Chapter 12: Spotted Owl

The buzzing of a fly droned relentlessly in Spotted Owl's ears. She ducked her head and blindly swatted the air with her paw, trying to shoo it away. The buzzing stopped. She raised her head and let out a groan as it immediately started again. She twisted her neck, her gaze flitting around herself, but she couldn't seem to catch the tiny, elusive insect. Argh, this mouse-brained pest. Why won't it leave me alone?

"What are you doing?" Spotted Owl jumped as a low, cautious voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Sharp standing in front of her, his brow furrowed. The limp body of a squirrel dangled from his jaws. His flame-red pelt was illuminated by the cheerful sunlight filtering through the canopy of branches.

"I'm trying to catch a stupid fly," she huffed, spring to her paws and turning in a circle, but the buzzing seemed to follow her. "It's been bothering me for a while now. Why won't it leave me alone?"

Sharp let out an almost inaudible snort of laughter and quickly snapped his jaws shut.

Spotted Owl whirled around, her pelt an imitation of a pinecone. "Did you just laugh at me?"

Sharp's face instantly sobered, his eyes round. "N-no, of course not."

The young she-cat let out a long sigh, her fur deflating back to normal. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you." She began to turn away but paused as she hesitated. "I guess this just isn't where I wish I was right now."

"Same here," he murmured.

Spotted Owl turned back to face him, tossing her head in the direction of the camp. "Since you're done hunting, let's head back."

"Sure," Sharp agreed with a curt nod. He picked up his squirrel that he had dropped at his paws and began to traipse up the gentle slope toward the Clan of the Morning Sun's camp.

Spotted Owl fell in behind him. She kept an eye on the ginger tabby tail in front of her at all times, while also scanning the forest around them with her eyes, ears, and nose. The morning was unusually warm for the Time of Freezing Earth, though a brisk breeze tossed the boughs overhead. She tried to not jump every time she caught a shadow waving in the corner of her eye. I can't let my guard down around him. Although, she thought with a grumble, it's been several sunrises, and nothing's happened yet. Sharp hasn't tried anything around me, and none of the other guards have reported anything. I wish that I could be doing something else instead-anything. Blossom Dust said that Rabbit Nose is teaching her an advanced move at the training plateau. I wish I could be training right now, not stuck here-

Stop. The dappled she-cat cut herself off. You have to focus. You have a crucial mission. The Clans are depending on you. She forced her attention back to her surroundings, pausing for a heartbeat to check the air.

As she started walking again, she noticed that Sharp had slowed his pace, so he now padded beside her. She looked at him from out of the corner of her eye but quickly snatched her gaze away again as her heart skipped a beat. Her pelt prickled as if lighting was sparking off of it, and her stomach sloshed like a muddy swamp. Even after a few sunrises, it was still strange and chilling to have Sharp in such close proximity to her.

The dense barriers in the back of her memory trembled. Spotted Owl dropped her head and forced herself to take long, deep breaths, her eyes squeezed shut. No, this can't happen. Not right now. As her heartbeat slowed, she raised her head again, releasing a breath of relief as her fear receded-though only to the back of her mind where it always lurked now.

After several more heartbeats, Spotted Owl ventured another glance at Sharp, her gaze flitting like a little bird briefly over his face, but enough to catch his flattened ears and clenched jaw and conflicted emotions playing out across his face.

He's probably working up the nerve to ask me something, she thought with a roll of her eyes. However, she couldn't help but feel the tiniest bit of satisfaction at his fear of approaching her-and a tad more confident. I'll just wait and let him make up his mind, she decided. They continued on in silence for a while.

Sharp cleared his throat. "Spotted Owl? Can I ask you something?"

The young she-cat flicked an ear. "Sure."

"If it's okay, I'd like to know, has your Clan or any of the others found other intruders on your territories recently?"

What? Spotted Owl felt an alarm blare inside her like the shriek of an eagle. He wants to know if there have been intruders other than him? Like other cats from Bands? Despite her uneasiness, she forced herself to say, "As far as I know, no. Why do you ask?"

Sharp shrugged, his eyes once more cast firmly down at his paws. "No reason."

"Does it have to do with why you came to ask for asylum?"

Spotted Owl scrutinized Sharp's face as he hesitated for a few heartbeats. At last, he gave a small nod, though his eyes still did not meet hers. "Yes."

Spotted Owl's eyes widened, and she felt her heartbeat speed up. So his question probably was about the Bands. I need to inform Mossy Moon as soon as I can, she decided, brushing aside the tiniest twinge of guilt at reporting on him. Now that we've talked a little, I should try to see I can get him to reveal more. Despite her conviction, she still had to take a deep breath to settle her stomach.

"So." The fighter trainee cringed at her own forced cheerfulness. "How has your time been in the Clan of the Morning Sun so far?"

Sharp glanced at her, his brow furrowed, but he said, "it's been fine. It is strange to be back here, though."

'To be back here,' Spotted Owl repeated with a silent scoff as she ducked under a low hanging branch. As if he is a welcome and valuable member of my Clan, not an enemy. Externally, she made herself nod, trying to hide the disgust in her tone. "I bet it is."

"A lot has changed with your Clan even in just a few moons," Sharp commented after a brief silence. His expression had relaxed, and he looked more at ease as he padded along. "Amber Mist and Whispering Rain were just little kits when I last saw them. Now they're trainees. But some things have stayed the same-Amber Mist is still as rambunctious and inquisitive as ever."

The black and white she-cat felt a chuckle bubble like the first Time of Thawing Earth shoots poking out of the snow, but she quickly squashed it. She allowed herself to twitch her whiskers. "That she is."

Sharp didn't seem to notice. He titled his head. "How long ago did Fern Dapple and Jagged Path become full-Clan members?"

Spotted Owl thought for a heartbeat. "Mossy Moon only gave them their full status about a moon and a half ago, but Fern Dapple is already doing amazing. Falling Star has already chosen her to lead a hunting patrol."

"How long do you think it will be before you and your siblings become full Clan members?"

Spotted Owl sucked in a breath as excitement shivered through her. It's been so long since I've thought about that, but it can't be too much longer now. "It should be very soon, I hope. We're not much younger than Fern Dapple and Jagged Path, and we've been working really hard." A bright smile stretched across her face. "I can't wait to be a full fighter."

Sharp smiled as well. "I hope it's soon, too; you deserve it. By the way, how is your brother, Tall Pine?"

What? Spotted Owl froze in her place, her mind reeling with disbelief at what she had just heard. Anger growled like a rabid wolf inside her. What? How dare he! She whirled around to face Sharp, her eyes the narrowed beady-green slits of an eagle tracking its prey. "How dare you!" She stalked toward him until they stood nose to nose, so close that he could feel the tense huffs of her breath. "How dare you ask about Tall Pine after what you did to him. You are a spineless murderous fox-heart. You imprisoned my brother, and you hurt my Clanmates. You will never belong here." She paused, staring straight into his eyes. "I will never forgive you."

The black and white she-cat spun around, but not before she caught a glimpse of the Sharp's eyes widening and an expression settling onto his face-something between hurt and sorrow and guilt. I don't care how he feels. Her familiar rage had settled deep inside her bones, taking over. He deserves it. Her paws began to move, carrying her with them. They had stopped just outside the bramble thicket that obscured the entrance to the stone gorge. She plowed through it, numb to the thorns grazing her side, and marched into the tunnel, leaving Sharp standing there.

Argh. She groaned internally. I'm supposed to escort him all the way back to his den. But the guilt was only there for barely a heartbeat before her anger rushed in, discarding it like a dried leaf. He can get carried off by an eagle for all I care. I just never want to see his stupid face again.

Spotted Owl burst into the camp. The gorge was quiet with the sunhigh drowsiness as most cats were either out on patrol or dozing in the weak sunshine from the cloud-dappled sky, so thankfully, there was no one to see her stomp across the camp or notice that she had left with Sharp, but he hadn't returned. The dusky-gloom of the vacant trainee's den folded around her as she scooted inside and collapsed into her nest.

I wish that I never had to leave my nest again. Spotted Owl buried her face in the moss. I don't want to have to deal with Sharp anymore. It is too painful for me to be around him. She clenched her teeth as she warded off her flashbacks. Thankfully, they retreated once more into the deepest recesses of her mind. I probably messed up the mission anyway. There's no way Sharp is going to tell me stuff now. Herb-bitter shame twisted with her fading anger. I've let my Mossy Moon down. I've failed my Clan.

A sob nearly made the young she-cat choke. Tears blurred her vision as a deep sorrow swelled inside her. She buried her muzzle in the moss and closed her eyes. More sobs shook her frame. Unable to hold them back, her tears fell like salty rain. They washed her clean from the inside out. She cried until her reservoir ran dry and then lay there for a while longer, feeling as empty as a shattered eggshell.

At last, Spotted Owl mustered enough willpower to haul herself to her paws. I should probably make sure that Sharp returned to his den, she thought, dread piercing her stomach like a claw. I don't want to, but I have to-or I really will have failed my Clan.

The young she-cat dragged her paws behind her as she headed out of the cave and across the camp. She was moving as slow as a slug by the time she neared Sharp's den. Dappled Fur sat to the side to the left of the crack. She rose to her paws as the other she-cat approached.

"Spotted Owl, there you are," Dappled Fur greeted the black and white she-cat. "Is Amber Mist okay?"

Spotted Owl blinked, her mind numb. "What?"

"Sharp told me that you and he found Dawn Sky just outside the tunnel with Amber Mist, who was tangled in some brambles. He said that you had to help her, so you told him just to go back to his den," Dappled Fur explained, her tail tip twitching. "Is Amber Mist okay?"

"Wha-oh, yeah, she's fine," Spotted Owl said quickly, her ears sliding back. Sharp lied to her. That didn't actually happen. He covered for me. Why in the stars would he do that? She set her thoughts aside and cleared her throat. "So, I just came to check in. Is Sharp in his den?"

Dappled Fur glanced over her shoulder, double-checking. "Yes, he is. He's eating his squirrel right now."

"Good." She began to turn away.

"Spotted Owl?" Dappled Fur waited as the young she-cat turned back. She tilted her head, her deep amber eyes warm. "I just wanted to tell you that I think you're courageous. It is hard for everyone to have one of our enemies living alongside us, and it must be especially difficult for you, given your history with him. You are very brave for volunteering to be one of his guards, and you are doing your Clan a noble service."

Spotted Owl blinked a few times as Dappled Fur's words sank in, dissipating her weariness and emptiness like the sun on snow. Her lips slowly formed a smile. "Thank you." She turned away again, but this time her step was light.

The black and white dappled she-cat headed across the camp next toward Mossy Moon's den. Her step was lighter, but her pace was brisk. She stopped just before the cave to draw in a deep breath before she poked her head inside. "Mossy Moon?" She peered into the dark, silent den. It was empty. No response. Retracting her head, Spotted Owl turned, scanning the camp. Her ears pricked as her eyes landed on Mossy Moon, who was relaxing in the sunlight over by the hunter and fighter's den, deep in conversation with Sage Fur.

After a few heartbeats, Spotted Owl managed to catch Mossy Moon's gaze out of the corner of her eye. The chieftain gave her a nod, and then she turned back to Sage Fur, murmuring what was probably a goodbye before she rose and bounded across the camp.

Mossy Moon swept past Spotted Owl and into her den. With a glance around the camp, the dappled she-cat followed. Once they had both padded inside and taken a seat, Mossy Moon met Spotted Owl's gaze, her ears forward, waiting. "What do you have to report?"

Spotted Owl shifted her forepaws. She wrapped her tail around them, then unwrapped it again. "Sharp and I went to the tall oak tree on the lower slopes of the Dawn Mountain so he could hunt this morning. I stood guard while he did so, but there were no disturbances. But, on our way back to camp, he asked me an interesting question. He wanted to know if the other Clans or we have found any trespassers other than him in the Valley recently."

Mossy Moon narrowed her eyes. "Trespassers, as in possibly more cats from the Bands?"

The young she-cat nodded grimly. "Yes, that's exactly what I thought."

"Did he clarify what he meant?"

"No. I pressed Sharp, but he refused to say anything more. But, when I asked if it had something to do with why he came to the Clans for asylum, he said yes."

Mossy Moon let out a long breath. "Did he say anything else?"

"I asked him a few questions after that to keep the conversation going. I was hoping that he would reveal more. However…" Spotted Owl trailed off, her ears pulling back. Nerves made her stomach queasy. What do I tell her? Do I tell her that Sharp asked about Tall Pine, and I yelled at him, most likely destroying what's left of our relationship and our chance to save our Clan? "We arrived back at camp soon after, and we had to finish the conversation because I escorted him back to his den. Unfortunately, he did not reveal anything else that might be important."

Mossy Moon studied Spotted Owl's face, her brow furrowing slightly when the black and white she-cat had trailed off. But she merely nodded and said, "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. This isn't a lot of information, but it's a start. Keep working on it, and hopefully, we'll learn more."

"Do you think that Sharp meant the Bands?" Spotted Owl asked, flicking her tail tip as she waited to hear the chieftain's answer.

Mossy Moon twitched her whiskers, her expression thoughtful. "That would be the most logical conclusion, especially given that he told you his question has to do with why he came to ask for asylum. But then again, why would he ask about intruders if he came here to spy on us? He should know if there are any Band cats here, and exactly who and where they are."

Spotted Owl's eyes widened. "That's right. But if it's not the Bands, then who is he asking about?"

The blue-eyed she-cat frowned. "Perhaps if Sharp really did come for asylum, he could be asking because he wants to know if any other cats from the Bands have come to hurt him."

What? Oh, that could be true. Sharp could be in danger...but then he would have also brought trouble right to us. Either way, he's still a selfish jerk. "But that's not the likely possibility, right?" Spotted Owl asked though it was more of a statement than a question. "Sharp is still a murderer and a member of the Bands, no matter what." The fur on her neck rose as embers of anger flared up inside her.

"Yes, that is true," Mossy Moon acknowledged. "Nevertheless, I have asked Falling Star to increase the number of border patrols near the Dawn Pass and warn them to be on their guard. We will be ready if and when the Bands come."

Spotted Owl cocked her head. "So have we given up the plan to launch an assault on the Bands at this point?"

Mossy Moon was quiet for a few heartbeats as she let out a long sigh. Her expression grew weary. "Yes, I think at this point it is safe to say that we have. The other chieftains and I agree that we cannot hope to win a full-scale attack without the aid of the Clan of the Flowing Waters, so as long as Gray Moon refuses to fight, we cannot act."

"That mouse-brained fox-hearted furball," Spotted Owl mumbled under her breath. His stubbornness and pride might cost all of us our lives.

"Careful, Spotted Owl." Mossy Moon fixed the young she-cat with her stern gaze for a heartbeat. Then she leaned back, her posture erect and determined as she shed her weariness like a snake shedding its skin. Her blue eyes gleamed like slick ice in frosty sunlight, devious and dangerous. "But do not despair; hope is not lost yet. I have a plan, Spotted Owl, and you and Sharp and the key to it. We can still win this yet."

Thank you for reading! This was an interesting chapter to write. There are a lot of technical things I had to think about from character development to plot lines that will become important later (Hint hint). What do you all think of Spotted Owl and Sharp's relationship so far, and the fact that Spotted Owl is spying on him?

Fun Fact: Sage Fur was named after her aunt, Sage Heart, who died when she was young in a particularly harsh winter. Sage Fur has a fear of the cold because she's worried she'll end up like her namesake.

- A Warrior At Heart