Why?

Ridgefeather curled up next to Maple, her breathing steady in her sleep. His mind still whirled, though he had known for a while now. Maple was getting larger, and the two-leg seemed pleased, bustling from one place to another. He looked at Maple. Is this what I wanted? I had always wanted to be a medicine cat. I had never thought, or looked, at she-cats. They were just... any other cat. But now. I don't know. I... I love Maple. Maple wasn't allowed outside anymore, so Ridgefeather didn't go out either. He didn't want to risk running into Nestflame. Tonight was the half-moon though... and Nestflame had said Markstar was sick, very sick.

He got up stiffly, and padded to the window. It was open slightly, letting in the warm night breeze. He squeezed through it, leaped over the fence and padded to the MoonCave. Nestflame would be there soon, and they shouldn't fight at the MoonCave, the sacred place.

When he got there, he looked at the pebbles. Did StarClan still accept him as a medicine cat? No pebbles were glowing, and he felt himself become irritated. He growled lightly.

"I did not ask to be brought to the two-legs. You were going to let me die! You were these! I saw you! Was it really my time? How could you have planned that attack!"

He shook his head angrily, feeling foolish for yelling at the pebbles. He leaped over the stream and padded up the rock, waiting.

He needed not wait long, because moments later Nestflame padded in, a pebble in his mouth. He padded up the rock, his head down, not noticing Ridgefeather. Then, he lifted his head at the top and froze.

"Ridgefeather. What are you doing here?"

Ridgefeather dipped his head.

"I have simply come to see how Markstar is doing."

"You have no right to hear any clan business."

Ridgefeather bristled.

"He was my friend too."

Nestflame sighed.

"He's dead. He died a few nights ago. But, StarClan have astonished us. Dreamstar, she is back. Like she never died. Except she has nine lives again."

Ridgefeather stood stiff.

"I am sorry about Markstar, and it is odd that Dreamstar is back, but good I guess. I wish you luck."

Nestflame nodded, and sniffed slightly. He stiffened, letting out a low growl.

"Ridgefeather... how could you!?"

He took a step towards Ridgefeather. Ridgefeather stumbled backwards, the tag on his collar jingling.

"W-what!?"

Nestflame stared at the collar bitterly.

"You! She! She's... expecting kits, isn't she!? I can smell the scent of milk on you. How could you!"

Ridgefeather's eyes widened.

"Nestflame..."

Nestflame snarled.

"Get out! This place is sacred to Medicine cats! Not Kitty-pets!"

Nestflame's voice was filled with bitter sorrow. Ridgefeather flinched back at the one word. Nestflame yowled again, his voice filled with anguish.

"GET OUT!"

Ridgefeather lowered his head and leaped past Nestflame, racing back to his two-leg nest, tears filling his eyes.

::---::

Dreamstar yawned and opened her eyes. She stiffened when she felt a pelt touching hers, then relaxed when she saw Rippleblaze. His eyes were open, watching her, making sure she was actually there, and wouldn't jsut disappear.

"Is Nestflame back yet?"

He shook his head.

"No. He should be soon. How are you going to perform ceremonies? Grin can't do them, if he's not leader. StarClan won't accept it. We'll have to tell the clan sooner or later."

Dreamstar nodded.

"I know. But they just lost Markstar. Seeing me would be too much on them. We'll see what Nestflame says. For now, get Strongspirit, Grin, Everlight, Bluegaze, Grayshadow, Frostysky, and Silentecho. I think those cats should know. I trust them enough."

Rippleblaze nodded, and exited the den. Dreamstar sighed, slightly trembling.