Warriors: Starfaith's Fate (SOB short story) (COMPLETE)

Chapter 10

The WindClan camp was shadowy and tinted in a golden hue as the day approached its end. Starpaw was crouched outside of the medicine den, taking small bites out of a rabbit. Her eyes flicked upward toward the sky as she nibbled, watching the sun set in the distance.

Silverberry was sitting beside her grooming herself, her eyes closed as she lapped at her gray forepaw, occasionally swiping it over her face.

The cool air feels wonderful. Starpaw thought contently. Dusk is the perfect time to relax in the clearing. She raised her head from the rabbit and gazed around the camp.

Howlstorm and Dandeliontail were dozing outside the warriors den. Beyond them, Featherblaze was cleaning herself. Firetail and Soakedears were having a friendly debate on who the best hunter was.

"Come on out, Willowtail," Blazinglight was urging by the nursery, his yellow eyes bright. "It's really nice outside."

The queen peered out of the nursery hesitantly. "What about Thistlekit?" She asked worriedly. "I can't leave him alone."

Blazinglight stepped closer to the nursery. "I can stay here and watch him," He offered. "You go relax for a while and get some fresh air."

"Well..." Willowtail stared back at him thoughtfully. "Alright." She leaned forward and licked his ear. "Thank you, Blazinglight. I really appreciate you being here."

The golden yellow tom rested his chin on her head. "I just want you to be happy again," He purred softly. "Everything will be okay now."

"I know." Willowtail gave him a nuzzle before slowly stepping out into the clearing, and Blazinglight disappeared into the nursery.

"Are you going to finish that rabbit?" Silverberry's meow caught Starpaw's attention. "You'll need your strength for the journey to highstones tonight."

She hesitated as she sat up, shaking her head. "I'm quite full now," She meowed. "I wasn't very hungry to begin with."

Silverberry studied the rabbit, which was only half eaten. "Are you sure? You should-"

"Will you leave me alone?" 

A furious snarl sounded from the apprentices den, and at that moment, Tornadopaw burst out, his thin striped tail bushy with fury.

Scorchpaw followed him out, his amber eyes pleading. "I just want to know where you've been going!"

 Every cat's attention had snapped to the arguing apprentices. Howlstorm and Dandeliontail had awoken, looking startled at the sudden snarling. What's wrong with Tornadopaw now? Starpaw wondered. He's still sneaking off?

"Yeah, well, it's none of your business!" Tornadopaw spat furiously, his yellow eyes narrowed to slits as he spun to face him. "So stay out of it and leave me alone!"

Scorchpaw bristled, looking fed up with his behavior. "I'm your brother!" He hissed. "I'm sick of you acting like you have a thorn in your rump all the time! What's your problem, you dumb fleabag?"

"You shut up!" Tornadopaw screeched and lunged at his brother. Scorchpaw huffed out in shock as the tabby threw him to the ground and dug his claws into his shoulders, baring his teeth. Scorchpaw yowled and tried to kick him in the stomach, but Tornadopaw planted his back paws on his legs and pinned him, screeching as he raised his paw and unsheathed his claws.

He's going to slash Scorchpaw in the face! Starpaw leaped to her paws and looked around anxiously. She longed to help, but she had little knowledge about fighting, and she didn't fancy getting her ears clawed off by Tornadopaw. Someone do something!