PAFP Medicine Cat's Den Silent wounds & loud voices // cicada

[Tickpaw]

TICK

So what if you can see the darkest side of me?

Tickpaw hadn't wanted to go to Cicadabuzz for the scratch on his face. He had hoped it would heal on its own, fade away so that his sister would stop looking so damn guilty. Besides, if he had gone right away, she would have gotten into even more trouble than she already was with the medicine cat. So he had kept quiet.

It had seemed like a solid plan, until it wasn't. The wound throbbed, irritated and sore, and no matter how much he tried to clean it, it refused to stop aching. Eventually, he had to admit defeat. He'd come up with a harmless lie, something simple, and made his way toward the medicine den.

Just as he neared the entrance, however, Pepperpaw appeared, blocking his path with a sly smile.

" Oh, Tickpaw, that wound looks awful. " she cooed, mock concern dripping from her voice. Then, with deliberate carelessness, she added: " Isn't that the one Flea gave you during that scuffle with Snake? Ouch. That must've hurt… Such a shame you didn't go to Cicadabuzz right away. "

She lifted a paw to her muzzle in feigned sympathy, completely ignoring the heated glare Tickpaw shot her.

He prayed to whatever would listen that Cicadabuzz had heard none of that. Without another word to Pepperpaw, he marched into the den, pushing past the irritation bubbling in his chest. He'd deal with her later. He'd grow stronger.

For now, he had to handle this.

" Cicadabuzz? " he called, hesitating just inside. His orange eyes flickered around, searching for the medicine cat. " I… I think I need some help with a wound. I don't think it's healing properly. "

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