YESS! A problem was fixed, and this would've came up earlier if only Fanfiction didn't have problems! Enjoy! Dreams... shadows... answers. :) ALL IN HERE!!!
~~Rainy
Chapter Ten
DARK FOREST
Answered Questions
Hollyleaf's POV
I used to think it was disgusting to be with Ashfur, or anything else, right? But right now, I guess he's my best friend in this horrible forest. How come? When he was alive, he was bitter and annoying, and not to say mouse-brained. In the Dark Forest, he was exceptionally nice. I know why; he thinks me like he had thought Squirrelflight was to him. He wanted me to be his mate, but would I accept? I know he's afraid to be rejected all over again. But there's no Brambleclaw in the Dark Forest. Maybe I can become mates with him, but what would that do? It was sort of a sick idea— why did Ashfur have to think the wrong way about every single she-cat? "You know, Hollyleaf," he began this sunrise. "I'm glad we get to be here together…" His voice trailed off as he saw the look on my face. I quickly twisted my expression into a forced smile. "Yeah. Thanks to you, I've survived."
We hunted silently after that, and then went for another drink by the pool we had previously gone to so many times for water. That disgusting water tasted fine to me now. I was getting used to bad food and water, but it was good enough. It turns out that the Shadow Pool, where Ashfur had planned to bring me before we were attacked by Tigerstar and Hawkfrost, we where you enter cats' dreams. No wonder. Tigerstar loved messing with dreams, obviously… As I placed my mouse on the pile, I mewed, "Ashfur, can we go to the Shadow Pool again?" Ashfur cocked his head and glanced at me with curiosity shining in his eyes. Quickly, I explained, "I want to visit my siblings. And we didn't get to go last time." Reluctantly, he nodded and stood after finishing his mouse. "Let's go." I swiftly swallowed my mouse and pigeon and followed him.
Finally, we reached the dark pool. I was glad because this time, we met no Tigerstar or Hawkfrost. Softly, Ashfur instructed me to take a sip of the water and think deeply about the cat I want to visit. I followed the instructions and thought hard, Jayfeather, Jayfeather, Jayfeather, Jayfeather… Suddenly my chest was ten times lighter, and I felt as if I was floating through the bare, crispy air. This felt very good… A gray tabby tom appeared in front of my eyes. We were still in the Dark Forest, but Jayfeather was standing there… My eyes gleamed as I called out the familiar name. "Jayfeather!" Jayfeather whipped around to face me, staring at me with wild blue eyes.
"Hollyleaf," he breathed out breathlessly. Shock had gotten a good hold of him. Suddenly he burst out, "Hollyleaf, what are you doing?" I backed away as confusion dawned upon me. My chest felt heavy. "Why, Jayfeather? Why aren't you glad to see me?" I whispered softly, barely loud enough for any normal cat to hear. But Jayfeather was blind (although not in his dreams), making his hearing better. My brother replied quietly, "StarClan sent you to the Dark Forest, did they? Is this why this dream takes place in a dead forest?" I tried to calm him, I really did. I pressed against him, but my brother pulled away, his breaths quick and shallow. "It's okay. I am fine in the forest. I came to visit you—"
"That's not the point!" Jayfeather snapped. "You're in the Dark Forest! Why are you visiting me?" I backed off, eyes widening in fear. "Aren't you glad I'm visiting you?" He sighed, his eyes glowing sadly. "Sorry, Hollyleaf. But I just can't believe StarClan sent you to… this… this horrible place…!" I shared his sorrow, but I told him, "I'm sorry this dream is shadowed… But I miss you and Lionblaze so much. Yellowfang told me that I would have to fulfill a prophecy: The holly leaves will push away the darkness of the ash. What do you think that means? Also, Yellowfang told me the warrior code wasn't anything. Had I been wrong about the code I was so loyal to and died for all along?" Jayfeather's sparkling blue eyes darkened as he spoke: "I don't mind this shadowed dream, Hollyleaf. But I know you need answers. All I can tell so far is that…" He trailed off, and he shuddered once.
His body quivered as he asked, "Hollyleaf… is Ashfur with you?" I blinked and answered the question simply, "Yes." Jayfeather was silent. I wanted to know why, but I felt as if I wouldn't get an answer anyway. He shook his head and yelled, "I don't think this is possible. Forget it." I shrugged, and then continued: "What about the code?" He gave me a lick on my right ear. "Yellowfang is right," he told me. "The warrior code isn't everything. You have to understand." Then, I didn't know how it happened, but everything faded away. The dream ended, and I was back in the Dark Forest.
Some of my questions were answered, but curiosity still has me in its paws. The holly leaves will push away the darkness of the ash. I am uncertain about my surroundings now. What can I do to fulfill this prophecy? How does this all work? There are answered questions, but there are unanswered ones as well. I lay down by the Shadow Pool again to sleep, my green eyes darkening. When can I leave the Dark Forest? How did the prophecy involve Ashfur? I have no idea what to do. But I will keep moving on. I would survive in the Dark Forest! I won't let Tigerstar or Hawkfrost make me back away anymore. I'm strong, and I'll make my way to StarClan.
The only wish I have now, however, is that by the time I enter StarClan, all of my questions will be answered. If only all the questions were answered questions, then maybe I wouldn't have such a hard time after all. I can only wish that my wish would come true now.
I hope you liked this chapter!!
Well, it sure took a long time.
Anyways, REVIEWWWWW! Now that you have read this chapter, REVIEWWWW!!!
~~Rainy