Duskflower's Story

Chapter 23: Are We Lost?

  Duskflower could barely sleep at night anymore. She was terrified that Berrytail could come ay any moment. After Hazelwind announced the news the Clan did not take it well. Every cat was was looking scared and jumping at even the slightest things. Stormstar was slowly recovering thanks to Petaldawn and Tansyleaf. Lavenderpaw was still not strong enough to say much and no one questioned the young apprentice. 

   Hazelwind decided to visit all the leader's with Duskflower and they set off to see Birchstar of ThunderClan. Duskflower could see that Hazelwind was nervous.

"Are you okay Hazelwind?"

"Of course. Actually no, I'm worried they won't believe us and we will have to fight this battle alone."

"Don't worry they will believe us."

  The two she-cats crossed ThunderClan border and as they were about to reach a black and white she-cat stopped them.

"What are you doing on ThunderClan land."

"We have to speak with Birchstar."

"Where is Stormstar?"

"I will tell your leader where he is."

Duskflower was in awe of the brown she-cat. Hazelwind was clearly not a force to be reckoned with. 

"I'll take you to Birchstar."

  Duskflower and Hazelwind was escorted by the black and white she-cat into the leader's den. Duskflower carefully observed the camp. She had never been there before. It was quite different from her camp. Before she was able to look any further the she-cat came back and told them to enter the den.

 The den was quite simple, it had a moss bed and some ferns on the outside. There was no ancient markings on the walls like in the LightningClan caves. She diverted her attention to the ginger tabby in front of her.

"Hello Hazelwind. I'm afraid I don't recognize the cat with you."

"My name is Duskflower." She said as she dipped her head.

"What brings the two of you to ThunderClan without your leader?"

"We wouldn't come here if it wasn't an emergency."

"Please explain."

Duskflower and Hazelwind took turns explaining everything, Berrytail, Stormstar, and more.

"...and we need the help of the other four Clans."

Birchstar didn't say anything for a while and looked deep in thought. Duskflower and Hazelwind looked at each other and waited patiently.

"I'm sorry but ThunderClan can't help you. I can't risk my Clanmates lives when there isn't even enough proof that she is going to attack us."

"Berrytail won't just stop with our Clan, she will come for all the Clans. She has allied herself with some of our worst enemies."

"I think you should leave now. Darkblossom please take them back."

Darkblossom escorted them out of ThunderClan territory and they decided to take a break and then go to the next Clan. 

"I think we should just go to WindClan and RiverClan, I don't think ShadowClan will help us and let's not waste time." Said Hazelwind.

"I think we should try. ShadowClan may help. We did help them with those intruders."

"Fine, let's just catch something and go."

Duskflower caught two squirrels and they finished eating and set off to ShadowClan. Because they share a border with ShadowClan it didn't take long to reach.They crossed the ShadowClan Pine Forest. Duskflower was enjoying the lovely smell of pine.

"Who's there!?" Said a voice.

"I am Hazelwind, deputy of LightningClan and I want to speak with Blackstar."

The cat came into the light and they saw a dark brown tom.

"Come with me."

They followed the cat and Duskflower hoped that ShadowClan at least will help them.

"Wait out here. I will ask Blackstar and if he is willing you can talk to him."

They waited outside the camp and Duskflower wasn't able to see anything much. After a while Blackstar came out of the entrance.

"Hello, we can talk out here." He said.

"Of course."

"Why did you come here and why did you come with a warrior and not your leader."

So the two she-cats again explained it. Duskflower's throat felt like it was on fire. She hoped that Blackstar would agree and they could visit the other two Clans tomorrow.

"So you are here to ask if ShadowClan will help you right."

"Yes."

"We will help, please call whenever you need it. I pray to StarClan that Stormstar has a quick recovery."

"Thank you Blackstar, LightningClan is grateful."

Blackstar went back to his camp and Hazelwind and Duskflower decided to head back home.

"Wow, I was not expecting that." Hazelwind said still looking a bit surprised.

"I told you that ShadowClan would help."

"I really didn't believe that but thank StarClan they did help. Tomorrow we can see RiverClan and WindClan, its almost night anyway."

"We can leave before dawn tomorrow. That way we can get there a bit more early."

"Good idea. Let's get back home quickly. I don't want to be near the forest near night, who knows what creatures are there."

  The two cats quickly walked back home in silence. Duskflower was never really close with Hazelwind and they didn't really talk about anything other than Berrytail. The only cats Duskflower is close to are Blossomflight, Willowheart, Mousetail, Mossflame and Crystallight. She wasn't exactly the type of cat who would go and speak with any cat.

  Hazelwind was the total opposite. She could get along with any cat. She has many friends and she's one of the most sweetest cats in the whole Clan. Duskflower was quite surprised to see the quiet she-cat become a strong leader today. 

"Thank you for your help today." Said Hazelwind.

"Don't mention it. You did most of the work anyway."

"You helped a lot."

"I guess..."

The silence fell upon them again. They picked up their pace again and hurried along.

"Wait, I don't think this was the way we came." Duskflower said suddenly.

"Of course it is. Oh wait, I don't remember that weird tree."

"Are you saying we're lost?"

"Um...yes."

"Oh no, oh no, oh no!"

"Don't worry, in the morning we can find our way when its more brighter."

"That's not it, Berrytail may be somewhere around here."

"Oh no! Okay let's not panic, she may not be anywhere around here."

"Or she could be right behind you." Said a silky smooth voice Duskflower knew too well.