Warrior Cats, Httyd AU

Into the Wild Ch. 10

By the following morning, a thin drizzle soaked the island ground, forming puddles at the entrances to the dens.

Firepaw woke up feeling chilled. It had been an uncomfortable night, many puddles had formed in the apprentice den as water dripped from the ceiling of the small cavern. He dropped down from his perch and shook out himself vigorously, scatting loose scales across the floor. Then he left the apprentices' den and trotted across the clearing to Yellowfang's nest.

Yellowfang was just stirring, her rough scales blending into the rocks around her. She lifted her head and squinted at Firepaw as he approached. "My bones ache this morning. Has it been raining all night?"

"Since just after moonlight," Firepaw replied. He reached out and prodded her rocky nest cautiously, the coals of her bedding had turned into a black mud. "Your bedding is soaking wet. Why don't you move to the cavern nearer to the nursery? It's more sheltered there."

"What? And be kept awake all night by those shrieking hatchlings?! I'd rather get wet!" Yellowfang growled.

Firepaw watched her circle stiffly in her bed, compacting the mud. "Then at least let me fetch you something to dry your bedding," he offered, keen to drop the subject of kits if it upset the old she-dragon so much.

"Thank you, Firepaw" replied Yellowfang quietly, settling down again.

Firepaw felt stunned. He wondered if Yellowfang was feeling alright. It was the first time she had thanked him for anything, and the first time she had not called him Viking pet.

"Well, don't just stand there like a startled sheep; go and fetch some moss!" she snapped.

Firepaw's caedytes twitch with amusement. This was more like the Yellowfang he was used to. He nodded and sprinted off.

He almost crashed into Speckletail in the middle of the clearing. This was the queen who had watched Yellowfang's angry outburst at the striped rumblehorn hatchling the day before.

"Sorry, Speckletail," Firepaw apologized. "Are you on your way to see Yellowfang?"

"What would I want with that unnatural creature?" replied Speckletail crossly. "Actually it's you I was looking for. Bluestar wants to see you."

Firepaw hurried towards the Highrock and Bluestar's den.

Bluestar was sitting outside, her head bobbing rhythmically as she licked the grey fur below her throat. She paused when she noticed Firepaw. "How is Yellowfang today?" she chuffed.

"Her bedding is wet, so I was going to fetch her something to help dry it." Firepaw replied.

"I'll ask one of the queens to see to that." Bluestar gave her chest another lick, and then eyed Firepaw carefully. "Is she fit enough to hunt for herself yet?" she asked.

"I don't think so." Firepaw said, "She can fly short distances, but not enough to leave the island."

"I see," Bluestar hummed. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "It is time for you to return to your training, Firepaw. But you'll need to work hard to make up for time you have lost."

"Great! I mean, thank you, Bluestar!" Firepaw stammered.

"You will go out with Tigerclaw, Graypaw and Ravenpaw this morning," Bluestar continued. "I've asked Tigerclaw to assess the warrior skills of all our apprentices. Don't worry about Yellowfang; I'll make sure someone sees to her while you are gone."

Firepaw nodded.

"Now, join your companions," Bluestar ordered. "I expect they're waiting for you."

"Thank you, Bluestar," Firepaw squawked. He turned with a flick of his tail and darted toward his den.