Pigeonpaw yawned, stretching out slowly, feeling the sunlight warm her fur. Raggedtail was against her side, and Smokewing was sitting on her other side, eating, both of their fur brushing hers. It was one of the rare days where none of them were training or on patrol, and they took the opportunity to just relax. The camp hummed with calm activity, nobody really doing much, just sharing tongues and enjoying the warm day. Bramblecloud was chatting with Dovepaw and Petalspots, and Lightningtooth was sitting with Tawnyfeather, talking calmly to her while her kits batted at his tail. Pigeonpaw smiled despite herself. It was a rare sight to see him calm and gentle, and nice to see the kits having fun. They were getting so big, they'd surely be apprenticed in the next moon. She turned back to the toms beside her, Raggedtail's eyes closed as he sunbathed, Smokewing turning to face her as she turned her gaze to him, questioning. She smiled shyly, turning her gaze back to the camp. "It's a lovely day."
"It is." He relaxed, and she resisted the urge to shiver, feeling his eyes on her. Things had been a tiny bit awkward between them since Dovepaw had teased her about liking him, especially since a few other cats, including her own mother, seemed to agree with her. She had nearly died when Poppystripe caught her watching him chat with the elder warriors- her mother's comment had merely been, "Well, he is a nice cat, that's for sure."
But here, in the warm sunlight, with the company of two of her dearest friends, she couldn't help but relax. Without really thinking, she flopped against the dark-pelted tom, pushing her muzzle into his thick fur and relaxing completely. He chuckled, resting his head on his paws. She enjoyed just being there like that, snuggled up to him, comfortable and safe.
But Pigeonpaw felt anxiety stir in her belly when she remembered what tonight was going to bring. The first few attempts to meet Shimmerpaw and Leafpaw at night hadn't ended well. The first time, neither showed up. The second, she was the one who couldn't- Specklenose had been on guard that night, and nothing could slip by her. She'd seen Shimmerpaw on a border patrol, and the radiantly beautiful she-cat whispered to her to keep trying, every half-moon. And that's what she did. She sighed, but forced herself to relax again. For now, she could just lose herself in the safety and warmth of her two dearest friends.
She fidgeted nervously, staring out of the den onto the moonlit clearing. It was almost time for the meeting- the dark shape of Raggedtail slipping from the warrior's den confirmed this. She rose, silently, padding to meet him. They silently touched noses, and she led the way to the dirtplace. It brought back memories, memories of sneaking from the nursery, of silent battles being fought under moonlight. She missed it. Maybe she could convince Raggedtail to train her at night sometime. They walked alongside eachother through the forest, headed to the meeting place- a simple, small clearing between the borders of Stormclan and Frostclan. Pigeonpaw felt a surge of relief as she saw a silver coat there already, shining in the moonlight. Shimmerpaw jerked her head to the newcomers, then relaxed once she recognized Pigeonpaw. At her side was another cat, a small brown tabby. He dipped his head nervously to the two newcomers, ears flat against his skull. Pigeonpaw took a seat, and Raggedtail did the same, settling down at the edge of the clearing, hanging back in the shadows. Pigeonpaw looked at the fidgety brown tabby, letting out a soft mew of greeting. "Hi there, I don't think we've met before. I'm Pigeonpaw. That furball back there is Raggedtail, don't mind him. What's your name?"
He hesitated, glancing at Shimmerpaw, who nodded, before he spoke. "Whisperpaw." True to his name, his voice was soft and muted, like he hadn't used it in a long time. Pigeonpaw blinked, then purred at him, which earned her a small smile. They all turned their eyes to a sudden rustling, moments before Leafpaw pushed his way into the clearing, shaking leaves off his pelt. Shimmerpaw straightened, waving her tail, and speaking softly. "We're all here, finally. We should begin." Pigeonpaw found herself awed, everything about the pretty she-cat seemed perfect. Leafpaw and Whisperpaw looked like they shared her thoughts, but attention turned to Leafpaw as he cleared his throat.
"There's a spy for the rogues in Sunclan camp." Whisperpaw gasped, and Pigeonpaw blinked in shock, frowning. He continued, eyes gleaming in the darkness with bright anger. "They murdered Shadowpaw. She was… She was an apprentice around my age. And my friend." He looked at Pigeonpaw, the anger in his gaze now tampered with sadness. "She died right before you were apprenticed. Everyone said it was an accident, but I know it wasn't. She'd never eat deathberries, she was constantly helping Kitewhisker! I know she didn't, which means someone forced her to!"
Raggedtail's voice caused gazes to snap back to him, Whisperpaw jumping a little at his sudden rough mew. "Let's say you're right, someone murdered your friend. Why do you think they're a spy for the rogues? And what do you propose we do?"
Leafpaw faltered, but answered in a steady mew. "There was an attack on the camp right at the time we have most of our warriors out- when the border patrol hasn't gotten back yet, but the hunting patrols are out. Two cats were killed. That can't have been a coincidence, that they knew when to strike! I.. I want to protect my clan, but if the spy knows someone's on to them, they could kill again. I need help. This…" He looked at Shimmerpaw helplessly, who smiled reassuringly at him and took over from there.
"Leafpaw and I have been friends from our first gathering. He told me what was happening, and I proposed we tell anyone else who seemed trustworthy, to look out for spies and maybe help him. This is a time when all the clans should work together." Pigeonpaw found herself nodding, already thinking over cats in her clan. Dovepaw could definitely be trusted, so could Smokewing. All gazes turned to her, and she realized she was expected to respond, or input.
"We could form a secret club. Of cats who know. We can all work together. But.. I think only one cat from each clan should come to these meetings. So we don't get caught, and we should change up who it is." Shimmerpaw nodded, and Leafpaw hesitated before sighing, mewing a soft, "yeah, sure." She smiled, then stood. "If I find out anything, I'll send a message to Shimmerpaw or Leafpaw."
Shimmerpaw stood, touching her nose to Pigeonpaw's. "Farewell, Pigeonpaw. Keep your eyes and ears open. Starclan be with you."
Pigeonpaw found her mind racing as she padded along the border. It had been two days, and the thought of a spy had clung to her mind like a stubborn cobweb. She found herself staring at certain clanmates, wondering if she could trust them. She was alone right now, hunting, but found herself by the border, as if hoping Shimmerpaw would be waiting for her with news. She'd told Dovepaw about the spy, and her sister seemed adamant that they should tell Swiftstar. She'd listened to Pigeonpaw, though, and stayed silent.
Pigeonpaw was mulling over how to tell Smokewing when a sudden hiss drew her attention to the border. Whisperpaw was hiding against the trunk of a tree, and waved her over. She instantly darted to his side, fear gripping her chest. Did something happen?
His eyes were grave, and his voice quavered as he confirmed her fears.
"Leafpaw's parents were murdered last night."
AN: Woohoo, two chapters in one day! Not much to say here except I've finally started drawing the designs for everyone in Twilight Woods! They'll all be on my tumblr, Blackstar-kin, and there's a link in the sidebar to check em out! However, I will warn for spoilers for warrior names, if you're worried about that kind of thing.
QOTC: Who do you think the traitor in Stormclan may be?