Warriors: An Enemy's Victory #1, Fanfiction

Chapter 18

"Look! Were out the mountains!" Hawkpaw yowled, charging onto the grassy slope. It had taken longer than he expected to leave the mountains, since the kits had to nurse and rest every one in a while to stay healthy.

"That means were only a days walk back to the lake!" fireheart purred, racing ahead. Riley raced after him, and soon they were all running. Even the kits tried to keep pace with them, though their stubby legs kept them behind.

He sat back with them to make sure they were safe, knowing he couldn't run like he used to with his lungs. Hey had tightened up twice during the cold mountain trip.

I guess cold air makes it worse.

"Come on, Thistlestar!" The kits squeaked. He sighed, picking up the pace to keep up with them. He panted, his throat burning as he fought to keep up. He finally stopped, wheezing as his vision blurred. He sat still, trying to catch his breath. He couldn't show he was sick, let alone weak. As he relaxed, his vision cleared. He couldn't run anymore.

"Lets all slow down, now. Don't want to push ourselves too hard that we have to wait longer for getting home." He meowed, stiffling a cough.

"Your right." Bella meowed, slowing. The rest followed her lead, and Fireheart took the privilege of explaining how the territories and clans were. Thistlestar caught sight of the small towleg place in the distance, and a large hill upcoming that they should hit by dusk. He was more worried about reaching the camp with so many rogues and kittypets, and how they would react. They might even try to force them away.

Keeping his thoughts to himself, he padded beside Brightheart and Coralflower. They were discussing kits, and it was a sinple conversation for him to hear. They talked about Lionkit and his urge to train, Berrykit's excitement, and Mousekit's fluffy kit fur. He realized Daisy was talkibg on the other side of Coralflower, and that this was queens' talk. With a sigh he backed away and joined the sides of Fireheart, Graystripe, and Ashfur. Fhey were talking about fighting and upcoming battles. He didnt want to hear it. He wanted to know what his clan thought, but not how they wanted to fight.

With a low growl of frustration, he padded to join the three apprentices.

"You'll love the prey there. We have squirrels, birds, voles, mice, And sometimes we even catch rabbits. We learn about the warrior code, and learn to fight! You guys are going to love it there. There are other apprentices beside me too..." Hawkpaw carried on, and thistlestar sat in the back. He wasnt good talking about kits, or battles. It was easier to sit in the back and eatch over them in silence than to talk.

They padded on in their own small groups as the sun went from higg in the sky to almost below the horizon. The sky was a golden red with faint light dots of stars.

The moon was glowing high in the sky as the sun sank further, turning his pelt brown. He glanced at his mate, his eyes warm with love for her and his kit. He couldn't tell what brought on such a strong feeling for her, he just knew she felt the same by the purr she let out.

"We can stop and rest here. That hill is the last landmark before we reach the lake. First thing to remember is that we have to cross on Windclan's territory to get back home, so dont pick a fight, and don't hunt." Thistlestar reminded, padding towards the trees to hunt. Hawkpaw joined his side, and they padded in silence through the dense bushes.

A twig crunching made him freeze, and he twisted quietly to see a hare, big enough to feed them all. He flicked his tail to the left, and as if hawkpaw read his mind, he got into position. Thistlestar went to the other side. He gave a loud caterwauling screech, and rushed towards it. The hare's hears shot up in alarm and it took off, straight for Hawkpaw. With a growl, Hawkpaw shot out of the bush and onto the hares back. It's fear scent was strong, but so was Hawkpaw. He bit so hard on its neck, he heard a snap.