Rainpelt had no words to describe all the emotions that she was going through right now. So much had happened. She processed the day's events through her mind again. I was made a warrior named Rainpelt. The gathering was today, but I couldn't go because I have to sit vigil and the walk to the gathering would tire me out. She paused before continuing. I found Yellowwhisker dead by the river. Rainpelt still couldn't process this. Who killed  Yellowwhisker and why? I mean, who would want him gone? He's so compassionate, loyal, brave, and caring!

         Rainpelt had just told Birchpelt what had just happened, but she still couldn't believe it herself. Rainpelt had to tell Puddlestar, Splashtail, and Comfreyheart but they were all at the gathering. She had to wait till they got home. She padded up to the warrior's den, it was all so new to her. She had just became a warrior. Blossomtail, Lakefur, and Ivyclaw were chatting and sharing gossip. They noticed her approaching so they greeted Rainpelt with a respectful nod.

         She greeted them back before asking, "I need your help. Yellowwhisker-- has passed away," Rainpelt paused and gave a solemnly dipped her head. "I need your help, carrying his body back to camp."

        The three warrior were not expecting her news as they stared at her with shock, but none of them asked any question. They followed Rainpelt outside of camp, and all the way to the river where Yellowwhisker had died. The four warriors heaved her body back to camp and laid it in the middle of the elder's den and nursery. They stood before the body in sorrow. Why?! Why did MoonClan have to take her? He was so young, he had a mate and even kits. Blossomtail, Lakefur, and Ivyclaw dispersed into the warrior's den still in shock. 

         Rainpelt sat before Honeyshade's body and whispered, "Why?"

         The new warrior just stayed silent and let the cool breeze wash over her. Time flew by, but Rainpelt just sat there, shivering, her eyes locked on Yellowwhisker. Who lay there lifeless and empty. Rainpelt knew that Yellowwhisker would be watching over her from MoonClan, but she just couldn't accept it. It was the first time someone she knew had died, and it didn't feel right. Rainpelt could feel someone steadily licking her, but she couldn't tell who. She fell into a coma like trance as she closed her eyes and curled into a ball.

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        Worried mews snapped Rainpelt out of her trance. She became aware of all the sounds and scents. She turned around and found her mother, Brightflower licking her. The gathering must be over if Brightflower is her. Realizing that Rainpelt awoke, Brightflower stopped licking her daughter. The maroon she-cat gently mewed something, "Puddlestar wants to see you."

         Rainpelt didn't want to talk to her leader. All she wanted was for her mother to  continue licking her. She didn't want to leave her spot and trek all the way to the leader's den where Puddlestar would ask her a many complicated questions, but it was her duty. Rainpelt slowly rose from her postition and stretched her leg. She limped across the camp and towards the hollowed out bush where Puddlestar slept.

        "Rainpelt," greeted the leader with a simple nod of the head. The new warrior could see sorrow, grief, and surprise in Puddlestar's eyes.

         Rainpelt sighed, "Puddlestar. Why did he have to die?"

         "I don't know, Rainpelt. It must have been her time. Remember though, it was not your fault! Yellowwhisker will be happy in MoonCan. But the cat who killed him will be shown NO mercy!"

         "I understand, but only if I had found him sooner. Maybe I could have--" 

         Puddlestar interrupted, "It was not your fault! I will not have my warriors moping around for something that they are not responsible for!"

         The white she-cat with black spots nodded. "I understand. Do you have any clue about who it was?"

         "We don't unfortunately. That's why I called you here, to see if you had any clues? I'll ask you a list of questions, answer in any way that you can."

         "I'll do anything to help!"

         "Where did Yellowwhisker die?"

         "By the bigger river near SwampClan territory."

         "Could you tell how he died?"

         "It looked like she was drowned, because she was soaking by the time I found her. And water was near her mouth as if she was choking before she died."

          Puddlestar nodded, "Did he go out of camp to stretch his legs or hunt?"

          "Not that I know of, but I was preoccupied by my ceremony."

          "Did you notice anyone else going out of camp, but wasn't on a patrol?"

           Rainpelt thought about the leader's question for a while, "Hmmm. Well, I saw both Pebblewing and Honeyshade leave camp. I don't remember them being on a patrol, but they may have just been solo hunting." It seemed wrong to accuse her clan-mates, but it was her duty. Right?

          "That's all I wanted to know. Thank you for your information, Rainpelt. You'll be a fine warrior, one who is observant and loyal."

          "Will you be questioning anyone else?"

          "Yes. Birchpelt, since Honeyshade must have told someone to watch the kits if she was leaving camp. Pebblewing, because she was out of camp for an unknown reason. Lastly Honeyshade's kits. Not because they may have killed him, but for some extra information, just in case they know something that we don't. Lastly, Rainpelt, I will allow you to postpone your vigil to tomorrow. This has been a hectic day for all of us, especially for you."

          Rainpelt mewed a quick 'bye' and 'thank you' before exiting the den. She was still shaken from the days events, so the new warrior decided to sleep it off. Rainpelt was so glad that Puddlestar had set he vigil for tomorrow, because she was exhausted.

I'm so proud that I published this chapter so early!! Yay!! Hope you like it!! Who do you think killed Yellowwhisker?