A warrior cats story: A Stone in the River of Life

Chapter 8

"Bramblestar?" Stonerise called out into the cave.  He heard his voice echo against the walls.  "Yes, come in," a strong voice answer.  Stonerise gave Tiger the signal to go first and I followed her inside.  Squirrelflight and Bramblestar sat next to each other, their heads close together.  "I found this queen in our territory.  Using common sense, I know that it would be unfair to leave her out in the cruel wild while she has kits of her own to care for," Stonerise bowed his head to Tiger, who rolled her eyes.  Bramblestar surveyed the striped she-cat before consulting with Squirrelflight.  Stonerise stood awkwardly for a few moments, glancing at Tiger once or twice.  "Squirrelflight, show her to the nursery," Bramblestar ordered.  Stonerise breathed a sigh of relief.  "Thank you, Bramblestar," he mewed.  "You're not the one who should be thanking me," the large tabby tom scanned Tiger.  She gave him a nod.  I assume that's her way of saying thank you, Stonerise shrugged to himself.  "Follow me," Squirrelflight passed the young she-cat curtly and leaped lightly down the stepping stones to the hollow.  Stonerise dipped his head to his father and followed his former mate and his mother, who were making their way to the nursery.  "This is the nursery.  It is where you will be staying until the kits come.  For now, you need to visit with Jayfeather.  He is the medicine cat.  He will check you for any injuries," Squirrelflight was meowing.  "But, I don't have any-" Tiger started to object.  "He just has to check," Squirrelflight cut her off with a swift meow.  "I'll finish this tour," Stonerise but himself in the conversation.  Squirrelflight dipped her head in acceptance, which was confusing, but he decided not to question it.  He flashed Tiger a reassuring smile, just to be nice.  Not because he cared for her or anything like that, but he just wanted to be nice.  Tiger gave him a crooked smile and shook her head, as if in confusion.  "Come with me," Stonerise padded into Jayfeather's den.  There were pulls of sunlight dotting the herb-scented place.  Dust flew around in each dash of sunlight.  "Jayfeather!" Stonerise called out.  "Yes?" the medicine cat's sightless eyes scanned the room.  Stonerise looked to Tiger as if she would seem worried about a blind medicine cat, but she didn't seem fazed.  He smiled a bit.  Tiger was just so accepting.  "Sit down, I'll check you for any injuries and I'll see if I can find out around when the kits will come," Jayfeather seemed as if he knew exactly what was going on.  Again, Stonerise looked to Tiger, but her eyes held no hint of confusion.  "Oh.  Ohhh.  Ohohooho!" the medicine cat started bursting out laughing.  "What?" Tiger demanded.  "You're Tiger, aren't you?" Jayfeather smiled and cocked his head to the side.  Tiger looked to me as if I had anything to do with the gray tabby tom's weird outburst.  I shrugged and shook my head in confusion.  She nodded at Jayfeather.  "Sorry if that seemed weird, but I've seen you before.  You're the one, Stonerise's mate."