NEW BLOOD-Breaking The Rules WWF Potluck Tale- New Poll!
Feb 9, 2019 16:43:44 GMT -5
Mosspool and ~Sapphire~ like this
Post by phantomstar57 on Feb 9, 2019 16:43:44 GMT -5
NEW BLOOD -
BREAKING THE RULES
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
POT LUCK - Valentine's Tale
โIndipaw, come on,โ Demonpaw called out. โYou have to come.โ
โDo I have to?โ she complained, flattening her ears against the idea of strange cats jostling her.
โYes,โ Kyemamaโs growl echoed in the den. โIf I have to go, you have to go.โ
With a growling groan, Indipaw rose and ambled out, then stood outside the apprentices' den, waiting, as excited Clan members gathered, ready to brave the brisk chilly night to attend the Gathering. Above, the moon shone full, and washed the land in silver light, turning the frosty ground as white as snow. The wind ruffled her white ruff, and her dark brown tabby britches. She twitched her tall ears, as her siblings joined her, careful not to jostle her.
โWhy do I have to go?โ Her breath condensed in the cold air before the breeze whisked it away. โToo many cats around.โ
โAfraid one might accidentally brush your tailtip?โ Phantompaw teased, his own thick dark silver tabby ruff fluffing against the wind. โI look forward to this.โ
โMe, too,โ Gentlepaw added, shaking his golden brown tabby pelt.
โYou like everyone, and donโt care if someone invades your space,โ Indipaw scoffed, baring her fangs briefly.
โCome, letโs move.โ Bramblestar commanded, stopping the exchange, and led his clanmates out of the hollow. Indipaw trotted along with her siblings, who knew to give her space to walk without touching them. Squirrelflight trotted beside her mate, in front of their mother, Kyestorm, a huge red tabby Maine Coon. Indipaw raised her bushy dark tail, pride in her breeding flashing through her. She planned to train and become the best warrior the Clans have ever seen, and already she stood as tall or taller than many full grown warriors.
โIt shall be a great gathering,โ ThunderClanโs deputy insisted, breaking Indipawโs musings. โEvery clan has apprentices this moon. Concentrate on that.โ
โIโll try,โ Kyemama mewed, staying beside her father, black-smoke Demonstone, who loped along, swaying from side to side like a log floating downstream in rough water. Indipaw hoped she grew huge like Demonpoppa. They reached the lake shore, and Indipaw uttered a mew of surprise when ice crackled beneath her paws. Frost coated the ground, looking like snow cover. She heard her mother and Spiderlegโs banter, flattening her own ears.
โIce?โ Spiderleg muttered. โNot good. Itโs too early.โ
โItโs going to be a wicked Leaf Bare,โ Kyemama remarked, glancing at the lanky black tom. โYour fur is getting thick. You look almost normal.โ
โOh, funny, coming from a giant red puffball,โ Spiderleg retorted, a chuckle in his voice. โEven your big ears are so fuzzy you look like a rabbit!โ
โHa!โ Kyemama mrrrowed. โLet WindClan mistake me for one! Especially that mouse-brain, Harespring.โ
โKyemama!โ Smokepaw, Indipawโs black-smoke sister, exclaimed. โWhat would you do?โ
โSheโd smush him under those enormous things she calls paws!โ Spiderleg replied with a humorous 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. โIโm just teasing, Smokepaw. Donโt look so shocked. Your mother and I have an understanding.โ
โOh, here they come,โ Kyemama growled.โYes, Spiderleg, Iโd love to flatten that fool.โ
Indipaw spied WindClan moving down the hill.
โLet any of them touch me,โ Indipaw growled under her breath. โIโd shred them to furry rags.โ
โWho? The red tabby tom?โ Demonpoppa asked, alert, his coat rising. He lashed his tail.
โNo, 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,โ Kyemama answered, her voice dropping to a growl. Indipawโs hackles rose, and she wished to slap anyone who angered her Kyemama.
โOh my, that was funny!โ Spiderlegโs guffaw tempered Indipawโs rising anger. His voice rose with mirth. โI bet she had a headache for days!โ
Everyone around them laughed, and Indipaw joined them. Bramblestar quickened the pace. They skirted the water, avoiding the marshes and sandy shallows.. They traversed close enough to crackle freezing water beneath Indipawโs well-insulated paws. The crunch of ice echoed across the lake.
โCrazy goofy Maine Coons,โ Spiderleg guffawed. โLucky are you with all that fur around your toes.โ
โSomething I wish I had,โ Bumblestripe said, staying well up on shore. โI hate cold wet paws.โ
โMost of us do,โ Berrynose meowed, as the Clan neared the tree bridge., Indipaw gazed around in wonder, intrigued with this new place. Her clanmates crossed the log, wary of the water below. Demonpoppa moved cautiously but with confidence, his thick muscular legs keeping him steady. Indipaw waited, hissing once as Spiderleg brushed past her.
โSuch a jumpy gal arenโt we?โ the lanky tom chided her, humor in his tone. โHow do you train if you donโt let anyone touch you?โ
โTraining is different,โ Indipaw mumbled, which caused Spiderleg to chuckle as he made his way down the massive log. Indipaw pondered the thought, but realized she hated anyone touching her in battle, too, but in fights, she need not hold back her desire to shriek, snarl and claw. She moved closer to the down old tree that served as a bridge to the island.
Demonpaw and Phantompaw raced along the trunk, leaving Berrynose 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. Indipaw leaped up,feeling no fear and pranced along the log, batting at old branch nubs, delighted in the experience. Her mentor, Thornclaw, who followed his apprentice at a distance, looked back at Kyemama.
โYour kits are insane,โ he grumbled, before walking across. Indipaw leaped from the log, following older clamates to a grand old tree, where an older silvery blue she-cat stood, waiting.
โBe polite,โ Kyemamaโs voice mewed from behind her, and gestured with her tail. "RiverClan Leader Mistystar, and ShadowClan Leader Rowanstar. Onestar of Windclan follows us.โ
Mistystar stood below the Great Tree with her clanmates, and her feathery tail rose in greeting.
โHallo! Oh my, Kyestorm! Your kits are big and beautiful. Glad to see you all!โ
โHallo!โ Bramblestar called out, as ThunderClan cats took their place, next to RiverClan. Indipaw bristled involuntarily at the close proximity of so many strangers. She sat next to Thornclaw, as Onestar led WindClan across the fallen tree. Onestar scowled at ThunderClan. His eyes roved over Indipaw, her parents, and her siblings, his expression softened, becoming thoughtful. Indipaw noticed his eyes rested on Smokepaw, who stood tall and proud, her vivid golden eyes braving the Clan leaders scrutiny. He nodded at her, jumping up into the Great Tree. The other leaders followed suit. Indipaw wondered why the leader looked that way at her sister.
โGreetings to all,โ Bramblestar called out. โI 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.โ
Joyous congratulations and greetings rippled around the Gathering, but Rowanstar glowered. Indipaw stared at the ShadowClan leader, and scowled back at him.
Bramblestar continued, breaking her gaze. โWe 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. Lilyheartโs kits will apprentice next moon!โ
โKyestorm we know,โ Onestar said gruffly. โWho is the huge tom beside her?โ
โPlease welcome Demonstone, Kyestormโs mate.โ Bramblestar stood up on his branch with excitement. โHe . . .โ Bramblestar paused when Brackenfur stood, and waved his tail, eyes bright. โPlease, warrior. Speak!โ
โI 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.โ Brackenfurโs golden brown tabby coat rippled with his conviction, and Indipaw puffed with pride. โHis strength and abilities in fortifying our dens and barrier has just been phenomenal. I want to formally welcome him into the Clans. Demonstone?โ
โGreetings,โ Demonpoppa stood up. His long fur ruffled in the cold breeze. Love and pride filled Indipawโs heart, as her father moved to stand beside Brackenfur, dwarfing the old warrior. His bright gold eyes shone as he respectfully nodded to each Clan Leader.โI am happy to be here, and to finally meet other Clans.โ
Surprised muttering and cheers went up from the gathered cats. Brackenfur stepped back, and Demonpoppa returned to Kyemamaโs side. Bramblestar waved his tail.
โWe have a new warrior as well, Sparkfire. Alderheart is now a full medicine cat,โ Bramblestar finished. Squirrelflight and Bramblestarโs kits stepped forward. Both sported their fatherโs broad shoulders, but only Alderheartโs eyes shone the same color as his fatherโs, while Sparkfireโs eyes gleamed jade green. Both stood proud and quiet. Alderheart quietly left his sisterโs side to join the medicine cats. Bramblestar continued, his voice full of pride and love. โPrey 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.โ Bramblestar sat down.
โWe, too, have two apprentices this moon!โ Mistystar announced. โCome forward Silverpaw and Troutpaw!โ
Two silver-white long-haired cats stepped forward, a she-cat and a tom. Black tipped their long hairs, giving them lighter, more silvery pelts than Indipaw's smoke siblings. The young tomโs coat darkened more around his legs, face and tail and along his back, while the she-catโs pelt glistened lighter, with just a blush of shadings in those same areas. Indipaw heard someone inhale sharply and glanced to her side at her sister. Bluepawโs blue eyes locked onto the RiverClan apprentices. Kyemama slapped her kit with a big bushy tail.
โWhat, Kyemama? They have such pretty coats!โ Bluepaw hissed in annoyance, then raised her voice to join others. โSilverpaw! Troutpaw!โ
โWe, too, have apprentices this moon,โ Rowanstar announced. โSnowpaw and Pinepaw. And Puddlepaw is training to be a medicine cat. Littlecloud finally has an apprentice.โ
The entire Gathering cheered their names, and Indipaw watched the two warrior apprentices come forward. Snowpaw and Pinepaw stood together, touching, tails up.
โUgh they are leaning into each other so much,โ Indipaw muttered. โHow do they stand it?โ Indipaw eyed white Snowpawโs black ears, tail, and mask. His eyes met hers, and her haughty disdain sagged under unexpected curiosity. Her ears rose, and she met his gaze. She suddenly wanted to go say hello. She shook herself and sneezed at the alien emotion. Onestar rose to his feet, distracting her.
โWe also have a new apprentice, Fernpaw. We also have new warriors, Slightfoot, Feathershine, Hootflight, and Oatclaw!โ The five stepped forward, and Indipaw raised her voice with the others in congratulations. The young brown she-cat stood proud, yet quiet, her green eyes shining. Three of the new warriors nodded politely. Oatclaw, a pale brown tabby with jet-black stripes stepped forward. His white paws quivered with the effort to keep still, and Indipaw noticed Smokepaw eyeing him with interest. She snorted, knowing her sisters found the strange toms attractive. She thought about snuggling next to a potential mate and shivered. No, nobody will ever touch me, she thought, even as she locked eyes with Snowpaw again. He nodded to her, tail up in greeting. She impulsively returned the tail gesture. Rowanstar stood up, his voice full of contempt, breaking the moment.
โNobody mentioned the coyotes. The howling still continues, yet nothing has happened. Perhaps this nonsense about four Clans will be one shall never be needed.โ
โYou canโt know that,โ Kyemama blurted out. โBlackstar 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 didnโt need us one day?โ
โYou saw Blackstar?โ Rowanstar stared, taken aback, then he scowled. โAnd you wait six moons to tell me this?โ
โI had forgotten in all the chaos,โ Kyemama answered. Rowanstarโs yellow eyes blazed, and his ginger coat bristled. Indipaw growled deep in her chest, ready to defend her Kyemama.
โHow convenient,โ he growled. โYou lie now just to make yourself look good.โ
โShe does not lie,โ Demonpoppa surged forward, and stood, coat flat, gold eyes calm, and held his bottlebrush tail over his back. โPlease, 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.โ
Indipaw relaxed, proud of her father, when Rowanstar stared, his fur flattening, his eyes roving over Demonpoppaโs enormous form, then sat down.
โVery well,โ he grumbled. โBut we have seen no coyotes or strange wild dogs. They do not pass the horseplace. Tawnypelt and I have kits on the way. ShadowClan prospers with many kits and apprentices.โ Rowanstarโs voice rang with pride. โAnd we will get them through Leaf Bare with no problems.โ
โCongratulations! A reason to enjoy this Gathering, for who knows what Leaf Bare may bring,โ Onestar spoke up, his golden-copper eyes calm. โIf all news has been shared, letโs mingle and enjoy.โ
โI concur,โ Bramblestar said, glancing at Onestar with a befuddled expression. Indipaw turned her head to peer across the space at Snowpaw. He watched her, and she felt a stab of longing, wanting to go talk to him. She stepped forward, paused, then walked toward the young tom, eager to speak to him. He met her gaze, tail up, his face breaking into an expression of delight. Enraged words destroyed the moment and Indipaw whipped her head around at Harespring's yowling.
โI donโt! This queen and her kits are just kittypets! Weak and fluffy. Drive them out!โ
โIโll show you weak and fluffy, mouse-brain!โ Kyemama hissed, and Indipaw bared her fangs, her long dagger claws kneading the hard ground.
โWe arenโt weak, mousebrain,โ she impulsively snarled in retort. Harespring ignored her, glaring at Kyemama, and she growled. To Indipawโs shock, he accepted her motherโs unspoken challenge, and leaped at her. She rushed to meet him, rearing up as he tried to slash her throat. His claws came away only with hunks of red hair from her ample ruff. She struck him, one paw on his face, the other on his shoulder, and slammed him to the frozen frosty ground. She held firm, even as he twisted under her grasp. His rear claws pummeled her flank, but she moved aside, and his flailing claws caught just more thick red fur. She held his face to the ground, clawtips just pricking past his pelt to his skin. He struggled to curl his hind feet around to rip her body, but his claws only swished through cold air. She pushed down with a firm grip, flexing her claws and toes. Indipaw glanced at the moon, which continued to glow unimpeded.
โOww! Youโre pushing a rock in my eye!โ Harespring hissed. โSandโs going up my nose!โ
โGive me an excuse to squash your pathetic skull, you mouse-brained lump of crow food!โ Kyemama snarled, and glared at Furzepelt, who crouched, ready to pounce. โWant some of this? Iโll rattle your brain so hard youโll need someone to help you find fresh kill for the rest of your life.โ
Indipaw quivered in place wanting to pounce on Furzepelt and drill her head into the dirt. A growl rumbled deep in her chest. Harespring yowled in pain, and he went limp. Only his tail twitched and slapped the hard ground. Furzepeltโs eyes widened and she slunk behind another warrior.
โStop,โ Onestar commanded. โKyestorm, please, let him up. Harespring! Donโt make me sorry about my choice of deputy.โ
Kyemama sprang back, and she released Harespring. He scurried over to sit under the Great Oak Tree, shaking his head.
โCowardsโ Indipaw rumbled, stifling the urge to attack both of them. Kyemama looked up at the moon, which still shone bright in clear skies. Silverpelt sparkled.
โStarClan isnโt angry with me?โ Kyemama finally managed to squeak. Indipaw stared with amazement, then felt smug, knowing StarClan approved of her mother's actions.
โNo, nor am I,โ Onestar broke the tension with a rare hearty mroow of laughter. Someone else tittered.
โWish I had done that,โ another cat meowed. Indipaw caught sight of a dark grey tail vanishing into the crowd of cats, as laughter echoed in the glade. Even Rowanstar looked amused, and Tawnypelt purred with mirth. A feline grin of pure delight spread over Mistystarโs 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 Indipawโs siblings and milk brothers gaped in pleased surprise. Harespring shook himself, and groomed his face, looking at the ground. He glanced Kyemamaโs way with pure hatred,
โYou have a way of getting the point across,โ Brackenfur bumped Kyemama with his head. โThat was splendid!โ
โWell done,โ whispered a dark gray tom, walking past Kyemama without looking her in the face. โIโve wanted to do that for many seasons.โ
Indipaw flattened her fur, and watched the mingling cats. Oatclaw met up with Smokepaw. His green eyes danced with delight, and hers sparkled in return. She thought about Snowpaw. The Clans frowned on inter-Clan relationships, and clearly Smokepaw did not care. Indipaw growled.
โWell, if she can, so can I.โ
Indipaw turned her attention to the mingling Clans, and shivered. Cats greeted each other, purring and mrrowing in good spirits, sharing tongues, The young apprentice from ShadowClan stalked proudly up to Kyemama and Indipaw. His long white pelt puffed against the wind, and Indipaw stood, mesmerized by his black-patched head and the black spots on the apprenticeโs tail, head, and ears.
โHallo! Iโm Snowpaw.โ His gaze fell on Indipaw, and his yellow eyes widened briefly. โWhoโs your daughter?โ
โIโm Indipaw,โ Indipaw answered for herself, and not a shred of animosity burned in her body. Snowpaw looked up at Indipaw, and like Oatclaw, only blinked, then purred delight. Indipaw stood rooted to the ground, suddenly wanting him to reciprocate. She inhaled deeply, drinking in his scent, not caring he smelled of ShadowClan.
โHallo, Indipaw. Iโm Snowpaw. Will you walk with me?โ
โS-S-sure,โ Indipaw stuttered, and they ambled over to the ShadowClan contingent, stopping in front of a black she-cat whom Indipaw recognized as Pinepaw.
โMy sister, Pinepaw,โ Snowpaw announced, and she gave Indipaw a feline grin.
โGlad you agreed to walk with him,โ she chortled. โHeโs been ogling you since you crossed the log bridge.โ
โReally?โ
โYes,โ Snowpaw answered, impulsively rubbing his head on her shoulder. Gasps went up from Indipawโs siblings and clanmates. She convulsed, ready to snap and claw, but he raised his face to hers, and the urge to slap him into the next moon vanished like a puff of fog on a windy morning. She glanced at her fellow apprentices, all who paused to gape in shock. A small argument broke out, but Indipaw heard nothing of it. Greypaw trotted toward her, and she felt her muscles tense. He purposefully walked past her, rubbing his body against hers. She reacted without thought, hissing with a scream, and leaped sideways, slapping his flank with one of her huge white paws. Snowpaw gaped, backing up a step.
Iโm, Iโm sorry!โ he stuttered. โI didnโt know you hated contact.โ
โDonโt be sorry,โ Indipawโs heart suddenly pounded with the realization she may have alienated this sweet tom. She glared briefly at Greypaw, then turned back to Snowpaw, who turned away, his tail down, ears flat in obvious disappointment.
โI love to share tongues and to snuggle when sleeping,โ he mewed. โYou will never do that with me.โ
โI, I, . . . โIndipaw stuttered then scowled. โYou act like weโre going to be mates. Weโre in different Clans.โ
โI know,โ Snowpaw agreed, then flattened his ears. โI donโt care. Youโre the only she-cat Iโve ever had interest in."
โTrue,โ Pinepaw guffawed, then sobered. โBut she is a ThunderClan cat.โ
โSo?โ Snowpaw retorted. โTawnypelt came from that Clan.โ Snowpaw lowered his head. โDoesnโt matter. You hate contact.โ
โBut I didnโt strike you!โ Indipaw protested, leaping after him, suddenly not caring he came from ShadowClan. โDonโt you like me?โ
โI do,โ Snowpawโs voice quivered and his black tail dragged behind him. โYou had to really fight not to hit me, didnโt you.โ
โNo! That is it, I didnโt!โ Indipaw trotted after him, easily caught up, and rubbed her body against his, She felt no inclination to strike or hiss. โSee?โ
โBut what if I touch you?โ Snowpaw mewled like a sad kit.
โTouch me,โ Indipaw pleaded. โHere, Iโll sit with my back to you. You and Pinepaw, touch me but donโt tell me who. Just do it.โ
โCome on, Snowpaw, letโs do this,โ Pinepaw groused. โOr youโll be pining all night.โ
Indipaw sat, facing away from them. She twitched her tail, and looked up at the moon.
โPlease, StarClan,โ she whispered. โLet this be true.โ
A paw rested on her back and she exploded, whirling, uttering a screaming hiss, paw raised to strike, coming face to face with Pinepaw. She sagged inwardly, lowered her paw, and trying to ignore Snowpawโs wide woebegone gold eyes, she sat down again. Another paw swiped her back, and she spun around with a bared fangs, facing a white she-cat.
โWho are you?โ Indipaw snarled.
โNeedletail.โ The silver-white she-cat scowled. โPinepaw asked me to join this experiment. Great StarClan, you really canโt handle being touched.โ
โNo, I canโt, never could,โ Indipaw replied, drawing a long quavering breath. She met Snowpawโs golden gaze, and sat down again, her back turned to him. Sadness and disappointment welled up, but when another paw rested on her shoulder, she leaped sideways with a scream, smacking Rainpaw with a big paw. She flattened her fur immediately, and sat down.
At the next touch, she spun and almost slapped a plump white apprentice in the face. Her green-gold eyes dilated with dread.
โWho are you?โ Indipaw asked, her anger dropping like a stone, as she eyed the she-cat, noting her black ears.
โBeepaw, Snowpaw and Pinepawโs sister.โ
โIโm sorry,โ Indipaw mumbled, biting her tongue so she did not wail like a kit. Beepaw waddled off quickly.
โHopeless,โ Snowpaw muttered, fear and disappointment in his voice. Indipaw sat back down, head down, her heart full of dismay. A paw stepped on her lower back, and to Indipawโs shock, she merely turned her head, coming face to face with Snowpawโs golden eyes.
โI didnโt flip out!โ Indipaw exclaimed, joy flashing through her. She pushed her face against his. โI didnโt! Only you can touch me.โ
Snowpaw gaped at her, and she licked his face. Gasps, exclamation and a few titters rippled though the cats who watched. Smokepaw and Oatclaw nodded, and Bluepaw and Troutleap flashed her grins. Needletail sauntered away, tail waving.
โGood luck, Snowpaw. Donโt get so attached. Remember after the gathering, youโre enemies again.โ
Indipaw ignored the remark, rubbing her body along Snowpawโs. He slowly relaxed.
โSo you can tolerate me touching you, but nobody else?โ Snowpawโs eyes grew round and wide.
โYes, furball! Yes!โ Indipaw danced in place. โAnd I like it!โ
She pressed herself against him, and purred. His touch did not annoy her, and she took pleasure in the warmth of his body.
โThat makes me happy!โ Snowpaw head butted her, and she licked his ear. Needletail headed straight for her, and merely tapped Indipawโs back with her tail.
โDonโt touch me,โ Indipaw snarled. โOnly Snowpaw can.โ
Over the next few days, as the light snow melted into the ground, Indipaw thought about Snowpaw every waking moment, faltering in her training, and missing kills. One morning, after she slipped and missed an easy catch, allowing the squirrel to scamper up a tree, Thornclaw sat down, scowling at her.
โFocus,โ he growled. โYouโre far better than this.โ
โSorry,โ Indipaw apologized.
โJust concentrate and stop thinking of someone you just met,โ Thornclaw reprimanded her with a harsh growl and curl of lip. โYouโre the best apprentice Iโve ever trained. Act like it.โ
โI am?โ Indipaw perked up at the praise.
BREAKING THE RULES
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
POT LUCK - Valentine's Tale
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
PART ONE
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. A cover of heavy frost already whitened the ground. Indipaw curled in her nest, listening to the wind, and her clanmateโs excited chatter about the upcoming gathering. Bare dirt floor circled her nest, separating hers from the rest. The nests belonging to her siblings, Smokepaw, Bluepaw, Demonpaw, Gentlepaw, and Phantompaw, and her milk brothers, Rainpaw and Greypaw, ringed hers, all touching each other, but gave hers space. โIndipaw, come on,โ Demonpaw called out. โYou have to come.โ
โDo I have to?โ she complained, flattening her ears against the idea of strange cats jostling her.
โYes,โ Kyemamaโs growl echoed in the den. โIf I have to go, you have to go.โ
With a growling groan, Indipaw rose and ambled out, then stood outside the apprentices' den, waiting, as excited Clan members gathered, ready to brave the brisk chilly night to attend the Gathering. Above, the moon shone full, and washed the land in silver light, turning the frosty ground as white as snow. The wind ruffled her white ruff, and her dark brown tabby britches. She twitched her tall ears, as her siblings joined her, careful not to jostle her.
โWhy do I have to go?โ Her breath condensed in the cold air before the breeze whisked it away. โToo many cats around.โ
โAfraid one might accidentally brush your tailtip?โ Phantompaw teased, his own thick dark silver tabby ruff fluffing against the wind. โI look forward to this.โ
โMe, too,โ Gentlepaw added, shaking his golden brown tabby pelt.
โYou like everyone, and donโt care if someone invades your space,โ Indipaw scoffed, baring her fangs briefly.
โCome, letโs move.โ Bramblestar commanded, stopping the exchange, and led his clanmates out of the hollow. Indipaw trotted along with her siblings, who knew to give her space to walk without touching them. Squirrelflight trotted beside her mate, in front of their mother, Kyestorm, a huge red tabby Maine Coon. Indipaw raised her bushy dark tail, pride in her breeding flashing through her. She planned to train and become the best warrior the Clans have ever seen, and already she stood as tall or taller than many full grown warriors.
โIt shall be a great gathering,โ ThunderClanโs deputy insisted, breaking Indipawโs musings. โEvery clan has apprentices this moon. Concentrate on that.โ
โIโll try,โ Kyemama mewed, staying beside her father, black-smoke Demonstone, who loped along, swaying from side to side like a log floating downstream in rough water. Indipaw hoped she grew huge like Demonpoppa. They reached the lake shore, and Indipaw uttered a mew of surprise when ice crackled beneath her paws. Frost coated the ground, looking like snow cover. She heard her mother and Spiderlegโs banter, flattening her own ears.
โIce?โ Spiderleg muttered. โNot good. Itโs too early.โ
โItโs going to be a wicked Leaf Bare,โ Kyemama remarked, glancing at the lanky black tom. โYour fur is getting thick. You look almost normal.โ
โOh, funny, coming from a giant red puffball,โ Spiderleg retorted, a chuckle in his voice. โEven your big ears are so fuzzy you look like a rabbit!โ
โHa!โ Kyemama mrrrowed. โLet WindClan mistake me for one! Especially that mouse-brain, Harespring.โ
โKyemama!โ Smokepaw, Indipawโs black-smoke sister, exclaimed. โWhat would you do?โ
โSheโd smush him under those enormous things she calls paws!โ Spiderleg replied with a humorous 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. โIโm just teasing, Smokepaw. Donโt look so shocked. Your mother and I have an understanding.โ
โOh, here they come,โ Kyemama growled.โYes, Spiderleg, Iโd love to flatten that fool.โ
Indipaw spied WindClan moving down the hill.
โLet any of them touch me,โ Indipaw growled under her breath. โIโd shred them to furry rags.โ
โWho? The red tabby tom?โ Demonpoppa asked, alert, his coat rising. He lashed his tail.
โNo, 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,โ Kyemama answered, her voice dropping to a growl. Indipawโs hackles rose, and she wished to slap anyone who angered her Kyemama.
โOh my, that was funny!โ Spiderlegโs guffaw tempered Indipawโs rising anger. His voice rose with mirth. โI bet she had a headache for days!โ
Everyone around them laughed, and Indipaw joined them. Bramblestar quickened the pace. They skirted the water, avoiding the marshes and sandy shallows.. They traversed close enough to crackle freezing water beneath Indipawโs well-insulated paws. The crunch of ice echoed across the lake.
โCrazy goofy Maine Coons,โ Spiderleg guffawed. โLucky are you with all that fur around your toes.โ
โSomething I wish I had,โ Bumblestripe said, staying well up on shore. โI hate cold wet paws.โ
โMost of us do,โ Berrynose meowed, as the Clan neared the tree bridge., Indipaw gazed around in wonder, intrigued with this new place. Her clanmates crossed the log, wary of the water below. Demonpoppa moved cautiously but with confidence, his thick muscular legs keeping him steady. Indipaw waited, hissing once as Spiderleg brushed past her.
โSuch a jumpy gal arenโt we?โ the lanky tom chided her, humor in his tone. โHow do you train if you donโt let anyone touch you?โ
โTraining is different,โ Indipaw mumbled, which caused Spiderleg to chuckle as he made his way down the massive log. Indipaw pondered the thought, but realized she hated anyone touching her in battle, too, but in fights, she need not hold back her desire to shriek, snarl and claw. She moved closer to the down old tree that served as a bridge to the island.
Demonpaw and Phantompaw raced along the trunk, leaving Berrynose 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. Indipaw leaped up,feeling no fear and pranced along the log, batting at old branch nubs, delighted in the experience. Her mentor, Thornclaw, who followed his apprentice at a distance, looked back at Kyemama.
โYour kits are insane,โ he grumbled, before walking across. Indipaw leaped from the log, following older clamates to a grand old tree, where an older silvery blue she-cat stood, waiting.
โBe polite,โ Kyemamaโs voice mewed from behind her, and gestured with her tail. "RiverClan Leader Mistystar, and ShadowClan Leader Rowanstar. Onestar of Windclan follows us.โ
Mistystar stood below the Great Tree with her clanmates, and her feathery tail rose in greeting.
โHallo! Oh my, Kyestorm! Your kits are big and beautiful. Glad to see you all!โ
โHallo!โ Bramblestar called out, as ThunderClan cats took their place, next to RiverClan. Indipaw bristled involuntarily at the close proximity of so many strangers. She sat next to Thornclaw, as Onestar led WindClan across the fallen tree. Onestar scowled at ThunderClan. His eyes roved over Indipaw, her parents, and her siblings, his expression softened, becoming thoughtful. Indipaw noticed his eyes rested on Smokepaw, who stood tall and proud, her vivid golden eyes braving the Clan leaders scrutiny. He nodded at her, jumping up into the Great Tree. The other leaders followed suit. Indipaw wondered why the leader looked that way at her sister.
โGreetings to all,โ Bramblestar called out. โI 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.โ
Joyous congratulations and greetings rippled around the Gathering, but Rowanstar glowered. Indipaw stared at the ShadowClan leader, and scowled back at him.
Bramblestar continued, breaking her gaze. โWe 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. Lilyheartโs kits will apprentice next moon!โ
โKyestorm we know,โ Onestar said gruffly. โWho is the huge tom beside her?โ
โPlease welcome Demonstone, Kyestormโs mate.โ Bramblestar stood up on his branch with excitement. โHe . . .โ Bramblestar paused when Brackenfur stood, and waved his tail, eyes bright. โPlease, warrior. Speak!โ
โI 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.โ Brackenfurโs golden brown tabby coat rippled with his conviction, and Indipaw puffed with pride. โHis strength and abilities in fortifying our dens and barrier has just been phenomenal. I want to formally welcome him into the Clans. Demonstone?โ
โGreetings,โ Demonpoppa stood up. His long fur ruffled in the cold breeze. Love and pride filled Indipawโs heart, as her father moved to stand beside Brackenfur, dwarfing the old warrior. His bright gold eyes shone as he respectfully nodded to each Clan Leader.โI am happy to be here, and to finally meet other Clans.โ
Surprised muttering and cheers went up from the gathered cats. Brackenfur stepped back, and Demonpoppa returned to Kyemamaโs side. Bramblestar waved his tail.
โWe have a new warrior as well, Sparkfire. Alderheart is now a full medicine cat,โ Bramblestar finished. Squirrelflight and Bramblestarโs kits stepped forward. Both sported their fatherโs broad shoulders, but only Alderheartโs eyes shone the same color as his fatherโs, while Sparkfireโs eyes gleamed jade green. Both stood proud and quiet. Alderheart quietly left his sisterโs side to join the medicine cats. Bramblestar continued, his voice full of pride and love. โPrey 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.โ Bramblestar sat down.
โWe, too, have two apprentices this moon!โ Mistystar announced. โCome forward Silverpaw and Troutpaw!โ
Two silver-white long-haired cats stepped forward, a she-cat and a tom. Black tipped their long hairs, giving them lighter, more silvery pelts than Indipaw's smoke siblings. The young tomโs coat darkened more around his legs, face and tail and along his back, while the she-catโs pelt glistened lighter, with just a blush of shadings in those same areas. Indipaw heard someone inhale sharply and glanced to her side at her sister. Bluepawโs blue eyes locked onto the RiverClan apprentices. Kyemama slapped her kit with a big bushy tail.
โWhat, Kyemama? They have such pretty coats!โ Bluepaw hissed in annoyance, then raised her voice to join others. โSilverpaw! Troutpaw!โ
โWe, too, have apprentices this moon,โ Rowanstar announced. โSnowpaw and Pinepaw. And Puddlepaw is training to be a medicine cat. Littlecloud finally has an apprentice.โ
The entire Gathering cheered their names, and Indipaw watched the two warrior apprentices come forward. Snowpaw and Pinepaw stood together, touching, tails up.
โUgh they are leaning into each other so much,โ Indipaw muttered. โHow do they stand it?โ Indipaw eyed white Snowpawโs black ears, tail, and mask. His eyes met hers, and her haughty disdain sagged under unexpected curiosity. Her ears rose, and she met his gaze. She suddenly wanted to go say hello. She shook herself and sneezed at the alien emotion. Onestar rose to his feet, distracting her.
โWe also have a new apprentice, Fernpaw. We also have new warriors, Slightfoot, Feathershine, Hootflight, and Oatclaw!โ The five stepped forward, and Indipaw raised her voice with the others in congratulations. The young brown she-cat stood proud, yet quiet, her green eyes shining. Three of the new warriors nodded politely. Oatclaw, a pale brown tabby with jet-black stripes stepped forward. His white paws quivered with the effort to keep still, and Indipaw noticed Smokepaw eyeing him with interest. She snorted, knowing her sisters found the strange toms attractive. She thought about snuggling next to a potential mate and shivered. No, nobody will ever touch me, she thought, even as she locked eyes with Snowpaw again. He nodded to her, tail up in greeting. She impulsively returned the tail gesture. Rowanstar stood up, his voice full of contempt, breaking the moment.
โNobody mentioned the coyotes. The howling still continues, yet nothing has happened. Perhaps this nonsense about four Clans will be one shall never be needed.โ
โYou canโt know that,โ Kyemama blurted out. โBlackstar 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 didnโt need us one day?โ
โYou saw Blackstar?โ Rowanstar stared, taken aback, then he scowled. โAnd you wait six moons to tell me this?โ
โI had forgotten in all the chaos,โ Kyemama answered. Rowanstarโs yellow eyes blazed, and his ginger coat bristled. Indipaw growled deep in her chest, ready to defend her Kyemama.
โHow convenient,โ he growled. โYou lie now just to make yourself look good.โ
โShe does not lie,โ Demonpoppa surged forward, and stood, coat flat, gold eyes calm, and held his bottlebrush tail over his back. โPlease, 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.โ
Indipaw relaxed, proud of her father, when Rowanstar stared, his fur flattening, his eyes roving over Demonpoppaโs enormous form, then sat down.
โVery well,โ he grumbled. โBut we have seen no coyotes or strange wild dogs. They do not pass the horseplace. Tawnypelt and I have kits on the way. ShadowClan prospers with many kits and apprentices.โ Rowanstarโs voice rang with pride. โAnd we will get them through Leaf Bare with no problems.โ
โCongratulations! A reason to enjoy this Gathering, for who knows what Leaf Bare may bring,โ Onestar spoke up, his golden-copper eyes calm. โIf all news has been shared, letโs mingle and enjoy.โ
โI concur,โ Bramblestar said, glancing at Onestar with a befuddled expression. Indipaw turned her head to peer across the space at Snowpaw. He watched her, and she felt a stab of longing, wanting to go talk to him. She stepped forward, paused, then walked toward the young tom, eager to speak to him. He met her gaze, tail up, his face breaking into an expression of delight. Enraged words destroyed the moment and Indipaw whipped her head around at Harespring's yowling.
โI donโt! This queen and her kits are just kittypets! Weak and fluffy. Drive them out!โ
โIโll show you weak and fluffy, mouse-brain!โ Kyemama hissed, and Indipaw bared her fangs, her long dagger claws kneading the hard ground.
โWe arenโt weak, mousebrain,โ she impulsively snarled in retort. Harespring ignored her, glaring at Kyemama, and she growled. To Indipawโs shock, he accepted her motherโs unspoken challenge, and leaped at her. She rushed to meet him, rearing up as he tried to slash her throat. His claws came away only with hunks of red hair from her ample ruff. She struck him, one paw on his face, the other on his shoulder, and slammed him to the frozen frosty ground. She held firm, even as he twisted under her grasp. His rear claws pummeled her flank, but she moved aside, and his flailing claws caught just more thick red fur. She held his face to the ground, clawtips just pricking past his pelt to his skin. He struggled to curl his hind feet around to rip her body, but his claws only swished through cold air. She pushed down with a firm grip, flexing her claws and toes. Indipaw glanced at the moon, which continued to glow unimpeded.
โOww! Youโre pushing a rock in my eye!โ Harespring hissed. โSandโs going up my nose!โ
โGive me an excuse to squash your pathetic skull, you mouse-brained lump of crow food!โ Kyemama snarled, and glared at Furzepelt, who crouched, ready to pounce. โWant some of this? Iโll rattle your brain so hard youโll need someone to help you find fresh kill for the rest of your life.โ
Indipaw quivered in place wanting to pounce on Furzepelt and drill her head into the dirt. A growl rumbled deep in her chest. Harespring yowled in pain, and he went limp. Only his tail twitched and slapped the hard ground. Furzepeltโs eyes widened and she slunk behind another warrior.
โStop,โ Onestar commanded. โKyestorm, please, let him up. Harespring! Donโt make me sorry about my choice of deputy.โ
Kyemama sprang back, and she released Harespring. He scurried over to sit under the Great Oak Tree, shaking his head.
โCowardsโ Indipaw rumbled, stifling the urge to attack both of them. Kyemama looked up at the moon, which still shone bright in clear skies. Silverpelt sparkled.
โStarClan isnโt angry with me?โ Kyemama finally managed to squeak. Indipaw stared with amazement, then felt smug, knowing StarClan approved of her mother's actions.
โNo, nor am I,โ Onestar broke the tension with a rare hearty mroow of laughter. Someone else tittered.
โWish I had done that,โ another cat meowed. Indipaw caught sight of a dark grey tail vanishing into the crowd of cats, as laughter echoed in the glade. Even Rowanstar looked amused, and Tawnypelt purred with mirth. A feline grin of pure delight spread over Mistystarโs 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 Indipawโs siblings and milk brothers gaped in pleased surprise. Harespring shook himself, and groomed his face, looking at the ground. He glanced Kyemamaโs way with pure hatred,
โYou have a way of getting the point across,โ Brackenfur bumped Kyemama with his head. โThat was splendid!โ
โWell done,โ whispered a dark gray tom, walking past Kyemama without looking her in the face. โIโve wanted to do that for many seasons.โ
Indipaw flattened her fur, and watched the mingling cats. Oatclaw met up with Smokepaw. His green eyes danced with delight, and hers sparkled in return. She thought about Snowpaw. The Clans frowned on inter-Clan relationships, and clearly Smokepaw did not care. Indipaw growled.
โWell, if she can, so can I.โ
Indipaw turned her attention to the mingling Clans, and shivered. Cats greeted each other, purring and mrrowing in good spirits, sharing tongues, The young apprentice from ShadowClan stalked proudly up to Kyemama and Indipaw. His long white pelt puffed against the wind, and Indipaw stood, mesmerized by his black-patched head and the black spots on the apprenticeโs tail, head, and ears.
โHallo! Iโm Snowpaw.โ His gaze fell on Indipaw, and his yellow eyes widened briefly. โWhoโs your daughter?โ
โIโm Indipaw,โ Indipaw answered for herself, and not a shred of animosity burned in her body. Snowpaw looked up at Indipaw, and like Oatclaw, only blinked, then purred delight. Indipaw stood rooted to the ground, suddenly wanting him to reciprocate. She inhaled deeply, drinking in his scent, not caring he smelled of ShadowClan.
โHallo, Indipaw. Iโm Snowpaw. Will you walk with me?โ
โS-S-sure,โ Indipaw stuttered, and they ambled over to the ShadowClan contingent, stopping in front of a black she-cat whom Indipaw recognized as Pinepaw.
โMy sister, Pinepaw,โ Snowpaw announced, and she gave Indipaw a feline grin.
โGlad you agreed to walk with him,โ she chortled. โHeโs been ogling you since you crossed the log bridge.โ
โReally?โ
โYes,โ Snowpaw answered, impulsively rubbing his head on her shoulder. Gasps went up from Indipawโs siblings and clanmates. She convulsed, ready to snap and claw, but he raised his face to hers, and the urge to slap him into the next moon vanished like a puff of fog on a windy morning. She glanced at her fellow apprentices, all who paused to gape in shock. A small argument broke out, but Indipaw heard nothing of it. Greypaw trotted toward her, and she felt her muscles tense. He purposefully walked past her, rubbing his body against hers. She reacted without thought, hissing with a scream, and leaped sideways, slapping his flank with one of her huge white paws. Snowpaw gaped, backing up a step.
Iโm, Iโm sorry!โ he stuttered. โI didnโt know you hated contact.โ
โDonโt be sorry,โ Indipawโs heart suddenly pounded with the realization she may have alienated this sweet tom. She glared briefly at Greypaw, then turned back to Snowpaw, who turned away, his tail down, ears flat in obvious disappointment.
โI love to share tongues and to snuggle when sleeping,โ he mewed. โYou will never do that with me.โ
โI, I, . . . โIndipaw stuttered then scowled. โYou act like weโre going to be mates. Weโre in different Clans.โ
โI know,โ Snowpaw agreed, then flattened his ears. โI donโt care. Youโre the only she-cat Iโve ever had interest in."
โTrue,โ Pinepaw guffawed, then sobered. โBut she is a ThunderClan cat.โ
โSo?โ Snowpaw retorted. โTawnypelt came from that Clan.โ Snowpaw lowered his head. โDoesnโt matter. You hate contact.โ
โBut I didnโt strike you!โ Indipaw protested, leaping after him, suddenly not caring he came from ShadowClan. โDonโt you like me?โ
โI do,โ Snowpawโs voice quivered and his black tail dragged behind him. โYou had to really fight not to hit me, didnโt you.โ
โNo! That is it, I didnโt!โ Indipaw trotted after him, easily caught up, and rubbed her body against his, She felt no inclination to strike or hiss. โSee?โ
โBut what if I touch you?โ Snowpaw mewled like a sad kit.
โTouch me,โ Indipaw pleaded. โHere, Iโll sit with my back to you. You and Pinepaw, touch me but donโt tell me who. Just do it.โ
โCome on, Snowpaw, letโs do this,โ Pinepaw groused. โOr youโll be pining all night.โ
Indipaw sat, facing away from them. She twitched her tail, and looked up at the moon.
โPlease, StarClan,โ she whispered. โLet this be true.โ
A paw rested on her back and she exploded, whirling, uttering a screaming hiss, paw raised to strike, coming face to face with Pinepaw. She sagged inwardly, lowered her paw, and trying to ignore Snowpawโs wide woebegone gold eyes, she sat down again. Another paw swiped her back, and she spun around with a bared fangs, facing a white she-cat.
โWho are you?โ Indipaw snarled.
โNeedletail.โ The silver-white she-cat scowled. โPinepaw asked me to join this experiment. Great StarClan, you really canโt handle being touched.โ
โNo, I canโt, never could,โ Indipaw replied, drawing a long quavering breath. She met Snowpawโs golden gaze, and sat down again, her back turned to him. Sadness and disappointment welled up, but when another paw rested on her shoulder, she leaped sideways with a scream, smacking Rainpaw with a big paw. She flattened her fur immediately, and sat down.
At the next touch, she spun and almost slapped a plump white apprentice in the face. Her green-gold eyes dilated with dread.
โWho are you?โ Indipaw asked, her anger dropping like a stone, as she eyed the she-cat, noting her black ears.
โBeepaw, Snowpaw and Pinepawโs sister.โ
โIโm sorry,โ Indipaw mumbled, biting her tongue so she did not wail like a kit. Beepaw waddled off quickly.
โHopeless,โ Snowpaw muttered, fear and disappointment in his voice. Indipaw sat back down, head down, her heart full of dismay. A paw stepped on her lower back, and to Indipawโs shock, she merely turned her head, coming face to face with Snowpawโs golden eyes.
โI didnโt flip out!โ Indipaw exclaimed, joy flashing through her. She pushed her face against his. โI didnโt! Only you can touch me.โ
Snowpaw gaped at her, and she licked his face. Gasps, exclamation and a few titters rippled though the cats who watched. Smokepaw and Oatclaw nodded, and Bluepaw and Troutleap flashed her grins. Needletail sauntered away, tail waving.
โGood luck, Snowpaw. Donโt get so attached. Remember after the gathering, youโre enemies again.โ
Indipaw ignored the remark, rubbing her body along Snowpawโs. He slowly relaxed.
โSo you can tolerate me touching you, but nobody else?โ Snowpawโs eyes grew round and wide.
โYes, furball! Yes!โ Indipaw danced in place. โAnd I like it!โ
She pressed herself against him, and purred. His touch did not annoy her, and she took pleasure in the warmth of his body.
โThat makes me happy!โ Snowpaw head butted her, and she licked his ear. Needletail headed straight for her, and merely tapped Indipawโs back with her tail.
โDonโt touch me,โ Indipaw snarled. โOnly Snowpaw can.โ
Needletail sauntered away, tail up. Smokepaw and Oatclaw waved their tails, and Indipawโs heart swelled with delight. 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. Snowpaw and Indipaw stayed together, talking, and shared tongues. Indipaw took delight in his attentions, and she reciprocated.
โI wouldnโt get so friendly with another clanโs cat,โ someone growled right in her ear. Indipaw snarled and leaped up away from the speaker. She immediately flattened her fur, and dipped her head, recognizing Rowanstar. Snowpaw gazed, startled, but pride sparkled his gold eyes.
โMy apologies, Leader.โ she mewed.
โAccepted,โ Rowanstar nodded, but scowled. โYou do understand cross clan relationships are taboo.โ
โWe know,โ Snowpaw answered. โBut we really like each other.โ
โI wonโt abide by a empty-headed fluffbrain in ShadowClan.โ He bared the tips of his fangs.
โIโm not empty-headed,โ Indipaw retorted, raising a paw, spreading her long toes. realizing she met the leader straight in the eyes. โIโm excelling in training!โ
โPerhaps,โ Rowanstar slanted back his ears, but tilted his head, eyeing her muscular body. He turned away, whipping his tail. โBut youโre still a fluffhead.โ
โNo. . .โ Snowpaw wrapped his tail around her head and mouth. She shivered, but only looked at him.
โI saw the way he sized you up,โ Snowpaw explained. โYou made an impression.โ
โSomehow I doubt it,โ Indipaw replied, shaking out her pelt.
โForget him for now,โ Snowpaw leaned into her. โItโs such a wonderful night. Letโs enjoy the time together.โ
โAlright,โ Indipaw agreed, and pushed Rowanstarโs disdain to the back of her mind. Her heart and mind opened up to the tom she towered over, and his touch told her he reciprocated the feelings. They found a spot to sit, share tongues, and talk.
Because of the jovial atmosphere, the Gathering broke up later than usual, but for Indipaw, it ended all too soon. Everyone said their farewells while the moon hung low over the lake.
โSee you soon,โ Indipaw mewed, touching noses with Snowpaw, losing herself in his golden gaze. She whirled away and followed her Clan home, filled with excitement.
โAmazing, sister,โ Phantompaw meowed. โIโve never known you to allow that much contact, not even when we still nursed off Kyemama.โ
โI know,"Indipaw prattled on to her siblings. โI was close to striking, then he looked at me, with that sweet smile, his whiskers so far forward, his eyes blinking at me, and the urge just went away.โ
โI know Oatclaw is for me. But I never imagined you getting close to anyone,โ Smokepaw meowed.
โDo you really want to run the moors with him?โ Indipaw asked. โI want to be with Snowpaw so badly, but ShadowClan frowns on inter-clan relationships.โ
โI love Troutleap, and Mistystar is so nice!โ Bluepaw interjected. โIโd go if they let me.โ
โWhy do you want to leave ThunderClan? Our Clan is always open to newcomers. Maybe all your beaus should come to our Clan.โ Demonpaw spoke up. โGlad my beau is already here.โ
โSo Iโm yours?โ Sparkfire snorted, bumping him. โDid I ever agree to be seen with a mere apprentice?โ
โYou love me,โ Demonpaw meowed with feigned outrage. โYou love me! Canโt stay away.โ
The two chortled, moving ahead, and talk among Demonpaw, Sparkfire, Phantompaw, Rainpaw and Greypaw turned to training and winning the competitions at the next Gathering. Indipaw bristled with jealously as Demonpaw and Sparkfire jostled each other, tails twined.
โWhy do Clans frown on cross clan love?โ Indipaw complained.
โIts been that way forever,โ Greypaw answered her, glancing backward. โPart of the Warrior code.โ
โJust seems wrong,โ Indipaw mumbled. She barely acknowledged Gentlepaw grilling Jayfeather about his future trip to the Moonpool. Greypaw, Rainpaw, Demonpaw and Phantompaw rambled on and on about future training, and meeting their new friends again next Gathering for friendly competitions.
Indipaw moved along, taking pleasure in the crunching ice under her paws. Lake water lapped the shore, freezing with each wave. The ice patches grew larger and the crunch turned to loud cracking. As they crossed the stream into ThunderClan territory. Indipaw gazed across the lake toward ShadowClanโs territory, her thoughts only for Snowpaw. They turned up the hill to camp, and Indipaw missed him already.
โHow can I miss him so much?โ she wailed, approaching the apprenticeโs den. โWe just met.โ
โIโve been besotted with Sparkfire for as long as I can remember,โ Demonpaw answered. โShe said she felt the same since the day I was born. Some things are meant to be.โ
โBut heโs in ShadowClan, and Rowanstar doesnโt think I am good enough for Snowpaw,โ Indipaw lamented.
โHeโs an idiot,โ Phantompaw exclaimed. โItโs why Kyemama smacked him at the last Gathering she went to. And StarClan did not get angry with her.โ
โMaybe Snowpaw will come to ThunderClan,โ Smokepaw suggested. โI hope Onestar will let me be with Oatclaw. I love the moors. You can run so fast and not worry about obstacles.โ
โI think heโs hoping you go to WindClan,โ Indipaw grumbled. โI saw the way he looked at you two.โ
โKyemama wonโt like it,โ Smokepaw murmured. โShe may say no, and Bramblestar may not let me go either.โ
โIf it ever comes to be,โ Smokepaw said. โWe must promise to never ever hurt each other in inter-Clan battles.โ
โI promise,โ Bluepaw agreed.
โSo do I,โ Indipaw replied with a gusty sigh. She entered the apprenticeโs den first and went to her nest. She curled up into it, wishing to feel Snowpawโs body beside hers. The other apprentices found their nests and dropped into them. Indipaw covered her face with her ample dark brown tabby tail. As her eyes closed, and her mind drifted into dreams of running with Snowpaw in the glade, a cry from the sentry broke into her slumber.
โSnow!โ She recognized Molewhiskerโs voice. โIts snowing!โ
She tucked up her paws, and buried her nose in her tail. The wind whistled over the den, and cold seeped through the few gaps the builders missed. Indipaw wondered if she could ever leave ThunderClan to be with Snowpaw. Smokepaw already knew her mind and heart, but Indipaw harbored some doubts, especially with all the cross clan taboos some liked to drill into her ears. Indipaw slipped into slumber, with all her thoughts on Snowpaw of ShadowClan.
โI wouldnโt get so friendly with another clanโs cat,โ someone growled right in her ear. Indipaw snarled and leaped up away from the speaker. She immediately flattened her fur, and dipped her head, recognizing Rowanstar. Snowpaw gazed, startled, but pride sparkled his gold eyes.
โMy apologies, Leader.โ she mewed.
โAccepted,โ Rowanstar nodded, but scowled. โYou do understand cross clan relationships are taboo.โ
โWe know,โ Snowpaw answered. โBut we really like each other.โ
โI wonโt abide by a empty-headed fluffbrain in ShadowClan.โ He bared the tips of his fangs.
โIโm not empty-headed,โ Indipaw retorted, raising a paw, spreading her long toes. realizing she met the leader straight in the eyes. โIโm excelling in training!โ
โPerhaps,โ Rowanstar slanted back his ears, but tilted his head, eyeing her muscular body. He turned away, whipping his tail. โBut youโre still a fluffhead.โ
โNo. . .โ Snowpaw wrapped his tail around her head and mouth. She shivered, but only looked at him.
โI saw the way he sized you up,โ Snowpaw explained. โYou made an impression.โ
โSomehow I doubt it,โ Indipaw replied, shaking out her pelt.
โForget him for now,โ Snowpaw leaned into her. โItโs such a wonderful night. Letโs enjoy the time together.โ
โAlright,โ Indipaw agreed, and pushed Rowanstarโs disdain to the back of her mind. Her heart and mind opened up to the tom she towered over, and his touch told her he reciprocated the feelings. They found a spot to sit, share tongues, and talk.
Because of the jovial atmosphere, the Gathering broke up later than usual, but for Indipaw, it ended all too soon. Everyone said their farewells while the moon hung low over the lake.
โSee you soon,โ Indipaw mewed, touching noses with Snowpaw, losing herself in his golden gaze. She whirled away and followed her Clan home, filled with excitement.
โAmazing, sister,โ Phantompaw meowed. โIโve never known you to allow that much contact, not even when we still nursed off Kyemama.โ
โI know,"Indipaw prattled on to her siblings. โI was close to striking, then he looked at me, with that sweet smile, his whiskers so far forward, his eyes blinking at me, and the urge just went away.โ
โI know Oatclaw is for me. But I never imagined you getting close to anyone,โ Smokepaw meowed.
โDo you really want to run the moors with him?โ Indipaw asked. โI want to be with Snowpaw so badly, but ShadowClan frowns on inter-clan relationships.โ
โI love Troutleap, and Mistystar is so nice!โ Bluepaw interjected. โIโd go if they let me.โ
โWhy do you want to leave ThunderClan? Our Clan is always open to newcomers. Maybe all your beaus should come to our Clan.โ Demonpaw spoke up. โGlad my beau is already here.โ
โSo Iโm yours?โ Sparkfire snorted, bumping him. โDid I ever agree to be seen with a mere apprentice?โ
โYou love me,โ Demonpaw meowed with feigned outrage. โYou love me! Canโt stay away.โ
The two chortled, moving ahead, and talk among Demonpaw, Sparkfire, Phantompaw, Rainpaw and Greypaw turned to training and winning the competitions at the next Gathering. Indipaw bristled with jealously as Demonpaw and Sparkfire jostled each other, tails twined.
โWhy do Clans frown on cross clan love?โ Indipaw complained.
โIts been that way forever,โ Greypaw answered her, glancing backward. โPart of the Warrior code.โ
โJust seems wrong,โ Indipaw mumbled. She barely acknowledged Gentlepaw grilling Jayfeather about his future trip to the Moonpool. Greypaw, Rainpaw, Demonpaw and Phantompaw rambled on and on about future training, and meeting their new friends again next Gathering for friendly competitions.
Indipaw moved along, taking pleasure in the crunching ice under her paws. Lake water lapped the shore, freezing with each wave. The ice patches grew larger and the crunch turned to loud cracking. As they crossed the stream into ThunderClan territory. Indipaw gazed across the lake toward ShadowClanโs territory, her thoughts only for Snowpaw. They turned up the hill to camp, and Indipaw missed him already.
โHow can I miss him so much?โ she wailed, approaching the apprenticeโs den. โWe just met.โ
โIโve been besotted with Sparkfire for as long as I can remember,โ Demonpaw answered. โShe said she felt the same since the day I was born. Some things are meant to be.โ
โBut heโs in ShadowClan, and Rowanstar doesnโt think I am good enough for Snowpaw,โ Indipaw lamented.
โHeโs an idiot,โ Phantompaw exclaimed. โItโs why Kyemama smacked him at the last Gathering she went to. And StarClan did not get angry with her.โ
โMaybe Snowpaw will come to ThunderClan,โ Smokepaw suggested. โI hope Onestar will let me be with Oatclaw. I love the moors. You can run so fast and not worry about obstacles.โ
โI think heโs hoping you go to WindClan,โ Indipaw grumbled. โI saw the way he looked at you two.โ
โKyemama wonโt like it,โ Smokepaw murmured. โShe may say no, and Bramblestar may not let me go either.โ
โIf it ever comes to be,โ Smokepaw said. โWe must promise to never ever hurt each other in inter-Clan battles.โ
โI promise,โ Bluepaw agreed.
โSo do I,โ Indipaw replied with a gusty sigh. She entered the apprenticeโs den first and went to her nest. She curled up into it, wishing to feel Snowpawโs body beside hers. The other apprentices found their nests and dropped into them. Indipaw covered her face with her ample dark brown tabby tail. As her eyes closed, and her mind drifted into dreams of running with Snowpaw in the glade, a cry from the sentry broke into her slumber.
โSnow!โ She recognized Molewhiskerโs voice. โIts snowing!โ
She tucked up her paws, and buried her nose in her tail. The wind whistled over the den, and cold seeped through the few gaps the builders missed. Indipaw wondered if she could ever leave ThunderClan to be with Snowpaw. Smokepaw already knew her mind and heart, but Indipaw harbored some doubts, especially with all the cross clan taboos some liked to drill into her ears. Indipaw slipped into slumber, with all her thoughts on Snowpaw of ShadowClan.
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
PART TWO
Over the next few days, as the light snow melted into the ground, Indipaw thought about Snowpaw every waking moment, faltering in her training, and missing kills. One morning, after she slipped and missed an easy catch, allowing the squirrel to scamper up a tree, Thornclaw sat down, scowling at her.
โFocus,โ he growled. โYouโre far better than this.โ
โSorry,โ Indipaw apologized.
โJust concentrate and stop thinking of someone you just met,โ Thornclaw reprimanded her with a harsh growl and curl of lip. โYouโre the best apprentice Iโve ever trained. Act like it.โ
โI am?โ Indipaw perked up at the praise.
โCome on. Your mother is leading a patrol. Weโll join her.โ
โWhere?โ
โShadowClan border,โ Thornclaw answered, his scowl giving way to an understanding smile. Thorclaw lead her to Kyemama, who welcomed them, and they set off. Eagerness trembled Indipawโs legs. They reached the border, near the stream, and Indipaw heard movement across the border. Tigerheart poked his head past a clump of bushes.
โWhat do we have here? A fuzzball patrol?โ
โIโll show you fuzzball,โ Kyemama snarled, but her eyes danced with more mirth than anger.
โMy fuzzhead!โ The familiar voice jerked Indipawโs ears alert, and her heart beat furiously as Snowpaw stepped up next to Tigerheart. Indipaw raced to the stream edge and stretched her neck.
โSnowpaw!โ
The ShadowClan apprentice hurried to his side of the stream and copied her. They touched noses, stretching across the stream, forepaws in their own territories. Both patrols groaned. Someone behind Tigerheart tittered.
Screeches of war erupted from WindClan territory, shattering the moment. A shriek from Smokepaw reverberated under the trees.
โHelp! Help WindClan!โ Smokepawโs words turned inarticulate. Indipaw spun away from Snowpaw, fear for he sister pounding her heart. Her sisterโs shrieks echoed out over the lake. Indipaw answered with a strident cry of defiance.
โWe have to help my sister and WindClan!โ Indipaw cried.
โThunderClan! ATTACK!โ Kyemama bellowed, and raced across the territory to Smokepawโs aid. Tigerheart cried out, and he leaped after her. Snowpaw darted forward, running at Indipawโs side. Smokepawโs yowl of rage echoed across the land, spurring everyone for more speed. Kyemama led the charge, voice raised in wildcat yowls of outrage.
They burst onto the scene, just at the border between WindClan and ThunderClan to see a huge group of rogues, fighting WindClanโs warriors. The rogues outnumbered them, and appeared bent on killing all of WindClan. A big white tom with black spotting rolled on the ground with Onestar, his black tail puffed and lashing to and fro in fury. The WindClanโs leaderโs eyes shone with shock, and Indipaw picked up a few snarled words here and there about mother, kit, and son, but paid little mind to what it meant. The rogues attacked relentlessly and with not a shred of honor. Kyemama bellowed like a wild cat of myth. The rogues paused, and all gaped for one shocked moment at Kyemama and her enraged daughters, before they fought back. They converged on the patrols, but Kyemamaโs huge wicked claws kept them at bay. Indipaw joined her mother, taking pleasure in tearing into these strangers that dare invade her sisterโs beauโs Clanโs land.
ThunderClan warriors, along with Bluepaw, Phantompaw and Demonpaw, dropped into the fight, plowing over the small ridge along the stream. Alderheart, running just behind Sparkfire, recognized the leader, and gestured at him with his tail.
โThatโs Darktail!โ Alderheart yowled in anger. โThe evil rogues we fled from in the abandoned gorge! Theyโre here to kill us all!โ
โAttack!โ Bramblestarsโs voice commanded, echoed by Rowanstar, and Mistystar, who raced up the hill into the fray. The rogues barely knew what slashed into their midst. Blood and fur flew from under wicked huge paws.
โDie invaders!โIndipaw yowled, and slapped aside a snarling long-haired black she-cat, flinging her several foxlengths along the ground. The she-cat screamed, unable to get up.
"Raven!" one of the rogues cried in distress. Raven thrashed until she lost strength, and went silent. Bluepaw grabbed a big brown tabby tom by the neck, and she and Troutleap drowned him in the stream, using a well-known RiverClan trick. Phantompaw pounced on Darktail, thrusting him off Onestar.
โThis is between me and my father,โ Darktail screeched, but Phantompaw ignored his words and rammed him against a tree trunk, snapping his neck like a twig.
โHelp!โ a cry came from the stream edge, where Furzepelt lay, hurt, unable to defend herself against her attacker.
โRain!โ Alderheartโs angry cry rang out. โLeave her be!โ
Demonpaw and Berrynose charged at Rain, a large long-furred grey tom, perhaps the second in command, and saved Furzepeltโs life. They attacked from opposite sides, and Demonpaw tore gaping wounds in the tomโs flanks while Berrynose attacked the exposed throat. Demonpaw dragged the mortally wounded screaming tom to the stream and flung him in the icy water. He sank under and never resurfaced.
Snowpawโs yowl of pain whirled Indipaw around, and the ShadowClan apprentice battled with a large brown tabby with spiky long fur.
โNettle!โ Alderheart yowled and hurried to assist Snowpaw, but Indipaw launched herself at the large tom. She smashed into him, chest to chest, latching the claws of her huge paws into the tomโs neck. He raked her with his claws, but only tore out chunks of her thick pelt. She shoved him backward, screeching inarticulately with rage. Her claws ripped into his throat and neck, and his retaliatory swipes grew weaker and weaker. He fell over, and she pounced on him, holding him down, claws digging deep into flesh. The tom uttered one gurgling yowl.
โNobody hurts my Snowpaw!โ she shrieked at the dying tom, who stared at her in shock. His mouth worked, but no words came forth, only blood. His eyes glazed over, and he went limp. Indipaw stood a moment, catching her breath, then returned to the ShadowClan apprentice. She licked Snowpawโs face.
โAre you alright?โ
โYes,โ Snowpaw sat up. โI thought I was going to die.โ
โNot on mt watch.โ Indipaw turned to hiss at the body of Snowpawโs attacker, then rubbed her big head all over him. Her siblings and clanmates stared in amazement. Rowanstar gazed at her, then nodded.
โWell done, apprentice,โ he said. Commotion turned Indipawโs attention to her leggy sister. Smokepaw leaped on a silver-grey tomโs back.
โRoach! No!โ The same rogue that wailed Ravenโs name screamed the tomโs name before someone thumped the stranger to the ground. Indipaw saw Bramblestar standing over the wirey grey and white tom, who lay inert and silent. Bramblestar glanced at Indipaw, battle light blazing in his amber eyes. Smokepawโs voice turned her head.
โRoach? its what you are!โ Smokepaw screamed. โYou dare touch Oatclaw!โ
The tall black-smoke apprentice slashed Roachโs flanks and sinking her teeth into the rogueโs neck. She crushed him under her weight on top of a stone, and broke his back. He shrieked his pain to the cold sky. The battle ended before it barely started. The remainder of the rogue band fled, lucky to escape with their lives. They scattered, disappearing into the undergrowth, abandoning whatever diabolical plan Darktail chained them with. The patrols stood, heaving for breath, and Onestar shook his bloodied pelt, as WindClan gathered.
โThank you.โ He dipped his head. โI am sorry this happened. Itโs my fault, but Iโll wait for another time to explain.โ
โItโs not all your fault,โ Alderheart interjected. โThey trailed me from the old Gorge where I searched for SkyClan.โ
โOnly because they knew you were a Clan cat, far from home,โ Onestar replied. โPlease donโt blame yourself.โ
โLetโs allow WindClan to heal,โ Bramblestar spoke up. โWeโll know in time what the root cause of this attack was. ThunderClan, retreatโ
The other leaders followed suit. Indiclaw twined tails with Snowpaw in a quick farewell. As they trotted back to camp to rest and tend wounds, Indipaw wondered if anyone else heard Darktail call Onestar his father. Nobody mentioned it, so she kept silent, but she felt the actions taken this day averted some great disaster.
In the days that followed, a few cats in WindClan grew ill, but with quick thinking and proper treatment everyone recovered. One cat in ThunderClan developed some symptoms, but Leafpool quarantined him to the medicine den. Indipaw and her kin never caught the illness, and she surmised somehow the quick intervention by her mother and siblings put up a barrier to the mysterious sickness. Kyemama explained the custom two legs used in vaccinating cats against horrible diseases. Indipaw understood how Kyemama passed some resistance to Indipaw and her siblings through her body as she carried them to term and her milk while they nursed. Indipaw briefly wondered about this mysterious SkyClan, why the leaders never spoke of them, and what happened to them. Gentleoak obviously knew more than he let on, but she vowed not to pry or break his confidence. Somehow, the problem fell to Alderheart to solve. Indipaw pushed the thoughts from her mind, her heart returning to Snowpaw, as she went about her duties, hoping to go to the next Gathering.
A moon passed since the Gathering, and Indipaw snuggled in the apprentices' den, as sunrise slanted light into camp. A cold wind blew, roaring in the trees, and she twitched her ears. She looked past her denmates, and beyond the denโs entrance, sparkling snow covered the hollow.
After those first flurries the night of the last Gathering, two late Leaf Fall snowfalls buried the lake and Clan territories. The lake surface froze early, thawed and froze again a quarter moon later, before staying frozen the last half moon. Indipaw listened to the wind, her desire to hunt and run in the snow battling her wish to stay warm in the den. She thought of the battle with the rogues that attempted to take out the Clans before the snow flew, and inhaled with pride and satisfaction. Rowanstar actually greeted her at the border with cool civility whenever her patrol met his.
โCome on, lazy tails!โ Thornclaw and Cloudtail meowed. โWe need to hunt and patrol.โ
Growling and groaning filled the spacious warm den. Indipaw raised her head and yawned, and reluctantly uncurled her body. She stood up, and shook herself. She allowed her fellow apprentices file out before she sauntered out into the snow. Warriors poured from the Warriorโs den, ready to get to the dayโs tasks.
Out in camp, Squirrelflight organized the patrols. Demonstone and Brackenfur hurried to work, checking dens for wind damage, breaking trails through the snow. Briarlightโs rock lay buried, and Indipaw knew she stayed in the medicine catโs den, playing with Twigkit, one of two kits Alderheart found on his last journey. Larkkit, Honeykit and Leafkit apprenticed last moon. Lilyheart stayed in the nursery for Twigkitโs sake, but the little one spent a lot of time with Briarlight. Indipaw flicked her tail, wondering if Twigkit might choose to be a medicine cat upon apprenticing. Maybe ShadowClan took the wrong kit, she mused, ThunderClan had four medicine cats already. Indipaw scowled, wondering why ShadowClan needed to take a kit at all.
โCome,โ Thornclaw said. โI think a training session is in order.โ
โReally?โ Indipaw groaned. โWhat more do I need to learn? Canโt we patrol ShadowClanโs border?โ
โHunting in deep snow is a skill you should practice,โ Thornclaw admonished her. Indipaw jerked her head alert as distant yipping echoed over the frozen lake.
โThe coyotes,โ she muttered.
โTry not to worry,โ her mentor said. โLetโs hunt.โ
โOkay,โ Indipaw agreed, following Thornclaw out of camp and into the deep snows up the hill. Indipaw rolled in the snow, camouflaging her dark back. Thornclaw nodded approval. Ahead, a squirrel dug around for hidden tree nuts. Indipaw froze, and crept up only when the animal faced away from her. She gathered her strong legs beneath her and leaped, but the squirrel bolted up the nearest tree, chittering at her.
Mousedung!โ Indipaw swore, attacking the spot with dagger claws, flinging snow and leaves behind her.
โYou twitched your tail tip,โ Thornclaw said.
โIโm becoming horrible,โ Indipaw hissed, her entire coat bristling with a mix of shame and frustration. โI wasnโt thinking of Snowpaw then and I still missed.โ
โCome,โ Thornclaw turned and trotted back toward camp. โWe can try again after a snack and rest.โ
They entered the hollow, and Indipaw hurried to her nest, feeling undeserving of anything from the fresh kill pile.
โIndipaw, you should eat something!โ Thornclaw called after her. She merely flattened her ears, and entered the empty apprentice den. She flopped in her nest, huffing with her frustrations, but fell asleep after a few minutes.
โFresh kill! Lionblazeโs patrol brought home HUGE fresh kill!โ the sentry, Dewnose, yowled with excitement. Indipaw roused herself from her nap, and hurried out into camp, curiosity killing what remained of her ill-feelings. Excitement thrummed the air. Indipaw stared in amazement, forgetting her own disappointment in her failure, as her mother grabbed a doe by the back of the head. She dragged the body through the entrance while her patrolmates pushed. Indipaw stared in amazement. Cats swarmed around them, meowing and yowling in amazement. Demonpoppa pushed forward, his eyes gleaming.
โSuch a small deer! I never thought Iโd eat venison again!โ he meowed with delight. He grabbed a foreleg, then using all the strength in his massive musculature, hauled backwards. They dragged the prey to the center of the camp, just as Bramblestar returned with his patrol, empty-jawed and looking tired. Indipaw sympathized. Demonpoppa trotted to the medicine cat den to fetch Briarlight.
โWhat under StarClan is going on?โ Bramblestar demanded, but gaped in shock when cats parted to allow him through. โA Roe deer? How? It wasnโt crow-food, was it?โ
โNo!โ Berrynose answered, his stub tail shaking with delight. โOur patrol caught it. It was Kyestormโs idea to use our tree technique to hunt and it worked! Kyestorm dropped on this doe and held it down! Lionblaze and I attacked from the front and our apprentices from the side, and Demonpaw delivered the kill bite!โ
โThe kill was quick and efficient,โ Lionblaze added. โIโm still shocked we caught a deer. But Kyestorm seemed so excited. She said sheโd never seen such small deer before and wanted to taste venison again!โ
โWell done!โ Bramblestar meowed, pride ringing in his voice. He gazed pointedly at Kyemama. โIโve never regretted taking you and your mate in, and youโve paid us back with more than I ever expected. Weโll all feast before it freezes!โ Bramblestar tapped a haunch. โTake this to the Elderโs den.โ
โNo. Iโm thinkinโ we feast tโgether, like lions oโ ancient times!โ Purdy strolled out of the Elderโs den, eyes alert, nose twitching. Graystripe and Millie followed. Indipaw gazed at Purdy fondly. โFine catch, younginโ! I knew yer instincts ran true.โ
โAmazing. This will feed all of us today!โ Leafpool said, as the medicine cats joined the crowd around the prey. Indipaw hung back, hating the thought of being bumped.
โThis is truly a gift.โ Bramblestar looked skyward. โWe thank StarClan for this abundance of food, and for the cat and her kin who think outside Clan convention, who caught this meal for her clan. Elders first, kits, then the medicine cats and Briarlight, then we all feed. There is more than enough for all of us.โ Bramblestar turned to Kyemama. โYou take my place, and the first meal, Warrior, for without your extraordinary thinking, weโd not have this bounty.โ
Kyemama obeyed her Clan leader, and settled in by the doeโs belly. She tore it open with one pass of a large forepaw, and the scent and taste of venison filled Indipawโs senses. Though she drooled with anticipation she joined her fellow apprentices in carrying large portions to the Elders, Medicine cats, Twigkit, Briarlight and Daisy, before taking their own meals. Indipaw forgot everything as the tasty meat filled her mouth. Good-natured banter echoed in the hollow even as jaws tore meat off of the enormous fresh kill.
The entire Clan hung in camp that afternoon, taking bites from the enormous fresh kill when trips to the dirt place made more room in bulging stomachs. As the sun sank in the western sky, the satiated Clan pulled even more meat from the carcass, until only skin and bone littered the ground. Indipaw sprawled on patch of ground swept clean of snow by the wind, crunching on a rib bone. He siblings and milk brothers ringed her, as always to give her space.
โThis is a feast I will never forget,โ Thornclaw said, sitting down beside Smokepaw.
โAye!โ Purdy called from just outside the Elderโs den. โTis feastinโ fit fer kings! Or queens. Great red queen, I hope yer prowess brings more deer meat oโr Leaf Bare.โ
A cheer went up from the entire Clan, and Indipaw tried to eat one more morsel, but her stomach rumbled in warning. She licked her lips.
โDonโt dare throw up,โ Phantompaw teased.
โNever, but I canโt stuff myself, unlike you,โ Indipaw snapped. โKyemama says youโre like a two leg machine that sucks up things and never pops.โ
Laughter, yowling and purring filled the camp, and by time the moon rose, only the fur and skin remained of the little doe. Berrynose and Thornclaw trotted to the entrance, taking up sentry duty.
โCome on, Indipaw, help us!โ Demonpaw called out. She nodded, and grabbed up the tail. The apprentices dragged the deerskin out of camp, leaving it down by the lake shore, by the stream. Phantompaw dragged it on a big rock, and marked it.
โCome on, we all must. WindClan surely will find this and be so jealous.โ
Indipaw went along with the caper, but she thought only of her nest. She followed her fellow apprentices, led by Demonpaw, Greypaw,and Larkpaw, back to camp. They headed to the apprenticeโs den, meowing and laughing. Indipaw chortled in spite of herself, and sauntered to her nest. The other youngsters gave her room to get to her nest. She dropped into it, drifted off to sleep, dreaming of shocked WindClan patrols as they discovered the impossible item, with Snowpaw at her side.
โINDIPAW!โ The screech jerked Indipaw out of her dreams. She jumped up, and exploded out of the den, not caring who she stepped on. The moon hung low in the western sky, and Indipaw barreled out into the snow, knowing she just heard Snowpaw scream. She barely noticed her fellow apprentices rushing out into camp.
โShadowClan intruder!โ Birchfallโs voice echoed in the hollow. He stood by the entrance, bristling with indignation. Indipaw launched herself across camp, followed by her siblings, and fellow apprentices. She stopped, poised for action, legs trembling. Her ears twitched and as she opened her mouth to call her beau, his voice reverberated in the cold air.
โHELP! HELP INDIPAW!โ The desperate shrieking drew closer. Indipaw heard someone pelting headlong up the slope from the lake. Twigs snapped, rocks bounced, and ice crackled under the paws of the incoming cat. She knew Snowpaw scrambled up the slope. Birchfall moved to intercept the intruder.
โSnowpaw! Are the rogues back?โ Indipaw responded, running to the entrance just as Snowpaw barreled in, She shoved her body between a bristling Birchfall and the wild-eyed terrorized apprentice. โPlease, Birchfall! Donโt attack! Heโs alone!โ
Screeching of cats echoed across the lake, followed by howling and yelping. Indipawโs heart leaped into her throat. No, not rogues! Coyotes! Indipaw became aware of her mother and clanmates swarming around her and Snowpaw. Bramblestar leaped down from his den, Squirrelflight at his heels.
โWhat under StarClan is going on out here?โ
โPlease! Bramblestar! Kyestorm! Indipaw! Please help us!โ Snowpaw yowled in misery. โCoyotes attacked! My Clanโs in danger! Warriors are hurt and dying! Please come! Theyโre destroying us!โ
โYou ran instead of staying to fight?โ Thornclaw asked, his voice soft, taking the sting out of the question.
โSomeone had to!โ Snowpaw wailed in anguish. โI think they killed my sister! Please! Help us! I donโt care what our leader thinks. Weโll all die if you donโt help!โ
โWarriors!โ Bramblestarโs yowl reverberated off the cliff. โWe fight to help ShadowClan! Two Clans will be ONE!โ
He leaped forward. Indipaw followed, as did all the warriors. Snowpaw surged to the front, leading them down the slope to the lakeshore. Indipaw followed on his heels. 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.
โHurry!โ Snowpaw wailed. โTawnypeltโs kits!โ
โNO!โ Indipaw yowled, as ThunderClan charged into ShadowClanโs camp. Indipawโs 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 lay a fox length away, bleeding and Indipaw recognized Pinepaw. Her heart swelled with angst. She spotted Beepaw crawling into the Medicine cat den, trying to shield Littlecloud with her body. Blood stained her white pelt.
Warriors ranged in front of the nursery and Elderโs 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 Tawnypeltโs wails and claws and grabbed a two moon old kit. Indipawโs heart pounded, but her motherโs thunderous shriek of outrage startled her.
โNOOOO! DROP THAT KIT!โ Kyemama bellowed, her voice loud and booming, and she plunged at the male coyote. She launched herself at him, and landed on the coyoteโs face. Kyemama 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. Indipaw followed him, just as 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. Her fellow fighters bumped her and she funneled her reactions into the enemy, sinking her large claws deep, ripping flesh with all her strength.The female leaped up, and followed her mate, yelping as if the hounds of hell nipped her tail. Indipaw put her rage into one last swipe that tore a chunk out of the canineโs haunch The apprentices harried the youngest coyote.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, yellow eyes wide, heaving for air, bite marks riddling his shoulders. Indipaw realized in a flash of horror Rowanstar lost a life protecting his kits and mate. Tawnypelt moaned, and 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 sisterโs side, and Tawnypelt leaned into him, holding a foreleg clear of the ground. Indipaw thought she saw Violetkit huddled at the back of the den. 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. Indipaw moved to his side, ready to defend him.
โYou ran away, not from fear, but to bring help,โ Rowanstar murmured, his voice hoarse.
โYes. I knew Indipaw would help, and if she did, so would her mother and siblings, and all of ThunderClan.โ Snowpaw answered. Indipaw licked blood from his fur. Rowanstar turned and gazed at Kyemama.
โYou saved my family, my clan, by agreeing to come with our apprentice,โ Rowanstar nodded. โThis night, like the day the rogues attacked, two Clans truly became one. I shall not forget this.โ
โI could never refuse to help,โ Kyestorm mewed. Indipaw hung her head, leaning into Snowpaw. His body shook with grief. Snowpawโs sister, Pinepaw, lay silent, and two older apprentices lay sprawled near the elderโs den. Strikepaw, Jarrowpaw, Sleekpaw and Juniperpaw sat vigil beside them already, unsure of what to do. An Elder lay prone just outside the den, eyes unseeing, teeth bared in fury. A silver-white she-cat lay nearby, struggling to her feet, and Indipaw recognized Needletail. Alderheart hurried to her side. Gentlepaw raced over to the medicine cat den as Puddlepaw sagged to the ground. Behind him, inside, Littlecloud lay, eyes wild, and he panted, his breath harsh and ragged. Beepaw tried calming him despite her own injuries, by sharing tongues, and Indipaw felt more fondness for Snowpawโs little chubby sister. Indipaw inhaled sharply, seeing a shimmer appear beside Rowanstar. The StarClan cat turned piercing yellow eyes to Kyemama, and nodded. Rowanstar glanced at the starry apparition, and dipped his head in acknowledgment.
โIโm sorry we didnโt get here sooner.โ Kyemama mewed, and Blackstarโs form glittered, his body becoming translucent. Gasps and startled meows went up from the battle weary cats.
โDonโt be,โ Rowanstar sat down, his body trembling.
โThey died with honor and your arrival prevented them from becoming Coyote food.โ Blackstar argued. โYou have passed the second test of your destiny, and you honor me by what you did here this night.โ
Blackstarโs form swirled and he vanished. Rowanstar stared for a long time at the empty air.
โKyestorm, I wish Iโd listened to you that long ago Gathering. Iโm happy youโre on our side. Snowpaw, I am sorry about your sister. She defended me with everything she had while I lost a life.โ
โSheโs alive!โ Gentlepaw meowed, joy in his voice, his cry breaking the sad moment. Puddlepaw, and Gentlepaw worked on Pinepaw. Indipaw watched in amazement as Gentlepaw skillfully treated Pinepaw. She leaned into Snowpaw.
โMy brother is saving her life.โ When Pinepaw opened her eyes, Gentlepaw left Pinepaw in Puddlepawโs care to tend other injured.
The little black she-cat moaned, bringing Indipaw back from her thoughts. Snowpaw sank to his sisterโs side. Indipaw followed, as if glued to his flank. Rowanstar bowed his head, as Kyemama, Bramblestar and others gathered together. He sagged to the ground.
โI think we need help.โ
โAgreed,โ Bramblestar said. โIโll leave a few warriors who wish to stay, behind.โ
Sudden pawfalls echoed in camp, and Mistystar and a large patrol of RiverClanโs best warriors burst into view. They stopped short, and Mistystar gaped.
โWeโre too late!โ Mistystar glanced at Kyemama, and took in the scene. โHow did you get here so quickly?โ
โSnowpaw alerted us and we came at his request. If not for him, weโd have gotten here way too late,โ Bramblestar answered. โWe were all dead asleep, stuffed to our teeth in deer meat.โ
Pinepaw moaned again, returning Indipawโs attention to Snowpawโs sister. He rushed forward to nuzzle her and lick her wounded head. Indipaw lay on her chest next to him, only minutely aware of the conversations going on between the others. She heard Onestar arrive and Harespringโs hateful remarks but she cared only for Snowpaw and his sister. She barely acknowledged Kyemama when she left camp, leading a hunting patrol into ShadowClanโs territory. Snowpaw and Indipaw shared tongues with his sister, careful not to disturb any of Gentlepawโs work with poultices and cob-webbing.
โWe thought you died,โ Snowpaw mewled.
โSo did I,โ Pinepaw whispered, and shivered. โIโm so cold.โ
โWeโll keep you warm,โ Indipaw declared, and rested her thick-furred body along Pinepawโs back. Snowpaw lay against her belly. Together they kept Pinepaw warm, dozing, until the hunting party returned to camp, dragging their bounty. Indipaw jerked alert, scenting venison.
โMuntjac deer?โ Mistystar exclaimed. โTheyโre so fast! Howโd you catch them?โ
โWell done!โ Bramblestar called out. Kyemama dragged the prey to the center of camp, and looked at Rowanstar.
โThis should help you all regain strength.โ she said quietly, and stepped back. Demonpaw, Phantompaw and Lionblaze did likewise, though Phantompaw gazed wistfully at the fresh kill.
โTwo-leg pig,โ Demonpaw guffawed. Phantompaw only lashed his tail, and hitched his shoulders in a shrug, but his sea-green gaze never left the prey. Indipaw exchanged glances with Snowpaw.
โYes, my brother is a glutton.โ Indipaw purred.
Snowpaw laughed. ShadowClan warriors descended on the fresh kill, tearing it in pieces to give to injured warriors, elders and Tawnypelt and her kits. Rowanstar staggered to the fresh kill, and stared at it a long moment, then looked at Kyemama.
โMany thanks, and well done, Warrior.โ Rowanstar gazed a moment at her, respect shining in his eyes, and took a chunk of meat, then gestured with his tail. โTake some yourself.โ
โThank you, Rowanstar,โ Kyemama replied, and took a tiny bite.
โCome on,โ Rowanstar scoffed. โThere is plenty here for everyone.โ He glanced at Onestar and Mistystar. โIncluding all of you.โ
โMany thanks,โ Mistystar dipped her head. โWe feasted earlier this night and are full of fish, but I wish to try deer meat!โ
โAs do I,โ Onestar said, moving to the second deer. Everyone ate a generous chunk, though ThunderClan cats took less, still full from the big meal earlier that night. Phantompaw carried a big chunk to Snowpaw and Indipaw.
โMake her eat some even if you have to chew it up for her. Gentlepawโs orders,โ he meowed, then hurried back to the kill. Snowpaw took big bites, filling himself, while Indipaw only ate what he politely offered. When her stomach balked, she chewed a few large chunks and lowered her head to Pinepawโs muzzle.
โEat.โ
โMmmm.โ Pinepaw opened her mouth, and took the softened food. She gulped it down. โIs there more?โ
โSure is,โ Indipaw answered, and together, she and Snowpaw fed her the ample morsels of fresh kill. They snuggled in to keep her warm, watching until Bramblestarโs voice rang over the camp.
โI need a few warriors to stay, and help in case those beasts return,โ Bramblestar yowled the command. โWho will stay?โ
โI will,โ Lionblaze stepped up. Birchfall moved next to Lionblaze.
โMe, too.โ
โI will, too,โ Thornclaw said, glancing at Indipaw.
โOf course I will,โ Indipaw yowled back.
โI will,โ Dovewing stood beside Birchfall, glancing at Tigerheart. Indipaw noticed the look that passed between the injured ShadowClan warrior and Dovewing. Both looked woebegone. Indipaw scowled, but kept her opinion on that relationship to herself. Pinepaw stirred.
โI think Iโm too warm now.โ She slowly rolled over and lay on her stomach. At that moment Phantompaw lead Indipawโs siblings to her.
โCome on. Letโs check out those tracks.โ
โGood idea, โ Indupaw stood up. Snowpaw rose with her.
โI agree. We can learn the scent of the enemy.โ
Indipaw, Snowpaw, Demonpaw,and Phantompaw trotted to the back of camp where the coyotes barreled through the meager barrier of pine boughs. They examined the coyote tracks. drinking in the scents. Other warriors joined them, and learned the odor of the enemy. Phantompaw and Demonpaw took inhaled deeply, muzzles over the bloody tracks left by the coyote invaders.
โWeak weak defenses,โ Demonpaw scoffed. He pointed with his bushy back tail. โBoulders there with briars anchored there and strung through the boughs may have stopped them.โ
Phantompaw and Demonpaw agreed, gesturing with paw and tail.
โThere, vines and briars anchored with stones make a fine blockade. Set up barriers on trails leading into the camp.โ Demonpaw tapped a small boulder next to a small pine. โThen wrap the vines around the tree trunk woven with briars.โ
Indipaw listened, sniffing the tracks left by the enemy, committing it to memory, while her brothers used their skill to fortify ShadowClanโs camp. Snowpaw sniffed the tracks.
โI will always hate this scent,โ he growled. โYour brothers sure know their stuff.โ
โThanks to Brackenfur and my Demonpoppa, they sure do,โ Indipaw agreed, turning her head briefly as the other Clans took their leave. She waved her tail, then returned to the work at hand. Demonpawโs dexterous toes already weaved threatening barrier across the breach in the campโs defenses. A moan from Pinepaw drew her attention. Snowpaw whirled and ran to her. Indipaw followed.
โCold again,โ she mewled, her teeth chattering. Without hesitation Indipaw draped over her back, and Snowpaw lay against her stomach. Pinepaw groaned with delight. Indipaw blinked, feeling sleepy, when Rowanstar padded up to them with a noticeable limp.
โThank you for staying,โ ShadowClanโs leader purred, his words ragged.
โYouโre more than welcome,โ Indipaw purred back, glancing around at the tall pines. โIts nice here.โ
โIโm sorry I was rude at the last gathering.โ
โDonโt apologize.โ Indipaw yawned. โI understand the rules.โ
โBut it doesnโt stop you from loving a cat from another clan.โ Rowanstar sat down. โI think you and your sisters have a destiny beyond our code.โ
โWhat do you mean?โ Indipaw bristled with suspicion.
โYou have your motherโs spunk all right,โ Rowanstar said, then coughed, blood and spittle spraying the snow.
โYouโre really hurt!โ Indipaw interrupted in dismay.
โIโm healing,โ Rowanstar assured her. โBut both of your sisters are besotted with toms from other Clans. Perhaps this is meant to be. What remains now is where you decide to live.โ
โWhat?โ Indipaw resisted the urge to sit up.
โYou must decide what Clan you will raise your kits in.โ Rowanstar stood up.
โMy kits?โ Indpaw hissed, causing Rowanstar to utter a raspy laugh.
โYes, yours and Snowpawโs,โ Rowanstar paused, turned and padded away, glancing back once. โThat is inevitableโ
โHeโs speaking in riddles.โ Snowpaw sneezed, hiding his head against Pinepaw, who shook with silent mirth.
โWorse than an old StarClan prophecy,โ Indipaw spat, annoyed. โIโm not having kits. I want to be a warrior before that happens.โ
โMe too, but it would be nice to live in the same Clan.โ Snowpaw yawned. โLetโs sleep. We can talk about what we want in the morning.โ
โSure,โ Indipaw laid her head beside Pinepawโs, and closed her eyes. Leave ThunderClan? Could she? She inhaled a deep breath, letting it out slowly, realizing she allowed two cats to not only touch her, but snuggle with her to keep warm. The scent of pine filled her sinuses and she found it pleasant, soothing. Did she belong here?
The next day, work began to help ShadowClan rebuild and recover. Indipaw left Pinepawโs care to Gentlepaw, who moved Pinepaw to the medicine cat den. She assisted her brothers with the building and fortifying of barriers. For two sunrises, she worked, hunted and slept, Snowpaw and her brothers at her side, feeling content, until the night her brothers and other ThunderClan warriors left for home. She hung back, thinking to stay, but feeling the tug of her birthplace. She inhaled the pine scent and listened to the wind singing in the boughs of the trees.
โStay if you wish,โ Thornclaw said. โJust come home soon to resume training.โ
โI will,โ Indipaw meowed, and as her clanmates and siblings left, she joined Snowpaw in the apprentice den, Many regarded her warily, and she saw old clan distrust in many eyes. The walls of the den closed in on her, and the distance from her nest to the next narrowed to nothing. To her dismay, even Beepawโs blue eyes drilled into her. Her pelt bristled, and she thought all of them sought to touch her, even slap her. Indipaw suddenly felt a stab of severe homesickness. She never before felt such anxiety and longing, not even when she left Kyemamaโs side to join the apprentices after her ceremony. She shivered against Snowpaw, but his presence failed to allay her rising dread. Waves of fear, anger and longing choked her, and she jumped up. Her heart pounded, she trembled all over, and sweat broke out on her paws. She hissed.
โDonโt touch me!โ
โIndipaw?โ Snowpaw queried.
โWhatโs wrong?โ Strikepaw asked, his expression turning to surprise.
โWho dares touch you?โ Yarrowpaw queried.
โIโm sorry. I have to go home,โ she said to Snowpaw, leaping out of the den.
โWhy?โ Snowpaw followed her out into the snow.
โI miss my family,โ she explained in a quavering meow, omitting how his clanmates made her feel very unwelcome, even after all that occurred the last few days.
โI thought youโd stay with me,โ Snowpaw mumbled.
โMe, too.โIndipaw mewled. โI like it here but, but . . .โ Indipaw paused, then brightened. โCome with me?โ
โI canโt leave my sister,โ Snowpaw whimpered. โPlease donโt go.โ
Annoyance flashed through Indipaw, but before Snowpaw noticed, she spun away, panic racing her heart, pouring sweat from her pawpads into the snow. She wanted nothing more than to curl up with Kyemama, but knew that kittenish impulse impossible, so her own nest beside her brothers and sisters suited her just fine.
โI have to. Iโm sorry,โ she cried, head down, as she dashed for home, feeling like a cowardly mousebrain.
โIndipaw!โ Snowpawโs anguish cut into her heart, but did not reduce the homesickness and angst that throttled her like a twisting vine.
โIโm sorry,โ she wailed, her heart squeezing. She dared not look back. She raced across the snowy land, leaped the stream at the border and headed for camp.
โIndipaw?โ Cloudtail queried from the sentryโs perch.
โDonโt ask!โ Indipaw snarled, and dashed for the apprenticeโs den. She scurried in, nimbly avoiding touching anyone, She dropped into her nest, quivering, inhaling the scent of her nest, trying to calm this alien emotion that roared though her body.
โIndipaw?โ Smokepaw asked softly. โAre you all right?โ
โNo,โ Indipaw sniffled through her nest. โI tried to sleep over with Snowpaw in the apprenticesโ den, and I got so homesick, it scared me.โ
โBut you were fine the last few nights,โ Smokepaw whispered.
โYeah, but,โ Indipaw paused, feeling like stupid kit. โYou were not there.โ
โRelax and sleep. Youโll feel better come morning,โ
Indipaw curled up, and the familiar scents and sounds soothed her to sleep. She woke abruptly just before sunrise, and looked around the den, memories of the previous night flooding her mind, She scowled. Why did she act like such a scared kit? She thought of Snowpaw and her heart jumped with remorse, and she realized his fellow clanmates never showed her animosity, only curiosity. She recalled Beepawโs reaction and her wide blue eyes showed disappointment, not disdain. She remembered the smell of pine, the deep shade, and the comforting touch of Snowpawโs body. She imagined waking up beside Snowpaw, and his sister, ready to tackle a new day together, and she blew the chance to actually stay with Snowpaw forever. She wished she never fled and come home.
She rose, left the den, and slipped out of camp, passing the sentry, and nodded a silent thank you. Kyemama merely nodded understanding, a haunted look in her eyes.
โKyemama,โ Indipaw whispered, and her mother shook her head, ears drooping. Indipaw blinked a kiss to her mother, not wanting to hurt Kyemama. She trembled, seeing the deep resigned sadness in her motherโs eyes.
โI. . .โ Indipaw mewed, but Kyemama shook her head again, flattening her tall ears to her skull.
โJust go, Daughter,โ she muttered. The very thought of hurting Kyemama made Indipaw want to yowl to the fading stars, but she clenched her jaw, and hurried across the territory to ShadowClanโs border. She crossed the stream, sat on the shore, and waited. The sun sent rays over the hill, and Indipaw heard a patrol moving toward her.
โDonโt fret,โ someone said. โSheโll be back.โ
Indipaw recognized Needletailโs voice.
โI hope so,โ Snowpawโs mumble answered.
โShe just freaked a little, in a strange place without her family.โ Stonepawโs reply floated to her ears. โBut, sheโs too independent to not follow her heart.โ
โSnowpaw!โ Indipaw yowled, deciding to announce her presence. โIโm sorry!โ
โWhy did you run?โ Snowpaw poked his head out of the brush.
โIโm not sure,โ Indipaw touched noses with him. โI panicked, and had to go home, but, this morning, I feel so bad that I left you.โ
โYou do?โ
โYes, I shouldโve stayed, and snuggled with you. The feeling may have just passed. Iโm a mousebrain,โ Indipaw murmured.
โI do forgive you,โ Snowpaw mewed, and Indipawโs heart filled with joy. โI understand, but, we do have to decide. I think Rowanstar would accept you, if you chose to come here permanently.โ
โI want to, but, Smokepaw desperately wishes to go to WindClan. She and Oatclaw sneak out on the moors to run at night. Bluepaw is learning to swim,โ Indipaw fought to keep her voice down. โIf I go too, Kyemama will be so upset. I canโt do that to her. It breaks my heart that she will be hurt.โ
โShe has your brothers,โ Snowpaw reminded her.
โYou could come to ThunderClan,โ Indipaw suggested.
โNo. We need you,โ Snowpaw mewed softly. โYou have to follow your heart, and youโre perfect for ShadowClan, and me.โ
โI know, โ Indiclaw murmured, understanding he spoke the truth. Her heart longed to sleep with him under the pines, but she dreaded breaking her motherโs heart. โCan I think about it more? Iโll know by the Gathering.โ
โSure,โ Snowpaw purred. โIโll wait as long as you need me to.โ
โI have to go now.โ Indipaw glanced over her shoulder. โThornclaw will be looking for me.โ
โSee you at the next Gathering.โ Snowpaw waved his tail.
โOf course!โ
Indipaw whirled and hurried back home. She crept into camp, acknowledging her mother who still sat sentry duty.
โAll okay?โ Kyemama asked.
โYes,โ Indipaw answered. โThanks for not alerting everyone.โ
โYou needed to do this,โ Kyemama said, her voice betraying nothing of the feelings Indipaw knew lurked there. โBetter get ready for your mentor.โ
โI will.โ Indipaw trotted to the apprentice den where her clanmates stirred. Thornclaw met her at the entrance.
โReady?โ
โYes,โ Indipaw answered.
โWe tree train today.โ Thornclaw announced. โI am not great with it, but I think you will be.โ
โAlright,โ Indipaw nodded. She followed her mentor, her mind on Snowpaw. She practiced hunting from the trees and found she loved it. She imagined herself in ShadowClanโs majestic pines, hidden, ready to plummet onto unsuspecting prey, supplying her Clan with incredible bounty.
As the days passed, she longed more and more for the pines across the stream. By time the Gathering loomed, she finally made her decision.
The moon rose in clear cold skies, sending silver-gold light into the hollow. Frigid air blew over the lake, sending small snow twisters over snow-covered ice. Indipaw shivered, her thick coat billowing out to block the wind, as she, Kyemama and Thornclaw brought in a Roe fawn fresh kill. Over the last moon, the technique of dropping from the trees worked as a very efficient strategy for hunting the swift wary creatures, keeping the Clan fed during the harsh Leaf Bare, where tracking and stalking in the unusually deep snows proved quite difficult. Indipaw excelled in the tree drop, and enjoyed the hunt.
โWell done!โ Bramblestar called out, returning with his patrol, who, with Phantompaw and Lionblaze, carried home a small young yearling Roe deer.
โThis tree diving technique works great for hunting,โ Bramblestar said. โI am concerned that itโs getting harder to find these creatures. They used to be everywhere.โ
โAny scent of other predators that might be hunting out territory?โ Demonpoppa asked, coming up alongside Kyemama โAre we making them more skittish?โ
โNo, I donโt think so, but this prey roams well beyond our territories,โ Bramblestar replied, halting to allow his patrol to place their fresh kill in the center of camp by the rounded rock where they ate the first venison meal.
โI have no doubts coyotes might hunt these creatures, too. Another reason to deal with them. They compete with us for those deer.โ
โIt never mattered before, but now that we can catch them, the competition is a problem. We have a lot to discuss at tonightโs Gathering,โ Squirrelflight said. โThe howls have begun again just past the horseplace. I donโt like it at all.โ
โCertainly we hurt them bad enough that they wonโt return,โ Kyemama said, her fur bristling. โThey didnโt get anyone that night as a meal.โ
โMaybe not, but will it prevent them from trying in other territories?โ ThunderClanโs deputy glanced worriedly eastward. โThey can come in from any direction.โ
โThen we will prepare,โ Kyemama said firmly. โOur tree diving technique should work great in battling them. Their only real weapons are those long jaws and big teeth!โ
โI can climb well enough now,โ Demonpoppa growled. โLet me drop on a few of them. Theyโll not dare trouble us any more.โ
โSuch optimists, but I am glad youโll be able to join us in battle, Demonstone,โ Squirrelflight sighed. โLetโs eat. The Gathering is at moonhigh.โ
Indipaw eyed her father, realizing how much he developed his own special skills over the moons. Climbing rocks and logs in his work increased his musculature, and she knew he gained weight and power during his time here. He might not run fast, but in close quarters, Demonpoppa battled with the best. As large and heavy as a big male badger, he possessed many fighting techniques reminiscent of that enemy. She imagined his bulk landing on a coyote head, smashing it to the ground. He padded over, in his rocking gait, carrying Briarlight with ease.
Indipaw joined the Clan as they milled around the Feasting Rock, awaiting Bramblestarโs first tearing open of the prey, a new tradition born of the size of the meals these creatures supplied. The Elders crowded the entrance of the Elderโs den, eagerly awaiting their share, but unwilling to brave the bitter winds. Briarlight rode Demonpoppaโs back, sliding off at her place by the bulging stone. All of her clanmates, including the Elders, brimmed with health and vigor, thick-furred, bright-eyed, and muscular, in contrast to the hungry cats in other Clans.
Half a moon ago, Indipaw worried for Snowpaw. Every time she met him on patrol, he looked thinner. Smokepaw fretted over Oatclawโs deteriorating condition, as prey ran sparse on the moors.. The apprentices all met one cold night and agreed to do the right thing, and it commanded the utmost secrecy.
โClanmates,โ Bramblestar meowed, his voice flicking away Indipawโs thoughts. โWe are about to enjoy another Leaf Bare feast. We thank StarClan for this bounty, and as always, for our Clanmates sent to us by StarClan so many moons ago, who taught us to catch such prey. Let the feast begin!โ Bramblestar hooked his claws into the belly of the fresh kill and tore it open. He spilled the guts and organs out onto the snow.
โElders first!โ he called out. The youngest Warriors walked forward, and took chunks of organ meats to the Elders. The apprentices came forward next. Greypaw and Rainpaw carried portions to Briarlight, who showered her younger brothers with thanks and love. Phantompaw, Indipaw, Smokepaw, Bluepaw and Demonpaw carved gargantuan hunks from the carcass, and brought them to the Elderโs den.
โEat it all,โ Phantompawโs voice carried out of the den. โOr Iโll be back and eat it for you!โ
โNo need, younginโโ Purdyโs laughter followed. โI kin eat up as much oโthe two oโyou. Yer wastinโ yer time.โ
โOh, Purdy,โ Indipaw replied, her meow shaking with mirth. โYou know my brotherโs a glutton!โ
โYer sibling wonโt find anythinโ left to eat when weโre done,โ Purdy retorted in good humor. Indipaw only laughed and left the den.
โMedicine cats next!โ Bramblestar called out. Decreed by new ritual, the medicine cats came forward to claim their meals. Gentlepaw marched to the fresh kill, and tore off large portions, honoring his mentors as he gave the servings to them. Alderheart, Leafpool and Jayfeather thanked him. Daisy stepped forward with Cherryfall, who glanced at Stormcloud, then her Clan Leader.
โEveryone knows,โ Kyemama guffawed. โEat for you and your kits!โ
Cherryfall took a large chunk of leg meat, and hurried back to her mate. Bramblestar nodded at his warriors and apprentices. The Clan filed past, in complete organized precision, and sliced their meals from the carcass. Paired warriors went first. Cloudtail and Brightheart took their share, followed by Lionblaze and Cinderheart, Poppyfrost and Berrynose, Whitewing and Birchfall, and Lilyheart and Snowbush. Kyemama followed Demonpoppa, tearing off their portions, then Bramblestar and Squirrelflight took theirs. The rest of the warriors followed, and Indipaw watched them file by, taking big meals, laughing and chatting, noting they walked past by seniority. Brackenfur, Thornclaw, Mousewhisker, Rosepetal, and Spiderleg lead the line, with Dovewing, Ivypool, Blossomfall, Molewhisker, and Bumblestripe, then the younger warriors; Lilyheart, Dewnose, Snowbush, Ambermoon. Hollytuft, Sorrelstripe, Fernsong and Sparkfire.
The apprentices took their meals, laughing and goofing around. Sparkfire scowled as Phantompaw, Smokepaw, Bluepaw,, Rainpaw, Larkpaw, Leafpaw, Honeypaw, and Greypaw slapped at each other like kits. Indipaw joined in the fun, lancing at Demonstreak and Sparkfire. Both twitched their whiskers.
โKeep your heads,โ Indipaw murmured. Demonpaw stood behind Sparkfire, glaring at his siblings. Gentlepaw took his meal and joined his mentors. Indipaw guffawed when Phantompaw snatched the last piece of organ meat, added a huge hunk of shoulder meat, and carried the gargantuan serving to his spot beside his siblings. Feline laughter pealed from the group as the apprentices teased Phantompaw, who only grinned, baring all four fangs before wolfing down his meal. Indipaw joined the laughter, but flicked her tail with nervous anticipation. They needed to lull everyone into ignoring flighty apprentices. Kyemama watched them carry extra meat to their little circle on the other side of camp.
โDo you think Kyemama knows what weโre doing?โ Smokepaw asked.
โSo far, she thinks weโre pranking on each other,โ Phantompaw answered, his expression serious. โOr pulling pranks on WindClan apprentices.โ
โWe should pay attention to the ceremony and get some marrow,โ Indipaw meowed, salivating at the thought.
โRight,โ Bluepaw said. โPut the meat there and letโs go.
โHoneypaw, Larkpaw, Leafpaw,โ Indipaw admonished the younger apprentices. โRemember your tasks.โ
โWe will,โ Honeypaw replied, and Indipaw approved of the youngsterโs bravery in standing up to her reprimand.
โMeet back here after everyone finishes that big meal. Remember the gathering is tonight.โ Indipaw reminded them.
Demonpoppa and Bramblestar performed the bone breakage over the Feasting Rock once the Clan licked the bones clean. Demonpoppa balanced himself over the first leg bone, as Bramblestar stood beside him.
โWe thank StarClan for this wonderful bounty. Demonstone, proceed!โ
The snap of bone echoed over camp when Demonpoppa broke the leg. The prior ritual repeated, as Clan members took their share of bones to crunch. Phantompaw graciously gave Purdy and the Elders chunks of large leg bones before taking one for himself. Demonpoppa cracked rib bones, his favorite, while Kyemama gnawed a foreleg fragment. Indipaw cranched her piece, a long hind leg bone. The bitter wind swirled around the camp, but not one cat complained.
Soon everyone rested, digesting the big meal. Indipaw stood up and with a tail lash, alerted her fellow apprentices. Demonpaw rose slowly, careful on to obviously.disturb Sparkfire, but the young warrior flicked her tail with acknowledgment.. Gentlepaw glided over, and the others hurried over. Indipaw and Smokepaw led the group to the meat pile.
โReady?โ Indipaw asked. โWe have to be fast.โ
โLetโs do it,โ Phantompaw said. โMeet back here.โ
Indipaw watched Smokepaw lift a huge chunk of meat and race off toward WindClan terrirtory. Honeypaw, Larkpaw and Leafpaw picked up meat and hurried after Smokepaw. Rainpaw, Greypaw and Bluepaw took large pieces and headed off toward RiverClan. Indipaw grabbed a chunk, along with Phantompaw and Demmonpaw, while Gentlepaw carried precious organ meat. They glided through the territory to the stream. Puddlepawโs head peeked out of the brush. Gentlepaw stretched his neck across the stream
โGive this to Littlecloud.โ
โI will. Many thanks.โ Puddlepaw took the heart, and vanished.
โHurry, dump your gifts.โ Indipaw hissed.
Her brothers tossed the meat onto the far shore, then turned and dashed back to camp. Indipaw flung her chunk over, and uttered a low mew.
โGot it,โ came a soft reply and she recognized Snowpawโs voice. โThank you.โ
โSee you later,โ Indipaw mewed and raced after her brothers. They entered camp, and settled back into their original resting spot, and started laughing and tussling. Indipaw sat, watching, relieved the task went well. Melancholia drooped her whiskers, when she realized the consequences of her decision, and time now ran down to nothing. But her heart told her the true path which lay ahead for her, and though bittersweet, she knew she must walk that trail.
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
PART FOUR
As Moonhigh approached, the Clan rose from their rest, prepared for the Gathering. Indipaw felt eager to be off, various emotions flooding her body. Bramblestar stood up and stretched, then eyed Kyemama and Demonpoppa.
โYou and your kits will attend,โ he stated, a twinkle in his eye. Indipaw puffed with pride and anticipation. Anxiety nibbled around the edges but she pushed it aside. Kyemama feigned distaste before returning the grin. Indipaw danced in place with impatience, as cats going to the Gathering joined her by the entrance. Thornclaw, Bumblestripe, Spiderleg, Sparkfire, Lionblaze, Cinderheart, Dovewing, Squirrelflight, Leafpool, Alderheart, Snowbush, Liliyheart, Larkpaw, Honeypaw and Leafpaw completed the party. Bramblestar gazed at Cloudtail and Brackenfur.
โ I trust you to keep things in order while weโre gone?โ
โOf course,โ Cloudtail glanced at Brackenfur. โWe wonโt fail you.โ
โI know,โ Bramblestar nodded, and raised his voice. โLetโs move!โ
Bramblestar led the procession out of camp and down the hill to the Lake. Kyemama trotted behind him and Squirrelflight, Demonpoppa at her side. Indipaw shook with excitement, eager to see Snowpaw again.
โI hope Troutpaw is there,โ Bluepaw meowed, lashng her big silvery grey tail.
โOatclaw will be,โ Smokepaw stated. โOnestar will make sure of it if he wants me to be with them.โ
Indipaw listened to Phantompaw, Greypaw and the gaggle of apprentices eagerly anticipate competing with their fellow apprentices in games they created. Demonpaw trotted with Sparkfire, tails entwined, eyes only for each other, and Indipaw knew without a doubt their bond ran even deeper than the one Kyemama shared with Demonpoppa. Indipaw wondered if Sparkfire approved of their food sharing escapades. Her bond with Demonpaw surely made it difficult for either of them to keep secrets, but Sparkfire never mentioned anything about it.
As they neared the stream mouth, Indiapaw noticed the pile of snow-covered deerskins on an open stretch of rocky beach. Pawprints crisscrossed the snows on the other side of the brook, and only two sets crossed the stream. Indipaw recognized them as her mother did. Kyemama bared her teeth, realizing who one set belonged to.
โHarespring dare crosses here?โ Kyemama paused and sniffed the stiff hides. โThese are still ours.โ
โIf they keep drying out like that, they may be great to line the floors of the dens with them,โ Demonpoppa commented, then marked the snows around the hides. Kyestorm and Thornclaw followed suit, remarking the hides. โWe wonโt know for certain until New Leaf.โ
โToo bad we canโt let them dry in camp then,โ Thornclaw commented. โBut they stink.โ
โThatโs why we left them by the lake. That spot gets sun all day.โ Indipaw spoke up, glancing back, as the group crossed the stream out of ThunderClan territory. โAnd we keep watch on them, tooโ
โHarespring doesnโt come here anymore,โ Smokepaw flicked her tail, ducking her head. โHe crossed over and I had to slap him. I promise I kept my claws sheathed! But now Crowfeather patrols down here. He asked us to take the skins elsewhere but I said no. Theyโre drying out well here. He accepted it.โ
โWindClan dare not touch them,โ Kyesmama added, and eyed her daughter. Indipaw slapped Smokepaw with her tail. Smokepaw said nothing more. The Clan moved quickly along the lake, and Indipaw tested the ice.
โThey probably are very confused by what weโre doing,โ Bramblestar meowed, and increased his pace. Indipaw looked up the hill and saw Onestar crest the open moor. Harespring appeared next. WindClan moved slow, traversing old paths filled in with fresh snow.
โOne of these days, heโs going to get what he deserves,โ Demonpoppa said quietly.
โJust because heโs awful, doesnโt mean the rest are,โ Smokepaw interjected. Kyemama shot her an annoyed look, and Indipaw wanted to hiss at her sister. She glared, and Smokepaw flicked her tail.
Bramblestar led them across the sandy spit, then paused at the frozen marsh. Kyesmama stepped on the ice, bounced once, then nodded. Bramblestar took the lead and crossed the frozen swamp to the head of the fallen tree. Indipaw trotted across the log, tail up, her eyes roving the gathered cats for Snowpaw.
โHallo!โ Mistystar greeted them, a look of surprise on her face. โBrave for ones who fear the water.โ
โYou forget,โ Bramblestar guffawed, his voice full of mirth. โWe have water happy Maine Coon crazies in our midst.โ He sobered. โKyestorm and her mate have uncanny knowledge and instincts about ice, and Iโve learned to trust them.โ
โCrazy,โ someone muttered, and Indipaw saw Rowanstar standing below the Great Oak Tree. His eyes flashed with humor. Indipaw noted the absence of Tawnypelt and felt a pang of concern. She glanced around at the gathering Clans, and all of them looked gaunt, despite the food she and her fellow apprentices siphoned off to them, though RiverClan less so. Even Beepaw looked thin. She loved her food, always reminding Indipaw of Phantompaw in that respect. Onestar led his Clan over the fallen tree, and his clan looked downright skeletal. He glanced at Bramblestar and shook his head. The leaders sprang up into the tree, as others greeted new and old friends.
Demonpaw walked with Sparkfire, tails tightly entwined, bodies pressed together, eyes shining, leaving no doubts in anyoneโs mind about their status. Indipaw weaved through the throng of cats, and found Snowpaw. She rubbed face and body with him, and twisted his fluffy tail in hers.
โGreetings!โ Bramblestarโs voice rang out, starting the official Gathering. The moon shone bright from clear skies, and not a single wisp of cloud marred the night sky. Silverpelt glittered, unusually bright, despite the full moon. Bramblestar continued. โ All is well in ThunderClan. Prey is running light, but weโve been very successful in catching larger prey this Leaf Bare. No greencough, no illness. I hope all have fared well this hard season. We have a lot to discuss about the coyote threat.โ
โWeโre fine. Despite the cold, the fishing is good,โ Mistystar said. โWeโve been supplementing with the occasional Muntjac deer that come to the stream to drink.โ
โWeโve learned to ambush them at night,โ Rowanstar said, โbut it is very difficult. It takes a large patrol to take one down. Our kits thrive, despite the coyotes. And weโve only seen white cough.โ
โWeโve had it rough,โ Onestar said, standing up. โThose deer are impossible to catch on the moors, but, someone, uh, or something, has left fresh kill just inside our territory. If not for that. . .โ Onestar trailed off, eyes widening as if he knew he said too much. The other three leaders stared at him. Mistystar and Rowanstar exchanged worried glances. Bramblestar scowled, and Indipawโs heart raced in her chest.
โNear our deerskins?โ he asked, bristling. He suddenly locked eyes on Smokepaw. โWhat have you apprentices been up to?โ
โIโm sorry!โ Smokepaw jumped forward and stood before her Clan leader. Her black smoke coat remained flat, but the wind parted her fur, revealing its pure white roots. Her gold eyes locked onto her Clan leaderโs amber gaze
โI, well, we, have been sharing our excess. We, well, we apprentices, weโve been giving some of our deer to Oatclaw.โ
โWhat?โ Bramblestar snarled with sudden outrage. โAre you completely fluff-headed?โ
โWait,โ Onestar interrupted. โPlease, donโt be angry. If not for them, many of us would have starved. Rabbits are in semi -hibernation. Weโve never seen this kind of thing. This has been a terrible Leaf Bare for us. We have failed to catch any Roe or Muntjac deer roaming our open moors. They are, as always, too fast and even if we manage to snag one, they kick and hurt us, then leap and get away. We donโt have the weight and size to take one down.โ
โI concur,โ Rowanstar jumped in. โIndipaw, Demonpaw, and Phantompaw have given us deer meat as well. Gentlepaw gave Puddlepaw rich organ meat for Littlecloud. Our kits would have starved because Tawnypeltโs milk failed and we have no other nursing queens. I will never forget your apprenticesโ generosity and I made sure they werenโt taking away from anyone in your clan. Indipaw assured me it was extra and you had plenty. They saved the kitsโ lives. Tawnypeltโs milk returned.โ
โWe didnโt take the meat Bluepaw, Rainpaw, and Greypaw brought,โ Mistystar said. โWe gave it to Tawnypelt. But we asked Bluepaw to help us hunt the Muntjac deer. Please, Bramblestar, in a Leaf Bare such as this, your apprentices helped all of us,โ Mistystarโs voice sharpened. โWe are still four Clans to be One under StarClan. The coyote threat is still out there.โ
Bramblestar stared, teeth bared with outrage, his broad shoulders trembling. Indipawโs heart hammered in her chest, watching the battle in his eyes between his good nature and the old traditions of separate Clans and the warrior code. His brown tabby coat slowly flattened, and he covered his fangs. He nodded at his apprentices.
Blood roared in Indipawโs ears, but she faced her leader with defiance, eyes wide, but she and her fellow apprentices knew they saved lives with their actions. Alderheart and Sparkfire sat with them, bravely facing their father. Indipaw realized Sparkfire knew all along, her attitude just a facade. She wrapped her tail tightly to Snowpawโs.
โI wish you would have come to me with your plan,โ Bramblestar growled at the knot of youngsters. โI probably would have agreed if you presented the arguments I just heard from my fellow Clan Leaders. Though I commend you actions, you still must suffer punishment for doing this without my permission. You will stay in camp, cleaning the Elders dens, attending the Elders meticulously, and assist Demonstone and Brackenfur with den repair. You will assist the medicine cats with chores. No patrolling or hunting for a moon.โ
โYes, Bramblestar,โ Indipaw and her fellow apprentices murmured. Bramblestar leveled his gaze on his own offspring.
โSparkfire, you will concentrate on bringing home fresh kill for the Elders, without the help of Demonpaw and his siblings.โ Bramblestar stated, and they exchanged glances of alarm. Without Demonpaw or Phantompaw or their sisters, downing even a small deer might be downright impossible for Sparkfire, forcing her to hunt smaller much more difficult prey. Indipaw briefly met Sparkfireโs bright green eyes, before she lifted her head, and met her fatherโs gaze. Sparkfire nodded. Bramblestar turned his attention to his son and Gentlepaw. โYour punishment I leave to Jayfeather and Leafpool.โ
Gentlepaw and Alderheart exchanged resigned glances, offering not even one mew of dissent.
โBut, we really did the right thing,โ Indipaw protested. Bramblestarโs amber eyes darkened and narrowed. Indipaw shivered, and Snowpawโs tail wrapped herโs tight in support.
โClan Leaders,โ Rowanstarโs voice broke the tension. โBramblestar, please? I think itโs time we dealt with the inevitable. Indipaw? Please come forward. Speak now, young apprentice, if what you told Snowpaw is true.โ
Bramblestarโs expression turned to surprise. His eyes widened, then narrowed again, but he nodded at Indipaw. Indipaw stepped forward, and the entire gathering silenced until only the wind whispered in the trees.
โSpeak your mind, apprentice,โ Bramblestar said, his voice calm, belying his expression.
โClan Leaders, โ Indipaw began, then paused, her green eyes wide with uncustomary nerves. Her tabby and white coat rippled down her body. Snowpaw leaned into her, entwining his black fluffy tail with her tabby bottlebrush of a tail. Bramblestarโs eyes glimmered with understanding.
Indipaw drew a deep breath, and continued. โSnowpaw and I love each other. We want to be together, so one of us has to join the otherโs Clan. I think of how we came to be here and just know my place is with Snowpaw, and ShadowClan. My time there after the attack proved it. If all the leaders approve, Iโd like to go to ShadowClan and complete my training there, with Snowpawโs mentor. I expect to serve out my punishment there, tooโ
Murmuring rippled through the Gathering, and a few cheering yowls erupted from ShadowClan cats. Needlepail and Pinepaw gazed at her, joy in their eyes. Rowanstar nodded, flicking his ears.
โI accept, with Bramblestarโs. . .โ Rowanstar raised his voice, until Harespring jumped up and cut him off.
โNo! Itโs wrong! Very wrong! Mixed Clan cats are wrong!โ The disgruntled WindClan deputyโs red-brown and white coat bristled all over like a hedgehog.
โYes, we are of ThunderClan,โ Bluepaw meowed firmly, her blue-smoke fur puffing out revealing even more silvery highlights. Her vivid blue eyes sparkled. โBut weโre Maine Coons, and weโre supposed to spread to other Clans. Firestar said so. StarClan said weโre important to all the Clans, not just one. If RiverClan will have me, I want to be with Troutpaw.โ
Indipaw saw resignation on her parentsโ and brothersโ faces, as if they knew all along this might occur. Onestar stood up, and Indipaw knew what came next.
โSmokepaw, you are welcome in WindClan, if that is your desire. Iโll not oppose it at all, especially after what youโve done to help my Clan during this brutal Leaf Bare. We all know about you and Oatclaw.โ Onestar actually smiled, and Indipaw saw another side to the gruff, pompous Clan Leader, something that always hid beneath a facade. Onestarโs confidence in his leadership shone through, and peeled away that old mask he erected in trying to prove himself over the seasons.
โShe trespassed,โ Harespring snarled. โSneaking here to run with her consort.โ
โSmokepaw!โ Kyemama exclaimed in a shocked yowl.
โHer secret is out,โ Indipaw whispered.
โWhat have you done?โ Bramblestar glared at the young apprentice. Smokepaw shrank down onto her belly, flattening her ears.
โIโm sorry, I am, but I love the moors! Always have, and I love Oatclaw!โ Smokepaw wailed like a scared kit, but her eyes glittered golden fire. โIf not for that, weโd have never gotten deer meat to those who needed it!โ
โShe ran our territory!โ Harespring glared at Onestar, protesting with a snarl. โAnd you never punished her? You ignore the Code. We arenโt like ThunderClan to accept every rogue and kittypet that comes along!โ
โOh, shut up, Harespring! Iโm not a kittypet! I was born in ThunderClan!โ Smokepaw protested.
โYouโre abominations,โ Harespring hissed.
โWe aren't!โ Smokepaw retorted. โItโs because you donโt want me to be with Oatclaw! You hate me because I run faster than you, and I saved your Elders and other Clanmates with our spare deer meat!โ Smokepaw leaped to her feet. โBecause I have no problem slapping you down just like Kyemama does!โ
Indipaw wanted to cheer, but kept her mouth shut. She felt Snowpaw trembling in efforts to keep silent.
โYou break the code running our territory.โ Harespring retorted, eyes blazing, but he stepped backward. He spun to face Onestar. โAnd you show weakness by allowing it.โ
โYou dare question my decisions?โ Onestar stood up on his limb, claws unsheathed, tabby pelt bristling, fangs bared in fury. โEven after you ate as much of that deer meat as any of us? If Smokepaw wants to join WindClan, so be it! She has my permission, if she has Bramblestarโs. She belongs here.โ Onestar growled, his voice low, his eyes spitting fire. โPerhaps it is time to relieve you of your duties?โ
โYou canโt,โ Harespring snapped. โIโm your deputy! Iโll be Leader of this Clan one day and things will change!โ Harespring sprang at Smokepaw, landing in front of her. โAnd in my Clan, youโd never be!โ
โI will be! Onestar said yes! You canโt stop this.โ Smokepaw defied the WindClan deputy, her thick black smoke coat fluffing out. She bared her fangs, standing tall and menacing, towering over Harespring, who reared up to attack her, hatred in his eyes. Indipaw tensed, growling, ready to pounce on the WindClan deputy if he so much as raked a claw in Smokepawโs fur.
โSTOP!โ Onestar leaped down from his branch, dropping between Smokepaw and Harespring, his tabby coat puffed up. Harespring spun away from his leader, and dropped to the snow, teeth bared in a silent snarl of defiance. The wind suddenly roared in the trees, and Indipaw looked up at the skies. The moon shone bright, but a wisp of cloud appeared just above the horizon. Indipawโs heart raced, and not one cat moved. Bramblestar, Mistystar and Rowanstar exchanged shocked glances.
โI see things clearly now. Iโm not clouded by indecision, or broken old friendships anymore. This stops now! I obviously chose poorly when Ashfoot died.โ Onestar roared with anger, then glared up at the moon. โForgive me, StarClan, but this must be done now.โ
โWhat?โ Harespringโs expression changed to one of astonishment.
โI say these words before the spirits of all StarClan, before all Clan Leaders, at moonhigh, that they may hear and approve my choice!โ Onestarโs voice rang over the island, rising above the wind. โCrowfeather will be the new deputy of WindClan!โ
After a moment of complete silence, WindClan cats yowled their affirmation. The other Clans joined in enthusiastically.
โCrowfeather! Crowfeather!โ
Crowfeather walked to stand beside Onestar, his eyes wide with surprise.
โThank you, Onestar. I will never let you down. Iโll support you, and offer advice, but never defy or usurp you.โ
โYou canโt do this to me! Iโve been a faithful deputy!โ Harespring stepped toward Crowfeather and Onestar, and wailed, ears flat, eyes full of rage. โ Crowfeather broke the code consorting with a medicine cat! Heโs not fit to be deputy!โ
Before Onestar opened his mouth to reply, a gust of wind whistled through the trees, moaning in the leafless branches of the Great Oak.
โWhat have we done?โ Indipaw moaned, then gaped, as the starry figure of a black and white tom partially solidified in front of Onestar, standing beside Smokepaw. Smokepaw started, but then stood proud, towering over the StarClan cat. He looked at her, a brief flare of delight crossing his features, before he looked at Harespring.
โTallstar!โ erupted from the throats of older cats. The starry apparition glared at Harespring.
โYou defy StarClan at every turn by rejecting Smokepaw and her family. She fulfills her destiny this night under StarClan. Onestar chooses a new deputy. So be it!โ Tallstar yowled at Harespring. โWe want no question that we approve. The future of the Clans will NOT SUFFER for your intolerance.โ
Harespring stared, his anger turning to fear, as Tallstar stepped up to him, standing nose to nose with him. Indipaw watched with astonishment, as other starry shapes joined Tallstar, and she assumed Bluestar, Blackstar, and Firestar walked amongst them. Harespring shank back from the outrage blazing from their eyes.
โForgive me,โ he mewled. โI only tried to keep to the code.โ
โAnd forgot the most recent addition,โ Blackstar snarled at him. โGo back to your Clan, but realize you are no longer deputy.โ
Harespring scurried to hide behind his clanmates, most of whom scowled at him. Furzepelt nodded at him, and he sat beside her. Tallstar raised his tail.
โCarry on,โ Tallstar meowed, and in a swirl of stars vanished. A starry white tom with black legs gazed at Rowanstar before looking at Snowpaw.
โBlackstar,โ Snowpaw whispered reverently. Blackstar and his fellow StarClan mates followed Tallstar, but he glanced back at Indipaw and Snowpaw, nodding approval before he disappeared into the wind. Indipaw stared. Silence hung over the clearing, until Rowanstar sneezed, and spoke.
โAs I was going to say, I accept, with Bramblestarโs blessings, Indipaw into ShadowClan.โ
โYou have it, since StarClan has already blessed what will occur here this Gathering,โ Branmblestar gazed at Indipaw and Snowpaw, then Smokepaw and Bluepaw, and nodded. โMay StarClan light your paths, always.โ
Indipaw and her sisters glanced at each other, then impulsively ran to Kyemama and Demonpoppa. She trembled as Phantompaw, Gentlepaw, Greypaw, Rainpaw, and Demonpaw joined her, pressing against her. She took comfort in their touch, for once feeling no desire to slap her brothers for the audacity.
โWe love you, Kyemama,โ Indipaw mewed. โBut these are the lives weโre meant to live.โ
โNever, ever forget how much your father, brothers, and I love you,โ Kyemama whispered. โI will never raise a claw to you in battle, never.โ
โDonโt worry, Kyemama,โ Smokepaw murmured. โWe all decided never to hurt each other. We can pretend to be angry, but we all know itโs not for real.โ
โDo your new Clans proud, and always use your heads before your claws,โ Kyemama mewed softly, her voice shaking.
โWe promise,โ Indipaw meowed and impulsively licked Kyestormโs cheek. Smokepaw and Bluepaw copied their sister, before moving off to mingle with their new Clans. Indipaw shuffled over to Snowpaw, watching her family, her heart melting at the resigned sadness in her motherโs eyes. Indipaw moved with Snowpaw to mingle with ShadowClan, and all greeted her with varying degrees of delight. Pinepaw, and Beepaw bounced with joy, and Striekpaw blinked at her. Needletail waved her tail. Scorchfur, Snowpawโs mentor, nodded approval.
Mixed emotions knotted her stomach, and she already missed her parents and siblings, but looked forward to her new life with Snowpaw. The acceptance by the Clan which disdained cross clan relationships surprised and pleased her.
โCome, letโs enjoy this Gathering. Everyone is happy, and friendly,โ Snowpaw urged. She decided to enjoy the Gathering, and she mingled. Smokepaw hooked tails with Oatclaw, while chattering with Onestar, who wore a pleased, genuinely delighted expression. Bluepaw joined Troutpaw and Silverpaw, her blue eyes shining. Mistystar greeted her new Clanmate, utterly delighted.
โWeโll see each other,โ Bluepaw meowed, joy in her voice.
โI know,โ Indipaw purred. โWe have chosen our destinies, and StarClan approves.โ
Bramblestar uttered a piercing yowl and Indiclaw jumped with a hiss, careening into Snowpaw. The noisy Gathering silenced. Everyone faced the Great Tree. Kyemama stood up, balancing on the branch, tail up. Indipaw stared.
โEsteemed Clan Leaders, warriors, apprentices, elders, I say this under StarClan, so everyone hears my words. The night Demonstone and I escaped the fire, ready to bear my precious kits, I did not understand all of what StarClan wished from us.โ Kyemamaโs voice strengthened, and the moon glowed. โThe Maine Coons of ThunderClan are meant to be the Maine Coons of all the Clans, to help us build our strength for the battles to come. As my daughters seek their destinies, I truly hope we stay, under StarClan, four Clans as One, to preserve the Four, because I fear if we donโt, the coyote menace will destroy us.โ Kyesmama finished, and Indipaw swelled with pride for her mother.
A moment of quiet hung over the Gathering, then Mistystar raised her voice.
โIf StarClan approves, so do I. I welcome Bluepaw into our Clan. Iโm delighted to have her here.โ Mistystarโs blue eyes grew solemn. โWe have to find a way to deal with the coyote problem. We must devise a call or alarm that will carry over the lake, so other clans know when trouble approaches.โ
โThat sounds like a good idea,โ Rowanstar agreed, his yellow eyes bright.
โWeโve been experimenting,โ Lionblaze spoke up. โMaybe something like this.โ Lionblaze pointed his muzzle at the moon and uttered a fine imitation of a coyote howl, and followed that with piercing warriorโs battle shriek.
โThat might work very well,โ Rowanstar spoke up. His ears twitched. โHear how it reverberates over the lake?โ
โWe also have to make sure we have more than one sentry,โ Bramblestar added. โWe donโt want them sneaking up on any of us again.โ
โThey caught us by surprise,โ Rowanstar admitted. โBy time our sentry yowled out a warning the coyotes already plowed into camp. If it happens again, we will be better prepared.โ
โWe also must suspend borders once that alarm goes up so help may take the shortest route,โ Mistystar added. The other three Clan leaders nodded affirmatives.
โWe should run a test upon returning to our camps. Call and wait for the reply, so we are certain we will hear any Clanโs call.โ Onestar suggested.
โGood idea,โ Bramblestar looked up at the skies. โWe should adjourn, then do this test. It grows late.โ
Indipaw noticed how low the moon hung in the western sky, and yawned. The other leaders agreed, and the Gathering broke up. Indipaw walked with her new Clan, trying not to look back, but caught a glimpse of Kyemama, who plodded across the ice. She spun away, looking ahead, pressing against Snowpaw, and met Rowanstarโs gaze. He nodded.
โWelcome to ShadowClan, young Warrior.โ
โBut Iโm not a warrior,โ Indipaw meowed, meeting her new Leaderโs gaze, realizing she stood as tall as he. Rowanstarโs eyes blinked in a brief smile.
โYou will be, sooner than you think,โ Rowanstar said, then turned to lead his Clan home. He glanced back at her. โIn my eyes, you already are.โ
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
EPILOGUE
โLet all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here!โ Rowanstarโs yowl reverberated through camp, and Indipaw jerked alert.
โIs he really going to do it?โ Pinepaw squeaked with excitement, as the dozen apprentices leaped to their feet and hurried out into the cold camp. The rising sun sent rays through the pine boughs, illuminating Rowanstarโs ginger pelt. They gathered with the rest of the Clan, under their Leader, who perched on a rock below a large pine bough.
โIโm so glad youโre with us,โ Beepaw purred, looking at Indipaw. Indipaw held back a laugh, glad Beepaw no longer looked thin. Ample deer meat put the weight back on Beepawโs frame. โMy brother could not have chosen a more perfect mate.โ
โI am happy here,โ Indipaw mewed, flashing the plump she-cat a feline grin.. โI love the pines, and I excel hunting in them.โ
โWe have all benefited from your prowess,โ Sleekpaw, a pale ginger she-cat said.
โTeaching us to hunt the deer has been so great,โ Strikepaw, a brown tabby tom remarked. โBut without your strength, we might never have pulled one down.โ
โYou deserve this,โ Yarrowpaw, a striking red tabby she cat, said with a nod.
โToday, we shall add new warriors to our ranks!โ Rowanstarโs voice rang out. โNow, Snowpaw, Pinepaw, Beepaw, and Indipaw, please come forward.โ
Indipaw rushed to sit in front of the gathered cats. Snowpaw, Beepaw, and Pinepaw flanked her. Rowanstarโs voice rolled on.
โI, Rowanstar, leader of ShadowClan, 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 turnโ
Indipaw trembled with excitement, though the absence of her brothers and parents trickled disappointment into her mind and heart.
โPinepaw,โ Rowanstar continued. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ The small black she-cat answered, and Indipaw eyed the thin white scar running down her flank, a testament to her bravery defending her leader.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Pineshadow, recognizing your swiftness and stealth in mind and heart, and bravery in the face of incredible danger. From this moment you will be known as Pineshadow! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his yellow eyes sparkling with delight.
โPineshadow! Pineshadow! Pineshadow!!โ erupted from all throats.
โSnowpaw,โ Rowanstar looked at Indipawโs beau. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ he answered, and Indipaw watched with pride.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Snowsquall, recognizing your swiftness of mind, and bravery in the face of incredible danger, going for help, unafraid to cross borders to do so. From this moment you will be known as Snowsquall! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his yellow eyes shining.
โSnwsquall! Snowsquall! Snowsquall!โ
โBeepaw,โ Rowanstar continued. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ she answered, and Indipaw watched the plump she cat sit up, her eyes full of shock and delight.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Beeheart, recognizing your bravery in the face of incredible danger in protecting Littlecloud. From this moment you will be known as Beeheart! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his eyes full of respect for the rotund little she-cat.
โBeeheart! Beeheart! Beeheart!!โ everyone yowled.
โNow, last but not least, Indipaw,โ Rowanstar dipped his head to her. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ she answered, trembling with awe and excitement.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Indiclaw, recognizing your warrior spirit in the face of incredible danger, and your good heart knowing when to do the right thing in the face of rebuke. From this moment you will be known as Indiclaw! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his yellow eyes meeting hers, and in them she saw his deep gratitude.
โIndiclaw! Indiclaw! Indiclaw!โ everyone yowled, and high pitched mews rose above the din and Indiclaw glanced below her leader, where his and Tawnypeltโs kits sat beside their mother, calling her name with all their vocal strength.
โNow that this is done, letโs get on with the dayโs tasks. Crowfrost has the patrol schedules. Meeting adjourned.โ Rowanstar leaped down from the rock, landing in front of Indiclaw.
โWelcome to ShadowClan, โ Rowanstar touched noses with her, then let a smile close his eyes. โI do expect, in the future of course, more giant fluffheads in our ranks.โ
โUh, yes, Rowanstar,โ Indiclaw gaped at him, feeling a bit confused. A few cats tittered and Indiclaw recognized a guffaw from Pinenose. Indiclaw glanced at the queen, who sat in the entrance of the Warrior den. Her kits, Lionpaw, Birchpaw, and Slatepaw, joined their mother in laughter. Puddlepaw glanced her way, a smile on his face as he nodded at his littermates.
โCome now, Indiclaw,โ Snowbird spoke up. โYouโll take Pinenoseโs place in the Queenโs den and grace us with big fluffy warriors.โ
โNo!โ Indiclaw hissed in alarm. โIโm a warrior, and not having kits!โ
โMaybe not now,โ Snowbird said, her expression turning serious. โBut itโs inevitable.โ
Indiclaw gaped, and Snowsquall stood beside her and nuzzled her.
โYou donโt want my kits?โ he mewed.
โOf course I do,โ Indiclaw scoffed. โBut Iโm not even nine moons yet!โ
โYouโll change your mind one day,โ Snowsquall said with confidence, and trotted off after Scorchfur. Indiclaw stared after him a moment, and realized they were right. She loved Snowsquall, and eventually, wanted to bear his kits, but, not until she showed enemies of her Clan her warrior prowess, and possessed experience and knowledge to pass down to her future kits.
โCome new warrior, the border by the twoleg place needs strengthening. Youโll accompany Scorchfur, Snowbird, Sowsquall, Stonewing, Pinepaw, Sleekpaw and Birchpaw.โ
โThank you,โ Indiclaw joined her patrol, baring the tips of her fangs, eager to visit the twoleg place nearby and teach those obnoxious kittypets a lesson. She thrust having kits to the back of her mind.
โWhere?โ
โShadowClan border,โ Thornclaw answered, his scowl giving way to an understanding smile. Thorclaw lead her to Kyemama, who welcomed them, and they set off. Eagerness trembled Indipawโs legs. They reached the border, near the stream, and Indipaw heard movement across the border. Tigerheart poked his head past a clump of bushes.
โWhat do we have here? A fuzzball patrol?โ
โIโll show you fuzzball,โ Kyemama snarled, but her eyes danced with more mirth than anger.
โMy fuzzhead!โ The familiar voice jerked Indipawโs ears alert, and her heart beat furiously as Snowpaw stepped up next to Tigerheart. Indipaw raced to the stream edge and stretched her neck.
โSnowpaw!โ
The ShadowClan apprentice hurried to his side of the stream and copied her. They touched noses, stretching across the stream, forepaws in their own territories. Both patrols groaned. Someone behind Tigerheart tittered.
Screeches of war erupted from WindClan territory, shattering the moment. A shriek from Smokepaw reverberated under the trees.
โHelp! Help WindClan!โ Smokepawโs words turned inarticulate. Indipaw spun away from Snowpaw, fear for he sister pounding her heart. Her sisterโs shrieks echoed out over the lake. Indipaw answered with a strident cry of defiance.
โWe have to help my sister and WindClan!โ Indipaw cried.
โThunderClan! ATTACK!โ Kyemama bellowed, and raced across the territory to Smokepawโs aid. Tigerheart cried out, and he leaped after her. Snowpaw darted forward, running at Indipawโs side. Smokepawโs yowl of rage echoed across the land, spurring everyone for more speed. Kyemama led the charge, voice raised in wildcat yowls of outrage.
They burst onto the scene, just at the border between WindClan and ThunderClan to see a huge group of rogues, fighting WindClanโs warriors. The rogues outnumbered them, and appeared bent on killing all of WindClan. A big white tom with black spotting rolled on the ground with Onestar, his black tail puffed and lashing to and fro in fury. The WindClanโs leaderโs eyes shone with shock, and Indipaw picked up a few snarled words here and there about mother, kit, and son, but paid little mind to what it meant. The rogues attacked relentlessly and with not a shred of honor. Kyemama bellowed like a wild cat of myth. The rogues paused, and all gaped for one shocked moment at Kyemama and her enraged daughters, before they fought back. They converged on the patrols, but Kyemamaโs huge wicked claws kept them at bay. Indipaw joined her mother, taking pleasure in tearing into these strangers that dare invade her sisterโs beauโs Clanโs land.
ThunderClan warriors, along with Bluepaw, Phantompaw and Demonpaw, dropped into the fight, plowing over the small ridge along the stream. Alderheart, running just behind Sparkfire, recognized the leader, and gestured at him with his tail.
โThatโs Darktail!โ Alderheart yowled in anger. โThe evil rogues we fled from in the abandoned gorge! Theyโre here to kill us all!โ
โAttack!โ Bramblestarsโs voice commanded, echoed by Rowanstar, and Mistystar, who raced up the hill into the fray. The rogues barely knew what slashed into their midst. Blood and fur flew from under wicked huge paws.
โDie invaders!โIndipaw yowled, and slapped aside a snarling long-haired black she-cat, flinging her several foxlengths along the ground. The she-cat screamed, unable to get up.
"Raven!" one of the rogues cried in distress. Raven thrashed until she lost strength, and went silent. Bluepaw grabbed a big brown tabby tom by the neck, and she and Troutleap drowned him in the stream, using a well-known RiverClan trick. Phantompaw pounced on Darktail, thrusting him off Onestar.
โThis is between me and my father,โ Darktail screeched, but Phantompaw ignored his words and rammed him against a tree trunk, snapping his neck like a twig.
โHelp!โ a cry came from the stream edge, where Furzepelt lay, hurt, unable to defend herself against her attacker.
โRain!โ Alderheartโs angry cry rang out. โLeave her be!โ
Demonpaw and Berrynose charged at Rain, a large long-furred grey tom, perhaps the second in command, and saved Furzepeltโs life. They attacked from opposite sides, and Demonpaw tore gaping wounds in the tomโs flanks while Berrynose attacked the exposed throat. Demonpaw dragged the mortally wounded screaming tom to the stream and flung him in the icy water. He sank under and never resurfaced.
Snowpawโs yowl of pain whirled Indipaw around, and the ShadowClan apprentice battled with a large brown tabby with spiky long fur.
โNettle!โ Alderheart yowled and hurried to assist Snowpaw, but Indipaw launched herself at the large tom. She smashed into him, chest to chest, latching the claws of her huge paws into the tomโs neck. He raked her with his claws, but only tore out chunks of her thick pelt. She shoved him backward, screeching inarticulately with rage. Her claws ripped into his throat and neck, and his retaliatory swipes grew weaker and weaker. He fell over, and she pounced on him, holding him down, claws digging deep into flesh. The tom uttered one gurgling yowl.
โNobody hurts my Snowpaw!โ she shrieked at the dying tom, who stared at her in shock. His mouth worked, but no words came forth, only blood. His eyes glazed over, and he went limp. Indipaw stood a moment, catching her breath, then returned to the ShadowClan apprentice. She licked Snowpawโs face.
โAre you alright?โ
โYes,โ Snowpaw sat up. โI thought I was going to die.โ
โNot on mt watch.โ Indipaw turned to hiss at the body of Snowpawโs attacker, then rubbed her big head all over him. Her siblings and clanmates stared in amazement. Rowanstar gazed at her, then nodded.
โWell done, apprentice,โ he said. Commotion turned Indipawโs attention to her leggy sister. Smokepaw leaped on a silver-grey tomโs back.
โRoach! No!โ The same rogue that wailed Ravenโs name screamed the tomโs name before someone thumped the stranger to the ground. Indipaw saw Bramblestar standing over the wirey grey and white tom, who lay inert and silent. Bramblestar glanced at Indipaw, battle light blazing in his amber eyes. Smokepawโs voice turned her head.
โRoach? its what you are!โ Smokepaw screamed. โYou dare touch Oatclaw!โ
The tall black-smoke apprentice slashed Roachโs flanks and sinking her teeth into the rogueโs neck. She crushed him under her weight on top of a stone, and broke his back. He shrieked his pain to the cold sky. The battle ended before it barely started. The remainder of the rogue band fled, lucky to escape with their lives. They scattered, disappearing into the undergrowth, abandoning whatever diabolical plan Darktail chained them with. The patrols stood, heaving for breath, and Onestar shook his bloodied pelt, as WindClan gathered.
โThank you.โ He dipped his head. โI am sorry this happened. Itโs my fault, but Iโll wait for another time to explain.โ
โItโs not all your fault,โ Alderheart interjected. โThey trailed me from the old Gorge where I searched for SkyClan.โ
โOnly because they knew you were a Clan cat, far from home,โ Onestar replied. โPlease donโt blame yourself.โ
โLetโs allow WindClan to heal,โ Bramblestar spoke up. โWeโll know in time what the root cause of this attack was. ThunderClan, retreatโ
The other leaders followed suit. Indiclaw twined tails with Snowpaw in a quick farewell. As they trotted back to camp to rest and tend wounds, Indipaw wondered if anyone else heard Darktail call Onestar his father. Nobody mentioned it, so she kept silent, but she felt the actions taken this day averted some great disaster.
In the days that followed, a few cats in WindClan grew ill, but with quick thinking and proper treatment everyone recovered. One cat in ThunderClan developed some symptoms, but Leafpool quarantined him to the medicine den. Indipaw and her kin never caught the illness, and she surmised somehow the quick intervention by her mother and siblings put up a barrier to the mysterious sickness. Kyemama explained the custom two legs used in vaccinating cats against horrible diseases. Indipaw understood how Kyemama passed some resistance to Indipaw and her siblings through her body as she carried them to term and her milk while they nursed. Indipaw briefly wondered about this mysterious SkyClan, why the leaders never spoke of them, and what happened to them. Gentleoak obviously knew more than he let on, but she vowed not to pry or break his confidence. Somehow, the problem fell to Alderheart to solve. Indipaw pushed the thoughts from her mind, her heart returning to Snowpaw, as she went about her duties, hoping to go to the next Gathering.
A moon passed since the Gathering, and Indipaw snuggled in the apprentices' den, as sunrise slanted light into camp. A cold wind blew, roaring in the trees, and she twitched her ears. She looked past her denmates, and beyond the denโs entrance, sparkling snow covered the hollow.
After those first flurries the night of the last Gathering, two late Leaf Fall snowfalls buried the lake and Clan territories. The lake surface froze early, thawed and froze again a quarter moon later, before staying frozen the last half moon. Indipaw listened to the wind, her desire to hunt and run in the snow battling her wish to stay warm in the den. She thought of the battle with the rogues that attempted to take out the Clans before the snow flew, and inhaled with pride and satisfaction. Rowanstar actually greeted her at the border with cool civility whenever her patrol met his.
โCome on, lazy tails!โ Thornclaw and Cloudtail meowed. โWe need to hunt and patrol.โ
Growling and groaning filled the spacious warm den. Indipaw raised her head and yawned, and reluctantly uncurled her body. She stood up, and shook herself. She allowed her fellow apprentices file out before she sauntered out into the snow. Warriors poured from the Warriorโs den, ready to get to the dayโs tasks.
Out in camp, Squirrelflight organized the patrols. Demonstone and Brackenfur hurried to work, checking dens for wind damage, breaking trails through the snow. Briarlightโs rock lay buried, and Indipaw knew she stayed in the medicine catโs den, playing with Twigkit, one of two kits Alderheart found on his last journey. Larkkit, Honeykit and Leafkit apprenticed last moon. Lilyheart stayed in the nursery for Twigkitโs sake, but the little one spent a lot of time with Briarlight. Indipaw flicked her tail, wondering if Twigkit might choose to be a medicine cat upon apprenticing. Maybe ShadowClan took the wrong kit, she mused, ThunderClan had four medicine cats already. Indipaw scowled, wondering why ShadowClan needed to take a kit at all.
โCome,โ Thornclaw said. โI think a training session is in order.โ
โReally?โ Indipaw groaned. โWhat more do I need to learn? Canโt we patrol ShadowClanโs border?โ
โHunting in deep snow is a skill you should practice,โ Thornclaw admonished her. Indipaw jerked her head alert as distant yipping echoed over the frozen lake.
โThe coyotes,โ she muttered.
โTry not to worry,โ her mentor said. โLetโs hunt.โ
โOkay,โ Indipaw agreed, following Thornclaw out of camp and into the deep snows up the hill. Indipaw rolled in the snow, camouflaging her dark back. Thornclaw nodded approval. Ahead, a squirrel dug around for hidden tree nuts. Indipaw froze, and crept up only when the animal faced away from her. She gathered her strong legs beneath her and leaped, but the squirrel bolted up the nearest tree, chittering at her.
Mousedung!โ Indipaw swore, attacking the spot with dagger claws, flinging snow and leaves behind her.
โYou twitched your tail tip,โ Thornclaw said.
โIโm becoming horrible,โ Indipaw hissed, her entire coat bristling with a mix of shame and frustration. โI wasnโt thinking of Snowpaw then and I still missed.โ
โCome,โ Thornclaw turned and trotted back toward camp. โWe can try again after a snack and rest.โ
They entered the hollow, and Indipaw hurried to her nest, feeling undeserving of anything from the fresh kill pile.
โIndipaw, you should eat something!โ Thornclaw called after her. She merely flattened her ears, and entered the empty apprentice den. She flopped in her nest, huffing with her frustrations, but fell asleep after a few minutes.
โFresh kill! Lionblazeโs patrol brought home HUGE fresh kill!โ the sentry, Dewnose, yowled with excitement. Indipaw roused herself from her nap, and hurried out into camp, curiosity killing what remained of her ill-feelings. Excitement thrummed the air. Indipaw stared in amazement, forgetting her own disappointment in her failure, as her mother grabbed a doe by the back of the head. She dragged the body through the entrance while her patrolmates pushed. Indipaw stared in amazement. Cats swarmed around them, meowing and yowling in amazement. Demonpoppa pushed forward, his eyes gleaming.
โSuch a small deer! I never thought Iโd eat venison again!โ he meowed with delight. He grabbed a foreleg, then using all the strength in his massive musculature, hauled backwards. They dragged the prey to the center of the camp, just as Bramblestar returned with his patrol, empty-jawed and looking tired. Indipaw sympathized. Demonpoppa trotted to the medicine cat den to fetch Briarlight.
โWhat under StarClan is going on?โ Bramblestar demanded, but gaped in shock when cats parted to allow him through. โA Roe deer? How? It wasnโt crow-food, was it?โ
โNo!โ Berrynose answered, his stub tail shaking with delight. โOur patrol caught it. It was Kyestormโs idea to use our tree technique to hunt and it worked! Kyestorm dropped on this doe and held it down! Lionblaze and I attacked from the front and our apprentices from the side, and Demonpaw delivered the kill bite!โ
โThe kill was quick and efficient,โ Lionblaze added. โIโm still shocked we caught a deer. But Kyestorm seemed so excited. She said sheโd never seen such small deer before and wanted to taste venison again!โ
โWell done!โ Bramblestar meowed, pride ringing in his voice. He gazed pointedly at Kyemama. โIโve never regretted taking you and your mate in, and youโve paid us back with more than I ever expected. Weโll all feast before it freezes!โ Bramblestar tapped a haunch. โTake this to the Elderโs den.โ
โNo. Iโm thinkinโ we feast tโgether, like lions oโ ancient times!โ Purdy strolled out of the Elderโs den, eyes alert, nose twitching. Graystripe and Millie followed. Indipaw gazed at Purdy fondly. โFine catch, younginโ! I knew yer instincts ran true.โ
โAmazing. This will feed all of us today!โ Leafpool said, as the medicine cats joined the crowd around the prey. Indipaw hung back, hating the thought of being bumped.
โThis is truly a gift.โ Bramblestar looked skyward. โWe thank StarClan for this abundance of food, and for the cat and her kin who think outside Clan convention, who caught this meal for her clan. Elders first, kits, then the medicine cats and Briarlight, then we all feed. There is more than enough for all of us.โ Bramblestar turned to Kyemama. โYou take my place, and the first meal, Warrior, for without your extraordinary thinking, weโd not have this bounty.โ
Kyemama obeyed her Clan leader, and settled in by the doeโs belly. She tore it open with one pass of a large forepaw, and the scent and taste of venison filled Indipawโs senses. Though she drooled with anticipation she joined her fellow apprentices in carrying large portions to the Elders, Medicine cats, Twigkit, Briarlight and Daisy, before taking their own meals. Indipaw forgot everything as the tasty meat filled her mouth. Good-natured banter echoed in the hollow even as jaws tore meat off of the enormous fresh kill.
The entire Clan hung in camp that afternoon, taking bites from the enormous fresh kill when trips to the dirt place made more room in bulging stomachs. As the sun sank in the western sky, the satiated Clan pulled even more meat from the carcass, until only skin and bone littered the ground. Indipaw sprawled on patch of ground swept clean of snow by the wind, crunching on a rib bone. He siblings and milk brothers ringed her, as always to give her space.
โThis is a feast I will never forget,โ Thornclaw said, sitting down beside Smokepaw.
โAye!โ Purdy called from just outside the Elderโs den. โTis feastinโ fit fer kings! Or queens. Great red queen, I hope yer prowess brings more deer meat oโr Leaf Bare.โ
A cheer went up from the entire Clan, and Indipaw tried to eat one more morsel, but her stomach rumbled in warning. She licked her lips.
โDonโt dare throw up,โ Phantompaw teased.
โNever, but I canโt stuff myself, unlike you,โ Indipaw snapped. โKyemama says youโre like a two leg machine that sucks up things and never pops.โ
Laughter, yowling and purring filled the camp, and by time the moon rose, only the fur and skin remained of the little doe. Berrynose and Thornclaw trotted to the entrance, taking up sentry duty.
โCome on, Indipaw, help us!โ Demonpaw called out. She nodded, and grabbed up the tail. The apprentices dragged the deerskin out of camp, leaving it down by the lake shore, by the stream. Phantompaw dragged it on a big rock, and marked it.
โCome on, we all must. WindClan surely will find this and be so jealous.โ
Indipaw went along with the caper, but she thought only of her nest. She followed her fellow apprentices, led by Demonpaw, Greypaw,and Larkpaw, back to camp. They headed to the apprenticeโs den, meowing and laughing. Indipaw chortled in spite of herself, and sauntered to her nest. The other youngsters gave her room to get to her nest. She dropped into it, drifted off to sleep, dreaming of shocked WindClan patrols as they discovered the impossible item, with Snowpaw at her side.
โINDIPAW!โ The screech jerked Indipaw out of her dreams. She jumped up, and exploded out of the den, not caring who she stepped on. The moon hung low in the western sky, and Indipaw barreled out into the snow, knowing she just heard Snowpaw scream. She barely noticed her fellow apprentices rushing out into camp.
โShadowClan intruder!โ Birchfallโs voice echoed in the hollow. He stood by the entrance, bristling with indignation. Indipaw launched herself across camp, followed by her siblings, and fellow apprentices. She stopped, poised for action, legs trembling. Her ears twitched and as she opened her mouth to call her beau, his voice reverberated in the cold air.
โHELP! HELP INDIPAW!โ The desperate shrieking drew closer. Indipaw heard someone pelting headlong up the slope from the lake. Twigs snapped, rocks bounced, and ice crackled under the paws of the incoming cat. She knew Snowpaw scrambled up the slope. Birchfall moved to intercept the intruder.
โSnowpaw! Are the rogues back?โ Indipaw responded, running to the entrance just as Snowpaw barreled in, She shoved her body between a bristling Birchfall and the wild-eyed terrorized apprentice. โPlease, Birchfall! Donโt attack! Heโs alone!โ
Screeching of cats echoed across the lake, followed by howling and yelping. Indipawโs heart leaped into her throat. No, not rogues! Coyotes! Indipaw became aware of her mother and clanmates swarming around her and Snowpaw. Bramblestar leaped down from his den, Squirrelflight at his heels.
โWhat under StarClan is going on out here?โ
โPlease! Bramblestar! Kyestorm! Indipaw! Please help us!โ Snowpaw yowled in misery. โCoyotes attacked! My Clanโs in danger! Warriors are hurt and dying! Please come! Theyโre destroying us!โ
โYou ran instead of staying to fight?โ Thornclaw asked, his voice soft, taking the sting out of the question.
โSomeone had to!โ Snowpaw wailed in anguish. โI think they killed my sister! Please! Help us! I donโt care what our leader thinks. Weโll all die if you donโt help!โ
โWarriors!โ Bramblestarโs yowl reverberated off the cliff. โWe fight to help ShadowClan! Two Clans will be ONE!โ
He leaped forward. Indipaw followed, as did all the warriors. Snowpaw surged to the front, leading them down the slope to the lakeshore. Indipaw followed on his heels. 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.
โHurry!โ Snowpaw wailed. โTawnypeltโs kits!โ
โNO!โ Indipaw yowled, as ThunderClan charged into ShadowClanโs camp. Indipawโs 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 lay a fox length away, bleeding and Indipaw recognized Pinepaw. Her heart swelled with angst. She spotted Beepaw crawling into the Medicine cat den, trying to shield Littlecloud with her body. Blood stained her white pelt.
Warriors ranged in front of the nursery and Elderโs 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 Tawnypeltโs wails and claws and grabbed a two moon old kit. Indipawโs heart pounded, but her motherโs thunderous shriek of outrage startled her.
โNOOOO! DROP THAT KIT!โ Kyemama bellowed, her voice loud and booming, and she plunged at the male coyote. She launched herself at him, and landed on the coyoteโs face. Kyemama 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. Indipaw followed him, just as 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. Her fellow fighters bumped her and she funneled her reactions into the enemy, sinking her large claws deep, ripping flesh with all her strength.The female leaped up, and followed her mate, yelping as if the hounds of hell nipped her tail. Indipaw put her rage into one last swipe that tore a chunk out of the canineโs haunch The apprentices harried the youngest coyote.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, yellow eyes wide, heaving for air, bite marks riddling his shoulders. Indipaw realized in a flash of horror Rowanstar lost a life protecting his kits and mate. Tawnypelt moaned, and 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 sisterโs side, and Tawnypelt leaned into him, holding a foreleg clear of the ground. Indipaw thought she saw Violetkit huddled at the back of the den. 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. Indipaw moved to his side, ready to defend him.
โYou ran away, not from fear, but to bring help,โ Rowanstar murmured, his voice hoarse.
โYes. I knew Indipaw would help, and if she did, so would her mother and siblings, and all of ThunderClan.โ Snowpaw answered. Indipaw licked blood from his fur. Rowanstar turned and gazed at Kyemama.
โYou saved my family, my clan, by agreeing to come with our apprentice,โ Rowanstar nodded. โThis night, like the day the rogues attacked, two Clans truly became one. I shall not forget this.โ
โI could never refuse to help,โ Kyestorm mewed. Indipaw hung her head, leaning into Snowpaw. His body shook with grief. Snowpawโs sister, Pinepaw, lay silent, and two older apprentices lay sprawled near the elderโs den. Strikepaw, Jarrowpaw, Sleekpaw and Juniperpaw sat vigil beside them already, unsure of what to do. An Elder lay prone just outside the den, eyes unseeing, teeth bared in fury. A silver-white she-cat lay nearby, struggling to her feet, and Indipaw recognized Needletail. Alderheart hurried to her side. Gentlepaw raced over to the medicine cat den as Puddlepaw sagged to the ground. Behind him, inside, Littlecloud lay, eyes wild, and he panted, his breath harsh and ragged. Beepaw tried calming him despite her own injuries, by sharing tongues, and Indipaw felt more fondness for Snowpawโs little chubby sister. Indipaw inhaled sharply, seeing a shimmer appear beside Rowanstar. The StarClan cat turned piercing yellow eyes to Kyemama, and nodded. Rowanstar glanced at the starry apparition, and dipped his head in acknowledgment.
โIโm sorry we didnโt get here sooner.โ Kyemama mewed, and Blackstarโs form glittered, his body becoming translucent. Gasps and startled meows went up from the battle weary cats.
โDonโt be,โ Rowanstar sat down, his body trembling.
โThey died with honor and your arrival prevented them from becoming Coyote food.โ Blackstar argued. โYou have passed the second test of your destiny, and you honor me by what you did here this night.โ
Blackstarโs form swirled and he vanished. Rowanstar stared for a long time at the empty air.
โKyestorm, I wish Iโd listened to you that long ago Gathering. Iโm happy youโre on our side. Snowpaw, I am sorry about your sister. She defended me with everything she had while I lost a life.โ
โSheโs alive!โ Gentlepaw meowed, joy in his voice, his cry breaking the sad moment. Puddlepaw, and Gentlepaw worked on Pinepaw. Indipaw watched in amazement as Gentlepaw skillfully treated Pinepaw. She leaned into Snowpaw.
โMy brother is saving her life.โ When Pinepaw opened her eyes, Gentlepaw left Pinepaw in Puddlepawโs care to tend other injured.
The little black she-cat moaned, bringing Indipaw back from her thoughts. Snowpaw sank to his sisterโs side. Indipaw followed, as if glued to his flank. Rowanstar bowed his head, as Kyemama, Bramblestar and others gathered together. He sagged to the ground.
โI think we need help.โ
โAgreed,โ Bramblestar said. โIโll leave a few warriors who wish to stay, behind.โ
Sudden pawfalls echoed in camp, and Mistystar and a large patrol of RiverClanโs best warriors burst into view. They stopped short, and Mistystar gaped.
โWeโre too late!โ Mistystar glanced at Kyemama, and took in the scene. โHow did you get here so quickly?โ
โSnowpaw alerted us and we came at his request. If not for him, weโd have gotten here way too late,โ Bramblestar answered. โWe were all dead asleep, stuffed to our teeth in deer meat.โ
Pinepaw moaned again, returning Indipawโs attention to Snowpawโs sister. He rushed forward to nuzzle her and lick her wounded head. Indipaw lay on her chest next to him, only minutely aware of the conversations going on between the others. She heard Onestar arrive and Harespringโs hateful remarks but she cared only for Snowpaw and his sister. She barely acknowledged Kyemama when she left camp, leading a hunting patrol into ShadowClanโs territory. Snowpaw and Indipaw shared tongues with his sister, careful not to disturb any of Gentlepawโs work with poultices and cob-webbing.
โWe thought you died,โ Snowpaw mewled.
โSo did I,โ Pinepaw whispered, and shivered. โIโm so cold.โ
โWeโll keep you warm,โ Indipaw declared, and rested her thick-furred body along Pinepawโs back. Snowpaw lay against her belly. Together they kept Pinepaw warm, dozing, until the hunting party returned to camp, dragging their bounty. Indipaw jerked alert, scenting venison.
โMuntjac deer?โ Mistystar exclaimed. โTheyโre so fast! Howโd you catch them?โ
โWell done!โ Bramblestar called out. Kyemama dragged the prey to the center of camp, and looked at Rowanstar.
โThis should help you all regain strength.โ she said quietly, and stepped back. Demonpaw, Phantompaw and Lionblaze did likewise, though Phantompaw gazed wistfully at the fresh kill.
โTwo-leg pig,โ Demonpaw guffawed. Phantompaw only lashed his tail, and hitched his shoulders in a shrug, but his sea-green gaze never left the prey. Indipaw exchanged glances with Snowpaw.
โYes, my brother is a glutton.โ Indipaw purred.
Snowpaw laughed. ShadowClan warriors descended on the fresh kill, tearing it in pieces to give to injured warriors, elders and Tawnypelt and her kits. Rowanstar staggered to the fresh kill, and stared at it a long moment, then looked at Kyemama.
โMany thanks, and well done, Warrior.โ Rowanstar gazed a moment at her, respect shining in his eyes, and took a chunk of meat, then gestured with his tail. โTake some yourself.โ
โThank you, Rowanstar,โ Kyemama replied, and took a tiny bite.
โCome on,โ Rowanstar scoffed. โThere is plenty here for everyone.โ He glanced at Onestar and Mistystar. โIncluding all of you.โ
โMany thanks,โ Mistystar dipped her head. โWe feasted earlier this night and are full of fish, but I wish to try deer meat!โ
โAs do I,โ Onestar said, moving to the second deer. Everyone ate a generous chunk, though ThunderClan cats took less, still full from the big meal earlier that night. Phantompaw carried a big chunk to Snowpaw and Indipaw.
โMake her eat some even if you have to chew it up for her. Gentlepawโs orders,โ he meowed, then hurried back to the kill. Snowpaw took big bites, filling himself, while Indipaw only ate what he politely offered. When her stomach balked, she chewed a few large chunks and lowered her head to Pinepawโs muzzle.
โEat.โ
โMmmm.โ Pinepaw opened her mouth, and took the softened food. She gulped it down. โIs there more?โ
โSure is,โ Indipaw answered, and together, she and Snowpaw fed her the ample morsels of fresh kill. They snuggled in to keep her warm, watching until Bramblestarโs voice rang over the camp.
โI need a few warriors to stay, and help in case those beasts return,โ Bramblestar yowled the command. โWho will stay?โ
โI will,โ Lionblaze stepped up. Birchfall moved next to Lionblaze.
โMe, too.โ
โI will, too,โ Thornclaw said, glancing at Indipaw.
โOf course I will,โ Indipaw yowled back.
โI will,โ Dovewing stood beside Birchfall, glancing at Tigerheart. Indipaw noticed the look that passed between the injured ShadowClan warrior and Dovewing. Both looked woebegone. Indipaw scowled, but kept her opinion on that relationship to herself. Pinepaw stirred.
โI think Iโm too warm now.โ She slowly rolled over and lay on her stomach. At that moment Phantompaw lead Indipawโs siblings to her.
โCome on. Letโs check out those tracks.โ
โGood idea, โ Indupaw stood up. Snowpaw rose with her.
โI agree. We can learn the scent of the enemy.โ
Indipaw, Snowpaw, Demonpaw,and Phantompaw trotted to the back of camp where the coyotes barreled through the meager barrier of pine boughs. They examined the coyote tracks. drinking in the scents. Other warriors joined them, and learned the odor of the enemy. Phantompaw and Demonpaw took inhaled deeply, muzzles over the bloody tracks left by the coyote invaders.
โWeak weak defenses,โ Demonpaw scoffed. He pointed with his bushy back tail. โBoulders there with briars anchored there and strung through the boughs may have stopped them.โ
Phantompaw and Demonpaw agreed, gesturing with paw and tail.
โThere, vines and briars anchored with stones make a fine blockade. Set up barriers on trails leading into the camp.โ Demonpaw tapped a small boulder next to a small pine. โThen wrap the vines around the tree trunk woven with briars.โ
Indipaw listened, sniffing the tracks left by the enemy, committing it to memory, while her brothers used their skill to fortify ShadowClanโs camp. Snowpaw sniffed the tracks.
โI will always hate this scent,โ he growled. โYour brothers sure know their stuff.โ
โThanks to Brackenfur and my Demonpoppa, they sure do,โ Indipaw agreed, turning her head briefly as the other Clans took their leave. She waved her tail, then returned to the work at hand. Demonpawโs dexterous toes already weaved threatening barrier across the breach in the campโs defenses. A moan from Pinepaw drew her attention. Snowpaw whirled and ran to her. Indipaw followed.
โCold again,โ she mewled, her teeth chattering. Without hesitation Indipaw draped over her back, and Snowpaw lay against her stomach. Pinepaw groaned with delight. Indipaw blinked, feeling sleepy, when Rowanstar padded up to them with a noticeable limp.
โThank you for staying,โ ShadowClanโs leader purred, his words ragged.
โYouโre more than welcome,โ Indipaw purred back, glancing around at the tall pines. โIts nice here.โ
โIโm sorry I was rude at the last gathering.โ
โDonโt apologize.โ Indipaw yawned. โI understand the rules.โ
โBut it doesnโt stop you from loving a cat from another clan.โ Rowanstar sat down. โI think you and your sisters have a destiny beyond our code.โ
โWhat do you mean?โ Indipaw bristled with suspicion.
โYou have your motherโs spunk all right,โ Rowanstar said, then coughed, blood and spittle spraying the snow.
โYouโre really hurt!โ Indipaw interrupted in dismay.
โIโm healing,โ Rowanstar assured her. โBut both of your sisters are besotted with toms from other Clans. Perhaps this is meant to be. What remains now is where you decide to live.โ
โWhat?โ Indipaw resisted the urge to sit up.
โYou must decide what Clan you will raise your kits in.โ Rowanstar stood up.
โMy kits?โ Indpaw hissed, causing Rowanstar to utter a raspy laugh.
โYes, yours and Snowpawโs,โ Rowanstar paused, turned and padded away, glancing back once. โThat is inevitableโ
โHeโs speaking in riddles.โ Snowpaw sneezed, hiding his head against Pinepaw, who shook with silent mirth.
โWorse than an old StarClan prophecy,โ Indipaw spat, annoyed. โIโm not having kits. I want to be a warrior before that happens.โ
โMe too, but it would be nice to live in the same Clan.โ Snowpaw yawned. โLetโs sleep. We can talk about what we want in the morning.โ
โSure,โ Indipaw laid her head beside Pinepawโs, and closed her eyes. Leave ThunderClan? Could she? She inhaled a deep breath, letting it out slowly, realizing she allowed two cats to not only touch her, but snuggle with her to keep warm. The scent of pine filled her sinuses and she found it pleasant, soothing. Did she belong here?
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
PART THREE
The next day, work began to help ShadowClan rebuild and recover. Indipaw left Pinepawโs care to Gentlepaw, who moved Pinepaw to the medicine cat den. She assisted her brothers with the building and fortifying of barriers. For two sunrises, she worked, hunted and slept, Snowpaw and her brothers at her side, feeling content, until the night her brothers and other ThunderClan warriors left for home. She hung back, thinking to stay, but feeling the tug of her birthplace. She inhaled the pine scent and listened to the wind singing in the boughs of the trees.
โStay if you wish,โ Thornclaw said. โJust come home soon to resume training.โ
โI will,โ Indipaw meowed, and as her clanmates and siblings left, she joined Snowpaw in the apprentice den, Many regarded her warily, and she saw old clan distrust in many eyes. The walls of the den closed in on her, and the distance from her nest to the next narrowed to nothing. To her dismay, even Beepawโs blue eyes drilled into her. Her pelt bristled, and she thought all of them sought to touch her, even slap her. Indipaw suddenly felt a stab of severe homesickness. She never before felt such anxiety and longing, not even when she left Kyemamaโs side to join the apprentices after her ceremony. She shivered against Snowpaw, but his presence failed to allay her rising dread. Waves of fear, anger and longing choked her, and she jumped up. Her heart pounded, she trembled all over, and sweat broke out on her paws. She hissed.
โDonโt touch me!โ
โIndipaw?โ Snowpaw queried.
โWhatโs wrong?โ Strikepaw asked, his expression turning to surprise.
โWho dares touch you?โ Yarrowpaw queried.
โIโm sorry. I have to go home,โ she said to Snowpaw, leaping out of the den.
โWhy?โ Snowpaw followed her out into the snow.
โI miss my family,โ she explained in a quavering meow, omitting how his clanmates made her feel very unwelcome, even after all that occurred the last few days.
โI thought youโd stay with me,โ Snowpaw mumbled.
โMe, too.โIndipaw mewled. โI like it here but, but . . .โ Indipaw paused, then brightened. โCome with me?โ
โI canโt leave my sister,โ Snowpaw whimpered. โPlease donโt go.โ
Annoyance flashed through Indipaw, but before Snowpaw noticed, she spun away, panic racing her heart, pouring sweat from her pawpads into the snow. She wanted nothing more than to curl up with Kyemama, but knew that kittenish impulse impossible, so her own nest beside her brothers and sisters suited her just fine.
โI have to. Iโm sorry,โ she cried, head down, as she dashed for home, feeling like a cowardly mousebrain.
โIndipaw!โ Snowpawโs anguish cut into her heart, but did not reduce the homesickness and angst that throttled her like a twisting vine.
โIโm sorry,โ she wailed, her heart squeezing. She dared not look back. She raced across the snowy land, leaped the stream at the border and headed for camp.
โIndipaw?โ Cloudtail queried from the sentryโs perch.
โDonโt ask!โ Indipaw snarled, and dashed for the apprenticeโs den. She scurried in, nimbly avoiding touching anyone, She dropped into her nest, quivering, inhaling the scent of her nest, trying to calm this alien emotion that roared though her body.
โIndipaw?โ Smokepaw asked softly. โAre you all right?โ
โNo,โ Indipaw sniffled through her nest. โI tried to sleep over with Snowpaw in the apprenticesโ den, and I got so homesick, it scared me.โ
โBut you were fine the last few nights,โ Smokepaw whispered.
โYeah, but,โ Indipaw paused, feeling like stupid kit. โYou were not there.โ
โRelax and sleep. Youโll feel better come morning,โ
Indipaw curled up, and the familiar scents and sounds soothed her to sleep. She woke abruptly just before sunrise, and looked around the den, memories of the previous night flooding her mind, She scowled. Why did she act like such a scared kit? She thought of Snowpaw and her heart jumped with remorse, and she realized his fellow clanmates never showed her animosity, only curiosity. She recalled Beepawโs reaction and her wide blue eyes showed disappointment, not disdain. She remembered the smell of pine, the deep shade, and the comforting touch of Snowpawโs body. She imagined waking up beside Snowpaw, and his sister, ready to tackle a new day together, and she blew the chance to actually stay with Snowpaw forever. She wished she never fled and come home.
She rose, left the den, and slipped out of camp, passing the sentry, and nodded a silent thank you. Kyemama merely nodded understanding, a haunted look in her eyes.
โKyemama,โ Indipaw whispered, and her mother shook her head, ears drooping. Indipaw blinked a kiss to her mother, not wanting to hurt Kyemama. She trembled, seeing the deep resigned sadness in her motherโs eyes.
โI. . .โ Indipaw mewed, but Kyemama shook her head again, flattening her tall ears to her skull.
โJust go, Daughter,โ she muttered. The very thought of hurting Kyemama made Indipaw want to yowl to the fading stars, but she clenched her jaw, and hurried across the territory to ShadowClanโs border. She crossed the stream, sat on the shore, and waited. The sun sent rays over the hill, and Indipaw heard a patrol moving toward her.
โDonโt fret,โ someone said. โSheโll be back.โ
Indipaw recognized Needletailโs voice.
โI hope so,โ Snowpawโs mumble answered.
โShe just freaked a little, in a strange place without her family.โ Stonepawโs reply floated to her ears. โBut, sheโs too independent to not follow her heart.โ
โSnowpaw!โ Indipaw yowled, deciding to announce her presence. โIโm sorry!โ
โWhy did you run?โ Snowpaw poked his head out of the brush.
โIโm not sure,โ Indipaw touched noses with him. โI panicked, and had to go home, but, this morning, I feel so bad that I left you.โ
โYou do?โ
โYes, I shouldโve stayed, and snuggled with you. The feeling may have just passed. Iโm a mousebrain,โ Indipaw murmured.
โI do forgive you,โ Snowpaw mewed, and Indipawโs heart filled with joy. โI understand, but, we do have to decide. I think Rowanstar would accept you, if you chose to come here permanently.โ
โI want to, but, Smokepaw desperately wishes to go to WindClan. She and Oatclaw sneak out on the moors to run at night. Bluepaw is learning to swim,โ Indipaw fought to keep her voice down. โIf I go too, Kyemama will be so upset. I canโt do that to her. It breaks my heart that she will be hurt.โ
โShe has your brothers,โ Snowpaw reminded her.
โYou could come to ThunderClan,โ Indipaw suggested.
โNo. We need you,โ Snowpaw mewed softly. โYou have to follow your heart, and youโre perfect for ShadowClan, and me.โ
โI know, โ Indiclaw murmured, understanding he spoke the truth. Her heart longed to sleep with him under the pines, but she dreaded breaking her motherโs heart. โCan I think about it more? Iโll know by the Gathering.โ
โSure,โ Snowpaw purred. โIโll wait as long as you need me to.โ
โI have to go now.โ Indipaw glanced over her shoulder. โThornclaw will be looking for me.โ
โSee you at the next Gathering.โ Snowpaw waved his tail.
โOf course!โ
Indipaw whirled and hurried back home. She crept into camp, acknowledging her mother who still sat sentry duty.
โAll okay?โ Kyemama asked.
โYes,โ Indipaw answered. โThanks for not alerting everyone.โ
โYou needed to do this,โ Kyemama said, her voice betraying nothing of the feelings Indipaw knew lurked there. โBetter get ready for your mentor.โ
โI will.โ Indipaw trotted to the apprentice den where her clanmates stirred. Thornclaw met her at the entrance.
โReady?โ
โYes,โ Indipaw answered.
โWe tree train today.โ Thornclaw announced. โI am not great with it, but I think you will be.โ
โAlright,โ Indipaw nodded. She followed her mentor, her mind on Snowpaw. She practiced hunting from the trees and found she loved it. She imagined herself in ShadowClanโs majestic pines, hidden, ready to plummet onto unsuspecting prey, supplying her Clan with incredible bounty.
As the days passed, she longed more and more for the pines across the stream. By time the Gathering loomed, she finally made her decision.
The moon rose in clear cold skies, sending silver-gold light into the hollow. Frigid air blew over the lake, sending small snow twisters over snow-covered ice. Indipaw shivered, her thick coat billowing out to block the wind, as she, Kyemama and Thornclaw brought in a Roe fawn fresh kill. Over the last moon, the technique of dropping from the trees worked as a very efficient strategy for hunting the swift wary creatures, keeping the Clan fed during the harsh Leaf Bare, where tracking and stalking in the unusually deep snows proved quite difficult. Indipaw excelled in the tree drop, and enjoyed the hunt.
โWell done!โ Bramblestar called out, returning with his patrol, who, with Phantompaw and Lionblaze, carried home a small young yearling Roe deer.
โThis tree diving technique works great for hunting,โ Bramblestar said. โI am concerned that itโs getting harder to find these creatures. They used to be everywhere.โ
โAny scent of other predators that might be hunting out territory?โ Demonpoppa asked, coming up alongside Kyemama โAre we making them more skittish?โ
โNo, I donโt think so, but this prey roams well beyond our territories,โ Bramblestar replied, halting to allow his patrol to place their fresh kill in the center of camp by the rounded rock where they ate the first venison meal.
โI have no doubts coyotes might hunt these creatures, too. Another reason to deal with them. They compete with us for those deer.โ
โIt never mattered before, but now that we can catch them, the competition is a problem. We have a lot to discuss at tonightโs Gathering,โ Squirrelflight said. โThe howls have begun again just past the horseplace. I donโt like it at all.โ
โCertainly we hurt them bad enough that they wonโt return,โ Kyemama said, her fur bristling. โThey didnโt get anyone that night as a meal.โ
โMaybe not, but will it prevent them from trying in other territories?โ ThunderClanโs deputy glanced worriedly eastward. โThey can come in from any direction.โ
โThen we will prepare,โ Kyemama said firmly. โOur tree diving technique should work great in battling them. Their only real weapons are those long jaws and big teeth!โ
โI can climb well enough now,โ Demonpoppa growled. โLet me drop on a few of them. Theyโll not dare trouble us any more.โ
โSuch optimists, but I am glad youโll be able to join us in battle, Demonstone,โ Squirrelflight sighed. โLetโs eat. The Gathering is at moonhigh.โ
Indipaw eyed her father, realizing how much he developed his own special skills over the moons. Climbing rocks and logs in his work increased his musculature, and she knew he gained weight and power during his time here. He might not run fast, but in close quarters, Demonpoppa battled with the best. As large and heavy as a big male badger, he possessed many fighting techniques reminiscent of that enemy. She imagined his bulk landing on a coyote head, smashing it to the ground. He padded over, in his rocking gait, carrying Briarlight with ease.
Indipaw joined the Clan as they milled around the Feasting Rock, awaiting Bramblestarโs first tearing open of the prey, a new tradition born of the size of the meals these creatures supplied. The Elders crowded the entrance of the Elderโs den, eagerly awaiting their share, but unwilling to brave the bitter winds. Briarlight rode Demonpoppaโs back, sliding off at her place by the bulging stone. All of her clanmates, including the Elders, brimmed with health and vigor, thick-furred, bright-eyed, and muscular, in contrast to the hungry cats in other Clans.
Half a moon ago, Indipaw worried for Snowpaw. Every time she met him on patrol, he looked thinner. Smokepaw fretted over Oatclawโs deteriorating condition, as prey ran sparse on the moors.. The apprentices all met one cold night and agreed to do the right thing, and it commanded the utmost secrecy.
โClanmates,โ Bramblestar meowed, his voice flicking away Indipawโs thoughts. โWe are about to enjoy another Leaf Bare feast. We thank StarClan for this bounty, and as always, for our Clanmates sent to us by StarClan so many moons ago, who taught us to catch such prey. Let the feast begin!โ Bramblestar hooked his claws into the belly of the fresh kill and tore it open. He spilled the guts and organs out onto the snow.
โElders first!โ he called out. The youngest Warriors walked forward, and took chunks of organ meats to the Elders. The apprentices came forward next. Greypaw and Rainpaw carried portions to Briarlight, who showered her younger brothers with thanks and love. Phantompaw, Indipaw, Smokepaw, Bluepaw and Demonpaw carved gargantuan hunks from the carcass, and brought them to the Elderโs den.
โEat it all,โ Phantompawโs voice carried out of the den. โOr Iโll be back and eat it for you!โ
โNo need, younginโโ Purdyโs laughter followed. โI kin eat up as much oโthe two oโyou. Yer wastinโ yer time.โ
โOh, Purdy,โ Indipaw replied, her meow shaking with mirth. โYou know my brotherโs a glutton!โ
โYer sibling wonโt find anythinโ left to eat when weโre done,โ Purdy retorted in good humor. Indipaw only laughed and left the den.
โMedicine cats next!โ Bramblestar called out. Decreed by new ritual, the medicine cats came forward to claim their meals. Gentlepaw marched to the fresh kill, and tore off large portions, honoring his mentors as he gave the servings to them. Alderheart, Leafpool and Jayfeather thanked him. Daisy stepped forward with Cherryfall, who glanced at Stormcloud, then her Clan Leader.
โEveryone knows,โ Kyemama guffawed. โEat for you and your kits!โ
Cherryfall took a large chunk of leg meat, and hurried back to her mate. Bramblestar nodded at his warriors and apprentices. The Clan filed past, in complete organized precision, and sliced their meals from the carcass. Paired warriors went first. Cloudtail and Brightheart took their share, followed by Lionblaze and Cinderheart, Poppyfrost and Berrynose, Whitewing and Birchfall, and Lilyheart and Snowbush. Kyemama followed Demonpoppa, tearing off their portions, then Bramblestar and Squirrelflight took theirs. The rest of the warriors followed, and Indipaw watched them file by, taking big meals, laughing and chatting, noting they walked past by seniority. Brackenfur, Thornclaw, Mousewhisker, Rosepetal, and Spiderleg lead the line, with Dovewing, Ivypool, Blossomfall, Molewhisker, and Bumblestripe, then the younger warriors; Lilyheart, Dewnose, Snowbush, Ambermoon. Hollytuft, Sorrelstripe, Fernsong and Sparkfire.
The apprentices took their meals, laughing and goofing around. Sparkfire scowled as Phantompaw, Smokepaw, Bluepaw,, Rainpaw, Larkpaw, Leafpaw, Honeypaw, and Greypaw slapped at each other like kits. Indipaw joined in the fun, lancing at Demonstreak and Sparkfire. Both twitched their whiskers.
โKeep your heads,โ Indipaw murmured. Demonpaw stood behind Sparkfire, glaring at his siblings. Gentlepaw took his meal and joined his mentors. Indipaw guffawed when Phantompaw snatched the last piece of organ meat, added a huge hunk of shoulder meat, and carried the gargantuan serving to his spot beside his siblings. Feline laughter pealed from the group as the apprentices teased Phantompaw, who only grinned, baring all four fangs before wolfing down his meal. Indipaw joined the laughter, but flicked her tail with nervous anticipation. They needed to lull everyone into ignoring flighty apprentices. Kyemama watched them carry extra meat to their little circle on the other side of camp.
โDo you think Kyemama knows what weโre doing?โ Smokepaw asked.
โSo far, she thinks weโre pranking on each other,โ Phantompaw answered, his expression serious. โOr pulling pranks on WindClan apprentices.โ
โWe should pay attention to the ceremony and get some marrow,โ Indipaw meowed, salivating at the thought.
โRight,โ Bluepaw said. โPut the meat there and letโs go.
โHoneypaw, Larkpaw, Leafpaw,โ Indipaw admonished the younger apprentices. โRemember your tasks.โ
โWe will,โ Honeypaw replied, and Indipaw approved of the youngsterโs bravery in standing up to her reprimand.
โMeet back here after everyone finishes that big meal. Remember the gathering is tonight.โ Indipaw reminded them.
Demonpoppa and Bramblestar performed the bone breakage over the Feasting Rock once the Clan licked the bones clean. Demonpoppa balanced himself over the first leg bone, as Bramblestar stood beside him.
โWe thank StarClan for this wonderful bounty. Demonstone, proceed!โ
The snap of bone echoed over camp when Demonpoppa broke the leg. The prior ritual repeated, as Clan members took their share of bones to crunch. Phantompaw graciously gave Purdy and the Elders chunks of large leg bones before taking one for himself. Demonpoppa cracked rib bones, his favorite, while Kyemama gnawed a foreleg fragment. Indipaw cranched her piece, a long hind leg bone. The bitter wind swirled around the camp, but not one cat complained.
Soon everyone rested, digesting the big meal. Indipaw stood up and with a tail lash, alerted her fellow apprentices. Demonpaw rose slowly, careful on to obviously.disturb Sparkfire, but the young warrior flicked her tail with acknowledgment.. Gentlepaw glided over, and the others hurried over. Indipaw and Smokepaw led the group to the meat pile.
โReady?โ Indipaw asked. โWe have to be fast.โ
โLetโs do it,โ Phantompaw said. โMeet back here.โ
Indipaw watched Smokepaw lift a huge chunk of meat and race off toward WindClan terrirtory. Honeypaw, Larkpaw and Leafpaw picked up meat and hurried after Smokepaw. Rainpaw, Greypaw and Bluepaw took large pieces and headed off toward RiverClan. Indipaw grabbed a chunk, along with Phantompaw and Demmonpaw, while Gentlepaw carried precious organ meat. They glided through the territory to the stream. Puddlepawโs head peeked out of the brush. Gentlepaw stretched his neck across the stream
โGive this to Littlecloud.โ
โI will. Many thanks.โ Puddlepaw took the heart, and vanished.
โHurry, dump your gifts.โ Indipaw hissed.
Her brothers tossed the meat onto the far shore, then turned and dashed back to camp. Indipaw flung her chunk over, and uttered a low mew.
โGot it,โ came a soft reply and she recognized Snowpawโs voice. โThank you.โ
โSee you later,โ Indipaw mewed and raced after her brothers. They entered camp, and settled back into their original resting spot, and started laughing and tussling. Indipaw sat, watching, relieved the task went well. Melancholia drooped her whiskers, when she realized the consequences of her decision, and time now ran down to nothing. But her heart told her the true path which lay ahead for her, and though bittersweet, she knew she must walk that trail.
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
PART FOUR
As Moonhigh approached, the Clan rose from their rest, prepared for the Gathering. Indipaw felt eager to be off, various emotions flooding her body. Bramblestar stood up and stretched, then eyed Kyemama and Demonpoppa.
โYou and your kits will attend,โ he stated, a twinkle in his eye. Indipaw puffed with pride and anticipation. Anxiety nibbled around the edges but she pushed it aside. Kyemama feigned distaste before returning the grin. Indipaw danced in place with impatience, as cats going to the Gathering joined her by the entrance. Thornclaw, Bumblestripe, Spiderleg, Sparkfire, Lionblaze, Cinderheart, Dovewing, Squirrelflight, Leafpool, Alderheart, Snowbush, Liliyheart, Larkpaw, Honeypaw and Leafpaw completed the party. Bramblestar gazed at Cloudtail and Brackenfur.
โ I trust you to keep things in order while weโre gone?โ
โOf course,โ Cloudtail glanced at Brackenfur. โWe wonโt fail you.โ
โI know,โ Bramblestar nodded, and raised his voice. โLetโs move!โ
Bramblestar led the procession out of camp and down the hill to the Lake. Kyemama trotted behind him and Squirrelflight, Demonpoppa at her side. Indipaw shook with excitement, eager to see Snowpaw again.
โI hope Troutpaw is there,โ Bluepaw meowed, lashng her big silvery grey tail.
โOatclaw will be,โ Smokepaw stated. โOnestar will make sure of it if he wants me to be with them.โ
Indipaw listened to Phantompaw, Greypaw and the gaggle of apprentices eagerly anticipate competing with their fellow apprentices in games they created. Demonpaw trotted with Sparkfire, tails entwined, eyes only for each other, and Indipaw knew without a doubt their bond ran even deeper than the one Kyemama shared with Demonpoppa. Indipaw wondered if Sparkfire approved of their food sharing escapades. Her bond with Demonpaw surely made it difficult for either of them to keep secrets, but Sparkfire never mentioned anything about it.
As they neared the stream mouth, Indiapaw noticed the pile of snow-covered deerskins on an open stretch of rocky beach. Pawprints crisscrossed the snows on the other side of the brook, and only two sets crossed the stream. Indipaw recognized them as her mother did. Kyemama bared her teeth, realizing who one set belonged to.
โHarespring dare crosses here?โ Kyemama paused and sniffed the stiff hides. โThese are still ours.โ
โIf they keep drying out like that, they may be great to line the floors of the dens with them,โ Demonpoppa commented, then marked the snows around the hides. Kyestorm and Thornclaw followed suit, remarking the hides. โWe wonโt know for certain until New Leaf.โ
โToo bad we canโt let them dry in camp then,โ Thornclaw commented. โBut they stink.โ
โThatโs why we left them by the lake. That spot gets sun all day.โ Indipaw spoke up, glancing back, as the group crossed the stream out of ThunderClan territory. โAnd we keep watch on them, tooโ
โHarespring doesnโt come here anymore,โ Smokepaw flicked her tail, ducking her head. โHe crossed over and I had to slap him. I promise I kept my claws sheathed! But now Crowfeather patrols down here. He asked us to take the skins elsewhere but I said no. Theyโre drying out well here. He accepted it.โ
โWindClan dare not touch them,โ Kyesmama added, and eyed her daughter. Indipaw slapped Smokepaw with her tail. Smokepaw said nothing more. The Clan moved quickly along the lake, and Indipaw tested the ice.
โThey probably are very confused by what weโre doing,โ Bramblestar meowed, and increased his pace. Indipaw looked up the hill and saw Onestar crest the open moor. Harespring appeared next. WindClan moved slow, traversing old paths filled in with fresh snow.
โOne of these days, heโs going to get what he deserves,โ Demonpoppa said quietly.
โJust because heโs awful, doesnโt mean the rest are,โ Smokepaw interjected. Kyemama shot her an annoyed look, and Indipaw wanted to hiss at her sister. She glared, and Smokepaw flicked her tail.
Bramblestar led them across the sandy spit, then paused at the frozen marsh. Kyesmama stepped on the ice, bounced once, then nodded. Bramblestar took the lead and crossed the frozen swamp to the head of the fallen tree. Indipaw trotted across the log, tail up, her eyes roving the gathered cats for Snowpaw.
โHallo!โ Mistystar greeted them, a look of surprise on her face. โBrave for ones who fear the water.โ
โYou forget,โ Bramblestar guffawed, his voice full of mirth. โWe have water happy Maine Coon crazies in our midst.โ He sobered. โKyestorm and her mate have uncanny knowledge and instincts about ice, and Iโve learned to trust them.โ
โCrazy,โ someone muttered, and Indipaw saw Rowanstar standing below the Great Oak Tree. His eyes flashed with humor. Indipaw noted the absence of Tawnypelt and felt a pang of concern. She glanced around at the gathering Clans, and all of them looked gaunt, despite the food she and her fellow apprentices siphoned off to them, though RiverClan less so. Even Beepaw looked thin. She loved her food, always reminding Indipaw of Phantompaw in that respect. Onestar led his Clan over the fallen tree, and his clan looked downright skeletal. He glanced at Bramblestar and shook his head. The leaders sprang up into the tree, as others greeted new and old friends.
Demonpaw walked with Sparkfire, tails tightly entwined, bodies pressed together, eyes shining, leaving no doubts in anyoneโs mind about their status. Indipaw weaved through the throng of cats, and found Snowpaw. She rubbed face and body with him, and twisted his fluffy tail in hers.
โGreetings!โ Bramblestarโs voice rang out, starting the official Gathering. The moon shone bright from clear skies, and not a single wisp of cloud marred the night sky. Silverpelt glittered, unusually bright, despite the full moon. Bramblestar continued. โ All is well in ThunderClan. Prey is running light, but weโve been very successful in catching larger prey this Leaf Bare. No greencough, no illness. I hope all have fared well this hard season. We have a lot to discuss about the coyote threat.โ
โWeโre fine. Despite the cold, the fishing is good,โ Mistystar said. โWeโve been supplementing with the occasional Muntjac deer that come to the stream to drink.โ
โWeโve learned to ambush them at night,โ Rowanstar said, โbut it is very difficult. It takes a large patrol to take one down. Our kits thrive, despite the coyotes. And weโve only seen white cough.โ
โWeโve had it rough,โ Onestar said, standing up. โThose deer are impossible to catch on the moors, but, someone, uh, or something, has left fresh kill just inside our territory. If not for that. . .โ Onestar trailed off, eyes widening as if he knew he said too much. The other three leaders stared at him. Mistystar and Rowanstar exchanged worried glances. Bramblestar scowled, and Indipawโs heart raced in her chest.
โNear our deerskins?โ he asked, bristling. He suddenly locked eyes on Smokepaw. โWhat have you apprentices been up to?โ
โIโm sorry!โ Smokepaw jumped forward and stood before her Clan leader. Her black smoke coat remained flat, but the wind parted her fur, revealing its pure white roots. Her gold eyes locked onto her Clan leaderโs amber gaze
โI, well, we, have been sharing our excess. We, well, we apprentices, weโve been giving some of our deer to Oatclaw.โ
โWhat?โ Bramblestar snarled with sudden outrage. โAre you completely fluff-headed?โ
โWait,โ Onestar interrupted. โPlease, donโt be angry. If not for them, many of us would have starved. Rabbits are in semi -hibernation. Weโve never seen this kind of thing. This has been a terrible Leaf Bare for us. We have failed to catch any Roe or Muntjac deer roaming our open moors. They are, as always, too fast and even if we manage to snag one, they kick and hurt us, then leap and get away. We donโt have the weight and size to take one down.โ
โI concur,โ Rowanstar jumped in. โIndipaw, Demonpaw, and Phantompaw have given us deer meat as well. Gentlepaw gave Puddlepaw rich organ meat for Littlecloud. Our kits would have starved because Tawnypeltโs milk failed and we have no other nursing queens. I will never forget your apprenticesโ generosity and I made sure they werenโt taking away from anyone in your clan. Indipaw assured me it was extra and you had plenty. They saved the kitsโ lives. Tawnypeltโs milk returned.โ
โWe didnโt take the meat Bluepaw, Rainpaw, and Greypaw brought,โ Mistystar said. โWe gave it to Tawnypelt. But we asked Bluepaw to help us hunt the Muntjac deer. Please, Bramblestar, in a Leaf Bare such as this, your apprentices helped all of us,โ Mistystarโs voice sharpened. โWe are still four Clans to be One under StarClan. The coyote threat is still out there.โ
Bramblestar stared, teeth bared with outrage, his broad shoulders trembling. Indipawโs heart hammered in her chest, watching the battle in his eyes between his good nature and the old traditions of separate Clans and the warrior code. His brown tabby coat slowly flattened, and he covered his fangs. He nodded at his apprentices.
Blood roared in Indipawโs ears, but she faced her leader with defiance, eyes wide, but she and her fellow apprentices knew they saved lives with their actions. Alderheart and Sparkfire sat with them, bravely facing their father. Indipaw realized Sparkfire knew all along, her attitude just a facade. She wrapped her tail tightly to Snowpawโs.
โI wish you would have come to me with your plan,โ Bramblestar growled at the knot of youngsters. โI probably would have agreed if you presented the arguments I just heard from my fellow Clan Leaders. Though I commend you actions, you still must suffer punishment for doing this without my permission. You will stay in camp, cleaning the Elders dens, attending the Elders meticulously, and assist Demonstone and Brackenfur with den repair. You will assist the medicine cats with chores. No patrolling or hunting for a moon.โ
โYes, Bramblestar,โ Indipaw and her fellow apprentices murmured. Bramblestar leveled his gaze on his own offspring.
โSparkfire, you will concentrate on bringing home fresh kill for the Elders, without the help of Demonpaw and his siblings.โ Bramblestar stated, and they exchanged glances of alarm. Without Demonpaw or Phantompaw or their sisters, downing even a small deer might be downright impossible for Sparkfire, forcing her to hunt smaller much more difficult prey. Indipaw briefly met Sparkfireโs bright green eyes, before she lifted her head, and met her fatherโs gaze. Sparkfire nodded. Bramblestar turned his attention to his son and Gentlepaw. โYour punishment I leave to Jayfeather and Leafpool.โ
Gentlepaw and Alderheart exchanged resigned glances, offering not even one mew of dissent.
โBut, we really did the right thing,โ Indipaw protested. Bramblestarโs amber eyes darkened and narrowed. Indipaw shivered, and Snowpawโs tail wrapped herโs tight in support.
โClan Leaders,โ Rowanstarโs voice broke the tension. โBramblestar, please? I think itโs time we dealt with the inevitable. Indipaw? Please come forward. Speak now, young apprentice, if what you told Snowpaw is true.โ
Bramblestarโs expression turned to surprise. His eyes widened, then narrowed again, but he nodded at Indipaw. Indipaw stepped forward, and the entire gathering silenced until only the wind whispered in the trees.
โSpeak your mind, apprentice,โ Bramblestar said, his voice calm, belying his expression.
โClan Leaders, โ Indipaw began, then paused, her green eyes wide with uncustomary nerves. Her tabby and white coat rippled down her body. Snowpaw leaned into her, entwining his black fluffy tail with her tabby bottlebrush of a tail. Bramblestarโs eyes glimmered with understanding.
Indipaw drew a deep breath, and continued. โSnowpaw and I love each other. We want to be together, so one of us has to join the otherโs Clan. I think of how we came to be here and just know my place is with Snowpaw, and ShadowClan. My time there after the attack proved it. If all the leaders approve, Iโd like to go to ShadowClan and complete my training there, with Snowpawโs mentor. I expect to serve out my punishment there, tooโ
Murmuring rippled through the Gathering, and a few cheering yowls erupted from ShadowClan cats. Needlepail and Pinepaw gazed at her, joy in their eyes. Rowanstar nodded, flicking his ears.
โI accept, with Bramblestarโs. . .โ Rowanstar raised his voice, until Harespring jumped up and cut him off.
โNo! Itโs wrong! Very wrong! Mixed Clan cats are wrong!โ The disgruntled WindClan deputyโs red-brown and white coat bristled all over like a hedgehog.
โYes, we are of ThunderClan,โ Bluepaw meowed firmly, her blue-smoke fur puffing out revealing even more silvery highlights. Her vivid blue eyes sparkled. โBut weโre Maine Coons, and weโre supposed to spread to other Clans. Firestar said so. StarClan said weโre important to all the Clans, not just one. If RiverClan will have me, I want to be with Troutpaw.โ
Indipaw saw resignation on her parentsโ and brothersโ faces, as if they knew all along this might occur. Onestar stood up, and Indipaw knew what came next.
โSmokepaw, you are welcome in WindClan, if that is your desire. Iโll not oppose it at all, especially after what youโve done to help my Clan during this brutal Leaf Bare. We all know about you and Oatclaw.โ Onestar actually smiled, and Indipaw saw another side to the gruff, pompous Clan Leader, something that always hid beneath a facade. Onestarโs confidence in his leadership shone through, and peeled away that old mask he erected in trying to prove himself over the seasons.
โShe trespassed,โ Harespring snarled. โSneaking here to run with her consort.โ
โSmokepaw!โ Kyemama exclaimed in a shocked yowl.
โHer secret is out,โ Indipaw whispered.
โWhat have you done?โ Bramblestar glared at the young apprentice. Smokepaw shrank down onto her belly, flattening her ears.
โIโm sorry, I am, but I love the moors! Always have, and I love Oatclaw!โ Smokepaw wailed like a scared kit, but her eyes glittered golden fire. โIf not for that, weโd have never gotten deer meat to those who needed it!โ
โShe ran our territory!โ Harespring glared at Onestar, protesting with a snarl. โAnd you never punished her? You ignore the Code. We arenโt like ThunderClan to accept every rogue and kittypet that comes along!โ
โOh, shut up, Harespring! Iโm not a kittypet! I was born in ThunderClan!โ Smokepaw protested.
โYouโre abominations,โ Harespring hissed.
โWe aren't!โ Smokepaw retorted. โItโs because you donโt want me to be with Oatclaw! You hate me because I run faster than you, and I saved your Elders and other Clanmates with our spare deer meat!โ Smokepaw leaped to her feet. โBecause I have no problem slapping you down just like Kyemama does!โ
Indipaw wanted to cheer, but kept her mouth shut. She felt Snowpaw trembling in efforts to keep silent.
โYou break the code running our territory.โ Harespring retorted, eyes blazing, but he stepped backward. He spun to face Onestar. โAnd you show weakness by allowing it.โ
โYou dare question my decisions?โ Onestar stood up on his limb, claws unsheathed, tabby pelt bristling, fangs bared in fury. โEven after you ate as much of that deer meat as any of us? If Smokepaw wants to join WindClan, so be it! She has my permission, if she has Bramblestarโs. She belongs here.โ Onestar growled, his voice low, his eyes spitting fire. โPerhaps it is time to relieve you of your duties?โ
โYou canโt,โ Harespring snapped. โIโm your deputy! Iโll be Leader of this Clan one day and things will change!โ Harespring sprang at Smokepaw, landing in front of her. โAnd in my Clan, youโd never be!โ
โI will be! Onestar said yes! You canโt stop this.โ Smokepaw defied the WindClan deputy, her thick black smoke coat fluffing out. She bared her fangs, standing tall and menacing, towering over Harespring, who reared up to attack her, hatred in his eyes. Indipaw tensed, growling, ready to pounce on the WindClan deputy if he so much as raked a claw in Smokepawโs fur.
โSTOP!โ Onestar leaped down from his branch, dropping between Smokepaw and Harespring, his tabby coat puffed up. Harespring spun away from his leader, and dropped to the snow, teeth bared in a silent snarl of defiance. The wind suddenly roared in the trees, and Indipaw looked up at the skies. The moon shone bright, but a wisp of cloud appeared just above the horizon. Indipawโs heart raced, and not one cat moved. Bramblestar, Mistystar and Rowanstar exchanged shocked glances.
โI see things clearly now. Iโm not clouded by indecision, or broken old friendships anymore. This stops now! I obviously chose poorly when Ashfoot died.โ Onestar roared with anger, then glared up at the moon. โForgive me, StarClan, but this must be done now.โ
โWhat?โ Harespringโs expression changed to one of astonishment.
โI say these words before the spirits of all StarClan, before all Clan Leaders, at moonhigh, that they may hear and approve my choice!โ Onestarโs voice rang over the island, rising above the wind. โCrowfeather will be the new deputy of WindClan!โ
After a moment of complete silence, WindClan cats yowled their affirmation. The other Clans joined in enthusiastically.
โCrowfeather! Crowfeather!โ
Crowfeather walked to stand beside Onestar, his eyes wide with surprise.
โThank you, Onestar. I will never let you down. Iโll support you, and offer advice, but never defy or usurp you.โ
โYou canโt do this to me! Iโve been a faithful deputy!โ Harespring stepped toward Crowfeather and Onestar, and wailed, ears flat, eyes full of rage. โ Crowfeather broke the code consorting with a medicine cat! Heโs not fit to be deputy!โ
Before Onestar opened his mouth to reply, a gust of wind whistled through the trees, moaning in the leafless branches of the Great Oak.
โWhat have we done?โ Indipaw moaned, then gaped, as the starry figure of a black and white tom partially solidified in front of Onestar, standing beside Smokepaw. Smokepaw started, but then stood proud, towering over the StarClan cat. He looked at her, a brief flare of delight crossing his features, before he looked at Harespring.
โTallstar!โ erupted from the throats of older cats. The starry apparition glared at Harespring.
โYou defy StarClan at every turn by rejecting Smokepaw and her family. She fulfills her destiny this night under StarClan. Onestar chooses a new deputy. So be it!โ Tallstar yowled at Harespring. โWe want no question that we approve. The future of the Clans will NOT SUFFER for your intolerance.โ
Harespring stared, his anger turning to fear, as Tallstar stepped up to him, standing nose to nose with him. Indipaw watched with astonishment, as other starry shapes joined Tallstar, and she assumed Bluestar, Blackstar, and Firestar walked amongst them. Harespring shank back from the outrage blazing from their eyes.
โForgive me,โ he mewled. โI only tried to keep to the code.โ
โAnd forgot the most recent addition,โ Blackstar snarled at him. โGo back to your Clan, but realize you are no longer deputy.โ
Harespring scurried to hide behind his clanmates, most of whom scowled at him. Furzepelt nodded at him, and he sat beside her. Tallstar raised his tail.
โCarry on,โ Tallstar meowed, and in a swirl of stars vanished. A starry white tom with black legs gazed at Rowanstar before looking at Snowpaw.
โBlackstar,โ Snowpaw whispered reverently. Blackstar and his fellow StarClan mates followed Tallstar, but he glanced back at Indipaw and Snowpaw, nodding approval before he disappeared into the wind. Indipaw stared. Silence hung over the clearing, until Rowanstar sneezed, and spoke.
โAs I was going to say, I accept, with Bramblestarโs blessings, Indipaw into ShadowClan.โ
โYou have it, since StarClan has already blessed what will occur here this Gathering,โ Branmblestar gazed at Indipaw and Snowpaw, then Smokepaw and Bluepaw, and nodded. โMay StarClan light your paths, always.โ
Indipaw and her sisters glanced at each other, then impulsively ran to Kyemama and Demonpoppa. She trembled as Phantompaw, Gentlepaw, Greypaw, Rainpaw, and Demonpaw joined her, pressing against her. She took comfort in their touch, for once feeling no desire to slap her brothers for the audacity.
โWe love you, Kyemama,โ Indipaw mewed. โBut these are the lives weโre meant to live.โ
โNever, ever forget how much your father, brothers, and I love you,โ Kyemama whispered. โI will never raise a claw to you in battle, never.โ
โDonโt worry, Kyemama,โ Smokepaw murmured. โWe all decided never to hurt each other. We can pretend to be angry, but we all know itโs not for real.โ
โDo your new Clans proud, and always use your heads before your claws,โ Kyemama mewed softly, her voice shaking.
โWe promise,โ Indipaw meowed and impulsively licked Kyestormโs cheek. Smokepaw and Bluepaw copied their sister, before moving off to mingle with their new Clans. Indipaw shuffled over to Snowpaw, watching her family, her heart melting at the resigned sadness in her motherโs eyes. Indipaw moved with Snowpaw to mingle with ShadowClan, and all greeted her with varying degrees of delight. Pinepaw, and Beepaw bounced with joy, and Striekpaw blinked at her. Needletail waved her tail. Scorchfur, Snowpawโs mentor, nodded approval.
Mixed emotions knotted her stomach, and she already missed her parents and siblings, but looked forward to her new life with Snowpaw. The acceptance by the Clan which disdained cross clan relationships surprised and pleased her.
โCome, letโs enjoy this Gathering. Everyone is happy, and friendly,โ Snowpaw urged. She decided to enjoy the Gathering, and she mingled. Smokepaw hooked tails with Oatclaw, while chattering with Onestar, who wore a pleased, genuinely delighted expression. Bluepaw joined Troutpaw and Silverpaw, her blue eyes shining. Mistystar greeted her new Clanmate, utterly delighted.
โWeโll see each other,โ Bluepaw meowed, joy in her voice.
โI know,โ Indipaw purred. โWe have chosen our destinies, and StarClan approves.โ
Bramblestar uttered a piercing yowl and Indiclaw jumped with a hiss, careening into Snowpaw. The noisy Gathering silenced. Everyone faced the Great Tree. Kyemama stood up, balancing on the branch, tail up. Indipaw stared.
โEsteemed Clan Leaders, warriors, apprentices, elders, I say this under StarClan, so everyone hears my words. The night Demonstone and I escaped the fire, ready to bear my precious kits, I did not understand all of what StarClan wished from us.โ Kyemamaโs voice strengthened, and the moon glowed. โThe Maine Coons of ThunderClan are meant to be the Maine Coons of all the Clans, to help us build our strength for the battles to come. As my daughters seek their destinies, I truly hope we stay, under StarClan, four Clans as One, to preserve the Four, because I fear if we donโt, the coyote menace will destroy us.โ Kyesmama finished, and Indipaw swelled with pride for her mother.
A moment of quiet hung over the Gathering, then Mistystar raised her voice.
โIf StarClan approves, so do I. I welcome Bluepaw into our Clan. Iโm delighted to have her here.โ Mistystarโs blue eyes grew solemn. โWe have to find a way to deal with the coyote problem. We must devise a call or alarm that will carry over the lake, so other clans know when trouble approaches.โ
โThat sounds like a good idea,โ Rowanstar agreed, his yellow eyes bright.
โWeโve been experimenting,โ Lionblaze spoke up. โMaybe something like this.โ Lionblaze pointed his muzzle at the moon and uttered a fine imitation of a coyote howl, and followed that with piercing warriorโs battle shriek.
โThat might work very well,โ Rowanstar spoke up. His ears twitched. โHear how it reverberates over the lake?โ
โWe also have to make sure we have more than one sentry,โ Bramblestar added. โWe donโt want them sneaking up on any of us again.โ
โThey caught us by surprise,โ Rowanstar admitted. โBy time our sentry yowled out a warning the coyotes already plowed into camp. If it happens again, we will be better prepared.โ
โWe also must suspend borders once that alarm goes up so help may take the shortest route,โ Mistystar added. The other three Clan leaders nodded affirmatives.
โWe should run a test upon returning to our camps. Call and wait for the reply, so we are certain we will hear any Clanโs call.โ Onestar suggested.
โGood idea,โ Bramblestar looked up at the skies. โWe should adjourn, then do this test. It grows late.โ
Indipaw noticed how low the moon hung in the western sky, and yawned. The other leaders agreed, and the Gathering broke up. Indipaw walked with her new Clan, trying not to look back, but caught a glimpse of Kyemama, who plodded across the ice. She spun away, looking ahead, pressing against Snowpaw, and met Rowanstarโs gaze. He nodded.
โWelcome to ShadowClan, young Warrior.โ
โBut Iโm not a warrior,โ Indipaw meowed, meeting her new Leaderโs gaze, realizing she stood as tall as he. Rowanstarโs eyes blinked in a brief smile.
โYou will be, sooner than you think,โ Rowanstar said, then turned to lead his Clan home. He glanced back at her. โIn my eyes, you already are.โ
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก
EPILOGUE
โLet all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here!โ Rowanstarโs yowl reverberated through camp, and Indipaw jerked alert.
โIs he really going to do it?โ Pinepaw squeaked with excitement, as the dozen apprentices leaped to their feet and hurried out into the cold camp. The rising sun sent rays through the pine boughs, illuminating Rowanstarโs ginger pelt. They gathered with the rest of the Clan, under their Leader, who perched on a rock below a large pine bough.
โIโm so glad youโre with us,โ Beepaw purred, looking at Indipaw. Indipaw held back a laugh, glad Beepaw no longer looked thin. Ample deer meat put the weight back on Beepawโs frame. โMy brother could not have chosen a more perfect mate.โ
โI am happy here,โ Indipaw mewed, flashing the plump she-cat a feline grin.. โI love the pines, and I excel hunting in them.โ
โWe have all benefited from your prowess,โ Sleekpaw, a pale ginger she-cat said.
โTeaching us to hunt the deer has been so great,โ Strikepaw, a brown tabby tom remarked. โBut without your strength, we might never have pulled one down.โ
โYou deserve this,โ Yarrowpaw, a striking red tabby she cat, said with a nod.
โToday, we shall add new warriors to our ranks!โ Rowanstarโs voice rang out. โNow, Snowpaw, Pinepaw, Beepaw, and Indipaw, please come forward.โ
Indipaw rushed to sit in front of the gathered cats. Snowpaw, Beepaw, and Pinepaw flanked her. Rowanstarโs voice rolled on.
โI, Rowanstar, leader of ShadowClan, 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 turnโ
Indipaw trembled with excitement, though the absence of her brothers and parents trickled disappointment into her mind and heart.
โPinepaw,โ Rowanstar continued. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ The small black she-cat answered, and Indipaw eyed the thin white scar running down her flank, a testament to her bravery defending her leader.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Pineshadow, recognizing your swiftness and stealth in mind and heart, and bravery in the face of incredible danger. From this moment you will be known as Pineshadow! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his yellow eyes sparkling with delight.
โPineshadow! Pineshadow! Pineshadow!!โ erupted from all throats.
โSnowpaw,โ Rowanstar looked at Indipawโs beau. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ he answered, and Indipaw watched with pride.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Snowsquall, recognizing your swiftness of mind, and bravery in the face of incredible danger, going for help, unafraid to cross borders to do so. From this moment you will be known as Snowsquall! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his yellow eyes shining.
โSnwsquall! Snowsquall! Snowsquall!โ
โBeepaw,โ Rowanstar continued. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ she answered, and Indipaw watched the plump she cat sit up, her eyes full of shock and delight.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Beeheart, recognizing your bravery in the face of incredible danger in protecting Littlecloud. From this moment you will be known as Beeheart! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his eyes full of respect for the rotund little she-cat.
โBeeheart! Beeheart! Beeheart!!โ everyone yowled.
โNow, last but not least, Indipaw,โ Rowanstar dipped his head to her. โDo you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?โ
โI do!โ she answered, trembling with awe and excitement.
โThen by the power of StarClan, I give you the warrior name Indiclaw, recognizing your warrior spirit in the face of incredible danger, and your good heart knowing when to do the right thing in the face of rebuke. From this moment you will be known as Indiclaw! Welcome to ShadowClan new Warrior!โ Rowanstar announced, his yellow eyes meeting hers, and in them she saw his deep gratitude.
โIndiclaw! Indiclaw! Indiclaw!โ everyone yowled, and high pitched mews rose above the din and Indiclaw glanced below her leader, where his and Tawnypeltโs kits sat beside their mother, calling her name with all their vocal strength.
โNow that this is done, letโs get on with the dayโs tasks. Crowfrost has the patrol schedules. Meeting adjourned.โ Rowanstar leaped down from the rock, landing in front of Indiclaw.
โWelcome to ShadowClan, โ Rowanstar touched noses with her, then let a smile close his eyes. โI do expect, in the future of course, more giant fluffheads in our ranks.โ
โUh, yes, Rowanstar,โ Indiclaw gaped at him, feeling a bit confused. A few cats tittered and Indiclaw recognized a guffaw from Pinenose. Indiclaw glanced at the queen, who sat in the entrance of the Warrior den. Her kits, Lionpaw, Birchpaw, and Slatepaw, joined their mother in laughter. Puddlepaw glanced her way, a smile on his face as he nodded at his littermates.
โCome now, Indiclaw,โ Snowbird spoke up. โYouโll take Pinenoseโs place in the Queenโs den and grace us with big fluffy warriors.โ
โNo!โ Indiclaw hissed in alarm. โIโm a warrior, and not having kits!โ
โMaybe not now,โ Snowbird said, her expression turning serious. โBut itโs inevitable.โ
Indiclaw gaped, and Snowsquall stood beside her and nuzzled her.
โYou donโt want my kits?โ he mewed.
โOf course I do,โ Indiclaw scoffed. โBut Iโm not even nine moons yet!โ
โYouโll change your mind one day,โ Snowsquall said with confidence, and trotted off after Scorchfur. Indiclaw stared after him a moment, and realized they were right. She loved Snowsquall, and eventually, wanted to bear his kits, but, not until she showed enemies of her Clan her warrior prowess, and possessed experience and knowledge to pass down to her future kits.
โCome new warrior, the border by the twoleg place needs strengthening. Youโll accompany Scorchfur, Snowbird, Sowsquall, Stonewing, Pinepaw, Sleekpaw and Birchpaw.โ
โThank you,โ Indiclaw joined her patrol, baring the tips of her fangs, eager to visit the twoleg place nearby and teach those obnoxious kittypets a lesson. She thrust having kits to the back of her mind.
โกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโกโก