Squall: -It had been getting colder and colder and if they waited much longer...they may never get the chance. But winter made his bones ache -- who knew what it was doing to poor Moranna... The winter seemed to be taking a toll on her, although the brightness in her eyes never faded. He just knew they had to get away, once and for all. If they could just make it to Gomorrah...-

---

Moranna: She ached, everywhere she was sensitive and the cold seeped into her. Her chest felt tight and breathing was hard, but she managed. Nights found her curled close to Squall, his warmth keeping her lungs from giving up their struggle. They were mates though she didn't dare reveal her emotions for Squall to Tornado. He still tried to make advances but now she was more evasive then ever. Inside her was Squall's love, and only his, and the proof would come soon enough...and then...she shivered. She didn't want her pups born here in this prison. She slowly lifted her head and nuzzled her beloved. "It's getting colder..." she murmured softly, the sea probably made the winter all the harsher.

---

Squall: -perks his ears up and glances down at her; their bodies were warm, packed together like puppies. He was unaware that she was brimming with new life; his mind was on Tornado and how to get away for good. He'd never run before. And he'd have to keep Moranna with him. He wasn't afraid -he- wouldn't make it out. He was afraid for her...- I know. Moranna... -voice rumbles softly- We should really...try and get away. Tornado hasn't appeared in a few days...

---

Moranna: She was afraid, she couldn't honestly say she wasn't but she was more more determined to give her and squall a chance at a better life. They deserved it didn't they? Her children certainly deserved to be born into a pack, into love, with both their parents, and no fears. She could sense them drawing life out of her, making the hunger multiply. They would probably be larger then she had been. "Alright..." She agreed, though normally she might protest or tell him they had to wait. She was just going to have to push herself to keep up with him. She had everything to live for now, she loved Squall and she was going to give him pups of their own, a family of their own.

---

Squall: -ears flick back nervously at her tone- Are you...sure? Are you okay? -nudges her with his muzzle, up under her chin a few times before nibbling on an ear- I want to make sure you're strong enough... -her earlier words, from before, of not being able to live struck his heart from somewhere deep; no. No he wouldn't let her die. She couldn't die. They would make it- We'll make it. I promise... -and if they didn't? he'd deal with that...then, he supposed-

---

Moranna: She smiled and nuzzled him in return her tongue flicking out to catch his muzzle. "I'm not going to get any stronger Squall, if we're going to do this...it must be soon." She didn't want to tell him yet about the pups, not until they were safe somewhere. He would only be more worried, and if they didn't make it...well she didn't want to think about that now. "Of course we'll make it...together." She said softly and pressed against him trying to draw strength for what she knew was to come.

---

Squall: -heart constricts when she says she won't get stronger; at first he's sad, but he brightens quickly; she would be okay. They would be okay. Think positive, Squall, he thought to himself. He swooned at the idea of seeing Momma and Moscow and Swell again. Had they worried about him? Had they tried to find him? Would they judge him for bringing a somewhat-sickly female home...as a mate? If they didn't accept it...well then, they'd have to find another home. He wouldn't live without Moranna, not now- When do you want to go?

---

Moranna: She nuzzled him trying to reassure him now was the time for his bravery, and for her to show a little of her own. She could feel the mild stir of life within her, or maybe she simply imagined it. Still she knew they would need to leave quickly. "Tonight." She finally stated firmly. "We don't know how much longer tornado will be gone, we should try and leave tonight...there's no moon and we may be able to just sneak out..."

---

Squall: -watches her face carefully, both pained and relieved when she said 'tonight'; tonight was so soon...but he wanted to be home. Home with her. Away from Tornado, to never again be under his crazy paws...- Okay. Tonight it is. -he puffed himself up, trying to be brave when inside his cowardly fears were cropping up by the dozen- Tonight it is.

---

Moranna: She nodded softly and moved to curl up with him. "Let's rest, we'll need our energy..." She licked his nose tenderly and nuzzled him trying to calm him by acting calm herself. Her head moved down to rest against his neck and her eyes closed.
~
The sun faded away leaving the dark night and the air crisp and biting cold. Moranna lifted her head and blinked sleepily, was it time already?

---

Squall: -didn't sleep much, for fear Tornado would pop out of the woodwork and ruin their plan. Tonight, tonight. Such a scary word. He shuddered inwardly, pressed against Moranna as she woke. His eyes met hers, and he knew she'd be able to see his fear lurking there- Ready then, love? -forced his voice to be strong as he stood and stretched and poked a nose out the den opening. He didn't smell Tornado...which was a good thing-

---

Moranna: "As ready as we'll ever be..." She nodded and pressed against him a moment longer. "Squall...I love you." She had to say it, incase it was the last chance she had. She wanted to tell him that if she fell behind or Tornado came, to just keep going, but she already knew what his reply would be. She slunk up behind him waiting for him to poke his nose out. She sniffed for herself as well and tried to give her muscles a stretch.

---

Squall: -nods and smiles down at her- I love you too... -be positive, Squally, he reminded himself- We'll be fine. We'll get there, you'll see! I betcha Tornado won't even know where we went... -and if he did, he had his fangs (and probably his mother's) to keep him from taking Moranna back- I promise... -he mentally kicked himself for saying that; how could he promise that? but it was too late now. Licking her cheek, he began to stride towards where he remembered home being, making sure to be slow enough for her-

---

Moranna: She followed and managed to keep pace, but she slunk lower more cautiously obviously afraid. Her heart thudded weakly in her chest anxiety causing her breath to catch. Still she forced herself to keep it even, she focused on Squall, thought of her pups. They were doing pretty well, probably halfway out by now ah thank their lucky stars. Perhaps they would manage to escape totally unscathed!

---

Squall: -as she slinks, he keeps himself puffed up, hopefully radiating confidence. His mantra was 'we'll be fine, we'll make it!' and he wanted to lick Moranna's fears away the farther they went. His heart began to soar as he recognized a rock from one of his puppy escapades leaving the pack- I know where we are -murmurs softly to her, keeping his voice down, just in case. Then, his heart nearly jolted to a stop as he heard a crack behind them-

---

Moranna: He knew where they were, it was the best thing he could have said and it lifted her spirits. She jerked then and though her mind screamed not to her neck turned and her eyes fixed on the creature who had made the loud cracking sound, he was coming, like an actual tornado. She turned back to Squall then eyes frantic and launched herself forward. "Go!" She yelled at him, and then she couldn't manage another word, all her precious energy went into pumping her legs forcing herself to run faster then she had ever run before.

---

Squall: -froze at the sound, half-spinning to look for him, but Moranna yelled something, something his mind didn't process. He was coming, dread filled Squall's heart as he watched his mate lurch forwards. Without thinking, he tore after her, legs pounding the earth. He caught up quickly, but lingered beside her, breath racing in his throat, heart pounding unsteadily. Please god, oh please, please let them get there. Please let them get to safety...

---

Piper: -it was just another night of territory checking; rather boring, if you asked this queen. She was still a bit distraught over the fact that her strongest child remaining, her Swell, wanted to carry on her life tied to her own uncle... It both saddened and angered the she-wolf. Padding outside the territory lines, she wondered if her lost children were safe; she figured Rumor was spending time with her children, but Squall? What of Squall? Heaving a heavy sigh, she continued back towards Gomorrah, not knowing of the barreling wolves-

---

Moranna: She felt it, her legs burned as if set on fire, her muscles tried to seize up. Her lungs belt as if they would burst, like two balloons being filled beyond capacity. It hurt, it hurt so badly, and as hard as she pushed she started to slow, and slow, her body unwilling to kill itself for a run. How could her muscles know that this run was what would save them? Her breathing was ragged now, labored, her heart beat out a frantic unsteady rhythm.

---

Squall: -saw Moranna slow; she just didn't have it in her to keep moving. He couldn't just keep running. They were so damn close, he could smell Momma, he could smell home! A whine escaped his throat as he spun on his heel and crouched in front of Moranna with a war-

Piper: -heard this cry and glanced upwards, to where three wolves had gathered. On her territory...or close enough. Anger rippled through her as she raced along on fleet paws, tail flagging high- You here to join, or... -catches sight of Squall's stripes along his back and freezes, and then spots Hurricane...no. Tornado. The thief! A snarl emits from her throat-

---

Moranna: She tried to force herself onward, but finally her legs buckled and gave out. She winced as she hit the ground and then lay there panting trying to gulp in the air. Pain bloomed in her chest and she let out a soft whimper as she felt something give. Her paw was sprained, and she was almost certain she had just broken a rib. Still she tried to lift her head to see Squall, was he alright? Would they manage to stave Tornado off, or was this the end before it had begun? Her vision doubled, then blackness slowly seeped in, she saw a flash of white and stripes beside Squall and she wondered who his guardian was. And then the blackness came and stole her thoughts and sight sending her into oblivion.

---

Squall: -heart shrieks at him as Moranna goes down and he's torn between going to him and fighting off Tornado. Hackles rise as he spins, coming face to face with a very familiar alpha- M-Mother... -voice is a whisper and he stands over Moranna, not willing to let her be hurt by his mother or his uncle-

---

Piper: -eyes snap to Squall's pale ones, her heart warming; he was so big, so grown up... Her little baby... She almost crooned at him, but Tornado's approach was quick and she snapped at him instead- Get her into the packlands if you can. I'll hold him off!

---

Moranna: Her eyes slowly slid open and she tried to orient herself, this wasn't the hole. She didn't think she was dead either because her whole body ached. She felt a tiny kick from within and slowly a smile came. She didn't want to hope, but she did anyway...had they made it? Were they finally safe and free after all that time?

---

Squall: -hasn't left her side since she'd fallen under, growling at the nosy wolves that came near, though they were just curious (for the most part) but he didn't recognize them. He felt bad for this, but it wasn't his fault. Sees Moranna lift her head and smiles brightly- Mor! You're okay? Please tell me you're okay... I thought... -biting back a whine- I thought I'd lost you when you fell... Mother got rid of Tornado and she's staked out wolves on the borders. The b*****d wouldn't dare show his face again... We'll be safe now...

---

Moranna: Her tail gave a weak thump against the ground as she heard Squall and she quickly forced her head to nuzzle him. His news filled her with joy and she licked his muzzle tenderly. "I'm better then okay...Squall...your going to be a father..." She told him, and wished she had told him before. Still it seemed in the end they would have their happily ever after, after all. A Prince, his princess, and a litter of pups to make them a complete family.

---

Squall: -didn't think he needed anything more than her being okay, but her words make his heart nearly stop- W-What? -A father? Him? A crazy grin swept over his face and his tail began to beat the ground- What a happy ending... Wait til I tell Mother she'll be a grandmother! -can't help but get his hopes up- I love you, Mor... I told you we'd be fine! -laughs-

{Fin}