Chapter ten! I'm so excited about this story, and I love this chapter.
Graypaw: You say that about every chapter.
Get out of here! You come at the end! *pushes Graypaw away* Now, this chapter has omens and prophecies, hence the name Unknown Omens. And I want to see if you can figure them out. You probably won't considering that the names aren't in place. Wolfgaze was close on the one from the last chapter, so here's your Sunstar plushie! *tosses cat through computer* And Starpaw, about the Plushie business, I posted a review explaining it. Otherwise there's no oth- Firepaw! Put that notebook down! It contains the secret plot of this story! Oops, shouldn't have said that… I'll let Bluestar take over while I go punish the apprentices.
*pushes Bluestar forward and then runs off*
Bluestar: But I- Uh… *freezes when she sees several other cats and twolegs she does not know* Hello… I'll be honest; I have no idea what I'm doing here. Kawakage just said something about meeting new cats.
* walking up towards her* Oakheart: Maybe I can help you out.
Bluestar: I thought you were dead!
Oakheart: Kawakage was kind enough not to kill me. In fact she doesn't feel like killing any of the original cats except for a few that deserve it.
Stop ruining all my secrets! Or I will kill you!
Oakheart: Alright.
*In background* Firepaw: SAVE ME!!
*Laughing at friend's pain* Ravenpaw: You deserve it!
Will all of you- ugh… *Several other cats show up, all talking with one another*
Since this isn't working out, just read while I put the cats in their places.
Mistyfoot: Do I come-
All cats out of my room until further notice!
Whitestorm: Here's chapter ten. I hope you enjoy it while we're getting yelled at.
Chapter 10: Unknown Omens
"End the Clans?" Patchpelt repeated. Thrushpelt's voice answered.
"That's right. We have foreseen it. And we are advising you now, to ensure that you have a chance of survival." he warned. Bluestar seemed to fear the sound of his voice, but also seemed thankful.
"So prepare, train your apprentices' minds, hunt for your Clans, but don't make wars for idiotic squabbles!" Snowfur's voice raged at them. Whitestorm and Bluestar had sorrow cover their eyes. Ravenpaw didn't understand as he stayed by Mosspaw. She was still taken over; her fur quivering, her claws digging into the rock, and her eyes wide with unknown terror.
"Because of fighting, many cats have and will die! This has happened before, and what we can't understand is why you don't learn from your past mistakes!" Featherwhisker's voice fumed.
"We know fighting is needed for territorial battles, but not about prey or kits! Please, just listen to us." Mosskit's voice begged. Bluestar jumped and felt her fur tingle as she heard her kits voice.
"Now think about what we have said. In a few days we will send a sign to one of the medicine cats. Now, go home!" a new voice yowled. It sounded like a queen's voice; however, no cat in the clearing remembered ever hearing it. Then all the voices vanished, as well as the mist that had gathered. Following, the Ancestors released their hold on the young apprentice.
Mosspaw's eyes rolled back, her fur stopped shaking, her claws forced themselves out of the rock, and her limbs went numb. No cat could save her as she collided with the earth, for no cat was fast enough. Ravenpaw slid down the giant rock and pressed his nose in her fur. There was still a heartbeat, but she was unconscious from the power the StarClan cats possessed. Spottedleaf then dashed over; her eyes worried.
"Bluestar, we need to get her back home so she can rest!" she yowled. Bluestar nodded.
"All ThunderClan cats are to follow Lionheart home, Spottedleaf go with him. Ravenpaw and I will carry Mosspaw back." she instructed. The dappled tortoiseshell hesitated, gave a small whisper and then followed Willowpelt.
"Come on!" Lionheart shouted, helping the elders to their feet. Bluestar waited until every ThunderClan cat was gone before turning to Brokenstar.
"See what you've done! You've caused the ancestors to punish us! And worse! You caused an apprentice, one of my apprentices, pain just so they could warn us! You should be ashamed of yourself." she hissed. Ravenpaw was surprised to hear so much hatred in her voice.
The dark tabby narrowed his eyes, but then gave a small laugh.
"Me, ashamed? I feel no such emotion. And if any cat is to blame, it is you." the leader snarled.
"Me? Why in StarClan would you say that?"
"You brought three kittypet's and their kits into the forest! What's worse was that you took them in and taught them our ways! You should be stripped of your name and exiled for that."
"Don't tell me how to run my Clan! Leopardstripe and Featherfur are excellent at being warriors; they hold a place in my Clan just like every other cat. While Mosspaw and Firepaw have enough potential to eventually rule ThunderClan! Which more to say about you. I bet you were only named deputy because you threatened to kill your own father if he refused! You make me sick!" the she-cat growled, baring her teeth. Brokenstar's claws slid out as he showed his canines that had blood on them from the earlier battle.
"Knock it off you two! The apprentices are already frightened enough and don't need to see you two trying to kill each other!" Tallstar intervened, pushing the two leaders away from each other. Crookedstar was watching with an expressionless face. Ravenpaw padded next to Bluestar and placed his muzzle next to her ear.
"We need to get Mosspaw home." he whispered. The she-cat sighed before letting her fur lie flat.
"If you excuse me, I need to get my apprentices home. May StarClan light your path, Crookedstar, Tallstar, and may you see your way Brokenstar." Bluestar meowed in a flat tone. "Ravenpaw, say goodbye to any cat you wish to. Otherwise, we should go." Ravenpaw paused.
"Happy hunting Galepaw, Smoketail and Littlepaw. I wish you peace." the apprentice murmured carefully. They didn't respond, and he didn't think they would. Sighing he placed his shoulders under Mosspaw and lifted her towards their territory. Unfortunately, Bluestar stopped them after they left Fourtrees. She placed her tail around his neck and stopped him.
"We aren't going any farther." she whispered.
"But we need to get Mosspaw help!" he protested, carefully setting the white cat down. Bluestar looked at him and lowered her head.
"I know, I know. But after tonight, I'm just afraid that our Clan-oh, never mind." she sighed.
"What? What are you hiding from Mosspaw and I? The other apprentice might not notice it but I do! I notice how you look at us!" he raged. She hesitated, shook her head and then looked at him with frightened eyes.
"Spottedleaf has been receiving messages from StarClan. They're trying to tell her who will lead ThunderClan to greatness. The first one was 'Fire alone will save our Clan'. I thought Firepaw was our savior when I let him join ThunderClan. But the omens kept coming; they also changed as much as the moon. The recent one told of a night bird setting the green forest ablaze after the dying of the shadowed claws. I have no idea how this helps us!" she explained. Ravenpaw heard, and thought that he understood. However, he kept quiet, scared to bring distress to his leader.
"I'm afraid that I don't understand. Nevertheless I shall try to figure this out, as long as you promise me one thing." he replied.
"What's that?"
"Keep Mosspaw away from Tigerclaw. That is all I ask."
"I promise. They shall never go on patrols together or be alone. As long as you help me figure out what these prophecies mean. And you can't tell any cat, not even Mosspaw."
"But why? And why would you tell me all this?"
"Because I'm certain that Mosspaw will be the next leader of ThunderClan. Her destiny has been set since the moment her parents came to our Clan. Our Ancestors have foreseen peace with her, so as long as she stays alive and learns the way to make every cat proud. And the reason I'm telling you, is because I know that you'll protect her with your life, for I can see that you love her. Now let's get her home."
Leaving the tom speechless, Bluestar grabbed Mosspaw's scruff, thankful that she was still small, and started to carry her through the forest. Ravenpaw was still for a moment before realizing that they were gone.
How did Bluestar know that I 'loved' Mosspaw? I've never said anything like that, I might've shown it, but when would she see? And what about Mosspaw leading our Clan to greatness? Can that actually happen? Or was she just misreading an omen? It doesn't matter either way; I'll stay with her until I'm taken up to meet my Ancestors. That, any cat can hold my word to. These thoughts were racing through his mind as he followed his leader.
He had finally caught up to Bluestar, who had a smile on her face. However, Ravenpaw could see the strain Mosspaw was putting on her. Without warning, he took the unconscious she-cat and carried her first on his back, then by her scruff, and finally, by placing her on his shoulders. He put up with the ache in his muscles until they were right at the gorse tunnel. For Bluestar took the she-cat once again, pushed her way through the green spines. She was greeted by yowls of both worry and happiness. Ravenpaw followed, not being noticed.
The two brought Mosspaw into Spottedleaf's den; but the she-cat was busy looking at the wounds of tonight's battle. Willowpelt had slashes along her flank and seemed to be the worst. She was breathing heavily as she slept. Otherwise, there was only two other cats in the den from the battle, Patchpelt and Runningwind. They both stirred when Bluestar came into the den.
"Ravenpaw, watch over her until she falls asleep. Spottedleaf, prepare a bed for her and when you're done I want to talk to you about tonight's events." the leader ordered.
"Yes Bluestar." the two cats meowed together. The cats hustled around, both following orders and trying to help Mosspaw. And the last thing Ravenpaw remembered, was feeling his fur against hers.
Mosspaw opened her eyes, her limbs felt weak, her vision was blurry, and pain welled in her chest. The one thing she did see, was Ravenpaw's head on her flank as he continued to sleep. A warm wave swept through her veins as she tried to figure out what this was.
Is this what love feels like? Or am I confusing this emotion with something else? Does Ravenpaw feel the same? I hope so, he's so caring, and seems to like me. Should I ask him, or wait to see if he says something first? After the fox attack me, he was there also when we fought. He never held that against me. And last night… he stayed by my side by helping me when I was in pain. Does he love me, or am I just being delusional? She twitched her fur to see what would happen.
Ravenpaw lifted his head and looked at her. He was glad to see her awake, even if slight terror was in her eyes. Must be remembering last night. He thought as he got to his feet.
"What happened?" she asked. He looked at her with surprise. Okay, maybe she wasn't remembering last night.
"We were at the gathering. StarClan took over you and warned all the Clans to shape up and stop acting like kits." he paused for a moment, "You hungry or do you need anything?" he muttered.
"No, just feeling… out of it." she replied. Getting to her feet, she noticed Mousefur asleep in the back of the den. Her mentor seemed to be in pain from the sickness she had caught. I hope she gets better. I don't think I can handle if Mousefur was unable to teach me. Mosspaw thought, padding to the entrance of the den. Ravenpaw followed.
"Ravenpaw, if you had a secret, one that you couldn't tell any cat, would you still tell me?" she mumbled. He looked surprised, but gave a tiny purr.
"Of course. As long as you do the same if you ever had a secret." he promised. She smiled.
"That's good. I'm glad I can trust you." she whispered. They were silent for a moment before Ravenpaw opened his mouth.
"Mosspaw, I-"
"Stop dolling around! If you want to be warriors, you better start acting like them!" Darkstripe snapped. "And Ravenpaw, Leopardstripe wants you for a patrol." Ravenpaw gave a small hiss as he headed towards the camp entrance. Darkstripe then turned to Mosspaw. "Shouldn't you be doing something? I mean, besides wasting space." He left before she could react. That annoying fleabag! No wonder he doesn't have a mate or friends! She growled in her mind. Shaking her head, she went to find Spottedleaf.
"Since you're still unstable, today, you're going to help me collect herbs." the tortoiseshell she-cat meowed. Mosspaw nodded as she followed her out of her den and then out of the camp.
"So what are we collecting?" the apprentice asked.
"Some simple herbs: goldenrod, horsetail, comfrey, borage, and maybe some catmint just to be safe." the medicine cat answered. This won't be as much fun as hunting, but at least I'll be helping my Clan. Mosspaw thought as she trotted through the undergrowth.
The sun peeked behind the white clouds in the pale blue sky. It was a crisp, warm day for Leaf-bare. Prey scuttled through the leaves, trying to prepare for the worst of the season, including when it snowed. Mosspaw couldn't wait to see snow. She knew it would be cold and strange, but still beautiful. She also knew that it meant hunting would be harder, as well as staying healthy. Kits and the elderly were so vulnerable during this time.
But things will get better. No matter how horrible something is, things will turn out right if you believe it will. Or so Ravenpaw told her. She tried to follow his outlook on life, and it seemed to be working. She felt more content and didn't let little things get her down; her parents even noticed. They started saying things that always made her embarrassed. She wished they would stop.
Otherwise, things couldn't be better in her eyes. At least she thought that, and it seemed to show to every cat.
"Mosspaw! Stop daydreaming!" Spottedleaf snapped. The apprentice flattened her ears and gave a sheepish smile.
"S-sorry! Um, what do you need me to do to help?" she stuttered. The tortoiseshell she-cat sighed before pointing to a patch of blue star-shaped flowers.
"Pick some leaves off of these flowers. Don't take too many, otherwise they won't grow back for awhile. While you do that, I'll go find some comfrey. Rosetail was complaining about her cracked pads." she ordered before trotting off. Cautiously, Mosspaw went towards the flowers. They smelled slightly sweet, but also had a bitter tinge in them as well.
"And Medicine cats do this all day? No wonder Spottedleaf seems snappy sometimes." she whispered, plucking a leaf off the plant. The taste reminded her of being in the nursery… with Wolfkit. Shaking her head, her senses were cleared. Can't stay in the past forever. I need to move on. She reminded herself.
After ripping several leaves off, Spottedleaf returned with thick, black roots.
"There. Now let's find some borage. Speckletail's finding it hard to give her kits milk. Would you like to keep going or do you want to take what we have back to camp?" the medicine cat meowed.
"Keep going. I'm feeling up to it." the apprentice answered. Picking up the bundle, they headed farther into the forest.
The two she-cats were only able to find three borage leaves. The rest were either dried up or moldy from not drying out. Spottedleaf was irritated and wondered how this could've happened. Mosspaw simply replied,
"I don't know."
The two then searched for some goldenrod, knowing that it was the last time to grab the leaves before New-Leaf. And Spottedleaf knew where there was a patch of growing yellow flowers. However, something stopped them; a simple bird.
Mosspaw spotted it standing on some moss under an oak. She gasped and dropped her leaves. The bird then looked at her.
"Spottedleaf! It's a crow! It's looking at me!" she hissed. The tortoiseshell turned and gave a small laugh.
"It's a raven, not a crow." she answered, intrigued by the fact that the bird was still there.
"But what's the difference?" the apprentice asked as she took a step towards it.
"A raven is larger than a crow, and its head is shaped differently. They also don't smell as horrific as fox-dung. What it's doing here is a mystery though. In Leaf-Bare, they all fly away, looking for a warmer place."
"So not many ca-" The bird flapped its wings and took to the sky. As soon as its shadow left the ground, the moss it was standing on, burst into flames. Frightened, Mosspaw jumped back with her fur fluffed out.
"Spottedleaf! We need to- Spottedleaf!" she called. The medicine cat was staring at the flames, her body stiff as her eyes were blank. It was if she wasn't in this world anymore. "Spotted-"
"Get back to camp! Take the herbs and go! Don't tell any cat but Bluestar!" Spottedleaf hissed.
"But-"
"Now!"
Scooping up the leaves, Mosspaw raced towards the camp. Fear rushed through her veins. Was StarClan talking to her? Or something else mystical? Those thoughts and others accompanied her as she dashed towards home. And even though her legs felt as if they were burning, and her lungs felt like they'd give out, she refused to stop. She even surprised Whitestorm, who was heading out of camp with Sandpaw behind him.
"Watch where you're going!" Sandpaw snapped. Whitestorm scolded her before continuing.
Dropping the herbs in Spottedleaf's den, Mosspaw darted into the clearing searching for some cat to talk to. Ravenpaw and Leopardstripe are on a patrol, while Graypaw and Firepaw are hunting. Featherfur's in the nursery, but because of Brindleface being so near to kitting, no cat was allowed in there. I could go see the elders. Rosetail, Patchpelt, and Dappletail always love seeing me. I could go see them and ask if they have an explanation for what happened. Mosspaw thought as her breathing started to calm down.
"What do we have here?" a voice growled. "I see a scared kit that's lost without her protective father and shielding friends."
Mosspaw recognized the voice. It was a voice that seemed to be followed by death, one that made her jump out of her fur every time she heard it. The voice reminded her of claws raking against stone, a sound that made her want to hide. Even though he was seen as a hero, Mosspaw always felt like she was looking at the face evil.
"Now, do you wish to die?" they hissed. Mosspaw turned to see a cat staring at her with ice cold eyes, eyes that pierced through her like thorns. Their claws were out and clawed at the ground impatiently. She opened her mouth and let out a small squeak.
"Tigerclaw."
Pretty freaky ending huh? Now, the omens and prophecies are…
A night bird setting the green forest ablaze after the dying of the shadowed claws (Ties with the one below)
The bird flapped its wings and took to the sky. As soon as its shadow left the ground, the moss it was standing on, burst into flames. (Half of the one above)
From the last chapter:
Claws will slice along with the broken darkness. Along with a stalking figure that has a secret powerful enough to cause a tear in ThunderClan. Try to avoid them. (Very, very Important)
Faint words could be heard. They sounded like "rock", "blood", "death", "shadow", and "blaze". (Very important)
Mosspaw and three others, will be the saviors of ThunderClan. However, two are alive now, while the final two will be born along with a new leader. (Semi-important)
I think that's all that have been mentioned. I'm just refreshing your memory, and also my own. And I actually made up all of these while I was writing, didn't even think them up beforehand and try to make them work. They become apparent in either Chapter 12 or 13, don't know which yet. And the cats will not discuss this chapter, for they are all trapped under laundry baskets for looking at my possible ideas for this story. It's amazing how easy you can trap a ThunderClan cat. Or maybe it was because they trusted me too much, big mistake on their part.
Um… see if you can figure the prophecies out. If you can, I'll message you with a sneak peek at the next book. Yes there will be a sequel to this story. It has to do with the two cats that will be born with a new leader. Man… I feel like I'm giving out all me secrets today…
So… one last secret
Silverstream will live, and Cinderpaw will not be crippled. That's all I have to say. Oops, that was two…
Sayonara!
