Starwritten

Chapter 13: Sandytail

I am pretty sure today was the warmest of all, even for leaf fall. My wounds were finally healed and were not stinging anymore. Antstorm, Silverwing and Leafclaw were doing OK as well. I am sitting in shade, so was everyone else. Dropstar decided to give us a while to rest since we have been working hard all day and are pretty sure we might melt if we're not careful.

Creampaw trots over and slumps on the ground next to me, panting. "I just went hunting with Antstorm. Big mistake." She catches her breath. "Why is it so hot?" She complains breathlessly. "I don't know, I guess Starclan decided to let us have a hot day." I meow. She rolls onto her back. "Thank Starclan for the shade. If there wasn't any, I think I would die!" A purr of amusement rises from my chest. Creampaw can be really funny at times or should I say, over dramatic.

Sandypaw trots over to us and sits down nicely, not looking tired at all. Creampaw looks at him, then turns up her nose. "How are you not tired? What have you been doing all day, Sandypaw?" Creampaw meows. He looks at us then back at the sky. "Well, I have learned to get used to the heat." He meows. Creampaw rolls her eyes. "Your impossible." She growls, annoyed. Sandypaw beams teasingly. "If it wasn't so Starclan hot out here, I would tackle you!" Creanpaw meows. The thought occurs to me. "Hey, are you guys kin in any way?" I meow. They give each other weird glances. Sandypaw falls over laughing. "Me? Kin to him?" Creampaw purrs. "Are you mouse-brained Sapphireeyes?" I stare at my paws. "Sorry, I just asked." I meow.

We sat there for a while, enjoying the nice cool breeze that sometimes blows through. Even though it's hot, I still like this day. Laying here with my friends and enjoying the forest I have always wanted to be in. Finally.

***

"I would like all cats old enough to hunt to join me under the BigRock for a clan meeting." Dropstar calls from ahead. I shake Creampaw awake. "Hey, come on Creampaw! Clan meeting." I meow. She rises to her paws slowly and starts to walk. She stumbles a few times but then finds enough balance to sit down.

"I have called you all here because it is time that an apprentice earns his warrior name which is well over due." Dropstar's voice booms. Creampaw and Sandypaw exchange excited glances. The crowd murmurs. "I would like Sandypaw to join me on the BigRock." Dropstar meows. Sandypaw's mouth drops open. "Congratulations." I say to him as he passes by. I watch him steadily join Dropstar.

I zone out until Dropstar gets to the part where Sandypaw gets his new name. "....Sandypaw will now be known as Sandytail. Thank you." Dropstar says. The clan rises in cheers. Sandytail is beaming. I look over at Creampaw and she looks as happy as ever. There's something different though. There's sadness in her eyes. She's sad because she isn't a warrior yet.

It started to cool around sundown. I am a bit picky about what I choose for my last meal. I decide to pick a squirrel and head over to where Creampaw and Sandytail happily sat to eat their food. I chow down on my squirrel realizing I haven't had a decent meal all day. The squirrel tastes so good and juicy in my dry mouth.

I sit outside enjoying the cool, light breeze until Moonhigh were I am about to fall asleep. I walk into the warriors den and fall onto the moss bed. I was basically asleep before I even hit the moss. I didn't have terrifying dreams so far.

It's Sandytail and we are walking in fields. I don't see the forest within sight. This must be Nightclan's territory. Sandytail doesn't seem worried at all. He gives me a smile and shoves me down playfully. I can see the wildness in his eyes. He stares into
mine. I can't help but look away. He is saying something to me, but I can't understand what it is. He licks my nose sweetly and the dream disappears.