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Post by EthanTheAnnus on Jan 20, 2017 21:52:00 GMT -5
Prologue
"What was that?" came a voice. The she-cat silently cursed to herself. And quietly as she could, she pushed herself to her paws.
"I'll go check it out, Rippletail," said the other. It was clearly a she-cat who had spoken the second time.
"Alright, Tawnypelt. But be safe. Rowanstar will kill me if you die," Rippletail meowed back at the she-cat. A tortoiseshell she-cat padded around. The other she-cat held still. Careful now, Mist, she told herself. One wrong move... Tawnypelt tasted the air and shrugged.
"Nothing," she called to Rippletail, padding back to the camp entrance. Mist relaxed, creeping forward to slip through the hole she had made earlier. She quietly snuck into the nursery to see two newborn kits, unaccompanied, in a nest. She looked at them. One was a dark ginger tabby with some gray patches, but he was scrawny and thin. The other was a yellow tabby tom with some black and brown markings; he was strong. Mist leant down and gently lifted him by the scruff and carried him out through the hole. She broke into a run, not stopping until she was deep into the forest. She placed the kit on the floor. A wail of grief split the air. Mist turned to the kit.
"Hello, Tyler," she meowed.
Chapter one
Tigerheart sat amongst the roots of the oak, shifting uncomfortably. He heard his father, Rowanstar, stand. He twisted his head to look at the tom.
"ThunderClan has not arrived," he meowed. "Yet we must begin." Mistystar nodded in agreement and Onestar dipped his head, looking somewhat uneasy.
"We're here!" A commanding mew rang out over the island. Sparkpaw? thought Tigerheart. But she's only an apprentice! He tried to distinguish Firestar in the approaching cats, but couldn't. As ThunderClan disbanded, two she-cats made their way towards the oak. Oh, right, thought Tigerheart. I heard Dovewing had been made deputy. The pale gray she-cat let a orange tabby pass through. That can't be Firestar! he thought. The tabby grew closer and he realised it was Sparkpaw. She winked at him and sat in the roots, a little way from him. Maybe she was made a warrior, he thought. They probably had a bad battle against WindClan, Firestar's recovering, Dovewing's acting leader and Sparkpaw is acting deputy. Dovewing leapt into the branches of the oak. Mistystar merely flicked her tail; Onestar gave an involuntary shudder and Rowanstar's eyes widened in surprise.
"Dovewing!" He meowed. "To what do we owe this pleasure? Is Firestar too old and weak now?" Dovewing's eyes hardened with anger. No, no, no, thought Tigerheart, fearing what she was about to say.
"Firestar is dead," she meowed harshly. "I am the Clan leader now." Rowanstar took a step back.
"Welcome, Dovestar," mewed Mistystar, seeming to be the only one who had kept her head clear. The pale gray she-cat sat down. Rowanstar stepped forward. Tigerheart's mouth grew dry as reality set in. Dovewing- no, star, was a leader now. She wouldn't be joining ShadowClan any time soon. He barely noticed Rowanstar had began until he was nearly finished.
"-On a sadder note, one of Needletail's kits was stolen. Fortunately, Falconkit-well, now Falconpaw, apprentice to our deputy, Tigerheart, is proving to be stronger than his brother." With that, Rowanstar sat down. Stronger? If Thunderkit was a flea! thought the ShadowClan deputy angrily. Mistystar stood.
"StarClan has granted us good hunting," she meowed simply. "We have two new warriors; Shadelight and Foxfang." She sat as a cheer arose from the RiverClan cats for their newest warriors. Onestar stood.
"Heathertail has had Breezepelt's kits," he meowed. Tigerheart noticed Lionblaze stiffen slightly at this, then he relaxed.
"WindClan is stronger than ever." He sat and Dovestar stood.
"I am now ThunderClan's leader. My deputy is Sparkfire, who is mentoring a she-cat named Minxpaw."
"Gathering dismissed," meowed Rowanstar. Dovestar leapt down. Tigerheart made to approach her, but when she glanced at him, her eyes were hard and cold.
Chapter Two
Ivypool awoke to hear cats talking avidly. Of course; the Gathering, she thought. Sadly, Dovestar had not chosen Ivypool to go to the Gathering. Instead, the she-cat had been left on guard duty with Thornclaw. She saw the tom padding toward the warriors den and she quickly snuggled back down and slowed her breathing. Hopefully, he would think she was asleep. She knew the tom had a massive crush on her, but she couldn't stand him. She heard Thornclaw pad away and slowly opened her eyes. She noticed Fernsong padding towards her. "Hey," she meowed to him. He smiled winningly. "Thornclaw told me you were still asleep. Just thought I'd check." The knowing look in Fernsong's eyes told her he knew she had pretended to be asleep. "Yeah, well, I'm awake now," she retorted. Ugh, she thought. Nice job, Ivypool. Falling for a tom who probably doesn't even like you. "I can see that," he replied. "Dovestar's out on a patrol." Ivypool bristled slightly. "Why do you think I would care?" The icy harshness in her voice made the tom flinch; the hurt in Fernsong's eyes clearly visible. "I'm- I'm sorry," stammered Ivypool, forcing all the anger inside of her down. Her sister becoming a leader- just another of Dovestar's many blessings. First the powers, then becoming mates with Bumblestripe when Ivypool so badly wanted Fernsong to like her back and then leader. Am I always destined to walk in her shadow? wondered Ivypool. I trained with the Dark Forest. I can't even find a mate. I'm not Dovestar's choice of deputy. "I'm sure you didn't mean any harm," meowed Fernsong, but his eyes were reproachful. Ivypool's thoughts whirred on as she spoke. "Yeah, I'm just... distracted." She pushed past the tom and padded into the middle of camp. I could become mates with Thornclaw, she thought. It might not be that bad. Maybe then they'll think I'm more loyal. Hang on. He was in the Dark Forest too. But maybe it will work. She saw the golden-brown tabby tom and padded over to him. "Hi, Thornclaw," she meowed. "I was wondering..." "Yeah?" Thornclaw pricked his ears. "Would you be my mate?" she asked. "Sure!" he replied, face brightening. "Can I tell Brightheart and Brackenfur?" "Of course," purred Ivypool. The tom began to trot over to his littermates, then turned back. "Hey, Ivypool?" he meowed. "Can we meet up by the stump," he flicked his tail at his chosen meeting place, "At sunhigh? I want to hunt with you." "Okay," replied Ivypool. He really isn't that bad, she thought. "Hey, Dovestar!" she yowled, seeing her littermate padding back into camp. "Wow! You look happy!" Dovestar replied. "What's the occasion?" "Thornclaw and I became mates!" Ivypool mewed. "I thought you liked Fernsong," Dovestar said. "I.. realised I actually liked Thornclaw," she said, lying to her littermate. "Alright," the Clan leader meowed, padding away. Ivypool turned away and found herself staring into the hurt filled eyes of Fernsong.
Chapter Three
Dovestar took a few paces back from her sister and the tom, eyes moving from one to the other as they stared off.
"You and Thornclaw?" The disgust in Fernsong's mew was easily recognisable.
"What did you expect? Me and Mousewhisker? Me and Molewhisker? Me and Stormcloud?" The anger in Ivypool's voice rebounded around the camp. Dovestar watched with anxious eyes. She had known Fernsong liked her sister. This wasn't going to go well....
"Anyone but that Dark Forest Recruit!" snarled Fernsong. "He's a traitor!" Ivypool's eyes grew dangerously dark.
"A traitor? Dark Forest Recruit? Just like Blossomfall? Just like Breezepelt? Just like me?"
"Ivypool, that's not-" he began, but the she-cat cut him off.
"I think that's exactly what you meant," she snarled, stalking over to Thornclaw. Fernsong hung his head. Dovestar moved over to the upset tom.
"She'll get over it," she promised. "She's just angry. She always liked you. Then when she tried to fit in, you confronted her."
"I know. I'm a mouse-brain." Dejected, he sat down. His mother, Cinderheart, seemed to notice him from across camp. Padding over, she sat next to him.
"Are you okay?" she asked. Dovestar backed away, deciding to leave this to his parents. Thornclaw and Ivypool broke apart as Thornclaw left camp. Dovestar padded over just in time to hear, "Cherryfall'll kill me if I don't. I'll be back by sunset." Ivypool purred happily, then the smile faded as her sister approached.
"What do you want?" she snapped.
"You and Fernsong, that's what," replied Dovestar.
"I messed up," meowed Ivypool with a sigh. "I just wanted to fit into the Clan so bad. I guess I didn't want to be known as a traitor. Not anymore."
"I never thought of you as a traitor!" exclaimed the leader, her eyes wide.
"I know. But everyone else did."
"Not Fernsong." Dovestar laid her tail over her sister's back.
"I know," replied Ivypool, eyes filling with distress. "I didn't mean to hurt Fernsong. And I'm Thornclaw's mate now! I can't just become Fernsong's mate. Dovestar, what do I do?" The Clan leader looked at her with sorrow in her eyes and delivered the three terrible words.
"I don't know."
Chapter Four The yellow tabby tom crept slowly over the ground. His ear twitched as he listened for the tell-tale sound of paws that would mean Mist was following him. Nothing. He was completely alone. His one black paw contrasted against the lush, green landscape. He padded forward confidently, lifting his head. Scent tingled his nose; cat scent.
"Mist?" he asked warily. "Is that you? You can come out now!" A suddenly angry screech filled the air and a cat, no larger than himself, landed on his back.
"Get over here, Crowfeather! I'm only able to do so much on my own!" the cat yowled. A dark gray tom moved out of the bushes. His icy blue eyes seemed to pierce into the tom's very soul.
"Get off me!" he snapped at the young she-cat, flinging her from his back. The tom leapt at him, growling in anger.
"Are you okay, Fernpaw?" Crowfeather said before the yellow tabby drove his claws into the dark gray tom's stomach. Blood flowed freely from the wound and the warrior staggered back. He fell, gasping, to the ground.
"Crowfeather!" The she-cat, who was dark brown, rushed to his side. "Don't die!" she begged.
"I-I didn't mean for this to happen," said the tabby uneasily. "Can I help him in anyway?"
"Don't bother," snarled a voice and the yellow tabby stiffened, lifting his head. "That traitor is as good as dead."
"Leave, Mist," he snarled at the gray she-cat. Mist snorted, lifting her tail.
"Who will teach you to hunt, or protect you?" she said tauntingly.
"I will learn," he said simply and turned back to the bleeding tom.
"Help me carry him," said Fernpaw. "We need to get him to camp." The tom heard Mist pad softly away. Fernpaw caught his gaze briefly.
"I'm Fernpaw, by the way," she meowed. "That's Crowfeather. He's my mentor. We're WindClan cats. Who are you?"
"My name," said the tabby, considering his words carefully, "Is X." Chapter Five Crowfeather awoke groggily to the WindClan medicine den. Two cats sat nearby, talking in hushed tones. He struggled to sit up.
"Fernpaw?" he said, making out his apprentice.
"Fernstalk," she replied proudly.
"Is that-?" Crowfeather's eyes narrowed angrily as he spotted the yellow tabby. His claws instinctively unsheathed. He tried to move towards the tom.
"No!" shouted Fernstalk, rushing over to him, pushing him back slightly. The yellow tabby turned his unnerving gaze to the two of them, his violet eyes flashing.
"It's okay," said the tom. "I won't hurt you. I never meant to hurt you, anyway." Crowfeather eyed him suspiciously, then turned to Fernstalk.
"How long was I out?" he meowed.
"Three sunrises," said the brown she-cat said with concern. A black tom appeared at the entrance.
"Hey, Fernstalk," he meowed. "I just came to check on- Oh! He's awake!"
"Morning, Breezepelt," said Crowfeather, trying to stand but found he was too weak. I'm useless like this! Useless!
"You okay?" the tom asked, but Crowfeather doubted if he really was concerned. The tom probably just wanted to get back to his mate, Heathertail, and their kits.
"Fine," said Crowfeather grudgingly. "Go back to your duties." The tom turned to go, then stopped in front of the yellow tabby.
"Still thinking about it, X?" he asked.
"Yeah," meowed the yellow tabby- X. "Thanks, Breezepelt." Crowfeather was shocked. Since when did Breezepelt make friends with rogues?
"What are you still thinking about?" he asked, laying down with a sigh.
"Oh," X glanced up. "Well... Onestar offered for me to join WindClan. But-" he glanced at Fernstalk anxiously, "-I'm not sure." Suddenly, everything fell into place. This rogue had saved his life. In return, Onestar had offered him a place in the ranks of WindClan. The Clan obviously didn't know that X had been the one to injure him. But most importantly, his former apprentice had fallen in love with him. Crowfeather didn't like that. He didn't like X. He wanted him to leave.Chapter Six Tigerheart glanced at his father, Rowanstar. He knew the tom was growing feeble and old, with only two lives left. Sadness washed over him. This meant he would have to be leader. Can I do it? he wondered. He padded towards the entrance, but stopped as he heard paws pattering excitedly to the camp. He tasted the air. Is that... ThunderClan scent? Tigerheart thought. Leafpool burst into the camp, shoving Tigerheart aside. Alderheart followed closely behind her.
"Sorry about that," he said. "But we have exciting news to share- it can't wait until the Gathering!" Curious, he followed the two medicine cats. He saw Leafpool converse with Rowanstar, who let out a yowl to summon the cats of ShadowClan. It wasn't as loud or commanding as it used to be. His father was getting older.
"Cats of ShadowClan! Leafpool and Alderheart bring news that cannot wait until the Gathering," meowed Rowanstar. Unease rippled through ShadowClan as Leafpool climbed the rock.
"Shall I tell you the good news or the bad news? Best to start with the good," she said. "Dovestar is expecting Bumblestripe's kits." Tigerheart's ear flattened. What? No! His claws unconsciously slid out. Alderheart stepped forward, taking over the conversation.
"Now, the bad news," said Alderheart as the disapproving grumble died down. "ThunderClan has been spotting rogues more and more around our borders. Yesterday, at sunhigh, Sparkfire and Fernsong returned with Lionblaze, who was badly injured. They told us they met Claws- he's the leader of these rogues. Apparently, he was one of Darktail's rogues and he has rebuilt the group, stronger than ever. He recruited rogues, kittypets- and he has a mysterious member named X. Last I heard, X has settled in with WindClan." The ShadowClan cats shifted uncomfortably. Tigerheart glanced at his father. Rowanstar is in no shape to lead the Clan! We won't defeat these rogues with him as leader.
"Does this mean WindClan has been infiltrated?" wailed Needletail, pulling her son, Falconpaw, closer to her.
"We don't know," said Alderheart, exchanging a glance with Leafpool.
"Can we trust any new Clanmates?" asked Spikefur, glancing repulsively at Middawn. The she-cat had joined ShadowClan's ranks the last half-moon.
"We must be vigilant," replied Leafpool. The medicine cats leapt from the rock and padded towards the camp entrance. Alderheart looked back.
"Take care," he meowed, his eyes locking with Needletail's for a second. The two cats disappeared and the Clanmates disbanded. Tigerheart walked over to Rowanstar.
"Let's go for a hunt, father," he meowed. "Just you and I."Chapter Seven "I can't believe her," muttered Fernsong. He was pacing back and forth across the camp, his tail flicking anxiously. "Lionblaze is the best fighter in the Clan and she still wants to go out alone with Thornclaw." His eyes narrowed. "That rotten excuse for a cat," he spat silently. "He shouldn't be her mate! Ivypool should be my mate!" Sighing, he gave up his pacing and turned around to see Leafpool and Alderheart had returned from ShadowClan.
"Well?" he said, happy to have something that would hopefully occupy him longer than a few heartbeats.
"They seemed a bit... frightened," said Alderheart. "I never thought to see ShadowClan like this."
"Needletail seemed to think WindClan had been infiltrated by X," added Leafpool. "But I'm not so sure. He did save Crowfeather's life."
"But wouldn't he do that so he can gain their trust?" meowed Fernsong. Alderheart nodded slowly.
"It's possible," he meowed, but the uncertainty showed in his eyes, with something else. Shock? Horror? Bewilderment? Anger? It was hard to tell.
"We shouldn't rush to conclusions," snarled Leafpool, suddenly on the offence. "He might be fine!"
"Leafpool, we're not suggesting-" Fernsong broke off as realisation hit him. "Is this about Twigwind?"
"No!" she snapped, anxiety flashing in her gaze. Fernsong laid his tail across her back.
"It's ok," he meowed. "She's one of us now." Alderheart blinked at him greatfully as he led his mentor away. Fernsong noticed how old the she-cat was getting. His eyes roved the camp and he spotted Sparkfire padding around, ordering cats to do this and that.
"Hey," he meowed.
"Hi," she said, then glanced away and yowled, "Brackenfur! Please patch up that den!"
"Do you need me to-" Fernsong was cut off as a horrible, grief-stricken yowl split the camp.
"Somebody! Anybody! Help!" The yellow tabby's eyes narrowed. Ivypool? he wondered. He turned around and saw her fall to the ground, something furry falling from her back... Oh no, thought Fernsong, running to her side. Thornclaw!
"Get Leafpool! Or Alderheart! Or Jayfeather!" Ivypool screeched at him, her eyes wild. Dipping his head, he ran as quickly as he could across the camp, bursting into the medicine den.
"Fernsong?" Jayfeather's blind eyes narrowed. "How many times have I told you there is no herb to cure a broken heart?"
"It's Thornclaw!" snapped Fernsong, anger pulsing through him.
"Out of my way." Alderheart pushed past, followed by Leafpool. Fernsong sprinted after them, in time to see Alderheart scan over the tom. His eyes met Ivypool's, sorrow in his gaze.
"I'm sorry," he meowed. "The shallow ones will heal, but that deep wound in his flank-" He shook his head sadly, taking a pace back. "He's lost too much blood."
"No!" Ivypool let loose a horrible cry of anger and grief. "Thornclaw, no! Don't die!" The golden brown tabby tom lifted his head weakly.
"Don't worry," he murmured to Ivypool. "I will see you again, in StarClan." He exhaled and the light died from his eyes. His body went limp. Ivypool wailed and fell against Fernsong.
"I will kill you for this, Claws!" she snarled, then let out another wail. Fernsong's tail drooped in sadness at both Ivypool's grief and the death of the warrior. I'm so sorry, Thornclaw. I never got to thank you for making Ivypool happy during the short time you were mates. I wish I could have been there to save you.Chapter Eight "Tawnypelt, why can't I go on the Dawn Patrol tomorrow?" Falconpaw's whining voice split the camp.
"Because Rowanstar told you to stay in camp," replied Tawnypelt.
"But... I thought Tigerheart..."
"He was telling you what Rowanstar wanted. Now stop whining and take some prey to the Elders." The tawny she-cat winked at him, then whispered, "They might tell you a story." Falconpaw snorted and padded away, his ginger tabby pelt bushing. He hated it when his mentor said that. Stories weren't a reward; hunting, patrolling, defending his Clan; those were rewards. He selected a plump rabbit from the fresh-kill pile. I guess Kinkfur and Oakpelt will appreciate it, he thought unhappily. Falconpaw padded to the elder's den, tail low. He didn't know what to make of Ratscar. The old, grumpy, mysterious elder seemed to always make his life difficult. He paused at the entrance, took a breath, then stepped inside. His paws pattered across the soft ground and Oakfur turned his head.
"Ah, a rabbit," he meowed, eyes gleaming.
"Good choice, Falconpaw," said Kinkfur, acknowledging him with a nod. Falconpaw looked at Ratscar expectantly, who just grunted.
"Would you like to hear a story?" asked Kinkfur kindly.
"No, thanks," said Falconpaw. I wouldn't want to hear one even if it were to save me from death.
"Ah, but young one, this is the story of creation," put in Oakfur. The apprentice backed away.
"I heard that one as a kit," he said, disgusted. He began to leave the den.
"But that one is a lie," meowed a new voice. Falconpaw turned around to see Ratscar glaring after him. "LionClan, TigerClan- pah. That is not true."
"Ratscar! You shouldn't say such things!" remarked Kinkfur, but she didn't seem surprised at his outburst.
"What?" Falconpaw stared. "But even Alderheart-"
"He's ThunderClan," snorted Oakpelt, with so much contempt that Falconpaw thought he would charge out on a patrol to attack their neighbours any day.
"Ignorant fools," agreed the she-cat with her long, unkempt fur digging into Falconpaw's own. He couldn't believe his ears. Ratscar laid his tail across Falconpaw's back, drawing him close.
"Let me tell you the tale of the Brothers," he began, stretching a forepaw towards the den roof. "Long ago, this camp, this land, everything, did not exist. The moon appeared, shining it's light over the vast emptiness. Seeming to realise how alone it was, the moon created the very earth on which we stand. The moon, known as Lupa, looked down at the lad with pride. From the moon's rays came five cats who looked upon their new home. Two of them, who were she-cats, found valleys and forests to hunt and live in. But the Three Brothers who were left were reckless and brave. They angered Lupa, who cursed them. They were forced to feel sleepy under her rays and were powerless to hunt or to maintain the land. The smarter she-cats found themselves in a vastly expanding landscape. Then the sun, Fritz, came. He awoke the Three Brothers and pushed the moon from the sky. The Brothers, ravenous from their sleep, ate everything in sight. Lupa pushed Fritz from the sky once more and condemned the Brothers. The first became known as Mountain Brother, for he became the great mountains we see in the distance. The second became known as Forest Brother, for he became the forests we roam today. The third became known as Spirit Brother, for he became our connection to our ancestors."Chapter Nine Needletail padded across the ShadowClan camp, her eyes drifting skyward. No. StarClan cannot and will not help me. I have broken the warrior code twice with my kits. She neared the entrance, then glanced back to see Falconpaw's tail whisk into the elder's den. She sighed. You are so much like your father, Falconpaw, she thought wistfully. If only you could know that. She padded out into the forest, pine needles cracking under her paws. I guess my mother named me after them, she thought with some amusement. I guess she knew I'd become a cat who just got under everyone's paws. She tasted the air; there were frogs nearby. She let herself fall into a half-crouch; frogs couldn't scent like other prey, so she just had to keep quiet and out of sight. Padding slowly through the trees, Needletail could almost imagine sinking her teeth into the prey...
"Oof!" Needletail's claws slid out of their sheath's and she bared her teeth.
"I almost had that frog! It was right-"
"Needletail?" The sweet voice and light tone made her stop. Her claws sheathed once again and her lips covered her teeth.
*****
Tentatively, Needletail slipped a paw across the border. Her eyes roved the forest. The scent of ThunderClan filled her nostrils, the stench seeming sweeter than usual. She tasted the air again and her eyes widened. A patrol! She ducked behind the closest bush as voices floated towards her.
"Ok, Twigpaw, this is the border between us and ShadowClan, remember?"
"Yeah, I do now, Ivypool," replied a younger voice. Needletail stiffened. It's Violetpaw's sister! Slowing her breathing, she tried to remain calm. If I'm spotted, Twigpaw will know me! Needletail immediately regretted letting Violetpaw introduce the two at a Gathering. Another voice suddenly sounded.
"Hey, I smell ShadowClan... and it's fresh."
"It's the border, Sparkfire," snapped another voice- one Needletail recognised easily. "Of course you can smell ShadowClan. But just in case, I'll check it out."
"You're only meant to be-"
"Looking for herbs, I know. Now get on with the patrol. I'm sure I can handle one intruder." The pawsteps receded and a voice sounded in Needletail's ear.
"So you made it."
Chapter Ten
"Aren't they beautiful?" Dovestar blinked at Bumblestripe happily.
"They're perfect," he purred. He looked down at their three newborn kits. One looked almost exactly like Dovestar- a silver tabby white small, white paws and a couple of black patches. The second was a brown tabby with black paws and a strong, muscular build for such a small kit. The final kit was jet black with one silver forepaw. Bumblestripe hadn't been allowed to see them for a full seven moons as Dovestar had told him that, when she had the kits, he would have to help Sparkfire run the Clan. The silver tabby opened her eyes to reveal that they were a brilliant jay-blue colour.
"Hello," mewed Bumblestripe softly. The kit looked up at him.
"Hi?" it squeaked uncertainly. The second kit, who was a tom, stood up and pushed his sister aside, making her squeal pitifully. His amber eyes glared at his father curiously. The final kit woke up suddenly, seeming to notice it's brothers and sisters had moved away. It's eyes were green, or so it seemed until it moved to face Bumblestripe. He could see that one of it's eyes was green like Dovestar's while the other was a violet colour.
"We should name them," meowed Dovestar suddenly.
"Yes," purred Bumblestripe in reply.
"How about Streamkit for the silver tabby?" the Clan leader mewed.
"Perfect," replied her mate. "And Jaguarkit for the brown tabby?"
"Sure!" Dovestar meowed. "And the last one should be..." At this moment, Ivypool chose to walk into the den. Her eyes still shone with grief for Thornclaw as she meowed, "Bumblestripe, Sparkfire wants you to help organise patrols."
"You name her," said Bumblestripe, turning to go.
"Wait!" said Dovestar. "Can Ivypool name our last kit?" Her sister's eyes lit up with happiness as the leader said this.
"Of course," replied Bumblestripe. Ivypool looked at the kit with the multi-coloured eyes.
"Can I name her... Thornkit?" Chapter Eleven Tigerheart stared across the forest; the forest that would, one day, be his. His claws unsheathed in frustration. Why can't it be mine now? I practically lead this Clan! Anger radiated from his body. Rowanstar is old and weak! My father is feeble! He is not fit to lead! He forced himself to calm down as he heard footsteps behind him.
"Tigerheart? Rowanstar said we should battle train."
"Oh, he did, did he," Tigerheart muttered under his breath.
"What?" Slatepaw's ears pricked up.
"I was just wondering where we should train," Tigerheart meowed louder.
"Rowanstar said Tallpines would be a good place," Slatepaw mewed. "He also said-"
"Who cares?" snapped Tigerheart, losing his temper at the apprentice. "I am your mentor's sibling, not Rowanstar! We will do a mock battle in the Training Hollow, okay?" Slatepaw looked at him with wide, fearful eyes.
"O-ok," he stammered. Tigerheart relaxed and looked at him gently, licking the top of his head once.
"Sorry," he said. "I've been having a rough few moons." Slatepaw nodded knowingly. His mentor's brother slowly started padding towards Tallpines.
"I thought we were going to the Training Hollow," said Slatepaw.
"We can't disobey direct orders from Rowanstar," he meowed, putting a subtle twist on the word star. He walked along a bit faster, putting enough distance between him and his sibling's apprentice so he could mutter, "Or should I say, Rowanclaw."Chapter Twelve Bumblestripe's ears flattened slightly at the kit's new name. Dovestar gave him a look that seemed to consist of a warning and curiosity.
"Thornkit." Dovestar's approving acceptance of the name echoed throughout the den. "In honour of Thornclaw?" Ivypool's head drooped.
"Y-Yeah.." she muttered. Bumblestripe held back a snort of contempt. Whisking out of the den, he found himself nose-to-nose with Fernsong.
"Is Ivypool in there?" the worry in his voice and gaze was overpowering.
"Yep," Bumblestripe replied, half-grumpily. "She named our last kit."
"Really? That was so nice of you to let her name it!" Fernsong's appreciation almost washed away Bumblestripe's anger. Almost. Stepping aside, Bumblestripe let Fernsong into the den. He turned from where his mate and her sister were and left the camp.
"Bumblestripe!" Sparkfire's shocked voice echoed over to his ears, but Bumblestripe ignored it. Bumblestripe walked partway into ThunderClan territory and stopped. Spying a stick, he dragged it close, sitting down.
"Thornkit," he snarled, slashing at the stick. "Thornkit. That cursed name!" With each word, he clawed violently at the stick. "She should be over her grief!" He gave up on the mangled stick and began raking the ground.
"It's been a moon!" The pile of dirt at his paws was steadily growing, the hole big enough for a small kit.
"Fernsong has been with her!" The hole was larger now; almost the size of a burial ground.
"Thornkit. It's cursed!"
"Is that what you think?" The new, feminine voice made him turn. His eyes widened in shock.
"I didn't-"
"You think Thornkit's name is cursed?" Tears streaked down Ivypool's face. "You hate my name choice?"
"Ivypool, I didn't..." He lifted his gaze and caught hers. "I just don't want my kit to die the same horrific fate as Thornclaw."
"Then convince her." Tears still ran down Ivypool's face, though they were lessening with each heartbeat.
"What?"
"Convince Dovestar!" Ivypool's fresh joy radiated into the forest. "Convince Dovestar that I can mentor Thornkit! I'll protect her from any harm!" Ivypool met his gaze steadily. "I will mentor Thornkit, if you will let me."Chapter Thirteen "Hi, Needletail!" The cheerful, warm meow made Needletail jump.
"Oh, Alderheart! Hi!"
"ThunderClan scum," muttered a cat from beside her; Tigerheart.
"Ignore him," Alderheart said. "How has life been in ShadowClan?"
"Good," replied Needletail carefully. "Falconpaw's training has been going well."
"Glad to hear it," replied Alderheart. He then glanced over at Tigerheart. "He has a good mentor." The ShadowClan tom stiffened.
"Just because we are distant kin does not mean we can talk like Clanmates!" snapped Tigerheart. The deputy stalked off and the ThunderClan medicine cat looked at Needletail.
"Who put dirt in his fresh-kill?"
"He's often like this. I don't know what happened to him," she admitted. "It's been like this since Dove-"
"ThunderClan! To me!" Dovestar's tone echoed over the Island.
"Sorry," said Alderheart quickly. "I have to go."
"I understand," said Needletail, watching him go. Just at that moment, Falconpaw scrambled over to her.
"Who was that?" he asked his mother curiously.
"The ThunderClan medicine cat," she replied. "Or, at least, one of them."
"One of them?" The small dakr ginger tom shot her a curious glance.
"ThunderClan has three medicine cats," began Needletail. "Leafpool, who is the daughter of Firestar- you don't know him, he died before you were born. Jayfeather, who is the son of Leafpool and Crowfeather; his birth was forbidden. And finally, Alderheart. That's who I was talking to. He is the son of Squirrelflight, Leafpool's sister, and Brambleclaw."
"Who is Brambleclaw?" piped up Falconpaw.
"Brambleclaw was," corrected Needletail, "Firestar's deputy; the deputy before Dovestar."
"How do you know this stuff?"
"I did some bad, bad things in my lifetime," Needletail said before casting her gaze to the full moon.Five moons later...
Chapter fourteen "Attention, Clanmates! Attention!" Dovestar tried awkwardly to gain the attention of her Clan. They finally quietened and she cleared her throat.
"It has come time to apprentice my kits!" She flicked her tail at the excited young cats. "Streamkit, come forward. From this day forth, until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Streampaw. Sparkfire, you had an excellent mentor in Cherryfall and I trsut you to pass on all you know to Streampaw." The newly made apprentice touched noses with her mentor happily.
"Streampaw! Streampaw!" The Clan cheered out her name. Dovestar raised her tail for silence. Thornkit shuffled her paws as she glanced up at her mother.
Will I even get a mentor? I'm such a failure!
Over the past three moons, Thornkit had managed to be terrified by a mouse, almost caught by a heron, had the whole camp looking for her when she was in a tree and had a million cuts and scrapes.
"Jaguarkit, come forward."
Of course it's not me, Thornkit thought sadly.
"From this day forward, you shall be known as Jaguarpaw. Jaguarpaw, you specifically requested to be trained as a medicine cat. Leafpool has retired to the elders den, meaning you can train as a medicine cat. Alderheart, Jayfeather, I trust you to make Jaguarpaw into the best young healer you can." Jaguarpaw touched noses with Alderheart and then, after a moment's hesitation, with Jayfeather.
"Jaguarpaw! Jaguarpaw!"
"And finally." Dovestar's gaze was cast over to Thornkit, who blinked in surprise.
Me?
"Thornkit, please step forward. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known as Thornpaw. A mentor has been.." Dovestar paused for a moment, glancing at Bumblestripe quickly. "Advised." Thornpaw's heart sank.
Advised? My own mother knows I'm a failure and chose a mentor to suit!
"Ivypool." Thornpaw almost jumped. Ivypool was not a choice she expected. "You were going to mentor Thornpaw, but as you are so close to kitting, a temporary mentor will take your place. Bumblestripe, you shall take over Thornpaw's training for a total of two moons." Dovestar stepped back as Bumblestripe briefly touched noses with Thornpaw before Ivypool approached. The pregnant she-cat touched noses with her soon-to-be apprentice, joy in her gaze.
"Thornpaw! Thornpaw!"
"A final thing, ThunderClan!" Dovestar's calm green gaze swept over the clearing. "The Gathering is tonight. Streampaw and Jaguarpaw will be coming, as will Thornpaw. Ivypool, if you feel able, you may come. Berrynose, Whitewing, Bumblestripe and Hollytuft will stay to protect the camp while we are gone."
Could today get any better?
Chapter Fifteen"Get your paws off me, traitor!"
"I'm not lying; honest! I didn't know they would come here!" X's frantic tone split the air.
"Well, they came," spat Crowfeather, his neck fur bristling and his teeth bared. "And now we're all gonna pay for it." The older warrior limped away, wincing at the open wound on his leg. Fernstalk padded up beside X, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"I thought... I thought you were different," she murmured before brushing past him. The tom stared after her in stunned silence, then turned away from the camp, padding towards the exit.
"Yeah, that's right, traitor!" snarled a cat from behind him. "Get lost!"
"I don't need this, Breezepelt!" X hissed, wheeling around. His claws unsheathed and Breezepelt stumbled back, eyes wide. X stared him down for a moment, then turned around and stalked away, leaving the WindClan camp behind him. He padded along the riverbank that edged the border with ThunderClan, his thoughts jumbled. He sat down with a sigh, then leapt to his paws as he heard a summoning yowl. Heart racing, he dived into the nearest bush, hardly daring to breathe.
"We have to attend the Gathering, Harespring! The other Clans must be warned, and we mustn't look weak!" Onestar's angry, demanding tone rang out over the moor. Most of WindClan padded past X without a second glance. Their anger and frustration made them blind to his fear scent. Once they were truly gone, X crept after them, following their scent.
The Gathering. Maybe one of the other Clans will take me in. But who would take in a traitor? A cunning traitor at that, who made a Clan believe he was a good cat for six moons!
X shook himself. Those thoughts were lies, poison. He was a good cat. He trotted down towards the Island, his paws numb. He almost felt as if he had killed a cat. Maybe he had, just that it was sometime in the future, and he didn't know it yet. His eyes trailed over the masses of cats. He saw a couple of the leaders; he recognised them as Mistystar and Rowanstar, leap down from the tree to mingle. He realised he had missed the leaders talking. He padded down onto the Island and weaved his way through the talking cats. He ended up sitting beside a sleek silver-gray she-cat with narrowed green eyes.
"Hello," he mewed, trying to sound friendly. She opened her jaws to reply when a young cat bounded up to her. X was astonished; this cat was about his age!
"Are we leaving soon, Mother? Who is that? Why are you sitting with him?"
"Soon, Falconpaw," she purred. "And I don't know who he is. He just got here." At the mention of the young cat's name, X was suddenly sent tumbling back into the time when he was a small kit; warm fur brushed against his. It was his sibling! As soon as the memory had surfaced, it was gone, and he was back in the present.
"I'm X," he meowed quickly, not wanting to startle the she-cat with him zoning-out. The she-cat's eyes narrowed and she nudged Falconpaw away.
"Needletail," she meowed finally, after surveying him for some moments. In that heartbeat, a dark ginger tom padded over, humour flashing in his amber eyes.
"Got your paws full?" he questioned.
"I only just met X here," Needletail responded, somewhat flustered. "And this is my son, Falconpaw. Falconpaw, meet Alderheart. He's one of the medicine cats from ThunderClan." That's it hit X.
ThunderClan. ThunderClan. Thunderkit!
"I was Thunderkit!" he exclaimed, a little too loud. The tom and the she-cat stared at him in bewilderment while Falconpaw narrowed his eyes.
"You can't be," he snarled, a little too harshly. "My brother was stolen when I was a kit!"
"Mist stole me from a cat when I was a kit!" X started to connect things up. "She renamed me. Called me-" he paused for a moment, debating whether to continue before he realised he'd already blurted out this much. "Tyler. Said it was to remove me from the scum that would have raised me."
"M-my k-kit?" Needletail's eyes shone with joy and disbelief. A yowl split the air.
"They're attacking! And it's all X's fault!"Chapter Sixteen"X," Tigerheart muttered to himself, eyes narrowed as he tried to seek out the cat. He spotted Needletail gaping in astonishment at an unfamiliar cat and Tigerheart leapt from the tree, launching himself towards her. As he drew closer, he realised Alderheart was by her side and peeking around them both with a fearful expression on his face was his own apprentice, Falconpaw.
"Needletail! Who is this?" he thundered, not caring that he scared Falconpaw and startled Alderheart.
"My son," the she-cat replied steadily, holding the deputy's gaze.
"Your son?" Tigerheart blinked in shock.
"They call him X, but he's really Thunderkit. Well, he'd be Thunderpaw now."
"Well, then, Thunderpaw," Tigerheart sneered, noting that the tom flinched as he spoke. "Go prove yourself. Help our Clan."
"Claws won't forget this," snarled a cat as they ran past; obviously a rogue. X looked torn as he glanced around.
"No," the tom muttered darkly. "No, Claws won't forget this." In the blink of an eye, he was off, racing towards where Rowanstar and Mistystar stood, fighting side by side. After a shocked second, Tigerheart, Needletail and Falconpaw hared after him.
"X!" drawled a voice from ahead. A battle-scarred black tom was up ahead, gaze fixed on the rogue. X approached him warily, ears back. Tigerheart at back on his haunches and flicked his tail at Needletail and Falconpaw.
"Wait," he meowed. "Let's see how loyal your son is."
"Greetings, Claws," said X, no hint of tension in his tone. In fact, he greeted the other cat like an old friend.
"Have you come back with information at last?"
"From where I stand, it looks like you came to me. But yes, I have information. Also, I thought I'd give you a gift." X's voice lowered and Tigerheart had to lean forwards to hear him. "After all, this is your fifth leaf-fall leading these rogues. I'd like to congratulate you for holding onto power for so long." X whipped around and locked his gaze on Mistystar and Rowanstar. The rogue stalked forwards and Tigerheart felt himself frozen in place. Rain began to fall from the heavens. Still, X advanced.
"Mistystar! Rowanstar!" Tigerheart tried to call, but the wind and rain whipped away his voice.
In that instant, X attacked.
A hollow, echoing crack, a bone snapping, ran out over the hollow.
A cat lay dead at X's paws.
And X looked utterly thrilled by it.
Chapter Seventeen Thornpaw stared through the chaos to see a rogue standing over a body. The rain soaked her fur as she picked her way around fighting cats to get a better view. She forced her way past a shocked gray she-cat, a brown tom, a small apprentice and Alderheart to get even closer. This seemed to spur the others into action; the brown tabby tom padded along behind her, followed closely by Alderheart and the gray she-cat. She subconsciously noted that the small apprentice stayed behind, crouching and shocked, the rain slicking his fur flat. Thornpaw continued forwards, her pawsteps becoming less sure as she as she approached the rogue who had just murdered. She drew nearer, one pawstep at a time, as her thoughts ran wild. That's when it hit her. Maybe... just maybe... he is on our side. Maybe he killed Claws!
"Well done, X!" Claws' loud, happy tone split the air. Thornpaw's heart sunk. She was closer now. She crouched and felt the adult cats behind her to the same. She snuck closer and closer.
"I told you I could do it." X's triumphant tone was clearly recognisable. "It didn't take long to earn the trust of WindClan."
"Come on. Let's go enjoy your victory. We can finish this another time."
"Stay down," hissed Alderheart from behind her. Thornpaw obeyed, flattening herself lower against the ground. She spotted Claws leading his rogues away, then saw X trailing after them, tail drooping and ears back. Blood splattered across his muzzle and his eyes desperately searched the crowd. His gaze landed on a she-cat and the despair in his eyes was evident. The she-cat turned her back on him, ears flat. X's head dropped and he stared at the ground as he walked slowly away.
"Father!" The mew of a cat brought her focus back onto what had been happening. The brown tabby tom was standing up, pelt spiked. The gray she-cat and Alderheart joined him, both gasping unison. Thornpaw uncertainly stood up and her pelt spiked too. A familiar russet tabby pelt lay pawsteps away from her.
Laying dead on the grass was the one and only ShadowClan leader.
Rowanstar.
Chapter Eighteen Jaguarpaw itched to move, but Jayfeather put his tail in front of the younger tom.
"Wait," Jayfeather meowed. "You may not want to see what has happened."
"Jaguarpaw! Jayfeather!" Thornpaw came racing towards the medicine cats.
"What is it?" Jayfeather leapt to his paws with extreme grace for a blind cat. "Is some cat hurt?"
"Worse! X killed Rowanstar!" Thornpaw's eyes were wide and wild. Jayfeather gave Jaguarpaw an I-told-you-so glare.
"Alright, Thornpaw. Calm down. Jaguarpaw, go find Alderheart."
Jaguarpaw's ears flattened against his skull. "What? You want me to-"
"Go. Now." Jayfeather's voice was harsh. Jaguarpaw ducked his head and hurried away. His paws pattered quickly across the ground. The Island was beginning to grow darker as clouds went over the moon. Jaguarpaw continued to run, searching the crowd for Alderheart. Ignoring the fact that he was being rude, he shoved past cats, not bothering to say sorry, his heart hammering.
"Alderheart!" Jaguarpaw yowled as loud as good.
"Jaguarpaw? I'm over here!" Alderheart's head popped out of the crowd. Jaguarpaw padded over, and that's when he spotted it. Rowanstar seemed especially small and frail in death. His eyes were glazed over and his throat slashed open, blood pooled around him. His claws were out and his face was fixed in a permanent snarl. Padding the other way, showing no remorse and not even glancing back, was X, along with the other rogues.
Chapter Nineteen "You what?" Dovestar's mew split the air, echoing outwards, but she didn't care.
"I told you," Tigerheart snarled, voice low. "I'm glad he's dead."
"I know you will be leading now, but aren't you even the slightest bit sad? He was your father, Tigerheart, for StarClan's sake!"
"It's Tigerstar to you." Tigerheart's eyes lit with a dangerous spark. "And Rowanstar, my father? My father is dead. He's gone. He's been gone for a long time, Dovestar. He was gone after he lost his eighth life. He wasn't fit to lead." Tigerheart straightened. "But I am." He turned to face the crowd of anxious cats, ignoring Rowanstar's corpse and the exiting rogues.
"Come on, ShadowClan!" He shot a hate-filled glare at Dovestar. "We're done here." As his Clan left, Tigerheart moved to follow them.
"Wait!" Dovestar blocked his path. "Aren't you going to bury him?" She flicked her tail at Rowanstar.
"He's gone. That's just bones and fur. It's crowfood."
"You can't just-"
"Get out of my way, Dovewing!" Tigerheart shoved roughly past her and the ThunderClan leader fell back with shock. What had happened?
That wasn't the cat I used to love! He's changed! But why... and how? She glanced at the limp form of Rowanstar. Well, if he and ShadowClan won't bury Rowanstar, I will.
"Ivypool! Bumblestripe! Lionblaze!" Dovestar called. The three cats came over to her. "We need to bury Rowanstar. Ivypool, please gather up as many able warriors as you can. Bumblestripe, Lionblaze, come with me to dig a grave."
"ShadowClan should be burying him," Bumblestripe meowed. Dovestar's eyes flashed.
"Don't you think I know that? I tried to tell Tigerheart, but he wouldn't listen!" Her ears flattened. "Come on. Just because ShadowClan has turned it's back on StarClan, doesn't mean we will."
A single voice rang out over the Island, taunting and malicious.
"Burying dead cats? How absurd. Leave him for the crows, I say. What good does he do in the earth? Are you saving him for leaf-bare, when your bellies are empty and kits are starving?" Dovestar raised her head to meet Claws' gaze.
"We have honor," she spat. "Unlike you, it seems."
Chapter Twenty "I killed him." Tyler, or X as he was more commonly known, rocked back and forth on his paws. "I killed him!"
"Yes, and a job well done, if I say so myself," Claws drawled. "Though we were unable to kill his succesor- what was his name? Tigerscar, was it?"
"Tigerheart, now Tigerstar," explained Tyler patiently. "He'll be after you."
"Oh, there is doubt of that. You killed his father, the Clan leader. He'll be after you, and after me, and after everyone here in this camp!"
"Maybe," Tyler replied slowly, his tail flicking thoughtfully. "But I have a plan to change that."
"Oh, do tell," Claws murmured unenthusiastically, examining his paws. Tyler smiled maliciously, slowly unsheathing his claws.
"Well," he meowed, crouching down low before flying straight at Claws, "It begins with me killing you."
"What?" Outraged, Claws snapped at Tyler's face with his large canine teeth. Tyler smirked and clawed at the rogue leader's hindquarters before dashing out of reach.
"You're old and feeble, Claws," he yowled. "Out of practise, and unable to keep us safe!"
With a cry of anger, Claws charged straight for Tyler, who ducked under his swinging paws and raked his claws down the older tom's flank as he ran around him. Claws roared out a challenge and wheeled around, racing after Tyler, snapping at his heels and tail. Tyler ran faster, aiming for a dead oak tree. Claws raised a paw to lash out at Tyler's left back leg and the blow connected; Tyler yowled in shock and pain but didn't slow down. He leapt for the tree trunk, digging in his claws, hauling himself upwards. Claws followed as Tyler climbed dangerously high, throwing caution to the wind. Tyler suddenly stopped in the topmost branches and whirled around to look down at Claws.
"You're weak, and old, and feeble," X started. "But I can change that." In one swift claw swipe, Tyler severed the rotting limb from the tree. Claws' face changed from and expression of anger to a look of terror and horror. Down and down he fell, landing with a sickening crack on the ground below. Rogues milled around, murmured and whispering, occasionally glaring up at Tyler. Tyler glared back, unnerved. He had done what he had came to do.
*** Tyler was overcome with exhaustion by the time he reached the WindClan border. He stopped, and laid down beside the body of Claws that he had dragged with him, and waited for a patrol.
It wasn't long for one to arrive, Tyler recognising the pelts of Fernstalk, Crowfeather and Breezepelt, as well as a foreign cat. Breezepelt spotted Tyler and let out a yowl of challenge, haring towards him, followed closely by the other three cats.
"Get away, murderer!" spat Tyler's former friend. Tyler lowered his head and slowly stood up, limping heavily. The wound Claws had inflicted on his ankle was deep and painful.
"I ask for your forgiveness," Tyler mewed slowly. "And I bring an offering."
Tyler pulled forward the corpse of Claws and waited. |
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Can't wait to read it.
