Silverpaw

I looked at the sky anxiously. Tonight was the night of the full moon, and the Gathering. Flowerfur had said that she would try and get me permission to go to the Gathering, as a mission. If I could go it would be great for making allies in other Clans.

She was talking with the leader, and while their voices never rose, I knew conflict was bound to happen. Graystar would be against such a young apprentice going, but Flowerfur was determined and strong. Either option was likely. When Flowerfur finally came out of the leader's den I practically leapt across the clearing to her in excitement. "How did it go?" I asked, steeling myself for the worst.

"Well, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad thing is, not this month."

I was upset by this, but the mention of some good news intrigued me. Putting on a straight face, I prodded her on. "What's the good news?"

"Graystar promised that you could go next month," she responded, looking almost as excited as I felt. This was just a minor setback, I knew.

"Ok! Are you going to this Gathering?"

She looked upset and nodded. "Yes. Graystar wanted me to."

"All right. Can I have your permission to go hunting before you go?"

"Um, sure!" she replied, seeming surprised by my calmness.

"Well, it's just, hunting's fun and I may as well. Bye!" I ran off, into the woods. I hunted for a while, catching a mouse and a squirrel, and then started walking towards Twolegplace. I liked going there to think, and to get closer to my brother. Of course, it was still a bit scary with the abduction and all, but it was a good place to clear my head.

This time, to my surprise, there was a kittypet sitting on a fence. I knew I shouldn't leave my territory, but the idea of meeting a new cat was to good to pass up on. I walked up to him, cautiously, and introduced myself. "Hi! I'm Silverpaw. What's you name?"

He jumped at the sound, and I was surprised. I hadn't been stalking quietly-or stalking at all. In fact, from my perspective, I had walked pretty loudly. He must be an elder.

"What are you doing? I'm not in your forest," he responded defensively.

"I didn't say you were," I said, confused. After a couple moments of silence, I realized that I probably seemed like a mean, feral wildcat to him. "Oh, I'm friendly by the way. I was just hoping to make a new friend."

"All right," he said nervously. "I'm Creamy."

Stifling my laughter at such an odd name, I tried to continue the conversation. "What's it like, being a kittypet?"

"It's nice. I get to eat all I want and sunbathe a lot."

"It sounds really good."

"What's it like being a wild cat?"

"Well, sometimes I'm hungry, but other than that it's really good. The food is delicious and I get to run around all I could want. By the way, have there been any new kittypets recently?"

"Well, how long ago? Kittypets come and go a lot around here."

"Five moons and seven days ago," I said, rushing. If my brother was alive I might be able to see him.

"Well, that's a specific date, but I'll try and remember... Let's see.." He trailed off, muttering to himself, and I thought he had spaced out. "HA!" he suddenly exclaimed, making me jump from my spot. "Pretty near then there was a tom. Small little thing, couldn't be older than a month. I assumed that's what a moon means by the way, with the way the moon works and all. Anyways, he was pretty young and he had lovely golden fur. He screamed up a storm though. Wouldn't stop going on about needing to be with his brother. Why do you ask?"

"He's my brother," I replied, stunned. My brother is alive. "You wouldn't happen to know where he's staying?"

"Well, no, I wouldn't but tell you what. You come around here again and I'll try and find out before then. All right?"

"Yeah." It was all I could manage to force from my lips. He leapt away and I took it as my call to leave. I walked home, slowly, and nearly forgot to get my prey. When I returned to camp I saw to my relief that no one had missed my, and I deposited my squirrel on the fresh-kill pile, eating the mouse.

I went to bed and had vivid dreams of reuniting with my brother. I would have to tell my mother sometime, but until I was sure he was ok I shouldn't get her hopes up.