The Rares

Chapter 29

~~~~Gray~~~~

I glanced up as Silver burst into the room, Red on her heels. I was almost relieved at the disruption, Russet and Cosan had been being so fake lovey at each other that it nearly made me sick. One look at Silver's face quickly dispelled my relief.

"Have you seen Jaybird and Crow?" She panted. "I... I can't find them."

I shook my head. "Nope."

"Haven't seen them," Cosan replied.

"Who are Jaybird and Crow?" Kiara called, far louder than needed.

"Wow..." Jennifer drawled.

"Seriously?" Ariss gave Kiara a confused look from beside Jennifer. "In the week we've been here, you haven't bothered to get to know anyone?"

She shrugged. "Hey, they didn't try to get to know me."

"Actually, Silver did. You, very rudely, ignored her whenever she was talking to you."

"It isn't my fault. She's boring, talking about some pups. Like I care!"

"How can you say that when my pups are missing!?" Silver screeched. "Do you know nothing!? This place is dangerous for pups. They could have been picked up by hawks! They could have been frozen to death! They could have been shot!"

At this, Russet flinched. Silver realized what she had said.

"Russet, I-I'm so sorry!" She stammered. "I didn't think and I'm just so worried about Jaybird and Crow. I'm sure they're fine, it's just that they've never been alone before and-"

"Silver, calm down. It's alright, I was just being sensitive."

"Uh, 'scuse me," Zerrec said from behind Silver. She stepped out of his way.

"There's a forest fire starting up outside. Is anyone missing pups, or is anyone outside? I want to make sure everyone is accounted for." He turned to Russet. "Where are Zephyr, Zimri, and Rhea?"

"Sleeping. I locked the door behind me, so I know they're okay. And Jazz is taking a nap in my room with them, just in case something happens.

"Jaybird and Crow are missing," Red murmured, worry sharpening his amber eyes. I pressed my lips together. It took a lot to worry my brother.

Silver turned and pelted out of the stronghold. Russet and I followed. Cosan kept Red.

"We'll wait here in case they're inside." He told him.

Silver had halted about fifty feet from the stronghold, staring at the blazing trees in horror. Faintly, I could hear the cries of terror from two pups in the middle of the inferno.

Tears came to Silver's eyes, and she turned.

"I can't take this anymore," She cried as she ran back to the stronghold.

"Someone has to save them," Russet murmured. She started running to the blaze.

I jumped in front of her.

"I'll do it."

"No, Gray, let me."

"Listen Russet, I'm the best one to do this. I don't have a mate or pups to miss me if I don't make it out. You do. Silver does. Red does, and Cosan does. I can't let you do this and possibly not make it out. Zephyr, Zimri, and Rhea need you. I'm the only one who doesn't have that. Let me go."

Russet sighed. "Alright. But make sure you get yourself, and those pups out alive."

I turned, and shot off to the fire, running so fast that my paws barely hit the ground.