The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

59. Imaginary Friends

     The sun was beginning to set, gently shifting closer to the horizon. Scorchwing listened as Shadowclaw organized a patrol, pleased to hear that he was not chosen. Since the day of Ashtail's death, Blackstar had ordered more frequent walks along the borders, ready to protect the territory from any rogues or former Clanmates. After all, many ambushes had littered the forest. Though things had been quiet since then, everyone was on their toes. 

     "Scorchwing!" A tiny voice yelped, and Scorchwing exaggerated his gasp as Skykit jumped onto him. "Play with us!" Pinekit traipsed closer, eyes wide. 

     "Why me?" Scorchwing asked, though not bitterly. They have littermates. 

     "Spiderkit's asleep and Tawnykit won't play because she's too good for it," Skykit huffed. "And Palemist isn't here to play with us, so we thought maybe you would." 

     Spiderkit's slept since sunhigh! "Is Spiderkit sick?" 

     Pinekit shook his head. "He's just weird." 

     "Come on!" Cheeped Skykit, tugging on Scorchwing's tail. "You and I are gonna be SkyClan, and Pinekit's going to be a stinky rogue!"
 
     "I'm always the rogue!" Pinekit whined. 

     Skykit twitched his whiskers at his brother. "Because you stink!" 

     Scorchwing placed a paw on Skykit's small head. "Be nice to your brother. He doesn't stink." 

     "I don't stink as bad as Spiderkit," Pinekit said defensively. 

     "What do you two have against Spiderkit?" Scorchwing questioned, pushing himself up.  

     "He actually stinks. Like he rolled in the dirt place," Skykit mewed. "Go see for yourself!" 

     "Go see!" Pinekit urged.  

     Scorchwing had no choice but to stand and make his way towards the nursery. Is Spiderkit ill? Rosepetal would have done something. She loves him. Carefully, he dipped into the den. Rosepetal was asleep, tucked into her nest. Spiderkit, energetic, was pawing at her twitching tail. Scorchwing stepped closer and sniffed the kit's head when he was turned away. He smells like he's been tucked in a rotting prey pile! "Hey Spiderkit," he greeted. 

     "Hey Scorchwing!" Spiderkit cheeped. "What's going on?" 

     "Pinekit and Skykit are worried about you. Do you feel alright?" Scorchwing asked. Where have you been? 

     "I'm fine! I've been practicing my pouncing. Mom moves her tail a lot so it kinda works." Spiderkit twisted and scratched his neck. "Palemist used to help me with that until he left. I don't know where he went, but I hope he's okay." The kit's mood dropped instantly, and he looked at his paws. "I miss him. I bet you do too." 

     Claws struck into Scorchwing's heart. I do, little one. But don't worry. I'll make it right. He thought of the WaterClan fur that he had found and tucked into his nest. Tonight, he would meet with Spottedmoss to learn of possible suspects. I can't take names to Blackstar, but I want to know for myself. 

     "Can you give me a badger ride some time?" Spiderkit questioned. "Shadowclaw is too busy and Mom is always too tired." 

     "I will tomorrow," Scorchwing promised. "Clean yourself up. You smell like you rolled in fox dung." 

     Spiderkit beamed up at him for a moment. "I went on a walk through the forest last night with my friend!"
 
     "What's their name?" Scorchwing asked, tilting his head. Kits shouldn't be in the forest at night. Should I report this to Blackstar?