Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 10

The rain was still falling when they reached the camp. The strong icy drops seemed to stick to the fur of the cats, making them feel even colder. Wolfstar wasn't personally happy, and Treestripe understood why.

In addition to having found out about his visit to the Shore, they threatened him and accused him of treason. His thoroughly wet tail swayed back and forth as he led his warriors through the gorse tunnel. Upon entering the camp, they were greeted by sleepy cats, curious to know what happened.

Shaking his head, Wolfstar meowed. "It's cold and late. We'll talk about the Meeting in the morning."

The warriors looked at one another, disappointed and probably even more curious. Treestripe went straight to the warriors' den, thinking only of drying off and getting warm. The rest of the cats that traveled also went to their dens.

Treestripe let out a yawn as he nested on his bed of chilled moss. Shivering, he washed his cream fur, trying unsuccessfully to dry himself. He heard mutterings outside, wondering which cat would be crazy enough to keep standing in the cold rain.

Soon, Sharpear's long dark face entered the den, going to lie down beside Treestripe. The Siamese warrior purred, turning to the deputy. "That's Salmonnose place."

Sharpear gave his soggy tail a long lick. "I just sent him out on patrol."

"In this rain?" Treestripe touched his wet fur to the deputy, licking his friend.

"Rain or not, we need to patrol," the deputy replied, exchanging licks with Treestripe.

The cats that hadn't been to the Meeting were already asleep, not caring about the warriors talking. A meow could be heard outside the den, and Batwing soon entered, her long dark fur dripping. "What a terrible rain!" she complained, shaking her body to get rid of the water.

Mudfur cocked his head in irritation. "Hey! You're wetting everyone!"

The warrior lowered her head, apologizing. She soon took her usual spot, with Nightsky on her side and an empty bed of moss on the other, where Butterflywing used to sleep. Treestripe rolled his eyes, pain flooding his heart at the memory of the fallen warrior.

Sharpear continued to wash him, but soon gave up. "I don't think we'll ever stay dry in this wet climate."

"We'd better sleep and hope we're not sick in the morning," Treestripe agreed. He got up and settled on the bed, leaning his back against the deputy. He let out soft mrroow, pointing at Batwing. "I think your fur will only dry in the next green-leaf season."

The black she-cat rolled her eyes, hiding her snout in her tail. "My fur the it's not even that long."

**

Upon waking, the air was chilly and uncomfortable. It had stopped raining, but a fine mist surrounded the fields. Slowly rising, Treestripe stretched out his dark paws, ruffling his fur in the cold weather. In quick paw steps, he made his way out of the den, careful not to step on his companions' tails.

The camp was slowly waking up, despite the time of day. The sun was hidden among clouds and mist, but Treestripe knew it was almost sunhigh. He began to wash the icy fur off his body as he waited for the rest of the Clan to wake up.

Last night had been tense and unpleasant. Treestripe knew this rain hadn't started by chance. StarClan had been angered by the cats and unleashed their wrath in the form of rain. At least it wasn't a storm, he thought. The rain calmed down when we left. I wonder what would happen if we stayed in the clearing...

His belly rumbled loudly, and Treestripe remembered that he had slept without eating anything. He got to his paws, but a movement in Wolfstar's den made the warrior turn. The leader stepped out from under the tree, his face weary. He sat lazily, lifting his paw to wash his face.