CHAPTER FOUR

IVYPOOL

Dusk followed Ivypool as the silver tabby led her to the Apprentice Den, where she'd be sleeping for a while. Ivypool glanced across at the black she-cat and felt her paws fill with excitement. She couldn't wait to find out more about the mysterious she-cat.

"So.." Ivypool slowed her pace. "Why are you here?"

Dusk's ears flicked and her tail twitched. "I just need a home, or at least somewhere to sleep."

"Is that all?" Ivypool asked curiously.

Dusk didn't answer and sped forward, stopping beside the Apprentice's Den. "This is the den, right? Are any other youngsters staying in here?"

Ivypool blinked and caught up to Dusk. "Yep, this is it." She tilted her head to the side. "I'm staying here and so is my sister, Amberpaw, Snowpaw, Dewpaw, Lilypaw and Seedpaw."

"Okay." Dusk pushed into the den and then poked her head back out. "It's quite big in here... I'll start making a nest, if that's okay?"

Ivypool nodded and turned away, before heading towards the fresh-kill pile. Her stomach growled with hunger, and she thought about going hunting soon.

She stopped and felt her appetite disappear as she found herself face-to-face with Dovewing and Bumblestripe. The two were being all lovey-dovey. Ivypool made a face.

"Disgusting, isn't it?" A voice breathed in Ivypool's ear. She whipped around to find Dusk smirking. "Hey!" Dusk suddenly shouted.

"What are you doing?" Ivypool hissed, but Dusk seemed to ignore her.

"Can you go into the forest, do you think?" Dusk shouted to Dovewing and Bumblestripe.

Dovewing stuck her tongue out, while Bumblestripe flattened his ears, tail flicking, and narrowed his eyes at Dusk, letting out an angry hiss.

Ivypool felt hot under her pelt, embarrassment burning hot. How could Dusk be so cool about outwardly calling her sister out?

"Shall we go hunting?" Dusk suggested, still grinning.

"Um..." Ivypool shrugged. "Sure."

Ivypool knew she couldn't take something from the pile with Bumblestripe and Dovewing there. And, plus, she could ask Dusk why she did what she did.

"Where are you going?" A voice asked as Ivypool and Dusk made their way towards the tunnel. Ivypool turned to find Jayfeather staring, unseeing, at them.

"Hunting." Dusk replied coolly, and Ivypool shot her a grateful glance, having not been able to find words. "Surely we can do that, can we not?"

Jayfeather's ears twitched. If any other cat had said that, their ears would be clawed off, no questions asked! Ivypool thought.

Jayfeather's shoulders sagged. "Fine."

Hi! Hope you enjoyed! Please R&R for the sake of Ivypool and me, kay? Thanks so much!

Kisses,

-Nat.