Warriors: New Moon

Chapter 5: Asterpaw

The word of the Clan leader shall never take precedence over the Warrior Code.

(Outskirt Territories Warrior Code, Code 13)

 "They had a whole patrol of cats harassing Bluenose and I, saying that we had the border wrong!" Silverpaw exclaimed. "The cowards even had the audacity to threaten to call for backup when they already outnumbered us!"

"How many were there?" Asterpaw asked.

"Y-yeah, by how many did they outnumber you?" Icepaw asked.

"At first there was one warrior and one apprentice, then two warriors, and by the end of it there were three of each." Silverpaw explained. "And the rogue-spawn still claimed that they were going to get more help."

"Since when did RustClan have apprentices?" Icepaw asked.

"I think I remember hearing something about kits in RustClan at the last gathering, they probably grew up." Asterpaw replied. "What did they look like?"

"Three ginger apprentices, one has blue eyes and the other two have amber eyes." Silverpaw said. "Though I only got to hear the one with blue eyes actually speak. The other two arrived near the end of the dispute."

"Well I am sure that at least one of us will meet these apprentices at the next gathering, now we know who to look out for." Asterpaw stated. Who in RustClan has blue eyes? She pondered before continuing, "Did anything else happen?"

"Not really. Six on two isn't exactly a fair fight, so Bluenose and I returned to camp, then I went out to look for you two when I heard you hadn't returned from your hunting patrol." Silverpaw explained.

"W-with permission, right?" Icepaw stammered.

"Well..." Silverpaw started, before a loud voice interrupted them.

"There you three are!" Bluenose shouted. "The whole clan has been looking for you!" Then he glared at Silverpaw. "And why did you run off alone? I don't recall giving you permission to leave the camp."

"W-well I found them, and rescued them from a snake!" Silverpaw said, trying to excuse her actions.

Asterpaw grinned, knowing how this would go.

"Sneaking out of camp is not allowed, regardless of reason." Bluenose said.

"But-" Silverpaw started.

"No buts, you need to learn to listen." Bluenose said. "Maybe checking the elders for ticks will help open your ears."

Silverpaw went to speak, but sighed in defeat.

"Go ask Cypresswhisker for some mouse-bile before you go to the elders' den." Bluenose said. "Also, Asterpaw and Icepaw, take your prey to the fresh-kill pile and let your mentors know that you are alright."

"Yes sir." Asterpaw and Icepaw said before heading back to camp, Silverpaw and Bluenose not far behind. Asterpaw did her best to suppress a laugh as she heard Bluenose continuously scold Silverpaw for leaving camp alone again.

As they continued to walk back to camp, a pair of familiar figures approached them.

"The whole clan has been looking for you guys!" Mistypaw said as he ran up to them.

"We heard." Asterpaw replied to her brother. "We had a run in with a snake, but we are fine now."

"Sounds like everyone is running into something today, you guys with the snake, Silverpaw with the RustClan patrol, and apparently Rookfur scented a badger near the PondClan border. I wish I could have the chance to see something exciting happen." Mistypaw sighed.

"I'm sure you will have your chance, Mistypaw." Asterpaw replied.

"Maybe one day..." Mistypaw replied.

Before either of them had a chance to continue speaking, a loud voice reverberated through the camp.

"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather around the Talltree for a Clan Meeting!" The voice of their leader boomed through the camp.

"Let's hurry, mom- I mean Birchstar just called a meeting." Asterpaw said, heading towards the Talltree.

The Talltree loomed over the forest clearing, surrounded by cats of various shades of blue, brown, and white. On one of the tree's sturdy branches, a confident calico, Birchstar, stood, her copper gaze jumping from one cat to another. Near the base of the tree stood another cat, a yellow eyed, black she-cat named Rookfur.

"Many of you have likely already heard the news," Birchstar began, "but a badger has been scented near the PondClan border. Additionally, there was a scuffle at the RustClan border, and I have been told that they have attempted to further encroach upon our territory. I plan to check the border myself, and Rookfur will arrange a patrol to drive the badger off of our territory."

"Anyone who wants to help deal with the badger, find me after the meeting." Rookfur added. "We will scout out its location at sunhigh tomorrow, and decide what to do from there. Until then, stay on your guard if you go near the PondClan border."

I noticed Mistypaw's eyes light up as this was mentioned.

"Additionally, I plan to visit StarClan for guidance before the next gathering." Birchstar stated. "Now if there is nothing else to be brought up, this meeting may now conclude."