Ok! Second book to my 'Heart of Fire' series! I hope you liked book one! Now on to book two! Truth be told when I first started out I planned to start it at book three, but then I realized it wouldn't make since, so here we go! Book two! (also since Goldenflower son, Swiftpaw is already an apprentice, well in the story that is, she won't be listed as a queen!) and yes, a lot of it will be the same, but I am adding a lot of twists! You'll see! And yes, I realized that some of the names are the same, especially Fireheart's, but I just don't see that need to change the names. But you'll love the fourth book! I know you will! That's when the real ball gets rolling! So be patient with me! And review! Also my niece will be born soon! We are doing this thing that makes the baby come, 6/16/2016 is when we do it! So future Aunt! Enjoy! (and also I might lengthen this out, I mean I really want to work on all Fireheart's relationships with the different characters!)
0o0o0o
ThunderClan
Leader: Bluestar- blue-gray she-cat, tinged with silver around her muzzle.
Deputy: Tigerclaw- big dark brown tabby tom with unusually long front claws.
Medicine cat: Spottedleaf- beautiful dark tortoiseshell she-cat with a distinctive dappled coat.
Yellowfang- old dark gray she-cat with a broad, flattened face, formerly of ShadowClan and has taken to Spottedleaf's second in command.
Warriors
Whitestorm- big white tom.
Apprentice, Sandpaw
Darkstripe- sleek black-and-gray tabby tom.
Apprentice, Dustpaw
Longtail- pale tabby tom with dark black stripes.
Apprentice, Swiftpaw
Runningwind- swift tabby tom.
Goldenflower- pale ginger coat.
Willowpelt- very pale gray she-cat with unusual blue eyes.
Mousefur- small dusky brown she-cat.
Fireheart- pretty ginger she-cat with jade green eyes.
Apprentice, Cinderpaw
Graystripe- long-haired solid gray tom
Apprentice, Brackenpaw
Apprentices
Sandpaw- pale ginger she-cat.
Dustpaaw- dark brown tabby tom.
Swiftpaw- black-and-white tom.
Cinderpaw- dark gray she-cat.
Brackenpaw- golden brown tabby tom.
Queens
Frostfur- beautiful white coat and blue eyes.
Brindleface- pretty tabby.
Speckletail- pale tabby, and the oldest nursery queen.
Elders
Halftail-big dark brown tabby tom with part of his tail missing.
Smallear-gray tom with very small ears. The oldest tom in ThunderClan.
Patchpelt-small black-and-white tom.
One-eye-pale she-cat, the oldest cat in ThunderClan. Virtually blind and deaf.
Dappletail-once-pretty tortoiseshell she-cat with a lovely dappled coat.
ShadowClan
Leader: Nightpelt-old black tom.
Deputy: Cinderfur-thin gray tom.
Medicine cat: Runningnose-small gray-and-white tom.
Warriors
Stumpytail-brown tabby tom.
Apprentice, Brownpaw
Wetfoot-gray tabby tom.
Apprentice, Oakpaw
Littlecloud-very small tabby tom.
Queens
Dawncloud-small tabby.
Darkflower-black she-cat.
Tallpoppy-long-legged light brown tabby she-cat.
Elders
Ashfur-thin gray tom.
WindClan
Leader: Tallstar-a black-and-white tom with very long tail.
Deputy: Deadfoot-a black tom with a twisted paw.
Medicine cat: Barkface-a short-tailed brown tom.
Warriors
Mudclaw-a mottled dark brown tom.
Apprentice, Webpaw
Tornear-a tabby tom.
Apprentice, Runningpaw
Onewhisker-a young brown tabby tom.
Apprentice, Whitepaw
Queens
Ashfoot-a gray queen.
Morningflower-a tortoiseshell queen.
RiverClan
Leader: Crookedstar-a huge light-colored tabby with a twisted jaw.
Deputy: Leopardfur-unusually spotted golden tabby she-cat.
Medicine cat: Mudfur-long-haired light brown tom.
Warriors
Blackclaw-smoky black tom.
Apprentice, Heavypaw
Stonefur-a gray tom with battle-scarred ears.
Apprentice, Shadepaw
Loudbelly-a dark brown tom.
Apprentice, Silverpaw
Silverstream-a pretty slender silver tabby.
Whiteclaw-a dark warrior.
Cats outside Clans
Smudge-plump, friendly black-and-white kitten who lives in a house at the edge of the forest.
Barley-black-and-white tom who lives on a farm close to the forest.
Brokenstar-long-haired dark brown tabby, formerly ShadowClan leader.
Blackfoot-large white tom with huge jet-black paws, formerly ShadowClan deputy.
Clawface-battle-scarred tom, with a shredded ear.
Boulder-silver tabby tom.
Ravenpaw-sleek black cat with a white tipped tail.
Princess-a light brown tabby with a distinctive white chest and paws-a kittypet.
Cloudkit-Princess's firstborn kit; a long-haired white tom.
0o0o0o0o
Fireheart shivered. Her sleek flame-colored fur was still greenleaf light; it would be a few moons before it was thick enough to keep out cold like this, if at all. She shuffled her forepaws on the hard earth. The sky was finally growing light as dawn crept slowly in. But even though her paws were cold, Fireheart could not suppress a glow of pride. She had been gifted the chance to go back in time to help fix past mistakes, resulting in a second chance and a fresh new start to her destiny. Although she couldn't change everything, she was able to save her friend, Spottedleaf, from being killed by ShadowClan warrior Clawface.
In her mind, she replayed yesterday's victory at the ShadowClan camp: Brokenstar's glittering eyes as the ShadowClan leader backed away, hissing threats, before fleeing into the trees after his traitorous companions. The remaining ShadowClan cats had been grateful to ThunderClan for helping them to get rid of their cruel leader, and for the peace ThunderClan had promised them while they recovered. Brokenstar had not just brought chaos to his own Clan-he driven the whole of WindClan from their camp, right out of Clna territory. He has been a dark shadow in the forest before Fireheart's first life in the wild, and even now in her present one.
But for Fireheart, there was another shadow troubling her mind: Tigerclaw, ThunderClan's deputy. Fireheart shivered as she thought of the great ThunderClan warrior who had terrorized his apprentice, Ravenpaw. In the end, Fireheart and her best friend, Graystripe, had helped the frightened apprentice to escape into the Twoleg territory beyond the uplands. Afterward, Fireheart had told the Clan that Ravenpaw had been killed by ShadowClan.
What Ravenpaw said about TigerClaw was true, Tigerclaw did murder Redtail the old ThunderClan deputy to achieve being ThunderClan deputy, and Fireheart knew she had to get Ravenpaw away to safety, before Tigerclaw had the chance to keep Ravenpaw silent, permanently. And since that moment, she had decided to give Tigerclaw a chance to change. Ravenpaw was gone somewhere safe, and the acts that Tigerclaw would futurely plan hadn't happen yet. So she planned to cut him off at every turn, making all his plans impossible to do...which, she hadn't thought of how to do yet.
Fireheart shook her head to clear it of these future plans of events that hadn't happen yet. And instead turned to glance at Graystripe sitting beside her. Graystripe's thick gray fur was ruffled up against the cold. Fireheart guessed he was looking forward to the first rays of sunshine too, but she didn't say this out loud. Clan tradition demanded silence on this night. This was their vigil- something she hadn't been on since her past life vigil, it was important, when a new warrior guards the Clan and reflects on their new name and status. Until last night, Fireheart had been once again been known as Firepaw.
Halftail was one of the first cats to wake. Fireheart could see the old cat moving among the shadows in the elder's den, and marveled. The cat's that she once knew were still alive here, something she thought would never happen again. She glanced toward the warriors den at the other side of the clearing. Through the branches that sheltered the den, she recognized the broad shoulders of Tigerclaw as he slept.
At the foot of the Highrock, the lichen that draped the entrance to Bluestar's den twitched, and Fireheart saw her Clan leader push her way out. She stopped and lifted her head to sniff the air. Then she padded silently out of Highrock's shadow, her long fur glowing blue-gray in the dawn light. I have to tell her about Ravenpaw, thought Fireheart. A part of Fireheart also wanted to tell the ThunderClan leader about Tigerclaw too, but would it matter? Tigerclaw did murder Redtail and any leader should know that, and Redtail does have a right to be recognized. Fireheart was in debate about the two ThunderClan deputy's.
Fireheart watched as Tigerclaw emerged from the warriors den and met Bluestar at the edge of the clearing. He murmured something to her, his tail flicking urgently.
Fireheart stifled her instinctive meow of greeting. The sky was growing light, but until she knew for sure that the sun was above the horizon, she dared not break her silence. Impatience fluttered in her chest like a trapped bird. She must speak with Bluestar as soon a she could. But for now, all she could do was nod respectfully at the two cats as they passed her.
Beside her, Graystripe nudged Fireheart and pointed upward with her nose. An orange glow was just visible on the horizon.
"Glad to see the dawn, you two?" Whitestorm's deep meow took Fireheart by surprise. She had not noticed the white warrior approaching. Fireheart and Graystripe nodded together.
"It's all right; you may speak now. Your vigil is over." Whitestorm's voice was kind. Yesterday he had fought side by side with Fireheart and Graystripe in the battle with ShadowClan. There was a new respect in his eyes as he looked at them.
"That you, Whitestorm," Fireheart meowed gratefully. She stood and stretched her stiff legs one at a time.
Graystripe pushed himself up too. "Brrrrr!" he meowed, shaking the chill from her fur. "I thought the sun would never come up!"
A scornful voice mewed from outside the apprentices den. "The great warrior speaks!"
It was Sandpaw, her pale orange coat fluffed up with hostility. Dustpaw was sitting beside her. With his dark tabby pelt, he looked like Sandpaw's shadow. He puffed out his chest importantly and mocked, "I'm surprised such heroes even feel the cold!" Sandpaw purred in amusement.
Fireheart internally flinched at Sandpaw's hostility, but she had a firm resolve to befriend Sandpaw. Whitestorm shot them a stern look. "Go and find something to eat; then rest," he ordered Fireheart and Graystripe. The older warrior turned away and padded toward the apprentices den. "Come one, you two," he meowed to Sandpaw and Dustpaw. "It's time for your training."
"I hope he had them chasing blue squirrels all day!" Graystripe hissed to Fireheart as they headed toward the corner where a few pieces of fresh-kill remained from last night.
"Well I don't," Firepaw said, rolling her eyes at Graystripe's surprised look. "You can't exactly blame them. They did begin their training before us," Fireheart pointed out. "If they'd fought in the battle yesterday, they'd probably have been made warriors too."
"I suppose," Graystripe shrugged. "Hey, look!" They'd reached the fresh-kill pile. "One mouse each and a chaffinch to share!"
The two friends up their meal and looked at each other. Graystripe's eyes suddenly sparkled with delight. "I suppose we take it to the warriors side of the camp now," he meowed.
"I suppose we do," Fireheart purred, she had often caught herself heading over to their side whenever it was time to eat. Now she couldn't be more happy than to be a warrior again. She followed after her friend to the patch of nettles where they had often watched Whitestorm, Tigerclaw and the other warriors share fresh-kill.
"Now what?" asked Graystripe, gulping down his last mouthful. "I don't know about you, but I think I could sleep for half a moon."
"Me too," Fireheart agreed.
The two friends got to their paws and made their way toward the warriors den. Fireheart stuck her head through the low-hanging branches. Mousefur and Longtail were still asleep on the other side of the den.
She pushed her way inside and found a patch of moss at the edge. The smell told her it wasn't a sleeping place already used by another warrior. Graystripe settled down beside her. Fireheart listened as Graystripe's steady breaths relaxed into long, muffled snores. Fireheart felt equally exhausted, but she was still desperate to talk to Bluestar. From where she lay, her head flat to the earth, she could just see the camp entrance. She stared at it, waiting for her leader's return, but gradually her eyes began to close, and she gave in to her longing for sleep.
Fireheart could hear a roaring around her, like wind in tall trees. The acrid stench of the Thunderpath stung her nostrils, together with new smell, sharper and more terrifying. Fire! Flames lapped at the black sky, throwing glowing cinders up into a starless night. To Fireheart's amazement, silhouettes of cats flitted in front of the fire. Why hadn't they run away? One of them stopped and looked straight at Fireheart. The tom's night-eyes glinted in the darkness and he lifted his long, straight tail, as if in greeting.
Fireheart trembled as she could not place this dream. Why couldn't she remember having this dream? Was it sent by StarClan? She felt small compared to these big questions.
"Wake up, Fireheart!"
Fireheart flicked up her nicely shaped head, startled out of her dream by Tigerclaw's urgent meow. "You were mewing in your sleep!"
Still dazed, Fireheart sat up and shook her head. "Y-yes, Tigerclaw!" With a fleeting pang of alarm, she wondered if she had said anything while she was asleep. She can't remember ever having an incident of saying anything when she had dreamed before. Fireheart certainly did not want Tigerclaw to suspect her of having powers that usually StarClan gave only to Medicine cats and leaders...but she once was a leader herself, and she did have a destiny to fulfil.
Moonlight shone through the leafy den wall. Fireheart realized she must have slept through the whole day.
"You and Graystripe will join the evening patrol," Tigerclaw told her. "Hurry up!" The dark tabby turned and stalked out of the den.
Fireheart let the fur relax on her shoulders. Clearly Tigerclaw didn't suspect anything unusual about her dream. Glancing around she found Graystripe steering from sleep, most likely cause of Tigerclaw.
"Well come one you lump of fur!" Fireheart purred, scampering out of the den with her friend following.
Coming out into the sunshine was a welcome, Fireheart shook out her still thin sleek flame pelt. Looking around she looked for the evening patrol. Her fur lying flat and sleek on her body, her tail slender while the fur lies close to her skin on her body and wafts around in a true plume of a tail.
Graystripe came to stop beside her, also looking around. "Fireheart, Graystripe!" both turned at the call of their names, it was Mousefur who called out to them. And Fireheart had to suppress a groan at who else was with her, Darkstripe.
"Ready to go?" Mousefur asked as they padded up to them. Mousefur seemed friendly enough, but Darkstripe was glaring at them like they were foxes.
"Anytime," Fireheart replied, allowing Mousefur to lead. Graystripe followed next to Fireheart, Darkstripe taking up the rear as they began their patrol. They headed off to ShadowClan territory, keeping a lookout for Brokenstar and his exiled warriors.
"You'd think they would pop out of nowhere," Graystripe whispered, looking around warily. Fireheart nodded in agreement, she didn't like this waiting. She wished Brokenstar would just show himself already and get it over with.
"What, scared of an exiled crowfood eater?" Darkstripe mocked from behind, clearing hearing what Graystripe was referring too.
"Brokenstar isn't alone, Darkstripe. He'd make easy picking out of our patrol if we're caught alone." Fireheart snapped, glaring behind her at him.
"Well, i'm not afraid of some lousy tyrant!" Darkstripe continued. "Unlike some cats, I am a full blooded warrior."
Fireheart's nostrils flared in anger. She was much of a warrior as he is, even if not by blood. She forced herself to remain calm, not rising to his bait.
"Are you going to yap all day, Darkstripe? Or are you going to set the board?" Mousefur spoke up, clearly annoyed by Darkstripes snub remarks.
While Darkstripe set the border, Graystripe lent into Fireheart to whisper in her ear. "Don't listen to Darkstripe, I bet he's scared out of his pelt right now!"
Fireheart purred quietly, thankful for her friend's assurance. They continued on their patrol, keeping an eye out for anything peculiar. To Firehearts amusement, Darkstripe did jump when a squirrel shot out of a tree, making the leaves rustle noisily. "What scared, Darkstripe?" Graystripe mocked, making Darkstripe growl.
"Toms," Mousefur whispered to Fireheart, making her purr.
It wasn't till they were almost back when they ran into Tigerclaw, Whitestorm, Sandpaw and Dustpaw. "How was the patrol?" Tigerclaw asked Mousefur, who reported back about no further incidences.
"Everything was fine, now ShadowClan activity." Mousefur replied, Tigerclaw nodded his broad head. Acknowledging her report, but his eyes strayed toward Fireheart time to time, making her slightly uncomfortable. Did he suspect that Ravenpaw told her about him killing Redtail?
"Where are you heading off too, Tigerclaw?" Darkstripe asked, looking at Tigerclaw like he hung the moon.
"Hunting," Tigerclaw replies simply, not looking to elaborate more. "But I would like some company." Darkstripe looked ready to volunteer, but Whitestorm seemed to have another idea.
"Not you Darkstripe, we need to keep an eye on our apprentices," The white warrior told him, giving the dark striped tom a pointed look. "How about you take Fireheart?" Whitestorm suggested instead, fixing his yellow eyes on the dark tabby warrior.
"I think that's a good idea," Tigerclaw agreed, making Fireheart's inside's turn. "That is, if she wants too." His amber eyes settled on her, making Fireheart's pelt feel hot. Everyone turned to her in question, making her force herself not to fidget.
"Of course," She replied, trying to not show her unease as she followed Tigerclaw away from the group. Glancing over her shoulder she sent Graystripe and uncertain look, who only shrugged in reply.
They carried on through the woods silently, the sounds of prey a welcome distraction from her racing thoughts. She was scenting the air for signs of prey when Tigerclaw decided to break their silence. "I never got to congratulate you properly, for becoming a warrior." His congratulations was the last thing she would of thought he would say, something like 'tell anyone about me killing Redtail and I'll rip off your pelt', but a congratulations on becoming a warrior? Besare!
"T-thank you, Tigerclaw!" Fireheart stuttered, watching as the tabby scented the air himself. He stretched his jaws wide, showing off a row of sharp teeth. His broad shoulders were relaxed as he filled his chest with air, and his pale amber eyes seemed to pick up the scent of prey.
Fireheart watched in fascination as he crouched, taking up the hunting position and began stalking forward. Fireheart was impressed, even due to Tigerclaw's great size, he could still stalk with stealth quite easily. It must have taken a long time to master stepping lightly with his huge paws.
Fireheart herself got into a crouching position as she realized what he was stalking, a rabbit, nibbling in between a clump of ferns. The rabbit was unaware of the hunter striding towards it. Tigerclaw slide out his unusual long front claws and pounced, only for the rabbit to see his shadow and ver off into the ferns.
Oh, no you don't! Fireheart thought, shooting through the ferns at a run, she raced after the rabbit. Its fluffy tail easily recognizable, she steadily gained on the running bundle of white fur. And with a sharp side jerk, grasped the rabbit by the neck. Killing it within seconds of coming to a screeching halt.
Dropping the rabbit she could hear Tigerclaw calling her back, picking up the young rabbit she scampered back. And showed off her prize. "Not bad." Tigerclaw said, licking his ruffled tabby fur smooth. His amber eyes kindling with approval.
"Well, what can I saw, I guess I'm just faster than you!" Fireheart retorted, her pelt suddenly became hot again under his stare.
Tigerclaw's eyes narrowed playfully, his amber eyes glowing like burning coals. Fireheart shivered as they pierced her own. "Come on," he retorted, giving a quick and surprising lick between her ears. "There's still plenty of prey left to catch."
"Well then, after you!" Fireheart meowed, giving a flick of her tail for him to lead the way. He did and they spent the remaining afternoon hunting together, as strange as Fireheart found it, she was seeing a side to Tigerclaw she was sure no one had seen before. Or maybe they had, but not in a long time.
It was nearly sunset when they returned, mouthful of prey between the two of them. Their tails were high and both were in good spirits. When they were finally in camp, they realized most of their campmates were beginning to settle for sleep.
Deciding to have a quick lunch, they each chose a piece of prey each. And as Fireheart padded over to the patch of nettle's she had eaten not long ago with Graystripe, surprisingly Tigerclaw followed. They settled beside each other, not saying anything, just enjoying a peaceful quietness.
"We should get some sleep," Tigerclaw said after eating, licking his jaws. Fireheart nodded, padding beside him as they entered the warrior dens, him moving to the middle while she moved towards where her and Graystripe had their nests.
As she settled down, she could see Tigerclaw settle down. He put his head on one of his big paws, his eyes settling on her until they closed in sleep. She followed suit, and feel into a peaceful slumber.
0o0o0o
"Fireheart!" Spottedleaf called after the flame pelted she-cat. Glancing behind her, she saw the dappled tortoiseshell padding up to her. Giving an apologetic glance at Graystripe, who merely shrugged, she went to confront her friend.
"Yes, Spottedleaf, can I help you?" Fireheart asked, purring as her friend came to touch noses.
"Would you mind helping me find marigold, I would normally go alone but…" Spottedleaf trailed off, Fireheart instantly knew what seems to have upsetted the pretty she-cat. Brokenstar still hadn't made an appearance yet, and Clawface, one of his followers. Had left with him, the same cat who had almost killed Spottedleaf if not for Fireheart's interference.
"I would love to help!" Fireheart assured, waving Graystripe to go on ahead. Fireheart would never allow Spottedleaf to go out alone in a time like this, her friend needed her.
But as she was thinking about it, one warrior and a medicine cat wouldn't be much protection against a full on attack. Glancing behind her she planned to ask Graystripe, only to find him gone.
Off to feed his stomach! Fireheart sighed, looking around for another warrior. Spotting Whitestorm she called out to the white warrior. "Whitestorm! Would you mind coming with me and Spottedleaf to find marigold?" Fireheart felt a little foolish to ask a grown warrior to accompany them, but everyone else seemed to have disappeared.
"Actually me and Tigerclaw were going on a border patrol, how about you two join us and we can find marigold on the way?" The white warrior's eyes gleamed, Fireheart couldn't deny his logic.
"Alright," Spottedleaf accepted for the both of them, padding up to Whitestorm. Fireheart saw Tigerclaw emerge from Bluestar's den, speaking quickly to her. Fireheart wanted to go talk to Bluestar, but she made a promise to Spottedleaf, and it would take much longer to tell Bluestar then just a few minutes.
"Whitestorm," Tigerclaw looked questioningly to Spottedleaf and Fireheart. "Fireheart and Spottedleaf will accompany us, Spottedleaf needs to look for marigold and Fireheart has agreed to help her. Three warriors would be better than two, don't you think?"
"With Brokenstar and his warriors around, I believe it's for the best." Tigerclaw agreed, motioning for the two she-cats to follow them.
Fireheart and Spottedleaf talked with each other, while Tigerclaw and Whitestorm kept a lookout for any signs of Brokenstar and checked the RiverClan border.
"Swiftkit is almost ready to be apprenticed." Spottedleaf commented, Fireheart nodded as well, thinking about Goldenflower's kit.
"I wonder who his mentor will be?" Fireheart wondered aloud, getting a playful look from Spottedleaf.
"Whoever Bluestar picks," Spottedleaf replied. "But I think you would make a great mentor someday." Fireheart's fur rose in surprise, she would be a mentor won't she? For Cinderpelt! How could she forget her close companion, her first medicine cat, and one of her best friends.
"I hope to teach my apprentice well, and do them justice." Fireheart proclaimed, getting an agreed meow from Whitestorm. "That's the spirit, although having an apprentice is hard work. Just look at Sandpaw, smart as she is, she can be a pawful at times." Whitestorm said with warmth in his voice.
"I'm sure," Fireheart replied, glancing at Tigerclaw who had suddenly become quite. "What about you Tigerclaw, what was your first apprentice like?" Fireheart thought back, it was Darkstripe she was sure. She almost felt sorry for Tigerclaw.
"A pawful," he said simply, taking long strides with his powerful legs.
"I remember Darkstripe always getting into mischief," Spottedleaf murmured to Fireheart, leaning in to whisper. "He was also a bully and selfish, he thought of only himself."
Then nothing has changed, Fireheart thought. Glancing to the side she caught a glimpse of small bush with flowers resembling daisies, looking closely she could make them out as Feverfew. The bush was close near the river, looking to almost be falling in.
"Aren't those used for to reduce body temperature for cats with fever or chill?" Fireheart asked, pointing to them with the tip of her tail. Spottedleaf looked to where she was pointing, and with a satisfied murmur, lightly padded over to them. "Very good Fireheart, I'll be making you into a medicine cat before long."
"I'm fine being a warrior, thank you." Fireheart retorted, watching as Spottedleaf leaned to try and grab them.
"That's very smart of you, Fireheart," Whitestorm said, padding up to her side. "Here that Tigerclaw? Fireheart also knows how to heal."
Tigerclaw didn't look at them, busy gazing across at Riverclan. But Fireheart could detect a bit of uncomfortableness as his ears pinned back, and the way his giant paws shuffled in the dirt.
"I know that already," Tigerclaw quietly muttered, staring at Fireheart out of the corner of his eye. Fireheart felt her pelt heat up again, why had this been happening to her? Something, something felt off about how things were progress between the two of them.
"We should keep going," Tigerclaw proclaimed as Spottedleaf came back with a mouthful of feverfew, which Fireheart took from her so she didn't have to carry them.
"All right bossy furball, lead the way." Fireheart said through her mouthful of herbs. Tigerclaw shot her a look over his shoulder, though it looked more curious than annoyed.
As they progressed, the patrol was in light conversation and the air was warm and inviting. Though an unsettling feeling was in Firehearts stomach, something, different.
Once they got back, they were instantly boomed barded by the cats gathered for a Clan meeting. Quickly helping spotted leaf put her herbs away, both she-cats came to settle beside Whitestorm and Tigerclaw near the front of the Highrock.
"A naming ceremony?" Whitestorm purred, settling beside Spottedleaf while Tigerclaw settled on Firehearts side. The two she-cats were in between them, Fireheart felt her heart quicken as Tigerclaw's pelt accidentally brushed against hers. What's wrong with me? She thought, trying to shake away her odd behavior.
"It must be Longtail getting his first apprentice," Tigerclaw mussed, eyeing the pale tabby with dark black stripes. "He's been wanting an apprentice for some time."
Fireheart watched as a small black-and-white kit padded into the clearing. His soft paws made no sound on the hard earth. He walked toward the Highrock with his pale eyes lowered and Fireheart almost expected to see him tremble-there was something in the slope of this kit's shoulders that made him seem too young and timid to be an apprentice. Poor kit, Longtail won't be impressed! Fireheart thought, remembering how Longtail had high standards.
"From this day forward," Bluestar meowed, staring down at the kit, "until he had earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be called Swiftpaw."
There was no flash of determination in the eyes of the black-and-white kit as he looked up at his leader. Instead his amber eyes were wide with anxiety. Fireheart turned her head as Longtail padded forward toward his new apprentice.
Bluestar spoke again. "Longtail, you were Darkstripe's apprentice. He taught you well, and you have become a fierce and loyal warrior. I hope you will pass some of these qualities on to Swiftpaw."
Fireheart searched Longtail's face for an expression of disdain as he looked down at Swiftpaw. But the warrior's eyes softened as he met his new apprentice's gaze, and gently the two Clan cats touched noses. "It's okay, you're doing fine," Longtail murmured encouragingly. A spike of jealousy ran through Fireheart. I worked hard to gain respect, and all it takes for Longtail to accept someone is to be Clanborn!
"Don't worry Fireheart, one day that will be you." Spottedleaf seemed to have taken Fireheart's jealousy, and pinned it to not being a mentor. Fireheart forced away her jealousy, it doesn't matter. She will show them that she would be a great Clanmate, and warrior.
But a part of her felt a little tired of going through this again, how will she go through being a warrior when half the Clan is underestimating her?
0o0o0o0o
Well, I hope you have enjoyed the first Chapter of 'Fire and ice' until next chapter! Also my sister is having her baby tomorrow! Wish me luck on being an Aunt!