The sun was shining brightly, splashing the frozen ground with its warm rays. Its touch was pleasuring to Misty, as she stretched out in the clearing.

The border fight with Red Fang Pack had overwhelmed everyone in camp. They were afraid. It seemed as though this new Pack was slowly rising to power.

Isaac was fidgeting beside Misty. His paws clenched and unclenched at every little thing.

Blossom had woken up that morning with terrible pains in her stomach. Moondancer was checking for any problems. She was experienced enough now to treat any wolf with any problem.

Isaac kept glancing toward the den. Worry was clear in his eyes. Misty smiled and nudged his shoulder gently.

"It'll be all right. Blossom is strong. She's bound to pull through."

Isaac gave a tiny smile, although he didn't look convinced.

Moondancer rushed out in the clearing. She looked straight at Isaac. "The pups are coming!"

Isaac's eyes widened. He glanced briefly at Misty before he started pacing wildly.

"It'll be okay. It'll be okay. It WILL BE OKAY! It's happening! They're coming THEY'RE COMING!" He started panting. "Misty! I think I'm freaking out!"

Misty nuzzled him. "Shh...Calm down. You act like you're the one about to birth pups. Now go in there with a brave face, and be there for her." She whispered. "I promise you, she'll be grateful for your presence."

Isaac took a few deep breaths. He puffed out his chest. With a determined look on his face, he walked in behind Moondancer.

Misty chuckled softly. A gray-white pelt slid in beside her.

She raked her eyes over Heather.

"Blossom is having her pups now?" Heather asked as she curiously looked at the mouth of the den. "Perhaps I should go in." She started for the den, but Misty reached a paw out to block her.

"Moondancer's got this. She's a healer's assistant." Misty replied tartly.

Heather glared at Misty. "I've birthed two litters of pups. I'm pretty sure I know more than a three-legged yearling." She pushed past Misty and trotted in the healer's den.

Misty spat inwardly. She could feel two pairs of eyes watching her. Violet and Velvet were staring at her, noses high.

They approached and sat next to her. Velvet planted herself directly in front of Misty. "Our mother knows what she's doing."

Misty opened her jaws to snarl back, she's my mother too! But shut her mouth when she realized how wrong that sentence was.

Instead, she replied. "I bet so."

Violet caught the irritated tone in her half-sister's voice. "What do you know about having pups? You don't have any of your own!"

"And neither do you!" Misty shot back. "Don't tell me how to do things, when you haven't even done them yourself."

Velvet snorted and rolled her eyes, looking at her sister. "She's a ray of sunshine."

Misty clamped her muzzle shut. There's no point in trying to get through to a couple of self-centered jungle rats.

She felt a gentle touch on the shoulder. Rascal was smiling deeply at her. He briefly looked at the twins, but his attention went straight back to Misty.

Violet wrinkled her nose. "You could've done better than her." She said to Rascal.

Rascal breezily pushed aside the comment. "And I suppose your father could've done better than your mother."

The younger she-wolves dropped their jaws, obviously insulted. They shared a look of disbelief before backing away.

Rascal turned back to Misty. "Blossom is having her pups?"

Misty nodded. "Yeah. Isaac and Moondancer are in there," She clenched her teeth. "And so is her."

Rascal's eyes widened. "What business does she have being in there? It's a special moment for Isaac and Blossom!" Only shock radiated from his voice.

Misty shrugged. "I tried to stop her."

A heartbeat later Moondancer was shooing Heather out. The old she-wolf looked annoyed.

"You need my experience!"

"Not exactly," Moondancer replied with a final shove.

Heather glared at the young wolf icily. "I was helping!"

"Next time you want to stick your nose in someone else's business, I suggest staying away when they're having a special moment!" Moondancer growled, the fur on her back raising.

Heather looked down on the healer's assistant. "Are you threatening me?"

Moondancer didn't flinch. "Yes. Yes, I am." She lifted her chin defiantly.

"Three-legged wolf," Heather jeered. "You're nothing." She lunged for the young wolf.

Moondancer dodged and slid under Heather's stomach. She struck three strong paws out, causing Heather to groan from the force.

Heather gasped and whipped back around. Moondancer reared to meet her. She lashed expertly at the old wolf's face. When Heather was distracted from the pain, Moondancer tackled her and pinned her down.

She leaned close to Heather's ear. "Next time you pick a fight with me, it'll be something you regret." She finished, fangs bared. She rushed back into the healer's den.

Misty and Rascal watched, stunned. Violet and Velvet ran up to their mother.

"Oh, Mother! Mother! Are you hurt?"

Misty glanced at Rascal, a huge grin was plastered on his face.

"I taught her that." He whispered proudly.

Misty chuckled and rolled her eyes.

Magnus rushed from the other side. He took one look at Heather, the began racing to the healer's entrance.

Misty darted to the mouth and stood in front of it as Magnus skidded to a halt. "Where are you going?"

Magnus was face to face with Misty. "That young wolf needs a lesson! She can't go around attacking her Packmates. Especially when she's their healer!" He tried to push Misty aside, but she planted her paws firmly in the dirt.

"Last time I checked, Heather attacked Moondancer. She made the first move. It's called self-defense."

Magnus was raging. His eyes were sharp, burning with deep hate toward Misty.

Grumbling, he padded away in defeat.
Misty sighed and sat down. She could hear Blossom inside, breathing hard.

She glanced around to see if Magnus would try another time, then slipped in where Moondancer was helping Blossom.

The air was hot, blasting Misty with uncomfortable heat. Her eyes adjusted, she finally focused on the black heap in a far corner, writhing in pain.

"Is everything okay? Magnus tried to come in. But I made him go away." Misty approached but kept her distance.

Moondancer nodded without turning around. "Yes. Thank you." She gestured to a stone shaped like a bowl. "Please give that to Blossom. She'll need all the strength she can get."

Misty grabbed the little stone. A little bit of water splashes up on her nose as she hurried to Blossom's side.

She set it down. Isaac nodded his thanks and pushed it toward his mate. She lifted her head and lapped it up in large gulps. But she paused when her eyes glowed with pain. She groaned and Misty could see her body tensing up.

"I-I'll go." Misty started to head out. Isaac reached a paw and touched her gently.

"Please stay," He whispered. Misty could see the anxiety in his eyes. "It would make me feel better."

Misty looked at Moondancer, who nodded, saying it was okay for her to stay.

The white she-wolf planted herself near the back, so she wouldn't get in anyone's way.

Moondancer examined Blossom. After a moment she smiled. "It's time Blossom! The first one is coming! You know what to do!"

Misty turned her head away. She honestly didn't want to intrude on their special moment. And she also didn't want to watch.

After a long wail of pain from Blossom, Misty turned back. Her eyes softened.

Moondancer placed a dark gray pup at Blossom's stomach. The new mother raised her head. At that moment, Misty could see her eyes glow with a new love. A love to protect her pup with her life.

Isaac's face melted as he looked at his pup for the first time. Tears were in his eyes.

But that sweet moment was cut short by another scream from Blossom. Misty looked away.

It was a long, painful, agonizing howl. Misty wondered what was taking so long and finally turned back.

She could see Blossom's face clenching, her fangs bared as she opened her mouth wide to let out another yell.

Moondancer's expression held confusion. She examined her mentor again and realized the problem.

"This pup is much bigger. We'll need another set of paws. Misty!" The gray she-wolf ordered.

Misty rose and made her way over to the scene. Isaac was frantically licking his mate's forehead, murmuring encouraging words all the while.

"Okay Misty. You stand right here." She placed Misty at Blossom's stomach. "Put your paws here." She instructed, putting her paws in the right place. "And when you feel her tense up, push down as hard as you can."

Misty nodded and waited for the next wave to come over the mother.

Her body stiffened, and Misty pressed down. Blossom gritted her teeth and lashed out her forelegs.

Another wave and another press. Misty couldn't understand why it wasn't working.

"Misty, you must be harder than that!" Moondancer snapped.

"I d-don't wanna hurt her!"

"Look at her now," Moondancer ordered. Misty glanced at the writhing she-wolf. "She's already in pain. If you don't press hard enough, she'll be in even more pain! Now press!"

Misty pressed down much harder. She could feel Blossom squirming under her grip, and she had to close her eyes against the scene before her.

Blossom's body convulsed, giving one final heave before settling to a pant.

Misty opened one eye and sighed.

It was over.

A large black pup with a white underbelly.

Moondancer placed the pup beside the other.

"Two males. Congratulations." She smiled at the new parents.

Isaac and Blossom weren't paying attention. It was all focused on the two little bundles of fur at their paws.

Isaac stroked his tongue over each of them. Happiness was bright in his eyes.

Misty exited, she sighed and plopped beside Rascal.

"How did it go?" Rascal asked.

Misty grinned. "Two male pups. As handsome as their father."

Rascal's ears perked up. "That's wonderful! I can't wait to see them!"

The Pack had all crowded just outside the den. Moondancer stepped out and commotion broke out.

"Whoa whoa! Calm down, everyone!" Moondancer called. "I know you're all excited, but Blossom won't see anyone until morning. She must rest."

Tyrant came to the front and exchanged some words with Moondancer.

Rose's pups started bouncing around, squealing with excitement.

"More friends!" Bolt yipped.

"Yay!" Loki and Ivy howled.

Rose smiled at her enthusiastic pups.

Melody and Frost were reflecting back when Misty and some of the younger wolves had been born.

Rascal smiled and playfully shoved Misty. "Perhaps we'll have our own someday."

Misty touched her nose to his. "I couldn't agree more."

1,802 words!!

Yay for Blossom and Isaac! You'll learn their pups' names in the next chapter! ;)

And Heather barging in on their special moment?!?!? Aw heck no!

See ya next time :D

15thSoccerGirl