Damaged

Chapter 16

"I found something!" Wolfypaw trotted to where Zephyrpaw was standing with a pleased expression.

"What did you find?" She asked.

"A scent! It smells like a herb and it's coming from this small little hole here." He explained. "Swiftypaw and I are too big to fit, but you might."

Wolfypaw looked at him in disbelief. "You really expect me to walk into there? By myself?"

"What are you a kittypet?" Zephyrpaw asked, teasingly.

"No! I thought a 'Zephyr' was going to protect me." Wolfypaw argued.

"I will be protecting you! From the outside!" Zephyrpaw protested.

Wolfypaw snorted. "Fine I'll go in." She licked his shoulder affectionately.

"Be safe. And tell me if you need help." He purred.

"I will. Promise." She meowed, before squeezing in. It was dark, and there seemed to be a tunnel. She padded down it, the ground felt soft and squishy. Small lichens lit up her path and she saw she was walking on moss.

The tunnel twisted and turned until she entered a small cave. She sniffed again and with a jolt realised that something was sleeping in there. She bravely padded onwards until she could see the heart of it.

A rumbling growl shocked her. "Who dare enters my cave." A cat, bigger than she could ever imagine, padded up to her teeth bared. The cat was a light gold colour and had a furry mane around his head.

"Who are you?!" The cat, or monster, demanded.

She dipped her head respectfully. "I am sorry to disturb you, but I have come in search of a herb that will save my clan. Also what are you?"

"I am a lion. I belonged to the most fiercest clan in the forest. I had hoped that you would've been bigger but oh well." The lion sighed. "It's a shame that we evolved into you."

Wolfypaw lashed her tail. "How can I find the herb?"

"You'll have to fight me." The lions eyes gleamed.

"How long have you been down here?" She asked, trying to distract him.

"I can't remember the last time I left this cave." He admitted. "My pride was dying so my mother took me up here, and a couple of my ancestors enchanted me to stay alive, no matter how many times I die, and keep the herb safe."

Wolfypaw suddenly launched herself at it, taking him by suprise. She gripped his massive head and began clawing it's sides. The lion let out a massive roar and threw himself onto the floor, rolling to get her off him. She fought as hard as she could and finally managed to gouge out one of his eyes.

She hoped it would slow him down but instead of slowing down, he scored his claws across her back deeper. She yowled in pain, fighting through the pain, and rolled underneath him. She ripped open his belly and their eyes met.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

The lion nodded. "You have fought bravely. I will live another life, the stars were right." He mewed, wonderingly.

"May I ask, what was your name?" Wolfypaw looked down at him, his flanks heaving as he fought for breath.

"It was... Scarface." He sighed. "The prophecy has been completed. The herbs are yours. Mother, here I come." He took his final breath, then layed motionless. She felt sorrow pierce her heart. Although she was sad, at least he would be free.

She padded onwards and found a bundle of herbs. They smelt sweet and she had a hunch that that was what she needed. She scooped it up in her mouth. As she trudged back up again, her wounds flared with pain. Just a little more. She thought, gritting her teeth.