Sorry that this was almost a week late guys! I actually finished it on Wednesday, but it was too late to post and then I couldn't post it yesterday because I literally had not time. But anyway, here it is and the next chapter shouldn't take too long as we only have 1 1/2 weeks left of school, thank goodness. I actually have no homework at the moment, which is a miracle in itself, so I should get a bit of the next chapter done tonight.
Want sneak previews of upcoming chapters? Want to let off some steam about the latest chapter? Well, the Blue Moon website (link in profile) now has a forum! So go create an account everyone, it's truly worth the while. I'll talk to you guys quite a lot on there and I'll post updates on the up and coming chapters, let you know how it's going on and even give you little sneak previews into it! There'll also be spoiler pages, so you can talk to other readers about Blue Moon and what you think is going to happen next! It'll be a whole lot of fun, I can promise you. :3
By the way guys, I plan on making these first three stories into actual book form this summer! I plan on just having a couple of personal copies, then sending a few to the Erin Hunters, but I was wondering if any of you guys would be interested in having book copies of these first three books? They won't be expensive and I'm redoing the covers so they're better, plus there will be additional material in each of the books! (Extra chapters, book one is going to be pretty much re-written and a bit of book two is going to be re-written) When you leave a review, just let me know if you'd actually be interested. :3
So excited, I have a horse show tomorrow on my lovely share horse, Tilly! This is the first time I'm actually entering a class and not just doing the Clear Round class so I'll actually be competing against other people! I have to wear a shirt, tie and jacket. xD Wish me luck guys! I have to be at the stables by 7.30 :/ Still, I can't wait!
Disclaimer - I do not own Warriors.
~ Review Replies ~
berkswarriors ~ I think it's going to be a hard decision for Dewclaw, but he's going to take a lot of time over it and make what he believes to be the right decision. But who knows what he'll do? (well, maybe I do. xD )
Amberstorm233 ~ Thank you Amberstorm! :3 (almost called you Ambersky there)
Blazerkitty129 ~ :3 I think I'd also consider myself like Redflower, except a little more crazy. xD I'm a strange person.
Skystar of the Ancients ~ xD YES. SAVE THE DAY, THEN RUN AWAY AND BE HAPPY. I think Dewclaw would certainly be happy with that plan, but Redflower would be a little reluctant.
KatieK101 ~ Heh heh, thank you c:
XtremeBlaze ~ :) Thank you!
amberleaf4273 ~ c: Thank you! Yeah, I can't wait for the kits to be born either, I really want to see whether you guys like them or not. I'm sure you will though, they're pretty adorable. :3
Icebreath of ThunderClan ~ Aw, thank you! You're so sweet! 3 I actually found out I live in the same town as one of the Erin Hunters, Cherith Baldry, so I'm planning on getting these first three stories into actual book form, then arranging to actually see her, and giving her the books. :3
Alwayssearching2012 ~ I don't want to say too much as I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say thank you so much for the review! :3 Hope you enjoy this chappie. c:
FrostOfTheWarriorCats ~ Aw, thank you so so so much! -virtually hugs- Yes, DewxRed for life! :3
Cupcaketail-Of-WindClan ~ xD No, the father isn't Mintfur. :3 His name is pretty awesome though actually. ^^ If you read over some of the chapters in EOTS and A Journey, you should be able to work out who the father is pretty easily. :3 There are several major hints. I actually couldn't fit the argument in this chapter, so it'll be in the next chapter! :3
Orangeflight of ShadowClan ~ Thank you so much! Yeah, Snowfall's had hidden suspicions about something for a little while now, he was bound to find out sometime. Besides, if Dewclaw were to leave, he'd have to tell everyone where he was going, so I suppose it's kind of good that at least Snowfall knows already. :3 And in answer to your Q&A... Maybe. I might possibly. I might post some of my original stories up there. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know! :3
AngelEnderCat ~ Haha, thank you! Aw, that age difference must suck. Although, actually, in cat years, Molespots is ten years older than Ambersky... Which is a rather weird thought... But yeah. ^^' So a 6 year age difference isn't quite the bad. I hope thinks work out for you though! :3
Silverkitty16 ~ Don't be silly, you're not a horrible person, we all forget or don't have times to do things sometimes. Thank you so much for reviewing this time! I really appreciate every review I get! :3 I'll get round to reading your story today, I promise! I didn't have time to this week, but I'll go do it now. :3
Nightfeather ~ Aha, thank you! I actually didn't have time for the 'probably other stuff' bit. xD I just put that because I thought something else might be happening, but I honestly couldn't remember what. It was nothing really exciting, probably just some boring extra bit. xD
Shadewind of WindClan ~ Ooh, I hope not! I adore RedxDew, I would hope they can make their relationship work, but you never know... Thanks for the review! :)
Brackenflame ~ Yeah, I think Dewclaw could be happy in SkyClan, to be honest, just as happy as he is in his true clan. Thank you so much! 3
arcticfoxlover ~ Thank you! And no worries about not reviewing, having no wifi sucks! I honestly don't know which character you'd be, I'm very bad at deciding stuff like that. From what I know of you, you seem very nice and friendly, so maybe Seedflight? :3
Dovewing66 ~ -waves- Hey Dove! :3 Thank you for the review! We'll have to wait and see what becomes of RedxDew... Gosh, I feel so evil, I know exactly what happens to them. xD
Clearfeather ~ Your story, my friend, is amazing. Seriously, you should make an account and post it. I'm sure everyone would love it! :3 You live in the UK too? -gasp- HIGH FIVE! I love Harry Potter too by the way, I'm actually going to the Harry Potter studio tour in 1 weeks time with the school!
Blackfur672 ~ :3 I think there will be several more chapters actually, having looked at it, probably four or five more? Although, if I can, I'll make it 10 more, so we finish on 20 chapters :3
Blackoak791 ~ Yup, hurry up Molespots! xD
Raven cries Nevermore ~ That would certainly be a plot twist, though there's quite an age difference between the two of them. It would definitely be a real shock though! Thank you! :3
Well, enjoy the chapter guys! I didn't manage to fit in some stuff, so that'll be saved for next chapter, but anyway. :3
Ambersky
"Hey, Ambersky."
The pale grey-and-white she-cat had until then been completely focused on her own little world and trying to teach Featherkit, Tigerkit, Silverkit and Stonekit the hunter's crouch, which was going well to a certain degree, in that they were no longer tripping over their own paws and could actually hold the position for more than a heartbeat.
Ambersky didn't need to even glance up to recognise who'd spoken to her. Molespots. She immediately smiled, her heart lifting, "You four are looking great," she mewed encouragingly to the four young kits, "I think that concludes today's lesson, try and work on your balance, don't forget to use your tail, you have it for a reason!"
The kits nodded eagerly, eyes wide with awe. Tigerkit, Silverkit and Stonekit all scampered off back towards the Nursery, but Featherkit stayed rooted to the spot. She tipped her head to one side, studying Ambersky for a moment before letting her bright-eyed gaze drift to Molespots, "It's your mate!" she squeaked in delight.
Ambersky immediately ducked her head in embarassment, "Oh, uh, no, he's not my mate," she could feel her ears growing hot and she veiled her amber gaze, though I wish he was, "We're just friends, nothing more."
Featherkit tipped her head to one side, confusion flitting behind her gaze for a moment before shrugging it off, "If you say so!" she threw the words over her shoulder before racing over to join her littermates, who'd just started playfighting in the shade of the nursery.
Still shy from the whole situation, the pale grey-and-white she-cat at last turned to face Molespots. The spotted brown-and-cream tom had a glow in his soft amber gaze and he smiled fondly, "You're so good with kits," he purred, "You'll make a perfect mother someday, or at least a brilliant mentor."
Ambersky blinked, "Thank you," she mewed softly, pressing lightly against his side. Molespots grinned, amber eyes bright and pooling with warmth.
"You know," the spotted brown-and-cream tom began, flicking his tail-tip to her side lightly, "I've given Redpaw a break from training today, so if you like we can go on a walk?" he suggested, eyes glowing, "I was thinking we could head down to the lake and then do a little hunting on the way back?"
The pale grey-and-white she-cat beamed, "Of course, that'd be wonderful," she nuzzled the handsome tom affectionately, "Now?"
"Right now," he grinned, "Why not? No point wasting time, we only get one life, might as well make every moment count," their eyes met. For a moment, Ambersky simply held the contact, happily exploring the depths of his amber gaze; it was somewhat reassuring, somewhat comforting, his warm gaze, amidst all the troubles that had suddenly fell upon the clans. The twolgeplace cats, their threat of war.
She pushed the dark thoughts away. No, I won't let those sorry excuses for cats bother me. Might as well forget about them. There's a time for worrying about them, for fretting over everything and when I'm with Molespots is not one of those times.
She managed to smile, "Well, let's go then," she meowed brightly.
The spotted brown-and-cream tom nodded, shooting her a warm smile before rising to his paws and motioning with a flick of the head for her to follow as he began to pick his way across camp towards the thorn barrier.
The grey-and-white she-cat fell in beside the spotted warrior, their pelts brushing as they both ducked under the barrier and entered the forest. With the threat of the twolegplace cats, guards had been placed outside of camp during the day as well as the night and on duty this afternoon was Cherryflower and Mousewhisker.
"Where are you two going?" Mousewhisker asked, studying the pair of cats, curiousity in his green gaze. For a moment, Ambersky was a little confused at why the grey-and-white tom was asking for a moment, until she remembered. With the extra security precautions, Bramblestar had said that every cat leaving camp must report where they're going, just in case something happened. The dark brown tabby had only just announced it this morning, to the pale grey-and-white she-cat had still yet to get used to this new rule. Bramblestar had also introduced guards by the dirt-place tunnel in case twolegplace cats discovered it and used it as a secret entrance to attack the Stone Hollow.
Molespots smiled lightly at his sister and then Mousewhisker "We're just going on a walk down to the lake, then we're going to do a little hunting on the way back, I think that was the plan," he looked to Ambersky for a moment and she nodded.
"Aw, are you two going on a romantic walk?" Cherryflower's eyes were bright with hope, "That's so sweet."
Ambersky's whiskers twitched, "Oh, no, nothing like that," she assured her, "Just a walk between friends," gosh, why is everyone assuming we're mates or off doing something romantic? It's so embarrassing. Not that I'd mind if it was a romantic walk… Wait… Perhaps Molespots has something romantic planned? Maybe he told Cherryflower and she told Featherkit, maybe that's why she thought we were mates?
Cherryflower chuckled, "Oh, I'm sure," she mewed sarcastically, rolling her eyes, "You two really need to get a move on you know, just become mates already. It's going to happen at some point and"-
Molespots slapped his tail to his sister's mouth so she couldn't speak, "As much as I'd love to listen to you chattering on, we don't have all day."
Mousewhisker onlooked, purring lightly, "She does have a point though," the grey-and-white tom put in.
"We're just going to go, okay?" Molespots turned to Ambersky, flicking his tail in a motion to leave, "C'mon, let's go."
Cherryflower purred in amusement, humour in her green gaze, "Well, okay then, lovebirds, have fun."
The two young warriors quickly split off away from the fluffy pale ginger she-cat and the grey-and-white tom, a little embarrassed by the whole situation. Once they were out of hearing distance, Molespots turned to the young grey-and-white she-cat, "I'm so sorry about her," he apologised, shaking his head, "She gets a bit carried away sometimes."
The pale grey-and-white she-cat blinked, "It's okay, I'm used to it, being her friend and all," she purred softly, although she was admittedly glad to get away from Cherryflower. Although they were great friends, she could be a little annoying sometimes and was something of a gossiper. It wouldn't be long before the news of their walk was known to the whole of ThunderClan.
"Although," the brown-and-cream tom began, a slight uncertainty in his voice, "You know what you said back there, about just friends?"
The pale grey-and-white she-cat nodded, meeting his amber gaze, heart beating a little faster, "Yes?"
He swallowed nervously, which was rather unlike him, "Is that all you want to be? Friends? Because I was kind of hoping we could take a shot at something more. I'm not saying we'd have to become mates or anything but I just…" he broke off, his gaze a little nervous, "It's just in these past moons, I've really gotten to know you and I think this thing we have, whatever it is, I think it could grow. I feel like before the journey I didn't know you and now, moons later, I feel like I can at last see you for who you really are and… I don't know what you'd call these feelings I have for you, but they're strong and they're real."
They stopped. Pebbles rolled beneath their paws, slipping and sliding on their path down the shore. They'd reached the lake. Ambersky was surprised at how fast they'd managed to get there. The spotted brown-and-cream tom led the way and settled himself just before where the water met the land, facing the ever-moving body of water.
Ambersky sat beside him, growing increasingly concerned that her heart might just leap out of her chest. Where's Molespots going with this? Is he… Is he going to ask me to be his mate?
Molespots leaned in so their pelts smudged together, a blend of brown, cream and grey, "I've just never felt this way about anyone before, I just hope you feel the same," he looked to her, his gaze so hopeful, his eyes so wide;
Ambersky had to admit, even in this state, he was adorable.
She licked his cheek gently, leaning her head on his side, "I was worried of exactly the same thing," she confessed, "I feel just the same, whatever it is this feeling I'm feeling, it's the same," she took a deep breath, gazing deep into his amber eyes, "I've kind of felt this way for a while, since before the journey," she admitted, "I never thought you'd ever feel the same though."
Molespots didn't reply at first, he just gave the widest grin, flashing a white set of teeth. They were both silent for a moment and Ambersky focused on his heartbeat, fast and constant. It was sort of like a rhythm, like pawsteps against stone.
Then the spotted brown-and-white tom suddenly glanced over his shoulder, concern in his amber gaze. Ambersky followed his gaze, alarm flaring in her amber gaze, "What is it? Is someone there? Is it the twolegplace cats?" her eyes searched the undergrowth and trees frantically, her heart racing. Oh my StarClan, what if it's the twolegplace cats?
The brown-and-cream warrior relaxed, his heartbeat steady and whiskers twitching in amusement, "Oh, it's nothing," he purred softly, tucking her in close to him, "I was just checking Cherryflower hadn't followed us and was watching when I did this," he licked her head tenderly and rested his head on top of hers.
"Oh."
She felt like a mouse-brain for reacting the way she did and smiled sheepishly, "I thought you'd spotted someone or something, you got me worried there."
Molespots chuckled and let out a rumbling purr, "No, of course not, I wanted to make sure she wasn't spying on us or something. That's the sort of thing she might do, she's a bit of a beetle-brain sometimes," she shook his head, amusement in his amber gaze.
For the moments that followed, the pair of cats simply sat in silence, simply enjoying the company of one another. Ambersky focused on the waves, lapping lightly at the shore. She may not be a RiverClan cat, but there was something soothing about water, she found. It was so captivating, the way it rippled and moved and gleamed in the light.
"The lake's so beautiful," she murmured thoughtfully, simply admiring the way the late afternoon light played upon the water's surface. It truly was beautiful, the way it flickered with light. She couldn't help but admire it.
The spotted brown-and-cream tom nodded, his gaze falling upon the water's surface, "It is," he agreed, "Although, it's not as beautiful as you. It can't quite compete with that."
It took a moment for Ambersky to register his words. Wait, did he just call me beautiful? Her heart fluttered and skipped hopelessly and she couldn't help but smile gingerly, "Although that's sweet of you, it's definitely not true."
Her gaze lingered on the water. It was rather tempting really, particularly with the growing heat of the days now that green-leaf was at last starting to make an appearance, to just leap in and immerse herself in the cool of the dark water.
"Sometimes, I just wish I could jump in, it looks so cool and refreshing," her gaze lifted to the sky, "Particularly on the hot days to come."
Molespots chuckled in amusement at her words, "Got a bit of RiverClan blood in you, have you? I suppose I'd have to jump in and save you again if you were to do that, you clearly didn't learn from your near encounter at your first gathering, did you?"
It took a moment for the pale grey-and-white she-cat to realise what he was talking about. She'd almost totally forgotten about that night, her first gathering, when she almost fell off the tree-bridge into the lake. Molespots had caught her and lifted her to safety. It was hard to believe she could ever forget a moment like that. She smiled fondly at the memory, "You can't swim though," she pointed out, "You'd only get yourself killed and then we'd both be dead."
Their gazes met and Molespots smiled softly, "I know. But I'd rather be at your side in death than have to live in a world without you. I just wouldn't be able to cope, the pain would be too unbearable. Besides, I could hardly watch you drown."
The pretty pale grey-and-white she-cat found the words both touching, yet also slightly haunting. She could understand what the brown-and-cream tom was getting at and she knew, in the same situation, she might do the same. She couldn't imagine a world without Molespots, nor did she want to live in that world, apart from him. Like he'd said, she just wouldn't be able to deal with it. She could never move on with her life after something like that.
The thought just made her want to cling onto the brown-and-cream tom even tighter, so she shuffled closer to him, embracing his warmth. For the love of StarClan, I hope that never happens, for both our sakes. He entwined his tail with hers and she smiled.
"Dark thoughts aside," Molespots spoke once more, "What's your favourite season?"
Ambersky blinked in confusion, "What?"
"Your favourite season," he pressed, "I'm sorry, I can't help but be greedy for knowledge, I feel like I know you so well, yet I don't know the little things, like what your favourite season is. Come to think of it, I don't know your favourite colour either."
The pale grey-and-white she-cat was still a little bemused, but she answered anyway, "Well, I… I suppose my favourite season would have to be either new-leaf or leaf-fall. And my favourite colour…" she had to think for a moment. There were so many beautiful colours in this world, it was impossible to chose, "My favourite colour would be blue, like the sky."
Molespots nodded thoughtfully, "Well, my favourite season is leaf-bare," he seemed to sense Ambersky's confusion and soon began to explaining his choice, "I just like how, after three seasons of life and colour and warmth, everything is stripped back. It's like a new beginning, I like to think of it as a second chance. We all make mistakes and we can all start again, have a second chance, begin over again and make things right."
Although she'd been rather confused at his choice at first, Ambersky had to admit, she'd never thought of leaf-bare like that before. It really was a second chance. A second chance for the forest to recover and then burst with life once more. A second chance. It was a much better reason for it to be his favourite season than her reasons for choosing new-leaf and leaf-fall (she just liked the pretty colours and the warm days).
The brown-and-cream tom paused for a moment before continuing, "And my favourite colour… a sort of reddish-amber-orange colour, you know, like the sky at sunset?" his gaze rose to the sky, which at just after sun-high, was a bright blue, "Although, I do rather like blue and green," he turned to Ambersky once more, "Your turn to ask questions now."
She blinked. Questions? What on earth could she ask? There weren't any pressing questions she had, so she had to really delve deep into her thoughts, amber eyes clouding. Hmmm, questions…
Then she grinned, turning to face him slowly, "I know. If you could be in any other clan, what clan would you choose?" she watched him expectantly, smiling brightly.
"What clan would I choose? That's a hard one," he had to think for several moments, his amber gaze misting as he fell deep into thought. He tipped his head a little to one side, letting his gaze wash over the sky, "I think I'd have to say either SkyClan, they seem interesting, or WindClan."
"WindClan?" Ambersky echoed, staring at him in disbelief, "Why would you choose WindClan? It's all windswept and there's no cover or trees or anything," she wrinkled up her nose in disgust, "I could never live like that, without the forest."
Molespots gaze was distant, "Because I'd feel free. Imagine, just being able to run on and on, all day if you wanted to, completely free, and not having to worry about colliding into trees or tripping on roots or anything," he smiled, "Plus, rabbit tastes pretty good, I'd be pretty happy living off it."
The pale grey-and-white she-cat snorted, "You could still fall down a rabbit hole or something, dufus."
The brown-and-cream tom opened his jaws to speak, when he was cut off by an ear-splitting yowl. Both cats immediately froze. Ambersky exchanged a nervous glance with the spotted tom, "What was… Who was that?"
Molespots was sat bolt upright and had spun round to face the forest, his gaze pinpointed straight ahead, "I don't know, but we've got to find out."
Then, without any hesitance or hint of fear, he raced off, darting straight into the thick undergrowth. Ambersky was on her feet, rooted to the spot in shock for a moment before she at last shook her head and sprinted after him.
It was difficult keeping up with the spotted brown-and-cream tom, he was one of ThunderClan's fastest cats, which was why he and his sister were chosen as messengers during the great battle; relaying messages between the different clans. They weaved in and out of the trees, avoiding bramble thickets and ducking through the undergrowth. Molespots seemed to know exactly where they were going, so Ambersky just followed him.
There was no time to register exactly where they were in ThunderClan territory, the world was all just a blur.
Paws thrumming furiously against the ground, their pawsteps drummed out a frantic rhythm. All the while, Ambersky simply feared what they were to find. Who was it who had yowled? It'd sounded to pained, so desparate. The pale grey-and-white she-cat prayed to StarClan that it wasn't the twolegplace cats attacking. Please don't let it be them. They can't be attacking us, they just can't. Please, StarClan. Please, don't let it be them.
Another pained screech split the air. Ambersky shuddered.
By the time they stopped, the young warrior was out of breath, her sides heaving as she tried to recover. She didn't immediately register the scene before her. All the while she'd been running, she'd picked up on a strange scent. It was unfamiliar to her and it was here, in this small clearing, that it was strongest. As her gaze lifted to what lay before her, it was only then that she could at last distinguish this scent. Fox.
The russet-pelted creature's ears were flattened against its head in anger as it lashed out. It took a moment for Ambersky to realise what, or who should she say, it was lashing out at.
Crouched low, white pelt stained crimson, claws unsheathed and blue eyes burning fiercely, Icecloud was almost unrecognisable. Behind that fierceness, there was great distress in the white queen's gaze. She looked desperately weak, as if she could crumble to the ground at the slightest touch, yet she stood defiant before the fox. What in StarClan's name is she doing?!
The white she-cat was refusing to move away from a fallen oak, which had been hollowed out by the wind and rain of was when Ambersky heard the mewling, faint and desperate. It was coming from the fallen oak. There are kits in there!
She was unable to move for a moment, amber eyes wide with fear as she watched in horror as the fox struck her down, drawing blood. Molespots leapt forwards, lip drawn back in hatred and claws unsheathed. He knocked the fox to the ground, furiously swiping at the red-furred creature.
Ambersky shook her head, trying to tear her gaze away from where Icecloud had fallen. Where she hadn't gotten up and still lay, perfectly still. Forcing brave thoughts into her head, the pale grey warrior leap forward to fight beside Molespots, unsheathing her claws. She had to do this, for Icecloud, for those poor kits.
With as much power as she could, the young warrior delivered a blow to the fox's head, just managing to dodge a painful bite. In unision, Ambersky and Molespots drew the fox backwards, away from Icecloud. Both had aquired several scratches and Ambersky had been bitten on the leg, but she managed to ignore the pain. That didn't matter right now. They couldn't let this fox get to Icecloud and her kits, they couldn't. Her leg was stinging and her head was spinning, but she fought on, can't be defeated.
It was only for a moment that she lost focus. Just a brief moment. She spotted a bird overhead, a crow by the looks of it. A brief moment of lost focus, that was all it took. She was too slow to avoid the blow, too slow. She was knocked to the ground. Panic registered on Molespots face at her fall and suddenly, he was fighting with the might of TigerClan.
A little dizzy, the grey-and-white warrior slowly rose to her paws, being careful not to put weight on her left foreleg, to see Molespots driving the fox into the undergrowth. The russet creature seemed to have accepted defeat, yelping a little as it raced off. The spotted brown-and-cream tom charged after the fox for a little way before at last stopping and returning.
"Ambersky, are you okay?" he was panting, amber eyes pooling with concern as he let his gaze pick over her, searching for any wounds. When he spotted the bite on her leg, he visibly flinched, worry flickering behind amber orbs.
She swallowed, pausing to steady herself for a moment, "I'm fine," she assured him, "But Icecloud…"
The pale grey-and-white she-cat staggered as fast as she could over to where the white she-cat lay. Her pelt was marked with many wounds and crimson with blood. Her eyes were glazed and her paws outstretched towards the fallen oak. Towards her kits. Ambersky knew before she even reached the white queen that she was dead, but still, she mewed desperately, "Icecloud? Icecloud… Icecloud…"
Her next thought was the kits. Oh StarClan, her kits. She left Molespots side to cross over to the hollow oak tree. She slowly peered inside, unsure of what to expect. Did the fox get to them? And why are they out here anyway?
There they were: her four little kits, crouched inside the hollowed oak tree. Ambersky assumed Icecloud must've shoved them inside so they were safe from the fox. They were only very young, only just a quarter-moon or so in age. So young, so innocent. They'd only just opened their eyes a couple of days before. Ambersky's heart ached for them.
"Little ones," she mewed softly, "Are you okay?"
From what she could see, they were all unharmed from the incident. At least physically. This day would leave them emotionally wounded for many moons to come. They didn't have a father, at least that they knew of, they were essentially orphans. The poor little things.
The youngest of them, Specklekit, took a tentative step forward. Her amber eyes were stretched wide with fear, "Is the fox g-gone? Is it safe to come out?" her words were a little rushed and Ambersky had to to take a heartbeat to try and understand her little mew.
She swallowed, she didn't want the kits to see her mother in the state she was. It would break their little hearts. Better to try and soften the blow than let them find out by seeing her this way.
"You can't come out just yet," she told them, motioning for them to step forwards a little way so they were a little closer to her. She cast a brief glance over her shoulder at Molespots. The brown-and-cream was gently pressing Icecloud's eyelids closed, so she looked more peaceful, like she was sleeping. She murmured softly to the spotted warrior, "they don't deserve to find out this way, I'm going to take them back to camp. I'll send some warriors to help you bring her back," she ensured her words were hushed so the little kits didn't catch them. The spotted brown-and-cream tom nodded.
This, this had all happened so fast. It seemed unreal. One moment, Icecloud had been a new mother, gazing fondly at her newborn kits, now she lay motionless on the floor, her kits just fox-lengths away, huddled together and completely aware that they no longer had a mother.
"Is Mama okay?" Splashkit asked, tipping her head to one side and staring up at Ambersky with wide, bright blue eyes, filled with hope.
Ambersky could feel her heart breaking for the kits. Oh StarClan, how do I tell them? How do I break news like this?
They were all watching her intently, eyes wide like owlets. She swallowed, "I'm so sorry, little ones, I'm afraid Icecloud isn't going to be coming back to camp with us."
Oak-kit frowned, tilting his head a little to one side and studying her, "Why? Why isn't she coming back with us? What about Daddy?"
It was Ambersky's turn to frown, "Daddy?" she echoed. Icecloud had never mentioned their father. Ambersky had assumed Icecloud had fallen out with him or something, that their relationship wasn't working.
Tricklekit smiled a little, "Yeah, Daddy! Mama's taking us to go and meet him, she says we're going to go live with him," then her face fell, "Does this mean we can't go and see Daddy now?"
The pale grey-and-white she-cat had to push the thoughts about the father of the kits to one side, "Your mama, Icecloud, she's gone. She's gone to StarClan. I'm so sorry."
The kits didn't react immediately. It took a moment for them process her words and even then, Ambersky got the feeling they didn't quite understand. Oak-kit was first to speak, "Why's she gone? Does she not love us?"
"Of course she loves you, she loves you all so much," she quickly dismissed his fears, "But StarClan needed her. She had to go, she was protecting you," she swallowed, glancing up at Molespots briefly, "Come on, we need to get you four back to camp."
Molespots stood before Icecloud's lifeless body and Ambersky led the young kits around the edge of the clearing so they didn't have to see. Even as they left the scene, they were still confused and asking questions, bewildered at why their mother wasn't with them.
"Where's Mama? Why are we leaving her?"
Ambersky ushered on the kits a little, "Icecloud isn't going to be coming back, she walks the stars now," she motioned with a flick of her tail to the sky above.
Splashkit followed her gaze to the sky, "But I can't see her," she paused, "or the stars. Where is she?"
"Just because you can't see her doesn't mean she's not there," Ambersky assured her, voice cracking. She touched her tail-tip to the kit's side comfortingly.
That was when the grey-and-white she-kit began to sob, whimpering, "But I want to s-see her. I c-can't see her," she swallowed, blue eyes wide, "I want her h-here, not in S-S-StarClan."
Ambersky felt pity for the young kits welling up within her, "I know, I know," she tried to sooth her, "If I could bring her back, I would," her gaze rose to the sky, amber eyes clouding, "She walks amongst her ancestors, with her mother, Ferncloud, now. She'll never have to feel pain again, or hunger or thirst," she touched noses to the little kit, "One day, you'll see her again, all of you," she nodded to each kit in turn, "I promise?"
The kits gaze up at her wide eyed, "Really?" Specklekit asked.
"Really," she murmured softly, "And when you do, you'll never have to leave her side again, ever."
As she'd promised, Ambersky shared the tragic news as soon as she reached camp and as the shadows of the fading day fell upon the Stone Hollow, Molespots, Foxleap and Hazeltail entered the ThunderClan camp, laid carefully upon their backs, the limp body of the fallen queen. Mere fox-lengths away, tucked away in the shelter of the nursery, were her kits. Ambersky had wanted to ensure they didn't see their mother this way, at least until she was prepared for the vigil and her pelt had been washed of the blood, her wounds covered up, hidden from sight.
Although the pale grey-and-white warrior hadn't been at all close to Icecloud, she still shared in that same sadness at the loss of a clanmate. Snowfall was out hunting with Seedflight, he hadn't yet heard the news of his former mentor's passing. In honesty, Ambersky had no idea how the white tom would handle the news; the mentor and apprentice hadn't particularly shared that usual mentor/apprentice bond. Icecloud had been a little snappy with Snowfall at times and to this day, Ambersky still didn't understand why.
The clan gathered around Icecloud's lifeless body as it was gently lowered to the clearing floor. Wistful gazes were exchanged, distressed murmurs rippling amongst them. The first thought on many of their minds was of course the kits, and then how this had happened. Thankfully, Ivypool, who would soon give birth to her own litter, had quickly offered to care for the four little kits. Her own kits, after all, would be related to Icecloud's kits as her kits' grandfather would be Spiderleg, Icecloud's older brother. It was very thoughtful of the silver-and-white tabby queen, though she'd certainly have her paws full by the time her own kits arrived.
The crowd of cats had begun to part as an elderly dark brown tabby tom crossed the clearing towards where Icecloud rested. Dustpelt's eyes were hollow with grief and complete disbelief, his movements stiff and awkward.
"No. No. Not her. Why her?" his mew was desperate and he lifted his head to the sky above, the light fading as night closed in, "Why StarClan? Why? First Ferncloud, now Icecloud. She was too young! Too young!" he yowled bitterly.
Ambersky swallowed, bowing her head in respect to the fallen warrior. Dustpelt was right, she was too young. She'd just taken a new step with her life, raising her four new kits, and now that life had been snatched away from her so coldly. She'd never get to see her kits grow up and receive their warrior names, she wouldn't be there when they caught their first prey or if they needed help. Although her body lay just before Ambersky, the white queen was far away, no more than a distant glimmer on the horizon. So out of reach.
With time, her kits' memories of her would fade, they wouldn't be able to remember the touch of her fur or the warmth of her voice. They were so young. Too young. Ambersky's heart broke for them.
The pale grey-and-white she-cat lifted her gaze to where Molespots stood across the clearing, gazing down at Icecloud's body. His pelt was marked with blood and the stench of fox clinging heavily to his fur, but he didn't seem to notice. Ambersky was probably similar in appearance, but in the tragedy of the moment, her last thoughts had been about her appearance.
She tried to make eye contact with the brown-and-cream tom, but he wasn't looking her direction. He continued to stare at Icecloud's body, anger flaring in his amber gaze. Ambersky frowned. Why was he angry? At the fox perhaps? It was totally unlike Molespots, usually so calm and gentle, never one to get in a bad mood.
Concerned, she padded over to where the brown-and-cream tom stood, "Molespots, are you okay? Is something wrong?"
"The twolegplace cats did this," he growled, amber gaze dark.
She blinked in confusion, "What? It was a fox, the twolegplace cats can't have done it."
Molespots slowly turned his head to meet her gaze, "When you left, I found traces of their scent, very faint, but then again, foxes are better at scenting than us, scattered about the area, in a sort of trail. They must've led the fox to Icecloud, to try and retaliate at us without direct attack or risk of casualties on their side," his eyes slowly returned to Icecloud.
It took a couple of heartbeats for Ambersky to register his words and when the words hit her, her heart instantly sank. No. No, "But how did they know Icecloud was going to be there?"
He swallowed, amber gaze clouded with concern, "That's what I don't know, but maybe…" he broke off, "No. They can't."
"What? What is it?"
He took a deep breath, "Night mentioned at the gathering something about that he did his research, that's how he knew about the gathering, where it was going to be, when, the truce, all of that. What if he has spies? Cats he's trained up and sent to gather information from the clans. Or perhaps he's even got clan cats on his side?"
Ambersky hadn't bore much thought into how Night and his cats had found out about the gathering, but now, it seemed ridiculous how it hadn't occurred to her that he might have spies. It seemed so obvious, once Molespots had explained it.
She blinked slowly, "You need to tell Bramblestar about this, for all we know, there could be spies amongst us," she glanced around, suddenly wary of her clanmates, "If there are spies, this is all too similar to when the dark forest attacked, they had spies amongst our clanmates."
The spotted brown-and-cream tom nodded, "I know, I'm going to tell him," his gaze drifted to Icecloud's body, "And I have the perfect idea how to retaliate."
Snowfall
Night had sealed a great darkness over the forest, the moon only just a dim slither of light, concealed behind a thick covering of clouds. It was at this time that the shadowy figures of cats emerged from the shelter of bramble dens into the cold, silver moonlight. They walked in lines, their words hushed and low. Their heads were bowed and they exchanged wistful glances as they moved.
In the centre of the Stone Hollow lay the body. Icecloud's pelt had been groomed and cleaned of the blood that had stained her pelt and the scent of herbs clung to her soft white pelt. Her eyes had been closed and she was lain in a peaceful position that, at first glance, gave off the impression that she was but in a deep sleep.
But not even the strongest of herbs could cover up the lingering scent of death. Heavy and sort of sickly-sweet, the scent destroyed the illusion of peacefulness and reminded Snowfall once more that Icecloud was dead.
As her former apprentice, Snowfall had felt it his duty to sit vigil for the fallen queen, along with her family: Dustpelt, Foxleap, Spiderleg, Birchfall, her four little kits and then Whitewing and Brackenfur, both of whom had mentored the white she-cat. There were a couple of other cats also gathered, close friends and acquaintances, such as Lionblaze, Rosepetal and Orangeflight.
Despite having being mentored by the white she-cat, Snowfall couldn't share in the same deep grief however as he stepped forwards and crouched before Icecloud's lifeless body. Of course, he'd greatly respected her and was thankful for teaching him in the ways of the warrior, but they hadn't always had the best relationship and she'd been known to be in her moods and disappear sometimes.
If only we could've been closer, he thought wistfully, bowing his head and pressing his nose into her fur. Her body was cold. From several fox-lengths away, four kits were emerging from the Nursery, their movements timid and gazes empty when they spotted the lifeless body that lay in the centre of the clearing. Foxleap and Dustpelt walked with them, Grandfather and Uncle of the four little kits who suddenly found themselves without a mother. Snowfall couldn't hear quite make out their faint whispers, but any cat could read the distress and pain in their little mews. From the entrance to the nursery, Ivypool watched, shaking her head in dismay.
No one could've predicted this death. Not even Icecloud. What Snowfall was still rather confused about was why the white queen had taken out her kits in the forest in the first place. He'd tried asking Ambersky, but she'd avoided his question, he wasn't quite sure why.
As Oak-kit touched his paw lightly to his mother's side, he gazed up at Foxleap with wide amber eyes, "She doesn't smell like Icecloud any more," he wrinkled up his nose, "She smells weird. Why's she so cold?"
It wasn't the reddish tabby tom who answered his question however. Leafpool padded up behind the little brown-and-white tabby kit and touched her tail to his flank sympathetically, "Because her spirit doesn't live there any more, it lives amongst the stars," she nodded up to the star-flecked sky, "Maybe if you look, you might be able to see her?"
Oak-kit and his littermates all turned their eyes to the sky. After searching for several minutes, Splashkit whispered, "I don't see her?"
Leafpool licked the kit's forehead comfortingly, "Keep looking, you'll find her some day, just because you can't see her, doesn't mean she's not there."
"I think that's Mama," Splashkit pointed with a forepaw to one of the brightest stars, "She's watching over us, look."
Leafpool broke away from the little group of kits to stand by Icecloud's head. In respect, the mourning cats bowed their heads whilst the ThunderClan medicine cat took a deep breath and began to speak, as if talking to Icecloud, her voice soft, "You'll be dearly missed, Icecloud," she lifted her head to the inky black sky above, "But ThunderClan will always hold your memory close and now, as you walk amongst the stars, may you find good hunting, swift running and shelter where you sleep."
Out of respect, Snowfall dipped his head, briefly shooting a glance over at where Oak-kit, Specklekit, Splashkit and Tricklekit were huddled by their other's side. They looked so small, so fragile, so young and innocent, beside the body. Snowfall couldn't help but notice some of the features that the kits shared with their mother. Oak-kit's light brown tabby pelt was marked with white patches and he had the same small, neat ears. Specklekit had a very similar frame, slender and delicate, to her mother, and Tricklekit, although her pelt was still kitten-soft and fluffy, it would eventually become silky like Icecloud's. However, it was little Splashkit, the youngest kit, who shared the most with her mother. Her pelt was all white, apart from a splash of pale grey on her side, and had the same bright blue eyes.
But right now, those bright blue eyes were pooling with grief as the little kit, usually so energetic and lively, lay quite still, burying herself in her mother's silky white fur. Snowfall bowed his head, closing his eyes and focusing his mind. It was so tragic how one death could an effect on the lifes of so many. In that moment, the white tom wondered, if it had been him, not Icecloud who'd died, who would be gathered, sitting vigil, around his body?
He shook the thought away. It wasn't about him tonight, it was about Icecloud. The Queen who had sacrificed herself in order to protect her kits. We may not have been the closest, Icecloud, he thought silently, his gaze lifting to the sky, But you were my mentor and all that I know now, I owe it to you. I'll never forget you, your kits will never forget you, ThunderClan will never forget you.
Well, that was a shocker, wasn't it? Icecloud's dead. Her poor little kits. -sniffle- And Molespots thinks that the twolegplace cats led the fox to her, to kill her. But how would they know she was there? Maybe they have spies? Oh dear, this war's not looking promising before it's even truly begun.
Question of the Day ~ If you could enter the story and ask one of the characters ONE question, who would you ask and what would your question be?
Next Chapter we have (if I can fit it in):
~ Dewclaw and Snowfall have an argument
~ Molespots tells Bramblestar about his suspicions on the twolegplace cats
~ Bramblestar returns from the alliance meeting
~ Something else that I can't think of right now
Live, love, read and review everyone!
Love, Leafy x