Redhawk Caldera But you've got to come back a star

*tosses you a lifesaver*

Her mother's voice, coupled with a hot, wet tongue to her face, effectively roused Wildfire. She stretched and blinked a few times, then startled and jumped upright. Had she been caught? Was her mother here to chew her out for going against her wishes? But she replayed Fox's words back in her head and realized she wasn't in trouble... at least not yet, anyhow.

"Oh," she said, voice still thick with sleep, "sure." She began to pad after the Alpha female, a massive yawn forcing her jaws apart. Once it passed, she felt more awake. Everything came back to her: the unexpected encounter with Saena, the yearling's long polemic, her doubts and misgivings about the whole story. Wildfire's ears pinned backward as she trundled along in Fox's wake.

Well, if she wanted to be a grownup, she would have to learn to face the consequences of her actions. Maybe she could even convince Fox that she was old enough to go out alone, though she was doubtful about that. Even though Saena hadn't hurt her and even explained that she had zero interest in doing so, Wildfire couldn't imagine her parents loosing the reigns very much.

"Mom," she spoke up a few minutes into their patrol, "I have to tell you something. You might get mad." Wildfire slowed, then stopped in her tracks, waiting for Fox to turn and face her. Her heart beat rapidly in her chest and her breath came in nervous pants.