Sin's Of The Father

Sins of the Father

Chapter 17

A Message For The Great Spirit

 

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta animegirlkiki for betaing.

Last chapter the fight with the little spirit began this chapter and revelations are made and a special message is delivered via thunderbird.



To say it was an easy battle was an understatement.

The Yunwi Tsunisdi turned into its bear form, only this time it was much more tall, about fifteen feet tall.

The wolves and Cullen's were protected by the symbols Terra had drawn on their chests, so not to be affected by the power of the bear.

Terra shot him with bolts of magical energy and Qahla focused on lending power to everyone.

Edward was picking at the spirits mind, trying to distract him mentally and learn more about their foes, but the Yunwi tsunisdi fought back, going through Edward's mind and making him relive painful moments from his past and taunting him about his memories.

"Stupid little solider, so eager to fight in a battle, still trying to prove you are a man. All you are is a self-pitying boy trying to act like he is a man."

Edward snarled, not taking too kindly to the spirits words.

Emmett grabbed the bears leg and lifted him up, causing him to fall on his side. The wolves pounced on him biting and clawing at him. Emmett jumped on his back, a wild feral grin on his face. "Bears are a specialty of mine spirit boy!"

The bear brought its paw up and brought it over its back, swiping at him and sending Emmett flying into the trees.

It got up and the wolves scattered, Jasper could feel its rage and indignation that what it perceived as lesser beings caused him this much trouble.

"You damn pests! How dare you raise against me! Do you know who I am?"

"A pain in the ass," Terra said.

The bear roared and charged at him, just when he was about to crush him he disappeared. The bear slammed into trees, knocking them down.

Terra reappeared, a smug look on his face.

"You can teleport?"Seth asked.

"Among other things," he said.

"Wow, you're like Harry Potter."

Terra glared at him. "Don't make me curse you." he turned to the bear and raised his hands in the air. "Butterflies."

Sparks of fire appeared in the air like sparklers. They took shape into fiery butterflies. Terra waved his hands in the bears directions and faster then what a normal butterfly was capable of they flew at the bear, they fluttered around him, burning him when they got to close to him, dozens and dozens of burning butterfly's surrounded him.

"What cheap trick is this?" the bear asked.

Terra snapped his fingers and all at once the butterflies swarmed at the bear at the same time. There was a massive explosion and the bear roared in pain as his body was enveloped in fire.

"Cheap trick my ass," Terra said.

"What the hell was that?" Jake asked.

"Butterflies made from fire," Terra said.

"Butterflies?"

"What? They're pretty," Terra said.

"Damn you!" the bear roared, its flesh was horribly singed.

"Don't let up!" Jake and Sam told their wolves.

They continued to hammer on the bear, clawing and ripping against him while avoiding his blows.

The bear's fur began to bristle. There was a sound of something small shooting through the air, something small but sharp. The wolves howled in pain as the bears shot out like darts and hit their bodies. The Cullen's were unaffected as their bodies were to hard, Terra slammed his fists together and covered his body with a barrier that caused the darts to bounce off him.

Qahla used his powers to shield Jake and himself from the attack as well.

"They will be fine, a little sore but fine," Terra said.

"We need to take him down!" Jake said.

"I got him!" Qahla said.

Before anyone could stop him he turned into a large eagle and flew at the bear. He used his claws to to latch on to the bear's face, it growled in pain as the talons dug into it's flesh.

The eagle spread its wings and let out a cry. "Explosion!"

Once again there was a massive explosion, some of the wolves were thrown back from the concussive force of it.

Smoke filled the clearing and Terra waved his hand. "Zephyr!"

A gentle breeze blew the smoke away, once again there was a huge crater where the bear had been. The Yunwi Tsunisdi lay on the ground, covered in burn marks in its human form. Qahla sat on top of him, a glowing look on his face.

"That is how we do it on Quileute land!"

Everyone cautiously made their way towards the crater. The Yunwi Tsunisdi raised his head and glared at them all. "Damn you all!"

"Might want to save your power friend, Qahla did a number on you," Terra said.

"You wait, I am going to wipe this whole tribe off the map!"

Qahla brought his hand up and punched the spirit on the back of the head. "Not while I am around!"

"This isn't over, I will avenge this humiliation!"

Terra pulled out his knife. "Don't worry; I will be more than happy to put you out of your misery."

The spirit smiled. "You're not the only one with a few tricks up his sleeve."

The spirits body began to sink into the ground. Qahla jumped up and backed up as the spirit disappeared into the earth.

"Damn, he got away!" Qahla said.

"Don't worry, he left to go lick his wounds," Terra said.

"We should do the same," Carlisle said.

"Agreed," Terra said.

"Wait!"

Terra sighed.

"What is it?" Carlisle asked.

"Sam has a question."

Sam looked over at Jake. "What did Qahla mean when he said he was the creation of Utlapa?"

---

 



The Yunwi Tsunisdi stood in a cave. It was dark; the only light came from a hole in the ceiling.

The other spirits looked down on him; he knew they were angry he failed to bring the Quileute child.

"How was I supposed to know that he would be that powerful!" he said.

"Never the less you still failed!" one of the other spirits snapped.

"It would have been easier if the bastard immortal hermit wasn't there!"

"True, the Mountain King's presence is a surprise. Taha Aki must have gone to him for help like he did in ages past," another spirit said.

"It could complicate things. He may not be of our ilk, but he has faced many great powers and emerged victorious."

"So what is the next step?"

"We continue to marshal our powers. Now that the stone is destroyed his power will continue to leak out and make us strong."

"What about Taha Aki? He is a wild card, he has found a way to return the ancient power to the earth."

"We will deal with him; he is alone and will be dealt with."

"For now we should observe the Quileute's, attack when they least expect it."

"But other spirits will be drawn to the boy."

"Then we must make sure the others spirits don't get him first."

"The child won't come easily, he has a stubborn streak," The Yunwi Tsunisdi said.

"Then we will have to find a way to make him listen."

---

 

"He is what?" Billy asked.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Sue asked.

"I think I am going to be sick!" Old Quil said.

They were in the woods behind Billy's. They had just informed the elders of the fight with the spirit and told everyone the truth about Qahla.

All the wolves were present, as well as the Cullen's. Jake had told them what Taha Aki told him.

"Why wouldn't he tell us?" Billy asked.

"Would you want people to know your stepson is related to the Devil?" Terra asked. "That was why your people were so horrible to him all those years ago, it wasn't the power, it was the fact he was sired by Utlapa in Taha Aki's first body that made them fear him so."

"Why didn't you tell us Jake?" Billy asked.

"I promised Taha Aki I would not tell," Jake said.

"But since Qahla dropped the bomb might as well tell everyone," Terra said giving Qahla a firm look.

"I was in the moment," Qahla said.

"What else haven't you and Taha Aki told us?" Billy asked giving Terra a firm look.

"Nothing that affects you," Terra said.

"This is ridiculous, how can we trust you?" Sue asked.

"I promised Taha Aki I wouldn't tell either, besides, I didn't want the poor child to have to relive the prejudice he endured centuries ago."

"So what if the little guy has most bizarre family in history," Emmett said, "he's a good kid."

"It is true, his heart is as pure as any child's," Edward said.

"Plus you guys did try to kill him numerous times, it was a good precaution to not tell you his spirit daddy was Utlapa I think," Terra said.

"Perhaps we should worry more about the other spirits this Yunwi creature mentioned," Old Quil said.

"As well as the progress that has been made at Sam being returned to a human," Sue said.

"I can answer those. You all know the most ancient and powerful of magics were put into Qahla when he was but still in the womb. This power draws supernatural beings like vampires and werewolves. Plus those few gifted find their powers growing beyond their usual limits as the Cullen's have found. In the old days the spirits were able to physically interact with the mortal world. But over time the magic weakened to the point where it rendered said spirits incorporeal."

"Why? What happened to the magic?" Billy asked.

"People stopped believing. As science and logic began to govern the minds of humanity they started to believe less and less in magic. Without the fuel of belief magic began to dry up and the spirits lost their hold on this reality. There are certain parts of the world where these beings can still exist, places where humans have a strong belief in the supernatural and there are certain wild magics that still roam."

"So because people stopped believing in magic it stopped existing?" Sue asked.

"No, it still exists, it just lacks the fuel. Belief is a power on its own after all. Now only the most powerful of the great spirits roam the earth, the lesser spirits exist in the spirit world," Terra said.

"But the power Qahla gives off gives them strength," Old Quil said.

"Exactly, the power in him is always leaking out of him. He is basically a nuclear bomb that is leaking radiation. If left unchecked the power could cause...some alterations in the world around him."

"Alterations?" Billy asked not liking the sound of that.

"It would take some time for these changes to happen. But those closest to him would be altered to become myth altered deviants and the land would change, becoming more magical as a result."

"How long?"

"Many years. The alterations would not happen in your lifetime. I believe a decade or two, less if Qahla purposely tried to alter the land."

"Don't worry, I like things the way they are," Qahla said.

"Could we be altered?" Carlisle asked.

"Or us?" Jake asked.

"It is possible that supernatural beings could be further mutated," Terra said.

The woods were quiet for a moment.

Qahla could hear them thinking, the fear, the worry, the paranoia. They were imagining what the world would look like altered by Qahla's power, what they would be like.

"Um, excuse me," he said. "I...I know I am a burden to you all. And for that I am really sorry. I wish I was just a normal child, I wish I could have lived a normal life, I wish trouble didn't follow me like a shadow. I wish I could help ease your burdens instead of add to them. I do think of you all as family and I really appreciate what you have sacrificed to me. But I promise soon you will not have to put up with me any longer. My father, my real father, Taha Aki has finally found a way to cure me of this curse. So please, just bare with me a little while longer and I promise I will make you all proud!"

The elders smiled at the boy, they could tell he was being honest.

"You are one of us Qahla, despite your beginnings, the way you have chosen to live your life is proof of that," Billy said.

Qahla smiled. "Thank you."

"But what about these spirits?" Old Quil asked.

"No doubt they are trying to get a hold of him to feast of his power. And to gain power they never had before," Terra said.

"Can we protect ourselves?" Sue asked.

"They won't attack us soon. After what we did to the Yunwi Tsunisdi I think they will take time to plan their next attack. I will add more detection spells. By the time I am done a wind spirit won't be able to so much as sneeze without me knowing," Terra said.

"And Sam?" Billy asked.

"That is taking more time. The curse is tricky and not all magic can be undone in an instant."

Sam stepped forward.

"Sam wants to make an announcement," Edward said.

Sam closed his eyes then opened them. He looked at Edward and nodded.

"He says he is relinquishing his right as alpha and giving his pack to Jake."

The woods broke out into noise. Sam's pack was protesting, especially Paul and Jared. The elders were looking at one another shocked and Jake was stunned. Terra shifted his head to the side, making sure no one saw him grin. Qahla saw the grin and frowned.

Sam let out a howl and the woods quieted.

"Sam, what has brought this on? Now of all times?" Billy asked.

"Sam says that now that Emily is pregnant and he is trapped as a wolf he must make changes in his life. Jake was always meant to be the alpha and it would be better for the tribe if there was one pack instead of two. The mental connection would be stronger then ever and there would be no worry of being unable to call another wolf in another pack," Edward translated.

"Sam is right, with these dangerous times ahead the tribe needs to be united more then ever, Terra said, adding his own into it.

"But if we merge packs the whole dynamic would have to change!" Leah said.

"Yeah, how would the hierarchy work?" Jared asked.

"Could we even do it? I mean, so many minds connected," Seth said.

"Is it possible? This would be the largest pack in the history of the tribe," Embry asked.

"It is possible, I have encountered packs that were large, or larger," Terra said. "As for the hierarchy you would have to arrange that. But obviously Sam would be the beta. Leah is the alpha female by default of course being the only female in the packs but I am sure Embry and Jared could share a position of authority."

"Alpha female?" Billy asked with a frown.

"Seriously, you all didn't think she was the only one in the whole world," Terra said rolling his eyes.

He explained to them how female shifters were rare, but because Leah had ancestors from the Black's, Atera's and Uley's her wolf blood was the strongest allowed her to phase. He left out the baby part, not wanting to air that particular laundry.

And they say he wasn't sensitive.

"So since she is the only female, she is by default the alpha female which means she is the rightful ruler along with Jake."

"What!" everyone yelled.

"My God, you people know nothing!" Terra growled.

"What do you mean? She can't rule the pack!" Paul yelled.

"Yeah, Leah has never told any of us what to do!"

"Shut up Quil," Leah said.

"Shutting up."

"She doesn't have the alpha voice," Jake said.

"Neither did you until you accepted your birthright. Come on Jake, you have to know on a subconscious level this is true. Why else did you make her the beta of your pack?"

"Because she proved herself."

"How?"

"Well, she learned to control her temper and showed she was smart and good at leading."

"But why not make Embry the beta of your pack? I mean he is your best friend and you obviously trusted him enough to make him the third."

"It...just seemed right," Jake said.

"The reason is because Leah is a female. A alpha female."

"Then why did I never use an alpha voice?" Leah asked.

"Because, like Jake you denied that part of yourself. You were so full of rage and self-loathing that part of your nature was stunted. But once you calmed down and gained some peace you started on the path of accepting your role in the pack."

"So...if we combine the packs...will I automatically become alpha female?"

Terra shook his head. "Like Jake, you have to accept it, embrace it. Then you will have the power of the voice. It won't be as powerful as Jakes, but the others will still have a powerful urge to obey."

"Will this affect me and Jake in anyway?" she asked.

"No. But had things gone differently and he not imprinted chances are you and he would have hooked up as they say."

"What? I would never hook up with Jake, he's like my little brother, I am not enslaved by wolf instincts," Leah said.

"Then isn't it funny your last love was an alpha wolf as well?" Terra asked.

Leah gave him a hard look.

"Well Jake, you obviously have an important choice son," Billy said.

"Are you sure about this Sam? Do you think we can do this together?" Jake asked.

Sam gave a wolfish smile.

"Sam says you ran the pack together once before. He thinks you can run it together once more," Edward said, a small smile graced his face.

"Okay...so...how do we do this?" Jake asked.

"Well, normally there would be a fight between two alphas', but since Sam has given it up to you willingly and you have accepted...ahhhh," Terra sighed.

"I feel it too," Qahla said with the same wondrous expression.

They both were looking into the air, as if they saw something amazing the others could not.

"What is it?" Jake asked.

"The pack bond, we feel it reshaping even now. The ritual of succession has begun!" Terra said with a smile.

"Their senses are more attuned to the spirit world so they can sense things we can't," Edward said.

"This takes longer then a battle would, I suggest you all phase now and you will see what I mean," Terra said.

The wolves quickly went behind trees and bushes to phase, some more eager to see what was happening then others.

When the last wolf phased they all stared at one another in shock. It was slow at first. There was only a distant sense of foreign emotions, but as time passed and the bonds of old were destroyed and the new ones were forged the two packs became one, becoming more and more mentally aware. The voices only started as faint whispers, but soon they grew louder and louder until they could all hear one another.

They were all shocked and overwhelmed. The older wolves remembered what it had been like with a pack of ten, but a pack of seventeen was on a whole other level.

So many voices, so many thoughts.

"Alright guys listen up!" Jake said.

The voices quieted, all their attention focused on Jake, he could feel it.

"This will take some getting used to, but I know we will be able to do it. We defeated an army of newborns, we faced off against the Volturi, we have hunted together and lived together both as wolves and men. We are pack, we are family, we are tribe and we will show these invading spirits what happens when you fuck with La Push."

They all raised their heads and howled as one. The elders covered their ears, when the werewolves howled it was much louder than normal wolves, a whole pack of them was like being at the center of a thunderstorm.

Terra watched the display please. Happy that his plan had worked. He would wait about a week or two before he broke the curse and return Sam to his human form. It would give him time to train Qahla on curse breaking.

After the wolves stopped howling Leah turned to Terra. "So...am I alpha?"

"Only you can answer that Leah. The pack doesn't need an alpha female per say. It is up to you and Jake if you should have that right."

"Well, I am okay with Leah being alpha female. She has proven herself," Jake said.

"I...need time to think about it," she said.

Jake nodded. "Take your time. Alright, who's up for a quick hunt?"

The pack cheered and sprinted off to go chase deer and elk. To solidify their new bonds.

"I think we will return to our house as well," Carlisle said.

"Thank you for your help Carlisle," Billy said.

"You are like family now Billy. I am glad our families were able to become closer then I ever dreamed," Carlisle said.

The Cullen's ran off, returning to their home.

"Well, I need to sit down, all this excitement is wearing me out," Old Quil said.

"How about some coffee?" Sue suggested.

"Would you two care to join us? The old people sharing a cup of joe and trading stories? "Billy asked with a smile.

"Go on ahead, we will join you soon," Qahla said.

Terra had a feeling Qahla and he were about to have an important talk. Once the elders were gone Qahla turned to Terra, his face dead serious.

"I don't know what you are up to, but you better stop screwing with my people."

"Excuse me?" Terra said coldly, not liking the tone the child was using with him.

"You may be able to fool the others, but I know you could have broken the spell. I know you still have the doll the skin-walker made of Sam. I even know you used it to influence his decision to give up his pack to Jake, father did give me a few lessons on magic when I was growing up. I don't know what you are up to, so far I am unable to tell if your actions are hurtful to the tribe or helping it. But I swear on the blood of my ancestors if I feel you are harming any of them I will stop you."

"You make big threats child, have a care, men greater then you have thought to call me enemy and suffered for it."

"I don't know exactly what you or father are planning Terra. But I have this horrible sense Jake is in terrible danger and every day that feeling gets worse, as does the feeling it has something to do with you and father. So I will warn you, if you do anything to harm any of them, I will stop you."

"I am merely trying to help you Qahla, if you are to be cured some tough decisions must be made," Terra said.

"Not at the expense of people!" Qahla screamed. "I don't care if it will rid me of this power! I won't let anyone be hurt because of me! How can I say I am Taha Aki's son or a good person if I am willing to let others be hurt for my sake? How can I call myself a chief when I let my people face danger alone? How can I fulfill my oath to mother and the others that I will be a good man if I use people like they were just objects?"

Qahla took a deep breath and looked him dead in the eye. "I love father, I do believe he wants to help me. But I won't let others die for me, not anymore. So I promise this, if either of you do something to endanger another life I will punish you!"

"You would stand against your own father?" Terra asked sharply.

Qahla nodded. "My father taught me to do the right thing, so if facing him to stop him from doing bad is what I must do then so be it. I won't let him or anyone else control my life and try and tell me what is right and wrong. If I am to be my own man I must stay true to what I believe is right and I will fight to defend the ones I have sworn to protect even if I must sacrifice my life. Because after all they have been through, after all they have sacrificed, I would face all the evil spirits of the world with a smile, knowing my people are safe!"

Terra began to walk over to Qahla. Qahla tensed, he raised his fists and the air around him shimmered with heat as he got read for a fight. Terra raised his hand and Qahla waited for the blow, but instead Terra just patted his head and smiled.

"There may be hope for you yet child."

Qahla lowered his arms.

"I admit it, I manipulated the pack, but only because it is apart of your fathers plan to make you a nice normal child. You will learn one day, in order to get what we want, sometimes we have to move people in the right path. But I promise I mean no harm to any of your tribe."

"They don't like you, you know," Qahla said.

"Oh I know," he said cheerfully.

"Maybe if you were more open with them...what would it hurt Terra?"

Terra thought for a moment. "Maybe you are right. I have spent so many centuries alone. It is in my nature to act alone. But after seeing that little wolf pack bonding I am feeling...when the time is right I will reveal more of myself...but for now, let's go hang with the old folk."

They began to walk towards Billy's house.

"Hey Terra?"

"Yes Qahla?"

"What is your name? Your real name?"

Terra was quiet for a moment. "Hidden in the past, and forgotten in the memory of man," was all he said.

---

 

The elders, Jake Qahla and Terra sat in Billy's living room.

Terra had them bring in the mirror on the bathroom wall. He was going to try and contact Taha Aki for them.

"What are you going to say? Mirror mirror on the wall?" Jake asked.

Terra just smiled. "Who do you think gave the inspiration for that?"

Jake looked at him surprised. "Your joking right?"

Terra just chuckled. "You'd be surprised how much fact is based in fiction."

Terra muttered something in another language. "Found him, now let's see if we can make a connection."

The mirror turned dark, like someone poured ink on it.

"Okay, we have connection...Taha Aki? Can you hear me?" Terra called.

There was a sound of a bag being dropped. Then a sliver of light and the image on the mirror began to shift and move. It was like watching an old video of someone recording something.

"Wow, it's just like on the movies," Sue said.

"Beats Skype any day," Terra said.

Taha Aki's face appeared on the mirror, he seemed to be in a library of some sort. "Terra?" he saw the others. "What is going on?"

"Greetings, we have much to discuss," Terra said.

He told him everything. The spirit child, the stone being destroyed, the battle, the fact everyone knew the truth of Qahala's true paternity, Jake becoming alpha of both packs.

Taha Aki was silent for a moment. "Is everyone okay?"

"A little nicks and bruises but we healed," Jake said.

"I was afraid of this, I was hoping the greater spirits wouldn't make a move so soon. I have become aware that I am being followed."

"By whom?" Billy asked.

"I am not sure of whom or even what really. Just an old dog listening to his instinct," Taha Aki said.

"They could be aware of the plan and may try to stop you," Terra warned.

"I have considered that and taken the proper precautions," Taha Aki said.

"When will you come back father? I miss you," Qahla said sadly.

Taha Aki smiled warmly at Qahla. "Soon my son, I am proud of you, you showed great courage today."

"Thanks father," Qahla said.

Taha Aki turned his gaze to the elders. "I apologize for omitting the truth of his paternity. Qahla...I am sorry I lied to you, that we all lied to you. I...your mother and I...we did not know how to tell you. We did not want you to be tormented with the knowledge you were in some way related Utlapa. It was bad enough he cursed you with this power, we didn't want you to feel any shame for being a child of his."

"But I am not his child, I am yours," Qahla said with a smile.

"We understand why you did not tell us Taha Aki, after how our people treated Qahla all those years ago we can understand why you did not tell us," Billy said.

"But we can promise you we will not let that blind us to the brave little boy he is," Sue said.

"I thank you all," Taha Aki said.

"How goes the search?" Terra asked.

"I am almost done, I think I may have found what I am looking for."

"What are you looking for exactly?" Jake asked.

"You recall during the ceremony Utlapa used a stone tablet with instructions on it?"

"Yes."

"I am looking for that. Sometime after I left the tribe the tablet was lost. I have been trying to find it."

"Would it still even be intact?" Jake asked.

"The tablet was protected by spells. If I can find it I can reverse the spell Utlapa performed," he said.

"Where are you now?" Jake asked.

"New York. I believe I may have found it. But I must go; I am in a library now and...The humans think I am mad for talking to a mirror...they are sending security right now."

He looked behind him then back at the mirror. "Terra, listen, you have connections to the higher beings right?"

"I don't like to brag but yes," Terra said with a look that said otherwise.

"Then I need you to send a message to a spirit of the highest level. In case my plan doesn't work I need a back up."

"Okay, which spirit?" Terra asked.

"Q'Wati."

---

 

"What is Q'Wati?" Emmett asked.

"Not what who," Terra corrected.

Night had fallen and Terra was at the Cullen's telling them of what Taha Aki requested of him.

"I remember hearing about him in the stories Billy told us as a kid," Bella said.

"Of course, Q'Wati is the one who created the Quileute people," Terra said. "Long story short he reached Q'wayi't'soxk'a River. But he did not find any people. Then Q'waeti' spit on his hands and rubbed them. Doing this he rubbed off the human dead skin into the water. Thereupon many people appeared. Then Q'waeti' said to the people whom he had made: "You shall dwell here," said Q'waeti'. "Your name shall be Q'wayi't'sox."

"And Taha Aki wants you to contact him?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes."

"How? I mean, is he on earth somewhere?"

"No, he is in the spirit world."

"Have you ever met him?"

"Not in person."

"Then how are you going to call him? You Facebook friends or something?" Emmett asked.

"No smart ass. But I do know...beings who can deliver the message. Taha Aki hopes that Q'Wati will be inclined to help out seeing how it is a very important situation for the tribe."

"Do you think he will help?" Carlisle asked.

Terra shrugged. "Hard to say, Q'Wati is a spirit of the highest caliber, technically a god. He is known by many names among the Native Americans. He has helped in the past but he has been quiet for some time."

"Could he help?" Jasper asked.

"Oh yes, turning Qahla and solving this mess is well within the sphere of his power," Terra said.

"So he will help?"

"Once again, I don't know."

"Why didn't Taha Aki try to ask him for help before?"

"He had no idea how to contact him; I mean this isn't some simple spirit you can conjure. This is a being who can bend reality with his pinky."

"But you know how to contact him," Jasper pointed out.

"I have been on this earth long enough to know some people in some high places. They can deliver the message for me and get a reply."

"Really? Who?" Carlisle asked.

"Thunderbirds," Terra said.

"Really? You mean those giant birds?" Rose asked.

"Those giant birds are very powerful spirits. They are well known and respected by all who dwell in the spirit world. They also the personal servants of the Great Spirit, which is one of Q'wati many names."

"So how do you contact the Thunderbirds?" Carlisle asked.

"Simple, I summon one and have it deliver the message," Terra said.

"How do you summon a Thunderbird?" Carlise asked.

"Simple, we wait for a thunder storm," Terra said.

"Will you need assistance?" Carlisle asked.

Terra shook his head. "No, I just came to tell you what we are planning. That and to be careful, now that the stone is destroyed we have no way to keep Qahla's power bottled up. I am using my strongest charms to keep his power contained but his energy is burning through them fast. Things are going to get very interesting around Forks very soon."

"Where is Qahla now?" Carlisle asked.

"Billy Black's. Now that the pack is one it is much easier for them to work together. He will have a few guard around the house while the rest patrol. I myself will be working on adding new and more powerful spells to the border lines."

"What about us? How will this affect us?" Rose said. "Since he has been out of the stone our familys powers have been getting stronger again."

"Don't worry, I already came up with a solution for that," Terra said.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch and tossed it to Carlisle. He opened it up and saw small black stones were inside.

He picked one up between his thumb and finger and examined it. "Aren't these from Qahla's stone?"

Terra nodded. "The stone may be destroyed, but it still holds remains of magic. I tweaked it so as long as those of you with gifts wear them you will have immunity to his power and your abilities won't be affected."

Alice walked over and took the bag from Carlisle. A look of delight flashed across her face. "He is right, my visions are returning to normal!"

"All you need is one stone fragment. The rest I am using for Qahla."

"I thought it wouldn't be able to contain him anymore?" Carlisle asked.

"It can't, but I can use them to make a brace that can help keep his power in check."

"Can't you use the stones to make a new one?" Emmett asked.

"No, the stone was from a dead volcano in Africa. I would have to travel all the way there, come back and take the time to make a new stone."

Alice handed Jasper, Bella, Edward and Nessie their stone fragments. They immediately felt it's affects.

"When is the next storm due?" Carlisle asked.

"Four days from now," Alice and Terra said at the same time.

"How long will it take for the message to be delivered?" Carlisle asked.

"I imagine it won't be too long. Thunderbirds are faster then vampires. But the spirit world is more vast then the physical world," Terra said.

"If we can help in anyway please tell us," Carlisle said.

"Thank you. Jake wished for me to inform you they are planning a bonfire next week and you are invited."

Carlisle looked surprised.

"Don't forget, Qahla has taken over the role of chief now. Unlike the rest of the tribe he does not hold any ill will to you, in fact he seems rather fascinated by your kind."

"Really?"

"He is a child, children love strange things," Terra said.

"Your one to talk," Rose said.

---

 

Jake, Leah, Jared, Paul, Embry, Qahla and Sam (still in wolf form) were at Billy's.

They were discussing how to run the pack now. The talk had been going on for a while. They had to figure out the new chain of command and what responsibilities the extra beta's would have and who would run things if anything would happen to Jake and Sam

"Okay, Sam will be the beta. After him it will be Leah, then Jared, then Embry, then Paul," Jake said.

"Why am I the last one?" Paul angrily asked. "I phased long before Embry did."

Jake sighed. "Because, Embry is much more..."

"Calm," Leah said helping Jake out.

"Hey, I have gotten a lot better at controlling my anger!"

"Better yeah, we know that. But Embry is more rational and thinks before he acts," Jake said, trying to be as polite as possible.

"Oh and Leah is known for being like that."

Leah narrowed her eyes at Paul but said nothing. Jake fought the urge to groan, he knew it was going to be tricky doing this. Not everyone had been happy about having to rearrange the pecking order in the pack.

"At least I didn't have to imprint to learn some self control you dick," she shot at him.

"Enough!" Jacob said firmly before a fight could break out. "This is the way it will be. Sam and I have decided this is for the best and that is that."

Paul glared at him but said nothing.

After they finally made arrangements for that nights patrol everyone left. Jake had Leah stay behind so he could talk to her. He noticed she had been avoiding all eye contact with Embry.

She did however watch him walk off into the woods.

Jake had Qahla go into the house while he talked to Leah.

"So...I...heard about what happened," Jake said.

"Embry told you didn't he?" she asked.

Leah had used every method she knew how to keep what happened a secret, she had figured Embry would be the one to tell.

"Yeah he did. So...um...how are you?"

"Pissed, embarrassed, the usual," she said.

"Leah, why didn't you say something to me?" Jake asked.

"Why? What could you have done?" she asked.

"But don't you think this is a little too soon? Your twenty-two."

"Believe me Jake, I already considered all that. But I don't have a lot of options."

"But Embry? I mean, you never even considered him on your radar."

"Who else then Jake? I am not waiting for the pups to grow up and Embry could imprint at any time."

"Imprinting is rare," Jake said.

"Uh hello, you, Sam, Paul, Jared, Quil," she said ticking off the names with her fingers.

"But what if you did have his kid and he imprinted what then?" Jake asked.

"I am not looking for a relationship; I am looking for a kid!" Leah said.

"But Embry hasn't even graduated from high school Leah."

Leah threw her hands up in the air. "What am I supposed to do Jake? You know, you men have it so lucky. You can have kids and imprint and get off easy. I have to freaking work for a family, I can't just marry some guy I want, I have find someone who has the wolf gene to have a child. You guys have options, I don't!"

She turned to walk away. But Jake grabbed her shoulder.

"Leah, come on talk to me, I am your alpha and your friend, I want to help."

"Then make me human Jake, and then find me someone to give me what I need," she said.

"Why don't we ask Terra? I am sure he knows some other people who have the gene."

"Oh yeah because it's not weird to meet a stranger just to have his kid, at least I know Embry and trust him," she said.

Jake was quiet for a moment. "Who knows, maybe you'll imprint on someone?" Jake offered.

"Yeah, hopefully it will be someone with the gene. I'd hate to tell my normal human imprint I can't give him children because I am a freak."

"Leah-"

"Are we done?" she asked.

Jake sighed. "Yeah, were done. But Leah, don't give up hope."

"Yeah, if only I had a dollar for every time I have heard that," she said.

She walked off into the woods; Jake followed her with his eyes until he couldn't see her any more. He wished he could help her, he wished he could make all her problems go away.

Jake wished he could make a lot of people's problems go away.

Leah walked in the woods, getting ready to phase.

She was so busy in thought she didn't hear someone walking up behind her. When she felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped.

"Embry?" she said turning around to see him.

"Hey Lee," he said.

"Jesus, I almost phased! I thought you were a monster!"

"Sorry...I wanted to talk to you," he said.

"Well I don't want to," she said.

"Leah, please. I am sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I was just a little over whelmed," he said.

Leah would have insulted him or done something to put him down once, but she was not the same person she had been. Instead she just took a deep breath.

"I know, and I am sorry for putting you through something like that, I feel so stupid. I really made an ass out of myself huh?"

Embry would like to agree, but he wasn't insensitive enough to make fun of her, not when her face is looking like that.

"You really want a baby huh?" he asked.

"Yeah. I had my life all planned out Embry. Marry Sam, have kids, work making things better for the tribe. I was going to be on the council like my dad. I was going to go to collage and get a degree, maybe do some nursing as a side job. Now I have no true love, I can't have kids...well I can but that's complicated."

"You can still get to college, Jake is going to let you," Embry said.

"Yeah."

Sam had forbid her to ever go to college. He didn't want to risk her getting mad and phasing. But Jake allowed her to go if she chose. One of the things she liked about Jake was he wasn't so paranoid about secrecy.

After he took control of the pack and they hunted some deer and elk Jake told everyone if they wanted to tell their parents about their knew wolf nature they could, he also told them if they wanted to get jobs outside the rez they could but only after they learned to control their anger.

Sam had protested but he had no choice to follow Jake's orders now, it was delightfully ironic now.

"And I am sure you can still be a nurse and be on the council one day," Embry said.

"I know but...I really wanted my own kid. I wanted to go through it all you know. I wanted to go through the whole nine months and the hellish birthing pains. I wanted...hell I wanted a lot of things. I mean, it's not like I wanted big things you know? I just wanted the same thing everyone else gets...was that too much to ask?"

Embry thought for a moment. He took a deep breath and stepped up to Leah. "Okay Leah, I will give you a baby!"

Leah looked at him like he grew a second head. "What?"

"I said I will give you a baby...but. I have a few conditions."

"I am listening."

"Give me three years. If I haven't imprinted and you haven't imprinted or found someone else to do it, I will give you a baby. That gives me enough time to get a job and make lots of money."

"Okay."

"Oh and I want rights. I mean, I don't want to be one of those dead beat dads who never look after their kids. I want to help pay for everything and I want visitations rights. I may not have had a dad but I will be there for my child."

"And if I find someone else before then?"

"Then the deal is off," he said. He then put his hands in his pocket and dug his foot in the ground, looking rather nervous. "Oh and...you have to go out on a date with me."

"Huh?" she asked with a raised brow.

"Well...I mean you are beautiful and stuff...but I want to get to know you a little better before we...you know. I mean, we should at least make sure we get along better before we have a kid."

Leah thought for a moment, and then nodded. "Okay, three years. I can be ready to have a kid in three years. I mean, it gives me more time to plan things out."

Embry nodded. "Okay then."

"Listen, there is something I want to ask you."

"Shoot."

"This new pack...what do you think about it?"

"Well it's cool to have such a large pack, but it's a little overwhelming, I mean so many minds, so many thoughts."

"I know, but I mean...don't you think it is a little...convenient?"

"Huh?"

"Come on Embry, don't give me that. You are one of the smarter wolves, you see things more clearly because you pay attention. You catch things others miss. Terra was going on about Jake taking over Sam's pack before Sam became stuck as a wolf. Then that witch bitch shows up, curses Sam and then a day later he just decides to hand over his pack to Jake?"

Embry nodded. "Well, I thought it a little...too well timed."

"Well timed? Try too well timed. Terra has already proved to be a shady bastard. How many things has he kept from us? I mean, he won't even tell us his own name."

"Taha Aki trusts him, shouldn't we trust Taha Aki?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean Terra isn't making us dance to his tune."

"You think Terra somehow manipulated Sam into giving up his pack?"

"Hell, he is going on all the time how he is super old and super powerful .How do we know he doesn't have some kind of spell or something that screws with a person's mind."

"Should we say something to Jake?"

"I think we should."

Embry nodded. "I agree, this seems wrong, all of it. Something feels off."

"I know. I just hope we aren't setting ourselves up for something bad by trusting this guy."

---

 

 

Four days later

Terra stood on top of a mountain.

The sky was dark as night, the wind howled like a savage beast. Thunder sounded in the air and lightning flashed across the sky.

Jake, Qahla, Quil and Seth stood behind him.

"Isn't it dangerous to be on a mountain during a storm? I mean the closer to the sky the more likely you are to be struck right?" Quil asked nervously.

"Don't worry, a lightning strike wouldn't kill a shifter like you, it would just hurt like hell," Terra said.

"Geez thanks, I feel so much better," Quil said.

"This is so coooool!" Qahla said excitedly. "I haven't see a thunderbird in so long!"

"What are they like?" Jake asked.

"Really nice, but they are really proud so don't offend them or else they will blow you away," Qahla warned.

"So...what now?" Seth asked.

"Now I call the thunderbird."

Terra raised his hand. He began to shout in another language, then he began to dance. Everyone watched as he spread his limbs, and then began to do something like a rain dance while shouting in a foreign tongue.

"What is that?" Seth asked.

"Sounds like Kwak'wala. It is spoken by the Kwakwaka'wakw. They're a tribe in Northern Vancouver island," Quil said. "I met some of them once at a pow wow."

"Why is he dancing like that?" Jake asked.

"I think he is having a seizure," Seth said as Terra fell to the earth on his knees, his face touching the ground.

Terra turned his head to glare at them. "This is an old ritual used to summon a thunderbird."

"You speak Kwak'wala?" Quil asked.

"I speak every language, now shut up!"

Terra continued to shout, bowing his head up and down as if in prayer. Finally he brought his hands together, his voice quivered, he clapped his hands together...and nothing happened.

He stood back up and placed his hands on his hips and looked up in the sky, his foot tapped against the ground.

"Sooo...where are the thunderbirds?"

"There all around us in the sky, can't you see them? "Qahla asked.

"You can?" Jake asked.

"Oh yes, they are all looking at us now. Now they seem to be talking to one another...I think one of them is swooping down to-"

There was a flash of light and the smell of ozone filled the air. Everyone covered their eyes. When they opened them up a thirty foot bird flew in front of them, its massive wings longer then a school bus, each time it flapped its wings a mighty sound like thunder could be heard.

"Holy shit!" Seth yelled.

The creature gentle landed on a boulder and folded its wings. It looked them with curiosity, or hunger. It's beak was long and sharp enough that looking at it made the wolves think of how easy it would be for it to slice them in half.

"WHO CALLS ME BY MY NAME!" it spoke.

"I did," Terra said.

"AND WHO ARE YOU TO SUMMON A SON OF THE SKY?"

"Do you not remember me? Once I saved you when you were but a chick. You fell from the sky after falling from your nest in the clouds and I nursed you until you were old enough to fly!"

The thunderbird looked at Terra with a glare. But when he spoke his voice was filled with surprise.

"BE THAT YOU LEAF DANCER?" the bird asked.

"Yes, it is I. But I go by Terra now!"

"I SEE YOU HAVE CHANGED FORM AND NAME. IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU OLD FRIEND."

"As it is you, but I am here to call in a debit you owe me."

The thunderbird cocked his head to the side. He seemed either pleased or amused, the wolves couldn't tell. They were looking at his talons which were gripping the boulder, cutting into it like a knife in butter. It's talons were so long they could pierce Seth, Jake and Quil.

"I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS DAY. I AM LOATH TO HAVE A DEBIT OVER MY HEAD. NAME THE FAVOR SO THAT I MAY BE FREE OF THIS BURDEN!"

"I need you to deliver a message to Q'wati."

"Q'WATI? WHAT BUISSNESS DO YOU HAVE WITH Q'WATI?"

Terra told him of Taha Aki's request.

"VERY WELL. I WILL PASS THE MESSAGE ON TO HIM."

"I thank you old friend."

"TAKE CARE FRIEND. THINGS ARE CHANGING IN THIS WORLD AND NOT FOR THE BETTER I FEAR."

"Wait!" Qahla cried.

"WHAT IS IT CHILD?" the thunderbird asked.

"Can we ride on you?" Qahla asked with a smile.

The wolves looked at him like he was insane. The thunderbird cocked his head to the side in what the wolves hoped was a curious gesture and not a 'I am going to kill you' gesture.

"RIDE ME?"

"Yes? I haven't flown on the back of a thunderbird for so long. Please let us, it is a long way home."

"YOU ARE THE HUMAN CHILD BLESSED WITH THE ELDER MAGICS. MY BROTHERS REMEMBER YOU. YOU FED THEM WHALE MEAT."

The thunderbird extended a wing to the ground.

"I WILL TAKE YOU TO LA PUSH."

Qahla let out a cry of triumph and ran to climb up the wing and Terra followed him. He turned to look at the wolves. "Well come on then."

"Umm, is it safe?" Quil asked.

"ARE YOU SAYING I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FLY SHIFTER?" the thunderbird asked giving Quil a glare.

"No! I mean...never flown on a thunderbird before."

"FEAR NOT, WE THUNDERBIRDS HAVE RULED THE SKY LONG BEFORE THOSE DAMN HUMAN PLAINS."

The wolves climbed the wings, testing it with their feet to make sure it was steady; the feathers were soft but firm. The climbed up the wing and sat on its back with Terra and Qahla.

Qahla was bouncing in his seat, excited for what was to come.

"Grab a hold," Terra said, gripping the thunderbirds feathers. "And whatever you don't scream."

"Why would we-"

Before Jake could ask why they would scream the thunderbird spread its wings and with a mighty flap they were air born.

In that moment the trio learned what it was like to travel as fast as lightning. They were flying fast, much faster than then they could ever have run as wolves. They were vaguely aware of the world moving around them, they saw shapes moving past. And it wasn't until a moment later when they were on the front lawn of the Black house they realized their screams were still racing to catch up.

The thunderbird slid them off it's back gently. Qahla was giggling madly and even Terra seemed to have been thrilled by what happened. The wolves however were not so thrilled.

Jake fell to the ground, Quil began to hurl and Seth had no sense of direction and kept on running into the side of the house.

"WELL, I WILL GO DELIVER THAT MESSAGE, I WILL BE BACK AS SOON AS I HAVE A REPLY," the thunderbird said.

He took off again, leaving the group on the front lawn. Billy came out, surprised to see Jake and the other so soon.

"That was quick. Did you guys here something? I could have sworn a bomb went off outside."

"!"

Billy stared up at the sky where the sound of three screaming voices came from.

"Good lord, what is that?" he asked.

"That would be the sound of our screams catching up," Jake said.

 

Fusedtwilight: That's right, the two packs are now one! Qahla has his eyes on Terra now! And they just sent a message to Q'wati! Will it work? Next chapter the Quileute's and the Cullen's all hang out at a bonfire and Terra tells a story that may reveal more about him.