Warrior Cats - New Hope in the Skies (On Hold)

Chapter 14 - Busted

Nightflame was nowhere to be seen after that day. Dustpaw was unable to find the elder and he became all torn up about it. They must be close.

On another note, leaf-bare had arrived, bringing snow and cold along with it. The snow covered the trees and plants like frosting on cake.

As it was the first time I experienced real snow, my movements were clumsy. During a hunting patrol, one of my paws sank deep into the snow and I was stuck there until Streamripple pulled me out. It was embarrassing and Greydust did not make it better as he teased me about it the next day. News spread faster than wild fire.

I shook off the snow on my pelt and snuck into my nest, hoping that it would keep me warm.

"Frostpaw, we are going hunting," Streamripple poked her head inside the apprentice den, shattering my hopes of staying in the warmer and comfortable den.

"It's cold outside," I mewed.

"Your pelt will keep you warm," she replied simply. "Furthermore, it could help you warm up and at the same time catch prey for the Clan. We need all the prey we can get."

I groaned silently as I thought of the ordeal I had to go through to catch a measly mouse in a weather like that.

"Lightbreeze is coming along as well," Streamripple added.

"Lightbreeze...?" I mumbled. "Does that mean-"

"Yes, Rosepaw is coming along too," my mentor finished for me. "I know you two still don't get along, but both of you just have to swallow up your past disputes. Hunting is our priority."

"Okay," I meowed doubtfully. Rosepaw's relationship with me somewhat eased after that time trip... but that doesn't mean she likes me or something.

I gulped and dragged my paws into the snow caked forest. The moment I stepped past the thorn barrier, one of my paws sank too deep and I mentally groaned.

Luckily, I managed to pull my paw out before Streamripple noticed and hurried to catch up with her, attempting to avoid sinking into the snow again.

Lightbreeze and Rosepaw were waiting for us near a bush with berries - I have no idea what berries they are. Streamripple padded ahead of me and meowed a greeting to Lightbreeze, who did the same.

I awkwardly glanced at Rosepaw, who was sitting stoically on the snow and ignoring my presence. I rather have Rosepaw ignoring me than her spitting insults.

"Frostpaw, Rosepaw, both of you are going to hunt. You may work together or hunt alone. Lightbreeze and I will be monitoring your movements," Streamripple meowed.

"Avoid the ShadowClan border and Sunningrocks," Lightbreeze added. "Strikestar's orders."

Sunningrocks? But why? I looked at my mentor, hoping for clarification, but she shook her head.

Maybe it has something to do with RiverClan...

"Frostpaw!" Streamripple sounded cross. "Rosepaw has already started but you are still standing here."

"O-oh, I'll get going," I mewed apologetically, rushing deeper into the forest.

I slowed down to a halt. I could not detect any prey scent much to my disappointment. Either the cold was getting to me or there were simply no prey around.

I continued to search for prey in the snow, struggling to move as my paws were becoming uncomfortably cold.

Maybe there will be prey hiding under rocks...

I quickly shook the thought off. It would mean going to Sunningrocks, which would clearly violate Strikestar's orders. However, the more I thought about it, the more tempted I was to go there.

Before long, I found myself padding in the direction of Sunningrocks. Surely Strikestar would understand that we need prey... wouldn't he?

My mind was made up and I was too close to Sunningrocks to back out now. I peaked through the gaps in the bushes and saw the smooth stones Sunningrocks was famous for.

A sharp scent hit my nose and I immediately knew what it was. RiverClan! I thought, stiffening. I'm pretty sure that Sunningrocks is ThunderClan territory, so why are they here? Could it be because of Fangstar?

I tensed as I spotted RiverClan cats emerging from the river, shaking water off their pelts. I recognised one of them as Flowerstar, the RiverClan leader. If she was here, it must be important.

Her lone companion, a grey and white stripped tom, looked around in suspicion. "Smells like a trap," he hissed, loud enough for me to hear.

My blood froze and I slowly backed away. I accidentally stepped onto a branch and it cracked, the sound too obvious to be unheard.

I gulped, mentally cursing at myself.

"Who's there?" the tom growled threateningly. "Come out and show yourself!"

I held my breath, refusing to move and frozen with fear.

"There's no need to worry, Stripetail," Flowerstar mewed. "We could be expecting Strikestar soon."

Strikestar? Is this why he gave the orders about Sunningrocks?

"Flowerstar, Stripetail." I jumped at the sound of Strikestar's voice.

How did I not scent or hear him?

"I'm glad you agreed to a meeting," Strikestar meowed.

"It's only logical," Flowerstar mewed. "Stripetail, you may go now."

"But I still smell a ThunderClan cat," Stripetail growled, glaring in my direction. Okay, I need to leave now!

"That's not a problem," she responded. "Please leave us be."

Stripetail bowed his head respectfully and left. I could tell that he was still doubtful as he cast a final glance towards my direction before disappearing into RiverClan territory.

It's time for me to leave, I thought, beginning to back out. Miraculously, I did not step on another branch. I heaved a sigh of relief and ran back into the forest, only to run into another cat.

"Guess who's busted!" Rosepaw sniggered triumphantly.

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Remember, Rosepaw is not the only one who noticed Frostpaw...

Funnily, Frostpaw can't handle cold weather despite her name.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you do, leave a vote and comment! :)