I know it was a short chapter, sorry! But it's only so short because there's a lemon coming up soon!

Chapter 9

Skycloud walked alongside the cats of the border patrol in the forrest, heading towards the ShadowClan border. Dovewing was the leader of the patrol. She had chosen Molestripe, Bumblestripe, Lilypaw, and Lionblaze. Skycloud was pretty sure that she had not originally been chosen, but Molestripe had convinced Dovewing to bring her along. The very idea of it made her feel flattered and offended at the same time.

"We're nearing the ShadowClan border." Dovewing announced, though it was obvious to all the cats.

"Patrol!" Lionblaze shouted, just as Skycloud spotted a small ShadowClan patrol of three neared the border. The leader was a dark brown tabby tom; he was flanked by an all white she-cat and a brown tom.

"What are you doing so close to ShadowClan!" The she-cat called with a snarl. "Typical ThunderClan! Always trying to take more than they deserve!" She spat.

Dovewing approached the cats first, while Bumblestripe stepped in front of his apprentice. "Marking our territory," She began calmly, though Skycloud could sense deep emotion in her voice. "And may I point out that your patrol is just as close to ThunderClan as we are to ShadowClan." She snarled slightly.

The dark tabby from ShadowClan stepped forward. "Calm down Snowbird; it's just another patrol. Be respectful, and remember who is leading the patrol," He mewed to the white she-cat. "Dovewing," He returned his attention back to the ThunderClan cats. "Sorry for the small misunderstanding, but just try not to get to close to the border, okay?" He spoke so smoothly that his thinly veiled threat was barely noticeable.

Skycloud thought that she detected a hint of submission in Dovewing, but it was quickly shook off as Bumblestripe stepped forward. "Fine. As long as you stay away from our border, Tigerheart." He added with a snarl, obviously noticing some tension between Dovewing and the brown tabby.

The ShadowClan patrol exchanged amused glances before they walked away with a huff. "Ooh! That was so scary!" The she-cat called sarcastically as they walked away in the opposite direction.

Molestripe growled deeply. "Typical ShadowClan! They think that the whole forrest," He mewed with a snarl. He moved closer to Skycloud. "Don't worry, we can take them." He smiled at her, clearly hoping that she had forgiven him.

"Yeah, they don't seem too bad," Skycloud meowed in return. She hadn't completely forgiven him, but she couldn't stay mad at him forever. "They're all talk, but no fight." She mewed with a slight laugh.

Dovewing huffed, seeming to be slightly annoyed by Skycloud's comment. "Come on. We have to keep moving." She sighed a little as she led the patrol further along the border.

"When I'm a warrior, I won't let any mangy ShadowClan cats get away with that." Lilypaw whispered to her mentor.

"Now, now Lilypaw," Bumblestripe began. "There is a time for fighting, and a time where words will do," He scolded slightly. "That's one of the most important things that you will need to know as a warrior." He mewed with a slight sigh, obviously remembering that his apprentice would become a warrior any day now.

Suddenly, there was a slight squeal. "Dovewing! Are you okay?" Lionblaze asked frantically as he and Bumblestripe ran to her.

"I think so," Dovewing mewed softly as she examined her paw. "I just think it's a sprain, but I don't think I can continue on the patrol," She whimpered slightly. "I'll just go back to camp- Bumblestripe can lead the patrol."

"What? You're not going back to camp by yourself!" Bumblestripe tried to support her as she stood. "I'll go back with you." He mewed, obviously worried for his mate.

Dovewing looked frantic for a split-second before she regained her composure. "No really, it's just a sprain!" She suddenly found her footing. "I'll just walk it off on the way to camp." She mewed calmly, oddly ignoring her mate's affection as she slowly walked away from the patrol.

Bumblestripe looked after her as she walked away, sadness radiating off of him. "Okay..." He whispered, though she was already out of sight. "Let's get on with the patrol." He spoke clearer now as he faced the patrol.

Skycloud could tell that there was something wrong between Dovewing and Bumblestripe. 'I'll have to talk to him later.' She made a mental note as she fell in line with the patrol.