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Chapter Two: Culture Clash

"When talking about the history of the Great Northern wolves there were a great deal of elements I neglected to cover. Mostly I had set aside that section to purely discuss the history of the mammals in question, their rise to power and vilification when it came to sheep. I had made brief mentions of things such as 'packs', and spiritual visions but didn't delve into them in greater detail. This is because there was far to much to explain without dedicating a section to these subjects on their own. I felt that mixing the detailed explanation of cultural beliefs and practices of the Great Northern Wolves and their history would end up muddying them both. I also felt it would perhaps make these sections far too long. After all the bulk of this novel is supposed to be about myself and Vernon, and our relationship. But I felt it was important to educate those who choose to read this novel on the hardships that were set-upon us by virtue of the species we were born into. Without that preface, it would be difficult for an outsider to glean all the social and historical bindings working against us. So let us begin by tackling just what a 'pack means when speaking in terms of the Great north Wolves."

"The ancient North Wolves social structure during it's hunting and gathering days were made up something called a 'pack'. These packs usually consisted of family members. The leaders, which were known as Alphas, were usually the parents of the litter that would fill the other roles of the pack. Then there were the Betas, which were essentially the most dominant offspring of the pack just under the Alphas. They would assist the Alphas in protecting the pack and hunting parties. The wolves below the level of Beta were left un-classified. While the males still fought and hunted with the rest of the pack, they differed to the stronger siblings in choices made among the family. Once the pups were fully matured, they would leave to find a mate and make a pack of their own while the Betas usually remained to take over the pre-existing pack after the death of the Alphas."

"With evolution and the complications of culture came a shift in pack structure. Packs became more than just family clans, and extended to outside wolves who either 'tithed-in' to the pack, or had sworn allegiance to it for mutual benefits. The title of Alpha Male was given to the smartest and strongest wolf of the pack. The Alpha female was chosen much the same way, but more often than not they were the mate of the pack Alpha male. However in some circumstances the title was bestowed upon those the wolves saw as 'seers'. The Beta class now went to describe the right-hand mammal of the Alpha, his royal court and military strategists and generals. Below that fell the rest of the pack wolves, but it now extended to all the wolves in community the pack lead. This status was also extended to the few mammals who agreed to live under wolf rule, sheep included."

"Oddly enough the mammals that lived under wolf rule, whether it was before or after the death of the 'pack' and the founding of Greater and Lesser Norwulff were treated almost the same by the wolves as the wolves treated each-other. The only catch was that during the days of pack structure these mammals were in-eligible to rise to the ranks of Beta or Alpha. The sheep who lived under wolf control, regardless of the fact that they were prey lived much as they did before the wolves took over, and in most cases ended up having a better standard of living under the North Wolves. After the death of the pack, several even became part of the Düclaw royal council. These sheep who lived under the control of wolves are often referred to today as "The Shepherded Flocks". The term Shepherd being coined to describe sheep being lead by non-sheep."

"Today pack roles play no part in Norwulff's modern politics, and most wolves of Norwulff ancestry pay little attention to the old system. However the terms Alpha and Beta, and Omega which I will discuss later, are still used in pop-culture and part of modern wolf vernacular."

"Another element that helped shape the direction of North Wolf development was their spiritual beliefs. We touched briefly on the important roles played by those the North Wolves deigned as 'seers' in the short write-up on the history of the species, but never really went over them. As I mentioned the 'seers' were those thought to have a direct link to the gods and goddesses of the ancient wolves. In the case of the Düclaw's they spoke to the Goddess Freyja, who represented fertility, and the God Oldwyin, who represented glorious victory. These gods, among others ruled over a great hall where all of the greatest fallen wolf warriors came to rest. But the god believed to be responsible for those chosen as a 'seer' was the Great Lupa, or the goddess of the moon who was in effect the moon itself . The seers were believed to see the future, and their prayers were given priority to all others as their voice were the rare few that could reach the hallowed halls where the gods resided. But the nature of the visions were fickle, and so the wolves could not constantly rely on these seers to predict every victory, defeat, famine or otherwise."

"Those responsibilities fell to the Goddess Lupa, and by that I mean the moon. Ancient wolves knelt to the moon above all gods, and it remains one of the few icons that hold reverence among modern wolves. She was, and still is by some believed to be the soul of the first den mother, the origin of all wolves, who flies across the sky each night to watch over her children. The phases and colors of the moon ruled over the functions of Norwulff society and the choices made in regards to most heavy decisions. The lunar phases and seasons told the wolves when to plant, reap, mate, of good and bad omens, and even what the next season would bring. When the wolves went to war, a full moon over the battlefield was an assurance of blessings and victory. Wolves often howled to the moon specifically in a sort of prayer. These prayers could range from health, to wealth, a good hunt, finding a proper mate and so on."

"Which reminds me, I never went over 'howling', that trait so nearly unique to wolves that it has become somewhat of a joke today. Howling among the wolves of old was a form of emotional communication, and is largely practiced for the same reasons today. Wolves howl for a variety of reasons, to express joy, sorrow, fear, excitement, ecstasy, (Note to self, might want to remove 'ecstasy' from final draft.) and so forth. As Vernon himself told me, it's a left over trait from ancient wolves. The urge to howl is brought on by strong emotions, and is hard to suppress. When a howl is sounded, it is like a call of solidarity. And when other wolves hear it, those same urges drive them to respond. Most wolves can tell by the tone of a howl exactly what the emotion being expressed is, despite it sounding all the same to pretty much any other mammal. I also know from personal accounts that a distressed howl can often draw wolves to another's aide. (Thank you Wade.) Unfortunately, due to how easy it is to egg-on a howl by outside species, howling has become somewhat of an embarrassment to most wolves."

"Anyway, back on topic. Today, the lunar phases still play an important role in the descendant of the Norwulves today. When it comes to important deals, pacts and 'tithing' ceremonies wolves prefer to officiate them under the glow of the full moon in the belief it that unions and agreements formed under it would be blessed to succeed."

"Now, on to 'tithing', just what it is it? The closest equivalent I can make to what a tithing ceremony is to wolves, is what a marriage is to caprids. However unlike marriage, it involves neither rings nor a state official to perform."

The ancient form of 'tithing' was deeply ingrained in the pack culture of the Great North Wolves. The ceremony was the way in which not only two wolves were tied together as mates, but it had the dual effect of committing their consummate packs to one another. It was the way in which packs grew and expanded outside of conquest, and most members of the pack were heavily involved in the ceremony. The first step in seeking a tithing ritual was getting approval by the highest ranking member of each pack that were blood relatives of the wolves to be mated, usually the parents. With the approval of both parties' parents the ritual is then performed."

_ "The ceremony is limited to the blood relatives of each pack, which assemble at night preferably under the full moon. At the head of the ceremony stands to couple, flanked by the assenting blood relatives from each side. On the outskirts the rest of the pack watches as each of the approving pack leaders recite the ancient rite, which goes as follows."_

_ "We come here to witness the tithing of two souls. They shall be bound by their love, by their strength, by their joy and by their sorrows. The souls which inhabit these mammals will be forever connected, and even in death and beyond they shall always return to one another. With the permission of the pack Alphas, the rite shall commence."_

"At that point, the two be tithed once again ask for approval from the pack heads, and with final approval the ceremony continues. This is where it gets a bit unconventional, and perhaps to you readers a bit savage. At this stage, the Alphas each produce a small dagger that is given to each of the tithing wolves. One makes a diagonal cut in the palm of their right paw, and the other the left while holding them over a collecting bowl. The cut is made deliberately deep enough to scar, but not enough to require stitching. Once a small sample of each of the wolf's blood is collected, they are mixed together. At that point the mammal are instructed to clasp each-other's wounded paws together, allowing their fresh wounds to mesh together. Today, the bloodletting has been completely removed from the ceremony. Instead, the blades have been done away with. The mixed blood has been replaced with a special dye that is used to tattoo the palms of each wolf with representations of the moon. From there, regardless of method the following rite is spoken."

"Through these wounds, through our blood, are souls are connected. For now and for always."

_ "The pair are then presented with the blood bowl, which they use to paint a half circle symbol on each-other's foreheads. These symbols are meant to represent 'The Great Lupa' and the two halves of their souls making a whole. In modern blood free ceremonies, a powdered dye is used."_

_ "It is then that each of the couple each recites the following."_

_ "The pact is sealed, and with it our packs become one. I pledge my eternal love and devotion to you_ (insert mates name). I swear to protect you, to...to..."

Dawn groaned. She had been over this several times with Vernon already, but couldn't remember the whole _'tithing'_rite word for word. And of course now that the pair were on the subway the ewe couldn't easily get to the meticulous hand written notes that were crammed beneath mounds of clothing in their respective suitcases. Dawn let out a derisive sigh, slowly leaning back toward the adjacent seat. She continued to lean until she felt the back of her head gently press against what assumed was Vernon's arm.

"Hmm...?" Came a mumbled reply, confirming Dawn had indeed leaned on the wolf she was aiming for.

"Oh, sorry Vernon, were you napping?" Dawn asked.

"Little bit." Dawn turned to find the wolf starting to stretch, he raised an arm, bracing it with the other as he stretched out. His muzzle opening wide and his tongue curling as he let out a prolonged yawn.

"I honestly don't know how you can nap on the subway." Dawn chuckled. "I find it so noisy."

The wolf awkwardly scratched his head, his ears cocking in different directions.

"I try to zero in on that hum it makes while it's moving; it's comforting in a way." The wolf said groggily. "Our stop coming up?"

"No." Dawn shook her head. "We've still got a few more stops before we hit Haymarket." Dawn sighed, adjusting the tilt of her laptop screen for better visibility.

Vernon glanced out the window as the hum of subway whined down. It slowed to a stop as it came in at another station on the Rainforest line, The wolf watched the mammals disembark and board the train for a bit as if to affirm Dawn's conclusion before turning back to her in mild confusion.

"So why'd you wake me? Gettin' lonely?" the wolf gave her a nudge and sly smirk.

Dawn returned his grin in equal earnest, fluttering her eyelashes at the wolf.

"Oh I'm always lonely if I don't have you to talk to Puppy." She laughed as she pulled her laptop off the seat and onto her lap. Gingerly tapping her hoof against the screen she glanced back up at Vernon.

"I need help with the 'tithing ceremony.'" Dawn said. "I'v-

"Oh-hoh-ho." Vernon crossed his arms. " Why Floofs, are you proposin' ?" Vernon grinned down at the ewe smugly.

Dawn felt heat flush to her cheeks in an instant. Turning her head away to hide the severity of her blush, she shielded the edge of her face from sight with a hoof.

"Veeeernon!" Dawn yelped, dragging out the length of his name with a whine.

"I accept!" Before Dawn could react the wolf abruptly scooped her into his arms, easing her computer back onto the seat as he did. She continued to hide her face, trying desperately to push away from the wolf's chest.

"Hello Mrs. Hunter-Bellwether!" The wolf teased. Dawn could feel the wolf trying to work his muzzle under her chin. The wolf knew full well it was Dawn's weak spot, and it drove her crazy every time he exploited it.

"Stop! Stoo-OOOP!" Dawn giggled, forcing the wolf's maw back with her hooves. Vernon relented, allowing the sheep to regain her composure and finally face him. Dawn adjusted her glasses, giving the wolf an irritable huff as she stared him down. In truth she had grown to love the way the wolf teased her, but it was even more fun to throw it right back at him.

"Stop making a scene Puppy, were in public." Dawn put on her best serious voice. The ewe feigned a stern glance, narrowing her eyes at the wolf. She could see the wolf balk under her gaze, shrinking slightly as if he were a child being scolded by a parent. The wolf slowly lowered the lamb back into the dumpy brown subway seat next to him, drawing his paws back carefully. Dawn continued to stare daggers at him, doing her best to suppress the smirk desperately trying to fight to the surface. The forlorn wolf let out a slight whine before clearing his throat.

"I-I'm sorry Mutton Chop, I-I didn't mean to emba-"

Dawn stopped the wolf with a playful push.

"You are such a dork!" She giggled.

Vernon's demeanor immediately turned back around, the wolf beaming in response to the ruse.

"You little devil!" He chuckled.

"Hunter-Bellwether?" She gave the wolf a half lidded stare.

"What's wrong with that?" The wolf shrugged, his gaze returning to the subway window as the cavalcade of jungle overgrowth sped by.

"I was looking forward to taking your last name." The ewe pouted. Dawn crossed her arms, turning her attention to the partially vandalized seat in-front of her. "I was certainly looking forward to not having 'THAT' name following me around anymore." The ewe stewed, wriggling herself further into her seat.

"Bellwether?" Vernon asked absentmindedly.

Dawn grunted dully in response.

"I like that name." Vernon said, his voice laden with sincerity.

Dawn huffed again. "Well I don't."

The ewe gestured her hooves at the laptop. "On top of what I did, and what my Father and Grandfather did, all this looking into my family history made being a Bellwether feel even worse." Dawn closed the lid of the computer abruptly before throwing her head back and releasing a heavy sigh.

"Hey now, it's not like the Düclaw-Hunter's were shining beacons of perfection either Floof." The wolf shrugged. "I mean, we spent thousands of years as roaming conquerors. What did sheep do? Mostly farm, until we came along that is." The wolf grimaced slightly. "Then there was that whole trading with mammal-eaters thing."

"At least Leif was doing that to find a way to drive them out. Not that Archibald Bellwether cared to much about that little detail." Dawn began to count the fingers on her hoof. "Then there was King Declan and the war-"

Vernon gingerly grasped the ewe's hooves together. Dawn looked up in slight surprise as she met the wolf's gaze. Vernon smiled his usual reassuring smile, which always managed to work its way through even the thickest gloom the ewe could muster.

"Forget all that, what about you saving the city Darlin'? I'd say that's reason enough to be proud of your name." The wolf gently shook her hooves pleadingly, as if trying to reason with her.

"I'd say I broke even at most." The lamb sighed. "I think I'd need another good disaster to save the city from to make everyone completely forget what I did in the first place."

Silence hung for a brief moment before Dawn had realized just how what she said could be interpreted. Now aware of how her simple dismissal made her sound, she quickly withdrew her hooves from the wolf. The ewe shook her head as she waived her hooves frantically in defense.

"I-I mean, that's not why I did w-what I did." The lamb assured. "I d-did It because it was the r-right thing to do! I me-ean...I erm, I, what I mean to-"

"Hey, hey!" Vernon cooed, gesturing for the ewe to calm herself. "I wasn't trying to get your hackles up Dawn, I know you didn't risk your life just to look good." The wolf sighed.

"If anything, you did it...well..." A slow smile swept across Vernon's muzzle as he continued to stare down at the ewe. Slowly the wolf brought an arm around her, pulling Dawn close to his side. Dawn knew what he was thinking, and the wolf was absolutely right. When it had come to the standoff with her Father, selfishly she hadn't thought of the city, or even Judy and Nick. The only one she was worried about saving was Vernon, even at the cost of her own life. A warm smile rose to match the wolf's as she stared back at him, before she found herself being slightly squeezed as Vernon pulled her into a hug. As the wolf released her, he returned to watching the window.

"Alright, alright I'm willin' to table the name discussion for now." Vernon said, a few weak chuckles escaping his lips before easing into a sigh.

The two fell silent as the sound of shuffling subway cars filled the absence of conversation. The ewe, relieved, opened her laptop again. She had almost forgotten exactly what she wanted to ask the wolf after his playful little distraction. Briefly skimming where she had come to a stop, Dawn prepared to bring it up again.

"So ab-"

"Still serious about marrying you though." The wolf didn't turn away from the window as a warm grin crept across his muzzle.

Dawn felt her blush return as she brought her hoof to her cheek.

"V-Vernon?" She stammered.

"That's the way sheep do it right? Marriage?"

Vernon was still leaning against the window, but his eyes flicked in her direction. Dawn could see the discomfort in the wolf's eyes. It was clear to Dawn that he was worried about the reply. Dawn choked out a weak chuckle as she felt her eyes well slightly.

"W-well I mean, y-yes that's." The ewe stuttered. "Most prey get 'married'."

"So...how do we do it?" Vernon's grin grew.

Dawn could barely breath. Was he actually popping the question in a roundabout way? Really? So soon? Dawn could feel her heart begin to beat faster.

"Y-you'd really want to marry me so soon? H-honestly?" The ewe whimpered. "I m-mean that's our whole lives P-puppy. What if it d-doesn't work out?" Dawn could feel the hot tears begin to trickle out of her eyes, and wiped them quickly in an effort to hide them. "I mean I c-can't give you pups. Y-you might want a she-wolf somed-"

Vernon placed a finger to Dawn's lips, shushing her.

"We can always adopt Honey Lamb." Vernon cooed. "I don't want some she-wolf, I told you before, you are the one Dawn." Dawn could see Vernon's eyes beginning to shimmer as his own tears rose.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Dawn wrapped her hooves around the wolf, squeezing as tightly as she could.

"O...OH PUPPY LOVE!" She cried into Vernon's side. The wolf pulled her onto his lap and returned the hug, burying his face into the wooly poof of her hair. "I want to m-marry you too." Dawn mumbled into his chest. As the two broke the hug, Dawn drew back and wiped her eyes to the best of her ability. Despite her attempts, she couldn't manage to stop the tears. Staring back up at the wolf she smiled broadly, her lips quivering as she tried to speak.

"Yes, I mean, it w-would be easy to g-get a partner-ship license. T-they're open to all mammals, it d-doesn't matter their species. " Dawn sniffled hard.

"W-what about a ceremony?" Vernon asked, swabbing his own teary eyes with a paw.

Dawn looked down, twiddling her fingers. She had always wanted to have a ceremonial wedding. Despite her horrid upbringing she had still found the time for the usual childhood fantasies that most of the other ewe's her age dreamt of. She could remember spending many nights lying on her bed, imaging herself in the prettiest white gown. Picturing a handsome ram declaring his everlasting love and whisking her away from her horrible home life. As she grew this daydream became more defined. She imagined it to be a small outdoor affair, among the beautiful wilderness of The North Meadowlands. Her few friends and maybe her Mother in attendance as she exchanged rings with her future husband, again a ruggedly handsome and kind ram. There was a part of her that still wanted all that, although her imaginary perfect groom had become much more canid in appearence since she last ruminated on those kind of dreams. But she was certain no caprid wedding official would ever condone such a union. Hell they barely allowed sheep and goats to marry off, so the chances of a sheep and a wolf seemed nothing short of impossible.

"W-well I'm sure M-mother would be more than on-board." Dawn smiled weakly at the hopeful wolf. He grinned broadly, and she could hear the rhythmic dull slap of the wolf's wagging tail hitting the seat. "B-but I can't see a licensed caprid marriage official being willing to perform the ceremony." The ewe sighed.

Vernon only grimaced briefly before the smile returned to his face.

"Wait, I'm pretty sure Gus has one of those official licenses." The wolf smirked.

Dawn was taken aback. "W-wait? R-really?" She covered her mouth with a hoof. "Why would Gus have a license to do that?"

The wolf rolled his eyes as he let out a chuckle. "Gus likes to spend his down time learning little things and picking up odd trades." Vernon began to count fingers. " He can play the ukulele, do magic tricks, speaks three languages, juggle, and is a licensed notary. I think there's more, but I can't remember 'em." Vernon shrugged. "Picks up that stuff online. They'll let anyone register I guess."

Dawn was beaming through her now silent tears.

"O-Oh Vernon!" The giddy ewe tapped her hooves together excitedly. "H-how wonderful! Y-yes. yes, let's start planning it out as we get back from the trip!"

The wolf's expression had shifted to one of pure adoration as he stared dumbly at the excited lamb.

"I love you so much right now Honey Lamb." The wolf cooed.

Dawn felt a familiar and overwhelming sensation overtake her, a desperate yearning for his lips to meet her own. She was no longer in control as she felt herself leaning in toward the wolf. As the gap was quickly closing Dawn managed to get out one last trembling sentence.

"I love you too Puppy Love." She cooed.

As their lips touched the ewe felt that familiar intoxicating warmth wash over her. It had the pleasance of a warm blanket on a cold and snowy evening, and sent tingles all over her. However she barely got anytime to truly lose herself in her warm, wolfy world before she was rudely drawn back by a loud and obnoxious voice.

"LOOK AT THESE FREAKS!" The voice snarled.

Dawn's broke the kiss abruptly, her attention snapping to the source of the sudden outburst. Seated across from the pair were a couple of wolves. A female red wolf eyed her disdainfully as her muzzle scrunched in distaste. She was on the tall side, and a bit husky. Her brown worn imitation hide jacket with various metal bits and chains adorning it, and her torn jeans told Dawn she was probably in her late teens. Next to her sat a male Dawn assumed to be her mate. He was a grey wolf, looking similar to Vernon, albeit a bit smaller and more wiry. He wore a black jacket with similar chains and buttons to his mate, as well as a similar pair of worn jeans. However, he looked both surprised and nervous. Dawn could see his phone still cradled in his paws, thumbs raised showing he had been pulled away from something by red wolf's sudden outburst. Dawn began to bite her hoof nervously, silently cursing herself. She had been too careless, she should have made sure the car had still been empty before kissing the wolf. The pair must have got on the previous stop.

"Hey dummy, that's not how you taste test a sheep!" The red wolf snickered. "You bite 'em in the neck first."

Dawn felt Vernon tighten his grip around the ewe. Looking back up at wolf, his expression was hard to read. He seemed calm, but Dawn could make out the traces of muscle flexing near his brow as if he was stifling a growl.

The red wolf eyed her mate in disbelief, giving the still seemingly confused and twitchy wolf a nudge.

"Hey Chaunce! We got a prey chaser over here!" the Red wolf laughed.

"O-oh is that so?" The other wolf grinned, but it seemed to falter slightly.

"What's wrong sheepdog? Not Alpha enough to keep a real wolf around!?" The red wolf returned to chiding Vernon, crossing her arms as she sneered.

"Maybe he's an O-omega Red." Chauncey snickered, giving the large female a nudge back.

Red leaned forward. Despite the distance the aisle kept between Dawn and the pair, she felt herself reflexively lean further back into Vernon. One of her hooves found traction as it twisted the fabric of his shirt. The wolf squinted hard, and Dawn followed the glance back up to Vernon's face. Vernon exchanged a sympathetic glance at Dawn, making a small grimace as he clearly noticed her distress.

"V-vernon I-I'm sorry." Dawn whimpered quietly. "I-"

"They'll tucker themselves out." Vernon replied in a hushed tone.

"NAW!" Dawn turned back to the red wolf as she leaned back into her original position, crossing her arms again.

"Omega's may be messed up, but I've never seen one macking on prey before. We'll have to invent a new category for that kind of freakshow!" The wolfess cackled loudly at her own joke.

"Yeah." Chauncey laughed, turning his attention back to his phone.

Red narrowed her eyes at the pair, causing Dawn to shudder slightly. "What are you? Norwulffish?" She spat. "What is it with Norwulff's and betraying every single thing it means to be a true wolf!?" Red gesticulated her paws at the pair wildly.

"You don't follow pack roles, you refuse to acknowledge the fact that wolves are a superior species!" She hissed. "A-and worst of all you guys let prey step all over you! We're predators for a reason! We're supposed to dominate these little pipsqueaks!" She stabbed a finger at the ewe, causing Dawn to retract further into Vernon's chest. Vernon hugged her tighter in response.

"C'mon big guy, where's she keeping your leash at?" She grinned smugly. " I'd love to know what an ugly little runt like her did to get you under her hoof!" She stabbed a finger at Dawn, almost snarling as her tirade continued.

Dawn felt Vernon shift the ewe back over to her seat despite her desperate desire to stay nestled in his embrace. Startled, she turned back to look at the wolf. His stoic demeanor had given way to an annoyed grimace. Vernon glanced back at Dawn briefly, giving her a reassuring smile and patting her hair before letting out a tired sigh.

"Ver-"

"Hey buddy, mind telling your mouthy Omega girlfriend to shut her trap. I'm getting tired of the constant stream of stank breath coming this way."

Dawn's jaw dropped in shock as the words left Vernon's muzzle. He hadn't even dropped the kind smile he was still giving the ewe as he said it. Dawn quickly turned to find Red's eyes had gone wide in shock, and her mate had stopped toying with his phone. Chauncey looked somewhat nervous as Red quickly eyed him before turning back to Vernon.

"W-what did y-"

"You're one of those native wolves right?" Vernon said. "But Chauncey over there, he's a Norwulff."

Vernon leaned over Dawn toward the pair, and the ewe could see a smug grin creeping across his muzzle.

"What's a matter Darlin'? To much of a bitch for any self respecting native wolves to deal with your bullshit so they cast you out, right?" Vernon chuckled.

Dawn looked back at the red wolf, the fur around her face seeming to become redder as her muzzle twisted into a snarl.

"Y-YOU-!" The she-wolf sputtered, seemingly staggering to search for a reply. With the words failing to come she did the next best thing, turning and swatting her mate. The nervous looking wolf winced in response to the sudden abuse.

"ARE YOU GOING TO LET HIM SAY THAT TO ME CHAUNCEY!?" She hissed.

"Baby I-" The she-wolf slapped him again before giving him a push off the seat. The wolf stumbled to his feet, looking back at Red in disbelief.

"WELL GO ON!" She gestured at the pair. "STAND UP FOR YOUR MATE!"

Before Dawn could speak Vernon was on his feet, making his way to the aisle. The ewe quickly grasped at the back of his coat, causing him to turn back.

"V-VERNON DON'T!" She pleaded.

The wolf looked back at Dawn, wearing the same reassuring smile he had given her before.

"It'll be alright, I promise." Vernon turned back to her, leaning in and planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'll talk him down."

With that Vernon made his way over to Chauncey. Dawn leaned on the nearby armrest, clutching it tightly with both hooves in terror. The last thing she wanted was Vernon to have to square off with anyone and risk being hurt over some stupid and thoughtless remarks. For all she knew that wolf was carrying a knife or something worse, and she silently prayed that Vernon would succeed in talking the other wolf down.

With Vernon standing next to him, Dawn could easily see that Vernon was at least a foot taller than the younger wolf. That's not to say that the young wolf didn't look imposing in other ways. Chauncey's teeth were grit and his claws were out as Vernon loomed over him. Dawn couldn't make the words being said between the pair as they were far too hushed to perceive.

"Where's Judy when you need her?" She thought to herself.

Suddenly, the young wolf struck Vernon sending him to the floor in one swift motion. Dawn couldn't stop herself, quickly jumping over the seat and scrambling to his side as the wolf curled on the floor.

"TAKE THAT YOU FILTHY OMEGA MUTT!" The teen sneered.

"VERNON!" Dawn cried, trying to work through the wolf's paws to see the injury he was hiding. Vernon simply groaned in response. As the train lurched to a stop, Dawn quickly began to look around the car for any other nearby mammal. Someone to call over for some kind of assistance.

"OH THIS WAS SO STUPID, SO STUPID!" She cried, tears welling.

"C'mon babe, let's get off here. I don't want to ride with filth like this around." Chauncey spat. Dawn looked up to watch as Red quickly grasped his arm, beaming at the young male. Red gave the terrified ewe one final glowering stare before the duo made their way off the train and into the throngs of the Rainforest District. As the doors closed, and the train jerked back into motion, Dawn returned to attending the stricken wolf.

"VERNON, YOU SHOULDN'T H-"

The wolf finally allowed the ewe to pull his paws away, revealing a perfectly un-harmed Vernon. Dawn stared in disbelief as the wolf gave her a sly smirk.

"The kid gone?" Vernon asked.

"W-what?" Dawn stammered, her mouth agape as Vernon clambered back to his feet.

"What?" Vernon shrugged, returning to his original seat. "Told ya I'd be fine didn't I?"

Dawn scrambled after him, grabbing one of his arms tightly as she eyed him.

"I-I-" She shook her head. "I don't understand."

The wolf gave her a smug smirk. "I talked him down."

"I SAW him hit you Puppy!" Dawn shook his arm.

"He didn't." Vernon shrugged.

Dawn was getting tired of the wolf's empty responses. Standing on her chair, she grabbed him by his face, pulling him so that she could stare right into his deep green eyes.

"Vernon." She said in a serious tone. "Tell me what happened back there."

The wolf's smile dropped slightly. Letting out a sigh he gently grasped Dawn's hooves and pulled them away from his face. Still clasping them tightly, he dragged Dawn back onto his lap. Once she was properly seated he settled into a more serious expression.

"The kid was in over his head." Vernon replied.

"What?" Dawn replied.

"Those native wolves are always more trouble then their worth when it comes to social situations." Vernon sighed. "I think they get so mouthy because they are insecure about their own relationships, but it always seems like they gotta butt into other mammals affairs."

The ewe still wasn't quite following what Vernon was saying, She was still struggling to understand why they weren't making their way to the nearest hospital right now.

"Vernon, please tell me-"

" He didn't want to fight me. But his mate would have probably left him if didn't stand up for her." Vernon grabbed the ewe's hooves again, this time more tenderly.

"So I told him I'd let him get one fake hit in, and go down like a ton of bricks. Then he gets off the train and leaves us alone. Everyone wins."

Dawn arched her eyebrows in confusion. "He faked it? B-but why?"

"Because I told him I didn't want to have to wipe the floor with a young pup." Vernon smirked. The wolf stretched again, letting out another prolonged yawn before continuing.

"I dated one of those North Mammalian Natives in high school." Vernon's muzzle twisted into a grimace. "Ya always gotta prove you're Alpha enough for 'em, always starting fights on your behalf. I wanted to cut the kid a break, but he needs to learn on his own that kind of relationship is poison."

Dawn shook her head in disbelief. It was all becoming clear, that's why Chauncey seemed so nervous when Red had started yelling at them in the first place. The wolf knew that the bluster had a good chance of making him pay for it, especially considering Vernon's size. Dawn found herself briefly wondering just how often the young wolf had to fight on Red's behalf before a more curious question rose to the forefront.

"You dated one?' Dawn asked timidly.

Vernon groaned in displeasure. "Yeah, unfortunately. At the tale end of my whole 'bad dog' phase."

Dawn twiddled her hooves, eyeing the wolf with interest.

"Y-you never told me about that." She mumbled.

"I don't really like reliving it." Vernon sighed. "Both that part of my life, and my time with that horrible, evil-" Vernon grit his teeth, his brow furrowing in anger. After a moment he shook his head, seemingly to shake off the negative feelings.

"Yeah, she was bad news." He mumbled. "I'll tell you all about it when we have to write about it Darlin', I promise." Vernon assured, leaning in to hug the ewe.

Dawn smiled, opening her arms and allowing the wolf to hug her tightly.

"I love you Vernon." She said sweetly.

"I love you too Dawn." He replied.

As Dawn lingered in the hug she allowed the relief to wash over her. The wolves were gone, Vernon was fine, and all was right with her world again. But at the same time the whole incident was beginning to tug at the fears she had so desperately tried suppress the night before. What if Vernon's family reacted to meeting her the same way those other wolves did? What if it was worse? Dawn could feel the familiar knot in her stomach began to reform.