The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

25. Border Skirmish

     Palepaw didn't speak as he packed moss around Tinypetal, working to keep the sick cat warm. She coughed fiercely before falling out again, drifting into a light sleep that would soon be interrupted by more sputtering. Meanwhile, Echopaw sniffed at Redwing's healing scratches. "You're okay," She said. "But take it easy. They may be healed, but you could still be weak. Take the day off to rest."

Redwing didn't reply, instead walking straight into the sunlight and out of the stuffy den. Palepaw finished his task and looked to Echopaw. "Anything else?"

"No- Wait- Yes?" Echopaw looked between Tinypetal and Palepaw before finally shaking her head. "No. I can't leave Tinypetal alone. Thank you, though."

"What did you-"

"I just wanted your opinion, but it's okay." She looked to her side, closed her eyes as if to listen, and then turned away. "You should go back to training and all."

Weird. Palepaw offered a soft purr before slipping out into the sunlight. The first was beginning to brighten, warmth beginning to thaw the cats around him. It had increased the moods of most cats, save Blackstar, who was often found sulking just outside of his den. Patchback also spent a great deal of time by his mate who, in the past five days, had not improved. Echopaw had used up all of her good tansy, and was left with only a little catmint.

But Newleaf is coming, and it's not always so cold. Tinypetal will be fine. Palepaw trotted towards the prey pile, where Shadowclaw sat, cleaning his pelt. "Hey!" He greeted, meeting Shadowclaw's gaze with a purr. "What are we doing today?"

"You and I are going along FireClan's border. We're taking Scorchpaw and Ashtail with us," his mentor explained. Good! In the past while, Palepaw has rarely spent much time with his friend. I miss him. He's always so tired and busy.

Moments later, the two other cats were walking towards them. Scorchpaw looked as if he would fall into the ground at any moment, exhaustion making him sluggish. What is he doing at night?

Ashtail was lighthearted and upbeat, bouncing on her toes. "It's been too long since I've gone by FireClan territory. I love the cliffs."

Scorchpaw made a disgusted expression and looked away. He was there when Fallenstar died. Palepaw stepped up to Scorchpaw's side and prodded him with one paw. "We should go hunting later. By the outer border."

Scorchpaw shook his head, and Palepaw's heart sunk like a stone. As Shadowclaw began to lead the patrol, he followed with heavy steps, casting glances at his friend. The tom yawned again and again, stumbling here and there as they walked through the forest. The ground could be perfectly seen, with new undergrowth beginning to poke through, it'll be beautiful soon. Palepaw suppressed a purr. "Prey will be plentiful."

"I've never been more grateful for the end of Leaf-bare. This one has been horrible!" Ashtail chirped. Too much had happened in the past few moons, and all of the Clan seemed ready for the coming of Newleaf. We've lost so many cats. Newleaf with be good for us.

"We're almost to the border," Shadowclaw warned. "Be careful by the rocks."

Palepaw saw Scorchpaw flinch through the corner of his eye. I'm sorry you have to be here. The patrol picked through the tendrils that lined the ground, gnarled tree roots and brambles reaching for them.

Palepaw froze as a noise touched his ears. A howl of anger split the air in the distance. "There's a fight by the border!" He meowed.

The others had heard it too, and they were rushing forth, running with great speed towards the tree line. When they broke through, they all froze. Cats were snarling and clawing at each other savagely, rogues tearing at Clancats with ferocity. "FireClan!" Ashtail gasped. "We have to help them!"