Chapter 17

"His eyes! They're open!" Spark said excitedly. Luna looked into Flint's amber eyes, like on the first day they met. His eyes... they had a sense of determination. Not like the eyes of someone who was dying.

"Flint..." Luna whispered.

Flint tried to sit up, but fell, unsuccessful. "It's ok, Luna. I'm ok." He croaked. Luna stroked his side softly. "I'm not going to die, guys." Flint managed a weak chuckle.

"Oh, Flint. We thought we lost you for a second." Spark said.

"Actually, you did. I saw Mother and Father."

Spark and Twilight's eyes widened. "You did?" Spark asked.

Flint nodded and winced. "Yes. I did die. But I came back. I couldn't leave you all, could I?"

Luna smiled at him. "I guess our plan failed," Nina said sadly. "Those wolves are real jerks." Nina looked at the wolves. They stared blankly at her.

"Ohhh, right. Sorry. I only have my connection with Howl." Nina said. "Luna... how come you can communicate with all of the wolves?"

Luna shifted her feet self consciously. "Well..." She told them the story of Harlyn and Moss.

Ani nodded. "I think my parents used to tell me that story..." Niko glared at her, and Ani fell silent. Luna wondered what that was about, but we'll save it for another time. 

Nina grinned excitedly. "That's awesome, Luna!" Nina gave Luna a hug. Luna patted her awkwardly.

"Flint, Twilight and I caught a deer. We're going to bring it to you, ok?" Spark said.

Flint managed to sit up. "But... Hollow wants it. If you don't bring back anything, Howl will be in danger. Don't do it."

Spark shook her head. "It's ok, Flint. Twilight and I located a whole herd. Don't try to be all noble right now. Howl will be fine." The two she-wolves trotted back into the forest. They came back dragging a deer carcass. Flint struggled to get onto his feet.

"It's ok, Flint." Spark soothed. She brought a hunk of it over to him. He lay down, defeated. Luna could see the shame on Flint's face. He hated this, she could tell. All he had wanted to do was take back what was rightfully his. Luna gently touched Flint's wound. Flint winced, but went back to the deer meat, swallowing it painfully.

"Twilight, Spark, what is Flint going to do?" Ani asked. "You have to go back to Hollow and Tempest. He can't just stay here. Something will find him, and kill him." Spark told Twilight what Ani had said. They discussed it softly.

"I'll take him back," Luna said quickly. "I'll take care of him. Hinto might have some herbs to give him."

Niko looked at her incredulously. "Luna, do you really think that we can sneak a full-grown wolf into the Tribe? They'll kill him, and us!"

"Do you have a better idea, Niko?" Luna challenged. Niko fell silent. "That's what I thought. Now, Flint, can you walk?" Flint struggled to get up. He succeeded, but his face was full of pain and suffering. Luna went to his side. Flint leaned up against her gratefully. Ani went to his other side. Together they hoisted him up, with the help of Nina. They went back to Kia's camp, not sure what would await them.