"I knew he was the dope of the Clan!"

"Yes, but look at where that got him now!"

"What will Smallstar say? What will he do to him?"

Silverfish didn't even want to think about it.

He padded slowly to the reed beds where the LakeClan leader gathered his fellow Clanmates, head low and shoulders sagged.

The small tabby tom in front of him looked even more intimidating, despite his size. "Silverfish," he rasped, "what do you have to say for yourself?"

"I-I'm sorry, Smallstar... I just-- she--" Silverfish stammered.  Ugh...

"You realize that you could risk the life of your own Clan as well as yourself?" Smallstar peered close to Silverfish's blue muzzle, making the warrior flinch back. Silverfish nodded, ignoring the whimper that rose in his throat.

"The thing is--" He began.

"The thing is, you have broken the Warrior's Code. You should be very ashamed of yourself, Silverfish," Smallstar growled.

Silverfish sighed. He's right. Goldenheart is a RockClan cat. But I can't just ignore her! There's something about her that...

"I don't care if you insist you must visit that mouse-brained she-cat every week," Smallstar said, almost reading the tom's thoughts, "you knew that it was important to follow the Warrior's Code, and then you decide to go off into your own business, not caring about your home Clan. How does that make you feel?"

"...somewhat regretful?" Silverfish mumbled. He shrank back at his leader's sharp, angry gaze. "You must be punished for your deeds. You have been putting your Clan at risk for too long." Smallstar said, "from now on, you will be doing Apprentices' chores, bringing fresh bedding for our nests, caring for the Elders, and making sure to catch at least three pieces of prey on every hunting patrol you go on. By yourself. Do all of this for two moons."

Silverfish fought back a protestant yowl. His fur began to prickle along his spine. How can I manage that each day?!

He swallowed back his shame for a moment. "If that is my punishment, then I will do what you ask," he meowed, dipping his head respectfully. 

Smallstar nodded in approval.

"Now, starting tomorrow, your tasks will begin."