Yay, a prologue to introduce the situation.
Everyone's a human in this AU. They still keep their names, because it's simpler that way. They get their warrior names after they turn 18.
Squirrelflight lazily stretched herself on the couch. The dead silence of the whole house usually spelled disaster, but she knew that it was holidays - and her children were spending two days with their grandparents. Sometimes she thought about what she would do if her children weren't around for a day, but when such day finally came, she found herself doing nothing, and enjoying it every second. Sound of footsteps interrupted her bliss, but the scent of coffee brought it back a moment later. Brambleclaw entered the room, and placed the two cups of coffee on the glass table in front of her, after which he slowly sat down in the armchair across her.
"What will we do when they leave for college?" Brambleclaw voiced her thoughts.
It was easy for her now to be happy when the three were away. She knew she would see them again in two days. But it wasn't that long until they had left for good - and then the real longing would start. But she pushed those worries away - for now.
"Mmm, party, like we did when we were teens ourselves." She laughed.
"We're not that young anymore! And my dancing skills would be embarrassment these days." He said, taking a sip of coffee.
"They were an embarrassment back then, too!"
Brambleclaw scratched his neck, looking away.
"But I didn't care back then! I'd die of self-conciousness now."
They sat together quietly for a while. It was nice for them to be there together. Brambleclaw put down his cup of coffee and straightened himself down in his armchair. Squirrelflight tensed, as she knew that meant a serious conversation was coming.
"What is it?" She anticipated his issue.
"Have you thought where will we send our children to high school?"
She played with her hair for a while before answering. She didn't gave it much thought before - it seemed obvious to her what should happen.
"We'll send Hollypaw and Lionpaw to some good private, catholic school, and Jaypaw will still be homeschooled."
Brambleclaw gently shook his head.
"I can't see that happening. You know how hard it was to convince Jaypaw to stay home three years ago. He won't want to stay home with his mom now, that he's a grown man."
"Grown man! He's only fifteen. He can become independent when he's legal adult."
"They are grown teenagers, Squirrelflight. You can't keep acting like they are kids forever".
Squirrelflight looked down. She knew he was right. Their children were getting bigger, more disobedient, more rebellious... It was a natural turn of events. But that didn't make it any easier for her.
"I assume you have your own idea what to do, then?" She asked. Brambleclaw never asked a question without knowing the answer in advance.
"I thought that maybe we could send Jaypaw to a boarding school for blind children. I think he would appreciate being away from home, an opportunity to prove himself... As an independent person. I think he would like that."
Boarding school! Her little boy would be so far away... So rarely at home. She couldn't stand the thought of not having all her children around. But deep inside, she knew that Brambleclaw's argument made sense. But was it the best answer? She wasn't sure. That was definitely something that needed more though and had to be discussed.
"And Hollypaw and Lionpaw?"
Brambleclaw sat deeply in his armchair and folded his hands.
"I've been thinking about Warriors High."
Squirrelflight froze with her her eyes wide.
"You know what reputation that school has. It's one of the worst public schools out there. I know it's not that far away, but I don't want our kids there."
Brambleclaw rested his chin on his hand.
"They got really dedicated teachers. They got best results in the state in the last two years."
"I know that!" She gritted her teeth. "But you know what neighbourhood is that. Poverty, violence, drugs... It may be a good school for troubled kids. But not for decent ones, like ours!"
Squirrelflight eyed her husband closely. He watched her calmly, unmoving.
"Even good students who go in there improve a lot. Besides..." Brambleclaw scratched his cheek.
"Don't you think our children are getting a little sheltered?"
Squirrelflight shook her head.
"No! There are just very decent, polite kids. And even if they were, a kid was killed there, Brambleclaw! I know I'm paranoid at times, but there's something I just won't tolerate!"
Brambleclaw narrowed his eyes, but Squirrelflight continued.
"I don't have anything against public schools, but not one like that!"
"Look. I know it doesn't look that good. But I've checked it out, and I think it would be the best place for our children. I think that accident clouds your judgement."
Squirrelflight pointed her finger at him.
"No. That school is out of question. We'll send them to St. Patrick, where most of their current friends went, or some other decent school. But not somewhere where they will get killed."
He lowered his head.
"Do you know their plans?"
"No. But surely they don't want to go to that place?"
Brambleclaw sighed. "Hollypaw told me she wants to go to Yale."
Warmth opened in Squirrelflight's heart. Her little daughter was so talented, and so ambitious.
"She will make it. Whether she goes to that school or not."
Her husband nodded. "She will. But I'm pretty sure she has plans for her high school."
Squirrelflight stood up.
"Then I guess we have no choice. We'll have to talk to them once they get back from Firestar and Sandstorm."
Her husband smiled.
"Mhm. But first, let's decide on our choice."
"Sit down, kids." Squirrelflight said looking at Hollypaw and Lionpaw. Their kids exchanged surprised glances and slowly sat down. Lionpaw was wearing his designer hoodie and was nervously scanning the room. Hollypaw's clothing could easily be mistaken for a school uniform - if only Squirrelflight didn't know that her daughter liked to look presentable, if overly formal. She was calmly looking at her parents.
"We wanted to talk about your school choices."
Lionpaw closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. What he thought this is about? Hollypaw dropped her sight, bitting her lip. Squirrelflight was taken aback by her lack of enthusiasm.
"Mom... I know you invested a lot into our education, and I think your choices were very good, and I'm grateful for your support and interest." Squirrelflight felt her pulse increasing.
"But... I think I should choose my own school now." Squirrelflight closed her eyes after hearing her daughter's well prepared words. She must have thought about it for some time. Squirreflight took a deep break and tried to make the friendliest smile she could.
"Of course, sweetie! You're almost adults, and you should have input into your future. That's why me and your dad are here. To talk about your suggestions."
Hollypaw was still staring at the carpet.
"It's just... Mom. I want to go to Warriors High."
Squirrelflight needed a lot of effort not to explode that very moment. She shot a glance to Brambleclaw, but he raised his hands in the protest.
"Hollypaw. That's not a good place to be in." Squirrelflight gritted through teeth.
"But mom! They got the best results on SATs! And their teachers have so many awards! It's my best chance to get to Yale!" Hollypaw voiced her protest.
"Sweetheart, you're very talented. You can get to Yale even without going into such places."
Hollypaw was holding the table with her hands, and Squirrelflight couldn't help but notice that her daughter was trembling. She's really determined to go there.
"I don't like that school, but I think you have the right to choose high school you will attend for yourself."
Her daughter raised her sight, meeting Squirrelflight's gaze with her watery green eyes.
"And you won't be mad?"
"No. I won't be too happy about it, but I accept your choice. If that's what you want."
Hollypaw jumped out of the couch and gave a tight hug to her mother.
"Thanks mom! You're the best! I won't disappoint you!"
Squirrelflight returned the embrace. After they were done, Hollypaw shot an embarrassed look to her father.
"Oh, I'm sorry, dad. Are you okay with it?"
Brambleclaw simply nodded. Squirrelflight turned her attention to her son, who was wandering around the room with his eyes, yawning.
"What about you Lionpaw?"
"I want to go to Warriors High, too."
While barely noticed just a moment ago, now whole attention turned to him. Even Hollypaw was wide-eyed with surprise.
"But, why?" Squirrelflight asked suspicious.
Lionpaw merely shrugged.
"It's the best school, you know. SATs, and so forth. I care about my education, too."
"Yes..." Squirreflight said, trying to gather her thoughts.
"Well, then it's agreed!" Lionpaw stood up and started going towards stairs.
Squirrelflight clenched her fist, annoyed. She couldn't say no to Lionpaw when she just agreed to Hollypaw. But she didn't believe Lionpaw's sudden concern with grades and college.
"That's it, then." Brambleclaw said, concluding the meeting.
Squirrelflight knocked on the sturdy wooden door, standing between her and their last child. She waited a bit, since there was no reply, and knocked again. No reply again.
"I'm coming." She warned, after which she entered Jaypaw's room, Brambleclaw following her.
His room was neatly organized. Bed was aligned with the left wall, and next to it was Jaypaw's desk. She never saw him use it, and she was skeptical about buying one for a blind kid, but Jaypaw heavily insisted on having one. Now, it only served as a decoration. Top of the desk was completely devoid of any items. On the opposite side of the room was his wardrobe, with three rows of bookshelves next to it. Jaypaw himself was lying on his side in his bed, facing away from the door. He had his earphones on, which is probably why he hasn't replied before.
"Jaypaw!" She said loudly, so they could start the conversation.
Jaypaw moved his hand to his ear, and removed one earphone.
"What?" He said as he turned to face his parents.
He was wearing his gray, wrinkled t-shirt and black boxers. Squirrelflight sighed internally. Even if it was the summer holidays, he could at least dress himself properly!
"We need to talk about your school plans." It was Brambleclaw who took the initiative this time. Maybe it was for the better, since it was his idea.
"I'm not staying home again." Jaypaw growled.
"Mind your behaviour." Brambleclaw retorted sharply. "Until you're eighteen we make the decisions. We want to help you and you should cooperate."
Jaypaw sat down on his bed, clenching iPhone in his hand. Squirrelflight was happy that her husband was here. He knew better how to deal with Jaypaw's aggressive moods.
"Sorry." Jaypaw took his time with continuing. "But please, don't let me be homeschooled again. I feel like outsider. Hollypaw and Lionpaw can have friends and do cool stuff... And I'm sitting home with mom. All the day, every month, every year."
That tugged Squirrelflight's heart. She knew that Jaypaw didn't feel well with it all... But she didn't knew any better way. If she was alone, she would probably break down from hearing how miserable her son is from spending time with her. She would blind herself if that would help her son.
"We figured out so, son. We think you're almost a grown man, and we trust you to act responsibly. This is why we want you to go to Clear Sky High."
Jaypaw just stared blankly ahead, without making any reaction.
"It's a good school. It's a school for blind and visual impaired teenagers in Springfield."
Jaypaw bowed his head.
"Wait, Springfield? Isn't that at the other side of the county? It will take hours each day to drive me there." A realization struck Jaypaw.
Squirrelflight noticed Brambleclaw's muscles tensing up.
"It's a boarding school."
"You... You are sending me away?" Jaypaw tightened his grip. Squirrelflight was worried he was going to break his phone any moment.
"We think it's the best way. We think it's the best way to provide you with both quality education and give you independence that you've always wanted."
Jaypaw rolled back to his bed, turning his back on his parents again.
"I'm not going away. I won't let you kick me out."
Brambleclaw scratched his head, and gave Squirrelflight a bewildered look. Squirrelflight didn't particularly want Jaypaw to go to that school, but they both thought he would be overjoyed about it. And now they were both at the starting point.
"Okay, son. Where would you want to go, th-?" Her husband asked.
"Where are Lion and Holly going?" Jaypaw asked before his father finished his sentence.
"Warriors High."
"Then I'll go there too!" Jaypaw spat.
Those kids will drive me insane. Brambleclaw was looking at his son with concern. Squirrelflight wrapped her arm around her husband. It will be difficult. But we'll pull through.
It was dark outside, and the kitchen was illuminated by a single lightbulb above them. They were sitting quietly at the kitchen's table. The day didn't go as well as they wanted.
"I'm worried." Brambleclaw started.
"So am I. So I was from the very beginning."
Brambleclaw was tapping his fingers on the table. He was probably thinking about the same thing as her. They tried to convince Jaypaw to other options, but he remained unyielding. They could have made him do something else, but for how long can they force their way through his life?
"You knew that this school had many problems. Bullying, crime, poverty, violence... It will break them." She broke the silence that arose. "We can still change our mind."
Brambleclaw looked upwards. "I think you underestimate our children. I know you want the best for them, but they are strong. They can defend themselves. You can't watch over them forever."
"You think so? It's not that simple..." She replied.
"Lionpaw's tough enough. But in his case, I'm not worried that he will get overwhelmed, I am afraid of his motives for going there. He wasn't telling us truth, about why he wants to be there." Squirrelflight continued.
"I know".
"Hollypaw... She's very emotional. The kids there can be pretty nasty. I'm worried that she will get hurt."
Brambleclaw simply kept eyeing her carefully.
"And what's with Jaypaw? I don't think he's good at socialization. And that's not mentioning how they will treat his blindness."
Brambleclaw nodded gently. "That's what I'm worried about, too, Squirrelflight."
They sat down there silently worrying for another hour. But they knew that their decision couldn't be changed.
That's it for the prologue! Most of the other chaps will be from the three PoV, so you will see how I translated their warriors personalities into teenagers!
Feel free to send suggestions and wanted pairings! Or characters that you want to appear in the fic.
