Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Nine

Birds twittered in the trees above. Below, the ferns rustled and mouse-scent filled Hazelpaw's nose. The ground beneath her ginger and white paws was softer than a kits pelt compared to the harsh stone ground of twolegplace.

Hazelpaw noticed Raphael walking back towards the hole in the twoleg fence. Confusion swept over her. Where's he going? She didn't have time to ask. Ashleaf was standing up on a low-hanging branch of a maple tree.

"Cats of SkyClan!"

The grey deputy addressed the clan. Hazelpaw was confused once more. Where is Sandystar? She soon spotted the tabby leader sitting beside the tree with Fluffpelt. Sandystar looked forlorn.

"We will hunt and rest here for the night, and then set out tomorrow. We will send out three patrols, two hunting, and one to check for any possible danger. Owlpelt and Barnfeather can lead the hunting patrols, and Lemonpelt can lead the other,"

She nodded to the selected cats, then shot a glance at Sandystar, who dipped her head.

"Owlpelt, take Hailforce, Springfoot and Snowtail. Barnfeather, you can have Greysquirrel, Flaxclaw, Fernpelt and Hazelpaw. Lemonpelt, take Tallheart, Robinpaw, Cherrysong and Sandystar. The rest of us can start making dens and nests,"

Ashleaf nodded to Batpaw and Greybird.

"And you two can see if there's anything you can do for Suntail,"

Ashleaf hopped down from her branch. The mass of cats started moving, and Hazelpaw searched for Fernpelt. Her mentor was already gathered with the rest of the hunting patrol by a holly bush.

"Let's go,"

Barnfeather meowed.

"There's so much prey here. Hunting it shouldn't be hard,"

The patrol took off into the unknown forest. They didn't walk too far, before Barnfeather stopped. There was a tall chestnut tree beside a small stream. The trees around it were teeming with life, and Hazelpaw itched to chase it. Flaxclaw took off up a beech tree, where a fat thrush was perched. The thrush noticed her and took flight. Flaxclaw leap easily to a nearby oak, pinned the bird to a branch. She gave the thrush a killing bite to the neck, before jumping out of the tree with her kill in her mouth. Hazelpaw soon spotted a squirrel, munching on a nut beneath the chestnut tree. She stalked towards it slowly, making sure the wind was blowing the squirrel's scent towards her. Just when Hazelpaw was almost close enough to pounce, the squirrel launched itself up the tree. Hazelpaw broke into a sprint and followed it. Higher and higher it climbed, but Hazelpaw wasn't going to give up. Gaining speed, she exploded upwards, grabbing the squirrel's tail in her outstretched claws. I've got it! She thought happily. However her joy lasted only a moment. Hazelpaw missed the branch below her. She let out a screech as she fell to the ground, still holding the squirrel. She hit the ground with a thud, but rolled over and bit the squirrel on its neck. Her body ached all over, but she forced herself to get up.

"Hazelpaw!"

Fernpelt raced over to her apprentice, her cream pelt bushed out. Fernpelt's green eyes were bright with concern.

"Are you okay?"

Fernpelt asked. Hazelpaw nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I even caught the squirrel!"

She added proudly. Fernpelt licked her apprentice's messy pelt. Greysquirrel ran up to his daughter.

"Nice work. But are you sure you're okay?"

He asked, concern edging his tone. Hazelpaw sighed.

"Really, I'm fine. Let's just keep hunting."

By the time Barnfeather decided to return to the makeshift camp, the patrol had caught plenty. The sun was setting already. Hazelpaw was impressed by the progress they had made. Sleekfur and Stoneclaw were dragging long bramble tendrils over to a large bush, and Fluffpelt and Lilypatch were busy tucking in the dangling thorns. Hazelpaw assumed that this was the makeshift nursery. Leafspots and Owlpelt were carrying a collection of moss, bracken and feathers to a different bush. Owlpelt's patrol is back already. Hazelpaw realised. But what about Lemonpelt's? She looked around for the large yellow tom, but couldn't see him. Cherrysong was on that patrol. I hope they're okay... Hazelpaw shook the thought away.