The sky started to darken and it began to rain. The two had wandered away from camp too far, they didn't remember anymore where they had come from. Thunder clashed overhead and a tree was struck by lightning and started to crash down in their direction, Steven shoved Oak out of it's path, only to not get away soon enough. The large tree crashed down on his hind right leg, he yelped as pain seered him, He tried to move but couldn't. He whimpered, looking at his leg. Steven twisted himself around, bracing for the sudden and sharp pain, he dug his leg out carefull from under the tree, and heaved himself to his paws, but colapsed, in a heap of whimpers.

Oak yelped as Steven shoved her out of the way of a falling tree. Turning, she gasped when she saw him trapped by his hind leg. Clawing madly at the tree trunk and dirt around his leg, she tried to help. He twisted around and managed to dig it out from the tree. He tried to stand but fell and collapsed on the ground, whimpering.

Oak shook her head, trying to concentrate. She grabbed him by his scruff and lifted. He was still heavy, but she had grown stronger than the time almost a year ago when she had to carry him. Once again she had to save him. Lifting him up so he wasn't touching the ground, she began walking. Into the woods she went, every sense on high alert. Finding a hollow underneath some large tree roots, she set him in it. Then she squeezed in beside him. It was a tight fit, with not much room, but it would have to do. Oak nudged his cheek.

"Are you alright?"

Steven coughed slightly, "I'm fine. Thanks again for saving me" he rasped, his sense of humore coming back. He tried to move his back right leg, but couldn't. "I can't feel it" He murmered. He shook his other back leg, it moved easily. He stood on three legs, "I'll get on fine" He shrugged, not seeing a problem.

Oak smiled slightly, glad he was feeling recovered enough to joke. She watched as he tried to stand on his bad leg but couldn't. Wincing, she sniffed it over as he held it above the ground.

"Well, you can't hunt, run, or fight until thats healed up." She said, shaking her head.

"Since we don't know the way back, and the rain has covered up the old scents already, I guess we are stuck here for a bit. I'll go get us some food." She said, then stood and walked out into the rain. It was hard to see as the water poured down, and she had to squint. Eventually she located the nearby place where they had left the doe and the fawn. Grabbing the fawn, she carried it back to Steven and tossed it on the floor.

"There you go, eat up." Oak said, sitting down next to him in the cramped space. While she watched him eat, she did not take a bite herself.

"You eat too, I'd rather starve than see you hungry" Steven admitted, taking one last bite, "Besides, I've had my fill" He told her. Curling up to sleep for a while.

Oak sighed and reached down, tearing off some meat.

"Alright, if you insist." Once her appetite was sated, she gathered the remaining meat and placed it in a corner. She curled up as well, pressed against Steven.

"Tomorrow, I need to dig this den bigger." She mumbled as sleep overcame her.

Steven smiled, still awake. I'll watch over her. He thought, angry at himself for wanting to selfishly fall asleep when she was asleep too. He lifted his head, narrowing his eyes and scanning out, his ears pricked, and his nose smelling, and mouth tasting the air for any scent of tresspasers.

After a very long time,

The sun began to rise, and Steven still was awake, he was very tired.

He waited patiently for Oak to wake.

Oak soon woke and yawned as the sun peeped over the hills, casting a gentle dawn glow over them. Blinking her eyes, she glanced over at Steven.

"Good morning. How is your leg?" She asked as she shook her head, clearing away any remnants of sleepiness.

Steven yawned, "It's fine" he shrugged, heaving to his paws to put weight on it, "Nope, still can't feel it." He sighed. "It'll be okay." He murmered.

"Hmm." She murmured as she stepped out of the temporary den.

"Should I get us something to eat? Then I can dig out the den a bit larger so its more comfortable for you. Then I will see if I can find my way back, or someone to help." Oak said as she glanced at him.