The Outcasts

06

          “Tallpaw!” Some cat called from across camp. Tallpaw glanced up and recognized Mosspaw. “Oh, hey Mosspaw!” Tallpaw ran up and nuzzled his friend, sitting beside the tom who was eating a hare. “Geez, I'm stuffed.” Mosspaw let out a large yawn, “Want the rest?” He asked Tallpaw. “Sure,” Tallpaw replied, and Mosspaw pawed the hare towards him. Tallpaw began eating, just watching the camp with Mosspaw grooming himself beside him. When Tallpaw finished, he and Mosspaw shared tongues for a bit.

          Tallpaw pulled away from his friend and looked around again. Swiftclaw should be back from his border patrol by now, Tallpaw thought, a bit worried, which was a bit odd for him. Tallpaw rarely ever got anxious, that was Mousepaw’s thing. Tallpaw just did things that came to mind without thinking. That’s why Soulheart was disappointed with him, but she couldn't be mad for too long because that's just how her firstborn was.

          Tallpaw waited. Then waited some more. But Swiftclaw didn't return. Tallpaw ran up to Firesting, his mentor. When Tallpaw snapped at Smokepaw, he had been confined to camp during the gathering, and Firesting had been punished as well, though Tallpaw thought it was unfair. “Firesting, can I go see if Swiftclaw’s patrol is anywhere near camp? They left a while ago and aren't back yet…” He asked, making sure to sound as worried as he was. “Hm… Okay, I suppose. But take Mosspaw.” Firesting agreed.

          Once out of the camp, Tallpaw tasted the air. “I can't smell
anything,” He muttered impatiently. “Can you?” He turned to Mosspaw who held his nose high in the air. “No…” Mosspaw answered after a moment. Tallpaw let out a small groan of irritation. “Let's go find them then.” He bounded off swiftly, Mosspaw at his side. Mosspaw skid to a halt. Tallpaw slowed and looked back at Mosspaw. “What?” He asked. “Tallpaw… can you smell that?” Mosspaw padded up to him. Tallpaw sniffed, something he had never smelled before hit his nose. “Ugh, yeah. What is that?” He growled at the horrible smell.

          “...Blood.” Mosspaw whispered. “I smelled it when I was a kit. When Lionfern passed away.” He whispered out his father’s name. Tallpaw widened his eyes. “There's no way… You… You don't think Swiftclaw’s…” He stumbled back in utter shock. “He can't be dead yet, he's a great fighter.” Mosspaw mumbled. “Pull yourself together. We’ll find him.” Mosspaw nudged Tallpaw and padded forward, Tallpaw stumbling after him.

          After a bit of walking, the two ended up on a shore of some sort. It was really loud through the bushes, but Mosspaw told him they had to find Swiftclaw before they figured out what was going on. Tallpaw and Mosspaw jumped at the loud yowl coming from by the shore. They snuck into a bush and got closer silently.

          “That was good, for your first kill,” A rough voice came, Tallpaw instantly recognized his father. Please tell me they're talking about prey, He begged silently. “Thank you, love,” A she-cat’s voice came, but Tallpaw didn't think it was Soulheart’s. ‘Love’? Is Swiftclaw… cheating..? Tallpaw exchanged a worried and confused glance with Mosspaw. Tallpaw stuck his head out quietly.

          It was Swiftclaw and a small black she-cat.

          And they were standing over a dead body.