The Forgotten Tribe {Warriors Fanfiction}

Chapter 5

Moonpaw stared at his mentor. Narrowblaze? Out of every cat in ThunderClan, why him? 

"What? Why?" The tom spat angrily. 

Littlenose sighed, like she expected this reaction. "He's very responsible, and he seemed to have jumped right on top of the no leader situation. You saw how he organized patrols immediately. How he takes on the normal duties of a deputy..." She trailed off. "Well, of a leader, in this case."

Moonpaw stared at her for a little while before shaking his head. This was crazy. "You don't see how he disrespects StarClan? How he mocked your knowledge?"

Littlenose sighed. "He doesn't disrespect our ancestors. He just...doesn't understand their power. He will in time, and I know they know he's our best option. Just...promise me you won't give him a hard time. I haven't completely decided on it, yet."

Moonpaw looked at his paws. "Sure, okay." He shook his head and continued to walk toward the camp. His fur bristled as Littlenose darted forward. Her sleek body wove through the trees and undergrowth, a faint mew of laughter was audible from where he stood. With a purr of amusement, Moonpaw raced after her, his fluffy pelt picking up many thorns and leaves along the way. The two of them squeezed through the bramble of the camp entrance, where they were greeted by Narrowblaze.

"Littlenose? I must speak with you immediately." Narrowblaze's eyes were wild with fear and desperation, which troubled the apprentice greatly.

Littlenose nodded, her smile fading. To Moonpaw's dismay, she returned to her serious, old self. A stern expression with a slight frown. The apprentice looked at Narrowblaze warily, his heart beginning to race. The warrior's eyes were clouded with anxiety, and the fur on his pelt was bristled.

"While you speak with him, I can go out and restock on Catmint before leafbare falls upon us at last? It's sure to come around soon, and we must be prepared." Moonpaw offered, seeing his mentor's troubled gaze.

"Yes, Moonpaw. I'd appreciate that very much." Littlenose replied, walking toward the old leader's den with Narrowblaze.

What if Narrowblaze had a vision, Moonpaw thought. What if Narrowblaze is the right choice for being leader?

He shook the thought of it away as he trotted out of camp eagerly, his muscles aching from the long journey. The sun was low in the sky, showing that it was early morning. Surely, the dawn patrol was returning soon-

"Moonpaw?" Nightpaw's voice sounded behind him.

"Nightpaw!" Moonpaw cried out. He hadn't gotten to spend time with his littermate lately, because of all the duties and responsibilities put on the both of them lately.

"What are you doing out here?" Nightpaw looked around at the forest, his big eyes gleaming with excitement. "I was hunting with Narrowblaze, but he decided to run back to camp suddenly, and I just continued on without him."

"Narrowblaze...?" Moonpaw shook his head at the fresh memory of the fear-stricken warrior, his claws unsheathed and his eyes wild with anxiety. "I was going to the old twolegplace. There's bound to be fresh stocks of catmint, isn't there? And we must start gathering before leafbare strikes with its sickness."

"Right. May I join you? I really have nothing to do without Narrowblaze." Nightpaw begged, his tail swishing back and forth. Even he was stiff with anxiety, Moonpaw noticed.

"Absolutely. I need as much help as I can get." Moonpaw nodded. He thought about how the nursery had no kits, but Tawnyblossom was expecting, and the kits would be arriving soon. That could mean great danger for them if Tawnyblossom caught the sickness.