Hey everyone! Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday... been brainstorming a bunch of ideas and had some friendship drama go on... BUT, I will try to get more then one chapter posted today OR a fanart.

Bear The Flame!

A. R.

Chapter 4

A couple hours later, a runner came to Heather and told her that Emma needed her. Heather went to the main part of the hospital and found Emma. She looked exhausted.

“Come, Heather. You and I are going to have a break.” She announced with a tired smile. Heather grinned and both doe’s made their way outside. They walked all the way to the edge of the water and they examined the sights. Obliterated buildings, shredded catapults, debris everywhere.

“This must have been quite the sight yesterday.” Heather mused. Emma nodded, her eyes taking in the sight of a brutal victory. A victory that still had lost so much.

“It was. I won’t soon forget it.”

Heather looked at her friend, the princess, sister to Smalls. Emma met her gaze. She was about to say something when they heard a shout. They turned and Heather saw a grey doe with green eyes full of fear running towards them.

“Your Highness, where’s Picket? I’ve looked in the hospitals and can’t find him. Don’t tell me-.” Emma put her hands on the doe’s shoulders and looked her dead in the eye. “Louise, dear; breath.”

She finally took Emma’s advice and inhaled deeply.

“Now,” Emma began. “Picket is not in the hospital. He is in the palace. But, he is hurt and knocked right out.” Emma explained. The girl’s eyes filled with fear.

“But he’ll be alright?” She asked in a hoarse whisper. Emma nodded.

“Louise, this is Heather Longtreader, Picket’s sister. She was about to head back to the palace; she could show you where he is.” Emma suggested. The doe nodded and looked at Heather with an expression of confusion and awe.

“Well, I better head back to work. I’ll see you later, Heather.” Emma said with a wave as she headed back to the hospitals. Heather gave her a confused look before turning to Louise. She smiled.

“Nice to meet you, Louise.” Louise smiled. “Nice to meet you too. I…” She faltered and looked down, embarrassed.

“What is it?” Heather asked.

“Well, Picket was… um, told you were… dead.” Louise clamped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, that sounded horrible.” Heather laughed.

“Don’t worry about it.” Both doe’s headed to the palace and Heather’s curiosity got the better of her.

“So… you’re Picket’s friend?” She asked. Louise smiled sadly.

“Yes. He and my uncle came here before First Warren was liberated.” Heather cocked her head as they approached the courtyard.

“Your uncle?” The grey doe nodded.

“Picket’s mentor, Helmer, was my uncle.”

Two things stood out to Heather: Helmer’s niece, and the word ‘was.’

“Wait… you mean-.” Heather asked. Louise’s eyes filled with tears. “I only just found out. My uncle sacrificed himself…” She shook her head and wiped her eyes on her arm.

“Louise, I am so sorry.” Heather apologized, putting a hand on the doe’s arm. She smiled.

“Please, call me Weezie.” Heather smiled and nodded.

The courtyard was livelier than she had left it. It was cleaned and a few younglings played together with a salvaged ball that hadn’t been ruined in the battle. One of the young buck’s was Jacks. When he saw her, he smiled and approached her.

“Hello, Heather. Are you on a break?” He asked. Heather smiled. “Yes, I am. Is Father and Mother still around?” Jacks nodded.

“All the other kids around here have been telling me stories about Picket being a great hero. It feels strange; I’m his brother, but I hardly know anything about him or what he did.” He admitted, looking down to hide a scowl. Heather smiled and knelt beside her brother.

“It’s alright, Jacks. Even I haven’t heard all of his heroics; but when Picket wakes up,” She winced as she said it, “then he will tell us himself.”

Jacks smiled and ran back to join the others in another game of bouncer. Heather stood up and sighed. Weezie put a hand on her shoulder. Wiping her tears, Heather headed towards the palace.