R&R for R&R?


Hollythorn was hunting on the prairie. The tall grasses tickled her nose and easily hid her from the mice she knew were scuffling around. She had detected her first victim when she suddenly heard hushed voices near the tall pines at the edge of MistClan territory. Curiously, she crept her way to the trees and crouched under a shrub. She scented the air and caught the scent of all four Clans. She frowned and tried to creep a little closer. There was a small clearing with a large rock in the middle. She noticed the golden brown pelt of Yewpelt and she heard Snakepaw's youthful voice. She also saw the former LeafClan deputy Dapplefern and Buzzardtalon. She suppressed a growl as she saw Dapplefern twine her tail with Buzzardtalon's before speaking in a silky tone.

"I just evaded exile. Wildstar's such a fool. Thank the Dark Forest that Yarrowstar isn't leader any longer!" Dapplefern's meow made Hollythorn sick.

"Well it wouldn't have mattered if you did. There's always a place for you in BreezeClan." Buzzardtalon rumbled.

"Thank you dear but you wouldn't want you precious Honeywing finding out about this." Dapplefern touched his nose softly before pulling herself away.

Hollythorn noticed a dark figure joining the group, Kiteflight of PetalClan.

"That so-called deputy Bloomtail is a real pain in the tail." He grumbled as he settled himself next to Snakepaw.

"So, Yewpelt what's with MistClan?" Buzzardtalon appeared very shady.

Don't you dare! Hollythorn wanted to claw Yewpelt's fur off his shoulders.

"What do you mean?" Yewpelt inquired.

"What's the best way to get to your camp?" Dapplefern muttered.

"Ah, yes. From LeafClan, go through BreezeClan territory and follow the stream right into our camp." Yewpelt's directions were flawless.

If only Kelpstar knew what her son was up to. Hollythorn felt herself dying inside.

"Such a shame Duskwind dropped out." Snakepaw murmured.

"Duskwind was a coward." Dapplefern snorted.

"Well, I wouldn't murder my littermate." Snakepaw defended.

"I'd love to tear out Grassroot's throat." Dapplefern purred.

"Why?" Yewpelt inquired.

"He tried to get me exiled. As far as I'm concerned, that whole Clan can be burned by fire. Only Rabbitpaw, Redblaze, and Bluefoot matter to me." The spotted golden she-cat sat up and wrapped her tail around her paws.

Suddenly a new scent hit Hollythorn's nose. A small dark brown tabby pushed his way into the clearing, followed by a pale gray tabby with silver stripes.

"Mouse, Stream." Snakepaw greeted.

Kiteflight dipped his head and Dapplefern made room next to her for Stream to sit. Mouse jumped onto the the rock.

Hollythorn couldn't believe what she was hearing. Yewpelt had actually given up MistClan secrets. She shook her head and raced away to camp, sometimes tripping over the long prairie grass in her haste. When she reached the camp entrance she managed to regain her composure and walk into camp.

"Hollythorn, where's Snakepaw?" Thunderpaw inquired when he saw her.

"I don't know." Hollythorn lied.

Thunderpaw dipped his head and trotted off. Dusksong and Mothwhisker were sitting, eating fresh-kill and they both nodded to the elder she-cat when she passed them on her way to Kelpstar's den.

"Kelpstar?" Hollythorn called.

"Come in." was the response and Hollythorn stepped inside Kelpstar's den. Juniperfur and Bushfur were sitting with her. The dark brown she-cat's dark greene eyes glowed in the low light of her den and she nodded to Hollythorn.

"Yewpelt and Snakepaw are betraying the Clan." Hollythorn's heart felt sick when she saw Kelpstar's disbelieving look.

"Are you trying to tell me that my son is a traitor?" Kelpstar's voice was scathing.

"He was having a meeting with two rogues, Kiteflight of PetalClan, Buzzardtalon of BreezeClan, Dapplefern of LeafClan, and Snakepaw was there too." Hollythorn defended herself.

"And that makes him a traitor?" Kelpstar glared at Hollythorn.

"He told them exactly how to get to our camp! Dapplefern and Buzzardtalon are mates! The rogue is their leader! Kelpstar, you must believe me!" Hollythorn's claws itched in frustration.

Kelpstar rose to her paws and rested her tail around Hollythorn's shoulders.

"Hollythorn, I believe you're a bit addled. Yewpelt and Snakepaw aren't traitors, Dapplefern and Buzzardtalon aren't mates and there are no rogues leading them. You're the most senior warrior and it's very hot out there. Go to your nest and rest." Kelpstar murmured gently.

"I'm not addled! I know what I saw!" Hollythorn snapped.

"Hollythorn, it's about time you retired. We can find a new mentor for Snakepaw." Bushfur offered.

"I'll mentor him." Juniperfur offered.

"No! I'm perfectly capable of mentoring Snakepaw! As a warrior of this Clan I can choose when I retire." Hollythorn's gray and brown pelt bristled.

Juniperfur nudged her to her paws.

"Come mother, I think you need some water." Her son murmured as he led her from Kelpstar's den.

Hollythorn knew that Kelpstar was foolish for believing Hollythorn was confused.

"It's sweltering." Juniperfur exclaimed.

"It is." Hollythorn's tail was flicked with agitation.

"Mother, I believe you. Yewpelt is too secretive and Snakepaw just follows him around like a dog follows its Pink-Skin." Juniperfur shook his head in disgust.

"I agree. That's why he's not a warrior yet." Hollythorn growled.

The pair soon spotted Snakepaw and Yewpelt heading towards camp with prey in their jaws.

"It's just a cover-up." Juniperfur hissed.

Hollythorn nodded and they reached the stream.

They both took a quick drink and went back to camp. Kelpstar was grooming her younger son Thunderpaw and for the first time she realized that Kelpstar's belly was swelling again.

"That makes litter three?" Hollythorn purred.

Juniperfur nodded.

"Yes it does." He appeared proud.

"I'm glad Yewpelt's not my son." He added.

Yewpelt's father had been a warrior known as Frostpelt. He died soon after Yewpelt was born and afterwards Kelpstar took Juniperfur as a mate. Juniperfur had fathered Rosepelt, Thunderpaw, and Kelpstar's unborn litter.

"I heard Pinefrost's mate will be moving to the nursery soon." Juniperfur purred.

"Brindlepelt?" Hollythorn inquired.

Juniperfur nodded before trotting off. Snakepaw glared at her and Hollythorn glared right back. If that tom wanted a battle she'd give him a war.