Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Thirteen

By the time the patrol returned to the camp, it was sun high. Snowtail carried a couple of finches. I'm starving! He thought. Putting one of his finches on the freshkill pile, he took the other for himself. Across the clearing, Hazelpaw and Limepaw were clearing out the elder's moss. Fluffpelt was fondly watching her kits chase each other's tails around the nursery. Fernpelt and Sleekfur were sharing a patch of sunlight by the warrior's den. We could live here, Snowtail told himself. There's good hunting, and maybe I could find out more about Brook... Swiftly, he finished off his meal.

Then Snowtail had an idea. Checking that no cat was watching him, he slunk out through the ferns. Maybe I can make Brook take us to the other Clans. Snowtail took the trail away from camp to where they met Brook. When he got there, he tasted the air. The wind had picked up since the morning hunt, but Snowtail could still pick up her scent on the mossy ground. It wound further into the ash trees. Snowtail stalked it, keeping his ears pricked and senses alert. He carried on into the forest, growing anxious as the scent became stronger. Why should I trust this cat? This is a bad idea. I should go back... Snowtail shook the thought away. If there was ever a way of finding the clans, it was Brook. Brook's scent was fresh amongst a patch of ferns. Snowtail bent down to sniff it, when bushes rustled behind him. A split second later, a set of claws were lodged in his spine, and he was crushed against the ground. A familiar scent wafted up his nose. Brook!

"Why did you come looking for me, flea-brain?"

She hissed. Snowtail scrambled in panic to stand and shake her off, but her hind claws were latched into the ground.

"Because we need your help, maggot-breath!"

Snowtail retorted. He knew insulting Brook wouldn't help, but she deserved it. Summoning all of his strength, Snowtail threw off his attacker, flipping her onto her back and leaping on top of her.

"So help us!"

He hissed. Brook's only reply was a snarl. She squirmed, trying to break free, then lay limp. Snowtail didn't budge.

"I'm not falling for that!"

Snowtail scoffed.

"And besides, you're being a mouse-brain. Would you rather lead us away, and only have to put up with us for a few days, or have us live in your hunting ground forever?"

Brook snarled.

"I'm not going anywhere near those other clans!"

Snowtail was frustrated.

"Why not?"

She didn't respond.

"Why do you hate them?"

Brook remained silent throughout Snowtail's questioning. He gave in and sighed.

"Brook. That's not a clan name,"

Snowtail meowed curiously.

"My warrior name was Brookshine. I gave that up moons ago. Never use that name,"

Brook warned. Snowtail purred. That's a beautiful name, for such a hostile cat, He wanted to say. But he guessed that she hadn't always been that way.

"You wouldn't have to go all the way. Just until we can see clan land,"

Snowtail offered. Brook looked defeated.

"Fine!"

She spat.

"But don't think I'm going to enjoy it. Take my to your mangy camp, I guess,"

Snowtail hopped off Brook and lead her back toward the makeshift camp.

Sandystar was speaking when the duo entered the camp. The rest of the clan was gathered around her.

"- and then we head towards the mountains. We leave tomorrow,"

When Sandystar dismissed the meeting, Snowtail led Brook up to her. The sand-coloured tabby gasped.

"What's she doing here?"

Sandystar hissed. Brook stepped forward.

"I came to help you, dust-brain!"

She snarled.

"I want your flea-ridden clan out of my pelt. So I'll lead you to the clans,"

Sandystar flicked a glance over to Snowtail, who nodded. It was clear that the leader didn't trust Brook, but Snowtail believed that the silver rouge would do anything in her power to get rid of them, even if it meant going closer to her much-hated Clans. Sandystar quickly called out to the clan, who reassembled, muttering quietly, until Leafspots noticed Brook.

"What's she doing here?"

Leafspots demanded. Sandystar ignored him.

"Cats of SkyClan, there has been a slight change in plan. Brook will lead us to the other Clans now. We must make her feel welcome. Hazelpaw, Batpaw make her a nest in the warrior's den,"

She ordered. Brook was looking straight at Batpaw's glazed eyes.

"Is he blind?"

She scoffed.

"Yes,"

Snowtail snarled.

"And he's training to be a warrior?"

Brook laughed. Snowtail growled.

"Yes,"

Brook said no more, but there was a look of amusement in her eyes. She thinks this Clan is a joke! Snowtail thought angrily.