Time Leapers - Protect the Forest (Part 3)

Star Leap awoke to find himself back in the medicine den of Thunderclan. His body was no longer stiff, and the heavy waves of emotions were now gone, allowing Star Leap to move more freely. Star Leap looked around the den and realized Spottedleaf wasn’t in the den. Star Leap’s jewel began to glow, and Yu appeared. Star realized something was different with Yu. She wasn’t the same glowly cat with stars covering her pelt. But now Yu had an aura of serenity and wisdom that fitted well with her sleek white fur. But just like before, she had a soft white glow.

“Yu?” Star Leap yawned, “You look...” “Don’t mind it. This is just a physical form I tend to use.” Yu’s tone was softer than normal. This relaxed Star Leap.

“I am rather surprised that you can feel emotions. For most leapers, sensing emotions takes years to master, neither less feeling it.” Yu said. “Hold up, what?” Star Leap interrupted. “Sensing emotions? FEELING emotions?! YOU CAN FEEL EMOTIONS?!”

Yu nodded. “It’s a rare power. If you manage to master it-” Yu stopped, “Well, you’ll see.” “This seems like some kind of anime plot!”

Yu giggled. “On a serious note, what happened to you? I remember you talking with Spottedleaf and you just, well, broke down.” Yu said concerningly. “You started to hyperventilate too. I tried calming you down, but you only fainted.”

Star Leap fell silent. “Spottedleaf mentioned you felt like a rock. Is everything okay?” Yu asked again.

“I don’t remember much, but Spottedleaf mentioned something about a missing patrol of warriors that never came back. Then, well, I suddenly felt a wave of sorrow and hopelessness.” Star Leap said, his tone having sadness in it. “When I fainted, I was transported to his otherworldly place.”

“Otherworldly place? Can me more about it?” Yu asked, her Saphire eyes glittering with curiosity. Star Leap continued. “It was a seemingly endless forest bathing under an endless void of stars in the night sky. Suddenly, I heard an explosion. It showered me with emotions of fear, hopelessness, and pain. I also heard cries for help endlessly as I tried to reach the crater of the explosion. When I finally did reach the crater, I saw... another version of me.”

“Another version of you?” Yu questioned. “Can it be true then?” “Can what be true?” Star Leap asked but Yu struggled off his question. “Tell me about the doppelganger.”

Star Leap sighed. “It looked exactly like me but meeting, it gave me a sense of hope. And... that was it.”

“A clone of yours that gave off a sense of hope. Maybe there is a new mystery to be unfolded.” Yu said.

Star Leap opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by screams of terror. “FOX! EVERY CAT RUN! THERE’S A FOX!” “GET THE YOUNGLYS TO THE DENS! EVERY WARRIOR WITH ME!”’

That was Bluestar. Star Leap jolted up. “Yu! What’s happening!?” Star Leap shouted.

Yu gave Star Leap a look of concern. “Star Leap, my friend, and partner. Now it is time to show your worth.” Yu said as Star Leap’s jewel began to grow a powerful light, shifting his collar to a long, golden scarf. “Are you ready to face the dangers that lie ahead?”

Star Leaf, with a sudden wave of determination empowering him, nodded his head as he and Yu rushed out of the medicine den into the opening of the Thunderclan camp.