A Moonless Night || Chapter Five

Instructions

A Moonless Night Chapter Five ___________________________________________ As the day drifted into dusk, the drowning sun turned the swamp red, like a blazing hot volcano. Though the day was brisk and brought rain, there was a sweet warmth in Panthershadow's chest, like a blooming rose. There was just the slightest thing he couldn't quite place his claw on. When he arrived at the camp, Irispaw and Panthershadow's brother, Pubblepool, were arguing over if Pubblepool was Jayfeather or not. After lightly placing his catch in the fresh kill pile, Panthershadow gave his long, black fur a good lick before heading over to the two quarreling cats. “Why are you fighting with an apprentice over something this...” Panthershadow looked for the right words. Amused by their reason for fighting, Panthershadow decided to call it “minor topic?” “'Minor topic'? This is major, Panthershadow, major!” Pubblepool yowled as Irispaw's ears lay flat on her head. “Panthershadow, Pubblepool! Mangrovestar wants to talk to you!” Thornstripe yowled, Summerleaf next to him. Panthershadow's sister, Summerleaf, was shuffling her paws awkwardly, scooting away from the deputy. Panthershadow glanced at Irispaw. “See you around, Irispaw.” he meowed before heading for the leader's den, Pubblepool at his side. “Bye, Panthershadow!” Irispaw mewed before padding over to the apprentice's den. The four warriors entered Mangrovestar's balled cypress tree den, dipping their heads to avoid the lichen. “Cinderstream's kits are here, Mangrovestar.” Thornstripe said with a brisk nod. The strong black tomcat stood up, his eyes filled with wisdom. “Would you please excuse us, Thornstripe?” the Treeclan leader asked. Thornstripe seemed somewhat hurt by his leaders words, or was it confused? Without question, the deputy left the den, dipping his head respectfully. “Summerleaf, Panthershadow, and...” Mangrovestar hesitated. “Pubblepool.” he sighed, as if he disliked the medicine cat's name. “/Excuse me/? I go by Jayfeath-” “Shush!” Summerleaf hissed, muting her littermate by placing her tail over his mouth. Panthershadow banged his paw against his forehead, embarrassed by his brother's inappropriate choice of words for the time. “As you all know, our previous medicine cat, Cloudystep, has been living in the elder's den. She told me that she received a dream from her mentor, your mother.” ____________________________________________ End of part!