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

Chapter 16 - In the Darkness of Night

Guilt was all I felt as I rushed towards Spottedpaw's cry of help. There she was, frightened and injuried, lying on the snow layered ground.

The fox lunged for the apprentice, sinking its fangs into her pelt.

"Spottedpaw!" I yowled again, running towards the predator.

Woodspots was faster than me, clinging onto the fox's russet pelt. "Surround the fox and don't let it escape! I'll get Spottedpaw."

The ThunderClan deputy proceeded to claw at the fox's ears, barely holding on. Meanwhile, the rest of the hunting patrol spread out and formed a circle around the fox.

The fox yelped, releasing Spottedpaw in its pain. I took the chance to rush forward, grabbing her by her scruff.

As I dragged my unconscious denmate to safety, I heard a warning yowl. Before I could register it into my head, I was flung into a tree.

"Frostpaw!"

The sound seemed like it came from a far away place. All of my strength seemed to be sapped away from me as I closed my eyes, sliding to the ground.

The last thing I heard was from a voice I did not recognise.

"Do not be afraid."

How can I not be afraid?

To be honest, I wake up everyday, fearful that ShadowClan would invade and destroy the home I made my own.

Scared that one day, it all just ends.

"... will be fine. She just needs ample rest."

I stirred, groaning at a pain near my neck, where I made contact with the tree.

"She's awake." I recognised the voice as Flamecloud's.

"How are you feeling?" Aspenfern asked, examining me carefully.

"Pain...ful," I mumbled in response to the medicine cat's question.

"Just lie down and rest," she meowed, giving me some seeds. "Take this, it will help you feel better."

I swallowed them as my head fell back down onto the soft moss. It was not long until I drifted to sleep.

I did not know how long I was out, but when I woke up, the skies had grown dark.

Feeling slightly better, I stumbled out of the medicine cat den. My stomach was grumbling as I did not eat anything all day.

A tiny mouse was what was left on the fresh-kill pile. I'll just finish it.

I plopped onto the ground, ravenously chewing on the boney prey. I finished it quickly and buried the remains, murmuring a quick thanks to StarClan.

As I began to crawl back to the medicine cat den, I thought I saw a figure disappearing into the thorn tunnel.

It's probably nothing.

I returned to my nest, trying not to disturb my Clanmates inside the den. I saw Spottedpaw curled up in a nest on the other side of the medicine cat den. To my relief, she was sound asleep. Thank StarClan she is safe.

With the nagging question in my mind answered, I could finally sleep peacefully. At least, for that night.

~~~~

The next few days went by uneventfully. I was confined to the medicine cat den to rest until Aspenfern was satisfied that I recovered.

Streamripple brought me prey, though sometimes it was Stormpaw. Come to think of it, he looked more tired than usual those past few days.

I tried to strike a conversation with Spottedpaw or even Flamecloud to ease my boredom, but they seemed to be uninterested.

I stood up slowly. The pain near my neck was not as painful as before, but I came to realise that my back was broken as well.

"You are a young cat, so your bones will mend in time," Aspenfern had reassured me.

I was also told that Rosepaw had to do apprentice chores for a quarter moon as Strikestar found out that I was not the only one eavesdropping. I was satisfied that she got her just desserts.

Stretching my legs, I walked slowly towards the fresh-kill pile. It was about time I get my own prey.

Patrols were returning and many warriors were sharing tongues. Rosepaw and Stormpaw were nowhere to be seen while Spottedpaw was still inside the medicine cat den, unwilling to move.

I was surprised when Streamripple sat next to me. "Feeling better?"

"Yes, but my back still hurts," I mewed. "So, what happened when I was out?"

"According to Woodspots, after you blacked out, the patrol managed to chase off the fox. They found Cinderflame knocked out while carrying you and Spottedpaw back to camp," my mentor explained.

The warrior must have been knocked out by the fox, I thought.

"Just some rest. In a few more days, we will continue training. When Aspenfern feel that you are well enough, you will have to help Rosepaw with the apprentice chores," Streamripple meowed, beginning to leave.

I nodded and finished my prey.

~~~~

I woke up in the middle of the night. I yawned and got out of my nest to make dirt.

Antfall was guarding the entrance, looking alert, but a yawn escaped his jaws. He did not react when he spotted me leaving the camp.

As I headed to the dirtplace, I noticed Stormpaw disappearing into the forest. That's odd...

I decided to follow him. The grey tabby tom stopped at the Sandy Hollow and started to practice battle moves.

It was then something struck me. The reason why Stormpaw was tired more than usual was because he was training in the night.

He is always so hardworking...

I felt a pang of guilt. While I was fretting about ShadowClan, Stormpaw was the one actually doing something to prepare.

Seeing him hard at work, I became more determined. Determined to improve myself and serve my Clan to my fullest ability.

So that when Fangstar comes for us, I would be ready.