Shadetail yawned, glancing down at her sleeping mate. He wasn't getting any better. His wound from the rat fight wasn't healing, and the infection has spread through his body. She knew he wouldn't make it, but that didn't mean she had to accept it. She licked his head, avoiding the bite on his neck. His silver fur was soaked in blood. He didn't look like the great warrior who saved her. He looked weak and helpless. Shadetail laid down next to him, just as he opened his eyes. "Someones awake." she said softly. Amberclaw smiled weakly. He gingerly turned his head so he could see his mate. "Am I any better?" he asked. Shadetail shook her head, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I'm not going to make it." he said. "You know that." "I do." she said, barely a whisper. She curled around him, and gently licked his ear. Amberclaw closed his eyes, and soon fell back asleep. Shadetail closed hers as well. She opened them again, and looked around. She wasn't in the medicine cat den, but in a meadow. A silver tom approached her, and it took her a moment to realize it was Amberclaw. He was healthy and strong, with no wound. She sighed sadly, knowing what this meant. "You've died, haven't you?" she asked, her voice wavering. Amberclaw nodded, sitting down in front of her. "You knew it was coming." he said. "That doesn't make it any easier!" she sobbed, tears flowing from her eyes. "I know." he said softly. "But you couldn't have saved me." He stepped closer to her, and laid his head on hers. "You'll be happier." he whispered. Shadetail looked at him, and slowly nodded. Amberclaw looked at her with sad eyes, and stepped back. He turned around, and started walking away. Mist swirled around him, and just as he was about to leave, he looked back at her. "Goodbye, Shadetail." he said. Shadetail slowly opened her eyes. She glanced down at her mate, still and peaceful. "Goodbye."
