~Whisper~

       My vision was blinding, though I could make out it was night, the sudden view was eye scorching. My limbs ached all over, I spat out blood from my mouth, it's metal tang was revolting. I groaned, shifting ever so slightly. I look over, Joy. The white fox's pelt was clotted with blood, her usually clean pelt a dirty reddish-brown. Jay lay on the ground across from me, blood oozing from his wounds, his fur ragged. The only sign of life from them was the soft rising and falling of their chests. 

 "Ah, finally, your awake." A gruff voice sneers. I narrow my eyes, seeing Strike glaring at me with darkened, amused eyes. 

"I've noticed." I spat back at the fox, bringing forth a scoff. Thrush and Thorn tended to their wounds inflicted by Jay and Joy as Sky gnawed on a shrew. A breeze blew through the woods, causing me to shudder. A silky tail trails from my shoulder, I look over. Jay's hazel eyes are gazing at me, a paw taps me, it's Joy. Her tail flicks saying center formation I nod at her, Jay is still looking at me, confusion in his eyes, Joy catches his attention, drawing a circle to represent us and diamonds to present the Frostpack foxes. He nods, catching on to the technique.

      Jay hunches onto his legs swiftly, launching himself into Thorn and Thrush, banging both of their heads on a nearby tree. No sound was made. Jay let the unconscious bodies slip to the ground, Joy and I hid behind a tree, Sky looking around confused.

"Thorn, Thrush?" Sky cocked her head. Without hesitation Joy and I sprang from our hiding places, tackling Sky to the ground, her paw covering her mouth.

"I wouldn't make a sound if I were you." Joy snarled quietly, Sky nodded, her eyes doused with fear. I released my grip on the terrified fox, Joy handling her. Sky bundles up a surge of energy, chomping down on Joy's paw causing the Firepack fox to yelp loudly, leaving the Firepack hunter dazed enough for Sky to kick her away, traipsing away from Joy and I to warn Strike.

"Leave her." Jay commands, we gallop towards the mountains, climbing up its stiff walls and leaping over the pebbles that littered it. Jay halts, his tail stiff in the air and his ears perked up alert. I watch as the gray fox sniffs the air, I do the same, trying to pick up a scent. Nothing.

"What is it?" I question the deputy. He stills, only to shake his head, his fur flattening on his skin. 

"I-it's nothing." He huffs, continuing our hike. The land started to flatten out, giving more room to walk, a water fall came into view, Joy dashing towards it.

"Yes!" Joy whined with delight, sloppily drinking the water. I drove in for myself, filling my mouth with water and guzzling it down my throat time and time again. Jay joined next to my side, politely sipping the clear substance with his eyes closed, sighing in pleasure. He wiped his muzzle, shaking out his pelt. Joy and I finished our last gulp, ready to continue our journey. 

      Joy lead us higher up the mountain, our legs aching. 

"Hmmm. It's two moons until Moonup, we should find some shelter." Jay stated, measuring the sun. 

"Interesting saying you've got there Jay." I compliment intrigued. Jay gives a playful huff,

"Thanks, Dark taught me." He explained. I grin, Joy resumed to lead us up the mountains, Jay and I scouting for any caves or places to stay for the night. We settled on a large cave, it was provided with a river, Jay went out to hunt, The a Firepack member returning with a shrew and two mice. The three of us gulped down the prey, washing it down with water.

"Night." We all mumbled.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

It was foggy, the air clung with moisture and wetness. My She, Dawn appeared.

"Stay away." I bristled, Dawn continued forward. I growled a warning. Dawn not withdrawing. 

       I trot away, shaking my head in anger and rage towards my She. The fog became fore thick, like smoke. Dawn appeared once more. 

"I don't want to see you. I told you that." I snapped, she blinked her emotionless eyes. She shook her head.

"No." 

     I tensed, my eyes narrowing into slits and my body positioned into a fighting crouch. 

"Behind you." Dawn whispered, diminishing with the simple blow of the wind.

——————————————————————————————————————————————

        I snapped awake, my senses fully aware. Joy and Jay jolted awake, a roar rumbled is the cave, the ground slightly shaking. My pupils dialated, eyes wide. The three of us backed out of the cave, the warm breath that seemed so close yet so far felt as if it were on our cheeks. The moon shone. I stiffened at the sight of a mountain lion. It's claws glinted in the moonlight and it's eyes blood thirsty as it ran its tongue over its pointy teeth. 

       The animal leapt forwards, Jay and Joy nimbly dodging its counter attack, thwap! My cheek stung as a felt the mountain lion's claw slice the flesh of my cheek, reeling up to pounce on me. No! I thought, scooting out of the way from the cat's paws. The attacker threw its paws at me, me stepping away from its reach. My eyes widen, my paws no longer on the surface as the air underneath me gave way.

"Whisper!" Joy and Jay shrieked, blood roared in my ears, my fur flying with the wind as I plummeted down.

Down.

Down.