Warriors: The Compromise, #1 [DISCONTINUED]

CHAPTER 13

    He woke up, gasping  for air, his pupils narrowed to darts. Stormstar found himself in his own den, though; quiet and cold. Looking up, he noticed a familiar she-cat, who had a mouthful of feathers and fresh moss. When his vision cleared up and his eyes were rested on her face, she appeared to be horrified.

   "S-Stormstar! Great StarClan, are you okay?" Mistyslip dropped the nesting material from her mouth.

   "Yes, yes," He sighed, heaving himself up. His shoulders and hindlegs ached, and despite how young he was, he feared he was already getting joint problems. It's probably just my old bedding and the stone floor,  He thought to himself as Mistyslip dragged away his old nest. "I just had this strange dream ... I was frozen, and— well, I'd best tell the medicine cat the full story. Thank you for the new nest," He licked her ear as a proper greeting.

   She smiled a bit. "One of your prophecies, maybe? You're so lucky to be the leader of ThunderClan! It feels like yesterday since the last time we played mossball as little kits... so much has changed over the past few moons," Her voice was like honey, sweet and soft, not to mention the pretty fragrance of her pelt. He had always been fond of her, but now that he thought about it, they'd been friends for quite the time. "Well, I just came here to drop the new bedding off. Ever since the snowstorm we've had a bit of damage in the apprentices' den, so I'm hoping that we can fully repair it before New-Leaf."

   "Right.. gather some not-busy warriors and your apprentice to help get some nettles and brambles for the recovery of the den. I don't think it will take too long... anyways, enjoy your day, Mistyslip. I would've loved to talk longer, but unfortunately, my Clan needs my advisory and help," He gave a weak smile, trying not to break the fragile flower. She sighed, nodding, "Right, right, leader's duties. 'Catch you around, Stormstar."

    When she left his den to begin patching up the apprentices' den, he at last got up, huffing a dainty cloud of vapor. Once on the High Rock, he looked down at his clanmates as they seemed terribly busy. "I must go to the Seeing Flower tonight, before things get worse ..." He thought out loud in distress. However, despite his anxiety and tension, he found himself looking at Ebonyheart, who had a calm expression resting on his face. "Can I help you, Stormstar?" The black tom grinned, then adding, "it's quite chilly out, hm?"

   Relaxing a bit, the dark grey leader nodded briefly, hopping down from the ledge. "It's nice to see you, Ebonyheart. I have a small favor to ask you... because I need to see the Seeing Flower, I'd like you t—"

   "Watch the camp. Got it," He finished Stormstar's sentence. "I've got you covered. When do you leave?"

   He was surprised at first when Ebonyheart interrupted him, but let his fur stay smooth. Had he been out so much that the deputy remembered his repetitive favors? "I'll be leaving at Moon-Rise. Thank you for staying loyal to ThunderClan, Ebonyheart, and good luck on the next hunting patrol... let me know if you see more prey, yes?" Stormstar let out a mrrow  of happiness, glad to have such a friend. The black cat's yellow eyes glittered, a soft, warm purr erupting from his chest. "Of course! Leaf-Bare has been harsh for these past three moons, and I'm thankful to have New-Leaf come sooner! Goodbye, Stormstar," Ebonyheart grinned, then padding off to a group of chatty cats to make yet another patrol.

   Night was approaching, and he demanded answers.