Starpaw backed away from the unmoving body, horror and fear gripping her so tightly, she couldn't speak. Blazestar came up next to her and stiffened, before nudging her aside, so the Riverclan cats could go to their leader. Starpaw wouldn't move much, though, and kept her eyes on the misty gray fur of the Riverclan leader.
Suddenly, Mistystar started to breathe again, and to Starpaw's amazement, she got up, though a bit unsteadily. The Riverclan cats crowded around her, but she almost shoved her way through them, to the completely shocked Starpaw.
"Thank you, for protecting me. I know you will make a fine warrior." Mistystar said. Blazestar nodded.
"Likewise, I am glad you are ok." Blazestar said. His tail flicked across Starpaw's flank, trying to calm her. It did bring some comfort, as Starpaw calmed down.
"Thank you, Starpaw. I need to return to my clan, though." Mistystar said. Blazestar nodded, and turned to leave, nodding to Starpaw to follow. Starpaw's gaze stayed on Mistystar, as she joined some other cats of her clan, Spottedleaf, her deputy, and the tom, Whitemist. Whitemist's gaze was on Starpaw, and involuntarily, she shivered as she turned to leave.
"…This is… Last life…" She heard someone, Mistystar she guest, mew out as she crossed the river back to Sunclan.
-
"No, Bramblekit, you need to lean more like this!" Starpaw mewed, leaning down into a crouch. Bramblekit and Wolfkit watched, before trying to copy. Wolfkit was doing well, but Bramblekit was having trouble for some reason.
"Bramblekit, what is wrong? I know you know how to do this all ready!" Starpaw said to the younger tom. Bramblekit licked his chest in embarrassment
"I haven't been practicing." He admitted. Wolfkit nodded a little shamefully as well. Starpaw sighed, and showed them again, as Blazestar and Braveheart walked by.
"Seems our young apprentice has two of her own all ready!" Braveheart jokingly mewed. Starpaw felt a bit hot, getting up from the crouching position and nodding her head. Brambelkit tried the hunter's crouch again, but fell forward as he tried.
"No, Bramblekit, you need to keep your weight even!" Starpaw mewed, before nodding again to Blazestar.
"I know they aren't apprentices yet, but they asked me to show them some things and-"
"It is ok, Starpaw, I don't mind." Blazestar said, laughing lightly as he and Braveheart walked on. Starpaw felt hot from embarrassment, and licked her chest a little, before turning back to the two kits.
"All right, let's practice a simple fighting move, and then that is it!" Starpaw said. The two kits looked so eager.
Starpaw wondered if she'd ever get to mentor once she was a warrior. Watching these two learn and watch her as she showed them the moves. It was really fun. She hoped she got to mentor an apprentice once she was a warrior.
-
Starpaw sniffed the air, it smelt strange. She heard something, a strangled cry of cats. She wasn't sure where she was, on one side was the scent of Riverclan, on the other was the scent of Sun-Drownclan. Perhaps the border between?
The yowling grew louder as she walked farther, and yet, Starpaw didn't feel the urge to run. She walked at an almost leisurely pace, and suddenly, the sights of cats filled in around her. Cats fighting and clawing at each other. She didn't spare many glances at them, and continued into the heart of the conflict. Two cats were engaged in battle, one shrouded in a silver mist, the other she could barely make out, aside from a very long tail.
-
Starpaw stretched luxuriantly outside the apprentice's den, and looked around camp. It was dawn, so very few other cats were up. She was heading over to the fresh kill pile, when Blazestar walked up to her.
"Good to see you up early. We are going on the dawn patrol, so eat quickly." Blazestar said. Starpaw nodded, and grabbed herself a mouse, settling down to eat. She saw Braveheart go into the apprentice's den, and then back out, Shadepaw coming out with sleep still glazing his eyes. As the two talked, Starpaw was able to guess that Shadepaw would be joining them for dawn patrol.
She took the last few bites of her mouse as Shadepaw walked over. He was unable to eat before patrol, and Starpaw felt a little sorry for him, but they would hunt during the patrol, so she knew he wouldn't go without.
It was cold, that leaf fall morning. Starpaw new leaf bare would come soon, and she dreaded its coming. Since the kits would soon be apprenticed, it was the worst timing. Training would be difficult then. Still, Starpaw knew they couldn't wait till new leaf to be apprenticed, so there was nothing to be done.
She found the dawn patrol consisted of Blazestar, herself, Braveheart, Shadepaw, and Duststorm. She shook her head, and followed Blazestar out of the camp. She could feel Shadepaw's excitement beside her, as they followed their mentors silently. She almost chuckled. He was acting almost like a kit, or a newly made apprentice, even though she knew their own warrior assessments couldn't be that far off.
It was when they reached the bridge at Small Land, that Starpaw noticed something was off. She perked her ears, to see if she could hear anything, and could see the rest of the dawn patrol stiffening as well. In the distance, Starpaw could faintly hear a cat's pained yowling. The one yowl was quickly joined more more yowls.
A battle had started.
From the direction of the sound, it was coming from ahead of them, along the border between Riverclan, and Sun-Drownclan.
"Should we go investigate?" Braveheart murmured to Blazestar. Blazestar remained silent as they approached the river separating the two territories. His gaze was across the border, and Starpaw knew he wouldn't come to a decision in enough time. She wasn't sure why, but she felt like she needed to be there. Now.
Without thinking, she dashed across the river, crossing easily. Ignoring the yowls and mewls from her clan mates, she dashed into Riverclan territory, her dream flashing in her mind, and using only her ears to guide her to the battle.
It wasn't long before she saw the first cats fighting. She had reached the edge of the battlefield, and stared into it, wide eyed.
It was like the whole of Riverclan and Sun-drownclan were fighting, so many cats, she could hardly believe it. They were on the Riverclan side of the border, and Starpaw knew, judging from the mix of scent marks from the two clans on the side, that the two clans were fighting due to a territorial issue. She peered into the battle, only to dodge back when she was attacked by a Sun-Drownclan tom. Looking him over, he was a golden brown tabby, with deep green eyes. She didn't recognize him as he slashed at her again. She dodged, and dove under him, before pushing upwards with all her might, and off setting him. She heard Blazestar and the others running up to the battle field as the tom got back to his feet and laept at her. She dodged again, and slashed at his head, tearing some flesh off just below his eye. She gave a startled cry, and dashed off. Starpaw looked into the battle again, her heart thundering inside her as she caught sight of Mistystar. She was battling Longstar, and suddenly, the last part of her dream came forward, of the silver mist shrouded cat, and the long tailed cat fighting. She had dreamed of this battle.
She didn't hesitate as she leaped full long into the battle, dodging blows from either side, and leaped straight onto Longstar's back, startling the leader from his battle with Mistystar. Mistystar took advantage of his drawn attention and slashed at his throat. Longstar was able to dodge in time, and slammed Starpaw against the ground, her grip laxed enough that Longstar broke free, dashing up in time to dodge an attack from Mistystar.
Mistystar's eyes, and Starpaw's eyes met for a moment, recognition on Mistystar's part, before the leader nodding and continued her attack on Longstar.
Starpaw got up, sparing only a glance to see that Blazestar and the patrol had joined the frey as well, the Riverclan cats seemed to know that they were there to help, so Starpaw guessed they either saw her defend their leader, or Blazestar was able to convince them. She turned her attention back to Longstar and Mistystar, backing Mistystar up as the two advanced onto Longstar.
"This territory is Riverclan's! It always has been, and always will be!" Mistystar hissed to the Sun-Drownclan's leader. Longstar hissed back, but he didn't respond. He leaped at them, claws unsheathed, but both she-cats were able to dodge. Starpaw didn't expect that he would suddenly turn, and he slashed her on the faze, cutting open some of her fur just bellow her eye. She yowled in pain, recoiling, when she noticed Longstar advance upon her, hissing. She hissed back, slashing at him when he got to close. She had drawn his attention long enough, as Mistystar slashed at his flank. He yowled, and turned on her, but when his attention was drawn, Starpaw snapped at his neck. Longstar kicked at Mistystar, slamming his hind paw into her eye as he slashed again at Starpaw, both she-cats backing off long enough for him to turn around, and slash Mistystar in the throat, blood pouring from the open wound. Mistystar gave a strangled yowl as she fell to the ground, alerting a few cats near by. The Riverclan cats yowled in dismay, while the Sun-drownclan cats yowled in triumph. Longstar advanced to deal the final blow, when Starpaw leaped on him again, raking her claws along his sides, and with all her might, launched herself at his head and biting onto his ear.
He let out a shriek and thrashed, but Starpaw held firm. He rolled over, and when he did, Starpaw lost her grip on his sides, bit not his ear. As they separated, she tore off his left ear completely.
"RETREAT!!!" Longstar cried out, his voice coming out somewhat strangled from the pain as he turned and fled. Starpaw turned around to Mistystar, who was laying on the ground, gasping for breath.
As the Sun-drownclan cats, fled, the Riverclan cats surrounded their leader. Blazestar pushed his way through, to join Starpaw.
Starpaw glanced at him for a moment, before she licked at Mistystar's wound. Mistystar lifted her head, and got into an upright position. She gave a murmured thanks to Starpaw, before turning to her clan mates
Looking at the cats now, Starpaw realized not all the Riverclan warriors were there. It must have just been a dawn patrol, much like her own. Only Whitemist, Greenfrost, Spottedleaf, and Leafpaw were there. Now she knew why it seemed like Riverclan was losing.
"Greenfrost, Whitemist, Spottedleaf, Leafpaw. Go to the clan and get Mothwing. Tell her to bring herbs. I will join you soon." Mistystar said. The four cats looked uneasy, but nodded and left. Mistystar looked up at Starpaw, her gaze kind.
"Again, I must thank you, for your help." She said, her voice strained. Starpaw shook her head. She heard Blazestar tell the rest of the dawn patrol to head back, and that they would join them soon.
"You should rest. I'll stay until Mothwing gets here." Starpaw said. She felt Blazestar's gaze on her, but ignored it. Mistystar shook her head.
"You are a strong, noble cat. I thank you for your help. If you were in my clan, you would have your warrior ceremony tomorrow, as thanks. Sadly, you are not, but you will always have an ally in Riverclan. May Starclan be my witness, I vow that if you are in great need, you may always find aid in us." Mistystar said. Starpaw felt hot, but nodded. Mistystar got to her paws, her body a little shaky. Her wound appear to have clotted, but it was still giving her trouble, no doubt. Starpaw quickly held her up, and looked to Blazestar for help. Blazestar nodded to her, and walked over.
"Mistystar, if you will, I would like to help you back to camp." He said, but Mistystar shook her head, and separated herself from Starpaw, walking a few ways away from her, before turning back.
"I can make it on my own, and Mothwing is coming to join me. You may go back to your own territory now, Blazestar. Thank you, again. I would have lost my territory, and clan, if not for you." Mistystar said. Blazestar looked doubtful, but nodded. He motioned to Starpaw, but the she-cat felt uneasy about leaving Mistystar to go back on her own. When Mistystar was out of sight, Blazestar stopped, and turned to her.
"I want to you follow Mistystar." He said. Starpaw looked up at him, shocked.
"But-"
"Starpaw, just follow her until she meets up with Mothwing. I'll wait for you at the river." He said, departing before Starpaw could answer him. Starpaw sighed, but followed his orders, slinking off to follow Mistystar. She found her scent soon enough, and cought up, but stayed well out of scent or sight distance. She saw the she-cat struggling a bit to walk through the foliage, and felt a pang of sympathy, wishing she could help.
As they walked on, Starpaw saw Mistystar freeze, and she halted herself. Out of the foliage, Mothwing slinked out, carrying some herbs. Mistystar sank down to the ground, letting out an appreciative mew. Starpaw watched for a moment, as Mothwing started to treat her wound, before she turned to leave. From the corner of her eye, she saw something white moving in the foliage, but paid it no mind as she left, and headed back to the river.
-
She found Blazestar waiting for her at the river separating Sunclan and Riverclan, just as he had said.
"Mistystar and Mothwing met up?" He asked. Starpaw nodded, crossing the river. She shook her fur from the water, as Blazestar gave an amused mewl, backing away to get away from the stray water that flew off of her pelt.
"That is good. Come on, we need to get going." Blazestar said. Starpaw nodded, and followed beside him as he walked through the forest. He seemed lost in thought, but stopped walking completely as they reached a fallen log.
"Mistystar was right." He said suddenly. Starpaw looked up at him, a little shocked.
"About what?" She asked, confused. Blazestar shook his head.
"About you becoming a warrior. I watched both you and Shadepaw during the battle. You both have been trained well, even Bluepaw. You are still a little young, but so is Fernwill." He said. Starpaw's heart slammed in her as she listened. Could this mean...?
"One more day of training, for all three of you, then an assessment. Then I will decide if the three of you will, or will not, become warriors." Blazestar said.
-
"You're joking!" Bluepaw mewled out, shocked beyond belief. Starpaw shook her head. They were in the apprentice's den, in their nests. Starpaw had been so excited, but waited until then to to tell Bluepaw and Shadepaw. The two were just as excited as she was.
"Warriors! I cant wait!" Bluepaw said in a hushed mew. Shadepaw nodded his head vigorously.
"But how can we train tomorrow, when we are so hyped up now that we might not get any sleep?" He said. Bluepaw batted him playfully on the head.
"We'll just have to force ourselves to!" She said. Starpaw yawned, feeling warn out. She scratched a bit at her muzzle, the spider webs on her wound a little itchy. She laid her head down, her eyes open a crack.
"you two might have to force yourselves, but I don't feel the need." She said. She heard Bluepaw and Shadepaw muttering something to her, but she was so tired, she fell asleep almost as soon as she closed her eyes.
-
"Snow!" She heard. Starpaw opened her eyes, and shook her head, looking around. She didn't recognize anything at all. But as she looked around again, she recognized a few things. They brought back memories of things she didn't think she could remember. She looked around, and saw a lit fire, and knew she was in a Twoleg den, but why would she dream of this?
She saw a she-cat, a queen, nursing some kits, and walked over to her. She heard a mewl, and both she and the queen looked up to an open window. A large, brown tom slinking in. He landed inside, and walked over to the she-cat.
"Is it time all ready?" The she-cat asked, her tone sorrowful. The tom nodded, and Starpaw saw him take a kit from the she-cat.
The kit's fur was snow white.
"Take care of Snow." The she-cat said, licking the kit lightly. The kit let out an all-to-familiar mewl to Starpaw, as the tom placed it down for a moment.
"Don't worry, Princess. I will make sure it reaches the clan safely." the tom said, picking it up, and heading back to the window.
"Take care of her! Please, she is your sister!" Princess called out.
-
Starpaw woke with a jolt, and sat up, shaking her head. Looking in the apprentice's den, she saw that both Shadepaw and Bluepaw were asleep, both snoring loudly. Starpaw shook her head again, and walked out of the apprentice's den. The sun wasn't even up yet, yet she wasn't sure why she had woken up so early.
Starpaw knew she wouldn't get back to sleep,but didn't feel like sitting still. She decided a night walk through the forest might calm her thoughts, and headed for the camp entrance She was stopped by Lionclaw.
"Where are you going?" He asked. She shook her head, sighing.
"Making dirt, and possibly some hunting." She said. Lionclaw nodded in understanding.
"I heard from Blazestar. It is normal, to feel so excited. Make sure to get some rest before training tomorrow" He said. Starpaw nodded, and walked out of camp.
She let her paws carry her, not really paying any attention to where she was walking. Her mind was flooded with thoughts of the she-cat she had seen in her dreams, Princess, and the tom. Somehow, she knew the kit, Snow, was her. That made that tom her brother, but... what it really a memory? Or something of her own imagination?
Starpaw shook her head, trying to dissipate her muddled thoughts, when she looked up, and realized she had reached Small Land. She looked up at the sky, wondering what had brought her here, but felt compelled to cross the bridge, so she did. It was strange, being here. Something about it tickled a faint memory, of being here long ago. She couldn't quite place it, but walked to the center of the island. It was here, that the feeling grew stronger. She felt something brush up against her, and a strange, unfamiliar, and yet completely familiar scent. She looked around, but saw nothing strange, and looked back at the grass. It seemed a darker shade than what she had ever seen, and when she pressed a paw to it, she found it was wet. She sniffed closer, and smelt blood. She looked up again, to see if whatever had been hurt was still around, but again, saw nothing.
The scent of the blood was cats, and so familiar to her. She recalled her dream, and the scent of the tom. It was the same scent.
"H-hello?" Starpaw snapped to attention, and found the grass completely normal, with no scent of blood. She looked up, and to her surprise, she saw Nightpaw.
"Why are you here?" She asked. Nightpaw seemed equally shocked to see her, but seemed alone, since Starpaw couldn't scent any other cats. Nightpaw shook his head.
"Not really sure. I didn't feel like sleeping, and decided some late night hunting would help." He said. Starpaw nodded.
"It is the same for me." She replied. The two shared a silence that wasn't comfortable, but neither was it uncomfortable.
"Well, what has happened to you?" Nightpaw asked. He sat down, and Starpaw decided to sit as well.
"Nothing much. Blazestar says I might be made into a warrior soon, within the next to days, actually." She said. Nightpaw gave an encouraging mew.
"I'm impressed, really. I've trained hard myself, but so far, I am still a ways from being made into a warrior." Nightpaw said. Starpaw nodded, sighing.
"Something wrong?" Nightpaw asked. Starpaw thought for a moment, before nodding.
"I'm worried, about a dream I had, and about Mistystar." She said. She felt Nightpaw nuzzle the side of her head, the one opposite to her injury.
"I'm sure it'll be fine." Nightpaw said gently. Starpaw sighed again, and nuzzled him back.
"Hey, wanna meet up again sometimes? I mean, without anyone knowing?" she asked. Nightpaw looked at her for a moment.
"Aren't you worried you might get caught, and not be able to be a warrior?" He asked. Starpaw shook her head.
"It isn't like talking will hurt anyone, and I'll make sure I sneak out." She said. Nightpaw seemed to think for a moment, before nodding.
"Let's meet up here then, every now and then." He said.
"How about tomorrow night?" Starpaw asked. Nightpaw nodded.
"All right, see you tomorrow then?" Nightpaw asked, getting up. Starpaw nodded, and got up herself. They touched noses, before they left each other, and Starpaw headed back to camp, pausing long enough to make sure Nightpaw's scent wasn't on her.
She wasn't sure why, but meeting up with Nightpaw made her feel incredibly warm on the inside.
-
Starpaw dodged the oncoming swipe, and swiped back at her attacker. Bluepaw let out a hiss, dodging backwards from Starpaw's swipe.
"Good, try the next move!" Blazestar called out. Starpaw switched tactics, as did Bluepaw, and their assessments of their fighting skills continued.
Shadepaw went on a hunting assessment with Braveheart, so Bluepaw and Starpaw were fighting each other, so Blazestar and Lionclaw could get a good viewing of their skills.
Starpaw reared up, to dodge one of Bluepaw's attacked, and then brought her paws down on Bluepaw's head.
"All right! That is enough!" Blazestar called out. Bluepaw and Starpaw stopped, panting for breath as they looked at their mentors, who nodded approvingly.
"We'll see your hunting skills next." Blazestar said. The two gave Bluepaw and Starpaw separate areas to hunt in, and they were told to catch as much as they could. They knew Shadepaw was hunting in a pathway that led near the Twoloeg settlement, near the Mistclan border, Bluepaw got to go through the heart of the territory, and Starpaw got a pathway that led to Small Land, and then headed close the the border between Riverclan and them.
They were told to not worry if they didn't catch much. The first snow had begun to fall that morning, so they knew there was a good chance the apprentices might not cat anything, and yet, it didn't dampen their enthusiasm, and excitement, at the prospect of their assessment that day.
After one more confirmation from their mentors, Bluepaw and Starpaw took off down their respective hunting paths.
Starpaw instantly got to work, keeping her mouth open, and trying to scent prey. She scented a squirrel, and kept low to the ground as she carefully stepped forward, finding it collecting some nuts up ahead. She moved very slowly, waiting. Waiting. Waiting.
She pounced, slamming onto it, and killing it swiftly. She took it over to a tree, and hid it among some roots, scuffling some dirt and snow over it, and got on with her hunt. She looked around, to see if she could spot Blazestar, but couldn't see him, so she got back on with her search.
-
She had caught two mice, by the time she had reached Small Land. She was heading to the last part of her pathway, the river that separated the Riverclan and Sunclan territories, when she spotted a Riverclan patrol. She called a greeting, as she grew near, recognizing Greenfrost, who seemed to be leading the patrol. The cats looked up at her warily as she approached. Looking them over, Starpaw noted that they looked warn, tired.
"Is everything ok? How is Mistystar?" she asked. The cats stiffened, when she said Mistystar's name, and looked at each other in distress. Greenfrost looked at Starpaw sadly.
"Mistystar has left us to hunt with Starclan." He said. Starpaw froze, unable to move.
"Wh-what? But didn't she meet up with Mothwing?!? Didn't Mothwing help her?" She asked. Greenfrost bowed his head, his eyes glazed in pain.
"She did, but from what we were told by Mothwing and Whitemist, they were attacked by a fox. Mothwing was badly injured, and Mistystar was killed. Whitemist arrived in time to save Mothwing, but Mistystar...." His voice trailed off. Starpaw gave out a low keening noise.
"I'm so sorry." She said. Greenfrost shook his head.
"Still, Mistystar's message was delivered by Mothwing, and Spottedleaf has all ready gone to Highstones to receive her nine lives." He said. Starpaw nodded, Greenfrost nodding back. The Riverclan patrol departed, leaving her alone again. Starpaw no longer felt like hunting, so she doubled back to get what she caught, and to deliver the bad news to Blazestar.
-
To say her clan mates were shocked of her report about Mistystar was an understatement. Blazestar put their warrior ceremony on hold, to discuss the matter more with Braveheart and Ravenfur in his den.
"I cant believe it! I thought she had survived!" Shadepaw said. They were near the apprentice's den, just basking in the sunhigh's light now. They had refrained from eating at that point, letting the elders, queens, and kits have first pick, though they were hungry themselves.
Starpaw nodded sadly.
"I was sure she would have made it. I didn't scent any fox, so it is hard to believe." Starpaw said. She had told them about following Mistystar prior to this. Bluepaw nodded.
"Well, there isn't anything we can do about it now." She said. She got up and went to the fresh kill pile as Snowfur left it, carrying two mice, and then came back with a vole.
"There isn't much left, so I hope you don't mind sharing." She said, placing the vole between them. Starpaw and Shadepaw nodded, and the three settled down to eat.
"I don't like it." Starpaw said suddenly. Shadepaw and Bluepaw looked up at her, confusion in their eyes. "a fox attack? I don't like it. It is like there was a cover up." She explained.
Bluepaw swallowed her bite, and looked at Starpaw.
"What else could it have been?" She asked. Starpaw shook her head.
"I remember seeing something white as I left Mistystar. Foxes aren't white. Maybe whatever that was, was what attacked Mistystar." She said. Bluepaw and Shadepaw looked at each other, then back at her.
"You want to investigate, huh?" Bluepaw asked. Shadepaw looked worried.
"I just want to check with Mothwing. I know the medicine cat will have to get herbs. Maybe, during tonight, I can meet up with her, or perhaps sneak into Riverclan's camp and-"
"Do you have bees in your brain!?!?" Shadepaw hissed at her, his tone low so no one would hear him. Bluepaw looked impressed.
"I think she has a good idea, actually." She said. Shadepaw looked at them, and sighed in defeat.
"I guess I cant stop you, but I wont cover for you if you get caught!" He said. Bluepaw and Starpaw looked at him, their eyes smiling.
"True, but if you rat us out-"
"I wont, I wont!" He mewled.
-
Starpaw and Bluepaw slinked through the bushes, ears perked, and mouths opened to take in the scents around them. They stopped at the river's edge, and looked around. Sharing a glance at each other, they crossed the river, onto Riverclan territory, and continued on.
The dangerous part was now, getting to the camp. Neither really knew where it was, but followed their noses. They followed the scents of the Riverclan cats, as they got stronger, ears perked for the sounds of other cats.
They stepped lightly, the snow on the ground making it rather hard to move in silence, but they hoped their movement wouldn't be detected.
They finally reached what they guessed to be the camp, and circled around it, instead of going in through the main entrance, which was just an opening in the bramble bushes, made by moving aside the bramble with some sticks and stones. They finally found a thinned opening they could squeeze through, and Bluepaw motioned for Starpaw to wait as she peered inside. Bluepaw inched inside the camp, before swishing her tail through the opening, giving Starpaw the ok to come inside.
Starpaw looked around the camp when she entered. It wasn't like Sunclan camp, the Riverclan camp didn't have any fallen logs, and it didn't have a High Rock, either. Looking it over, there were multiple openings in the bramble bushes, opened with sticks and stones. Only the clan opening was the largest, so Starpaw guessed the others were the dens. On one end of the camp, there was a large mound, with a flat rock on top. Starpaw guessed that they used that for their High Rock. She sniffed the air, Bluepaw waiting for her signal, before Starpaw pointed to an opening near by with her tail, Mothwing's scent coming from inside.
Starpaw kept an eye in the camp as she slinked towards the den. She didn't see anyone, but she didn't want to take any chances. Bluepaw waited at the den's entrance as Starpaw slipped inside the den, the scent of herbs and moss almost over powering her. She shook her head, and peered inside, moving quickly, but trying to be silent. On the other side of the den, she saw a sleeping form, Mothwing's scent drifting to her.
When she was near enough, she gently prodded the sleeping medicine cat with her paw, being careful not to touch to close the the areas covered with spider webs. Mothwing stirred, and finally roused, rubbing at her eyes with a paw.
"Who is it? What is wrong now? Is Waterkit sick again?" She asked drowsy.
"No, Mothwing, it is me, Starpaw!" Starpaw said, her tone hushed. Mothwing looked down at her, before her fur bristled and her eyes widening in shock.
"Starpaw! A Sunclan apprentice! Why are you here? Are you alone?" Mothwing asked. Starpaw shook her head, and looked back at the den's entrance as Bluepaw shifted in, the other apprentice's gaze outside the den.
"Great Starclan, what could have possibly possessed you to come here?!? Do you realize how much trouble you could get in!?" Mothwing said. Starpaw nodded.
"I know, but I need to know, did a fox really kill Mistystar? I know you two met up, I was there watching, but I didn't scent any foxes!" Starpaw said. Mothwing paused, looking up at Bluepaw for a moment, before leaning close to Starpaw, so that only she could hear.
"Starpaw, you must leave, now."
"Not until you tell me." Starpaw said defiantly. "I wont tell anyone, I promise!"
Mothwing paused for a moment, peering into Starpaw's eyes, before sighing. She leaning closer, to Starpaw's ear, and whispered.
"No, a fox did not kill Mistystar. However, I cannot reveil the true killer's identity. He would kill me, if I did." Mothwing said. She swept her tail across her and Starpaw's paws.
"Now go! Before you get caught!" She hissed at them. Starpaw nodded, and turned to Bluepaw. Bluepaw nodded at her, and peered outside the den, before giving the ok. The two quietly went back to the opening, Bluepaw crawled out.
"Who is there!" Starpaw froze, unable to move. She was almost about to crawl out, when a voice behind her stopped her. She glanced over her shoulder, and met Foxpelt's fiery gaze.
"A Sunclan cat!!" He hissed. Starpaw tried to jump through the opening, but Foxpelt grabbed her tail, pulling her back. Unable to stop herself, she yowled, and she knew the whole clan must have heard it. She spared a glance a the entrance, and to her dismay, she saw Bluepaw dash back in to her aide.
However, it was to late as warriors came out and surrounded them. She heard Mothwing meowing something to the other cats, but it didn't seem like any of them cared about what she had to say.
Starpaw shivered, unable hide her fear. Bluepaw nuzzled close to her, and Starpaw knew she was terrified as well.
-
Although Starpaw was thankful that they didn't kill her or Bluepaw, she thought it probably would have been better. She and Bluepaw were huddled at the end of the camp, two warriors, Foxpelt and a white tom with brown patches, who she learned was named Thornclaw, keeping watch over them. It was all ready dawn, and she knew Shadepaw would have had to reveil to Blazestar where she and Bluepaw were, since they had not come back.
A commotion at the entrance brought Starpaw and Bluepaw's attention, and they watched as Spottedleaf came in, looking warn, and hungry, but otherwise all right. She looked over at Starpaw and Bluepaw, her eyes wide with confusion and shock, and a cat, a dark gray one named Stormclaw, mewed something to her, and Starpaw guessed he was telling her why they were there. Spottedleaf nodded, and walked over to them.
Starpaw nodded her head, and gulped.
"Spottedleaf, I meant no disrespect-"
"I am no longer Spottedleaf. I am Spottedstar. Why are you hear, Starpaw, Bluepaw?" Spottedstar asked. Starpaw gulped, Bluepaw began to shake again.
"I-I didn't believe that Mistystar was killed by a badger, but I didn't want to wait till the next gathering to ask Mothwing, so I-"
"You came to the camp itself, to find out. Well, did you?" Spottedstar asked. Starpaw nodded her head. She felt the eyes of the other cats on her, and looking up, she saw Mothwing.
"Well? What did Mothwing tell you?" Spottedstar asked her. Starpaw gulped, and brought her gaze back to Spottedstar.
"She told me that a fox DID kill Mistystar, and that I was stupid for trying to attempt this." She said, hoping Spottedstar, and her clan mates, would believe her lie. They seemed to be satisfied with it, when Spottedstar finally looked away from her.
"I need to appoint a new deputy. I will do that now, before I take these two back to the border." She got some protests, but silenced them quickly.
"We owe a debt to Starpaw, and Mistystar felt she should be respected! Do you not remember her last wish?!? Starpaw and Bluepaw will be returned after I appoint a deputy." She said. She climbed up onto the flat stone, and called a clan meeting, but Starpaw and Bluepaw didn't get any closer.
"I call upon Starclan to approve of my choice for the new deputy of Riverclan! Whitemist! I name you my deputy!" Spottedstar's voice called out. An excited murmur went through the Riverclan cats, but Starpaw shivered. She glanced at Mothwing, and saw horror in the she-cat's eyes as Whitemist was appointed deputy.
Starpaw wasn't sure why, but she knew Whitemist should not have been named deputy.
-
Spottedstar forced them to sit with her at the river's edge, Whitemist was taking care of things in camp. Greenfrost was with them. They were waiting for a patrol, and they didn't have to wait long.
Unluckily, or maybe luckily, it was led by Blazestar.
"Your apprentices infiltrated our camp. They only sought information, but still." Spottedstar said. Blazestar nodded, and gazed at Bluepaw and Starpaw. Both apprentices felt hot with shame.
"I understand, Spottedleaf-"
"Spottedstar. I have only recently come back with my nine lives and leader name." Spottedstar said. Blazestar nodded.
"I understand, Spottedstar. I will make sure they get their punishment." He said. Spottedstar nodded, and Starpaw and Bluepaw crossed the river. Starpaw felt exhausted, having not slept at all that night, and on top of that, she felt ashamed, and embarrassed. Blazestar mewed something to the rest of the patrol, and he took the two apprentices back himself, not saying anything to them, but just led them back to camp. He stopped them, at the training clearing.
"You know what you have done could have potentially caused a clan war, correct?" He said. His voice was cold. Bluepaw and Starpaw nodded.
"Your punishment, will be to watch Shadepaw be made into a warrior before you, you will also care for the elder's every whim, and make sure the queens are well cared for. Likewise, you both will make sure the warriors' bedding are cleaned out, and replaced, along with Ravenfur's." Blazestar said. Starpaw nodded her head, along with Bluepaw.
"Neither of you will leave camp unless I permit it. Understand?" Blazestar said, his voice so cold, Starpaw shivered, but she and Bluepaw both nodded.
"Before you both get rest, make sure the queens and elders have food." He told them, as he got up and walked away. Starpaw and Bluepaw nodded silently, keeping their heads down as they walked to camp.
-
"I, Blazestar, call upon our warrior ancestors to look upon this apprentice, who has trained hard to learn your ways, and code. Shadepaw, I ask you, do you swear to honor the warrior code, and to fight for your clan, even if it means your own death?" Blazestar's voice rang above the cats. Starpaw and Bluepaw watched from the edges, both still feeling the sting from their punishments. All the cats in the clan knew that Starpaw and Bluepaw should also be having their warrior ceremony, but also knew they were being held off, due to punishments.
"I do!" Shadepaw responded. Blazestar nodded.
"Then I call upon the power of Starclan! Shadepaw, from this day on, you are Shadestalker! Sunclan honors your loyalty and determination!" Blazestar said. The clan chanted his name, as Blazestar leaped down from High Rock, and touched his nose to Shadestalker's head, Shadestalker licking Blazestar's shoulder.
"As the code says, Shadestalker will sit a silent vigil, while the rest of the clan sleeps!" Blazestar said. The other cats mewled in response, clearing away into their dens for the night. Blazestar didn't even look in Starpaw's direction, as he went to his den. Starpaw sighed as Bluepaw followed her into the apprentice's den.
"I wish we hadn't don't that." She mewled, but Starpaw shook her head.
"Maybe, but I learned something important." She said. Bluepaw looked at her, as she laid down on her bed of moss.
"What is that?" she asked, yawning. Starpaw shook her head.
"I'm sorry, I promised Mothwing I wouldn't tell anyone." She said. Bluepaw laid her head down, sighing.
"Suit yourself then." She said.
It was only then that Starpaw remembered that she had forgotten to meet up with Nightpaw completely.
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Longest. Chapter. Ever.
Seriously, it was 6,940 words, if you do not include the author's comments!
Still, this chapter was actually fun to write.
I was actually planning on making Starpaw a warrior in this chapter, but changed it last second so she'd get caught, and couldnt become a warrior.
dont worry, she'll become a warrior soon (in the next couple of chapters, maybe)
Shadepaw is now Shadestalker, Spottedleaf is Spottedstar, and Whitemist is a deputy.
So, any thoughts on what might happen? Also, who do YOU think killed Mistystar? :3 Also, I revlied that Starpaw isnt an only child in this chapter, along with the name of her mother. Any guesses, then, on where she was meant to go?
Oh well, you'll find out for sure later ^-^
Next chapter... I dunno if it will be shorter, longer, or the same length (I wasnt planning on this chapter being this friggin long, actually)
Oh well.
enjoy and REVIEW PLEASE!!!