months later---------

Kat sighed as she opened her eyes,a dip light shining through in her den.She sat upright and looked around to see Crys curled up next to her as usual.She had taken a shine to the young pup,and now felt extremely protective of her,like she was her own pup.It felt that way sometimes.Crys had taken well to her new home and enjoyed being around Sandi.Crys was still slightly younger than Sandi,but Sandi never noticed.Crys was getting bigger and bigger though.'She's a fast learner too.'Kat thought to herself.She smiled as she remembered teaching Crys a few of her tricks in fighting and Sandi decided to 'help'.She chuckled lightly and got to her paws.Crys stirred a bit and slowly opened her eyes.

"K-Kat?"she asked drowsily.

Kat smiled down at her."Rise and shine,sleeping-beauty."She laughed.

Crys giggled and got to her paws."So what are we gonna do today?!"She asked eagerly. 

Kat thought of that for a moment."Well,Sandi's not coming today,she said she wanted to spend some time with Chala so why don't I teach you how to fish?"

Crys let out a squealing noise."Ooooh,Let's go,let's go, LET'S GO!!"she yipped and zoomed out of the den waiting at the entrance.

Kat laughed and shook off once then darted after her.

The two padded through the forest,making their way towards the river.The sun was shining and the heat made Kat pant slightly.She shook her head and watched as Crys stalked a butterfly.She smiled warmly,and raised her head to sniff the air.Suddenly her face turned grim.She whirled around and growled,staring at something unseen in the bushes.Crys let the butterfly go and ran over to Kat,startled by the growl."

What is it?Whats wrong?!"She yipped.

Kat stared down at her."Crys,get out of here.Run.Go.Now."

"Wh-what?Where?"She asked,fear in her voice.There was a rustle in the bushes.Kat's fur bristled,and she crouched in  defensive position."Anywhere!"Her voice was growing frantic as the rustling grew louder.Suddenly there was a clicking noise."CRYS,RUN!"Kat yelled and lunged herself at the human who had just emerged from the bushes,aiming his gun at Kat.Kat snarled and threw herself at him.Crys crouched down and froze,her eyes wide with fear.

Kat let out a snarl as the man dodged her and aimed his gun again at her but Kat slipped away just in time when he fired.She snarled again and lunged at him again,this time making him topple over.The hunter clung to the gun and crawled away from Kat and back into the bushes.Kat didn't let her fur lie flat;she sensed that it wasn't over,not just yet.

The hunter tiptoed around the bushes then aimed his gun for Kat again,seeing she was distracted.But then a tiny silver dot caught his eye,and he spotted Crys,crouched in the same position,too shocked to move.He grinned and aimed his gun at her instead.He cocked his rifle,making it click.That made Kat's head whirl round.She spun herself around and ran.There was a loud bang.A scream.

Kat halted as the hunter came out and Crys fell to the floor.Blood poured out of her side;Her breathing was shallow.Kat choked as a tear rolled down the side of her face."N-no.Crys..."She whimpered.The hunter took a step forward as if to go and pick up Crys but Kat let out a ferocious snarl and lunged for him,taking him off guard.She latched her teeth onto him,making him yell in pain and dropped his gun.Kat let go of him momentarily to go over to the gun and jump onto it,smashing it.Then she turned back to him and looked prepared to pounce,but the man scrambled back onto his feet and ran off.

Kat let him go.She knew he wasn't coming back.She turned back over to see Crys,her side covered in blood,and her sides heaving.She padded slowly over to her and lay down next to her,curling her paws around her.Tears rolled down her cheeks as she saw the state she was in."Oh Crys,I'm so sorry.So,so sorry...It was all my fault.I'm sorry."She murmured,choking on her words as her voice broke and the tears came faster.

Crys moved her eyes to her,too weak to move her head.Her usually bright blue eyes were now dull.Her breathing was becoming shallower and shallower."I love you.Mother."She said,barely more than a whisper.Finally her eyes closed,and she drew in one last breath before her breathing finally ceased.