Chapter 20: Spotted Owl

Spotted Owl drew in a deep breath as she sat as straight up as she could, her spine arching. Her back simmered with warmth like embers in a burnt-down fire, heated by the deep cinnamon-orange rays of the dying sun. Her taut muscles relaxed, the tension uncoiling under the sunlight's soothing touch. Her eyes fluttered shut, a purr of contentment slipping from her lips. This is the best thing ever.

A breeze picked up, whooshing up from the Valley floor and ruffling her fur. She shivered. There won't be many more days with warmth like this. I wouldn't be surprised if it snows soon. I hope it does. She smiled softly as the images of delicate flakes floating on a breeze, and a drift of chilly, fluffy powder swallowing her whole flashed through her mind. I can't wait.

The breeze nipped her Spotted Owl's nose. She turned her head, looking over her shoulder at the Valley of Hidden Stars splayed out to her back. A monotonous sea of brown trees, interspersed here and there with a splash of the dull green of evergreens, covered the slopes like a drab pelt; the equally brown ground and winding streams and river to the heart of the Valley were visible between them. Despite the bleak landscape, the view did not fail to stir the same sense of awe it had since she'd seen it for the first time. This is my home. Up here, gazing down at the small world below her, she felt like she was a billion tail-lengths away from all of her problems. She bit her lip, ears starting to pull back. I can forget about what happened with Tall Pine. At least for a little while.

"Spotted Owl?" A voice floated up to her on the breeze, coming from nearby. "Where are you?"

The dappled she-cat's head jerked up. Without wasting a heartbeat, she pushed herself to her paws. Rough, cracked stone scraped her pads as she ran nimbly up a short slope, stepping over a deep gouge and dodging a loose rock before she halted at the pinnacle of the boulder. Below her, standing partially in the long shadow that the boulder cast, stood Sharp, a dead mouse resting at his paws.

Spotted Owl's face broke into a wide grin. "I'm up here."

Sharp looked up, his eyes widening for a heartbeat. "Whoa. I didn't see you there. How did you get up there?"

Spotted Owl chuckled. "Like this." She moved to the side of the rock, carefully placing her feet on a narrow ledge running diagonally down its side. She worked her way down it before leaping to another ledge, then to a smaller rock, then to the ground. "It's not that tricky-" she started but broke off as she landed awkwardly and stumbled.

"Careful." Sharp leaned over, using his shoulder to steady her. His green eyes were round. "Shouldn't you be more cautious? Your leg-didn't Red Maple say?"

"I'll be fine. I wasn't doing anything strenuous." Spotted Owl brushed it off as she took a step back, praying that he couldn't hear the thudding of her heart. As her heartbeat steadied, she looked at him thoroughly for the first time, her brow furrowing as she took in his ruffled pelt. He was glancing behind him as if he was afraid someone was watching them. He's even more nervous than usual. She tilted her head. "Sharp-are you okay? You look…"

The ginger tom's head snapped around. His tail twitched like a fidgeting kit. "What? Oh, nothing." He smiled reassuringly at her. "I'm fine."

"Okay." The young she-cat returned his smile. She swished her tail down the mountainside. "Are you ready to head back to camp?"

Sharp nodded. "Sure."

Spotted Owl waited as he bent down to scoop up his mouse before they fell into step with each other as they began their trek down the slope. Her gaze wandered over the darkening valley as they walked for a while in comfortable silence; the only sound was the crunching of their paws on the dried grass. Her paw-steps were slow, tiredness making her limbs sluggish. I can't wait to go curl up in my nest.

"So," Sharp said around a mouthful of mouse. "What were you doing up on that boulder while I was hunting?"

"Oh." Spotted Owl smiled a little sheepishly. She twitched an ear. "Well, I had to find something to do to pass the time, so I decided to climb the boulder. It just so happened that there was a spot of warm sunlight right on its edge, so I decided to enjoy it."

Sharp chuckled. "Well, I guess you didn't have anything better to do. It doesn't hurt to be lazy once in a while."

"That's true. But I also spent some time looking at the valley. From up here, the view is stunning. It is my favorite."

Sharp followed her gaze. "Yes, it is." He wrinkled his nose. "Though it is a little dismal now that the leaves have fallen."

"Oh, wait until the Time of Frozen Earth," Spotted Owl exclaimed, her eyes lighting up like glittering sun on freshly fallen snow. "When it snows, everything almost feels magical. I became a trainee last Time of Thawing Earth, so the snow was all melted by the time I got to see the territory for the first time, but I bet that the forest is gorgeous under a layer of fallen snow. Just wait until we see it."

The green-eyed tom's brow furrowed. "How much snow do you usually get in the mountains?"

"Oh, we get huge drifts, big enough to swallow you whole." At Sharp's expression, she laughed, bumping his shoulder with hers. "What? You aren't scared of a little snow, are you?"

"That doesn't sound like a little snow," he muttered, making her laugh again.

The pair continued to talk and laugh as they hiked along the trail down the mountain. Spotted Owl was surprised to find herself smiling and laughing easily with Sharp; no effort required anymore. I have started to enjoy spending time with him. It's so easy, natural. It's also a nice break from all of the other serious matters. She glanced at him. I think that I am finally getting to know the real Sharp-not the nervous, scared side of him or the smooth, cocky mask he wears. He's funny, easygoing, and kind. I hope that I can see more of this side of him, the truest part of him. I-I think I might be able to start trusting him again.

A crisp, chilly night had fallen by the time Spotted Owl and Sharp passed Blossom Dust and Rabbit Nose, who were on guard outside the bramble thicket and entered the passageway. The brilliant moon, well on its way to being full, was suspended in a cloud-dappled sky, a few stars poking out here and there. The camp was quiet as they emerged, as most cats save for Dawn Sky and Running Wave who lay, murmuring to each other, outside the hunter and fighters' den, and Yellow Sky, who lingered by the prey pile, having already retreated into their caves for the night. The pair grew silent as they headed across the camp, in part because of the tranquil atmosphere, and in part, because Spotted Owl was all too aware of the tension that always seems to coalesce anytime, they-or really Sharp-came or went and the heavy gazes that followed them.

Once they had reached the mouth of Sharp's den, the fighter trainee halted and turned to him. "So." She shifted her weight from paw to paw, ears twitching uncertainly. "I guess that this is goodnight."

Sharp set his mouse down. "Goodnight," he murmured. "I had a wonderful time with you this evening."

Spotted Owl's heart fluttered. "I did too."

"Shall we go hunting again tomorrow?"

"Of course. I'm looking forward to it." Spotted Owl hesitated for a heartbeat before she took a step forward, extending her muzzle.

Sharp met her halfway, gently touching his nose to hers. His green eyes were as warm as an evening in the Time of Green Earth. "Goodnight, Spotted Owl."

The young she-cat smiled. "Goodnight, Sharp." She watched him as he gave her a nod before padding into his den. After a heartbeat, she turned and headed back across the camp toward the trainee's den. On her way, she passed the prey pile, where the last patrol, consisting of Soaring Hawk, Dappled Fur, and Raven Swoop, had finally returned to camp. Dappled Fur and Raven Swoop had already scooped up pieces of prey to eat a quick meal before heading to their nests, but Soaring Hawk lingered by the pile, deep in conversation with Yellow Sky. Their mutters were just loud enough for Spotted Owl to overhear.

"...have you seen Jagged Path at all recently?" Soaring Hawk was asking.

"No, I have not." Yellow Sky shook her head. Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"Falling Star assigned him to my patrol, but he never showed up," the other fighter explained. His brow was furrowed, whiskers twitching. "It's strange. As my trainee, he was always dedicated to his duties as a fighter."

"Well, you never know what to expect from that furball," Yellow Sky grunted. "Especially now that…"

The senior fighters' conversation faded away as Spotted Owl neared the trainee's den. Her head was so tired it felt as though it was stuffed full with feathers, so she hadn't been paying attention anyway. But as she stepped inside the cave, her grogginess vanished as her gaze landed on her brother's black and white pelt. Tall Pine. Her heart clenched so tightly in her chest she thought it might burst. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to say those things to you. But I can't have you interfering. I can't let you mess up my mission, for our Clan's sake.

Quietly, as to not disturb the other trainees who were already fast asleep, Spotted Owl crept across the den. She stepped into her nest and sank into the soft moss. Tall Pine was curled up with his back to her at the edge of his nest, so while they usually slept with their pelts brushing, there was a small gap between them. It might as well have been a gorge. She bit her lip. I'm sorry.

. . .

Spotted Owl woke with a gasp. She launched herself to her paws, her heart racing faster than a hare. Fear churned more fiercely than a thunderstorm through her veins, clouding her already sleep-dazed mind. Her claws slid out, her muscles tense, eyes flickering across the den, ready to attack her enemies. But there were none. She was safe in the trainee's den, the softs rhythmic breaths of her fellow trainees rising around her. The only enemies were those inside her head, twisting her dreams into nightmares that forced her to relive her worst experiences over again. It was almost worse than the real thing.

Images flashed across the young she-cat's mind. Long, curved claws. A long shadow. A death-cold floor. Blazing green eyes- No. She snapped her eyes shut, shaking her head as if she could shake the images away like pesky flies. Pain- No. The images from the dream were persistent, so vivid in her mind that they felt like memories. Wait. They were memories.

I have to get out of here. Spotted Owl felt as though she was suffocating. She whirled around, tripping over her paws as she dashed for the entrance. The chill of the night air was like a slap to the face. Her chest heaved as she took huge gulps of air, but it still wasn't enough. I have to get away from here. Her paws began to move, carrying her stumbling across the camp, completely unaware of where she was headed. The camp wall loomed, and then she was standing in the entrance to another cave, this one long and narrow.

"Who's there?" A nervous voice snapped her back to reality. Moss rustled as a cat got to their paws. A ginger figure stepped into a pale beam of moonlight arching in the entrance. His eyes widened with shock. "Spotted Owl?'

Spotted Owl froze. Oh my stars, what am I doing? What was I thinking? I shouldn't be in here.

Sharp took a step forward. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"

Spotted Owl shook herself. Her ears burned. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I was just- I mean, I wanted to-" Mouse-brain. She turned stiffly. "I'll just go."

"No, wait." He hurried after her, stopping her as he placed his tail on her shoulder. She turned back, meeting his worried gaze. "What's wrong?"

Spotted Owl opened her mouth to respond, but a sob escaped instead. She tried again but could not summon any sound, let alone form coherent words. My stars…the nightmares... Her body began to tremble like a dried leaf in a breeze as more sobs came. An invisible barrier gave way inside her as tears started to gush out like a swollen stream. No. I can't do this. Not now. Spotted Owl ducked her head, shutting her eyes as she tried to wrestle her emotions back under control, but it was too late. They spiraled out of control, rising higher and higher in an inky black flood threatening to drown her. I can't… She couldn't think. I can't… She couldn't breathe. Her legs gave out beneath her, but Sharp caught her, pulling her in close to him. She collapsed against him, burying her muzzle into the fur on his chest, breathing in his scent.

Wrapping his tail around her, Sharp eased them both to the ground. He held the dappled she-cat until her tears began to subside. They were like rain, washing everything away until she felt empty inside. Sitting up, she drew in a deep breath, regaining the full use of her lungs.

Sharp titled his head, examining her. His meow was no louder than a whisper. "Are you okay?"

Spotted Owl nodded. "Yeah. I think I am now." She pushed herself to her paws and took a step back, ears burning as she realized how close they had been to each other.

"Is it okay if I ask what happened?"

Spotted Owl shifted from paw to paw. "Well...I have been having had bad dreams. Nightmares, really. They've been happening ever since…" She trailed off, unsure of how to continue. "Ever since I came home. In my nightmares, I relive…" She took a shuddering breath, her timid voice trembling. "...what happened all over again. I had one tonight. It woke me up. I had to get out of the trainee's den, and I wound up wandering in here."

"I understand."

Spotted Owl's head jerked up. "You do?"

The ginger tom nodded. He pinned his ears against his head. "I have nightmares too. Like you, there are ghosts that stalk my dreams." He bowed his head, his voice so quiet Spotted Owl could barely hear him. "I am afraid of him, too."

She nodded. "I understand."

Sharp looked up, his ear twitching. "So, since you came here, would you like to stay?"

She frowned. "Would I like to stay?"

"Here, with me." He gestured over his shoulder at his mossy nest. "I know it's not good to be alone after having a nightmare. But, I completely understand if you don't want too-"

"Yes," Spotted Owl interrupted. "I would." She smiled up at him. "Thank you."

Sharp led the way back over to his nest. It was just large enough for the both of them to lay down, a little awkwardly in each other's presence. But Spotted Owl didn't mind that her fur brushed Sharp's as she closed her eyes, falling into a peaceful, dreamless sleep for the first time in a long time.

Thank you for reading this chapter! It wasn't nearly as long as other ones have been and not much happened, but we got more development of Spotted Owl and Sharp's relationship! They are both adorable dorks. You gotta love them.

Reviews:

Theoneandonlylonelypotato - Thank you! Awesome yelling at my characters-they could use a wake-up call once in a while. Spotted Owl yelling at Tall Pine isn't right, but she did that because she thinks that it's the only way she can get him to back off so he doesn't mess up her mission-not that it's the best way to go about things.

Fun Fact: Back in the first book, I actually wanted to keep Spotted Owl and Sharp as just friends as I felt like it would be a little too cliche. But, I'm glad that I changed my mind.

- A Warrior At Heart