Three days after Fernfire's kits were born, Gingerpaw sat near the stream as Blackstripe taught him some of the warrior code.
"Now, the warrior code is a list of fifteen rules that all cats of the clans must follow. Some you already know and should know like no crossing boundary lines or taking or giving prey to other clans." Blackstripe said
"Don't medicine cats have some type of immunity to some rules?" He asked
"Yes, they do. As do leaders. As you know, you can go into Thunderclan and Windclan's territory when going to the Moonpool. The same goes for leaders. Another exception for the boundary rule is only for Windclan, Thunderclan and Shadowclan." Blackstripe said
Gingerpaw looked up in jealousy. Why did the other clans get to have some sort of immunity! He flicked his tail in agitation as she continued.
"Since we swim to the Gathering and the tree bride is on our territory, we made an exception for them to come within two fox-lengths of the lake." She said
He relaxed, knowing it was nothing big that gave the other clans an advantage.
"Now some rules are known by all clans that aren't in the warrior code, like no having mates from another clan or medicine cats can't have mates. But, that one has been broken. Like Leafpool and Crowfeather. Leafpool was a medicine cat of Thunderclan while Crowfeather was a warrior of Windclan. They had three kits, Hollyleaf, Lionblaze and Jayfeather." She said
"Jayfeather! He told me that she was his mother, but, he had siblings and told me not to tell anyone! How does Blackstripe know?" He thought
"Now, some rules were rejected over time. Like only cats born in the forest can be clan cats. Very few cats agreed with this rule and it wasn't admitted into the code. Along with eating the prey that their clan is most suited for or that all clans must acknowledge that Starclan controlled all clan life." She said
"But that's not fair!" He said
"And that's why it isn't in the code. Now, that's all for today. You and Willowshine have to go to the Moonpool tonight." She said
He remembered Willowshine mentioning that and looked up. The sun was setting in the distance and dusk was almost there.
"Well? Come on!" She called
He shook his head and saw her already up the slope. He ran up to her and they padded towards camp. He saw Cedarfoot, Aquapaw, Sunpaw, and Wolfheart leave camp.
"Where are you guys going?" Blackstripe asked
"We're practicing battle skills!" Aquapaw said happily
"Yeah! Wolfheart's gonna teach me a few new moves too!" Sunpaw said
The four cats headed towards the stream as Blackstripe and Gingerpaw entered camp. Gingerpaw soon saw his father, who's tail was twitching with frustration.
"Where were you? I told you to be ready for the dusk patrol." He said
"Sorry, I was just teaching Gingerpaw about the warrior code." Blackstripe said
"Well, he's not your apprentice nor a warrior-in-training. Reedstar agreed to some training, but Willowshine needs him more than you do." Sparkfur said
"So, if any clan invades or that intruder comes again, we need to be ready!" Blackstripe said
"Then why not take your own apprentice out." Sparkfur said
He looked around for Ashpaw who was carrying a trout towards the elder's den.
"She's been in camp forever. I suggest you take her out now for some battle training, if you're so keen on protection." Sparkfur said
Blackstripe's tail fluffed out but she nodded.
"See ya Gingerpaw. Have fun at the Moonpool." She said
She walked towards the elder's den and waited for her apprentice. Gingerpaw walked to Willowshine's den and the where her green eyes looked up at him.
"Good, you're early. I would like you to bring some borage to Fernfire. Her three kits are a hungry batch!" She said
He nodded and walked to the herbs and grabbed the green leaf. He padded over to the nursery, expecting to be run over by Daisyface's kits, but was welcomed by silence. The three queens were resting as he walked in. Fernfire's three kits were sleeping next to their mother, who was chatting with Spottedpool.
"So, when can Tawnykit see them? The little one has been bugging me to see them." Fernfire asked
"When he comes back with Riverheart and Frosttail. He loves seeing that warrior!" Spottedpool said
"It is so nice when they're first born, they're quiet. When they get older, they'll be a pawful!" Daisyface said
Rosekit pushed Lionkit with her rear legs and the little kit squeaked. Firekit nudged towards Fernfire as Gingerpaw padded over.
"Oh hello Gingerpaw. Is that borage?" Fernfire asked
"Yeah! Here." He said
He nudged the little leaves to her as he looked over at Spottedpool, no other cats in Riverclan were tortoiseshell aside from Flowercloud. But, they weren't related!
"Uhh, Spottedpool." He said
The queen looked up. She looked a lot like Hawkfeather. But he said that he had never mated before. She had the same narrow muzzle and the angled face that he had and the strong legs that he had.
"Why does she look so much like him, but no other tortoiseshell cats are in Riverclan!" He thought
"Yeah Gingerpaw?" She asked
"Can ask you something in private?" He asked
"Sure!" She said
The queen stood up and followed him to the rear of the nursery. He looked into her green eyes and hoped she wouldn't lie.
"Who are your parents?" He asked
For some reason, she tensed up and her eyes widened.
"Uhh..." She said
"Please don't lie. It is a simple question." He said
He thought of the worst, that she was a rouge that came into Riverclan.
"Gingerpaw!"
He turned and saw Willowshine coming towards him.
"How long does it take to give the queens borage? Sorry Spottedpool, we must go." She said
Spottedpool exhaled. Her green gaze softened as she returned to the nursery.
"Why did she tense up?" He thought
"Come, dusk is approaching. Grab something small to eat and let's go!" She said
He nodded and ran to the fresh-kill pile that was emptier than usual. There was three pieces of prey in there. He grabbed a minnow and quickly ate it. He ran to the dark gray she-cat and she stared down at him.
"Alright, let's go." She said
The two left camp as Gingerpaw's mind was focused on that one question-
"Who are Spottedpool's parents?"