Nilla

Aspen paced restlessly. She was getting old, and she knew that soon, the time would come for her to choose a new pack leader. Her glow was dimming more and more each day, which worried her immensely. Instinctively, she knew that her time in this world was almost over.
She was not troubled because of that, knowing she had done well on Earth. Maybe not perfect, in fact definitely not perfect, but well. She had created a good, strong pack, had many children, and had a fine mate who she cared about immensely. She did well.
Thinking about her old mate, Axel, sent a sharp jab through her aging body. He had just recently passed, left Earth, and she hadn't been the same since. She missed his gentle nudges, his soft fur, his companionship. Oh, how Aspen hoped she'd join him soon. Hoped that they could stay together forever in the afterlife, or wherever you go when you pass. Nothing mattered until she was reunited with Axel. Except…
The pack. Who would lead when she passed? She had no idea who to choose. Everyone had their own strengths, their own traits that could qualify them for the job. If she chose the wrong wolf, everyone would suffer because of her choice.
The thought of failing her pack made her whimper, a noise she rarely made. She was so lost in thought, she barely heard when Nilla came over to her, concerned. After snapping out of her daydreams, Aspen looked at the wolf, thinking thoroughly.
Aspen stared at the wolf for an uncomfortably long time, looking at her strong body, her gentle eyes, and her beautiful sunset-like coat. She stared for so long that Nilla began to yawn nervously. Why was Aspen examining her like this? Had she done something wrong?
"Listen, young wolf. Soon, it will be my time. I will retire from the role of leader of this pack, and continue to the Afterlife. I will miss all of you greatly, but this is something I must do, by no choice of my own. I need your help, Worthy One, as the pack will suffer without you.
"I have chosen you to lead this pack when I am gone. Your job will be to look after the pack, protect our territory, and ensure that this pack doesn't part. You must choose the best hunters, make tough decisions, and dedicate your life to the safety of every wolf that enters this pack. If you slack off, or make one wrong choice, you will be jeopardising the lives of everyone you've come to trust and love.
"This task is huge; I won't pretend it isn't. But I have chosen you for a reason, young one. You, above everyone, have what it takes. You have the capability to carry on the legacy of this pack. You are kind, intelligent, strong, and trustworthy. These traits are all ones that are necessary for a leader.
"If you agree, I will pass on my mist, which is slowly fading as we speak. I don't have much time at all. But you are much younger, meaning the mist will glow on your body proudly, just like mine used to. At first, the mist will claw at your fur, will float into your eyes, but soon, I assure you, it will settle.
"When you become old and eventually pass, you will join me in the Afterlife. Your mist will have faded. There will be a new pack leader, which you will have chosen. This new leader will take on the duty of leading the pack, and you will rest with me. But that is a long way away. You are young, strong, and energetic, and will hopefully lead this pack for many moons.
"Through summer, spring, fall, and winter, this pack will depend on you more than anyone. You will be their guardian, their protector. You will have full responsibility over them, even through the roughest of winters. It will be challenging, and there will be times where you want to give up and run away. I have been through this frustration, felt these feelings, but I have always been there. That is what you must do; giving up is not an option. It is never an option.
That is all I have to say to you now. Good luck young wolf, and stay wise. I appreciate you immensely, and will be watching over you in the Afterlife. Goodbye."
Aspen suddenly felt a pain in her side, and shuddered in agony. The young wolf, not knowing what else to do, nodded comfortingly. She assured her that she would try her best, and vowed never to quit. Hearing this, Aspen smiled weakly. "I know you will, Young One. I wish you the best of luck."
Suddenly, Aspen's beautiful blue glow faded out all the way. Her eyes gently closed, and she went limp. Nillarealized that she had passed, and dipped her head respectfully, looking at her with remorse. She was gone, and Nilla was the pack's only hope.
As Nilla started to walk away, she was startled by a bright blue mist that had suddenly floated out of the ground where Aspen lay. She walked toward it, remembering what the wise wolf had told her. Closing her eyes, she let the mist cover her whole body, sneezing a few times. She felt Aspen's presence close by, and closed her eyes and smiled.
"Thank you."