Warrior Cats: SkyClan Returns #2

Chapter Thirty-Seven

"You have to tell Sandystar,"

Snowtail told Brookshine as she finished her story. Brookshine snarled.

"Are you mouse-brained? I'm leaving!"

She said, turning to leave. Snowtail cut her off.

"Let me go!"

Brookshine snarled. Snowtail held his ground as she flattened her ears against her head and unsheathed her claws.

"Aren't you scared I'll kill you too?"

Snowtail didn't flinch. Instead, he looked fondly into Brookshine's eyes.

"No. You won't hurt me. You love me,"

He meowed calmly. Brookshine hissed again.

"How could you possibly know that?"

She asked. Snowtail took a step towards her, softly nuzzling her silver cheek.

"Because I love you too,"

Brookshine pulled away.

"Sandystar will kick me out,"

She whispered.

"If she does, I'm leaving with you,"

Snowtail promised. Sadness glistened in Brookshine's eyes.

"You can't do that. SkyClan is your home,"

She said. Snowtail shook his head, realising with a jolt how much Brookshine meant to him.

"I'd go anywhere with you,"

Snowtail meowed. Brookshine licked his muzzle affectionately. He let out a quiet purr and guided Brookshine back to camp. He could sense her nervousness, and pressed closer to her fur to comfort her.

When they entered the camp, many cats were still up despite the fact that it was almost morning. Sandystar leapt down from the Low-Branch, lashing her tail impatiently. Brookshine hung her head, explaining the story as she did to Snowtail in a hushed voice. Sandystar's eyes flashed with different emotions, and Snowtail doubted that the leader would let his mate stay. Other cats gathered in to listen.

"What happens to me now?"

Brookshine murmured as she finished her story. Sandystar looked troubled.

"I'll have to think about it,"

Sandystar meowed, voice quivering.

"Go to your nest. I'll have made my decision by morning,"

Brookshine dipped her head respectfully before silently padding to the warriors den. Stoneclaw and Hailforce watched her go, hatred in their eyes. Ashleaf looked worried as her gaze burned into Brookshine's pelt. Sparrowpaw and Ferretpaw whispered to each other. Snowtail flicked his ears angrily, before following her. Why does no cat trust her?

•~•~•~•

Snowtail sat up. Dawn light filtered into the den. Brookshine was sitting next to him, washing her fur nervously. Snowtail pressed his muzzle to her cheek and gave it a quick lick.

"Everything will be fine,"

He assured her. She gave him a worried glance. Snowtail looked around the den. Barnfeather and Sleekfur were glaring at them from across the den.

"Ignore them,"

Snowtail murmured. Brookshine flicked her ears and padded out of the den. Snowtail followed hurriedly. Sandystar spotted them almost immediately, and Brookshine swallowed nervously. Sandystar stalked up to her.

"What you did in RiverClan was unacceptable. You broke the warrior code and betrayed your Clan,"

Sandystar meowed, her blue-green eyes glinting. Brookshine hung her head.

"But we wouldn't be here without you. We never could have made this journey if we didn't have you to guide us. You have proven yourself time and time again as a great hunter and fighter, and I don't doubt your loyalty to SkyClan for one moment,"

She continued. Snowtail noticed emotion in Sandystar's eyes as she glanced between him and Brookshine. There was regret in her gaze. Does she still miss Raphael? He wondered.

"It doesn't matter what RiverClan say. You can stay,"

Sandystar meowed. Brookshine's gaze lit up with happiness.

"Thank-you, Sandystar! You won't regret this,"