This chapter is told from Flowerpaw's POV.

Chapter 8-Half Way There

Flowerpaw followed her father, Graystripe, and her half brother, Storm that Brings Life or Storm, to the medicine cat of the Tribe of Rushing Water, Stoneteller.

"Flowerpaw," said Storm.

"Yes Storm?"

"Since you are the one who wants to learn, you must ask Stoneteller.

"What?"

"It will show courage, bravery and independence. Medicine cats must be independent from the clan and they need to have the bravery to do something they might not want to do. It will show Stoneteller that you are on your way to becoming a medicine cat."

"Uh...ok."

"Go on. He's the big cat right there," Storm pointed to a big gray cat with his paw.

Flowerpaw gulped and took her first few steps. She slowly got closer and closer to the cat named Stoneteller. When she was next to him, Stoneteller turned his head and looked down on the young apprentice.

"Yes?"

"Uh...are you Stoneteller?"

"Yes I am. What's your name?"

"Flowerpaw."

"So, you one of our guests."

"Yes."

"So what do you need?"

"Uh well...I want to become a medicine cat and I need you to teach me."

"So you're a to-be."

"Huh?"

"A to-be, a cat that is learning about what they will become."

"I guess so. Could you help me?"

"Well...our herbs are different from the ones where you are going to..." Stoneteller looked at Flowerpaw in a weird way and then said,"...but I suppose I could help you."

"Really? Oh thank you Stoneteller."

"Be by the entrance of the cave tomorrow, at dawn, for your first lesson."

"Ok."

The next morning, Flowerpaw met Stoneteller by the waterfall, "Come," he said. Flowerpaw followed obediently. Stoneteller led Flowerpaw out of the cave and to the open fields of snow, "Healers and medicine cats must be at one with their surroundings. You need to learn to listen. Tell me, what do you hear?"

Flowerpaw flicked her ears all around, "I think I hear a mouse scurrying over there and a bird flying somewhere."

Stoneteller chuckled, "Dear one, you are listening with your ears. A healer must listen with their heart."

"How do you do that?"

"It comes with talent and a natural ability. If you are destined to be a healer..."

"Medicine cat."

"Right. Then you should be able to listen in a few moons."

"A few moons! I won't be here a few moons!"

"Then it is my duty to show you how and make sure you practice on your way. Help your family."

"Alright Stoneteller. What do I need to do?"

"Close your eyes," instructed Stoneteller. Flowerpaw obeyed, "Do not focus on anything. Find your center. Listen to the wind. Feel the rays of sun on your fur. Now...what do you hear?"

Flowerpaw was silent for a minute, "I hear whispers but I can't make them out."

"You shouldn't be able to but the ability to hear them is important. It means that you can communicate with nature. In time you will be able to understand those voices."

"Can you?" questioned Flowerpaw.

"Can I what?"

"Understand them?"

"Of course. I have spent many, many moons as a healer. Those voices are like the voices of my Tribe. I know them. I mean...I personally know them?"

"How?"

"They are the voices of the Tribe of Endless Hunting."

"Who?"

"My warrior ancestors."

"Like Starclan?"

"Yes, very much like your Starclan. In time you will know each voice. Come I need to show you something special."

Stoneteller led Flowerpaw to a cave, "Flowerpaw, this is the Cave of Pointed Stones. This is where my Tribe can communicate with the Tribe of Endless Hunting. Listen with your heart again. What do you hear now?"

Flowerpaw closed her eyes and listened she could hear only one thing in all the whispers, "Starsong."

"Pardon?"

"I heard 'Starsong'."

"Well, I didn't think you would accelerate that fast. Well done. Now it is my duty to figure out what it means. I will tell you when I have an answer. I must stay here for a little while longer. You may go back to the cave, but speak of your vision to no one. Understand?"

"Yes Stoneteller. Not a soul." Flowerpaw left Stoneteller in the cave. Back at the cave her brothers and sisters were asking her as many questions as they could get out in one breath.

"What's Stoneteller like?" asked Cheetahpaw.

"Was he mean?" questioned Stonepaw.

"What did you learn?" cried Yellowpaw.

"Did you learn how to use herbs?" wondered Snowpaw.

"Where is Stoneteller?" asked Mosspaw.

"Calm down," interrupted Autumn, "I sure Flowerpaw will answer as many questions as she can."

"Thanks mom. Anyway, Stoneteller is really nice and really patient. He taught me how to listen to nature."

"But we all can do that already," injected Stonepaw.

"Yes, but with our ears. He taught me how to listen with my heart."

"What did you hear?" asked Snowpaw.

Flowerpaw was going to answer but then she remembered her promise, "Nothing important," she lied.

Stoneteller was suddenly beside her, "Flowerpaw, meet me at the Cave of Pointed Stones for our next lesson. I will be there early in the morning anyway. Ask Hawk and Cloud to escort you. Tell them I said so."

"Alright Stoneteller."

"I'll see you at dawn then. Your half way to becoming a healer, Flowerpaw."

"Medicine cat."

"You're half way there."

That last part kind of was on a spur of the moment. Reviews welcomed.