-[ Warriors: With The Fallen ]-

Part One: Chapter Six~ A Different Patrol

(Some time later...)

  Leap'tail, the deputy, called out the names for the sun-high patrol.

  "Cackle'fire, Fawn'tooth, Wolf'fang, and Grass'tree. Fawn'tooth and Wolf'fang, bring your apprentices. You six are out for the sun-high patrol,"

  They nodded. Rose'paw kept herself from wincing when Cackle'fire sent her a small glare. She didn't set up the patrols — Why was she mad at her?

~*~

  Feather'paw kept glancing at her. Rose'paw stayed beside Fawn'tooth to keep away from the three cats she didn't want to see right now.

  If she stayed beside Fawn'tooth, then this would be over faster.

  "Rose'paw," Wolf'fang huffed, "Why don't you be decent, and talk to Feather'paw?"

  'Because I don't want to,' She wanted to reply, miserably.

  That wasn't an option. So, she turned over to Feather'paw. The tom easily towered over her, with his large build. Rose'paw wasn't even considered short.

  "Rose'paw, I've been wanting to tell you this," He began; his voice lowered down to a whisper.

  Rose'paw put on a grin, "That's great, Feather'paw! I'm so happy for you,"

  She gave an answer like something programmed. She didn't hear him, but he was probably talking about one of his accomplishments.

  His eyebrows furrowed, "No, Rose'paw, please take this seriously,"

  She sighed, and lowered her tone, "Hm?"

  "I had a dream last night... I— I think it was from Star'clan," He began.

  'Star'clan, fancy,' She laughed a little. This confirmed it, Feather'paw had gone nuts.

  "Really?" She said out loud, "What important message has Star'clan sent you, Feather'paw?"

  He blinked at her. He could tell she was getting a kick out of his Star'clan-sent dream.

  "Listen, Rose'paw, I know you're still upset, and I'm sorry. I am truly very sorry about what happened at the Gathering. I just wasn't thinking, but please take this seriously. It was a dream from Star'clan." Feather'paw stared at her and prayed that she would listen.

  "You finally apologized for that! Thank you, you're just so sweet. Now I think I should get going and patrol, instead of chitchat here with you,"

  With that, she began to trot back to Fawn'tooth. Feather'paw grabbed her by the scruff of her neck like she was just some kit.

  "Listen to me." He growl-whispered, "This could endanger all of the clans,"

  "Okay, okay, I am," She hissed back; Rose'paw inched slightly away from him.

  "There were these diseased cats. A lot of them." He started again. Rose'paw's pelt pricked — This already sounded like her dream from before.

  "I tried to talk to them, but they just launched themselves at me. This yellow stuff foamed at their mouths too. Right before one caught me, I saw you, and then I saw this Star'clan warrior, before I woke up," Feather'paw finished off. His eyes were wide as he searched her to see if she still took this as a joke.

  Rose'paw opened and closed her mouth. She was unsure of what to say. They both had similar dreams, with his ending with one of those starry warriors.

  She didn't have time to say anything. Scurrying could be heard by a bush near Fawn'tooth. Everyone stopped.

  "No need to worry, guys!" Grass'tree mewed loudly, "It's just a squirrel,"

  Wolf'fang, the oldest in the patrol, flicked his tail. They continued.

  Only a couple heartbeats later, came a hiss. The squirrel had latched itself onto Fawn'tooth's leg.

  Grass'tree dashed forward to bat the crazed animal off of her. It fell to the ground. A small dent sat on its skull; right where Green'tree had hit it.

  "What an insane little guy," Fawn'tooth muttered.

  Grass'tree nodded, "Are you alright?"

  Fawn'tooth looked at her hind leg. "I guess,"

  Something yellow circled around the small bite mark. Feather'paw gasped, while Rose'paw bit her lip to keep herself from making a noise.

  "What?" Crackle'fire's harsh tone flared towards the two apprentices.

  "Nothing," Feather'paw answered for Rose'paw.

  Crackle'fire went to go snatch up the squirrel. "I don't want some prey to go to waist because it bit someone," She grumbled.

  "Let's just leave it," Wolf'fang suggested. Rose'paw nodded in agreement with her father. Crackle'fire hissed at both of them, and dropped the squirrel.
 
  They began to make their loop back to camp. Rose'paw looked at Fawn'tooth again. She was leaning on Grass'tree for support, although the bite was such a tiny one.

  She shook off her nerves, 'Relax, Rose'paw. You're being over dramatic; your mentor will be fine. Feather'paw is probably just pulling your tail,' She told herself.

——

A/N: I kept spelling "Grass'tree" as "Green'tree" :,)

She has such a unique name, but I think I like Hairy'toe better..