Warriors of Blue moon

I heard soft footsteps approaching from behind, but I already recognized the scent of who was coming to disturb my quiet and clouded thoughts.

"Lelanna, I know you’re up there, come down” Heath called softly. I huffed and sighed deeply as I got up onto my feet, stepped off of the branch and let myself drop to the ground, my feet hitting the dry mud as I stood before him and Adeena,

Heath’s eyes looked concerned, and I could see worry etched onto his face but the blood that had been dried onto their faces and bodies were now gone. They looked and smelt fresh and clean as if a battle of over 1000 people didn’t happen only a couple of hours ago.

“Are you ok?” Adeena held out her hand and grasped mine, I held hers loosely, not feeling the want for any company right now. I nodded and gulped down the trapped tears that were threatening to spill over the moment I opened my mouth to speak. She looked at me as if she could already tell what I was feeling and gave me an understanding nod ”we’ll give you some space if that’s what you need, we just wanted to make sure you were still close by” she gave me a warm smile and stroked the back of my hand with her thumb. I tried to give her a thankful smile, but my lips barely moved ”I just need to rest… alone” I managed to get out.

Heath put his big hand on my shoulder ”We can sneak you into the pack house, I know a room that isn’t being used, you can go there, shower and have some sleep. I can bring you some food, so you don’t have to see anyone. ”

I quickly shook my head, I know he was just trying to help me and support me but right now that felt like the worst idea!

I couldn’t be near anyone from Blue moon and especially Layton. His scent had already driven me crazy and just being near Dakota for those few seconds had me wanting to keep hold of her and never leave. ”No, its fine, I need to be here, I’m used to being out here, it feels calm. But I did leave a bag in the jeep though with some clothes and other weapons of mine, could you bring it to me before it gets dark”

Adeena squeezed my hand once more ”We’ll go and get it now and we’ll grab you some food too so at least we know that you won’t be hungry” I smiled at her and she looked to Heath and nudged him, giving him a stern look to respect my wishes.

He sighed and gave in ”Ok, if that’s what you need, then we’ll do it... we’ll be back soon”. I gave him a small reassuring small smile as they finally turned and headed back to pack grounds.

I looked up at the tree as I let out a deep breath, I felt as if I had been zapped of all my energy and my head was aching with so many thoughts. I decided to slump on the floor and sit against the tree instead. I put my head in my hands as I took deep breaths. All I could see in my mind’s eye was blood, death, Dakota, Sam, Layton and Gabel. It was hard knowing they were all only a few minutes away from me, being back here, legally in their territory made it sting at how I had been away for so long, away from all of these familiar wonderful smells... the smells of home!

I don’t know how long I was sat there for but Heath and Adeena returned with my stuff, I think they could both see it all over my face that I was in no mood for conversation I must of had self-pity radiating all around me. They gave me some food in a couple of containers then Heath reminded me I still had Mitch’s phone and that if I changed my mind and wanted to stay in the spare room they would come and get me and hide me there. I agreed that I would let them Know if I wanted to go back, Adeena gave me a tight warm hug then they left.

I ran to a nearby small lake and stripped off my armor and dunked my whole body, face and hair in the water. With a bar of soap that I bought with me from the bathroom I used at Heaths Palace I scrubbed my hands to try and erase the blood that had stained them red, then I worked on my hair, washing out the crisp bloodied dried ends until I couldn’t smell anything but the cherry scented soap. I got out, my body and hair dripping with water I grabbed a top from my bag and used it to pat myself down till I was dry, then grabbing a pair of shorts and another clean and dry top I got dressed. I dunked my armour item by item in the lake and begun washing that too with the soap, then wiping off my sword and daggers as my hands shook…my adrenaline now wearing off and reality setting in.

I headed back to the tree I was in before, my sheath around my waist and my armour in my bag I climbed my way right to the top. I looked out to the sunset that was now just sinking behind the trees in the far distance the last bit of orange glow covering the sky just above it. I took a container and opened it to see freshly cooked ostrich and veggies, it smelt delightful, making my mouth water but my stomach curled up as if it was already rejecting whatever I was about to feed it. I took a few mouthfuls when I finally admitted defeat and put the rest away, clearly my body was in no mood to eat right now.

I’ll bet I wasn’t the only one feeling this way tonight. My thoughts went to Dakota then, what if she tells Sam, what if she tells everyone it was me?

I took out Mitch’s phone and this time I messaged Adeena “I saw a friend today... she knew it was me, she must have been taken to the pack hospital because she was injured... is there any word that she’s told anyone about me?”

Adeena immediately replied “I asked Heath, he said he saw her with your brother in the hospital, no one has said anything, I think you’re ok for now”.

“Is she ok?”

"Yes, she’s recovering fine from what Heath saw, think she’ll be out of there by the morning”.

“Thank you Adeena”

“Not a problem Lelanna, do you want us to come and bring you here?”

“No, I’m tired and I’m ok here… goodnight"

“Goodnight, we’ll come and see you tomorrow… we have a meeting with The Alphas and Beta’s then we’ll come to you”.

I put the phone away, I felt slightly relieved that no one knew of me just yet... apart from D of course. I couldn’t forget that feeling I had when she realized who I was...that special warmth we shared, overtook my whole body...such a crazy situation we were flung into and for that to be the first time we saw each other again after all this time, only for me to have to leave her again!

A part of me wish I had stayed and let Sam see who I was too, but I knew if I did it would have made such a scene that everyone watching would have known. I couldn’t decide what I was going to do now… if I even wanted them to know or not… I mean will I even bother sticking around or will I run far into the forest to live out the rest of my days, carefree on my own. Or go back to Heath’s pack. I have to admit, staying here seemed less appealing… too many memories of my old life and the old me, it seemed impossible to try and go back to it as if nothing had changed in these last few years.

My eyes finally had enough of the day, forcing themselves to shut and give in to the sleep my body so badly craved… but my last thoughts were of my family and if they were all still here like Sam!

I woke up with the bright sun beaming onto my eyes and my belly rumbling… now obviously deciding it was ready to eat. I sat and ate the food from yesterday, looking out over the forest when a certain de ja vu washed over me making me bristle… this is what it was like when I first came to the forest, eating regular food, hiding in a tree, feeling overwhelmed and unsure. I chuckled at myself as I practically threw the food into my mouth, my body feeling more energized today and begging for the deliciously baked food.

My head felt clearer today, perhaps having some time away from everyone, a bit of peace and quiet after the horrific bloodbath that took place yesterday was what I needed. Just to be with the calm and with my own thoughts.

I took out Mitch’s phone when I had finished both containers of food to see messages from Heath.

"Lelanna, were having a meeting first thing this morning, when we’re done we’ll come to you with food”

“I hope you’ve thought about if you want to see your family and your friends”

“I thought you’d like to know, people have volunteered to help at the pack house and help with the wounded... two of those volunteers were Lola and Maisie… they didn’t see me, but I saw them wearing scrubs when they went to help Dakota out of her hospital room”

“Sorry Lelanna, Dakota saw me just as I was headed to the meeting, she practically charged over to me and asked If I knew that you were in the fight… I couldn’t lie to her Lelanna, she asked where you are, and I had to tell her... I told her not to tell anyone about you until you were ready, so don’t worry she told me she hasn’t said anything! The meetings about to start now. we’ll see you soon”.

I took a deep sigh as I put the phone away. Knowing Dakota she probably thought she dreamt seeing me till Heath confirmed it. I took a brush out of my bag...another thing I borrowed from Heaths Palace and brushed through my long hair making the ends bounce into natural curls. I took a moment to just sit in silence, I had a feeling today wasn’t going to stay as calm as it was now.

I climbed down from the tree and gently placed my feet on the ground as I looked around, my ears picked up the sudden snapping of twigs… I quickly pulled out a dagger and braced myself. My eyes glanced around the trees when I saw her… she stood frozen to her spot as if she’d seen a ghost. “L…Lanny..” she gulped back tears and she slowly started stepping toward me.. a few yards still stood in between us but I could see the lone tear that escaped her eye.

“pl… please tell me this isn’t a dream… pl… Lanny” tears started to fall down her face as I shoved my dagger away and walked to her trying to give her a smile, even if I could only muster a faint one...this all seemed so overwhelming for us both so I just nodded ”It’s me D, I’m real” I gave her a side smile as I closed the gap between us, she gasped out a relieved breath as she flung her arms around my neck

"My goodness… I can’t believe it… my girl is back… your here, your actually here" she spoke through her cries, I could feel her body shake as she did, all her pent-up emotion and shock falling out of her. I wrapped my arms around her waist and nestled my face into her hair and her all so familiar smell made a thousand memories of my dearest and best friend come flooding back as I held onto her even tighter, I couldn’t stop the tears that watered my eyes before they suddenly fell, wetting her hair and shoulder.

We held onto each other for a long moment crying onto each other in happiness but moreso in shock. It felt so unreal but wonderful to be with her again. I lost count of the times I had wished I had her and the girls with me when I was first banished, how I had missed them every hour of every day and night.

She finally loosened her arms as she tried to control her cries, she pulled back and held my face in her hands, her red and blotchy face stricken with tears, much the same as what my face must now look like. she just gave me a watery smile as she shook her head in disbelief. ”My girl, my beautiful, strong girl... I can’t believe it" more tears fell down her face as she tried to sniff them back “I have missed you so much... I thought I’d never see you again”

She rested her forehead to mine as I placed my hands on hers. We both tried to contain our tears and when they finally died down a little, I took one of her hands and took her to the tree I was in and made her sit underneath it right beside me. She put her arm over my shoulder and hugged into my side, our heads leaning onto each other, I grabbed her free hand and held it in both of mine.

“Lelanna, I couldn’t believe it, I knew it was you the moment I saw your eyes...I so hoped it wasn’t a dream, that I hadn’t just gone unconscious and dreamt the whole thing" she gulped back more tears ”after all these years and there you were right in front of me...were you there the whole time? the battle I mean?”

I nodded my head against hers ”Mmhmm, me and Heath’s pack figured out what was going to happen, as soon as we knew they were coming here, we left his pack and got here before they did”

"Wait, so.... so, you’ve been at Heath’s this whole time?”

“No” I lightly chuckled ”only the last couple of weeks… he had rogues sniffing around his territory, when they attacked, I was there and helped fight them off, that’s when I found it was Heaths Pack... after that I kind of hung around while we figured out what was going on”.

Her head shot up away from mine as she looked at me her brows furrowing, looking puzzled ”So… well, where have you been?”

I shrugged my shoulders ”around… here, there and everywhere, I feel as though I’ve seen pretty much the whole forest, although considering how big it really is I’ve probably only seen half”

“Wait” her voice trembled “you’ve been out there in the forest this whole time?”

“Yes” I nodded

“Were you by yourself?”

“mmhmm” I nodded again

“What?... but… but how did you survive? I mean I always thought the forest was really dangerous, you know, rogues everywhere!”

“Yes, it is pretty much like that”

“So….” She paused as if not wanting to ask the question… in fear of the answer but she relented “did you see any?” she put lightly

I scoffed with a smile “well yes of course”

“And you had to fight them?”

I nodded

“By yourself?”

I nodded again

“How many?”

I gave her a sweet smile as I squeezed her hand ” Uhh, I lost count”

New tears fell from her eyes “Oh Lanny… that’s horrible... I can’t imagine how scary that must of been”

I shook my head, ”it doesn’t matter, now tell me how have you been? what’s your life been like since I left?”

She wiped her tears away then put her hand back in mine ”well not as hard as yours that’s for sure… but… well things were hard when you left… I see your family all the time, they went really quiet after… and…well… kind of kept themselves to themselves. Sam was livid and depressed for quite some time, especially after they couldn’t find you”

“Find me?” I asked startled

she nodded as she looked at me ”Yes honey, for like a year Layton and Sam searched for you, with others too, it was a secret at first, but Sam told me anyway he said that Layton and the senior Alpha and Luna were working on clearing your name by finding out the truth... It was working at first but then one day Zara and her family vanished. No one knew where they went.

Layton contacted Alphas everywhere, but no news ever came back. He also asked them if they had seen you or taken you in but alas, they hadn’t. Sam would tell me every week that Layton had kept calling them about you” she sighed deeply

"but after a year went by and they found nothing on you not even a whisper of a clue of where you could be, the Senior Alpha and Luna said they had to give up the search and the warriors were needed back home...that’s when Sam went back into a depression for quite some time...in fact we all did. I cried so many nights hoping and wishing you were safe somewhere and that one day you’d come back” she smiled deeply at me “and here you are.... it feels as if it’s all a dream” she looked thoughtful for a moment “wow… Sam… your family… they’re going to be beyond belief when they find out your back”

I gave her a stricken look ”D, you can’t tell anyone… not yet”

“What? but why? Lanny, they need to know... you have no idea how grief stricken they’ve all been”

“That’s the thing D, I don’t know… I don’t know anything about anyone anymore… It’s been just me for so long, I can’t just walk back in as if everything is normal...it’s just… it’s a lot, you know... it feels so overwhelming”

“So… wha…what are you going to do then? you’re going to disappear?”

I threw my head back as if it felt weighed down ”no, I’ll do what’s right by them… but I have to do it on my terms. I do want to see them of course I do, I’ve missed them more than I can actually put into words”

“I know, I know” she said as she rubbed my hand in support ”well I’ll be with you every step of the way, I can’t wait to see the girls faces when they see you”

I smiled at that thought. thinking of all our nights out together and gossips over coffee.

We were startled out of our thoughts when Heath and Adeena approached us hand in hand with heavy smiles as if they had a burden they wished to unload.

“Hey” I spoke quietly when they approached, as me and Dakota quickly wiped the tears from our faces. My eyes stayed on Heath and Adeena as they both looked concerned. “What is it?” I asked.

Heath cleared his throat as he began to speak “well we’ve just come from the meeting”

“And?”

“Well Zara is in the cells, Alpha Layton is going to send Sam, Gabel and another guard to question her then Layton will be visiting her after if she doesn’t talk... It didn’t take long before Sam started asking who the mysterious fighter in their armor was… he seemed pretty anxious about it, kept saying about you hovering over Dakota’s body, he couldn’t decide if you were someone to be trusted or not and of course Layton was rather pissed about it, after all there’s someone mysterious on their land wearing their armor then running off”. He let out a deep breath

“anyway they kept leaning toward you possibly being a spy for our enemy, when I finally told them you were the ally of mine, the one I had told Alpha Layton about. Obviously, the Alpha couldn’t understand how I’d have an ally that dressed in their pack armor, he kept asking who you were and so did Sam, I told them again that your name was May, But I’m sorry Lelanna, I did keep refusing to give you up but the Alpha demanded to meet you otherwise he’d put out a warrant for your arrest… just to make sure you weren’t working against us and anyway they’re bound to figure out who you are eventually… I think the only reason they haven’t thought it might be you yet is because they assume you’re dead”

“Shit… you’re kidding me… right?”

He shook his head with an apologetic look “they wouldn’t drop it… he wants me to bring you to his office… Sam’s determined to know who you are, he didn’t seem to like the fact that you were with Dakota before you disappeared”

“When?”

“Well...asap!”

I gasped and looked around me in shock… trying to decide what to do…

“Fine, I’ll leave, I’ll get far away from here and that way he doesn’t get to know who I am” I went to stand up when Dakota quickly grabbed my arm and looked at me with sadness in her eyes

“No… NO!!... I won’t let you leave Lelanna… not like this, I’ve only just got you back”

“D… you don’t understand”

“I don’t care” her voice cracked with emotion ”You’re here ok! right here, your family are so close to you and so is Sam... you can’t walk away without letting them know you’re ok… without letting them see you after all this time... THEY THINK YOUR FUCKING DEAD LELANNA" she raised her voice as tears started to glaze her eyes making them look glassy “three years.... three fucking years... they deserve to see you... why are you running away? huh? WHY ARE YOU RUNNING AWAY FROM YOUR OWN FUCKING FAMILY?”

the tears started to drop from her eyes one by one. I sighed as I took her hand and looked at it, then back to her face again as she tried to hold back her sobs… she was right and I knew she was… although no one could understand how incredibly odd it felt being here right now and how anxious it was making me feel, I had to just try and not think about myself… even though I had been doing that for so long now… I needed to remember my family and my friends were devastated when I left and maybe if I walked away now… I’d be warped with guilt and If a warrant was out for my arrest it would be even harder to return one day, the timing had to be now… weather I was ready or not.

Dakota squeezed my hand as she interrupted my thoughts “Sam… he’s” she sniffled ”This is going to mean the world to him”

I quirked the side of my lips into the only faint smile I could muster. when Heath’s phone pinged making us all look to him as he hesitantly pulled his phone from his pocket…

“It’s Beta Sam.... he’s asked if we’re ready to meet with Alpha Layton again with ‘May’… I think they’re guessing you’re going to cut tail and run”.

I took a deep breath as I nodded in acceptance to Dakota ”Ok, I’ll do it, I’ll meet with them”

“What” heath asked in shock ”You’re coming back”?

“Really?” Dakota beamed

“Yes... it’s the right thing to do, just wait down there for me” I gestured just ahead in the trees, closer to the boarder “I’m going to change into my armor, I’m not meeting them all in shorts and a top!“.