The Peace of the Wanderer

Chapter Eleven: The Eye Of The Storm

Shadow grunted with effort as she pushed her way across the ever-growing mossy terrain. The wind howled as rain pelted down from the dark sky, drenching both Shadow and Midnight to the bone.

The young she-cat chanced a look behind her shoulder, squinting. Even with her excellent feline vision, she had trouble making him out of the shadows.

She turned her head forward once more, still squinting from the rain.

"You didn't tell me the 'little rain' was going to turn out to be a huge storm!" she yelled, hoping the tomcat could hear her over the whistling gusts of wind.

"I'm sorry I can't predict how severe the weather is going to be!" Shadow vaguely heard Midnight retort. "I only noted it smelled like rain was in the air!"

Midnight had told her that they were only a few days from the wolf pack's territory, but judging by the violent storm, they'd have to find shelter soon.

Shadow groaned as she looked around. At least there wasn't any lightni-

CRACK.

Shadow yelped in fear as she saw the blue strike of electricity split a nearby tree. The giant maple began to topple over.

The charcoal-black she-cat turned to stare in horror at the falling tree before noticing a small form desperately trying to run towards her.

Midnight.

Shadow's pulse accelerated as she froze in place, her brain trying to make out what to logically do in this unfortunate scenario.

Her brain told her to let him go, if he survived, great, but if he didn't, just let it be.

But her heart told her otherwise.

She wasn't just going to sit idly by while her best friend died! No, she'd have to help. And if she had to take his place underneath that tree trunk, so be it. There was no way Midnight would get out of the danger zone without saving. And... Midnight would do the same if he were in her place.

Shadow extended her claws and began to dart towards Midnight, as fast as she possibly could, adrenaline aiding her in her quest.

"Shadow?" She heard Midnight ask in confusion before realizing what she was doing. "Wait... What are you doing?! Get back! You'll die!"

But it was already too late. Shadow was at his side, giving him a hard push away from the quickly approaching tree to safety.

She knew very well it was too late for her as she looked up at the tree, which was close to hitting its mark.

At least Midnight would survive.

She looked at him as he stared on in grief and horror.

The last thing Shadow saw before everything went black was Midnight sprinting to her, yelling her name.

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Shadow felt pain.

Strange. She shouldn't have been feeling pain. She was dead, right?

Right?

Shadow opened her eyes, expecting to see the spirit world she had seen when her father saved her from spirit Reagan, but...

No. It was definitely Earth. She'd survive that? How? She lifted her head, looking around.

It was a pretty place. Fireflies danced as a slight breeze ruffled Shadow's fur. It was still dark out, but the fireflies illuminated everything, making warm light. The night sky was extremely clear, the stars merrily winking at her.