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runningwolf62 · 6 years ago

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@wardencommanderrodimiss @pachelbelsheadcanon

I’m not going to pretend this isn’t rough in places but it’s done! It’s done and about half as long as the rest of the fic all together.

Orangestripe paced around the border looking for any sign of anyone. He could catch a scent of Wolf having come by. Please don’t let him run into Viper.

“Orangestripe?” He perked his ears and spotted Bird, the tortoiseshell made her way over to the border.

“What’s wrong?”

“Can you get a message to Demon?” Orangestripe asked, his claws sank into the earth to root him in place, “Firebirdstorm was attacked by rogues and he looks really bad off, like might be dying.” They’d dragged him and Spiritstar back to camp both covered in blood, Orangestripe wasn’t sure Spiritstar had been breathing when he’d seen her.

Bird’s eyes got huge and Orangestripe felt bad for scaring her, “please, I just, I think he’d want to know.”

Bird nodded and touched her nose to his shoulder, “May your StarClan watch over him.”

“Thank you,” he stepped back and watched her run off into the undergrowth. He drew in a breath to taste the air, once he was sure he couldn’t smell a rogue he set off at a quick trot. He didn’t like feeling unsafe in his territory but until they got to the bottom of the attacks on Firebirdstorm and Spiritstar no one would be safe.

He made it back to camp quickly and let out a breath of relief. He was safe at camp at least.

“Orangestripe.”

He about jumped out of his fur and whirled around to see a pair of dark green eyes glittering in the dark. Darkleaf stepped out of the shadow he’d hidden in and Orangestripe forced his fur to lie flat.

“StarClan, Darkleaf, you scared my stripes off.”

The deputy almost looked amused for a heartbeat before his eyes narrowed, “you shouldn’t be out of camp by yourself.”

Orangestripe flattened his ears, “I was just-“

“You were being reckless. We have several cats injured and we can’t afford another.” His tail lashed behind him, Orangestripe stepped back in surprise. He’d always known the deputy as a laid-back and supportive cat. The anger and possibly grief that flashed in his eyes now was not something he was used to.

“I’ll be more careful,” Orangestripe promised, Darkleaf’s stance barely relaxed.

“You had better.” He turned away and headed back to where he’d been before. At first Orangestripe wondered if they had other Clanmates he was planning to scare the fur off of but Darkleaf’s gaze was focused on- oh. He was watching over Spiritstar’s den.

“You should get some sleep.”

“I’m fine.” Darkleaf replied flatly and Orangestripe left him to it. He slipped into the medicine cat den, careful not to wake Cherrywing to lay down next to Firebirdstorm.

His friend twitched in his sleep and Orangestripe could smell the poppy seeds on his breath. He rested his head on Firebirdstorm’s shoulders and closed his eyes. He was slowly lulled to sleep by the sounds of Firebirdstorm and Cherrywing’s snoring.

He’s sitting in the hospital waiting room when Edgeworth finally shows up hours later. Larry blandly answers his questions. Some part of him knows he should be worried about Maya and Pearl.

But he’s still staring at the tiled floor unable to think about anything other than that Elise is dead.

“He’s got a cold and needs two day’s bedrest,” Edgeworth grumbles to himself, “I thought you said he was dying.”

Larry looks up at that, “I saw him fall off a burning bridge into freezing cold river rapids.” That was some Rasputin levels of bullshit that Nick was alive but Larry would count his blessings. Or Nick’s blessings. ‘Cause it was really starting to seem like all Larry had were curses.

Edgeworth pauses to look at him, “have you gotten any sleep?”

“Not since eleven last night. What took you so long?”

“I had to charter a private plane!”

“Gay.” Larry mumbles exhaustedly. Edgeworth looks already fed up with him and Larry can’t blame him.

Edgeworth sits down in the chair next to him and actually doesn’t object when Larry leans on him out of exhaustion though he does wrinkle his nose- oh yeah Larry smells like a burnt bridge.

“What happened to your hand?”

Larry looks down at the bandaged hand, “only phone was a public phone about a foot from the burning bridge.”

“You called me on a phone next to a burning bridge?”

“I called the police first,” Larry defends himself tiredly and looks over, “oh hey, what’s that?” It looks like Nick’s defense badge.

Edgeworth turns it in his hand, “he must’ve been addled by the drugs to ask me to do this.”

“I mean, someone with a cardboard badge wasn’t stopped so you should be fine.”

“What?”

“Orangestripe!” He opened one eye to find Splashpaw poking at him, the medicine cat apprentice waved her tail frantically as she looked up at him.

“What’s up kid?” He yawned and stretched out his shoulders, Firebirdstorm seemed to still be passed out though he mumbled something about a fox. Orangestripe looked to him confusedly before back to Splashpaw.

“Demon’s here!”

“Oh!” Orangestripe glanced down at Firebirdstorm, “how is he?”

“Demon?”

“Firebirdstorm!”

“He’ll be fine once he sleeps off the poppy seeds!” Splashpaw purred at that and something in Orangestripe’s chest untied itself. He wouldn’t lose Firebirdstorm.

“Alright excuse me.” He hurried out of the den to find Demon and Darkleaf staring each other down.

“Where is Spiritstar?” Demon demanded, Darkleaf barred his fangs.

“She’s busy. You’re not a member of the Clan anymore Demon, by your choice. You can’t just come and go as you please.”

“I came because I heard Firebirdstorm might be dying!” Demon snapped, “I didn’t just run over here in the middle of the night because I felt like stretching my legs.”

“That’s my fault,” Orangestripe moved forward, Darkleaf glared at him but he hurriedly explain, “I tried to tell you. I thought Firebirdstorm was dying and I thought Demon should know.” He hadn’t expected Demon to actually come to camp. “Come on you can at least see him though.” And get away from Darkleaf who seemed to only be getting worse tempered.

“Darkleaf calm down,” Orangestripe turned to see Feathersong slip out of the elder’s den, the older she-cat nodded once to her former apprentice and flicked her tail towards the medicine cat den. Orangestripe didn’t need telling twice and led Demon over.

Cherrywing was sitting in her nest when they came in, her greeting slurred by a massive yawn.

“So Firebirdstorm is fine?” Demon sounded annoyed and Orangestripe flattened his ears.

“Sharppaw,” a voice slurred and Firebirdstorm tried to sit up, “didn’t expect you to come visit.”

“I heard you almost died.”

“Nah just fought a rogue patrol,” Firebirdstorm’s tongue hung out just slightly like he’d been startled in the middle of grooming himself.

“You were covered in blood,” Orangestripe huffed as he headed out, “sorry for thinking you were dying.”

He settled outside the den to wait for Demon to come out, the least he could do for the poor guy was walk him home.

Darkleaf was settled near the leader’s den and staring him down, Orangestripe ignored him as best he could. The awkward tension between him in the deputy was not fun and honestly he just wanted to go back to sleep.

After a bit Demon padded out and up to Orangestripe. “I need to speak to Spiritstar.”

Orangestripe looked over at Darkleaf and then up at Demon, “Good luck with that.”

Demon took a deep breath and let it out, “just come with me please.”

Orangestripe got to his paws and stretched his back out, “you know I’d follow you and Firebirdstorm anywhere.”

Demon paused with one paw raised and took a moment to just look at Orangestripe as though truly seeing his friend for the first time, “you would wouldn’t you.”

Orangestripe blinked at him and nodded. Side by side they walked up to Darkleaf, Orangestripe mimicked Demon’s casually refined way of walking.

“I need to speak to Spiritstar,” Demon informed Darkleaf.

“Go home Demon,” he lashed his tail and glared at the two of them, “you both have some growing to do if you think this is how warriors behave.”

Oh Orangestripe was so getting put on Elder’s duty. Well then might as well risk it all, “just let him talk to her Darkleaf, I might be a mouse-brain but Demon’s always had sense. He’s the one asking not me.”

Darkleaf’s response was cut off by Spiritstar poking her head out of the den. Orangestripe and Demon both started at the swath of cobwebs over her neck and chest.

“Demon,” she greeted him, “is everything alright?”

“I was told Firebirdstorm was badly injured,” he glanced over at Orangestripe, “and while the direness of his situation was exaggerated, he has asked me for a favor. To serve as a warrior of SpiritClan until he is recovered enough to resume his duties.”

“What?” Darkleaf looked to Spiritstar, who nodded.

“Very well then,” she agreed with a glance at her deputy, “Darkleaf, you should get some sleep. You’re beginning to get irrational.”

Darkleaf clawed at the ground and started to object before his shoulders slumped, “but you’re injured.”

“I have all the Clan looking out for me,” Spiritstar assured him gently, “my safety is not your responsibility. Go get some sleep.”

“Fine. Demon, Orangestripe, you two and Harestrike are the dawn patrol for tomorrow.” Orangestripe accepted the punishment for what it was and let Darkleaf march past him.

Spiritstar watched him go with a sigh and then turned to Demon, “you’ve come to us at a good time.” When he went to speak she added, “for whatever reason. We’re grateful to have you.”

“You might want to hide in the medicine cat den with Firebirdstorm,” Orangestripe murmured to Demon, “so Darkleaf doesn’t accidentally kick you or anything.”

“Provided that you both get your rest I see no reason Cherrywing would object to that,” Spiritstar agreed, “now unless you have any concerns, to bed with you both.”

The two shared a look and nodded, “yes Spiritstar!”

Larry and Edgeworth had gone their separate ways after that, Larry had gone back to the temple – avoid looking it, can’t avoid looking at it, Elise had died in the courtyard – and tried to get some sleep. He’d ended up in Heavenly Hall as much of a shack as it was, it was as far from the crime scene as he could get.

A knocking on the door pulled him out of bed and stumbling to answer the door, “yes?” He rubbed at his face, “Edgy?”

Edgeworth does a double take at the sight of Larry, “you’re staying here?”

“Yeah,” Larry stretched out his shoulders until they popped, “did you need something?” He spots Gumshoe over Edgeworth’s shoulder, “listen, I was just napping here because the other temple is a crime scene.”

Edgeworth looks to Gumshoe, “you’re the witness that saw the lightning hit the bridge correct?”

“Yeah,” Larry rubs the sleep from his eyes, “that’s just what happened, that’s what woke me up.”

Edgeworth nods and lets out a breath, “do you have any idea why Wright would ask me to defend this woman?”

Larry hesitates, trying to figure out how to tell Edgeworth that she looked exactly like Nick’s crazy ex-girlfriend when Gumshoe cuts in.

“Wait, hold on! Objection!”

Larry and Edgeworth turn to him and Larry is tempted to close the door as Gumshoe huffs and puffs, “what is this! Prosecutor Edgeworth can’t be a defense attorney!”

Larry proceeds to get in what might be the dumbest debate he’s ever had (this week at least) while Edgeworth stands there looking ready to fake his death and hide in Europe again.

“I knew rushing to this country was a mistake.”

“Well you’re committed now Edgy!” Larry replies cheerfully and looks like Gumshoe is ready to murder him.

“Any sign of Maya or Pearl?” He asks.

“Maya is trapped on the other side of Eagle River but the bridge should be completed by tomorrow, what is this about Pearls?”

“She’s missing!” Larry explains that situation to Edgeworth, who turns to Gumshoe as soon as he’s done.

“Sorry Prosecutor Edgeworth! We’ve been lookin’ for her but no sign yet.”

Larry sighs and ducks into Heavenly Hall for a moment and comes back with a pair of juice boxes and granola bars.

“If you find Pearl she probably hasn’t eaten since last night.” He doesn’t mention the biting cold or the murder. Pearl has to be fine. She has to be.

“Where did you get those?” Edgeworth asks as he takes them warily.

“I work here so I stashed some food in the temple in case I forget to get lunch,” Larry admits with a grin “good thing huh?”

Edgeworth considers him and says finally, “I’m glad at least one thing has gotten more competent in my time gone.”

Larry manages a smile at that, “thanks Edgy.”

Harestrike took one look at who had been put on patrol with her and hurried a badger’s length ahead of them as though she knew they wanted to gossip with each other and wanted no part of it.

Orangestripe glanced at Demon, “how are things going with reforming the group?”

“You would know as well as I, you’re in my camp often enough.”

“Story telling is an important part of Clan culture!” Orangestripe defended himself, “and there’s no other way for them to get stories. Unless you’re telling them.”

“Who said we were a Clan?”

Orangestripe gave him a long look and Demon turned his head away. Orangestripe bumped him with one shoulder.

“Whatever Demon, you pretend Firebirdstorm isn’t changing you for the better.” He trotted cheerfully with little kicks from his paws as he walked, he heard Demon laugh at him and simply held his head higher.

“You’re a mouse-brain.”

“And you all love me!”

Harestrike stopped up ahead to look at them before the she-cat burst into laughter at their antics and Orangestripe couldn’t stop himself from purring. Even with the looming threat of a rogue group stalking them this was what it meant to be part of a Clan.

And it was nice to have Demon be a part of that again.

They haul Larry up before the judge and he’s so exhausted that he doesn’t realize why Edgeworth’s objected to him at first.

“Wha?” he blinks at Edgeworth and then it dawns on him, “sorry, Laurice Deauxnim is a pen name. I’m Larry Butz.” He rubs at his face and tries to focus.

The crack of a whip across the witness stand startles him enough that he almost falls over and wakes him up.

He tries to testify honestly but he’s so tired that some of his details are hazy (to be fair he’d also like just woken up when he saw the bridge was burning) and he can see he’s starting to drive Edgeworth nuts with how hard it is to get his story straight.

He’s also cowering in fear from Von Karma’s whip, he remembers very well what she did to Nick.

When he presents his sketch as evidence he doesn’t expect like applause but the judge and Von Karma don’t have to be that rude about it.

“I had just woken up and I don’t typically use colored pencils!” he defends himself and sways heavily before catching himself on the witness stand.

“Witness focus!” The judge orders and Larry nods and tries. But he starts zoning again when Edgeworth and Von Karma start sniping at each other only to tune in and realize they’re now taking shots at him and his testimony.

“You know,” he cuts in over Edgeworth, “my teacher did just die, I burned my hand calling the police after she was murdered and one of my two childhood friends fell off a burning bridge into a river, Maya and Pearl are still missing and I have slept maybe two hours in the past two days because Nick asked me and Edgy to defend the woman who looks like his ex from college who tried to murder him so if I’m not making sense right now it’s not intentional.” He blinked blearily at Edgeworth, “I have realized that I’m a nuisance and that I’m an idiot and I’m working at getting better but be a little patient with me right now.”

There’s murmuring from the gallery and Larry thinks he hears some sympathy from them because yeah he’s had a hellacious past forty-eight hours.

“Good lord,” the judge says and stares down at him.

Larry shrugs his shoulders, “honestly that’s not the worst week of my life.” He pauses, “or maybe it is let me think about it.”

Von Karma raises her whip but only to pull on it not to strike and Larry’s grateful ‘cause he’s fairly certain it would just knock him unconscious at this point.

“… Does the defense wish to cross-examine… that?” Larry is impressed that he’s managed to throw her off if her tone and hesitations are any clue.

“What is the worst week of your life?” the judge asks and Larry considers it.

“Probably the week Edgy was accused of murder. Like the week you faked your death was bad but you’re alive so you know, all forgiven. But the sheer trauma of all that and that’s not even getting into Nick cross-examining a parrot.” He’s rambling and swaying but he’s exhausted and worried and just emotional tired.

Edgeworth is looking at him in surprise, “you… you hardly- that case-“

“Your life is awful man and you had to deal with all of that in three days and that sucks,” Larry is leaning heavily on the witness stand now and yawns.

Edgeworth is still apparently processing that Larry considers bad things happening to him something bad and Larry turns to Von Karma to see if she has any questions.

“What was this about a bridge?” she asks and that pulls Edgeworth out of his stupor.

“Wright attempted to cross Dusky Bridge while it was burning. He fell through the boards and into the rapids.”

Von Karma startles and Larry waves a hand but let’s Edgeworth explain that Nick just has a cold.

“Once again it is impossible to tell if he is lucky or unlucky.”

Larry shrugs his shoulders and thinks only the bailiff is really paying attention to him and mostly out of concern he’s going to collapse.

“So in this image,” Edgeworth holds up the sketch, “this floating figure?”

“I think is Iris. I was tired and far away but she was a wearing a hood-”

“Objection!”

“Edgy, I love ya man but maybe don’t shout.” Larry rubs his temple and hopes he doesn’t develop a migraine.

Edgeworth ignores him to present a piece of evidence, namely that Nick had Iris’s hood.

“Of course he did,” Larry rolls his eyes, “can’t stay away from girls that aren’t healthy for him and don’t get on me Edgy I never ate poison for a girl.”

“WHAT?!?” Von Karma and Edgeworth are both yelling again. Larry leans his head against the stand.

“Dahlia Hawthorne. She was a bitch and tried to frame Nick for murder and Iris looks just like her and its weird but I don’t think she’s tried to poison Nick so that’s already an improvement.”

He looks over at Edgeworth and can almost see him planning to look her up. “But if Nick had her hood I guess it wasn’t her so… Oh!” he finally remembers something and fumbles in his coat pockets to retrieve his find, “Edgy! I totally forgot.” He pulls himself off the witness stand to stumble over to him and set the stone in front of him, “I thought this came off Iris’s hood, I found it half buried in the snow when I arrived at the bridge but if she wasn’t there or didn’t have her hood or whatever I don’t know what this is.”

Edgeworth stares at it for a moment before asking in a slightly strained voice, “is this a bloodstain on it?”

And Larry knows he’s probably got another hour on the stand now.

Orangestripe padded into camp behind Demon. He could see a few of his Clanmates give his friend dirty looks but one or two gave him a friendly nod or waved their tail in greeting.

Darkleaf padded up to their patrol, Harestrike halted and Orangestripe and Demon stopped behind her.

“Did any of you see any sign of Splashpaw?” He demanded.

“I haven’t seen her since last night,” Orangestripe replied while Harestrike shook her head.

Darkleaf let out a rough sigh, “great. Just great.”

“She’s probably just gathering herbs,” Harestrike flattened her ears, “bad time for it though.”

A patrol headed out past them and Darkleaf shook his head.

“Stay in camp, we need some warriors here. I’m heading out to look for her.”

Demon and Orangestripe shared a look and once Darkleaf was gone they headed to a quiet spot in camp.

“I don’t know what’s put a burr in his pelt but he needs to lose it,” Orangestripe muttered and Demon snorted softly.

“I suspect our answers can be found with Spiritstar.”

“Well since Darkleaf’s gone, now’s our chance,” Orangestripe pointed out. They looked around before the headed over to Spiritstar’s den.

“Spiritstar?” Orangestripe called softly, after a moment she poked her head out.

“Oh hello you two.” She sat at the den enterence, in the daylight it was very obvious how badly she’d been wounded in the battle with the rogues. Asides from the thick swatch of cobwebs over her throat there was several patches of fur missing from her flank and shoulders as though someone had perched on her back during the fight and Orangestripe could smell blood and marigold mixed together.

But she blinked warmly at them, “is something wrong?”

“Darkleaf’s acting like a fox with a toothache-“ Demon’s tail slapped over Orangestripe’s mouth though Spiritstar’s whiskers twitched.

“Between the attacks on you and Firebirdstorm and Darkleaf’s behavior it is obvious that something large is going on.” Demon flexed his claws, “and I would like to know what as this might affect my group.”

“And because it has already hurt Firebirdstorm,” she mused and Demon looked away. Orangestripe batted his tail off his mouth.

“What’s going on?”

Spiritstar let out a sigh and signaled for them to come into her den.

“The rogues are led by Splashpaw’s sister, my cousin.” She sat down in her nest with a heavy sigh. “She has always resented and blamed my family for the fact that her mother was exiled.”

“Wasn’t she exiled for trying to kill you though?” Demon asked. Orangestripe looked over at him in confusion.

“It happened right before we were born remember?”

“No?”

Spiritstar nodded, “this is what has haunted the three of you this entire time. My mother waged war against Spark and drove him off but the cost was high. She felt that was her failure as a leader and stepped down. Her sister felt she should’ve been deputy, not me, and attempted to prevent me from getting my nine lives. She failed and was exiled. She took her daughters with her and had a third kit, Splashpaw.”

“But you brought Splashpaw to the Clan!”

“Yes,” Spiritstar’s gaze softened, “she’s a good young cat and I knew she was my cousin the moment I saw her.” She shook herself, “this is also why Spark hated our Clan and your father Demon.”

“My father?”

“Your father was one of SpiritClan’s bravest warriors.” Spiritstar’s voice was sad as she remembered him, “he never hesitated to do what was best for the Clan and in the fight against my mother it was your father who snuck across the battlefield to find Spark and it was he who drove Spark onto the battlefield where my mother beat him.”

Spiritstar looked exhausted and Orangestriped wondered how much of that was from her wounds and how much of it was from what she’d just told them, “but then… why the attacks now?”

“I suspect my cousin wants revenge for me accepting Splashpaw and just in general.” Spiritstar shook her head, “she will likely target my family as well as attempt to recruit Splashpaw.”

Orangestripe flattened his ears, “is that why Darkleaf has his tail tied in knots?”

Spiritstar’s gaze landed on him, “Darkleaf is a good deputy and good cat but I fear he sometimes lets his heart rule his head.” She sighed again heavily.

Oh. Oh. Orangestripe was going to have to start paying attention to elder gossip, where Spiritstar and Darkleaf mates? Or-

Demon dipped his head and got to his paws, “thank you Spiritstar.”

“I should thank you Demon, Firebirdstorm and Orangestripe are lucky to have a friend like you.”

Demon paused at the entrance to the den, “one last question though. Is that why they attacked Firebirdstorm? Because he was your apprentice?”

“Yes.”

The sound of crying pulls Larry out of his book and scrambling out the door to see what was going on. He hurries to the bridge, where the sound seems to be coming from. He scans the area and it doesn’t take long to spot the source.

“Pearl!” She’s alright! Larry moves to where the girl has fallen in the snow crying, “hey, you okay?”

“My. Larry!” She wipes at her face and between the tears and the cold air she’s a snotty, teary mess.

“Hey kid where have you been?” He crouches down next to her as she sniffs softly.

“I was all alone,” Larry’s chest tightens at that as Pearl cries about being alone in the Inner temple. Where was Maya?

“Hey, hey, shh… you’re okay now and you were very brave!” He assures her, which makes some of the crying stop.

“Really?”

“Yeah!” Larry smiles at her, “you were super brave to be all alone like that. Come on, why don’t we go to the Heavenly Hall and get warm and celebrate how brave you were?” He’s still got some snacks and juice boxes stashed away.

Pearl nods and lets him lead her to the shack. First he gets her some tissues so she can dry her tears and blow her nose.

Once that’s taken care, food and juice. Pearl is oddly quiet the entire time until she finally asks a question.

She sniffs, “is it true?”

“Is what true?” he asks, crouching down to her level.

“That Miss Deuxneum is dead?”

He sucks in a breath, “yeah, yeah she is Pearl.” He smiles gently, “but Nick and Edgy are on the case!” He hopes that’s reassuring because honestly that’s all that’s got him going right now.

Pearl wipes at her face, “I’m sorry I didn’t go read with her.”

Larry isn’t quite sure how to respond, he’s learned a lot about how to handle kids but this is uncharted territory for him.

“I’m sorry too Pearl.”

She sniffs again and he pushes the tissue box to her. Larry has no idea what to do now. He’s grieving too but Pearl needs a stable adult right now. But he’s been coping by rereading Warrior Cats books so he’s not sure how ‘stable’ of an adult he is. Where is Nick when he needs him?

He goes to clean up his stuff to make room for Pearl and see if he can’t remember where he put his phone so he can text Nick. Until he shows up he’s gotta take care of her.

“Mr. Larry?” He looks to her.

“Yeah squirt?”

“What’s this?” She’s holding up Into the Wild and Larry’s chest twists.

“It’s my favorite book,” he comes over to sit beside her, “I’ve been sad and so I’ve been reading my favorite book to make me feel better.”

And you know, escapism. That kind of thing.

“What’s it about?” Pearl seems desperate for a distraction and Larry was her age when he got into Warriors so why not.

“It’s about a house cat who discovers that in the forest behind his house there are wild cats living in groups called Clans. They ask him to join him and when he does he goes on adventures. He even solves a murder, like Nick!”

“Can you help me read it?” she asks and Larry considers the violence in it and what she’s been through before nodding.

“Yeah let’s get comfortable and you can read it out loud!”

“Orangestripe!”

He turned his head to find Maria had seen him and he waved his tail in greeting.

“Just bringing Demon home,” he assured her with a soft purr, “how are you?”

“I’m alright,” her yellow eyes looked sad though, had she missed him?

“It’s good to see you.” She continued and seemed to shake off whatever was troubling her, “how is SpiritClan?”

“We’re a bit worried about the rogue attacks though no worries we know it’s not you all!” he meowed cheerfully, “hopefully a few patrols and we’ll have them gone soon.”

Maria’s eyes darkened and she replied, “just take care of yourself and your Clan Orangestripe. Especially your young cats.”

He blinked at her in confusion but nodded, “of course.”

She shook herself, “I’m sorry dear, I’m just an old fool worrying about things. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

“I think we’re all worried right now,” Orangestripe assured her, “but we’ll be alright.”

“Of course you will,” she agreed. Orangestripe tilted his head but spotted a pair of kits padding up and flicked his whiskers, “I think you have an audience.”

Maria turned her head to look at them, “oh hello young ones.” She beckoned them forward, “Orangestripe, do you have a story for them?”

“Me?” He turned to look at her and she purred.

“I’ve taught you how to tell stories haven’t I?”

“What are you, training to be an elder?” one of the kits asked and Orangestripe turned to look at Maria.

The older she-cat was obviously struggling not to laugh, “That is no way to treat a guest who might have a story for you.”

“I have a story too, about Wolf and my friend Firebirdstorm and when we were looking for Demon!”

The kits sat in raptured attention as he told the story and he thought he told it well if the look of pride Maria gave him was anything to go by. But there was something sad in her gaze as well as she watched him entertain the kits. He finished his story with a flourish and as the kits scampered off calling their thank yous he stepped towards her.

“I think you should be heading home Orangestripe,” Venom remarked and Orangestrip stepped back, away from Maria and Venom.

“Uh, yes, I should, goodbye Maria.”

“May your StarClan watch you Orangestripe,” she replied and Orangestripe swallowed.

“Now Orangestripe.”

He gave Maria one last curious look before he bounded away.

He loves reading with Pearl, it’s fun to watch her get more confident with some of the words. He can really understand why Elise loved working with kids when Pearl looks to him for help with words. It’s weirdly reaffirming to help a child grow. They read until Pearl more or less passes out against his side.

“Alright squirt I think that’s enough for now.” He tucks her into bed under a large pile of blankets and curls up in the corner to sketch a few pictures of Splashpaw for her.

Anything to keep his mind off-

Bzzt.

Oh shit his phone. He’s finally found it. He grabs it as it buzzes again and swipes it open. To no one’s surprise WolfDragon is blowing up his notifications.

ARE YOU ALIVE

I WILL COME TO THE UNITED STATES AND FIND YOU I SWEAR

I’M ALIVE!

The next message is in a langue Larry doesn’t recognize and he’s not sure he wants to translate. He certainly doesn’t trust Google Translate to do it.

Uh?

Sorry

I’ve spent the past like two hours worried about you

Not in jail then either

Why would I be in jail?

I heard your mentor was murdered and you weren’t answering me

I came to one of three conclusions

Oh.

Look 1 was you were the murderer but if you haven’t been arrested there must a lot of evidence you didn’t do it

Excuse me?

You’re her apprentice that gives you motive it’s usually the people closest to the victim

Not in my experience but I’ll take your word for it.

That was a weird sentence

Says the guy thinking I might’ve killed someone!

I said one of three

And I was relatively sure it wasn’t that one

Which meant either you’d been murdered too

Sorry I’m fine!

Or you were having a breakdown somewhere

…

Okay that one is true.

Do you want to talk about it?

I do but I might start crying and there’s a kid here and that’s the last thing she needs

When there’s not a kid

Uh yeah. Sounds good.

Larry looks over at Pearl and lets out a rough sigh.

Sorry for worrying you

Newsflash Asshole! I’ve loved and cherished my friends this entire time!

Not exactly a newsflash Wolfman.

This make me part of your pack?

You always were

What did I say about making me cry while there’s a kid here!

Yes Larry might be about to cry but fuck he needs someone in his corner right now. He quickly fights back the tears when he notices Pearl’s stirring, the earthquake while he was talking to Wolf probably woke her. He’d just ignored it since he was used to them by now.

He just sends a quick thank you to Wolf and promises to check in with him later.

“It’s cold,” Pearl mumbles sleepily and Larry glances to the empty fireplace. Hmm yeah he should probably do something about that.

“Do you wanna help me look for firewood?” he asks as he rises, “once we get a fire going we can read some more!”

“Yeah!” Pearl slips out from under the blankets and Larry meets her at the door to open it.

“You’re warm enough right?” She wasn’t really dressed for the weather but she didn’t seem to care, scanning the area for firewood.

“I’m fine Mr. Larry!”

She startles and Larry looks up, scrambling to his feet before he realizes it’s just Nick, Edgy and Oh god that has to be Von Karma he can see the ruffles and whip from here.

Larry watches Nick try to get information out of Pearl and comes over.

“Alright then Pearl, why don’t we go see who is worse at building a fire and then sit around our tiny fire and be losers together?” Larry offers and Pearl sniffs and nods.

“Alright!” she scurried off and Larry turns to Nick.

“Give her another few hours, I found her in the snow crying.” He rubs his hands together, “let me distract her and give her a chance to cope with what happened and then she’ll talk to you.” ‘cause she loves Nick. He looks to his friend with a grin, “glad to see you’re looking better though.”

Nick is just staring at him but Edgy nods slightly. “You as well, did you get some sleep?”

“A few hours,” Larry rubs at his burned hand, Nick’s eyes linger on it so he shoves his hands back in his pockets, “it’s uh, been a few rough days.”

Von Karma side eyes him but she doesn’t say anything nor does she threaten him with the whip so he’ll take it.

“Any luck with the investigation?” Larry asks for the sake of conversation and Nick and Edgeworth look at each other.

“Ah.” He lets out a breath, “just let me know if I can help.”

“You’re not holding onto anymore evidence are you?” Edgeworth asks and Larry gives him a dirty look.

“That was dumb but I did not touch a gun at a crime scene or eat a-”

“There’s still no sign of Maya,” Nick cuts in.

“Foolish fools,” Von Karma cracks her whip but strikes none of them.

“Mr. Larry I found a twig!” Pearl calls.

Larry shakes his head and turns to Nick, “I can watch Pearl for now, go turnabout the case Nick.” He starts to walk away from them to go find Pearl and some actual firewood.

Orangestripe paused with one paw raised, his ears angled quickly as he listened to the woods, “who is there?”

He dropped into a crouch lashed his tail angry, “I mean it, I can hear you.” He bared his fangs, ready to defend his Clan the way he’d sworn to.

“Orangestripe?”

“Splashpaw!” Orangestripe jerked out of his crouch as the apprentice slipped out of the undergrowth. “Where have you been, we’ve been worried about you!”

“I’m sorry!” Splashpaw ran to him to bury her face in his fur, “I’m sorry I got lost and I-” it’s muffed by his fur and partially mumbled but Orangestripe is more concerned that she’s alright.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he promised her and pressed his muzzle against her shoulder, “you’re home and safe now. Come on, let’s get you back to camp.”

Gently he herded the apprentice back to camp, she was oddly quiet but stayed close to him and seemed otherwise alright though her tail drooped slightly.

“I don’t know if I can be a medicine cat,” she admitted finally and Orangestripe halted to turn and look at her. “Cherrywing’s so good at everything and I- I’m not. I can’t even talk to StarClan.”

“I didn’t know if I could be a warrior,” he admitted to her and sat down. After a heartbeat she sat down beside him as well and he curled his tail around her to pull her closer.

“That’s why I’ve been spending time with Demon’s group,” he explained as he stared out into the forest, “learning from them and trying to figure out where I belong ‘cause… it’s hard. But I’m finding that my place in the Clan might be more based around story telling.” He gently nudged Splashpaw, “okay so, you, an apprentice, can’t summon StarClan and speak prophecies or whatever you went off into the woods to do. That’s what mentors are for. To teach you those things.”

Splashpaw’s ears flattened and Oragnestripe pressed his nose against her shoulder. “Come on. Things always seem worse on empty stomachs and little sleep. Let’s go home.”

Larry has the fire going and Pearl’s done some more reading by the time Nick turns back up. Larry doesn’t need to be a psychic or spirit medium to see something’s bothering him and lets him talk to Pearl privately. He slips his phone out.

Hey.

You’re probably asleep but I think I’m on babysitting duty for a bit longer, poor kid.

Poor kid cause this whole thing is rough not because I’m bad with child care.

I figured

WHY ARE YOU AWAKE

GO TO BED

You’re in emotional distress

AND I WILL BE TOMORROW ONCE YOU’VE SLEPT

Wait.

Good try writer-boy

…

Go to sleep.

“Larry?” He looks up at his name to see Nick coming back in with Pearl.

“Hey Nick!” He forces a smile, Pearl still looks rather rough over all but who doesn’t up here. Probably Von Karma and Edgeworth. He catches the small head jerk Nick gives and gets to his feet.

“Pearl why don’t you warm up next to the fire, I think Nick wants to ask me a few questions.”

Pearl blinks up at him and then nods, “okay Mr. Larry.”

Larry follows Nick outside to stare rather blankly at the bridge before turning to Nick, “so what’s up?”

“So you recognized Iris too?”

“Took me a bit but yeah.” Larry looks to Nick, “she does look like your evil ex that tried to frame you for murder. I’d say kill you but- actually no, she tried to kill you too.”

Nick is quiet a moment and looks like he wants to say something but what he does say is, “she’s her twin.”

“What?” What are odds of that? No one else but them. “Well that explains why she recognized us I guess?”

“Yeah,” Nick shoves his hand in his pockets. “There’s more.”

“Oh no,” Larry pinches the bridge of his nose, “let me guess. Uh… they’re actually Maya’s half-sisters and have actually been possessed by an angered spirit that drove them to murder?”

Nick glares at him, “take this seriously!”

“I am!” Larry snaps and Nick steps back. “Remember when Mia died Nick ‘cause it feels a lot like that for me right now okay? Elise is dead, you almost died, if I need some humor to cope let me have that!” Tears prick at his eyes and he wipes them away.

“This isn’t like that-”

“Bullshit it’s not Nick,” Larry shoves him and Nick steps back, “sure Elise wasn’t my mentor as long as Mia was yours and I didn’t become a children’s book author to save my best friend from childhood from the shitty path he’d gone down but I’m not like, I’m not an idiot!”

Nick stares at him and Larry wonders how long they’ve talked around talking about this. “I get it okay, I’m an idiot but you don’t have to shove it my face every time we meet up.”

They stand there staring at each other, breath billowing out into the cold before Nick finally speaks. “I’m, I’m sorry.”

Larry sags and offers Nick a sad thumbs up, “it’s…” really not okay but are either of them, “I get it.” His hand drops back to his side.

Nick’s eyes linger on his hand, still wrapped in bandages and then to his face, “yeah I- shoot. I just… of all the things I expected, you somehow turning your life around to become a successful children’s author isn’t what I expected.”

“You’re like twenty-seven Nick you can swear.”

“Darn you to heck.”

“Well gosh Nick.” The two of them start to giggle at that, it’s not funny but it is, it’s the closest he’s felt to Nick since Mia Fey died.

Larry bumps his shoulder against Nick’s, “wasn’t what I expected either but here we are.” He sighs and just sags. Nick does as well though it’s less visible in his suit.

“I’m sorry about Miss Deuxneum.” Nick doesn’t look at him, instead he’s staring at the bridge. “She seemed very kind.”

“She was.” Larry agrees and shakes his head, “she was a good mentor and a wonderful person.” He stares down at the rapids that Nick somehow survived a fall into, “does it get easier?”

Nick laughs.

“I’m the wrong person to ask,” he says and Larry looks at him before he thinks about the fact that Maya usually helps Nick and he’s seen her channel Mia. Oh. Oh. Which is worse, he wonders. The grief at no closure or to drag out the inevitable.

“You were uh, close with Dahlia and Iris though.”

“Oh you have got to be shitting me.” Larry turns to look at him, “please tell me it wasn’t about the possession.”

“No, they’re Pearl’s half-sisters. Maya and Mia’s cousins.” Larry barely has time to react before Nick lays out what Pearl told him about her mother telling her to summon Dahlia.

Larry groans and shakes his head, “that family is fucked up. I’m sorry, no disrespect to Mia, Maya or Pearl but the rest of them.” Larry grimaces.

“You’re including Iris in that.”

“Nick she looks like the woman who tried to kill you and is hiding something.” Larry lifts an eyebrow at him and Nick doesn’t have a response to that.

Larry’s attention is taken by a figure crossing over the bridge, something about their face is strange and then he places it.

“Is that… Godot?”

“You recognize him?”

“No I can just smell the coffee grounds from here, yes I recognize him.” Larry shoves Nick lightly, “Solider 76 looking motherfucker.”

Godot has them in his sights and makes his way towards them once he’s off the bridge.

He glances at Larry and then at Nick, “Finally figured it out have you Trite? How painful the crime of being oblivious is?”

Well fuck him too alright then. Larry gives him a sour look while Nick just looks startled.

“The Entrance to the Sacred Cavern looks like a fucking puzzle workshop.” Larry sucks in a breath at that description, no progress in getting Maya out yet?

Godot huffs, “but it’s all a waste of time.”

“W-why do you say that?” Nick asks hesitantly and Larry can almost feel the cruelty he knows will come.

“Because Maya Fey’s not coming back.”

“What?” Larry asks at the same time Nick snaps, “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“What the fuck?” Larry asks and Godot’s impossible to read behind the mask but his contempt oozes from each word.

“It was Trite’s job to protect her. Just like it was his job to protect Mia Fey…”

Larry scoffs, “and my job to protect Elise I suppose?” he’s ready to fight this prosecutor, there’s no coffee around for him to throw, “you’re just-”

Nick elbows him and Godot continues like he hadn’t spoken, “two sisters caught up in the worst circumstances.”

“I…” Nick hesitates and Godot smirks.

“And you were the only one by their sides.” The smirk fades but the contempt only strengthens, “you were the only one who could’ve saved them.”

“That’s bullshit.” Larry cuts in and glares at Nick before he can elbow him again, “you ever met the Fey sisters?” He shakes his head, “no one was ever going to ‘protect’ them from anything. Mia made her choices Nick wasn’t supposed to fight her battles.”

“I didn’t know anything about what was going on!” Nick adds and Larry wonders how much it’s haunted him, that he couldn’t save the woman who’d done so much for him. How much was not being able to save Elise going to haunt him?

Godot barks a laugh as bitter as dark coffee, “what did I just say Trite? Being oblivious is a heinous crime.” He shakes his head once, “Tomorrow… we’ll settle everything in court tomorrow.”

“Who fucking raised you,” Larry cuts in, and Godot jerks back, “a pack of well-read coffee drinking coyotes or what?”

Godot stares at him a moment and Larry thinks he might be about to laugh at either the gall or the stupidity of what Larry just said. After a moment he turns to Nick. “Tomorrow. Once and for all.” With that he heads off down the path, Larry muttering insults until he’s out of sight.

“Did you say fox-hearted in there?” Nick turns too look at Larry who realizes he might have actually just cursed in Warrior cat speak.

“No?”

Orangestripe groomed one paw and dragged it over his ears while Firebirdstorm looked around camp.

“I know I just got out of the medicine cat den but I figured Darkleaf would’ve assigned me to a patrol by now.” He mused, Orangestripe stopped with his tongue partially out to look up at his friend.

“You know… I don’t think I’ve seen him since this morning at least.” He got to his paws and looked around, “Hey Beetlelight!”

The brown tabby jumped slightly, “yeah Orangestripe?”

“Have you seen Darkleaf?” he asked, he could see a few Clanmates stick their heads out of dens as he asked, “Firebirdstorm and I don’t know if we’re on any patrols.”

Beetlelight paused and slowly tilted his head, “I… no I have seen him!”

Harestrike pushed her way out of the warriors den, “he’s not sleeping and his nest is cold.” Orangestripe looked to Firebirdstorm, who shook his head.

“Where is he?” One of the queens asked, Orangestripe flattened his ears as it became more and more clear their deputy was missing.

Firebirdstorm got to his paws, “Alright! Beetlelight, take a hunting patrol to the bramble thickets. Keep an eye out for him but we need to eat.”

The older warrior hesitated a moment before he nodded and signaled to a few Clanmates.

“Harestrike.” Firebirdstorm turned to the senior warrior, “can you lead a border patrol along Demon’s border?”

The senior warrior stared at him for several heartbeats before she nodded, “alright.”

Firebirdstorm let out a rough breath, “and we go tell Spiritstar.”

“I heard.” Orangestripe and Firebirdstorm jerked their heads to look over to where their leader sat outside her den. Her shoulders slumped and her head hung.

“Thank you Firebirdstorm for taking charge.” She let out a heavy sigh, “are you two able to go on patrol with me?”

Firebirdstom nodded and Orangestripe wasn’t going to let them go alone, not after last time. “Of course.”

“Good,” Spiritstar set off at a good pace for a cat who’d been badly attacked just a few days ago. Firebirdstorm stayed at her flank while Orangestripe brought up the rear. StarClan knew what they might find at the border that Spiritstar was leading them every more quickly towards.

The smell of blood hit Orangestripe’s nose at the same time he heard Spiritstar hiss under her breath, “that mouse-brained idiot.”

They came out at the border and the ground lurched under Orangestripe’s paw long enough for him to lose his balance and then slammed back under his paws.

“No,” he croaked as he stared at the familiar form that lay over the border, a long furred gray she-cat never again to tell stories with him. Maria’s flanks were unmoving and the large bite wound over the back of her neck told him everything he needed to know.

Darkleaf sat beside her, blood rolling down his face from a scratch next to his eye. On the ground before him was the dead body of a she-cat with striped legs and tail like Cherrywing and Splashpaw but her fur was a pale orange.

“Darkleaf,” Spiritstar halted over the corpse of her dead cousin and stared at him. “What have you done?”

Darkleaf raised his head to look her in the eyes, blood clinging to his whiskers and muzzle, “I kept the Clan safe.”

Larry settles in the gallery as close to behind the defense’s bench as he could get. His fingers twitch and he aches to draw something. Anything. Just a distraction from what’s about to come. Nick comes in with Pearl beside him and Larry can’t help but think that she looks too small for this.

Edgeworth sits down next to him, Larry offers him a small smile and Edgeworth nods.

“Wright will do Elise Deuxneum justice,” Edgeworth assures him. Larry nods silently and anything else he could say he never gets the chance because Godot is taking his place and they are being told to all rise and he’s on his feet as the judge takes his place.

“Moment of truth I guess.”

He regrets his words not five seconds later when Iris sets out to make Maya the murderer. He leans to Miles and mutters, “I told him Iris was hiding something.” It’s all bullshit. Elise would never have attacked Maya! And Maya didn’t have it in her to kill someone, but of course Wright gets it in his head to trust Iris and this happens.

Edgeworth gives him a look and shakes his head, “it wasn’t this.”

Larry huffs and settles back in to watch when Nick hits him with a sucker punch he could never have seen coming.

The blade in Elise’s staff, that’s a surprise but not nearly as much as his next objection.

“Her real name was… ‘Misty Fey’.”

Larry’s startled cry is swallowed by several others from the gallery. He looks to Edgeworth, “did you-”.

Edgeworth shakes his head and looks at him with concern, “are you alright?”

“I-“ Larry just stares at him, his chest feels like a bomb just went off in it, “no?” Elise was Maya’s mom?

Edgeworth steadies him as Nick continues to try to tear apart Iris’s testimony. “Thanks Edgy.” He’s glad to have someone here because they’re only somewhere like fifteen minutes in and he already feels sick.

“You killed her!” Orangestripe flung himself at Darkleaf who simply rolled under his paws to let Orangestripe pin him down.

“Your loyalty should’ve been to your Clan Orangestripe,” he looked up at him as though he couldn’t see him, “you and Firebirdstorm-”

“And Clan cats don’t kill to win our battles don’t lecture me!” Orangestripe dug his claws in, “why was Maria even here?”

“She wanted to help SpiritClan and Demon’s group and feared that this group of rogues would destroy us both,” he explained in an infuriating calm voice, “she came to me.”

Firebirdstorm hauled him off Darkleaf but the deputy made very little moves to get up. He looked to Spiritstar wordlessly.

Spiritstar closed her eyes and turned away from him, “Orangestripe, who is…”

“She’s an elder of Demon’s group.” He shoved Firebirdstorm off him but stayed near his friend, “she- she was learning Clan stories from me and teaching me how to be better at storytelling.” She was his friend and in some ways another mentor to him.

Spiritstar shook her head, “Darkleaf, why?”

“I wouldn’t have had to do it if Firebirdstorm had done his duty.” Now he hauled himself to his paws to glare across the field at them, “he was by your side when you were attacked he should’ve-”

“Is this about the Clan Darkleaf or about her?” Firebirdstorm challenged with a jerk of his head at Spiritstar, “I know I failed but what are you blaming me for? Failing the Clan or Spiritstar losing a life?”

Larry gently bumps his shoulder into Edgeworth’s in support, “not your fault.” He makes a note that Edgey doesn’t like earthquakes next to Nick’s hatred for the cold. His head is still spinning from the message in blood and the realization that his picture had been both upside down and useful. Nick’s been better too! He’d even said it was unlikely Larry would’ve made a mistake so there had to be a reason his art was wrong. But then… if- she wasn’t Iris then who was… on the stand…

“OH YOU BITCH!” he surges to his feet as Nick names her as Dahlia Hawthorn.

Edgeworth grabs him to pull him back down and he’s probably going to be thrown out but it’s worth it to see the look on Mia, Nick and Dahlia’s faces.

So very worth it.

“What’s the difference?” Darkleaf replied.

Spiritstar looked down at Maria’s body, “Darkleaf-“

“She was going to keep coming!” he sank his claws into the ground and snarled, “she’d gone after Splashpaw twice already! She might have actually killed you next time and I-“

Spiritstar stepped forward to press her muzzle to his, “Darkleaf.” Orangestripe watched as the tension slowly melted out of him.

“I never needed you to fight my battles.”

“But I wasn’t ready to lose you.”

Orangestripe sank against Firebirdstorm to stare blankly at Maria’s corpse, “was it worth it?” He asked. “You lost everything.”

Darkleaf let out a hollow laugh and shook his head. “No Orangestripe. I did this because I thought I would lose everything.” He looked at Spiritstar before he looked to him again.

“Yes. For that alone it was worth it.”

Larry sulks around outside in the lobby, they have some nerve, not even letting him press his ear up against the door to hear what’s going on in there. And come on! If anyone deserved to be yelled at it was Dahlia! She’d almost killed Nick and now, if Larry was understanding things right, she’d killed Elise. Or Misty. And what the hell was that.

Larry heads to the vending machine to stare blankly at the food there. Misty Fae. Elise Deuxneum. All one person.

He stumbles away to the bathrooms because he might just need to throw up. That or cry and he does not want to do that in the lobby where anyone could see him.

The wall is cool and firm against his back and he flips his phone out. How would he even begin to describe this entire case to Wolfdragon.

You there?

Hey

Can you just tell me about your day?

Please?

Or about Warriors, anything

Sure thing

They revamped the Warriors site and now if you go on there the government assigns you kin and a warrior cat name

What?

I’m assigned Dustpelt kin and my name is now Sorrelsong

Dude.

I’ve never been so off-brand

Can you change it?

Nope!

I’m registering now.

Watch me get Wolf- something

I will steal it from you somehow

Songtoe is my government assigned fursona

Larry keeps refreshing hoping for a better one but while they aren’t getting worse they aren’t getting better.

Sorry I’m just

Holy shit

Shut up Sorrelsong.

You could’ve refreshed.

I accepted what was given to me

Fuck that.

Rebellion.

GOD DAMN IT IT JUST NAMED ME SKYRED

PLEASE INCLUDE THAT IN YOUR FIC

I REFUSE

The door opens and Larry shoves his phone in his pocket praying he didn’t just agree to that terrible username. Miles looks down at him “that floor is probably filthy.”

“Couldn’t care.” He does accept Edgeworth’s hand though, “it’s not like I was sitting next to the urinals.”

“Thank god you have some sense.” Edgeworth goes to wash his hands, “they’ll probably let you back in, we called a recess.”

“What happened after they threw me out?” He washes his hands as well and sees a small nod of approval from Miles. Success.

“They called and said the found Iris in the Inner Temple and Dahlia tried to convince Wright that Maya had killed herself but even Godot was willing to help point out the flaws in her logic.” Edgeworth heads for the door and Larry follows after, “Wright and Mia taunted Dahlia until she left Maya’s body. She’s with Wright now.”

Larry lets out a breath of relief. “Still refuse to believe in psychics?”

“I don’t have to put a good word in with the bailiff for you, you know.”

Larry lets out a sigh, “so, then Dahlia killed Elise? Er, Misty?”

Edgeworth shook his head, “no and Godot has challenged Wright to solve the case on his own.”

Larry sucks a breath in through his teeth, “and he said yes because only one of us can have any impulse control at a time.”

“I don’t know about the second part but you’re right about the first.”

“I’m right about all of it now let’s go before they close the doors on us.”

“That may be your opinion Darkleaf but this cannot be allowed to-” Spiritstar sat down heavily. “Firebirdstorm, would you help Orangestripe take her back to Demon’s group for vigil.”

Orangestripe gently grabbed Maria’s scruff and Firebirdstrom moved to help carry her.

“What about…” Firebirdstorm trailed off as he looked at Darkleaf.

“We will have the Clan decide what to do with him,” Spiritstar declared firmly, her head held high, “if they still want him as their deputy.”

Darkleaf’s ears twitched once, Spiritstar glanced at him and Orangestripe felt a pang of sympathy. As furious as he was with Darkleaf he was still a Clan mate and someone he’d looked up to for moons.

Imagine that being your mate.

Or whatever they were with each other, they’d never really publically specified and right now Orangestripe cared only for getting Maria back so they could sit vigil.

The walk to Demon’s camp was thankfully silent, Orangestripe didn’t want Firebirdstorm’s pity right now nor did he want to talk at all.

To his relief it was Timber that was sitting guard and spotted them, “whoa! What happened? Is that Maria?”

Orangestripe gently set the elderly she-cat down and nodded, “can you fetch Viper and Demon, do it quietly?” He blinked at Timber, “please, I promise we’ll explain everything but it’s… there’s a lot.”

Firebirdstorm pressed against him gently and Orangestripe leaned against him. Timber hesitated another heartbeat and nodded, “yeah sure thing pal. Just stay here.” With that he turned and bounded away into camp.

Orangestripe screwed his eyes shut and tried to pull himself together. He needed to be able to talk without rambling all over the place the way he always did when he was upset.

Timber came back and with him was Demon, Viper and Wolf.

Wolf took one look at everything and hurried to Orangestripe’s other side to press into him, “hey.”

Orangestripe buried his muzzle in his thick fur, “hey.” He let Firebirdstorm do the talking, selfish but he wasn’t sure he could honestly speak right now. He just pressed into Wolf who seemed more than content to let him lean on him.

Demon sighed heavily when all was done, “I will leave Darkleaf’s judgement to Spiritstar. You two are welcome to sit vigil with us tonight.”

Firebirdstorm shuffled his paws, “I- I think Spiritstar might need me.” He looked to Orangestripe, who nodded at him.

“It’s okay.” He got to his paws and shook himself, “I’ll stay for the vigil but Spiritstar probably needs you right now.”

Firebirdstorm touched noses with him, “yeah but do you need me?”

“I’ll be okay,” Orangestripe flicked his tail at Wolf and Demon, “we can talk later, you do what you need to do.” SpiritClan and Spiritstar needed Firebirdstorm right now.

Firebirdstorm gave him a quick lick between the ears, “okay.” He nodded to Wolf and touched noses with Demon before he bounded away back towards SpiritClan territory.

Wolf gently nudged Orangestripe to his paws, “come on. You’ll need to explain this vigil thing.”

“I can do that,” Demon replied with a small nod to Orangestripe, “Viper-“

“This is all Clan nonsense.” She replied firmly but Orangestripe could see her soften slightly when she looked at him. Did he look as ragged as he felt?

“But if you feel it will help then I will help you.”

Demon nodded and after a heartbeat he added, “I think being allowed to grieve will allow wounds to heal.”

Orangestripe staggered to his paws with Wolf’s guidance and met Demon’s gaze with a look of understanding and grief.

Demon moved to his other side and as he carried Maria into camp he was supported on both sides by Demon and Wolf.

Larry sinks on to the bench in the lobby and just buried his face in his hands. Pearl wasn’t looking. He can break now. But Nick is. Edgey is. God Von Karma probably is.

“Larry?” He looked up in between his fingers to see Nick standing over him.

“I… you want to come with us? Maya’s been looked over by a paramedic and declared to be fine, just some exhaustion so I was-“ he pauses and turns to look at Edgeworth, “hoping for a ride?” Larry doesn’t have to wait for the yes he knows is coming, Edgey can’t say no to Nick.

“Where are we going?” Larry asks as he gets to his feet.

Nick grins, “well we need to go get Pearl. And I think we missed the bus.”

Larry shrugs and grins, “sure.” It’s forced and fake but maybe he’s better he’s not alone right now. He grabs his bag with art supplies and follows after them.

Von Karma joins their band with a glance at Edgey. “I shall chaperone you foolish fools lest you meet a foolish end.”

Edgeworth sighs, “where are we going Wright?”

Larry and Maya’s eyes get wide as they both spot it, “is that your car?” Larry moved to the flashy red thing, “jeez.” Probably worth more than all he’d ever earned in his life. Under his breath he mutters, “Nick really got a sugar daddy huh?”

Maya swats him on the shoulder and Larry grins at her. When Maya smiles back he can seem the wear on the edge of it, the same fraying feeling he has. But they’re holding themselves together. For now.

“You don’t have to come Franziska,” Edgeworth thankfully didn’t hear him and instead was addressing his sister. “You could leave with detective Gumshoe to hold our dinner reservations.”

“Eldoon’s has reservations?” Larry’s head pops up from where he’s been examining the car. He escapes with only a glare from Franziska and not a whip as she shoves past him for the front seat.

“No Gumshoe has reservations at Tres Bien.” Nick cringes, “he’s paying though and you’re invited.”

Oh yeah Nick told him about that. “They ought to give you a discount,” Larry twists so that Maya can open the door and get in the middle of the backseat.

“I was going to give directions.” Nick’s pout changes into a yelp as Franziska whips him.

“Foolish. You can give your foolish directions from the backseat with the other fools.”

Larry pauses halfway in the car, “hey!”

“You think you are not a fool?” Franziska tugs her whip but Larry just grins.

“Maya doesn’t deserve that.”

Franziska’s eyes are narrowed and she tugs on her whip so Larry scrambles into the car and shuts the door as a shield between them.

Nick comes around and ends up on the other side of Maya, behind Edgeworth. “Alright, this should be pretty quick at least.”

It’s long enough though for Maya to fall asleep on Nick and Larry to get to work on a drawing. His tongue sticks out as he works, using the mirrors and glancing at the other passengers for references as needed.

He has the picture of Eli- of Misty to work from and he just saw Mia and Godot so he thinks he manages them alright only to look up in surprise when he sees where they are out the window.

“Back to the beginning huh?” He asks Nick, who nods slightly.

Larry grimaces and leans against the door to look out the window. “Alright.”

Wolf insisted on walking him back and Demon agreed. Orangestripe ached and was too exhausted to argue with his friends.

He and Wolf walked side by side towards SpiritClan camp when a blur shot out.

“Orangestripe! You’re home!”

He ducked down to let Splashpaw throw herself at him, “hey! Of course I came home.”

Cherrywing and Firebirdstorm padded out of the camp after her, Wolf nodded to both of them.

“So?” he asked curiously, “what did happen to Darkleaf?”

Orangestripe looked up at them curiously, Firebirdstorm let out a soft sigh.

“He will remain deputy for now and the Clan agrees what he did was both selfish but ultimately in the Clan’s best interest.” His ears flattened. “He’ll never be Clan leader though. And I don’t know if Spiritstar can forgive him.”

“She can,” Cherrywing nodded firmly, “it’s going to be a bit awkward for a while there but she’ll be able to forgive him. And you… the speech you gave Firebirdstorm, I think you made him forgive himself.”

“Sorry I missed it then,” Orangestripe straightened up to Firebirdstorm’s height. “You’re really Spiritstar’s legacy aren’t you?”

Firebirdstorm purred softly and dipped his head. “I hope I can be worthy of being called that.” He looked over his shoulder, back at the camp. “Come on. We need to talk.”

Orangestripe touched his nose to Wolf and murmured a good-bye. Firebirdstorm was right. They needed to talk, to heal. With luck and time, to forgive. And with more time, to grow. To become their own legacies.

And Orangestripe would tell their stories.

#FINALLY #Larry Writes Warrior Cats

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