Ginger's Story

Chapter 4

~A few moons later~

Ginger raced away, Drax and Telracs at her side. The camp was set on fire, thanks to the dry, hot summer.

"Snow!" Ginger screeched over her shoulder. Her sister was nowhere to be seen.

Tears streaming down her face, she realized Snow was dead. She was panting hard, and her chest pounded, pleading for her to stop running away from the blazing flames.

They eventually slowed to a stop. Telracs laid her tail reassuringly on Ginger's back, "It's okay..."

Ginger gulped and shook her head, "No, nothing will ever be okay!"

Sighing, Telracs touched Gingers nose with hers, and fell in behind Drax.

Drax looked at her, sympathy and sadness flooding his gaze. Snow must be in so much pain, burning to death... Ginger breathed out a heavy sigh and looked away into the trees.

Suddenly, the bushes to her left swished and rustled. Ginger's hackles raised and she barred her teeth. Korbyn's head popped out and looked at her in astonishment.

"Oh, hi!" He meowed. Stiffling a growl at the arrogant tom, she padded over to him.

"What's happened?" He asked.

Grief shadowed Ginger's gaze and she pushed her muzzle into his chest. Korbyn's muscles stiffened but relaxed and he rested his muzzle on her head. Ginger felt the shocked stares of Drax and Telracs, but she ignored them. She just wanted to curl up and die.

"T-the fire... Snow's dead.." Ginger's voice cracked as she spoke.

Korbyn seemed utterly lost for words. He just comforted Ginger by gently licking her forehead.

"I'm sorry to hear that.." he whispered.

Ginger kept silent as she pulled away from him.

Drax started to speak, "G-Ginger?"

Ginger stared back at him, her eyes glazed and guarded, "I met him over by the river.."

"You can come live with me for a while." Korbyn insisted.

Telracs nodded, though she seemed a bit suspicious. Drax followed. He muttered something under his breath but didn't argue.

Suddenly, something was feeling weird on her back. Ginger looked over her shoulder at her back, noticing two somethings slightly poking out behind we shoulder. Guessing they were only her shoulder blades, she shrugged it off and followed closely behind Korbyn.