Disclaimer: I don't own Warriors
Zira's Vengeance: Yeah, Pantherstar is really messed up in the head isn't she? She's crazy for not promoting her own son to Warrior. I think a lot of people forgot that Pantherstar is Acidpaw's mother, Redstar is his father, and Sharktooth and Snakefang are his brothers. Thanks for reviewing!
Ilovekataang: Thanks! :) Nope, Indigopaw has never seen Rebekka in his life, he's just begging for Stormpaw's life. Well since Stormpaw and Indigopaw are brother and sister, Stormpaw told Indigopaw about her condition, and he promised he wouldn't tell anyone, and they would both become Warriors.
WolfSummoner93: Thanks, I'm glad you like it! :) Shocking, isn't it? The relations of Acidpaw and Roaringstar… Mwahahaha.
some crazy girl who likes pie: I know, rather shocking, isn't it? Yay, Acidpaw is free! And you were right the first time, Stormapaw is the one who is blind. Thanks for reviewing!
Shandril Wielder of Spellfire: Dun dun duuuun… who knows?! Mystery cat is mysterious! Thanks for reviewing!
Cinnamonpool: Ahh! (hides) Well thanks for the review! I'll make sure the next update is not to far off. By the way, Book Three is already planned, so everything should run smoothly for a while, so you won't have to come hunt me down :)
Moonstar of FireClan: XD Glad you liked the chapter. Go read the little A/N like two lines down. It will make you happy. (hugs Mangledpaw) Poor kitty indeed! Yup, Redkit and Indigopaw hate each other (wink) Thanks once again for reviewing!
A/N: The first part of this chapter is pretty much just describing the awesomeness of Acidpaw. Yay.
Chapter Ten
Rebekka and Ember
There was dead silence. Foxclaw's eyes were wide with shock. She stared at Indigopaw.
He was shaking, standing in front of the giant dog, Rebekka.
"She's blind…" he whimpered, "Let her go."
Stormpaw's face was tilted towards Indigopaw. Her unseeing eyes narrowed.
"Traitor!" she hissed.
Rebekka dropped Stormpaw to the ground and held her in place with her paw.
"She's blind, hm?" her sky blue eyes glinted, "It's a pity I don't care."
"Attack!" yowled Pantherstar.
Acidpaw threw himself at the dog, latching onto her back and biting the back of her neck. But Acidpaw's fangs never pierced her neck: Rebekka's thick fur prevented it.
Hawktalon had latched onto the dog's back leg, and Dogpaw had the other, trying to keep her in place.
"Indigopaw!" called Foxclaw, "Go for her right front leg!"
The tabby tom nodded and lunged forward, but one blow from Rebekka's paw sent him flying into a tree, unconscious before he hit the ground.
Rebekka pitched forward and grabbed Foxclaw's tail. The ginger and white she-cat was immobilized. Rebekka also hurled her at a tree, knocking her out as well.
The white dog kicked out behind her, sending both Dogpaw and Hawktalon sprawling to the ground. There was a cry of pain from the brown-furred warrior.
Hawktalon tried to stand but fell, his back paws both sprained. Rebekka kicked Stormpaw aside. The blind apprentice was unable to get up: the bite injuries on her back were too painful. Dogpaw, Acidpaw, and Pantherstar were the only ones still standing.
"Regroup!" yowled Pantherstar.
Acidpaw rolled off of Rebekka's back and dashed underneath her, joining Pantherstar and Dogpaw in front of the dog.
"She can't take on all three of us!" meowed the Leader, "Attack!"
But Pantherstar was wrong. As all three cats leaped, Rebekka sidestepped and leaped towards Pantherstar, grabbing her in her jaws and flinging her at Acidpaw, effectively leaving Pantherstar out cold and knocking Acidpaw to the ground.
Acidpaw was stuck under Pantherstar's limp form. Dogpaw was trapped under Rebekka's paws.
"You're the runt, Freddy, that was with Whitefire and December!" she growled, "I should've killed you when I had the chance!"
"My name is Dogpaw now!" snarled the orange-and-white tom, "I've left my past behind!"
Rebekka smirked. "I haven't."
She grabbed Dogpaw's throat, ready to kill him.
"STOP!"
Rebekka blinked and lifted her head. Dogpaw gasped for air and squirmed out of Rebekka's grasp.
The white dog's eyes widened, then narrowed.
"December."
The pure white cat was standing behind her, his pale blue eyes blazing with anger.
"Rebekka," he spat, "This has gone too far!"
"D-December?!" Dogpaw gasped.
The white cat grinned at the orange-and-white one. "Yeah. It's been a long time."
December turned to glare at Rebekka.
"Leave these cats in peace!" he snarled.
"Oh?" Rebekka turned to look at him, "And I listen to you because…?"
December grit his teeth. "You'd better leave them alone, or—"
"Or what?" snapped Rebekka, "You'll kill me? That's hardly likely. Stop playing hero, cat."
The white dog turned her attention back to Dogpaw. She passed her tongue over her teeth and sprang.
Dogpaw ducked and rolled out of the way, missing Rebekka's jaws by a hairbreadth. He rose shakily to his paws and looked over to Pantherstar, who was still unconscious. Acidpaw's back leg was still stuck underneath her.
Rebekka grabbed Acidpaw in her teeth, tugging him free, then flung him down to the snow. The black-furred apprentice bit Rebekka's paw. The dog howled in pain and shook her paw, trying to get the cat loose.
Acidpaw let go when he was far enough away from the dog and landed nimbly on his paws.
"I'll kill you, runt!" snarled the dog.
The black-furred tom rolled his eyes. "Great, now I have two dogs who want to tear me limb from limb."
Acidpaw turned to glare at December.
"Are you just going to stand there?! If you have any decency, at least help us!"
The white cat seemed to snap out of a trance. "Oh, y-yeah. I'm sorry."
Acidpaw hissed at him. "Then hurry up! You're December, I know your story. You've lived around dogs, so do me a favor and tell me how to defeat one!"
December looked down at his paws. "I've… never fought a dog before."
Acidpaw gaped at him. "All those moons you spent around dogs, and you don't know how to bring one down?"
The white tom sighed. "I… I know how to fight. Just not against dogs."
"Well that makes you pretty much just as useless as any one of us," growled Acidpaw, "Where in StarClan's name is the patrol that Stripepaw was going to bring?!"
"Concentrate of your fight, mangebrain!"
Rebekka lunged at Acidpaw, her jaws snapping. Acidpaw jumped straight into the air and landed on Rebekka's head, shoving her muzzle down into the snow. He leaped off and skidded to a halt next to Dogpaw and December.
"Are you going to fight or not?!" Acidpaw yowled at them.
They both nodded.
"Then go!"
The three cats went forward. Dogpaw grabbed one front leg and December the other, while Acidpaw sunk his teeth into her muzzle. Rebekka tossed her head wildly, trying to shake Acidpaw off. She reared onto her hind legs and brought her front paws crashing back down to the ground, trapping both December and Dogpaw in one blow.
Acidpaw was still holding on tight to her muzzle. Foxdung! They're trapped! Everything's depending on me now! If her jaws touch me, it'll all be over!
"Acidpaw!" Dogpaw's voice broke through his thoughts, "Run back to camp!"
Acidpaw dug his claws into Rebekka's muzzle and released his bite.
"Are you stupid?!" he yowled in response.
"That other apprentice, Stormpaw, is going to bleed to death if she stays out here much longer!" he added, "You've got to take her back! We'll handle this!"
Acidpaw snorted, "You'll handle this? You'll handle this?! No offense, but you two couldn't defeat a fish if it came out of the water and slapped you in the face!"
"Acidpaw! Keep holding on! I'll go!" now it was Hawktalon. He finally managed to stand despite his sprained paws. "Stormpaw could die! We can't let that happen! Keep fighting! I'll go back to camp and hurry the patrol along! Just hold on until I get back!"
Acidpaw nodded and sunk his teeth back into Rebekka's muzzle. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hawktalon heave Stormpaw onto his back and start towards camp.
Rebekka continued flailing her head. Finally, she smashed her own muzzle into the ground. Acidpaw came loose. She grabbed him in her jaws, snarling madly.
"No!"
It was Pantherstar. She was back on her paws. Rebekka glared at her.
"Let him go! Take me instead!" she yowled.
Rebekka grinned around Acidpaw's fur. She shook her head 'no'. She started to bite down on the black-furred apprentice.
Acidpaw grit his teeth to prevent himself from crying out in pain. He started to feel pressure on his rib cage.
This is it? he thought bitterly, I go to StarClan at the fangs of a dog, without even having a Warrior name?
"That's quite enough, Rebekka."
The dog froze. She flung Acidpaw towards Pantherstar. She released Dogpaw and December and kicked them away.
"You," Rebekka looked twice as furious as before.
A black cat stood calmly on a Twoleg fence. His glowing orange eyes looked smug.
"Yes," he replied, "Me."
December tensed for a few seconds, then started shaking in anger.
"Ember," he spat.
The black cat didn't even look at him. He was staring down at Rebekka.
"I've been waiting a long time for this day," he meowed in a bored tone, jumping gracefully off the fence, "The day I'll finally kill Rebekka, my greatest enemy."
"I'll shove those words back down your throat!" she snarled.
She launched herself at Ember, who merely yawned.
Right as Ember was about to get killed between her jaws, he ducked and jumped towards her neck with one claw outstretched. He tore open a vein in the dog's throat.
There was a strangled choking sound and Rebekka collapsed, down in one blow.
Ember looked around, seeming to be almost disgusted.
"Lots of injured cats here," he meowed, "You'd best take care of them."
He looked at December, Dogpaw, and Pantherstar with a passive, almost haughty stare. His gaze rested on Acidpaw.
"You're the strong one, it seems," he added, "There's hardly a scratch on you."
Pantherstar bowed her head. "On behalf of the ForestClan cats, I thank you. Our lives could've ended, had you not come."
"Don't mention it," Ember smirked.
"Have you no place to go?" asked Pantherstar, "If you would like, you may stay with my Clan."
She's actually made a strategically good move, thought Acidpaw, Having a cat like him in our Clan would automatically eliminate all competition for prey and territory.
But instead, Ember's eyes narrowed.
"Me? Join your Clan? And serve you? How about you serve me?" Ember's eyes glinted, "But then again, no one here looks strong enough to be one of my followers."
Pantherstar blinked in shock.
Ember's gaze returned to Acidpaw. "Except maybe for him. He has the potential."
With that, Ember turned and started to leave.
"You, the black cat," he called over his shoulder, "What's your name?"
"Acidpaw. My name is Acidpaw."
Ember smiled at him. "Very well, Acidpaw. I'll remember that."
Ember leaped up onto the fence and to the other side, disappearing into the Twolegplace.
Acidpaw stared after him. Such a powerful cat, quite possibly stronger than Roaringstar, had just praised him? Acidpaw had never gotten so much respect before. It made him want to run after Ember and plead to join him, and be trained by him. If a cat as strong as Ember passed down his abilities to Acidpaw…
I'd be unstoppable.
He would have all respect he'd ever wished for, and he'd be treated as an equal. And no one would tell him what to do or look down on him.
But Acidpaw's loyalties were with ForestClan… for the time being, anyways.
December let out a long sigh, shattering the black-furred apprentice's thoughts.
Pantherstar looked at him. "Who are you?" she asked.
Dogpaw stood in front of his friend. "His name's December. He's one of my friends from my past."
"Actually…" the white cat meowed slowly, "My name isn't December anymore. I… I found Greenstone."
Dogpaw gasped and turned to look at him. "You did?!"
"Yes. He taught me to fight and hunt. When I was strong enough, he changed my name to Winterflame."
"You were given a Warrior name!" yowled Dogpaw, his eyes shining.
Winterflame nodded.
"So… Where's Greenstone now?" asked the orange-and-white tom.
Winterflame looked away. "He… didn't come with me. I wanted to come to the Clans… but he didn't want to face PrairieClan after Whitefire's death."
Pantherstar blinked. "Did you say Whitefire?"
Winterflame nodded.
"He's… dead?" Pantherstar bowed her head, "I remember him. He used to be PrairieClan deputy, before he and the PrairieClan leader both disappeared without a trace. He was a noble cat."
"He was," agreed Winterflame. He looked up, "Is this PrairieClan?"
"Do we smell like the prairie to you?" asked Acidpaw.
"This is ForestClan," meowed Dogpaw, "I'll explain everything back at ForestClan camp. We have to get Foxclaw and Indigopaw straight to Silverdiamond, the Medicine Cat."
Pantherstar nodded and turned to Acidpaw. "Carry Indigopaw. I will take Foxclaw."
Just as the black-furred tom was about to reply, a rasping noise came from behind them. Rebekka was slowly rising to her paws.
"Foxdung," hissed Pantherstar.
Right when Rebekka looked alright, she fell again. Her teeth clenched in anger. Blood spilled from her throat.
"That Ember!" she rasped, "Taking them away! Taking them away from me!"
Winterflame took a few shaky steps towards her.
"What are you doing?!" yowled Dogpaw, "Leave her!"
"No…" the white cat stopped in front of Rebekka, "Why did you treat me so well, while you treated others like dirt?"
"You never knew, December, but I was just like you before you came to me. A victim," she snarled, "I had a mate and one cub. And guess what happened?"
Now, the others were approaching to listen.
Rebekka tried again to stand, but fell back on her side, her head against the bloodied snow. Her long tongue lolled out of her mouth and tears of anger were in her eyes.
"Ember killed them. In front of my very eyes!" Rebekka's voice was hardly over a whisper, "I, too, was a victim of that tyrant! My cub, his name was also December, and I saw him in you."
Winterflame was trembling now. "Why did you hurt others? By being a victim, didn't you understand that killing was wrong?"
Rebekka let out a small laugh, followed by a cough. "I was so enraged… that I couldn't have sympathy anymore… I wanted nothing more than to make others feel the pain that I did… But you…"
The white tom was inching closer and closer to the dog. "But me…?"
"You… I loved you like a son… I tried to protect you… And you betrayed me…" Rebekka lifted her head and stared right into Winterflame's eyes, her muzzle and powerful jaws not even a kittenstep from his face, "It's as if my little December has died twice."
Her head fell back to the ground and her eyes glazed over. The rise and fall of her chest came to a stop. Rebekka was dead.
No one said a word.
Finally, Winterflame sighed and nudged Rebekka's muzzle.
"Her intentions were good," he muttered, "But she went about it the wrong way."
He turned to the Clan cats.
"I'm sorry for the delay."
Pantherstar nodded and was about to say more when a ForestClan patrol burst through the trees, led by Stripepaw.
"Is everyone okay?" asked Falconbeak.
"Foxclaw and Indigopaw are unconscious," meowed Acidpaw.
Falconbeak looked at him angrily. "I wasn't talking to you."
Geez, thought Acidpaw, Don't get your tail in a knot. I was actually trying to help.
"Where's the dog?" asked Tigerpelt.
"Dead," replied Pantherstar, "A strange cat killed it."
"Is it him?" meowed Falconbeak, nodding at Winterflame.
"No. It was a black cat. He's gone now."
Tigerpelt sighed. "Well, thank StarClan no one's been too badly hurt," he turned to Falconbeak, "I'll carry Foxclaw."
"I've got Indigopaw."
The patrol started making its way back to camp.
"Should I come?" Winterflame asked Dogpaw.
Dogpaw hesitated. "I don't know… Maybe it's worth a try."
Winterflame nodded and started following the other cats. "So… how did you end up here? How's Seth?"
Dogpaw stopped and bowed his head. "Seth? There's nothing left of him in that horrible beast. Enough said."
"Oh…"
When the patrol arrived at camp, Indigopaw and Foxclaw were immediately whisked off to the Medicine Cat den.
Acidpaw followed them. He had still been bitten by the dog, and although it hadn't hindered him during the battle, the injury was starting to sting now.
The black-furred tom was immediately greeted by Rainpaw.
"I heard what happened!" meowed the Medicine Cat apprentice in alarm, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," replied Acidpaw, "I was bitten, though, not too badly."
"I'll get some cobwebs, just hold on a second," when Rainpaw returned, she asked, "Who's that white cat that Silverdiamond is treating?"
Acidpaw glanced over at the Medicine Cat, who was applying some chewed-up dock leaves on one of Winterflame's scratches.
Acidpaw smirked. "Him? That's the cat that Dogpaw was talking about, December, except he was renamed 'Winterflame' by Greenstone."
Rainpaw's eyes widened. "No way! That's him?!" she lowered her voice, "I was kind of expecting him to be a bit bigger."
It was true. Winterflame wasn't very big. He was about the same size as Rainpaw, if not smaller.
The white cat turned his head. "Huh?"
"Nothing," meowed Rainpaw, "It's just that Acidpaw and I have heard about you from Dogpaw."
Winterflame looked confused. "Dogpaw…?"
The former kittypet looked up. "Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you. My apprentice name is Dogpaw."
"It doesn't really suit you…" muttered Winterflame.
"I know… but Pantherstar's word is law."
Silverdiamond spoke for the first time. "I've been told that it was Rebekka who attacked you. How did you fare with that, Dece—Winterflame? Dogpaw said that Rebekka hesitated to attack you at the animal hoarder's place."
Winterflame sighed. "Not this time. She was fully prepared to kill me."
"But she's dead now?"
"Yeah. Ember killed her," he blinked and turned to look at Rainpaw, "Wait, you're Medicine Cat apprentice, right?"
"Would she be here if she wasn't?" retorted Acidpaw.
Rainpaw rolled her eyes. "Don't mind him. Yeah, I'm the Medicine Cat apprentice, why?"
Winterflame was about to say more when Pantherstar walked in. She noticed Winterflame and her eyes narrowed.
"What are you still doing here?" she hissed.
Winterflame took a step back. "I-I have no place to go, so I thought—"
"That you thought that you could stay with my Clan?" growled the leader, "In the middle of leaf-bare, when the year is its harshest? Certainly not! We don't need any other kittypets in this Clan. StarClan knows one is enough!"
Dogpaw flinched.
Winterflame bowed his head and flattened his ears. "I'm sorry."
Pantherstar continued looking down on the white tom. "You will leave when your injuries are healed."
"Where do I go?" asked Winterflame.
"Back where you came from. I don't care where. As long as I don't have more strange cats bringing any more dogs into the forest!"
"But—"
"Otherwise you leave now."
Winterflame sighed. "Very well…"
"Couldn't he stay in the Small Woods?" asked Dogpaw, "No one goes there, and there's hardly any prey."
"I don't want him on ForestClan territory," hissed Pantherstar.
"But Mistypaw is there," he pointed out.
"Mistypaw is a full ForestClan cat. She's only in Small Woods to protect the Clan," growled the leader, "I ought to punish you for speaking against your leader!"
Dogpaw lowered himself to the ground and flattened his ears against his head. "I'm sorry, Pantherstar. I won't do it again."
Redkit was right, thought Acidpaw, Pantherstar's leadership is complete foxdung.
"However," Pantherstar continued, looking back at Winterflame, "I will allow you stay in Small Woods on one condition."
Winterflame looked up. "I'll do anything."
"In all of your spare time, you must hunt for ForestClan. When every cat in the Clan has eaten, then you may take some fresh-kill for yourself."
That's so harsh! thought Rainpaw in horror, Most days, some of the Warriors don't get to eat!
But Winterflame nodded. "As you wish."
Pantherstar's gaze lingered on Winterflame for a few more seconds before she finally left. Dogpaw let out a breath that he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Well, it's not the best," he meowed to his old friend, "But it's better than nothing."
There was a moan of pain in the corner. Indigopaw shakily rose to his paws.
"Whoa… what happened? Where am I?" he muttered groggily. Suddenly, he gasped, "Stormpaw! Is she okay?!"
"I'm just fine, you filthy traitor," snapped the small tabby, "Now get out of my fur and leave me alone!"
"Stormpaw, I'm sorry, but I had to! That dog was going to kill you!" cried Indigopaw, "And you've already had your apprentice ceremony! Pantherstar can't say that you can't be an apprentice!"
"Well she did!" snarled the tabby apprentice, rising to her paws, "I've been sentenced to the elders' den! I'm nothing but an extra mouth to feed!"
Indigopaw's eyes widened in shock. "But… that's not fair… I… didn't want it to be this way."
"Well, it is now!" shrieked Stormpaw, "You broke your promise, Indigopaw! You swore never to tell anyone about my eyesight, but you just had to go and shout it so every cat from here to the Gathering Island could hear you! I hate you, Indigopaw! You ruined my life!"
"Stormpaw, sit down this instant! You're injuries are going to reopen!" yowled Silverdiamond.
Growling furiously, the former apprentice lay down and put her head on her paws. She turned her head to where Indigopaw's voice was coming from. "I hope you're happy. Now leave me alone."
Indigopaw's eyes filled with tears and he burst out of the Medicine Cat den.
Rainpaw glanced at Acidpaw. "You're friends with Indigopaw, right? Looks like you'll have to go talk to him later. It can't have been easy, being yelled at like that."
Acidpaw nodded. "Yeah. I'll talk to him tonight."
"Good. I'll have a word with Stormpaw too."
Suddenly, Pantherstar's voice yowled. "May all cats old enough to catch their own prey, please join me here at the Treestump!"
Rainpaw started to leave the Medicine Cat den. Acidpaw followed her.
"Are you sure you should be walking around? I applied those cobwebs not too long ago," meowed Rainpaw.
Acidpaw smirked. "You're kidding, right? Now be quiet, the meeting's starting."
"As you all know, there is a Gathering tonight," meowed Pantherstar, "The cats that will be attending are myself, Stripepaw, Rainpaw, Falconbeak, Spotpaw, Lavaflame, Wolfpaw, and Hollythorn. You are dismissed, but I would like to speak to Sharktooth and Snakefang, as well as Quietpaw and Rainpaw."
The crowds started to disperse. Pantherstar leaped off the Treestump and entered her den. Rainpaw joined the leader, Quietpaw, Sharktooth and Snakefang.
"Good, you're all here," meowed Pantherstar, "Firstly, tonight is the night that we will reveal that CanyonClan has stolen kits. I've already explained it to Sharktooth and Snakefang, yes?"
Pantherstar's two sons nodded.
"Excellent. Quietpaw, Sharktooth and Snakefang will escort you and Mistypaw to the Gathering Island before the other Clans get there," she explained, "When I say the words 'I have a very interesting announcement concerning CanyonClan', that will be your cue to emerge from the surrounding trees. Understand?"
Quietpaw nodded. Now Pantherstar turned to Rainpaw.
"Rainpaw, your task is simple," continued the leader, "You will go and get Mistypaw, and while you are in Small Woods, show Winterflame where to stay and what the limits of the Small Woods are. After that, you must go to PrairieClan and demand to speak to Blazingstar. Tell him that you have a message from Pantherstar. I'm sure he'll hear you out. Tell him that Reedheart and Arcticpaw must attend tonight's Gathering."
Rainpaw nodded. "But can another cat come with me?"
"Of course, whoever you'd like," replied the leader, "You're all dismissed."
The four cats left the leader's den. Rainpaw poked her head into the Medicine Cat den. "I'm going out for a bit, Silverdiamond," she meowed.
"Very well. Just don't be late to the Gathering."
"I won't," Rainpaw turned to Winterflame, "Come on. I'll show you the Small Woods."
The white tom nodded. "I guess I'll see you around then, Fr—Dogpaw."
Dogpaw smiled. "Yeah. See you later."
Rainpaw looked around camp. She spotted Acidpaw entering the Apprentice den. She padded over to him.
"I have to go to Small Woods, then to PrairieClan territory, but I don't want to go alone," she meowed, "Do you want to come with me?"
"Winterflame is right behind you. Drag him on your mousebrained quests," replied the black-furred tom rudely.
"Pantherstar told me to escort Winterflame to the Small Woods," Rainpaw shot back, "I don't want to go to the Prairie alone. I don't want to get lost like I did the last time I went there!"
Acidpaw rolled his eyes. "Fine. It's not like I have anything better to do."
"Thanks… I think," laughed the Medicine Cat apprentice,
The group of three headed out to the Small Woods.
"You know how to hunt, right?" asked Rainpaw, "I mean, if you don't, then you're probably going to get kicked out of the territory."
"Don't worry about me," Winterflame replied, "I can."
"There's another cat living in Small Woods, her name is Mistypaw," Rainpaw went on, "She's really nice."
"I heard about her from Dogpaw."
"That makes my life easier," laughed Rainpaw.
After quite some time, they arrived in the woods.
"Mistypaw!" yowled Rainpaw, "Are you here?"
Mistypaw's white-furred form emerged from behind an evergreen tree. "Yeah?"
"Pantherstar wants you to attend the Gathering."
"Is today… the day?" she asked.
Rainpaw nodded. "Yeah, it is."
Acidpaw gave her a puzzled look.
"Okay. Should I head over to ForestClan camp?"
"Yeah."
Mistypaw swallowed nervously before passing by Rainpaw and leaving the Small Woods.
"Well… this is where we leave you," meowed Rainpaw, turning to Winterflame, "Good luck."
"Thanks."
He turned away from the two other cats.
"Oh, and Rainpaw?" he meowed suddenly, "…Be careful. As a Medicine Cat, you'll be targeted. The ones trying to protect you might get hurt."
Rainpaw didn't have time to reply as Winterflame slipped into the darkness.
"Wow… He's so polite…" meowed the Medicine Cat Apprentice.
Acidpaw snorted. "He's not anything special. He can't fight very well."
"You sound like you're jealous."
"What is there to be jealous of?!" Acidpaw's ears burned in embarrassment.
Rainpaw laughed. "Alright, let's head over to PrairieClan."
They started towards the river.
"He couldn't win against a fish," grumbled the black tom under his breath.
The two cats were silent as they reached the riverbank.
"We cross here, right?" asked Acidpaw. He put a paw onto the ice, "It doesn't feel stable. I think it might crack if we put our full weight on it."
Rainpaw nodded. "I know. We should get onto the Gathering Island through the shallow part, so that if the ice breaks, we won't go completely under, and then we cross on the log that connects to PrairieClan."
Acidpaw glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "How do you know that?"
Rainpaw blinked. "O-oh! I, um, well, I had to talk to Reedheart of PrairieClan, so, um, at the Gathering, she was on the border across the log."
Acidpaw continued looking at her strangely. "Alright. Let's take this log of yours."
The apprentices dashed across the ice and quickly made their way to the PrairieClan log.
"Whoa!" Rainpaw exclaimed, "I didn't notice it was this high up last time!"
She was right. The log was two or three foxlengths above the ice. Rainpaw hadn't noticed the first time because of the darkness.
Acidpaw rolled his eyes. "Let's just get going."
He leaped nimbly up onto the log. He instinctively unsheathed his claws to dig into the wood, but he couldn't sink them in.
"Careful," he called behind him, "It's covered in ice."
The black-furred tom shuffled forward along the log. A thump behind him told him that Rainpaw had also leaped up.
Suddenly, there was a furious scraping noise and a cry of fear from Rainpaw. She shut her eyes.
I'm going to die!
But instead of falling, she felt a set of jaws in the scruff of her neck. Acidpaw pulled her back up.
"Mousebrain. I told you to be careful."
Rainpaw clung to the wood. "Th-thanks…" She rose shakily to her paws and continued along the log.
They finally reached the other side.
"Finally," muttered Acidpaw, "Let's just—"
"HEY!" The two apprentices jumped.
"Wh-who's there?" Rainpaw meowed.
"You're intruders!" the voice hissed, "You'll pay for trespassing on PrairieClan territory!"
Acidpaw snarled. "We don't want a fight, but if you do, then I'll gladly kick you around for a while!"
Rainpaw's eyes narrowed. She was sure she had head that voice…
"Seapaw," she hissed.
"Wh-what?!" came the voice.
She remembered Seapaw. He was one of the two apprentices who had taunted Quietpaw when Rainpaw had first come to PrairieClan.
Acidpaw laughed bitterly. "The one who's threatening us is nothing but an apprentice? What do you think you're playing at? You don't have a chance against us."
"Y-you d-don't know where I am!" the cat sounded panicked now, "You have a disadvantage because of the terrain!"
Acidpaw rolled his eyes. He calmly padded over to a snowy patch of dead grass and pounced.
There was a startled meow as Acidpaw dragged the dark grey PrairieClan apprentice out into the open. The ForestClan apprentice looked down at him and pinned him in place with one paw.
"Listen," he meowed in a bored tone, "We've been sent by Pantherstar to deliver a message to Blazingstar. We don't want trouble, but it you give us any you can expect us to retaliate."
Seapaw's sand-colored ear twitched. "Okay, okay… sheesh…"
Acidpaw released him. "Lead the way. Rainpaw's been here before, so don't think of pulling anything funny, alright?"
Seapaw tensed and he gulped.
Rainpaw laughed. It was just like Acidpaw to figure out what his enemy was thinking. He'd make an amazing Warrior.
StarClan, thought Rainpaw, If Pantherstar would just give him a chance, it'd be easy to see that he's deputy material as well…
Seapaw started walking at a slow pace towards PrairieClan camp. Acidpaw glanced at Rainpaw as if to ask: 'is he leading us in the right direction?'
Rainpaw nodded and Acidpaw's attention refocused to the path in front of him. The scents of other cats flooded Rainpaw's senses.
"W-well, we're here," meowed Seapaw, "I, uh, guess I should accompany you to Blazingstar's den."
"Please do," meowed Acidpaw.
Seapaw entered camp and avoided the gazes of his Clanmates. He padded up to a big hollow log.
"Um… Blazingstar? Are you there?" he called.
"What is it, Seapaw?" came the PrairieClan leader's voice, "I have important matters to discuss with Whitelily soon, so can you make it quick?"
"Well, um, I was out hunting, and well, I ran into the ForestClan Medicine Cat apprentice and a ForestClan Warrior," Seapaw replied hastily, "They said that they have a message from Pantherstar."
Acidpaw blinked. "He… thinks I'm a Warrior?"
Rainpaw glanced at him. "Well… you know… you look like one."
Acidpaw smirked. "That's true."
"Send them in," meowed Blazingstar.
Seapaw bowed his head. "Yes, sir."
He backed away from the leader's den and started to head towards the camp exit.
"Oh, Seapaw," called Acidpaw. The PrairieClan apprentice looked at him over his shoulder. Acidpaw grinned, "I just thought you ought to know that I'm not a Warrior yet. You were beaten by another apprentice."
Seapaw's eyes widened and his ears turned pink in embarrassment. He scampered away.
Acidpaw didn't laugh, but his eyes were shining. It was the first time in a while that Rainpaw had seen him so amused.
He followed Rainpaw into Blazingstar's den.
"Hello Rainpaw, Acidpaw," the giant ginger tom nodded at each of them, "What brings you to PrairieClan?"
I'm speaking to one of the Three Red Sons… thought Rainpaw. She was tempted to bring up the Prophecy, but she stayed quiet.
"Pantherstar sent us with a message: she told us to tell you that Arcticpaw and Reedheart must attend tonight's Gathering," she meowed, looking into his icy blue eyes.
Blazingstar's black ears twitched. "Today's the day, then?"
Acidpaw grit his teeth. What's the day?
"I'll let them know right away," meowed Blazingstar, "You might as well come along to the Gathering with us. There isn't much daylight left. I'm sure Panth will understand."
Panth? thought Acidpaw, He has a nickname for her? I thought Clan leaders were rivals!
Rainpaw nodded. "That sounds alright. Thank you."
Blazingstar smiled at her, then turned his attention to Acidpaw. "Have you finally gotten your Warrior name?"
"No. Seapaw made a mistake," replied Acidpaw darkly.
"I'll have a word with Panth, don't worry," Blazingstar meowed.
Acidpaw didn't reply.
The PrairieClan leader rose to his paws. "We'd better get going, or we'll be late."
Blazingstar brushed past them.
"That's nice of Blazingstar," Rainpaw remarked.
Acidpaw looked distracted. "…Yeah."
Why… why is he so nice to me? thought Acidpaw, I wonder if he sees my potential as a Warrior.
The black-furred tom looked up and watched Blazingstar call a last-minute Clan meeting.
That must be it. He must understand my abilities. If I'd been born PrairieClan and raised under his leadership… maybe I'd have been made a Warrior ages ago. That would've been nice…
"Come on, Acidpaw, don't space out on me," Rainpaw's voice sliced through his thoughts.
He blinked and followed her.
A white-furred tom with yellow eyes greeted them as they stepped back outside.
"Hi Rainpaw," he meowed, "Didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"It's nice to see you again, Arcticpaw," Rainpaw bowed her head a little, "How's Reedheart?"
"She's alright. She's not too happy to be going to the Gathering. She's afraid of being teased," replied the white-furred tom, "Oh, and I'm not Arcticpaw anymore. I'm Arctichawk."
"Congratulations!" purred Rainpaw. From beside her, Acidpaw tensed. Rainpaw shot him a worried look.
"Who's this?" asked Arctichawk.
"This is Acidpaw," answered the white-furred she-cat. He snorted, and Rainpaw rolled her eyes, "Don't mind him, he's a bit antisocial."
Arctichawk's eyes widened at hearing Acidpaw's name. He leaned closer to Rainpaw. "The cat who killed Blueclaw of CanyonClan?"
Acidpaw held back a flinch. Cats still looked at him like he was a murderer, a monster.
Rainpaw nodded slightly. "He… Acidpaw was trying to protect me. It's a long story, Arctichawk, please don't ask."
The PrairieClan Warrior nodded in understanding.
They finally reached the Gathering Island.
"You should go back to your Clan," meowed Arctichawk, "I'll just see to it that my mother passes over safely."
Rainpaw turned to Acidpaw, "You should probably go back to camp. You weren't intended to come to the Gathering… so…"
"I'll stay in the trees," he replied, "No one will see me."
Acidpaw started to head towards the edge of the island.
"W-wait, Acidpaw!" Rainpaw ran to catch up to him, "Sharktooth, Snakefang, Quietpaw, and Mistypaw are in the trees. Be careful not to run into them."
Acidpaw frowned in confusion, but he nodded. He padded away.
Rainpaw took a deep breath. Tonight was the night that CanyonClan's kitnappings would be exposed. Only StarClan knew what was going to happen. And for some reason, she sensed that it wasn't going to be anything good.
Suddenly, ForestClan scent mingled into the PrairieClan one. She saw Wolfpaw and Spotpaw and scampered over to join them.
"There you are, Rainpaw," meowed Spotpaw, "We were wondering where you were."
"It's complicated," replied the Medicine Cat, "I don't want to explain it."
The two other she-cats remained silent. Rainpaw looked up at the Great Log. Blazingstar, Silverstar, and Pantherstar were all up there. The only one left was Blazingstar.
The three present Clans waited for a while. Soon enough, the sun had almost completely set.
"Well…" Pantherstar's voice silenced the murmurings of the crowd, "CanyonClan seems to be late."
Hidden in an evergreen bush, Acidpaw snorted. Talk about stating the obvious.
Pantherstar went on. "Speaking of CanyonClan, I have quite an interesting announcement to make about them."
The leafless plant brushes bristled and out stepped four cats, the ones that Rainpaw had warned Acidpaw not to run into. They walked through the crowd of cats, who were shooting angry stares at Mistypaw and Quietpaw. Quietpaw was shaking in fear and Mistypaw met all their glares with her own.
There were angry yowls.
"It's the murderer, Mistypaw!"
"The Curse-Carrier! What is that monster doing here?!"
"Kill them!"
"What does ForestClan have to do with them?!"
"SILENCE!" Blazingstar's voice boomed. Every cat went silent, "Let's listen to what Pantherstar has to say."
Pantherstar stood up straight in front of the assembled cats.
"I accuse CanyonClan of stealing kits!"
Startled gasps and yowls laced through the crowd. But one voice rose above them.
"Now, now, Patherstar," drawled the voice, "How could you say that about my precious Clan?"
A CanyonClan cat leaped up onto the Great Log next to the ForestClan leader. The new leader stood proudly. Ice blue eyes glinted.
"StarClan no," Acidpaw whispered, "Rainpaw wasn't crazy after all…"
Roaringstar looked down on them all, a sick, twisted grin across his face.
END OF BOOK TWO
A/N: And I'm sure you all just adore me for this wonderful cliffhanger.