Full Moon

[shay]

Shay stared out at the lake from her viewing point atop a large tree. It had taken them till the night of the full moon, but finally they had made it. Shay would have sighed with relief. If she hadn't been on edge. She may be part elf, but Shay knew she was not wanted here. Her father had been human, making her a pitiful half breed. If she was found, she would be dealt with. Shay may not know how elves dealt with half breeds, but she knew how wolves did. And it was never pretty.

Shay's opened her blue eyes wider, trying to see with the bit of light the stars gave from above. The moon was not yet out, they still had time. Alan still had time. With that thought, Shay felt her head turn as she looked back at the darkness which was the forest. Right now, Firestorm and Brakenfur were with Alan, giving her time to scout ahead. But even though her two adopted wolf parents were with him, Shay still worried about Alan. The trip had been hard on him, his injury was probably growing worse.

But it would soon be over, if everything went smoothly. Shay moved a few strands of her silver hair away from her face, and turned her attention back toward the lake. She took in a deep breath, her strong senses analyzing the information the air told her. She scented trees, the water from the lake. A fox had been by here not to long ago, along with a raccoon and a few squirrels. Birds seemed to favor this tree, one was sleeping here in the higher branches. And along with all these scents, the elf sense seemed be the strongest. This was there territory, a fool could see that.

Shay peered down at the lake shore, which was a good distance from the tree line, the whole lake seemed to be separated from the forest. That meant the hope of cover was gone. Shay should have guessed this would happen. They would just have to push there luck. Luck had given them one thing, the area around them seemed to be empty, no sign of life or a unwanted guest.

Now that she had the information she needed, Shay maneuvered herself off of the branch and slid down the trunk, landing silently on the ground below. Cupping her hands to her mouth, Shay let out a small howl. It wasn't very loud, but she knew Alan and her parents would here it. They would know it was safe to come closer.

[stray]

The journey to the goddess of water's territory was excruciating and painful. Since Shay scouted ahead he was left with the two wolves. Being with these two strong wolves, Stray did not even open his mouth. There was pain pulsing through his veins, his good hand shielded the limp one. Fever was once again running through his body, and the wolf inside of him was skittish with the new moon. The moon always made the wolf inside of him want to come out, and since he was forcing himself to remain as a man, the mental tolls were extreme.

Hearing a small howl from Shay, Stray emerged from the forest. There was this lake, and the moon hidden overhead. Stepping out onto the soft grass, his body instantly shifted to his wolf form. He was limping,sort of, his left leg was being dragged along. A normal wolf would have merely chewed off his leg at this point. Stray dragged himself to the water's edge, then instantly collapsed. His chest was in the water, his muzzle barely above the surface. Still, he was breathing, and closed his eyes to rest. His body would not move anymore, everything refused, shutting down to store up what little remaining consciousness he had.

Stray knew Miss Shay would be worried, Don't worry....I'll just....lie here until the moon comes out.... The wolf's words were slurred slightly, mumbled, but loud enough to be heard. Stray would pity himself, hate himself for putting shut burdens on them later, for now, he just wanted to rest. He could hear the sounds of other animals nearby, but he didn't care. Please moon...I need you now

[shay]

Firestorm and Brakenfur appeared with Alan. Both were skittish, they knew there pup was in danger in this territory. Firestorm kept sniffing around, sure that they would be pounced on by a foe at any moment. Brakenfur just walked over next to Shay, her eyes glinting with worry. You should turn into a wolf yourself. She said, trying to sound calm. You are faster and stronger in that form.

Shay nodded as Alan limped over to the water and collapsed. Slowly her hands reached up and clutched the blue stone around her neck, a habit she had after her parents died. She dove down deep into herself, down to were her human spirit linked with the spirits of the animals. All of the other animal spirits were hazy and out of reach. All except one. A tall, pure white wolf stood in front of Shay's minds eye, her calm blue eyes so familiar. Slowly Shay connected her spirit with the wolf's and her physical and mental body began to change. She exchanged two legs for four, hair for soft white fur. Her eyes were taken over by that of the strong wolfs. The world seemed to open up to her senses, as the information poured over her in her new wolf form.

Slowly she walked over to the waters edge were Alan lay and sat down. Firestorm was off by the forest edge, keeping a look out, while Brakenfur was closer to Shay. Don't worry Alan. Shay said quietly. I'll stay here and wait with you. She wrapped her fluffy white tail around her feet, her ears twitching back and forth as they caught different forest sounds. Her blue eyes, now a much darker color, with a bit of silver and gold in them, stayed locked on Alan's form. Shay always felt different when she was in her wolf form. When she was Shay, she was weak, with poor senses, and a desperate feeling to protect. But when she was a wolf, she seemed to see the world more clearly, and with a calmer mind. And now that she looked down at Alan, wolf Shay knew that the best thing to do would be to wait.

[stray]

Stray could hear Shay, but he remained half-asleep in the water. The clouds overhead were parting for the moon. Drums sounded in his ears, this ancient sort of humming beat, making his ears twitch. His eyes opened slowly, deep azure reflecting the white milky orb. It was a feeling that made his heart pound, despite his frail body.

When the moon was completely visible and directly overhead, its reflection appeared in the water. Stray stood up slowly, wobbling the whole time, and waded his way out deeper into the water. He was up to his neck in the water when ripples appeared on the water. Stray took one last look back at the other's on shore, unknown to him, he's eyes had turned a pure white, losing their pupils. For that one moment, despite blood and injury, he resembled something almost spiritual. Tail raised in the air, ears back, he stood in a dominant profound position, none of this known to him.

As if possessed by the spirit large waves shot out from the water. Six large arm like waves, forming around him in a circle, the scattered droplets refracting the light of the moon. Without warning the water fell, the weight of the waves smashing against his body, a yelp, and he was pulled under. A stillness filled the lake, no bubbles, no movement.
While under the water a strange sensation overtook him, feeling as though he was falling, not merely sinking. The water was indeed a liquid, but he didn't feel wet. It was like he was floating from the sky down to another earth. His eyes opened, bubbles escaping his muzzle, but still he could breath. Stray looked around, eyes finding memories locked away in his mind. White flowers, white flowers underneath the moon that seemed to be a trail. Those flowers seemed endless, like they would lead him to something grand. Stray tried to move, but felt his body was still incapacitated.

"Ah...you're remembering where you come from.

"Who.....are you?

Feeling the oxygen leave him, he came up for air, wondering how long he had actually been under the water. Stray shook his head, water droplets flying around. Now he felt wet, heavy, fur sagged. It was as if, when he felt he should be wet, he had become wet. A sort of maroonish liquid was hissing from his fur, the toxins, he assumed. Stray felt it, looked evil. Slowly, he put his left foot down on the ground. It snapped, cracking, releasing all the aches that had been inside, but it had moved. He wiggled his claws, then slowly bent at the knee, putting weight on it and such. Finding it was fixed he sighed with relief. He waded back over to Miss Shay, but laid down in the shallows. Despite healing, he was still tired.

"If you desire to leave this place, just tell me, Miss Shay. Territories do not bother me, for I am welcomed no where, but if you're worried, we can go"

[shay]

Shay turned her head toward the sky as slowly the clouds parted, revealing the beauty of the full moon. The light from it reflected into her eyes, making the silver and gold sparkle upon the blue. Shay looked down as Alan stood up slowly and moved out deeper into the water. Deeper and deeper he waded, until Shay was sure he was going to drowned. But her wolf part kept her feet firmly planted, she didn't even twitch.

When Shay met Alan's eyes, she was taken aback to see that they were pure white, like the moon. Shay wanted to run at the sight of them, at the spiritual feeling that was suddenly pouring from him, but her wolf side held her firm. She simply stared back at Alan, her body unwavering. Then the water rose, swallowing him, and those eyes were gone. For a long, long moment the water was still, as if it had swallowed Alan up and had taken him far away. Shay was still the whole time, staring at the spot where Alan had vanished, waiting. The whole world seemed to be waiting with her, for nothing was moving. The wind did not blow through the trees, no birds sung, no night creatures went about there daily business. Everything was still, waiting.

Then the surface broke, and she could see Alan's head once again. Slowly he came back to the waters edge and collapsed, still looking pale and exhausted. Shay looked down at his shoulder, and saw that it was magically healed. She also couldn't scent the usual sickness and blood that came from him. Amazing. Water, and the full moon had done that. No, Shay knew there was more to it, something demonic. Where in the world had she gotten that from? Shay knew nothing about demons. But at times, when Shay really thought about it, it seemed the spirit she was connected with was as old as time, and had been with many shape shifters. She must have gotten that knowledge from the spirit.

"If you desire to leave this place, just tell me, Miss Shay. Territories do not bother me, for I am welcomed no where, but if you're worried, we can go"

Shay stared down at him, those white eyes still burned into her vision, like a candle does, leaving its mark upon everything you see. No, she finally said. We can wait. Your still tired, after all. It would be pointless to move, we would not get far. She stood up and stretched. She felt like she had been sitting there for hours, but it hadn't been to long. Besides, She said coolly, a small smile appeared on her canine face, showing pure white fangs glinting in the moonlight. It feels............nice, to be in the land of my mothers people. Even if they do not want me.

[stray]

"Anyone who does not want you, is a fool, Miss Shay."

He said this calmly, mumbled from his muzzle, as he tried to find the comfort sleep once brought. He hadn't had good sleep since the day that child died. Stray couldn't even remember, had he told Shay that story? Stray winced, trying to think about it, but his brain was a tad, fuzzy. He shifted slightly, his tail coming up to cover his nose, despite the water he was sleeping in.

"I can remember the first time the moon saved me. This moon and I, we're quite a pair. I had just been kicked out of a human's home, a kind old man, with a son who was greedy. His son beat me up when I was walking over a bridge. I did not fight him, but he beat me inches from death. Then I fell back over the bridge, landing in the harbor's water. Expecting death he walked away, but I man fishing on the pier pulled me in. When he looked at me, there wasn't a scratch to be seen

Stray opened his eyes and stared at the fields of grass before him. That night had been so very strange. That surreal feeling of falling to the ground, not drowning in the water, had overcome him for the first time. He nearly panicked, but a kind voice told him that he should be strong. That was the same voice he had heard tonight, but he didn't say that to anyone but himself.

"Do you think I'm a wolf demon, like Firestorm thinks I am? Demons have two forms, one like a disguise, the second their true one, at least the demons I've met. But I don't think one of these forms is my true form, not like, the one I feel most comfortable in. I feel like. I was a mistake or something. Like I'm not, natural, at all. I flow against nature's current, my form flickering all the time. It's like lightning, so fast, but there, that change I mean. He sighed, Now I'm talking nonsense, forgive me

[shay]

"Anyone who does not want you, is a fool, Miss Shay." The words reached Shay's sensitive ears, but she really didn't hear them. They weren't true anyways, there was plenty of reasons people would not want her. Halfbreed, weakling, murder, if she was so bold.

Shay glanced over at him, the smile disappearing from her face as she glanced at his weary form. As a shape shifter, to gain our power we must go into the flow of nature, be one with it. That is how we change our forms, that is how we become one with the animal spirit. She shrugged then, not sure why she was still talking, but the words were coming anyways. And yet, no matter how close I get to that power, I feel unnatural. I'm a halfbreed, human and elf, earth and water, wanted by neither and hated by both. I belong with wolves, yet I will never truly become one. Shape shifters can change themselves, but they never truly become the animal. I can not even train in my shape shifter powers because I know so little about them. My father had never had a chance to fully teach me.

She turned her gaze down to her paws, standing white against the green grass. Slowly she let her claws dig into the earth, making small holes as the ripped up the roots. I should not complain, its all my fault. My fault there gone, my fault they died in that fire. If I hadn't been so stupid, if I had listened to my mother when she told me about how to make fires safe. Memories of fire and smoke flooded over her vision. She didn't want to let them come out, but the words were forced from her mouth. The fire was started by hot ash, ash i hadn't cleaned from the fire place, spilling out over the floor. I was still inside, but my parents were outside and safe. Yet they came back inside anyways, even though they probably knew it was my fault.

Tears threatened to pour, but the wolf inside her refused to let them flow. Instead she pushed them back, as she did with the memories each time they tried to surface. She let a sigh escape her lips, and closed her eyes. Its all my fault, I don't deserve to complain.

[stray]

With his eyes opened, he gazed up at Shay, listening to her lack of confidence in her beauty and abilities, and the guilt she held for her parents death. But still, that didn't sound right. Stray recalled his conversation with Firestorm, and he sat up slowly.

I had not actually been there, but I had seen the flames from the house. Some people who called Alan's work witchcraft came and burned it down. Both Alan and his wife were out, but Shay was still inside. But both went in and got her, to pay for it with there lives. He looked up at Alan, his eyes still burning with that light. You said yourself its what you didn't do, that you didn't save someone. Well, Shay here proves, that being saved is sometimes not the end of it.

Stray wasn't sure if he should tell Shay what he thought was 'the truth'. The first thing he did was nuzzle the side of her face with his, whimpering lightly because of her saddness. Feeling brave, but mostly sympathetic, he licked the side of her muzzle and nibbled on her ear. It's okay to complain once in a while, Miss Shay. As you said, you're human, it is in human nature. You work so hard, and you're so kind, it's okay to feel the way you do. Those are your emotions, they are a part of who you are, you can't deny them that.

Turning his head up to the full moon he sighed. Shay....Firestorm told me what happened to your parents, that horrible day. I cannot lie to you, anyone but you Miss Shay. He told me a story that was, very different, than what you think happened that day. Villagers came and burnt down your home, villagers who were afraid of your father's shape-shifting abilities. Firestorm told me that Alan had to move you and your mother once, because some looked down upon the practice. You parents came back into the house to save your life, and they did die because of it. Stray looked at her, his eyes soft and caring, That's the truth Shay. You didn't start that fire, those angry villagers did. I know that doesn't deny the fact they died for you, but don't guilt yourself with it. Your parents loved you so much, and they believed in the good things you can bring to the world.

Stray knew he probably sounded like a preacher, what right did he have to tell her anything. His tail between his legs, he was rather afraid of what her reaction would. Would she be angry, or sad, were hysterics about to play a part? He shuffled over so he was right beside her, and nuzzled her neck, trying to be as comforting as he could. You're....amazing, Miss Shay. I hope, and I think all of your parents hope, that you realize that.

[shay]

Shay looked up at Alan as he moved closer, nuzzling her, trying to comfort her. She nuzzled him back, leaning on him a bit. It's okay to complain once in a while, Miss Shay Thats what many people close to her had told her, its okay to complain, to feel that emotion. Was it okay, Shay was so confused.

Villagers came and burnt down your home, villagers who were afraid of your father's shape-shifting abilities. Shay snapped out of her thoughts, looking upon at Alan with great confusion. What? Firestorm told me what happened to your parents. Her eyes swiveled toward Firestorm, who was looking at her. His eyes had lost there coolness and confidence. Instead they looked nervous, and uncertain.

She looked at him for a long moment, and he simply nodded his head. I'm sorry my pup, but its true. Brakenfur mumbled behind her mate. But you were so young, and it was such a great loss. We were afraid that if we reminded you what happened, you would react........like....like.

Like what? Shay said nervously. She could no longer feel Alan's warmth, in fact the whole world had seemed to have gone cold. Like what, what are you so afraid? What happened? She had always been haunted by these memories, she knew them as if they had happened yesterday. So how could this be true. But it was, she just knew. No. No this isn't true.

Then it happened, the memory broke through. It actually hurt, so much that Shay was forced from her wolf form, thrown to her knees with her hands over her face. It hurt so much, she felt that her head was exploding. The memory she had been hiding from herself for so many years.

She stared at her parents mangled bodies, barely able to hear the howling of her fathers pack. Many of them had come, they were all broken by the death of there pack mate and his mate. Then, Shay heard it. The sound of drunken laughter, the sound of boots on dirt, and the stench of men.

Suddenly she could see them through the smoke, standing there in a large group, pointing and laughing at the burning building. Many of them had torches and daggers, all of them held the stench of alcohol. They hadn't spotted her yet, but they had seen her parents. One walked right over to her father, and kicked his him in the head, shouting with drunken joy.

"Stop." Shay finally found her voice, and strength to leap to her feet. The man simply turned to look at her, and Shay felt a shiver go down her spine. He laughed and said something she could barely understand, and suddenly the men had surrounded her. "Looks like the brat survived our little fire." A voice said from behind her. "Look at the filth, she just like her mother, water wench." The words hurt Shay's ears, and her insides hurt. They seemed to be burning with a new found feeling. The feeling was so strong, it began to take her over.


"We should end her misery." The words just barley penetrated Shay's senses. Misery, yes misery, that was what she was feeling. And anger, hurt, rage, pain, suffering, all these feeling were inside her, taking over. Shay looked up at the man that had spoken, her body suddenly calm, her eyes as cold as ice, glinting with the light from the fire.

"I wouldn't touch me if I were you." Her voice sounded different, and so cold, so icy. It was cold enough to make the men stop in there tracks, stunned at the change that had happened in the little girl. "Foolish men." She said in the same cold voice. "You shall pay with your pitiful lives, you and your families lives. Your to worthless to be on this thing we call a planet anyways."

The wolves had stopped howling, but the men had not noticed. They were to busy backing away from the girl, who they were sure had gone crazy. Shay looked at the one in front of her, her blue eyes burning with a black flame. "DIE!" She screamed, and lept forward. She dug her fangs into his neck, felt her claws go into his skin, felt the scent of blood pour over her as her new wolf body forced the man to the ground. Around her there were screams and moans of pain as the rest of the pack joined in with the pups attack.

Soon, all of the men's life blood was spilled upon the ground. Shay herself was covered in it. Her usually white fur now streaked with dark red and soot. Her usually warm eyes now so cold different, that of a wolf. She looked around at her pack mates, all of them mad with blood lust. "Come." She shouted, her voice still cold and icy. "There is still many deaths tonight. Revenge shall be ours.

The vision faded, into the pool of blood and the darkness of the night.

The vision ended, and Shay stayed there on the ground. Her body had been shaking, but the shivers had suddenly stopped. Her hands were over her face, hiding her face from view. She couldn't feel much, just the night, and the burn of the feelings inside of her. Slowly, she took her hands away from her face, her eyes still closed. "I killed them, didn't I? Her voice sounded so different, cold and icy. "Those men that started the fire, and there families. There children, there wives, there slaves and workers. I killed them.

She finally opened her eyes and looked up at Firestorm. Her eyes were still looked like her wolf's eyes, the tattoo on her arm was gone. But even her wolf eyes hadn't been as cold and as dark as Shay's eyes were now. The look she gave Firestorm stopped him cold, just like she had stooped the men.

[stray]

Watching her crumble before his eyes, his heart broke. Stray now wondered why he had thought it was a great idea to tell Shay the truth. She was sobbing, curling up in the fetal position like he had. Now, her eyes were stone colored, and cold. No... he thought to himself, not here too, not those eyes that were filled with such pain and hate.

THe looks being exchaned from foster-father and daughter were making him shiver. Slowly, his humans reached out, and wrapped around her waist. He wanted to comfort her, but he also knew he would not let her do something rash without thinking it through. No longer in her crouching position, he sat down and pulled her into his lap. Stray was looking over her shoulder, exchanging glances between the two mates who looked startled.

He had nothing helpful to say, because he did not know the truth. Stray didn't think anything less of beautiful Miss Shay. Emotions and rage are basic instinct to any creature, and override the logic that is taught to us. He noted her tattoo was gone, and was slightly worried. Slowly, his right hand began to run up and down Shay's side, as if he was trying to calm her, or himself.

"Shay? Are you in there?" He asked gently, one arm squeezing her gently. His voice was uncertain, sad, but more importantly concerned. This wasn't the girl he lo--...this wasn't the Shay he knew.

[shay]

Pain. Hate. It was all Shay could really feel. She hated those men, for burning her house and killing her parents. She hated Firestorm, for keeping those secrets and telling her those lies. She hate herself, for being to weak to do anything. Firestorm looked terror stricken, but still he forced himself to speak. Calm down Shay, its alright. Its alright! Its alright, he thinks its alright. She just remembered that she was a murder. Those men had deserved it, but there families had done nothing. There had been young children, even babies.

Something touched her, something broke through the coldness that was masking her senses. Shay didn't even turn to the person, she just simple grabbed the arm and tried to pull it away from her. That lying, no good Firestorm was the only thing on her mind. "I hate you." She snarled, glaring down Firestorm. "You think it would be easier for me, to know that I have lived in content for all this time, not knowing I was a murder. That I killed those men, there wives, there children damn you. I should have lived out my life with that always on my mind, I deserve that. And you should have made sure it happened. I hate me. I especially hate you!"

Suddenly she was away from the arms, in her wolf form, and tackling Firestorm to the ground. Firestorm moved just in time, missing Shay's jaws by inches. Instead they went tumbling to the floor. Shay tried to pin Firestorm down, tried to get a good bite on his neck, but Firestorm had much more experience then Shay, even when she was in this rage. The only reason she was not on the ground in a heap herself, was the fact that he did not want to hurt her. Shay forced herself away as Firestorm tried to pin her, managing to swipe her claws across his face, creating a deep gash.

She landed on the edge of the lake. Taken aback by the sudden wetness, she momentarily lost her rage, enough to look up at Firestorm. Blood was pouring from the wound she had created, just below his left eye. Horror suddenly struck her hard, as hard as the cold water. She was spilling blood. Again. Her rage was gone, replaced by complete misery. She looked down at the water, down at her own reflection. She couldn't stand to look at herself, to let everyone look at her.

With that last thought she turned and ran. Firestorm shouted. Shay! And tried to get in front of her, but speed was the one thing she beat him at. She easily got past him and was soon in the forest, running as fast, no, probably even faster then her legs could take her. She needed to get away, she just had to get away.......

[stray]

Stray couldn't believe what he had just witnessed, this fight between daughter and father. The sight of blood made him queasy. When she threw away his hands, he had attempted to grab again but she was too fast. Stray stood up and pushed Firestorm towards the lake.

Just walk into the lake and I promise I can take care of the rest.

When Firestorm was up to his knees in the water Stray looked up at the moon. It was still full, and looking awfully sad. He followed in, up to his chest in the water, and closed his eyes. He howled at the moon, one long note that seemed to echo and sake the earth. The water rumbled and Stray backed out of it slowly.

Heal him. He took a look at Firestorm, Just trust me Firestorm, you're going to go through the same thing that I just did earlier. Be sure to thank the lake when you're done

With that Stray walked up to Brakenfur, his ears drooped, feeling bad for this surrogate mother. He bowed his head lightly and started down a trail into the forest I know I"m not much of a man or a wolf, but promise I'll find her if it takes all night and day

Stray took off into the forest after Shay, following her fast scent. He dodged around the trees and tried to keep a lock of her scent, but she moved so fast sometimes it felt like she wasn't even grazing the ground with her delicate paws. Shay? Shay! He started calling for her was he maunvered under a fallen tree and through a log. The girl ran so fast, he wondered how she'd done it.

This scene was all to familiar, but in reversal. This is probably what Shay felt like when he ran away; a tight pain in the chest, panic, concern, this need to find the other. Stray picked up the pace and came to a small clearing in the forest. "Shay? Where are you? It's me....Stray! He had wanted to say Alan, just for her, but maybe the sound of that name would take her back into hysterics. Please Shay? I'm worried.....I know you're scared of what just happened, and I know you're hurt, but please! They were trying to protect you, they love you Shay! Lying is Lying, I know, but they wanted you to have what little innocence was left in you. Don't throw away these parents, they love you with all their heart! They are all you have. You don't want to be alone Shay, not like I have. Once you find someone who makes you feel so happy and complete you shouldn't throw that away when your emotions are all mixed up. Trust me...I'd know, I almost did the same thing...with you...Miss Shay" the last part was a little lower then the rest, he finding himself embarrassed. Stray waited, but heard nothing. Sighing gently he continued his search through the forest.