Chapter 11

YAY! A quick update:D It's not the longest chapter ever, but I think it's pretty...revealing. ;) Find out what I mean and read it. Then review. Then read my other stories. And review them, too. :P

Bubblepaw held her breath and kept low to the ground, not daring to try moving or making a sound. She could hear them coming closer, but there was a rustle in the other direction and a rabbit flew by, followed by three babies that were almost adults. The patrol cats gasped and charged after them, hoping to catch a meal for the entire Clan.

Bubblepaw let her breath out in a sigh of relief. Thank you, StarClan…you've saved me.

She stood and shook her fur, taking a step forward. Suddenly, some cat was breathing on her. She shivered. The tom spoke in a deep voice.

"Why are you on WindClan territory?"

She looked up at the scary tom…only to find that it was Coyotepaw.

"You…!" Bubblepaw exclaimed. "How did you…!"

He smiled. "I smelled you from a mile away." He took a step closer. "…I'm always looking out for your scent, Bubblepaw."

The skin under her fur was burning. Her heart was thudding loudly against her chest; she was sure Coyotepaw heard it. How embarrassing…! How come he can act so cool, whereas I'm…! she thought angrily.

"Why are you here?" he asked softly. He winked playfully. "Couldn't resist coming to see me?"

"No," Bubblepaw responded, trying to urge her heart to slow down. "I'm here to see Cheetahspots."

He blinked, taken aback. "The medicine cat? What do you want with that old bat?"

She looked away. "…Something really important. Can you please get me to her, Coyotepaw?"

He smiled and licked her cheek. "Your wish is my command, master."

Her eyes widened. What…?

The thought was pushed out of her mind when they started running at an impossible speed. Within a few seconds, they were in a secluded place of the forest that smelled of flowers and fresh water. She flicked her tail, taking in the wonderful scent. "Wow, Coyotepaw, this place is great!"

Coyotepaw smiled. "I'm glad you like it," he meowed. "But don't move from here while I'm gone. And try not to make any sound. I'm going to get Cheetahspots for you, okay?"

She nodded. "Okay." The wind rustled her fur as she watched her friend walk away. In the cool breeze, he looked magnificent with his fur blowing back. It was like a dream; her best friend was an impossibly handsome tom, who just happened to be the Phantom Cat. She had never thought so much of a cat before.

His soft, sweet smiles teased her, enhancing his beauty ten-fold. She knew she was above average herself, but she still didn't compare to her friend. He was always making excuses to come see her. Crossing onto her territory, getting scolded by her and her Clanmates. But even though she scolded him whenever he did intrude, she was truly glad that he wanted to be closer to her. And that he did, no matter what it meant. He was always there to save her.

Before she knew it, tears were coming to her eyes as she stared at Coyotepaw. "Coyotepaw."

He turned around, his eyes warm and inviting. "Bubblepaw, what's wrong…?"

She shook her head, laughing lightly. "Nothing's wrong, Coyotepaw…I'm just…I'm so grateful to you for everything that you've done for me. I don't know how I can repay you…you're the best friend I've ever had…"

He padded over to her, his steps unheard. "Shh," he whispered into her ear. "You just repaid me there. I'm glad to be your best friend, Bubblepaw. And I'll always be here to offer you that friendship and…" he caught himself before saying what he really wanted to. His mouth hung open for a second but he quickly snapped it shut.

"…And what?" Bubblepaw asked, cocking her head to the side.

He smiled at her. "Nothing. Forget it. I'll go get Cheetahspots now."

And something more…a lot more. Coyotepaw was glad he had stopped himself from saying those words. But at the same time, he was sad that he didn't have the courage to tell Bubblepaw how he felt.

Meanwhile, Bubblepaw was glowing with happiness. Coyotepaw would never hurt her. She could trust him with her life…and her love.

She knew she couldn't have those feelings for him. But you can't help them, can you? Nothing could stop her, especially not Coyotepaw. They were from two different Clans, and it could never be. No matter how much she wanted it.

However, this is only the beginning…

"Cheetahspots," Coyotepaw called into the medicine cats' den in a hushed voice. "Cheetahspots, come here for a second."

A light figure emerged from the den. The blotches on her feet told Coyotepaw that it was Inkpaw, the medicine cat apprentice.

"Hey, Coyotepaw," she meowed. "Can I help you with something?"

Coyotepaw shook his head. "I need Cheetahspots for this…but maybe you can come," he told her. He was more respectful to the medicine cat apprentice than the other apprentices; she was older than him, and if she were a warrior, she would have gotten her warrior name around this time. "Hey, are you gonna get your warrior name soon?"

She looked at him happily. "Actually, yes! Cheetahspots won't be retiring for a while now, and she didn't want to hold me back. She figured that I should get my warrior name now, while I'm still 'young and bouncy'. Ha ha!"

He smiled. She was clearly very excited to receive her warrior name. "I wonder what it will be?"

"Me, too! Maybe Inkstorm? Or Inkclaw? Inkfoot? Inkheart?"

She continued to shoot off names that she hoped to receive, and Coyotepaw was happy for his friend, but…he didn't have all day. It wouldn't be long before RiverClan noticed Bubblepaw's absence.

"Ah, Inkpaw, could you please get Cheetahspots for me?" he asked politely, kicking in his charm. "I'm kind of in a hurry."

"Oh, right. You're friend can't be kept waiting too long, I suppose."

Coyotepaw's eyes widened. "Huh…?"

Before she entered the den, Inkpaw looked back at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

He smiled. A true medicine always receives signs, I guess…or maybe I'm just that obvious with someone else along? he thought, laughing at himself.

"Laughing at yourself, Coyotepaw?"

The tom looked over. Cheetahspots sat, looking amused, outside of the den with Inkpaw behind her. He smiled. "Hello, Cheetahspots."

"Yep, whatever, just cut to the chase," Inkpaw sighed. "We know Bubbl-"

The medicine cat hushed her apprentice with a sharp flick of her tail. "Mind what you say, young one."

Inkpaw looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry, Cheetahspots. I'll be careful next time."

"But we do know why you have to us today, Coyotepaw." The medicine cat smiled. "Please, show the way to your friend."

Coyotepaw dipped his head in respect before standing again. He walked swiftly through the bushes, his ears pricked for any sign of his Clanmates…or Bubblepaw's.

"It's here," he whispered, parting the grass for the two she-cats to enter.

Bubblepaw looked back at them. She flicked her tail in greeting, and the others dipped their heads.

"Greetings, RiverClan apprentice," Cheetahspots meowed.

"Please, call me Bubblepaw."

"I'm Inkpaw, the WindClan medicine cat apprentice," Inkpaw mewed.

Bubblepaw smiled at her.

The cats all settled down into the lush grass. "What is it you would like to know, Bubblepaw?" Cheetahspots asked.

Bubblepaw frowned and gulped. "Well…I wanted to know if you knew what I…what I am, and where I came from."

Cheetahspots smiled, but not out of pleasure. "I knew this time would come one day." She looked at Bubblepaw, straight in the eye. "Yes, child, I do know where you come from. And now, I'll tell you."

:O Cheetahspots does know! Where does Bubblepaw actually come from? Maybe you'll find out in the next chapter! If you review! PS REVIEWING IS NOT ADDING THE STORY TO FAVOURITES. REVIEWING IS REVIEWING. WRITE ONE NOW, PLEASE. :)