Pack Mentality: Bramble and Jackson Part 2

After Rick's conversation with Daniel, Rick had decided that it would be best to go for a walk to do some thinking and talk to the other leaders about the move of territories Date.  He also had decided that it would be best to let the leaders decide where the new territories will extend.  Rick knew one thing for sure: Daniel and Sky would have to figure out how to share a boundary because for the longest time they had had around a 30 acre expanse of territory between their territories.  However, Rick was confident that it would work because Daniel and Sky were great friends, and in a majority of conflicts they had worked together.  The biggest example of this was when Carlton and Kylie's tribe had formed an alliance through a massive drought but Sky had had a large amount of food, but the prey seemed to be hanging out in an area that was just over the border so the two tribes joined together and put on a raid.  When Sky had heard the two tribes moving through his territory, he had sent Rusty and Marlin to retrieve reinforcements from Daniel.  So Rick had faith that they would be good neighbors, at least for the time being.  

During his walk, he heard some rustling in the bushes.  Rick glanced up at the sky and realized that it was about to snow relatively soon.  Judging from the clouds he had about a half hour before it started.  He then focused on the forest trying to pinpoint the location of the noise.  He stood quietly, not moving a muscle because he was aware there was a rouge group of wolves, foxes, and multiple other animals that decided to avoid the organized group of wolves that would chase them off.  Rick continued to glance around keeping his head up and bracing for the worst, with his shotgun slung over his back as he usually had it when he was in the woods- because you never know what you would meet in the woods- which is the first thing that he would teach Jackson, except maybe with a bow and arrow, depending on how he would vote.  The rustling continued and he began to recognize what the sound was and began to relax a little bit.  He could have sworn that it was a patrol from Sky's tribe, and as it got closer he confirmed it. 

He spotted a brown wolf, A silver wolf, and a red wolf.  After he saw the pelt colors he identified their names.  The brown one was Kyle, the red one was Toad, and the silver one was Sky.  Rick had guessed that they were scouting for an ideal spot for a camp.  Sky nodded his head as he had passed Rick and said, "Hello, how are things?"

Rick answered, "Pretty good.  Just doing some thinking on how to ask a kid if he wants to be my Beta.  Talking to the leaders about a date for final preparations with their tribe mates to be completed.  I'm honestly just doing some thinking altogether.  I'm also thinking about starting a relationship.  You?"

Sky responded, "Ah that sounds good actually.  I have an idea for asking.  Just ask the kid straight away.  On another note, you say that you have a potential date for final preparations?"

"Yeah, a couple of days from now.  Also, thanks for the advice on how to ask him.  That really helps. It's going to snow soon, so you should get back to camp. "

"Ok. we will do that-"

"By the way, I believe that you are on Daniels new territory just saying.  Could I continue my walk with you all?"

"Very well."  Sky turned to Kyle and Toad, and continued, "Rick is joining us for the walk back to camp."

Several moments passed and they had entered Sky's territory.  Once they reached Sky's camp, Rick said he was going to leave, and continue his walk.  When they reached Sky's camp it started to snow.

An hour or two had passed and Rick had entered Daniel's territory and then dodged out of it and started to enter his campground.  Jackson and Darlene were just sitting and talking and eating sandwiches.  Rick just smiled at them, glad that they were getting on so well, adjusting to life without the jerk that was their husband and father.  Then Rick's mind started to drift away thinking about the future of their relationship.

 He, married to Darlene, and Jackson being his step-son.  He shook that thought of them together as a family off, and started to look at the present so, he decided to ask them if they needed anything from the store.  He did and they said no.

About 45 minutes to an hour had past and Rick had returned holding a dozen roses behind his back.  Jackson knew what was going on so he went inside of the ranger cabin to "take care of some things," while he was watching through the window.  

Outside Rick and Darlene were talking.  From what Jackson could tell, Rick had the flowers behind his back.  It seemed as though Rick was talking to his mom for forever.  After a time, Jackson noticed his mom start to get a little bit misty-eyed,  She then covered her mouth in surprise no longer able to keep the tears back.  Rick started to move his hand that was straight down his side.  He moved it up and started to wipe the tears from her eyes.  He then handed her the flowers.  

At this point, Jackson could no longer stay inside.  He ran outside as if the whole forest was chasing after him.  Just as if Rick had planned it, the snow started to pick up, adding to the moment.  After Jackson had reached the couple He gave them a hug all self-consciousness gone.  He turned to Rick and then said shortly and simply "I told you so."  The group then started to laugh.  

After the group got their bearings Rick turned to Jackson and said,"Could I talk to you in private?"  

Jackson, who was looking confused, answered "OK." And Rick hoped on one of the ATVs and told Jackson how to use his.  Darlene called out, "Be careful!"

Jackson called back, "I will!" and the two of them took off.  They went towards the road and stopped and then crossed it.  They drove for a while and then reached where the majority of the damage from the fire that occurred a few days prior.  They stopped and Jackson said, "Ok. So, why are we here?"

Rick answered, "It is a really long story, I guess I will start at the beginning.  When I first met you a couple of weeks ago, You met those wolves, who happened to be a couple of members of one of the Tribes.  I noticed the way that you reacted so calmly.  Then you showed your bravery when you stood up to your dad, defending your mom, I saw your courage with the way you handled yourself during the fire, --"

Jackson spoke up impatiently and knowing that there was a point to this back story, "Ok. Get on with it."

Rick nodded, "I was wondering if you would like to be my Beta"

Jackson took a step back, kind of surprised, and started Babbling like an idiot, "I er, uh, um Thank you for your offer but, uh,  Could I have some more time to think about it?"

Rick nodded again.  "I  would like to hear your response by the time that the move gets started with the tribes around here.  When that happens, I have a feeling that things may get ugly, and I may need all the help I could get.  Keep in mind you do not have to say yes.  This is solely your decision.  There is a lot to learn if you do." 

As Rick had finished that sentence the two heard a rustling coming from behind Rick. Rick spun around and put Jackson behind him, and pulled his gun, and turned the safety off when it was aimed away. He had braced for the worst because this area belonged to no tribe.  Eventually, Rick recognized three animals.  They were Raven, Quint, and George.  There was one that Rick didn't recognize, so he took a step back, and turned his safety back on. "I thought you three were back at Heart Lake."

Raven spoke up in reply, "it's a long story.  You want to take us to Daniel's camp.  We may need you to vouch for us."

At this point, Rick began to notice a super young, practically a pup, wolf. "Who's that?" Pointing to the pup that was on Quint's back.

Raven answered, "That is Smokey, he is now Quint's Beta."

"Well Quint, Congratulations.  Is he your first?"

Quint answered, "Yeah.  He is pretty cool. "

"We will escort you to camp.  Right Jackson?"

Jackson was thinking about Ricks offer for the time being, still in shock at Ricks offer.  He heard his name and shook his head and then answered, "Yes."

Rick answered, "OK.  Let's do this. You take the Back, I'll take the front and try to keep up will you?"

The group took off and headed toward Daniels territory

***

Shaquille, Stephan, and Spike were on border patrol, towards the end of their route when Stephan heard a noise coming from the campground.  It sounded like a monster of some kind.  But as it got closer, Stephan began to recognize some faces and started to pick up the pace, up to a trot.  He saw Jackson and Rick, but couldn't recognize the 3 or 4 shapes that were in between the two.

Several moments passed until the two groups met, but when they did Stephan was surprised to see Raven, Quint, and George.  There was one other wolf with them that he could only assume was another Beta.  Stephan spoke up, "What are you three doing back?"

Raven answered, "It's a long story.  I will tell it to you on the way back to camp if that's ok with you?"

"Shaquille, Spike,  Looks like something exciting happened on patrol today.  I will take the front Shaquille you take the Back, and Spike, you take the side.  Let's get these four to camp.  I think we have some information to get.  Rick, Jackson thanks for taking them this far.  You can head back to your camp"

***

Jackson was deep in thought as he and Rick were driving on their ATVs back towards the camp,  He continued to ponder Rick's offer but after some time he came to a realization.  Since Mom is now in a relationship, we will be staying in the area, And this may be a great experience for me.  He sped up to get next to Rick.  "Hey, Rick!" He called.

"Yeah?"

"I have thought about your offer.  I will be your Beta"         

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-Thank you all for your continued support.

-If you like this article, share it, it would be much appreciated.

-Still waiting on any submissions for the summer, If no one wants this opportunity that is ok too.  I will just have to get creative.

- If you are going to Winter Jam this weekend, I would love to meet you.  Since we have priority access, we will be waiting by the main entrance.  I will have a Sharpie, so if you find me you will get an autograph and a picture with me.  Here is the catch: That will only be taking place before 4:30, then the gates open.  Then anytime after that, if you find me in the Arena, you will just get an autograph.  It's only $10 per person at the gate, so get there early, if you plan on going.  General admission opens at 6:00 pm, the show starts at 7:00.  Do not be afraid to approach me, I do not bite.
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Next on Pack mentality:

"We are first going to go to the Training hollow in Daniels territory," Rick shouted from his ATV as they were going.  "Follow me.  There may be other Beta's there so be careful.  Try not to piss off any of the mentors.  We are going to be doing some basic target practice, then going on a tour of the territories.  Halfway through we are going to have a lunch break, Although I think we will finish before lunch."

They drove through the woods, and after some time arrived at the training hollow.  Spike and Shaquille were there along with Raven and George.  Shaquille and Raven gave them a quick nod and then continued.  Raven got hit with a pretty solid blow before he returned to training and George said: "A good member always pays attention around him!"  Raven playfully cuffed him around the ear and they continued.

Rick told Jackson, "Our training is going to be  a little bit different than that." As Jackson turned to face him.  "We are basically going to be doing some weapon training because another rule of going into the woods is to always be armed in some way.  Today we are going to be focusing on Bow and arrow training. First off, there is a little knot in the string.  do you see it?"  Jackson nodded "you put the arrow below that knot, and you use the knot to line up your shot.  Some bow and arrow sets have scopes, but this is what we have right now."  Jackson did as he was told, and Rick continued, "Since we are doing some target practice, and there are others around.  We have to call out, pulling back as you are pulling back, tense when you are aiming, and firing just before you let go of the string. Give it a try."