Duskwhisper yawned softly as he snuck into camp. He knew that some cats did know he was out but it seemed so quiet that sneaking in was necessary. When he trotted into the warrior's den, he found Snowfeather snoring softly. Purring, he wrapped his body around hers and drifted off.

The next sunrise, he was awoke with firm scolding from Echoleaf, who didn't know where he was after he left to stretch. He snorted and turned away after the medicine cat was finished talking.

"She must be pretty angry." came a raspy new from behind him.

Duskwhisper looked back and saw Dawnpetal behind him, "You're better!" he exclaimed, giving her loving licks on the head.

Dawnpetal let out a purr, "Careful, you'll hurt me if you love me anymore."

"Okay fine," Duskwhisper mewed, giving her one last lick, "How are your kits? You've been in the medicine cat den for a few sunrises so they must be missing you."

Dawnpetal slowly nodded, "Uh, yeah... I'm just glad Lilybreeze is there for them."

"Is something wrong?" mewed Duskwhisper, tilting his head.

His littermate shook her head, "I'm just really tired and I miss my kits."

When she said that, Patchkit and Sedgekit charged out of the nursery with Thistlekit right behind them.

"Mommy!" squealed Sedgekit, bumping into her leg.

Dawnpetal flinched a bit but purred, "I missed you my kits."

"Why were you gone?" whined Patchkit, worry in his eyes.

"Well," began Dawnpetal as she explained that she was hurt in the battle and Mintpool had to protect her.

Sedgekit's eyes clouded, "But Mintpool is gone...."

"Oh Sedgekit, I know you liked her very much but all cats have to move on sometime." coed Dawnpetal.

The tiny she-kit nodded, "I know.... At least I'll get to follow in her pawsteps! I want to be a medicine cat, Dawnpetal!"

Dawnpetal purred, "I'm sure Echoleaf would love to train you my sweet kit."

Echoleaf nodded, "I'll ask Timberstar when it's time Sedgekit. You'll make a great medicine cat."

Sedgekit purred and her tiny eyes sparkled with excitement then she scampered off to play moss ball with Kinkkit and Birchkit.

Later in the day everyone was settling down with a piece of prey to share tongues. The kits were asleep after playing all day and so were the queens, Lilybreeze, Brindleshine, and Dawnpetal. Duskwhisper shared tongues with his mate who ate hungrily.

"These kits are making me so hungry." Snowfeather mewed through a mouthful of squirrel.

"Rogues!" announced voice, charging into camp.

It was Poppydawn. She must have been leading a patrol to check the border after sunhigh.

Timberstar shot out of his den and yowled, "Warriors! Gather to hear my words!"

As soon as the warriors and apprentices of the clan gathered Timberstar continued, "The rogues have attacked Poppydawn's patrol! Now I shall lead you to battle against these foxhearts! The cats that are coming with are Poppydawn, Silverbreeze, Cloudchaser, Spottedice, Rainear, Mouseleap, and Shiverpaw."

When Timberstar finished, all the named cats charged into battle.

Duskwhisper sighed, then muttered under his breath, "Why wasn't I chosen?"
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Author's Note

Yep another chapter, but it's short. Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. School and sports and chores are keeping me really busy. Also I am getting a job.

On another note! The book is ending in a few chapter and I'm not starting the next one until I have the plot planned out chapter by chapter! So be patient! And have a great day ;3