Sunwing's Regret

Chapter Eighteen

    "Sunpaw, we've been looking forever, she's probably not even here..."

    "Foxpaw, if you're going to complain you can leave."

    "But Lionclaw!"

    Sunpaw and Lionclaw both looked to Foxpaw irritatedly. He blushed under his red fur. "Sorry. Whatever."

    "No no, you're right," Sunpaw muttered. "She's probably far gone. I just... I just wanted her to be there for Fiery if he... If it's too late..." He stared at the ground, and Runningpaw touched his tail to his.

    Foxpaw and Lionclaw both realized whatever Sunpaw had said was personal, so they both continued to call out, "Snowy! Snowy!"

    They were now on the opposite side of their territory than the barn. On this side there was another field, although there were a few more trees around there, and even a small river.

    "Maybe she's over there," Lionclaw suggested.

    Sunpaw shrugged glumly. "I don't even know anymore." The temperature noticeably dropped.

    "Snowy," he called softly, "If you're there, your brother Fiery is dying at the old barn. He needs you. So... please help him."

    They quietly waited. But no one seemed to hear.

    <><><>

    Dark... Dark. I can't see...

    Flashes of the barn roof. Blurry images of wood.

    I can't... Get up... Everything hurts.

    Fiery blearily tried to open his eyes, but everything was blurry. His entire body was aching, and there was a sharp pain in his chest.

    "S-Sunpaw..." He coughed. "I... can't... move."

    "It's okay, Fiery. I'm here."

    The voice was softer, different from Sunpaw's. Fiery blinked and tried to focus. "S-Sunpaw..."

    "Fiery... It's me, Snowy."

Fiery coughed again, blinking several times. He could see the blurry white cat in front of him. Her blue eyes were full of concern.

"...Snowy...?" He whispered, trying to regulate his breathing. "Snowy..."

"Yes, Fiery, it's me," she whispered back. "I missed you a lot. You're going to be okay."

"Snowy," he repeated, a bit clearer this time. He coughed again.

He blinked several times, and he realized there was another cat in the room. "Who... Is that..." He coughed. "Sunpaw?"

"It's me, Fiery," he said softly.

There was a pause, then Snowy said, "I heard your call, Sunpaw."

<><><>

Sunpaw took a deep breath, trying to fight his tears. Fiery was limp on the ground, and his eyes were partially shut. He kept mumbling to himself.

"Sunpaw..." Fiery coughed. "I- I'm sorry... for getting mad at you..."

"Fiery, you don't have to-"

"It's okay- Sunpaw," he whispered.

His eyes closed.