Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Twenty-Six

Thin morning light hit Snowtail's fur, dappling in from the entrance of the den. He felt a small paw tap him on the shoulder. Opening his eyes with a frustrated grunt, he rolled over. Sparrowpaw was standing over him, excitement plastered to her face. That's right, he thought. I have an apprentice now. But I didn't know it was my job to keep her out of the warrior's den! Silently, he led Sparrowpaw from the cave.

"You're not allowed in the warrior's den!"

Snowtail told her sharply. The little tabby didn't look phased. Though it was still early, Sparrowpaw was wide awake, her eyes bright.

"So, what are we doing today?"

She chirped. Snowtail opened his mouth to reply, when something else caught his eye. Brook was padding out of the medicine den, looking much healthier than when she arrived a quarter moon ago. Whatever Goldcloud gave her, it worked. He turned his attention back to Sparrowpaw, who was staring at him expectantly.

"You are going to change the elders and queens bedding,"

He told her. Disappointment crossed her face, but she didn't argue.

"Ask Batpaw or Hazelpaw to show you where to get it,"

Snowtail meowed. Sparrowpaw nodded, trotting off to the apprentice den. With his apprentice out of the way, Snowtail padded up to Brook.

"You look less awful,"

He teased. Brook nodded.

"Those horrible leaves must have done something, then,"

She meowed, less hostile than usual. What does she want? Snowtail wondered suspiciously.

"Goldcloud says I can go for a walk, as long as I take a warrior with me,"

Brook grunted. There it is. She just wants to get out of camp! Snowtail realised. But then again, so would I.

"I'll go with you,"

Snowtail offered. Brook's magnificent blue eyes brightened.

"Really?"

She asked. Snowtail nodded, leading the silver she-cat from the camp. The leaves on the trees had begun to show hints of red and orange, signalling the start of leaf-fall.

"Two more days, and I get to leave,"

Brook meowed, the slightest hint of sadness in her voice. Snowtail frowned. But she hates the Clans. Why would she want to stay? Snowtail's only reply a grunt. The two cats walked in silence, until they reached a stream. Tiny fish swam in its depths. Brook's eyes lit up as she looked mischievously up at Snowtail.

"Do you want me to teach you how to fish?"

She offered. Snowtail looked into Brook's shining blue eyes. She looked truly happy.

"Who are you and what have you done with Brook?"

Snowtail teased. She gave him a harsh shove.

"Do you want to learn or not?"

Brook asked. Snowtail looked down at the cold water.

"Er, okay,"

He meowed, unsure. What if I fall in? Brook padded over to the stream, crouching by the edge.

"Fish sense vibrations, so stay perfectly still. And don't let your shadow fall over the water, or you'll scare them off,"

Brook explained. She flashed a silver paw into the water, pulling out a tiny, wriggling fish. She killed it swiftly.

"Your turn,"

She meowed. Snowtail padded up to her side, spotting a tiny, silvery fish. Trying to copy the former RiverClan cat's movement, he swiped his paw at the fish with all his might. Missing the fish by a mouse-length, Snowtail lost his balance, plummeting into the stream. Brook laughed.

"That was the worst fishing I've ever seen!"

She teased. Snowtail purred, standing up and shaking drips of water from his pelt.

"Really?"

Snowtail purred, whiskers twitching mischievously. He lunged forward, pulling Brook into the stream. She squealed, splashing Snowtail. He looked into her eyes.

"Stay,"

He meowed. Brook looked surprised for a minute, but it soon faded.

"I don't want to stay in this stream all day,"

Brook teased, clambering out. Snowtail followed her.

"You know what I mean. Stay with SkyClan. With me,"

He meowed. Brook looked up from licking her chest fur.

"I don't know..."

She meowed uneasily. Snowtail licked her around a silver ear. She looked up him.

"I love you,"

He murmured. Brook's eyes shone.

"I love you, too,"

She admitted.

"But the Clans..."

Snowtail sighed. She really hates them, the thought.

"Please think about it. I'm sure Sandystar would let you stay,"