Rascal growled as he lunged for his enemy. Misty dodged his attack easily. And she snorted in laughter at his clumsiness. Rascal was sprawled on the ground, covering his eyes with his paws in embarrassment.

Nice one Rascal....Real nice.....

He had been training with Misty almost every day for two weeks. His paw was a whole lot better. He didn't limp quite as much as usual, even though it still bothered him a little. But it didn't prevent him from more training with Misty.

After another moment, he stood up and sighed. "Admit it." He said with a narrow of his green eyes.

"What?" Misty asked in confusion.

"You know what." After she still looked at him like what the heck, he groaned. "I'm a terrible fighter, aren't I?"

Misty didn't hesitate. "Yep. You're terrible."

Rascal felt shame sear his pelt. As much as Misty's words hurt, they were true. He only fought like Stone Hollow Pack. He was born and raised there, learning those moves since he was a pup. How could he just forget them?

Misty decided that it was time to go home. She led Rascal back through the trail. It twisted and turned, and crossed a creek. By the time they finally got back, the stars began to peek out.

Blossom was waiting for Rascal. She rushed over and examine him quickly. "Nothing is broken or fractured. You're good to sleep in your own den tonight."

Rascal's ears perked up in surprise. Did I hear correctly? Was he just offered to sleep in his own den? He thought that he was a prisoner, but he remembered they weren't treating him that way.

Blossom's voice snapped him back to reality. "One is already made for you." Her violet eyes twinkled as she spoke. She led him to his new sleeping arrangement.

Rascal entered and gazed around in amazement. A soft pelt was spread across the floor. And a few lined the walls. It was very cozy and felt homey.

Blossom turned to face him. "You like it?"

"Do I?" He glanced around again. The she-wolf turned out to leave. But Rascal stopped her.

"Wait, Blossom."

"Yeah?"

He scuffled his paws on the soft floor at his paws. His heart was grateful to this young, kind she-wolf. "Thank you," He said softly. "Nobody has ever been this kind to me before. And, it feels...different. But I like it."

Blossom's violet eyes glimmered. "I'm glad I could help."

"Thanks again..."

"Anytime." The she-wolf gently licked his cheek. Rascal froze at her touch. His muscles tensed as he watched the she-wolf give him a knowing look, then pad off to her den, her tail swaying as she walked away.

Rascal gazed after the pretty she-wolf. She was adorable, and a very kind soul.

He shook his head. The night was getting colder. Deciding to stay and relax, he circled three times and settled down onto his comfy pelt.

Rascal closed his eyes with a yawn and drifted off to sleep.

~ ~ ~

The fog around him encircled the forest. He stared at the glowing moon. It was silver, and the dim rays from it cast shadows over the forest floor. The air was warm, and it felt like summer out.

Rascal knew instantly that it was a dream. The soft grass beneath his paws felt comforting. He knew it was just a dream but still felt nervous. Taking a hesitant step forward, a ghostly wolf appeared in front of him.

Rascal nearly jumped back and howled. But after he got a better glimpse of this wolf, he knew he didn't have to be afraid. It was his mother! The she-wolf had been restored to youth. A side of her Rascal has never before seen.

"Ma..."

Maple's blue eyes flashed with welcome. "Oh, Rascal. I'm so proud of you." She floated forward and softly licked his ears. He let her, feeling safe and sound like when he was a pup.

Rascal choked back tears. His throat tightened when he tried to fight his emotions. His eyes burned as he tried to hold them in. Where is Father? But he couldn't do it. He let them flow. The wet, tears rolled down his cheeks to the drop to the ground.

He wanted to be a pup again. He wanted to feel safe and care-free again. He wanted to cuddle to his mother like when he was little. His heart began to break as he nuzzled deeper into his mother's sparkling fur.

"Why are you here?" His green eyes were watery, and filled with confusion. "Where is Father!"

"Calm down, dear. He's just fine. He couldn't come," Maple replied softly. "Now, what's troubling you?"

 Rascal poured out his feelings. "Oh Ma! I don't know what to do! I'm stuck in this Pack, as a captive. Ella needs me. I can feel it! And I....." He hesitated to tell his mother about the way he felt for Blossom in that glimmering moment.

"Hush dear. It'll all come in time," Her blue eyes glowed with the reflection of the moon. Then she smiled a comforting smile. "Blossom is very pretty, isn't she?"

Rascal's pelt burned. She had read his mind. All he could do was solemnly nod.

"What about Misty?" She questioned. "I thought you liked her?"

Rascal's mouth felt dry. "I do! But, oh I don't know...." He felt frustrated with himself. "She just seems...guarded. I know she doesn't like me anyway." These unfamiliar emotions pounded him in the heart. Wave after wave of confusion rolled over his mind.

Before he knew it, Maple was fading away into the misty moonlight. He felt frantic. "Wait! Please!" He begged. He heard her voice one more time.

"I'll always be there to comfort you, my sweet Rascal...."

~ ~ ~

Rascal opened his eyes. The dream of his mother came to mind. Tears threatened to spill over. He closed his eyes and shook them away. His heart ached for his mother's comfort. But he pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind as he stood and began to head out...

Only to bump into Blossom as he exited his den. She had herbs in her jaws, and when they ran into each other, she dropped them. They floated gently to the ground. Now there was a mess.

"I'm so sorry!" They echoed at once. Rascal began to help pick them up. He noticed her violet eyes flicker towards him every now and then. After they picked them up, Blossom pushed a few to him.

"I was on my way to give you some. In case your leg was sore." She stated shyly.

Rascal wiggled his paw. "Yeah, it is little," His green eyes glowed. "Thanks."

Blossom didn't say anything. She only smiled and trotted her way over to the meat pile. Rascal shook away his stare and took his medicine and stretched. The sun warmed his black pelt. And he noticed that the air felt warmer than usual.

The dream danced at the back of his mind. What is going on with me?

Even though Misty was rough and hard, he knew there was so much more behind her eyes. He couldn't suppress a glance at the white she-wolf as she crawled out of her den. The sun sparkled down on her beautiful coat.

She saw him staring and gave him a little smile before heading out with Jumper. A smile. A genuine smile. But something else bothered Rascal.

Jumper...

Jealousy snarled in Rascal's gut. The brown wolf was her best friend. He glared after him as he and Misty headed out into the forest. He bit his tongue to keep from saying something smart. If he said anything at that moment, he knew it wouldn't be good.

Misty seems...different.

He thought she was insanely strong. Her independence was something he really admired. She could defend herself with ease. And to top it off, she was really pretty...

Rascal smacked himself across the face. What is wrong with me? I need to focus on my main goal: to get out of here and return to Stone Hollow for Ella.