Warriors: Heronpaw's Secret (Complete)

Chapter 6

 Heronkit raised his head toward the sky as stars began to appear. He then suddenly remembered when Cougarkit told him about StarClan. She's not sure if outsiders go there when they die, but maybe Skyflower knows! Or the elders!

 The tom looked toward Cougarkit, who was playing with a leaf. Satisfied, he turned around and padded toward the nursery, the cold breeze of the night ruffling his fur. He shivered, then stopped. He didn't shiver because he was cold. I'm being watched.

 Heronkit instantly spun around and saw two amber eyes looking at him from near the Tallrock, in the shadows. He pawed the ground anxiously. ''Uh.. hello?''

 The cat didn't respond. A tall, brown tabby tom with a cream belly padded out of the shadows and looked at him. He snorted and whispered something that Heronkit didn't hear, then flicked his tail and turned around, padding away.

 Heronkit tilted his head, confused. Who was that?

 ''That's Hawkgrowl, dear.''

 Heronkit looked past his shoulder and saw Skyflower approach him. The black-and-silver queen sat next to him and curled her tail around him. ''He's the Clan deputy.''

 ''Why did he look at me like that?'' Heronkit asked and looked at her.

 Skyflower looked after the tom, who disappeared in the warriors' den. ''I have no idea, but don't worry about it. I'll speak to him about it. Anyway, get Cougarkit and go in the nursery, I'll be there soon. It's time you two sleep.''

 Heronkit nodded and got up. He was about to call Cougarkit when he suddenly remembered what he wanted to ask Skyflower. He looked at her, but grunted when he saw that she already disappeared in the warriors' den. 

 ''Did mother ask about me?'' Cougarkit suddenly meowed and padded toward him.

 Heronkit looked at her and nodded. ''Yes, she wants us in the nursery.''

 Cougarkit snorted. ''I'm not tired!''

 Heronkit shrugged. ''That's what our mother told us.''

 ''Fine.'' The she-kit sighed and padded in the nursery. 

 Heronkit hesitated before following her and looked toward the warriors' den. I don't like the way Hawkgrowl looked at me.. Does he not like me, either?

 He then looked toward the exit of the camp. He squinted his eyes, hesitating. Ever since the day he joined WindClan, he was told he wasn't allowed out of camp until he was an apprentice. I could leave the den any time I wanted when I was a loner.. surely nothing bad would happen if I go outside for a bit?

 Heronkit looked around the camp for a last time, making sure no one was watching him, then sneaked toward the exit of the camp. I need to feel the grass under my paws again!

 Heronkit hesitated, then sprinted through the gorse tunnel. When he was out of camp, he looked around, shivering. The night breeze was much colder outside, but he didn't turn back. I just want to stretch my legs for a little bit and then I'll go back, he comforted himself.

 He blinked as a blue butterfly landed on his nose. It moved a bit, and Heronkit giggled as it tickled him, and he shook his head. The butterfly instantly flew away into the night, toward the forest, and Heronkit looked after it, his tail flicking. Well, goodbye, butterfly!

 He padded around, relieved to feel grass under his paws again. He ran around and jumped on a rock, purring. The breeze ruffled his fur and he looked down. He instantly shrieked and backed off, tucking his tail between his legs. At a long distance underneath him flowed the gorge.