Greencough (tagged)

[Icestorm]

Midnight Pinestorm... to die

Petalbreeze caught noticed the first cough a while back, but she was too scared to bring it up to Pinestorm. The last thing she wanted to do was insult her best friend. As the coughs got closer and closer, a worry grew in her. Pinestorm was supposed to be the strong one, the tough one. but Petalbreeze was starting doubt Pinestorm's ability to take on the world. It wasn't until the large tabby failed to get up one morning that Petalbreeze had enough. She had to something, because something was clearly wrong with Pinestorm. The sandy she-cat just hoped it wasn't what she thought it was.

Pinestorm paid no mind to the pain in her chest, not with the worry she saw in her small friends eyes. She couldn't show weakness now, not with Petalbreeze looking at her like that. So the large tabby pushed on. She ignored the coughing, and she ignored the pain - the unbearable pain.

"Come on Pinestorm!" COUGH Petalbreeze hissed as she helped her much larger friend up. "We have to go get you checked out." COUGH-COUGH

Pinestorm wasn't too sure what was all going on now at this point. She just knew Petalbreeze was with her and they were moving. Which she thought was odd since she was just sleeping. Why wouldn't Petalbreeze let COUGH her sleep. She just wanted COUGH to sleep.

"Pinestorm needs to help. I think..." Petalbreeze felt a choke rise in her throat, "I think she has greencough."

[Midnight]

Mintpaw was going through her stock of herbs, cleaning out the old leaves and replacing them with what she'd managed to find the previous day. Her ears flicked at the sound of two sets of paws entering the den. When one spoke, the medicine cat apprentice recognized the voice of Petalbreeze, who spoke of Pinestorm being ill. She'd noticed that they were often together, and assumed that they were best friends, and for Petalbreeze to come to Mintpaw about this, it must've been serious. That didn't mean that Pinestorm was going to take any less of a hit.

Mintpaw looked over her shoulder at the two warriors. "Is she? Well, why didn't she come to me herself?" Mintpaw replied, her eyes narrow. "What did you think I would do, feed you deathberries? If you're coughing at all, you come to me right away. Did you not hear me during Vineheart's announcement?" She ranted, her voice getting harsher by the word. The gray tabby's lip curled and she stormed over to Pinestorm, stopping when she was only a tail-length away. The she-cat let out a hiss, "Do you not realize that there are consequences for leaving yourself unattended? If you don't want herbs, fine, I can't shove them down your throat, but don't you dare run around and infect other cats." She stared at Pinestorm for a few moments, hoping it would all set in, then sat down and washed a paw. "Do you want the herbs or not?"

[Icestorm]

Pinestorm didn't know what was fully going on. One moment Petalbreeze was in front of her, then next Mintpaw was lecturing her. The large tabby's fur bristled slightly. COUGH. She honestly hated Mintpaw, the apprentice was too loud, and overly bossy for her liking. Being lectured by the medicine cat apprentice was annoying, it was as though she never stopped. COUGH.

Petalbreeze watched Pinestorm carefully as Mintpaw lectured her, her coughs between the lecture worried her. Pinestorm's coughs sounded wet, and painful. The small sandy she-cat knew exactly what her friend would say to Mintpaw, which was why for once the she-cat looked to another cat with a determined look, "She'll take the herbs!" COUGH-COUGH.

"Pinestorm you need to take the herbs Mintpaw gives you!" The she-cat looked to her friend with worry, "You can't be prideful now of all times!"

COUGH "Fine! I'll take them."

Petalbreeze looked hopefully to Mintpaw. The she-cat was trying to think positively, but with the condition of Pinestorm it was hard.

[Midnight]

Mintpaw gave Petalbreeze a small nod, stalking back over to her herb store and picking out a few catmint leaves for Pinestorm. The coughing was constant, and it clearly wasn't caused just by speaking or heavy running. "Petalbreeze, there's a pile of dry moss in the corner to the left of the entrance. Will you grab a piece and place it over by the water hole here?" Mintpaw waved her tail to the right, where a small dip in the ground was cleared to the sides, tall grass behind it. Patients who were unable to walk or had severe coughs were placed by the watering hole so they had easier access for drinking.

"As for you," Mintpaw began again, picking up the chosen leaves and padding back over to Pinestorm, "I want you to remain quiet for the next several days. Do as little speaking as possible and stay in your nest. The less heavily you breathe, and the fewer words you speak, the easier it'll be for your throat to heal, okay?" The medicine cat apprentice set the leaves down in front of Pinestorm, blinking at her. "You'll be okay. I may not be Sparrowleaf, but I am well-trained, and greencough is easy enough to fix as long as you relax, eat, and drink a lot of water," her tone was low, as though she were trying to convince herself more than Pinestorm. Mintpaw shook her head and went back to her store, saying louder "And what about you, Petalbreeze? Any coughing?"

[Icestorm]

Petalbreeze looked to Mintpaw before nodding and helping Pinestorm to rest on the ground. She left watching Pnestorm as long as she could. She needed to do this for her friend, she couldn't doubt herself now, could she? She really didn't want to, not with Pinestorm in the condition she was in. She needed to be the brave on here. but could she do it?

Pinestorm tried to watch Mintpaw as she told the sandy she-cat what to do, but she closed her eyes for what seemed like just a moment and Petalbreeze was gone. COUGH. Where had she gone? She better not have left me here. The tabby she-cat looked to the appentice when she started giving instructions. How I am supposed to do all that! COUGH "I can't stay COUGH here. I'm not," she moved to get up but collapse back down from sudden fatigue. COUGH. Her chest felt like it was on fire, with a rock pressed on it.

Petalbreeze came back in her thoughts focused to finish the task Mintpaw set her out to do. Just as she was finishing her task she heard the she-cat call out to her. "Oh uh, no. Not from me." The she-cat hadn't even stopped to think about herself, she had been so focused on Pinestorm. but she was sure she hadn't coughed yet. "Is... is Pinestorm going to be okay?" She asked looking down to her paws, unsure if she should have asked.

COUGH COUGH

Pinestorm wasn't sure about anything around her, all she wanted was to sleep.

[Midnight]

"Yes you are," Mintpaw insisted, lashing her tail a few times. Why did Pinestorm have to be so stubborn? "It's more about the wellbeing of your Clanmates than anything else. Do you want to be held responsible for making half the Clan sick? Look at the shape you're in, Pinestorm. Listen to your voice--do you really think you're in any shape to be patrolling, hunting, or even fighting?" Mintpaw cast a glance back at Pinestorm.

Greencough was the absolute worst disease. It meant staying up all night, listening to the coughs of Clanmates, with the heavy weight of knowing that you've done all you can. There is nothing more than giving them a few catmint leaves, and those nights were always the ones that gave Mintpaw the worst headaches. Being a warrior and feeling useless wasn't so bad, because they had their peers to cheer them on, but feeling useless as a medicine cat was one of the worst things possible.

When Petalbreeze reentered the den and asked if Pinestorm was going to be okay, Mintpaw looked over, her eyes misty. Unfortunately, Petalbreeze's eyes were directed at her paws. The apprentice cleared her throat and mumbled, "I have done all I can. The rest is in StarClan's paws. They work in mysterious ways, so I cannot say either way."

[Icestorm]

Pinestorm felt a heaviness start to call to her. It was a strange feeling, somewhat calming really. Maybe if she slept she could stop being so weak, and go back to warriors den. It sounded like a nice plan, but she really shouldn't be sleeping. She was being lazy and that wasn't going to get her anywhere. COUGH. Her eye lids closed, as the heaviness became more dominate, COUGH.

Petalbreeze felt her heart drop at Mintpaw's words. She had hoped the appentice would help her friend, make her better. What was she supposed to do without Pinestorm? Who was she supposed to talk to? Or even curl up with. Pinestorm was the only cat that made her feel confident in any way. "What do I do," she asked out loud in a soft broken whisper, "She is all I have."

COUGH

The small she-cat thought back to growing up, trying to be someone she wasn't. Pinestorm wasn't fooled. It was Pinestorm that descided they were going to friends, and let push Petalbreeze to herself - yet she also encouraged her to be more, always more. Petalbreeze just wished she could be as brave and outspoken as her friend. She could do without the attitude though.

COUGH-COUGH

Petalbreeze looked back to Pinestorm would was sleeping at this point, her breathing was shallow and labored. Without even thinking about it the small she-cat made her way closer to Pinestorm. She couldn't leave her friend alone at a time like this. Pinestorm wouldn't do that to her, so she shouldn't do that either

[Midnight]

"She is all I have." Idiot. Mintpaw paused, looking back at Petalbreeze, "This is why you should never depend on any single cat for all of your happiness, or your confidence, or your everything. You just don't do that, see? It's not fair to anyone. It's not fair to the one you're depending on; let me ask you this: how do you think Pinestorm must feel? Why do you think she was too stubborn, too proud to come to me? Why do you think you had to drag her here, Petalbreeze? You need her. She doesn't want to let you down. She didn't want to admit that she was sick because she didn't want you to see her as weak. Do you realize how much of a burden you may have been to her? I've rarely seen you two apart. I'm sure you've had wonderful times together, but you have to realize that you and Pinestorm are not the same cat. You have separate bodies, separate minds, and separate lives. Your dependence on Pinestorm has led her to being the kind of cat who doesn't go to the medicine cat when she may be dying, all because she doesn't want to let you see her weak, sick, or even dead. Well, guess what? Her stubbornness may have led her to the end," Mintpaw said, trying to catch Petalbreeze's eyes with a harsh stare.

"What are you going to do?" Mintpaw repeated the warrior's question, lashing her tail a few times, "You're going to dive into the sea. You're going to make new friends, or you're going to become a recluse who doesn't talk to any of her Clanmates. You're going to spread your wings a little bit and talk to other cats, so if anyone else dies, you'll have plenty of shoulders to lean on. Each path has its vices. If you choose to be alone, you have to suffer everything by yourself, and you'll watch as others have fun without you, but you won't have as much misery to deal with because you're not as close to others. If you choose the path of friends, then you'll have many cats to look out for, and it'll always hurt to watch them die or leave the Clan, but at least you'll still have your other friends," she said.

When Petalbreeze padded over to Pinestorm, Mintpaw's ears perked. She watched as the warrior's side rose and fell, narrowing her eyes. Was Pinestorm's breathing slowing? The she-cat's breathing certainly wasn't deep enough for her to be getting enough air, and Mintpaw heard wheezing with every breath. A wave of guilt washed over Mintpaw and she made her way to Pinestorm, body shaking more with every hesitant pawstep.

"Pinestorm?" Mintpaw squeaked, clearing her voice after. She avoided looking at Petalbreeze, instead putting her head to Pinestorm's side. It didn't sound good. The medicine cat apprentice sat back up, neck fur rising, and glanced at Pinestorm's face. Her eyes were closed. Great. Wonderful. What a day this has turned into. With a deep breath, and a long blink, Mintpaw whispered, "Pinestorm, go now. Don't keep them waiting."

---

A young, strong she-cat slipped easily into SunsetClan's medicine den. Oh, how things had changed since her time! The ginger she-cat padded over to the small group of cats. "Pinestorm," Dawnstar whispered, "your time in this world is ending. StarClan calls you now into its ranks, where you will watch down on your friends and family." The most difficult task of a StarClan cat was, without a doubt, bringing young felines away from their Clanmates. It was always too soon, and it tore Dawnstar apart every time. Though she did not directly know these cats necessarily, she watched over them every day, and they were the future generations, those who came years after her, and to watch them suffer... If only she could say something to Petalbreeze, something comforting. She hoped that the young she-cat felt Dawnstar's tail on her shoulder, the best gesture the starry warrior could offer.

[Icestorm]

Petalbreeze shrunk down with every word Mintpaw said to her. Her ears folded back. It wasn't like that was it? I hadn't done that to Pinestorm had I? I... hadn't meant to. No, I loved Pinestorm. After all the she-cat took me in, showed me how to be brave. Well, tried to really. Without Pinestorm was I still Petalbreeze. Wasn't I Petalbreeze before Pinestorm though. The small she-cat was confused. "I-I didn't mean," her body began to shake, "I killed her." This is my fault.

Pinestorm felt the heaviness slowly surround her body, taking the pain away ever so slowly. It was nice, almost relaxing. Before the large tabby knew what the heaviness was, she was completely numb.

The small sandy she-cat froze. Her heart dropped in an instance when she noticed Pinestorm's chest. It wasn't moving. There was no rising or falling. Her ragged breathing couldn't even be heard. Her best friend was gone. Gone. What am I going to do? Mintpaw was... right. The she-cat moved closer to friend in a slight daze as Mintpaw's realization hit her. "I'm so sorry Pinestorm." Petalbreeze moved to rest on Pinestorm for a moment as she said her good-bye.


Pinestorm stared at Dawnstar in confusion, "Ending? Oh no. I have things to do. I have to be with Petalbreeze and I was going to deputy one day. And-and. I have plans!" The young warrior looked back to Petalbreeze, who laying with her motionless body. "Can't you like put me back? I really have a lot of things to still do. I'm not ready to leave yet." Pinestorm felt her voice crack for the first time from her raw emotions. She knew the truth, she just wasn't sure if she was ready to admit it.

[Midnight]

"I killed her," Petalbreeze had said. Mintpaw froze, a chill running through her entire body. A sharp coldness overtook her, and she let out a breath, winded, and backed numbly away from Pinestorm, crouching and putting her paws over her face. What had she done? When was she going to learn that tactless, brutal honesty was downright cruel in some situations? Why don't I ever shut my mouth? Mintpaw wanted to wail, but she held it back. She needed strength for her Clanmates.

Wait, she... she needed strength for her Clanmates.

Mintpaw flicked an ear, standing and padding over to Pinestorm. She rested her chin on the she-cat's side for a moment, I understand, Pinestorm. I know exactly what you went through.

---

"It's rare to meet a cat who is," Dawnstar muttered, blinking warmly at Pinestorm. She gingerly stepped over to the fresh spirit, resting her chin atop Pinestorm's head. "I'm sorry it has to be this way. I really am. I am Dawnstar, by the way. I created SunsetClan..." she said, trailing on to begin the history of the Clan as she began to walk into the sky, going higher with every pawstep. Maybe some stories would help take the warrior's mind off her death on the journey to StarClan.