The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

69. Others Have Died

     Scorchwing hurried after Palemist, leaving the medicine den and following the cobweb-covered cat. He doubted that he had ever felt so much excitement in his life as he rushed to his friend’s side. He’s really back. The Clan knows the truth. Poppy will come back from hunting and she’ll be ecstatic! “I haven’t been this happy since I was made an apprentice,” he finally confessed. When Palemist turned to him, he fought back a laugh at the sigh of mud still smeared on the tom’s face. “You have mud on your cheek.” 

     “That lightning was terrifying,” Palemist mewed. “But the rogues came, and I forgot all about it.” He sat and licked one paw, drawing it over his face. “They followed me.” Guilt flickered in his eyes. “I should have been more careful about coming here. Patchback wouldn’t have died if they hadn’t shown up.” 

     The cheer in Scorchwing faded. “Patchback is okay now. He’ll be with Tinypetal again,” he insisted, halfway trying to convince himself. “Besides, you’re back now.” 

     “I don’t know if I’ll stay.” 

     A weight fell on Scorchwing like a crushing stone. “You’re a DarkClan cat,” he whispered. 

     “Those kittypets — the Outcasts — they’re my friends. And what about Spottedmoss?” Palemist asked. He looked to the cap tunnel distantly. “I’ve missed my Clan, but a lot of good has come out of leaving. I can be with Spottedmoss now. And Mellow.” 

     “Mellow? He’s a kittypet. You-“ 

     “I love him regardless. I love them both.” Palemist spoke wistfully. He shook his head. “Do you think Rosepetal would mind if I visited her kits? I missed them.” 

     The change of subject ignited anger in Scorchwing’s heart, but he swallowed it and snuffed it out as best he could. He heard a yowl from the ledge and looked to Blackstar, who called for the Clan to meet, but he ignored it and started towards the nursery. Out stepped Rosepetal, purring.  

     “Palemist! It’s really true.” Rosepetal rubbed her cheek against his. “I’m glad you’re back.” 

     “Me too. May I see the kits?” Palemist asked, sounding formal. 

     Polite. It’s too curt.  

     Rosepetal beamed. “Of course! Just don’t let them out. I don’t want them to see. . .” She trailed off. Palemist nodded, and Scorchwing followed him inside. 

     “Guess who’s here!” Called Scorchwing. Pinekit turned away from a ball of tattered moss and gasped.  

     “Palemist!” 

     Skykit exploded from the nest, Tawnykit and Spiderkit sitting up to get a better view, and Scorchwing could hardly hide his amusement when the kits bumbled about Palemist.  

     “You’re back!” 

     “Where did you go?” 

     “You smell funny!” 

     “Give him some space!” Tawnykit ordered. Skykit turned to his sister and stuck out his tongue. 

     “You’re so bossy!” 

     Palemist laughed and nudged Skykit. “Have you behaved?” 

     “Of course!” The kit chirped. 

     Spiderkit rushed to the warrior. “I knew you’d come back!” He cried out. “I had a dream about it! It was really cool.” 

     Wishful thinking, or a vision from StarClan? Scorchwing settled down and tucked his paws under him to watch the reunion.