Yes, finally! Leafkit makes her triumphant return in this chapter, and for once I don't have to apologize because this chapter only took six days. I hope that future chapters can be released with the same speed as this one. Now then, this was one of my favourite chapters to write. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Chapter 9
Whitefeather sat next to her mate Slash, watching carefully as he quivered with anger. The rest of the rogues stood before them, awaiting words from Slash.
Without warning, lightning shot down from the sky and struck the earth before them, setting it ablaze. Slash hungrily stared into the flames.
"Bonetail was our hope," Slash declared. "He gave us the strength we needed to fight. Now that he's gone, all that he worked for has been entrusted to me. I will do my best to provide for you all." He gave a meaningful glance at the rogues. "Many of you may wish to leave, as so many others already have. I can understand that, but you are walking away from a chance at glory. Those who stay will remain under my leadership, and lend their strength to me. We will show the Clans that none of this is over. It will never be finished!"
There was a cheer from the rogues.
Slash turned to Whitefeather and stared at her with the icy blue eyes that so often seemed to pierce right through to her soul.
"Reedfur…" she started.
"It's okay, Whitefeather," Slash purred, cutting her off. He put his muzzle against hers, and they stood there in front of the flames for a few moments.
"Everything will be all right as long as we love each other," she whispered. At that moment, as with every moment, she felt her heart pounding so hard that it could have burst out of her chest.
"Yes," Slash agreed. "In this world of change, our love will be the one constant, the one thing that will never yield." His eyes were filled with affection.
"Then let's finish this battle against the Clans," Whitefeather meowed, putting her paw over Slash's. "When we fight together, no cat can stand against us."
…
"It sure has been a while," sighed Leafkit.
"Huh?" asked Silverkit. "A while since what?"
"Since anyone told us anything!" Leafkit complained. "It's sunhigh now, but the warriors are taking forever to discuss yesterday's Gathering!"
The two she-kits were watching clouds in WindClan's camp, and Leafkit was getting impatient. The only news from yesterday's Gathering that had been shared with her was that a ShadowClan tom named Darkclaw had killed Bonetail. Wolfpaw had described Darkclaw as "dreamy", but since Wolfpaw's dreams most likely consisted of plump rabbits, Leafkit was going to doubt the validity of that statement.
"You sound just like Eaglekit!" Silverkit grumbled. "Ever since Galeflight took us out to see the territory, he's been obsessed with the relationships between the Clans."
Leafkit flinched at the suggestion. "No way!" she protested. "I just want to know about any battles that may be coming up."
Silverkit squealed in a teasing way, then stopped and pointed at a passing cloud. "That one looks like a cat!" she purred.
Leafkit sighed, feeling flustered. "They're all either cats, rabbits, or misshapen rocks, aren't they?" she asked. "You convinced me to watch clouds with you after our training was done, but it isn't very enjoyable. I'm going to listen to one of Flamefur's stories. See you later."
"Suit yourself," replied Silverkit as Leafkit stood up. "Maybe later I'll go visit Ivypelt's kits."
About a moon ago, Ivypelt had given birth to two kits. She had a young tom named Leopardkit, and a she-kit named Mosskit. Now that she was in the Nursery, there were three queens. The other two were Dovesong, Leafkit's mother, and Runningflame, Silverkit's mother.
As Leafkit darted towards the Elders' Den, she forgot her surroundings and crashed into Emberfoot. She fell to the ground, rubbing her head as she rose to her paws.
"Sorry about that!" she mewed to her Clanmate.
"Oh, I don't mind," Emberfoot mewed. "I wasn't the one who got hurt. You almost look like you were in a battle instead of just falling over!" He sat down and began to help Leafkit with her silver fur. It didn't take long to groom it all back into place.
"Speaking of battles," Emberfoot whispered with gleaming eyes, "there's one coming in a few sunrises. WindClan is going to confront RiverClan over the stolen prey."
"Really?" gasped Leafkit. Excitement pounded at her heart. Finally, the prey-stealing Clan to the west would be punished. "Could I help out?"
Emberfoot shook his head. "No matter how much training you put in, you won't be an apprentice for another moon," he mewed. "But if you like, I can tell you all about the battle. With the wind on our side, there's no way that we can lose."
She nodded eagerly. "Make sure to tell me everything!" she pleaded.
Emberfoot nodded. Then, his eyes gleamed with an idea. "You know," he hissed, "I'm pretty sure that Ravenstar asked Woodfur to look for mentors for you and your siblings. Don't tell anyone I told you this, but if you wanted, you could probably ask Woodfur for a mentor of your choosing."
"Wow, thanks!" Leafkit mewed. "That helps a lot!" I didn't even mention Brambletail to him, and already he wants to aid me.
Emberfoot nodded. "I'm sure it does," he replied. "I'll see you around, then." He turned and vanished into the Warriors' den.
She continued on, heading to the Elders' den. Flamefur was waiting outside, conversing with Hawkkit and Gustkit.
Leafkit rushed in to the group, sitting down with her siblings to listen to Flamefur's story. However, Flamefur evidently wasn't telling a story yet, and her two littermates glanced at her.
"Have you been training to fight rogues, Leafkit?" Hawkkit mewed. "Or maybe it was so that you could fight Darkclaw and then ask him to leave some for you next time?"
"I'm not strong enough to defeat any rogues," Leafkit sighed. "I learned that about a moon ago, when I tried to fight Slash and Whitefeather. But if I can train hard enough, honing my fighting skills, then one day I could be the greatest warrior ever! Oh, and Emberfoot gave me some help with that. He said that if I talked to with Woodfur, I might be able to pick my own mentor."
She was surprised to see Flamefur give a huff of disapproval. "That Emberfoot is an ambitious one," he growled. "It's no secret that he lusts after the leadership of WindClan. But he would drag the Clans into even more pointless fights, just as he tries to fight with the current mentors, Galeflight, Fieldstone, Graynose, and Heatherpelt. I've put up with it until now. But to approach you in an attempt to manipulate you into taking him as your mentor? I'll have to knock some sense into my son the next time I see him."
Leafkit shrugged. "Doesn't every battle have a purpose?" she asked.
As Flamefur started to reply, Gustkit interrupted in protest. "Do you think I could listen to a story instead of a debate?" he asked.
Flamefur gave an embarrassed nod to him. "I mustn't forget the reasons that kits visit me," he rasped.
"Can you tell us the story of the Sky Avengers?" asked Hawkkit. "It's not that old of a tale, but I'd still like to here it."
"I can tell you about the Sky Avengers," Flamefur purred, although Leafkit could feel his unease. "I was one of the cats who fought against them. The memories of their ferocity are still with me, haunting me like a shadow.
"It was about three Newleafs ago, a moon or two after the sixteenth rule of the warrior code was made. Back then, WindClan was led by Brownstar, and Ravenstar was a warrior named Ravenfeather, mentor to your father. In fact, all of the leaders were still warriors, and of the medicine cats, only Nightheart had his full position. Foxwhisker was still an apprentice, Sunstorm had only been with ThunderClan for a few moons, and Snowcloud wasn't even born yet. The positions of power have shifted greatly in recent times.
"Back then, the Clans were locked in combat. But that Clan war dissolved when the Sky Avengers appeared. They arrived from the mountains one day, possessing a vast army of cats, surprising knowledge of the Clans, and a deep desire to destroy all that stood in their way of taking the bountiful lake territories as their new home. They worshipped not their ancestors, but six powerful and unseen beings known as the Vestrians.
"The Sky Avengers, with their immense power, swept through the Clans like a storm, destroying nearly half of RiverClan and conquering vast amounts of Clan territory in a single night. The Clans trembled at the might of the Sky Avengers, and hope seemed to drain from them."
Flamefur's story continued, telling of the many sacrifices the Clans made and the hardship they endured as they fought their way to the eventual victory over the Sky Avengers.
He told them how WindClan and ThunderClan had united to drive the Sky Avengers off their shared border. He told them how Flint, leader of the Sky Avengers, had conquered the Gathering Island and taken it as his camp. He told them how the RiverClan medicine apprentice Amberpaw had taken up the path of a warrior out of a desire to avenge his fallen Clanmates. He told them how WindClan's medicine apprentice Cloudwing had lost her life trying to defend Sunstorm and a litter of WindClan kits from the Sky Avengers. He told them how RiverClan's deputy, a tortoiseshell tom named Risingwave, had betrayed the Clans, only to be struck down by the ShadowClan warrior Blackfur. He told them about a ShadowClan warrior named Nightclaw who had fought alongside a RiverClan warrior named Ottertail. Ottertail had given his life for Nightclaw, and this act had led Nightclaw to join RiverClan and change her name to Otterfur. He told them how a young RiverClan tom named Finflutter had managed to unify the Clans and come up with a strategy that led to the defeat of the Sky Avengers.
"And in the end, the Clans triumphed through their unity," Flamefur finished. "In times of peace, they fight each other to grow stronger, but in times of war they fight together to defend their way of life. Always remember that you kits were born into an era of peace that we sacrificed so much for."
Leafkit gave him a small bow of gratitude. "Thanks for the story, Flamefur!" she mewed.
Flamefur beamed at three of them. "As long as there are kits to listen, I will have stories to tell," he purred.
"See you soon!" Gustkit called as the three littermates bounded away into the centre of the camp.
Leafkit sat down with her littermates, enjoying the feeling of the omnipresent breeze in her silver fur. Few clouds remained in the sky, and the warm Newleaf sun shone down on the camp. Leafkit relaxed in it for a few moments. Then, she squared up against Hawkkit and unsheathed her claws.
"How about some training?" she challenged.
Hawkkit smirked. "It's always training with you, Leafkit," she teased. "So what are you training for this time? Are you trying to be more impulsive? I really don't think that's possible."
"Training isn't everything," Leafkit replied. "Sometimes I eat and sleep. Mind you, I have to train myself in those as well. Are you scared yet?"
"Me scared?" asked Hawkkit. She stood up and stretched. "Leafkit, I do believe that was a taunt phrased as a challenge. If you want to, we can fight right now. Just don't be surprised when I defeat you!"
Hawkkit immediately leapt for her, but Leafkit had been preparing for that. She rolled to the side, noting some weakness in Hawkkit's left hind leg. Okay, Hawkkit. Let's see who wins this one!
…
The sun was setting, and Leafkit listened to the gossip of her Clanmates as she lay on the camp floor. Nearby, she noticed Badgerclaw in an argument with Ashfall, WindClan's oldest warrior.
"Ashfall, are you sure that you should remain a warrior?" Badgerclaw questioned the old she-cat.
"You young cats think that you know everything," Ashfall snapped. "Who would remember the old ways if I wasn't among your ranks?"
"Ashfall, I'm a senior warrior," Badgerclaw calmly protested. "And besides, that sounds exactly like something an elder would say."
Ashfall cackled with laughter and tapped the younger tom with her tail. "I'm just messing with you," she rasped. "It gives my old bones some pleasure. But you still need me to whip all of you into shape."
Frustrated, Badgerclaw turned away. "Why do I even bother?" he muttered.
As Leafkit was considering heading back to the Nursery, Brambletail moved up to her and sat down beside her.
"Hello again, Leafkit," she greeted. "How goes the training?"
Leafkit gave her a friendly purr. "I'm doing fine," she replied. "I need to be as strong as I can to protect my Clan." Nearly as an afterthought, she added, "You seem awfully interested in me."
Brambletail gently tapped Leafkit's flank. "I'm interested in all of the kits of WindClan," she mewed. "One day, you and your denmates will be our future."
Leafkit blushed. Me? The future of WindClan? I like the sound of that!
"Well, I should get going," Brambletail continued. "I'm on the Dusk Patrol with Fieldstone, Boulderpaw, and Thistlepelt." She seemed nervous as she mentioned Thistlepelt's name. With that, Brambletail padded off, waving her tail in farewell.
Leafkit yawned. Maybe it was time to head back to the Nursery.
She leapt up and raced back to the Nursery. If she didn't burn off her extra energy, there was no way she was getting to sleep. Dovesong was standing outside the Nursery, a look of distress in her eyes. Leafkit noticed Galeflight padding over to her, a slouch in his step.
Dovesong ran over to her mate and rubbed against him. "Are you quite alright?" she purred worriedly. "I think you're overexerting yourself, Galeflight. You're trying so hard to make yourself the hero of the Clans, and your body is paying the price."
Galeflight glanced at her with tired eyes. "Are you suggesting that I stop keeping my promises?" he asked. "I can't just do that. It goes against I believe in."
Dovesong shook her head vigorously. "I would never ask you to do that," she purred. "I know how much keeping your promises means to you. I'm just asking you to remember that you have a family, one that you can rely on. None of your burdens have to be shouldered alone."
Galeflight's eyes regained a bit of their gleam. The red tom leaned against his mate. "Thank you, Dovesong," he mewed. "You always know what's best for me."
"I'll always be there for you," Dovesong replied, draping her tail around her mate. "Now, what's troubling you? I can pretty much tell, but it would be good for you to talk about it."
The red tom sighed. "I was an apprentice when the Sky Avengers invaded," he explained. "I was training to protect my Clan, but when the Sky Avengers overran us, I was powerless. I had to watch my Clanmates die, with the knowledge that there was nothing I could do to save them. But as the war neared its end, Cloverstem's apprentice Cloudwing gave her life to try and protect Sunstorm and a group of kits. Dovesong, you remember that you were the only surviving one of those kits, don't you? Well, my first ever promise was to Sunstorm. I told him that I would protect you, because Cloudwing had given her life for you. And from that point forward, I knew that what I sought was to never again be powerless to help my Clanmates. I never wanted anyone to be that powerless. So I devoted myself to protecting everyone around the lake."
Leafkit listened, intrigued. She'd had a vague idea of how her mother and father had gotten together, but she'd never heard this story before.
"But now, Ravenstar wants to attack RiverClan when they need help more than anything else," Galeflight continued. "In three sunrises, our two Clans will meet in a pointless battle. I want to stop this. I have to stop this! I just don't see how I can."
"Then if you can't do it alone, let's talk to Ravenstar together," Dovesong suggested. "Maybe the two of us can convince him to halt this fight?"
Galeflight nodded. "Thank you, Dovesong," he mewed. "I love you more than my words could ever describe."
As her parents padded off towards Ravenstar's den, an idea began to form in Leafkit's mind. Why didn't I think of that before?
She glanced around, and saw Runningflame approaching the Nursery. Perfect.
"Hey Runningflame!" she called to the tabby she-cat. "Have you seen Eaglekit around?"
Runningflame shrugged. "I think that he was heading into the medicine den to bug Snowcloud," she offered, "but I've got no clue if he's still there or not."
"Thanks!" Leafkit squealed. "You've been a big help."
The silver she-cat bowed to Runningflame with respect before rushing off to the medicine den. Her speed wasn't as impressive as that of the other WindClan cats, but it got her where she needed to go.
Leafkit padded into Snowcloud's den, where the white medicine cat was tending to Heatherpelt's wounds. She had the sweet scent of herbs on her fur.
"Come on, Snowcloud!" Eaglekit begged as he bounced back and forth. "Can you tell me the story of how a ThunderClan patrol saved you from a dog?"
Snowcloud blushed as he mentioned it. "Maybe later," she snapped. "I'm sorry, but I'm kind of busy at the moment."
Eaglekit nodded and sat still for a moment. Then, a few seconds later, he piped up, "Are you less busy yet?"
Snowcloud gave a frustrated sigh as she put cobwebs over one of Heatherpelt's scratches.
"Hey Eaglekit, do you think you could spare a moment?" Leafkit asked. "There's something important I wanted to talk about."
Eaglekit jumped around to face her, eyes wide. "Anything for you, Leafkit!" he declared, puffing out his chest. Leafkit suppressed a mrrow of amusement.
"Thanks for getting him out of my fur," Snowcloud mewed to Leafkit as she left with Eaglekit.
"Always happy to accidentally help!" the silver tabby called back to the slender medicine cat.
"So, what's your problem?" Eaglekit asked as they stepped outside the den. The sky was dark by now. "Did you get attacked by rogues again? Or maybe Harepaw did something to hurt you?"
Leafkit shook her head, and this time she did purr with amusement. "Eaglekit, look at me," she mewed as she draped her tail around him like Dovesong had done with Galeflight. "I'm completely fine. I just wanted to know if you knew about the battle. WindClan is going to fight RiverClan in three sunrises."
Eaglekit nodded, and with her close proximity to him Leafkit could see his eyes sparkling. "WindClan and RiverClan are at a pretty low point with each other, and this battle can only make things worse," he explained.
Leafkit felt mischievous as she mewed her next words. "So," she continued, "have you ever wanted to see how the older warriors fight?"
…
Leafkit and Eaglekit waited until the warriors had left for the battle before they snuck out through the dirtplace. This was one battle that Leafkit had no desire to miss.
"Why doesn't Ravenstar do something about the dirtplace if he knows that kits are going to use it to sneak out of the camp?" Leafkit wondered as they stepped out onto the moor. All around them, green grass grew. The sun was shining, and the wind was blowing towards RiverClan. It was the perfect day for a battle.
"If Ravenstar did that, how would he sneak out of camp?" Eaglekit pointed out.
Leafkit nodded in defeat. It was a good point.
Eaglekit picked up the scent trail left by the warriors and the two kits began following it. They made sure to keep their distance from the WindClan warriors, because they knew that if they got too close, the wind would carry their scent to them.
As the two kits drew closer to the border, Leafkit noticed a bush growing near the WindClan warriors. "We can hide under that bush!" Leafkit exclaimed. "Isn't that convenient?"
Leafkit and Eaglekit crawled under the bush, watching intently as Ravenstar stood with his warriors at the border.
"WindClan is ready for anything," Leafkit mewed. "They'll win this for sure."
A short while later, a white she-cat appeared, leading a group of weary-looking warriors.
"Why are they so skinny?" Leafkit hissed to Eaglekit. "Did they forget to eat?"
"RiverClan is starving, remember?" the young tom snapped back. "They wouldn't be taking food from our territory if they weren't."
Leafkit nodded, and despite herself she felt a pang of sympathy for the Clan opposing her own. She had always had a full stomach, so she hadn't understood the severity of what RiverClan was going through.
"Night- I mean, Otterstar," Ravenstar greeted. The white she-cat flinched as he stumbled over her name. "We've come because we will no longer tolerate RiverClan's thieving ways. As you can see, my warriors are stronger than yours. Surrender now, and we won't have to do this."
Otterstar stared back at him defiantly. "RiverClan needs this prey if it is to survive!" she declared. "We may not be as strong as you, but we are fighting for our very survival! We won't lose."
Ravenstar nodded. "So be it," he mewed. "WindClan, attack!"
At once, the WindClan warriors sprang forward with teeth barred and claws unsheathed. The RiverClan warriors charged to meet them, but they were weary and seemed obviously outmatched. Nevertheless, they also seemed to be giving it their all.
Leafkit surveyed the RiverClan warriors, trying to pick out the strongest warriors. A tom with a long silver stripe was fighting alongside a she-cat with rose-shaped spots of fur. Both seemed to be quite strong, and they were battling with Oakfur and Rabbitfoot. Meanwhile, a large, dark tabby tom with amber eyes was fighting Fieldstone. Despite Fieldstone's strength, he seemed to be overcoming her.
She also saw a young reddish-brown tom and a blue-gray she-cat with a large, fresh-looking scar on her head. The two were fighting Wolfpaw and Harepaw. Despite the she-cat's small stature, she was confident and her movements were strong.
Leafkit tried to imitate one of the she-cat's moves, swatting Eaglekit in the process.
"What was that for?" the tom complained. "I haven't said anything since the battle started!"
"Sorry Eaglekit," Leafkit mewed. "I wasn't paying attention."
"Well, be distracted in another direction next time, okay?" Eaglekit grunted.
Leafkit shifted her focus back to the battle. Most of her Clanmates were overcoming their RiverClan opponents. Then, she noticed a gray tabby she-cat at the rear of the RiverClan warriors. The she-cat didn't appear to be doing any fighting. Instead, she simply observed.
Leafkit poked Eaglekit with her tail. "Why is that she-cat just hanging around at the back?" she asked. "Shouldn't she be helping her Clanmates fight?"
The gold-and-white tom took a look at the she-cat, swinging his tail around as he thought. "Medicine cat, I would guess," he mewed after a long pause. "She's there to heal her Clanmates if they get hurt."
"Got it," Leafkit replied.
Then, Leafkit noticed that the medicine cat wasn't the only cat holding back. Galeflight's claws were sheathed, and he seemed to be desperately avoiding the fight. A gray tom yowled and leapt at him, but Galeflight simply used his speed to avoid the attack, bowing to his opponent as he did.
"What does he think he's doing?" Leafkit complained. "He's in the middle of a battle!"
"Galeflight hates senseless battles," Eaglekit pointed out. "Haven't you ever listened to his speeches?"
Leafkit cringed with the memory of Galeflight's long-winded rants.
She turned and looked at the other battling cats, trying to find an interesting fight. However, most of her Clanmates seemed to have won their battles. Even Otterstar, whose technique combined the skills of ShadowClan and RiverClan, had failed against Ravenstar in her weakened state. Wow. I knew WindClan was awesome, but RiverClan was a serious disappointment.
Then, Leafkit glanced over and noticed that Fieldstone was tiring as she faced her opponent. Slowly but surely, he was defeating her. Fieldstone tried to dart in and strike her opponent, but he knocked her to the ground. As he loomed over her, Fieldstone barred her teeth, but couldn't get back to her paws.
Leafkit looked around frantically. Her Clanmates were too busy congratulating themselves over their victories to notice Fieldstone's peril. The brown tabby was about to get seriously injured, and she was too far away to do anything about it.
Then, Leafkit saw Galeflight glance over at Fieldstone. His eyes clouded with horror as he saw the dark tabby tom preparing to strike his rival as she lay helpless.
Frantically dodging around the gray tom, Galeflight rushed towards Fieldstone. He's going to fight! He's going to protect his Clanmate!
With his lightning speed, Galeflight sped forward. He leapt into Fieldstone, pushing her away from the tabby's claws and into safety. As he did, he fell directly into the path of the dark tom's attack.
There was a splash of blood from his throat.
Galeflight stood for a few moments, eyes locked with the dark tabby tom. Then, he staggered back and collapsed.
At that moment, Leafkit's entire world seemed to shatter. She shook her head, trying to clear it like she would a bad dream, but when she looked back everything was still the same.
Horrified, she slowly stepped out of the bush she was hiding in. Then, seeing Galeflight's blood spill out onto the ground, she sprinted towards him as fast as her legs could carry her.
"Why?" Fieldstone yelled at him as she picked herself up. "Why did you save me? I hated you! I still hate you!" Her voice trembled as she shouted.
Galeflight twitched and let out a small croak before spitting out a mouthful of blood. "It was…about a moon ago," he choked out weakly. "I…I made a promise to protect you. Don't you remember, Fieldstone? I…never break my promises."
Fieldstone stared at him, eyes a mix of realization and anger. "Why are you so perfectly unbearable?" she snarled at him. "You're always making these promises! Has it ever occurred to you that you might not be able to keep them all? Didn't you ever think that you should care about yourself a little more?"
Galeflight gave a small chuckle as more of his lifeblood spilled out onto the earth. "Too late for that now," he mewed.
"Father!" Leafkit screamed, finally close enough to Galeflight to talk to him. She stood over the ginger tabby, and his eyes filled with shock as he saw her.
"Leafkit?" he rasped. "What are you doing here?" He ducked his head guiltily. "I'm…I'm so sorry you had to…see me like this. This is the end for me."
As she had ran to her father's side, Leafkit had desperately clung onto the hope that this was some sort of nightmare from which she awaken into the comforting embrace of Dovesong. But as she stood over her father, she faced the glaring reality of everything around her.
She was useless.
None of the other apprentices could match her when it came to a fight. She'd thought that she could protect her Clanmates if she became the greatest warrior ever. But here, watching her father die, she knew that none of the fighting techniques in the world could save him.
And still, she frantically swung her head around, looking in vain for something that would save him. She knew that there was no hope for Galeflight, but at the deepest level of her being, she refused to accept it.
"No!" she screamed. "Father, you can't die. You've made too many promises! You said…you said you would take me to my first Gathering. And…and you promised to become leader and change WindClan! How can you do any of that if you're dead? You broke your promises! You liar!"
She let everything out as she yelled, breaking down into a sob. She did blame him. She blamed him for something he could not change.
"Leafkit, calm down," Galeflight rasped, his words becoming quieter. "I'm sorry to do this to you, but I must entrust my burdens and my legacy to you. You have to…become the change…that leads to peace. I'll still…watch over…all of you…from StarClan. Always remember…Leafkit…no matter who you are…or where you come from…you're my beloved daughter."
"I'll make you proud, father," Leafkit whispered.
With that, Galeflight's eyes fell closed and he lay still.
Leafkit fell to the ground, a sob racking her. Nothing would ever be the same again.
"So he stayed true to his ideals after all." Leafkit glanced up. The dark tabby tom had spoken, breaking the silence. "His life was those ideals, and he died for them. Young she-cat, you are his daughter? Well, it appears that I have taken him from you. My name is Amberfang. If the thirst for vengeance ever fills you, remember that name and seek me out. I'll be waiting."
Leafkit shook her head, and her words came to her without time for her to remember her own ideals. "I don't want vengeance," she mewed, frustration filling her. "I don't want another cat to die for pointless reasons. You were defending your Clanmates, and my father was defending his. He lost his life because of the conflict between the Clans! I idolized that conflict, but now I want no part in it!" She tried to let all her pain and hate and rage spill out, until there was nothing left in her to hurt.
Amberfang bowed to her, then wordlessly turned away and padded back to rejoin his Clanmates.
"It hurts, doesn't it? Like you're trying to move a mountain so that you can use it to fill the hole in your heart. I've felt what you're feeling right now before."
Leafkit glanced to her side. The gray tabby medicine cat had joined her without her knowledge.
"You understand me?" she asked.
The medicine cat nodded slowly, and Leafkit could tell that she was a friend. "I lost my brother Scratch when I was very young," she explained. "That's what led to me joining RiverClan. My name's Rainpaw, by the way. You father wasn't one of my Clanmates, but he truly wanted all the warriors around the lake to be happy. His heart was in the right place, always."
Leafkit nodded, leaning on Rainpaw for support as she stood up. Rainpaw didn't flinch back, instead giving the silver she-cat her aid. She touched Leafkit's flank sympathetically.
As she did, a pair of claws wrapped themselves around her neck.
"Rainpaw!" Leafkit gasped, recoiling with shock.
Boulderpaw held her a heartbeat away from death, sneering at her as he did. "I told you I would have my revenge," he hissed. "I'm going to enjoy this."
Leafkit stepped back from the two apprentices, feeling nauseous. She glanced into Boulderpaw's eyes, seeing only frenzied hatred reflected in them. He really would do it. He means to kill Rainpaw.
"Boulderpaw, what in StarClan's name are you doing?" she asked. "You can't kill a medicine cat!"
"Oh really?" the rage-filled apprentice snarled. "Galeflight lies dead because of RiverClan. Isn't it only fair that we pay them back?"
Leafkit opened her mouth to protest, but stopped herself. Boulderpaw was never my friend, so he doesn't have any reason to listen to me. There's nothing I could say that would calm him down. She turned her head to Rainpaw, seeing the pleading expression in her eyes. Leafkit ducked her head in shame. Already, someone else was going to die a pointless death.
Suddenly, Ravenstar's voice rang out around the battlefield. "Good work, Boulderpaw!" he mewed. The WindClan leader sneered at Otterstar as she realized Rainpaw's situation.
"As you can see," the black tom continued, "your warriors have all been defeated, and one of mine has taken your medicine apprentice captive. I'm offering you this one chance. Surrender to me, or I'll have Boulderpaw kill her."
For a moment, Otterstar seemed too stunned to speak. Then, she bowed her head in defeat. "RiverClan, to me!" she called. "We have lost this battle."
The warriors of RiverClan reluctantly picked themselves up and padded back behind their leader.
"We won't hunt in your territory again, Ravenstar," the white she-cat promised. "Now return Rainpaw."
Ravenstar shook his head in response to the defeated she-cat's request. "Not so fast," he purred. "I think I'll keep her until RiverClan has learned to behave itself."
Otterstar gritted her teeth in anger. "That wasn't the deal!" she growled.
Ravenstar shrugged. "I don't remember any deal," he hissed. "Now, get your Clanmates out of here right now, or watch as Rainpaw joins StarClan."
Paws quivering with either anger or fear, Otterstar stepped away from Ravenstar. "Rainpaw, this isn't the end!" she called to the gray tabby. "I promise you, I'll find a way to save you!"
From Boulderpaw's grip, Rainpaw did her best to give a nod of acknowledgement.
Ravenstar waited, watching until the RiverClan cats were out of sight. "Now, we return victorious!" he declared to his Clanmates. "Pinefur, Heatherpelt, you two carry Galeflight's body back to the camp. And Boulderpaw, if Rainpaw makes any attempt to escape, end her."
Boulderpaw growled with pleasure as he pulled Rainpaw along with him towards the WindClan camp.
Leafkit trudged along reluctantly, cringing as Pinefur and Heatherpelt hoisted up her father's body to carry it back to the camp. She didn't feel like a member of a victorious Clan. Both WindClan and RiverClan had experienced loss in their battle. So, where do I go from here? What happens now?
As Leafkit followed the patrol, Harepaw, Eaglekit, and Wolfpaw appeared around her.
"Galeflight taught me everything I know about honour and courage," Harepaw mewed solemnly. "I'm sorry, Leafkit. If it could have been me instead-"
"Don't say that!" Leafkit snapped, cutting him off. "Don't talk about throwing your life away!"
Harepaw shrank back. "If that's what you want, Leafkit," he replied. "Remember, I'm always there if you want to talk to me."
"Leafkit, I can't imagine what you must be going through," Eaglekit started, "but remember that we're your friends. We don't want to see you in pain. You can rely on us."
"Whatever pain you may feel, know that you don't have to bear it alone," Wolfpaw added. "We'll carry your burdens with you as long as you have them. We'll always be with you." She gave Leafkit a reassuring nod, her blue eyes shining with empathy.
Leafkit said nothing, wordlessly taking in the reassurances of her friends as she headed back to the camp.
…
Finally, the group of WindClan cats reached the camp. Ravenstar padded into the camp first, followed by Woodfur, and then Pinefur and Heatherpelt, who still carried Galeflight's body.
Leafkit rushed in behind them, desiring to be back within the safe confines of the camp. As she did, she heard a wail from her mother, Dovesong.
"Galeflight!" screamed the white queen as she dashed over to the lifeless body of her mate. She buried her nose in his fur, a sob racking her. "No, you can't be dead," she whispered to her mate. "You were going to change WindClan. You can't do that from StarClan."
Gustkit and Hawkkit warily approached their father's body behind Dovesong. There was a look of horror in their eyes.
Leafkit felt a new wave of sadness as she ran to her mother's side. "Dovesong, I'm sorry," she mewed. "I ran away to see the battle. I must have made you sick with worry."
She had expected a scolding, but instead Dovesong pulled all three of her kits together into an embrace. "Leafkit, Hawkkit, Gustkit, I'm sorry for all of your sakes," she mewed to them. "No kit should have to see their father like this."
For a moment, Leafkit stood with her mother and littermates, rubbing against her white fur as they said their goodbyes to her father. Then, she broke away.
"You don't need to worry anymore," she insisted. "The ideals that Galeflight died for aren't gone. He's watching from StarClan, waiting for me to fulfill my own promise. I swore that I would continue from where he left off, and find a way to bring peace to the Clans." As the silver she-cat made her vow, her mind whirled around. Suddenly, thinking of Galeflight's sacrifice, her path appeared to her in full clarity.
She nodded in understanding. So this is what I've been looking for, all along. Thank you for showing it to me, warriors of StarClan.
Then, Ravenstar began to speak to the Clan. "I mourn Galeflight as much as any of you, but we have won a great victory today!" he announced, gesturing to the medicine apprentice in Boulderpaw's claws. "RiverClan will behave itself for as long as we need it to. Boulderpaw, put the prisoner in the overflow den. It finally has a purpose. Tigertail and Rabbitfoot, you two guard the den, and make sure she doesn't escape. After that, we have some business to attend to."
Boulderpaw dragged Rainpaw across the camp, throwing her into the extra den without a touch of gentleness. Leafkit cringed as the gray tabby hit the ground, reminded how Brambletail had explained the den's original purpose to her. It's become a prison now.
After the two warriors had taken their places in front of the den, Boulderpaw strolled back to the centre of the camp. As he did, Ravenstar moved to the front of the Clan. "Let all cats old enough to run freely with the wind join before me for a Clan meeting!" he called.
If any of Leafkit's Clanmates hadn't been present for the results of the battle, they were now. Leafkit waited for Ravenstar's announcement.
"Boulderpaw, step forward," Ravenstar mewed.
The young tom excitedly darted over to stand next to his leader.
"I, Ravenstar, leader of WindClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice," the black tom declared. "He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn."
As Ravenstar spoke the words of the ancient ceremony, Boulderpaw looked up at him hungrily.
"Boulderpaw," Ravenstar asked, "do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Boulderpaw nodded. "I do," he hissed.
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name," Ravenstar declared. "Boulderpaw, from this moment you will be known as Boulderfang. StarClan honours your strength and your ferocity, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan."
Leafkit turned away as Ravenstar rested his muzzle on Boulderfang's head. Although the rest of the Clan called out his name with varying degrees of sincerity, Leafkit remembered the look in his eyes as he had grabbed hold of Rainpaw. The bloodlust she had seen would haunt her for many moons.
After a few moments, Leafkit caught sight of Snowcloud. Before the white she-cat could reach her destination, Leafkit intercepted her. Snowcloud glanced down, sympathetically regarding the silver she-cat before her.
"Snowcloud, there's something I need," Leafkit started.
Before she could get any further, the medicine cat cut her off. "I'm sorry Leafkit, but there is no herb that can cure death," Snowcloud mewed. "It has always been the irreversible failing of us medicine cats. Your father hunts with StarClan now."
"You don't understand," Leafkit mewed. "I'm not looking for some magical herb to answer all life's problems."
"Oh?" Snowcloud asked, intrigued. "Then Leafkit, tell me what you do want."
Leafkit gazed into Snowcloud's curious green eyes. Gathering her courage, she let the words flow from her. "I used to think that the world was all black and white, heroes and villains," she started. "But now I see that the spectrum is more diverse than I could ever imagine, no matter how many lifetimes I live. I thought RiverClan were just greedy prey-stealers, but they're trying to protect their Clanmates. And that ThunderClan tom Sunstorm doesn't let borders stop him when it comes to helping others. Cats from other Clans can feel anguish and hope just as acutely as any WindClan cat. And even though my beliefs are telling me to take revenge, I don't want to. I want to heal these broken bonds between the Clans. I-I don't think I would be able to fight against the other Clans after what I saw today." She shuttered, feeling the ache of the still-fresh wounds on her soul.
Leafkit drew in her breath before making her request. "I want to protect everyone," she declared. "So please, take me on as your apprentice!"
Snowcloud's eyes widened with surprise. "Are you sure that the life of a medicine cat is the path you want to take?" she asked, tail twitching. "It's easy to say that you will, but medicine cats must walk a road of solitude, keeping secrets from their Clanmates and never knowing love." As she said this, there seemed to be genuine sorrow in her expression.
Leafkit considered this momentarily, then nodded her head. "If that's the price I have to pay for healing, not hurting, then I'll gladly pay it," she mewed. "As long as I have Clanmates to protect, then I'll never be alone."
Snowcloud beamed at her proudly, her expression not unlike a mother after the leader named her kit deputy. "Then I accept your request," she replied. "In one moon's time, I will be your mentor. I look forward to that day."
"Me too," Leafkit squealed. "Now, I really should go."
Snowcloud nodded and continued on to her den.
Confident that no cat noticed her, Leafkit padded through the dirtplace and back out of the camp. Two escapes in one day. WindClan is really bad with this.
As Leafkit instinctually remembered the path to where she had met Slash and Whitefeather, she felt bad about not mentioning her intent to Brambletail yet. The friendly black she-cat had seemed excited to mentor her.
With her longer stride, Leafkit reached the shore faster than she had on Galeflight's excursion one moon earlier. She winced, remembering how carefree her father had been on that day.
Slash's words echoed in her mind as she stood on the shore. "I just came here because it's the best place in WindClan for fishing, and I've already found an annoying WindClan kit!" Leafkit smirked. The rogue tom had unintentionally given her a great piece of advice. Briefly, she wondered where Slash and Whitefeather were now, but then she shrugged the thought off. They would most likely never cross paths again now that Bonetail was gone.
Leafkit spotted a fish and leapt into the water after it. Unfortunately the fish was too quick, and all she accomplished was soaking herself through her silver fur. She crawled back out and stared at her reflection for a moment. After habitually shaking herself dry, she narrowed her green eyes and leapt back in after another fish.
Her second attempt at hunting fish failed as miserably as the first one had. She pulled herself out of the water, shaking herself dry again. "All I want is to catch that RiverClan she-cat one measly fish!" she pouted at the lake. "Just give me one so that I can go home!"
As she readied herself for a third try, she heard pawsteps behind her. She whipped around, snarling. "Who's there?"
It was a golden tom, from the look of him a few moons younger than Leafkit herself. "Having trouble with the fish?" he teased.
"None of your business!" she snapped. "What Clan are you from?"
"I'm not from any Clan," the tom mewed. "I'm just a passerby. My name's Jester. Yours?"
"Leafkit," she meowed back. "And yes, the fish are giving me trouble, but I don't see how that affects you."
Jester gave a playful purr and walked down to the shore. "I may not be a Clan cat like you, but I've seen how some RiverClan cats hunt," he explained. "Seriously, this will be trivial for me."
He settled down by the water, and Leafkit had to suppress a mrrow of amusement at the determined expression on his face.
After a few seconds, the golden tom thrust his paw into the water and scooped out a fish. Leafkit felt a twinge of envy at how he was younger than her, but already had such great hunting skills.
"One fish for the lovely lady," Jester declared, setting the prey before Leafkit.
"Wow, thanks Jester!" Leafkit exclaimed, poking at the fish a little as she did. "What do I owe you?"
"Not a whisker," Jester mewed as he began padding away. "We're friends now, right?"
"I'll see you around, then," Leafkit called to him as he departed.
Suddenly, the tom stopped on the spot. "Have you ever been betrayed?" he asked, his tone suddenly dark.
Leafkit shook her head. "My friends are pretty loyal," she mewed. "Why? Did someone hurt you?"
Jester glanced at his paws. "I'm just filled with so much anger," he confessed, not answering any of her questions. "I don't know what to do."
The golden tom turned away from her again, padding off towards ThunderClan territory. As he did, he muttered, "Those who break their oaths, they are the worst kind of cat."
Leafkit shrugged, picking up her fish. She would think about Jester's mysterious plight after more pressing business was taken care of.
The silver she-cat walked back to the camp, carrying the fish in her jaws. It tasted terrible, but she could deal with it for the time being.
As she entered the camp, Brambletail noticed her and wandered over to her. "Leafkit, I have an apology to make," she admitted.
Leafkit dropped the fish and glanced up at the black she-cat. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"I know you wanted me for a mentor, but that can't happen now," Brambletail explained. "Ravenstar appointed me mentor for Harepaw in light of your father's death. So, I'm sorry about not being able to teach you. And, I'm sorry about your father's death. I wish I had been there. If only there was some way that this could have been stopped…."
"Thanks," Leafkit mewed, grateful to have the warrior's sympathy. "It helps. But, don't worry about not being able to mentor me. I'm going to become Snowcloud's apprentice, and seek peace through healing."
"Really?" gasped Brambletail, eyes shining with pride. "That's pretty incredible then. I have to go train with Harepaw, but I'll see you around, Leafkit. Remember, you can always come to me for support if you're feeling down."
Leafkit bowed her head as Brambletail departed. Then, she picked up her fish and headed to the overflow den where Rainpaw was being kept prisoner.
As Leafkit approached the den with her fish, she saw that Tigertail and Rabbitfoot were still standing guard.
"Oh, have you come to tell Rainpaw about the toms in WindClan?" Rabbitfoot squealed as she drew near. "How cute! But since Boulderfang is a warrior now, Rainpaw would have to settle with Harepaw, and I heard that you wanted him."
Leafkit grumbled under her breath as she set the fish down again. Her mother's sister was infamous in WindClan for only ever talking about toms.
"Seriously?" she asked. "Look, I brought Rainpaw some food. I thought that she might be hungry after being forcibly dragged away from her Clanmates and taken prisoner by a leader who made repeated threats to her life."
Rabbitfoot sighed. "So you're one of those peaceful visionary types now?" she asked. "I don't think Harepaw likes that type. So, do you have any other business here? Aside from being a delivery cat, I mean."
"I thought I might ask Rainpaw a few questions," Leafkit mewed. "You know, about StarClan and herbs and the like. I'm going to be Snowcloud's apprentice, you see."
Rabbitfoot shook her head urgently. "Nope, can't let you through," she mewed. "Not if you're just going to gossip the day away."
Leafkit glowered before the fluff-brained she-cat.
"You call that gossiping?" Tigertail asked. "Come on Rabbitfoot, just let her in. Or do I have to call upon my sister and my father for this one?"
"The Clan deputy and the medicine cat?" Rabbitfoot asked, looking horrified. "You know what, Lifekit, just go in."
Leafkit walked by the warriors and into the den, not bothering to mention that Rabbitfoot had gotten her name wrong.
"When was the last time you had any fun?" Rabbitfoot asked behind Leafkit.
"Yesterday, when I pushed Oakfur into the lake," Tigertail cheerfully replied.
Leafkit found Rainpaw with her back to the entrance and a posture that suggested misery.
"What do you want?" spat the medicine apprentice.
"It's just me, Leafkit," the silvery she-cat replied, dropping the fresh-kill in front of the gray tabby. "I brought you this fish. I thought it might make you feel more at home. You know, besides the whole kidnapping thing."
Rainpaw turned around and sceptically glanced at Leafkit's offering. "Really?" she asked. "For me?"
Leafkit nodded. "From one medicine apprentice to another," she explained. "And besides, I like you. You tried to comfort me, even though we're from different Clans."
"You?" Rainpaw asked, surprised. "But you're just a kit."
"Well, I may not be a medicine cat yet, but in just under a moon, Snowcloud will be taking me as her apprentice," Leafkit explained.
Rainpaw shrugged. "Well, I guess one fish really can't make things much worse," she decided.
The slender medicine apprentice greedily tore into the fish, devouring it before Leafkit. She ate every last scrap, then licked her paws clean. With her fish gone she looked around guiltily, as if feeling badly about gulping down the entire meal.
"So, what do you think?" Leafkit asked, trying to make small talk. She hoped that the fish had been good enough for the medicine apprentice.
Rainpaw paused for a moment, thinking of an answer. Then, her expression brightened.
"I think," she answered, "that I'm going to like you too."
To be continued…
And with that, Leafkit's character development has begun. Now that she's chosen the path of a medicine cat, she'll be leaving kithood in her next chapter. I feel kind of bad for naming her Leafkit given that we already have Leafpool and Leafstar, but I can't change that now.
Next up, we'll get to see Tidepaw again! I hope you're ready for some flashbacks though. But of course, the chapter will also deal with how Tidepaw reacts to the kidnapping of her best friend.
Oh, and by the way I now have a forum up if anyone wants to discuss their theories and opinions on this fic. Also, I'll be posting my progress on chapters there, and a few excerpts from coming chapters. If you want to check it out, the link is in my profile.
So, what did you think of the chapter? And what do you think of Leafkit after it? I certainly hope you enjoyed it! Also, you haven't heard the last of the story of the Sky Avengers…
Thanks for reading! Hopefully, I'll see you again soon.