The two cats made their way quietly toward the river. They both sat down at the bank of the river. Sparrowheart draped his tail down and let the tip dangle in the water, "So how are you Spottedbreeze? I mean, I just haven't talked to you in a while.."
Spottedbreeze laid down by the water, "Oh you know...just hunting, doing patrols. Nothing really exciting nowadays. Featherstar was talking to me about becoming the next deputy. Arrowflight has green cough you know? It's getting worse. Silverfur says she will probably die before next moon. I'm not sure I want to be deputy though..."
Sparrowhearts eyes widened, "Featherstar said he wants you to be deputy? That's great news! Well, not for Arrowflight, but at least we'll know she'll be in a safer place. Why wouldn't you want to be deputy?"
Her voice hardened, "Because then I won't be able to have kits! Or a family of my own." There was an intense sadness in her voice, "I have a duty to my clan....but I have a duty to myself too."
Sparrowheart nodded quietly. They both sat there for a while, just thinking to themselves..
Breaking the silence, Spottedbreeze said, "I bet I can catch more prey than you before dawn!" Sparrowheart smiled, "Challenge accepted. See you at dawn right here!"
They both ran off in opposite directions. Sparrowheart immediately dropped into a crouch when he was out of range from Spottedbreeze. He opened his mouth to check for any scent. He grinned when he smelled mouse.
Inching forward with care, he spotted the mouse sitting among the leaves eating a nut. Sparrowheart crept up behind his prey, bunching his muscles to spring.
The mouse turned right at the last minute but it wasn't quick enough to save his life. He didn't even have time to squeal before Sparrowheart had him hooked between his claws. He flung him onto the ground, then bit down with a killing bite.
Feeling proud, he buried his kill near a tree then turned to find more prey.
He was just padding softly around the forest when he heard a loud yell.
"Sparrowheart!!!!"
Sparrowheart instantly recognized Spottedbreeze's voice. He ran, faster than he had ever run before. He seemed to cover the ground on winged paws. "Hold on Spottedbreeze I'm coming!"
As he ran, something hit him from the side. It was Graystorm! "Graystorm! Spottedbreeze is in trouble! Come on!" He nodded, "I know I heard her!"
They got to their paws and ran toward her voice.
