Wild Shadows (Book Two; Series One)

Chapter 17

   Tiny pitters and patters of the rain was heard through the twisted reality of a dream. Branchstalk walked through his home, feeling as though it was his home, but there an ominous pit in his stomach. He poked his head into the leader's den. Redstar.. He turned his head, meeting eyes with Silvermoon. Her body and face massacred by the teeth of the unforgiving. She just shook her head. Blackfeather came by, rubbing his body against Silvermoon's.  Before Branchstalk could even question what was happening, the vision turned with a horrid sound. Screams of agony and pain. You could've saved us! You could've saved him! Branchstalk turned to his side, seeing Badgersight. They locked gazes, before she looked down. He looked down too, seeing his blood pouring out of his neck. This vision was meant for Badgersight!

Jolting, Branchstalk woke up. He looked at his sister. She was sleeping peacefully. He touched his nose to her forehead, crying to himself. "What's wrong Branchy?" Alan asked, looking up at him. "Go back to sleep Al, I just had.. a nightmare." Branchstalk murmured. The kit frowned, leaping at his tail. "I'm too bored to sleep! Play with me!" Alan purred, spinning around. Branchstalk rested his tail on his flank. "Maybe you should move to the nursery.. and play with Rosefoot's kits." He murmured. "But I'll miss you!" The black tom frowned sadly. "I'll still be here." Branchstalk whispered, touching his nose to Alan's.  Alan frowned, pressing his face to Branchstalk's chest fur. "Okay.. you can stay.. but only for a few more days.."

Branchstalk set out the herbs for the patients, and watched as Alan tried to be emotional support to Redsnow. Alan talked about the Alley, while Redsnow just grunted. Branchstalk smiled, turning around to see Mosscloud, standing outside the den. Her belly looked bigger. She smelt of faintly of milk. "You're expecting." Branchstalk meowed, twitching his whiskers. Mosscloud nodded. "Will Redsnow live?" She asked sadly. Branchstalk looked at Redsnow. Badgersight was removing the cobweb to replace it. It hadn't scabbed in the slightest.. it was still oozing red and yellow-ish puss. For the Clan's sake.. Branchstalk hoped not. But this was a soon-to-be mother. He saw how hard it was for Hollyeyes, Goosewing, and Pineheart. "Most likely." Branchstalk answered. The queen's ears perked and smiled. "Thank you Branchstalk!" She purred. "I've been so sad after loosing Pebblestripe.. than her daughter.. then Goosewing, and almost Redsnow.. But you're giving me hope, finally! Thank you!" Mosscloud yapped, bouncing off. Branchstalk smiled slightly. But what if he failed?

Branchstalk was lying in the clearing, on a small break. The medicine cat den was full of patients, and Rosefoot and her kits were in there. The sun was warming him, and he was slightly enjoying the break. But his anxiety lingered. Badgersight was.. helping the enemy. For the whole time he was out there, Blackfeather was leaving and entering over and over. It was suspicious, but his mind was already taken by the endless waves of nerves. He felt trapped, like he was being torn and pulled. Branchstalk huffed, and he looked up. "Are you dead?" His brother asked. "I wish." Branchstalk sighed. "You can't die yet! You haven't seen me become a warrior!" Tigerpaw purred, pouncing on a leaf. "If Redsnow Okay?" The tom asked. "Yes, for now." Branchstalk replied, turning on his side. Hoppaw and Rownpaw burst through the camp entrance, Bearpaw and Mosspaw at their heels. "Blackfeather brought Pebbleheart back!" They announced happily. The cats in camp gasped, turning their heads. Blackfeather walked through camp confidently, a nervous Pebbleheart at his heels. Cats immediately swarmed her, asking if she was okay. Branchstalk got to his paws, pushing through the crowd. "Pebbleheart," He whispered. "Branchpaw.." She murmured. "It's Branchstalk now.." He smiled.

After the crowd cleared, Branchstalk sat with Pebbleheart. "How did he get you back?" He asked. "I was stuck in Twoleg place. He scared off the Twolegs and brought me back. I was hesitant, but he told me how he lost his memory.." Pebbleheart meowed. "Were you really at a Twoleg's place?" Branchstalk asked. Pebbleheart sighed. "Yes." She looked bigger, and her eyes were sad and tired. Branchstalk sighed. "There's a lot you've missed.." He murmured. "How much?" Pebbleheart asked.

"AlderClan! I'm expecting kits!" Mosscloud announced. "That much."