Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Pups and Tykes	By : fusedtwilight Category: Twilight Series > Slash Views: 4681 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 25
- 26
- 27
Pups and Tykes

Chapter 26

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to purpleranger for betaing, thanks to all you who reviwed.

Leah P.O.V

I woke up covered in sweat. I had dreamed about him again Utlapa. He was still in the dark eagerly waiting for something. I don't know how, but he knew, he knew what was happening outside of the nexus.

I remembered he had been a spirit warrior, it was only natural he would have powers that let him see outside the nexus.

I looked around and saw the others were gone. It was late; Ekion hadn't been able to get himself together all day. We called Sam and filled him in. He did not recall any of the people we mentioned in the story. He said he would ask around.

A few hours later he said he had asked the elders and no one knew about Pitichu or that Taha Aki and Utlapa had been friends. He said many of the old stories died with the tellers when the disease hit us when the pale faces showed up.

The Makah's did have a story of a powerful woman who could control spirits who was said to be known for her beauty, but that was it.

I got up and walked out of the room. The cave was like a giant maze, filled with smaller rooms the brothers had dug up to make more room in. I opened up the flap and went to find the others.

I started out in the main room. The fire was starting to die down; I heard a harp playing in the alcove above. "Hello?"

I went up the stairs and found Ekion. He was playing his harp and was standing next to Akakios. Akakios was not moving at all. His eyes were open and staring at the ceiling. He laid in a circle of salt and some herbs; I caught a hint of rosemary. I walked over into the circle. Ekion didn't try to stop me.

I waved my hand in front of his face and he did not respond. "Akakios?" I said.

Nothing, maybe we were wrong. Maybe vampires can die. Maybe they just reach a certain age and go poof. I saw something hanging from his neck. It was gold and looked like a cross, only the top part split into an oblong circle. I went to touch it to get a better look.

"I wouldn't do that," a voice said.

I jumped, I turned to Ekion thinking it was him, but he was off in la, la land, totally ignorant of the world around him. I stood up and walked out of the circle. I looked down the alcove and saw Aristide putting wood on the fire.

"That ankh was given to him by an Egyptian priest a long time ago. It was made from the eyes of a hundred seers melted into the metal. A very powerful old magical amulet, it allows one to see into the spirit world."

I jumped down from the alcove and walked up to him. "Where are the others?"

"Exploring, your pack was unable to sleep, bad dreams of him. They decided to explore the cave, it will be a while, our home is very maze like, lots of rooms full of things for them to inspect."

"I hope you don't mind, us nosing around."

"No problem," he smiled at me as he put a big log on the fire. "I enjoy your presence; it has been so long since we have had guests."

"What is wrong with your brother?"

"Which one," he chuckled.

"Akakios."

"Oh he's working."

"Huh?"

"Akakios power allows him to leave his body and explore the after life to commune with the spirits. It also allows him to leave his body so he can float around the world. This allows him to be a psycho pomp and escort spirits to the here after so they can find their final resting place."

"Like the grim reaper?"

He grinned. "Where do you think they got that idea from?"

I shivered. "What's up with the salt and herbs?"

"Protection, while his spirit wonders the earth his body is vulnerable to being taken over by another spirit. The circle makes sure nothing goes in while he is out."

He began to clean up the ash that gathered around the fire. "Why do you have a fire going? None of us get cold."

"It is tradition, back in our day all houses had a fire for Hestia the goddess of the hearth. It would be sacrilege to allow it to go out, at least without performing the proper rituals."

"You still worship the Greek gods? After all this time?"

"Of course. Belief and religion are important to everyone, it helps guide us through life, helps us find meaning."

"But no one worships them any more, besides you guys."

"No? They are still remembered. How many buildings and architectures are designed from the Greeks? How many books and comics depict the gods? How many shows and movies are about the god and heroes? People may not pry to them, but they still give their time and energy to the gods, keeping their memory alive."

"I never thought if it like that…is there a god I can pray to for a good nights sleep?"

"Morpheus. If you like I can set the alter up and you can sacrifice one of the sheep we keep in the back in hopes he'll bless you with better dreams, I doubt it will work though. All the people who can dream and have enough mystical sense dream of him. The norms I think know deep down in their subconscious something bad is coming."

"Can you see him?"

"Through you, through Ekion. Vampires like him and your Alice will see him, and he will see you."

"I can only imagine what it must have been like for him, all these years trapped, unable to move on to the spirit world, they say it hurts to be separated from your body, he's had no body for years."

"I pity him for his pain, yes. Such a sad way to spend your life, he had such promise too."

"Aristide, how much longer will you and your brothers stay hidden?" I asked him because spending thousands of years in a cave isolated from the world seems kind of crappy. "You can join the Cullens or the Denali coven, they would be glad to have you."

"Thank you, but no. We have spent so many years together I don't think we can live with out one another now. We value our privacy and wish to have nothing more to do with the world."

"But it's only a matter of time before Aro learns you are alive, I mean sooner or later he will go for the Cullens, he might find out in like a century or so."

"If Aro learns of us we will know, we will simply move again, someplace different. Besides we only have to wait another five centuries or so."

"Why?"

"Because by then humans will know of vampires."

"What?" I asked shocked.

"By then human technology will have evolved to the point where vampires can no longer stay hidden, then it won't matter about secrets and such, the world will go through a great change."

"How do you know that?"

"Ekion, He reads destiny. Time is a very complicated thing Leah; it is like a giant ball of yarn all the wires connecting and intertwining. Now some things can be cut away or re-knitted to other parts. But some strings are not so tightly together to cut them will cause horrific repercussions. We like to call these events fixed events because no matter what you do, no matter what path you take, the event will happen."

"So destiny is written in stone?" I asked.

"No, not all of it, some parts can be altered or changed, but some things are destined to happen, they can not be changed. Like Bella coming to Forks."

"You know about Bella?"

He tapped his head.

"Oh yeah."

"Think of it. If Bella hadn't come to forks then she wouldn't have met Edward, wouldn't have met Jake again, wouldn't have run in with James and Victoria, and wouldn't have met the Volturi. Now then no Bella no large amounts of vampires coming and going so not so many wolves, no meeting Edward no Nessie and no Jake imprinting, no Volturi coming to kill her, no army of witnesses, then you would have not phased, Sarah would have been a normal child, old Quil would not have told you about the Makahs, no extra wolves puts you at a disadvantage against them. You go on ignorant of their plan and by the time you realize what they are doing it's too late, the nexus is opened."

"So Bella is…important?"

"She wasn't the only important one in the story; all of the characters were, from the main, to the major, to the minor to the forgettable. We all had our roles to play and we played it beautifully."

"So destiny had Bella come to Forks to start a series of events that would make us ready to fight the Makahs over the nexus and stop Utlapa?"

"Mmm, I wouldn't necessarily say that. It helped, but who's to say what destiny had planned for her coming, all I know is that if Bella had not come to Forks and met the Cullens it would have been a disaster."

"Good to know destiny tries to keep things good and orderly."

He laughed. "Leah, even the bad things are part of destiny, lots of horrifically bad things were destined to happen, the dinosaurs, the inquisition, the plague, the world wars. Can't have the bad without the good."

"So Bella has served her purpose right? She is just like any other vampire?"

"No, she is a child of destiny, always was always will be. But yes, she no longer has any more choices written by destiny, only her hand."

"Your brother…he actually travels to the spirit realm?"

"Yep, call it what you will, he can go there and commune with spirits and the answer is yes."

"Huh?"

"Will we have Akakios find your father so you can say a final good bye. But not now, you have to worry about what is coming."

"Thanks, I really appreciate it," I said.

"No problem, I know what its like to miss a loved one," he smiled.

"You must miss your family, all these years without them."

"I just saw them three weeks ago."

"What?" Was he crazy? Must be after all these years stuck with his bros.

"No, I am sane as a bug. Every year on Halloween our brothers and parents, vampire and human visit us. With Akakios help it is easy to talk with them."

"That's nice; I mean you can still visit with your parents and your brothers and Selene and Helios. What did happen to your father?" I asked.

"He died in the battle he went to. Arrow hit him in the leg and he caught an infection, hell of a way to go. Its funny, he says 'Bad enough I had to leave you all behind, but an infection? I was brought down by bacteria. At least the gods could have had me die in battle, I'll take a good knife in the chest over infection any day.'"

"Sounds like a nice guy."

"He is…was…you get the idea."

"Sweet mother of god!" Akakios was walking down the stairs. "I swear dead people are the most ungrateful assholes! I try to help them move on to find some peace but all I get it 'No I don't want to go, I have a wife and kids.' or 'But I had so much to live for!' your seventy five you ain't got much to live for!"

He sat down next to his brother. "Tough day at work?"

"Don't even get me started. What's wrong with you? Bogy man getting to you?"

I glared at him.

"Easy she-wolf," he said.

"It's time." Ekion jumped from the alcove. "Gather the others; it is time to continue the story."

Aristide and Akakios left the room to begin to round up the others leaving me alone with Ekion. He sat down across from me. He stared at me, not blinking his eyes. It was creeping me out.

"What?" I asked.

"Your time is coming Leah."

"What?"

"The time draws near, everything is moving forward. Everyone is playing their role wonderfully. The time is coming when you must make a choice."

"What choice?"

"The man you love or the world."

"What? What are you talking about? Is it Embry? What is going to happen to Embry?" I asked.

He said nothing, just smiled gently. "When the time comes you will understand."

"Listen, if you know something tell me, don't jerk me around with this creepy seer crap!"

I was about to make the little fucker talk when the others showed up. We all took our places and joined hands. And then we were back where we started.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outside La Push

Then and there

Utlapa P.O.V

I woke up to the sun shining on my face. Wow the sun was out, that's a rarity. I looked to the side and saw Pitichu still asleep. I remembered last night and smiled. We had made love many times last night. Making love with her was wild and amazing.

She was more open minded then most women I had met; she was more then willing to try new things and was more then casual in her art.

She woke up and smiled at me. "Good morning."

"Good morning…I should go." I got up and searched for my cloths.

"How like a man, a nice night with a beautiful woman and next morning you run off." there was no reproach or anger in her voice just a teasing edge, a light humor.

"Pitichu, what happened last night…it can not happen again."

"Okay," she said.

I looked at her a little taken back. I expected more of a fight. It must have shown on my face because she laughed.

"What? You expect me to beg for you to stay? To live happily ever after with me? Sorry Utlapa, I don't beg, as you found out last night."

"You're not bothered by me leaving?"

"Have you forgotten? I have had tons of late night rendezvous, what makes you think you would be any different?"

I felt my face warm up.

"What we had last night was amazing and passionate; there was no evil in it. I desired you, you desired me. What is so bad about it?"

"If the others found out…I fear-"

"They would not approve? Why are you so desperate for approval? Who cares what others think? You should do what you want and who you want and to hell with the others."

"They are my family, my friends. Their opinion matters a lot to me." I finished changing and stood before her fully clothed. "I think it would be best if we never see one another again, it is for the best."

She smiled and lounged on the blanket. "I am not demanding anything from you Utlapa, if you wish to stay away then stay away, if you would like to visit, visit, you are more then welcome. Or if you wish to come and fuck me to your hearts content, then you can do that. The decision is yours. My only stipulation is you bring no harm or violence to my children."

"Fear not, I will not see you again, if I do it will not be soon." I left her there on her blanket by the river. I ran at first, trying to make up for lost time.

Two hours later I arrived back to the tribe. Hot came running up when he saw me. "Utlapa where have you been?" he asked.

"Exploring the woods, I was restless," I lied.

"Taha Aki was about to send a search for you, he needs to see you now."

I ran with him to Aki's house. I moved the flap aside and saw Aki meeting with the other spirit warriors. "Utlapa where have you been?"

"In the woods, I was taking a walk," I lied again.

"I am glad you are here. We have a problem; there is talk of war amongst some of the tribes."

"Hoh or Makah?" I asked.

"Neither," Yut said. "Nez pierce and Kathlamet."

"What are they fighting about?" I asked.

"Land, the Nez pierce claim the Kathlamet are encroaching on their land and the Kathlamet say the Nez pierce are trying to take their land."

"That's not good, if they fight the Hoh and Quinault will be stuck in the middle. They won't be able to pass through their lands if they are fighting, it will make trading with them difficult," I said.

"Plus some of the other tribes might be pulled in. Taha Aki we should have a meeting with the chiefs to talk peace, see if we can get them to agree on an agreed charter," Jakopala said.

"You are right," Aki said. "These are dangerous times my brothers, I fear war is inevitable."

"Why don't we just peer into the future?" Belnopa asked.

Aki shook his head. "No, the power of true foresight is a rare power; no one in the tribe has it. Using magic to glance into the future is to a chaotic and unpredictable thing. The future is ever changing. To unreliable, that is why my father prohibited doing it, a law I still stand by."

"What about Pitichu?" I said.

All eyes snapped to me, I instantly wished I had kept my mouth shut. "Pitichu? What does that whore have to do with this?" Mohata asked.

Mohata had aged greatly in all these years. His son Molak sat by his father, Mohata was training his son; he was not feeling well as of late. He was an old man after all.

"Remember she could weave the future, maybe she knows something that could help us," I said. "Plus we have not visited her in a while; we should go back and see if she has thought of our ultimatum."

Mohata looked at Aki; it was not a happy look. "Taha Aki has decided to leave her alone for now."

Aki nodded. "Pitichu has done no harm to us."

"Tell that to the wives whose husbands she slept with," Toum said.

"And the husbands whose wives she slept with," Jacalopa said.

"Enough," Molak said firmly. "Pitichu is a disgrace to this tribe, we need not her help."

"Buuut," I drawled. "We know she supplies other tribes with magic to help them win their fights. If there is a war it would be of great profit to her. She may have already had contact with the two tribes and may know if and when they plan to fight."

"You have a point Utlapa," Aki said. "I think we shall see her today, see what she knows…Belnopa gather some fur and fish. If we gift her when we visit it may make her more open to helping us."

"I will come to," I said.

"Why?" Aki asked.

"Because you are too nice, someone needs to be firm with her."

"Careful, she likes it firm," Toum joked.

"That is enough," Aki said firmly. "I know we do not approve of her life style but reminding her father what she is, is not tactful."

They all bowed to Mohata and apologized. "Taha Aki, I would like Molak to go with you. I want him to see where selfishness and wicked deeds lead one."

Taha Aki looked at Mohata seriously, and then nodded. "Very well."

We adjourned to prepare. An hour later me, Aki, Molak and Belnopa were ready to go. Vakatel and Klata Belnopa's wife were seeing their husbands off. They were not happy to see them go. Pitichu had a reputation and they knew it. They loved their husbands but they knew Pitichu had a way of seducing men.

Soon we were off, heading for Pitichu. I hope she does not let it slip I visited her. I admit I was excited to see her again. It had only been three hours since I saw her but I missed her. I always thought she was just a dumb whore with a knack for magic. Instead she proved she was smart, beautiful, independent, a loving mother.

Something about her attracted me. It wasn't just her power or her beauty, even though she had both in equality. Something else about her appealed to me, but what?

"Are you nervous meeting her?" Belnopa asked Molak.

"Not at all. I have no idea why father wants me to meet her, I have always obeyed the rules, and I have never strayed from the path."

"I think there is more to him wanting you to meet her then a lesson," Aki said.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, no matter what she is his daughter, his first born child. I think no matter how much she disappoints him a part of him will always care for her. I think he will ask you what her living conditions are like, ask you what her children are like."

"Don't expect to much," I said. "Those children are evil."

"Oh Utlapa, you are too harsh on them," Aki laughed.

Not a second after he said that something enveloped us. Before we could respond we were thrown together and shot up in the air. We were stuck in a net. Three spirit warriors and an elder in training were trapped in one of the most basic traps, how humiliating.

There was a bell ringing, letting the hunters know pray had been caught. Ten minutes later they appeared, the children of Pitichu, led by Kon. They quickly ran forward expecting a big meal, only to find us. We were to closely bound to reach our knives, otherwise we would have escaped.

Kon looked up at us and frowned. "Oh, it's you again. And you brought more Quileutes."

"Release us now!" Molak roared.

"Who are you? Another sprit warrior?"

"I am an elder in training! I command you release us at once!"

They all broke into childish laughter, my face broke into a deep shade or red. "Still think they aren't evil?"

"Kon, please release us." Aki asked.

"Sure, after we play a game." he smiled an evil smile and I felt a small thrill of fear run through my body.

"What game?" I asked.

He grabbed a rock from the ground and tossed it up and down his hand. "We throw rocks at you and his you with long sturdy sticks and see how may of your items we can knock off you before we grow tired."

"Why in the name of the spirits would you do that?!" Belnopa asked.

"For sport, and because we don't like Quileutes."

He drew his arm back and was about to throw the rock at us when a firm voice called out. "Enough!" They all turned and saw their mother who was glaring at them with her hand on her hips. "Cut them down at once!"

They all let out grunts and moans of disappointment. Kon walked over to the rope that held us up, he drew out his knife and cut the rope in one clean stroke. We fell to the earth with a loud thud.

"Kon!"

"What, you said cut them down," Kon said with a smirk.

We all got up and glared at the boy. They all ran to their mother, keeping close to her. "Didn't I tell you not to leave traps so close to home?" she asked.

"Sorry mother," they all said.

"I apologize for them, they are so rambunctious. Hello Taha Aki, Utlapa. I welcome you back." her eyes turned to Belnopa and she smiled, her eyes looked him up and down. "And I see you brought…..friends." her face fell when she saw Molak. "Hello brother, long time no see."

The tone of voice she used made you think she wished it had been longer. Molak sneered at her. "I have no relation to you."

"Still the sweet little brother I see. Tell me, you make it to be a spirit warrior yet?" he glared at her. "Guess not. Well follow me; I'll get dinner ready again."

We followed her and her murderous offspring to her hut. Every once in a while one of the children would glance at us and glare or stick out a tongue. Finally we reached her hut and invited us inside as the children waited outside.

Molak looked around in distaste, as if what he was seeing displeased him greatly. She offered us food and drink; we all took it except Molak. We gave her the fur and fish. "Oh, fish huh? You must really want something; gifts and not a single one of you have called me a whore or a heathen."

"Pitichu, have you heard rumor of any coming battles?" Taha Aki asked.

"If you speak of the Nez pierce and the Kathlamet yes I have," she said. "They come here with gifts, asking for advice on what they should do, when would be best to strike, who was right, who was wrong. Men always concerned with right and wrong, never consider to compromise."

"So have you given them any weapons?" I asked.

"Not this time, I only was paid for wisdom and advice, which I gave."

"You are a disgrace you know," Molak said.

Pitichu sighed. "To think we came so close to actually having a civil conversation."

"You bring disgrace and shame to your tribe and your family."

"Tell me is there a reason you are here or did you just come to annoy the hell out of me?"

"Believe me, I would rather not be here, but father wanted me to see what happens to selfish amoral people who break the rules."

"Envious yet?" she smirked. She drew her leg up to rest her chin on her chin. Her leg was bear for all to see. She did not bother to cover her undergarment that was peaking from under her skirt. Belnopa made a sound of surprise. She smiled at him and winked, I felt a streak of jealousy run through me.

"Do you mind?" Molak asked.

"No, I don't."

"To think father must regret having you as a daughter when he passes."

Her face flickered but only for a second. "So Mohata is ill?"

"How did you know?" I asked.

"The spirits, they keep me informed on currant events. They say he will be dead in less then a year."

"Don't you dare use your magic to kill him!" Molak said standing up angrily.

"Of for Q-wati's sake, I have nothing to do with his failing health. Idiot," she said.

"Sit down Molak, she is your sister and has offered you hospitality. Do not dishonor yourself any further," Aki said.

Molak glared at her and sat back down.

"Now Pitichu, I must ask…have you weaved any predictions as of late?" Aki asked.

"Well now that you mention it." she got up and went over to the other side of the room. She opened a trunk and rummaged around. She pulled out something made from weaves. She showed us, it was a picture of a wolf. A wolf with fur white as snow, its fur had a shimmer of gold that made it look like the sun when it sets.

"What is that?" Molak asked.

"A wolf genius."

"I know that!" he snapped. "I mean what is so special about it?"

"I have no idea; I weaved it a few days ago. I don't know what is so important about it but I just know it is important."

"Anything else?" I asked.

"No, this is it so far. I can't help you with the oncoming war."

"Oncoming? There will be war?" I asked.

"Oh yes, real nasty one too. Oh well that means big business for me."

Once again Molak shot up. "This is all your fault! You sell magic to the other tribes, you give them weapons, you're as much to blame." he pointed his finger at her. "We should have killed you years ago you whore!"

There was a sound of skin tearing, blood flew in the air. Molak clutched his arm and screamed in pain, he clutched his arm and fell to his knees. We got up and drew our knives. The air moved in the hut, a presence filled the room. Something large and heavy, the smell of fur and musk filled the room. I knew this smell, Bear.

The air around Pitichu shimmered, the large thing was behind her, I could barely see it, but I knew it was big, it had large teeth and it was growling at us. Pitichu petted the air, calming the angry spirit down.

"Sorry about that," she said.

"What is that?!" Aki asked.

"Remember that spirit I used to play with as a child? Turns out it was a Bear spirit."

"Bear spirit?"

"Oh yes, it died many years ago, but it had enough spiritual power to stay on this plane, poor thing, he was so lonely. Then he saw me walking in the woods one day and latched on to me. We've been friends ever since."

I recalled the incident where a little girl was hurt after talking mean to Pitichu. "I think we would have noticed this bear before," I said.

"Well back then he only had enough power to linger in this world, through me he gained enough power to materialize in the world, but only barely. Over the course of my exile I learned tricks to help give him more substance and power. He protects me and my children to this day."

She waved her hand in the air and the bear spirit dissipated. "You can manifest spirits?" I asked impressed.

"Among other things, yes," she smiled.

"Well I think we have out stayed our welcome," Aki said. "I thank you Pitichu for your time and I hope you stay out of the coming war."

"Sorry Taha Aki, but duty calls. I am sorry to hear of your father, he was a good man." Molak let out a groan of pain. She sighed. "Wait, let me give you something for that, last thing I need is for Mohata to come over here saying I killed his precious son."

She went over to her table and picked out a few jars, she ground some herbs in a bowl and poured some water into it. She poured the solution onto Molak's arm and wrapped it in cloth.

"There, all better."

Molak glared at her, but he didn't saying anything, pain can be a good teacher.

She saw us out, the children were waiting. "You pissed of Barely didn't you?" Kon asked.

"Who?" I asked.

"Barely, the Bear spirit. We call him Barely because you can barely tell he is there."

"Yeah, we barely saw him, or rather your uncle did."

There eyes widened and they looked at Molak with new found interest. "You're our uncle?" Kon asked.

"Yes," Molak said.

"Did it hurt?"

"Yes."

"Good, maybe next time he'll go for the throat."

We had to drag Molak away then; he was trying to get at a smiling Kon. Mohata wasn't pleased with what happened to his son. By the time we arrived back to the village the wound had closed, leaving a neat scar.

That night I snuck out again to go visit Pitichu again. I found her at her hut with her children. They were eating the fish we had brought them. "Hello Utlapa," she greeted.

The children continued as if I weren't there. Kon was the only one who paid me any attention, throwing me glares. "Pitichu we must talk," I said.

She nodded and followed me outside. We walked into the woods, under the cover of night. "That bear isn't going to pop up is he?" I asked.

"Only if you mean me harm."

"Then I'm safe…Pitichu, I do not want you to get involved in this war. I want you to stop selling weapons for the highest bidder," I said.

She smiled. "Why?"

"Because, what if they try to steal you away and make you make them weapons? What if one of them decide to kill you so you won't sell any more magic? They could hurt you and your children."

"Where would I go? I need them to get food and cloths for my children. I like it here Utlapa, this is my home now. I can't move in with any of the other tribes, they all banished me. There are tribes beyond our misty forests. In the deep rocky desserts, in vast humid desserts, in rich fertile land. But it would take to long to travel and most of them do not like women who can use magic."

I sighed. I grabbed her and hugged her. "I can not bear the idea of you being hurt."

"Why?" she whispered into my ear.

"I don't know, since I saw you for the first time after all these years…I felt an unexplainable connection to you. And my feelings have been growing for you…I think I love you."

She pulled back away to look me in the eyes. "No man has ever loved me before; I have never loved a man. I like you a lot Utlapa, ever since we were children, one of the reasons why I wanted to be a spirit warrior so much was to impress you."

"Really?"

"Yes…but it is as you said, you have a reputation, you are a thing of order and control, I am a thing of chaos and freedom…we can never be together, the others won't allow it."

I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. I wanted to cry.

"But that does not mean we can not be together in secret."

I smiled at her. "Don't get to happy; I will still sleep with other men."

"But-"

"Think of it. Won't the others think it suspicious if you lay with no other woman? Think of it like this, we can sleep with other people, we share our bodies with other people, but our hearts belong to one another."

"I don't know if I can do that," I said.

She leaned in close. "Every time I slept with a man, I imagined he was you."

"What?"

"You heard me; this is no different then before. It is the only way to be together Utlapa."

"But what if I get married?"

"What if you do? Marriage means nothing, it is just words. The men I slept betrayed no vows; if they truly loved their wives they would have resisted me. I will not betray you because I love only you."

"I don't know the thought of another man touching you drives me crazy!"

"That is good, possession is one of the aspects of love, and I too feel anger at the thought of another sharing your bed. We must embrace that feeling though; it will help us remember who we really love."

"You would really love me knowing another would live with me, eat with me and give me children? Most women would never allow such a relationship."

"Well I am not most women. Besides, I know where your heart lies."

I pinned her up against a tree and began to kiss her neck. "This is a bad idea you know," I said.

"Maybe, but it is a good bad idea. What's the worse that could happen?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nine months later

"AAAGGGHHHH!"

A deep full scream filled the air. I waited outside as Pitichu gave birth to our child. I knew the child was mine, I just did. My spiritual powers gave me a level of instinct and intuition that most did not. It told me it was mine.

Much had changed in these long months, besides my impending parenthood. The Nez perce and Kathlamet had gone to war, dragging a few other tribes in it with them. The Makahs and Hoh were talking of joining the fight too; the war was to close to their territories not to involve them.

The Quinault like us are managing to stay uninvolved but if things escalate they and us may have to get involved. Pitichu of course rendered her services. The only thing is she is sort of our spy, not that the others know. Every time I visited her she told me who had visited her and what they purchased from her.

Our relationship was still going steady, we were still together but we had our affairs. In nine months I had only had two other partners. The sex was okay, but it was meaningless, they meant nothing to me, every time I saw them I thought of Pitichu. I knew she had her lovers as well, but after she learned she was expecting she cut herself off, except from me.

They say women become more sexual during their pregnancy; Pitichu already had a large appetite for flesh pregnant she was truly insatiable. I had to beg her to let me be.

Something moved in the distance, it was tough to tell but I knew it was Barely. He was agitated because his mistress was in pain but there was nothing he could do. I know how he felt. A part of me felt guilty for making her go through this, another part was anxious to greet my child.

Another scream filled the air, followed by a shrill smaller scream. I sat up from leaning against the hut, the baby had powerful lungs. I heard movement and then the flap opened. Kon poked his head out. "Come in." his face looked pale. I had to wonder how many times he had seen this.

I followed him inside. Pitichu was surrounded by her children, they were all bringing her new sheets or dabbing her face to wipe away the sweat, others were looking at the newest member of their family. She smiled at me as I approached, the children made room for me. I kneeled down and saw our child, wrapped in a sheet.

"Take him," she said.

"Him?"

"Yes, your son. Utlupa, son of Utlapa, do you like it?"

"Yes, it's a fine name." I took him in my arms and cradled him.

"Put your hand under his head for support, there you go."

His face was still slightly pink from his ordeal; I ran a finger down his cheek in wonder. He whined and brought up his hand and grabbed my finger. Such a tiny hand, but so strong. How could I have made this child? How could I have made something so beautiful? This is truly the most wonderful day of my life.

"He is so beautiful," I said.

"They all are," she said. "Dozens of times I have done this, each one of my children a product of my lusts, each I have loved and marveled over their beauty. Of all the fathers you are the only one who was here for a birth, only you held your child in your arms."

"The only one?" I asked.

"Some of the others visit from time to time, but it is a rare thing, they only see their brood as a disgrace, a mark of their shame."

The children looked sad, all except Kon. "We don't need a father, we have you mother."

She smiled at him. "I remember when you were born Kon, it was the hardest one because you were my first and I had no one to help me, I had to do it by myself, and it was winter time."

Utlupa began to cry, I handed him reluctantly to his mother and she let him suckle on her breast for milk. I watched her feed him and I felt a great inner peace in me. I made an oath then I would be a better father then mine, I would guide him in life and love him and tell him every day how much he means to me. Like my father should have done to me.

But how could I protect him? He was so far from La Push, and with the war going on he was not safe. Pitichu searched my glum face. "What is wrong? Why so sad?"

"I fear for our son, the war is intensifying, no one is safe, and it won't be long before it spills over you and the children as well."

"This is the world we live in; even I can't unify all the tribes under one banner."

I got up. "No but I can."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberta Canada

Here and now

Jake P.O.V

The vision broke, at first I thought it was Ekion needing more time to recharge but it was Quil who broke the circle.

"Aw, why did you do that? It was such a heart felt moment," Aristide said.

"Okay what the hell is the point of all this?" Quil asked. "I mean we get it he was a good guy who turned bad, big deal when does it get to the nexus?"

"I have to agree," Jasper said. "We know what the Makahs are trying to do now; they want to bring back Taha Aki, thank you for th-"

"Will you all shut the fuck up!" Akakios snapped. "Do you really think we would have dicked you around if it was that simple? And for your information the Makahs have no idea he is in there, but there are those who do."

"What are you talking about?"

"Watch the rest and you'll see."

"Edward?"

"Edward is unable to read us," Aristide said. "Mental blocks…look I know you are frustrated, but there is a meaning to the story, it will help you on your quest, it will teach you important lessons."

"Please, just tell us what we need to know," I begged.

"What we know can not be told, only shown," Ekion said.

The brothers joined hands again; we looked at one another and joined the circle once more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

La Push

Then and there

Utlapa P.O.V

Mohta was dead. He died in his sleep. It was six weeks after Utlupa had been born and no one knew I was a father now. I was amazed I had been able to keep the secret this long.

We were at the cliffs; Mohata's body was on the pyre waiting to be burned. First his friends and family would be allowed one more chance to speak to say a final good bye.

I was talking to Taha Aki when we heard the commotion. Clea Mohata's wife had screamed in anger and was looking to the woods. Soon everyone broke into commotion for striding forward from the woods was Pitichu. Her children followed close to her, she held Utlupa in her arms. She was escorted by Hot and Toum.

"What is the meaning of this! How dare you show your face!" Clea shouted.

Pitichu looked at her and it was not a friendly look. "Believe it or not I was invited here."

"Liar!"

"It is true," Aki said. "Mohata asked me before he died to invite Pitichu to his pyre."

"Impossible!"

"Are you calling me a liar?" Aki gave her a stern look.

"No Taha Aki, forgive me."

"Taha Aki surely you do not mean to invite her back to the tribe?" one of the elders said.

"Screw you old man!" Kon snarled.

"Kon," Pitichu reprimanded.

"She will leave as soon as the funeral is over, let us begin."

Everyone gathered to the pyre. No one stood near Pitichu or her brood, they kept their distance. Her face was blank and stony. I wanted to go to her and comfort her but we were trying to stay secret, plus as a spirit warrior I had to stay next to the pyre as a sign of respect.

Many people were glaring at Pitichu and her children with looks of out rage and disgust. I was able to read the lips of a few as they whispered to one another. Pitichu dressed decently which I was thankful for.

One by one people came up and said what they had to say about Mohata. As his son finished and went to join his mother Aki spoke. "Now if there is no one else who wishes to speak we will send off our brother to-"

"I have something to say!" Pitichu called.

An angry buzzing filled the group, everyone was whispering. I had a bad feeling. She walked forward to the pyre. She walked up to me and handed me Utlupa. "Here take him."

I took him and she went to stand in front of the pyre. I looked at Utlupa and he smiled his baby smile, knowing who I was. I could not help myself and smiled back at him.

Pitichu stood, watching the crowed, not saying anything. After a moment I thought she was going to give up, and then she took a deep breath. "I never really liked my father."

Well that was one hell of a way to start it off.

"The bonds of family was the only thing we had, we went through the motions and rituals, trying to pretend we actually cared for one another. Had we not been bound by blood I think our lives would have been greatly enriched. He wanted a son he got a daughter, he wanted an obedient child and he got an independent one instead. I wanted a father who would love and cherish me….for so long I thought I didn't; now I have to wonder. I have no regrets, none, the choices I made led me down a difficult path but in the end I have gained power and a family. But now I think I regret not being able to see him, one more time."

She bowed and took Utlupa from me and went to join her children. We lit the fire and watched as he burned. I had a sense of de Ja vu, remembering my own father's funeral. I glanced over at Pitichu and saw unshed tears glittering in her eyes.

Soon the group dissipated, everyone went to their business. Pitichu and her children were heading for the woods. "Pitichu stay, I wish to speak with you," Aki called.

I went to leave when he stopped me. "You to Utlapa."

Pitichu told her children to wait for her. She walked up to me and Aki. Everyone else had left leaving us alone. "You have a new addition to your family Pitichu, congratulations."

"Thank you, and thank you again for allowing me here…did he really want me to come for this?" she asked.

"Yes, he spoke his final words to me. 'Where is Pitichu? Where is my daughter? Bring her to my pyre, let her see me off'"

"He said that?"

"Yes, I know you and him were different as night and day, but some part of him did love you. As soon as we came back Mohata began to question us to your living conditions, how many children you had, whether you were safe."

A single tear slid down her cheek and fell on Utlupa's face, he began to groan.

"Tell me what is your child's name?"

"Utlupa."

I knot of fear tightened in my stomach, he knew, he had to know. Why else would he have us both here.

"Alright, enough of this. I know he is yours Utlapa," he said.

I sighed. I walked over to Pitichu and wrapped a hand around her shoulders. "It is true, I sired this child with Pitichu, and he is my blood."

Aki sighed. "I am happy you finally found a lover brother, I was beginning to think you were into boys."

My eye twitched and Pitichu giggled.

"But I must question the wisdom of this, I have no quarrel with you Pitichu, but if the others learn what you and Utlapa have done they will demand he renounce you."

"Are you going to tell them?" I asked.

He sighed. "Of course not moron. You really think I would do that to my brother?"

We smiled. I went up to him and hugged him. "Thank you Aki."

"What are you going to do when the others notice you aren't with another woman?" he asked.

We looked at each other then him. "Well…we have decided to have an…open relationship."

"Open…oh….Okay, look your adults, you make your own choices, just make sure you know what you are doing. Now can I see your child?"

Pitichu handed him our son, he gently held him in his arms, cradling him. He made childish faces at Utlupa and he giggled. "He looks like you Utlapa, I see much of you in your son, and I think we should expect great things from him."

"Given his pedigree that is a given," Pitichu said.

He handed Utlupa to me. "I fear you chose the wrong time to have a child my friend, hard times are ahead for us."

"Aki, I think it is time we start thinking about the future," I said.

"What do you mean?"

"We both know this war is only going to escalate. It won't be long before it is brought to La Push. I think we need to start unifying the tribes, forcefully if necessary."

Aki looked at me shocked. "Utlapa what are you saying?"

"Think of it Aki, there are too many tribes out there, think of what they would be capable of if they were united under one banner instead of divided. You see how they fight over petty things like land and hunting rights. We already have good ties with Makah and the Hoh, they do not have a strong enough military force but they do have vast resources and strong magic, if we join with them we could use them to take the rest of the tribes."

"Utlapa, I agree that unifying the tribes is a good idea, but it would take much time to do such a thing. It won't be easy, all the tribes have their beliefs, their traditions, and not all of them mesh well."

"Which is why we should enforce our rule?"

"What?"

"Aki listen, if we join with Makah and the Hoh it would be a blessing. We have powerful magic, the Makahs, have more people than us and the Hoh have more resources than us, we have more powerful magic than them, imagine what we would be capable of, the three of us would plow through all the other tribes."

"Violence is not the answer, peace must be brought through negotiation and meetings, violence and blood shed will only beget more violence and blood shed," he said.

"May I speak Taha Aki?" Pitichu said.

"Speak."

"It is true violence begets violence, I would like nothing more then to see the tribes put aside their differences peacefully but you are right. They have too many differences, culturally and philosophically too ever unify. Maybe there is another way to make them join, a way that does not include violence."

"I am all ears."

"Our tribe is renowned for our magical powers; no tribe can boast spirit warriors like ours. Make them respect you and they will join you, to make them respect you, you must make them fear you."

"Are you suggesting I use our powers to install fear in the hearts of others?" he said looking shocked.

"I mean if they don't agree to your terms maybe a little gale force wind blowing over their village might make them rethink their options."

"No, that would be an offense to Q'wati, we use our power to help the tribe thrive and stay safe."

"She has a point Aki; did Kahaleha and his spirit warriors not use the power of Q'wati to defeat our enemies? Was it not the show of our power that forced the Hoh and the Makah's to make treaties with us in the first place? Was it not fear that helped us prosper?"

"Prosper yes, but what you want is to take over tribes Utlapa, you want us to take control of people."

"Why not? We have slaves, people we took from tribes we fought or defeated."

"This is on a whole different scale, entire tribes, and entire families!"

"It may be for the best Aki. Who knows with all the tribes united we could stand against greater threats from distant lands."

There was meaning in those words. Aki gave her a look that told her to be quiet.

"Taha Aki, we are on the edges of this war, every day we feel the pressure of it, waiting for it to spill onto our land. But at its heart, hundreds are dying, men of too many winters, and even men of too few winters are being used to fight. Their shamans and mystics unleash powerful magic that lays waist to the land. Trust me, of all the people I know how serious this is, every day men come to my house and ask for weapons. You can't avoid this; it will come to you, better to face it head on."

He sighed and ran his hand over his head. "Even if we do this it is too much power, who would run this empire of yours?"

"You of course? You are the chief; you are of the Taha's, Kahalehas heir. It is only right you be the chief of it all. You could take us so far Aki; you could lead us to a new age of peace and prosperity."

"I thank you for having such faith in me old friend, I am truly honored you would think so highly of me, but that is too much power for one man to wield. If we begin to use our powers in such a way it would lead us down a dark path. I would not see us turned into such a thing."

"No matter the cost?" Pitichu angrily asked. "Knowing you could stop it all? Knowing you could prepare us for the future, knowing you could save thousands by sacrificing millions?"

"All life is sacred Pitichu."

"The needs of the many out weigh the needs of the few, but you already knew that."

What in blazes were they talking about?

She turned to me. "I had better get going, any longer and the others might think I am trying to seduce you both." she kissed me on the cheek. "I will see you later."

She walked away and her children followed her. I watched until she disappeared through the woods. "What was all that about?" I asked.

"Nothing…Utlapa, I am concerned about you and her as an item."

"I thought you approved of her and me?"

"I did, until you brought up this crazy idea. You want us to use our sacred powers to conquer others like a bunch of war mongers. Of all the people I would never think you would suggest this."

"Pitichu had nothing to do with this, it was my idea."

"That worries me more. I do not think she fills your head with these ideas, but I fear her free spiritedness and lawless ways are influencing you and not for the best."

"What I do I do for the good of our people, and for all the people of the land."

"Utlapa, remember that day when my father died? He asked to speak to me privately before he passed?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"Before he died, he warned me. He said 'Do not trust Utlapa, he will betray you.'"

"What?!"

"I know, he warned me one day you would turn on me, he said you were destined to fall to darkness. He told me the day might come when I must kill you."

I backed away from him. Taha Loki said that? Said I would betray Aki? Aki who I loved like a brother, who I loved more then my own father? And he might kill me?

He grabbed me by the shoulders. "I never told anyone what he said, I knew if the elders caught wind they would make me kill you or banish you. I could not do either. Please put these feelings aside, these ideas of conquest and dominion. I fear they will make my father's words come true."

"I...I would never."

"I know."

"All I want is for my son to be safe Aki; I fear what will happen to him in this war. If you had children you would understand."

His face clouded with pain and sorrow. "Vakatel and I have learned she is barren, she can never have children."

"Aki, I am so sorry."

"We have been trying for so long, then we went to the shaman and he told us, only we, the shaman and you know my friend. That was why she was so afraid of me going to visit Pitichu that day. She feared I was going to use Pitichu to sire a child. Did you see the way she glared at her?"

"Lots of people were glaring at her, it was a good thing you did, letting her come back for the funeral."

"Yes but now I fear there may be repercussions. Vakatel thinks I am Utlupa's father."

"What?"

"Yes. She thinks I went to another woman for a child." he looked so sad.

"Tell her, tell her he is mine, she will understand. I will not have you suffer for me Aki."

"I will tell her, but I fear she may not believe me at first. She is so paranoid I will leave her for another woman."

"You would never leave her."

"No, I would not. We had best get back, lots to do, so little time."

We left the cliff and headed for the village. My mind raced with what had happened. A part of me feared Taha Loki's words, he will betray you, and you may have to kill him.

It should be the betrayal that stuck in my head, but all I could think of was the part where Aki might kill me.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alberta, Canada

Here and now

Jake P.O.V

Once again we returned to the present.

"Can you see the stars? So many stars," Ekion said looking at the ceiling.

"Break time?" I asked.

"Yep, so you wolves need to go to beddy by," Akakios said.

"Why don't you go to bed kid?" Quil asked.

"Wow, that was a good, one," Akakios said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Except I am four thousand years old and I don't sleep you jack ass!"

"Enough!" Aristides said. "Jake, can you tell me what was so different about Utlapa?" he asked me.

"I don't know…I mean…he was a dad."

"Exactly, his reasons for doing what he did were more pure then you would dare think. Remember, the path to hell is paved with good intentions. Now, I'll go make you and your pack a nice potion for dreamless sleep, I dare say you will be the few shifters getting a good night's sleep."

He got up and went to a bench and began to make us some drinks. "So Taha Aki and Utlapa were like brothers?" Embry asked.

"Oh yes, they were close."

"So why did he betray him?"

"Well, I think something drove him over the edge, war does that, and it changes you. Makes you do things you would never have done before. There is not innocent in a war. You may start out pure and fresh, but if you survive it leaves its mark on you. I think all he wanted was a golden age, for his friends and family, but something caused his views to become warped and twisted."

"What could do that?" I asked.

"Lots of things, the loss of a loved one, difficult choice, forbidden knowledge."

"Forbidden?"

"The only time knowledge is forbidden is if someone has a secret to keep, or the said knowledge is something foreboding."

"Wait; remember Pitichu mentioned something about the future? She made it sound like she and Taha Aki knew something bad was coming."

We looked at Aristide. He smiled and tapped his temple.

He gave us our drinks, the second they touched our lips my eyes felt drowsy.

"Off to bed now, we will continue as soon as possible." he said.

"Night, don't let the bed bugs bite," Akakios said.

We stumbled top our rooms, leaving the brothers and Cullens alone to talk. Probably about vampire stuff. I was so tired that as soon as I laid on my bed, I fell asleep. All I dreamed of was darkness, but this time I was all alone.

Fusedtwilight: Next chapter the Makahs make their move for Nessie and a new character is introduced.
- 25
- 26
- 27
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Pups and Tykes