Post by Duskfire on Jan 20, 2021 17:25:01 GMT -5
Rootpaw's Activation
Find out how Rootspring learns how to use his power as an apprentice!
This story takes place sometime in the Lost Stars.
Find out how Rootspring learns how to use his power as an apprentice!
This story takes place sometime in the Lost Stars.
Rootpaw is trying to be the best apprentice he can, and he wants to be the best warrior in Skyclan. One night, he gets a dream from Clear Sky, telling him he has to go on a journey to do something that sound unbelievable. Rootpaw trusts Starclan, and makes a decision that will change his life and destiny during The Broken Code.
Be aware of 'The Broken Code' spoilers.
New chapters every Monday-Friday. 1 chapter per day.
If you have any suggestions, please post them on this thread below, and I will see what I can do to add them in.
Be aware of 'The Broken Code' spoilers.
New chapters every Monday-Friday. 1 chapter per day.
If you have any suggestions, please post them on this thread below, and I will see what I can do to add them in.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Rootkit closed his eyes as he felt his Violetshine's pelt touching his tiny one. It warmed him and he found it hard to stay awake. He looked to his right and saw his sister, Needlekit, snoring.
Typical Needlekit.
Needlekit snored really loud, and Rootkit hated it more than he hated the smell of medicine herbs.
Suddenly, even with his eyes closed, Rootkit went into a dream.
He looked around, and saw nothing but open desert around him. "Where am I?" Rootkit thought in his tiny brain.
Suddenly, something to his left caught his eye. He could see a blob that was gray coming towards him. Rootkit's eyes widened in horror and he started running in the other direction as fast as his tiny paws could carry him.
It made no affect, as the blob was gaining on him quickly. He stopped running, pressed his face against the ground, and closed his eyes. "Mother! Help me!" He cried helplessly, but when he opened his eyes he was in the same desert. The blob came up to him, and he could now see that it was a light gray tom with blue eyes.
"Who...who are you?" Rootkit asked, curious but also freaked out.
"That is not something that you need to know right now," the gray tom said abruptly, which scared Rootkit even more. "I have come to tell you about your...your power." the gray tom said, taking a few steps closer.
"I...what? I have a power?" Rootkit asked, now very interested.
"Er... yes you do. It is a power that your father has as well, and it is used to see spirit cats and talk to the earth." the gray tom said.
"Huh? I can talk to the earth? I don't understand. My dad has this power too? What are you saying?" Rootkit asked, and now even Rootkit took a step closer. Rootkit could now feel the gray tom's warm breath on his forehead.
"There is a group of cats called the Sisters. They have kits and they send the toms away to become loners, and your father Tree, is one of them. He joined the clans and lives with you now. All of the cats related to the Sisters have the power to talk to the earth and see spirits. You have it, as you are related to them. You cannot use it until you activate your power, which you shall do when you are an apprentice." the tom said, wearily. I must go now, but remember this, as it will be important when you become Rootpaw.
Rootkit thought for a moment, trying to process what he had just heard. He nodded his head and said, "Ok. I will remember. Thank you for telling me this."
"Oh and by the way," the gray tom said, as if he had just remembered something, "My name is Clear Sky, but I am also known as Skystar. I was one of the original leaders of the clans."
Rootkit's eyes widened in surprise and questions filled his head, but Clear Sky was starting to fade away. "WAIT! I have a question," but he got no response.
Typical Needlekit.
Needlekit snored really loud, and Rootkit hated it more than he hated the smell of medicine herbs.
Suddenly, even with his eyes closed, Rootkit went into a dream.
He looked around, and saw nothing but open desert around him. "Where am I?" Rootkit thought in his tiny brain.
Suddenly, something to his left caught his eye. He could see a blob that was gray coming towards him. Rootkit's eyes widened in horror and he started running in the other direction as fast as his tiny paws could carry him.
It made no affect, as the blob was gaining on him quickly. He stopped running, pressed his face against the ground, and closed his eyes. "Mother! Help me!" He cried helplessly, but when he opened his eyes he was in the same desert. The blob came up to him, and he could now see that it was a light gray tom with blue eyes.
"Who...who are you?" Rootkit asked, curious but also freaked out.
"That is not something that you need to know right now," the gray tom said abruptly, which scared Rootkit even more. "I have come to tell you about your...your power." the gray tom said, taking a few steps closer.
"I...what? I have a power?" Rootkit asked, now very interested.
"Er... yes you do. It is a power that your father has as well, and it is used to see spirit cats and talk to the earth." the gray tom said.
"Huh? I can talk to the earth? I don't understand. My dad has this power too? What are you saying?" Rootkit asked, and now even Rootkit took a step closer. Rootkit could now feel the gray tom's warm breath on his forehead.
"There is a group of cats called the Sisters. They have kits and they send the toms away to become loners, and your father Tree, is one of them. He joined the clans and lives with you now. All of the cats related to the Sisters have the power to talk to the earth and see spirits. You have it, as you are related to them. You cannot use it until you activate your power, which you shall do when you are an apprentice." the tom said, wearily. I must go now, but remember this, as it will be important when you become Rootpaw.
Rootkit thought for a moment, trying to process what he had just heard. He nodded his head and said, "Ok. I will remember. Thank you for telling me this."
"Oh and by the way," the gray tom said, as if he had just remembered something, "My name is Clear Sky, but I am also known as Skystar. I was one of the original leaders of the clans."
Rootkit's eyes widened in surprise and questions filled his head, but Clear Sky was starting to fade away. "WAIT! I have a question," but he got no response.
Chapter 1
Rootpaw opened his eyes and looked around the apprentices den.
“You are finally awake, sleepyhead!” Rootpaw turned and saw Needlepaw sitting next to him, grooming her fur.
“Haha, very funny, NOT.” Rootpaw replied, annoyed. “Well, I’d better get going. Dewspring said we would go hunting the whole morning today.”
Rootpaw got up, groomed, and stepped into the camp. Leafstar was talking with Hawkwing near the medicine cat den, and many cats were talking in the center of the camp.
“Ready to go, Rootpaw?” Dewspring asked and padded over to Rootpaw. Rootpaw nodded his head and excitedly ran to the camp entrance and slipped out. He could smell the forest scents in his nose again, and he loved them.
Soon enough, he and Dewspring had made it to their hunting spot.
“Which way do you want to go?” Dewspring asked, glancing around.
“I will go that way,” Rootpaw said, pointing, “And you go the other way.” Without saying another word, Dewspring went in his direction to look for prey. Rootpaw went in his, and he immediately scented a mouse.
Rootpaw crouched down and he could feel leaves underneath him. He slowly padded forward, making sure he didn’t step on a twig. As soon as he got close enough to pounce, he did just that and easily caught the mouse.
“Good catch!” Dewspring praised, but Rootpaw wasn’t listening. He was thinking about Bristlepaw again, and how she had saved him when he had fallen into the frozen lake. He thought of her beautiful gray pelt and how it had shined in the moonlight. He loved her from the moment he saw her, and he wished he somehow run to Thunderclan and quickly to peek at her through the bushes.
“Rootpaw? Hello? We are hunting here. What are you thinking about?” Dewspring asked.
Rootpaw came out of his thoughts and realized he had wasted time.
“Oh sorry. I was thinking about . . . something. Are we going back to camp now?” Dewspring nodded, but still looked concerned. While Rootpaw followed Dewspring back to camp, he saw a ghost cat appear in front of him.
Oh no. Something bad is going to happen!
But then Rootpaw realized it was the cat who had told him about his power when he was a kit. What was his name? Clearstar? Clear Sky. That was it. He looked at Clear Sky, and Clear sky said two words to Rootpaw, and faded. At these words, Rootpaw’s eyes widened and he couldn’t believe it. He was going to have to trust Clear Sky, and do it.
“You are finally awake, sleepyhead!” Rootpaw turned and saw Needlepaw sitting next to him, grooming her fur.
“Haha, very funny, NOT.” Rootpaw replied, annoyed. “Well, I’d better get going. Dewspring said we would go hunting the whole morning today.”
Rootpaw got up, groomed, and stepped into the camp. Leafstar was talking with Hawkwing near the medicine cat den, and many cats were talking in the center of the camp.
“Ready to go, Rootpaw?” Dewspring asked and padded over to Rootpaw. Rootpaw nodded his head and excitedly ran to the camp entrance and slipped out. He could smell the forest scents in his nose again, and he loved them.
Soon enough, he and Dewspring had made it to their hunting spot.
“Which way do you want to go?” Dewspring asked, glancing around.
“I will go that way,” Rootpaw said, pointing, “And you go the other way.” Without saying another word, Dewspring went in his direction to look for prey. Rootpaw went in his, and he immediately scented a mouse.
Rootpaw crouched down and he could feel leaves underneath him. He slowly padded forward, making sure he didn’t step on a twig. As soon as he got close enough to pounce, he did just that and easily caught the mouse.
“Good catch!” Dewspring praised, but Rootpaw wasn’t listening. He was thinking about Bristlepaw again, and how she had saved him when he had fallen into the frozen lake. He thought of her beautiful gray pelt and how it had shined in the moonlight. He loved her from the moment he saw her, and he wished he somehow run to Thunderclan and quickly to peek at her through the bushes.
“Rootpaw? Hello? We are hunting here. What are you thinking about?” Dewspring asked.
Rootpaw came out of his thoughts and realized he had wasted time.
“Oh sorry. I was thinking about . . . something. Are we going back to camp now?” Dewspring nodded, but still looked concerned. While Rootpaw followed Dewspring back to camp, he saw a ghost cat appear in front of him.
Oh no. Something bad is going to happen!
But then Rootpaw realized it was the cat who had told him about his power when he was a kit. What was his name? Clearstar? Clear Sky. That was it. He looked at Clear Sky, and Clear sky said two words to Rootpaw, and faded. At these words, Rootpaw’s eyes widened and he couldn’t believe it. He was going to have to trust Clear Sky, and do it.
Chapter 2
Rootpaw turned his head around and looked back. He was on the border of Skyclan territory, and he was going to go into the open. The places were he had never been. It was the time. Clear Sky had told him it, and he knew he would have to go, and find how to use his so-called "power".
I hope I see them again.
Rootpaw quickly slipped through the bushes and into the open. He ran as fast as he could, and tried to get as far away as possible. He wanted to make sure no one saw him leave.
A while later...
Rootpaw came to a twoleg place. He went onto the side of one of the Thunderpath's and walked on the hard surface that was white, not black.
Weird twolegs. They change the color of their Thunderpaths.
Rootpaw eventually got lost in the twoleg place. "Where am I?" Rootpaw asked himself, but he knew he wouldn't be getting an answer.
"You are on the walkway." someone replied from behind him. Rootpaw quickly whipped his head around and saw a small gray tabby tom walking towards him.
"I'm on what? Oh never mind. Who are you?" Rootpaw asked the tabby.
"I'm Jaguar." the tabby, who's name was Jaguar, replied. Rootpaw nodded awkwardly and then admitted he was lost.
"Are you a kittypet?" Rootpaw asked, curious.
"What's a kittypet? I live by myself and travel by myself." Jaguar said. Rootpaw nodded and understood. Jaguar was a loner, like his father had been before he came to the clans.
"Can I stay with you for a few days?" Rootpaw asked. Jaguar hesitated, but then nodded and padded onto the Thunderpath ahead. Rootpaw followed and eventually they got to the edge of the twoleg place. They went into the trees and now, at a faster pace, they both ran to a small hole in a tree. It was just big enough to fit a cat.
Rootpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably. "You want to go in there?" Rootpaw asked, a bit worried.
"Yeah, that's my home. At least for right now. Why not? Would you like me to make you a nest out here?" Jaguar asked.
"No, I can make my own nest!" Rootpaw said, mad that Jaguar thought he was helpless.
Jaguar looked taken aback, "Well, you look tired. I thought you might want some rest."
"Ok. Sorry." Rootpaw said, looking down, embarrassed at how quickly his temper could increase.
After a while, Rootpaw fell asleep, with Jaguar next to him. Rootpaw thought about how much the world was outside of the clans. There was so much to explore! Rootpaw wished he could explore it all. But he knew deep down, he would never leave the clans to explore. He couldn't imagine leaving Violetshine, Tree, or Needlepaw.
Oh no! I just left them!
Rootpaw just realized that his family would probably be in panic right now because they couldn't find him. Oh well, they will have to deal with it for a few days...
I hope I see them again.
Rootpaw quickly slipped through the bushes and into the open. He ran as fast as he could, and tried to get as far away as possible. He wanted to make sure no one saw him leave.
A while later...
Rootpaw came to a twoleg place. He went onto the side of one of the Thunderpath's and walked on the hard surface that was white, not black.
Weird twolegs. They change the color of their Thunderpaths.
Rootpaw eventually got lost in the twoleg place. "Where am I?" Rootpaw asked himself, but he knew he wouldn't be getting an answer.
"You are on the walkway." someone replied from behind him. Rootpaw quickly whipped his head around and saw a small gray tabby tom walking towards him.
"I'm on what? Oh never mind. Who are you?" Rootpaw asked the tabby.
"I'm Jaguar." the tabby, who's name was Jaguar, replied. Rootpaw nodded awkwardly and then admitted he was lost.
"Are you a kittypet?" Rootpaw asked, curious.
"What's a kittypet? I live by myself and travel by myself." Jaguar said. Rootpaw nodded and understood. Jaguar was a loner, like his father had been before he came to the clans.
"Can I stay with you for a few days?" Rootpaw asked. Jaguar hesitated, but then nodded and padded onto the Thunderpath ahead. Rootpaw followed and eventually they got to the edge of the twoleg place. They went into the trees and now, at a faster pace, they both ran to a small hole in a tree. It was just big enough to fit a cat.
Rootpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably. "You want to go in there?" Rootpaw asked, a bit worried.
"Yeah, that's my home. At least for right now. Why not? Would you like me to make you a nest out here?" Jaguar asked.
"No, I can make my own nest!" Rootpaw said, mad that Jaguar thought he was helpless.
Jaguar looked taken aback, "Well, you look tired. I thought you might want some rest."
"Ok. Sorry." Rootpaw said, looking down, embarrassed at how quickly his temper could increase.
After a while, Rootpaw fell asleep, with Jaguar next to him. Rootpaw thought about how much the world was outside of the clans. There was so much to explore! Rootpaw wished he could explore it all. But he knew deep down, he would never leave the clans to explore. He couldn't imagine leaving Violetshine, Tree, or Needlepaw.
Oh no! I just left them!
Rootpaw just realized that his family would probably be in panic right now because they couldn't find him. Oh well, they will have to deal with it for a few days...
Chapter 3
Rootpaw opened his eyes and smelled the faint scent of wood. Memories flooded into his head of what had happened last night. Jaguar. Kittypet. Twoleg place. He turned his head but saw that Jaguar was nowhere to be seen. Rootpaw poked his head out of the small whole in the tree and scanned the forest for a gray tabby tom. Nothing.
Where is he? Did he leave me?
Rootpaw started to panic as he climbed out of the hole. He felt the moist forest floor, and he saw pools of mud around him.
It must have rained last night.
Rootpaw caught the faint scent of Jaguar, or at least what he had remembered of his scent. He followed the trail and it led out of the forest and into some open moorland. In the distance Rootpaw could hear monsters running down the Thunderpath.
Suddenly, from behind him, he heard a familiar voice. “Oh Hi Rootpaw! You woke up.” Rootpaw turned around and saw Jaguar there with a rabbit in his jaws.
“Where were you? I got worried.” Rootpaw asked immediately.
“Oh sorry. I went hunting. I was just about to come back to the tree.” Jaguar replied, and glanced apologetically at Rootpaw. “I think I am done with this tree, and I want to move farther in that direction. Will you come with me?” Jaguar asked after thinking for a moment. Rootpaw hesitated but then nodded.
“Ok then. We can start now. Eat this, and we will start.” Jaguar said. He quickly slipped into the forest one last time, probably to say goodbye to his home.
Rootpaw ate quickly and when he finished Jaguar slipped out again and they set off.
At sunhigh they came to a Thunderpath. And not any Thunderpath, but the biggest Thunderpath. Rootpaw’s eyes widened in shock at how fast the monsters were going and how big the Thunderpath was. It actually was two Thunderpants, side by side. On one side, monsters when in one direction, while on the other, monsters went in the other direction. To the far left Rootpaw could see a Thunderpath that was going over this large one, and Thunderpaths on the sides connected them.
“I have never seen anything like this in my life! The Thunderpath is so big!” Rootpaw blurted out as soon as he processed it.
“Yes. It is quite big, isn’t it? I hate crossing it, but that is what we are about to do.” Jaguar said, looking at Rootpaw to see his reaction.
“No! I cannot cross this. I will die! It is way too big and scary.” Rootpaw said, terrified. Jaguar sighed and told him he was gonna have to if he wanted to stay with him, and that made Rootpaw think again, and eventually he accepted the challenge.
“Stay right next to me. GO means move as fast as you can, and STOP means don’t move or you die.” Jaguar said very serious. Rootpaw nodded and focused on the Thunderpath. He was going to do this. Next to him, he could see through the corner of his eye that Jaguar was locked in and was focused on the gaps between monsters on the Thunderpath.
I hope he knows what he is doing, or we are toast.
“GO!” Jaguar said unexpectedly. Rootpaw rushed forward onto the hard black surface. And he passed the white line, which Rootpaw guessed was the line that the monsters had to stay inside of. Jaguar was next to him, also running as fast as he could.
Rootpaw kept running, but then Rootpaw saw a gigantic monster coming between the first and second dotted white lines.
“Oh no! What do I do?!!” Rootpaw screamed at the top of his lungs.
“STOP!” Jaguar told him and Rootpaw slowed to a halt, right at the edge of crossing the first dotted line. The large monster loomed over him and made a lot of noise, as it passed in front of him.
Rootpaw could see underneath the monster, and he saw a small glow, which grabbed his attention. Underneath the gigantic monster, he could see a dark brown tom with yellow eyes. Suddenly the tom opened his mouth to say a word, but it seemed like he was in pain and it was very hard to do so. “H..he….help me....” he gasped and his eyes closed. His body fell limp and he looked dead. Rootpaw knew something was wrong. “What was that?” Rootpaw didn’t dare to ask out loud, but he felt that wherever that cat was, he needed him.
Suddenly, thoughts and ideas came into Rootpaw’s head, but then he heard Jaguar’s voice.
“ROOTPAW! You are going to get yourself KILLED!” Jaguar yelled and nudged him. Rootpaw looked and saw that the gigantic monster was far away now, and there was another monster that was coming straight at them. Rootpaw bolted, and with Jaguar beside him, they got through the first half of the Thunderpath. In the middle, luckily, was some grass.
“What were you doing? You just stood there like an idiot!” Jaguar yelled.
“Sorry. That was really my fault. I was thinking about something.” Rootpaw said. Jaguar was still mad, and they argued for the rest of the night. Eventually, they ended their argument session, and they decided to camp out in the middle of the two Thunderpath for the night.
Rootpaw couldn’t help but think about that dark brown tom. He was struggling. “What can I do for him though? I hope he lived…” Rootpaw thought as he fell into deep sleep.
Where is he? Did he leave me?
Rootpaw started to panic as he climbed out of the hole. He felt the moist forest floor, and he saw pools of mud around him.
It must have rained last night.
Rootpaw caught the faint scent of Jaguar, or at least what he had remembered of his scent. He followed the trail and it led out of the forest and into some open moorland. In the distance Rootpaw could hear monsters running down the Thunderpath.
Suddenly, from behind him, he heard a familiar voice. “Oh Hi Rootpaw! You woke up.” Rootpaw turned around and saw Jaguar there with a rabbit in his jaws.
“Where were you? I got worried.” Rootpaw asked immediately.
“Oh sorry. I went hunting. I was just about to come back to the tree.” Jaguar replied, and glanced apologetically at Rootpaw. “I think I am done with this tree, and I want to move farther in that direction. Will you come with me?” Jaguar asked after thinking for a moment. Rootpaw hesitated but then nodded.
“Ok then. We can start now. Eat this, and we will start.” Jaguar said. He quickly slipped into the forest one last time, probably to say goodbye to his home.
Rootpaw ate quickly and when he finished Jaguar slipped out again and they set off.
At sunhigh they came to a Thunderpath. And not any Thunderpath, but the biggest Thunderpath. Rootpaw’s eyes widened in shock at how fast the monsters were going and how big the Thunderpath was. It actually was two Thunderpants, side by side. On one side, monsters when in one direction, while on the other, monsters went in the other direction. To the far left Rootpaw could see a Thunderpath that was going over this large one, and Thunderpaths on the sides connected them.
“I have never seen anything like this in my life! The Thunderpath is so big!” Rootpaw blurted out as soon as he processed it.
“Yes. It is quite big, isn’t it? I hate crossing it, but that is what we are about to do.” Jaguar said, looking at Rootpaw to see his reaction.
“No! I cannot cross this. I will die! It is way too big and scary.” Rootpaw said, terrified. Jaguar sighed and told him he was gonna have to if he wanted to stay with him, and that made Rootpaw think again, and eventually he accepted the challenge.
“Stay right next to me. GO means move as fast as you can, and STOP means don’t move or you die.” Jaguar said very serious. Rootpaw nodded and focused on the Thunderpath. He was going to do this. Next to him, he could see through the corner of his eye that Jaguar was locked in and was focused on the gaps between monsters on the Thunderpath.
I hope he knows what he is doing, or we are toast.
“GO!” Jaguar said unexpectedly. Rootpaw rushed forward onto the hard black surface. And he passed the white line, which Rootpaw guessed was the line that the monsters had to stay inside of. Jaguar was next to him, also running as fast as he could.
Rootpaw kept running, but then Rootpaw saw a gigantic monster coming between the first and second dotted white lines.
“Oh no! What do I do?!!” Rootpaw screamed at the top of his lungs.
“STOP!” Jaguar told him and Rootpaw slowed to a halt, right at the edge of crossing the first dotted line. The large monster loomed over him and made a lot of noise, as it passed in front of him.
Rootpaw could see underneath the monster, and he saw a small glow, which grabbed his attention. Underneath the gigantic monster, he could see a dark brown tom with yellow eyes. Suddenly the tom opened his mouth to say a word, but it seemed like he was in pain and it was very hard to do so. “H..he….help me....” he gasped and his eyes closed. His body fell limp and he looked dead. Rootpaw knew something was wrong. “What was that?” Rootpaw didn’t dare to ask out loud, but he felt that wherever that cat was, he needed him.
Suddenly, thoughts and ideas came into Rootpaw’s head, but then he heard Jaguar’s voice.
“ROOTPAW! You are going to get yourself KILLED!” Jaguar yelled and nudged him. Rootpaw looked and saw that the gigantic monster was far away now, and there was another monster that was coming straight at them. Rootpaw bolted, and with Jaguar beside him, they got through the first half of the Thunderpath. In the middle, luckily, was some grass.
“What were you doing? You just stood there like an idiot!” Jaguar yelled.
“Sorry. That was really my fault. I was thinking about something.” Rootpaw said. Jaguar was still mad, and they argued for the rest of the night. Eventually, they ended their argument session, and they decided to camp out in the middle of the two Thunderpath for the night.
Rootpaw couldn’t help but think about that dark brown tom. He was struggling. “What can I do for him though? I hope he lived…” Rootpaw thought as he fell into deep sleep.
Chapter 4
Rootpaw woke up early in the morning, as it was hard to sleep when the monsters were zooming down the Thunderpath about 3 tail lengths away from you. Jaguar was stirring as well, so Rootpaw guessed they would be setting off now.
“I think we should cross right now, because most of the monsters are asleep right now.” Rootpaw told Jaguar right when he opened his eyes. Jaguar agreed, and they crossed the second half of the Thunderpath. This part was much easier, as there were no monsters the whole way across.
As they walked, getting farther away from the large Thunderpath, Rootpaw started thinking about how he had left his family to come all the way here.
Why am I even here? Clear Sky said I was supposed to activate my power, but I can’t see what I have to do or where I have to go to do that.
Towards the end of that day, Rootpaw looked back and now he couldn’t see the large Thunderpath, and now he and Jaguar were just in open moorland. In the distance, he could see large buildings that he guessed Twolegs worked in. They went up into the sky and were made out of some weird, bluish material.
“What are those things? Do Twolegs use them?” Rootpaw asked Jaguar.
Jaguar looked at Rootpaw like, “You serious?”
“Is it supposed to be obvious?” Rootpaw asked. Jaguar nodded and then went on to explain to him how they are called “Skyscrapers” which seemed to be a tongue-twister for Rootpaw. Jaguar went on to tell him that he was heading there, and that made Rootpaw panic again.
“I don’t know… I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go there.” Rootpaw told him.
“Well, you can leave if you want.” Jaguar replied. Rootpaw considered that, and he came to the conclusion that he was going to have to make a move, and probably leave Jaguar and focus on what he was actually trying to do.
“Ok. I think we will have to separate soon.” Rootpaw told Jaguar, and he nodded.
“I have met many cats in my life, and they have all had a different trait that makes them special. It’s what makes me feel that every cat is equal and it’s what makes me love every cat I meet.” Jaguar told Rootpaw. Jaguar looked like he was in thought now,
The duo didn’t talk for the rest of the day, and at night they got to the edge of the “city” which was what Jaguar called it.
Tomorrow, he would leave Jaguar and try to find out how to activate his power.
“I think we should cross right now, because most of the monsters are asleep right now.” Rootpaw told Jaguar right when he opened his eyes. Jaguar agreed, and they crossed the second half of the Thunderpath. This part was much easier, as there were no monsters the whole way across.
As they walked, getting farther away from the large Thunderpath, Rootpaw started thinking about how he had left his family to come all the way here.
Why am I even here? Clear Sky said I was supposed to activate my power, but I can’t see what I have to do or where I have to go to do that.
Towards the end of that day, Rootpaw looked back and now he couldn’t see the large Thunderpath, and now he and Jaguar were just in open moorland. In the distance, he could see large buildings that he guessed Twolegs worked in. They went up into the sky and were made out of some weird, bluish material.
“What are those things? Do Twolegs use them?” Rootpaw asked Jaguar.
Jaguar looked at Rootpaw like, “You serious?”
“Is it supposed to be obvious?” Rootpaw asked. Jaguar nodded and then went on to explain to him how they are called “Skyscrapers” which seemed to be a tongue-twister for Rootpaw. Jaguar went on to tell him that he was heading there, and that made Rootpaw panic again.
“I don’t know… I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go there.” Rootpaw told him.
“Well, you can leave if you want.” Jaguar replied. Rootpaw considered that, and he came to the conclusion that he was going to have to make a move, and probably leave Jaguar and focus on what he was actually trying to do.
“Ok. I think we will have to separate soon.” Rootpaw told Jaguar, and he nodded.
“I have met many cats in my life, and they have all had a different trait that makes them special. It’s what makes me feel that every cat is equal and it’s what makes me love every cat I meet.” Jaguar told Rootpaw. Jaguar looked like he was in thought now,
The duo didn’t talk for the rest of the day, and at night they got to the edge of the “city” which was what Jaguar called it.
Tomorrow, he would leave Jaguar and try to find out how to activate his power.
Chapter 5
Rootpaw woke up and looked around. He saw Jaguar awake next to him, grooming.
This was the last day they would be together.
"Hi Jaguar! I have some bad news...er..." Rootpaw said, not wanting to tell him, though Jaguar already knew.
"I know what you are going to say. We will have to leave each other. You want to move on." Jaguar said, not disturbed by them splitting up.
"Well, I better be leaving right now." Rootpaw said, and then added, "Jaguar, thank you for everything you have helped me with. You have really helped me learn how to live out in the wild outside of my clan and I will never forget you." Rootpaw wondered if he would actually keep his promise, but shook it off.
"Yes, you better be leaving. And thank you, you have really given me a new view on how cats think of the wild." Jaguar said, nodding. Rootpaw wondered what he meant by that, as he hadn't felt like he had done anything for Jaguar.
Oh well. This next part is going to be pretty awkward.
Rootpaw got up and waved as he walked away. Jaguar waved back and stared at Rootpaw. Rootpaw turned around and walked towards the moorland, getting away from the city. He didn't dare look back.
That was way more awkward than I thought. Great!
Rootpaw kept walking into the distance until he could see nothing but moorland around him.
Where am I? Help...
Rootpaw decided to keep walking straight ahead as he felt it was the right thing to do.
As the sun set, Rootpaw looked around, and still saw nothing but moorland. He knew he wasn’t going to make it much farther today, so he just decided to close his eyes and fall into a deep sleep.
Hopefully I can get out of this tomorrow. Otherwise I am screwed.
At a bit after moonhigh, Rootpaw felt a claw push into his shoulder hard. He felt pain as he opened his eyes, and his eyes widened quickly. He looked up but he couldn’t make out the black shape that was pushing itself into his shoulder. . .
This was the last day they would be together.
"Hi Jaguar! I have some bad news...er..." Rootpaw said, not wanting to tell him, though Jaguar already knew.
"I know what you are going to say. We will have to leave each other. You want to move on." Jaguar said, not disturbed by them splitting up.
"Well, I better be leaving right now." Rootpaw said, and then added, "Jaguar, thank you for everything you have helped me with. You have really helped me learn how to live out in the wild outside of my clan and I will never forget you." Rootpaw wondered if he would actually keep his promise, but shook it off.
"Yes, you better be leaving. And thank you, you have really given me a new view on how cats think of the wild." Jaguar said, nodding. Rootpaw wondered what he meant by that, as he hadn't felt like he had done anything for Jaguar.
Oh well. This next part is going to be pretty awkward.
Rootpaw got up and waved as he walked away. Jaguar waved back and stared at Rootpaw. Rootpaw turned around and walked towards the moorland, getting away from the city. He didn't dare look back.
That was way more awkward than I thought. Great!
Rootpaw kept walking into the distance until he could see nothing but moorland around him.
Where am I? Help...
Rootpaw decided to keep walking straight ahead as he felt it was the right thing to do.
As the sun set, Rootpaw looked around, and still saw nothing but moorland. He knew he wasn’t going to make it much farther today, so he just decided to close his eyes and fall into a deep sleep.
Hopefully I can get out of this tomorrow. Otherwise I am screwed.
At a bit after moonhigh, Rootpaw felt a claw push into his shoulder hard. He felt pain as he opened his eyes, and his eyes widened quickly. He looked up but he couldn’t make out the black shape that was pushing itself into his shoulder. . .
Chapter 6
Rootpaw looked up and still saw the black shape looming over him. It’s claw went deeper into Rootpaw and Rootpaw cried out in pain. “Who are you?” Rootpaw managed to say.
“A cat. You have seen me.” the dark shape replied immediately, as if knowing Rootpaw would ask. The dark shape turned Rootpaw on his back but Rootpaw started fighting back. He pushed the dark shape away and hauled himself up. He looked straight into the yellow eyes of the tom.
Suddenly, Rootpaw remembered the eyes of the tom he had seen underneath the large monster back at the Thunderpath.
Was this him? He said I have seen him before.
Rootpaw thought for a moment but in that time the dark tom (or what Rootpaw thought was a dark tom) pounced on Rootpaw again and started slashing at his belly. Rootpaw quickly used a defensive move to get on top of the dark tom. “Who are you?”
“I am Ripper. And you are dead, or at least going to die.” Ripper said, “And yes, I am the cat you saw underneath the truck.” Rootpaw assumed “truck” meant large monster.
“So, why are you trying to kill me? Don’t you need my help?” Rootpaw asked, struggling against the weight of Ripper.
Ripper leaned down so his nose was almost touching Rootpaw’s, and Rootpaw could smell his dirty breath.
“Why, of course not!” Ripper said, “But I think you will need mine, if you want to stay alive. So come with me, back to my home, and I will protect you from your death.” Ripper said.
“How do YOU know I am going to die?” Rootpaw asked, doubtful.
“I know, because I can see the future.” Ripper said, and suddenly he became transparent and Rootpaw could see through him. “You believe me, don’t you?” Ripper said, and looked at Rootpaw dangerously. Rootpaw knew that if he said “no” he was dead.
“Y..Yes I do.” Rootpaw said helplessly, and Ripper lifted him onto his paws.
“Follow me, and don’t you dare take a step out of line.” Ripper said strictly, and Rootpaw followed Ripper back to camp, half curious and half helpless.
When they arrived at camp, Rootpaw’s eyes widened in shock at what he saw. With his temper rising, he said, “How could you do such a thing?!” and ran back to the entrance of camp. 2 cats came around him and pinned him to the ground. Rootpaw looked and flinched as he saw Ripper’s death stare.
Why did I do this…
“A cat. You have seen me.” the dark shape replied immediately, as if knowing Rootpaw would ask. The dark shape turned Rootpaw on his back but Rootpaw started fighting back. He pushed the dark shape away and hauled himself up. He looked straight into the yellow eyes of the tom.
Suddenly, Rootpaw remembered the eyes of the tom he had seen underneath the large monster back at the Thunderpath.
Was this him? He said I have seen him before.
Rootpaw thought for a moment but in that time the dark tom (or what Rootpaw thought was a dark tom) pounced on Rootpaw again and started slashing at his belly. Rootpaw quickly used a defensive move to get on top of the dark tom. “Who are you?”
“I am Ripper. And you are dead, or at least going to die.” Ripper said, “And yes, I am the cat you saw underneath the truck.” Rootpaw assumed “truck” meant large monster.
“So, why are you trying to kill me? Don’t you need my help?” Rootpaw asked, struggling against the weight of Ripper.
Ripper leaned down so his nose was almost touching Rootpaw’s, and Rootpaw could smell his dirty breath.
“Why, of course not!” Ripper said, “But I think you will need mine, if you want to stay alive. So come with me, back to my home, and I will protect you from your death.” Ripper said.
“How do YOU know I am going to die?” Rootpaw asked, doubtful.
“I know, because I can see the future.” Ripper said, and suddenly he became transparent and Rootpaw could see through him. “You believe me, don’t you?” Ripper said, and looked at Rootpaw dangerously. Rootpaw knew that if he said “no” he was dead.
“Y..Yes I do.” Rootpaw said helplessly, and Ripper lifted him onto his paws.
“Follow me, and don’t you dare take a step out of line.” Ripper said strictly, and Rootpaw followed Ripper back to camp, half curious and half helpless.
When they arrived at camp, Rootpaw’s eyes widened in shock at what he saw. With his temper rising, he said, “How could you do such a thing?!” and ran back to the entrance of camp. 2 cats came around him and pinned him to the ground. Rootpaw looked and flinched as he saw Ripper’s death stare.
Why did I do this…
Chapter 7
Rootpaw kept staring at Ripper, even at his death stare. After a while, Ripper flinched, and everyone around the clearing gasped.
The clearing.
Rootpaw started looking around the clearing.
It was huge.
Rootpaw couldn't even see the whole thing, as it looked like it went on for miles ahead. There were tons and tons of cats with cuts and bruises. Inside the den nearest to the entrance, Rootpaw saw some very powerful cats that weren't hurt.
Those are probably the cats that help Ripper catch all these cats.
A little bit farther down, Rootpaw saw a big pile of mice and other fresh-kill.
Oh no! He is letting prey rot. This guy is evil. I better get out of here.
"Get a move on, kittypet." a cat said behind him. Rootpaw turned around and saw a broad shouldered tom, presumably from the den with Ripper's helpers coming into the camp. Rootpaw quickly got up and was escorted by more helpers to a small nest towards the back of the camp.
Everyone was staring at him, which made Rootpaw embarrassed. But when he looked closer, Rootpaw saw that every cat was in shock of how daring Rootpaw was.
Wait what? Did I do something?
"Y..you...kept Ripper's stare..." a small she-cat said from behind him. Rootpaw nodded, not knowing what to do. Rootpaw fell into his nest and couldn't help but sleep.
This was a stupid idea, and I should never have come here. I will have to get out of here soon. This guy is making cats struggle for no reason.
Rootpaw woke up in the middle of the night and saw guards at all 4 entrances to the camp. One of the entrances was at the back of the camp, right near Rootpaw.
One of the guards at the back entrance saw Rootpaw awake, and he tried to get Rootpaw’s attention. He failed to do so, as Rootpaw was looking into the forest on the other side.
The helpless guard got enough courage to whisper to Rootpaw. "Hello there."
Rootpaw turned around and whispered, "Hi. What's your name?"
"I'm Zack. You are amazing!"
"I guess. How do we get out of here?"
"I don't know. I have been here for most of my life. Ripper wants to take over the whole forest and then he wants to eventually take over some group of cats. I don't remember exactly what he calls them, but he said there were like 5 groups of cats. He said they live by one of the lakes. Do you know of them?" Rootpaw's eyes widened.
Was he talking about the clans?
"What? Why are you surprised?" Zack asked, getting curious.
"I think I am from those 5 groups." Rootpaw said.
Zack's eyes became twice the normal size of his eyes.
"What?! You are from the 5 groups?" Zack said that just a bit too loud and the cats near Rootpaw heard it. They started stirring. "Oh no! Go to sleep Rootpaw!"
Zack said and went back to 'guarding' the entrance.
Rootpaw fell into his nest again and fake slept. The cats near him were awake now, and they were asking Zack if he had seen anything. Zack responded with "no" to all of their questions.
Eventually, a few hours after moonhigh, Rootpaw fell asleep again and hoped he would get to sleep until sunhigh the next day.
The clearing.
Rootpaw started looking around the clearing.
It was huge.
Rootpaw couldn't even see the whole thing, as it looked like it went on for miles ahead. There were tons and tons of cats with cuts and bruises. Inside the den nearest to the entrance, Rootpaw saw some very powerful cats that weren't hurt.
Those are probably the cats that help Ripper catch all these cats.
A little bit farther down, Rootpaw saw a big pile of mice and other fresh-kill.
Oh no! He is letting prey rot. This guy is evil. I better get out of here.
"Get a move on, kittypet." a cat said behind him. Rootpaw turned around and saw a broad shouldered tom, presumably from the den with Ripper's helpers coming into the camp. Rootpaw quickly got up and was escorted by more helpers to a small nest towards the back of the camp.
Everyone was staring at him, which made Rootpaw embarrassed. But when he looked closer, Rootpaw saw that every cat was in shock of how daring Rootpaw was.
Wait what? Did I do something?
"Y..you...kept Ripper's stare..." a small she-cat said from behind him. Rootpaw nodded, not knowing what to do. Rootpaw fell into his nest and couldn't help but sleep.
This was a stupid idea, and I should never have come here. I will have to get out of here soon. This guy is making cats struggle for no reason.
Rootpaw woke up in the middle of the night and saw guards at all 4 entrances to the camp. One of the entrances was at the back of the camp, right near Rootpaw.
One of the guards at the back entrance saw Rootpaw awake, and he tried to get Rootpaw’s attention. He failed to do so, as Rootpaw was looking into the forest on the other side.
The helpless guard got enough courage to whisper to Rootpaw. "Hello there."
Rootpaw turned around and whispered, "Hi. What's your name?"
"I'm Zack. You are amazing!"
"I guess. How do we get out of here?"
"I don't know. I have been here for most of my life. Ripper wants to take over the whole forest and then he wants to eventually take over some group of cats. I don't remember exactly what he calls them, but he said there were like 5 groups of cats. He said they live by one of the lakes. Do you know of them?" Rootpaw's eyes widened.
Was he talking about the clans?
"What? Why are you surprised?" Zack asked, getting curious.
"I think I am from those 5 groups." Rootpaw said.
Zack's eyes became twice the normal size of his eyes.
"What?! You are from the 5 groups?" Zack said that just a bit too loud and the cats near Rootpaw heard it. They started stirring. "Oh no! Go to sleep Rootpaw!"
Zack said and went back to 'guarding' the entrance.
Rootpaw fell into his nest again and fake slept. The cats near him were awake now, and they were asking Zack if he had seen anything. Zack responded with "no" to all of their questions.
Eventually, a few hours after moonhigh, Rootpaw fell asleep again and hoped he would get to sleep until sunhigh the next day.
Chapter 8
Rootpaw’s wish didn’t come true, as he was woken before the sun was up. Rootpaw’s eyes fluttered open and he saw skinny tom wake him up. This one looked like he was well fed, so he must be one of Ripper’s helpers.
“Who are you?” Rootpaw asked, not caring about how mean he sounded.
“I am Arlin. Now get out of your stupid nest and get to work!” Arlin said quickly, and walked away.
Rootpaw got up and saw many cats moving around him. Some were stirring and others were grooming behind the backs of Ripper’s helpers.
They don’t even give them time to groom properly!
Rootpaw did the same, and quickly groomed. He got up and walked to the entrance of the clearing into the line of cats going to do work.
I am going to escape today. I have to!
“You will go patrol the east border.” another of Ripper’s helper cats said. This one was very large and handsome tom. He was light brown and had amber eyes.
Weird color combo.
What’s your name?” Rootpaw asked kindly.
The tom looked at him like he was about to punch him, but then his expression softened and he said, "Thanks for asking. It is boring with no one to talk to all day. I'm Steel." the tom said, nodding. "You better get to work now."
Rootpaw got into the group of 3 going to the east border and they set off. In the lead was a helpless cat named Tommy. He was one of the tiniest cats in the whole camp, and he looked like he would flop down to the ground at any second.
Next to Rootpaw was a pale gray she-cat that also looked like she was starving. She reminded Rootpaw of Bristlepaw.
I wish I could see her again. She is so beautiful.
Tommy slowed down and nudged Rootpaw. "Focus. Ripper's helpers are always spying on his, so don't slow down or speed up. Don't get out of line either. One mistake and you might not have a pelt." Rootpaw looked at Tommy in horror, but Tommy just nodded. "It's bad. I wish we could get out of here one day."
Rootpaw decided that he didn't care about the punishments, he just wanted to get out.
He slowed down to the back of the group and slipped into the bushes. He checked his surroundings before plunging through the undergrowth. He came to the east border through a shortcut, and waited until his patrol had gone past.
They still haven't noticed I am gone. Maybe all of these helpless cats are all super dumb and they don't realize the exit to freedom is right here.
Rootpaw quickly slipped past the border and looked back.
Well, that was easier than I thought.
Rootpaw ran as fast as he could into the open moor. He kept going until he couldn't see the forest.
Well now I am lost again. How do I get back to the clans?
Rootpaw pressed his paw deep into the earth and suddenly heard a very deep voice. "They are still coming after you. Keep traveling through the night."
What was that?
Rootpaw closed his eyes and asked quietly, "Who are you? Why are you telling me this?"
"I am the earth. I can talk to you, as you are related to the sisters."
"It's..you? Are you the power Clear Sky was telling me about?"
"I can tell you no more. Just keep moving through the night if you want to stay safe."
Rootpaw became suspicious and decided not to trust the "earth" yet. Rootpaw's legs instantly gave away, and he fell down.
I am so tired. Let me sleep...
“Who are you?” Rootpaw asked, not caring about how mean he sounded.
“I am Arlin. Now get out of your stupid nest and get to work!” Arlin said quickly, and walked away.
Rootpaw got up and saw many cats moving around him. Some were stirring and others were grooming behind the backs of Ripper’s helpers.
They don’t even give them time to groom properly!
Rootpaw did the same, and quickly groomed. He got up and walked to the entrance of the clearing into the line of cats going to do work.
I am going to escape today. I have to!
“You will go patrol the east border.” another of Ripper’s helper cats said. This one was very large and handsome tom. He was light brown and had amber eyes.
Weird color combo.
What’s your name?” Rootpaw asked kindly.
The tom looked at him like he was about to punch him, but then his expression softened and he said, "Thanks for asking. It is boring with no one to talk to all day. I'm Steel." the tom said, nodding. "You better get to work now."
Rootpaw got into the group of 3 going to the east border and they set off. In the lead was a helpless cat named Tommy. He was one of the tiniest cats in the whole camp, and he looked like he would flop down to the ground at any second.
Next to Rootpaw was a pale gray she-cat that also looked like she was starving. She reminded Rootpaw of Bristlepaw.
I wish I could see her again. She is so beautiful.
Tommy slowed down and nudged Rootpaw. "Focus. Ripper's helpers are always spying on his, so don't slow down or speed up. Don't get out of line either. One mistake and you might not have a pelt." Rootpaw looked at Tommy in horror, but Tommy just nodded. "It's bad. I wish we could get out of here one day."
Rootpaw decided that he didn't care about the punishments, he just wanted to get out.
He slowed down to the back of the group and slipped into the bushes. He checked his surroundings before plunging through the undergrowth. He came to the east border through a shortcut, and waited until his patrol had gone past.
They still haven't noticed I am gone. Maybe all of these helpless cats are all super dumb and they don't realize the exit to freedom is right here.
Rootpaw quickly slipped past the border and looked back.
Well, that was easier than I thought.
Rootpaw ran as fast as he could into the open moor. He kept going until he couldn't see the forest.
Well now I am lost again. How do I get back to the clans?
Rootpaw pressed his paw deep into the earth and suddenly heard a very deep voice. "They are still coming after you. Keep traveling through the night."
What was that?
Rootpaw closed his eyes and asked quietly, "Who are you? Why are you telling me this?"
"I am the earth. I can talk to you, as you are related to the sisters."
"It's..you? Are you the power Clear Sky was telling me about?"
"I can tell you no more. Just keep moving through the night if you want to stay safe."
Rootpaw became suspicious and decided not to trust the "earth" yet. Rootpaw's legs instantly gave away, and he fell down.
I am so tired. Let me sleep...
Chapter 9
Rootpaw’s eyes shot open and he immediately got up.
What the heck was that? I thought I heard something…
Rootpaw scanned the grassland and finally saw a small black figure a few feet away. He bolted towards it, stopping right before it. He lowered his head and saw yellow eyes. He flinched and took a step back.
That’s Ripper. How did he follow me?
But when Rootpaw looked at that spot again he saw it was empty. He shrugged it off and decided to start moving in the night.
Three hours later, the sun was rising and Rootpaw was still moving at a steady pace. He looked back every so often to make sure nothing was following him, and so far, he had seen nothing.
Unexpectedly Rootpaw heard a loud sound, and it sounded like a horn from a twoleg item. Rootpaw looked ahead and saw a large orange machine moving quickly in a straight line. Behind it followed many other large machines, and Rootpaw guessed that the machine in the front was the leader.
As he came closer, Rootpaw saw the last machine pass and he looked down and saw two beams of silver that went on in both directions for many miles. Between them, in the other direction, were small wooden planks.
Hmm. Weird. I have never seen these.
“Follow the tracks!” Rootpaw heard a voice and realized it was the earth again. He decided to trust it as it had spooked him last time when he didn’t listen and then he saw Ripper’s eyes at night.
Rootpaw followed the tracks for many miles, and he heard a slight hum coming from the silver. He looked back but saw nothing, as it was foggy.
He decided to keep going, but eventually the hum got louder and faster.
“Get off the train tracks you fool!” the earth screamed in his ears, and Rootpaw obeyed immediately. Right as he got off, another large machine passed and Rootpaw looked in horror at its big circles that went on the track, that were on every machine that followed.
“What did you call these? Train tracks?” Rootpaw asked the earth.
“Yes indeed I called them train tracks, as that is what they are. Trains ride on them, and they are similar to monsters but they are longer and faster. They are much more dangerous.”
Rootpaw listened and decided that he would start walking on the side of the train track, not on the tracks.
Many trains passed as the day progressed and eventually the tracks started going on a height, so they were on a small hill next to Rootpaw now. That made him even more sacred, as if the train fell accidentally he would go to Starclan.
At the end of the day, Rootpaw was about to collapse, as he was very tired. A train was passing, and unexpectedly something grabbed his fur and pulled him aboard the train. Rootpaw shrieked as he felt himself being lifted up and into a compartment.
“We’ll take this kitty back with us too.” Rootpaw heard someone say and he felt a claw grab his face, which made a gash in this cheek. Rootpaw got pushed between a few boxes and he felt a cat’s paws around his neck. Rootpaw tried to breathe, but failed.
As Rootpaw’s eyes closed, he knew this was the end.
He would never see his family again, and he at least hoped he would get into Starclan even though he was not on clan land. He was far from it.
What the heck was that? I thought I heard something…
Rootpaw scanned the grassland and finally saw a small black figure a few feet away. He bolted towards it, stopping right before it. He lowered his head and saw yellow eyes. He flinched and took a step back.
That’s Ripper. How did he follow me?
But when Rootpaw looked at that spot again he saw it was empty. He shrugged it off and decided to start moving in the night.
Three hours later, the sun was rising and Rootpaw was still moving at a steady pace. He looked back every so often to make sure nothing was following him, and so far, he had seen nothing.
Unexpectedly Rootpaw heard a loud sound, and it sounded like a horn from a twoleg item. Rootpaw looked ahead and saw a large orange machine moving quickly in a straight line. Behind it followed many other large machines, and Rootpaw guessed that the machine in the front was the leader.
As he came closer, Rootpaw saw the last machine pass and he looked down and saw two beams of silver that went on in both directions for many miles. Between them, in the other direction, were small wooden planks.
Hmm. Weird. I have never seen these.
“Follow the tracks!” Rootpaw heard a voice and realized it was the earth again. He decided to trust it as it had spooked him last time when he didn’t listen and then he saw Ripper’s eyes at night.
Rootpaw followed the tracks for many miles, and he heard a slight hum coming from the silver. He looked back but saw nothing, as it was foggy.
He decided to keep going, but eventually the hum got louder and faster.
“Get off the train tracks you fool!” the earth screamed in his ears, and Rootpaw obeyed immediately. Right as he got off, another large machine passed and Rootpaw looked in horror at its big circles that went on the track, that were on every machine that followed.
“What did you call these? Train tracks?” Rootpaw asked the earth.
“Yes indeed I called them train tracks, as that is what they are. Trains ride on them, and they are similar to monsters but they are longer and faster. They are much more dangerous.”
Rootpaw listened and decided that he would start walking on the side of the train track, not on the tracks.
Many trains passed as the day progressed and eventually the tracks started going on a height, so they were on a small hill next to Rootpaw now. That made him even more sacred, as if the train fell accidentally he would go to Starclan.
At the end of the day, Rootpaw was about to collapse, as he was very tired. A train was passing, and unexpectedly something grabbed his fur and pulled him aboard the train. Rootpaw shrieked as he felt himself being lifted up and into a compartment.
“We’ll take this kitty back with us too.” Rootpaw heard someone say and he felt a claw grab his face, which made a gash in this cheek. Rootpaw got pushed between a few boxes and he felt a cat’s paws around his neck. Rootpaw tried to breathe, but failed.
As Rootpaw’s eyes closed, he knew this was the end.
He would never see his family again, and he at least hoped he would get into Starclan even though he was not on clan land. He was far from it.
Chapter 10
“Hi. What’s your name?” someone asked, causing Rootpaw to wake up. When Rootpaw opened his eyes, he saw a brown tabby tom staring down at him.
“I..I’m Rootpaw. Who are you?”
“I’m Mud.” Mud replied.
“Wait. What happened?” Rootpaw asked, remembering what happened when he got pulled into the train.
“Oh right. Those evil cats. I jumped onto the one that grabbed you and he let go, so you fell into the compartment. Then I jumped and pulled you up and took you off the train.” Mud said, and he was clearly not a good storyteller.
“Oh! Thank you! You saved my life.” Rootpaw said and looked gratefully at Mud. Mud nodded, and he went on to explain that he is a loner now but he used to be a sister.
“Can you talk to the earth like me?” Rootpaw asked, and Mud nodded.
“I don’t use it much though. Where are you from?” Mud asked, now getting curious.
“Me? I am from the clans. They are 5 groups that stay around the lake and they work together when needed. I am on a quest to find out how to activate my power, but I think I should head back soon because I already can talk to the earth now.” Rootpaw said, and then thought about if he had said too much.
The two talked for a while, and eventually they became friends. They went hunting and played the whole day, and eventually Rootpaw felt he had made a friend for life.
“So. How long do you plan to stay?” Mud asked while they were eating.
Rootpaw thought for a moment, as he hadn’t considered how long he would stay. Even thinking about it was uncomfortable, as he didn’t want to leave Mud yet.
“I don’t know. It will take me a few days to decide.”
“Well, the longer you stay the more your parents will be worried about you.” Mud said.
“That’s true. Speaking of parents, who are yours?” Rootpaw asked. Mud flinched, and looked at the ground. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to--”
“No no, it's fine. My parents are the sisters, like I said earlier. I don’t really like them though, as they basically kick out all of the toms. Plus, they don’t treat us well even when we are young, just because we are toms.” Mud said.
Rootpaw’s eyes widened and he replied, “My dad’s name is Tree. He used to be Earth, but he changed his name when he got kicked out. My dad doesn’t like the sisters either. It seems all of the toms born there don’t like it because they get kicked out.”
“Who is your mother?” Mud asked.
“My mother is a clanborn, and she mated with Tree. I have heard my father was part of a prophecy to stop a ‘storm’ in the clans, and that is why they took him. He is unusual, as he has six toes on one of his back paws, which made him part of a prophecy.” Rootpaw said, trying to recall if there was anything more. “And my sister’s name is Needlepaw. She is really annoying though, so no one likes her.”
Mud laughed, and said, “I wish I had a sibling. They are fun to play with when your parents are doing other things.”
“Yes, they are indeed. Isn’t it boring being a loner?” Rootpaw asked. Mud nodded, but didn’t respond.
“We better get some sleep,” Mud said, looking at the moon. Rootpaw agreed, and they both fell asleep, next to each other.
“I..I’m Rootpaw. Who are you?”
“I’m Mud.” Mud replied.
“Wait. What happened?” Rootpaw asked, remembering what happened when he got pulled into the train.
“Oh right. Those evil cats. I jumped onto the one that grabbed you and he let go, so you fell into the compartment. Then I jumped and pulled you up and took you off the train.” Mud said, and he was clearly not a good storyteller.
“Oh! Thank you! You saved my life.” Rootpaw said and looked gratefully at Mud. Mud nodded, and he went on to explain that he is a loner now but he used to be a sister.
“Can you talk to the earth like me?” Rootpaw asked, and Mud nodded.
“I don’t use it much though. Where are you from?” Mud asked, now getting curious.
“Me? I am from the clans. They are 5 groups that stay around the lake and they work together when needed. I am on a quest to find out how to activate my power, but I think I should head back soon because I already can talk to the earth now.” Rootpaw said, and then thought about if he had said too much.
The two talked for a while, and eventually they became friends. They went hunting and played the whole day, and eventually Rootpaw felt he had made a friend for life.
“So. How long do you plan to stay?” Mud asked while they were eating.
Rootpaw thought for a moment, as he hadn’t considered how long he would stay. Even thinking about it was uncomfortable, as he didn’t want to leave Mud yet.
“I don’t know. It will take me a few days to decide.”
“Well, the longer you stay the more your parents will be worried about you.” Mud said.
“That’s true. Speaking of parents, who are yours?” Rootpaw asked. Mud flinched, and looked at the ground. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to--”
“No no, it's fine. My parents are the sisters, like I said earlier. I don’t really like them though, as they basically kick out all of the toms. Plus, they don’t treat us well even when we are young, just because we are toms.” Mud said.
Rootpaw’s eyes widened and he replied, “My dad’s name is Tree. He used to be Earth, but he changed his name when he got kicked out. My dad doesn’t like the sisters either. It seems all of the toms born there don’t like it because they get kicked out.”
“Who is your mother?” Mud asked.
“My mother is a clanborn, and she mated with Tree. I have heard my father was part of a prophecy to stop a ‘storm’ in the clans, and that is why they took him. He is unusual, as he has six toes on one of his back paws, which made him part of a prophecy.” Rootpaw said, trying to recall if there was anything more. “And my sister’s name is Needlepaw. She is really annoying though, so no one likes her.”
Mud laughed, and said, “I wish I had a sibling. They are fun to play with when your parents are doing other things.”
“Yes, they are indeed. Isn’t it boring being a loner?” Rootpaw asked. Mud nodded, but didn’t respond.
“We better get some sleep,” Mud said, looking at the moon. Rootpaw agreed, and they both fell asleep, next to each other.
Chapter 11
Early the next morning, before Mud was awake, Rootpaw decided to go and explore the land around them, as it had looked fascinating last time Rootpaw had seen it.
As Rootpaw went out of the den, he saw a group of six cats or so traveling. He started to walk towards them, and eventually he could see that the one in the front and in the back had broad shoulders and looked strong, while the ones in the middle were weak and looked like they weren’t treated well.
Rootpaw decided not to go nearer, as he didn’t want to talk to those cats. He had a bad feeling about them, so he turned back, just a second too late.
“Hey, who are you?” A cat from behind him asked. Rootpaw turned and saw one of the broad shouldered toms padding towards him. He was glaring at him, and Rootpaw knew he was screwed.
“It’s none of your business.” Rootpaw replied, and regretted it immediately. The large tom leaped at him and unsheathed his claw while doing so. Rootpaw dodged, but the tom jumped on him again and pinned him down this time.
“Now answer, who are you?” The tom asked again.
“I..I’m.. Buster,” Rootpaw said, after deciding he would use a fake name.
“Ok Buster. You’re coming with us.” the tom said after hearing the name.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Oh, yes you are.” the tom pressed his claw into Rootpaw’s back and he flinched.
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes you are!” the tom pressed his claw into Rootpaw’s back even farther and blood poured out of the wound.
“Ahh!” Rootpaw cried, but the tom kept pushing harder in. Suddenly, the tom got pushed off and Rootpaw felt the weight on him ease. Rootpaw looked up and saw a brown tabby tom fighting.
Mud! He saved me!
Rootpaw got up as fast as he could and jumped on the tom as well, but the other cats in the tom’s group started pushing back.
We are going to lose! We are outnumbered.
Rootpaw started fighting harder, but from behind him cats started leaping at the tom’s group, and after a few minutes of fighting, the tom’s group retreated.
Rootpaw looked at Mud gratefully and then said, “Mud, you..you saved me! Thank you so much! You saved me twice now. I will remember this for life.”
Mud responded by saying, “No, it wasn’t me. It was my friends.” Mud said, pointing at the three cats who had helped him save Rootpaw.
“Who are these guys?” Rootpaw asked, and Mud introduced Black, Green, and Box. Black was a small black tom with a white stripe down his chest and a ripped left ear. Green was a silver tom that had average shoulders, and Box was a very large tom with very broad shoulders. Box had a light brown pelt, and had many battle scars on his shoulder. The trio lived in an old barn that was abandoned, near Mud’s den.
“You need to rest.” Mud said, guiding Rootpaw to his den. Mud then went outside and talked to the trio for a while, and then came in, and by that time Rootpaw was asleep.
“We’d better get up again soon, because it is morning now. We will be sleeping through the day otherwise.” Mud said, but when he got no response from sleeping Rootpaw, he added, “Rootpaw? You’re awake right?” But he got no response again, smacked his head, and went back to sleep.
As Rootpaw went out of the den, he saw a group of six cats or so traveling. He started to walk towards them, and eventually he could see that the one in the front and in the back had broad shoulders and looked strong, while the ones in the middle were weak and looked like they weren’t treated well.
Rootpaw decided not to go nearer, as he didn’t want to talk to those cats. He had a bad feeling about them, so he turned back, just a second too late.
“Hey, who are you?” A cat from behind him asked. Rootpaw turned and saw one of the broad shouldered toms padding towards him. He was glaring at him, and Rootpaw knew he was screwed.
“It’s none of your business.” Rootpaw replied, and regretted it immediately. The large tom leaped at him and unsheathed his claw while doing so. Rootpaw dodged, but the tom jumped on him again and pinned him down this time.
“Now answer, who are you?” The tom asked again.
“I..I’m.. Buster,” Rootpaw said, after deciding he would use a fake name.
“Ok Buster. You’re coming with us.” the tom said after hearing the name.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Oh, yes you are.” the tom pressed his claw into Rootpaw’s back and he flinched.
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes you are!” the tom pressed his claw into Rootpaw’s back even farther and blood poured out of the wound.
“Ahh!” Rootpaw cried, but the tom kept pushing harder in. Suddenly, the tom got pushed off and Rootpaw felt the weight on him ease. Rootpaw looked up and saw a brown tabby tom fighting.
Mud! He saved me!
Rootpaw got up as fast as he could and jumped on the tom as well, but the other cats in the tom’s group started pushing back.
We are going to lose! We are outnumbered.
Rootpaw started fighting harder, but from behind him cats started leaping at the tom’s group, and after a few minutes of fighting, the tom’s group retreated.
Rootpaw looked at Mud gratefully and then said, “Mud, you..you saved me! Thank you so much! You saved me twice now. I will remember this for life.”
Mud responded by saying, “No, it wasn’t me. It was my friends.” Mud said, pointing at the three cats who had helped him save Rootpaw.
“Who are these guys?” Rootpaw asked, and Mud introduced Black, Green, and Box. Black was a small black tom with a white stripe down his chest and a ripped left ear. Green was a silver tom that had average shoulders, and Box was a very large tom with very broad shoulders. Box had a light brown pelt, and had many battle scars on his shoulder. The trio lived in an old barn that was abandoned, near Mud’s den.
“You need to rest.” Mud said, guiding Rootpaw to his den. Mud then went outside and talked to the trio for a while, and then came in, and by that time Rootpaw was asleep.
“We’d better get up again soon, because it is morning now. We will be sleeping through the day otherwise.” Mud said, but when he got no response from sleeping Rootpaw, he added, “Rootpaw? You’re awake right?” But he got no response again, smacked his head, and went back to sleep.
Chapter 12
“Oh great! We overslept.” Mud said, and Rootpaw stirred at the sound of his friend talking.
“It is already nighttime, and we just woke up. Oh well, what do you want to do?” Mud asked, clearly full of energy.
“I just want to sleep.” Rootpaw said.
“Are you still tired?” Mud asked, confused. “You got enough sleep already, and we didn’t do much.”
“I’m not tired, but why not get some extra sleep?”
“C'mon man. We’ve got to get outside.”
“Fine.” Rootpaw agreed, and they slipped out of the den. “Do you want to call the trio?”
“How about we go and spook them?” Mud suggested mischievously, and Rootpaw agreed.
Violetshine would get really mad if she knew I was doing all of these kittypet tricks.
Mud and Rootpaw got to the entrance of the barn, and quietly padded inside. “3….2….1…….GO!” Mud said, and they both pounced.
“Ahh! What is going on?” Green asked, surprised. He looked up and saw Rootpaw and Mud on him.
“Oh it's you two, trying to spook us. Of course, I should have thought.” Green said, rolling his eyes.
“What are you guys doing?”
“We clearly overslept, so don’t you guys want to do something in the night right now?” Mud asked, and after Rootpaw and Mud got the trio to agree, they all decided to set out and explore.
“It might not be a good idea to explore during the night.” Rootpaw warned, but Mud didn’t care.
As they journeyed, they saw lots of different animals. They caught a squirrel, almost caught a bird, and saw a few other cats. The other cats were friendly, but they weren’t that interested in talking to Rootpaw’s group, so they just passed by pretty quickly.
When they came back in the night, nothing had really happened.
“Oh well, not everyday is fun.” Rootpaw said when they came back home. “Maybe next time we go we will find something interesting. I mean, we decided not to go inside the cave.” and Mud looked at Rootpaw like he was talking nonsense.
“You really want to go in there?” Mud asked, “It looked spooky.”
“We can go tomorrow.” Rootpaw replied, and we can make it another surprise for the trio. With that, they both fell asleep, not to talk again for the night.
“It is already nighttime, and we just woke up. Oh well, what do you want to do?” Mud asked, clearly full of energy.
“I just want to sleep.” Rootpaw said.
“Are you still tired?” Mud asked, confused. “You got enough sleep already, and we didn’t do much.”
“I’m not tired, but why not get some extra sleep?”
“C'mon man. We’ve got to get outside.”
“Fine.” Rootpaw agreed, and they slipped out of the den. “Do you want to call the trio?”
“How about we go and spook them?” Mud suggested mischievously, and Rootpaw agreed.
Violetshine would get really mad if she knew I was doing all of these kittypet tricks.
Mud and Rootpaw got to the entrance of the barn, and quietly padded inside. “3….2….1…….GO!” Mud said, and they both pounced.
“Ahh! What is going on?” Green asked, surprised. He looked up and saw Rootpaw and Mud on him.
“Oh it's you two, trying to spook us. Of course, I should have thought.” Green said, rolling his eyes.
“What are you guys doing?”
“We clearly overslept, so don’t you guys want to do something in the night right now?” Mud asked, and after Rootpaw and Mud got the trio to agree, they all decided to set out and explore.
“It might not be a good idea to explore during the night.” Rootpaw warned, but Mud didn’t care.
As they journeyed, they saw lots of different animals. They caught a squirrel, almost caught a bird, and saw a few other cats. The other cats were friendly, but they weren’t that interested in talking to Rootpaw’s group, so they just passed by pretty quickly.
When they came back in the night, nothing had really happened.
“Oh well, not everyday is fun.” Rootpaw said when they came back home. “Maybe next time we go we will find something interesting. I mean, we decided not to go inside the cave.” and Mud looked at Rootpaw like he was talking nonsense.
“You really want to go in there?” Mud asked, “It looked spooky.”
“We can go tomorrow.” Rootpaw replied, and we can make it another surprise for the trio. With that, they both fell asleep, not to talk again for the night.
Chapter 13
Rootpaw woke up and remembered they would go into the cave. He woke Mud and they set off, deciding not to call the trio.
When they arrived at the cave they stopped and looked at each other, fear in both of their eyes. “Oh well, hope for the best.” Mud said and stepped in, and Rootpaw quickly followed. At first nothing happened, and the cave just seemed to get smaller as they went in deeper.
After a while the cave got uncomfortably small, and Rootpaw could feel his pelt brushing the cold walls of it. “Are you sure you want to go farther?” Rootpaw asked.
“See, now you are scared. C’mon man!” Mud said and kept moving.
Maybe I shouldn’t have told Mud to go in here.
Mud unexpectedly stopped, and Rootpaw crashed into him.
"What now?" Rootpaw asked, temper rising.
"There is a stream of water," Mud said, "That means we are getting really deep!"
"Ok. Let's keep going." Rootpaw said.
"There is nothing ahead. There is a stream but nothing after it. I guess we should go down the stream?"
"Oh. I don't know abo--" Rootpaw said but got cut off by Mud.
"Yeah let's do it!" Mud said and slipped into the stream.
"NO! Mud? Where are you? Mud?" Rootpaw was getting very scared. He looked down the stream and saw Mud going down. Suddenly, he fell straight down in a pit and disappeared.
"Oh great! Starclan, if you can still see me, save me!" Rootpaw said and slipped into the stream. Just as Mud had, he was moving on flat ground, but then he saw a dark pit ahead, and fell into it.
The pit went straight down, and Rootpaw had enough time to think during the fall.
After about 10 seconds of falling, he landed on solid ground, and saw that there were 2 paths he could take. Mud was nowhere to be seen. "MUD?! Where are you?" Rootpaw cried, but as he had expected, got no answer.
Rootpaw pressed his paw to the ground, hoping for advice from the earth.
"Hello. I see you have gotten yourself into a bit of a mess here." the earth said, chuckling.
"What do I do?" Rootpaw cried.
"Well, you better figure that out. I'm not here to tell you what to do all the time, you sleepy furball!" the earth said, and Rootpaw felt the presence of the earth fade.
Well, I'm on my own.
Rootpaw quickly made a decision to go on the path behind him, and quickly padded down the trail. He felt the earth get wetter as he went farther. The moist earth gave away at some places, and he had to take a step back. After a while, Rootpaw came to a small cavern that had many exits. At the top, was a very long vertical tube, and as Rootpaw looked up into it, he saw some light and he felt a drop of rain fall onto his muzzle.
The way out, and I can't reach it.
When they arrived at the cave they stopped and looked at each other, fear in both of their eyes. “Oh well, hope for the best.” Mud said and stepped in, and Rootpaw quickly followed. At first nothing happened, and the cave just seemed to get smaller as they went in deeper.
After a while the cave got uncomfortably small, and Rootpaw could feel his pelt brushing the cold walls of it. “Are you sure you want to go farther?” Rootpaw asked.
“See, now you are scared. C’mon man!” Mud said and kept moving.
Maybe I shouldn’t have told Mud to go in here.
Mud unexpectedly stopped, and Rootpaw crashed into him.
"What now?" Rootpaw asked, temper rising.
"There is a stream of water," Mud said, "That means we are getting really deep!"
"Ok. Let's keep going." Rootpaw said.
"There is nothing ahead. There is a stream but nothing after it. I guess we should go down the stream?"
"Oh. I don't know abo--" Rootpaw said but got cut off by Mud.
"Yeah let's do it!" Mud said and slipped into the stream.
"NO! Mud? Where are you? Mud?" Rootpaw was getting very scared. He looked down the stream and saw Mud going down. Suddenly, he fell straight down in a pit and disappeared.
"Oh great! Starclan, if you can still see me, save me!" Rootpaw said and slipped into the stream. Just as Mud had, he was moving on flat ground, but then he saw a dark pit ahead, and fell into it.
The pit went straight down, and Rootpaw had enough time to think during the fall.
After about 10 seconds of falling, he landed on solid ground, and saw that there were 2 paths he could take. Mud was nowhere to be seen. "MUD?! Where are you?" Rootpaw cried, but as he had expected, got no answer.
Rootpaw pressed his paw to the ground, hoping for advice from the earth.
"Hello. I see you have gotten yourself into a bit of a mess here." the earth said, chuckling.
"What do I do?" Rootpaw cried.
"Well, you better figure that out. I'm not here to tell you what to do all the time, you sleepy furball!" the earth said, and Rootpaw felt the presence of the earth fade.
Well, I'm on my own.
Rootpaw quickly made a decision to go on the path behind him, and quickly padded down the trail. He felt the earth get wetter as he went farther. The moist earth gave away at some places, and he had to take a step back. After a while, Rootpaw came to a small cavern that had many exits. At the top, was a very long vertical tube, and as Rootpaw looked up into it, he saw some light and he felt a drop of rain fall onto his muzzle.
The way out, and I can't reach it.
Chapter 14
“What do I do now?” Rootpaw said out loud, though he knew no one was near enough to hear. He was stuck in a cavern that had multiple exits and at the top was a long vertical tube that lead to the ground, but of course he could not use it, as there was no way to climb up.
“I can’t climb up the pit I fell into either. And where is Mud?” Rootpaw asked himself, out loud again.
“Fine, I will help you sleepy furball. Go where your heart tells you to go.” the earth said unexpectedly, which caught Rootpaw off guard.
“Oh. My heart doesn’t tell me anything though,” Rootpaw said, thought for a moment, and then added, “My heart takes me to Bristlepaw.”
“Well, then follow your heart.” the earth replied.
“I can’t get to her though.”
“Well, then follow your heart.” the earth said.
“I just said I can’t get to her!” Rootpaw said quickly.
“Well, then follow your heart.” the earth replied, still calm.
“Stop saying the same thing over and over!” Rootpaw replied, annoyed.
Suddenly, the earth changed their voice and then kept repeating the same thing.
“Follow your heart, follow your heart, follow your heart, follow your heart, follow your heart, and follow your heart.” the earth said, and finally disappeared.
Rootpaw finally understood the earth was trying to give Rootpaw a message, and a different point of view. Rootpaw thought about it, but he couldn’t understand what the earth was trying to tell him.
Rootpaw could feel his temper rising inside him. He was mad and sad all at the same time, which made him tuck his head. He rested for a while, and when he felt like he was ready to move on he went in the first tunnel he saw. The tunnel was the largest of all 5 in the cavern, but it got smaller quickly and soon enough Rootpaw could again feel his pelt brushing the walls of the cave.
At one point he came to a fork, and he took the left path which came to a dead end and he had to backtrack to the fork and choose the path on the right. This happened a number of times that Rootpaw couldn’t remember.
As Rootpaw padded on, he kept thinking someone was following him because he felt he could hear footsteps behind him. He kept turning around, only to look into the darkness behind him.
The tunnel kept getting narrower, and eventually Rootpaw was getting squished and could barely fit. Right when he was about to turn back because of how tight it was, he heard a faint whisper, "H...help..."
Rootpaw's eyes widened and he rushed forward as fast as he could, forgetting about how tight the tunnel was.
Slowly, the whisper got louder, until Rootpaw could hear it clearly in his ears.
He came into another cavern, and in the center was a rock and a lump of fur half underneath it. "Let me help you." Rootpaw said and rushed over to the lump of fur. The fur was brownish, and it looked strangely familiar. "Ok. You are going to have to push, and I can free you." Rootpaw said, and he heard a faint sound from the furball.
Rootpaw pushed the rock as hard as he could, and realized that the furball wasn’t pushing. Rootpaw pushed harder, and eventually he started feeling less weight against him, and he realized the furball was trying to push now. Together, they pushed the rock just enough to get the furball out.
The furball lifted his head and looked at Rootpaw, with his blue eyes. “Hi there.”
“I can’t climb up the pit I fell into either. And where is Mud?” Rootpaw asked himself, out loud again.
“Fine, I will help you sleepy furball. Go where your heart tells you to go.” the earth said unexpectedly, which caught Rootpaw off guard.
“Oh. My heart doesn’t tell me anything though,” Rootpaw said, thought for a moment, and then added, “My heart takes me to Bristlepaw.”
“Well, then follow your heart.” the earth replied.
“I can’t get to her though.”
“Well, then follow your heart.” the earth said.
“I just said I can’t get to her!” Rootpaw said quickly.
“Well, then follow your heart.” the earth replied, still calm.
“Stop saying the same thing over and over!” Rootpaw replied, annoyed.
Suddenly, the earth changed their voice and then kept repeating the same thing.
“Follow your heart, follow your heart, follow your heart, follow your heart, follow your heart, and follow your heart.” the earth said, and finally disappeared.
Rootpaw finally understood the earth was trying to give Rootpaw a message, and a different point of view. Rootpaw thought about it, but he couldn’t understand what the earth was trying to tell him.
Rootpaw could feel his temper rising inside him. He was mad and sad all at the same time, which made him tuck his head. He rested for a while, and when he felt like he was ready to move on he went in the first tunnel he saw. The tunnel was the largest of all 5 in the cavern, but it got smaller quickly and soon enough Rootpaw could again feel his pelt brushing the walls of the cave.
At one point he came to a fork, and he took the left path which came to a dead end and he had to backtrack to the fork and choose the path on the right. This happened a number of times that Rootpaw couldn’t remember.
As Rootpaw padded on, he kept thinking someone was following him because he felt he could hear footsteps behind him. He kept turning around, only to look into the darkness behind him.
The tunnel kept getting narrower, and eventually Rootpaw was getting squished and could barely fit. Right when he was about to turn back because of how tight it was, he heard a faint whisper, "H...help..."
Rootpaw's eyes widened and he rushed forward as fast as he could, forgetting about how tight the tunnel was.
Slowly, the whisper got louder, until Rootpaw could hear it clearly in his ears.
He came into another cavern, and in the center was a rock and a lump of fur half underneath it. "Let me help you." Rootpaw said and rushed over to the lump of fur. The fur was brownish, and it looked strangely familiar. "Ok. You are going to have to push, and I can free you." Rootpaw said, and he heard a faint sound from the furball.
Rootpaw pushed the rock as hard as he could, and realized that the furball wasn’t pushing. Rootpaw pushed harder, and eventually he started feeling less weight against him, and he realized the furball was trying to push now. Together, they pushed the rock just enough to get the furball out.
The furball lifted his head and looked at Rootpaw, with his blue eyes. “Hi there.”
Chapter 15
“Wait a minute.” Rootpaw said. This brown cat looked strangely familiar, but Rootpaw couldn’t exactly tell who it was in the darkness.
“Are you Mud?” He asked.
“Yes, what else could I be?” Mud said, and Rootpaw felt relieved.
“We finally found each other.”
“Yes. We need to figure out how to get out of this dark place!” Mud said, but then yawned. “I want to get some sleep first.”
“Ok. I can stay guard.” Rootpaw said, though he wasn’t sure if he would be able to keep himself awake. As Mud went to sleep, Rootpaw looked around into the darkness.
I wonder what other creatures are in this horrible place. Who else is out there?
Sure enough, Rootpaw fell asleep in a few minutes, too tired to keep his eyes open. Rootpaw found himself in open moorland again, in his vision, or at least what he thought was a vision. In front of him, again, was Sky Clear.
“Hello, Sky Clear.” Rootpaw said, trying to make it less awkward. Sky Clear started laughing, and Rootpaw wondered what he had done wrong.
“Who is Sky Clear?” he asked while laughing.
“Isn’t that you?” Rootpaw asked, now embarrassed and confused.
“I’m Clear Sky. You keep mixing up my name.” Clear Sky said, “Anyway, that’s not important.”
“Why did you call me?” Rootpaw asked.
“I didn’t. You called me.” Clear Sky replied, not surprised Rootpaw asked.
“I did?” Rootpaw asked, confused yet again.
“Yes. You were eager to see me. What do you want?”
Rootpaw had no clue what Clear Sky was talking about, but he decided to use this chance to ask him some questions he did have.
“Can I come home now?”
“Oh, not yet. You still have some things to do.”
“What do I need to do now?”
“You will find out very soon. This last part will not be completely only for you, it will be for the good of cats that live in an area. Many cats.”
Rootpaw’s eyes widened.
“I’m supposed to save a lot of cats? I don’t thi--”
Clear Sky cut him off and said, “You don’t think you can do it. But you WILL do it.” Rootpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably and realized he had no choice.
“Now, wake up and do your normal life, talking with the trio, talking with Mud, and you will understand what I mean, eventually.”
“I can’t talk with the trio right now. We are in the tunnels, and we are still trying to get out.”
Clear Sky rolled his eyes,
“Yeah yeah. Ok, find your way out of the tunnels, you talkative apprentice.” Clear Sky started fading, and Rootpaw closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see that he was in Mud’s den, with Mud sleeping next to him.
“Mud! We are back in your den! How?!” Rootpaw said, eyes widening. Mud started stirring and when he opened his eyes, Rootpaw could see the same shocked expression on his face.
“Wow. This is a miracle! Maybe that was a dream?” Mud said.
“I think so. Oh well, good for us. We better get to work!” Rootpaw said, and they went to their normal duties of sitting around, playing games, hunting, and sleeping.
“Are you Mud?” He asked.
“Yes, what else could I be?” Mud said, and Rootpaw felt relieved.
“We finally found each other.”
“Yes. We need to figure out how to get out of this dark place!” Mud said, but then yawned. “I want to get some sleep first.”
“Ok. I can stay guard.” Rootpaw said, though he wasn’t sure if he would be able to keep himself awake. As Mud went to sleep, Rootpaw looked around into the darkness.
I wonder what other creatures are in this horrible place. Who else is out there?
Sure enough, Rootpaw fell asleep in a few minutes, too tired to keep his eyes open. Rootpaw found himself in open moorland again, in his vision, or at least what he thought was a vision. In front of him, again, was Sky Clear.
“Hello, Sky Clear.” Rootpaw said, trying to make it less awkward. Sky Clear started laughing, and Rootpaw wondered what he had done wrong.
“Who is Sky Clear?” he asked while laughing.
“Isn’t that you?” Rootpaw asked, now embarrassed and confused.
“I’m Clear Sky. You keep mixing up my name.” Clear Sky said, “Anyway, that’s not important.”
“Why did you call me?” Rootpaw asked.
“I didn’t. You called me.” Clear Sky replied, not surprised Rootpaw asked.
“I did?” Rootpaw asked, confused yet again.
“Yes. You were eager to see me. What do you want?”
Rootpaw had no clue what Clear Sky was talking about, but he decided to use this chance to ask him some questions he did have.
“Can I come home now?”
“Oh, not yet. You still have some things to do.”
“What do I need to do now?”
“You will find out very soon. This last part will not be completely only for you, it will be for the good of cats that live in an area. Many cats.”
Rootpaw’s eyes widened.
“I’m supposed to save a lot of cats? I don’t thi--”
Clear Sky cut him off and said, “You don’t think you can do it. But you WILL do it.” Rootpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably and realized he had no choice.
“Now, wake up and do your normal life, talking with the trio, talking with Mud, and you will understand what I mean, eventually.”
“I can’t talk with the trio right now. We are in the tunnels, and we are still trying to get out.”
Clear Sky rolled his eyes,
“Yeah yeah. Ok, find your way out of the tunnels, you talkative apprentice.” Clear Sky started fading, and Rootpaw closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see that he was in Mud’s den, with Mud sleeping next to him.
“Mud! We are back in your den! How?!” Rootpaw said, eyes widening. Mud started stirring and when he opened his eyes, Rootpaw could see the same shocked expression on his face.
“Wow. This is a miracle! Maybe that was a dream?” Mud said.
“I think so. Oh well, good for us. We better get to work!” Rootpaw said, and they went to their normal duties of sitting around, playing games, hunting, and sleeping.
Chapter 16
The day after they magically came out of their dream, Rootpaw finished eating and started padding to exit the den, expecting Mud to be outside. Immediately Rootpaw was pushed and pinned to the ground. He looked up and saw Mud laughing, and he realized Mud had been hiding behind him and he had pounced on him.
“Very funny.” Rootpaw said sarcastically, and got out of the den.
Suddenly, just as Rootpaw slipped out of the den, he heard Clear Sky’s voice in his ears. “You will help many cats.”
“What? Mud did you hear that?” Rootpaw asked immediately.
“What did I hear?” Mud asked. “I didn’t hear anything except the sound of my paws.”
“Oh. That must have been from, er, never mind.”
“What must that have been from?” Mud asked, now looking suspiciously at Rootpaw.
“Nothing.”
“Tell me!” Mud said, raising his voice.
“I already said it was nothing.” Rootpaw repeated, getting worried.
Mud’s tone softened a bit, and he said, “Rootpaw, you don’t have to tell me. I just think it would be nice if I knew why you really came here. I keep wondering that every day. I will help you, if you tell me.”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, and then took a deep breath and said, “Remember how I told you I lived in a group of five clans?”
Mud, confused at why Rootpaw said this, nodded. “Well, all the clans believe that when cats die, they go to another clan called StarClan. StarClan are our ancestors that give us dreams about prophecies.” Rootpaw said, and Mud started cracking up, so Rootpaw added, “I know it sounds ridiculous, but it is real.”
“Ok I get it.” Mud said, trying to hold his laughter.
“So, what does that have to do with this?”
“I have the power to talk to the earth. I was sent on this journey to learn how to use the power.”
“Really? That’s cool!” Mud said. “I wish I had that power! So, what do you need? Can I help?”
“Well, right now, I don’t really need your help. But, when we were in the tunnels and we went to sleep, I--” Rootpaw said, but got cut off.
“Weren’t you supposed to be standing guard?” Mud asked.
“Umm...yes, but I fell asleep.”
“Looks like you aren’t a guard I can trust.” Mud said, trying hard not to laugh again.
“Anyway, I got a dream from this guy named Clear Sky, who is the cat who told me to go on this quest.” Rootpaw said, and Mud was nodding.
“I asked him whether it is time to go back, and he said not yet. You still have to help many cats.”
Mud’s eyes widened.
“Many cats? How are you supposed to do that?”
“I don’t know.” Rootpaw said, shaking his head.
“But you can help me find out!”
“I think I will have to sleep on it, and speaking of that, we better get some sleep. See you tomorrow.” Mud said and instantly fell to the ground, and closed his eyes.
That tired furball.
“Very funny.” Rootpaw said sarcastically, and got out of the den.
Suddenly, just as Rootpaw slipped out of the den, he heard Clear Sky’s voice in his ears. “You will help many cats.”
“What? Mud did you hear that?” Rootpaw asked immediately.
“What did I hear?” Mud asked. “I didn’t hear anything except the sound of my paws.”
“Oh. That must have been from, er, never mind.”
“What must that have been from?” Mud asked, now looking suspiciously at Rootpaw.
“Nothing.”
“Tell me!” Mud said, raising his voice.
“I already said it was nothing.” Rootpaw repeated, getting worried.
Mud’s tone softened a bit, and he said, “Rootpaw, you don’t have to tell me. I just think it would be nice if I knew why you really came here. I keep wondering that every day. I will help you, if you tell me.”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, and then took a deep breath and said, “Remember how I told you I lived in a group of five clans?”
Mud, confused at why Rootpaw said this, nodded. “Well, all the clans believe that when cats die, they go to another clan called StarClan. StarClan are our ancestors that give us dreams about prophecies.” Rootpaw said, and Mud started cracking up, so Rootpaw added, “I know it sounds ridiculous, but it is real.”
“Ok I get it.” Mud said, trying to hold his laughter.
“So, what does that have to do with this?”
“I have the power to talk to the earth. I was sent on this journey to learn how to use the power.”
“Really? That’s cool!” Mud said. “I wish I had that power! So, what do you need? Can I help?”
“Well, right now, I don’t really need your help. But, when we were in the tunnels and we went to sleep, I--” Rootpaw said, but got cut off.
“Weren’t you supposed to be standing guard?” Mud asked.
“Umm...yes, but I fell asleep.”
“Looks like you aren’t a guard I can trust.” Mud said, trying hard not to laugh again.
“Anyway, I got a dream from this guy named Clear Sky, who is the cat who told me to go on this quest.” Rootpaw said, and Mud was nodding.
“I asked him whether it is time to go back, and he said not yet. You still have to help many cats.”
Mud’s eyes widened.
“Many cats? How are you supposed to do that?”
“I don’t know.” Rootpaw said, shaking his head.
“But you can help me find out!”
“I think I will have to sleep on it, and speaking of that, we better get some sleep. See you tomorrow.” Mud said and instantly fell to the ground, and closed his eyes.
That tired furball.
Chapter 17
Rootpaw woke up to the sound of Mud snoring. He slipped outside of the den and saw the dark sky above him, that had no moon. Rootpaw couldn’t see anything ahead of him, but decided he might go check near the train track and come back.
Rootpaw quickly padded towards the train track, and relied on his paws to feel the track when he walked over it. When he got to it, he looked around but still saw nothing except darkness.
Starting to get scared, Rootpaw decided to turn back. As he turned around, he felt claws in his neck and he fell to the ground.
“Get up, kitty.” someone said.
Rootpaw looked up and saw a large tom with broad shoulders above him, glaring at him.
“Who are you?” Rootpaw asked, curious about identity first.
“Who are you?” the tom replied.
“I’m a cat, if you haven’t noticed.” Rootpaw replied, trying to stay calm and act cool.
As he did so, the gray tom pushed his claw harder into Rootpaw’s neck and Rootpaw shrieked in pain.
“Obviously you are a little kitty. What is your name?” the gray tom said, thrusting his muzzle towards Rootpaw.
“What’s your name?” Rootpaw asked.
“You tell me first.”
“I would like to hear your name first.” Rootpaw said, not giving up.
“Fine. I am Arlin. You look familiar. Wait a minute…” Arlin said. Rootpaw thought for a moment if he had seen any cat named Arlin, and he quickly remembered that he was one of Ripper’s helpers.
“You!” Rootpaw said and slipped out of Arlin’s grip. Rootpaw unsheathed his claws and pounced on Arlin, and successfully pinned Arlin down. Arlin, however, knew some tricks. He slipped out and pounced back on Rootpaw by using a move Rootpaw had never seen before.
“Now. Should I kill you or not?” Arlin asked, and Rootpaw wasn’t sure if he was asking Rootpaw or himself out loud.
“Umm, that’s your choice, flea-bag.” Rootpaw said calmly, and regretted it immediately. Arlin pressed his claws deep into Rootpaw and blood started coming out.
“Thanks for answering. Any last words?” Arlin said, starting to laugh evilly. Rootpaw realized he wasn’t going to be able to stop Arlin, and needed some help.
“Help! Help!” Rootpaw cried, though it just made Arlin laugh louder.
“You crybaby. Seems like you haven’t learned anything about fighting.” Arlin said, laughing, which was starting to annoy Rootpaw. Arlin pulled his claw out of Rootpaw’s neck, and Rootpaw saw blood dripping from it.
Is that my blood?
Just as Arlin was going to slash Rootpaw in the face, Arlin got knocked over. Rootpaw couldn’t see who had knocked Arlin over, so he quickly got up and ran to where he thought Arlin was on the ground. As he came closer to the sounds of fighting cats, he barely saw the outline of a black tom that had white patches of fur on his chest and back. The black tom had amber eyes, and looked like he was playing with a kit when he fought Arlin.
That guy is good.
Rootpaw watched with big eyes, as Arlin kept getting more bruises and cuts. The black tom was obviously an amazing fighter, and Rootpaw thought he would never see such a good fighter again.
Eventually, poor Arlin was killed miserably by the black tom, but Rootpaw didn’t feel any pity for him. After the black tom finished Arlin, he started walking towards Rootpaw.
Oh no. Is he going to kill me?
But the black tom sheathed his claws, and said, “Hi.”
“Hi. Thank you. You saved my life.” Rootpaw said, looking gratefully and amazed at the black tom, for his fighting skills.
“You’re welcome. What’s your name?” the black tom asked, smiling and looking kindly at Rootpaw.
“I’m Rootpaw.” Rootpaw said, and the black tom didn’t seem surprised, “Who are you?"
The black tom thought for a moment, as if deciding whether he should tell Rootpaw his name. He finally decided to tell little Rootpaw, and he said, “I’m Pantherstripe.”
Rootpaw quickly padded towards the train track, and relied on his paws to feel the track when he walked over it. When he got to it, he looked around but still saw nothing except darkness.
Starting to get scared, Rootpaw decided to turn back. As he turned around, he felt claws in his neck and he fell to the ground.
“Get up, kitty.” someone said.
Rootpaw looked up and saw a large tom with broad shoulders above him, glaring at him.
“Who are you?” Rootpaw asked, curious about identity first.
“Who are you?” the tom replied.
“I’m a cat, if you haven’t noticed.” Rootpaw replied, trying to stay calm and act cool.
As he did so, the gray tom pushed his claw harder into Rootpaw’s neck and Rootpaw shrieked in pain.
“Obviously you are a little kitty. What is your name?” the gray tom said, thrusting his muzzle towards Rootpaw.
“What’s your name?” Rootpaw asked.
“You tell me first.”
“I would like to hear your name first.” Rootpaw said, not giving up.
“Fine. I am Arlin. You look familiar. Wait a minute…” Arlin said. Rootpaw thought for a moment if he had seen any cat named Arlin, and he quickly remembered that he was one of Ripper’s helpers.
“You!” Rootpaw said and slipped out of Arlin’s grip. Rootpaw unsheathed his claws and pounced on Arlin, and successfully pinned Arlin down. Arlin, however, knew some tricks. He slipped out and pounced back on Rootpaw by using a move Rootpaw had never seen before.
“Now. Should I kill you or not?” Arlin asked, and Rootpaw wasn’t sure if he was asking Rootpaw or himself out loud.
“Umm, that’s your choice, flea-bag.” Rootpaw said calmly, and regretted it immediately. Arlin pressed his claws deep into Rootpaw and blood started coming out.
“Thanks for answering. Any last words?” Arlin said, starting to laugh evilly. Rootpaw realized he wasn’t going to be able to stop Arlin, and needed some help.
“Help! Help!” Rootpaw cried, though it just made Arlin laugh louder.
“You crybaby. Seems like you haven’t learned anything about fighting.” Arlin said, laughing, which was starting to annoy Rootpaw. Arlin pulled his claw out of Rootpaw’s neck, and Rootpaw saw blood dripping from it.
Is that my blood?
Just as Arlin was going to slash Rootpaw in the face, Arlin got knocked over. Rootpaw couldn’t see who had knocked Arlin over, so he quickly got up and ran to where he thought Arlin was on the ground. As he came closer to the sounds of fighting cats, he barely saw the outline of a black tom that had white patches of fur on his chest and back. The black tom had amber eyes, and looked like he was playing with a kit when he fought Arlin.
That guy is good.
Rootpaw watched with big eyes, as Arlin kept getting more bruises and cuts. The black tom was obviously an amazing fighter, and Rootpaw thought he would never see such a good fighter again.
Eventually, poor Arlin was killed miserably by the black tom, but Rootpaw didn’t feel any pity for him. After the black tom finished Arlin, he started walking towards Rootpaw.
Oh no. Is he going to kill me?
But the black tom sheathed his claws, and said, “Hi.”
“Hi. Thank you. You saved my life.” Rootpaw said, looking gratefully and amazed at the black tom, for his fighting skills.
“You’re welcome. What’s your name?” the black tom asked, smiling and looking kindly at Rootpaw.
“I’m Rootpaw.” Rootpaw said, and the black tom didn’t seem surprised, “Who are you?"
The black tom thought for a moment, as if deciding whether he should tell Rootpaw his name. He finally decided to tell little Rootpaw, and he said, “I’m Pantherstripe.”
Chapter 18
Rootpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably after hearing the name “Pantherstripe”, but then said, “Hi, Pantherstripe. Where are you from?”
Pantherstripe thought for a moment, and then said, “I’m not from anyone. I live by myself.”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, thinking about what the right word was. He had remembered Tree used to be this kind of cat too, but he forgot what the clans had called him, or at least what Tree had said the clans had called him. Memories flashed into Rootpaw’s head, and after a few seconds he got it.
A loner.
Pantherstripe was looking awkwardly at Rootpaw. “Hello? Rootpaw?”
Rootpaw realized he had been staring at Pantherstripe.
“Oh, sorry. You are a loner, correct?”
Pantherstripe laughed and said, “What is a loner? I just live by myself, but I never thought of a name for it.”
“We call cats who live by themselves ‘loners’. I’m from the clans.” Rootpaw blurted out, and then debated whether he should have said that.
“Hmm. The clans. Never heard of them. What are they?” Pantherstripe asked, now curious.
“They are five groups of cats that live by the lake and work together. Their names are; Skyclan, Thunderclan, Shadowclan, Windclan, and Riverclan. I’m from Skyclan.” Rootpaw said, and he didn’t think for a moment he was giving away too much.
“That’s cool! It would be nice to have some company like that all day.” Pantherstripe said, and then added, “I have lived by myself for my whole life, or at least, most of it.”
“You have lived with other cats?” Rootpaw asked, surprised.
“Yes. My parents. I don’t remember their names or anything about them. All I remember was when I opened my eyes for the first time, as a kit, there was fighting going on, and I heard a lot of screams. I think my parents...died. I’m not sure though. There was a black tom that looked like me, and I think that was my father. There was also a smaller she-cat, who I think was my mother. They were fighting a group of big toms, and I don’t think they made it out alive.” Pantherstripe said, and Rootpaw was surprised how much Pantherstripe was willing to tell other cats about his life, because he had seemed quite private in the beginning. Rootpaw nodded.
“I can’t imagine living without my parents.”
Pantherstripe looked behind Rootpaw, as if his parents were somewhere behind him. “Well, isn’t that what you are doing right now?”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, and realized that Pantherstripe was right. “Yes. I am on a journey, so I left them.”
“Well, it’s not that hard. You grow up by yourself, and I like that better. You learn more that way. But I would still like to meet my parents once in my life, which is why I am wandering around, trying to find them.” Pantherstripe said, still looking into the distance.
“You said that your parents were fighting a group of large tom's right? I think...well, I might know who you are talking about.” Rootpaw said, thinking about Ripper’s helper cats.
Pantherstripe’s eyes widened and he said, “You...you do? Really?”
Rootpaw nodded and told Pantherstripe the long story of how he got to where he was now, with Pantherstripe.
Pantherstripe then said, “So you think they might be Ripper’s cats?”
“They might. I think you will get a better understanding if I tell you a bit more about the clans and why I am here.” Rootpaw said.
“Ok.”
“So, let’s start with the groups. There are five groups, like I told you. All of them live together, and around each other, though they all have separate territories. They all live by the ‘Warrior Code’. The ‘Warrior Code’ is a set of rules that every cat in the clans have to follow, so we can live peacefully. Some of the rules are you have to hunt in your territory, you can’t cross into other clans territory, you can’t mate with a cat from another clan,” and as Rootpaw said that, he started thinking about Bristlepaw again, but told himself to focus, so after a brief pause kept going, “and a lot more. Then there is a sixth clan called Starclan. They are our ancestors, and when you die in one of the clans you go to Starclan. Starclan shares dreams with us about prophecies and what we have to do to solve problems.” Rootpaw said, and took a deep breathe.
“Weird.” is the one word Pantherstripe replied with, and Rootpaw went on.
“I got a dream from one of the cats in Starclan that I have to go on a journey to learn about my power. My power is I have the ability to talk to the earth.” Rootpaw said.
“So the earth is alive!” Pantherstripe said, shocked. Rootpaw smiled.
“Yes, it is. It has helped guide me to where I am now.” Rootpaw said, getting a bit proud.
“Where are you now though? Do you live with someone?” Pantherstripe asked.
“I live with an amazing dude named Mud. He is very kind and I am staying there until I realize what I am supposed to do.”
“What do you mean, supposed to do?”
“I recently got another dream from Starclan saying that you still need to stay on the journey, because now you have to help many cats. I don’t know what this means, so I am waiting until something happens.” Rootpaw said.
“Well maybe you shouldn’t wait until something happens. Maybe you have to do something to make the happen happen. I don’t know though, I have never experienced dreams from Starclan, because I barely even dream.” Pantherstripe said.
Rootpaw shook his head and said, “No, it’s not like that. You have to be part of the clans to get dreams, and even if you don’t dream you will get them. They are more like visions than they are like dreams.”
“Oh. That’s even more weird. Anyway, may I stay with you and Mud for a while?” Pantherstripe asked, and added, “I’m fine if you don’t want me staying.”
“I will have to ask Mud, but I think he will agree to let you stay.” Rootpaw said, and then thought.
Hopefully Mud lets him stay. I hope they get along well.
“Come. Follow me.” Rootpaw said, and turned and started heading back towards Mud’s den with his new friend.
When they got back to the den, Mud was sitting there and looking at the ground. He looked up when he saw Rootpaw. “Who is this?” Mud asked.
“This is Pantherstripe. He helped save me during a fight against a group of toms. He wants to stay here, so with your permission, can he stay here for a while?” Rootpaw asked.
“Sure, why not? I’m not that sleepy so we can talk for a while.” Mud said, excited about the newcomer.
“Ok. I better get some sleep then.” Rootpaw said, and for a while he fake slept, trying to listen to what Mud and Pantherstripe were talking about. They mostly talked about things that Rootpaw had talked about with Pantherstripe, but they also got deeper into topics about the sisters.
Eventually, Rootpaw fell asleep to the voices of Pantherstripe and Mud.
Pantherstripe thought for a moment, and then said, “I’m not from anyone. I live by myself.”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, thinking about what the right word was. He had remembered Tree used to be this kind of cat too, but he forgot what the clans had called him, or at least what Tree had said the clans had called him. Memories flashed into Rootpaw’s head, and after a few seconds he got it.
A loner.
Pantherstripe was looking awkwardly at Rootpaw. “Hello? Rootpaw?”
Rootpaw realized he had been staring at Pantherstripe.
“Oh, sorry. You are a loner, correct?”
Pantherstripe laughed and said, “What is a loner? I just live by myself, but I never thought of a name for it.”
“We call cats who live by themselves ‘loners’. I’m from the clans.” Rootpaw blurted out, and then debated whether he should have said that.
“Hmm. The clans. Never heard of them. What are they?” Pantherstripe asked, now curious.
“They are five groups of cats that live by the lake and work together. Their names are; Skyclan, Thunderclan, Shadowclan, Windclan, and Riverclan. I’m from Skyclan.” Rootpaw said, and he didn’t think for a moment he was giving away too much.
“That’s cool! It would be nice to have some company like that all day.” Pantherstripe said, and then added, “I have lived by myself for my whole life, or at least, most of it.”
“You have lived with other cats?” Rootpaw asked, surprised.
“Yes. My parents. I don’t remember their names or anything about them. All I remember was when I opened my eyes for the first time, as a kit, there was fighting going on, and I heard a lot of screams. I think my parents...died. I’m not sure though. There was a black tom that looked like me, and I think that was my father. There was also a smaller she-cat, who I think was my mother. They were fighting a group of big toms, and I don’t think they made it out alive.” Pantherstripe said, and Rootpaw was surprised how much Pantherstripe was willing to tell other cats about his life, because he had seemed quite private in the beginning. Rootpaw nodded.
“I can’t imagine living without my parents.”
Pantherstripe looked behind Rootpaw, as if his parents were somewhere behind him. “Well, isn’t that what you are doing right now?”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, and realized that Pantherstripe was right. “Yes. I am on a journey, so I left them.”
“Well, it’s not that hard. You grow up by yourself, and I like that better. You learn more that way. But I would still like to meet my parents once in my life, which is why I am wandering around, trying to find them.” Pantherstripe said, still looking into the distance.
“You said that your parents were fighting a group of large tom's right? I think...well, I might know who you are talking about.” Rootpaw said, thinking about Ripper’s helper cats.
Pantherstripe’s eyes widened and he said, “You...you do? Really?”
Rootpaw nodded and told Pantherstripe the long story of how he got to where he was now, with Pantherstripe.
Pantherstripe then said, “So you think they might be Ripper’s cats?”
“They might. I think you will get a better understanding if I tell you a bit more about the clans and why I am here.” Rootpaw said.
“Ok.”
“So, let’s start with the groups. There are five groups, like I told you. All of them live together, and around each other, though they all have separate territories. They all live by the ‘Warrior Code’. The ‘Warrior Code’ is a set of rules that every cat in the clans have to follow, so we can live peacefully. Some of the rules are you have to hunt in your territory, you can’t cross into other clans territory, you can’t mate with a cat from another clan,” and as Rootpaw said that, he started thinking about Bristlepaw again, but told himself to focus, so after a brief pause kept going, “and a lot more. Then there is a sixth clan called Starclan. They are our ancestors, and when you die in one of the clans you go to Starclan. Starclan shares dreams with us about prophecies and what we have to do to solve problems.” Rootpaw said, and took a deep breathe.
“Weird.” is the one word Pantherstripe replied with, and Rootpaw went on.
“I got a dream from one of the cats in Starclan that I have to go on a journey to learn about my power. My power is I have the ability to talk to the earth.” Rootpaw said.
“So the earth is alive!” Pantherstripe said, shocked. Rootpaw smiled.
“Yes, it is. It has helped guide me to where I am now.” Rootpaw said, getting a bit proud.
“Where are you now though? Do you live with someone?” Pantherstripe asked.
“I live with an amazing dude named Mud. He is very kind and I am staying there until I realize what I am supposed to do.”
“What do you mean, supposed to do?”
“I recently got another dream from Starclan saying that you still need to stay on the journey, because now you have to help many cats. I don’t know what this means, so I am waiting until something happens.” Rootpaw said.
“Well maybe you shouldn’t wait until something happens. Maybe you have to do something to make the happen happen. I don’t know though, I have never experienced dreams from Starclan, because I barely even dream.” Pantherstripe said.
Rootpaw shook his head and said, “No, it’s not like that. You have to be part of the clans to get dreams, and even if you don’t dream you will get them. They are more like visions than they are like dreams.”
“Oh. That’s even more weird. Anyway, may I stay with you and Mud for a while?” Pantherstripe asked, and added, “I’m fine if you don’t want me staying.”
“I will have to ask Mud, but I think he will agree to let you stay.” Rootpaw said, and then thought.
Hopefully Mud lets him stay. I hope they get along well.
“Come. Follow me.” Rootpaw said, and turned and started heading back towards Mud’s den with his new friend.
When they got back to the den, Mud was sitting there and looking at the ground. He looked up when he saw Rootpaw. “Who is this?” Mud asked.
“This is Pantherstripe. He helped save me during a fight against a group of toms. He wants to stay here, so with your permission, can he stay here for a while?” Rootpaw asked.
“Sure, why not? I’m not that sleepy so we can talk for a while.” Mud said, excited about the newcomer.
“Ok. I better get some sleep then.” Rootpaw said, and for a while he fake slept, trying to listen to what Mud and Pantherstripe were talking about. They mostly talked about things that Rootpaw had talked about with Pantherstripe, but they also got deeper into topics about the sisters.
Eventually, Rootpaw fell asleep to the voices of Pantherstripe and Mud.
Chapter 19
The next morning, Rootpaw woke up and found Mud and Pantherstripe sleeping next to each other.
This has been such a long journey, and I have met so many cats on the way. I never realized how much you can learn from just being out on your own, in the wild.
Rootpaw sat there for a while, reflecting on his journey, or at least how much he had completed of it. As Pantherstripe and Mud started to stir, he got up and groomed himself quickly. “Time to get out guys.” Rootpaw said, and Mud stared at Rootpaw, remembering what had happened last night.
After Pantherstripe and Mud had groomed, Pantherstripe said, “Well, Rootpaw. I don’t know about Mud, but I am going to come with you on this journey, and I am going to help you through it.”
Immediately after he said that, Mud added, “No, don’t worry. I think it is time I left this old den and moved on. I need to get something done in my life, so I will come with you.”
Rootpaw was surprised at how quickly they both wanted to help him, and he was lost for words. “Th..thank you. This will not just help me, but it will help the clans, or at least I think so. I think this means we better set out today!” Rootpaw said, excited. It had been many days since he had journeyed, as he had stayed with Mud for a while.
Mud looked back at his den as they slipped out of it. Rootpaw knew what he was thinking, and he said, “You can have some time with it. We don’t have to leave until sunhigh.” Mud nodded and slipped back in. After Mud had gone back in his den, Rootpaw looked at Pantherstripe. He was looking at the ground, and seemed to be thinking of something that made him cry. He closed his eyes and looked up at Rootpaw.
“What are you thinking about?” Rootpaw asked.
“I am thinking about my parents. I am thinking about how lucky I am to meet you, someone who has journeyed in places I have not. Someone who might know what happened to my parents.” Pantherstripe said, and Rootpaw could see happiness and sadness at the same time in his eyes.
“Well, not to be rude, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up if I were you.” Rootpaw said, thinking about advice Tree had given him, “If you get your hopes up and then we don’t find your parents, you will be really sad. You will be better off keeping your hopes low, and then you will be happy if we do find them. Your choice though.”
Pantherstripe nodded and said, “You are quite smart. Where did you learn all of this?”
“My father. His name is Tree. He was a loner, but he came to the clans. Before he was a loner, he was part of a group of cats called ‘The Sisters’, which are a group of she-cats that have kits and send the toms off into the world as loners, and the she-cats stay and have more kits. Mud is a sister who became a loner.” Rootpaw said.
Pantherstripe’s eyes widened in shock again and he barely said, “Mud? Mud...he’s a sister? Or whatever you called them? I can’t believe it.”
“Why not? What’s so crazy about Mud being a sister?”
“I think I have met them. They seemed mysterious and spooky.”
“They kind of are. They have their own ancestors and spirits, and they do rituals and other things that the clans don’t. They are more connected to their ancestors than we are to ours.”
“Wait a minute. Didn’t you say your father was a sister?” Pantherstripe asked, and when Rootpaw nodded he went on to say, “Doesn’t that make you a sister?”
“Yes. I am a sister, and that is why I can talk to the earth. I can also see ghost cats like a sister.” Rootpaw said.
“You can see ghosts?! This is nuts!” Pantherstripe said, amazed like a little apprentice would be the first time they went to a gathering. “We are so boring compared to all of this. Clans, sisters, Starclans, I can’t remember. I wish I was part of the clans.” Rootpaw wanted to tell him you might be, if you go to the leaders and ask them, but he held back because he didn’t want to get into that.
“The clans are more than that, Pantherstripe. There are also some downsides. You have to follow the ‘Warrior Code’ like I told you yesterday. You have to listen to the deputy, the leader, and you have to go hunting, on patrols, and you have to fight.” Rootpaw said, making sure Pantherstripe knew everything.
Pantherstripe nodded, but still excitedly said, “I would still like to be in the clans.” and all Rootpaw could do was nod.
“What is some of your history?” Rootpaw asked, getting curious.
“Well, it hasn’t been much. I just grew up walking around, hunting, living alone. I have seen many cats and lived with lots of them. I always feel sad when I leave a cat, knowing that I won’t see them ever again.” Pantherstripe said, looking into the distance.
“Also, er, where did you learn how to fight so good?” Rootpaw asked, trying to recall the scenes of Pantherstripe fighting in his head.
Pantherstripe laughed and said, “I haven’t learned from anyone. You just get better and better the more you do it.”
“Well, then who did you practice on?” Rootpaw asked, and realized that was a stupid question when Pantherstripe laughed even harder.
“I told you, I live by myself. There are lots of bad cats that always want to capture and hurt you. You have to fight them. I have gotten captured, but you have to remember that there is always a way. Always. You just have to find it.” Pantherstripe said, looking into the distance one more time.
Just then, Mud slipped out of his den, for the last time. Tears poured down his cheeks as he looked back at it. “Well, we better get going.” he said through his tears. Rootpaw padded over to him and wiped his tears away.
“Don’t cry. It’s just a home.” Rootpaw said.
“I know, I know, but I can’t help it.” Mud said, and looked down.
“Maybe after we finish whatever Rootpaw is supposed to do, we can come back, and you can live here again.” Pantherstripe said, and Rootpaw looked gratefully at him.
Pantherstripe does indeed have some good ideas to cheer people up.
After Mud stopped crying, the new trio set off, into the open, cool, and windy moorland.
This has been such a long journey, and I have met so many cats on the way. I never realized how much you can learn from just being out on your own, in the wild.
Rootpaw sat there for a while, reflecting on his journey, or at least how much he had completed of it. As Pantherstripe and Mud started to stir, he got up and groomed himself quickly. “Time to get out guys.” Rootpaw said, and Mud stared at Rootpaw, remembering what had happened last night.
After Pantherstripe and Mud had groomed, Pantherstripe said, “Well, Rootpaw. I don’t know about Mud, but I am going to come with you on this journey, and I am going to help you through it.”
Immediately after he said that, Mud added, “No, don’t worry. I think it is time I left this old den and moved on. I need to get something done in my life, so I will come with you.”
Rootpaw was surprised at how quickly they both wanted to help him, and he was lost for words. “Th..thank you. This will not just help me, but it will help the clans, or at least I think so. I think this means we better set out today!” Rootpaw said, excited. It had been many days since he had journeyed, as he had stayed with Mud for a while.
Mud looked back at his den as they slipped out of it. Rootpaw knew what he was thinking, and he said, “You can have some time with it. We don’t have to leave until sunhigh.” Mud nodded and slipped back in. After Mud had gone back in his den, Rootpaw looked at Pantherstripe. He was looking at the ground, and seemed to be thinking of something that made him cry. He closed his eyes and looked up at Rootpaw.
“What are you thinking about?” Rootpaw asked.
“I am thinking about my parents. I am thinking about how lucky I am to meet you, someone who has journeyed in places I have not. Someone who might know what happened to my parents.” Pantherstripe said, and Rootpaw could see happiness and sadness at the same time in his eyes.
“Well, not to be rude, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up if I were you.” Rootpaw said, thinking about advice Tree had given him, “If you get your hopes up and then we don’t find your parents, you will be really sad. You will be better off keeping your hopes low, and then you will be happy if we do find them. Your choice though.”
Pantherstripe nodded and said, “You are quite smart. Where did you learn all of this?”
“My father. His name is Tree. He was a loner, but he came to the clans. Before he was a loner, he was part of a group of cats called ‘The Sisters’, which are a group of she-cats that have kits and send the toms off into the world as loners, and the she-cats stay and have more kits. Mud is a sister who became a loner.” Rootpaw said.
Pantherstripe’s eyes widened in shock again and he barely said, “Mud? Mud...he’s a sister? Or whatever you called them? I can’t believe it.”
“Why not? What’s so crazy about Mud being a sister?”
“I think I have met them. They seemed mysterious and spooky.”
“They kind of are. They have their own ancestors and spirits, and they do rituals and other things that the clans don’t. They are more connected to their ancestors than we are to ours.”
“Wait a minute. Didn’t you say your father was a sister?” Pantherstripe asked, and when Rootpaw nodded he went on to say, “Doesn’t that make you a sister?”
“Yes. I am a sister, and that is why I can talk to the earth. I can also see ghost cats like a sister.” Rootpaw said.
“You can see ghosts?! This is nuts!” Pantherstripe said, amazed like a little apprentice would be the first time they went to a gathering. “We are so boring compared to all of this. Clans, sisters, Starclans, I can’t remember. I wish I was part of the clans.” Rootpaw wanted to tell him you might be, if you go to the leaders and ask them, but he held back because he didn’t want to get into that.
“The clans are more than that, Pantherstripe. There are also some downsides. You have to follow the ‘Warrior Code’ like I told you yesterday. You have to listen to the deputy, the leader, and you have to go hunting, on patrols, and you have to fight.” Rootpaw said, making sure Pantherstripe knew everything.
Pantherstripe nodded, but still excitedly said, “I would still like to be in the clans.” and all Rootpaw could do was nod.
“What is some of your history?” Rootpaw asked, getting curious.
“Well, it hasn’t been much. I just grew up walking around, hunting, living alone. I have seen many cats and lived with lots of them. I always feel sad when I leave a cat, knowing that I won’t see them ever again.” Pantherstripe said, looking into the distance.
“Also, er, where did you learn how to fight so good?” Rootpaw asked, trying to recall the scenes of Pantherstripe fighting in his head.
Pantherstripe laughed and said, “I haven’t learned from anyone. You just get better and better the more you do it.”
“Well, then who did you practice on?” Rootpaw asked, and realized that was a stupid question when Pantherstripe laughed even harder.
“I told you, I live by myself. There are lots of bad cats that always want to capture and hurt you. You have to fight them. I have gotten captured, but you have to remember that there is always a way. Always. You just have to find it.” Pantherstripe said, looking into the distance one more time.
Just then, Mud slipped out of his den, for the last time. Tears poured down his cheeks as he looked back at it. “Well, we better get going.” he said through his tears. Rootpaw padded over to him and wiped his tears away.
“Don’t cry. It’s just a home.” Rootpaw said.
“I know, I know, but I can’t help it.” Mud said, and looked down.
“Maybe after we finish whatever Rootpaw is supposed to do, we can come back, and you can live here again.” Pantherstripe said, and Rootpaw looked gratefully at him.
Pantherstripe does indeed have some good ideas to cheer people up.
After Mud stopped crying, the new trio set off, into the open, cool, and windy moorland.
Chapter 20
When the trio set off, they moved at a steady pace in the open moorland. As the day went on, they talked about many different things. While doing so, Mud kept thinking about Pantherstripe. Mud knew that was what he did all the time when meeting new cats, and he had even done that when he met Rootpaw. He kept thinking about the same question, but he was afraid to ask Pantherstripe.
Around sunhigh, when they had taken a break, all 3 decided to go hunting to get some fresh-kill.
“It will mostly be rabbits around here.” Rootpaw said, “As it’s moorland, obviously. I haven’t seen much prey though, so let’s see how much we can actually find to catch.”
“I see some trees in the distance over there,” Pantherstripe said, “Me and Mud can go hunt over there.”
“Sure.” Mud said, and they got up and left. Rootpaw decided to go in the other direction.
Pantherstripe and Mud walked side-by-side, and Mud got the courage to ask Pantherstripe, and he realized one thing.
I don’t know why I didn’t have courage before. This question isn’t even that private.
“So, how did you get your name?” Mud asked openly, and hopping Pantherstripe would answer.
“I, I actually don’t know.” Pantherstripe said, “I never knew what my parents called me, because they got taken away when I was just born. I think I just started calling myself Pantherstripe.”
“Cool. I wish I got to choose my name!” Mud said.
“What would you name yourself?” Pantherstripe asked.
“Hmm. I don’t know. I think I like Mud.”
“Then why would you want the ability to choose your name? I know, I feel the same way. Everyone likes their name and doesn’t want to change it, even if they feel like it.” Pantherstripe said, and then added, “I think actually, someone named me that. Pantherstripe. I think I met a cat. His name was Sol. He called me Pantherstripe, which made me call myself that. I met him when I was very young. Maybe just three moons old or so. He told me he was journeying. He told me he had been to the clans.”
“The clans?! Rootpaw is from the clans!” Mud said, excited, “I wonder if Rootpaw knows about them.”
“I doubt it. He is too young. Sol must have met the clans before Rootpaw was born. Long before he was born.” Pantherstripe said, “Anyway, we better get moving.”
The duo quickened their pace and soon enough they got to the group of trees. “It is weird to see trees randomly in the moor like this. It’s good for us though!” Mud said, and leaped in. He crouched and padded forward slowly, towards the mouse he had scented. When he came close enough, he pounced and easily caught it.
When Mud got out of the group of trees, Pantherstripe was waiting with his own mouse in his jaws. They both quickly headed back to their temporary camp, where Rootpaw was waiting for them with a rabbit. “Well, that was a quicker hunt than I had expected.” Rootpaw said.
“I know. Me and Pantherstripe found prey almost immediately after getting in the trees over there.” Mud said, pointing back, “Let’s eat up and get a move on.” he added after looking at the sun, which was past sunhigh.
They quickly ate up and set off again, in the same direction. Rootpaw was in the lead, with Pantherstripe at his side. Mud was in the back, making sure no enemies were coming.
Towards the end of the day, with the sun setting, Pantherstripe and Rootpaw heard a shriek from behind them which made them immediately turn around. There, they both saw Mud fighting a large tom, and the tom was winning with a huge size advantage. Pantherstripe leaped at them, but he and Rootpaw were pulled back by two other large toms.
“Who are you?” Pantherstripe asked, while fighting his tom.
“We are Ripper’s cats. Come with us.” Pantherstripe’s tom replied, and fought harder.
“Never!” Pantherstripe growled and used a move Rootpaw had never seen to pin his tom down.
“Focus on your own fight, kitty.” Rootpaw’s large tom said, and Rootpaw started fighting harder. Pantherstripe was beating his tom, but Rootpaw was having a hard time under the weight of his, and Mud was almost defeated.
When Pantherstripe finished his tom off, he leaped onto Rootpaw’s tom and together they quickly defeated the tom. When they both turned around to check on Mud, they saw no cat. Instead, they just saw the moor.
“Where is he?” Rootpaw asked, looking around frantically.
“I don’t know. I think the tom fighting him took him away. To Ripper.” Pantherstripe said, “We better go find Ripper and get Mud.”
“I agree. Let’s set off right now.” Rootpaw said.
“Let’s wait until tomorrow, as it is almost dark.” Pantherstripe said, “Hopefully they don’t hurt him. Tomorrow we have to make big progress if we want to get there. You know where he is right?”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, looked in the direction they had come, and pointed left. “If I remember correctly, he came from that direction.”
“Ok. We will set off tomorrow, and hopefully we find him.”
“He lived in some forest. I remember his camp. It was quite hidden, but it was massive.” Rootpaw said, “I’m going to go to sleep.”
“Sure. I will stay guard and wake you at moon high.” Pantherstripe said as he sat down.
Rootpaw closed his eyes and immediately fell into a dream. In front of him, again, was Clear Sky. He was looking at Rootpaw with gleaming eyes. “You are doing amazing.” He said, and Rootpaw looked down, embarrassed.
“What did I do that made it amazing? I barely even know what I did.” Rootpaw said, still looking down.
“I am just happy because you are on track. Pantherstripe really changed you. He is right. You have to do something. You can’t just wait for something to happen.” Clear Sky said, “That is all I want to tell you. Keep doing what you are doing and you will be back with your parents and the clans in no time!” Clear Sky said, and started fading.
With that, Rootpaw was awakened by Pantherstripe. They switched roles, and Rootpaw guarded for the rest of the night, while thinking about Bristlepaw.
Around sunhigh, when they had taken a break, all 3 decided to go hunting to get some fresh-kill.
“It will mostly be rabbits around here.” Rootpaw said, “As it’s moorland, obviously. I haven’t seen much prey though, so let’s see how much we can actually find to catch.”
“I see some trees in the distance over there,” Pantherstripe said, “Me and Mud can go hunt over there.”
“Sure.” Mud said, and they got up and left. Rootpaw decided to go in the other direction.
Pantherstripe and Mud walked side-by-side, and Mud got the courage to ask Pantherstripe, and he realized one thing.
I don’t know why I didn’t have courage before. This question isn’t even that private.
“So, how did you get your name?” Mud asked openly, and hopping Pantherstripe would answer.
“I, I actually don’t know.” Pantherstripe said, “I never knew what my parents called me, because they got taken away when I was just born. I think I just started calling myself Pantherstripe.”
“Cool. I wish I got to choose my name!” Mud said.
“What would you name yourself?” Pantherstripe asked.
“Hmm. I don’t know. I think I like Mud.”
“Then why would you want the ability to choose your name? I know, I feel the same way. Everyone likes their name and doesn’t want to change it, even if they feel like it.” Pantherstripe said, and then added, “I think actually, someone named me that. Pantherstripe. I think I met a cat. His name was Sol. He called me Pantherstripe, which made me call myself that. I met him when I was very young. Maybe just three moons old or so. He told me he was journeying. He told me he had been to the clans.”
“The clans?! Rootpaw is from the clans!” Mud said, excited, “I wonder if Rootpaw knows about them.”
“I doubt it. He is too young. Sol must have met the clans before Rootpaw was born. Long before he was born.” Pantherstripe said, “Anyway, we better get moving.”
The duo quickened their pace and soon enough they got to the group of trees. “It is weird to see trees randomly in the moor like this. It’s good for us though!” Mud said, and leaped in. He crouched and padded forward slowly, towards the mouse he had scented. When he came close enough, he pounced and easily caught it.
When Mud got out of the group of trees, Pantherstripe was waiting with his own mouse in his jaws. They both quickly headed back to their temporary camp, where Rootpaw was waiting for them with a rabbit. “Well, that was a quicker hunt than I had expected.” Rootpaw said.
“I know. Me and Pantherstripe found prey almost immediately after getting in the trees over there.” Mud said, pointing back, “Let’s eat up and get a move on.” he added after looking at the sun, which was past sunhigh.
They quickly ate up and set off again, in the same direction. Rootpaw was in the lead, with Pantherstripe at his side. Mud was in the back, making sure no enemies were coming.
Towards the end of the day, with the sun setting, Pantherstripe and Rootpaw heard a shriek from behind them which made them immediately turn around. There, they both saw Mud fighting a large tom, and the tom was winning with a huge size advantage. Pantherstripe leaped at them, but he and Rootpaw were pulled back by two other large toms.
“Who are you?” Pantherstripe asked, while fighting his tom.
“We are Ripper’s cats. Come with us.” Pantherstripe’s tom replied, and fought harder.
“Never!” Pantherstripe growled and used a move Rootpaw had never seen to pin his tom down.
“Focus on your own fight, kitty.” Rootpaw’s large tom said, and Rootpaw started fighting harder. Pantherstripe was beating his tom, but Rootpaw was having a hard time under the weight of his, and Mud was almost defeated.
When Pantherstripe finished his tom off, he leaped onto Rootpaw’s tom and together they quickly defeated the tom. When they both turned around to check on Mud, they saw no cat. Instead, they just saw the moor.
“Where is he?” Rootpaw asked, looking around frantically.
“I don’t know. I think the tom fighting him took him away. To Ripper.” Pantherstripe said, “We better go find Ripper and get Mud.”
“I agree. Let’s set off right now.” Rootpaw said.
“Let’s wait until tomorrow, as it is almost dark.” Pantherstripe said, “Hopefully they don’t hurt him. Tomorrow we have to make big progress if we want to get there. You know where he is right?”
Rootpaw thought for a moment, looked in the direction they had come, and pointed left. “If I remember correctly, he came from that direction.”
“Ok. We will set off tomorrow, and hopefully we find him.”
“He lived in some forest. I remember his camp. It was quite hidden, but it was massive.” Rootpaw said, “I’m going to go to sleep.”
“Sure. I will stay guard and wake you at moon high.” Pantherstripe said as he sat down.
Rootpaw closed his eyes and immediately fell into a dream. In front of him, again, was Clear Sky. He was looking at Rootpaw with gleaming eyes. “You are doing amazing.” He said, and Rootpaw looked down, embarrassed.
“What did I do that made it amazing? I barely even know what I did.” Rootpaw said, still looking down.
“I am just happy because you are on track. Pantherstripe really changed you. He is right. You have to do something. You can’t just wait for something to happen.” Clear Sky said, “That is all I want to tell you. Keep doing what you are doing and you will be back with your parents and the clans in no time!” Clear Sky said, and started fading.
With that, Rootpaw was awakened by Pantherstripe. They switched roles, and Rootpaw guarded for the rest of the night, while thinking about Bristlepaw.
Chapter 21
In the morning, Rootpaw shook Pantherstripe, and after a few minutes both of them had groomed themselves and were ready to set off.
“Let’s get going. We need to get to Ripper fast!” Rootpaw said, and he set off, running.
“Slow down! You won’t last running that long!” Pantherstripe shouted from behind, “You are better off pacing yourself, so you can go farther.”
“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Rootpaw said, rolling his eyes.
“That little kit.” Pantherstripe said, rolling his eyes, and decided to keep his pace.
After what seemed like a few minutes to Rootpaw, he started getting tired. “This is tiring.” he said, while panting. He slowed his pace to a normal walk, and Pantherstripe quickly caught up to him.
“What did I tell you?” Pantherstripe asked, looking at Rootpaw like he was dumb, which was what Rootpaw felt, and Pantherstripe seemed to see it because he said, “Don’t feel bad about it. If you feel bad about everything you do, you won’t feel anything but bad because everyone makes mistakes the first time they do something. It is just about whether you continue to make those mistakes or you learn from them.”
After that, none of them said a word to each other until they got to Ripper’s camp, or at least around there. When they got to the forest, Rootpaw recognized the trees, and said, “Yup. This is the forest his camp is in.”
“Ok then. Don’t make a sound.” Pantherstripe whispered, and slipped into the bushes after Rootpaw.
Rootpaw led them farther in, not knowing where he was going.
Pantherstripe is trusting me to take us to camp, but I have no clue where I am going.
Eventually, Rootpaw came to a small path. He looked closely at it, and said, “This is the last path I came to before I escaped. I remember where to go now. Let's go. We are quite close." Rootpaw said, and quickly crossed the path and into the bushes on the other side.
He now went parallel to the path, just inside the bushes so in case any cat was walking on it no one saw.
As expected, a large tom was walking on the path with a group of thin, helpless, and struggling cats behind him. Rootpaw flinched at sight of them again.
"Are those captured cats?" Pantherstripe asked, shocked.
"Shh. Yes, and as you can see they are in very bad shape." Rootpaw said, nudging Pantherstripe. Pantherstripe nodded, understanding to be quieter.
As they went forward, eventually they came to a very thick and dense layer of bushes. “I believe this is the border of the camp.” Rootpaw said.
“Ok. Wanna check it out?” Pantherstripe asked, and Rootpaw could see a gleam of excitement in his amber eyes.
“Sure, but be careful. We are screwed if they spot us.” Rootpaw said, and before he could move a muscle Pantherstripe padded up to the bushes and slowly pushed his head through. Rootpaw guessed he could see, because he didn’t say anything for a while. Rootpaw padded up next to him and peered through the bushes as well. Inside, he saw the familiar large, vertical camp. “It’s really long, but not that wide.” Rootpaw said, “Look how far it goes on to the left.”
“I know. I don’t even think we can see the whole thing. So many struggling cats. You are going to have to save all of them. This is going to be a tough journey, but when you get back to the clans you will have a heck of a story to tell.” Pantherstripe said.
Rootpaw hadn’t thought about the fact that he, along with Pantherstripe and Mud would be the ones going to save all of these cats, and the thought of going up against all of Ripper’s cats made him nervous. He knew even him along with his friends wouldn’t be able to do it, and he would need more cats. Enough cats to take on all of Ripper’s helpers. And Rootpaw also realized that this, right now, was the first step of the long journey it was going to be to save these cats.
He closed his eyes and hoped that Starclan, mainly Clear Sky, was watching, and was there to help him. When he did so, he heard a familiar voice in his head, “I am with you.” and he thought for a moment, and then remembered the earth.
Ripper has tons of cats. I have Mud and Pantherstripe. I have Starclan. I have the Earth.
“Let’s get going. We need to get to Ripper fast!” Rootpaw said, and he set off, running.
“Slow down! You won’t last running that long!” Pantherstripe shouted from behind, “You are better off pacing yourself, so you can go farther.”
“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Rootpaw said, rolling his eyes.
“That little kit.” Pantherstripe said, rolling his eyes, and decided to keep his pace.
After what seemed like a few minutes to Rootpaw, he started getting tired. “This is tiring.” he said, while panting. He slowed his pace to a normal walk, and Pantherstripe quickly caught up to him.
“What did I tell you?” Pantherstripe asked, looking at Rootpaw like he was dumb, which was what Rootpaw felt, and Pantherstripe seemed to see it because he said, “Don’t feel bad about it. If you feel bad about everything you do, you won’t feel anything but bad because everyone makes mistakes the first time they do something. It is just about whether you continue to make those mistakes or you learn from them.”
After that, none of them said a word to each other until they got to Ripper’s camp, or at least around there. When they got to the forest, Rootpaw recognized the trees, and said, “Yup. This is the forest his camp is in.”
“Ok then. Don’t make a sound.” Pantherstripe whispered, and slipped into the bushes after Rootpaw.
Rootpaw led them farther in, not knowing where he was going.
Pantherstripe is trusting me to take us to camp, but I have no clue where I am going.
Eventually, Rootpaw came to a small path. He looked closely at it, and said, “This is the last path I came to before I escaped. I remember where to go now. Let's go. We are quite close." Rootpaw said, and quickly crossed the path and into the bushes on the other side.
He now went parallel to the path, just inside the bushes so in case any cat was walking on it no one saw.
As expected, a large tom was walking on the path with a group of thin, helpless, and struggling cats behind him. Rootpaw flinched at sight of them again.
"Are those captured cats?" Pantherstripe asked, shocked.
"Shh. Yes, and as you can see they are in very bad shape." Rootpaw said, nudging Pantherstripe. Pantherstripe nodded, understanding to be quieter.
As they went forward, eventually they came to a very thick and dense layer of bushes. “I believe this is the border of the camp.” Rootpaw said.
“Ok. Wanna check it out?” Pantherstripe asked, and Rootpaw could see a gleam of excitement in his amber eyes.
“Sure, but be careful. We are screwed if they spot us.” Rootpaw said, and before he could move a muscle Pantherstripe padded up to the bushes and slowly pushed his head through. Rootpaw guessed he could see, because he didn’t say anything for a while. Rootpaw padded up next to him and peered through the bushes as well. Inside, he saw the familiar large, vertical camp. “It’s really long, but not that wide.” Rootpaw said, “Look how far it goes on to the left.”
“I know. I don’t even think we can see the whole thing. So many struggling cats. You are going to have to save all of them. This is going to be a tough journey, but when you get back to the clans you will have a heck of a story to tell.” Pantherstripe said.
Rootpaw hadn’t thought about the fact that he, along with Pantherstripe and Mud would be the ones going to save all of these cats, and the thought of going up against all of Ripper’s cats made him nervous. He knew even him along with his friends wouldn’t be able to do it, and he would need more cats. Enough cats to take on all of Ripper’s helpers. And Rootpaw also realized that this, right now, was the first step of the long journey it was going to be to save these cats.
He closed his eyes and hoped that Starclan, mainly Clear Sky, was watching, and was there to help him. When he did so, he heard a familiar voice in his head, “I am with you.” and he thought for a moment, and then remembered the earth.
Ripper has tons of cats. I have Mud and Pantherstripe. I have Starclan. I have the Earth.
Chapter 22
“Ok ok. We have to find Mud.” Rootpaw said.
“It might be better if we rescue all the cats at once.” Pantherstripe said, in planning mode.
“Yes, but we will need a lot of cats to help us.” Rootpaw said, “And Mud can help us find some cats.”
Pantherstripe nodded and said, “Ok. Let’s get Mud out of here.”
“You go that way,” Rootpaw said, using his tail to point, “And I will go the other way. We meet back here after we see Mud.”
“Let’s go!” Pantherstripe said, as he padded in the direction Rootpaw had told him to go. Rootpaw went the other way, going just inside the bushes, but still peeking through them now and then, just in case he could see Mud. As he went farther and farther down the side of the camp, he felt more and more horrible inside himself, looking at all of the struggling cats who needed help. At last, he came to the end of the camp, where a broad shouldered tom was standing guard. Rootpaw decided not to show himself, and turned back with no luck of finding Mud.
Hopefully Pantherstripe saw him.
When he got back to their meeting point, Pantherstripe was nowhere to be found. Rootpaw waited for a few minutes, but he only heard his own footsteps, along with a few squeals and shrieks of pain from inside the camp. He decided to go in Pantherstripe’s direction, and when he did, he eventually found Pantherstripe.
“I see Mud. He’s right there. Let’s get him.” Pantherstripe said, and he crouched down, as if hunting, and slowly padded up to the line of bushes that marked the border of the camp.
“No. I have an idea that will be more reliable.” Rootpaw said, shaking his head, “Pantherstripe, stop!” Rootpaw said as loud as he could without anyone hearing.
Pantherstripe didn’t listen. He kept going closer, and when Rootpaw stepped in his way, he pushed him aside.
What the heck is this guy doing? He looks as if he is in a trance….
Pantherstripe leaped up, through the bushes, and many eyes turned in his direction as he grabbed Mud and ran down the center path of the camp. Rootpaw saw he was going to need help at the back entrance to the camp, as there were two guards there that had spotted the commotion and were moving towards Pantherstripe with unsheathed claws.
Pantherstripe! Stop!
But Rootpaw didn’t dare say anything out loud, and realized he had no choice but to go and help Pantherstripe. He rushed forward, still outside the camp, and leaped over the bushes and pounced on one of the guards, from a perfectly timed jump. Rootpaw slashed at the she-cat guard, and the she-cat immediately fell to the ground, weak.
“Help me, please…” the she-cat rasped, managing to get a few words out, “I am helpless.” Rootpaw wished he had more time to think, but he didn’t, so he dragged the she-cat out with him, but right then, the last thing Rootpaw wanted to happen happened. Ripper came out of nowhere and knocked Rootpaw to the ground. The she-cat, surprised, got loose of Rootpaw’s grip and pounced on Ripper.
She’s actually fighting! For me! These cats will do anything to escape from Ripper.
Ripper easily fought off the she-cat, but Rootpaw was already at his throat. He grabbed Ripper’s dark throat, and tightened his grip around it, trying to choke him. Three of Ripper’s helpers rushed forward and pushed Rootpaw off.
“Let him go, with the she-cat, and the brown tom.” Ripper said, still struggling.
Rootpaw’s eyes widened, as he had never imagined Ripper would let him go so easily.
This guy could have easily crushed me, if he had unleashed all of his guards. I think he’s almost unconscious, so he doesn’t notice that. Oh well, lucky me!
Rootpaw rushed out of the entrance and found Pantherstripe on the moor, off of Ripper’s forest territory, with Mud and the she-cat.
“Well, we got two cats out rather than one!” Pantherstripe said, and added, “I’m going to sleep.” Rootpaw nodded, and immediately they both fell to the ground, extremely tired.
Well, no one is staying up as guard. Starclan, please protect us this night.
“It might be better if we rescue all the cats at once.” Pantherstripe said, in planning mode.
“Yes, but we will need a lot of cats to help us.” Rootpaw said, “And Mud can help us find some cats.”
Pantherstripe nodded and said, “Ok. Let’s get Mud out of here.”
“You go that way,” Rootpaw said, using his tail to point, “And I will go the other way. We meet back here after we see Mud.”
“Let’s go!” Pantherstripe said, as he padded in the direction Rootpaw had told him to go. Rootpaw went the other way, going just inside the bushes, but still peeking through them now and then, just in case he could see Mud. As he went farther and farther down the side of the camp, he felt more and more horrible inside himself, looking at all of the struggling cats who needed help. At last, he came to the end of the camp, where a broad shouldered tom was standing guard. Rootpaw decided not to show himself, and turned back with no luck of finding Mud.
Hopefully Pantherstripe saw him.
When he got back to their meeting point, Pantherstripe was nowhere to be found. Rootpaw waited for a few minutes, but he only heard his own footsteps, along with a few squeals and shrieks of pain from inside the camp. He decided to go in Pantherstripe’s direction, and when he did, he eventually found Pantherstripe.
“I see Mud. He’s right there. Let’s get him.” Pantherstripe said, and he crouched down, as if hunting, and slowly padded up to the line of bushes that marked the border of the camp.
“No. I have an idea that will be more reliable.” Rootpaw said, shaking his head, “Pantherstripe, stop!” Rootpaw said as loud as he could without anyone hearing.
Pantherstripe didn’t listen. He kept going closer, and when Rootpaw stepped in his way, he pushed him aside.
What the heck is this guy doing? He looks as if he is in a trance….
Pantherstripe leaped up, through the bushes, and many eyes turned in his direction as he grabbed Mud and ran down the center path of the camp. Rootpaw saw he was going to need help at the back entrance to the camp, as there were two guards there that had spotted the commotion and were moving towards Pantherstripe with unsheathed claws.
Pantherstripe! Stop!
But Rootpaw didn’t dare say anything out loud, and realized he had no choice but to go and help Pantherstripe. He rushed forward, still outside the camp, and leaped over the bushes and pounced on one of the guards, from a perfectly timed jump. Rootpaw slashed at the she-cat guard, and the she-cat immediately fell to the ground, weak.
“Help me, please…” the she-cat rasped, managing to get a few words out, “I am helpless.” Rootpaw wished he had more time to think, but he didn’t, so he dragged the she-cat out with him, but right then, the last thing Rootpaw wanted to happen happened. Ripper came out of nowhere and knocked Rootpaw to the ground. The she-cat, surprised, got loose of Rootpaw’s grip and pounced on Ripper.
She’s actually fighting! For me! These cats will do anything to escape from Ripper.
Ripper easily fought off the she-cat, but Rootpaw was already at his throat. He grabbed Ripper’s dark throat, and tightened his grip around it, trying to choke him. Three of Ripper’s helpers rushed forward and pushed Rootpaw off.
“Let him go, with the she-cat, and the brown tom.” Ripper said, still struggling.
Rootpaw’s eyes widened, as he had never imagined Ripper would let him go so easily.
This guy could have easily crushed me, if he had unleashed all of his guards. I think he’s almost unconscious, so he doesn’t notice that. Oh well, lucky me!
Rootpaw rushed out of the entrance and found Pantherstripe on the moor, off of Ripper’s forest territory, with Mud and the she-cat.
“Well, we got two cats out rather than one!” Pantherstripe said, and added, “I’m going to sleep.” Rootpaw nodded, and immediately they both fell to the ground, extremely tired.
Well, no one is staying up as guard. Starclan, please protect us this night.
Chapter 23
The next morning Rootpaw happened to be very excited because he would get to meet a new cat. He was always excited about meeting new people, but this was more than anything, because he wanted to get some more information about Ripper. For this reason, he woke up way too early, while everyone else was sleeping.
When he looked around for the she-cat, he saw she wasn’t there. “What?! Where did she go?!” Rootpaw asked, too loud.
“What dude? I’m trying to sleep.” Pantherstripe mumbled while getting off of his nest.
“Where did the she-cat go?” Rootpaw asked, worried.
“I don’t know. Why do you care?” Pantherstripe said, still sleepy.
“Oh great! She was a good source of information.” Rootpaw said.
“What happened?” Mud asked right then, as he had not been listening.
“The she-cat left. I think she was scared of us. We need to find her! She was a good source of information about Ripper.” Rootpaw said, “You guys can sleep. I will go find her.”
“No no it’s fine. I can come.” Pantherstripe said, yawning. He started to walk towards the entrance of the den but Rootpaw rushed forward, in his way.
“I will go, you sleep. If I need help I will call you.” Rootpaw said firmly, but he had no idea why he was making such a big deal about it.
“Ok fine. It’s quite obvious you like that she-cat.” Pantherstripe said, laughing.
“I do not!” Rootpaw said, embarrassed. He tried to think about whether he really liked her, but he couldn’t find anything inside him that did, “Really. I don’t.”
“Yeah yeah. Go on now. See you in the morning if you decide not to go live with that she-cat.” Pantherstripe said, and he fell back down into his nest. Mud was staring at Rootpaw like he was sleeping with his eyes open, but when Rootpaw nudged him he got back to his senses and fell back asleep like Pantherstripe.
Rootpaw pictured the tortoiseshell she cat in his head as he went along, looking out for her. He knew of a close twoleg place, and he guessed the she-cat had gone there.
When he arrived at the twoleg place, he slipped between two twoleg dens and made it to the thunderpath, or at least the thing next to it that twoleg’s walked on. He padded along the hard surface, constantly stopping because of the lack of comfort the hard surface gave when Rootpaw walked on it.
Soon enough, he saw a cat ahead and raced towards it. When he got to it, he immediately asked, “Have you seen a thin tortoiseshell she-cat pass through here recently?”
“Umm….” the tom said, getting onto his feet, “Yes, that cat just passed. Why?”
“I’m looking for her.” Rootpaw said, like it was obvious.
“Ok. I can take you to where I last saw her.” the tom said.
“Cool. Where do you live?” Rootpaw asked.
“I’m Key and I live in the house over there.” Key said, pointing to a rather small twoleg den.
“That’s nice. Now, let’s get going.” Rootpaw said.
“Who are you?” Key asked, wanting to know Rootpaw’s name too.
Rootpaw decided that because this kittypet lived near Ripper’s camp, if a cat helping Ripper came and asked, and this kittypet named Rootpaw, they would know he went there.
Time to think of a fake name lightning fast! Oh, why not, let’s use the same one as before.
“I’m Buster. I live by myself.” Rootpaw said.
“By yourself?! That must be a hard life.” Key said, impressed.
“It must be easy living with a twoleg.” Rootpaw (Buster) said,
“I guess. Now we can get going.” Key said, and poor him, led Rootpaw to the place where he last saw the she-cat, believing his name was Buster. But what could he do?
“This is the last place I caught sight of her. She was heading that way at a slow pace, and I think you could easily catch up.” Key said, “Farewell for now. Hopefully we meet again.”
“Thanks, Key. I will remember you.” Rootpaw said, and thought again about if he really would.
Oh well. Doesn’t matter, even though I really should.
After Rootpaw couldn’t see Key behind him in the distance, he quickened his pace to a run and at about the time the sun was rising he saw a lump of fur in the distance.
I found her.
Rootpaw sped up, and when he got to her she was just waking. “Ahh! Who are you?” the she-cat said, slightly moving away from him.
“Hi. What’s your name, and why did you leave?” Rootpaw asked, trying to be as polite as possible.
“I left because I thought you were going to hurt me, but you clearly seem kind.” the she-cat said, with a glow in her eyes, “I’m Heather.”
When he looked around for the she-cat, he saw she wasn’t there. “What?! Where did she go?!” Rootpaw asked, too loud.
“What dude? I’m trying to sleep.” Pantherstripe mumbled while getting off of his nest.
“Where did the she-cat go?” Rootpaw asked, worried.
“I don’t know. Why do you care?” Pantherstripe said, still sleepy.
“Oh great! She was a good source of information.” Rootpaw said.
“What happened?” Mud asked right then, as he had not been listening.
“The she-cat left. I think she was scared of us. We need to find her! She was a good source of information about Ripper.” Rootpaw said, “You guys can sleep. I will go find her.”
“No no it’s fine. I can come.” Pantherstripe said, yawning. He started to walk towards the entrance of the den but Rootpaw rushed forward, in his way.
“I will go, you sleep. If I need help I will call you.” Rootpaw said firmly, but he had no idea why he was making such a big deal about it.
“Ok fine. It’s quite obvious you like that she-cat.” Pantherstripe said, laughing.
“I do not!” Rootpaw said, embarrassed. He tried to think about whether he really liked her, but he couldn’t find anything inside him that did, “Really. I don’t.”
“Yeah yeah. Go on now. See you in the morning if you decide not to go live with that she-cat.” Pantherstripe said, and he fell back down into his nest. Mud was staring at Rootpaw like he was sleeping with his eyes open, but when Rootpaw nudged him he got back to his senses and fell back asleep like Pantherstripe.
Rootpaw pictured the tortoiseshell she cat in his head as he went along, looking out for her. He knew of a close twoleg place, and he guessed the she-cat had gone there.
When he arrived at the twoleg place, he slipped between two twoleg dens and made it to the thunderpath, or at least the thing next to it that twoleg’s walked on. He padded along the hard surface, constantly stopping because of the lack of comfort the hard surface gave when Rootpaw walked on it.
Soon enough, he saw a cat ahead and raced towards it. When he got to it, he immediately asked, “Have you seen a thin tortoiseshell she-cat pass through here recently?”
“Umm….” the tom said, getting onto his feet, “Yes, that cat just passed. Why?”
“I’m looking for her.” Rootpaw said, like it was obvious.
“Ok. I can take you to where I last saw her.” the tom said.
“Cool. Where do you live?” Rootpaw asked.
“I’m Key and I live in the house over there.” Key said, pointing to a rather small twoleg den.
“That’s nice. Now, let’s get going.” Rootpaw said.
“Who are you?” Key asked, wanting to know Rootpaw’s name too.
Rootpaw decided that because this kittypet lived near Ripper’s camp, if a cat helping Ripper came and asked, and this kittypet named Rootpaw, they would know he went there.
Time to think of a fake name lightning fast! Oh, why not, let’s use the same one as before.
“I’m Buster. I live by myself.” Rootpaw said.
“By yourself?! That must be a hard life.” Key said, impressed.
“It must be easy living with a twoleg.” Rootpaw (Buster) said,
“I guess. Now we can get going.” Key said, and poor him, led Rootpaw to the place where he last saw the she-cat, believing his name was Buster. But what could he do?
“This is the last place I caught sight of her. She was heading that way at a slow pace, and I think you could easily catch up.” Key said, “Farewell for now. Hopefully we meet again.”
“Thanks, Key. I will remember you.” Rootpaw said, and thought again about if he really would.
Oh well. Doesn’t matter, even though I really should.
After Rootpaw couldn’t see Key behind him in the distance, he quickened his pace to a run and at about the time the sun was rising he saw a lump of fur in the distance.
I found her.
Rootpaw sped up, and when he got to her she was just waking. “Ahh! Who are you?” the she-cat said, slightly moving away from him.
“Hi. What’s your name, and why did you leave?” Rootpaw asked, trying to be as polite as possible.
“I left because I thought you were going to hurt me, but you clearly seem kind.” the she-cat said, with a glow in her eyes, “I’m Heather.”
Chapter 24
“Heather.” Rootpaw repeated her name, and thought about it for a moment, “That’s a beautiful name. We are trying to stop Ripper. Do you know any information about him?”
“First of all, what’s your name?” Heather asked.
“Me? I’m Rootpaw.” Rootpaw said.
“Cool. I’m sorry, I don’t know much. He is trying to capture as many cats as he can because he wants cats to struggle for no reason. I have been stuck their forever…” Heather said, and started thinking about her past.
“Oh. Ok. Don’t worry, you aren’t under him now, and your friends won’t be their for much longer either.” Rootpaw said, “Let’s go back to where my friends are.”
“Ok. Who are they?” Heather asked.
“They are Pantherstripe and Mud. They both are helping to try to get rid of Ripper.” Rootpaw said, “We better get going.”
Heather nodded, and they both started heading back to the place where Pantherstripe and Mud were staying. Heather was quite slow, and Rootpaw guessed it was because she was hurt.
"You can lean on me if your leg hurts.” Rootpaw said.
Heather’s eyes brightened and she said, “Thanks!” and she shifted closer and leaned on Rootpaw. She closed her eyes as his warmth flooded through her, as it felt like she was gaining energy.
Rootpaw tried not to show it, but he felt uncomfortable with Heather leaning on him, especially when he thought of what Pantherstripe had said before he had left to get Heather.
Eventually, before sunhigh, Rootpaw and Heather made it back. “Guys I found her. Her name is Heather, and she wants to help us too.” Rootpaw said.
“Ok. That’s good.” Mud said, and added, “Me and Pantherstripe have created a plan that still needs fillers.”
“Yes. Our plan is to get ‘The Sisters’ to help us in the fight against Ripper’s cats. The problem is that there are still not enough cats. We still need more. Any ideas?” Pantherstripe said, and then asked.
“Hmm. We could ask the clans.” Rootpaw said, and Heather looked confused.
“What are the clans?” Heather asked.
“The clans are five groups of cats that live together and work together. They live by the lake.” Rootpaw said, “I’m from there.”
Heather nodded, and they continued their discussion. “One of us could go back to the clans to ask them for help.” Rootpaw said, “Or, two of us can go to get ‘The Sisters’, and the other two can go to get the clans.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Heather said, “Can I go to get ‘The Sisters’ with Pantherstripe?”
“Sure. Me and Mud will go to get the clans then, unless you want to go to meet ‘The Sisters’ again, Mud.” Rootpaw said.
“No, I’m fine. I am curious about the clans, so I want to see them. Also, Heather and Pantherstripe, if ‘The Sisters’ ask if they know anyone related to them, just tell them you know Mud. If they ask for a code word, say MoonStar.” Mud said, and Rootpaw guessed ‘The Sisters’ had a sort-of code word that they used to identify if people could be trusted.
“Ok then. That’s settled.” Rootpaw said, “We will split up at sunhigh after eating.”
“I’m going hunting. Pantherstripe, come with me. You both wait here.” Rootpaw said, and Pantherstripe and Rootpaw took off.
After a quick hunt, Rootpaw came back carrying two voles and Pantherstripe came back with a rabbit and a vole. “Time to eat!”
They eat peacefully, and everyone seemed to be thinking about the journey they would be going on, so no one talked.
“Ok. When we come back, we will meet at the border of Ripper’s forest territory.” Rootpaw said.
“Mud, tell Pantherstripe and Heather ‘The Sisters’ course, and let’s get going.” Rootpaw said. Mud explained to Pantherstripe and Heather the location of ‘The Sisters’ at the moment, and where they would be when Pantherstripe and Heather got there.
“Ok. Pantherstripe and Heather, you two know where you are going, correct?” Rootpaw asked, and they both nodded.
“Well, farewell for now, we’ll see you two later.” Mud said, and all four of them looked at each other one last time, and they turned and went in different directions, not daring to look back.
“First of all, what’s your name?” Heather asked.
“Me? I’m Rootpaw.” Rootpaw said.
“Cool. I’m sorry, I don’t know much. He is trying to capture as many cats as he can because he wants cats to struggle for no reason. I have been stuck their forever…” Heather said, and started thinking about her past.
“Oh. Ok. Don’t worry, you aren’t under him now, and your friends won’t be their for much longer either.” Rootpaw said, “Let’s go back to where my friends are.”
“Ok. Who are they?” Heather asked.
“They are Pantherstripe and Mud. They both are helping to try to get rid of Ripper.” Rootpaw said, “We better get going.”
Heather nodded, and they both started heading back to the place where Pantherstripe and Mud were staying. Heather was quite slow, and Rootpaw guessed it was because she was hurt.
"You can lean on me if your leg hurts.” Rootpaw said.
Heather’s eyes brightened and she said, “Thanks!” and she shifted closer and leaned on Rootpaw. She closed her eyes as his warmth flooded through her, as it felt like she was gaining energy.
Rootpaw tried not to show it, but he felt uncomfortable with Heather leaning on him, especially when he thought of what Pantherstripe had said before he had left to get Heather.
Eventually, before sunhigh, Rootpaw and Heather made it back. “Guys I found her. Her name is Heather, and she wants to help us too.” Rootpaw said.
“Ok. That’s good.” Mud said, and added, “Me and Pantherstripe have created a plan that still needs fillers.”
“Yes. Our plan is to get ‘The Sisters’ to help us in the fight against Ripper’s cats. The problem is that there are still not enough cats. We still need more. Any ideas?” Pantherstripe said, and then asked.
“Hmm. We could ask the clans.” Rootpaw said, and Heather looked confused.
“What are the clans?” Heather asked.
“The clans are five groups of cats that live together and work together. They live by the lake.” Rootpaw said, “I’m from there.”
Heather nodded, and they continued their discussion. “One of us could go back to the clans to ask them for help.” Rootpaw said, “Or, two of us can go to get ‘The Sisters’, and the other two can go to get the clans.”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Heather said, “Can I go to get ‘The Sisters’ with Pantherstripe?”
“Sure. Me and Mud will go to get the clans then, unless you want to go to meet ‘The Sisters’ again, Mud.” Rootpaw said.
“No, I’m fine. I am curious about the clans, so I want to see them. Also, Heather and Pantherstripe, if ‘The Sisters’ ask if they know anyone related to them, just tell them you know Mud. If they ask for a code word, say MoonStar.” Mud said, and Rootpaw guessed ‘The Sisters’ had a sort-of code word that they used to identify if people could be trusted.
“Ok then. That’s settled.” Rootpaw said, “We will split up at sunhigh after eating.”
“I’m going hunting. Pantherstripe, come with me. You both wait here.” Rootpaw said, and Pantherstripe and Rootpaw took off.
After a quick hunt, Rootpaw came back carrying two voles and Pantherstripe came back with a rabbit and a vole. “Time to eat!”
They eat peacefully, and everyone seemed to be thinking about the journey they would be going on, so no one talked.
“Ok. When we come back, we will meet at the border of Ripper’s forest territory.” Rootpaw said.
“Mud, tell Pantherstripe and Heather ‘The Sisters’ course, and let’s get going.” Rootpaw said. Mud explained to Pantherstripe and Heather the location of ‘The Sisters’ at the moment, and where they would be when Pantherstripe and Heather got there.
“Ok. Pantherstripe and Heather, you two know where you are going, correct?” Rootpaw asked, and they both nodded.
“Well, farewell for now, we’ll see you two later.” Mud said, and all four of them looked at each other one last time, and they turned and went in different directions, not daring to look back.
Chapter 25
Pantherstripe and Heather kept at a steady pace when they headed towards ‘The Sisters’. Pantherstripe was trying to use this opportunity to learn as much about Heather as possible, because he realized he wouldn’t see her again after they destroyed Ripper’s camp, or if he did in the process.
Heather was pretty quiet, and most of the time they didn’t talk, except to make decisions on their route. At one point she said, “I think we are close now.”
Pantherstripe rolled his eyes and said, “We are barely halfway. Don’t you remember what Mud said?”
“Well, I kind of forgot.” Heather said honestly.
“Well, unfortunately we’re not almost there. We are almost halfway there.” Pantherstripe said.
“Ok. My legs are aching.” Heather said.
“We’ll stop when the sun goes down.” Pantherstripe said, “And I’ve been thinking about the timing. Our journey is much shorter than Mud and Rootpaw’s, so we will probably get back before them. I think we should slow down because of this because if we bring ‘The Sisters’ back to where Ripper is, and Rootpaw doesn’t arrive in enough time, ‘The Sisters’ might decide to leave because it is taking too long before they can help.”
“Hmm. You are quite smart.” Heather said, processing what Pantherstripe had just said.
“So I guess we can stop for today.” Pantherstripe said, “Want anything to eat? I can go hunting.”
“Nah, I just want to sleep.” Heather said, yawning.
“Ok. Well, we can sleep right here.” Pantherstripe said, and he tried to flop down like it was funny, but it ended up being awkward. “Oops.” he added when it happened, and Heather laughed.
---^^---
Rootpaw’s legs were on fire.
We have journeyed so far. I can’t believe I came this far from the clans.
“Can we stop?” Mud asked, clearly as tired as Rootpaw.
“Yeah, I want to move fast, but I think we are going to have to.” Rootpaw said, panting slightly.
“Ok. Let me get some fresh-kill, you rest.” Mud said, and before Rootpaw could stop him, he ran to go get prey.
“That over helpful cat!” Rootpaw exclaimed, before falling to the ground to rest.
A few minutes later, Mud and Rootpaw were eating mice as fast as they could, with their stomachs growling.
“Ok. I think we can get going now.” Mud said.
Rootpaw shook his head, “I need to rest.”
“Rootpaw, listen.” Mud said, thought for a moment, and went on, “If we want to make it there quickly, you really need to pick up the pace. Pantherstripe and Heather will come back much before us if we don’t. Let’s go.”
“Ok ok, fine. Let’s go.” Rootpaw agreed, not wanting to argue, “We’ll stop anyway soon when the sun goes down.”
---^^---
Pantherstripe woke up the next day and found Heather stirring beside him. “C’mon, Heather. Got to get moving!”
Soon enough, they were back in their journeying rhythm, heading towards ‘The Sisters’. “We should arrive today.” Heather said.
“Yes. I really want to meet them! Let’s go faster!” Pantherstripe said, and he started running. Heather tried to keep up, but failed to do so. After being so weak for so long with Ripper, it had definitely reduced her stamina.
Eventually, Pantherstripe stopped and waited for Heather to catch up. They repeated this until they finally, towards the end of the day, got to ‘The Sisters’.
“Hello.” Pantherstripe said, and all of ‘The Sisters’ looked at him, surprised.
“Umm...Hi. I didn’t see you there. Who are you?” a snowy white she-cat with blue eyes asked.
“I’m Pantherstripe.” Pantherstripe said, “And this is Heather.”
“Hi, Pantherstripe. I’m Snow, leader of ‘The Sisters’.” Snow said, and added, “Why do you come to us?”
“We need your help. And by ‘we’ I don’t mean only me and Heather. I mean Rootpaw. I mean Mud. I mean all of the innocent cats that are captured right now by Ripper.” Pantherstripe said.
“Wait wait wait, slow down.” Snow said, surprised, “First of all, you know who Mud is?”
“Yes. He is a friend of ours.” Pantherstripe said, “He is helping us destroy Ripper.”
Snow turned around and looked at all of the shocked faces on all of the other ‘Sisters’. She turned back around and looked at Pantherstripe, “Mud….Mud was a kit of ours.”
“I know. He told us everything.” Pantherstripe said.
“Ok then, what is the code?” Snow asked, a bit suspicious.
“Oh crap! We forgot the code!” Heather said, looking at Pantherstripe, “Do you remember?”
Pantherstripe thought for a moment.
What was it? I am a total idiot. Why did I forget?
After a few seconds, he got it. “I remember. The code is StarMoon.”
“No. That’s wrong.” Snow said.
“Is it MtarSoon?” Pantherstripe asked.
“No, but you are close.” Snow said.
“It’s MoonStar! That’s it!” Heather exclaimed.
“Yes, that’s it. Well, at least, that's the last code Mud heard before he left.” Snow said, “Or, I mean, we released him into the world.”
“Ok. Now, let me tell you guys all about Ripper, and how we need your help.” Pantherstripe said, and he went on to tell them the whole story about Rootpaw, Mud, him, and the short part about Heather.
Snow nodded, and said, “Ok. This is a lot. I will discuss with the rest of ‘The Sisters’ and we will accept or decline by tomorrow morning. You can stay with us for now.”
Heather and Pantherstripe both nodded simultaneously and Pantherstripe said, “Thank you. We really need your help, and the clans, when Rootpaw --hopefully-- gets them to come. Now, Heather, let’s go to sleep.”
Heather was pretty quiet, and most of the time they didn’t talk, except to make decisions on their route. At one point she said, “I think we are close now.”
Pantherstripe rolled his eyes and said, “We are barely halfway. Don’t you remember what Mud said?”
“Well, I kind of forgot.” Heather said honestly.
“Well, unfortunately we’re not almost there. We are almost halfway there.” Pantherstripe said.
“Ok. My legs are aching.” Heather said.
“We’ll stop when the sun goes down.” Pantherstripe said, “And I’ve been thinking about the timing. Our journey is much shorter than Mud and Rootpaw’s, so we will probably get back before them. I think we should slow down because of this because if we bring ‘The Sisters’ back to where Ripper is, and Rootpaw doesn’t arrive in enough time, ‘The Sisters’ might decide to leave because it is taking too long before they can help.”
“Hmm. You are quite smart.” Heather said, processing what Pantherstripe had just said.
“So I guess we can stop for today.” Pantherstripe said, “Want anything to eat? I can go hunting.”
“Nah, I just want to sleep.” Heather said, yawning.
“Ok. Well, we can sleep right here.” Pantherstripe said, and he tried to flop down like it was funny, but it ended up being awkward. “Oops.” he added when it happened, and Heather laughed.
---^^---
Rootpaw’s legs were on fire.
We have journeyed so far. I can’t believe I came this far from the clans.
“Can we stop?” Mud asked, clearly as tired as Rootpaw.
“Yeah, I want to move fast, but I think we are going to have to.” Rootpaw said, panting slightly.
“Ok. Let me get some fresh-kill, you rest.” Mud said, and before Rootpaw could stop him, he ran to go get prey.
“That over helpful cat!” Rootpaw exclaimed, before falling to the ground to rest.
A few minutes later, Mud and Rootpaw were eating mice as fast as they could, with their stomachs growling.
“Ok. I think we can get going now.” Mud said.
Rootpaw shook his head, “I need to rest.”
“Rootpaw, listen.” Mud said, thought for a moment, and went on, “If we want to make it there quickly, you really need to pick up the pace. Pantherstripe and Heather will come back much before us if we don’t. Let’s go.”
“Ok ok, fine. Let’s go.” Rootpaw agreed, not wanting to argue, “We’ll stop anyway soon when the sun goes down.”
---^^---
Pantherstripe woke up the next day and found Heather stirring beside him. “C’mon, Heather. Got to get moving!”
Soon enough, they were back in their journeying rhythm, heading towards ‘The Sisters’. “We should arrive today.” Heather said.
“Yes. I really want to meet them! Let’s go faster!” Pantherstripe said, and he started running. Heather tried to keep up, but failed to do so. After being so weak for so long with Ripper, it had definitely reduced her stamina.
Eventually, Pantherstripe stopped and waited for Heather to catch up. They repeated this until they finally, towards the end of the day, got to ‘The Sisters’.
“Hello.” Pantherstripe said, and all of ‘The Sisters’ looked at him, surprised.
“Umm...Hi. I didn’t see you there. Who are you?” a snowy white she-cat with blue eyes asked.
“I’m Pantherstripe.” Pantherstripe said, “And this is Heather.”
“Hi, Pantherstripe. I’m Snow, leader of ‘The Sisters’.” Snow said, and added, “Why do you come to us?”
“We need your help. And by ‘we’ I don’t mean only me and Heather. I mean Rootpaw. I mean Mud. I mean all of the innocent cats that are captured right now by Ripper.” Pantherstripe said.
“Wait wait wait, slow down.” Snow said, surprised, “First of all, you know who Mud is?”
“Yes. He is a friend of ours.” Pantherstripe said, “He is helping us destroy Ripper.”
Snow turned around and looked at all of the shocked faces on all of the other ‘Sisters’. She turned back around and looked at Pantherstripe, “Mud….Mud was a kit of ours.”
“I know. He told us everything.” Pantherstripe said.
“Ok then, what is the code?” Snow asked, a bit suspicious.
“Oh crap! We forgot the code!” Heather said, looking at Pantherstripe, “Do you remember?”
Pantherstripe thought for a moment.
What was it? I am a total idiot. Why did I forget?
After a few seconds, he got it. “I remember. The code is StarMoon.”
“No. That’s wrong.” Snow said.
“Is it MtarSoon?” Pantherstripe asked.
“No, but you are close.” Snow said.
“It’s MoonStar! That’s it!” Heather exclaimed.
“Yes, that’s it. Well, at least, that's the last code Mud heard before he left.” Snow said, “Or, I mean, we released him into the world.”
“Ok. Now, let me tell you guys all about Ripper, and how we need your help.” Pantherstripe said, and he went on to tell them the whole story about Rootpaw, Mud, him, and the short part about Heather.
Snow nodded, and said, “Ok. This is a lot. I will discuss with the rest of ‘The Sisters’ and we will accept or decline by tomorrow morning. You can stay with us for now.”
Heather and Pantherstripe both nodded simultaneously and Pantherstripe said, “Thank you. We really need your help, and the clans, when Rootpaw --hopefully-- gets them to come. Now, Heather, let’s go to sleep.”