[Fade]

They called Mumblepaw lucky, it was an interesting idea considering everything had happened to them. It lost their parents, his sister and brothers, and snake’s tail. That was lucky for sure, it was a point of contention in Mumble’s brain. Moons after, it was worse, it was always worse. I mean what does one do when they lose everything? They give up and that’s what Mumblepaw was on the verge of doing. The calico shifts, paws itching to hold onto something. The stick was gone, it had been the one thing Mumblepaw had left alongside those feathers. The star filled sky was no aid, providing an empty space, it was a space where Mumble found himself trapped in for a moment. The stars had sent Martenkit back, but why not Hawkkit…?

Yes, the learner was glad for Martenkit being brought back. But why not fang’s sister? Hawkkit hadn’t been given the chance like Martenkit. The learner pushes a small rock away, the overhang it was resting underneath provides a break from the chilling winds and small mists, the scent of the ocean is faint but still remains in Mumblepaw’s nose. It was time to go home, to get back to the Settlement. To Sleepyfrost, they had a question to ask. An important question to ask snake’s adoptive father. It was something that Mumblepaw considered near and dear to their heart, it meant so much to him and perhaps Ginger too. But what would Beanstar say? He was the cat that needed to approve of such a request. Had Beanstar even recovered from their screaming match? One life down, eight to go?

A spike of wind hits the calico, making them cling to the overhang and cling to the shadow of it. Perhaps Hawkstar’s word we’re still true… they held much to be acted upon to the learner. Mumblepaw sighs, claws digging into the earth to avoid slipping down the faint slope of the hillside. White paws trying to avoid being worn out even more, each step had led to faint pain, they would have to visit Stonepaw, and drag Martenkit to him as well, who knew what injuries the revived child had now. Why had he been so stupid? Going to sleepy thicket and not staying with the Settlement. Green eyes making out a blurry image of the darkness before it. This night was lasting forever, Mumblepaw had no idea how long they had been gone, about a sun high worth surely???

The cat lowers their head to earth, placing a single paw under it. Hawkstar and Hawkkit, how ironic was that? The stupid name haunted them, from early learnership and beyond. That star forsaken name, it was everywhere. It was watching his every god damn move, Mumblepaw avoids the thought, only to be dragged back to an oh so familiar place. It’s star filled sky and landscape, the cats here, glimmering with the things. Those little speckles of light that polluted Mumblepaw’s vision. It was by far too familiar, but when you are brought here, it makes you freeze. Another cat was here as well, one Mumblepaw knew but one he did not. Mumblepaw left, the words spoken, they were yelled.

Leaving was easier than before, this time he knew. This time Mumblepaw knew it wasn’t real death, not this time. That cat’s ragged teeth a fresh image in his mind. Green eyes, opened once more as their breathing grew in volume and the air rushes through it’s lungs. The shecat, one Mumblepaw knew, Lilycreek. The learner had yelled at her, and for what gain? For some form of self-justification? This night was one that the learner was left questioning, again. As the dawn sparks a faint light through the air, the pale cat feels a wave of relief, it was over. That place was out of sight for now, but things much happen.

The settlement had information to be told, Mumblepaw had other things to worry about for now. Like getting Martenkit back to her family.