I watched the sun go down. "Dusky." I turned around at the sound of Sasha's voice. Of all my friends, we had the largest age difference. Se was the oldest. and I was the youngest. "Sasha, am I doing the right thing?" Sasha's whiskers twitched. "I don't know," she admitted. She twined her tail with mine. "But I do know that whatever happens, we will be there to help you." 

***

About an hour, the others began waking up, Atlantian being the first and Ally being the last. "So, are we going now?" Windsong asked, yawning. 

I nodded. "Is everyone ready?" Flameclaw was still asleep, but I figured we should leave him here. Everyone else said yes. 

"Wait!"

I sighed. Great. Why did Holly have to turn up now?  

The little, black she-cat ran up. "Where are you going Dusky? Can I come? Who are they?"

I shook my head. "Sorry, Holly. Not this time."

"Aww. Will you at least tell me who they are?"

I flicked my tail in annoyance and amusement. "These are my friends, Timber, Ally, Windsong, and Sasha. Guys, this is my cousin, Holly."

Timber smiled. "Hi, Holly."

Windsong and Sasha greeted her next, then Ally. Atlantian stayed silent. 

Why is Atlantian staying silent? I thought. Oh well.

"Bye, Holly," I said. 

She left, waving. 

"Alright. It's time."

And we went into the forest.