Runningshadow turned on her side as the sun shone through the cracks in the den. She covered her face with her paw in attempt to block the sun rays. A sudden shade came over her. Runningshadow cracked open her eyes and looked at the figure. "Yes?"
"Runningshadow, it's time to get up." Flowheart nudged Runningshadow's shoulder. "Patrols are about to be made."
Runningshadow shook herself awake and blinked the tiredness out of her eyes. She stood up and stretched, arching her back and yawning. Flowheart led the way into the camp clearing where Spottedpelt organized patrols. Runningshadow sat down next to Petalfoot. She felt the flame stir inside her again. Her name was called. "Runningshadow, go on a hunting patrol with Petalfoot and Springhollow." Spottedpelt ordered.
Runningshadow nodded her head and led her patrol out of camp. She walked through the forest smelling the fresh air. A canine scent drifted in the wind. Runningshadow's pelt bristled. "Fox!" She followed the scent slowly and carefully.
Petalfoot walked up beside Runningshadow. "Should one of us go and get a larger patrol or at least tell Whitestar?"
Runningshadow nodded. "Yes, yes. Springhollow, can you run back to camp and tell Whitestar about this? The scent is fresh the fox is probably still around." Springhollow nodded, turned and started running back to camp. Runningshadow realized that now Petalfoot and she were alone. She felt the fire blaze through her. Her paws pulsed and she grew hot. Runningshadow squirmed uncomfortably.
"You okay?" Petalfoot asked.
Runningshadow curled her tail. "Oh, uh…"
Petalfoot lowered his head and looked at the ground sadly. "So you know?"
Runningshadow seized the opportunity. She gently twined her tail around Petalfoot's "Yes, I do." Petalfoot looked at her in surprise. Runningshadow looked back at him with soft eyes.
Petalfoot's surprised face easily turned into a soft smile. "The rumors are true, I love you Runningshadow. I want to be your mate."
Runningshadow nuzzled his face. "It took me too long to realize that I love you too. And yes, I will be your mate. From this moment on until… forever isn't long enough."
Petalfoot tightened the twine between his and his mate's tail. "I'm so glad you feel the same way, Runningshadow. No words could ever describe my love for you."
Runningshadow's heart ached with love. Once a spark is now the largest blaze. Runningshadow swooned. "No words. Not even made-up ones." She purred. The scent of the fox drifted their way. "Oh, we better get going…" Her hackles rose.
Paw steps started behind them. Four cats burst into the clearing. "We came as soon as we could. Is everything okay?" Flowheart blurted out.
"We're tracking the fox to where it's stationed. Hopefully it'd near the border so we can chase it off." Runningshadow walked over the log and picked up the pace. The fox scent grew stronger and stronger until the patrol walked into the clearing. The fox jumped up and snarled. The vixen's kits yipped and raced into the den.
The patrol closed in ranks. The vixen's growl turned into a whimper. The six cats hissed in unison. The vixen cooed into the den where her three kits stayed. The kits followed their mother out of the den. "Common, surround her." Runningshadow ordered. The cats fanned out and surrounded the vixen and her kits. The patrol started to move forward and nipped at the vixen's heels when she slacked. The vixen kept her kits near her, protecting them from the patrol. The cats led the family to the edge of the territory. The vixen and her kits ran across the thunderpath to the other side. "There…" Runningshadow turned back to the patrol. "The fox and her kits have gone across the border. We can return home now."
Flowheart approached her sister. "So, Runningshadow. I've been hearing… rumors…" She smirked and sat down next to Runningshadow.
"Oh… well…" Runningshadow curled her tail around her paws. "If the rumors are what I think they are. Then they're completely true."
Flowheart smiled brightly. "I knew it!" Her tail waved in the air. "I just knew it!" She sat back down. "How does it feel?"
Runningshadow smiled and let out a huff of laughter. "It feels better than any words can describe."
Flowheart nodded. "Yes, yes, you're going to have that feeling for a long time."
Runningshadow looked at her sister. "How do you know? You've been with Blacknight how long?" Flowheart gave a weird look at her sister but said nothing. "Oh, okay."
Flowheart laughed. "Yeah, exactly."
Blacknight walked up to the sisters. "I'm happy for you, Runningshadow, congratulations." He nodded to Runningshadow and looked to Flowheart. "Wanna hunt?" Flowheart smiled and stood up and followed her mate out of the camp.
Runningshadow watched Flowheart disappear through the tunnel. She stood up and walked over to the fresh-kill pile. Petalfoot walked up to Runningshadow and nuzzled her. Runningshadow purred and picked up a squirrel. She stroked Petalfoot's flank and flicked her tail to beckon him. Runningshadow lied down next to a patch of flowers. Petalfoot lied down next to her. Runningshadow took a bite out of the squirrel's shoulder. She chewed slowly, savoring the flavor. Her mouth started to water. "This is so good." Runningshadow said after she swallowed. Petalfoot nodded, unable to speak with his mouth full. She took another bite of the fresh-kill. And another, and another, and another. Soon the squirrel was gone only some of the bones were left. Something dawned upon Runningshadow. "Are we going to make a larger nest for the two of us?"
Petalfoot nodded, standing up. "Yeah, let me get my nest and I'll make our nest larger." Runningshadow followed Petalfoot into the warriors' den. She waited by her nest as Petalfoot dragged his nest over. He picked up scraps and placed them on the edges of Runningshadow's nest. Petalfoot took the rest of his nest and placed it on top of Runningshadow's.
"Perfect!" Runningshadow smoothed out the rough edges. She poked her head outside and saw the sun setting casting long shadows of the trees on the sandy camp floor. "Why not give it a test run?" She smiled brightly and lied in the nest. Petalfoot stepped onto the nest and lied down next to Runningshadow. Runningshadow snuggled into Petalfoot's soft fur and started purring. Petalfoot nuzzled his mate and started grooming her head until she drifted into sleep.
