Chapter 21, oh boy! This one's a special chapter, please enjoy! As alwways, I would love to hear your thoughts on the story in a review!
Also: Whaaat? Four chapters in one sitting? Man, I am on a roll!
Also, thoughts inside dreams will be underlined! I couldn't really figure out any other way to do it, sorry!
Stoatpaw padded through the familiar landscape of StarClan, his eyes open wide for any sign of Coppersnake. His white pelt glistened in the brilliant sunlight, and his blue eyes shone with confidence.
Almost two moons had passed since his fight with the fox. Two moons he'd been training with Coppersnake. And two moons he'd grown bigger, stronger, and angrier at Tigerpaw.
Coppersnake was right: almost every single night, the brown and white tom would run off to the OakClan border to be with his love. And Stoatpaw hated it. He hated seeing his brother just disregard the warrior code like this; it was one thing with Deerheart, because no one saw it coming, and her mate actually joined the clan. But Tigerpaw and Silverdust showed absolutely no sign of getting ready to join into one clan anytime soon! In fact, Stoatpaw was still unsure if they were actually in love, or they just liked the thought of being in love with another cat.
I've got to take my mind off of this, Stoatpaw reasoned, shaking his head. Think about Coppersnake and your training. Think about how great and amazing you'll be once you're a warrior, Stoatpaw! Your ceremony is only a moon or so away!
Similarly, Larkkit, Cloudkit, and Hollykit's apprentice ceremonies weren't far away either. In fact, they'd most likely be apprenticed on the day of Stoatpaw's warrior ceremony, if not a few days after.
Finally, he reached his training spot. He took it all in, realizing he'd never properly assessed it. It was a tiny little space of dirt in a great big field, right outside the grand forest that StarClan called home. In one corner was a small tree, along with a rock. Coppersnake would often sit on this rock, but today, she was nowhere to be found. He stood around awkwardly for a moment, observing his surroundings.
Suddenly, he was on the ground, hissing and spitting and shoving the lithe brown she-cat off of him. His fur was fluffed in anger. "Coppersnake! Don't startle me like that! Leaf bare's on it's way and I'm stressed enough! You're lucky I even show up to your little training sessions!"
"Dear Stoatpaw, you must always be expecting the unexpected." Coppersnake drawled, slinking towards him. He didn't like the way she looked at him, with her pelt shimmering and her eyes gleaming. He looked down nervously as he watched her unsheathe her claws. She reached up to touch his face with one of them, and he shied away from the touch. "My, how you've grown. Before, you were barely up to my shoulder. Now, you're practically as big as Falconstar himself."
Stoatpaw looked away in embarrassment, which prompted another attack from Coppersnake. He fended her off, hissing as she hit the ground in front of him. He watched as she scratched her claws on the ground, just begging for a fight. Her tail whipped menacingly as he flinched.
He'd practiced with his claws unsheathed before with her, but this... this was different. If they were actually going to have a full-on scuffle with unsheathed claws, one of them could very easily die. And Stoatpaw had a feeling that he knew it would be him.
Well, I definitely would die, Coppersnake would just kind of... disappear? I actually have no idea what happens when a StarClan cat dies. Stoatpaw thought to himself.
"What's wrong, you scared of a little fight, Stoatpaw?" Coppersnake teased, dashing out with a paw. Stoatpaw dodged swiftly, anger bubbling in his blue eyes. No way was he scared. "C'mon, show me what I've taught you!"
Stoatpaw's claws unsheathed as he launched himself at the StarClan cat. A frenzied yowl escaped her mouth as the two cats battled. Stoatpaw would strike out with his claws and wound Coppersnake, but ultimately, he lost the fight.
Covered in wounds, and praying that none of them showed up when he awoke, Stoatpaw stood, just in time to catch the frightened gaze of a tiny gray tabby with big, amber eyes.
Coppersnake immediately stopped licking her wounds and went over to the tiny cat. "Stoatpaw, can you believe you were this small once?" she chuckled, eyeing the gray tabby almost lovingly. "His name's Smokepaw. You're from...?"
"I-I'm from HailClan." the apprentice gulped, looking back at Coppersnake. "I-I'm here... so I can help protect my clan. Beetlestar... he's not well, and all Sparrowpaw does is talk about how our clan is going to die. I-I don't want it to die."
"How sad." Coppersnake said, pity lining her voice. "I do fear for your leader, Smokepaw, but we've got work to do. This here is Stoatpaw." Coppersnake gestured to the white tom, whose blue eyes widened. "He's from SteamClan."
"Nice to meet you, Stoatpaw." Smokepaw said, standing up. "And wow! You fought like a warrior! Teach me some of those moves!"
Coppersnake and Stoatpaw both chuckled. "In due time, young apprentice." Coppersnake told him. She whipped her tail through the air and declared, "Now, let this double training session begin!"
Stoatpaw and Smokepaw both continued to train under Coppersnake for a long time, until every single night was a training session. When Stoatpaw wasn't with the she-cat, Smokepaw would train, and vice versa. Sometimes, they'd train together, but it was rare. And sometimes, he and Coppersnake would express their anger towards Tigerpaw for being such an arrogant mousebrain and romping around with an OakClan warrior!
As the days turned colder and Stoatpaw had to struggle to hunt for SteamClan amidst all of the dead leaves that littered the ground, his warrior ceremony drew close and hit him in the nose. The nursery was full of boisterous kits, and he was almost sure that Larkkit, Holkykit, and Cloudkit would be apprenticed on the day he, Tigerpaw, and Mothpaw became warriors.
But, before any kind of warrior ceremony, there were assessments that needed to be done.
The first one was the battling assessment. He was finally pitched against a warrior, and lo and behold, it was Sandfoot. Tigerpaw battled Fuzzytail, and Mothpaw battled Sageberry, who took the day off from taking care of her kits to get out into the world and move her muscles a bit.
In Stoatpaw's mind, he battled fairly well. He managed to hold his own against Sandfoot, and the battle was declared a tie. Pride swelled inside Stoatpaw for the rest of the day.
The next was hunting. Stoatpaw was shivering the day of his assessment; he didn't want to take it, especially since the scent of prey would be masked by the scent of dead leaves. He had to keep reminding himself that he was in a forest, and that dead leaves were natural. That, and the thought of some cat watching his every move disturbed him. The fact that it was Leafclaw made it even more disturbing.
Between both assessments, he trained with Coppersnake. The she-cat was becoming more and more excited as his warrior ceremony drew close, and although he didn't want to admit it, he was feeling pretty confident that he'd make a fine warrior. Maybe... maybe even leader someday!
Days passed, and between his assessments and training with Coppersnake, he grew very tired. Finally, after every single assessment was over, Stoatpaw, Mothpaw, and Tigerpaw got to relax by cleaning out the elder's den. Stoatpaw was used to it; when not playing with the kits or training or on patrols, he was cleaning out the elder's den. Personally, he loved it; he loved being around the elders, as they were the quirkiest cats he'd ever met. But, he'd never admit it to anyone.
Three days had passed since their assessment, and Mothpaw was getting antsy. "Oh man, I just want to be a warrior already! Can't Wheatstar hurry up and make us warriors already?"
Tigerpaw sat up. The three apprentices were sitting in the den, resting after their gruesome assessments. They could hear Mossfang giving out patrol numbers to all of the warriors, and all three longed for the day that their warrior name would be called. Stoatpaw was still nursing scratches inflicted by both Coppersnake and Smokepaw. Since when was an apprentice like that so strong? I was never that strong; in fact, I'm still a little pudgy! Stoatpaw thought. He watched as Tigerpaw turned to answer Mothpaw.
"Just wait, okay? Maybe they're still deciding on names, or maybe they just can't decide who'll become a warrior first. Maybe they're deciding on mentors for Larkkit, Hollykit, and Cloud-" he stopped mid-sentence as a loud voice rang out through the cave.
"All cats old enough to swim in the hot springs, gather beneath the Hot Spring's Paw for a clan meeting!"
The three apprentices looked at each other, before hastily grooming their fur.
"I didn't realize that she'd call us to become warriors that quickly!" Mothpaw wailed.
"Just stop chatting and keep grooming!" Tigerpaw shouted back.
Tigerpaw's become... really laid back. Stoatpaw observed between the shouting. I hope he stays this way, because it's a lot better than him being an arrogant mousebrain all the time!
All three apprentices were eventually groomed, and went out to gather with the other warriors. Stoatpaw saw Mossfang look down at Tigerpaw with an approving nod, then do the same to Stoatpaw. Pride swelled in the small white tom.
Wheatstar cleared her throat. "Today, we are here to celebrate three new warriors into our ranks." Wheatstar turned her head down to face Tigerpaw. "Tigerpaw, please come forward."
Oh boy, Tigerpaw's going first! Stoatpaw listened eagerly as Wheatstar went through the ceremony almost religiously.
"Tigerpaw, do you promise to uphold the beliefs of the warrior code, to follow it at all times, and serve your clan faithfully until death?" Wheatstar spoke.
Tigerpaw hesitated, then nodded. Stoatpaw flashed back to the times that Coppersnake had showed him Tigerpaw and Silverdust romping around at night. "I do."
Wheatstar cleared her throat. "Tigerpaw, we honor you for you strength and skill in battle. From now on, you will be known as Tigerlight. SteamClan welcomes you as a new warrior."
Tigerpaw, now Tigerlight, stepped back, practically beaming. Wheatstar turned her head to Mothpaw, who was shaking in her spot. The tiny golden she-cat stepped forward, her silver eyes gleaming.
"Mothpaw, you came from an outside clan, brought here by your father. Do you promise to serve SteamClan as a loyal warrior, and to uphold the code at all costs?" Wheatstar seemed to emphasize the fact that she was half HailClan.
Mothpaw nodded, a bit too eagerly. Stoatpaw felt a pang for her; a teeny, tiny part of him might have liked her once, and it might not have gone away. Watching her become a warrior, the feeling came back full force, and it irritated him. He liked how happy Mothpaw seemed, how relieved and triumphant she seemed. He brushed the feeling away, telling himself to stop thinking about Mothpaw like that. "I do."
Wheatstar's green eyes gleamed. "Then, by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Mothpaw, you shall now be known as Mothwhisker. We honor your loyalty and independence. Welcome, new warrior."
Mothwhisker stepped back, glancing at Stoatpaw. She was beaming. This is the happiest moment of her life, Stoatpaw thought, completely ignoring the fact that Wheatstar had asked him to come forward.
"Stoatpaw, come forward!" she said, a little more sternly. Stoatpaw hastily stepped forward, embarrassment lining his face. It was soon replaced with eagerness as Wheatstar began her speech.
"Stoatpaw, today, you must be very proud. You are becoming a warrior. Just a few moons ago, you helped alert the clan of a deadly enemy lurking underneath our noses. A few moons ago, you helped discover and eradicated a fox by being brave and risking your life for your clan." Stoatpaw shrunk under her gaze; why did she have to bring up that event? No warrior was pleased with him or Mothpaw! "With that, do you promise to uphold the warrior code at all costs, and to fight for the safety of your clan, even if the cost is death?" Wheatstar's voice was commanding here. It made Stoatpaw jittery.
His mouth was dry. "I-I do."
Wheatstar's eyes sparkled. "Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. You will no longer be known as Stoatpaw, but rather, as Stoatclaw. We honor you for your determination and initiative. I welcome you as a warrior."
Stoatclaw stepped back, shaking. He was a warrior. A warrior! He looked around as cats all around him chanted his name. Was Coppersnake watching? He hoped she was!
Wheatstar quieted the clan once more. "New warriors, tonight, you will guard the clan. Go up to the mouth of the cave and watch for enemies throughout the night. You may not speak during this time."
Stoatclaw, Tigerlight, and Mothwhisker nodded; they exchanged glances of happiness. They were finally warriors!
Stoatclaw turned to face the mouth of the cave. Only one more obstacle in my way. he thought.
The night was cold. They'd all decided to take shifts, and somehow, it was just Stoatclaw awake while Tigerlight and Mothwhisker slept soundly next to each other.
He hated it.
Watching for enemies, he tried not to shiver as the cold night breeze swept past. He was almost sure that no cat would show up, and no enemy either. I bet no one would care if I just... closed my eyes for a little bit...
"Stoatpaw."
Stoatclaw's eyes flew open as he saw the sparkling form of Coppersnake in front of him. She looked angry. "What are they doing, sending an apprentice out to guard the clan against dangers?"
Stoatclaw itched to speak. He knew he couldn't talk, but... no one was watching. Tigerlight and Mothwhisker were both asleep. He looked back into the dark depths of the cave; there was no hint of any cat awake. It was just him.
He cleared his throat and whispered, "Coppersnake, I'm a warrior now. Wheatstar gave me my warrior name!"
Coppersnake's eyes slowly widened. Her expression went from 'I will rip someone's throat out, this is unacceptable' to 'Look! My sweet baby's all grown up!'
Coppersnake thrust her head forward to lick Stoatclaw's cheek. She was purring like her kit had just caught a juicy mouse on its first hunt. "Oh, that's wonderful! I guess I should stop calling you Stoatpaw... what's your new name?"
"Stoatclaw. Tigerpaw is Tigerlight, and Mothpaw is Mothwhisker." Stoatclaw explained. Coppersnake looked away, thinking, before nodding her head.
"Okay, thank you, Stoatclaw. I hope to see you in your dreams." Coppersnake said, swishing her tail. "I think you and Smokepaw may be accompanied by an OakClan apprentice... I think her name was Riverpaw? I saw her in her dreams, but she might be coming sometime soon."
"Coppersnake, why are you just now mentoring all these cats?" Stoatclaw asked, standing. His blue eyes were questioning, and Coppersnake avoided his gaze. "First it was just me, but now it's more cats. Are you planning on something?"
"HollowClan and HailClan are at war, Stoatclaw." Coppersnake meowed, turning away. Stoatclaw watched as her shoulders heaved... was one of these clans her home clan? "That war is going to prove to be horrible, but... there is something that lead to the division between the leaders. Why Beetlestar and Jaystar hate each other."
Stoatclaw took a step forward, his eyes full of hope. "And what reason is that?"
Coppersnake spun around. For the first time, Stoatclaw noticed how the fire that burned in her eyes was almost maniacle. A grim look of pleasure settled across her face, and Stoatclaw's heart skipped a beat. The stars that glimmered in her pelt could barely be seen as she hissed gleefully, "All in due time, Stoatclaw. You will know... soon. Just follow the code."
Stoatclaw watched her fade, and he was left to sit in darkness, waiting for the sun to rise as his partners slept on.
Aaand that was chapter 21! Oh boy, warrior names!
Here's a question: Are you satisfied with Stoatpaw, Tigerpaw, and Mothpaw's names? What would you have named them? Place your response in a review!
This chapter was beta'd by the wonderful SilverMidnightMoon! Go check her out, and thank you so much!