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Post by lazy penguin on Feb 8, 2017 17:27:42 GMT -5
Pure
I am not what I was before.
That much is clear.
I was once whole.
I was once innocence.
I am neither now.
I used to watch the world go by without a care.
I can no longer watch.
You say I always smile.
I always frown.
I see more now that my eyes are closed.
I hear more with my deaf ears.
I have always ran.
I am taking a stand.
I am not what I was before.
I am pure.
Synopsis: Wrenpaw has never been a fighter. Whenever she and her littermates would spar, she'd always fall under the paws of one of the bigger kits. It had always been her dream to serve her clan as a medicine cat, working to heal the injuries of her clanmates instead of learning how to cause them. However, the young she-cat soon finds herself following the path of a warrior. At a time when tensions between the clans are sky-high, Wrenpaw finds herself caught up in a shocking mystery that will threaten to bring an end to the home she'd always thought was safe and secure. Allegiances: StormClanLeader: Lightningstar, dark grey tabby tom with white paws and amber eyes
Deputy: Thrushsong, light brown spotted tabby she-cat with green eyes
Apprentice: Snowpaw
Medicine Cat: Fawndapple, pale brown she-cat with amber eyes
Warriors:
Waspflight, pale golden tabby tom with amber eyes
Foxwhisker, dark ginger tabby tom with yellow-green eyes
Hailsong, dark brown tom with white points and blue eyes
Apprentice: Thunderpaw
Hawkfeather, light brown tom with yellow-amber eyes
Wolfstep, dark grey tabby she-cat with white paws and dark blue eyes
Apprentice: Rainpaw
Ebonysky, jet black she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Squirreltail, pale ginger tabby she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Badgerstripe, massive black-and-white tom with blue eyes
Duststorm, pale brown tom with yellow-amber eyes
Apprentice: Owlpaw
Shrewfoot, light grey tabby she-cat with green eyes
Queens:
Frostleaf, black-and-white she-cat with green eyes. Mate: Foxwhisker Kits: Wrenkit, Shrikekit, and Firekit
Greycloud, pale grey she-cat with white points and blue eyes. Mate: Duststorm Kits: Expecting
Kits:
Wrenkit, small black-and-white she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Shrikekit, black-and-white she-cat with dark blue eyes
Firekit, dark ginger tabby tom with white points and yellow-green eyes
Apprentices:
Snowpaw, pure white tom with blue eyes
Thunderpaw, white-and-grey patched she-cat with dark blue eyes
Rainpaw, pale grey she-cat with white paws and blue eyes
Owlpaw, dark grey tabby tom with yellow-green eyes
Elders:
Wildblaze, dark ginger tabby tom with yellow-green eyes
Mouse-ear, dark brown she-cat with white paws and green eyes
Cloudheart, pure white she-cat with blue eyes
IvyClanLeader: Brackenstar, massive golden tabby tom with green eyes
Deputy: Bramblethorn, dark brown tabby she-cat with yellow-amber eyes
Medicine Cat: Oakleaf, dark brown tabby tom with green eyes
Apprentice: Sorrelpaw
Warriors:
Swallowsong, pale brown spotted she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Birchleaf, dark grey tabby tom with white paws and blue eyes
Leaffall, light grey tom with amber eyes
Apprentice: Branchpaw
Mapleleaf, light brown she-cat with yellow-amber eyes
Thornfoot, dark golden tom with green eyes
Vinemask, jet black tom with yellow-green eyes
Thistlefur, dark grey spotted tom with white paws and blue eyes
Skyheart, light grey tabby she-cat with green eyes
Queens:
Fernshade, tortoiseshell she-cat with yellow-green eyes Mate: Brackenstar, Kits: Blossomkit, Mosskit, Sagekit, and Barkkit
Ashfeather, pale grey tabby she-cat with white paws and blue eyes Mate: Birchleaf Kits: Sparrowkit
Cloverstep, pale grey she-cat with white points and blue eyes Mate: Thistlefur, Kits: Tinykit and Pinekit
Kits:
Blossomkit, small tortoiseshell she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Mosskit, dark golden tom with yellow-amber eyes
Sagekit, large golden tabby she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Barkkit, dark golden tabby tom with green eyes
Sparrowkit, light grey mottled she-cat with white paws and blue eyes
Tinykit, dark grey tabby tom with white points and blue eyes
Pinekit, dark grey tom with green eyes
Apprentices:
Sorrelpaw, Jet black tom with yellow-amber eyes
Branchpaw, light brown tabby she-cast with yellow-amber eyes
Elders:
Mintstep, light grey mottled she-cat with yellow-green eyes
StreamClanLeader: Brindlestar, light brown and white spotted she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Deputy: Shadefang, dark grey tabby tom with white paws and green eyes
Apprentice: Shadowpaw
Medicine Cat: Marshstep, dark brown patched tom with yellow-amber eyes
Warriors:
Reedblaze, pale golden tabby tom with amber eyes
Heronwing, dark brown tabby she-cat with white paws and dark blue eyes
Apprentice: Smokepaw
Dappledleaf, tortoiseshell she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Apprentice: Mudpaw
Rippleheart, light grey spotted tabby she-cat with amber eyes
Newtstep, small jet black tom with yellow-green eyes
Queens:
Sunsplash, pale golden tabby she-cat with yellow-amber eyes Mate: Shadefang Kits: Splashkit, Dewkit, and Frogkit
Kits:
Splashkit, pale golden tabby she-cat with white paws and green eyes
Dewkit, small dark grey tabby tom with white paws and green eyes
Frogkit, dark grey tabby tom with yellow-amber eyes
Apprentices:
Shadowpaw, small jet black she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Smokepaw, black tom with white paws and dark blue eyes
Mudpaw, dark brown tabby tom with yellow-green eyes
Elders:
Minnowleap, tortoiseshell she-cat with yellow-green eyes
Egretflight, dark brown tabby tom with yellow-amber eyes
BreezeClanLeader: Heatherstar, light grey tabby she-cat with hazel eyes
Deputy: Lizardmask, light brown spotted tom with white paws and amber eyes
Medicine Cat: Hawkbreeze, light brown spotted tom with amber eyes
Warriors:
Sedgeleaf, pale brown tabby she-cat with green eyes
Seedflame, light ginger tabby tom with white paws and green eyes
Windheart, black-and-white tom with light blue eyes
Apprentice: Cloverpaw
Rabbitleap, small black-and-white tom with amber eyes
Harefoot, pale brown tabby tom with white paws and hazel eyes
Bluestem, light grey spotted tabby she-cat with white paws and dark blue eyes
Apprentice: Gorsepaw
Queens:
Kestrelfeather, ginger tabby she-cat with green eyes, Mate: Rabbitleap, Kits: Grousekit and Mothkit
Ryeflame, black-and-white she-cat with amber eyes, Mate: Adderstrike (deceased), Kits: Featherkit, Meadowkit, and Goldenkit
Kits:
Grousekit, black-and-white tom with amber eyes
Mothkit, small light ginger she-cat with white paws and amber eyes
Featherkit, black-and-white she-cat with blue eyes
Meadowkit, pale golden tabby she-cat with amber eyes
Goldenkit, pale golden tabby she-cat with white paws and amber eyes
Apprentices:
Cloverpaw, light grey spotted tabby she-cat with white paws and green eyes
Gorsepaw, dark grey tabby tom with white paws and dark blue eyes
Elders:
Beestripe, dark grey tabby tom with amber eyes
Larksong, light brown tabby she-cat with white paws and green eyes
Redsnout, dark ginger tabby tom with green eyes
MoonClanLeader: Nightstar, large jet black tom with green eyes
Deputy: Duskfeather, dark grey tabby tom with white paws and hazel eyes
Apprentice: Echopaw
Medicine Cat: Silverstreak, light grey tabby she-cat with white paws and light blue eyes
Warriors:
Greymoon, light grey she-cat with green eyes
Blacksky, jet black tom with hazel eyes
Apprentice: Dawnpaw
Needlefang, dark grey tabby tom with amber eyes
Owlsong, dark brown tabby tom with white paws and dark blue eyes
Apprentice: Pinepaw
Dewsplash, dark grey tabby she-cat with green eyes
Queens:
Morningpelt, light grey spotted tabby she-cat with white paws and dark blue eyes, Mate: Owlsong, Kits: Juniperkit, Shadowkit, and Lightkit
Kits:
Juniperkit, dark brown tabby she-cat with white paws and dark blue eyes
Shadowkit, dark grey tabby tom with white paws and dark blue eyes
Lightkit, light grey spotted tabby she-cat with white paws and dark blue eyes
Apprentices:
Echopaw, dark grey tabby she-cat with amber eyes
Dawnpaw, light grey tabby she-cat with white paws and hazel eyes
Pinepaw, dark grey tabby tom with hazel eyes
Elders:
Darkflower, jet black she-cat with green eyes
Eveningheart, dark brown tabby she-cat with yellow-amber eyes
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Post by lazy penguin on Feb 8, 2017 17:28:00 GMT -5
Prologue
The summer wind which had dominated most of the season and washed away the humidity and scorch now sat stagnant leaving the stiff aroma of lightning in the air. It wasn't a pleasant smell, indeed most forest cats learned to fear the danger that traveled along side a brewing tempest, and because of the looming danger many cats clung tight to the safe familiarities of their homes.
However, as the day passed by and the pleasant sky succumbed to the army of black clouds the dominant forest clan set off away from their residence in order to arrive at the swelling banks of the mighty river that would grant them protection in the midst of an inferno. The cats huddled together, none wanting to leave the anchor of their camp, but none daring enough to stay behind. Though as the watchful eyes scanned the treetops for a spark, a small kit broke away from the crowd, to naïve to recognize the peril that her decision would bring.
The kit slowly trekked her way across the well-known paths of the forest, gawking a every new discovery she made. She became mesmerized with the sight of the majestic oaks and maples, ignoring the alarm calls of the birds that fled the forest in search of a safer perch. Because of her distracted state, the kit wasn't looking when the first drops tumbled downwards from the heavens. The next thing she knew rain was pouring down soaking anything in its path, and turning the dry landscape into a marshland. The kit, now mildly frightened, looked around at her surroundings hoping to find away back to the warmth of her mother but found no familiar landmarks. As the young cat’s panic rose, the gales heaved against the towering trees, sending branches flying.
Crack! An alarming sound, drew the kit’s gaze high up into the sky, catching sight of a massive object hurtling over towards her. With a startled yelp, the she-cat was flung through the forest, landing in a tiny heap against a looming birch. The kit lay there dazed, beaten and bruised.
She debated giving up. Every part of her screamed to stay curled up, defeated. She dared not stay.
A strange light darted across the kits vision, and the violent howling of the wind faded into the background. As her eyes focused, the kit saw the light again, the figure weaving in between trees. The kit rose to her unsteady feet, her interest chasing out any rational thoughts. She followed the apparition from behind, dipping into shadows in order to keep herself hidden. Then in a blur of movement the light whipped around, and the face of an older cat appeared quickly before vanishing in a flash.
The kit stood in shock, not sure how to react to the strange occurrence. Then a familiar sound reached her ears, the sound of a rushing river. Hope sparked in the kitten's heart, kickstarting the small blaze that had been slowly dying.
The kit broke into a sprint, using the last of her energy in a burst, attempting to discover her family waiting for her on the safe banks of the river, smiles on their faces, happy that their smallest kit has returned safe and sound.
As the kit broke out of the treeline, however, she was met with terror. The riverbank had swollen so much that the choppy water almost swallowed the trees on the edge of the beach.
“Mother!” the kit shout in a vain attempt to compete with the wind in order to let her voice carry out. No cat answered her. The kit fell down onto the muddy ground, letting the filth soak through her fur. “Where are you?” the kit asked her voice barely a whisper.
The river responded to her. A massive chunk of riverbank from upstream collapsed into the water triggering a massive wave.
The kit could barely rise to her paws before it crashed over her, the swirling waters dragging her into its depths.
Chapter One
Wrenkit’s eyes flew open as she was transported out of the nightmare which had consumed her dreams. Heart racing, the young cat’s eyes frantically swept across her surroundings, taking in the comfort of the medicine cat between shaky breaths. The soft dawn light, filtered in through the den’s entrance. As her gaze swept to the left, the kit recognized the fuzzy pelt of Fawndapple, the medicine cat, curled up next her precious herb supply. To the kit’s right, a deep pool of fresh water gurgled, bring sound to the otherwise silent space.
After a few heartbeats the older kit had relaxed, and rising to her paws pushed the dark memories of the night far away. Struggling out of the medicine den, the she-kit sat down just outside, observing her clanmates darting in and out of the camp.
When the sun had made it a quarter way through the morning sky, Wrenkit became aware of Fawndapple waking in the den below her. It wasn’t long before the kind she-cat had come out only to silently sit next to the she-kit. The sun had made little progress when loud shrieks came from the nursery and two kits tumbled out of the entrance.
Wrenkt’s face contorted into a wistful smile, as her siblings tripped over themselves in order to be the first to reach to her. In the end it was her brother Firekit who managed to carefully swat at her, his ginger patches glowing in the morning light. Behind him, Wrenkit’s sister Shrikekit stumbled forward, her pelt still a ball of fluff.
“Hiya, Wrenkit!” her brother practically shouted. Though he was all excitement on the outside, something in his eyes twinkled with remorse. “Today already feels great, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, it does,” the she-kit responded earnestly. Even from the safety of camp, Wrenkit could hear the delightful choir of birds that had already set to work on filling the forest with hope and light. Yet something about the day still felt off. Maybe things could’ve been different, her mind wondered, betraying the icy calm that the young cat had tried to maintain. But that can never happen now… not after everything.
Her brother must have sensed some of her regret because a second later he replied. “I know it’ll be hard,” he took a deep breath, as if preparing himself for what he had to say. “It’ll be hard watching us go through our ceremony today, while you can’t have yours with us.” He shuffled his paws, and for once his expression seemed solemn and sincere. “I just want you to know that…” his voice dwindled of as he took another deep breath. “That I can’t wait until I can watch yours!”
Wrenkit felt her face droop, and her pelt flooded with the prickly sensation of guilt. “I don’t want to ruin this day for you,” she replied, forcing a smile across her muzzle. “I can’t wait to watch you guys up there together,” she said motioning to the fallen log where the leader ran ceremonies. “You’ll be great warriors, I know you will.”
Shrikekit stepped forward, her gaze full of confidence and respect. “And you’ll be a great medicine cat, Wrenkit,” she added, on her face a brilliant smile. “It’s what you were destined to be.” As the three kits huddled together telling stories, Wrenkit became conscious of the medicine cat listening in, Fawndapple’s pride obvious.
“You guys should probably get going,” Wrenkit interjected. “I’m sure Mother will be looking for you, and the ceremony should be starting a Sunhigh. That’s not that long from now.” Her siblings, though at first reluctant, agreed to leave her if only to appease their mother. Then Wrenkit, turning towards the medicine cat asked quietly. “Do you really think I’d make a good medicine cat?”
“Of course,” Fawndapple said with a smile. “I wouldn’t be teaching you if I thought you were a lost cause.” The she-cats words managed to comfort the young cat, even if the calm only lasted a few seconds. “Now,” the medicine cat’s brisk words shook her from her thoughts. “We should probably head back in.”
Wrenkit looked up, her eyes holding back silent tears. Without another sound the medicine cat heading into the den, the she-kit limping behind her. ...
As the sun reached its peak in the afternoon sky, the cats of StormClan gathered around the fallen tree, excitement practically buzzing in the air. Off to the corner, a fully-grown she-cat sat rigid, her long fur mixing with that of a small three-legged kit’s, creating a strong blend of brown, black, and white. The pair remained still the entire ceremony, both looking up at the two new apprentices with a mix of hope and regret.
There was no movement when the she-kit was paired up Hawkfeather, one of the youngest warriors. Nor was their any change when the tom received a mentor known for his skill in training rebellious apprentices. Their stature remained the same throughout the entire ceremony, both too scared to show any emotion. The kit not wanting to disappoint the older cat, and the medicine cat not wanting to worry the younger cat.
The ceremony didn’t last long, but to the pair sitting off to the side, it felt like ages. At the end both apprentices sparkled with joy, and bounded down to join their sister and parents. The kits’ happiness only foiled their sister’s misery and loneliness. It wasn’t long until Shrikepaw and Firepaw’s new mentors summoned them away and Wrenkit was was left to sulk back into her den, Fawndapple too busy to join her. Curling up in her nest, the she-kit drifted to sleep.…
The first thing Wrenkit noticed when she opened her eyes was that all the medicine cat herbs were out of place. Comfrey and marigold lay scattered across the floor of the den, and not a single herb sat in the pits that were they belonged.
The whole absurdity of the situation blinded the she-kit from the most notable object of the scene: a large claw resting on top of a pile of catmint. Emerging out of shock, Wrenkit slowly crept forward, examining the object from a distance.
Then, as if enchanted by some unknown force, the claw began to shake.
Wrenkit jumped backwards, but whatever had triggered this reaction wasn't stopping. The claw swung up into the air, and flung towards her, moving at uncanny speeds. All of a sudden the safe den disappeared. The she-kit’s gaze caught flashes of shadows, just blurs, fighting, and her nose caught the sharp stench of blood.
Scrambling to her paws, Wrenkit felt something brush up against her only to disappear in an instant. She could now hear piercing screams sounding off from somewhere behind her.
“Somebody... help…” Wrenkit gasped, but her breaths were too shallow and no reply followed. Then, the kit grew conscious of water filling up her throat. The kit screamed in terror, but nothing but gurgling water was heard by her ears. In a panic the young cat reared backwards, splashing water across her fur, the warmth most unwelcome in her pelt.
However, it dawned on Wrenkit only heartbeats later. No water was this warm. No water had that pungent scent. She wasn’t drowning in water, but blood.
The black-and-white cat’s visioned blurred until all she saw was black, then the blood spilled over. ...
Wrenkit woke up, bathed in the soft light that filtered through the medicine cat den. Above her Fawndapple stood, worrying filling her usually stable gaze. Before Wrenkit could manage a word, the medicine cat cut her off.
“We need to talk.”
“We need to talk.” The words of Wrenkit’s mentor-to-be echoed in her dark thoughts as the young black-and-white she-kit trailed the older she-cat across the camp. What does she need to talk to me about? she wondered, her mind still jumbled from her nightmare.
The young cat didn’t want to think about what would have happened had Fawndapple not woke her. Every now and then, Wrenkit would remember the darkness and feel the water crawl back up her throat, but she was too scared to say anything to the older cat.
When they’d reached the other side of camp, the medicine cat sat down in the shadow of the fallen tree, her eyes dull as if filled with pain.
“Wrenkit…” the medicine cat started, her voice already breaking. “Wrenkit, I had a dream last night,” her usually friendly gaze meeting the She-kit’s. “A dream from StarClan.”
This instantly caught Wrenkit’s attention. StarClan rarely spoke with medicine cats in their camps. And she’s telling me, the young kit realized with a jolt. She must really trust me! “What did they say?” she asked, her soft voice laced with curiosity.
“Well,” the medicine cat hesitated. “It was about… it was about you Wrenkit.”
“What?” Wrenkit managed, her previous excitement washed away. Her eyes finally took in the old medicine cat, her slumped posture, her cloudy eyes, her trembling voice. “What?!” she choked out. Her eyes glanced down at her trembling stub. The place where she’d lost her leg. The thing that had changed her life.
Fawndapple moved closer to the young cat, her tail gentle resting on Wrenkit’s shoulder. She had tears in her eyes, though not for the reason the black-and-white kit believed. “Wrenkit, I- I can’t mentor you,” the she-kit’s hazel eyes sweeping upwards, filled with fresh tears. “You have to be a warrior.”
“But-” Wrenkit started her voice still shaky and confused. “But I can’t be a warrior.” she thought aloud, her eyes once again meeting with her missing leg. Does StarClan not want me to be a medicine cat? Her mind raced. Am I not good enough? “Why would they tell you that?” she asked aloud, her voice hoarse.
“It’s not your destiny,” Fawndapple said, her voice still broken.
Wrenkit’s sadness melted into anger. Why do they get to decide my destiny? Why don’t I get a say in it? “But I want to be a medicine cat!” she hissed. “You said I could do it!”
“And you can do this,” Fawndapple replied, her normally comforting voice now unwelcome in the young cat’s mind.
“No I can’t!” Wrenkit snapped, the fur along her spine raising. “I can’t run, I can’t jump, I can't fight, I can’t do anything!”
“Wrenkit…” Fawndapple started, her voice filled with pity. “You can do everything you want. I remember when you believed that you couldn’t walk, and look at you now.” Wrenkit’s only response was a growl. The older medicine cat moved closer, letting the younger cat rest her head on her shoulder. “I know you can do this. You have to.”
Wrenkit nestled her muzzle against the medicine cat's fur, tears still flooding her face. “I don’t-” she whispered. “I don’t want to be a warrior.”
“I know.” Fawndapple comforted her. “But you’ll be a great one nonetheless.” Wrenkit felt her mouth contort into a soft smile. “We need to tell Lightningstar,” the medicine cat added, breaking away from the embrace. “I think we should go together.”
Wrenkit nodded, pushing away her tears. Her paws carried her after her friend, the fallen tree drawing closer and closer. Pausing at the entrance, Wrenkit took a deep breath as Fawndapple was swallowed by the dark den.
As she stepped inside, the blurry shape of Lightningstar came into view. Fawndapple was crouched down next to the grey tom, already informing him of the change. As the conversation was drawing to a close, the leader’s attention turned to her.
“Are you sure that this is what you want?” he asked, his voice stern.
“Yes,” Wrenkit answered finding a strange calm inside her. This is what I have to do, whether I want it or not.
Lightningstar let out a soft sigh. “Alright then. I’ll organize a ceremony as soon as I can,” he once again turned to the black-and-white she-kit. “I truly hope that you know what you’re getting into. The other clans won’t go easy on you because you’re crippled. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I understand,” Wrenkit swallowed a sharp reply. She’d heard nothing to reassure her in this decision, and the fact that the leader seem cautious only fueled her doubts.
“I know she’ll be fine, Lightningstar,” Fawndapple snapped, her eyes narrowing. “It is the wish of StarClan.”
Lightningstar nodded as the two cats exited his den, though his gaze betrayed his concern.
“I hope you’re right Fawndapple. I hope you’re right.”
…
As Wrenkit trailed Fawndapple out of the den, she spotted her sister Shrikepaw, looking up her. Breaking away from the medicine cat the black-and-white she-kit approached the new apprentice, hoping for some reassurance.
“What was that about?” Shrikepaw asked, her muzzle tipping towards the leader’s den.
Wrenkit took in a deep breath still unsure how to tell her sister. “Well….. Fawndapple had a dream last night an-”
“Fawndapple trusted you with a prophetic dream!” Shrikekit interrupted excitedly. “I knew that you were going to be a good medicine cat! Was it important? What was it about/ Are we going to fight in a war? Hawkfeather’s already taught me some awesome battle moves! I can’t wait until I can dig them into some IvyClan scum! Are we going to fight them?”
“Shrikepaw be quiet for one second!” Wrenkit hissed, her temper not yet eased from her previous encounter. “It wasn’t about a battle, or another clan, or anything important.” Shrikepaw’s eyes narrowed, the she-cat obviously confused. “It was about me.”
“Well that’s good isn’t it?” Shrikepaw asked her voice only slightly more solemn. “That means you're important, that you’re going to be a great medicine cat, right?”
“No it doesn’t Shrikepaw,” Wrenkit started hesitantly. “It said that I had to become a warrior.”
“What?!” Shrikepaw shrieked. “Doesn’t Fawndapple know that you can’t be a warrior? What if you get hurt?”
“What if you get hurt,” Wrenkit hissed, incapable of holding back her temper.
“I’m not crippled!” Shrikepaw replied her expression filled with shock. “I thought you wanted to be a medicine cat?”
“I do,” Wrenkit said earnestly. “But if it’s my destiny to be a warrior then I’m not going to stand around complaining. Just because I don’t have a leg doesn’t mean that I can’t do the same things as you!” The she-kit could feel the fur on her back fluffing up, though she was unaware that her sister was just repeating what she’d said when Fawndapple told her.
“Yes it does Wrenkit!” Shrikepaw hissed back. “You can’t be a warrior! Don’t you get it!” At this time Wrenkit became aware that her fight had drawn the attention of her clanmates, many of which were moving closer as if trying to listen in.
“I’m done talking to you about this,” Wrenkit sighed turning away from her sister. She heard Shrikepaw let out a huff as she stalked away, but was thankful that the apprentice didn’t follow her.
“What was that about?” Wrenkit turned around as she heard the sound of her brother’s voice.
“It’s nothing Firepaw, just leave me alone.” she snapped. The last thing she needed was to get into a fight with another one of her siblings.
“Alright, I won’t ask,” Firepaw responded, drawing closer to his sister. “But you look like you need to talk to someone.”
“Leave me alone.” Wrenkit repeated.
Firepaw sighed. “Fine, but here-” he said nudging forward a mouse he’d gotten from the fresh-kill pile. “At least have something to eat.”
Wrenkit became aware of him walking away, as she looked up at the fallen tree. Letting out a sigh she took a small bite out of the mouse.
“I can do this.”
Chapter Three
Long shadows draped themselves across the corners of camp as the StormClan cats were gathered in confusion. A moon had past since the apprenticeship of Shrikepaw and Firepaw, and while most people suspected their sister was to be apprenticed to Fawndapple, the medicine cat was suspiciously absent. From a darkened corner the lame kit's family sat watching her ascent up the fallen tree with mixed expressions of worry, happiness, and disgust.
Lightningstar stepped forward reciting the gathering call, despite the fact that most of the cats had previously gathered. As the last few warriors dwindled into the center of camp, the tabby tom began.
“Wrenkit,” he called, sending a chill up the young cat’s spine. “While you had exceeded the six moon requirement of apprenticeship, Fawndapple has now deemed you healthy enough to begin your training.” With a brief smile at the black-and-white she-kit, he continued. “From now on, until you receive your full name, you will be known as Wrenpaw. Your mentor will be Ebonysky.”
At this, a wave of shock swept through the gathered clan members, and though many of them tried to disguise it for the sake of the new apprentice, it was obvious that they didn’t approve of the leader’s decision to make the three-legged kit a warrior’s apprentice.
Ebonysky bravely took a step forward, her face a mask of confidence.
“Ebonysky,” Lightningstar addressed the young warrior. “It is no surprise that you grew into such a fine warrior with Cloudheart as your mentor, and I expect you to pass on on the skills you’ve learned from her into this apprentice. You’ve proven yourself to be determined and strategic in even the most stressful situations, and I expect nothing but the best from Wrenpaw under your watchful gaze.”
“I won’t let you down,” the raven-colored warrior replied, her voice barely a whisper. Then in one graceful movement, the young she-cat leapt up next to the black-and-white apprentice, touching her nose to the younger cat’s.
At this the crowd dispersed, still concerned, but also a bit hopefully. After all, the leader felt like it was the right choice, and he had never led them wrong before. Yet, some still doubted, and their concerns only boiled into anger the longer it sat stagnant.
“Wrenpaw!” a green-eyed warrior called from the shady corner where she sat. “I’m so proud of you,” stepping forward towards the new apprentice, Frostleaf, her mother, let out a purr.
“Thanks, mom,” Wrenpaw mumbled, heat flooding her pelt. Her gaze fluttered upwards to where the green leaves were showing signs of the approaching Leaf-fall.
“I knew you’d be a warrior, no matter what your father told me!” Frostleaf gushed, rubbing her cheek against her daughter’s. “You were never suited for the medicine den, that much was obvious to me from the moment you opened your eyes. Nothing could ever stop you from wrestling with your siblings, let alone get you to shut up about how great a warrior you were going to be.”
“Mom…” Wrenpaw groaned. “I’m not even sure if I can be a warrior, let alone a good one.”
“Nonsense,” Frostleaf snapped back. “If you keep telling yourself that then you’ll never be any better.” Resting her fluffy tail on Wrenpaw’s shoulder, the older queen added. “You just have to learn how to do things differently.”
Wrenpaw let out a sigh. Part of her was tired of learning things differently. It was exhausting, both mentally and physically. The other cats didn’t have to learn how to walk on only three-legs. The other cats didn’t have to worry about tiring themselves out when doing even the most mundane tasks. Yet, she knew that no amount of pouting was going to change this, so she only nodded.
“Alright,” Frostleaf nodded hesitantly. “I think Ebonysky needs you,” she added nudging her daughter towards the black she-cat who’d been waiting patiently while the queen spoke to her kit. As Wrenpaw walked silently walked away, her mother uttered one final sentence under her breath. “Be brave.”
…
“Are you ready?” Ebonysky asked hesitantly as her new apprentice limped towards her.
“Sure,” Wrenpaw replied, unsure of her mentor’s plans. Her eyes flicked up at the afternoon sky, and at the descending sun. “Although, there’s not much of the day left.”
The black warrior was already moving towards the exit of camp. “That shouldn’t be a problem,” she called over her shoulder as Wrenpaw struggled to catch up.
Wrenpaw wished her first experience in the great forests of StormClan were more memorable. In fact, she would’ve wished for anything but the boring Green-Leaf afternoon. No prey stirred in the treetops, no birds sang happy tunes, and none of the green shrubs glistened with profound beauty. It was to, say the least, unimpressive.
“Where are we going?” Wrenpaw asked, trailing behind her mentor, curious as to what she had in store for her first day.
“We’re almost there,” Ebonysky replied, her vague answers unsatisfying to the black-and-white she-cat.
The two never spoke again until the forest opened up into a wide, barren clearing. The training clearing, Wrenpaw recognized instantly from the descriptions she’d heard of it. What are we doing here? She asked herself, warily glancing at her ebony mentor.
“Alright, Wrenpaw,” her mentor grumbled. “Let’s see what you’re made of.” And with nothing more than that, the black she-cat leapt straight at the new apprentice, her paws slashing forward and striking Wrenpaw across the cheek.
“Wha-” Wrenpaw could barely manage a breath until her mentor launched into another strand of attacks.
“Lesson one!” Ebonysky shouted in between blows. “Always expect a fight!”
Wrenpaw gasped for breath, as her mentor dragged her to the mossy ground. Her paws, however, moved faster than her brain, and began to feebly scratch at the stronger warrior’s belly.
Ebonysky only responded by increasing the pressure on the black-and-white apprentice’s stomach. “Is that all you’ve got,” she hissed, her eyes aglow.
Once again Wrenpaw attempted to paw at her mentor’s exposed belly, but the older she-cat twisted her paw deeper into the apprentice’s gut, sending a jolt through Wrenpaw’s entire body.
“Come on,” The black she-cat mocked. “Even kits are better fighters than you!”
“Shut up!” Wrenpaw snarled, frantically twisting to break out of the warriors grasp. To her surprise, Ebonysky’s grip loosened enough so that she could break free, though the black-and-white she-cat suspected that the warrior had purposefully let her out.
Now on the offense, Wrenpaw raised her forepaw, swiping at her mentor’s nose. As if sensing her movements, Ebonysky dodged to the right, launching a counterattack which swept Wrenpaw off her feet once again. Instead of trying to move out of the way Wrenpaw let her mentor bring her down once again, and only grunted when she felt the familiar pressure of her mentor’s paw on her belly.
After a few failed attempts at escape, Wrenpaw furiously flung her head and paws back onto the ground, exhausted from the fight which had lasted surprisingly long.
“Tired already?” her mentor snapped, not even trying to hide her disapproval. “You'd be torn to pieces by IvyClan if this were a real battle.”
Wrenpaw didn't even attempt to engage in another mock battle. “Why don't you teach me some battle moves before jumping right into the attack,” she hissed fed up with her mentor’s attitude.
“Your instinct should be enough to keep you alive,” Ebonysky shot back, the fur along her back fluffing up. “I shouldn't have to walk you through battle moves that even a scrawny kit can perform.”
Wrenpaw let out an exasperated sigh. “You're supposed to be teaching me how to be a warrior, not fighting me the first chance you get!” She knew that angering her mentor wasn't the wisest choice, especially since the older cat had her pinned to the ground, but the black-and-white apprentice didn't have enough energy to fight her impulses.
“What would you know about being a mentor,” Ebonysky scolded. “It's not an easy task, let alone one that everyone wants.” Wrenpaw was taken aback at her mentor who had gone from a fiery warrior, to a more down-to-earth she-cat. “I promised Lightningstar I'd do my best to train you, and I will.” Her gaze drifted upwards to the dropping sun. “But you have to trust that what I'm doing is for the best,” the ebony she-cat gave her apprentice a sharp poke with her paw. “ Now, let's head back to camp before it gets dark.”
As the she-cat’s weight was lifted off her, Wrenpaw carefully rose to her paws. Despite her mentor’s change in tone, she still felt like she'd failed some sort of test.
The journey back home was uneventful and no words were shared between mentor and apprentice. When the pair saw the welcoming entrance, the sun had already dipped below the horizon. Splitting off from Ebonysky, Wrenpaw silently made her way to the apprentices’ den, wanting only to make her nest and drift off into a deep slumber.
However, as she passed under the fern opening she was greeted to a surprising sight. In the corner of the den, a neat nest of moss had been laid out for her, a freshly caught mouse lying limp next to it. Rising from their nests, two older apprentices headed towards the black-and-white she-cat.
“Hey Wrenpaw!” a pretty patched she-cat called from the left, her grey ear flicking in a friendly greeting. “Owlpaw and I fixed up your nest.”
“Firepaw wanted to help, but Waspflight needed him for some-sort of night hunting exercise,” The tabby tom added hastily.
“Err… thanks guys,” Wrenpaw managed, shocked that anyone would pay any attention into making sure she felt at home. The two apprentices flanked her as she limped towards the moss bed, filling the air with questions.
“So, how was Ebonysky?” the she-cat, Thunderpaw, asked with a friendly nudge. “I heard she’s really tough, even on warriors!”
“Plus,” Owlpaw added after his sister had finished. “You’re her first apprentice, she probably wants to impress Lightningstar.”
“Well,” Wrenpaw began, unsure how much to tell the older apprentices. “She has a very… unique training style-”
“Would you three shut up!” a white tom called from the corner of the den Wrenpaw had been purposefully ignoring. “Some of us have to wake up for the dawn patrol tomorrow.”
“Keep telling yourself that you big lovebird!” Thunderpaw casually called over her shoulder, before turning back to the black-and-white she-cat. “Snowpaw has been mooning over your sister ever since she started training.”
“He’d do anything for her,” Owlpaw admitted. “Even be overly hostile to you.” He cast a lonely glance over his shoulder at the white apprentice. “Which, for the record,” he added. “Is completely out of character for him.”
Thunderpaw must have picked up on Wrenpaw’s discomfort, and eased the black-and-white she-cat into her nest whispering, “I’m sure she’ll get over it soon, sisters always do.”
As the apprentices talked late into the night, Wrenpaw felt some of the stress of her encounter with Ebonysky ebb away. Yet, the issue of Shrikepaw still troubled her thoughts. I’m sure she’ll get over it soon. Thunderpaw’s words echoed in her head. Sisters always do.
“I hope you’re right,” she whispered in the shadow of the den. “I hope you’re right.”
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