Destiny (Sequel to Sun Wolf)

Ch. 5

A/N: Thanks Rose_the_insane_wolf for the idea!

The next day, Comet invited me to go hunting with him, along with Jupiter and Galaxy. I agreed, since Frost is watching the pups. We travelled to Elk Meadow, the place where elk herds graze. This time, a small elk herd was there. We hid in the bushes, eyes scanning for old, young, or weak prey.

"Alright, you all know what to do," Comet whispered.

Everyone nodded. Comet left the bushes and trotted around, like he wasn't interested in the herd. All the elk were instantly alert. Galaxy then walked out and went beside Comet. They exchanged silent signals.

Galaxy and Comet ran to the back of the herd. Before Jupiter and I could join the others, the elk started running frantically towards Comet and Galaxy! They dodged the herd and ran back to us, panting. I was about to ask what happened, but before I could say anything, a big grizzly bear burst out of the woods and instantly started killing the elk! Upon closer inspection, I noticed there was white foam coming from the grizzly's mouth.

"That grizzly has White-mouth Disease," I whispered to the others.

In my entire life, I have only seen one animal with that disease...until now. White-mouth Disease is very contagious. Whoever comes in contact with it goes on a crazy, killing rampage. The only way to stop it is to kill the infected animal and prevent anyone from eating and hunting here ever again.

"How are we going to kill the bear?" Comet asked quietly.

"We push it into Black Hallows," I replied.

Black Hallows is a large, deep ravine said to go down to the heart of the world. It's impossible to jump and climb out of.

Thousands of years ago, a wolf who had the very first White-mouth Disease started killing other wolves, including pups and expecting mothers. After half of the entire wolf population was gone, a huge brown and grey speckled wolf with Earth Power named Ealon opened a deep ravine and knocked the diseased wolf into it, sacrificing himself in the process.

"We need more wolves first. Let's head back and try to catch something on the way," Comet said.

We each catch a rabbit on our way back. When we got there, we explained what happened. Galaxy wanted to stay, so we took Stormstriker, Asteroid, Cloud Claw, and four others from Snowstorm and Sunshine's pack. On the way, Comet explained what the plan was.

We tracked down the bear. When we found it, it was terrorizing a wolf camp. Comet howled and the bear stopped, stared at us for a few seconds, then came charging. We turned and ran toward the ravine, the bear's heavy breathing and tromping right behind us. Cloud Claw stayed behind to make sure the wolf pack was ok.

When we got close to Black Hallows, we made a sharp turn to avoid falling in. The great grizzly tried to skid to a halt, but the back end of him fell in. Unfortunately, he was able to lift himself out. We were all in a standoff, the bear and the wolves snarling and growling. Comet stepped forward and snapped at the bear.

The next thing I know, Comet is lying on the ground a few feet away from us, with a huge, deep claw mark across his left side.

"Comet!" I call as I run over to him.

"I'm ok," he replied.

I sighed and nodded, though I hoped none of the White-mouth Disease had infected him. When we rejoined the others, I could tell Comet was angry and determined. His ears are erect, his fur bristled, he crouched, ready to attack, and he bared his teeth and snarled.

"What'd I miss?" Cloud Claw said.

"Sheesh, Cloud Claw. Give me a heart attack, will you? You didn't miss very much," I replied, my eyes still focused on the grizzly bear.

We each took turns snapping at the brown mass of fur, each time pushing it back further. We dodged his huge paws when he tried to slash us. Eventually, he slipped and tumbled into the ravine, growling and roaring. We stayed and listened until we couldn't hear the bear anymore.

"How's the pack, Cloud?" Stormstriker asked as we walked home.

"They're fine. A few wolves were killed, but no one alive was hurt or infected," Cloud Claw replied.

Comet and I stayed a few feet behind the others. I could tell he was weakened.

I stopped and said, "Hey, Comet."

"Yeah?" Comet replied as he stopped and turned around.

I walked up to him and wrapped my head around his neck.

"I'm very, very proud of you. I know your father is, too," I said.

"Thanks, mom," he replied as he nuzzled me.

I knew tears escaped his eyes. I licked his ears.

"Come on, let's get you back home so Nebula can help you," I said as we started walking.

When we got home, I told everyone the story. The pups, as always, were amazed.

"Our dad's the coolest!" Junior said.

"He's also the bravest," Falcon pointed out, smiling at me.

I smiled back.