Gingersplash of Thunderclan- Thanks for the review! All your questions will be answered eventuallly! :)
SnowHeart- Thank you for reviewing. I'm happy that you like it!
So, here's Chapter 11. Hope you enjoy! Reviews are appreciated!
Nightpaw woke to a paw jabbing her flank. The black she-cat quickly scrambled to her paws and glanced around the dimply lighted den. Leopardpaw stood on her side. Ripple and Silent were both still dozing off. Her icy gaze turned to the to-be den exit. Wolfheart was standing right outside. An impatient look was clear in his eyes.
"I'm up! I'm up!" Nightpaw grumbled, pushing passed her gray mentor. She could hear paw steps behind her, alerting her that the other two were following. The apprentice padded over to the pile of fresh-kill that was set in the middle of the cave. It was full of prey, and it looked freshly stocked.
Wolfheart walked to her side. The gray warrior stated, "We are leaving right away. Eat something. Then, meet me outside the cave. The others are already waiting on you." Nightpaw gave him a curt nod. She chose a smaller bird out of the pile and settled down to eat.
She instantly wished she had chosen something else. She had to work on pulling out the birds feathers. The black she-cat finally was able to bite into her prey. She soon finished it, hoping that her mentor wouldn't be too upset at her. She swiped her pink tongue across her muzzle. It had taken her longer than she had hoped to finish of her meal.
Nightpaw headed to the tribe exit. Faint rays of light shone in through the open space in the rock. She guessed it was only dawn. Her presumption was confirmed when she slipped out the exit. The sun was barely rising above the horizon. It gave the sky that diverse shades of colors. It was a sight the young apprentice always enjoyed.
It took two days to arrive at the place they had originally met. The scents of forest prey wafted around them, causing Nightpaw's stomach to growl loudly. The grass felt a greater amount softer under paw than the usual bare rock floor in the mountains. The smell of fresh border patrols from both RiverClan and WindClan made Nightpaw's paws prick eagerly to return home.
The sleek black she-cat watched the other cats say goodbye to one another. Nightpaw couldn't help but feel disappointed at leaving these other cats. They had traveled all the way to the mountains and back. All eight cats had spent more than a moon together. They hunted, patrolled territories, fought and explored new areas together.
"Bye, Nightpaw. I hope we see each other soon. Maybe at the gathering tonight or other ones," Nightpaw was brought out of her thoughts by Leopardpaw's mew. He was looking at her with a sad expression. A purr caught in her throat. She had grown especially close to the ShadowClan apprentice during their journey. She didn't want to say goodbye to her good friend.
"I'll try extra hard to get Willowstar to let me go to the gathering, so we can see each other," Nightpaw promised. She could see Leopardpaw's eyes brighten up slightly. He nodded his head in agreement before turning and padding after Jaggedrock. The ShadowClan and RiverClan cats soon left her sight.
Wolfheart turned with a flick of his tail, signaling for her to follow. Obeying, she ambled off after her mentor. They traveled with the two chosen WindClan cats until they arrived at the stream that bordered the two clans. Nightpaw guessed they were making sure that Wolfheart and she left.
It was nearly Sunhigh when they made it to camp. Many of the cats sat in the clearing sharing tongues. "Go get some rest," Wolfheart ordered his apprentice. Before she could protest, he added, "Don't worry. I know we missed the last gathering, so you probably want to attend this one. I'll talk to Willowstar." Nightpaw purred her thanks and scurried to the apprentice den.
Wolfheart's P.O.V
I watched as my apprentice left the clearing and went into her den. I would talk to Willowstar a bit later. I had someone else I had to see first. My yellow eyes scanned the area for any sight of the familiar dark gray pelt. I peeked into the warriors den with no luck of finding her. I felt my heart sank. What if she got hurt? Maybe she's just on a patrol or hunting.
"Looking for Cinderstreak?" A gentle voice questioned. I looked up to see the white coat of Hazelpool. She was purring, and her hazel eyes shone under the sun. I nodded rapidly, following as the medicine cat lead me to where I guessed Cinderstreak would be. To my surprise, She guided me straight to the nursery.
I curiously peered inside. I slid in and glanced around. On the ground lied Cinderstreak on her side. Her belly was swollen with unborn kits. I felt a purr rising in my throat. My sister was expecting kits! I gave her an affectionate lick to the ear. She returned the gesture.
"Who's the father?" I inquired. My curiosity got the better of me. I knew there were many she-cats who decided not to mention the father for various reasons. Thankfully, Cinderstreak seemed happy to respond. Her dark blue eyes shone deeply with happiness.
She purred loudly, "Bramblethorn." I pictured the brown tom. He had just been made a warrior when we were made apprentices. He was a kind cat who had visited us many times when we were kits in the nursery. It didn't surprise me that Cinderstreak took him on as her mate. I had often seen the two together, sharing tongues.
"That's great!" I exclaimed cheerfully, giving her another friendly lick. I smiled at my sister and mewed, "I'll make sure the apprentices remember to bring you fresh-kill." With that, I turned and strode out of the nursery.
The sun was high in the sky, warming the area. I headed to Willowstar's den immediately. I had told Nightpaw I would have a word with our leader. Every apprentice was always eager to go to their first gathering. I knew my apprentice was probably upset that she missed the other gathering while we were on our mission.
"Willowstar?" I asked as I stood outside of the leader's den. I waited for her to tell me to enter. I slipped into her dark den, and I sat down. She nodded her head for me to speak. "I came to ask if Nightpaw can go to the gathering. She missed the last gathering, so I think it's only fair if she goes to this one. She's resting right now, so she'll be ready to go to it," I explained.
"Alright, Wolfheart. She may go. Oh, you will be attending it as well," She stated. I dipped my head respectfully, and I stalked out of her den. I headed to the apprentice den to tell Nightpaw the news. When I came to the entrance, I saw Nightpaw talking to Sagepaw.
I looked at the two of them and uttered, "Nightpaw, Willowstar has chosen to let you go." I saw her black fur bristle in excitement. She bounced to her paws and tackled Sagepaw. The two apprentices rolled around on the floor in a bundle of fur. An amused purr emitted from my throat.
Third Person P.O.V
"Did you hear that! I'm going to the gathering!" Nightpaw chirped gleefully as she pinned her brother to the ground. The ginger tom gave her a cuff to the ear. He pushed her off and stood to his paws, shaking the dust from his pelt.
He looked as excited as her. He replied, "Of course I did, Mouse-brain! You'll love it! There's cats from all the clans everywhere! Last time, I talked to a few RiverClan apprentices!" The words spilled out of Sagepaw's mouth rapidly.
"Is Tigerpaw going to the gathering as well?" The black she-cat questioned, giving Sagepaw a curious look. She sat down in the den, wrapping her tail neatly over her paws.
"Tigerstripe," Sagepaw corrected, lifting his head up high. He then added, "He was made a warrior a few sunrises ago. I can't wait till that's us!" His green eyes shone brightly in the dark den. Nightpaw nodded in agreement.
A yowl interrupted their conversation, "Cats of ThunderClan, It's time we headed to the gathering!" Both Nightpaw and Sagepaw swiftly scrambled out of the den and toward the group of gathered ThunderClan cats. They followed as Willowstar led them away from camp.
They arrived at the area the chosen cats had met to begin their mission. Nightpaw noticed a fallen tree that was set in the river, creating a pathway to the other side. The sleek black apprentice leapt onto the tree and dug her claws into the slippery bark. Cautiously, she ambled across the tree.
She noticed all the other clans were already seated. She weaved her way through the gathered cats in search of the familiar gray and white pelt of Leopardpaw. She felt disappointment prick at her paws when she didn't see him. She sat down near a few elders with a sigh.
"Looking for me?" A quiet voice asked. Nightpaw glanced over to see the ShadowClan apprentice Leopardpaw. The black she-cat felt a purr rise in her throat. It was nice to see the cat she had become good friends with.
Nightpaw whispered back, "Darkstar let you come! That's great!" She had to hold back from launching herself playfully at the other apprentice.
"Yea. Darkstar said this would be an important gathering. He allowed more cats than usual to come." Leopardpaw answered with a shrug. Nightpaw gazed around the gathered cats. It was true. She noticed that there were more ShadowClan scents than of any other clan. It looked like Darkstar had brought almost his entire clan with him.
"Cats of the clans, I have an announcement to make," It was Darkstar speaking, "We ask ThunderClan to hand back over the strip of land. We wish to change the border to the stream." Yowls of protest rang through the clearing. Nightpaw felt her own fur starting to bristle.
"Nonsense that territory had been ours since I was kitted! It holds valuable prey to ThunderClan!" Stoneshade, a ThunderClan elder, rasped loudly behind Nightpaw. The black pelted apprentice could see many ShadowClan and ThunderClan cats facing each other. Their fur lifted and teeth bared. Nightpaw felt Leopardpaw tense beside her.
Willowstar lifted her gray head to gaze around the gathered cats. She replied coolly, "Thunderclan will not hand over that strip of land. It has been ours for moons upon moons, and I don't plan on giving it away."
"Then you will be giving yourselves a fight. ShadowClan claims that area as ours!" Darkstar snarled as he faced the ThunderClan leader. Willowstar glared back defiantly. Her own pelt was bristling and a small growl left her mouth. Willowstar was about to send back a sharp retort, but before she could say anything, clouds covered the moon.
"This gathering is over!" Boulderstar, The RiverClan leader, yowled loudly. The cats below broke up and followed after their leaders. Nightpaw casted a wary look to Leopardpaw, who was beginning to stand beside her.
Leopardpaw's hazel gaze clouded in concern. He looked over at her and murmured, "I have to go. Be careful." Nightpaw nodded her head slowly and mewed a 'bye'. The black she-cat spotted Wolfheart ahead of her, and she hurried over to him. He looked as apprehensive as Leopardpaw did.
"Do you really think ShadowClan will try to take over part of our territory?" She inquired quietly to her mentor. His only answer was a small nod. Fear burned inside her. What if they ambush us while we are patrolling? What if I have to fight Leopardpaw!
When they entered camp, Nightpaw went straight to her nest. She was exhausted from both the gathering and the journey. She felt her brother settle down beside her. The den felt awfully deserted. With only two apprentices, there was so much room around them.
Nightpaw closed her eyes. Unease jabbing at her like a claw. Curling her tail over her nose, the young, black she-cat managed to fall into a light sleep. As much as she hoped it wouldn't come to a battle, she could only wait and see.
Nightpaw's P.O.V
I woke up early the next morning. I felt restless from the thoughts of having to fight the other clan. I just wanted to get away from camp and do something to get my mind off of it. I hurried over to the warrior's den and peered inside. Wolfheart was just awakening. He stood and padded toward the den exit. He paused when he spotted me.
"You're up early. Care to join a border patrol?" He questioned, glancing at me. I nodded quickly. "Alright. We're supposed to meet up with Bramblethorn, Eagletalon and Amberheart," He yawned and shook out his fluffy gray pelt.
When we left camp, I noticed we were heading toward ShadowClan territory. I shot Wolfheart a questioning look. "Willowstar wants us to patrol the ShadowClan area frequently," My mentor explained. I nodded in understanding, holding back a sigh.
"ShadowClan, fox-dung! They set new markers up already!" Eagletalon growled loudly. I looked around noticing we had arrived at the stream. I felt anger boil up inside me. So that was how they were going to take our land. They were setting new markers to warn us.
We all leapt across the small stream and headed to the official border. I froze when I smelt the fresh scent of ShadowClan. My sleek black fur bristled. I turned my muzzle to Wolfheart, but before I could say anything, battle screeches chimed through the air. My eyes widened as shapes of cats shot through the darkness of the trees.
A dark gray tabby tom slammed into my side, making me stagger. He leapt at me with claws outstretched. I jumped forward, slamming into his chest and bowling him over. He hit the ground with a thump. I heard him yelp in pain before standing and charging at me again. I braced myself to fight back when another shape hit me from behind.
I yelped loudly, tumbling to the ground painfully. A silver tabby stood by the dark gray one. They're teaming up! StarClan help me! I thought desperately as I scrambled to my paws. The silver she-cat lunged at me. I sprang forward and sank my teeth into her neck sharply. I pinned the she-cat to the ground where she thrashed around.
I went to claw her shoulder when I felt teeth fasten around my scruff. I was dragged off the she-cat by the darker tom. He flung me to the ground and launched himself at me. I felt his claws pierce into my shoulders, and I yowled. I kicked my hind legs desperately at his exposed stomach.
The tom lunged his teeth forward for my throat. Suddenly, A flash of gray and white tumbled into the tom. Leopardpaw! My friend fell to the ground with the other cat. He bore a few wounds from the fight.
"Stupid furball! Why are you attacking me!" The gray tom spat and struggled free from under Leopardpaw. Leopardpaw blinked his eyes. His hazel pools shone with confusion, but it didn't seem genuine to me.
"Sorry, Duskpaw! I tripped and didn't see you there!" Leopardpaw apologized quickly before springing away. Using the distraction to my advantage, I launched myself at Duskpaw and sank my teeth into his shoulders. My claws dug into his sides, causing him to screech. I let go of my grip, watching as he made a dash for the bushes.
My pale, icy blue eyes scanned the area. Only two ShadowClan warrior remained. One was Jaggedrock. He was struggling with his fight against Wolfheart and Bramblethorn. The other ShadowClan warrior was locked in a battle with Eagletalon. It wasn't long before our deputy released him, and he ran off.
Jaggedrock pulled himself free of Wolfheart and sneered, "Don't think you won this, ThunderClan mouse-heart!" Wolfheart let out a low growl, and Jaggedrock finally made a run for it. Relief pulsed through me. No cat seemed to be badly injured.
We soon returned to camp, and Wolfheart left with Eagletalon to speak with Willowstar. I headed to the Medicine cat den. My mentor had told me to get my wounds checked, so I obeyed without question. I sat down in the den as Hazelpool inspected my wounds.
I watched in silence as Hazelpool began to rub herbs on my wounds. Larkpaw helped with making the mixture. My mind trailed off to the battle. Did Leopardpaw really just stumble into his clan-mate on accident? or was he trying to help me? I guess I'll just have to ask him myself sometime.
"There. All done. Make sure you take it easy for a bit," Hazelpool's purr snapped me out of my thoughts. I nodded my thanks and headed out of the den. Feeling my paws heavy with exhaustion, I padded to the apprentice den. A yawn escaped my mouth. I soon drifted to sleep.
ShadowClan camp
The patrol of ShadowClan cats, that had battled the ThunderClan ones, returned to camp. Everyone of them bore a few wounds from the fight. The patrol had been sent to mark the new border line under Darkstar's order. Before the border patrol had been able to leave the official ThunderClan territory, they spotted cats from their rival clan. Deciding that they would warn the cats off, they attacked. Unfortunately, they were overpowered.
When they slipped through the entrance to camp, they noticed cats were gathering in the clearing. Darkstar stood on the lowered hazel branch that hung above his den. His eyes blazed in fury as his gaze swept around the cats below. It was obvious the ShadowClan leader had heard what happened.
"Cats of ShadowClan!" The dark pelted leader yowled loudly. "We will not be beaten so easily. ThunderClan think they have won. They are probably basking in the sun like lazy Kittypets, believing they are so great, but they are not! We will attempt a surprise attack tonight! I wish to bring all my warriors except Rabbitdash, who is too injured to fight again. Ivypaw and Duskpaw will stay and guard camp as well. Leopardpaw as well as Softpaw will join us."
Murmurs of agreement swept through the clearing. Leopardpaw, however, felt worry stab inside him. He would have to fight Nightpaw's clan once again, but this time was a surprise attack. It wasn't unlikely that he would end up in a battle with his good friend.
Oakleaf, the ShadowClan medicine cat checked on all the wounded cats injuries. Only one of the cats had a more serious wound. It was Rabbitdash. The small black and brown tom had many tufts of fur missing where he was clawed. His back leg bore a deep bite mark. It was clear that he had been locked in a fierce brawl.
It was late at night when Darkstar reappeared from his den. His brown eyes were lit with anticipation at taking the strip of land. The ShadowClan leader gathered the cats he had chosen to leave with him. He then turned his muzzle to the exit of camp. His tail waved in a signal for his warriors to follow.
"We will give them a good warning to stay away from our new territory. ShadowClan, we leave at once!" The ShadowClan leader shouted as he glared around at the other cats. His dark eyes gleaming, Darkstar stalked off with the others trailing after him. His dark colored fur seemed to vanish in the darkness. The real battle was just about to start.
Leopardstorm is still in the lead, so that will probably end up being Leopardpaw's warrior name. I'm working on naming all the chapters since just saying chapter and then the number looks boring. If you have any good titles to suggest for any of the chapters, i'll be glad to hear them. I've figured out a few titles, but I don't want to start naming them until I have ones for them all.