Startled, I sit on the ground, quite doubtful. I felt like I had tamed a Beast. A type of monster that wouldn't attack until it was attacked, unlike normal monsters, Beasts could be tamed and could eventually fight for their tamers. I feel a cool sense of delight pervade through me, I always wanted a pet and now I got one who I could not only play with but it could help me if I was ever in a situation where imminent danger drew near. The object the pup had eaten was called a Taming Stone, one of the only ways to tame a Beast, apart from the Beast surrendering to you.

I laugh at my good fortune, some would say too good of a fortune, but, I knew that good luck never lasted and bad luck reluctantly left. With a series of bullseyes, I was bound to mess up, or if we continue the darts example, maybe even poke my eye out. I shudder in fright, a sense of helplessness filled me, when indomitable suffering was coming and I couldn't stop it, what else would I feel. I could only hope and pray that I would be powerful enough that I would be able to push through it, maybe even successfully vanquish it.

I look down at the wolf, its bright eyes stare back at my own, a look of pure innocence on its face. I resist the strong urge to cuddle its furry body, but eventually relent, holding it next to me and squeezing it. The wolf yelps in an effort to get away and I gently put it back on the ground. The wolf is still gazing at me, but now more tentatively. I stand up, dusting my clothes off, eager to set off for the last leg of my journey when I realize that the wolf is quite tired, and looks very weak. I pick it up, more carefully this time, and carry it to a small stream I had seen nearby. Setting the pup down next to the flowing water, it slowly licks the running water and starts drinking joyously as it realizes that the water is safe to drink.

I smile at the furry behind of the wolf as I realize that I don't know if it is male or female. It sounded quite male so I assume that it is male. Another thing strikes me, I haven't named it yet, I decide to put off the naming for a different time. I snap my fingers twice, catching the attention of the wolf, I gesture towards him to follow me and he reluctantly leaves the clear stream of water.

I decide to avoid going closer to the battle, now that I have a pet, his safety is also my responsibility. I constantly turn back to make sure he is following, after some time, I start trusting that he will follow. I search for a good place to rest, the moon is making its debut and I will not move in the night. Finding a small clearing with a patch of snug grass, I lie down, my weary legs happy for the pause. The wolf curls down next to me, his fur brushing against my face, I sigh and deliberately move him away, although I am pleased for the company. I didn't realize how empty I was feeling these past few days, the tiny wolf making up for a deficit that I wasn't even cognizant of.

In the middle of the night, I wake up to low growling and an aggressive snarl. Two small creatures are standing a few metres away from me, the wolf is the only thing keeping them at bay. The creatures must be blind as they seem to be scared of the small wolf, they are hideous two-legged things. With a smooth, oval head, hairy ears and knobbly feet, they are the stuff that makes nightmares. Their features are grotesque and they stand little over 4 feet tall, their skin a pale grey. I slowly stand up, cautious to not make a sound, I silently thank the being watching over me, if not for the wolf, I would have died.

I rapidly think about what to do in this situation, escaping is near impossible, my only option is to fight back. I have no weapons on myself, looking around, I find a branch nearby, it does not look too heavy nor is it too flimsy. Perfect for the situation, I tiptoe towards the branch, gently picking it off the ground. Suddenly, I rush forward, past the wolf and clipping one of the creatures on its head with the branch, "Smash", a satisfying crunch sound is heard. My momentum takes my branch past and I almost drop the branch, the other creature responds quickly and jumps towards me, its mouth wide open to reveal razor-sharp teeth.

I start to jump away, but I react too slowly, the creature is on my thigh, chomping down hard on it, "AAAAH, " I scream as blood starts to seep into my clothes. I quickly bring around the branch for another hit on the creature, I successfully smash into its body, it goes limp and I extricate myself from it. I hear a whimper and see my wolf tussling with the other creature, I run towards the fight in a limping gait, anger raging within me, "Don't pick on my wolf!"

With my momentum, the branch swings crazy fast and clips the creature on its shoulder, the creature flies through the air and hits a tree, blood flowing from its mouth. A notification pops up in my view, ignoring it I bend down to the wolf, searching for any wounds. Thankfully, the wolf does not look hurt, in fact, it looks quite exhilarated, thrilled for the fight. I laugh, as relief floods through me, the wolf wags its tail, clearly excited because of my laugh.

I calm the wolf down by stroking his fur, my leg still bleeds but the pain is dampened by my happiness. I feel my leg for anything broken, but, thankfully nothing was. Apart from the bite which still bled, I was in fine condition, I would limp while I walked but that was manageable. I whistled twice to the wolf who was loitering around some bushes, catching his attention. He tromps towards me, his tongue hanging, I resist the urge to cuddle him.

"What about Alpha for a name, huh, boy?" I ask.

The wolf looks at me questioningly and then wags his tail twice.

I take that as a sign of acceptance and say," Alpha it is."