One With the Pack

A few days had passed, and the sun was once again coming up over the horizon. This time, however, the whole pack was out, gazing upon their Lead as he paced back and forth, pausing occasionally to make a point. Now he stopped completely, eyes half lidded. “It has come to my attention that we have been slacking off on our training lately. Not that it is anyone's fault, what with all the events that have been happening recently. Nonetheless, I find that if we're going to handle any future issues, then we need to step up our game. Any questions?” Collin raised a hoof.

“Yeah, I got one. Why you always gotta wake us up so early? An Alpha’s got to sleep sometimes.”

Ember’s face deadpanned. “Perhaps going to sleep a bit earlier will help solve that issue. And I only do it to get you up and moving. An incident can occur at any time, and it’s no help if you're being sluggish. Any more serious questions?” When no one else responded, he took that as his cue to continue. “Alright then. I’ll be splitting you up into groups. Mark, Speckle and Nicky. You three are the fastest in the pack, not counting the young ones. For that, you’ll be running the mile from here to the pond and back. Collin, you and I are going to are going to do some combat practice. Lovelace, since I’m not sure how your fighting skills are, you’ll be joining us.” He then turned to the three that were remaining. “Valentine, do you mind taking Mark’s place while he's gone?”

“No.”

“Good. As for Sirena and Crescent, you can stay and watch us.” The filly frowned slightly.

“But Dad, I wanna practice combat too.”

Ember's face started to become stern, but one look from Speckle made his gaze soften. “I…suppose that would be alright. Just know that I’ll be going easy on you.” Crescent nodded, her eyes shining brightly. The Lead’s head lifted and swiveled side to side as he took in one last look. “Do I make myself clear?” A chorus of ‘Yes, Sir’ was what he got for an answer. “Excellent. Ok you three, move out.”

Halfway through the run to the pond, Speckle felt her paws start to ache, more so than usual. It came to the point where she had to stop, dropping to the ground and rolling onto her back to catch her breath. The others instantly turned back to see if she was alright when they noticed she wasn't with them anymore. “You doing ok, Speckle?” The white wolf’s tongue lolled out of her mouth briefly, but she pulled it back in before answering.

“I...I’m fine. Just feeling a little off today. It’s like my body’s feeling a bit more heavy than normal.” Getting back to her feet, she trailed after the pair once again.

Back in the clearing, the pair of stallions were in their wolf forms, circling each other. Ember's fur was bristling, and his eyes were blue, though it was in mock anger. Collin eyed him in a similar fashion, ignoring the occasional bug that would dart across his vision. “So, Rookie. How do want to play this? I can make this quick and easy, or I can go a little more rough if that's what you want.”

“Pft. Rough is my middle name, good Sir. Don't expect me to play nice either.”

“Wanting to go hard, do you? Alright. I'll be generous, I’ll let you strike first.”

The dark grey wolf frowned. This was Ember's way of getting him to give him an opening to get a good hit in. “I think I’ll pass. Why don't you come at me, big boy? Or are you too scared to break a paw?” Ember growled and bared his teeth, sharp canines glistening in the light. He charged forward, surprising the other by wrapping his legs around his neck and hoisting himself onto his back, bringing them both to the ground. Collin yelped as his claws raked down his sides, hissing as he felt the sting of his new wounds being exposed to the air. Ember purred contently.

“What was that earlier? Me breaking a paw? I think the tables have turned, my friend.”

“Don’t get so cocky.”, Collin grumbled, struggling to get out of the larger wolf’s grip. Ember rolled his eyes, setting his head atop the other's forehead.

“Mhm… keep squirming like that and I’ll be barely able to contain myself.”

“Then get off of me, you perv!” The dark brown wolf obliged, rolling over and throwing him off with his hind legs. Collin took a moment to regain his footing, then whirled around, glaring coldly at his opponent. “You’re not being very fair.”

“Fair? There is no fairness in fighting. Either you have the upper paw or you don't. Let's turn things up a notch, shall we? I’m starting to get bored.”

“Likewise.”

The circling started up once again, Collin lunging forward first. Ember dodged him, landing a hard bite on the other's tail. A pained cry escaped the grey wolf, proceeding to kick at him until he let go. Ember growled, tackling him to the ground once again, this time latching his claws into Collin's shoulder blades and ribs. The latter clawed at his face, narrowly missing one of his eyes. The dark brown wolf dipped his head, pressing his muzzle squarely against his second in command's neck. The one under him froze, then lowered his paws in defeat. Ember released him, shaking himself before transforming. “You’ve given me some new facial scars, thanks.”, he noted, his voice thick with sarcasm. Collin snorted as he changed forms himself.

“And you’ve probably broke one of my ribs, you don't see my whining about it.”

The red stallion then looked thoughtful. “You’re getting better, Rookie. Just don't let your guard down.” The pegasus nodded once, his body jolting as the Lead leaned forward to butt foreheads with him, which he gratefully accepted. As the waves of calmness crashed over him, he could feel some of the lighter wounds start to close up. This was new. Was it a side effect from the Moonstone? And if it was, did it only affect the two of them? More questions were swirling in his mind than answers. Ember unfortunately broke his train of thought by pulling away, straightening himself. He turned to face the three females who were sitting across from him. “Alright, who’s next?”

As the sun set, Ember found himself in his usual spot, up on the landing. He watched as the daylight faded and the night slowly took its place. Letting his eyes close, he sighed deeply, barely hearing the sound of hooves coming up behind him. “Sir?” Turning his head, he gave a warm smile to Sirena as she sat down beside him.

“Oh, Sirena. What brings you up here?”

She looked off to the side. “Nothing important, Sir. I’ve just been noticing a few things lately, and I’d like to relay them to you.”

Ember turned his head back to its previous position. “Go ahead.”

“You and Collin have been getting awfully close lately. And the whole head thing? Don’t think I didn't see that. Is there something you two aren't telling us?”

The stallion hummed in thought. “Should there be? Collin's like a younger brother to me. Don't tell him I said that.”

The pegasus didn't seem convinced. “And with the foreheads?”

“That's just a reassurance thing. It calms him, it calms me, nothing more to say about it. Anything else?”

“One more thing. I know since you’re around her more often, you probably haven't seen it, but Speckle is starting to get bigger. Rather quickly, might I add.”

Ember nodded once. “I’ve noticed. If she starts getting morning sickness soon, it’ll confirm it. At least your little fella’ll have someone to run around with, and not be stuck hanging around us old grumps here.”

Sirena laughed lightly. “Oh I’m sure he won't mind. I think he’ll take a good liking to you, especially. You’re big and strong, like his father.”

The Lead smiled at that. “I just hope he gets some traits from you. Like your kindness, protectiveness…” He didn't have to look at the mare to tell that she was blushing. Just the sound of her feathers ruffling was clear enough. “You should go get some rest, Sirena. You’ve had a long day.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be fine. I need to think about some things.”

“Well, Good Night, Alpha.”

“Good Night. Oh, and Sirena?” She paused. “Give Collin a hug for me, will you? Tell him I’m proud of him. I’d do it myself, but you know me. Have a figure to uphold and what not.”

She smirked. “Of course, Sir.”

Then she left him alone with the stars, their soft light bathing him in the midst of the darkness.