The Rise Of Sun-Clan | The Mountain Territory, #1

Epilogue

Trout'Whisker looked up at the gorge's rim, looking at trees and lush bushes that filtered the light into the canyon. He watched for a moment, his attention on Elm'Paw as he attempted to catch a small salmon, missing each try.

He shut his eyes, and hoped he was safe for at least one moment. His muscles untensed for a fraction of a second.

"Hey Trout'Whisker?!" Someone called to him.

He jerked, his eyes shooting open, startled.

"Yes ma'am?" He mewed quickly in response, his head swiveling to the leader.

"Have ya' seen the apprentice group that was sent practice hunting?" Beetle'Star asked, her brown spotted pelt shining in the dull afternoon sunlight.

"No, I'm sorry." He said standing up, as he climbed up to the leaders cave, that was carved into the side of the gorge. He passed the medicine den, and the other cats, reaching the leader herself as she sat on the highest platform on the cliffside. 

"Alrighty.." She said, her worried gaze trailing towards the river.

"How are you doing toda- " He was about to ask, just then a soaking wet, and lithe-framed apprentice scampered up to them, frantically spinning around.

 He seemed to be having a hard time locating whatever it was he was looking for. "Guys!-Guys!" He said, skidding to a stop in front of the two.

"What is it hun?" Beetle'Star answered, her attention upon the little apprentice.

"Mink'Paw! its Mink'Paw! She fell in!- She fell in!" He screeched like an barn owl.

"Otter'Paw! Calm down dear, explain what happened," Beetle'Star reasoned, her eyebrows furrowing with worry.

Otter'Paw took a deep breath, still slightly frantic. "Mink'Paw, Crane'Paw, and I we're sent hunting, a-and then Mink'Paw fell in! And S-so Crane'Paw told me to come get help!" Otter'Paw said, leaping down as a signal for the two to follow.

"No! Not again. Not ever again," Beetle'Star hissed to herself, following the apprentice.

Trout'Whisker followed the two, watching the harsh water sloshed back and forth. They ran along the river bank until it became a thin strip of land, the gorge's wall so close, only one cat could cross at a time.

Mink'Paw was screaming. She was unable to keep her paws steady enough to get out, her claws sheathed. The current scurried under her paws, ripping them up and away from the ground.  "Help!" She wailed.

"Hey! Hey! Over here! Help! Someone please!" Someone yelped, It was Crane'Paw. 

She was still holding onto Mink'Paw, hissing. Her fur bristled as her slit eyes narrowed on the wet apprentice's paws.

Beetle'Star bolted over the land strip skillfully, and watched in horror as the Mink'Paw dunked under, loosing Crane'Paw grasp.

 Crane'Paw sat there, pale Russian blue coat soaking wet. The fur was pointed, her haunches raised. Her wide eyes watched as Mink'Paw tumbled sideways, bumping against a rock that was jutting out of the water. "No!" She screeched.

 "Mink'Paw!" Beetle'Star's eyes narrowed, and without the slightest bit of hesitation, she dove after the apprentice.

 She hissed under the surface, bubbles streaming from her mouth as her paw became stuck on a stick. She snapped it in half, her green eyes darting around and back onto the target though the murky water.

 Beetle'Star leapt out of the water gracefully, snagging the apprentice's paw as she spun back down, splatters of water streaming off of her. She tugged Mink'Paw with her, hauling the newly made apprentice onto her stomach like an otter. She'd float there, and being a Maine Coon, Beetle'Star almost tripled Mink'Paw in size. She easily made it back to shore, the rapids trying to steel her firm footing. 

"Wow-" Trout'Whisker mewed slowly, baffled.

"Oh my gosh." Beetle'Star sighed, wrapping them all in a tight hug.

"I didn't mean to fall in- and I needed help so they went to help me and they almost fell in and. . . I know you said not to go in. . but I- I didn't mean to! I was tryna'  get them away and I fell!" Mink'Paw wailed, sniffling.

"As long as y'all are okay." Beetle'Star whispered, resting her head on Mink'Paws. 

"The water levels have been above normal lately," Otter'Paw sighed.