Chapter 13
The sun was setting in the sky as Ripplesky slipped out of camp. Heart pounding, the young tom headed in the direction of ShadowClan's camp. What if they don't believe me? Pushing the thought aside, he continued on.
When he reached the Thunderpath, Ripplesky could feel his chest tightening up. He hated the Thunderpath, especially at night. Taking a deep breath, Ripplesky darted out onto the black path. Sharp stones dug into his paw pads, making him wince. As he crossed the path, he could hear monsters in the distance. They were approaching swiftly, their bright eyes shining down onto him. With a final burst of speed, Ripplesky landed on the tough grass on the other side of the Thunderpath.
Sniffing the air, the silver tom tried to pick up traces of a patrol. To his disappointment, the scent markers left behind were hours old, meaning no patrol had been in the area for a while. Pushing through the sparse undergrowth, Ripplesky began to look around for ShadowClan's camp. He had never been in ShadowClan's territory before, so he had no clue where to look.
Suddenly, the tall pine branches above his head began to rustle. Glancing up, Ripplesky spotted a pair of shining eyes. "Who's there?" he demanded.
A few seconds later, Willowpaw slithered down from the tree. Her amber eyes were narrowed in annoyance. "You're trespassing on ShadowClan's territory," she snarled, mocking his tone from their earlier encounter.
"I have a very important message," Ripplesky said, growing annoyed. Why did Willowpaw have to behave like an immature kit?
"I don't want to hear it," Willowpaw growled. "Now go away, before I call a patrol on you."
"You don't understand," Ripplesky gulped. "ShadowClan is in danger!"
Willowpaw's eyes widened for a brief second, before narrowing again. "ShadowClan can take care of itself, thank you very much."
"In three sunrises, ThunderClan is going to ambush your camp! You have to listen to me, Willowpaw. I know you're angry with me from our earlier encounter, but this is serious." He stared at her, hoping she would listen to him. To his disappointment, she didn't seem to believe him.
Before she could chase him off, three warriors stepped out from the undergrowth. "What's going on?" a reddish-brown tom demanded, his eyes blazing in the dying rays of sunlight. As he directed his attention towards Ripplesky he asked, "What are you doing here?"
Ripplesky gulped. "I've come with a message," he announced, puffing out his chest slightly. Stay calm, he told himself.
"What kind of message?" a cream-brown she-cat wondered.
"It's nothing, Dawnfire. Ripplesky is just full of nonsense," Willowpaw mewed, shooting a glare at the RiverClan medicine cat.
"ThunderClan is planning an attack on ShadowClan," he said, ignoring Willowpaw's harsh tone.
Dawnfire flicked an ear. "And how do you know this? More importantly, why do you care? I appreciate the fact you want to help us, but you should worry about your own Clan."
A growl rose up in Ripplesky's throat, but he did his best to remain calm.
"I think this is a trap," the reddish-brown tom growled, glaring at Ripplesky. "Perhaps we should take him back to camp and let Bramblestar decide what to do with him."
Dawnfire was silent for a few moments. Finally she shook her head and replied, "I don't think so. He's too..."
"I'm too what?" he growled, flicking his tail slightly.
The ShadowClan she-cat shook her head. "Never mind. Oakfall, let's escort him back to the border. Marshtuft, you take Willowpaw back to camp."
Marshtuft nodded, before leading Willowpaw in the direction of camp. As soon as they were gone, Dawnfire and Oakfall padded alongside Ripplesky as they escorted him to the border. "RiverClan should teach their apprentices better," Oakfall sniffed.
"I'm not an apprentice," Ripplesky told him.
The ShadowClan tom snorted. "Whatever."
The rest of the walk was silent. By the time they reached the border, the forest was completely dark. "Don't come back," Dawnfire ordered, glaring at him.
"You'll regret this, mark my words," Ripplesky threatened, before padding up to the edge of the Thunderpath. Before the ShadowClan cats could challenge his threat, he darted out onto the dark Thunderpath. To his relief, the stone path was silent. The monsters must be sleeping, he thought as he crossed over onto the opposite side of the forest. As he made his way home, Ripplesky could only think of how angry he was. Why did ShadowClan have to be so stubborn? They'll be sorry three sunrises from now. Pushing his anger aside, Ripplesky decided to check the area for herbs.
Realizing his efforts were useless, he gave up and went home. When he reached camp, he saw that most of the cats had retreated into their dens for the night. Morningstar and Birchtail were the only cats awake. They were having a quiet discussion outside of Morningstar's den.
"Good evening," Birchtail called out as Ripplesky walked past.
"Have you been out alone?" Morningstar demanded, leaping to her paws. "You can't do that! Next time, bring one of your bodyguards with you."
Birchtail gave her a surprised look. "Ripplesky can take care of himself. After all, he's almost as big as Waveheart."
Morningstar sighed. "I don't want to take any chances, Birchtail. Just imagine what would happen to the Clan if Ripplesky died too." The tortoiseshell leader was silent for a while before meowing, "I'm going to sleep. Goodnight."
Birchtail dipped his head to the leader, before making his way towards the warriors den. "I'm going to go to sleep as well. Night, Ripplesky." Waving his tail in goodbye, the deputy slipped into the safety of the warriors den.
Now alone, Ripplesky made his way towards his own den. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't tired, and he didn't feel like sorting herbs. Letting out a sigh, the silver tom decided to lay down anyways. Rolling onto his back, he gazed up at the roof of the den. I hate to admit this, but I'm lonely without Nightsky. At least she kept me company when I was bored.
The next few sunrises were incredibly slow and boring. Seeing as the herb store was full, Ripplesky had no reason to leave camp. Because of this, the young tom spent most of his days laying around camp, waiting for the battle between ThunderClan and ShadowClan to break out. Part of him wanted to tell Morningstar to refuse help, but he knew she wouldn't agree to that. She's too soft, he thought irritably. ShadowClan doesn't deserve our help after sending me away. Don't they realize medicine cats should be treated with respect?
Pushing his thoughts away, Ripplesky decided to go and watch Minnowpaw's training session. He hadn't been to the apprentice training grounds in some time, so it would do him good. As he made his way out of camp, Mudfoot stopped him.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Ripplesky's stomach tightened. "I'm going to the training area," he growled, pushing his way past the older warrior.
"You're not supposed to leave camp by yourself," Mudfoot reminded him as he quickly followed after Ripplesky.
The medicine cat paused. "Stop following me!" he spat, suppressing the urge to claw Mudfoot across the face.
Mudfoot shook his head. "I can't. Morningstar told me-"
"And if Morningstar told you to go lay in the middle of the Thunderpath, would you?" As soon as the dark warrior shook his head, Ripplesky continued, "Exactly! Now leave me alone."
Mudfoot hesitated for a few seconds, before letting out a sigh. Without saying a word, he turned around and padded back towards camp. Now alone, Ripplesky headed towards the training grounds. As he approached, he could hear Minnowpaw and Briarpelt as they trained.
"You're a fast learner," Briarpelt praised as he took a seat beneath the shade of a willow.
Minnowpaw puffed out her chest. "Well, I have an excellent mentor!"
Ripplesky let out a purr. Before long, Minnowpaw would become a warrior. The idea of watching his sister's ceremony made his heart swell with pride. We should be having our ceremony together, the silver tom suddenly realized. A wave of sadness came crashing down on him as he realized how different their destinies had turned out. Ripplesky quickly pushed the thought away. This wasn't about him, it was about Minnowpaw. His fate had already been decided, but she was still figuring out her place in life. I'm going to cheer for her louder than any other cat in the Clan!
"Ripplesky?" Minnowpaw's voice sounded.
Looking up, the silver medicine cat noticed his sister was approaching him. "I came to watch you train," he told her, smiling slightly.
Minnowpaw's eyes gleamed. "Come watch this new move I just learned!" Spinning around, the pretty she-cat padded to the sandy clearing. "I want to show Ripplesky the move you just taught me," Minnowpaw said to Briarpelt.
Briarpelt dipped his head. Before the tom could prepare himself, Minnowpaw leaped onto him. The two wrestled on the ground, aiming blows at each other's legs and face. Finally, Minnowpaw pinned her mentor to the ground. "I win!" she squealed, her tail waving excitedly.
Ripplesky let out a purr. "That was brilliant!"
"Thanks! Do you want to try?"
He quickly shook his head. "I can't."
"Why?" His sister's gaze quickly filled with sadness as she whimpered, "That's right, your breathing." Minnowpaw flattened her ears to her head as she pushed past her brother. "I have to go. I'll see you back at camp, okay?"
Ripplesky watched her go. Sighing, he headed towards the river. My life is so boring, he thought sadly as he dipped his paw in the cold water. As he pulled his paw out, he could see small shapes as they darted beneath the waves. He wanted to reach out and try to catch them, but he knew his efforts would be useless.
Suddenly, the reeds behind him rustled. Morningstar's sweet scent washed over Ripplesky, alerting him of her presence.
"Mudfoot said you'd-"
"If you've come here to lecture me, save it. I don't want to hear it." The medicine cat didn't bother to look up.
Morningstar sighed. "I'm so sorry," she whispered as she sat down next to him.
Ripplesky's neck fur bristled slightly. "For what?"
"For everything," Morningstar replied as she glanced at the sky. When Ripplesky didn't respond she continued, "I forced you into one of the hardest positions in the Clan, knowing that you didn't want to do it. It doesn't help that Nightsky is dead, which means your job is much harder. I've completely ruined your life." The dark tortoiseshell hung her head in shame.
He stared at her, shocked. "Thank you for the apology," he whispered, unsure what to say. Part of him wanted to tell her that, yes she had ruined his life, but he felt that was too rude of a thing to say.
"I should have never become leader," Morningstar meowed. "RiverClan has had nothing but tragedy since I took control. Sometimes I feel as if my kin is cursed with misfortune."
"What makes you say that?" Ripplesky questioned, narrowing his eyes.
Morningstar was silent for a long period of time. Finally she replied, "My mother was slain in battle, Nightsky was killed by rogues, and to top it off I'm a failed leader. I'm starting to think StarClan hates my family, but I cannot understand why."
"Bad things happen to everyone," he pointed out, flicking his tail slightly.
"I know, but-"
"I need to tell you something," Ripplesky blurted out. She deserves to know the truth about the battle.
"What?"
"ThunderClan is going to attack ShadowClan tonight," he told her. "It's going to be a horrible raid, and ShadowClan is going to want reinforcements. You cannot go to their aide," he said, frowning.
Morningstar gave him a surprised look. "How do you know this? And why not? If ShadowClan needs our help, I will do everything I can for them."
"You can't go," Ripplesky insisted, leaping to his paws. "It's too dangerous!" What was the point of being a medicine cat if no one listened to his omens? Couldn't Morningstar see it was far too dangerous to leap into battle for another Clan? I'm trying to save your life!
The RiverClan leader gave him a confused look. "All battles are dangerous. What makes this one different?"
He held his tongue, unsure whether or not he should tell Morningstar the truth. No, it would do no good. Ripplesky shook his head. "Forget I said anything," he whispered, before turning and padding back towards camp. If StarClan really wanted Morningstar dead, it would happen with or without Ripplesky's help.
"Help! You've got to help us!"
Leaping out of his nest, Ripplesky charged out into the clearing. In the middle stood an elderly tom, who was covered in wounds.
"Dustbelly!" Sootpelt cried out, rushing up to the old ShadowClan tom. "What in the name of StarClan are you doing here? And what happened to you?"
"ThunderClan attacked us," Dustbelly moaned as he collapsed to the ground.
Ripplesky retreated into his den to get some cobweb. Once he had a good mouthful, he padded up to the old tom's side. As he pressed the white spiderweb to the elder's wounds, he gulped. Dustbelly had been severely wounded, and most likely would not survive.
Morningstar padded up to the tom, a grim expression plastered on her face. "How many cats are there?" she demanded.
"The whole Clan has come to attack us! Even elders and queens!" Dustbelly answered.
Birchtail exchanged a look with Morningstar. "I'll gather up-"
"No," Morningstar growled. "I'm sorry, Dustbelly, but we cannot come to your aide." The dark she-cat looked over at Ripplesky, who nodded slowly.
"You have to come," Dustbelly rasped. "If you don't, ShadowClan will be wiped out! Several of our warriors have already been killed. We cannot fight this battle alone."
Birchtail glared at his leader. "How can you refuse to help?" he spat, the fur along his spine bristling.
"We just can't!" Morningstar argued, flattening her ears to her head.
"If you won't go, I will." Birchtail stalked away, completely ignoring Morningstar's protests.
"Ripplesky." Birchtail's voice alerted the young tom. "I want you to join our patrol. If this battle is as bad as Dustbelly has described, I'm sure Honeyleaf and Willowpaw will need your help."
Ripplesky gulped. Before he could open his mouth to speak, Waveheart meowed, "I don't think that's a good idea. The last time ThunderClan attacked us, one of their apprentices went after him. Those fish-brains are heartless, and they'll do anything to make the kill. It isn't safe for Ripplesky to go into a battle like this."
"Mudfoot and I will keep watch over him," Swanfeather promised the white warrior.
Waveheart looked unconvinced, but did not argue. As soon as Birchtail had assembled a patrol, the RiverClan deputy charged out of camp, the patrol streaming after him. Just as Ripplesky was about to follow them, Morningstar stopped him.
"May StarClan light your path," she murmured, giving him a lick between the ears.
Ripplesky returned the gesture, before racing after his Clanmates. As he ran, he could feel his chest tightening. I'll never be able to make it without stopping for a breath!
Swanfeather paused. "Go ahead!" she called out to the patrol. "Ripplesky and I will catch up in a moment." Ripplesky shot her a thankful look, before collapsing onto the ground. As he gulped for air, the silver tom's mind whirled. What would the state of ShadowClan's camp be by the time they arrived?
"Are you ready?" Swanfeather asked after a couple of minutes.
He nodded, slowly standing to his paws. Together, they raced after their Clanmates, ready for the battle. By the time they caught up, the RiverClan patrol was positioned beside the Thunderpath. Birchtail stopped for a moment to allow Ripplesky to catch his breath once more. Once his breathing had returned to normal, the deputy charged onto the black path.
Since it was so late, the Thunderpath was silent allowing for an easy crossing. As they made their way into the pine forest, Ripplesky could hear the shrieks of battle in the distance.
Suddenly, Birchtail came to a halt. "I want to circle the camp, so ThunderClan can't escape. Shellnose, I want you to take Rainfall, Minnowpaw, Brambletail, Lilypelt and Waveheart around the back of the camp. The rest of us will attack from the front. Ripplesky, I want you to go hide in those ferns over there. Once it's safe for you to come out, I'll send Mudfoot to come and get you."
"What about me?" Swanfeather wondered.
"You'll be joining the attack patrol. Ripplesky can take care of himself for right now," Birchtail ordered. "Now get going." As the back patrol slipped around the outskirts of camp, Birchtail and the others gathered around the front wall of camp.
Ripplesky backed into the ferns, his heart racing. There was a high possibility some of these warriors would not be returning home.
"RiverClan warriors, attack!" Birchtail yowled as he leaped over the bramble wall and into the battle.
I apologize for the lack of updates lately. I have just had a lot of problems to deal with in real life, and I haven't been feeling very well lately. I really appreciate all the support you guys have been giving me and my stories. Thank you so much. I will do my best to update again within the next couple of days.
I also apologize for any mistakes. Since my laptop is broken, I have to type on an iPad which isn't the easiest task in the world. Even with a keyboard, mistakes still slip by. I tried to edit this chapter the best I could, but if you see a typo or something please let me know.
