**OLD** Valley Cats: Of Sky and Stone 2- Poison Clouds

Chapter Two

 "Hello? Galesong?" Palepaw called as she trekked upwards. Ahead, she could see the roof of the healer's cave, which was spiky with stalactites that glistened in the eerie light.

 "Cyclonepaw? Is that you?" a timid voice reached out. Palepaw half-jumped into the cave and looked around for the source of the voice.

 "Oh, hey, Galesong." she nodded at her uncle. "I'm not Cyclonepaw, if you need him..." she glanced behind her, almost volunteering to fetch the apprentice for him.

 "No, that's fine." the dark gray tabby tom said, in his usual nervous manner. He brushed away some crystal shards with his tail, striding towards the she-cat. "Are you hurt? I'm the healer you would see for an injury, but I think Cyclonepaw could use some practice. He and Tempestpaw are close to getting their assessments, you know." he explained. As he stepped closer, Palepaw noted that he looked even more slender than usual.

 "It seems every apprentice is about to move on." she said, mildly solemn. "Except for Whitepaw, but they've only been training for about half a moon. And Featherfur's kits will be apprenticed sometime soon. I'll be the oldest apprentice once Tempestpaw and Cyclonepaw move on."

 "But Graypaw isn't moving on yet." Galesong pointed out.

 "He just got his mission!" Palepaw snorted, but then seemed to wilt. "But it's fine. I'm sure I'll find something I'm good at so I can become a warrior already." Barely a moment of unsure sulking went by before she perked up again. "That's why I'm here, actually. Isn't this how most Seers start out? Do you think I might be one?"

 The tom thought for a moment, his thin tail swishing softly behind him. "Well, some, I would believe." he offered. "But usually it's something very obvious, like being drawn towards the supernatural forces or having a special interest in crystals and water and the stars. But I can see your abilities, if you'd like."

 "Really?" Palepaw couldn't help but to stand up straighter. "You're going to See me?"

 Galesong seemed to lean back uncertainly. "Well, I might not See everything. Dawnlight would be able to do it a lot better than I could. But I'll try, just because I need the practice." he squared his shoulders and stared at her for an awkward heartbeat. At first, Palepaw believed he was actually doing it. 

 "Is there... Something I have to do?" she asked, uncertain. She knew all cats were Seen regularly, in the season they were born in, but she barely remembered the last time. 

 "Just sit down, close your eyes, and hold very still. I'll do the hard part." Galesong suggested. Palepaw obeyed, curling her tail neatly around her paws and closing her eyes at the last possible moment as she felt Galesong's cold nose press against her forehead. Almost immediately, he drew back. The apprentice instantly snapped open her eyes, desperately searching for a reaction.

 "Well? What did you See?" she demanded.

 "I don't think you will be a Seer, but..." Galesong hesitated for a moment before looking around the cave to make sure no one was watching. "I'm not supposed to tell you, but since you're my niece and all... One day you're going to receive a gift from the stars."

 "A gift from the stars!" Palepaw breathed. "I'm going to be a leader?"

 "I can't tell that right now, but don't get your hopes up." the healer's airy tone suddenly thickened, and he narrowed his pale green eyes. "You will receive a gift from the stars, but they take much in return."

 Palepaw's ears flattened suddenly. What does he mean? What kind of gift isn't a leader's gift... And what will the stars take in return? she thought.

 "Galesong... Are you sick?" she asked suddenly, tilting her head.

 "No, why?" he raised his head abruptly, offended. "Does my breath really smell that bad? I swear, I eat mint leaves every morning!"