Lost

Chapter 13: Zurjo

Rookie's P.O.V

I glared at the others around me. Maybe I could just slip away...?

I slowly creeped into the woods as best I could without anyone noticing. Maybe this could-

'Rookie! Where are you going?' the Luna called.

'Mouse dung,' I grunted.

I bolted through the trees, the others calling after me.

'We shouldn't split up!' the Leon exclaimed.

Ever hear of the saying, "Lone Wolf?"' I cackled. It felt so good to feel the wind ruffling my ears again, whooshing past my wings.

I may not be a wolf and I may be clumsy on my human paws, but this felt good.

'You can't run off like this!' the Aspen yelled and ran after me.

Oh no, they're a lot faster than I am with these legs, I have to get them off my tail.

I swerved in and around trees and bushes, jumping over rocks and tree trunks.

'Stop!' the Luna jumped in front of me and I skidded to a halt. What the heck?! How'd she get ahead of me!

I ran the opposite direction and almost crashed head first into the Leon.

He grabbed me and pinned my neck against the ground. 'I've got her!'

I glared up at him. No, I can't - I have to get back.

Using all the strength I could muster, I pushed him off me and jumped over the Luna and Aspen, flapping my wings to support me. Pain sliced through my shoulder but I ignored it.

'You need to stop!' the Aspen said and they chased after me.

Forget it, I'll grab it then go, these lunatics can follow me if they want, I've just got to get to it.

Suddenly, the ground disappeared from under me and slid down a dirt slope with a yelp. Rock and dirt fell on me but I kept running.

'Where are you?!' I yelled into the dark.

No, it can't be gone, I'd never forgive myself if something happened to it.

I ran into a clearing that I called home. Panting, I sniffed the air.

Stupid human nose, it's no use in any situation whatsoever.

Two red eyes poked out from under a tree root and I sighed with relief.

'Come,' I said.

The eyes stared at me, confused.

Right, I'm not speaking animal thanks to the Leon's stupid brother.

I lay down and rolled onto my back The eyes leaped out and tackled my stomach. It was a black kitten with glowing red eyes and pointy white teeth.

Zurjo.

I got to my feet as the bushes of my home rustled, announcing the arrival of the others. I bared my teeth and growled. I would not let them do anything to him if I killed myself. They had been nice to me and had healed my shoulder, but I'm fine now. My main priority is as it always has been: protecting Zurjo.