Chapter 12

The next day, Ash awoke and found Moon's pack lying in puddles of blood. He gently stood up and licked his wounds.

"Did I slaughter all these wolves?" The black bear thought.

As Ash thought about the wolves, four large grizzly bears walked towards him. The black bear grew angry and growled at them.

"Relax. Those wolves can't hurt you anymore," One grizzly told Ash.

The bears explained to Ash how they killed all the wolves. The black bear chose to believe them and thanked a grizzly by bowing before him. The grizzlies walked away and Ash looked around the forest, hoping to spot Dusty and Flame. However, he did not spot them.

Dusty and Flame awoke and stretched their muscles. The fox yawned and longed to walk outside. However, Dusty stood near the entrance of the cave. Therefore, she remained inside and waited for the grizzly to talk.

The bear sniffed the fresh morning air and picked up Ash's scent. He would soon run into Dusty and figure out his plans. The grizzly could not allow Ash to discover Flame and foil his plans. Therefore, he had one option.

Instead of talking to Flame, Dusty cried. The vixen watched as tears formed under his eyes and trickled down his cheeks. She pitied the bear and almost cried. Although he kidnapped her and prevented the fox from leaving.

"Dusty, why are you crying?" Flame asked him with a sad look in her eyes.

The grizzly explained to her that Ash would soon spot them. She grew a terrified look on her face and almost barked.

The two mammals heard footsteps outside and knew they could not escape. the sounds grew louder as Ash approached. Flame quivered in fear and wished Moon were there to protect her.

Ash entered the cave and approached Dusty. Flame hid behind the large bear and hoped Ash wouldn't notice. The black bear grew curious and wondered why Dusty would shelter Flame. Had he lost his mind?

"Why are you sheltering this fox?" Ash asked Dusty.

The grizzly explained to Ash that he was holding Flame hostage. The black bear chose to believe his friend and formed an excellent plan in his mind. He would hold Flame hostage and have Moon listen to his demands. And if the wolf refused to listen, he would kill the fox.

"Follow me Dusty," Ash said as he walked out of the cave.

As much as Dusty wanted to stay, he knew he had to obey Ash and follow his orders. Therefore, the grizzly followed him. Flame trotted behind Dusty and hoped he would continue to protect her.

***

The three mammals had been traveling in the woods for an hour. Ash and Dusty's bellies grumbled. They grew hungry and wished to eat. However, Flame feared that Ash would consume her body and shivered. She refused to be digested by a bear.

Just as the fox crept away, Ash locked his eyes on her and asked, "Where are you going hostage?"

As Flame tried explaining her situation, Dusty grabbed the scruff of her neck and growled, "You're not eating Flame!"

Ash grew angry and growled at Dusty. He would never eat Flame. As long as she lived, Ash would have leverage over Moon.

"I would never eat that fox!" Ash roared at Dusty.

He explained to the grizzly that Flame served a purpose as a hostage. The black bear hoped to convince his friend. Dusty chose to believe Ash. The grizzly knew he needed Flame alive and would never eat her.

Dusty placed the fox on the ground and encouraged Ash to search for food. Flame knew she owed the grizzly for rescuing her. If it hadn't been for him, Ash might have consumed her. And yet, she still owed Moon for saving her life.

The three animals continued traveling. The two bears sniffed the air and smelled wolves. They were close by.

Without warning, Moon and his family sprinted towards Ash. Flame grew a smile on her face and felt better knowing that he would rescue her. The two grizzlies growled at Moon and stood in front of Flame. They wouldn't allow him to rescue the fox.

Moon grew angrier and bared his fangs. He would risk anything to free Flame from these large bears. As long as he had his family, the wolf could take on any challenge.

"If you want Flame to remain unharmed...." Ash asked Moon.

"You'll have to listen to my demands."

Moon stared at Ash for a few minutes and nodded his head. As long as the black bear spoke the truth, Moon would follow his orders and prevent Flame from dying.