Book One, Batpaw's Courage

Chapter Five

"What?!" Batpaw froze. "Shadowheart is the father!" she exclaimed. "How could you, Swiftbreeze?"

"It wasn't my fault! Shadowheart.. he..." Swiftbreeze trailed off. "I don't believe this.." Batpaw glared at Swiftbreeze.

"Batpaw.." Sweetpaw rested her head on Batpaw's. She flinched away. "No! I am going to tell Goldenwing!"

"Batpaw, she's asleep in the warrior's den! Don't wake her!" Swiftbreeze called after her.

"Oh you just want your precious secret to stay hidden!" Batpaw spat at her.

Batpaw burst out of the nursery, ignoring the increasing pain in her paw. Rushing past Crowpaw and Pumpkinpaw, she skidded to a stop infront of the warriors den.

"Goldenwing! Goldenwing!" She exclaimed, heading into the warrior's den. "Oh no you don't!" Swiftbreeze bit the end of her tail and dragged her back away from the warrior's den.

"Hey!" Batpaw spun around angrily. "Listen to me! I am not Shadowheart's secret mate! Why would I even do that to Goldenwing! She's my sister!"

Batpaw agreed she had a point but she was still angry. "Explain the kits then!" she glared at her.

"Batpaw.. I am very tired.." Swiftbreeze lowered her head. "Tell me now" Batpaw insisted.

"In the morning." Swiftbreeze begun to stalk back towards the nursery.

Batpaw tried to go after her but Crowpaw stopped her. "Come, walk with me." he led her away with his tail.

"Fine." Batpaw stomped off with Crowpaw. They both padded out of camp and out into the woods. They both were silent for a couple of heartbeats, padding down and climbing the ravine.

"I'm sorry you had to find out that way," Crowpaw begun once they had reached the top of the ravine.

"Don't be sorry." Batpaw concluded. "Why did you bring me out here?" Batpaw and Crowpaw turned to head up the small slope that lead to the Great Sycamore.

"To stop you from ripping Swiftbreeze's pelt off." Crowpaw chuckled. Batpaw rolled her eyes.

"I don't know what to think anymore." Batpaw's expression suddenly changed. She shook her head.

"Hey, you'll be okay, I'm here to help you, always." Crowpaw rested his tail on her shoulder and they were walking close to where their pelts brushed.

They reached the Great Sycamore, it was way bigger than she remembered seeing it a moon ago, she hasn't come back since!

"Wow!" Batpaw exclaimed, looking at the tall, old sycamore tree, it was hard to see in the dark but the light of the half-moon sort of lit it up.

"I guess I'm half-related to Moonkit and Oakkit." she went on. "I never thought of having other siblings but Hawkpaw."

Crowpaw nodded in agreement. "But aren't Sweetpaw and Frogpaw like siblings to you?" he asked

"I mean I guess, but they've been more like close denmates or best friends." Batpaw replied thoughtfully.

Crowpaw touched his nose to hers again. His green gaze warming her and reassuring her that it would be okay.

"I like you, Batpaw," Crowpaw said nervously. "A lot, and I know that we are only apprentices but I can't hide my feelings for you any longer."

Batpaw's paws felt like they were rooted to the ground. She was shocked. All throughout her body she felt warm, happy.

"I..I.." she stuttered "I want to wait until I am a warrior before picking a mate.."