Starwritten

Chapter 16: Traitor

I calmly laid in the nursery, happily nursing Darkgaze's kits. I don't know why, but the nursery is always warm, happy, and welcoming. It's like no one is ever going to harm you when you're in this deep thicket.

Creampaw steps in diligently. I don't take my gaze off of the kits. I hear Creampaw gasp. "Sapphireeyes! When did you have kits?" She whispers loudly. She doesn't give me any time to answer. She gets close to my face. "Who with?" She says. I glare at her. "No one! These are Darkgaze's kits!" I growl. She backs up. "Oh, I didn't know. Don't get your tail in a twist, Sapphireeyes." She teases. I roll my eyes at her. "What did you want anyways?" I ask. She tilts her head. "Does there have to be a purpose of me being here?" She says. A purr rises from my chest. "Knowing you, there's going to always be a reason to bother me." She turns her nose up to the sky and trots out, but stops halfway. "Do you really want me to leave?" She says, one paw getting ready to step. "Yes. Go annoy the elders." I say. She takes another step, almost out the entrance. "Are you-" "GO!" I hiss. She scurries out of the nursery.

A while later, I ask Clovertail if she will watch the kits for me. She nods and I trot of to Sandytail, who is picking from the fresh kill pile. I tap his shoulder softly. He doesn't notice. I smile evilly and shove him. "Hey! I am trying to get your attetntion!" I tease. He stumbles over. The mouse flies up in the air and I catch it with ease. "And I'm trying to find a meal!" He snaps back. I shake the mouse in his face. "Hey! Give that back!" He tries to claw it but I move out of his reach.

"Wow you're really slow for a warrior." I mumble. He rises to his paws and gives me a look of playfulness. "You're gonna get now." He says, taking a step to me. I run off to the other side of camp and out into the open forest beyond. I can feel his breath on my hind legs. He is hot on my heals. If I stop immediately, he will stumble over me.

I run until I can't. I abruptly stop, waiting for the shove of his body. "Woah!" Sandytail hits my pelt and flies over me. He lands with a thud. I burst out laughing. He lays there for a moment looking at me and spitting dust out of his mouth. "Ha ha ha, very funny." He says, spewing dirt at me. We lay there for a while just staring at the sunrise. It's so peaceful.

"We should head back." I finally say. I don't get a response. As I look over at Sandytail, he is fast asleep. I roll my eyes and tug at his ear. "Hey, wake up." I say. He rolls over and opens his eyes sleepily. His oak colored eyes glistening in the sunrise. He looks up at me. "Do we have to go?" He meows sleepily. I nod, standing up. "Yes, let's go. I don't want to miss anything if something important happens." I say. He finally stands up and we head off.

***

I see someone lying on the ground near the entrance to camp. I stop beside the cat. I don't recognize them at all. Firesoul is running the over direction, blood following his footprints. Sandytail chases after him. "Hey wait!" He calls. What did he do this time? Who is this cat? It smells familiar but I don't think I have ever smelled them before.