Falling With the Rain

~ Sick ~

Clearly Fireheart heard, because he spoke. "She lost her eighth life." He spoke in a hushed tone, but enough for me to hear.

This made me nervous. Bluestar couldn't die yet, not until she exiled Tigerclaw. Evidently Fireheart shared the same worries because he locked eyes with me. I shook my head eventually, I had to get some rest or I wouldn't get better. Clearly Yellowfang thought so too, because she sent Fireheart off to get rest and snapped at me to sleep. I obeyed, for once not reluctant.

When I came to, Yellowfang was prodding me again. I lifted my head and gave a soft sneeze. In her jaws, she was holding Elderkit by the scruff. Closely behind her, was Brindleface, in her jaws was Tulipkit. I looked from the kits to Brindleface.

"They've got greencough haven't they?" I rasped, my voice sounding as rough as Yellowfang's.

According to Yellowfang, I now had greencough. I had been moved to her den and Mistlekit stayed by Swiftpaw who had joined us before I had been moved.

"Please, Rainsong. Take care of them for me while they're sick." Brindleface pleaded. "I know we haven't been on the best terms for a while, but please?"

"You're still my sister..." I whispered, my voice still somehow gruff.

I uncurled from my sleeping position. Brindleface and Yellowfang both quickly dropped Tulipkit and Elderkit then I curled around both kits. Keeping them warm, while I fell asleep again.

When I was woken up again, I found Brackenpaw standing over me with his muzzle cramped with catnip. Knowing what he wanted to do, I uncurled to reveal the two kits. Together, we were able to feed each of the kits some catnip. When they had each eaten, it didn't seem to help much. When they had each eaten, Brackenpaw gave me a few leaves to eat myself. I reluctantly agreed and ate them.

I was about to go back to sleep when Fireheart came in. I greeted him with a wave of my tail, my throat aching too much to speak. I didn't pay any attention to the exchange between him and Yellowfang, but as he was leaving, I waved him over.

"Has Princess kitted?" I croaked, my voice still hoarse. When he nodded, I continued. "Tell Graystripe to come visit me, I'd like to have a word with–" A fit of coughs overwhelmed me before I could finish my sentence. "-him"

Fireheart gave me a worried look followed by a nod, then he left to go fetch Graystripe. When he left, I waved Yellowfang over.

"Have you got something useful for my throat?" I rasped in between coughs.

Yellowfang shook her head. "I'm afraid not, I've run out of honey and I can't find anymore now that it's leaf-bare."

I gave a nod, I understood. When she turned away to go look after some other business, Graystripe came in and padded over. He looked hesitant as if he wasn't sure where to sit.

"Right there's just fine." I wheezed. "Can't have a young and strong warrior like you catching greencough."

Graystripe seemed unsure how to respond. "What did you wish to talk to me about?" He meowed at last.

"Your seemingly close relationship with that RiverClan cat." I said, amusement touching my voice. "It's either you keep tussling with each other, or you've been meeting in secret."

His eyes widened to the size of bushes, his lower jaw falling slack. "Have you been spying on me?" He hissed accusingly.

I gave a snort, which was shortly followed by a coughing fit. "Nooooooooo, I've just been walking about with greencough which would let any animal scent me!" I meowed sarcastically. "Of course not Graystripe, I've got GREENCOUGH for Starclan's sake!"