Running with the wind Chapter 14: a remedy and a threat The kit woke from a night-mirror of loneliness, despair, and death. The kit was now called Flarekit and he silently watched from behind his new mother, who tried to tuck him in and protect him from seeing the horrors of the disease in camp, but the musky scent of sickness floating out of the medicine den was undeniable. Flarekit was thoughtful for a moment, remembering words his true mother one said. The memory was shattered and almost overcome by shadow, but it was recent and he mustered up the strength to replay it. His mother was talking to another cat.. she was scared.. the cat spoke of the clans.. revenge.. and finally a small blue fern-like flower.. He squeaked out loud. His adopted mother raised her head in alarm, “Flarekit?” She asked, clearly concerned. He looked at her, his expression showing excitement. Flarekit leapt to his paws. “Find a blue flower that looks like a Fern!” Chapter 14: part 2 Mossypaws head shot up and she swung her head from side to side expecting danger. No pain.. and she realized her location was familiar. The glistening trees, soothing hum, and soft grass belonged to starclan. She swallowed hard. Was she dead? She warily scanned the clearing for signs of life and then spun around at the sound of a voice.. swiftpaws voice. “Hello Mossypaw,” her brother said smiling sadly, “it’s been awhile.” She gaped at him. That’s all you have to say swiftpaw?! How about you answer my questions and explain what happened. She eyed him expectantly. Well.. Swiftpaw stumbled on his words. He sighed, gaining composure and straightening his posture. Someone your close to did it, I can’t tell you why, and you can’t tell your clan. Just watch closely. “Im probably in trouble for even telling you this much,” he said, raising his paw as she opened her mouth to protest. But.. Mossypaw was at a loss for words. Why would someone do that?! Her brain screamed at her. Feeling overwhelmed, she swayed on her paws. Swiftpaw faded from view as she fell back into her wounded consciousness. Agony seared her pelt. And she muffled a yowl of shock and pain, instead, she clenched her teeth shut, doing her best to rise to her paws. She wasn’t exactly walking, more like hobbling forward, her neck and back throbbing and bleeding, but she was making progress. She knew she couldn’t make it to camp, she was half way to the moon pool, and that was a long way to go, so she dragged herself to a hollowed out tree, pulled some moss into it and collapsed there. Feeling exhausted from the short treck, she could barely lift her head. She attempted to sleep, hoping to escape the pain. Mossypaw could only wonder if someone would find her, because if not, she could die. Next:
Thumbnail: Mossypaw and Swiftpaw
