Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 8

After the terrible commotion that the vision of Morningcloud caused, the FieldClan was going through bad and tense days. The cats were scared and hesitant. Patrols continued as normal, as did hunting. Wolfstar, on the other hand, remained apprehensive. The torment of leading an afflicted Clan was rising to his head.

His warriors flocked to him for advice. Wolfstar didn't always know how to respond. He rarely succeeded without Sharpear's help. The deputy, astute as ever, noticed the leader's terrified state, and refused to leave his side for the last moon.

When he patrolled, it was with Wolfstar at his side. In the few moments where he was forced to leave the leader's side, Treestripe took his place. Just like the deputy, the brother of the big tabby tom had also noticed his fragile psyche. He always brought fresh prey to Wolfstar and sometimes slept in his den, keeping him warm.

The days were stopping to get hot and the wind was already predominant in the fields. Mice were gradually becoming scarce, and those that were hunted were already showing their little ribs.

"It hasn't even started to snow," Snakefang meowed, burying the mouse in the dry earth.

They were in a small hunting party; Wolfstar, Sharpear, Snakefang and Salmonnose.

The gray brothers had already caught two mice, and Wolfstar was too distressed to pay attention to prey around him. Sharpear followed close behind, attentive to his friend's every reaction.

The leader didn't necessarily hate the double attention he was getting; it felt good to have two cats to lean on. But Morningcloud wasn't getting that attention in a nice way. The relationship between the two seemed to get worse with each passing high sun. She stopped even looking into his yellow eyes. Slowly, the medicine cat seemed to be pulling away.

"It doesn't need to snow to get cold," Salmonnose meowed, drawing the attention of both his brother and the leader. "The wind alone is capable of freezing a warrior to death."

"You've been spending too much time with Treestripe, my brother." Snakefang chuckled.

The former apprentice of the Siamese warrior pricked up his ears, clearly offended by the comment. "Treestripe is a wise warrior!"

"Yes, but he meows too much." Snakefang had to deflect Salmonnose's attack. Soon, the two brothers were wrestling on the ground, ignoring Sharpear's scolding glare.

The deputy turned his attention to his best friend beside him, who was looking absently at the fields in front of him. He stared at the Great Tree, sacred to the FieldClan. Many moons ago, the first Clan leader, Fieldstar, spoke to StarClan as he fell asleep under the huge tree. Sharpear said nothing, just continued to watch Wolfstar.

"Stop being a kit, Salmonnose!" Snakefang protested, trying to free himself from his brother's clutches. The pink-snouted warrior released the tom's gray head, his tail wagging.

"Don't mention Treestripe again!"

Snakefang nodded slightly sullenly. Sharpear let out a mrroow of amusement. "You should also be protective of your mentor, Snakefang."

"But I respect Nightsky!" the warrior protested, brushing the dirt from his fur. "Besides, I also respect Treestripe. Salmonnose just doesn't know how to play!"

Before the two could fight again, the deputy fanned his tail, signaling to follow. "Come on, we have to keep hunting."

The brothers glared at each other. They followed the deputy and the leader across the huge field. Wolfstar didn't seem too interested in hunting, but he did lead the warriors through familiar dens, signaling with his tail for them to check.