When personalities collide

[amchentai]

"NOTHING!!??" Kaleb had been here for hours, and the damn loser hadn't even taken the trash out or anything else. Kaleb laid down under a tree, it had been a long time and pacing back and forth had only severed to make a circle in the dirt near by.

Then a Howl, one that Kaleb's ears picked up with out much of a problem at all, he bolted up, and looked down at the house. "No... Not him... But who?!" He sniffed the air, something wasn't right, he looked down once again at the house, before bolting back to his truck. On his way he heard another howl, this one different from the first. He changed back just as he got to his truck, and threw open the passenger side door and rushed to put fresh clothes on.

After he dressed he saw their was a voice mail on his cell phone, and he quickly checked it "Kaleb...answer your damned phone. Something is wrong." was all Mr. Whitehorse had said, and with that he climbed into his truck and floored it back to see what was going on.

It took no more then 10 minutes to get back there at this time of night, and he jumped out of his truck the moment he pulled up the dirt drive way of Mr. Whitehorse's cabin. He rushed to the front door and started to pound on it. "Mr. Whitehorse!! Answer the door damnit! What's going on?!" He yelled as he continued to rap on the door.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki fought the darkness that threatened to claim her through each ragged breath. Her chest felt as if she couldnt get enough air,her leg hurts teribly. Shifting until she could get a look at it,she was glad it was not broken. The gash went from knee to ankle and her ankle was swollen slightly. Just a sprain She told herself. She knew she had to get home,but she had no energy,breathing was hard enough at the moment. She heard voices and tried calling out but it only came out as a wheeze. She dropped her head back onto the muddy embankment and closed her eyes,hopfully someone would find her soon. She just hoped it wasnt the large wolf she had met a few minutes ago.


****

John Whitehorse exited the forest at Kalebs call. He was frantic,out of breath. He approached Kaleb,who had never seen his mentor this aggitated. "Kaleb...She's out ..there."He rasped out looking back to the woods. "There is another after her...Stronger."John Whitehorse looked at Kaleb. "Find her...Please."He said quietly to him.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb rolled her eyes and bolted towards the forest. "You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!?" He yelled as he took off. Making straight for the tree he stayed in human form for the moment, keep it as a trump card if he should meet this other wolf. But he couldn't find her if he did, so although a lot more reckless he shifted and stopped to sniff the air. Quickly picking up the sent of Nikki he bolted off to find her.

He could smell the other one, he was near by but he knew Nikki's sent so much better. It didn't take Kaleb more then a few minutes to find Nikki at the bottom of the ravine and changed back into his human form and kneeled next to her. "Nikki!... Nikki are you alright?..." He asked, looking her over and saw the gash in her leg. "Shit! She's bleeding...... The other wolf will be here sooner rather then later... shit shit SHIT SHITSHITSHIT!" He knew it wasn't a good idea, but from the warning Mr. Whitehorse told him he had no other choice. He carefully pick Nikki up and for the lake. The lake was closer to the training ground and also he needed the first aid kit there, and it was shorter to the lake then back to the cabin, and with big ugly hot on the trail he couldn't make it back with Nikki. "Just hang on Nikki... I'll put that bastard down no matter how strong he is.." He said as they made their way towards the lake.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki faintly heard kaleb's voice. Was she dreaming? SHe struggled to open her eyes and saw his profile over her as he carried her. She felt as if someone was sitting on her chest. Each step felt like lightning tearing through her body. She heard a faint howl in the distance and stiffened in Kalebs arms. Her eyes moving to try and focus on the woods around them,they were heading towards the lake. Her breathing sounded like someone who was in the middle of an asthma attack from the broken rib. With her luck it had hit her lung.

*********
John White horse watched as Kaleb took off into the woods. He knew he would find her but would he find her in time? Kaleb and all the other shifters knew that if they were in human form when hurt they could shift to heal faster. It didnt make them immortal but just that they healed almost 100% faster than in human form. Some thing kept them from changing ,silver shackles or in a females case pregnancy. They could be killed in either form. He wandered back across the porch as he heard the faint howl. it was faint indicating it was leavig..for now. Who was it he wondered,he did know if they knew about Nikki they would be back. It was time for Kaleb to ake her away to the high mountains and help her deal with her heritage. He hoped they would return soon so he could get them to the secret cabin safetly.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb heard the howl and signed as he rushed through towards the lake with Nikki in his arms. Once he knew it was leaving he changed from heading to the lake back to Mr. Whitehorse's cabin, a first aid kit was nice and all but Mr. Whitehorse would know how better to address the wound and if she needed to be taken the the hospital or not.

He knew Nikki was in pain and told her to hold on as he cleared the tree line and made for the Cabin and saw Mr. Whitehorse on the porch. They didn't say anything and they took Nikki inside. Once he lay her down on her bed Kaleb left to let Mr. Whitehorse treat her.

He made his way to his truck packed out front in the driveway and changed into some extra clothes he keeps in the truck, although many more shifts tonight would be he'd be out of clothes in his truck soon. "Who the hell was it... Who had attacked... Was a all out war between tribes about to take place?" He thought about these and other question, and would demand some answers as soon as Mr. Whitehorse came out from treating Nikki.

 

[babygurll1968]

John Whitehorse wrapped Nikkis ribs and then frowned at the gahs on her calf. He cleaned it and while she was still unconcious he quickly stitched it up loosely. He made sure she was comfortable and no fever before turning down the lights and walking back out side. He saw Kaleb at his truck. Taking a deep breath he sat down on the porch seat. He waited until Kaleb came to sit on the porch step before he began.

"A long time ago before any of you were born and I was a young man,there was a conflict. One of our elders decided we had to be more aggressive in our ways. He was the only one who thought this way on the council,eventually he was banished from the tribe. He swore one day there would be one who would be strong enough to carry the human and wolf gene. the offspring from this one and her mate would be a tribal leader one day. "John Whitehouse took a deep breath and looked back towards the cabin where Nikki lay.

"Nikki is this special one,she doesnt know it. That is why her mother ran away. She wanted to keep her from this legacy. She wated her daughter to grow up tottally human. Nikki will change and I want you to be the one to help her through it when the time comes,which i am sure is going to be soon. We have to keep theses others away from her until she can secure her birthright."He said in a low voice.

"There is a secret cabin at the top of Mount Hikle,you need to go there and stay with her until the time comes for you to come back. I would not trust her with any other than myself but you."He said as he looked to Kaleb.

 

[amchentai]

He gave the old man a odd look before he spoke. "Why me? Why can't you take her their? She's your granddaughter. I'm good at fighting you know that.. But no so good at protecting or controlling my anger... And you know how we get along... I'll do anything for the tribe, you know that.... But this..." Kaleb wasn't one to throw in the towel, but someone's life was on the line, and not just his.

He stood and took a step forward before turning to look at Mr. Whitehorse. "That guy out there is not a normal wolf either... I couldn't pin point how far away he was from Me and Nikki out there tonight... He is able to hide himself... Better then anyone I know, and that is counting you..." He said. He looked away and scratched the back of his head lightly. He felt uneasy for some reason now, but why? It wasn't just the fact that a super strong wolf could kill him and Nikki, it was something else.

 

[babygurll1968]

John Whitehorse looked at Kaleb, he took a deep breath. "This has been foreseen. It has to be you that helps her along. I cant tell you aything further,that you must discover on your own. Actually you will help each other,you both have matching personalities,that will require control from both of you."He said softly turning to look out into the woods."You both will be ready at sunrise. I will take you there but I will not stay."He said in a tone that told Kaleb he had not much choice in the matter/.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb signed as well, knowing he had little voice in the matter either. "Fine... How's she doing anyway?... "He looked at Mr. Whitehorse again. He was going to say something but didn't end up doing so. Even with all of his training, could he really beat this guy? or gal for that matter, this wasn't going to be easy and less so that Nikki was stuck in bed for a little while now because of all of this. "I'll be back shortly.." He said and got in his truck to go home and get some things.

a few hours later he was back, and sunrise wasn't too far off. He stepped out of the truck once he pulled up near the porch of Mr. Whitehorse's cabin and waited. He had packed some clothes, lots of them, knowing full well that there was going to be fighting, and he'd need replacement clothes or walk around naked in front of Nikki.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki had awoken later,her ribs still sore but easier to breath and move with them bound. Her leg ached but she could walk on it. She wandered out into the living room and found her grandfather sitting once more staring into the fireplace. She walked slowly over and sat down on the couch beside him.

"grandfather?"She said softly waiting for him to acknowledge her. John Whitehorse turned and gave his granddaughter a soft smile.

"How are you feeling?"he asked her frowning,she should not even be up let alone putting pressure on th wounded leg,but she was. He wondered if she was closer to the change than he had figured.

Nikki shrugged and watched him,she knew something was wrong and he couldnt hide it from his eyes. "What's wrong?"he asked him softly knowing she wasnt going to like it. After her grandfather had told her what he told Kaleb she stood quickly,her anger rising.

"We wont get along more than an hour without being at each others throats."She said angrily to him. He just nodded. "Yes and that is where you twpo will learn how to control your tempers."He said as they heard Kaleb pulling back into the drive. "I will be ready to drive you both in a few minutes,I already have your back packed."He said as he walked into his room. Nikki watched him then looked at kaleb as he came into the house.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb looked at her and at least smiled at her, feeling a bit revealed that she was ok. "Good to see you up and about.." He said, the lack of the normally icy tone in his voice. "Where Mr. Whitehorse? It's almost sunrise and we should get going..." He said. He was uneasy about it, but not sure what part of it, the having to be stuck with Nikki, although less angry about why she left, still mad that her mother ran away with her, and didn't just come to the damn tribe for help. "Well whatever... Just tell him I'll be waiting outside.." He said and turned and went back out to his truck.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki sighed and shook her head,she never could figure out why they were always snapping at each other,even as kids. She looked up as her grandfather came out of his room,he carried several of his rifles and hands guns and Nikki raised an eyebrow at that. He didnt speak as he walked outside and loaded them into the truck. He went back inside and helped Nikki out to the truck letting her slide to the center before climbing in the drivers seat. He waited for Kaleb.

This drive was a long one,noone spoke. It was as if each one had thoughts of their own and afriad to speak them. Nikki looked from her grandfather and then Kaleb once catching him watching her. Her heart fluttered and she looked away quickly. The sun was high in the sky when they finally pulled into a well concealed area and the small cabin came into view. Nikki thought it was gorgeous.

"Now the cabin is isolated,noone comes here but me or one of the other elders. We will drop supplies off once a week and check on you. But there are no phones or electricity here,so you will have to reply on your training Kaleb. Nikki,your camping skills will also help out. If you both work together you will do fine. When the time comes you will know and return.'He said quickly giving Nikki a hug and slapping Kaleb on the shoulder. The unspoken words to keep her safe fell around John Whitehorse and Kaleb.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb knew what he had to do, but said nothing, still, why was no one else helping, no elders no other tribe mates, nothing, something he didn't understand was going on and he just didn't care at the moment, staying alive, and keeping Nikki alive as well was the only thing he had to do.

He started to unload the supples so Mr. Whitehorse could say a few words to Nikki while he did so. The cabin was bigger then he thought it would be, had to be bigger the Mr Whitehorse places, but the out house told him no running water so that was a down side. He went inside and checked around a little after setting some supples on the table in the kitchen. 3 Bed rooms, a large kitchen and living room, and a small den filled with books. All of it seemed to have been kept well and little to no dust around, meaning someone had been coming out here and cleaning the place up. He went back and started to unpack the box he brought in to wait for Nikki and Mr. Whitehorse to finish any good byes for now.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki stood on the small porch as she finally watched her grandfather drive off,how had her world changed in less than 2 days. She took a deep breath and turned,limping into the cabin. She moved to stoke up the fire and then looked at Kaleb. "I'm not happy about this either."She said softly sitting down on the sofa before the fire. "grandfather,didnt actually tell us everything. I can feel it."

She watched him,actually seeing him for the first time. He had changed he seemed more intense,more muscular,athletic. She looked away,the moon had begun to rise in the early fall evening. She shivered thinking back to the night before. "Do you think they will find us here?"She asked Kaleb standing and going to the window. "It wasnt Daniel,was it? This wolf had a scar on its eye.'She said recalling the wolfs face as if breathed into her own.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb turned to her and nodded. "No it was Daniel, I was watching his house when you were attacked, that guy is just a asshole, nothing smelled wrong about him.. And about them finding us... They will, that one that attacked you is different... He can hide from sent...." He was a bit worried. but he continued to unpack the canned goods for now. "I mean I can smell when he's or she's in the area, but... I can't pin point them, and that worries me.." He told her, He knew she understood, but why he was telling her he didn't know. Maybe because he wasn't sure he could protect her now, and she should know that.

After he was finished he came and sat near the fire, but away from Nikki. "If it was as simple as just understanding your powers we wouldn't be in the middle of nowhere with these.." He handed her a small hand gun he found at the bottom of the box with the canned goods. "It's loaded so be careful, but you should have it just in case.." He said, and looked around. "Also... No running water either... So if you got to go take a dump let me know, I don't want you outside with out me knowing it..." He told her.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki turned to glare at him as she took the gun. "I know how to use one of these. I also dont need you to hold my hand everywhere i go."She said her temper flaring back to life,she felt as if ants were crawling under her skin. She stood up adnd moved across the room,rubbing her arms as if to chase the feeling away.

She took several deep breaths,finally looking back at him. She didnt realise it but her eyes had taken on a gold color in her anger. She then turned back and walked towards the hallway. "Im going to my room..if that is ok."She said sarcastically over her shoulder as she left the room. Several seconds later a door slammed.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb rolled his eyes and got up and went to his own room. "Fine get yourself killed..." He muttered to himself before lay on his bed. Why couldn't he just go out and hunt down the blasted guy? He growled and stood up before leaving his room and going to the kitchen to see if anything seemed good to eat.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki lay in the darkness of her room, the light from the moon making it easier for her to see. She knew she had lain there for several hours,listening to Kaleb move around the rooms. She finally heard the stillness of the silence. She slowly stood up and left her room. The cabin was dark save for the soft glow of the fireplace. She moved to it and took up the poker,bringing it back to life.

She sat down on the couch and frowned at the itchiness on her leg. She hoped the cut wasnt getting infected,standing she removed her jeans. She took off the bandage and then shook her head. It looked as if it had already healed enough to remove the stitches,which was causing the itching. She thought for several miutes before reaching under her shirt and removing the wrap around her ribs.

She had hardly any trouble breathing and this really freaked her out. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. Her skin crawled,what was happening to her. She tried to bite back a cry as her bones felt as if they were being yanked apart. She dropped to her knees gasping for air. "Kaleb...."She managed to get out hoarsely.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb heard Nikki cry out and bolted from his room into the living room and saw Nikki on the floor. "What's wrong?!" He asked, not too sure what was going on, he looked around and saw the bandages around and looked back at Nikki. "Nikki your transforming... It's hard the first time but just bear with it.." He told her, almost as if he knew before he fully understood what was happening.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki raised her head to look at him,her eyes now golden in color,her body shaking from the pain. "it hurts..."She managed to getout before her body began to contort.the hands that rested on the floor became large paws,not as large as a males. Her body shrank into a canine form,her skin became a coopery color of fur. Finally her face changed from the girl he knew into the face of a wolf,the eyes stared back at him as the new Nikki now stood on all fours,panting,looking at him. her eyes seemed to ask him what to do next.

 

[amchentai]

HE watched and stood and when it was done he sat down in front of her and gave her a pat on the head. "The first time is always the worst... "He told her, softly petting her head, and feeling the softness of her fur. "Your will change back in about a day or so, but for not your kinda stuck like this... I was too so don't worry about it.."

He stood and walked around and looked at her. "I'm not sure what will trigger your shifting from now on so we will have to work on that..." He seemed different at the moment, more like Mr. Whitehorse. "But for now just rest, nothing can be done for now, shifting takes a lot out of you, and until you can do it at will it will always be a bit, annoying.." He said the last part like it knew it all too well.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki heard his words but still couldnt understand it,shifted,her? She was not a shifter,she was not even full-blooded. She felt the muscles rippling under her new fur as she moved slowly,getting used to the feel. She dropped down onto the floor and rested her head upon her paws,her eyes resting on Kaleb. A day or two? What was she supposed to do for that long? She thought to herself as she raised her head.

She couldnt rest,she seemed edgy,her body itched to run. She moved to a standing positon once more walking around the living room. She made soft growls as she prowled the room,watching Kaleb as she did so,she was waiting...then it appeared. Kaleb slid the window open to let some air in and she sprang. Her silver body disappeared through the opening and she was off across the ground.Her body disappearing into the forest.

 

[amchentai]

Not more then a moment after he had opened the window did she jump out it and take off. "Oh shit... Not good!" He said and shifted and went after her. "What the fuck was she thinking?! She knows damned well they were out here for a reason, and what the fuck... When you first shift your like drained of energy... It's like that for everyone!? Wasn't it?"

He chased her, trying his best to keep up, but damn was she quick. They hadn't been here more then a day and she was getting into trouble. "There was at least 1 angry shifter or something out there after her and she goes and jumps out the fucking window?! Bitch.... STOP ALREADY!" He followed her as quick as he could, noting that at least if she did run into trouble she could most likely out run it.

 

[babygurll1968]

Nikki heard his words in her head and stopped abruptly.."What the hell?"She thought to herself. She was not used to her new form and her body slid across the dew covered moss and she slammed into the trunk of a tree.letting out a sharp yip.

She regained her footing and shook her body tryong to clear the fog,she turned her head and saw Kaleb approaching in wolf form,the bristles on her neck sttod up and she growled a low warning at him. Her head low to the ground as she turned to face him.

 

[amchentai]

Kaleb shook head at her and sniffed the air looking for signs of anything not normal for the woods. After things seemed to be ok he turned his head and looked at Nikki snorted and moved his head in a motion for her to follow him back to the cabin. "Sadly I don't think locking her in her room will work... Cabin isn't that tough..."