Chapter Ten(10)-Consolations and Confrontations

Author's Note: Well people, I'm back again. A new bond begins to form between two pack members. Also, a conflict between two members is finally resolved. This story is nearing the climax that you've been waiting for, don't you worry. And lastly, please excuse me if this is a poor quality chapter. I'm just starting to write again. It should be somewhat longer than most of my other chapters. Anyway, please enjoy this chapter of La Resistance.

Alaskan Wilderness, Pack Den Site-19:46:07

It had been several hours now and the pack was up and about again. Graintok had decided to form two teams. One group of two would be assigned to scouting, while the other would be assigned for gathering food and any other valuable resources.

He approached Scarver and spoke. "Time for you to prove your worth brother." Scarver sighed. "Just hop to it. What would you have me do?" The alpha chuckled. "You will be hunting with Balto and Rhushnorick. I need you to acquire some food and a few things that we can use during our attack." His brother nodded and stood, not even wanting to argue at this point anymore.

Graintok approached Balto and Rhushnorick. "I require you two for a hunt with Scarver. He can fill you in on the small details. And Balto, don't argue with him anymore. It is not worth the trouble." Balto nodded. "What about the rest of you?" He smiled. "Don't worry. Everyone will have something to do. Samson, Armitognoc, Tamara, and myself will stand guard. Alex and your daughter will do a short scouting of the territory. You have no need to worry about her. Focus on your task at hand." Balto nodded, just wanting to do whatever he had to and get some rest. He had so much running through his mind and he just wanted to rest.

Balto and Rhushnorick approached Scarver. Rhushnorick spoke first. "Ok, what exactly are we doing, you fool?" Scarver smiled. "Well fool, we're about to go kill an animal and bring it back. The 'boss' also told us that we should gather anything of use. I have no idea what he's talking about, but let's get this done before the little bastard over here gets all bitchy." Balto growled. "I'm not in the mood, asshole." Scarver chuckled. "Not my problem. I'm only stating the obvious. Now shut up and start moving." The wolf-dog was becoming aggravated. "You're not the boss of me. So why don't you shut-" Rhushnorick interrupted. "How about both of you shut the fuck up and get moving?! We're all tired and want to get back here as soon as possible! So let's go!" He pushed Scarver forward about a foot or so. He did the same to Balto. They all began walking, keeping an eye out for any animals large enough for the pack.

Meanwhile…

Graintok approached Alex and Aleu, who were about to start talking. The alpha stopped any conversation about to start. "Well hello you two. I require something of both of you…" Aleu responded, "What is it?" He continued. "I need the both of you to run a quick scout about 1 kilometer around the territory. It shouldn't take long. Maybe Alex over here can teach you a thing or two, with you being so young and all." She smiled, but rolled her eyes playfully. Everyone except her pack still treated her like a kid sometimes. She nodded her head and turned to Alex, who did the same. "Good. You may leave now if you wish." The two stood and Graintok chuckled, before departing back towards his mate and lying down. Alex turned to Aleu. "Let's get going girl." He turned and began to walk into the dense forest, Aleu following close behind.

Balto, Rhushnorick, and Scarver

Scarver was on point with Balto and Rhushnorick behind him. He tried to ignore the annoying half-breed and focused on searching for animals. After a few minutes of walking, he picked up a scent. The scent was one of caribou.

The wolf sighed and turned to the others. "Well you two, I smell the same old thing. Caribou. And to be honest, after all these years of eating the same thing, caribou or hares, it's becoming sickening." Rhushnorick rolled his eyes. "Well what would you suggest that we eat? Grass, leaves, crickets? Oh, that's right. We don't fucking have any of that do we?!" His brother just stared at him. "Whatever. Half-breed, can you think of anything?" Balto growled lowly, but stopped himself. "There is always the possibility of fish or a bear cub, if you're stupid enough..."

Scarver smiled. "The thought of bear has always been appetizing..." Rhushnorick looked at him. "What the devil is wrong with you? You would be willing to try something that foolish? A thought that outrageous has never even crossed my mind! Killing a bear cub, sure. But eating one..." Scarver smiled deviously. "Then how about wolf-dog?" Balto growled loudly. Scarver only chuckled. "Oh relax old chap, I was just kidding. Besides, who would want to eat something as disgusting as you?" Balto only became angrier. "Shut it..."

The wolf laughed. "Or what? What could a scrawny half-breed like you actually do anyway?" Balto had reached the limit. He suddenly tackled Scarver and began to dig his claws into his chest. "I've had it with you!" He applied more force, almost piercing through the wolf's chest. Rhushnorick, completely surprised, took a moment to become fully aware of the situation.

After another few seconds, he pushed Balto off of Scarver. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Calm yourself Balto! This is not like you!" He helped his brother up. The wolf-dog growled again and faced Rhushnorick. "Who the hell are you to tell me what I'm like?! Up until a year ago, you knew nothing about me! I could be a killer for all you know!" The wolf had a response. "You don't have the appearance nor the stomach for it! However, you do have the heart to be a warrior! So use it correctly and not against family."

The three stood there, breathing heavily for a few seconds. Scarver broke the silence. "That thing...is not family.." Rhushnorick quickly prevented any further confrontation. "Shut the hell up. Balto, your actions were provoked. Just be sure to control them next time. Scarver, you're lucky Graintok is not accompanying us..." He pushed him forward again and gestured for Balto to follow. "We will settle for fish again I suppose..." The three began to walk in silence towards a small river in the middle of the forest.

Alex and Aleu

The duo had been walking for about five minutes now, and only encountered a lone hunter well away from the pack. They hadn't spoken much at all since either one's arrival. Aleu had figured that she should break the silence and begin to form the bond of friendship.

"So Alex, we haven't spoken much and I figured that we should at least get to know each other a bit. My name is Aleu, in case you didn't know that." Alex turned to the younger female and smiled slightly. "I knew that already. I would introduce myself, but you already know my name." She chuckled in response. "Yeah. So, if you don't mind me asking, where is your family?" He stared blankly ahead for a moment, but spoke soon after. "I'd rather not talk about them." She nodded her head. "Sorry."

He turned to her again. "Don't be. So, aside from your father, where's your family?" She smiled. "Well, they're all in Nome. Well, except for my brother Denali. I think he works the mail team in White Mountain or Fairbanks or something. My mother's name is Jenna. It feels good to at least talk about my family with someone." Alex tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Aleu sighed. "Well, my papa and mama aren't getting along right now. That's why he's here. I still don't know any details of what happened yet. He hasn't told me much. I just wish things could be alright between them again. I really want to see the rest of my family again..." A tear began to form within her left eye.

Alex sighed, not really knowing how to handle this situation. "Umm, I don't know what to say. I'm sorry and I feel bad about this situation. But, cheer up kid. Would you rather have them be separate right now or all of them be dead or fighting?" She wiped the tear away. "Well, when you put it like that, I'd rather have them like this. Thanks..." He smiled. "No problem. I was stating to think that I would have to drag you back to the pack with tears in your eyes." They both shared a laugh at the the thought.

After another three minutes of walking, they stopped again. Alex spoke. "Well, I guess that we are done now. We should head back." Aleu nodded. "Lead the way Alex." He smiled. "Follow me girl." They both chuckled and began to make their way back to the rest of the pack.

2 Minutes Earlier...

Rhushnorick and the other two had reached Snake River. Rhushnorick and Balto were more successful than Scarver. The latter became frustrated as every fish slipped through his jaws. "Damn it! How the hell do you catch one of these things?" Rhushnorick chuckled slightly. "And to think that you called Graintok and I helpless. Granted, he doesn't do much anymore. But, he has earned his rest. Hell, we all have." Scarver rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Can you just tell me how to catch one of these fish?" His brother's face returned to it's normal expression. "Sure. Approach the river for starters..."

The other wolf did as instructed and waited for the next order. "Alright, now lower your jaws just above the water and open your mouth. Wait until you see a group of fish approaching and lower your muzzle into the water. As they approach prepare to clamp your jaws around one. Wait until their abdomen is between your teeth, then clamp as hard as possible to cut into them." Scarver laughed. "You have been rather-" Rhushnorick cut him off. "Shut up and do it!" "Okay, okay..."

He did everything he was told and a moment later, a fish was in his jaws. He set it down beside the river and smiled. "I actually did it! I finally got one." He was smiling, feeling proud of himself. Rhushnorick was smiling as well. "You sure did, but you lost it." Scarver turned and faced the fish to see it flopping into the water. "Damn it!" Balto and Rhushnorick chuckled. Balto spoke. "Don't worry. There's always that one that gets away." Scarver chuckled as well. "I guess so..."

His brother spoke once again. "Well, we already have enough for all of us plus one more. Let's get ready to head back." The other two nodded and picked up the fish in their mouths. As they were all about to leave, a shot rang out across the forest.

As they turned around to see what was the source, Balto saw a sight that crushed his heart. Rosy's father had signed on with a group of 3 hunters that were about to go 'denning'. The other two noticed that Balto had a look of sadness on his face. Rhushnorick questioned him. "What is it?" He couldn't respond as another shot was fired, this one landing near the three. "Run goddamn it!" They all took off, running towards the pack and leaving the fish behind.

The four humans quickly got to their feet and chased after them, though they stopped after about half a mile, as to avoid going too deep into the woods. The canines had not stopped, as they neared the center of their territory. They began to slow to a jog, then a steady trot. The arrived 2 minutes later and sat down around the pile of wood.

Graintok turned to them. "Back so soon? Where is your catch? What happened? Why are-" Balto became annoyed by his questions. "Can you give us a fucking minute before you start bombarding us with questions?!" He stepped back, surprised by the wolf-dog's outburst. "My apologies, Balto." He sat down and waited until he and the others were ready to explain.

Scarver chuckled. "Someone finally managed to put you in silent mode, eh Graintok?" Samson smiled and Rhushnorick chuckled. Even Tamara giggled a little. The wolf that he had addressed growled lowly. "Whatever..."

A moment after Graintok finished, Aleu and Alex walked in, opposite the side the other three had came. They sat down next to the others and their leader turned to them. "Ah, how was your scout?" Aleu smiled and turned to him. "Great! We only encountered one human, and they were well enough away from the pack. Alex and I talked a bit and we-" Graintok interrupted her. "Sorry Aleu, but I only care about the important part."

Alex spoke up. "Hey, if she wants to tell you something listen to her." The older wolf scoffed. "Excuse me Alex?" Rhushnorick stepped in as well. "Graintok, he has a point. Let her speak of what she feels." Armitognoc and Tamara nodded in agreement. Balto was happy that they were standing up for his daughter. She actually blushed a bit due to all of the attention and concern over her. That's not saying she didn't like it though.

Graintok sighed. "Fine...sorry." He motioned for her to continue. Aleu smiled at this and began to speak again. "As I was saying, Alex and I talked a bit and we started to form a friendship. So, yeah. That's pretty much it. Sorry about making it seem like something big." Tamara smiled and approached Aleu. "Young one, everything that you have to say holds no lesser value than our words. We are all one pack, and one family." The younger female smiled. "Thanks." Tamara simply nodded before sitting down again and going silent.

The leader then turned back to Balto. "So, about that hunt..." The wolf-dog nodded. "Right. Well, we were about to hunt for caribou when we...umm." Graintok tilted his head. "What?" Rhushnorick stepped in. "What he's trying to say is that he and Scarver got into a confrontation which was resolved rather quickly. After straightening them out, I began to lead them to a river in the forest to catch fish again. After teaching our helpless brother how to fish and we had enough, we were about to head back with our catch. As soon as we turned to leave a shot rang out in the air and we noticed four hunters. Balto froze up about something, but after another shot was fired we didn't hesitate to run. We left the fish on accident so...sorry guys."

They all sighed. Graintok spoke again. "Oh well. What were hunters doing that deep anyway?" His brother responded. "I don't know, but they chased us for half a mile." This made the leader all the more suspicious. "They must have been denning," said Balto. They all turned to him, except Scarver. He knew of this process, and way more so than Balto.

He spoke now, as Balto froze up. "Denning is what the humans do to wolves. They see us as a threat, so they try to kill off entire packs. Even if we had pups they wouldn't hesitate to kill them as well. I should know, as I have helped them do it." Graintok immediately pinned him. "What?! You helped those vile humans kill your own kind?! What the hell is wrong with you?! I should spill your guts right now! You...traitor!"

Scarver spoke again. "At the time when I killed our father I hadn't been denning yet, but soon after the humans allowed me to go with them. And they all happened to be our old enemies. Now get the hell off of me!" He pushed his brother off and they both stood up. Graintok growled. "You killed your own father along with several other wolves of your family!" The other rolled his eyes. "Our father was a tyrant! Whatever didn't go his way, he'd fix on his own! Mother didn't have a say even when she was alive! He always only listened to you. He didn't care about me or Samson as much as he did you and Rhush. Every time when I tried to say something...he turned away! He ignored me and when I tried to help he pushed me away. I...why did you have to be the favorite?! He...he never...I just wish..."

He stopped, as he fell into a fit of tears. For the first time ever, he had let all of his anger and sadness out. Everyone, especially Graintok, Samson, and Rhushnorick, just stared on in shock. Graintok and Rhushnorick couldn't believe what their brother had just told them. They never even realized until now that they were the favorites. Aurora was the most looked after among them because she was the only female. But, they were the two favorite brothers. They felt horrible now for everything that they had said about their brothers being stupid, worthless traitors.

Samson was surprised to see his brother confess all of his feelings of the past. But, he felt just as sad, and soon tears fell from his eyes, but in lesser quantity. Tamara was completely surprised. Even though they were in the same pack before, she had never noticed the difference. The others felt somewhat sad, but somewhat awkward for the sudden change in atmosphere.

After about 2 more minutes, Scarver finally stopped crying. What happened next, surprised everyone. Graintok approached his brother and pulled him in for a tight hug. "I'm so sorry brother. I hadn't even noticed..." Scarver pulled him in tighter for a moment, letting the last few tears go. They finally let each other go. "Do you feel better now," asked Graintok. Scarver nodded. "Yeah...thanks. I...I'm sorry for just up and leaving the pack all that time ago. And, even though it doesn't mean much, sorry for killing our dad."

Rhushnorick approached as well. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself and live for today. We can put that behind us, wipe the slate clean." Scarver looked up. "Really?" He nodded. "Really my brother. Family again?" He extended his paw. Scarver smiled and met it with his own paw and shook. "Family." They then released each other's paw.

Armitognoc suddenly spoke. "Not to interrupt a family moment but, what are we gonna eat?" Everyone began to laugh, except for Samson of course. He smiled, being he couldn't laugh. Balto replied, "Well we're going to have to eat rocks for now...unless you want bear." Everyone stopped laughing. After a few seconds, Scarver and Rhushnorick laughed, remembering what happened earlier. Everyone else joined them out of instinct.

After about another five minutes of talking amongst each other they all said their goodnights and went to their sleeping spots. Balto slept outside and Scarver slept only five feet away. Inside the den Aleu slept a few inches away from Alex, being the space was small anyway. That night, they all had smiles on their faces as they drifted off to sleep and entered the realm of dreams.

A/N: Well here's the full chapter. It looks like everyone is finally getting along. The new bonds of trust and friendship will be tested over the next few chapters, as they prepare to plan for the assault on Nome. Anyway, I hoped that you enjoyed this chapter. Until next time.

-Whiskey