Warriors: the neverending journey | #1- planting roots

Chapter three

"Wait! Stop!"

Tigerkit jolted and turned to see who made the noise. It was Spot, running as fast as her paws could carry her to keep up. His heart lit up for a second. Was she going to join them?

"I can't come with you...", she began. Tigerkit's tail dropped down.
"...but I must stay for a while, if you'll have me."
Tigerkit's curiosity was peaked. Spot was talking like she had to join them. He expected an explanation, but when Spot and Haystar locked eyes it was as if they spoke, Tigerkit just couldn't hear it. The leader nodded a little and the Clan kept moving, slower this time.

It was only once they reached the top of the hill they were climbing that Tigerkit realised why his Clanmates loved travelling so much. Climbing was painful, each stone and patch of hardened mud seemed to dig into his paws more each time. When he finally clambered to the top his paw pads were covered in scratches and he was desperately panting to catch his breath. But when he stood and looked down? He was breathless again.

The whole world was at his paws. It was the height of Greenleaf, and the scene was covered in bright greens and blues. A few rivers cut through the meadows of a thousand different flowers that dotted the landscape with a rainbow's worth of colours. The sky was a bright blue, and giant clouds hung overhead. Tigerkit opened his mouth and let all the scents rush in. He could hear his heart beating faster. This was much better than being stuck in the barn. He felt alive.

"Beautiful, isn't it?", Fuzzbee piped up from next to him. Tigerkit jumped to the side a little, startled. "Sorry to shock you.", she giggled, her eyes full of light, "I'm just really excited, there's so many places to explore. I can't wait the run through that meadow!"
She pointed her paw in the direction of the meadow below the hill.
"Anyway, some warriors caught some fresh-kill. Want to come eat? It's kits and elders first."