Trapped (Sequel to Becomming and Animal X-men Fanfiction)

A Pup's First Breath

I sat next to Runningbreeze with my head rested on my paws. Riversong and Stonestep were grooming each other's scratched and bloody pelts. Nightsecret was flapping her crystal like wings and trying to block Deadspirit from trying to run into Thruster's den.

"She's in pain! I have to do something," Deadspirit cried as Lingeringbadger's wail sounded through the air. Nightsecret rushed in front of him with her wings blocking his path.

"You can't do anything," she whispered gently as she sunk her claws into Deadspirit's shoulders and pushed him back. "This is something that you can't help her with."

Deadspirit reluctantly took a step back and began pacing again. He would growl every so often when he heard his mate wail in agony. He wanted to surge forward but every time he did Nightsecret would block him harshly.

"Please let me thought Nightsecret," he begged as his eyes stretched wide. "She's in pain. I know that she is!"

Nightsecret turned to me. She knew what we all new.

Lingeringbadger was dying. She had gone into labor early. She was losing a lot of blood and she was already weak with fever that had overtaken her body. She was going to die, the question now was if her pups would die as well.

"I'm going in," I finally growled as I surged forward and into the den with my tail whipping behind me. I slowed as I saw Thruster crouch over Lingeringbadger. She was hardly breathing, let alone moving. Her eyes were dull and glazed.

"Is she-"

Thruster nodded and touched his nose to her cheek. "She's too weak to give birth. Her pups will die with her."

I sighed and limped forward the entrance of the den. Before I could get far Deadspirit rushed to my side and tried to peek over my shoulders. I bunched them up and made sure he couldn't look over them.

"Is Lingeringbadger-" He trailed off as he saw my expression. He may not have any mutant powers, let alone be able to read my mind but he could already guess what I was going to say.

"You better go in," I murmured as I stepped aside and allowed him through.

He gulped before taking a shaky step forward. This was harder for him than anyone else here.

I padded toward everyone else who was anxiously waiting for what I would say. "Is she dead," asked Tony as he pressed his nose against the container.

I was about to answer when a moan drifted from the den. Deadspirit staggered out with his eyes forced shut in agony. He collapsed onto his knees with his head burrowed in his paws.

"I'll stay with him," offered Stonestep as he weaved toward his friend and murmured into his ears.

I nodded. "She's dead, and she didn't have any pups."

Suddenly a small yelp sounded and I lifted my head. "A pup," gasped Storm.

Thruster poked his nose from his den. "One pup," he howled. "She's weak but breathing. I have some formula but I need someone to keep her warm."

Nightsecret surged forward with her wings flapping. She flew into the den and I didn't hear another noise.

Riversong suddenly let out a grumble into her chest fur. "This is why pups don't belong here."