HawkClan clumped together at the base of the Leader's Ledge with sorrowful faces. Fawnpaw leaned heavily on Shadowpaw's side, trying her hardest not to break down. Upon arrival at the camp, Fawnpaw discovered Lichenspark's lifeless body sprawled out near the medicine den. Her once blazing greening eyes were now glazed and forever staring in the distance. Hawkstar stood hunched with grief on the Leader's Ledge.
"This day has proved to very sorrowful. StarClan has gained two wonderful cats. No matter how sad we are at this moment, there is a more important matter to be discussed." Hawkstar took a deep breath, her pelt quivering. "Fadingwhisper's death was not caused by disease or old age...if I'm correct, I believe she was murdered." Shadowpaw leaned down and licked Fawnpaw's ear in a comforting manner.
"If she was murdered, does that mean that there is a rogue loose in our territory?!" Fawnpaw turned to see Deerleap cowering behind her mate. Lightningpaw gave his mother a reassuring nuzzle to calm her jittery nerves.
"That is quite possible, Deerleap. Because of this, no cat under the rank of a warrior is to leave this camp without being escorted. Ripplepaw, Stormflash and Oceanflight will escort you to the Starstone at dusk." Hawkstar padded down from the rock and skunk into her den. Fawnpaw stood and stretched her cold, achy legs.
"We should go and check on Ripplepaw. This whole turn of events has unsettled her." Fawnpaw said. Shadowpaw gazed into hers with a glowing look of affection. When they entered into the medicine den, Fawnpaw found Ripplepaw in the back corner, lying in her nest of moss. Her blue gaze was fixed on the ground in front of her. Fawnpaw gestured for Shadowpaw to wait outside.
"Hey Ripplepaw. How are you feeling?" Her tone was low and soothing. The gray apprentice didn't bother looking up but instead looked only at the ground in front of her. "I know that you're sad, and that's completely understandable. But HawkClan needs you. Hawkstar is pregnant so we will need your care." A prick of pain struck her heart as Ripplepaw let out a sigh of grief. "What do you say we take a small walk. It'll make you feel better." Ripplepaw's blue eyes fluttered and she lifted her head.
"But Hawkstar said that we aren't to leave camp."
"What will a short walk hurt? As long as we stay together and keep our senses sharp, we'll be alright. And I will protect you." Fawnpaw promised. Ripplepaw cringed, opening her mouth.
"Oh alright. But if we get caught...I'm blaming you." Fawnpaw laughed at her friend's remark and bounced excitedly on her paws. This was surely going to lift Ripplepaw's spirits.
Hey! I apologize for the infrequent updates. The last two weeks have been insane for my family. My friend got in a bike accident (he's ok now) and we had to put our dog down. That was really hard on me and I had no energy or will to do anything. But I feel a bit better now and I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things. Also, this chapter is really short, and I apologize.
I will be continuing this story unlike some of my other stories. I have a good plot and plans for the characters. Enjoy!