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Chapter 6: A Shocking Truth is Revealed.
Veratora returned some time later, announcing that Yukanu was spending most of his time in the Canyons.
“The Kyunrus could be in danger!” Tathi gasped, his sightless eyes worried.
“Then we’ll get there now!” Pit stood up. He remembered the way to the Canyons. Fliros took up the rear of the group, watching out for any attacks from behind, while Veratora flew overhead. At last, they reached the Canyons. Upon arrival, they heard snarling and yelping. They made their way down the rocky path to the Canyon floor, where the Kyunrus lived. There, Pit saw Yukanu, rearing on his hind legs. His lips were drawn back as he roared and laughed. Pit recognized the Kyunrus. They were locked in battle with the Corruption-Hounds, Pit and some of his friends had encountered when they had rescued Luider. Their Leader, Yados, was lashing his flaming whip towards Colver’s face. The ginger Kyunru yelped as the hot flames struck against his muzzle.
“Get away!” Cody raced forward. The others followed, snarling and bellowing. The Corruption-Hounds were taken by surprise. Pit sank his teeth into Yados’s foreleg, causing him to throw his whip to one side. The Corruption-Hound snarled and tried to jab at him with his sharp cheek-horns. “Why are you back?!” he spoke through clenched teeth.
“Because the Guardians need me…” Pit snarled, “Because Guardian Island needs me to stop bullies, like you, ruining it!” he flung Yados to one side. He lay stunned. Pit left him and picked up the Flare Whip. He had to destroy it. Yados would have less power without it. However, the fire was magic. It could not be put out so easily. Then he remembered, he was still wearing the Sapphire bracelet. I wonder…he thought.
“Help!”
Pit was suddenly jerked back to reality by a desperate cry. Grescon, the ginger and white Kyunru, was held high in Yukanu’s jaws. The Beast’s fangs pierced deeper and deeper into his sides and blood began to trickle down his fur. Grescon’s eyes widened with fear. “Please…help…me.”
The other Kyunrus were already snapping at Yukanu’s paws. The Morph-Wolf ignored them and continued to crush Grescon until Pit flew up and sank his teeth into his muzzle. Yukanu yelped, causing Grescon to fall from his jaws. Pit feared the wounded Kyunru would fall to his death. However, a flash black appeared. Kuro had caught him and was carrying him, gently, to the ground. Put let go of Yukanu’s muzzle and hovered before him. “Fight me…in your true form.” He said, “Just you and me…as Wolves.”
“Why would I do that?” Yukanu bared his teeth and licked them.
Pit’s eyes darkened, “Because only cowards hide behind their powers. Show me your natural strength…Shaliku!”
By now, all the fighting had stopped. Everyone was waiting for Yukanu’s answer.
“Very well…” Yukanu narrowed his eyes. The rings on his neck and toe glowed brightly until he was engulfed in light. The light vanished and Shaliku stood there, back in his true Wolf form.
“Even in this form, I will tear you to shreds!” Shaliku snarled.
Pit ducked as the Morph Wolf leaped over him. As they snapped and clawed at each other, Pit thought how he could truly defeat Shaliku. The Morph Wolf could be brought back to life.
“Pit!” he heard Kuro’s voice, “The rings! Destroy the rings!”
Of course, the rings! “Sacred Blade of Hope…I need you! Ferasa Beyo Ne!”
It felt good to have his Blade’s handle in his jaws once again. The golden blade began to glow, just as it had done before it had cut through Endimus’s Controlling Collar. Pit swung towards Shaliku’s neck-ring. It split in two and fell to the ground. Shaliku stared at it in disbelief. “You pathetic fool! How dare you?!” he lunged towards Pit…but, he fell short. “What? What’s happening to me?!” The Morph Wolf looked scared. His toe-ring faded away and his eyes began to roll back into his head. Shaliku’s head went limp and he stopped moving.
“Is he dead?” Masshiro asked.
Valomme approached him and put his ear to his chest. “No, his heart is still beating…what the…?!”
“What is it?” Pit rushed to see. Shaliku’s fur seemed to be changing colour before his eyes! The navy-brown markings began to change shape and turn white. At last the changing seemed to stop. The new-looking Shaliku gasped and his eyes snapped open. They, too, had changed colour. They had once been dark orange…now they were bright blue. He rose, shakily, to his paws. “At last…” he looked to the ground and then up at the sky, “At last I’m free!”
“Whoa…” Kuro stammered, “What just happened…?”
The Wolf looked at all the shocked faces. “I am Shaliku’s true self…” he began, “In fact, that’s not even my true name. It’s Pakuru. You see, I was captured by the Dark Beings. Craedor put those rings on me. See…they don’t just give the wearer the ability to turn into a Beast…They also…they also change you. My fur colour and my personality changed…I forgot who I truly was. Craedor named me Shaliku. But…I’m back now, thanks to you, Pit. Now the only thing I shall keep from that form is my scars.”
“Pakuru…?” It was Masshiro who stepped forward, “Is that really you?”
“My dear Masshiro!” Pakuru staggered up to her, still a little shaky on his paws, “Oh, I’ve missed you so much!”
“So you two are mates?” Pit asked.
Both Wolves laughed, “Oh, no!” Masshiro giggled, “Pakuru is my Brother!”
“Ah, I see.” Pit nodded, “Well, now all that is left is to free Niikon.
Pakuru walked away to where the cage had appeared. A beautiful black and purple Dragon lay inside. Pit swung his Blade against a bar and the cage vanished. Niikon rose to her feet and stretched out her mighty, feathered wings. She let out a roar and shook herself. “Thank you…thank you all for saving me.” She bent her head down towards Pakuru. “Do not feel bad about what you’ve done. You are free from your curse now. Go home with your Pack and live the life you were forced to leave behind.”
“I…I will, Niikon…” Pakuru could hardly get the words out, “Thank you.”
Niikon looked at Pit. “You can take the Cooling Necklace off…you no longer need it.”
Pit removed the necklace. The unbearable heat was gone. Now it was only pleasantly warm. A gentle breeze blew, ruffling his fur slightly. “The Island is back to normal.”
“Umm…” A voice spoke a few feet away. Yados and his followers stood, looking a little embarrassed, “Look…I…we…want to apologise…you’re strong and you really have a good heart.”
“Please, we want to be Peace Keepers. We’re sick of playing pranks and being hated. We thought it was cool but…it’s not!”
“Jonix is right.” Yados nodded, “From now on, the Flare Whip shall be used to fight Evil!”
Pit simply dipped his head to them. “I can see you’re truthful.” He looked at the others, specifically the Island Residents, “What do you all say?”
There were nods and murmurs of agreement.
“They may stay.” Niikon nodded.
“Yes.” Veratora agreed.
The Corruption-Hounds looked relieved.
“Now that the Dragon Guardian is free…are we going home now?” Dalos asked.
Pit nodded, “Yes…once again, our work here is done. All the Guardians are out of danger…but I doubt if this is my last visit to Guardian Island.”
“Of course it’s not! You’re welcome to come here anytime!” Sonata called out.
Once again, murmurs of agreement arose from the group.
Ridley stepped forward. “We will all miss you until your next visit.” He said, “You’ve got a friend in all of us.”
Pit smiled, “Thank you. I promise to visit as much as I can…But, now we must go home to our families.”

Pit was glad to be home. The others had gone their separate ways after thanking Pit and saying their farewells. Pit was excited. He could not wait to see his Aunt’s face when she saw her Brother was alive.
“You’re back!” Pit recognised Yurusha’s voice, “You…you’re all okay!”
“Hello, Yurusha!” Pit nuzzled her, “I’m fine, yes. We all are. And I’ve brought some new Pack members. Can you fetch Jiira for me?”
“Sure!” the She-Wolf bounded away and returned with Jiira. She came back with Zeta, Mena, Lionel and Kaiven.
“Now, now, Yurusha…” Jiira was yawning, “Keep your fur on, dear…” her jaw dropped as her eyes looked upon Zeta. The grey, brown and silver Wolf looked at her, his pale green eyes soft and kind. “Hello, Jiira…” he said.
“Zeta!” Jiira rushed up to him and buried her face in his fur, “Oh, Zeta!”
Zeta gave her a lick, “It’s okay, Sister…I’m never going to leave you again.” He allowed Jiira to step back a little, “I’d like you to meet my new mate, Naroa and my new Son, Gamma.”
“Hello, Aunt Jiira.” Gamma smiled, “Father always spoke of you.”
“Yes…” Naroa added, “He never stopped thinking of you.”
Jiira’s eyes filled with tears, “And I never stopped thinking of him…” she sniffed and blinked the tears away, “You are a fine mate for him. I’m glad you gave him happiness while he was away. And what a fine Son you have.”
Gamma puffed his chest out with pride.
The rest of the Pack gave the newcomers a warm welcome when Pit called a meeting. There were gasps and murmurs of surprise when he told them the truth about Shaliku.
“So you managed to save the final Guardian without having to kill the Beast…that’s the best way it can be done.” Mukou rasped. The other Elders nodded in agreement.
“However, I’m sad to say we lost a Peace Keeper. Yunu’s Brother, Kyotorou, was killed by the Cat-Beast, Zebor…but, thanks to the Eagle Guardian, Veratora, and the bravery of my friend, Cassidy, Zebor is dead.”
More murmurs rose from the Pack, this time of sadness and sympathy.
Pit went on, “The Island is free from Evil…for now, at least. Okay, the meeting is over.” He jumped down from the Meeting Rock and made his way to his Sister, who was talking with Jaari. They looked up and smiled.
“I wonder what tricks Craedor will try next?” Dekami said thoughtfully.
“What I’m curious about is, now that Shaliku has changed back into his true self…who is Craedor going to choose to be the new Dark Beings’ Captain?” Corbis and his siblings came to sit with them.
“Yes…” Lara added, “Craedor will be angry that his plan failed and he lost his Captain.”
Pit had been wondering the same thing. “Let’s hope he doesn’t manipulate any other Peace Keepers to become Evil.” He sighed.
The others nodded. Whoever it would be, Pit would defeat them. Licked his paw and sat down. Sun was starting to set now. He felt tired. It had been a long few days and he was ready to get to sleep.
Verama came out of the Medicine Den. “I knew you would find your Uncle.” She rasped, “You have made your Aunt so happy.”
“I just couldn’t bear to see her so sad.” Pit said, looking over at where Jiira and Zeta were deep in conversation. “They have a lot to catch up on.”
“And they can do so, thanks to you.” Verama’s one remaining eye was kind.
Pit smiled again. He yawned, and made his way to his den. Arya was already there, sleeping. Pit settled down and pressed his body against hers. He fell asleep and soon found himself in that familiar Forest again. He made his way to the field. He picked out his parents amongst the crowds…and someone else, too.
“Kyotorou!” he breathed. The young Wolf looked healthy and happy.
“Hi!” Kyotorou wagged his tail in greeting, “I’d heard you could visit this place in your dreams.” He smiled, “So what brings you here?”
“Oh, I’m just here to see my Mother and Father and my Brothers.” Pit replied.
Jyuthaena padded up to him and licked his forehead. “We always love to see you, sweetie.” She smiled.
“We love you.” Darcia added, “And Dekami. We love all our children.”
“I see you found Zeta.” Jyuthaena spoke again, “I’d been trying to watch out for him while observing the Waking World but…I could never find him. I’m so glad he’s been brought back to the Pack…now my Sister won’t be so sad anymore.”
Pit smiled once again. Things had turned out well…for now.
“Hey, Pit?” Kyotorou asked, “The next time you see my Sister…will you tell her she’s the best Sister I ever had and that I will miss her very much…and that she needn’t worry about me anymore?”
“Of course I’ll tell her.” Pit promised as he prepared to leave. He looked over his shoulder at the many spirits of past Peace Keepers. Some he knew and some were strangers. But, they were all Peace Keepers…and he was determined to protect those they had been forced to leave behind.

Description
Chapter 6: A Shocking Truth is Revealed.
Veratora returned some time later, announcing that Yukanu was spending most of his time in the Canyons.
“The Kyunrus could be in danger!” Tathi gasped, his sightless eyes worried.
“Then we’ll get there now!” Pit stood up. He remembered the way to the Canyons. Fliros took up the rear of the group, watching out for any attacks from behind, while Veratora flew overhead. At last, they reached the Canyons. Upon arrival, they heard snarling and yelping. They made their way down the rocky path to the Canyon floor, where the Kyunrus lived. There, Pit saw Yukanu, rearing on his hind legs. His lips were drawn back as he roared and laughed. Pit recognized the Kyunrus. They were locked in battle with the Corruption-Hounds, Pit and some of his friends had encountered when they had rescued Luider. Their Leader, Yados, was lashing his flaming whip towards Colver’s face. The ginger Kyunru yelped as the hot flames struck against his muzzle.
“Get away!” Cody raced forward. The others followed, snarling and bellowing. The Corruption-Hounds were taken by surprise. Pit sank his teeth into Yados’s foreleg, causing him to throw his whip to one side. The Corruption-Hound snarled and tried to jab at him with his sharp cheek-horns. “Why are you back?!” he spoke through clenched teeth.
“Because the Guardians need me…” Pit snarled, “Because Guardian Island needs me to stop bullies, like you, ruining it!” he flung Yados to one side. He lay stunned. Pit left him and picked up the Flare Whip. He had to destroy it. Yados would have less power without it. However, the fire was magic. It could not be put out so easily. Then he remembered, he was still wearing the Sapphire bracelet. I wonder…he thought.
“Help!”
Pit was suddenly jerked back to reality by a desperate cry. Grescon, the ginger and white Kyunru, was held high in Yukanu’s jaws. The Beast’s fangs pierced deeper and deeper into his sides and blood began to trickle down his fur. Grescon’s eyes widened with fear. “Please…help…me.”
The other Kyunrus were already snapping at Yukanu’s paws. The Morph-Wolf ignored them and continued to crush Grescon until Pit flew up and sank his teeth into his muzzle. Yukanu yelped, causing Grescon to fall from his jaws. Pit feared the wounded Kyunru would fall to his death. However, a flash black appeared. Kuro had caught him and was carrying him, gently, to the ground. Put let go of Yukanu’s muzzle and hovered before him. “Fight me…in your true form.” He said, “Just you and me…as Wolves.”
“Why would I do that?” Yukanu bared his teeth and licked them.
Pit’s eyes darkened, “Because only cowards hide behind their powers. Show me your natural strength…Shaliku!”
By now, all the fighting had stopped. Everyone was waiting for Yukanu’s answer.
“Very well…” Yukanu narrowed his eyes. The rings on his neck and toe glowed brightly until he was engulfed in light. The light vanished and Shaliku stood there, back in his true Wolf form.
“Even in this form, I will tear you to shreds!” Shaliku snarled.
Pit ducked as the Morph Wolf leaped over him. As they snapped and clawed at each other, Pit thought how he could truly defeat Shaliku. The Morph Wolf could be brought back to life.
“Pit!” he heard Kuro’s voice, “The rings! Destroy the rings!”
Of course, the rings! “Sacred Blade of Hope…I need you! Ferasa Beyo Ne!”
It felt good to have his Blade’s handle in his jaws once again. The golden blade began to glow, just as it had done before it had cut through Endimus’s Controlling Collar. Pit swung towards Shaliku’s neck-ring. It split in two and fell to the ground. Shaliku stared at it in disbelief. “You pathetic fool! How dare you?!” he lunged towards Pit…but, he fell short. “What? What’s happening to me?!” The Morph Wolf looked scared. His toe-ring faded away and his eyes began to roll back into his head. Shaliku’s head went limp and he stopped moving.
“Is he dead?” Masshiro asked.
Valomme approached him and put his ear to his chest. “No, his heart is still beating…what the…?!”
“What is it?” Pit rushed to see. Shaliku’s fur seemed to be changing colour before his eyes! The navy-brown markings began to change shape and turn white. At last the changing seemed to stop. The new-looking Shaliku gasped and his eyes snapped open. They, too, had changed colour. They had once been dark orange…now they were bright blue. He rose, shakily, to his paws. “At last…” he looked to the ground and then up at the sky, “At last I’m free!”
“Whoa…” Kuro stammered, “What just happened…?”
The Wolf looked at all the shocked faces. “I am Shaliku’s true self…” he began, “In fact, that’s not even my true name. It’s Pakuru. You see, I was captured by the Dark Beings. Craedor put those rings on me. See…they don’t just give the wearer the ability to turn into a Beast…They also…they also change you. My fur colour and my personality changed…I forgot who I truly was. Craedor named me Shaliku. But…I’m back now, thanks to you, Pit. Now the only thing I shall keep from that form is my scars.”
“Pakuru…?” It was Masshiro who stepped forward, “Is that really you?”
“My dear Masshiro!” Pakuru staggered up to her, still a little shaky on his paws, “Oh, I’ve missed you so much!”
“So you two are mates?” Pit asked.
Both Wolves laughed, “Oh, no!” Masshiro giggled, “Pakuru is my Brother!”
“Ah, I see.” Pit nodded, “Well, now all that is left is to free Niikon.
Pakuru walked away to where the cage had appeared. A beautiful black and purple Dragon lay inside. Pit swung his Blade against a bar and the cage vanished. Niikon rose to her feet and stretched out her mighty, feathered wings. She let out a roar and shook herself. “Thank you…thank you all for saving me.” She bent her head down towards Pakuru. “Do not feel bad about what you’ve done. You are free from your curse now. Go home with your Pack and live the life you were forced to leave behind.”
“I…I will, Niikon…” Pakuru could hardly get the words out, “Thank you.”
Niikon looked at Pit. “You can take the Cooling Necklace off…you no longer need it.”
Pit removed the necklace. The unbearable heat was gone. Now it was only pleasantly warm. A gentle breeze blew, ruffling his fur slightly. “The Island is back to normal.”
“Umm…” A voice spoke a few feet away. Yados and his followers stood, looking a little embarrassed, “Look…I…we…want to apologise…you’re strong and you really have a good heart.”
“Please, we want to be Peace Keepers. We’re sick of playing pranks and being hated. We thought it was cool but…it’s not!”
“Jonix is right.” Yados nodded, “From now on, the Flare Whip shall be used to fight Evil!”
Pit simply dipped his head to them. “I can see you’re truthful.” He looked at the others, specifically the Island Residents, “What do you all say?”
There were nods and murmurs of agreement.
“They may stay.” Niikon nodded.
“Yes.” Veratora agreed.
The Corruption-Hounds looked relieved.
“Now that the Dragon Guardian is free…are we going home now?” Dalos asked.
Pit nodded, “Yes…once again, our work here is done. All the Guardians are out of danger…but I doubt if this is my last visit to Guardian Island.”
“Of course it’s not! You’re welcome to come here anytime!” Sonata called out.
Once again, murmurs of agreement arose from the group.
Ridley stepped forward. “We will all miss you until your next visit.” He said, “You’ve got a friend in all of us.”
Pit smiled, “Thank you. I promise to visit as much as I can…But, now we must go home to our families.”

Pit was glad to be home. The others had gone their separate ways after thanking Pit and saying their farewells. Pit was excited. He could not wait to see his Aunt’s face when she saw her Brother was alive.
“You’re back!” Pit recognised Yurusha’s voice, “You…you’re all okay!”
“Hello, Yurusha!” Pit nuzzled her, “I’m fine, yes. We all are. And I’ve brought some new Pack members. Can you fetch Jiira for me?”
“Sure!” the She-Wolf bounded away and returned with Jiira. She came back with Zeta, Mena, Lionel and Kaiven.
“Now, now, Yurusha…” Jiira was yawning, “Keep your fur on, dear…” her jaw dropped as her eyes looked upon Zeta. The grey, brown and silver Wolf looked at her, his pale green eyes soft and kind. “Hello, Jiira…” he said.
“Zeta!” Jiira rushed up to him and buried her face in his fur, “Oh, Zeta!”
Zeta gave her a lick, “It’s okay, Sister…I’m never going to leave you again.” He allowed Jiira to step back a little, “I’d like you to meet my new mate, Naroa and my new Son, Gamma.”
“Hello, Aunt Jiira.” Gamma smiled, “Father always spoke of you.”
“Yes…” Naroa added, “He never stopped thinking of you.”
Jiira’s eyes filled with tears, “And I never stopped thinking of him…” she sniffed and blinked the tears away, “You are a fine mate for him. I’m glad you gave him happiness while he was away. And what a fine Son you have.”
Gamma puffed his chest out with pride.
The rest of the Pack gave the newcomers a warm welcome when Pit called a meeting. There were gasps and murmurs of surprise when he told them the truth about Shaliku.
“So you managed to save the final Guardian without having to kill the Beast…that’s the best way it can be done.” Mukou rasped. The other Elders nodded in agreement.
“However, I’m sad to say we lost a Peace Keeper. Yunu’s Brother, Kyotorou, was killed by the Cat-Beast, Zebor…but, thanks to the Eagle Guardian, Veratora, and the bravery of my friend, Cassidy, Zebor is dead.”
More murmurs rose from the Pack, this time of sadness and sympathy.
Pit went on, “The Island is free from Evil…for now, at least. Okay, the meeting is over.” He jumped down from the Meeting Rock and made his way to his Sister, who was talking with Jaari. They looked up and smiled.
“I wonder what tricks Craedor will try next?” Dekami said thoughtfully.
“What I’m curious about is, now that Shaliku has changed back into his true self…who is Craedor going to choose to be the new Dark Beings’ Captain?” Corbis and his siblings came to sit with them.
“Yes…” Lara added, “Craedor will be angry that his plan failed and he lost his Captain.”
Pit had been wondering the same thing. “Let’s hope he doesn’t manipulate any other Peace Keepers to become Evil.” He sighed.
The others nodded. Whoever it would be, Pit would defeat them. Licked his paw and sat down. Sun was starting to set now. He felt tired. It had been a long few days and he was ready to get to sleep.
Verama came out of the Medicine Den. “I knew you would find your Uncle.” She rasped, “You have made your Aunt so happy.”
“I just couldn’t bear to see her so sad.” Pit said, looking over at where Jiira and Zeta were deep in conversation. “They have a lot to catch up on.”
“And they can do so, thanks to you.” Verama’s one remaining eye was kind.
Pit smiled again. He yawned, and made his way to his den. Arya was already there, sleeping. Pit settled down and pressed his body against hers. He fell asleep and soon found himself in that familiar Forest again. He made his way to the field. He picked out his parents amongst the crowds…and someone else, too.
“Kyotorou!” he breathed. The young Wolf looked healthy and happy.
“Hi!” Kyotorou wagged his tail in greeting, “I’d heard you could visit this place in your dreams.” He smiled, “So what brings you here?”
“Oh, I’m just here to see my Mother and Father and my Brothers.” Pit replied.
Jyuthaena padded up to him and licked his forehead. “We always love to see you, sweetie.” She smiled.
“We love you.” Darcia added, “And Dekami. We love all our children.”
“I see you found Zeta.” Jyuthaena spoke again, “I’d been trying to watch out for him while observing the Waking World but…I could never find him. I’m so glad he’s been brought back to the Pack…now my Sister won’t be so sad anymore.”
Pit smiled once again. Things had turned out well…for now.
“Hey, Pit?” Kyotorou asked, “The next time you see my Sister…will you tell her she’s the best Sister I ever had and that I will miss her very much…and that she needn’t worry about me anymore?”
“Of course I’ll tell her.” Pit promised as he prepared to leave. He looked over his shoulder at the many spirits of past Peace Keepers. Some he knew and some were strangers. But, they were all Peace Keepers…and he was determined to protect those they had been forced to leave behind.