Winter proved harsh that year, but this only made Snowhawk wish to be outside more. Janus watched his love as she rested in front of the window, looking at the falling snow. She was well into her eighth month now, and the month and a half following would be the hardest yet. For some reason, this baby was taking much more out of her than anyone originally thought. She was now almost completely unable to get up on her own, adding to her frustration at not being able to get outside.

“This boy had better not be a hellion to raise,” she mumbled. “He’s causing enough trouble as it is.”

Janus could not help but smile. Even through all this, she could still joke about it. That was one of the many things he loved about her. She seemed lost in thought and was currently as peaceful as the snow falling outside, but he knew her mind was a storm of emotions. She did not claim to know what to do, but he knew, deep in her heart, the answer was clear. However, the sheer consequences of that answer brought him the most worry.

*********

Legacy, also lost in thought, walked along the snow-covered sidewalks of the city. His mate was little more than two months from the end of her pregnancy, and he couldn’t help her through the end. He didn’t even know if the child would be his son or his daughter.

In addition to everything, Sophie had vanished some six weeks ago. She never said where she was going, or why. No one had seen her, and it was unknown if she was still alive.

“This month has been pointless,” he commented to no one.

“You’re such a damn pessimist,” a male voice commented. Legacy jumped and spun around to see a black-furred Delphin with silver markings, a ruby horn, and a silver mane and tail. “Skittish too.”

“Who are you?” Legacy nervously asked, taking a step backwards.

“Just call me Onyx,” the dark Delphin smirked. “No need to fill me in about your story, I know what’s going on.”

Legacy took another step backwards and cautiously eyed the other male. “What’s it to you?”

Onyx sighed and grinned. “Can we just say that I knew Snowhawk many years ago and leave it that that?”

“Knew her?” Legacy questioned. “How so?”

The black male smirked again. “Aren’t you the jealous one?”

“I think I have right to be,” Legacy replied, glaring.

“Try getting your mind out of the gutter. I knew Snow, and Nyte, strictly as friends.” He seemed to think about this for a moment, then nodded to himself. “Close friends.”

The borderline innuendo had begun to aggravate Legacy. “You are not gaining my trust...”

“Legacy,” Onyx sighed, “loosen up a little. I have a need to keep what I know secret for now. Just relax and play along and all will be revealed soon.”

The Guardian frowned. “Can’t you tell me anything?”

Onyx’s smirk returned. “Fine, if you must know, I am a Royal Guard. One of the very last.” Legacy’s eyes widened in surprise as Onyx continued. “My duty was to protect that family line. However, I am well over a thousand years old and will not be around forever. I was training another as a Guard for that family when we lost track of them.” Legacy opened his mouth, as if to ask a question, but Onyx cut him off. “No, I don’t know where my student is. Our owner was very cruel and she attempted an escape. Her mate was killed during the attempt, and I never found out what happened to her.”

Legacy just nodded slowly. “So, do you have a plan?”

“Would you follow it if I did?” Onyx returned, sternly looking at the younger Delphin. Legacy just dropped his head at that. “Remember Sophie’s words, Legacy: Snowhawk may not need a Guardian, but your son will need a father. Until I contact you again, I suggest you not interfere. You have not lost her yet, but you still easily could.” Onyx bowed to him, then turned and trotted off into the city.

Legacy stood silent for a moment. “He said ‘son’... Could he really know, or was it a guess?” He looked as the red-tinted, clouded sky sent more flurries to the city. “I guess I should get back to the house,” he sighed, then slowly plodded through the snow back to Nytehawk’s home.

*********

“Leaving the party so soon, Sophie?” Onyx asked as he appeared near the female. “Pity you won’t get to see the outcome, then– Or keep your promise to them.”

Sophie stopped walking and glanced toward him. “They don’t want me around, Onyx. No one ever has. You should be able to see that.”

“Indeed,” he replied, canting his head to the side. “Of is it that you just don’t want yourself around? Nytehawk doesn’t care about your past. She feels that if you want to make up for it, then you should be there.”

“I’m sure,” she returned dryly.

“Don’t doubt me, Sophie. I make it a point to know all this,” the black Delphin smirked.

“So, Onyx,” Sophie began, sounding a little more than annoyed, “what are you doing here?”

“My job,” he replied, inclining his head slightly. “Making sure Nytehawk is safe and that Snowhawk is not being kept against her will.”

“And is she?” Sophie inquired.

Onyx shook his head. “No, she’s not. Now, at this point, if we can just get Legacy to understand that, we’ll have made some progress.”

“Hell will freeze over before he understands that she doesn’t need him.”

“We both know that Janus is perhaps the only being that can understand Snowhawk. Legacy doesn’t really even try, and that is the last thing she needs.”

Sophie nodded slowly, then looked off blankly. “I’m not going back,” she replied after several minutes of silence.

Onyx folded his ears back and took a step towards her. “Sophie–”

“Don’t start, Onyx. You’re far more useful than I’ll ever be to them.” She dropped her head and closed her eyes. “History doesn’t prove to anyone I’m reliable or trustworthy.”

“So change it,” he simply stated. “Prove them all wrong.”

She looked up at him. “How?”

“You’ll have to figure that much out on your own, Sophie,” he said with a half smile. I can’t help you there.”

“I don’t know if I should thank you or not...”

Onyx shook his head lightly and turned. “Just go back to them. You’ll figure something out.”

“I don’t even know where to start,” she said as she watched him disappear.