Post by Berry on May 15, 2023 8:56:51 GMT -5
“Oakpaw! Oakpaw!” The name was chanted, and the young tom stood proudly underneath the high rock. He was an apprentice now! An apprentice! “Congratulations, Oakpaw,” The young tom spun on his paws and faced his new mentor.
“Thanks Dewwhisker!” He purred. Dewwhisker bent her head down and touched Oakpaw’s forehead with her nose, welcoming him as her apprentice. “What do we do first?” Oakpaw asked with a cheerful giggle. “Hunting? Fighting? Patrols!? OH! Are we gonna go to battle OceanClan!?”
Dewwhisker chuckled gently. “Patience, young ‘paw..” She purred with amusement. “First of all, we learn the territory. That is a requirement to start training,” her tail twitched and she pointed towards the camp exit. “Follow,” she ordered, and began walking towards the exit, Oakpaw excitedly bounding behind her.
Well.. That was in the past. A dream Oakslice constantly had, remembering the beginning. The only good part of his apprenticeship. Tears wet the deputy’s eyes and he stared ahead, staring into the darkness. With a gentle sigh, the troubled tom stood to his paws, and exited the den. He was swift, movements quick, paws barely making a noise. He stood out in the clearing, carefully watching the sky. It wouldn’t be long until the sky began lighting up with the first few bits of sunlight. Another day, another patrol. And with that, he cleared his throat. “Patrols!” he called out. Cats exited from their dens, once quiet, and asleep, now ready to start a new day in ForestClan. “Winterberry, I want you to take Softpaw, Owlswoop, and Littlespider to mark the borders,” Oakslice ordered, facing a large, muscley tom.
“Right, will do,” Winterberry gathered his patrol-mates and exited through the camp exit.
Oakslice carefully watched Winterberry leave, and sighed. He twitched his ears. “Jaypaw, Honeywhisker, and Tinyleap, with me. We’re hunting,” Oakslice led his patrol out of camp, saying nothing. His gaze was dark with exhaustion, however, the deputy never showed his weaknesses. With Swiftstar being on her last life, Oakslice had to be strong for her, not weak. Unfortunately however, it hasn’t been treating him well, the tom always ended up exhausted, and overworked.
Later, the sun had begun setting, apprentices sat in the clearing, chatting amongst themselves, with soft and cheerful laughters. Oakslice laid underneath the high rock, watching his clanmates with a careful eye, tail twitching slowly. “Oakslice?” The tom perked his ears and faced Swiftstar. He got to his paws and respectfully dipped his head to her.
“Good evening Swiftstar,” he meowed. ‘I’m in trouble! Great, great, great!’ Oakslice thought anxiously.
“Oakslice.. Something is troubling you. Would you please speak with me in my den?”
Oakslice slowly nodded with hesitation, and followed her into the large, silent den. A large rock den with vines growing all over inside, and flowers littering the vines. The den was peaceful, perfect for a leader. He sat down in front of Swiftstar and looked into her troubled blue-green gaze. The ginger tom pinned his ears back, preparing himself for a lecture from the leader. He wished he could die right then and there. “Oakslice.. When was the last time you actually rested?” the tom’s thoughts were interrupted.
“Err.. last night,” the deputy replied simply. His head turned away, no longer meeting the she-cat’s gaze.
Swiftstar gently sighed and shook her head. “Is that time still bothering you?”
Oakslice felt a lump as large as a rock form in his throat. He was silent for several heartbeats, he felt Swiftstar’s cold gaze piercing through him, awaiting his answer, and finally the troubled deputy spoke. “It is,” he answered quietly.
Swiftstar nodded. “I thought so,” she murmured. Her nose touched the deputy’s shoulder. “What would young Oakkit say?” she asked gently. “The young kit that never let anything bother him. What would he say?”
Oakslice looked at Swiftstar. “He would say that the event couldn’t be controlled.. And I shouldn’t blame myself,” he replied.
Swiftstar nodded. “Right, now, who are you?”
Oakslice looked confused. “Oakslice?” he replied in a questioning tone.
Swiftstar nodded. “And?”
Oakslice slowly caught on. “Oakpaw?”
She nodded again. “And?”
“Oakkit..” Oakslice replied quietly. He sighed softly. “I couldn’t control it..”
Swiftstar nodded. “Good.. Now, I want you to go get something to eat, and get some sleep. I’ll have Winterberry take over on the night patrols, and the dawn patrols,” Oakslice opened his mouth to protest, but then agreed. He left the den and headed towards the warriors’ den. On the way there, he grabbed a mouse in his jaws, and carried it to the medium-sized den. The tom settled into his nest, and slowly ate the mouse. The warm juices flooded his mouth and he couldn’t help but smile. However, the smile was small, and not really there. Eventually, the tom fell asleep.
“Run Oakpaw!” Dewwhisker’s voice rung in the young tom’s ears, and then there was the sound of a barking dog behind him. The apprentice spun on his paws and took a killing leap towards the dog, claws ready to dig into this menacing creature’s flesh. He landed squarely on the dog and bent his head down, jaw opening wide and closing in on the dog’s neck. The dog yelped painfully and threw Oakpaw off. The tom landed with a painful grunt, skidding across the ground. “Oakpaw!” Dewwhisker cried. “Are you alright..?”
Oakpaw nodded confidently, leaping to his paws. “I’m fine!” He ran towards the dog once more, biting at its back legs, knocking the massive creature down. More dogs surrounded the area, as well as more of ForestClan’s warriors. Sandystar, the leader, Swiftclaw, the deputy, Minnowswim, his mother, Winterberry, a senior warrior, Koipuddle, another senior warrior, and of course him, and Dewwhisker.
By the end, three limp dog bodies laid, dead while the rest ran away with their tails in between their legs. Oakpaw stared in horror, standing next to Swiftclaw at the limp bodies of Dewwhisker, Sandystar, and Minnowswim… He nudged the limp body of Minnowswim, eyes watering. “Mama! Mama!” he cried. Nothing. He poked Dewwhisker with his front paw. “Dewwhisker..?” once more, nothing. He lifted his head in a crying wail, the wail echoed. However, Swiftclaw licked the top of his head.
“Oakpaw..” she spoke softly. “It’s going to be okay..”
The wind ruffled Oakslice’s fur, awaking him from the horrible nightmare… He sighed softly and stood to his paws. It was dark out still, and by sniffing the air he could tell that dawn had yet to come. “OAKSLICE!” Songecho, the medicine cat was hollering for the tom, and it was coming from the leader's den!
It didn’t take long before Oakslice was in the den, gazing at Songecho with a worried gaze. “What’s going on?” he asked in a panic.
Songecho sighed gently. “She’s losing her final life..” she murmured gently. “Her coughing woke me up.. She doesn’t have very much time left,” Oakslice nodded slowly, and made his way to his leader. He crouched next to her and touched his nose to her.
Swiftstar smiled at the touch. “Oakslice..” she whispered. “A tree, as tall as the tallest mountain, will lead the worried forest to safety,” she spoke softly. She put her paw to his shoulder. “Thank you..” she whispered and closed her eyes. She took a final breath, then fell limp. Oakslice stood above her, staring at her limp body with horror.
Songecho sighed. “I’m sorry, Oakslice.. But we must move on. Call the clan, choose a deputy, and meet me in the den to leave.. You need to receive the nine lives of a leader,”
Oakslice exited the leader’s den, and took a leap, landing on the highrock. “May all cats, old enough to climb the great pine, gather beneath the high rock!” cats left their dens with confused, and tired murmurs, sitting in front of the highrock and looking up at Oakslice. The tom continued with a heavy sigh. “It is with great sorrow that I must announce the loss of our beloved leader, Swiftstar,” the clan murmured with shock and grief. “However, we must go one,” Oakslice continued. “I will be choosing a new deputy right away,” he spent a good few minutes studying his clan, before clearing his throat and speaking again. “I hope our ancestors will hear, and approve my choice. The new deputy of ForestClan is Winterberry!” he smiled gently. “Now, Winterberry, you’re in charge. I must receive my nine lives..” and off Oakslice went, exiting the camp with Songecho by his side. He walked quickly to the part of the forest where the sacred waters to enter the world of StarClan sat. Once they got there, Oakslice looked at Songecho. “What do I do?” he asked
“Dip your paw in. It will allow you to enter StarClan,” she replied.
He did as told and soon fell asleep. Oakslice found himself in large, beautiful, and fertile clearing. Nine cats stood, smiling at the tom. Most of them, Oakslice instantly recognized, but there were a few he didn’t quite recognize.
“My dear, oh you’ve grown,” a voice purred. Oakslice spun around to see Minnowswim.
“Mom!” he gasped. “You’re okay!”
She nodded. “Of course I am, dear,” she purred. “I will be giving you your first life. The life of fatherly love. You have not yet gotten a mate, or kits, but that's okay. Use this life to love the clan the same way you’d love your litter of kits. Protect them, show them that they can trust you,” she touched her nose to his forehead, giving him the life, before stepping back, letting Dewwhisker take her place.
Dewwhisker smiled proudly. “I will be giving you your second life. The life of mentoring, like a mentor teaching their apprentice, you must teach your clan. From the youngest kit, to the oldest elder, every cat has a new thing to learn, and It’ll be you teaching them,” she touched her nose to his forehead. “Tell Winterberry I love, and miss him greatly..” she murmured, before stepping back, letting Sandystar take her place.
“My, have you grown young Oakkit..” Sandystar smiled gently. “I give you the life of strength. You may not realize it, but that dog attack made you stronger than you think. Use this life to show others that they can be as strong as you,” he touched his nose to Oakslice’s forehead. “Good luck..” he stepped back.
A large tom, very similar looking to Oakslice, took Sandystar’s place. “You may not recognize me, my young son.. I didn’t interact with you much before greencough took me.. But I’m your father, Alderbark,” he twitched his ears. “I give you the life of protection. Even the strongest warriors still need protection from their leader. Use this life to provide that sense of security, and protection,” he touched his nose to Oakslice’s forehead.
An elder Oakslice recognized from his kithood, and apprenticehood took Alderbark’s place. “Young Oakpaw, to Oakstar! Hah! Could never believe it, if I ain’t seen it with my own ol’ eyes,” he purred with amusement. “I give you the life of comedy, nuttin’ ain’t ever serious unless you make it. Even leadership can be fun. Just gotta’ allow it,” he touched Oakslice’s forehead.
A queen took his place. “I don’t have much to say, so I give the life of motherly love. Just like a father’s love. Use it well,” she gave him the life.
A large, muscled tom took the queen’s place. A tom that made Oakslice’s fur bristle. That tom had tried to kill him! He sighed softly. “I’m sorry, Oakslice.. I know I caused a lot of trouble. But StarClan still accepted me,” he murmured with guilt. “I give you the life of forgiveness.. Because everyone deserves to be forgiven,” he gave him his life.
A she-cat took his place. “I was Songecho’s mentor..” she murmured. “I give you the life of healing. Whether it’s physical, or mental, your clan will depend on your healing and guidance. Use this life wisely,” she gave him the life.
At last, Swiftstar took over. “You’ve come a long way Oakslice. I will be giving you your final life. The life of leadership. You are now leading a clan. A clan that has existed for generations, and for more to come. This life will give you the strength you need until the very end. Which is why it is the last life,” She gently touched his forehead with her nose. “I hail you by the name Oakstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of ForestClan. Defend it well; care for the young, and for the old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity,” she murmured. “And remember, no matter what life throws your way, you are strong, and you got this. Good luck Oakstar.. Lead the clan to safety,” she spoke and then the cats faded. He woke up next to the great waters, and looked around, stunned.
“You’re awake!” Songecho smiled at Oakstar. “Let’s go home.. You got a clan to lead,” she murmured.
Oakstar got to his paws and nodded to Songecho. “Do you think I can do it..?” he asked quietly. He twitched his ears and scraped the ground with anxiety.
Songecho nodded her head. “Mhm, don’t worry, Oakstar! You were one of the strongest warrior’s I know, now the strongest leader. You got this, Oakstar,” she reassured. Eventually they entered the camp, the sun had risen since then, and patrols had just gotten back with fresh-kill, and after marking the border.
Winterberry dipped his head respectfully to Oakstar. “Welcome back,” he murmured gently. And with that, Oakstar continued on, leading his clan.
(To be continued..)
(This was an assignment for class, however, I am currently working on a part two!! <3)
(How do I add it to the fanfiction thingie?)
(Edit: Nevermind to that question. I did it right)
“Thanks Dewwhisker!” He purred. Dewwhisker bent her head down and touched Oakpaw’s forehead with her nose, welcoming him as her apprentice. “What do we do first?” Oakpaw asked with a cheerful giggle. “Hunting? Fighting? Patrols!? OH! Are we gonna go to battle OceanClan!?”
Dewwhisker chuckled gently. “Patience, young ‘paw..” She purred with amusement. “First of all, we learn the territory. That is a requirement to start training,” her tail twitched and she pointed towards the camp exit. “Follow,” she ordered, and began walking towards the exit, Oakpaw excitedly bounding behind her.
Well.. That was in the past. A dream Oakslice constantly had, remembering the beginning. The only good part of his apprenticeship. Tears wet the deputy’s eyes and he stared ahead, staring into the darkness. With a gentle sigh, the troubled tom stood to his paws, and exited the den. He was swift, movements quick, paws barely making a noise. He stood out in the clearing, carefully watching the sky. It wouldn’t be long until the sky began lighting up with the first few bits of sunlight. Another day, another patrol. And with that, he cleared his throat. “Patrols!” he called out. Cats exited from their dens, once quiet, and asleep, now ready to start a new day in ForestClan. “Winterberry, I want you to take Softpaw, Owlswoop, and Littlespider to mark the borders,” Oakslice ordered, facing a large, muscley tom.
“Right, will do,” Winterberry gathered his patrol-mates and exited through the camp exit.
Oakslice carefully watched Winterberry leave, and sighed. He twitched his ears. “Jaypaw, Honeywhisker, and Tinyleap, with me. We’re hunting,” Oakslice led his patrol out of camp, saying nothing. His gaze was dark with exhaustion, however, the deputy never showed his weaknesses. With Swiftstar being on her last life, Oakslice had to be strong for her, not weak. Unfortunately however, it hasn’t been treating him well, the tom always ended up exhausted, and overworked.
Later, the sun had begun setting, apprentices sat in the clearing, chatting amongst themselves, with soft and cheerful laughters. Oakslice laid underneath the high rock, watching his clanmates with a careful eye, tail twitching slowly. “Oakslice?” The tom perked his ears and faced Swiftstar. He got to his paws and respectfully dipped his head to her.
“Good evening Swiftstar,” he meowed. ‘I’m in trouble! Great, great, great!’ Oakslice thought anxiously.
“Oakslice.. Something is troubling you. Would you please speak with me in my den?”
Oakslice slowly nodded with hesitation, and followed her into the large, silent den. A large rock den with vines growing all over inside, and flowers littering the vines. The den was peaceful, perfect for a leader. He sat down in front of Swiftstar and looked into her troubled blue-green gaze. The ginger tom pinned his ears back, preparing himself for a lecture from the leader. He wished he could die right then and there. “Oakslice.. When was the last time you actually rested?” the tom’s thoughts were interrupted.
“Err.. last night,” the deputy replied simply. His head turned away, no longer meeting the she-cat’s gaze.
Swiftstar gently sighed and shook her head. “Is that time still bothering you?”
Oakslice felt a lump as large as a rock form in his throat. He was silent for several heartbeats, he felt Swiftstar’s cold gaze piercing through him, awaiting his answer, and finally the troubled deputy spoke. “It is,” he answered quietly.
Swiftstar nodded. “I thought so,” she murmured. Her nose touched the deputy’s shoulder. “What would young Oakkit say?” she asked gently. “The young kit that never let anything bother him. What would he say?”
Oakslice looked at Swiftstar. “He would say that the event couldn’t be controlled.. And I shouldn’t blame myself,” he replied.
Swiftstar nodded. “Right, now, who are you?”
Oakslice looked confused. “Oakslice?” he replied in a questioning tone.
Swiftstar nodded. “And?”
Oakslice slowly caught on. “Oakpaw?”
She nodded again. “And?”
“Oakkit..” Oakslice replied quietly. He sighed softly. “I couldn’t control it..”
Swiftstar nodded. “Good.. Now, I want you to go get something to eat, and get some sleep. I’ll have Winterberry take over on the night patrols, and the dawn patrols,” Oakslice opened his mouth to protest, but then agreed. He left the den and headed towards the warriors’ den. On the way there, he grabbed a mouse in his jaws, and carried it to the medium-sized den. The tom settled into his nest, and slowly ate the mouse. The warm juices flooded his mouth and he couldn’t help but smile. However, the smile was small, and not really there. Eventually, the tom fell asleep.
“Run Oakpaw!” Dewwhisker’s voice rung in the young tom’s ears, and then there was the sound of a barking dog behind him. The apprentice spun on his paws and took a killing leap towards the dog, claws ready to dig into this menacing creature’s flesh. He landed squarely on the dog and bent his head down, jaw opening wide and closing in on the dog’s neck. The dog yelped painfully and threw Oakpaw off. The tom landed with a painful grunt, skidding across the ground. “Oakpaw!” Dewwhisker cried. “Are you alright..?”
Oakpaw nodded confidently, leaping to his paws. “I’m fine!” He ran towards the dog once more, biting at its back legs, knocking the massive creature down. More dogs surrounded the area, as well as more of ForestClan’s warriors. Sandystar, the leader, Swiftclaw, the deputy, Minnowswim, his mother, Winterberry, a senior warrior, Koipuddle, another senior warrior, and of course him, and Dewwhisker.
By the end, three limp dog bodies laid, dead while the rest ran away with their tails in between their legs. Oakpaw stared in horror, standing next to Swiftclaw at the limp bodies of Dewwhisker, Sandystar, and Minnowswim… He nudged the limp body of Minnowswim, eyes watering. “Mama! Mama!” he cried. Nothing. He poked Dewwhisker with his front paw. “Dewwhisker..?” once more, nothing. He lifted his head in a crying wail, the wail echoed. However, Swiftclaw licked the top of his head.
“Oakpaw..” she spoke softly. “It’s going to be okay..”
The wind ruffled Oakslice’s fur, awaking him from the horrible nightmare… He sighed softly and stood to his paws. It was dark out still, and by sniffing the air he could tell that dawn had yet to come. “OAKSLICE!” Songecho, the medicine cat was hollering for the tom, and it was coming from the leader's den!
It didn’t take long before Oakslice was in the den, gazing at Songecho with a worried gaze. “What’s going on?” he asked in a panic.
Songecho sighed gently. “She’s losing her final life..” she murmured gently. “Her coughing woke me up.. She doesn’t have very much time left,” Oakslice nodded slowly, and made his way to his leader. He crouched next to her and touched his nose to her.
Swiftstar smiled at the touch. “Oakslice..” she whispered. “A tree, as tall as the tallest mountain, will lead the worried forest to safety,” she spoke softly. She put her paw to his shoulder. “Thank you..” she whispered and closed her eyes. She took a final breath, then fell limp. Oakslice stood above her, staring at her limp body with horror.
Songecho sighed. “I’m sorry, Oakslice.. But we must move on. Call the clan, choose a deputy, and meet me in the den to leave.. You need to receive the nine lives of a leader,”
Oakslice exited the leader’s den, and took a leap, landing on the highrock. “May all cats, old enough to climb the great pine, gather beneath the high rock!” cats left their dens with confused, and tired murmurs, sitting in front of the highrock and looking up at Oakslice. The tom continued with a heavy sigh. “It is with great sorrow that I must announce the loss of our beloved leader, Swiftstar,” the clan murmured with shock and grief. “However, we must go one,” Oakslice continued. “I will be choosing a new deputy right away,” he spent a good few minutes studying his clan, before clearing his throat and speaking again. “I hope our ancestors will hear, and approve my choice. The new deputy of ForestClan is Winterberry!” he smiled gently. “Now, Winterberry, you’re in charge. I must receive my nine lives..” and off Oakslice went, exiting the camp with Songecho by his side. He walked quickly to the part of the forest where the sacred waters to enter the world of StarClan sat. Once they got there, Oakslice looked at Songecho. “What do I do?” he asked
“Dip your paw in. It will allow you to enter StarClan,” she replied.
He did as told and soon fell asleep. Oakslice found himself in large, beautiful, and fertile clearing. Nine cats stood, smiling at the tom. Most of them, Oakslice instantly recognized, but there were a few he didn’t quite recognize.
“My dear, oh you’ve grown,” a voice purred. Oakslice spun around to see Minnowswim.
“Mom!” he gasped. “You’re okay!”
She nodded. “Of course I am, dear,” she purred. “I will be giving you your first life. The life of fatherly love. You have not yet gotten a mate, or kits, but that's okay. Use this life to love the clan the same way you’d love your litter of kits. Protect them, show them that they can trust you,” she touched her nose to his forehead, giving him the life, before stepping back, letting Dewwhisker take her place.
Dewwhisker smiled proudly. “I will be giving you your second life. The life of mentoring, like a mentor teaching their apprentice, you must teach your clan. From the youngest kit, to the oldest elder, every cat has a new thing to learn, and It’ll be you teaching them,” she touched her nose to his forehead. “Tell Winterberry I love, and miss him greatly..” she murmured, before stepping back, letting Sandystar take her place.
“My, have you grown young Oakkit..” Sandystar smiled gently. “I give you the life of strength. You may not realize it, but that dog attack made you stronger than you think. Use this life to show others that they can be as strong as you,” he touched his nose to Oakslice’s forehead. “Good luck..” he stepped back.
A large tom, very similar looking to Oakslice, took Sandystar’s place. “You may not recognize me, my young son.. I didn’t interact with you much before greencough took me.. But I’m your father, Alderbark,” he twitched his ears. “I give you the life of protection. Even the strongest warriors still need protection from their leader. Use this life to provide that sense of security, and protection,” he touched his nose to Oakslice’s forehead.
An elder Oakslice recognized from his kithood, and apprenticehood took Alderbark’s place. “Young Oakpaw, to Oakstar! Hah! Could never believe it, if I ain’t seen it with my own ol’ eyes,” he purred with amusement. “I give you the life of comedy, nuttin’ ain’t ever serious unless you make it. Even leadership can be fun. Just gotta’ allow it,” he touched Oakslice’s forehead.
A queen took his place. “I don’t have much to say, so I give the life of motherly love. Just like a father’s love. Use it well,” she gave him the life.
A large, muscled tom took the queen’s place. A tom that made Oakslice’s fur bristle. That tom had tried to kill him! He sighed softly. “I’m sorry, Oakslice.. I know I caused a lot of trouble. But StarClan still accepted me,” he murmured with guilt. “I give you the life of forgiveness.. Because everyone deserves to be forgiven,” he gave him his life.
A she-cat took his place. “I was Songecho’s mentor..” she murmured. “I give you the life of healing. Whether it’s physical, or mental, your clan will depend on your healing and guidance. Use this life wisely,” she gave him the life.
At last, Swiftstar took over. “You’ve come a long way Oakslice. I will be giving you your final life. The life of leadership. You are now leading a clan. A clan that has existed for generations, and for more to come. This life will give you the strength you need until the very end. Which is why it is the last life,” She gently touched his forehead with her nose. “I hail you by the name Oakstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of ForestClan. Defend it well; care for the young, and for the old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity,” she murmured. “And remember, no matter what life throws your way, you are strong, and you got this. Good luck Oakstar.. Lead the clan to safety,” she spoke and then the cats faded. He woke up next to the great waters, and looked around, stunned.
“You’re awake!” Songecho smiled at Oakstar. “Let’s go home.. You got a clan to lead,” she murmured.
Oakstar got to his paws and nodded to Songecho. “Do you think I can do it..?” he asked quietly. He twitched his ears and scraped the ground with anxiety.
Songecho nodded her head. “Mhm, don’t worry, Oakstar! You were one of the strongest warrior’s I know, now the strongest leader. You got this, Oakstar,” she reassured. Eventually they entered the camp, the sun had risen since then, and patrols had just gotten back with fresh-kill, and after marking the border.
Winterberry dipped his head respectfully to Oakstar. “Welcome back,” he murmured gently. And with that, Oakstar continued on, leading his clan.
(To be continued..)
(This was an assignment for class, however, I am currently working on a part two!! <3)
(How do I add it to the fanfiction thingie?)
(Edit: Nevermind to that question. I did it right)