Redhawk Caldera this is life in color.

Note to self: this takes place after Perry's jaunt.

She had been unusually quiet all day yesterday. Sometime before dawn, Wildfire crawled to Fox's belly to nurse, then took a long nap. When she woke a while later, she felt a bit better. Her gut was grumbling, though. She couldn't hear it but she could feel it. Her face (and her sphincter) puckered in discomfort.

Her father could hear it and he quickly but gently airlifted Wildfire closer to the den's doorway just in time for her bottom to explode. Once the chocolate fountain ceased, Peregrine kicked the soiled earth outside, then made sure Wildfire hadn't gotten it all over herself. She hadn't. Thank goodness for small miracles.

She felt much better now, though, and began to squirm and make noise. No licks or nuzzles could quiet her. Wildfire alternated between yipping and growling. It was like she was making up for lost time. She wound up on her back, rocking back and forth, her hind legs pedaling the air. Her forelegs crooked toward her face to rub against her closed eyes. They did nothing to muffle her loud mouth.

Wildfire was so preoccupied with being obnoxious that she didn't notice Finley's approach at first. But when her aunt spoke to her father and Peregrine responded by pushing the puppy toward her, Wildfire squawked indignantly. When she was out of breath and inhaled, that was when she caught Finley's scent. Instantaneously, she fell silent and turned her blind face toward the Beta female, little tail jerking and lips twitching as if she was trying to smile.