Found And Lost

by Deanna Hall

  After examining her, Mom cleaned up her wounds. She told us, “I’m not going to lie to you, boys. It’s bad. She has multiple broken bones, a concussion, and has lost a lot of blood. There is more damage than I can repair here. The problem is she won’t make it to the clinic. Honestly, I’m amazed she held on this long. Unless we can get her to shift, I don’t think she will last long.”

  Even covered in blood, contusions, and bruises, the girl was breathtaking. I felt an immediate connection to her. I leaned my forehead against hers. “Nuttah, you need to wake up. Come on; you know you can.” I told her. Slowly her eyes flutter open. She stared into my eyes for a moment. I had to force myself to breathe. Even full of pain, her eyes were incredible.

  “I hurt.” She whispered, then her eyes closed.

  “I know, Nuttah, but you need to stay awake. Stay with me. Your strong, I can tell.” I pleaded some more.

  Eyes still shut, she whispered, “I don’t know if I can. I hurt inside. I can’t feel my legs at all.”

  Mother told her, “What I’m going to ask you to do is going to be very hard. It is going to hurt worse for a bit; nonetheless, it will save your life.”

  The girl’s voice was barely more than a whisper. “Don’t waste your time. I don’t want to live anymore. Living is too hard.” She told us. Her spirit was getting weaker. She was giving up. If she didn’t change soon, it would be too late.

  I was afraid I was going to lose her before I even got a chance to know her. I was almost certain this was the girl my spirit had been searching for. I realized I desperately needed her to live as I spoke, “You don’t know me, and I don’t know what you’ve been through; nevertheless, the Great Spirit would not have brought us to find you if he wanted you to die. I’d like to find out why he wants you saved.”

  She took a deep, shuddering breath before starting to cough up blood. My mother interjected. “That’s what I was afraid of. Internal bleeding. She needs to change now, or it will be too late.” Suddenly the girl stopped breathing. I looked up at Mom in panic. “I can’t give her CPR; her ribs are broken. I’m sorry, Dakota, we were too late, she’s gone.”

  I could see her spirit. It flared bright and beautiful before it drifted up towards the ceiling. It was already starting to fade away. It grew dimmer as it floated further from her body. “No! Nuttah, you can’t leave me. I just found you. I’ve been looking for you for a long time. I needed you. Please come back, Nuttah, for me.” I pleaded.

  Suddenly her spirit flared brighter. It floated down to hovered before me for a few seconds before drifting back to her body. As soon as it did, the girl drew in a deep breath. “For you.” She whispered weakly without opening her eyes. I could feel her body start to shake as it changed. She started screaming from the pain. “It hurts too much.” She screamed out.

  “Do not give up; you're almost there.” I pleaded. I could see her bones elongating and contracting. Finally, she lay before us in wolf form. I said a quick prayer to thank the Great Spirit for saving her. She lay there panting, eyes closed, too weak to move. She was beautiful, even in wolf form. I’d never seen her like. My father had returned home, joining us in the kitchen. Mother gave Dad a strange look but said nothing.

  “Will she be alright now?” I asked.

  “She isn’t out of the woods yet, though she should be fine eventually. Her bones have reshaped and appear normal. She will be weak from blood loss and will need time to get her strength back. The thing that concerns me is her wound from the arrow. It didn’t heal. I think the arrow must have been tipped in Wolfsbane. If that’s the case, it will take a long time to heal and will scar. I need to cut away the poisoned tissue when she’s stronger. It also means there are hunters in the forest again.”

  “There were definitely werewolf hunters. The scent of humans was strong, and the arrow we pulled out of her was barbed and made of silver. We’ll have to inform the council.” I told my parents. I shuddered to think of what could have happened to this girl if she had been taken prisoner.

  We must have scared them off before they could finish this girl off or take her prisoner. The hunter’s enjoyed torturing information about werewolves from their captives. I looked at the girl’s side and saw the raw, ugly wound. It was black around the edges. Blood was still seeping out of it.

  Mom continued, “I’ll clean and wrap the wound, then you can carry her to the couch. If you boys go out for any more runs stay close to home and be very careful.”

  “We will. Donnie did an excellent job of hiding our tracks. No one will even know we were there. We were pretty far out. I’ll show you on the map where to send a patrol, Dad. What I can’t figure out is why a young girl like her would be that deep in the forest all alone. I wonder who she is?”

  To my surprise, my father stated, “I know who she is. She looks so much like her father; there is no doubt in my mind. She is Miakoda Whitecloud, the old Chief Whitecloud’s granddaughter. Ironically, we all thought she’d died years ago.”

  I remembered the story of Chief Whitecloud. He had married a woman from across the sea. She was a wolf of Viking descent, who’d been sent in an exchange of pack members. At the time, our packs were seeking mates to strengthen the bloodlines of her pack and ours. After his mate died in childbirth, the Chief had left his infant son to die. Then he jumped off a cliff. They say the baby was found and raised by a white man. Later he was drawn back to the tribe where he was taught about his heritage and made his first change.

  “How can you be so sure, Dad?”

  “Her father had that same copper-colored hair and green eyes, right down to the gold flakes. We called him Wildfire. He fell in love with a Ute girl from Jackson’s pack in Colorado. Unfortunately, their union was forbidden by her father. Eventually, the girl ran away. She and Wildfire were married and had a daughter. Jackson killed them for it.

  “Why did you think Miakoda was dead?” I asked.

  “Because Jackson informed us there were no survivors. If we’d known of her existence, we would have brought her home long ago. Our chief is her great uncle. She has other relatives among us, aunts, uncles, and cousins who would have raised her. You are right, Son, it is strange that one so newly changed is running alone in the forest. I will go inform the elders of her return. You boys come with me in case they have questions.”

  At the meeting, I learned that Miakoda’s family had been considered a great hope for our pack. Despite being one of the largest packs in the country, our numbers were dwindling. Miakoda’s grandmother, who was from a Norwegian pack, had been brought to the tribe with a couple of other women while several of our females had been sent to their pack.

  Our blood had thinned so much over the years most of our children were being born human. We’d needed an infusion of new, pure werewolf blood. The offspring of these unions had been precious. Wildfire had been one of the only offspring to survive his first shift. The death of Miakoda’s family had almost started a pack war. Needless to say, the elders were overjoyed to learn of her existence.

  Finding My Future

  Dakota

  When we got back, instead of the red wolf I had left sleeping on the couch, was the most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. Without all the blood and dirt, she had perfect features from her high cheekbones to her rosy lips and flawless skin. I stood in the archway, gazing at her.

  My brother said, “Wow. Remember, Bro, I found her first.”

  “You found her blood; I found her if you want to get technical. Besides, Donnie, she isn’t a stay puppy, she’s a person.” I noticed a gold bracelet on her arm with something dangling from it. I walked over, lifting it up. I found a charm of two wolves walking side by side. I had a sudden urge to remove the bracelet. It took quite a bit of will power to force myself to let it be.

  Miakoda never woke up again that afternoon. Actually, except for half waking up for Mom to spoon some soup into her, she slept for the whole next day, even with Donnie and me playing video games in the same room. I really just wa
nted an excuse to stay close to her because she intrigued me.

  The next day, when I came in to check on Miakoda, she opened her eyes. I found myself staring into eyes the color of the forest on a crystal-clear day, with the sun peeking through the dense trees. My mother had combed her tangled mass of hair. Long, copper, red curls covered the pillow. “Where am I?” She asked in a voice that made my blood run hot.

  “You’re on our reservation. Donnie and I found you. How are you feeling?” Miakoda sat up, pulling the blanket around her, smiling at us. My heart started beating faster. I had thought she was beautiful before, but when she smiled, she was spectacular.

  I could see from Donnie’s expression; he thought the same thing. “I’m fine. Kinda tired and hungry, though.” She replied shyly. “Do you think I could have a glass of water?”

  Donnie almost fell over himself as he said, “I’ll get it. And a sandwich, if you want one?”

  Miakoda smiled again. “That would be great.”

  I walked over, sitting in the chair next to the couch. “I’m Dakota, that was my little brother, Donovan.”

  “I remember you. Thank you for helping me. I would have died if you hadn’t found me. How can I ever repay you?”

  I thought, smile at me again. “You owe us nothing. We’re just glad you are alright.”

  “You said we were on a reservation. Which one?” Miakoda asked.

  “The Sioux Reservation.” My father answered from the doorway. He was carrying a glass of ice water and a sandwich. “Dakota, would go find your mother and ask her if maybe we could scrounge up some clothes for our guest?” Dad asked as he handed Miakoda the sandwich before sinking down in the other chair.

  “Sure, Dad,” I answered though I felt reluctant to leave her. I watched as Miakoda smiled at my dad, thanking him for the food. Even he caught his breath for a second. Forcing myself away, I went to do as Dad asked.

  Hesitating at the door, I listened as he spoke to her. “Miakoda, I am Adam Windsong. Though I doubt you realize it, we are from your father’s tribe. He and I ran together as young men before he left the tribe to find your mother. We were good friends. I grieved when I learned of his passing at your grandfather, Jacksons' hands.”

  A frown creased her forehead. She raised her hand to her head like she was thinking very hard. “Miakoda? Is that my name? I, I don’t remember. You knew my father? Wait, you said he passed away, is my mother here?”

  “I’m sorry, child, she died with your father. What do you remember? Why were you in the woods alone?”

  “I remember running as a wolf from, from, I’m not sure what I was running from. Then from out of nowhere, I felt a burning pain. I staggered into the water before I was pulled over the falls. The last thing I remember was falling.”

  “It is unusual for one as young as you to be wandering the forest alone. You are not from these parts. I will try to find where you came from. Until then, you will stay with us.”

  Miakoda smiled, grasping my father’s hand. “Thank you for your kindness.”

  My father smiled back with a look of awe. “It is our pleasure, young lady. Finish your meal, then get some more sleep, you’re safe here.” Miakoda did as she was bid. She’d no sooner finished her sandwich then she was nodding off.

  When I got up the next morning, I found Donnie and Miakoda, dressed in Donnie’s clothes, having breakfast. I tried not to notice her full breast straining against the t-shirt she was wearing. Her hair was in a long braid. Some color had returned to her cheeks. She looked amazing.

  They were both eating cereal and laughing. I saw Miakoda throw a piece of cereal at Donnie as she playfully called him a brat. Her laugh sounded like musical wind chimes in a gentle breeze.

  “Good Morning, you’re looking better this morning.” I greeted.

  Miakoda smiled up at me. “Good Morning, Dakota, right? I feel much better. I was going to help Donnie do his chores. That way I can get some fresh air.”

  Grabbing a bowl, I sat down. “Mind if I tag along, I don’t have to go to work until later.”

  Donnie said no at the same time that Miakoda said yes. We all laughed.

  Miakoda said, “Donnie be nice to your brother.”

  “Fine, you can come,” Donnie replied sullenly.

  As we walked outside, Donnie whispered, “She likes me, so don’t even think about stealing my girl.”

  “I heard that, Donnie. I think I’m a little old for you, don’t you think?” Miakoda informed him.

  “How old are you?” Donnie asked.

  “Donnie, that’s not polite.” I scolded.

  Miakoda frowned, suddenly looking distressed. “I’m, ah, I’m not sure? This is very frustrating. I keep trying to remember stuff; only everything is just gone.”

  “I’m fifteen. I shifted young, meaning I’m mature for my age. You look about my age. How do you know you’re too old for me if you can’t remember how old you are?” Donnie asked.

  “Good point, Donnie.”

  “Ha, see Dakota, so back off.”

  Miakoda laughed. “Still, I’m pretty sure I’m quite a bit older than fifteen. Making me too old for you. Now go ahead, get started on your chores. I’m gonna sit here a minute; I’m feeling a little dizzy. I’ll catch up.”

  A kiss on his cheek had Donnie grinning from ear to ear as he ambled off. Miakoda sat down on the steps watching him. “He’s such a sweet kid. You’re lucky to have such a great brother.”

  “Sometimes he’s a royal pain in the ass. Most of the time, we get along fine. He’s a good kid.”

  Miakoda was so weak she started trembling. Pulling her close, I told her, “You can lean on me.” When she slumped against me, I put my arm around her shoulder, since I had no place else to put it. I felt a warmth surge through me just from touching her. She didn’t complain.

  “Sorry, this is embarrassing. My side feels like it’s on fire. It’s zapping my strength.”

  “Wolfsbane will do that. Its nasty stuff.”

  “Wolfs, what?” she asked.

  “You never heard of Wolfsbane?”

  “Not that I recall?”

  “It’s poison to werewolves. The werewolf hunters use it to weaken us. That way, they can trap us easier. Mom said, when you were stronger, she’ll open the wound to drain it.”

  Miakoda looked at me, incredulously. “There are werewolf hunters?”

  “Miakoda didn’t your pack teach you this stuff. It’s dangerous not to know about them, obviously.”

  “If they did, I don’t remember it. But then I don’t even remember having a pack, either. Your dad said he knew my parents, but they died. If I’m not from here, I don’t know where I belong?”

  Tears started to well up in Miakoda’s eyes. I gave her a squeeze. “It doesn’t matter where you came from, your home now. We’re your pack and your family. We’ll care for you. You belong here with me.” I told her. Her face flushed. I could hear her heart beating faster.

  After putting her hand against my cheek, Miakoda looked into my eyes. “Thank you, Dakota, that means a lot to me. I’m ready to go back inside now. I think I need to lay down.” Now my heart was beating faster.

  Too weak to stand on her own, I helped Miakoda to her feet. She took a few steps before falling over. I caught her before she fell. She was out cold. I picked her up and ran back into the house. Mom was just getting ready to leave to make her rounds. I called her before I laid Miakoda on the couch. Mom lifted her shirt. The wound had bled through the bandage.

  “The poison is spreading. The antidote is almost as bad as the Wolfsbane. I was hoping she would be stronger before I gave it to her. If I wait any longer, the poison will kill her. I’ll have to give her the antidote now, then operate on that wound. Go clear the table and get my bag.”

  I was only half-listening as I saw the black poison radiating beyond the bandage in the form of black, spidery veins. “Now, Kotah!” Shaking my head to clear it, I ran to do as Mom asked.

  Mom had me carry Miakoda
to the table, then she pulled up Miakoda’s shirt and cut the bandage off. Those spidery black veins were spreading in all directions, from the raw, angry-looking wound. Mom measured out an injection then stuck it in a vein above the wound. “Hold her down, Dakota, this is going to get bad. Keep her on the table.”

  Within seconds Miakoda was violently convulsing. Mom was giving her another injection in the vein of her arm this time. “This adrenalin should help strengthen her.” Miakoda continued to thrash violently for about ten minutes, then went deathly still. I wasn’t sure what scared me more. At least she was breathing.

  Mom cut away the damaged tissue until the skin had no black left around the edges, and her blood ran pure red. It was a gaping hole at least four inches across on her stomach that went all the way through to her back. There was no way to stitch it. Mom packed it with synthetic tissue that was supposed to adhere to skin cells and help increase healthy tissue growth. After that, she bandaged it.

  Mom commented, “The sooner we can get her to shift, the better off she will be. I think I got it all. The shot I gave her should take care of anything that got into her bloodstream. Carry her to your room. Keep an eye on her for the next few hours. Call me immediately if she has any more convulsions or she stops breathing. It will be touch and go for a while. Pray to the Great Spirit to favor her recovery.”

  I sat on Donnie’s bed, just watching Miakoda breathe for hours. Mom came in and gave her another shot when she got home from her rounds. She told me Miakoda seemed to be responding positively to the treatment, which was a good sign. Mom took over while I went to work.

  When I got home, I showered, ate, then went in to sit with Miakoda again. Despite Mom saying Miakoda was out of the woods, I felt the need to watch over her. I realized I’d fallen asleep on Donnie’s bed when I woke to Miakoda’s cries. “No, stop. Don’t, stop. Please, STOP!” She screamed the last. Her spirit had gone black with fear.

  I knelt by her bed, gently shaking her. “Nuttah, wake up, you’re having a bad dream.” She bolted upright, eyes full of terror. She was shaking like a leaf in a violent storm. I pulled her into my arms. “It’s ok, Nuttah, your safe. I’ve got you.” I soothed as I rubbed her back. Miakoda slumped against me, shaking and sobbing.