Disclaimer: I don't own Warriors, but I do own the characters created for this story. Please don't steal any of them.
Chapter 12
Ghostpaw woke the next morning with a happy feeling in the pit of his stomach. He stretched before stepping out of his nest. Most of the other apprentices were still sleeping, but he could see Smudgepaw grooming her chest over by her nest. Skunkpaw was shaking moss out of her fur. The two sisters had identical looks of excitement on their faces.
Skunkpaw touched Smudgepaw's shoulder with her tail. "Remember, Smudgepaw. Softcreek is looking down on us from StarClan today."
Smudgepaw purred. "And she must be very proud of us."
Ghostpaw walked over to them. "Are you ready for this?"
Smudgepaw turned and looked at him. "You're going to be watching, right?"
"Like I said last night, nothing is going to keep me from watching your warrior ceremony," Ghostpaw replied.
Skunkpaw headed for the exit. "I'm going to go see if Rowanstar is awake yet."
Smudgepaw sighed as her sister disappeared. "I've been waiting for this for so long. I'm so nervous now!"
"There's nothing to be nervous about," Ghostpaw said. "You deserve this."
Smudgepaw purred again. "Thanks, Ghostpaw. It's nice to know you have so much faith in me."
Skunkpaw poked her head back inside. "Rowanstar is awake!"
A few of the other apprentices were beginning to wake up.
Ashpaw gave a huge yawn. "Is it morning already?"
Cottonpaw chuckled. "We did go to sleep really late last night."
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!" Rowanstar's voice called out.
"It's time!" Smudgepaw cried.
Ghostpaw followed the other apprentices out of the den. Smudgepaw and Skunkpaw ran on ahead in their excitement. The other ThunderClan cats were emerging from the other dens and gathering beneath Rowanstar. Granitetail was sitting below the Highledge, his light yellow eyes full of pride in his two youngest daughters.
Ghostpaw suddenly realized that there was another cat sitting beside Granitetail, but he could see the wall of stone through her. It was Softcreek, Granitetail's mate and the mother of Skunkpaw and Smudgepaw. Ghostpaw couldn't help but feel a sense of joy that the two sisters had been right; their mother was watching over them. He pushed away a moment of guilt over the fact he'd been unable to stop Softcreek from dying; it was best to remember that there was nothing he could have done.
"We gather this happy morning, after a victorious fight last night, to welcome two new warriors among us. Skunkpaw, Smudgepaw, please come forward," Rowanstar said.
The two she-cats walked forward and sat down.
"I, Rowanstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these two apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the way of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn.
"Skunkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do!" Skunkpaw replied, her whiskers quivering in her anticipation.
"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forward, you will be known as Skunkpelt," Rowanstar finished. He turned to look down at Smudgepaw. "Smudgepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do," Smudgepaw said, lifting her chin up proudly.
"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day on, Smudgepaw, you will be called Smudgewing," Rowanstar finished.
The ginger tom climbed down and put his nose to Skunkpelt's head. She quickly licked his shoulder. Rowanstar then touched his nose to Smudgewing's head, and she licked his shoulder in respect as well.
"May StarClan light your paths," Rowanstar said.
"Skunkpelt! Smudgewing!" Granitetail shouted.
The other cats began to shout the new names of the two warriors. Ghostpaw yowled along with the rest. He could hear Softcreek's voice shouting her daughters' names as her spirit slowly disappeared. As the ThunderClan cats' voices stopped, her voice continued to echo. He saw Skunkpelt and Smudgewing perk up their ears, as if they had heard their mother somehow.
Ghostpaw stood back and watched his Clanmates gather around the two newest warriors of ThunderClan to congratulate them. It was supposed to be a very joyous moment, but Ghostpaw just couldn't escape the thoughts of his latest decision.
Last night, as he slept, he had attempted to contact the other four chosen cats in their dreams. It had been a rather miserable attempt, but he was going to the island tonight nonetheless. He'd chosen the island as their meeting place because it was supposed to be a place of peace. Of course, after having seen his father murder a cat on the island, he could only imagine the island full of fighting and screaming cats.
"I'm going with you tonight," a voice whispered.
He spun to look at Ashpaw. The she-cat was sitting up, her tail curled around her paws. Her silvery-green eyes were focused on the crowd of cats surrounding Skunkpelt and Smudgewing. Ghostpaw opened his mouth to argue, but she cut him off as her eyes swung around to his face.
"Don't argue with me, Ghostpaw," she hissed. "I'll just follow you if you tell me not to go. I am a part of this, no matter what you think."
"I suppose Cottonpaw is going to want to tag along, as well?" Ghostpaw grumbled.
"What would give you that idea?" Cottonpaw asked as he walked over. Her sat down beside Ghostpaw. "I'm not one of the chosen cats, remember? I may have a power given to me by our ancestors, but that doesn't mean I need to be there."
"So, you'll let me come?" Ashpaw asked.
"Sometimes your being so stubborn can be very annoying, Ashpaw," Ghostpaw growled.
His sister brightened at once. "Don't worry, Ghostpaw. I'll be very helpful."
Ghostpaw doubted that. "How?"
"I can read their thoughts," she replied.
Cottonpaw laughed. "I don't see how that will be helpful in any way."
Ashpaw scowled at him. "I can tell whether they believe us or not. I'll be able to tell which of them will be an asset, and which will deter us from figuring out what it is we're supposed to do."
"Ashpaw, you don't have to do anything," Ghostpaw said. "You aren't the chosen ThunderClan cat."
"What difference does it make?" Ashpaw demanded to know. "Two heads are better than one! Or, in this case, six...if the other four chosen cats do show up."
Ghostpaw could tell he wasn't going to win this argument. "Fine, Ashpaw. Come if you really think you have to."
"You sound really weary," Cottonpaw said. "What has you so worried, Ghostpaw?"
He shook his head. "I'm just trying to understand why what we're supposed to do isn't very clear. Why does the prophecy have to be so cryptic?"
Ashpaw snorted. "StarClan obviously thinks that we have to figure out everything on our own."
Cottopaw turned teasing eyes on Ashpaw. "Are you hearing StarClan's thoughts now, Ashpaw?"
She smirked at him. "You wish. Though, that would be helpful."
Ghostpaw stood up. "I'm going for a walk to try and clear my head."
"You shouldn't go out alone," Ashpaw said.
"You're just saying that so you can go with me," Ghostpaw grumbled. "I want to be alone."
Ghostpaw headed out of the camp, ignoring the chattering of his Clanmates. Rowanstar had just learned that Stormypelt was having more kits, and the news had sent up another volley of congratulations among the cats.
He padded along through the bright forest, listening to the chirping birds and buzzing bugs. The forest was so peaceful. He couldn't believe that his insides were in such turmoil over the prophecy. It was difficult to enjoy the serenity the forest provided.
"Ghostpaw!"
He turned to see Smudgewing following him. There was deep concern in her dark green eyes as she walked up.
"Is something wrong?" Smudgewing asked.
Ghostpaw shook his head. "I don't want to ruin your happy day."
Smudgewing scowled. "Ghostpaw, if you need to talk about something, I'm here for you. It doesn't matter when."
He sighed. "Ashpaw and I are going to meet with the other chosen cats tonight. Or try to, anyway. It's time we figured out what the prophecy is asking us to do."
Her eyes widened. "No wonder you've been so distant. Ghostpaw, I think that is a really great idea. Where are you meeting them?"
"I entered their dreams last night and told them to go to the island," Ghostpaw replied. "I thought it would be a good place to meet because we all know where it is, and it is supposed to be a place of peace."
"The island is probably the best place to meet, you're right," Smudgewing said. "If you stay close to the lakeshore, you won't get in as much trouble if you get caught."
"I don't expect to get caught," Ghostpaw replied.
"Of course not," she laughed. "I just don't want you getting into any trouble."
"Well, if StarClan really wants us to figure out what it is we're supposed to be doing, they'll make sure none of us get caught," Ghostpaw said. "That's what I'm hoping anyway." A new idea came into his head. "I forgot to tell you something. You know how I can see the future?"
Smudgewing nodded.
"I can see the past and present now, as well," Ghostpaw told her.
Her head tilted just a little. "What do you mean?"
Ghostpaw wondered how best to explain it so that she could understand. "I can see what is happening somewhere else, as it is happening. And I can see events that have happened in the past. I...I watched part of the final battle against DarkClan. That's...why I went into that sleep trance."
Smudgewing was silent for a moment. "So, does that mean your powers have gotten...stronger?"
"I guess that's what you would call it," Ghostpaw said with a shrug. "But I think I can use my powers to get to the island without any trouble. That, and Ashpaw can hear the thoughts of any cats approaching us. We should be fine."
"What about the other chosen cats?" Smudgewing asked. "How are they going to get to the island without trouble?"
Ghostpaw sighed. "I know it's really risky on their parts, but I hope that all of them are adventerous enough that they won't worry too much about that and go to meet us anyway."
"That's a lot to ask of a cat," Smudgewing murmured. "I wish I could go with you, but I know that I have nothing to do with what's going on. Three cats are harder to watch out for than just two." She paused for a heartbeat. "Why is Ashpaw going with you and not Cottonpaw, anyway?"
"Cottonpaw doesn't think he's needed to figure out the prophecy," Ghostpaw answered. "Ashpaw demanded to go. She threatened to follow me if I didn't agree to let her come."
Smudgewing laughed. "That sounds like something Ashpaw would say."
Ghostpaw looked at his paws. "I wish you could come with me, Smudgewing."
The white she-cat purred. "I would if I could, Ghostpaw." Her dark green eyes sparkled mischievously. "I can do something, though! I can cover for you if someone realizes you're gone."
He looked up at her with surprise. "You would do that for me?"
"No, I'm doing it for Ashpaw," Smudgewing said.
"Oh," Ghostpaw mumbled.
Smudgewing laughed. "Oh, Ghostpaw, you stupid furball. Of course I'm doing it for you! If it was just Ashpaw going, I probably wouldn't cover for her unless she begged me to." She licked behind one of Ghostpaw's ears.
"You're the best, Smudgewing," Ghostpaw purred.
"Thank you. It's every she-cat's dream to hear those words from a tom someday," Smudgewing said with a short giggle. "Ashpaw told me that you wanted to be alone. Do you want me to let you go on your walk now?"
Ghostpaw glanced at the forest. "I don't feel like being alone any more," he said. Without looking at her, he asked, "Would you like to walk with me?"
"Of course I will," Smudgewing meowed. "Lead the way."
The two of them headed into the forest. Smudgewing chatted happily about how glad she and her sister were to finally be warriors. She went on about Skunkpelt's inability to stop talking about Shadepaw a few days ago. She talked about the battle against the rogues, and how she had really scared off a couple of she-cats.
Ghostpaw felt a sense of peace that he hadn't felt earlier. It was so easy to be with Smudgewing and not care about anything except her. Her chattering wasn't bothersome and actually soothed him more than anything else. He was glad that Ashpaw wasn't around to hear his thoughts; she would laugh at him.
They were heading for the lakeshore. Ghostpaw was wondering if Smudgewing would be interested in sitting and looking out at the lake for a little while with him when his vision went dark. He jerked to a stop. The last thing he heard was Smudgewing's curious voice saying his name before his hearing filled with the sounds of two cats fighting. His vision returned, and he watched Gingerheart entangled with a white and black tom. She was over near the lakeshore, close to WindClan territory.
"Ghostpaw!"
His sight and hearing returned to normal.
"Ghostpaw!" Smudgewing's voice shouted.
Ghostpaw blinked. "Gingerheart is in trouble!"
The she-cat stared at him with a gasp. "But Gingerheart isn't here! Rowanstar said she went to visit a rogue friend of hers..."
"She's back. Come on!" Ghostpaw raced into the forest for the place he'd seen Gingerheart.
Smudgewing followed close behind. "Was that a vision you were having?"
"Yeah," he replied as they ran. "Sorry if I scared you."
"It's okay," Smudgewing meowed. "I didn't realize what was going on."
They could hear the sounds of fighting cats. Ghostpaw willed his paws to race faster. The two of them charged between a couple bushes. Gingerheart was being pinned to the ground by a white tom with a black tail and black patches on his head and back.
Smudgewing gave a battle scream and tackled the tom. Ghostpaw didn't hesitate as he joined her in slashing at the tom.
"Get out of here!" Smudgewing hissed in the tom's face.
With a snarl, the tom turned and disappeared.
"Smudgepaw! Ghostpaw!" Gingerheart pushed herself to her paws. She shook a few leaves from her brown pelt. "Thanks for your help. I just got back onto our territory when I found that tom sneaking around here."
Smudgewing ran her tongue a few times over a ruffled patch of fur on her chest. "I'm called Smudgewing now, Gingerheart. And that wasn't any random tom. I remember seeing him during the battle last night."
Gingerheart gasped. "Battle? What happened?"
"We found out what was going on in ShadowClan," Ghostpaw explained.
"They were infested with rogues, who were catching and eating all their prey," Smudgewing continued. "Rowanstar finally convinced Crimonstar to let us help, and we attacked the rogues last night. I thought we'd chased them all off, but I guess not."
"That explains why the ShadowClan cats were so thin," Gingerheart meowed. "Were there any injuries during the fight?"
"Nope," Smudgewing replied.
"I guess you and Skunkpaw were given your warrior names for participating in the fight?" Gingerheart said.
"Yes," Smudgewing said with a purr. "Skunkpaw is Skunkpelt now."
"Well, congratulations," Gingerheart said with a nod to Smudgewing. "Let's get back to camp. I'd like to see Thunderstripe and my kits, and I need to speak to Rowanstar."
"Thunderstripe missed you," Smudgewing meowed as she and Ghostpaw led the way back to camp. "He didn't say so, but I could tell." Her dark green eyes brightened slightly. "He really loves you."
"And I love him just as much," Gingerheart said. "Was the battle against the rogues the only thing exciting that I missed?"
Smudgewing and Ghostpaw glanced at each other.
"Nothing else really exciting has happened," Ghostpaw said.
Gingerheart looked at them suspiciously, as if she knew they were hiding something, but she didn't press them.
When they got back to camp, Thunderstripe looked up from the mouse he was eating.
"Gingerheart!" Thunderstripe came racing over. The mates touched noses. "I'm so glad you're back home. How was your...visit?"
"It was...more difficult than I thought it would be," she replied.
Not really wanting to hear their sentimental reunion, Ghostpaw headed over to where Cottonpaw and Ashpaw were lying. Smudgewing followed him.
"Looks like you found him," Ashpaw meowed to Smudgewing.
"I thought I told you I wanted to be alone, Ashpaw," Ghostpaw grumbled.
Ashpaw squinted at him. "Admit it! You're happy that I told her where you went."
Ghostpaw grunted. "Fine. I admit it. Do you want me to thank you or something, Ashpaw? I'm not kissing your paws with gratitude, if that's what you want."
"No, a simple thank you is fine," Ashpaw laughed.
"Thank you," Ghostpaw grumbled.
"Oh, stop being so grumpy with her, Ghostpaw," Smudgewing meowed. "She was just trying to help."
Yeah, Ghostpaw thought, but sometimes she tries to help too much.
Author's Notes: How was that for an update, huh? I updated Chapters 4 through 12 in one swoop! Whew! ::wipes forehead:: You know what would make me really happy? Reviews, of course! It would be nice to get some after all the work I did getting these new Chapters to look pretty. I want to know what everyone thinks, especially because I've been having difficulties writing Journey of Knowledge! After Chapter 7, I nearly gave up with this version and was going to rewrite everything, but something kept me from doing so. I've been wondering...
Was giving Ghostpaw, Ashpaw, and Cottonpaw special powers the right thing for Jayfeather, Hollyleaf, and Lionblaze to do?
Is Smudgewing the right she-cat for Ghostpaw?
Are the chosen cats for the prophecy the best cats to fulfill the prophecy?
Will the chosen cats even get along?
(Okay, that last question is for me to answer...and I'm working on it right now, believe me!)
End of Chapter Twelve