Chapter Sixteen

They lay like that for what felt like an eternity. Eventually though Shadowpaw had urged Skypaw to return back to the Clan. She was still numb with shock as they headed back to camp on their paws once more. At this point Skypaw didn't care whether she flew or walked. She just knew that she wasn't in any hurry to get back.

It was close to sunrise by the time they made it back to camp. Skypaw was immediately challenged by Cinderstorm the moment they reached the clearing. All she could do was stare down at her paws when the ginger she-cat glared down at the two apprentices.

"Where have you two been?" she demanded, her voice full of annoyance. Shadowpaw stood up to her once again, his eyes narrowed as he looked at her.

"Since when have you become our mentor?" he retorted, letting his claws sheathe and unsheathe. Cinderstorm's eyes widened when he said that. Clearly she wasn't expecting him to speak up once again. "Why don't you go and chew on your own tail, since you're so high and mighty," he scoffed when she didn't say anything.

Cinderstorm's mouth opened and closed for a few heartbeats. Amusement swept through Skypaw for the first time in what felt like moons. At last Cinderstorm closed her gaping mouth and turned away, huffing in annoyance.

"I thought you liked her," Skypaw admitted when they padded into the clearing together. Shadowpaw's eyes widened and he shook his head, looking a bit disgusted at the thought of being mates with her.

"Honestly, I'd be surprised if anyone took her as a mate," he muttered under his breath. "She's too full of herself for my liking."

Skypaw purred in agreement. For a moment she had forgotten about her encounter with Whiteflower. Until she remembered what she had discovered. Her eyes closed for a moment until she heard Cloudpaw's voice reaching them.

"Where have you two been? Everyone was so worried," she asked as she approached them. Then her eyes narrowed when she noticed how close her brother was to Skypaw. Shadowpaw immediately pulled apart and coughed in embarrassment, while Skypaw rolled her eyes. "Oh, I see. Looks like you just wanted some time alone." She snickered and flicked her tail across Shadowpaw's shoulder. "Halfcloud wanted to see us about something."

She watched as the two apprentices bounded off towards their father. A pang of jealousy surged within her. She would never know the warmth of a mother or the kind heart of a father. She would never receive praise like a kit would from their family when they became warriors. She wondered what it was like, to know that someone would always be there with her.

"Sundapple's kits arrived earlier this morning while you were gone," Spottedpaw purred when she approached Skypaw. "You should see them, they're so cute!"

I don't think I'm in any mood to see kits, she thought. But then she decided that it would be rude not to introduce herself. Even if half of the Clan hated her at the moment, she couldn't resist seeing what the new kits looked like. They might not have wings like me, she realized.

But the moment she reached the nursery she realized that her hope was in vein. Skypaw looked down and saw three tiny kits nestled at Sundapple's belly. The golden she-cat looked exhausted, but happy. Standing next to her was Ashwhisker, who glared at Skypaw but didn't say anything.

"Have you thought of names for the kits?" asked Daisytail as she watched them carefully. The three kits each had wings that matched their pelt colors. Skypaw felt another pang of jealousy as she watched the happy family.

"I think the sandy colored kit will be known as Mothkit," Sundapple explained, pointing her tail towards a sandy colored kit with silvery wings. "And this one will be known as Meadowkit," she added, pointing to a gray-brown tabby she-kit with brown wings. "And you can name the tom," she finished, glancing at Ashwhisker.

"I was thinking Hawk-kit, because his fur looks so much like that of a hawk," he meowed. Then he looked at Skypaw, who was still watching the scene with wide eyes. "Get away from here; you'll just end up hurting them!" he hissed, glaring at her.

Skypaw backed off and padded away, feeling more rejected than ever. She sat alone and tried grooming her fur while life went on as usual for the rest of WingClan. She thought back to how welcoming everyone had been when she first arrived. Everything had changed in such a short amount of time.

"Can you believe it?" Cloudpaw's mew broke her from her thoughts. "We're going to be warriors! Halfcloud said that our training has been going so well, and that we'll be having our assessments tomorrow."

"Wow, that is big news," Skypaw murmured halfheartedly. She knew she wouldn't be earning her warrior name anytime soon. Not after her latest mess up. She'd be lucky if she got it before Spottedpaw, Flightpaw and Pouncepaw. Cloudpaw suddenly realized what she was saying and looked at Skypaw sympathetically.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking—" Skypaw cut her off with a shake of her head.

"That's just it," she hissed in frustration. "No one ever thinks about what should be said or done! All I wanted to do was help someone, and look where that got me? Now everyone hates me for trying to help an old friend! I don't think I'll ever belong anywhere."

Cloudpaw looked shocked by what she had just said. Skypaw didn't bother giving her a chance to say anything else. She stood up and stalked away, letting the breeze ruffle her wings as she reached the apprentice's den.

Once she had reached her nest she curled up and tried putting her wings over her nose to hide her face. She wasn't in any mood to face anyone just yet, especially after everything that had happened. All she wanted more than anything was peace and quiet, a moment to just breathe.

AN: Sorry for the shortness of this chapter... Usually they're longer than this, but for some reason I couldn't just think of what else to write /: Also thought it would be fun to point out those last few lines came from a song by Sanctus Real... but of course most people probably won't be able to guess which one :P

Lightclaw's Shadow - Yep, not much, but enough to keep readers interested ;) And yes, I totally ship them together!

Foreststar of WindClan - I can't really blame you, it wasn't too much of an interaction... but yeah, running into a patrol would have just made things complicated. They wouldn't have really been able to see anything since it was just Skypaw having a vision /:

Nightfrost-of-ShadowClan - XD Trust me, you're not the only one who ships them :P

Guest - Yep, there is what appears to be a crush forming between them :) And no problem, I love writing this story!

boscyboo - XD It's okay, I actually really liked the cover art and decided to use it :) I gave you credit in the summary if you don't mind.

TwilightLifemain - Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it so much!

Ginger Pup - Technically she does have family; Whiteflower has kin in WingClan but she never really pointed that out. More secrets are going to be revealed later on :) And lol, I was listening to the song Sidekick by WALK THE MOON while typing that chapter; I totally recommend it! :P