Chapter 2
Time: sunhigh
Setting: River clan camp
Willowshine's POV
I check over the herbs quietly, it seems we have enough of everything. The blazing heat makes me wish my pelt was shorter. Not one cat has come in for a while and boredom is perched on my shoulder. "Mothwing?" I speak to my mentor without turning. "Yes Willowshine?" she replies. "Can I leave camp?" I ask this time turning to face her. "Willowshine, you are a grown cat, do as you like; but why would you even want to leave? It's steaming out there." I sigh, "A swim" I say and swish my tail. "Alright, go on" She turns and moves to the back of the den. A short walk later I arrive at my destination. Water wraps around my paws. I wade further in and the water tugs at ye pelt. I let my head slip under. The water is warm and doesn't fully cool me off. I continue to hold my ball of air as I look up at the sparking surface. I run my paws over the satin sand floor. I push of gently and lift above the surface. I pull in breaths of hot, muggy air. I slip under once again, letting the water hold my body in weightlessness.
Time: mid afternoon
Setting: Thunder clan camp
Jayfeather's POV
I lift my head slowly, carefully. I sniff deeply, Leafpool is gone. I drag myself to my paws, and stretch. My whitecough is already begun to reseed but Leafpool still worried on. Heat pricks my pelt and wraps around me. The humid air makes me sputter and cough. A notice the scent of mouse nearby and locate the prey. I'm not hungry but Leafpool had put it there for a reason. I lie down with the meal.
Leafpool returns not long after I finish, and asks the same old question "Are you better yet?" She eyes me. "Yus mum, shipe shape!" I joke. "No but I seriously feel better." I say flicking my tail. "If you can pass the test, then I'll believe you." She stares at me unflinchingly. "Test?" I ask questioningly. She thrusts her forepaw into my chest; I erupt into a coughing fit.
"What was that for" I hiss still sputtering. "You failed the test" she says. "I kinda figured!" I say hotly. Leafpool shrugged, you said you were better, it's not my fault. "It would have hurt either way!" I hiss. "If you were healthy you would've gasped. I groan and lie down again.