Cedarfire's paws churned beneath him as he pushed through the Surf. The small crab in front of him had no idea he was coming. Swiftly, he leapt into the air and brought both his paws down firmly on the creature. It thrashed, spraying sand, as it's razor claws sliced through the air where Cedarfire's paws had just been. Cedarfire jumped back, slamming a claw onto the creatures midsection. It gave a final twitch, and died.

"Are you trying to alert every creature on the Surf?" A sharp mewed in frustration. Cedarfire sighed, turning to glance at Plumblaze. She was one to talk. Her dark pelt stuck out like a sore paw on the golden dunes, and if he had to guess a reason why they weren't catching prey, he would blame her.

"FjordClan thanks you for your life, my friend," Cedarfire mewed at the mangled body of the crab, picking it up in his mouth, delicately so as to avoid the claws. The fresh, salty brine filled his mouth and his stomach rumbled rudely. Plumblaze noticed, purring in amusement.

"Want to head back to camp?" He nodded. His friend always knew when he needed to be snapped out of his clan-centered mindset. Plumblaze fished her catch out of the thin layer of sand she'd spread over it. He couldn't lie, her seagull was much more impressive than his crab. Still, for a hunting party that was mostly for fun, he still thought they did a pretty good job.

Together, the two cats padded across the Surf, the sand becoming drier and more difficult to trudge through as they approached FjordClan camp.

The familiar sight of the brambles nestled between two sand-weathered stones brought Cedarfire a wave of relief. Home. Inside, the flat packed sand would spread around the warm, weathered rocks that formed their dens. Cats would be bustling around their business, and Gadwallstar would be overlooking it all.

As the entered the camp, there was a bustle of activity. Cedarfire had already ordered the patrols for the day, but the remaining warriors were plenty busy trying to wrangle in their apprentices.

Together, they placed their catch in the already well-stocked Fresh Kill Pile. Cedarfire purred in satisfaction. He selected another fresh looking crustacean, leaving his crab for some lucky elder who would enjoy it more.

He padded to a weathered stone, relaxing in the heat, as a grey Shecat approached him. He purred, greeting his sister. "Good morning, Owlfang," he mewed. She purred in return, placing herself next to him.

"How are you?" She asked, not so subtly stealing his meal. He flicked his tail in annoyance, not saying anything.

"I'm well," she smiled at that, turning to observe the camp.

"Garlicpaw is getting so big," she snorted. "Soon she'll be a full medicine cat...Starclan knows I'm not ready for that."

"Yeah you are, of course you are." Cedarfire assured her, giving her ear a lick.

"So many things are changing," she mewed, eyes growing misty. "What with all the kits soon to be born, the apprentice ceremonies and of course you and Plumblaze..."

"Hmm?" Cedarfire mewed, ears flicking in confusion. "What about me and Plumblaze?"

"This morning?" Owlfang mewed. "You and her, alone on a patrol? Oh no, she didn't say no did she? Oh, I'm so sorry!" She squeaked.

"No? No to what?"

"Well, you asked her to be your mate right? And she said no?" Owlfang mewed, confused.

"No! What? We're friends!" Cedarfire exclaimed, his confusion clouding his thoughts. Sure Plumblaze was nice but she wasn't...his type.

"Well at least one thing isn't changing," Owlfang purred, her gaze finding Plumblaze. "You're still utterly oblivious."