Chapter 5: Shadecloud

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SHADECLOUD

            The four SkyClan cats padded closely behind the ThunderClan border patrol as they entered the camp. Graystripe was basking in the sun and he lifted his head as they walked towards Bramblestar’s den. “I smell strange cats,” he said groggily.

            Jayfeather marched out of his den with Woodpelt close behind him. Shadecloud felt a fresh wave of guilt. “Who are those cats?” the blind medicine cat hissed, sheathing and unsheathing his claws.

            Cloudtail was sharing tongues with Dustpelt near the entrance to the warriors den. He lifted his head and stared at the newcomers in amazement. “Do I smell SkyClan?” he asked.

            “Yes,” the white tom said in a gruff voice. “We are from SkyClan.”

            A wound on his cheek was still dripping blood. Woodpelt trotted over to him. “You’re wounded,” Shadecloud’s brother meowed. “I’ll go get some marigold.”

            He emerged soon with his jaws full of herbs. Shadecloud looked away as he treated their wounds, dressing them with cobwebs and chewing marigold leaves. She felt a sharp pang of regret. I am a warrior now, she told herself firmly. I am glad that I’m not a medicine cat anymore.
            But was that really true? Was she glad she wasn’t a medicine cat anymore? Would she ever truly be a warrior?

            Groundsquirrel nudged her in the side. “Shadecloud, are you awake?” he asked.

            Shadecloud nodded. “Sorry, I got lost in thought,” she said.

            Groundsquirrel walked away. “Where is Bramblestar?” he asked.

            “Hunting with Berrynose and Ivypool,” Dustpelt replied.

            The SkyClan warriors looked exhausted. “You can go rest in the warriors den until Bramblestar returns,” Lionblaze told them.

            Shadecloud watched as they stumbled exhaustedly into the warriors den.

            The sun was sinking into the horizon when Bramblestar’s hunting patrol finally returned. Groundsquirrel trotted into the warriors den to wake the SkyClan cats. Bramblestar stared at them as they emerged from the den. “Who are you?” he asked.

            “We are from SkyClan,” the white tom said. “I am Snowpelt.”

            “This is Moonflame,” Snowpelt nodded to the black she-cat.

            “That’s Dawnleaf,” Snowpelt turned his head towards the ginger she-cat.

            “And I am Hawktail,” the young brown tabby she-cat meowed.

            “Come into my den,” Bramblestar said after a long moment of hesitation. “We have a lot to discuss.”

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