"Pups, come here." Artic called one winter evening. I really shouldn't call them pups anymore. They're more like young adults now. Well, not adults yet. Like teenagers, then. It was true, and Artic could see it as the four pups came towards her. They've grown so much, both physical and in personality. She admired.

Kiyiya was no longer the quiet, shy pup Artic had once met. She was slim, with strong muscles showing underneath her beautiful white pelt, making her both pretty and powerful. Kiyiya was the most eager in a hunt, being the best hunter and commanding the other three on positions. Artic had concluded, many different times, that Kiyiya and Dust together are undefeatable. Or at least hard to defeat. She thought in amusement when Catori had outsmarted the two, leading them on a wild goose chase during their assessment.

While Kiyiya was slim and had the advantage of speed, Dust had the advantage of strength. Built with broad shoulders and a bulky shape, he can overpower Kiyiya with just his weight and size-when he could catch her, of course. During a hunt, Dust would be the one to leap on top of the prey, making the fatal strike.

Leaf was just the perfect size. Not slim like her sister, not brawny like her brother-although she is strong- Leaf is just like your average wolf. But she is chatty, and with her sweet mouth, she can talk her way out of anything, often making her siblings frustrated because she took an extra bit of food. Leaf has her uses, that's for sure. Artic thought when Leaf talked her way out of being caught in a coyote territory.

But the one who didn't change the most was Catori. Still silent and thoughtful, Catori made sure his younger siblings were safe and comfy every night, thinking about everyone. He was not built like his brother Dust, but made up for his size with his height. Almost as tall as Artic, Catori was careful and watchful of his surroundings, making a good guard of the small camp they had. He loved stories, and listened intently when Artic told them one, unlike Dust, who fell asleep almost immediately.

"Yes, Artic?" Catori asked, leading his littermates over. All the pups were still loyal to Artic, and she was still more experienced and powerful than them. Although I might have a hard time beating those two. She concluded, observing Dust and Kiyiya.

"My dear pups, I'm afraid I cannot live with you any longer." Artic told the pups with sadness inside of her. The pups' eyes lit up with surprise, and Leaf asked a question at once.

"Why?" Leaf howled. "Why?"

"Have I ever told you my story?" Artic asked softly. The pups shook their head. "Then let me tell you now." And Artic began telling her story, beginning with the fire. This time, all four listened, and Dust didn't fall asleep.

"So you need to go..." Catori closed his eyes to think after Artic finished her tale. "To find revenge on the humans." He concluded.

"That's right, Catori." Artic confirmed.

"But then where will we go?" Kiyiya asked. "We can't survive on our own!"

"You can, Kiyiya, but don't worry." Artic murmured, pulling the pups towards her. "I'm sending you to a good friend of mine." She licked the tops of their heads reassuringly. "Now let's go to sleep." The four wolves curled up around her, knowing that this will be their last night together.