As night was closing in, I started to head toward the apprentice den. The entire day, cats had been glancing at me as if I was a murderer or something. It's not my fault Soulpaw was jealous that I was doing well on my assignments! I grumbled to myself and pawed at the ground angrily.
"Lightpaw? You're supposed to be in the apprentice den."
I looked up from my sulking and saw my mentor in front of me. Mouse dung.
"I couldn't sleep..." I lied. "I was hoping you could give me some advice about how to deal with trauma like this."
Splashflight stared at me for a good second and then relief clouded her eyes.
"So, you do feel bad? I'm glad you feel some remorse for your sister, Lightpaw."
I shook my head. "No! I have no guilt in this. Why should I feel bad!? Why is everyone talking about how I don't feel bad for her death!?" I screeched.
Startled by my sudden burst of anger, Splashflight took a step back. Then her eyes were sprouted with confusion. I followed her eyes to see Darkpaw and hesitantly, Palepaw standing behind us. Oh, StarClan, why?
Splashflight blinked. "Why are all of you up? This doesn't concern you two."
Palepaw stepped forward. "But it does. This is our situation, and we want to hear your advice too."
Splashflight scoffed. "What makes you think my advice will help you? I'm just gonna tally you my own experience."
It was Darkpaw's turn to speak. "Because we heard what happened."
Now it was my turn to be shocked along with Splashflight.
"What are you talking about?" I asked, flabbergasted.
"Splashflight's-"
"Nothing!" Splashflight quickly intervened in Darkpaw's response. I raised my eyebrow questioningly.
"Splashflight, what's going on?" I meowed.
Splashflight died in defeat. "I guess I should start from the beginning... It all started with a she-cat named Cloudsky. She-"
"Wait you like she-cats-"
"No!" Splashflight cried, interrupting my question. "You know what, I think you need some sleep if you're saying ridiculous things like that," she added.
"You're right, Splashflight. I'm heading in the apprentices den. Good night guys," Palepaw mewed, turning around and leaving.
I stared at my oldest brother as he left. That's it? He goes through all that trouble for that? Mouse-brain.
I shared a glance with Darkpaw. He seemed to be thinking the same thing as I: Should we inform Splashflight about our intentions?
No, it was too risky. What if she stopped us, or wise, told the entire Clan. Would we be exiled? I didn't want to find out.
I faked a yawn. "You know what, I think I'm going to sleep too. See you in the morning, Splashflight."
Splashflight seemed surprised about my sudden change in behavior. But she didn't stop me as I headed towards the apprentices den with my younger brother behind me.
The second we were in, Palepaw questioned our actions.
"There's no way you guys are tired. I've seen you stay up all night." He meowed. "What are you planning this time?"
I hesitated. Should I tell him? I mean, he is my brother after all.
"Lightpaw, Darkpaw, I promise I won't tell anyone," Palepaw added with a hint of desperation. "Maybe I could help."
Before I could make up my mind, Darkpaw spoke.
"Palepaw, we're going to ShadowClan."
Palepaw's eyes stretched wide. "What? Why? You're coming back, right?" he stammered.
I shook my head. "No, we're not. But you need to keep quiet about this, okay? If they ask where we are, just say you don't know anything."
Palepaw just slowly nodded. "Okay... but why are you leaving?" he asked.
"I-it's complicated. Just trust us, okay?" Darkpaw pleated.
Palepaw straightened up with a determined look on his expression. His eyes glowed with mischief.
"Well then, I have the perfect plan to help you escape."
