It Should've Been Me

The Pain

(Authors note: Hi all. Sorry for the wait, but I'm sure you know how hectic the festive season gets. Which reminds me, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I know I'm late, but don't worry about that. Thanks to all the favorites/followers and the reviews from Faith, Guests and disnefangirl774. Warning: Beginning has descriptive thought of suicide. Last time, we saw just how badly Tod was injured by the train, as well as the emotional blow it gave to Copper. In this chapter, things might be a little better. But for who?)

The sound of rustling leaves and seemingly weightless paws thumping on the ground were the only things that made a sound. The cold air racing into a pair of bloodshot eyes, eyes that seemed to be accustomed to the flow of tears streaming down the once happy face. Tonight seemed a lot darker and colder then the ones before, causing the running animal to run longer that what would normally be possible.

But, alike all runners, you can never out run pain.

Copper had become exhausted from always running. Running from things he knew he could not change. His body soon gave a last mighty push as it slowed to a dead stop. The shaky legs screaming in agony from the miles of nothing but pure sprinting. His breathing was heavy and deep, deep enough for two. His face, a bank in which a river runs, was now as wet as when he swam with his... with an animal he once cared deeply for.

Minutes past, allowing the hound to catch his breath, as well as allowing memories to catch him. His heart felt as if it were being carved in two.

"No. He's... He's gone," Copper's raspy voice relayed the thoughts he most feared. "He's gone. And it's all my fault. I shoulda' stopped him. I..." His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of rapidly flowing water. He raised his head and looked around, only to find he was at a spot he would never forget. He was staring down at a stream. And dead ahead, was the bridge.

He walked over the edge and further onto the bridge. His pain was too much to bare. He looked to the spot he had last seen his old friend and spoke, "Tod, I... I'm really sorry I couldn't help yea. Now though, it's too late. I can't even see your body anymore. I... It's my fault. ALL OF IT! And there's only one way to make it right."

With that, Copper took a deep breath and let his body fall forward over the side and down into darkness.

But not soon enough it would seem, as an animal of the same size jumped and connected with the falling hound. A pained yipe escaped Copper's mouth as he somehow landed on a ledge with his savior wrapped around him. Pained cries were barely contained from the two lumps of fur. Copper opened his eyes. The only white light he saw, was that of the moon. He looked over and faced his requested savior, only to find him struggling to stand up. It may have taken longer to recognize the grey long haired Wolfhound, but rather predictably, he was reveled to be the one who had helped him escape. Chief.

"Chief, Wha... What are yea doing here?" Copper asked in a surprised voice. It was unusual for his adopted father to run away from home, and yet he now stood before Copper.

"What d' yea think I'm doin' here? Copper, yea 'onestly think I'd just let yea walk off to die?" Chief said sternly.

"I... I dunno anymore,"

"Look, I ain't ever gonna let yea do tha'. Copper, yea have to listen to me. I may not care for much no more, but yea can bet your barrel on me caring for yea." Chief looked down at Copper, waiting for him to sit up. If he was going to do this, he would want it done seriously. The old hound loathed the idea of sharing such delicate information to any of his two trusted family members.

As Copper sat up, the sun began rearing its mass around, and the sky became a little more orange with every passing second. The air now poke of a second day, a day in which new opportunities would arise and new choices could be made. Now, however, none of that mattered. There was a more pressing matter that had to be resolved.

Chief decided to start this as soon as possible, because once it was over, they could return home, "Sonny, if I didn't care for yea, why would I help yea become something better them me? Why would I give yea some o' my food when the master gave yea to little? It's not just because I care for yea, but it's cause we're... Your the closest thing i ever had to family."

"Chief, what about the master?"

"He is family, but it's kinda hard to talk with someone who can't understand yea. Listen, I'll tell yea what, lets get home, have a couple days rest, and if yea really want, we can go back to being normal?"

"Can we scuffle?"

"Maybe,"

And with that, the pair looked down to the spot where Tod lay. Copper knew it was wild to think about his late friend so soon, but he still wanted to know one thing, "If you knew, would you've listened?"

Chief knew this was a sincere question, and one he should take into deep consideration. Copper knew he didn't like the fox one bit, but now that he understood, what would he say? "Yea," was his only response. With that, the two found a dusty path to the surface and a track all the way home.

(Authors note: So, that was unexpected. I really had a problem putting this chapter together, but now, it's done. Some bad news for the readers. This story will have to be put on temporary hold while I adjust to the new grade and also, I've had a few requests for a sequel of my first FATH fanfic 'The Past And The Present.' Now, that does not mean that this will be off the radar, I'll work on it as often as I can. Thanks very much for the support and for more information, please read the last chapter of 'The Past And The Present')

Until we meet again. Cheers ;}