Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Eight

Sandystar followed Raphael's gaze in the opposite direction of the thunderpath. Over the next twoleg den, she could see an endless stretch of tree tops. The forest! Her mouth fell open, and Raphael purred.

"It's right there..."

Sandystar breathed. She turned to the clan.

"We can rest once we reach the forest. Let's keep moving,"

She beaconed the clan to keep moving with her tail. Making sure that Ashleaf was watching the elders, Sandystar fell in beside Raphael, letting her pelt brush gently against his.

"Thank you,"

She whispered, her breath tickling his cheek.

"For what?"

He purred softly, leading the clan into the shadows away from the den.

"For showing us the way through twoleg place. For helping my cats hunt,"

She told him quietly. Raphael purred again.

"It's me who should be thanking you,"

He meowed, slinking through a gap in the fence. Sandystar closed her eyes and breathed in the forest scents. The smell of bark and prey hit her nose. She had to stop herself from skipping in delight.

"Why?"

Sandystar asked Raphael, confused.

"We've just been a hinderance to you,"

Raphael pressed closer to Sandystar's tabby fur.

"Do you really think that? I've learnt so much from SkyClan. I've met so many great cats. Most of all you,"

He paused before saying the last part.

"I'll miss you,"

Raphael whispered. A claw sunk into Sandystar's heart. He was planning to leave. She hung her head. The little tabby had quickly become an important part of her life. She could imagine going on without him.

"Stay with us,"

She blurted out.

"We could find the clans together. We can set up a new camp, and hunt together, and-"

The words caught in her throat. Raphael licked Sandystar's cheek fondly.

"I have to stay with Minnie. She's my sister. She needs me,"

Sandystar looked into Raphael's deep amber gaze.

"But I love you,"

She meowed quietly. Raphael took in a deep breath.

"I love you too,"

Raphael told her.

"And I'll never forget you. Every night, I'll look up at the stars, and I'll only think of you,"

Sandystar couldn't find the right words to say to him. Sorrow filled her eyes. Raphael walked back towards twolegplace. He looked over his shoulder, sadness in his wonderful amber eyes.

"Goodbye, my love,"

He whispered. Sandystar's heart sank. Ferretkit scurried up to her.

"Where's Raphael going?"

He asked curiously, tipping his head to the side. Fluffpelt shooed her son away, and wrapped her fluffy tail comfortingly around Sandystar's shoulders.