YAY NEW CHAP!
Under the pale night sky, all of the Clan slowly gathered a round the great stone that stood in the center of their camp – the HighRock, where leaders had addressed their Clans for countless seasons. Moonhigh was approaching. The leader of ThunderClan, Streamstar would have to choose a new deputy soon enough – and her Clan was eager to hear her choice.
Thorntail, just returning from a certain Hunting Patrol that a senior warrior had ordered him to go on to "clear his mind", settled himself down a few tail-lengths away from the stone, and tucked his paws under his chest in a relaxing posture.
However, the gray tom's peace was interrupted by a shrill screech, which almost made his ears bleed. "Hi, Thorntail!" it squeaked, and for a few moments Thorntail wasn't aware who spoke, until he noticed a patch of dark ginger fur in the corner of his eye, and recognized Applefur's scent. The she-cat, deciding to invade his personal space, gave him a small lick on the ear, before she meowed, "I heard you and Gingerleaf aren't mates anymore." From her tone, she felt that this was a fairly touchy piece of territory. She waited for a few moments for her tom to comment – maybe to see if he would correct her, Thorntail didn't know. She seemed to realize that the gray cat didn't care, so she continued, "That's good! She was as old as an elder!" she purred.
That was where Thorntail made the scent marks – best not come into that little patch of territory. "She was only a season older then me." Thorntail defended, giving his chest a few licks.
Applefur didn't seem to notice – or care, about his defense, but she didn't mention Gingerleaf again. Instead, she asked, "So, how about you and I go hunting together tomorrow?"
She-cats were annoying sometimes. "Can't." Thorntail meowed flatly, and he had to keep himself from purring at Applefur's shocked expression.
"Why not?!" Applefur snarled, her eyes flaring with pure hot rage.
Sarcastically, her meowed, "Because, if I bring another cat with me when I hunt, the fresh kill gets jealous, and think I don't care about them." Of course, that wasn't really true. He had hunted with his Clanmates numerous times…but hopefully if he made up enough excuses, the annoying cat Applefur would go away, and maybe harass Smokefang or some other poor tom.
"What? Really?" Applefur didn't seem to catch the sarcasm in his voice, and was clearly astounded that the prey cared that much. Before Thorntail could answer, Streamstar let out a mighty yowl from her position on the HighRock.
In the pale moonlight, Streamstar looked like a heavenly StarClan warrior who came to grace them all with her lovely presence. Starlight seemed to bounce along her lovely snow-white fur. She was thin, but her fur was long and glorious, making her look twice her size. Her eyes, her lovely, blue eyes, glowed with warmth- even as she performed such a sad task- appointing a new deputy.
Why was it that all the pretty she-cats were off-limits? Rosepaw, Streamstar…
All eyes stared up at the young leader, hungrily awaiting the new deputy to replace Swiftfoot.
"The time has come," Streamstar announced, wrapping her silver tail around her paws. "To appoint the new deputy of ThunderClan. Swiftfoot was a loyal and kind deputy. I am sorry to say that StarClan has other plans for our Clan, and that Swiftfoot will retire with the elders…" she trailed off. Her sapphire eyes flashed over to Rosepaw's den. The whole of ThunderClan mimicked her wondering what she was looking at.
The young ginger medicine cat, Rosepaw, padded from the den. She stared up at Streamstar curiously, clearly wondering what the heck she was waiting for. Thorntail was once again stricken by Rosepaw's appearance. Okay, so she wasn't beautiful. She could be described more as…pretty, with her thin frame and dark scarlet-colored fur. Thorntail had seen – and been with – many beautiful cats in his lifetime. Some more off-limits then others. Rosepaw didn't compare with them. How come he felt drawn to her? Was he sick?
"Rosepaw, is Swiftfoot fit to go through the elder's ceremony?" Streamstar asked, forcing Thorntail to rip his dirty thoughts about Rosepaw out of his head, and think grief-filled thoughts about Swiftfoot.
Rosepaw opened her mouth to answer the leader, but before she could, a rasping mew sounded from the den.
"I wouldn't miss it if StarClan came down here and begged me. If I'm gonna get injured like this, I might as well get a ceremony!"
The Clan let out an amused purr at Swiftfoot's spunk- even at almost facing death, he was just as determined as ever. Thorntail was surprised that he was even conscious, let alone making hisses of defiance. But their purrs were stifled, and Thorntail wasn't as surprised, when they saw the pathetic cat limping out of Rosepaw's den.
The dark tabby tom's pelt- though it had been cleaned of blood by Rosepaw's gentle tongue, was covered with long deep scars. His ear- his left- was shredded in such a way that one could hardly tell that there had ever been an ear. One of his eyes was no longer the firy amber- but was glazed over white. One of his front legs was twisted beyond repair. The ShadowClan warriors had certainly done a number on the poor deputy.
But they'd get theirs soon enough.
"Swiftfoot," Streamstar mewed softly. "Is it your wish to give up the name deputy and join the elders?"
"It's not like I have much choice," Swiftfoot grunted, and Streamstar gave him a disapproving glance. He was silent for a moment, before finally he answered, "But heck, why not? I can't wait! I'm gonna roll around in ticks- those apprentices never seem to have enough to do!" he purred at the thought.
Thorntail let out a purr as well. Even though Swiftfoot would no longer be deputy, Thorntail would be sure to visit him often in the elder's den. He was loyal beyond compare, and if he didn't visit him, he would miss the cat's sarcasm. He flashed a glance over to a few apprentices. They all had their noses wrinkled in disdain- they certainly weren't happy about Swiftfoot's plans now that he was an elder.
"The Clan honors you and all the service you have given us," Streamstar promised. "I call upon StarClan to give you many moons of rest." She leapt off of HighRock, and padded over to her former deputy, and rested her muzzle on his forehead- Thorntail was glad she didn't ask the deputy over to HighRock- Swiftfoot probably would have made a joke about it, but it would be a simple shame to see him limp too far.
"StarClan protected me so far," Swiftfoot mewed, meeting Streamstar's gaze unblinking. "Until sun-high this morning, that is. Sometimes I wonder if they're just lazy."
Streamstar purred, and instantly the other elders of the Clan, Heatherpelt, Brownear, and Blindeye padded over, welcoming the cat to their rank. Heatherpelt looked particularly amused that he was joining them, and Thorntail suddenly remembered why. She had been deputy under the former leader, Hollowstar, before she retired – old age. ThunderClan seemed to be starting a collection of deputies.
It was then that the Clan stated a low, soft chant, "Swiftfoot! Swiftfoot!" the new elder's name was being yowled out by every ThunderClan cat, all making the racket at the top of their lungs.
"Swiftfoot, Swiftfoot yourselves!" the tabby mocked indignantly, cutting them off sharply. "I ain't a new warrior! I'm an old elder! Can't you guys do anything else beside scream my name out loud?" he gave the Clan a semi-challenging, semi-joking glance, and no cat seemed to have a good answer. Except for Heatherpelt.
"Its tradition, Swiftfoot." Heatherpelt mewed softly. "This is the last time the whole of ThunderClan will ever chant your name."
Thorntail never really thought about that. It was true. Swiftfoot had had his naming ceremony, and apprentice ceremony. He had had his warrior ceremony. He had had his deputy ceremony. He had his name shouted whenever he had done anything important, like chase off a badger or an enemy patrol. But there was no more of that now.
"When I leave to StarClan, chant my name." Swiftfoot purred, to no one in particular. "If you don't, and you all happen to come down with a deadly disease or something – you won't need to ask StarClan why it's happening to you." Ominous words, but ThunderClan didn't seem phased by it. Swiftfoot had always been sort of morbid. It was a common story swapped at Gatherings and between the elders, that when Swiftfoot was an apprentice, Hollowstar had once considered changing his name to Morbidpaw, or Griefpaw or something similar, because Swiftfoot was always rather…depressing. He had cheered up a tad recently, but apparently…thing got through. Like curses.
However, Thorntail couldn't keep himself from purring hysterically at the thought of Rosepaw and Streamstar wracking their brains trying to figure out why StarClan was punishing them when Swiftfoot died.
Streamstar said something that Thorntail couldn't hear to her old deputy, and padded over to HighRock on winged paws.
"Now," she announced. "It is time to name the new deputy of ThunderClan." Streamstar took in a deep breath, and a silence appeared throughout the Clan. Thorntail took a deep breath as well. He knew he couldn't be deputy- he had not had his apprentice yet, but several of his friends, like Badgerclaw and his ex-mates like Gingerleaf would be excellent candidates. Well…maybe not Gingerleaf, he decided as he recalled the claw marks on his cheek.
"I say these words before StarClan, that the spirits of our ancestors may hear and approve my choice…" Streamstar held her white head up high, and stared directly into the moon.
"The new deputy of ThunderClan will be Robinwing."
"That old badger?!" a voice behind Thorntail yowled. He looked behind him, wondering who would dare question Streamstar's choice, and saw that it was- of course- Swiftfoot making the noise. Thorntail thought for a moment that he was angry about Streamstar's decision, but his eyes were gleaming with amusement. Robinwing had actually been one of Swiftfoot's most loyal friends, and one of the oldest too. What's more, Robinwing was also Heatherpelt's – and the former leader Hollowstar's eldest kit. She came from a fine heritage, that's for sure, considering Hollowstar had been one of ThunderClan's greatest leaders in their entire history, and Heatherpelt…well, her deeds were spoken even in the other Clans. And Robinwing didn't just need her parent's deeds to speak for her. Her own yowled loud enough just fine. She had given birth to one fine warrior of her own, the unattractive Scarface…who, admittedly, was a fantastic she-cat. Her other daughter, Spottedlight…had turned out to be a traitor…but a pretty traitor.
Thorntail liked Spottedlight better then Scarface…
However, Thorntail quickly shoved his thoughts of the pretty traitor, Spottedlight, and the ugly Scarface out of his mind, as he realized something rather curious.
Streamstar had chosen the oldest warrior in ThunderClan! Was that a good choice? Robinwing may have wisdom, but she would start slowing down soon… But that was fine. Robinwing would be deputy, and before she too retired Thorntail would make sure to get an apprentice. Then, hopefully, Streamstar would recognize him as an excellent candidate for the second-in-command of ThunderClan.
Even with his doubts, Thorntail joined in the chant of Robinwing's name.
"ROBINWING! ROBINWING! ROBINWING!" Thorntail tried to spy Robinwing in the mass of ThunderClan cats, but he couldn't spot her – she was surrounded by a lump of frantic friends, kin, and former apprentices.
Streamstar glanced down at her new deputy, and let her warriors chant for a few more moments before speaking once more.
"And now we must deal with ShadowClan. Their ambush must not be forgotten." She began.
"They must think we're weak!" Thorntail heard Sandpelt, Swiftfoot's mate, snarl.
"I'll rip 'em to shreds." Thorntail yowled out, leaping to his paws. "Swiftfoot was my mentor- whoever did this too him will face an injury twice as bad as his…"
"We shouldn't rush into this," Streamstar pointed out quietly. Instantly the whole Clan became silent. She was right- even if no one would want to admit it. ShadowClan must be pretty confident in themselves, if they are willing to pick a fight with a patrol in broad daylight.
"Then what do you propose we do, Streamstar?" a voice behind Thorntail growled.
"Spy." The ThunderClan leader meowed without a moment's hesitation. "We have to send in a spy to see exactly how powerful our enemy is. I don't want to rush into a war we can't win. Any volunteers?"
Thorntail didn't even hesitate.
Streamstar grinned. "Thank you, Thorntail." She meowed softly. "You know the territory well- better then any of us here. You will do well…but will you be okay by yourself?"
…
Rosepaw didn't hear Thorntail's response. It most likely wasn't a good one, because Streamstar flicked her tail towards Blackshadow, and mewed something about the two of them going together.
But...that wasn't what was bothering Rosepaw. Why had Streamstar mentioned that Thorntail knew ShadowClan territory so well? Was it because he had been a loner, and would have traveled there so much? No… there was something hidden in Streamstar's tone…but what?
Rosepaw shuffled her paws. It wasn't any of her business anyways. But she couldn't help but be curious…
She shook the thoughts away. She really shouldn't be questioning everyone's words, thinking there was something hidden in them.
Her mother, Streamstar, flicked her tail over towards Rosepaw for reasons Rosepaw didn't understand.
Thorntail and Blackshadow padded towards her.
Rosepaw cringed. Thorntail! Thorntail! Why Thorntail? Then Rosepaw knew why he and that other cat were coming towards her! She had to give them traveling herbs!
Of all cats, why did Thorntail come?
Rosepaw knew about Thorntail. Oh yeah. She knew.
He was the type of cat that enjoyed wars. No, not because he was defending his Clan. He relished the thought of killing. Rosepaw knew. She could see it in his eyes. And, every moon he was with a different she-cat. And from the looks Gingerleaf was giving him, Thorntail had to hook up with a new one soon, if he wanted any of the joys of having a mate.
I don't like him, Rosepaw thought determinedly.
"We need traveling herbs." Blackshadow called to her, as the two toms stopped two-tail lengths away from her.
Rosepaw nodded. Of course they did. She disappeared into her den, not speaking to either one of them.
…
Thorntail sighed. There Rosepaw went again. Nodding. Shaking her head. Not speaking.
"Does she even know how to speak?" Thorntail asked Blackshadow curiously.
"Thorntail, she's so young, and has a big responsibility on her shoulders." Blackshadow pointed out. "I bet she's just shy."
"Whatever," Thorntail shrugged his shoulders; slightly put out that Blackshadow gave him such a poor answer. "I still think it's a waste though. She's so cute, and yet no tom can have her."
Blackshadow opened his mouth to answer, when there was a yowl behind them. Thorntail turned his head, to see Swiftfoot's mate, Sandpelt rushing towards them.
"Guess what?" Sandpelt asked curiously.
Thorntail looked at Blackshadow. What news could Sandpelt have…? Had she been attacked by a squirrel of some sort? No…from the joyous look in her eyes, that didn't seem to be the case.
"You're pregnant!" Blackshadow purred, possibly cluing in on something Thorntail failed too.
Though from the light in Sandpelt's eyes Blackshadow was right. Thorntail wondered why his friend had guessed, when he caught Sandpelt's scent. She was carrying alright.
"That's good!" Thorntail purred, licking Sandpelt's ear. He was about to ask who the father was, when he remembered that for some silly reason it was considered unpolite to ask. Seemed silly to Thorntail, but he respected Sandpelt's privacy.
Luckily he wasn't left wondering for long. Sandpelt outright told them.
"Swiftfoot has to be the father!" she purred, holding her head high. "I'm so excited! We wanted kits all our lives, but StarClan never sent them! But they have now! It must be a sign! Has to be!"
"That's good," Thorntail purred not knowing what else to say.
"Anyways," Sandpelt growled, her tone lowering into a darker, more ominous one, a 'I know what you did' sound. "Thorntail, Blackshadow – especially Thorntail, I wanted to tell you two something. Well, mainly Thorntail." Always Thorntail.
"Well what is it?" Thorntail prompted, hoping Sandpelt hadn't found out that the other night he and Badgerclaw went to Fourtrees just to look at enemy patrols. Enemy she-cats, to be precise.
Hey! They were young! They weren't going to do anything..
"I wanted to tell you," Sandpelt mewed, and Thorntail felt a rush of relief. So Sandpelt knew nothing! "That if you meet an enemy patrol, don't go all out. Save things like that for the battle, okay?"
"So…I guess we won't be seeing Swiftfoot patrol again, huh?" Thorntail sighed, looking down at his gray paws.
To his surprise, he heard odd sobbing noises coming from the pale ginger she-cat before him. He looked up, to see Sandpelt's eyes wide, and filled with sorrow.
"It's okay," Thorntail mewed trying to cheer her up. "He's alive. He can't patrol anymore, but he's alive. StarClan kept him safe,"
'Thorntail," Sandpelt rasped, not skipping a beat in the conversation. "Promise me. Promise me you won't do anything…mouse-brained. If…if…you meet a ShadowClan patrol, and they find out that you've been spying, they'll…they'll…"
"I'll be okay," Thorntail promised, forgetting that Blackshadow was right next to him. Sandpelt and him had always been close. Swiftfoot had been his mentor, Sandpelt was Swiftfoot's mate. Which meant, they were around each other a lot, and therefore had spawned an interesting relationship. "Besides," he continued. "Nobody would cry over my death. I'm just extra paws around here to help with hunting, and patrolling. I'm useful, but the Clan could get on without me."
"Don't say that!" Sandpelt and Blackshadow both snarled at the same exact time. They both looked at each other as if the other had sprouted another head, and it was a moment before Sandpelt continued.
"If you died, I would be devastated. So would Badgerclaw, Blackshadow, and Swiftfoot, I'm sure. There's always…someone out there who cares." She insisted. "Someone who's life would simply stop. You just…don't know it yet, or haven't met them."
Thorntail was about to reply that nobody's life would stop for him – he's just a cat with two purposes in life – to mate, and become deputy, when Rosepaw came out of the den with traveling herbs. She didn't say anything, and simply placed them at Blackshadow and Thorntail's paws. She looked at Sandpelt curiously, wondering what the other warrior could want.
"I wanted to tell you that I'm pregnant." Sandpelt mewed, between sniffs.
Thorntail expected Rosepaw to nod, but instead she spoke:
"That's good." She meowed softly. "I'll have to start to gather herbs to help you through that when the time comes. I'll also have to give you some Strengthening Herbs – not for you, for the kits…"
"Thank you, Rosepaw!" Sandpelt purred, her tail standing up straight on end.
"Sandpelt," Rosepaw meowed. "Swiftfoot says that he would like to speak with Thorntail later. Could you tell Thorntail that for me?"
"Tell him yourself," Sandpelt mewed. "He's right there." She flicked her tail towards the smoky gray tom, and Thorntail held his head high. Finally! Rosepaw would speak to him!
She nodded, and disappeared into the den.
"I guess she assumed that you heard already." Sandpelt explained, giving her chest a quick lick.
"No! She's going to speak to me!" Thorntail spat, and disappeared into Rosepaw's den.
…
"Hey, Rosepaw." He meowed, as he came upon the ginger she-cat leaning over a pile of leaves close to the entrance. "I'd like to do you a favor. Tell me one herb that grows well in ShadowClan territory that you're running low on, and I'll get it for you."
To his surprise, Rosepaw just stared at him funny.
"Oh!" he leaned over to the pile of leaves, and sniffed one suspiciously. "This one you got close to the ShadowClan border. I'll get you as many as these I can find!" he promised.
"One more thing," he purred. "Rosepaw – that's your name right?"
Rosepaw nodded.
"Can you give me a small scratch on the side for me?" he asked turning so Rosepaw would have an easier time doing that. "For good luck?"
Rosepaw didn't do anything; instead, she turned her back on him, and went on with organizing the herbs, or mixing the herbs – whatever she was doing.
"Then, I'll do it for you." Thorntail sighed. He quickly slid under Rosepaw's fast moving paws, and one of her claws, scraped across his back.
He came up, and stared at Rosepaw for a long moment. "That'll do. I promise 'ya - I'll get plenty of those herbs!"
With that, he slid out of the den.
…
"Ready to go?" Thorntail asked Blackshadow curiously, as he gobbled up the traveling herbs ignoring the fowl taste.
"Yes. And remember," Blackshadow reminded him. "We're going to ShadowClan to spy – not attack, Spy." Why did every cat always think that he was going to commit a murder or something? So you kill one WindClan cat, and…injure a few ShadowClan…and you're branded for life as a rebel?
"Whatever," Thorntail shrugged. "It ends the same way. A cold blooded battle! Oh, help me pick up some Marsh Root on the way will you?"
"Why?"
"No reason."
Blackshadow sighed, and stretched out for a moment. "Ready to go?"
"Never readier." Thorntail growled, and with that the two ThunderClan warriors bounded out of the camp.