like a river runs [c]

Tux had been thrown into an interesting situation because of the tom that had saved his life only a few days prior.

The massive tom, Gouge, had saved him from a wolf attack but sustained horrible injuries. He almost bled out, talking out of his mind near the clan cats that Tux had begged to save his life - claiming that he knew and recognized one of the she-cats there. He didn't, obviously, he was imagining things. The she-cat's responses were guarded and intentionally distant before she left with her cult. How could she forget a cat that she didn't know?

Following that embarrassing situation, Gouge passed out shortly after blurting out that 'we have to go'. We sure did! Realistically, he could've just left him there. Unfortunately for Tux, he felt responsible. This meant having to drag fifteen pounds of solid muscle through the snow as a small cat. He had managed to find a spot mostly sheltered from the cold for them to stay, among the arched roots of a giant spruce that had fallen long ago, on the outskirts of starfall territory. Tux had recalled the conversation between the clan cats and the importance of cobwebs, and he had tried to patch Gouge's wounds up the best he could with any that he could find.

He had managed to stop the bleeding, beginner's luck, but he was unsure about infection setting in. How nasty, truly, were those wolves' mouths? Now, the only thing he could do was wait to see if Gouge would wake up. He wasn't even sure if he would. Tux was huddled up to him under the roots of the fallen spruce, trying to keep him warm. His stomach growled desperately, but he didn't want to leave him alone in this unfamiliar place. Please wake up.

name. uwubers timezone. EST discord. @ uwubers code.kiikko

Tux's ears perked as the large tom began to stir and groan. Relief washed over him to see that he was, in fact, alive. His limited knowledge seemed to save the tom's life, at least. He was still in rough shape and disoriented, but that's to no surprise. But, he was alive!

He was still huddled close, and he gently spoke. "Easy there, big guy. You're going to ruin my hard work." He sniffed at Gouge's wounds. They were covered in messily applied, light pink cobwebs. "We're..." He stopped to think. He wasn't quite sure. "Somewhere." His whiskers twitched in amusement, realizing how unhelpful he actually was. "The clan cats had run this way after you passed out, but we made a slight detour. Don't worry, I'm sure they're gone by now. I couldn't drag you any longer - and I definitely couldn't have left you - plus, your wounds needed to be tended to."

He tilted his head as Gouge spoke of Scorch, his group and Cloudy. He was able to make the assumption that Scorch was the second cat to attack the wolf, but Cloudy was a mystery and he saw no signs of his other friends. "I'm sorry, but I have no idea who any of those cats truly are. You were talking out of your head about Cloudy. You thought one of the clan cats were her before you passed out! Crazy what blood loss does right? I'm glad you're at least somewhat stable now." He mewed, amusement tinging his voice. "But, I couldn't tell you exactly. If they're any bit as lucky as you though, they're alive."

name. uwubers timezone. EST discord. @ uwubers code.kiikko

"Well, I reckon we're even then!" Tux responded, a playful twinkle in his eyes. He cracked a small grin, but his expression turned serious as Gouge tried to rise. The tom's gratefulness didn't go unnoticed. Unfortunately, he felt like he owed this tom. Their interacitons were out of necessity for his survival, rather than choice.

Tux raised, placing a firm paw against Gouge's shoulder. "Easy," He urged. "You don't need to go back. You need to take it slow - you're going to end up opening your wounds."

He raised to his paws, nuzzling near one side of the trunk. Misplaced these cobwebs, that sucks. I'll have to get more. His ear twitched as he listened to Gouge speak about 'everyone'. "Look, I get it. You're anxious about your buddies. Do you really think charging in foolishly with shaky legs is going to help them? You'll collapse, again, maybe before you even make it. What if they aren't even there? I bet you anything, they've followed the clan cats." He spoke of the clan cats almost as if he had a bitter taste in his mouth.

"As for how long you've been asleep? Er..." Tux tilted his head, trying to think of how many days passed. He counted each with a flick of his tail. "It's been a couple of days, I guess? Five or six, maybe. Time tend to blur when you're dragging a massive deadweight around and trying to keep him alive. Guessing you needed the rest. You hungry or thirsty?" He lifted his head up to gaze at the tom. He hoped that the tom would say yes, so he'd be able to exit this conversation. And cobwebs - that too. He tried to keep everything light-hearted, but in reality? They both almost didn't make it.

name. uwubers timezone. EST discord. @ uwubers code.kiikko

Tux's only response to Gouge's outburst was a knowing nod. "Yeah, five or six days." He confirmed. Sympathy flashed in his eyes for the tom - he could imagine the disorientation that'd come with something like that.

As Gouge's stomach growled, reminiscent of the wolves that had attacked, Tux couldn't help but release a soft chuckle. "Well, let's set the talk aside for now. First things first - we desperately need to get food in you," He yawned, stretching as he lifted his head back up. "And those wounds desperately need some fresh cobwebs. They look rough." He added. He recalled a clearing that'd probably have both, though it required a bit of luck. At a minimum, he needed cobwebs. Gouge's wounds would get infected otherwise.

However, Gouge's interest in the clan cats made Tux's pelt crawl. They're awful cats who keep themselves interested by playing silly games. He hesitated before speaking again, his tone more serious this time. "About those clan cats, Gouge... They're not friendly. Tailing them could lead us into trouble, but could also lead us to your friends." He shrugged, his eyes holding genuine concern. "It's up to you."

"Anyways, you stay put and rest a bit. Think about it, but also take it easy. I'll be back soon." He gave Gouge a reassuring nod before he headed off to hunt, leaving the injured tom to continue gathering his strength.