Thank you for the reviews!
Sorry it took me a while to post this, but it is a longer chapter. And I had to get a couple of votes for what happens before I posted it as well.
In this chapter, they fight the rats. I hope you enjoy the cat's emotions. Finpaw's doubt, Featherpaw's hope, then sadness, and Brackenpaw's mixed feelings.
Chapter 15 A Mentor's Destiny
No! Finpaw thought, while Featherpaw whispered, "this can't be good." It definitely couldn't, because standing in front of them was Lightwing, Finpaws mentor.
She would surely have to tell Springstar, and Frostwing might die because of that.
"What is this?" Lightwing demanded, and Featherpaw had to explain. But as she spoke, Lightwing expression changed to understanding.
"Yes, I understand. But why would Starclan not want a whole clan to help," Lightwing said, but then went in mentor mode, "but did you have to take these cats with you. The group is apprentices, with two young warriors. You're risking their lives, did you expect that?"
Finpaw bowed her head, not knowing what to say.
"So I will go with you. I'm looking for an answer, and this may be the case. But, I must talk to you after Finpaw, it is urgent. Life or death situation, you'll understand later. But I guess we must go on, if Starclan destined it."
Finpaw was relieved. With all the chances in the world, she now had another warrior helping Riverclan, instead of what it seemed as Springstar knowing about Frostwing's problems. She bowed her head once more, in respect and gratefulness. She led the way, thankful of her luck. But then was interested in what her mentor had said to her. Something was happening-something is happening, and apparently it was the will of Starclan that Finpaw should know.
They finished their travel, which resulted in some stream crossing. Rockpaw was younger, and smaller then the others so she had a hard time not getting caught in the current. Finpaw kept on steadying her, and Oceanwind propped her up so she wouldn't get completely soaked.
Finpaw suddenly and instantly felt regret that she had brought Rockpaw. She had been an apprentice for a long while, but she was also Oceanwinds apprentice, and the young warrior must have been really worrying for Rockpaw's safety.
Just then, Finpaw heard a call from a couple yards to the left of her. Coming out of the moorland was Rainpaw, leading cats from Windclan to come and aid Riverclan.
The groups of cats were Rosewing, Splotchpaw, Shimmerpaw, Foxpaw, Duskpaw, and of course Rainpaw, and her younger brother Icepaw. They would really help Riverclan out, and Finpaw was glad that no one had been caught. Hopefully the other helping clans had the same status.
"Finpaw!" Rainpaw whispered, leading the cats towards her.
"Have you seen Diamondwing, or any of Thunderclan?"
"No, but I expect that they're already there. We must hurry," Rainpaw responded.
The two clans traveled together, and finally made it to Riverclan. There they saw:
From Shadowclan: Diamondwing, Willowstorm, Shadepaw, Flamepaw, Wingpaw, and Cherryfur, their apprentice medicine cat whom Finpaw had met at the gatherings.
From Thunderclan: Roottail, Nightpaw, Lynxpaw, Fawnpaw, Fernpaw, and Emberheart. Even if Emberheart wasn't the cat in the prophecy, (as they'd first suspected), she was still helping and at service to Riverclan.
And the cats who were well from Riverclan: The deputy Jumpfoot, Cloverfur, Fadingspell, Swiftheart, Silentstep, Lunapelt, Ashclaw, Groundfur, Larkpath, Dawneyes, Streampaw, Pigeonpaw, Brookfur, Lionroar, Icepaw, Wildpaw, and of course Frostwing. It was a miracle that she wasn't sick, or maybe Starclan's destiny for her.
But were was Shellstar? Riverclans leader. No Starclan, don't tell me he is sick. But he was sick -but he hadn't died … yet.
Then, the Riverclan deputy, Jumpfoot addressed all the cats, "Frostwing are there more cats coming?" And Jumpfoot looked irritated, "And explain again why you brought me a group of apprentices?"
Frostwing reddened, but looked confident, and Lionroar and Brookfur nodded at her. Frostwing said, "I've already explained to you! Would you like the help or not? Have you given up already?" She said, taking steps towards Jumpfoot.
"I'm sorry Frostwing, I'm just worried," Jumpfoot said, sorry for snapping at the young warrior. "Thank you for the help, and figuring out the source of the sickness," he said to the other cats.
"So yes… everyone's here I believe."
"Okay, we should move fast," Jumpfoot looked at all the cats, puzzled. "I'm sorry, I don't know have your names. Silentstep, can you do the patrols? I want a big one, one or two good-sized ones, and one smaller to guard the medicine cats. Make it quick, although there is no immediate danger."
"K, let's have solid, stronger patrols. Jumpfoot will lead Lightwing, Finpaw, Lionroar, Streampaw, Willowstorm, Flightpaw, Vinepaw. Shadepaw, Wildpaw, Dawneyes, Wolfpaw, and Amberpaw. This patrol will be at the northern side of the clearing, going into the battle first. Swiftheart will lead Lunapelt, Sunheart, Pigeonpaw, Emberheart, Foxpaw, Splotchpaw, Ashclaw, Rockpaw, and Lightningpaw. This patrol will go in second, and stay kind of towards the middle-south side. Groundfur will be leading Larkpath, Brackenpaw, Oceanwind, and Diamondwing, and they will be patrolling the outside, making sure that no rats get in, or out. I will lead Icepaw, Rainpaw, Shimmerpaw, Duskpaw, Flamepaw, Wingpaw, umm…. (o ya… sorry) Nightpaw, Lynxpaw, Fawnpaw, Fernpaw, Frostwing, and Icepaw. We will be attacking rats in spots where they are overwhelming, or finishing in a small spot where they are about gone. And Rosewing, Roottail, and Brookfur will guard the medicine cats, Featherpaw, Cherryfur, Cloverfur, and Fadingspell. They will stand off a little to the side, with herbs in case of serious need. We can do this guys. For Riverclan!"
Jumpfoot bowed his head, "Thank you Silentstep. Let's go, -we have to do it sooner or later." The crowd nodded, and Cloverfur and Fadingspell came out of the Riverclan medicine cat den with healing herbs in their mouths. Cherryfur and Featherpaw rushed over, and grabbed some of the herbs to carry. Frostwing nodded at Fadingspell, while Fadingspell said that it would be all right. And, off they went, past dense forest, and open earth. The made it to an abandoned Twoleg Nest, and Finpaw gasped in horror. There were rats everywhere!
The cats separated into their patrols, Finpaw in the first patrol being led by Jumpfoot. She leaped after her patrol, and rats came to them from everywhere. Their black silhouettes charging from every corner. Finpaw flinched as a small, but fierce rat bit at her. She clawed it away, and proceeded with her battle.
Finpaw heard a roar of agony, and quickly turned around to see one of the bigger rats, swinging on Amberpaw's tail, biting. Amberpaw spun around, swatted at it, but missed. Then Wolfpaw, acted as a true loyal littermate, and grabbed the rat, sending it flying, while other rats were advancing him, grouping up now. Finpaw then turned back to her own fighting, her claws soaring. She then sprinted (stepping on as many rats as she could) towards a big pile of red-eyed rats, which were ganging up on a Riverclan apprentice named Wildpaw. Shadepaw and Lionroar followed her. Wildpaw was almost a warrior, but she did need help and all cats of the clans can work together to overcome any challenger. Finpaw fought hard, but she started to feel overwhelmed. Who was she to think that they would win?
Finpaw was a good fighter, but not the best hunter. And the rats were so small and quick, that it would be better to be using her hunting skills.
Thoughts of her mother, Auroraheart whispered in her ear, You can do it. It is your destiny to save Riverclan. I know that the clan can count on you, and Featherpaw, and your brother. She said, her voice full of confidence and wisdom.
Finpaw nodded, half to herself, and half to her mother. But she didn't have the confidence of her mother. If they didn't win this struggle, she would have let Stormclan down. Her fighting skills would be no match for the rats, and how would Springstar react? With one small apprentice killing all the apprentices here. She looked over at Featherpaw and the medicine cats, knowing full well that if any injured Stormclan cats were there, it would be her fault. What is Finpaw survived, knowing that she had sent a cat to his/her death.
Featherpaw watched in horror at the rats attacking all the cats that she knew, trying to kill. These cats were fighting for their lives, and luckily the rats were weaker from the illness. Featherpaw hoped more then anything that a bite from a rat wouldn't spread sickness. It wouldn't, Fadingspell told her. All the Riverclan cats caught it from different contact. Featherpaw was sitting next to Cloverfur, Fadingspell, and Cherryfur, each hoping to see a different outcome of what they saw. The medicine cats assigned guards were Rosewing, Roottail, and Brookfur. They were safe enough in their chosen spot, so they sent Roottail to go and get hurt cats if it was needed. Cherryfur wanted to go, but was about forced out of it. And out of the rank: warriors, Rosewing was told to say since she was most experienced, and they decided that Roottail should go. He left, well hidden by the night. But then again, so were the rats.
Brackenpaw was fighting alongside Diamondwing, Oceanwind, Groundfur, and Larkpath. He fought his best for two reasons. One was that he was part of the prophecy and needed to help Riverclan. Although he would help them, with or without the prophecy. The second reason… lets just say Finpaw wouldn't be proud of it. He was fighting, hoping that Diamondwing would be watching. He hoped to show her his best moves, and this seemed like the best time. 'Cause he couldn't just show her when he was fighting Shadowclan, could he?
Brackenpaw wasn't the only one doing this. Diamondwing swept out loads of rats from in front of Brackenpaw, and Oceanwind scowled. Larkpath and Groundfur had no idea what was going on, but Oceanwind and Diamondwing were glaring at each other. Brackenpaw didn't notice the glaring either.
Finpaw attacked the rats as hard as she could, but it was the middle of the night, and she soon was growing weary. Rats soon overcame her, and she pushed them off with the most of her strength that was left. She had survived that time, but hopefully it would come that close again. She, Shadepaw, and Lionroar fought side to side, and the company of each other was refocusing them. The three cheered each other on, and they were doing well until…
Every cat saw it. Reinforcements were coming on the rat's side. Shadepaw fell, due to the rats biting at her paws and tails. And Finpaw tried to get her up, but she was too not strong. Lionroar looked down and helped Shadepaw up. The floor seemed to be covered in rats. They kept on helping each other, and worked as a team.
But then, it happened. Overwhelmed by rats, Finpaw started to see darkness. Soon, full pitch black and she felt nothing but a split second of pain. She thought she heard Lionroar and Shadepaw yelling, but it soon faded away.
A Stormclan cat looked over and saw Finpaw falling. No! The cat begged, wishing it had more time. The indigo clouds seemed to just look at her sadly and grieve with her. They also said to this cat, it is time. The cat slowly walked to the side of the battle, no cat noticing. She bowed her head, and gave herself a deep breath. She could do this.
Featherpaw felt a urging that she had to go. She slipped away from where the medicine cats were sitting (which was easy since it was dark), and went deeper into the thick, rare, Riverclan forest.
There, the world seemed to go black, and she fell down, and vanished. There, was a Stormclan she-cat sitting, bowing her head, waiting.
Finpaw dared to carefully and slowly open her eyes. Even when her eyes were fully opened, she panicked. Everything she saw was in a cloud of mist. She could still see, but it was hard to make out the shapes. Had she died? No! She had to come back, -the prophecy! She seemed helpless.
Featherpaw looked at the cat, "what's going on. Weren't we battling?"
"Featherpaw, I have something to tell you. It's Finpaw, well… I can see in the future, and have just discovered that my vision was right!"
"What do you mean? What vision? What's going on?" Finpaw needed to know.
"I can see the future, or… part of it. You have to go and meet Starclan. Go to the moon rock, -quickly. Finpaw needs your help."
"I'll go," Featherpaw said, but you could simply tell that she really wanted more information.
"Wait, and Featherpaw," Featherpaw turned back, "just remember, I would do anything for Finpaw. Even give my life for her."
Featherpaw looked in surprise, and then scurried away. What was happening? And why would somebody have to give their life for Finpaw… was she going to die?
Featherpaw started to see Riverclan territory again, and she rushed past the rats, quick as a snake or cat in this matter. Really fast cat. She ran through Riverclan territory, and to the moon rock. She pressed her nose hard against it, and she fell into a dream, quicker then ever before.
Finpaw suddenly saw two figures come in front of her. One was Featherpaw! And the other was a jet-black she-cat with cold dark blue eyes. It was Nightstar, the Shadowclan leader before Ravenstar! Finpaw couldn't hear all of it, but she saw Featherpaw plead to Nightstar for a little while. Finally Finpaw could start to understand them, and she started to recognize their words.
"Please, she's part of the prophecy. –You must let her live," Featherpaw begged.
"Starclan can't just bring cats back from the dead," Nightstar said, annoyed.
"But you did, years ago, with Jayfeather and Poppypaw. Finpaw has her whole life ahead of her. Lightwing says that she has to live, or the clans will be destroyed by the spider."
Finpaw could no longer here what they were talking about any more, and drifted off into a forced sleep. Black surrounded her, and she heard a sob from her sister, which woke her up.
Just then, Lightwing, Finpaws mentor approached the starclan cats, "I would give my life for Finpaw. She needs to live; otherwise the clans will be destroyed."
Finpaw opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, Featherpaw spoke, "No Lightwing! Don't do it-"
But in a flash of light, Finpaw was back on the battlefield.
Finpaw kept stopping, and was just going to lay there and weep until Shadepaw walked up to her, "Finpaw! We were so worried." Then she saw that Finpaw was just sitting ignoring the rats biting her, "You've given up? Come on, can't you see that were winning? The battles almost gone! Besides, you lead those Stormclan cats into this and now you're telling them that they don't have hope?"
Finpaw stood up, and thought about what Shadepaw said as she was fighting. Shadepaw was right. She had led Lightwing here. What had she done?
Brackenpaw was still fighting the last of the rats along with Diamondwing and Oceanwind. Groundfur had gone with Roottail to the medicine cats, and Larkpath had gone and helped another patrol. They were finishing the battle, and every cat there had the same feelings, each were worrying for their friends, or their littermates. And each she-cat loved Brackenpaw, and almost hated the other. Brackenpaw loved them both, but seemed more drawn to Diamondwing.
Then, Jumpfoot called to all the cats announcing that they had won! All hurt cats were to go to the medicine cats, even if it was just a bite.
As he left to go back to Stormclan, Diamondwing raced up to him, "Brackenpaw… I just wanted to say… I just wanted to say that it wouldn't work out with us, and that Oceanwind is your true mate. I want you to be happy, and the wish would never be granted since we are in different clans. Oceanwind loves you, never forget that." Before Brackenpaw could speak, Diamondwing hurried away towards her clan mates.
Finpaw called all the Stormclan cats together, and told them that Lightwing was dead. Nothing more. Brackenpaw noticed how sad Finpaw and Featherpaw were, but he didn't push them about it. Not today. They went home, leaving as Frostwing and Fadingspell gave them their everlasting gratitude.
When they got back to Stormclan territory, the whole clan was up, looking for the apprentices and young warriors.
"Featherpaw, explain what all this is about!" Springstar demanded, "and why and how are you all hurt?"
Featherpaw followed Springstar into her den, and Featherpaw told Springstar about the rats, and about the prophecies. Springstar looked surprised, but then asked why they didn't tell the clan. We could've helped, Springstar had said. But then Featherpaw told them about the warning about that, and Springstar finally admitted that they might've saved Riverclan, and Springstar would've done the same thing. But every cat was saddened when it was told that Lightwing had died, and Finpaw spent the remainder of the night next to her, spending the last night with her mentor.
She wondered who her next mentor would be, and stood there the whole night, being there with Springstar, Icewing, Runningmist, and a couple other warriors who knew her well.
/(these are my line spaces)
/
*Sob* Cats who died during the fight:
Lightwing from Stormclan
Roottail from Thunderclan
Flightpaw of Riverclan
Vinepaw of Riverclan
Patchpaw of Shadowclan
Quickpaw of Thunderclan.
/
Cats who were super injured during the fight:
Dawneyes of Riverclan
Jumpfoot of Riverclan
Emberheart of Thunderclan
Rosewing of Windclan
/
There will be one or two (at the most) more chapters until the start of Part 2. I hope that you have enjoyed the story so far, and I hope that I will get out a good plotline for the rest of the story.
Thank you so far for reviewing!
And too:
Stormbreeze of Windclan: Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Swiftkit. She will be in the story as a kit in part 2.
Lunara the ara: Shatteredkit will be a kit in part 2.
/ Just in case you were wondering, this chapter had 3,083 words!