Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Thirty-Six

It was the day after the gathering. The sun had already well passed the half way point in its journey across the sky. Shellstripe and Breezepaw padded up to Brookshine. She sighed internally. All day she had tried to avoid the apprentice in the knowledge that Breezepaw would ask about Redstream.

"Care to come fishing with us?"

The deputy asked. Brookshine looked up at the sky once again. It was almost dusk, and she had promised to meet Redstream.

"No thanks,"

Brookshine meowed, trying not to sound suspicious. When Shellstripe tilted her head curiously, she added.

"I have, uh, things to do. See ya later!"

She meowed, running out of camp to avoid further questioning. She soon made it to the outskirts of RiverClan territory, where Redstream was waiting.

"You made it!"

He purred, rubbing his muzzle against her cheek.

"What do you want?"

Brookshine asked curiously. Redstream smiled.

"To talk. Aren't I allowed to miss my sister?"

Brookshine cuffed his ear playfully.

"Do you remember when we were kits in the nursery with Orangeblaze? She was so mad when we clawed an escape tunnel in the back of the den,"

She remember. Redstream's whiskers twitched.

"How else would we escape if WindClan attacked?"

Redstream purred, letting out a loud sigh.

"I never would have thought I would become a WindClan warrior back then,"

"Nor would I,"

Brookshine meowed. A loud hiss came from the bushes, and the two cats spun around to see Shellstripe, her eyes flashing with rage.

"Traitor!"

She howled, leaping at Redstream. He ducked out of the way, but Shellstripe turned and clawed at his muzzle.

"I don't want to fight you!"

Redstream meowed, pushing the RiverClan deputy away with sheathed paws. Brookshine felt helpless. What can I do? Do I help my deputy or my brother? Shellstripe ignored Redstream's plea and leapt onto his back, digging her claws in tight. He tried to shake her off, but to no avail.

"Stop!"

Brookshine called, but no cat listened. Redstream fell onto his back, but Shellstripe jumped off just in time. She swiped an unsheathed paw at his throat. Blood gurgled up from his wound, but Redstream got back up. She's hurting him! Brookshine thought with alarm. Shellstripe pushed Redstream to the ground, raking her hind claws against his flanks. Redstream surged upward, then delivered a sharp blow to Shellstripe's head. She hissed.

"Die, WindClan scum!"

Shellstripe cried, lunging at his throat again, this time with her jaws. They snapped shut. Redstream tried to shriek, but instead lay limp in Shellstripe's jaws. Blood trickled from his mouth. Shock hit Brookshine like lightening. She killed him! Letting out a yowl of anguish, Brookshine leapt at Shellstripe, clawing her back and grabbing her ear in her teeth. Shellstripe stumbled back, shocked.

"I'm your deputy! Stop!"

Shellstripe wailed. Brookshine ignored her, hatred for the RiverClan tabby burning strong inside of her. She leapt off, kicking Shellstripe hard in the side. She stumbled again, winded.

"I'm on your side!"

She gasped. Brookshine battered her multiple times over the head.

"No you're not! Not since you killed my brother!"

Brookshine snarled, slicing open Shellstripe's side. Blood spilled onto the grassy ground as she crumpled to the ground.

"You'll pay for this..."

Shellstripe hissed as her eyes glazed over. Brookshine looked in horror at what she had done. The bodies of her friend and brother lay splayed out and bleeding on the border. She took a step back.

"Brookshine,"

A voice from behind Brookshine made her jump. She spun around. Copperpelt stood there, looking icily calm. Breezepaw peeped out from behind the copper-furred tom's legs. Fear glistened in her eyes.

"I-I didn't - I mean-"

Brookshine tried to explain, stumbling over her words.

"You'd better come with me,"

Copperpelt meowed. Brookshine didn't move, afraid of what the consequences would be when Copperpelt told Volestar.

"Come on. Don't make this harder for yourself,"

He continued, seeing that Brookshine wasn't moving. She dipped her head and followed Copperpelt back to camp. Breezepaw hung as far away from her as possible. Brookshine flicked her ears irritably. We were friends this morning! Now she's afraid of me?

It was night-fall by the time they returned to camp. Brookshine's heart sank as she spotted Volestar outside his den. Breezepaw pelted off, and Copperpelt nudged Brookshine towards Volestar. Quietly, Copperpelt explained what had happened. Anger boiled in Volestar's eyes.

"You killed my daughter!"

Volestar snarled, raising a paw to slice it across Brookshine's face. Copperpelt knocked it out of the way. Cats were gathering around the den now.

"You are hear by exiled from RiverClan! You have until the count of ten to leave, or I will kill you myself, Brook,"

He hissed. Brook knew that he was serious. She turned tail and ran from the camp.

"May StarClan curse this Clan!"

Brook hissed over her shoulder.