GOLLY LOLLY! Look at all the reviews - for one chapter! WOW! THANKS EVERYONE! I hope you've all noticd that you are getting QUANITY over quality...if you'd like me to work on the chapters a tad bit more - but dish 'em out slower, let me know.
Dragon-Star155- YAY! YOU GASPED! YOU GASPED! YAY!
Pearl.H.Sweden- Thank you so much for reviewing so loyally! You're compliments really keep me going!
Steeltalon- Doesn't make much sense? What don't you get? Would you like me to clarify someing:) C'mon - I can't tell you everything yet. Would the Warriors Series have been any fun at all if in the first book they told you that Tigerclaw had killed Redtail...well...okay, they kind of did in Book 1...but would it have been any fun if they told the ALL The secrets in the first book? You know, Yellowfang's forbidden kits, Bluestar's forbidden kits, The whole Nightstar thing...the fact that Firestar is hopelessly in love with Russetfur in ShadowClan...WHAT? You didn't catch that love connection? Its called reading between the lines. lol. (I laughed at my own joke! YAY!)
Strangefur- Well...in the first series, did the Erins ever REALLY come out and tell you that Sandstorm and Firestar were mates? No, but it was strongly implied. Now, Rosethorn and Thorntail haven't MATED yet, but they are kind of in what we silly twolegs would call the boyfriend-girlfriend thing. As for apprentices not having mates - I don't think that Thorntail would really care if it was against the Warrior Code. What's more, as the Warrior Series tells us about twenty times a book...you can't stop love, yes? Oh, and by the way, thanks for the grammar tip! I never would've known that! Thanks a lot!
I wish I could answer ALL Your reviews, but Its late...and...I don't have time. But I DO thank you so much! If you have any ideas or anything - or complaints - please tell me. Oh, and everyone, PLEASE tell me if the Blackshadow thing that happens in this chapter seems like it comes to quick.
I now give you all a Rosethorn plushie -hands out-
A light drizzle of snow started to lay itself down on Rosethorn's pelt, as she padded through the forest in toe with Owlpelt. Her thoughts were cluttered. Thorntail…had he really pushed Graywhisker into the monster so he could have Shadenight? Rosethorn kept screaming to herself that Thorntail – her beloved Thorntail would never lay a claw on his own brother who he had cherished so… But then…he had seemed a little crazy, both when he attacked Runningstar and Spottedstar…
"Graywhisker couldn't have committed suicide," Owlpelt meowed firmly, and Rosethorn blinked at how sure he sounded. "I'm…almost positive," Almost? "Of course…" Owlpelt closed his eyes as he remembered – a very dangerous thing to do when you're walking. "Once you know…Graywhisker was buried…and the matter seemed to be over…we all started to try and decipher what made him do what he did."
Rosethorn tried to imagine how RiverClan had felt – let alone Thorntail. She shivered, as she thought of how she would feel if Applefur had done something similar to Graywhisker had done – and right in front of her.
Owlpelt meowed, "But…I have trouble believing that Graywhisker would kill himself, just because Shadenight had fallen for his brother instead. Graywhisker…was always very honest, and patient. He hated violence…and bad behaviors. We'd often joke that he should've been a medicine cat…"
When Puddlespots had relayed the story to her, Rosethorn had thought the same thing. He would have made a fabulous medicine cat, from the descriptions she heard about him.
"More importantly," Owlpelt went on his voice starting to crack with emotion, "Those two brothers were inseparable. They clung to each other…though who could blame them?" Owlpelt shrugged. "They were born in ShadowClan, and had been forced into becoming RiverClan cats….but they always had their own methods of protecting each other. Thorntail would defend Graywhisker from teeth and claws – Graywhisker's weakness…and Graywhisker would defend Thorntail…apparently from completely losing his mind." Rosethorn closed her eyes. Owlpelt was right. It didn't seem to make sense that Graywhisker would kill himself. This made her believe even more strongly…that something had happened on that Thunderpath.
"They were afraid of losing each other!" Owlpelt meowed. "It…just seems impossible! Inconceivable that Graywhisker would kill himself! In fact…it doesn't make any sense either way! Thorntail would have died FOR Graywhisker – he never would've killed him! And Graywhisker wouldn't turn his back on his kin, and best friend! So…so it doesn't make sense!" Rosethorn weighed the possibilities in her head. Thorntail couldn't have killed Graywhisker. And Graywhisker couldn't have killed himself – according to Owlpelt. But there was only one other cat there – Shadenight. Had Shadenight done something? But…if she had…Thorntail would've seen it. And if he had seen it – he never would've said that HE had killed Graywhisker. So what in the name of StarClan…had actually happened? If she rolled out all of the other possibilities, it only left that Graywhisker was still alive and hunting a vole somewhere in RiverClan territory. And he wasn't! So he had to be dead! But…how did it happen? She supposed only three cats in the forest would know. And the only one who would be guaranteed to tell the truth – Graywhisker – was dead.
"You're thinking about all the questions that need to be answered…" Owlpelt murmured. "Like…if Graywhisker had committed suicide…why did he do it, right? And of he had been murdered…who was the culprit- Shadenight, or Thorntail…am I correct?" Owlpelt let out a sigh, and Rosethorn flashed him a glance and noticed for the first time that he was visibly shaking. "What is the truth?" Owlpelt was looking directly at her as he spoke – as if Rosethorn knew it all and was just keeping it hidden from him.
…
Thorntail stared blankly at the island that was the RiverClan camp, as Shadenight let out a squeal of delight that she was back.
She was bunching her muscles together – getting ready to leap into the water and swim to her camp, but before she did so, she turned to Thorntail and meowed, "I really had a good time tonight," her sapphire orbs rounded, and Thorntail made it his top priority not to look into them. They were so cute…and Shadenight knew how to use them so well! "It feels good to be alive…when will we see each other again, Thorntail?"
Thorntail thought for a moment. "I don't know," he breathed. "A Gathering, probably." He built up his courage, and stared into Shadenight's eyes to make a better point. "I don't have the time or energy to come down and play kit-games with you."
Shadenight flickered her blue gaze down to her paws, and Thorntail stifled a purr. He'd won! He'd won! "Oh…" she mumbled. "Right."
Thorntail shifted uncomfortably, just wishing that Shadenight would just leap into the darn water already. It was past Sun-High – already! Rosethorn might still be waiting for him by Owl Tree like she said she would…he didn't have time to play around with Shadenight.
"You're in a hurry." Shadenight murmured softly. "Is it because SHE'S waiting for you?" Thorntail knew that the black she-cat was referring to Rosethorn. "I don't think the two of you will last long, Thorntail. Do you know why?" Shadenight didn't give him time to answer, and swept on, "It's because she doesn't like you, Thorntail. All I did was give her a look – just a tiny glance – And she let me have you without a word." Thorntail tried to hold himself back, and not swipe his claws down Shadenight's face right then and there. But he didn't. Not only was he too close to the RiverCan camp…he was pretty sure he'd…feel guilty about it sooner or later. "If it was me," Shadenight continued, "I wouldn't have done that. Regardless of what other cats thought of me, I would never let other she-cats near you. You'd be mine, Thorntail. And mine alone." She raised her gaze from her paws, going on the offensive once more. Thorntail shifted again. He was getting tired of fighting a battle with the mere glint in his eyes! "Whether cats would like me, or not," she hissed, "or if they called me names, I'd never – and I will never – leave someone I like."
Thorntail closed his eyes for a moment. Applefur had been different when she was padding after him. He had had no feelings for Applefur…and she hadn't been as cute. Shadenight…was different. But, thankfully, he was able to distance himself from her by just accepting what she reminded him of. Or by using the 'I'm a ThunderClan cat, you're a RiverClan cat, sorry, it'll end it tragedy' excuse.
"Thank you," Shadenight purred, giving him a lick on the ear. "And remember," she purred, "You're mine." She turned her back on him then, and flicked her tail seductively before she plunged into the water, and started to swim towards her camp. Thorntail flashed a glance to the sky. He was so late! He hadn't known that the walk to Hawkeye Hill to the RiverClan camp would be so long! He turned tail, and started to rush back to his territory.
…
Rosethorn sat in the shadow of the Owl Tree, her whiskers twitching. Sun-high had come and gone. She had left RiverClan territory with Owlpelt a little after moon high. Owlpelt, her companion, had long since padded off to give his message to ShadowClan – whatever that message was…
So now, Rosethorn was stuck alone under the Owl Tree. Where in the name of StarClan was Thorntail? What if the ice had broken on the river, and he had tumbled in? What if he was attacked by a bunch of angry squirrels?
Though, she truly doubted that Thorntail had died. And if he was alive...what was he doing?
As if she didn't know! With Shadenight, probably rolling around somewhere in RiverClan territory! Declaring the love for Shadenight, that would've been Rosethorn's if the beautiful she-cat hadn't come onto the scene!
"I'm such a mouse-brain…" she mumbled getting to her paws, "He won't be coming back for me. He probably forgot." She took a few pawsteps away from the tree, but she was still in the shadow when she heard her name called.
"Rosethorn,"
She pricked her ears, and looked around, hoping that she'd see Thorntail step out of the shadows. But he didn't. However, there was one cat.
The black tom, Blackshadow, his amber eyes glowing with concern.
"Where have you been?" he asked. "The Clan's worried sick! They had to postpone the apprentice ceremonies – AGAIN. Now there are about seven kits from Turtlefeather and Flowertail's litter, all let down because they should've become apprentices two days ago. Rosethorn, have you ever seen kits that have had their apprenticing postponed too long? They go crazy,"
Though Blackshadow was only kidding about the insanity, Rosethorn didn't find it humorous at all. Insanity…and Thorntail. The words clicked together too easily. Had Thorntail been insane all the time? Had he known what he was doing when – if – he killed Graywhisker?
"Where's Thorntail?" Blackshadow asked, looking around, probably expecting the smoky-gray tom to slither from the behind the Owl Tree.
Rosethorn hesitated, but finally told Blackshadow the truth. Thorntail had run off with Shadenight, and hadn't come back since.
"I'm such a mouse-brain…" she repeated. "To wait for him so long,"
"Yeah," Blackshadow mumbled trotting towards her. "You should be more demanding." He advised. "Otherwise he'll get bored. If you just listen to him blindly…that's not a mate. That's an apprentice."
Rosethorn closed her eyes. That was true. She was always following Thorntaiil's order without question.
"…Oh Blackshadow!" she sighed. "Thorntail isn't coming back, is he? He's with Shadenight!"
Blackshadow hesitated for a moment, as if not sure how to answer, "I doubt he'd be two-timing you. He's done it to other cats in the past…but I don't think he'd do it to you."
Oh, how comforting! "I guess it doesn't matter…" she murmured, "We weren't real mates. We never…you know. Mated, like you and Applefur did." She dug her claws into the earth. "I guess I was just…mouse-brained to think that any tom could ever love any cat like me!"
To her surprise, Blackshadow's crisp amber eyes widened in surprise. What was so surprising? She wasn't as pretty as Shadenight, she wasn't as strong as Applefur, she couldn't lead cats well – like her mother, and she wasn't smart like Sandpelt. What's more, she was a medicine cat! But she had never thought that she would long for love! In fact, at first she hated the thought of it…but now that she had tasted it…she longed for it!
"And it gets worse, Blackshadow!" she hissed. "I think Thorntail might be a murderer! Of his own brother!" without really thinking, all the information she had just gathered tumbled out of her mouth, and though Blackshadow looked startled, he didn't seem to be as bothered about it as Rosethorn. And why should he? Thorntail was just his friend! Rosethorn was in love with the tom!
"What do you think happened on the Thunderpath, Blackshadow?" she asked hoping that her friend would be able to figure it out better than she could.
"I don't know," he sighed. "But…Rosethorn, you're a medicine cat. I have an idea."
Rosethorn pricked her ears, curious to what Blackshadow's plan was.
"Go to Moonstone, and speak to StarClan. Graywhisker, in particular. Ask him how he died."
"Oh, Blackshadow!" she cried. "That wouldn't work!"
"Why not?"
She hesitated. "Graywhisker would have to want to speak to me!"
Blackshadow scoffed. "If I was murdered and some cat was searching out the truth, I'd be quick to tell them."
Rosethorn sighed. Blackshadow…if only she could tell him! "Blackshadow…" she sighed, "StarClan doesn't speak to me."
Blackshadow nearly leaped out of his fur, he was so surprised. "W…why not?!" he cried out, lashing his tail.
Rosethorn took in a breath. She knew why. Tom-kit, did she know! "Blackshadow…" she mumbled, "StarClan doesn't speak to me…because I'm…I'm…I'm dirty."
"Dirty?" Blackshadow echoed. Possibly not understanding the meaning of her words, he sniffed her suspiciously. "You smell fine, Rosethorn."
"No! Not that!" Rosethorn snapped, impatient. "I'm dirty in the eyes of StarClan, Blackshadow! I'm filthy! StarClan wants their medicine cats to be clean, and spotless – worthy to even bother with! But I'm not! StarClan has every right not to speak to me!" she started to shake. "They can't love anything that's filthy! StarClan hate me, Blackshadow! They do! And who can blame them?" her voice started to crack with emotion, but she swept on, "How could anyone want to speak to someone as dirty as me!? How could anyone love a cat as filthy as me?!" she closed her eyes, pained. Dirty…that was a perfect description of herself. "Of course Thorntail doesn't love me! He's clean in StarClan's eyes – so is Shadenight! They wouldn't want him to be shamed by being with me! You should have seen them, Blackshadow! Shadenight's so beautiful…and Thorntail's so strong and handsome! They look perfect for one another!"
Blackshadow didn't seem to care about her rant about Thorntail, and instead asked, "What do you mean, dirty, Rosethorn? How are you dirty? What have you done?"
"Everything!" Rosethorn snapped. "I've done terrible things, Blackshadow! How could…how could any cat love me? It doesn't have to be a mate," she added quickly, "But any cat! Blackshadow, if you knew what I've done…you wouldn't want to be my friend…neither would Applefur…"
"Rosethorn!" Blackshadow hissed, and she stared at him, "Rosethorn," he repeated, "…No matter what you've done," she shook her head – if only he knew! But he continued, "Whether it is that you've taken a mate once before…or that you committed a murder…I will always stand by you. Always." He promised. "StarClan can go and claw off their own ears for all I care – you're a good cat, Rosethorn. And I know it."
If only he knew!
"Rosethorn," Blackshadow murmured softly twitching his whiskers, "Do you like Thorntail?"
Rosethorn gazed at him, shocked. Of course she liked Thorntail! She loved him! What kind of question was that? Was he just trying to get off the testy subject that they had been discussing just heartbeats ago? Rosethorn was about to tell Blackshadow that she did love Thorntail – she was just a little mad, but when she opened her mouth no words tumbled out. Did she really like Thorntail? Yes. But…
She turned her back on Blackshadow. She didn't want to have this conversation now.
"My parents had a lot of kittens," Blackshadow meowed – what seemed to Rosethorn – randomly. "I was the oldest. I always had to bend over backwards to make my siblings happy – and give things up, too." Rosethorn flicked her tail dismissively, hoping her dark friend would leave her alone right now. She was heartbroken, and hadn't slept for a whole dawn.
"The only thing I'm certain of," Blackshadow went on, "that I wouldn't give up to any other cat…is you."
Rosethorn stumbled – which was hard to do since she hadn't been walking, and turned towards Blackshadow, her blue eyes wide with disbelief.
"Because, Rosethorn…I believed that I can make you happy the most. And now I believe that…maybe I can make you realize that you are just as clean as any newborn kit." Blackshadow's voice lowered into a faint mew, "I'm sorry…but I suppose I'm wrong, aren't I? Because happiness is already in your heart. Otherwise, you would have gone back to camp a long time ago. And I'm sure Thorntail will make you feel clean once more if you tell him about your feelings." He hesitated for a moment, possibly not sure how to go on.
Rosethorn only half-listened to Thorntail. She had never thought of Blackshadow…as…well…anything but a friend. But now…
"Tell me bravely," Blackshadow ordered, "That you like Thorntail – even after all that he's done to you."
"Speaking out won't make any difference!" the words were in the air before Rosethorn had thought about what she had been saying. But it was true! She did like Thorntail, but it was clear – Thorntail had Shadenight in his heart! Shadenight. And only Shadenight.
She started to break into a run, but Blackshadow stopped her.
"Rosethorn!" he hissed, and Rosethorn turned, and stared the black tom right in the amber eyes.
"What do you want?!" she hissed.
"I want to tell you that I won't give up!" Rosethorn stared at him blankly. "You know why I gave up the rights to my kits? It was to make YOU happy! To keep you free from shame! I've had a crush on you since…we were kits!" Blackshadow shook his head violently, and Rosethorn could only gape. Blackshadow had had…a crush on her? All this time? Why hadn't he ever done anything…?
Blackshadow went on, "But Thorntail had lower morals then I, and got to you first! If…if Thorntail has hurt you…and….you don't like him anymore- I'll try aga in! I'll win you, Rosethorn!"
She couldn't help but remind him, "You have Applefur!"
Blackshadow didn't answer that, and in fact, blatantly ignored her statement. "I'll keep trying," he repeated, "Until I'm worn out. I will chase you," he took a few paw steps towards her, "With my whole heart. I will, Rosethorn."
His amber eyes burned into hers, and Rosethorn herself was still shocked. Blackshadow had liked her…since they were kits? She hadn't ever noticed? Blackshadow was nice…and he had always been there for her in the past…but…
"I'll keep trying," he vowed, "until you allow me to make you happy. I want you to be happy! If you're happier with Thorntail…then fine! But if you're happier with me…I want you to be happy, Rosethorn!"
"Fine!" Rosethorn hissed, suddenly furious at Blackshadow for doing this to her, - making her announce her true feelings to the forest. "I like him."
"Who do you like?" Blackshadow asked.
"I like him!" Rosethorn repeated, louder.
"Who do you like?" Blackshadow asked again, and Rosethorn couldn't help but snap, "THORNTAIL!" she flashed her gaze wildly about. "I LIKE HIM! I LIKE HIM! I LIKE HIM! I LIKE HIM! No…I don't… I LOVE HIM, BLACKSHADOW! I can, can't I? I can love him! I can!" she shook her head violently. "I love him because he's so brave! I love him because he couldn't care less! I love him because he understands what I say!"
Blackshadow lowered his gaze to the ground, and Rosethorn had to ignore the guilt that jabbed at her heart. "I love him!" she repeated. "But…but for a cat like me…Loving him is like reaching out for the sun in the sky! All I can do is bask in its light - but I can never be with it…" she gulped. "And when Shadenight's there…it's like reaching out for the sun when the moon is shining! Now I can't even bask in the light...I'll never be with Thorntail! He only has two cats in his heart- Shadenight, and Graywhisker!"
Blackshadow was silent for a moment, and Rosethorn snarled at the black tom, hoping to send him running off.
"Rosethorn…" Blackshadow spoke up again, "You may be right about Thorntail. But…but…I promise you, you'll be in my heart. You will, Rosethorn."
Rosethorn shook her head. "I'm sorry, Blackshadow…" she sighed. "You're a great friend but-" he cut her off.
"I'm not Thorntail." He sighed. "You love him. Not me." He let out a purr of amusement. "Well, I had to try one last time, Rosethorn. I'll always be your friend then."
Rosethorn purred, and rushed towards the black tom. Yes, a friend. Their friendship would be a little awkward after Blackshadow had declared his love for her – something Thorntail still had yet to do – but soon it would become just like it was before. Maybe better.
She dug her muzzle into her chest, and she felt Blackshadow wrap his tail around her back. Thorntail still hadn't come back. Was he even coming back?
She didn't like that thought one bit, and rubbed her muzzle even deeper into Blackshadow's fur, and he squeezed her harder with his tail, and gaze her head a swift lick.
"Oh, Blackshadow…" she murmured. "Oh, Blackshadow…"
Rosethorn started to sob uncontrollably. So much had happened in the last moon…so much – between her and Thorntail. And now it was over, it seemed.
Or was it?
Blackshadow abruptly unwrapped his tail around her, and Rosethorn was startled when he gently pushed her away.
Had StarClan suddenly sent him a message that she was dirty – and why? Would they really do that?
No…
She looked around, and she noticed exactly why Blackshadow had been forced to leave her alone.
The sunlight was shining on Thorntail's gray pelt, as the tom's sapphire eyes dug into Blackshadow.
"Oh…" Rosethorn felt fear rise in her chest, worried how Thorntail would react seeing his best friend and mate so…close together like they had been. "Thorntail…I was upset…and he was comforting me…we weren't doing any-" he cut her off with a flick of his tail and simply went on staring at Blackshadow.
"Thorntail, you should know better than to leave Rosethorn waiting for so long." Blackshadow growled, meeting Thorntail's gaze unblinking. "She started getting the feeling that you didn't like her anymore. Treat your she-cats with more respect. I'm not over Rosethorn yet," he pointed out, as he brushed passed Thorntail. "Otherwise, you'll be the one waiting by the Owl Tree wondering if your mate still cares about you." He meowed coldly. Rosethorn took in a breath. Were the two warriors going to fight?
"I'm going to head back to camp," Blackshadow breathed. "You guys should come back soon – the apprentice ceremonies are going to happen soon, and they need Rosethorn there. Ebonykit wants to speak to her – last heartbeat, I suppose."
Rosethorn pricked her ears. Why did Ebonykit want to talk to her?
"Oh, and after the ceremonies," Blackshadow turned around, and leveled Thorntail with his amber stare, "I want to speak to you in private."
The black tom slipped off, leaving Rosethorn alone with Thorntail. He wasn't saying anything, and Rosethorn shifted uncomfortably as she noticed that he didn't seem to be able to take his eyes off of her.
"Blackshadow didn't know what he was saying!" she explained. "Really – he was just comforting me. Nothing else happened."
"I know," Thorntail sighed trotting towards her. "Blackshadow's not the type of cat to try and steal his best friend's mate – unlike some other tom we know."
Rosethorn's eyes widened in surprise, as Thorntail made a reference to himself – he stole Shadenight from his best friend and brother, Graywhisker.
"Shadenight wasn't my ex-mate," he murmured softly, "She was Graywhisker's."
Rosethorn closed her eyes. Owlpelt had told her just that. And Thorntail had stolen her from his brother…which then seemed to have driven Graywhisker to suicide.
"They were apprentices…they didn't really go all out in their being mates…" Thorntail explained. "They didn't even intertwine their tails! I guess it was what you would call…spiritual love?" he asked curiously – he didn't give Rosethorn any time to answer though, and went on. "Shadenight…I suppose felt that she was mature…and wanted a full mate. Graywhisker had more morals then I…I had – and have none. So Shadenight came to me…Graywhisker and I…we looked and sounded exactly alike – it made no difference to her." Thorntail let out a sigh. He blinked once or twice, before going on, "I have the morals of a Twoleg."
"That's not true!" Rosethorn hissed, lashing her tail. How could Thorntail think like that? "You really do like Shadenight…" it hurt her to say the words…but it was true! Thorntail clearly had affections for the ebony-colored RiverClan cat. "I mean…even though Graywhisker was your rival – Graywhisker, the cat you loved and cherished the most as your friend…" Thorntail flashed a glance down at his paws, and Rosethorn tried to ignore that, "You still…couldn't contain yourself, and snatched Shadenight…You were so considerate with Blackshadow's feelings earlier…you must've been even more considerate about Graywhisker's – he was your best friend and kin. You must've really tried hard…not to fall for Shadenight." Rosethorn tried not to let her anger show for the dark she-cat. It was Shadenight's fault in the end that Graywhisker was dead! She should've known better than to go padding after Thorntail! "Am I…am I right?" she finished, referring to her comment about how he must've tried not to fall for the RiverClan cat when Graywhisker had been alive.
Thorntail was silent for a moment, before answering, "You're a much more amazing cat than I, Rosethorn. Let's go, they're waiting for us back at camp."
Thorntail turned his back on her, and started to trot home, and Rosethorn followed him for a few pawsteps, before she remembered Blackshadow advising her to not be so condescending and let Thorntail make all the decisions. She was a mate – not an apprentice!
"Wait…" she murmured, and Thorntail stumbled to a halt, and turned around to look at her. "Can…Can we just be alone together for a little while?" she asked. "Its been a long time since we've been alone without any interruptions…so…can we just wait for a few moments?"
Thorntail let out a choking laugh, and Rosethorn flattened her ears against her head. "That's pathetic," he sighed and turned his back on her.
Rosethorn's eyes widened. Pathetic? Yes…she supposed it was a pathetic request…but did Thorntail have to point it out…why couldn't he just…?
Suddenly, she heard Thorntail let out a hysterical purr and he turned her with a playful look in his eyes. "Just kidding…" he meowed cheerfully, and then he seemed to notice that Rosethorn was hurting.
"I was kidding, Rosethorn!" he cried rushing towards her. "I didn't mean anything by it!"
Rosethorn shook her head, and as Thorntail came towards her, she dug her muzzle into his chest. Similar to what Blackshadow had done earlier, Thorntail gently rubbed her back with his tail, comforting her.
…
Rosethorn tried to ignore the angry stares her Clanmates gave her as she slipped through the Gorse Tunnel with Thorntail. She had been bad and stayed out of camp far too long – she knew.
"Thorntail!" it was Shrewtail's furious hiss that startled Rosethorn, as the small, lithe ThunderClan warrior rushed towards her mate. "I smell RiverClan on you."
Rosethorn sighed. She had been in ThunderClan territory long enough for the RiverClan scent to be covered. She was curious to why Shrewtail had noticed so quickly – they were barely two tail lengths into the camp, but she was anxious to hear how Thorntail would answer.
"Yes you do." He answered, as he started to trot over towards the Mass of ThunderClan cats were already gathered for the Clan meeting.
"Are you betraying us to RiverClan?" Shrewtail hissed, and Rosethorn rolled her eyes. Why did Shrewtail always have to be on Thorntail's case?
"Yup," Thorntail purred cheekily, and that left Shrewtail dumbfounded, and the cat had no other questions, and simply went on to sit with some of his other friends.
Thorntail muttered a good bye, and slithered away to settle himself down beside Badgerclaw and Blackshadow, leaving Rosethorn alone. But not for long. No sooner was Thorntail a fox-length away, than Ebonykit came careening towards her.
"ROSETHORN!" the kit yowled, and the medicine cat gazed at the kit, startled. Ebonykit, positive that she had her attention, instantly went on with her question – though it was almost impossible to understand she was going so fast: "Iwanttobeamedicinecatwillyoutrainme?"
Rosethorn stared blankly into Ebonykit's emerald eyes. "What'd you just say?" she asked.
Ebonykit looked dumbfounded that Rosethorn hadn't understood her, but luckily Streamstar from her position on the HighRock was quick to translate, "Rosethorn," the ThunderClan leader began flicking her silver tail dismissively, "Ebonykit wants to train as a medicine cat. She wants to know if you'll accept her as your apprentice."
"Yeah!" Ebonykit squeaked jumping up and down. "Can I be your apprentice, Rosethorn?"
Rosethorn blinked sweetly at the little black lump of fur at her paws. Ebonykit had helped her so well after the battle with well…ThunderClan and WindClan. She had healed Badgerclaw's wounds all by herself – and that was just from memorizing Rosethorn's actions. But Ebonykit was such a pretty cat…and she was so full of energy. Would she be happy with the life of a medicine cat? Would she feel the aching in her heart that Rosethorn felt, knowing that though she loved Thorntail no cat could know?
"Before I tell you my decision," Rosethorn murmured, "Tell me Ebonykit, why do you want to be a medicine cat?"
Ebonykit twitched her whiskers, and was silent for a moment, in thought. "I want to be able to save kits from being orphans – and heal their mothers when they get sick." Rosethorn felt a pang in her heart – it was because Rosethorn didn't know how to cure The Blood that Turtlefeather had died – without even seeing her kits become apprentices, let alone warriors. She was about to point out to Ebonykit that that was a fine reason, but the kitten went on, "I want to help cats – cats from all Clans, when they have problems. As a warrior, I couldn't do that, and I'd get scolded. But as a medicine cat, I'd be rewarded…well…" Ebonykit let out a purr, "It depends on what I'd do to help them I suppose…"
"You'll be a fine medicine cat…" Rosethorn purred, flicking Ebonykit's ears with her tail. "I'll be proud to call you my apprentice."
Rosethorn hadn't been aware that the whole Clan had been watching her and Ebonykit from their position under the HighRock's shadow, but apparently they had – because the moment Rosethorn accepted the kit as her apprentice, they broke out into joyous purrs.
Rosethorn purred too, and she raised her gaze to Streamstar, who was gazing at her with pride in her blue eyes – for the first time since…well…Hey! It was the first time – period, end of sentence!
"Well," Streamstar breathed, "Now that all the future mentors are actually in the camp," Streamstar's prideful gaze turned icy as she glared at her daughter, "We can commence one of the most cheerful ceremonies to perform. The last Newleaf was filled with much love – and therefore many kits, from Flowertail and Turtlefeather. Morningkit, Ebonykit, Aquakit, Beak-kit, and Onekit, have all reached their sixth moon." ThunderClan let out amused purrs at that. It was rare that so many kits were given mentors at once.
"Morningkit," Streamstar announced, glancing at a tortoise-shell kit that was sitting just beneath the HighRock, "From this day on until you receive your warrior name, you shall be known was Morningpaw." Streamstar flicked a glance over at Blackshadow. "Blackshadow," she purred, "You trained excellently under the late Grasswhisper, and she taught you well. I ask you to pass on all that you have learned from her, to Morningpaw."
Rosethorn swelled with pride, as if Morningpaw was her own apprentice. Blackshadow was a dear friend of hers- and the black cat was finally getting a cat to pass on is skills to. He trotted over to Morningpaw, and touched noses with the small she-cat.
Slightly belated, the Clan started to break out into a caterwaul of Morningpaw's new name. Rosethorn threw her voice in with the jumble as well. She hadn't really ever gotten to know the tortoise-shell kit, but Morningpaw looked like a keen apprentice.
"Beak-kit," Streamstar continued, resting her gaze on a handsome, golden tom-kit that Rosethorn guessed was Beak-kit – Shrewtail's and Flowertail's son. "From this moment on until you have received your warrior name, you shall be known as Beakpaw."
"Beakpaw! Beakpaw! Beakpaw!" ThunderClan wasted no time in chanting the young tom's name.
"Badgerclaw, you have no apprentice since Applefur became a warrior," Streamstar purred, "I trust you to train Beakpaw just as well as you mentored Applefur."
"Of course," Applefur's elder brother, Badgerclaw purred trotting over to the golden cat, and lowering his narrow head to touch noses with the apprentice.
Streamstar went on with the ceremonies, though Rosethorn more or less closed her ears to them. She was too busy thinking about her good fortune. An apprentice! She was going to be the mentor to Ebonykit. But…Rosethorn felt a shiver crawl down her spine. Could she really mentor Ebonykit? Sure she knew the herbs and remedies…fairly well, but how could she teach the dark little kitten in the ways of StarClan? StarClan didn't speak to her.
She shook her head. She would teach Ebonykit everything she knew about StarClan, and surely the kit would be able to self-teach herself about the shady parts that were alien to Rosethorn.
The ThunderClan medicine cat flicked her ears, as she saw the last apprentice named – besides Ebonykit – Onepaw, settle down with his mentor, Shrewtail.
That left one dark little kitten left, Ebonykit.
"Ebonykit," Streamstar purred resting her pool-blue gaze on the black kit – and Rosethorn's heart flew high into the sky, and buzzed around like a bee with excitement and anxiety – all rolled into one, "From this moment on until you receive your warrior name you will be known as Ebonypaw."
"Ebonypaw! Ebonypaw!" Rosethorn flicked her ears as she noticed that Ebonypaw's sister, Aquapaw – who was being mentored by Icepelt, was leading the Clan in the chant of the future-medicine cat's name.
"Rosethorn," Streamstar meowed, and Rosethorn felt a shiver as her mother gazed at her once more, "You have had a tough apprenticeship – and yet you have pulled through it all to become a great medicine cat. I pray that StarClan grants Ebonypaw all your strength and wisdom that you have gained,"
Rosethorn dipped her head, accepting Streamstar's kind praise.
"I'll teach her everything," Rosethorn promised, hoping her voice sounded convincing. She turned to Ebonypaw, and touched the young apprentice's muzzle with hers.
Pride surged through her for the first time that morning as she stared into Ebonypaw's crisp emerald eyes. Ebonypaw was her apprentice! Hers!
…
"Okay, Ebonypaw," Rosethorn meowed, as she started to lead her apprentice into the Nursery, "Do you have the barewing?"
Of course Ebonypaw did – it was hanging out of her mouth clear as day – but Rosethorn wanted to burn what the herb was into her apprentice's head.
Ebonypaw, unable to speak because her mouth was filled with the brown herb, simply nodded.
"Alright," Rosethorn purred, "Go give that to Spottedst-" she stopped herself mid-name, almost calling the pesky pregnant she-cat by her leader-name. Spottedstar wasn't truly a leader of anything, and therefore didn't deserve the title of 'star'. "Go give that to Spottedlight." Ebonypaw turned around to hurry off, and Rosethorn stopped her with a soft hiss. "Ebonypaw, drop the barewing before you go. Can you tell me what it will do?"
Ebonypaw eyes rounded with joy as she realized that she could answer her mentor's question. "I know! I know!" Rosethorn pricked her ears. She hadn't told Ebonypaw what barewing did yet. How could the apprentice already know? "I remember you giving it to Sandpelt when I was still in the nursery!"
Rosethorn's eyes widened. Ebonypaw could remember something like that? "Do you remember what it does, though?" she asked again, and the young cat nodded vigorously. "Yup!" she purred. "It will make the birth go a lot quicker and smoother when the time comes. The kittens will just pop right out – like daisies!"
Rosethorn sighed. That wasn't it exactly… "Well…uh…close enough," she sighed. "I'll tell you what it really does when you come back, Ebonypaw. I have to go check on Applefur. Now, I'm trusting you with this," she eyed Ebonypaw, "All you have to do is feed her, mmkay? Oh, and make sure you tell her guard what you're doing."
"I will," Ebonypaw purred, scooping up the herbs once more and scurrying over to Spottedlight's den.
Rosethorn let out a sigh, and slipped into the Nursery – the brambles tugging at her pelt like tiny fangs. Spottedstar was now the only traitor left in the Clan. The rest, while Rosethorn had been hanging around by the Owl Tree, had been either killed and buried, or driven off. She was slightly thankful that she hadn't been around – she was fine with seeing bleeding, but she despised seeing what caused the bleeding.
"Hello, Rosethorn." Applefur greeted her with a cheerful mew, and Rosethorn gave her friend a curt nod, and quickly eyed Applefur's stomach. It was already round with the kits.
"Hey, Applefur." Rosethorn stared blankly at Applefur, suddenly remembering how Blackshadow had seemed so willing to leave Applefur for…her. Did Applefur know about Blackshadow's feelings? Should she tell her?
She decided not to. Why worry her friend? Besides, she'd probably only get mad anyways. She sniffed the air curiously – checking to make sure there was no hint of sickness in the den – and found none. Instead she found the fresh scent of fresh-kill. Squirrel…robin…mouse…
"Great StarClan!" Rosethorn gasped, staring at the ginger queen, shocked. "How much did you eat?"
"Rosethorn," Applefur sighed, rolling her eyes, and taking a bite out of a mouse that Rosethorn hadn't noticed, "I'm eating for a bunch of kits now, as well as myself!"
"You keep feeding them like that and they'll never leave." Rosethorn pointed out, "It's leaf-bare, Applefur! We don't have much prey to spare!"
"Does the Clan want my kits to become warriors, or not?" Applefur asked bluntly, and Rosethorn stumbled back, surprised. "Of course we do, Applefur!"
"Well," Applefur shrugged, "ThunderClan better keep me happy and fed until I give birth, huh? Otherwise I'll run off and join ShadowClan – maybe they'll feed me."
Rosethorn let out a sigh. Sometimes, Applefur was impossible.
"Blackshadow told me about Shadenight," Applefur sighed, and Rosethorn mumbled something – she wasn't sure herself what she said. Probably something indecent. "So…Shadenight was a mate from when he was in RiverClan that he broke up with?"
"That's what Thorntail said," Rosethorn mumbled, settling herself down beside Applefur – she didn't tell Ebonypaw, but she had really come into the Nursery to chat with Applefur, not check to see if she was healthy or not.
"What do you mean, 'That's what he said?'" Applefur snapped, her blue gaze burning into Rosethorn's. "You have to be sure of it, Rosethorn! Don't give them any chance! Any chance!" Applefur paused for a moment, as if in thought. "Do you know where Thorntail is, right now, Rosethorn?"
Rosethorn shrugged her shoulders. "No…I assume he's out patrolling or something…"
At this, Applefur gave her a fake cuff on the ear. "Or, he might be running over to RiverClan to be with Shadenight! You're giving them a chance – because you don't know exactly what Thorntail is doing! You have to keep Thorntail's eyes on you! This is your responsibility as a mate! You understand?" Rosethorn was suddenly very grateful that she hadn't told Applefur about the crush Blackshadow had on her.
"If you really like Thorntail," Applefur went on, "Don't ever let him go."
Rosethorn was silent for a moment, unsure how to get Applefur to understand her reasoning. "Does it have to be that way?" she asked.
"What are you saying?" Applefur hissed.
"I'm saying that…" Rosethorn closed her eyes. The words she was about to say would hurt her – and she knew it. "If Thorntail really wants to leave even though I beg…and sob… or ask him to stay… it won't work." Rosethorn blinked open her eyes. "Why should I worry so much? There's nothing I can really do about it."
Rosethorn's words seem to hang in the air for a few moments, before they faded away into both of the cats' memory. Applefur gave Rosethorn a furious look, and opened her mouth to say something, but suddenly she closed her mouth – and her eyes widened. Without saying a word, she leapt to her paws, and stormed out of the nursery.
"Applefur?" Rosethorn asked. She leapt to her paws. "Applefur, where are you going?" Curious to what was worrying her, Rosethorn slipped out of the nursery, following her friend.
As soon as she was in the clearing of the ThunderClan camp, she noticed what was worrying Applefur.
Standing right outside the Gorse Tunnel, was Shadenight. She was standing beside a couple of ThunderClan warriors, and Rosethorn, curious, rushed over beside Applefur to see what was going on.
"Guess what Onepaw and I found?" Shrewtail asked her as she approached. Rosethorn flashed a look at Shadenight, and Shrewtail nodded. "Yup, a trespasser."
"I am not!" Shadenight hissed, and Shrewtail beside her rolled his eyes. "Then what were you doing?"
"Yes?" Rosethorn's ears pricked as she recognized Streamstar's voice, and the ThunderClan leader padded from what seemed like nowhere, until she stood before Shadenight. "What are you doing in our territory, Shadenight?" the leader asked.
"Making it your second home?" Applefur sneered.
Shadenight hesitated for a moment. "Something like that." She stepped towards Streamstar, and dipped her head in respect. "I'd like to ask if I may join ThunderClan."
I hope you liked. If you review THIS chapter, you can all get a Shadenight plushie. What, you don't want one? But you could give it to your dog to rip to pieces! Oh, and if you review in the next 2 minutes, I'll also throw in a Runningstar plushie and a Spottedstar plushie! You're dog needs chew toys. Remember that.