A New Horizon Book 2: The Dying Forest {COMPLETE}

Chapter 13

"How does walking feel?" Pebblestep questioned, watching as Snakewhisker stood on all fours. The gray tom looked uncertain.

"It doesn't hurt per say," Snakewhisker mewed, stretching out his injured leg. "But it feels stiff and kind of aches. I think I can walk on it though." He looked to Pebblestep, waiting for what she had to say next.

Pebblestep thought for a moment. "Well, I think you're safe to leave the medicine cat den. You can return to the warrior's den, you can also go on patrols if you think you can handle it, but no hunting or fighting, understand?"

"I do." Snakewhisker dipped his head. "Thank you so much Pebblestep, for everything you've done for me." Honeypaw looked at him, she would miss having Snakewhisker sleeping in the medicine cat den, but it's not like he was leaving the Clan. Snakewhisker looked past and rested his green gaze on Honeypaw. "And you too, of course."

Honeypaw purred. "My pleasure." She looked at the small balls of moss she had been rolling for Pebblestep. "You've certainly made my first few moons as an apprentice worth it."

"If you feel any pain at all," Pebblestep interjected. "Make sure to come by and we'll give you something. After each patrol I want to inspect your leg to see if it's healing properly."

"Will do, Pebblestep. Thank you again." Snakewhisker dipped his head once more and turned away, leaving the two medicine cats alone.

"Well that's one source of stress lifted off my shoulders." Pebblestep sat down in her nest with a huff. "Now only if herbs would grow back and trees would get stronger." She dropped her head.

Honeypaw couldn't help but agree with Pebblestep, ever since Pikepaw's death several days ago, there had been a sharp pain in her stomach. Stress was really getting to her, she prayed for a moment of peace.

After a few moments, Pebblestep lifted her head, taking a deep breath. "Can you do something for me?" She questioned.

Honeypaw quickly stood up. "Of course, what is it?"

"Cinderflame told me that she saw some fennel growing near the AshClan border. Could you go and fetch as much as you can?"

"Of course," Honeypaw turned and padded swiftly to the entrance of the den. "I'll be right back with it." Pebblestep gave her a grateful look and Honeypaw left camp without hesitating. Fennel isn't the most useful herb in the forest, but it's better than nothing.

Keeping a swift pace, Honeypaw moved through the forest. It was starting to get chilly, the cold air bit at her ear tips. Through the trees, Honeypaw could hear the slow trickle of the river. The scent of AshClan grew stronger and Honeypaw could see that she wasn't alone out here.

Near the river and just on the edge of the border was the figure of a dark cat, sniffing something near the water. She was slightly nervous until she realized it was Blackpaw. He must be getting fennel too.

"Hi there." Honeypaw called across the border once she got close enough. Blackpaw jumped slightly, but looked over his shoulder and let his fur relax.

"Hello." He dipped his head and looked back at the large clump of fennel.

"Are you getting fennel, too?" Honeypaw questioned, moving closer to the border. She inspected the clump of fennel. It was quite plentiful, maybe this was a good sign?

"Yeah." Was Blackpaw's only response, Honeypaw suddenly felt very awkward. She had only really seen or spoken to Blackpaw at gatherings or at the half-moon. He had always been quiet and didn't talk much, Honeypaw supposed that them being alone wouldn't change anything.