Chapter Eight
The forest creaked and swayed in the leaf-bare winds while Fawnpaw stalked alongside Ripplepaw. Ripplepaw's steps were heavy and dragged sorrowfully across the chilly forest floor. Her heart wrenched painfully at the sight of her friend. They had been walking for quite some time barely any words had been shared between them.
"Fawnpaw, can I ask you something?" A pair of sky blue eyes met Fawnpaw's.
"Of course. What is it." Ripplepaw reeled in a long breath, then continued.
"What Fadingwhisper said before she died, I just can't seem to get it out of my head. What did she mean by a terrible darkness? And how can a cat challenge smoke? It makes no sense at all!" She meowed in frustration. Overhead, a small brown bird darted from branch to branch, startling her. "You don't think Shadowpaw and Darkpaw are the darkness...do you?" She asked with fearful tone. There is no possible way they could be the darkness! At least Fawnpaw thought so. She risked her Clan's punishment just to help Dark's leg. And Shadowpaw, oh Shadowpaw. He and Fawnpaw have grown closer in the past moon and even...and even talked about being mates in the future. Despite what the rest of her Clanmates may think, he was as much of a part of HawkClan as the rest of them.
"No! How could you even say that? Ever since they joined HawkClan they've done nothing but help out and be grateful." Fawnpaw spat. Ripplepaw shrunk lower, her blue eyes wide with shame.
"I know. But their names are references to darkness. I don't think they are either, but I had to ask." As if her mood instantly changed, she picked up the pace and stepped higher than before. "So, I guess I have to visit the Starstone soon to become a full medicine cat. What do you think my name will be?" Fawnpaw grinned happily and let out a tiny giggle.
"Hmm, I think Ripplefur would suit you quite nicely." A wide smile of pride stretched across her face.
"Ripplefur. I think Fadingwhisper would like that. Perhaps she will be the one giving me my name. That would be wonderful." A glint of sadness sparkled in her eye, but quickly turned to joy. "Come on Fawnpaw, race you to the river!" Ripplepaw shot of into the forest, her paws scidding on the slippery sheet of frosty snow that covered the ground. Fawnpaw scoffed at her friend playfully and took off behind her. This is the Ripplepaw I know and love. She thought proudly. Fawnpaw found it difficult to keep her footing steady as she zipped across the smooth ice. Her black tail whipped in the wind like a worm bobbing in the dirt. Ahead of her, Ripplepaw squealed in delight. The river was not in sight, growing closer and closer with each exciting bound. Fawnpaw closed her eyes and gave one last leap of joy before slamming into something cold and icy. Groaning, she pushed her body upwards and stared in shock at what lies beneath her.
"The river, it's frozen!" The two she-cats stood in amazement while gazing at the glorious trail of gleaming ice crystals. StarClan itself could reflect beautifully off the flat surface.
"Wow. It's very pretty. I bet Hawkstar won't be too happy." Ripplepaw sighed heavily. "Now BreezeClan can just waltz on over with no problem."
Just across the river, Fawnpaw spotted four cats ambling in their direction. Two of them she recognized instantly; Meadowstar and Berryface. But the other two she had never seen before.
"Who are those cats?" Ripplepaw asked. Fawnpaw shrugged and cautiously stalked up to the river's edge. Meadowstar smiled gayly when she spotted her.
"Greetings young HawkClan cat. I've come to speak with Hawkstar." Berryface and the two strange cats padded up behind her. The only thing preventing an unwanted fight that moment was the river gushing between them. Fawnpaw stares suspiciously at her with uneasy eyes. Why would a leader bring along a warrior and two unknown cats just to speak with another Clan's leader? This whole event stirred up a feeling of uneasiness in her belly.
"Alright. But you will speak to Tallsky. Hawkstar is unavailable at this time." She chose her words carefully. Revealing that Hawkstar is pregnant could spark an interest in the BreezeClan leader. And the last thing they need this leaf-bare was a fight. Berryface raised a confused eyebrow and slowly lowered his tail.
"What do you mean unavailable?" Ripplepaw took an unexpected step forward, holding her nose high.
"Hawkstar is currently expecting kits. So she will not be speaking with you today." Fawnpaw watched as Meadowstar's bright blue eyes lit up.
"Oh that is just wonderful! I'll have to congratulate her if I see her. But for now, may I speak with Tallsky?" Fawnpaw nodded silently and flicked her tail signaling then to follow. Despite Meadowstar's excitement, Fawnpaw's unease continued to stir in the depths of her belly. Please don't go terribly wrong.