"MY KITS ARE COMING!" a scream erupted from the nursery. Immediately, Skypaw recognized it as Thorndapple. She knew her kits had been due any day, though Skypaw had really wanted nothing to do with them.
As Skypaw watched Blacktail rushed by, she tried to make her way towards the nursery, hoping to catch a glimpse of Blacktail welcoming his new kits. She supposed watching his smile would make up for the pain and heartache.
Skypaw heard growling as Nightwhisker told her to stay out. Blacktail stood by Skypaw, stomping his black paws on the ground impatiently.
"Don't worry," Skypaw looked up at him. "The kits will be lovely."
Blacktail had not even noticed her until that moment. He managed a small smile, sitting next to Skypaw for several minutes until Spottedpaw motioned him in. Skypaw crept along the side of the den and peeked her head in, curious to see what was happening.
She saw to kits. One was a golden brown tabby she-cat while the other was a black tom. Thorndapple sat by them, wailing.
"Thorndapple, what's the matter?" Blacktail asked.
Skypaw rolled her eyes. It was as if the tom didn't realize how beautiful the moment was. Her tears had to be from the happiness. Thorndapple's response was completely opposite.
"One of the kits died!" she wailed, pointing to the black tom.
Skykpaw gasped, backing away. There had been no way to prevent this from happening, but she felt like she had failed her promise.
She tried to ignore the wails as Blacktail as Spottedpaw carried the dead kit out of the den to bury it. Once the wailing had stopped, Skypaw heard the distant mumble of the two talking.
"What will we call the she-cat?" Blacktail asked.
"Lilykit," Thorndapple declared. Skypaw sighed, realizing Blacktail would now probably cut off connection with her forever.
Skypaw awoke that night to see her sister gone. Her nest was cold, leaving Skypaw confused. Where would Petalpaw go?
Skypaw gazed outside, watching as the moon and stars shined brightly. It was a perfect night to see the forest and its surroundings.
Still, Skypaw couldn't understand why Petalpaw had disappeared. Before she could think anymore, she drifted back to sleep.
As the sun came up the next morning, Skypaw awakened to find Petalpaw back in her nest, sound asleep. The other apprentices were already up, heading off with their mentors.
"Petalpaw, wake up!" Skypaw shouted, poking her sister.
Petalpaw lazily opened her eyes and yawned.
"Petalpaw, you're never late. Have you been feeling well?" Skypaw asked. She didn't want to bring up how her nest had been empty. Perhaps the darkness had confused Skypaw's vision.
Petalpaw let out a huge yawn. "I didn't sleep well last night."
"How come?"
Petalpaw shrugged and padded outside, Skypaw following behind her sister. She had to admit, she was suspicious. What could Petalpaw possibly be up to?
As they were assigned to patrols, she and Petalpaw were sent on the same. Her sister lagged behind the rest of the group, and Skypaw padded slowly by her.
"Petalpaw, keep up!" Icestar growled.
"I'll wait behind with her," Skypaw told Icestar.
Icestar nodded, continuing to walk.
Once the clan was far enough behind so no one could hear them, Skypaw began to speak.
"I'm not stupid, Petalpaw," she said at last. "Your nest was empty last night. Where were you?" she whispered.
"I guess I can't lie to you," Petalpaw sighed. "I was meeting a handsome tom."
"A cat in our clan? FoxClan? MoonClan?!" Moonstar had not kept her promise and had followed the clan to the new forest. They now sat in the foothills, keeping an eye on the clans. It was more dangerous than ever.
"None of the ones you listed," Petalpaw replied.
"You were meeting a rogue?!" Skypaw screeched so loudly that Largefoot turned around.
"Sh, not so loud!" Petalpaw whispered as he turned back around. "His name is Rockpelt, and he's not a rogue. He just doesn't have a home."
"That's called a rogue," Skypaw hissed. She couldn't hide the shock. Her sister was disobeying the warrior code!
"Well, he was a clan cat. I mean, he told me he came from ForestClan. He must've escaped from the fire as well. I met him on patrol yesterday, and I swear, I loved him when I made eye contact with him," she exclaimed quietly.
"Petalpaw, you're breaking the rules," Skypaw groaned.
"I know, Skypaw, but it's true love. What would you do?" she asked.
Skypaw wanted to reply that she would make the right choice, but she knew she loved Blacktail, and if he were another clan cat, she couldn't say she would still make the right choice. She kept her mouth shut and continued to pad along by her sister.
"Please don't be mad at me," Petalpaw pleaded. "You won't tell Icestar, will you?"
Petalpaw had been loyal and faithful to her. Skypaw knew she had to do the same.
"Fine, but when you sneak out, make sure it's less obvious."
Petalpaw nodded excitedly and caught up with the rest of the patrol.
