Ugh, sorry for the stupidly long update time. Three whole months for one chapter. I thought school would interfere with my schedule, but not this much. Luckily, I have dropped the course that was causing me grief, so not only do I have time to work on this at home again, but I also have time at school. (There was a grammatical error in that sentence, but I'm not sure how to fix it.) Anyway, it's time for the return of the popular Tidepaw! We'll get to see some new RiverClan characters. I tried not to go overboard like I did with WindClan. We'll see how that works out.
Chapter 4
"Strength and weakness, love and loathing, gain and loss, jubilation and sorrow. We have to move forward, and find what matters. Along the path we take, we are built by those we meet, and that which we find inside ourselves. Young she-cat with the black paw, why do you live?"
"Me? I, I choose to live because I want to…"
…
All four of Tidekit's blue-gray paws were knocked from underneath her. She slammed into the earth, her face hitting the hard ground with a thud. Sighing, she picked herself up and nodded to her opponent. "I guess you win, Wildkit."
The brown tom hopped up and down in a celebratory manner. "Yes! I actually won this time!" he cheered.
This was met with an amused mrrow from their spectator, Rainpaw. "Wildkit, you always win," the gray tabby medicine apprentice pointed out. "Why do you get so worked up when the result never changes?"
Wildkit seemed too excited to bother answering, so Tidekit used her interpretation of things. "The only solid hit I've ever got on him probably hurt his brain instead of his body," she speculated.
"Hey, I'm not stupid!" Wildkit complained. "I planned out our whole battle before it even happened. I mean, sure I got so caught up in fighting that I forgot my plans, but that's an unimportant sort of nonsense."
Tidekit nodded dismissively and began grooming her blue-gray fur. The earth was dry, so not much dirt had found its way into her pelt. Still, her mother Swanwing constantly reminded her about the wonders of a well-groomed she-cat. "Hey, is it going to rain soon?" she asked Rainpaw.
The gray apprentice nodded. "Nightheart says that the shape of the clouds suggests a storm tonight."
"That's good," said Tidekit. "Things are a bit too dry for my liking. We might even get some of the fish back when the storm hits." It was true. The air was stuffy, and it was missing its familiar salty feel. As well, the warriors seemed to be bringing fewer fish back recently, even though they had claimed Newleaf would mean a greatly improved hunting season.
Her grooming complete, Tidekit turned to Rainpaw, who was watching the skies intently. I can't wait until I become an apprentice. Wildkit's fun to play with, but I really want to train with Rainpaw.
"Why did you have to become a medicine cat?" she asked her friend. "I really wanted to train together when I became an apprentice!"
Rainpaw smiled at her. "Don't worry," the silver she-cat reassured her. "Medicine apprentices get some light warrior training. We'll probably have some time to train together." Tidekit nodded. "But, well, the reason I became a medicine cat is because of a promise I made to myself when I was younger. At the age of three moons, my litter was struck by greencough. I survived, but my brother Scratch wasn't so lucky. I told myself that I wouldn't let anyone else die because of some stupid illness. Overturning the scourge of sickness. That's my chosen path in life."
Tidekit uneasily glanced at her blue-gray paws, shame filling her. "I'm sorry about Scratchkit," she murmured. The words seemed weak.
Rainpaw opened her mouth to respond, but a call from Otterstar cut her off.
"Let all cats old enough to swim through the waters come to the centre of the camp for a Clan meeting!" her leader declared.
Once she was among the gathering cats, Tidekit stood with her mother Swanwing, her father Quailfeather, and her sister Brightkit.
"I'm not too late, am I?" she hissed to Brightkit.
"No, for once you're just in time, little sister," the dusky she-cat replied, a grin breaking across her muzzle.
Tidekit nodded as her leader began to speak. "As you know, our warrior Reedfur turned traitor and joined Bonetail about two moons ago," Otterstar explained. "Well, Silverstripe tells me that he spotted Reedfur and some of Bonetail's other rogues prowling around RiverClan territory earlier this morning. I want you all to be on high alert. Nightheart has reported that herbs have been disappearing from his store, and our own cats could vanish next. Please, stay safe. Thank you." Otterstar nodded her head and flicked her tail to dismiss the RiverClan cats.
Tidekit turned her eyes to Rainpaw. The silver she-cat was sitting with her mother Willowfern, and her littermates, Streampaw and Copperpaw. Willowfern's fur was bristling with the reference to Reedfur. He had been her mate, before he ran off to join Bonetail's rogues.
Tidekit broke away from her family and scurried over to Rainpaw. "Rainpaw! About Reedfur, I'm-" she started, but the silver she-cat cut her off.
"Tidekit, I'm sorry, but the half moon medicine cat gathering is tonight. It's a long walk to the Moonpool, so Nightheart and I have to head off in a minute. Can we talk later?"
"Um, okay." Tidekit agreed.
Rainpaw turned and padded off dejectedly. Tidekit focused on her silver friend until she disappeared into the medicine den. Then the blue-gray she-cat glanced up in the sky, watching the birds soar through the air as the sun set. I wonder what it's like to fly so freely through the sky. Does Rainpaw ever wonder that? Is there anything I could do to help rid her of the sadness that keeps her from reaching for the sky?
As Tidekit's eyes fell to her four blue-gray paws, Wildkit moved to sit beside her. "Silverstripe is quite a warrior," he mused. "I wish I could fight like he does."
"I'd choose protecting my friends over killing my enemies," Tidekit replied.
"But through the defeat of the rogues, our Clan is protected!" Wildkit protested. "Come on, can you honestly tell me that you aren't jealous of the other warriors and their skills?"
Tidekit contemplated Wildkit's words for a moment. The rogues? If I find Reedfur, could that help cure Rainpaw's sorrow? Then, after glancing over at her waiting family, she answered the brown tom's question.
"Jealous? Not in the least. I have everything that I could possibly need."
…
"I have everything that I could possibly need."
Tidepaw forced open her eyes as someone shook her out of the dream. Sunlight was streaming into her den, and Wildpaw stood over her.
"Come on Tidepaw, spar with me!" squeaked the brown tom, as he energetically bounced up and down.
Tidepaw eyed him up and down. Everything I could ever need? Those were more innocent times. If only I had stayed true to what I said back then. But I didn't. If my Clanmates knew what I did, I would be exiled, wouldn't I? Or would they kill me, and rid the Clans of another villain?
"It looks pretty bright out," she noted. "I'm late to waking up too, aren't I?"
Wildpaw nodded. "Mistfur wanted you on the dawn patrol, but I took your spot and let you get your sleep. So to repay my favour, let's do some sparring!"
Tidepaw sighed. It had been eight sunrises since the disastrous Gathering where Bonetail had announced his purpose. We should be doing something to stop Bonetail. I should be doing something to stop Bonetail. But instead, I'm just sleeping in and being useless. Hunger and rogues. It's a vicious cycle.
Tidepaw stood up and yawned. "Why are you so obsessed with sparring?" she asked Wildpaw.
A multitude of twitches went through Wildpaw's body as he explained it to Tidepaw. "Ever since we became apprentices, you've been winning every one of our fights!" he said. "I want to overcome the challenge you pose. It would be like defeating the thing that's never been defeated. Come on, let's get outside and find some space to have a fight."
Tidepaw followed him outside, where the sun warmed her blue-gray pelt and the bones it weakly concealed. I might as well fight Wildpaw. If I can make one cat, just one, feel a little bit happier, then maybe I'll have another night without any nightmares. Tidepaw shivered, recalling the voices that haunted her sleep and her waking hours.
"Kill me! Tidepaw, please, just kill me!"
Tidepaw tried to block the voice from her mind. "I, I won't," she muttered, teeth gritted.
"What was that?" asked Wildpaw, turning his thick brown head to face her.
Tidepaw was saved from having to answer when Graywave, her mentor, burst into the camp at full speed. "WindClan is coming!" he yelled to the Clan, then collapsed to the group, breath short.
The cats in the camp instantly snapped to attention, leaping to their feat and unsheathing their claws. Tidepaw followed suit and dropped into a battle crouch, while Otterstar and Rainpaw barrelled out of their dens. There wasn't enough water around for a full battle, but if Ravenstar had only sent a few warriors, RiverClan could overcome them with their numbers.
A plump ginger tom poked his head into the camp. "This is RiverClan camp?" he asked. "That's funny, I thought it would be fishier." He glared at the gathered RiverClan cats. Tidepaw waited tensely, preparing for his attack.
Otterstar advanced towards the tom. "Leave now, and go back to Ravenstar," she told him, voice deep in a snarl. "RiverClan outnumbers you. This is a battle you can't win."
"Oh, that's how it is?" asked the tom. "If you say so. Just let me warn you, the wind is on my side." Claws unsheathed he dropped into a WindClan battle stance, all the while flicking dirt into the air with his tail. Crouched to the ground, the tom was obviously poised to spring.
"Wait, hold on!" yelled a black she-cat, racing into the camp with lightning speed and grabbing the tom by the tail. The tom, embarrassed, raised himself out of the battle stance, while the she-cat sheepishly bowed her head to the RiverClan cats.
"I'm sorry Otterstar," she said, green eyes showing guilt. "We came here in peace. I wished to wait for an escort, but Emberfoot was the leader of the patrol, and he insisted on charging into the heart of your territory." The she-cat's head stayed bent, and Tidepaw could smell fear-scent on her.
I've felt that fear before. It's the fear of what you could do, and what you've already done. I'm afraid of myself, and what a monster I am.
"Ragnarok approaches," a voice seemed to whisper in Tidepaw's mind.
For a few moments, Otterstar examined the she-cat with a look of scepticism. Then she nodded and flicked her tail, a signal to her warriors saying that they were in no danger. Tidepaw sheathed her claws, while the cats around her followed suit.
"How many cats did Ravenstar send to see us?" asked Mistfur, RiverClan's deputy.
The black she-cat examined her paws for a moment before replying, "There are four of us here to see you. Galeflight and Rabbitfoot are just catching up."
As she said this, Galeflight and a gray she-cat, presumably Rabbitfoot, padded into RiverClan's camp.
They're all so plump. Is this about prey? Why does Ravenstar care about that when WindClan has so much that they've become the fattest cats around the lake?
Galeflight's bright orange fur was damp with water. "Brambletail, Emberfoot, you two are so fast," he commented. "Don't beat me to the Clan leader position."
"I just had to keep this guy in line and make sure that he didn't start a war," Brambletail explained.
"Yet another non-RiverClan cat makes the mistake of believing that he is a fish," Tidepaw murmured to Wildpaw as Galeflight shook himself dry.
The RiverClan cats became noticeably more relaxed. Already, Galeflight was being seen as a hero to RiverClan. The only cat that still showed hostility was Amberfang, Wildpaw's mentor. There was a look of anger in the dark tabby's golden eyes.
Mistfur and Otterstar squared up in front of the WindClan patrol. "Now, with that misunderstanding out of the way, may I ask why Ravenstar has sent you here?" questioned Otterstar.
Emberfoot nodded, taking a moment to scan the camp. There was a hungry look in his eyes, and Tidepaw shrank away as she briefly met his gaze. "I think by now we all know that Bonetail intends us to hand our medicine cats over to him," he purred. "However, this would not be an advantageous course of action. In the midst of this crisis, Ravenstar has had the idea of an emergency Gathering. In three sunrises, when sunhigh has come, the four Clans will meet at the island to discuss how to deal with the threat of Bonetail and his rogues. Bring your most trusted warriors and meet us there."
Tidepaw shivered. The most trusted warriors? She wished she could come, but at seven moons, she was barely into her apprenticeship. "Amberfang," she hissed, "the Clans can't just give up their medicine cats."
"Don't be stupid, apprentice," the tabby snapped back, amber eyes blazing. "We wouldn't trade them away just to make Bonetail more agreeable. Given the choice, the Clans will always choose a battle." His words ended in a fearsome snarl.
"Just testing you!" Tidepaw hastily replied.
She massaged her aching scar as Emberfoot motioned for Rabbitfoot to speak. "Beware!" the gray WindClan she-cat warned. "The danger posed by Bonetail and his rogues is great. On the day after the Gathering, a patrol of rogues tried to abduct one of our kits." She motioned to the other members of her patrol. "I was absent, but these three all bore witness to the event. One of our warriors, Fieldstone, is still recovering from injuries she received during the battle with these rogues."
Next, the black she-cat, Brambletail, began to speak. "That is not all," she explained. "Our patrol visited ThunderClan yesterday, and they reported that one of their apprentices, Mousepaw, vanished mysteriously about two days after the Gathering. The ThunderClan warriors hunted tirelessly for their missing apprentice, but there was no hint of him anywhere in the territory. What they did find was the stench of Bonetail's rogues." The black she-cat bowed her head. "Please!" she cried out. "Please, come. I don't want anyone else to have to suffer." She meekly returned to the back of the patrol.
"Can we expect to see you there?" asked Emberfoot.
Otterstar nodded. "We'll come, Emberfoot," she replied.
"Good," Emberfoot curtly replied. "Rabbitfoot, Brambletail, Ravenstar has more work for us back the camp. We should get going. Now Galeflight," he said, eying the ginger warrior, "you forced yourself onto this patrol because you wanted to see the RiverClan cats. Do what you came for, and meet up with us later."
With that, he led the two she-cats out of the RiverClan camp. Brambletail raised her tail in a salute, while Rabbitfoot called out, "Until we meet again, RiverClan!"
Tidepaw sampled the salty air as the WindClan warriors departed. "What's up, Galeflight?" asked Mistfur.
Galeflight broke into a grin. He flicked his tail, pointing at Tidepaw, Wildpaw, Rainpaw, and Graywave in turn. "May I borrow those four for a few minutes?" he requested. "There's something I'd like to show them."
Me? Why does he want me? I'm nothing! I deserve to fade away!
Mistfur glanced at Otterstar for approval. Getting a nod in reply, she smiled. "Yes you may, Galeflight," she said.
"Alright, let's go!" cheered Wildpaw. He turned his gaze to Tidepaw. "You were lucky to go to the Gathering and meet the Hero of RiverClan. But now he's chosen me as well. Come on, let's hurry up."
And with just a few words, not even meant to offend, you make me hate myself a little more. Sorry.
Tidepaw forced a smile. "Since when was he, 'The Hero of RiverClan'?" she asked. "You make it sound like he's Firestar or something." The legend of ThunderClan's great leader lived on, even though he had died many Newleafs before the oldest of the elders had been born.
"Maybe Hollowstar," replied Wildpaw. He scampered off after Galeflight.
Tidepaw followed him, while Graywave fell in beside her. "Your sister is feeling a little better," her mentor said. "I talked it out with Hollyheart. We'll probably be going on a border patrol later today."
She nodded to her mentor, then examined the path they were following curiously. Traveling across the damp ground took them towards WindClan territory. Surely Galeflight didn't intend to leap them back to his camp?
Across from her, Rainpaw was mumbling under her breath. "Fox dung," the silver medicine apprentice swore. "I need to remember to go get some more tansy later."
The blue-gray apprentice smiled. You're looking out for us, aren't you, Rainpaw?
Tidepaw's thoughts were interrupted by the eternal energy of Wildpaw. "So after this, how about some sparring?" he asked, brown eyes blazing.
A chuckle came from Galeflight, and the ginger tom turned to face them. "I have kits back in WindClan," he purred. "Being around you three, it's very much like having them with me." His tail flicked towards Wildpaw. "You remind me of my daughter, Leafkit. She's crazy about fighting and becoming the greatest WindClan warrior ever. That devotion will get you places." He pointed at Rainpaw next. "You remind me of my son Gustkit. You're both pretty quiet and contemplative, but you'll always stick up for a friend." Finally he turned to Tidepaw. "And you remind me of my other daughter, Hawkkit. You're both a bit sarcastic, but you're also very caring. I do say though, you're more sincere than she is."
Tidepaw ducked her head. Sincere? No, that's not a word that describes me. If you really knew me, truly understood me, you'd hate me too, wouldn't you?
"Anyway, I should stop rambling on about everything," decided Galeflight. "We are here, after all." He gestured to a small pool of water. It looked like it was lonely, being separated from the lake. Confused, Tidepaw slowly approached it. Inside were-
"Fish!" gasped Wildpaw.
Galeflight nodded, grinning at the four of them. "I had to get up extra early, and I had to find a way to catch fish," he explained. "Believe me, it wasn't easy sneaking these across your border and into a pool so that they wouldn't do, uh, whatever dead fish do. But I promised to help RiverClan out. I always keep my promises."
Graywave flicked his tail in salute to Galeflight. "Thank you," he said. "You truly are a hero to our Clan."
"Aww, it's nothing," Galeflight replied. "Now, I have to get back to my Clan before any of my kits decide to sneak out of the camp again. I trust you guys can find a way to carry five fish?"
"We will," promised Rainpaw.
Galeflight purred. Then, turning around, he darted off towards WindClan territory. "Seeya!" the ginger tom called as he raced away.
"Alright then," said Graywave. "Let's get these fish back to the camp."
…
Tidepaw lay down on the damp ground, allowing herself a little bit of relaxation as the sun began to sink. Beside her, Rainpaw gazed into the sky, oblivious to the outside world. After getting back to the camp, she had spent the rest of the day training in water battle tactics with Copperpaw, Rainpaw's brother. Water feels so alien to me now, Tidepaw reflected. Is it because of my training, or because of who I am?
Around her, the camp was abuzz with the news from the WindClan patrol's visit. Tidepaw stood up, allowing herself to be immersed in the gossip of her Clanmates.
"So about those rogues," Skystorm started, "why do they want the medicine cats so much?"
"Bonetail's crazy, he's always been crazy," replied Finflutter. "Like, who else would be out enough to crash a Gathering and show off his stuff?" He cocked his head, attempting to imitate intelligence. He failed miserably.
Skystorm shrugged. "I'm just worried that he'll come after our kits next," she explained. "If they're bold enough to attack WindClan kits, who knows what they could do here?" Her empty stomach grumbled, but she didn't reach into the pitiful fresh-kill pile.
Tidepaw sighed. Galeflight's gift had been enough to give the RiverClan cats a little food, but they would still need much more if they were going to survive. There's got to be something I can do. Isn't there?
"There's also the matter of Mousepaw, the vanishing ThunderClan apprentice," Icefang added. "I find it all a little odd. If the rogues have him captured, why wouldn't they attempt to use him in negotiations?"
"Like, maybe Bonetail's to up in the clouds to get his talk on with the Clan cats," Finflutter offered.
Roseblossom shivered. "I, I hope it wasn't Lightningblaze," she worried. "You know what he did."
Suddenly, Rainpaw leaped to her feet, lashing her tail as she snarled. "Shut up about Lightningblaze!" she exploded. "He would never have done that!"
"Wait, hold on!" Tidepaw blurted, putting herself between Rainpaw and Roseblossom. "I don't know what Lightningblaze did, but this isn't the time for fighting. Do you want to weaken the Clan further?"
Rainpaw glanced at herself, noticing her fur sticking up in fury. "I'm sorry," she apologized, bowing her head. "Lightningblaze is a bit of a trigger for me."
Relieved, Tidepaw moved out of the way and began poking at the scar across her forehead.
"Like, how do you have so few clues about Lightningblaze?" asked Finflutter. "You were out of sight a ton in that first moon, but Lightningblaze is a dude with a well-known case."
"What did Lightningblaze do?" asked Tidepaw, ignoring Finflutter's incomprehensible words.
Roseblossom blinked at her, a sympathetic look in her eyes. "He killed ThunderClan's deputy," she replied.
Rainpaw's pelt puffed up, but she made no move to interrupt.
"Why would he do that?" Tidepaw asked, eyes wide.
"Well, it's kind of complicated, and most of this is second-paw, but I'll do my best to make it as simple as I can," said Roseblossom. "Lightningblaze is a senior warrior, but he's never taken a mate. Sandstone, ThunderClan's current deputy, is his brother Earthfoot's daughter, and it's no secret that he loves her like she's his own. Sandstone's dream to become Clan leader, and Lightningblaze was one of her staunchest supporters. Back when ThunderClan's previous deputy, Whisperwing, was still around, another cat called Jaytalon had his sights set on the deputy position. Whisperwing and Thornstar both supported Jaytalon, but he hadn't had an apprentice yet. Whisperwing was getting old, so she planned to retire when Jaytalon had become a mentor, and was eligible for the deputy rank."
Tidepaw nodded vigorously, attempting to understand the information she had been given. "So it was a good old rivalry over who got to be deputy?" she asked, making sure she understood.
"Yes," said Roseblossom, "but this is where things get weird. About five moons ago, Lightningblaze raced into ThunderClan camp and screamed, 'Whisperwing is dead!' Although he claimed that a fox had killed Whisperwing, Lightningblaze was covered in blood. He claimed that the fox had gone after him too, but Dawnfern didn't find a single wound on him when she examined him, and he refused to change his story. On the other paw, Sunstorm's autopsy led him to the conclusion that a fox had killed Whisperwing."
Tidepaw shivered, imagining a cat extending their claws towards a defenceless cat's neck. Blood dripped from their pelt.
"Everyone knows that he did it," finished Roseblossom. "He had a motive, he was at the crime, and the proof points towards him. But Thornstar trusted in Sunstorm, and Lightningblaze still remains with ThunderClan. And because Jaytalon hadn't trained an apprentice yet, Sandstone was the most qualified cat to take the position. Mousepaw was the apprentice eventually given to Jaytalon. If Lightningblaze killed him to deliberately sabotage Jaytalon, then he's someone we need to deal with."
As she finished, Rainpaw cut into the conversation. "It wasn't just Sunstorm who confirmed that a fox killed her," the medicine apprentice added. "Snowcloud got the same result from an autopsy. And it was the same night her mentor died. We know for certain there was a fox involved! Mousepaw has always been a small guy. The thought of him out there, lost and hurt, it worries me too. But gossip about Lightningblaze won't help!"
"Rainpaw," Tidepaw teased her friend, "isn't nine moons a bit too young to be falling in love with a senior warrior?"
Rainpaw snarled in annoyance, then stormed off towards the medicine den.
"Rainpaw, I'm sorry!" Tidepaw called out. "I, I didn't mean to hurt you!" Her friend didn't respond.
There I go again. Useless. Worthless. Nothing. I'm only good at hurting others.
"Hey Tidepaw, come on!" Graywave suddenly called, knocking her out of her thoughts. "We're going on the Dusk Patrol."
…
Tidepaw followed Hollyheart, Graywave, Silverstripe, and Brightpaw towards the ShadowClan border. The sun was dropping from the sky, sending shadows flying across the misty forest. Tidepaw kept pace with Brightpaw, alert in case her sister's sickness flared up.
"It's been a while since we've been on patrol together, hasn't it little sister?" Brightpaw reminisced.
Tidepaw nodded, shivering. The last time was that day, when Quailfeather died and Swanwing vanished. And then there's that horrid ShadowClan cat, Darkclaw.
"You seem to be recovering, Brightpaw," Tidepaw purred. "Maybe the fish was what you needed. No more dieting to impress toms, okay?"
Brightpaw hung her head. "Tidepaw, do you ever feel like a burden to RiverClan?" she asked.
Every day. Oh my sister, I'm so sorry about what I did to you. You didn't deserve any of this. You shouldn't have to suffer because of my sins. Tidepaw shook her head. "Is that what you feel like?" she asked. "A burden? You are no such thing. Even if you feel worthless, just remember that you're my sister, and nothing you do could make me love you less. Besides, you're one of the Clan's best trackers. Without you, we'd be even hungrier than we are now." It's me who's the burden. I wish I could take your pain from you.
Brightpaw shrugged. "It, it's this sickness I have," she explained, her voice still striking a chord of worry. "I feel so useless, like I'm causing the Clan to starve."
Hollyheart turned her head. "Brightpaw, you aren't useless in the least," she reassured her apprentice. "I've only mentored you for a moon, but I can already see how hard you work and how devoted you are to RiverClan. Just keep following the code, and we'll see where you end up."
Brightpaw shrugged. "I hoped Mousepaw is okay," she said. "He was with Sunstorm when he came to deliver herbs one time. You were out of the camp for some reason, little sister, but Mousepaw seemed like a cool cat."
"He can handle himself, can't he?" asked Tidepaw.
Brightpaw nodded. Then she stared ahead, focusing on something beyond the patrol. Her whiskers twitched furiously, and Tidepaw could tell that her sister had caught the scent of some prey.
"Squirrel," Brightpaw hissed as she took off into the wooded area ahead. Tidepaw smiled. Her sister would catch the exotic prey, thus proving that she was a valuable addition to RiverClan. Maybe things could turn out well, restoring Brightpaw's confidence in things. I might not be redeemable, but Brightpaw can still learn just how good she is.
Then the screaming started.
Tidepaw instinctively broke into a run, leaving her Clanmates behind. She propelled herself to the border, as if in flight. There, looming over Brightpaw, was Darkclaw. His claws unsheathed, the dark tabby tom had dropped into his battle stance, bloodlust reflected in his smile.
"Darkclaw, she's just a harmless apprentice!" his companion, a mottled brown she-cat, shouted frantically. "There's no need to be so drastic."
"Shut up, Owlflight," Darkclaw snapped. "You can't talk to the Clan leader's son that way. This is an intruder, and it's my duty to teach her a lesson she'll never forget."
It was as if all of Tidepaw's nightmares had come to life. No! She's innocent. Snarling, Tidepaw dropped into her own battle stance, a clumsy imitation of Darkclaw's. That's all I've ever been. A worthless impostor. But I will never let you hurt my sister.
Darkclaw advanced on Brightpaw, grabbing her neck and pushing her to ground. Brightpaw coughed, then shook with a volley of spasms as Darkclaw raised his other paw. Tidepaw yowled, barrelling into Darkclaw before he could deal his blow.
Darkclaw turned towards Tidepaw, eyes lighting up in recognition. "You!" he hissed with triumph in his voice. "It's been too long since we last fought. Show me everything!"
He sprang at her, slashing off bits of fur as he knocked her to the ground. Tidepaw quickly pushed herself away, dodging his next attack. She feinted left, then moved to strike his right side. Darkclaw saw through her ploy, grabbing her as she moved and tearing through her flesh.
"You think that because you know a few of my tricks you can defeat me?" Darkclaw sneered. "You're pathetic!"
He roared, pummelling her with his unsheathed claws. Ugh. Even against Bear I wasn't this useless. But now, I can't even protect my sister. Darkclaw kicked Tidepaw. Then he began walking away, triumph reflecting in his step.
Is that all? How pathetic. Get up, Tidepaw. Stand up and fight!
Tidepaw leaped up again, racing after Darkclaw. Hissing, she leaped onto his back and bit into his ear. Darkclaw yowled in pain as he warm blood splashed onto Tidepaw's jaws. Next, Tidepaw grabbed onto his scruff and began shaking it, aiming to make the large warrior too dizzy to fight.
Darkclaw roared, raising his unsheathed claws and raking them across her belly. Tidepaw felt the blood leak out of her stomach, and she leaped off of the dark tabby.
He swung his massive claws at her, but she ducked out of the way. She slid across the ground and came to a stop. Darkclaw sprang forward, eyes gleaming.
She dropped to the ground. Too slow. His attack sent her reeling.
He's too strong. He knows everything I could try. I can't beat him in a fair fight.
Darkclaw turned towards her, smiling as he advanced.
But if there's one thing I can count on, it's Darkclaw's temper.
"You were mentored by Bonetail, a traitor to the Clans!" she taunted. "And you're turning out just like him!"
This threw Darkclaw off guard. "Hey, you shut up!" he snapped. "So what if that traitor taught me some stuff for a few moons? I'm the Clan Leader's son, and I got taught most of what I know by the Clan deputy. Here, let me show you!"
He snarled and ran forward, his anger getting the better of him. Tidepaw ducked out of the way, raking her claws along his side as he flew by. She smiled.
Darkclaw raced forward again, but he was too hasty. Blood rushing to her ears, Tidepaw began slashing at his muzzle. With Darkclaw's fury awakened, he didn't think about his moves. And thus, he was a weak opponent.
That's my girl.
Tidepaw dodged a swipe from the dark tabby, moving around to his flank. She leaped forward and bit down on it. Darkclaw screamed. Tidepaw jumped back, spitting fur from her mouth.
A cough from Brightpaw. She moved her head to look. Darkclaw whipped around. Tidepaw gazed at her sister. Distracted.
She slipped.
Darkclaw jumped at her, grabbing her underbelly and driving his claws into it. He lifted her up with one paw, while the other paw was poised to strike at her. Tidepaw could feel his foul breath on her face. He made his move.
Suddenly, Owlflight knocked Darkclaw off his paws, and he dropped Tidepaw before he could hit her. "Stop this!" the mottled brown she-cat snarled. "You may be the Clan Leader's kit, but I will not allow you to murder another warrior."
Murder. There's always murder. Tidepaw lay on the ground dizzily.
As she collected her thoughts, the rest of her patrol gathered by the border.
"What happened here?" asked Silverstripe, eyes wide with horror.
Owlflight bowed her head. "Darkclaw went out of control," she explained. "I apologize for his reckless behaviour. Tend to your Clanmates. I have to take him back to the camp to be reprimanded."
Graywave nodded at Owlflight as she departed, Darkclaw in tow. "Will you be alright?" he asked Tidepaw, his voice tense.
Tidepaw nodded. "Yeah, I'm not really hurt," she said. "I can deal with a few scratches. Brightpaw is the one in trouble. You have to help her immediately!"
Graywave moved over to Brightpaw, his jaw dropping as he did. "Silverstripe, Hollyheart!" he barked. "We have to get Brightpaw back to camp right away. She'll need Nightheart to look after all these wounds." The three warriors hoisted up the dusky she-cat, preparing to carry her back to camp.
Tidepaw wanted to join them, but some urge in her made her stop. Glancing down at her blue-gray pelt, she noticed that a patch of blood seemed to come from an uninjured part of her. My wounds? Is this like what happened with Bear? I have to know, and I won't get a better chance than this.
"I'll stay here and mark the border," she offered. "Then I'll find some tansy. Rainpaw said that the medicine den was running low on it."
Graywave nodded. "Always the responsible one, aren't you?" Then the three warriors started off on their way back to the camp. Please be all right, Brightpaw.
The shore of the lake wasn't too far away. Quickly, Tidepaw marked the border. Then she ran to the shore, thankful that Graywave had believed her excuse. Idiot! I'm a terrible sister. I should be making sure that Brightpaw is okay. But she had to know what was going on. Since the night of the Gathering, she had been troubled by Rainpaw's examination. Now, she had a chance to prove that there was nothing to worry about. After all this was done, she could devote herself to Brightpaw, completely.
Tidepaw stepped onto the beach. Although darkness was settling in, she could clearly make herself out in the calm lake water. She looked over her pelt, paying special attention to the places where Darkclaw had drove his claws into her body. Noting that her fur was disturbed in those areas, she sighed in relief. I'm just imagining things after all. Before she went to rejoin her Clanmates, Tidepaw took one last glance at her reflection.
There were no wounds.
Tidepaw gasped. No, this can't be right. But she looked over her pelt and at her reflection. The wounds Darkclaw had given her were gone, as if her fight with him had been erased from memory. Horrified, Tidepaw looked over her underbelly. She ran her paw through the blue-gray fur that had been stained with blood. Although the blood remained, she again found that her wound was gone. What am I? What's happening to me?
Behind her, rustling grass announced a newcomer on the shore. She whipped around, snarling at this intruder.
"Whoa, lady, hold on!" exclaimed a golden tom as he leaped away from her. From his size, Tidepaw could tell he was a kit. Lady? What does that mean?
"Are you lost, little one?" she asked. "Do you need my help to find your parents?"
The kit shook his head. "No," he replied. "I'm here because he sent me to find you."
Why would anyone want to find me? I'm nothing. "He?" asked Tidepaw. "You mean, your father?"
"No, my master," said the golden tom.
"Bonetail?" she asked, perplexed by the strange tom.
"No," said the tom, shaking his head again. "Sorry, I must be really confusing you here. My master is the wishgranter. He's nobody you would know. He sent me here so that I could see the power you have. I think he'll be happy with my report."
The tom turned to leave, but she called after him. "Wait! Who are you, and what's this power you want?"
The kit laughed, walking up to Tidepaw and placing his golden paw on her black paw. "My master calls me Jester," he explained. "You can too, if you want. I can feel it in you. You're troubled, aren't you?" She nodded, and Jester smiled at her. "Don't worry," he continued. "My master is very interested in you, and that means you have a great destiny! You can let fear be a thing of the past." He gazed at her enviously, his large green eyes becoming somber. "Everything will be alright. But, you'll always remember your Clanmates, right? So, if it isn't too much trouble, please protect her for me."
She nodded, not even understanding what Jester meant. "I'll protect her."
Jester's eyes brightened. "Thank you, miss Tidepaw!" he exclaimed. "Now I know that everything will be just fine. Until we meet again, I'll be waiting." He turned and rushed off, away from the shore.
"How do you know my name?" Tidepaw called after him.
It was no use. Jester had gone, leaving a very confused blue-gray she-cat alone on the shore.
…
Tidepaw stumbled into the camp, mouth full of tansy. Glad that the tedium of collecting it had come to its conclusion, she headed towards the medicine den. As she walked, Finflutter burst out of the den and ran off towards the Warriors' Den. "Stay out of our catmint!" Nightheart shouted after him.
Why would Jester trust me with protecting anything? I'm useless. I couldn't even help my sister.
"What took you?" someone snapped. Tidepaw flinched, dropping the tansy. It was Amberfang who approached. "Don't you know that the rogues are prowling around?" he snarled. "It's too dangerous for an idiot like you."
"I didn't see you collecting herbs," Tidepaw retorted.
The large tom sighed. "Whatever," he said. "I'll take the herbs in. You'd just waste time chatting with Rainpaw. Tomorrow, Otterstar wants me to train you, and I'm not as soft as Graywave." Tidepaw shrugged as Amberfang grabbed the herbs and stalked off.
She headed towards the Apprentices' Den, moved slowly as if dragged down by an immense invisible weight. Although she was ravenously hungry, Tidepaw ignored the fresh-kill pile.
Graywave was waiting for her at the entrance to the den. "How bad are Brightpaw's wounds?" she asked him.
Graywave smiled. "Don't you worry," he replied. "Her injuries looked bad, but she's going to be fine. You got there before Darkclaw could give her any serious wounds. Nightheart even said that she could sleep in the Apprentices' Den tonight. Anyway, Otterstar wanted Amberfang to train with you tomorrow, so I thought I'd let you know."
She nodded. "I knew that, but thanks."
Graywave turned to go, but Tidepaw stopped him. "Graywave," she asked, "have you ever heard of a cat that could grant wishes?"
Her mentor was still for a moment. Then he slowly shook his head. "I've heard of a cat named Arise who grants power to those who can find him," he explained, "but I've never heard anything about a cat granting wishes. What were you going to wish for?"
"It's nothing," said Tidepaw.
Graywave nodded before leaving for his den. Tidepaw padded into the Apprentices' Den. There, Brightpaw was curled up comfortably, a contented look on her face. Tidepaw crawled into the nest beside her, careful not to wake her sister as she settled down in the moss.
Me, protecting something? Maybe I have a chance to start over. I wonder…
A brand new day was coming.
To be continued…
This will cause some speculation.
Thanks for reading! If it isn't too much trouble, I would like it if you posted a review. It makes me happy just knowing that people have read my story, but it's also fun reading their feedback and learning the ways I can improve. If you have a question about my story, post it and I'll do my best to answer in the next author's note. (Unless it's a spoiler. Then I'll just tell you to look forward to it.) And if you have a theory, you could post it here and bask in the glowing of calling it if the thing in question is confirmed.
So, next time you can look forward to meeting the third of the point of view characters. The chapter might even be done next weekend! Wow, that would be amazing.
Thanks for reading!