I hate Hollypaw's new name plus Breezepaw's so they are Hollybranch and Breezefall. I don't own Warriors or any of the characters besides Tearpaw and some cats I'll make up along the way.
Chapter 1
Twitching my nose at the scent coming downwind, I realized something. That scent it was very similar, but I couldn't place it. It reminded me of the tribe, but the smell was not of a tribe cat, just memory there. Back when I had been an apprentice I went off to the tribe with my siblings, Jaypaw-now Jayfeather and Lionpaw-Lionclaw- who wanted to learn. I too had wanted to learn about the tribe's ways, so we went.
Too bad that fleabag Breezepaw-Breezefall- had to come. He was always trying to impress the tribe cats even though he was no a to-be as them. Breezefall had been amusing though. That tom was always ready to teach them and practice with me. Once time he pounced on me when I was done talking to the to-be's, I hadn't scolded him though since surprise attacks were useful. Laughing at the memory she looked down. A light had shined in his amber eyes when he was teaching the tribe cats made her like him in a friend sort of way. I missed talking with him as much as I hate to say that. Of course, I had Cinderheart, Lionbraze, Jayfeather, and the rest of the clan to talk with, but they just wanted to talk about what was happening-not what was going to happen and how to prevent it.
Sighing her green orbs flickered into the darkness. After the group of cats had gotten back she and Breezepaw kind of went back to their places. Him the growling Windclan apprentice, and her the over pushy Thunderclan apprentice. They barely talked except for the casual hello at Gatherings. He liked to spend his time with Heathershadow despite the fact she kept looking in Lionblaze's direction.
Lionbraze had given up Heathershadow in order to become a great warrior and stay loyal. He cared for his clan like no other making them proud and happy, but was he delighted with himself? I had asked him a few times, but he just put on a smile and acted like everything was fine. It wasn't. His golden pools told of his longing to be with her and her smoky blue eyes told a story at the gatherings. Maybe if Heathershadow had been born in Sorreltail's litter they could have been happy.
Love was a funny thing even if I hadn't experienced it in the tom and she-cat way. And besides it wasn't like I wanted to be stuck in that nursery all day and lose my battle skills. A faint blush came to my cheeks at the thought. But what about Bluestar? She had had kits and she was able to be leader, but she had given them up to Riverclan where their father was. No way would she do that to become deputy giving up kits she had made out of love with a tom. It was just awful to do abandoning those tiny things. My whiskers twitched as motions could be seen. That was the complete sacrifice of a she-cat or any cat for their clan. Bluestar had been a dedicated feline. I went into a stalking crouch as the creature walked forward with the memory smell. Lashing my ebony tail in waiting, my green eyes watched where the animal would come out of. This wasn't a badger or fox, just an invading cat I could take care of and then report to Firestar.
Suddenly a figure charged just a foxlength away and I pounced at it taking my chance. I landed on the intruder with ease. We rolled to the ground with me on top of the cat. Letting out a sharp hiss as I put my paw to the throat, the feline hissed back in anger. Amber eyes glowed with fury as they stared at me. The breathing of this cat became steady as I stared at the amber eyes. My green hues couldn't move from the invader's. My fur began to lay flat as I noticed the black shade around the glowing hues. It was only Breezefall. Smelling the air for other Windclanners, I realized there were none.
Then what did he want? "Breezefall, what did you come here for?" I asked stepping away from the jet cat. "I need to talk with Firestar." He mewed getting up and started to walk away towards my camp. "About what?" I growled trotting after him as he picked up the pace. "That's between me and Firestar." He spat as he charged off. I ran after him. He had always been a prickly tom, but he usually boasted about things with leaders…Or at least as an apprentice he had. A sorrow crept past my barriers as I ran to the ebony tom.
It had been so long since we talked. During these past few seasons we each had changed. I figured out that my siblings and I had magical powers and could led Starclan. Then he padded after Heathershadow like a squirrel to a nut and I stayed by myself looking out for my clan. We had become warriors in the same moon, but we didn't share anything… It had been at least four seasons since we became warriors.
Finally we reached the camp entrance and Breezefall charged down the rocks like they were nothing. My movements matched his and then he stopped in the middle of the camp. No one was up besides the midnight patrol, but they were at the Shadowclan barriers by now. "Where's Firestar?" The amber eyed tom asked. With my tail I pointed to the Highledge and he was gone in a flash. I found myself running after him again and into Firestar's den with only the old leader. Sandstorm wasn't in there since she had died two moons ago from a fox. Firestar had been pretty sad since then. Luckily Greystripe was still here and Ravenpaw had come on a journey to find him and give Thunderclan one of his kits, Tearpaw, my apprentice, and then left to live as a loner where Smoky and Floss are.
"Firestar, Breezefall needs to speak with you." I heard myself saying as he poked the ginger tabby wit my dark paw. Bones cracked as he rose up. He would die soon. "Hollypaw." He mewed weakly looking at me with clouded eyes. His memory was fading the faster than his body. Shaking my head, I continued. "Breezefall wants to talk with you. You know from Windclan?" His green eyes shifted towards the black tom. Breezefall was getting restless as he waited. Finally, the Windclan warrior couldn't stand it anymore and spoke up. Firestar was respected by all the clan cats despite the fact they wouldn't admit it. However with his old age cats are getting less and less patient with him. Seeing this Firestar made me squirm in displeasure since enemy clans were going to take advantage of our weak leader.
"Firestar, Windclan is under attack and we need your-No Thunderclan's help. Shadowclan joined forces with Riverclan and have reached our camp. Crowstar ordered me to come here." The young warrior said quickly as Firestar nodded slowly.
Yes, Crowfeather had become leader through the seasons after Onestar died in battle against a fox. Ashfoot had retired before that like when Breezefall became a warrior. Amazing what can happen in four seasons, right?
Looking between the two toms, I could tell that Firestar kind of understood what was going on, but we had to act fast or else Windclan may be wiped out of their territory. "We have to send some warriors to Windclan's camp." I whispered into my leader's ear. "Yes, yes Thunderclan will help you. Go gather Sandstorm, Dustpelt, Brackenfur, Whitewing, Brightheart, Cloudtail, Lionpaw, Ashfur, and Whitewing." My leader ordered. My eyes darkened at the names. Sandstorm and Brightheart were dead… Dustpelt and Greystripe were in the elder's den and Whitewing was in the nursery about to have her first litter with Ashfur. Only Lionblaze, Brackenfur, and Ashfur could go.
"What about some others?" I mewed quickly trying to make it sound casual in front of Breezefall. "Okay then, Birchfall, Thornclaw, Spiderleg, Icefrost, Honeyfern, Foxchaser, Mousewhisker, Berrynose, Cloudtail, and Poppyfrost. You too, Hollypaw." Luckily all those cats were alive. "I'll get Brackenfur to gather them. Good night Firestar." I mewed resting my tail on his shoulder. He went back to sleep in a second. My attention went back to Breezefall as he watched me and my grandfather. His amber pools were annoyed by how long we were taking.
"I'll go get them, you go up to the entrance. Wait for me there." I could see the pain in his eyes each second he wait another cat could die. My eyes softened as he went off. With Crowstar as a father and how he always had to prove himself worthy it made me think of how hard it must be. Running out of the den I jumped off the Highledge and to the warrior's den. I found our deputy, Brackenfur, curled up next to Sorreltail and poked his side. Brambleclaw had gone off the deep in and died after killing Firestar once. If it hadn't been for Lionblaze finding the two cats Firestar would have died. He was awake in moment and I told him everything and how Breezefall was impatiently waiting for the patrol. The deputy took in the information without a problem then got up to rally the warriors. Brackenfur was getting older these days and I still had Tearpaw to train for the next six moons.
After that I went up to meet my old friend from apprenticehood days. A feeling in my stomach made me so happy as I jumped up from rock to ledge to reach the entrance. There was no doubt I was ready for battle with this feeling. Though with battle comes death. Death goes to misery and no one wins…
Breezefall was waiting for me as he looked down to see me watching him. Instantly he rose to his feet seeing my black pelt and made a movement to go. "Brackenfur is waking the warriors up, so there will be more of a wait." I answered. Disappointment shone in his gaze and he sat down again. "How many cats are at the battle?" I asked trying to make small talk. "Too many skilled cats who aren't exactly our kind." He asked staring right ahead. Aren't our kind? How could they not be our kind if they were from the clans? Just before I was going to ask him a large group came towards us and Breezefall ran off with the group following the jet tom. Shaking my head, I chased after the battle gang. What could he mean?
Chapter 2
Battle cries could be heard a hundred foxlengths away from the Windclan camp. Every cry was either filled with pain or pleasure. Thoughts turned in my head. Breezefall must have meant these cats took happiness in killing their enemies. It was sickening to think that, but some cats had strange thoughts like my father, Brambleclaw. My nose twitched in irritation at the thought of that mousedung trying to kill Firestar for his own ambition. I had learned from then on never to be too ambitious since I still want to be the leader of Thunderclan some day.
Then I saw them…The enemy cats. Sure there were Shadowclan and Riverclan cats, but then there were larger cats. The large cats all had silver-brown fur being either light to dark with giant claws that could rip any warrior apart with two strikes. Their eyes were wide glowing yellow that screamed of destruction and hate. They were twice our size they looked like cats, but yet they weren't. Figures could do our moves and use them against us, but in a bigger way. There were at least four maybe five of them as I stood shocked. My clanmates had already jumped into battle as I waited with Honeydew most eager in front of Berrynose.
One of the animals was staring back at me with a dark grin on its face as it stepped off of a bloody golden tabby warrior. It was one of my clanmates. My eyes widened seeing Honeyfern bleeding and the thing coming towards me. Time went by in slow motion as it came to me. These creatures were going to be tough. Lowering myself to the ground ready to launch at the odd figure, I noticed another dark form come to my side. It was only Breezefall.
"I told you." He growled to me as he jumped up and clawed at the creature's eye. Just as the cat like animal was going to cut the Windclanner's attack I bit into its front leg. My split decision allowed Breezefall to claw right above the thing's eye. Blood oozed from the wound to its eye as the tom landed on the ground. With only one useable eye this would be a bit easier for the both of us. Letting go of the enemy's leg a rolled over to my right to nearly miss a massive paw come down where I had been.
I couldn't use my usual moves on this thing as in flipping it over like I had done with Cinderheart as an apprentice. Breezefall was no where in my eye line, but I could feel him near by waiting for another chance to strike. That cat was being a wimp waiting for me to take the first punch. Lashing my tail in anger, I rose up and the large cat turned to look at me with its one amber hue. Charging through the front legs and hind legs I noticed that the large cats were a bit dumb, thick furred, and a stub for a tail. ((Just to let you guys know these large cats are lynx.))
Before the figure could turn around to face me I leapt onto its back. Once I felt the furry surface I dug my claws into back. It growled in protest at the weight I brought on its grey mound of flesh. Being up here so high made me dizzy, but I held on to the offender. Black flashed past the feet of the silver creature and blood spilled near the lower flank. "Get off, Holly-"The ebony figure hissed before the massive feline rolled onto its back.
I could feel the air knock out of me as the cat crushed me to the ground flooring. As the animal was on its back its belly was free to attack. Breezefall must have taken that chance because I felt another weight on me and a sticky liquid to follow moments later. Then the mass lifted and the thing got up. Hearing a deep growl from the Windclan tom I had been tag fighting with, I started panting getting all the air I could before going back. I looked to my right and saw a huge amount of blood. Hopefully, it wasn't Breezefall's.
Green pools flickered over to the left and saw the Windclan warrior with shredded ears, but other than that fine. But the attacker was different. His stomach was bleeding heavily from the tom's move. More blood came from the flank of the offender. I would call this large cat Bloodbelly. The apprentice I had once known was no more as I looked at Breezefall. His build was long and lanky just like Crowstar's and amber eyes glowed with courage and pride, where his prideful nature had once shown up. Bloodbelly took a snap at Breezefall as the warrior bat the wide face.
Breath had finally become reasonable and I raced towards the long limbed creature. If the feline kept bleeding at this rate, it would die sooner rather than later. Jumping up I bit into its hind right leg as the creature took its paw to Breezefall's face again. My claws slid out as soon as I latched onto the leg by the fang. With a little effort I felt my knives run straight through tough skin.
Before I could let go I felt teeth on my shoulder and tear me away. My tag team partner hadn't paid enough attention to the battle since I was in this state. Sharp fangs dug into my pelt as I screamed then there was a violent shake and I was thrown to the floor. Landing on my back, dirt particles entered my wounded skin. As I hissed in rage I turned my head to see Breezefall limping towards me. He was staying off of his left hind leg, which appeared to be twisted awkwardly. That tom wouldn't stop fighting for his clan like a great loyal one would do. Breezefall was someone who could be admired under all his rough edges.
Scenting the air, I noticed the fresh blood was over powering everything. We were losing the battle. Honeyfern, one or two Windclan warriors, and even Cloudtail were laying on the floor in a mess of blood. Sadness and anger filled my body as I stared at Bloodbelly. If we could just kill one of these creatures than we could have a chance of them running scared to their camp or wherever they came from. Then no one else would have to die in this fight.
Getting up, I winced feeling more blood ooze from my cut. Dizziness was going to be coming for me soon, so this death needed to be finished. Now on my feet I lowered my body to the floor ready to pounce. I lashed my tail in fury as the creature came forward. There was only one chance from this to open and if I miscalculated I was dead for sure. With every paw step it took my tail went faster. The silver cat stared at me with one eye questioning as to why I was still alive. Starclan was protecting me even though I would someday rule it with my brothers. I would protect my clan fro now though.
Without thinking I pounced for it's throat. In a second I felt the tough fur of the animal and latched on with my claws. Biting into what felt like a throat, I knew I had hit the spot. I let go of my hold and jumped backwards. Bloodbelly roared in pain as blood spilled from its neck. It was walking in awkward and uneven steps then it began to fall. Everything went into slow motion mode as I crouched low ready to attack. It just kept on falling and falling until I felt the deadweight hit my front legs.
Snap! My legs screamed. Pain spread through them like a wildfire. Every bit of myself wanted to died and there was so much blood…Too much. Breezefall was coming towards me and yowled for a medicine cat. My head hit a rock or something. I blacked out after that.
Chapter 3
Days passed by without my notice. Sometimes I saw an ebony tom there then the next was a speckled tom was putting something on me. Everything was a blur to me. "Hollybranch?" Whispered a strong tom to the left of me. My eyes flickered open and saw a black form watching me. Amber eyes sparkled seeing something that was just fine and dandy, but I felt awful. My shoulder ached, although it was better than my front legs. "Don't get up. Let me get Kestrelwing." The tom left me alone in the dark.
What was wrong with my front legs? They looked funny as I lifted my head to look over my injuries. What had that tom had said about Kestrel-something had been odd. Who was Kestrelwing? Oh, it didn't matter with this pain. A feline never showed their pain when they were somewhere unknown. Looking over the den, I saw a few more cats sleeping with a pawful of wounds. Biting my tongue, I noticed a speckled tom with herbs coming my way with that amber eyed tom.
"Breezefall told me that you were awake even though he should be in the outside sleeping with the other warriors." The speckled tom glared at the black warrior called Breezefall. These cats were weird. Who would call their kit Breezefall or Hollybranch? Breezefall stared at me anyway. "Jayfeather will be pleased to hear that at the medicine cat meeting tomorrow." Continued the herb carrying feline. How did they know me? Trying to move away a sharp hiss came from my maw. My front legs hurt so much!
"It hurts whatever your name is." I hissed dropping my standards. Breezefall thingyed his head, amber eyes widened in confusion, and stood frozen not able to talk. The speckled tom too was surprised by my words. "My name is Kestrelwing. You know medicine cat of Windclan?" He mewed. "Windclan? Medicine cat? What are those?" I asked annoyed, but trying to keep still. My legs didn't hurt if I was still.
"Breezefall, leave now and don't come back for a while." Kestrelwing hissed looking at the dumb struck tom. There was a short glare from Breezefall then he left. Once he was out of ear shot, the medicine kitty asked, "Okay, do you remember your name?" I thought for a second. What was my name? Uhhh… I didn't know. Hearing the Windclan cat sigh he started to explain. "Your name is Hollybranch. I won't go any further though since you need to continue healing your broken legs before anything else." So my legs were broken? Well that's just great.
My name was Hollybranch and I had not one, but two broken limbs. Wow, I must be the coolest cat ever. Rolling my eyes, I looked at my legs again. They were wrapped up in a weird plant. Must be Kestrelwing's work since they smelled like him and moorland plants. "Now Hollybranch take these and try to sleep." The speckled feline ordered pushing a few tiny black seeds towards me. Without protest I took the seeds and rested my head. Sleep would come soon enough and then it did.
I was dreaming. I was in a cave with a bunch of other cats, but I was smaller and Breezefall was there. Before I could react I felt the black tom pin me down and I felt a small laugh came from my maw as I stared into those amber pools. They were determined and playful… I liked that in a cat. That was the right way to attack a cat. By surprise. Giving the tom a smile I turned to look at the other cats. They were watching and smiling at the pair of us. Breezefall got off of me then the other cats paired off and started to play fight. It was cute and I felt at peace seeing the pairings and with Breezefall at my side. What was Breezefall to me? Surely he was my best friend.
Then I woke up to see the sun shining down and through the den. I felt better than I had the last day or night. Kestrelwing looked over at me as I opened my green pools. "You've been out the last two nights. I told Jayfeather, your brother, how you were at the medicine cat meeting. He seemed okay with you staying here for the next moon and also Cinderfoot, a friend, and Lionclaw, your brother, asked how you were. I told them that your legs were healing fine, but actually they are healing at the fastest rate I've ever seen." He gave me a smile. My stomach growled. "I do suppose you're hungry, so I'll go get you something." The speckled tom made a move to get up, but then Breezefall came in with a rabbit.
"Hello Breezefall." I purred in greeting. Breezefall dropped the rabbit for Kestrelwing and spoke. "Hi Hollybranch. There's no need to be so friendly." He growled. I watched him with twisted look. Wasn't he my friend? "But I had a dream about you. We were in a cave and with pairs of other cats who looked funny. You attacked me by surprise then the other cats played." I mewed recalling my dream. The jet tom looked back at Kestrelwing then to me. Kestrelwing had encouraged him to talk. "Hollybranch, we were apprentices when that happened. We went to the mountains to help the tribe with invaders. That was moons ago. We haven't spoken much since then." Breezefall explained his eyes darkening as he thought of us training together. "Oh, sorry then." I meowed looking down. At least I had one memory. But now there was a tribe involved… Things get complicated easily.
"I better leave you two alone since memories are better said with someone you know." Kestrelwing mewed then left. Breezefall glared after him then back at me. "It's not fun spending time with me, huh? I got two broken legs and my name is Hollybranch. Hollybranch is a weird name." I said trying to make him talk. "I'd rather be out hunting with Harespring or Heathershadow, that's true. Now, Hollybranch is your name because your mother, Squirrelflight named you Hollykit then you trained as Hollypaw, then something involved a branch and you became Hollybranch. Be proud of your name." Breezefall meowed looking at me straight in the eye.
"But it's so odd. I mean a branch of holly. Holly plants are all sticky and pointy. No, wait, your name is even goofier. Come on a fall in the breeze? That's makes-" Before I could finish what I was saying Breezefall glared at me. Those amber eyes were pained with a memory and anger. "Don't you dare speak like that. You use to listen to that name like it was the best in the forest, but now you sound like you want a kittypet name." Malice laced his voice as he spoke. "ThunderClan's leader, and your grandfather, Firestar gave you that name out of love and affection. Hollybranch is a beautiful name and any other cat would be happy to have it. As for my name, Crowstar felt I should be Breezefall." I felt guilty and I desperately wanted to comfort him. This Crowstar had hurt him and I desperately wanted to help him. "Breezefall, I never meant to be mean. I don't get it here in the tribes or clans, whatever you want to call them." A curiosity filled my mind.
"Could you teach me? I can't remember anything other than that time with the tribes I suppose when we were play fighting. It was innocent. That must sound mousebrain, but I felt safe." My eyes flickered to the floor. I couldn't say anything right, could I? Hopefully, he wouldn't hold the offer against my stupidity. "I'll help you, Hollybranch. But I'm doing this that way you don't annoy WindClan with silly questions." His chilling voice softened causing me to look with a small smile. "Thank-" My legs were hurting again. Cringing in pain, Breezefall raced out the opening. "Kestrelwing, she's in pain." I could hear his face right outside the den. The same speckled tom from before came in with a dark looking Breezefall.
"I'm perfectly fine." I hissed unconvincingly. "No, you're hurt and you have to get better so you can go back to ThunderClan." The black warrior snapped back. There was smile on Kestrelwing's face, but he said nothing. "I'll show you that I'm fine then." I smirked then realized that I had to back down. My front legs were hurting and they weren't listening to my demands. "Get out of here." Kestrelwing said. "But-" The tom cat began. "No, get out." Kestrelwing twisted around and glared down Breezefall. "Fine." He replied after a few seconds. Breezefall gave me a look that said: Don't die while I'm gone. I still have to teach you. I returned his look with a: I won't be going anywhere. Broken legs, remember? His eyes glistened with content look, but I could tell he was relieved. Without another word my friend left and I was left alone with the medicine cat.
As soon he left my legs were hurting again. Kestrelwing made his way over to a pile of green leaves. "You know, Hollybranch, Breezefall seems to really like you." He started. "It's not like him to be in the medicine cat den for a half moon without him complaining. He's not even being confined here, but I notice him when he sat watching you. For the first few days it was okay since he was resting as well, but then he started sneaking in to see you because he had been in all day other than his warrior duties." The male chewed on a leaf as I thought. Breezefall had been coming in to see me every day? Morning and night? That was a sweet act, but something spelled trouble for me in the pit of my stomach.
Kestrelwing padded up to me and put the pout on my legs. The burning stopped. "His actions are not allowed. It makes warriors think of him as disloyal watching after you like you're his…mate. Crowstar, WindClan's leader, is his father and if Breezefall is seen watching you it causes problems for everyone. You and he are from different clans. It is a sin to love and mate with a warrior from another clan. Keep that in mind the next time you see him." This was a warning. But Breezefall and I were just friends. Plain and strictly friends…Then why did I feel a lingering feeling of complaint?
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I like my story so far. You probably don't but why cares I write for fun not for reviews or reads.