Fire and Ice

Chapter 14

Skyfall's hackles bristling in anger. How could Graystripe be so foolish? He was breaking every part of the warrior code by meeting with Silverstream.

"Graystripe!" Skyfall hissed as she leapt clear of her hiding spot.

The two cats spun around to face her. Silverstream's ears flattened angrily. Graystripe just stared at her, shocked and maybe a little angry. "You followed me!"

Skyfall ignored his stunned mew, looking around anxiously. "What are you doing? Don't you know how dangerous this is?"

Silverstream spoke up. "It's okay. There won't be any patrols here till after sunset."

"But you can't be sure of ThunderClan. Tigerclaw is random and we have many apprentices training right now. Tigerclaw has already scented you here and thinks RiverClan is trying to take Sunningrocks back," Skyfall meowed anxiously, padding forward so they can talk quieter.

Graystripe met Skyfall's gaze for a moment, then turned to Silverstream. "I'd better go," he mewed.

Silverstream blinked slowly then stretched her neck to touch his cheek. They closed their eyes and remained still for a moment. Skyfall looked around, her ears pricked for any sign of patrols or stray apprentices. Silverstream whispered something in Graystripe's ear and the two cats separated. Silverstream stared defiantly at Skyfall, but still offered a nod before slipping back into the river.

Graystripe bounded to Skyfall's side. Neither of them spoke as they raced through RiverClan territory and past Sunningrocks. As they approached camp, Graystripe slowed his pace.

Skyfall slowed too. "You must stop seeing her," she meowed, feeling much calmer now that they were safe.

"I can't," replied Graystripe hoarsely. He coughed harshly, his sides heaving as he caught his breath.

"I don't understand." Skyfall shook her head. "I understand falling in love, but RiverClan has been so hostile with us lately. And you two aren't being safe about it. Are you even sure Silverstream can keep you safe from her own Clan?"

"You don't know Silverstream," Graystripe spat. He stopped when Skyfall flinched away from him and sat down. "Do you think it's easy knowing I'm responsible for the death of Silverstream's Clanmate?" Skyfall sat beside him, forcing herself to try and understand. Graystripe went on. "Silverstream understands it was an accident. The gorge was no place for a battle. Any cat could have fallen there!"

Skyfall grew a little frustrated and circled Graystripe as he began licking the scent of Silverstream from his fur. "Silverstream is only one warrior out of an entire Clan! What about your loyalty to ThunderClan? To me, Willowpelt, and Whitestorm?" she demanded. "You're breaking the code by seeing her!"

Graystripe stopping washing. "You think I don't know that?" he hissed. "Do you doubt my loyalty to ThunderClan?"

"What else can I think? You can't see her without lying to the Clan. And what if we have a battle with RiverClan? Have you thought about that?"

"You worry too much," Graystripe snapped. "It won't come to that. Now that Brokenstar's gone and WindClan is back, the Clans will be at peace."

"Peace doesn't last, Graystripe!" Skyfall snarled, shoving her face into Graystripe's. Her friend drew back but Skyfall didn't care. "The Clans will never remain at peace no matter how many battles we fight. Sooner or later, there will be another fight for Sunningrocks."

"RiverClan has been hunting on Sunningrocks since before I was kitted, another battle won't mean anything," Graystripe scoffed, twisting to wash the base of his tail.