Unknown Mystery (Warrior Cats Fan Fiction)

Chapter 6

Leafpaw trotted into camp with a thrush in her jaws. It had been two moons since she had went on the journey. Now she was preparing for her warrior ceremony. Embershade will be pleased, Leafpaw thought as she ducked into camp.

Embershade gave a nod of approval as she passed him along the way to the fresh-kill pile.

Leafpaw dipped her head respectfully at him, though her eyes were glowing with pride. Leafpaw put the thrush right on the top and then grabbed a squirrel to share with Maplepaw who dozing beside the apprentices' den.

"Share?" Leafpaw asked, settling beside her littermate.

Maplepaw shrugged. "I'm fine," Maplepaw muttered, keeping his gaze fixed on his paws, clearly upset.

"Are you okay?" Leafpaw prompted, gazing at him worriedly. "Is something wrong?"

"I'm fine," Maplepaw growled, turning away from her. "Just leave me alone."

"I'm your littermate," Leafpaw reminded him gently, concern glowing in her eyes. "I know if something's wrong."

Maplepaw sighed and turned to look at Leafpaw. "I really like Lilypaw," Maplepaw confessed. "She's really beautiful and I like her personality."

Leafpaw touched his cheek with her nose. "Are you afraid to tell her?"

"Yes and no," Maplepaw meowed wearily. "I saw Lilypaw with Snakestripe and I think she likes him better then me."

"Oh Maplepaw," Leafpaw murmured exasperated. "Tell her how you feel. Maybe Lilypaw and Snakestripe are just close friends."

"They feel more then friends," Maplepaw insisted, his pelt bristling with rage.

"Isn't Snakestripe one of your closest friends?" Leafpaw asked quickly.

"Yes," Maplepaw confirmed with a sigh, his pelt flattening. "He betrayed me." Maplepaw bowed his head.

"Go ask Snakestripe," Leafpaw suggested quietly. "And ask him if he has a crush on anyone."

Maplepaw gave her a 'this is not going to work' glance before padding toward Snakestripe who was grooming himself.

Leafpaw saw Maplepaw speak rapidly to Snakestripe. Snakestripe looked surprised and spoke back. Maplepaw looked shocked and relieved when Snakestripe finished.

Leafpaw looked away from them, convinced it would be fine. She ate her squirrel quickly and then padded to Rosesplash, her eyes gleaming.

"Did you see anything suspicious about Blazepoppy?" Rosesplash demanded.

"Nothing," Leafpaw replied. "She's just offering to do more patrols then usual."

Rosesplash nodded slowly. "With any particular cats?"

Leafpaw hesitated. Who have I seen a lot with mother?

"Dustyfoot," Leafpaw told her.

"Dustyfoot," Rosesplash echoed, her eyes darkening. "I've always had a suspicion on him. Maybe he's helping Blazepoppy."

"I don't want to get in his way," Leafpaw meowed, shivering at the thought of when Leafpaw forgot to change the elders' bedding.

"Don't worry," Rosesplash soothed. "I'll figure out a plan. For now, just focus on becoming a warrior, okay?"

"Fine," Leafpaw muttered.

Rosesplash dipped her head. "Be careful," Rosesplash meowed before padding away.

Suddenly a loud yowl of surprise came from the apprentices' den.

"Maplepaw!"

Leafpaw whipped her head around at the apprentices' to see, Lilypaw pulling out...Maplepaw! His eyes were clouded and there were many scratches on him. Blood stained his pelt and Leafpaw spotted many deep wounds on him.