GUyS GREAT NEWS.
I BOUGHT A DRAWING TABLET. IT'S GONNA ARRIVE IN LIKE THREE DAYS
MORE ON THAT LATER, HERE'S thE CHAPTER :DD
Sunlight glimmered through the tree leaves, birds rustling in the undergrowth.
A cool breeze drifted through the forest, ruffling Kestrelpaw's fur as she traipsed after Pearlight.
She, her mentor, Sweethawk, Jaypaw, Redear, Fleetpaw, and Cindercall were on border patrol, their paw steps wary as they slowly moved along the MountainClan border.
Pearlight looked on edge, and so did Sweethawk, both of the siblings murmuring softly, their ears pinned against their head. Jaypaw seemed to pay no mind and was chatting softly with Redear, while Fleetpaw stuck close to Cindercall.
Kestrelpaw couldn't help but notice the look on the grey warrior's face.
Blank, empty.
Her ears lower.
Ever since the disaster of a Gathering, Cindercall had begun unraveling, it seemed. Her loving and cheerful nature dissipating for dark, sullen tone.
She rarely spoke much, aside to teach Fleetpaw, and Kestrelpaw had overheard Nettlepelt speaking to Mumblebee about her struggling to eat.
It was like when Goosekit died, but... Worse.
Did she blame herself?
She's taken to blaming every death since her birth on herself. Redear's words rung in her head, and she glanced at the white warrior. His gaze crossed hers briefly, before he glanced at Cindercall, a soft sigh on his breath.
Kestrelpaw was quiet, keeping close to her mentor as worry ate at her heart.
What about this silly Prophecy that the Clan spoke so quietly of made Cindercall like this?
She didn't kill Oddbird; and MountainClan waging war on them wasn't on her shoulders either!
"Well if it isn't little MoonClan," a voice sneered from across the border.
All the cats stiffened, halting in their steps, and Kestrelpaw turned.
She saw Ashpaw and Archpaw, and their mentors, Owlear and Litchentuft. Behind them stood a gorgeous she-cat with light russet fur and a white underbelly, her gaze piercing as she stared at the MoonClan patrol.
Petalpelt.
Strangely enough, beside her was both Antpaw and Longpaw, but strangely enough... Kestrelpaw didn't see Twilightsun anywhere.
Leading the patrol, his fur bristled and bright orange, was Foxtalon, his amber eyes glinting. He was the one who had spoken, his ears twitching as he slowly raked his gaze over the cats across the border.
"Foxtalon," Pearlight mewed, clearing his throat. Jaypaw moved over to stand beside Sweethawk, his fur bristling slightly at the sight of the MountainClan cats.
Kestrelpaw felt fear run through her fur. She had been taught to fight, but she still didn't want a battle to happen here.
The orange-furred tom on the other side sat down, grooming his paw briefly and swiping it over his ear.
"So, tell me somethin', MoonClan," he purred. His eyes shifted over them, before landing squarely on Cindercall. "What's it like, havin' a monster like her in your Clan?"
The patrol held their breath, Jaypaw and Kestrelpaw looking to Cindercall.
The she-cat's expression was unreadable, her ears low.
"Excuse me?" Pearlight spat, his fur bristling. Kestrelpaw, taken aback by the venom in Pearlight's voice, scrambled back in surprise. Sweethawk nudged her brother's shoulder, and the tom cleared his throat. "Listen, we're on a patrol, so if you don't mind, we've got things to do." He snarled softly.
"Oh trust me, I know," Foxtalon snickered. "We're on patrol too, y'know."
Litchentuft stood forward, his fur fluffing out as he side-glanced to where Petalpelt was. Despite the fact that the she-cat was now nowhere to be seen, it seemed like he hadn't even noticed.
"But at the very least, we ain't on patrol with the bringer of fire." He sneered. "We didn't kill countless cats in the Battle for the Moon Circle. We didn't bring the plague of wolves to the forest. We sure are lucky, huh." He nudged Foxtalon, who broke out into laughter.
"Hah! I bet she and that big wolf planned it all. He was like 'make them think they're safe then give my pack every cat you can', and then killed him! Pretty easy!"
"I hear she lost a kit, y'know," Litchentuft sneered. "Bet she fed it to a wolf. They said greencough, but for all we know that was code."
"And I bet she did the same with her brother."
"She planned for her father to die, and—"
"That's enough!"
The voice, surprisingly, didn't come from MoonClan's side of the border.
Owlear strode forward, his ears pinned to his head.
Before Litchentuft or Foxtalon could respond, Owlear's paw flashed out, bashing them in the head and sending them to the ground.
The two toms let out a wail of surprise, dizzy and confused as the golden tom stood above them.
"We've got work to do, we don't have time for this," he snarled. "Remember that you two are both on thin ice with Runningstar. Don't make me report this to him. Chatting with MoonClan cats can get you in trouble, remember?"
Foxtalon and Litchentuft both shut up, the two rising to their paws, ears low.
Kestrelpaw couldn't help but notice how Litchentuft's tail flicked over his black mark on his back, and how Foxtalon shuffled his paws nervously.
Why were they on thin ice?
The apprentices of MountainClan watched on in silence, Archpaw snickering softly to Antpaw at Litchentuft, before earning a soft glare from Owlear.
"C'mon," he growled. "Let's keep moving."
Foxtalon, Litchentuft, Antpaw, Longpaw, and Archpaw moved forward along the path, while Owlear and Ashpaw hung back.
The golden tom's eyes didn't meet Cindercall, but he looked to Pearlight.
Kestrelpaw just barely heard his words.
"I'm sorry," the tom whispered softly. "I... I'm so sorry, Pearlight..."
"Don't worry about it," Pearlight replied in the same tone. "Once this is all over, they'll regret their words."
The golden tom dipped his head in respect, before turning and leading Ashpaw away.
Kestrelpaw watched him leave, pausing as he joined with his patrol again, her ears twitching when she realized that one of their cats was missing.
But the patrol continued on, and Kestrelpaw let it drift out of her mind, glancing behind her to see that Redear was slipping out from the undergrowth further behind them on the border, slowly heading towards them.
Jaypaw nudged Kestrelpaw quietly as they trailed after their mentors.
"You okay?" He asked softly.
"I just... can't believe they'd say something like that to Cindercall..." She whispered.
"Yeah..."
"Uh, guys?"
Fleetpaw's voice made the patrol halt, and Pearlight turned to look at him.
"Yes?"
Fleetpaw was standing there, glancing around, his fur bristling.
As Kestrelpaw looked around, she realized his question before he even asked it.
"Where's Cindercall?"
Voice snaked in and out of her mind, digging their fangs into her heart.
Fed her kit to wolves.
Brought them here.
Planned it all...
Cindercall's breath was ragged and torn, but aside from the blooming agony in her chest, she felt numb everywhere else.
She felt nothing.
Her paws brushed over harsh pine cones and sharp pine leaves, a thorn stabbing her in her pad.
But she didn't notice it.
It felt all the same to her.
She didn't know where she was going.
All she knew was she wanted to stop hearing the voices.
Bringer of fire.
Brought the plague of wolves.
Monster.
Murderer.
She couldn't breathe, and yet... she trudged on.
A paw in front of the other, moving forward and forward, her pace constant as she moved through the underbrush.
And then her foreleg struck something, and she tumbled down onto a cool flat surface, grunting in discomfort as she landed awkwardly on her leg.
Wincing, Cindercall sat up, flexing her leg-muscles as she glanced down to see what she had tripped over.
It was a rock.
The sound of bubbling water filled her ears, and she turned to her left, her eyes falling on a small brook.
The Stream Stone.
She had gone deep into their territory to be here.
Cindercall settled herself onto the flat rock, her ears low as she stared out to the water.
The small brook murmured and bubbled happily, the sound echoing through the grey warrior's ears.
But it didn't sound cheerful like it used to.
It sounded mocking.
You'll never be a normal cat, Cindercall.
Her gaze darkens, her head lowering as she felt another flash of pain in her chest.
Every one who's died up till now... Their blood is on your paws.
You brought the fire.
You're the ash of the Prophecy, and for that you will pay with those you love.
Her blue gaze became blurry as tears started to build in her eyes. Her chest squeezed and squeezed, a sob starting to work it's way up into her throat.
You're special, Cindercall. You'll live on, maybe become leader.
Her heart hammered away, more agony and misery sweeping over her chest.
But you'll lose everyone in the process.
Tears streaked down her fur, her body shaking as she crumpled against the rock she sat on.
You've lost Ashwater, Aspenfang, Goosekit, Oddbird; you've lost friends from other Clans, and you'll keep losing them.
Cindercall squeezed her eyes shut, ears pinning against her head.
Will Kestrelpaw and Jaypaw make it to their warrior ceremony? Unlikely.
She flinched at the harsh thought.
Pearlight, Sweethawk, Eaglewhisker, Lighteye, Vinedust... You'll lose them too.
Her breath became rapid and shallow, as she struggled to get air into her jaws.
And when it's all over... When everyone's died... You'll see Nettlepelt. He'll be eaten alive by those wolves, Cindercall.
A wail started to take her over.
And you'll watch every.
Single.
Moment.
"Cindercall?"
Cindercall sat up in shock when she heard the voice behind her, her leg slipping under her as it attempted to support her weight.
She crashed back down onto it, groaning in pain before slowly turning towards the voice, using her good paw to swipe at her face quickly to hide the tears.
Much to her shock, Nettlepelt stood at the edge of the clearing, his amber gaze soft and gentle as he watched her.
He didn't speak, his eyes flickering over her.
She knew that he knew she'd been crying. Little could escape his eye.
But she was thankful that he had found her.
The brown tom moved over to her, still not speaking, instead settling beside her, sweeping his tail around her and giving her ear a comforting lick.
She leaned into him, exhaustion creeping over her.
But the voices had stopped their cruel whispers, and she closed her eyes, melting into Nettlepelt's fur.
They sat like that for awhile, both of them silent, listening to the gurgling stream as it bubbled happily, it's sweet voice no longer mocking to Cindercall's ears.
But when Cindercall opened her eyes again, she slowly lifted off of him, turning to look at him.
"What... are you doing out here?" She asks softly. "I thought you were helping Mumblebee with..." She glanced around. "You-know-who."
"Fleetpaw came to get me," he mewed gently, his amber eyes warm as he met her gaze. "You snuck off from border patrol, you know."
Cindercall's ears lowered, and she glanced at the stream, shuffling gingerly on the paw she'd fallen on.
"I... I know," she whispered. "I just... I couldn't take it... Everything they said—"
"They waged war against us, Cindercall," Nettlepelt's voice was soft and gentle, despite his words. "They'll do anything to make us waver. They'll say anything..."
He sighs.
"You know you saved cats that day, right?"
Cindercall fell silent, her gaze dark.
"But so many died..." She whispers in response.
"Many more would've died had you not killed that Alpha," he closes his eyes, pressing against her. "It doesn't matter what any cat says, Cindercall. You've done everything in your power to save others. Even as a kit, you did that. You helped Quietsong with Aspenfang, remember?"
Cindercall pauses, before nodding.
"I remember," she murmured.
"Ashwater used to brag all the time about how much of an amazing apprentice you were. You'd train, and still find time to visit Aspenfang. And when he passed on, you vowed to be a great warrior for him." He purrs softly at the memory. "And Ashwater was proud of you, even when he died. He never hated you, and Aspenfang didn't either."
His gaze darkens a bit, but he nuzzles her gently.
"Goosekit didn't, either," he murmured after a moment. "MoonClan appreciates you, Cindercall. You're a wonderful warrior, who does everything she can for her Clan. A loving mother who will stay by her kit's side no matter what..." His gaze softens. "A beautiful mate, who makes the one who loves her a very happy tom indeed."
Cindercall shuffled awkwardly, her ears twitching as she licked her fur with embarrassment at the praise.
"I, uh..." She swallowed, before turning to meet his gaze, pressing into his fur again.
After a moment, she took a deep breath.
"Thank you," she whispered softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Nettlepelt." Nettlepelt purred softly, amusement lighting his expression.
"You'd probably be reckless and oblivious; just like always," he teased gently. Cindercall prodded him in the side playfully, snorting.
"Yeah, right. I'm not that bad."
"Pfft, you could've fooled me."
The two broke into soft laughter, before Nettlepelt slowly pulled away and rose to his paws.
"We should probably head back," he murmured. "Pearlight told me he'd continue the border patrol while I searched for you, so they should be heading back to camp by now. And Mumblebee wanted your help with something."
"Oh?" She rose to her paws, wincing slightly at her leg, gingerly leaning her weight on it.
Falling on it twice probably wasn't great for it.
"Are you alright?" Nettlepelt asked, noticing her discomfort almost immediately, his gaze flickering to her leg.
"I'm fine," she mewed. "I just... Fell on my leg a couple of times. I probably just need to let it rest for a bit."
Nettlepelt watched her, eyes wary, as though he was thinking of a response.
She sighed, shaking her head slightly and nudging him.
"If it doesn't get better by tomorrow, I'll talk to Mumblebee about it, okay?"
He seemed to relax slightly, his ears twitching.
"I'd prefer you'd speak to him now, but... I understand. Just... First thing, if it's still bothering you, go talk to him please?"
She purred softly, butting his shoulder with her head.
"You're such a worrier," she teased lightly.
"I have to worry about you," he teased back. "Otherwise who'll make sure you don't throw yourself into danger?"
"Sweethawk's been doing that just fine!" She replies matter-of-factly.
"Ah, yeah, leaping into battle with you is the right response indeed," he replies playfully. "Now c'mon, we should head back."
"Right," she nodded, before slowly following after him.
Thankfully, the tom moved slower to allow her to keep up, her leg sore as she limped after him.
The border patrol met them a ways off from the entrance, Fleetpaw scrabbling towards Cindercall, his fur puffed up.
"Are you okay?!" He squawked. "You just disappeared! I didn't even hear you!"
Cindercall's gaze softened, and her tail tip flicked over his ear.
"I'm fine," she purred gently. "Just... Needed some time to think." She paused when she saw Jaypaw and Kestrelpaw staring at her, worry thickening their gaze.
Sweethawk leapt at Cindercall not even a second after she had finished her sentence, the two she-cats tumbling into the grass.
"You flea-brain!" Sweethawk snorts, pinning her down. "You can't run off like that during border patrol! Bad Cindercall, bad."
Cindercall laughed, batting Sweethawk off of her carefully, wincing a smidge as her leg muscles cried out with pain.
"Yeah, yeah, I know, I won't do it again," she rose to her paws, gingerly brushing off the grass that clung to her fur, before glancing at Pearlight.
The tom was silent, watching her with a gentle gaze, his ears low.
She sighed.
"I'm alright, guys," she mewed. "Seriously, just... needed some time. I won't do that again, 'specially not at the MountainClan border."
"Good," Sweethawk sniffed. "Listen up!" She turned to the apprentices. "This is a great learning moment! Cindercall just made a fine example of what not to do. On border patrol, don't run off unless the leader of the patrol says to. If you're in one of the assigned hunting patrols, you can't do it either unless the leader says to. Got it?"
"Got it!" The three apprentices chimed in.
Cindercall purred with amusement as Sweethawk began marching the apprentices back, Pearlight moving alongside Kestrelpaw, glancing back at her a couple of times.
Nettlepelt pressed into her fur.
"Alright, let's go speak to Mumblebee about that thing he needed you for, okay?"
She glances at him, before nodding.
"Right."
