Redblaze's Regret {COMPLETE}

Chapter 32

 Wasting no time, Sweetstripe and Redblaze lifted Ashstar between them and supported his body. Cherryheart had Ripplekit firmly by the scruff, obvious fear in her eyes. Redblaze wondered if she was imagining one of her own kits in this situation. They were ready to head back, but Redblaze looked around for Tawnyclaw. The aging tom was still standing a couple tail-lengths away, and had not converged on the scene as his Clanmates had. The look of pure terror was gone from his face, but it was replaced with an equally unsettling look of grief and sorrow.

"Tawnyclaw, we need to get back!" Sweetstripe called to him urgently. Tawnyclaw shook his head quickly, as if clearing it, and finally beheld the patrol in front of him. He was clearly still uneasy, but he nodded slowly and followed them as they headed back towards the camp. Cherryheart marched ahead with Ripplekit while Sweetstripe and Redblaze struggled with Ashstar. Although he was walking a little, the two warriors were all but carrying him, and Redblaze could tell he was barely conscious.

"We've got you, Ashstar," he murmured to his leader. "We're getting you back to camp." Redblaze had to admit that he was scared; he knew how cold the river was in leaf-bare, and how deadly it could be. Both Ripplekit and Ashstar were in serious danger, and the sooner they got to Nightwhisper, the better.

They moved painfully slowly but soon neared the camp entrance. Redblaze kept looking over his shoulder to ensure Tawnyclaw was still following; he was, but his eyes were pointed to the ground and he carried a haunted expression. Redblaze was curious to know why he was so shaken up over the incident, and wondered if it was worth asking about. Not now, he told himself. They finally pushed their way back into camp and were met with the horrified gasps of their Clanmates and Ashflower's frightened yowl. "Ripplekit!"

Within moments Nightwhisper and Silverheart appeared. "What in StarClan's name happened?" Nightwhisper exclaimed.

"Ripplekit followed us," Redblaze spoke before anyone else had the chance to. Adrenaline was still pumping through his body, fueled by fear for his leader and the young kit. "He fell in the river and Ashstar went in after him." The group of cats was already making their way to the medicine den.

"How long were they in the water?" Nightwhisper questioned.

Redblaze replied, "Not too long. Ashstar managed to grab Ripplekit and throw him out in just a few moments. But it took him longer to make it to the bank." Cherryheart set Ripplekit down on the floor of the den, and Sweetstripe and Redblaze laid Ashstar down as well. Both cats were now unconscious from cold and exhaustion, and the two medicine cats were frantically sniffing their pelts and checking them over.

"I think Ripplekit is fine, surprisingly," Silverheart murmured. "He's just very cold."

Nightwhisper stopped examining Ashstar to double-check Ripplekit. "Yes, I agree. Ashstar's quick reaction probably saved his life." He looked past Redblaze to Ashflower and meowed, "Take him to the nursery and lick him dry. Then make sure he stays warm and doesn't leave the den."

Ashflower rushed forward to take her kit and was gone from the medicine den quickly, looking simultaneously scared and relieved. At some point, Birchclaw had joined them, and now he pushed past them all to stand at Ashstar's side. The medicine den was becoming crowded, so Sweetstripe and Cherryheart ducked out. Redblaze couldn't bring himself to leave, though; although he wasn't a medicine cat, he knew that Ashstar was not okay. After being in the water as long as he had, there was no way he was fine.

Redblaze looked back to Ashstar laying on the floor of the den. He looked so small with his wet fur plastered to him, and his breath was coming in short, ragged gasps. He looked almost dead, as if each rise of his flank would be his last. Redblaze's heart sank as he saw Nightwhisper slowly shaking his head, and a look of pain on Silverheart's face confirmed what Redblaze suddenly suspected.