Riku said, his eyes watering looking at the four of us, Kairi, Sora, the baby, and I, all together in that sacred place.

"It feels like yesterday..." Zack cried.

Xigbar put an arm around his mate. "Face it, we're getting old!"

If your mothers were here to see this... Xemnas said, his voice filled with both pride and sadness.

"So have you felt inspired to name her?" I asked.

Yuna. Kairi said and smiled.

"That is a befitting name for the next leader of this pack. It means night, but it also means bringer of peace," Xemnas explained and I sighed.

"On the darkest night of the lunar month, a peace bringer was born," I said and wrapped an arm around Sora and Kairi. "Well done, parents!" I said.

Sora pulled me into a fierce hug. "Thank you for keeping my mate and child safe," Sora said, the sincerity in his voice was hard to ignore.

I returned the hug with just as much emotion. Thank you for giving me he chance.

We separated and I looked at the family laying there. "We'll let you guys rest here. You should have some peace and quiet."

Everyone seemed to groan. "The baby just got here!" I said exasperatedly. "Give Yuna a break!"

Suddenly we all paused as real peace and happiness flooded our hearts.

"And that marks the end of our eventful spring," I said, knowing that Roxas and Axel were together and all was well again.

"Well almost..." Cloud said and nudged me towards the city.

I turned to my mother and my eyes widened when I realized what he was implying.

"Right now?" I asked.

"No time like the present, baby. You have given us your love unconditionally for this pregnancy, and now it's come to an end. Go and share your love with someone who had to wait his whole life so far for it," Cloud said and I hugged him with all my strength.

I felt arms wrap around me from behind and the love of my parents swept through me with a warmth unparalleled.

"Go get it on!" Zack yelled and yelped when he and Xigbar returned to their usual shenanigans.

My parents released me and gave me one last shove in the right direction.

"I'm off!" I giggled before running through the trees as fast as I could. I hopped the fence and ran, and ran until I reached the top of those stairs and saw the one barrier keeping me from the person I love.

"Tidus!" I yelped and grabbed the door knob. I yelped again with the knob turned without my help and the door swung open.

And there he was.

Tidus was standing in the doorway. His face relaxed with sleep. I felt myself flinch without realizing.

"Did I wake you up?" I asked sheepishly.

"Yeah, and just about gave me a heart attack too. Come here," Tidus said as he stretched his arms around me and pulled me close.

I closed my eyes and breathed him in. This man was my everything. Being here with him made me feel perfect, like I was right and good and nothing could shake me.

"I haven't seen you in a little bit. I just want to hold you for a second," he said, his voice still groggy and low from sleep.

"I'm not complaining though." I sighed and pressed closer to him. "I missed you," I said.

With a groan Tidus picked me up and pulled me out of the doorway. He then turned to kick the door shut. I giggled and wrapped my legs around him. "Carry me, slave!"

Tidus let go of me and I felt myself slipping down a bit, "Hey," I yelped. "Hold me!"

Tidus didn't return his hold, but instead made his way to the couch to sit. "What brings you here so late? Is everything okay?" Tidus asked, rubbing my back with a gentle hand.

"Yes, everything is great..." I trailed off, suddenly extremely distracted by the hand sliding up and down my back.

"I love that you are here, but don't you have duties back in the clearing?" He asked.

"No..." I said and felt my skin start to heat up. "I helped deliver a baby not too long ago," I said with a smile.

Tidus' eyes widened. "She had her baby?! Aww, I wanted to be there!" Tidus exclaimed.

"There was so much stuff going on that it would have been crazy. If you want we can see Kairi and her little Yuna tomorrow." I nuzzled my face in his neck. "But you know what it means if Kairi had her baby, right?" I asked, my breath hot and moist on his skin. I felt Tidus shudder before jolting up, holding me in his arms he swiftly moved to his bed and threw me on it.

Looks like he got the idea.

"It's time to make you my mate…" His voice dropped a few octaves and the sound sent messages straight to my groin.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" I asked, and Tidus pounced.

I'm gonna make a wolf out of him tonight.

A/N: Sorry no sexies, I didn't want to chapter to be so long. But I'm going to really try and keep my stories updated. So stay tuned for next time :)