sorry for the longish update guys! I just couldn't concentrate yesterday for some odd reason...anywhoo, here it is guys! Ze neeww chappie! And I think a few of you shall be quite surprised by the ending! AND OMG 101 REVIEWS GUYS! THANK YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH TO ALL OF MY REVIEWERS! EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU IS BEAUTIFUL AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT! Review answers!
Ashheart15: my dear reader, what suspense do you speak of? *evil smile* You haven't even learned the meaning of suspense until I throw you one of my cliffies...hehehe...I can be truly evil
Hawkpaw44: *angel choir singing* you, my beloved reader, are a god/goddess. I adore, love, worship, your amazing, long reviews! They are so fun to read! Anywhoo, here is your response! *blushes* thank you so much for continuing with your frustration just for me...aw shucks, it really gives me just a warm fuzzy feeling, ya' know? I am a like, paranoid freak...I flip out if my friends some up behind me in broad daylight...I really need a whistle or something xD Anyway continuing...would I be that cruel? Do you know that for sure? Hmm...an interesting idea indeed...*evil smile* Who doesn't love Liony? I just positively adore him! *squishes Lion's face* he's amazing! Ginger is indeed just the sweetest thang you've ever read, isn't he? Funny, all my readers seem to absolutely adore Rose! I do too, but I just find that so comical! I had no idea her coldness was so endearing to my readers xD So, you had the Fire thing too? I loved Rusty, liked Firepaw, loved Fireheart again, and now I'm just kinda like ehh with Firestar. Graystripe is my ultimate fave though...he's just so darn flawed, it's adorable. Him and Jay both :) You rock, Hawk!
Darkfang of DeathClan: *gasp!* you weren't the first! How strange! You're losing your touch my friend xD awwz, don't you just love non-creepy signs from the great beyond that somehow always tie back to our dead...loved ones? they just give you that warm fuzzy feeling, don't they? xD and ohmygosh! I hope you're okay! Getting hit in the head by a metal rod is no bueno my friend! DON'T DIE!
The Flower Bookworm: you're a great literal thinker, ya' know that? Honestly, it was really foggy and cold that morning, but I was in such a fab mood that everything seemed to glow to me...makes me wonder if my parents are secretly slipping me drugs while I sleep...hmmm. Anywhoo, keep up those reviews! LUV YA!
DuskFlame: okay, I think GingerxRose is just everyone's fave pairing xD gave me an amazing idea for the ending...i am so freaking evil, you're just not even going to believe it...my evilness reaches new heights in this story, lemme tell ya! and honey, you make my day with every review of yours, always remember that! GO SALAD!
Nonameknight: dude, you and LOL have serious problems! xD *blushes* aw shucks, thanks for the compliment :) I read that the other morning, and it just kept repeating in my head. So, one of my friends called me stupid cause I tripped over a flat surface (it takes skill!) and I promptly whipped my head up, tossed my hair out of my face, and said, "I am a genius because I am a monkey," and walked away, leaving a very confused friend behind. Later, when she asked me about it, I burst out laughing and walked away again. To this day, (which is only like a day later) she still has no idea what the heck I meant...frankly, neither do I xD so that story was pointless!
Random: you my friend have WAY too much time on your hands! xD I mean, who has the time to leave me like six reviews? Then again, I have the time to write this junk, so we are kinda equal on that point ;) anywhoo, thank you for getting me to 100 reviews! Most greatly appreciated! However, next time, I must ask that you do it under one username xD makes it a whole lot easier for me to understand ya!
sierra-nevada12: you know me to well ;D indeed, I do not believe in reincarnation. I am, in fact, a die-hard Catholic. I have gone to Catholic school my whole life, and have just begun my first year ever in public school, which is my freshman year in high school :) Soo, I finally have a Ginger hater! I was wondering when one of you would pop up :) keep reviewing my friend, keep reviewing!
The Bearer of Secrets: please, refrain from throwing your computer, that stuff is very expensive (well, mine isn't anymore, but ya' know) So, I'm wondering if your a Feather hater or not...? just wonderin xD
CrimsonEyedWolf112: your backkk! I was wondering when you were gonna read the sequel! missed your reviews my friend, missed 'em! well, wonder no longer, for I shall prove you wrong! You're going to be pulling the hair outta your head at some of the cliffies I pull in this one *evil laugh* xD
WarriorCatsForever: new reviewer! *hands cookie and Rosepaw plushie* Why thank you ever so much for your kind lies...oops, I mean compliments! ;D As you well know by now, making my readers cry because of my stories make my life just great! I love knowing my readers actually felt something while reading this, so your review honestly touched me, it just made me so happy!
WarriorCat99: isn't he? xD just another reason to love him!
Snowflower3618: LOVE YOU SNOW! Your amazingly random reviews just crack me up! I see you too are a lover of the words LOL and ROFL! Snowpaw shall make her grand debut in a couple of chappies, when the Gathering comes. I still gotta half-moon to write about, and much can happen during that time! xD
Tatyana: glad to hear from you again! I was wondering when you were comin' back xD anywhoo...i have absolutely no comment on your barbie addiction...I myself outgrew those a few years ago, even though I still have to watch them with my little cousins (believe me, I have a BIG family) xD
gusgus0222: isn't it? xD especially math xD I just zone out the second he's starts talking about numbers...*sigh* I do NOT like that subject tehe :)
Whiteblaze of FrostClan: so, I'm not sure if your another one of my reviewers, Random, or not, and if you are, then I already responded. If not, then hello! I am just a bit confused right now xD You are most certainly welcome!
TearStainedAngel: aww, I hope you feel better! I have those days too, where I just don't like myself, life, and all I wanna do is curl up and sleep the whole day. My friends help a lot, they always, always manage to bring a smile to my face. So does my dog, just seeing her makes me happy. And, of course, writing is great too :) So, go out, take a deep breath of fresh air, and just live...because life is beautiful and too short to waste! so, I'm a little confused and a tad bit curious...are you a dude or not? and your british? us americans loveeee british people xD especially their accents xD
Blue Watcher of Stars: aw, I hope you solve the thing with your friends! I personally hate confrontation! I can scream and yell at my bros all I wanna, but with my friends, I just...can't. But I haven't had a major problem yet, so hopefully it can be avoided :) LOVE YOU!
Squirrely-Butt: why does your name sound familiar? You reviewed my last story, didn't you? I could swear you did. As soon as I post this, I am going to check! anywhoo, thank you for your review! luv ya!
Anonymous: hello stranger! Thank you for reviewing! tehe, isn't GingerxRose just the cutest thing ever? When I started to write it, I was like "aawwinnggggg" my head off and my family were all looking at me like I'd officially gone crazy (I seriously think I'm only half-sane xD) keep readingg!
CONTINUING!
Chapter 5
Rosepaw
Rosepaw had just slid into camp when a bundle of warm, sweet-scented fur slammed into her.
"What'd he say? Great StarClan, Rosepaw, tell me everything he said !" Lilypaw hissed in her ear, nearly knocking Rosepaw off her paws.
"Get off me!" she grunted, shoving her friend off. Sitting down with an indignant huff, she began to smooth her ruffle fur down while Lilypaw continued to chatter.
"I saw you two leave camp, and I was like 'No way" and then you guys came back like an hour later and you look all soft and Gingerpaw looks all lovesick and moony, and I was just freaking out!" Lilypaw meowed, nearly faster than Rosepaw could follow.
A cool wind blew into the hollow as she stretched her senses out, searching for Gingerpaw and Thornpaw. Her brother was eating with Stormpaw, and Gingerpaw was…chatting with Featherpaw. Trying not to be hurt, Rosepaw turned her head quickly away, switching her attention to Lilypaw.
"Nothing happened. We talked, he admitted he liked me, swore he would get me to love him, and that was the end," Rosepaw muttered, ears flat. Lilypaw stopped in her tracks.
"What did you say?" she whispered, voice hushed and awed. Rosepaw had to keep back a snort of laughter at her friend's tone.
"I told him I don't believe in love."
"Rosepaw!" her friend groaned, flicking Rosepaw with her tail. She heard her give a dramatic sigh and felt her bottom thump on the ground as she sat.
"You are so mouse-brained sometimes, you know that?" Lilypaw meowed, voice accusing and disbelieving. Rosepaw felt herself bristle.
"Why am I mouse-brained? Because I don't like Gingerpaw?" she growled, ears flatter still. Lilypaw just sighed again.
"No. Because you like Gingerpaw and you can't even admit it, not even to yourself," Lilypaw murmured before standing again. Her fur rustled as she began to pad away, tail drooping now.
"Just think about, okay?" were her parting words as she left, leaving Rosepaw to ponder her words.
Giving a frustrated growl, Rosepaw stood and stalked to her den, more than ready for sleep.
Featherpaw
"No, Featherpaw, you don't understand. You must roll into them, not leap," Ravenwing meowed, voice still patient. Featherpaw shook her pelt, trying to get the sand out of it.
It was sun high, and she and her mentor had been at it since dawn. Already, Featherpaw hated the clans. They were just so stupid. They thought they were all noble and great when really they were a bunch of wimps who listened to some crazy dead cats. She hated it here, so much that she was ready to just go home. But she couldn't do that. Not if she wanted Leaf to live.
"All right, could you show it to me again?" she sighed, sitting down with an exhausted sigh. Ravenwing nodded, eyes narrowing. They locked onto a distant point and Ravenwing jumped, rolled and leaped to her feet perfectly, fur not even rumpled. Featherpaw shook her head, irritated. Back home, she was a perfect weapon, silent and lethal. But they used different moves. Here, there were no dirty tricks, nothing they hid. It was all open and honorable. Featherpaw's eyes narrowed into determination. The clans haven't seen the likes of me, she purred in her mind, crouching low, ready to try again.
This time, she perfected it, landing solidly on her feet again in record time. She couldn't stop the rush of satisfaction that rushed through her, giving her a heady warmth. Ravenwing gave a short purr, eyes glowing.
"Very good. That's enough for today. Hunt on the way back, and check on the elders. I want to make sure they don't suffer from the cold. I have assigned you dawn patrol, so get some sleep," her mentor ordered before slipping away, pelt nothing but a shadow in the light forest.
Heaving herself out of the hollow, Featherpaw began to make her way back to camp, dusty and sore. She was in too much pain and in too bad a mood to look around an absorb the beauty of the day.
The leaf-fall air was clean and crisp, biting through her fur as the leaves danced in the wing. The trees seemed to sing with a life of their own, and their leaves were differing shades of red, orange, and yellow. Birds sang their songs and life was everywhere, rejoicing in the day. Even the sun seemed to give a little smile at the beautiful world is shone down upon.
By the time she limped into camp, she had two mice clamped in her jaws. As she dropped them in the pile, a cheerful voice stopped her short.
"Hi! Nice catch," Thornpaw meowed, dropping his own catch of two voles, a sparrow, and a mouse. His sister was, as always, right behind him, with three voles, two sparrows, a starling, and two mice in her jaws. As much as Featherpaw disliked her, she had to admit, the she-cat could hunt.
"Uh, thanks," she muttered, ears flat. She still wasn't used to Thornpaw's strange friendliness and Rosepaw's strange coldness. Thornpaw seemed to try to make up for his sister's unfriendliness by being cheerful all day and never complaining. Featherpaw just didn't understand.
"What are you doing right now?" he asked his sister, who had dropped her catch as well. She looked at her brother as though her clear eyes could actually see him.
"Barktail asked me to help him and Poppypaw collect some herbs today. After that, I figured I'd ask mother if I could go hunting or something. You?"
"Eat and then I get to check on the elders. After that, I figure I'll eat again and bug Echostep to take me out for some battle training tomorrow," the young tom purred, eyes light. His sister nodded before turning her strange eyes on Featherpaw, look slightly accusing.
"And you?" she asked shortly, voice betraying a hint of irritation. Featherpaw held her gaze for a moment before looking at her paws, embarrassed.
"Eat and elders. Then, I'll probably just hunt or something," she mumbled. What was it with that she-cat? Whenever Rosepaw looked at her with those sightless green eyes, something just turned off in Featherpaw. She didn't like it one bit. Rosepaw narrowed her eyes slightly, tail flicking.
"Make sure you keep your claws sheathed," she muttered. Thornpaw hissed something under his breath and his sister silenced him with one look. He just shook his head and grabbed a mouse, casting an apologetic look at Featherpaw.
"Would you like to eat with me? Rosepaw has to leave now anyway," he meowed. Rosepaw cast her a cold look before stalking away to Barktail's den, where his apprentice Poppypaw lay outside, sunning.
Featherpaw began to shake her head before she stopped herself, glancing after Rosepaw.
"Sure. Let's eat."
Featherpaw tried to tell herself it was because she needed to get to know her victims anyway that she had said yes to Thornpaw. She tried to tell herself it wasn't because of his vivid green eyes, his strong muscles, his cheerful, happy laugh. She told herself it wasn't because of the way his eyes glowed when he talked, how his eyes always seemed to linger on his sister, worried and concerned.
She shook her head, turning her attention back to her half-eaten vole as Thornpaw talked about a new hunting strategy he had learned.
"Of course, Rosepaw mastered it in a few seconds. She was up and down that tree as though she was squirrel, even though she's blind," he meowed, saying this easily as though his sister's blindness wasn't a problem.
"Does it ever bother you?" Featherpaw asked abruptly, stopping her chewing to look him square in the eye.
"Does what bother me?" he answered, mouth full of mouse.
"Her blindness. Does it ever bother you?" Thornpaw took a second to think, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing.
"No, it doesn't. In fact, it makes me love her even more. If anything, her blindness is an asset, not a weakness. Oh I know it can be a problem in battle, don't get me wrong," he meowed hastily as Featherpaw gave him an incredulous look, dark blue eyes disbelieving. "It's just, she senses and hears things others don't. Outside, and inside," he murmured, voice quiet.
Featherpaw nodded, thinking. Giving her head a quick shake, she turned to give her shoulder a quick lick before standing and stretching, readying herself to clean the elders out.
"You know, it's not that she doesn't like you. She has a hard time trusting anybody. Give her some time, she'll come around," Thornpaw meowed, looking at her with big green eyes. Featherpaw snorted, tossing her head.
"I don't need nor want her to like me. She can do as she pleases. Are you coming or not?" she sniffed, beginning to pad away. Thornpaw just shrugged and got to his paws, following her.
They had finally finished cleaning the elders, and Thornpaw padded away, tail waving, to catch up on sleep. Rosepaw was just slipping in, paws muddy and dirty, jaws crammed with a sharp-scented herb. Beside her, Poppypaw chattered about some poultice that healed scratches, while Barktail followed the two, eyes glinting faintly with amusement.
Featherpaw gave them all a quick nod before slipping out, praying they wouldn't question her. Rosepaw had a mouthful of herbs, as did Barktail, and Poppypaw was too distracted. She made it out no problem.
It was a half-moon, time to meet Spot. Like a shadow, she slipped towards the Thunderpath, remembering what Shadowfur had told her. Quietly, she managed to find the little tunnel, and slipped in, gagging at the stench. Spot was already waiting for her.
Spot was her only other friend in the group, mostly because his father was highly respected, especially by Shadowfur. Therefore, Spot's life was secure, and Featherpaw could be assured that she would never be asked to kill him. His fur was soft and white, with splotches of brown and ginger. He had black paws and black ears, which he inherited from his father, Snake. His pale fur and yellow eyes came from his mother, Song, who was renowned for her beauty in the group.
Then, his yellow eyes glinted in the moonlight, and he gave a quick purr as Featherpaw slipped in the tunnel, tortoiseshell fur bleached silver.
"Feather," he murmured, giving her a quick nudge. Featherpaw gave him a short purr before sitting, wrapping her tail around her paws.
"Leaf?" she asked softly, hopefully. Her friend nodded, eyes darkening a shade.
"Alive and well. They feed her, and Shadowfur has ordered she not be hurt until I return with my report. So, this better be good," he growled, disliking Shadowfur's use of Leaf as much as Featherpaw.
"Tell father I am in the clan, an apprentice. My mentor is Ravenwing. I am trusted by her and Leafstar at least. Her son, Thornpaw, trusts me. His sister, Rosepaw, could be a challenge. However, she is blind, which will make her a bit easier to dispose of," Featherpaw meowed, tail flicking anxiously. Spot gave another quick nod.
"Better than he expected. He wished for you to be in the clan and apprenticed. He will be glad to hear you are at least minimally trusted. Gathering yet?"
"Not yet. They have yet to meet. This one, and if not, next one for sure," she responded. Spot sat there, thoughtful, before speaking again.
"I miss you, Feather. I wish Shadowfur didn't send you here," he whispered, bowing his head. Featherpaw gave him a sympathetic look, stepping forward and brushing her fur against his.
"Me too, Spot. But we both know I have to. I'll be home before you can blink," she purred, and they sat like that for a minute, soaking in each other's warmth. Then he moved away, blinking quickly.
"I must get back quickly. Do you have a message for your mother?" Featherpaw blinked, surprised that Shadowfur had given her the chance. She nodded, throat closing.
"Tell her I miss her, and tell her that I am doing okay. Also, tell her that the moon shines brightly where I am. I love her," Featherpaw mewed, backing up. Spot nodded, and turned away, dashing out of the tunnel and beginning his long journey home. Home, Featherpaw thought softly, turning her paws towards camp. Nostalgia pricked at her, and she pushed it away impatiently. No time for nostalgia, she needed to focus. Suddenly, a hiss sounded from her side, and she whirled, fur bristling.
"Whose there?" she snarled, unsheathing her claws. She scented the air, and only smelled the familiar ThunderClan scents. Then, Maplepaw stepped from the undergrowth, gold eyes flashing.
"Whose your friend?" she sneered, circling Featherpaw. And iciness froze Featherpaw's limbs, and she blinked. Maplepaw had seen her. With Spot. No witnesses, Shadowfur's voice whispered in her mind.
"I'm sorry, Maplepaw. Say hello to the stars for me," she growled before lunging forward. Her sharp claws pierced the older she-cat's throat and Maplepaw gave a gurgling cry, eyes widening before falling closed. Her body grew limp and she heaved a few shallow breaths before falling still.
Featherpaw glared disgustedly at the sticky, scarlet blood that stained her paws, turning them pink. At her paws, Maplepaw's still body lay, her red-black fur shining silver.
I must make it look like an accident, Featherpaw thought, setting to work. Quickly, she gave Maplepaw's flanks a few gashes and widened the wound along the throat, making it look like a bite. The work was dirty and vile, but necessary. Gripping the apprentice by the scruff, she dragged the dead she-cat to a pile of fox-dung and rolled her in it carefully, making sure it didn't show on her fur.
Then, she ruffled her fur up a bit, gave herself a few scratches, and she was all set. If she played it right, Maplepaw would be killed by a fox, end of story. For good measure, she rolled a bit in the dung too, clenching her teeth at the stench.
Featherpaw once again grasped the apprentice by the scruff and padded off into the forest, adding a slight limp to her step. When she finally arrived at camp, the moon was high in the sky, and frantic mews and cries were echoing from the clearing below. Drawing in a deep breath, Featherpaw dragged the dead apprentice into camp. All cats' eyes fell on her, and every one immediately shut up, eyes widening as she limped her way to the center, keeping her eyes straight ahead.
She felt a cat come up behind her, and turned to find Thornpaw grasping Maplepaw's body in his jaws, eyes narrow, jaws clenched. Featherpaw gave him a quick nod and together, the carried her to the center of the clearing and set her down gently. Featherpaw forced herself to look sorrowful and shocked, keeping her eyes wide and frightened. Leafstar approached, followed by Ravenwing.
"Featherpaw, what happened?" Leafstar meowed, voice ringing throughout the hollow. Featherpaw added a small tremble to her voice, trying to sound like a frightened, sad, lost apprentice.
"I was out hunting when I heard her screaming. I rushed over to find Maplepaw on the ground and a fox standing over her. I rushed it and it ran away, but Maplepaw…" here, her voice choked, and she shut her eyes, barely keeping back a snicker. These cats were so stupid.
Fernstep, the she-cat's mother, let out a wail of grief, rushing to her daughter's side. She frantically began to groom her bloodied, messy fur, making a low, keening sound as she did so. Ravenwing slipped to her side, murmuring words of comfort in her ears. Darkflight, Ravenwing's mate, also came, pressing against Fernstep comfortingly.
Leafstar gazed at the sorrowfully, eyes dark and sad.
"ThunderClan, let us honor Maplepaw tonight as the brave, caring apprentice she was. Now, she rests with the stars," Leafstar called before stepping forward, giving the apprentice a quick lick while whispering a few words. Fascinated, Featherpaw watched as cats moved forward, grooming the cold she-cat's fur and murmuring words. Honestly, it was a bit touching.
"The clan will share tongues with her one last time before she rests with StarClan. The ones closest to her shall sit vigil all night," Thornpaw came up beside her, voice flat and defeated for once. Featherpaw nodded and stepped forward, conscious of Ravenwing's eyes on her.
"I wish I could've saved you," she murmured, voice breaking a little. Featherpaw gave Maplepaw's shoulder a quick lick before padding away, head low. As usual, she could sense Rosepaw's piercing gaze from where she sat a little ways away, shoulders bent forward.
Featherpaw ignored her though and headed for her nest, tired and weary all of a sudden.
I'm sorry, Maplepaw. I had to, I really had to. Forgive me, please, she thought as she slowly drifted off to sleep, paws still stained from the she-cat's scarlet blood.
So, I'm a little annoyed today, but nothing too bad. I just wish some people would pay attention in class so I didn't have to do all the work, and I wish my brothers would stop annoying me and I wish my computer worked normally so I didn't have to turn it off every time I wanted to upload a new chappie...let's just say I wish a lot things xD Anyhow, I hope you guys liked the chappie! KEEP REVIEWING!
~Ciao, Monkey!~