Chapter 25: The Southern Clans

Chapter 25: The Southern Clans

     Three Moons After the Gathering
     Pineleaf gazed at the stars for a few minutes before heading into the warriors' den.  The stars were amazing: gifts sent from StarClan to give the moon help lighting the night.  As Pineleaf headed inside, he realized he was late again.  The warmest spots were now taken: Pineleaf would have to sleep near the exit.  Again.  Where the wind and rain blew inside.  Where bugs and fleas crawled first.  Where other cats walked on him on the way to dirtplace, or after dirtplace, their paws wet.  Stargazing is awesome and fun, but it has its disadvantages, Pineleaf thought as he curled up.  Then Pineleaf felt small thorns pierce his pelt.  Not again!  Of all eight territories, OwlClan territory had the worst weather.  Right after stargazing time, the clouds would roll in from nowhere and heavy, sharp arrows of rain would fall, and the wind would blow right in the direction of the warrior den.  Pineleaf sighed.  He'd never get sleep now.  Pineleaf decided to go on another midnight walk.  He left a leaf by the side of the den; a sign that he was going on another walk.  Pineleaf headed towards the OwlClan/NightClan border.  Prey was always along the border.  Maybe Pineleaf could snag a little surprise for the kits?  As he walked toward the river, something attracted his attention.  Something bright red.  Pineleaf tried to ignore it by hunting, but his eyes always veered off the prey towards it.  That's it!  I don't care if the border's here!  I must see what this is!  Pineleaf sighed and crept toward the border.  The river should wash my scent off.  Pineleaf slowly inched his way into the water.  He cast one final glance back to make sure no one was following him.  As he stepped forward, he forgot to look at where he was going.  Suddenly his head sunk underwater.  He let out a silent scream.  Pineleaf made the mistake of struggling, and the river swept him away with the current.  As he washed away, his eyes slowly opened in the water.  He was swimming with the fish.  Occasionally one would look at him, but they swam on, as if an OwlClan cat swimming in the river was completely normal.  More and more fish swam by.  Pineleaf's eyes slowly began to close.  I guess this is the twilight zone before cats go to StarClan?  I'm sorry Featherstar.  I will forever hunt for your clan in the stars.  I will give you omens and guide you throughout your journeys as leader.  I will also let you know what happened to me.  Suddenly, dying didn't seem so bad.  No more stargazing.  I will watch the stars up close.  Maybe I will even be a star someday.  Pineleaf's eyes closed further.  Goodbye.  Then Pineleaf blaacked out.
                                              End of Chapter 24