Seasons The Fox Heart (Book one) Redfire

Chapter 5

Pain!

Blood!

Horror!

Lightwing's claws glistened red as he clawed Redfire's side. Redfire howled in pain and staggered backwards. Redfire swiped at Lightwing's muzzle, but he invaded the blow. He's a lot tougher than I had anticipated, he thought, I underestimated him. A fierce growl tore him from his thoughts. Lightwing stood a few feet away eyeing Redfire while lashing his tail.

"Ha, he scoffed, I was wrong about you. I thought you were strong and brave, but clearly you fight like the kit you are."

Redfire bared his teeth. Lightwing smiled amused then raced toward Redfire with outstretched claws. I can do this, Redfire thought, claw him at the right time. Lightwing leapt toward Redfire to pounce on him, but Redfire ducked underneath him and clawed his stump and belly. The old fennec howled and crashed on the clearings dusty floor. He laid there breathing heavily groaning in pain. Blood poured from underneath him, and he clutched his stump with his other forepaw, but scarlet blood still sluggishly oozed out. Redfire's adverse hit had stunned the fennec. The remnant of his leg must still be sensitive and sore from whatever caused him to lose it. Smiling in content, Redfire transmitted his gaze to Shadow. The small vixen showed no sign of anxiety or lividness. Instead, her lips spread into a smile. Redfire tipped his head to one side. Had he missed something? Crackling sounded behind him and quickly whipped around to where Lightwing was laying. Lightning sparked around Lightwing as he stood to his feet, Brown eyes fell on upon Redfire with lightning flashing out of them. Thunder rolled and the sky suddenly became dark. Redfire cowered to the ground digging his claws into the clearings floor. What was this power? Lightning flashed and descended on the ground right next to Redfire. He yelped in horror and crouched lower. Redfire could feel his stamina leaving him replacing it with anxiety. Despite all the chaos, none of the Loners had moved. Are they use to this? Lightwing let out a laugh and began pacing around Redfire. 

"What is this? howled Redfire keeping his gaze on Lightwing. How do you possess this kind of power?

"Long ago, began the Loner, an ancient being called the Voice gave her powers to four different types of foxes. Fennec foxes have storm power, black foxes having waterpower, artic foxes having ice power. And foxes like you, kit, red foxes, have fire power."

Redfire gaped in disbelief. He had fire power. Why couldn't he use it? Why hadn't his mother told him about this?  He dropped his gaze to his paws ignoring the boisterous storm.

"Hard to believe, isn't it? called Lightwing. Did your Tribe not tell you about this?

"No, admitted Redfire looking up at Lightwing with saddened eyes, I never knew.

Lightwing stopped pacing and stared at him with empathy. Redfire narrowed his eyes.

"Enough of this, shouted Shadow. Lightwing, finish this."

"But I..."

"Just do it."

Uncertainty flooded Lightwing's gaze.

"Hurry Lightwing, said Talon. Or does your leader have to tell you again."

Lightwing nodded at Talon and let out an ear-piercing cry. He then stamped his left forepaw on the ground and Redfire watched in horror as a wave of lightning shot toward him. Dodge it dodge it dodge it, thought Redfire, I got this. The wave grew closer and closer and closer. Lightning flashing. Thunder booming. The wave of lightning sparking, seemingly hungry to get to Redfire.  No, he thought, it's too fast, I can't, mother help me. Seconds later Redfire jumped up to avoid the wave, but... it was too late. The wave was faster. It hit Redfire than disappeared. Lightning shocked Redfire's body making him collapse. He heard voices exclaim in triumph, but another one calm and kind rang out in his head drowning out the Loners cries.

"I'm here, it said. Everything will be ok."

Then darkness claimed him.