A/N
Heyyy, another update! Boom!
It'd been almost a moon since she broke her leg again, and it'd gotten better.
Redbreeze didn't know why it was healing so fast, but Hawkpaw kept quiet. "Today, Mintpaw and I will be visiting the MoonFall. So Thornsnag will watch you. Mintpaw told him what to do if there's pain." The tabby tom walked in, an unreadable look in his blue-green eyes.
"We'll get going. We don't want them waiting on us." Redbreeze told her apprentice and walked off, Mintpaw chatting about how she can't wait to see Honeysnow.
Thornsnag turned his attention to Hawkpaw, the look still glowing in his eyes. Hawkpaw couldn't tell what it was, but she knew he regretted something.
"Jaypaw's re-assessment is tonight." He said blankly and left. "I'll be outside."
A call from the Tallrock told Hawkpaw that Jaypaw would be made a warrior. She carefully dragged herself outside to the base of the rock. Jaypaw winked at her as he jumped up the rock in one huge leap.
Smokestar was already sitting there. Hawkpaw was too happy for Jaypaw to feel her rage. This was his night, and she would be happy for him. Cloudclaw had trained him exceptionally.
"I, Smokestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn."
Jaypaw had waves of mixed emotion swimming in his blue eyes as his long white fur was blowing in the breeze. Hawkpaw'd almost always been able to read his emotion from his eyes.
Joy for working hard, regret for Shadefur, sorrow for Silverfoot and something else. Hawkpaw shoved it aside. It can't be.
"Jaypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Smokestar bellowed.
"I do." He meowed confidently, his eyes glued to Hawkpaw.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Jaypaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Jaytalon. StarClan honors your patience and precision, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."
Jaytalon dipped his head, suddenly mature, although his jay-blue eyes sparkled with joy.
"Jaytalon! Jaytalon!" Hawkpaw cheered, and the rest of the clan joined in, except Thornsnag. He had a small frown on his face and a blank look in his eyes.
"Although, this isn't the only ceremony tonight. Flamepaw, come on up here." Smokestar said.
The fire-pelted apprentice was stunned. He'd only been an apprentice for about four moons, and Jaytalon had been training for at least seven moons, but Flamepaw was a quicker learner after all.
...
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Flamepaw, from this day forward, you shall be known as Flamefoot. StarClan honors your determination and strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."
Flamefoot was still shocked, but he licked Smokestar's shoulder as Jaytalon did; Nightbreeze was watching her old apprentice, now Flamefoot, with pride. He'd been her first apprentice.
The two new warriors grabbed prey and quickly ate it, then began their watch.
(POV change, Mintpaw)
Mintpaw darted around her mentor as they left. "I can't wait to see Honeysnow again! I sure hope Alderleaf isn't sick! If he is what herbs what would we use?" Mintpaw blabbed, then answered her own question.
"Well, if it's whitecough then maybe tansy or chickweed. If he has a toothache then alder bark. Blackberry for bee stings," Mintpaw trailed off and Redbreeze just sighed. She never is quiet, ever.
Honeysnow stood alone, next to Blueberry. Thymetail was just approaching. Her tabby pelt was sticking out in all directions and she reeked of marigold and cobweb.
"H-hi," Thymetail stuttered a greeting.
Mintpaw cocked her head at Blueberry. "Where's Frostpaw?" She asked. Blueberry just sighed.
"She decided that being a medicine cat wasn't for her. Then, something funny happened. A ShadowClan apprentice that was kicked out of her clan was in our territory. Her name is Mintpaw, and when she's better she'll be my new apprentice." Blueberry explained.
At the mention of the other Mintpaw, Thymetail whistled awkwardly.
"We best get going. We're wasting moonlight." Redbreeze said, "wait, Honeysnow, where's Alderleaf?" The young golden she cat hung her head.
"He's badly sick. Complaining of some sort of lump in his belly. I hope he gets better." Honeysnow groaned.
"Still, let's go," Redbreeze said, marching along the rocky surface to the MoonFall.
The rumbling of the waterfall soon was becoming heard, and Mintpaw craned her head to see it.
"Can I go?" Mintpaw pleaded and Redbreeze just nodded.
Mintpaw dashed ahead, excited to see the majestic waterfall. Its loud sound didn't bother Mintpaw anymore. She'd been there a lot! Mintpaw began to tread carefully. She didn't want to slip on the wet stones; the water foamed at the base where it hit the river that flowed on the border of RiverClan and WindClan, and the Training River for RiverClan.
A small crevice between the waterfall and the rocks was visible but Mintpaw waited for the others before squeezing in.
The crevice opened up in a large space, where no draft came in. A semi-large pool sat in the middle, while a small hole in the roof let moonlight in, making the pool glow silver.
Mintpaw was about to lap the water when Redbreeze stopped her. "Wait. I, Redbreeze, medicine cat of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help she will serve her Clan for many moons.
"Mintpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"
Mintpaw's eyes shone with excitement. "I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your true name as a medicine cat. Mintpaw, from this moment you will be known as Mintflower. StarClan honors your contentment and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of ThunderClan." Redbreeze mewed, it was then Mintflower realized her mentor's muzzle was turning grey with age. "Alright, drink, as a full medicine cat of ThunderClan." She rasped.
Mintflower obeyed, feeling mature for once in her life. She lapped the water; over the many times she'd visited there, she never taken the time to notice the taste, and Mintflower realized it was like drinking the stars, hot, and freezing, and sweet.
Mintflower blinked her eyes rapidly at the sudden bright sunlight. A brown tabby she cat was standing before her, blue-green eyes staring warmly at the sleek grey she cat.
Next to her, a grey striped tom stood. He had broad shoulders and a stern gaze in his narrowed, yellow eyes.
"Marshkit! Eaglestar!" She exclaimed. Marshkit had been her sister, and had been killed by a badger; Marshkit's death had made Mintflower only want to be a medicine cat more. She missed her sister dearly. However, the soft look in Marshkit's eyes soon dissolved.
"I fear I bring grave news, Mintflower. Danger is coming." Marshkit closed her eyes, as if mustering up the courage for this.
"The maker of shadows, with silent, dark paws, reaches over the clans, extending its claws. The darkness of night, the horrors of fright, shall lay in the cloak of fear beyond sight. It lays in the clan, the clan's own betrayer, cats shall be dead, because of this slayer. The nighttime's queen, the silent ones scream. Beware, dear sister. Beware."
Marshkit's voice echoed around Mintflower, as the reek of blood overwhelmed her nostrils, until she found herself shoulders high in the sticky mass, sloshing over, and she had to keep her head up as not to swallow the crimson liquid.
Mintflower waded in the blood, and she saw her clanmates piled up on each other, her brothers included.
Terror gripped her heart like fox teeth, and she saw even other clans had dead cats. Reedflight and Juniperpaw of RiverClan. Brindlepaw and Roseclaw of WindClan. The only clan with no dead cats was ShadowClan.
Then, Mintflower woke up to the thrumming noise of the waterfall; Mintflower found it calming after her nightmare, which was now an omen. Honeysnow had a look of slight nervousness and fear; Blueberry also look shaken, but her eyes gave away nothing; however, Thymetail seemed a little confused of the other medicine cat's horror-struck expressions.
Redbreeze looked at Mintflower as they departed from the other clans. Mintflower hadn't spoken a word since her dream. "We need to speak to Smokestar and Cloudclaw." Mintflower blurted, her voice a little shaky.
(POV back to Hawkpaw)
Hawkpaw was sleeping in the medicine den, missing Mintpaw greatly. She yearned for a warm pelt next to her, not the chilling wind. Pawsteps told her the medicine cats were back, but they weren't headed for the medicine den; instead they were headed for Smokestar's den. Curious, Hawkpaw managed to silently half drag, half limp to behind the leader's den.
"...Eaglestar. My sister told me a prophecy. 'The maker of shadows, with silent, dark paws, reaches over the clans, extending its claws. The darkness of night, the horrors of fright, shall lay in the cloak of fear beyond sight. It lays in the clan, the clan's own betrayer, cats shall be dead, because of this slayer. The nighttime's queen, the silent ones scream.'"
Mintflower finished, and Hawkpaw had a feeling she was bristling with fear by the way her voice trembled. The leader's silence told her he didn't know what to do. "Mintpaw," Smokestar began, "Redbreeze, does this mean our many moons of peace, despite ShadowClan, mean we're in danger?"
Smokestar's tone seemed forced; Hawkpaw knew he was struggling to keep fear from gripping his voice.
Mintflower hissed under her breath and mewed, "Mintflower."
Suddenly, someone flashed into Hawkpaw's mind.
A dark grey tom, with warm amber eyes, shining down at Jaytalon, at his apprentice ceremony. Shadefur.
What? What does Shadefur have to- oh. That tom Jaytalon described! Hawkpaw was still confused, but somehow she knew that white tom with the ginger blaze, had to do with the prophecy.
Hawkpaw crawled back in the medicine den just in time for Mintflower and Redbreeze to enter, not knowing Hawkpaw had listened.
"How do you feel?" Redbreeze asked, beginning to change the dressing on her leg. "Fine." The apprentice meowed distractedly. "How was the MoonFall?" Hawkpaw asked, testing to see their reaction. Mintflower's beck fur rise almost imediently, but lied down just as fast; Hawkpaw thought she imagined it.
Redbreeze stayed nonchalant, continuing to brace her leg; it was nearly healed, but would still be at least a moon before she could walk. She wouldn't be able to go to RiverClan before dawn; Jaytalon and Flamefoot would see her.
Redbreeze gave Hawkpaw's leg a testing lick, gave a nod to herself, and curled up in her nest. Mintflower cuddled next to her best friend, giving her the warmth she wanted in the first place, and letting out soft purrs, they both were asleep in no time.
When Hawkpaw woke, she realized someone was poking her side. She turned her head to see her brother, Pinepaw. "Hawkpaw, can I come to RiverClan with you today?" He asked; Hawkpaw widened her eyes in surprise.
"H-how'd you know?" Pinepaw just rolled his green eyes. "Everyday when you "wake up", I smell RiverClan on you. You told me our parents are RiverClan; I'd like to meet them."
Pinepaw meowed; Hawkpaw was surprised his intense gaze wasn't bursting her pelt into flames. "S-sure, if you can get us out without being seen." Hawkpaw said, peeking out from the den to see the pink colors of dawn.
"Not a problem." The mottled tabby assured his sister. He led her through the dirt-place, Hawkpaw on his back; she was surprised how strongly muscled he was. He sat down, letting her gently down.
As she slid down, Hawkpaw felt a warm, wet thing beneath her. "Dirt?!" Hawkpaw cried in disgust; Pinepaw just laughed. "It's not dirt, it's mud, disguise your scent." He mewed, still laughing.
Still slightly grossed out from being sat down in mud, Hawkpaw felt a shiver run down her spine, but not because of the dried mud all over her. What would Oakstar think of her letting her bring her brother to his Clan? Then she gave herself a shake. Pinepaw is also Oakstar's son, he'd probably be upset if she brought Cardinalpaw or Thornsnag.
The black apprentice felt her chest heave with the thought of Thornsnag. He sure seemed distraught about what she said to him. He really was a crude cat when she thought she knew him, but now she knows that no cat is the way they seem, whether it's rude or nice.
Pushing the last thoughts of her mentor away, Hawkpaw noticed they were awfully close to RiverClan. "C'mon, just this way." Hawkpaw urged her brother, limping forward; she'd convinced him to let her walk, she didn't want to injure his back.
Pinepaw began to walk slower behind his sister. He was nervous about meeting his real parents. Then, a pang of anger tugged at him. Why didn't his mother try hard enough to save him from his kidnapper? If he meant as much to them as Hawkpaw says, then Oakstar should've been quicker! He was supposed to protect his kits at all cost- even his life- but he obviously wasn't that father!
Pinepaw let a soft and low growl escape his throat, but with a confused look from Hawkpaw, he managed to contain his remaining anger.
Soon, they arrived in the RiverClan camp. Hawkpaw limped quickly forward and lifted her head to the sky and parted her jaws, drinking in the beautiful fishy-saltwater scent she loved so much; Pinepaw, however, found it sort of revolting, but his sister loved it, so he forced himself to taste it with her.
A pale grey tabby she-cat with white stripes trotted up to Hawkpaw, a grin on her face. Pinepaw noticed that the tabby looked slightly plump. Huh! That's what you get when you eat all the time!
"Puddlewhisker! How's Spidertail?" Hawkpaw exclaimed, giving the she cat a friendly lick on the ear. "Oh, he's much more excited than before. Oakstar must've had him look past the fear of being a father, what ever there was to fear." Puddlewhisker replied, then noticed Pinepaw. She shot him a quizzical look, then gave Hawkpaw the same look.
"Of course! Sorry! Puddlewhisker, this is one of my brothers, Pinepaw. Pinepaw, this is Puddlewhisker, a queen." Hawkpaw introduced, and Pinepaw felt heat creep up on him. Puddlewhisker was plump because she was expecting! How could I be so cruel?
Puddlewhisker cracked one of her wide smiles. "Pleasure to meet you! I'm Puddlewhisker as you now know! Oh, you really do have Sandfern's looks, oh, you even have her eyes..." Puddlewhisker tilted her head to a side and continued inspecting the tabby mottled apprentice.
Feeling himself grow warmer under the queen's going and curious gaze, he took a step back to face Hawkpaw. "Can I meet them now?"
"Yes, this way!" Hawkpaw smiled, dragging her hurt leg behind her. She pushed her way into a den with hanging ferns above it, Pinepaw behind her. Tiny cracks in the roof of the den let in bits of light.
A pale ginger she cat with black stripes was snoozing, her head rested on the shoulder of a muscular black tom. He had pale ginger paws, almost white, with a snow white muzzle.
"Hi, Oakstar," Hawkpaw said softly, though the she cat's head lifted at the sound of her daughter's voice.
"Come for a swimming lesson?" Sandfern chuckled, drawing paw over her ear.
Hawkpaw shook her head. "Nope. Meet Pinepaw, my brother and your son. Formerly Birchkit." Hawkpaw said, nudging her brother forward.
"I'm so sorry!" Sandfern cried, leaving her mate's side and laying her head on Pinepaw's. "I should've tried harder to protect you four- er, three." She said, but the "four" part piped his interest, though he didn't say anything.
Oakstar stood up, shaking moss of his rich black fur. "And I too. Though Sunfur was a formidable enemy. It was a right choice to make him deputy. That doesn't matter now though. I apologize, Birchkit- er, sorry, Pinepaw."
Pinepaw's first name seemed odd to him, but he liked the ring, minus the -kit part.
"Maybe you should meet Scar- uh, Rainpaw next...?" Pinepaw suggested, his anger gone for his parents at their apology, almost like they read his mind.
"It sounds like he's been crude since he was scarred, so maybe when he gets a chance at happiness." Sandfern said, pondering it over a bit, though Oakstar seemed kinda sad.
"I'm going to go get Creeksplash and Briarpaw, couple more sessions and I should be walking fine!" Hawkpaw said, leaving the cool den. Pinepaw gave the leader and his mate a quick nod heifer following his sister.
"Hawkpaw!" A voice said joyfully. A tom, from the sound of it. A pale grey tom with darker stripes ran up to Hawkpaw.
"I haven't seen you in so long, I missed you" he said, giving her ear a soft lick.
Pinepaw could tell that the tom's gesture made her uncomfortable, but she smiled at him. "It's nice to see you too, Pebblepaw, how's Mistkit?" She asked.
"Oh, she's real great! She actually almost snuck out of camp yesterday! But I caught her, after all, there's been fox dung around the Silver Tree. You know, that really tall tree with the pure white bark?" He babbled. Pinepaw found him mostly annoying.
"Well, it was nice chatting, but we've gotta go." Pinepaw interrupted, tearing his sister away from the tabby.
"He's right! Creeksplash and Briarpaw are waiting." Hawkpaw called as her brother continued to pull her.
A beautiful silver tabby she cat made her way to the littermates, a smaller dark brown she cat by her side.
"Hello! You must be Pinepaw. I'm Briarpaw, maybe you remember me. Your sister saved me at that sorry excuse for a Gathering." The brown she cat said, her voice almost a growl towards the end.
"And I'm Creeksplash. Come, Hawkpaw, it's time. Pinepaw can come too." The silver tabby said, trotting off, out of camp.
Naturally, Pinepaw was curious, so he followed the three she cats to a large, calm river, the Training River. Instantly, Hawkpaw leapt into the water, the droplets spraying Pinepaw, water on his whiskers.
He didn't bother shaking them off. Soon, he saw his sister swimming with no effort at all. It seemed it came to her easily. She really was a RiverClan cat at heart... No! She's ThunderClan to the bone... Isn't she?
Hawkpaw crawled up on the bank and grinned at Pinepaw. "Your turn." Shock flowed through Pinepaw. Him, swim?!
"I-uh, well, you see," he stuttered to come up with an excuse to not get wet. "Oh, c'mon just try." Hawkpaw pleaded, and soon, Pinepaw found himself agreeing.
Gingerly, he stepped in the water to where every now and then it would swish his belly fur, chilling him. He took a shaky breath. "Now you just jump up in the air and swim!" Creeksplash said, her voice in her usual happy tone.
"Just SWIM?!" Pinepaw cried, shaking one of his paws in the air in an attempt to stay dry, but it was too late. As soon as Pinepaw took another step, he was nearly neck deep in the water when it sloshed over him.
"There! Perfect, now just kick your legs." Briarpaw called, having her sister's almost fake happy voice.
Pinepaw groaned.
Taking a deep breath, Pinepaw walked in farther, to now where his paws couldn't touch the ground. Hey, this is fairly easy! Pinepaw thought excitedly, kicking his legs and swam out farther.
Soon, he was in the deepest part, with the three she cats cheering him on. Maybe I'm a RiverClan cat at heart too!
Suddenly, a wave sloshed over the mottled tom and he was submerged under water. Pinepaw became frantic; he flailed his paws and let out a soundless scream, and he watched the bubbles float to the surface.
Pinepaw felt water fill his lungs and it burned. His heart was beating fast but he swore he could feel it slowing down.
Then, just as he was about to let StarClan claim and close his eyes, a familiar small ginger she cat with white flecks appeared and seemed to be swimming to him.
Pinepaw felt her cold touch as she pulled him to the surface. Then it hit him. She wasn't wet. She was swimming in the water, but she pelt was as if she was walking on dry land.
Just as Pinepaw felt himself break through the water, he was looked up to thank the she cat, but all he saw were the worried heather red eyes of his sister.
"Pinepaw? Pinepaw? Pinepaw!" She hollered, giving his chest multiple licks to get him breathing. He choked up water and looked at his frantic sister. "I-I'm o-okay, Hawkp-paw," he managed to stutter.
"C'mon, let's get you back to camp and dry." Briarpaw said, licking his fur with Hawkpaw.
When they arrived, Pebblepaw came up to them. "Hey, Pinepaw, I heard what happened. Here," he dropped a plump fish at the soaked tom's paws.
"Go on. I didn't catch to let it rot in the sun." Pebblepaw growled irritably. Pinepaw took a shy bite, yet it was a big bite.
The second the fish hit it tongue he spat it out. "Yuck! It's chewy!" He complained, licking his paw. Pebblepaw shot the tom and annoyed look and stalked off.
"Pinepaw! You don't eat the scales of course!" Hawkpaw scolded, finishing the fish. "Oh no!" Hawkpaw suddenly exclaimed. She looked up at the sky.
It was nearly sunhigh.
"Great StarClan!" She hissed, getting her brother to his feet. "It's way past time to go!"
Pinepaw too, look up and worry coursed through him. "Split up, catch some prey and say we were hunting. And groom yourself! It'll wash of the RiverClan stench!" Pinepaw called, racing off in the direction near WindClan.
Hawkpaw dashed off too, and soon spotted a blackbird. She got into her best stalking position and leapt. It saw her all too early. Just as her paws slammed on the forest floor, the bird was in the air.
"Darn it!" Hawkpaw muttered.
Then, strong ThunderClan scent hit her, and it was all too familiar. She spun around to gently bump noses with none other than Thornsnag.
His blue-green eyes were dull with worry. "Hawkpaw, I was so worried! Where were you?" His voice was thick with despair.
Then, his shook himself. "I mean- Smokestar said we were on the noon patrol. Come on." Thornsnag said. Hawkpaw's heart have a lurch. I need to make things right with him... She thought sadly.
"Thornsnag! W-wait!" Hawkpaw called after the young warrior. Thornsnag stopped.
The warrior could feel his heart thumping so heavily and loudly he was surprised Hawkpaw didn't hear it and he could feel warmth spread over his ears. "I-uh, just meet me at the tree after nightfall," Hawkpaw managed and she sped off, letting out her breath. She didn't realize she was holding her breath.
Thornsnag just stood there as his heart still pounded. The warm, tingly feeling he felt when he so much as glanced at Hawkpaw was fading, but his excitement was beginning to boil over. Maybe he could be with Hawkpaw after all!
Hawkpaw cursed herself for what she did. She was told to cut ties with Thornsnag but, but maybe, just maybe, she could have both! It's not unheard of, a she cat taking two mates, but not so much at the same time...
...
Jaytalon woke at sunhigh, as when Cloudclaw said they could speak and eat and sleep, Flamefoot instantly started chowing down a rabbit with Cardinalpaw and since Hawkpaw was no where to be seen, Jaytalon slept. But now he was awake and he still couldn't find the apprentice.
Jaytalon began to feel worry build up in him. Wha-what if she was killed like Shadefur?! He screamed in his mind at the thought, then, just as he'd finally pressed the memory of watching Shadefur die, he felt it resurface and soon found himself reliving the moment.
Jaytalon shivered at the memory. He blamed himself. If that vermin killed Hawkpaw, the warrior code wouldn't matter, and I'd kill him!
Then, a flash of cream caught his eye. Lightfeather was padded up to Scarface. The scarred tom wore a scowl on his face as Lightfeather dropped a pigeon at his paws.
She sat next to him and smiled warmly. "Hi, Rainpaw." She said, calling him by his apprentice name. Scarface's good eye flashed with annoyance.
"I got this for us."
Lightfeather nudged the pigeon. Scarface unsheathed his claw and swatted the pigeon away. Lightfeather looked stunned, but she maintained her good attitude.
"Not hungry? I'm not either. How about a walk? We could look at the puddles, I saw them, they look really clear! I could see myself in one." Lightfeather said gently.
Scarface got up, a blazing look in his green eye. He hissed, "I don't want to see myself! I don't want to be with you! I don't want to walk, or eat, or talk with you, Lightfeather!" Scarface spat, but with intake of breath, Jaytalon knew he wasn't finished.
"I'm horrid, my name even says so! Got find another tom, Lightfeather! Break the code for all I care! Why don't you go and have kits with Badgerfoot? That fat RiverClan tom you hang around at Gatherings! I don't love you, and I'll never be by your side!" He hissed, his eye burning with hate.
Lightfeather took a step back. "But, I want kits with-" Lightfeather stopped as Scarface lifted and unsheathed paw and striked her, blood welling at her cheek. Scarface looked shocked at himself, staring at own paw in horrorln
The young warrior sniffed; her blue eyes were becoming damp. Lightfeather stifled a wail and ran off. The Clan had seen it all. Nightbreeze and Cardinalpaw went to comfort the now sobbing Lightfeather while Flamefoot and Brackenfang challenged Scarface.
"How dare you!" Flamefoot growled, "Lightfeather is a sweet she cat!" Jaytalon remembered that Lightfeather was his older half sister.
Brackenfang circled Scarface, his eyes ablaze. "Flamefoot's right! How dare you strike a fellow Clanmate! She's very caring it takes a lot to make her cry! You've crossed the line!" The tortoiseshell snarled. Scarface only unsheathed his claws and fluffed his neck fur upward.
...
Hawkpaw had managed a simple mouse to catch and trotted back to camp; however, when she entered, chaos exploded. But not because of her lateness.
Brackenfang and Flamefoot were hissing and snarling at her scarred brother, while he coolly returned their gazes, but his fur was risen around his neck and spine.
Lightfeather was sitting outside the nursery, sobbing hysterically, a claw scratch on cheek. A path of blood from her cheek trailed down and hit the ground.
Hawkpaw looked around the camp, bewildered. Smokestar was simply watching, while Gingerroot glared at Scarface with hate.
Hawkpaw dropped her mouse hesitantly in the fresh kill pile and made her way to the only calm cat in the situation, Snowwing.
"Snowwing, what in StarClan's name happened here?" Hawkpaw asked, glancing at the furious cats.
Mintflower went over to Lightfeather, a bundle of herbs in her mouth. With a wail, Lightfeather hissed at Minflower. The lithe medicine cat dropped the plants and walked away, muttering under her breath.
Snowwing sighed. "I think you'll find that Lightfeather knows more than I do. Meanwhile," Snowwing grunted as she stood up, "I need to try to calm Leaftail down. He's arguing with Pinepaw."
Hawkpaw glanced towards Lightfeather; she was calming down. Hawkpaw looked back to Snowwing, but the white queen was gone.
Hawkpaw groaned and padded to Lightfeather. "What's the matter?" Hawkpaw asked the cream warrior. Lightfeather only let out a whimper.
"Your brother, he clawed me." She whispered. "He told me to go find another tom, Rai- Scarface even said to break the code and have kits with a RiverClan tom. Badgerfoot is just a friend!" Lightfeather growled, calling Scarface by his new name. Hawkpaw saw the blue-grey tom flinch when Lightfeather said his warrior name.
It was clear that Scarface liked her but he obviously thought he wasn't enough for the stunningly beautiful she cat. Even with his scars, Lightfeather found him handsome from his courage and loyalty.
"I actually had some battle moves he could use that played to his advantage. He'd have to have high stamina but he does..." Lightfeather trailed off in another stifled wail, her eyes dampening.
"I understand that you're trying to help me feel better, but I'd like to be alone, please," Lightfeather said awkwardly, sniffing.
Hawkpaw dipped her head. "O-of course," she mewed, caught off guard by her formality.
Hawkpaw looked around camp; it was calmer, as while she was speaking with Lightfeather, Cloudclaw'd howled for them to shut their traps.
Jaytalon rushed up to Hawkpaw. He nuzzled her. "I was worried someone got you, I'm so glad you're safe!" He exclaimed, his voice strained.
"Wanna go hunting with me? The pile looks meek." Hawkpaw suggested, taking a glance at the near empty fresh kill pile. The only thing that was there was a puny blackbird and the mouse Hawkpaw caught.
As she set out with Jaytalon, Hawkpaw felt Leaf-bare coming on the crisp breeze. She felt her fur rise and fall as a chilly gust of wind made her shiver; Jaytalon pressed close to her, and Hawkpaw's own heat of embrassment warmed her enough, but she closed her eyes and pressed against the new warrior.
Suddenly, he scent of prey but her nostrils, and Jaytalon as well, as he pulled away and looked very much alert. "Shrew!" Jaytalon whisper yelled. "And thrush." Hawkpaw countered, trying to look as wide awake as him, but waking up early was taking its toll on the older apprentice.
"Hm, you're right, I'll follow the thrush, you get the shrew, trees don't seem to be so fond of you," Jaytalon joked. Hawkpaw only snorted and followed the smell of shrew.
Hawkpaw saw the shrew nibbling on a cobnut. She wiggled her hindquarters excitedly; Hawkpaw loved the suspense of hunting. She pounced just as the shrew saw her, but it was too late and she bit its neck. Thank you, StarClan. She said her thanks and buried it under the cool dirt.
She met back with Jaytalon who looked cheerful. "I got the thrush and..." He spun around. "Follow me!" He called, racing off. Hawkpaw followed him, of course, out of curiosity.
Puffing, Hawkpaw caught up to Jaytalon; he was staring up a tree. Hawkpaw followed his blue gaze, finding another thrush, in a nest with high pitched chirps coming from it. Hatchlings. "Wow, Jaytalon, that's great," Hawkpaw mewed excitedly.
"Yep, except, I'm not a master at climbing." Jaytalon said, giving Hawkpaw a knowing look. Hawkpaw felt fear surge through her. RiverClan cats don't climb! Then she froze. Is what I am, what I think I am, RiverClan..?
"Go on, your sparrow catch was amazing." Jaytalon urged. Hawkpaw inhaled the crisp air nervously.
"Aye," Hawkpaw groaned, unsheathing her claws and jumping on the old, firm tree.
Hawkpaw began her climb stealthily. The thrushes hadn't seen her. She was hidden in the green leaves of the tree, it was a tree that kept it leaves all season. Hawkpaw found those tree curious.
She made her leap for the expertly woven nest.
...
Cats weaved around Hawkpaw excitedly. "Did you really get all that prey?" Pinepaw had mewed. "It's so tasty, that was amazing!" Tulipwood had rasped, having eaten one of the thrushes.
Soon, the moon had risen and cats were settling down, and Hawkpaw was about to when she remembered what she'd said. Thornsnag! Hawkpaw realized just as she was about halfway asleep.
Hawkpaw quietly made her way out of the apprentice den and out the camp and towards the tree where she fell. When she got there, she could feel her heart rising up to her throat out if nervousness, but when she curled around the tree, she found no trace of Thornsnag.
Hawkpaw let a snarl escape her as she clawed up a clump of grass and ferns. He had such a sour attitude after what she told him and she asked him here to make it right and he didn't even show! Hawkpaw hissed in fury.
Hawkpaw curled up in her nest, still raging.
Early light filled the apprentice den when Hawkpaw woke. It was a little before dawn and Hawkpaw exited her den. "Cloudclaw! Can I join the dawn patrol?" She volunteered; the deputy looked stunned. Hawkpaw had lost a ton of training after she hurt her leg. "Sure thing, Hawkpaw. Hurry and join with Mouseclaw, Cardinalpaw, Leaftail, and Flamefoot." He ordered.
Hawkpaw nodded and raced off to join the cats. Cardinalpaw was yawning herded off while Flamefoot hurriedly ate a shrimpy mouse. He swallowed the last bite and the patrol set off, led by Mouseclaw.
Cardinalpaw fell in beside Hawkpaw. "Pinepaw told me. I'll keep a secret, don't worry, you're still a sister to me." Cardinalpaw gave her step sister a quick nuzzle and ran ahead.
Flamefoot was being awfully close to Cardinalpaw. He was close to her in the den and always tried to be in every patrol with her, but Hawkpaw tried to convince herself they were just friends.
The patrol she was on was setting new markets near the WindClan side. The lean warriors had been threatening the dusk patrol and dawn patrol about taking back the Flat Lands, a small piece of moorland that ThunderClan owned. It had undergrowth and tall grasses, so it could benefit either clan. When Hawkpaw's group arrived, WindClan markers had been set on their territory.
Hawkpaw saw Flamefoot's fur bristle as a WindClan patrol came along, all mighty looking. "Oh, I see you haven't crossed our border, how wonderful." A tabby she cat said mockingly.
Flamefoot growled and placed a claw over the WindClan marker. "Oh, I'm shaking in my pelt." The ginger warrior spat. The tabby's neck fur rose. The ThunderClan patrol unsheathed their claws in the cold ground.
"Flamefoot, don't taunt her." Mouseclaw warned. He obviously knew who she was. "Oh, the prey knows who I am!" The grey and brown tabby said sharply.
Mouseclaw suppressed a hiss as he nodded. "Yes, you're Fernbreeze. I've fought you. You," Mouseclaw slightly gulped, "you killed Eaglestar."
A/N
OMG, I think that was a long chapter. Yay for me.
EDIT: Keep your eyes out in the chapters for new details that'll be crucial later on.