Chapter 8: Traditions

DUSK

    Chief Darke stood forwards. "Despite our bad situation, we have come to the tradition of wolves. Today, we wish six wolves goodbye."

    Six wolves were aligned, standing, before Chief Darke. The chief walked slowly towards a grey wolf with silver-like markings. "Escarda," said the chief, placing his right paw on her chest. "You are a grown wolf, destined to start your own pack, but you do not have a place here, but as a leader elsewhere."

    Dusk didn't want to watch, but she was a wolf general. She struggled not to remember her own memories.

    Escarda nodded. "I understand," she said.

    The chief smiled weakly at her and moved to the next wolf. "Darren," he stared, but Darren's tears stopped him. The chief placed his paw on Darren's chest and smiled. "Good luck, best wishes."

    Darren nodded in return.

    Dusk looked away. "Psst, Nyx," she whispered. "I need to go for a while. I'll be back soon."

    Dusk didn't want to be part of the ceremony. "Who the heck wishes wolves goodbye, anyway?" she thought out loud. "That's dim."

    Despite that, it was part of their nature. It just felt... natural. She sighed. "What's wrong, Dusk?" asked a voice.

    Dusk looked up. It was Wisp. He was resting on a tree's twisted branch, looking lazy.

    "Wisp?" she muttered. "What are you doing here?"

    "I'm trying to find Midnyx," he sighed.

    Dusk became silent. "Oh, Wisp, I don't think she'll find us," she whispered.

    Wisp's ears twitched. "W-what?"

    "Wisp, I'm sorry, I wanted to believe, but... no..." Dusk muttered.

    "You said you'll be my guardian, you say you'll be my sister, but you don't guard my ambitions and dreams, at all!" Wisp cried. "What guardian is that?"

    "Wisp, I wanted to-"

    "You know what, there are wolves leaving and you're not there to attend the ceremony and give them your blessing?" Wisp snapped.

    "Falling stars," said Dusk, remembering. "I almost forgot."

    She ran off towards where the ceremony was, and she quickly took her place. Luckily, the Bless-Giving has just started. Ironide quickly spoke to Escarda, who moved towards Rocky. Dusk sighed when Escarda came to her. "Follow the stars," Dusk said, "don't let anyone interfere."

    Dusk saw Escarda's smiling face. "Aren't you sad to leave?" Dusk asked.

    As the she-wolf moved away, she said, "No, it's only fate, and I don't really like this place anyway," said Escarda. "I've been told that... the chief, he caused unfortunate incidents in the pack..."

    Dusk was surprised. "By who?" she asked, but Escarda already left.

    "Darren," said Dusk, sighing, "be a brave wolf, show the others your strong-self."

    Darren sniffed and nodded. "Don't be so sensitive, put a little armour," coaxed Dusk.

    Darren stood a little taller and left. Dusk was approached by a black wolf. "Neil," said Dusk, "be the leader, don't be the underling, but don't be arrogant."

    Neil's smile made Dusk uneasy.

    Soon, the ceremony of tradition ended, and Dusk noticed something else.

    Seven wolves left.

Author's Note: So I'm just explaining a bit on their customs, about wolves leaving... as it naturally happens. Dusk's side is still boring and all, since you haven't discover things about the things we did in Midnight's side. Also, the characters page has been heavily updated with all the things so far...

Also, check back a week later for the next chapter... as usual!