CHAPTER FIVE
Needlepaw suddenly cried out, her eyes watering heavily and I looked at the cats who were gathering. They looked at the floor silently as I walked right up to my sister, looking around at her wounds and the thorns digging into her. She was stuck. Really badly.
"Why aren't you doing anything?" I growled at them, eyes eyes blazing in anger and my claws digging into the ground. "Why're you just standing there?!"
And then Puddleheart entered the clearing quietly, herbs in his jaws. He set them around our sister and started chewing something up and putting it on her. He said nothing to us since he probably knew what he was doing. Littlecloud had a lot of problems with thorns. Puddleheart learned it fast.
When Needlepaw cried out again he hushed her and began speaking to her quietly, "It's okay, Needlepaw. I'm here," he purred and I could see the pain in his eyes but he slowly began to pull the thorns out of her. They were still connected to the branches and she wiggled around a little but I could see how much blood she was losing. "I'm here. Sh."
The medicine cat focused on the thorns and not how much pain it caused her and I quickly got to working at pulling out the thorns too, it wasn't helpful that she let out a screech every time I touched one.
"Good work, Beepaw," Puddleheart mewed and turned to face Needlepaw with seriousness. "Listen, we can't pull out anymore without getting stuck ourselves. You need to get out yourself. Quickly, before your wounds get infected!" he urged and stepped back watching as she hung her head, eyes still closed she let out a wail as she began to walk out of the thorn bush.
She kept walking and I could see the thorns disconnect from their branches and the thorns stuck in her. Finally she was free and she whimpered, falling to the ground and then she went quiet.
"Crowfrost, carry her to my den, gently," Puddleheart commanded. "Yarrowpaw I need wet moss." He turned to me with sadness in his eyes. "Come with me," he ordered and followed Crowfrost into the clearing where everyone was sitting and watching in silence. There was no way they couldn't hear her yowls of pain.
We entered the den and Puddleheart pushed Crowfrost out after he set her gently in one of the nests.
"Why am I here? I don't know medicine cat stuff," I pointed out to my brother.
He took a deep breath as he mixed some things. "It's just for support. I need you here. "He didn't even look up at me as he kept mixing, applying something to her wounds and she let out a whimper but she didn't really seem to be responding anymore. "She's not dying," Puddleheart mewed suddenly.
My tail twitched in anticipation. This was taking too long and I wanted her to be okay. Her slight movements reassured me at times but impatience was clawing at me. Please StarClan, let her be okay! I pleaded silently and looked at Puddleheart who had suddenly stopped moving.
"Is she okay now?" I asked, standing up in excitement. She didn't look okay.
He shook his head slowly and looked up to the top of the den. "I don't think I can save her, Beepaw," he mewed and his head fell in disappointment. "I can feel StarClan tearing at my pelt and…" Puddleheart looked at me with pleading eyes. "If she lives, it's StarClan who saved her, not me."
I shook my head. "No, no!" I growled and dug my claws into the ground, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. "You have to save her, Puddleheart! You are our medicine cat! We aren't relying on dead cats to save our sister! Do your job to the Clan and save her!" I ordered and watched as he looked at me with wide eyes but he didn't move to get his herbs, he just looked at me.
Crowfrost bursted into the den. "Is she okay? What's happening?"
Puddleheart looked at the deputy and opened his mouth to speak but I quickly cut him off, "Puddleheart isn't going to save her!" I snapped facing the large tom with anger. "He's leaving it to dead cats to save her!"
"What?" He looked up at Puddleheart who was shaking his head but, for some reason, Crowfrost nodded in agreement. "It's up to StarClan, Beepaw." He nudged me to the entrance of the den and I angrily exited, passing by Wasptail and Stonetooth who were awaiting news beside the den and their faces brightened when I came out but I passed by them, unable to calm myself.
Cloudkit cut me off, her large eyes looking up at me. "Where are you going? Is Needlepaw okay?"
My whole body shook with rage. "No! She isn't okay! Puddleheart isn't going to fix her!" I pushed past the kit and ran out of camp, not caring where I was going. Just running. I was furious with everyone.
"Beepaw!" a voice yowled and I brought myself back to reality and slowed down, looking around curiously. "What're you doing here?" the voice yelled again.
There was rushing water in front of me and a familiar dark gray tom in front of me, smiling. "Nightpaw?" I asked, shaking my head in confusion. "What're you doing on ShadowClan territory?"
Nightpaw laughed and shook his head. "I'm not on ShadowClan territory. You're on RiverClan territory! You're lucky it wasn't Perchwing didn't find you!" His eyes shone in amusement as he gazed at me in awe. "What're you doing out here?"
I looked around in confusion and noticed that I was, in fact, in RiverClan territory. The border was three tail lengths behind me and I had rushed right over blindly.
"I-I-" I cut myself off, looking at the tom in surprise. "Sorry… I w-was just distracted." I backed up until I was back into ShadowClan territory but Nightpaw sat right at the border and smiled at me. "We aren't friends," I mewed suddenly.
The shock was clear all over his face. "Just because our Clans are at war?" he asked in a very concerned voice. "No, we don't have to not be friends because of that! That only applies during battle!" he insisted.
My ears pricked to the idea and I nodded slowly. "Right! We aren't doing anything wrong!" Excitement shocked me and my paws pricked to run around with him but I stayed on my side of the border. "I thought you were angry with me the other day," I told him honestly. I had thought he didn't want to be my friend.
Nightpaw shook his head slowly. "Just playing pretend!" I could see his excitement. "It's nice to have a friend that isn't related to me." He rolled his eyes and glanced around. "Perchwing is coming! Run!" he hissed.
I couldn't smelled anything but I nodded and jumped into a nearby bush, peering out a little to see the warrior approaching Nightpaw sternly.
"What're you doing? We have work to do!" Her eyes searched our territory in hopes of seeing a patrol to challenge but she saw nothing. Her eyes landed on the bush I was in but she said nothing as she led Nightpaw away and the apprentices wave goodbye to me. I was in the clear, thank StarClan.
As soon as they had disappeared from view I jumped out of the bushes and raced away, my anger now gone.
When I'd reached camp, Strikefang was waiting for me. I felt guilt singe my pelt. I'd run off and not said anything to anyone. Plus I was with the enemy Clan. What was I thinking?
"Beepaw, I understand you're upset but please, never run off like that again," Strikefang pleaded and a hint of relief was in his voice but I could tell he was trying to push it away. Was he worried about me? "Needlepaw is doing better."
I nodded slowly and glanced at the medicine den. "I'm sorry I ran off. I just needed to clear my head…" I looked at the entrance to camp with a grin, Nightpaw flashing through my head. "I'm better now."
He smiled at me. "Good. Well, you should get some rest and we'll continue training in the morning," he mewed to me and then padded away.
My eyes flickered to the apprentice's den where I knew I'd have to face Yarrowpaw. I hadn't spoken to him at all about Needlepaw or my little episode.
I took a deep breath and marched into the apprentice's den, Yarrowpaw looking up at me, his yellow eyes shining in grief. He was hurting too. He was grooming his ginger pelt and paused to look at me.
"Beepaw!" he exclaimed in shock, as if he didn't expect me to come into the den yet. "Needlepaw is doing better. StarClan is on our side," he mewed with a warm smiling and shifted awkwardly in his nest. "How're you doing?"
My head clouded with thoughts. "I-I…" I trailed off, deep in thought. "I'm doing okay," I mewed honestly, laying down in my nest diagonal from him. "How about you?"
He shook his head slowly. "I'm also doing okay," he agreed and smiled lightly. "Goodnight, Beepaw." He rested his head on his paws and closed his eyes and soon I could hear his soft breathing and I closed my eyes too.
"Beepaw! Don't forget about your destiny!" a dark brown tabby she-cat with a shadowy pelt screeched at me. "Storm clouds roll in, bee's lark in the shadows, and the night takes over." And then the she-cat disappeared.
I sat up in my nest, breathing heavily. Who was that she-cat? I didn't recognize her from any stories or any other dreams I'd had. She was just reminding me of the prophecy. But it wasn't Snowstar…
Get it together, Beepaw! You have training today! I stood up and glanced over at Yarrowpaw who was still sound asleep peacefully. But then Strikefang's head popped in the den.
His eyes shone with amusement as he yowled, "Wake up Yarrowpaw! You're training with Beepaw and I today!" Then he slipped out and Yarrowpaw jumped to his paws, looking alarmed.
"Oh, great StarClan save us," he muttered and slipped out of the den and I followed after, stifling a laugh.
Spikefur was waiting by the entrance with Strikefur now at his side. We padded up to them and I could tell Yarrowpaw was exhausted. I, however, was ready to learn some battle moves! It had been a while since we learned anything and I was itching to show some skills.
"Today we will be going outside of camp to the training hollow to practice battle moves," Spikefur mewed, eyes shining. "You will be practicing partner fighting!" He turned away from us and led us along the edge of camp until we were in the training hollow which was just a clearing with pine needles from the trees covering the ground.
Yarrowpaw's eyes flickered to me. I had never seen any moves he had done before so I wasn't sure how this was going to work but before I could point this out Strikefang yowled, "Begin!" And the mischief in his eyes grew as he lunged at Needlepaw and Spikefur lashed out at my nose.
I let out a yelp and leaned back just in time. I could see his claws gleaming and my panic rose. My eyes flickered over to Yarrowpaw who was struggling to dodge my mentor's claws.
Suddenly, an idea popped in my head and I back up so that Yarrowpaw and I were back to back as I ordered him, "Get on your hind paws, now! We can do this!" Pushing my panic away I got onto my hind paws and felt Yarrowpaw copy me and I continued to fight off Spikefur. Another idea popped in my head. "Switch!" I ordered him and we turned so I was fighting my mentor now.
They didn't see this coming and I didn't even know how I knew to do it but I knew my mentor so much better than Yarrowpaw. Strikefang lashed out at my and I hit his paw with mine, lashing out at his nose with claws unsheathed and watching blood gush from his nose. He glared at me lightly and then I got down on all fours again and lashed out at his leg, watching him fall to the ground and I pretended to kill him before turning back to Yarrowpaw and Spikefur, nodding at my brother as we fought him together.
As I went in for his leg Yarrowpaw lashed out at his cheek so he was distracted. I tackled him over on to the ground and Yarrowpaw delivered the 'final blow'.
"Very good, both of you!" Strikefang praised and our mentors locked eyes. "Now you will go on a hunting patrol and you must bring something back to camp that you caught together," he mewed and flicked his tail at Spikefur. "Let us head back to camp." And they dived into the bushes.
I parted my jaws and scented the air. Nothing was really fresh because of the snow still on the ground but I could pick up a robin not to far.
When I looked over at Yarrowpaw he nodded. He'd smelled the bird too and we headed off, following the scent of the bird silent besides the crunch of snow under our paws.
Finally the bird was in view, shuffling about on the ground, looking for something to eat.
Yarrowpaw nodded at me to go into a tree and then he crawled into the bushes closest to the bird while I found a tree above the bird and climb up it, sitting on the second branch I waited for my brother. I could see him easily against the snow and bushes but the bird didn't seem to notice as Yarrowpaw lunged out of the bushes, yelling and yowling at the bird and he took flight instantly, right towards my tree and I jumped out, hooking the bird's wing with my claw and we fell to the ground.
The bird was still struggling to fly away but I killed him with a clean bite to the neck and smiled at Yarrowpaw.
"Let's head back to camp," he mewed and then led the way back to camp.
Strikefang and Spikefur were waiting for us in the clearing, their eyes shining in pride. They were obviously watching us catch the bird together.
"Go bring that to Puddleheart," mewed Strikefang to me and then he turned to Spikefur and mumbled something but I didn't care to hear what it was because I padded away, bringing the frail bird to Puddleheart's den.
The medicine cat was sorting herbs and my sister was sitting up in her nest, watching him with a smile and I could tell she was stifling a laugh but when she spotted me her eyes shone even brighter and she jumped out of the nest and limped to me.
"Beepaw!" she purred and I could tell she was struggling to stand. "It's so good to see you!"
Puddleheart turned his head and looked at us. "Needlepaw, get back in your nest, now. You might've reopened the wounds. I told you you couldn't move from there!" he growled and led her back over to the nest.
She didn't seem to care though. "I'm sorry Puddleheart I just missed my sister." She tilted her head at me and glanced at the entrance. "Is Yarrowpaw coming to visit too?"
Pain struck me. Had Yarrowpaw not come to see her yet? My head shook and I set down the bird. "I brought you guys some prey."
My brother smiled at me but it quickly faded as he checked Needlepaw's wounds. "Thank you, Beepaw," he mumbled.
I dipped my head to him and slipped out of the den, my eyes instantly finding my mentor who was eat a mouse at the edge of the clearing and I padded over to him, glancing up at the sun that was sinking in the sky. Night would fall very soon.
"Good training today, Beepaw. Tomorrow we will be cleaning out the nursery and if all goes well you will goto the Gathering with us the day after," Strikefang mewed to me, tilting his head and then a loud noise made him turn his head to the nursery where the three oldest kits, Lionkit, Birchkit, and Slatekit raced out, rolling around.
"Shouldn't they be apprentices soon?" I asked Strikefang when he returned his gaze to me. "They look like they're eight moons old!"
My mentor nodded with a chuckle. "They just turned six this morning. I suspect Rowanstar will name them apprentices in the morning." He rose to his paws, licking his whiskers. "Get some sleep, Beepaw." And then he padded away to the warrior's den.
I shook out my fur, seeing the clearing was emptying slowly besides the hunting patrol that was entering camp, Crowfrost at the lead with a mouse in his jaws. He nodded at me.
Yarrowpaw was nowhere to be found so I assumed he was in the apprentice's den and I walked over to it, slipping inside to see my brother was already fast asleep.
Laying down in my nest I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
"Let all who can catch their own prey join beneath the hazel branch for a Clan meeting!" Rowanstar yowled and I sat up in my nest, gazing around to see it was completely empty. Why had no one waken me?
I jumped out of my nest and exited the den, seeing it was just past dawn and everyone had already gathered in the clearing besides the two elder Oakfur and Kinkfur who were slowly traveling across the clearing to gather while I quickly went around Yarrowpaw and Tigerheart and sat beside Strikefang who was sitting beside Tawnypelt and Dawnpelt.
"Lionkit, Birchkit, and Slatekit step forward!" Rowanstar yowled and the three kits stepped away from Pinenose. "You've reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed!" His eyes shone in pride for the three its. "Lionkit, I name you Lionpaw! Your mentor will be Junipernose! I hope he passes all he can down to you."
Lionpaw and his new mentor sat at the edge of the crowd, waiting for the other two to become apprentices.
Rowanstar continued, "Birchkit, I name you Birchpaw! Your mentor will be Sleekfeather! I hope she passes her wisdom down to you." He looked down at the last kit with his eyes shining. "Slatekit, I name you Slatepaw! Your mentor will be Tigerheart!"
"Lionpaw! Birchpaw! Slatepaw!" we all cheered loudly and it echoed around the clearing.
The three apprentices exited camp with their mentors, jumping around in excitement while they tried to hush them.
Rowanstar jumped down from the hazel branch and met Tawnypelt with a lick to the cheek and Strikefang padded up to me.
"So if we can finish the nursery before nightfall you may goto the Gathering," he purred and flicked his tail at the nursery. "You start clearing it out and I'll gather moss." Then he padded off without another word.
I padded over to the nursery and slipped inside where Grassheart and Cloudkit were playing: Grassheart tossed a mossball and Cloudkit chased after it until they spotted me.
"Beepaw!" Cloudkit purred and bounced over to me. "What're you doing?"
Grassheart smiled at me and I smiled back warmly. I never really spoke to Grassheart. "I'm here to clean out the den with Strikefang," I told them and nodded at the entrance. "So if you would…"
The queen grabbed Cloudkit by the scruff and carried her out of the den without another word and I set off to work, cleaning the nests and emptying out all of the nasty old moss and after I'd finished I waited for Strikefang.
After a while he slipped into the den with his jaws full of moss and dropped it down, tilting his head at me as he spoke, "Nice work, Beepaw! Let's get to work filling these nests!" He picked up some moss and carried it to one of the nests and I put the moss in it.
Once we'd finished the sun was already going down and Strikefang ordered me to get something to eat while he informed Rowanstar we'd be going with him to the Gathering. I was rather excited to go, I knew it'd be interesting between RiverClan, WindClan and ShadowClan and ThunderClan since the fighting. I wondered how Nightpaw was doing as I joked down my mouse.
Rowanstar's loud yowl made me sit up and I watched him stand beneath the hazel branch. "Crowfrost, Puddleheart, Pinenose, Strikefang, Beepaw, Tigerheart, Slatepaw, and Tawnypelt will be attending the Gathering tonight," he told us and then flicked his tail. "Let's head out!" He raced to the entrance, meeting his mate and I raced over to join him, meeting up with Slatepaw.
"Hi!" he squeaked, eyes shining at me. "Good to see you, Beepaw." He dipped his head respectfully to me, the older apprentice.
I was proud and smiled at him and then we raced out of camp, leaving Cloudkit in the clearing, yelling goodbye to me and waving her tail in excitement. I couldn't wait to take her to her first Gathering. But right now, I needed to focus on actually getting there.
We raced through the pines and I could see the RiverClan border and hear the rushing water. But I couldn't see the RiverClan warriors. We didn't slow down at all as we rushed over the border and kept going, the wind blowing through my fur. I kind of enjoyed it and before I knew it we were jumping over the river and now in the marshy part of where the Island was. I could see the RiverClan warriors waiting by the log to cross and I could see it.
Now we slowed down and then stopped, mingling with the RiverClan warriors a little. But they were still giving off hostility. We were too but I kept it cool until I ran into Nightpaw who was gleaming with excitement.
"Beepaw! Nice to see you! How are you?" he purred softly and I shuffled uncomfortable. I hope no one else noticed his kindness.
Pushing off my uncomfortableness I forced a smile. "I've been great! What about you?" My ear twitched and I glanced at the log, hoping it was my turn to cross but Curlfeather was just now crossing and then Rowanstar jumped up on the log. I was stuck talking to him, to my dismay.
"Pretty great!" he mewed and then glanced around before whispering, just loud enough for me to hear, "I've missed you."
I felt my pelt burn in embarrassment. "I've missed you as well," I whispered back, feeling my happiness strike. I really did miss him, didn't I? I thought silently, my worry growing. He's from the enemy Clan, Beepaw! Pull it together! "You go next," I mewed quickly, nudging him a little to the log. Tigerheart and Slatepaw were waiting and talking about battle moves behind us and I wanted to hurry to get over to the Island where we could be more secluded from the others.
He crossed over without another word and I followed close behind him, not wanting to lose sight of the muscular dark gray tom.
After we'd crossed over he pushed me to the side of the Island and mumbled to me, "What's going on, Beepaw?" he asked fiercely, his leafy green eyes blazing with sudden anger. "Why are you so eager to get away from me?"
I shook my head quickly. "N-No! I'm very happy to see you, Nightpaw. I am." I paused to make sure no one was around. The closest cat around was Oatclaw from WindClan and he was standing no less than four fox-lengths away. "I'm worried someone will suspect we're friends…"
He looked confused. "We aren't allowed to be friends? Beepaw, I don't understand… We aren't doing anything wrong." Nightpaw seemed very set on his idea.
Finally I nodded in agreement. "You're right. I'm sorry…" I felt disappointment. I should be his friend. "We're friends, always, Nightpaw."
Then he chuckled and opened his jaws to say something but a loud yowl interuppted him and we turned to the Great Oak where the four leaders sat. Mistystar stood to start. "RiverClan has four new warriors: Shadestream, Prickleclaw, Foxpelt, and Nightfur!" she announced with pride and I looked at Nightpaw in shocked.
"Oh my StarClan, you're a warrior?!" I gasped quietly at him and he nodded.
His eyes were gleaming with pride and amusement. "Nightfur is my new name. I was going to correct you but I was interrupted…" He flicked his tail at Mistystar who was still speaking.
"...and of course it has once again been brought to my attention that ShadowClan still harbors the little kittypet." Mistystar turned her gaze to Rowanstar who said nothing and just quietly smiled to himself.
Onestar stood up, dismissing Mistystar with a flick of his tail. "WindClan also has new warriors: Brindleclaw and Smokefur! We also have a new queen, Larkwing! The snow has brought a little sickness to our camp but we remain strong and the prey still runs!" he announced proudly and sat back down, glancing at Mistystar who smiled and looked back out to the Clans.
Bramblestar rose and shook out his fur. "ThunderClan has new warriors as well, Alderpelt and Sparkflower! My warriors have stayed under the healthy care of Jayfeather and Leafpool since the last battle." He paused to send a glare at Mistystar before continuing. "The trees are hiding most of the snow from touching the ground so the prey is running." He nodded for Rowanstar to go.
Rowanstar rose to his paws on the branch and it swayed under his weight. He didn't seem to notice. "ShadowClan has some sad news," he began, "disease struck ShadowClan camp and Littlecloud has passed onto StarClan and Puddleheart has been taking care of my Clan's wounds. We also have three new apprentices: Birchpaw, Slatepaw, and Lionpaw. And three new warriors: Junipernose, Sleekfeather, and Strikefang!" There was some cheers from ThunderClan and ShadowClan but other than that is was silent. "Cloudkit, the kittypet ShadowClan has taken in, will be staying." His eyes flashed in warning. "Let us mingling beneath StarClan!" He jumped down from the Great Oak and the other leaders followed.
"Congratulations!" I purred instantly to Nightfur. I was so proud of my friend. "I can't believe you are a warrior! Are you excited?"
Nightfur nodded instantly, a smile going across his face. "Thank you, Beepaw! I can't wait for you to get your warrior name! And of course I'm excited. I cannot wait to get my first apprentice…" He quivered in excitement and shuffled closer to me.
Across the clearing I saw Mistystar and Onestar exchange a look and I felt uncomfortable. "Nightfur… Is something about to happen?" I asked him, not taking my eyes off Mistystar and Onestar.
He laughed, shaking his head in confusion. "What're you talking about, Beepaw?"
And as soon as he finished his sentence Mistystar rose to her back paws, letting out a yowl that echoed on the Island, "WindClan, RiverClan, attack!"