Elemental Claws: Cliff's Perspective

Overwhelming

I returned with the supplies, the white flower from the shadow realm was tucked safely in the bottom of the bag. As I walked into camp, I felt nervous. I was scared of things going wrong. If something bad happened, how could I not blame myself? I looked up and saw Nathan awaiting my return. 

"I have the supplies," I said.

"Good good. In the bag?" he responded.

"Yes," I nodded, then handed him the bag. "Put this somewhere safe. We can't risk losing it."

I was really thinking of the flower in the bottom of the bag. He grew vines that secured it to a tree. They surrounded the bag so that it was barely visible. It wouldn't be coming down unless we really wanted to retrieve it. 

"We should go inform Nocturne of his... role," Nathan said.

"Mhm. Let's go," I replied.

We walked down from the trees, looking for Nocturne. His strange purple pelt made him easy to find. He wouldn't last a day on his own. He was naive and cocky, not a good combo. I motioned to Nathan when I saw him.

"Nocturne!" Nathan called. 

"Yes?" he said, turning towards us. 

"We have something to discuss with you," I said. "Not that you have much of a choice."

"We need you to act as bait for Juniper," Nathan spoke calmly. "To... save him."

Nocturne went from being horrified to being ecstatic at the thought of being part of the plan. Being bait wasn't an attractive idea, but helping save his mentor was. 

"Good, then it's settled," I said briskly.

I suddenly felt the need to be alone. I couldn't stand being near other cats. I hurried away and curled up in my nook. Yet, somehow, it wasn't enough to soothe me like usual. I looked back to where I had last been with Nathan. I felt bad for what I was about to do, but I knew he could hold his own. He knew the plan, I didn't need to supervise.

I quietly grabbed my few belongings, and made my way to the edge of the camp. I looked back and sighed. I would miss it here, but I couldn't remain here any longer. At least, not for a while. I took a tentative step out of the camp, then continued. I began walking, no direction in particular, just wherever. 

As I got further from the camp, I began to feel freer. I had no obligations. I realized that maybe I did have one. Not all of my tribe had died in the incident. They had dispersed, but they could be found. To see someone from my past is what I needed. I needed closure. It might take a few weeks, but I could find them. Then, I could return to the tribe. I wouldn't be gone for long...