Warriors: A Warm Beginning

Chapter 4: Border

     A few nights past since InkPaw and I's encounter with Little Storm, I had so many questions, like why did he know BlackPaw and EagleFeather? Or what was he doing coming over to our side of the river? Was he really just curious? I could tell InkPaw was on edge too, being even grumpier then he usually was, and colder to his brother, BlackPaw. I tried to shake it out of my head by getting up early, before sunrise. I trotted over to the warrior's den and padded RabbitLeap awake.

     "RabbitLeap?"

     "Um, yes HeatherPaw? What are you doing awake so early, the sun hasn't even risen yet!" she whispered.

     "I know, but I woke up early and wondered if i could have permission to go out on my own little hunting trip? I just had nothing to do and wanted to clear my head."

     "Well I suppose that's all right, just be back in camp after you've caught maybe a mouse or two alright?" RabbitLeap said drowsily.

     "Yes! thank you RabbitLeap!" I said, bouncing off out of camp.

      I thought maybe hunting in the dark a bit would clear my brain from whats been going on, and getting some practice in never hurts either.

     I find myself wondering along the river, I was awfully curious of what was on the other side. Little Storm or not it's unmarked territory, theres so much prey to be caught! Maybe SilverStar will see it as noble, or maybe I could even help build up our territory a bit more! These thoughts made me excited so i tread alongside the river until I reach the log that's fallen between the two sides.

     I don't suppose going across would cause any harm.

     The woods smell unfamiliar, which is expected, since the clan has never been over here, but one smell I do recognize is rabbit! I get down in a low position, and sniff the air some more, smelling which direction it was coming from. Pointing my ears in its direction and stalking, I could see it now, I don't think it noticed me. I pounced! I landed straight on it, sinking my claws into its body, killing it. That's probably my best catch yet! I know coming to this side was a good idea!

     "Nice catch kitten." I hear a voice say.

     I yelp a little, startled, but hold my catch under my feet, and look up.

     "Little Storm!"

     He laughs, "Wasn't it you and that other cat who told me stay out of your territory? And now you're coming in mine?"

     "I don't see how a rogue can own half a forest."

     "How do you know there's only one of me?" he smiles confidently.

     "I can smell that you're alone, rogue, mind your business."

     "Are you calling me a rogue like that's something that should hurt me?"

     I glared at him, "Well I certainly wouldn't want to be called a rogue!" 

     He smiled, "And why not?"

     "It's pure logic that there's more power in numbers." I snarl back.

     "True, wow you're pretty feisty considering I'm just trying to make conversation.. and stop clinging to that rabbit so hard! I'm not just gonna steal from you!"

     I didn't realize I was digging my claws into my already dead rabbit, "Um, sorry, I guess- I just.." I find myself not really knowing what to say, it was only natural to be hostile to outsiders, but I wasn't even in my own territory.

     "It's nearly sunrise, I should be heading back" I say

     "Hey! Don't go!" he says awkwardly.