Quickpaw raced through the forest, running from the flash of gray fur behind her. Her breath came in short gasps. Her claws were scrabbling through dirt and dried leaves sending clumps through the air. Her black fur shone under the evening sun and green eyes flashed.
She dared to turn her head around to glance at the tom chasing her. Big mistake. He was right behind her, hot breath flowing over the black fur on her tail.
Quickpaw sped up and turned to look forward. A large oak tree stood in front of her, too close for her to stop without whiplash. And so she crashed straight into the wood. Quickpaw's chest heaved with the effort of drawing a breath. Black spots danced across her vision.
Rainpaw leaned straight over her. "Quickpaw!" He cried, meow heavily filled with worry.
Despite the bruised feeling in her chest, she managed a breathy laugh. "R-Rainpaw," she gasped hoarsely. "That w-was A-a-amazing!"
Confusion sparked across Rainpaws light silver eyes.
"What?"
She giggled. "Let's get back t-to camp."
Rainpaw narrowed his eyes. "Are you sure you should-"
He sighed as he noticed Quickpaw was already slowly making her way to camp.
Quickpaw was leaning on Rainpaws shoulder as they slowly made her way back to camp. Her breath was better, but still slow and deliberate with each pull of air. Orange and red leaves crunched underneath their paws. Quickpaw's tail dragged against the leaf fall leaves. Wind caused her fur to buffer against her lithe body. Her ears flattened against her skull.
Rainpaw shivered against her. His silver eyes half lidded against the cold air.
None too soon, they spotted the entrance to HillClan's camp. They both ducked under the thorn tunnel, hissing as their fur snagged. They each straightened up as soon as they exited.
Rainpaw curled his tail across her back as he noticed the unusual overcrowding of HillClan's camp. With their clan being the smallest in the forest, space was a automatic given. The new cats were well muscled and better fed then HillClan.
StoneClan.
Nightstar, the dark gray leader of StoneClan, was talking to Redstar. Everycat could easily see the striking difference of the gray leader an the ginger skinny and starving leader. Not only were their looks different, but their eyes glinted with different feelings. Nightstar's with malicious happiness and excitement. Redstar's with horror and fear.
"What's going o-on?" Quietpaw turned to Bramblefoot. The tabby female winced.
"Nightstar is calling for The Fights again."