This is Episode Two, Season One, of I will run forever.
Enjoy :3
Battles
I instantly feel pain searing through my pelt as the cats attack me. My shock suddenly turns into energy; I think I can use this to attack them.
I kick my hind legs up towards the attacker’s belly, and suprisingly, he flew off. He landed with a thud behind me. I shoot up, immediately dropping into a crouch as another cat charges towards me. I try and leap over the cat, but I fail, clumsily crashing on the cat’s back.
The cat (apparently a she-cat) rears up and I fall, smashing into the ground. Pain spreads through my forehead, and when I struggle to lift my head, everything is blurry.
“Just so you know, we take no prisoners!” Another cat spat, digging it’s teeth into the back of my neck. I shudder with pain, screaming.
Then the weight leveled off. I struggle to raise my head again, and I see other cats fighting the attackers. One had a fire-like pelt, the next had a tortishell coat, and the last was a small, golden tabby.
Soon, the attacking cats fled, spitting and growling in their wake. The fire-like cat—a tom—swiftly turned around and helped me up.
I wobbled on my paws and almost fell. He caught me and steadied me.
“You can barely stand,” He noted. My surroundings were still very blurry, and black spots started forming at the edges of my eyes. How hard did I hit my head?
After what seemed like a very long time—but was probably only a minute—I was standing on my own. Soon, my vision cleared, and I could see the cats clearly. The fire-like tom was still looking at me, concerned, and the two other cats were discussing something.
“Sizzlepaw, this isn’t up for disscusion—” The tortishell said.
“But please, Jadeshadow, she may be a spy!”
I snort quietly. A spy? More like a spy who can’t even defend herself.
The fire-like tom cut them off. “Jadestorm! Sizzlepaw!”
The two cats stopped thier conversation and looked at me. The golden-tabby, a she-cat, bounded up to me.
“Who are are you?” she demanded, sniffing me curiously. Who are these people?
“Sizzlepaw!” The fire-like tom snapped. “Is that how you talk to another cat? Introduce yourself!”
The golden-tabby bowed her head. “Sorry....” She looked back to me. “I’m Sizzlepaw. Now, who are you?”
Sizzlepaw. What a weird name. “I’m Sage.”
“Sage,” The fire-like tom said thoughtfully. He nodded at me. “I’m Flaredash.”
“And I’m Jadeshadow,” The tortishell cat grunted.
I now realize that the all looked skinnier than usual. The famine is affecting them too.
“Who were those cats attacking me?” I asked.
“We’ll explain everything once we get back to camp,” Flaredash replied.
Camp? Are they taking me with them?
“Sorry, but I can’t go with you to.....wherever you’re going.” I shifted my paws. I need to get back to Tulip and Tanner! “I need to go back home.”
Flaredash looked at Jadeshadow. Jadeshadow just flicked her tail. “Very well then,” she sighed. “Go.”
I nodded my head in thanks, turned around, and dashed off. I couldn’t help noticing that Lark’s body was mysteriously gone.
Oh Lark. You didn’t deserve to die, I thought in grief. I hope.
~
I finally reached the stream where I first entered the forest. This was when I realized that I was bleeding; and extremely tired.
My breath caught in my throat as I spotted ‘our’ den. I trudged over towards the entrance. I braced myself, squeezing my eyes shut, for seeing bloody, dead bodies of Tanner and Tulip.
Something tugged my fur.
I slowly opened my eyes.
“Tulip!” I exclaim. Relieved and full of joy, I saw Tanner and Tulip right in front of me. They were as good as ever.
“You are okay!” I wrap my tail around them both, embracing them. They both embraced me back.
“You aren’t,” Tanner whispered, worried. I looked down. Bloody scratches covered my pelt from ears to tail-tip.
“You’re right. I just need some sleep, though. I’ll recover soon.” I sighed, and basically fell into my nest.
Tulip nodded her head.
“Where’s Lark?” Tanner asked.
But I was to sleepy to tell him. I’ll tell them after, I thought. Relief washed through me as the comfort of sleep engulfed me.
~
I woke up with a start.
I looked around, frenzied. Was this all a dream? But then I saw the scratches.
Shutting my eyes in pain, I grunted. Nope. Not a dream.
Tulip and Tanner were suddenly sitting beside me.
“So, where’s the prey you found?” Tulip asked, curious.
My heart sank. The promise. I forgot all about it.
“And where’s Lark?” Tanner demanded. “He went out yesterday saying he had to make some dirt, but never came back.”
“Also, who attacked you?” Tulip had a worried look on her face.
I sighed. “Okay, it’s a long story. Are you ready to hear it?”
So I told them everything. Not leaving any part out, because they had a right to know what happened to Lark. They seemed to understand why I wasn’t able to bring back prey for them, which was relieving for me. Tulip also told me that Lark fed them a mouse. Poor Lark.
Tulip’s eyes widened in shock. “He’s......dead?”
“Yes.” I hurt me to see my two siblings so upset. Tanner bowed his head in grief.
“Whoever did this to Lark,” Tanner growled, “is going to pay. I’ll take them down with my epic battle skills!” He rolled over, batting his paws in the air; he got back up, panting.
“Sure, lets go with that,” Tulip swatted Tanner with her tail, amusement edging her voice.
I laughed. I was so happy my siblings could make the best out of every situation.
“We will all miss him,” I said, bittersweetness in my tone. Tanner and Tulip nod their head.
“Sage, will you get better?” Tanner asked.
“I told you I will,” I say, smiling.
WIP