The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

29. High Tensions

     Palepaw avoided Birchtail's gaze, packing small feathers into the nest that had been made for the warrior in the apprentices' den. There had been no room available with the other warriors, leaving the apprentices to deal with the FireClan cat. He stunk to Palepaw, and he always seemed to stare, making the younger cat's fur prickle. "There," He meowed sourly, turning to the warrior. "It's as neat as I could get it."

Birchtail blinked gratefully at him, and so he pushed past and began to leave the den. The warrior's voice stopped him: "You remind me of your mother. It's the expressions you make, I think. And your movements."

Palepaw froze. That's new. He looked over his shoulder and stared at Birchtail. "I never met her. I don't really care much." He hid his guilt when Birchtail flinched, and he padded into the open. Whoever she is, it doesn't matter. If she couldn't care about me, I don't care about her. He had spent very little time focusing on the nature of his true kin, always settling for Redwing — with great disappointment — and Shadowclaw. Still, despite what he portrayed, Birchtail's words shook him. What would he know about my mother? She was a rogue.

He pushed it as far as he could out of his mind. Birchtail didn't matter. The alliance didn't matter either. We can handle the rogues on our own. He started towards the middle of camp, hoping for a patrol. "Froststrike, you'll take Palepaw and Goldstreak with you along the WaterClan border to hunt," Shadowclaw explained.

Blackstar's voice made them all freeze. "Take Birchtail," He ordered.

Froststrike's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure it's a good idea to flaunt our alliance?" He questioned.

Blackstar's pupils turned to slits. "Yes," He hissed.

Shadowclaw dipped his head despite his own uncertainty and bounded off towards the apprentices' den. Goldstreak padded forth, eyes glittering brightly. "It seems we're taking our new friend." Her tone was light and friendly, and Palepaw rolled his eyes.

"Why should we brag that we have to rely on another Clan to solve our problems?" He grumbled.

"I agree," confessed Froststrike. "It shows weakness. We can't have that."

"You've been training too much with Frostgrump," Goldstreak meowed playfully, prodding Palepaw's shoulder.

"I'm a good mentor," Froststrike bragged.

Goldstreak blinked. "But Shadowclaw is his mentor."

"Shadowclaw is also deputy, and he has his own duties."

Goldstreak sighed and swished her feathery tail. "Either way, we should get going as soon as Birchtail shows up."

"Cliff-climber," Froststrike muttered.

Birchtail finally arrived, looking positive. "Shall we?"

"I'll lead. Echopaw asked us to find herbs if we can as well," Froststrike explained.

"Watermint," Goldstreak chimed in. "Sandfoot and Patchback have both had bellyaches from overeating."

Froststrike huffed and turned away, leading them out through the tunnel. Palepaw trotted after them, keeping beside Goldstreak. Why are we showing this FireClan cat our territory? This is ridiculous! He kept his eyes close on Birchtail, studying him. He was thin, like every other FireClan cat, eyes wide like twin moons for seeing in the dark. Echopaw said they lived in a cave. I couldn't imagine it. I'd go crazy!

The scent of mouse made him pause, and he crouched to begin stalking. He slid towards the undergrowth, abandoning his patrol, creeping slowly after the scent.