The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

20. Missing

     Scorchpaw took a deep breath and braced himself for what was coming, narrowing his eyes and planting his paws firmly. Weight crashed into him, and he tumbled over his friend, frost and mud slathering his long pelt. He rolled and collapsed, pinning Palepaw to the ground and laughing as he did so. His friend writhed under him. "Okay! Okay!" Palepaw groaned, and Scorchpaw got to his paws and slipped away, giving his pelt a shake. It worked! He began to purr. Of course it worked. Fang knows what she's talking about.

"I doubt Redwing taught you to use your bulk. She's all about being lithe and quick," Palepaw mewed casually, giving his chest a few licks. "You're getting a lot better."

"Thanks!" Scorchpaw chirped. He felt like a kit again, toppling into his friend and laughing wildly. He prodded Palepaw's shoulder as he circled the younger tom, purring loudly.

"I bet I could beat you to the FireClan border," Palepaw challenged, crouching and ready to run. Scorchpaw's pelt twitched anxiously. Since Fallenstar's death, he had been spared from patrolling near there, and he had avoided it always. Now, he had no excuse; their mentors had given them a break for the day, and he had the entire afternoon free.

He responded with a quick nod, and he shot off. The faster I get there, the sooner I can leave. His paws slipped in the mud, the melting frost making the ground slick, but he kept his grip. Palepaw rushed past, baring his teeth and chortling at his friend, his swift paws kicking up what dry dirt available. Scorchpaw clenched his jaw and forced himself forward, running beside his ally, gasping for air. The trees came to a sudden stop, and both of the cats burst out into the open vastness. The cliffs leered above them, casting a dark shadow over them. Scorchpaw shuddered as he eyed the cliffside.

"Scorchpaw!" Palepaw hissed, and Scorchpaw followed his gaze. Three cats walked beside the rocks, vaguely familiar.

"That- That's Briarstar!" Scorchpaw chirped. "Who are the others?"

"Doesn't matter." Palepaw's fur bristled. "They're trespassing."

"She's a leader! It must be important!" Scorchpaw shook his pelt and caught his breath before trotting towards the three FireClan cats. Beside Briarstar, at either side, was a light ginger she-cat and a white and patched tom. "What's going on?"

Briarstar's brown pelt twitched. "We want to speak with Blackstar. It's important to us."

"Who are the cats with you?" Palepaw questioned, stepping up beside Scorchpaw. Scorchpaw jabbed his side sharply with one paw.

"Whisperheart, our medicine cat, and Birchtail," Briarstar answered. Scorchpaw glanced between Whisperheart and Birchtail. Sorrow and surprise burned in Birchtail's green eyes. What's his problem?

Palepaw turned away, flicking his tail and holding his head high. "I'll lead."

"Very pretentious," Whisperheart muttered. Scorchpaw held his tongue and followed his friend. Blackstar won't like this. I wonder what's wrong?

"He's young," Birchtail insisted. "He'll grow out of it, I'm sure."

"He should be more respectful," Whisperheart grumbled.

Scorchpaw did his best to block out the conversation, instead watching Palepaw's ears flick. The trip to the camp was slow, and the FireClan cats inched through the tunnel, ignoring the looks of DarkClan. Amongst his clanmates, Briarstar and her associates were thin, eyes large and pupils big. Their long whiskers flitted wildly, their long legs moving gracefully to carry them. Scorchpaw waited beside them as Palepaw climbed the rocks to tell Blackstar, and moments later, the leader emerged, eyes turned to slits. He sat on a lower boulder and glowered down at Briarstar as Palepaw clambered down and returned to Scorchpaw's side.