Teacup limped painfully as she tried to keep up with the older she-cat and her brother. The smells of the forest were the only thing keeping her going. She was determined not to show weakness despite the pain in her foot.

"Uh... Leafpool...?" Astro called glancing back at his sister.

"What is it?" Leafpool meowed stopping.

"How much farther do we have to go...? Teacup is falling behind..." He muttered quietly causing Teacup to glare.

"We're nearly there don't worry. I'd carry her, but I doubt she'd be thankful for that." Leafpool spoke her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"I'm fine Astro. Let's keep going." Teacup shook her head at the thought of having to be carried. She wanted to get to Leafpool's camp without any help. Refusing to be treated like a helpless kit, she padded on ahead not waiting for them to follow. It didn't take long for Leafpool to be at her side as they reached a thorn tunnel.

"I-I smell cats. Lots of cats." Teacup stuttered suddenly losing her nerve.

"Don't worry little one.. It's safe." Leafpool meowed encouragingly causing Astro to sniff in disbelief.

"O-ok..." Teacup muttered trying to look a little more confident by straightening herself up and giving her chest a couple licks while Leafpool purred in amusement.

"Let's go." Leafpool meowed nudging Teacup forward causing her to stumble slightly before walking forward, Astro following closely behind.