Wild Side

WILD SIDE

Episode 2 of Wild by Fox

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FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, Cairna literally zonked out the moment she hit the soft ferns of her nest in the Initiates' den. Training was so stressful now that they were practicing harder battle moves. Luckily or unluckily, Shavonne and Jacinda had made up and now Zayn was seriously her almost-life partner. Not to say he wasn't good, but I better partner to have than most options.

Today was a "free day" meaning the Commander and General were too busy dealing with war issues with Scarlett. They were still expected to practice of course, and Cairna had so much she was struggling her with. She was so caught up in her thoughts, she hadn't noticed Elsdon padding over. "Mother and Father want to speak with us." He meowed curtly and the brown she-cat followed without a questioning word.

Chelsey and Sylvanus were waiting as Cairna and Elsdon join them. June and Jacinda were already there, June waiting patiently and Jacinda licking a paw to smooth out her fur. "We are all here." Sylvanus nodded in approval.

"May I ask how training is going?" Chelsey tipped her tabby head.

"Splendid, Mother," June answered immediately. "The hunters are learning how to catch rabbits with speed and agility. Next quarter-moon, we will be reviewing and examining different forest bird species'."

After a long pause, Sylvanus spoke with a low growl in his throat. "I would've thought you'd learn better."

June stared back, unblinking. The dark brown she-cat never failed to surprise Cairna, so bold, unflinching. She was a joyful kit, always the one to take leadership and was the earliest to mature out of all of them. By now, it was only Jacinda's attitude that needed work.

"She is correct, Father." Elsdon nodded once.

Sylvanus ignored him for the most part, but flicked his ear. He turned. "And how is the Army Training faring?"

When Cairna realized Jacinda wouldn't respond, she took the step. "It is going well," she spoke carefully, anxious with both piercing yellow and green eyes boring into her skin. "We are learning the mid-air twist and strike. For now."

Chelsey blinked. "Never heard of it," she muttered.

Cairna inhaled sharply, wondering if the meeting was over. But by the seconds that followed, she knew it wasn't.