AN: I'm behind on my episodes again. I blame my job. Once Labor Day comes or I get a full weekend free I'm going to binge watch all the episodes and special so that I'm fully caught up.

Disclaimer: I don't own Paw Patrol

Everest Gone Missing

By HavocHound

Act 2 Part 8: The Riverborn Wolves Part 3

It was a strange feeling to have wolves being friendly instead of trying to kill you, but it was a feeling Ryder wasn't going to feel unhappy about. With the agreement between them and the Riverborn Wolves there seemed to be a lot less tension in the air. They could work on the bridge without fear of being hunted down and the fact the wolves were willing to help was a bonus in itself. They couldn't run any of the tools or the vehicles, but they could keep guard for any sign of danger as well as tell them where the strongest trees were for cutting down.

There was also an exchange of culture between the two sides as the wolves had always been curious about human society and their machines. It was a funny reaction showing them things like TV. Rubble had introduced them to Apollo the Superpup and they instantly became fans. They actually thought it was all real, and that there were superheroes out there saving the day, but it took awhile for them to understand the concept of make believe stories. They, in turn, taught more about wolf culture like the various positions in a pack. What rules to follow and in what circumstances. Their spiritual beliefs and more.

It was also a big surprise to them just how big the world really was. How many humans and dogs there were. Not to mention how other wolves lived in other places of the world. It was an eye opener for both sides.

Right now, Ryder was eating a sandwich as he watched Rocky and Jake trying to show one group of wolves how to use a hammer. Skye and Chase were resting by a tree while Rubble, Marshall, and Zuma were teaching the little ones how to swim. It had been Zuma's idea to provide a means for the wolf pups to swim better. Originally, the pack would teach their pups to swim in the river itself when it was less dangerous, but due to how intense it had been for some time the lessons were delayed. Zuma got the idea of making a mini-pool by having Rubble dig up a wide enough whole and Marshall filling it up with water. Needless to say, the adults were glad to have a safe means to teach their children and the pups were just happy to play in the water.

Zuma was currently teaching Aegen and the others breathing exercise and water meditation techniques to be focused when in or under water. Some of the adults watching them seemed interested in learning as well. All in all, things were going pretty smoothly.

"Mind if I join you?" Tylus asked, walking over to Ryder. Ryder motioned for him to sit as the two continued to watch. "I've never seen my son so happy these past few days. He's really taken a shine to your friend, Zuma."

"Zuma's always been good with little kids," Ryder said, smiling. "I think it reminds him of himself sometimes because deep down he's still a kid at heart."

"Heh, to be young again," Tylus said, shaking his head before looking at Ryder. "Unlike you. You grew up far more than someone your age should be."

"I kinda had to after my mother died," Ryder said, thinking about her for a bit. "Plus, when you're smarter than most adults before you hit your teen years you tend to grow up a bit faster. That doesn't mean I don't know how to have fun or enjoy myself, but I find myself growing more of an adult and less of a kid everyday."

"If you were the Alpha-Heir I'm sure your pack would be in good paws," Tylus said, nodding. "I've seen the way your dogs look at you. They follow you with utmost loyalty. Something like that is truly earned through good leadership."

"Coming from a leader of a pack of wolves? That means a lot," Ryder said, smiling at the wolf. "I'm just glad we got to meet such friendly wolves for once."

"Yes, it's been a long time since our clan has had any friendly relations with humans or dogs," Tylus said, sighing. "Sadly, those times are long gone."

This made Ryder realize something as he thought back to Wintergreen's history. "Tylus, long ago the humans and wolves had a treaty. Something that bounded you two from attacking each other and working together. What happened?"

Tylus was quiet for a while before he sighed. "Depending on who you ask it was either our fault or their fault or really both of us." He turned to Ryder and asked, "Do you know of the story of Adala The Silver Wolf?"

Ryder shook his head. "No, I haven't."

"I see, so the humans didn't tell you their version of the story." Tylus leaned back and looked into the sky. "Long ago, the wolves and humans of Wintergreen did indeed ally themselves with one another. It was during a terrible winter where the game was scary and hard to hunt. Some say that evil spirits had caused the weather to be worse than usual. Seeing both sides struggling, the pack Alpha-Leaders and the leaders of the humans agreed to work together to share food and shelter. For three months, they managed to work together as one to survive and when spring game both sides swore a pact to never betray each other and work together going forward. For many years, the pact was held. Then there was a wolf from a pack that has long since died out. Her name was Adala...and she fell in love with a human. And this human, Gallus, fell in love with her."

Ryder's eyes widen. "Um...okay...I take it that's not normal..."

"No, it's not," Tylus said, shaking his head. "Such an act was seen as disgusting and sinful on both sides and I assume such has not changed for human society?"

"Yeah, bestiality is illegal and...well...wrong," Ryder said, shivering at the thought.

"The two knew they couldn't be together and after a long talk, they agreed to separate and never see each other again. Eventually, both took on separate mates and had children. However, depending on which side of the story you hear, Gallus or Adala couldn't stand the thought of not being with their secret love even years after being apart. One night, a creature that was both man and wolf lingered into the night and killed both the mates and children of both Gallus and Adala." Tylus said.

"A werewolf?" Ryder asked, earning a raised eyebrow from Tylus. Taking his puppad, Ryder showed a few photos of them online which made Tylus shiver and nodded.

"Yes, that's that. Both wolves and humans recalled seeing the creature and both assumed the other to be a human or wolf at first that did the deed. Later on, Adala and Gallus were found, both dead together. Adala shot and Gallus mauled to death. Accusations were shouted by both sides and soon such fear and hostility turned to violence."

"I don't understand," Ryder said, tilting his head.

"There is a legend, for both kinds, that says if you can have your darkest wish granted to you by a spirit on the mountains nearby. However, every story that featured making a wish with this spirit always backfired. Such as the tale of the wolf who wanted to always be fast and so he never stopped running until he died or the human who wished he could always hit a target but accidentally hit his father," Tylus explained. "It was believed that either Adala or Gallus went to the spirit and asked to be either a human or a wolf, but instead became both and went mad with grief and horror. Killing both families in a twisted desire to be together while the other lover killed their former friend in rage before dying at their hands or paws as well."

"It sounds a bit far fetched," Ryder pointed out. "I mean, no offense, but is there really any proof of this?"

"There are tales of the beast being seen on both sides and never again since," Tylus answered. "Perhaps it's just romanticized to hide the truth of that terrible day, but regardless it made both sides fear the other and lead to the breaking of the pact. Since then, both human and wolf had stayed away from each other until Bloodstar started their attacks on us all."

"What do you think is the truth?" Ryder asked.

"I don't know," Tylus said with a sigh. "The only truth I know now is that unless something happens to heal the divide between us... things will just only get worse."

"That's it, dudes! Paddle faster!" Zuma cheered from outside the makeshift pool. The pups were now racing back and forth to see who could be the first one to finish five laps in time. A few of the other wolves were cheering for certain pups either by relating to them or knowing them. He found himself really liking these wolves who seemed to understand what water and swimming really were. The feel of the current flowing around you. Entering into a world where senses were different. The acting of swimming as you felt yourself becoming one with your surroundings and moving with the waves.

If I'm ever reborn as a wolf? This is the pack I want to be part of, Zuma thought with a chuckle. It was sort of a surprise to him how far he had come from his earlier attitude about wolves. From just thinking them as all evil beings with no souls he had now come to see them no different than any other living creature.

"First!" Aegen shouted as he leapt out of the pool with his head held high. The other wolf pups howled for him as Aegen's mother walked over to nuzzle him before helping him dry off. The little alpha then rushed over to Zuma and started hopping around with his tail wagging between his legs. "Did I do good, dude?! Did I do good?!"

"Yup, dude," Zuma said, ruffing his head a bit. "You did good."

"Thanks, Zuma! What are we going to learn next?" Aegen asked, panting.

"I think Zuma's taught enough for the day, Aegen," Shora said, smirking. "Besides, I believe it's time for your hunting lessons."

"Aww, can I come back tomorrow?" Aegen asked.

"Actually, Wyder's planning a cookout for dinner. We'd be honored to have you guys join us," Zuma said as Aegen turned to his mother with the biggest puppy eyes ever.

"If your father agrees then we'll attend," Shora answered.

"Yippie! See you later, Zuma!" Aegen shouted as he rushed down into the forest with a few of his Beta Guards chasing after him.

"He's such a handful, but in many ways he's like his brothers," Shora said, sighing with a sad smile.

"I didn't know Aegen had brothers," Zuma asked, tilting his head.

"Had... had brothers," Shora said, her tone turning sour. "I had three sons before Aegen. All of whom sadly passed away. Two died fighting Bloodmoon Star and the third from the Blue Serpent River. Aegen is my last child and he was too young to remember his brother's passing." He turned to Zuma. "I think that's why he looks up to you as an older brother. He's never known that which he missed and so he clings to you."

"Yeah," Zuma said, rubbing his paws against each other. "I kinda feel the same way, you know? I've always been the little bwother of the Paw Patrol, along with Wubble, but it feels nice having a little bwother." He then frowned as a thought came to him before turning to the to the aid of the wolves it was halfway done and Rocky predicted in three or so days it would be completed. "But how's he going to feel when we split up? We're heading for the mountain and you guys are heading down the river on the other side."

Shora was quiet for awhile before she sighed and said, "Aegen will be upset, but he will get over it in time. Which is why I believe the most important thing is to make his time with you memorable. I know I have already been with you and your pack."

She walked forward and stared at the campsite where wolves, dogs and humans were co-existing in peace. "I've always been taught, and believed, that our kind could never coexist with your kind ever again. Seeing all this and learning from one another. I feel that you've started a change of things for this forest. A change that is good. One that I believe is much better then whatever change Balfour wishes to do."

"Why don't all the wolves just work together to stop him?" Zuma asked. "It's pretty clear that he wants to control the entire Wintergreen forest. So why not work together?"

"A good many packs agree with Balfour's vision," Shora said, shaking her head. "Others have long rivalries against one another that forbid them from doing so. I believe in what you speak of, Zuma, but I fear there are so few packs now that there is nothing to stop them."

"We'll stop them," Zuma said, stepping forward. "Wyder won't let Balfour win. He'll do whatever he can to stop this."

"Then I pray to the ancestors that he is successful."

This wasn't good. This wasn't good at all. Running through the trees, a single black wolf with red markings on his body hurried as fast as his four legs could carry. He didn't even think that doing one last scout before the big attack would be needed but he did it anyway just in case. Thank the ancestors that I did! He thought as he soon arrived at the site his fellow Bloodmoon Star packmates were using as a temporary den. A small underground cave hidden by old trees and bushes. He didn't even bother greeting the guards and instead rushed over to where their Alpha Commander was going over the plan of attack for tomorrow. It wasn't hard to miss the heavy scared black and white wolf with an eagle's wing design on his back.

"Alpha Commander Talon!" He shouted, interrupting the meeting before bowing, "Omega Scout Reek! I have an update on the Riverborn!"

"Omega, we're busy," Talon said, growling. "So unless this is really important you-"

"Sir, there are dogs and humans with the Riverborn!" Reek said which made everyone's eyes widen. "I just saw them when I went to check it out. The Riverborn were...protecting and playing with these dogs and humans. I don't know who they are or what they're doing here but they got big machines and are building some kind of construction over the river!"

"What kind of construction?" Talon asked, now focused fully on the scout.

"It's made of wood, but it's strong enough to hold one of those car things the humans use," Reek continued. "I think they're using it to cross the river."

"...Damn," Talon growled. "If the Riveborn cross the river then our ambush will be for nothing." He paused and then turned to two of his Beta's. "Send a scout team to follow up on this. Cancel the attack tomorrow. I want to know everything about this band of humans and their slaves and why the Riverborn didn't kill them on site!"

"Yes, Alpha Commander!" The two said as they bowed their heads and rushed out.

Talon turned to Omega Reek and nodded. "You did a good job, Omega. For your efforts I will see you are rewarded. For now, spread word that the attack tomorrow is canceled until further noticed."

"I will at once!" Omega Reek said before leaving.

Talon looked at the dirt map he had made of their weeks long planned attack. With the Riverborn unable to cross due to how dangerous the river was he had been given orders to wipe them out once and for all. They had been offered many time to join but denied it thus they had to be crushed. If they make it to the other side of the river...they'll be close to their territory. And not even he would dare make a move there. Not unless he had the backing of the full army behind him.

No matter. I will not fail. Killing these slaves and their owners will just be an added bonus, Talon thought, as he began to strategize.