Hello everyone! Remember that this is an AU story, so here, Firestar does not exist, and none of the old history happened, but they are, however, at the new territory. The only difference with the territory is that the place of Shadowclan and Riverclan and switched, so Thunderclan is between Riverclan and Windclan. The landscape and landmarks are still in their respectful territories though, such as the lake twoleg greenleaf place still being in the Riverclan territory. All the characters will be mine, I make them, I name them. The character list will be pasted at the beginning of each chapter, and following Erin Hunter's format. Also, this will not be updated frequently. I'll try to update twice a month, but no promises. Well then, now that you're all warned, let's get on with the story!
THUNDERCLAN
Leader
MORNINGSTAR-Golden tabby she-cat with a long scar across her face and amber eyes.
Deputy
DAPPLEPELT-Long legged tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with amber eyes
MEDICINE CAT
WILLOWFROST-Silver and white tabby she-cat with green eyes
WARRIORS
(toms and she-cats without kits)
SOFTDREAM-She-cat with a snow white pelt and green eyes.
NIGHTSONG-Agile black she-cat with amber eyes. Mentor to: Russetpaw
THORNCLAW-Sturdy tabby tom with amber eyes. Mentor to: Rustpaw
ROSETHORN-She-cat with a rose-tinted cream pelt with white accents and amber eyes.
THISTLECLAW-Brown and black tabby tom. Mentor to: Pinepaw
FOXHEART-Tom with orange pelt and amber eyes
BRIARROSE-She-cat with orange-cream pelt and green eyes.
LONGSTEP-Long legged brown tabby tom. Mentor to: Jaypaw
LIONHEART-Golden pelted tom with amber eyes.
SNAKETAIL-Dusty brown tom with a long tail.
BRIARHEART-Brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes.
SPOTTEDLEAF-She-cat with a brown pelt and darker patches. Green eyes.
NIGHTROSE-A dark ginger tabby she-cat with gem-like blue eyes.
NIGHTECHO-She-cat with a gray tinted black pelt and amber eyes.
WHITECLOUD-White and gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes.
MISTFUR-Light gray she-cat with darker flecks.
POPPYLEAF-Dark brown she-cat with green eyes.
FROSTWING-Sleek pure white she-cat with blue eyes.
MAPLEFUR-Tom with a reddish-brown pelt and amber eyes.
SWALLOWCALL-Tom with a black and brown pelt.
WHITESTORM-Tom with a white pelt and blue eyes.
QUEENS:
BLOSSOMHEART-Peach and tan she-cat, expecting Longstep's kits.
ECHOSONG-Black pelt, nursing Maplefur's kits.
CLOUDHEART-White tabby, nursing Thistleclaw's kits.
LEAFFALL-Brown tabby, nursing Foxheart's kits.
ELDERS:
STONEFUR-A dull gray tom with mussed fur.
CROOKBACK-A mousy brown she-cat with a crooked back.
YELLOWTAIL-A golden tabby she-cat with a yellow tail.
CROOKEDCLAW-A brown tabby tom with amber eyes.
DAYLIGHT-A very light ginger she-cat with amber eyes.
APPRENTICES:
RUSTPAW-Rusty brown tom with amber eyes.
RUSSETPAW-Brown tabby tom with reddish-brown paws.
PINEPAW-Dark brown tom with long legs.
JAYPAW-White tom with blue eyes.
KITS:
DAWNKIT-Completely black she-cat (Parents: Echosong and Maplefur)
FAWNKIT-She-cat with brown pelt and white spots. (Parents: Echosong and Maplefur)
IVYKIT-Brown tabby she-cat with green eyes (Parents: Cloudheart and Thistleclaw)
FERNKIT-Light brown she-cat with green eyes (Parents: Leaffall and Foxheart)
MOUSEKIT-Gray tabby tom with blue eyes (Parents: Cloudheart and Thistleclaw)
ASHKIT-Gray tabby tom with blue eyes (Parents: Blossomheart and Longstep)
RIVERCLAN
Leader:
WILLOWSTAR-She-cat with a brown spotted pelt.
Deputy
SWIFTWATER-She-cat with a white and gray spotted pelt.
MEDICINE CAT
SWIFTSTREAM-Tom with a dark gray pelt and green eyes.
MEDICINE CAT APP.
RAINPAW-Gray tabby tom with blue eyes.
WARRIORS
(toms and she-cats without kits)
ECHOCALL-She-cat with a gray and white pelt.
STORMFUR-Dark gray tom with blue eyes.
SCREECHSTORM-A light gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes.
SILVERSTREAM-Grey she-cat with blue eyes. Mentor to: Poppypaw
SANDSTORM-Dust colored she-cat with amber eyes.
LEOPARDPELT-She-cat with a spotted brown pelt.
TAWNYFUR-Dull reddish-brown she-cat
HAWKWING-Brown tabby tom with amber eyes Mentor to: Ravenpaw
ROWANHEART-Reddish brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes.
SUNFALL-Dark yellow tom with green eyes.
GOOSEFEATHER-A gray and brown pelted tom Mentor to: Birchpaw
OAKFUR-A brown pelted tom with green eyes. Mentor to: Shrewpaw
DAPPLETAIL-Tortoiseshell she-cat with a dappled tail
PATCHPELT-A black pelted tom with patches of brown
ADDERFANG-A tough brown tabby tom.
MOSSTAIL-Calico she-cat with a mossy brown tail tip.
MISTYFUR-She-cat with a swirled gray pelt.
CINDERPELT-A dark gray she-cat with blue eyes.
WHITESTORM-A white pelted tom.
FEATHERTAIL-A white she-cat with a fluffy, feather-like tail.
BRIARLIGHT-A peach and white striped she-cat with amber eyes.
QUEENS:
NIGHTWING-Completely black pelt, nursing Whitestorm's kits.
BIRDFLIGHT-A golden tabby, expecting Oakfur's kits.
MOTHWING-A brown tabby, nursing Stormfur's kits.
ELDERS:
DAPPLENOSE-A dappled tortoiseshell she-cat with a wholly black head.
SOFTWHISPER-A very light gray she-cat with blue eyes.
HALFEYE-A cross golden tabby with one eye half shut.
HOLLYLEAF-A brown spotted she-cat with green eyes.
EMBERCLAW-A ginger tom with amber eyes.
SWEETWATER-A white she-cat with blue eyes.
APPRENTICES:
RAVENPAW-A completely black tom with green eyes.
POPPYPAW-A white and gray striped she-cat.
SHREWPAW-A brown she-cat with darker paws.
BIRCHPAW-A white tom with green eyes.
KITS:
HOLLYKIT-A white and black she-cat (Parents: Nightwing and Whitestorm)
DOVEKIT-A white and rose-tinted she-cat (Parents: Nightwing and Whitestorm)
LARCHKIT-A brown tabby tom with green eyes. (Parents: Mothwing and Stormfur)
TINYKIT-A small gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes. (Parents: Mothwing and Stormfur)
WINDCLAN
Leader:
BREEZESTAR-A gray tom with green eyes.
Deputy:
ASHPELT-A gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes.
MEDICINE CAT:
GINGERLEAF-A ginger and brown she-cat with amber eyes.
MEDICINE CAT APP.
SWIFTPAW-A white she-cat with gray paws and ears.
WARRIORS
(toms and she-cats without kits)
MEADOWFOOT-A wheat-colored tom with green eyes. Mentor to: Goldenpaw.
CROWFLIGHT-A black pelted tom with green eyes.
BRINDLECLAW-A tortoiseshell she-cat with amber eyes. Mentor: Snowpaw
GRAYWING-A tom with a pelt that has varying shades of gray. Mentor to: Mousepaw
HOLLOWFLIGHT-A gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes.
OATFUR-A tom with an oat colored pelt.
OWLFUR-A brown and white tom with amber eyes.
SOFTWING-A very light gray she-cat with white accents. Mentor to: Bluepaw
FINCHFEATHER-A white and light gray tom with blue eyes.
DOVEWING-A white she-cat with hazel eyes.
ROBINFEATHER-A black tom with blue eyes.
HEATHERBRANCH-A she-cat with a dappled brown and white pelt.
EAGLESCREECH-A white and brown tom.
HARESPRING-A brown and white she-cat.
KESTRALFLIGHT-A white she-cat with brown spots and patches.
PEBBLEFUR-A gray and dark gray speckled tom.
SWALLOWTAIL-A gray she-cat with blue eyes.
WOLFPELT-A dark gray tom with white and black accents.
SWEETFUR-A peach and white she-cat with amber eyes.
WHITETAIL-A gray she-cat with a white tail
MUDFUR-A brown tom with amber eyes.
QUEENS:
RUNNINGWATER-White pelted, expecting Wolfpelt's kits.
NIGHTBREEZE-A black and white cat, nursing Breezepelt's kits.
BIRDSONG-A white and brown pelt, expecting Graywing's kits.
MISTWING-A gray tabby, nursing Owlfur's kits.
LILYPETAL-A white and brown cat, expecting Runningstar's kits.
ELDERS:
LOSTEYE-A brown tabby tom with only a scar where his left eye was.
HALFLEG-A black and white she-cat with one of her legs snapped off at the joint.
MEADOWBIRD-A white and cream she-cat with a destroyed voice.
APPRENTICES
MOUSEPAW-A gray tabby she-cat
HAWKPAW-A brown and white tom with amber eyes.
GOLDENPAW-A tom with a golden pelt.
BLUEPAW-A blue-gray she-cat with blue eyes.
SNOWPAW-A white she-cat with gray eyes.
KITS:
SMALLKIT-A tiny gray she-cat. (Parents: Mistwing and Owlfur)
POPPYKIT-A brown tabby she-cat. (Parents: Mistwing and Owlfur)
BRIGHTKIT- A white she-cat. (Parents: Nightbreeze and Breezepelt)
NIGHTKIT-A black tom. (Parents: Nightbreeze and Breezepelt)
GRAYKIT-A gray tabby tom. (Parents: Mistwing and Owlfur)
SHADOWCLAN
Leader:
DARKSTAR-A black tom with white paws.
Deputy:
RUSSELTAIL-A rust-colored she-cat with a slightly striped tail.
MEDICINE CAT:
SHIMMERPOOL -A completely black she-cat with blue eyes.
MEDICINE CAT APP.
RUSTPAW-A reddish-brown tom with amber eyes.
WARRIORS
(toms and she-cats without kits)
SMOKEFUR-A dark gray tom with blue eyes.
SILVERBREEZE-A light gray she-cat with blue eyes. Mentor to: Starlingpaw
ROWANFUR-A reddish-brown tom with amber eyes.
FLAMEPELT-A red-gold tabby tom with amber eyes.
FROSTHEART-A white she-cat with blue eyes.
DAWNPELT-A she-cat with a cream pelt and amber eyes.
BURNINGASH-A smoky gray tom with blue eyes. Mentor to: Scorchpaw
BRACKENFOOT-A white and brown tom with amber eyes. Mentor to: Wildpaw
NIGHTSHADE-A black she-cat with a white face and white paws.. Mentor to: Whitepaw
CEDARHEART-A dark grayish-brown tom with blue eyes.
SCARFACE-A scarred brown and black tom with amber eyes.
DARKFLOWER-A completely black she-cat with green eyes.
NIGHTFROST-A black and white she-cat with green eyes.
FAWNCLOUD-A brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes.
SHARPFANG-A gray tabby tom with green eyes.
LITTLEFLAME-A ginger and white tabby she-cat.
STORMCLOUD-A dark gray and black tom with green eyes.
OAKLEAF-A dappled brown tom with amber eyes.
FARSIGHT-A white and black tom with blue eyes.
LIGHTBLAZE-A golden tabby tom with amber eyes.
FIERCEHEATHER-A fierce brown tabby she-cat
BLACKMUZZLE-A white tom with a black muzzle
DARKMIST-A dark gray she-cat with blue eyes.
LONGPOUNCE-A long legged black and white tom.
SOOTFUR-A sooty gray tom.
QUEENS:
ROSEPETAL-A cream colored she-cat, nursing Cedarheart's kits.
RIPPLESTREAM-A gray and white striped she-cat, expecting Sootfur's kits.
GOLDENLEAF-A gold tabby she-cat, expecting Rowanfur's kits.
WHITEPELT-A white she-cat, nursing Blackstar's kits.
REDWILLOW-A reddish-brown she-cat, expecting Flamepelt's kits.
ELDERS:
SWEETSILENCE-A cream she-cat with amber eyes.
SCARBACK-A dark gray tabby tom with a scar-filled back.
FIERCECLAW-A ginger tom with amber eyes.
APPRENTICES:
SCORCHPAW-A rust-colored tom with amber eyes.
STARLINGPAW-A ginger she-cat with amber eyes.
WHITEPAW-A white she-cat with green eyes.
WILDPAW-A reddish-brown tabby tom with amber eyes.
KITS:
DEERKIT-A cream colored she-cat (Parents: Rosepetal and Cedarheart)
RUSTKIT-A dark ginger tom. (Parents: Rosepetal and Cedarheart)
TIGERKIT-A dark ginger tabby tom. (Parents: Rosepetal and Cedarheart)
STRIPEDKIT-A white and black striped tom. (Parents: Whitepelt and Blackstar)
Whew! I'm finally done with the character list! That took two days to do, you know? On to the story!
Frostwing's POV
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather under the high ledge!" Yowled Morningstar.
"Well, well, what is it now?" Nightsong asked lightly.
"I'd bet it's an apprentice ceremony. You know that Echosong and Maplefur's kits have just reached six months."
"Interesting. You think you'll get an apprentice?" Nightsong asked curiously.
I rolled my eyes. "Well we'll never know if we don't attend soon."
"I suppose you're right," Nightsong admitted.
"I always am," I said, walking over to the high ledge.
Nightsong followed close behind and we both took our spots in the midst of all the warriors and apprentices.
Morningstar straightened herself. "Fawnkit, come up here."
Eyes trained downwards, said kit made her way up.
"Now you, Willowfrost."
The she-cat followed Fawnkit up.
"Cats of Thunderclan!" Started Willowfrost. "As you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown great enthusiasm and interest in following the path of a medicine cat. Your next medicine cat will be Fawnpaw."
Now, Morningstar took over. "Fawnpaw, do you accept the post of apprentice to Willowfrost?"
"Yes, Morningstar," said Fawnpaw.
"Then at half-moon, you must travel to the moonpool to be accepted by Starclan before. of the other medicine cats."
Morningstar looked Fawnpaw in the eye. "The good wishes of all Thunderclan will go with you."
The two cats touched noses, completing the ritual.
"Fawnpaw! Fawnpaw! Fawnpaw!" Cheered the crowd, making the poor little one a bit scared.
Willowfrost blended back into the crowd, and Fawnpaw joined the rest of her family.
"Settle down. We have one more ceremony to complete." Morningstar's words silenced the clan. "I suppose you know who it is. Dawnkit, come up here."
Dawnkit strode up to the front, excited yet wary.
"Dawnkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Dawnpaw. Your mentor will be," this time, Morningstar didn't give a thought. "Frostwing. I hope Frostwing will pass down all she knows to you."
Thunderclan's leader looked at me with challenging eyes. I held my head high, and weaved through the crowd to Dawnkit.
The best word to describe Morningstar's face was sated. She was satisfied with this pairing, and she was checking if we were. No matter. It would make no difference that would involve her anyways.
Finally, Morningstar continued her part. "Frostwing you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Dapplepelt, and you have shown yourself to be skilled and strategic. You will be the mentor of Dawnpaw and I expect you to pass on all you know to this apprentice."
I touched my nose to Dawnpaw, as Whitestorm had to her sister.
"Dawnpaw!" Nightsong yowled.
"Dawnpaw! Dawnpaw! Dawnpaw! Dawnpaw!" The crowd chanted.
I looked at Dawpaw, and her face was filled with embarrassment mixed with pride. I smiled and went off to my best friend, Nightsong.
"You have an apprentice now." Nightsong commented.
"At least she's not my kit!" I joked.
"You'll love it. Though try not to send yours to the elder's den too much. Russetpaw occupies it frequently. And might I say, I do not mind." Nightsong said leisurely.
"Russetpaw loves that place. He's fond of the stories there. Especially the ones that Emberclaw tells." I said.
Nightsong's gaze became distant. "I used to be enchanted by them too. Especially the ones about the old territory, or any battles."
The two of us were interrupted by a breathless voice and someone pawing at my side. "Frostwing! Frostwing!"
I turned around to see my new apprentice, Dawnpaw. "Hello, Dawnpaw. What brings you over?"
"I wanted to ask when I would start training." She said.
"Tomorrow after sun-high." I responded.
She smiled brightly. "Thank you," then walked away.
"She's quite adorable. Very energetic." Nightsong commented.
I nodded absently. "Not to mention how long her legs are. That'd fit well with my style too. She doesn't look like one for stealth as much as speed or leaps. I don't hide well, so speed and leaps is a neccesity. It may benefit her more for stealth though. She has a good pelt color."
Nightsong thought for a moment. "It seems like you have something to work with. At least that's pretty good. It helps, really. Russetpaw and I usually rely on stealth too, but we have our differences. Me relying on shadows, and him on patches of dirt and and leaves. But still, from behind is almost always the best choice."
"All cats gather again! Hunting patrols!" Commanded Morningstar.
And yet again, we all followed suit to under the high ledge. This time, Dapplepelt was speaking.
"Three patrols," Dapplepelt said. "First leader, Longstep! Second leader, Briarheart! Third, Swallowcall! Pick your members and go!"
And again, the crowd scattered. Patrol leaders searching for candidates and others doing whatever.
"Frostwing!" Sparrowcall.
"Yes?" I asked, though I knew exactly what he was about to ask.
"Would you like to go on border patrol with me? I've already gathered Thornclaw and Whitecloud." And my thoughts were confirmed.
"It'd be my pleasure. Though my apprentice isn't coming. Our training doesn't commence until tomorrow. She is not skilled enough yet."
Sparrowcall nodded. "Fair enough. Let's go."
I followed him out of the camp, joined by the two others.
Once we were deep enough into the woods, Sparrowcall called us all to a stop.
"We should split up here. Thornclaw, to the right, Whitecloud up ahead, and I could just go along with Frostwing to the left."
"Sounds good, though I'm not sure that's such a good idea." I said.
"Why?" Sparrowcall asked.
"I don't think that you'll be able to keep up."
"I think I'll do fine," he said, looking at me.
I laughed fondly. "I mean it literally. I run a lot when catching prey."
"It's fine, really." He insisted,rubbing his tail on my shoulder.
"No."
Whitecloud quickly surged in. "You could go with me, it's okay. I doubt that Thornclaw will let you tag along anyways. We all know the lengths his pride goes to."
Thornclaw shrugged. "The girl's right."
Sparrowcall hesitated. "Oh, um... Then I guess I'll join you, Whitecloud."
Whitecloud smiled, and we all went our seperate ways.
Come on, little rabbit. Stay still and don't look behind you!
I'd already caught a crow earlier, but I couldn't resist going for just one more. I lifted my paw off the ground, then softly set it down. Unfortunately, the rabbit sensed it, and looked back. That caused it to take off flying.
Cursing, I ran after it, legs stretching and claws out. The distance was getting closer and closer until my claws dug into it's back, but it kept running a few paces more, me close behind until I was suddenly aware of a smell that should've reached me long ago. The border mark. I stopped dead in my tracks, letting the rabbit crumple on the other side.
I sighed in relief. At least I hadn't crossed the border, not yet at least.
"What-" A voice started.
I looked over to see a Riverclan tom on the other side, wide-eyed and speechless.
"Free rabbit. It's on your side now." I offered.
Not waiting for him to reply, I ran off, catching a foolhardy pheasant in the process.
I held the squirrel and bird by their tails as I walked back into the camp with the rest of the hunting patrol. Thornclaw got three voles and a thrush, Sparrowcall and Whitecloud got a falcon together, but nothing else.
We all deposited our catches in the fresh-kill pile, and took something for ourselves. I myself took a small-ish thrush and sat down, plucking the feathers off.
"You got a pheasant?" A voice asked.
I looked up from my thrush into Sparrowcall's eyes. "Pheasants are fat and slow. The only thing that makes hard to catch is that they're rare."
"That's true. You don't see many pheasants."
"I suggest you get on with eating that rabbit between your claws. You don't want it to become crowfood while you talk to me." I replied.
Sparrowcall sheepishly sat down and started ripping apart his food. "I suppose that's a good idea."
"Mine always are." I said, plucking the final feather from the thrush.
There was a period of almost-silence when we ate our food.
Sparrowcall looked at me commenting casually,"Tonight is the gathering."
"I know."
"Well I know you know, but I didn't know if... I'm confusing myself. I'm just going to stop there."
I let out a playful laugh. "Good idea."
"So are you going?"
"Yes."
"I'll be looking forwards to it. A time of true peace."
I gave a surprised look at him. "Well, as close as possible."
At the gathering…
"Careful, Dawnpaw. You should watch your step." I warned. Getting my first apprentice hurt or killed on her first day wouldn't be something that'd be forgotten, or forgiven easily.
"Easier said than done," Dovepaw grumbled. My apprentice was right, of course, but I chose to speak opposing to it.
"Well it'd be much easier with a better attitude."
"I know," she mumbled.
"Cheer up. Today's your first gathering and your apprentice ceremony. I'd be excited." But when I looked back, she'd disappeared, and all of the other cats I could see were from another clan.
I was startled by an unfamiliar voice. "It's you!"
Turning, I saw the same Riverclan tom from the other side of the border.
"You're the Windclan cat from earlier today!"
"Well-" I was cut off.
"What were you doing on Thunderclan territory?" His eyes narrowed.
"I have rights to be on my own clan's territory." I gave a doubtful look at him.
He looked confused. "Your own… But I thought you were a-"
"Windclan? No."
"You were chasing a rabbit…" He trailed off.
"And?"
Now the tom looked bashful. "Nevermind. So you're a Thunderclan cat."
"Probably only half," I said distractedly.
"What's the story behind that?" He asked.
I reluctantly looked back at him, and fixed him with a cold stare. "No one knew who my father was, my mom died while having me, so she never got to tell anyone. The end."
"Oh, I'm… sorry?" I almost laughed, due to the fact that he looked so awkward, but I didn't.
"What for?"
At that, I walked away, finding Sparrowcall nearby.
"Frostwing!"
"Sparrowcall."
"I swear, the island keeps getting bigger every time I come," he commented.
I looked up. "It doesn't."
"I said figuratively!" He defended.
"No, no you didn't."
"I could've sworn that I did…" This he muttered in a voice so low I could barely hear him. Nonetheless, I did, and let out a laugh.
I spent some time talking to Sparrowcall, then decided to explore the island. I passed time by this method for a while. We were early today, and close as they were to the island, Shadowclan always took their time.
"Shadowclan is here," said Dawnpaw.
"So they are." I looked around. "Let's find a place to sit for the gathering."
My apprentice obediently followed me to spot not too far, nor too close to the tree where the leaders sat. Gradually, the leaders, deputies, medicine cats, and their apprentices gathered on, under, and near the tree. The Windclan leader, Runningstar, called the gathering to order.
"Windclan has been faring well. We've welcomed Meadowbird to the elder's den, and now have a new Warrior. Heatherbranch."
A Windclan elder started the call. "Heatherbranch! Heatherbranch!" Others, such as me, took up the call, welcoming the new warrior.
Runningstar called for silence. "Otherwise, prey has been faring well, herbs have been growing well, and we have had three new kits. Smallkit, Poppykit, and Graykit."
The tom tipped his head down, and the Shadowclan leader, Darkstar, spoke up. "Shadowclan has been well. Our prey has been running a bit low lately, but it has been getting more plentiful as of late. We have two new apprentices, Scorchpaw, and Starlingpaw."
"Scorchpaw!" Cats cheered.
"Starlingpaw!" Others chanted.
" We have high hopes for them. Our queen Redwillow has given birth to two new kits. Tallkit and Lightkit." The tom paused, looking around. "No intruders or any danger. Shadowclan has no more news to share."
Morningstar started talking. "Thunderclan has just welcomed two new apprentices. Fawnpaw and Dawnpaw."
"Fawnpaw! Dawnpaw!" I yowled. Other cats around me took up the call, until the whole island was filled with the two apprentices' names.
Morningstar flicked her tail. "Hunting has been well. An elder, Tallstem, has gone to Starclan because of old age."
A moment of silence rippled through the clans in respect for the elder, Tallstem was a loyal clan member and an honorable fighter.
"Tallstem will be missed," murmured a voice beside me. I turned to see Russetpaw. Of course he would miss Tallstem. He spent most of his time in the elder den anyways.
"Other than that, Thunderclan is thriving. Leaffall and Foxheart have just had a kit, Fernkit, and there are many queens expecting." Morningstar released the spotlight to Willowstar.
Willowstar sat straight, almost in a haughty manner. "Riverclan has just had four new kits.
Hollykit, Dovekit, Larchkit, and Tinykit. The fish are plentiful, the water voles are everywhere. Riverclan hasn't met any obstacles this past moon."
With that, the gathering dispersed, and everyone went off to share tongues. I went to find Dawnkit when I was roughly pulled into a small clearing surrounded by thick hedges. I turned around to see yet again, the Riverclan tom.
"What are you doing… um…" I trailed off.
The tom was silent for a few moments before finally realizing why I hadn't finished my sentence. "My name is Oakfur."
"I'm Frostwing. Well then, what are you doing, Oakfur?"
Oakfur didn't even blink. "I wanted to talk to you."
I sighed. "About what? I don't suppose you want me to spill all of my clan's biggest secrets, now do you?
"No, that's not what I meant." The tom paced a few times before stopping in front of me. "I just wanted to know more."
Reluctantly, I nodded my head. "What do you want to know then?"
"I want to know more about your mother, and your father." He hastily added, "if that's okay."
I took a deep breath. "My mother's name was Duskflower. She was a dark cream tabby. She was always happy and sarcastic, a sharp tongue that was only reserved for times of need. One day, my aunt, Rosethorn, noticed that my mother's belly was becoming fuller. She admitted to being pregnant, but she wouldn't say who it was. Just said that it didn't matter. After everyone discovered that she was going to have kits, she became more reserved, putting up walls and fronts. It worked, but only for a while. After a short period of time, people saw through it, saw how tired she was. Fear disguised by joy. When she finally gave birth, there were two kits. Me, and my sister. My sister was too weak, and she died. My mother followed"
"So you have no idea who your father was?" He asked.
I shook my head. "No."
"We should try to find out!" Oakfur's expression was so gleeful and bright. It almost made me think that it was a good idea.
"Find out who my father is?" I fixed him with a poignant stare. "We're not kits anymore. Some things just need to be left alone."
"But there's got to be something we can do! You can't not be curious!"
"Have you forgotten that we're in different clans?" I flicked my tail angrily. "There's nothing we can do!"
Oakfur looked down at his paws. "I just wanted to help you, and I know that it might not be the best idea, but I want to know." He looked up. "And you do too."
"Maybe. But let's leave this here for now, okay?"
Not waiting for him to reply, I walked out of the brambles and hedges, back to the clearing. I said hi to some friends, and left with the clan.
"So, who was that tom you were talking to?"
I turned to look at the speaker. "Sparrowcall! It was nobody, don't worry. I'm not planning to break the warrior code anytime soon."
He rubbed against me, headbutted me, and resumed his pace. "And aren't I glad about that."
"Oh, I'm sure you were terribly worried."
"Yup."
"Lower, Dawnpaw," I instructed, walking circles around my apprentice.
Dawnpaw complied, lowering her body closer to the ground, eyes focused on… well, a large piece of bark that momentarily served for some form of prey.
"Make sure your tail points straight ahead!"
"Take all of your weight onto your haunches! That way, your front paws have no impact on the forest floor!"
"Keep that springy feeling in your hind legs!"
"Drag yourself forwards with your front paws!"
"Pounce!"
With each command, Dawnpaw fixed her stance, little by little.
"Okay, now I need you to show me the hunter's crouch again."
Dawnpaw replicated what I'd shown her to the best of her effort. It was good and all, but nonetheless, not good enough.
"No, no. Your weight is unbalanced. You're leaning to your right!" I nudged Dawnpaw on her left side, and she tipped over, quite ungracefully.
"See that?" I pointed out. "You have to be completely balanced."
"Okay, I'll try again." By now, Dawnpaw was a little bored, but she did it anyways.
This time, her balance was better.
"Good. That's good. For now, at least. Pounce."
At my command, she pounced awkwardly, crash landing at the end.
"Unbalanced jump too. You leaned to your left this time. Overcorrection?"
Dawnpaw looked down. "Yeah."
"That's what I thought. Now, you want to keep a streamlined body. Watch me." I demonstrated a leap for her, and landed on all four of my legs. "Your turn."
Dawnpaw and I spent the rest of the afternoon practicing the two basic hunting techniques, until my apprentice got it right.
"Good work today, Dawnpaw. You've earned yourself a rest, but I think that you should replenish the moss for the elders first."
Dawnpaw grumbled, flopping onto her side.
"Come on, Dawnpaw," I said, my eyes sparkling. "What if I repay you in a fighting lesson tomorrow?"
Suddenly, the 'paw leaped up and started dashing towards camp.
"Save your energy!" I called out. "You're going to need it for five back and forth trips."
I sat there for a moment, and decided to climb a tree, based on whatever crazy whim I had. From there, I couldn't see much, save for the leaves of other trees.
"Well hello there, Frostwing," said a familiar voice.
I turned to see- "Oakfur! What are you doing here? And in the treetops, no less?"
"What, you think that Thunderclan is the only one who knows that tactic? Please. Willowstar has made us practice for a while. You're not the only one who has trees in their territory."
"You traveled by tree all the way here?" I asked.
"We're about three trees from the border, Frostwing. It wasn't that hard."
"Right. Because you're such an expert at tree climbing."
He nudged me playfully. "I'm an expert at more things than climbing."
I blinked innocently. "Like staring slack-jawed at me?"
He looked confused. "When did I-Oh. Very funny."
"Yes. Yes I am." With that, I leaped down and sprinted back to the camp.
There we go! THe first chapter. Review please, I would really like to have feedback. No flames please, but constructive criticism is absolutely fine, even wanted. Have a cookie! (::) Or cookies, plural. (::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)(::)