Midnight's Past

Chapter Four

Midnight groggily opened her eyes and felt an ache on her shoulder. She forced herself to sit up and look around. She was in the medacine cat and Flowerpaw was the only one there. "Uhm, hi."

Flowerpaw looked over to Midnight with pricked ears. "Oh, thank Star Clan you're up!"

"How long have I been out?"

"Two days."

"Wow."

"Yeah, now eat."

Midnight saw that a mouse was sitting by her nest so she began eating. "I'm gonna let you in on a secret but don't tell anyone I told you. Otherwise I'll be getting rid of the elders' ticks for moons!"

Midnight grunted in response.

"Well... Lionstar hasn't gotten a wink of sleep since you passed out.

Midnight felt worry worm through her. He hasn't slept for two days! He's gonna be so mad! "I'm really sorry. I should go see him."

"Are you sure you can stand up?"

Midnight stood shakily at first but then gathered her strength. "I'm okay. Thanks."

Midnight exited the den and looked around. Some cats were walking around and they gave her reassuring smiles as she passed by. Midnight approached the leader's den and she called out. "May I come in?"

"Midnight!" Lionstar exited the den. Great Star Clan! He really looked tired. His fur was matted and his normally bright green eyes were shadowed with stress.

"Uh... I'd like to apologize... I understand that since you're leader you have to worry about everyone but... you shouldn't have stressed over me. You look very tired. Please, go rest. I'm fine now so there's no need to worry." Midnight looked down and nervously pawed the ground. She looked up when he didn't respond. His expression was unreadable.

"No need to be sorry, Midnight. I just couldn't help but worry. I don't think I'm ready to rest yet. Walk with me?"

"Sure."

Midnight and Lionstar walked out of the camp. She noticed that they were getting close to the river. Midnight walked up to the river and sat down beside it. Lionstar did not sit though. His eyes had seen something that Midnight had not noticed... Stormclaw! He was on the other side of the river which was his territory so Midnight didn't know why Lionstar looked so angry. "Stormclaw. Why are you so close to the border?"

Stormclaw looked up at Lionstar. He had clearly not noticed them until now. "I could ask you the same." He smirked. Stormclaw paused and looked to Midnight. "How's it going, Midnight?"

"Good. You?"

"Great! Hey... what happened to your shoulder?"

Midnight looked at her shoulder for the first time. It was covered in cobwebs. "Oh, that's nothing. Just a fox bite. I'll be fully recovered in no time."

"Glad to hear it!"

Lionstar stepped up, his boldness obvious. "I think this little get together is over now."

"See you around, Stormclaw!"

"Bye, Midnight! See yah, Lionstar."

Midnight and Lionstar left the river and began walking into the forest. "Don't forget-" Midnight interrupted Lionstar.

"Yes, I know. I can have friends but don't get attached. I might see them in battle."

"I'm just making sure. I don't want you to forget where your loyalties lie."

"I understand."

"You know... after that fight with the foxes I think you're ready to become a warrior. I know it was such a short time but I've found there's nothing to teach you. You're an excellent hunter, a skilled fighter, and you are loyal to our Clan. There isn't much more I could ask of you."

"Thank you, Lionstar. So, how do I become a warrior? I know I have to do the vigil but is that it?"

"No, tomorrow we will hold a ceremony. Do you want a warrior name? Or would you like to keep Midnight? Oh, and after the ceremony is when you begin your vigil."

"I'll keep my name. Thank you for asking. So, when is the ceremony?"

"We'll have it at sunset."

"Okay. What changes once I'm a warrior?"

"You can eat before elders and queens and you will sleep in the warrriors den rather than the apprentices den."

"Okay."

Midnight and Lionstar entered the camp and Midnight was surprised to see cats looking around with panic written all over their faces. Midnight approached Greenberry who was sniffing the ground carefully. "Greenberry, what's going on?"

"We aren't sure if we're overreacting but we haven't seen Maplepaw all day. Ashclaw sent out a search patrol. The rest of us are trying to pick up her scent but none of us have gotten a single clue."

"Okay, I'll go search the forest."

Midnight spun around and bumped straight into Lionstar. Lionstar looked at her with anger. "Midnight, you can't go out there. You're still wounded. What if a fight happens?"

"I'm touched that you're concerned but my best friend needs me. So, I'm going to find her. Feel free to come with me."

Midnight exited the camp and began walking in a random direction. She had no clues so she would just have to hope that she chose the right direction. Midnight walked forwards for a while until she heard the distant sound of cars. As she began running she could hear the sound getting louder and louder. Soon she broke out of the forest and could see the road right in front of her. A car drove past, sending a large gust of wind that battered Midnight's fur. Lionstar grumbled, "Monsters."

"Huh?"

"Monsters are so weird! With their big, round, black paws!"

"They're called cars and those black paws you're talking about are their tires."

"I'll try to remember that."

Midnight nodded and examined the road for the first time. Her heart stopped once she took a closer look. Lying on the road was Maplepaw. She was only a bloody heap of fur. Midnight raced out onto the road and dragged Maplepaw into the grass by her scruff. Midnight listened for a heartbeat. Maplepaw's heart beat very slowly. Her front right leg looked to be in terrible conditions. "Get her on my back."

Lionstar did so and then they raced back to camp. Hold on Maplepaw.

***

Midnight watched closely as Greenberry put the cast on Maplepaw. Midnight had cleaned up all of the blood and luckily her injuries weren't too life threatening after all. Yet, Greenberry wasn't sure if Maplepaw would be able to use that leg again. Only time would tell. "She'll be okay." Greenberry meowed, as if he had been reading Midnight's mind.

"I'm glad." Midnight didn't want to lose her best friend. It'd crush her. Just like when... no. Stop it. Don't think about that!

Midnight walked into the apprentice's den and curled up into a ball in her nest. She tucked her nose beneath her paws and sighed. She was happy in her new home. Yet, she still felt like he'd find her. Yes, he'd find her and give her a painful death. Midnight shivered and shook the thoughts from her head. You're safe here, Midnight. Fire Clan is your home now.

Okay, there you guys go! Sorry, this one is kinda short. I promise I'll make the next chapter longer though! :) Thx, for reading and leave a vote and comment if you like!