Warrior Cats: Shadow Propechy (ENG VER.)

CHAPTER 16

The stream ran freely, strong because of the wind. Its flow was violent, splashing icy water everywhere as it crashed between the rocks at the edge.

Along its length, the grass was low but muddy, like the marsh beyond. On one side of the stream were the layers of hills that formed the mountain of the HillClan, rising as high as the sky. On the other were the open fields, where Wolfstar and Tinypaw walked together.

The paws moved slowly as they walked along the edge of the border. They were quiet, focusing on sounds and smells that indicated invaders. It was cold, and the sky above them was gray, filled with clouds carrying rain, which would soon turn to snow.

Wolfstar's head was clouded with worries. The argue at Meeting, the fight at the border, his fight with Treestripe... everything seemed to be plotting against him.

Beside him, Tinypaw kept his eyes glued to his mentor's broad back, just as worried as he was, but for different reasons. "Wolfstar" He called for his mentor.

Wolfstar blinked and then turned his head back. "Yes?"

"About Treestripe..."

"Tinypaw..." Wolfstar sighed loudly, too tired to deal with it.

"Listen to me!" Tinypaw ran to walk beside his mentor. "It's not worth fighting with him, not now that we have a war about to happen."

"That's precisely why, Tinypaw."

"You don't understand" Tinypaw met his mentor's eyes.

"You don't understand!" Wolfstar lashed his tail. "How can you? You're just an apprentice!'

Tinypaw stopped. Wolfstar took a few steps forward until he noticed the absence of his apprentice. He pricked his ears when he met the tom's offended gaze.

"I'm sorry" He sighed deeply. "It's just... there's a lot going on."

Tinypaw nodded, approaching again.

"You're the best apprentice we have," Wolfstar meowed affectionately.

"Thanks" Tinypaw purred loudly. "But you still need to talk to Treestripe."

"I know..."

Wolfstar continued his walk. Tinypaw was right, he knew that. But something still stopped him from simply forgiving his brother after making it clear that no cat should do something sudden and stupid like fighting.

He must be as distressed as I am, he thought. He tried to put himself in Treestripe's place. I know that making that decision couldn't have been easy for him. Maybe I really was too hard on him.

Lifting his head, he meowed, determined. "Alright. I will talk to him."

He looked at his apprentice, who moved his whiskers in satisfaction.

When they returned from patrol, Sharpear was choosing other cats that would go hunting. The deputy lowered his head as he looked at Wolfstar. "How was it?"

"Calm" Wolfstar looked around. "Where's Treestripe?"

"Hunting. He'll be back soon" Sharpear pointed his tail at Tinypaw" "Do you mind if I send him hunting today?"

"No problem."

Wolfstar called to the apprentice with his tail. Tinypaw seemed excited to be summoned, and soon sat down to wash himself while he waited for the other cats to return.

**

Treestripe passed through the gorse tunnel with his head down; a tiny mouse between his teeth. He went straight to the pile, dropping his prey, sighing heavily.

A movement to the side caught his attention. Wolfstar called to him with a swish of his tail. Part of Treestripe wanted to ignore him for the hurtful words, but he knew it wasn't the right thing to do.

Looking from side to side, he crossed the camp, lowering his head as he met his brother. "Wolfstar" He meowed.

"Do you have time to talk?"

Treestripe looked around, meowing in an amused but tired voice. "There's not much to do, anyway."

With an embarrassed look, Wolfstar guided his brother to his den. They sat down, facing each other. Wolfstar had rethought several times what he would say once Treestripe arrived, but now, his mind seemed to go blank.

Stammering, he began: "Look, you and I know the consequences that actions can cause" Treestripe agreed slowly. "We are warriors, we were trained for this. We know what can happen when making a decision."

Treestripe sighed deeply, his gaze a mixture of guilt and something Wolfstar couldn't decipher. With a sinking heart, he continued: "But I understand the weight you must feel having attacked that patrol. I forgive you, Treestripe. I always will, regardless of your actions. You are my brother."

Treestripe sucked in a sharp breath, blinking gratefully. "Thank you" He tried to contain the feelings in his voice. "And I'm sorry. For acting against your orders. I thought it would be the best thing to do."

"I understand" The leader shook his head. "I know you won't make the same mistake again. I want you to continue to my side, helping me lead."

Treestripe purred. "No worry. I will always be with you."