Squirrelflight's Hope/Chapter 16

==Chapter description==
:Squirrelflight, Jayfeather, and Alderheart cross back into ThunderClan territory, with Dovewing watching them through narrowed eyes. The ginger she-cat wonders if the former ThunderClan cat regrets leaving, but it is clear that Dovewing is entirely ShadowClan now and does not feel anything for ThunderClan. Alderheart says that he believes that Puddleshine does not know anything about Larksong's illness. Squirrelflight is glad that ShadowClan appears to know nothing about what made their Clanmate so ill. Jayfeather agrees, and the cats come to the agreement that neither Cloverfoot or Tigerstar knew anything either. They reach the area that Larksong was hunting in before he fell ill, and the trio decide to see if they can discover any tainted prey in the area. Alderheart notices that the mouse they caught was healthy, and they wonder if the illness just cannot be detected.
:On the way back, Squirrelflight feels weary, so they take a brief break. Jayfeather asks if Squirrelflight has taken care of herself and eaten. She replies that she has not, and that she was queasy earlier in the morning. Jayfeather gives Squirrelflight's pelt a sniff and wonders if she is expecting kits due to her smelling healthy. Squirrelflight panics and quickly shuts Jayfeather down, saying no and that she is likely just hungry, not wanting anyone to know the possibility of her expecting again. Alderheart and Jayfeather advise Squirrelflight to eat and rest when they return to camp, but this does not happen. As they approach ThunderClan, Jayfeather can sense something is wrong. They emerge into the clearing to find out that Sparkpelt has fallen ill.
:Bramblestar emerges from the medicine den upon Squirrelflight's arrival to camp and tells his mate that she should not be alarmed, as Sparkpelt is a strong cat. The ThunderClan leader informs the orange she-cat that their daughter was complaining of a tight chest and that she went to rest in the nursery. When Bramblestar came to check on her later, he noticed that she was not breathing and immediately sent for Leafpool. Squirrelflight frets and wonders what would have happened had no one checked on Sparkpelt, but the dark tabby assures her that their daughter is strong and that she and the kits will be okay.
:Squirrelflight goes to the medicine den, wanting to see her daughter, and she finds the ginger she-cat curled up in a nest next to her ill mate, Larksong. Jayfeather sniffs Sparkpelt, and decides that he and Alderheart are going to examine every cat in ThunderClan. Taking the younger medicine cat, they go to inspect their Clanmates. Squirrelflight thanks her sister for saving Sparkpelt, and Leafpool reminds the deputy that Bramblestar is the one who found her. Leafpool advises Squirrelflight to stay clear of the pair of ill cats, as they still do not know what is causing cats to fall sick. To distract herself, Squirrelflight confides in her sister that she may be expecting kits, although Leafpool is surprised at this news and wonders if she is sure.
:Squirrelflight is not sure, so she turns the topic back to Larksong and his condition. Leafpool says that the black tom has not woken up yet and has a very hard time breathing. The medicine cat was successful in getting a little bit of water and herbs in his mouth, and Squirrelflight worries that Larksong may still die. She frets and wonders what would happen if Sparkpelt and the unborn kits died as well. Leaving the den, Squirrelflight runs into Thornclaw and some other ThunderClan cats talking about the illness. While Bramblestar says that Larksong has not left Clan territory, Thornclaw growls that other cats have been on their territory and accuses the Sisters of bringing the sickness with them.
:The ThunderClan deputy is concerned and offers to go visit the Sisters again, and asks Ivypool to go with her. While she understands that the silver she-cat may want to be with her kit, Ivypool would be more use going with Squirrelflight to distract her. Ivypool agrees to go, and they are joined by Twigbranch and Finleap. Twigbranch suggests also taking a medicine cat, so they can check the Sisters for any illnesses, so Squirrelflight sends Twigbranch to fetch Leafpool from the medicine den. Trying to refocusing herself, Squirrelflight breathes and realizes that Sparkpelt's life hangs in the balance.
==Characters==
===Major===
===Minor===
===Mentioned===
==Notes and references==
Category:Chapter subpages
Category:Squirrelflight's Hope
Category:Super Edition arc