Thanks to PerfectlyClearly and BrightMind for the reviews!
Some clarification. All of Icewing's kits died, and Poolstar and Icewing were both heartbroken over the loss of their kits. A patrol found an abandoned kit, and he also happened to have the same pelt (russet) as one of Icewing's dead kits. Poolstar adopted the kit as his own.
And here we are now!
As always, constructive criticism is appreciated. I will be posting some updated allegiances soon. Enjoy!
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather under Tallrock for a meeting!" Poolstar called everyone to attention from the top of the tallest boulder in the middle of camp. His eyes were bright as he looked around at his Clan.
Ashkit fidgeted excitedly, nudging Larkkit, who was beside him. "That's for us!" he squealed.
Larkkit nodded, but she didn't turn to face him. She had her eyes fixed on Tallrock, anticipation rushing through her paws. After so long, the event they had been waiting for would finally happen today, and she couldn't wait.
"Two young cats are here before us," he meowed, voice clear against the wind. "I believe they are more than ready to be apprentices." He dipped his head. "I know this is long due, and I'd like to apologize for not doing this earlier."
His crystal-clear gaze alighted on Larkkit and Ashkit. "Step forward."
Breathlessly, they padded forward, stepping out of the circle of gathered Clan cats and into the space just beneath Tallrock. Poolstar blinked down at the two.
"Both of you are six moons old, and I'm sure you're more than eager to learn the ways of warriors."
He turned to Larkkit. "Larkkit, from this day forward, until you have earned your warrior name, you shall be called Larkpaw. Your mentor will be Fernpath, and I hope he will pass on his experience to you."
Larkpaw blinked in surprise. Fernpath was a senior warrior, well known in the Clan as a passionate cat, one not afraid to speak his mind. Larkpaw had heard that he had a tendency to be a little too harsh sometimes, but all in all, he was a good cat, and a loyal warrior to WindClan. He would make a good mentor for her.
She looked around for the black-muzzled tom. He was sitting nearby. Their eyes met for a moment, and Larkpaw was glad to find his eyes holding a proud glint, one that showed that he felt the same way she did.
"Fernpath," Poolstar addressed the senior warrior, calling his attention, "you have recieved great training from Coldwave, and have already trained Gingerpelt into a fine warrior. Pass on your cleverness and speed to Larkpaw."
"Larkpaw! Larkpaw!" The Clan cheered as the newly named Larkpaw and her new mentor met to touch noses.
"I'll do my best," she murmured.
Fernpath ruffled her fur with a flick of his tail. "Don't worry," he assured her. "We both will."
Larkpaw looked back to Poolstar, who was already calling for silence.
"Ashkit," the leader called to Larkpaw's gray-flecked brother, "from this day forward, until you have earned your own warrior name, you shall be called Ashpaw. Spotfrost will be your mentor. I hope he passes on his skill to you."
From what Larkpaw had heard, the tabby tom was still quite young, only having been made a warrior quite recently. Poolstar must have chosen to give him Ashpaw to give him some responsibility. And it seemed to work both ways.
Spotfrost strode coolly towards Ashpaw, meeting him halfway to touch noses and share a few words. Ashpaw was already warming up to the young warrior. Poolstar picked well.
"Ashpaw! Larkpaw! Ashpaw! Larkpaw!"
The Clan yowled loudly. Leafwhisker was at the front, yowling loud enough to hear clearly over the din of noise. Her eyes shone with pride for her kits. Larkpaw purred, giving her an acknowledging nod.
As the circle of cats dispersed, the camp slowly returned to normal.
"Congratulations." The greeting made Larkpaw turn around.
It was Icewing who had spoken, with Leafwhisker beside her. The white queen's eyes glinted with genuine pride.
"I'm proud of you, dear," Leafwhisker added, licking Larkpaw between her ears.
"Fuzzykit," Icewing called, "stop hiding and congratulate Larkpaw too."
Larkpaw noticed a fluffy russet tail behind Icewing, tip flicking nervously. "I don't want to! I'm shy!" The mew was shaky but bright.
"Just say 'I'm happy for you', then. Come on."
"I-It's okay," Larkpaw stammered. "I have to meet with Fernpath, anyway, so... uh, yeah."
"Have fun out there," Leafwhisker called after Larkpaw as she bounded off to search for her mentor, Icewing still talking gently to the russet kit.
Larkpaw drifted into deep thought. Poolstar had kept to his word, and took in the abandoned kit as his own. Together with Icewing, they named the russet-furred kit Fuzzykit. To them, Fuzzykit was like a ray of warm sunshine after what had seemed like an endless winter. Icewing looked happier than she had ever been for the last moon, and Poolstar was paying attention to his duties as a leader again, which Larkpaw was glad to see. Yet somehow, Larkpaw never really warmed up to the kit. Mostly because she believed that Fuzzykit could never replace Icewing's real kits.
It didn't take her long to find Fernpath.
Her mentor's tail tapped down on the grass impatiently as Larkpaw sat down. "Where do you think Ashpaw and Spotfrost have gone?"
Larkpaw scanned the surroundings nearby. There was no trace of them anywhere, but their scent lingered, trailing away and over the slope out of camp. "They must've left without us," she guessed, with a sigh.
"Oh, don't worry. We're leaving too, and we'll join them once we see them." Fernpath's eyes glinted. "I'm taking you on a tour around the territory now, so follow me." He beckoned her with a flick of his tail forward.
Larkpaw did as she was told, tailing Fernpath closely as he led the way out of the camp.
As they reached the crest of the grassy slope, the territory slowly began to come into sight. The apprentice gasped. The vast, rolling moorland stretched wide before her; brush lay in large swathes, gorse bushes scattered in patches, all lit by the cloudy sky over the horizon.
They were going to tour all this?
Fernpath huffed. "If there's one thing I like about leaffall, it's the sky. Not too hot, not too cold either." He turned to Larkpaw. "It might get colder later, so prepare yourself. If you feel chilly, lick your fur down. It keeps out the wind."
They stepped quickly; almost too quickly for Larkpaw, overwhelmed by the new sights and sounds. She could smell the musk of dried leaves, and the rustling that denoted potential prey. Fernpath continued to lead her through everything, pointing things out for her.
"That's a hawk," he lectured coolly, as Larkpaw heard a loud cry overhead. "They linger around the moors a lot, since they like rabbits as much as any WindClan cat does. We don't usually hunt them, but in case we need extra prey this leafbare, I'll teach you how to snatch some."
Larkpaw fretted at the circling birds. "But they seem so big... how will I ever learn to catch them?"
"You will, in time."
She listened intently to Fernpath's every word, firmly speaking and explaining as he led her across the territory. The lake was a shimmering sight under the cloudy sky. They skirted the borders, and Larkpaw got her first sights of the other Clans' territories.
They started north, to where the stream that led to the Moonpool served as a border to ThunderClan. To the west was the lakeshore, where Larkpaw was reprimanded for straying too close to the lapping waves. The horseplace was south of the camp, musky scent almost choking the apprentice. They passed it quickly.
Larkpaw yawned. "It's already dusk."
Fernpath's eyes narrowed in thought. "Maybe Spotfrost decided to train Ashpaw first instead of taking him on a tour. More likely than not, they're back at camp."
"Can we go back?"
Fernpath huffed in amusement. "I had been hoping you were more energetic. Fine, let's go back."
Larkpaw yawned in reply. After the long tour, she would be glad to settle down in a nest and get some prey to eat.
They stopped abruptly, and Larkpaw nearly ran into her mentor.
Fernpath opened his jaws. "Take in the scent. Someone passed by here."
Larkpaw opened her own mouth, taking in a deep breath, tasting the air. "It's Ashpaw."
"It's Ashpaw on his own," Fernpath corrected. "Spotfrost mustn't have been paying attention to his apprentice." Steps vibrated nearby. "Here's the rabbit-brain."
Spotfrost emerged from the thick, dry grass, looking frazzled with ears perked. "Ashpaw," he gasped. "He ran off on the tour."
"How long have you been looking for him?"
"For a while now."
"Your fault for not keeping a close eye on him," Fernpath shrugged with a sigh. "New apprentices are always too excited; you should know. You used to be one not long ago." He swivelled his ears, flicking his tail. "I believe he went this way earlier. We'll join you in looking for him."
"Thank you," the young warrior breathed. "I thought he was following me all this time."
"Must have found a rabbit to chase. Must have gotten bored of your rambling talk," Fernpath snarked, as he led the way through the brush, following Ashpaw's scent.
The familiar scent caught easily on the dry air. The trail never seemed to end, leading them farther away than Larkpaw had imagined, as she began to sight the watery territory of RiverClan once again. She could see the lake as well, shimmering just ahead. Her legs were wobbly with fatigue.
Larkpaw's throat tightened. "We're walking quite far."
"Your brother's quite the adventurous type, isn't he?" Fernpath kept his eyes on the path.
"Not really, but..."
Larkpaw's chest seemed to tighten, as fear-scent reached her. Fernpath noticed as well; his ears pricked, and he shifted his stance. "It's Ashpaw," he whispered. "We've got to hurry."
They broke into a gallop, Fernpath leading the way forward. Larkpaw gasped, struggling to keep up with her short legs and soft paws. She felt fear grip her like a vice. Ashpaw, you mouse-brain! Where are you?
The scent was stronger than it ever was.
Fernpath lifted his tail, calling for a stop. Together, they all crouched under the long stalks of grass. A sound came from nearby; a low growl that seemed to grate on Larkpaw's ears, together with a bitter scent. She peered through the grass.
Ashpaw was being pinned to the ground by a cat, a white tom with yellowed fangs bared.
"Ashpaw!" she yowled in terror. The tom had heard her. He turned around. He knew where they were.
Fernpath lunged out of the grass, taking the tom by surprise as he latched his claws into his back. Spotfrost raked the white fur, leaving streaks of red. The white tom reeled back from the double attack. Larkpaw jumped out as well, eyes afire and hackles raised. She bit down on his hind leg, making the cat roar in pain.
He was simply no match for the two warriors, and with a blow to his muzzle, he began to back off.
Fernpath bared his fangs. "Get off our territory, mange-pelt!" he spat.
The cat growled. "This isn't your territory. Not for long, anyway."
Fernpath's ears slicked back in anger, and he yowled as he delivered a stunning blow to the cat's muzzle, sending him off with a howl.
He turned to Spotfrost. "Chase him off. Make sure he's out of our sights for good."
Spotfrost nodded, racing away and out of sight.
Larkpaw approached Ashpaw, who was already shakily standing up. "Are you okay?" she asked nervously, pressing her nose into his fur.
"I-I think so," Ashpaw stuttered. "I c-couldn't..."
"You're just winded, then." Fernpath said, ears flicking. "Listen." He leaned in closer. "I'm taking you both home. Get your rest, okay?"
"Okay." The two apprentices answered.
"Good." Fernpath scowled, glancing thoughtfully at the blood at his clawtips, looking night-dark under the dark orange dusk light. "I hope it's just one."
Larkpaw's fur rose along her spine. "But if it isn't?"
Fernpath paused before replying: "Then that means it's in a group, and that's a bad thing, Larkpaw. But if they want our territory as much as I think they do, then, well..." His eyes turned dark. "That's a very, very bad thing."
[[[[[]]]]]
Night had fallen upon the camp; the moon was like a shining claw slice in the sky, and the wind had grown stronger. Spotfrost had reported the incident to Poolstar. Meanwhile, Fernpath was already asleep, along with some other warriors.
She felt sleepy too, but she had no nest to sleep in, and so did Ashpaw. Thankfully, Barkpaw offered to help. The sandy brown tom was one of the older apprentices.
Ashpaw was curled up on the ground next to her. Her brother was tired and worn-out by the events of the day. He needed his rest. Larkpaw was just glad that he didn't get hurt.
She turned to Barkpaw. "It's awfully nice of you to do this for us," she mewed.
"Don't mention it. It's nice to have new 'paws in the Clan. Makes things a little livelier." Barkpaw laced a stray feather into the nest with his teeth. "So is it true? What Spotfrost said about an invader in our territory?"
"Yes." Larkpaw gestured to Ashpaw.
"So you saw the cat, right?"
Larkpaw didn't reply, but Barkpaw got what she meant.
"That means I've got to be ready in case he returns then." He continued to work on the nests, threading a final stalk of grass through the gorse frame. "There. I'm done." He stopped to admire his work, licking off a white feather stuck to his chest. "Don't you think they're a little small? Should I make it bigger?"
"Oh, no. It's fine. Thank you." Larkpaw gazed at the nest with a sigh. It was well-cushioned with grass and feathers, and she wanted nothing more than to just enjoy a nice rest.
"New nests!" Larkpaw heard a squeal.
Fuzzykit bounced into view, stubby paws racing from the nursery. He jumped into one of the nests, loudly purring as he rolled about in it. "Wow! It's so soft!"
"Fuzzykit," Barkpaw groaned, "you're going to mess up the nest."
"Don't worry, I'll handle him," Larkpaw offered, grabbing Fuzzykit by the scruff.
Fuzzykit was a little lighter than he looked, but she still had trouble keeping her grip as he struggled in her jaws. "Let go of me!" he protested.
Larkpaw simply rolled her eyes as she lifted him off the nest. Fuzzykit scented of heather and wind, with a note of lavender. But underneath it was a distinct scent; a scent that had not been lost since he first arrived. A trace of sour, bitter...
"There you are." Icewing padded up to them. Larkpaw placed Fuzzykit down at her paws. "Don't go rolling around in other cats' nests. You understand?"
"Sorry, Icewing," Fuzzykit apologized, staring down at his paws. "It's just that my nest's not comfortable enough anymore."
"Because you kicked all the bedding out of the frame again," Icewing chided. "Come on."
Fuzzykit looked back at Larkpaw pleadingly. "Can't I stay?"
Icewing pulled Fuzzykit closer. "If you really want a new nest, I can make you a new one."
"Really? Yay!" Fuzzykit bounced away to the nursery. Icewing dipped her head in apology before following after her kit.
"Wow. Fuzzykit can be quite a pawful, huh?" Barkpaw purred. "I'm going to sleep now, if you don't mind. Enjoy your apprenticeship."
"Thanks." Larkpaw replied.
Barkpaw curled up in his nest, tucking his muzzle under his paw. Larkpaw nudged Ashpaw awake, then silently guided him to a nest before settling into her own.
She pressed her nose into the feathery bedding. It definitely wasn't as warm as Leafwhisker's pelt, nor did it have a voice like she had. She sighed. She would miss the nursery.
Feeling something poking against her ribs, she got out of the nest. A part of the nest was stripped of cushioning, exposing the prickly gorse underneath. She hissed, seeing feathers strewn on the ground. This was the nest that Fuzzykit had rolled around in.
She fixed the nest before curling up in it again. Her ears flattened. The bedding still had his scent.
It was the same scent that the intruder had.