Warriors: Poisoned Loyalty {COMPLETED}

Chapter 18

Poppypool arrived at the Gathering alongside her Clanmates, slipping toward the medicine cats' area with a quiet sigh of relief. It was always a reprieve to be among those who understood her role, especially after the tumultuous moons. The scent of gathered Clans mingled in the hollow as she greeted the other medicine cats with brief, but warm nods. Her gaze quickly landed on Orchidfern, who watched her with concern, her mix-matched eyes flicking around her. Looking for Newtflake.

Poppypool padded over to her quietly, doing her best to seem composed, though the exhaustion from tending to her wounded apprentice, Cedarpelt, and the weight of Sparrowstar's non-response weighing heavily on her.

"Poppypool," Orchidfern's voice was quiet, her ears twitching with concern. "You look... tired."

Poppypool forced a small smile, her voice low so only Orchidfern could hear. "It's been a rough few days. Newtflake... he was attacked during an herb-gathering patrol."

Orchidfern's eyes widened, her fur bristling as she leaned in closer. "Attacked? What happened? Is he okay?"

"He's recovering back at camp," Poppypool reassured, though her voice wavered slightly. "It was close, Orchidfern. He saved Cedarpelt too, but Daisystep..." She trailed off, the words catching in her throat. "Daisystep didn't make it."

Orchidfern's eyes shone with sympathy, her stubby tail twitching as though she wanted to brush it against Poppypool's flank. "Oh, Poppypool, I'm so sorry. I had no idea things had gotten this bad. But Newtflake... he's really going to be okay?"

"Yes, he's stronger now," Poppypool said, trying to keep her voice steady, though the image of Newtflake's mangled form haunted her mind. "I wouldn't be here if I wasn't sure. But... it's been hard."

Orchidfern's fur smoothed down slightly, though the worry in her eyes remained. "I can't believe the rogues would go after a medicine cat," she murmured, shaking her head. "Newtflake is so kind, always eager to help anyone. Who would do that?"

Poppypool swallowed hard, guilt prickling under her pelt. She couldn't tell Orchidfern the truth– about Rowantail, the Dark Forest, and how her own actions had played a part in this nightmare. Not yet, not now.

"He's strong," she said instead, pushing the guilt down. "I'll tell him you're thinking of him. He'd appreciate that."

Orchidfern's tail flicked in acknowledgement, though her gaze lingered on Poppypool's face. "And you? How are you holding up? You look like you haven't slept in days."

Poppypool hesitated, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to find the right words. How could she tell Orchidfern that sleep had become a battleground where she fought off the Dark Forest, that guilt gnawed at her even in her waking moments? "I'm managing," she said softly, though she could tell Orchidfern didn't believe her.

Orchidfern's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press the issue. "I know you're strong, Poppypool, but... don't forget to take care of yourself. Newtflake needs you, your Clan needs you."

"I know," Poppypool whispered, a lump forming in her throat. "I'm doing my best."

Before Orchidfern could respond, the voices of the Clan leaders began to rise, and the attention shifted to the center of the Gathering Hollow as the announcements began. Poppypool gratefully turned her focus to the leaders, hoping to push her thoughts aside for the moment. OakClan and NightClan's leaders gave their updates about apprentices becoming warriors, new kits, and the potential retirement of a few cats. DawnClan spoke of good prey and strong patrols, leaving GlacierClan to be the last Clan to report.

Just as Poppypool began to relax, Sparrowstar rose to speak, her voice steady but filled with a heaviness that echoed in the words she spoke.

"I want to warn the Clans once more about the rogue group threatening the territories," Sparrowstar began, her gaze sweeping across the gathered cats. "GlacierClan's camp was attacked not long ago, and while our warriors fought bravely, some were injured, and we suffered several deaths."