Warrior Cats: Rising Smoke

Chapter 5

Sparrowpaw thought about what had happened at the Gathering while he made his way back to camp with a bird in his jaws. Swiftshine was probably talking to him about something but he wasn't listening. If each clan was going to volunteer 2-3 of their Warriors to create a new clan, the new clan would need a leader and deputy as well. There was no way with his age any of the other Warriors would respect him as someone of experience and authority to rule over a brand new clan. No. That wouldn't work. But he could make sure someone who was easily manipulated with whispers in their ear ended up in a role of authority for the new clan. He could control the clan from the shadows until it was his turn to stand up and take his role as deputy and then leader. Sparrowpaw knew he didn't have a reputation for being friendly and warm, so how could he make himself more approachable? He wanted his new clan to fear his strength and cleverness, but he also needed them to like him on some small level. They had to like him before they could respect him. What would make him seem friendlier?

"Look at that bird. Its huge!" Brightpaw cried as Sparrowpaw dragged his catch back into camp and lay it down on the fresh-kill pile.

"Sparrowpaw is an amazing hunter." Swiftshine agreed. "He will make an amazing Warrior."

"I should already be one." he grumbled before grabbing a smaller piece of prey off the pile.

"We already passed out prey to everyone." Brightpaw explained as if Sparrowpaw had been about to take the prey to take to someone. He blinked at her a few times but when she just stood and smiled at him he decided not to argue with her. He padded over to a quiet spot but when he lay down to take a rest and enjoy his prey in silence, he noticed a silver form standing next to him and looking down at him.

"Aren't you going to invite me to share that with you?" Swiftshine asked hopefully. Sparrowpaw let out a long breath of annoyance and rolled his eyes. All he wanted was some time to himself to think about his role in the new clan and how he could make himself more likeable. 

"Would it make a difference if I said no?" Swiftshine sat next to him, allowing her paws to gently brush past his. He flinched away from her touch like she had clawed him.

"Who do you think is going to leave Moonclan to go to the new clan?" Swiftshine asked, reaching forward tentatively and taking a bite.

"That is a good question," Sparrowpaw admitted. "If its 2-3 cats then I would say me, Cloverpaw and someone else probably."

"I don't think any of the senior warriors will leave, but I could see some of the younger ones being interested in an adventure. If two toms are going than the third cat should probably be a she-cat."

"I guess that makes sense." Sparrowpaw narrowed his eyes, aware of where Swiftshine was probably going with the conversation. 

"Look at you two love-birds," Fernpaw sneered as she padded past. Sparrowpaw knew she was making him uncomfortable on purpose, but he didn't miss the huge smile that Swiftshine suddenly had on her face. "Maybe you can make Sparrowpaw not so mean, Swiftshine. If anyone could do it it would be you."

"I'm not mean!" Sparrowpaw snapped, tossing one of the bones from the prey at his sister who watched as it flew past her, not even close to touching her. "My life doesn't revolve around finding a mate." he shot back.

"It should," Fernpaw glared at him. "Then maybe cats would like you. Good luck Swiftshine."

"Cats like cats with mates?" Sparrowpaw turned to Swiftshine was was blushing from ear to ear.

"Er, I don't know. I would say cats with mates seem more approachable and friendly. Easier to connect with, maybe."

"Interesting." Sparrowpaw thought out loud. "I never thought of it that way."