option 3, refusing to help in a more indirect way

"No, I cannot, sorry. WindClan needs my help dealing with the greencough too. I really want to help, but I cannot." Barkpaw smiled apologetically as his memories flew back to the haunting words.

I am sorry, I have tried.

Even after trying, they were still failing. They were losing hope. No matter what they had done, it would eventually become a waste of time.

He felt a sudden warmth wrapped around him as he turned around, meeting a pair of forest green eyes. Dragging his own thought out of the dark void, he realized that the ThunderClan patrol had already disappeared out of earshot.

Staring into the emptiness, he was asked softly by Blizzardchaser, "Maybe taking a break? I think that will help you."

~~~

Silence embraced Barkpaw as the wind calmed his heartbeat. Jasminepaw did not make a sound as she paddled next to him. She could clearly sense that he was not in a mood of talking and Barkpaw was grateful that no one had interrupted the peace. The peace that he wanted and desired for long.

Avoiding Jasminepaw's eyes, Barkpaw glanced at the moor. The sun spread warmth on the moor, making the moor shimmering like gold. The breeze brushed his nose as an invisible coolness woke him from his inner madness. 

A familiar scent sneaked into his nose as his eyes widened. He glanced around as excitement flooded his body, his eyes shimmered with sparks. 

Calm, he told himself softly, it might be just an imagination, don't raise your hope.

He could feel his heartbeat racing against his chest, the thoughts echoed inside his head. Ignoring Jasminepaw's worried glance, he headed towards the yellow bush nearby, stepping over the fallen leaves. 

Paddling closer to the bush, he could feel the thing that he has desired for long calling for him. The bush followed him as he headed forward, ready to uncover what was waiting for his arrival...

"Barkpaw?"

Reaching Barkpaw, Jasminepaw's eyes widened as the plant and her eyes made contact. Barkpaw smiled faintly as they stood silently, admiring the beautiful plant that could save thousands of lives...

Catmint.

Barkpaw did not waste another moment as he approached the plant, trying his best to collect it. His mind was clouded with happiness as he sniffed, admiring the beautiful smell that embraced him. He did not realize Jasminepaw was calling him until she wrapped her tail on his shoulder.

He flinched at the soft touch and his tail twisted nervously. Staring at the ground, he asked quietly, "What?"

Jasminepaw smiled as she replied, "Just the fact that I have asked you a question and you clearly did not pay attention to me. Having a crush on catmint?"

Barkpaw's ears twitched as he smiled awkwardly, "W-what did you a-ask me?"

Jasminepaw repeated as she looked around with caution, "Isn't it weird for catmint to grow here? I thought we could only find them in two-leg places?"

Barkpaw's eyes widened as he remembered the haunting voice of the mysterious cat. A familiar scent could be smelt nearby. The wind blew, making him shiver. The sun's warmth disappeared, replacing with a coldness that crashed through him. 

Blood ringing in his eyes, he woke from his dreams and mewed quickly, "Quick, Jasminepaw, we have to go, now."

Jasminepaw nodded. Without further delay, Barkpaw and Jasminepaw headed back to the camp with catmints in their mouth. But a black cat came out of the bush nearby and stood in their way. Her fangs were shown and her eyes snapped towards the two apprentices.

"I see that I meet you again, Barkpaw. Great job trying to avoid me, but it will never work. Now, I hope you are ready to receive your punishment for ruining the game."

>> escaping with Jasminepaw

>> letting Jasminepaw escape with the herbs

>> leaving Jasminepaw behind and escaping with the herbs

>> fighting the cat, hopefully taking her down

>> calling for help, hopefully a cat will reply

>> trying to talk things out

Vote and discuss here -->

❧

Yes, Twilight, what takes that long for you to update such a short part?

Sorry. School has started, everything is in a mess now since schoolwork is coming nonstop. Also, as some of you know, I am starting another project that will come out in 2021 (hopefully sooner if everything is smooth). That book will be a warriors inspired science fiction, which will include many different elements that I have been experimenting for the past few years.

As some of you know, I love science fictions and I have won an award before writing a short science fiction story. To challenge me further, I decide to take a little step forward and try to create my settings and cities.

It is fun, and I have already done the settings and written some part of the prologue, but it is still a long road ahead.

That book is called Rewind. Some of you have submitted characters into that book back in April 2020 and I am going to add the characters with edits in the story

Have a nice day!

Ps. I ship catmint x barkpaw. I mean... there is a possibility that Jasminepaw x Barkpaw is a thing, depends on your choice... (btw, the generator picked Jasminepaw between Daisypaw and her)

Pss. I nearly wrote the story like this

Blood ringing in his eyes, he woke from his dreams and mewed quickly, "Quick, Jasminepaw, we have to go, now."

Jasminepaw nodded. Without further delay, Barkpaw and Jasminepaw headed back to the camp with catmints in their mouth. But a black cat came out of the bush nearby and stood in their way. Her fangs were shown and her eyes snapped towards the two apprentices.

"I just want to say, happy birthday, Barkpaw!"

(what happened to my brain at that time? I don't know)