Zack the wolf with the fox

Zack the wolf of the fox

By:Jess

It was a nice and sunny Autumn day. Zack is a tiny little wolf cub, and curled up inside his nice and cozy den with his family. He has brown and white fur with yellow eyes. Also, for being so young, his paws are pretty large. Anyway, he overheard his father outside of the den... saying something about the two-legged ones being cruel.

He was saying, “Someday, we need to move to a new territory. These humans are starting to go too far with their intentions...” The mother said, “Yes dear, I agree... But what will we do to keep our cubs safe?” She looked ever so worryful as Zack glanced up at her.

She has the most gentle dark blue eyes he’s ever seen. Zack glanced at his brothers and sisters now; getting a little annoyed as they were pouncing on one another. One of his sisters said, “I’ll be the omega, and ruler of all wolves!!” She then playfully bit another brother’s ear. He growled in frustration and shoved her over.

So much rough housing between the six pups! Zack growled louder now and said, “I told you guys, I’m going to be the leader when I grow up!” However, they merely shrugged at him and didn’t respond.

Zack sighed and frowned, and his tail went inbetween his legs. He whispered, “Well... Or not... I’ll show them someday...” He quietly wimpered a few times and went to his mother right away for more comfort.

He now complained, “Mommy! They won’t let me be the leader in their stupid game!” She looked down and sofly nuzzled him. He giggled; nothing feels better than her nuzzles. She gently said, “Patience little Zack. In time, you’ll grow up and realize that what they think about your opinions won’t always matter...” Zack sighed in frustration, but then mumbled, “Well.. alright. You always know best mom..”

She said, “Well yes dear.. And I’m always with you no matter what.” She ruffled the top of his hair a little then lied down. The pups gathered around for dinner after their father caught a rabbit. Then, he started telling stories of how he’s had to face many dangers in his life time.

Zack’s curiousity got the best of him during the stories. He asked, “What are humans?” His father slowly shook his head, and replied, “From my experience, most don’t care about our kind. It’s best to just... never confront them, my son. They use our bodies for many cruel ways, and when you’re a bit older, I will teach you all more...” They nodded and their eyes grew heavy and tired now.

Early the next morning, everyone woke up with a jolt of energy. The pups were hyper and ran outside eagerly. Their mother warned, “Stay together guys and keep in sight of your father. I have to do some hunting real quick.” The pups nodded but focused more on pretending that they were wolf heroes and villains. They have fun impersonating others too.

Zack stayed away from them, however. He only gets very annoyed by them, and feels like they don’t care what he has to say. Suddenly, something very beautiful caught his eyes. It was a bright pink butterfly! It kept hovering around him. Zack has the urge to try to catch it!

He smirked and thinking that speed is best, he ran after it quickly. However, his precision is off and he kept struggling to catch it. He chased it for what felt like forever, and lost track of time. Eventually, he got bored of chasing it. He looked around, and suddenly noticed he was too far from home!!

Zack started to tremble a little, and thought, “Oh no.. I better get home!” Feeling uneasy, he started running back with the way he’s familiar with, and tried sniffing it out too. He recognizes just the scent of the den itself. However... he returned... and the den was... completely empty.

Worry and fear over came Zack rather quickly. He glanced around, and yelled, “Hey mom!!!” No answers came.. He ran circles around the den, wondering what to do. After a few hours... he sat alone ... and still, no one returned home. Where would they possibly go without him?? None of this feels right to little Zack.

Although he did get annoyed by his family at times, he’s now starting to miss them. And he’s never learned how to hunt or anything yet... what can he do? He also remembers that one day his mom warned him about larger predators... like owls, and definitely humans for sure!

He paced back and forth , and with so much thoughts racing in his mind, he could not sleep until very late at night. The next day, he woke up sort of feeling miserable. Getting far too thirsty and hungry, he started walking on his own.

He kept looking around; wondering what dangers are out there. When he was feeling really down, his hopes went up when he saw a large lake up ahead. He’s parched! He smiled big and ran very fast towards the lake.

Everything seemed to be getting better, until... suddenly , he saw a shadow circling up above him. Unsure, he gazed above him, and his instincts told him to hide right away! Trusting this , he ran towards the nearest large rock. The shadow kept getting closer, and he noticed it’s an owl trying to catch him!

He panted and his heart pounded fast; feeling very terrified. The owl swooped down and almost had its talons around him, but then.. a large fox suddenly jumped from somewhere and ponced at the owl! The owl was so startled and scared that it flew off and escaped the fox’s grasp!!

Zack was breathing fast and heavy and had his face hidden in his paws; too scared to look. The fox now looked down at him and gently said, “It’s alright , I scared the owl off for you... Aren’t you a cute little guy?” She smiled and stroked his back with her paw. Zack still was shaking and shyly looked up at her with eyes wide open.

She whispered, “It’s alright... I can help you. You shouldn’t be alone out here, it’s too dangerous and you’re too young. You also look..starving. Let me take care of you until you find your parents. My name is Vera. And you are?” Zack felt immediate comfort now, and stood up. He answered, “My n-name is Z-Zack... And thank you.” His fur was spiked but now it evened out smoothly.

She replied, “You’re very welcome. Now come with me. I know you had your eyes on the lake, so let’s drink first. Then, I have a few lessons for taking care of yourself. you are young , but this doesn’t mean that I can’t teach you too early. You need to know these things in this big world.” Zack smiled and shyly nodded in agreement. Then, after they drank, he asked, “Do you think.. I’ll ever find my family? I left the den after chasing a butterfly and ... they were gone when I returned.”

Vera frowned in concern, and said, “I sure hope so. If you have faith, then I think we both will find them someday.” Zack said, “Wow, you sure seem confident in yourself.” She said, “Well.. it’s important to always have some hope, even when times are tough. And.. you have to find the strength to keep going. That’s part of what life is about.”

Zack said, “Hey, you make a good point.” Vera said, “Yes.. and you have to be willing to fight to protect one another, sometimes too. Anyway.. first lesson, is hunting my dear. Follow me.” Feeling like she’s a mother now, Zack listened to her.

She taught him to sniff out the prey first; while very quietly sneaking in the tall grass. She then explained, “As a fox, I prefer pouncing at prey after getting extremely close. Wolves usually chase down prey in packs, but I want to teach you my method. I know you can do it. Just be yourself and confident... Now first, see if u can sniff out a mouse or rat. There’s plenty in these fields.”

Zack said, “I see... Let me try!” He also listened to his instincts. And this helped, when he sensed a small rat crawling by. Vera whispered, “Now.. take your time.. sneak up close enough before pouncing.”

Zack tried sneaking, but the rat kept crawling furher and further away it seemed; the more he tried to catch up. He barked, “But I want it now!!!” Vera said, “No, wait!” She sighed as Zack got too impatient and jumped too soon. The rat saw him and immediately ran out of sight. Zack pounced onto the bare ground; with nothing in his paws. He growled and yiped, “I give up!!” Vera frowned at him and said, “but...You can’t...”

Zack sat down and had his back facing her. She sighed, and then said, “Dear. Let’s maybe try a different lesson. I want to do this to only help you. Trust me... How about next, we can talk about climbing trees?”

She smiled and walked up to the nearest one. Zack followed her and asked, “But why?” He raised an eyebrow in confusion. She replied, “well because... if you ever have a dangerous enemy on the ground, this will be very useful. But also, this skill can be a little tricky , because each tree is shaped differently and has different kinds of branches.”

Zack took a deep breath, and then said, “Well, I suppose it’s worth a shot...” Vera cliimbed the nearest tree first, and showed that she used her claws to get a good grip. Zack took after her and tried his bes to jump and grab on, but it was harder than it looked. He didn’t want to give up, and kept jumping over and over until his muscles got sore.

Eventually, with much practice, he was able to jump from branch to branch. Zack was growing strong, and learning the living habits of the fox. He was also very determined to keep impressing her and making her proud. All of this training, after all, might come in handy for finding his family.

About 8 months have passed now, and Zack is a full grown wolf. He still has been traveling all around with Vera. Him being male, he’s even stronger than Vera. She sometimes looks up to him now for protection when predators come along their way, or any dangers. Zack also has a very good sense of smell.

They crossed over the top of a hill now. They gazed ahead and saw the most beautiful and large lake. The sunlight beams sparkled along the surface. A few breezes swept past their fur too, and it was just delightful. Zack smiled, and said, “This will be a good day.. I can feel it.” And being impatient like usual, he ran straight for it!

Vera laughed and said, “Wait for me!” She chased after him, but could not catch up. However... as soon as he did reach the water and touched his nose against the chilly water, he suddenly sensed someone new!

He quickly jerked his head up and noticed light yellow eyes gazing upon him from behind a thick bush. Zack lightly growled, and exclaimed, “Show yourself!” Slowly, a female black wolf came out to show herself. Her black fur is very thick and bushy, and her eyes shimmered.

She gently asked, “Who...Who are you? And...A-and your fox friend?” Zack’s growling quickly faded away as he had sudden interest. He’s never met another wolf before (besides his family). He replied, “My name is Zack, and this is my good friend Vera. She’s been watching out for me since I was a little pup. We’re actually on a quest to find my missing family. And..you are?” She softly smiled and replied, “Call me Darla... It’s nice to meet you both. Are you guys hungry?”

Zack stuck out his chest a little in an attempt to impress her and said, ” A bit, but, I’d happily catch the largest deer out there for you.” Sudden cockiness overcame him. Vera could tell and she quietly sighed of annoyance.

Darla shyly giggled now, and said, “That’s a nice offer.. but...” “But she’s taken!! And you both aren’t welcome!” A voice boomed from nearby. The tone made Zack and Vera feel uneasy. They now saw a somewhat larger grey and white wolf come from behind the trees, and behind him, a whole pack of wolves!

One by one, they seemed to come from hiding. They seemed to be well trained at concealing themselves. Zack quietly asked, “And why aren’t we welcome? We should have a right to hang out here, just as much as any other wolf...” He said with confusion.

The large grey and white one started laughing, and his orange eyes were harsh. Darla muttered, “Stop acting like this!” She looked a little frustrated. He whispered, “Oh hush dear, I’m just going to have a little fun. Now... My little friend...” He started walking circles around Zack and Vera, and honestly, Zack’s instincts made him hate the feeling.

The wolf said, “First of all, this is not a wolf... This is a patethic fox. Did she have to baby you your whole life?” The pack started quietly laughing. Vera barked once, “It doesn’t matter! I helped him live, and that’s what counts!”

The wolf said, “Well, mother or not, you’re too weak to be with us. I suggest you scram while you can.” Darla said again, “Please stop.”

He asked, “Why do you care so much for strangers?” Zack muttered, “Maybe she’s just trying to be kind, unlike others.” The wolf now gazed at him, and walked very close. Everyone was watching as if in a daze. He asked, “What’s that? Want to repeat that for everyone to hear?”

Zack’s fur spiked up; feeling intimidated. But, even louder, he said, “Maybe she’s just trying to be kind, unlike others! That’s what I said! And you must be the leader, but I don’t think you’re a good one. You shouldn’t treat us like garbage when you don’t even know what I’m capable of.”

He said, “Ha, ha... You’re barley an adult. How could you benefit our powerful pack? You think you can stand up to me?” Vera growled now, and said, “Leave him alone...” Everyone can feel the deep tension now.

He asked, “Or else what?” And took a step too close to the fox. Zack said, “I’ll challenge you... What’s your name?” He replied, “It’s Gary... And challenge me to what? Whatever it is, I will surely win. No wolf has ever beat me...” He showed his claws and teeth, but Zack is too strong to let it get to him.

Zack smirked, and said, “We’ll just see about that... Have you ever... caught fish before? Or even, climbed trees to escape from predators?” Some of the wolves tilted their heads. They’ve heard of foxes doing that, but never wolves. It was different.

Gary rolled his eyes, and replied, “That sounds stupid...” Zack asked, “Stupid, or are you just afraid to try something different?” He wagged his tail eagerly.

Some of the wolves giggled at Gary now. Gary growled, “Afraid? Never, you fool... You’re going to regret your words.” They stood face to face and locked eyes in a threatening manner. Vera and Darla looked terrified for them...

Zack then smirked and said, “We’ll see who can catch a fish first out of the lake. Vera has taught me the importance of speed and precision before.” Gary said, “Heh, we’ll just see about that...” They ran to the lake impatiently.

They saw the fish swimming very fast and sort of in swerves with the waves. It’s gonna take speed and precision for sure! Zack started with making a few attempts to pounce! He was very fast, but the fish kept swerving directly behind rocks to dodge it!!

The wolves saw that Zack was doing a bit better than Gary. Gary hardly spends anytime in water, so he was clumsy. He wagged his tail of impatience; especially ready to impress Darla! He made one fast pounce, but the fish fooled him and moved to swiftly, and Gary's muzzle waked into a large rock!

A few wolves started quietly laughing at him. One female muttered, "This challenge certainly doesn't rock for Gary." Her mate laughed historically. Gary growled as he noticed he was making a fool of himself. He glared at Zack; almost ready to show him what he thinks a real wolf should do for dominance...

Just as his frustrations were easily growing, Zack cleverly chased the fish to the corner and edge of the light river, and was able to easily grab it in his mouth! The wolves started cheering in admiration, Darla especially being impressed that he got one so quickly.

Gary showed his claws and teeth as they were all surrounding Zack to cheer him on. Suddenly, no one expected Gary to strike at Zack and he bit his back! They stepped back as the fight started. Vera shouted, "No! Fighting won't solve anything!" She got worried to her stomach and sick feeling. She knows, however, that she's not as physically strong as either of the wolves.

They madly growled, muffled, and yiped! Zack has never fought another wolf, and immediately realized Gary is very tough! The pain of his teeth gripping him and taking out a few chunks of fur made him howl in fear.

Darla felt bad for Zack. He won the fish challenge, there shouldn't be any fighting. She knows how impatient and aggressive Gary can be. She barked , "Stop it Gary! He outsmarted you, that should be the end of it!!" They suddenly seemed to freeze in time. Gary had Zack pinned down under his weight.

Gary asked, "What's that, my love? Tired of seeing me win, or maybe.. even jealous of me?" She glanced at her friends for comfort, and then answered, "Why, of course not! Anyone who knows me well knows I don't get jealous so easy... I just am tired of you finding violence as the answer all of the time. We already have the problem of humans killing most of us off and taking most of our land.. killing another wolf won't solve anything, it only makes it worse and worse..."

Her heart started throbbing fast. She's never had such courage to stand up to her own mate and the alpha of the group. Gary smirked, and said, "You should not be against your own mate.. that's your biggest mistake. Just for that, I'm going to finish him off.." Vera yelled, "Oh no you don't!"

The slim fox was fast to spring at him and bit his scruff bravely! The wolves gazed in fear; wondering how far Gary is going to go.. He quickly kicked her from behind , and the strength of the kick caused her to feint!

Zack yelled, "No!!! You're going to pay... Wait..." He sniffed the air, and his fur spiked up nervously. He recognizes that scent, from when he was a pup. His den had the very same smell.. after his parents an family disappeared. He said, "It must be humans! We have to get to safer ground." Gary started laughing, and said, "Ha! That's just an excuse so I don't kill you in front of everyone!"

The wolves looked scared though, and uncertain. Is Zack's instinct correct? Who should they trust? Zack said, "I'll prove it, in fact..." He sensed the uncertainty, and jumped up the branches of the nearest tree. The wolves whispered compliments about his speed and wisdom.

Zack could see much more of the land at once, and indeed saw not only many hunters coming their way, but trained hunting dogs as well! Also , what seemed to be large vehicles parked on the outskirts.

Zack jumped down each branch eagerly and announced, "If all of you want to live, You'd better follow me to somewhere safer." They gazed at him ; feeling trust. Gary said, "Don't listen to this fox fool. He just wants to take my place as the leader. I won't let it happen!" Zack expected him to attack, so he turned around and bit Gary's leg; right above his paw. Planning to simply weaken him enough to listen to him.

Gary whined a bit, feeling more pain than expected. It almost felt like a bear trap clamped onto him! He growled , "You little..." Gradually, the sound of more dog barks were getting much closer! The wolves started to panic, and ran together to escape! Vera was still lying on the ground unconscious.

Zack let go of him and quickly grabbed Vera's scruff to help rescue her. Him being a full grown wolf, he's slightly bigger than her now. Easily carrying her weight, he started to run desperately. Feeling mostly angry as Gary tried to nip him out of jealousy in their run.

Gary suddenly thought, "Heck, what am I running for? You all can be cowards, I'm going to face those weak dogs myself!" Zack wanted to warn him not too, but he cannot talk with Vera's fur in his mouth.

He rolled his eyes, and Zack stayed with the pack to help protect them and lead them somewhere safe. Meanwhile, Gary ran back and was ready to face the dog. However.. he does not know it's 3 dogs teaming up! They are just coming from slightly different directions as a team.

The three dogs ended up overpowering him when they all attacked rather quick and out of the blue! Gary cried in fear; realizing he made the biggest mistake of his life. Finally , the dogs let him rest as a hunter approached with his gun. Gary felt very weak and was wounded on most of his body.

The hunter didn't kill Gary, but put a muzzle around him along with a leash. He took him far out, to the outskirts. Towards the vehicle, where he has many foxes and wolves held captive...

Zack could sense the danger is going away. He put Vera down and panted, "W-we can s-stop running guys... They... aren't chasing us, a-anymore..." They turned to him and smiled. Darla said, "You weren't being selfish at all. You helped us all escape the evil humans! Is there anyway we can repay you?"

Zack is distracted though, by the humans. And fascinated. He climbed a tree in silence again, and the pack just watched him. He squinted, and indeed saw them taking Gary away. Zack also listened closely. The wind is with him, he wondered... is it possible they are the ones who have his parents and siblings? After all of this time?

He listened for any scared wolf cries, but could not hear them well enough. Zack does have a good heart though, and seeing a former wolf leader being captured and hurt.. makes him tempted to save some wolves. Even if he was a jerk, Zack believes everyone deserves a second chance.

He ran down the tree, and said, "Guys. We're going to save some wolves , and any other animals if any. But I can't do it alone." They all gazed at their new leader with determination.

To be continued soon ;)