Light Guardian

Chapter 7

A snarl erupted from Nakoma's mouth as she leaped onto my trembling body. Her teeth dug into my side, and I collapsed from her weight. My breathing came out in pants as I tried to shake her off, but she was vicious. A terrified cry came from my throat, and the wolf got off. She shook her head as she started to heal me once more, "You need to be quicker than that. The shadows have allies that are not afraid to use their teeth and claws. And when you are focused on the pain, the shadows will attack as well." Her voice hit my ears, and I lowered my head in shame.

    "I promise I'll get better, let's go at it again!" I try to reason with her. My body weak from all the previous attempts. I was weak, but I knew I needed to improve.

    Her head shook as she responded, "Three more tries for today. Your body won't be able to handle anymore, you still aren't in the best of shape." She stood up, and I shook my fur, my body healed once more. "Remember, be quick on your paws, watch my movements. Don't react when I move, react before I move. Predictions are key to outsmarting your opponent."

    My head bounced in acknowledgment, and we got into position. She circled around me, ears pulled back and eyes trained on to me. I tried to keep my paws light as I circled her as well, my ears drawn back as I stared at her. My eyes darted to her paw as it dug deeper into the ground, and I tried to jump away. I was too slow, and her heavy paws landed on my back, claws slicing through my flesh. A yowl erupted from my throat, and Rhea cried from the sidelines.

    Blood welled up on my wounds, slowly dripping down my sides. I turned towards Nakoma, meeting her eyes. With a growl, I leap at her, digging my claws into her coarse fur. She let out a grunt of pain as she shook me off. Debris flew off the ground as my body collided with it. She snorted at me as I struggled to get back on my paws.

    Not letting her say anything, I rush at her again, my vision tunneling as I ran. Wind rippled through my pelt as I leaped. Air whipped into my face as she dodged my attack. I was stunned, and I looked around wildly, not finding where she went. With a sudden blow, my head was smashed into the ground with her paw. Blood dribbled out of my mouth as the metallic taste covered my tongue. "What's up with you today, Varian? Normally you are better than this." She asked, a little concern slipping into her voice.

    "I don't know," I responded. And I didn't. I felt just like I did every other day, yet today I was struggling.

    She shook her head, before beginning to treat my wounds. "Well, I think we will cancel your other attempts for today. You need some rest. Maybe if you feel better, later on, we can continue."

    Rhea let out a sigh of relief at those words, before prancing over to me. Her fur was puffed up and her eyes were wide with worry. She has gotten better at not interfering during our training, but that doesn't stop her from worrying like an overprotective mother. The pale tabby she-cat turned to the wolf above me, "Hey, Nakoma?" Nakoma tilted her head slightly, causing Rhea to continue, "I was wondering if you would tell us more about yourself. We know about each other, but we know seldom about you and your own story!"

    A smile made its way onto my face, and I looked up at Nakoma, who had now finished healing my wounds. She let out a grunt, "We can go back to Amos." I glanced at Rhea, mentally asking her if that was a yes or a no. She shook shrugged her shoulders, and together we followed the looming wolf.

    Leaves crunched under our paws as we returned to our den. The trees above us were bare, letting all the light sneak through. White snow covered the ground like a thin web. My whiskers shivered as the coldness of the ground seeped into my paws. I hated white season.

    Amos was sleeping when we returned, curled into a tight ball. Rhea slowly went over to him and shook him slightly. A mumbled response sounded from the sleepy tabby as he slowly opened his eyes. When he saw us all looking at him, he got up, letting out a long yawn. "What is it?" His paws stretched out and his back cracked slightly.