Warriors || Rose's Path

Chapter 10

Fluffy clouds speckled the sky overhead. Heavy raindrops pattered down gently. Rosepaw crouched in the heather, ears swiveling, following the sound of her prey.
       She and Ambernight flanked the rabbit on either side. Sandheart was positioned behind it, he would be the one to drive it out and give the signal. Crookedwing was a few fox-lengths ahead, waiting just in case the rabbit escaped the other three. Crystalflame was with Crookedwing.
       Rosepaw spotted the black-pelted deputy through the tall heather. He glanced to where Ambernight waited, then Rosepaw. He gave a quick flick of his tail and burst out of the heather.
       At Sandheart's signal, Rosepaw burst out of the heather. She spotted Sandheart chasing it, with Ambernight on one side. Rosepaw darted to the other side, so the rabbit couldn't turn out of the way.
        In their chase, Rosepaw glanced sideways; Sandheart inched closer and closer. Rosepaw knew they were coming up on where Crookedwing and Crystalflame waited. Rosepaw began to slow down, thinking Sandheart would make his move.
         But he didn't. The tall green grass where Crookedwing and Crystalflame awaited rustled slightly. Rosepaw watched in dismay as the rabbit veered sideways to where she was supposed to be positioned. Rosepaw was about to race after it, when Crookedwing pounced out of the grass to give chase. In a couple heartbeats, she came back dragging their prey.
         Rosepaw's fur tingled. She hoped silently that the warriors hadn't notice her mistake, but they had. Crookedwing flung the rabbit at Rosepaw's paws. Rosepaw flinched away.
         "Mouse-brain!" Crookedwing scolded. "Our prey almost got away because of you."
       Sandheart sat down, yellow eyes thoughtful. "It was a simple mistake."
       Crookedwing turned toward the deputy. "A mistake that could have cost the Clan food," the ginger she-cat grumbled.
       A soft tail was laid over Rosepaw's shoulders. Rosepaw was aware of Ambernight's overprotectiveness, but she thought that it was cute, almost amusing. Her friend always cheered her up, even when she had messed up.
       "Rosepaw did her best," Ambernight stated, voice caring. "That's all that matters."
       Crookedwing snorted, then picked up the rabbit and hauled it towards camp. Sandheart followed with a whisk of his tail. Ambernight moved away awkwardly. Rosepaw moved to follow, but a russet tail stopped her. Crystalflame had been so quiet, Rosepaw hardly had noticed the senior warrior.
       A menacing green gaze met Rosepaw's. Crystalflame circled Rosepaw, taking a seat across from her. She looked her over, then groomed a paw lazily.
       "You know," she began. "No wonder Fawnstar hasn't made you a warrior yet."
       Rosepaw broke the russet tabby she-cat's gaze. If I had become a warrior with Brackencatch and Ambernight, maybe Brackencatch would still be my friend.
       Rosepaw remembered her time with Brackencatch when he was an apprentice. But then she remembered how serious he had always been. The only thing we really had in common was to keep the warrior code unbroken. Rosepaw reflected on her times with Ambernight. He was caring and protective, and though awkward and clumsy at times, he was nice to be around. Rosepaw's heart swelled.
       She met Crystalflame's gaze again. "I wouldn't change anything for the world."
       Rosepaw turned to pad away, but was stopped by Crystalflame's icy calm voice. "Maybe that's so. But did you know there's a prophecy about you?"
     Rosepaw turned around, confusion and wonder sparking through her. Crystalflame continued. "My sister, Firepool told me about it. I would let you know, but there will be a small price."
       Foreboding and worry pulsed through Rosepaw, but also curiosity. Why wouldn't Firepool tell me if there was a prophecy about me?
       Rosepaw nodded at Crystalflame, willing her to go on.
        "Meet me, at moonhigh in one moon, under the cover of the trees near the ThunderClan border, and I will give you your answers."
       Rosepaw turned away, raindrops splattering her fur. She couldn't help but shiver.