Jasper

3/3 (xxx) ♂

Mate: N/A

Cannon kids: N/A

The den where his skulk lived wasn't the most spacious but it was home. Living amongst his brothers and sisters in the cozy but often damp walls waiting for the next meal his parents would bring. An almost paradise to a kit who knew nothing else. Over the moons not much changed other then the often exploration away from the safety of their hole in the ground. Experiencing the new wonders around him with the support and encouragement of family. A story book family who lived happily ever after right? One should know for almost every story there is a tragedy that strikes, the calm before the storm that threatens the hero's resolve. Jasper never wanted to be a hero, too young and naive to even think of a need for one.

The world outside the den became dryer and hotter then Jasper has ever experienced. Laying out exhausted on the dirt floor in hopes of the cool earth could alleviate the oppressing sun above. His mother out on the hunt for another water source as their go-to had dried up thanks to the lack of rain in what felt like moons. What few of his siblings that weren't joining him within the den out hunting for what prey that hadn't already left the area. Letting his eyes drift close for a nap Jasper would not know of the changes to the forest. Of the crackling tongue of flame reaching out to the dry and brittle grass below.

It was the yip of fear from someone outside that woke him. The stinging sensation of the smoke invading his nose snapping him into alertness. Eyes already stinging Jasper squinted as he looked around in confusion and terror. Where trees and and grasses once surrounded their den site now extended towers of flame. Curled tightly to his side trembled one of his siblings that had stayed behind earlier. The whereabouts of the rest of their skulk unknown as they let out haunting calls for them. As the world around only grew hotter Jasper was frozen by his fear. Never have faced anything of this nature before. Smoke swirled and danced in shapes of unknown figures as the light and darkness around them fought for control. Jasper growing weaker the more he inhaled until a cry over the roar of the fire sounded out.

"He--o! Is an---e stil- -- th-r-!"

A voice Jasper did not recognize but cared not as a small bit of hope brighter then the fire around them was ignited. Continuing his calls even as his sibling no longer joined him. Crashing through the blazing brush, creating an exit, came a lone dog. His coat covered in ash. He was not his father but over the fire was a welcoming site. Taking no time to introduce himself the fox bolted to their side and nudged them to check their alertness.

"Can you run?"

Jasper blinked in confusion. "Wha-?"

"Can you run?!" Rasped the stranger once more, receiving a nod.

"THEN RUN!" Lowering to scoop up the prone sibling the stranger bolted back towards the exit he had made. Glancing over to ensure Jasper was hot on his heels. 

The smoke was thick and the heat surrounding them even more so. Jasper felt as if his legs were made of lead, but every time his steps faltered the stranger would be at his side once more. Urging him on and closer to safety. Jasper hadn't even noticed the clearer air until the fox before his stopped to collect his breath with large ragged gulps. Nosing Jasper to his side as he examined him for injuries. 

"It's okay. We're out now. Let me get some water for you and your sister." 

Standing on shaky legs the dog went off in what Jasper assumed was a known water source. Leaving him to collapse at his siblings side. Eyes growing heavy as the adrenalin finally seeped from his bones. He would wake later to water soaked moss and a new but unsure hope at this strangers care.