The Shifters Heart(not continued)

Chapter 5

I woke with my heart racing. The smell of chemicals was strong and bitter. I blinked a few times before realized that I was still at home.

I hadn't meant to fall asleep, but I guess the exhaustion finally caught up. It was early in the morning, so we were awake, but the humans still slept. Over the last day or so, our home dried out and the helicopters left.

I looked over at the Bears burial ground and I sigh. We would head back today. The humans were obviously going to be here a while, so I decided to move before they woke.

If they were intelligent, they would find us. I neigh and we head off, Len on my back. He couldn't shift near the humans, they might shoot him or capture him for testing. I dig my hooves into the still soft ground, hoping that I don't fall down this large hill.

That would surely leave me with a few broken bones. I neigh softly, telling my herd to be cautious on this hill. One by one, we slowly pick our way down, until at last, we are safely at the bottom. I take off at a trot, the herd following suite. We go to our usual place.

It's right then I remember the Bears words. I go on high alert, listening for anything that would alert me of hunters or anything else.

For once, I don't know if I can keep my herd safe...

You will not speak like that again!! We will protect our herd, even if it's the death of us!!

My horse retreated to the back of my mind. I felt guilty, but his thinking was irrational. I would let nothing happen to my herd. A few horse lift their heads, looking at me gently. I know they put their trust in me.

I will not let them down. My ears swivel at a fast rate and my nose is always breathing in scents now. I neigh a plan to my herd, just in case hunters come.

If hunters come, you will go into the forest. Don't wait for me. Ask a nearby pack for help, tell them that you were attacked. Tell them your normal so they won't attack you.

They neigh in reply, not even asking questions. I forgot that I could mind link normal animals too. I motion for them to continue eating. They could use lots of energy, just in case.

I decide to eat with them. If I was going to protect them, I would also need energy. As I eat, I think of my family.

Flashback

I'm 15, and celebrating my birthday. My mom and dad are carrying out a chocolate cake, my favorite. My sister is holding her present in her arms, keeping it out of view.

My mom and dad are also hiding their presents. I blow out the candles, jumping up and down, excited for everything. My mom hands me her present first. It was a tattoo gift card.

"Use it wisely. Get something of meaning, and don't waste it. It's good for one tattoo."
I thank her and give her a kiss. My dad goes next. He hands me a leader pendant. My eyes widen.

"Dad, am I a leader now?"
I ask shakily. He chuckles and nods.

"We could see it from a young age. You protected your sister and the other kids. While they played, you always kept a lookout."
I thank him and hug him. My sister sits in front of me, tightly clutching her present.

"It's not as good as theirs, but I really hope you like it."
She hands it to me and I open it. It's a metal necklace with 4 horses. All colored like us. She had gotten into crafting a while ago, and she made this without a flaw.

"So that's why you locked yourself in the basement. I love it sis, thank you."
I slide it on while she blushes.

"Anything for you big bro."

"Ok, now, let's get cake babies!!"
I shout with glee.

End of flashback

I sigh sadly. I wish my parents hadn't been killed and I wish we were all together like we were back then. I remember the tattoo I got. It was of my sisters necklace, so that way I could have both their presents on me forever.

I still had my sisters necklace around my human forms neck. My fur had grown over it, along with my tattoo. I missed my sister with all my heart, and I hope she is treated well wherever she is.

I snort when I hear yelling. I listen closer and hear the pounding of hooves and ropes being twirled. I turn and there they are. I neigh loudly and my herd takes off to the forest.

They aren't moving fast enough. We need to stall them!!

I happily oblige. I run straight at the group of horse capturers. I rear and hit one off with my hooves. A rope is tossed around my neck, but I fight against it.

I rush at the one holding the rope and hit him off his horse. The rope goes slack and I continue to knock the men around. A few more ropes collect on me.

And before I know it, I'm on the ground, my side burning in pain. The humans from before are trying to move fast down the hill, but not fast enough.

My herd has made it in the forest, and I feel at peace. I did my duty, but that does not mean I have to give up yet. I bite a rope and it snaps. I buck and fight, keeping the men away from me.

I am tiring fast, but I fight until I hear a snarl. Len has found us and is in cougar form. He leaps at the men, trying to free me. A few more snarls from across the valley and I see a pack of wolves.

They did it!! Their safe!!!

Oh thank god. Ok, don't give in.

I never wanted to, but I was getting very tired. The days of not sleeping has taken its toll on me.

Stay awake Spirit!!!! Stay-

Len, take care of my herd...

I collapse to my side, but before I fall into darkness, I hear what sounds like a war.

Yas, another chapter out!!!!!! I will try to update my other book.

-Deamun