A Tale of Two Races: The Lone Wolf's Quest

by Armored Siege

Chapter 2- The Encounter

Previous Chapter

1st Person P.O.V.

The sun had just shone over the horizon as the morning dew slowly dripped from my den's entrance. The cold yet warm air had greeted me as the chirps of birds and the sound of cicadas echoed along the trees. I stretched my limbs as the cracks of my joints echoed about in my little house which consists of hay for bed and rocks and twigs for a fire place or a kitchen. Utensils and other equipment are stored at the other side of the room. Basically, my dim house can only fit at least 10 fully- grown wolves which I'm not practically proud of. I walked slowly towards the entrance as I placed the cloak around me to cover up my head and body. I greeted the outside with a deep breath and a good morning as I once again caught the light breeze of wind. To finally end my wake- up routine, I began to jump from tree to tree, trying to balance of myself, sideways, as I travel through the forest. Speed, Agility and Reaction Time is needed in order for me to carefully yet gracefully jump from tree to tree.  After seeing a clearing nearing, I jumped off of the tree and sprinted. The plane was treeless and it's a cliff overlooking the ruins where the Fallen Shadows reside.The breeze was faster and stronger this time that my cloak almost got off. My jet black fur bristled from the wind as my teal- blue eyes scoured through the land. Cubs are up and early, playing games before school starts while the grown- up wolves hunts for breakfast.

Apparently, I have been banished by this pack since long ago due to my pony blood and it's not actually the most pleasant for me. My ancestors consists of a wolf and a wolf or a pony and a pony yet my parents are both a wolf and a pony. However, I worked hard to regain some of the respect of these wolves as I had earned the title or the nickname of "Zero". I do hard errands and sometimes, I'm a one- wolf search party for Prince Bothynus' missing wolves within the forest. In return, I'd get to have a nice pay which I could use in buying essentials. And because of my mission last week of searching Fang in the forest.... again, my cloak had been tattered. So, I actually need to go down there and buy one. Though, I'm still banished, I would only howl to them and my order will be given. Because of my usual day to day missions, it's kinda usual for me to ask for a cloak. They don't find it hard, though, and I don't want to explain on how this howling business even happened.

I howled from the top of my lungs, as the beautiful tune echoed throughout the forest too. I have seen some wolves and cubs( or puppies if you prefer to call them) looking at me. Then, a much higher tune of a howl was heard from the distance signifying agreement. Often, these orders are given to me here so, I would usually just take in the breath taking view of the ruins. They were at peace and just chillin' out 'till I saw two running wolves who just entered the city of ours and seemed to look... lost. Or were they finding something? After awhile, I saw clearly who they were. It's Craw and his wife, Milla. I also saw that wolves just tried to ignore them but I chose to sigh and try to relax for my few moments of silence. Apparently, I'll be the target of them to find their little son who's probably missing, again. Fang usually just runs off to someplace then, he would be found by me in some dangerous place then he would beg his parents to let him stay at my house. Sigh, and I have to deal with this for as long as I still care.

It only takes a couple of minutes to be able to climb up to my little "Hill" which is actually this cliff. I just lay there, still as a log even if I had felt the two wolves' presence. A wolf with a fur of grey and an underbelly of white is Craw while Milla's fur is pure golden brown with maroon ends. These two wolves were the first ones to accept me of who I am and apparently, the were almost like my parents which I didn't have.

"Zero!" I heard Craw shout, his expression looked worried. Milla, on the other hand, was carrying a black sheet of cloth with an underside of red. Looks like my cloak arrived.

I got up as I saw the two pant heavily. "I know, I know... I'll look for him, no worries." I smiled.

When Milla regained a bit, she steadily moved forward, giving me my newly- made cloak. Her blue eyes begged me as she remained speechless. Craw thanked me in between pants. I took off my tattered garment and laid it down on the soft grass. Putting on my new one, it feels comfortable and light. The comfortable attire made me feel quite energized as the fabric lay down perfectly on my skin, covering my body. I placed the hood on my head as my two ears popped out of the holes. I turned to them, saying "Please stay here. I'll look for your son."

Both nodded in reply as I took off. Looking everywhere, I searched to his most favorite place to go... my den. When I arrived, nopony was there. I looked at the other parts of the forest, crossing my claws mentally as I sprinted. Oh, I just wish he didn't anger the Hydra... again. That kid is really a pain in the flank but hey, he's nice to be with. I then remembered my secret place. I had told Fang about it and he just can't stop squeeing after that. But of course, it's a secret. I made him pledge and he won't be happy if word goes out.

Approaching the vine- covered rock, I went straight ahead knowing that there's a hole in there. I tried to snatch a sniff to at least know where he went. I then saw him playing at the small pond that was as big as my humble den. He swung from the vine and dropped to the waters, soaking me. I shook the water out of my fur as I glared at the grey cub as he swam happily. I sighed deeply and smiled. I just can't stay mad with Fang that long. I mean, anywolf couldn't resist the small furball. I chuckled at the thought and walked towards the pond.

"Zero! Hey, I didn't see you there!" Fang chuckled as he freely swam towards me. When he came out, I head locked the little cub.

"You little twerp. Who said that you could just run off without telling your parents?" I laughed while roughly ruffling his head.

"Oh come on, Zero. You know how I hate being in school." The cub grumbled at the thought, making me laugh harder.

"Well, how about this, after your school, come to my house. I'm sure your parents would allow you, that is, if you don't get lost." I grinned, releasing him from the head lock.

"I know how to find my way, Zero. I know that you know." The cub pouted.

"I know, I know. Now, let's get you to your parents." I picked him up to his nape and walked away from the pool.

"Hey! Cut it out, Zero! I'm not a cub anymore! Don't just randomly pick me up like a little pup." He struggled.

"Oh I won't let you get away again." I scolded. The cub crossed his fore legs and replied with a "Hmph."

I picked up the pace and ran slower than my usual speed in order to be safe. When arriving at the cliff, I saw Craw and Milla growling at a rock. When curiosity got the best of me, I ran towards them, Fang still hanging from my mouth. When I was close, I saw a pony. Then in another closer look, I saw that they were six. The ponies cowered and seemed to sink down from the grass, ears flat on their head. They held tightly on to each other and they shivered from fright. Though, one of them had her wings wide open and her face forming a snarl. I emerged from the dark forest and put down Fang.

"A PONY!" He gasped and looked at me, "Are they your relatives?"

I didn't reply as Craw and Milla softened their looks at the sound of Fang's voice and in my presence. "Don't worry, guys." The six ponies shot their head to look at me. "I'll be dealing with this."

Both grown ups backed away from the six as Craw seemed to sigh as his face returned to it's normal, calm face but a hint of irritated look still hovers. "Remember, Zero. You had sworn loyalty to the Prince. You better not be letting THESE ponies in invading our ONLY territory."

"I assure you, Craw." I replied.

Fang ran to Craw and Milla, with a huge smile on his face as he shouted, "Mom! Dad!"

"Thank you for finding our little cub, Zero." Milla smiled at me as Craw ruffled Fang's hair. He looked at me and said, "Hey, since I trust you, pal. Why not let Fang join you? for experience, that is."

I smiled, "Why not?"

I looked at the six ponies who are backed away from a rock. The five gasped and shivered more horrible than how they reacted with the couple. But still, the cyan pony seemed to be brave enough to hold her confidence level in front of their mortal enemy. "Now, down to business..."

The five gasped once again with mouth wide opened and eyes reflecting fear. So... these are my other half...