The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

34. Light In The Dark

The wet grass made Palepaw's toes itch, and occasionally, he would stop to shake water from his paws. He would cast an off glance up at the sky every so often, quickening his pace. It wasn't long until he reached the border and hopped onto the crossing log, carefully working his way across the river. Although it was calm, it still churned, and the memory of plunging in after Claypaw was bitter.

As he jumped down onto WaterClan territory, he shuddered and looked around nervously. He walked alongside the river, keeping close to the water. When he returned, Spottedpaw would cover his trail like she always did.

He felt jittery. It had been quite a while since he had last met with the she-cat. Part of him was annoyed at the thought of Claypaw hanging around, looming over them. It's stupid. He needs to mind his own business. He pushed himself forward, shoving away his thoughts and focusing more on Spottedpaw. He had focused little on her, and a small part of him was regretful, while another part was sympathetic. His Clan was at war, and she was in the other side. What was there to think of other than the struggles of the fight?

It's taking so long. Why can't we just attack? Blackstar could raid WaterClan and we could finish it all by going after the rogues next.

Once again, he shook the thoughts out of his head, and instead looked forward to his meeting. Spottedpaw had explained a path to take, and where she would be. He followed the river until he reached a cluster of rocks. He glanced across the river at a hill that had once been DarkClan territory. Shadowclaw had told him of how WaterClan had taken it in battle many seasons ago, and crossed the river at a calm point to mark it. He sniffed around and scowled. Rogues have been passing near here.

He looked to the group of rocks. Follow the direction of the stone, he reminded himself, and started into a pine forest, where a jagged rock pointed. I feel like I'm in TreeClan territory. It was the only territory that didn't border DarkClan, but he had heard stories of the tall trees, and the pines that crept across the border from MarshClan.

Finally, he reached another landmark that Spottedpaw had pointed out: a split tree. "'Go to your right'," He mewed to himself, and bounded in the direction he was meant to take. It wasn't long until he crossed WaterClan's border, and was faced with a stream. He jumped on small stepping stones and continued onward, looking around the darkness. This is a long path.

A massive tree stump came into view, set in the middle of a clearing. He padded towards it, sniffing at it.

"Hey!" Chirped an enthusiastic cat, and Palepaw looked up to see Spottedpaw. "You came! Did you have any trouble?"

"No," he said lightly.

"Come inside!" The she-cat urged. She jumped down, disappearing behind the stump, and Palepaw padded around it. It had been hollowed on one side, and Spottedpaw disappeared within. He peeked inside, where it had been dug out to make room. "You can fit two or so grown cats in here. It's great! I found it a few days ago," the she-cat purred.

Palepaw worked his way inside and felt his paw brush against something brittle. "A nest?" He murmured.

"I didn't have time to drag it out. It's pretty big. Want to help me get it out?" Spottedpaw asked, tilting her head. A small ray of moonlight seeped through a tiny hole in the trunk, illuminating some of her face.

"I can get it," Palepaw meowed, and he shifted around and began to push it out into the open. He kicked it to the end of the clearing, where a patch of small purple flowers, elevated on a mound of earth. A weathered stone sat at one end, and he shuddered. He had pushed a stone at the head of Tinypetal's grave only two nights ago.