CHAPTER 2
"Less than a half of a moon!" Soulkit called, bouncing across the clearing to where Wildkit, Jaykit, and I sat, sharing a small mouse.
Jaykit's eyes flickered to the large black tom. Though he was blind he seemed to see more than all of us. He just knew when cats were hurt and always knew when we were around before announcing ourselves. I could never tell what he was thinking but he always knew what I was thinking. He didn't like Soulkit in particular. "And then everything will be as happy as an escaped mouse!" he growled, his eyes narrowed.
I flicked my tail at Jaykit. "Not everything can be fixed," she pointed out. "I'm becoming a medicine cat apprentice and a blind cat is going to start warrior training." I felt myself shiver, my pelt brushing against Jaykit's comfortingly. I didn't mean any harm by my comment.
"Thanks for mentioning my blindness!" he hissed and stood up, stomping to the nursery where he always seemed to be.
Wildkit stared after, his eyes wide. "Maybe he should be a medicine cat. I know it'd ruin his dream of being a great warrior, but he's blind… How would that possibly work?"
Soulkit looked down at my brother and sat down. "Icekit has a dream too. She wants to be a medicine cat as well." He nodded at me respectfully. "Though I don't personally agree with her decision, I do not argue."
He was often complimenting me and sticking up for me. It felt nice to have a good friend that was my littermate.
The ginger-and-white tom twitched his ear. "Morningpaw and Graypaw are back from their assignment. Looks like they passed," he commented, nodding to the two apprentices-in-training that both carried a rabbit in their jaws.
"Those of you who can catch their own rabbits, gather here beneath the Tallrock!" Russetstar yowled from on top of the Tallrock.
Flowerwhisker led Jaykit out of the nursery, Whitefoot, and Cherryheart following after. Everyone had gathered. Mothflower slipped out of her den.
"Two of our apprentices have finished their warrior training. Morningpaw and Graypaw, step forward!" he yowled.
His kits stepped forward, their eyes shining up at him.
Russetstar jumped down from the Tallrock and faced them. "Morningpaw, Graypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do!" they mewed loudly. Not a single cat in the clearing doubted their skills.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Graypaw, from this moment you will be known as Grayclaw. StarClan honors your strength and bravery, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." He rested his muzzle on his head and Grayclaw licked his shoulder.
"Morningpaw, from this moment you will be known as Morningtail. StarClan honors your fighting skills and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." Russetstar, again, rested his muzzle on Morningtail's head and she licked his shoulder.
"Grayclaw! Morningtail! Grayclaw! Morningtail!" the Clan yowled in agreement.
The leader flicked his tail for silence and everyone fell dead silent. "As you all know, my daughter, Spiritkit, passed away when Moonfall gave birth to her. I want her and StarClan to know that we still remember her, so I'm giving her her warrior name: Spiritfall, after her mother. StarClan honors your beauty and loyalty." He closed his eyes and everyone was staring at the sky, as if they could see her in the clouds.
I remembered the horrible, bloody story of Spiritfall's birth: Blood was everywhere; Moonfall was slowly dying as the beautiful kit slipped out, but Spiritfall was dead. Her father named her Spiritkit due to her dying and now he was naming her after her mother.
My heart skipped a beat as the two warriors sat in the middle of clearing to sit vigil and a night patrol headed out of camp, Dawnstripe in the lead, leaving everyone to head to their dens to sleep.
I trotted after Soulkit, following him into the nursery and jumping into my nest where I curled up and drifted to sleep.
"I call a Clan meeting!" Russetstar's voice made me sit up in a panic, my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn't remember my dream, but for some reason I was terrified.
Soulkit was bouncing around the nursery and Jaykit was being groomed by Flowerwhisker while Wildkit had his head held high, waiting patiently.
"Why did no one wake me!?" I asked, jumping to my paws, realizing it was our ceremony day. "I have to speak with Mothflower!"
Jaykit nodded. "I have to speak with her too…" He led the way out of the nursery and entered the clearing where Russetstar addressed the Clan. He spotted us crossing the clearing but said nothing.
This is where I took the lead, racing to where Mothflower sat outside her den. I gasped quickly, "I can't be your medicine cat apprentice!"
My brother caught up and looked up at Mothflower wildly. "I have to be a medicine cat! It's my destiny!"
The medicine cat looked surprised at the sudden outburst and looked up at Russetstar, nodding her head it seemed to be code for: you know what to do. "Don't worry, Russetstar knows."
"Now it is time to apprentice four kits that have been waiting have patiently for this ceremony." Russetstar glanced at the nursery uncertainly. "Soulkit, Wildkit, Jaykit, and Icekit, please step forward!"
Wildkit led the way out of the nursery, Soulkit trailing behind him. Jaykit and I raced to them and followed after. My paws itched in excitement and nervousness.
I gazed at the Clan that were smiling at us proudly. Four new apprentices for WindClan! We're a strong Clan! WindClan had grown immensely since Russetstar became leader, or at least that's what my mother told me.
Mothflower walked in front of the Clan as we stood in front of her and Russetstar. The medicine cat mewed loudly, "Cats of WindClan, as you know, I will not be around forever. So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat that has shown bravery and honor. Your next medicine cat will be Jaykit."
Mummers of surprise rung through the Clan as Russetstar continued, "Jaykit, do you accept the post of apprentice to Mothflower?"
"I do" my brother mewed proudly, as if not regretting his choice.
"Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonstone to be accepted by StarClan before the other medicine cats. Jaykit, I name you Jaypaw!" Russetstar purred and Mothflower and my brother touched noses then took a sit in the crowd of cats.
Russetstar now did the ceremony normally, "Soulkit, Icekit, and Wildkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until Soulkit receives his warrior name, he will be known as Soulpaw. His mentor will be Sweetheart. I hope Sweetheart will pass down all she knows on to you. From this day on, until Wildkit receives his warrior name, he will be known as Wildpaw. His mentor will be Whitefang. I hope Whitefang passes all he knows down to you."
As they touched noses I felt myself want to bounce up and down, I was very excited to be apprenticed and I was eager to figure out who my mentor would be.
"Icekit, from this day on until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Icepaw. Your mentor will be Littlecloud. He will teach you everything you need to know about being a warrior," Russetstar promised and nodded his head approvingly at me.
Littlecloud stepped forward and gently touched my nose against his, murmuring, "You're not my first apprentice, but I'm glad that I get to have one."
I looked up at my new mentor proudly. Littlecloud as my mentor! The bravest, fastest, smartest, and toughest cat in the Clan at the moment! He's also one of the oldest. Raising my head high, I followed him past the WindClan cats that were cheering my name.
"What're we doing first?" I finally asked as we escaped the camp and the noise.
My new mentor glanced down at me with a smile. "We're starting at ShadowClan border and ending at ShadowClan border. You're going to learn about the Clans today!" he purred and continued walking.
This is great! Icepaw thought happily as she bounced after him, her eyes shining she thought of what she would be doing if she were a medicine cat. I'd be taking care of herbs, longing to be right here. She thought of Jaypaw and frowned. He'd want to be out here with me…
"This is the ShadowClan border!" Littlecloud announced. "We've had quite an alliance with them for a long time."
"Yes, I remember lots of stories about that," I commented, remembering the stories of ShadowClan and WindClan warriors attacking RiverClan's camp and chasing them out.
Suddenly a black she-cat bursted through the bushes, her eyes wide. She backed away a bit and growled at us.
I was no fool though, this cat was not a ShadowClan cat. Her pelt smelled of rouge. Her dark green eyes flashed at us. "I-I come with Stonetail to receive my nine lives."
A gray tom exited the bushes. He was probably Stonetail. "Littlecloud, this is Larkpelt. She's come to ShadowClan's rescue."
My mentor gave her an unsure glance. "Where have Pikestar and Crowtail gone?"
Stonetail looked at him with narrowed eyes as he replied, "Some rouges attacked our camp and they were both killed. This she-cat came along and she showed us great strength. StarClan has shown me a sign for her to be our next leader."
"Welcome, Larkstar." Littlecloud dipped his head respectfully and the new ShadowClan leader and I copied.
You remind me of Grayclaw… I thought, tilting my head at her. The she-cat's eyes lit up as she walked past with Stonetail trailing behind her. "D-Did that remind you of someone?" I asked.
Littlecloud shook his head quickly. "Nope!" he mewed, glancing at me uneasily.
What're you not telling me? I thought, giving him another glance as we padded on.
The camp was buzzing with activity: Jaypaw and Mothflower were sorting herbs outside den, Russetstar was talking with Firelily by the Tallrock, Flowerwhisker was leading Mousefang and Redstorm out of camp, Cherryheart was sunning herself and Shadeclaw was gently grooming her, Soulpaw and Wildpaw were sharing a mouse beside the apprentices den, Sweetheart and Whitefang were talking beside the warriors den, and my mentor was racing across the clearing to Russetstar.
I quickly joined my denmates beside the apprentices den, gazing down at them I smiled. "I met two ShadowClan cats today!"
Soulpaw's ears pricked with curiosity. "Really, who?" he asked excitedly.
"Their leader and medicine cat," I bragged, my tail flicking as their eyes lit up with jealousy.
Jaypaw padded up behind me, gazing at me with his blind eyes. "Feel lucky you even left camp. I've been stuck here learning about herbs all day!" His tail lashed in anger.
"It's still early, Jaypaw," Wildpaw purred gently. "Have Mothflower take you around camp or maybe the territory. Perhaps tomorrow is the day?" he suggested.
The young medicine cat apprentice nodded. "Whatever." Then he turned around and walked to the medicine den where Mothflower sorted herbs.
Soulpaw threw me a rabbit and I grabbed it, gagging it down. I glanced around, seeing Sweetheart, Littlecloud, and Whitefang padding toward us, a screech came from the nursery and Shadeclaw stuck his head out yowling, "Mothflower, Cherryheart is having her kits!"
My heart twisted in pain for the older she-cat and Littlecloud cleared his throat, "Icepaw, it is time for you to learn a very advanced skill. Follow me." My mentor led me out of camp and around the side of it, leading to the top where I could easily watch down in the clearing.
"There." His tail pointed to the bracken and when I looked harder I saw… Moss!
"I have to gather moss?" I asked with disbelief. Please don't make me gather moss! Soulpaw and Wildpaw are probably out hunting! I thought and then sighed.
Littlecloud glared down at me. "Cherryheart and her new kits need moss!" he snapped. "You will gather it, put it outside the nursery and then tomorrow morning you will take out all the moss in the nests and fill it with these." He sat back and watched me. Cherryheart was his sister so of course he'd be so worried about her.
Recklessly, I began to gather the moss, hearing cats exit camp and then enter all day made me hope fail. I'm never going to be a warrior if I have to gather moss all day, I thought glumly, picking up my bunch in my jaws I trotted into camp and set them outside the nursery and then exited again.
"Did you know," Littlecloud began as I picked the moss, "that if you tilt your paw upside down gathering the moss will be easier."
I did as he said and my paw hurt more and more but the moss was cut in perfect lines as I did so, taking my last bundle, I entered camp and Littlecloud followed after me. I set my moss down beside the nursery and looked up. The sun was sinking.
"We're done for today," my mentor purred. "I'm proud of you! Be awake by dawn tomorrow to begin the nursery," he ordered and walked to Shrewclaw who was eating a rabbit.
Soulpaw walked in with Wildpaw trailing behind, they were talking excitedly as they bounced over to me.
"Wildpaw and I went hunting! We didn't catch anything because Sweetheart told us not to," Soulpaw explained, smiling happily at his work today.
A loud screech from the nursery made me shiver. "I had to gathering moss for Cherryheart's new kits," I mewed quietly and flicked my tail as Jaypaw hurried out of the nursery into the medicine den, coming out with an herb.
They didn't seem to hear me because Shadeclaw was pacing the entrance of the nursery, stopping only to let Jaypaw through. Mothflower slipped out and looked at Shadeclaw, mumbling something his eyes lit up.
Russetstar let out a yowl and walked to Mothflower. "Is Cherryheart and the kits alright?"
Mothflower nodded quickly, obviously relieved. "She had one healthy she-cat! She's just perfect."
"May she have visitors?" I asked, raced up to the medicine cat with excitement on my pelt.
"Of course, one at a time though," she warned and nodded to the nursery and I entered, seeing Cherryheart with a gold-and-black she-kit.
The queen looked up at me, her eyes shining as Shadeclaw licked her head. "Her name is Gorsekit," she told me. The little kit was suckling, pressed up her stomach. She was so small.
"Beautiful," I whispered and then dipped my head, knowing they probably wanted to be alone. I exited the nursery and hurried to the apprentices den and slipped in, seeing Soulpaw and Wildpaw sound asleep. I carefully slipped over Soulpaw and laid down next to Wildpaw who twitched his ear.
Wrapping my tail over my nose, I shut my eyes and drifted to sleep.
Throwing the last of the moss out of the nests, I picked up all the moss outside of the den and enjoyed the sun on my back until I entered the nursery again and put some in each nest.
"Very good, Icepaw!" Littlecloud praised, approving my work. He stood in the entrance of the nursery.
He led me out of the nursery and into the busy clearing. It was only sunhigh as Firelily made patrols, Jaypaw exited camp with Mothflower, Soulpaw and Wildpaw exited camp with their mentors, and Russetstar led a patrol out with Scratchtail's patrol trailing behind.
"This leaves camp empty," the brown tabby commented. "We'll wait until Sweetheart comes back and then take a patrol," he promised.
Flowerwhisker, Firelily, Mousefang, Littlecloud, Cherryheart, and Gorsekit remained in camp. I knew that we weren't under the threat of an attack, ThunderClan had been silent since their last attack when I was a kit. I padded to Mousefang who was eating a starling at the edge of camp.
"Greetings, Icepaw!" he purred as he plucked some feathers from the bird. "These'll go into the nursery." His hazel eyes shining as he gazed down at me.
I sat down beside him. "Hi Mousefang! Gorsekit is just beautiful, don't you think?" I tilted my head at him as he took another bite.
He nodded in response. "I would think you'd be on patrol. Littlecloud is smart enough to do that, right?" There was a hint of mischief in his eyes.
"We're waiting until my brother gets back," I explained and then giggled a little. "Don't worry, I'm not getting stuck with a rabbit-brained mentor!"
A loud yowl made me look up and five cats entered. They smelled gross and mousey, like ThunderClan!
Firelily rushed forward to meet them, growling she asked, "What do you want, Dappletail?"
The one known as Dappletail stepped forward. She was ThunderClan's deputy, that I knew due to stories my mother told me. "ThunderClan is here for our kits! You've kept them for far too long!"
"Why would ThunderClan have kits here?" I whispered to Mousefang who gazed down at me with sorrow in his eyes.
Dread rushed through me as I looked back at the ThunderClan cats as Firelily replied, "You touch them and I'll rip your throats out personally!"
"Thrushstar is willing to fight," Dappletail retorted, her claws digging into the ground.
"You will lose, just like you have the time before that, and that, and that." Firelily wasn't backing down and Mousefang growled, rising to his paws.
Suddenly, a gray tabby tom shot out of the cats and raced toward me and as he lunged in the air, Mousefang sprang and tackled him, pinning him to the ground I heard Mousefang growl, "Windflight, the kits belong with their mother!"
Flowerwhisker snarled, "Get out of WindClan camp or I can make you!"
Mousefang let Windflight up and then he backed up, hiding me behind him. I looked up at his eyes but he avoided my gazed as he glared at the ThunderClan cats.
Sweetheart, Whitefang, Soulpaw, and Wildpaw entered camp, their eyes glued onto the cats. They walked to Flowerwhisker who began to explain.
Next Russetstar entered camp, instantly mewing to the ThunderClan cats, "Get out, now!"
Dappletail dipped her head and turned around, exited the camp quickly Windflight yowled behind him, "I'm coming back for my kits!"
Mousefang turned around to face me. "I didn't mean to fight your battle or anything…." His voice trailed off.
"T-That's okay… Thanks, Mousefang." I licked his cheek and then walked to Wildpaw who was staring at his paws, Jaypaw beside him.
"S-So we're part ThunderClan?" Jaypaw stammered, his blind eyes wide with shock. It was finally something Jaypaw didn't know.
Flowerwhisker nodded, her head down in shame. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but I couldn't bring myself to it…" She stood, her white pelt glistening. I was grateful to have her pelt color, unlike Jaypaw.
My heart twisted with pain as my mother padded away to the warriors den. Would the Clan accept them as full warriors? The question rang in my mind as Littlecloud padded up.
"We'll cancel all training today and tomorrow I'll teach you how to hunt," he mewed with a twitched of his tail. "Now get some sleep."
I appreciated the time alone as I dragged my tail across the ground and slipped into the apprentice's den where I curled up in a nest far away from my denmates and I lay down.
WindClan or ThunderClan? Which one do I belong to? I couldn't tell if I was meant to be where I am now, but I knew I'd try my hardest either way. And tomorrow, I would be the best apprentice anyone's ever known.
Sunlight in my eyes made me sit up and I looked around. Soulpaw was gone and Wildpaw was licking himself in his nest.
Quickly, I groomed myself too, making sure every piece of fur was flat down and all the moss was back in my nest. When I'd finished, I slipped out of the apprentice's den, Wildpaw trailing after.I looked at the fresh-kill pile that was stacked high.
The dawn patrol must've caught some prey! I thought proudly, padding to the pile I picked out a small rabbit and ate it quickly, licking my whiskers clean as Littlecloud approached me.
"You ready to learn some hunting skills?" he asked, gazing down at me proudly.
I held her head high, as if trying to tell him she didn't care which Clan her parents were from. "I'm always ready to feed my Clan," I growled, smiling at him warmly.
Mousefang entered the camp as we neared the entrance. He, Mudpelt, and Whitefoot nodded at us and Mousefang purred, "Off to hunt? There's plenty of prey around as Newleaf approaches!"
I dipped my head and then raced up the entrance, feeling the Newleaf breeze in my fur. I enjoyed it while Littlecloud scrambled up and shook his fur out.
"Follow me!" he ordered and took off running and I followed after, watching his tail flap in the wind. I pushed on, trying to catch up to him. I felt my paws began to ache but I didn't stop until Littlecloud skidded to a halt and I copied.
Sitting up, I watched my mentor get into a low crouch, moving like a snake across the moorland until I saw the rabbit he was stalking. He must have sharp eyes to see it! It blended in with the ground well!
Littlecloud lunged at the large, juicy rabbit and before it could tell what was happening, my mentor had killed it, a well-aimed scratch to the throat.
"That was brilliant!" I called and did as he did, snaking across the grass. My form must've been pretty good because Littlecloud was watching with amusement. "Am I hunting today?!"
Littlecloud shook his head bitterly. "Sadly, no. But tomorrow you, Wildpaw, and Soulpaw will be training together. Battle moves!"
"None of us know any moves," I pointed out, standing up to face the large light brown tabby with strength.
"Yes, we know. Testing what you know is perfect." He watched as I lunged from spot to spot, eager to practice, I scented the air.
So tomorrow they're testing what we need to know and what we need to improve on, I thought with improvement. Clever. I caught scent of rabbit and I snaked around some large gray rocks, looking behind one there sat the largest, fattest, white rabbit I'd ever seen!
Instantly, I knew I had to catch it for my Clan. Wiggling my hindquarters as Littlecloud did, I lunged, my eyes glued onto the rabbit. I pushed it onto a rock and lashed my claws across its neck. It fell to the ground, lifeless.
"That was amazing, Icepaw!" purred Russetstar's familiar deep voice.
My eyes widened in shock. My leader was watching! "T-Thank you, Russetstar," I replied, averting my eyes to the ground and feeling myself get hot with embarrassment.
"She's a natural." Littlecloud came into view and I looked up at him, my eyes still wide. "One day she'll be a great warrior! It's lucky she decided not to become a medicine cat apprentice."
When they'd continued on, I looked up at my mentor. "I-I'm sorry to disobey you... He was just there and…" I trailed off.
He flicked his tail. "You're perfectly fine, Icepaw. However, in the future you should try to listen to me. Now, let's get back to camp so you can show your denmates." He winked at me and then picked up his rabbit, racing away.
I picked up my rabbit and then raced after, enjoying the sun on my back and the wind in my fur. I pushed on, catching up to my mentor.
When we'd entered camp I set my rabbit down so Soulpaw, Wildpaw, and Jaypaw could see.
"That's the biggest rabbit I've ever seen!" Soulpaw managed to choke out.
Wildpaw's mouth was wide open in surprise. "That's huge, Icepaw! Nice catch!"
`Jaypaw flicked his tail and I forgot he couldn't actually see the rabbit. "By the smell of it that is a huge rabbit," he commented. "Good work Icepaw…" He turned around and padded away quickly.
Poor Jaypaw, he'll never be able to hunt… I sighed and picked up the rabbit, following Jaypaw into the medicine cat's den. I set down the prey and looked up at Mothflower who purred.
"Great catch, Icepaw! That catch is going to make my day." She walked forward and took a chunk of rabbit with her as she pulled away from it.
I smiled, glad I could make someone's day other than my own. Leaving them alone in the den with the herbs, I looked around, bouncing to where Mousefang sat with Dawnpool.
"Did you hear about my rabbit?" I asked them, forcing a smile on my face.
Mousefang nodded down at me, his eyes sparkling. "Yes, I heard it was the most delicious looking rabbit anyone has ever seen since Windstar!"
Dawnpool smiled at me, her pelt brushing Mousefang's a little as she shifted. "Russetstar said it was a great catch."
I felt a pang of jealousy suddenly, trying to keep the smile on my face, I flicked my ear. "Right…" The disappoint was definitely in my voice as I turned around quickly and padded away.
I heard Mousefang's familiar pawsteps and he was suddenly padding next to me as I approached Littlecloud.
"I'm going for a walk," I told my mentor quickly, forcing a nod as I turned around and walked out of camp, knowing Mousefang was following me.
I kept walking until I couldn't bare to hear his pawsteps anymore. I turned around to face him.
The large gray tom purred at me, "That rabbit was truly amazing, Icepaw." His voice was sweet as honey as he spoke.
"Thank you." I dipped my head respectfully, my eyes burning into his. "You should get back to Dawnpool," I added rudely, flinching at the jealousy in my voice.
Mousefang shook his head quickly, padded forward he glanced at me. "Aren't you coming for a walk?"
I nodded and then padded forward next to him, feeling myself calm down a bit. I jumped over a rock and then glanced up at Mousefang. "You're a great friend, Mousefang."
"Well, you're very nice." He was walking slowly, as if hesitated to go any farther. "If you were about to do something you knew you would regret later, but also something that needs to be done, would you do it?"
My eyes flashed in confusion and I tilted my head. "If it's the right thing to do then I suppose…" I was cut off by a loud yowl and suddenly I was covered in ThunderClan scent as fur clogged my nose and mouth.
Mousefang was staring down at me, his eyes full of sorrow. "I'm so sorry."
"Help me, Mousefang!" I screeched, trying to claw at the ThunderClan cats on top of me. "Please, help me!" I cried and reached a paw out to him but he turned around and raced away and Thrushstar took his place, the sandy-gray tom smiling.
"Get her up," he commanded and the cats got off me, lining up behind me. They pushed me forward and then formed a circle around me as we entered ThunderClan territory.
Mousefang planned this with ThunderClan cats! I thought in anger. When I get home, he'll be sorry!
When we entered ThunderClan camp, no one seemed surprised at my presence and they shoved me into a den that was empty. As I looked around it smelled like milk and kits.
They're taking me hostage! What do I do?! I thought, feeling myself start to panic. The ThunderClan cats were trying to capture back Windflight's kits, meaning me and my littermates!
I looked around wildly, my heart pounding in my chest. I walked to the entrance and stuck my head out, looking at the busy camp and the warrior guarding me.
"W-What're you going to do with me?" I asked the sleek black-and-white tom.
He turned around and gazed at me, pity in his eyes. "Windflight, your father, requested that you stay here until we get your brothers, then you will train in ThunderClan."
My eyes widened in horror. "No! You can't do that!" I lunged at him and he stumbled onto his back while I made a break for the entrance but just as I got close enough to escape a large brown tabby tom appeared, carrying a bird.
The tom's name was Sparrowpelt and he was one of the largest, oldest, and best fighter's ThunderClan has ever known. But as he saw his Clan's prisoner, he glanced at his shoulder, whispering, "Push me down!"
I did as he commanded and the large warrior dropped to the ground and I barged past the rest of the patrol, hearing pawsteps charging after me. I didn't slow down as I raced carelessly around some tall grass, ignoring it as it whipped me in the face.
Everything was a blur as I charged across our scent markers, hearing their pawsteps stop at the border .I didn't spot as I neared the old badger set until I ran into a large gray tom.
"M-Mousefang?" I felt myself want to sink into the ground.
Whitefang and Wildpaw looked at me from behind the tom. "Icepaw, we've been looking for you! Littlecloud is so worried! Mousefang said ThunderClan ambushed you two! What happened?"
I felt Mousefang look at me, waiting for me to give him away. I opened my mouth to reply, ready to blurt everything out, but all I said was, "ThunderClan jumped us and Mousefang ran away to get help. They want to capture me and my littermates."
"You're okay though!" Wildpaw purred loudly. "C'mon, let's go tell Russetstar!" They turned around and bolted to camp, leaving me to follow after.
Back in camp, everyone was asking the three warrior's questions while they surrounded me, making sure no one could overpressure me with questions .I listlessly wished they'd all go away, back to their duties.
"Move!" Russetstar commanded, shoving past all of his warriors, he turned back to them. "Whitefang will make patrols while Littlecloud, Firelily, Icepaw, and I talk about what happened. You'll all be informed shortly."
Littlecloud and Firelily gathered around quickly while Russetstar sat down, wrapping his tail formally and neatly around his paws, he looked up at me to begin.
Do I rat Mousefang out? I looked at the older warrior who was gazing at me with a concerned face. But he simply nodded and I focused on Russetstar again. "I-I was walking beside the ThunderClan border with Mousefang, we making sure no cats had crossed until, suddenly, Dappletail and a patrol of cats jumped on me. I was beneath them, trapped in what felt like a," I mewed and then paused, thinking I quickly continued, "giant dog pack. Mousefang, who was powerless against all the ThunderClan cats, ran away to fetch you guys. They took me back to ThunderClan and I managed to escaped."
Russetstar looked rather concerned at my story. Though in his eyes all I saw was belief, little did he know I made it up to save Mousefang. "I'm proud of you, Icepaw. You faced ThunderClan single-pawed. Most cats would've given up."
My mentor stepped forward, eyes shining he cleared his throat and began to speak, "We have some catching up to do with your denmates, they've pulled ahead with their warrior training."
I dipped my head respectfully, ready to do anything to stop being the center of attention. "I'll work my hardest and try my best to pull ahead of them once more!" Littlecloud had a glimmer of respect in his eyes, but it disappeared quickly.
"We'll start training tomorrow. Go get some rest," Littlecloud ordered, giving me a lick on the head before padding away.
My stomach growled loudly as I approached the fresh-kill pile, grabbing a rabbit. I turned around padded the apprentice's den, laying down outside of it and silently chewin my rabbit.
Mousefang walked to me and settled down beside me silently.
"You didn't tell them?" His voice held disbelief but his eyes showed gratefulness. "I was sure I was crow-food!"
Everything around me seemed to disappear and I looked up at him. "Lucky you, huh?" I felt my pelt bristle with anger. "If it weren't for me you'd be rouge."
He didn't seem to notice my anger because he smiled. "Yes, thank StarClan for that!"
I stood up and growled lowly and then stomped inside the den and lay down in my nest, closing my eyes tightly. I ignored everyone's pawsteps and I fell asleep.
The warm sunlight shown down on my back as I watched Littlecloud demonstrate a move I was sure was Morningtail advanced.
He leaped into the air, striking an invisible warrior. He landed on all four paws and then whipped out another paw, as if cuffing the warrior across the ears, then he hit the invisible warrior's bottom jaw and pinned nothingness to the ground.
Wildpaw and Soulpaw were with us, their mentors watching from the side of the clearing. Whitefang was older than Littlecloud and Sweetheart was much younger.
"Soulpaw come try with Icepaw, remember: this move is mostly against ThunderClan because they like to leap in the air," Littlecloud ordered, stepping back to let us practice.
The terror rose in my pelt but I pushed it back, facing the apprentice as Whitefang mewed quickly, "Icepaw will be the RiverClan warrior."
Soulpaw lunged into the air and I copied, but I let him push me to the ground, feeling the anger in my pelt, recalling when he'd hurt Jaypaw and then when he'd tricked Wildpaw. I stood up and as he lashed his paw at my ears, I ducked, tripping him. I pinned him and snarled viciously.
"That's not how you're supposed to do it!" Soulpaw snapped, pushing me off him. I felt astonished stares from our mentors.
I faced my mentor, eyes narrowed. "Why put me up against him? Why not you? Are you too scared?" Littlecloud seemed surprised at my challenge and he stepped forward.
"Fine, have it your way." He lunged for my paws and I jumped into the air but he expected that. He jumped into the air and met my attack and as he did I twisted around his small body and I clung onto his pelt with my paws, landing on his back he flipped over, squashing me against the ground. I let out a hiss of frustration.
"Bring it on!" I growled, shoving him off. I cuffed his ears, slammed into his chest and pushed him into a rock, then I lunged at him but he swatted me away with his paw and I fell to the ground, rolling away from his lunge. I jumped to my paws and then pounced in his side, gently nipping his side but he batted me hard and I went flying backwards.
"Stop!" Sweetheart ordered but I struggled to my paws, frustration blazing in my eyes. I tackled my mentor but Sweetheart picked me up by my scruff and put me on the ground. "Are you rabbit-brained?!" she snarled, glaring down at me.
My eyes shifted to Littlecloud who had sat up and was licking his paw. "Nothing happened," I stuttered, looking at her again.
"But something could've! That was unacceptable behavior!" Her tail lashed and I saw Mousefang slip into the clearing.
"I thought her skills were brilliant," Mousefang mewed, his eyes flashing because he knew Sweetheart respected him more than the rest of us. They had come from the same place.
Sweetheart growled lowly, her tail lashing. "Of course you did! She's an apprentice with lovely skills, but she should save them for a real battle, not her Clanmates!"
I flashed Mousefang a grateful look and he nudged me to the edge of the clearing as Soulpaw and Wildpaw began to practice again. "What?" I snapped, glaring at the handsome large gray tom.
"I'm sorry about ThunderClan," he muttered, flicking his tail. "And about yesterday, me not thanking you for not telling…" His eyes held sadness and I knew he meant it.
Dismissing it with a nod, I looked back at the training. "I feel as though I'm already farther ahead them both of them..." My eyes flickered back to Mousefang.
He didn't seem to notice me because his ears were pricked and he stood up, letting out a yowl as three cats bursted into the clearing, their pelts unfamiliar. I tilted my head as Mousefang squealed, "Nightfur!" He bounded over to the cats and Sweetheart followed, purring as if the three cats were Clanmates and not rogues trespassing on our territory.
"Fallenhope, Echofur, we've missed you so much!" Sweetheart rubbed her muzzle along a white she-cat's pelt and then licking a black tom's ear.
DarkClan cats! My tail lashed angrily. They've come here again? I watched Littlecloud bounce over, smiling at another black tom that Mousefang called 'Nightfur'.
"Come back to our camp," Sweetheart ordered. "You must tell us what you're doing here!" She led us to the camp quickly. She and Mousefang were clearly ecstatic.
When we'd entered, Russetstar was standing in the middle of camp, obviously smelling the DarkClan cats. He smiled warmly at the white she-cat. "Echofur, nice to see you. How're your kits?" I noticed he looked at her shoulder where tufts of fur were missing.
"They're brave warriors now," she purred. "You remember Blazesong, right? Well, she had a kit and his name is Russetheart." She shook her head and then mewed, "We need WindClan's help. The rogues from last time we were here have grown and moved into our territory. We're struggling to chase them out due to so many warriors dead and having kits."
Our leader's ears pricked at the sound of this. "Lightheart is fine? I noticed she didn't come with you."
Nightfur stepped forward, his eyes blazing with courage. "Lightheart has had Shrewstar's three kits: Brackenkit, Adderkit, and Frostkit. Now, please Russetstar, will you help us?"
Russetstar nodded quickly. "Littlecloud, Firelily, Mousefang, and Sweetheart will come with me." He led the way out of camp and I felt Jaypaw's pelt beside mine.
I looked at him as he mewed quickly and quietly, "I want to go with the cats to DarkClan camp. I feel like StarClan is pulling me there."
"As do I. But will they let apprentices go? I mean, we're well-trained but do we belong there?" My heart skipped a beat as Wildpaw and Soulpaw raced to us.
"We also want to go!" Wildpaw mewed happily, his tail flicking. "We must go and tell them!" He led the 'paw patrol to the entrance of camp and we exited, slipping onto the moorlands. He led us towards the edge of camp where the eight warriors sat, talking quietly.
Now I took the lead, crouching behind Sweetheart and the others took their places behind the cats and we listened. "…risk losing warriors," Russetstar was saying.
The cat named Fallenhope coughed. "But DarkClan could die… We really need your help, Russetstar!" he argued.
Nightfur flashed him a look. "Russetstar, you're a just leader and I know you'll do what you think is right for your Clan, that's all we're trying to do here."
"I will send some warriors with you," he told them, his eyes sparkling and then he smelled the air. "Icepaw, Soulpaw, Jaypaw, Wildpaw, you may come out now."
Awkwardly, I stepped out from behind Sweetheart and stepped forward, trying to ignore the DarkClan cats' stares.
"We want to come to DarkClan's camp!" Jaypaw blurted and I could tell this was the one thing he was sure about.
"Please Russetstar," Soulpaw begged. "I want to be there to help kick those mange-pelts out!"
Nightfur smiled his tail flicking. "DarkClan can handle apprentices, Russetstar," he promised reassuringly.
"Fine," our leader agreed. "But you listen to everything they tell you and if I find out you stepped a paw out of place I'll have you cleaning the dens for moons!" he threatened.
We dipped our heads respectfully and followed him back into camp where the Clan waited.
"I call a Clan meeting!" Russetstar jumped onto the Tallrock, facing the Clan, he sighed. "The DarkClan cats have come to our camp because rogues have stolen their territory and they have so few warriors that they need our help. Mousefang, Sweetheart, Soulpaw, Jaypaw, Icepaw, Wildpaw, and Littlecloud will be going to the DarkClan camp. They will leave now."
Littlecloud instantly gathered us up with a flick of his tail and touched noses with his mate, Shrewclaw, who purred while Sweetheart was talking to her kit and Echofur padded away from Russetstar to the group and led us out of camp.
I watched Flowerwhisker disappear from my view and I felt sick. Hold it together, this is not a time to be sick, I am going to help these cats!
Mousefang fell in step beside me at the back of the group and he purred, "You'll love DarkClan's camp. They're very unique cats, although they don't follow the warrior code completely."
"I'm just excited to be going I suppose," I pointed out. "I'm very happy to be learning about your old ways." I casted a glance at him and then twitched my whiskers, enjoying his presence as we padded on, side-by-side as the sun sank beneath the trees in front of us and the moon coming out behind us. I knew this would be a journey I'd never forget.
