Once Upon A Time -- O; Return!

[RHINESTONE.]

LEADER ❝ RHINE ❞ PALMCLAN

Medusa's "death" had taken a toll on Rhinestone, one that he hadn't truly been able to deny if anyone were to ask about it. The senior warrior had been one of his close friends, and he had not only trusted her with information and friendship, but also with a chunk of the clan. He didn't promote someone to senior warrior lightly, and Medusa had clearly meant a lot to him, earning her position relatively fast. Then, everything had just collapsed, with the hybrid disappearing in a flurry of blood and scents with nothing left behind but marks on the ground. For several days, he had remained within his den, not only because of his sickness, but also because of his misery. He knew that he needed to attend to the group, and be a leader, but it was just so hard, knowing that they had lost someone so important. Not only lost her, but lost her in a time where he had said some extremely stupid things to her. He had never wanted her to have to leave them, but he certainly hadn't wanted her to leave them angry. Thankfully, everything had changed on the day he had met Healer out on the beach.

It had been an incredible relief, to know that Medusa wasn't dead, but he couldn't help the feeling of bitterness that had come at the time. Not at Medusa, but at Healer, mainly for the other's secrecy. The ruddy tom had immediately wanted to go and see Medusa, but Healer just wanted the herbs that they needed, and had been rather intentionally vague about everything. It had been frustrating, but at least it was something. Ever since then, the leader had just been waiting, struggling to fight off his sickness as he awaited the senior warrior's eventual return. It was a good thing that she had come back so soon, seeing as the leader wasn't sure of how much longer he could hold out. He didn't really think he would actually die from the illness that currently gripped his body, but things weren't exactly getting any better. He didn't know how much longer he'd be able to carry on, even if he hesitated to admit that to anyone within the clan – he didn't want them to worry about him.

As soon as he heard Medusa's voice, Rhinestone practically dragged himself forth from his den, stumbling over his own paws. A sickly purr broke forth from his throat, his rush bringing him forward and into the fray with the others, who thankfully shifted around to let him through. He would have stayed back with Fujita in any other circumstance, but this was a special case. The tom found himself speaking in a rough mutter, a smile curled on his muzzle and his pale gaze bright despite how his condition was worsening, "Medusa... Medusa, I'm so glad you're back. I met the one who healed you... I wanted to go see you, but I didn't know where you were. We missed you so much... I missed you so much." He wanted desperately to hug her, but he refrained, at least for the moment. He didn't want to risk passing on his sickness to her, especially with how fragile she still seemed.

NEVER OPENED MYSELF THIS WAY
LIFE IS OURS, WE LIVE IT OUR WAY

— Reggan