Chapter 11

If only things could be normal. If only Silverfeather was actually nice. If only Stormflower's father didn't die. There were too many questions left unanswered, yet life went on.

The two weeks was up; either Stonefeather and Ember entered SpringClan, or they did not. The two were conversing with Vixenstar and Poppyfire now. "I've noticed that you and Talonstorm have gotten closer," Falconclaw said to Stormflower.

"What's it to you?", Stormflower asked suspiciously.

"I'm your brother. Plus, it's not like it's a crime to be close to another cat. You're in the same Clan and everything."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Falconclaw."

"Whatever. Hey, let's play-fight like we used to, sister."

"You're so immature. How can you even fathom the idea?" Falconclaw backed up and ran towards his littermate. Stormflower dodged him and shook her head. "No no no, you're too predictable." She ran quick to her brother's side, and rammed into his right back leg. She continued to knock the other leg down, leaving Falconclaw panting.

"Ouch…." "Wimp."

"You…you win this round," Falconclaw panted. Stormflower turned around, and her littermate slowly rose. He ran towards her.

"Look out, he's behind you!" Tawnyrose yelled from her place. Stormflower skidded around and dodged Falconclaw just in time. He thudded onto the dry, grassless spot of ground.

"Cheater, you had help. I'll get you back, somehow, someway, but frankly, I'll have to do it another day," Falconclaw admitted. Stormflower snickered and walked away.

"Hey, care to join me in a hunting patrol? It's a fishing patrol, in fact," Talonstorm called out.

"I'd love to. I don't get to fish often." The two got Ravenfeather and Tallminnow to join them. The four headed out of camp, around Furbald Flats, and towards the ledge at the river.

The ledge was called the ledge; it didn't need a name, for all SpringClan cats knew of it. A long time ago, a SpringClan apprentice had drowned falling from the ledge. The ledge wasn't in itself a place to fish from, but if you tread carefully, you could reach the area beyond the ledge. That area was perfect for fishing. Dents in the rocky bank let cats lay the fish there until the cats were done fishing. No cat would be able to steal the fish without alerting the fishing patrol.

As they were heading out to the fishing area, Tallminnow talked to himself out loud, as usual. Then the tom said, "Hey, to pass the time, could I tell a story?"

"Sure. What's the story about?", Ravenfeather asked.

"Well, it's about the ghost of the cat who was killed at the meadow near the Gathering spot."

"Well then, tell us," Ravenfeather replied.

"Alright. It was moons ago, before even I was born. It's when Hornwing and Larkwing were warriors, that's how long ago it was!"

"Respect your elders," Stormflower reminded Tallminnow.

"Sorry; anyways, Vixenstar, Hornfang, and Larkwing were at the meadow, right? This silver rogue approaches them out of the blue and growls. ' "This is my territory,"' he says.

"I believe you are mistaken, this is SpringClan territory. Why do I smell MarshClan scent on you?" , hissed Vixenstar.

"I am from MarshClan, but I deserted. I must hunt for my kits."

"Whoever you are, I will give you a chance. Come with us, and we won't do anything. If you refuse, we'll give you and your kin two days to disappear. If not, we will do what comes accordingly with your actions."

"I refused the MarshClan way of life. What makes you think I'll accept SpringClan's way of life?" The tom jumped at Vixenstar, who clawed the tom's eyes. The rogue staggered back in pain.

"Why would you do that?", screeched the tom.

"You didn't listen. I say again: Will you accept my invitation?"

"Never!", yelled the tom, who jumped at Vixenstar. The SpringClan leader writhed under the tom and finally pushed him off. Vixenstar clawed at the tom's sides and belly. Almost instantly the rogue bled. More and more blood came, until surely the tom was dead.

A queen's mews sounded off in the distance, getting closer. "What have you done? What have you done?", screeched the queen. The queen's kits joined her and bawled while their mother rambled on.

"He should've listened," Vixenstar said as he walked off. The story ended, and all the cats were silent. Stormflower knew what she had to say, so she voiced her opinion.

"Why did Vixenstar kill the tom that brutally? I know he was on our territory, but the tom had kits to care for!", Stormflower exclaimed

"You're one to talk, Stormflower. Clan leaders must make hard decisions that affect other cats."

"Tallminnow, you said earlier that the cat's ghost haunted the meadow. How do you know?", inquired Stormflower.

"I have my ways, you know. Hey, we're here!" A rocky, clay-like ledge jutted out above a river that wound its way through the forest. Next to the ledge was, of course, the fishing area. Stormflower took her place at the far left, which was almost under the ledge. Water lazily soaked her paws, then retracted.

A fish swam unbeknown in the river. It didn't have a chance; one minute later it laid on the riverbank, slowly dying. That one fish became two, which became five. Overall, ten fish had been collected. That was a lucky patrol, but with the cooling temperatures, the plentiful prey wouldn't last much longer.

The cats took the fish back to camp. Talonstorm beckoned for Stormflower to come over to him. "I love you, Stormflower, and I don't know what else to do."

"What are you talking about, Talonstorm?"

"I talk to you, slumber next to you, but I want it to be more."

"Oh. Well, let's see how it all goes. I'll consider the possibility, alright." Talonstorm had a wounded look on his face, but then shook his head. Why couldn't he understand, Stormflower thought. Sometimes waiting patiently strengthens love. Sometimes it doesn't.