The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

65. Outcasts

     A yowl pierced the air, shrill and determined, and a weight hit Palemist, forcing him down. He heaved upwards, his attacker collapsing, but another cat crashed into him, paws batting at his flanks. He twisted and lashed out, keeping his head low to protect his face. Some hit him, and the two rolled a small distance before stopping.
 
     Palemist burst into laughter as Mellow pressed his nose to his throat. “You’re getting better,” he said. Mellow purred loudly. 

     “Of course I am. I have you to teach me.” 

     “Can we get back to the training?” Cotton huffed. “You two are really getting on my nerves.” 

     Mellow jumped away, and Palemist got to his paws. “Okay, okay,” He meowed. “You’re all getting really good. I wasn’t expecting that ambush.” He looked to Cotton. “Yowling before attacking can startle and disorient your enemy, but sometimes it’s better to take them out silently.” 

     Cotton pinned her ears back. “I guess Mellow can do no wrong, because he was the one who yelled.” 

     “Oh-“ Palemist looked back at Mellow. “Don’t do that.” 

     Mellow nodded. “I’ll try not to.” 
     Dope. “Okay, this time, I want Mellow on my side. Cotton, you’re going to try to take on both of us by ambushing.” 

     Popcorn jumped down from the crate nearby. “When am I going to fight?” 

     “After this,” Palemist answered. “Practice that twist while we spar. We’ll come back and get you.” He turned and flicked his tail, signaling for Mellow to follow, and he started down the alleyway. 

     “Thanks,” Mellow said softly. “For teaching us.” 

     “Why wouldn’t I? It helps you out, and it’s nice to have a routine.” Palemist pushed away the sorrow that hit him as best as he could. When Scorchwing visited seven days ago, he had tried his best to put on a cheerful outlook. But I miss my Clan more than ever. It’s been a moon. 

     He cast a glance at Mellow, a new emotion welling up in him. But he makes it better. He saved my life. He’s been by my side since I wandered into his yard. When Mellow, looked towards him, Palemist turned away. I feel the same around him as I do around Spottedmoss. I think I love him. 

     “Did you hear me?” 

     Palemist shuddered. “No- Er- Sorry. What was it?” 

     “I think it’d be a good idea if we patrolled after all this. I smelled rogue scent by our border,” Mellow explained. Palemist nodded vacantly. He and the kittypets had begun patrolling the area they kept to most, hoping to ward the rogues off. They had only fought with them twice: once, Thorn had returned with a Hawk and Eagle to get revenge for their first skirmish in the alleyway. The second time, Hawk had attempted to ambush Palemist, but Mellow and Popcorn helped to drive her away. 

     Since then, there was peace. 

      We’re our own little Clan, aren’t we? 

     “Look out!” 

      Palemist yelped when he was slapped in the head, and Cotton was quickly tackled by Mellow, who placed a paw on her neck. “That was easy,” he teased. “You’d better work on your strategy.” 

     Cotton glared at her brother and crawled out of his grasp. “I would have gotten Palemist’s neck if you weren’t hovering over him and warning him over every little move.”