Light Guardian

Chapter 14

I took everything for granted when I ran away. My friends, protection, living in a pack, easy access to food. Everything.

    My paws pounded on the ground as I ran. The closer I was getting to the pack, the more energy I had. I wanted to rest, but I wouldn't allow myself to. I had to get back to the pack as soon as I could. I couldn't wait to see my friends once more.

    The moon had replaced the sun, shining in the dark sky. Stars blinking around, searching for the comfort of the sun. The coldness had seeped into my bones, causing my movements to become painful. But still, I ran.

    Wind was whipping against my face, my tail flailing behind me. When my paw struck a rock that was jutting out of the ground, I fell with a thump. My chin smacked harshly against the solid surface, and one of my paws twisted at an awkward angle. A drop of blood dribbled out of my mouth.

    Shaking off the pain and the shock, I pushed myself up and began to run again. My movements were even slower, but I continued. I continued until the sun had woken up and was staring down at me. I ran until the familiar scents of the pack filled my nose. I didn't stop until I was outside of the camp entrance, and when I made it there I collapsed. My front left paw burned furiously and my chin felt extremely sore. The breaths I made all burned my throat and my side rose and fell rapidly. Weak coughs came from me, and a rustle from the inside of the camp kept me from falling into darkness.

    I forced my eyes to look up and met the warm amber gaze of Rhea. Her mouth opened in shock and she ran at me. Water flowed rapidly from her eyes like a waterfall, cascading down her fluffy face. Her words were stuttered and mournful as she spoke, "Varian, Varian, Varian... I missed you so much, so so much... Why did you leave? Why did you let yourself become so sickly?" Her voice cracked as she called out, "Varian's home!"

    Paws thundered around the camp and excited voices and barks overwhelmed my senses. The she-cat that I have missed dearly was leaning over me, her sad eyes looking at my frail body. Another cough burst from my mouth and her ears pulled back in worry. "Amos, hurry up! I think she is sick! She is in no condition to fight it off by herself."

    Soon the familiar face of the tabby tom was hovering over me. He looked more mature since I last saw him, no longer holding onto the kit-like appearance he once held. His voice had deepened slightly, showing that he had indeed grown, "She needs to be transported to the den, Rose, go get some herbs ready."

    I felt two wolves lift me up gently. One of them was the familiar white wolf with speckled gray spots. He was stiff, sadness clinging on to his pelt. My body screamed in pain with every movement the two wolves made. It felt like my bones were digging into my flesh.

    My vision was blurry as I was gently laid on the ground. Paws quickly began to assess my body, hovering over the still healing wounds that littered my body and my ankle. Amos, who was checking me over, let out a gasp. He began to order wolves around as I lost consciousness.

***

    When I woke up, everything felt fuzzy. My pain had dulled down and my body just felt numb. There was a stick that was tied to my paw, holding it in a straight position. I blinked the blurriness out of my eyes and looked around as much as I could. The sleeping form of Rhea was next to me, almost touching me with her fluffy tail that curled around her body. Warmth spilled into my heart at the sight of her. I missed this.

    Light was leaking into the den, and the strong smell of herbs filled the air. My stomach rumbled loudly, causing Rhea to wake up. Her whiskers twitched happily and she chuckled at me, "I'll go get you a mouse, you'll need it." Her fluffy tailed flicked behind her as she hustled out of the den.