*Change of P.O.V*

I lay there in shock. The light had recently faded and I had heard the sound of combat near my territory. At first, I bristled my furs in anger. Who had stolen my little spot on the bank? Who had the gall to challenge me for my territory? But when I heard the sound of the explosion from the fight, I stopped sliding out of my burrow and shrunk back down. This was clearly something bigger then me; probably one of the bosses disciplining some kids trying to challenge his dominance.

Yet I froze my retreating body yet again when I felt my nose tickle. That scent…that scent…could it be?...

I burst open my burrow, destroying the area around it. I shook my body, getting rid of the dirt clinging to my fur. Ahh, that felt much better. I had endured the stuffiness for my survival, but being clean feels much better after all. The sky had darkened which meant the senior residents were probably out prowling. It would be dangerous and I would need to be careful, I didn’t want to end up as someone else’s chow.

I shook my body again, stretching my legs and trying to warm them up. Right. I would just follow that scent. Hahhh…how nostalgic. Feeling slightly intoxicated, I followed my nose, lightly gliding along the surface. My fur padded paws occasionally touched the surface as I gracefully ran towards the scent. I felt the earth, confirming my location. Hmmm, the scent was moving now. It seemed to be running away from where the explosions and flashes of light were coming from. Hey! Why were they fighting at my drinking spot? Please don’t destroy it. Ah, but if my nose is correct, and it hasn’t failed me even once, then I guess I won’t be returning?

I stopped as I felt the presence of a senior monster next to me. Hiding my presence, I let it walk past. Phew, it seemed to be heading towards the fight. I continued running, weaving between the shrubs, gradually changing my path so that I could intercept the scent. I sniffed again, this time the scent was stronger. And my nose was right! This was the smell of my family…and more specifically… Big Sis! The smell seemed quite dirty, but it was Big Sis. She should really shower, the stench she was releasing was overpowering, and nearly anyone with a sense of smell would be able to find her.

I thought back to my family. I don’t really remember my mother’s smell. The only distinct memory I had of her was her being killed on top of me. I still remember the blood leaking out of her mouth and fur covering me, and my hind leg being crushed underneath her. I still sometimes woke up to imaginary pains in my leg. Ah, there was another memory I had of her, but it was much more foggy. I only ever saw it in my dreams, so I’m not even sure, but in it, she held me in her mouth and she keeps telling me to grow up strong, and to protect everyone I care for. She also says something about father, but I’m not sure, as she never says it clearly. That felt like a much older memory.

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And then there were the rest of my family. For some reason, they smelt differently and I couldn’t understand them at first, but as time went on, I gradually began to understand their weird noises and actions, although we still had misunderstandings. At first, I thought they weren’t my family, and was about to run away when Big Sis grabbed me. I remember hearing a lot of loud noises before fainting. The next time I woke up, I was feeling all better and clean. Big Sis was always the responsible and smart one. She wouldn’t make me do much, but when she wanted me to do something, there were always consequences if I didn’t listen. She was also nice to me, and would help clean me. Then there was Big Bro. He was younger then Big Sis, and he would always play with me. Sometimes he hurt me, and I once hurt him, but we still always ended up going back to having fun playing with each other. Then there was Father who would always bring back tasty food. He was a bit rude, but well, food he made was tasty, so all was well. Ahhhh…I haven’t had such nice food since I last saw Father. And that was the family. Oh, there also seemed to be an evil lady in our skulk who lived with us. She was always the one stopping my playtime and making loud noises at me. I think she was angry with me most of the time. I don’t know why Big Bro and Big Sis ever listened to her. Right. Time to focus.

I shivered; slightly shaking my body while ridding myself of stray thoughts. There was no need to think too deeply about the past right now. I continued to rush as cautiously as possible towards the smell. It was coming from just beyond the slight incline...and there were multiple smells. The stink had hidden the other smells, but there were actually two more scents. One of them was similarly stinky while the other smelt like flowers. The tasty flowers as well.

I quickly took a peek through a shrub at them. Hmm, I found you Big Sister. I found you. Ahhh, I can’t wait to be brushed again. Please brush my fur. Oops, I should come out. I prepared to jump out, tensing my muscles, when she suddenly pointed her weapon at me. It was one of those long-range weapons I had seen Father use. It shoots something at where it is aimed, so why did she aim it at me?! Before I even registered everything, my instincts took over, as I immediately fled into the bush. Why? WHY!? Was she angry with me? Maybe she didn’t recognise me. Stopping my hurried sprint, I once again turned back around. Maybe it was just a misunderstanding.

I decided to take another quick peek at them, but when Big Sis looked towards me, I quickly backed out again. For some reason, Big Sis looked really scary right now. Did she become scary in the period of time I haven’t seen her. I haven’t seen any family in ages. I tried approaching her again, but every time she turned towards me, I felt an instinctive fear and backed out again. She really does look scary, even more then some of the night predators…No, she is just Big Sis. I just need to show myself. She may have gotten older, but she is still the same person. I approached them again, preparing to leap out of the shrub –Ahhh. I dived backwards, as something flew past my previous location. Big Sis! Just give me a chance to show myself. Don’t shoot at me! I felt the grievances pile up-What’s that smell?!

I sniffed the air again, pointing my nose up in the air…. there! I sniffed again. I had gotten a bit distracted before, but how did I not notice it?

RYAOOOU!

I had to warn them. Hopefully they got the message.