Blue Moon

Chapter 2

                As we made our way toward a pile of debris, I began to wonder what sort of things we would be doing for the test. Suddenly, the Alpha stopped and turned to us as we lined up. I noticed that the pile was too organized to be just a random build up of debris. No. It was an obstacle course.

               "This is the first part of your test training. If you can make it through this obstacle course, then you will progress to the next part of your training." said the Beta, stepping toward the opening in the tightly woven walls. "If you cannot make it through on your own you will be disqualified and sent back home. Henry, you're up first." I saw Henry gulp before entering the dome, stiff with fear. We waited for what seemed like forever before he popped out of the other side. There was a slight rush of air as we all let go of a breath we didn't know we were holding. Calla went in and made it through. Then it was Star's turn. I watched her as she took a deep breath and entered. We waited....and waited....and waited. Suddenly there was a wail from the center of the course.

            "Star, is everything okay in there?" the Alpha asked.

           "Help! I twisted my leg!" she called, sobbing. I didn't even think. I don't remember going in but suddenly I was racing through the maze leaping over ditches and sliding under thorns. As I followed her scent, I came to a ditch and heard a whimper from the bottom of it. I slowed and hopped down next to her. The second I saw her leg, I knew it was broken. 

           "Hey, it's going to be okay. Let's get you out of here." I said in a calm, soothing voice. I helped her to her feet and pushed her up and over the edge of the pit. Then I hopped up and let her lean on me. As we walked through the rest of the maze, I helped her over, under, and around obstacles. And then we were out! As we emerged the Alpha and Beta, along with the candidate cubs raced around the side of the dome. Alpha ran ahead of the rest and supported Star's other side. 

          " She didn't just twist it. When she fell her leg was broken." I told the Alpha quietly. He nodded his head and we kept going as the cubs surrounded us in a protective circle and the Beta led us all back toward the camp. When we got there, Calla sprinted to the Healers den. The Alpha and I led Star closer to the den and laid her down in a soft patch of grass. Then Cambry, the Healer, was there shooing us away and setting to work on Star's leg.

           "You should be very proud of yourself, Calla." said the Alpha. I turned to him.

           "Why is that?"

           "You were wonderful back there. You acted quickly and without hesitation to help a fellow packmate. And best of all, you passed your test! You passed it with flying colors! You get to move on to the next test." he said with a sparkle in his eye.  

            "What about Star?" I asked. The Alpha's expression changed and I saw sadness in his eye's.

            "Unfortunately, she did not pass. She is disqualified from the testing." I looked back at the spot where Cambry was caring for Star and felt a sharp pang of sympathy. It was then that I noticed the cubs and the Beta standing at the entrance of the camp.

             "We should go and do the next part of your testing." said the Alpha. I nodded and we padded toward the group. When we reached them they turned and we all filed out and began racing back to the field. This time, the two leaders turned slightly east. When we came to the shore of the lake, I noticed strange objects floating on the surface of the water. 

              "Allright cubs, I would like to present to you, your second test!" announced the Alpha. " This will be a test of speed and duration. You must race out and around the object on the water. The last cub back will be disqualified and sent home," We all lined up at the edge of the water. " On your marks.....get set.....GO!" The other cubs leaped in, while I slid in and began swimming strongly. I swam harder than I ever had before. I made my turn and swam back. As I passed the other cubs going in the opposite direction I realized I was in first. I climbed out onto the shore and collapsed breathing hard. I had won and was advancing to the next test.