Trigger warning for chapters 38-42 of this book:These chapters will feature detailed depictions 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. I will provide this trigger warning above each of the mentioned chapters to remind everyone to read with discretion.
"Stay still, Thornkit," Swiftcloud instructed the little tabby tom, holding a bundle of herbs up to his muzzle. The concoction was coated in honey, a clever technique used to disguise the taste of medicine. Swiftcloud had learned this trick over the past several days, along with many other skills required of her as a medicine cat's assistant.
"Now open wide." The patched molly shoveled the mixture into Thornkit's mouth, helping him shut his jaws before he could spit anything out. The little tom swallowed the herbs, shivering as they slid down his throat.
"Eww, gross!" He hacked. Swiftcloud chuckled softly.
"I tried to cover it as best as I could. Honey can only do so much," she remarked as she licked her paw clean of the sticky substance. "Mistyleaf said these herbs should help settle you cough. Hopefully soothe the pain in your chest too. You should get some rest now. I'll come check up on you later, alright?"
"Thank you, Swiftcloud," Thornkit mewed, tucking his paws beneath him inside his nest. Swiftcloud tipped her head to him, turning tail and walking out of the elder's's den. She gave a sigh as she emerged, glancing up at the sky above.
Today was a nice day. Too bad nobody could enjoy it. Most of the clan was sick. Almost everyone Swiftcloud cared about. Hardly any cat was healing, even with all the different poultices and mixtures the medicine cats created. The only cats who'd managed to recovered from being sick were Goldensong and Rabbitstorm. Both cats had been infected with whitecough. But it only took some hawkweed and tansy for Goldensong to be back on her paws, thanks to her body's previous experiences with the illness. But Rabbitstorm was another case. He'd never had whitecough before, not even so much as a sniffle. According to Mistyleaf, his body shouldn't have been able to rid itself of sickness so quickly. Snowfrost regarded it as a miracle.
"He's a very lucky tom," she'd said after discharging Rabbitstorm from his sick leave. "He was blessed with a strong immune system. He was able to fight off that whitecough all on his own. Though having medicine cats as kin doesn't hurt either." She smiled briefly, but it quickly turned into a frown. It was as if she had hated the words she'd spoken.
It's very strange that of all cats, Rabbitstorm is the only one to recover so far "naturally". I wonder if Snowfrost had a part to play in that? Swiftcloud pondered as she started moving on to her next destination. During an herb packing lesson, she recalled the medicine cat mentioning the remains of her catmint supply. She was saving them for someone who needed them most. Had she decided that cat was her nephew? Swiftcloud could only assume. If that were the case though, it was cruel. Plenty of other cats were in more dire need of some catmint right now. One of those clanmates being Swiftcloud's next patient.
The white and black patched she-cat gathered some moss from the side of the apprentice's den. She took it over to a nearby puddle, placing it down to let it to fill with water. Saturated, the moss was carried over to Tall Stone, and taken into the crack beneath to be given to the clan's sickest warrior. Whitestar lay quietly in her nest by the back of the den. Her head lifted weakly as she acknowledged her caretaker's presence. Swiftcloud dipped her head to the leader respectfully, placing the soaked moss close to her so that she may drink. She watched the leader as she struggled to take sips, resting her head on her paws when she'd had her fill.
Two days ago Whitestar had begun to show symptoms of whitecough. Today, she was barely hanging on by a hair. Her condition had rapidly developed into greencough, debilitating the leader and rendering her nest ridden. The only cat allowed to visit her was Swiftcloud. She was too contagious for anyone else to come near. Not even the medicine cats, who mostly had an immunity built against the disease, could see her. Swiftcloud had made it her mission to give Whitestar the best care she possibly could. Between hunting, tending to the sick, and herb lessons, Swiftcloud spent the remainder of her time in the Tall Stone. She gave Whitestar news, and tried keeping her spirits up. At this point that's all that could be done. Without catmint, the leader showed no improvement in health. Nothing else was working, no matter how hard the medicine cats tried. But Swiftcloud wasn't ready to give up. She couldn't let Grassclan's leader die.
When she could, Swiftcloud spent her time in the medicine den. There, Snowfrost would teach her about herbs and their uses. More importantly she'd show Swiftcloud the ones she'd need to treat greencough, and taught her how to mix them properly. It was tough work, and it didn't help that Snowfrost was an inpatient mentor, but Swiftcloud stuck through it. She had to, for her Grassclan's sake. For Whitestar's sake.
Often Mistyleaf was there to assist, and offered to give Swiftcloud follow up lessons when Snowfrost's teaching weren't getting through. The younger medicine cat was also in charge of showing Swiftcloud where to locate herbs-at least the ones they could still find. The two mollies bonded during this period, spending what little time they had available together. Swiftcloud cherished these moments, though she wished she could enjoy them more. Usually she was too busy worrying about the rest of her loved ones. She couldn't stop thinking about Whitestar, Shadowfang, and Tulippaw, who'd fallen ill so suddenly. But Mistyleaf understood. She was patient, sympathetic, and caring. She let Swiftcloud discuss her feelings and shared some of her own, usually cuddling with the other molly the whole time.
Swiftcloud couldn't help but smile as she thought about Mistyleaf. But a cough from Whitestar pulled her right from her daydreaming.
"How are you feeling today?" Swiftcloud stepped up to touch her nose to Whitestar's forehead.
Whitestar gave a small sigh, blinking lethargically. "Tired," she mumbled, voice scratchy. "so very very tired..."
Swiftcloud hesitated for a few heartbeats as she tried to get an accurate reading on the leader's temperature. Whitestar's forehead felt hot. She was burning a terrible fever. I'd better bring her some feverfew to help bring it down. Maybe some lavender, too, Swiftcloud decided. As she pulled back from the leader, the white and black patched molly noticed something on her face. On Whitestar's forehead, in the place Swiftcloud had just touched, there was an unusual scar. It was almost star shaped, covered over with a layer of fur, a lighter color than most of the leader's pelt. Swiftcloud wondered why she'd never noticed it before, but then again she'd rarely been able to get so close to the siamese she-cat until now. Was the scar the mark of a leader? She wondered.
"Swiftcloud," Whitestar croaked as the young molly drew back further. "You must help," she was practically begging.
"Of course Whitestar," Swiftcloud responded softly. She assumed the leader was referring to her pain, wanting to be relieved of her illness. "I'll do whatever it takes to make you better."
Whitestar shook her head and let out a exasperated sigh. "The snow...the snow, it will destroy us. The Land's Star is in danger. Act quickly. You must make us stronger."
Swiftcloud looked on at the leader as she spoke, unable to understand her words. Was she referring to the dangers of Leafbare? Perhaps she feared greencough would wipe out the clans. Most likely, Whitestar was needlessly rambling. Snowfrost had mentioned cats could say strange things when they were feverish. Swiftcloud chalked Whitestar's message up to be just that.
"I'll be right back, I'm going to fetch some herbs, and more water for you to drink," Swiftcloud promised, turning around.
Whitestar wheezed slightly, her head sinking into her nest. Swiftcloud glanced over at the leader over her shoulder, noticing the shallow rise and fall of her chest begin to slow then still. Whitestar let out one final sigh and became completely motionless. Panic shot through Swiftcloud like a bolt of lightning. She turned once more and rushed to the leader's side, pressing an ear to her flank.
"No no no no no no!" She repeated to herself, unable to pick up on any breathing. Swiftcloud moved and put her head against Whitestar's chest, listening intently for the sound of a heartbeat. But the her chest remained in silent. Whitestar was dead.
"No!" Swiftcloud wailed, tears pooling in her eyes. She took a few paces back, hanging her head in defeat. Her body shook violently, blood roaring loudly in her ears. "Starclan, what is Grassclan going to do without their leader..? H..how am I going to tell Chicorynose that her sister is dead? That she's leader now..? That-"
Suddenly movement caught Swiftcloud's attention. From Whitestar's nest. The leader slowly began to stir, her head lifting to look at the hysterical she-cat across from her. She seemed puzzled.
"Swiftcloud..?" Whitestar mewed. "Why are you crying?"
"W..Whitestar!" Swiftcloud practically threw herself at the leader, covering her with frantic licks. "You're alright!! You're alive! But..but wait. How..?"
The siamese she-cat gave a big stretch, sitting up in her nest. She lifted a paw to lick and straighten her whiskers, blinking her eyes groggily. It was as if the leader had just woken up from a nap.
"Be calm, Swiftcloud. It would seem I've just lost one of my lives. Thankfully, though, I have a few to spare. I'd be on my way to the Twilight Passage otherwise."
"Lives..? You have more?" Swiftcloud stared at her leader, completely dumbfounded. She was sure Whitestar had been dead. Her scent had started to change and everything. But now the leader was alive, and appeared well. There was no trace of the greencough left in her. Not in her voice, or dulling her eyes. She didn't even smell sick anymore.
"As leader, I was granted nine lives by Starclan," Whitestar began to explain. "This gift is given to all true clan leaders. It is so that we may be able to protect and serve our clans for many years. A good leader will use their lives to sacrifice themselves in order to save the life of a clanmate. Although, it comes in handy when one falls ill as well."
Swiftcloud was stunned. "Nine lives..? I thought that was a myth! A tale the elders told to make leaders seem more powerful."
"On the contrary. The stories are quite true. You've just witnessed it, after all."
"So...how many live do you have left? Eight?"
"Three." Whitestar sighed. "Only three... I've been around for quite a while, Swiftcloud. And things are not always so safe or so peaceful in our territory. But each life I've given has been for a good cause. I'd give up all the others if it meant protecting this clan. Never forget that." Whitestar rose to her paws. "I must make a request though. Typically, a leader's lives are supposed to remain a secret. Only the medicine cats and Code Keeper are allowed to know how many I have left. But I trust you, Swiftcloud. I hope that you will keep this secret as well."
"Of course, Whitestar. I won't tell a soul," Swiftcloud promised, dipping her head.
"Thank you. I have no doubts in you. You're a good cat. And a very hard worker. Now, your job here is complete. I thank you for taking such good care of me. But there are others who stil require your assistance. I am well again, though still in need of some rest. I'll be fine on my own."
"Are you sure?" Swiftcloud asked, a little worried.
"Yes. Now run along. I'm sure we'll see each other when it's time to eat. For now, I plan on taking a nap."
Swiftcloud felt relieved as she emerged from Tall Stone, accomplishment warming her chest. Another cat was well again, albeit from untraditional means. But at least it was another weight off her shoulders. Now Swiftcloud could invest more times in cats like Shadowfang and Tulippaw.
Swiftcloud scented cats coming through the bramble tunnel, deciding to turn to greet them. Through the barrier Snowfrost and Mistyleaf appeared. The older of the two seemed bored, while Mistyleaf appeared distraught. They must have just returned from another herb scouting mission.
Snowfrost waved off the medicine cat apprentice, padding off to be by herself in the medicine den. Mistyleaf stayed behind to approach Swiftcloud. She touched noses with the other molly, forcing a smile.
"You look happy," she commented.
"Whitestar's recovered from greencough," Swiftcloud announced.
"Did she?" Mistyleaf seemed surprised. "What combination of herbs finally worked?"
"None, but..." Though she wanted to explain, Swiftcloud was hesitant. She knew the clan's healers were aware of Whitestar's lives, but she'd promised not to tell anyone about what she'd seen. If Whitestar wanted anyone else to know she'd died, she would tell them herself.
"I think I understand," Mistyleaf piped suddenly. "Goldensong said that may be the only way she could be cured. Its a bittersweet resolution to the problem. Though some leaders aren't even lucky enough to recover after something like that. I'm glad Whitestar is ok, though. At least that's one good thing to come from today."
Swiftcloud tilted her head, sitting. "What do you mean? You haven't had any luck finding catmint?"
"Not at all..." Mistyleaf lowered her head, eyes darkening with sadness. She seemed to be resisting the urge to cry. Swiftcloud wondered if it was from frustration, or depression.
"It's hopeless... We've searched everywhere. There's no catmint left in the whole Land's Star. We even looked along the Twolegplace border; and still, nothing!" Mistyleaf fretted, ears folding back. "We'd have to look beyond the territories to even have a chance of finding anything now... Starclan, I hope Newleaf comes soon."
Swiftcloud watched her friend as she despaired. A feeling of guilt made her stomach twist.
Deep down, Swiftcloud knew she was to blame for all of this. If it hadn't been for her suggestion to visit Treeclan a moon and a half ago, no cat would have fallen ill. Greencough wouldn't have had a chance to spread between the clans. And so many cats would still be alive. Swiftcloud knew she had to make this right. Someway, somehow, she would find a solution. Something better than acting as a medicine cat's assistant. Lost, deep in contemplation, an idea became uncovered. Swiftcloud perked up immediately, hope welling in her chest.
"Mistyleaf. You just came up with a brilliant idea!" Swiftcloud jumped to her paws, surprising the other molly. "I can take you-! To Twolegplace, I mean. If catmint grows at the edges of the territory, then there's bound to be some within it, too. Deep inside, beyond the border."
Mistyleaf's ears pricked slightly. "But it's dangerous to go to Twolegplace. What if we get lost? And Whitestar surely won't be pleased that we've gone there. Isn't that technically breaking the Warrior Code..?"
"We won't get lost," Swiftcloud assured. "I grew up there, remember? I still remember my way around. And it isn't against the Code. We aren't taking from Twolegs, just from the plants on their land. A land beyond our laws. Besides, it's not like we're leaving to become kittypets or anything."
"I don't know, Swiftcloud..." Mistyleaf sounded apprehensive. She shrank in place; a sign that she was not so eager to get up and explore the unknown. Even if it was for the greater good.
"Cats are dying, Mistyleaf. We need those herbs, and we don't have much time. This is our last hope," Swiftcloud stressed, looking at her friend; this beautiful cat that she was so fond of. The only cat that she cared about that hadn't become a victim of the sickness she'd unknowingly helped bring home.
But Mistyleaf avoid her gaze, unsure. Her fearscent was unmistakable. Swiftcloud knew that Mistyleaf was a stickler for the rules. She was strong, but still shy deep down. She wouldn't speak up to say no to the idea.
"I'm going to go find that catmint for you. Whether or not you tag along is your decision."
Mistyleaf bristled, her gaze snapping onto the patched she-cat in front of her. Mistyleaf and Swiftcloud stared at each other for a few tense moments. But a harsh cough finally drew their attention away. It came from the elder's den, deep and raspy. Swiftcloud's heart sank. That was Shadowfang, no doubt about it, and it sounded as if his greencough was getting worse. The recent memory of Whitestar dying popped into Swiftcloud's mind suddenly. The way her body stilled, the quietness of her chest, the reek of death. Swiftcloud's imagination quickly twisted the vision of the leader and replaced it with her mate. The thought of Shadowfang winding up that way was more than she could bare.
Swiftcloud quickly tunred on her paws, ready to dash to the bramble tunnel and out of camp. She couldn't wait anymore. She couldn't sit here and do nothing while her mate was on the verge of dying. She didn't have another heartbeat to spare for Mistyleaf to make a decision. Action needed to be taken now. Swiftcloud shot one last glance over her shoulder at the silver she-cat before trotting away.
"Wait." Swiftcloud paused at the voice's command, looking over her shoulder once more. Mistyleaf stood, sweeping her tail nervously as she walked over to the other she-cat's side. "I'm going with you. It'll be easier to bring back more if there's two of us."
Swiftcloud smiled gratefully at her friend, nuzzling her cheek against hers. Together, the two she-cats headed for the exit.
"Oh, Swiftcloud!" Chicorynose meowed as they passed. Mistyleaf kept walking while Swiftcloud paused to speak with the deputy, wiggling her nubby tail slightly. Rabbitstorm was there as well, looking much better than he had before. He seemed to be strong again, ready to serve his clan in this time of need.
"I'm glad to see you're up and about," Chicorynose remarked, raising her tail. "I'd like you to lead a hunting patrol to Rabbit Gorge and see what you can find. Rabbitstorm's already offered to join."
"I'm sorry, I'd love to, but... there's something more important I have to take care of."
Chicorynose looked shocked, narrowing her eyes in slight annoyance. "More important than feeding your clan?"
Swiftcloud swallowed back a lump in her throat, willing the guilt away that threatened to take hold of her. "Yes. I'm going to Twolegplace to-"
"Twolegplace?! Oh, Swiftcloud, you aren't-"
"Listen," Swiftcloud hissed impatiently, stopping the deputy from interrupting her. Her eyes widened in surprise at herself. "I..I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's-it's just- Mistyleaf and I have to go there. The medicine cats need catmint to heal the sick. But we think the only place left to find it is in Twolegplace. So...yes. This is more important than hunting for the clan. But we'll be back soon. I promise."
Chicorynose swished her tail thoughtfully, eyeing her old apprentice for a heartbeat. "Well then," she murmured, "in that case, I'd better come with you."
"What..?"
"You'll need an extra cat to bring more catmint back. Plus having another warrior with you would be safer. You never know what danger may be lurking in this harsh time of Leafbare."
"But what about the clan?" Swiftcloud wondered.
"I'll ask Tigerfang to take over in my absence. Grassclan will be in good paws while we're away, I can assure. And when we return they'll be even better off."
"Hold on," Rabbitstorm interjected. "Am I supposed to just stand here and listen to you mollies plan this crazy expedition and not do anything? I'm not letting you go off with my sister to who knows where. If Mistyleaf is going, then so am I."
"We need you to stay here, Rabbitstorm," Chicorynose insisted.
"I'm needed with my kin. Frostfeather, Jaybird and the kits are all sick now. I can't let anything happen to Mistyleaf as well. And if I can do anything to help the rest of my family, then I will. Forgive me, but I'm coming, with or without your permission."
Chicorynose sighed. "Fine. Let me go talk to Tigerfang and Whitestar, before any other cats decide to jump on this catmint patrol." Without another word the deputy turned, disappearing into Tall Stone. A couple moments later she reemerged, bounding over to the bramble barrier. "C'mon slow-slugs, no time to waste."
Swiftcloud brightened at the deputy's remark, smiling and racing after her with Rabbitstorm right behind. Mistyleaf was waiting for them by the camp's entrance, slipping through the tunnel and leading the way down the hill. While racing across the meadow, Swiftcloud sped past, taking the lead. She knew exactly which ways to go, and had a pretty good idea of what gardens to check out first. Starclan, please let there be catmint waiting for us in Twolegplace.
Swiftcloud took her patrol back to her old territory; the neighborhood where she grew up. Her intent was to find one of her old friends if it were possible. Hopefully someone like Gem, or a cat with lot of connections. A cat like...
"Max!" Swiftcloud trilled, bounding ahead towards a Twoleg fence, hidden behind a shrub. Max-the wildest looking cat she'd ever met-was on the other side, sunbathing in a dry spot beneath a tree in the yard. Swiftcloud slipped through a hole in the fence, walking towards her friend. It was now that she noticed a second cat beside him. This cat looked just as wild as Max did, if not a little more. Her ears were large and rounded at the tips rather than pointed, her nose wide. The cat's tail seemed half the length of a normal cat's, but not a nub like Swiftcloud's. And their limbs were long, powerful looking. The most striking feature on the cat was her white coat, spotted with pale gray dots. Swiftcloud figured this cat was the same breed as Max, and probably had the same pelt condition as Rosebloom.
"Swiftpaw?" Max perked up as he noticed his old friend in his yard. He stood, giving his pelt a good shake. "It's been moons! How have you been? Looks like you've gotten taller. Although you're looking thinner than you were in the spring."
"It's complicated. Uh, but I was made a warrior in Leaf-fall! My name is Swiftcloud now. Shadowpaw's been named Shadowfang," Swiftcloud responded with a half smile.
"No kidding? Well congrats. So, what brings you to my garden? I see you've brought some friends. Though it doesn't seem like Shadowfang is with them."
"Those are my clanmates Rabbitstorm, Mistyleaf, and Chicorynose. We're here looking for catmint."
"Catmint?"
"Catnip," Mistyleaf chimed as she bounded over to stand by Swiftcloud. The others soon followed. "I think you kittypets know the herb as catnip."
"Ooh. Well, you won't find that here I'm afraid. Actually, I don't think any of the gardens in our neighborhood have it. But Ruby might know where to find some."
"Who's Ruby?" Rabbitstorm asked.
"That'd be me," meowed the wild looking white she-cat, standing up. Swiftcloud's clanmates bristled at the sight of her. "My mate is correct. I do know a place where catnip grows. A neighbor of mine has it back where I live. Luckily, my neighborhood is just around the corner. I could take you there if you'd like."
"Please. We need those herbs to heal the sick of our clan. The sooner we can get some, the better," Swiftcloud decided to explain. If she made things more urgent, then maybe they would be able to find the catmint quickly.
"In that case, we'd better hurry," Max decided.