Warriors: Deerleap's Loss (Complete)

Chapter 20

 Deerleap padded back to camp with Iceskin and Turtlepond. The three friends just finished patrolling the territory.

 ''At least ThunderClan and WindClan haven't been bothering us at all.'' Turtlepond meowed.

 Iceskin nodded. ''At least they know how to mind their own business. Anyway, I'll be right back, I'll go and report to Echoflower.'' He meowed and padded over to the deputy.

 Deerleap and Turtlepond padded over to Ferretbounce and Irissmoke and sat down. ''We're back!'' Deerleap announced.

 ''Welcome back.'' Irissmoke purred. 

 ''Yes, welcome back! Anything unusual?'' Ferretbounce meowed.

 ''No, nothing unusual.'' Deerleap meowed. ''Probably because the Gathering is happening tomorrow night.''

 ''Probably.'' Turtlepond meowed..

 ''Also, where's Iceskin?'' Irissmoke asked. 

 ''Reporting the news to Echoflower.'' Deerleap answered. ''Why?''

 ''I... I want to talk to all of you.'' Irissmoke meowed. 

 Deerleap froze. Bad thoughts flooded him. Is Irissmoke okay? Did anything bad happen to her? She.. she doesn't have greencough or anything, does she?

 Deerleap pushed the thoughts away. No, I'm sure there's nothing wrong with her.

 ''Why? Did something bad happen?'' Turtlepond asked. 

 Irissmoke shook her head. ''No, nothing bad happened. But something good happened.'' She purred.

 Deerleap tilted his head, and noticed that Turtlepond and Ferretbounce were just as confused as he was.

 Iceskin padded over to them, then blinked when he saw all of their expressions. ''What's going on?'' He asked.

 ''I want to talk to you all.'' Irissmoke said again, getting up. ''Follow me.'' She meowed, and padded out of camp.

 Deerleap followed her, along with the others. Irissmoke led them through the territory, until they were deep in the territory. Then, she sat down, and Deerleap and the others sat in front of her. ''What is it?''

 Irissmoke took a deep breath. After a while, she finally found the courage to speak.

 ''I wanted to tell you all, that..''

 ''...I'm expecting kits.'' She purred and looked at Deerleap. ''Your kits.''

 Deerleap froze and looked at the she-cat.

 Then, he broke into a purr and rushed forward, nuzzling Irissmoke. ''We're going to be parents! I'm going to be a father!'' He purred.

 ''Congratulations!'' Turtlepond curled his long tail in happiness.

 ''Yes, congratulations!'' Ferretbounce purred.

 ''Thank you!'' Irissmoke smiled, and Deerleap sat next to her. Then, he anxiously looked at Iceskin, waiting for his reaction.

 Irissmoke's brother sat silent for a moment, and then he purred. ''Congratulations! I'm going to be an uncle!''

 ''You're going directly to the nursery.'' Deerleap looked at his mate, serious. 

 Irissmoke looked at him. ''Are you worried for me?''

 ''Of course I am! That's why I want you to be safe.'' Deerleap meowed. 

 Irissmoke purred. ''All right.''

 ''Let's go back, then.'' Turtlepond meowed, and then the cats went back to camp.