Chapter four
As the sun started to decline, all cats started to diverge, all heading towards their respective dens.
Gelidpaw entered the apprentice den. He looked around, studying his surroundings. He noticed Whitepaw, who was cleaning himself. The white tom looked up and nodded at him "Greetings, Gelidpaw." His voice sounded polite, but somewhat off "Congratulations on becoming an apprentice." He added, giving tom a calm smile. Gelidpaw simply nodded in response.
"Now, please excuse me." Whitepaw stood up and left the den walking pass Redpaw, as the dappled tom came in. Gelidpaw followed the white tom with his gaze, feeling a bit unsettled.
"Was something wrong?" he asked, as Redpaw shook his head.
"No, your fine it's just…" Dapple tom gave him a bit uneasy glance "Whitepaw and Tigerpaw are really good friends you know. They both did not have any siblings when growing up, and are practically like brothers to each other. Tigerpaw tends to go overboard and does stupid things, and Whitepaw is fully aware of that but still…" his eyes met Gelidpaw's as there were unspoken words hanging in the air.
Gelidpaw, once more looked at White tom, who was now walking towards the medicine den "Will he be angry with me for long?"
"Nah, Whitepaw is not the one to hold a grudge." Redpaw smiling genuinely "I don't think he is even really angry with you right now, you just have to give him some time."
Gelidpaw nodded and turned his attention back to the den "So… that's where you sleep."
"Yup" the regular enthusiasm returned on Redpaw's features "Well, now you are sleeping here too."
"Lucky me." Gelidpaw deadpanned but there was a small smirk on his muzzle. He really felt lucky today. The rush of rapture still didn't left his body, although now the fatigue was catching up to it. This was a really tiring day, after all. As he was lost in thoughts, he heard a faint steps , as somecat entered the den.
" Hello there!" he turned around at the sound of a melodic voice to see a young pale gray she-cat with gleaming blue eyes. Redpaw gave her calm look" Hello Willowpaw." She cat however seemed to pay him no mind, as she immediately approached a black cat.
"Hey, you are the kittypet that fought Tigerpaw today!" she meowed with agitated voice, that was full of curiosity. Gelidpaw frowned at the kittypet and was just about to object but he didn't got a chance as the she-cat continued "That was really amazing! I mean, you are so small I was sure that he is simply going to snap you like a twig! And the way he have jostled you- that was really scary! But you gave him some pretty bad scratches to." She giggled, something that may have been endearing if it wasn't annoying " Spottedpaw is now patching him up. They both doesn't seem very happy about it as she's still gruffly about him being mean to her earlier on. He really deserved the beating you gave him, for being such an annoying furball!" she continued chattering, without taking notice in Gelidpaw's annoyed expression.
He let out a small sight of relief as Redpaw came to aid him "Okay Willowpaw, I think that's enough." He meowed calmly "He has already been in a pretty intense fight today. He doesn't need you to talk him to death now." He meowed, as he looked around " By the way, have you seen Frostpaw or Brindlepaw?"
" Stormtail and Rosetail took them for late hunting patrol. And I just want to say you are not my mentor, you can't boss me around." She stuck out her tongue at him in defiance. Redpaw rolled his eyes and turned to Gelidpaw "Come on, let's find you some place to sleep. You deserve a rest after a day like that." He meowed the last part considerably louder, shooting Willowpaw a glance. The she cat simply huffed turning around to walk toward her nest.
The black tom followed Redpaw "Where do I sleep?" he asked.
"Anywhere, just so long as it's not near me." Gelidpaw froze as he heard a snarl. He turned around to see a pair of pale golden eyes glaring at him. Tigerpaw walked in with Whitepaw following near behind. The white tom gave black kit a glance that seemed apologetic. Both apprentices headed towards their nests.
The young black tom suddenly felt wary growing in him. Tigerpaw wouldn't try to take advantage of the situation and hurt him when the one was sleeping right? He was an apprentice now, he couldn't do that to him, but still..
All this anxiety dissolved as the apprentice felt gentle brush of Redpaw's rail on his shoulder "Pay it no mind." The dappled tom murmured with reassuring smile "He's going to get over it at some point."
Gelidpaw gave him a thankfully nod, a small smile appearing on his muzzle.
Redpaw moved towards his own nest, with a tilt of head pointing the spot next to it " Here, you can sleep next to me. There is enough place." He meowed and then his eyes gleamed playful " Although I guess, considering the size of yours, you would be able to fit even in the kit's nest." He teased.
"Maybe it's not me who is being small, it's just you being overfed." He stated calmly raking together a pile of moss "Too many mice, huh?" he teased back, a slight smirk forming on his muzzle. It actually felt weird, that there was no heaviness in his gut or unsettling feeling that came after Redpaw words. When Ruby and Socks did it, it used to hurt him a lot. But then again, the dappled apprentice was nothing like them. He didn't mean to hurt Gelidpaw with his words, the young apprentice knew so much. And after some time, he figured with shock that he didn't mind the teasing so much, when it was coming from this cat.
Redpaw feigned an insulted expression, although there was a gleam of amusement in his eyes that betrayed it all " Excuse me, but I'm not fat. I'm fluffy." He meowed, his voice mocking defiance at which Gelidpaw could help but chuckle.
"Be quiet you two! Some cats were told to be in need of a rest!" Willowpaw hissed from her nest where she was curled up.
Toms looked at each other and let out an amused purr, quieter this time.
"I guess she has a point though." Redpaw purred curling up in his nest "We should get some sleep, especially since we are having a morning patrol tomorrow." he yawned and looked at the black tom giving him last sleepy smile. "Sleep well."
"You too." Black tom replied, settling in his nest. He looked at the dappled tom as the one closed his eyes, soon falling asleep, a calm, gentle smile tugging Gelidpaw's lips.
Ten he looked up to be met with pale amber gaze gleaming in the dark. The smile faded as their eyes met, the burning feeling of mutual hatred burning in it.
Tigerpaw was first to break the eye contact, truing around in his nest. Gelidpaw lied his head between his paws and closed his eyes, as the conflicting thoughts crowded his mind. Tigerpaw was surely never going to accept him, always waiting for a smallest mistake of his but then again- did it matter what he thought. Although Gelidpaw survived this battle probably only thanks to sheer luck, it helped him realize one thing- there was no cat that couldn't be defeated. And although Gelidpaw may not be able to beat every one of them just yet, he was going to learn. And one day it's going to be Tigerpaw who will feel the dread. He could promise him so much.
Gelidpaw he followed Bluefur and the cat name Sparrowpelt, a black yellow-eyed tom. The tom was Redpaw's mentor, the dappled apprentice also following the senior warriors, walking beside the black tom.
Bluefur said they were going to show him the clan boundaries. It was the first time he was so far out in the forest, and Gelidpaw looked around, curiously, his big blue eyes shining in the sunlight. With eyes wide open like this, he looked like nothing more but a kitten. Then again, the scars on his chest distorted this image pretty well.
Despite looking around in wonder, Gelidpaw made it appoint to keep up with the older cats, his steps fast as he carefully listened to Bluefur's words.
She cat was describing the surrounding to him, from time to time giving him a glance to see if the tom was listening "There is a Twoleg path here" she spoke as they walked among many trees, growing in this part of the forest. Crispy fallen leaves of birches, ashen trees and might oaks that towered above them crunched under cat's paws as they moved forward. Halftail stopped to mark one of the bushes with his scent.
Bluefur looked at her apprentice "Can you smell anything?"
Gelidpaw sniffed the air. A faint, familiar scents filled his nose "Twoleg was passing through here." He sniffed again "He was with a dog" He spoke firmly and looked at Bluefur "It has been quite some time ago though."
" Correct" Bluefur meowed "Do you think it's safe to cross?"
Gelidpaw sniffed once more. The odors were faint, now overlaid with scents of the forest "Yes" he replied, his voice confident.
Bluefur smiled lightly and gave Sparrowpelt a nod. All four cats moved forward, passing beneath the ferns. They crossed the sharp stones that made the narrow Twoleg path.
Gelidpaw noticed that the forest here was different. There were more pine trees, and the ground felt spongy, although covered thick with pine needles. There was also no foliage to hide in and he felt the cats around him grew tense as they walked pass a tree trunks with no possibility to hide.
"Those trees has been grown here by Twolegs" Bluefur spoke as they walked "They come here in foul smelling creatures to cut them down and take to a Treecut place that is nearby." Her voice was serious as she spoke "The creatures are big and loud, producing enough fumes to suffocate a cat. However they seem to be active only during Greenleaf."
They walked through the pine forest, Gelidpaw looking around, carefully studying his surroundings.
"There lies the Twolegplace." Bluefur spoke pointing the direction with a flick of her tail "Today however, we shall go the other way."
As they walked they reached yet another Twoleg path, that apparently marked the end of that part f the forest as at the other side of it grew the familiar oaks and bushes of the forest. Cats crossed the path, into the steadying shelter that foliage gave.
Suddenly Gelidpaw was able to pick up a new scent. He sniffed the air warily.
Redtail walked up to his side " We are approaching Riverclan territory." He murmured.
The cats stopped before a treeless mound of boulders.
"These are Sunning Rocks. They mark the boundary between Thunderclan and Riverclan's territory." Bluefur spoke and glanced at the young black tom. "Do you feel it?"
Gelidpaw sniffed once more. The scent was much clearer now, and it helped the tom realize just how distinct each clan's smell was. The scent of other clan's cat mixed with a Thunderclan's, which became much more familiar and, in a way, comforting to him for those past days. He looked at Bluefur and nodded.
"This is the smell of Riverclan." She spoke, her voice having a snippy note to it now " Remember it well." she stated and turned around "We will take a way along the boundaries now. The scent will be stronger there, since the trees along the border will be marked. The boundary line leads straight to the Fourtrees, which are a common territory of all four clans." Her voice was calmer one, returning to its usual firmness.
"The Fourtrees is a meeting place of clans." Redpaw murmured as the cats padded forward "There are four great oaks there that are sad to represent…"
He was cut short by Sparrowpelt's grumble as he gave him a crude glance "You will have time to chat after you are done with your duties. We don't have a whole day now, don't we?"
The two toms went silent and followed the older cat as they crossed a shallow stream leaping from one boulder to another, across the pebbly river.
Gelidpaw was starting to feel out of breath. He was still able to keep up with the rest of the cats, but his paws started to ache a bit. No surprise, since he wasn't walking so much since… actually he simply never travel so much.
It was already a sunhigh when they reached Fourtrees. The black tom looked up in awe, feeling smaller than ever. There were four gigantic oaks before him, their crowns thick and bushy. Some of the leaves already started to change color, signaling the approaching Leafall.
"As Redpaw previously mentioned" Bluefur glanced at them calmly " Fourtrees is a place where clan's meet. The gathering is held under the fullmoon. It's also the place where all four clan's territories meet . WindClan governs the high ground ahead of us, where the sun sets. You should be able to smell their scent." She spoke and Gelidpaw followed her command, sniffing the air.
"I sense it." he meowed as he picked up another scent, committing it to memory.
"Good." Bluefur spoke and pointed another direction with a tilt of her tail "These part of the forest belongs to Shadowclan."
Gelidpaw thought about all it for a moment. Four clans… it didn't seem like a lot, but then again, forest didn't seem that big altogether. But there was one though, tugging his min.
" Why are the cats separated into four clans?" he asked. All the cats turned around to look at him questioningly. He continued, unfazed "Wouldn't it be easier, if all the cats worked together, not worrying over some boundaries or territories?"
"And what can a kittypet like yourself know about…" Sparrowpelt spat but was silenced by Bluefur who then looked at her apprentice sternly.
"The four Clans do come together peacefully, in a Gathering each moon. But you shall understand, longer alliances mean usually more trouble, than they bring benefits." She spoke firmly "It's the loyalty and faith in our clan that gives us strength and courage needed to truly call yourself a warrior. In a times of danger it gives us power to fend of the threat, in a times of peace, calling to fight for survival of our clan. The complexity makes cats strong, gives them a drive, a feel of belonging."
Gelidpaw gaze went thoughtful for a while. It all seemed to make sense now. He nodded slowly looking at Bluefur again "I understand."
Bluefur turned around "Good. Let's keep moving." She spoke, as she lead the cats forward.
They paced along the ridge of the valley where Fourtrees stood. Not long after that they reached small stream, which they crossed in a single jump.
Soon Gelidpaw felt a new scent which, he assumed, had to belong to ShadowClan, considering the direction the were heading.
Bluefur stopped and sniffed the air, cautiously "We are moving along ShadowClan border now." She spoke, her voice sounding grim "Stay alert, their cent is fresh. The had to pass by not long ago."
Gelidpaw nodded, but then he felt his fur rising as he heard a new noise. "What was that?"
Bluefur glanced at him and moved forward "Soon you will see for yourself." she spoke, and Gelidpaw could have sworn he heard her voice shift for a moment.
Gelidpaw followed her, as all four cats headed through the forest. The trees seemed to get thinner here and soon he was hit with an unpleasant smell. It was disgusting, not even remotely close to what clans smelt like, but it seemed somewhat familiar. With unpleasant surprise Gelidpaw realized it reminded him of his Twoleg house. The rumbling seemed to grow louder, which made black cat feel growing anxiety.
"This is Thunderpath" he heard Bluefur speak. Her voice sounded oddly hollow, and when he looked at her he noticed her gaze seemed dim.
As tom followed her gaze he noticed the path of black stone, cutting through the forest like a river. It seemed to stretch far to the horizon.
Suddenly he heard a rumble. It was growing louder, getting closer by ever second. Black cat jostled back, his back arched and eyes opened wide in terror as a roaring creature passed by. The leaves of the trees flapped in the wind created by the monstrosity as it passed by. He remembered seeing things like this before his home, both he never saw a creature so loud or vicious.
Redtail padded towards him and smiled reassuringly "Don't worry, it scared me as well the first time I saw it." he meowed "But they never seem to leave the path. And they keep the Shadowclan warriors out of our territory." He meowed as they moved back towards Thunderclan camp.
"We will be heading back now." Bluefur spoke as she lead the way " We will take a longer way around Snakerocks. At this time of a day it's dangerous to go around there, especially since you are untrained and tired."
Gelidpaw nodded, relieved at the thought of returning to camp. He felt hunger rising in him, and he needed time to analyze all the things he learned today. So he followed the others as they moved through the forest.
(Yay… boring chapter. Sorry guys, I really wanted to get it over with. We will get to fun stuff in time don't worry. Next chapter: Redpaw and Gelidpaw bonding! Yay… I still need design for Redpaw though
Also, which character would you like to see more interactions with. Tell me, I love to write cats chatting
Also also, little change- Brindelpaw and Frostpaw are here! Well, kind of… they are mentioned anyway and I promise there will be more of them in the next chapter. This was my big mistake to not include them in the first place, I totally forgot about them, as I mixed up their birthdates, and thought they were much younger than they really were. Big shout out to Garden Rose who was so nice to point it out. Also, Frostpaw's mentor is Rosetail for obvious reasons. The girl deserved an apprentice anyway so I hope you won't witch hunt me for that :D)