Back with another challenge for Cloudclan! So let us see how this goes...

" Run! Run and don't look back!"

My fur bristled in fear as I heard my mother yowl the warning. Fire raged all around us, consuming all the dry grass and dead twigs. I followed my Clan as they raced towards the river, where we will hopefully be safe. I faltered in my steps to look back at my mother, Dustleaf.

" No, Hawkpaw! Don't wait for me," she hissed, struggling to move through the tugging brambles.

I ignored her, going back and yanking on the thorns. My eyes widened as a flame licked at the branches, threatening to set the whole bush ablaze.

Dustleaf glared at me in annoyance but silent gratitude before dashing away. I closed my eyes for a moment, silently cursing the hot and dry season of greenleaf.

If only it would rain...

My eyes shot open, and I turned to go but a panicked shriek stopped me in my tracks.

" Help! Someone, please help me!"

I skidded to a halt, whipping around and heading to where I heard the cry. I narrowed my blue eyes in surprise.

Blossompaw?

The name shot through my mind like a jolt. The she-cat who I had secretly always had a crush on. The cat who never so much gave me a glance. The cat who always treated me like dirt. And now, here she was, right in front of me circled by a ring of flames. She cowered in fear, giving tiny whimpers. She yelped as a patch of grass set fire beside her, singeing her beautiful tortoiseshell fur.

Her green eyes met mine, and I saw absolute fear and terror flash through them. And maybe a hint of relief?

" Hawkpaw!" Blossompaw gasped," Help me, please!"

I hesitated and took a pawstep back.

Blossompaw flattened her ears." Please!" She begged, tail bushed out to twice its normal size.

I padded forward as far as the fire allowed me." For all these moons," I began in a quiet murmur," you have mistreated me. Made me an outcast. Made me feel horrible about myself. Now, you want me to help you?"

" I know! It was wrong!" Her eyes brimmed with sorrow and regret." I'm so sorry, Hawkpaw. I neglected your feelings. I should have brought that into consideration."

My eyes softened." I know you are." I leaped high above the flames, landing in front of her." Now come on."

I helped her to her paws, noting the long burn along her side.

I will help you, Blossompaw, despite all you've done. I forgive you.

We jumped the flames, and I allowed her to lean on my shoulder, trying not to rush her but making sure we were ahead of the fire. As soon as we burst out of the trees and cool water lapped at our belly fur, a group of warriors came to our aid, taking Blossompaw across the river.

I swam to the other side swiftly and flopped down on the sandy shore, panting. I lifted my head as Blossompaw approached me, shuffling her paws awkwardly.

" I... I just wanted to say thanks for saving me. You were really brave. And," she paused and whispered the last part," I was so cruel to you. I hope you can forgive me."

I sat up and licked her ear." Of course, Blossompaw," I purred." Always."

Sooooo yeah there we go. Any advice or criticism?