Warriors: Bound To Stars

Chapter 33 || Rushing Rapids

The storm rustled the branches of the trees towering above Batchaser's head. The black tom moved forward through the territory, fur prickling with anticipation and ears perked for any potential dangers. His paws softly brushed over the amber leaves below, crunching and cracking under his dried pads. The tom huffed, tail flicking, face scrunching up into a grimace as the sweet scent of the oak trees drifted into his senses, about as strong as ThunderClanners and their egos.

⠀⠀Well, at least I was able to convince Cypressfall to let Rushingpaw come with me, Batchaser mused, eyes flickering over to the small silver tabby. Not that it was any easier getting away from Jackalstar and those others, at least they'll be preoccupied with WindClan and ThunderClan. Though...I am expected to investigate the ShadowClan problem after dropping off this little idiot to RiverClan, then we'll be closer to saving the Clans and closer to getting home.

⠀⠀A pang of guilt made Batchaser shiver, ears twitching. He knew he'd promised Cypressfall not to insult Rushingpaw, but if it was in his head it didn't count, right? Well, it doesn't count to me, the black tom snorted, watching the leaves fall from above.

⠀⠀The day was crisp, orange and pink streaks coating the sky in speckles and splotches, like a blue dappled cat's pelt. The sun was soft and almost cool, the breeze that flew between the branches helped to blow away any potential heat. After sleeping close to the Moonpool the previous night, he and Rushingpaw had trekked out to RiverClan as quickly as possible.

⠀⠀Though I wonder if we should've gone across WindClan territory instead... Batchaser turned his head across his shoulder, slitted eyes gazing toward the rolling slopes, stalks of grass blowing in the wind from afar. Daisies sprinkled over the moors and trees were placed in a few clear spots every now and then, but it was otherwise impossible to hide anywhere. And if we ran into a patrol.. who knows what they'd do, rip us to shred for being rogues. I somehow doubt that any sane cat would believe we're actually from StarClan.

⠀⠀Except Sunpaw, but that was besides the point, Batchaser had actually showed his power there... Did I, though? I mean she let me escape..that must account for something, anything works as long as I'm away from Doestar...

⠀⠀The tom stood still for a moment, looking back over the hills and watching the bubbling storm in the distance, rumbling and groaning as the danger neared. Batchaser knew he and Rushingpaw would need to make it to the river before it started raining or else it would be impossible to cross for who knows how long. He could swim in a lake- not rapids. And seeing as Rushingpaw died by falling into the water... Batchaser glanced back at the silver tom pouncing on a pile of leaves. Well, I'm not exactly determined in either of our skills.

⠀⠀"Okay, time to move on," Batchaser muttered, flicking Rushingpaw's ears with his tail and sliding forward over the leaf-strewn ground. He noticed that the branches were losing their colors- it seemed to be leaf-fall, and Batchaser didn't actually mind this season, but knew leaf-bare was nothing looked forward to by the Clan cats. And if the war is still going on...

⠀⠀Pushing those thoughts out of his head, the black tom waited for Rushingpaw to follow before moving under the trees, fur brushing over the undergrowth. He'd decided that it was most safe to travel inside the territory instead of right by the lake- they had a better chance of being missed here, plus their scents were mostly covered and their pelts could better blend in. He wouldn't have been as cautious if it was just himself, but seeing as Rushingpaw was here, Batchaser knew they had a larger probability of getting captured by ThunderClan. Only because he's loud, the warrior added dryly.

⠀⠀Continuing over their course lead to little sound, not even the birds seemed to sing here. Batchaser could clearly remember the pines bringing all kinds of prey, and for a second, a pang shattered his chest like dry ice. He frowned, but only momentarily before catching up to Rushingpaw, who had strayed a little farther ahead. He didn't need to remember his old territory right now. StarClan was his home anyway.