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Thunder Awakens

Her purple, blue, and black pelt ruffled in the breeze as she padded calmly into Dark Kingdom as a request had been sent to her by Queen Shadow, the alpha of Dark Kingdom. Thunder rumbled overhead and rain poured down onto the ground. Thunderstorm shook her wet fur and continued padding along the river and up the hill to Queen Shadow's thrown. "You wanted to see me?" greeted Thunderstorm bowing her head in respect for the powerful, wise leader. "Ah Thunderstorm thank you for coming." replied Queen Shadow rapping her tail around her paws neatly. Her eyes were as cold as the fierce wind that passed in her kingdom. Her black pelt was soaked by many years of rain but looked elegant and well taken care of. "So what did you need?" asked Thunderstorm impatiently. "I need you to go get me some juice from a cactus from Palm's plant shop." answered the alpha looking at Thunderstorm sternly. Palm was the owner of the plant shop and never sold any of his plants or herbs to the Dark Kingdom as he is part of the Light Kingdom. But since Thunderstorm didn't belong to either, she could go in there as she please. "What will I get in return?" Queen Shadow thought for a moment. "Twelve silver." she replied. "Make it fourteen." commented Thunderstorm. "Fine." Queen Shadow growled. "But hurry right back." "No promises." replied the she-wolf hurrying away. 

The shop was quiet with no one inside. Thunderstorm looked around in confusion. Usually there would be many people in here; trying to buy some plants to make remedies or potions. But today, no one was in sight; except for Palm. "Greetings Thunderstorm." greeted Palm looking at her with a friendly smile. "What can I do for you today?" Thunderstorm pointed at a cactus. "I need the water inside it." she replied. Palm nodded his head and shoved his sword into the cactus and grabbed a pot as the water started to leak out. "So where is everyone?" asked the she-wolf. Palm's brown fur stood on end. "I had to close the shop early today." he replied. "Why?" Thunderstorm replied. "It's usually open the entire day." Palm shrugged his shoulders. "I heard Queen Shadow talking about raiding the plant shop so I'm going to lock it up after you leave." Thunderstorm's muscle's tense. Maybe that's why she wanted the cactus juice? So she can use it to break the lock? "Thunderstorm you ok?" called Palm. "When I sad ten silver you just zoned out." Thunderstorm shook her head. "Sorry I was just thinking about something." The young wolf replied as she looked in her small pouch of silver. She pulled out ten pieces and pushed it towards him. "There." Palm took it and gave her the bowl with cactus juice. "Return that bowl to me when you're done using it." Thunderstorm nodded. "I will." She raced back into Dark Kingdom territory. Queen Shadow was waiting by the river. "Here's your cactus juice." barked Thunderstorm pushing the bowl towards her. Queen Shadow looked at it in satisfaction and pushed the pile of silver towards the young Storm Wolf Elemental. "Do you know what I'm going to use this for?" she growled amusingly. Thunderstorm shrugged. She didn't really care what for. It wasn't her business. "I'm going to use it to break open the lock to Palm's plant store when he goes home! I told one of my warriors in Dark Kingdom to be in earshot of Palm so he could tell us our plan so he would close up the store!" Thunderstorm had to admit, that was a smart move and would totally be unexpected for Palm or the Light Kingdom. "Well, I'm going to go now." replied Thunderstorm padding off. "And you," started Queen Shadow. "I would like you to join us in our raiding. You could have all the herbs you want!" Thunderstorm rolled her eyes before turning around to face the queen. "I've told you before, I don't join sides. I'm not in your kingdom. I don't steal anymore." Queen Shadow nodded her head. "Fine. But remember, you can always join the battle; join our kingdom again." Thunderstorm turned around and without another word, padded off to Light Kingdom territory where she wouldn't be disturbed. 

The air became filled with sweet scents as she walked by the beautiful evergreen trees that grew in Light Kingdom's territory. She sat beside the flowing river which tumbled down a steep hill. A rustling noise behind her tempted her to grab her sword from off her back but she waited with her back turned to the rustling. "Dark Kingdom wolf get off our territory!" growled a voice as the wolf jumped out of the bushes. Thunderstorm stayed where she was and didn't turn around. "Oh Thunderstorm it's just you." sighed the voice in relief. "You smell alot like Dark Kingdom though. "I was just in their kingdom." replied Thunderstorm secretively. All of a sudden she reconized the wolf's scent. Thunderstorm let out a sigh of annoyance. It was Cloud, the Fire Wolf Elemental. He always tried to make her spill secrets about Dark Kingdom and what they were planning. "What did you do in Dark Kingdom?" he asked wearily. "Some requests from the queen." replied Thunderstorm not loosing her patience or giving anything away. "What were the requests?"he asked further. "Is it your business?" snapped Thunderstorm looking back at him. "You never help Light Kingdom with anything! You're always over in Dark Kingdom!" he growled bitterly. "Probably only because you used to be part of that kingdom!" Thunderstorm got up and padded up to Cloud and stared him right in the eye. "Listen Cloud." she growled. "Just because I used to be part of Dark Kingdom doesn't mean I want to go back. Also, you wouldn't like it either if I told secrets about Light Kingdom to Dark Kingdom now would you? So stop asking me!" Cloud backed up. "Well I just don't think it's fair." he complained. "You never do any favors for us." "That's because you never have favors!" snapped Thunderstorm. Cloud was silent for a minute. "Well, maybe ask King Shine if he has any favors." he exclaimed. Thunderstorm shook her head. "King Shine is supposed to send me one of his wolves to go fetch me. I don't come to wolves asking them for favors. It doesn't work that way for me. King Shine must do it like everyone else does." Cloud looked at her angrily. "Fine I'll ask him if he has any favors and then I'll tell you." "If you can find me." added Thunderstorm. "I'm not staying in this spot forever." All of a sudden another rustling sounded from behind Cloud. "King Shine has requested you see him for a favor." barked the she-wolf. "Thank you Angellight." greeted Thunderstorm looking at Cloud in amusement. Cloud blinked in embarrassement and ran off.

Thunderstorm followed Angellight into the castle that Light Kingdom lived in. "I thank you for coming Thunderstorm." greeted King Shine padding up to her. "What can I do for you?" she asked. "I'm hoping to get some dragon scales from Dark Kingdom." he then added more quietly. "I'm making a remedy for a broken foot incase you are getting suspicious of me." "Who broke their leg?" replied Thunderstorm. "Sunray did when he tried going after the dragon that Dark Kingdom stole from us. He tripped over a rock and landed in a bad position." Thunderstorm nodded. "Ok. What will you give me in return?" "I give you in return a new leather strap for your sword dyed in blue to match the handle and four pieces of silver." offered King Shine. "I'll be on my way." replied Thunderstorm padding off. A yowl of distress sounded frm a distance. "Palm's plant shop is being attacked by Dark Kingdom!" Thunderstorm flicked her tail in amusement. Classic Light Kingdom; always panic instead of stay calm. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Queen Shadow and her warriors rushing into the plant shop as Palm was guarded by her warriors so he couldn't interfer. "Help! I'm being robbed!" he yowled. Thunderstorm continued to pad past the situation and into Dark Kingdom territory where the captive dragon was in it's cage; whimpering as always. She took her sword from behind her back and clamped it between her jaws. She grabbed the dragon's tail and sliced a scale off. The dragon didn't react and continued whimpering for help. Thunderstorm put the scale in her pouch and tucked the sword under the worn out leather on her back. 

"Thank you Thunderstorm! You are a great help when it comes to favors!" praised King Shine as he handed her the new blue leather strap and the four pieces of silver. Thunderstor gave him the scale. "No problem." she replied. "Great doing business with you. I'll be around." King Shine nodded his head in fairwell.

She ripped off the worn out leather strap and tied the new one around her back and slide her sword underneath as she sat down next to a river. She got up and tossed the old strap into the river as it carried it away. Thunderstorm went down hill to find Fox, one of the other lone wolves that roamed this land, staying completely still as she looked at the river. Thunderstorm twitched her ear as a bit of curiosity sparked her mind. Fox was a mysterious wolf who usually barely talked and barely did any deeds for either kingdoms. The place where most wolves would usually find her was in Palm's plant shop, just leaning against the wall; looking for someone to do her a favor. "Thunderstorm it is right?" she asked unexpectedly as she turned around. Thunderstorm nodded. "Yes." "Do you care to do me a favor Thunderstorm?" she asked. Thunderstorm couldn't help but laugh a bit. "You don't know me very well do you?" she replied. "I do not do favors or deeds for other loners. Only those of the Dark or Light Kingdom." Fox nodded. "Ah I see." she said as she pulled something out of her bag. It was a huge, elegent ruby that sparkled like the sun. "Would you do it for this?" prompted Fox pushing it towards Thunderstorm. As tempting as the offer was, Thunderstorm was entitled to her ways. "Thanks but no thanks." she answered pushing the beautiful gem away. "As I said you do not know me or the way I do thinks." All of a sudden a black and white paw dove for the ruby and snatched it up. "What's the favor?" he said looking at the ruby hungrily. Fox pointed her bow at the wolf threateningly with it ready to strike. "Whoa!" barked the wolf in surprise letting go of the ruby. "No need to fire!" "Then don't take my ruby!" she snarled snatching it up. Thunderstorm shook her head. "Soul, you should know better than to do that." Soul looked at her embarrassed. "I couldn't help it. No one needs me to do a favor right now so-" Soul was cut off by Thunderstorm. "So you could eavesdrop on our conversation?" Soul shook his head. "No!" he protested. "I was just...listening?" "So eavesdropping?"growled Fox. "Well, I'll be leaving." "No wait!" yowled Soul but Fox was already out of sight. Soul growled in fustration. "What's up?" ask Thunderstorm. "You seem disapointed." Soul sighed heavily. "I have barely any silver, only two pieces left."he replied embarrassed. "Nobody wants me to do them a favor anymore." Thunderstorm wasn't surprised. Soul didn't do a very good job with favors sometimes. "Well, maybe you should try not taking advantage of the deeds that you promise to do." suggested Thunderstorm in a kind tone; trying not to offend him. "Maybe you're right." he sighed. "But even if that is the case no one will give me a second chance." Thunderstorm looked at him sympathetically. "Have you met Palm yet?" she asked. Soul looked at her, puzzled. "Of course I have." Thunderstorm shook her head. "No that's not what I meant." Soul tilted his head in curiousity. "I meant have you ever done a favor for him?" His eyes went wide with satisfaction. "No but that's a great idea Thunderstorm!" "Yeah it would be like a fresh start except not like; well you know." she stammered. "You're the best Thunderstorm!" he exclaimed. "Thanks!" Soul rested his head on her shoulder as a hug. "I mean it." Thunderstorm started to get a bit uncomfortable. "Soul...?" she asked as he wouldn't stop hugging her. "Hmm?" he replied. "You're still hugging me..." barked Thunderstorm. Soul's head shot up. "Oh sorry Thunderstorm." he apologized his eyes not meeting her's in embarrassement. "I'll go on my way to see if Palm could let me do a favor." "Oh about that..." replied Thunderstorm before he could race off. Soul turned around and cocked his head. "Palm is getting robbed my Dark Kingdom." "Why don't they just ask you to do a favor and get them a lot of herbs?" he asked. Thunderstorm shook her head. "You know Dark Kingdom. They want it all; not just a few once in a while." Soul twitched his tail in amusement and signaled her to come with him. "Makes sense." exclaimed the wolf. "Maybe he will let you help him collect more herbs?" suggested the she-wolf padding beside her friend. Soul shrugged his shoulders. "Let's see what we can do when we get there." Thunderstorm's ears twitched; it was awfully quiet. "Whats wrong?" asked Soul as Thunderstorm stopped walking. "Don't you hear that?" "Hear what? I hear nothing?" exclaimed Soul. "Exactly." explained Thunderstorm. "A few minutes ago everything was crazy and you could hear battle cries but now...nothing." A shiver went down her spine but she refused to let confusion take over. "Let's go check it out." Soul nodded and raced ahead. Thunderstorm followed close behind.

They slowed down as they walked down the stone stares to Palm's shop; it was a mess of pots, destroyed plants that were trampled, soil, leaves, and watering cans. "Wow." exclaimed Soul avoiding the objects. No one was insight; Dark Kingdom nor Light Kingdom. "I wonder where Palm is..." whispered Thunderstorm cautiously looking around. A cough sounded from inside the shop. "Palm!" exclaimed Soul racing in. The she-wolf followed more slowly. Soul helped up Palm from under the table that had collapsed on him. "Are you ok Palm?" he asked. Palm looked at him kindly. "I'm fine." he rasped. "Just a lot of dirt in my throat from all the flying pots." Soul handed him water from a bowl. "Here." Palm took it and nodded his head in thanks. "So where is everyone?" asked Thunderstorm speaking for the first time since they got in here." "I'm pretty sure Light Kingdom is in Dark Kingdom's territory trying to recover all the stolen herbs and plants. But it's no use anyway. The herbs and plants are all trampled; even the ones Dark Kingdom took." "Well, we could help you get some more." explained Soul. Palm thought for a moment. "Would you really?" he asked. "That would help me a lot. I'll give you twenty-five silver if you help me with everything I need you to do. I'll even pay you seperately." Soul looked at him happily. "Deal!" he answered. Palm looked at Thunderstorm. "And you?" Thunderstorm shook her head. "I think I'll pass. Soul needs it more than I do right now. So pay him my half too." The plant shop owner his head; looking a bit confused at her decision. She padded out of the battered up shop with out looking back. A cold breeze was stirring in both kingdoms and clouds covered the sky; blocking the glistening sun. A shiver went down Thunderstorm's spine; something bad was about to happen. She could feel it. She padded into Dark Kingdom's territory in curiousity. There was dead silence; not a single wolf moved as they looked at the sky in horror. Queen Shadow grinned in satisfaction. "We will win this battle, I can feel it." she cackled. Her wolves yowled in triumph and the battle continued as Light Kingdom warriors fought back but this time their faces were twisted with fear. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a brown blur moving faster and faster; moving swiftly on the outside of the fighting wolves. Thunderstorm squinted her eyes to try and see who it was. It was Fox. She looked like she was in a hurry to get somewhere, but where? Thunderstorm followed her movements with confused eyes. Finally, Fox stopped moving and came up to an injured Light Kingdom warrior. Fox grabbed a herb out of her bag and gave it to the warrior. What on Earth is she doing, thought Thunderstorm wildly. She's a loner! She can't be on either side! "But then again," mumbled Thunderstorm out loud. "She is a strange wolf. She'll do anything as long as she gets something in return." Thunderstorm quickly snatched her sword and spun around as she heard paw steps. "Oh it's just you King Shine." sighed the she-wolf in relief. "Sorry about that." "That's ok." panted King Shine. "I came as soon as Cloud told me what happened." "Then you must already know that Dark Kingdom destroyed the plant shop and took almost all the plants and herbs inside?" she asked. King Shine shook his head. "Only that Dark Kingdom warriors took the herbs. Is Palm ok?" he asked. "Oh how I hate Queen Shadow and her warriors. They make me sick." "Palm's fine." woofed Thunderstorm not replying to his last comment. "Soul is helping him clean up the shop." His soft, ocean blue eyes looked at her in confusion. "Soul?" Thunderstorm knew what he was thinking; why let Soul help Palm with reorginizing the plant shop? He's too clumsy and not trustworthy. "Soul has never worked with Palm before so if he sets a good example for him then things could change." explained Thunderstorm. King Shine didn't reply but nodded his head as they watched the battle continue on. All of a sudden King Shine raced off and knocked over Queen Shadow. Thunderstorm looked after him in wonder. Was he watching her movements to see when he should strike? She cocked her head to one side as she looked at the two fighting alphas. She had never actually seen them fight in a battle before or anywhere else. She watched them for a while but soon she got bored of watching and she wanted to end this fight. She clawed the ground in fustration. No one would listen to her. "There's only one thing I can do to get their attention." Thunderstorm flecked her muscles as she sank her claws into the ground. She bolted herself between a Dark Kingdom and Light Kingdom warrior as they were fighting. She knocked them both to the ground. Everyone turned around to face Thunderstorm who looked at them with a sparkle of annoyance showing in her deep brown eyes. "This is going too far." growled Thunderstorm. "You're fighting over a bunch of plants." "Well they stole these plants from us!" snapped Cloud. "Well even though that is true have you even noticed that the herbs and plants are completely damaged and are of no use anymore to anyone?" protested Thunderstorm. "You're fighting for nothing right now; both of you." Every wolf just stared at Thunderstorm. "She's right." commented King Shine. "We were fighting on top of the plants the entire time..." Everyone looked beneath their feet in horror; the plants were all trampled. "You just found yourself a bigger mess to clean up Queen Shadow." smirked Lilly her eyes filling with laughter. "In the end we basically won." "Not even close!" snarled Omen her eyes looking more feirce and determined than ever through her purple mask. She grabbed her nunchuks with her jaws and swung them around threateningly. "Enough!" snapped Queen Shadow. "This battle is over. Forbidden Soul, Darkness, and Midnight escort Light Kingdom out of our territory. The rest of you stay here with me." Thunderstorm watched in relief as everyone went their different ways. "Thunderstorm!" called a voice. The she-wolf turned around; Soul was looking around wildly calling her name. Finally his gentle blue eyes landed on Thunderstorm. "There you are!" he exclaimed. Both wolves padded along the river and sat down as they watched the sun go down. The glistening water rippled in the gentle breeze as leaves fell on it and gently got carried over the waterfall. "I came to say thank you." woofed Soul. Thunderstorm cocked her head to one side. "For what Soul?" Soul met her puzzled gaze in happiness. "Thanks to you I finally got a second chance." he explained showing her the twenty-five pieces of silver. Thunderstorm looked away. "It was nothing." Soul tried to look at her eyes again. "Is something bothering you Thunderstorm?" She looked down at the water. "I don't know." she replied. "I was the one that stopped that fight but it felt like I was part of Dark Kingdom again..." Thunderstorm felt Soul tense. "Queen Shadow asked me to join her again." Thunderstorm didn't look up. "What does she want with us?" Soul shook his head and looked up at the stars. "I don't know but it can't be good." Silence lasted for a while between them as they heard the gentle flow of water trickle down the edge. "Do you ever have that feeling when Queen Shadow asks you to join her again that maybe just maybe she was actually threatening you in some way?" asked the wolf out of nowhere. "How do you mean that?" woofed Thunderstorm looking at his gentle, kind gaze that showed a spark of uncertainty as he asked the question. "Whenever she asks me that I feel like she is going the threaten to take something away from me whenever I say no. Haven't you ever seen the way that she looks at you when she says it?" Thunderstorm shook her pelt before standing up and stretching her legs. "I've never actually thought of that." All of a sudden a rustling noise come from behind. Both loners sniffed the air and didn't turn around. "It's Demon." whispered Thunderstorm into Soul's ear as quiet as she could. Soul flicked his ear in acknowledgement and signaled her to follow him. Was he there the whole time, she thought. Did he overhear what we were saying? Thunderstorm's hackles raised in wariness as they padded out of Dark Kingdom territory. "Damn!" barked Soul. "Of course Flight would be spying on us lone wolves. It's like we never get a break around here." But Thunderstorm wasn't worried about that as much. "I hope he didn't overhear our conversation." His ocean blue eyes lit up in the moon light. "I'm getting tired. Today was a long day for me and probably for you." The wolf agreed. Her back was aching from carrying her pirate sword around all day and her nose hurt from wearing her glasses that had no frames.

"Thunderstorm!" whispered a voice into her ear. Thunderstorm twitched her ear in annoyance and didn't open her eyes. "Thunderstorm!" called the voice again. "What?" barked Thunderstorm as she squinted her eyes from the gleaming sun. All of a sudden the fur on her back stood on end. Fox was standing over her. "What do you want?" asked Thunderstorm growling. Fox didn't reply. "Well?" snapped Thunderstorm. Fox just stared at her and kept moving her eyes back to her and then to a bush. Thunderstorm followed her gaze to see a red fox hat sticking out of the bushes. Thunderstorm got up to sniff the air. She growled in fustration. It was Flight. Fox flicked her ear to follow her. Thunderstorm and Fox hurried out of Light Kingdom's territory. "He's been there ever since early this morning." barked Fox unexpectedly. "Maybe you should stay out of there for a while." Before Thunderstorm could even think of something to say; Fox started to pad away back into Light Kingdom territory. Thunderstorm flicked her tail in uncertainty. What was that all about, she thought. Did she plan that to make sure I stayed out for some reason? Thunderstorm shook her head and padded into the bone chilling territory of Dark Kingdom. "Thunderstorm is that you?" woofed a voice. A black and blue wolf with glossy, blue leaves around her neck stood beside a dead tree. "Oh good it is you." barked the she-wolf. "Queen Shadow would like to see you for a favor. Follow me please." Thunderstorm tensed at the mention of the alpha's name. "Are you coming?" snapped the she-wolf impatiently. "Coming Rain." replied Thunderstorm hurrying after her. 

"Why hello there traitor." snarled an unfriendly voice filled with hatred. "And hello to you brother." replied Thunerstorm. "Why don't you just go and betray being a loner too since you're so good at betraying people." he snarled. "WIll you get over it already Demon?" snapped Thunderstorm. "I see you still have my armor that you stole from me." Demon smiled creepily and showed off the claw armor. "That's what you get when you leave the Kingdom you were born in." "Enough." snapped a voice from behind them. Both siblings turned around to face Queen Shadow who looked at them with feirce eyes. Thunderstorm stopped herself from flinching at her peircing gaze. "I came here to ask you for a favor that you've never done before." continued Queen Shadow her headdress waving violently in the wind as thunder crackled overhead. "What's the favor?" asked Thunderstorm. Queen Shadow smirked. "I don't think you'll be so confident after you here what I have to say." Thunderstorm didn't reply. "Here is what I'll give back to you for your favor; I'll stop ordering people from Dark Kingdom to spy on you and I will give you forty pieces of silver." explained the alpha. Forty pieces of silver and freedom in Dark Kingdom, she thought. This must be a big deal she's about to give to me. "In exchange for all that, I would like you to tell me as much as you know about Light Kingdom and I would like you to ask King Shine about somethings that I would like to know." finished Queen Shadow smiling. Thunderstorm tried not to show the shock on her face. "I-I-I'll think about it." stammered Thunderstorm trying to keep her voice steady. Queen Shadow luaghed and a hint of amusement lit in her eyes. "Sure. Go ahead. Take all the time you need." Thunderstorm hurried out of Dark Kingdom and down to Palm's plant shop where she knew she would be far away from Dark Kingdom. A familiar grey and black pelt hurried around the plant shop. Soul put colorful, fragile plants and herbs onto shelves in the store with such care it made Thunderstorm frightened. All of a sudden a painful crash sounded from inside. Soul fell over another plant and sent the plant between his teeth flying and hit another shelf thankfully with no plants on it. Thunderstorm couldn't hold in her laugh anymore which grabbed the attention of Soul. "You saw that?" he asked in embarrassement. "Yup." replied Thunderstorm before she stopped laughing. "Palm's gonna kill me!" wailed Soul in dispair. "Oh come on it can't be that bad." protested Thunderstorm walking into the plant shop. "It's only a small mess to clean up. I'll help you." Soul looked at her gratefully. "What would I do without a friend like you." "But for helping you I get at least three silver." she teased. All of a sudden she remembered Queen Shadow's deal and that look in her eye. Thunderstorm tried to snap out of it but she couldn't no matter how much Soul called her name. It felt like it was redoing the whole scene inside her head. "THUNDERSTORM!" yowled Soul in her ear. Thunderstorm finally snapped out of it. "N-n-nothing I'm fine." barked Thunderstorm. Soul looked at her in uncertainty. He knew she was lying but he didn't dare to ask what was going on. 

"Thunderstorm!" The she-wolf snapped out of her trance and stared at Soul who looked more worried than ever. "This is the fifth time you've just wondered off in thought." he woofed. "Sorry." apologized Thunderstorm. "So what did you want to say?" "I wanted to say thank you for helping me with the shop. You saved me once again." praised the wolf happily. "Yeah no problem." woofed Thunderstorm before trailing off in thought again. "Thunderstorm." barked Soul more sternly. "Tonight when the moon is high in the sky meet me by the waterfall. No excuses." Thunderstorm nodded her head and padded off with out even thinking about why he wanted to meet her there.

Her pelt ruffled in the cool breeze of the peaceful night. The stars lit up the sky like mischevious fireflies still in their place. The clanking of her sword made her cringe. I'm loosing it, she thought. I need to keep myself together. I can't let my worries get the best of me. The moon was half covered by the misty, gray clouds as she padded along the stream that ran down the waterfall. Soul was waiting for her. "Sit." he instructed. Thunderstorm didn't like his new tone but she sat down anyway. "I called you hear to ask you a question." he continued not looking up from the water. "Something is bothering you. You can't hide it from me. I can feel it." Thunderstorm sighed. "It's nothing concerning you. It's not something I want don't want you to get involved in." replied the she-wolf weakly. Soul's head shot up. His eyes were filled with anger and fustration. "I'm your friend!" he snapped. "You can trust me!" Thunderstorm growled. "That's enough Soul. What's happened to you?" Soul sighed and looked into her eyes. "The way you've been acting it's so not like you Thunderstorm. Whatever is bothering you is affecting those around you; including me." His eyes became soft and looked exhausted. "You're right." whispered Thunderstorm. "But even if you are right I still cannot tell you. It's too much for more people to be involved. I can barely handle this on my own." Soul's eyes looked at her in disapointment. "Ok but you can always tell me." 

The sun rose high in the sky and the birds chirped in the calm, gentle breeze. Thunderstorm washed her face in the nearby stream. Flowers bloomed in Light Kingdom territory as she walked by a small meadow full of flowers. She sighed in exhaustion. She could smell his scent on the air ever since she came into Light Kingdom's territory. Flight was spying on her again. "Ok Flight I've had it. Come out here and explain yourself." The wolf bolted with opposite way of Thunderstorm. "Oh no you don't." growled the she-wolf racing after him at the speed of light. "Thunderstorm please!" wailed Flight as he got trapped in a corner. "Why do you keep spying on me?" she snapped pointing her sword  at his throat threateningly. Flight didn't answer. "Tell me!" snarled Thunderstorm as she pushed the sword onto his cheek. "Thunderstorm no!" yowled a voice behind her. Both wolves turned around to see Soul looking at them in shock. "Were you just about to kill him?" he asked. "No!" protested Thunderstorm putting the sword down. "He won't stop spying on me!" Soul looked at Flight coldly. "I thought you told me you were going to stop." growled Soul his face twitsing with anger. Thunderstorm looked at him in shock; she had never seen him this angry. "You really think I would listen to you Soul?" snapped Flight. "You can't control what I can or can't do." Soul bared his teeth and his ears went down ready to attack. "That's enough." snapped Thunderstorm going in between the two wolves.  "You're not the only one you know." snarled Flight looking at Soul. Soul bared his teeth and drool dripped from his jaw as the fur on his back raised. Thunderstorm nipped both Soul and Flight on the ear until tiny red droplets landed on the ground. Both wolves winced in pain. "Hey what was that for?" complained Flight. "Yeah what the dog was that for?" agreed Soul trying to look at his ear. "Honestly, you guys are acting like pups." snapped Thunderstorm. "I know you guys probably have grudges against each other but settle it some other way." "We will never stop fighting." growled Flight. Thunderstorm's eyes filled with anger. "I don't care!" snarled Thunderstorm making Soul and Flight wince at her bitter voice. Her tail swished in annoyance. "Just stop fighting. You can fight when you're alone." Thunderstorm started to pad away; leaving the wolves staring after her. "Thunderstorm wait!" cried Soul. "Leave me alone." snapped Thunderstorm before Soul could catch up to her. "I'd rather be alone than with you two little pups." Thunderstorm winced at the last thing she said. She knew she shouldn't have said that but it was true. The she-wolf walked away with out looking back but she could feel Soul's hurt eyes looking after her. 

As the day pondered on; she could feel the heavy weight of Queen Shadow's favor on her shoulders. Thunderstorm sighed and looked up at the orange and red sky as the sun started to set. The glistening water was stained red and orange like a fire blazing. I have to face her at some point, she thought. Thunderstorm padded up the hill to Queen Shadow's thrown where she sat along with Rain. Her pelt looked perfectly groomed with her purple headdress waving gently in the wind which was soaked with rain. Thunderstorm avoided Queen Shadow's gaze as she sat down before her. "Have you decided?" she asked. "Yes." barked Thunderstorm looking up at her. "The offer is outrageous. There was no way from the beginning that I would ever take this deal; even if it meant sacrificing my freedom in Dark Kingdom." Queen Shadow looked at her with a spark of anger and annoyance lighting up in her eyes as it steadily grew bigger. "Then I ban you from coming into Dark Kingdom territory or any of the other loners and you and the other loners will be attacked each time you come in." "What?" growled Thunderstorm getting up. "Y-y-you can't do that." "Oh but I can." replied Queen Shadow laughing. "I am the ruler of this kingdom after all." Thunderstorm's fur raised in disbelief. How could this happen? "Unless," continued Queen Shadow an evil look showing in her eyes. "You decide to join Dark Kingdom again." Lightning crackled overhead. "No way." snarled Thunderstorm taking a step back. "Think about it." barked Queen Shadow. "I'll give you one day to decide and if you don't show up," Queen Shadow paused and laughed. "You don't want to know what will happen." Thunderstorm's eyes went as round as moons. This is the first time she had actually feared Queen Shadow. "Now get out of here and don't come back until you decide." she snarled. Thunderstorm's ears went down as she turned around and ran away. Tears fell from her eyes and rain started to pour making it look like it was just another ordinary rain drop being carried down to the earth. Thunderstorm didn't stop running until she was in Light Kingdom's territory. She sat under a tree as the rain continued to pour. Her tears formed a miny puddle as she sat down and looked up at leaves above her. "Why did this happen to me?" she cried as she racked her claws across the ground in fustration. "If I don't accept her offer than I won't be able to get enough silver." She looked in her bag, ten pieces of silver remained. Thunderstorm's stomach growled but she was too sad to move from her spot. 

Raindrops drizzled onto her soaked fur. The rain continued to pour the next morning and grey clouds covered the sky in an effort to block the sun. Thunderstorm looked at the ground; she had been thinking all morning about what Queen Shadow had said. Thunderstorm got up with minimal effort and shook her pelt. This is it, she thought. Today is the day I tell Queen Shadow what I'm going to do for the rest of my life. Even if it means sacrificing certain things. Thunderstorm went to get some food from Palm. "Why hello there Thunderstorm!" greeted Palm cheerfully. "What can I do for you today?" Thunderstorm forced a smile. "I'd like some rabbit please." "Excellent choice." commented Palm. "That'll be ten silver please." Palm put the lifeless rabbit beside Thunderstorm's soaking wet paws. Thunderstorm handed him her last pieces of silver before taking the rabbit and eating it outside. 

A shiver went down her spine as she padded into Dark Kingdom territory. Her fur stood on end as she looked around wearily. "Thunderstorm is that you?" called a voice. The she-wolf froze with fear and turned around shakily. "S-S-Soul?" she stammered. "W-w-what are you doing here?" Soul looked at her curiously. "Where are you going?" he asked coming up beside her. "P-p-please leave." pleaded Thunderstorm. Soul looked at her worriedly. "Thunderstorm...? You don't look so well...?" he woofed. "Is everything alright?" Thunderstorm didn't meet his gaze but continued walking. "Thunderstorm!" barked Soul stopping her. "What's gotten into you?" "Please leave." repeated Thunderstorm pushing past him. "Thunderstorm stop! Tell me where you're going!" Thunderstorm lifted up her head. For the first time, Soul looked frightened. "W-w-what's going on Thunderstorm?" he stammered. "If you really want to know," replied Thunderstorm weakly. "Follow me." As they came up the hill, all of Dark Kingdom was already waiting for her with Queen Shadow in the middle. "Why hello there Thunderstorm. I see you brought a friend." commented the alpha. "I'm here to..." stammered Thunderstorm. "To what?" urged Queen Shadow her tail wrapping neatly around her paws. All of a Dark Kingdom waited anxiously for an answer. "I've come here to tell you I will join Dark Kingdom again."

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