Hello everyone, again. As I said before, I am rewriting this story. Enjoy :)
The snow covered forest remained silent throughout the cold winter. Only a few creatures lingered around the forest, eating whatever they could find that wasn't frozen. One herd of caribou fed in a small meadow in the dark, though did not know of the yellow eyes stalking them. The animal carefully approached from afar, circling the clearing. It watched closely, searching for the perfect moment. However, this animal was not alone. Several other pairs of eyes watched the herd as well for weaknesses in the herd's strength. From deep in the trees, several growls were heard. Some of the caribou's heads shot up, eyes full of alert. Drawing some of their attention, the others took their chance. Several dark shadows burst out from the trees, heading straight at them. The caribou herd split up into several groups, trying to avoid the attackers. The attackers stayed low, avoiding being trampled. Once the herd was spread widely, one of the attackers spotted the perfect target. A slow, old caribou had gone off to the side, away from the rest of the herd. Three of the attackers sprinted towards the target. Two of them went on either side, nipping at it's heels while the third went to head it off. In a matter of seconds, it was brought down by the throat. The one who killed it was approached by another, larger one.
"Good work, boy. You have done well."
"Thank you" the other answered, bowing in respect as he did. The leader looked to the other two who aided in bringing down their prey.
"Take it to the cave" he ordered. "We will follow closely behind." They nodded and both grabbed the caribou, dragging it across the snow. "It is almost morning. We must hurry before danger comes."
By the time day had arrived, the predators reached their home territory. The sun revealed their true appearances. The group consisted of black and brown furred wolves. As they approached one of the caves, an old, grey wolf emerged to welcome them.
"I see the hunt went well, Amarog."
"Yes, Desna. And Chaska did surprisingly well for his first hunt" Amarog stated.
"Did he now?" Desna cast a proud look over at the young brown wolf who hid shyly out of his view.
"Yes. He was the one who took down the caribou with one quick strike." Desna's eyes went wide in surprise.
"That is definitely something to be proud of. And his father will be very proud. Get Tikaani here." One of the wolves went away, then returned, followed by a black wolf.
"I was told that my son did something? What was it this time?"
"Nothing to be disappointed of. See that caribou on the ground?" Amarog asked. "He brought it down in one swift strike." Tikaani's mouth fell open in surprise.
"He...took..it down?" he stuttered.
"Yep." Tikaani stared down at his son with a proud smile.
"Just like his mother, it seems." He nudged his son on the head, bringing a smile heartwarming smile to his son's face. "Speaking of your mother, she would love to hear about this."
"Would she?" Chaska's ears perked up, for he loved his mother dearly, and to hear her congratulating words would make him more happy than ever.
"Yes, she would. Let's get going to see her."
"Yes, father." Chaska obediently followed behind his father to their cave, which wasn't too far.
"Now, you must be quiet. You know how she is." Chaska slowly entered and moved towards his mother's chamber. His ears lowered as he saw his mother, looking more sickly that the day before. She turned to face him, even though it hurt her to do so.
"Hello, son" she rasped before coughing. Her coughs were getting worse, as was her fevers. "How was your first hunt, dear?"
"It was great, mother. I brought down a caribou."
"That's great, dear. I'm happy to..hear..that." Tikaani noticed that his mate's breathing was going slower and rushed to her side.
"Nina!" He shook her, but it had no effect. "Chaska! Get Takoda, and hurry!"
"Yes father." Chaska rushed out of the cave, heading for Takoda's cave. Takoda was the medicine wolf of the pack, and knew many remedies for illnesses for infections. Chaska found Takoda mixing one of his medicines. He stopped when he saw Chaska enter.
"Morning, boy. I heard of what you pulled off during the hunt. Congratulations." But his smile disappeared when he saw the look on his face. "What's wrong, boy?"
"It's my mother! She needs help!" In an instant, Takoda gathered the necessary items and headed off, Chaska trying his best to keep up. By the time he arrived, Takoda was already caring for his mother.
"Son." Chaska turned to his father who was waiting at the entrance for him. "Come here." Chaska moped over, his ears drooping.
"Yes father?"
"I want you to come with me."
"Yes father." Chaska followed closely behind, his head lowered. He stopped by Tikaani on a nearby hill, not wanting to look him in the eye as he believed he was in trouble for something. His father watched over the landscape as Chaska looked down at the ground.
"Do you know why I brought you here?" Tikaani asked.
"No" Chaska murmured.
"I brought you here to tell you not to worry."
"What do you mean?"
"Your mother may be sick, but it hurts her to see you worry too much. She hates to see you sad." Tikaani heard whimpering next to him, and looked down at his son who was crying. "What's wrong, son?"
"Why does mother have to be sick?" he cried.
"Son, it's the way of life."
"But why? I don't understand!" Tikaani hesitated, thinking of how to explain.
"Well...you remember how you killed that caribou last night?"
"Y-yes."
"It's like that. Everything lives for a reason, but also dies for a reason. For example, that caribou died to feed the wolves."
"Does that mean that mother will die?" Tikaani immediately regretted what had said.
"That's not what I meant. She will be well, I promise."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. How about we go back and see mother before we go for dinner. I got you some berries for dinner."
"Thank you father." Tikaani nuzzled his son, comforting him before they left the hill.
I hope you enjoyed, fellow readers. See you in the next chapter, everyone :)