Warriors AU: Skyclan's Destiny

Epilogue

"What do you mean 'What's this?' It's a squirrel! And a meaty one, too!"

Flamepaw stood in front of the gathered cats with his catch. He didn't see what the problem was. He had caught something after all!

"Flamepaw... the assignment was to bring down a bird by climbing a tree." Cherrytail told the apprentice. He motioned with his tail toward Flamepaw's siblings. "Mintpaw, Creekpaw, and Sandypaw all managed to do it, why couldn't you?"

Flamepaw looked away with his head hanging low. He didn't want to admit it, but he was actually afraid of climbing trees. Whenever he climbed up, his feet would lock up and he would think about falling.

Leafdapple approached the young tom. "Flamepaw, don't act as if you don't understand the issue. Climbing trees is a very important part of being in Skyclan. And you seem to avoid climbing trees at all costs."

Flamepaw flinched as Leafdapple spoke. He knew that Leafdapple must see right through him. As the patrol moved away, he turned to Poppystar. "Poppystar... does this mean I can't be a warrior?"

Poppystar turned to the apprentice with a little concern. "I don't know, Flamepaw. Tree climbing has always been an important part of Skyclan's warriors assessment."

Flamepaw was about to protest when the patrol suddenly stopped. They saw cats dash by and all stood their ground. Getting ready to attack the patrol stopped when they realized it was Harleymoon and Amber. The two she-cats seemed very distressed.

"What's going on?" Poppystar asked as the two cats approached.

"It was those two dogs again! Terrorizing all the cats in Twolegplace!" Harleymoon said.

"They're out of control!" Amber agreed.

Poppystar turned to look at Cherrytail. They've known about the dogs in Twolegplace for a while, but they knew this was starting to become serious.

"This problem could affect Skyclan if we're not careful," Poppystar announced. "I'll lead a patrol into Twolegplace tonight. We'll take enough warriors to deal with the dogs and put them in their place once and for all."

Leafdapple approached Poppystar and nuzzled her briefly. "I wish I could stay and help..."

Poppystar purred and shared his thoughts. "I know you do. But you need to be back with your Twolegs, Leafdapple."

"Good luck, Poppystar." Leafdapple waved his tail in farewell as the patrol went to head back to camp.

Night had fallen and Poppystar had already picked out the cats for her patrol. "Is everybody ready?" Poppystar asked. Cherrytail, Sharpclaw, Fallowfern, Shrewtooth, and Nettlesplash were all sitting in the clearing. They had promised to meet Harleymoon within the Twolegplace.

When the cats nodded and set out to leave, the patter of pawsteps could be heard behind them along with a small voice, "Wait! Wait!"

Poppystar turned to see Flamepaw racing up to the patrol. He seemed very excited and Poppystar had a feeling she knew what he was going to ask.

"Can I come too?" The apprentice pleaded.

"I don't know Flamepaw..." Poppystar knew this mission would be dangerous. She didn't feel comfortable bringing along an apprentice.

"I'll be good, I promise! I'll do everything you tell me!" Flamepaw looked at her with huge pleading eyes. Poppystar gave in and allowed him to come.

The patrol reached the Twolegplace in no time. The sound of barking could be heard in the distance. Poppystar figured it must be the dogs.