West Woods: Sliverstone's Destiny

19 -- Cookie

A clearing emerged as Destiny pushed her way through the thick borders of the fair's paths. There sat a large oak with several boxes lying on the floor. The place smelled of Sunfall, Alyssa, and someone else. She concentrated on the scent. It seemed so familiar, but she couldn't pin its name.

"This is where we sleep. I set up a box for you furthest from the tree," Sunfall pointed out. "I didn't know where you'd want it, so you could move it anywhere you want." He walked up to an older box resting against the trunk of the great oak. "This is where I sleep."

Destiny couldn't help but notice the other empty box. She squinted and noticed threads of white and black strands of shed long fur. Sunfall traced her line of vision to the empty box.

"That's Cookie's box." Destiny jumped out of trance. "She's usually active at night." Destiny felt her fur bristle. "Oh! Don't worry, she's a cat."

The silver she-cat sighed. "Sorry. I don't know how long it's going to take for me to get used to all these dogs."

Sunfall shrugged. "I understand."

"Are you sure they're all friendly?"

Sunfall swatted his paw in a tease. "Pssh! Certainly! We're all family here. We take care of each other." Destiny's shoulders relaxed, but Sunfall vaguely added, "But Xerus does have a brother...."

"What?"

Sunfall whipped his tail to the other side and back. "Oh, it's nothing. Come on, I want to introduce you to Cookie."

Ignoring what she heard, Destiny followed the golden tom downhill towards the river between the fair and the West Woods forest. Where the Clans must be.

There, at the edge of the river, stood a white-and-black she-cat, nose deep in a pile of various leaves and berries. Destiny felt her heart quicken. There was something about her....

"Cookie?"

The she-cat turned her gaze to the cats, her strange gray eyes staring deep into Destiny's blue. Then the former leader's eyes widened.

Images flashed. Lights, colors, twolegs, dogs... Noise screaming in both of her ears. Overwhelming smells clogging her senses. And the lone cat staring off in BrambleClan's direction. Turning her head, it all turned black.

"I know you," Destiny meowed.

Cookie tilted her head. "I've never seen you around before."

Destiny shook her head violently. "No! I saw you in a dream. When I was in my Clan, I saw you and the fair and the lights..."

Sunfall let his tail fall on the silver cat. "You're not part of a Clan anymore, remember? You have to forget all of that."

Destiny huffed. "You're right. It's just.... I don't know. I'll.... It'll be a while."

Cookie sympathized. "I can take care of her, Sunfall. Thank you for taking her here." Sunfall dipped his head and disappeared into the heart of the fair.

"What's your name, Honey?" Cookie lifted Destiny's head, an herbal smell wafting around her. The gentle smell calmed her and relieved her muscles from its tension. Her jaw loosened.

"My name's Destiny." Cookie smirked, her eyes unmoving from the newcomer's.

"That's beautiful. I could tell you've been through a lot. And let me tell you, you can trust me. You know why?" Destiny opened her eyes in acknowledgement. Cookie pressed her nose to hers. "It's because as of now, I'm your new best friend."