Wild Shadows (Book Two; Series One)

Chapter 9

 Cries and outrage, anger and worry came from Branchstalk's clan-mates as Multistar described the situation. And, they were furious at Silvermoon. Branchstalk blinked, watching even Tumbleweed show his fury. "Some of us were hoping to start families!" Tumbleweed growled. "Why would you want to bring kits into the world this early?" Silvermoon argued. But yet, no one seemed to argue that Redsnow was the one to declare war. 

 Branchstalk padded over to his sister, laying next to her. "Look, we'll win.. we have a lot more cats." He murmured. "That's not the point.. Everyone blames me.. All I did was have a friendly chat." Silvermoon growled. "Silvermoon, this is Clan life. Nothing is friendly between Clans.. be lucky you aren't getting punished." Branchstalk told his sister sadly. His resolute sister sighed, flicking her tail. "Maybe, times will change. And we'll all me truly friendly with each other." Silvermoon mumbled. She stood up, padding to the pray pile, her head up. Branchstalk smiled softly. He believed his sister could change the future. "Brother," A tiny voice meowed.

 Branchstalk looked down at his younger brother, Bramblepaw. "Oh, hello." He replied. "I-I need to tell you something." The young apprentice murmured. "What is it?" He asked. "Let's go somewhere secret." Bramblepaw whispered, leading him into his own den. Branchstalk sat down, looking at his younger brother. Bramblepaw's eyes were low and sad. "So, you now how I apparently act idiosyncratic?" He asked. "Huh?" Branchstalk was confused. How did this six-moon old cat know more than him? He flattened his ears in embarrassment as Bramblepaw gave him a superior look. "Odd. I act odd." Bramblepaw corrected. "Well, you're not that weird!" Branchstalk tried to comfort him but his brother just looked blankly at him. "You're not helping." 

"I know." Branchstalk murmured awkwardly. "When I stare at someone, and focus really hard, I see their future. I see their families, life, and death. I know how everyone dies! I know how you die, how Silvermoon dies, and how Mother dies!" The young apprentice cried. Branchstalk was taken aback. This was the most emotion he'd seen from the apprentice. "So what's the point of.. getting a mate.. or having kits.. They'll all die!" Bramblepaw bleated. "Bramblepaw, everybody dies. Some quicker than others.. some more brutal than others but.. You will see everyone again in StarClan. You know that." Branchstalk murmured. "What if I'm cursed to live forever! I'll have to watch everyone die." The apprentice sniffled. "You won't be. No cat is immortal." Branchstalk soothed, resting his head on Bramblepaw's. "Alright.." He murmured. "Thanks Brother." Bramblepaw thanked. "Anytime." He replied to his brother. And than he left.