Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 1, 2016 12:11:18 GMT -5
♣♣♣♣ ƝƐƜ ƁLOOƊ-HER PROTEGE ♣♣♣♣
This little NEW BLOOD One Shot is for
"The search for the supreme writer" competition, which was either cancelled or delayed.
Round One: write a short story about a cat who is currently in Starclan.
♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣ ♣♣♣♣
NEW BLOOD-HER PROTÉGÉ
The grey disheveled long-haired old she-cat peered intently down at the lake and its surrounding Clan territories from her perch in StarClan. She wiped her snub nose and big yellow eyes with a paw, clearing her vision. She watched her old Clan, drawn to a new ThunderClan cat’s litter of huge fluffy kits. One drew her like a moth to flame. Something about him intrigued her, and in the fuzzy kit, she sensed latent power and a unique gift.
“You can’t interfere,” someone mewed, and the old she-cat started. Yellowfang whipped her head around, coming face to face with Bluestar. The ThunderClan leader’s blue eyes shone, and silvery highlights played along her blue pelt.
“I can’t help it,” Yellowfang retorted irritably. “That little one calls to me, even if he doesn’t know it.”
“There is no prophecy involving him,” Bluestar warned.
Oh, really?” Yellowfang slanted back her short ears. “How do you know he’s not part of his parents’ prophecy? I know this little one is important. He needs my guidance, or he may not stand up for himself and be who he needs to be.”
“You can’t know that yet,” Bluestar replied softly, her tail twitching.
“But you knew his parents came from fire, and did long before it happened” Yellowfang argued, yellow eyes blazing with indignation. “We can see into the near future and you know it.”
“Yes, we can, but, not all of us see the same thing.” Bluestar sat down. “But in that case, we did. How do Spottedleaf and Cinderpelt feel about your obsession?”
“I haven’t. . .” Yellowfang’s words cut off as something grabbed her and flung her down. Her last glimpse of Bluestar’s wide eyes and dropped jaw went dark, as she landed in deep snow, amidst a shrieking blizzard. She leaped to her feet, realizing from long experience she walked someone else’s dream. She scented the screaming winds, and peered into the snow, and saw him, a fluffy brown tabby kitten barely a moon old. He sat in the icy-cold snow, his kitten-blue eyes blinking in confusion and fear. Yellowfang recognized him immediately and sauntered up to him.
“Ah, little one,” she meowed, her voice gravelly, thrilled to sense the tremendous potential in the young kit. “You show such a strong mind so early.”
“I’m scared!” The kit wailed. “I want my Kyemama!”
“Don’t be such a coward,” Yellowfang snapped with irritation, then softened her features. Maternal instincts, long forgotten, flared up in her ancient soul.“Sorry Little One. I’m not used to seeing such young ones here.”
“Where am I?” The kit mewed, shaking with cold. “Who are you?”
“I am Yellowfang, from StarClan.” The old cat sat down. “Don’t fret, Gentlekit. This is but a vision from your own future you brought with you. But to conquer what will be, you must speak up for yourself, and have confidence in your abilities.”
“I don’t understand,” Gentlekit wailed, fear paralyzing his big tufted paws.
“Your nature is soft, and gentle, but you must learn, in some instances to be unrelenting, and harsh to get cats to obey your commands.” Yellowfang tilted her head, her gold eyes blazing like beacons in the frigid winds. “As medicine cat, you must be harsh sometimes, like the very snow you sit in.”
“How? Med-med-i-cine-cat?” Gentlekit asked, and Yellowfang sensed he struggled to calm himself.
“That’s it, little one. This is in your mind after all. You have the control,” Yellowfang purred, and felt a sharp pull from above. She knew her time in his mind ended, so she whirled away from him, feeling pleased.
“NO! Come back!” Gentlekit leaped up, and Yellowfang glanced back through the murk.
Be strong, Gentlekit,” she meowed, laughter shaking her voice. “Or they will call you Gentlemouse as a warrior one day!”
“Gentlemouse?” He hissed in sudden outrage, and before Yellowfang uttered another laugh, she found herself sprawled on the emerald grass in StarClan. She blinked, focusing on three pairs of eyes, recognizing Firestar, Bluestar and Blackstar.
“What under StarClan happened to you?” Firestar demanded, ears slanted back, green eyes baleful.
“Someone needed me,” Yellowfang grumbled, and stood up, shaking her messy pelt.
“Bluestar said you just fell and vanished!” Blackstar exclaimed, curling back his lip.
“Did you see the kit?” Bluestar asked, narrowing her eyes. Yellowfang growled.
“Yes, I did. So what?”
“He’s too young,” Spottedleaf remarked, coming up behind Firestar.
“He’s powerful,” Yellowfang retorted with a hiss. “You don’t think I know what I’m doing?”
“Just be cautious,” Firestar said.
“I will,” Yellowfang snapped, and stalked away, heading toward a burbling sparkling stream. She tried not to look in on Gentlekit, but ThunderClan kit always drew her, and his emotions spiraled to her. Unable to ignore those tugs on her soul, she watched the kit and his family. She witnessed the great fox battle when Gentlekit’s mother trounced a big dogfox in maternal fury. She trembled but stayed put, knowing danger never threatened Gentlekit, but felt pleased when his thoughts drifted to her as he slumbered beside his mother later that day. His fears ebbed, and cold certainty settled over his heart. He vowed to not only fight well, but learn all possible to heal and help valiant warriors like his parents and clanmates. Heal! The word resonated with Yellowfang and she slapped the water in her favorite stream, peering past the streambed into ThunderClan.
She waited impatiently as the young kit grew and developed, watching every day, forgoing the luxuries of her existence in StarClan, and one warm day, she heard the words she longed to hear as the kits played with Gentlekit’s enormous father.
“I’m gonna be the strongest little warrior ever!” Greykit, Gentlekit’s milk brother, announced.
“No, I am!” Rainkit, Greykit’s brother, retorted, sitting beside Greykit on Demonstone’s flank.
“I’ll be a medicine cat,” Gentlekit insisted. Yellowfang felt joy jolt through her body.
“All right. But you still need to train so you can defend yourself and the Medicine den one day. You heard her, my kits.” his Kyemama answered, leveling a stern gaze on Indikit. “You need not be gentle, but do not hurt anyone on purpose.”
“Yes, Kyemama!” Demonkit and Phantomkit answered, and in moments, the eight kits rolled, leaped, and climbed all over Demonpoppa. Rainkit merrily rolled around with Indikit, not allowing her to keep him off Demonpoppa. Briarlight joined in the fun, balancing on one foreleg to engage the kits with the other. Gentlekit held back his swats, and Yellowfang scowled.
“Too sweet and gentle for his own good,” she hissed, and focused on him, until he filled her vision. She hissed in his ear. “Stop being so nice!”
To her delight, Gentlekit growled and joined the fray, careful to keep his claws sheathed, but he used his weight and size as advantages to aid Rainkit against Indikit’s attacks. She knew he realized if he wanted to be a great medicine cat, he needed to also be a good warrior as well. That pleased her, and she relished the emotion until someone slapped her rump. She leaped up with a snarl, and whirled on her attacker. Cinderpelt stood there, humor in her eyes.
“You’re lucky the others didn’t see you,” Cinderpelt warned.
“Why? I’m doing no wrong.”
“Influencing that kit without any prophecy.”
“Not everything needs a prophecy!” Yellowfang snapped, and stalked off upstream. She fumed that her Clan members doubted her. She kept to herself, unable to ignore the kit.
A moon later, Yellowfang settled on her favorite rock, basking in the sun in the middle of the stream, and peered past its waters, as always, watching her obsession. Late New Leaf growth in the trees waxed in a variety of wondrous shades of spring greens. Brush and bushes in and around camp sprouted leaves and blooms, and new growth carpeted the forest floor. Warm noonhigh sun warmed the ground, shining out of a clear deep blue sky. A few puffy white clouds floated on the breezes. Yellwofang watched, feeling a pang of longing, but quickly squashed the emotion, not wanting to attract any attention.
Down below, Blossomfall carried a large mouse in her jaws to the kits “They will be formidable warriors. But for now, they must learn to eat fresh kill.”
“Kits!” Kyestorm called. Gentlekit’s siblings stopped playing and gazed at her. “Blossomfall brought you prey. Come see.”
Phantomkit led Gentlekit and his littermates to the tortoiseshell and white she-cat, who placed the mouse on the ground. All the kits stared at the prey. Gentlekit sniffed the air, wrinkling his lip.
“What do we do with it?” Gentlekit asked, and Indikit prodded the mouse with a paw. The prey suddenly jerked, and rolled over.
“Its trying to get away!” Demonkit squeaked, and leaped on the incapacitated mouse. Phantomkit joined him and both grabbed the mouse, playing tug-o-war.
“I wanna play!” Indikit squealed and joined her brothers. She tried to rip it free of their jaws. Smokekit and Bluekit rushed forward, each taking hold of a leg. Greykit and Rainkit grabbed the long tail. They growled, mewed and squeaked in excitement. Gentlekit sat, watching with interest, but his siblings hogged the furry toy. He yawned, ready for a nap.
“Why not play, too?” his Kyemama asked.
“No room for me,” Gentlekit purred, then lifted his head as scents from the medicine cat den drifted on the breeze. He glanced over to see Jayfeather carrying new herbs into the den. He forgot the mouse, and his littermates. “I’d rather go see what Jayfeather is doing.”
“Really?” Kyesmama eyed Gentlekit. “But you must learn to eat fresh kill. In a moon or so I won’t have any more milk.”
“I know,” Gentlekit answered. “I’ll learn to hunt.”
Yellowfang’s heart sang as Gentlekit looked his littermates, who tore the prey into pieces, and merrily ran around the camp with them.
“Well, well, do I hear right?” Jayfeather joined the group, sitting behind Briarlight. He glared at the youngsters with sightless blue eyes. “A kit wants to take my job?”
“I’ll learn,” Gentlekit braved Jayfeather’s stern gaze, rising to greet the Medicine cat with a touch to the nose. “I want to be like Alderpaw!”
“You are way too friendly for your own good!” Jayfeather’s expression turned to delight. “Do you promise to behave if I allow you into the Medicine den?”
“Of course,” Gentlekit answered, his tail flopping to and fro in his only display of underlying emotion.
Jayfeather led Gentlekit to the Medicine den, and Yellowfang withdrew, satisfied, ready for a nap. The prophecy for his parents involved Gentlekit! She knew this, even if StarClan did not. She watched Gentlekit learn and grow, but she also worried, well aware ShadowClan’s ancient medicine cat’s health failed She watched her old friend and colleague grow weaker, without choosing an apprentice.
“What is he thinking?” she muttered, at least once per day. As Gentlekit’s knowledge and skills increased, hope sprouted in Yellowfang’s soul. Time ticked by, and soon Gentlekit’s apprenticeship loomed in mere sunrises. Yellowfang paced on the flat rock she normally snoozed on, unsure of what to do, until ShadowClan’s leader finally went to ThunderClan for help. The old she-cat swooped down, looking for a reason to prod Gentlekit to action. She sensed the power within him, the gift needed to save her old friend.
Gentlekit worked in the medicine den, while his siblings raced and played games out in camp. Young Twigkit leaped gracefully, playing with a leaf, and his his mentors talked about the kit, urging her to play with Briarlight,. They moved outside after Briarlight called to Demonstone. Yelowfang paced, unsure of what to do. Gentlekit watched his father carry Briarlight to her rock. Twigkit pranced alongside, her short fluffy tail high. Gentlekit returned to his sorting, but Graystripe poked his head into the den, interrupting his concentration.
“Bramblestar wants to see Leafpool and Alderpaw. ” Gentlekit slanted back his ears to concentrate, but Graystripe added, “Rowanstar is here.”
Gentlekit’s pelt bristled, and he turned, creeping to the mouth of the den. He dare not sneak out, but Yellowfang sensed his desperate need to hear what ShadowClan’s leader wanted. He closed his eyes and Yellowfang heard his mind call. *Littlecloud?*
Yellowfang felt a sudden surge of panic from her old friend, and saw it mirrored in Gentlekit’s face. His amber eyes widened and his developing ruff mantled around his face. Littlecloud’s labored breathing and erratic heartbeat pounded in her senses. Leafpool returned with Alderpaw, and they quickly gathered up herbs.
“Can I help?” Gentlekit asked boldly.
“No, stay here and continue your work,” Leafpool said sternly. “This is not time for kit sitting.”
Gentlekit glared at her in indignation, but sat silent, paws shifting with agitation. As the two left the den, Yellowfang exploded with exasperation, and hissed in his ear.
*Mousekit*
“I am not!” he growled, recognizing Yellowfang’s gravelly tones.
*Then what do you wait for? Help them.*
“Do as she says,” Jayfeather’s voice startled both of them. Gentlekit gazed at his mentor in shock.
“How? Did you hear her?”
“Just go. Follow your instincts,” Jayfeather answered , his voice uncharacteristically low. “This is just between us.”
Gentlekit grabbed a large leaf, tossed a mixture of Catmint, Coltsfoot, Juniper berries, tansy and thyme. He squeezed some water out of a piece of moss, and with his large paws, kneaded the pile into a soft paste. He glanced at Jayfeather, who scented the air, but said nothing. Yellowfang approved of the youngster’s herb choices, but wondered about his concoction. He quickly wrapped it up, and grabbing it in his jaws, hurried from the den. Yellowfang stood in the den, fear bristling her tangled fur, and Jayfeather faced her.
“You’ve been right about that one,” he muttered, his voice a mere whisper. “But will this shatter him if he fails?”
“He won’t,” Yellowg fang insisted, though doubt gnawed her gut.
“Then use your StarClan connection and show both of us what happens!” Jayfeather snapped, lashing his tail.
“Okay! Don’t alert the whole camp that I’m here,” Yellowfang hissed, and stood beside him, and let part of herself follow the kit. Skirting the camp, Gentlekit furtively avoided everyone, slipping out the dirtplace exit, and raced down the hill, following Leafpool and Alderpaw. He tracked them, keeping far enough back, treading with great care, and caught up to them as they entered ShadowClan’s camp. He watched, as they both worked on Littlecloud, with no affect. Yellowfang trembled all over, heart racing, almost breaking her concentration, as Littlecloud’s life choked out of him right before her eyes.
“We can only help make this less painful,” Leafpool mewed sadly, and Gentlekit almost dropped his bundle. Denial swept through him as Littlecloud closed his eyes, drawing one ragged breath. Yellowfang flicked out a paw, to slap Gentlekit, but before she moved, the five moon old brown tabby Maine Coon plunged out of the brush.
“Gentlekit?” Alderpaw exclaimed.
“Gentlekit!” Leafpool admonished, but he ignored them. Defying his elders and ignoring the startled gasps from ShadowClan cats, Gentlekit dropped his bundle at Littlecloud’s paws, pushed past Dawnfeather, then pounced on the old cat’s chest. Yellwofang joined him, feeling what he experienced, struggling not to interfere. From somewhere deep inside, Gentlekit channeled his wild emotions, obeying some deep instinct. Static energy gathered around him, and he pulled it with strength of will into very strong sparks that snapped from the tips of his claws, zapping Littlecloud’s chest. Before anyone moved a muscle to intervene, Littlecloud’s body jerked, his heart started beating again, and he gasped for air. He turned wild eyes to Gentlekit, but Gentlekit ignored him, clawed open his bundle, scooped up some paste out of the leaf, and shoved it against Littlecloud’s muzzle.
“Eat this!” His normally soft voice roared from his chest in command. Littlecloud coughed, but opened his mouth and allowed Gentlekit to push the paste into his jaws. Obediently Littlecould swallowed, grimacing at the taste, and Gentlekit thought about putting honey into that mess next time. Yellowfang agreed, stonished pride sweeping through her. Silence fell over the camp, as Littlecloud gasped for air, but soon breathed a little easier, and as Gentlekit kept his huge paw on the old cat’s chest, Littelcloud’s heartbeat stabilized.
“Great StarClan,” Littlecloud finally spoke in a rasping voice. “What did you do? How did you do this?”
“I, I knew your heart was bad. Lungs ,too.” Gentlekit stammered, static electricity prickling his fur. “I just acted.”
“You could have killed him,” Rowanstar spoke up, a snarl in his voice.
“He took his final breath,” Gentlekit braved the angry Clan leader. “I couldn’t let him die!”
“What is in this?” Leafpool asked sharply, but her eyes glinted with approval and surprise.
“I mixed coltsfoot, tansy, juniper berry, catmint and thyme. All things good for breathing and heart. Next time I’ll add honey so it won’t taste so bad,” Gentlekit answered with confidence, but flattened his ears under the glare of many baleful eyes. Yellowfang resisted the urge to blurt “Gentlemouse” in his brain.
“A very good mixture.” Littlecloud broke the tension. “Never thought to use them all at once. Thank you, young apprentice, thank you.”
“Yes, thank you for your help,” Rowanstar stepped up, his pelt rippling, his eyes boring into Leafpool.
“Keep the paste,” Leafpool stated, and lifted her head. “Alderpaw, Gentlekit, let’s go. We’re not needed any longer.”
“Gentlekit,” Littlecloud called. “Next Gathering you’ll be an apprentice. Please give me your recipe for this paste.”
“I will,” Gentlekit meowed back, following Leafpool and Alderpaw out of camp. They walked in silence, until they crossed the border into ThunderClan territory. Yellowfang broke from the young tom, fleeing to her rock, heaving for air, thankful her friend lived, amazed at Gentlekit’s achievement. As they admonished him, her temper flared, but she refused to look back and risk revealing herself to the medicine cats. She settled on her favorite place, and waited for his apprenticeship, ready to fully interfere should he be denied.
The day finally arrived and Yellowfang lay on her sunny rock, rooted to the scene below. Gentlekit and his siblings received their new names. Gentlepaw accepted repercussions of his stunt that saved Littlecloud, and Yellowfang felt pride, thinking he deserved no punishment at all. Happiness enveloped the camp, until a fight erupted between Kyestorm and Millie. Yellowfang focused through the drizzle and mist, alert. She saw Kyestorm raise a huge paw over Millie’s head, and focused, pulling herself in to hear the strife, coming in on the middle of the argument.
“That is not fair!” Millie wailed. “My milk dried up!”
“So?” Kyestorm thundered. “You still could have continued to groom them, love them, long after they weaned. Instead you left the nursery and went back to the Elder’s den! ! You should never, ever, reject your kits or treat them badly, ever!”
“Kyestorm, please! STOP!” Graystripe stood up, back arched.
Yellowfang harrumphed, a growl in her chest, and muttered, “Even I would’ve never done that.”
“And YOU!” Kyestorm’s bellow shattered her thought. “Allowing Millie to continue this behavior when she has other kits! Coddling her! I will not STAND to see Rainpaw and Greypaw treated with such disrespect, and lack of love!” Kyestorm faced Millie. “You should be happy for him, not annoyed!”
Blossomfall moved over to Kyemama, her expression woebegone, and her touch on Kyemama’s flank stopped the Maine Coon’s tirade. Gentlepaw, his fellow apprentices, and their mentors gaped in disbelief. Yellowfang muttered to herself, miffed that this ruined Gentlepaw’s day.
“Thank you,” Blossomfall mewed softly. “She needed to hear that, but it may be too late for her. I wish I had a milk-mother that stood up for me as you have my brothers. Maybe the Dark Forest wouldn’t have lured me so easily.” Blossomfall gazed at her parents. “Mother, I wish you remembered you have other kits besides our sister. I understand it’s too late for me, but please don’t make the same mistake with Greypaw and Rainpaw.”
Millie stood, in silence, then leaned into Graystripe and closed her eyes. Her body trembled. Graystripe flattened his fur, and licked Millie’s head. Graystripe whispered to both and Yellowfang struggled to hear him, but missed what he said. Bramblestar wore a stunned expression.
“I am so tired,” Millie mewled in shaking tones.
“Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given us,” Bramblestar assured her. Bramblestar stepped down the rocks, and stood beside Millie, laying his tail across her shoulders. Purdy stepped forward, greeting the old she-cat, giving Kyestorm a glance. Yellowfang perked up, watching the old tom.
“One day, old one, you’ll be with me in StarClan,” she muttered.
“Stop frettin’, Millie. Yer youngin’ is in good paws.” Purdy purred, giving Kyestorm a wink. “I’ll tell stories to keep yer mind off o’ her.”
“I’m sorry,” Kyestorm walked up to Millie, and laid her thick furry tail over the old she-cat’s back. Yellowfang strained to hear the rest, but voices mingled with the murmuring that erupted around camp.
Millie sagged against Graystripe. He nodded, then lead her to the snug warm Elder’s den. Yelowfang inhaled sharply, seeing two shimmering red shapes weave around Graystripe.
“Firestar, Sandstorm,” Yellowfang growled, curling her lips back. One starry red shape turned to the Clan Leader green eyes blinking once, as he nodded, before fading away. Bramblestar slowly nodded at Kyestorm, and with Squirrelflight, disappeared into their den.
“Well, if you two can go and comfort someone, so can I!” Yellowfang hissed, and leaped from her sunning rock, diving down into camp. Gentlepaw recognized her, and his eyes widened. Her yellow eyes blazed, but a feline smile briefly crosse her visage, and she infused him with her utter approval in his actions.
*Bravepaw* she rasped in his ear. Nobody else saw her, but Jayfeather’s head turned in that direction, ears twitching. She whispered, “You sense me, and know I’m right.”
Jayfeather slowly nodded. Yellowfang grinned with triumph, and she returned to her rock. The feeling vanished when many familiar faces met her there.
“Meddling again?” Blackstar drawled.
“Oh stop pestering me! Can’t you see I’m right? Nothing wrong with guiding a gifted youngsterr!”
“We agree that you were right,” Firestar meowed. “All of us will attend his ceremony.”
A half moon later, after coyotes attacked ShadowClan, Yellowfang watched with pride as Gentlepaw briefly fought as brave as any warrior before rushing to the injured. His sister’s new beau, Snowpaw, fretted over the prone body of his sister.
“She’s alive!” Gentlepaw’s meowed, joy in his voice. Littlecloud now stood outside the medicine cat den, his breathing easier. Puddlepaw, Littlecloud’s new apprentice, and Gentlepaw worked on Pinepaw. Gentlepaw skillfully performed every action Littlecloud rasped out, sometimes starting a needed task before instructions came. Gentlepaw suddenly left Pinepaw in Puddlepaw’s care and stalked to Littlecloud, ordering him to lie prone. To Yellowfang’s delight, the frail elder obeyed and Gentlepaw ran deft, skilled paws over the old cat’s chest, kneading and pushing. She thought she saw his claws unsheath, but realized she witnessed flashing sparks, part of that innate skill he possessed which caused the wizened old ShadowClan medicine cat to cling to life.
The little black she-cat moaned, shifting Yellowfang’s attention. Snowpaw raced to his sister’s side. Indipaw followed, and Rowanstar bowed his head in relief. Yellowfang wanted to go to Gentlepaw, but stayed on her sunny rock.
“When are they going to take him to the Moonpool?” she grumbled. “He’s ready.”
A mere half moon later, Yellowfang waited impatiently as Gentlepaw climbed the trail up the stony, icy path, following Leafpool and Alderfrost to the sacred Moonpool. The half moon bathed the world in silver light, as they moved out of the forest onto the open moors. Yellowfang shifted her paws of the ledge, waiting with eagerness. Gentlepaw climbed the trail up the stony, icy path, following Leafpool. The wind moaned over the rocks, and Gentlepaw scented the air, eyeing the clouds that gathered on the northwestern horizon. Yellowfang agreed with his uneasiness, fully aware of the approaching storm. The other medicine cats, Littlecloud, Willowshine, Pudddlepaw,and Kestrelflight followed. Willowshine walked behind Littlecloud, who picked his way up the trail with shaky steps. He paused every few strides to shake the snow from his tiny paws, and to catch his breath.
Gentlepaw followed Leafpool and Alderfrost into a small clearing, and Yellowfang purred with anticipation. The Moonpool shimmered, as the wind blew snow from a drift across its glassy frozen surface. Rocky cliffs rose up behind the pool, and and deep snows clung to the ledges and outcrops. Leafpool halted in a small sandy spot beneath the cliff, and faced her apprentice. Three of the medicine cats sat behind her, watching respectfully, expressions full of delight. Littlecloud sat down in front of Puddlepaw, and Yellowfang nodded approval, only briefly aware of Littlecloud’s raspy voice speaking to Puddlepaw, and understood why Littlecloud came to the Moonpool tonight. Gentlepaw halted and sat down in front of Leafpool, who took Jayfeather’s place as mentor. Leafpool raised her voice so it echoed over the Moonpool.
“I, Leafpool, medicine cat of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice, Gentlepaw.He has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help, Gentlepaw will serve his Clan, as he has already done since kithood, for many moons.”
“Gentlepaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clans, and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
“Yes, I do.” Gentlepaw answered, amber eyes shining, his voice soft.
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Gentlepaw, from this moment, you will be known as Gentleoak. StarClan honors your intelligence, intuitiveness, empathy, stoic strength, gentle touch, and skills. We welcome you as a full medicine cat of ThunderClan.”
Leafpool rested her chin on Gentleoak’s, head, and he licked her shoulder. Alderfrost, Kestrelflight, Puddlepaw, Littlecloud, and Willowshine walked up to Gentleoak.
“Only a matter of formality,” Alderfrost said with a beaming feline smile. “Welcome, Gentleoak.”
“Gentleoak, we are happy to see you here this half moon,” Willowshine said.
“Gentleoak, we welcome you.” Littlecloud greeted Gentleoak, stretching his muzzle up to his. Gentleoak lowered his head to touch noses. Littlecloud’s sunken eyes slanted into a smile. “You’re so opposite your sister. But we all love Indiclaw. She is a fine warrior.”
“I’m glad she is happy. My brothers and I do miss her.” Gentleoak replied, then sensed another moving up beside Littlecloud.
“I am happy you finally joined our ranks,” Puddlepaw mewed. “We’ve all known you would. I too, have received my true medicine cat name this night. I am Puddleshine.”
“I welcome you, Gentleoak,” Kestrelflight meowed, his eyes squinting into a smile. “I know you miss Smokewind, too, but she is a fine asset to WindClan. She can outrun us all, and can grab a rabbit up before it dives into its burrow. And I don’t think I need to embellish what she has taught us in catching those fleet deer.”
“I welcome you, too.” Willowshine interjected, her eyes twinkling. “Your sister Bluefrost is a fine addition to RiverClan. She can break holes in the ice where no cat has done before. She says her father taught her to throw rocks for fun! We are in your parents’ and Clan’s debt for allowing her to join us.”
“I don’t think anyone was going to stop my sisters from following their hearts,” Gentleoak meowed, a laugh shaking his voice. The others nodded in full agreement.
“Come. Time to meet StarClan and receive your blessings.” Leafpool interrupted, and gestured at the frozen pool with her tail. “Place your paws on the ice and touch the pool with your muzzle.”
Yellowfang felt Gentleoak’s eagerness as he obeyed and stepped onto the edge of the pool. Ice crackled and tinkled, and the clear ice reflected the moonlight and starlight which filled the small gorge. He placed his huge golden-brown paws with the black toe tufts on the ice and lay on his belly. He dropped his muzzle to the ice, and closed his eyes. Yellowfang blinked, bringing herself into StarClan.
The Moonpool shone, released from its icy grip, reflecting Silverpelt, the half moon and hundreds of starry figures poised on the stones and craggy cliffs. Firestar, Bluestar, Blackstar and Tallstar and all leaders past shimmered on the ledges. Medicine cats from seasons past joined them, followed by warriors and even young kits who never grew up befor joining StarClan. Yellowfang leaped from her ledge, to join the throng gathering in front of Gentleoak. Gentleoak reacted with recognition as Firestar led the StarClan cats to Gentleoak.
“Welcome, young Medicine cat, of new blood born of fire and smoke,” Firestar said. “We’re more than thrilled to finally meet you here, and not in your dreams.”
“About time you arrived here,” the old she-cat grumbled, eyeing him. “I’m Yellowfang. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?”
“I’m honored, and you’re no stranger to me,” Gentleoak replied, and the tales of ThunderClan’s medicine cat who served the clan before they moved to the lake so many seasoncycles ago flashed through his mind. Yellwofang gave her life for her Clan in a horrible fire, and she shivered at the memory as Gentleoak continued. “I will work hard and never give you reason to doubt your trust in me, and my family.”
“I know that. Your destiny sealed itself the day I met you as a tiny kit. Just remember what I’ve told you about your abilities. Never use it for harm on another cat,” The old she-cat insisted, then gazed sharply into Gentleoak’s eyes, flicking her ears before uttering a sharp mroow of mirth. “Carrying a visitor are we?” Yellowfang bared the tips of her yellowed eyeteeth. “I’m impressed, but not sure I like this.”
“Sorry, “Gentleoak parroted his mother’s thoughts. “I, I had to see this important event in his life. Don’t be angry with us.”
“I’m not angry,” Yellowfang snorted with amusement.
“You have never disappointed us, Gentleoak” Firestar nodded slowly. “Nor you, Kyestorm. We know he lets you see through your dreams.”
“We understand,” Bluestar spoke up, shooting a glance at Yellowfang, stopping a retort. “It only shows how powerful your mind is, Gentleoak, to allow your beloved mother to witness. Show caution in revealing this, since some may wish to use it for ambitious purposes, but this shall be a wondrous aid to healing no other medicine cat has known.”
“I would never use it to hurt anyone,” Gentleoak assured Bluestar.
“We know,” Yellowfang reassured him, then leveled her piercing amber gaze on him. amusement and cantankerousness flashing through her. “Kyestorm is it? Haarumph. Don’t fret yourself over my ancestry. My mother consorted with a pretty boy who blessed me with this wretched pelt. If I had a coat like yours or your son’s, . . .ahhh, no use wishing. Its done and over.”
“Sorry!” Gentleoak whispered. “Tell her I’m sorry.”
“No need,” Yellowfang lifted a lip, confident in her actions, knowing she did right by this fine young tom and his mother. She peered into Gentleoak’s amber eyes, spotting a flicker of copper-gold -Gentleoak’s mother . She spoke directly to Kyestorm. “You birthed a fine medicine cat, and your kind bring good blood to our Clans. We’ve needed it for a long time.” Yellowfang drew back, meeting Gentleoak’s gaze, proud that he faced her, tall tufted ears up, whiskers forward, brimming with inner strength and confidence. “Gentleoak, my protégé, use your sharp mind and wit in your life as a medicine cat. We shall watch your path, always.”