(✓) Warriors ▸ Shadows of the Domestic [1]

Chapter 8

As soon as Harepaw and Firepaw escorted Yellowfang to the clearing, there was a commotion in the camp. Bluestar, Tigerclaw, and Darkstripe approached the two young toms, bristling with anger. "Harepaw, Firepaw, what are you doing?" inquired Bluestar, her voice firm yet not harsh.

"We found Yellowfang in the territory, she is injured and needs to go to Spottedleaf," declared Harepaw, his voice resolute.

Bluestar's azure gaze shifted towards the ragged she-cat. "Very well, go now," she announced, motioning towards the dappled medicine den. Spottedleaf was present as well, offering a warm smile as Yellowfang limped towards her. "Nice to meet you, Yellowfang. Come, I'll prepare a poultice for those wounds of yours," Spottedleaf murmured, as the two she-cats ducked under the bramble screen and left Harepaw and Firepaw to confront the three formidable warriors.

"Now, what you did was indeed noble, Harepaw. However, you should have consulted us beforehand," stated Bluestar, causing Harepaw to flick an ear in acknowledgment. "That's why I sent Firepaw to inform you," she added, her tone steely.

Darkstripe rolled his eyes, but tension filled the air as Tigerclaw bristled. "Watch your tongue, youngster," he snarled. Harepaw met his gaze unwaveringly, then turned back to her leader. "If you wish to punish me, allow me to tend to the old she-cat. Perhaps we can help her regain her strength and uncover the secrets she may share about ShadowClan."

Bluestar hummed thoughtfully. "Very well. You and Firepaw shall attend to Yellowfang for the next three moons. Do not delay, now. Proceed and ascertain if she is in need of fresh prey."

Harepaw nodded, lowered her head, and made her way to the den with Firepaw following closely behind. They gingerly pushed past the bramble barrier and witnessed Spottedleaf tending to the elder she-cat's wounds, focusing on her milder injuries rather than her more severe ones. "Well, hello there," Harepaw greeted, drawing Yellowfang's smoldering yellow gaze towards them. "Ah, Harepaw, Firepaw. To what do I owe the pleasure? Let me guess – your leader reprimanded you, and now you are here to assist me with this supposed minor infection."

Harepaw's whiskers twitched. "Yes, indeed. Nonetheless, I must admit that looking after a medicine cat is no burden."

Yellowfang snorted and flicked her ragged tail. "As you wish. Wait outside until I am finished here, and bring me some mouse if you have any. The rabbit might fill my belly, but a cat still hungers," she stated. Firepaw nodded and slipped out, leaving Harepaw in the medicine den.

Yellowfang narrowed her eyes. "I said to wait outside. You don't need to be stuffed in here, youngster," she said.

Harepaw shrugged nonchalantly and swatted down her tail, curling it over her forepaws. "I find the scent of herbs in here sticky yet pleasant once one becomes accustomed to them," she remarked. She then bestowed a smile upon Spottedleaf, causing the medicine cat to twitch her whiskers in response. With a firm but gentle tone, she advised Yellowfang, "It would be best for you to remain here for the night at least; we cannot risk your wounds reopening."

Yellowfang grunted dismissively at Spottedleaf's insistence, allowing her to proceed with her tasks. Soon after, Firepaw pushed through the bramble screen with a mouse and a finch hanging from his mouth.'

"Ah, thank you, Firepaw," Harepaw expressed, rising gracefully to her paws. She took the finch from her friend's mouth and settled down at Yellowfang's side, dragging the mouse by its tail to offer it to the old she-cat. With a grunt of acknowledgment, Yellowfang consumed the meal. Firepaw joined them, sharing the finch with Harepaw.

"You two are quite endearing," Yellowfang remarked. Firepaw and Harepaw paused in their eating, mouths open in surprise. Harepaw composed herself, clearing her throat before stammering, "A-ah, thank you, but we are not mates." Yellowfang chuckled, "Oh, don't fret, young ones. You may soon find yourselves entwined in love. I have witnessed many a pair of cats struck by Cupid's arrow in my lifetime; I recognize true love when I see it."

Harepaw shared a look with Firepaw, noticing the blush on his nose. She chuckled softly before uttering, "Perhaps." This caused the fiery-hued tom to flush even more brightly. Harepaw released a light-hearted laugh as she concluded her meal and proceeded to stretch, shaking out her pristine white fur. "I shall go and inquire about any additional tasks that require my attention, as well as check if Lionheart has any assignments for me," she announced.

Yellowfang nodded, and Harepaw slipped out, her heart pounding in her ears.