Survivors The Path Of The Pack: Thunder's Journey

Chapter 7

Thunder bounded by Dart's side, trying to keep up with the shorter Whippet dog. The rest of the patrol was trying to keep up with Moon, but the lean dog became very fast when it came to her pups being in trouble.

Thunder's nose wriggled as a few familiar smells entered her nostrils. The Camp! she thought with relief, ready to halt her tired legs. As the patrol dogs skidded to a stop, they found Moon looking around frantically for Beetle. Thunder nudged her way through a few dogs and saw him standing in the clearing. Thorn was close to his side.

"I want to!" Beetle barked up at Alpha who looked down at Beetle sternly from her high rock. Alpha was laid down on her stomach, stretching her strong legs out on her rock. Lucky sat closely next to her. He looked annoyed.

Alpha let out an exasperated huff, "Beetle. You're too young to call for a fight. Plus, it wouldn't make any sense. It's unneeded."

"What are they talking about?" Thunder whispered. Her tail flicked nervously.

Dart quickly leaned over to whisper back at Thunder, "Usually, you're allowed to fight a dog for their rank. If you win, you get their rank. If not... Well, that's just embarrassing. But in some circumstances, you can't challenge another dog. Like this."

Thunder nodded as Thorn growled, stepping forward, "Alpha, there is no rule saying you cannot fight a dog within your own ranks!" Thunder twitched when she heard a small gasp from Dart, wondering why she'd made the quick sound.

Alpha tapped her tail impatiently, casting a wary glance at Lucky. "True, but as I said. You're still young. And Thunder has done nothing to you-"

"What?" Thunder barked. Everyone stepped back so she could come forward. "What about me, Alpha?"

Thorn turned quickly, her hackles raised, "We challenge you!"

"Huh?" Thunder whined, stepping back from the younger dog.

"Yes, you need to know we're not dogs you can just walk all over!" Beetle piped up angrily, stepping to his sister's aid.

"But I–"

"ENOUGH, ALL OF YOU!" howled Sweet. She stood on all fours, glowering down at them. "Thunder is new to this pack and you should have nothing against her! Just because her rank is higher than yours gives you no right to declare fights!"

Moon moved into the small clearing where Sweet was aiming her words. "Now, Alpha," Moon growled softly, "I agree with you, my pups are being reckless by starting pointless arguments. But do you remember when they were Nose and Squirm? They have chosen their adult names and are adult dogs now." Moon dropped to her rump, curling her fluffy white tail around her paws. "So, I don't agree with their impulsive choice, but it is theirs to make, even if they want to fight for a different rank."

Sweet was quiet and tentatively watching Moon's face. Her eyes averted to Beetle, then Thorn, and lastly, Thunder.

Please, Sweet, I don't even know what we're talking about here!

Sweet sighed and turned her head to Lucky. He shrugged and nodded at their den. Sweet turned back to the four dogs who waited for her answer.

"I'll... I and Beta will talk this over. Your answer shall be received tonight," Sweet growled. The Greyhound came to her paws and nudged Lucky to his. He followed sleepily as they entered their den without a whisper.

As soon as Sweet and Lucky were gone, Moon leaped from her haunches and pinned both Thorn and Beetle to their backs. "Come to the patrol den, now!" she hissed, roughly stepping off of them.

The sibling's ears were pinned to their heads, but it didn't stop them from giving Thunder a dirty look as they sulked away behind their mother. Thunder dipped her head sadly, not understanding what was going on. Daisy came quickly to Thunder with a confused look on her muzzle.