~Mark

       "Brother wait!" I called out, running through the forest to get to him, lungs searing with pain. Oclemora overran everything, my friends falling left and right with poisoned arrows sticking out of them, some with slash wounds that left a bubbling green liquid pouring out of the wound. Even my trusted companion Siphora, my dog, was overwhelmed, lying dead on her side, hazel eyes closed forever. So much death, and I still didn't know why we fought. How were they back in this first place? My father had defeated them years ago. What was the point of this fight? I fell to my knees by my dying brother's side. "Wake up." He whispered. Suddenly I felt soaking wet and cold, being yanked back to reality.

       "Thomas!" I gasped, my bed dripping with water, along with my clothes that now clung to my skin, causing me to shiver. When I looked around, I was relieved to find myself not in the forest but safe at home in my cabin, Thomas by my side. "You were screaming in your sleep, and I couldn't wake you." He sat down on the edge of my bed, eyes filled with concern. "I-I saw everyone die." I stammered, images of the dream flashing in my memory. "How?" Thomas pressed, eager for details. "The Oclemora." I whispered. "It was all a dream, the Oclemora are gone, remember?" He smiled reassuringly, causing me to relax slightly. "Siphora!" I called for my dog. Siphora was a beautiful golden retriever I had received as a present from my parents before they died, promising me that she'd always take care of me. She padded into the room, tail wagging as she too hopped up onto the bed, nuzzling my chest with her soft golden fur. "Come brother, you must oversee the Cubs." Thomas beckoned as he walked out of the room. Instead of calling the new recruits just recruits, he insisted calling the cubs for some reason unknown to me. With a sigh, I changed out of my cold clothes and into my uniform that I had neatly laid out on my desk the night before. I was the Beta, meaning my job was to be second in command and train the troops. For what, I wasn't sure, but I was happy to do my job. I tied my dark red cloak tightly around my neck after slipping on my crimson red tank top and tan trousers that were rolled up a little past my knees. Before I left, went to the bathroom and stared at my reflection after finishing breakfast. Ever since my parents died and my brother was chosen as Alpha, I had changed. My black hair was dyed red, my skin much tanner from spending more time outside, the pale orange sun tattoo on my chest I had done myself after becoming the new Beta barely visible under the tank top, the golden bands I wore around my arms and legs glittered brightly in the faint light provided by the rising sun. I wore them to remind me of each battle I fought in. There was six total, one around each shoulder, wrist and ankles. But what I treasured most was the silver moon amulet that was given to me by my brother when he became Alpha. "If you focus hard enough, this will allow you to transform into a wolf." He had told me after his ceremony. I had used it on multiple occasions, mainly for fun, but it also helped for scouting out enemies. When we had them at least. Now, there was only one clan left ruled by Felix, but he was cautious to avoid us. I shook my head, dispelling my thoughts as I ran out the door to catch up to my brother, my bare feet thudding against the soft wet grass slick with morning dew. Our clan thrived in the Sepia forest that once belonged to the Oclemora, now our home. I slowed to a halt beside him, watching as one of the older trainees talked to one of the younger recruits, teaching him the proper way to throw a dagger. I smiled as he hesitantly threw tge dagger. It embedded dead center in the target, sending splinters of wood flying. "You have done well training them brother." Thomas complimented. I only nodded in appreciation as I walked over to one of the struggling recruits, tears of frustration glittering in his carmel brown eyes as he fumbled with the long sword and long brown hair with blond streaks matted to his forehead with sweat, despite the chilly fall air. "Let me help you." I gently took the sword from him, showing him the proper grip. "You try." I handed it back to him. Expression filled with determination, he finally managed to hold up the sword and swing at the straw dummy at him, nearly decapitating me as he left a slice in the straw, revealing the sack that made up the body. "Thanks sir!" He grinned. "What's your name?" I asked. He almost reminded me of myself as a boy. "Arin." He answered proudly. "You'll get better, I'm sure of it." I promised him as I walked around the rest of the training grounds, helping other recruits. By the time I visited everyone, it was sometime in the afternoon, the pale yellow sun shrouded by thin wispy white clouds. I was ready to go back home to eat lunch when I spotted a flash of green in the woods. Probably just a leaf, I assured myself. Then I remembered it was fall. All the leaves were brown, orange or red. Curious, I closed my hand around my moon amulet, picturing myself as a wolf. Within a few moments, I was a black wolf with my regular chocolate brown eye color, stepping away from the pile of clothes on the ground that I used to be wearing as I pressed my nose close to the ground, sniffing for anything suspicious. From further ahead, I heard the crunching of footsteps on dry leaves. My head shot up as I sniffed the air. I smelled human, but also something else very familiar that I hoped to never smell again. Poison, the same kind the Oclrmora use. Before I could react, I felt a sharp stinging in my shoulder close to my heart and the feeling of something warm and wet run in down. When I looked, I realized it was blood. I was shot with an arrow. I howled to gain the attention of somebody, anybody to help me. Nobody came. I changed back into a human, the poison coursing through my veins as I began losing consciousness. "Help." I called out weakly, my voice barely above a whisper. "You." I heard a voice gasp in surprise. I shifted my head slightly to see who was speaking. It was a man with dark green hair, ocean blue eyes, baggy light green pants and no shirt. I recognized his clan, despite the fact that he wore different clothes. He was part of the Oclemora. "Here to finish the job?" I spat out a clump of blood. He shook his head sadly, picking me up bridal style and carrying me somewhere. "I'm a healer." I heard him say before I completely lost consciousness.