Chapter 1
It all started at a Gathering.
Hawkfrost had only been to one before, as an apprentice, where Leopardstar had proudly introduced him to Blackstar and Russetfur, the leader and deputy of ShadowClan.
Now, though the famous Firestar stood before him, congratulating him on his warrior name, Hawkfrost found himself struggling to pay attention to the ThunderClan leader's words. He was relieved when another cat approached the flame-pelted tom, dipping his head in a respectful farewell before ducking away.
And then it happened. Mothwing was calling for him, waving her long, plumy tail to get his attention. But his ice blue eyes weren't drawn to his sister. They were drawn to the slender she-cat next to her. She had a very light brown pelt, decorated by darker tabby stripes and snow white chest fur. Her paws, he realized, were also white, and her eyes were the richest amber he had ever seen. When she noticed his scrutiny, the lithe she-cat averted her gaze, dipping her head to lick self-consciously at her already-groomed fur.
Before he knew it, Hawkfrost was standing before them, looking curiously down at the delicate she-cat beside his sister. "Who's this?" He asked, not even glancing at his sister.
"Oh," Mothwing seemed surprised, but rested her tail on the tabby's shoulder. "This is Leafpaw," she mewed. "She's training to become a medicine cat, just like I want to."
As she was introduced, Leafpaw glanced up at him again, murmuring a quiet greeting.
"I'm Hawkfrost," the RiverClan warrior rumbled, dipping his head in a gracious greeting of his own. "I'm sure that if my sister becomes a medicine cat the two of you will get along well."
As he spoke more, the apprentice seemed to relax, giving Mothwing a look full of hope and encouragement. "I don't doubt it at all," she purred. "And I'm certain that StarClan will send a sign to Mudfur soon. My father wasn't Clan born, and StarClan chose him. I don't see why they would disapprove of Mothwing wanting to help her Clan."
"ThunderClan, we're leaving!"
The pretty tabby started, shooting Mothwing an apologetic look. "I'm sorry," she mewed quickly. "I've got to go now."
Mothwing meowed a warm farewell, beckoning to Hawkfrost with her tail. "We should be going, too, it looks like Leopardstar is gathering everyone."
"I'll be there in a minute," he muttered, flicking his ears dismissively and bounding after Leafpaw.
"Leafpaw," he called, his voice bringing her to a halt before she could join her Clan.
She turned, her amber eyes widening in surprise. "Hawkfrost," she acknowledged him quietly, before tilting her head. "Did you need something?"
The dark tabby shook his head. "No," he murmured. I just wanted to see your eyes one more time, before we become enemies again... "I just wanted to say that.. I hope that I see you again."
Her ears pricked, and a million emotions flickered through her eyes. She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, a sharp yowl came from one of her Clan-mates. "I'm sorry," she stammered. "I've got to go."
Hawlfrost dipped his head. "No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kept you." She took a step back, but Hawkfrost held her gaze. "Goodbye for now, Leafpaw."
"Goodbye," she mewed, her voice barely above a whisper. One last, impatient yowl sent her hurrying on her way, leaving Hawlfrost to stare after her until the tip of her tail disappeared into the undergrowth that led into ThunderClan's territory.
"Leafpaw sure is pretty, isn't she?" Mothwing teased as they padded behind Mistyfoot.
Hawkfrost rolled his eyes. "She's a ThunderClan cat," he growled. "Medicine cat or not, she's our enemy." Mothwing let out an exasperated sigh.
"That's not what your actions tonight said," she pointed out. "I've never seen you so interested in a she-cat."
Hawkfrost narrowed his eyes, glaring out the ground. "Drop it."
Mothwing shrugged. "Alright, alright. Come on, we're falling behind."
Falling, huh...? His steps slowed as he neared the camp entrance, and he turned his icy gaze to the sky. What an interesting notion... Hawkfrost remembered the warmth in her amber eyes, and the way she shuffled her paws, as if to draw his attention away from her. I must see her again. He pushed his way through the entrance, steeling his resolve as he did so. I will see her again.
Hey guys, thanks for reading! And I want to give a special thanks to Pikawarriorcat for reviewing! I hope the upcoming chapters don't disappoint!
