Fernkit felt really happy for Ashpaw, then she saw Waterheart.
Her dream came rushing back.
The fighting cats that couldn't be seen, and then Waterheart. Or Waterkit.
She narrowed her eyes as the rest of the clan went on with their business and padded over to where the elder sat, sunning her fur.
"Hello, Fernkit." The white she- cat greeted her. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Yes. There is." Fernkit meowed. "I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
Fernkit looked around at the other cats. "Actually, could we go somewhere a bit more... quiet?"
The elder shrugged. "Sure."
She lead the grey kit away to the elder's den and sat down.
"I had a dream," Fernkit began. "and you were in it."
"Oh?"
"And it made me wonder..."
"Hmm?"
"Do you know anything about cats that seem to be made of shadows?"

———

Starpaw crouched low, trying to keep quiet.
The mouse she was hunting was nibbling on an acorn, not noticing the black cat as she drew near.
Please don't screw up.
She had missed a sparrow, all because she'd gotten distracted by some poppies.
When she came within pouncing distance, she hesitated.
She heard a low hiss behind her, obviously her mentor.
I'll get this one! She promised. Oh Starclan, please.
She jumped.
A twig snapped.
"Mouse dung, rabbit droppings and frog guts!"
The mouse dove into the bushes.
"How did you miss that?!" Seedclaw yowled in outrage.
"I don't know what happened." Starpaw hung her head in shame.
"Wait, do you smell that?"
She sniffed. A sharp tang was hanging in the air.
"What-"
The bushes shook, and out stepped a huge animal that she'd never seen before.
Seedclaw snarled to get its attention as it lumbered towards the terrified apprentice.
"Badger!" He howled.