Another night had passed, the three clan cats hadn't spoken much to each other. Marigold tried to start a few conversations but none of them took the bait. Not until Marigold mentioned joining the clan.
"Hold it," Ivypaw said, bewildered. "You're letting a kittypet join our clan?"
"It's up to Thunderstar ultimately," Flintpaw reminded her. "And, as much as I dislike her I think she's earned it."
"Uh thank you..?" Marigold wasn't sure if she should take that as a compliment or an insult.
"Shut it," Ivypaw glared at her. "She's still a kittypet, who's to say she won't just run back to her pampered kittypet life?"
"Uhm excuse you," Marigold said, offended. "Kittypet life is boring I already told this to Flintpaw. Plus I'll do whatever training you want me to."
"Hey guys hold on."
Flintpaw turned around to see Badgerpaw staggering behind them. She ran back over to him and quickly checked his wound.
"Fox-dung!" She mumbled to herself.
The wound had worsened, it was much more red and swollen then it had been the day before. They hadn't taken any breaks other than to get some sleep, he must've been putting too much stress on the shoulder.
"Okay Badgerpaw lay down," Flintpaw ordered him. "Ivypaw can you see if you can find something he can eat?"
They were finally out of the town, not exactly in a forest but there was more wildlife now so hopefully that meant more prey.
"Is there anything I can do?" Marigold offered.
"If you can find moss dip it in water so we can get him something to drink," Flintpaw told the kittypet. She then turned her head back to Badgerpaw. "You should've said something, we could've taken a break if you needed it."
"Sorry," Badgerpaw dipped his head. "I didn't want to slow you down, we're so close to being home."
Flintpaw sighed, "You know, now that Ivypaw is safe you're my number one priority."
"What do you mean?" Badgerpaw tilted his head.
"I mean I care about you, you idiot," Flintpaw rolled her eyes. "I told you my number one priority is making sure the cats I care about are safe; that means you."
Badgerpaw gave his chest a few embarrassed licks and before either of the two could say anything Ivypaw returned with a rabbit in her mouth.
"This was all I could find," She dropped it in front of Badgerpaw.
"Thanks, Ivypaw."
"I still dont like you," She said as she sat down. "I'm only doing this because my dumbass sister does."
It wasn't long until Marigold too returned with the water, she gave it to Badgerpaw. The four cats waited until Badgerpaw had finished.
"Are you ok to keep on moving?" Flintpaw asked him. He nodded in response so the four got up to keep going.
𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧.𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧.
"Hey look," Badgerpaw nodded to the sky. "It's a full moon, you think we'll make it in time for the Gathering?"
"We can try," Flintpaw said, then with a hint of mischief in her voice she added. "I'll race you."
With that she took off, Badgerpaw yelled something about how that was unfair but chased after her with Ivypaw and Marigold not far behind.
It wouldn't take too long as they had already crossed into BayClan territory. Although Badgerpaw's shoulder was killing him he was determined to beat Flintpaw. Not only that, he simply just wanted to go home. He liked spending time with Flintpaw but he did miss his clan and his sister and was looking forward to sleeping in a real nest tonight.
