Guardian quest (Multi- fandom AU)

Chapter 5 (Ivyleaf's POV)

All characters belong to me

The half moon shone in the night sky, illuminating the snow- covered forest and mountains below in a soft silver light. Sheltered in a mountain cave, a winged pale brown she- cat gazed up at the thick band of stars arching high above her head, her green eyes wistful and somewhat sad, as if she were recalling something from her past. Letting out a small sigh, the she-cat shifted until she was lying comfortably on the cold stone floor, her paws tucked under her and her wings fluffed up against the chill. Hearing a sound behind her, the she- cat turned to look over her shoulder at a large, elderly dark gray wolf, his muzzle streaked with white hairs. "Storm runner." she greeted the wolf, respectfully dipping her head as he came to sit beside her. "Greetings Ivyleaf," Storm runner responded with a nod. Grimacing, the old wolf slowly lowered himself to the ground, his battle- torn wings folded neatly to his sides. Watching him, Ivyleaf felt a trickle of concern, "Are you alright? Is something bothering you?" The she- cat ran her gaze over the canine's body, searching for any sign of injury. "Ah, it's nothin', just my old age catching up to me." Storm runner rasped, stretching out his forepaws and opening his jaws in a massive yawn. With a sigh, Ivyleaf settled back onto the stone floor, "Alright. But if you're in any pain then you should come see me immediately." she mewed solemnly. Storm runner bowed his head, electric yellow eyes flashing with laughter, "Yes, O' McDoctor, I shall do everything you say." he teased. Snorting, Ivyleaf rolled her eyes, amusement flickering through her, "You better!" she retorted sharply. Chuckling, the two creatures looked up at the starlit sky, their eyes reflecting the moon as they lost themselves to their own thoughts. After a short while, Ivyleaf tore her gaze away from the sky and sat staring at her paws, looking guilty and distressed, her wings sagging slightly at her sides. Noticing, Storm runner turned to look at the she- cat, his eyes questioning, "Is everything alright little friend?" Gritting her teeth, Ivyleaf turned her face away and refused to look at the dark gray canine beside her. "I- I'm fine." she replied tartly. "I can wait, we still have the whole night." Storm runner murmured, closing his eyes and setting his head on his paws as he waited patiently for Ivyleaf to speak. Claws scraping the stone beneath her, Ivyleaf squeezed her eyes shut as tightly as possible, trying to hold in the guilt clawing its way up her throat. Finally, unable to bear her guilt any longer, the she- cat let out a strangled whimper, "I'm sorry-! I- I shouldn't have told Blaze about that vision!" Beside her, Storm runner raised his head and looked at her, his eyes questioning, yet he remained silent as Ivyleaf continued speaking. Once she began to talk, Ivyleaf found herself unable to stop, "I didn't just see our missing Packmates and those strange cats, I- I saw something more... Something far more dangerous than we've ever faced. And they- the Pack and the cats- they're not safe! Whatever danger I saw has them- and hundreds of other souls trapped and locked up.. It's doing something to them! I- I'm sorry, I lied! It's just... Ember and Blaze looked so sad and afraid. I wanted to cheer them up but now-" The she- cat's voice broke and she was unable to continue. Shaking, Ivyleaf waited for Storm runner to be angry with her, to tell her that she did not deserve to be part of the pack, and that she was a liar. Instead, the winged medicine cat was surprised to feel the elderly wolf press himself close to her, his rough tongue rasping soothingly over her ears. Choking on her guilt, Ivyleaf sagged against the wolf and buried her face into his fur, "Now I've failed everyone." she whimpered, her voice muffled. "Hush young warrior, there ain't any reason to say you've failed." The elder paused licking and looked down at the she- cat. "And neither Ember nor Blaze have any reason to be angry when all you wanted was to help them."

"He's right. And... I'm grateful for what you said... even if it wasn't the whole truth" A soft voice came from the shadows and Ember padded out, her amber- gold eyes shimmering softly as her gaze rested on Ivyleaf. Ivyleaf cringed back, her pelt bushing guiltily as she stared at the ginger Alpha, "Ember I- I'm so sorry! I-" "It's okay," Ember stepped forward and rested her muzzle on Ivyleaf's head, "I'm not mad. Nobody is." Staring up at the she- wolf, Ivyleaf felt her eyes fill and tears began rolling down her face. "Oh, Leaf, don't blame yourself. You did what you thought was best... no one can blame you for that." Ember murmured, wrapping her wings around the distressed feline and pulling her close. Lowering herself to the ground, the she- wolf began crooning to Ivyleaf the same way she would to soothe a fretful pup. Still rigid with shock, Ivyleaf gradually allowed herself to be comforted, the claws of guilt that had been digging into her heart slowly uncurling and releasing their grip. Nestling into Ember's soft fur, Ivyleaf closed her eyes, and, as Storm runner settled down on his Alpha's other side, broke into a sleepy purr. As the last of her consciousness faded away Ivyleaf knew that Ember was right; she had done what she thought was right. And whatever danger was threatening their families, together, they would face and defeat it.