Night lay silent and still. Everything drowned in the sheet of the darkest shadows. Not the smallest creature dare steer in the dense shrubby, bordering her narrow path, blocking Leafpool in. The air dead of chattering birdsong, only a groaning wind nipping at her ears like needle fangs. Travelling up a shallow ditch, vastly different territories on either side, the rolling hills of Windclan and dense forest of Thunderclan. Even scents of sweet heather and crisp leaves collided in a never-ending struggle, merging to make an overpowering odour.
At one point, not so long ago, a foolish Medicine cat and a Lost Warrior thought they were above it all. Thinking they could forever escape those mighty landscapes, accidentally creating new life in the process. Yet was this forbidden act capable of not only giving life, but taking it as well? Was this the painful lesson Starclan was trying to teach Leafpool?
Fear pulsing through her of a possibility of meeting Rainwhisker or Molepaw on the other side of the Moonpool. Would they blame her for their deaths? Leafpool had never known of Starclan cats taking revenge but it could never be ruled out. They couldn't though. Even if Leafpool thought she deserved some kind of punishment, they couldn't physically harm her. She had kits. They weren't guilty of the crimes their parents committed. They had the right to be born just as any other kit.
Progression had been slow, taking every other heartbeat to steady herself on shaky paws, the nasty gash like a giant tick, draining the energy out of her. Thick clouds suffocated the black sky, constantly threatening to cover the hooked talon of the moon. A trail of twinkling stars floated high above, luring Leafpool with mischievous blinks, mockingly daring her on.
Underfoot, the stubby dull grass was overturned by loose gravel of mottled browns and greys. Abruptly, the ground arched into steer drop, bare stone rapidly sloping downwards into a steep Cliffside. Worn trails coiled down into the stone hollow, wrapping around its edges like sandy-coloured snakes. A split in the curved walls, opened up like a gaping mouth, vomiting out an endless torrent of gushing water. The constant splashing and rippling creating a vortex of noise.
Standing on its lip, Leafpool peered through the darkness, into what lurked far below. The half moon hung directly above now, flooding the ragged cliffs with freezing Silverlight. Glowing outlines of her fellow Medicine cats, the Moon's gaze setting them alight with cold white flames. Crowding round what lay at the centre, a calm pond reflecting with a thousand shimmering stars, the moonpool.
Pawpads tingling with nerves, Leafpool unable to describe the feeling. Somehow, at the same time, the place she's visited countless times and named in honour of discovering, still felt so unfamiliar, like she was a stranger stumbling onto it by accident. Resultantly, Leafpool joined the twin paths, spiralling down to the bottom. The muddy tracks covered with the pawprints of ancient cats, a stab of shame with each misstep treading over a dead cat's mark.
The surface smoothed out, creating a steady stone beach, tiny waves of the moon-lit water whirling against it. At the Moonpool's edge, lay the peaceful slumbering bodies of the Medicine cats, eyes tight shut. She was late, the ceremony had already begun.
Veering to an unused spot, Leafpool settled down next to Littlecloud, his piny Shadowclan scent pinching her nose. Pressing her muzzle onto the frosty rippling surface, Leafpool drank up a few previous drops. Spinning around on the spot, she tucked her paws under, her head flat against the stone, leaving the injured side exposed to a musty breeze. Sleeping taking awhile to claim her.
Stars like blossoming white petals, exploded into her vision, consuming it. Her surroundings shifting around her, until she no longer stood on bare stone but a strange new surface, like smooth ice with no temperature. Opening her eyes, she found herself in a vast empty star-lit void, standing in the sky itself. Her paws flattened on seemly nothingness, limitless stars below her as well as limitless stars above, never-ending. There was no wind or scent anywhere.
"Was it you?", Leafpool called out loudly into the void, her echoing off of invisible barriers, "Were Molepaw's and Rainwhisker's deaths punishments from Starclan?". In an instant, a violent gale came from nowhere, battering against her fur, as if the dream itself were furiously hissing at her for insulting Starclan. Carrying thick mist with it, it covered the whole dark empty space, burying it in layers of massive clouds.
Swirling round like grasping branches in the breeze, Leafpool shuddered as she sensed a looming presence, a clear and wise voice ringing in her ear, "You overestimate our cruelty and power. The deaths of the young cats you speak are not Starclan's doing. And Neither will you be judged for it.".
Really, Leafpool should of been relieved and even grateful, but all she felt was numbness. This only made the disappearing Catmint make even less sense. Before Leafpool opened her mouth to press further, the mist continued to twist and turn, eventually forming the vague online of a cat. A blue glow and shining stars glittered into existence as Bluestar formed in front of her.
The mighty leader remained unnaturally still as the Medicine cat continued to protest, "Even if wasn't Starclan- Thunderclan can't go through any more suffering than it already has. I have to tell the secret.".
Still standing creepily motionless, the only part of the spirit that moved was her jaw, "Leafpool, listen to me. This is not your secret to tell.", Bluestar mewed with no emotion.
Fur now bristling, Leafpool stared at the Starclan leader in disbelief, "Those are my kits and my secret. Of course, it is!".
Life seemed to slip into Bluestar, going from an eerily still spirit to as if she still inhabited a breathing body, sighing and tail swaying slightly, "As long as Squirrelflight remains the loving she-cat those kits call their mother, then it's only hers.", she assured her, "Your sister is willing to sacrifice everything for you. The least you could do is trust her.". Like a thorn, guilt struck Leafpool. Bluestar was right. Squirrelflight had done so much, yet Leafpool still had the audacity to yell at her earlier.
Becoming more sympathetic, Bluestar gazed out into the blue-tinted floor, with the texture of unmoving water, thoughtful, "I understand.", she nodded, "I know that pain better than anyone. But I could never dare to replace Graypool's spot in the hearts of my kits. Only the one who raises them can be called a true parent.".
Vague memories nagged her as they tried to reach the surface. Graypool, she'd heard that name before. If she remembered correctly from the many stories from Firestar, she'd been the Queen to raise Stonefur and Mistyfoot after Bluestar had taken them to Riverclan. Only to become one of the many victims of Tigerstar, just like the son she called her own.
A sudden new gruff voice made Leafpool flinch, yet did nothing to surprise Bluestar, "And this just isn't about you.", it corrected, the whirlwind of fog creating a new shape beside the fellow Starclan cat. A large grey paw stepped out from thin air, as the rest of Yellowfang's sturdy build formed.
The snub-nosed she-cat carried on, " Those kits' destinies are greater than any one cat. They hold the fate of the Four Clans and Starclan alike in their paws. Not even we can foresee their future. It's vital they grow up like any other kits.".
The haunting words surged through Leafpool's head, attempting to make sense of it all.
"My kits will really be this powerful?", she stammered, "H-how is it possible for a single litter to hold so much power?".
For the longest time, Bluestar hesitated to give an answer, until finally shaking her head, "Unfortunately, we don't know.", she admitted.
Starclan didn't know? All of Leafpool's life, she thought the Clans could depend on Starclan's foresight of the future. How they had chosen cats to lead them to the Lake and warned her personally of Hawkfrost's wrath. Maybe Medicine cats could misjudge the omens or visions Starclan provided, but surely they couldn't be wrong themselves. Could they?
Seeing Leafpool's dumbfounded expression, Yellowfang snorted impatiently, beginning to explain, "Starclan isn't the only afterlife out there, Leafpool. There are ones much more ancient and mysterious then us. The three comes from one of those forces.".
Her chilling words made Leafpool shudder. It had always been Starclan the living cats could look up to, the ones with all the answers. To be the motherly figure when Warriors had grown out of their real mothers. Only realise, maybe the living and the dead weren't so different after all.
Then a board white head with black stripes striking across it came to mind. "Like Midnight?", Leafpool spoke her deepest thoughts aloud.
Lowering her head, Bluestar seemed equally as baffled by the strange creature.
"Yes, exactly like her.", the frosty blue cat confirmed, "Even Starclan was shocked when we needed to reply on a talking badger to led us to the lake. Honestly, we don't know how she can talk or even if she's dead or alive. It was her who spoke that your kits' chosen paths will decide everything.".
Her breathing stopped, her throat tightened like an invisible jaw was clamped around her windpipe. What did this Badger know about her dear kits that she didn't? When Midnight had convinced her and Crowfeather to return home, she could of said something, yet she didn't. "What do you mean paths?", Leafpool asked slowly and suspiciously.
The fog around them seemed to jerk with jagged movements, as it wanting to answer itself. Instead, Yellowfang spoke, with purpose and wisdom to her voice that came beyond the knowledge of only one cat, "Whether they choose to walk a path of the stars or no stars.", she stated, "I'm sure you're painfully aware of what happened to the misguided soul of Hawkfrost?".
Searching in the deep amber lake of Yellowfang's glowing eyes, Leafpool couldn't find the slightest hint of deception. "You're talking about Tigerstar, ain't you?", the brown tabby guessed, her white chest spiked with stress.
Bluestar nodded, "We are. For generations, the Dark Forest has fulfilled its purpose, keeping it's residents isolated and powerless. Yet somehow, serval individuals have managed to overcome it's trickery. Now those cats, including Tigerstar, have dragged more and more innocent cats down the path of evil. And if they managed to do this to one of your kits-".
"Wait-", Leafpool interrupted, "You know about the Dark Forest training?".
"We're known for a long time.", Yellowfang remarked.
In disbelief, Leafpool could only stare at them for a few heartbeats. Before letting it all out, Leafpool exclaimed, "Innocent cats, including my precious kits, are being targeted by the most dangerous spirits in Clan history and yet you do nothing? Hawkfrost could still be alive!".
However, Yellowfang's lashed her ragged tail, jumping to her own defence, "You don't understand!", she argued, "Just as much the Dark Forest cats can't harm us, we can't harm them. Going into that shadowy realm is suicide. The Dark Forest doesn't care if you're a killer or a kit, it'll do anything to grip your mind and trap you for all entity. We don't know what's happening behind that fog border. We can't do anything.".
After Yellowfang's passionate speech, all Leafpool could do was step back, speechless. Out of nowhere, massive cracks formed over the icy floor, growing like ivy, spreading with no end. Yowling in shock as it suddenly shattered in endless shards, sending Leafpool tumbling into blackness, leaving the distant stars far behind.
Yet, in the corner of her eye, Leafpool saw Yellowfang and Bluestar in the form of blue and grey streaks, swirling by her side no matter how fast she fell. Inside the cave of her head, she heard's Yellowfang's ominous warning, "This threat requires a small evil to prevent a much greater one.", she informed, "With each new breath you take, you must tell another lie.".
Then, Leafpool was faintly aware that Starclan cats had left her alone, now at the mercy of the dream. From the night, came a thunderous crashing, threatening to turn Leafpool deaf. As a wall of solid water slammed over her, cold tendrils dragging her under. Instantly, dirty water burrowed into her nose and ears, attempting to make her lungs burst. Thrashing against the tower of bubbles, Leafpool could barely see anything in the dark murk. Somehow, Leafpool's still managed to pick up a soft mewling over the exploding wave. The terror-filled screams of kits.
Far away, the outlines of three tiny bodies drifted, as they were mercilessly hurled around by the mighty current. Above them, a pair of flailing cats desperately reached out for the kits, a cream tom and tortoiseshell she-cat - Calling out their names, too muffled to make out.
Yet Leafpool was helpless to do anything, as the fierce flood drained out from under her, sending her spinning through nothing again. Next, steer cold blasted Leafpool in a howling wind, as she found herself on a bed of packed snow. Everything was white, besides from the bare patches of black trees trunks. Flakes almost blinding her, the silhouette of small kits and one cat formed on the horizon.
A limp body dangled from the warrior's jaw like freshly slain prey. Yet that wasn't the one to die. Unlike the dark coats of their family, one kit with a white and grey pelt, crumbled to the floor at their mother's paws. Clutching the lifeless bundle of fur, the she-cat let out a horrid cry of agony. Alarmingly, another one of the litter left their mother side, scripting straight towards Leafpool with the speed that belonged to a warrior.
With each stride, the kit grew larger and larger, seasons were passing in only a few heartbeats.
Now closer, Leafpool could see it was a tom with a stony grey pelt - His kit fluff bloomed like a flower, growing out into long sleek fur. His soft round features narrowing out to become a determined face, strong muscles rippling under a lean build. Gasping, Leafpool finally recognized Mistyfoot's brother, Stonefur. Yet the former deputy didn't acknowledge her as she invisible in those world of memories, no more than a whisper in this storm of dreams.
Around them, the snowstorm blew itself out of existence. Instead, it melted into a new landscape, now standing in boggy flatlands with the distant sound of running streams. Briefly, the field of reeds opened out to a large clearing, nameless shadowy figures filling it's edges, trapping them instead.
The once powerful strength of Stonefur's body was now gone, only a boney pile of fur left, every rib showing. A massive mountain of sharp prey bones rose high above them, making her feel like an ant. Leafpool's throat went dry, as she finally realized this was the scene of Stonefur's execution, that means- Staggering back, the Medicine cat almost tripped over a pair of apprentices, clutching together for dear life. The younger versions of Feathertail and Stormfur.
Powerless, Leafpool could only watch as a shadowy storm of claws and teeth devoured Stonefur instantly, bright red shotting in all directions. Unable to stand it, Leafpool clutched her head in paws, trying to drown out the sounds of pure pain and scent of raw blood. She understood now - Those are the repeating fates of the half-clan cats throughout history, who had their deepest secrets exposed - All ending in death.
Then, in Leafpool's darkest moment a sense of hope sparked to life, as soft mewling and the silky scent of milk filled the atmosphere. Now Leafpool laid in dense undergrowth, but with a cosy amount of room underneath it, like a den. Each wall it's own shade of green as it made up of a different plant, the left side, reeds and the right, brambles. Curled up on a nest of soft feathers and moss, laid a dark grey she-cat, nestling Mistykit and Stonekit against her belly. The distinctive traits of her plump belly and sleek pelt, told Leafpool that must of been the Riverclan mother of the two deputies, Graypool.
Despite not sharing a blood bond, the Queen still gazed longingly at the pair of littermates like any other mother. Even their birth was a crime against Warrior code, Starclan had still allowed them to grow up safe and warm. So they could grow into loyal warriors who would be honoured by the living and dead alike for seasons to come. The air was thick with purring as the family of three enjoyed each other company. Contagious like greencough, Leafpool couldn't help but feel a purr of her own form in her throat.
A new sound grabbed Leafpool's attention, so high-pitch it could only be the mewing of newborns. The cry of creatures that had never needed to cry out before. On the other side of the cave made of greenery, next to the bramble wall, lay a familiar dark ginger pelt. Gasping, as she saw her littermate, who held a special bond since they were only kits themselves. "Squirrelflight!", Leafpool called out.
Unable to hear her, Squirrelflight kept her back to her, instead, her loving gaze firmly fixed downwards, at to her belly. Despite having a wall of ginger between them, Leafpool could barely make out flickers of wriggling movement, impossible to make out any details. Glancing at her stomach, Leafpool's heart ached and soared at the same time. Those were her- No, Squirrelflight's precious kits. Only they happened to be inside Leafpool for now. It was Squirrelflight going through the effort, joy and pain of raising this new life. She was their mother.
Even if it was a future without her or Crowfeather, it was still a future nonetheless. Still welcomed within Thunderclan walls and without the shame brought by their true parents. One where they still attention they deserved, from a she-cat and tom Leafpool trusted above all else. Blood or birth didn't matter. They needed to be prepared for a danger beyond the pitiful wishes of a single Medicine cat. This was Starclan's will.
Between the cracks within the leaf walls, three fierce lights broke through, brighter than any Star Leafpool had seen before. Glowing with beautiful colours: The Luxurious Blue of a jay's wing, the Glinting green of a Holly bush and the Stunning Gold of a Lion's mane. The Stars' sharp arms expanded until it consumed Leafpool's vision.
Her eyes lids flying open, Leafpool found herself back at the Moonpool as if nothing had happened at all. The sky had turned from a solid black to lightning dark blue, as sunrise wasn't far off. Violently, her fear-filled heartbeat and breath bounced against her skull, unable to hear anything for serval moments. Taking a while for her body to recover from the overwhelming dream. Having barely noticed, the other Medicine cats chattering away casually on the other side of the pool.
Noticing she'd finally woken up, the small band went to greet her. At the head, Littlecloud dipped his head politely, "Glad you've managed to join us in the end, Leafpool. My apologies we couldn't wait for you, but we were pressed for time.", he mewed. Leafpool shook her head, still laying down, "Don't apologize, it's my fault I was late.".
While Littlecloud only nodded, the Riverclan cat, Mothwing hurried past, crouching beside her, sniffing at her head wound, "Don't blame yourself- Not with a wound like that. Are you alright?", the golden she-cat asked, worry in her deep amber eyes. Calmer, the experienced Littlecloud gazed at it from above, "Once you get back to Thunderclan, you should do a new herb dressing yourself. Whoever did it, forgot the Comfrey root.".
"I know Brightheart didn't do it perfectly, but she saved my life.", Leafpool insisted, getting onto shaky paws. Being careful to tighten her stomach muscles at all times, heaving her flanks in. If any cats were to be the first to notice her pregnancy, it would be the other Medicine cats. Despite how intense she felt, Leafpool couldn't let it show or they'd only grow suspicious.
Then, veering from out behind the crowd of older cats, the young Willowpaw bounded up to Leafpool eagerly, her thick tabby tail raised to the sky, "What did you dream of Leafpool?", she asked curiously, "Anything exciting?". The question made Leafpool's ear twitch uncontrollably. Rarely, like the one she just had, when Starclan needed to send an urgent message, one that couldn't be ignored, they were simply sent nightmares. However, usually, Starclan dreams were quite tame, only getting advice from an ancestor. Even still, they were only to spoken of when necessary.
The other Medicine cats waited for Mothwing to scold her apprentice for asking the inappropriate question. Yet Mothwing only responded with confusion, seemly unaware of the problem. Leafpool's heart lunged for the golden she-cat. Don't give away your disbelief!
Luckily, Barkface approached the silver apprentice, reminding her gently, "Just remember, Moonpool dreams ain't gossip, Willowpaw. They can hold serious information only meant for specific cats. Omens that may have nothing to do with us.".
Willowpaw sat back, blinking. Then Barkface's words seemed to click with her as she shrugged and shook her head, "Of course, silly me. Sorry, Leafpool!", she mewed, still as joyful as before.
After that outburst, The Medicine cats quickly slipped in usual small talk of the Moonpool meetings, as they started to descend up the cliff side. The narrow path only enough for two cats side by side. Hopefully, if Leafpool played it right, she could slip her question of preventing swelling bellies in a natural way.
For now, all Leafpool did was listen at the rear of the group, sticking close to Mothwing. "How are your clans fairing with this long Leafbare?", Barkface asked. Mothwing and Littlecloud gave decent reports; with no one starving, shelter remaining thick enough for the cold and illnesses being kept at bay. Even this Leafbare was longer than usual, it wasn't overly cold. The only main point of interest was Littlecloud being unable to treat Boulder's stubborn joints due to running out of Juniper berries.
Though Barkface offered help to Littecloud, "I could spare you some Heather Blossom from Windclan territory.", he mewed, "It quite the nifty little herb, doesn't even need to be mixed with anything. I'll leave you some on the border.", Barkface mewed. Littlecloud purred in reply, gratefully dipping his head. Now silent, Leafpool knew it was her turn to give the news. It had been so chaotic within Thunderclan, unsure if she wanted to share it all.
Sighing, Leafpool just decided to be honest, "Thunderclan basically fully recovered from the Badger attack now. But greencough slipped in recently- And Molepaw and Rainwhisker died last night.".
There was a murmur of sympathy from the other Medicine cats, just as the rocky trail came to end, now the ground flattening out. Mothwing pressed closer to Leafpool, now determined, "Do you have enough Catmint? Because I can-".
Though Leafpool laid her tail against Mothwing's shoulder to calm her, shaking her head, "It's under control, I've got all the Catmint I need now. Rainwhisker didn't actually die of Greencough, he got hit by a falling branch when he was helping me. That's where I got this head wound from.", she explained, bitterly. Even if she knew it wasn't her fault any more thanks to Starclan, that didn't make the guilt disappear completely.
Usually, the whole meeting would of separated by now, as they needed to travel their separate ways. However now that it was clear the conversation wasn't finishing any time soon, they settled down in a circle on the cliff top.
Littlecloud sighed, "The first time is always the hardest. I still remember my first loss as an independent Medicine cat. A tom called Wildfur. But I know now, experience only comes with time. More tradies will happen when you're younger.". That must of been before Leafpool was born, just after Littecloud's old mentor, Runningnose had just retired.
Trying to move on, Leafpool decided to focus on the living Clanmates, ones she could still save.
"I need advise a few things, actually." Leafpool began again uneasily, "First, It's that Goldenflower's teeth decay isn't stopping. Even Parsley can only slow it down.".
"It's still her eating, isn't it?", Littlecloud remembered, "Now- I know it's quite unusual for you Thunderclan cats - But it's the softest prey I know. Frogs.". Everyone winced slightly, knowing Shadowclan's reputation for loving all things scaly and slimy. Littlecloud carrier on, "Near the Abandoned Twoleg nest, there's bit of marsh which crosses into your territory. There might be a few Frogs there if Hunting patrols look hard enough. Just be mindful of the Border.".
Noting in down in her head, Leafpool decided to move onto the dreaded question. Having recapped it all the way to the Moonpool meeting, "One last thing, about Squirrelflight. She's recently gotten pregnant but her belly bloated more than it should have at this time.", she repeating her planned words, "Do you know any herbs that stop swelling stomachs?".
Barkface and Littlecloud glanced at each other. "It's unusual, but not unheard of. Though I haven't personally dealt with it.", the small tabby tom confirmed.
"It was a long time ago, so I could be remembering this wrong but- When I was still a paw, we once had that problem.", Barkface added, "I think Hawkheart tried using Fennel seeds, though it was unclear if that's what actually stopped the swelling.". Leafpool could see the logic behind it. Fennel stalks were used to ease hip pain. So maybe a separate part of the plant could be used to have a different effect on that same area. Barkface's uncertainty didn't help but it was better than nothing.
Fortunately, Mothwing came in with a whole lot more confidence, "There a herb we recently discovered in Riverclan territory that I think exactly what you're looking for Leafpool.", she assured. Willowpaw nodded beside her mentor, beaming with pride, clear she was one to discover it, "It's this bluish moss you find underwater.", she described, "Gets rid of any extra fat. Works wonders for Leopardstar.".
Leafpool held back a huff, as she reminded of Leopardstar's weight issues, unable to stop herself gorging on too much fish. Sometimes in Newleaf, she even looked like a kittypet.
"My mother, Sasha called it algae.", Mothwing explained, "If you really need it, we could go get it on the way to Riverclan camp.".
Leafpool pricked her ears, "You'd do that?", she exclaimed. Mothwing shrugged with a purr, "Of course, we've got plenty of the stuff. ".
Soon, they had left the long moors of Windclan territory, the earth turning marshy underpaw as they approached Riverclan's domain. Within a narrow strip of woodland, Leafpool could see the vast open Lake between the spindly trunks like overgrown grass blades. Often, Mothwing had to call her apprentice back as she ran on ahead, eager to get back to Riverclan camp. However, they were forced to stick to a slower pace so the injured Leafpool could keep up. Though Mothwing didn't seem to mind, content on looking at the scenery.
By now, the tip of the sun had crept over the horizon, it's warm light catching on the Lake's calm surface, glinting like stars. The clouds streaking over the dim sky, still soft pinks and pale oranges. The peaceful atmosphere only heightened by the first birdsongs of the day and gentle breeze rippling through the crispy brown leaves. Dawn had finally arrived. After such a long night, Leafpool almost thought she'd never see daylight again. Had the Dawn patrol left Thunderclan camp already?
It could just be her, but Leafpool seemed to notice something different about Mothwing. She didn't hold her shoulders so tightly, letting her muscles hang loose. Then her tail slides smoothly across the grassy floor, not constantly twitching. More relaxed then Leafpool had ever seen her. For a while, Leafpool had considered sharing her pregnancy with Mothwing. Letting another cat know decides from Squirrelflight, might of take away some of the burdens.
Afterall, she had shared the darkest secret of her disbelief in Starclan. However, Yellowfang's warning echoed in her mind. This was more then just Leafpool and her emotional needs. Despite how much she trusted Mothwing, she just couldn't risk it. For the sake of her poor kits.
As the group of three headed down a wet sloop, like always, Willowpaw was the first to go down, tumbling with heavy paws, impressive she'd didn't trip. When Mothwing and Leafpool meet her at the bottom, Mothwing chuckled at her apprentice, "You're really itchy to get back, ain't you?".
"Of course!", Willowpaw exclaimed, "I want to be the one to tell Blackclaw he can leave the Medicine den. He'll be so pleased, it'll be hilarious.". Facing in the direction of the distant Riverclan camp, Willowpaw lashed her tail with impatience.
Mothwing flicked her tail approvingly, "You know the rest of the way, so you can go on ahead. I'll deal with Leafpool quickly, and meet you back at camp.". With a single nod, the grey she-cat abruptly broke off into a run, bursting with energy, reduced to a distant speck in no time.
"Blackclaw?", Leafpool asked, curious about what the fierce warrior could have been up to.
Mothwing answered while she led the way down to the Lakeshore, their paws scuffing against a sandy bank, "Ever since Hawkfrost was killed, Blackclaw been desperate to find who did it. So much, he got into a fight with local kittypets. They can be a lot tougher than they look.".
It seems Brambleclaw wasn't the only affected by Hawkfrost's death. Knowing Blackclaw had always been close allies with the traitorous cat, unknowing of his true nature. Reminded of her own clanmates like Longtail and Dustpelt. Would Blackclaw be so eager to avenge his old friend if his crimes had been exposed like Tigerstar's were? Than, Leafpool realised she hadn't considered the most obvious victim yet.
Leafpool blinked sympathetically towards Mothwing. Since she was born as a rogue, her friend had no kin within Riverclan other than her brother. Then even her own littermate turned against her, using her as a pawn in his schemes. As if Mothwing had overheard Leafpool's thoughts, she turned a guilty face at her, "How are Brook and Stormfur doing?", she asked nervously about her former Clanmates.
Having flashbacks to that Gathering several moons ago, as Mothwing told of her supposed dream while Hawkfrost breathed down her neck, ultimately leading to Stormfur's and Brook's exile from Riverclan. Did she still blame herself for that? Carefully, Leafpool picked her answer, "There still adjusting but they'll fine with a little more time.". Silence hung as Mothwing didn't reply, instead focusing on getting to the spot with the Algae.
While Leafpool remained on the sandy bank, Mothwing leapt down into the swallows, her legs submerged as she splashed among the tiny waves. This corner of the lake suddenly jutted out into an outcrop of jagged rocks, piled up in a circle. Keeping to dry land, Leafpool had to play catch up, veering around the edge as Mothwing had already scrambled over the rocky wall and disappeared over it.
It was like an open mouth, the rocks as it's fangs, trapping a large body of water from the main lake. Gazing down from the grey ledge, Leafpool could see it didn't hold the usual fresh and clean water of the Lake. Instead, there was only dirty murk. The bottom was so deep, it was completely out of sight.
Floating on the surface, was disgusting green slime, like nothing Leafpool had seen before, even having a bluish tint. It appeared as if a cat had dumped tons of moss into this rock pool, being left to rot, now clumped together and thinned this must be what Mothwing called Algae.
Then she spotted a golden head bobbing among the lime green, "It is safe?", Leafpool called down. Using her front paws to paddle, Mothwing gracefully swivelled round on the spot to face a worried Leafpool, "My mother taught me about it when I was a kit. Some Algae it dangerous while others can be beneficial.", she explained. Before Leafpool could answer, Mothwing twisted her neck downwards like a snake, diving under the layer of Algae.
Emerging again, Mothwing's jaw now overflowed with the strange plant, drooping down like a willow's leaves. Outstretching her claws, Mothwing gripped the rock and heaved herself out of the lagoon. Leaning forward, Leafpool gripped her by the scruff, helping her the last of the way.
A dripping wet Mothwing dropped the Algae at Leafpool's paws like a green slug, "I've been using this blueish type for the past moon and there's been no negative side effects as far I can see. You use it by eating it raw.", she assured her.
It should of been easy, take the herb, say farewell and she'd been on her way. But something held Leafpool back, like the strangling invisible vines. The words she wanted to say lodged in her throat like a stone. Quickly picking up the brown she-cat hesitation, Mothwing blinked down at her, "Leafpool- do you need to say something?".
Sighing, Leafpool expected to defeat and admitted it, "I know you don't believe in Starclan. But in my dream today- I think know Hawkfrost's afterlife. I can tell you if you're interested.".
For a moment, Mothwing didn't reply, only thoughtful. Bracing herself for a worse reaction, Leafpool was shocked to see the other Medicine cat just shrug, "I already know that if Starclan did exist, my brother wouldn't be going there. He's done too many awful things.". Standing up, Mothwing followed the lip of the lagoon and halted, staring down into the murky water.
Then she turned towards Leafpool again, new regret in her voice, "The only thing I wish for him now, is that Hawkfrost gets to know whether our littermate, Tadpole, is safe or not.", she mewed, "But no more than that. Tadpole or my mother wouldn't want to see what he's become.".
Unable to stop herself, a deeply personal question slipped from Leafpool's lips, "D-do you know how he died?".
To this, Mothwing tightened up into a ball, her muscles tense and fur spiking on end. Instantly, Leafpool regretted asking. However, Mothwing pulled through, her amber gaze flickering over the oaks of Thunderclan in the far distance, "You think I don't know? We may not seem the closet but Brambleclaw still told everything. And to imagine, if Hawkfrost was willing to kill Bramblelcaw, he could probably kill me too.", her bitter words trailing off into an uneasy silence.
"I'm sorry.", was all Leafpool could say, frozen to the spot like frost had formed over her. With one final huff, Mothwing began stalking in the direction of Riverclan camp, "Don't be.", she uttered, "He brought it on himself. At least now, he can't hurt me or anyone else." .
Sadly, what Mothwing said couldn't be further from the truth. Even if his physical body was dead, Hawkfrost's spirit still lurked somewhere out there. Despite it only being in dreams, as long as him or his father had contact to living cats, they'd always be a threat - Among the other residents of the Dark Forest, Leafpool wasn't aware of yet. Which to her terror, somehow involved her kits. Starclan better do their part to protect them.
Halting briefly, Mothwing forced herself to become more calm, guilty at acting towards her friend like. "Whenever you need anymore Algae, just came to me.", she mewed awkwardly, "Do you need help getting back to your territory?".
Hurriedly, Leafpool snatched up the herb and shook her head, "I'll fine.", she sounded in a muffled voice. Not wanting to make anything worse, Leafpool leapt down from the stones, starting the long journey back home, leaving Mothwing behind.
