TW: Sensitive Content Open The Farm In unum infernus ───〃★ BARN FIRE

[Sparrowpaw]

———————————— The sun hesitates more on each evening's darkening ✦

There was a feeling like a sickness took hold, a sickness of the mind that dizzied Sparrow with every step, eyes wide in panic. No one, not a single cat had seen Meadow, the idea she was still- Still in there? It was enough to drive tears to their eyes, one of their few friends in this world and she might be... The cat blinked hard, heart heavy. They could do nothing but wait, Merry would never let them near that barn again, not as if they'd be brave enough to head back in. Just the idea was enough to send weakness to their paws.

Instead, amidst the crowd, their eyes fell again on Chick, a muddled yellow lump staring at the fire with something indescribable look in his eyes. Sparrow didn't realize just how much ash had clung to their dear friend's pelt, the brightness of his fur dulled, it was enough to put a new pit in their stomach. They glanced again to the fire and back to Chick. He might be useless to help those in the barn still, but they could be here for those safe because that look on Chick's face was one they'd never seen cross that usually smiling face.

Heavy paws padded forward, standing at the yellow tom's side, their own face knit in a pain that was hard to hide. "Chick..." Sparrow's voice wavered, though maybe there was no need to talk. Instead, just as Chick had before, Sparrow pressed his face against the side of the other, trying their best to be some kind of comfort. Though their face scrunched at the scent of the ash and soot that clung to the other's fur, a bitter reminder of what they'd managed to escape. Even so, Sparrow pressed close to the other, trying to figure out what to say.

"... 're you okay? 'm sorry I walked off I-" His voice faltered, they had to swallow hard to try to steady themself, the weight of everything had begun to take a toll on the tortie. They curled up at Chick's side, eyes adverting from the fire, they just wanted to make sure their friend was okay, it was all they could do in a time of no control. " 'm right here, we're okay. I- I Promise."

——— Like grief and sweet memory,

Wildflower and barley. ———

• @Chick @Monte quick lil post. :)
• 
  Sparrow(paw)
  ✦—Barncat -> Future Windclan Apprentice
  ✦—They/He
  ✦—"SPEECH", 'THOUGHTS', ATTACK
  ✦—A longhaired tortoiseshell with amber eyes and protruding canines.
  #bf4916

 

[REDVEIL]

TW Blood and injury

Red had hardly been at the barn more than a pawful of days.

Cautiously he was adjusting. Tentatively dipping his paws into this new world filled with louder voices and more colorful characters than he could keep up with. It was a far cry from the quiet confines of the silver den. Here, he could stretch, walk, and explore in ways the feline had only dreamed of. Freedom should have felt like a gift.

Instead, it was more akin to isolation and abandonment. He was alone now, truly alone. Everything and everyone he had ever known was behind him. Lost the day he was dumped here. The only constant, the only tether, was Goldy. A cat that was beginning to grow on him.

Still, a twinge of doubt lingered in the back of Red's mind, whispering cruel truths he couldn't ignore. They felt useless here. Out of place. He didn't know how to hunt more than a few measly mice. Not like he ever fought a real fight. He couldn't even find a way around the outside of the barn without getting lost. With his leg still sore and stiff, he was even more of a burden. So he stayed. Nestled in the hay like some broken thing, moping.

The others didn't say anything, or at least not directly. Still he could feel it. The glances. The weight of his own insecurities gnawing at him more than hunger ever could.

Eventually, as the golden light of the setting sun trickled through the barn slats, Red let his mind wander, drifting far enough away from all the noise and ache that sleep could finally take him. In his dreams he could faintly hear the soft purring of his mother again.

-

His new home was suddenly and viciously engulfed in fire.

Just moments ago Red had been peacefully resting within the stall, tucked away like a kit at its mother's belly. The next moment, he was slammed awake by the force of the flames. His head struck something solid, and all he could do was gasp.

Heat rippled against his skin, and the lacking oxygen curled into his throat like thorns. Sluggishly, he stood, watching in horror as cats and barn animals screamed to the heavens through cracks in the walls. Desperation and panic clawed at him as he raked his claws against the wooden boards, begging for something, anything, his nails could catch. It was fruitless.

He didn't remember when he stopped trying to escape. His leg had given out at some point. Wounded, sluggish, and angry as blood now slicked the singed hay beneath him. He thought, maybe… This was it. Maybe it was easier to just lay there, to let the darkness swallow him whole. His ebony frame slumped, paws swaying aimlessly as he scattered bedding and smeared fallen ash. Then came a familiar voice cutting through the haze.

'I am not leaving you here. Let's go!'

Goldy. Of course it was. Stubborn, infuriating Goldy with more heart than sense. Red coughed, gritting his teeth as the other cat hauled him up like a kit. His limbs were limp, weakened by the fumes. His head swam with confusion from the earlier blow. He wanted to snap at him, to say something sharp and cutting, but the air burned too much and his throat was already raw.

So he staggered forward, wincing as his injured leg dragged beneath him. Goldy stayed by his side, bracing him when he faltered, carving a path through flame and smoke like he was born to defy it. Red clung to him, tugged through chaos and fleeing pelts. Behind them the barn roared like a dying monster, thrashing in its final breaths. It sent Red's heart into a violent staccato, as if trying to wake him from this nightmare.

-

They burst into the night as embers from the blaze haloed them, and Red nearly collapsed as they passed the barn doors. Maw gulping down cold, blessed air as though it might undo the damage. His flanks heaved, body rattling. Brown eyes stung from smoke or tears, he no longer knew. Goldy was still yelling and ushering others away as if they hadn't all just danced with death.

Red turned his head as they staggered, his voice hoarse and tired. "You're a damned fool, risking your tail like that." They rasped, meow rough and aching. A beat passed and his tone softened. "Thank you." He didn't say you should've left me, even though it sat heavy in his chest. Not here. Not now.

Gradually, his foggy mind began to surface back into reality. Drawn to the world beyond the haze of smog and pain. He hadn't realized how far he'd drifted until he found himself near the fenceline, its presence grounding him. The sharp acrid scent of burning still thick in the air, but it was the cries of others searching for their loved ones that choked him.

They stood shakily, watching as the barn was ruthlessly swallowed. Even though it had only been a haven to Red for a short while, the sight struck something deep within him. He could feel the loss, the hopelessness pressing down on them all like a weighted stone.

Please… Please let everyone get out alive. The words repeated in his head like a prayer. Given he was too weak to help. Too inexperienced and much too selfish to pull himself away from Goldy's side.

Leaning against Goldy further, burying his face into tendrils of pale fur tinted with ash. His voice muffled and quieter than before. "Don't go back in there." It wasn't a request. It was a plea. There he stayed quiet, aching, and terrified. Heart pounding out its helpless rhythm as firelight danced in the distance.

OOC Mentions @GOLDY​