Warriors: A Dangerous Path - Book Five (Completed)

Chapter Seventeen

Whitestorm approached Waterlily with a pained expression on his face, his side dripping with blood. She quickly beckoned him to her side. Fireheart was not too far behind him, along with Darkstripe and Dustpelt.

"I'm guessing all went well?" Mewed Waterlily as she attended to Whitestorm's gash first. She applied a poultice then pressed onto his side the cobwebs she had laying next to her.

"We won for now if that's what you mean." Replied Fireheart, licking his deep wound.

Waterlily looked up in dismay, but said nothing. Whitestorm flinched, then relaxed once the cobwebs stopped the bleeding and acted as a band-aid. He dipped his head to Fireheart as he passed by, then padded out of the den.

Fireheart limped over, his flank marked with a deep gash. Waterlily motioned for him to sit down. He obeyed and let her tend to his wounds. As she used her paw to spread some cobweb, he began talking of whatever was on his mind in a hushed voice. "It was a fierce battle out there. RiverClan fought with all their strength, but we stood our ground."

"Good." She mumbled with an herb in her mouth. She applied a poultice then swiftly nodded letting him know that he was free to go. She didn't really want to talk. She felt exhausted from preparing the herbs for the battle and she wanted to make sure that Shadowpaw didn't go sneaking out again, but Fireheart continued.

"I fear Tigerstar may be planning more than what we saw."

Waterlily widened her eyes. Not what she was expecting, nor was it something she wanted to hear either. Did Shadowpaw share more than she thought?

Fireheart could sense her expression change and her worry began to rise. "I will leave you be." He mewed, then quickly padded out of the medicine den. 

Waterlily found herself alone in the quiet confines of the medicine den. The flickering glow of the remaining herbs cast gentle shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of solitude and contemplation. The sounds of the camp outside filtered in, a symphony of murmurs and pawsteps. With the wounded cats tended to and their injuries on the mend, she took a moment to gather her thoughts. Her gaze drifted to the starry night sky visible through the den's entrance, and she wondered about the challenges that lay ahead for ThunderClan.

Waterlily reflected on the conversations she had with Bluestar, and Fireheart. The looming threat of Tigerstar and his alliance weighed heavily on her mind. She knew Bluestar thought she was making the right choice, but she couldn't help, but feel that WindClan would be good to partner with. They had the numbers and the strength to help beat Tigerstar. 

Taking a deep breath, Waterlily grounded herself in the present moment. She surveyed the medicine den, ensuring everything was organized and prepared for any future emergencies. Her herbs were neatly arranged, ready to be used at a moment's notice. The comforting scent of the den mixed with the healing aroma of the herbs, creating an environment of solace and strength. She looked up at silverpelt wondering what to do. Then she thought of perhaps speaking with StarClan again. But if she did, they might not be much help. All they seem to be giving her is just more prophecies and more questions going through her mind. 

Waterlily's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of a black shadow in the night. Startled, she jolted upright, her eyes wide with surprise and concern. She quickly composed herself, her expression shifting to one of dismay as she met a familiar green gaze.

"Shadowpaw," Waterlily mewed, her voice carrying a mix of worry and disappointment. "You startled me. What are you doing here? Is something the matter?"

Shadowpaw shifted uncomfortably under Waterlily's amber gaze, his eyes avoiding direct contact. His voice came out in a hesitant mew. "I... I couldn't sleep is all."

Waterlily softly sighed, knowing what troubled him. "You still think that this is your fault?"

Shadowpaw could then feel his heart beginning to race. How does she always know what I am about to say? He nodded his head, not able to keep his gaze.

"It is not." Her voice was cool and steady. "I know that I had blamed you, but you didn't know."

Shadowpaw could feel his heart trying to thump out of his chest. He couldn't tell if was because he was glad she was now on his side, or angry because she thinks of him as weak for thinking he blames himself. 

Waterlily tilted her head to the side, knowing exactly what he was thinking. She blinked blankly for a moment, then softly shook her head. "It will be hard to ensure yourself, but just know that I believe in you. You will be a great warrior someday."

Shadowpaw dipped his head in acceptance, then padded off towards the apprentices' den. Waterlily watched as he left, almost pitying him for thinking such things. But Waterlily's thoughts shifted as she refocused her attention on the urgent matter at hand: convincing Bluestar to consider an alliance with WindClan. The weight of responsibility settled upon her shoulders, knowing that her words could potentially sway the course of ThunderClan's future.

She made her way purposefully through the camp, her mind racing with arguments and justifications for the alliance. As she approached Bluestar, she took a deep breath to steady her nerves. She knew that this conversation could be crucial in shaping the path ThunderClan should take. 

"Bluestar," Waterlily called out, her voice filled with determination. "May I speak with you? I know it's late,"

Bluestar turned to face Waterlily, her expression going from sleepiness to weariness. "Waterlily, what is it?"

"We have witnessed the growing threat of Tigerstar and his alliance. RiverClan has already joined forces with him. WindClan, on the other hand, stands as a potential ally that could strengthen our position and provide support in the battles to come."

Bluestar's gaze narrowed as she listened to Waterlily's words once again about the alliance. "Alliances have their risks, Waterlily. We must tread carefully and ensure our Clan's safety above all else."

Waterlily nodded, her voice unwavering. "I understand the risks, but it is equally important to recognize the risks of standing alone. We have seen the strength of numbers in previous battles. With WindClan as our ally, we can present a united front against Tigerstar and his forces."

Bluestar's eyes softened as she absorbed Waterlily's reasoning. The weight of leadership showed in her weary gaze, but also a glimmer of willingness to consider the possibility. "You make a valid point, Waterlily. Our Clan's survival is paramount, and if an alliance with WindClan can offer us greater protection, then we must seriously consider it."

Waterlily winded her eyes, not thinking what would happen after she finally got Bluestar to consider her thoughts. She dipped her head, then padded out of the den in silence. A purr began to rumble in her throat as she padded down the slope. Maybe this will help them defeat Tigerstar once and for all!