Chapter 20

The atmosphere in NightClan was pretty gloomy. Our deputy was dead and it seemed like we were never going to get Silkshade back. Pineclaw has been named the new deputy. I think he'd do a good job from what I've seen of him. I, personally, was stuck in the medicine cat den because apparently Lightstar did a number on me. Life is definitely going great for me.

"Can you please stop pacing? For StarClan's sake, it's worse than when Silkshade's in here! Though that's mainly because two certain she-cats can't be away from their friend for five seconds," Dawnfur said. "I'm serious, I'm really afraid you're going to reopen it. That wound is deep."

I groaned and sat down. I'm basically stuck having to think. I don't get along well with my thoughts. I have nothing to distract myself with.

"Wingstar!" I heard Pineclaw call. Curious about why he did so, I slunk out of the den while Dawnfur was busy.

"Yes, Pineclaw?"

"Brownstar has requested a meeting with you," Pineclaw told her.

"Brownstar? Does that mean Lightstar is dead?" Wingstar asked.

"Yes. You can bring whoever you want. He will be coming alone with Silkshade," Pineclaw continued.

"We need everyone available. We don't know if he's going to try anything," Wingstar said. "Most of us will hide in the underbrush prepared for whatever happens. You pick two others to stand in the open with us. Once you've decided I'll call for a meeting."

Pineclaw nodded and set off to do as told.

"Deathpaw, when did I give you permission to move, let alone leave," Dawnfur said from behind me. I turned around.

"You didn't," I answered.

"Exactly. Go back, now," she commanded.

I sighed. I went back and sat down. Lightstar was dead though. Brownstar didn't agree with her according to Snakeheart. Did that mean what it thinks it means? I didn't want to dare to hope. He's bringing Silkshade. Will he give Silkshade back? I wonder.

"How long do I have to be in here?" I asked. I wondered that too.

"Depends how much you listen to me," Dawnfur said. "It hasn't even been a day. Plus, I gave you permission to sit vigil and you ended up running off into the forest. Though I suppose that's not entirely your fault."

'You're a completely impulsive mouse-brain who doesn't think about who might get hurt in your idiocy!' The words still ring in my ears. Another voice telling me how worthless I was. I guess it can join Grasstail's, Lightstar's, and my own.

Maybe things will take a turn for the better.

When were they getting back? I wish I could've gone, but a certain medicine cat wouldn't let me. I'm not keen on this whole sitting still thing. I heard cats coming into camp. A nervous excitement flowed through me. I left before Dawnfur could say a word.

Scarred, thin, and weak she was there. But she was here and alive and that's what mattered. She looked almost dead on her own paws and she seemed to be looking down for some reason, I guess the extra attention. I went over to her. She was fine. Everything was going to be fine. Except Duskpelt was dead, but other than that fine.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" I exclaimed burying my face into her chest fur.

"Good to be back," she said.

"Deathpaw, do you even have permission to be out here?" Boulderfang asked, ruining the moment if you ask me.

"Yes, Deathpaw. Do you have permission?" Dawnfur asked.

"No, but what cat wouldn't have done the same?" I argued.

Dawnfur sighed and shook her head. "It's not like I wouldn't drag her back to my den now that she's here. You could've waited five seconds."

"No, I couldn't have," I told her.

"Deathpaw," Boulderfang warned.

"Fine," I muttered. "It's so boring in there. Maybe you can help me liven things up." I looked up at her. I held back a gasp. Her face was slashed. And her eyes.

"You will do no such thing. You are healing, not being rambunctious," Dawnfur said. "This is for your own good, I swear."

I was barely listening. What had Lightstar done to her?

"You will be coming with me and you as well Silkshade. And as for friends, I require space right now Silentstorm," she continued.

We walked back with her. I took a deep breath. "Silkshade, they blinded you, didn't they?" I asked quietly.

She tensed beside me. "I forgot how short you were," she whispered after a moment.

"You realize this isn't something you can hide."

"Yeah. It just feels like it will be final once the clan knows. Completely real and unchangeable."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't even know what I'm going to tell them, let alone how I'm going to handle this. I want to continue as a warrior. I don't want to let this stop me. It's going to be different though."

"I bet."

"Okay, I actually need to check Silkshade out. Please give me some space," Dawnfur requested. I actually followed orders.

Wounds covered her pelt and her ribs were evident. It was obvious she had been treated poorly and nearly starved. Of course, I already had been expecting that.

"I swear, I don't know when you'll be able to leave. Beginnings of infection, nearly starved, and you're covered in wounds. Not good but you'll live. If you listen more than your sister, that is," Dawnfur said. She hadn't shown her yet.

"You need to tell her," I told Silkshade.

"I'm scared. I really am," she whispered.

"You can't hide this. It's not like you can risk that getting infected anyway. Might as well get it over with," I said. I couldn't imagine how hard it was for her.

"Maybe I can help," Dawnfur said.

"You can't. No one can. I'll have to deal with this forever because of that fox-hearted she-cat," Silkshade whispered. She faced Dawnfur. "I'm blind and there's nothing you can do to help me."

Dawnfur audibly gasped and then pulled herself together if only for her patient's sake. "No, I can't fix that. I can help you. Your friends can help you. You have to learn to cope and live life like this. You're strong or you'd be dead by now. If anyone can find a way, you can."

"She gets inspirational speeches while I get constantly yelled at? No fair," I said.

"Oh, hush. If you would use your ears and listen maybe this would be a little more enjoyable for both of us," Dawnfur said.

"Getting on your nerves at least helps with the boredom," I said.

"This is why you get so many enemies, Deathpaw," she said. "How is Boulderfang not insane already?"

Silkshade gave a small laugh. No, everything was not okay. But it would be in time. She was safe and everything would be alright, at least for now.

Author Note: Yay! Silkshade's back in NightClan! Also Deathpaw is going to drive Dawnfur insane, but oh well. At least things seem to finally be going right. They need a break from one problem after the next. So we've got two more chapters left and I have over ten to write for the next book before I can publish it so I don't know if I'll get it out a week after this one finishes, but deadlines are the best and most stressful motivators. Thanks for reading! Leave a review! See ya soon!

-Everly W.