AU. First off, I apologize deeply for all, but forgetting this story. This past year hasn't been kind to me or my family and I've had other things occupying my thoughts. Hopefully I'll be able to start updating more frequently and soon I'll be able to complete this story. It has always been one of my favorites and I'm hoping that you have all enjoyed it as well. Here is a long, exciting chapter for you all, apologizing for my absence. There will be a battle, a confession of love, and a major character death. I feel like this chapter may give me love as well as some hate.
Previously in JayClan's Story…
"Birdheart did become pregnant with Darkshadow's kits and told him that last night we stayed with SkyClan. She asked him too stay with her and their kits, but he couldn't. He had to come back to JayClan… to his family… to Lakesky."
"Woodstar wasn't my father! Gingereye fell in love with Talonclaw and together they produced me!"
"Thunderpaw joined StarClan, Airstorm. He drowned despite the help of you, Violet, and Perry."
"Perry from this moment on you will be known as Beechstripe. StarClan honors you for your bravery and we welcome you as a full warrior of JayClan." Volestar then turned to Violet and mewed, "Violet from this moment on you will be known as Duskflower. StarClan honors you for your bravery and we welcome you as a full warrior of JayClan."
"I'm pregnant!"
Thunderpaw's death and the naming of Beechstripe and Duskflower ended the dangerous leafbare days and soon two moons had drifted by and JayClan was in the midst of a very warm newleaf. Flamepaw, Dawnpaw, and Featherpaw were maturing into three fine cats and Duskflower had recently moved into the nursery, Airstorm joining her whenever he wasn't busy with patrols or training Dawnpaw. Waterdrop was jealous that Airstorm's love for Duskflower wasn't a secret any longer, but her green emotions didn't stop her from being happy for her brother and his former kittypet mate. At least the nursery was going to be empty for Duskflower and her unborn kits because that evening Orangepelt's kits, Cavekit and Dustkit, were earning their apprentice names and joining Flamepaw, Dawnpaw, and Featherpaw in the den reserved for the young cats.
Waterdrop had been asked by Volestar to mentor Cavekit and she had accepted the position with a respectful dip of her head. After gossiping with Maroonfeather, Waterdrop learned that Gingereye would be taking Dustkit as an apprentice and the silver she-cat was pleased with Volestar's decision. Gingereye had been grieving deeply the past few moons, still mourning Woodstar, Thunderpaw, and Sleetkit. Waterdrop understood her mother's grief completely and there were nights when she would be coming back from spending time with Cody or out late hunting that she would silently grieve for her father and two brothers. There were also nights when Waterdrop would stare into the night sky and wonder if Cloudleaf was looking at the stars too. The silver she-cat had fleeting thoughts when she considered visiting Cloudleaf, Ratpelt, and her other friends in SkyClan, but she knew she had too many responsibilities in JayClan: Cody, her kin, the prophecy, and now Cavekit.
"Let all cats come underneath HighTree for a Clan meeting," Waterdrop was among the first to answer Volestar's call and she sat in between Gingereye and Maroonfeather, Sunfoot joining them after a moment. Darkshadow padded away from the warriors' den where he had been talking to Reedtail and sat down beside Beechfeather and they were joined by Songbird a few moments later. Flamepaw led Dawnpaw and Featherpaw out of the apprentices' den and Flamepaw and Dawnpaw joined Darkshadow while Featherpaw padded dutifully towards Talonclaw who was sitting below HighTree, Lakesky beside him. Lakesky bent down and gave her daughter a gentle lick in between her ears. Airstorm pushed out of the nursery, followed closely by Duskflower, and the two of them hovered outside the entrance as Orangepelt exited, leading Cavekit and Dustkit out into the center of the camp. Dustkit bounded around excitedly while Cavekit ducked his head shyly as the entire Clan stared at him.
"Today," Volestar began the ancient ceremony and all the cats turned their attention away from the two young kits and focused on their leader, "We celebrate JayClan's strength by naming two new apprentices. Cavekit, Dustkit, please step forward." Orangepelt pushed Cavekit forward while Dustkit padded bravely towards his leader who stared down at him with watchful eyes. "Cavekit, Dustkit, until you have earned your warrior names, you will be known as Cavepaw and Dustpaw." Volestar paused and his gaze locked with Waterdrop who got to her paws, awaiting her leader's words. "Waterdrop, you are ready for your first apprentice. I trust you to teach Cavepaw everything you learned from Orangepelt and everything you learned from your own experiences."
As Waterdrop padded forward to touch noses with the newly named Cavepaw, her mind drifted back towards the experiences that Volestar had just mentioned: the journey to SkyClan, the multiple fights with the rogues, the loss of a good percentage of her family (Cloudleaf, Sleetkit, Woodstar, and Thunderpaw). All these experiences had helped shape Waterdrop into the warrior she was today, the strong, independent warrior who led Cavepaw away so Volestar could announce Dustpaw's mentor.
"Gingereye, you have not had an apprentice in some time, but you always helped educate and care for the young members of JayClan. I believe it is time you are once more named a mentor. That is why I ask you to train Dustpaw and teach him the ways of the warrior code," Waterdrop nodded at Volestar's words and watched as Gingereye padded towards Dustpaw and touched her nose to his before taking him to stand beside Waterdrop and Cavepaw. When they were situated, Volestar began the chant of names, "Cavepaw! Waterdrop! Dustpaw! Gingereye!"
The rest of the Clan chanted beside their leader and Waterdrop glanced at Beechfeather who exchanged a glance with Duskflower. This was the first time that the two former kittypets were seeing a Clan tradition and after a moment's pause, the two began chanting just as fiercely as Darkshadow and Airstorm who sat beside them. After the chanting died down, Dawnpaw approached Cavepaw and Dustpaw and offered to help them find a place in the apprentice den. Both cats agreed and hurried after Dawnpaw, Flamepaw and Featherpaw exchanging a glance before padding after them. Flamepaw showed barely any interest in the ceremony of his brothers and he looked relieved when Lakesky called for him and Beechfeather to join her on a hunting patrol. The three cats left the camp together.
Waterdrop was about to pad towards the warriors' den when she heard Volestar call her name. Waterdrop patiently waited for Volestar to approach her and the tom curled his tail around his paws as he spoke, "Sunfoot is leading the evening patrol and I was wondering if you would join him and Reedtail. It would give Cavepaw a chance to get acquainted with the boundaries."
"Alright, Volestar," Waterdrop dipped her head to her leader before turning around and heading towards the apprentices' den where the apprentices were back outside. Featherpaw headed towards Talonclaw's den and Waterdrop flicked her niece on her flank as they passed one another. Outside the apprentices' den, Dawnpaw was showing Dustpaw some hunting crouches while Cavepaw looked on with interest. When he saw his mentor approaching, Cavepaw instantly got to his paws and approached Waterdrop halfway. The silver she-cat was surprised at the way her apprentice was staring at her and she silently realized it would take time for her to get used to the feeling of being a mentor. "Cavepaw are you up for a tour of the territory?"
"Oh yes please," Cavepaw's violet eyes shown with excitement and Waterdrop wondered if this is what a younger Maroonfeather had looked like. Waterdrop gestured for Cavepaw to follow her and the two bid farewell to Dawnpaw and Dustpaw who had moved on to fighting stances. Sunfoot and Reedtail were pacing by the entrance of the camp and when Waterdrop and Cavepaw approached them, they all exchanged a quick nod before taking off.
"No sign of the rogues," Reedtail growled to Waterdrop as the two led the way back to JayClan's camp. Sunfoot was just a little bit behind, showing Cavepaw how to mark the borders of JayClan's territory. Waterdrop had offered to show Cavepaw herself, but Sunfoot insisted and the silver she-cat wondered if the senior warrior missed having an apprentice. After all, his last apprentice had been Lakesky and that had been moons ago. "I think we may have finally scared them off."
"I don't know," Waterdrop meowed, trying to politely disagree with the aggressive black tom, "With Toby as their leader, I don't think the rogues will ever stop." Those words sent Waterdrop's mind reeling. What if Toby wasn't leader anymore? What if another cat was? What if it was Cody? Waterdrop couldn't bare the thought of Cody becoming leader of JayClan's enemies. Should another battle occur would Waterdrop be able to attack Cody? Would she be able to attack Cody's friends and family? Waterdrop didn't know and she prayed to StarClan that she would never have to find out, but there are things that not even StarClan can guarantee.
After a couple more minutes of walking, the four cats finally reached the treebridge. Reedtail jumped across first before stopping at the middle of the tree when Sunfoot called out to him, telling him to do it slowly so that Cavepaw got a feel for it. Reedtail waited for Cavepaw to join him on the fallen tree and when he did, the two cats padded across it together before disappearing on the other side. Sunfoot waited for Waterdrop to jump and blinked in surprise when she stayed standing. He flicked his tail against her shoulder and prompted, "Waterdrop?"
"Hmm?" Waterdrop blinked with surprise and realized that Sunfoot had been waiting for her. She glanced at the treebridge and realized that she didn't want to head back to camp yet. She felt the strong desire to run and, after her thoughts about the rogues, she felt an even strong desire to run in Cody's direction. Waterdrop glanced at Sunfoot and meowed, "You know, I think I'm going to see if I can find Lakesky's hunting party. I'm too awake. I need to do something before I head back to camp."
"Alright," Sunfoot mewed, not noticing that Waterdrop was lying through her teeth. He flicked the silver she-cat on the shoulder and added, his tone gentle, "Come back early though. JayClan is short on warriors as it is. We don't need you to be exhausted should the rogues decide to attack us again."
"I'll only be gone for a little bit," Waterdrop promised and Sunfoot gave a satisfied nod before jumping up onto the treebridge and continuing over to the other side. Once she was sure she was alone, Waterdrop sprinted towards the rogue territory, but she had barely reached ThunderClan's territory before she recognized two familiar scents: Toby and Squirrel. Without even thinking, Waterdrop climbed up a nearby tree and hid in the darkness, hoping that the two dangerous rogues wouldn't spot her.
"I don't know, Squirrel," Toby was meowing and Waterdrop realized that the rogue's voice was actually soft and unsure. What had they been discussing that forced the leader of the rogues to sound so confused? Waterdrop's heart plummeted as she realized that it might have to do with Cody. She didn't want to entertain that thought for too long, but within a heartbeat later, her suspicions were confirmed. "Cody is my son."
"He is my son too," Squirrel snapped and Waterdrop watched with amazement as Toby flinched at Squirrel's tone. He feared her. The cruel leader of the rogues feared his own mate. "Toby, I let you have your way when you wanted to give Maroonfeather up to JayClan so that you wouldn't have to kill him, but now its my turn to call the shots and I declare that Cody is ready to challenge you for leadership of the rogues." Waterdrop's heart beat furiously in her chest.
"I don't think he is," Toby began, but he was silenced by Squirrel.
"Don't challenge me! Don't ever challenge me!" Waterdrop watched with amazement as Toby dipped his head to his mate and meowed in a defeated voice, "As you wish."
And with that, Toby and Squirrel stalked away and Waterdrop jumped from the tree, racing towards JayClan's territory as fast as her paws could carry her. She had to help Cody, but even a proud cat like Waterdrop knew she couldn't do it alone.
About an hour later, Waterdrop led a group of cats deep into the rogue territory. She had journeyed home and explained everything to Volestar and Lakesky, confessing her love for Cody. Volestar had been furious, but Lakesky had been calm enough to listen to Waterdrop's explanation and she had had a kind enough heart to take her leader to the side and try to convince him to send some warriors to aid young Cody. He hadn't been swayed. It wasn't until Darkshadow, who had been listening to the discussion with Airstorm, had spoken up. He had talked to Volestar and convinced the aggressive leader that saving Cody meant attacking the rogues and now was the time to strike. JayClan was at the peak of her strength and now they could have the opportunity to defeat the rogues once and for all. This logic allowed Volestar to let several strong warriors accompany Waterdrop into rogue territory.
Waterdrop glanced at Lakesky who padded beside her, Flamepaw following his mentor loyally. Flamepaw and Dawnpaw were the only two apprentices going to the rogue camp. The gray she-cat was farther behind, padding in between Darkshadow and Airstorm who had both offered to accompany Waterdrop to save her mate. Maroonfeather and Gingereye were farther behind them, bringing up the rear as the trees closed behind them, announcing that they were deep into rogue territory.
Waterdrop paused after walking for a couple of minutes and she turned to face Lakesky, "Their camp is just up ahead."
Lakesky turned to face all the other warriors, her position as deputy making her leader of the attack even though Waterdrop knew much more than she did, "Okay, we're going to split up into two attack parties. Gingereye, Waterdrop, Flamepaw, and myself will enter first. Darkshadow, will you lead Maroonfeather, Airstorm, and Dawnpaw when you hear my call?"
Darkshadow dipped his head to his deputy and his mate, "Of course."
"Okay," Lakesky took a deep breath, "Let's go."
Waterdrop followed Lakesky, Flamepaw padding beside her while Gingereye brought up the rear. They padded for a couple moments before they reached the entrance of the camp and Lakesky flicked her tail, silently telling all of them to wait a moment. There was talking nearby as well as the scent of many cats. Waterdrop recognized Cody, Toby, and Squirrel's amongst them.
"I don't want to fight you, Father." Cody.
"You don't have a choice." Toby.
"Come on, Cody! Kill him!" Waterdrop didn't recognize the voice, but assumed it was one of Cody's aggressive littermates. Either Titan or Kendra. Waterdrop didn't know.
"I can't!"
"It's your destiny!" Squirrel.
"No!"
There was snarl and Waterdrop yowled, "Now!"
The four JayClan cats raced into the camp and all around them came snarls of surprise from the rogues before the battle began. Waterdrop distantly heard Darkshadow and the others enter behind them, but she was too focused on Cody who had sprung onto one of the other rogues, clawing at them. The cat howled and knocked Cody away, but he couldn't escape because within a second, Waterdrop had taken Cody's place. The two of them fought before Waterdrop gave the cat a painful bite and he scurried away. This left Waterdrop and Cody to spend a second together.
"Waterdrop!" Cody was amazed, "What- how…?"
"It's not important," Waterdrop meowed, brushing her muzzle against Cody's, "What's important is surviving tonight."
Cody nodded before throwing himself into the battle. Waterdrop was tempted to help him, but knew that her mate could take care of himself so she instead leapt onto the back of another rogue. The two clawed at each other for a moment before Waterdrop felt their positions shift and she felt herself be pinned underneath the strong rogue. The tom looked ready to give her a killing bite before suddenly his weight was gone. Waterdrop scrambled to her paws and watched as Maroonfeather battled the rogue.
The rogue paused for a moment in their fight and gazed at Maroonfeather with bewilderment, "I know you! You are Toby and Squirrel's son who disappeared seasons ago! You're one of us!"
Maroonfeather brought his claws against the rogue's face and the tom howled in pain, "You're wrong! I am a warrior of JayClan!" And with that, Maroonfeather chased the rogue out of the camp.
Waterdrop was about to throw herself back into the battle, but Dawnpaw suddenly hurried to her side. Waterdrop realized with a sense of dread that Dawnpaw was hurt badly. Dawnpaw was too young to join StarClan tonight. The silver she-cat let her niece lean on her shoulder, "Hold on, Dawnpaw! I'm getting you out of here!"
"No!" Dawnpaw coughed, blood dripping out of her jaws, "Waterdrop, you have to help Darkshadow!"
"What?" Waterdrop's heart felt icy and a fear caused her fur to bristle, "Where is Darkshadow?"
"Up there," Dawnpaw nodded weakly towards a crumbling twoleg house and Waterdrop realized with a sense of dread that Darkshadow and Toby were fighting on the roof of the strange dwelling. "Darkshadow… he chased Toby up there… he said he would pay for what he did to Woodstar. Waterdrop, you have to help him!"
"I will," Waterdrop promised, "Now Dawnpaw, I want you to find Flamepaw and get out of here!" This was no place for apprentice and Waterdrop regretted bringing Dawnpaw and Flamepaw to this battle… to fight for her mate.
When Waterdrop watched Dawnpaw race away, she hurried towards the twoleg dwelling, but had barely taken two steps when a sickening crack made her heart sink.
The twoleg dwelling roof had collapsed and the entire place came crashing down.
Cats broke apart from one another, watching as dust swirled around them.
Dawnpaw and Flamepaw were crouched nearby, Dawnpaw rigid with shock while Flamepaw attempted to get her to move.
Maroonfeather supported a bleeding Airstorm while Gingereye slid to the ground, her eyes staring straight ahead, not blinking.
Lakesky gave a yowl of pure grief and surged forward, but Waterdrop stopped her. It was too late.
The twoleg dwelling had collapsed.
It had collapsed on top of Darkshadow and Toby. No cat could have survived that.
Alright, I'm evil. I accept that.