-Chapter 6-
Honeypaw groaned as she pushed her way through the gorse tunnel making it back into camp. Mousefur had absolutely run her into the ground during battle training today and she felt like she'd taken a tumble down the ravine, with her muscles so sore. She couldn't wait to snag a piece of fresh-kill and finally take a break.
She had been an apprentice for about 6 moons now and she was so ready to become a warrior. As much as she cared for her clanmates, there were only so many times she could clear out dens before she wanted to cry at the sight of moss. Honeypaw was also anticipating a battle for Sunningrocks any day now as the new-leaf finally made an appearance.
It had been a long leaf-bare with a greencough epidemic leaving most of the Clan too sick to leave camp, including herself. They had lost five kits as well, which she knew the queens grieved, especially Speckletail, as she always took it personally when a kit got sick.
Honeypaw had spent most of leaf-bare either sick or recovering and now she supposed she should have just been happy that she was well enough for training but did Mousefur really need to invite Lionheart just to beat her up?
Honeypaw sighed as she slowly made her way over to the fresh-kill pile trying not to wince at how her shoulder screamed at her to rest. She nosed through the pile until she found a satisfactory chaffinch and carried it away toward the stump where she saw Sandpaw already there digging into a vole.
She collapsed next to the pale ginger molly who greeted her with a flick of the ear. Honeypaw nodded at her and ate in silence, too tired to strike up a conversation at the moment.
"What made you so tired? Fight a badger?" Sandpaw commented as she finished her vole. Honeypaw snorted and swallowed a bite before answering.
"Practically, Mousefur had me practice defending against tandem fighting and she had Lionheart join in. They batted me all around the Sandy Hollow and if I ever see that place again it will be far too soon." The cream cat complained as she finished her chaffinch.
Sandpaw laughed softly and Honeypaw whipped her head around glaring playfully at the ginger cat, "That's right laugh it up furball, but when it's your turn and Whitestorm beats you up I reserve the right to offer my assistance."
Sandpaw shook her head and licked Honeypaw's shoulder, "Come on now, you know Mousefur only pushes you so hard because she knows you can take it."
She paused and she glanced behind Honeypaw, a mischievous grin spread across her face, "Besides if it really was that bad then I'm sure you wouldn't mind if Mousefur knew what you were feeling."
Honeypaw whipped her head around glancing through the camp, when she didn't find her dusky brown mentor she swatted Sandpaw with her tail, "Very funny, Sandpaw. I almost jumped out of my fur."
Sandpaw laughed before she leaned forward and began grooming the older apprentice, rasping her tongue over her shoulder. Honeypaw relaxed and did the same, licking Sandpaw's sleek fur in place. They shared tongues for a while before Dustpaw came bounding over collapsing next to the two she-cats.
"When do you think we'll do something fun? I haven't even been in a real fight before despite constantly patrolling, I can't wait to be a warrior." He complained, stretching out in the dirt.
Honeypaw snorted, "Why don't you ask Redtail if he'll take you to Sandy Hollow then, I'm sure he wouldn't mind knocking you around a bit."
Dustpaw scowled and ignored the cream colored molly turning to Sandpaw, who just shrugged not wanting to get involved in the beginnings of another spat. Honeypaw and Dustpaw had been getting into those quite a bit lately despite how close they normally were.
Honestly, Honeypaw was just stressed about the impending battle hanging over her head. She had subverted one event already but it was still troubling her as she would have to be directly in charge of changing Redtail's fate this time around.
Honeypaw was still pleased she had helped Yellowfang and by proxy the entirety of ShadowClan earlier last season, when she warned her via Spottedleaf of Brokenstar - Brokentail in this life.
Spottedleaf had managed to warn Yellowfang, apparently she accused Brokentail of murdering Raggedstar and managed to turn the Clan against him but Brokentail was still roaming around the territories with a group of rogues last she heard. Honeypaw hoped some cat would get to him before he got any ideas about regaining his power or running into BloodClan.
Although she was sad that she wouldn't get to know the wise old medicine cat in this life, Honeypaw was happy Yellowfang never had to deal with all the fallout of Brokentail's tyranny. However, Honeypaw would never feel fully comfortable while his fate was still unknown.
The more she changed what happened, the more nervous she got, wondering if at some point she wouldn't be able to do anything but watch as it all came crashing down. Honeypaw sighed knowing she was being unfair taking her stress out on the young tabby and licked his shoulder in apology, before hauling herself up. She needed to talk to Spottedleaf about her shoulder, she might have pulled a muscle with how bad it hurt.
She padded over to the medicine cat den and shouldered her way in. She saw Willowpelt with her paw held out while Spottedleaf was obviously trying to dig a deep thorn out of the pale gray molly's pad. Willowpelt was grimacing as Spottedleaf tugged on the sharp thorn. Honeypaw watched as Spottedleaf eventually won the fight, spitting out the thorn to Willowpelt's relief.
Spottedleaf looked up and greeted her before turning and getting herbs for Willowpelt. Willowpelt licked at her paw and merely flicked her tail in greeting at Honeypaw. Honeypaw padded over to a clear spot in the den, out of the way as she waits for Spottedleaf to finish.
The beautiful tortoiseshell comes back with a poultice and rubs it into Willowpelt's paw instructing, "Now you have to let it soak in so try to keep off it and don't lick it because it'll take longer to heal with you worrying at it constantly."
Willowpelt nodded and thanked her before turning and limping out of the den, holding her injured paw high off the ground.
"Now, what brings you here Honeypaw? An actual injury this time or just some more relationship advice?" Spottedleaf meowed whiskers twitching.
"First of all, that was one time and it was only a question about what was happening, not how to solve it," Honeypaw rolled her eyes in exasperation. Honeypaw had asked the older molly one time about why the newly named Longtail kept hovering around her and Spottedleaf acted like she was blind for not immediately guessing the tom had a crush, but in her defense, how is she supposed to know what a tom looks like chasing after a cat? She used to be a tom and it's not like she even knew she liked Sandstorm in their last life until Cinderpelt pointed it out.
"Second of all, I think I might have pulled a muscle or something, while I was training today." Honeypaw continued, watching some concern bleed into Spottedleaf's amber eyes.
"Alright, where does it hurt?" Spottedleaf questioned already getting some herbs ready.
"It's my left shoulder and it mainly only hurts when I stretch or put all my weight on it but when I'm sitting or lying down it's not that bad," Honeypaw said, demonstrating her range of motion without pain.
Spottedleaf nodded, "There's not much I can do for you unfortunately, but I would recommend resting and to avoid stretching because it will make it worse if it is indeed a strained muscle. I can give you a poppy seed for the pain if you want though."
"No, I'm okay it's not that bad. I want to stay alert just in case Mousefur needs me," Honeypaw shook her head, declining the medicine cat's offer. She already decided that if her shoulder didn't feel better soon she'd have to lie to Spottedleaf, she couldn't risk missing the battle.
Honeypaw brushed out of the den and gazed across the clearing, Ravenpaw was padding away from the fresh-kill pile, probably back from a hunting assignment. She shook her fur out and headed over to the stump, where the rest of the apprentices were congregating. Dustpaw sneered as Ravenpaw came up and turned his back on him. Sandpaw nodded before getting up and walking over towards Whitestorm who had just pushed his way in through the gorse tunnel.
Honeypaw sighed as she was left alone with the two toms. She laid down on her side by the stump, greeting Ravenpaw.
"How was hunting? Get anything good?" She asked as she basked in the sun.
"It was alright I got a couple squirrels and even more mice, even Tigerclaw complimented my haul," the black cat explained in between bites of his mouse.
Honeypaw hummed, "I'm glad to hear it. Ho-oof." The wind was knocked out of her as a heavy weight landed on top of her. She craned her neck to see what it was, and there was Graykit looking smug that he had managed to catch her off guard. She sighed and flopped her head back down.
"What's up Graykit?" She murmured as she let him sit on her flank. He was heavy but it was still manageable, another moon or two and he wouldn't be able to do this anymore, might as well let him have his fun.
"Do you think Bluestar is going to make me an apprentice soon? I'm already six moons old, it should be any day now right?" the gray cat questioned a hint of nerves in his voice.
"She'll do it when she gets around to it, have some patience, she is the leader of a whole Clan after all, Bluestar's busy." Ravenpaw answered, flicking his tail at the kit. Graykit scrambled off the molly. Honeypaw twitched her ear in thanks, closing her eyes as she laid in the sun.
"You know, Honeypaw with how much you sunbathe, you might as well move into the elders' den sooner rather than later." Duskpaw remarked, trying to get a rise out of her.
Oh if only he knew how right he was, she thought letting out a soft laugh. "What do you mean? Now that's the life, living like an elder without all the aches and pains of being one? Sign me up."
Dustpaw scoffed and padded away pushing his way into the apprentices' den. Ravenpaw shook his head as the dark tabby walked off.
"Why does he take everything so seriously?" the black cat asked.
"Don't blame him, it's mostly my fault. I keep picking on him so he's only getting back at me. I should go apologize to him later when he relaxes a little." Honeypaw confessed, letting the sun seep into her pelt.
She heard paws steps approaching and she opened one eye looking up at the brown cat standing over her.
"Now, how did I know that you'd be lying in the sun by the time I got back from hunting?" Mousefur said dryly, standing over her apprentice.
"Now, now Mousefur, I'm only ever in two places; if I'm not in the sun chances are I'm in the medicine cat den. You just guessed right this time." Honeypaw retorted. Mousefur snorted, "Just get up you pile of lazy bones, Redtail asked us to patrol around Tallpines."
"I don't think I can. I think I might have injured my shoulder during training earlier. I visited Spottedleaf and she recommended I rest it for a bit."
"I can go instead," Graykit piped up, drawing a laugh out of the group.
"You would barely make it half-way before getting lost," the brown molly said, flicking her tail playfully against the large kit.
Honeypaw chortled at her mentor and sat up, turning serious for a moment, "Honestly, I probably could go if you really needed me to."
"No, I'll just see if Darkstripe can go instead. Now that he doesn't have an apprentice it feels like he just skulks around all the time." Mousefur said dryly, clearly unimpressed with the dark gray tabby.
Honeypaw nodded and flicked her tail goodbye as the brown molly walked off in search of the grumpy tabby. Willowpelt poked her head out of the nursery, "Graykit, come here and stop bothering Ravenpaw and Honeypaw."
"Willowpelt-," He started to say but his mother cut him off. "That wasn't a suggestion, Graykit."
The fluffy kit sighed before walking towards the nursery, his head low and his tail dragging in the dirt. Ravenpaw scoffed, "Isn't he supposed to be six moons now? He still acts like a three moon old kit sometimes."
Honeypaw let out a soft laugh before swatting him with her tail, "Be nice, who isn't slightly scared of their mother? Speckletail still scares me when she gets in one of her moods."
"Speckletail scares everyone, she could tongue lash StarClan themselves and they'd apologize for making her go through the effort." Ravenpaw snarked before getting to his paws.
"I have a training session with Tigerclaw and I don't want to keep him waiting." He said before slinking off toward the gorse tunnel.
Honeypaw was left alone by the stump and the sun was still shining brightly so she let herself be lulled into a light doze. The sound of the camp further soothed her worried mind and she allowed it to relax her anxieties.
That peace was broken as a cat approached, paws scuffing the dirt as they drew closer. She sighed and peeked her eyes open. Longtail. Honeypaw rolled onto her belly as the pale tabby sat next to her.
"Hey Longtail, how's it going?" She greeted lazily as she yawned, showing off her sharp teeth.
"Just wondering if I could join you while I eat," He replied, setting a squirrel down. Honeypaw chuckled and teased him, "You don't need my permission to eat anywhere, after all you are a warrior now."
He scoffed and started eating, and Honeypaw rested her chin on her paws and just watched him. She wondered if Spottedleaf was right when she said he might have a crush. She didn't know what to do if he did, it felt somewhat awkward to imagine being in a relationship with a tom even if she was a female now. But she always was fond of Longtail after Tigerclaw was exiled, the pale tabby was always a loyal warrior to ThunderClan, even after he went blind she knew she could always count on him. Even if she couldn't be in a romantic relationship she wished to keep that friendship she had in the latter seasons of his life.
"What?" Longtail asked somewhat nervously as she kept a steady gaze on him.
"Sorry, just lost in thought," Honeypaw said, shaking her head to clear it. She watched as he finished eating and started licking his paws. She hesitated before leaning forward and licking his shoulder, smoothing out a tuft of fur.
Honeypaw felt him startle a little before he turned and returned the lick, sharing tongues with the younger cat. They shared tongues for a while before Honeypaw stood up and stretched her back, arching it.
"I think I'm going to head to the den for a bit, if you see Mousefur will you tell her for me?" Honeypaw said, yawning. Longtail nodded and she felt him watch her as she walked into the apprentice den.
She pushed through the brambles and saw Dustpaw curled up by himself. She sighed and silently promised to apologize when they both woke up. She went around him and slipped into her nest behind him, pressing her side against his back as she curled up wincing as her shoulder protested her position. She sighed and kept readjusting until it quieted down enough to be a dull ache instead of a sharp pain.
She fell asleep to the sound of Dustpaw's breathing. Her thoughts slipping away as her breathing slowed.
Honeypaw jolted awake as a paw nudged her in the ribs. She looked up to see Ravenpaw above her.
"You need to get up, it's already sunhigh and Redtail wants you for a hunting patrol. '' he meowed.
Honeypaw was shocked, she had really slept through the entire night and morning?
"What do you mean? Why didn't anyone wake me up earlier?" She exclaimed, scrambling to her paws.
"Spottedleaf said you needed to rest and that letting you sleep was probably the only way to get you to do that without you kicking up a fuss." Ravenpaw said whiskers twitching with amusement.
"Okay I'll be out in a moment, let me just look my coat over." Honeypaw decided to graciously ignore that Spottedleaf comment and focus on making herself somewhat presentable.
She quickly licked down any fly away tufts of fur and hurried out the den. She emerged into the brightly lit clearing, blinking in the sun and started searching for Redtail. Honeypaw spotted him over by Highrock and trotted over to him. She noticed that her shoulder while still sore, didn't hurt nearly as bad as it did yesterday. I guess I was just sore, at least I didn't pull a muscle. That would be terrible timing.
Redtail watched with amusement as she hurried over.
"So you ready? I assigned you to go out with Runningwind," He said, waving his tail at the lean tabby. Honeypaw nodded and raced over to him eager to start the day even if she was late.
Runningwind huffed in amusement and led the way out of camp.
"I figured we'd try over by the Great Sycamore, no one's been over there in a bit." the tabby said heading in that direction.
Honeypaw nodded and followed behind him, keeping alert for any signs of prey on the way.
When they got closer, they separated and went in opposite directions looking for prey. Honeypaw scented the air and found a trace of rabbit in the wind, she perked her ears and carefully placed her paws as she looked for the rabbit holding herself still as she heard a faint rustle. A long ear entered her view, she waited and slowly the rabbit hopped out from behind the bush. She silently stepped closer and gathered her strength before she pounced, landing on the rabbit before it could run far.
She buried it and went looking for something else to bring back. Luck was on her side and she managed to snag a thrush and two squirrels. She soon realized that she wouldn't be able to take it back all in one trip and resigned herself to the fate of coming back for some of it.
She met up with Runningwind nearby and got ready to head out, she carried her rabbit e back, leaving the thrush and squirrels for the second trip.
Honeypaw followed the wiry tom back to camp and quickly dropped off her fresh-kill. She was on her way out again when Redtail approached her.
"Honeypaw, you and Mousefur are assigned to a patrol tonight. We'll be double checking the RiverClan border. We've spotted some unusual signs of activity and Bluestar wants us to check it out. You two will be going along with me, Lionheart, and Tigerclaw so be ready." Redtail said, swishing his tail back and forth in vague agitation. He looked up at the sky and left shaking his head.
Honeypaw stared after him a little worried, he was acting a little odd. He may just be nervous about a night patrol since we don't usually do those. She shrugged it off, and pushed her way out of the gorse tunnel to pick up the rest of her prey.
Honeypaw trotted behind Redtail and Tigerclaw, with her mentor, Mousefur, next to her and Lionheart bringing up the rear as they patrolled down towards Sunningrocks, her shoulder barely twinged as she kept pace with the patrol. Honeypaw remembered that at some point soon, in the next couple days maybe, a patrol would get ambushed by RiverClan, which would lead to the next battle on the day where she joined as Firepaw, she just couldn't pinpoint when the first one would happen, maybe this was it.
The long legged molly kept a careful eye on the other riverbank as they redid the scent markers before moving further along. Mousefur flicked her ears in warning as she spotted a flash of movement up ahead. The patrol burst out of the trees and there on top of a pile of rocks was Oakheart, the RiverClan deputy. The half-moon shone down revealing other RiverClan warriors who stood behind him on the Sunningrocks and who bristled as the ThunderClan patrol appeared.
"What are you doing? This is ThunderClan territory!" hissed Redtail his hackles raising as he glared at the bracken colored tom.
"This has always belonged to RiverClan. We've simply been kind enough to allow you to use it," The RiverClan deputy said with a flick of his tail, gathering his warriors to him.
ThunderClan was evenly matched, but Honeypaw knew that this would end in a fight, and she unsheathed her claws getting ready to pounce. Mousefur and Tigerclaw tensed next to her, preparing to leap into battle. Honeypaw glanced through the RiverClan cats and found a gray tabby tom about her size, she chose him as her target and glowered at him baring her teeth.
Redtail, flicked his tail, "ThunderClan attack!"
Tigerclaw leaped for Oakheart and the entire area devolved into a frenzy of wrestling and screeching cats. Honeypaw could spare no more attention for her Clanmates as she jumped towards that tabby tom slashing at him with her claws.
He ducked and swiped at her forepaw trying to take her to the ground. Honeypaw fell forward and the RiverClan tom was on her pinning her down and slicing at her face. She yelped in pain as claws ripped through her flesh before twisting and bunching underneath him trying to get her paws under her and with a burst of strength threw him off her. She whirled around and arched her back hissing at the tom. Honeypaw shook blood out of her eyes and feinted a jump before running past him, raking her claws down his flank, blood dripped onto the rocks as he spun around, trying to keep sight of her.
This time she waited for him to jump and when he did she stepped into it while ducking causing him to leap over her, but before he could get back to his feet she was on him sinking her teeth into his shoulder until she felt a sharp crunch and heard a screech of pain. Honeypaw let him up and watched him race to the river.
To her horror she saw dark shapes slinking across the water, RiverClan reinforcements. She raised her voice, yowling anxiously, "Look out! More RiverClan warriors are coming!"
Right as she finished speaking, Honeypaw was tackled to the ground; a sopping wet RiverClan molly pinned her down on her belly, scratching at her flanks. She yelped and tried to twist her way out but she couldn't get a grip on the rock below her. Honeypaw heard a desperate cry behind her, Mousefur!
She struggled even more desperately to escape but the warrior on top of her sank her teeth into Honeypaw's scruff holding her in place.
And then suddenly the cat was ripped off of her, she scrambled up and saw Lionheart sinking his claws into the she-cats muzzle, ripping a scratch down her nose. Honeypaw saw that the golden tabby had it handled and turned away. Finding another opponent, Honeypaw leaped at a dark gray tom and slashed at his flank before rearing up onto her hind paws and scratching at his face as he turned.
The RiverClan warrior hissed and rammed into her trying to unbalance her but she jumped out of the way barely dodging him. Honeypaw snarled and pounced on his back, digging her front claws in and using her back legs to score his haunches. He shrieked in pain and dropped to the ground rolling and managed to twist her off of him. Honeypaw jumped to her feet before he could pin her and they circled each other looking for an opening.
Blood dripped onto stone as she panted, blinking away blood. There! He's favoring his left side. She baited him into swiping at her by making a pass towards his right, and as he lifted his paw she swept her front paw into his left unbalancing him and she pounced, pinning him on his side and digging her teeth into his shoulder barely missing his throat. He tried to claw at her belly with his back legs but he caught more fur than flesh. She gave him another hard bite before she was ripped off of him by claws in her back.
She was dragged off and thrown aside. A massive gray RiverClan warrior growled and bared his teeth at her, she rolled onto her feet and snarled back unintimidated and crouched low, getting ready to fight again when she heard a yowl cut through the cacophony of angry cats.
She heard Redtail yowl, "Retreat, ThunderClan! Retreat!"
Honeypaw immediately got up leaving her opponent and raced toward his voice, blood dripping into her eye as she tried to find her companions. She'll get him next time!
She heard a jubilant cry behind her as the RiverClan warriors celebrated their victory. She followed Redtail down the rocks and into the trees, eager to return home to lick her wounds.
The trek home seemed ten times longer than normal and as she calmed down from the fight, her injuries caught up to her. She shook her head in annoyance as blood kept dripping into her eye, a cut on her forehead, made her constantly blink the sting of blood away. Honeypaw would have to have Spottedleaf deal with that one first. That and her sore scruff, all her other wounds had basically stopped bleeding on the way home; only the deep bite on her scruff and the cut above her eye kept up a steady drip.
She stumbled a bit on a root and Tigerclaw nudged her back to her feet, she had to suppress the instinctive reaction to snarl and leap away from the massive tabby and allowed him to help her. She flicked her ear in thanks and kept going, keeping her eyes on Redtail's bright tail as a focal point.
This was it. Honeypaw knew that soon everything would start coming to a head, if Redtail died in the next battle Tigerclaw would start down the path of no return and she refused to let that happen, knowing that once he started the Clans would suffer far too much for his selfish ambitions.
The cream molly climbed down the ravine and shouldered her way through the gorse tunnel, immediately seeing Spottedleaf and Bluestar waiting for the rest of the battle marked cats. Honeypaw nodded to Bluestar and made her way over to the medicine cat den following Spottedleaf, leaving the three toms to report to the gray leader.
Honeypaw pushed through the ferns and saw Mousefur curled up on a nest, her eyes blinking in a mix of exhaustion and relief at seeing her apprentice relatively whole. Honeypaw leaned down and pushed her nose in her fur gently, breathing in her mentor's scent mixed with a strong smell of herbs. She was glad Mousefur was alright.
"Leave her be, Honeypaw. I just gave her some poppy seeds, she'll be asleep soon." Spottedleaf murmured, touching her gently with her tail, guiding her a little ways away from the injured molly.
Honeypaw nodded and sat down where she indicated, sitting still as the pretty tortoiseshell chewed up poultices and plastered them on her injuries. Honeypaw stifled a wince as Spottedleaf squeezed dock juice onto the forehead cut and slathered her poor torn scruff in marigold and dock.
After Spottedleaf finished binding her more serious wounds with cobwebs, she spoke, "Okay, you're all done. Most of your scratches already stopped bleeding so I didn't cobweb them but if they open up you better come see me. The worst is the bite on your neck, I'll have to watch for infection so I'll be checking on it for the next couple days."
She paused, and gave Honeypaw a warning glance, "You can sleep in your own den tonight but if you open up those wounds, you'll be sleeping right here where I can keep watch over you."
Honeypaw gave her a lick on the shoulder, "Thank you, Spottedleaf. I'll be sure to let my favorite cat know if I get a single drop of blood on my nest," she purred.
Spottedleaf rolled her eyes, teasing the apprentice, "I don't see how you telling Longtail has anything to do with me."
Honeypaw shot a glare at her before shaking her head and waltzing out of the den, refusing to dignify that with a response, almost running head first into a pale tabby tom who was lurking outside the den. Longtail.
"Oh, hey Longtail, what are you doing here?" She questioned a little awkwardly, internally cursing the medicine cat for practically summoning the tom. He nosed at her, checking her injuries before answering.
"I heard that you and Mousefur got injured pretty badly during the fight," he meowed, relieved at seeing that her injuries weren't as bad as whatever he imagined.
"I'm okay, just a little roughed up but Mousefur definitely got it worse than me, Spottedleaf's keeping her overnight," Honeypaw explained, flicking her tail at the den. She sighed and walked forward brushing her pelt against the pale tabby.
"I am pretty worn out though, I think I'm going to head to bed. I'll see you tomorrow Longtail," Honeypaw mewed pressing her nose against his side before heading toward her den. She gently shouldered her way in and carefully stepped into her nest avoiding her sleeping denmates. She collapsed exhausted, and decided to groom herself in the morning, too tired to fight with her long pelt.
She woke up to sunlight streaming into the near empty den, her denmates must already be out for the day. Honeypaw sighed and sat up, wincing as she pulled on her injuries. She glanced at her pelt and cursed, why would she think leaving it to matt was a good idea. She internally groaned before she started getting her fur into shape wrinkling her nose at the salty taste of blood.
After what felt like three moons, she finally got her pelt looking somewhat presentable and made her way out of the den, wincing as she stretched her sore muscles.
It was just after sunrise as she padded over to the Clan deputy, who was eating a mouse over by the nettle patch, with Brindleface. Honeypaw nodded at the she-cat before turning to Redtail.
"Am I assigned to anything? Sorry I missed the announcement. I slept late and none of my denmates woke me." Honeypaw asked, explaining herself to the tortoiseshell tom.
Redtail shook his head, "It's fine you had a busy night after all. Mousefur is still with Spottedleaf but I think Whitestorm said he was taking Sandpaw to Sandy Hollow to do some training if you want to help him out," He shot her a warning glance.
"You can only do that if you promise to sit on the side and demonstrate only. I do not want to have Spottedleaf clawing my ears off blaming me for sending you off to reinjure yourself. If you want to steer clear of that, I'd recommend hunting instead, or taking care of the elders or the nursery." Redtail finished.
"I think I'll go hunting and come back later to clear out the dens. I wouldn't want our mighty deputy to be scared of our medicine cat after all." Honeypaw mewed whiskers twitching.
Brindleface snorted, "You have been spending far too much time with Mousefur, any longer and soon you'll be swearing off toms saying how all they are is trouble."
Redtail laughed at that and flicked his ears in dismissal, Honeypaw let out a huff and twirled around stalking to the gorse tunnel and leaving the two chuckling cats behind her. Redtail called after her, "Make sure you go see Spottedleaf sometime today! The sooner the better."
She flicked her tail in acknowledgement and pushed her way out of the camp. She clambered up the ravine stretching her long legs out, trying to work through the soreness. Honeypaw made it up and decided to head toward Owl Tree and try to find a mouse or two.
She padded through the forest, occasionally scenting the air as she went along. The sun shone through the trees, the leaves still growing back did little to block the light, so the sun warmed her fur.
Her ears twitched as she heard a rustling, and she paused, dropping into a hunting crouch. Honeypaw stealthily stalked over to the noise, catching sight of a small mouse. She waited for it to come out into the open and pounced, killing it with a swift blow.
Honeypaw buried it in the dirt and kept going looking for some more prey. She managed to catch two more mice and decided that was plenty. She picked up her last piece of fresh-kill and made her way back to the camp.
She shouldered her way into camp and walked over to the fresh-kill pile, dropping off her catch. Honeypaw noticed Ravenpaw coming out of the elders' den pushing dirty moss away, I guess that means I don't need to check them. Maybe I'll go see how the queens are doing.
The nursery was crowded again, with Frostfur having just given birth to four healthy kits. Goldenflower was pregnant and had recently moved into the nursery, it was also rumored that Brindleface was soon to move in. And of course Speckletail, the practically permanent resident, was there.
Honeypaw padded over to the nursery and popped her head in, checking on the queens and kits, Frostfur and her kits appeared to be sleeping as was Willowpelt and Graykit, while the other queens were nowhere to be found. Honeypaw carefully backed out not wanting to wake them up.
She'd try again later and hopefully she would have better luck. Honeypaw threw a quick glance around the clearing before she decided to head over to Spottedleaf's den and check on Mousefur.
She brushed through the ferns, and heard, "I'm fine, Spottedleaf. If you keep me here any longer, some cat is going to start a rumor that I'm dead."
I guess Mousefur is feeling better, Honeypaw thought letting out a soft laugh. She fully entered the den and spied a standoff between the two mollies. Mousefur though did not look like she was winning, based on how she slowly sat back down as the medicine cat glared at her.
Spottedleaf might have a good temper but she truly was dedicated to her work and would definitely drug a cat if that was the only way to get them to sit still. That's part of what made her such a good healer though, knowing when to stand firm.
"Am I interrupting something?" Honeypaw mewed, knowing full well that both she-cats were seconds away from spitting.
Mousefur let out an almost hiss and turned away from the tortoiseshell curling back up in her nest. Spottedleaf took a step back and looked toward Honeypaw.
"Ah, good, you came. I was about to send someone to track you down." She said her amber eyes filled with satisfaction at having talked down Mousefur and actually having a patient willing to cooperate.
She waved her tail, "Come over here and let me take a look at you."
The cream cat obediently padded across the den and sat down letting the medicine cat sniff at her injuries. Spottedleaf nodded and turned to get some herbs, "It's healing okay so far, there's no sign of any infection, but I'm still going to keep a careful watch on it. I'm going to apply another poultice and then you'll be free to go."
Honeypaw nodded and waited, wrapping her fluffy tail neatly around her paws. She risked a glance at her mentor, and made eye contact with the feisty she-cat.
"How's your shoulder? It looked pretty bad when I saw you last night." she asked with a little worry seeping into her voice.
"I'm perfectly fine. Spottedleaf is just being dramatic." The brown cat snorted, turning her head to the entrance.
"I think I'll heal much faster if I could rest in my own nest." Mousefur meowed tail twitching with annoyance. Honeypaw ran her tail down the older cat's side.
"I'm sure you'll be back in the warriors den sooner than you think, you're young and strong after all. You won't be down for much longer." the apprentice reassured, trying to comfort her.
"Alright hold still for me Honeypaw," Spottedleaf came back with a fresh poultice and immediately went in on her scruff, causing a sting to zip down her spine. Honeypaw held her breath and let out a sigh of relief as she finished. Spottedleaf took another look at the cut on her forehead before nodding.
"I think I can leave that one alone. It wasn't that deep, it just needed some help closing all the way." She turned and put the rest of her herbs away.
Honeypaw flicked her ears, "Thanks Spottedleaf, I hope Mousefur hasn't been giving you too much trouble."
"Who exactly is the apprentice here? It's definitely not me. So you better watch it, or else I'll throw you to Tigerclaw for the rest of your apprenticeship, just look at how well he keeps Ravenpaw in line." Mousefur snapped.
Honeypaw had to forcibly keep her hackles down as her mentor brought up the two cats. She doesn't know what happened between the two. It hasn't even happened yet, she just thinks Tigerclaw's a strict mentor. She thought to herself trying to remember that she was the only one who had any reason to distrust the massive dark tabby.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, it's not like the whole Clan knows how much you actually like your apprentice but go ahead, keep pretending." Spottedleaf meowed dryly as she sorted through her stock.
Honeypaw shook herself, "Well I guess I'll see you later,"
She flicked her ear and turned toward the exit, deciding it would be better to leave the two cats alone. Honeypaw slipped through the ferns and looked around the clearing before making a beeline to the fresh-kill pile. She might as well eat while waiting for the queens to wake.
She carefully perused through the pile before settling on a squirrel and carrying it over to the stump, where Ravenpaw sat eating a mouse. Honeypaw sprawled on the ground next to him as she ate."
"How are you? You look way better than you did when I left this morning," The black tom mewed looking over at her.
"I feel a lot better than I did last night, I'm still feeling my scratches and what not but I think I'll be fine." replied the pretty molly. "I'm more worried about Mousefur, her shoulder still looked pretty rough when I checked in on her."
The gorse tunnel rustled and Whitestorm shouldered his way through, Sandpaw followed behind the big white tom, looking tired. The pale ginger molly wearily padded across the camp, joining the other apprentices on the ground.
Honeypaw pushed her squirrel toward the other cat, "Hungry? You look like you could use a bite."
Sandpaw shook her head, "I'll grab something in a while, I just need to get off my paws for a moment."
Honeypaw winced in sympathy, fighting against the larger cats in the Clan was never fun even if the lesson was important, especially for she-cats, who were typically smaller.
Honeypaw finished her food and started washing her face, sitting up to get a better angle at her ears. She lifted her head and turned toward the entrance, Dustpaw came running in, a large rabbit dangled from his mouth, Redtail following behind his excited apprentice.
Dustpaw dragged it into the elders' den and returned shortly without it heading straight towards the stump, where all the apprentices gathered. The tabby threw himself on the ground, "Did you see that? I caught it all by myself."
Honeypaw nodded, "Good job! It looked like quite a catch."
The others nodded in agreement much to Dustpaw's delight. Dustpaw held his head up proudly before turning to look at his mentor padding up behind him.
"Dustpaw why don't you go rest for a bit, we're scheduled for the sunhigh patrol. I'll come fetch you before we leave." the small tortoiseshell tom flicked his tail, nodding at the rest of the young cats before he turned and padded toward Bluestar's den.
Dustpaw pulled himself up, "Well I guess I should go lie down then." he waved his tail before whisking into the apprentices' den.
The remaining cats all took side-long glances at each other before breaking into laughter. That cat was always boasting about one thing or another but as soon as Redtail comes up he suddenly becomes a good obedient apprentice.
Apprentices were always a little two faced when it came to their mentors. Honeypaw remembered back when she first came to ThunderClan how badly she wanted to impress the senior warriors in charge of her that it always felt like the sky was falling down around her when she failed or slipped up. She shook her head. Maybe that's just what it'll always be like.
Ravenpaw rose to his feet too, "Tigerclaw said he would take me out hunting after he got back from patrol."
He paused looking up at the sun, "Which should be anytime now."
As though the black cat had summoned him, the massive tabby was shouldering his way into camp, Lionheart and Longtail close behind. Ravenpaw flicked his tail in farewell and paced over to Tigerclaw. The tabby looked down at him before flicking his tail. He turned and spoke to Lionheart, who nodded, before the dark tabby turned pushing his way back through the tunnel, Ravenpaw followed.
Lionheart shook himself before padding across the camp and snagging a piece of fresh-kill. Longtail followed the golden tabby but while grabbing a piece he glanced toward the apprentice stump,accidentally making eye contact with Honeypaw.
The cream molly nodded, and he looked away, following Lionheart as he sat down by the nettle patch. Sandpaw nudged Honeypaw, "Ohoho, did you two fight or something?"
Honeypaw rolled her eyes, "He doesn't have to eat with me every time you know. Let him actually join the warriors every once in a while considering he is one now. Maybe he just wants to feel like one and not eat with a bunch of half grown cats."
She gently swatted the ginger molly with her tail, "And you should mind your own business, no one likes a gossiper."
Sandpaw huffed before climbing to her feet. The ginger cat quickly nabbed a mouse before coming back, continuing the conversation, "It's not really gossiping, everyone's just waiting to see when he'll confess. I heard that Redtail and Whitestorm have an ongoing bet much to Darkstripe's displeasure. Apparently he's not happy his only apprentice is mooning over a molly."
"That's literally gossip! What you're currently doing is gossiping, Sandpaw! And just because the deputy and the senior warriors are joining in doesn't mean you should be." the long haired molly said in exasperation.
"Just because they do it doesn't make it right, I bet Bluestar's not involved in any of this nonsense." Honeypaw bluffed, knowing full well with her former mentor's personality that Bluestar was one hundred percent involved in the gossip, all in the name of "knowing what's going on in the Clan".
Sandpaw laughed at her and flicked her tail at Honeypaw. Honeypaw huffed and mockingly glared at the younger cat before gently knocking her over as she rose to her feet.
"I guess since you want to gossip so much I should leave you to it. I wouldn't want to get in the way of the conversation since after all, I am one of the cats being discussed." Honeypaw said before striding away, hearing the apprentice burst into laughter as she left.
The rest of the day seemed to pass in a blur as Honeypaw went through mundane routines, clearing out dens and fetching fresh-kill for the queens and elders. When she finally turned in for the night she curled up into her nest and thought, in my last life I didn't even know what was about to happen to me; how it would change me and the future of ThunderClan.
Honeypaw looked at her denmates as they slept, their soft breathing mixed with Ravenpaw's gentle snoring lulling her to sleep. She hoped things wouldn't change too much as she continued down this path.
The next day Honeypaw woke up early and pushed her way out, careful to avoid waking her denmates. The sun was barely above the ravine and Redtail was still surrounded by warriors. She padded over to the circle and sat down on the outskirts, waiting to see what she'll be doing today.
Redtail spotted her, "Honeypaw go see Spottedleaf, I think she wanted to check on your injuries again. Ask her about Mousefur too while you're there, she had mentioned last night that Mousefur might be able to leave the medicine cat den today."
Honeypaw nodded and made her way over to the medicine cat den, poking her head in, she saw Spottedleaf already up and sniffing at Mousefur's shoulder. She pushed the rest of the way in and gave a soft chirp in greeting. Spottedleaf beckoned her closer and had her sit further away from her sleeping patient.
Honeypaw sat still as the tortoiseshell checked her injuries, focusing mainly on the claw mark on her forehead and the tooth marks in her scruff. Spottedleaf nodded in satisfaction at their rate of healing and gently rubbed dock juice onto her scruff, she didn't get anything else so Honeypaw assumed that meant she was healing well and no longer needed cobwebs to hold her flesh together.
Honeypaw leaned toward the medicine cat, "How's Mousefur? Redtail said you might be willing to let her go?" She whispered trying not to wake the injured brown molly.
Spottedleaf nodded, "If she promises to rest for today she can go back on light duty by tomorrow. She could also return to the warrior's den as well, as long as you promise to report to Redtail that she has to take it easy. No long patrols, and certainly no patrolling along the RiverClan border."
Honeypaw nodded and turned to leave, briefly stopping to rest her nose on her mentor's flank. She shouldered her way out of the den and padded back to Redtail.
"Well? How is she? Spottedleaf ready to let her go yet?" the small tortoiseshell tom questioned as she walked up to him.
"Spottedleaf said that she can return to the warrior's den today as long as you let her rest. She also said that Mousefur should be back on light duty only by tomorrow." Honeypaw dutifully reported.
Redtail nodded, "Okay while she's out of commission for a few more days I'll have you tag along with me and Dustpaw to patrol along the ShadowClan border."
"Alright, do you want me to fetch him for you?" Honeypaw asked, already half-turned toward the apprentice den. Redtail nodded and she went over and slipped in carefully making her way over to the brown tabby sleeping in the back.
She gently nudged him with her paw, "Hey, Dustpaw, Redtail wants you for patrol." Honeypaw said softly, watching him stir before he blearily looked up at her and nodded.
She delicately backed out of the den, careful to avoid her sleeping denmates. She waited by the den until the younger apprentice exited, Honeypaw nodded at him and led him over to where Redtail was waiting by the gorse tunnel.
Redtail flicked his tail as the two cats approached and pushed his way out of the camp, leaving the two apprentices to follow after him. Dustpaw shot a glance at Honeypaw before following his mentor, the cream cat sighed before chasing after the two toms, resigning herself to bringing up the rear for the entire patrol.
By the time they got back it was already after sunhigh, they had stopped to hunt on their way back to camp and all three were carrying prey as they entered camp. They dropped off their prey and Redtail dismissed both apprentices before heading over to Bluestar's den.
Honeypaw looked at Dustpaw before shrugging and picking through the fresh-kill pile, she dragged out a couple mice and asked, "Do you want to check on the elders or the queens? I don't mind either way."
Dustpaw shrugged, "I guess I'll do the nursery, I haven't been there in a while."
Honeypaw nodded and picked up her mice, heading to the elders' den. She carefully entered carrying her fresh-kill and gently dropped them on the ground, Honeypaw looked up, "Would anyone like a mouse?"
Half-tail nodded, "Just leave them and I'll make sure every cat gets some."
Honeypaw respectfully dipped her head and left, not wanting to get in their way. She looked around the clearing before grabbing a vole from the fresh-kill pile and settling next to the stump. Dustpaw was nowhere to be seen, she shrugged and started in on her vole, suddenly starving.
After she finished, she stood up, deciding to groom herself in the den and perhaps taking a nap before seeing if Redtail wanted her for anything. She slipped into her den and made her way to her nest before she started trying to tame her long fur.
She wasn't at it for very long when a familiar call echoed through the air, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting."
Honeypaw pushed her way out of her den and walked over. I guess Graykit is finally getting apprenticed today! She glanced towards the nursery and saw Willowpelt putting the final touches on his pelt while the fluffy kit impatiently tried shaking her off.
"I am pleased to announce that we have a kit here who is ready to become an apprentice." Bluestar started, beckoning the young cat forward. Graykit quickly scampered closer, looking up at the blue-gray leader as she stood on the ledge.
"Graykit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Graypaw. Your mentor will be Lionheart. I hope Lionheart will pass down all he knows on to you."
The broad-shouldered golden tabby calmly padded forward standing in front of the new apprentice.
"Lionheart, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Swiftbreeze, and you have shown yourself to be a fierce and loyal warrior. You will be the mentor of Graypaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him."
The great tabby leaned down and gently bumped noses with Graypaw. The clan began celebrating, calling out the new name.
"Graypaw! Graypaw," Honeypaw joined in celebrating her old friend, as he proudly looked around. He stuck by his new mentor as Bluestar once again called for the Clan's attention.
"Before we disperse, we have another ceremony to conduct. Honeypaw, come forward. Redtail and Lionheart have both commended you to me for your skill and bravery during the battle at Sunningrocks." the blue-gray she-cat jumped down, beckoning for the Honeypaw to join her beneath the Highrock.
"After a talk with Mousefur, I happen to agree with the two of them. So it is with joy that I plan to welcome you as a new warrior."
Honeypaw walked up, head held high as the noble gray molly looked at her steadily.
"I, Bluestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn." Bluestar began, reciting the ancient words.
"Honeypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do," her voice was calm and steady as her answer rang through the camp.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Honeypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Honeybark. StarClan honors your fierce skill and tenacious efforts in defense of your Clan and your strong dedication to the Warrior code, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."
Bluestar stepped forward and rested her muzzle on the cream colored head. Honeybark licked her shoulder in return.
"Welcome, Honeybark!" Bluestar said stepping back, her new name rang through the camp as her Clanmates cheered for her. The loudest being her old denmates alongside Speckletail, her adoptive mother.
She was then sent sprawling as her old denmates knocked into her along with Graypaw. Honeybark struggled to stand as they jumped her, "Alright that's enough! Let the poor cat breathe,"
Spottedleaf came to her rescue, shooing the apprentices away. Her amber eyes glowed with pride as she looked at Honeybark.
"Congratulations, Honeybark. You definitely deserve it, I remember just how small you were when I found you all those moons ago. You have surpassed any expectation I or the rest of the Clan held for you. I am so proud of you," the pretty tortoiseshell rasped her tongue over the young warrior's ear. "Hopefully your vigil won't feel too long tonight."
Honeybark nodded and watched as the Clan slowly dispersed as the sun sank behind the horizon. Spottedleaf slipped into her own den and the senior warriors nodded at her as they too retreated to their den. Longtail followed them, briefly pressing his nose into her side as he passed. Sandpaw shot an apologetic look at the new warrior as she herded both Ravenpaw and Dustpaw away.
Lionheart and Bluestar nodded at her as they escorted Graypaw out of the camp, taking him on the final patrol of the day. As she sat vigil she thought about what to do, Graypaw was an apprentice now, it was his first night and if she remembered correctly that meant the fight would be tomorrow. I would've been thinking about Bluestar's offer tonight as Rusty after fighting with the new apprentice. That must mean tomorrow is when Redtail will die if I don't do something.
She steeled herself, Honeybark couldn't allow Tigerclaw to get his way. She would have to stop him no matter what in order to save the Clan. While recalling as much as she could, she jolted with the memory of finding out Oakheart was the father of Bluestar's kits. Honeybark decided that she would try to save him too if she could, not wanting to cause the noble cat any more suffering.
The night seemed to creep on, the stars her only company until rustling at the entrance announced the return of the late patrol. Graypaw came bounding in exhaustion evident in his eyes but not in the way he ran across the clearing, he waved his tail at her before disappearing into his new den. She shook her head and focused on Bluestar and Lionheart as they padded over to the leader's den.
I wonder what they're talking about, after all nothing should have happened tonight considering Firestar/Rusty was already technically here.
Honeybark never got an answer to her silent question, she just watched as the golden tabby eventually made his way to the warrior's den, nodding at her in passing.
The night passed on in silence.
Honeybark blinked as she heard rustling, and Redtail emerged from the warrior's den. He glanced up at the sky and seeing the pale hues of dawn, he made his way over to her.
"It's alright now, your vigil is over. Why don't you go get some rest? You still have responsibilities for today even if you are a warrior now." The small tortoiseshell tom mewed teasing her lightly.
Honeybark sighed in relief, and stretched, "Thank StarClan, that must have been the longest night of my life." She said much to the deputy's amusement.
"There's already a nest waiting for you, just look for the empty one." He twitched his ear toward the den. Honeybark nodded and watched as he turned to the fresh-kill pile, other warriors already waiting for him.
Honeybark made her way over to the warrior's den and pushed her way through the brambles; she sniffed around until she found the nest Redtail had mentioned. Right next to Longtail. She sighed, I always knew that tom was more of a busybody than he let on.
She decided to let it go and curled up in her nest too tired to worry about it.
Honeybark woke up hearing a cat pacing back and forth in front of the den. She blinked the sleep away and watched as Tigerclaw made his way out of the den. She blinked.
Then scrambled to her paws and quickly followed him out. This must be when they go to Sunningrocks!
Honeybark emerged from the den and tried to casually approach Redtail and Tigerclaw as they spoke not too far away. Ravenpaw was hovering a polite distance away as he waited by the den.
"Are you heading out on patrol?" She mewed trying to act nonchalant, "Can I go with you? I'm excited to get a start on the day."
Redtail looked her over, "Are you sure you got enough sleep? It hasn't been that long since I sent you to bed, why don't you go rest some more? Tigerclaw and I will have it handled."
Honeybark shook her head, "I'm good, I think I might be a little too excited to sleep. Might as well wear myself out on a patrol and catch up later." She stretched out her legs as she spoke, getting ready to go.
"We're going over to Sunningrocks. We can't let you come, what if we meet a RiverClan patrol? You'll be too tired to fight properly." Tigerclaw shook his head, trying to refuse her.
"All the more reason I should go. I still owe a good scratch to the cat who clawed me on my face," Honeybark argued, shaking her fur out. She was determined to go, even if that meant getting Tigerclaw to think of her as a little bloodthirsty.
Tigerclaw looked at her with reluctance and a faint hint of approval in his amber eyes. He eventually nodded, "It's up to the deputy, whether you can come or not."
Redtail hesitated before shooting a glance at Ravenpaw, he sighed before flicking his tail, letting her join the patrol.
She kept up as they clambered up the ravine, her injuries barely noticeable as she started amping herself up. This was it.
Honeybark followed Redtail and Tigerclaw as they patrolled, with Ravenpaw bringing up the rear as he practiced fighting techniques. She knew he was hoping to run into RiverClan, no doubt encouraged by his mentor.
Honeybark was nervous, she knew that it was this trio of cats that had originally gotten into a fight in her first life and she planned to keep a careful eye on Tigerclaw and the deputy. They diligently refreshed the markers and as the sun rose overhead, Tigerclaw glanced back at Ravenpaw.
"Redtail, I think I'll take Ravenpaw up ahead to scope out the area, make sure there aren't any RiverClan cats around."
Redtail nodded, it had been quiet so far, so chances are that they wouldn't run into anything. Honeybark nervously watched as the two stalked further ahead, she waited walking with Redtail as they followed at a more sedate pace.
They broke out of the trees and found Tigerclaw and Ravenpaw loping back to them.
"There doesn't seem to be any sign of RiverClan, we should take this opportunity to reset the borders." Tigerclaw said as he drew closer to the deputy. Redtail nodded and led the group closer where they began scent marking.
A hiss rang through the air, "This is RiverClan territory! What are you doing trespassing here?!"
Honeybark turned and saw a RiverClan patrol, leading them was Oakheart, the RiverClan deputy. She scanned through the other cats as the patrol approached and was shocked, Stonefur, Bluestar's son, was among the patrol!
The pale blue-gray tom looked such as she remembered, reminding her strongly of Bluestar. He wasn't alone, there were two more RiverClan warriors neither of which she recognized. ThunderClan was outnumbered, even if they had Ravenpaw he had never been in a border skirmish before. Honeybark braced herself knowing that no matter what was said it would end up in a fight.
"Sunningrocks has always belonged to ThunderClan!" Redtail said calmly despite his fur bristling.
Redtail continued, "It is past time for this issue to be settled, you should go home and tell Crookedstar that ThunderClan won't be backing down."
Honeybark kept an eye on the patrol as the two unfamiliar cats, one black-and-gray and the other a light brown, exchanged glances.
"RiverClan will not be giving up this territory." Oakheart stated plainly. Redtail made eye contact before saying,
"Neither will ThunderClan. You should tell your leader that ThunderClan will not back down."
Oakheart nods and Honeybark watches as Redtail turns away, out of the corner of her eye she spots Tigerclaw lunging forward and she throws herself into him, knocking him away from the black-and gray she-cat he tried to claw.
Tigerclaw threw a vicious glare at her and as the rest of the cats stand still in shock he shoulders Honeybark out of his way and tries to attack the RiverClan warrior again, this time with his claws landing true. Honeybark scrambles to her feet, hearing Redtail bark at Ravenpaw to run, before she is tackled to the ground, the light brown RiverClan warrior slashing at her flanks
She has no time to spare as she hurries to throw the cat off her. Honeybark manages to heave herself up unbalancing the enemy warrior before spinning around and lunging at him. Her teeth manage to catch in his upper shoulder and she bites down hard before shaking her head, she hears a sharp screech of pain and loosens her grip letting him slip away with a few more claw marks to his haunches.
Honeybark watches him flee across the rocks before turning and trying to locate the deputies. She spots Oakheart ripping Redtail off of Stonefur and sprints over, avoiding Tigerclaw as he fights the remaining RiverClan warrior.
Honeybark zeros in on the two deputies as they fight, Stonefur having gone to assist his Clanmate with Tigerclaw.
She spots a small rock fall down as Oakheart gets slammed into a rock, she calls out, "Watch out! Rockslide!"
Redtail races away, heeding her warning but Oakheart is struggling to his feet, She makes a split second decision and jumps down the rock and grabs hold of the RiverClan deputy barely managing to get him to his feet and help him out from under the rocks. Seconds later she hears the deep thudding and feels the vibration shake her to the core as heavy stones collapse right where the two cats just were.
She abandons the RiverClan deputy and scrambles up the rocks racing over them to where her own Clan members wait. She jumps down right as she sees Tigerclaw's claws unsheathe.
"Let's go! We don't want to be hanging around for the next RiverClan patrol to get here do we?" She panted, and quickly put herself in between the two older warriors. "By the way, where's Ravenpaw? Did he make it out?"
Tigerclaw growled at her, "You! Why did you get in my way? I was going to teach that mangey fish-cat to stay off of ThunderClan territory!"
Honeybark whirled around, snarling right back, getting in his face, "Were you not listening? Both Redtail and Oakheart agreed to leave it to the leaders to discuss! We were about to leave before you put your own bloodthirstiness above the rest of us!"
Tigerclaw snarled and lashed out, Honeybark caught a glimpse of claws glinting in the sun before they buried themselves in her muzzle. Redtail immediately broke them up scowling at the battle-scarred tabby. Blood dripped from the molly's face onto the stone but Honeybark could barely feel it so caught up in her rage. If he makes one wrong move I'm going to rip him to pieces!
"We're going back to camp now!" He ordered, "Bluestar will handle this. Now go both of you. Tigerclaw you walk in front, Honeybark you bring up the rear with me. Now go."
Tigerclaw glared and didn't move. It was Redtail's turn to snarl, "I gave you an order as your Clan deputy, now move it."
Tigerclaw paused for a long moment but before Redtail could speak again he stalked away into the trees. Redtail let out a growl before following him, flicking his tail for Honeybark to follow.
She gnashed her teeth before following the deputy back to camp, gazing past him keeping a tight watch on the tabby in front of him.
By the time the trio arrived back at camp, Ravenpaw had already told everyone the news of the fight and they met a patrol of reinforcements as the got to the ravine. Redtail shook his head and gestured for them to return to camp and they obeyed, watching in confusion as the deputy kept a good amount of distance between Tigerclaw and Honeybark.
Her blood was still boiling as she stalked into camp. Redtail flicked his tail toward the medicine cat den but she ignored him, refusing to take her eyes off the battle-scared tabby as he made his way across the camp. Redtail whirled on her and growled getting in her face.
"Go see Spottedleaf. Now. I will handle both you and Tigerclaw after I speak with Bluestar. Now go." he hissed, anger clear in his voice.
The pale cat glared up at him before nodding sharply and spinning around marching to the medicine cat den, ignoring the questioning looks sent her way. She shouldered her way in and was instantly stunned.
Graypaw was sitting next to Ravenpaw, who had a long claw mark on his flank, but what really shocked her was the strangely familiar cat sitting next to Graypaw.
A bright ginger tom barely six moons old, sat there staring in awe at the bloodstained molly. Is that me? No that can't be possible, it has to be a coincidence!
"Who's this?" she asked somewhat harshly in her shock.
Graypaw looked at her in confusion, unused to her being so aggressive, "This is Firepaw. He used to be a kittypet but Bluestar invited him to join the Clan."
Her mind spun as she took in his answer. Firepaw?! A kittypet?!
"Firepaw? A kittypet?" she voiced her thoughts, her tone strained as she struggled to comprehend what exactly was going on.
This doesn't make any sense! How can there be two Firestars?
A faint whisper brushed against her, "I warned you. You simply went back in time and changed the fate of the body you inhabited. This is you as you were then for some things are inevitable."
StarClan finally spoke to her again and it was no more helpful than if they hadn't spoken at all. Her vision darkened at the edges and she felt herself collapse. She heard Graypaw shouting for Spottedleaf, the last thing she saw was Spottedleaf's amber eyes glowing with concern.
