Jayhaven Chronicles

It was the weekend. Rapid was lying in his den, reading a book he had picked up from the Academy library, when a shadow fell across his face. “We need to talk.” It was Peak.

Rapid felt his gut do a barrel roll. They hadn’t spoken much in the last week or so, Peak being busy with Healer duties, and Rapid still feeling remorseful about his recent outburst.

“Look, Peak, I’m sorry-”

Peak sat down in front of him. “I’m not looking for an apology. I’m looking for answers.”

Rapid shifted his paws. “Well, detective Peak, hit me.”

Peak looked him in the eye. “You disappear every day after school for hours, you come back with a goofy grin on your face, you walk home with me once a week, if that, and I heard from Raven- by the way, he’s very nice- that you” Peak gave him a poke. “are dating Sedge.”

Rapid exhaled sharply, annoyance rising in his throat. Raven must have been spying on us! He had been helping out with Splash every day, but that didn’t give Peak or Raven the right to jump to conclusions. “First of all, when did you become such a smooth talker?”

Peak smiled. “It’s a method to connect with patients they taught us at Healer class. Is it working?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

“And second of all, I am not dating Sedge. I’m visiting her, like I visit you.”

Peak frowned, the beginnings of anger sparking in his ice blue gaze. “Except now, you’re visiting her every day, and never talking to me.”

Rapid couldn’t contain his annoyance any more. Why can’t I just have another friend? “Are you jealous of us?” He blurted.

Peak raised an eyebrow. “Us? So you two are a thing.”

Rapid shook his head forcefully, willing the conversation to stop. “No, we’re not! Please, Peak. You’re making other friends at school, so why not me? I’m sorry I’m upsetting you, but please, stop!”

Peak’s eyes widened. Grief sparkled in his gaze. “Rapid, I’m sorry. I guess I’m salty because.” Peak swallowed and cleared his throat. “Claw just went into a coma.”

Rapid felt the rest of the world dim. All he saw was Peak, and the horrid image in his mind. “What?”

Peak looked at his paws. “He’s too sick, Rapid. He’ll suffer.”

Rapid jumped to his paws. “He’s not dead yet! There must be something we can do.”

Peak shook his head. “Needle’s tried everything, and even she, our leader, can’t find a cure. It’s like any movement he makes triggers a cough, even breathing. So he can’t breathe. Rapid, if it’s not his time, he’ll stay with us. But if it is, well…”

Rapid lay back down. “You’ve always been one for words of wisdom, Peak.” He teased gently.

Peak smiled grimly. “Thanks. I always feel terrible when we argue.”

Rapid nodded. “Me too. I promise, we can hang out tomorrow for as long as you want, Okay?”

Peak nodded back. “Okay.”

Peak stood up and exited the den. I am going to have to help Sedge tonight, but I’ll keep tomorrow free.

In the past couple of days, Splash had began to walk, and her mewls were becoming more solid sentences than gibberish. It’s hard taking care of a kit, but it seems like those moments are the best in my day.

When it was time to go over to Sedge’s, Rapid grabbed his book and started in her direction. When he got to her house, Sedge opened the door with a smile. “You’re exactly one minute late.” She mewed.

Rapid shrugged. “You’re exactly one minute too early.”

Sedge laughed. “Ha! Sorry, I guess I’m in a bit of a hyper mood. Splash has been a locomotive today. It’s like she’s a different kitten.” She blinked at him, her forest gaze washing over him like a refreshing rain. “Thank you for everything. She really likes you, and I think you being here has helped her.”

Rapid blinked back. He could lose track of time standing there, staring into her gaze-

Sedge narrowed her eyes. “Um, Rapid, why are you staring at me like that?”

Rapid shook his head. “Oh, sorry. I’m coming.” Okay, I could understand Peak’s misconception. But we are just friends. Right?

He padded into Sedge’s luxurious den, stretching and waiting for an excited squeal. Soon it came. “It’s ’Apid! It’s ’Apid!”

Rapid purred as Splash scrambled around the corner and ran into his leg. “I learned how to catch a mouse! See?” The still tiny kit crouched down and waggled her hindquarters. She leaped at a dried leaf, but instead of landing on it, the wind of her leap blew it away.

Rapid and Sedge both started to giggle, as Splash pouted, “Are mice this hard to catch?”

Sedge wrapped her tail around her little sister. “Don’t worry. You’ll be the best hunter in the city if you keep practicing.”

Splash gave a little bounce. “’eally?”

Rapid nodded. “One day, you’ll be able to catch a flying squirrel.”

Splash squealed again and started pummeling the leaf.

As the kit started bouncing off the walls, Rapid stepped closer to Sedge. “Does she want to be a Provider?” He whispered.

Sedge chuckled. “Apparently.”

Splash finally stopped jumping about, and peered up at Rapid. “So, I’ve been thinking. Why don’t you come and live with us? Mum and Pa would be welcoming! Then you could teach me how to catch mice all day!”

Rapid blinked with shock. What?

“Did you hear me, ’Apid? I said to come and live with us!”

Her question hit Rapid like a boulder. Why don’t I? He glanced at Sedge, who was staring at him intently.

We’re becoming better friends. Rapid toyed with the thought. I love Splash like my own sister. And Sedge, I can’t explain it. I like her a lot, that’s all I know. And Storm acts like an older brother to me. Living with them would be great.

But then Rapid remembered Peak’s family. They would all be heartbroken if he moved. And I can’t leave my first friend. “I’m sorry.” He blurted, hardly aware of the words leaving his lips. “But I can’t.” He hated having to choose between them.

Splash was staring at him with round, dissapointed eyes. Rapid looked back at Sedge, who was clearly trying to hide her disappointment from him as well.

Rapid turned towards the door. “Well, I’ll see you in a couple of days.” He muttered awkwardly. He trotted out the door, shutting it stiffly behind him. All of a sudden, his thoughts flitted to Sedge, and the look in her gaze as he made his decision. Did she want me to live with her? He suddenly regretted choosing to stay where he was. He would never feel lonely again if he was with her.

“Peak is still my best friend.” He tried to tell himself. “I will always choose him.”

But as he padded away from Sedge’s home, he wasn’t so sure.