Chapter Nine: Reunion

Two moons had past. Windshadow and Dreampaw had basically all but forgotten each other. But in the back of his mind, Windshadow would always remember that fiesty little she-cat.

It was the day of Dreampaw's warrior ceremony.

"Dreampaw, you have trained for quite a while, and I have decided that you are fit to become a warrior," Firestar announced, "From this day forth, you shall be known as Dreamcloud, warrior of Thunderclan."

"Dreamcloud! Dreamcloud!"

Robinpelt, purring loudly, rubbed up beside her, and she blinked thankfully. Lightfur, who was a moon older, touched noses with her friend.

The vigil was done without event.

It happened that morning.

"We've found the ca who killed Leopardstar!" Brambleclaw's voice rang out, and, abandoning her post since it was sunrise, Dreamclous raced over. Her jaw dropped open at the cat who was between Brambleclaw and Sorreltail.

It was Windshadow. His pelt was littered with scratches, and it was obvious that he had fought on the way there.

Firestar lept from his den and ran over to them.

"How do you know that this cat killed Leopardstar?" He asked, looking down at Windshadow with disdain.

"Mistystar said that white fur was found in Leopardstar's claws," Brambleclaw spat, glaring at Windshadow. "Besides Cloudtail and Frostfur-who couldn't have done it- this is the only white cat in all of the clans. And Shadowclan scent was found on her. This is a Shadowclan cat."

"That's enough evidence for me," Firestar hissed, "What's your name."

"Windshadow." Dreamcloud whispered.

"What did you say?"

"Windshadow," She said, now in a clearer voice. "I-I met him at Gatherings." She met eyes with him. "I thought he could be trusted."

"I didn't kill Leopardstar!" Windshadow snarled, "I don't know who did, but it wasn't me? She was murdered when I was an apprentice-surely I couldn't have done it."

"She was weak," Sorreltail growled, "You had to have done it."

"He will be a prisoner," Firestar decided, "And his fate will be decided at the next Gathering when I speak with the other leaders." He turned to his granddaughter. "Dreamcloud, I want you to guard him."

"But-but... WHAT DID I DO!" She yowled.

"Nothing. Consider it an honor to be considered able enough to guard a dangerous murderer."

"I am NOT a murderer," Windshadow stated as he was led off to the hollow log where prisoners were kept.

"Yeah right," Dreamcloud hissed under her breath.

000

She walked up to the log and sat down, staring at Windshadow. Leafpool had treated his scratches, and he looked like he wouldn't have been caught if it had just been one cat.

"So." She said, "How'd they catch you."

"They found me on your territory," He sighed, "They pieced what they think is the truth together."

He stared at her for a moment. She had only grown more beautiful since he last saw her.

"Why were you here?"

"They thought I was here to kill Firestar. But I wasn't."

"Then-"

"How have you been, Dreampaw?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Fine. And it's Dreamcloud. My ceremony was yesterday."

He stood up. "Congratulations." Windshadow narrowed his eyes. "Now you can have kits with that beloved tom of yours."

Dreamcloud felt her fur prickle. "He's not my mate!" She spat.

"Never said he was."

They both stared at each other for a moment. It was so strange, seeing each other's apprentice-hood friend again.

"Surely there's a she-cat you've fallen in love with," She reasoned.

"Yes," He muttered, "There is."

"Well, good."

"And Spottedleaf's pretty nice too."

"G-SPOTTEDLEAF!"

"Oh..." Windshadow looked embarrassed. "I didn't mean to say that out loud." He looked into her eyes. "So. You've fallen for him."
"That's not the point!" She hissed, "Spottedleaf has visited you as well?"

"Yes. Quite often."

"Sun and Snow..." She whispered.

000

"Firestar," Leafpool protested, "We can't imprison this cat! I don't think he murdered Leopardstar!"

"Then who did, Leafpool?" Firestar snarled, pacing around in his den, "Cloudtail? Sorry, but he's a Shadowclan cat, AND would you question your own kin?"
"No," She murmured, "But remember that prophecy. Sun and Snow. Face it, Firestar. Snow... Snow..."

Firestar's green eyes widened. "You don't think-"

"Anything's possible."

000

Who do you think Windshadow was referring to when he said he was in love? Who killed Leopardstar? VOTE!