Paralyzed [Closed]

A small sigh left Tigerstar as he walked along the border. The scent of the recent patrol strong in his nose. The border was secure but the leader had a lot on his mind. After everything that had been happening lately, there was so much to deal with. Between Shadowclan and his medicine cat disappearing, he felt like he really didn't know what to do. It honestly felt like since he became leader he couldn't stop thinking even when the walk was meant to help him clear his mind.

The tom let out another heavy sigh as he tried to sort through the issues up until he heard a soft 'click'. He didn't really have time to process the sound when the large metal contraption closed around him. Sharp teeth digging into his body, causing the leap to let out a sharp yelp. Blood scent filled the air as Tigerstar tried to escape the unknown contraption only causing him more pain. He couldn't escape. He couldn't move because it would only cause the situation to get worse.. The striped tom opened his eyes that he didn't know he had closed and looked around. No one was around, and would be around any time soon. The patrol had already come through. Any type of movement cause the contraption to dig in more, causing more pain.

What was he going to do? What could he do? Tears stung at the corner of his eyes due to the pain he was feeling. He could feel blood running down his body. It was only a matter of time before this thing took his first life.. Would this thing also take the rest? Would Windclan come to find him dead only a few moons into his leadership? He didn't want to die just yet.. He wanted to stay with Windclan but he fell into this stars cursed contraption.

By the time the medicine cat arrived, Tigerstar had already gotten very weak from blood loss. Still, the leader tried his best to keep himself upright. He tried to keep himself quiet, giving a single grunt in response to the tom's words, waiting as patiently as he could to escape the situation he was in, despite the ever growing pain he was feeling. A single green eye that remained open tried to track the Skyclan medicine cat but his vision was faint. It was hard to follow without feeling dizzy from blood loss. The striped tom squeezed his eyes shut once again, trying to focus on staying awake no matter how much sleep called to him.

Eventually the grip the contraption had on him lessened, Hemlockfox's words muffled in his ears as his heart beat picked up, and the tom pulled himself free. Not caring about any additional injuries that would have been caused in the process. As soon as he was fully free the Windclan leader collapsed to the ground, chest heaving, head spinning, world blurring. He didn't know if he would make it. Even with a medicine cat around. He didn't have strength to speak. He just hoped he would be helped.

Fear filled Tigerstar more when he heard Hemlockfox's next words. A windclanner without their legs was like a fish without fins.. Useless in their home.. He couldn't deal with that. He would have to retire, then other words followed.. Anger swelled in the striped tom's chest. He was just supposed to die? To not be saved? But as he thought, with what little consciousness he had left, the more it made sense. If he died.. if he lost his first life then.. His leg wouldn't be in that condition. He would be useful to his clan again at the cost of a life. His first life.

The leader tried to relax, but with the pain it was hard to do so, but the thought of facing death helped him be more at ease. He was accepting his fate, but it didn't make it any less terrifying. Dying the first of nine times.. It couldn't be easy.. If it was like this every time he was sure he would lose his mind long before then. Eventually the breathing from Tigerstar slowed, his body stilled. He was dead.

--

"It's a shame your first life had to go like that."

Tigerstar's eyes flew open, as the tom bolted upright. Green eyes coming to meet yellow ones as Ploverpuddle stood in front of him on the star lit territory. As soon as the striped tom was aware, he turned back to look at his leg.

"You will not see it from here, but your body was very broken. It is taking some time to heal." The fluffy gray tom said. "Those twoleg contraptions are monstrous. They leave them for creatures to step in, and if they are forgotten about, the creatures are often left to die. " The warrior explained. "Based on the state of that one.. it was left, hidden for some time. Probably from when Twolegs walked your land many moons ago, when you were a kit."

"I... I don't recall seeing any. I thought we cleared them all out." Tigerstar stated, getting to his paws.

"I am afraid not." The warriors tone was sad. "Even Starclan is not certain how many may linger around the whole forest. Twolegs are beyond our understanding" Ploverpuddle let out a sigh, before perking up. "Oh! It seems our healing is complete. Your body will not be fully healed. There still will be some pain, and wounds, but your future medicine cat will take care of that." The gray tom dipped his head. "Take care."

Tigerstar opened his mouth to speak, confused at the last little bit that Ploverpuddle had said, but in a blink he was gone. The moor returning in front of his eyes. The leader shot up, a sharp gasp escaping the tom at reawaking from death. Then the pain returned, causing the tom to hiss out. Green eyes turned to his damaged leg, to see that it still bled but not as severe as before, then he looked at Hemlockfox. "Now what?"

Tigerstar let out another his as he stood, not really wanting to try to test his injured leg even with the webs on it. Of course the other medicine cat had to bring up Daisyfang.. Tigerstar couldn't help but let out a sigh, probably sign enough to the other but still Tigerstar spoke up. "I will tell you about it when we get back to my camp." His tone was slightly bitter, after everything he went through today, he didn't know how he was going to get better.. He really should have learned more from Smallstar before the tom disappeared.

The leader didn't linger on it too much more, he started to progress forward, leaning on his Skyclan companion, and guiding them back to camp at the same time. It was going to take a bit, considering they were on the edge of the border, but it was better than bleeding out. "Thanks.." The striped tom grunted out, he knew he should at least show some appreciation for the medicine cat.