The Warrior Games

Chapter 2: Ivypool

Ivypool's POV

Hawkfrost is so rude, she thought. I only wanted to be friendly...Ivypool headed into camp. Her sister, Dovewing, was making her way over to her.

"Hey, Ivy!" meowed Dovewing.

"How are you, Dovewing? I hope Bumblestripe isn't mad that you're talking to me instead of him," she purred.

"Why would he be?"

"Because I'm taking up his mate's time."

"We aren't mates..."

"Oh sure, you're not."

Ivypool padded away, purring. She headed over to her own mate, Foxleap.

"Hey, baby," she purred.

"Hey, Ivy. How are you? What's got you in such a good mood?"

"Oh, that Dovewing keeps denying that her and Bumblestripe are mates."

"Ah, denial."

Ivypool purred at him. "Foxleap...?"

"Yes?"

"Are-are you worried about the Reaping?"

"Ivypool..."

"I just feel like one of us might get chosen, and I just can't loose you..."

"Ivypool...!"

"Oh, Foxleap, I love you, you know that, right?"

"Ivypool!" he screamed.

"What?" She turned around.

Bramblestar was looking at them with disaproval. "You guys know you mustn't speak of the Reaping or the games before it's time! Go check the elders for ticks. That'll keep you busy for a while."

"Yes, Bramblestar," said Ivypool, glumly as she followed Foxleap into the elders' den.

"I'll go get the mousebile from Jayfeather." He grimaced and went to find Jayfeather.

"Now, where are your ticks?" Ivypool asked the elders as politely as she good.

"This moss is too damp!" yelled Mousefur.

"I'll get some fresh moss as soon as we've dealt with your ticks," she promised. "Now where are they?"

"There's one at the base of my tail."

"Great. Ah, Foxleap, you got the mousebile," she gagged. She took it from her mate and put it on the tick on Mousefur's tail. It plopped right off, dead. "Right, that's sorted. Purdy? Any ticks?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Great, now let's fix their bedding, Foxleap. Help me clear out this damp moss."

"Alright."

As they began to scrape the moss, Bramblestar came in. "That's enough for now. I'll get one of the apprentice to finish here. And remember what I said." He gazed at them sternly.

"Yes, Bramblestar," murmured Foxleap.

"Yes, Bramblestar," echoed Ivypool.

The two mates headed out of the den and for the fresh kill pile. Ivypool chose a small shrew for herself, while Foxleap picked a sparrow.

"It's been a long day..."

"Has it, Foxleap?"

"I guess... I'm so tired."

"Me too."

They headed to their den and curled up next to each other to sleep.