Panic [open]

Rapidfire paced the camp clearing tail flicking with pelt poofed out on edge. As deputy, she knew patrol timelines well and she knew darn well that Tigerstar her leader and former mentor should have been home by now.

Her initial feelings were dismissed as just being overly worried for nothing but as the sun sunk lower into the sky all the possible scenarios of what could have gone wrong were playing in her head more and more.

She couldn't take it anymore, at this rate her nervous pacing could have had her halfway across the moor by now. Going to where many of the clan was gathered she announced to them "Tigerstar is later than he should be. I'm taking out a patrol, any warrior and apprentice who wants to come may. Stay spread out so we can cover as much area as possible while keeping close enough to someone else. We don't know where he is so keep in mind it could be hostile out there. Keep on guard

With a flick of her tail she was beginning this search mission. Into the open moorlands they would go.

The hours had begun to run together since Tigerstar left on his solo patrol, Viperpaw had been meaning to speak to him, enquire about her warrior ceremony and to make sure he was okay after what had happened at the gathering. In the aftermath, she'd found herself more mellowed out, even Creamlily didn't irritate her so much. She'd ran into battle with her, and the young molly supposed that was worth something. Her father's stroll was typical, routine, but the sun was sinking below the skyline, and Rapidfire was pacing like a mad thing. A feeling of dread settled in Viperpaw's stomach, this was no longer routine.

The apprentice rose to her paws, making her way over to the deputy. "I'm coming." She swivelled her head to survey the camp for others that would be joining them. She debated yelling at her clanmates, urging them up, but she felt tongue tied. Her eyes turned back to Rapidfire, filled with a quiet sadness. Something deep down, instinctual, told her she wouldn't be seeing her dad again. She inhaled shakily, pulling her cracking heart back together. She had always said she would be leader someday, she'd follow in his footsteps, and leaders they were strong no matter what, even when... Viperpaw inhaled one more, eyes closing and washing away her emotions. "Let's go find him." she said, face determined. This was her first real test.

Kestrelchirp was in the nursery, fixing up his mate's nest for her and adding some of the season's last flowers. A call caught his attention so he poked his head out to see Rapidfire pacing and stating that Tigerstar was missing. His forehead creased. What was it with everyone missing all the time? Even a leader. There had to be something that could be done. His heart felt heavy with the thought. His mother still had not returned, either. Swallowing his emotions, Kestrelchirp stepped forward. "I'll help." He said with a quiet confidence, his soothing voice coming easy as he stroke towards the worried cats. "I'll help search the tunnels."

Cloudjumper watched from the edge of camp as Rapidfire paced back and forth. Something was bothering the deputy, and it was obvious. Before she could decide whether to approach Rapidfire or not, the deputy was calling to the clan.

The news the deputy offered made Cloudjumper's ears flatten against her skull. Tigerstar hadn't returned from his patrol... Leopardwind was gone, Coyotegrin was off somewhere that wasn't clan territory. Now their leader, too? "I'll come." She mewed, stepping up beside her father, Kestrelchirp.