Bloody Paws {ON HOLD}

Chapter Seven

Set two moons after the last chapter.

"...Blightfall, Pricklepelt, Antclaw, and Beetlewing." Foxstep finished.

"Fallenpaw, Rustpaw, Lostpaw, Twistedpaw, and Brokenpaw will also attend the gathering. I would like to announce that since Oakstar has caught an illness, I will be filling in for her during the announcements." Darkfur's yowl echoed around the clearing. I was pleased that I would attend, but shared Hollowpaw's upset. It wasn't fair! Rustpaw should have had to stay behind; he'd gone to the last two. It was fine that Lostpaw, Twistedpaw and Brokenpaw got to go as it was their first gathering. Maybe Darkfur was sick, too, and couldn't think straight.

"Hollowpaw!" I called, loping over to my grey tabby littermate. He looked up as I approached. "Let's go talk to Darkfur! She's out of her mind, not letting you attend three gatherings in a row!"

"Fallenpaw... You don't have to do that for me," He said softly. "I'll be fine here."

"You'll be the only apprentice! Plus, you've already missed three." He started to protest, but I cut him off.  "Riverpaw misses you...~" I sang. His face lit up in a blush, and he put his silver ears down in embarrassment.

"Fine."

I knew he had a crush on the pretty EmberRain she-cat from the moment we met her.

As we trotted up to the deputies, Rustpaw scowled at us. I grinned in his direction, ignoring his hisses. 

"Um, Darkfur?" I asked meekly. The large tom looked down at us. 

"Yes, Fallenpaw, Hollowpaw? What can I do for you?" Oakstar's deputy rumbled. 

"Hollowpaw hasn't-" My brother cut me off. 

"I was just wondering if I could go to the Gathering tonight." Hollowpaw showed no sign of nervousness. "I've not attended the last three, and Rustpaw has gone to all of them since he was apprenticed." 

"I'm sorry, Hollowpaw!" Foxstep cut in before Darkfur could growl a protest. The ginger she'cat's amber eyes shone in apology. "We must have miscalculated. You can have Rustpaw's spot at the Gathering. I'll tell him." 

"That went well," I whispered to my silver-pelted brother. He nodded. 

"Hey! Rustpaw!" Foxstep yowled at the russet tom. He looked up, registering that a deputy was speaking to him, then padded over. 

"Hmm?" 

"I made a mistake when I chose the cats to go to the Gathering. It was supposed to be Hollowpaw, not you. Maybe next time, though." She mewed bluntly, as if it wouldn't affect him at all. 

"Bu- What!?" He hissed in shock. "Why does he get to go and not me?" 

"You've been too all the Gatherings since your apprenticeship. Hollowpaw has only been to one." She reasoned. 

"Fine..." He looked as if he wanted to say more, but wisely kept his mouth shut. His glare bore into my back as Rustpaw slunk away. 

Short chapter, but I needed to get something out....

Sorry

Anya