#petalcurrent

It would regrow, but not in time, and Plumsong cursed, dashing away. The warriors followed on his heels ad this was what he had been dreading since these rainfalls had started; vital herbs being hit when their stocks needed to be replenished.

Goldstar had only lost one life before, so she had plenty yet, but Plumsong did not want to risk her losing one. No leader had lost a life since their connection to Starclan had broken, and he had no idea if she would be able to come back to them, or if her lost life would go to Starclan like it was supposed to.

They raced through the territory, searching, and part of Plumsong had half the mind to run straight to Foggyclan or Weedclan rather than carry on a desperate search when time was wasting away, but given the state of the world now, they might not be too willing to share. It would also be better to have Wiggity Wacks with him for that, not two warriors, and he shook himself mentally.

They raced to the next spot where they gathered time, the spot the medicine cats had collectively decided to leave alone to regrow and flourish so the patch would still be there, but they did not have much of a choice right now.

Luckily, there was still thyme to be had, and though it went against his instincts as a medicine cat, Plumsong harvested it with the warriors.

It was perfectly fine, but it smelled sickly to him, the nubs of the stalks seeming to glare accusingly at them as they bundled the herbs into their jaws, but needs must.

They turned away and sprinted back to camp, but the detour and racing away to a further part of the territory had cost them.

By the time Plumsong careened into the private part of the den, he found Jackdawnudge and Skypelt sitting beside Goldstar, who was very still in her nest.

"She's losing a life." Jackdawnudge said gruffly.

"Starclan damn it!" Plumsong shouted after setting down his bundle of herbs.

"It happens, Plumsong. She'll be mostly recovered, at least from the worst of it, by the time the life is gone." Jackdawnudge said and Plumsong peeled back his lips.

"I know that! But Starclan had abandoned us! What if she doesn't come back? What if her lost life starts forming some kind of monster? I was a medicine cat long before you ever were, Jackdaw!" he snapped, bristling.

"Hey, there's no need for that." Petalcurrent butted in, setting her herbs down as well.

"Plumsong has valid worries." Skypelt said, looking down at Goldstar.

She curled around the still form of the leader, burying her nose in her fur, and closed her eyes, likely praying to Starclan that everything would be fine. There was nothing to be done but wait and see, and as they watched, a pale, ghostly shape rose up from Goldstar.

It drifted aimlessly above her, curled and limp, and Plumsong's stomach churned. He held his breath, the four of them with their eyes open watching, waiting. It was taking too long, this wasn't how it was supposed to happen... Then suddenly the pale form of the life jerked, rising higher and higher until it had disappeared into the roof of the den.

Goldstar was still for a little longer, but then her flanks began to move again, and her eyes soon cracked open. The worst of it was gone, but she was still in shock, and as Skypelt rose and pulled away from her, the medicine cats set to work.

They did all they could, but Goldstar was still suffering from the shock, even though she was out of danger, and there was no way she could pick a deputy by moonhigh.

So the clan gathered, save for Lester's kits, Goldstar, and Goldstar's kits, and while it seemed wrong to do this with four of their warriors absent, they had no choice.

The clan cast votes by not shouting for the cat they wanted to stand in, because that could have been messy, but by laying stones gathered from around camp in that cat's nest.

When everyone had placed their stones, Plumsong went and counted them, and there were really only three contenders. But even then, the chosen cat was obvious.

"Skypelt." he said, emerging from the warriors' den.

"Our clan has chosen you to lead us and guide us until Goldstar is able to name our deputy. Do you accept this role? And do you understand it does not mean you are the deputy?" he asked, looking the she-cat down.

She bowed her head.

"I understand, and I accept this role. I will serve my clan however I can." she said and Plumsong nodded.

That was it, then.

Most of the clan gathered outside after that to hold a small vigil for Flintfur even though they did not have his body, and Plumsong returned to his patient.

He couldn't help but notice that Jackdawnudge was curled in his nest, the scent of grief wafting off him, and he was curled up as tightly as a cat could be.

Jackdawnudge was older than Plumsong, and while they had all lost their clans in the great war, Plumsong noticed that since forming Hyacinthclan, Jackdawnudge seemed a bit more effected by grief.

Copsespots and her kits, Ashtalon, and now Flintfur... Each time his fellow medicine cat had been struck heavily by his grief. Plumsong worried that one day, Jackdawnudge might not recover from that grief.

He checked on him, but Jackdawnudge ignored him, and Plumsong curled up with Goldstar, keeping her warm and monitoring her, doing his best to swallow down his own grief, too.

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Goldstar was out of danger, but the shock still took some time to wear off, along with the grief. Plumsong was also concerned that something had gone wrong when she had lost her life. The shock seemed to be gone, and the grief was to be expected, but she was so still and quiet that the medicine cats, and the clan, were worried.

Jackdawnudge was also refusing to leave his nest now, succumbing to his own grief, and Plumsong was glad that Skypelt was taking charge of the clan, because the medicine cats had enough to handle at the moment.

With a clan as small as theirs, especially in a clan formed of such tragedy, every loss hit hard. They were lucky to have only lost five cats over the past thirty-five moons, and each one was still a hard blow.

Copsespots, Firkit, Shrewkit, Ashtalon, and now Flintfur.

And Plumsong couldn't shake it out of his head that Jackdawnudge and Yellowlily, not to mention himself and even Goldstar, were getting on in moons.

More losses were more likely to happen sooner rather than later, and hopefully the clan would be able to recover from them. Of course, losses from old age were far different than the five losses they had suffered.

Yellowlily, Quietback, and Amberpaw were still gone, Yellowpaw and Quailpaw still restricted from the den because they did not need to see their mother like this, when Goldstar finally spoke, the shadows long and the light fading.

"Flintfur...?" she croaked and Plumsong turned away from the thyme he was taking care of.

Goldstar's eyes were open and unfocused, and he rushed over.

"Goldstar? It's Plumsong." he said, crouching in front of his leader.

She looked at him, her eyes dull with grief, and Plumsong had seen this enough times to know that while the shock was gone, the grief was not.

"He's gone." Goldstar whispered and Plumsong nodded.

"I'm so sorry." he said, and he was.

There wasn't a cat in the clan who had disliked Flintfur, and even his prickly old pelt had found comfort in the dark gray warrior.

"How do you feel?" Plumsong asked next.

"Thirsty." Goldstar said, and he fetched water.

Soaked the ball of moss in the little pool in the den, giving it to his patient, and fetched Lester, who got Wasp and Skypelt.

By the time he made it back, Jackdawnudge had heaved himself from his own nest and was curled up with Goldstar, white and dark ginger-spotted pelt and golden, white-marked pelt pressed so close together they seemed to be one cat, and Jackdawnudge was being oddly tender, licking Goldstar's ears.

"Goldstar. I am so sorry." Skypelt said, sympathy pulsing in her voice.

Goldstar nodded, her ears laying back at the sight of all of them, and Lester and Wasp left without a word, being the junior medicine cats. Though Plumsong wasn't quite sure if Jackdawnudge counted as a medicine cat right now, considering he was also a patient.

"Yellowlily, Quietback, and Amberpaw have taken Flintfur to be burned. He is in good paws, Goldstar, you know that." Skypelt assured her and Goldstar gave a dull nod.

Goldstar gave a feeble nod.

"My kits...?" she asked, her eyes filled with worry, despite how dull they looked.

"Quailpaw and Yellowpaw are looking after each other. Yellowpaw is as fine as she can be. She blames herself, little scrap, but we're all making sure she understands that it wasn't her fault." Plumsong said and Goldstar closed her eyes.

"I should-"

"No. You may be their mother, but you are allowed to grieve. And forgive me, Goldstar, but they really shouldn't see you like this. Not right now." Skypelt cut in, her voice firm.

"Goldstar, I hate to ask right now, but we need to know. What... What happened when you lost your life? Was it like what Amberpaw described?" Plumsong asked, because they had to know.

Starclan had been silent for eight moons now, and while Amberpaw had revived, Flintfur and others had died, and no leaders had lost lives (that they knew of) since all this had started happening.

"I... I was on the Beach of Stars. But it wasn't... It was quite right. I couldn't move, I couldn't do anything. I felt... Stuck." Goldstar said, her breath hitching.

She had lost a life before, and this was certainly not how it had gone. The beach and the ocean were consistent with what Amberpaw had said, but being on the sand rather than the water and being stuck was not.

"Then?" Skypelt prompted.

"I think... Flintfur... I think he guided me to Starclan." Goldstar said softly and Plumsong's ears pricked.

"You made it to Starclan?" he asked, shocked.

"Someone... A cat with gray fur... They pulled me into the water. And when I surfaced, I was standing in Starclan. I saw Mallowstar." she said, referring to the last lives-blessed leader of Oleanderclan.

"Did she say anything?" Plumsong asked softly.

"I couldn't hear her. It was like she was trying to speak underwater. There was... Something between us." Goldstar said and laid her head on her paws.

"I'm sorry. That's all I remember." she said, voice growing soft as she did.

"Don't apologize." Plumsong said sharply, because this was better news than he had hoped for.

Well, not exactly better, but it at least meant despite all the strangeness, Starclan was still there. Still trying to talk to them, it seemed. Even if they were unable. But that still left all the questions they had been grappling with for moons, and part of Plumsong wanted to demand more answers out of Goldstar, but he knew she did not have them.

There was nothing more to discuss right now. Goldstar was in clearly no state to choose a deputy, so they let her have peace. She refused the mouse Plumsong brought her and he let it go now, bringing her herbs instead that she lapped up. Then she curled up with Jackdawnudge and closed her eyes, the two pressing tightly against each other.

Plumsong let them be, sitting at the entrance of the den, watching as the last of light slipped away. He would tell Lester and Wasp what Goldstar had said soon, but right now, he wanted to ponder it. What did it mean? Why was Starclan cut off from them? Why did this cut Starclan off from them in the first place?

Clearly, Starlcan was aware and trying, but what was this ocean and beach? It wasn't truly the Beach of Stars. And a cat with gray fur... Had it been Flintfur? Another warrior? Perhaps Ashtalon? But no, the length must have been obvious, and Flintfur had- had had long fur. So not Ashtalon.

Had it been... Had it been Skypelt? Plumsong had to wonder that for an instant. After all, the she-cat had curled up with Goldstar, and shortly after, Goldstar's life had broken free.

But no. No, Skypelt had never shown any unusual abilities nor had she come to him or Jackdawnudge about dreams or omens.

Then again, Amberpaw had seemed completely normal... Until he had been killed. And he somehow possessed the ability to sense the Unseen as well.

It was late when Plumsong sought out Skypelt, Wasp and Lester informed, thoughts to be puzzled over even though no answers would come.

Tumbledaisy was perched in the tree as the rainwatcher, as usual, a post she took pride in, because admittedly, a blind cat as a warrior could be difficult at times, but these days, well... But her sense of smell was unrivaled, and she had proved wonderful at detecting rainfalls.

Skypelt was sitting at the edge of camp, looking out over the ocean, and Plumsong joined her.

"Skypelt, I need to ask.. Have you ever had strange dreams before? Anything... Unusual... That you can't quite explain?" Plumsong asked bluntly when neither of them said anything.

Skypelt blinked, swiveling her head, and angled her ears.

"What? Like Amberpaw?" she asked after a beat, as if processing his words.

"Yes, or something else." Plumsong said and Skypelt shook her head.

"Not that I know of." Skypelt replied, letting out a soft mrrow. "Why?"

"I was just wondering." Plumsong said, shaking his head.

It had been foolish. They had been in a clan together for thirty-five moons, had traveled here before that, and surely he would have noticed if there was something strange about her, if she had dreams or abilities.

Skypelt nodded and Plumsong began to get to his paws, but Skypelt spoke.

"Plumsong... If you don't mind, would sit with me for a while? I could use some company." she said and Plumsong was surprised.

But he found he couldn't deny her the request and he sat next to her, their pelts brushing, looking up at the stars until, finally, they both returned to their nests.

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"Let all cats of the clan gather beneath the tree for a clan meeting!"

Goldstar's voice rang out clearly through the clearing, but the clan had more or less already been waiting, and it hardly took them any time to gather.

Goldstar had certainly looked better and she was still grieving deeply, but she had managed to get up from her nest and speak to her kits, and today she was doing her duty to the clan by appointing the new deputy.

Yellowlily, Quietback, and Amberpaw had returned by this point, and they had told them how the journey to and from had gone, as well as how the burning had gone. It seemed to have worked as originally planned, which was good, and Goldstar plunged on.

"I need to appoint our new deputy. Flintfur... Flintfur served us well, but we can not have the place vacant, and he would understand. So Starclan, hear and approve my choice. Skypelt, if you are willing, I would like to become Hyacinthclan's new deputy." Goldstar said, and no one was surprised.

Skypelt stepped forward and bowed her head respectfully.

"I am willing, Goldstar."

"Do you swear to uphold the duties of a deputy, to look after your clan, to care for them when I am unable, and to ultimately lead them when I am gone?" Goldstar asked, not the traditional words, exactly, but much about their clan was not traditional.

"I do."

"Then I am name you deputy of Hyacinthclan. May you serve us well." Goldstar said, leaping down to rest her muzzle on Skypelt's forehead.

When she was done, she climbed back into the tree, waiting until the clan's cheers had died down. The cheers felt almost inappropriate with their grief, but they cheered anyway.

"And there is another matter I need to address. Yellowpaw, you not only lost your father, you lost your mentor. And you need a new one. I will mentor you, when I am able, and for now, I ask that Civetbeak take Yellowpaw on alongside Amberpaw, if you can." she said, looking at the dark warrior.

Buzzardglide leaned over and repeated the words in her brother's ears.

"Yes, leader, I am fine with that." Civetbeak said with a nod, and that was it.

Goldstar ended the meeting and slipped back into her den, and Plumsong followed after. She was still grieving, still in pain, and so was Jackdawnudge. Well, they all were, but those two cats, they were suffering from it the most.

But, at least, Goldstar had ensured that even in her grief, the clan had stability, and that was all Plumsong could ask her for right now. He had to hope, that in the moons to comes, despite another loss, that Hyacinthclan would recover once more.

They might need to go to Foggyclan or, Starclan forbid, Weedclan, if this kept up, and Weedclan would certainly not take kindly to it. Though there had been attempts to make peace with the clan, the almost-war still had a rift driven between them, and Weedclan was less willing to forgive than Hyacinthclan was.

They also didn't want to ask other clans for herbs they might need in the future, because everyone was going through the same thing right now. So they would look first and ask the other clans as a last resort, and Tumbledaisy's sharp nose would come in handy.

They set off, heading toward the furthest reach of Hyacinthclan's territory in the direction of the lighthouse, and Tumbledaisy triumphantly found a patch of poppies that were just right for picking. They harvested them, sliding them into the sling for the herbs Petalcurrent was carrying, and she knew this would soften Jackdawnudge's grumpy attitude, though Yellowlily seemed to be doing that just fine.

As they hunted for more, Petalcurrent broke the silence.

"So what do you think of Jackdaw and Yellowlily?" she asked her sister, though they had briefly discussed it when it had become clear that their father and the old she-cat were now mates.

"What do you mean, what do I think?" Tumbledaisy asked, her ears pricked, nose high in the air.

It was unlikely that another rainfall would happen again so soon, but they could never be too careful.

"I mean exactly what I said." Petalcurrent said, keeping her tail lightly against her sister's flank.

"I like Jackdaw deserves to be happy. Starclan knows he's had a soft spot for Yellowlily since were kits, and she for him. The two of them becoming mates was long overdue, I think. Though I'm surprised Plumsong didn't agree first." Tumbledaisy replied and Petalcurrent had to agree with that.

Jackdawnudge had spent their entire lives looking after them and the clan and maybe he had never been the most obviously affectionate father ever, but he loved them. Whenever they had gone to the medicine cats' den, he had hovered over them, pulling thorns, treating wounds, fussing over scraped pads. He had been so helpful to Gillfeather when she had brought her litter back to camp and stubbornly insisted on adopting them, showing her what he had done when he had adopted five kits with no knowledge. He deserved to have a mate and spend his moons with someone he loved enough to have at his side like that.

And Yellowlily deserved to be happy, too. She had been there too, helping Jackdawnudge with them, advising the clan, looking after them, and of course they all knew the story of what had happened to the clans before Hyacinth. After all that, those who had come and formed their clan definitely deserve to find as much happiness as they could get.

Especially now.

As they searched for herbs, they kept talking about it, and Petalcurrent was relieved when did turn up a good amount of herbs, even if it wasn't as much as she would have liked. She mumbled a little song Jackdawnudge had taught them as kits, taking them from camp to help gather nearby herbs, against the rules, but no one had argued with him.

Tumbledaisy heard and soon they were singing together, harvesting herbs, determined to get as much as the medicine cats had requested, because there was no telling when the next rainfall would either make supplies flourish or completely devastate them. And they wanted to avoid asking other clans at all costs during times like this.

Petalcurrent knew they would not be able to replace all the herbs and that she was being too hopeful, but finding several thick, good patches of at least a few lifted her spirits, and she knew it would make things easier on the clan.

There was no point in leaving any; hungry prey would take whatever they could get, and the next rainfall was likely to wipe it all out anyway. So they harvested everything that could be harvested, and moved on. They were nearing the far reaches of the territory in their search when Tumbledaisy suddenly lifted her tail, a signaling Petalcurrent to wait.

"What?" Petalcurrent whispered, tasting the air, but her nose was clogged with the scent and taste of herbs.

"Hi there!" a voice called out a moment later, in the direction Tumbledaisy had been turned.

A cat emerged from the growth with no caution whatsoever, even though she was in clearly marked territory, and Petalcurrent blinked. She looked a lot like Morbius, actually, though her fur was medium, not long, and her pelt was a different pattern. Her eyes were also lighter, but the shape of her head and ears echoed Morbius, as did her pelt color.

"Who are you? You're intruding on Hyacinthclan territory." Petalcurrent said, her tone hard, but she was not aggressive.

They had no idea what this loner wanted, after all. She might have just been passing through.

"What is Hyacinthclan?" the loner asked blankly.

"Didn't you pass the markers?" Petalcurrent asked, hoping the rainfall hadn't washed them away.

"I did, but I don't know what Hyacinthclan is." the loner replied, remaining back cautiously.

"It's the name of our group. A group of cats who all live together, and protect each other. We take care of each other. There are four other clans here, too. Foggyclan, Weedclan, Ferretclan, and Curlewclan. We don't appreciate trespassers, but we won't hurt you if you don't mean us harm." Tumbledaisy said patiently.

"Oh! Oh, my barn group is like that!" the cat said, relaxing visibly.

"I'm Tumbledaisy, and this is my sister, Petalcurrent. Who are you, and why are you here?" Tumbledaisy continued, flicking her ears toward Petalcurrent.

"My name is Confetti. I'm- or maybe I was- a barn cat far from here. I came looking for my older sister; a Twoleg came and took her away from the barn. I didn't want her to be alone, and I wanted to see what her new colony might be like. Her name is Morbius. Have you seen her? I can't find any barns around here." the loner said, her pale blue eyes sweeping over them.

"Morbius? Is she a fluffy she-cat the same color as you?" Petalcurrent asked, stomach jolting unpleasantly.

"Yes! Yes! Oh, you have seen her! Is she part of your colony now?" Confetti said, springing forward eagerly.

"Um, not... She's at our camp. We're taking care of her right now." Petalcurrent said, having no idea how they would explain what had happened to this cat.

What were the odds that Morbius's sister would show up looking for her?

"She's been hurt very badly, Confetti. But we can bring you to our camp to see her, and our leader will decide things concering you if you want to stay." Tumbledaisy said gently and Confetti's fur stood on end.

"What?! What happened?" she cried, alarm and fear thick in her scent.

"She had an accident. She was coming to tell us something and fell off a slope. Her back is broken, but our medicine cats are doing everything they can for her." Petalcurrent said quickly.

"What's a medicine cat?" Confetti demanded.

"They're cats who take care of cats who have been injured or are sick. We have four, and she's receiving the best treatment they can give her." Tumbledaisy soothed, rising.

"Would you like to come to our camp and see her?" she added.

"Yes!" Confetti cried and Petalcurrent looked ruefully at their herbs.

Not nearly as much as she would have liked, but they couldn't linger when this cat had no protection.

And Petalcurrent knew if it was here, she wouldn't want to wait for someone to gather herbs before she could see her sister. So back to camp it was and Confetti stayed close, seeming a little nervous the further they went. From what Petalcurrent understood about barn cats, to undergo the journey by herself, particularly with how things were now, was nothing short of amazing. A new journey, a new place, and learning that her sister was badly injured and living with a group of unknown cats must have been nerve-wracking.

They asked her about her journey and how she had managed to survive it, and Confetti told them that it hadn't been easy. It turned out the rainfalls weren't contained just to the clan territories, as they had suspected, since Morbius's Twoleg had come to investigate it. No, it was as far as anyone knew and that was sort of disheartening, but not unexpected. Confetti had had quite the journey involving rainfalls and Unseen, and Petalcurrent couldn't help but admire this cat, who seemed to think that her surviving to get here was no big deal.

When they made it back to camp, Laurelbright was sitting guard by the entrance and Fogpaw was acting as Rainwatcher, Laurelbright's eyes fixing on Confetti.

"Who's this?" she asked, tilting her head.

She wasn't cautious, though, since Confetti didn't smell like another clan and Petalcurrent and Tumbledaisy weren't hostile or anything of the sort, her eyes sweeping over Confetti intently.

"This is Confetti, a loner. She came looking for Morbius; they're sisters." Petalcurrent replied to her kin, Laurelbright's eyes widening.

"I'll fetch Goldstar." she said, heading into camp ahead of them.

Their group followed and Confetti's tail lifted in surprise at the camp, looking around at all the cats; many cats were back right now, hunting patrols having obviously recently returned.

Amberleaf was sitting in a patch of sun and listening to Yellowlily's stories, it seemed, the kits lined up in front of her with wide eyes, and he eyed Confetti suspiciously as he drew a paw over his ear, the kits turning to stare.

Yellowlily gave them a sharp order to sit and they stayed, Goldstar emerging from her den with Skypelt, Laurelbright with them.

Petalcurrent and Tumbledaisy stopped and so did Confetti, Goldstar stopping in front of them.

"Welcome to Hyacinthclan, Confetti. I'm Goldstar, the clan leader. I imagine you must want to see your sister, so please, follow Petalcurrent and Tumbledaisy to our medicine cats' den. I'll want to speak to you later, but this is more important." Goldstar greeted, dipping her head.

"Thank you." Confetti said, dipping her head in return.

"Go." Goldstar said, and they did.

Jackdawnudge and Wasp were in the den when they went into the cool rock formation, sorting out what herbs were left for Morbius, Jackdaw still covered in protection, and Morbius was in her oddly constructed nest, meant to help her back heal and keep her lungs clear. She was watching the medicine cats, but likethem, looking up when their group open, and then she was struggling.

"No, no, no! You stay where you are, Morbius, or you could get more injured!" Wasp exclaimed, rushing to her patient.

"Confetti?! Confetti, is that you?" Morbius exclaimed, face twisting with pain as Wasp forced her back.

"Morb!" Confetti cried, rushing over.

Then she hestitated, clearly worried about potentially hurting Confetti.

"Who are you?" Wasp asked, cold as usual.

"I'm- My- Confetti. I'm Confetti. Morb is my sister. I was looking for her, and..." Confetti said, seeming taken aback.

"Oh. Go ahead." Wasp said, stepping back.

Confetti dropped into a crouch beside Morbius and began to nuzzle her, fast words passing between them, and Petalcurrent and Tumbledaisy went over to the herb store with their father.

"Let me see what you have." he said gruffly, and they put their slings down.

They pulled the herbs out and Jackdawnudge examined them, nodding his satisfaction as he sorted them.

"You did good." he said, giving them each a nuzzle on the cheek.

After that, they went to clean off in the nearby stream, sharing tongues in a patch of sunlight to dry, and, eventually, Jackdawnudge emerged with Confetti. They disappeared into Goldstar's den with Goldstar, Skypelt, and Quietback, Wiggity Wacks also hurrying in, and they waited.

Buzzardglide and Gillfeather came to ask them what was going on, curious, and they relayed the story a few times, equal horror seeming to pass through the clan with the confirmation that whatever was happening with the world was spread far and wide. Even the possibility of fleeing, if it came to it, was crushed.

Eventually, the group emerged from Goldstar's den, the last of the patrols returned for now, and Goldstar called a clan meeting.

"I'm sure by now you've all heard about the new arrival. And, after discussing things with her, she has decided she would like to join our clan, at least until Morbius is better and can really make a decision. I expect everyone to make her feel welcome and teach her our ways." Goldstar announced, quick and too the point.

Of course, by this point, everyone had expected Confetti to stay. She wouldn't have come all this way, especially with the dangers, just to see that her sister was seriously injured and leave.

"Confetti!" the clan chanted in greeting, making the new cat leap in surprise.

But she accepted them when the clan came to greet her and introduce themselves, even though she looked overwhelmed. She touched noses with everyone but Amberleaf, repeating their names, which must have seemed rather odd to her.

When it was her turn, Petalcurrent leaned forward and touched her nose lightly to Confetti's.

"Welcome to the clan. I'm glad you found your sister." she said when they had pulled apart.

"Thank you. And thank you all for taking care of her. I don't... I don't want to think about what would have happened to her if you and your siblings hadn't found her." Confetti said, her voice wobbling a little as she spoke.

Petalcurrent nodded and there wasn't much else to say, really. When they returned from their turns as Firekeepers, Aphidrise and Furledseed would be get to meet her, and Petalcurrent knew it would be quite a shock for Confetti to adjust to their clan. But if she had come all this way to find her sister, then she could learn their ways. Petalcurrent had faith in this tough barn cat.

Once that was all over, she picked a piece of fresh-kill and settled down with her littermates, sharing food and tongues with them.

She glanced around the camp, where Skypelt was now giving Confetti a tour and the kits were eagerly following, all six of them, and at her other clanmates. At Yellowlily hauling her old bones up into the tree to take a turn as Rainwatcher, despite her status as elder, at Quietback leading Amberleaf off to get protection for a patrol, Lester and Plumsong going back out for herbs, and everything else.

She wasn't sure why, but with the two new litters, their four medicine cats caring for Morbius, and now Confetti joining them, she felt a little more hope than she had in moons. Even with the revelation of Amberleaf's strange... Ability, Starclan gone, Flintfur dead, the news that what was happening was everywhere. Maybe it was because they were all still here, for the most part, and there were bright spots in the darkness.

Six new kits in the clan, the best care in the clans for Morbius, a new warrior among them, new mates... It wasn't perfect. It was far from perfect. But Petalcurrent was determined to cling to those little bright spots, knowing that without them, there would be nothing but darkness. She just hoped that the bright spots kept coming, because without them, she didn't think they could survive.

1/7/2026-3/7/2026

They helped each other put protection on and with it on, Tumbledaisy's pale coat, so unlike the dark gray and black of the rest of them, matched theirs.

They kept it together as they headed out on their border patrol, heading in the direction of the lighthouse, and their going was a little slow, between Tumbledaisy needing to be guided and Civetbeak's weak leg.

Petalcurrent didn't care, but the landscape that was constantly being changed by the rainfalls wasn't fair to her siblings, especially Tumbledaisy, who had spent so much extra time during her apprenticeship memorizing every part of the territory so she could navigate it on her own through any season.

They headed out, walking for a time, patrolling the border with Weedclan for now, but there was nothing to worry about. The markers were clear but there was no sign of the other clan and no stray scents over their border.

As they walked on, chatting and nudging and batting at each other playfully, Petalcurrent knew that Jackdawnudge would tell them to act their age, especially since Gillfeather had grown kits, but their father wasn't here.

"Tail time!" Buzzardglide abruptly declared at one point, bringing up something from their kithood.

"We're not apprentices anymore." Civetbeak said with a shake of his head.

'Tail time' was something they had been doing since they were kits, and it was merely forming a line and holding onto the tail of the sibling in front of you while, usually, either Petalcurrent or Buzzardglide led the way. With siblings who were partially deaf and blind or could get light-headaches unexpectedly, holding onto each other and guiding each other had just seemed like a natural thing to do. It was how they had helped Tumbledaisy learn the territory, and how sometimes Petalcurrent had been guided with her bad eye.

"So? We hardly all ever get to patrol like this! We can have a little fun. I miss our kithood." Buzzardglide said, looking down at their brother.

Though the youngest of the litter, Buzzardglide was the biggest and tallest of them, and she was not opposed to using that superior size to her advantage. If they had been apprentices or even young warriors, she would have been squishing Civetbeak beneath her right now.

"Don't be such a stick, Civet." Tumbledaisy said, giving him a friendly bump.

Civetbeak looked exasperated, but in the end he joined them, Petalcurrent in the front, Gillfeather holding her tail, Tumbledaisy having Gillfeather's, then Civetbeak, and Buzzardglide brought up the rear, holding onto to Civetbeak's tail to ensure he wouldn't go anywhere.

Petalcurrent mrrowed with laughter and lead the way, enjoying the moment, feeling like a kit again, free and silly. No need to worry about being a serious warrior or the rainfalls or the Unseen right now (though they were staying alert for those), just her and her siblings patrolling together, like they always had.

It was fun and relaxing, checking the borders and patrolling like this, but soon, the fun came to an abrupt end.

"Did you hear that?" Tumbledaisy asked, having obviously let go of Gillfeather's tail.

They all stopped and listened, but Tumbledaisy had always had a keener sense of smell and hearing than the rest of them, and of course Civetbeak couldn't hear anything Tumbledaisy might have.

"What?" Petalcurrent asked, not hearing anything either.

"I thought... A voice." Tumbledaisy said and began to lead them.

They followed after her, trusting her judgement, and then...

"Help... I... Free... HELP!" a voice was crying in the distance, ragged and faint, not clear because of how far away it must have been.

Petalcurrent's fur stood on end.

"Someone needs help!" Buzzardglide said, starting forward.

"What if it's a trap?" Civetbeak asked, catching her tail.

"A trap-? Civet, come on! Who would come all the way out here and trying to lure cats into a trap?" Gillfeather exclaimed, shaking her head.

"I... Let's proceed carefully, alright?" Civetbeak said, wilting a little under their gazes.

"Agreed." Petalcurrent said, and they went in the direction of the cries.

They were ragged and faint, even as they got closer, and it soon became clear it was a cat in need of help. They came to the base of a small cliff, just a few cat-heights above them, with plenty of rocks at the base, and Petalcurrent caught the scent of fear, and not a clan cat's.

Then she spotted the source as another cry went up. A dark golden-brown cat was laying awkwardly at the base of the cliff on a rock, paws churning, her fluffy fur in disarray, and after glancing around quickly, they darted over.

"Hey!" Buzzardglide cried, racing over.

The cat lifted their head, eyes widening, something relaxing in their body when the patrol surrounded them.

"Oh... Oh, thank the ancestors..." the cat croaked, her body trembling.

Her head dropped and Petalcurrent had spent enough time in her father's den to see that she was probably going to pass out, reaching over and gently patting her face.

"Hey. Hey there. We're warriors from Hyacinthclan. Who are you? What happened?" she said, patting insistantly.

The cat's eyes focused on her.

"Hyacinthclan... I found you. I'm... Morbius." she got out, taking a shuddering breath.

"Oh! You're from the St- the lighthouse." Buzzardglide exlcaimed and Morbius nodded.

"Y-Yeah. I came looking for you all, and then there was a rainfall and monsters. I tried to run, and I couldn't see the drop in the dark." Morbius said, paws churning as she tried to get up.

"Don't move." Civebeak said quickly, resting a paw on her as Buzzardglide and Gillfeather began to check the she-cat over.

"Where are you hurt, Morbius?" Petalcurrent asked, licking the other cat's head comfortingly.

"I can't get up." Morbius said, her becoming even stronger now. "My back legs... I can't..."

"It's all right, Morbius. We're going to take you back to our camp. Our father is a medicine cat, he can help you. And we've got three others who can help out, too." Tumbledaisy said reassuringly.

Civetbeak tugged Petalcurrent aside.

"I think her back must be broken. If she can't move her back paws..." he said worriedly and shook his head. "We'll have to be careful moving her."

"So we will. We can't leave her here, and she was obviously coming to us for an important reason." Petalcurrent said, though that took some figuring out.

In the end, since Gillfeather and Petalcurrent were of similar heights, they walked with Morbius carefully slung over their backs, Civetbeak making sure she didn't slip, Buzzardglide leading the way back, Tumbledaisy holding her tail.

Morbius passed out or fell asleep and there was nothing they could do about it, but she came around after a time, at least, and it was rather late when they reached camp. Tumbledaisy had blown the conch in the series of blows that meant they were returning, so the clan wouldn't worry, but there were still warriors to meet them before they got to the camp.

Skypelt, Quietback, and Yellowlily, all looking worried, and they escorted them the rest of the way back to camp, helping the best they could with Morbius, Quietback running ahead to alert the medicine cats.

By the time they got to the den, most of the clan had gathered at the entrances of dens to watch, and Jackdawnudge, Plumsong, Wasp, and Lester were ready for them. They gently got Morbius down and began working by the fading light, and there was nothing to do but wait.

Petalcurrent and her siblings made their report to Goldstar, walked down to the ocean close to the camp to wash the protection off, and then got some fresh-kill, as there was nothing else to do. It was dark by the time Goldstar went into the den with Skypelt and Quietback, and then, eventually, their father emerged, making his way toward them.

"Dad- How is she?" Petalcurrent asked, leaping to her paws.

"Her back is broken. We will do what we can, but there is no telling how it will heal. The best we can do it keep her still and help with the pain and to fight off any infection. The rest is up to her body on how it heals." Jackdawnudge said, settling down with them.

"That's all?" Buzzardglide asked, sounding shocked.

"The back isn't like any other bone. It's harder to treat and harder to heal." Jackdawnudge said and sighed heavily.

There was nothing else he could tell them, though he did check them for injuries, and they lay with him as he ate, sharing tongues with him after.

Petalcurrent hated that there was nothing they could do for Morbius, but if anyone could help her, she knew it was their father and Plumsong. They had both treated her and her littermates when they had come to the clan in such sorry states and their permanent conditions discovered, and they had treated every bad injury that had come to Hyacinthclan.

Only three cats had been unable to be saved in that time (at least the ones who made it to the medicine cats) and for a clan of thirty-seven moons, that was impressive.

Though she was frustrated and wished there was something more that could be done, Petalcurrent knew that Morbius was in good paws.

12/13/2025-12/16/2025