Chapter 25
The next morning, the Clan fully grasped the damage of the battle. Blazingstar had a nasty throat wound. Peppernose had ordered that he stay in his den all day, but that clearly wasn't going to happen. He was already up checking on the clan since dawn. Bluefrost got off pretty light with nothing major. Icecloud was nearly untouched. Winterstorm had odd bruises all over his body that he couldn't tell how he received them. Sunstone was mostly fine, except for a wound on her tongue that bleed for a long time. Adderfang had some deep scratches on his flanks, but nothing that didn't promise to heal. The elders he was protecting, Heavystep and Elderleaf, were also fine. Mintyheart brushed off his wounds casually; however, once Peppernose figured out Mintyheart blacked out, the medicine cat had to personally drag Mintyheart back in the den to rest. Something about brain damage, but Mintyheart brushed it off. Spiceheart's throat was badly bruised and the top of her tail had broken, but had no serious wounds. Palepaw happened to live through the rest of the night. His condition was the most severe. Peppernose announced that if Palepaw could live through the day and the next night, his chances of survival would be more secure. Shimmerpaw wasn't damaged physically, but she had mental trauma that could only be healed with time. Thistlepaw was more than alright. Thistlepaw seemed to enjoy the battle and was proudly showing off his scratches to any cat who would listen. The queens and kits were also unharmed.
Blazingstar was about to jump onto the high rock, but Sunstone called out after him.
"Yes?"
"You're going to make Hazekit an apprentice, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am."
"Have you decided on a mentor?" Sunstone asked.
"Yes, I have—"
"You should reconsider."
"Excuse me?"
"I want Hazekit as an apprentice. I want to mentor him," Sunstone mewed forcefully.
"Listen, Sunstone, I'm not sure that would be the best combo…"
"No, you listen Blazingstar. You gave Spiceheart Thistlepaw even though she's incredibly inexperienced. Plus, she's too laid-back. Hazekit needs someone who's strict, and will make sure he knows the warrior code. I'm the only one who can make him into a good warrior that will make ForestClan proud of him."
"Wow, Sunstone. I don't know what to say."
"Say yes."
Blazingstar considered her words for a moment. I was going to have Adderfang mentor Hazekit. He hasn't had an apprentice yet. But maybe Sunstone's correct. Sunstone will teach Hazekit well.
"Alright, you can have him Sunstone."
"Thank you, Blazingstar!"
Blazingstar nodded to Sunstone and jumped up on the high rock.
"All cats who are old enough to catch their own prey gather around for a clan meeting," croaked Blazingstar. Peppernose came out of the apprentices' den, glaring at Blazingstar.
"He won't heal if he won't – stay - still," Peppernose complained to Echopaw.
"I'm happy that ForestClan has such strong and courageous warriors. We are not without suffering, though. ShadeClan is still powerful and they have more members than we do. But not for long. ForestClan was once the largest Clan of the four. We have a nursery full of kits, soon to be apprentices, and we have apprentices soon to be warriors. I would like to hold two ceremonies right now. Hazekit, will you step forward?"
Hazekit glared up at Blazingstar. Is he going to make me an apprentice now too? He glanced at Thistlepaw who was looking excited at him. What a fool to buy into this. But Hazekit stood up and slowly padded forward.
"From this day, until he has earned his warrior name, Hazekit, you will be known as Hazepaw. Your mentor will be Sunstone. I hope that Sunstone will pass down all she knows to you. Sunstone, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You had received excellent training from Lizardtail, and you have shown yourself to be determined and strong-willed. You will be the mentor of Hazepaw."
Sunstone padded up to Hazepaw, who glanced uneasily at the fierce some she-cat. The touched noses, and just as they broke apart, Sunstone whispered so that only Hazepaw could hear: "I am going to break you." Hazepaw narrowed his eyes. I'd like to see you try.
"Hazepaw! Hazepaw!" called out the clan.
Thistlepaw rushed up to Hazepaw and nuzzled him. "Now we're apprentices together! Now the den won't be so cold! And soon we'll be warriors together, just like we always wanted!" No, thought Hazepaw, just like how you always wanted.
"And now," continued Blazingstar. "Shimmerpaw, would you step forward?"
Shimmerpaw, who had been sitting outside the apprentice den, guarding over Palepaw, jerked up, surprise written on her face. She stood up and padded forward.
"ForestClan doesn't just need new apprentices. We need new warriors as well. I, Blazingstar, leader of ForestClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn. Shimmerpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do," mewed Shimmerpaw, a waver in her voice.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Shimmerpaw, from this moment you will be known as Shimmerstream. StarClan honors your bravery and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ForestClan."
"Shimmerstream! Shimmerstream!"
Despite all that had happened with the battle and Palepaw, a small glow bubbled up inside Shimmerstream as the Clan called out her new warrior name.
After the cheering died down, Blazingstar continued.
"Lastly, we need to bring the ShadeClan warrior back to its territory. I'll lead the patrol with… Icecloud and Shimmerstream."
"Not a chance, Blazingstar," snarled Peppernose from below. "As your medicine cat, I'm advising you to stay in camp to heal."
"Thank you for your advice, Peppernose. I highly appreciate it. Icecloud, Shimmerstream: we'll leave immediately," ordered Blazingstar. "Bluefrost, start on hunting patrols."
Peppernose let out a low growl, but didn't argue.
Blazingstar, Icecloud, and Shimmerstream grabbed the body and made their way out of camp.
"Hunting patrols," began Bluefrost. "Let's see…"
"I can take Thistlepaw hunting, Bluefrost, if that's alright," suggested Spiceheart with Thistlepaw bobbing behind her.
"Wait, Spiceheart! Can't we go with Hazepaw and Sunstone?" pleaded Thistlepaw.
"There are less warriors to hunt, so ForestClan needs every paw out hunting, Thistlepaw. You should have realized this," Spiceheart mewed.
"Right, Spiceheart. Maybe next time, okay, Hazepaw?" meowed Thistlepaw.
"Sure…" trailed off Hazepaw.
"Sunstone then you'll give Hazepaw the tour?" asked Bluefrost.
"That's right," she answered. Bluefrost nodded.
"Hunt on the way back then," he ordered. Sunstone and Hazepaw followed Spiceheart and Thistlepaw out of the den.
"I'd like to go hunting as well Bluefrost," suggested Mintyheart.
"Oh no you don't, Mintyheart!" snarled Peppernose. "You're staying right in your den!"
"I feel fine—"
"Blazingstar might be able to blow me off, but not you!"
"Peppernose," meowed Bluefrost, "If Mintyheart feels fine—"
"Are you questioning your medicine cat?" spat Peppernose.
"Are you questioning your deputy?" Bluefrost snarled back. Peppernose bared his fangs but Bluefrost held his ground.
"Mintyheart," mewed Echopaw from behind Peppernose, "We want you to rest for today because you had a concussion. For all we know you might pass out again randomly out in the woods and snow all by yourself. And then you'll die. We want you here to keep an eye on you so we can help you. The side effects should subside in a few days."
"But… I can't help the Clan when I should be…" complained Mintyheart.
"Oh, I'm so sorry for you!" said Peppernose sarcastically. "Deal with it!"
"Fine," said Mintyheart, glancing to his right. I'll just sneak out later.
Peppernose narrowed his eyes, as if he could almost guess what the warrior was thinking. "Think of it this way. If you leave, pass out, and get in a worse condition, you'll be of no use to your Clan." Mintyheart nodded but didn't meet the medicine cat's eyes. Bluefrost didn't say anything.
Blazingstar, Icecloud, and Shimmerstream had left Cedarheart's body on the border line. The trio had meant to wait for a ShadeClan patrol, but one never showed. Icecloud and Blazingstar surmised that they were too weak from the battle to yet organize patrols. As much as Blazingstar would hate too admit it, ForestClan was too weak to bring Cedarheart all the way back to ShadeClan's camp. They also didn't want to risk sparking another battle. So, given the circumstances, the three left the body resting on the border of ForestClan and ShadeClan, with the assumption that ShadeClan would find the body in the dawn patrol.
He then ordered Icecloud to hunt around that area, keeping one ear on the border. ShadeClan was weak, but Blazingstar wouldn't put it past ShadeClan to cross the border while they picked up Cedarheart. And also, Blazingstar didn't want a fox or badger to befall Cedarheart's body, despite how much he loathed ShadeClan.
He then ordered Shimmerstream to return to camp, hunting on the way back. He was sure she was worried about Palepaw.
Blazingstar himself took off in the opposite direction. He knew it was in the middle of the night, but the battle had made him restless, and he knew he wouldn't be able to fall asleep. Besides, dawn was approaching soon, and there was so much to do.
His mind wandered back to the battle, his heart heavy...
Blazingstar shared Shimmerstream's worry over Palepaw's health. Not only was he very ill, he now was laced with injuries. If he dies, that will be the second apprentice to die while I'm leader...he thought sorrowfully. He gave himself a little shake. I can't think like that! I must stay positive! Shimmerstream became a warrior! She fought very hard. And all kits are fine. A little shaken up, but fine nonetheless. And the elders are fine. And Hazepaw became an apprentice! And Thistlepaw fought so hard, just like a true Clan cat. And Mintyheart, Maplefur, and Skypool fought well protecting the kits. And without Icecloud, Winterstorm, and Bluefrost's strategy, we probably would have lost. And Spiceheart! He gave a warm purr. Spiceheart drove off Nightwhisper! I'm so proud of her!
"Blazingstar!" came a voice, jolting him out of his thoughts.
He looked down a small gully to see the eyes of Spiceheart twinkling up at him. There was an odd lurch in his stomach when their eyes met. It had begun to snow, and he didn't notice Thistlepaw until the apprentice padded over and stood next to Spiceheart.
"How's the hunting?" he mewed.
"So-so," replied Spiceheart. "But you gotta come down here and see what Thistlepaw caught!"
Blazingstar padded down the slope, careful not to slip on the snow. It would be awfully embarrassing if he took a tumble. He looked up to take another glance up to look at them, and saw an odd mess of feathers next to Thistlepaw. In that moment he felt one of his claws snag on a root or stick hidden in the snow, and he felt himself summersault forward. In a matter of seconds he tumbled down the rest of the slope like a newborn kit. He rammed into something soft, and it gave a little squeal.
Between the whirlwind of his fall and the snow, it took him a moment to gather himself. Pulling himself off the sweet smelling soft mass he landed on, he groaned inwardly. Not only had he tripped and slipped down the small hill, which was embarrassing enough, he had also rolled right into Spiceheart and landed on top of her.
"I'm - I'm so sorry!" Blazingstar stammered as heat rushed through his chest and face.
"It's okay," squeaked Spiceheart in a high-pitched voice.
"Are you, uh, okay?" asked Blazingstar, staring her paws.
"Yes, I'm fine," Spiceheart answered, in the same high-pitched voice.
"Good," mewed Blazingstar shortly. "So, uh, what did Hazepaw do?"
"My name's Thistlepaw!" Thistlepaw interjected, but neither Blazingstar nor Spiceheart really noticed.
"Oh, um. Do? What did he do again? Um..."
"I caught an owl!" Thistlepaw boasted. He shot a glare at his mentor, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.
"Oh, yeah?" mewed Blazingstar a little too loudly, still staring at Spiceheart's paw. "Did you pretend you were a mouse or something?" Pretend to be a mouse?! Did I just say that?! Oh, great StarClan, Spiceheart must think I'm stupid!
Thistlepaw stared at his leader. "No … it was going for a real mouse and I leapt out and caught it. Blazingstar, are you okay?" the apprentice asked awkwardly, as if unsure he could ask his leader that.
"Wha-?" Blazingstar jerked his gaze to Thistlepaw. "No, yes, I'm fine. Yeah. An owl. Great job! You should be proud."
"I am," answered Spiceheart. "I mean, he is. I mean, aren't you?"
Thistlepaw opened his mouth to respond that he indeed proud, but Blazingstar beat him to it.
"Of course I am!" exclaimed Blazingstar, quickly looking at Spiceheart's face before returning his gaze to her paws.
"Uh … right," mewed Thistlepaw, thoroughly confused.
There was a very pregnant pause, involving Blazingstar staring at Spiceheart's paws, Spiceheart looking up at the sky, and Thistlepaw looking back and forth between his mentor and leader. It was Thistlepaw who broke the awkward silence first: "So, um, shouldn't we continue hunting?"
"Oh, right yes-" said Spiceheart, returning to earth.
"No, that's probably-" said Blazingstar at the same time as Spiceheart, resulting in them both breaking off mid-sentence. Blazingstar cleared his throat and somehow managed to look up. "That owl could probably feed the whole clan, so I think you two have done enough. Plus, you haven't rested since the battle. And it's freezing out here. You should get some rest."
Spiceheart nodded.
"Imagine that, the owl I caught feeding the whole clan! Wow!" mewed Thistlepaw. The apprentice turned around to get his owl and mouse. Conversationally, he mewed, "I'm glad Hazepaw's an apprentice now. Our den will be warmer." He jerked his head up, just as he was about to pick up the owl, as if something just occurred to him. "Hey, Blazingstar! I have a question!"
Blazingstar looked expectantly at the apprentice.
"You sleep in your den all alone right?"
"Right," answered Blazingstar, vaguely wondering where this was going.
"Doesn't it get cold?"
"It does."
"Couldn't you have one of your friends sleep with you? You know, for warmth?" asked Thistlepaw sincerely.
"I … suppose..."
"Like Mintyheart! Oh, but, if Mintyheart were to sleep anywhere else it would be the nursery with his kits."
"Right, exactly, so-"
"What about Spiceheart?" suggested Thistlepaw, tilting his head.
Blazingstar gaped at Thistlepaw. How did we get talking about this again?
"Thistlepaw!" scolded Spiceheart in a voice higher than before. "Don't ask your leader such silly questions! And it's none of your business whether he's cold at night or whatever! Show some respect!"
Thistlepaw looked taken aback. It wasn't like Spiceheart to snap like that.
"Well? What are you waiting for?" mewed Spiceheart all rather quickly. "Didn't you say you were cold?"
"No, Blazingstar said he thought you were cold," mewed Thistlepaw.
"I didn't—" started Blazingstar.
"Well! I am! I'm cold! Grab your owl and let's go!" Spiceheart padded the snow awkwardly.
"Oh, so you're cold too! See!" Thistlepaw said to Blazingstar, leaning around Spiceheart. "What a great combo! You'd keep each other warm through the night!"
"OWL!" yowled Spiceheart.
"Okay, okay. Keep your tail on," muttered Thistlepaw. And he latched his jaw around the owl, and tried to pick it up. However, the owl was so large that Thistlepaw could barely even drag it. He set the owl down and frowned at it, as if it was the owl's fault Thistlepaw couldn't carry it. Blazingstar and Spiceheart looked exasperatedly at Thistlepaw, both having a hunch of how this was going to turn out.
"Um..." Thistlepaw mewed, looking up at the two warriors.
"You can carry the mouse," Spiceheart said deflatedly.
"Okay then!" Thistlepaw bubbled.
Without looking at the other, both Blazingstar and Spiceheart padded over to the owl and picked it up. Side by side, the carried it back to camp. Thistlepaw led the trio with his tail erect, relishing in the memory of his kill, and blissfully unaware of the cloud of tension hanging above Blazingstar and Spiceheart behind him.