вℓαcк ѕησω ❅ chapter 2 up
Aug 21, 2016 13:53:36 GMT -5
mintedstar/fur, Iriswish, and 1 more like this
Post by Iriswish on Aug 21, 2016 13:53:36 GMT -5
I've never been one to finish or even really start a fanfic, but I'd like to give it a shot. This is my attempt. ^^ The layout will look pretty one day but today isn't the day, so basic is the way I'm going for now. Sorry!
ѕυммαяу ❅
After a tragic accident, a rogue kit is taken into a nearby Clan despite criticism and doubt raised from certain cats. The kit may have been adopted into the society, but he's certainly not popular. Faced with bullies and hate, life in a Clan doesn't quite live up to his expectations.
However, a rogue soon becomes the least of their worries. When StarClan deliver an ominous message warning of certain destruction, the Clan must brace themselves for the oncoming darkness, as well as preparing for a catastrophe unlike anything they've experienced before.
ρяσℓσgυє ❅
Ice awoke from his peaceful sleep when he suddenly felt a chill ruffle his fur. Usually he'd be safe and warm nestled against his group, but something felt very peculiar indeed.
Once he'd opened his eyes properly and glanced around at the other sleeping kits, he immediately saw the problem. Where's Hornet?
Hornet was the oldest of the cats in the group, but she was a formidable foe. Despite the many scars she bore, she was not a cat anybody wanted to cross, especially a kit like Ice. She'd only have to look him in the eye to terrify the life out of his tiny fragile body.
"Show yourself, intruder!"
Ice's ears pricked up when he heard her familiar growl at the entrance of the abandoned wooden Twoleg nest they considered their home. This intruder would certainly be the most activity they'd had in moons; it beat the time a fox had casually strolled by with surprisingly no malicious intent for sure. Naturally his curiosity got the better of him, so Ice quietly abandoned the limited warmth of the other sleeping cats and ventured a little way away from the entrance, hiding behind a small three-legged object that he assumed had been left by Twolegs.
Another cat - the intruder, Ice assumed - had appeared from the shadows. Hornet let out a snarl. "Who are you?"
"I bring no trouble," the intruder responded smoothly. "I'm Whiteblaze. RippleClan deputy."
A Clan cat? Ice had only heard stories, and now there was a real Clan cat practically in front of him! Whiteblaze towered over Hornet no problem, with slick white fur and a stocky frame. His bright green eyes sparkled with a wisdom far beyond his years, though in Ice's mind he didn't look much older than his mother, Pearl. He was certainly a handsome cat.
To his surprise, Hornet relaxed a little, her formerly bristled grey fur now calmed completely as if she was talking to an old friend. "There are a lot of cats in these parts who would pay to see you dead," she mewed, a tinge of amusement noted by Ice. "You're taking a risk coming here, though you and I both know you think the rules don't apply to you. What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to warn you all to be careful. You're straying closer to the border than the Clan like, and Redstar won't take too kindly if she catches any of you." Whiteblaze remarked warily.
"We've been forced to the river!" Hornet spat, her manner taking a sudden change. "We're struggling to feed ourselves-"
"You can't steal prey from our territory. We have more mouths to feed," the white tom cut her off calmly, though Ice could see the regret in his eyes as he spoke. "I respect you have youngsters, but you can venture elsewhere. We are bound by the Warrior Code and the power of StarClan to stick to our territory. Leafbare is incredibly harsh and I sympathise, but we are facing the same hardships."
"I honestly don't know what Pearl saw in you, but it certainly wasn't sympathy!" Hornet snapped. "Like I said, we're starving; you are incredibly selfish cats, depriving us of food to feed yourselves! I don't understand how you can't spare us even one fish!"
Her words brought a wave of confusion upon Ice. What did his mother have in common with a Clan cat, of all things? How did she know him?
Hornet's remarks appeared to have unsettled the deputy, for he started to speak with far less confidence than previously. "Pearl respected me for what I was and still am. Should she need it, I would certainly ensure she would have a place in the Clan. We could certainly use her abilities."
"She has no interest in you or your Clan," Hornet growled. "Now, I suggest you head out on your way before I slash your eyes out."
Whiteblaze took a step back and dipped his head before hurrying off back into the shadows, leaving Hornet to turn. "You can come out, Ice. I smelt you long ago, foolish kit."
Ice's heart stopped as he slowly moved into Hornet's line of sight, shivering as he lifted his head to look her in her oak coloured eyes. "I-I'm sorry, I heard y-you talking to someone: I was cur-curious." he stammered nervously.
"Try not to look so terrified," she snorted, flicking her battle-scarred ears. "Anyway, you should be asleep. It's late."
"How does he know my mother?" Ice blurted out.
A peculiar emotion flickered in Hornet's tired eyes, one that Ice was unable to deduce. "This isn't a discussion I'm going to have with you right now. Go to sleep."
Unwilling to disobey her, he immediately returned to his spot in the bundle of sleeping cats and felt the familiar comfort of Hornet's soft grey fur warming him as he was lulled to sleep.
However, his questions regarding the encounter tonight certainly hadn't left his head.
cнαρтєя 1 ❅
"Hey, wake up lazybones!"
Ice blindly batted in the direction of the voice with a pitiful whimper as he did so. "Go away, Spark! I don't wanna get up!"
"Wake up, wake up, wake up!" Spark chanted, repeating it several times until Ice sprung away from her, glaring at her as he felt frustration build up inside his tiny body. "What's the big rush? I was happy sleeping!" he grumbled.
"Well everyone else is awake and you're the last, so I decided to wake you up myself." Spark looked incredibly smug as she licked one of her forepaws. "Your siblings and I were going to play Leaders, and having you gives me an advantage. You in?"
"You've woken me up now so I may as well." Ice grumbled, which lit up Spark's face. "Great! Race ya out!"
Spark was probably the closest thing Ice had to a best friend. She was the sole daughter of the other two older rogues who resided in the area - Felix and Jess - and also the youngest by about a season, but just as energetic. She was swift for her age and seemed destined to keep that up. That would certainly do her some good, as she stuck out like a sore thumb with her fiery ginger fur. Her pelt colour certainly matched her temper, anyway.
Once Ice and Spark had emerged from the Twoleg nest into the bitterly cold wind, they headed over to Ice's three siblings who weren't far away from the entrance. The biggest of the group - his golden spotted tabby sister Wild - appeared unimpressed immediately. "That's not fair!" she complained, her amber eyes agitated.
"If you've got a problem, you can just go with Patch and Missy," Spark replied airily, lifting her head to try and give herself some degree of authority. "Ice and I can go together. We could easily tear you apart!"
"Oh really?" a black and white tom - Patch - queried playfully, crouching so his belly hit the ground. "You're no match for Patchstar and his band of fierce warriors!"
"And his trustworthy deputy, Mistyheart!" Missy chimed in, her pale silver tabby pelt bristled. She looked the most like their mother, Pearl.
Wild's face fell on the realisation she would just be a normal warrior in this game where she was used to being of higher authority. "Well, I'm Wildclaw, the greatest warrior who lived!" she announced hurriedly.
"I'm Icestar, and she's my deputy Sparkwing!" Ice proclaimed, puffing his chest out.
Without a moment's hesitation Wild hurled herself at Spark, forcing Ice to launch himself onto Missy, who squealed with surprised as she was tackled to the ground. She batted at Ice's face with her tiny white paws as he attempted to pin her down.
"Kits! Cut it out!" Hornet snarled, heading over to the game. "I won't tolerate this!"
"Oh, please don't shout so, Hornet," another voice meowed coolly. "Let kits be kits. They won't be that for much longer."
Ice paused immediately, feeling a chill creeping down his spine. The voice of defence belonged to that of Travis, a kittypet who frequented the abandoned nest frequently. He had never posed any threat to the group, but Ice didn't like him for the way he spoke to his mother. Even he, a young kit, could see that Travis admired Pearl.
"The Clans are our enemies. If you weren't so up your own behind you'd see that." Hornet scowled.
Thankfully for Ice, Hornet took his side in the debate.
Pearl padded out of the nest, confusion on her face. "Travis? Why are you here?" she queried, narrowing her grey eyes.
"Can I not visit at will?" he retorted. "I respect I don't live here, but I like wandering around. I just find myself wandering here a lot."
Pearl just shrugged. "Whatever works for you I guess. I'm going to sun myself for a bit."
"Ooh, I'll join you!" Travis offered eagerly, frustrating Ice. He didn't like this tom interfering with his mother, not one bit.
As Travis and Pearl rested in the limited (due to the fact it was still windy) warmth of the sun, Spark sat up and shook dust from her fiery pelt. "I'll race ya to the river, Ice!" she announced.
"Bring it on!" he replied playfully, speeding off before she could start running. She's so much faster than I am, but maybe this'll show her!
After sprinting through the towering treetops of the woodland and watching in despair as Spark soon caught up to him, the duo froze once they reached the river to catch their breath. Ice practically collapsed, allowing the harsh gales to crash onto him like a wave as he caught his breath. His friend let out a chuckle. "I'm the champion!" she proclaimed loudly.
Ice leapt up to his paws once he had the energy to, plodding over towards the river and dipping his tongue into the water. However, he underestimated how cold the water would be, and leapt back immediately once the tip of his tongue touched it. It felt as if an icicle had taken the place of his tongue, and he didn't like it. Spark let out a purr of amusement. "Too hot?"
"I hate you." Ice grumbled, returning to the river to gaze upon his reflection in the fast flowing water. He wasn't much to look at really - for his age he was fairly big, with white fur decorated with silver tabby markings as well as his huge dark green eyes - but the realisation that he was looking at himself never really sunk in. It was a huge deal to him.
"You love me really." Spark teased, fixing her yellow gaze on him. He straightened himself before responding. "Well, I'm better at jumping than you are! I could totally get across those rocks faster than you!"
Spark appeared a little concerned. "It's really windy today and the current's so strong. I don't think racing across those rocks is safe, Ice." she commented, her mew taking on an oddly serious tone.
"Scaredy-cat!" Ice taunted. "You know I'll beat you!"
"Nuh-uh!" she insisted. "Watch me!"
She ran up to the stepping stones, launching herself onto the first one with not too much difficulty, though she was struggling to keep grip on it. "I don't like this!" she cried.
"Grow up!" her friend shouted back, joining her on the rock and then jumping easily across to the third. He turned back to face Spark, who was shaking all over as she tried desperately not to slip or be blown off by the wind. "It's not hard! Just jump!"
Her eyes swallowed the rock as she contemplated her options. She was too proud to allow Ice to beat her, and he knew it. Taking a deep breath, she jumped and landed the fall, but as river water hit the rock she lost her footing and fell with a blood-curdling screech. Ice felt his heart stop. "Spark!" he screamed. "Keep your head above the water!"
His words came too late as her head disappeared under the surface.
Without thought or even contemplation, he threw himself into the driving current, submerging himself in the freezing cold water. "Spark!" he cried in hope his best friend would resurface while he tried desperately to keep himself afloat. "Spark!"
He was trying his hardest to fight the current, but the water was chilling him to the bone and he couldn't feel anything. He was so tired.
"I've got him!"
Teeth met Ice's scruff and he used the last of his energy to let out a small squeal as he was carried towards and dumped onto the shore. He still couldn't feel anything and was too numb to utter a word; the wind was doing him no favours either. However, he could feel a warm nose touching his pelt. "He's freezing," an unknown female voice mewed in concern. "Tawnypaw, can you lick his fur the wrong way? We need to keep him warm,"
Ice could feel himself being groomed by whoever Tawnypaw, but he was too exhausted to respond. Yet it had now hit him that he'd been rescued by Clan cats.
"I think we should take him to Frogtail. It looks like he's been abandoned." the female voice decided.
"He's not a Clan cat," a male interjected unhelpfully. "I think he's one of those rogues. Redstar won't like this one bit, Pebblespot."
"There's nobody looking after him, so we'll take the duty upon ourselves. He doesn't look much younger than Tawnypaw, anyway," Pebblespot pointed out. "We can't turn him away in this state. You jumped in to save him, so you can carry him back to camp, Volenose."
As he was picked up, Ice just tried his best to keep his eyes open as his saviour - Volenose - bounded through the trees, with what he assumed were Pebblespot and Tawnypaw hot on his heels. While the events took place, what just happened finally sunk in. He'd been saved by Clan cats who probably knew the mysterious Whiteblaze who'd turned up last night. He was going to actually see a real Clan camp.
But ultimately, he'd just witnessed, and been responsible for, the death of his best friend.
cнαρтєя 2 ❅
Ice had not been prepared for all the voices as he was carried into camp. He felt physically and emotionally drained, and being talked about didn't soothe his anxieties.
"By StarClan, is that a kit?"
"It looks rather big! Maybe an apprentice?"
"It's all skin and bones!"
"I reckon it felt in the river, but which Clan is it from?"
"It's a rogue for sure! Can't you pick up the scent?"
"Make space!" a loud female voice barked. "Bring the kit this way, Volenose. Is he injured?"
Ice was thankful once he'd been carried away from the crowd and into a large bush, where he was placed on top of what felt like moss. A pair of concerned amber eyes met his. "I'm going to give you something to help you sleep, alright?" she told him.
He was too weak to respond, so he remained stationary as the strange cat disappeared from his line of sight and returned quickly with a large leaf firmly in her jaws, placing it down beside him. "Eat the two black seeds," she instructed. "and they should help you feel better."
Gathering the last of his strength, Ice dipped his head down and swallowed the mysterious seeds before flopping down on the ground as a wave of sleep washed over him, lulling him to a peaceful and quiet paradise.
Ice opened his eyes fully to see a young black she-cat watching him from a distance, a thoughtful look in her eyes as she twitched her ears. "You were lucky you were found when you were. You could've died." she remarked.
"Where am I?" he asked groggily.
"Um, RippleClan?" she chuckled in amusement. "You're in the medicine den. Oh, I'm Darkeyes by the way. I'm the medicine apprentice. Can't exactly be a warrior if you're blind."
"You're blind?" Ice repeated uneasily, which made Darkeyes chuckle again. "Only in one eye. I mean, it hasn't stopped me, I haven't exactly killed anyone yet - oh, try not to look so alarmed! What's your name anyway? Where are you from?"
"Ice. I'm not a Clan cat."
Darkeyes appeared sympathetic as she took a deep sigh. "Thought as much. The water masked your scent a bit but I could still detect rogue. How'd you end up on our territory, Ice?"
"I was playing with my frie-" Ice suddenly broke off when he remembered. "Spark! Did anyone see another cat in the water?"
"You're the only one the patrol brought back. They heard you yelling and figured you'd fallen into the river. Due to the current of the river, I don't have much faith in your friend's survival. I'm sorry, but I think she's dead."
Dead. The news hit Ice like a stab in the heart. Spark's dead, and it's all my fault. I should have listened to her warning which she's now paid the price forThere's no way I could show my face back with Mother and the others; they'll hate me.
"So he's awake, I see. How's he doing?"
Darkeyes shot up to her feet and straightened herself as a small dark brown tabby she-cat entered. "He's doing just fine!" she announced hastily.
"Did you gather that from your gossip fest?" the she-cat sighed, dropping a bundle before turning to face Ice. "I apologise for my apprentice: she tends to chat more than work. I'm sending her to the nursery to check on a few things, so you can go with her to settle yourself with the other kits. I'm going to have a chat with Redstar and I'll come and find you once I'm done," She turned back to face Darkeyes who shuffled her paws in embarrassment. "Do keep an eye out for any coughs. We don't want any greencough outbreaks."
Taking care not to fall, Ice steadily rose to his feet and followed Darkeyes out of the den, immediately feeling the force of the wind hitting his pelt. He could feel multiple pairs of eyes drawn to his every movement, so he did his best to not let it bother him. He refused to let these cats get to him.
He followed the black furred she-cat into what looked like an old badger sett and nearly bumped into her back leg when she came to an abrupt halt. "Just doing my rounds! I've brought this little guy with me too, so just make him comfortable will you?"
"I can certainly look after him," a ginger tabby she-cat purred. "He looks a similar age to Thunderkit. He's supposed to be apprenticed at sunset; will this kit be apprenticed with him?"
Apprentices are young cats training to be warriors. I'm going to be a warrior!
"Redstar is discussing the matter with Whiteblaze and Frogtail," Darkeyes told her. "I personally think it would be a good move. We're a small Clan and we need to be ready at any time considering the recent tensions. I wouldn't be surprised if we experienced an attack soon."
Ice's heart skipped a beat on the mention of Whiteblaze. Did anyone know about his visit last night?
"Hey, come here little one," the ginger tabby cooed, gesturing for Ice to come over. "What's your name?"
"Ice." he responded simply, padding over to her.
"I'm Goldsun," she told him politely. "My son is outside but I'm sure- aha, here he comes! Thunderkit, come here!"
A ginger and white tomkit bounded over instantly, his yellow eyes bright and cheerful. His gaze reminded Ice irresistibly of Spark's eyes; they carried her playful spirit and optimistic nature. Goldsun purred affectionately and licked the top of his head. "This is Ice," she informed him. "Introduce him to the other kits and maybe the apprentices if they're around. I certainly know Tawnypaw's around."
"I need to thank this Tawnypaw, actually, if you wouldn't mind. She helped to save my life." Ice cut in, rising to meet the kit's eyes. He nodded in a friendly way. "Sure! I'm Thunderkit, by the way! Poppywish's kits are outside playing, so I'll take you to them."
Ice followed Thunderkit outside, where he suddenly hurried over to three kits who were fighting over a mossball. Tentatively, Ice followed suit, only to find himself stared at by one of the kits - a tortoiseshell she-cat with light amber eyes. She gave him a friendly sniff before giving him a bewildered expression. "Are you the rogue?" she queried nervously. On his nod, she continued. "I expected you to look scary, but you're not really. I'm Petalkit. Are you joining RippleClan?"
"Depends what's decided." Ice replied with a casual shrug of his shoulders.
The other two kits - a light brown spotted tabby she-cat and a dark brown tom with lighter brown features - bounded over with curiosity sparkling in their matching pale yellow eyes. The latter of the two was the first to speak. "I'm Thistlekit, and that's Duckkit." he announced.
"They're Redstar's nieces and nephew," Thunderkit chipped in. "She's our-"
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Lowbranch for a Clan meeting!"
Thunderkit shot Ice an amused look. "It's as if she knew I was talking about her... oh wait, here approaches my dear mother."
Goldsun darted over, frustration clear in her yellow eyes. "Thunderkit! Your pelt looks a mess! You can't be apprenticed in that state; come here!" she snapped.
I should probably leave them, Ice decided, taking humour in the situation. I think I could really fit in here.
As multiple cats began to gather by a large tree in the centre of camp, Ice's attention was drawn to a slender red tabby she-cat standing on one of the tree's branches. She looked surprisingly young to be up there - maybe a bit older than Darkeyes - but the way she stood gave Ice the impression she held a lot of power in one paw. She definitely wasn't a cat he wanted to mess with.
"That's Redstar," Darkeyes whispered in his ear, taking him by surprise by her sudden appearance. "Leader of RippleClan. She's fair but you don't want to make an enemy of her!"
"We have two matters to deal with in this meeting," Redstar announced, her copper brown eyes scanning the crowd. "Firstly, I'd like to call Thunderkit up here,"
Ice's newfound friend made his way to the front of the crowd, the group of cats parting to allow him a smooth path. He leapt up onto the branch and Redstar turned to look at his beaming face. "Thunderkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it's time for you to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Thunderpaw. Volenose will be mentoring you," she meowed, waiting paitently for the young dark brown tom to jump up. "Volenose, you may be our youngest warrior, but you have certainly proved yourself worthy of an apprentice. You have shown to be brave and intelligent, and I'm sure you'll pass these qualities and more onto Thunderpaw."
The two touched noses as the Clan chanted "Thunderpaw! Thunderpaw!"
"Apprenticeship brings me on to my second matter," Redstar continued, silencing the loud chants. "As many of you know, a patrol rescued a young kit from the river earlier today. He was alone and we feel he would be safer here, so Whiteblaze, Frogtail and I have taken the decision to offer Ice a place in the Clan."
A murmur rose from the once silence crowd as they launched into conversation, but one voice rose above the crowd. "Have we really sunk so low that we're accepting filthy rogues into our Clan? They've caused us nothing but bother; you'll just be attracting all Clanless cats to our once pure Clan! You're weakening us!"
"We descended from Clanless cats, Leafdrift!" a dark grey tabby tom retorted. "We're so low on warriors and a Clan could declare war on us any moment! Surely accepting this one neglected cat will do us more good than harm?"
"Thank you, Minnowleap," Redstar sighed. "So, I'd like to call Ice up here, if he'd like to."
With an encouraging dark glance from Darkeyes, Ice cautiously plodded across the short grass, keeping his eyes to his feet. He didn't want to look up and see the disapproving faces of cats that clearly didn't want him there. Upon reaching the front of the Clan, he leapt up to the branch with no difficulty. Redstar gave him a kindly face. "Ice, you have joined RippleClan, and thus will begin apprentice training. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Icepaw. Your mentor will be Minnowleap."
Thank goodness it's someone who will accept me. Ice felt a wave of relief crash over him as the warrior who defended him earlier approached the branch.
"Minnowleap, you will be Icepaw's mentor. You were suggested by your former mentor Whiteblaze for not only your compassionate nature, but your superior hunting skills and quick thinking. You are a fine warrior and I feel you'll make a fantastic job training Icepaw." Redstar continued.
Icepaw closed his eyes as Minnowleap bashfully dipped his head to touch noses with him, absorbing himself in the chants of his new name.
"Icepaw! Icepaw!"
ѕυммαяу ❅
After a tragic accident, a rogue kit is taken into a nearby Clan despite criticism and doubt raised from certain cats. The kit may have been adopted into the society, but he's certainly not popular. Faced with bullies and hate, life in a Clan doesn't quite live up to his expectations.
However, a rogue soon becomes the least of their worries. When StarClan deliver an ominous message warning of certain destruction, the Clan must brace themselves for the oncoming darkness, as well as preparing for a catastrophe unlike anything they've experienced before.
ρяσℓσgυє ❅
Ice awoke from his peaceful sleep when he suddenly felt a chill ruffle his fur. Usually he'd be safe and warm nestled against his group, but something felt very peculiar indeed.
Once he'd opened his eyes properly and glanced around at the other sleeping kits, he immediately saw the problem. Where's Hornet?
Hornet was the oldest of the cats in the group, but she was a formidable foe. Despite the many scars she bore, she was not a cat anybody wanted to cross, especially a kit like Ice. She'd only have to look him in the eye to terrify the life out of his tiny fragile body.
"Show yourself, intruder!"
Ice's ears pricked up when he heard her familiar growl at the entrance of the abandoned wooden Twoleg nest they considered their home. This intruder would certainly be the most activity they'd had in moons; it beat the time a fox had casually strolled by with surprisingly no malicious intent for sure. Naturally his curiosity got the better of him, so Ice quietly abandoned the limited warmth of the other sleeping cats and ventured a little way away from the entrance, hiding behind a small three-legged object that he assumed had been left by Twolegs.
Another cat - the intruder, Ice assumed - had appeared from the shadows. Hornet let out a snarl. "Who are you?"
"I bring no trouble," the intruder responded smoothly. "I'm Whiteblaze. RippleClan deputy."
A Clan cat? Ice had only heard stories, and now there was a real Clan cat practically in front of him! Whiteblaze towered over Hornet no problem, with slick white fur and a stocky frame. His bright green eyes sparkled with a wisdom far beyond his years, though in Ice's mind he didn't look much older than his mother, Pearl. He was certainly a handsome cat.
To his surprise, Hornet relaxed a little, her formerly bristled grey fur now calmed completely as if she was talking to an old friend. "There are a lot of cats in these parts who would pay to see you dead," she mewed, a tinge of amusement noted by Ice. "You're taking a risk coming here, though you and I both know you think the rules don't apply to you. What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to warn you all to be careful. You're straying closer to the border than the Clan like, and Redstar won't take too kindly if she catches any of you." Whiteblaze remarked warily.
"We've been forced to the river!" Hornet spat, her manner taking a sudden change. "We're struggling to feed ourselves-"
"You can't steal prey from our territory. We have more mouths to feed," the white tom cut her off calmly, though Ice could see the regret in his eyes as he spoke. "I respect you have youngsters, but you can venture elsewhere. We are bound by the Warrior Code and the power of StarClan to stick to our territory. Leafbare is incredibly harsh and I sympathise, but we are facing the same hardships."
"I honestly don't know what Pearl saw in you, but it certainly wasn't sympathy!" Hornet snapped. "Like I said, we're starving; you are incredibly selfish cats, depriving us of food to feed yourselves! I don't understand how you can't spare us even one fish!"
Her words brought a wave of confusion upon Ice. What did his mother have in common with a Clan cat, of all things? How did she know him?
Hornet's remarks appeared to have unsettled the deputy, for he started to speak with far less confidence than previously. "Pearl respected me for what I was and still am. Should she need it, I would certainly ensure she would have a place in the Clan. We could certainly use her abilities."
"She has no interest in you or your Clan," Hornet growled. "Now, I suggest you head out on your way before I slash your eyes out."
Whiteblaze took a step back and dipped his head before hurrying off back into the shadows, leaving Hornet to turn. "You can come out, Ice. I smelt you long ago, foolish kit."
Ice's heart stopped as he slowly moved into Hornet's line of sight, shivering as he lifted his head to look her in her oak coloured eyes. "I-I'm sorry, I heard y-you talking to someone: I was cur-curious." he stammered nervously.
"Try not to look so terrified," she snorted, flicking her battle-scarred ears. "Anyway, you should be asleep. It's late."
"How does he know my mother?" Ice blurted out.
A peculiar emotion flickered in Hornet's tired eyes, one that Ice was unable to deduce. "This isn't a discussion I'm going to have with you right now. Go to sleep."
Unwilling to disobey her, he immediately returned to his spot in the bundle of sleeping cats and felt the familiar comfort of Hornet's soft grey fur warming him as he was lulled to sleep.
However, his questions regarding the encounter tonight certainly hadn't left his head.
cнαρтєя 1 ❅
"Hey, wake up lazybones!"
Ice blindly batted in the direction of the voice with a pitiful whimper as he did so. "Go away, Spark! I don't wanna get up!"
"Wake up, wake up, wake up!" Spark chanted, repeating it several times until Ice sprung away from her, glaring at her as he felt frustration build up inside his tiny body. "What's the big rush? I was happy sleeping!" he grumbled.
"Well everyone else is awake and you're the last, so I decided to wake you up myself." Spark looked incredibly smug as she licked one of her forepaws. "Your siblings and I were going to play Leaders, and having you gives me an advantage. You in?"
"You've woken me up now so I may as well." Ice grumbled, which lit up Spark's face. "Great! Race ya out!"
Spark was probably the closest thing Ice had to a best friend. She was the sole daughter of the other two older rogues who resided in the area - Felix and Jess - and also the youngest by about a season, but just as energetic. She was swift for her age and seemed destined to keep that up. That would certainly do her some good, as she stuck out like a sore thumb with her fiery ginger fur. Her pelt colour certainly matched her temper, anyway.
Once Ice and Spark had emerged from the Twoleg nest into the bitterly cold wind, they headed over to Ice's three siblings who weren't far away from the entrance. The biggest of the group - his golden spotted tabby sister Wild - appeared unimpressed immediately. "That's not fair!" she complained, her amber eyes agitated.
"If you've got a problem, you can just go with Patch and Missy," Spark replied airily, lifting her head to try and give herself some degree of authority. "Ice and I can go together. We could easily tear you apart!"
"Oh really?" a black and white tom - Patch - queried playfully, crouching so his belly hit the ground. "You're no match for Patchstar and his band of fierce warriors!"
"And his trustworthy deputy, Mistyheart!" Missy chimed in, her pale silver tabby pelt bristled. She looked the most like their mother, Pearl.
Wild's face fell on the realisation she would just be a normal warrior in this game where she was used to being of higher authority. "Well, I'm Wildclaw, the greatest warrior who lived!" she announced hurriedly.
"I'm Icestar, and she's my deputy Sparkwing!" Ice proclaimed, puffing his chest out.
Without a moment's hesitation Wild hurled herself at Spark, forcing Ice to launch himself onto Missy, who squealed with surprised as she was tackled to the ground. She batted at Ice's face with her tiny white paws as he attempted to pin her down.
"Kits! Cut it out!" Hornet snarled, heading over to the game. "I won't tolerate this!"
"Oh, please don't shout so, Hornet," another voice meowed coolly. "Let kits be kits. They won't be that for much longer."
Ice paused immediately, feeling a chill creeping down his spine. The voice of defence belonged to that of Travis, a kittypet who frequented the abandoned nest frequently. He had never posed any threat to the group, but Ice didn't like him for the way he spoke to his mother. Even he, a young kit, could see that Travis admired Pearl.
"The Clans are our enemies. If you weren't so up your own behind you'd see that." Hornet scowled.
Thankfully for Ice, Hornet took his side in the debate.
Pearl padded out of the nest, confusion on her face. "Travis? Why are you here?" she queried, narrowing her grey eyes.
"Can I not visit at will?" he retorted. "I respect I don't live here, but I like wandering around. I just find myself wandering here a lot."
Pearl just shrugged. "Whatever works for you I guess. I'm going to sun myself for a bit."
"Ooh, I'll join you!" Travis offered eagerly, frustrating Ice. He didn't like this tom interfering with his mother, not one bit.
As Travis and Pearl rested in the limited (due to the fact it was still windy) warmth of the sun, Spark sat up and shook dust from her fiery pelt. "I'll race ya to the river, Ice!" she announced.
"Bring it on!" he replied playfully, speeding off before she could start running. She's so much faster than I am, but maybe this'll show her!
After sprinting through the towering treetops of the woodland and watching in despair as Spark soon caught up to him, the duo froze once they reached the river to catch their breath. Ice practically collapsed, allowing the harsh gales to crash onto him like a wave as he caught his breath. His friend let out a chuckle. "I'm the champion!" she proclaimed loudly.
Ice leapt up to his paws once he had the energy to, plodding over towards the river and dipping his tongue into the water. However, he underestimated how cold the water would be, and leapt back immediately once the tip of his tongue touched it. It felt as if an icicle had taken the place of his tongue, and he didn't like it. Spark let out a purr of amusement. "Too hot?"
"I hate you." Ice grumbled, returning to the river to gaze upon his reflection in the fast flowing water. He wasn't much to look at really - for his age he was fairly big, with white fur decorated with silver tabby markings as well as his huge dark green eyes - but the realisation that he was looking at himself never really sunk in. It was a huge deal to him.
"You love me really." Spark teased, fixing her yellow gaze on him. He straightened himself before responding. "Well, I'm better at jumping than you are! I could totally get across those rocks faster than you!"
Spark appeared a little concerned. "It's really windy today and the current's so strong. I don't think racing across those rocks is safe, Ice." she commented, her mew taking on an oddly serious tone.
"Scaredy-cat!" Ice taunted. "You know I'll beat you!"
"Nuh-uh!" she insisted. "Watch me!"
She ran up to the stepping stones, launching herself onto the first one with not too much difficulty, though she was struggling to keep grip on it. "I don't like this!" she cried.
"Grow up!" her friend shouted back, joining her on the rock and then jumping easily across to the third. He turned back to face Spark, who was shaking all over as she tried desperately not to slip or be blown off by the wind. "It's not hard! Just jump!"
Her eyes swallowed the rock as she contemplated her options. She was too proud to allow Ice to beat her, and he knew it. Taking a deep breath, she jumped and landed the fall, but as river water hit the rock she lost her footing and fell with a blood-curdling screech. Ice felt his heart stop. "Spark!" he screamed. "Keep your head above the water!"
His words came too late as her head disappeared under the surface.
Without thought or even contemplation, he threw himself into the driving current, submerging himself in the freezing cold water. "Spark!" he cried in hope his best friend would resurface while he tried desperately to keep himself afloat. "Spark!"
He was trying his hardest to fight the current, but the water was chilling him to the bone and he couldn't feel anything. He was so tired.
"I've got him!"
Teeth met Ice's scruff and he used the last of his energy to let out a small squeal as he was carried towards and dumped onto the shore. He still couldn't feel anything and was too numb to utter a word; the wind was doing him no favours either. However, he could feel a warm nose touching his pelt. "He's freezing," an unknown female voice mewed in concern. "Tawnypaw, can you lick his fur the wrong way? We need to keep him warm,"
Ice could feel himself being groomed by whoever Tawnypaw, but he was too exhausted to respond. Yet it had now hit him that he'd been rescued by Clan cats.
"I think we should take him to Frogtail. It looks like he's been abandoned." the female voice decided.
"He's not a Clan cat," a male interjected unhelpfully. "I think he's one of those rogues. Redstar won't like this one bit, Pebblespot."
"There's nobody looking after him, so we'll take the duty upon ourselves. He doesn't look much younger than Tawnypaw, anyway," Pebblespot pointed out. "We can't turn him away in this state. You jumped in to save him, so you can carry him back to camp, Volenose."
As he was picked up, Ice just tried his best to keep his eyes open as his saviour - Volenose - bounded through the trees, with what he assumed were Pebblespot and Tawnypaw hot on his heels. While the events took place, what just happened finally sunk in. He'd been saved by Clan cats who probably knew the mysterious Whiteblaze who'd turned up last night. He was going to actually see a real Clan camp.
But ultimately, he'd just witnessed, and been responsible for, the death of his best friend.
cнαρтєя 2 ❅
Ice had not been prepared for all the voices as he was carried into camp. He felt physically and emotionally drained, and being talked about didn't soothe his anxieties.
"By StarClan, is that a kit?"
"It looks rather big! Maybe an apprentice?"
"It's all skin and bones!"
"I reckon it felt in the river, but which Clan is it from?"
"It's a rogue for sure! Can't you pick up the scent?"
"Make space!" a loud female voice barked. "Bring the kit this way, Volenose. Is he injured?"
Ice was thankful once he'd been carried away from the crowd and into a large bush, where he was placed on top of what felt like moss. A pair of concerned amber eyes met his. "I'm going to give you something to help you sleep, alright?" she told him.
He was too weak to respond, so he remained stationary as the strange cat disappeared from his line of sight and returned quickly with a large leaf firmly in her jaws, placing it down beside him. "Eat the two black seeds," she instructed. "and they should help you feel better."
Gathering the last of his strength, Ice dipped his head down and swallowed the mysterious seeds before flopping down on the ground as a wave of sleep washed over him, lulling him to a peaceful and quiet paradise.
❅ ❅ ❅
"And he lives! Welcome back!"Ice opened his eyes fully to see a young black she-cat watching him from a distance, a thoughtful look in her eyes as she twitched her ears. "You were lucky you were found when you were. You could've died." she remarked.
"Where am I?" he asked groggily.
"Um, RippleClan?" she chuckled in amusement. "You're in the medicine den. Oh, I'm Darkeyes by the way. I'm the medicine apprentice. Can't exactly be a warrior if you're blind."
"You're blind?" Ice repeated uneasily, which made Darkeyes chuckle again. "Only in one eye. I mean, it hasn't stopped me, I haven't exactly killed anyone yet - oh, try not to look so alarmed! What's your name anyway? Where are you from?"
"Ice. I'm not a Clan cat."
Darkeyes appeared sympathetic as she took a deep sigh. "Thought as much. The water masked your scent a bit but I could still detect rogue. How'd you end up on our territory, Ice?"
"I was playing with my frie-" Ice suddenly broke off when he remembered. "Spark! Did anyone see another cat in the water?"
"You're the only one the patrol brought back. They heard you yelling and figured you'd fallen into the river. Due to the current of the river, I don't have much faith in your friend's survival. I'm sorry, but I think she's dead."
Dead. The news hit Ice like a stab in the heart. Spark's dead, and it's all my fault. I should have listened to her warning which she's now paid the price forThere's no way I could show my face back with Mother and the others; they'll hate me.
"So he's awake, I see. How's he doing?"
Darkeyes shot up to her feet and straightened herself as a small dark brown tabby she-cat entered. "He's doing just fine!" she announced hastily.
"Did you gather that from your gossip fest?" the she-cat sighed, dropping a bundle before turning to face Ice. "I apologise for my apprentice: she tends to chat more than work. I'm sending her to the nursery to check on a few things, so you can go with her to settle yourself with the other kits. I'm going to have a chat with Redstar and I'll come and find you once I'm done," She turned back to face Darkeyes who shuffled her paws in embarrassment. "Do keep an eye out for any coughs. We don't want any greencough outbreaks."
Taking care not to fall, Ice steadily rose to his feet and followed Darkeyes out of the den, immediately feeling the force of the wind hitting his pelt. He could feel multiple pairs of eyes drawn to his every movement, so he did his best to not let it bother him. He refused to let these cats get to him.
He followed the black furred she-cat into what looked like an old badger sett and nearly bumped into her back leg when she came to an abrupt halt. "Just doing my rounds! I've brought this little guy with me too, so just make him comfortable will you?"
"I can certainly look after him," a ginger tabby she-cat purred. "He looks a similar age to Thunderkit. He's supposed to be apprenticed at sunset; will this kit be apprenticed with him?"
Apprentices are young cats training to be warriors. I'm going to be a warrior!
"Redstar is discussing the matter with Whiteblaze and Frogtail," Darkeyes told her. "I personally think it would be a good move. We're a small Clan and we need to be ready at any time considering the recent tensions. I wouldn't be surprised if we experienced an attack soon."
Ice's heart skipped a beat on the mention of Whiteblaze. Did anyone know about his visit last night?
"Hey, come here little one," the ginger tabby cooed, gesturing for Ice to come over. "What's your name?"
"Ice." he responded simply, padding over to her.
"I'm Goldsun," she told him politely. "My son is outside but I'm sure- aha, here he comes! Thunderkit, come here!"
A ginger and white tomkit bounded over instantly, his yellow eyes bright and cheerful. His gaze reminded Ice irresistibly of Spark's eyes; they carried her playful spirit and optimistic nature. Goldsun purred affectionately and licked the top of his head. "This is Ice," she informed him. "Introduce him to the other kits and maybe the apprentices if they're around. I certainly know Tawnypaw's around."
"I need to thank this Tawnypaw, actually, if you wouldn't mind. She helped to save my life." Ice cut in, rising to meet the kit's eyes. He nodded in a friendly way. "Sure! I'm Thunderkit, by the way! Poppywish's kits are outside playing, so I'll take you to them."
Ice followed Thunderkit outside, where he suddenly hurried over to three kits who were fighting over a mossball. Tentatively, Ice followed suit, only to find himself stared at by one of the kits - a tortoiseshell she-cat with light amber eyes. She gave him a friendly sniff before giving him a bewildered expression. "Are you the rogue?" she queried nervously. On his nod, she continued. "I expected you to look scary, but you're not really. I'm Petalkit. Are you joining RippleClan?"
"Depends what's decided." Ice replied with a casual shrug of his shoulders.
The other two kits - a light brown spotted tabby she-cat and a dark brown tom with lighter brown features - bounded over with curiosity sparkling in their matching pale yellow eyes. The latter of the two was the first to speak. "I'm Thistlekit, and that's Duckkit." he announced.
"They're Redstar's nieces and nephew," Thunderkit chipped in. "She's our-"
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the Lowbranch for a Clan meeting!"
Thunderkit shot Ice an amused look. "It's as if she knew I was talking about her... oh wait, here approaches my dear mother."
Goldsun darted over, frustration clear in her yellow eyes. "Thunderkit! Your pelt looks a mess! You can't be apprenticed in that state; come here!" she snapped.
I should probably leave them, Ice decided, taking humour in the situation. I think I could really fit in here.
As multiple cats began to gather by a large tree in the centre of camp, Ice's attention was drawn to a slender red tabby she-cat standing on one of the tree's branches. She looked surprisingly young to be up there - maybe a bit older than Darkeyes - but the way she stood gave Ice the impression she held a lot of power in one paw. She definitely wasn't a cat he wanted to mess with.
"That's Redstar," Darkeyes whispered in his ear, taking him by surprise by her sudden appearance. "Leader of RippleClan. She's fair but you don't want to make an enemy of her!"
"We have two matters to deal with in this meeting," Redstar announced, her copper brown eyes scanning the crowd. "Firstly, I'd like to call Thunderkit up here,"
Ice's newfound friend made his way to the front of the crowd, the group of cats parting to allow him a smooth path. He leapt up onto the branch and Redstar turned to look at his beaming face. "Thunderkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it's time for you to become an apprentice. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Thunderpaw. Volenose will be mentoring you," she meowed, waiting paitently for the young dark brown tom to jump up. "Volenose, you may be our youngest warrior, but you have certainly proved yourself worthy of an apprentice. You have shown to be brave and intelligent, and I'm sure you'll pass these qualities and more onto Thunderpaw."
The two touched noses as the Clan chanted "Thunderpaw! Thunderpaw!"
"Apprenticeship brings me on to my second matter," Redstar continued, silencing the loud chants. "As many of you know, a patrol rescued a young kit from the river earlier today. He was alone and we feel he would be safer here, so Whiteblaze, Frogtail and I have taken the decision to offer Ice a place in the Clan."
A murmur rose from the once silence crowd as they launched into conversation, but one voice rose above the crowd. "Have we really sunk so low that we're accepting filthy rogues into our Clan? They've caused us nothing but bother; you'll just be attracting all Clanless cats to our once pure Clan! You're weakening us!"
"We descended from Clanless cats, Leafdrift!" a dark grey tabby tom retorted. "We're so low on warriors and a Clan could declare war on us any moment! Surely accepting this one neglected cat will do us more good than harm?"
"Thank you, Minnowleap," Redstar sighed. "So, I'd like to call Ice up here, if he'd like to."
With an encouraging dark glance from Darkeyes, Ice cautiously plodded across the short grass, keeping his eyes to his feet. He didn't want to look up and see the disapproving faces of cats that clearly didn't want him there. Upon reaching the front of the Clan, he leapt up to the branch with no difficulty. Redstar gave him a kindly face. "Ice, you have joined RippleClan, and thus will begin apprentice training. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Icepaw. Your mentor will be Minnowleap."
Thank goodness it's someone who will accept me. Ice felt a wave of relief crash over him as the warrior who defended him earlier approached the branch.
"Minnowleap, you will be Icepaw's mentor. You were suggested by your former mentor Whiteblaze for not only your compassionate nature, but your superior hunting skills and quick thinking. You are a fine warrior and I feel you'll make a fantastic job training Icepaw." Redstar continued.
Icepaw closed his eyes as Minnowleap bashfully dipped his head to touch noses with him, absorbing himself in the chants of his new name.
"Icepaw! Icepaw!"
