I hope everyone is having or has had a wonderful holiday season, regardless of what holidays or traditions you celebrate!
History Rewritten: Brokenstar is still up for adoption! I will keep advertising this as long as I need to. I can no longer write it and considering how many people actually read and enjoyed it (compared to my other works), it'd be a shame to let it die. If you read and loved it, consider taking up this story as your own.
The chapter after this one has been written several years ago. Many of my long time readers will remember it. Due to flow and informational issues, it cannot be skipped. It would be sort of rude to tell everyone to go and find the oneshot on my profile so I'll end up reposting it. I will likely do some edits to it before it's put up though. Considering that, this story is coming back up to the appropriate pace! The end is in sight (but not for another like, 10-20 chapters, unfortunately).
Molting Feathers is the "sequel" to Dawnstar's Legacy and has started! Keep an eye out for it if you're interested.
Wolfheart belongs to starrysunsets.
Brightstar belongs to Brightstar of Forestclan. She's in StarClan, but she'll make her appearance eventually. She gets mentioned a lot because she was considered one of RiverClan's best leaders.
Torrentrunner/Torrentstar belongs to Nightmask. Both she and Falconstar have their own oneshot! It's called The Falcon's Fading Song. It's more Falconstar centric, but it does bring to light how ShadowClan went downhill during his leadership and how his relationship with Torrentrunner played out in the end.
1 separating line goes here 1
Several days had passed since Dawnflight pulled Waterstar out of the lake. For the most part, the silvery she cat found the passing time to be uneventful. Blackwing had begun to recover ever since Fireclaw had brought back feverfew from Wolfheart. Embersoul and Stoneheart had even snuck in the gray WindClan she cat into RiverClan's camp in the dead of night to visit Blackwing. Dawnflight was glad the black medicine cat was recovering. Leafstep seemed to be elated as well, quietly monitoring the progress of his niece from the other side of the medicine cats' den. Dawnflight had also noticed that Thunderstorm had a particular interest in their parents' interclan relationships. He stayed wide awake the night Wolfheart had visited; his dark amber eyes focused on his parent's every move. The ginger and grey splotched tom tried to make himself inconspicuous by squinting his eyes to make them look like he was sleeping. But Dawnflight caught on to his act and sat herself outside the warriors' den that night to keep him from clawing Wolfheart's pelt. The days after, Thunderstorm ignored and avoided Embersoul and Stoneheart as much as he could. When he was in camp, he would glare at them from afar, though they never seemed to notice their own estranged son. Dawnflight couldn't help but groan at the thought, but kept her distance. She figured if Thunderstorm wanted to talk to her or make any effort to befriend her, he would do it on his own.
Would it kill our parents to even acknowledge their own son?
Waterstar continued to isolate herself from the rest of RiverClan, despite the efforts Mossclaw put in to support her. Dawnflight found it quite sad; Waterstar was depressed and had little self-esteem left these days. The former queen had often thought back to times she had felt the same way. After her kits had died, Dawnflight blamed herself every spare moment. But the grey and white warrior had pulled through and moved on. She felt a stab of pity for her leader, but tilted her head quizzically when she realized Waterstar had little to be depressed about.
I don't understand. She leads the best clan around the lake and we just beat ShadowClan in a fight for our territory. She has everything she could need: a loyal clan, a loving mate and the support of all her clanmates.
Dawnflight padded past the fresh kill pile in the center of camp. She noted how empty it looked; it only had a few frogs and one bluegill left over. She mentally noted to offer to lead a hunting patrol later.
I don't think Sparrowfeather's patrol has returned yet. Another hunting party is probably a good idea too.
The silvery warrior settled herself down on a dry patch of wilted reeds close to Waterstar's den. Tilting her ears side to side, she could hear some quiet mews coming from inside the leader's den. Dawnflight could recognize the twang of Mossclaw's voice and the pitiful meows of Waterstar's voice through the thick brush. Tucking her white paws beneath her chest and belly fur, Dawnflight quieted herself and listened.
"This was all my fault."
Dawnflight twitched her left ear forward, catching more conversation. Silence followed the sorrowful sounding sentence for a few heartbeats. Then the silvery warrior heard Mossclaw speak.
"That isn't true," he started, "Falconstar has been insane for moons according to Torrentstar! It was only a matter of time before everything crumbled-…"
"I should have noticed Falconstar's cruel leadership! I could have done something!"
Dawnflight held her breath when Waterstar raised her voice at her mate. Mossclaw seemed just as stunned as Dawnflight as he was cut off mid mew.
"You can't possibly say that, Waterstar, ShadowClan's business isn't ours!"
"But there must be four clans beside the lake! One clan cannot over power the others. Have you forgot the history of the problems the clans had when the other three clans refused to help the one in trouble?"
Dawnflight let her breath out when she heard Mossclaw's tail swish against the rough reeds and when Waterstar's paws made dull "pamf" sounds against the dry soil. The young warrior inferred that Waterstar must have taken a few paw steps closer to her deputy.
"Mossclaw, it's the leaders' duty to ensure there is balance. I have failed that duty. I failed Blackwing. I should have seen Falconstar's dangerous intent and I should have stopped Blackwing from following us into battle. Instead of caring for my own cats I let my foolish pride and willingness to show Falconstar my strength that I forgot my own medicine cat!"
Waterstar's voice came out as half of a hiss and half of a sob. Dawnflight frowned as she listened to her leader heave in breaths and keep tears in her eyes. The silvery she cat felt slightly relieved when she heard Mossclaw's paws move closer to Waterstar. She recognized the gently rasping sounds he only made around Waterstar.
"No cat is perfect," he meowed quietly as Waterstar sniffled, "it was Blackwing's choice to come with us. You couldn't have possibly predicted that Falconstar would attack her. You're a wonderful leader and you love all of RiverClan. Brightstar made the right choice."
Dawnflight dared to breathe as the two cats behind the reed and brush walls had a private moment together. The warrior stayed still in fear they would hear her. She stilled herself even more when the two cats she was listening to stopped purring.
"Let's focus on the new things, Waterstar. Silverstorm and Redfur's kits are six moons old. Redfur came to me yesterday with mentor suggestions for Pebblekit, Cederkit and Pikekit."
"Oh, I forgot that those two even had kits…"
Waterstar's voice trailed off as she dropped down into a depressive state again. Dawnflight felt her heart sink.
Even I forgot Silverstorm and Redfur had kits! Waterstar doesn't need to be sorry for that.
Dawnflight blinked her dark amber eyes slowly as she imagined Waterstar and Mossclaw conversing. Her mind drifted to the kits. She imagined Pebblekit's pale gray dappled fur, Cedarkit's red pelt that looked just like his father's and Pikekit's unique tan and white striped fur.
For kits, they sure have been well behaved. I barely remember them running wild around camp or getting into trouble. I wonder who their mentors will be. We haven't had any apprentices in RiverClan now that Hawkwhisper, Shinesong and Thunderstorm are warriors.
Seemingly able to read Dawnflight's thoughts, Mossclaw spoke again, breaking the silence that surrounded Dawnflight.
"Redfur suggested that Pikekit should have Splashfrost because her quiet nature is similar to Pikekit's. He said that Cedarkit needs some help focusing so Darkfire should mentor him."
The quiet rustling of fur and small murmurs told Dawnflight that Waterstar agreed with Redfur's assessment of his own kits.
"What about Pebblekit?" Waterstar asked. Dawnflight titled her ears, hopeful that Waterstar was actually paying attention to Mossclaw's words.
"Redfur and Silverstorm said we could pick Pebblekit's mentor." Mossclaw said gently. He silenced his muzzle, waiting for his mate's decision. Dawnflight imagined Waterstar screwing up her spotted face in concentration. She suppressed a purr of amusement.
"Uhh, who hasn't trained an apprentice yet? Uhm, Stoneheart? N-no, Stoneheart said she never wanted any apprentices. Uhh, Reedtail? Wait, Reedtail just moved to the nursery after the battle. Uhh...?"
Mossclaw gave a small chuckle at Waterstar's floundering about. She huffed in response to him, but she stayed quiet as she thought about more potential candidates. Mossclaw's purrs Dawnflight wanted to chuckle too.
"Take your time." Mossclaw chided gently. Waterstar took a few more heartbeats to make up her mind.
"Uhh, Milkpelt? No, not him. I don't think he can handle an apprentice anymore. He already trained Sparrowfeather several moons ago. Uhh, how about Dawnflight? She's never had an apprentice and has been a warrior for a while."
"Good choice. Shall I let them all know?"
"Uhm, no. I will. I'll hold the ceremony at sunhigh."
As quiet as a mouse, Dawnflight got up on her paws and tip-toed away. She was surprised for sure, but part of her knew she would be a mentor eventually.
I never thought this day would come so soon.
Padded past the measly fresh kill pile again, Dawnflight remembered that she should go hunt.
1 separating line goes here 1
The sun floated high in the sky directly above RiverClan's camp. Waterstar stood at the center of camp, flanked by Mossclaw. The light gray she cat smiled at the cats before her. Dawnflight couldn't help but smile back at her leader, who in turn gave her a polite nod.
She's smiling for once.
The silvery warrior turned her head and saw Timberclaw slowly making his way to her side. He gave Dawnflight's cheek a lick before casting his attention towards Waterstar. To Dawnflight's other side, she noticed Silverstorm's kits sitting tall and proud in front of her. Their fur looked neat, almost artificially so. Dawnflight mused that Silverstorm must have groomed them moments prior. Beside the kits' mother, Redfur stepped into camp, a fish clamped in his jaws. He placed the fish at his mate's paws and looked down proudly at his kits. Silverstorm was about to thank her mate for the fish when Waterstar cleared her throat. The RiverClan camp sat in silence as the leader eyed down her clan. RiverClan had their eyes set on Waterstar and Dawnflight eyed the light gray leader warily. She swore she saw Waterstar's legs tremble slightly as she prepared to speak.
Taking a deep breath, Waterstar let out a loud meow.
"Today is a special day for three of RiverClan's kits," Waterstar started, "Pebblekit, step forward."
Pebblekit bounded up to the center of camp in front of Waterstar and Mossclaw, his golden eyes sparkled with excitement. Silverstorm and Redfur beamed at their son. Waterstar purred for a heartbeat before continuing.
"From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will now be known as Pebblepaw. Dawnflight, you have received excellent training from Timberclaw and have shown to be a compassionate and skilled warrior. Pass down all you know to Pebblepaw."
Dawnflight stepped forward past the rest of her clanmates and touched noses with her new apprentice. She looked into Pebblepaw's eyes, seeing his face glimmer with hope and pride. Dawnflight grinned at the young cat.
"Pebblepaw! Pebblepaw!" the clan chanted. Dawnflight lifted her head up briefly to see her parents eyes glow proudly at her. She shifted her gaze again and saw Thunderstorm sitting at the side of camp behind some other cats. He snarled at her and then at Waterstar, but no cat seemed to notice his sour attitude.
I guess he's jealous. But what did he expect? He's only been a warrior for a few days."
As the chanting settled down, Dawnflight led her apprentice towards where she was sitting earlier. She guided him with her white paw, pointing Pebblepaw towards a spot next to Timberclaw. The brown tabby whispered his congratulations as the new apprentice sat down in the dried grass. Pebblepaw didn't seem to notice the warrior's words though. Timberclaw shrugged at Dawnflight and turned his attention back to the center of camp.
Well, I guess some focus and humility is something we can work on.
Dawnflight watched Waterstar perform the rest of the apprentice ceremony perfectly. Cedarkit and Pikekit became Cedarpaw and Pikepaw. Darkfire and Splashfrost then became mentors respectively. The RiverClan leader seemed to get more and more confident as time went on. Dawnflight was silently glad that Mossclaw was by her side.
Cat filtered back into their dens, mewing their congratulations. The three newest apprentices could barely contain their happiness. Silverstorm and Redfur gave their kits one last lick before disappearing into the throng of pelts. But the young cats could only focus on the thoughts of training.
"I want to go battle training." Cedarpaw declared. His red fur rippled as he did an enthusiastic hop. Pebblepaw groaned.
"That sound boring. I want go hunting! We need food." Pebblepaw meowed. Cederpaw gave his brother a look. Unexpectedly, Pikepaw piped up against her brothers. Her tan and white tabby fur fluffed out a bit.
"We can't do any of that on our first day. We have to see the territory first."
Dawnflight took that as her cue to approach. She walked up to the apprentices and beaconed to them with her white tipped tail. Behind her, Darkfire and Splashfrost padded up.
"That's right, Pikepaw," Splashfrost mewed, clearly pleased with her apprentice's intelligence, "we're all going to take a tour of the territory today."
Darkfire nodded, his dark fur making quiet swooshing sounds as his head moved. Cedarpaw looked at his mentor expectantly.
"Can we see the ShadowClan side first?" the red tom asked. Darkfire twitched his whiskers and chuckled.
"We'll see the ShadowClan border, Cedarpaw, but we're visiting the WindClan border first. No cat has marked it in a few days." The black tom said, watching his apprentice's face falter. Cedarpaw groaned again, but Darkfire batted his apprentice's ears softly. "You'll see all of the territory. Maybe if you're up to it, we can practice a few basic battle moves."
At the words "battle moves," Cederpaw's ears perked up and he hopped to his paws. Dawnflight turned towards Pebblepaw, the grey speckled tom lashed his tail in anticipation.
"I can't wait to see it all!" he nearly yowled. Dawnflight smiled at him and flicked her tail in the direction of the camp entrance. The apprentices leapt up to their paws and scrambled out, their fur catching on the rough reeds that surrounded the entrance. Splashfrost laughed heartily at their antics while Darkfire groaned.
"They'll never become warrior if they don't have a little patience." He hissed. Dawnflight turned her head away from him as Pebblepaw stumbled a made a pitiful mew on the dry, reed cluttered earth. Splashfrost purred.
"You've got a long road ahead of you, Dawnflight." She meowed as she whisked past her two clanmates and bounded after her apprentice. Darkfire followed her, calling for Cedarpaw, who eagerly yowled back. Dawnflight padded up to her apprentice and grasped his scruff. The silvery she cat lifted the small, speckled tom and put him back on his paws. He thanked her and blinked his golden eyes apologetically.
"Actually, I want to start going the opposite way of your siblings." Dawnflight mewed. Pebblepaw tilted his head at her, puzzled.
"Why?" he asked. Dawnflight blinked at him.
"I have an idea. We can tour the territory and work on underwater hunting motions at the same time. But it would be too hard with so many cats. I want to take you towards the ShadowClan border while walking through the lake water."
Pebblepaw's golden eyes lit up with excitement.
"That's so cool! Let's go!"
Dawnflight stopped the smaller cat mid step with her forepaw. She giggled a bit.
"Not so fast, I'll lead you there."
Pebblepaw nodded and let his mentor walk ahead of him. Dawnflight led him out of RiverClan's camp and the two padded their way over to the lake. Pebblepaw hopped over a few long strands of marsh grass that grew in abundance in RiverClan's territory. The silvery warrior slowed her pace so that the young tom could catch up to her.
"This way." Dawnflight meowed, pointing with her muzzle to the large, shimmering stretch of water before them. Pebbledpaw eyed it cautiously.
"That's so much water!" He gaped in awe at the lake. Dawnflight smiled at him.
"This is the lake. It gives all the clans fresh water and gives life to our territories." Dawnflight said, finding herself using her mentor's words. Fondly, she thought of her training with Timberclaw. But she stopped when Pebblepaw poked his paw into the lake. The grey tom made a shocked squeak as the water connected with his fur.
Dawnflight fearlessly padded ahead of him and stepped past the banks into the water. She waded out until the water reached the middle of her forelegs. She called out to Pebblepaw, encouraging him to follow her. Nervously, the speckled apprentice slowly padded into the water, grimacing at the chill the lake gave him. Wordlessly, Dawnflight turned to him.
"Watch your paws," she said, placing her paws near his, "move them forward like this. Bring your claws out and grip the stones under you as you walk."
Dawnflight dug her claws into the pebbly ground beneath the lake water. Her white paws seemed to glow under the light filtering through the surface. She walked forwards in the direction of the ShadowClan border a few tail lengths before turning her attention towards Pebblepaw. Unsure of himself, Pebblepaw took a step forward and nearly stumbled. Catching himself, the grey speckled tom regained his balance, his claws tightly gripping the rocks beneath him. His yellow-gold eyes looked afraid.
"Take your time, go slowly towards me." Dawnflight called. Pebblepaw nodded at her and his face hardened with concentration as he stared down at his paws. He slowly brought out his claws and dragged his paws through the cool, lake water. He was so focused on his steps that he didn't realize Dawnflight was closer than he thought. The smaller tom bumped into his mentor head first! Taking a step back, Pebblepaw profusely apologized to Dawnflight. But Dawnflight just grinned at him.
"Good job! Patience and willingness to learn is the first few steps. That's what my mentor taught me. Let's keep going till we get to the border and then circle back around on land. Then, we'll do the same thing with the WindClan border."
Looking hopeful Pebblepaw let out an excited cry.
"I can do it! I can do it! I'll be a warrior before I know it."
Dawnflight twitched her whiskers at her apprentice, envying his energy and enthusiasm.
"Apprenticeship is a long stretch of moons, Pebblepaw."