Trigger warning for chapters 38-42 of this book:These chapters will feature mentions of sickness, as well as death. Those who have been impacted by Covid-19 may find this content to be upsetting, and should read with caution, or skip past these chapters entirely. Doing so will not interfere with the reader's understanding of current story events, as the characters will talk about the results of this time period throughout the remaining installments of the book. This is the last time this message will appear. Regardless, please read this chapter at your own discretion.
With the guidance of Ruby, Swiftcloud and her patrol made their way through the Twolegplace. They weaved inbetween the rows and rows of dens, avoiding sleeping monsters and Twolegs playing out in the snow. Anxiety prickled Swiftcloud's pelt the further on they ventured. She fretted that this mission might be a failure. If the plants in the meadow had all died off, why wouldn't the ones in Twolegplace do the same?
Eventually Ruby slowed her pace, pausing in front of a particularly large Twoleg's den. Within the backyard was a smaller see-through den. It appeared to be entirely made out of windows, glass was what the material was called, Swiftcloud recollected.
"Look!" Mistyleaf pointed at the structure with her tail, excitement radiating from her pelt. "There's plants in there. Look how lush and green they are!"
"That place is called a Green House," Ruby informed the clan cats. "Housefolk use them to grow plants and herbs year round. I believe you'll find what you'll need in there."
"But how are we going to get inside to look?" Rabbitstorm questioned. He sounded doubtful that they'd be able to do so at all. Ruby simply tilted her head, prompting the other cats to follow. The five other cats followed the large molly over the fence, landing in the fresh snow on the other side.
"We will ask for a favor," Ruby explained at last. The clan patrol exchanged confused looks. "Wait here, I'll be right back." With a dash, Ruby cleared halfway across the yard in a single bound. She galloped, stopping in front of the Twoleg den. She let out a mighty yowl, summoning some attention from inside. Immediately Swiftcloud panicked.
"Hide!" Chicorynose commanded the patrol, ducking into a bush by the edge of the fence. Her clanmates did the same, although Max waited just outside. Through the shrubbery, Swiftcloud could see a Twoleg emerging from the den. From behind it, two kittypets strolled into view, happy as could be. Once its pets were outside, the the creature turned and lumbered back into its lair, the door swinging shut behind it. When she was sure the coast was clear, Swiftcloud took the first brave steps out from hiding and towards the strangers.
The kittypets appeared well groomed, with wet pink noses and bright eyes. Their fur was glossy, and their bodies plump. So different from the looks she was used to cats having. As she passed by the Green House, Swiftcloud caught a glimpse of her reflection in the glass. She resisted the urge to wince at the sight. In comparison to the kittypets, she looked terrible. I look...I look like a wild cat, she realized. Now she understood why house cats typically shyed away from strays. Especially those from the clans. To a peaceful kittypet she must look dangerous with her thin frame, tired eyes, and battle scars.
When Swiftcloud finally came to a stop beside Ruby, one of the kittypets began backing away. His brown and white pelt bristled, his fat belly dragged against the snowy ground. He seemed scared, annoyed even. The other kittypet, however, remained calm. The molly's thick tail was high in the air, her focus fixed on Swiftcloud. She was curious. Swiftcloud was curious about her as well. The she-cat had brown and white fur with rich dark swirling stripes. Thick framed and chubby, the she-cat looked to be in perfect health. Her face was broad with chubby cheeks, her ears round. And her eyes glowed yellow in the sunlight, filled with kindness. Around her neck was a green collar, with pebbles lining it that twinkled like stars. For a heartbeat, Swiftcloud wondered if the kittypet was a show cat. Or a cat who was "bred" to produce them.
"Hey there, Ruby," the molly spoke at last. "You called?"
"I did," Ruby agreed, lowering her head so she was at a more equal level with her friend. "I have some cats here who need some help."
"Oh yeah?" The kittypet prompted, shifting her focus from Ruby back onto Swiftcloud. "What can I do for you?"
Swiftcloud blinked, turning around for a moment. She waved a paw, motioning for her clanmates to come stand beside her. Apprehensively, the rest of her patrol emerged from hiding, padding over to stand with Swiftcloud.
"Aw hell, not more of em," griped the kittypet tom with ears flattening.
"Pipe down, Louie, they're not going to hurt us," the molly hissed at her denmate before giving her attention back to the clan cats. "Are you?"
"Not if you cooperate," Rabbitstorm grumbled with a tail flick. Mistyleaf gave him a disapproving shove.
"You have our word, no clan cat will bring either of you harm," Chicorynose promised after fixing Rabbitstorm with a glare.
The kittypet molly smiled "See?"
"Just get em to tell you what they want so they can go," the fat tom griped. The molly rolled her eyes.
"My apologies for my mate. Fat Louie doesn't really like strangers. Or, well, anyone for that matter. Sometimes not even me," she giggled although there was a twinge of sadness in her voice, "Anyways. Ruby says you're looking for a favor?"
"Yes," Mistyleaf stepped up. "We desperately need an herb for our clan. Many are sick, and some have even died. Obtaining these leaves will save many lives."
"We'd like to ask if you'd be kind enough to let us into your Green House to look for catnip. We see that you have many plants in there. And Ruby says you may have what we're looking for," Swiftcloud added with Mistyleaf nodding along agreeingly. Imminently, Fat Louie jumped to his paws.
"Ooh no," he growled, marching forward. "We are not letting a bunch of flea-ridden strays into our housefolk's garden den! We don't know if we can trust them, Tabitha. And even if we can, why would we? They're wild cats. They eat kits and kill each other for sport. Why should we give a sniff if the whole lot of them die?"
"Hey!" Rabbitstorm snapped, muscles bunching. Chicorynose and Mistyleaf flanked him on both sides, preventing him from bursting forward.
"You misunderstand our way of life," Swiftcloud decided to try reasoning with the kittypets. After all, she used to be one too. Surely it couldn't be hard to convince them that the clan cats weren't so bad. "We care very deeply for our clanmates. Clan cats do everything for one another, to ensure we all survive. We fight, hunt, and care for every cat in our ranks. From the smallest kit, to the most decrepit elder. Coming here to ask for help proves that. We go to great lengths to save our friends, our family, our home."
"And why should we listen to you?" Fat Louie snorted.
"Because I used to be just like you two."
"Ignorant?" Tabitha joked.
"No." Swiftcloud shook her head. "I used to be a house cat. Almost a year ago now."
Tabitha gasped, her pupils growing wide. "Really? And you've survived this long? That's pretty cool."
Swiftcloud smiled. She was glad to see at least one of the kittypets was warming up to her and her clanmates a little. "It is. And I never would've survived this long without my clan. Throughout the moons, Grassclan has taught me and supported me with everything. They'd do anything for me. And I'd give everything for them. It was Mistyleaf and I's idea to come to Twolegplace today, to look for the herbs we need to cure our sick. That has to account for something. Please don't let us leave empty pawed."
Tabitha's eyes watered a little. She turned to Fat Louie before turning back to the clan patrol. "Ok, you've convinced me. I'll let you into our Green House."
"Like hell you will!" Fat Louie spat, grabbing Tabitha by the collar. With a mighty tug he dragged her backwards, effectively choking her. The tabby and white molly gagged, paws scraping against the icy ground. Her toes spread for her claws to unsheathe and ground her, but nothing slid out from the slits in her paws. Helplessly Tabitha was pulled across the yard like prey. Swiftcloud's muscles bunched as she readied herself to spring to the kittypet's aid. She couldn't stand by and watch this abuse.
"Let go of her!" Rabbitstorm shot forward suddenly, leaping onto Fat Louie's back. The fat brown and white kittypet collapsed under the other tom's weight, yet still refused to let Tabitha go. Despite appearing out of shape, Louie turned out to be quite strong. And as persistent as a badger. No matter how passively Rabbitstorm tried to get him to let go of Tabitha's collar, the spoiled tom refused. And so, Rabbitstorm was left resorting to violence. After giving his muzzle a scratch, Rabbitstorm was finally able to free the kittypet she-cat. Fat Louie jumped back, nose scrunched up with pain. Mistyleaf ran to Tabitha, herding her a fox-length away so she could be examined.
"Breathe deep," the medicine cat instructed as the other molly let out a few small coughs. She touched her nose to Tabitha's neck, looking for signs of tearing on the skin.
"What's wrong with you? Don't you know how to treat a she-cat?" Rabbitstorm snarled. Fat Louie grumbled under his breath, touching a white paw to his bleeding snout. He gave it a lick, trying to clear the liquid away. Fat Louie then waddled off to sulk, waiting for his Twoleg to let him inside through the door he came from. Rabbitstorm snorted with distaste, turning to Mistyleaf and Tabitha.
"Are you alright?" He asked the kittypet, voice surprisingly gentle. He nosed her, giving the molly a look over himself. Tabitha blinked, a small smile appearing on her face.
"I'm just a little winded," she responded.
"She'll be fine," Mistyleaf assured.
"Is this the first time he's done something like this?" Rabbitstorm asked seriously.
Tabitha's smile faltered, her expression revealing the truth about her treatment. "It's alright." she blinked away her sadness, "He loves me. I know he does. Louie doesn't do things like that to cause harm..its because he cares. He was trying to protect me from all of you."
"Clearly it's not us you need protection from. You deserve to be treated with kindness. I'd never sit around and let like that happen to any cat. Especially my own mate."
"Well, thank you for the concern. You're...you're very kind." Tabitha ducked her head shyly.
Rabbitstorm purred a very tiny purr. It made Swiftcloud's heart feel light. It was the first time Rabbitstorm had acted like himself since Heatherwing's death. And with a kittypet no less? How things have changed!
"Come with me," Tabitha stood up, shaking snow from her pelt. "I'll let you into the Green House."
"Even after all that?" Chicorynose prompted, raising a brow. Tabitha gave a firm nod.
"I don't care what Louie wants right now. You cats need help. And I'm going to let you take as much of the catnip as you need."
The clan patrol exchanged excited trills, eagerness prickling among them.
"But," Tabitha interrupted. "I'm only going to do this on one condition."
"And what's that?" Chicorynose asked. Tabitha turned to Swiftcloud.
"I'm very curious about the life you've led. I'd like to hear your story."
Swiftcloud blinked, pelt growing hot. She didn't expect the spotlight to suddenly be shifted onto her. But if telling her tale could help save the clan, then she'd say anything to get into that Green House.
With a nod, Swiftcloud began. "Over a year ago, I was born as a kittypet -a house cat. I was raised to become a show cat, like my mother and father, and eventually my littermates. But I wasn't cut out for that life. At almost three moons old I was given to a new housefolk, to live a normal house cat's life. But even then I wasn't satisfied. I began to dream of freedom, of a place that would give me that which I desired. At six moons I listened to those dreams and wandered to the meadow. There, I fought a wild cat- a tom that would eventually become my mate. And afterwards, I met his clanmates, and his leader. They told me all about the life of a clan cat, and I eventually settled on the idea of joining them. So, I changed my name, abandoned my collar and home, and left to live in Grassclan. I trained very hard for several moons, and fought in a few battles. And finally, I was named a warrior. I was named Swiftcloud, and finally found who I truly am."
"What was your name before?" Tabitha asked with intrigue. Swiftcloud glanced at each of her clanmates. She'd never told any clan cat her birth name before. When she'd joined them, she had changed it to the one she had been called in her dreams.
"I was born Hana. Then I became Swift. Now I am Swiftcloud, Hunter and Spy of Grassclan."
Tabitha let out a trill, her eyes sparkling. "Such an interesting life. What a fun character you are. Alright, a promise is a promise. Follow me I've kept you all waiting long enough."
Mistyleaf sighed with relief. Chicorynose purred with excitement. And Rabbitstorm moved to stand at Tabitha's side.
"Lead the way," he requested, earning a giggle from the molly. Tabitha padded through the snow, creating a path for the other cats to follow. For a heartbeat, she paused by the Green House's door. Her perfectly white paws disappeared under the snow, her body crouched and her rear wiggling. Max corralled the clan cats back, giving the other kittypet space to work. Swiftcloud observed Tabitha as she eventually pried open the door, just enough so that she could squeeze through. She slipped inside the den, waiting on the other side for the others to follow. Mistyleaf went in first, followed by Swiftcloud, Rabbitstorm, Chicorynose, Max, and finally Ruby.
Single file, the group padded through the glass den. The air in there was hot, humid; a major difference from the atmosphere outside. All around them were plants of all sizes and vibrancies. Exotic plants and familiar alike decorated the space, creating a powerful almost forest-like fragrance. Most of the cats got the opportunity to gawk about the sight. Mistyleaf, however, retained her sharp focus. Her jaws were parted slightly to taste the air for the herb she needed. Her delicate nose twitched as she seemed to catch onto the trail.
"This way," she mewed, taking the lead. Swiftcloud pulled ahead to walk with her, keeping an eye out for the herbs. Near the back of the den, in a special patch, was an abundance of catmint. The smell emanating from them was enough to make a cat's mouth water. Mistyleaf trilled out happily, delicately leaping into the center of the herb patch.
"This'll be enough to treat every cat in Grassclan!" Swiftcloud cheered.
"Twice over," Mistyleaf agreed. She carefully snatched up a few catnip stems, carrying them out of the patch with her. "How much are we allowed to take?"
"As much as you want. My housefolks grow this stuff for Louie and I to use to relax. I hadn't realized it could be used to cure sickness, too."
"Only greencough," Mistyleaf elaborated. "Would we be allowed to come collect more at a future time? The amount we take today will be an excellent start towards a path of recovery. But a lot of the sick are in critical condition. They'll need many doses of catmint to be cured."
Tabitha beamed. "Yes. In fact, I insist you come back for more! I'd be sad if I never got to see you all again. This will be a great excuse for you to come and visit."
Mistyleaf purred gratefully. She instructed each of her clanmates to tip-toe into the herb patch to pick as many stems as they could carry. When the patrol was packed heavy with herbs, the cats made their way back to the front of the den. Before exiting though, Mistyleaf paused once more. Her nose twitched, green eyes twinkling.
"Tabitha, would it be alright if I collected some of that lavender over there as well? It will help to rid the stench of illness from our dens, and to treat fevers," she mewed after putting down her herbs.
"Oh sure," Tabitha agreed. "Whatever you need, it's yours. They're only plants, after all, they'll grow back." Mistyleaf once again let out a grateful purr. She padded over and picked a few of the flower stems, adding them to her bundle of catmint. She tied it all together with a stray vine from one of the other plants surrounding them before picking up her herbs again. Mission completed, the cats made their way back out into the cold. The frigid air outside of the Green House felt more bitter when the cats emerged into the open again. They'd adjusted to the Greenleaf warm climate, and hardly minded the humidity. Now the moisture has turned to ice particles on their fur.
Swiftcloud rested her herbs by her paws. She gave her pelt a shake and began to tremble a little. "We'd better hurry home before we all catch a chill."
Chicorynose let out an agreeing grunt. She dipped her head respectfully to the kittypet. "Thank you for everything, Tabitha. Grassclan will be forever grateful for this. If you should ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Tabitha purred loudly, brushing her side against Chicorynose's in a friendly manner. "Farewell new clan friends. I'll see you again soon!" She bumped her head against Rabbitstorm's gently, looking into his eyes for a heartbeat.
"We look forward to our next visit. May the winds be with you." Mistyleaf touched her nose to Tabitha's.
"And-...what do you clan cats say in response to that?" The curious kittypet asked.
"We say 'And may Starclan light your path.' We like to bless each other with the guidance of our warrior ancestors," explained Swiftcloud.
Tabitha nodded along enthusiastically. "I see. Well then, may Starclan light your path!"
The Grassclan patrol let out a collective mrrow of amusement. After each cat touched noses with Tabitha one last time, Ruby took the lead, guiding the warriors back to Max's house. After one last farewell to Max and Ruby, Swiftcloud led the patrol the rest of the way back to the Land's Star; eager to bring something good news to the clan.