Jayhaven Chronicles

When Rapid got back to class the next day, he felt awkward around Sedge again, trying to avoid her gaze during class. Today’s lesson was about fighting raccoons.

“Now when you fight these animals, use a lot of flipping and leaping.” Onyx advised as the students practiced a staged fight. Like Crisp, Onyx liked complex contraptions. He had raccoon puppets that moved around as if attacking while dangling from strings, and the students had to practice their moves on it. “I know it sounds silly, but the raccoon will become confused, and will give up eventually.”

Rapid leaped at his puppet, taking Onyx’s advice and trying to bat at it from the air. The puppet bobbed back and forth from the impact, and Rapid landed, feeling satisfied.

Rapid stole a glance at Sedge, and was alarmed to notice she was limping heavily. He bounded over to her. “Are you okay?” He asked.

Sedge huffed as she tried to land a blow on the puppet. “I didn’t think you’d notice.” She mewed, annoyance beginning in her voice.

Rapid shifted his paws. “I’m sor-”

Onyx yowled for the class to be quiet. “It’s lunchtime, so go back to your seats. The Providers will be here soon with the morning’s catch.”

Rapid felt his neck fur rise. You interrupted me! But then he realized it hadn’t been intentional. I’m just so anxious to make up with her.

Soon Rapid had lightly toasted mouse meat on his desk, and he began to nibble on it. He looked back at Sedge, who was staring at her mouse instead of eating it. He quietly stepped over to her desk. Three, two, one- Rapid prepared himself to speak.

“I’m sorry about the other day.” He said. “It was a hard decision, really. I just already have a nice den, and-” I sound stupid. “I’m just sorry.” He finished.

Sedge turned her head. “You apologize a lot.” She mewed, amusement beginning to sparkle in her eyes. Then she winced. “My paw.” she groaned. “I think I sprained it yesterday. Splash and I were playing tag, and when I took a sharp turn, well,”

Rapid observed the paw, which Sedge had lifted into the air for him to see. “It’s swollen.” he concluded. “You might want to see a healer.”

Sedge set it back down. “I’m sorry too.” She admitted. “You’re so much more of a friend than Birch and Lily ever were, and I want to keep friends like that close to me.” She tensed. “Oh, gosh. I didn’t mean to sound too weird.”

Rapid moved closer to her. “You didn’t sound weird at all.” He murmured. They sat together for a few perfect moments, until-

“Well, I was correct.” Raven’s amused mew sounded behind them, and Rapid quickly moved away from her. “You too are a thing.”

Sedge gawked at him, and Rapid shot her a, I’ll tell you later look.

“No, we’re not.” Rapid twitched his tail. “We’re friends. You’re friends with Dawn, right?” Dawn was another she-cat in their group that Raven always seemed to hang around, sort of like an overgrown fly. “Does that make you two a thing?”

Raven seemed to shrink. “No,” he mewed quickly. “But you guys keep disappearing every night, and some of us are getting antsy to see what it’s all about.”

Suddenly, Flame appeared behind Raven. “You mud-brain!” She scolded him. “Taking guesses like that! You’re embarrassing them!”

Rapid rolled his eyes. Flame treated everyone her age like a kit, even her own brother, but at least she was trying to help.

Raven frowned. “Sorry, Ms. Bossy Tail.” He snarled, half teasing. He turned away and stalked off.

What was Peak talking about, saying he was really nice?

“It’s alright.” he mewed to Flame.

Flame shook her head. “It really isn’t. Raven’s brave and all, but sometimes he has a head made of rock!”

Sedge suddenly started to laugh. “Imagine! Him, thinking that we’re an item!”

“Yeah.” Rapid muttered, suddenly feeling less cheerful. He knew what Sedge said was true, but why did he feel such a sharp pang in his chest?

Flame smiled. “He does have a point though. You guys do hang out a lot. But so do a lot of toms and she-cats our age. I guess it’s just a phase.”

Rapid bit back an annoyed reply. You’re in that phase. He thought.

Peak once again wasn’t there, so Rapid and Sedge walked home with each other. A few moons ago I would have shredded her ears if she got near me. Now we go everywhere together.

Sedge was still limping, favoring her left paw. Rapid had offered to help, but she shooed him away. Finally, they started a non injury related conversation.

“What were your parents like?” Sedge asked. Then she added quickly, “If you don’t want to talk about them, it’s fine.”

Rapid shook his head. “No. I need to talk about them.” He took a deep breath. “I remember my father was very brave. Maybe a little too brave. He was always getting into trouble.”

Sedge cast him a teasing smile. “Sounds like someone I know.”

Rapid smiled back, positive emotions rekindling in his heart. “Even though my mom was supposed to be the Provider, he would sneak out at night to catch me a sugar glider. He was a Battler.” Rapid sighed. “That’s probably why I want to be a Battler. To be like him.

“My mom was gentle. She would sing to me every night, and wouldn’t leave my side until I went to bed.”

Sedge eyes rounded. “How can you remember all of this?”

Rapid shrugged. “I guess I treasure the few memories I have with them more than any others.” Just like I treasure the ones I have with you. He wanted to add. I’m not a flirt. He told himself sternly.

“What were their names?” Sedge asked.

“My dad’s name was Thistle. My mom’s name was Rain. I don’t remember them too clearly, but others have told me.”

Sedge dipped her head. “They sound like good cats.”

“They were.” Rapid neared his small den, once again reminded of the decision to keep living on his own. I’m not on my own. I have Peak. He tried to tell himself.

“Goodbye.” He murmured.

Sedge nudged him with her shoulder. “Why do you sound so sad?”

If he told her the truth, that he wished he could stay with her longer, he would sound too weird. “I guess talking about my parents.” He lied.

“Well, goodbye.” Sedge mewed. She bounded off, her sleek pelt vanishing from view.