Flamepaw's Destination

Chapter 14

            As Flamepaw lingered deeper in the woods beside Mothwing, she couldn't help but glance back. The others were no longer in her view, but she worried for them, especially Barkpaw. What if the hunters returned? What if something happened to him? Flamepaw's heart seized with fear.

            She supposed Barkpaw was having the very same thoughts. Perhaps they were both overrreacting. He did, however, respect her relationship with Mothwing by not coming with them, and besides, Flamepaw would find it nice to spend some time with her friend, especially after all that had happened.

            The cruel fate of RiverClan occupied her every thoughts, and she felt her stomach growing queasy. How could something that terrible have happened? And how was it that Barkpaw and Flamepaw missed falling into the same fate?

            Flamepaw let out a deep sigh as she passed by the familiar scented pine trees. Her stomach growled a bit, and she realized she had not eaten in awhile. Though she longed for a nice fish, she found that she didn't really long to eat, not after all that she'd heard.

            "I know. It is hard to understand," Mothwing replied a few moments after Flamepaw's sigh had disappeared.

            Flamepaw bolted upright, unaware Mothwing had heard her sighing.

            Of course Mothwing must know I'd be concerned, she told herself. I'm sure the same thoughts are going through Mothwing's head.

            "I hope StarClan will save RiverClan," Mothwing continued as she scanned around for any small nooks and crannies.

            "Me too," Flamepaw whimpered.

            "I am impressed you've made it so far on your own," Mothwing admitted.

            "I couldn't have done it without Barkpaw," Flamepaw honestly replied. Though Mothwing's comment stung a bit, she knew that Mothwing meant no harm. Flamepaw was merely a RiverClan apprentice, and the fact that she and Barkpaw had made it out of RiverClan borders, joined a group of cats, and survived an attack by hunters was simply shocking.

            Mothwing grinned a little.

            "And how are things between you and Barkpaw?" she asked.

            Flamepaw felt herself turning away and blushing. She then glanced back at her friend, the calico's gentle smile calming her.

            "I think we are a bit more than friends now," she confessed.

            "Oh? Is that so?" Mothwing asked happily.

            Flamepaw nodded.

            "It-it was hard those first few sunrises without RiverClan, and Barkpaw and I grew very close. And I suddenly realized my feelings for him and his for me, and well, we love each other, Mothwing, very much," Flamepaw explained.

            Mothwing smiled widely. "I'm happy for you, Flamepaw. Are you mates?"

            Flamepaw's eyes widened. "Oh, no! We're merely apprentices! And we're busy with this RiverClan business! There is no time to—"

            "You are nearly twelve moons," Mothwing reminded her.

            Flamepaw sighed, knowing this was true. But RiverClan was gone, and there was no cat to give her and Barkpaw their warrior names.