Here's chapter 22! I spent a lot of my time thinking about this, actually, since I needed to write it just right so that the situation could be realistic. Most reviews were shocked and questioning Dapplepaw, which is what I wanted. Some, however, were in full support-mode about it. They were fun to read. I also got many of the rewards for the challenge turned in, and am excited to write them into the sequel!
Fact: Sparrow was originally supposed to be Sparrowpaw, the cat Rainpaw killed. He would, however, turn out to not be dead and he and Rainpaw would grow close. However, that idea was trashed after I created the Spruce character.
"Stop avoiding me," Dapplepaw meowed again, glancing at him from her new nest. Her fluffy fur had bits of moss and feathers stuck in it, but she didn't seem to notice. Dapplepaw's greens eyes glowed in the darkness of the night and stared at him.
"I am not...I am not avoiding you, I just think maybe you should reconsider this idea. For your sake. Don't get me wrong, I am happy you are here, but if anyone would have to do this it should've been me! You didn't have to give this up!" Ashpaw tried to reason with her, but she was stubborn. That was one thing he loved about her that he never said.
Dapplepaw let out an audible sigh. "Ashpaw, you weren't going to do that for whatever reason. So I wanted to prove my point that you cannot dictate my life, even if you're only trying to do what is best for me."
"You don't know what is best for you!" He paused, rolling his eyes in the blackness of the night. "And you did all this to prove a point? That was mouse-brained!"
"And last I recall, you are not me. So why don't you met me make my own choices."
"Yeah but-"
"No. I made my choice. Deal with it."
"For StarClan's sake, can you two just shut up?" Rosepaw snapped, clearly irritated. Ashpaw wasn't the only one horrified by Dapplepaw's decision. Rosepaw was furious and skipped her patrols just to pace around camp, clearly distressed. Her one leverage that she had above Dapplepaw was that she lived SunClan and the other she-cat was a LeafClan cat. Now that Dapplepaw had changed the scenario, Rosepaw had nothing.
"Do you seriously have to live with this?" Dapplepaw muttered at the other female apprentice's remark. "I mean, all I hear is complaining, whining, and babbling. I feel sorry for you, Ashpaw."
"Oh, and you non-stop chatter is any better?" Rosepaw retorted, rolling her eyes. "I'm sure you are driving him insane. No wonder he didn't want you to switch clans. I don't blame him."
Ashpaw shut his eyes, thinking of a way to stop their petty bickering. "Now, Rosepaw, I never said-"
"I think it's one of the things that Ashpaw finds so charming about me. StarClan only knows he found nothing charming about you and your murderous habits!" Dapplepaw snapped back at her smugly.
Ashpaw sighed as he saw Rosepaw's white tail starting to flick in the dark of night. The white she-cat leapt to her paws and began to argue with the new SunClan apprentice some more, causing Ashpaw to groan and rest his head in the moss. It was going to be a long night...
"Did you sleep well?" Dapplepaw asked Ashpaw as she padded out of the den, stretching. "I did, as a matter of fact. Rosepaw can't hold an argument for long. I had the last words." She stood tall and proud as though it was an accomplishment.
Ashpaw sighed. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. "Okay, I slept horrible, first of all. And second, why do you have to engage Rosepaw in an argument? The whole clan is staring at us enough as it is! You want to get on their good side, remember?"
"Oh." Dapplepaw grew silent as she noticed the many eyes that were on them. "Oh. Right. Well I don't care. I came here for a reason, Ashpaw, and that's because I love you. Who cares what they think? I am not going back, so why not just let yourself be with me. This is what I want." She took a step closer to him.
Ashpaw looked down into her deep green eyes and couldn't help but give her ear a quick lick. "You're right," he meowed softly, rubbing his cheek against hers. "We are finally, finally together. I need to embrace it."
"Now that's the spirit!" Dapplepaw meowed enthusiastically. "Do you want to show me around the territory today?" She took a step back so she could look at him properly. "Or maybe we should prank your clanmates into thinking I'm expecting your kits!"
Ashpaw let out an amused purr. "Let's not. Remember, try and get them to accept you." He watched her start to pad away to get a piece of prey and felt a stab of worry. This was wrong. She had completely messed up her life, but she was jut oblivious to the fact.
She returned with a sparrow, dropping the bird at her feet. "For StarClan's sake, this is ridiculous. They stare at me non-stop," she growled, rolling her eyes. Dapplepaw let out a sad sigh and she glanced at all the onlooking eyes. "Can they not accept me?"
"Well, you are from an enemy clan. What are they supposed to think?" Ashpaw said carefully, trying not to upset her. "Especially with the hard time Rosepaw will give you, you surely knew this was coming, right? Did you expect to be accepted right away?"
"A little. I was hoping..." Dapplepaw trailed off and stared at her feet. "But...but it'll still be okay. I'll be made a warrior here and it'll be good. My new life is here," she meowed as though she was convincing herself.
Ashpaw nodded, finding no point in arguing with her. I love her. I do. But this could have ruined her life. She has to realize that. Ashpaw was silent for a while as he thought. If only she would understand that. He got to his paws, an idea dawning on him. "Let's have Sagewhisker help me teach you about SunClan!" he said, knowing the lifestyle was very different and might scare her off. "Rosepaw can come, too."
"That was the worst attempt at hunting I have ever seen," Rosepaw sneered with a roll of her eyes. The white cat sat down and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think you aren't really cut out for this."
"Now, Rosepaw, be quiet," Sagewhisker snapped. The deputy turned to Dapplepaw, the agile cat who had not only failed at hunting a thrush, but also landed with a tumble. "Are you okay?"
Dapplepaw ducked her head with embarrassment, nodding. She shook off some clumps of dirt that had stuck to her fur. She looked up to meet Ashpaw's gaze, and Ashpaw gave her a sympathetic look. Her green eyes seemed dull, but not defeated.
"Okay, well, try again," Sagewhisker meowed, gesturing to where a flock of song birds had landed, plucking at vegetation from the ground. Dapplepaw pricked her ears, determination setting in her eyes. She crouched down, eyeing the birds carefully.
As she crept over, Rosepaw squinted at her, eyes narrowing. "Doubt she'll catch anything," she muttered to Ashpaw, who remained silent, noting that Dapplepaw flicked an ear to show that she had heard the comment.
In a flash Dapplepaw had landed on a bird, snapping its neck quickly. She trotted back over, relief showing in her green orbs. "Good catch,"Ashpaw meowed, nodding to the bird. He turned to Sagewhisker, who also gave a nod of approval.
"Thanks. I'm better at catching things in the trees, but Rainpaw could always hunt on the ground." Dapplepaw froze as she uttered those words, particularly the mention of her LeafClan sibling.
Ashpaw watched her carefully for any sign of regret. Her eyes flicked down to her paws for a brief moment, but the motion was there. Ashpaw just confirmed what he had suspected. Dapplepaw was getting homesick.
"Let's continue with our tour," Sagewhisker suggested, noting the sad note in Dapplepaw's eyes. She started toward Snake Rocks, casting a hesitant look at Ashpaw, who met her gaze.
Ashpaw shifted his walk so his pace quickened to match Dapplepaw's. She did not glance up at him, but rather kept staring at her paws. "Hey," she murmured softly, her voice a mix of confusion and uncertainty.
"Hey," Ashpaw replied, keeping his own voice rather steady. "How are you holding up? I mean it must be hard, you know, being away from-"
"I'm fine," Dapplepaw snapped at him curtly, shaking her head. "I'm doing as good as expected. I just wish that I fit in a bit better." She turned her head so he could meet her normally warm gaze. Her green were filled with misery.
Ashpaw sighed, shutting his eyes. "Yeah. Yeah, I get that. But are you sure that's it? You left a lot, Dapplepaw. Creampaw, Rainpaw, even Foxstep. I know you will deny it, but I think you aren't going to be happy here." Dapplepaw was silent as Ashpaw continued. "You won't be given your warrior name with them. You won't get to see either of your sisters have a family, and they couldn't see yours. You could meet them in battle!"
"Stop it!" Dapplepaw hissed, stopping abruptly. "Just stop!" Her raised voice died down as she realized that every cat was staring at her. Sagewhisker with worry, Ashpaw will defeat, and Rosepaw, of course, with loathing. "I can't hear this anymore. I made my choice. I've accepted it. Now's it's time for every cat to."
Ashpaw stayed quiet, unsure of how to respond. "You can go back," Ashpaw suggested quietly, almost afraid of her reaction. "You can see you sisters again, your clanmates. I know you miss that. I love you, I really do, but can you honestly tell me that you think this is what's best for you?"
Dapplepaw's gaze hardened at his words. "Do you love me, Ashpaw? Because ever since I set paw in the SunClan camp you have been pushing me away. I might not feel so rejected if you had welcomed me and supported my decision. I won't go back, but I need your support! I can't do this alone. Still, if I have to, I will."
Dapplepaw's words hung in the air for moments until another cat spoke up. Unfortunately, that cat was Rosepaw. "Why? For StarClan's sake, you are clearly not wanted!"
"Rosepaw!" Sagewhisker cut in sharply, giving the soon-to-be warrior a warning stare. "That's enough."
"Why?" Rosepaw argued, rolling her eyes. "I am just saying what every cat is thinking, And you know what? I bet her two devoted sisters were just itching to get rid of you. You did them a favor, but do us a favor too and just join DuskClan instead."
Dapplepaw let out a sigh, and much to Ashpaw's surprise, she nodded. "Yeah, maybe." Her voice sounded completely tired and a hint lost.
Ashpaw hesitated, glancing around him. Was he supposed to comfort her? Tell her to go home? Do nothing? Ask her to stay? There was no written answer, but just as he had come to a decision Dapplepaw spoke up again. "I'll make my announcement at the Gathering tomorrow, if you could get Hollowstar to let me go."
Sagewhisker gave her a sympathetic look. "Sure thing," the deputy murmured, turning and starting toward camp.
Ashpaw faced Dapplepaw as she shuffled her paws on the ground. "You're making the right choice, I think." He gave her ear a lick and stepped back, hoping for a response.
"I am. I know I am."
Ashpaw couldn't help but notice the numerous looks Dapplepaw received from various LeafClan warriors as they filed into the clearing. Most were surprised, while some were angry and others supportive.
He tried to remain by her side the entire time. His heart lurched at the thought of letting her go, but it was what was best for every cat aside from himself. He had to let her leave, though he really wanted to let her know how he felt about her and how touching her gesture of switching clans had been. However, if he did he doubted she would leave SunClan.
"Dapplepaw!"
Two cats rushed to the fluffy she-cat, rubbing their cheeks against hers. "Creampaw? Rainpaw!" Dapplepaw meowed, excitement in her voice. She got to her paws and touched noses with her sisters, who equally seemed pleased to see her.
"Why in the name of StarClan...?" Creampaw started, shaking her head. "You didn't tell us. We tell each other everything, and you kept it to yourself? We found out from Nettlepelt instead of you!"
Dapplepaw nodded, beckoning them to a corner with her tail. "I'll explain, just give me a chance," she told them, clearly wanting to sit somewhere more private. "I need to speak with you. Both of you."
"Why should we listen?" Creampaw muttered unhappily, hurt showing on her face. "You left without a goodbye. I thought you were injured for a moment! Then we were told you left LeafClan."
"Creampaw," Rainpaw chided her sister, giving her a light shove. "It's romantic, I think." Doubt lingered over her face, but she was clearly trying to suppress it. "She's happy, right Dapplepaw?"
"Can I please just talk to both of you," Dapplepaw asked again, giving Ashpaw a look of worry. "I can explain, tell you both more."
Ashpaw watched both sister reluctantly follow, their heads down. He let out a sigh and turned away, almost tempted to follow them. I know what she is going to say. There is no point in listening. He got to his paws and winced when he noticed a familiar apprentice heading his way.
"Ashpaw," Rosepaw greeted him, but this time her voice wasn't welcoming like it was normally. She sounded bitter and angry, and it was clear that she was. Her tail flicked uncontrollably and her ears kept twitching. "I need to talk to you."
"I seriously doubt that," Ashpaw replied curtly. He was about to start walking away from her when her voice drew him back. Usually it wouldn't have, but the tone made him freeze in his tracks. Rosepaw sounded desperate, sad, even.
"Please. Just...don't go now." Rosepaw had faked her vulnerability as a young apprentice to gain his attention. He could now tell when she lied, but she wasn't lying. "Why is she here? Did you tell her to come?"
"Would it be so surprising if I did?" Ashpaw asked, curious. Surely Rosepaw could've guessed that one day one of either Dapplepaw or Ashpaw would change clans.
"Yes. You wouldn't do that. You're too...rational. That's why, I'm assuming, you were never with me." Rosepaw let out a sigh and rolled her eyes, but she was showing a slight hint of curiosity as to what his response would be.
Ashpaw suppressed an annoyed sigh at the last part of her comment. "Love blinds, Rosepaw. You should know, since you sacrificed many lives for the small chance I would be with you. Or even Rainpaw, who let Dapplepaw die in the name of love. Love doesn't make you rational, it makes you stupid." He paused, turning to look at Dapplepaw. "It truly does, or she wouldn't have wrecked her life like this for me."
"Why are you pushing her away," Rosepaw once again inquired. She seemed pleased at the fact, but at the same time puzzled. "You're so...sedimental. I thought you would be happy."
"I am," Ashpaw admitted carefully, remembering who he was talking to. "I would like nothing more than to be with Dapplepaw. However, the price is very high. Her family is devastated, and she is miserable in SunClan. I'm not worth that."
"Huh. Humble, too. I suppose I can see why I liked you." With those words, Rosepaw got up and started off.
Ashpaw watched her go, feeling a pit of regret in his stomach. I shouldn't have talked to her for that long. She's up to something. Again. His thoughts ceased to exist as Dapplepaw reappeared at his side. "Hey," he meowed kindly to her. "Nervous?" He brushed his cheek up against hers to show his support.
"A little bit. It'll be okay, though. I have everything figured out," Dapplepaw meowed earnestly. "I know now how my life will go. I am the cat who can make my life better again. This whole...clan change...well, it's been hard. I can't do it anymore."
Ashpaw nodded at her words, sadness tugging at his heart. It was what was best for Dapplepaw. She needed this, though he would undoubtedly miss her. "I did think that your decision was a little sudden," he told her, twining his tail with hers. It might be the last time they got to do that in public, or be anywhere near each other for that matter.
"It was. And I didn't think it through. Now I have, and I know what is best," Dapplepaw continued, pressing her side against his. She let out a laugh, turning to face him. "This is a story that we can tell our kits, I guess."
"What do you mean?" Ashpaw asked, tilting his head. They could never raise a family once she was back in LeafClan. Surely she wouldn't want to raise them alone, aside from her sisters' support.
Dapplepaw's eyes lit up and she took a deep breath before responding. "I'm staying. I have chosen to stay in SunClan."
You all know I would love to hear your thoughts. I really tried to emphasize all the consequences of such a sudden decision. Anyway, how about 300 reviews for a new chapter?
Next chapter: After hearing of Dapplepaw's shocking decision, Rainpaw decides to make a change in her own life, one that might either make or break the future of her happiness.
Question: Did you expect Dapplepaw's transition to be easy, or did you think she would go back? Let me know!