WARNING: the following chapter contains scenes that may be disturbing to some readers! Proceed at your own risk!

Another successful hunt to fill the Pack's bellies. But no one was rejoicing. They were all too anxious to eat. Alusia was too worried to focus on her duties and needed constant comfort. Everyone took turns spending time with her in hopes to lift her spirits. But that wasn't easy since they all felt the same way.

Rascal took his mind off the matter by playing with his pups. They were eager to learn about hunting, and he willingly taught them some basic moves. That gave Misty a much-needed break to go with Thunder and Okami on a quick scout trip.

"Remember, always keep your ears pricked. Listen, and be patient. Bunch your muscles. Stay low to the ground and inch forward until you're in range to go for the jump. Got it?"

Storm stood. "I do."

"I know I do!" Ash exclaimed.

River shifted his paws. "I think so..."

"Definitely!" Clover wagged her tail.

Rascal nodded. "Good. Now, you'll each take turns leaping at this stick." He nudged the tiny stick with a paw. "I'll be watching your form, and pointing out what you can do better on." He gestured to River. "You try first."

The bluish pup crouched down. His eyes narrowed. With a wiggle, he jumped at the stick. He lost his balance and landed with a thump.

Ash's laugh bounced like a chattering squirrel. Clover was laughing so hard she collapsed. Storm let an amused smile cross his face.

Rascal chuckled. He reached out and nudged a disappointed River to his paws. "All you need is more practice. You'll get better as you grow."

River muttered under his breath. His crestfallen eyes widened so that the blue in them shrank.

"Clover, you go next." Rascal looked at his daughter, eyes shining. Inwardly, he was bursting with pride at her strength and determination.

Ella was a fool, he thought, I knew Clover would make it, deep in my heart.

He glanced at his sister from across the other side of the temporary camp. She was talking with Twilight, admiring Ripple as he bounced happily around them. Ella's eyes lifted to meet Rascal's. The two siblings stared at each other for a heartbeat before Ella broke off and turned back to Twilight. Rascal flattened his ears and looked back at Clover.

The she-pup took her place in the soft soil. She narrowed her eyes and crouched down. Gathering the strength in her legs, she leaped. She seemed to fly through the air like a soaring eagle in the darkening sky. With a neat landing, she grabbed the stick in her jaws, excitedly wagging her tail.

"Look, Papa!" She yipped around the stick. "I did it!"

Rascal blinked, pleased that Clover learned quickly. "An almost perfect landing," He couldn't help the pride surging in his veins. "Just make sure next time you push off with more power."

Clover dropped the stick and bounced over to her brothers. They all smiled at her with their goofy pup grins.

"Storm, you're up." The words were barely out of Rascal's mouth when a sudden yap made him prick his ears.

"But I don't wanna go last!" Ash complained. "It's not fair! Why does Storm get to go before me?"

Rascal fixed a stern look on his hot-headed son. "You didn't seem to mind your younger siblings going before you. I'm just picking at random which of you goes next."

Ash stomped a foot. "But it's my turn!"

Rascal shook his head. "No, it isn't. Sit down and behave, otherwise, I'll have to punish you."

Ash opened his jaws to retort but must have thought better of it and shut his mouth. He let out a huff as he angrily sat down with a flaming emerald glare at his father.

Rascal twitched an ear, satisfied. "Good," He turned to Storm, who was sitting patiently. "Go on."

The dark pup stood up and narrowed his silver eyes. His gaze flicked back and forth, calculating the distance. He didn't even seem fazed by Ash's whisper-yells of discouragement. After a moment of preparation, Storm pushed off and landed on the stick. It was a smooth leap. Very clean and well thought out. His landing was a little off balance, but he could work it out someday when he's older.

"That was just amazing." Ash rolled his eyes. "Oh, show us again, Fearless One." Sarcasm dripped with every word.

Storm glared in Ash's direction. Only the twitch of an ear showed his irritation toward his angry brother.

Rascal sighed. "Now don't you two start–"

"Flame Woods Pack, gather around to hear this meeting!" Tyrant's voice cut through the stare-down between Storm and Ash.

Thank goodness for the interruption. Rascal walked slowly after his rambunctious pups. Clover and River bounced with Storm and Ash giving each other an icy glare through slitted eyes.

Clover and River sat down at the front, looking up at Tyrant excitedly. Rascal planted himself between Storm and Ash to keep them from fighting. Misty entered the temporary camp behind Thunder and Okami. She slipped through the crowd to sit beside Rascal. He smiled at her before anxiously looking at his alpha.

Tyrant's amber eyes were dull. His ears drooped as his gaze traveled to the back of the crowd. Where Alusia sat in sorrow, with Thorn and Moon trying to comfort her.

"Tonight is the night two Packmates will accompany me to the Red Fang camp and work out a deal. I have decided to leave Isaac here, in charge, if a Red Fang ambush happens. Listen to him as if his orders are my own."

The second-in-command came to stand beside his leader with a responsible aura about him. He squared his shoulders and pricked his ears.

Tyrant continued. "I am only allowed to bring two of you with me. Thunder and Rascal are the two I have chosen."

Rascal looked over his shoulder to see the dark-gray-and-white male weave through to stand at his shoulder. A grim expression wore Thunder's face as he nodded toward Rascal.

Tyrant swept his gaze over his Pack. "I want three wolves on watch until I get back. Isaac will arrange that." His eyes softened as he looked at the pups of Flame Woods Pack. "Everyone, be alert. I don't want anyone else getting kidnapped."

The alpha dismissed the meeting and turned to talk to Isaac.

Rascal watched Thunder nuzzle Rose, then bend down to smile at his pups, who batted playfully at his nose.

"Stay sharp, Rascal." Misty's voice was thick with emotion.

Rascal looked at Misty reassuringly. "I will." He pressed his cheek to hers and let himself take in every breath of her familiar scent. "Keep the pups safe."

Misty's eyes hardened with a protective gleam. "You know I wouldn't let anything harm them."

Rascal lingered in his mate's embrace for a moment longer before turning to his offspring. He was surprised to find each of them staring at him with pride. Their faces were shining in awe at the thought of their father being chosen for such an important mission.

He bent down and held them to his chest. Their little bodies were quivering with excitement. Rascal didn't want to let go of them. He wanted to surround them in his love and protection forever. But he knew Misty would do anything to defend her pups. She wouldn't give up easily.

Rascal pulled away. "Mind your mother, and do exactly as she tells you."

Storm stepped forward. "I'll make sure of it."

Rascal turned to Storm with an approving light in his eyes. "I know you will."

Misty nudged Rascal toward the entrance. "They're waiting for you." Her face darkened. "Don't let those Red Fang morons control you."

Rascal nodded. He gave Misty a lick on the cheek and bounded over to join Tyrant and Thunder. As they headed out, Rascal looked over his shoulder to see Ash, River, and Clover shouting encouragement while Misty watched him go, pulling Storm closer to her side.

Determination flooded Rascal's veins. He pulled his head high and lifted his tail. Feeling stronger as his pups cheered him on.

~~~

"You actually came," Hawkeye slithered into the light. A blood-hungry gleam flashed in his eyes. "And you only brought two of your wolves. I'm surprised you took our warning seriously."

Tyrant ignored the taunt in Hawkeye's tone. "Is Archie unharmed?"

Hawkeye passed his tongue over his lips, sending a wave of icy shivers down Rascal's spine. "As fine as he can be."

Bruno, Chase, Fury, and a wolf Rascal has never seen before, emerged beside Hawkeye. The newcomer had a lithe frame and a beautiful flaming red pelt. Scars crossed her young features, and Rascal couldn't deny there was a malicious aspect about her that made his skin crawl. Her eyes were narrowed as she sized up Tyrant and his group, obviously unfazed by the Flame Woods wolves.

"We have been recruiting." Hawkeye jerked his head toward the red wolf. "This is Leap. She's been keeping an eye on your Packmate."

Tyrant twitched an ear nervously. Rascal could feel his heart jump in his throat, but he refused to let his enemies know how scared he was.

Thunder's face was a mixture of anger and worry. "Just take us to Mystique, we have already wasted enough time."

Hawkeye looked like he was about to jump on Thunder and rip his pelt off. But he must have decided against it. He flicked his tail for them to follow him. Tyrant started off. Rascal and Thunder trailed behind with the Red Fang wolves surrounding them. Leap and Bruno covered the sides with Chase and Fury in the rear.

Rascal forced himself to remain calm with an easy gait. He looked up through the trees. The sun had gone down. The sky looked like a black pelt speckled with snow in winter. Trees shadowed the path they were on. Patches of moonlight slipped through the branches and splashed the forest floor with silver streams of luminescence. A choir of crickets sang their nighttime lullaby, hushing the busy forest to a peaceful hum. The breeze carried the strong scent of Red Fang. They were approaching the camp.

After what felt like an eternity of slipping among the shadows, the trees thinned out to reveal a few dark shapes standing guard at the camp entrance.

Hawkeye dipped his head to Phantom and Menace. "Get Mystique. They're here with their decision."

Phantom nodded and bounded off to find her alpha with Menace following close behind.

Tyrant settled down and looked around, attempting to look calm. Rascal stood beside his leader, deciding to stay on his feet in case he had to run. Thunder shifted his paws with a side-glance to the Red Fang wolves.

Paws against the soil alerted Rascal. He anxiously watched the entrance as the slender she-wolf emerged. She paused and observed the guests with a blank expression across her features. Rascal flinched when her prismatic gaze landed on him. The contrast between her blue eye and amber eye sent an anxious shiver down his spine.

Mystique stepped out into the vivid moonlight. The red dapples along her pelt popped in the light, turning the white patches silver. Her posture was graceful, yet strong. The way she held herself told every wolf in sight that she was in charge, and won't have it any other way. Her ears were up and alert, eyes displaying nothing for Tyrant.

She walked up to the red alpha and sized him up. Their muzzles were inches apart. Tyrant narrowed his eyes at the she-leader. Mystique's lip curled into a sneer.

"You sure have the stones to show your face here." She smoothly replied.

"Archie is our Packmate," Tyrant's voice had an edge. "We don't leave family behind."

Mystique didn't seem softened by his comment about family. "I hope you have made your decision. You'll give us the land, I'm guessing?"

Rascal held back a snarl at the she-wolf's assumptions. His fur threatened to bristle, but he reminded himself that he must stay calm, or things will get worse. He risked a glance toward Thunder. The gray-and-white wolf was flexing his shoulders, trying to get a grip on himself.

Tyrant didn't let her words reach him. "I don't think you're the one to decide that. You're new here; you still have yet to learn our ways."

Mystique's dappled fur lifted. "Your old ways disgust me. A new era is blooming in this forest. Or should I say, Red Fang Forest."

Tyrant growled. He fixed his cold eyes on the she-wolf. "Two Packs established this forest hundreds upon hundreds of years ago. Stone Hollow and Flame Woods. They are the founders of Lifeless Forest." He bared his teeth. "And I don't recall Howler and I deciding to welcome in such a poor excuse for a Pack."

The wolves around Mystique jumped to their paws. They snarled insults and protests.

"As if!"

"You don't get to make the rules!"

"Why should a couple of old haggard wolves tell us what to do!?"

Thunder hissed when Phantom shoved him to the ground. Rascal ducked under a blow from Bruno. But a claw caught the skin right above his eye and he cursed loudly.

Through the chaos, Rascal caught a glimpse of Mystique. She was smirking proudly. Her head lifted, eyes glimmering in triumph. Rascal wanted nothing more than to leap on her and tear her ears off.

Finally, Mystique ordered for her Packmates to stop. She nodded to Leap and Chase. "Bring the prisoner."

The two dipped their heads and swiveled around to retrieve Archie.

The she-leader's eyes flickered at Tyrant. "I shouldn't have to repeat myself, but it seems I must."

Once those words were out, Leap and Chase tossed a black ball of fur in between Mystique and Tyrant. It took Rascal a moment to realize it was Archie.

Archie's dark fur was ripped in patches, revealing, pink, raw skin with blood crusted to the open wounds. Blood matted his usually glossy pelt. The white blotch on his chest was completely torn off, showing where a huge chunk of his skin was supposed to be. Half of an ear was missing. Upon closer inspection, Rascal stifled a gasp as his eyes landed on Archie's jaw, oddly twisted to the side. Whenever he moved, a disturbing crunch resonated from him. Archie's jaw was broken.

Tyrant's eyes widened. He looked just as horrified as Rascal. He met Mystique's emotionless face. "I thought you said you wouldn't harm him?"

She shrugged. "Oops. My wolves wanted a little entertainment."

Thunder spat in her direction. "This is torture! Monster!" He glared at every Red Fang wolf. "All of you are monsters!"

"We get what we want, and we don't mess around." Bruno stood at Mystique's side.

Mystique placed a paw on Archie's torn chest. "What is your answer? Your territory, or your Packmate's life?" Her voice lowered to a deadly whisper.

Tyrant looked back and forth between Mystique and Archie. The silence that followed was like a storm waiting to break. Rascal could hear his heart thundering in his chest. He flattened his ears, exchanging a helpless glance with Thunder. The worried look on the older wolf's face showed lines of age. Just then, Thunder looked like an old wolf.

Tyrant hesitated. He obviously was having a hard time looking at Archie in his miserable form.

Mystique's face hardened. She jabbed her claws into Archie's stomach. He let out a weak wail. "I'm losing my patience," The Red Fang alpha replies. "Make your choice. Now." She reached her claws further into Archie's stomach until a river of blood cascaded around the suffering wolf.

Archie screamed a painful high-pitched plea of mercy. The noise was terrifying to Rascal's ears and he flattened them. He winced as the blood-curdling cries shook him to his core. Trembling, he inwardly urged Tyrant to do something. But Rascal was frozen with fear, too shaken to speak.

Finally, Tyrant howled. "You can have our territory!"

At that instant, Mystique released her hold on Archie, licking the blood from her stained paw. Archie let out a painful breath and flopped over, weak with relief.

Hawkeye tilted his head mockingly. "What was that? Say it again."

Tyrant clenched his paws. "We'll give you the territory."

Rascal gulped. Suddenly his belly turned as if he might vomit. He knew either outcome would be terrible, yet he still felt sick at the thought of losing his home to these pushy wolves.

Mystique smiled a sick smile. "Good. I'm glad that you finally were able to see the light." She moved over to Tyrant and weaved around him, her pelt pressing to his. The stench of blood was strong on her fur.  The Flame Woods alpha stiffened under her touch. She stopped in front of him and trailed a claw up his chest to his throat and stopped. Pressing her claw just a little, her expression turned brutal. "I want you off the land before dawn tomorrow. Understood?"

Tyrant clenched his jaw. "Understood."

Mystique released her grip and trotted back over to Archie. "Just to make sure you get the message..." Before anyone could protest, she shoved her paw down Archie's throat. A choked, surprised sound came from the black wolf. He made a weak attempt to struggle, but Mystique was stronger. She forced her way down his throat, ignoring his feeble strikes at her legs. Rascal and his Packmates rushed forward to stop her. But Red Fang wolves jumped in and held them back. Rascal fought against their grip, but it was no use. He helplessly watched as Mystique yanked out her paw, bringing with it a tangle of organs. Archie's body instantly fell limp.

The Flame Woods wolves gagged at the smell of death. Tyrant shook off the wolves holding him and stared at Mystique with absolute horror in his amber eyes. Rascal has never seen Tyrant so terrified before. With his ears back and tail between his legs, he looked like the lowest-ranking Pack member.

Mystique's muzzle curled into another psychotic smile. She threw her head back and laughed. Rascal's legs nearly gave out, he had to steady himself. He felt like he was drowning in frigid water. Thunder used his shoulder to support him. The older wolf was trembling against him.

Mystique stopped cackling and froze Tyrant with her mismatched eyes. "I knew I would win, so I sent an attack party to drive out your Pack."

OH MY GOODNESS THIS WAS A LONG INTENSE CHAPTER TO WRITE AT EXACTLY 3,100 WORDS!!!!!!!

ARCHIE IS DEAD!!!! AND AN ATTACK IS COMING TO FLAME WOODS PACK!!!! WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT!?!?!?

Next chapter coming soon!!!!

-15thSoccerGirl