Hello again :) Sorry for the wait, I had to work on my science fair… Whoopty doo… How are my fans? (I don't have any) anyways, fans or not, here's the next chapter! Hope you like it! And I noticed that my new blurb helped me get some more customers (readers FYI) so I have to say thank you to school for that – as much as I hate to… The story-right! Get back on track! I don't own warriors, sadly… Well enjoy the chapter.
I stood in a patch of green grass. This was bad. If green leaf was here, that only meant time was almost run out. I had to hurry, soon. I turned around and smashed into a cat.
"Hey! Look where you're go-" Horror swept over me. A big cat stood in front of me, anger blazing in his green eyes. I scrambled on to my feet and ran away, terrified. I stopped behind a tee and looked over my shoulder. The cat was gone. I sighed in relief; it was my fear acting up. I got up and shook the grass out of my fur. I walked calmly back into camp, energy bubbling inside of me. I turned to look for Bumblestripe and something caught my eye. Lightningpaw's eyes were locked on me, fire blazing in them. His head whipped away from mine the moment I started to open my mouth.
"Are you ready for your naming ceremony?" Bumblestripe asked. I looked at him for a moment.
"Honestly, I have no idea."
"I, Bramblestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways for your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn." Bramblestar looked at Frostpaw, Eaglepaw, Stormpaw, and me. "Frostpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan at the cost of your life?"
"I do." Frostpaw said, head held up high.
"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Frostpaw, from this moment you will be known as Frostfeather. Starclan honors your bravery, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan." Bramblestar lay his nose on Frostfeather's head, and Frostfeather licked his shoulder. The clan cheered for him as he rejoined the group
Bramblestar looked over at Eaglepaw, "Eaglepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan at the cost of your life?"
"I do."
"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Eaglepaw, from this moment you will be known as Eagleflight. Starclan honors your strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan." Bramblestar put his muzzle on Eagleflight's head and in return Eagleflight licked his shoulder. Once again the clan cheered.
Bramblestar looked back at Stormpaw and me. "Stormpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan at the cost of your life?"
"I do."
"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Stormpaw, from this moment you will be known as Stormflash. Starclan honors your compassion, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan." They did the ritual once again where there was muzzle lying and shoulder licking, and I was getting a little bored. He has to do me last. I just can never be first, huh? The clan cheered for the third time, and finally Bramblestar turned to me. Silence filled the air as both of us stared into each others eyes.
"Rubypaw," Bramblestar started slowly, "Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan at the cost of your life?"
"I do." I said eagerly. It's about time too!
"Then by the powers of Starclan I give you your warrior name. Rubypaw, from this moment you will be known as Rubyflame. Starclan honors your sharp skills, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan." I finally got to lick his shoulder as he lay his nose on my head. I'm a warrior! Finally!
It's about time too! I was getting impatient. Voi said. The sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine. An image of the huge cat I had encountered in the morning flashed through my eyes. I was so worked up in Voi, I hadn't noticed Bramblestar prodding my side with his tail.
"Go guard the camp with our buddies!" He hissed. I jumped to my feet, running towards my fellow new warriors. I sat by one Eagleflight, who was gazing intently at the entrance, as if anything could jump out of it. The night was getting darker, but it wasn't as cold as before.
This is boring. Talk to me, will you? Voi's voice echoed through my mind. What do you want now?
What? Is one not allowed to have a simple conversation with his dear host? His last words interested me. Host you say… What do hosts do, may I ask?
There was silence from Voi's side. Fine, ignore me. I thought you wanted to have a conversation. I looked out in the distance, but truly my mind was on Voi's last sentence. Host. I am a host. Has this ever happened before? I should ask Jayfeather about it…
While I pondered internally on my thoughts, the night passed in a flash. I had barely thought of anything about me being a host when the first warriors stretched their way out of their den. I heard Frostfeather sigh in relief, Stormpaw mutter something that sounded like "I bet they woke up this late on purpose". I got up with some trouble, since my legs were stiff from all the sitting. But instead of following the other newly-made-warriors into the warrior den for a good day's nap, I walked into the medicine cats den.
Silverpaw was sleeping soundlessly, chest rising and falling rhythmically. I crept around her and poked Jayfeather. He let out a groan and opened his blank blue eyes.
"Whaddya want?" HE mumbled, rubbing his face with his paw.
"I need to talk to you." Jayfeather gazed at me
"I think that is quite obvious." He stated. I rolled my eyes, thankful that he couldn't see me.
"Its about the prophecy!" I hissed. His head snapped up in surprise.
"Come with me, we need to talk about this without any possible eavesdroppers." I followed him out of camp, we walked until there was no chance anyone could hear us.
"Tell me about it."
"Do you happen to know anything about cats hosting spirits?" Jayfeather stared at me for a moment.
"I heard one or two things about them, why?"
"What do you know?" I questioned. Jayfeather seemed a tinge suspicious now.
"That being a host can be extremely dangerous. Not many have existed but those who have, ended up being controlled or completely taken over." Jayfeather said slowly, "Why?"
I knew my eyes had widened in horror. I felt weak and unstable, every inch of my body trembling.
"I am a host." I whispered. Jayfeather stared at me incredulously.
"For how long?" He asked
"Ever since the prophecy…" I muttered. Jayfeathers gaze had grown from suspicion to outrage.
"And you never told me?" He yowled. I shook my head, guilt was overflowing through me. MY vision started to blur and a voice rang through my head. Take a break, let me take over for a while. The thought of taking a break was so comforting, I let it go. My body was shaking extremely now.
"Rubyflame, are you ok?" Jayfeathers voice seemed so faraway.
"I'm fine. And don't worry about the host thing, I'm sure it was just my imagination." My voice sounded loud and clear. It felt so familiar, but yet unknown. The only reason was because:
I never said those words.
CLIFFIE! Sorry once again for the wait, I'll catch up for it since vacation is tomorrow! I won't post anything tomorrow since I have science fair, and I need to practice! (Why am I writing this then?) So… see ya!
-Heart of Rubies, OUT.
