Light Guardian

Chapter 18

The smell of death was still hanging in the air. And Nakoma barely showed herself anymore. The brown spirit wolf had said that this was the weakest she had ever seen the shadows, and the Greater Spirits could not be sure if they would ever regain their strength again. She also noted that there was hardly any evil shadows that flickered around. We could only hope there would be no more. We could only hope...

    A small body hurtled into my side and let out a happy cry. With a smile, I turned to the black pup who had grown to be taller than me, "Hello Ice!" She gave a toothy smile and her blue eyes twinkled with delight. I laughed at the small wolf, "I'm guessing it's time to play, am I right?"

    Her head shook up and down enthusiastically. Her tail whipped the air excitedly as she lowered her front. Her pink tongue had fallen out of her mouth, and she began to shake. With a chuckle, I rose to my paws and got in the same position. With a happy bark, Ice ran at me. We wrestled playfully and I let her win.

    Dramatically falling to the ground I cried, "The enemy is too powerful!" I let my tongue fall out of my mouth as I played dead. Ice giggled and licked my face.

    A motherly bark broke us up and I turned to look at the large pink wolf. Her head tilted to the side and she jokingly asked, "I was worried Varian was dead. Afterall, Ice is such a ferocious attacker!"

    The pup that I now saw as my own gave an innocent smile and sat down. Her fluffy tail curling neatly around her large paws. I couldn't help but chuckle at her innocent act as I rose to my paws. With a shake, I shook off the dust that had collected onto my fur. "Is there something you had to tell us?" I questioned.

    She tilted her head slightly, thinking over my question. I shook my head at the forgetful wolf. A bark sounded from her and I jumped slightly, causing Ice to fall on to the ground laughing. Sticking my tongue out at the young wolf, I joked, "She might be scarier than you are!"

    Ice was about to respond when Clarisse interrupted, "Sorry, but I need to say this before I forget! Rhea said that she wanted to talk to you. She went to get Amos, so she sent me to get you. I'm not sure what it's about, but she said you could bring Ice if you wanted to."

    Turning to the excited pup I tilted my head. She gave a smile, "You can go ahead, I'll go play with Autumn and Domino!" With a bark, she turned around and ran to where her friends were already playing.

    Clarisse laughed at the young wolf, "She's an excited one, isn't she?"

    My eyes were trained on her as she barked happily to her two friends and began to play. Joy was sparkling in her eyes, and adoration laced my voice as I whispered, "Yeah, she is." Shaking my head, I start to head in the direction of the meetup spot that Amos had suggested.

    It was just outside of the camp hidden under the welcoming roots of a tree. The place was filled with familiarity, which is why Amos chose it and we agreed. It felt just like where we stayed when we first met. Pushing into the small opening, I saw both of my friends already laying down. Rhea gave me a warm smile as I settled neatly next to the pale she-cat.

    Rhea purred as she spoke up, "I thought that since we all have been busy with our own things and we haven't been able to speak much as a group, that now would be a good time." She twitched her whiskers, "So what have you all been up to? I know the basics like caring for a pup and helping teach others about herbs, but what else have you guys been up to?"

I could tell that she genuinely wanted to know, which is why I instantly responded, "Well, I've been getting to know some of the other wolves around the camp. Cascade has been really nice and helps me with caring for Ice and watching over the pup. Clarisse showed me around to some of the wolves I didn't know. I've just been trying to be more social here since I never had the opportunity before." I paused as I looked at the two cats next to me. Warmth filled my heart, these were my friends. My first friends. A smile graced my muzzle as I continued, "Did you know that Koa is a great swimmer? He's been trying to teach me how to swim! Also, Wren has been teaching me new hunting and stealth technique!"

Amos chuckled at my enthusiasm for learning new things and about all the new friends I have made. With a flick of his tail, he stopped me, "I think we get it, Varian." He gently flicked my side and he began, "I've mainly been learning about all the history of the pack. Lilith, the oldest elder was the first member recruited besides Clarisse. She told me about all the previous members, all the good and the bad. Did you know that the pack had to move three times before they settled here as a final camp? And that they used to send out scouts to find new members, or that they once had a flood?" His eyes were lit up with delight as he talked about the history of the pack. With a shake of his head, he laughed, "Well, it interests me at least. Also, Lizard has helped me break more out of my shell, which I'm sure you can tell is working. He's a good friend of mine now!"

Rhea nodded enthusiastically before starting, "Well, I am mainly hunting and just making sure the pack is functioning. Clarisse has been helping me out! She's such a sweet wolf. Anyways, when I do have free time that isn't used with talking to you guys, I'll help with training some of the pups with hunting. Jade has gotten really good, did you know she caught the biggest squirrel today?" The tabby's tail flicked happily as she continued, "Those pups are so great to work with, I can't wait to help train Ice!"

We continued to chat, sharing funny stories that had happened to us since the battle. By far, Rhea had the funniest. When she was helping some of the pups, she thought it would be a fun idea to pretend to be some prey. Due to that, the pups all ended up pouncing on her at once due to lack of communication and their lacking sense of smell. She was really embarrassed, but now she was able to laugh at it. At least she was able to figure out what they needed to work on. My mind fluttered back to the story of Owl as a pup and a seed of sadness sprouted in my chest, which I quickly shook away.

As Amos was talking, I felt Rhea shift closer to me, and I smiled at the tabby. A purr rumbled in her throat and I couldn't help but lean against her.

Soon Rhea and Amos were in a deep conversation, and I allowed myself to space out. My mind wandered back to the beginning of my journey. I used to always obsess over proving myself to my family. But now, it just felt silly to want that. I shouldn't need to prove myself to those who don't care about me when I can be who I am around friends and those who appreciate me. I wonder how Willow is. Did she drive away Dusk and Dove? What happened to them, did they die or did they run? I wouldn't put it past them, especially Dusk. I didn't understand why they were in the battle without her, but maybe they grew sick of her attitude. I wouldn't blame them. A bitterness stung my throat as a thought floated across my mind If only they grew sick of her sooner.

Mentally shaking my head, I allow my mind to wander more. About how much I have changed. As a kitten, I could never have imagined living the life I live now. With friends surrounding me, a pup to care for, and happy. Content. Living the peaceful life I had always wanted. I wanted to laugh now at how scared I used to be of shadows, and I defeated them now. At least, for a while. If my younger self heard of that she would have been terrified and in awe.

I just can't believe how far I have come, how much I have changed. A strong feeling of contentedness built up in my chest, one I never thought I would feel. I was content, I was happy with the way my life had played out so far, and I couldn't have asked for it to go any other way since it has led me to how I am now. To who I am now.

I was broken out of my thoughts from a nudge from Rhea. I turned to the lithe she-cat and tilted my head. She let out a silent laugh, and I couldn't help but grin at her. Amos faked a cough, and I turned to him and stuck out my tongue. Yes. I was happy to be here. I was happy I was chosen to be the Light Guardian. I was finally happy to be me.