The Interpreter - Chapter 2

The plot thickens...

I don't own Warriors.

Chapter Two

Reedtail led us out of my father's den and over to a fallen log on the outskirts of the camp. "While you stay here, this will be your den," he explained, stepping aside and allowing us to view what was out knew home. Everything about it reminded me of my wood… and of my mother.

A part of me sought vengeance. My father could not live in impunity forever. One day, he would have to face up to his wrongdoings and give me, in the least, an apology. While one part longed to bring him shame, another part seemed to tell me to abscond. I didn't need to be here and make his life, or my own, harder than it already was. We've come this far, my rational side reminded. We can't just flee like pieces of prey! Besides, no one would understand my feelings… They would think this whole journey was all for nothing.

Soda and October were already exploring the log, making themselves at home. Storm, however, lingered close to me. "Are you alright?" he queried softly, running his tail along my flank.

I shrugged my shoulders and followed the other two toms into the aperture. On the outside, the log was rough and cracked, but on the inside, it was nice and smooth. It smelled of moss and rotting leaves, but it was a familiar and comforting scent. I was shocked at how much it reminded me of my old life. It frightened me.

Four nests were already made up for us, and Soda had flopped down and was making himself at home. "Well, I'm gonna get some rest while I have the chance," he said, his voice trailing off to a yawn at the end.

October rolled his eyes once Soda had closed his. "Well, I'm actually going to go hunting I think. I can't stay cooped up in here for too long, plus I feel like it will help me clear my head and do me good to stretch my legs. If anyone is interesting in tagging along, they're welcome," he meowed, his orange eyes lingering on me for a brief moment.

"I think I will join you, actually," I spoke up after a moment. I felt Storm's smoldering gaze burn into my back as I padded over to October. "I need some fresh air."

The white cat nodded and looked over at Storm. "Care to join us?"

I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw Storm's disapproving look. "I think I'll stay here and make sure no one murders Soda in his sleep."

October let out a chuckle, but Storm didn't appear even slightly amused. His chilling gaze made my blood run cold. Why was he acting like this all of a sudden? Was he just worried about me, or did he suspect something between October and me? I didn't know, but I wanted to ask him what the spirits his problem was. However, before I could, October nudged me out of the den.

To my great surprise, the RiverClan warriors allowed us to hunt on their territory as long as we caught something extra to add to their fresh-kill pile. I didn't quite understand these Clan concepts—Clan meetings, Gatherings, patrols, fresh-kill piles, feeding schedules—everything just seemed to pointless to me. I had asked one of the warriors—a she-cat—why everything was so complicated, and she just laughed. "To you maybe, but the warrior code helps us live with more logic and reason that a band of rogues."

And I found that comment deeply insulting.

October led the way through the weeds and out to the semi-wet lands that lay beyond. The entire time, he kept his ears pricked and his jaw slightly ajar to scent the air. I mimicked his movements and focused on keeping my steps quiet even though it was difficult with the wet ground under paw. We squelched along no luck, but we had abled to frighten a starling that had been nesting within a group of reeds. Unfortunately, neither of us had been able to catch the handsome bird.

After a sun-shift of unproductive hunting, October stopped and sat down on a dry patch of land. The white tom looked down and grimaced at his mud-plastered paws and lower legs. He began muttering to himself as he shook the mud out from between his pads.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," I suggested, flopping down as well. My legs ached with exhaustion from the fruitless hunt, and from our journey here in the first place. It felt as if all that energy and adrenaline I had been blessed with during our travels were finally catching up to me. "You'll just get them dirty again on the way back."

He flattened his ears against his head and curled his lips back in a snarl. "I know, but it's better than having mud caked between your pads!" He was silent for a moment as he placed his paw on solid ground once more. "How are you doing?" he asked.

His concern took me off guard. For a moment, I felt as if I should snap at him to mind his own business, but something stopped me. He was just trying to be helpful, and perhaps it would do me good to relay my feelings and concerns to someone else. "As good as to be expected," I replied. I was surprised at how dull my voice sided, but I partially cherished it. It showed feeling.

October nodded, understanding.

"I… I don't know what I'm feeling really… There are so many mixed emotions… happiness… relief… anger… hatred… desire for Vengeance… and sadness. I just… I don't know what to do… A part of me wants to leave, but then the journey would all be for nothing…" I whispered.

The white cat shook his head. "Not for nothing; you found your father and perhaps in the next few days you will come to the conclusion that he isn't the kind of cat you want in your life, and we can leave."

"But I don't even really know why I came… or why we're sticking around…" I told him.

"For answers perhaps? To understand why he left you and your mother with no way to provide for each other?" he suggested.

His guesses were as good as mine. "I suppose."

"If you want to leave, no one will think less of you," he meowed. "And I would follow you to the edge of the Earth if that is where you plan to go next. You are a great cat, Cat. You saved my life in the Twolegplace, and I will be forever grateful to you for that… You are my friend, and I care for you—not necessarily in a romantic way—but as a sister that I never had. You have my support, and I'm sure Storm will say the same."

I lowered my gaze to the marshy ground. "I'm not so sure he will."

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