The man, who had been walking most of the afternoon and evening, did as he was told, turning slowly around to face the man who by all rights could kill him in an instant.

Celestino didn't lower his shotgun an inch. "Now, son, why are you all the way out here and who sent you?"

The man who had been walking the desert stayed perfectly still. Where a man was standing, now stood a close to seven foot tall silver furred werewolf.

Celestino slowly lowered his shotgun. "I thought it was pretty clear from how you people left, that you being here wasn't going to work or help anybody."

The werewolf shifted back into human form, and Celestino noticed that this was old and he was Asian of some kind, like pictures of the Chinamen that worked on the railroad all those generations ago.

The man smiled softly, "My name is Huan Li. I'm here on my own. My own people don't know I'm here, and they may think I'm dead, which will only help me and protect you. If people think I'm dead, no one will be looking for me. I also know the vampire money that's keeping your people quiet and scared will dry up. Those two major factors, plus the factor of time. I can move more slowly this time around. I can meet people on a one on one basis, I can vet your tribal people slowly and move deliberately, in the shadows instead of calling a meeting and acting like a hurricane."

Huan took a step towards Celestino, "I'm here at two o'clock in the morning to meet you, and to once again ask for your help."

Celestino almost said no. He hadn't gotten much sleep during the night keeping alert for would be thugs trying to take him out. But he knew that his people needed help. If what Huan was saying was true, once the money got a little tighter, then maybe people might be moved to change. And hiding one man, especially a foreigner, it would be easier for him to move about the community. Maybe this was the messenger that his dream had been pointing him to, a single wolf sitting next to him, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A single wolf, not a pack.

Celestino nodded, "I'm willing to spend my remaining years in service to my people, as I always have. I still think you people are the best chance my people have of regaining our traditions and honor as a people."

Huan stepped forward and offered his hand.

Celestino grasped it in a strong hand shake, "Are you hungry? Since we're both up, might as well start the new day."

Huan took the offer as they moved back towards the house. This was a good start. He had made mistakes in the past. He took the safety of the Mountain as being able to protect his people indefinitely. Nothing stays the same, he had let himself get complacent. Ansuya and Aceso and Acharya and Keva with William and others would be the new leaders of their people. This was the best way for him to help. Use his skills to help build relationships. The direction his people took should be determined by the next generation. They've seen battle, loss, courage, and regret. They had everything they needed.

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* * * * *

It had been over a year since Max had disappeared. Katie had spent everyday for two weeks straight after he had gone missing putting up missing posters and asking anyone and everyone if they had seen him. Thomas had helped but he seemed to give up hope after a week or two, or at the least the dive to keep looking.

It had been over a year since Max had disappeared. Katie had spent everyday for two weeks straight after he had gone missing putting up missing posters and asking anyone and everyone if they had seen him. Thomas had helped but he seemed to give up hope after a week or two, or at the least the dive to keep looking.

Her mother had been the same. She had tried to convince her to stop after the third week, even going so far as to offer to go to the shelter or pet store and get a new dog. Katie shook her head and screamed she didn't want another dog. She wanted Max back. But after all the time that had passed, she conceded that Max probably wasn't coming back. She had to actively stop herself from crying even time she went into the walled off back yard. Max had only been with them for a few weeks, but in that time, Max had left his mark on her heart.

She found herself walking to the back yard. She stood there, hugging herself, looking towards Max's favorite spot. There in his favorite spot under the tree, he was there! She ran a few steps forward towards him.

Then the wind softly moved the trees around them, the shadows moved, and the illusion was broken. Katie couldn't stop herself from crying. She told herself she wouldn't do this anymore. She just wanted Max back. She stood as a mourner, silently watching over his favorite spot, letting the rest of the world fade around her.

"Excuse me, Katie?"

The female voice behind her startled her and she jumped, whipping around towards the sliding glass door into the house. Katie saw two grownups and her mom looking at her. The girl who spoke, at least she thought, being that she was the only girl there, except for her mom, was really pretty, with brown skin and black hair.

Katie nodded slowly, wondering why her mom would let strangers into the back yard. Thomas walked out with a guiding hand from their mom, before the pretty lady guided her back inside.

Katie stood next to Thomas wondering who this guy was. He knelt down and looked at both of them and smiled, "I'm William. I've heard a lot about you to be honest. It's really nice to finally meet you." Katie and Thomas looked at each other with questioningly looks. Thomas shrugged.

Katie turned back to the guy. "How do you know who I am? Are you friends with my mom?"

William smiled and shook his head with a little laugh. "No, Katie I'm not. But I am friends with someone who knows you. Someone you've been looking for and by the looks of things, missing."

Katie scrunched her nose up looking very confused. Until a silver and grey haired dog trotted out to them from the house through the sliding glass door.

"Max!" Katie and Thomas both rushed forward and hugged their dog. Max smiled and panted happily, even going so far as to give each child a small lick.

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