Flamepaw's Quest

Chapter 15

            Flamepaw trotted along excitedly with Rosepettle and Neko, adrenaline rushing through her veins. They were so close to finding Goldstar, and her scent only got more clear as they continued on their way!
            Rosepettle walked quickly, Flamepaw rushing after her. Poor Neko tagged along behind, not really aware of any scent. She supposed that was the downside to being the kittypet in their little search group. It was hard for him to distinguish scents as well as Flamepaw and Rosepettle.
            As they came up a hill, Rosepettle stopped suddenly, causing Flamepaw to bump into her.
            "Hey!" Flamepaw shouted, but Rosepttle shushed her.
            Rosepettle stood on the hill, her pink nose daintily held in the air, sniffing for a scent. Flamepaw realized Goldstar's scent wasn't as apparent anymore, and she began to worry.
            "You don't smell it either, do you?" Flamepaw asked Rosepettle.
            "But we've been following it for miles. How could it just stop so suddenly?" Rosepettle asked. "I know it's there, but there are other scents mixed around. It's as if all of RiverClan is mixed in this scent."
            "Hey, uh, what scent?" Neko asked.
            Flamepaw felt bad for forgetting Neko was there.
            "We're trying to detect Goldstar's scent," Flamepaw explained. She glanced down at her paws, awkwardly looking up. "We kind of lost it back there."
            "So we're off track again?" Neko asked.
            "No," Rosepettle replied. "The scent is just being confused with something else." She glanced around, and Flamepaw glanced around the woods from the hill too. They stretched for miles down below, making Flamepaw wonder just how many clans could fit in a forest like this.
            "Where do we go?" Neko asked quietly.
            Flamepaw looked to Rosepettle for further instruction.
            Rosepettle frowned, pricking her ears now. Flamepaw did the same, but she did not hear any movements. She couldn't even hear a single bird or squirrel. These woods were quiet.
            "Wait," Rosepettle murmured. "Quiet down for a second."
            Flamepaw held her breath, trying not to make any moves. Neko awkwardly stood, doing the same. Then, Flamepaw heard it. It was the quiet trinkle of water, not too loud, but not completely inaudible.
            "Water," Flamepaw gasped.
            Rosepettle nodded. "There's a stream nearby. Let's see where it goes. If Goldstar is anything like us, she'll like fishing."
            "Good idea," Neko agreed.
            The three turned around, listening to the distant sound of water. Flamepaw was finally able to get a scent of the stream, though it once again smelled far different than the river in RiverClan. This scent was more clear, less fishy, and smelled cool and crisp.
            Rosepettle must have also caught onto the scent because she led them through the woods confidently. Neko awkwardly followed, and Flamepaw longed to reach out to him to tell him she had only just begun to distinguish scents for her own, when Rosepettle stopped.
            "Why did you stop? I hear the stream!" Neko argued.
            "Quiet," Rosepettle snapped. She glanced around, then continued on her way. Flamepaw tilted her head in confusion, unsure why Rosepettle had stopped randomly.
            The stream grew closer as they continued across the forest floor. Flamepaw's heart began to lurch as she thought of finding Goldstar. Oh, when she returned home, she'd be a hero! She'd be congratulated, become a warrior early! She couldn't wait!
            But Flamepaw realized she was forgetting the element of danger that Gingerkit had warned against. If Goldstar really was in danger, Flamepaw guessed she didn't expect to find Goldstar sitting happily near the stream's edge eating a fish.
            Flamepaw could see the stream in the distance now, and Rosepettle stopped once more. Neko bumped into Flamepaw's leg, then looked up at Rosepettle and growled.
            "Would you stop doing that?!" he exclaimed.
            "These woods are too quiet," Rosepettle explained. "I'm going to check out the stream real fast just to make sure it's safe."
            "Are you sure I shouldn't come along?" Flamepaw offered.
            "Stay here with Neko. You have more training than him," Rosepettle ordered.
            "Gee, I sure feel special," Neko muttered.
            "You can protect Flamepaw, Neko," Rosepettle purred, making Neko feel a bit better. He smiled, and she disappeared through some bushes.
            Flamepaw stood nervously with Neko, hoping no wild animal launched at them in the next few minutes, Neko impatiently pacing besides her.
            "She'll be fine," Flamepaw assured Neko. "Rosepettle's a good warrior."
            "I hope she's fine," Neko whined.
            Suddenly, a screech came from afar, one that Flamepaw definitely recognized as Rosepettle's. She pricked her ears, and Neko turned to her, his eyes widened in fear.
            "ROSEPETTLE!" Flamepaw shouted.
            The scream came again, and Flamepaw and Neko immediately began racing towards her.
            "Wait!" Flamepaw shouted, halting. "Maybe we should wait."
            "Rosepettle's in trouble!" Neko argued.
            "But I don't hear screaming anymore," Flamepaw admitted.
            "So?" Neko asked.
            Flamepaw was about to explain further, when she heard the distant sound of talking. Neko pushed past her in a half-sprint, and Flamepaw followed him towards where the scream had come from.
            As they came closer, the talking grew louder, and Flamepaw heard Rosepettle speak.
            "GUYS, COME OVER HERE!" Rosepettle shouted. She did not sound in pain, and Flamepaw nervously followed Neko to the sound of her voice. They padded alongside the stream and through some bushes.
            Flamepaw carefully padded through the bushes, gasping in amazement. Next to Rosepettle sat Goldstar, Snowheart, Daisyflower, and Mothwing, all safe and unhurt.
            "Goldstar, we found you!" Flamepaw exclaimed.
            Mothwing turned, a look of confusion on her face. "Flamepaw, what are you doing here?"
            "Thank StarClan you're alive, Goldstar!" Rosepettle exclaimed.
            Flamepaw turned to Mothwing, then was distracted as Neko padded up towards Snowheart.
            "You must be Goldstar."
            Rosepettle chucked. "That's Snowheart, Neko. Goldstar's the ginger she-cat," she explained, pointing to Goldstar. "I thought you were the one who found the golden fur."
            Neko blushed. "Oh, right."
            Goldstar smiled, padding up to Neko. "And you're Neko?" she asked.
            Neko nodded.
            "How do you do?" Goldstar asked.
            "F-Fine," Neko stammered.
            Goldstar turned her attention to Flamepaw now. "Good to see you doing well, Flamepaw. Rosepettle told me this search was your idea."
            Flamepaw nodded, Mothwing moving closer to her.
            "I can't believe you came out here," Mothwing hissed in her ear. "Do you have any idea how much danger you could've gotten into?"
            "You sound like my parents," Flamepaw groaned.
            "Why have you come here, Neko?" Goldstar asked.
            Rosepettle answered for him. "He wanted to help us. We were in a kittypet garden, you see, and we got attacked by three kittypets! Flamepaw was able to calm everyone down, and Neko decided he wanted to come along with us."
            "Well, it's good to see you're all safe," Snowheart purred.
            "Goldstar, where did you go?" Flamepaw suddenly demanded, furious that Goldstar was not in danger. She knew she should be glad, but somehow, it felt a little too easy.
            Goldstar sighed. "I was hoping to be back before any cat could notice, but I've grown worried for RiverClan. We have very limited members, and I traveled here in search of more. Of course, the clan broke out in chaos. Snowheart, Daisyflower, and Mothwing found me here the other day. We were just on our way returning. Then, Rosepettle appeared and explained how you were also searching. I honestly didn't mean to cause this much fuss over me."
            "The whole clan has been looking for you!" Rosepettle explained. "Why couldn't you tell anyone?"
            "I was too ashamed, I guess," Goldstar sighed.
            Flamepaw sighed, then glanced up at Goldstar. "Well, you're safe now."
            Goldstar nodded.
            "Hey, wait a second," Snowheart gasped. She turned to Neko, her eyes widened in excitement. "How would you like to become a warrior?"
            "M-Me?" Neko stammered. He was obviously taken aback by her comment. Goldstar nodded, obviously agreeing with Snowheart. Perhaps the trip had not been a waste after all.
            "No, no," he quickly decided. "I enjoy my kittypet life."
            "Oh," Rosepettle sighed, glancing down.
            "Why so glum, sugar plum?" Neko asked, concerned.
            Daisyflower turned to Flamepaw, whispering in her ear, "What's a sugar plum?"
            Flamepaw shrugged. "He says weird things."
            "I might miss your jabbering," Rosepettle said quietly, though it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
            Flamepaw frowned. "We should be heading back. The whole clan's probably worried," she explained. She glanced at Neko, who now had a look of confusion. "We'll miss you, Neko. Thank you so much for your help."
            Rosepettle turned to Neko, her eyes gleaming. "Please? For me?" she asked, licking his cheek.
            Flamepaw was taken aback. She was not aware of Rosepettle's feelings for Neko...feelings that Flamepaw had felt for Neko often. It hurt her, and she stood, trying not to react.
            Neko sighed. "All right."
            "Yay!" Rosepettle exclaimed, licking his forehead.
            Flamepaw could feel her heart breaking. She hadn't wanted to admit it, but she too had grown fond of the kittypet in a more than friendly way. Seeing him with Rosepettle made her happy, but it also hurt her. She sighed, guessing it was better to focus on the issue at hand than at this.
            "Good choice," Goldstar agreed. "We can take you home first to say good-bye to your family," she offered.
            Neko glanced down. "I have none..."
            "You have no kin?" Rosepettle asked sadly. She nuzzled him. "You poor thing. What about those kittypets?"
            "They're bullies," he sighed.
            Flamepaw frowned, crystal tears gathering in her eyes. Don't cry,she thought. You still have a mission. Neko's decision to like Rosepettle more than you is not in your control.
            "Let's go then!" Snowheart decided.
            Flamepaw nodded, and they all set off. She padded in the back of the group, listening to Daisyflower whisper to Goldstar, "Do you think he'll make a good warrior?"
            "Yes," Goldstar replied.
            "You okay?" came a voice.
            Flamepaw turned, facing Mothwing.
            "Oh, yes," Flamepaw responded. "I'm glad you're okay, Mothwing."
            "I'm a medicine cat. I'm as tough as they can be," she joked, causing Flamepaw to laugh. Perhaps things weren't so bad after all.
            At moonhigh, Daisyflower glanced around nervously, then turned to Goldstar.
            "We should set up camp," she advised.
            Goldstar nodded. "Good idea. My legs are sore."
            Finding a clearing, they all sat down. Flamepaw curled up in between Neko and Mothwing, realizing it did not matter what she thought of Neko. She had no chance with him anyway. Still, she let out a yawn and said, "I'm glad you're coming wtiih us, Neko."
            "When will we get back to camp?" Mothwing asked impatiently.
            "We all need rest first," Goldstar explained.
            "I'll take first guard," Daisyflower offered.
            Flamepaw smiled, shut her eyes, and fell asleep.