Gilafang's Resentment (Book 4)

Chapter 19

Moss and Pebble pranced around Gilafang's paws as they reached the top of the last hill. Gilafang's heart filled with joy as the forest, his home, came into view. Moss and Pebble stopped for a moment and then began nearly leaping on top of Gilafang for a better look.

"Is that it?! Is it? Wow! Its so big!" They chanted, staring in awe at the trees. "Ive never seen trees that big before!"

Gilafang smiled and hooked a claw gently on Moss's scruff, lifting her down. "Yes. That is your new home, Moss." He mewed gently. Pebble gave a crow of delight, and began prancing around again.

Jenny and Scamp came up behind Gilafang. "Wow. It's beautiful." Jenny breathed to her brother, blinking her sapphire blue eyes. Scamp nodded, unable to say anything.

Sam and weasel came next, Turtleface close behind, and Sam smiled. "I can't wait to meet your sister," he said, nuzzling Turtleface. Weasel purred, kneading the sand.

"I bet you have lots o' adventures in that there forest!" He yowled with glee. Drizzle just stared ahead, silently taking it all in with her single blue eye. Her kits were on her back, tired from the long journey.

Finally, Badgerfang brought up the rear, making sure no one was left behind. He sighed contentedly.

"Home."

*****

Cheers erupted from the camp as Gilafang pushed through the entrance. The clan met him with happy, hopeful faces, hugging him and marveling at Moss and Pebble, who immediately shrunk back behind Gilafang's paws, unsure of all the attention. Lemurstar leaped up to the highrock, a happy smile plastered on her face.

"Cats of DewClan! I would like to take a moment to welcome our newcomers, we are glad to have you and we hope you will be comfortable in our home. Tonight, we feast bot only in their honor, but to honor our own Clan as well. DewClan lives on for many moons to come!" She ended with a joyful yowl to the sky, and the Clan did the same. Moss and Pebble quickly caught on, yowling to they sky as well, while the cats behind him watched shyly.

Suddenly a white and silver pelt caught his eye.

"Gilapaw?" A mew cracked with emotion sounded, but Gilafang could't make out exactly who it was. His eyes were too blurry with tears. He knew that voice.

"Wishkit?" He breathed. Wishkit ran to him, nuzzling his flanks.

"I've missed you so much! I'm called Wishpaw now, I was apprenticed the day after you left! Oh Gilapaw, I can't believe it's you!" Wishpaw had tears of joy in her eyes.

Gilafang licked her nose. "I'm a warrior, Wishpaw. And I've brought you a family..." He looked at Moss and Pebble. "They have no mother, I was hoping you could be their mother..." He purred. "I'm Gilafang now."

*****

Gilafnag slept in the nursery with Wishpaw that night, after she had accepted his request to care for Mosskit and Pebblekit, whom took on proper Clan names that night. Jenny slept in the apprentices den as Timberpaw, and her brother beside her as Viperpaw. The two had picked their names that night, and, being only ten moons, they would begin training as an apprentice.

Sam and Weasel were taken to the warriors den, where Sam became Creamspots, and Weasel, Weaselfoot. Turtleface had cheered the loudest for Creamspots, and the two had retired to the nursery immediately after, Turtleface announcing she was expecting Creamspot's kits. Gilafang had suspected for awhile, but she had waited to announce until after they got home. The two lovebirds were happy together, sleeping with their tails curled up beside each other.

Gilafang gave a satisfied purr, and fell asleep, thinking of how much he loved Wishpaw. I bet thats what Turtleface feels. He though sleepily. He licked Wishpaw's head gently, and purred himself to sleep.

Gilafang woke up to Mosskit and Pebblekit jabbing him in the side. "Daddy! Daddy can we play with Snowdrop and Dew! Pleaaassseeee?!" Gilafang purred sleepily and nodded.

"Sure, Mosskit. Go play." He confirmed happily, his whiskers twitching with amusement. Mosskit squealed with glee and ran over to Drizzle, who reluctantly let the two play with her kits.

Wishpaw woke beside him, and opened her mouth in a sleepy yawn. She purred, leaning her head on Gilafang's. "I can't wait to be a warrior..." She whispered to him. Gilafang nodded.

"Me too."

But something was troubling him. He felt a tap on the shoulder, and he spun around, but no one was there.

"Hello?" He called. Suddenly, Wishpaw fell away, and Gilafang found himself in an unfamiliar forest. He felt the sticky ground beneath his paws squelch, the much and mud reeking of blood and death. Long, spindly fingered trees seemed to reach out, as if to grab him. He shuddered. "H-Hello? W-Who's there?!"

A shadow moved. Its paws were just visible in the shadows, a familiar honey color. Gilafang's skin crawled.

No. Not now. I'm finally over you, d-don't come back now!

The figure smiled, as if sensing his fear, relishing it, pleasured by his discomfort, and stepped out of the shadows. Her blue eyes shone with hatred, hungry for revenge and eager for death. She spoke in a grated mew that made Gilafang's skin crawl.

"Hello, son."