The Water Trilogy
Chapter Five
Mentor and apprentice trudged back to camp, drenched and exhausted. Mossstorm was carrying the brown kit, and she said he was still alive, but barely. The faint scent on the brown tom told Mossstorm enough; he was from HighClan. She guessed he was playing around by the stream and fell in. The poor thing fell over a waterfall and survived! He was unconscious, but that was expected. It was sheer luck that he survived.
Splashpaw kept stealing glances at the young cat, amazed at how tough he was to still be alive.
Soon the IceClan cats made it to camp. Warriors that were sharing tongues and eating their meal stopped their activity to stare at the threesome; especially the HighClan kit. There were murmurs and nudges going through the Clan, and the stares-the dozens of curious eyes rested on them. Splashpaw's ear twitched uncomfortably as she new rumors were starting. Finally they reached Silverstar's den. "Come in," Silverstar's voice rang out loud and clear against all of the murmurs and whispering. Splashpaw was grateful for the invitation and came in with Mossstorm leading. Silverstar's eyes widened as she saw the kit. Mossstorm put him down to explain.
When she finished, she immediately ordered for Splashpaw to go fetch Burntfoot and Blacktail.
Splashpaw came back with them a while later. "Now," Silverstar began, "Burntfoot and Blacktail, when this little kit recovers, please return him to HighClan. You are also responsible for his safety." They looked confused, so Mossstorm told them what happened. They nodded to Silverstar. "We'll take him to Silverstorm now," Burntfoot murmured, picking up the kit in his mouth, giving Silverstar a respectful nod, in which she returned, and padded out of the den, Blacktail in tow.
Silverstar turned her attention to Mossstorm and Splashpaw. "Good job, you two. Thank you for rescuing the HighClan kit. You may go eat and rest now." Mossstorm nodded thankfully and respectfully, and Splashpaw did the same. When she started to head out, she thought she saw Silverstar wink at her.
She emerged from the den. Everyone was crowded around Burntfoot and Blacktail. Splashpaw guessed they were telling the story of the HighClan kit. No one noticed her slink into the apprentices den.
Otterpaw wasn't there. Probably out training, Splashpaw figured. No matter. She settled down in her nest and instantly fell asleep.
Splashpaw was dreaming. Mountains loomed in the background as she found herself watching over the plains, the wind tugging at her fur. This was unfamiliar territory. Long grasses swayed in the distance. The moon cast its white glow on them. Suddenly an owl swooped out of nowhere. Holding a small mouse in its talons, it swooped over Splashpaw. The mouse slipped out of its grasp and fell next to her. She looked up back at the owl in shock. It didn't even seem to notice that its prey was gone. It kept flying, until it was but a tiny silhouette in the moon.
Splashpaw's eyes flew open. She breathed out. Her breath was interrupted by a voice calling from outside, "Splashpaw!" Mossstorm. "Come see Owlkit-the HighClan kit!" Splashpaw totally forgot about her dream. She scrambled out of the den after giving herself a hasty wash. Mossstorm was waiting for her. "In Silverstorm's den," she explained. Splashpaw sprinted there.
Owlkit had bright green eyes. His chest, paws, and tail-tip were white. He was staring at Splashpaw. "Er...hi." Splashpaw greeted. "My name's Splashpaw." "Owlkit," he answered back. "Soon to be Owlpaw-" He was cut off as Silverstorm entered. "Shoo!" she scolded. "Go away! The poor thing needs to rest!"
Splashpaw obediently bolted out of the den. She could still feel Owlkit's eyes burning into hers. Mossstorm called to her. "Come, Splashpaw! It's time to go to training!" Splashpaw raced up to her and together they padded out of camp. Once she felt the breeze tug at her fur, her mind erased Owlkit. She focused on training.
But after she got back, Owlkit's green stare etched itself into Splashpaw's mind, and this time, it was permanent.