by Arcaii » Sat Sep 13, 2014 10:02 am
Choices:
1. My friend
2. My friend
3. Eye on the water
4. My friend
5. Eye on the water
6. Something bad
7. Something bad
Roll says... 4: My friend.
"My friend went up there, too," you say, somewhat out of breath from all the running. "I was following her when I smelled your cat."
"Hm." The tom narrows his eyes. "And what was your friend up there for?"
"Trust me when I say that it's a very long story." You stumble over something but don't pause. "You can ask Thistlenose about it."
"Thistlenose?" he says. "What does she have to do with this?"
You stop talking then, mostly because you need to focus on getting enough air in your lungs to keep going up the hill and into the woods, all the while watching the water. When you reach the first row of trees, the cat (who you finally recognize as the deputy from the Gathering) takes over and follows the water. You just focus on not panting loudly and keep an eye on him.
It only takes a few minutes before he halts, making you bump into him.
"What's up?" you ask, having your breath back. "Is it..."
His voice is taught. "Go back to the open and wait for my cats. Quickly."
Your heart sinks. "Both of them?"
He doesn't respond. You drag your tail all the way to the end of the woods.
...
It takes a while, but finally the three warriors pull both cats out and carry them into the open. You can see that there are several gashes on Knotpaw's pelt and that her claws are extended. You can't look at her for too long, though. It's taking all of your strength to not hate yourself for being unable to get away from the patrol in time.
The second cat, to your surprise, is the molly apprentice that looks like you. She looks even more battered and vicious, even in death, like she had been fighting to the last minute. Admirable, you guess.
The other apprentice looks rather grieved and goes home to announce it to his Clan. The white tom, who you discover is deaf, doesn't say anything, but very clearly extends his sympathy to you. He and the golden molly carry Knotpaw down to your border for you, since she's too big for you to carry.
"Will you be okay from here?" asks the molly gently. "If we were allowed to cross borders, I'd help you bring her home."
I'll have to be.
Yeah. Thank you.
As well as I can be.
Say nothing.