The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

21. Night Meetings

     The ground had become solid, turning cold as night settled. The camp was quiet, Tinypetal acting as a guard. She coughed often, sputtering even, and her eyes appeared cloudy with fatigue. Redwing stalked towards her and dismissed her, hissing at her to go to Echopaw's den. Tinypetal hesitantly obeyed, and Redwing settled down to keep watch. Soon after, she was asleep.

Lazy mousebrain, Palepaw thought, creeping past the she-cat and sliding through the tunnel. He suppressed a snort of amusement. She's hardly doing her job. He moved swiftly, heading east towards the WaterClan border. He ignored the shadows around him, keeping his eyes straight and his ears folded back. The last thing he wanted was to be spooked. This is stupid. Rogues could be out here. He gave his head a shake and picked up his speed. But I have to do this. She better be there, or so help me-

The WaterClan border was calm, the river flowing smoothly, ice crusting its sides. The fallen tree that acted as the bridge between the two Clans was entirely still, and the smooth, bark-stripped sides were cold on Palepaw's paws as he stalked across it. His hackles twitched nervously as he hopped down, officially crossing the border. It's so strange here. Like it's just a dream.

"Palepaw!" Came a voice, and Palepaw's ears perked. He looked to the brush, where Spottedpaw emerged, her eyes bright and whiskers twitching eagerly. She trotted up to him and circled him. "You look like you've seen ghosts or something. Did an owl swoop down?"

"Er- No-" He battled the flush beneath his fur and forced himself to sit. "It's just . . . odd."

"Scaredy-mouse," Spottedpaw teased, plopping down in front of him. "I bet you're scared of the dark!" She prodded his shoulder with one paw, purring loudly.

Palepaw rolled his eyes and returned her purr, pushing down the defensive fire in him. "Maybe," he answered.

"I knew it!" Someone shouted. Spottedpaw twisted around, and Palepaw jumped to his paws, fur bristling. A brown and black tom stumbled out into the open, chuckling to himself. "You were going to meet him! I absolutely knew it!"

"Claypaw!" Spottedpaw gasped. "You- You foxheart!"

"Beetlestar's gonna be absolutely- absolutely-" Claypaw trailed off as Palepaw stomped towards him, claws extended.

"Beetlestar isn't going to be anything," he hissed. Claypaw raised his chin mockingly.

"Go ahead. Tear me to shreds. You'll get yours," he said smugly, flicking his ears. Palepaw staggered when Spottedpaw shoved between them both.

"No one is tearing anyone to shreds!" She shouted. "Claypaw, leave!"

Claypaw blinked at her and pinned his ears back. "Either I stay, or I tell Beetlestar."

This is too much trouble! Palepaw bared his teeth at the young tom. "Why do you want to stay?"

"To be sure that you two don't do stupid stuff."

Spottedpaw spat at him. "You're nothing but stupid! Why do you have to go off and ruin everything?" Her fur bristled wildly, fire burning in her amber eyes.

Hurt flickered across Claypaw's face, and he took a step back, looking as heartbroken as a scolded kit. He turned, his tail whipping, and he bolted off, disappearing into the brush. Anger flared in Palepaw's heart, resentment making his stomach twist. "Great. Just great! I'm done!" This was a mistake! "I'm leaving!" Palepaw started for the tree, but paused when Spottedpaw hurried in front of him.

"Please! Don't go!" She whimpered. "I'm sorry about him, but we have to find him. Before he does something dumb."

Palepaw narrowed his eyes. "Count me out."