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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 1, 2016 12:32:10 GMT -5
♣♣♣♣ ƝƐƜ ƁLOOƊ-ƬRAƤƤƐƊ ♣♣♣♣
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CHAPTERS ONE - THREE
This began as part of a contest part, but looks like the contest is delayed, and with the WFF clousure, perhaps forever. So I have decided to post Gentleoak's tale. Going to keep things simple here. Just the story!
The Prompt: Blizzard: Cold, unforgiving, harsh, and unrelenting
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CHAPTER ONE
Gentlekit snuggled against his mother’s fluffy red-cream belly after a busy day of play. His newly-opened eyes drank in the world around him that whole day and his brain swam with bright images, sounds and scents of his home. He yawned, exhausted and happy. He turned his head upside down and pressed his fluffy body against his mother, enjoying the warmth of his littermates, as they gathered around him for a well-deserved nap. His sister Indikit, kicked him, and he raised his head as she rolled to the outside of the pile of huge fuzzy kittens.
“Brat,” he mewed at her, and she only growled in response. He dropped his head and promptly fell asleep.
His vision cleared, and harsh cold, white, grey and black surrounded him, howling in relentless fury, driving stinging hard white particles into his face. Fear thumped his heart, and he mewled in terror, his long fuzzy coat puffing up in response to the bitter wind. A grey wraith trotted out of the swirling grey, yellow eyes shining like twin suns in a snub-nosed face. He sat in the icy-cold, fluffy, white stuff that covered the ground, mesmerized.
“Ah, little one,” a gravelly voice meowed, and the grey form materialized into an old she-cat with long, rumpled, messy grey fur. “You show such a strong mind so early.”
“I’m scared!” Gentlekit wailed. “I want my Kyemama!”
“Don’t be such a coward,” the she-cat snapped with irritation, then softened her features. “Sorry little one. I'm not used to seeing such young ones here.”
“Where am I?” Gentlekit mewed, shaking with cold. “Who are you?”
“I am Yellowfang, from StarClan.” The old cat sat down. “Don’t fret. 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, trying to calm his racing heart. As he did so, he realized the cold bit less intensely.
“That’s it, little one. This is in your mind after all. You have the control,” Yellowfang purred, then whirled, and trotted away into the swirling white and grey landscape.
“NO! Come back!” Gentlekit leaped up, spraying the weird white stuff into the air.
Be strong, Gentlekit.” Laughter drifted back to him out of the murk. “Or they will call you Gentlemouse as a warrior one day!”
“Gentlemouse?” He hissed in sudden outrage, shook himself, and woke up. He saw his mother’s copper-gold eyes peering down at him from a huge red tabby face. Her ruff bristled with concern.
“Gentlekit?” Kyemama asked, worry in her purr.
“I’m ok, Kyemama,” Gentlekit stretched, ignoring protests from sleeping siblings. “I think I went to StarClan!”
“What?” Kyemama exclaimed.
“I saw all white and grey, and it was so cold. A cat came, and said she was from Starclan.” Gentlekit yawned cavernously, his eyelids heavy.
“What cat?” Kyemama’s voiced sharpened, but Gentlekit’s head dropped to his paws.
“I’ll tell you tomorrow,” Gentlekit murmured, and her voice faded in his ears, as he dropped off into slumber.
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Chapter Two
“Kyemama! We’re hungry!” Demonkit announced, his long tail straight up behind him. His white muzzle, throat and paws stood out in the darkness of the den. Phantomkit flanked his brother, his white markings mirroring Demonkit’s, but black tabby stripes over dark grey broke the illusion of twinning. Gentlekit sat up, waiting as, Kyemama, now known as Kyepaw to ThunderClan, purred and stretched out in her nest. Gentlekit flicked his ears, thinking how she will always be Kyemama to him.
“Come and drink, my kits, but soon, you will learn to eat fresh kill.”
“I’ll be the best hunter!” Phantomkit bragged.
“No! I will be!” Demonkit argued, and Kyemama’s purrs pulsed with laughter. Gentlekit watched the friendly rivalry between his two largest brothers, feeling envy, but then remembered how much his milk brother Rainkit liked him. He and his siblings nursed, and Kyemama flinched, as his newly erupted milk teeth pinched her skin.
“Sorry,” Gentlekit murmured, and his mother licked his head.
“I’m glad mine don’t have their teeth yet,” Lilyheart uttered an amused purr as she nursed her young brood. Gentlekit stopped nursing long enough to glance at Larkkit, Honeykit and Leafkit, who at barely two moons old, looked so small. Gentlekit returned to his nursing, wondering when Lilyheart might allow him and his siblings to play with them.
“It won’t be long,” Kyemama retorted with a mrrrow of laughter.
“Your kits grow so big and strong!” Millie commented. “My two are so small in comparison.”
“Your kits thrive.” Kyemama faced the old queen. “Remember, we Maine Coons produce very large kits. Don’t compare them. Greykit and Rainkit are healthy and well!”
“Yes, you are right. I keep thinking they are behind, but, they aren’t, are they,” Millie said. “And thanks to your milk! If not for you, my kits never would have made it this far. I don’t have enough milk even with the borage Jayfeather makes me eat. Not enough for only two kits! Just dreadful. I really am too old to be having kits.” Millie’s eyes widened as her kits squealed. Long-haired pale grey Rainkit wailed.
“Millieee! We hungry!”
“So sorry, my little ones,” Millie mewed. “Go to Kyemama. She will feed you.”
The two kits scurried to Kyemama, and bravely jostled Demonkit and Indikit. Demonkit moved away, and sat down, blinking. Indikit hissed between clenched jaws, her white legs latching on to Kyemama’s tummy. Gentlekit stopped nursing and glared at Indkit.
“Rainkit, over here!” Gentlekit called out. Rainkit ran over and took Gentlekit’s spot, avoiding Gentlekit’s tabby and white brat of a sister.
“Stop that!” Phantomkit bopped his sister on the head with a big fuzzy white paw. “Rainkit and Greykit need to eat! Remember?”
“No! I’m not full yet!” Indikit protested. “They can wait.”
“Look at your round belly!” Phantomkit cuffed his sister on the head again. “Don’t be so selfish!”
When Indikit growled, refusing to let Greykit feed, Phantomkit pounced on her, forcing her away.
“Owww,” Kyemama hissed, as Indikit’s teeth and claws scratched her belly. She tapped Indikit with a big paw on the kit’s exposed white belly. “Stop being such a brat and learn to share!”
“Okaaay!" Indikit wailed, and rolled over, her dark-brown tabby back visible again. Jet-black striped her head before mingling in the thick puffy fur of her rumpled back. She shook herself and pounced on Phantomkit The two wrestled on the moss bedding, and Indikit's loud squalls of rage echoed in the den. Lilyheart moved a leg , creating a barrier between them and her kits. Gentlekit watched, and shook his head, flattening his ears.
“You show her, Phantomkit!” Gentlekit moved closer to the scuffle, ignoring the talk between his mother and Millie, until a snippet caught his attention.
“Indikit is just a brat.” Kyemama eclaimed.
“She will be pawful, even for your huge ones,” Millie mewled with laughter, laying next to Kyemama “If she channels that wild side, she will be a fine warrior one day.”
“Not if I flatten her out first!” Kyemama bared her fangs. “She will . . .”
A commotion erupted out in camp, as cat screeching filled the air. Genetlekit leaped to his feet and dodged sideways into his mother, his long fuzzy golden-brown tabby coat bristling into spikes.
“Foxes!” Leafpool’s wail echoed across the clearing. “Demon B! Briarlight! Get inside now!”
“They will not get past me!” Gentlekit heard his father snarl.
“ThunderClan warriors!!! Attack!” Gentlekit recognized Bramblestar’s yowl. “They’re running for the queen’s den! Head them off!”
Terror flashed through Gentlekit. What rushed in to eat them?
“They dare think they can eat our kits?” Kyemama hissed with wrath. “Not while I breathe!” She leaped up, shaking the kits free, and jumped for the entrance.
“NO! Kyemama! Don’t leave us!” Gentlekit wailed, huddling against his sister, Smokekit. Smokekit trembled, and she shifted her long legs in dread.
“No!” Millie wailed in sheer terror. “Come back!”
“Kyepaw, NO! If something happens to you. . . ” Daisy shrieked, ranging herself in front of Millie. Kyemama turned, and hissed at Gentlekit and his siblings.
“Go to Millie and Daisy! NOW!” Gentlekit and his littermates scurried back to Daisy’s flank. They watched Kyemama dash into danger, and Gentlekit saw everything through the entrance. Behind him, Lilyheart’s kits mewled in fear.
“NOBODY hurts our kits or my friends!” His mother snarled, and plunged forward, her long pelt puffing out. “Nothing threatens our kits! I’ll rip them apart!” Kyemama screeched, racing ahead, as two red doglike creatures raced toward the den. Gentlekit swelled with pride at his mother’s bravery in the face of such danger. She shrieked, and launched herself at the biggest fox. Its yellow eyes widened, showing whites, but before it changed course, Kyemama smashed into it, and extended her massive claws, latching onto her enemy. She bowled the fox over, and pounced, slashing. Her claws ripped open its face, drawing blood that poured from deep slashes. One claw tore an eye. Ruddy fur flew in every direction as. Kyemama renewed her attack, her massive forepaws blurs as she pummeled her enemy. She extended her claws fully, rending and tearing at her enemy, holding back nothing. Blood spattered the fox and Kyemama’s fur. She tore without mercy into the fox’s belly and flanks, furrowing deep gashes into its flesh.
“Leave us alone, and never ever attack our kits again!” she shrieked. The fox rolled over, and managed to get its legs beneath it, and with a shrill yap, fled Kyemama’s onslaught. Its mate and half grown pup wiggled free of enraged warriors and escaped out of the camp entrance. Gentlekit’s father, Demon B, stretched out in front of the medicine cat’s den, his fur puffed up so he looked twice his already impressive size, and he completely blocked the entrance. His staccato growl echoed across the camp, and with one lightning swipe of his enormous healthy paw, he slapped a little fox across the hollow, scouring her pelt with deep gashes. The fox rolled over several times, laying sprawled on the ground, stunned, before jumping up and scurrying out a small gap in the barrier..
Kyemama slapped the big fox one last blow before it bounded away, leaving deep gashes on its rump. She walked over to her mate and sat down, regaining her breath. Gentlekit and his siblings crowded the entrance, afraid to come out, yet he wanted to rush to his mother.
“Great Starclan!” Lionblaze exclaimed, as cats crowded Kyemama. “You beat him witless!”
“Fine battle!” Cinderheart added. “I had my doubts about you. Too big to move quick, I thought. Wrong!”
“Excellent job!” Poppyfrost exclaimed, her eyes gleaming. “I always wondered how a big soft kittypet might fight! I’m impressed.”
“Fine work, youngin!” Purdy’s voice called out, as he squeezed between Cherryfall and Blossomfall. “Kits’ll hear this story fer many seasons!”
“I only thought to protect the kits,” Kyemama stammered, and Gentlekit jumped to run to her as the entire Clan praised her and Demonpoppa’s actions. Daisy grabbed him by the ruff.
“Patience,” the cream coloerd she-cat mewed.
“Great battle,” Bramblestar meowed, and he walked up to Kyemama.“Well done to all. Kyepaw, you have shown yourself a worthy warrior, and your injured mate used his advantages to help protect the medicine den and our precious medicine cats.”
Bramblestar turned, and trotted up the cliff to Highledge. Warriors milled, mewling and muttering with excitement, many glancing at the large log marked with memorials to fallen warriors. Gentlekit knew well the tales of the Great Battle, and he loved hearing stories Purdy and the other elders told all the kits about the history of his Clan. His mother’s bravery this day surely earned a place among those great tales. Bramblestar’s paws landed on Highledge, attracting Gentlekit’s attention. ThunderClan’s leader faced the expectant growing crowd, and uttered the command.
“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here!” Bramblestar’s voice rang out over the camp. “We gain new Warriors this day!”
“Can we go out, too?” Phantomkit asked Daisy.
“Of course,” Dasiy purred, and Gentlekit moved with his siblings to sit just outside the nursery. Gentlekit watched with rapt attention and pride as his parents earned their warrior names of Kyestorm and Demonstone.. Warriors meowed and yowled in agreement. Bramblestar stood up, and gazed at Kyemama, his features breaking into a feline smile.
“Go to your kits, Kyestorm. There is good reason why we sacrificed meals to you. And all should know what you do for Millie’s kits as well. By offering them your milk when she dried up, you saved their lives. I know you’ll take good care of them all.”
“I will,” Kyemama nodded and turned away, hurrying back to Gentlekit and his littermates. She paused and looked back at his father but Demonstone stood up, and hobbled back to the Medicine den. Warriors and apprentices alike assisted him, meowing all at once, asking him to tell the tale of the vanquished young vixen. Leafpool and Jayfeather swarmed all over him, replacing the cobweb, making sure the wound sealed. Gentlekit swelled with pride. He watched the medicines cats tend his father with deep interest as Demonpoppa stretched out, and Briarlight draped over him, purring. Gentlekit felt a brief stab of jealousy, but remembered Briarlight’s condition. Kyemama walked into the nursery, turning his attention to her.
“I am so thankful for your mate,” Millie meowed. “Briarlight does love him like a big brother. I don’t worry about her as much with him there.”
“He won’t let anything happen to her,” Kyemama said. “And she gets exercise pulling herself off and on him all day.”
“I saw everything, Kyemama!” Phantomkit squeaked in excitement. “Demonpoppa was so brave, too!”
“We grow and be strong like you,” Demonkit added.
“I slap foxes! Slash and do the same!” Indikit exclaimed, pouncing on an imaginary enemy.
“Yes, my sweet kits. You’re the Maine Coons of ThunderClan,” Kyemama mewed at them, mirth shaking her voice. “Come and eat. Grow strong. Greykit and Rainkit, you, too.”
“Kyestorm,” Daisy murmured Kyemama’s new name. “A great warrior name. Will you really fight?”
“Of course she will,” Lilyheart scoffed. “Why wouldn’t she?”
“She’s a kittypet, like me. I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t,” Daisy retorted with a hiss.
“I will fight. Foxes are too brave these days,” Kyesmama growled. “Invading our camp is just unacceptable.”
“They are too brazen,” Millie shifted nervously. “ We head into Green Leaf soon, and prey should be plentiful, but Leaf Fall and Leaf Bare come so fast and seem way too long.”
“We’ll be apprentices then!” Phantomkit sat down, facing Kyesmama intelligence flaring in his blue eyes, which glittered with flecks of sea-green. “They won’t get us!”
“Never! They won’t get any kit, ever! Not on my watch,” Kyemama bared her teeth and hissed. Gentlekit felt pride in his mother. “Next time I will kill them!”
She nosed all the kits to her belly, and Gentlekit felt Kyemama‘s fear, as the adrenaline ebbed from her body. Millie purred as she washed each kit. Daisy fussed with bedding. Lilyheart’s kits mewled as they fed, sensing the unease around them. Gentlekit buried his head against Kyemama’s belly, shivering with anxiety, but as he calmed, and the horror of seeing the battle, the blood, and danger faded, a cold certainty settled over his heart. He vowed to not only fight well, but learn all possible ways to heal and help valiant warriors like his parents and clanmates.
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Chapter Three
The rising sun bathed the camp in morning light, as Gentlekit sauntered out of the nursery with his littermates, following his mother, eager to play after a long night’s sleep. Kyemama lay down on a patch of grass, flopping over on her side. Gentlekit yawned, and stretched as his siblings leaped onto Kyemama’s body, ambushing each other from behind her back and bushy tail. Rainkit and Greykit joined in as Millie walked slowly out of the nursery. She stretched out in the sun. Daisy followed, dragging out a clump of dirty bedding.
“Demonstone!” Daisy exclaimed, as she dragged the mess away. Gentlekit turned his head, and joy filled his heart at the sight of his father. The giant black smoke Maine Coon tom hobbled over to the sunny spot, with Briarlight riding his back, and gently stretched his considerable bulk out. Briarlight maneuvered herself so she hung onto Demonpoppa’s shoulders.
“I am cleared for playing with my kits,” Demonpoppa purred. “Jayfeather fussed, but realized the vigil did no damage.”
“I am so excited to play with them!” Briarlight squeaked in delight. Her sky blue eyes shimmered with joy. Gentlekit looked the little she-cat over, noticing the bulk to her forequarter muscles. Delight flooded his whole body.
Demonpoppa! Briarlight!” Gentlekit left his spot beside Kyemama and scampered to his sire. Demonkit and Phantomkit followed, chirping and twittering in delight. Indikit ran over, and skidded to a halt, smashing into her brothers. Gentlekit hopped out of her way, but Phantomkit and Demonkit tumbled to the ground, not expecting her onslaught,
“Move outta my way!” she squalled, and swatted Phantomkit, who raised his paw to slap back, but Kyemama stopped his action with a low rumble deep in her chest.
“What did I tell all of you about treating your siblings?”
“Indikit,” Demonpoppa growled, but his eyes danced with mirth. Indikit whirled to face her father, and her eyes widened with alarm. “Don’t react with anger when what happened was your fault!”
“Sorry, Demonpoppa! Sorry!”
“It is not me you should apologize to,” Demonpoppa admonished her. Indikit turned to her brothers.
“Sorry,” she mewled, her eyes glinting.
“You don’t mean it,” Gentlekit remarked, letting a bit a harshness into his soft tone, fastening his amber gaze on her. “You shouldn’t be so bratty.”
“Shut up, Gentlekit,” Indikit snapped with sudden irritable temper. “You think you know everything.”
“I don’t,” Gentlekit purred. “But I know more than you, and someday I will know a lot because I’m gonna be a Medicine Cat like Jayfeather!"
“I’m gonna be a warrior!” Rainkit cried.
“Me, too,” Indikit mewed, and jumped to pounce on her own long tail. “I’m going to be a powerful warrior!”
“If you live long enough!” Smokekit laughed, jumping high onto her father’s back, the sunlight playing over her lengthening black smoke fur. Silvery highlights touched her belly, tail, and ruff. She balanced on her long dark legs. “Someone is gonna flatten you because you’re such a smartbutt!”
“It won’t be you!” Indikit retorted, her eyes twinkling. Smokekit dismissed her sister and leaned into Briarlight with a purr. Bluekit joined her, her blue-smoke fuzzy fur also glinting with silvery highlights.
“Glad to see you!”
“Me too!” Phantomkit joined his sister, and in moments the eight kits all greeted Briarlight and Demonpoppa. Gentlekit led the climb onto the little she-cat and their father
“Get down, milk brother!” Indikit slapped Rainkit off of her father’s flank. “Go to your own father!”
“Graystripe isn’t here, and don’t tell me to go to my mother!” Rainkit yowled, and jumped up again, but Indikit barred his way, rump wiggling, tail straight up.
“Not my fault Millie has no milk for you!” Indikit meowed. “Demonpoppa’s my father, not yours.”
“You’re a real mosuebrain,” Gentlekit meowed, slapping at Indikit, who sidejumped, slapping Rainkit on the rump. Rainkit leaped at her, but she sidestepped and swatted his head. He slid down Demonpoppa’s flank.
“Indikit! You’re being too mean! Stop it!” Gentlekit protested, positioning himself to protect Rainkit.
“Indikit!” Kyemama hissed in warning. “Don’t be so rough!”
“No, Kyestorm,” Millie interjected. Gentlekit paused in surprise, and looked at his mother, then at Millie. Kyemama glanced at Millie, who lay next to Kyemama in the sunny spot. Millie continued, a growl in her voice. “Let them play as they would with their own littermates. Your kits try to be so gentle with mine. Only Indikit disobeys that rule of yours. I want them to grow strong and competing with your behemoths will make them strong!” Millie glared at Demonkit Smokekit, Bluekit, Gentlekit, and Phantomkit. She nodded at Indikit. “Play hard with Rainkit and Greykit so they get strong and become great warriors!”
“Kyemama?” Phantomkit queried.
“She’s right!” Briarlight interjected. “Look what climbing on your mate has done for me! As long as they keep claws sheathed, they’ll make Greykit and Rainkit strong!”
“I’m gonna be the strongest little warrior ever!” Greykit announced.
“No, I am!” Rainkit retorted, sitting beside Greykit on Demonstone’s flank.
“I’ll be a medicine cat,” Gentlekit insisted.
“All right. But you still need to train so you can defend yourself and the Medicine den one day. You heard her, my kits.” 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, until he heard an old familiar voice whisper in his head.
“Stop being so nice!” He paused and glanced around, but saw no one, but a flash of memory brought a vision of cold grey land and a grey she-cat with yellow eyes. Courage flowed into him.With a growl, Gentlekit 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. He realized if he wanted to be a great medicine cat, he needed to also be a good warrior as well. Who better to wrestle with than his cantankerous behemoth of a sister!
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 1, 2016 12:37:53 GMT -5
♣♣♣♣ ƝƐƜ ƁLOOƊ-ƬRAƤƤƐƊ ♣♣♣♣
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CHAPTERS FOUR - SIX
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CHAPTER FOUR
Above Gentlekit, 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. Gentlekit stood on his father’s back, taking in all the tantalizing scents, flicking his tall ears at every sound, eyes trying to take in every sight.
A tuft of Kyemama’s red fur drifted on the breeze, catching Gentlekit’s attention. Greykit spotted it and leaped from Demonpoppa’s back, and caught it. He tumbled down Demonpoppa’s side and landed with a thud on the bare ground. Before Millie moved a muscle in alarm, Greykit leaped up, the hair caught in one paw. Gentlekit stared, admiration for his milk brother flashing through him.
“I caught a leaping fox!” Greykit squeaked in delight.
“Great move, little one,” Bramblestar’s voice turned Gentlekit’s head. ThunderClan’s Leader’s amber eyes twinkled. Berrynose and Birchfall grinned. Brackenfur followed with his patrol, adding prey to the Freshkill pile.
All eight kits froze, staring wide eyed at ThunderClan’s leader. Gentlekit braved the amber gaze.
“Wow!” erupted from Phantomkit.
“Carry on, kits. I expect new apprentices in five moons!” Bramblestar gave Kyemama a wink, and headed toward his den.
“We’ll be ready!” Demonkit called after him. Bramblestar flicked his tail in acknowledgment. Kyemama gazed at her brood, and Gentlekit felt her pride. Phantomkit suddenly pushed him with huge white paws. Gentlekit leaped at his brother and all eight kits tumbled and pounced around their father. Gentlekit heard talk about him and his littermates but paid no mind, until he scented something new. He stopped and stared at the she-cat warrior who trotted up to them, joining the conversation Gentlekit ignored before this moment.
“If they grow as large as you,” Blossomfall said, a large mouse dangling from her jaws. “They will be formidable warriors. But for now, they must learn to eat fresh kill.”
“Kits!” Kyemama 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?” 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.”
Gentlekit looked his littermates, who tore the prey into pieces, and merrily ran around the camp with them. Phantomkit ate his, then chased his siblings. Rainkit raced ahead of his milk brother, a piece of the prey in his teeth.
“If you don’t eat yours I’ll eat it!” Phantomkit mewed.
Kyemama uttered a meow of laughter. “He’s such a little glutton.”
“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. He listened with rapt attention, as Jayfeather showed him the neat herb stores, and Gentlekit studied each with reverence, saving to memory a name to each herb’s scent and sight. They reached a small crevice in the wall where a small pile of rounded smooth things lay on the cool stone.
“What’s that?” Gentlekit asked.
“Don’t touch the mouse bile. It’s for getting ticks off the body,” Leafpool explained, coming up behind him.
“Why is it called mouse bile?” Gentlekit asked, studying the little sacks.
“It comes from mice, fresh-killed, and used in order of its storing. This small amount will be used on the elders and anyone ill later today by apprentices to remove ticks,” Jayfeather explained. Gentlekit followed Jayfeather around, fascinated, knowing now what he planned to do with his future. Alderpaw returned from collecting herbs and Gentlekit helped him sort and put them in their proper place. He knew now more than ever he wished to be a medicine cat, and a worry niggled at his mind. ThunderClan already possessed three medicine cats.
“Leafpool?” Gentleokit mewed tentatively.
“What is it?” Leafpool turned her head to look at him.
“We have three medicine cats now that Alderpaw is training, so, well, does that mean I can’t be a medicine cat?”
“All the Clans prosper and multiply this season. I don't believe there can be too many medicine cats.” Leafpool answered. "Really?"
"Yes, and I feel we may need all the medicine cats we can get," Leafpool answered, a troubled look in her eyes, before she suddenly turned cheerful. “Don’t worry about it. Just pay attention and by time you apprentice, you’ll be well on your way to being a fine medicine cat.”
“Good!” Gentlekit bounced in place with relief.
As the day passed well into after sunhigh, Gentlekit returned to Kyemama, wobbling with fatigue, but eyes full of joy. Gentlekit sauntered into the nursery, and joined his siblings at Kyemama;’s side. They fed, and promptly fell asleep.
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CHAPTER FIVE
“Gentlekit! Wake up!” A paw prodded his belly. He recognized Phantomkit’s voice. “Hurry! Sparkpaw brought prey!”
“Come, Gentlekit,” Kyemama urged and stood up. He rolled over, looking to nurse.
“Kyemama? I’m hungry!”
“Come outside,” Kyemama purred. “Time for fresh kill.”
Gentlekit shook himself, and stood up. Morning sun slanted across the camp.
“It’s morning already?” he mewled, shocked he slept all night.
“You slept as if dead,” Kyemama purred. “You worried me, but as long as you breathed, and were not is distress I let you sleep.”
“No wonder I’m so hungry! I missed supper!" Gentlekit cried, remembering how he crawled into the nursery after another fun day in the medicine cat den, and fell fast asleep. He snuggled up against Kyemama, and tried to nurse, but Kyemama rose, sauntering out of the nursery. Gentlekit followed her out of the nursery, his stomach churning, and saw Bramblestar’s daughter standing just outside, with wiggling mice hanging from her jaws.
“No excuse today, Gentlekit,” Kyemama purred. “Our fine apprentice brought enough for all of you to practice catching prey.”
“Yes, Kyemama,” Gentlekit mewed in capitulation. The apprentice let the prey go, dropping them on the ground. All four mice tried scurrying away, but they moved slowly, tottering on injured legs, toppling over repeatedly. Sparkpaw, a bright red tabby she-cat, pointed with her tail. Amusement lit up her bright green eyes.
“Hurry, before the figure out how to run!” she urged in a loud meow.
“They’re trying to get away!” Phantomkit squealed, and pounced on the largest mouse. He locked his jaws around the prey’s neck, and in moments, it stopped moving. Sparkfire thumped Phantomkit’s back with a paw.
“Good job!” Sparkpaw praised Gentlekit’s enormous brother.
Demonkit and Indikit jumped on the second mouse, and the prey squeaked until Demonkit bit its throat. Indikit and Demonkit tugged on the hapless prey until it tore in two. Gentlekit watched, with fascination and a bit of horror, until the scent wafted to his nostrils. His mouth watered, and his stomach growled. He bounded forward, and slapped his paws over the smallest mouse, just as Smokekit, Bluekit, Rainkit and Greykit snagged the last remaining mouse. He delivered a quick killing bite on the throat, remembering how fast Phantomkit dispatched his catch.
“Good job, kits!” Sparkpaw praised them, then the apprentice turned and trotted off, to attend other duties. Gentlekit gave her a nod of thanks, and as he struggled to tear open the prey, the innards spilled over his paws. He recognized one of the organs, and dropped his mouse, recalling something from his lessons at the medicine cat den.
“Hey! Save the bile!” he yowled at his siblings. He ran to Phantomkit. “Give me the little bladders that holds the bile! Don’t break them”
At his sudden commanding tone, all his siblings gaped at him as if he grew two heads. Kyemama stared, jaw dropped in surprise. Phantomkit suddenly nodded, and carried the sack from his prey to Gentlekit. The rest of his littermates did likewise, picking up each sack, carrying it to Gentlekit’s feet. They returned to eating and playing with their fresh kill. Gentlekit separated the bile sack from his mouse, then carefully placed then on a large leaf. He returned to his meal, and chewed his prey. His taste buds washed with the new flavors, and texture, and he decided he liked it. One of Lilyheart’s kits meandered over to him, her siblings in tow.
“Can we have some mouse?” Honeykit asked. “Our mama is starving us. No milk today.’
“Really?” Gentlekit pushed a section over to the younger kits “Take that. It’s really tasty.”
“Thanks,” Honeykit took the morsel and slowly chewed it. Larkkit clawed a piece away and he swallowed the tidbit. Leafkit gazed quizzically.
“Two-leg pig,” she mewed, wrinkling her tortoiseshell face. “It’s good,” Larkkit answered, shaking his fuzzy black pelt. “I’m hungry.” Lilyheart strolled up behind her kits, her eyes blinking a smile at Gentlekit.
“Thanks for sharing with them,” she purred. “But they have been getting plenty.”
“They are welcome,” Gentlekit replied.
“We get little milk,” Leafkit complained.
“You’re almost three moons old now,” Lilyheart explained. “Twigkit and Violetkit need it more than you do. Do you begrudge those poor things milk?”
No,” Honeykit piped up, silencing her siblings with a tail lash. “We’re ready to be hunters.”
“Good.” Lilyheart licked each kit’s head. “Go find something on the fresh kill pile. I’ll help you with it in the nursery.”
“Yes, mama!” Larkkit dashed off, follwed by his sisters. Lilyheart glanced at Gentlekit.
“Thanks for being so generous,” Lilyheart said.
“Welcome,” Gentlekit murmured, remembering when Alderpaw returned from his mysterious journey with two half-moon old kits that needed milk badly. Lilyheart produced far more than his mother, much to Kyemama’s dismay. He swallowed the last of his fresh kill, thinking of the wonderful taste of milk.
“You are such a gentle soul,” Lilyheart said, her purr shaking with laughter. She licked his head head, then looked at his bile stack. “I think you shouldn’t leave them out in the sun too long.’
“You’re right,” Gentlekit stood up and carefully folded the large leaf around the bile. As Lilyheart returned to the nursery, Gentlekit picked up the bundle, gazed at the medicine cat den, then trotted over to Kyemama. He placed the bile in her shadow, and settled at her belly. He attempted to drink. To his dismay, not much milk greeted his questing tongue. He let go and looked up at his mother, who gazed down at him with soft golden-copper eyes.
“Kyemama? I’m hungry,” he mewled.
“I saw you eat the mouse,” Kyemama replied in a stern meow. “My milk is drying up now because you and your littermates are growing up. Soon there will be none.”
“But Kyemama,” Gentlekit complained, savoring the milk taste on his tongue. “I’m still hungry.”
“You’ll have to wait for this evening’s feeding time.” Kyemama flicked her ears. “Until then, if someone brings in fresh kill, go take some.”
“Yes, Kyemama,” Gentlekit capitulated, rose to his feet, picking up his bundle. “I’ll take these to Jayfeather.”
Gingerly, Gentlekit picked up the mousebile bundle, and trotted out of the nursery. As he entered the medicine cat den, Jayfeather turned his head, nostrils flaring.
“What do you have there?”
“I harvested the mousebile from my prey and the other ones my siblings ate,” Gentlekit announced, walking over to the bile stores. He placed his gently on the floor. Across the den, Leafpool turned around, hurrying over, surprise lighting up her eyes.
“Very smart thinking,” Leafpool praised him, and took the bile. “Watch now how we shift the inventory. Old bile in front, new in the back, never ever extend a claw and be careful.”
“May I stay and learn some more?” Gentlekit asked, wanting to keep his mind off his rumbling stomach.
“Well,” Leafpool looked torn, glancing at the big pile of herbs she worked on. Gentlekit dropped his eyes in disappointment, just as Alderpaw walked in, carrying more herbs. Leafpool brightened. “Alderpaw?”
“Yes, Leafpool?”
“Will you kindly oversee giving this kit further training?”
“Training?” Alderpaw turned a resigned gaze to Gentlekit, and he sensed the apprentice’s uncertainty and disappointments.” How can I train him when I barely know what I’m doing?”
“It will do you good,” Jayfeather grumbled. “It’ll help you concentrate.”
“Oh, nonsense,” Leafpool snorted at Alderpaw. “You know more than you think you do.”
“Please?” Gentlekit blurted out. “I know a lot already.”
Alderpaw stared at Gentlekit in surprise, then a wry smile slanted his eyes, and twitched his whiskers. A ripple passed down his dark red tabby pelt.
“Alright, little kit, show me what you learned so far.” Alderpaw led him to a pile of unsorted herbs.
“That’s tansy, and borage, and oh, coltsfoot!” Gentlekit tapped each leaf with confidence. Alderpaw gazed at him, his amber eyes wide with surprise.
“You certainly know this stuff well,” he remarked. “All right, help me sort and store these herbs. I’ll do my best to explain their uses.”
Gentlekit scanned the pile, spotting catmint, chervil and marigold. He carefully picked up each, and placed them in the proper storage crevice in the wall of the den. He listened the cries of his siblings , milk brothers and Lilyheart’s kits playing and running around camp, and pride washed through him. I’m already apprenticing, he thought, feeling more mature than the other kits, including his brainy brother, Phantomkit. He eyed Alderpaw, sensing the apprentice’s unease, and realized the apprentice no longer felt a lack of confidence, but anxiety over something else. Gentlekit wanted to help, but hated to pry.
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CHAPTER SIX
Gentlekit worked, trying not to think about the gathering that tore Violetkit away from Twigkit. It still troubled him even after almost two moons. He growled deep in his chest, disliking how ShadowClan demanded one of those kits. Gentlekit knew Alderpaw worried about Violetkit. Twigkit soon got over her loss, and spent a lot of time here in the medicine den with him and Alderpaw. She showed an aptitude for medicine, and he enjoyed her company. Her older littermates cared only about apprenticing in a moon, and paid their younger nestmate little mind these days. Gentlekit felt a stir of excitement, knowing his and his littermates’ apprenticeship lay mere days away.
Gentlekit gave the kit a big leaf to play with, pausing to watch her graceful leaps. He worked, listening to his mentors talk about the kit, and urge her to play with Briiarlight,. They moved outside after Briarlight called to Demonstone. Gentlekit approved, and watched his father carry Briarlight to her rock. Twigkit pranced alongside, her short fluffy tail high.
Gentlekit returned to his sorting, and Alderpaw joined him. Gentlekit sensed a touch of disgruntlment.
“Why are you upset?” he asked bluntly.
“My sister will make warrior soon, and I think her warrior name should be Sparkfire.”
“That’s a great warrior name,” Gentlekit mewed, paw poised above a pile of tansy.
“So do I, but my father may not,” Alderpaw sighed.
“Did you tell him what you think?” Gentlekit asked, turning back to his task.
“No, it’s a leader’s choice.”
“If you feel that strongly, say something. Talk to your father,” Gentlekit insisted, and borrwed a phrase from his StarClam mentor. “Don’t be a scaredy-mouse.”
“I will,” Alderpaw drew himself up, but Gentlekit saw a spark pf anxiety in the older cat’s eyes.
“Don’t stay silent. Your father is a reasonable leader,” Gentlekit urged.
“You’ve given me the courage,” Alderpaw purred. “My . . .”
Graystripe poked his head into the den, interrupting the conversation..
“Bramblestar wants to see Leafpool and Alderpaw. ” Gentlekit slanted back his ears to concentrate until he heard Graystripe add “Rowanstar is here.”
Gentlekit’s pelt bristled with sudden intuition. He turned, and crept to the mouth of the den. He dare not sneak out, but desperately needed to hear what ShadowClan’s leader wanted. He closed his eyes and sent out thought tendrils. *Littlecloud?*
He felt a sudden surge of panic from the medicine cat. He felt Littlecloud’s labored breathing and erratic heartbeat. 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, a whisper went through Gentlekit’s mind.
*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 him. 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. He quickly wrapped it up, and grabbing it in his jaws, hurried from the den. Skirting the camp, he 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, and into Littlecloud’s den. Gentlekit crept along the perimietr until he viewed the entrance. Nobody noticed him as he crept forward and strained his senses to see and hear what went on. He heard a low growl in his mind, and suddenly he saw everything as if he stood in Leafpool’s pawprints. He watched, with dismay as they both worked on him, with no affect. Gentlekit trembled all over, heart racing, with Littlecloud failing right before his eyes. The little white tom lay in his nest, semi-conscious, and Gentleoak noted the utter filth. Didn’t anyone look after him properly?
“We can only help make this less painful,” Leafpool mewed sadly, and Gentlekit almost dropped his bundle. Denial swept through him as Littlecloud, eyes closed, drew one ragged breath. The brown tabby Maine Coon plunged out of the brush, darted across camp, and barreled into Littlecloud’s dden.
“No! You can’t let him die!”
“Gentlekit?” Alderpaw exclaimed.
“Gentlekit!” Leafpool admonished, but he ignored her. 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. From somewhere deep inside, he channeled his wild emotions, obeying some deep instinct. He sensed the static energy around him, and 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 bleary 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. 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. The wizened little tom blinked several times, and slowly sat up, his wasted muscles trembling with effort. All of ShadowClan gasped with shock.
“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,” Gentlekit stammered, still feeling static electricity prickle his fur. “I just acted.”
“You could have killed him,” Rowanstar spoke up, a snarl in his voice.
“I thought he took his final breath,” Gentlekit braved the angry Clan leader. “I could not 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.
“A very good mixture.” Littlecloud broke the tension, his voice a rattling whisper. “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. “Puddlekit has a mentor now.”
“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.
“What under StarClan drove you to follow us?” Leafpool suddenly growled. “Kits never ever leave the camp let alone the territory.”
“I got a message from StarClan,” Gentlekit retorted, then lowered his head. “I just had to come.”
“And Jayfeather allowed this?” Leafpool asked.
“He had no choice,” Gentlekit answered. “I made my bundle and darted out. He couldn’t stop me.”
“You will have to be punished, even though you saved a life,” Leafpool’s voice gentled. Gentlekit met her gaze, noting the conflicetd emotions glinting in her eyes.
“I know,” Gentlekit hitched his shoulders in a shrug and flicked his tail. As they headed into camp, Branblestar waited for them. Squirrelflight stood beside him, and to his chagrin, Kyemama stood on the Clan leader’s other flank, her eyes blazing.
“What were you thinking?” she snarled. “Going out of camp like that?”
“I had to, Kyemama, to save Littlecloud,”Gentlekit answered, pelt bristling with sudden defiance, hearing Yellowfang’s gravelly voice in his head. “StarClan wished it, so I obeyed and saved him.”
“Kits under six moons are never allowed out of camp for many reasons,” Bramblestar countered. “You are not ready to deal with the dangers, other Clan warriors, foxes, and things you may never have thought of.”
“I know,” Gentlekit stood up, braving everyone’s disapproval, almost able to look his Clan Leader in the eye. “I’m not afraid.”
“It will be several moons before you can fight a fox on your own,” Kyemama broke in, her voice sharp.
“But I saved Littlecloud!” Gentlekit wailed like a two moon old. “Doesn’t that mean anything?”
“You’re lucky you succeeded,” Squirrelflight snapped. “Leafpool and Jayfeather will decide your punishment.”
Gentlekit stood, his tail deflating and drooping behind him. His siblings gazed at him, eyes full of awe and respect.
“You did the right thing,” Phantomkit mewed, his sea-green eyes gleaming with suppressed pride. They surrounded him, blocking his view of Kyemama, whose expression turned to worry, mixed with love
“Next time, let us know. We’d help,” Demonkit added. They pressed against him, even cantankerous Indikit.
“I’d kill any fox that tried to hurt you,” Indikit announced.
“Thanks, but I had no time,” Gentlekit explained.
“Come, Gentlekit,” Leafpool ordered. “We’re going to Jayfeather to discuss punishment.”
Gentlekit followed in silence, exchanging a glance with Alderpaw. The apprentice nodded, and flashed the tips of his fangs in an approving smile, before disappearing into the medicine cat den. Leafpool halted at the entrance and sat down. Jayfeather joined her. Gentlekit stared, and a tremble passed through him. He feared losing the ability to keep training.
“Sit,” Jayfeather said.
Gentlekit sat hard on his rump.
“Since making you sort and store herbs or search for herbs would not be punishment for you, we’ve decided that for a quarter moon, you will take mosuebile, and detick everyone who needs it.” Leafpool stated, her features stern. “You will sleep in the nursery and eat with your siblings until the quarter moon is up. Is that clear?”
“Ugh,” Gentlekit grumbled, but inwardly felt deep relief. He thought for certain they might ban him from the medicine den forever. As much as he hated deticking anyone with the vile bile, he accepted his punishment with little fuss. A small fear niggled at his mind. He did not care about this punishment, as long as he apprenticed with his siblings in a few sunrises.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 1, 2016 12:42:07 GMT -5
♣♣♣♣ ƝƐƜ ƁLOOƊ-ƬRAƤƤƐƊ ♣♣♣♣
CHAPTERS SEVEN - NINE
♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣ CHAPTER SEVEN
“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here!” Bramblestar’s yowl interrupted reverberated through camp, startling Gentlekit from his slumber. He sat up and shook himself, feeling a thrill of excitement. His punishment ended today, and his true apprenticeship began. He groomed himself quickly, but his siblings interrupted him, reacting to their Clan Leader’s command.
“Kyemama! it’s time!” Greykit pounced on Indikit. “Get up! Bramblestar is calling a meeting!”
In a flurry of huge clumsy paws, long bushy tails, and big bodies, the kits all leaped up and hastily groomed themselves again. They raced out into the hollow, and sat, grooming themselves and each other in attempts to be presentable. Gentlekit hurried to sit beside his brothers, washing his paws for the fifth time, hoping nobody scented the mousebile clinging to them. Kyemama followed, yawning. Demonpoppa sat at the base of the rocks, his golden eyes alight with pride. Briarlight clung to his back, her sky-blue eyes bright under the gloomy skies. Bramblestar stood on Highledge.
Dovewing and Ivypool trotted out of the Warrior’s den, followed by Bumblestripe, who moved to sit near Kyestorm, using her bulk to block his view of Dovewing. Gentlekit uttered a soft mrrow, feeling sorrow for both of them, and sympathized with Dovewing, understanding what the she-cat lost once the Great Battle ended, but how many seasons must pass before she recovered from that? After her long ago dalliance with Tigerheart, which lasted barely no time at all, she sunk back into her brooding. He understood little of it, but hated seeing her unhappy.
Gentlekit shifted her forepaws impatiently as the last of the Clan shuffled out into the drizzle. Graystripe ambled out of the Elder’s den with Millie, braving the cool early Leaf Fall drizzle. Lilyheart sat with her excited kits in the nursery door, who watched with bright eyes beside Snowbush. Twigkit huddled against Lilyheart, her eyes wide. In moments, everyone gathered, ignoring the light misty rain, and drifting leaves.
“Good. Everyone is present for this special morning! I appoint eight new apprentices today. Demonkit, Phantomkit, Gentlekit, Smokekit, Bluekit, Indikit, Greykit and Rainkit, please come forward! You are ready for full apprenticeship now.” Bramblestar’s voice rolled out over the hollow. “Are you ready to begin your training?”
“Yes!” All eight kits answered in unison.
“Phantomkit.” Bramblestar gazed down at him, his eyes gleaming. “From this day forth you will be known as Phantompaw, and your mentor is Lionblaze. I know he will train you well.”
“Phantompaw! Phantompaw!” rose from many throats, and, in moments, the entire Clan joined in.
Gentlekit waited, feeling excitement and anxiety, wondering how his stunt a number of days ago might affect his ceremony. He lashed his bushy tail, ready to take whatever punishment his Clan leader thought he deserved, but he saved Littlecloud’s life.
“Demonkit.” Bramblestar shifted his gaze, breaking Gentlekit’s thoughts. “From this day forth you will be known as Demonpaw, and your mentor is Berrynose. I know he will train you well.”
“Demonpaw! Demonpaw!” rose from all throats, and Gentlekit heard Sparkpaw’s voice above the rest. He glanced at the apprentice, who stared at Demonpaw, her eyes shining. Gentlekit purred at the besotted pair.
“Indikit.” Bramblestar nodded at her, his eyes sparkling. “From this day forth you will be known as Indipaw, and your mentor is Thornclaw. I know he will train you well.”
“Indipaw! Indipaw!” Bramblestar silenced the cheers with a tail flick.
“Smokekit.” Bramblestar meowed. “From this day forth you will be known as Smokepaw, and your mentor is Cloudtail. I know he will train you well.”
“Smokepaw! Smokepaw!” The Clan meowed enthusiastically.
“Bluekit.” Bramblestar looked down at him. “From this day forth you will be known as Bluepaw, and your mentor is Whitewing. I know she will train you well.”
“Bluepaw! Bluepaw!” The Clan yowled. Gentlekit watched Greykit fidget, then jump when Bramblestar finally called his name.
“Greykit.” Bramblestar gazed down at him. “From this day forth you will be known as Greypaw, and your mentor is Birchfall. I know he will train you well.”
“Greypaw! Greypaw!” The Clan meowed enthusiastically, and Millie beamed with rare pride, her head lying on Graystripe’s shoulder.
“Rainkit.” Bramblestar looked at the small tom. “From this day forth you will be known as Rainpaw, and your mentor is Hollytuft. I know she will train you well.”
“Rainpaw! Rainpaw!” The Clan meowed enthusiastically, as Rainpaw sat beside Hollytuft.
“Gentlekit.” Bramblestar said, his voice rising. Gentlekit sat up, attentive but anxiety rose to throttle him. “From this day forth you will be known as Gentlepaw, and, since you are already training as a Medicine cat, your mentor is Jayfeather. I know he will continue to train you well.”
“Gentlepaw! Gentlepaw!” The Clan meowed enthusiastically. Bramblestar leveled his gaze on Gentlepaw, and he struggled not to lower his head. He saved Littlecloud’s life.
“Gentlepaw, though I don’t condone kits sneaking out of camp, in your case, punishment is waived, since in following them, and assisting Alderpaw and Leafpool, you saved Littlecloud’s life.” Branmblestar regarded the huge brown tabby apprentice. Gentlepaw met his leader’s gaze his confidence returning, and feeling no guilt for what he accomplished.. “But I don’t want every kit thinking sneaking off on wild notions is proper behavior.”
“Gentlepaw,” Jayfeather’s voice rumbled. “Do you understand why we put you on punishment duty?”
“Yes,” Gentlepaw answered in stoic tones. “But I’d do it again to save Littlecloud. We learned a new technique, even if by accident.”
“Yes, you did, though it may not work with all patients, because none of us have your special gift,” Leafpool admonished , then added. “You could have broken his frail ribs.”
“I know,” Gentlepaw dipped his head, canting back his ears. “But I just knew by feel when to stop.”
“Do understand that ShadowClan may be a bit upset with you, despite saving Littlecloud’s life.” Bramblestar’s voice rumbled with warning. “Please be on your best behavior at the next Gathering.:”
“I promise,” Gentlepaw replied. Bramblestar held his gaze for a few heartbeats before looking over the gathered Clan.
“I am so pleased we have eight new apprentices this day!” Bramblestar’s voice rang out. “Now we shall add a new warrior to our ranks and welcome our newest medicine cat! Sparkpaw, please come forward.” Bramblestar waited for the excited apprentice to step forth, then his voice rolled on. “I, Bramblestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this young apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warriors in their turn”
Gentlepaw felt happy for Sparkpaw, and met Lilyheart's gaze, amused at the disappointment and longing in five moon old Larkkit's, Honeykit's and Leafkit's eyes. Twigkit’s expression changed from ambivalence to awe and wonder.
“Sparkpaw,” Bramblestar continued. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?”
“I do!” the flaming red tabby she-cat answered without hesitation.
“Then by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Sparkp. . .”
A loud grumble erupted from Alderheart, and Gentlepaw blinked in approval. Bramblestar gazed at his son, amber eyes glittering with annoyance. Alderheart met his father’s gaze.
“Please, as we discussed?”
“I never agreed,” Bramblestar retorted, and Sparkpaw stared in confusion. “She shouldn’t have to bear the burden of living up to his legacy. She must walk her own path.”
“It’s not a burden, but an honor,” Alderheart argued in soft mews, glancing back once at Gentlepaw. Gentlepaw nodded, eyes meeting Alderheart’s amber gaze, Alderheart continued, his voice steadying. “She’ll always run her own way.”
Bramblestar shifted his gaze on his daughter, and she raised shining green eyes to him. The annoyance left his features, and he flicked his tail in capitulation. He nodded at Alderheart in silent acknowledgment.
“Sparkpaw, does it bother you that you look just like your grandsire?” Bramblestar asked, shifting a forepaw, peering intently down at her.
“No! Why would it?” she answered without hesitation. “I’m proud, but know I’m not him.”
“Good.” Bramblestar said then raised his voice. “Then by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Sparkfire, from this moment you will be known as Sparkfire! Welcome to ThunderClan new Warrior!”
“Sparkfire! Sparkfire! Sparkfire!” erupted from many throats.
“ThunderClan honors your bravery and dedication.” Bramblestar leaped down to the new warrior, pride sparkling his amber eyes.” We welcome you as a full member to ThunderClan.” He laid his chin on his kit's head, who licked his shoulder in return.
"I also welcome Alderheart to the rank of full medicine cat, since his second visit to the Moonpool half a moon ago," Bramblestar announced proudly.
"Alderheart! Alderheart! Alderheart!" rang off the cliffs. Cats yowled, meowed and purred approval.
Alderheart sat quiet, but confident, a far cry form the indecisive apprentice Gentlekit remembered As a small kit. He felt thrilled Alderheart took the initiative and went through with talking to his father about his sister. He briefly wondered what her warrior name might have been without that intervention, then decided it did not matter.
“ThunderClan prospers! We grow strong to handle the challenges ahead.! We shall have great news to bring to the Gathering in a quarter moon!" Bramblestar looked over the gathered Clan. The drizzle turned to a gentle rain. “Our fresh kill pile is large, our camp protected by new barriers, and we should take this rainy day to relax. Squirrelflight, please organize a rotation of sentries for the day. I think we all deserve a day of rest.”
“I want to train!” Phantompaw blurted out. “Can we? Please?”
“Me, too!” Demonpaw and Indipaw echoed him, while Smokepaw, Bluepaw, Rainpaw, and Greypaw bounced in place, yowling, Yes, please?”
“That will be up to your mentors,” Bramblestar chuckled. Berrynose, Whitewing, Cloudtail, Birchfall, Lionblaze, Hollytuft, and Thornclaw glanced at Bramblestar, then at each other. Lionblaze grinned, baring the tips of his fangs.
“I’m game. Rain makes for slick conditions. Perhaps perfect for training eager apprentices?” he drawled.“Ready?”
“Yes!” Phantompaw reared up like a horse, balancing on his hind legs, his bottlebrush tail, almost fully developed, lashed with excitement. “Yes! I’m ready!”
“Same here,” Thornclaw glanced at Indikit. “Eager to train, young scamp?”
“Yes!” Indipaw bounced stiff-legged, her bushy tail straight up.
“Oh, yes! Yes!” Greypaw frisked, and ran up to his mother, pawing her shoulder, delight shivering his stout body. “Isn’t it great, Millie? I’m gonna train today! it’s so exciting!”
“Yes,” Millie answered, her mood shifting in a heartbeat. Her voice grew harsh. “Go, and act like the apprentice you are and not a silly kit!”
Greypaw stood rooted to the damp ground, tail drooping, eyes widening in utter embarrassment and dismay. Gentlepaw felt sympathy for his milk brother, but before he even flinched, Kyemama exploded like a lightning strike. She leaped forward, raising a paw, toes spread, above Millie’s head.
“Never ever speak to Greypaw like that!” She bared every tooth. “How dare you ruin his special day!”
“How dare I? He’s my kit! I’ll speak to him any way I want. How dare you tell me how to raise my kits!” Millie braved Kyemama’s wrath.
“Raise your kits? You did no such thing! I’m their milk-mother!” Kyemama snapped her teeth, her voice bellowing like a wildcat, high and sweet no longer. “All you’ve done these last several moons is obsess over Briarlight, who has never been safer and stronger thanks to MY mate!” Kyemama minced on tiptoe, her one paw still in the air. “If not for me, your kits would have died! I’ve been more a mother to them than you!”
“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.
“And YOU! 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!” Kyemama 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, and Gentlepaw tried to recall seeing his mother so enraged before. Only on the day the foxes attacked, he thought. Greypaw sat beside Birchfall, eyes woebegone, and Birchfall glared at Millie in disapproval. Rainkit stared as if his mother just grew two heads. Lilyheart stared, tips of her fangs bared, pelt bristling with outrage. Larkkit, Honeykit and Leafkit gaped, eyes wide as they pressed between their parents. Twigkit hid behind Lilyheart.
“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.
“You’re right, Kyestorm. But I am not sure she can help herself. I know things of her life nobody else does, and understand why she has these fears. Thank you for looking after my sons. Please continue to watch over them.” Graystripe mewed in a whisper. He looked up at Bramblestar, who 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.
“Stop frettin’, Millie. Yer youngin’ is in good paws.” Purdy purred, giving Kyemama a wink. “I’ll tell stories to keep yer mind off o’ her.”
“I’m sorry,” Kyemama walked up to Millie, and laid her thick furry tail over the old she-cat’s back. Gentlepaw strained to hear what his mother said, but her voice mingled with the murmuring that erupted around camp.
Millie sagged against Graystripe. He nodded, then lead her to the snug warm Elder’s den. Gentlepaw inhaled sharply, seeing two shimmering red shapes weave around Graystripe, One starry red shape turned, green eyes blinking once, as he nodded, before fading away. Bramblestar slowly nodded at Kyemama, and with Squirrelflight, disappeared into their den. Another shape appeared where Firestar and Sandstorm vanished, and Gentlepaw recognized his StarClan mentor. Her yellow eyes blazed, but a feline smile briefly crosse her visage, and he felt her approval.
*Bravepaw* her raspy voice mewed through his mind before she evaporated. Nobody else saw her, but Jayfeather’s head turned in that direction, ears twitching.
“Are we going to train?” Phantompaw asked in a squeak belying his size, shattering the moment.
“Come, let’s go,” Thornclaw said, and lead the group down to the training grounds. Gentlepaw watched, then sauntered over to the medicine cat den, eager to attend his first Gathering in three sunrises.
♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣
CHAPTER EIGHT
Three sunrises flew by like frightened sparrows, and the Gathering time arrived. The full moon shone in clear skies, and a cold wind whistled through the forest, ripping down leaves from trees readying for Leaf Bare slumber. Gentlepaw sat outside the Medicine cat den, waiting, as excited Clan members gathered, ready to brave the brisk chilly night to attend the Gathering. Leafpool, Jayfeather, and Alderheart strode out into the cold.
“Come, let’s move.” Bramblestar commanded, and led his clanmates out of the hollow. Squirrelflight trotted beside her mate, and glanced back at Kyemama. Gentlepaw saw apprehension in his mother’s golden-copper eyes.
“It shall be a great gathering,” Squirrelflight insisted. “Every clan has an apprentice or two this moon. Concentrate on that.”
“I’ll try,” Kyemama mewed, staying beside Demonpoppa, who loped along, swaying from side to side like a log floating downstream in rough water. They reached the lake shore, and Kyemama uttered a mew of surprise when ice crackled beneath her paws. Gentlepaw nodded, not surprised.
“Ice?” Spiderleg muttered. “Not good. It’s too early.”
“It’s going to be a wicked Leaf Bare,” Kyemama remarked, glancing at the lanky black tom. “Your fur is getting thick. You look almost normal.”
“Oh, funny, coming from a giant red puffball,” Spiderleg retorted, a chuckle in his voice. “Even your big ears are so fuzzy you look like a rabbit!”
“Ha!” Kyemama mrrrowed. “Let WindClan mistake me for one! Especially that mouse-brain, Harespring.”
“Kyemama!” Smokepaw exclaimed. “What would you do?”
“She’d smush him under those enormous things she calls paws!” Spiderleg replied with a humourous snort, as the clan traversed the shoreline along WindClan territory. He glanced up the windswept hill. He blinked a grin, baring the tips of his fangs. “I’m just teasing, Smokepaw. Don’t look so shocked. Your mother and I have an understanding.”
“Oh, here they come,” Kyemama growled, and Gentlepaw followed her gaze. He spotted WindClan striding down the hill. “Yes, Spiderleg, I’d love to flatten that fool.”
“Who? The red tabby tom?” Demonpoppa asked, alert, his black smoke coat rising. He lashed his tail.
“No, the brown and white one. The red tabby is Onestar. Harespring is his deputy. Look at Furzepelt! Prancing like I never knocked her brain loose,” Kyemama answered, her voice dropping to a growl.
“Oh my, that was funny!” Spiderleg’s guffawed. “I bet she had a headache for days!”
Everyone around them laughed, and Bramblestar quickened the pace. Gentlepaw knew the story, and puffed inwardly with pride in his mother. Gentlepaw and his kin skirted the water, and avoided the marshes and sandy shallows, traversing close enough to crackle freezing water beneath well-insulated paws. The crunch of ice, amplified by large feet, echoed across the lake.
“Crazy goofy Maine Coons,” Spiderleg guffawed. “Lucky are you with all that fur around your toes.”
“Something I wish I had,” Bumblestripe said, staying well up on shore. “I hate cold wet paws.”
“Most of us do,” Berrynose meowed, as the Clan neared the tree bridge. Kyemama stood back, as her clanmates crossed. Demonpoppa moved cautiously but with confidence, his thick muscular legs keeping him steady. Gentlepaw waited as his siblings and their mentors crossed, not surprised when they frolicked across the log, startling and shocking their mentors.
Demonpaw and Phantompaw raced along the trunk, leaving Birchfall and Lionblaze glancing at each other in disbelief. Smokepaw danced across on nimble long legs, while Cloudtail hung back, grumbling. Bluepaw trotted quickly, looking down into the cold water with no fear. Whitewing flattened her ears, waiting for the apprentice to jump free before walking across. Indikit pranced along, batting at old branch nubs, and Thornclaw looked back at Kyemama.
“Your kits are insane,” he grumbled, before walking across. Gentlepaw noticed WindClan closing in on the marsh.
“Go,” Kyemama urged Gentlepaw, Rainpaw and Greypaw and their mentors. Gentlepaw walked confidently, encouraging his milk brothers. Hollytuft and Birchfall exchanged amused glances.. They followed, along with Jayfeather, Alderheart, and Leafpool. Kyemama crossed, followed by Squirrelflight and Bramblestar. Mistystar stood below the Great Tree with her clanmates, and her feathery tail rose in greeting.
“Hallo! Oh my, Kyestorm! Your kits are big and beautiful! Glad to see you all!”
“Hallo!” Bramblestar called out, and Gentlepaw saw Rowanstar under the tree several fox lengths away from Mistystar. Kyemama bristled, glancing at the ShadowClan leader, and moved over beside her mate, who sat next to Brackenfur. Gentlepaw’s littermates lined up in front of her with their mentors, as Onestar led WindClan across the fallen tree. Onestar scowled at ThunderClan. Gentlepaw stood with Alderheart and Leafpool, joining the other Clan’s medicine cats. As his eyes roved over Gentlepaw and his family, his expression softened, becoming thoughtful.. He nodded at Smokepaw, jumping up into the Great Tree. The other leaders followed suit.
“Greetings to all,” Bramblestar called out. “I am excited to announce new apprentices. As you see, we have eight this moon! Please welcome Demonpaw, Phantompaw, Indipaw, Smokepaw, Bluepaw, Rainpaw, and Greypaw! And of course, our medicine cat apprentice, Gentlepaw!”
Joyous congratulations and greetings rippled around the Gathering. Bramblestar continued. “We are in debt to Kyestorm, for birthing her kits with ThunderClan, raising them as Clan, and saving the lives of Greypaw and Rainpaw, by becoming their milk-mother.”
“Kyestorm we know,” Onestar said gruffly. “Who is the huge tom beside her?”
“Please welcome Demonstone, Kyestorm’s mate.” Bramblestar stood up on his branch with excitement. “He . . .” Bramblestar paused when Brackenfur stood, and waved his tail, eyes bright. “Please, warrior. Speak!”
“I wish to speak on behalf of Demonstone, for despite his injuries and kittypet past, he has become a huge asset to our Clan. There has never been such a builder of barriers and dens as he.” Brackenfur’s golden brown tabby coat rippled with his conviction. “His strength and abilities in fortifying our dens and barrier has just been phenomenal. I want to formally welcome him into the Clans. Demonstone?”
“Greetings,” Demonstone stood up. His long black smoke fur ruffled in the cold breeze. Gentlepaw felt pride as his father moved to stand beside Brackenfur, dwarfing the old warrior. His bright gold eyes shone as he respectfully nodded to each Clan Leader.“I am happy to be here, and to finally meet other Clans.”
Surprised muttering and cheers went up from the gathered cats. Brackenfur stepped back, and Demonpoppa returned to Kyesmama’s side. Bramblestar waved his tail.
“We have a new warriors as well!” Bramblestar finished, as Sparkfire stepped forward. Gentlepaw fidgeted, wishing to join the knot of medicine cats, but dare not as Bramblestar continued, his voice full of pride and love. “Prey runs well despite the cold, and, we are ready for Leaf Bare. We also hope for more kits next New Leaf. That is the news from ThunderClan. I hope everyone else has good news to share.” Bramblestar sat down.”
The entire Gathering cheered their names, and Gentlepaw’s attention wavered, until Rowanstar rose to his feet.
“Nobody mentioned the coyotes. The howling still continues, yet nothing has happened. Perhaps this nonsense about four Clans will be one shall never be needed.”
“You can’t know that,” Kyemama blurted out. “Blackstar said to tell your Clan he sent us, too. He was there when we saw Firestar. Why would he care about enormous warriors to be if you all didn’t need us one day?”
“You saw Blackstar?” Rowanstar stared, taken aback, then he scowled. “And you wait six moons to tell me this?”
“I had forgotten in all the chaos,” Kyemama answered, braving Rowanstar’s blazing yellow eyes. His ginger coat bristled.
“How convenient,” he growled. “You lie now just to make yourself look good.”
“She does not lie,” Demonpoppa surged forward, and stood, coat flat, gold eyes calm, and held his bottlebrush tail over his back. “Please, Clan Leader, My mate speaks the truth. We did see Blackstar, a huge white tom with black feet and yellow eyes. We come on his behalf as well as other members of StarClan.”
Rowanstar stared, his fur flattening, his eyes roving over Demonpoppa’s enormous form, then sat down.
“Very well,” he grumbled. “But we have seen no coyotes or strange wild dogs. They do not pass the horseplace. We have kits on the way. Tawnypelt and I.” Rowanstar’s voice rang with pride. “And we will get them through Leaf Bare with no problems.”
“Congratulations! A reason to enjoy this Gathering, for who knows what Leaf Bare may bring,” Onestar spoke up, his golden-copper eyes calm.“If all news has been shared, let’s mingle and enjoy.”
“I concur,” Bramblestar said, glancing at Onestar with a befuddled expression.
“I don’t! This queen and her kits are just kittypets! Weak and fluffy!” Harespring yowled,
“I’ll show you weak and fluffy, mouse-brain!” Kyemama hissed. Harespring glared at her, and she growled. Gentlepaw flattened his ears, wanting to smash that arrogant tom into a pile of lifeless fur. Harespring leaped at Kyemama, and she rushed to meet him, rearing up. He tried to slash her throat, but his claws came away only with hunks of red hair from her ample ruff. The scuffle lasted only moments, and Kyemama pushed Harespring down with a firm grip, flexing her claws and toes.
“Oww! You’re pushing a rock in my eye!” he hissed. “Sand is going up my nose!”
“Give me an excuse to squash your pathetic skull, you mouse-brained lump of crow food!” Kyemama snarled. She glared at Furzepelt, who crouched, ready to pounce. “Want some of this? I’ll rattle your brain so hard you’ll need someone to help you find fresh kill for the rest of your life.”
Harespring yowled in pain, and he went limp. Only his tail twitched and slapped the hard ground. Furzepelt’s eyes widened and she slunk behind another warrior.
“Stop,” Onestar commanded. “Kyestorm, please, let him up. Harespring! Don’t make me sorry about my choice of deputy.”
Kyemama sprang back, releasing Harespring. He scurried over to sit under the Great Tree, shaking his head. Kyemama looked up at the moon, which shone bright in clear skies. Gentlepaw felt her astonishment as Silverpelt sparkled.
“StarClan isn’t angry with me?” she finally managed to squeak.
“No, nor am I,” Onestar broke the tension with a rare hearty mroow of laughter. Someone else tittered.
“Wish I had done that,” another cat meowed. Gentlepaw sneezed, struggling not to laugh out loud. Even Rowanstar looked amused, and Tawnypelt purred with mirth. A feline grin of pure delight spread over Mistystar’s face. Bramblestar looked ready to roll off his branch, his body shook so much with suppressed laughter. Demonpoppa looked ready to pop with pride, and all Gentlepaw’s siblings gaped in pleased surprise. Harespring shook himself, and groomed his face, looking at the ground. He glanced Kyemama’s way and Gentlepaw saw pure hatred in his eyes. Gentlepaw flattened his ears as Kyemama growled but refrained from further response,
“He deserved that,” Alderheart grumbled.
“He sure did,” Gentlepaw agreed.
“You have a way of getting the point across without spilling blood.” Brackenfur bumped Kyemama with his head. “That was splendid!”
“Well done,” whispered a dark gray tom, walking past them. “I’ve wanted to do that for many seasons.”
Gentlepaw watched the tom disappear into the crowd of cats. The moon filled the island with silver light. Cold winds blowing across the lake sang in the trees, and nobody complained, not even Harespring, who joined Onestar on a lower branch in the Great Tree. Everyone moved with freedom and no fear, and even Rowanstar looked content, though he scowled on occasion. Gentlepaw briefly noted his sisters going moon-eyed over other Clan toms. Demonpaw, Sparkfire, and Phantompaw vanished into the Gathering, greeting everyone enthusiastically. Genltepaw turned his atention to his fellow medicine cats. He settled in beside Leafpool, eyes on Littlecloud, who lay on hs stomach. The ancient tom’s joints stuck out of his gaunt frame, and his white pelt spiked along his spine, but his sunken eyes shone clear.
“Welcome, Gentlepaw,” he purred in ragged tones.
“Thank you,” Gentlepaw responded. “I’m so happy I’m here.”
“We are, too.” Mothwing meowed. “I still want to know how you made Litttlelcoud’s heart start again.” She canted back her ears. “Don’t tell me it was StarClan’s doing.”
“It was only because a StarClan cat urged me to break all the rules to follow our medicine cats to ShadowClan.” Gentlepaw gazed at Mothwing, wondering why Yellowfang or another ancient StarClan medicine cat did not appear and smack her upside her stubborn head.
“You’re a smart cat,” Mothwing admonished. “You did it because you knew better.”
“I did, “ Gentlepaw answered, annoyance sweeping through him. “But I’d never have done that without help.”
“So, how did you do it?” Mothwing persisted.
“I’m not exactly sure, but I can somehow control sparks.” Gentlepaw answered, flicking his thick long tail. “It helps with heart problems, and sometimes pain.”
“How did you figure it out?”
“I didn’t really, it just came to me, like an instinct,” Gentlepaw mewed, shifting his big front paws nervously.
“StarClan gifted you.” Littlelcoud broke the rising tension. “Leave it at that. You promised me that herb recipe that saved my life.”
“Of course,” Gentlepaw meowed, and spilled the concoction, which all the medicine cats recited, asking questions until everyone knew the life saving herb mixture. Gentlepaw relaxed, and enjoyed the camaraderie, feeling like he finally left his kithood behind him.
Because of the jovial atmosphere, the Gathering broke up later than usual, and all friends old and new, said their farewells while the moon hung low over the lake.
“INDIPAW!” The screech jerked Gentlepaw out of his dreams. He and his fellow medicine cats jumped up, and scurried out of the den. The moon hung low in the western sky, and Gentlepaw blinked, feeling disoriented. The cry reverberated in his whole body, and dread followed.
“ShadowClan intruder!” Birchfall’s voice echoed in the hollow. He stood by the entrance, bristling with indignation. Indipaw launched herself out of the apprentice’s den, followed by her siblings. She stood, poised for action, legs trembling.
“HELP! HELP INDIPAW!” the desperate shrieking drew closer. Gentlepaw moved over to his distraught sister, hearing someone pelting headlong up the slope from the lake. Twigs snapped, rocks bounced, and ice crackled under the paws of the incoming cat.
“Snowpaw!” Indipaw responded, running to the entrance just as Snowpaw barreled in, shoving her body between a bristling Birchfall and the wild-eyed terrorized apprentice. “Please, Birchfall! Don’t attack! He’s alone!”
Screeching of cats echoed across the lake, followed by howling and yelping. Gentlepaw’s heart leaped into her throat. Coyotes! Bramblestar leaped down from his den, Squirrelflight at his heels.
“What under StarClan is going on out here?”
“Please! Bramblestar! Kyestorm! Indipaw! Please help us!” Snowpaw yowled in misery. “Coyotes attacked! My Clan’s in danger! Warriors are hurt and dying! Please come! They’re destroying us!”
“You ran instead of staying to fight?” Thornclaw asked, his voice soft, taking the sting out of the question.
“Someone had to!” Snowpaw wailed in anguish. “I think they killed my sister! Please! Help us! I don’t care what our leader thinks. We’ll all die if you don’t help!”
“Warriors!” Bramblestar’s yowl reverberated off the cliff. “We fight to help ShadowClan! Two Clans will be ONE!”
He leaped forward. Kyemama followed, as did all the warriors.
“Come on!” Leafpool yowled. “They’ll need all of us!”
She grabbed a prepacked bundle and raced after thr warriors. Alderheart did likewise and Gentlepaw grabbed his, and dashed after them. Snowpaw surged to the front, leading the ThunderClan cats down the slope to the lakeshore. Indipaw followed on his heels. Kyemama raced alongside Bramblestar as they skirted the shoreline, cutting across the ice at the mouth of the stream into ShadowClan territory. The desperate screeching of cats and the sharp yelps of the invaders filled the air.
In Indipaw’s demeanor Gentlepaw saw deep angst, and realized she loved the ShadowClan apprentice and he reciprocated the feelings.
“Hurry!” Snowpaw wailed. “Tawnypelt’s kits!”
Kyemama surged ahead of Bramblestar, flanking Indipaw as the warriors of ThunderClan charged into ShadowClan’s camp. Gentlepaw’s heart skipped a beat as the scene spread out before her. Three coyotes, two adults and a half grown pup, ravaged the camp. Warriors clawed and tore at the canines, slowing them down. One young apprentice lying a fox length away, bleeding and Gentlepaw recognized Pinepaw. Warriors ranged in front of the nursery and Elder’s den, as the yellow-eyed canines snapped at them, trying to get the terrified kits and helpless queens. Rowanstar fought like a tornado with claws, and Tawnypelt stood just inside, striking at any muzzle that neared the entrance. The big male coyote reached its head forward, braving Tawnypelt’s wails and claws and grabbed a two moon old kit.
“NOOOO! DROP THAT KIT!” Kyemama bellowed, her voice loud and booming, and she plunged at the male coyote. Gentlepaw trembled with terror, before rage flashed through him. His mother launched herself at the coyote, and Gentlepaw feared for her. She landed on the coyote’s face and sank her monstrous claws into his head and slashed in a fury. He howled and dropped the kit, who shrieked in terror. Snowpaw grabbed the kit, and returned him to the nursery. Phantompaw, Demonpaw and Bramblestar rushed the coyote from the side. They slammed the male coyote into the ground with such force it yelped in sudden fear. Squirrelflight joined them, spitting and clawing in wrath. Kyemama hung on and furiously ripped its ears and face. The coyote scrambled to his feet and bolted, trying to shake Kyemama free. She let go and dropped to the bloody, churned up snow. The coyote raced out of camp, sporting ripped ears, one clawed eye, furrowed bloody face, and many deep slashes on his flanks and belly.
Indipaw, Snowpaw, and Smokepaw attacked the female, along with Thornclaw, Spiderleg and Bumblestripe. Gentlepaw plunged ahead, all his warrior training rushing along his nerves, with thoughst only to protect. He joined Bluepaw, Greypaw, and Brackenfur, and attacked the half grown pup. He bellowed a yowl of rage which echoed through the camp. His amber eyes burned with fury. The female leaped up, and followed her mate, yelping as if the hounds of hell nipped her tail. The pup rolled over, his body covered in wounds, and flew after its parents, kiyiing his terror to the moon.
All the warriors stopped, and faced ShadowClan, most of whom lay injured. Rowanstar stood in front of the nursery, gold eyes wide, heaving for air, bite marks riddling his shoulders. Gentlepaw realized in a flash of horror Rowanstar lost a life protecting his kits and mate. Tawnypelt moaned, and Gentlepaw feared the worst, until the three kits wobbled out and pressed against their mother, unhurt. The one the coyote grabbed sat, wet with drool with a few chunks of missing pelt, but no wounds. Bramblestar hurried to his sister’s side, and Tawnypelt leaned into him, holding a foreleg clear of the ground. The remaining elders crept out of their den past Crowfrost, Tigerheart, and Scorchfur. Rowanstar shivered, then leveled his gaze on Snowpaw. The blood-spattered apprentice dipped his head. Gentlepaw scanned the camp, and releif flooded him as he spied Violetkit just inside the nursery
Gentlepaw glanced around. Snowpaw’s sister, Pinepaw, lay silent, and two older apprentices lay sprawled near the elder’s den. And Elder lay prone just outside the den, eyes unseeing, teeth bared in fury. Their mangled bodies drew a keen out of Kyemama. Kyemama inhaled sharply, and Gentlepaw knew she saw a shimmer appear beside Rowanstar. The StarClan cat turned piercing gold eyes to her, and nodded. Rowanstar glanced at the starry apparition, and dipped his head in acknowledgment.
“I’m sorry we didn’t get here sooner.” Kyemama mewed, and Blackstar’s form glittered, his body becoming translucent. Gasps and startled meows went up from the battle weary cats. Gentlepaw hurried over to the injured apprentice, glancing at the StarClan cat, catching only what Blackstar proclaimed to his shocked mother.
“They died with honor and your arrival prevented them from becoming Coyote food. You have passed the first test of your destiny, and you honor me by what you did here this night.”
Blackstar’s form swirled and he vanished, and Gentlepaw turned his full attention to Pinepaw. He placed a large paw on the black she-cat’s flank, and bent to touch noses. He felt her shallow breathing.
“She’s alive!” Gentlepaw’s meowed, joy infuing his body. He worked quickly. Littlecloud and Puddlepaw joined him, and Gentlepaw glanced at the wizened medicine cat, who lay down with weariness. Gentlepaw skillfully performed every action Littlecloud rasped out, sometimes starting a needed task before instructions came. The old medicine’s cat’s voice weakened, and Gentlepaw left Pinepaw in Pudddlepaw’s care, assured in the apprentice’s survival. He stalked to Littlecloud.
“Lay flat,” Gentlepaw commanded, ignoring the quizzical stares of many ShadowClan warriors. ordering him to lie prone. The frail elder obeyed and Gentlepaw ran deft, skilled paws over the old cat’s chest, kneading and pushing. He carefully controlled his gift, his gentle claws delivering sparks to the old cat’s chest. The wizened old ShadowClan medicine cat relaxed with a groan, and Gentlepaw glanced up with a sharp jolt of concern, but Leafpool attended other injured, paying no mind to Gentlepaw.
The little black she-cat moaned, and Gentlepaw glanced over at her. Snowpaw raced to his sister’s side. Indipaw followed. Rowanstar bowed his head. Gentlepaw turned back to Littlecloud, who gazed up at him breathing easier.
“You will take your medicine now,” Gentlepaw said. Littlecloud nodded with a ragged purr. Leafpool walked up to them, carrying Littlecloud’s bundle, and placed it at his head. The old medicine cat ate his concoction with no fuss. Leafpool eyed Gentlepaw.
“Many of us are staying to help. Do you wish to stay?”
“Of course,” Gentlepaw answered.
“Excellent.” leafpool purred. “When you finish here, please attend any injured. I trust you to know what to do, but if you have any questions, please ask.”
“II will,” Gentlepaw responded, stopping the urge to cant back his ears. As Leafpool moved off, he checked Littlecloud, and satisfied with the treatments, he moved on to other injured. With his huge paws, which like Demonpaw’s, possessed an extra toe, he wrapped cobwebs and leaf polices with thin vines and woven grasses with leaves for wound coverings. He executed every task gently, but with expert motions. As he worked, he wondered, when would he go to the Moonpool for his warrior name? Surely he proved his readiness by now.
Sudden pawfalls echoed in camp, and Gentlepaw looked around, a growl in his chest, until Mistystar and a large patrol of RiverClan’s best warriors burst into view. He sighed and returned to his tasks, ignoring the exchanges between the clans. Puddlepaw called him over to Pinepaw’s side, and the she-cat blinked.
“Good to se you awake,” Gentlepaw mewed. “Come. Let’s get her into the medicine den.”
Careg fully he and Puddlepaw placed the black warrior in a new nest. She sighed and gratefully sank into it. Leafpool’s voice echoed in the den, and Gentlepaw turned his head, ears forward and twitching. He watched with interest.
“I hope Mothwing or Willowshine accompanied you. So many are injured here.” the ThunderClan medicine cat asked.
“Of course.” Mistystar motioned with her tail and Mothwing hurried out of the group, heading to medicine cat den. Her quick pawsteps ceased and Mothwing’s head appeared at the entrance. Mothwing met him, her eyes blinking a greeting.
“Glad you came,” Gentlepaw greeted her with a tail wave. “So many injured here.”
“I am always happy to help,” Mothwing replied, when a ruckus erupted outside. Both medicine cats looked outside, as Onestar raced into camp, flanked by a large patrol. Harespring hung close to Onestar’s side, eyes baleful.
“Mouse dung! Are we too late? We heard the battle cries, the howls, and came to offer aid,” Onestar yowled in disbelief. “How did you get here so quickly?”
“Snowpaw ran for help and came to us,” Kyemama answered. “We arrived just in time to save the kits. Rowanstar lost a life. How can we fight these creatures if it takes so long for us to get to the battle area?”
Gentlepaw turned away, back to his patient, leaving that problem to the leaders and warriors.
“Littlecloud looks better” Mothwing said, turning with him back to Pinepaw.
“Yes, but he has to keep taking that medicine I made,” Gentlepaw said, going over Pinepaw’s body. He looked at Mothwing. “She is good. Let’s get some others safe in here.”
“Demonpaw, Phantompaw!” Kyemama’s voice rang out over the camp, and Gentlepaw sauntered out of the medicine cat den. Lionblaze joined Gentlepaw’s brothers and Gentlepaw knew they gathered to hunt. His stomach growled, and he imagined a big Roe deer to feast upon.
“How’s Pinepaw?” Indipaw’s voice startled him and he jerked his head around to face his sister. He quelled his reactions, flattening his pelt. Snowpaw stood beside Indipaw, worry in his eyes.
“She will be fine. She’s in the medicine cat den, and she can have visitors. Just don’t excite her. She needs rest.”
“Thank you!” Snowpaw mewed and raced off. Indipaw paused and touched her nose to his, and purred. “You’re the best medicine cat ever.”
Gentlepaw watched the pair, and purred, sensing the deep bond sprouting between the two. He flicked his tail, knowing his sister’s furture rested with ShadowClan. He turned back to the tasks of getting the injured safely into the medicine cat den. He and his fellow medicine cats just settled the last wounded in the medicine den, when excalamtions and cheers erupted outside. Leafpool snorted with delight.
“Sounds like your kin caught dinner.”
Gentlepaw ran out of the den, as Kyemama and her hunting party entered camp, dragging their bounty.
“Muntjac deer?” Mistystar exclaimed. “They’re so fast! How’d you catch them?”
“Well done!” Bramblestar called out, as Kyemama dragged the prey to the center of camp, and looked at Rowanstar.
“This should help you all regain strength,” she said quietly, and stepped back. Demonpaw, Phantompaw and Lionblaze did likewise, though Phantompaw gazed wistfully at the fresh kill.
“Two-leg pig,” Demnopaw guffawed. Phantompaw only lashed his tail, and hitched his shoulders in a shrug, but his sea-green gaze never left the prey.
ShadowClan warriors descended on the fresh kill, tearing it in pieces to give to injured warriors, elders, Tawnypelt and her kits, and queens and their kits. Rowanstar staggered to the fresh kill, and stared at it a long moment, then looked at Kyemama. Gentlepaw’s mouth watered.
“Many thanks, and well done, Warrior.” Rowanstar gazed a moment at her, respect shining in his eyes, and took a chunk of meat, then gestured with his tail. “Take some yourself.”
“Thank you, Rowanstar,” Kyemama replied, and took a tiny bite.
“Come on,” Rowanstar scoffed. “There is plenty here for everyone.” He glanced at Onestar and Mistystar. “Including all of you.”
“Many thanks,” Mistystar dipped her head. “We feasted earlier this night and are full of fish, but I wish to try deer meat!”
“As do I,” Onestar said, moving to another deer. Leafpool led the medicine cats to one of the deer and quietly took a meal. Gentlepaw struggled not to bolt down the vension, but ate his fill. Everyone ate a generous chunk, though ThunderClan cats took less, still full from the big meal earlier that night. When everyone ate their fill, Bramblestar stood up from his place beside Tawnypelt. The kits slept beside their mother, who drowsed with a full belly. She looked up.
“Must you leave?” she asked.
“Yes. But I will leave warriors and our medicine cats here to help until you no longer need them. We must take our leave. Sunrise is near and we need to return to our camp. Next Gathering is a moon away. We must find a way to alert each other before this ever happens to any of us again.” Bramblestar turned to Kyemama. “I imagine Indipaw is staying? With Gentlepaw?”
“Yes, along with Phantompaw, Greypaw and Rainpaw.”
“I need a few warriors to stay, and help in case those beasts return,’ Bramblestar yowled the command. “Who will stay?”
“I will,” Lionblaze stepped up. Birchfall moved next to Lionblaze.
“Me, too.”
“I will, too.” Thornclaw said, glancing at Indipaw.
“I will,” Dovewing stood beside Birchfall, glancing at Tigerheart. Gentlepaw noticed the look that passed between the injured ShadowClan warrior and Dovewing. Both looked woebegone. Gentlepaw uttered a growling sigh, justas annoyed by these two as Kymama.
“I’ll stay,” Spiderleg walked up to Kyemama, attracting Gentlepaw’s attention. “Someone has to watch that temperamental daughter of yours.”
“Good,” Bramblestar nodded approval, then met the glances of his fellow Clan leaders. “Until next Gathering?”
“Yes,” Rowanstar responded.
“Of course,” Mistystar meowed.
“WindClan will be there,” Onestar said.
“Until then.” Bramblestar moved off. His Clan followed, includig Kyemama and Demonpoppa. Gentlepaw sat beside the fresh kill, taking a last nibble, as his Clan left camp to head home. He spotted Indipaw, Snowpaw, Demonpaw,and Phantompaw examining the coyote tracks. drinking in the scents. Other warriors joined them, and learned the odor of the enemy.
Curious, Gentlepaw meandered over, and stood beside the medicine cat den. He listened with fascination as Phantompaw and Demonpaw gestured with paw and tail, suggesting using vines, large stones, and briars to reinforce the camp, and to set up barriers on trails leading into the camp. Gentlepaw swelled with pride in his father, as Demonpoppa’s techniques, knowledge and skill to fortify ShadowClan’s camp spilled from his brother’s mouths.
Motion caught his eye and he saw hsi sister Bluepaw turn back to the knot of warriors and apprentices. Troutpaw, and his sister, Silverpaw, welcomed Bluepaw with raised tails, and delighted expressions. Smokepaw and Oatclaw moved together, and the light shining in Smokepaw’s eyes told Gentlepaw all he needed to know. Indipaw and Snowpaw appeared glued to each other’s sides, tails up, fur flat. Cats usually gave Indipaw space and respect, as she hated being touched, and she often refused sharing tongues because of it. In the apprentice’s den, Indipaw slept alone, and nobody dared snuggling up to her for warmth. Now Snowpaw pressed against her, rubbed against her, licked her face or head, oblivious to Indipaw’s eccentricities. Gentlepaw’s heart backflipped with sure knowledge his sisters’ destinies lay with other clans. He lowered his ears and returned to the fresh kill, and sliced off chunks for the wounded. He took the organ meats, and trotted back to the medicine den and dropped the fresh kill at Littlecloud’s chest. The old cat’s eyes widened with delight, and he chewed on the offereings. Gentlepaw forget his own cocerns and quickly cut up the meats. Littlecloud ate them, uttering soft moans of delight.
Gentlepaw sauntered outside, satisfied all patients gorged on a big meal. He sat alone beside the remnants of the frsh kill, and glanced at the moon, uttering a growly purr.
“When will I go to the Moonpool?”
The shining moon shone in complete silence, and with a sigh, Gentlepaw lay down and gnawed on the rib bones, and shoved his impatience down with each bite of marrow.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 1, 2016 12:42:36 GMT -5
♣♣♣♣ ƝƐƜ ƁLOOƊ-ƬRAƤƤƐƊ ♣♣♣♣
CHAPTERS TEN - ELEVEN
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Gentlepaw woke, excitement knotting his stomach. He thought about the Gathering half a moon ago, and though he accepted his sisters’ transfer to other Clans, he missed them. Life returned to normal, and despite the snows, the little deer ran well, providing the Clan with big meals at least twice a moon. Gentlepaw glanced out of the den at the sunrise, which brought blustery conditions, strong cold winds, and ragged clouds scudding across deep blue skies. “I think a storm approaches,” he muttered. “Maybe tomorrow.” “The last thing we need is more snow,” Jayfeather complained, raising his head from his immaculate nest. “I’m glad your father and his crew finished much of the anchor work on the dens,” Alderheart remarked. “I don’t know how they’d ever have competed the dens after all the snow fell.” “Amazng work,” Jayfeather admitted. “You and your father did a great job making sturdy dividers of stone and vine, for storing our herbs.” “It was my idea, but I was not sure how to do it,” Gentlepaw replied, feeling pleased. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here!” Bramblestar’s yowl interrupted the conversation, and reverberated through camp. Quickly the medicine cats rose, finished their tasks and gathered with the rest of the Clan at the foot of Highledge, where Bramblestar stood, facing the bitter breeze. Gentlepaw watched his brothers gather, blinking sleep from their eyes. They hastily groomed themselves and each other, as they realized the importance of this moment. Gentlepaw shook himself and quickly groomed, hoping he looked presentable. “Today, we shall add new warriors to our ranks!” Bramblestar’s voice rang out. “Now Demonpaw, Phantompaw, Rainpaw, and Greypaw, please come forward.” Bramblestar waited for the excited apprentices to step forth. Bramblestar’s voice rolled on. “I, Bramblestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these young apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warriors in their turn” Gentlepaw felt pride, and though the absence of Indipaw, Smokepaw, and Bluepaw trickled disappointment into his heart, he lifted his chin, excitement replacing his brief meloncholy. “Demonpaw,” Bramblestar continued. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?” “I do!” The enormous black and white tom answered, his black bushy tail sweeping snow off the rock behind him. “Then by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Demonstreak, recognizing your swiftness in mind and heart. From this moment you will be known as Demonstreak! Welcome to ThunderClan new Warrior!” Bramblestar announced, his amber eyes sparkling with delight. “Demonstreak! Demonstreak Demonstreak!” erupted from all throats. Sparkfire sat by his side, her green eyes shining with pride, her red pelt gleaming. Her tail twined his, getting lost in the long black fur. “Phantompaw,” Bramblestar leveled his gaze on the youngster. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?” “I do!” the gigantic, dark silver-tabby meowed, his sea-green eyes gleaming in the bright sunlight pouring into the snowy hollow. “Then by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name, Phantomstrike, to honor your hunting skill and sharp wit. From this moment you will be known as Phantomstrike! Welcome to ThunderClan new Warrior!” Bramblestar nodded. “Phantomstrike! Phantomstrike! Phantomstrike!” echoed through the camp, and Gentlepaw bellowed his brothers’ names in joy. “Greypaw,” Bramblestar looked at the grey tom. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?” “I do!” Greypaw answered, his blue eyes shining. “Then by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Greywind, to honor your hunting skill and swiftness. From this moment you will be known as Greywind! Welcome to ThunderClan new Warrior!” “Greywind! Greywind! Greywind!” the Clan cheered. “Rainpaw,” Bramblestar looked at the pale grey tabby tom. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?” “I do!” Rainpaw answered, his blue eyes full of delight. Gentlepaw’s heart swelled with delight for his milk brothers. “Then by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Rainsleet, to honor your relentless hunting skill and agility. From this moment you will be known as Rainsleet! Welcome to ThunderClan new Warrior!” “Rainsleet! Rainsleet! Rainsleet!” the Clan yowled approval. Gentlepaw glanced at Millie and Graystripe, pleased to see pride on both faces. He flattened his ears briefly, noting Millie’s straying gaze. Briarlight sat next to Demonstreak, her blue eyes shimmering with joy. Gentlepaw felt a stab of annoyance, thinking how he will miss his sisters’ warrior ceremonies, while Millie watches her sons’ with little real appreciation. Gentlepaw heard Kyemama growl irritably, but her eyes widened with surprise, when Greywind and Rainsleet turned their excited glances to her first. Gentlepaw purred approval. “ThunderClan honors your bravery and dedication.” Bramblestar leaped down to the new warriors, pride sparkling his amber eyes.” We welcome you as full members to ThunderClan.” He laid his chin on each of their heads, and they licked his shoulder in return. Cats yowled, meowed and purred approval. “ThunderClan prospers! Our new warriors are powerful and strong! We shall have great news to bring to the Gathering in a half moon!’ Bramblestar looked over the gathered Clan. “We should hunt today despite our ample meal yesterday. A storm may be brewing for tomorrow, and we need to keep the fresh kill pile stocked.” Squirrelflight organized hunting patrols, and Kyemama waited for her assignment. Gentlepaw trotted over to her. Leafool followed. “Kyemama! Tonight I go to the Moonpool!” Gentlepaw mewed in excitement. His long bushy tail rose over his back, hooking to one side like a two-leg fishhook. “I’ll earn my warrior name and become a true medicine cat.” “About time,” Kyemama meowed with delight. “He already is,” Leafpool said. “This is just formality. Before we go, we’re off to try and collect any freeze-dried herbs we can find. Our stores are well stocked thanks to our unusually good health this Leaf Bare, but we can never be too cautious.” “True,” Kyemama ed her head. “Gentlepaw? Something bothering you?’ “Just about the approaching storm,” he answered with a flick of his tail, his stomach spasoming with sudden fleeting concern. “I am just eager to go to the Moonpool.” “Come, let’s move,” Leafpool ordered. “Alderheart is already out collecting any catmint he can find.” “Happy searching,” Kyemama said, as the medicine cats moved off toward the entrance. Gentlepaw concentrated on his tasks, trying to keep his mind off the Moonpool. Normally Gentleoak enjoyed searching for herbs and other items, but the sun crawled with painfull sloth across the sky.Finally, the task completed, they returned to camp after sunhigh, with plenty of herbs. Gentlepaw helped Alderheart put them away, marvelling at the neat compartments Demonstone and Demonstreak built. “Come, get moving,” Leafpool said, as the sun slid toward the tree tops. “Jayfeather? Why aren’t you prepared?”. "He's already a medicine cat. Go in my place," he grumbled. "You don't need me every single half-moon do you? I have work to do." Leafpool stared at the bristling back of the grumpy medicine cat. Gentlepaw leaned down and whispered in her ear. "He can't admit he feels anxious about slogging through the cold snow and ice that changes the paths," Gentlepaw explained. "I don't blame him." “Alright,” leafpool capitulated. “Alderheart? Are you ready?” “Yes.” “We go now,” Leafpool ordered and picked up a small traveling herb pouch. Alderheart held his, and Gentlepaw joyfully pulled his from behind his nest They left camp, and Gentlepaw noticed the halfmoon hanging low in the eastern skies. They moved out of camp, across ThunderClan territory, and into WindClan land. Leafpool led the way across the stream and up the well worn path as the sun dropped below the horizon. The path rose steadily, growing steep, and Gentlepaw understood Jayfeather’s reluctance. Ice coated hidden stones beneath the snow, and slicked down level areas of the trail. Gentlepaw’s tufted large paws handled the terrian well, and he walked easily, while Lefpool and Alderheart chose their footing more carefully. Gentlepaw opened his mind, searching for his mother, and found her mind in deep sleep. Perfect, he thought, and tethered her dreams to his reality with barely a thought, as he climbed the trail up the stony, icy path, following Leafpool and Alderheart. Satisfied she saw and sensed all he experienced, he concentrated on the path ahead. The wind moaned over the rocks, and Gentlepaw scented the air, eyeing the clouds that gathered on the northwestern horizon. Other pawsteps alerted Gentlepaw, drawing him out of his musings, and he glanced behind him, noting the hurried steps of other medicine cats; Kestrelflight, Littlecloud, Willowshine, Puddlepaw, and to his surprise, Mothwing, Puddlepaw walked behind Littlecloud, who picked his way up the trail with shaky steps. The ancient ShadowClan medicine cat paused every few strides to shake the snow from his tiny paws, and to catch his breath. Gentlepaw worried for the wizened little tom, wondering why he made this arduous trek in the first place. Gentlepaw’s thoughst raced back to the days after Alderheart returned from his quest, and he recalled saving Littlecloud’s life as a kit, by defying his elders and pouncing on the old cat’s chest. From somewhere deep inside, he channeled his emotions, able to somehow convert the energy around him into very strong sparks that snapped from the tips of his claws zapping Littlecloud. Before anyone moved a muscle to intervene, Littlecloud’s body jerked, his heart started beating again, and he gasped for air. Gentlepaw barely understood what occurred that day, but worked on this ability ever since, and never hid it from his mentors. They left it to him and StarClan, since they understood nothing of what he accomplished. He concentrated on his skills, finding he gained more power during storms and in very cold dry conditions.He glanced back at Littlecloud in concern. The wizened frail tom picked his way up the trail, legs trembling, pausing every few strides, continuing to shake his paws. A shiver passed over the ancient cat’s body. Gentlepaw turned his attention forward, as Leafpool led him past the trail head into a small clearing. The Moonpool shimmered, as the wind blew snow from a drift across its glassy frozen surface. Rocky cliffs rose up behind the pool, and Gentlepaw noticed the deep snows clinging to the ledges and outcrops. Leafpool halted in a small sandy spot beneath the cliff, and faced her apprentices. The other medicine cats sat behind her and Littlecloud, watching respectfully, expressions full of delight. Gentlepaw halted and sat down in front of Leafpool, only briefly aware of Littlecloud’s raspy voice speaking to Puddlepaw, and suddenly understood why Littlecloud came to the Moonpool tonight. Leafpool raised her voice so it echoed over the Moonpool, breaking Gentlepaw’s thoughts. “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. Alderheart, Kestrelflight, Puddlepaw, Littlecloud, Mothwing and Willowshine walked up to Gentleoak. “Only a matter of formality,” Alderheart said with a beaming feline smile. “Welcome, Gentleoak.” “Gentleoak, we are happy to see you here this half moon,” Willowshine said. “Greetings and welcome,” Mothwing mewed, touching his nose. “Gentleoak, we welcome you,.” Littlecloud greeted Gentleoak, stretching his muzzle up to his. Gentleoak lowered his head to touch noses. Littlecloud’s 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 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 snatch 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 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 both, 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.” 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 spotted Mothwing sitting beside the pool, blinking, then she yawned. Gentleoak squashed a stab of annoyance. He wondered why she still disbelieved in StarClan, especially after the events of the Last Battle with the Dark Forest, which should have drilled the truth into her skull. He glanced at Puddleshine, who returned the glance, apprehension in his eyes. Gentleoak purred reassurance. “Don’t be afraid,” he murmured. 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. His mind quickly drifted. After a moment of dark, Gentleoak’s vision cleared, and he saw nothing of the other Medicine cats. Gentleoak stood up, glancing around, awe filling his mind and soul. 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. Gentleoak recognized Firestar, Bluestar, Blackstar and Tallstar. Another cat joined them, a grey she-cat with a messy unkept coat and amber eyes. Gentleoak reacted with recognition, and his mother’s questions concerning the she-cat’s obvious Persian ancestry, which explained her unkept appearance, echoed in his head. Kyemama understood how maintaining Persian coats proved utterly impossible without two-leg help, and through her, Gentleoak finally comprehended his StarClan mentor better. Firestar led the StarClan cats to Gentleoak, and he forgot his mother’s thoughts. “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 am Yellowfang. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?” “I’m honored, and you’re no stranger to me,” Gentleoak replied, feeling a stab of worry, that they may realize he carried a passenger in his mind, especially short-muzzled Yellowfang. Gentleoak never forgot the tales of ThunderClan’s medicine cat, who served the clan before they moved to the lake so many seasoncycles ago. She gave her life for her Clan in a horrible fire. He stoically gazed at her familiar face. “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 murmured, relaying Kyemama’s reactions. “I, I had to see this important event in his life. Don’t be angry with us.” “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 assumed him, then leveled her piercing amber gaze on him. Yellowfang’s amusement and cantankerousness flashed through Gentleoak. “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!” Kyemama whispered in Gentleoak’s mind. “Tell her I’m sorry.” “No need,” Yellowfang lifted a lip, her eyes flashing with approval. “You birthed a fine medicine cat, and your kind bring good blood to our Clans. We’ve needed it for a long time. Gentleoak, use your sharp mind and wit with all your patients. We will watch your path, always.” “Do allow me to greet this new young medicine cat,” a grey she-cat stepped forward. “Greetings, Gentleoak. I’m Cinderpelt.” “I know of you,” Gentleoak replied. “Honored to meet you.” “Always use your intuition, for it serves all medicine cats well. In you, I sense great depth. Indeed, StarClan medicine cats shall light your path.” “Thank you. I will not disappoint you,” Gentleoak looked over the group, amazed by so many starry shapes, and sparkling colors in their twinkling eyes. Another cat stepped forward and Gentleoak recognized Sandstorm. She blinked sparkling green eyes. “So good to see you both again,” she said. “Thank you Kyestorm, for not interfering with the orphaned kits at the gathering. That must play out, but since you’ve already altered what would have been, by driving off those rogues, I no longer worry so much for those kits. Surprises are ahead for them, and all of you.” “We all miss you.” Gentleoak’s voice quivered. “As I do all of you. “ Sandstorm nodded, then backed away as a tortoiseshell she-cat padded forward. “Greetings to both of you. I’m Spottedleaf, ThunderClan’s medicine cat before the big move to the Lake. I wanted to commend you for thinking outside the circle in your concoctions. Just remember to think them out very carefully when you do so. Welcome, young Medicine cat.” Spottedleaf suddenly looked skyward. The starry cats flickered, and Gentleoak felt a cold breeze. Firestar stood up suddenly, uneasy, and scanned the heavens. Blackstar popped in between Firestar and Sandstorm. “Lounging and gossiping, wasting time,” he warned with a growl. “Time to go!” “Farewell, young Medicine cats,” Talllstar flowed in behind Firestar. “Hurry now. You must return home.” “What?” Gentleoak meowed, dismayed as they winked out, leaving the Moonpool. The water rippled. Gentleoak strained is senses, but all the starry apparitions vanished, leaving the sparkling cliffs empty. He looked down at the Moonpool, and the ripples turned to waves. “Gentleoak! Gentleoak! Wake up! Please wake up!” Leafpool’s alarmed tones stabbed into his mind. The sparkling pool and glittering rocks disappeared, and Gentleoak woke with a start. A cold wind whistled over the rocks and above, thick clouds covered the moon. Snow blew in, pelting the medicine cats in a barrage of fine particles. Gentleoak blinked, momentarily disoriented. “Thank StarClan!” Leafpool explained, relief in her voice. “We’ve been trying to wake you!” “I wouldn’t wake up?” Gentleoak leaped to his feet in shock and dismay The ice tinkled beneath his enormous paws. He looked up at the roiling grey skies. “The storm!” “It wasn’tsupposed to get here until tomorrow.” Leafpool yowled. “It is almost tomorrow!” Kyemama said, and Gentleoak parroted her. “A wicked Nor’easter! Get home! Fast!” “Come on!” Leafpool yowled and Gentleoak leaped down the path, astonished at how quickly the snow piled up. “Was I out that long?” Gentleoak asked Alderheart, who ran at his side. “Yes,” Alderheart answered. “Everyone woke before the snow started. At first we were reluctant to wake you for fear of disrupting something, but when the snow started, we kept shouting. We could not touch you. Everyone said no to that, but Leafpool was ready to break protocol. I’m just glad you finally woke up!” “Me, too,” Gentleoak met Alderheart’s amber eyes, and guilt welled up. He glanced backward, and noticed Pudddleshine and Kestrelflight walking slowly beside Littlecloud. Willowshine followed close behind. ShadowClan’s aged medicine cat shivered, and Gentleoak knew without a doubt, he might not make it home. As the medicine cats stepped slowly down the path, they halted, surveying the lands between them and home. Snow swirled out of the grey skies on a ferocious wind, blanketing the territories in yet more snow. Littlecloud’s shivering increased. “I can’t make it,” he mewled, sinking to his belly. Gentleoak rushed to his side. “I’ll carry you,” Gentleoak dropped beside the prone tom. “I don’t think I can get through that either,” Willowshine said, and Gentleoak spun his head around to her. She trembled, her short fur sticking out, and for the first time, Gentleoak saw age in the RiverClan medicine cat. Leafpool glanced at him, unsure of herself, as a tremor passed through her body. “It’s so cold,” Pudddleshine added, his own white and red-brown spotted pelt puffed out. “I’m really worried about Littlecloud! How can we get him home through this?” “What can we do?” Alderheart yowled. Kestrelflight stared toward his home, before looking at Leafpool. Snow coated his mottled grey pelt, and Gentleoak saw age in the WindClan medicne cat’s face. “We should find shelter to ride out the storm,” he suggested Gentleoak glanced at Littlecloud’s shaking body, and he thought, if I carry him, who will break trail? He looked at his companions and realized he needed help to get Littlecloud home safe. “INDICLAW!!! SMOKEWIND! DEMONSTREAK! BLUEFROST! PHNTOMSTRIKE!” His mind lashed out in desperation, hoping to reach his siblings.
“Here,” Alderheart called. “We can shelter here.” Gentleoak eyed the copse, with the big boulders and sheltering coniferous shrubs. He turned to Littlecloud. “Come, get out of the wind,” he urged, guiding the unsteady old tom down the rocky path. He plunged after Alderheart, and guided Littlecloud to a nook between two rocks, under one of the bushes. Littlecloud lay against Alderheart and Gnetleoak hunched beside him, fliging his ample tail over the small tom’s back. Leafpool, Willowshine, Kestrelflight and Mothwing entered and crouched at the entrance, blocking the wind. Snow pelted the branches, and Gentleoak felt Littlecloud shivering against him. He wondered, did his family hear hs cry? His mind opened up to lash out again when he heard his mother’s plea. “Gentleoak, please, tell me how to get to you,” her voice mewed softly in hs mind. “Kyemama! We’re here,” Gentleoak responded, closing his eyes in concentration. “Halloooo Gentleoak!!” Demonstreak’s strident meow yowled into the winds.”Alderheart!” “Here!” Gentleoak bellowed. After a long time in which Gentleoak feared for Littlecloud’s life, Kyemama, Phantomstrike and Demonstreak appeared as ghostly apparitions outside the little clump of trees and brush. Gentleoak met hs mother’s gaze as she barreled in. He spotted his sisters and the Clan leaders, and releif flooded his body. “Kyemama!” Gentleoak and Alderheart cried in unison. “Demonstreak! Phantomstrike! Bramblestar!” “Demonpoppa, Indiclaw! Smokewind! Greywind! You all came!” Gentleoak exclaimed, and swept snow from Littlecloud’s back. Indiclaw surged to the front, and dropped to her chest in front of Littlecloud and Pudddleshine. Gentleoak impulsively touched her nose, and emotion fired through them both. Her green eyes glittered. “Can you get on my back?” she asked Littlecloud. Suddenly Phantomstrike stood before her. “Let me carry him. I can make the crossing carrying him.” Indiclaw bowed her head to her big brother in affirmative. Phantomstrike turned solemn sea-green eyes to Littlecloud, who gazed up, shivering violently. “Do you have the strength to cling to my neck?” “I think so,” Littlecloud answered, and pushed himself to his feet. Ice hung from his ears and tail. Gentleoak tried one last tail swipe to clear the ice, but it stuck fast. Littlecloud shook himself, and clambered onto Phantomstrike’s broad back. He wrapped his paws around Phantomstrike’s massive furry neck and dug in. Phantomstrike flung his enormous tail over his back, covering Littlecloud. The small tom sighed with appreciation. “All right, we walk three abreast, and keep one of these frozen medicine cats between you.” Bramblestar took control, organizing the pairs. Gentleoak inhaled, so glad of the leaders’ presence. “Agreed,” Onestar added. “Smokewind, take point with Kestrelflight.” “Bluefrost, assist your sister with Willowshine,” Mistystar suggested. Bluefrost nodded, and bounded over to Indiclaw. Snowsquall and Troutleap closed in behind their mates, shielding Willowshine from the wind. “Please, Phantomstrike, don’t drop Littlecloud,” Roawanstar said, then eyed his medicine cat. “Why you had to come, I don’t know.” “I’ve come for countless seasons, and never missed a trip. I wasn’t going to miss Pudddleshine’s ceremony,” Littlecloud replied, his voice shaking with cold, his worn teeth chattering. “Never,” Phantomstrike assured the ShadowClan Leader. “I have my tail pressed against him. He’s so small its like holding a kit in place!” In moments, the leaders finished yowling out orders with flawless precision, and the feline posse set out, traveling back down the trail through the deepening snows. The wind roared across the moor, battering the feline caravan, sucking heat from their bodies. Kestrelflight walked between Smokewind and Gentleoak. Willowshine shuffled between Bluefrost and Indiclaw, with Snowsquall and Troutleap behind her. Pudddleshine ambled between them. Mistystar and Greywind trotted on either side of Alderheart. Rowanstar trotted beside Phantomstrike, watching Littlecloud with concern. Kyemama and Demonpoppa sandwiched Leafpool, who shivered violently. Bramblestar took the lead, using his broad-chested and wide-shouldered body to plow through any drifts that accumulated in the long path back to camp. Onestar traveled beside him, assisting. They moved swiftly on the downhill slope. Bramblestar and Onestar paused on the stream bank, then leaped ahead, bounding from rock to rock, brushing fresh snow from their surfaces. Gentleoak watched with pride. Phantomstrike glided from rock to rock, every bit of his playfulness shuttered, as he carried Littlecloud safely across the stream. Kyemama scurried across with Demonpoppa. They followed the trail back to the trees, and finally into the forest. The trees broke the ferocity of the wind, and the group moved faster on the trail. Warmed by their companions, Leafpool and Willowshine stopped shivering and Kestrelflight moved with some spring in his step. Onestar stopped where the forest thinned to the east. The wind drove snow through the gap in the trees. “We’ll go home from here.” Onestar said. “Thank you all for helping rescue our medicine cat.” “We worked four clans as one, once again.” Bramblestar nodded. “To rescue all of our medicine cats.” “May StarClan light your paths home!” Onestar moved off, heading down to WindClan’s camp down the hill. Smokewind waved her tail at her siblings, and followed Onestar and Kestrelflight across the moor. Onestar paused once, and waved his tail in salute, before heading down the open moors to his camp. In moments the blizzard swallowed them, and they vanished from sight. Mistystar eyed the way home dubiously, and Gentleaok saw a tremor shake the RiverClan leader’s body. Mistystar eyed the trail, and Gentleoak easily read her dismay overthe long trek down to the lake and around to get to RiverClan’s territory. She shivered, shaking out her long thick pelt. “Come with us. Shelter overnight,” Kyemama blurted out the invitation. Gentleoak approved, loving the blue-grey Clan Leader as much as his mother did. “I shall consider it, but only if Bramblestar agrees.” Mistystar nodded, hope in her tired features, as group turned back down into the forest. The wind swirled around them, less intense. “Of course I will allow it. I insist. We have deer meat,” Bramblestar said, and led them into camp. “How can we resist that invitation,” Mistystar answered, her eyes lighting up. Bluefrost and Troutleap exchanged glances of anticipation, and Gentleoak nodded with understanding. Who in their right minds would decline a deer meat meal? Bramblestar led them down to the hollow. “Hallo! We’re back!” Bramblestar announced, forestalling the sentries’ queries. He nodded at Birchfall and Lionblaze. They dipped their heads, acknowledging all the Leaders, before gazing up at Phantomstrike and his passenger. Cats peered out of dens, but none braved the deep snows to greet the returning rescue party. Bramblestar looked up at his den, where Squirrelflight peeked down, her green eyes shining with pride and delight. Bramblestar turned to Rowanstar. “Let Littelcloud stay in our medicine den. Jayfeather and Gentleoak will look him over. Take a meal and rest before going home.” “Agreed,” Rowanstar nodded, and with a tail flick, told Phantomstrike to carry Littlecloud to the medicine den. Gentleoak trotted beside his brotheer, and Littlecloud lost his grip, just as they passed over the threshold. Jayfeather’s gruff scolding rose briefly above the wind, and Rowanstar merely lashed his tail, as he allowed Littlecloud to fall on his body. Phantomstrike picked up the little medicine cat by the scruff, and carried him like a kit into the medicine den. Pudddleshine, Indiclaw and Snowsquall followed behind Gentleoak. “We’ll keep him warm,” Indiclaw’s loud imperious meow drifted on the wind. “Your warrior name should have been Indibrat,” Jayfeather’s grouchy retort followed. “But I can’t disagree, so yes, stay with him. Snowsquall, get him some fresh kill.” Snowsquall ran from the medicine den, then returned, dragging a Roe deer fawn haunch. Grasping the leg in his jaws, he dropped it at Littlecould’s tiny paws. The aged tom ate with gusto, and Indiclaw helped tear pieces off the icy fresh kill for him. Snwosquall shared tongus with Littlecloud, warming him as he cleared the ice and snow from the medicine cta’s pelt. “Thank you,” Rowanstar said. “When he is ready, you can bring him home, but stay the night. Let the storm pass.” “Of course,” Indiclaw dipped her head to Rowanstar. Rowanstar returned the nod, turned and left the medicine cat den, just as Leafpool and Willowshine trudged in. Gentleoak eyed his mentor. “You should rest and eat,” he insisted. Leafpool turned to protest, but a shiver went through her body. Jayfeather marched over. “You may be my mother, but I outrank you,” he groused. “Get in your nest and rest. Eat.” Leafpool obeyed with a sigh, and accepted the deer meat Alderheart brought to her. Gentleoak moved from pateint to patient, giving them a concoction of herbs. To prevent white cough,” he urged when he reached Leafpool. “You know I am right. Eat it.” “I will,” Leafpool said around a mouthful of deermeat. She swallowed, then ate Gentleoak’s medicine. A soft mew of exclamation drew Gentleoak’s attention. He turned his head to see Kyemama shake the snow from her coat, at the entrance. She halted, and Gentleoak blinked a brief feine smile. Jayfeather flicked an ear in her direction.Gentleoak glaned at Leafpool before turning around to survey the medicine cat den. Now cozy and warm, all the patients rested. Littlecloud lay between Indiclaw and Snowsquall with Pudddleshine, who vigorously shared tongues, drying both medicine cats’ coat. Willowshine rested comfortably with Mistystar. Troutleap and Bluefrost kept her warm, sharing tongues to dry her coat. Littlecloud gnawed a leg bone, pulling marrow out, and nodded at Kyemama. Everyone ate well of the deer meat. “I don’t think anything like this has happened to us before.” Jayfeather grumbled. “Have we lost the ability to sense weather?” “My fault,” Gentleoak mumbled, feeling sudden regret. “I insisted. I wanted to go to my ceremony and didn’t want to wait another moon.” “So you did know the risk?” Jayfeather snapped at him, then faced Leafpool. “And you allowed him to go?” “The moon was out with clear skies.” Leafpool retorted. “I thought we had time.” “Don’t blame Gentleoak.” Willowshine spoke up. “We went up there, too. The storm caught us all off guard.” “He knew the risk more than the rest of us,” Jayfeather growled. “Yet he said nothing.” “You certainly raised no objection either, even with your heightened senses.” Leafpool retorted. Jayfeather grumbled. “I thought we had more time, too,” Littlecloud retorted. “If Gentleoak didn’t go, would we have stayed home? I don’t think so.” “He should’ve waited anyway,” Jayfeather groused, and even though he heard capitulation in Jayfeather’s voice, Gentleoak flattened his ears and pelt, his shame scent filling the den. “Stop it,” Indiclaw snarled suddenly. “Even with heightened senses, my brother could not know exactly when the storm would strike! He may think he knew, but all he felt was his intuition and nothing more. Do you really think with his medicine cat instincts and talents, he’d have risked you all just to not wait a moon? Am I right, Gentleoak?” “Maybe,” Gentleoak mewed. “I did know the storm was coming.” “But you did not know when!” Indiclaw snapped, her thick white ruff bristling with indignation.”Right?” “No. I did think we’d have time, but, maybe, my time with StarClan was longer than I thought,” Gentleoak admitted, twitching his bushy tail. “It was! Very long!” Leafpool yowled. “We waited, and the clouds covered the moon, and I tried to call you.” Leafpool unsheathed her claws, stretching out her forelegs to dig into the stone floor. “Snow started falling so I called louder. I was ready to shake you awake, something we should never do, but then you came out of your trance. But by then, the storm was in full fury.” “That is why Blackstar and Tallstar appeared, stopped everything, and told me to go home.” Gentleoak bowed his head. “I was so excited and awed. I’m sorry.” “He did get help,” Kyemama reminded the disgruntled medicine cats. She leveled her gaze on Jayfeather. “Even you didn’t know they were in trouble until Gentleoak called out to me and his littermates. Everyone is safe now, and perhaps StarClan used it to remind us all why the last of the code exists.” “I agree.” Mistystar nodded approval. Affirmative murmurs rippled around the den, The wind screamed outside in a sudden gust, and Gentleoak flicked his ears. He thought he heard a voice whisper,”don’t be a mouse.” Gentleoak straightened and glared at Jayfeather. He said nothing, but his thoughts swirled clear. *You did not stop us, even though your senses are more heightened than mine!* Jayfeather lashed his tail, met his gaze with his sightless blue eyes. *Yes,* Jayfeather’s gruff mindtines brushed his thoughts, *I did not. Apologies, young Medicine cat.* Gentleoak dipped his head in acknowledgement, and returned to his herbal mixtures. “Its all over and everyone is safe. “ Kyemama yawned, interupting the silent exchange. “Thank you for coming for us,” Willowshine replied. “You saved Littlecloud’s life, and maybe mine, too. We planned to go this moon, and none of us thought this would happen.” “We knew a storm brewed,” Littlecloud meowed, then coughed “But it was a risk we all took. Don’t blame the apprentice, oops, I mean, new medicine cat.” “Mousedung,” Jayfeather grumbled, capitulating further. “I really don’t blame him. If I thought for a moment there was really such danger I’d have convinced them all to wait another moon. After all, I’m the mentor, he was the apprentice.” “StarClan knows, bad things happen.” Leafpool added. “It could have been so much worse. Time to focus on warming up our visitors for their trip home.” “Eat more of this,” Gentleoak moved over and dropped a chewed up pile of his herbs by Littlecloud’s paws. “It will help stave off white cough.” “It tastes terrible, but it has been working well.” Littlecloud eyed Gentleoak. “But you can’t keep me alive forever.” “I know,” Gentleoak mewed. “But I will keep trying, until StarClan comes for you” “You will be a fine medicine cat,” Littlecloud mewed. “You will do things none have ever done before.” “I just want to be the best I can,” Gentleoak purred. “You alreeady have, by bringing us safely home from the cold, unforgiving, harsh, and unrelenting blizzzard that trapped us in its deadly grip.” Littlecloud gazed up at Gentleoak. “Never doubt yourself, and trust those instincts of yours.” “I will,” Gentleoak murmured, just as a gust of wind blew into the den, showering the entrance with fine snow. He padded across the den, to peer out into the storm, leaving huge pawprints in the coating of snow. He listened, as the howling gales ripped through the trees, and gazed past the whiteout to the shadows beyond. A pair of yellow eyes blinked, and recogntion flooded him, as diseveled old she cat’s sparkling silhouette competed with the wind driven snow. He stepped forward, his front paws sinking chest deep in the snow. The golden eyes winked. “Ah, my protoge” the familar gravelly voice chuckled. “You remember your kithood dreams, do you not?” “I do,” Gentleoak answerd, recalling that first unforgettable strange dream, where excitment mingled with confusion in a sea of grey and white cold. “Young One.” Yellowfang tilted her head. “You sprang the trap this night, setting your destiny in motion. I, and StarClan, shall light your path always.” Yellowfang’s gold eyes winked out as she vanished into the blizzard. Gentleoak stared after her for many moments, remembereing the haunting dream in full detail, finally fully understanding its meaning. He purred into the wind, ready to take on the challenges ahead. “I shall not fail you, my Clan, my leader, my family, nor my position,” Gentleoak called into the wind, before turning back to his job, and his future.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 1, 2016 12:42:54 GMT -5
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 23, 2016 21:11:50 GMT -5
Bump for Gentleoak
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Post by phantomstar57 on Sept 22, 2016 17:19:03 GMT -5
Chapter Six is up! Working for a bit on this one until I sort my thoughts on Chapt 14 of the main NEW BLOOD. . .
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Post by phantomstar57 on Sept 28, 2016 12:18:27 GMT -5
Bump
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 11, 2016 18:11:11 GMT -5
Bump with a slight addition to the beginning of Chap six!! Sparkpelt is Sparkfire now thanks to Gentlekit!
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Dec 11, 2016 18:33:08 GMT -5
She owes Gentlekit everything.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 19, 2016 13:25:23 GMT -5
She owes Gentlekit everything. LOL at least when it comes to her name!
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Dec 19, 2016 14:31:43 GMT -5
Yah. She owes him everything. (I'm sticking with this statement. I said it, so it must be true.)
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 20, 2016 13:31:04 GMT -5
And now with thee SkyClan rumor, he'd be close to Alderheart and be a large part of what happenss! It will be different because the Rogues get beaten soundly with their st encounter with the Maine Coons of the Clans, but if they do return, that will have to be include din this story and Born of Smoke & Fire.
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Dec 21, 2016 0:38:44 GMT -5
Ah, planning. You've done more research then I ever did with Mortality. (Which had A Forgotten Warrior sitting next to me the whole year I was writing it.)
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 21, 2016 12:52:15 GMT -5
Ah, planning. You've done more research then I ever did with Mortality. (Which had A Forgotten Warrior sitting next to me the whole year I was writing it.) Its the scifi writerin me-MUST research so everything the tale is based on is correct LOL
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Dec 22, 2016 18:37:01 GMT -5
Speaking of which. I've been planning on writing a sci-fi short story. Any tips?
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 23, 2016 13:27:37 GMT -5
Speaking of which. I've been planning on writing a sci-fi short story. Any tips? Just this in scifi no matter what you may write the underlying basic science must be sound, in that the world you create and build, and the stuf that happens should be based off known science. hard to explain unless you're a science geek like I am. For example you take what is known, and using the laws of whatever branch of science you can alter things to make your world, move a planet back a bit from its sun, or the like so things are different there. Because if your premise you based your story on is faulty it will not fly. Now if you combine scifi and fantasy-well almost anything goes!
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Dec 23, 2016 13:57:19 GMT -5
Glad it's Scifi-Fantasy then. But I want to have some bases in science anyway. I should probably do some more research. (You can probably never do to much research.)
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 23, 2016 16:23:32 GMT -5
Glad it's Scifi-Fantasy then. But I want to have some bases in science anyway. I should probably do some more research. (You can probably never do to much research.) If you need help just ask! My email in in my profile if you need more than anything simple I can put here. I majored in earth science in college many moons ago and followed it for the last 3 decades. My husband is a retired R&D Scientist so what i don't know surely he does LOL. He helped me with my books when I hit a possibility I needed to work out.
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Post by mintedstar/fur🦇 on Dec 23, 2016 17:51:56 GMT -5
Oh, thank you for the offer. That is very kind of you.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 23, 2016 19:23:20 GMT -5
Oh, thank you for the offer. That is very kind of you. No trouble at all!
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Post by phantomstar57 on Dec 31, 2016 21:13:15 GMT -5
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!
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Post by phantomstar57 on Jun 28, 2017 18:39:31 GMT -5
Now that NEW BLOOD-Born of Smoke & Fire is nearing completion, thought it is time to bump this one, and get down to finishing it, too.
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 20, 2017 16:59:09 GMT -5
Gentleoak fans!! Chapters seve - nine are UP! Tena dn eleven are just about done and will go up very soon and this will be COMPLETED!!
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Post by Spottail on Aug 22, 2017 20:26:03 GMT -5
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 23, 2017 11:03:29 GMT -5
This story is finally COMPLETED!
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Post by Spottail on Aug 23, 2017 11:36:38 GMT -5
I know I can't believe it
Another one of your stories done
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 23, 2017 12:22:13 GMT -5
I know I can't believe it Another one of your stories done LOL I can't believe it either! Going to bump some oneshots and shorter stories so I get energized to finish the few I have not finished yet.
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Post by Spottail on Aug 23, 2017 12:42:26 GMT -5
Cool
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Post by phantomstar57 on Aug 28, 2017 12:39:31 GMT -5
I think its time for a poll since this is done!
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