Oh yeah, Leafkit's back! And it's finally time for her to become an apprentice.
Speaking of things being back, Bramblestar's Storm is coming very soon, isn't it? I've actually already read the book, and it's pretty excellent. I predicted a lot of it, but some of it took me by surprise, in a good way. By the way, Bramblestar's Storm is actually completely incompatible with this fic, so don't even try to fit them together. I won't explain how, due to spoilers for that book and all, but if you've been paying attention to the details, you'll.
Also, this chapter is where the fic passes the 100K milestone! Thanks for sticking by me for so long.
Chapter 12
On the last day before Leafkit and her siblings were to become apprentices, every kit had packed into the Elders' Den, joined by Rainpaw. Together, they served as the largest audience ever for one of Flamefur's stories. As the sun set, his tale of the Echo Wars drew to a close.
"And so, desperate to end the relentless tide of blood, the Three of Stars faced the Three of Shadows in the original ShadowClan camp," Flamefur recounted. The story seemed to come alive to Leafkit, and she felt as if she was watching Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovewing confront the Nightmare Walker, Nemean, and Deathwatcher, holding her breath all the while. "Knowing full well that it would kill them, the Three used the Stone of Songs to seal away Ragnarok's power, ensuring that no longer would kin have to fight against kin. And the light that washed through the camp finished the Three of Shadows forever, turning them to crystal. Lionblaze returned to the Clans, telling them of the sacrifice of Jayfeather and Dovewing. They gave their lives to protect the Clans one last time, to ensure the peace that we live in now. For saving us in the battle against the Dark Forest, and for ending the chaos and destruction of the Echo Wars, the Three will never be forgotten by the Clans."
The kits bowed their heads to Flamefur, meowing in appreciation. He had been kind to share his story with them.
"Wait," Rainpaw interjected. "Would you mind going back a bit?"
Leafkit glanced over at her. Leafkit had bugged Ravenstar until the young gray she-cat had been allowed to come listen to Flamefur's story, but only on the condition that the Elders' Den was guarded by two warriors. It had taken a quarter moon of cornering the WindClan leader every time he wasn't flanked by senior warriors, but starting today, Rainpaw was able to listen in on WindClan's versions of the Clans' most famous lore.
"Is there a detail you missed?" Flamefur asked.
"There is, actually," Rainpaw mewed. "Could you repeat the bit about the crystals? It's new to me."
Flamefur blinked at her. "The Three of Shadows were turned to crystal as an after-effect of the Stone of Songs being used to seal away Ragnarok," he mewed. "I was convinced that was common knowledge."
Rainpaw shook her head. Her interest had been caught, and there was no letting go of it now. "Actually, RiverClan's version of the story is a little different," she explained. "There, they're just called the Dark Three, and we're told that the Three of Stars used the Stone of Songs specifically to destroy them, as opposed to Ragnarok. With their dark reflections vanquished, Jayfeather and Dovewing died, and Ragnarok faded soon after. They never said anything about crystals, so I just assumed the Dark Three faded away to nothing, but they evidently didn't. Do you know anything more about their final fate?"
Flamefur nodded. "I suppose there's no harm in talking about it," he mused. "The Three of Shadows weren't born like normal cats, so it follows that they didn't die like normal cats. Instead of leaving empty flesh, their bodies turned to crystal. When Lionblaze crawled out of the original ShadowClan camp alone, all three crystals stood untouched. As soon as Lionblaze mentioned these crystals to the Clans, ShadowClan declared ownership of them. The power of the Three of Shadows seemed to have faded from them, but ShadowClan always took as much as they could, if only so no other Clan could take them. This time was no exception.
"However, at the time, all of ShadowClan's energy needed to go into the construction of a new camp. Half a moon passed before ShadowClan sent a patrol to the original camp to claim the crystals, and by then both the crystal of the Nightmare Walker and the Stone of Songs had vanished. ShadowClan was enraged. They blamed ThunderClan for the theft of the Stone and the Crystal. This sparked a conflict between the two Clans. And so it was that the endless cycle of battles continued.
"As for the other two crystals, ShadowClan kept them, using them to decorate their camp. Unfortunately for ShadowClan, the crystals eventually disappeared without a trace. I'm not sure exactly when they vanished, but it was sometime during the reign of one of the next few leaders of ShadowClan, Froststar, Graystar, Tawnystar, or Stormstar. Some say that the loss of the crystals was the point when the Three of Shadows woke, but they have never threatened the Clans since. In fact, with nothing of them left behind, some claim they were never anything more than a legend."
Flamefur nodded to Rainpaw. "I'm afraid that's all I know on the subject," he mewed. "If more information about it exists, then you'll have to find someone more knowledgeable to learn it." He shifted his gaze to the assembled kits. "Thank you all," he mewed. "You were an excellent audience. I look forward to the ceremony tomorrow."
Leafkit bowed to Flamefur and said her thanks before following the other kits of the den and into the main clearing of the camp. Leopardkit and Mosskit immediately scurried off in the direction of the Nursery. They were still quite young, and their mother Ivypelt had a strict schedule for them. Meanwhile, Rabbitfoot and Oakfur, Rainpaw's guards, took hold of her and began escorting her back to her den. Rainpaw's eyes were distant, and she didn't even seem to notice them.
"I'll see you soon!" Leafkit called after her friend.
She tried to visit the young medicine apprentice every day, keeping her company while she was held prisoner. The two of them had become quite close in the moon they'd known each other. Leafkit sometimes wished that Rainpaw could stay with her forever, but deep down she knew that Rainpaw's heart would always belong with RiverClan. The medicine apprentice had told Leafkit all about her friends in RiverClan: strong and dependable Copperpaw, mischievous yet fierce and protective Streampaw, calm and caring Quillkit, energetic and loyal Wildpaw, brave and mature Brightpaw, and Tidepaw, Rainpaw's best friend. She had suffered great loss, but she was unfailingly cheerful, always joking and lightening the mood in the darkest of hours. She was one of the strongest cats in RiverClan, but she never boasted and was always open to helping other cats with their problems. Of all the things in RiverClan that Rainpaw missed, it seemed like missed Tidepaw most of all. Leafkit wanted to meet Tidepaw one day, but wondered if the RiverClan apprentice would ever forgive WindClan for stealing away her best friend.
"So, what did you think of Flamefur's story?" asked Eaglekit. "It was pretty cool, wasn't it? The Echoes Wars must have been an incredibly exciting time to live in!
"Good thing you weren't around for it, then," Hawkkit teased, batting at Eaglekit's ear. "You would have just hid in your den and been no help to anyone."
"Would not!" Eaglekit protested. He leapt at her, but she anticipated and dragged him into the dirt, where the two began to wrestle.
Leafkit glanced at her paws. "It just isn't fair though," she grumbled. "Why did they have to throw their lives away like that? Why couldn't they live? Heroes shouldn't die when they still have a duty to fulfill!"
Silverkit gently touched her tail to Leafkit's flank. "Leafkit?" she asked tenderly. "Are you still bitter about Galeflight's death?"
"Why would I not be upset?" Leafkit snapped, rounding on Silverkit. "I watched my father die in front of me! That's not something I could walk away from unscarred!"
She caught herself, suddenly aware of how angrily she was ranting. "I apologize," she mewed quickly, bowing her head. "Medicine cats should not be grumpy." Then, she smirked, feeling suddenly cheeky. "Medicine cats should be old. And smelly. Very smelly. Smelly enough that sick cats on the other side of the territory smell them and know that help is on the way."
"But Snowcloud and Rainpaw aren't smelly!" Gustkit protested.
"Shame then," Leafkit mewed. "They do so love being medicine cats, and now it seems that they'll be out of a job. Oh, the woes of qualifications."
Meanwhile, Hawkkit had defeated Eaglekit, who was dejectedly licking himself clean. As usual, Hawkkit didn't even need to put in a token amount of effort to maintain her fur.
"Hey Hawkkit, now that you're finished that bout, why don't we go for a round?" Leafkit asked.
"I thought you didn't want to ruin your perfect paws for medicine," Hawkkit teased.
Leafkit shook her head. "No way!" she protested. "Medicine cats need to be in shape too, you know! Come on, afraid I'll beat you?"
Hawkkit scratched at her ear. "No, I'm just tired," she groaned, stretching her jaws to release a massive yawn. "I'm going to see if I can snatch some food and then I'll try to catch some sleep. Also, make sure that Gustkit doesn't get any dumb ideas and wreck our ceremony as well."
Leafkit nodded as Hawkkit turned and sauntered off. Gustkit was left stuttering beside her. "It-it was only once!" he exclaimed.
Leafkit's paw twitched as she suddenly remembered something important. "Oh mouse dung," she swore. She opted not to apologize for her language, at the moment.
"What's wrong?" asked Silverkit. She blinked with concern.
Leafkit shivered. "I just remembered that there's a special ceremony performed when naming a new medicine cat," she mewed. "What if there's something specific I have to say, or I don't get to become a medicine cat?"
"It's probably nothing," Eaglekit mewed. "When Harepaw and Applepaw had their ceremony, they didn't have to say a word, so I doubt you'd have to."
This eased Leafkit's worries a little. Still, she wanted to know for sure if there was to be any deviation from a warrior apprentice ceremony. It was always better to take precautions.
"I might as well check anyway," she mewed. "I can find out by dropping by Snowcloud's den, so I'll barely lose any time from it. I'll just zip over there and be back as soon as possible."
Silverkit shrugged. "If it makes you feel comfortable," she sighed.
Leafkit turned from her friends and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. It wasn't very fast, but that didn't matter. It only took a few heartbeats to reach the den, after all. She sniffed at the entrance. Here I am again. Snowcloud's den. No. Not just hers. It'll be my den as well, come tomorrow. The thought of that filled her with anticipation.
She gave herself a quick lick before she entered the den. Snowcloud hated it when her guests weren't properly groomed.
However, when Leafkit entered, she found the den empty. As usual, the herbs were neatly organized and laid out in stacks. Snowcloud's nest was tidy as well. Leafkit noticed a new nest beside it. It seemed that Snowcloud was preparing for her. Snowcloud's scent was still fresh in the air, so she had clearly been inside very recently. Wherever the medicine cat was, she hadn't gone far.
Leafkit left the den, content with the knowledge that Snowcloud was probably still in the camp. Nearby, she noticed Ashfall dozing, so she padded over to the elderly warrior.
"Excuse me, Ashfall," she hissed softly. "I'd be very grateful if I could have your assistance."
Ashfall glanced up at Leafkit. Muttering to herself, she climbed to her paws and shook the dirt off her pelt. "No need to bother with all that politeness garbage, youngling," she grumbled. "I'm getting far too old to put up with it. Just say what you want to say and I'll see what I can do about it."
Leafkit nodded. "Do you know where Snowcloud went?" she asked. "I checked her den, but it's as empty as a starving fox's belly."
Ashfall gestured away with her tail. "I saw her heading over there," she mewed. "She said something about Ravenstar, and how WindClan's fate was hanging in the balance."
So, the Leader's Den. Leafkit bowed to the elder. "Thank you for your help," she mewed.
"I told you, young'un, none of that politeness!" Ashfall snapped. "Just thinking about it keeps me up at night." She dropped back to the ground and promptly resumed her nap.
Leafkit took off again. She darted through the lazy crowd of cats sharing tongues, intent on catching up with Snowcloud. She nearly crashed into a few cats, so she threw out some hasty apologies before continuing on her way.
After several heartbeats of running, she reached the entrance to Ravenstar's den. She was about to enter, but she realized that she could hear several voices from within the den. A meeting was clearly in progress. Rather than interrupt, Leafkit sat down, waiting outside the den. Out of curiosity, she glanced into the den, deciding that watching what was happening would keep boredom at bay.
Two groups of cats were facing each other, while Ravenstar stood between them and watched. One group was made up of the Clan deputy Woodfur, Snowcloud, and Leafkit's mother Dovesong. Graynose led the other, larger group. With him stood Moorwhisker, Runningflame, Ivypelt, Fieldstone, Emberfoot, and Boulderfang.
"You can't be thinking of taking these fools seriously, Ravenstar," Graynose mewed. "If we strike now, we have everything to gain."
Ravenstar closed his eyes, considering this.
"Are you out of your mind?" Snowcloud asked, obviously struggling to hold back fury. "We can't just attack RiverClan unprovoked!"
Intrigued, Leafkit leaned in a bit closer. She didn't think she'd seen Snowcloud getting angry any time in her life before.
"Oh?" Graynose smirked. "I wasn't aware that you assumed your opinion mattered. Medicine cats are supposed to heal us, not tell us when to fight our battles. And even if it wasn't that way, one barely older than an apprentice certainly can't speak like that to a warrior with actual experience."
"That's enough!" Woodfur growled. "Graynose, I'm willing to debate with you, as absurd as I find your arguments, but I will not tolerate you insulting my daughter." He looked to Ravenstar for support, but the WindClan leader stayed silent. Seeming disappointed in his leader, Woodfur gritted his teeth.
Graynose sneered. "But what reason do we have not to fight?" he asked. "If we act now, we can crush RiverClan, and rid ourselves of them forever. Can you imagine a world without those pathetic, slimy fish eaters? Isn't it exactly what you've always dreamed of, Ravenstar?"
Leafkit glanced at her leader. He seemed uneasy. Ravenstar wanting to crush RiverClan? No way! A true leader would never harbour those feelings. Leafkit knew she was only seeing part of the story here. She promised herself that as soon as she could, she'd find out more about Ravenstar and whatever bone he had to pick with RiverClan.
"RiverClan is weakened severely, and they've been sticking to their own land ever since the battle," Dovesong mewed. "They're no threat to us at the moment." There was bitterness in her mew as she mentioned the battle. Galeflight's death hung over all of WindClan like a cloud.
"Exactly," Ivypelt hissed as she moved to stand next to Graynose, her mate. "RiverClan is weak, crippled by hunger and disease. When will we have an opportunity like this again? If we wait, they'll go back to being a threat to us. Right now, a single strike could fell them instantly. All that your arguments have proven is that we have here a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Ravenstar opened his eyes and nodded to Ivypelt. "A fair point," he mewed, although he kept his tone flat. "The others are right to speak highly of you."
Leafkit cringed. WindClan couldn't attack RiverClan! She had no idea what she could do about it, but there was no way that she would let something so awful happen.
"Do you honestly think that there would be no consequences if we destroyed RiverClan?" Snowcloud asked. "Wiping out an entire Clan is an unprecedented act of war. If RiverClan falls, their allies will seek retribution. It would lead to a slaughter that would not end until all of us lay dead."
Ravenstar seemed to hesitate at this. That's right, Snowcloud! Leafkit thought, cheering on the cat that would soon be her mentor. There doesn't have to be a fight! She shivered, watching the arguing cats.
Graynose glared at her, eyes showing pure hatred. "Oh really?" he asked. "Why am I not surprised that the mewling kit who shouldn't even be here had another worthless idea? You'll explain right, Fieldstone?"
Fieldstone grimaced, looking unsure of herself. Leafkit wondered if her father's rival even wanted to be there. "Yes," she agreed nervously. "It's a completely unfounded theory. ShadowClan, the ally of RiverClan she speaks of, is on the other side of the lake. Even if they did attempt to attack us, their forces would be weakened by the long journey to reach us, not to mention the effort of setting up a temporary camp for the duration of a multi-day battle and hunting in an unfamiliar territory. WindClan could handle them in such a weakened state."
Dovesong shook her head. "You really think that ThunderClan would stay neutral if we made such an open declaration of war?" she asked. "I think they'd be inclined to unite with ShadowClan against us. And if that happens, all of your claims vanish."
Snowcloud nodded in agreement. "ThunderClan think they're great heroes," she mewed. She betrayed a quick blush. Perhaps she believed ThunderClan's opinion of themselves? "If we destroyed one of the four Clans, we would be going against the words StarClan gave to us at the very beginning, the Dawn of the Clans. There is no way ThunderClan would let such a betrayal go unchallenged."
Graynose sighed. "You three really are dense," he mewed. "Do I have to explain this all by myself? Thornstar is weak. He's a coward and a fool. A simple show of force should be enough to make him stay his paw."
Woodfur nodded, a gleam in his eyes. "You're right," he mewed. "Thornstar is weak. On his own, he'd be too frightened to attack WindClan. But none of us are under the illusion that Thornstar is the cat actually in charge of ThunderClan. Sunstorm, Thornstar's medicine cat, Sandstone, Thornstar's deputy, and Jaytalon, the cat Thornstar wanted to be his deputy. These are the cats who truly control ThunderClan. And trust me, they will not be so easily intimidated."
"Really?" Runningflame asked. "I quite doubt that. Sunstorm is too caught up in his 'all the Clans must be protected' mumbo jumbo to ever want an attack on another Clan, and if I dare to say it, Sandstone herself seems quite hungry to wipe out RiverClan. As for Jaytalon, it's possible he would demand justice for RiverClan, but he seems like the type of cat to value keeping all of ThunderClan alive over starting battles, not matter how severe the crime of his enemy."
Graynose smirked at Woodfur, as if daring him to counter Runningflame's argument.
"I don't care what you say," Woodfur snarled at the haughty tom. "We can't wipe out RiverClan. StarClan said that there must always be four Clans. We're WindClan cats! We won't turn our back on our warrior ancestors."
Graynose shrugged, turning towards Ravenstar. "Why bother listening to your fool of a deputy?" he asked, voice dripping with venom. "What power does StarClan have anyway? Did StarClan defeat the Sky Avengers? Did StarClan stop BloodClan's three invasions? Did StarClan topple tyrants like Tigerstar, Lionflight, and Vinestar? Did StarClan win the Echo Wars? I think you'll find that we, the Clans, have solved our own problems far more than StarClan has. So why should we count on StarClan to nip the disease that is RiverClan on the bud for us? Do they still whisper in your ear, Ravenstar, or have they abandoned you, leaving you to darkness? What worth does StarClan have to you?"
"StarClan's power may be an illusion," Ivypelt added, "but RiverClan's power, now that's something tangible. Did they use it to save you sister, Ravenstar? How about the power Brownstar gave them, hunting rights in our territory? If they hadn't exploited those, wouldn't you still have your brother? And what about your mother? Did RiverClan not use their power to snuff out her life? Why should you suffer RiverClan any longer? They've only ever used their power to bring you misfortune and loss."
Leafkit shivered. Ravenstar's eyes were gleaming, as if he was taken in by the words of Graynose's group. Whatever they mean, it seems like it's enough to convince him. I definitely have to investigate Ravenstar's history with RiverClan later.
"Yes, that's true," Ravenstar agreed. "Perhaps it is time for us to finish-"
Leafkit burst into the den. "No way! Not happening! Do you ever think about what you're saying?"
All eyes turned to her.
She glanced at her paws. She hadn't meant to interfere, but her horror at Ravenstar's decision was too strong. There was no way she was going to keep standing by.
Leafkit took a deep breath. Her words would determine the outcome of this conflict. But what could she say in this situation? She had no idea what Ravenstar's past with RiverClan was. She had no clue whatsoever about the nuances of the conflict between RiverClan and WindClan. And she definitely didn't know anything of the fighting capabilities of ThunderClan and ShadowClan.
But everyone was staring at her expectantly, waiting for her to speak.
And I can clearly see what's happening right now…
"Ravenstar!" she yowled. "The cats here say that Thornstar is weak, and doesn't truly control ThunderClan. But can't I say the same about you? Right now, this isn't even you receiving counsel. This is you being completely reliant on your warriors to make your decisions for you. You're supposed to be a leader. So lead!"
Ravenstar flinched. She glared at him, mentally urging him to not hang on Graynose's every word.
And then, before anyone else could speak, Tigertail dashed into the den. "Sorry dad, sis," he mewed to Woodfur and Snowcloud. "I had to wait for Oakfur to take my place guarding Rainpaw."
He turned to Ravenstar. "I heard this meeting was about the fate of RiverClan," Tigertail growled. "Well, you'd do well to remember how they were the ones who led us to defeat the Sky Avengers, saved your life repeatedly, and helped WindClan many times in the past. The Clans only remain because of how all four of them have helped each other. Don't forget that when making your choice."
Ravenstar met Tigertail and Leafkit in the eye. Then, finally, he bellowed, "Enough!"
Leafkit stood at attention, waiting.
"I am leader here," Ravenstar mewed. "I will decide if we attack RiverClan or not. But, it will take a bit of patience. Return here in half a moon, and I will give my decision. Until then, you are all dismissed."
Graynose sneered. "Pray that your choice is the right one," he growled. "For who knows what will happen if you fail us?"
The WindClan cats began pouring out of their leader's den and separated. Dovesong turned in the direction of the Nursery and flicked her tail, beckoning Leafkit.
"I'll catch up in a moment," Leafkit mewed. "I'll come back to the Nursery with you, but I still haven't finished what I came for."
Dovesong shrugged. "If you need to do something, I'll see you later," she agreed. "Just don't be late to your nest. You have a big day tomorrow, after all."
"Of course!" Leafkit chirped. Satisfied, Dovesong headed back towards the Nursery alone.
She padded over to Snowcloud, who stood with her father. Graynose faced them.
"Woodfur, I still remember clearly the day your mate Swallowfur died while giving birth to your two kits," Graynose hissed. "It was a tragedy, and you have my sympathies. I pray that no further accidents befall you or your kin. That would be just too sad, wouldn't it?"
"You keep your paws away from my family," Woodfur growled back. "Harm them in any way, and I can assure you that the warrior code will not protect you from my wrath."
Graynose sneered. "Nice words," he taunted. "I wonder if your claws are as sharp as your tongue. Either way though, they're still attached to a coward." He turned and padded away, leaving Woodfur and Snowcloud alone. Leafkit shivered, approaching her future mentor with caution.
"Snowcloud," she hissed, "can I ask you about something?"
Snowcloud glanced down at her. "What do you need, Leafkit?" she purred. She was making an effort to sound comforting, but she was clearly agitated. Leafkit shuddered with anger. Snowcloud isn't the type of cat that should be so on edge. This isn't right!
"The ceremony tomorrow," she mewed quickly. "Medicine cats have a different one than warrior apprentices. Do I have any special things to say?"
Snowcloud shook her head. "You don't have to worry about memorizing anything," she explained. "For the most part, it will be me talking. The only special part you have is saying 'I do' when Ravenstar asks if you wish to become my apprentice."
"Thanks a bunch!" Leafkit chirped. "I can't wait until tomorrow."
She was about to rush away to visit Rainpaw, but Snowcloud held out her tail to stop her. Leafkit stayed where she was, waiting.
"Are you completely sure about this, Leafkit?" Snowcloud asked seriously. "You desire the path of a medicine cat above all else, holding no reservations or shreds of doubt?"
Leafkit's whiskers twitched. "There's nothing I want more," she replied. "A warrior fights only for her Clanmates, but a medicine cat can save everyone!"
Snowcloud's eyes brightened. "Then get ready to master healing," she mewed. "I'll see you at the ceremony tomorrow."
Leafkit puffed out her chest, beaming with pride. A surge of anticipation flowed through her, setting her blood aflame. She wouldn't ever be useless again. Tomorrow, she would take her first steps toward changing the Clans.
...
Leafkit blinked, stretching her jaws wide enough to let out an enormous yawn. Her mother had roused her and her siblings to prepare for the ceremony. Very shortly, their kithood would end and their apprenticeships would begin.
Dovesong started licking Leafkit, smoothing her fur and making her presentable. She worked quickly, and in a few heartbeats Leafkit's fur was clean and orderly.
"Today, you three are moving up in life, from the Nursery to the Apprentices' Den," Dovesong mewed as she finished. "From here on out, your destinies are in your own paws. But no matter how old you grow or what you choose to do with your lives, you three will always be my precious kits. I will never stop loving any of you."
The three kits rubbed up against their mother, thankful for the love and warmth she had given them. Then, they moved back and stared out of the den. Finally, Gustkit broke the silence.
"We're ready," he mewed eagerly.
Leafkit stared ahead. It was time. She felt like she had waited an eternity, but now her life would truly begin.
After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, Ravenstar's voice rang out. "Let all cats old enough to run freely with the wind join before me for a Clan meeting," he yowled.
Leafkit shivered with anticipation as she padded out of the den, Dovesong, Gustkit, and Hawkkit following behind her. She fought down the urge to run down to the front of the group. She would behave like a respectable cat, despite her racing heart.
When all had gathered, Ravenstar spoke. "Today, WindClan grows even stronger," he mewed. "We join together for the apprenticeship of three of our promising kits. This will be a day to remember. Hawkkit, Gustkit, and Leafkit, come forward."
Leafkit and her siblings stepped forward to the front of the Clan. All eyes were on them. Looking around them, she saw that Snowcloud, Brambletail, Dovesong, Emberfoot, Graynose, and Badgerclaw were staring at them with incredible intensity. Shocked, she realized that there was more to this ceremony than just their apprenticeships. Ravenstar was going to use it to make a statement to the feuding groups.
Ravenstar motioned to Hawkkit first. Leafkit's sister padded forward elegantly, acting as the perfect representation of grace.
"Hawkkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed," Ravenstar mewed. "From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Hawkpaw. Your mentor will be Emberfoot. I hope Emberfoot will pass on all he knows to you."
Leafkit cringed. Emberfoot was one of the warriors that had supported Graynose, and according to Flamefur, he wanted an apprentice desperately, but only so that he could seize power. Already, things didn't seem to be going well. She scanned the crowd. Except for Fieldstone and Moorwhisker, all of Graynose's cats seemed smug. Emberfoot's eyes were gleaming as he padded forward to stand before Ravenstar. Conversely, Woodfur's cats seemed disturbed, but they held their emotions well. Only Tigertail was visibly agitated.
"Emberfoot, you are ready to take on an apprentice," Ravenstar mewed when the warrior reached him. "You received excellent training from Ashfall, and you have shown yourself to be fierce and courageous. You will be mentor to Hawkpaw, and I trust that you will pass down all you know to her."
Emberfoot smirked before leaning down and touching noses with Hawkpaw. Leafkit noticed that her sister seemed satisfied and blissfully unaware of the ramifications of her mentor's appointment.
Next, Ravenstar beckoned to Gustkit. The ginger tom nearly bounced over to the Clan leader in his excitement.
"Gustkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed," Ravenstar declared. "From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Gustpaw. Your mentor will be Gorseclaw. I hope Gorseclaw will pass down all she knows to you."
Leafkit glanced at her mother, and then at Snowcloud and her family. This didn't seem to alarm them. Gorseclaw must be a neutral cat, then.
She waited for Gorseclaw to step forward, but she didn't emerge from the crowd. Scanning it, Leafkit realized that Gustpaw's mentor wasn't even one of the gathered cats. Where was she, then?
"Your mentor will be Gorseclaw," Ravenstar repeated impatiently.
Suddenly, Leafkit noticed the sound of a new arrival. She turned and saw Gorseclaw race into the camp, the wind at her back.
"Sorry I'm late!" she yowled as she burst through the crowd to stand with Gustpaw. "I hope nobody missed me too much!"
Ravenstar sighed, and Leafkit wondered if he was regretting his choice for Dustpaw's mentor already.
"Gorseclaw," Ravenstar mewed without a hint of enthusiasm, "you are ready to take on an apprentice. You received excellent training from Badgerclaw, and you have shown yourself to be swift and loyal. You will be the mentor to Gustpaw, and I trust that you will pass down all you know to him."
"Oh gosh, really?" Gorseclaw asked. "I think I'd like to thank my mother and siblings as well." She blinked, looking around at the other WindClan cats. Their disapproving stares caused her to hesitate. "Oh, this wasn't supposed to be a talking thing, was it?" she realized. "Maybe next time."
She bent down and touched noses with Gustpaw, who didn't seem concerned at all.
Finally, Ravenstar beckoned to Leafkit. Breathless, she padded forward.
"Leafkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed," Ravenstar growled. "From this day on, until you receive your full name, you will be known as Leafpaw."
Leafpaw felt joy flood within her. She had a new name now. In her mind, she tried it out. Leafpaw! That's my name now. I'm finally an apprentice!
Next, Snowcloud stepped forward, looking eager. "Cats of WindClan, as you know, I will not be around forever," she explained. "So it's time I took an apprentice. I have chosen a cat who has shown intelligence. Your next medicine cat will be Leafpaw."
Ravenstar nodded to her. "Leafpaw, do you accept the post of apprentice to Snowcloud?" he asked.
"I do," Leafpaw mewed, feeling like her heart would explode with excitement.
"Then at the half-moon, you must travel to the Moonpool to be accepted by StarClan before the other medicine cats," Snowcloud mewed softly.
"The good wishes of all WindClan go with you," Ravenstar added.
Leafpaw stepped forward, touching noses with Snowcloud. Her mentor's touch felt cool and comforting.
The WindClan cats began chanting joyfully. "Hawkpaw! Gustpaw! Leafpaw!" they exclaimed, over and over again.
Leafpaw looked over the crowd, feeling happiness fill her. Her mother, Brambletail, Thistlepelt, Ashfall, Flamefur, and so many other cats were all cheering her name, and the names of her siblings, with absolute happiness. Even Rainpaw was there, albeit held by guards. Leafpaw had never before felt such a sense of belonging.
If only Galeflight could be here. That one simple thought flickered into her mind. She tried to push it down, but it was too late, and fresh grief dampened her joy.
Finally, the cheering stopped, and the new apprentices were free to speak with their mentors. Gustpaw and Gorseclaw were both bouncing excitedly. The two were perfect for each other. Hawkpaw, meanwhile, kept herself composed, but she betrayed a satisfied smirk as Emberfoot started discussing battle training.
Leafpaw glanced up at Snowcloud. "How does a medicine cat's training begin?" she asked, intrigued.
"Today, I'll show you some herbs, and explain their uses," Snowcloud mewed. "Tomorrow, we'll take a tour around the territory, and you can see some of the best places to find herbs. But right now, your fur's a mess." Before Leafpaw could protest, Snowcloud bent down and gave her several hard licks, smoothing her fur back down. She had no clue how it had even gotten so messy between the last time her mother had cleaned it and her ceremony.
"Much better," Snowcloud mewed as she finished. "I can present you to the others with pride now." She turned and headed towards the medicine den. Leafpaw bounded after her.
As she followed Snowcloud into the den, Leafpaw marvelled at the perfectly stacked and organized piles of herbs. Snowcloud was incredibly neat, as always.
"Was it bad, what happened today?" Leafpaw asked as Snowcloud reached for an herb. Her mentor glanced back at her. "Emberfoot being Hawkpaw's mentor, I mean," she added. "Does it mean that Ravenstar is showing his support for Graynose's group?"
Snowcloud grimaced. "Maybe," she mewed. "He had to give you to me, so it might also be his way of evening things. Or, it could mean that he approves of Graynose's group. But it could also mean nothing. We can't know for sure."
"Why does Graynose have such a hold on Ravenstar anyway?" Leafpaw asked. "Speaking of that, can you tell my why Ravenstar hates RiverClan so much? Oh, and what was that thing Graynose mentioned about your mother? And why-"
Snowcloud raised her tail, causing Leafpaw to stop. "You have so many questions that I might turn into an elder before we can get through them all!" she teased. "I'll be happy to answer them later, but you're here to learn to use herbs for now, right?"
Leafpaw nodded, feeling more excitement rising in her. "Yes!" she agreed. "Show me everything!"
Snowcloud beamed at her. She turned around, pulling out some large yellow leaves. "Let's start with this one," she mewed. "It's called tansy. Its most common use is preventing greencough, but it can also be used to cure coughs, soothe throats, and stop poisons."
Leafpaw listened carefully, eager to learn.
...
Leafpaw went to visit Rainpaw again later that night. The gray medicine apprentice's eyes gleamed as Leafpaw stepped into her den.
"Congratulations!" Rainpaw cheered. "Now you're a medicine cat just like me!" Her tone was cheery, but there was envy in her eyes.
"Thanks," Leafpaw mewed, dropping a rabbit at Rainpaw's feet. "I would have brought a fish, but with all the learning I had to do, I had no time to catch one for you. I thought this looked like something good to share, though."
Rainpaw's stomach growled in agreement. The two she-cats tore into the rabbit, devouring its meat so quickly that it might as well have vanished into thin air. When they were finished eating the meal, Rainpaw scooped up some of the bones and shoved them into her mouth.
Leafpaw gave her an incredulous stare. "You crunch bones?" she asked.
Rainpaw shrugged. She crunched on the bones a little more before spitting out the broken pieces. "It's a bad habit I picked up," she admitted. "I should never have started doing it, but Quillpaw insisted that I try it at least once." She focused intently on the ground, eyes dark. Her good mood seemed to have evaporated.
"Careful you don't get a toothache!" Leafpaw teased. "Although I'm a medicine apprentice now, so I can cure it for you." It was a poor jab. Leafpaw had just said that first thing that came to mind, hoping to cheer Rainpaw up. Instead, her friend's eyes burned even darker.
"I never get sick," Rainpaw muttered. "Not since joining RiverClan."
Leafpaw searched her mind for something that Rainpaw always seemed interested in. After a moment, she realized the intensity with which Rainpaw had taken in Flamefur's story, and how much she had asked about being able to listen in on him.
"About those stories of the past," Leafpaw mewed, "what are you hoping to find?"
Rainpaw glanced up at her, and Leafpaw could see that she'd been waiting to share this with someone for a long time.
"You really want to know?" the RiverClan she-cat asked hesitantly. "It's quite a long story."
"I don't have any important places to be," Leafpaw replied.
This satisfied Rainpaw, and her eyes gleamed as she began speaking.
"StarClan sends us prophecies, messages, and warnings, but they're really only cats that have died and now watch over us," she mewed. "They're like us, still susceptible to the same prejudices, biases, and illusions that they held when they were alive. But now, in modern times, we know that StarClan isn't alone. The Sky Avengers worshipped powerful beings known as the Vestrians. Karis the Skyhealer, Miloto the Stormforger, Sylara the Heartshaper, Arctora the Rainwaker, Rystris the Windbringer, and Akura the Lightbreaker. Those six controlled the sun and the sky, and they brought real miracles to the world. They inspired cats, gave them hope. But something happened to them. Something that caused the Sky Avengers to attack the Clans relentlessly, fighting until their last cat fell. If there really is something beyond us that's worth following, I want to find out where it went. Whatever happened to the Vestrians, I will unearth it. The truth is out there, in our stories, our stars, and our dreams."
Leafpaw felt herself drawn in by Rainpaw's words. Her friend's eyes were shining. She had only ever spoken this much one time before, when describing her friends in RiverClan. Leafpaw had succeeded in snapping Rainpaw out of her gloom. But more than that, she found herself drawn in by the tantalizing mystery Rainpaw had presented. What had happened to these beings of power? Where had they gone? And who ruled the storms now? She wanted to know this nearly as much as Rainpaw herself, now. She wanted to know everything.
"So all the stories," Leafpaw mewed, "the Echo Wars, the Dark Forest, Lionflight's Prophecy, the Burning Sky... You've gone through all of them to find this one truth? The ultimate fate of the Vestrians?"
"There have been so many stories," Rainpaw explained. "In the end, Leafpaw, everything is connected. A promise made hastily to a dying sibling could change the outcome of a war. A kit lost to the wind could cause an army to rise. And an apology poorly phrased could bring about the rise of the most terrible villain the Clans would ever know. The truth is somewhere within the unseen links between those stories, and I'm going to find it."
"I want to help," Leafpaw mewed. "If the truth about the Vestrians is out there, hidden in the stories of old, then I want to know it too. I'll search for it with you, aide you in unraveling the mysteries of the past."
"Are you sure?" Rainpaw asked. "Everything gets so much deeper, and once you step into the past, you might not find your way back out."
Leafpaw playfully bumped Rainpaw's shoulder. "I'll be with a friend, won't I?" she asked. "Good enough for me."
Rainpaw purred, taking a deep breath of the WindClan air. "It may not be home, but at least I have a friend with me," she mused. "That makes it slightly better."
Leafpaw stayed there in the den, talking with Rainpaw all through the night. She only realized how much time she'd spent with her friend when dawn broke, and Snowcloud came to collect her.
…
Leafpaw followed Snowcloud down the moor. There was no moon in the sky, so they walked by the light of the stars alone. Together, they headed to the place where the stars touched the world.
"Why is it called the half moon when there's no moon at all?" Leafpaw mused.
Snowcloud glanced down at her. "Well, it is halfway through the moon," she pointed out. "So, half a moon is the half moon."
This didn't satisfy Leafpaw at all. "But there are already nights when there's half a moon!" she protested. "It just doesn't make any sense."
Snowcloud sighed. "What does the name of the night have to do with a medicine cat's duties?" she asked.
"Nothing," Leafpaw replied. "But that doesn't mean it's not annoying."
"How about I tell you why this night is the one where the medicine cats gather to speak with StarClan?" Snowcloud offered. "It should last us until we get to the Moonpool."
Leafpaw glanced up as she walked, and saw the Snowcloud was correct. The Moonpool was so close, Leafpaw could almost taste it. "Sure," she mewed.
Snowcloud pointed her tail skyward. "On this night, the moon leaves the sky and descends to the Clans, giving us a bridge to StarClan," she explained. "And with no moon in the sky, the full the light of the stars can shine down upon us, uninhibited by the moonlight that so often overshadows it. It is the night the stars are closest to the Clans. We are one during this time. In fact, there are stories of cats that have managed to fall into the realm of StarClan or into even deeper realms on this night, some never to be seen again. It is a night of unity, a night of sharing wisdom, and sometimes, a night of danger."
"But it still has a crummy name," Leafpaw interjected.
Snowcloud shrugged. "Well, if "Half Moon" doesn't sit right with you, you could always can it by its ancient name," she suggested. "Cats once referred to this as the Night of the Dancing Stars."
"Much better," Leafpaw mewed.
By then, they had reached the foot of a hill. Leafpaw followed Snowcloud, climbing up to the top, until finally, she had her first glimpse of the Moonpool.
It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The stars met the earth here, their glistening light reflected in the calm waters of the pool. It was as if the sky was pouring down into the water, making it shine. It was unlike anything else Leafpaw had ever seen. Even if it hadn't been common knowledge, she would have known immediately that this was the place where StarClan would speak to her.
Two cats were already there, waiting by the Moonpool. One was a wiry ginger and gray she-cat who seemed to have a permanent scowl affixed to her face. Beside her was a smaller gray tom, obviously her apprentice. At the sight of Leafpaw, he perked up, but after taking a closer look, his whiskers drooped and he quickly ducked his head.
"Foxwhisker!" Snowcloud greeted enthusiastically. "It's good to see that you and Stonepaw are doing well. Is everything alright with the cats of ShadowClan? Nobody burned it down, I hope."
Foxwhisker's eyes narrowed. "You must be a bigger fool than I'd imagined, Snowcloud," she snarled. "I told you not to show your face here again." She glanced over, noticing Leafpaw. "But I see that returning here when you were unwelcome would have been too simple for you. Oh no, you had to bring another cat as well. Maybe we should cut this one up and feed her to the warriors of StarClan."
Leafpaw shrunk back, scared by the older she-cat's rage. She glanced to Stonepaw for moral support, but he barred his teeth and hissed.
"This is StarClan's sacred place," Snowcloud snapped back. "It is my right as a medicine cat, and Leafpaw's right, to come here and drink from the water of the pool."
Foxwhisker glared at her venomously. "All of which is completely meaningless, since I exiled you," she retorted. "You came here to communicate with the spirits, but if you're so holy, wouldn't you like to join them instead?"
"Now, now, Foxwhisker, no need to be so hasty," a cheerful voice mewed. "Blood in the Moonpool would completely ruin the aesthetic."
Leafpaw shot a glance towards the source of the voice and saw a familiar red orange pelt joining them next to the Moonpool. Beside him was a scowling light-brown she-cat.
"Why would you stick up for them?" the she-cat growled. "You know what WindClan did."
"Because I want to talk with our new member here," he replied. "It seems that WindClan's fiercest warrior has decided that she wants to play the part of a fearsome medicine cat instead. I need to keep an eye on the competition."
"Greetings, Sunstorm, Dawnfern," Snowcloud mewed, the relief in her voice barely disguised. "I guess with six of us here, we're nearly ready to begin."
"We already are ready to begin," Foxwhisker grumbled. "Nightheart's not coming, and I don't suppose you thought that Rainpaw had a mousetail of a chance of making it."
"Calm down, Foxwhisker," Sunstorm mewed, placing his tail on her shoulder. "We already discussed how animosity is bad for your image. It makes kits think you want to eat them."
"Good," Foxwhisker snapped back. "I get tired of frogs sometimes."
Leafpaw sighed, but relaxed. She had been worried by Foxwhisker's hatred of her and Snowcloud, but she knew that Sunstorm wouldn't let any harm come to her. He seemed to be the only other medicine cat who was behaving like a medicine cat should, with kindness instead of hostility. While Foxwhisker, Dawnfern, and Stonepaw had all shown varying degrees of revulsion, Sunstorm had remained cheerful and friendly, even though she had attacked him during their first meeting. The world outside the camp was continuing to prove to be a very different place than what she had always imagined.
Before she lay down, she scanned the other medicine cats, assessing them to see if she could glean some useful information.
Foxwhisker had a slight limp in her back left paw. Age or a small injury had probably caused that. Sunstorm's breathes seemed unusually shallow, as if he had an obstruction in his chest. Most likely, a piece of fresh-kill had managed to get stuck in his throat. Stonepaw's ears were twitching frequently, and were covered in fresh scratches. Leafpaw surmised that he had probably stuck them in a bramble bush, although it wasn't the only possibility. Finally, Dawnfern's eyes were sunken, and her whiskers drooped, as if she hadn't enjoyed a full night's rest in quite some time.
Keeping these tidbits in mind, Leafpaw joined the others around the pool, sitting next to her mentor.
She bent down towards the pool, gazing at her reflection. Then, after a moment's hesitation, she bent down to lap up some of the water. However, Snowcloud motioned for her to stop.
Leafpaw sat up and glanced at her mentor.
"First," Snowcloud mewed, "we must complete your ceremony."
They had gone over this, but in the excitement of seeing the Moonpool, Leafpaw had forgotten it. Now, it all came rushing back.
"Leafpaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?" Snowcloud mewed.
"It is," Leafpaw replied quickly, as they had rehearsed.
"Then come forward," instructed Snowcloud.
Leafpaw stepped towards her mentor and bowed her head.
Snowcloud paused, beaming at her before beginning the latter half of the ceremony. From the corner of her eye, Leafpaw could see Foxwhisker mouthing, "Get on with it."
"Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice," Snowcloud declared. "She has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant her your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her Clan in accordance with your will."
Leafpaw twitched with anticipation as Snowcloud flicked her tail, gesturing for Leafpaw to take a sip from the Moonpool. She glanced at the other medicine cats, noticing that aside from Sunstorm, they all showed varying degrees of indifference. She felt a sharp twinge of anger at them, and defiantly took a whole gulp of the Moonpool's water. It was fresh and quite delicious, despite a metallic tint to it.
Then, she sat back down and closed her eyes. Sleep overtook her before any of the other medicine cats could even touch the Moonpool.
…
Leafpaw had expected a starry plain, but instead she found herself in darkness.
She glanced around nervously, but her eyes refused to adjust to the inky blackness. There was ground beneath her paws, and yet she couldn't tell what it was covered in. All she knew was that it felt slimy, completely unlike what StarClan was supposed to feel like.
Suddenly, a red glow illuminated the area around her. She shivered before realizing that the glow came from the eyes of a cat standing in front of her. It was a gray tabby, and it slowly began advancing towards her.
Leafpaw stepped back, away from the eerie cat. She didn't know what it was, but it clearly wasn't something good.
The cat moved towards her, expressionless. "Do not be afraid of me," it said, speaking slowly as if it was unfamiliar with using its mouth. "You will not be harmed. You will not even remember this after I am finished with you."
That was all Leafpaw needed to hear to snap her out of her daze. She turned and bolted away from the mysterious cat, knowing that anywhere was better than with it.
Behind her, she could hear pawsteps pursuing in rapid succession. The other cat was speeding up to catch her. "I do not wish to inflict any injury upon you," the cat called after her. "However, if you continue to attempt to flee, then I must utilize the full reserve of my options."
She ran as fast as her body carry her, faster than she had ever gone before. The strange cat was on the edge of her tail, and could catch up at any moment.
Then, she crashed into something and fell to the ground.
Leafpaw glanced up, and her heart sunk. Before her stood a tom who looked exactly the same as the stranger, only without the glowing red eyes.
She flinched back, but the tom slapped his tail on her shoulder. "Don't even think of running away from me," he snapped. "I'm not a bird who can fly after you. My name is Jayfeather, and I'm here to help."
As Jayfeather's doppelganger approached, Leafpaw thought for sure that they were finished. Then, a flame coloured she-cat stepped in next to Jayfeather.
"Can you handle this one, Squirreflight?" Jayfeather asked.
"Are you kidding?" the she-cat asked, her pelt fluffing in anticipation. "I've been waiting for moons to cut loose!"
She sprang forward, grabbing the other cat and pulling it to the ground.
"I did not come here for a battle with a cat unrelated to my mission," the other cat mewed. "However, if that is what is required to complete it, then I will use my might."
"Do you ever shut up?" Squirrelflight snarled as she tumbled across the ground, holding onto the strange cat.
Leafpaw had been in another daze for a little while now. Jayfeather and Squirrelflight, two of the most legendary cats ever, were right next to her. Sure, they were ThunderClan cats, but that hardly mattered at the moment.
"Snap out of it," Jayfeather growled, slapping Leafpaw across the face with his tail. "You've got to follow me."
He took off, running at a great pace. Leafpaw followed, feeling slightly disappointed. The legends hadn't mentioned Jayfeather being so grumpy. She had always thought of him as a gallant hero, sweeping she-cats off their paws, but evidently, he was anything but.
As they ran, Leafpaw realized that the darkness was fading, and the land around her was getting brighter. "What's going on?" she called to Jayfeather.
"StarClan is in trouble," he called back. "The enemy is attacking our power directly, and they have blinded us to their true form. We can't see the true identity that we face. What rubbish."
Leafpaw followed after him, dread flooding through her. Up ahead, she could see what looked to be StarClan's territory, but even that was no comfort. Something was trying to destroy StarClan. The thought that her warrior ancestors could fall had never even occurred to her. They had survived so many battles already. Surely this new threat couldn't be stronger than everything that had come before it?
"The enemy?" she asked. "Is it that thing that looks like you?"
Suddenly, Leafpaw became aware of pawsteps behind them, and the horrible thing began to speak.
"No, I am not the enemy that my counterpart speaks of," it called. "I am merely a guardian and a consumer of dreams. You Clan cats have given me the name Nightmare Walker."
The Nightmare Walker. The only member of the Dark Three whose crystal never accounted for. Another legend, one that had been a story meant to scare young kits for two hundred seasons, was now chasing her, ready to destroy her.
Against her better judgement, Leafpaw turned her head. In that moment, the Nightmare Walker pounced, pinning down her tail. Leafpaw shrieked, trying to flee.
It was no use. The Nightmare Walker shoved its claws into her pelt, trapping her with it.
"I am one of the many servants of the Watcher of Stars," it explained. "They are the Clan cat that you refer to as 'the enemy', and the one who commanded me to come here on this night."
"The...Watcher?" Leafpaw croaked. She struggled to get away, but her efforts were futile. She watched, helplessly, as the Nightmare Walker moved its head closer to her. Blood bubbled out of her pelt, hitting the thing's paws.
In that moment, something changed. The Walker started to pull away, and some sort of symbol appeared on its flank. Behind the Walker, something had appeared. There was something out there in the darkness.
All of their features seemed to be obscured by some kind of veil, but that didn't matter. Leafpaw could feel immense loathing radiating from them. The feeling struck her as sharply as any blow, and she would have fallen back if she had not been caught in the Walker's grip.
This cat could only be the Watcher. But were they really a Clan cat? How could their Clanmates not feel their hatred simply by standing next to them? Could such a feeling really have been concealed so easily?
"You Clan cats have taken everything from me," the Watcher spat, voice made unrecognizable by the veil. "But to think that you would continue to be a thorn in my heart. If I need to destroy your soul, then so be it."
Suddenly, the moment was broken by Jayfeather.
"Leafpaw, watch out!" he yowled as he slammed into the Walker. "That's a blood binding. Don't let the Nightmare Walker use it on you!"
He pulled the Walker off of her, and the Watcher vanished instantly, as if they had never been there at all.
"That was the enemy," Leafpaw gasped.
"Don't talk, just run!" Jayfeather snarled as he wrestled with the Walker.
Leafpaw didn't need another word. She turned and kept running. StarClan wasn't too far away. She could make it.
As she ran, she heard Jayfeather's calling out to her. He had one last message for her.
"There's only one way to stop this!" he yelled. "You have to kill Do-"
Everything shattered.
…
"Leafpaw, wake up!"
Leafpaw's eyes shot open. For a few moments, she was sure that she was still in the dream. Then, the sky came into focus and she realized that she was awake, lying by the Moonpool. Sunstorm stood over her, looking relieved. Everyone else still seemed to be asleep.
"I got my message from StarClan and woke before the others," he explained. "But what you were having was clearly no ordinary dream from StarClan. What happened to you?"
"Nightmare Walker," Leafpaw gasped. She lay still for a moment, catching her breath. Then, she stood up and shook her head for a moment, clearing it.
"Seriously?" asked Sunstorm. "You're not messing with me, are you? Every visit to the Moonpool, Dawnfern tells me that she saw Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovewing. Don't tell me you have the same lying habit?"
"Of course not!" Leafpaw snapped, angered that he didn't believe her after the ordeal she had gone through. Still, she decided to avoid mentioning Squirrelflight and Jayfeather's rescue.
"Alright, I believe you," Sunstorm mewed. "Did you give that thing a good smack for me?"
Leafpaw shook her head. "It was terrifying," she admitted. "That thing was going to devour me!"
Sunstorm seemed perplexed, but nodded. "This seems like it could be a problem," he sighed. "How about I look into the matter for you? To make sure everyone gets a good sleep, without having to worry about having their dreams eaten. In fact, you might even start calling me Sunstorm, the dream warrior!"
Leafpaw mrrowed with amusement at the idea of Sunstorm prancing through her dreams and chasing off the scary parts.
"By the way," he added, "your mother is Dovesong, right?"
"Yes, that's her," Leafpaw mewed.
Sunstorm nodded, deep in thought. He cast a suspicious look at the sleeping Snowcloud, but it only lasted a moment.
"In the battle with the Sky Avengers, you and that other medicine cat fought to protect her, right?" Leafpaw asked, recalling Flamefur's story. "That's the reason I'm here right now, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I suppose it's the cause of everything," Sunstorm mewed. "I used to be a kittypet called Sunny, living an idyllic life with my parents and my sister Bells. But I lost all of them, and ended up here, in the Clans. Even though it was ThunderClan that took me in, my two best friends were undoubtedly Cloudwing and Bonetail. Until we fought the Sky Avengers though, I had no idea how much strength Cloudwing really had. When Cloudwing died so long ago, and when Bonetail followed her just moons ago, I lost a part of myself. But the ideals Cloudwing died for still exist, and that's why I've dedicated my life to what I have."
Leafpaw's whiskers twitched with sympathy. Bonetail had been one of Sunstorm's best friends? The rogue that had tried to wipe out the medicine cats? Leafpaw had a hard time imagining what she would do if Silverkit, Eaglekit, or one of her siblings tried to kill her. She certainly didn't envy Sunstorm.
"You're a great medicine cat," she mewed. "When I'm a full medicine cat, I want to be like Snowcloud. But I also want to be like you."
Sunstorm gave her a stern look. "You'd better not," he warned. But Leafpaw was sure he was joking.
…
Leafpaw trailed behind her mentor, deep in thought. The other medicine cats had woken shortly after her conversation with Sunstorm. They had all departed, although Foxwhisker hadn't left without leaving a few more harsh words for the two WindClan medicine cats.
If the Nightmare Walker was out there, did that explain where its crystal had gone? Perhaps it did. Leafpaw resolved to do more research into the matter. Sunstorm had promised to resolve things on his own, but Leafpaw knew that to face the Walker and its mysterious master, the Watcher of Stars, he would need all the help he could get.
"I'm sorry, Leafpaw," Snowcloud mewed, breaking Leafpaw from her thoughts.
"For what?" Leafpaw asked. Her mentor was avoiding meeting her eyes, even though she hadn't down anything to hurt her. It had been the other medicine cats who had been so unfriendly.
"I wasn't there when StarClan accepted you as a medicine cat," Snowcloud mewed. "Believe me, missing your ceremony was something I never intended to do. But StarClan had other ideas, it seemed, and I was caught up in something else. I promise you though, I'm still with you every step of the way."
Leafpaw's heart sank as she suddenly realized that the StarClan cats hadn't formally accepted her as a medicine cat. Sure, the Nightmare Walker had intervened and prevented any ceremony that could theoretically happen. But would the rest of the Clan see it that way? Shivering, she decided it was a detail that was best left hidden.
"Oh, it's fine!" she mewed, masking her dread. "It was a bit daunting seeing StarClan for the first time, but nothing I couldn't manage on my own! You've taught me lots about herbs already, so it isn't like you're a bad mentor because StarClan called you elsewhere."
Snowcloud nodded, but still avoided Leafpaw's eyes.
"Alright," she mewed back. "But if there's anything you need my help with, don't hesitate to ask."
Leafpaw shrugged. Already, her dread had been pushed away, and a scheme was beginning to form in her mind. Maybe, if I'm not a real medicine cat, it's okay for me to bend the rules a little.
…
The next morning, Leafpaw stood outside the Leader's Den, already having second thoughts. Is it really okay for me to do this? The world won't just change by itself. But surely doing this goes against everything a medicine cat stands for.
She glanced around nervously, unsure of what to do. Could she really do this? Could she afford not to? Indecision froze her to the spot. Her mind was whirling in circles, unwilling to let her step forward or back.
She glanced at the cats around her, who would surely suffer if her resolve faltered. Her siblings were boasting to each other before morning patrols started, blissfully unaware of the tensions that had split the Clan in two. Nearby, she saw her mother, Dovesong, eating fresh-kill. Leafpaw quickly ducked her head, but it was too late. Dovesong perked up, having clearly noticed her daughter. She abandoned her fresh-kill and began padding over.
Instantly, all doubts vanished in Leafpaw's mind. It might be bad if she went forward, but she couldn't keep waiting here.
She turned and bolted into the den, running so fast that she went crashing into Ravenstar.
He rounded on, teeth barred in fury, before seeing who it was. His anger vanished like mist, and he slumped down, whiskers drooping. The WindClan leader seemed to be growing weary.
"What is it, apprentice?" he mumbled, barely paying attention.
"It's about RiverClan," Leafpaw mewed, knowing that now, there was no going back.
"Isn't everything?" Ravenstar sighed.
Leafpaw trembled. "It's very important," she said, voice quivering. "Last night, at the Moonpool, StarClan accepted me as a medicine apprentice. But they also shared a vision with me. You, and all the cats of WindClan, were standing before a river. You tried to claw at the water, but the moment you did, shadows fell. Then, the sound of thunder filled the whole area, and in a flash, WindClan lay dead. I know that as a leader, you have to make your own choices, but you can't ignore StarClan's warning. Attacking RiverClan is out of the question. You'll doom us if you try it."
Ravenstar stared at her for the longest moments in her life. She shivered, worrying that he would see through her lie instantly.
But perhaps it was what he had been waiting for. His posture didn't change, but there was a glint in his eyes that surely hadn't been there before. "If this is what StarClan commands, then I'd be a fool not to listen," he mewed. "WindClan will not attack. Now leave me be, apprentice. I have other matters to attend to."
Leafpaw turned, forcing herself to not bolt out of the den. With every painfully slow step, she was sure that he would call her back and demand to know why she had lied to him. But he never did.
As it turned out, the being outside of the den was no better. Dovesong, the last cat Leafpaw wanted to see, was waiting for her.
"Leafpaw!" her mother exclaimed, purring with joy. "I haven't seen you in days! How's your training going? Would you like to share a mouse?"
Leafpaw's heart began to pound in her chest, but she wasn't about to give up now, not when she had already managed to report the false vision to Ravenstar.
"I'd love to, really, but Snowcloud's got me hard at work," Leafpaw answered. The words felt hollow coming from her mouth. "I've got a lot of herbs to collect. Maybe later, though? I have to run now."
Before Dovesong could get a word in edgewise, Leafpaw took off, running out of the camp and onto the moor at top speed.
Once she had run far enough, she collapsed to the ground, heart racing faster than it ever had before. Her absence wouldn't be missed, for now. Snowcloud had decided to sleep until sunhigh, and had given Leafpaw that part of the day off. Unfortunately, all of the ways she would have liked to spend her free day would put her into contact with her mother, so she would have to content herself with restocking the dwindling supplies of chervil and marigold.
Leafpaw felt bad for avoiding her mother, but her pounding heart reaffirmed what she already knew. She wasn't brave enough to be anywhere near her.
Because even though her dream had broken, Leafpaw knew exactly what Jayfeather had been saying to her before she woke up.
"There's only one way to stop this! You have to kill Dovesong! It's our last hope."
Leafpaw dug her claws into the earth, shuddering with anxiety. Could she really do it? Could she bring herself to murder her mother?
To be continued…
Watch out, Leafpaw! If old legends don't get you, someone else definitely will. Because I bet you haven't figured out the super secret twist that the Watcher is actually Darkclaw from the future!
…Or not. Thought you would find out his fate here? Nope, maybe next time.
Actually, Interlude 2 is up next, so look forward to a different point of view! And thanks a ton for reading!