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Dangerzone

Lana Tainn

The fight was over almost as quickly as it had began. A few moments of pain and squeaks, bodies rolling and tumbling, then nothing but the dull ache where teeth had been. Her eyes swept toward the entrance, where she was able to make out the small one’s retreating form as it crossed the barrier. The fat one seemed to slip past her as well, wobbling towards the entrance with a gusto that might have shocked her had she been a few months older.

Now cold, and utterly alone for the first time in her life, Lana stood in the silence of the den. Confusion clouded her tiny features, turning quickly to anger as she marched forward. How dare they leave her all alone? One paw in front of the other, she crossed the threshold without even a second thought.

Blinking rapidly against the onslaught of sunlight, Lana searched for her siblings. Puppy-blue eyes still hadn't had enough time to adjust as her steps were cut short, and her face rammed into someone's rear end. Releasing a squeak of disapproval, the girl's chubby frame reversed. Only then was she able to make out the fat, and less fat blobs in front of her.

She could hear the shuffling inside, the squeaks and growls of children squabbling and was grateful that she had thought to extract herself while they were still sleeping. It sounded as though they were getting closer to the entrance of the den and she lifted her head, expecting to see one of the larger darker children emerge but no, it was Suka, his tawny coat a dazzling gold even in the dappled light. Next came Cannon with a bark for his sister, and finally Lana emerged. Naira rested her head back across her paws, her tail thumping the ground in silent greeting and approval. It was ok for them to be out here, their mother was right here.

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