forty six.
lilystem.

I couldn't tear my eyes away from the sight. Cherrystorm had fallen, and I watched as her limbs flailed, hoping for any kind of aid. Her screams echoed in my head, and soon enough she disappeared from my vision, and into the pit that was the deathbed of my sister.

My body trembled from the cold and from the emotional and physical damage I had taken. Cherrystorm was dead. And I had killed her.

"I killed her, I.. I killed her," I said aloud, almost wanting to make sure my voice still worked after the sight I'd seen. "I killed her."

Scorchfur rushed to my side in an instant, "You didn't kill her. She did this to herself," He pawed my head, pulling my head up and away from looking into the valley.

"I killed Cherrystorm," I repeated. I couldn't believe what had just happened, the state of shock sending me into a spiral. My eyes dug deeply into his, oh Starclan, do not cry.

His yellow gaze was laced with sympathy and an odd calmness. The rain continued on, the world not caring about the events that had taken place moments ago.

I buried my face into his wet pelt, as hefty sobs released from my body. He placed a paw on my back in comfort. I had just been so mean to him, and yet he had been at my side helping both myself and Driftingsky.

Driftingsky.

My blood turned cold, pulling away from Scorchfur's grasp immediately and darting towards Driftingsky. Coco and Featherpaw were already at his side.

"Uhh he's not responding guys," Coco observed, swallowing his nerves.

The tomcat had scratches and blood all over his body, blood that could be his or Cherrystorm's. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to have shallow breaths.

In a flash, I buried my head under his belly in an attempt to lift him onto my back. "We have to get him back to camp!" I exclaimed, nudging the unconscious tom onto my back. My body screamed in response, the adrenaline wearing off. "He could die!"

"Lilystem, you shouldn't,–" Featherpaw was cut off.

"You're in no shape to carry him back yourself. You shouldn't even be walking on your leg," Scorchfur sternly told me, which made my brows furrow.

"Then help me!" I shouted in his face, though he stood much taller than me.

In no time, Featherpaw helped Scorchfur place the tabby tom onto his back. Once the dark tom was settled, he flicked his tail towards camp, "Let's hurry," he added.

Coco bounded to my side and let me lean on him for support, as I cast a final glance at the bloodbath that was this cursed cliff side.

-

I woke up in a sweat. Panting.

Cherrystorm had haunted my dreams, dreams I didn't know I was having. When did I fall asleep?

I pawed the sleep from my eyes and examined my surroundings. I had been in the medicine den, laying in one of the nests. Upon further examination, my wounded leg had been wrapped up in a vareity of herbs. I nudged them with my nose, until they were no longer on my body. My leg definitely wasn't aching anymore, but a dull pain had remained. It would heal with time.

I realized I was alone in the den. Which was a horrifying thought. Oh no, Driftingsky.

My ears fell back in sadness, the rest of my body quick to react. I ran outside of the medicine den, the dew from the grass brushing against my dry paws.

Immediately my eyes hurt from the burning sun. It was at least mid day. The first cat I spotted was Scorchfur. I was quick to approach him.

"Where is Driftingsky? What is going on?" I demanded, as he looked down at me with a rather surprised gaze.

"Lilystem calm down, where are your herbs?" He noticed my leg, ignoring my questions.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Seriously!? You need to tell me before I—"

"Lilystem!"

My ears perked, head shifting towards the direction of the call. It was Driftingsky, the pure image of relief, as he bounded towards me. I felt all worry release from my body, tears welling up in my eyes.

I waddled as quickly as I could to him, until our bodies clashed. His pelt brushed against mine as he laid his head ontop of my neck, purring. "You're alive!" I cried, and he drew his head back to catch my gaze. I've never felt so much relief in my life.

"Of course! It'll take more than a crazy calico to take me out," Driftingsky beamed softly, trying to keep the air light. "Aww, but, I do have this sick battle scar," he motioned to the middle of his chest, which held a distinct diagonal tear in his pelt. It was rather large, only altering his appearance slightly. "It's big but, it's whatever. Maybe cats will start to take me seriously now." He shrugged.

"I'm so happy you're okay," I blurted. "You were unconscious, a-and I didn't know if you could hear me, I didn't know if I would hear your voice again." I admitted all in a rush, my worried eyes darting from various spots on the ground, unable to make eye contact.

He lifted his paw to my chin, gently raising my head to meet his eyes once more. "I'm okay. You saved my life Lilystem."