Flamepaw padded through the fern tunnel and into the camp clearing; purring at the soothing heat from the sun. She looked at her clan, happy and thriving as always. Pinepaw, Leafpaw, Blackpaw and Silverpaw were huddled together, laughing about something. Ashpaw nodded to her, before trotting toward the fresh kill pile.
Tigerwhisker and Cinderstar were sitting side by side in the shade, heads close as they talk about something. Adderkit and Moonkit were playing fox; a game Flamepaw always played. She looked over at their mother, Dappleleaf, watching them with warm eyes.
Alderheart and Echostream were bathing in the sun by the entrance to their den. Flamepaw heard the close-by gossip between Rosethorns and Shardedcloud by the nursery. Flamepaw smiled, seeing how happy her clan was, as if no problems bothered them.
Flamepaw noticed that Cinderstar nodded at Tigerwhisker; she leapt on top of the Hightree.
"All cats old enough to catch prey gather beneath the Hightree!" She called, her head held high; her blue eyes filled with confidence.
As the clan gathered together, the talking and whispering died down as all of them waited for Cinderstar to speak.
"Tigerwhisker wishes to begin patrols now, so listen to what patrols you are on," She mewed, pausing so her clan could drink in the information. She continued once she was sure every cat was listening.
"Me and Tigerwhisker have concluded that cats should not join patrols; just warriors for today." She finished, her voice as certain as Flamepaw has ever heard it. Flamepaw was a little sad, but she wouldn't let this ruin her good mood. But Flamepaw heard sighs of anguish and disappointment.
"Listen up! Cloudsky, lead a patrol along the SunClan border with Robinfeather, Emberpelt and Jaycloud. Barkfoot, lead one along StreamClan border with Ferneye and Lightningtail. And last of all, Scarletpelt, lead one with Lionclaw and Briarfur just through the forest; make sure there are no trespassers." He finished, making the orders clear and strong. He added,
"Eagleclaw, you come with me. We will patrol the Rouge Place." He waved his tail in dismissal. His amber eyes were full of determination and courage. Flamepaw admired her father's personality. Strong, determined, playful, just everything a cat should have.
She sighed, watching all the warriors pouring out of camp. She looked up, noticing that the sky was turning orange as the sun set. She sighed, padding over to where Spottedpaw, Pinepaw and Tidalpaw were.
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Flamepaw awoke to the sound of paw steps padding into camp. She ran out of the den, finding Eagleclaw covered in scratches and blood. She gasped, running as fast as she could over to her.
"Falconwing!" She yowled to the medicine cat. She looked into Eagleclaw's terrified blue eyes.
"It's ok, don't worry." She soothed Eagleclaw, licking her wounds clean. Flamepaw heard the sound of pads behind her as warriors rushing into the clearing.
"Move!" Flamepaw heard Falconwing ordered her. Flamepaw quickly stepped aside, letting the skilled medicine cat do her job. Flamepaw wondered what could've happened. Tigerwhisker! She realized that her father was on patrol with Eagleclaw. Flamepaw's green eyes widened, erupting with worry.
"Where's Tigerwhisker?" She asked, he heartbeat picking up pace at an alarming rate. Eagleclaw looked at her; too much in shock to talk. Flamepaw wanted to yowl in louder until she got an answer from the warrior; she knew that she would be punished for doing that. Flamepaw looked at her pleadingly and eagerly, a tear falling down her cheek.
"Where is he?" She pressed, looking for an answer each heartbeat that passed. Falconwing turned around, facing Flamepaw; her blue eyes raging with impatience.
"She can't answer you! She is in shock, leave her alone!" She snapped, pressing cobwebs against Eagleclaw's pelt. Flamepaw flinched, her eyes closing with hurt and worry.
"Ok, take it easy, and take these for shock." Falconwing ordered, pushing herbs toward the wounded warrior. Eagleclaw nodded, lapping up the herbs.
After Falconwing left toward her den, Flamepaw stepped closer to Eagleclaw.
"Where is my father?" Her voice shook, anticipating an answer. Eagleclaw looked her dead straight in the eye; the blue clouded with grief. Flamepaw's eyes filled with tears.
"T-Tigerwhisker is-" She paused, the words choking out of her mouth. Flamepaw pressed closer, pushing her to continue. Eagleclaw took a deep breath before continuing.
"Tigerwhisker is dead!" She yowled, her head bowed in grief. Flamepaw gasped, her eyes immediately blurred with tears.
"He can't be!" She shrieked the words barely understandable through the sadness in her voice. Don't do this to me! Please, you can't be dead….. She pleaded