The Fire Within

Chapter 32

"I SURVIVED because the fire INSIDE me burned brighter then the fire AROUND me."

~~~

WolfClaw felt like she was swimming. 

She leaped right through the flames and didn't feel a thing. Instead of being burned, she felt refreshed and awake when she landed inside the den. 

"W-WolfClaw..." A small voice weakly called out to her. Patchpaw was curled around her two den mates. WolfClaw looked over them quickly. Flamepaw was fine, but Leafpaw didn't look too good. The apprentice's chest was exposed to most of the fire's heat, and she was coughing in her trance-sleep. 

WolfClaw grabbed Leafpaw with her mouth and pulled her onto WolfClaw's back. Then she lowered herself down to Patchpaw.

"Are you ok? How did you wake up?" She asked.

"I smelled smoke. I woke up and tried to help Flamepaw and Leafpaw, but they wouldn't wake up." Patchpaw answered. She stared at the entrance, "How are we going to get out?"

WolfClaw thought for a moment," Well we need to get out as fast as we can, so I guess... I'm going to grab whatever's feeding the fire and pull it away."

Patchpaw looked shocked,"NO! Are you trying to kill yourself?! You'll get burned really bad! Think of something els-"

"Patchpaw." WolfClaw growled, "I'm not going to risk three apprentices dying. I need you to act calm. Flamepaw and Leafpaw need you." Adderstep needs you, She thought silently.

"But-"

"No buts. Pull Flamepaw on your back. I'll carry Leafpaw as far as I can. Lets go."

With that, she stalked towards the entrance. The flames danced red and orange. WolfClaw gently let Leafpaw slide off. Then She waited for an opening. When the fire seemed to shrink, she dove for the source. When she chomped down on it, she felt the flames burst with life. She felt strangely refreshed again, like the fire was washing away the fear she hide. 

She jumped over the fire quickly and pulled the fire with her. WolfClaw kept going till she was far enough away, then let go.

Her body was... not burned? 

The fire had touched me, she thought, But why do I feel and look so clean?

"AdderStep! I'm so sorry!" AdderStep and Dovepool were a few foxes away from her. AdderStep's forehead was dripping blood. His eyes were wide and foggy.

WolfClaw was starting to go to them, but a Patchpaw was struggling with Flamepaw at the den entrance. She was needed with them first. Dovepool could handle AdderStep. WolfClaw raced back to help Patchpaw.

Patchpaw was startled when she spotted WolfClaw. Before she could comment though, WolfClaw spoke.

"Need help?" 

When Patchpaw nodded, WolfClaw picked up Flamepaw from the other side and they carried him to the center of camp. 

Once they got Leafpaw too, WolfClaw scanned the forest surrounding the camp. They had token too long to get everyone out of the dens. The fire had spread all around the camp, and it was as tall as the trees. They were officially trapped. They'd all have to jump through and hope it wasn't too bad on that side. But everyone would get burned.

Some cat stepped beside WolfClaw, bringing her back from her thoughts. Dovepool looked around at the fire, then back at her.

"Got any ideas?"