Tristan padded towards the freshkill pile, where his mother Maple was picking out a piece of prey. Is that a fish? He wondered. Wait, let me guess. Dove brought it in, didn't she? With a sigh, the young fighter stood beside Maple. She looked up at him, her mouth stuffed with the fish. Her light green eyes gleamed with pride. Tristan felt like she was saying "I'm so proud of you, my son." Or at least that's what he wanted it to be.
"Maple, can we share tongues together?" Tristan asked, his meow soft. Maple smiled and flicked her tail towards a small empty clearing in camp. They walked over there, walking side by side. Others might think it's weird, but I'd rather share prey with my mother than eat with some she-cat. Tristan's thoughts drifted to Spiritmask, the newest Mediator in the group. Spiritmask was already mates with Hazel, and they'd been acting lovey-dovey since they were apprentices together. That's one reason why, actually. Tristan sat across from Maple, who was already eating on the fish. She must be hungry!
"Oh, I'm sorry Tristan. Did you want some?" Maple asked, her voice gentle and warm. Nodding, Tristan bit down onto the fish, sinking his teeth into it. I hate fish, but for some reason Maple likes it. So I'll just eat it so she doesn't worry. "I can't believe you're all grown up. Time flies by, doesn't it? But you'll always be my little fighter, won't you?" Purring, Tristan took another bite out of the fish. "Don't you think it's time I retire, though? I can't lead the Ten Flames forever!" What?! No!
Maple was the leader of the Ten Flames and Tristan's mother, so of course he wouldn't want her to step down. She's had a great leadership so far, and I doubt Violet would ever live up to her legacy. Violet was the other leader, and she'd been chosen more recently. Currently she was in the nursery, after she'd mothered her and Silverfire's kits. I've gotta admit, Firegaze and River are quite adorable. At least they have a sibling to play with. Tristan's known ever since he was able to see and hear that he was the only one surviving in his litter. There wasn't any changing it, of course. But I wish things had been different. Maple seemed to notice Tristan's gloomy demeanor and licked her son's forehead.
"Aw, Tristan. Don't be like that. There might be a chance that you could be leader next. I've always known that you've wanted to be leader, ever since you were a kit." Maple mewed. A prick of defiance poked at Tristan's heart.
"But I don't want to be a leader anymore," sighed Tristan. "I want you to stay leader." Maple's eyes widened in surprise, tilting her head.
"And why's that?" asked Maple, genuine concern in her voice. Because I love and look up to you. Tristan wanted to say, but the words were lodged in his throat. I can't imagine life without you. Ever since Spider died, I've only had you. The dark ginger tabby she-cat's green gaze simmered with sympathy. "Are you worried about losing me, Tristan?"
Tristan managed to utter the words, "Yes. I can't lose you too, Maple." He looked down at his paws, his pelt feeling hot. What if Maple scolded him for thinking like that? Or she'd just call him a feather-brain and carry on with her day? That's most likely what will happen. The brown tabby tom concluded ruefully. That's what Spider would've done, anyways.
Spider had always been cold and strict with Tristan, always watching his every move. I can remember when he'd pressured me to get a mate so he could continue his precious bloodline. Tristan hated the idea of it at the time, and the thought of Spider suggesting it infuriated him. He probably said it because of Twyla. Just because some she-cat likes me, it doesn't mean I should want to be her mate! And besides, she's probably moved on from me by now. Tristan's paws itched with irritation. He shouldn't be thinking about the past- he should be living in the present.
"Aw, Tristan. I love you very much and I couldn't bare losing you as well. But life always throws unexpected hurdles at us that'll push us to our limits." Maple whispered, her mew as soft and gentle as a dove's sweet coo. I know that, but…I don't want to imagine those hurdles. "And I'll try to stick around as long as I can, okay?" Shaking his head, Tristan nodded in defeat. There's no point in trying to convince her otherwise. I might get her upset if I did. Tristan's ears pricked to the sound of pawsteps rushing towards them. Who's that? He glanced to his left to see Violet speeding out of the nursery, her amber eyes wide and full of panic.
"River's gone!" She wailed. River isn't in the nursery? What happened? Maple and Tristan immediately got to their paws and rushed over to Violet. The pale gray and white tabby she-cat's pelt was bristling wildly. "He wasn't in the nursery when I'd left, and he isn't in camp either!" That's concerning! Violet whipped her head to face Maple. "Did you see him at all today? By the stars, he could be outside of camp!" Tristan caught Silverfire- Violet's mate- padding up to them with a calm expression on his face. "HOW COULD YOU BE CALM AT A TIME LIKE THIS?!" Silverfire tilted his head in confusion. Feather-brain! "River isn't in camp!"
Silverfire tensed up immediately. "River's outside of camp! I'll go check nearby the hunting grounds!" He pushed past Tristan and Maple and raced to the exit. Tristan unsheathed his claws, but didn't say anything. He could at least be more careful!
Maple glanced briefly at Violet. "Go get Spiritmask and follow Silverfire. He may be a mediator, but his sense of smell is keener than most of us." Violet nodded and went to fetch Spiritmask, Tristan guessed. The leader trained her gaze on Tristan, her light green eyes burning into his pelt. "You and me are going to check the river. We're some of the only few that know how to swim, and we can't have too many cats out at once." This is it. My first real task as a fully fledged fighter. Tristan followed Maple out of camp, already racing against each ticking heartbeat that River was missing. We can't lose him. We just can't. The two cats halted at the edge of the riverbank, scanning the open for the small kit.
"MRRAAOW!" A squeaky yelp split Tristan's ears. River. Maple immediately threw herself into the raging waves once she spotted the young tomkit barely clinging onto a rock in the middle of the river. No! I won't lose Maple either! Tristan copied her, flinging himself into the cold, freezing torrents. Soon Tristan managed to get himself above water, his head bobbing as he tried to keep himself afloat. N-No! I need to keep going! Maple was already by River, waiting for Tristan. What is she waiting for? She needs to go! As another rough wave attempted to fling him backwards, Tristan pawed his way towards Maple and River.
Maple's eyes were wide with fear and panic. "Tristan. Take River and hold him in your jaws as tightly as you can. Only one of us will be able to make it with River alive. These waves are too strong." I'm not letting Maple do this! She can't! "Tristan! It's either one of us dies or we all die. I'm doing this for your sake." Rather reluctantly, Tristan scooped up the kitten in his jaws, River's scruff gripped firmly between his teeth. He squirmed restlessly, flailing his paws everywhere. I wish we could just leave him! He clearly wants to die! But he couldn't say that out loud. Especially since this was Violet's kit, and well…she would murder him if he said that aloud. Plus a kit was in between his jaws, so how could he say anything? At once, Maple nudged him to swim as fast as he could, while the waters were somewhat safe for now. B-But… "FOR GOODNESS SAKES, GO!" She began pushing Tristan towards the shore, urgency in her soft growl. I can't lose you! Maple snarled at Tristan, her eyes wild with rage and desperation.
"M-Maple-!" Tristan yowled. Maple shoved him forwards once more, finally getting him to wad to shore. But-! Once Tristan had made it, he put River down and glanced back at Maple. She'll make it, right? She's my leader. My mentor. My mother. The dark ginger tabby she-cat struggled to make it through the waves as they began growing stronger. "Mom, I'll help you-"
"NO! JUST GET RIVER OUT OF HERE AND BACK TO CAMP!" Maple snapped, her fur soaked. She won't make it. She can hardly stand. Tristan put his left forepaw into the freezing currents. "DON'T. GET. YOURSELF. KILLED TOO." She hissed, her voice fading into a slur. Her eyelids drooping, she looked as if she was dead already. Maple's legs were wobbling as the water began pushing her down. With an earsplitting screech, Maple soon let herself fall into the depths of the river, drifting to the bottom.
Tristan's eyes widened. "Maple! NO!" There was no point in calling out for her. Maple's dead. I could've saved her. She could be alive if it weren't for me. Tristan looked back at River, the rather small pale gray and white tabby tom. He was complaining about how he didn't like how Tristan was carrying him. "Shut up! Our leader just died and all you can think about is how I carried you across the river?! She died saving you. Ungrateful brat."
"I'm not ungrateful! I was just giving constructive criticism." River snapped back. "And I never even knew her, anyways! So why should I care?" He doesn't care if a member of his group dies saving him? How dare he! I couldn't give two mousetails if he's a kit or not. He's four moons old.
"A cat died! Your leader, in specific!" Tristan hissed, his fury growing as the argument went on. River rolled his silver eyes, irritation flashing through them. He has the nerve to- "Why were you even out of camp?"
River sighed. "Because I was bored. Camp's boring! So I thought I'd explore a bit, and-"
"You got a cat killed for nothing!" Tristan exploded. "River, I'm ashamed of you. Kits shouldn't be out of camp until they're apprenticed." River hissed at Tristan, his pelt bristling. Oh how I'd love to claw his fur off! "Knock it off!" Pawsteps could be heard rushing up to him. He turned to see Violet, Silverfire and Spiritmask rushing up to them. Thank the stars they came in time.
Violet immediately began smothering her kit, her pelt bristling wildly. "River! You're okay!" She glanced at Tristan. "You actually found him! Thank you so much, Tristan. I never thought you'd actually be useful in your entire life." Does she still think of me like that to this day? I've changed- honest! Silverfire gazed at Tristan, his silver eyes glittering with uncertainty.
"Where's our leader?" He asked, his mew cold with suspicion.
Tristan's heart skipped a few beats. "Maple drowned trying to save River and me." He choked out, trying to convince himself that was the truth. It can't be. Maple's an amazing swimmer. Silverfire narrowed his eyes.
"Did you murder her? It seems likely. After all, you were the only one with her. Besides River, that is." Silverfire growled, his claws unsheathed. What?! I'd never kill my own mother! Everyone in the Ten Flames knows that by now! Spiritmask winced, taking a few steps back. "River, did Tristan try to kill Maple?" Tristan's heart seemed to freeze in one place as the silence dragged on. River doesn't like me for telling him off, he notioned. So he'll probably say I did so he never has to see me again.
River shook his head. "No. But he said that I'm an ungrateful brat and stupid for almost dying." That's not what I- You know what? It is not even worth it. Violet glared at Tristan, her amber eyes burning with rage.
"How could you say that? He almost died, and you have the gall to say that to him?" Violet snapped. While that's correct, he doesn't seem to care about how Maple died! "Answer me!"
Tristan narrowed his eyes. "That wasn't what happened. He doesn't even care that Maple sacrificed her LIFE to save us both. I'm not bothering with it anymore. Your kit needs to learn some respect for his groupmates." With one last glare at River, Tristan padded back into camp, ignoring the stares coming from his fellow groupmates. Stupid River. If he wasn't such an idiot, we would still have Maple. Tristan's ears pricked to the sound of pawsteps rushing towards him. His gaze flickered to his left, to see Twyla bounding towards him. Mouse-dung. I don't need this right now.
"Hi, Tristan!" Twyla squealed, her light green eyes brimming with excitement. Ugh, go away. She tilted her head in confusion. "What's wrong? Did I do something bad?" No, but…you annoy me, that's for sure.
Tristan sighed. "No, but…I don't wanna talk about it right now." Twyla's eyes shone with hurt, causing Tristan to inwardly flinch. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings, even if I don't like her that much. "I-I'll tell you about it later, Twyla. Okay?"
Twyla narrowed her eyes. "But if you're clearly bothered by it then you need to talk to someone!" She protested, her voice rising to a wail. "Please, Tristan? Please? Please?"
"No! Just leave me alone, Twyla!" thundered Tristan, stomping off towards the leader's den. They'll never understand. No one ever will. I hate them all. Upon entering Maple's vacant den, he sat down on his haunches. Staring down at Maple's old nest, he sighed. "Maple will never be with me again. She was the only one who understands me. I can't believe she did that."
"I can." Tristan turned to see Violet, her narrowed to slits. "She wanted you to be alive with the group, Tristan. Anyone can see that. Tell me Tristan, what do you think Maple wants you to do with your life now that she's passed?" Move on, but…can't I grieve for her? "Tristan, I understand that your upset. I am too. But perhaps you could find some way or another to comfort yourself?"
Tristan blinked slowly. "Maple's dead. How can I find comfort here anymore?" The brown tabby tom sighed, closing his eyes. "She was the only one who understood me. She mentored me herself. She was the only one to love me."
"Despite what you may think, there are cats in our group that love you more than you think." Violet mewed. I know who you're talking about. Twyla. "Listen. I went through plenty of rough patches in life, but-" Violet began.
"This isn't about you!" He hissed, lashing his tail wildly. "I'll never be happy again! Maple isn't here anymore!" She's the only one who wanted me here. No one else. "How could any cat understand me like she did?!"
Violet growled softly. "That leads me to my solution. You want to feel closer to Maple even though she's dead? Then you shall become the next leader and learn how she dealt with it. Maybe then you'll come to your senses." But I don't want that. I want Maple back… "I can see already that you aren't keen on it. Too bad, I'm doing it anyways. You can grieve with the rest of the group when you're ready, Tristan. But for now, why don't you sleep in here for the next few days? I'm still in the nursery and I don't think you'll be comfortable with everyone else yet." Why are you doing so much for me, Tristan mused. When we've practically hated each other our whole lives? But he didn't want to turn down this offer. It was too good to refuse, even if Tristan didn't want to be a leader.
"Fine." he choked out, his meow hoarse and dry. But it'll never be the same. Maple won't ever be with me again.
"Tristan, come on. You need some fresh air." Tristan's ears pricked to the sound of Twyla's meow. What does she want? Doesn't she still hate me? He glanced behind himself, narrowing his eyes. You shouldn't want to talk or come near me. Go away. "Tristan. You're coming with me."
Tristan grunted. "No. Don't you have an apprentice to train?"
"Firegaze is practicing her battle moves with Ivy and Dylan. Ivy knows how to train two apprentices at once. She practically trained me." snapped Twyla, her shoulder fur beginning to bristle. Fine, fine. I'll go out of camp with you if it makes you so happy. Tristan heaved himself off of his moss nest, stretching his forepaws. "Yes, sure, take longer than you need too. What was Violet thinking, making you a leader when we all know how lazy you are?" Shut up! He turned sharply in Twyla's direction, baring his teeth. "I was just saying."
"'Just saying' my tail. Next hedgehogs will fly." Tristan spat. Twyla's tail lashed in anger, but she didn't say anything. At least she can remember that I'm still a leader of our group. The brownish gray she-cat growled at him, but didn't say anything. Twyla stormed out of the den and padded outside of camp. I guess she expects me to follow her. Rather begrudgingly, Tristan came after Twyla, his paws heavy. I could be sleeping right now. He stopped in front of her, his tail rested on the ground. "Where are we going and why?"
Twyla snorted. "You'd like to know, wouldn't you? Yes, I suppose you would…" She flicked her tail tip towards the camp exit with a smirk on her face. "Come on. It's a surprise." If this to get me to start swimming again, then I'll claw her ears off! Twyla bounded at once for the the exit, while Tristan trudged slowly behind her. At least she's her old energetic self again. Took long enough. Once Tristan took one step outside of camp, his sight was blinded by the sun's rays. "Oh come on! It won't kill you!"
"That's what you think! It's murdered my eyes- oh. Nevermind." Tristan mewed, his pelt feeling hot with embarrassment. Twyla chortled, her light green eyes gleaming with amusement. Fine. I'll only stay because Twyla's making it…enjoyable. "So what are you going to force me to do?"
Twyla shook her head, still laughing. "Nothing, actually. I just wanted to show you something I learned how to do a few days ago." She jumped into the river, pawing her way through the calm waves that pushed gently against her pelt. Stop! Don't do it! "See? I learned how to swim for you, Tristan!" No! She could drown in there! It's not safe! "What's wrong?"
"You could drown like Maple! Get out!" Tristan yowled. Twyla rolled her eyes in annoyance. Does she really not care? What about her life? Why should I even be worrying about her? "Twyla!"
She sighed. "You hang onto the past way too much. I'll be fine, Tristan. Stop worrying, I'm a nat-" Twyla's meow was cut short by a large rush of water flinging her backwards. No! Not again! "T-Tristan!" She yelped. "I need help!"
"B-But what if I don't make it to you on time? What if we both drown?" Tristan asked, his pelt bristling. What if I lose someone else? What if I lose someone I…love…? Did he love her? It felt strange to consider, especially since he'd always ignore her whenever she spoke to him. But I've always listened to her, even if it felt like I wasn't… He could remember all the things Twyla talked to him about. About hunting technique, their groupmates, even…death. She really trusts me, doesn't she? She trusts me with her secrets. And now her life. Wearily, Tristan gingerly wadded into the river, hoping that the waves wouldn't drown him like…Maple.
"Tristan! Stop messing around! I'm starting to lose my grip on this rock!" Twyla yowled, desperateness in her voice. I can't lose her like Maple! She deserves a chance! Tristan pushed his way through the raging torrents as he swam towards Twyla. I'll save you! His claws scraped against the rough surface of the rock as he gripped onto it, alongside Twyla. "Y-You actually-"
"I couldn't stand losing you either." Tristan gasped. The brownish gray she-cat went wide eyed, her gaze sparkling with surprise. "I'm going to tackle you towards your left, and since we're close enough to land, we should be able to make it."
Twyla whimpered. "And if we don't?" I can't blame her. I'm not exactly trusting myself either.
He gently licked her cheek fur. "Then we'll be together, I promise. And you can blame everything on me." Twyla nuzzled Tristan's shoulder with her muzzle. "Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Twyla meowed, her muscles already tensing up. Tristan gave her a hard shove forwards, while he was also holding onto her still. Please let this work! The waves slammed into them, almost pushing them back. Tristan shut his eyes. This is it! He could hear claws scraping up against the ground. Were they moving? Soon Tristan could tell he was being lifted from the water and being dragged onto land. T-Twyla? He blinked his eyes open, secretly hoping that it was Twyla that had saved him. Sure enough, Twyla was standing in front of him, licking his forehead. "You saved me. I can't ever repay you, Tristan."
Tristan weakly smiled. "I-It was nothing. You had to be saved." He rasped.
"Tristan. Don't." Twyla whispered in a calm, soothing mew. She saved me. I should be thanking her. She purred softly, her throat rumbling. "I'm just glad that you're okay. You're too precious for me to risk losing." Precious? Really? Tristan closed his eyes, his dizziness taking control. Maple…are you watching me? Did I do good after all? He let out one last sigh. T-Thank you Maple…for everything.