I am finally back home guys. I miss Dartmoor though. Wish I could live there :/ Anyway, don't forget about the Blue Moon website! I love answering your QAs, go leave me as many questions as you like! I'll answer every single one! :3
Again, I'm just going to thank all of you, everyone who's ever reviewed, everyone who's ever taken time out of their day to read my humble story. Your support literally means the world to me! I love all you guys so much! You're awesome! If you ever need any tips for your story or need help or just generally want to chat, drop me a PM. I have Skype, but I won't give it out to just anyone, so if you talk to me a bit first, let me get to know you, then maybe we can Skype message each other. :D I can proudly say that Eye of the Storm is now the 75th most reviewed Warriors' fan fic out of over 20,000 warriors fan fictions. That is just unbelievable. I can't thank you all enough! Can we try and get to 50th most reviewed fan fiction by the time Eye of the Storm is over? That's 420 reviews. I know it's a long way, but we can try? That would just be the most amazing thing ever.
Bramblestar's Storm came out yesterday. -sigh- I've pre-ordered it, but I'm kinda not looking forward to reading it. You know, they've changed Ambersky's description to a bright ginger she-cat? And Dewclaw has become a grey-and-white tom. I mean, what?! They've also changed Seedflight to a golden brown she-cat. :/
FAN FICTION OF THE WEEK!
A New Rise: Book 1: Misty Horizons by Snowfall16
The Clans have fallen into constant battle and uncertainty. There are no leaders and no order anywhere. In the midst of this, three kits are born with a strange connection. They travel on their quest to find their father and, on the way, they might just get caught up in the fight for peace around the lake.
Review and Follow this Fan Fiction and I'll send you a preview of the next and final chapter of Eye of the Storm! Comment when done, link to the fan fiction is in my bio.
Disclaimer - I don't own Warriors
Review Replies ~
Amberstorm233 ~ Gah, I keep typing Ambersky233. D: Thank you! Yup, of course you can post it on BlogClan! Just be sure to link me it in a PM so I definitely see it. Otherwise there's the chance I might miss it. ;) Good luck!
Celtic Silver ~ Haha, yeah, just two chappies left. Dark Skies should be fun! It'll definitely be longer, more heart-wrenching and dramatic, but it should be good. :3 Thank you once again! ^^
Mnaseer2001 ~ Aw, thank you! Ooh, if you do enter, I definitely look forward to seeing your entry. c:
Willowdream Of ForestClan ~ xD Sorry, I was going to include the initiation, but my brain was melting. xD
Alwayssearching2012 ~ xD I was going to include the initiation, but I was super tired and plus I needed to think a bit more about what I was planning. :3 Thank you so much for the review! :D
Blaze ~ THE SUSPENSE IS UNREAL. xD Luckily you don't have to wait to much longer, this chapter includes the initiation, plus we get to meet Ivypool's kits. :3 I'll have to check out that Linkin Park song, I love Linkin Park. Walking on Sunshine totally fits Redflower. 3 Thank you!
Angel ~ YUS. WE WILL MEET THEM IN JUST A MOMENT. :D THANK YOU MY FRIEND 3 CAPITAL LETTERS OVERLOAD D:
Nightfeather ~ xD Sorry 'bout that, I was too tired to include the initiation. My brain had begun to melt. D: I'll check out his music btw, it sounds awesome. ^^ ... OMG. Pillowrabbit. My heart is melting. Too much adorable in a name. 3 Thank you for the beautifully long review! I love reading long reviews! :3
Silverkitty16 ~ Okie dokie. xD
Shady ~ Aw. I'm sorry about that. I'm trying to think of some way there can be a contest that everyone can enter, they don't have to be arty or good at writing. Yeah, the divisions have quite a complicated way of life, it's quite hard to explain.
Blazerkitty129 ~ Don't be silly, you're not late at all. ^^ xD Thank you!
Spottedmoth123 ~ Thank you! Good luck with your next chapter! :D
Ivyheart ~ Sure, I can probably fit Skunk-kit in ShadowClan if you don't mind? There's no room for any more kits in ThunderClan. xD
Frosty ~ -hugs- Poor Dewy Claws. D: THE SUSPENSE IS SUSPENSEFUL. xD Thank you! c:
Raven cries Nevermore ~ :3
Cupcaketail ~ xD Oh my gosh, that would be hilarious if White Asparagus became some huge thing in the warriors fandom. I think I'd die of laughter. BOOTIFULNESS IS BOOTIFUL. :D Thank you! ^^
nickpschel11 ~ Aw, thank you! There's going to be a bit of tension between Red and Dew in the next chapter ^^
Guest ~ Posting now :3
FlameClaw ~ Thank you so much! There's actually lots of secrets behind why WindClan have been acting they way they have, which we'll find out at some point, they're not evil, don't worry. ;)
Orangeflight ~ Thank you once again! ^^
I find it quite funny how everyone immediately assumes that Snowfall and Seedflight's plan is trying to stop Dewclaw meeting Redflower...
Molespots
The brown-and-cream tom had awoken bright and early to a clouded dawn on the morning of the initiation, only to be told that they'd decided to hold it off. In fact, it wasn't until several days later that himself and Foxleap were awoken before dawn had even lit the sky and told to prepare for the initiation.
"Fox. Mole. Wake up. Now."
A voice barked in the spotted brown-and-cream tom's ear and Molespots immediately jolted awake, heart racing. What is it? What's going on? His amber gaze darted back and forth nervously until it at last fell to the cat who had awoken him. It was Loki, a small white tom with amber eyes, one of the Guardian's senior watchers. Molespots didn't relax at all at the sight of the white tom, his fur standing on end, "What is it? What's happening."
Loki, snorted, "Gosh, no need to be so alarmed," he laughed for a moment before wiping the smile away and falling serious, "It's time for your initiation," his gaze drifted to Foxleap, who was sat alert in his nest, "Make yourselves ready and meet myself, Misty and Night by the entrance to camp when dawn arrives."
Molespots' eyes drifted to the sky, which was a rich blue and dotted with stars. The horizon glowed softly, promising a bright dawn. The dappled tom would've taken the time to simply soak up the moment and enjoy the beauty of the sky before dawn, but he was too rigid with apprehension to do so.
Loki dipped his head to the two toms before padding off, his tail flourishing from side to side and his pawsteps light. Despite his bright fur, he appeared to melt into the night, wearing the shadows like his pelt.
Foxleap gave the brown-and-cream tom a supportive nudge, "Hey, don't worry, I'm sure this initiation thing will be fine," he flashed him a smile, "We've just got to do exactly as Night says. Even if it questions our loyalty to ThunderClan, they've got to believe we're loyal to the divisions and only the divisions."
Molespots swallowed, nodding slowly, "I know… But what if he asks us to attack ThunderClan, StarClan, I don't know what I'd do if I had to attack Ambersky or my sister."
"They'll understand," Foxleap murmured softly, "We're doing this for the good of ThunderClan, they know that."
Molespots wasn't quite convinced, but he didn't voice that. Instead, he began to make his way through his brown-and-cream pelt, which had become rather messy in the course of the night. He used to sleep soundly, but since joining the divisions and experiencing their harsh ways of life, he'd been sleeping very restlessly, constantly shifting and changing positions. It was fear, that was it. Fear of discovery, fear of what the division cats were capable of.
He drew his tongue through his fur a little hurriedly, smoothing down his ruffled pelt. His gaze briefly flicked up to his companion, who was also preening his glossy pelt. The reddish tabby tom didn't have to worry too much about his pelt though, it was generally very easy to keep. It probably also helped that he wasn't constantly rolling back and forth in the night too.
Molespots wasn't quite sure what getting themselves ready for the initiation meant. Grooming had been his first thought, but what after that? Were they supposed to have been training for it or something? Perhaps they'd have to fight Night for the initiation? That seemed unlikely though, it didn't really prove any loyalty, just an ability to fight.
The spotted warrior's pelt was still a little messy when dawn crested the horizon and the sun stretched it's brilliant golden fingers of light across the sky. But Molespots was paying little thought to his appearance at that point, his mind was totally consumed by the initiation as himself and Foxleap began to make their way over to the entrance to the twoleg nest, as instructed.
They walked side by side, neither exchanging words, Molespots being silenced by a rather unsettling sinking feeling in his belly. Their pawsteps echoed softly in the quiet dawn.
Before they rounded the first crumbling twoleg nest wall, Foxleap sent the spotted warrior an encouraging smile. Molespots returned the gesture, before taking a deep breath. They padded onwards, entering the main clearing.
The dappled brown-and-cream tom's eyes immediately fell to the entrance to the twoleg nest, where four cats were sitting calmly. Night sat in the centre of the cats, his piercing blue gaze following Molespots and Foxleap as they approached him. Flanking his left side was a dappled pale grey she-cat with bright blue eyes and another cat, Loki.
But the fourth cat sat to Night's left, a silver tabby she-cat with pale amber eyes. Her tail flourished from side, a flicker of impatience in her gaze.
Almost in unison, Molespots and Foxleap dipped their heads to the four cats in turn. Silence ensued for a further heartbeat before Night at last spoke, "Fox, Mole, thank you for showing up," his eyes trailed to the sky for a fleeting moment, "You know Loki and I," he then nodded to the dappled grey she-cat, "This is Misty, she's a senior watcher," he gestured to the remaining cat with a toss of the head, "And this is Kaya. She's the chief healer in the divisions."
Kaya's eyes flickered over the two clan cats before her for a heartbeat, before she lifted her gaze to Night and tilted her head questioningly. The black tom gave a nod of confirmation and the silver tabby she-cat regarded Foxleap and Molespots one last time before padding into the Twoleg Nest.
"We will leave once Kaya has returned," Night told them, "She's just fetching something."
They sat in silence for a few moments until the chief healer at last returned. Tucked under her chin was the limp body of a small squirrel and a small package made up of leaves. Do they contain herbs? Molespots wondered.
"Right then," Night meowed matter-of-factly, clearing his throat, "Let's be on our way. We're entering clan territory today."
Molespots' heart faltered. He took in a deep breath, doing the best he could to appear calm and collected. He didn't want Night to detect his fear. The black tom stood up and looked to the cats expectantly, "Follow me," were his simple words.
Although he wouldn't have liked to, Molespots had no choice but to follow him, his head low. Out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Foxleap glancing over at him, but the spotted brown-and-cream tom ignored his fellow warrior. As they filed out of the clearing, the rising sun behind them, the brown-and-cream tom felt a lump in his throat. Entering clan territory? That can't be good. He shuddered.
It didn't take Molespots and Foxleap long to realise they were heading for ThunderClan territory. By the time they reached the border with the clan, the brown-and-cream tom's heart was in his throat and he swallowed nervously. The sun was skimming above the treeline, casting light through the canopy and forming blotchy shadows.
"You must be hungry?"
Kaya's mew caught Molespots completely by surprise. He blinked at her in confusion, wondering why she was bring up the matter of prey now, long after they'd left the camp of the divisions.
The silver tabby she-cat didn't await a response before meowing, "Of course you are. Why don't you go and find some prey for all of us? We can eat it after the initiation has been completed, if it has been completed of course," there was a slight challenge to her tone.
Molespots exchanged a bewildered glance with Foxleap. The reddish tabby tom replied, confusion hanging heavily upon his words, "Uh, yeah, okay," his eyes fell back to his companion, "Should we go then, Mole?"
The brown-and-cream tom nodded slowly, taking a moment or so before at last moving. Night and Kaya's eyes followed them as they left. Misty and Loki nodded, a knowing glint in their gazes.
The two ThunderClanners headed away from clan territory into the silver birch forests they'd stopped at on their way to the division cats' camp. It wasn't until they were absolutely certain they were out of hearing distance before they spoke.
"What's all this about?"
"I have absolutely no idea," Molespots meowed truthfully, shaking his head, "Why didn't they just get us to go hunting before we left? Why now? I didn't like that knowing look Misty gave us."
Foxleap sighed, his gaze misting, "You'd think after spending almost a quarter-moon with them that we might be able to at least guess what they're planning," another soft exhale spilled from his jaws, "They're clever, I'll admit that."
Not many more words were exchanged before they decided to split paths to hunt. The prey was so abundant in these forests, so unassuming of predators, that they didn't have to spend long to make enough catches. Once satisfied they had caught enough, the two cats met once more and returned to where they'd left Loki, Misty, Kaya and Night.
Entering the clearing, the four cats were still exactly where they'd left them, deep in discussion when they arrived. Upon spotting Foxleap and Molespots, they immediately fell silent. Kaya grinned when she saw the prey hanging from their jaws, "Ah, perfect!" she purred sweetly, "A squirrel, yes. Two finches, two mice and a pigeon. Nice job."
The silver tabby healer took the prey from them and sat the limp bodies in a neat pile next to where she'd place her leaf bundle and the small squirrel she'd brought with her. Her gaze flickered to Night for a brief moment, a glance that Molespots almost missed.
The black tom gave a curt nod, "Good, Loki, you wait with Kaya. Misty, you'll be coming with us," his eyes fell to the brown-and-cream tom and the reddish tabby tom, "Follow me," he instructed. He picked up the body of the squirrel and tucked it underneath his chin, then, with nothing more than a sharp flick of his tail, he strode off, veering closer than Molespots would've liked to the ThunderClan border.
With the three cats tailing behind him, he led them on until they came to a large clump of fern. The fronds were wet from last night's rain and morning dew still clung to them.
Night rolled in the ferns and for a moment Molespots was unsure why. Then he realised that, with the strong scent of ferns, helped by the fact that moisture made scenting difficult, he was masking his scent. Once satisfied and his pelt was flecked with water droplets, he stood up straight. Misty obviously knew the routine well and had already begun to roll in the ferns, but the black tom had to nod to Foxleap and Molespots, meowing, "Now you two."
Both cats hesitantly stepped forward and dropped to the ferns, masking their pelts of the confusion of division and ThunderClan scent. Night didn't let them stop until he was certain they had rolled for long enough. Several long moments passed before he at last gave a sharp nod, meowing decisively, "Enough."
As Molespots and Foxleap rose to their paws, Night was already on the move. This time, however, he wasn't paying attention to the ThunderClan border and stepped across without even acknowledging its presence. Misty followed, her strides long and confident.
Molespots' unease was growing by the second and it was obviously showing. Foxleap pressed against his side, so lightly and for such a brief moment, that it was almost un-noticeable. His voice hushed and low, he murmured, "Remember, confidence. It'll be okay."
Molespots gave a tiny nod, pausing before crossing the border after Misty and Night, Foxleap following in his pawsteps shortly. But the two division cats weren't stopping after crossing into ThunderClan territory, they were already padding onwards, heading deeper and deeper into ThunderClan's decidious forests.
As Molespots followed, he felt the tiniest flash of warmth to be back in ThunderClan territory. He didn't quite realise quite how much he'd missed the vast oak forests that he called home. It was somewhat soothing. But it didn't fully ease the brown-and-cream tom's nerves. He was trying to swallow the fear that was mounting in his chest, but it was very difficult.
They stopped very close to the abandoned twoleg nest. Molespots hoped they wouldn't be venturing any deeper into ThunderClan territory, they were bound to bump into a patrol otherwise. But his hopes were dashed when Night started speaking, briefing them on the initiation he'd been anticipating so nervously for the last few days.
"The initiation is a simple one. You've got to take this squirrel as close as possible to ThunderClan's camp as possible without meeting any cats," he smirked, blue eyes glinting, "A kit could do it, so if you fail," he unsheathed his claws, "that'll be an end to that," he looked to the two cats, "Any questions?"
Foxleap blinked, "What exactly is the point in that?" he asked, "What's a squirrel going to do? What loyalty is this going to prove? Only handing over prey to the enemy isn't generally what you do during war."
Molespots flinched inwardly at Foxleap's casual reference to ThunderClan as the enemy. Yet he too couldn't help but wonder about what taking a squirrel as close to the Stone Hollow as possible would prove?
It was Misty who answered Foxleap's question, "First of all, if you are to meet any cats, your first response must be to fight. No mercy, a fight until death or otherwise," Molespots' blood went cold at her words, "If you don't fight, or you show any pity or mercy, you fail. Secondly, this isn't just any squirrel," she smirked lightly, prodding the limp prey with an extended forepaw, "This squirrel is carrying a deadly, infectious disease, which is almost always fatal unless you manage to find the cure for it. Though, it has taken many seasons for the Healers to discover the cure and even so, it's very difficult to produce," she let her words hang in the air, "so essentially, you'll be handing your former clan a fatal disease."
Molespots froze, horror racing through him. Great StarClan. Oh my… These cats are more cunning than we ever thought.
Night swiftly added, "If you don't take the squirrel close enough to ThunderClan's camp or dispose of it otherwise, which we will know, as we'll be watching," he snuck a glance at Misty, "then we simply won't give you the cure afterwards. So you'll be removed from the group and sent back to your clan, carrying the disease, which should speed up processes a little. As you've been close to the creature carrying the disease," he motioned to the squirrel, "you'll already be carrying the disease. If you complete the initiation, you'll be allowed into the group as full members and we'll treat you before the disease even takes hold. So, if you don't complete the initiation, you'll die, but not before passing it onto your precious clanmates. Either way, it's a winning situation for the divisions, whether you die or not," his words were cold and calculated, his piercing blue eyes glinting, "You're lucky it's only a simple initiation. It doesn't take much to pick up a squirrel and place it somewhere. The choice is yours, complete the initiation and live, but your former clanmates will probably die, or don't complete the initiation and die, though your former clanmates will probably also die that way. It's whether you want to live or not really."
Molespots heart was racing, no, no, no, no. We… This can't be happening. Whatever happens, we're going to be responsible for passing on a lethal disease. For the deaths of cats. Oh StarClan. Oh StarClan, I can't let anything happen to Ambersky. Or Cherryflower or mother and father. His gaze was panicky and his breaths were ragged. He tried to force himself to be calm. Either way, whether you do the initiation or not, this disease will reach ThunderClan. If you complete it, you'll live and you might be able to find out the cure from the healers. He took a deep breath, steadying his heart rate, You're ThunderClan's only hope. You volunteered for this quest, you can't go back without completing it.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting his thoughts settle, before opening them once more. He turned to Foxleap, who, behind a calm complexion, was surely going through the same thing.
"It looks like we don't have a choice," he mewed weakly.
The reddish tabby tom nodded very slowly.
Night nosed the squirrel towards them, "Brilliant," he purred slyly, "Good luck," his gaze burned into Molespots' pelt, "And one word of advice, I wouldn't hold the squirrel in your jaws. You're more likely to contract the disease faster if you do so. Tuck it under your chin instead."
The spotted brown-and-cream tom nodded slowly, "O-Okay," he stammered slightly, picking up the squirrel and awkwardly tucking it against his chest and bringing his chin down to support it.
Foxleap moved to his side.
Night smirked, "Well then, you may begin," his eyes didn't leave the two cats, "Remember," he nodded to Misty, "We'll be watching."
His chest tightening, the brown-and-cream tom gave a stiff nod before, with a glance over at Foxleap, taking a deep breath and padding forwards, his gaze firmly set on the path ahead. He threw a final glance over his shoulder, but Misty and Night had already disappeared. He swallowed nervously, forcing a smile.
Foxleap was quite for a moment, then he meowed softly, "Oh my StarClan, I can't see a way out of this," his voice shaked a little and a web of fright and dread had weaved its way into his amber gaze.
Molespots couldn't bring himself to meet the reddish tabby tom's eyes. Instead, his eyes remained determinedly fixed his paws, "We've got to complete the initiation," he then added under his breath, his words so hushed they were almost inaudible, "We're no use dead. ThunderClan, and probably the other clans too, are going to get this sickness anyhow. If we pass the initiation, we might be able to find out the cure from the division cats. We meet Lionblaze at the ThunderClan border in two nights to tell him what we've learned, with luck we'll have the cure by then."
'With luck' was the key part of that sentence. Molespots wasn't feeling particularly lucky and he doubted Foxleap was either. He tried to sound confident, but inside he was panicking. What if two days time is too late? We know nothing about this disease, what if it sets in within hours? What if cats are already dead in two days. What if I lose my family? What if I lose Ambersky? Oh please, StarClan, have mercy. Take care of them.
They fell silent, suddenly aware of the fact that Misty and Night were watching their initiation. As they treaded further, drawing closer to the Stone Hollow, Foxleap stopped them, inhaling a deep breath and tasting the air. After a heartbeat, he nodded to Molespots, "It looks like it's all clear," he muttered, "We're almost at the Stone Hollow, not too much further."
Molespots should've been eased by his words, soothed and calmed by the fact it was almost over. Then they could leave and return to camp. But far from it, his apprehension was mounting with each pawstep. They were going to be responsible for the deaths of cats. His paws would be forever stained with blood, all for the sake of discovering the divisions' secrets. To win this mouse-brained war. What is the point? All this suffering to come, all the battles, all the blood spilled? Is it really worth it? We could leave the lake, we could find a new home.
A nudge from Foxleap gently eased him from his thoughts. They were mere tail-lengths from the clearing where the entrance to the Stone Hollow lay. The brown-and-cream tom's heart was hammering in his chest as they waited for a moment, concealed by a thick bramble thicket. Molespots thought it was clear and was about to slip out from their hiding place and leave the squirrel, but Foxleap stopped him, brushing his tail to his side.
Mere heartbeats later, two cats emerged from under the thorn barrier. Molespots' breath caught when he recognised the two cats. Ambersky and Cherryflower. Pain tugged lightly at his heart, he was so close to them, yet he couldn't talk to them. Please don't notice us, please, just carry on. If they spotted them, they'd have no choice but to fight. That was the last thing Molespots wanted right now.
Both cats seemed well, their gazes warm as they enveloped themselves in friendly conversation. The spotted brown-and-cream tom's heart gave a pang and he swallowed, I'm sorry, Ambersky, Cherryflower. I'm sorry for what we're about to do.
The two she-cats were soon out of sight, but Molespots could still hear their fading meows, light with warmth. Only once he was certain they'd left did the brown-and-cream tom at last peel away from their cover. Foxleap flanked his side, a source of comfort for what he was about to do.
He stopped a few tail-lengths in front of the thorn barrier then, after inhaling and exhaling, he slowly lowered the squirrel to the clearing floor. The brown-and-cream tom simply stared at it for a moment until Foxleap gave him a nudge, motioning upwards. Across the clearing, Misty and Night had emerged from the undergrowth and were striding towards them.
Night grinned, "Brilliant," he flashed a set of gleaming white teeth when he spoke. He looked to Misty for a moment before continuing, "You've passed your initiation. You'll certainly be welcomed members of the divisions if you can learn to stop moping about your former clanmates," his gaze flickered to Molespots, then back to Foxleap, "We've done our job. It won't be long until the supposedly brave ThunderClan are weak as mice," he smirked, "Well done, Fox, Mole. You did well. Now," he gave a sharp flick of his tail, "It's no use waiting any longer here, let's get back to camp."
Melting back into the undergrowth, they began to make their way back. Little words were exchanged, Molespots was too terrified to speak. All he could think about now was ThunderClan. Oh StarClan, he thought, shaking his head, What have I done?
Ambersky
Drip. Drip. Drip.
The pale grey-and-white she-cat blinked distastefully as yet another heavy droplet landed on her soft pelt. She shot a bitter glance up at the roof of the Warriors' Den. After a lot of heavy rain that night it seemed like the den was leaking. Mouse-dung. She heaved a sigh, rolling over onto her side. It had been several days since Molespots and Foxleap had left for the twolegplace cats, though, to the grey-and-white warrior, it felt like moons. Ambersky just wanted to talk to Molespots, to see his face so she could see he was alright.
She knew that Lionblaze would be meeting him and Foxleap tomorrow night, at the half moon, to see what they'd discovered so far. Ambersky had already tried asking if she could go with the golden tabby tom, but to no luck. The more cats met them, the greater chance they had of being discovered. So, reluctantly, the pale grey-and-white she-cat had to accept that it wasn't until enough information had been gathered that she would at last be able to see Molespots again. But how long will that be? She exhaled heavily, whiskers twitching.
Another water droplet splashed onto her whiskers. Ambersky grumbled to herself, giving her whiskers a brisk shake before, with a sigh, deciding to get up. Then there's the matter of Redflower and Dewclaw… and their kits. She rose to her paws, stretching for a fleeting few moments before padding out of the den, in a slightly dampened frame of mind.
Why does everything have to be so complicated? She slumped down in the shelter of the Warriors' Den, staring at her paws absently. She wasn't particularly hungry, so she saw no need to eat when the prey could go to other cats who were more deserving than her.
Her amber gaze drifted to the sky above, which was a soft blue and patched with clouds. Well, at least it's stopped raining. She drunk in a deep breath, tasting the air for moisture. It looks like today might actually be a sunny day.
Yawning, her ears flickered in the direction of the nursery. She knew Ivypool had kitted a couple of days before, it had been impossible to ignore the high yowls that had resounded from the Nursery. It had given her the perfect opportunity to talk to Snowfall by himself, but she hadn't yet met the kits. She had decided to wait until their eyes were open perhaps, then she would visit them. She knew their names though, Puffinkit, Ravenkit and Swallowkit, all named after birds. Puffinkit was a tom, then the other two were she-kits.
Snowfall had been allowed to leave the Medicine Cat's den the previous day and though he was still a little stiff in his injured leg, he was back to warrior duties. The white tom and Seedflight had awoken the pale grey-and-white she-cat at dawn this morning as they left to go on a walk. Those two are so cute, she thought with a slight smile.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud squeak. Ambersky blinked, slowly turning her head and trying to locate the source of the noise, what was that?
Her question was answered by a pair of eyes blinking at her from the entrance to the nursery. It was a little black she-kit with white markings, staring at her, but perhaps the most striking thing about the little kit was the colour of her eyes. Her right eye was an ice blue and her left was a dark green colour. She must be one of Ivypool's daughters, the grey-and-white warrior realised with a smile, She must've opened her eyes at last.
Feeling a little more enthusiastic, the pale grey-and-white she-cat rose to her paws. I'll go hunting and bring back some prey for Ivypool, she decided, perhaps then she'll let me say hello to her kittens.
She shot the little she-kit a warm smile. The black-and-white she-kit blinked at her, her gaze pooling with curiosity. She watched the grey-and-white warrior for a further heartbeat before scampering back inside, whiskers trembling with excitement.
Ambersky chuckled lightly, ears twitching and amber gaze dancing with amusement. There was something so humorous and adorable about kits, it always brightened the grey-and-white she-cat's spirits.
"Lakepaw, your pelt looks an absolute mess."
A familiar mew caught the young warrior's attention and her gaze drifted across the clearing. Cherryflower was trying to groom her daughter, Lakepaw, who looked like she'd somehow managed to attach herself to a bramble thicket. Her pale ginger-and-white pelt was littered with thorns, burrs and bramble tendrils, but the young apprentice looked rather happy about it. Or perhaps she might've been happy about the pigeon hanging from her jaws.
She turned up her nose, strutting away from her mother with the pigeon held high in the air, "I got caught in a bramble thicket when I was tracking this," she meowed matter-of-factly, motioning with a proud flick of the tail to her catch, "Have you seen just how big this pigeon is? If I wasn't so strong, I'd say I might have difficulty carrying it. Blossomfall said it was an excellent catch!" her bright blue gaze was brimming with pride and her chest was puffed out.
Ambersky rolled her eyes, amusement pooling in her amber orbs as she crossed over to the two cats, "Someone being a bit difficult?" she meowed under her breath to Cherryflower, humour glinting in her amber gaze
The fluffy ginger she-cat sighed, "Tell me about it," she groaned, "She won't let me groom her pelt because she says it's a mark of her catch," her gaze flickered to her daughter, then back to Ambersky, "She can't go around looking like that! She's a walking bramble thicket!"
Ambersky let out a mrrow of amusement, her eyes following the young apprentice, "She'll have to groom her pelt at some point," she meowed, "She'll get fed up of having brambles for fur after a while," she purred in amusement, "Until then, I was thinking of going hunting," her amber gaze flicked over to the thorn barrier, "and seeing as Molespots isn't available, due to obvious reasons, would you care to join me?" amusement danced in her bright amber orbs.
"Oh, so I'm your second choice am I?" Cherryflower's gaze pooled with amusement and she gave the grey-and-white she-cat a playful shove, her attention returning to Lakepaw for a brief moment as she showed off her catch to Puddlepaw, "I suppose she has to learn to groom her pelt some way or another," she turned back to Ambersky, "Okay then, I'll come with you."
The grey-and-white warrior purred warmly, "Great!"
The ginger warrior cast another glance over at her daughter, hesitance flickering behind her gaze. Ambersky gave a soft purr, "Don't worry about her, come on," she gave a distinguished flick of her tail and began to pad towards the thorn barrier, "Let's go have some fun!"
Cherryflower paused for a moment before bounding after her, her eyes bright, "Alright then."
The pair of warriors ducked under the thorn barrier and entered the forest, the light through the canopy casting pebbles of sunlight onto their pelts. There was a slight chill in the breeze, but Ambersky wasn't at all bothered. If it had been rain, on the other hand, she might have been a little put off, but a little cold was fine. For a brief heartbeat, she thought she detected an unfamiliar scent, but after blinking, it had evaporated like the mist. She frowned, but promptly shook it off.
"Lakepaw seems like a pawful or two," she purred softly, amusement glinting in her amber eyes, "You must be glad to be back to warrior duties, kits certainly keep your paws full."
The ginger she-cat chuckled lightly, "She's so independent," she mewed, "She doesn't like to accept any help, she's rather stubborn. It feels like just heartbeats ago she was a tiny kit and she relied on me for everything, warmth, protection, food," wistfulness crept into her gaze, "She's totally self reliant now. Admittedly, she still isn't very good at keeping her pelt groomed, but she's so independent. Redpaw's a little different, mind you," her amber eyes glowed softly, "I'm so proud of them though."
It was rather odd to hear the ginger she-cat talking about her kits. She was usually so bubbly, always full of laughs, constantly joking around. She'd had her kits at a young age. They'd definitely forced her to grow up a little bit, "That pigeon Lakepaw caught was a brilliant catch though, even if she was a little big-headed about it," her amber eyes glinted, "She'll make a great warrior if she can learn to stop boasting so much."
Cherryflower rolled her eyes, amusement dancing in her amber orbs. Then she suddenly stopped, eyes narrowing to slits. She slowly nodded towards a honeysuckle bush, slowing her breaths so she was almost silent.
Ambersky followed her gaze, trying to work out what had quietened the ginger warrior so quickly. Then she spotted it, a plump mouse with bright, beady eyes, huddled underneath the bush and nibbling quietly at something or other. Cherryflower nodded to her companion, "You wait out here," she murmured softly, "I'll drive it towards you and you catch it."
Ambersky nodded, smiling, "Got it."
In the end, they returned to camp with two catches. The plump mouse swung from Ambersky's jaws whilst Cherryflower carried a small finch, which she'd caught shortly after the first catch. Rather than keeping it for themselves, the two she-cats decided to take the prey to the nursery, Ambersky hoping to perhaps meet Ivypool's new kits.
Ducking into the den, Ambersky smiled at the comforting scent of the nursery. Being in here always reminded her of when she was a kit, when all that mattered was who was the best at moss-ball or who could sneak out of the den without their mother spotting them and ushering them back inside. She smiled fondly at the memories.
Almost immediately, they were spotted. They found themselves attacked by two flurries of fur.
"Intruder!" Featherkit squeaked, latching herself onto Ambersky's pelt, "It's a kittypet cat! She's going to steal Ivypool's kits!"
"I think they're called twolegplace cats, actually," Tigerkit pointed out. He clung onto Cherryflower's shoulders, determination in his green eyes.
"Who cares what they're called?" Featherkit sniffed, sticking her tongue out at her brother, "We've got to defeat them!"
"Tigerkit, Featherkit, that's no way to treat visitors," Dovewing meowed gently, scooping up her kits and gently placing them on the moss, "Especially not visitors bringing prey," she blinked gratefully at Cherryflower and Ambersky, "I'm sorry about them, they're a bit excitable sometimes."
Cherryflower purred, "Aren't all kits like that?"
Ambersky smiled, dropping the mouse and nosing it towards the grey queen, "We just got back from hunting," she meowed, "I don't whether you've already eaten or not, but"-
Dovewing cut in, "That's very kind of you," she mewed softly, "Thank you," she took the mouse graciously, before nodding to Ivypool, who was curled up around her kits nearby, "I know grumpy-whiskers over there was grumbling a few minutes ago about being hungry, I'm sure she'd appreciate that finch."
"Hey!" Ivypool protested, "I wasn't complaining, I was just stating that taking care of kits is very tiring and that I hadn't eaten yet," amusement glinted in her dark blue gaze, "Though, if you're not going to eat that finch, I wouldn't mind having it."
Cherryflower smiled warmly and offered the prey to the silver-and-white tabby queen, who quickly accepted it.
Ambersky's gaze slipped to her kits, nestled at her belly and sleeping soundly. At least, two of the kits were, the third kit was pawing at her mother's side, eyes wide, "Can I try some prey, mama?"
The grey-and-white she-cat's gaze warmed, recognising the kit as the one she'd seen earlier, the little black-and-white she-cat with striking eyes. Ivypool rasped her tongue over her daughter's head softly, "You're not old enough yet, Ravenkit," she murmured softly, "When you're a little bigger perhaps."
"But I am big enough!" she argued, standing as tall as he could and fluffing up her pelt, "I'm almost as big as you!"
Ivypool brushed her tail lightly over Ravenkit's pelt, "Not yet, little one," she purred, "One day you will be."
The silver-and-white tabby queen's gaze drifted to Ambersky, "You haven't met them yet, have you Ambersky?" her meow was soft, as not to wake the other two kits, "Would you like me to introduce them to you?"
The grey-and-white she-cat padded forwards, nodding, "I'd love to," she mewed, amber gaze warm.
Ivypool's whiskers twitched and she nodded to her first kit, the black-and-white she-kit who was now prodding the mouse, a spark of curiosity lighting her miss-matched gaze, "This is Ravenkit," at the mention of her name, Ravenkit glanced up and gave a sheepish grin. Ivypool purred, then motioned to the first sleeping kit, a little tom who's pelt was entirely black apart from a white tail-tip and paws, "This is Puffinkit and this," she prodded the last kit lightly, "is Swallowkit. She's a very deep sleeper, I honestly think the forest could be on fire and she wouldn't wake up," she planted a soft lick upon Swallowkit's pelt, which was a pale grey tabby with white patches.
"They're beautiful."
Ivypool smiled, "I think so too," her gaze returned to her kits for a moment, then she cleared her throat and addressed Ambersky once more, "You haven't seen Toadstep have you? He was on the dawn patrol."
The pale grey-and-white she-cat shook her head, "Afraid not."
"Ah," Ivypool nodded slowly, "Knowing him, he's probably managed to fall down a rabbit hole or something," she chuckled lightly.
Ambersky smiled, her gaze falling to the kits once more, "We won't disturb you any longer," she murmured, her gaze flickering to Cherryflower, "Should we go see if Lakepaw's sorted her pelt out yet?"
Cherryflower grinned, "We probably should. She's going to need to get it groomed at some point, we can't have her being mistaken for a bramble thicket."
Ambersky purred, nodding thankfully to the two queens, "Thanks for letting us visit."
Dovewing purred, "Any time, thank you for the prey."
Ambersky blinked thoughtfully, casting one final glance at the queens before slipping out of the den and into the Stone Hollow. Cherryflower turned to her, amber eyes pooling with amusement, "Now, keep your eyes peeled for a walking bramble bush."
Snowfall
The white tom had been drifting in and out of the phase of semi-consciousness when quiet pawsteps reached his ears. He froze in his nest, slowly peeling open amber eyes. It must've been just before moon-high, he could glimpse the moon's glowing light through the weather worn walls of the Warriors' Den. Bramblestar really needs to get around to organising the den to be patched up.
It only took a moment or so for him to identify the source of the pawsteps. A few tail-lengths away from him a dark grey tom was rising from his nest, dark amber eyes gleaming in the darkness. Dewclaw. He thought nothing of it for a moment, then realisation sank in and he sat bolt upright in his nest.
He must be trying to meet Redflower.
Not wanting to confront the dark grey tom on his own, he nudged Ambersky awake, who was sleeping soundly a few nests away. The pale grey-and-white she-cat jolted awake, bright amber eyes wide with fear, "What is it? What's going on? I…" she trailed off when her eyes fell to Snowfall.
The fluffy white tom's tail flicked from side to side and he motioned to Dewclaw, who was steadily picking his way towards the den's entrance. The amber-eyed she-cat blinked, frowning a little. Then she took a deep breath, wearily rising to her paws, "Come on, I've got an idea."
An idea? He wondered, but he didn't question his sister, following the young warrior in silence out of the den. He almost stood on someone's tail and was grateful to reach the entrance, slipping out into the pale moonlight.
Dewclaw was already half way across the clearing. Snowfall didn't know whether the dark grey tom was aware of his littermates' presence and was ignoring them or whether he was oblivious. He was striding forwards with purpose, his dark amber eyes glowing with determination.
Ambersky called after him, "Dewclaw!"
The dark grey tom froze. His pelt began to bristle and he slowly rounded to face them, his eyes dark and narrowed, "What do you want?" he hissed.
Ambersky shot a glance at Snowfall and began to cross the Stone Hollow so she stood right before the dark grey tom. Snowfall followed reluctantly, unsure of what her plan was.
The pale grey-and-white she-cat breathed in softly, "We're going to help you."
Snowfall went rigid, what? We're… We're helping him meet Redflower? He took a deep breath, letting his fur lay flat and forcing a small smile.
Dewclaw frowned, "Why?"
"That's what littermates are for, right?" Ambersky smiled hopefully.
The dark grey tom let his gaze rush over the two cats, uncertainty flicking behind his amber orbs, "You want to help me?" he repeated, "You didn't want to help me before," his eyes fell to Snowfall, accusation hinted in his gaze.
Snowfall forced himself to be calm, taking after Ambersky's lead, "We were wrong before, I was wrong before," he met the dark grey tom's gaze, "I'm sorry I tried to stop you from meeting Redflower, that was wrong. It's your choice, I shouldn't try to force you to do something," he gushed out the words he'd wanted to express to the dark grey tom for a while, then took in a deep breath, "Mind you though, tonight is a one-off, you shouldn't be meeting her now you're confined to camp, what if Bramblestar finds out? You could be exiled."
Dewclaw breathed slowly, amber gaze softening slightly. He gave a nod. Snowfall hoped that meant he'd forgiven him. The dark grey tom looked like a different cat in the moonlight. Some of his fur was tinged silver, whilst the parts where the moonlight didn't touch looked almost black.
Ambersky glanced over at Snowfall, then back to Dewclaw, "You wait here," she instructed the dark grey tom before turning to Snowfall and nodding, "Come on."
A little uncertain of what they were doing, Snowfall fell in beside the grey-and-white she-cat as she strode towards the thorn-barrier. They slid under the thorns, emerging into the night.
Sitting guard by the camp entrance and regarding them with confusion were Brackenfur and Hazeltail. Both looked as if they were asleep on their paws, but they forced their eyes open, blinking curiously at Ambersky and Snowfall.
"You look exhausted," Ambersky commented, "Would you like us to take over for you? I've been having a bit of trouble sleeping anyway, what with Snowfall's constantly tossing and turning," she lied easily and sent the white tom an annoyed glare.
Brackenfur and Hazeltail both looked pleasantly surprised, exchanging delighted glances, "Are you sure?" Brackenfur asked, tilting his head slightly, "That's very good of you to offer, but you two should really be getting your rest."
It was Snowfall's turn to act now, "Of course, I always have trouble sleeping, so there's not exactly much point even trying to sleep, besides, I got a bit of sleep last night."
Hazeltail shot them a smile, giving a stretch before rising to her paws, "Thank you," she purred softly, "I've never heard of anyone volunteering for this before," she glanced over at Brackenfur.
The golden brown tabby tom dipped his head thankfully and together the two warriors slipped back into camp. Snowfall knew what Ambersky's plan was now. Once Hazeltail and Brackenfur were back in their nests, he sent her a smile before ducking under the thorn barrier.
Dewclaw was sitting outside the Warriors' Den grooming himself thoroughly. When he spotted his brother, his head jerked up and he quickly abandoned his grooming ritual, padding over to him. Snowfall gave him a supportive nudge, smiling, "It's all clear," he purred.
The dark grey tom gave a grateful smile, his ears flickering. They crossed back to the Thorn barrier, slipping into the forest side by side. Snowfall stopped beside Ambersky, taking his spot to sit vigil, his gaze lingering on his brother.
Dewclaw ducked his head gratefully, "Thank you," he murmured softly before slipping into the night.
OH MA GERSH. SO MUCH DRAMA. I GOT SO EXCITED WRITING THIS THAT I STARTED SHAKING AND HAD SOME DIFFICULTY SLEEPING LAST NIGHT. xD I must be turning into Snowfall. Next chapter is the last chapter of Eye of the Storm! :D I'm going to have a bit of a break between Eye of the Storm and Dark Skies, just a week or two, just whilst school starts and so I can get the first three books all ready to be made into book form. Don't forget to enter the Blue Moon one-shot contest! I look forward to seeing your entries! Check the last chappie for details. ^^
Next Chapter (the final chapter):
- Dewclaw meets Redflower
- Clan Meeting
- A few cats start to feel a bit unwell
- Molespots and Foxleap meet Lionblaze
Until next time, Loony Moonies,
Live, Love, Read and Review!
Leafy x