Rachelle-Destiny Revealed

Of Families and Flames

 

It was a beautiful spring morning in a small forest. The snow was staring to melt as a little pup woke up. Smelling the crisp spring air the young pup curiously walked to the front of the cave and stared out at the surrounding forest. She was a young golden furred thing, with a white muzzle, ears, and leg markings. She had bright blue eyes that were full of wonder and a smile that lit up her face. She was the second oldest out of a litter of four. Her older brother Mitch was the image of her father, dark brown with a light brown stripe that went from his forehead to his tail. He also had light brown eye patches and he even had her father’s eyes. Her younger brother Rex had the same markings as both his mother and younger sister. His colours were the same as his father’s though and he also had blue eyes. The youngest pup was a small female. She had her mother’s markings and colours, but her father’s brown eyes. Her name was Thistle. The young golden pup was just to take a step out onto the melting snow, when her mother awoke and called her back.

 

“Rachelle sweetie, come on back inside.”

Turning regretfully away from the mouth of the cave, Rachelle walked back over to her mother. She was a purebred husky with white and golden fur and traditional husky markings. And the same light blue eyes as her daughter.

 

“Oh come on mom! I was just gonna go out for a little while!” She whined.

 

Her mothers face gave her a “no nonsense” look and the curious pup knew what was coming next. She mouthed along under her breath, while her mom spoke.

 

“Now you listen here young lady. The forest is a dangerous place for a young pup like you. If I’ve told you once I’ve told you a thousand times, you have to wait until your father comes back. Now come and wait over here with your brothers and sister.”

 

Dejectedly the young pup walked back towards her family, but instead of lying down she tackled her brother Mitch. Mitch growled and together they tumbled, rolling over the other two pups seated nearby. They were stopped abruptly by a large wolf’s paw. Barking excitedly all four pups greeted their father. He was a large dark brown wolf with a light brown muzzle, and dark brown eyes. Smiling he nuzzled the four pups tenderly, and tried to keep up with their constant questions.

 

“Dad did you bring any food back for us?”

 

“Do you think someday I’ll be as big as you daddy?”

 

“Didja have to fight any other wolves dad?”

 

“Dad watch this!”

 

Without warning Rachelle launched into an ear splitting squeak of a howl. Groaning the rest of her family ran out of the cave and into the meadow nearby, covering their ears and trying to get away from the noise. Grinning proudly Rachelle wagged her tail.

 

“Did you see me everybody! Huh, huh! I did it! My very first howl!”

 

Then spotting the rabbits her father had caught. She called out excitedly,

 

“WOW! Dad you must’ve caught the HUGEST rabbits in the WHOLE FOREST!”

 

Before her father could reply she grabbed hold of the soft meat and started to eat. Seeing her eating the food her brothers and sister ran over and each claimed a piece. Looking happily at his mate he said,

 

“Well Nicole at least Rachelle stopped howling!” ‘

 

Nicole sighed and nuzzled him.

 

“I guess your right Gill. Did you have a good hunt?”

 

Turning away from the pups Gill whispered quietly to her. His normally happy face was dead serious.

 

“Things are looking bad dear. I had to cross into another wolf’s territory to get the rabbits. I don’t think anyone saw me though.”

 

Nicole looked sharply at her mate.

 

“How could you Gill! Stealing from another pack! If they saw you…think of the danger you’ve put me in! The danger you’ve put our pups in! Isn’t that important to you?”

 

“If I hadn’t than we would’ve had nothing to eat! Our pups would have starved Nicole!”

 

“What if he finds out? What then Gill! He already hates us.”

 

Gill watched as his pups feasted on the meat. Watching them took away any feelings of shame or regret he had. He was their father. It was his duty to keep them fed by whatever means necessary. His protective instinct was roused and he answered his mate defensively.

 

“I was only thinking of them,” his voice softened as he continued. “And of you Nicole.”

 

Looking up at her mate she smiled gently and nodded, forgiving him for his carelessness. She licked his cheek and they both joined their pups, satisfying their stomachs for another day.

 

 

Unknowingly to the little family, a stranger was watching. The sun reflected off his scared right shoulder. The badge of loyalty, it was called. He slunk back farther into the trees and watched for a minute longer. Smirking he turned and ran south. He knew the General would LOVE to hear his report.

 

 

Later that evening Gill played with his pups while his mate looked on. Trying to pin him Rachelle jumped up and clamped her little teeth onto his tail. Gill let out a yelp when he felt her teeth latch on. Glaring at his mate he called to her while trying to avoid stepping on the other three pups nipping at his feet.

 

“You never told me their teeth were that sharp!”

 

Laughing Nicole picked up Rachelle gently by the scruff, and said,

 

“Didn’t you see the way they chewed those rabbits? Come on pups it’s time for bed.”

 

“Awwww, mom! Do we have to?”

 

Mitch protested in vain.

 

“Yah mom why can’t we stay up with you and daddy?”

Thistle’s soft voice chimed in.

 

“Please mom! We promise we’ll be really good!”

 

Rex said as he yawned softly.

 

“Come on mom…it’s not even dark yet!”

 

Rachelle said as she was carried into the cave. Nicole nuzzled her and called softly to the others.

 

“Come on you three.”

 

Mitch and Thistle walked inside slowly, grumbling the whole way. They settled down near Rachelle and quickly fell asleep. Nicole glanced back and smiled at what she saw. Rex had made it halfway to the cave before he had fallen asleep right where he was. Gill gently picked up his sleeping son, and brought him into the warm cave. Placing him next to his siblings he watched as the little pup yawned once more and than settled down.

 

 

Looking up at his mate, Gill grinned coyly.

“You know, it is still light out. We could go for a little walk…say down by the stream?”

 

Nicole looked back at their pups and answered.

 

“What about the kids?”

 

“If something happens we’ll be close enough to intervene. Besides look at them Nicole! They’re sound asleep! An earthquake could happen and they still wouldn’t wake up.”

 

Nicole smiled and nodded her consent. She licked his cheek and looked into his dark brown eyes. He arched one eyebrow and they padded slowly towards the small stream nearby. Gill bent down to drink as Nicole looked up through the trees and into the sky above. It was a peaceful night and the forest was calm. Her ears twitched as she heard the crickets chirping nearby. Sighing she contentedly looked back at Gill only to see him tense up. His whole body was alert as he heard it again. A crackling noise coming closer and closer. His nostrils flared, as he smelt it! Smoke! The once peaceful forest was now ablaze with fire!

 

“Nicole!”

 

She turned to him her eyes full of fear. His throat was thick as he spoke.

 

“The pups!”

 

The look in her eyes turned to desperation as she took off running. Gill ran with her, racing against time, and against the speed of the fire.

 

 

 

 

 

Rachelle woke up to her brother pushing her roughly.

 

“Wake up ‘chelle! Something’s wrong! We got to get out of here.”

Mitch yelled earnestly. Smelling something strange Mitch looked towards the front of the cave. Already flames were starting to inch towards the cave mouth!

 

“What is it Mitch?”

Thistle asked whimpering. While her older brother had watched the flames, Rachelle had woken up their younger siblings. The four pups were now huddled together against the back wall. Thistle started to cough violently as the air around them grew thick with smoke. Crying Rex whined, “I want mommy and daddy!”

Desperately Mitch looked around, he felt so helpless! There had to be a way out! Growling with anger and frustration he snapped at Rex.

 

“Be quiet! I’m trying to think!”

Rex huddled closer to Rachelle and started to cough. Rachelle glared at Mitch until he snapped at her again.

 

“What!”

 

“You didn’t have to yell at him like that!”

 

“Can’t you see Rachelle! We’re going to die hear!”

 

“You don’t know that!”

 

“Look around!”

 

“Mom and dad will come, just you wait.” Rachelle said softly as her brother looked away. She started to cough as the smoke reached her. Mitch

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