Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 11

The wind blew hard across the fields, sweeping away any leaves and debris from the ground. The sky was dark, slowly turning light with the sun rising over the horizon. Soon, the fields would be painted orange, waking up the animals that lived there.

The field cats got up heavily because of the cold. The wind didn't look like it was going to rest anytime soon. The warriors' fur stood on end every time they felt the icy breath on their skin, making them wrinkle their noses and squint.

Hunting parties brought less and less prey. The pile of fresh prey was sadly low. Wolfstar's paws moved anxiously as he washed in front of his den. Treestripe passed him as he left Morningcloud's den; he had slept with her these past few days because of the bitter cold in the medicine cat's den.

The Siamese warrior nodded to the leader, heading back to the warriors' den. Treestripe poked his head through the bushes and heather, watching the still sleeping cats. With slow steps, he went to meet Salmonnose.

Waking him up with his paw, he meowed. "Salmonnose." He met the eyes of his former apprentice, who jumped to his feet. "Calm down, it's okay. Come, you're with me on dawn patrol."

The gray warrior rose quickly, stumbling out of the den. Treestripe watched, ears pricked with confusion. Salmonnose had always been an anxious tom, but lately, he was acting very strangely.

He shrugged, going after his former apprentice. When he left, Sharpear was already waiting for him at the entrance, with Sludgepaw and Salmonnose. The deputy pointed with his tail towards the apprentices' den. "Go get Sunnypaw too."

Treestripe did as asked, and soon, the patrol was heading up the ravine towards the Lavender Fields. Sunnypaw's energy soon woke up the patrol cats. Even with the cold haunting the fields, Sunnypaw remained the same.

As they walked, Treestripe couldn't ignore the fact that the apprentice was growing up fast. She was becoming a fine fighter; fearless, strong, and high on ideals, but still had the freedom of the field cats. She was being a very different apprentice than Salmonnose.

The gray warrior learned easily, but fear ended up preventing him from becoming an apprentice with the others. Back then, Treestripe felt extreme empathy as he stared into the apprentice's depressed, shame-filled eyes.

But nowadays, he thanks Sunnypaw for being different.

The orange she-cat ran ahead, throwing herself into the purple and pink flowers that were moving in the strong wind. Sludgepaw ran along, enjoying themselves like they were kits.

They're still kits, he thought. Sharpear flicked his tail, directing Salmonnose to stay close to the apprentices. Treestripe purred, moving closer. "Seems like just yesterday they were born," he meowed, watching the two apprentices run through the lavender as they were chased by Salmonnose.

"Yes," Sharpear agreed, looking around. "Now they are almost warriors."

Treestripe shook his whiskers. Sunnypaw could turn into a warrior at any moment, whereas Sludgepaw... He was a peculiar apprentice. Everyone noted the apprentice's clear innate ability in medicine, and his lack of interest in battle.

Before Treestripe mewed anything, Sharpear muttered. "I'm afraid I'll have to give up Sludgepaw."

The Siamese warrior approached, glaring at the dark apprentice. "You say that because of your curiosity in herbs?"

"It's not just curiosity, and you know it." His tone wasn't particularly haughty, rather wistful. "I think Morningcloud should take him as her apprentice."

"Sharpear..." Treestripe whispered, the words dying in the back of his throat. He knew that must have been hurting the deputy's heart. After losing Coalpaw, Sharpear thought he'd never be able to teach another apprentice, but Mudpaw managed to mend the deputy's broken heart. And now he's willing to give him up. "You must persist, Sharpear. Maybe he does want to become a warrior."