Lighttail's Courage (A Warrior Cats fan fiction)

Chapter ten

"Ready?" Barkfur mewed. Lighttail stretched before replying "As ready as I'll ever be." After a couple of hours and discussed training tactics later Silver, Barkfur, and Lighttail were ready to join the group in the "big meal." Lighttail had awoken from her sleep when Barkfur and Silver had arrived, both of them with ruffled fur but bright eyes.

 By the way they were looking at the camp in astonishment Lighttail guessed they too were slightly overwhelmed but intrigued at the ways of the group. The three of them had talked about the group for a while, and after a good wash and nap Lighttail was ready to take part in what the group called the "big meal," whatever that meant. She followed Barkfur to where the group was forming a circle around the days catch, tails held high. She slipped in place next to Barkfur, who was awkwardly avoiding the stares that the other cats were giving him and Lighttail.

 At the same time Lighttail noticed that Silver wasn't beside her, but then spotted her across from her,  next to Arrow, which was softly whispering in her ear. Lighttail held in an amused purr as Silver shot Lighttail a desperate glance. "Having fun?" Lighttail mouthed to her slyly. "He's all over me! Please come and save me." Silver mouthed with exasperation. Lighttail was about to answer when Flo stepped into the center of the circle. "Cats of the Striking stone!" she called out strongly. "We have done good today. We have caught good prey, that will feed all of us. 

Now everyone say one cat they are grateful for." Lighttail watched as all the cats, including Flo, bowed their heads. Lighttail did as they did, and watched as one by one the cats named someone before saying thank-you. When it was Scale's turn she listened carefully as he whispered his sisters name before mewing his thanks. The cats continued their thanks before Barkfur's turn came.He bowed his head even deeper and mewed "I give my thanks to my father, Olivefur. Though he was never part of you're group, he was an amazing hunter and would be proud at the faith and courage you have in you're group." He mewed respectfully.

 Mutters of approval passed through the circle, and Lighttail herself was surprised at how respectful and leader like Barkfur sounded. He might make a good leader someday... Soon the circle turned to Lighttail, who already knew who she was going to say. "I give my thanks to my sisters, Mistcloud and Thorntooth. They are not deceased, and they are amazing hunters, and would love to see you all here today." She mewed. A fresh wave of grief washed over her for the times they used to have together, when nothing mattered except who would be the Windclan warrior during their games. Dear sisters I miss you so very much. Please be safe. She prayed. 

The circle then continued until every cat was finished, and Flo took a step forward. "Thank you everyone for the work you do to catch this prey. Let us eat!" her voice rang proudly across theclearing and the cats erupted in cheers before grabbing their pick of the pile and sitting down and talking to their mates and friends. Lighttail felt Barkfur's pelt brush hers. "You want to share?" he asked, his amber eyes sparkling in the falling day. Lighttail nodded, and watched him pick a magpie from the pile. He came back and the two began to share the magpie, silence falling between them.

 Lighttail began to feel awkward just sitting there and not saying anything, and was about to speak up when he began to talk. "Do you remember when we first met?" he mewed. Lighttail swallowed a piece of magpie before answering. "Of course I do. That was the time I saved you from Darkclan." She replied. Barkfur's eyes suddenly twinkled with memory. "I remember the day it all happened. All these Windclan cats appeared right after I came back from hunting. I thought they had invaded! But after Tiger explained everything I thought it was okay until the Gathering." He looked at her. "Then you saved my life. I'll never forget that a Thunderclan cat saved me!" He meowed. Lighttail let out a laugh. "Well you're lucky I was at that Gathering. Bramblestar's decision to have me come was last minute.