Chapter 11
"Karma's A Vixen."
5/3/18 - 5/4/18 - 5/6/18 - 5/7/18 - 5/8/18 - 5/17/18
~ Robinpaw ~
Pebblestep always has that stupidly high optimism that Frecklespots will come back to RiverClan. Given that she's his half-sister, Robinpaw didn't want to damper Pebblestep's spirits.
Frecklespots was found yesterday, but not in the way Pebblestep wanted.
Sootdust and Specklefern had to wash off the mud and burrs, and they found the familiar yellow and white spots and faint scent of RiverClan. Frecklespots was dead, killed by a savage clawing to her spine and broken hind legs.
Olivestar held a vigil for Frecklespots last night, and her family bid farewell to her. Applefoot cried onto Dewcloud's shoulder, Heavyclaw is somber and silent. Cinderfall is also hurt by Frecklespots' death. They may not be mates anymore, but he never stopped caring about her. Swanheart remained stone faced as he touched his nose with her body's warm fur coat.
Even Daisypelt and Ferretleap groomed Frecklespots' pelt one last time, their kits followed suit. With Shadepaw and Lilacpaw gently touching their noses on her flank, Grasspaw leaving a small lavender flower on her paws, and Robinpaw pressing his forehead gently on her shoulder.
However, he smelled something very familiar on her pelt, erosion and foul bile, but her body isn't even cold yet. Robinpaw recognized that stench before, when he was training with Stonetail.
~ Shadepaw ~
Wavepaw purrs as she gently glides her paw down the newborn kit's head. Curlyfur gazes down at her four-day old kits.
"They are so cute!" Wavepaw exclaims quietly.
"Have you and Stonefoot decided on names yet?" Shadepaw asks Curlyfur.
The light brown tabby she-cat nods.
"It took a while, but we've decided… Guppykit for the grey tom - he has darker spots on his fur. Whiskerkit is small and has white fur, but her name should be a dead giveaway."
Shadepaw looks at the white she-kit and sees the long whiskers on her face.
"Nice name." Wavepaw comments.
Curlyfur nods with a gleam in her eyes, she looks at a light brown tabby she-kit with white paws and a stomach, and light grey tom with a long, curly fur coat like his mother.
"The light brown she-kit is Sedgekit, and the paler grey tom is Floodkit."
Curlyfur looks up from the kits. "If you see Swanheart, tell him to come see me. I'm hoping that the kits will boost his spirits."
Shadepaw nods and leaves the nursery behind Wavepaw, feeling the crisp afternoon air blowing through her face.
"I hope I get to have kits one day!" Wavepaw chirps.
Unfortunately for her, Beechclaw is nearby when he hears his only daughter's claim. His amber eyes widen and he looks at Wavepaw with intense worry.
"Well, that won't happen for a long time, probably not until we're full grown warriors!" Shadepaw nods to Beechclaw, over Wavepaw's shoulder.
The solid blue she-cat decodes Shadepaw's warning and blinks in shock.
"Why, yes! That's what I meant!" Wavepaw said loudly. "But I'd love to put my focus into training before I think about toms."
Beechclaw stares at the two apprentices for a while before sighing softly and entering the apprentices den, no doubt looking for Grasspaw.
Wavepaw exhales in relief. "Thanks a lot, Shadepaw! I didn't want to hear a lecture about the "Birds and the Bees" again."
"No worries, but I doubt he would do that to you."
"That's because you have another sister!" Wavepaw huffs. "I'm stuck with two, fish-brained brothers until further notice and a father who has a meltdown if I so much as look at another tom."
"Me and Lilacpaw aren't spared, either. If Perchpaw keeps strutting about, Ferretleap is going to give me that 'talk' very soon, and I'll hold you responsible."
Wavepaw snorts. "Believe me, I tried to get him to cut it out, even Storkpaw tried, but he's got both of our parents' headstrong attitudes. You might be getting that talk sooner than you think."
Shadepaw bumps her head with her friend's before she scampers to Lakemist's side. She already feels the dread piling up in her stomach as she looks for Olivestar.
"I have something that might please you, Shadepaw." Olivestar says to her startled apprentice. "Depending on the outcome, you and your littermates will become warriors by sunset."
Shadepaw's eyes spark with interest. "Really?!"
Olivestar raises her tail. "I said depending. If either of you fail, you can't expect to pass the assessment. I trust you to keep that in mind when we go out today."
"I promise, Olivestar!" Shadepaw's fear of her mentor-leader is forgotten. The chance of her becoming a warrior tonight is too good to pass up.
The darker brown she-cat follows Olivestar to the entrance, and sees Larkflight and Elmpaw, as well as Tanglepelt and Perchpaw. Shadepaw almost groans at the sight of the tom, he even puffs his fur coat when he catches sight of her.
Let's just make this quick…
Perchpaw yawns as Larkflight gives out instructions.
"I know that Shadepaw has experience with fighting, but I'm going to make this clear to the newer ones."
Larkflight eyes Perchpaw in a flinty expression.
"During mock fights such as this, you're not allowed to unsheathe your claws. If you lay a single claw on one another, you will be disciplined for it - and will not go to the next Gathering. Understand?"
Perchpaw nods slowly, seemingly uninterested in Larkflight's warning.
"Shadepaw, you will be sparing with Perchpaw. Shadepaw's task is to fend off the opponent from pushing her into the water. But, if she were to able to put you in the water, she passes her assessment and becomes a warrior."
Shadepaw glimpses at Olivestar, who is sitting next to Tanglepelt, and meets her eyes evenly. It's natural for a mentor to test their apprentice, but Shadepaw is sure that they never had a relationship as unconventional as hers and Olivestar's.
If I can win this, I'll be done with her for good.
Shadepaw's resolve strengthens when she keeps reciting her thoughts. Perchpaw stands on his paws and squares his shoulders.
"I promise to go easy on you."
Shadepaw narrows her eyes, but doesn't reply back to the annoying tom. Elmpaw stays back to watch the fight.
"Apprentices." Olivestar announces. "You may begin."
Shadepaw is already prepared when Perchpaw lunges for her. Shadepaw hops to the left, and Perchpaw almost trips over his paws. Shadepaw snorts in amusement, Olivestar narrows her eyes to her apprentice's behavior.
Perchpaw faces the walnut-brown she-cat with a forced smile.
"Okay, you got me."
The mottled orange tabby saunters over to her with his tail jerking back and forth, giving Shadepaw an idea. Perchpaw runs towards Shadepaw and tries to grab her shoulder, Shadepaw drops down and rolls around, stopping on her stomach.
Perchpaw instantly charges and lands on her back. Outrage washes over Shadepaw, feeling the younger apprentice's weight and paws on her back.
Get off of me!
Shadepaw stands up to bite when Perchpaw grabs her shoulders and pulls them down, rolling towards the stream. Shadepaw digs her claws in the grass, slightly throwing Perchpaw off balance. Shadepaw hoists Perchpaw on her back and tosses him off.
The dark cinnamon-furred she-cat turns around to see Perchpaw closing in on her, in the heat of the moment, Shadepaw latches her teeth on Perchpaw's throat and pain him down. The bright ginger tabby tom freezes briefly when he feels her teeth on his soft neck, but Shadepaw immediately lets go and grabs his scruff while he's in shock.
Perchpaw yowls in protest as she drags him to the water's edge, cuffing his paw on her nose and prompting her to cough and let go of his scruff. Perchpaw rises up on his hind legs, but Shadepaw head butts him in his stomach, knocking the mottled ginger tabby backwards and hitting his back in the water.
Shadepaw's forelegs were shaking even when Perchpaw pulls himself out of the stream. Tanglepelt comes to Perchpaw's aid, checking his pelt for injuries and looking at Shadepaw accusingly.
"That was…" Larkflight pauses, choosing his words carefully. "Intense."
"I'll say…" Elmpaw whispers in fright. Shadepaw is hit with guilt hearing Elmpaw's voice, and the rattled expression on Perchpaw. The hickory-brown she-cat reluctantly turns to look at her mentor.
Olivestar's cynical glare is masked by worry when Larkflight turns to her.
"Well?"
"... Would you mind if I have some time to speak to Shadepaw, alone?"
No! Shadepaw knew what's going to happen when they were alone. Her walnut-brown fur coat is standing on end, fear flowing through her heart and pelt.
Larkflight nods, and signals Elmpaw to follow him. Tanglepelt nudges Perchpaw.
"Let's go." He says. Perchpaw eyes Shadepaw's rigid stance before Tanglepelt sweeps his tail around him, leading him away.
Once they left, Olivestar makes her way towards Shadepaw. The RiverClan apprentice backpedals from the brown tabby she-cat, her defenses raised and her claws unsheathed.
"Don't come near me!"
Olivestar flicks her tail. "Calm yourself down before you make a fool of yourself."
Olivestar places one paw forward. "Your skill is fit for a warrior, but I saw that gleam in your eyes when you went to grab Perchpaw."
The RiverClan leader thrusts her muzzle directly in Shadepaw's face. The darker brown tabby she-cat flinches, preparing for a beating.
"Biting into a cat's throat is the quickest way to kill, a technique only fit for the dishonorable types of cats! You haven't learned anything from my warnings, it seems, so you're staying an apprentice until I say so."
Olivestar pushes past Shadepaw when a paw steps on her tail.
"Stop it."
The brown tabby she-cat looks at an exasperated Shadepaw.
"Who are you speaking to that way?" Olivestar questions. "I'm your leader and mentor, you need to hold your tongue and respect your elders."
"Respect needs to be earned. You did nothing to earn mine." Shadepaw growls.
Olivestar falls quiet before she scoffs. "I was wrong, you're just like your mother."
"Good." Shadepaw hisses. "She's the best role model for me, which is more than I can say for you."
Olivestar opens her mouth, but Shadepaw snaps. "No! You did enough talking!"
Shadepaw removed her paw from Olivestar's tail.
"For the last five moons you've done nothing but hurt me, again and again, and if I do much as call you out on it, you'd compare me to what my mother did! You push me around and make me feel like I'm nothing but another Daisypelt to beat up!"
Shadepaw's orange-yellow eyes narrow viciously.
"I bet that's why you picked me instead of my littermates! Because I'm the closest cat to Daisypelt that you can punish for what she did! Well, I'm sick of it! You don't know how many scars you put on my pelt, how much stress you push on me! Or even how I feel when you get away with hurting me! You may be a leader, but you're a bully! You look down on me for being Daisypelt's daughter, but I'll never let you stop me from being a warrior one day! And if you do, everyone will know what kind of cat you are!"
Olivestar's fur becomes pale, staring at the eleven-moon-old she-cat in bewilderment. Shadepaw snorts, looking down at her paws. "Who hurt you so badly… that you would treat a 'paw like a lowly rat?"
"... Snowstep, and Dustfur."
Shadepaw looks up in surprise, only to see Olivestar disappearing within the reeds.
And my chances of getting a warrior name is probably gone, too.
"All cats old enough to fish, meet me for a Clan meeting!"
Olivestar's voice sounds hoarse, even for a cat her age. Lilacpaw could've sworn she seen Olivestar lightly glare at her before looking at her Clan. She feels fur brush her side, as Shadepaw licks her forehead.
"Stop!" Lilacpaw squeaks, backing away from Shadepaw's grooming.
Olivestar coughs, and starts to speak. "I'm pleased to see RiverClan growing in size and strength. I, first, will like to greet our newest additions to the Clan, Curlyfur and Stonefoot's kits. Guppykit, Whiskerkit, Floodkit and Sedgekit!"
"Guppykit! Whiskerkit! Floodkit! Sedgekit!"
"I'm also delighted to announce that a group of lucky apprentices will become warriors this evening. Grasspaw, Robinpaw, Lilacpaw… and Shadepaw."
Shadepaw gasps in surprise while Lilacpaw's whiskers twitch in excitement. She suddenly feels the rough tongue strokes patting her head and pelt.
"Mom, stop!"
Daisypelt continues to lick Lilacpaw's fur until it's flat and shiny. Ferretleap is looking over Grasspaw and Robinpaw - who were quick to deny the grooming. Daisypelt moves to Shadepaw, who backs away.
"I'm good." She insists.
"Well, you have a tuft sticking out right here." Daisypelt licks Shadepaw's shoulder with slow deliberation, where one of her scars were. Shadepaw tries not to wince when Daisypelt moves back.
Her mother's chartreuse green eyes linger on Shadepaw, making the walnut-brown she-cat shrink under her thorough gaze.
"Will the chosen apprentices, please step forward?" Olivestar commands.
Ferretleap nuzzles Shadepaw. "We'll be right here."
The four chosen cats pad forward in front the crowd of cats, stopping in front of Olivestar.
"I, Olivestar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these four apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in return."
"Beechclaw." The brown tabby she-cat addresses the black tom. "Has young Grasspaw earned the right to become a warrior?"
The brown tabby tom is quietly hyperventilating, his green eyes watering. Robinpaw only glances at Grasspaw and shakes his head, so Lilacpaw leans against her brother's broad shoulder in support.
But despite Grasspaw's misgivings, Beechclaw is smiling in pride.
"He most certainly has, Olivestar."
Grasspaw sighs in relief while Olivestar nods, and recites the warrior ceremony.
"Grasspaw. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
The big tabby tom nods. "I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Grasspaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Grasspelt. StarClan honors your empathy and determination, and we welcome you as a full member of RiverClan."
Grasspelt gently licks Olivestar's shoulder before stepping back.
"Pebblestep, has Robinpaw learned the ways of our noble code?"
The light grey dappled tom nods. "Yes. He's ready."
Olivestar looks at Robinpaw, who fluffs up his fur and lashes his tail.
"Robinpaw. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"Yes. I do." He declares.
Olivestar nods approvingly. "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Robinpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Robinblaze. StarClan honors your strength and courage, and we welcome you as a full member of RiverClan."
The dark brown tom licks Olivestar's shoulder and sits back down. Lilacpaw straightens her posture when Olivestar looks to her.
"Brindleclaw? How about Lilacpaw, is she ready?"
The black and yellow she-cat dips her head. "She most certainly is."
"Lilacpaw. Do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Lilacpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Lilacshine. StarClan honors your tenacity and forethought, and we welcome you as a full member of RiverClan."
Lilacshine licks Olivestar's shoulder and sits in between Grasspelt and Shadepaw. She feels Shadepaw trembling beside her, and glances over to her with worry.
"At first, I am reluctant to make you are warrior after your outburst earlier." Olivestar told Shadepaw directly.
"I'm considering keeping you an apprentice for as long as Beechclaw's kits are training… but it was clear that you had the right to call me out, and it's reminiscent of a warrior with sharp intellect and bravery. Therefore, I ask you, Shadepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
The she-cat with the dark, cinnamon brown fur, nods nervously. "I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name."
If she calls me Shadepelt, or somehow Shadedaisy, I swear to StarClan… Shadepaw sinks the tip of her claws on the floor.
"Shadepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Shadesky. StarClan honors your intelligence and bravery, and we welcome you as a full member of RiverClan."
Shadesky steps up and licks Olivestar's shoulder. The RiverClan leader whispers in her ear. "Prove me wrong."
Shadesky backs down with pricked fur, but she meets her gaze evenly.
You can't hurt me anymore, and you know it.
"Grasspelt! Robinblaze! Lilacshine! Shadesky!"
Pebblestep bumps his head with Robinblaze's. "You're probably glad to have me gone."
Robinblaze blinks, remorseful. "I'm… sorry I caused you trouble."
"Just be sure to remember what I taught you." Pebblestep reminds him.
Grasspelt dips his head to Beechclaw. "T-Thank you for everything."
"You're a warrior now." Beechclaw told Grasspelt. "You don't have to look to me for approval, understand?"
The big, brown tabby tom nods with a nervous smile. Shadesky tears her gaze from Olivestar's watchful eyes and ends up face to face with Perchpaw's amber eyes.
"Perchpaw - move it!" Wavepaw shoulders her brother roughly. "Honestly, you can be such a creep sometimes - congratulations, Shadesky!"
Shadesky touches her nose with Wavepaw. "It'll be your turn when the time comes."
"In the meantime, can you be my mentor?" Wavepaw asks, grinning. "Lakemist is alright, but you know the importance of keeping your pelt clean."
Perchpaw rolls his eyes when Storkpaw slowly pads to them.
"If you're going to whine like a kittypet over a speck of dirt, you should have become a medicine cat. At least Shadesky isn't afraid to get her pelt dirty."
Shadesky sighs at the amorous grin on Perchpaw's muzzle.
"I'm not interested."
The mottled, bright ginger tabby snorts. "You say that now, but you never know."
"When you get your name, I'll consider it." Shadesky retorts.
Perchpaw's eyes were brighter at the sarcastic remark.
"Then it's a promise! Okay, I'll get my name before the next sun-rotation!"
"Perchpaw, she was being-!" Wavepaw's brother races off to Tanglepelt without waiting. The solid blue she-cat groans.
"That tom has water in his brain, I swear it!"
"Shadesky might have to honor her word if he wins." Storkpaw says.
The walnut-brown she-cat rolls her eyes. "We'll see about that."
~ Lilacshine ~
Brindleclaw lays her tail on her former apprentice's shoulder.
"I'll miss our training sessions. But I shouldn't keep you long… someone wants to speak with you."
From her right, Lilacshine sees Heronflight padding toward her. Lilacshine dips her head to Brindleclaw and goes to meet the dark brown tabby tom.
"Congratulations, Lilacshine!" Heronflight brushes muzzles with the silver she-cat.
"Your name suits you."
"Thanks!"
Lilacshine catches a pure white fur coat in her peripheral vision, and her heart hits her chest as Swanheart weaves through the knot of cats before stepping back. Lilacshine couldn't focus knowing that Swanheart is nearby, she snaps out of her stupor when she hears Heronflight say her name.
"Are you okay?" Heronflight asks her gently, his amber eyes were wide with worry. "Do you need Sootdust or Specklefern?"
Lilacshine shakes her head. "No I was just thinking…"
"... Well, I think Swanheart wants to talk to you, but you know how proud he gets!"
Heronflight brushes muzzles with her, lingering a few heartbeats before parting and padding to meet Grasspelt, who is with Daisypelt and Ferretleap. Lilacshine looks back to see Swanheart locking eyes with her.
She races over to the sturdy white tom, and her paws start to feel like she's stepping on hedgehog spines.
"Swanheart…"
The said tom shifts his paws nervously. "I saw your ceremony… Congratulations, Lilacshine."
The silver tabby she-cat's ears burn when she hears her name from Swanheart, a soft spoken voice that wouldn't belong to the old Swanheart. Lilacshine catches herself staring at Swanheart, and scolds herself silently.
Heronflight! Don't forget Heronflight.
"I just wanted to check on you." She said. "With Frecklespots… you know? How are you holding up?"
Swanheart seems to deflate at the mention of his mother. He takes in a trembling breath. "I'm… coping."
"I'm here if you want to talk about it."
Swanheart's eyes were glowing. "Thanks, but I just need to sleep it off."
"Still, the offer still stands." Lilacshine says. Reluctantly, Lilacshine pads from Swanheart and approaches her littermates with butterflies in her stomach.
A/N: Heeey guys. Sorry if I scared any of you on my last author's note. You know, life and all. Thanks to Fallenfrost for checking on me.
Plus, editing has become weird. Like, I can't edit or add any writing on the website because I can't scroll down to save anything.
So, yeah, that happened. It's not much of a problem, though.
But it's been two months since the last post, so you know what that means?
Re-reading the old chapters to keep consistency!
I will be honest with you, with summer just around the corner, life is gonna keep me busy for quite some time, so apologies in advance for any long updates. I really felt like I let you guys down during the whole thing and once I again, sorry for that.
Anyway, I hope you all have a great morning! ~ Kyubi