Another chapter, rather on time. It's a short one today.


Except for the colour of their fur, Blossomstar and Springfur were nothing alike. Different patterns, different eyes, different builds and most importantly, different personalities. Despite that, they had been so close that their bond probably rivalled the twins of MistClan, Bayfur and Springstripe. Now, in death, stardust dotted her sister's speckled pelt where it mixed with her own as they laid pressed against each other. It suited her.

In front of them, Hootpuddle also looked very handsome with his shiny fur. She would have to remember to tell Webhollow and her kits about it. Blossomstar tried to imagine their reaction and the attempt tugged at something in her mind.

She hadn't visited the Moontree and her visions without it were never clear. Then, how…?

"Springfur," she croaked, voice unsteady, "what am I doing here?"

The long-suffering sigh that her sister let out stretched for so long that she hysterically wondered if cats still needed to breathe once they joined their ancestors.

"You know why. You ought to be more careful. I enjoy seeing you, but I don't think you're meant to join us so soon."

"Blossomstar," Hootpuddle mewed to get her attention, "you have already lost five lives. Even if you do it to protect MistClan, remember that you are the leader; everyone still needs your guidance."

"Somehow, I don't think the Clan would crumble down without me. We're far past that."

Springfur shook her head with a resigned look in her eyes.

"Promise to try at least, alright? Don't come back too soon!"

StarClan's peaceful territory blurred and suddenly she blinked awake. Or rather tried to, but her left eye was kept firmly shut by a heavy layer of acrid-smelling poultice. Bayfur hovered over her and lit up when she noticed the change.

"Good, you're finally awake! Don't touch your eye, the dog dealt a lot of damage. Hoepfully it won't get infected, but it will definitely scar."

"Is everyone safe? And where is the dog?"

"Everything is fine. I was nearby, so I came quickly and when the Twolegs caught the dog, Tawnyfoot and I dragged you away, then I sent him and Skyshine back to the camp – they only had minor injuries. But you slept a long time and I couldn't seem to feel your breath at some point, so did you…"

"Don't worry. I must have hit my head pretty hard. Age really doesn't help recovery, huh…"

Blossomstar ignored the young medicine cat's unconvinced look and snorted.

As they made their way back, she pondered her sister's words. She didn't want to join StarClan earlier than necessary either, but protecting her Clanmates was her priority – no matter how. In a territory where her negotiation skills – the same ones who had allowed her to create MistClan without inviting a more drastic punishment that a brutal exile from the old Clan – weren't needed and where her role had shifted to organising and overseeing daily activities, she felt like it was the least she could do.

She still had four lives, and they would be well-spent. Blossomstar was going to make sure of it.


The next chapter is probably going to be late because the usual schedule falls right in the middle of my exams... We'll see how I manage that.