The Pack: Prey Vs Predator
Volume 1
Published By Adams R. Young
Copyright 2015 Adams R. Young
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electrical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed by a newspaper, magazine, or journal.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
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Table Of Contents
Prologue.
Chapter 1: Growing up.
Chapter 2: Mirror.
Chapter 3: Wander.
Chapter 4: Insane.
Chapter 5: Alive.
Chapter 6: Experience.
Chapter 7: Encounter.
Chapter 8: Endurance.
Chapter 9: Confrontation.
Chapter 10: Recap.
Chapter 11: Escape.
Chapter 12: Stand Off.
Chapter 13: Memorial.
Chapter 14: Flashback.
Chapter 15: Lecture.
Chapter 16: Mistake.
Chapter 17: Mourning.
Chapter 18: Stray.
Chapter 19: Final Stand.
Chapter 20: Unexpected.
Epilogue.
About the author.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand. While imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”-Albert Einstein.
Prologue.
Sixty five million years ago, deep in the mighty jungle, resided a family of sabre-toothed tigers. They were among the most vicious predators that territorial area had ever seen. They were bigger and stronger than any normal tiger. This particular breed stood out from the rest. Reason being that their bodies were skinned in grey fur. Trust was their number one survival instinct, and their greatly gifted natural skills turned hunting into their specialty. Moreover, their nocturnal eyesight gave them full control from dusk till dawn.
Chapter 1: Growing up.
One early spring morning......
"7-8-9-10...Ready or not, here I come,” yelled a male sabre-tooth cub.
Sniffing around, he looked on to see whether he could spot her. He walked over to the grass and disappeared. He then re-appeared behind her and sneaked over. From the stare in his eyes, he was ready to pounce at his latest victim. Slowly...creeping...he got nearer and sprang out.
"Got ya!” He screamed, prancing around her while she laid down on the ground. Beaten, she rolled her eyes in his direction.
“Am the best hide and seek player ever…woo-hoo! In your face!"
"Whatever. Beginners luck,” she replied, with a sense of attitude in her tone and stood up.
"No, it’s not. You’re just jealous that I beat you in your own game."
"Nuh-uh!" She shook her head.
"Yes, you are," nagging her, "Admit it Eury."
"Stop it Rycka, or else...."
"Or else what?...huh?"
She smiled at him and looked away. She then pretended to leave. Out of nowhere, she jumped straight at him. They both went at each other in their own un-original play fighting scene. They grabbed each other by the neck, bit one another's ears, and simultaneously held each other to the ground. Their fun was abruptly cut short when they heard a fierce growl not so far away. The ground began to rumble, leaves rustled, and the wind swayed through the trees. All creatures in sight ran away in fear and hid from the incoming threat. They looked on from a safe distance, as silence became the only element present. Their ever-glowing eyes shone brightly, illuminating the darkness around them.
"He's coming...he's coming!” They whispered as they trembled in fear.
Suddenly, from a distance, approached the most feared of all sabre-toothed tigers. He had a reputation well known by all. In his arsenal was a growl loud enough to command an entire pack into place. Despite his temperaments at times, he was mostly dependable. However, the scars glued all over his body sent off a warning to all who dared cross him. Some were unlucky to have gotten into his territory. His sharp carnassial teeth and claws had roughed up so many creatures than anyone could ever count. He walked over to Eury and Rycka. On the ground, his paws made a vibrant thud that startled the two cubs. He stared right at them with his fiery-red eyes. The two cubs sat down with their heads bowed down. They tried as much as they could to avoid direct confrontation.
“Rycka! Eury!” He finally spoke in a loud thunderous voice. “How many times have I told you not to play outside alone, especially without supervision? It’s not safe for you out here!"
“Sorry dad!" They replied.
He kept staring at them, not a clue what to do next. He had warned and punished them several times. What more could he possibly do.
“Just go home." He said to them.
"But dad..."
"No buts about it! Get back to your mother!"
Rycka and Eury giggled at the utteration of the word ‘buts’. He growled at them in anger and they instantly froze in fear. Their hearts racing as they tried to figure out a way to avert the situation they were in. Fortunately, an idea came to mind. They glanced back at each other as though silently transmitting secret coded messages. They then smiled, signalling the start of their foolproof plan. With sad pitiful eyes, they gazed up at him. They moaned and hoped for some compassion from their cold-hearted father. However, their plan failed miserably and realized that it would take a lot more than that to get through to him.
"Now!” He screamed, unleashing the fire burning inside.
With their heads bowed down and tails tucked in, they retreated, having succumbed to his will.
"Saber? Is that any way to talk to your kids?"
A gentle, yet terrifying voice suddenly engulfed the awkward tension that had built up. Surfacing from the forest was a sabre-tooth tigress. She was as beautiful as the new day dawning upon them. Although she was the same size and age as Saber was, she was more caring and thoughtful. She always viewed life differently and let her heart guide her path.
“Mum!" Eury and Rycka shouted in unison.
They delightedly ran to her side.
“Am so glad you are here mum, dad won't let us have any fun.” Rycka said to her.
"Yeah.” Eury joined in, letting her cuteness work its magic.
“It’s okay sweetie, mummy will take care of it." She replied to them.
Feeling rather satisfied, Eury and Rycka winked at each other. They were delighted that their plan was now in motion.
"May I have a word with you...in private?" She implied to her husband.
He seemed rather disturbed for a moment. Eventually, he complied with her request and both walked over to the side.
“Oh! Oh! Dad’s in trouble now," said Eury.
“He’s so... gonna get it," added Rycka.
The couple discussed the matter in hushed tones.
"We talked about this Saber."
"Kyra, you have to stop treating them like little kids...."
"But they are little kids."
"They won’t be for long. They're growing up. They need to learn how to survive on their own."
"I know hone
y, but you have to loosen up a bit."
"I can't Kyra. Am not like you. Everyone is counting on me.”
"I understand. Just go easy on them, would you? Growing up ain't easy. You know how hard it was for us...Just let them have their fun, okay?"
She passionately gazed on him with her soulful eyes and hoped for a change of heart.
"Okay honey,” he sighed.
She smiled at him and looked back at the kids. They recognisingly deciphered her code and jumped with glee.
"See you back at the cave," she smiled, “I love you."
"Love you too," he replied.
They gently caressed before she left. She looked back at both Eury and Rycka and shouted, “Take care kids! See you back home!"
Rycka and Eury, who were busy biting each other’s ears off, again, shouted back, “Bye mum!"
"Don't upset your father too much, okay?" She humorously added.
“Okay mum!" Eury assured her.
However, Rycka mischievously whispered to her sister, “I make no promises.”
They both giggled and laughed. Their father looked on and shook his head in utter disbelief.
“And stay out of trouble!" Kyra still shouted out.
“Of course mum!" They replied in unison.
She then vanished into the forest without a trace, leaving Saber all alone with the two rascals.
Chapter 2: Mirror.
Far beyond the horizon, lay a continental border territory secluded from the predators. Only preys inhabited it. Being separated meant that they finally had a chance to live in peace, but that wasn’t the case. The two continents met at a lake intersection. This resulted in an open gateway between both lands. The sharing of the same water source was more daring to the preys. However, they risked it all just for a chance at one drop of this quenching life source.
Precedingly, somewhere in Praemar's moor on a hot summer morning, trouble brewed.
“Honey!" A doe shouted.
“Yes sweetie!" A stag replied.
“Where is Jayd, Zafeen?" She inquired.
“I don't know. I thought he was with you," he replied.
"Well he's not,” she sighed, “I knew leaving him with your half-brother wasn't a good idea."
"Relax Kart dear. He’ll be back with him."
"You sure?"
“Trust me," he smiled.
She restlessly paced, worried about her son, her only son. He was so dear to her heart. He came in closer to comfort her but she resented it and walked away. He stood there, startled and gazed upon her. She relentlessly hooved her way down a narrow road, still sad and heartbroken. He wished he could do something to cheer her up, but nothing came to mind. He then followed up behind her, hoping not to cast even a shadow of his presence. Like a hauling train, they went through a dark and creepy labyrinth. They didn’t mind the pointy rocks, the sharp thorns, the bumpy road or the stench of rotting carcass. They seemed to be heading somewhere hidden since they took an untraceable cluttered road.
Side by side, they emerged from the bushes. They came to a halt at an historical stonehenge in the middle of a field. Looking on, they speculated to the audience gathered there. Every member of the elders from every clan of the prey species, including invited guests. They were all gathered inside the stonehenge, eagerly waiting for their two leaders. It had taken most of them days to get here from across the four continents. Murmurs heard from a far as they gracefully approached the arena. The elders spotted them and muted their voices in respect. Both Zafeen and Kart stepped onto a raised rock stage in front of the herd. They were cheerfully welcomed by the stamping of their hooves.
The noise died down and there was nothing but complete and utter silence. A little bit shaken off Zafeen composed himself and addressed them.
“Thank you all for being here on such short notice. I know you all went through great lengths to get here. Am sorry for any inconveniences I might have caused you, but I had to hold this meeting."
Having heard that frightful ending, they all whispered to one another. They all wondered what he meant by that. However, Zafeen didn’t let that get in the way of delivering his message.
“I know you are all wondering why you are here...”
Suddenly, an anonymous councillor interrupted his speech, unashamedly commenting aloud, "Yeah! Why are we here?"
Infuriated, Zafeen looked around but couldn't spot anyone out of that large crowd, so he just politely replied, “I’ll get to that in a minute, but before we continue any further…”
He requested to hear all the reports of every councillor in every clan. Their progression in the society and the requirements needed to make Praemar a better place. Only a single member of each council, already chosen, came forward. They laid out their full and final report of their Praemar sectors to his heart’s content. Furthermore, he insisted on a new strategy that would maintain the civilisation growth and stability in Praemar. Eventually, he got to the most important issue troubling his mind; the continent’s defence system.
“We need more soldiers at the border," he began.
General Burk, a rhino and commander of the army, spoke up, “We are still working on it sir! It’s not easy finding new recruits."
"Why is that?"
"Well sir, many find it difficult to go up against the predators…or savage beasts as they like to call themselves. Frankly sir, in some way they are right. They are just too many for us to handle."
Unsatisfied with his reply, he ferociously attacked him, “Do not give me excuses general, I need results!"
Looking down on himself, he awkwardly apologized, “Am sorry sir. It won't happen again."
"It better not.”
Sublimed as he was, Burk still angrily whispered to himself, "Bastard! After all I’ve done, this is the thanks I get.”
Fortunately, no one overheard his side comment. No doubt that would have been the end of him, let alone his career. Zafeen twisted his head around the hall and finally came face to face with a furry grey flying bisen.
“What about the air force general Zeek? How is that coming along?" He asked.
He confidently replied, “The Air Force is good and ready sir! We are just awaiting your orders!"
Admiral Batmeq, a tortoise, added, “So is the Navy sir!"
“Good to hear that Generals."
Admiral Batmeq went on, “…and on behalf of the marine force, General Turtle sends his regards."
"He couldn't come?"
"No sir. He’s busy at the moment, dealing with a shark infestation in our waters."
The sound of that made him even angrier. He wondered to himself when it was all going to finally end. He shouted to the crowd and released all his anger. Kart just sat behind him, still worried about her son.
"Predators! They are all just the same, savage beasts. Why won't they just let us be?" They all joined in agreement.
He then went on yammering about the safety of their race, and how to ensure their survival.
Chapter 3: Wander.
Rycka and Eury went on playing while their father looked out. However, he didn’t last that long. Bored and tired, Saber eventually fell asleep and left the kids unguarded. Eager to take a walk on the wild side of life, Rycka tried to persuade her sister.
“Come on Eury, Let’s ditch the old man and get out of here."
"What? Are you nuts? We can't do that. What if he wakes up?"
"We'll be back before he even knows we were gone."
"I don't know...am not sure about this."
"It's just a short get-away…and besides…what dad doesn't know won't kill us…Or are you scared?"
"What? Me? No!"
Mocking her, he repeatedly chanted, "Scaredy cat...scaredy cat...scaredy cat..."
"Stop it!"
Rycka mocked her until she was so irritated that she had no choice but to give in.
"Alright! Fine! You win. Let’s go. But I don't like this one bit."
&nbs
p; "Don't worry, I got your back."
"I am so going to regret doing this later."
Rycka took no thought to what she said. Instead, he gazed upon the awaiting adventures ahead.
"Hello world, here we come!" He shouted.
Driven by agility and insanity, the two headed out into the dark side of the forest in search of adventure. What they would find, either will leave them wanting more, or scarred for life. They walked for miles, deeper into the heart of the forest. Sadly, they didn’t come across anything interesting enough to satisfy their urge. It was nearly noon and the sun was above them. Eury eventually caved in to the heat of the dry sun and suggested that they return home.
“There’s nothing out here Rycka, let’s just turn back."
Stubborn, Rycka refused to quit without a fight, “We can't give up now. We’ve come too far."
"Look around you. What else is there to see?" She still insisted.
"Just a few more steps sis, if we don't find anything we’ll go back. Okay?" He too stood his ground.
"Promise?" She said, holding him to his every word.
"Promise."
"This is hopeless.” She sighed. In anger, she kicked away a small pebble piercing her paw and whispered to herself, “Get out of my way."
They still kept on ahead, in pursue of treasure with an unknown destination. When all hope was lost, a single ray of light beyond the horizon made it all seem worth it once again. They could've sworn they heard distinct voices up ahead. With this reign of sunshine, they ran towards what seemed to be their only chance at redemption. It all seemed so close and yet so far away. They ran and ran as fast as they could. What seemed impossible to them eventually became the new truth in their new reality world. They came to a halt and gasped in amazement at the view staring right in front of them. That was their first most memorable glance at truly living.
“Whoa!" They both exhaled, standing side by side.
It was the most beautiful scenery their eyes had ever laid upon. They stood still and captured that moment to their heart’s content. Finally, they had found their Heaven on Earth. In front of them were tropical rain trees surrounding an entire landscape. A river flowed straight through it, leading to a massive waterfall. The waterfall then formed the famous Lake Guilderm. Creatures of all backgrounds had come to quench their thirst with its waters of life. Moreover, the absolute nature of the place did not at all coincide with its majestic output. Instead, it portrayed the best outlook ever.
“Wow!" They exclaimed in unison.
“What is this place?"
“Paradise!" Rycka jumped in.