Nothing hurts more than to lose a family member. It creates this hole in your heart, that leaves you empty and the more you try to fill it up it drains away all of your energy. So as I Nutmeg had to go home to a grieving mother that day to explain what happened to my own brother I was at lost for words. I can remember the way he looked at me, with such coldness. It has been a month and I still didn't understood why he was joining Frost or how Frost managed to manipulate him but I did know one thing, I wanted my brother back.

"I'm sorry about your brother Nutmeg." Diana meowed. I was inside her house, playing with a ball of yarn.Their mother Belle was out being groomed so we had the house for our selves. After a crazy day yesterday of looking for a brother who clearly did not wish to be found, I was done. I needed a break from reality so I deiced to visit my house cat friends. If he wants to leave, fine by me, as long as he doesn't crawl back begging to let him in. "I am sorry too. I just hope he is okay." I say softly to my paws.

"Why did he leave again?" This time it came from Diana's brother, Rex who was now becoming more tolerable. He felt betrayed by our dad who had apparently shielding us from the truth of why he banished his brother. " I explained. "I am sure my dad has his reasons, he isn't that hasty when making decisions. Besides Frost was going to kill a bunch of cats, so just because he was wronged doesn't mean we can outright forgive him and bring him back to the alleys." That hot feeling surging through my pelt brings out my frustration. I came here to get away from this, now I am arguing about it. I let out a sigh and forced my fur to lie flat. "Sorry guys." I mutter. "I think I better go, my dad might be wondering where I am at. " Diana gave me a reassuring purr and show me out. "You know where to find us when you need us." I flicked my tail in farewell and entered the streets. I ignored the everyday noise of the city, walking past huge crowds and vendors. Making my way to to the shelter harsh voices echoed from behind the nearby dumpster. They were arguing about something I didn't catch.
" I'm serious Jay I saw him!" A high pitch meow, belonging to Violet.
"And do you think she needs to hear this now? In fact do you think anyone should hear this now? Considering what happened recently?" Jay hissed.
" She is our friend, she deserves to know where her brother is."
Then it hit me. They are talking about me and Patches. So much for avoiding.
"All I am saying Violet is that I don't want to give her hope of her brother returning unless it's certain. Besides did you see how he treated her? What if she doesn't want to see him? " I heard Jay explain. I turned and left with my thick tail dragging in the dust of the pavement. I didn't want to think of my brother and his betrayal, but everywhere I go I find myself suck, forced to listen to it. My sore paws lead me to the shelter where I noticed my aunt Shadow leaving. I bounded over to her with quick steps. "Hello Nut, did you enjoy spending time with your house cat friends?" I nodded. "Yes I did." Shadow nodded in approval. "Good, you need some experience with other cats other than those found in the Alleys. Might be helpful someday."
How can Diana help me? She's just a house cat with minimal fighting experience. It's more like I'll helping her.
The black cat left before she could explain what she ment. I padded inside to find my mother sorting out the food basket. Cutting it into equal peices for everyone. "Hi mama, is dad here yet? It's almost sunhigh we have a training lessons to do." It was when my mother finished sorting she turned to reply. "Actually I have a task for you. "
"A task?"
"Do you see Catnip over there in the corner?" I looked over my shoulder to see a plump white and ginger cat. Around her paws were 2 kittens about 5 months old. I recognized them as one of the kittens I usually trip over nearly every day. "Well Catnip is finally getting out for walk and told her you will be happy to look after them until she comes back."
"But mama-"
"No buts."
I let out a inwardly sigh. It can't be that bad, could it?
"Okay mama I'll do it." I say in defeat. I was not looking forward to this at all. I felt her rough tongue give me gentle licks on my forehead.

"I'll tell your father where you will be so he doesn't worry. Also it might be helpful in the future." She said with an unusual look in her eyes. I wave my tail in goodbye as I watched my mother's dark smokey pelt slip through the entrance. I walked over to Catnip who was currently trying to step away from her kittens who were acting like a barrier to prevent her from leaving. "Rain and Stripes please! I won't be long, I promise to bring you a mouse if you just let me."
The biggest one with bluish grayish fur, pinned down her mother's wispy white tail on the wooden floor. "But you promised to tell us a story!"
"And play with us!" Whined the second kit. He was a dark brown tabby with a white chest and his paws pressed against his mother's foreleg. I caught Catnip's eye as I approached them. Catnip's face lit up as I came to the rescue. "I can play with you." The two kits looked up to me with wide eyes.

"Really?" I nodded. " Do you know how to play hunter? " They shook their heads. " Looks like I'll have to teach you ."
"Yay lets play!" Cried Rain.
"I wanna play now!" Meowed her brother.
"Okay but you need to let go of your mother to play." The two kits looked at each other reluctantly then let their mother go.
"Thank you Nutmeg." I heard Catnip whisper as she made her escape.
"Alright lets play!" I announced.
"Wait! We can't play without Raven!" I heard Stripes explain. "He wanted to play with us yesterday but we were napping. How am I supposed to take care of 3 kittens?" Against my thoughts I gave them smile. " We'll look for him." I found myself saying.
Together in a group we searched the one story building. It was a one floor building but it was big regardless. It took us awhile before we could find the little black kitten hiding behind the food basket eating a scrawny mouse.

"Raven we finally found you!" Rain exclaimed. I could feel her happiness radiating from where I stood. Stripes batted his friend on the shoulder playfully. "Comon Raven we're going to play hunter." Raven swallowed the renainments for his food before replying in excitement.
"I love playing that game! I call dibs on the playing the hunter." He announced.
"Woah little fela, that's a big job to do. You need to be quick on your feet and need to be a good fighter, you think you're up for it?" The back tomcat nodded vigorously. "Okay then, Rain will be the sleeper and Patches the defender while I'll be the prey."
"Wait! What does a sleeper do?" Rain asked.
I forgot to explain the game, how forgetful am I?
"How the game works is that there is a prey and the hunter's goal is to get to the prey by getting past the sleeper and the defender. The prey can move anywhere they please but only 3 times. They also must have their backs turned so they won't know when the hunter is near. Now the sleeper wants to get to well sleep but if they hear the hunter theyhave to try stop the hunter from getting to the prey. If the hunter gets pass the sleeper's territory they move on to the defender. The defender must protect the prey at all times. They must not tell the prey when the hunter is near. If the defender loses and the hunter wins, they have to take the prey's place."
"So wait I have to become the prey if Raven win?" Stripes asked me.
" Yes." I replied.
"I don't wanna be the prey!" He whined. His sister giggled at his outburst. "Then don't let him win then!"

We organized ourselves and went into our spots. Very few cats were staying in the shelter today so we had a lot of legroom. Those who were moved over to the side and continued their day or watched the events that followed. Raven was at the back of the room, Rain, probably midway. Stripes a few tail lengths away from me
I lay on my side facing the wall that was closest to the entrance. Memories of playing hunter with Patches emerges in my mind.
My worries for my brother safety arises. Then suddenly I hear two voices overlapping each other, one trying to reassure me, the other, destroying every hope I had put aside for my brother's return.
He'll come back, didn't he did that yesterday?

Didn't you hear Jay? He left! Why would he come back tomorrow? Don't you remember how he looked at you?

Violet did say something of seeing him.

You're relying on nothing but speculation. How do you know that Violet seeing him confirms him coming back?

He could be!

Didn't he just found out that his father the cat he trusted all his life lied to him? You know how touchy he is about lies. What makes you think he ever want to come back?

He didn't say specifically he was going to join Frost just said he was leaving.

How do you know he left because of you?

Well that escalated quickly.

I shook my head and shoved those wildfire thoughts in the back of my mind and returned to the game.
Although I could not see him, I could hear Raven's distant grunts of efforts to get pass someone I guess Rain since my defender a few tail lengths in front of me haven't made a single sound since the game started.
Time to move.
I rose to my feet and walked off to the right and sat right in front of the entrance. The door that was never closed properly was standing wide open. I could hear the sound of the busy streets outside. A couple of people walked by with a tiny dog on a leash. It looked back at me and started barking up a comotion. I backed away from the entrance with my fur raised. I hate dogs.
I walked back into my original spot where I heard a bunch of hissing and grunting, ending with a help and big loud thump. I caught myself from looking back and parted my mouth instead. "Is everyone oka-" I was cut off by the surprise weight and the tiny claws digging into my shoulders. I wiggled about, trying to shake off Raven from my back but the small 5 month old clinged on. I dropped onto my stomach dramaticly, pretending to be dead once I felt his teeth gently nip at my scruff.
"I won!" I heard the kitten announce. I lifted up my head and let it rest on my paws as I heard a groan escape Stripes' mouth as he padded over to us joined with his sister in tow. "If you hadn't bitten my tail you would of lost!" He said examining his sore tail.
Raven snorted. "Yeah right, I still could of won, you know how fast I am on my feet." He boasted. It was Rain's turn turn to snort. "Sure you're quick but also clumsy. Besides biting allowed Nutmeg?" Three pairs of eyes swiveled over to me, expecting an answer.
" Well I do know I never heard of any biting in this game. It's purpose is to train you and work on your fighting, hunting and defensive skills. Now you do bite in the real world but in a game like this, to bite so you can win sounds like cheating to me."
Raven's jaw dropped. "No! I won fair and square!" He wailed.
"Not according my sore tail!" Stripes frowned at him, showing his tail for emphasis.
"Please take it back! I promise not to bite anymore! Please Nutmeg!" Raven begged. I shook my head. "Sorry Raven, my mind is made up." Then he leaped at me, with the others following him. I had 3 kittens on my back demanding me to either change my mind or not. I squirmed and managed to throw Rain off my haunches but the boys were still clinging on.

"Someone is enjoying herself." I twist my neck to see Jay towering over me. His blue eyes shone in amusement, it seems my predicament was funny to look at. "You can join anytime you know. " I say, desperate to wipe that smirk off his face. Jay shook his head. "Nah no thanks Nut, I just did a training session with your dad and I am exhausted. Certainly have no energy to deal with little kittens. " He explained, looking at them.

"How lucky are you." I say in a sarcastic tone.

"However me and Violet are going to see the fireworks later, you coming?"
I ignored Raven pulling on my ear and replied. "Sure, once I'm free of them." Stripes and Raven were still on my back and Rain was currently playing with my tail. "Well in that case." He leaned over and picked up Stripes by the scruff off my back. Raven clambered off once he realized what was going to happen to him and tried to get away but Jay was too quick. Raven may be think he is quick on his feet but Jay is the fastest cat in all of the alleys.
Now free I slid into a luxurious stretch. Before I could thank him Catnip walked in and rushed over to her kits who returned her embrace in happy meows. Catnip looked to me, her brown eyes shone with happiness. Looks like she had a good walk then.
"Thank you Nutmeg! I hope they were no trouble. " I let out a purr of laughter.
" It was no trouble at all Catnip." Catnip returned a purr and lead her kits out. "Now you two will hear a story about my day. " A cheer went up from Rain and Stripes as they followed their mother out of the main room into one of the private rooms out back. "Well I'm out, bye Nutmeg!" We watched the black kitten walk off in the same directions as his friends only to come to a stop. He looked back at me. "Oh and I think I won, don't you think?"
"In your dreams Raven." I chuckled.
"You are stubborn you know that?" And with that Raven left.

" So can we go now?" Jay asked.
"Its still sun high, the sunset won't be until later." I say .
"I know that but I wanted to show you something first." he said. "Okay, what is it?"
"Its a surprise." I narrowed my eyes at the silver grey cat.
"You know how I hate surprises, why cant you just tell me?" I reminded him.
"Then it won't be a surprise." He argued.
"Jay!" I say with a light warning in my voice.
"Nutmeg!" He mocked. I glared at him laced with fury.
"Just bear with me, okay Nut? You do trust me don't you?"
"Of course I do!" I declared without hesitation, surprised he would as me such as question "But the thing is: Do you?"
"Yes I do!" Jay exclaimed.
"Then why don't you tell me where we are going!" I snapped a little bit too loud than I intended. I looked around to see everyone averting my gaze.
Great, Now we are causing a scene. Why can't he just tell me all ready?!
Jay has been my best friend since birth. We have molded around each other's lives perfectly. With me to add some flavor to his day and him to quench my fiery attitude when needed. Because of our opposite personalities we often argued over the littlest things like now. Normally Jay as being the most "flexible" of the two, he normally let me have my way. But it seems the cat has grown a spine under all that fluff because he was not backing down.
"Listen Nutmeg," He started, dropping his voice a bit. "I know you don't like surprises-"
"Oh good you do remember." I reply coldly, not bothering to follow his example to lower my voice. He continued, dropping his ears a bit. " Well I have been working on it for the past month and I really, really, beg you let this one pass. Just this one time?" He pleaded. I looked at him. I stared into the deep pools of his eyes and I could see he wasn't joking. I saw a cat who had a passion, a dream. Something that was rooted inside his heart. Something that was unquenchable. In that moment I realized he wasn't going to stop until I said yes. And I thought I was the stubborn one. My gazed softened as I let out a sigh.
" Fine, you can surprise me." Jay's tail shot up in the air. "Really? You will let me do that?"
"Don't expect me doing this again because I promise you, I won't." I warned him. Jay just purred and bumped my shoulder. "Come on then lets go!" We left the shelter once the sun began the sink out on the horizon. Jay lead me through the bustling streets until we came up to a famillar wired fence. Then I recognized it. "The hideout is your surprise?" I asked him. The silver tabby ignored me and lead me inside. Instead of broken glass and floorboards the building was cleaned up. Brand new furniture filled up the rooms and toys littered the floor. "Okay, I am sure this is the surprise." I claimed with full confidence.
"Yet again you're wrong. Be patient, we are all most there. " He informed me. We exit the house through the back door and tread through the back door through the guarden, over the fence. Then came to a full stop.

Right in front of us was a little forest, closed off to the public. In the center were a collection of objects. Each connecting to me in some way. There was the squeaky toy I found one time I gave to Jay from the hideout. My favorite blanket. When I was born I was very cold at night my parents scavenged for a blanket to keep me warm because I didn't have enough fur at that time. I loved it and would carry it around. One day I lost it and I was very upset so Jay found it for me. There was a wooden bird laying on top of it. I remember that bird thought it was real when I was younger, that I used to help me learn how to hunt. There was also the blue hat I found Jay in one time at a park. We were playing when a dog chased us, we were separated for a while. It turns out he was hiding underneath the hat. The dog could only smell the human off of the hat not him. Also a ball of yarn. Jay found it one time when playing hide and seek in the shelter.
I sat back at all of these objects, wondering why in the world would my friend take the time to find them again and put them out?
Then it hit me. All of these objects and even the location where we were standing are highlights from of our enduring friendship and happy moments. We became friends in this very spot. Even though we were born around the same time and had known each other ever since, but it was here 9 months ago when we decided to become friends.
"I-I don't know what to say." I cracked. There was no words, this surprise was special and was defiantly worth it. Jay spoke in absence of my words. Saying the very thing I had on my mind.
"I knew this past month had been rough on you, with Patches and all I knew you were upset so I wanted you to be happy." Jay said with a smile.
" Is that why you didn't want Violet to tell me she saw Patches?" I asked softly. Jay's ears twitched. "You heard that?" He whispered, slightly surprised.
"Yeah, you guys were practically shouting for my attention." Jay licked his chest in embarrassment.
"But I didn't catch everything." I say.
"Are you mad?" He asked me. I snorted. How emotional does he think I am?
" I am not mad." I reassured him. He relaxed and spoke. "I just want my friend to be happy."
I butted his shoulder slightly.
" Well congrats, I am happy thanks to you. " I purred joyfully.
"Sorry that I was such a pain earlier. " My friend shrugged it off. "I knew You'll come around. He joked." My ears perked. "Did you really?" Jay gave me a frightened look. "Are you kidding? No way! Everyone knows you're the most stubborn cat in the alleys, even Raven knows it and he just 5 months old! I was absolutely terrified yet I lept pressing because I had to."
"I'm glad you talked me into it though, it means a lot to me and now I feel happy than I have been the past week."
"I glad to hear that." He purred.
"Now do you want to know what could make me even happier?" I say.
" What?" Jay asked me curiously.
"Racing you home." I didn't even bother to wait for him. I sprinted with Jay panting at my heels. It didn't take long for him to catch up, naturally. Leaving me to eat his dust.

For the rest of the afternoon, Jay, Violet and I sat on the roof enjoying the fireworks display. Oohing everytime a good one pops up. We were truly relaxed, forgetting our worries of Patches betrayal, Frost intentions and of course dogs since they are all behind locked doors, whimpering in their hiding spots. Trying to escape from the loud booms of the night.

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Patches P.O.V:
I was sitting on the steps of one of the fire escapes in the city while the fireworks exploded. Yet with the dazzling display going on all around me, I was focused on the group of cats sitting on the shelter roof. I watched my sister and our friends laugh and chat through the show. The sound of true friendship was evident to my drooping ears. What did go through my mind that I could let go of my friends and family and bury them in the past? And for what? The truth of some shady cat's banishment? The same cat who refuse to tell me for a month what I am supposed to do in his elaborate plan of his?
Had I made a big mistake? I looked over to his sister who was currently laughing at some joke Jay said.
The sight of my friends should of made me happy but all I could see were cats l would never be close with ever again. Why should they anyway? I betrayed them. I distracted myself from my gloomy thoughts and focused on cleaning myself up. Like mama always says: Just because you feel bad doesn't mean you have to look bad. Using rough licks I cleaned up my tortoiseshell patterned coat. Starting with my black paws up to my white chest. Twisting my head I reach for the back, black at top, fading into brown and ending up with my black tipped tail. Once finished,
I clambered down into the streets and slipped back into the shadows. I was wandering in the tunnels when I saw Shard. The silver tabby was running, I could hear the clicks of her claws hitting the pavement. I haven't seen her for a while. Not that I want to see her after the fact she didn't tell me her uncle was Frost.
Another lie. But I wanted to tell her how I felt about it. How she couldn't even bear look at me straight. We were strangers at most yet there was something telling me in my gut it could of been more. The way she lights up when he pounced on her when they were playing. The fact she invited him over to play in the underground tunnels and their relaxed conversations all pointed to that. At the same time I was upset. Fed up with lies.
She needs to know how I feel. I decided. I was about to run after her when Frost came out of nowhere, wearing his favorite smirk mask on his face. "I finally have what I want you to do Patches.
"Finally!" He grumbled. "What is it? Spit it out already. I don't have all day. " Patches snapped, straining He is kneck to look over Frost's shoulder to see where Shard went. Frost followed his gaze and blocked the young cat's vision. "Be careful what you seek young Patches, sometimes what our eyes see might be a mirage, a glimpse of our fantasies and dreams; instead what really lies in front of us." He informed him.
I was stunned. How did he get all of that by looking?
"Now pay attention, what I want you do for me might be a bit confusing and be a bit frighting at first but soon you'll understand the grand scheme of it all. "
" O-kay, what is it ?" I asked cautiously.
"I want you to bait your sister."
" What? Why?!" I exclaimed.
"I shouldn't tell, it will upset you." All of a sudden I felt the nerve to swipe at the cat's face and get rid of the smug look. I was getting tired of Frost's secrecy. The white tom sneered.
"Now Patches don't try to do anything you might regret because I sure won't if you do." He warned me.
Am I that easy to read?
I forced myself to relax, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong with this task and had a feeling he shouldn't do it. I took a deep breath and did the most bravest thing ever done.
"No. I won't do it." I decided. Disappointment was evidently seen in Frost's eyes. "I expected more volunteering from you since you were enthusiastic about it before.
" Well people change. "I replied darkly.
"Not everyone." Frost told me calmly. Suddenly the air between us shifted. Frost's presence became threatening and the atmosphere grew heavy, making it hard for me to breathe. I felt my heart pump rapidly in its cage. Who knew that one sentence could change everything?
"I did like you Patches so you'll understand I never did want to do this to you. However if you don't do what I tell you, your beloved sister, your friends and family are dead. Do I make myself clear?" I gulped. "Crystal." I managed to say through gritted teeth. I could of slapped myself.
Oh how stuipd have I been !
You were right Nut.
I just wish I had listened to you when I had the chance.

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Author's note
Disclaimer I do not own Warriors
Hiya!
Can I just start off by saying that this was a really long chapter? Probably the longest. Yet I managed to finish it slightly earlier? I finished it yesterday and it was due on the 14th. My eyes still have that burning feeling. But I felt accomplished!

Anyway! What did you like about this chapter? Are inching to find out what happens next?
Are you looking out for more "Jaynut" moments? (I actually can't believe I just shipped them. Now I feel more than accomplished. )
Do you think you can forgive Patches now? I know I can't.
Sorta.

Well that's all for me!
See y'all on the 28th!