Hey folks, FireClan here. I am excited to bring you the second addition to Arc 3 of my FireClan series! As always, I hope you enjoy, and here's the blurb!
The Blurb[]
Things are going as normal in FireClan. Newleaf has brought peace and prosperity to the cats of the lake. Everything is perfect. That is until Goldenpaw and Blazepaw are summoned to the mountains by a mysterious StarClan warrior, where they are set to meet another ancient warrior and hopefully find the next piece of the puzzle that is their destiny. Meanwhile, things are heating up among the clans and in the Dark Forest, and Clawpaw is beginning to wonder if Breezestar's training is really worth its risk.
Allegiances[]
FireClan
Leader
Toadstar- Dark Brown Tabby Tom with Green Eyes, Missing Most of His Left Ear
Deputy
Shrewfur- Long-Haired Reddish-Brown Tom with Amber Eyes
Medicine Cat
Tawnysoul- Tawny Tabby Tom with Blue Eyes
Warriors
Heavypelt- Fairly Plump Gray Tom with a White Muzzle and Yellow Eyes
Gingerstep- Ginger She-Cat with Green Eyes
Clifftail- Long-Furred Dark Brown and White Tabby Tom with Blue Eyes
Mossfeather- Dark Gray Tabby Tom with Green Eyes
Emeraldgaze- Dark Brown Tabby She-Cat with Green Eyes
Thistlebelly- Large Gray Tom with Amber Eyes
Rocketblaze- Ginger Tom with Green Eyes
Frogtail- Dark Brown Tabby Tom with a Striped Tail and Green Eyes
Lichenwhisker- Pale Gray Tabby Tom with Green Eyes
Sparkpelt- Golden She-Cat with Darker Flecks and Amber Eyes
Lemonleaf- Golden She-Cat with Green Eyes
Whiskernose- Brown and Cream Tabby Tom with Amber Eyes and Long Whiskers
Boulderstripe- Stocky Gray Tabby Tom with Amber Eyes
Adderflight- Brown She-Cat with White Splotches and Amber Eyes
Darkfeather- Black Tabby She-Cat with Amber Eyes
Apprentices
Stormspots- White Tom with Ginger Spots and Green Eyes (Mentor: Tawnysoul)
Goldenpaw- Golden Tabby Tom with Amber Eyes (Mentor: Heavypelt)
Blazepaw- Small Ginger Tom with Green Eyes (Mentor: Mossfeather)
Clawpaw- Dark Brown Tabby Tom with Amber Eyes and Large Front Claws (Mentor: Lemonleaf)
Rockpaw- Large Dark Gray Tom with Blue Eyes (Mentor: Whiskernose)
Wildpaw- Light Brown Tabby Tom with Amber Eyes and Spiky Fur (Mentor: Rocketblaze)
Whitepaw- Small Black Tom with Blue Eyes and A Single White Paw (Mentor: Shrewfur)
Queens
Bramblefoot- Dark Brown Tabby She-Cat with Green Eyes and Darker Paws, Mother of Clifftail's Kits
Tangledwhisker- Long-Furred Gray She-Cat with Crooked Whiskers and Blue Eyes, Expecting Heavypelt's Kits
Kits
Nightkit- Black She-Kit with Blue Eyes, Daughter of Cliiftail and Bramblefoot
Badgerkit- Brown and Black Tom with Amber Eyes, Son of Clifftail and Bramblefoot
Mousekit- Golden Brown She-Kit with Amber Eyes, Daughter of Cliiftail and Bramblefoot
Prologue[]
"Breezestar did WHAT?"
A black and white tom flinched as an older, ginger tom shrieked in disbelief, his leaf-green eyes blazing. "He did just as I told you, Firestar." The tom lowered his head. "Clawpaw now stands beside him."
Firestar paced back and forth. "This is bad, this is bad! We can't allow those scoundrels to corrupt his mind!"
"Do you want me to report this to Thunderstar?"
Firestar sighed. "Save your time, Badgerstar. I'll tell him myself." Firestar exited his cave and bounded up the rocks to Thunderstar's den. He was surprised to see Thunderstar already waiting for him at the entrance.
"You don't need to tell me. Longtail came to me earlier and told me about Clawpaw." Thunderstar looked away. "I'm afraid I don't know what to do?"
"Then what do you suppose we do?"
Thunderstar took in a deep breath. "I think we should go ask the Ancients."
"The Ancients?" Firestar turned his head. "We couldn't! No one is allowed in their cave unless it is for a disaster!"
"If one of the three joins the Dark Forest, it will be a disaster." Thunderstar faced the den of the Ancients. "I'm willing to take my chances."
Firestar raced after Thunderstar as the golden tom went over to the cavern. Thunderstar sat in the entrance and stared in.
"O, mighty ancients, I feel I need your guidance." He mewed into the darkness.
"I'm afraid we are busy at the moment." A female voice emanated from the dark. "We are not capable of helping you."
"Please!" Thunderstar pleaded. "Dark times are coming to the clans on Earth, and they will surely die without our help! I know you care about them, Shadow, and I know you can help us."
The cave was silent for a moment, but a large, black she-cat poked her head out, her green eyes the only things visible in the dark. Shadow's ears were pricked up in interest. "You seem very determined to help the clans. Weren't you one of the cats who believed they living cats could fend for themselves?"
"This time is different. Very different."
Shadow narrowed her eyes. "Very well, the two of you may come in."
Following Thunderstar, Firestar padded into the cave opening. The cavern was completely shrouded in darkness, but a faint, blue light shimmered up ahead. As the light grew brighter, Firestar felt his sight dim and hi head grow heavy, so much so he felt as if he needed to stop, but something kept him moving. The source of the light soon came into view; a shimmering, blue pool, much like the Moonpool down on Earth. Sitting around the pool were the other four ancients, eyes closed as if they were asleep.
One of the ancients, a pale, gray tom named Sky opened one of his blue eyes. "Shadow, we notice you've brought guests into our cave. Why?"
"They have a problem," Shadow told him, "and they believe we can be the best help to them."
The ancient looked at each other, and then at Thunderstar. Wind was the first to ask. "What is your dilemma?"
Thunderstar told the ancients the entire story, start to finish. He told them of the prophecy, the birth of the three, and about how Clawpaw joined the dark side.
"Hm." An ancient named River hummed. "It has been years since we have had to deal with the likes of the darkness. And now one of the three has joined with them."
The ancient Wind flattened her ears. "This is a terrible time indeed."
Apparently, the ancient Thunder wasn't convinced. He snorted. "I would worry not about it. I believe the apprentice of FireClan has joined with the darkness for a reason."
Firestar stared at Thunder. "You really think so?"
"Clawpaw may be working alongside evil for now, but he knows not of their true intentions. When the time comes, he will join our side once more." Thunder stared deep into the pool. "I believe this is all happening for a reason, and we can do nothing more than watch it play out."
Chapter One - Goldenpaw[]
Goldenpaw watched a mouse scurry in next to a hawthorn bush from his shelter behind a log. He narrowed his eyes as the mouse lifted its small head and looked around. He had to make this catch. When the time was right, he pounced out on the mouse and crunched down on its head.
There's another one for the pile. Goldenpaw shrugged. Finally.
This mouse was one of the few prey left around this part of FireClan territory, the part nearest to the ThunderClan border. Toadstar noticed how the border line seemed to be growing closer each day, if only by a sliver. Nevertheless, he decided not to make such a fuss over a little piece of territory. Well, now that little piece stretch over a fox-length, and the stench of the ThunderClan cats was scaring away the other animals.
Goldenpaw picked the mouse up in his jaws and carried it back to camp, arriving just after the rest of the patrol. Mossfeather walked in camp with a thrush and a weasel, Rocketblaze padded in with a rabbit, and Heavypelt with few mice; mice that he immediately gave to his mate, Tangledwhisker. When he turned back around, he widened his eyes at the sight of Goldenpaw.
"Oh, you don't... You don't think Toadstar would mind me slipping her some extra food, do you?"
Goldenpaw chuckled. "He won't care. Go ahead." Goldenpaw could help but appreciate the fondness his mentor had for his mate.
"Really, Goldenpaw?"
Goldenpaw sighed. He recognized the whiny voice immediately. It was Darkfeather. She was made a warrior only a few days ago, but the authority was already going to her head. She began to pretty much boss around not only him, but Blazepaw and Clawpaw as well.
"Really what?"
"Is that really all you caught out there?"
"Get off my back, I hunted near the border. There's like nothing down there."
"You could've stayed out there longer and caught more!" Darkfeather grunted. "Whatever, just let the clan starve!" The black she-cat stormed away.
Goldenpaw sighed. He could tell she had good intentions, but she was just coming off annoying. Needless to say, any feelings he felt for her before were beginning to diminish. And yes, he could confirm he had feelings for Darkfeather.
He placed his mouse on the fresh-kill pile before grabbing a shrew and settling down next to the Apprentice's Den. Before he dug his fangs into the prey, he couldn't help but notice Bramblefoot's three kits watching him from the nursery with wide eyes. Goldenpaw remembered they had recently switched over to to eating meat. He picked up the shrew and carried it over to them.
He dropped the shrew at their paws. "Here. You three must be hungry." Goldenpaw nudged it forward. "Go ahead and eat."
The smallest of the three kits, a young she-kit named Mousekit, looked up at him with her big, amber eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Go ahead." Goldenpaw assured the tiny kit. "I can always get more."
Goldenpaw didn't want to seem like some self-righteous show-off, but he left the nursery feeling pretty accomplished. He felt good offering his help to the new generation. Out of the corner of his eye, Goldenpaw could see Darkfeather staring at him. He glanced over to her, and they locked eyes for a second. Goldenpaw felt heat growing in his fur as he continued looking at her. Her face bore a look of... affection. Like she admired his desire to help others.
Goldenpaw was going to go talk to her, maybe try to apologize for arguing earlier, but a flicker of orange caught his eye. It was Blazepaw. He padded over to a somewhat secluded part of camp, looked around frantically, then stepped out into the forest.
Where could he be going? Goldenpaw padded closer to the bush before deciding to follow his brother out into the unknown.
-
Goldenpaw panted hard in attempt to catch his breath. He had been following Blazepaw for a while now, and he was beginning to tire. Blazepaw, on the other hand, barely broke his stride. Goldenpaw watch as Blazepaw jumped over a few dead logs into another part of the forest, only this area smelled different. Goldenpaw's heart sank as he realized Blazepaw had just crossed into ThunderClan territory.
What's he doing here? Goldenpaw's heart raced. What will happen to him if he gets caught?
Without thought, Goldenpaw charged into ThunderClan territory after his brother. He noticed Blazepaw take a sharp turn towards an old twoleg den. The den's walls were cracked and crusty, and the rest of it's wooden exterior looked ready to crash down at a moment's notice.
Blazepaw looked around once more before entering the den. Goldenpaw padded closer, and overheard a conversation. He peeked his head carefully into an opening, and couldn't believe his eyes.
Sitting next to Blazepaw, on the floor of the den with her tail curled around him, was a young she-cat. Goldenpaw recognized her from Gatherings as Sandpaw of ThunderClan. The way she nuzzled up to Blazepaw reminded him of how Clifftail and Bramblefoot would cuddle up in the sun.
Goldenpaw's heart sank and his eyes widened. No! This can't be happening! My brother can't be in love with a ThunderClan cat!
Chapter Two - Blazepaw[]
Blazepaw felt Sandpaw's warm pelt stir next to his own. For the past moon, he had been meeting with her in the abandoned twoleg nest in her territory, and things were beginning to grow more and more... suggestive.
"So what have I missed since our last meeting?" asked Blazepaw.
"Our last meeting?" Sandpaw giggled. "We saw each other yesterday! How much did you think you missed?"
"Hey, I just want to check up on my girl." Blazepaw laughed. "But seriously, what's up?"
"Oh you know. Patrols, hunting. The usual stuff." Sandpaw narrowed her eyes. "Plus, Morningdawn's being extra uptight lately."
"Ugh, him again." Blazepaw sighed. More often than not, Sandpaw's news was pretty much all about Morningdawn's escapades to be a jerk. "Seriously, who put crow-food in his breakfast?"
"I dunno." Sandpaw paused. "But there's something I need to tell you. About Morningdawn."
Blazepaw's ears pricked up. "What?"
"Well, he seems to be... coming on to me."
"Coming on to you?"
Sandpaw butted him. "Y'know... Crushing on me, falling for me, whatever you want to call it."
Blazepaw's eyes narrowed into slits. "Oh is he now?"
"Yeah, and I don't know what to do about it."
"Well... Do you feel the same?"
Sandpaw whipped her head in his direction, her green eyes wide. "No! I just... Look, you're the only cat I've got my eyes on," Blazepaw smiled as she nuzzled up to him, "but you know we couldn't be together. You're from FireClan and I'm from ThunderClan. It could never work!"
Blazepaw sighed. Each time he went and saw Sandpaw, he knew he was breaking the warrior code. But his feelings were so strong and his heart lurched for her. He had grown so attached to her, ThunderClan scent was beginning to grow on him.
"Who's to say it couldn't work?" Blazepaw asked. "Plenty of cats have done it before. Look at Stormwhisker! Robinstar of WindClan was his old flame."
"Stormwhisker's case is different. He cares for his kits of WindClan and ShadowClan, but he always regrets his choice. I don't want to be like that." Sandpaw sighed, her eyes somber. "I think us being mates is out of the question." Her gaze perked up a bit. "But I like this. Just me and you, together without worries."
Blazepaw smiled and caressed her flank with his tail. "I like this too." He sat up. "Hey, it's getting kind of late. We should be getting back." Blazepaw smiled. "Want me to walk you home?"
Sandpaw giggled. "Do that, and Smokestar will have your pelt out to dry."
"Okay, okay, fine. But can you at least walk with me back to my territory."
"Of course, Blazey!" Sandpaw used the cute, little nickname for Blazepaw that always made him smile.
Blazepaw and Sandpaw began to pad out of the nest, when a shape appeared in the doorway. Blazepaw's heart stopped a beat when he recognized it as his brother, Goldenpaw.
"Blazey, huh?" Goldenpaw remarked. "Well, Blazey, I bet you weren't expecting to see me here!"
"G-Goldenpaw! Why are you here?"
"I saw you acting weird so I followed you out of camp. I can't believe you're meeting with a ThunderClan cat! And not only that, but you're head over heels for her!"
Blazepaw didn't know what to say. Everything Goldenpaw was saying was true. He looked over Sandpaw. "I should probably go. Don't worry, I can find my on way home."
"Okay. Be safe." Sandpaw glared at Goldenpaw for running off towards her camp."
Blazepaw looked back at Goldenpaw, his amber eyes narrow as slits. "So is there something you'd like to say?"
"... Please don't tell dad."
Goldenpaw sighed, then padded away.
"Please don't tell dad!" Blazepaw pleaded. "Nothing was going on, I swear! Please please please pleas pl-"
Goldenpaw kicked Blazepaw to get him to shut up. "I wont tell dad."
"Y-You wont? Why not?"
"Because you're my brother, and I trust you not get too involved with this thing." Goldenpaw heaved out. "Look, I'm like super disappointed in you, but I trust you enough to do the right thing. You can keep coming and meeting her until someone else finds our, or not. You're only hurting the two of you."
Blazepaw sighed. Again, Goldenpaw was right.
"Look, we can talk about this later. For now, let's just go home. This place stinks."
Chapter Three - Clawpaw[]
Clawpaw stepped out of his den and blinked his eyes as they adjusted to the sunlight. He had just woken up from a training session in the Dark Forest. He had pretty much become nocturnal at this point, for he spent most of his free time sleeping and training with Breezestar.
Lemonleaf energetically raced over to him. "Hey, I see you finally decided to wake up."
Clawpaw said nothing. He only yawned and stretched the stiffness out of his back.
"Well," Lemonleaf continued, "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a little walk around the territory."
"A walk?"
"Yeah." The golden she-cat shrugged. "I felt like stepping out for a bit, and I'd love the company."
Clawpaw had nothing else of importance to do, so he agreed to join his mentor for a walk. As he stepped out into the forest with her, he couldn't help but think how odd this was. Sure, he and his mentor were friends, as were his brothers and their mentors, but this seemed a bit out of character.
Padding farther and farther into the forest, Lemonleaf occasionally glanced over her shoulder nervously to look back at Clawpaw.
"So..." Clawpaw broke the silence that had been plaguing the two of them. "What made you want to walk with me?"
"Oh, you know, you're an apprentice and I'm your mentor, so I thought I'd just spend a little time with you." Lemonleaf nudged his and chuckled nervously. Clawpaw could sense a flicker urgency in her eyes, like she was craving something
"Are you hungry?" Clawpaw asked.
"W-What?" Lemonleaf widened her eyes in surprise.
"You look hungry. Do you want to hunt or something?"
"Oh, uh yeah. Let's hunt." Lemonleaf quickly scurried over into the bushes. Clawpaw followed suit.
-
"You're doing much better," Breezestar complimented, "but I need you to swipe down instead of up. Try again."
Clawpaw reeled back and swung a blow at Breezestar. Maybe an hour before, he had returned from his hunt with Lemonleaf, dropped off his haul, talked with Whitepaw and his brothers, and then went straight to bed.
Breezestar grunted as Clawpaw's claws slashed his jet-black pelt. He had insisted that Clawpaw try his hardest, but apparently he had made this one really hurt.
"Let's take a break." Breezestar wheezed. "I may not age here, but I'm older than every cats you've ever known. Besides, there's something I want to speak with you about." Breezestar patted the patch of dirt next to him, signaling Clawpaw to sit.
"What is it?"
"Well, you see... She-cats are a confusing bunch. I remember my old mate. Heathertail, I believe her name was. We had kits eventually, they had kits of their own, and they had kits of their own..."
Clawpaw was confused. He didn't know what Breezestar was rambling on about.
"What I'm saying is... You need to just keep your feelings in check. You must focus on training and training only."
That gave Clawpaw nothing to go on. He was just as confused as before, if not more. "I still don't follow."
Breezestar groaned. "That she-cat, Lemonleaf! It's clear she's developed feelings for you!"
Clawpaw's eyes widened. "My mentor? T-That's nuts! There's no way she likes me. Besides, I'm just an apprentice."
"I call them as I see them, kid. Did you not see how she looked at you during you're little walk, and why do you think she invited you in the first place?"
Clawpaw paused. "You saw me?"
"Oh course I did, I see everything!" Breezestar calmed himself down, but stared at Clawpaw with a grave expression in his eyes. "Look, promise me you'll devote your life to the Dark Forest over a mate, or else."
"Or else? Or else what?"
Breezestar's cold stare continued. It was the first time the ancient, black tom had really scared him. "Or else I'll be forced to do something I really don't want to do. You promised to be loyal and train with us, and I'll see to it that you keep that promise."
-
Clawpaw stepped out of his den into the fresh, greenleaf air of the nighttime. After Breezestar's talk, he had decided to leave the Dark Forest unannounced. He respected the black tom, but he had truly frightened him.
"Hi, Clawpaw!"
A cheery voice brought Clawpaw back out of his thoughts. It was Lemonleaf again. She padded over to him, peppy and nice as usual.
"Thistlebelly and I were wondering if you wanted to come on a patrol with us."
Clawpaw thought about her offer, and then about Breezestar's warning. But with Thistlebelly coming along, he was sure nothing romantic would ensue, so he agreed, If Lemonleaf really like him...
Maybe he could like her back?
What's one patrol gonna do? This is harmless. Clawpaw thought to himself. He may tell me what to do in the Dark Forest, but I'm my own boss down here.
Chapter Four - Blazepaw[]
Blazepaw glanced nervously at Goldenpaw. So far, his brother had kept his secret quiet, but he didn't know how long it would last. What would happen if Toadstar found out he was meeting Sandpaw? He would kill him! Or at least something bad like that.
Blazepaw quickly found himself overthinking things. Goldenpaw said he would keep my secret, and he's kep that promise so far. I should trust him. Blazepaw thought. All the thinking caused his head to spin. Sheesh, my head hurts. I think I'm gonna go lie down...
-
"Blazepaw."
Blazepaw flicked his ears. He could feel wind buffeting his fur and the voice sounded incredibly distant. Blazepaw just though Clawpaw had opened the door hatch in the Apprentice's Den and let a breeze in.
"Go back to bed, Clawpaw." Blazepaw mumbled. "It's cold."
"Blazepaw, you need to wake up."
"I'm tired and it's cold." Blazepaw shifted in his nest. "Whatever you want, can't it wait until morning?"
Blazepaw felt a paw touch his shoulder. It was oddly cold. "You need to wake up."
Blazepaw growled. "Would you let me sle-" Blazepaw opened his eyes to see... nothing. He squinted as the wind his his face once more. He looked out to see huge spires of rock among the blue sky. The gray spires were capped with white snow.
"Hello?" Blazepaw shouted. His voice echoed again and again as it stretched across the mountains.
"Blazepaw." The voice came again.
"Who's there?" Blazepaw shivered as the wind picked up. The small snowflakes began to grow larger and larger until a full-on flurry was covering the rocks around him.
"Blazepaw." A cat stepped out of the storm. His dark gray pelt blended with the color of the stone. "You and the chosen must go to the mountains and seek the cave of Rushing Water. Your future will unveil itself there."
"W-What?" Blazepaw shouted. He tried to step closer to the tom, but he backed away into the snow. Blazepaw shrieked as the snow turned to ice midair and pelted his body. The snow around his feet began to stain a dark red, and the sticky liquid stained his paws. He recognized the metallic scent as the scent of blood.
The barrage of ice increased more and more and the size of the hail grew larger and larger until a huge piece nailed Blazepaw right in the forehead and knocked him to the ground. As he laid there, flickering in and out of consciousness, he was approached by the mysterious tom once more.
"Please come to the mountains." The tom said. "The stars need their heroes."
-
"WHA-" Blazepaw awoke with a jolt. It was so sudden that Wildpaw, who was casually trying to nap in his nest, flinched and jumped up.
"Whoa man, calm down." Wildpaw stepped closer. "What's the deal with you?"
"I... I mean... Th-they're were mountains and... and ice and blood and-" Blazepaw quickly found himself rambling off to a confused friend.
"You might want to stop eating before bed." Wildpaw teased. "It gives you crazy dreams."
That was no dream. That was another prophecy. Blazepaw sat silent. He looked up at Wildpaw. "Where's Goldenpaw?"
"Um... He's with Stormspots, Darkfeather and the kits over at the fresh-kill pile. Why?"
Blazepaw sat up and determinedly padded out of the den. "It's something important. Something only he'd understand." He padded closer and closer to Goldenpaw, so much so he could hear the conversation. Goldenpaw was in the middle of telling a joke to the young kits.
"So then, the badger goes up to the trout and says--" Goldenpaw looked up at Blazepaw. "Oh, hey bro, what's up?"
"We need to talk. It's important."
"Is it really that important?" Goldenpaw tilted his head in disbelief.
"There has never been anything more important that this." mewed Blazepaw gravely. "I think we have a mission to go on."
"Can't it wait until later?" whined Nightkit.
"Yeah!" mewed Badgerkit in response, "I wanna hear the rest of the joke!"
"I think I have a better joke for the three of you." Stormspots winked at Goldenpaw. "Blazepaw, you can have him."
Blazepaw and Goldenpaw broke away from the group. "So, what do you want?" Goldenpaw groaned.
"I had a dream."
"So? Everyone has dreams. Darkfeather told me one about her being a bird."
Blazepaw leaned in closer. "You know very well our dreams aren't normal. It was one of those dreams."
Goldenpaw's eyes widened as he suddenly realized what Blazepaw meant.
"Tell. Me. Everything."
"Okay..." Blazepaw struggled to remember the dream. "I was up high somewhere, there was snow everywhere, and it was super cold."
"Well what did you see?"
Blazepaw paused. "Rock. Rock as far as the eye could see." He pondered for a moment. "Where do you think we could find a place like that?"
Goldenpaw looked above Blazepaw's head and pointed off into the distance with one of his claws. "There."
Blazepaw turned around and gasped. Goldenpaw was pointing at the mountains!
Blazepaw pointed back. "There." He was never more certain on anything. "StarClan wants us to go there!"
Chapter Five - Goldenpaw[]
"There?" Goldenpaw couldn't believe what his brother was saying. "As in, the mountains?"
Blazepaw looked down at the ground. He seemed to be a little unsure of himself. "I guess."
"You know how mouse-brained that sounds, right?"
"But a StarClan cat told us to go there!" Blazepaw took in a deep breath. "Look, for some reason they chose us to be the cats to go to the mountains. That must mean we're special, right?"
We obviously are special. Goldenpaw thought. Unless StarClan always counts on apprentices to save the world. "I guess you aren't wrong."
"See? That's why we have to go!"
Goldenpaw shook his head. "We can't just up and leave here unannounced! You think Toadstar will let two apprentices, let alone two of his three sons, go up miles into the air alone?"
"Well when you say it like that it sounds stupid."
"That's because it is!" Goldenpaw growled and turned away. "Go to the mountains and freeze if you want, but I'll have no part of it. Can't... Can't we just have a normal life for a few moons? No prophecies or StarClan cats or adventures in the mountains?"
Goldenpaw could feel Blazepaw step closer. "Goldenpaw, that's not who we are. No matter how much you'd like it, we aren't normal cats. There's something... more to us, y'know? I just feel like we haven't discovered everything about ourselves."
Goldenpaw nodded. He had felt the same way; wanting to know more about the mysteries surrounding him.
Blazepaw nudged him playfully. "Besides, when have you ever wanted to be normal?"
Goldenpaw let out a weak chuckle. "That's funny, but you aren't convincing me to go to the mountains with you."
Blazepaw stepped away. "I wont, and I can't. Only you can allow yourself to accompany me. If you do want to come, I plan on heading out tomorrow night."
Goldenpaw whipped his head around in shock. "Tomorrow? Why so soon? You have no reason to be in a hurry! What about mom and dad? What about Clawpaw? What about..." Goldenpaw froze. "What about Sandpaw?"
Goldenpaw could feel Blazepaw's bravery dwindle. "I guess I haven't thought about that... It may not be ideal, but sometimes other things are more important; like our destiny."
"But you really care for Sandpaw! You'd just leave her behind?"
"I do care for Sandpaw, no matter how much you don't like it. But we have more important things to think about than relationships and mates."
Goldenpaw glanced over to Darkfeather. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"So... You'll come?"
Goldenpaw padded away without looking at Blazepaw. "I'll think about it."
-
"What was that all about?" asked Darkfeather. Clawpaw now sat beside her instead of Stormspots.
"Oh... Nothing." Goldenpaw smiled awkwardly. He turned his head towards Clawpaw. "Mind if I ask you something?'
"Ask away."
"If there was something you needed to do, but you didn't want to, but you needed to do, would you do it?"
"Well..." Clawpaw rested his paw on his chin. "If it really is that important, you should do it without question."
"What if it meant missing out on..." Goldenpaw glanced over to Darkfeather without gaining her attention. "Other things?"
"Well, what's your problem? Maybe I can lend a hand."
"Sorry Clawpaw, it's... Personal."
"Oh..." Clawpaw looked somewhat disheartened, but his face perked up a bit. "Well whatever it is, your friends will always cheer you on. As for whether or not you should do it, the other things will always be here. Just think of it as finishing something first." Clawpaw glanced over to the fresh-kill pile. "Take lunch for example. If I wanted a larger piece of prey, like a rabbit, I'd probably eat something small like a mouse first. Then, if the rabbit's still there later, eat it then."
"You lost me at mouse."
Clawpaw chuckled. "I guess that was a little confusing..." Goldenpaw felt the warmth in Clawpaw's big, amber eyes. "Like I said, just finish the important stuff first, then come back and relax or whatever."
Goldenpaw grinned. "Thanks bro. That was a big help."
"No problem." Clawpaw smiled back.
"Hey, I'm going out hunting later," added Darkfeather, "would you like to join me, Goldenpaw?"
"Maybe a little later." Goldenpaw turned away. "I need to talk to someone first."
Goldenpaw followed Blazepaw's scent through camp. It led him back to the apprentice's den. Blazepaw was sitting in his nest, half-asleep. He lifted his head up weakly. "What?"
"Get your travelling herbs and pack your bags!" Goldenpaw announced. "We're going to the mountains!"
Chapter Six - Clawpaw[]
Clawpaw padded through the woods with Lemonleaf at his side. Thistlebelly had broken away from them to hunt on his own, so the apprentice and mentor were socializing.
"You know you're brother's been acing weird lately." stated Lemonleaf.
"Goldenpaw?"
"No, Blazepaw. He's just been... on edge I guess." The golden she-cat shook her head. "Oh well. It's none of my business. I'm sure it's nothing."
There was a small amount of awkward silence as Clawpaw and Lemonleaf just looked at each other. "Um... I'll go hunt by the river."
"Oh, cool. I'll go farther down." answered Lemonleaf.
-
Clawpaw watched the rush of water roll down the river. He hadn't caught much so far, only a thrush and a few mice. He saw a small silver fish float around in the water.
Hm... He thought. We don't eat fish, but that doesn't mean we can't. If RiverClan can do this, why can't I?
Clawpaw bowed his head closer to the water, being careful to keep his eyes on the fish. He snapped his jaws down into the water, but missed the fish. He lifted his head back up, his face now soaked in water.
"That was severely ineffective." Clawpaw thought aloud.
He looked at his reflection in the water to see how much of his face was wet, but instead of seeing his reflection, he saw something else. Appearencewise it looked very similar to him, a dark tabby with thick stripes. But this cat looked bigger, stronger, angrier. It wasn't exactly the same, but the resemblance was uncanny.
Even his eyes are the same shade of amber as mine...
"Clawpaw!" A voice whispered from the shadows. Clawpaw had lifted his head from the water to see where the noise came from, and when he looked back, the reflection was gone. He was now once again staring at his own reflection again.
"Clawpaw!" The voice came again. It didn't sound like Thistlebelly, or Lemonleaf, or anyone in his clan for that matter. The scent was strange too, but somehow familiar. Clawpaw was shocked to see Breezestar walk out from the darkness.
"B-Breezestar?" Clawpaw stammered. "Why are you here? How are you even here?"
"Never mind that." Breezestar's voice lowered. "I see you're out with that she-cat again. What did I tell you about spending time with her?"
"We're just hunting, and it isn't even just the two of us!"
Breezestar growled and raised a paw of unsheathed claws. "You must learn your lesson somehow." H would have slashed down at him, but a familiar voice came from nearby.
"Clawpaw!" The voice was Lemonleaf's. "You ready or what?"
Breezestar quickly faded back into the shadows, so much so that only his amber eyes glistened in the darkness. "You're lucky she's here this time, but you wont always be so lucky." hissed Breezestar. "I want you in the Dark Forest as soon as possible. There's something I want to show you, and it may just make you realize how important you are in the grand scheme of our existence. If you truly are loyal to us, you will not miss this date." The amber eyes narrowed before disappearing completely.
-
"Breezestar? Breezestar!" Clawpaw called out for Dark Forest mentor apprehensively. What Breezestar had told him earlier had scared him, and he really didn't want to be here, but he never really had much of a choice. "Breezestar, where are you?"
"I'm here, Clawpaw." Breezestar suddenly strode out of a thorn bush. His dark pelt was somehow not snagging on the thorns and it came out smooth as leather. "You decided to show up. Good, you are growing more obedient."
"Yeah, um... What is it you to show me? Something about me being important to some grand scheme?"
"Oh yes." Breezestar used his tail to spread apart thorn branches. "We are very near where we must go. Follow."
Together, Clawpaw and Breezestar padded through the dead foliage and fungus of the Dark Forest. As the time passed, Clawpaw noticed how familiar the scenery began to look around him. He had been here before, but when?
"Let me ask you this, Clawpaw." Breezestar spoke as he padded on. "Have you heard the legends of Tigerstar?"
"No. Who is he?"
Breezestar sighed. "His story is far too long for me to tell you it now, but perhaps later. Let me just say he was an excellent warrior, better than any cat I've ever seen, despite some... quirks."
"Quirks?" Clawpaw tilted his head. "What kind of quirks?"
"Oh, nothing!" Breezestar chuckled awkwardly. "But listen, he is very important to our plan. Actually, I see a lot of him in you. A strong, determined tom, and very hardy. You both look quite similar as well."
"Maybe we're related. Who knows?"
"Well... Something like that. Just know that you and Tigerstar share a bond unlike any other pair of cats I've ever known." Breezestar turned his head and looked on down the path. "That's why you are important to us."
"Okay, so what does that mean?"
Breezestar stopped in front of a long line of dead bushes. "That is what you find out now. Do you see that patch of land over there?" Breezestar pointed his muzzle over to a bright-green area across from the Dark Forest.
"W-What is it?" Clawpaw looked on in awe.
"That, young Clawpaw, is StarClan's territory."
"It's beautiful." From the line of bushes, Clawpaw could already make out the shapes of other cats frolicking about the grassy meadows. The sunshine felt warm on his pelt, and he could scent the sweet smell of flowers.
"Beautiful as it may be, it holds no importance to us." Breezestar looked down. "That is what's important to us."
Clawpaw looked down as well, and flinched. The Dark Forest ground suddenly ended in a large, sheer cliff. Below the cliff, Clawpaw could see swirls of black and white lights.
"What's that?"
"That is what we call the Rift. It is the exact in between of the Dark Forest and StarClan."
Clawpaw gasped. He had been here before with Ravenflight! "W-What's it for?"
"When a cat dies, it either goes to the Dark Forest or to StarClan. However, should that cat die a second time, it is sent to the Rift. There's nothing down there, and the cats are forced to wander purgatory until their souls disappear."
"Okay, so what does that have to do with us?"
"Don't you see, Clawpaw? Hundreds of Dark Forest warriors lurk that Rift, including Tigerstar." Breezestar curled his jaws into a toothy grin. "Only a living cat has the energy to enter and exit this Rift. Using you, we can send Dark Forest warriors into the Rift, and retrieve the lost souls! Our strength will grow in numbers until we become unstoppable!"
"Okay." Clawpaw's ears drooped. "So you're just using me, huh?"
"Oh, no, no! You are more important that that Clawpaw, much more important! When the time comes, you true destiny well be revealed." Breezestar's eyes narrowed. "But this destiny will only come to you if you quit all this fooling around. Now do you see why we need you? You must pledge your loyalty to the Dark Forest."
Without question, Clawpaw bowed to Breezestar. "I am loyal to you, my leader. I wont be with Lemonleaf anymore."
"Good. Good." Breezestar's voice grew quieter and quieter until it was little more than a whisper. "Everything is going according to plan, my dark master."
Chapter Seven - Goldenpaw[]
Goldenpaw heaved out with a sigh as he took one more look at camp. Whiskernose was returning from a border patrol, Bramblefoot watched in delight as her kits tumbled over each other, and Clawpaw padded sleepily out of his den.
He's been sleeping a lot lately. Goldenpaw thought, Maybe he's sick?
Clawpaw's possible sickness made Goldenpaw think of the medicine den, and how he had broken in there to steal some travelling herbs. The bitter tang of the leaves stained his tongue, but he dared not go grab a piece of food.
I'm already doing something incredibly taboo. I couldn't deprive my clanmates of their prey, especially when I'm going to leave them all behind for who knows how long.
After glancing around camp, Goldenpaw padded over to the apprentices den where Blazepaw sat. He nonchalantly sat next to him, trying not to draw so much attention. He leaned his muzzle next to his brother's ear and whispered in.
"When are we gonna head out?"
"The sun's going down." Blazepaw answered quietly. "We don't have long now. Let's just wait until most of the camp is asleep and quiet. Frogtail's on guard tonight, and you know how sharp his nose is. We'll have to take caution when we sneak out."
"Okay, so... What do we do until then?"
Blazepaw sat down and tucked his paws under his body. "We wait."
-
Goldenpaw regretted just waiting for the sun to set instead of taking a nap. He was exhausted, hungry, but only minutes from leaving. He was glad he took the travelling herbs an hour before, or he'd just be straight-up dead. He nodded in and out of sleep, hoping to get even a few moments of shut-eye.
"Everyone's asleep." Blazepaw approached him. "You ready?"
Goldenpaw groaned and lazily got up on his paws. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Good. I thought up a way we can get out of camp undetected." Blazepaw scratched lines into the dirt as Goldenpaw watched on. "The sentry, which is Frogtail, is just past this line of brambles." Blazepaw scratched a longer line in the dirt. "We can sneak out if we go all the way around the line. It would take longer, but it would be the only way to keep our scent farther away from any guards that may take Frogtail's place." Blazepaw looked up from his sketch. "Whaddya' think?"
"I think that's probably our best chance." Goldenpaw stumbled up onto his feet. "Let's hurry and get this over with. I don't like saying goodbye."
"We don't have time to say our goodbyes, but I know what you mean."
"Do you think the others will miss us?"
"I certainly hope so," replied Blazepaw, his eyes mournful. "Hopefully not too much. C'mon, let's get going."
-
Getting past Frogtail thankfully wasn't too hard for Goldenpaw. As he climbed up a ridge to go farther into FireClan territory, he looked down on his home one last time.
I know this isn't goodbye forever, but I'll miss you all. Toadstar, Gingerstep, Heavypelt, Clawpaw, Rockpaw and Wildpaw, Whitepaw, Stormspots... And.... And Darkfeather.
Goldenpaw stopped his brother. "Are we really doing the right thing? Leaving everything and everyone behind?"
"It's the will of StarClan. It must the right thing."
"Do you even know what we're doing once we get to the mountains? Where do we go then?"
Blazepaw stayed silent, but kept moving forward.
"You don't know, do you? You don't have a plan?"
Blazepaw slowly turned his head towards Goldenpaw. He let out a weak chuckle. "I guess I haven't thought that far ahead. But don't worry, I think StarClan will guide us on this journey. It's up to us to believe their judgement."
"Okay." Goldenpaw plopped down once he was far enough up the hill. "So where to now?"
"Um... I think the fastest way to the mountains from here would be going through ShadowClan, the RiverClan, and then crossing at the Horseplace."
"That's not right."
Goldenpaw whipped his head in fear in the direction of the voice. It was coming from a large juniper shrub. The shrub rustled for a moment before three familiar faces popped out; Clawpaw, Stormspots, and Darkfeather.
"W-What are you three doing out here?" Goldenpaw's voice stuttered in shock.
"We could ask you the same thing," commented Stormspots. "Why are you two out here?"
"Um... A walk! Yeah, Blazepaw and I were going to a walk to clear our heads."
Darkfeather narrowed her eyes. "A walk? In the middle of the night? After sneaking out of camp?"
Goldenpaw shivered so much, he could barely blink. "Uh-huh."
"And does this walk happen to take you through ShadowClan and RiverClan territories?"
"Um... Well it... Erm..." Goldenpaw as struggled to somehow explain himself.
Blazepaw let out a long sigh. "The jig is up, Goldenpaw. We've been caught." His head hung low. "Say goodbye to our quest."
"Quest?" Darkfeather's ears pricked up. "What quest?"
"Who cares?" interjected Stormspots. "Let's just get them back to camp!"
"No, no ,no," Darkfeather leaned in closer, "I want to hear more about this quest."
"Me too," Clawpaw chimed in. "Why don't you tell us about this 'quest'?"
"Well..." Goldenpaw began, "Blazepaw had a dream from StarClan. It told him that the two of us need to go up to the mountains for... something I guess. We aren't sure what this thing is, but we're going anyway."
Everyone was silent. Stormspots broke the silence with a hearty laugh. "That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard!"
"It's true! We've had a bunch of dreams from StarClan! We're... special, I guess."
"If StarClan wanted to send a prophecy to a cat of FireClan, why not Toadstar or Tawnysoul? Why a couple apprentices? The joke is over you two, let's go."
"No." Clawpaw stepped forward. "They need to go to the mountains, because they are telling the truth. I can vouch for them."
"Really?" Stormspots cocked an ear in disbelief.
"They first had a dream back when we were all kits," Clawpaw went on. "Toadstar said something about StarClan watching over them. I believe this is one of those times."
"Thanks, Clawpaw." Goldenpaw brushed up against his brother lovingly.
Darkfeather turned away from Clawpaw and looked directly at Goldenpaw. "So you really think you need to go there?"
Goldenpaw took in a soft breath. "Yes, yes I do."
Darkfeather's eyes were level with Goldenpaw's. "In that case, I want to come with you."
"What?" Goldenpaw, Blazepaw, and Stormspots all echoed in unison.
"Why would you want to come with us?" asked Goldenpaw, frantically.
"I'm a warrior. I'm more experienced than the both of you. I'll come to make sure neither of you two get hurt. If you are as important as you tell us, that will be vital to this quest."
Goldenpaw grunted. "I think we can handle ourselves fine, thank you."
"Uh, Goldenpaw." Blazepaw tapped Goldenpaw's shoulder. "Maybe it would be smart for her to tag along. She's right, we are gonna need protection."
"But this is our quest!"
"What happens if we run into a fox or, StarClan forbid, a badger?"
Goldenpaw narrowed his eyes and sighed. "Fine. She can come."
Stormspots thrust his way forward. "Then I'm coming as well. If any of you do get hurt, I'll be able to help you." Before Goldenpaw could respond, Stormspots met his gaze. "I'm going no matter what you tell me. I wont abandon my sister."
Goldenpaw sighed. He doubted he would be able to change Stormspots's mind. Then he looked at Clawpaw, who himself looked a little awkward being in the middle of all this. "How about you, Clawpaw? Do you want to come too?"
Clawpaw opened his mouth, and hesitated for a moment. "I-I can't. I'd love to, but I just can't. I have... other things to attend to, and I can't just leave everyone behind."
"That's fine," replied Goldenpaw. He and Blazepaw nuzzled up to their brother. "But I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too, and I wish you the best of luck on your adventure."
"Are you sure you want to stay?" asked Blazepaw.
"I'll be fine. You four go on your adventure, and I'll take care of things back home. I'll even throw everyone off your trail."
"How so?" asked Stormspots.
"I'll wake up before everyone else. Early enough so everyone will still be asleep, but late enough so you all should be far from here. Then, I'll tell everyone you've left. Hopefully, they'll occupy themselves long enough so they don't end up finding you."
"Thank you, Clawpaw."
"Don't thank me," Clawpaw turned around back towards camp, "this is just what family does for each other."
As his brother bounded down the slope, Goldenpaw looked at the party. It seemed like everyone was ready and fit to go. Everyone looked at him and tilted their heads.
"So..." asked Darkfeather. "What now?"
Chapter Eight - Goldenpaw[]
"Why are you asking me?" Goldenpaw glanced over to Blazepaw. "He's the one who suggested this journey, he should lead us!"
"Don't worry about it," chuckled Blazepaw. "I guess you're just a natural-born leader. Something about you just seems... commanding. I'm fine with you leading us around. Think of it as you being the leader, and I'll be your deputy!"
"Okay, that sounds pretty cool!" Goldenpaw took pride in leading beside his brother.
"No hold on!" Darkfeather pushed herself in front of Blazepaw. "Why should you two lead us? You're just a couple apprentices!" She laid back and sat beside Stormspots. "We're older, so we should be the ones to lead."
"Uh, you didn't even need to come along with us!" Goldenpaw snarled at his female companion. "Goldenpaw and I were chosen by StarClan, so we know what we're doing!"
"Do you really? Do you have any idea what the mountains are like?"
"Do you?"
"That's not the point!"
Stormspots pushed himself between Goldenpaw and Darkfeather. "Guys, guys, stop fighting!" The white tom darted his gaze back and forth between the two. "Look, if there's a leadership issue here, I may have a way to solve it. Why don't Goldenpaw and Darkfeather both lead the expedition?" Stormspots looked over to Blazepaw. "You may remain second-in-command. I have no urge to lead this group, for I'm only here since my sister's here. Is everyone okay with that?"
"I guess." mumbled Darkfeather.
Goldenpaw only growled in agreement.
"See? That wasn't so hard, wasn't it? Now, hopefully, we can get back on track before the sun rises." Stormspots padded up to Goldenpaw. "The quickest way to the mountains should be by going through ThunderClan and WindClan territories."
"How do you know that?"
"Lotuspaw, Starfall's apprentice from ThunderClan, told me about it."
"Well, I would thank Lotuspaw if I could, but I suppose we can't." Goldenpaw started to pad forward. "We should get going."
"Hold on." Stormspots stopped him. "We need to find something we can roll around in. Wild garlic, a patch of flowers, some mud even. We need to disguise our scent so ThunderClan and WindClan doesn't detect it."
"Good idea." Goldenpaw lifted his head and looked around. "Well, let's go roll around in smelly stuff, I guess."
-
Goldenpaw wretched. The thick, brown mud that coated his long pelt reeked of the fish from the river, but it was the only thing that could properly hide his FireClan scent. He and the party were now pawsteps from the ThunderClan border, and Goldenpaw took soft steps as he began to cross.
"Hey, Goldenpaw." Blazepaw quickened his pace and whispered into Goldenpaw's ear. "Mind if we take a detour?"
"Detour?"
"Yeah, I was wondering if we could sneak by ThunderClan camp. I want to just stop by and say goodbye to Sandpaw."
"What?" Goldenpaw raised his voice, but without actually yelling. "No way! Darkfeather and Stormspots are here, and you're way to prone to getting caught!"
"But if I just disappear, she'll end up getting worried about me!"
"You aren't dying!" Goldenpaw hissed at his brother. "You'll be back once we finish our quest, and you can see her then."
Blazepaw let out a defeated sigh.
Goldenpaw ran his tail along his brother's flank. "I'm just doing this to look out for you. If you end up getting caught, then you'll never get to see her. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"I guess so," replied Blazepaw, his voice brightened, but his eyes still dull.
-
Goldenpaw panted hard behind Stormspots. Even though he was technically the leader of the party, he had needed to catch his breath, so he let the older and much smarter medicine cat take the lead for a bit.
"Are we almost there?" Goldenpaw coughed due to his dry mouth. "I'm exhausted!"
Stormspots merely turned around and shrugged. "Beats me. It's a giant pillar of rock in the sky; it shouldn't be hard to miss. Besides, you only think you're tired. You can go on if you just push yourself!"
"No, no." Darkfeather padded up next to Goldenpaw and fell to her belly. "We don't think we're tired, we know. Can we just stop up at the Horseplace? We've been on the move all morning."
Goldenpaw looked up in surprise. He had really been on travelling that long? He looked ahead to the huge den known as the Horseplace; a place where giant creatures called horses ran around. The sun was peaking up over its edges.
Stormspots sighed. "Alright. We can stop for now, but we need to keep moving after that. We can't afford anyone catching us out here."
Goldenpaw, Blazepaw, Stormspots, and Darkfeather nestled together near a patch of thistles. It felt really awkward sleeping just as the sun was rising, but Goldenpaw was in no mood to be restless. His eyes flickered open and shut oven and over, and his head began to hang down from his shoulders.
"Goldenpaw?"
Blazepaw's mew made Goldenpaw's sleepy eyes flick open his way. It seemed Darkfeather and Stormspots were already fast asleep, but Blazepaw was still awake. He looked troubled.
"What do you want?"
"Did we do the right thing," Blazepaw's gaze flicked over to the mountains in the distance, "coming here? Bringing our friends along? This could get dangerous."
"That's true." Goldenpaw rested his head on his brother's shoulder. ""But remember, StarClan wants us to do this. You'll see. Everything's gonna be fine." Goldenpaw let out a long sigh. "I only worry about Clawpaw, Whitepaw, and the rest of the folks back home."
Chapter Nine - Clawpaw[]
"Goldenpaw and Blazepaw are missing!"
Clawpaw screeched as loud as he could from his nest in the apprentice's den. He had waited a while since he had returned to camp, long enough to make sure no cat was still awake.
In what seemed like seconds, the warriors poured into the small den, crowding Wildpaw, Rockpaw, and Whitepaw out. They were all meowing and hissing in fear and confusion. Toadstar pushed his way to the front, his pelt messy with concern.
"Clawpaw," Toadstar's voice shivered, "where are you're brothers?"
Clawpaw wanted so badly to tell his father the truth, but he couldn't betray Goldenpaw. There had to have been a good reason for them to leave; they were chosen by StarClan after all!
"I-I don't know," Clawpaw lied right through his teeth. "They left when I was asleep."
Toadstar's ears flattened and his jaw dropped. "No... Th-There gone?" He slowly began muttering to himself.
"Toadstar." Shrewfur pushed his way to the front of the crowd. "The warriors den has been checked. Darkfeather is missing as well."
"And Stormspots!" A little voice peeped from somewhere among the commotion. It was Mousekit. She wriggled her way between Lichenwhisker and Clifftail. "He isn't in bed!"
"Send out a patrol immediately! If they are missing, we can't allow this trail to go cold." Toadstar faced a few senior warriors. "Got that?"
"Yes sir!" Clifftail's gruff voice showed how serious this was.
"Four cats missing?" Clawpaw could hear Mossfeather growling through the crowd. "I'll bet my own tail this is ThunderClan's doing!"
"Yeah!" snarled Thistlebelly. "They've been up to something lately, always trying to start trouble, and now they kidnap cats? Where does Smokestar get off?"
Toadstar pushed his way to the head of the group once more. "I don't think ThunderClan is involved with this. Smokestar has been our ally for many moons now. He would never do such an dishonorable thing."
"Smokestar might not be at the head of the operation," Mossfeather hissed as he turned away. "We'll never know unless we decide to do something."
-
Clawpaw watched Toadstar and Gingerstep from the exit of the Apprentice's den. They were surrounded by their close friends and family after the 'loss' of Goldenpaw and Blazepaw. The search parties came and went throughout the day, but all came up empty-pawed.
Clawpaw let out a sigh of discomfort. He didn't like lying to his clan, letting them all think his brothers were dead or missing, but he had little choice. Watching Toadstar turn from the brave and strong leader to an emotional wreck was probably the worst part.
"Hey," Whitepaw approached him from behind, "Are you gonna be okay? You don't seem too upset."
"I hide it well," Clawpaw lied again. Whitepaw was one of his best friends in the clan, but he didn't want to risk telling him. "But it's hard losing the cats you care about."
"I know the feeling. I lost my sister when I was still only a kit."
"You had a sister?"
"Yeah." Whitepaw's ears drooped. "Her name was... Scarlet. At least I think so. I was so young then." Whitepaw paused for a moment. "Well, I was old enough to understand what happened to her. When she died from greencough, I was destroyed. Her death was the reason Bloodstar took a shine to me, and the reason I wanted to leave."
"How did you cope? With your sister I mean."
"Time," Whitepaw stated blatantly. "I was torn apart about it then, but I just had to let life go on." Whitepaw sat up. "Time is the only true medicine that can heal our wounds. Yeah, those are big words coming from a little guy like me, but they have truth. I hope you can get over your brothers soon."
"I'll try." Clawpaw looked up at his friend and grinned. "Thank you, Whitepaw."
Whitepaw nodded and padded away, out of the den and back into the mourning camp.
If only I could take his words to heart, thought Clawpaw. In reality, my brothers aren't dead, just off on some crazy adventure! Meanwhile, I have to lie to all the cats I've known since my kithood! Oh, Goldenpaw and Blazepaw, you two can't get back here soon enough!
"Oh, one more thing." Whitepaw had stepped back into the den. "You're gonna want to get some shut-eye."
"Why?"
Whitepaw tilted his head. "Have you really forgotten? Tomorrow's our final assessment!"
Chapter Ten - Blazepaw[]
"This. Trip. Is... Never-ending."
Blazepaw let out a long, dry wheeze. He and the rest of his group were easily exhausted. Goldenpaw fur was messy from the wind, Darkpaw panted repeatedly with her tongue out, and Stormspots walked with a slight limp. They had had a nice long rest, but the trip up the mountain proved to be much worse than expected. The ridges and paths were steep, there was no cover from the wind, there were eagles flying about the sky, and the worst part of all. Something Blazepaw hadn't expected to see for at least a while.
Snow.
It was mid-newleaf back by the lake, but that didn't stop the thick clumps of white to gather in his orange pelt, making him almost identical to Stormspots. He was so thirsty, but he didn't dare let it touch his mouth. It could've frozen his tongue like wet slug.
"Are we almost there?" whined Blazepaw.
"You tell us," grunted Stormspots. "You were the on who had the dream. Did it give you any direction as to where we are and what we're supposed to do?"
"Um..." Blazepaw thought back as far into his mind as he could. "The cat in my dream told us to find a cave of Rushing Water."
Goldenpaw groaned. "That's probably the vaguest answer you could've given us."
"No it's not. They want us to find rushing water..." Darkfeather bounded a few tail-lengths to her left. "And there's a river right here! That's the rushing water!"
"Okay, so where's the cave?"
"Well it's not gonna be right here, is it? We should follow the river and see where it goes."
Blazepaw grunted as he trudged on through the tough terrain. "As long as it takes us where we want to go, I'll be happy. Let's get a move on, things will only get worse once the sun goes down!"
The snow was picking up now.
-
Blazepaw and his companions huddled in a line as they walked. Their pelts frozen and their teeth chattering. Blazepaw was right on his assumption that it would get worse at night, and worse it got. The snow was falling much more now; it was more of an obstacle than a nuisance. The white clumps blanketed themselves on the pelts of the group members. Oddly enough, it kept the little warmth they felt in them.
"Are we... Almost there... I'm so... so tired." Goldenpaw gasped and mumbled as he pushed through.
"We'll be there soon." Darkfeather had tried to sound confident, but she sounded unsure of herself. "We just need to keep moving."
"And please don't stop. Don't stop ever." Blazepaw couldn't stress this rule enough. With the snow falling this thick and fast, resting was suicide. They would be buried under feet upon feet of freezing mounds. Even Darkfeather, with her black fur sticking out like a bird in water, would probably never be found.
The group kept morale up the best their could, but the mood was very gloomy. It was boring; everyone was too cold or too tired to talk. And the noise was the worst thing of all, or at least the lack of. The only sound Blazepaw could hear was the foreboding whistle of the winds and the rushing of the river; and even they were beginning to die down.
They were quiet.
They were miserable.
They were alone.
Until a faint noise picked up in Blazepaw's ears. It sounded like the river, but much louder and farther away. His ears flicked up as they picked up the sloshing sound.
"Do you hear that?" Blazepaw recognized the familiar gurgling of the river. "Water."
"That doesn't sound like water..." Darkfeather pushed ahead of the entire group, and perked up. "It's not water, It's a waterfall!" She darted her gaze back and forth from the group to the horizon and back. "That's the rushing water we need, and it comes from this river!"
Blazepaw and the other ran to catch up with her. On the horizon, they saw it; a big cliff with water rushing over it in a big wave. He even saw an indent next to the waterfall where a cave could sit. This was it! They had found what they were looking for!
"So what do we do now?" asked Goldenpaw.
"Well it seems if we walk around following the river, we can step down those ledges and get to that cave," noted Stormspots. Blazepaw was glad to have such an intelligent cat on the job.
"No way!" Darkfeather butted in. She was clearly hyped to be out of the cold. "If we cut straight across we'll get there way quicker, look." Darkfeather padded out to an area in front of her. She bounced up and down in excitement.
"Darkfeather!" Goldenpaw called out. "Please be careful!"
"It's totally safe, scaredy-paw! Let's go! I want to get out of here already!"
As Darkfeather shouted, she continued to hop up and down. Something felt wrong in Blazepaw's gut, like something bad was about to happen. He would have put it off as nothing, until he heard a crack coming from Darkfeather's direction. His fear was confirmed.
Darkfeather was standing on a frozen part of the river.
The cracking noise grew louder and louder and spread to the base of Blazepaw's feet. The ice was beginning to give way under the snow, and Darkfeather was right in the center of it.
"Darkfeather, get out of there!"
Darkfeather darted towards the rest of the group. She zigzagged as the ice around her fell into the freezing water. She was no more than a fox-length away from Blazepaw when the rest of the ice shattered and she plunged under. She screeched and flailed under the water as the river swept her down.
"Darkfeather!" Goldenpaw dove paws first into the river after Darkfeather. He disappeared under the surface for a moment, but popped back up with the black she-cat between his jaws. Things were looking up as he charged through the water towards the shore.
"Goldenpaw!" Blazepaw reached his paw out to brother. "Grab on!"
Goldenpaw reached his paw out from the river and latched on to Blazepaw's. His claws raked down Blazepaw's foreleg. Blazepaw hissed as his pelt seared with pain. He and Goldenpaw held onto each other the best they could, but the power of the torrent was too much. The two cats were swept away down the rest of the river.
"No! Goldenpaw I'm coming!"
Blazepaw followed his drowning brother down the rest of the river until they reached a drop-off. Goldenpaw fell down the steep cliff, the limp Darkfeather still in his jaws. They fell down so far, Blazepaw couldn't see them through the snow.
No... Tha-That didn't just happen. It couldn't have. I'm asleep, and I'll wake up, and everyone will still be fine!
Blazepaw headbutted the stone floor beneath him again and again.
Why wont I wake up? I need to wake up. I need to wake up! Please let me just wake up!
As much as Blazepaw tried, he wouldn't wake up. He knew this was no bad dream. He knew he wasn't asleep. He knew Goldenpaw and Darkfeather weren't okay. They were both either dead or dying right now.
And it's all my fault...
Chapter Eleven - Goldenpaw[]
I'm cold. So very cold.
Goldenpaw slowly opened his eyes and dragged himself out of the frozen riverbed. He vomited up a few splashes of water.
So cold.
He looked around in confusion. The last thing he could remember was breaking away from Blazepaw and falling down the river. His side hurt. He must have hit it on a rock coming down. He wanted to get up and find is brother, but he just couldn't.
I'm too cold. I'm too tired. Goldenpaw rested his head on his paws. I think I'm gonna lie down for a minute. I'm hungry. I wanna go home.
Goldenpaw's eyelids fluttered for a moment, until something in the river caught his eye. It looked like a rock, a small one at least. There was something about it that unsettled him. Stumbling up on weak legs, he padded over to the river's edge and peered in. The rock was soaking wet, and oddly colored. Goldenpaw had never seen a black rock before.
Wait, how could I be so stupid? That's not a rock! That's Darkfeather!
The slender, black she-cat drifted softly in the current. A rock that anchored her still was the only thing that kept her from drifting farther away. As much as Goldenpaw didn't like it, he jumped back into the river and fished her out. She plopped onto the snowy earth like a dead fish; wet, cold, and ominously still.
"Darkfeather? Darkfeather!"
Goldenpaw put his ear next to her open mouth. He heard nothing. She wasn't breathing.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!" Goldenpaw panicked. How was he supposed to get the water out of her? He didn't even know if she was still alive!
Goldenpaw pushed down on Darkfeather's chest. A little bit of water dribbled out of her mouth, but it wasn't nearly as much as what was inside of her.
You probably aren't gonna like this, thought Goldenpaw, but this is the only way I can save your life.
Forcefully, Goldenpaw shoved his paw down Darkfeather's throat. The fleshy, slimy feel on his paw made his sick, but it was necessary at this point. He shoved his paw down farther and farther until he felt a gurgling sensation underneath. As he yanked his paw out, Darkfeather's eyes opened wide, she sat up, and spewed out water from her jaws. She coughed repeatedly before falling eerily silent. Had Goldenpaw done all that for nothing?
"G-G-Goldenpaw?" Darkfeather slowly looked up at him, shaking in her pelt. "D-Did you drag me out from that river?"
"Uh, yeah. I hope you don't mind, I had to get a whole arm in you before you'd puke." Goldenpaw let out a small chuckle.
Darkfeather stood up on her paws and nuzzled Goldenpaw. He instantly felt warmer.
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
Goldenpaw was hysterical at this point. "Er... Anytime."
Darkfeather pushed up against him and shivered. "I'm cold. We need to get on the move again."
Now that the adrenaline had worn off, Goldenpaw finally felt just how cold it still was. His sopping wet pelt didn't help either. "You're right," he mewed. "If we don't find shelter, we'll freeze."
Goldenpaw looked around through the thick snowstorm. Among the flurries of white, he saw a spike of black. He stepped closer and saw it was the opening to a small cave in the cliff face.
"Thank StarClan." Goldenpaw wrapped his tail around Darkfeather to guide her. "This way."
The two cats settled down in the cave. It wasn't exactly warm, but it was the warmest they'd felt in a long time. Goldenpaw and Darkfeather sat there, shivering in silence.
"We need to leave," muttered Darkfeather. "We need to find Blazepaw and Stormspots before they end up like us."
"No way. We need to stay here where it's safe."
"But they need our help out there!" Darkfeather tried and failed to get up on her paws. "We need to help them!"
"We'll be no help to them is we die out there. It's not worth risking all four of our lives. The two of them will be find; we can look for them in the morning once this snow clears."
"Are you sure they'll be okay?"
"I promise." Goldenpaw kneaded his feet on the stone. "Now, let's try and regain some energy before we go back out there."
"Alright."
Goldenpaw and Darkfeather tried to fall asleep, but they were far too cold to even feel a wink of drowsiness. Darkfeather scooted a little closer to him.
"Hey..." Darkfeather stumbled with her words. "Okay, so this might sound weird but... Do you mind if I curl up next to you? I'm so cold I can't even think about sleep."
Goldenpaw suppressed a yowl of delight. "Y-Yeah! I mean, sure. Go on ahead."
"Thank you."
Darkfeather pressed her side into Goldenpaw's. The body heat between them was shared and warmed the two of them up. Goldenpaw felt Darkfeather's tail rest on his flank.
In this moment, Goldenpaw was no longer cold. He felt warmer than he ever had in his life.
-
Goldenpaw yawned as he slowly blinked the sleep from his eyes. He had received a well-deserved nap, despite the conditions outside. He had woken up in a... well, a very odd position. He and Darkfeather were lying on their sides facing each other. Goldenpaw had a foreleg resting on Darkfeather's shoulder, and the she-cat had entwined her tail with Goldenpaw's.
Woah. Goldenpaw's eyes widened. This is ridiculous.
Darkfeather slowly let out a soft yawn, her breath feeling warm on Goldenpaw's muzzle. She slowly opened her eyes and stared right into Goldenpaw. She tilted her head in confusion.
"Goldenpaw, what are you doing?"
"Uh... We woke up like this."
"Oh." Darkfeather quickly reeled back her paws and untwisted her tail. She looked away from Goldenpaw and wouldn't face him.
Well, that stings. Goldenpaw's face felt hot with embarrassment. But at least I can see how that would be awkward. Then again, she was the one who wanted to curl up with me last night!
"We should get going now." Goldenpaw and Darkfeather awkwardly muttered in unison. The looked at each other slowly before getting up and padding out of the den.
I feel incredibly uncomfortable, thought Goldenpaw with a twinge of pain. I've embarrassed myself in front of the she-cat I've got my eyes on, and now it looks like she's afraid of me. Ugh, can't I just freeze already?
-
Goldenpaw and Darkfeather pushed on through the snow. It wasn't falling nearly as thick as it was last night, but the drifts on the ground were almost as tall as Goldenpaw himself. At least they had left before the snow could harden and turn to ice.
"So," started Darkfeather. "How are we supposed to find Blazepaw and Stormspots?"
"We could try calling out for them. Our voices should echo, so they'd probably hear us if they're anywhere nearby."
"Blazepaw! Stormspots!" Darkfeather yowled out at the top of her lungs. Goldenpaw was quick to shut her up. She growled in annoyance as she shoved Goldenpaw's foot away from her mouth. "What was that for?"
"If we want to find the others, we have to call out for them, but we can't be so loud. The last thing we need up here is one of those avalanches. Call out for them, but don't bust a lung screaming, okay?"
Goldenpaw and Darkfeather continued calling out for their lost siblings, though much quieter now. They went on and on for what felt like an eternity, and it was definitely showing. The duo's voices were as sharp as ice. It felt like swallowing stones each time Goldenpaw spoke.
Darkfeather coughed. It sounded quite painful. "This is no use." She sighed and drooped her head. "We'll never find the others."
"We can't just give up! They're out there!"
"We've been at this forever with no progress. You saw how bad the snow was last night; they other two are probably dead."
"How could you say that?" snarled Goldenpaw. "How could you let yourself think your brother is dead? You want to find Stormspots as much as I want to find Blazepaw!"
"I know! But we just need to learn when to give up. I want to find Stormspots, and I know you want to go find Blazepaw, but we could be searching forever! We don't even know if the two of them are alive!"
Goldenpaw sighed. As much as he hated to admit it, Darkfeather was right. Blazepaw and Stormspots could very well be dead of stuck under the snow somewhere, and the thought of it brought tears to Goldenpaw's eyes. He stared down at the blank, white snow beneath him.
"Hey!" A faint voice echoed from somewhere far off. The familiarity of it made Goldenpaw's heart leap.
He picked up his head and peered of into the distance. He cause a few spots of orange among the snow, with a bigger orange splotch next to it. Whatever they were, they were gaining on them fast. One of the shapes shouted out again, calling Goldenpaw's name.
I know that voice. That's Blazepaw!
The faint shapes of Blazepaw and Stormspots racing toward them were much clearer now. Goldenpaw and Darkfeather didn't say a word to each other. They both darted through the snow after their siblings. When they finally reached each other, they were merely several fox-lengths apart.
"Blazepaw, Stormspots!" Goldenpaw sighed in relief. "The both of you are okay!"
"Barely!" shouted Stormspots. His voice echoed through the rocky spires. "We've been looking for you two all day; we didn't even know if you were both alive!"
"Same here! Are you both okay?"
Goldenpaw watched Blazepaw brush some snow from his pelt. "We're cold, but we're fine. I'm just glad we found you!"
"And what a place for us to meet up! Look what we're standing next to!"
Goldenpaw looked to his side and saw the river winding off a cliff to the right. He hadn't noticed the roaring of the waterfall they were set on finding.
"You think the cave's next to that waterfall?" asked Stormspots.
"Only one way to find out! Let's get a move on!"
All four cats stepped towards each other at once. As the walked, Goldenpaw heard a faint cracking sound.
That's odd. We aren't on the river anymore. The cracking grew louder and louder. What the--
Goldenpaw barely had time to think before the icy ground beneath him collapsed.
Chapter Twelve - Clawpaw[]
Clawpaw gasped and his head swung up as he was abruptly awoken from his sleep. He couldn't explain it, but he felt anxious; like something bad was happening.
Oh, please let Goldenpaw and Blazepaw be okay... wherever they are.
"Hey man, you good?" Whitepaw lifted his head up from his nest and looked over to him.
"Yeah, I'm alright. Just had a... bad dream."
"That sucks. But hey, now is the time to good dreams, brother. We become warriors in only a few hours!"
Clawpaw peered out the den to see the sun was only beginning to rise.
"I guess you're right." Clawpaw sighed. "If only my brothers could be here right now."
Whitepaw rested his forepaw on Clawpaw's shoulder. "Hey, it's alright. Sure, they aren't here to see you. But you can still make them proud by being an awesome warrior! Give your dad a run for his whiskers!"
"You really think they'd be proud of me?"
"Sure of it pal. Now come on, let's try to get some shut eye and let Wildpaw get some beauty sleep. StarClan knows he could use it."
Clawpaw rested his head on the soft moss and started into the night. Even though he was next to his friends, he felt so lonely without his brothers there. Sure, he knew they weren't actually dead, but he still missed them.
-
Clawpaw flickered in and out of consciousness. It was too hard to sleep. Wildpaw was snoring too loud. It was times like this he wished the apprentice hadn't decided to take his assessment alongside his brother. Rockpaw's assessment had to be pushed back a few moons due to his handicap, but the gray tom didn't seem to care.
Clawpaw.
Clawpaw's ears flicked up as he heard someone calling his name. He brushed it off as just the wind and settled back down.
Clawpaw. The time is now.
Now, Clawpaw was certain he heard something. The anticipation nagged at him and drove him to step out of his nest and into the moonlit camp. There were no other cats in sight, other than Clifftail, who was standing guard for the night.
Clawpaw? Clawpaw.
The voice was coming from somewhere in the forest. Clifftail seemed unphased by it, like he couldn't even hear it. Clawpaw on the other hand was completely bewildered by it, as if it had cast some sort of spell over him. He couldn't help but slowly pad towards the exit of the hollow, so that he could find the voice.
"Clawpaw? What do you think you're doing?"
Clifftail's mew made Clawpaw jump. He quickly looked over to the brown tom in surprise. The voice was so alluring it blocked out the sight of everything around him.
"I just... I can't sleep, and I'm going out for a drink. That's all."
"Oh." Clifftail turned head head away and eased back down into place. "Very well. Go on ahead, just be careful out there."
Clawpaw stepped past Clifftail and padded out into the night. He was enamoured as he followed the voice, echoing through the trees.
Clawpaw, it repeated. Clawpaw, come and join me.
The voice led him to the bed of the river, and suddenly stopped. Clawpaw was left to stare expressionless across the flowing river. Suddenly, two small shapes appeared from the water. The were black, and came up to a sharp point. The shapes slowly moved farther up the water to reveal they were connected to a head. Soon, an entire cat stood among the small waves. His pitch-black pelt seemed dry and untouched by the water.
The black cat peered up, his amber eyes piercing the darkness. He stepped gently through the water and right up to the bank. Clawpaw stepped back as he recognized his Dark Forest mentor, Breezestar. Only something was different about him. He pelt was ragged and dirty. Slobber dribbled from his open mouth, his fangs sharp and yellow. His eyes seemed to glow red and burned with anger as he stared right at Clawpaw.
"Br-Breezestar? Is everything alright?"
"It's time, young warrior. You're almost ready." Breezestar stepped closer, his muzzle nearly grazed Clawpaw's face. "I'm very impressed in you, but I'll be much less impressed should you dissappoint me."
Without another word, Breezestar stepped back into the river and dissappeared as he was sucked under the torrent, leaving Clawpaw to sit at the bank; speechless and afraid.
-
Clawpaw and the other apprentices each passed their final assessments with flying colors. Clawpaw himself was able to make a fine catch out of a young pheasant, something only Goldenpaw and the senior warriors were capable of catching. He was currently sitting next to the newly appointed warriors; Wildblaze, Rocktooth, and Whitefoot, and was waiting for himself to be named.
"Clawpaw," Toadstar began, "would you please come forward?"
Clawpaw stepped forward, nearly tripping over his paws.
"I, Toadstar, leader of FireClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn." Toadstar looked down at Clawpaw, his green eyes blazing. "Clawpaw, do you promise to protect your clan and uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your own life?"
"I-I do, Toadstar."
"Then it is with great honer that I appoint you your warrior name. Clawpaw, from now on you shall be known as Clawstripe. StarClan honors your strength and intellegence and welcomes you as a full member of this clan."
The cats below Toadstar's perch cheered the names of the four in unison. Clawstripe could feel his pelt swelling with pride. Yet he could help but feel a little empty inside.
Goldenpaw and Blazepaw should be here with me.
And something else was rumbling in the back of Clawstripe's mind; his chilling encounter with Breezestar the previous night. Apparently, he was 'almost ready' for something. And whatever that 'something' was, Clawstripe had the feeling he wasn't going to like it.
Chapter Thirteen - Goldenpaw[]
Goldenpaw's head spun in circles and throbbed, like something heavy had landed on it. He soon identified the heavy object to be Stormspots, who was lazily slumped over his back, dizzy and disoriented but otherwise alright.
"Mommy, who are those cats?"
"How did they fall from the sky like that? It must be a sign!"
Goldenpaw could barely see straight, much less understand the murmuring voices surrounding him and his injured friends. He slowly lifted his head to see rows upon rows of cats surrounding him and his friends, staring at them with wide eyes and spooked faces. Wherever they were, it stank of old water and mud.
"Goldenpaw? Are you okay?" Blazepaw nudged him softly with his paw.
"I'm good. How about you, Stormspots?"
The white tom stood upright and shook the grit from his pelt. "I'll be fine." He started helping Darkfeather ease her way up.
With a sigh of relief, Goldenpaw silently thanked the stars that all his friends had made it through such a high fall unscathed. He surveyed the area around him, and looked right at the eyes of the strange cats, slowly growing more hostile. he had forgotten about them.
One of the cats, a huge, striped tabby, padded over to them in silence.
"Hey there," Goldenpaw felt puny next to the titan of a cat before him, "Is this... Um... Your cave?"
"You should not be here. This is the Cave of Rushing Water, and we are the Tribe of Rushing Water. We do not take kindly to strangers, so I would suggest you leave immediately."
"But we can't leave!" Blazepaw butted his way in. "We need to come to this mountains to fulfil a pro--"
Stormspots quickly shut Blazepaw up. "Oh, pay no mind my friend here, sir. We'll leave immediately."
"What are you talking about? Coming up to the mountains was our mission! We almost died to get here!"
"It isn't worth it Blazepaw," Stormspots hissed. "These cats don't exactly look friendly. What are we even supposed to find up here? I say we just head back down to the lake. The others are probably worried sick."
"The lake?" One of the cave cats whispered.
"These cats are from the lake!" Another squealed. "They could be clan cats!"
The cave soon echoed with the excited voices of the tribe as they went on and on about the clan cats. The large tabby promptly quieted them with a flick of his tail. "You four, you wouldn't happen to belong to groups called clans would you?"
"Uh, yeah. I'm Goldenpaw. This is my brother, Blazepaw, and our friends, Stormspots and Darkfeather." He pointed out each of his companions.
"Real clan cats... I am not worthy." To Goldenpaw's shock, the tabby bowed his head to him, and the rest of the tribe quickly followed.
"Um, could you fill me in on what's going on here?"
The tabby looked at Goldenpaw with the excitement of a million kits in his eyes. "Allow me to explain. My name is Hawk That Stalks The Skies, but you may call me Hawk. My ancestry dates back many years in this tribe, and my ancestor was a clan cat who went by the name of Stormfur."
Goldenpaw had heard nursery tales about an ancient warrior named Stormfur, but that was merely a tale picked up from RiverClan cats at a Gathering. He never knew any of it was true.
"Clan cats saved our tribe multiple times many years ago. They were a greater ally than we could imagine. Then we lost contact to them for some time... But that's besides the point. If you're a clan cat, you must know the leader known as Firestar, correct."
"Erm..." Stormspots padded forward. "Oh, how do I say this... Firestar died. Like a really long time ago."
Hawk was frozen. "The legends of Firestar spoke of his as a fierce warrior, with his ally Thunderstar beside him. Though I guess not even great cats like them are safe from the grip of death." Hawk and the tribe had a short moment of silence for the two long-dead warriors.
They seriously couldn't put it together? Goldenpaw thought to himself. Oh well, Firestar and Thunderstar saved their tribe like they saved our clans in the Battle of Darkness, it only makes sense they honor them.
During the silence, another cat stepped out into the opening of the cave. He looked different than the others, much older and thinner, even a bit sickly. His blue stare looked upon Goldenpaw and his friends as cold as ice.
"What is all this commotion about?" The old cat hissed.
"It's good to see you, sir, " Hawk mewed. "You see, ---"
A little kit piped up. "A bunch of clan cats fell from the sky!" The kit was quickly hushed by who Goldenpaw assumed to be his mother.
"Clan cats?"
"Yes, sir. You do remember your vision correct? You knew they would be here soon... Though their entrance was a bit abrupt."
The old cat looked up at the hole in the ceiling and growled.
"Um.... Allow me to introduce our leader to you, this is Teller of The Pointed Stones."
"Ah, may we call you Stoney?" Blazepaw chuckled.
Darkfeather beat him behind his head. "Don't be rude... Besides Stoney sounds like a kittypet name."
Stormspots stepped in. "I think Stoneteller works."
"You will refer to me as Teller of The Pointed Stones!" The old cat hissed before turning his cold gaze on Hawk. "I remember my vision, but I do not want them here. You know my feelings on clan cats. We went through many hard times, and prayed that they would come to our aid once more. But they didn't!"
That's not exactly their fault. They were all either killed or driven out by the Dark Forest! And I doubt Toadstar even knows these guys exist, unless maybe Thunderstar told him.
"Stoneteller, I know you keep your strong belief on clan cats. But you can't deny the Tribe of Endless Hunting sent you a vision about them. They are here for a reason."
Stoneteller let out a rough cough and spat out a little blob of phlegm. He was clearly sick, and more than likely soon to end his career as Stoneteller. "I don't care! Clan cats have their clans, and we have our tribe! That is how it is, how it was, and how it always will be."
Goldenpaw stepped up to the old cat. "Please, Stonete--... Teller of The Pointed Stones. My friends are hurt and cold and starving. If you could only lend us enough support to get us well again, we'll get out of your fur."
Stoneteller growled. "Fine. You and your companions may rest here for a short time and regain your stamina. But after that you must leave and never return. The mountains are no place for a clan cat."
Goldenpaw thought back to the mention of Stormfur. He was a clan cat, and even seemed like a bit of a celebrity among the tribe when his name was spoken. Didn't he belong here?
"Hawk, Rumble," Stoneteller went on, "show these four to where they will be sleeping." The old cat let out another pain-filled cough and went back into the opening he came out of.
Who put a burr in his pelt? Goldenpaw thought. Whatever it is we're supposed to find up here, I want to find it and just get away from him, the crazy old fleabag...
Chapter Fourteen - Blazepaw[]
Blazepaw and the others followed Hawk and the cat who he learned was known as Rumble of Faraway Storm to a small section of the cave isolated from the rest of it. There were a couple divots in the ground, and each was lined whit what looked like moss and feathers.
"You will stay here for the time being," Rumble mewed before padding away.
"Thank you." Blazepaw looked over at Hawk as the others settled down. "What was his deal? Stoneteller, I mean."
"Stoneteller? Oh, don't mid him. As you heard he doesn't really take too kindly to clan cats. Honestly, it's nothing to do with any of you. His mind's been going lately anyway, and he grows weaker each day. I fear he will join the Tribe of Endless Hunting." Hawk blinked. "Oh, you must not know who they are. They are our ancestors from the past. I believe they are similar to your... StarClan, is it called?"
"Yes, that's right."
Stormspots came forward. "You say Stoneteller is sick? Look, I know he isn't too keen on us being here, but I can help him if he'd let me. I study medicine back down by the lake."
"Ah, yes. You are what they call a medicine cat I take it." Hawk sighed. "Anyway, that would be a huge weight off of our shoulders, young one. He wont take your help easily, but we can coax him into allowing it. Go talk to Stoat," Hawk pointed at a slender she-cat sitting not too far away. "She's been Stoneteller's caretaker. She can tell you his symptoms and hopefully you can find what you need to save him."
"I'll try my best." Stormspots left the area to go speak with Stoat.
Hawk let out a loud sigh of relief and looked at Blazepaw. "I cannot thank you enough for allowing us to use your healer."
Blazepaw shrugged. "It's nothing. You are giving us shelter after all. I hope Stoneteller will be okay."
"Thank you. I would suggest you attempt to turn in about now, you'll need your rest. Goodnight now."
Blazepaw nestled down in the bed of feathers. It wasn't exactly a luxury, but it was far warmer than sleeping on bare stone. He chuckled quietly to himself. Goldenpaw and Darkfeather were already sound asleep, pressed up right next to each other.
Guess both of them are excited for him to become a warrior, maybe for different reasons though.
Blazepaw stared at the two cats snuggling in the darkness. He thought of Sandpaw. He never got to say goodbye. Was she okay? Did she worry about him? Was she mad? He had no clue. Soon the lull of exhaustion overtook him as he slowly drifted off.
-
"I don't want your help! Get away from me!"
Blazepaw awoke to quite the scene happening outside the sleeping area. Stoneteller was lashing out at Stormspots, who had a medium-sized flurry of tossed herbs surrounding him. He recognized a couple; all were used for stomach pain or coughing, with the addition of coltsfoot to ease the old cat's breathing.
"Stoneteller, please. You need help. If you don't accept the help of Stormspots, you'll surely get worse, if not die!" Blazepaw recognized the she-cat Stoat from yesterday.
"I know my body and I know I'm not sick! Even if I was I wouldn't accept the help of some outsider. Get him out of my face!"
Stormspots turned and made his way back to the den, growling the whole way. Blazepaw rarely saw the calm and collected intellectual so angry. "Hey man, don't take it to heart."
"No. No. I've been up for hours trying to help that old coot, but he's too stubborn to listen to reason. So if he wont take the medicine and get better, he can go ahead and waste away. He's not a member of my clan, I never swore to protect his kind!"
"Stormspots! Stoneteller is a highly regarded member of this tribe!" Goldenpaw hissed. "Don't forget we're in his home, eating his prey. No matter how much of a tailbiter he can be, we have to just let it slide. And besides that, the rest of the tribe are very kind to us. We should still try to return the favor."
"Excuse me." Hawk poked his head in. "Goldenpaw, Blazepaw, could I see the both of you for a moment?"
Blazepaw looked at his brother, and then back at Hawk. They followed the large tabby out of the sleeping area and into the bigger part of the cave. Over in a corner, they saw Stoneteller, completely devoid of the anger he showed before, chatting with a few older cats.
"What's up, Hawk?" asked Goldenpaw.
"Okay, I need you to do something, but we must be quick. You recall I mentioned Stoneteller had a vision about warriors coming to our mountains? Well he only saw to, and we've identified them as you two."
Blazepaw's mind lit up. Was this about the thing they had come up here to find?
"So what do you need us to do?" asked Goldenpaw.
"Enter the Cave of The Pointed Stones. It's usually Stoneteller's den, and he normally wouldn't allow anyone in there, especially you. But you must get in contact with the Tribe of Endless Hunting and see what that vision meant. All you need to do is find the largest rock spire and sit next to it."
"And then?"
"Well, I'm not really sure what happens then. That's just what Stoneteller does. I assume you'll get in touch with our ancestors."
"Well... I guess we'll do it."
"Thank you." Hawk looked around. "I'll stall Stoneteller as long as I can, you do your thing."
-
Quiet as mice, Blazepaw and Goldenpaw crept through the cave, past the other tribe members, and into the Cave of The Pointed Stones. They were both taken away by its beauty, a large contrast to the rest of the cave. Sunlight filtered in from a small opening in the roof of the cavern; small drops of water fell through the opening, causing little pools to form around the spires of rock littering the ground.
"I bet that's where we're supposed to go." Goldenpaw pointed to the largest pointed stone sitting in the center of the room, the small pools around it coming together to form one large ring of water.
"I'd bet it too. Let's go."
The two brothers slowly approached the stone. They followed Hawk's directions, and plopped down next to it. They put their noses against it like they would do at the Moonpool; the stone was as cold as ice.
"So... What now?" asked Goldenpaw.
"Beats me," Blazepaw retorted, "Maybe we just doze off?"
"Well we better doze off quick before Stoneteller comes back, StarClan knows what he'll do if he finds us in here."
Blazepaw did everything in his power to fall asleep. He thought calming thoughts, counted mice, he even hummed himself a lullaby. All to no avail. Finally, he caught a glimpse of something, something white and cold; snow. He could feel the chill of the wind as it swept his pelt.
"Hello?" Blazepaw called out to the nothingness.
Blazepaw.
Blazepaw spun around. Far away on a neighboring peak, he could see a small, gray shape. The voice he had heard appeared to be sourced to it.
"Hello? Are you... A cat?"
I am a cat, yet I am not a cat. I am something inconceivable to your kind.
"Okay... So what's going on here."
Before seeing that which is before you, you wanted to fall asleep. Wouldn't it be safe to assume that this is a dream?
Blazepaw hissed. This thing was spouting off plenty of words, none of which were actually answers to what was going on.
I know you are annoyed right now, I can sense it. I can sense that you hunger for the truth.
"Yeah, actually. That would help me and my brother."
Then I will give to you the truth. Despite the tension between the Tribe and your kind, you are exactly where you should be. Should you have any more questions, come to the peak of the mountain at midnight.
The strange cat figure started to fade as the snow fell thicker.
"Wait! At least tell me who you are!"
The cat slowly turned. Blazepaw could feel the burn of his amber gaze cutting through the snow.
The cats of the Tribe know me as Fur of Forest's Storm. However, I was once a warrior much like you. You may refer to me as Stormfur.
Chapter Fifteen - Clawstripe[]
Clawstripe was breathing heavy as he watched Lemonleaf, her pelt shining in the moonlight. Despite everything Breezestar has spouted at him, his mind whirled for her. Before he was just her apprentice, but he was a warrior now. They were equals.
"Clawstripe! Let's get a move on!"
Clawstripe sighed as he moved over to meet up with Thistlebelly's group. He had agreed to do night patrol, which he hated because it exhausted him before he went to train with Breezestar. At least Whitefoot tagged along, so he would have someone to talk to.
"Let's split this up...." Thistlebelly surveyed the patrol. "Frogtail, Rocketblaze, you accompany me to the Northern border. Clawstripe, you and Whitefoot can take the border to the East."
"Are you sure we should take the border ourselves?" asked Whitefoot.
"You both are new warriors. Take this as a chance to learn the ropes some more."
Clawstripe and Whitefoot went their separate ways from Thistlebelly's group. They made their way to the border and performed the usual; remarking the border, checking for any signs of anything off, basic things.
"So what's up with you and Lemonleaf?" asked Whitefoot.
"Huh?"
"Don't 'huh' me. You think other cats don't notice you stare at her all the time? You were doing it right before we left!"
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"No. I'm just asking if there's anything going on with you two. Make any plans to be mates?"
Clawstripe sighed. "I don't even think she knows I have feelings for her."
"Really? Come on, dude. No cat's that ignorant. You should try talking to her about it."
"Should I really become mates with her though?"
"You're a warrior now, not just some tiny apprentice. You can pretty much do whatever you want now.
Clawstripe was quiet for a moment, and the corners of his mouth perked up. "Yeah... Yeah, maybe I will."
Suddenly a rustling came from the opposite side of the border. Out stepped three ThunderClan cats. He recognized them as Morningdawn, Bearclaw, and a she-cat named Sandwhisker, whom he had met at a Gathering.
"I knew I smelled something funny over here. What do you two think you're doing?" hissed Morningdawn.
"Cool your jets, Morningdawn. This is just a patrol, and we're still on our side of the border."
"Well you'd better not have any bright ideas. This here's my border."
"We don't have any bright ideas. And neither do you I assume." Clawstripe whispered.
"What was that? You got a problem, FireClan boy?" Morningdawn inched closer to the border. "I'll come over there and beat you right out of your fur, don't test me."
"So what if we do have a problem?" Whitefoot puffed his chest out. "What are you gonna do, huh?"
"I'm not afraid of you, shrimp."
Clawstripe held Whitefoot back by the tail. He knew that if he hadn't, he would've dove headfirst into Morningdawn. Whitefoot's short stature was a taboo subject among the clanmates, and no one would mess with him about it.
Clawstripe pulled Whitefoot back and spat out his tail. "Why don't you just leave before you get hurt."
"Whatever. The pint-sized feral isn't worth my time anyway. Just stay on your side of the border or I'll beat you into it!" Morningdawn stomped away.
"Honestly, we didn't have a problem until he showed up."
Morningdawn, along with Bearclaw, grumbled before turning back into ThunderClan territory.
"Hey. Clawstripe, right?"
Clawstripe turned his head to see Sandwhisker still sitting at the border. "Yes?"
"You mind if I have a word with you? Just for a second?"
"Uh, okay..."
Whitefoot stepped away slowly. "I'll leave you two to it. Just know your place, ThunderClan cat." The black warrior padded off into the undergrowth.
"So, what's up?"
"I just wanted to apologize on behalf of Morningdawn," Sandwhisker started, "he's a good warrior and loyal to his clan above everything else, but as you saw he can go a little overboard and freak out. Just know that besides him, no ThunderClan cat has any reason to quarrel with FireClan."
"I can say the same for my clanmates. I suppose it was a blessing to have Toadstar and Smokestar be old friends." Clawstripe could barely think of a time when his noble leader of a father was some pampered kittypet.
"Well that's not it. I actually have a question. Um... How's your brother?"
"My brother? Which one?"
"Blazepaw. How is he?"
Clawstripe was confused. Why would some ThunderClan cat be asking about his brother? He assumed the two had met at a Gathering and become somewhat friends.
"Oh, he and Goldenpaw are..." In his rush, he nearly revealed their secret mission. "They left a maybe a moon or two back. In the middle of the night, they just left."
"Just... Left?"
"I'm afraid so. The clan mourned and searched for days, but eventually pronounced them dead."
"Oh... I'm really sorry."
She says she's sorry, though she looks sadder than even me! What's her deal?
"Well, I would tell you to give Toadstar my condolences, but I think it would be better if only you and Whitefoot know we were here today... But, thank you." She padded off into ThunderClan forest.
"Uh... Bye."
-
"Now's the time, Clawstripe." meowed Whitefoot.
"Huh? Time for what?" Asked Clawstripe. He picked his mouth up from his rat.
"Time for you to perhaps ask out a certain golden-pelted she-cat of whom we discussed earlier. Don't tell me you forgot!"
"I didn't forget. I gave you a maybe, and a maybe it still is."
"Come on!" Whitefoot yanked Clawstripe's head up and faced it in Lemonleaf's direction. "Look at her, sitting alone at moondown, just waiting for some Casanova to come sweep her off her paws. And that Casanova will be you my friend."
"Ugh! If it will shut you up... I suppose I can give it a shot." Clawstripe stepped back. "So... How do I look?"
"You've got blood on your muzzle, but keep it. It's a good look for you; grizzled and awesome. She-cats dig grizzled and awesome."
Clawstripe rubbed the blood off. "Oh shut it." Slowly, he padded over to Lemonleaf. She took no notice of him as she stared up at the falling moon.
She turned when she noticed his footsteps. "Oh, hello Clawstripe. What's up?"
"Uh..." Clawstripe panicked. "I brought you some dinner!" He plopped his half-eaten rat down beside her.
"Oh, thank you. Did you get a little hungry as you brought it over?"
"Yeah, heh. I guess so."
Clawstripe heard someone creep up behind him. It was Whitefoot. From afar, he was silent, but Clawstripe could read his lips clearly.
You are so blowing it, dude.
Oh quiet. I'm doing fine.
"So... How are you?" Clawstripe tapped his claws on the ground, the rhythmic clicking being the only sound in the clearing.
"I'm fine. It's such a pretty night. How about you?"
"Oh I'm good. I'm cool; super cool; REALLY cool!"
Okay, I am totally blowing this. Ugh, maybe I should just get to the point.
"Listen, I wanted to ask you something. Something pretty important."
"Sure. What's up?"
"I... I wanted to tell you that I... I really like you. More than the like that say, Frogtail and Lichenwhisker have."
Lemonleaf's eyes widened a bit. "So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I have feelings for you. And I came to talk to you tonight to ask if you would like to be my mate."
"But I was your mentor!"
"And I'm not an apprentice anymore! I really do care for you, and I believe that our history together is overshadowed by my feelings for you. So I'll ask outright. Will you be my mate?"
"Uh..." Lemonleaf sat up and looked around flustered. "I need to go." She quickly scurried off to the other side of camp.
Clawstripe sat there, frozen in place like a stone. He had actually done it, and he had failed miserably.
"Oh man," Whitefoot approached, "That's got to sting. I'm really sorry, big guy."
"It's okay."
"Do you want to talk about it? You still have that rat."
"No. I think I just want to lie down for a while. Thanks anyway."
-
Clawstripe stared out of the Warriors' Den. The orange glow of the sun was beginning to peak over the trees and he would actually need to get up again. Part of him wished he had finished that rat, but another part of him wouldn't have stomached it.
"Hey." Clawstripe perked up as Lemonleaf poked her head into the empty den. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a little hungry, but fine."
"Oh come on, I can tell you aren't fine." Lemonleaf sighed. "Look, I'm so sorry for how I acted earlier. It was beyond rude and I can see that I hurt your feelings."
"Don't worry. I'm okay."
"Well, I realized that I needed to give you an answer to your confession from earlier, so I dropped by. And, well, here it is."
Clawstripe braced himself for the cold "No" to hit his ears, he could tell it was coming.
"I have to admit, knowing that you have feelings for me, with me being your old mentor and all, is a bit strange."
It's coming.
"And I have to admit I never really saw myself as a cat anyone was really into."
It's gonna come at some point.
"And I never expected you of all cats to like me in the first place."
Oh come on, why must she leave me hanging right now? Just say no before I explode!
"Thinking it over, I had a hard time seeing myself as your mate." Lemonleaf matched his amber gaze with her green eyes. "But if you really have feelings for me, then I'd be willing to try."
Clawstripe's heartbeat quickened. "What do you mean?"
"I've decided to take you up on your offer. I'd love to be your mate."
In an instant, Clawstripe felt a rush of emotions crashing through him. With all the energy rushing through him, he smiled wider than ever as he fainted and fell to the ground.
Chapter Seventeen - Goldenpaw[]
"Get up! GET UP!"
Goldenpaw felt a paw dig into his side. He groggily opened his eyes and looked up to see Stoneteller standing over him, his expression fuming.
"What do you two rats think you're doing in my cave? Get out!"
Soon, both the entire tribe and the two other warriors were packed into Stoneteller's den. They stared at the scene with wide eyes. Darkfeather and Stormspots stepped forward.
"What's going on here?" asked Stormspots.
"Your little friends here decided they wanted to take a good night sleep. That's fine, along as they don't intrude and trespass in my den!" The old cat grunted. "Listen here you ferals, I want all four of you out of here now."
"Stoneteller," One of the tribe members piped up, "It's a blizzard out there. You would be sending these warriors to their deaths surely!"
"They think they can just stroll into my cave and go wherever they please? Why should I care what happens to them!"
Goldenpaw turned to see Blazepaw, who had woken up. "Please, you must understand, we need to be here. It's for an important purpose."
"Oh yes, this mission I've heard you talk about? And why don't you enlighten us on what it is?"
"Well..." Blazepaw stuttered. "We don't really know yet, but it has to do with StarClan, and who Goldenpaw and I really are. I had a dream here at this pool. My brother and I are set to go up to the mountain's peak and meet Stormfur at midnight.'
The tribe members gasped. Countless murmurs and mentions of Stormfur echoed through the cave. Stoneteller was merely silent.
"I wasn't born yesterday, feral! What makes you think the great Fur of Forest's Storm would come to you, some warrior apprentice, before me, leader of this tribe? Who do you think you are?"
"Stoneteller, enough." Hawk pushed his way forward. "Your prejudice towards warrior cats has gone too far and gone on long enough. You know the warriors have always been linked to our tribe, since the great Tail of River's Feathers sacrificed her life to save our ancestors from Sharptooth. Visions from Stormfur may be hard to believe, but these cats wouldn't be here if they didn't think they were onto something. I say we let them stay until they fulfill this mission they're on."
"I assure you, we'll leave as soon as we can," Blazepaw continued, "But we need to do this."
Stoneteller looked around to his tribe, and sighed. "Very well. You have until sunrise tomorrow to complete this mission of yours, but then you are to leave these mountains."
"Fine. Until sunrise tomorrow, then."
-
Goldenpaw stared out into the night. The moon was rising into the sky and it was nearly time to depart for the peak. The snow was falling like a blanket outside, but he would just need to bite on the stick and take it.
"Moment of truth," Blazepaw came up behind him, "you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be. Let's roll I guess."
The two brothers ventured out into the open, already feeling the freeze that coated their pelts. As they staggered up the rocky and icy cliffs they could feel the air getting thinner and the wind getting colder.
Please let this Stormfur actually be here. Please.
With staggered breaths, Goldenpaw wrenched his paws up to what seemed to be the peak of the mountain. Blazepaw followed. They looked around, and waited. For it to be midnight, the moon would need to be directly above them. The two brothers huddled together, as the snow fell thicker as the night went on.
"Blazepaw... Goldenpaw..."
A voice echoed out around the peak. Goldenpaw perked up and looked around. "Stormfur?"
"Yes?"
"Where are you?"
"Do not worry, child. I am here, just as your brother and I had agreed."
Goldenpaw nudged his brother awake and the two moved closer toward the voice.
"So, we're here. Can we finally get some answers?"
"That all depends," Stormfur suddenly appeared, his gray pelt distinguishable among the snow, "What questions do you have for me? I'm here and willing to answer."
"Why are we here? Was was this quest all about in the first place?"
"Ah, a good question. Though I fear the story is a bit much for either of you to understand. But allow me to simplify it the best I can. Long ago, a malicious force attacked our clans. And despite their destruction, the returned and retaliated and drove us all out. Now it seems this force is beginning yet another comeback, and you two are the ones who can stop it."
"Us? Really? We're just a couple apprentices!"
"Is that all though? I'm sure you two have noticed you aren't two average apprentices."
"Okay, then who are we?"
"Who do you think you are?"
"Um..." Goldenpaw looked himself over. "I'm pretty sure I'm Goldenpaw."
"Then Goldenpaw is who you are. The same goes for you Blazepaw."
"Well what about Thunderstar and Firestar? We had these weird dreams about them, like we saw the world through their eyes. And is it really just a coincidence that we look almost exactly like them?"
"You're a smart one, aren't you? It is true that you two share a special bond with the ancient leaders. What that bond is, it purely up for you to decide."
"Okay... So, what now?"
"The last question I see. Well, it is time for you two and your companions to return to the lake. Your mission is over, and the next event will be back with your clans."
"Thank you, Stormfur."
"Don't mention it. My apologizes for being vague in some places. I must admit, I only know a little more than you at this point."
"How come? StarClan cats know lots of stuff."
"Well the thing is, I'm not a StarClan cat. Not yet."
"What? Why?"
"I was to walk the skies between StarClan and the Tribe of Endless Hunting with my sister. But I chose to stay here on Earth and wait, because I knew that one day this would happen. I needed to be ready to give you the information you need. It's been decades, alone in the snow, but I endured."
"Wow, I'm so sorry."
"Don't be. The event I've waited for for the last fifty years has finally come and concluded. I can finally enter StarClan's ranks. Thank you. You two have set me free." Stormfur looked up to the stars. "All of my friends, my family, those I respected, I can sense them now. I think they want me to do one last duty before I leave the Earth."
"What's that?"
Stormfur took in a deep breath. "I, Stormfur, call upon the warriors of StarClan to look down upon these two apprentices. They've easily endured more than any apprentice before them, and they did it together. I may not be their leader, but I'm sure it was a sign from StarClan that I was compelled to do this. Goldenpaw, Blazepaw, please step forward."
The two brothers stepped closer to the ancient spirit.
"Goldenpaw, Blazepaw, I commend you both for your bravery, vigor, and spirit. I know that you two wouldn't be here now if you weren't loyal to your clan above all else. So it is with great honor that I grant to you your warrior names. Goldenpaw, from now on you shall be known as Goldenpelt. Blazepaw, from now on you will be known as Blazeheart. May StarClan guide your path as you continue your search for the truth." Stormfur's figure began to fade away into the snow. "Good luck, young warriors."
Goldenpelt stared out into the flurry of snow. Stormfur was gone, probably busy taking his ranks in StarClan now. He couldn't believe it, he was a warrior.
"You don't think StarClan will mind we had an illegitimate warrior ceremony?" asked Blazeheart.
"We may not have gotten it from Toadstar, but we straight up got it from a StarClan cat. That's like as legit as it gets!"
"So what now?"
"I suppose we round up the rest of the party and head back down to the lake. That's what Stormfur told us to do."
The two brothers began to make their way down the mountain, the falling of the snow lessening over time.
-
"I've been thinking," mewed Blazeheart.
"About?"
"About what Stormfur said about Thunderstar and Firestar. It's true, it can't just be a coincidence we look exactly like them. I mean, we've had dreams about them, they've watched over us. You don't... You don't suppose we are them, do you?"
"That's crazy talk. You and I are the children of Toadstar, not two cats that died moons upon moons ago."
"It's happened before. You remember those stories about the Three?"
Goldenpelt recalled hearing nursery tales passed on to FireClan from ThunderClan about three ancient cats; Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Dovewing. They were said to embody the spirits of three even older cats, and it gave them incredible powers that helped the clans fight off evil.
"That's just an old fairy tale." Goldenpelt sighed. "But I'll humor you for now. Let's say I'm Thunderstar. That would make you Firestar. Well what about Clawpaw? Did StarClan only have faith in two of Toadstar's three kits? Why is it that he's had almost no involvement in this apparent prophecy?"
"I... I guess I don't know. Maybe it's just a coincidence? I mean, if we really are the spirits of Thunderstar and Firestar, well they're two very famous and powerful warriors. And they look like us. Can you think of any famous ancient cats that look like Clawpaw?"
"Bramblestar?"
"Nah, not famous enough. I'm talking cats who marked turning points in warrior history."
'What about that really infamous one? Thunderstar and Firestar's greatest enemy?"
"No. No way. If Clawpaw is a reincarnation or whatever just like us, there's no way he'd be Tigerstar. He's a cat who died twice, and you know there's no coming back from that. Besides, why would StarClan in their right mind give Tigerstar a second chance?"
"Chill, it was just a thought."
-
Goldenpelt and Blazeheart made their way back down the mountain, and back to the cave. They were greeted by Darkfeather, Stormspots, and Hawk.
"Welcome back, you two," meowed Hawk. "Did you find what you were looking for? Did you really talk to Stormfur?"
"Yes, we did. We really learned a lot more about ourselves, and what we're doing here," remarked Blazeheart. "Not only that, Stormfur actually appointed us warriors! We're Goldenpelt and Blazeheart now."
"You're what? That's amazing! I'm so happy for the both of you!" Stormspots was shocked. "Even I don't share that strong of a bond with StarClan. How remarkable!"
"So... Are we done here in the mountains now?" asked Darkfeather.
"I guess so. Stormfur told us it was time to head back down to the lake."
"Then I guess its time to say goodbye." Hawk looked quite somber. "It may have only been for a few days, but the tribe and I enjoyed the four of you being here. We never imagined we would meet a clan cat, much less four!"
"It sure has been fun." Goldenpelt bowed to the cave guard. "I want to thank you for your hospi--"
"Cats of the Tribe!" Stoneteller stepped out into the middle of the cave clearing. "I have received a message from the Tribe of Endless Hunting, and it pertains to our clan cat visitors." The old tom made weak strides to the group. "I must express apologies to the four of you."
"Huh?" asked Goldenpelt. "Why?"
"Fur of Fore-- Stormfur came to me in a dream. He explained to me that the two of you are more important than you seem, and that I have no quarrel with any clan cats. Honestly, the four of you are the first I've met. And so, I truly am sorry for my rudeness earlier. Should any of your kind need safe passage through the pointed stones, the tribe will be there to help." Stoneteller turned away. "I suspect you all are leaving now. I wish the best of luck to the lot of you."
"Thank you, Stoneteller. We wish the best of luck to your tribe as well."
Goldenpelt turned to his group, their quest now over. He led them out of the cave and into the softly falling snow, headed in the direction of the lake.
Chapter Eighteen - Clawstripe[]
Clawstripe lazily opened his eyes. It was like he had just been woken from a dream, he really didn't want to get up.
"My head is killing me... What happened?" Clawstripe looked around and found himself inside the medicine den.
"You passed out after Lemonleaf agreed to be your mate." Whitefoot padded in. "It was actually pretty funny."
Clawstripe groaned. "That must've been embarrassing."
"Oh, it was. It was very embarrassing. I mean, you soiled yourself dude. It went like everywhere."
Clawstripe buried his muzzle in the soft moss bed. "Oh, that's just wonderful. And Lemonleaf? Where is she?"
"She's off gossiping with Adderflight and the others, you know how she-cats are." Whitefoot turned away. "And be warned, a lot of cats are gonna chuckle when you walk past for a while."
Clawstripe sighed. He was happy, but he couldn't believe how much he had overreacted. Talk about a first impression as a mate.
At least she knows what she's getting into, though.
"Clawstripe! It's good to see you awake!" Tawnysoul entered and mewed through a mouthful of burdock root.
"Good morning, sir."
"It's actually good that I've caught you, I wanted to ask a favor of you." Tawnysoul plopped the roots down with the rest of his herbs. "I'd like you to accompany me when I go out and collect herbs."
"Collecting herbs? I'm not a medicine cat."
"Well, no. But I'm going near the ThunderClan border, and with tensions as high as they've been, I'd like some protection."
"Alright, Tawnysoul. I'm in. We can head out now if you'd like."
"I would like that. Let's go."
-
"Man, I don't think I've ever been this close to the old Thunderpath. Or this side of the border for that matter."
Scanning his surroundings, this part of the forest seemed much quieter to Clawstripe. The birds didn't sing, the branches didn't sway, everything seemed abandoned. It was, for lack of a better word, dead.
"Well it's usually used as nothing more than a commute for the medicine cats to get to the Moonpool." Tawnypelt mewed as he looked around the brush. "Not good hunting down here either, but it's got some of the best growths of catmint around the lake, said to be grown by the legendary medicine cat Jayfeather moons ago as his last gift to the clans."
"That's incredible."
"No, it's legendary." Tawnysoul laughed softly. "Speaking of which, that catmint should be right around... Here!" Tawnysoul padded over to a dark green patch sticking out of the earth. The cream-colored tom quickly nipped up as many of the leaves as he could and made his way back to Clawstripe. As he did, a breeze picked up, and blew a few of the leaves away. The medicine cat groaned.
"Don't worry, Tawnysoul, I'll go get them."
"No need. I'll get them myself. The leaves crossed the ThunderClan border, but we medicine cats get a bit of a buffer. And we need all the catmint we can get. You remember how we almost lost Rocketblaze."
Clawstripe cringed up as he thought back to the last leafbare, and how weak the ginger tom had been. The sickness greencough had rattled his lungs and left him in the medicine den for moons. It was only of the kindness of WindClan that he survived.
When Clawstripe gathered his thoughts and looked back to Tawnysoul, he had already been on the opposite side of the border, plucking the bits of catmint. He gathered them in his mouth, and trotted back across.
"Hey!" A shrill yowl sounded from ThunderClan territory. Clawstripe and Tawnysoul watched as Morningdawn, Hammerclaw, and Darkwhisker appeared from the shadows.
"You FireClan ferals never quit do you?" sneered Morningdawn. "I can understand stealing prey but herbs? How petty must you be?"
"Ferals?" Tawnysoul sneered. It was the harshest he'd heard the medicine cat speak in a whie. "You'd better watch your mouth, brat. Didn't your mother ever teach you to respect your elders?"
"Didn't yours ever teach you stealing is wrong? I'm pretty sure even mice can comprehend that."
"For your information, this catmint was grown on FireClan land. It merely blew over to your side. Now that I have it again, we have no quarrel."
"That catmint was on ThunderClan land, it's now property of ThunderClan. Hand it over."
"Excuse me?"
Morningdawn stepped closer to Tawnysoul, their muzzles almost touching. "I said hand over the herbs, you old codger, before we have a problem."
"Well I say you'd better get your stinking mug out of my face before I send you back to your nursery like a little kit. Besides, ThunderClan has always had ample supplies of catmint. You know very well this is the only patch FireClan has."
"There will always be more." Morningdawn growled.
"We went by that motto moons ago, and several good cats nearly lost their lives because of my rashness. I wont allow that to happen again."
"Hand. Over. The plants. Now!"
"I'd like to see you get them from me!" Tawnysoul unsheathed his claws.
Morningdawn hissed and flung himself at Tawnysoul. Hammerclaw and Darkfeather merely watched in shock. Clearly they weren't aware it would escalate to this.
Tawnysoul flailed and yowled under Morningdawn's weight. The old cat was skilled at fighting, but the younger and stronger tom easily overpowered him. Morningdawn dug his fangs into Tawnysoul's throat, and with a yowl, the medicine cat went dead silent.
"Morningdawn! That's enough!" Hammerclaw finally reacted and pryed this still thrashing warrior away from the medicine cat.
"Great StarClan! Are you alright, Tawnysoul?" Clawstripe frantically paced around the medicine cat.
Tawnysoul was unresponsive. Blood trickled from his neck and his blue eyes gazed up to the sky like glass marbles.
Clawstripe prodded the medicine cat. "Come on, Tawnysoul. It's over, let's get out of here."
Tawnysoul's neck was stained red. A sound didn't emanate from his open maw. His chest didn't rise with the breath of a living cat. He sat there limp, scarred up; like an old rag doll.
By now, the realization had hit Morningdawn as he bolted back to his own territory, away from his patrol. Clawstripe frantically picked up Tawnsoul and lugged him back to camp as quick as possible.
-
The camp looked as if a fox had just run through. Cats were wailing and pacing around, a trail of blood followed Clawstripe; dripping from Tawnysoul's body. Toadstar and the others set Tawnysoul down in the medicine den and tried to revive him to the best of their ability, but to no avail. Ever since he had picked up the medicine cat's body, he knew there was no hope, that he would be bringing a corpse back into his home.
The clan set Tawnysoul's body down in the clearing, and mourned the loss of their good friend and medicine cat.
The warrior Frogtail came forward after a long bout of silence. "What will we do now, Toadstar? FireClan's left without a medicine cat."
Mossfeather came forward, his eyes narrowed. "If you ask me, I say we demand ThunderClan to give us their medicine cat! It's only fair after that flea-pelted Morningdawn killed our own!"
"Everyone, calm yourself!" Toadstar yowled out. "We will work things out, I assure you. I myself will work things out with ThunderClan, but there will be no fighting unless my call is given."
Clawstripe broke away from the group. Frogtail was wrong, FireClan technically still had a medicine cat!
"Oh, Stormspots. Please come home quickly. And may my brothers and your sister accompany you..."
Chapter Nineteen - Goldenpelt[]
"There is is. We're finally home..."
Goldenpelt let out a long sigh as he gazed over the FireClan camp with the light of the setting sun in the background. Everything was just as they had left it moons ago. The warriors den sat nestled next to the nursery under a small overhang, Toadstar's perch sat beneath a giant willow tree; one the warriors jokingly named Harold. Everything was a perfect as it was before, and Goldenpelt couldn't wait to see everyone.
Walking down the slope to camp, Goldenpelt noted how silent the clearing was. Usually the time right before curfew was the busiest. The four cats snuck into camp only to find the entire clan at the center, bowing their heads.
Little Mousekit was the first to take notice of the warriors. Her tiny eyes gleamed wide as she exclaimed, "It's Stormspots and the others!"
The party was soon swarmed by shocked eyes and loud yowls. Everyone really thought they were dead!
Clearly Clawpaw did his job! though Goldenpelt.
"Everyone, please! Make room!" Toadstar and Gingerstep ushered their way to the front of the crowd. Toadstar's eyes glimmered like emeralds as he scanned over the cats he believed to be dead and gone. "Goldenpaw, Blazepaw... My sons... You've returned to me!" The old tabby embraced his lost children with the most love Goldenpelt had ever felt. "I don't understand. You both died."
"We didn't die, father." Blazeheart started, "We just needed to go on a trip. Darkfeather and Stormspots insisted on tagging along."
Clawstripe took his place next to Toadstar. "Well it's good to have the four of you back."
"Tawnysoul!" Stormspot's terrified cry rang out with an echo throughout the night sky. Goldenpelt and Blazeheart looked in horror at the old medicine cat's bloodied dead body.
"Yeah..." murmured Clawstripe, "We've got a bit of a problem at the moment..."
-
Five days had passed since Goldenpelt's return to FireClan. After the excitement of the adventure had worn off, things settled back to normal following Tawnysoul's burial. Goldenpelt sat with his brothers and Whitefoot, watching Stormspots frantically race around the camp.
Poor Stormspots, Goldenpelt thought, He's so young, yet the death of his mentor's forced him to age years in a few days. He shouldn't have to deal with such responsibility. Well, I guess that's just the life of a medicine cat.
At this point, Blazeheart and Clawstripe, Goldenpelt still found his brother's new name foreign in the tongue, had gotten up and strolled away to elsewhere in the camp. Whitefoot, with a dead bird in his paws, scooted over to Goldenpelt.
"How are thing, Goldy?"
"I'm well. And really? Goldy?"
"You and I are friends, who says I can't give y'all nicknames?"
"Well what you you call my brothers?"
Whitefoot was silent for a second. "Firebutt and Mr. Stripey."
"Ah, at least I got the normal end of the nickname stick..."
"Yeah, well... I actually wanted to have a word with you."
"Alright, go ahead."
Whitefoot scooted even closer. Goldenpelt could smell the feathers on his breath. "I've heard there's some saucy stuff going on with you and Darkfeather. Fill me in, playa'."
Goldenpelt sighed. Whitefoot still used quite a bit of what he called "loner speak", lots of words he didn't understand. "What's there to give? There's literally nothing going on between us."
"Don't play me for a fool, Goldenpelt. I've seen the way you look at her, I've seen it since we were apprentices. You like her. You like like her. And with you two all alone in the mountains; peaceful breeze, beautiful setting, teenage hormones in the air, how can you still say there's nothing going on?"
"Oh shut up, it wasn't like that. Besides, she doesn't like me like that anyway."
Whitefoot scooted even closer. "I wouldn't be so sure. See, I'm the kind of cat who notices things. Lots of things. And what I noticed is that Darkfeather is looking increasingly more attracted to you these past few days."
"How could you possibly know that?"
"My father was the tyrant of the Twolegplace. I had like 5 possible candidates for my mother. I spent my first few moons surrounded by the scent and sounds of depraved she-cats pining over him."
"So the evil and wicked Bloodstar was into harems?"
Whitefoot nodded. "Yep. Call him Kirito."
Goldenpelt sighed. "I don't get that reference and you know it."
"Whatever. What I'm saying is, I'm almost certain you two have mutual feelings. If you don't go for it now, some tom's gonna pick her up, you'll lose her forever, and you'll never forgive yourself. If she says no, at least you know where you stand."
"Oh, man. Do you seriously think I have a shot?"
"Absolutely."
Goldenpelt took in a deep breath. "Alright, I'll do it."
"Wait! Just wait here. I'm gonna go have Darkfeather wait somewhere. Setting's half the battle, my friend."
"Seriously? Is that some kind of joke?"
"I got your brother a cat like Lemonleaf. I know what I'm doing. I could probably hook up a fox and a thistle bush."
Whitefoot made his way over to Darkfeather while Goldenpelt stayed in the shadows and watched. Darkfeather looked confused, but wandered over beneath the willow tree next to Toadstar's perch. Whitefoot gave the signal to go up to her.
Goldenpelt felt a cold sweat trickle around his paws. "Here we go, Goldenpelt. You can do this. You've known her since kithood, she's one of your best friends, this is only the next step."
Goldenpelt gingerly padded over to Toadstar's perch. He felt as if he'd shake the entire camp with his heavy footsteps.
"Oh, hey there, Goldenpelt!"
"Hi Darkfeather. Fancy seeing you around here."
"Uh, I live here ya' dummy!" She laughed a laugh Goldenpelt had grown to love.
Come on, Goldenpelt! You were strong enough to lead a mission, strong enough to survive a blizzard, strong enough to swim like a RiverClan cat. You can do this! Just focus!
"Actually, I wanted to ask you something while you're here."
"Well, here I am. What's up? You gonna ask me to be your mate or something?"
"N-No!" Goldenpelt panicked. He felt less like a warrior and more like a frightened kit. "I, um... Wondered how your brother was doing as medicine cat!"
"He's doing okay..." Darkfeather was confused. "Though I don't know why you didn't just ask him." The black she-cat turned and padded away.
"Wait!" By the time Goldenpelt stopped Darkfeather, they were in the middle of camp; all eyes on them. "Um... Would you mind going back to the perch?"
"If whatever you're going to tell me is so important, you can tell me here and now."
"No, I really think we should go back to the perch."
"Here and now, shrimp!"
Goldenpelt took a step back. Darkfeather hadn't called him shrimp since kithood. Clearly it had slipped out, for the she-cat was clearly surprised she had blurted it out. The sharpness in her voice, the vigor, the energy; it reminded Goldenpelt entirely of why he was so fond of her.
"You know what? Fine." He took in a deep breath. "Darkfeather. Ever since I was an apprentice, I've had these feelings. And I didn't have the slightest idea as to what they were for, but now I do. When we would hang out as kits, when we would hunt together, when we were in the mountains together; it made me feel all warm and fuzzy."
"What are you trying so say, Goldenpelt?"
"I'm trying to say that I love you, Darkfeather. I have for moons but I've never had the courage to come out and tell you. So here I am, desperate and panicked, asking you if you would do me the honor of being my mate."
The whole camp was silent, tens of eyes pointed at Darkfeather. She was flustered, and nervous.
"I was so mean to you when you were a kit. You hated me. And now you love me?"
"I do. Sure as StarClan, I really do."
"Well gosh, Goldenpelt. I can't believe you've thought of me like that."
"Are you saying that you have?"
"Well I'd be lying if I said I hadn't. I mean, you've grown into such a strong and handsome cat, I just never thought you'd waste your time with me."
"Darkfeather, there's no one I'd rather waste time on more."
Darkfeather stepped closer, her amber eyes glittering in the sunlight. "Goldenpelt, I... I..."
"JUST SAY YES ALREADY FOR THUNDERSTAR'S SAKE!"
The screech came from Whitefoot. Goldenpelt cursed him beneath his breath.
"Darkfeather... What do you say?"
"I say... Yes. Yes, I will be your mate!"
"Are you serious!? Like really serious!?" Goldenpelt felt like a million leaves of catmint. He felt like he could lap the lake ten times over. "Well, that's great! I mean... I'm so glad you said yes."
"I'm so glad you chose me... Shrimp."
Goldenpelt chuckled to himself has he brushed up against his new mate.
Yeah. I am a shrimp, aren't I?
Chapter Twenty - Blazeheart[]
Blazeheart stretched out and yawned. The excitement of Goldenpelt and Darkfeather's union as mates had died down after a while and the clan prepared to leave camp and head to the Island for a Gathering. Tensions were high, for Toadstar planned on using this Gathering to confront Smokestar and Morningdawn about the death of Tawnysoul. He planned to keep things peaceful, though many of the senior warriors urged Toadstar to retaliate against ThunderClan.
Blazeheart was walking with Boulderstripe and Frogtail; just behind Toadstar, Shrewfur and Stormspots.
"What do you guys think Toadstar is gonna do to ThunderClan tonight?" asked Boulderstripe.
"I say we stick it to those ThunderClan fox-brains and fight! It's all they deserve after killing Tawnysoul!" Frogtail spoke so loudly other members of the clan overheard him and rolled their eyes.
"Don't be stupid, Frogtail," Blazeheart moaned, "Toadstar isn't going to start a war over this. He and Smokestar are old friends, I'm sure they can work things out somehow."
FireClan, as usual, was the last to arrive at the Island; and as such, the Gathering began right away. The FireClan warriors shot dirty glances over at the ThunderClan section of the Island.
Robinstar began to speak first. "Things are going as well as usual in WindClan. It's around that time when twolegs and their hunting dogs come to the moor in search of rabbits. Thankfully, my warriors have been able to avoid them as they usually do."
Mallowclaw, deputy of RiverClan, sat on the branch of the Great Oak in the place of Burststar. "I'm afraid to say that foxes infiltrated RiverClan territory last night. Salmonsplash, Carpheart and Rowanwhisker have sadly passed on to StarClan, and Burststar lost his fourth and fifth lives, one last night while fighting the foxes and one this morning to his wounds. Thankfully, our new medicine cat Cloverwhisker has confirmed that he's recovering well. Other than that things are going smoothly."
Aquastar of ShadowClan stepped up next. "My clan has two new editions, Buzzardkit and Cricketkit, daughters of Silentclaw and Featherdust." The cats on the Island all cheered on Silentclaw, who sat on his root of the Great Oak with a proud smirk on his face.
Toadstar stepped up next; Blazeheart saw him take in a deep breath. "My clan has been blessed with many new warriors. Tonight with us we have Goldenpelt, Blazeheart, Clawstripe and Whitefoot; and Wildblaze and Rocktooth are back at camp." As the clan cats cheered, Toadstar's eyes narrowed into thin, green slits. "I'm afraid I must dampen the mood for a bit. I'm sorry to say that little over a week ago, our medicine cat, Tawnysoul was killed while out picking herbs. And Morningdawn of ThunderClan is to blame."
Numerous shocked yowls sounded from the Island. Cats from each clan had saddened looks on their faces. Blazeheart had forgotten that the cats of all clans had all lived together once, and Tawnysoul had probably been a universal medicine cat.
Smokestar was silent. His amber eyes were wide with shock. He slowly stepped forward and spoke quietly. "ThunderClan has a new warrior, my son, Pantherstrike." No one other than ThunderClan was listening and this point, it was made painfully aware to Smokestar. "And it is with a heavy heart that I announce that Stormwhisker was crippled in a hunting accident, and has been forced to retire to the elders den. The new deputy of ThunderClan is..." Smokestar hesitated. "Morningdawn due to his bravery during a... Border dispute between FireClan."
Screeches of outrage suddenly bursting into Blazeheart's head made his head spin. The cats that booed weren't even completely from FireClan.
"Yeah, a border dispute where he killed a medicine cat!" A WindClan cat hissed.
"Is this how ThunderClan rewards murderers?" Silentclaw snarled, "By making them deputy?"
Morningdawn looked up at Toadstar. "Maybe you should teach your cats the rules if you want to keep them alive."
Toadstar opened his mouth to object, but Clawstripe launched himself at Morningdawn and sent him flying off the root and towards the water. No cat objected to the fight, a few even cheered Clawstripe on.
"You foxhearted coward!" snarled Clawstripe, "You killed Tawnysoul! I'll flay you from here to Highstones!"
Clawstripe probably would've actually killed him, but SIlentclaw and Mallowclaw pried the two off of one another.
SIlentclaw pushed Morningdawn away. "You need to go. And you'd better do it before I let Clawstripe take a swing at you again; and I wont stop him this time."
Morningdawn shook dirt from his pelt. "You don't scare me." He stormed away back over the tree bridge.
Smokestar stepped down from his perch on the Great Oak. "ThunderClan, let's go... We've already done enough."
As ThunderClan left the Island, Blazeheart sneaked away and tried to seek out Sandpaw. She was walking at the very end of the group, so it was easy to pick her out.
"Psst! Sandpaw!" The young she-cat turned her head at the sound of his voice. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Blazepaw? You're alive?"
"Sure am, and it's actually Blazeheart now."
"Well," Sandpaw giggled, "I'm actually Sandwhisker now too."
Blazeheart sighed. "It's been too long, Sandwhisker. I'm sorry I had to leave unannounced, but it was important." Blazeheart stepped closer. "But that's all in the past now. You and I can be together again."
Sandwhisker's ears drooped and stepped back. "Oh... I don't know about that."
"What? Why not?"
"Well... You see--"
"Sandwhisker!" Morningdawn yowled from out in the distance. "You coming?"
"In a second, dear!" Sandwhisker yowled back.
Blazeheart's heart sank as Sandwhisker turned back to him.
"You didn't."
"I'm so sorry."
"You didn't!"
"I'm sorry! It's just... I never heard from you, and everyone thought you were dead! I even asked your brother and he told me you left without a trace, I was a wreck! But then Morningdawn came in, helped me out, I couldn't help myself!"
Blazeheart took a deep breath. "This is fine. This is okay. All you have to do is leave Morningdawn and we can be together again."
"It's... It's not that simple, Blazeheart." Sandwhisker stepped back even farther. "I'm... I'm expecting his kits. I can't just leave him now." Sandwhisker turned away. "I should be going. Goodbye, Blazeheart."
As his love ran after her clan, after her mate, Blazeheart felt all the emotion leave his body. He just stood there, staring at her silhouette fading away in the distance.
He felt completely empty.
And even with all of his clanmates and his friends around him, he felt completely alone.
Chapter Twenty-One - Goldenpelt[]
Goldenpelt lounged out in the setting sun and waited for his meal. The Gathering had been pretty intense, Clawstripe was still being patched up by Stormspots, and he was looking forward to just relaxing with his mate.
Darkfeather padded over to Goldenpelt, two mice in her jaws. She placed them down and sat next to him. "I heard the Gathering got a little ugly. What happened."
Goldenpelt sighed. "Well I think it's safe to assume the others clans don't keep ThunderClan in high regard anymore. Stormwhisker was crippled or something like that, and Smokestar decided to make Morningdawn his new deputy!"
"Oh," Darkfeather's ears drooped, "poor Stormwhisker."
Goldenpelt's ears pricked up in surprise; he remembered that the ThunderClan cat was actually Darkfeather's grandfather, revealed during a scandal with Robinstar.
"What happened then?"
"Oh, you know, usual Morningdawn. He acted all pretentious and tried to blame Toadstar for Tawnysoul's death. Then Clawstripe just tore into him." Goldenpelt shifted uncomfortably. "It was... Unsettling."
"How so?"
"I've just never seen my brother fight like that. There's beating someone up, and then there's fighting. It took Silentclaw and Mallowclaw to rip him off of Morningdawn, and I only wonder what would've happened if they hadn't been there."
Darkfeather took a chunk out of her mouse. "I'm telling you, that Morningdawn needs to shut his mouth before he gets himself killed." She wiped the blood away from her mouth. "And don't worry abot Clawstripe. He was Tawnysoul's guard the day he was murdered. He probably feels a little guilty."
"Yeah, maybe." Goldenpelt sat up, "I think I'm gonna go check on him."
Goldenpelt padded off and entered the Medicine Den. Stormspots was working in the corner, sorting herbs. It was clear he was still struggling to keep up with his duties in Tawnysoul's absence.
"Goldenpelt," Stormspots' grumpy mew came out from the corner, "Anything I can help you with?"
"I'm just here to check on my brother."
"I'm going to ask that you make it quick, I've got a lot of work to do."
"I just wanna ask him a few questions, and I'll be out of your fur."
Clawstripe was lazily snoring on a small bed of moss adjacent to Stormspots. His striped pelt was covered in splotches of cobwebs and herbs. Goldenpelt wondered who had hurt who more in the fight.
Clawstripe squinted his eyes open. "Hey, Goldenpelt. What's up?"
"I just wanted to check up on you. And I was hoping to ask you about your fight on the Island."
Clawstripe groaned. "You mean the fight where I got my tail kicked by Morningdawn and the ShadowClan deputy had break up?"
"That's not the fight I saw! You totally stuck it to Morningdawn! Where did you learn to fight like that?"
Clawstripe paused. "I dunno. I guess I'm just a quick learner?" He let out a weak chuckle.
"Goldenpelt!" Shrewfur yowled from the clearing, "Come on out here, I need you for a border patrol!"
Goldenpelt started to head towards the FireClan deputy, but turned to Clawstripe. "You should teach me how to fight sometime, you've got some serious moves!"
-
The stench of ThunderClan just swarmed the border. It was clear that Smokestar had increased patrols, probably in fear of another clan planning attack. despite the sudden surge of ThunderClan activity, Goldenpelt and his patrol sensed nothing over the border.
"Goldenpelt," Lichenwhisker mewed, "You head farther North along the border. There are a few things around here I wanna check out."
"You got it."
Goldenpelt continued along the scent-line North for a while. There was one spot where the ThunderClan scent was so concentrated, he was sure something was going on. He moved back a bit, and watched.
Not long after Goldenpelt stopped, a young ThunderClan warrior walked along the border on his appropriate side. The cat was humming softly and looking around the forest with bright eyes. His eyes met with Goldenpelt's, and the cat flinched in fear.
"Oh, it's you, Goldenpelt." The cat stepped back a bit, "Before you say anything, I haven't crossed the line at all!"
Goldenpelt came out of hiding. "Do I know you?"
"Well, we haven't formally met, but I've seen you around at Gatherings before. My name's Pantherstrike, I'm Smokestar's son." Pantherstrike shifted his paws. "I'm not... I'm not in trouble, am I?"
"Cool it, you sound pretty honest so I'll take your word this." Goldenpelt looked around, "What are you doing so far out here, anyway? Where's your patrol?"
"I'm not on a patrol. I just came out here for a walk; trying to clear my head a bit."
"Is everything okay in ThunderClan?" Goldenpelt found himself intrigued by Patherstrike's expression, and he didn't know why.
"No way, Morningdawn's taking this whole deputy thing way too far. He's bossing us around like he's already leader. He's an awful deputy."
"Really? From how big he talks, you'd think he had you guys eating out of his paw."
"Opinions are kinda mixed. Some cats love him, and a few can't stand him. He's been so creepy lately."
"Creepy? What do you mean creepy?"
"He just kind of stares a lot. he would stare at Smokestar and Stormwhisker; like he's thinking or something. It just gives me the creeps."
"That is pretty creepy. You might want to keep an eye on him."
"Yeah, maybe I do." Pantherstrike turned away, "Well I gotta get going, but it was nice talking to you, Goldenpelt!"
"Yeah... It was pretty cool." Goldenpelt was taken aback by the ThunderClan cat's friendliness.
As Pantherstrike hurried away, Goldenpelt was left to himself and his thoughts.
What could you be planning, Morningdawn? We all know you're a crafty one, but none of us know what you could be capable of...
Chapter Twenty-Two - Clawstripe[]
"Harder, Clawstripe!" hissed Thistleclaw. "Don't be afraid, you aren't going to hurt me!"
Clawstripe threw a few weak blows at the old, gray warrior. He heaved in and out and his mouth desperately needed water.
"I think I need a minute, Thistleclaw." Clawstripe stopped sparring. "I understand that I need to keep training, but I'm a living cat and I get tired."
Thistleclaw growled, but Spiderstorm came in and motioned him away with a nod of her head. The dark she-cat padded over to Clawstripe and sat her tail-tip on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Spiderstorm. It's just that this training has really taken a toll on me lately. I must be out of shape."
"Don't worry about it, Clawstripe. You're doing fine, and I'm very proud of you."
Clawstripe felt a sort of warmth emanating off of Spiderstorm; a kind he had only felt when around Gingerstep as a kit. He had to admit, he felt oddly comfortable around his new mentor, and she actually felt like a second mother.
"Come with me for a moment, Clawstripe," mewed Spiderstorm, "There's something I'd like you to see."
Spiderstorm led Clawstripe to a large clearing in the center of the Dark Forest. Breezestar often used it as a meeting place, though Clawstripe had never attended any of these. The clearing was filled with some familiar faces, and some Dark Forest cats he had met in the past; Darkstripe, Ashfur, Thistleclaw had made his way over at some point, a few former clan warriors Clawstripe didn't recognize, and an extremely old tom who the senior warriors called only One Eye.
But in a small group next to them, Clawstripe could point out a few living warriors. He recognized Splashtail and Blitzwing of RiverClan, Skystrike and Emberpaw of WindClan, Mudfoot of ShadowClan, he even saw Morningdawn himself along with Eggclaw next to them.
What in the name of StarClan are they all doing here? Clawstripe thought.
Looking past Morningdawn, he saw two other cats. He was shocked to find his own clanmates among the strange group of cats.
"Lichenwhisker?" Clawstripe raced over to the gray tom, "What are you doing here?"
"Don't forget about me!" A peppy mew came from behind Clawstripe. He turn only to see Darkfeather padding up behind him.
"Darkfeather? What are you two doing here?"
Lichenwhisker shrugged his shoulders. "I dunno. Last thing I remember I turned into the warrior's den to sleep, and I just woke up here." The gray cat looked around the shadowy trees. "This place is kinda spooky, huh?"
"So you two just... Woke up here? You don't find this at all odd?"
"You don't understand, Clawstripe," mewed Darkfeather, "I saw my mother! This has to be something special, right? Like all those crazy dreams Goldenpelt and Blazeheart have!"
"It's not li--"
Before Clawstripe could finish, Breezestar let out a yowl in the center of the clearing to call everyone to attention. The senior warriors of the Dark Forest sat shoulder-to-shoulder in a line behind him.
"Cats of the clan," he began, "I'm sure you all have several questions for me; what is this place, why are you here, who am I, things like that. Allow me to put all your fears to rest right now." The dark-pelted tom puffed his chest out proudly. "My name is Breezestar, I am the leader of the Dark Forest, and I am your friend."
"The Dark Forest?" Splashtail cried out. "My father told me the Dark Forest was a bad place! That they killed off the ancient clans long ago!"
Breezestar brushed Splashtail's comment off with a flick of his ears. "Please, please, let me finish. Hear me out and I assure you, you will no longer see us as the monsters in the dark." The Dark Forest tom began to pace around the group of clan cats. "You all are here for a very important reason. You all are special. You all want more in life. You all have suffered a great injustice in your life. Splashtail, your family was split apart between RiverClan and WindClan when you were but an apprentice! And with your father Salmonsplash now gone, and no mate to share your life with, you must feel quite lonely."
Splashtail shifted his paws and stared at the ground. "Well... Maybe a little."
"Exactly!" Breezestar turned to more cats. "And Blitzwing, you're little brother Duskkit was taken from you mere days after your birth to an outbreak of greencough! And Emberpaw, your mother must constantly withstand controversy after an affair with the ThunderClan deputy Stormwhisker!" Breezestar cleared his through and sat. "You all have been through so much, and now you shall heal. We are here to help."
"What kind of help?" Emberpaw's tiny mew sounded like a mouse's squeak in the large clearing.
"Simple. We are here to train you, harden you, make you better warriors and teach you things your mentors could never think of! You will become super-powered warriors and become the bright, shining stars of your clans! Behind me you will find your potential mentors. Go out, choose your mentor, and begin training. The fight will never stop until you do, my warriors!"
Once Breezestar stopped speaking, all the clan cats other than Clawstripe scattered and searched for a mentor. Lichenwhisker partnered up with Ashfur. Emberpaw chose the cat Mapleshade. Splashtail seemed to look around for a bit, unsure on who to choose, before picking Darkstripe.
"Mother!"
Darkwhisker raced toward Spiderstorm and met her with a loving embrace. Clawstripe was certain the two would become paired up. This combination puzzled Clawstripe however. How was Spiderstorm supposed to train both him and Darkfeather?
"Breezestar, I have a question."
"What is it, Clawstripe?"
"How come you're letting Spiderstorm mentor Darkfeather? She'll have trouble focusing on two apprentices."
"That's because you will no longer be an apprentice.In two days, you will come here at dusk and have your final assessment. Should you complete this assessment, you will become a full member of the Dark Forest."
"Really? That's great! Thank you, Breezestar!"
"Breezestar!" Morningdawn butted in between Clawstripe and the dark leader. "You said you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, Morningdawn, excuse me for a moment Clawstripe."
Breezestar stepped away from everyone, but Clawstripe could still clearly hear what the two were saying.
"I've taken a shine to you, Morningdawn, and I want to mentor you myself." Breezestar bent his head down a bit. "And I know what you've been planning."
Clawstripe watched Morningdawn's eyes widen as he reeled away from Breezestar.
"How could you possibly know what?"
"I know many things, child. I see many things." Breezestar looked around. "I think you have the right thing going on..."
A wide smile grew on Morningdawn's face. "You think so?"
"Your plan is solid, but it could use some work. Perhaps I can help you with it, but you and I will need to talk somewhere a little more private."
With a wave of his tail Breezestar ushered Morningdawn away farther into the trees. Clawstripe was confused. He couldn't comprehend what Breezestar was talking about, but a slow chill ran up his spine at the thought of it. He didn't let it bother him though. His work was done in the Dark Forest that night, so he decided to wander off and explore until he woke up and returned to FireClan camp.
Epilogue[]
The dawn of a new day came and went, and Toadstar comfortably watched the sun set in the shade of the willow tree above his perch. The end of the day was always his favorite part, because he could just watch the daily lives of his clanmates as they moved about the camp.
Mousekit and her siblings were growing up quickly, and would soon be made into apprentices.
Lichenwhisker walked with a slight limp across the camp toward the fresh-kill pile. He also seemed to have a few cuts and scrapes dotting his pelt.
Goldenpelt and Darkfeather sat next to each other in a sunny spot, brushed up against one another. Toadstar wondered if the two were already considering kits.
Stormspots was rushing over to the nursery, the was a small crowd outside the entrance. Toadstar assumed Tangledwhisker had begun kitting. He sat up and made his way over to the small den. He ducked his head into to see Heavypelt calming down his mate, and Stormspots rubbing the old she-cat's belly.
"Is everything okay over here, Stormspots?"
"Well, Tangledwhisker is a bit old for her first litter, but she's a healthy and strong cat. I'm certain she'll be alright afterwards."
"Any idea on what to expect for the litter?"
Stormspots put his ear against Tangledwhisker's belly and tapped it with his paw. "Not sure, I'm going to say two or three kits. I thi--" Stormspots' ears perked up and he pulled his head back. "Oh boy, here they come; everyone please give me some space!"
Toadstar helped usher the cats crowding the nursery away from the young medicine cat and allowed him to work in peace. He decided to stay close behind him in case he needed help.
"Toadstar, I need to help Tangledwhisker get the kits out, do you think you could help rub her stomach for me?"
"It may have been a while since Gingerstep kitted, but I've got the hang of this."
With the help of both Toadstar and Stormspots, along with her mate, Tangledwhisker was able to birth two healthy kits; two strong toms. The crowd Toadstar had pushed away quickly returned to see the new members of FireClan.
"Thank you, Toadstar," Heavypelt mewed.
"Don't mention it. I'm curious as to what you're going to name them."
"Well..." Tangledwhisker looked down at her kits. "This tom has little wavy stripes on his fur, I think I'll call him Ripplekit. And this tom has a long, curvy tail, I'll call him Eelkit. What do you think, Heavypelt?"
"They're wonderful names."
This was also one of the best times of Toadstar's life; getting to see the future of his clan come to life before his very eyes. No matter how many kits were born, no matter what cat birthed them, it always brought him back to the day his sons were born.
Toadstar poked his head out of the nursery and search for his sons. Goldenpelt was still coddling his mate, Clawstripe was chatting up Whitefoot and Lemonleaf, and Blazeheart seemed to be having some alone time; he was sitting away from everyone else all on his lonesome. He had a sort of blank look on his face.
The prophecy Toadstar had received from Thunderstar haunted him since his sons' births. Every day since then he feared something horrible would happen to them, but things seemed to have turned around. Each of them were happy, safe, and alive.
That was all Toadstar could ever ask for.
"Stop right there!"
Thistlebelly's ferocious yowl spooked Toadstar. He turned his head to the entrance of the camp, the gray warrior had been sitting guard. From where he was standing Toadstar could only make out a faint, black shape and smell a ThunderClan cat. As he came closer, he recognized the cat as Pantherstrike, Smokestar's son. The ThunderClan warrior Winterbreeze was right behind him.
"You don't understand! I need to speak with Toadstar, it's important!"
"And you had to come charging into our camp like a fox with ants in his pelt? You nearly scared us half to death!"
"Thistlebelly, calm yourself. I know tensions have been high between ThunderClan, but I'm sure Pantherstrike is here for a good reason." He turned to the young warrior, "What is it, son?"
"I-It's Smokestar! He's dead!"
-
The End!
But stay turned for the next installment, Fallen Stars!