Chapter 2
The sun's rays shined into the nursery. Much to Thistlekit's displeasure. Maybe staying up all night hadn't been the best of ideas… The mottled tom tried to cover his face with his paws, a futile attempt to stay rested. However, his two siblings took care of that very quickly. Starting right off with the sound of his brother's loud hiss of disappointment. "Blast! I fell asleep!" Weedkit hissed, trying to scramble out of the nest. He consequentially bumped into Thistlekit on multiple occasions, causing the other kit to hiss and swipe at his hind. "Shhhush, I'm trying to get some extra sleep here.." he muttered. Featherkit who woke up far more quietly, stifled a mrrow of laughter. "Now you know how I feel huh?"
"Come on Featherkit! The dawn patrol has already left, let's go find someone who went on the ambush!" Weedkit yelled, then hustled out of the den. Featherkit reluctantly followed, ears drooped whilst Thistlekit could only roll his eyes, bundling up in the nest some more. He'd check stuff out a little later. "Let's try the medicine den Featherkit, there's bound to be a cat in there!" Weedkit suggested. The little tortieshell was just trying to keep up. "It was just an ambush.. I don't see what makes it so exciting." she muttered. "Just cats clawing and biting each other. Blood and stuff, euyuck." She shuddered. "Don't be such a baby!" Weedkit grinned, walking into the den.
Featherkit followed and both spotted Poppywhisker resting in a nest. He didn't look so great. It was strange, usually the deputy was up and about, organizing patrols or helping apprentices with training. Right now, he seemed sickly. Weedkit and Featherkit looked at each other, then at Berrystripe who seemed to be too busy sorting her herbs to notice the kits wandering around. "Berrystripe?" it was Weedkit who finally spoke up. The medicine cat flinched and turned around. "Oh, you little ones spooked me there." She purred. "Got a belly ache?" The pair shook their heads, then Weedkit looked at Poppywhisker. "We had wanted to see, how the fight went.. but.." he trailed off. "I-Is Poppywhisker gonna be okay?"
How could such little sweethearts become monsters? Maybe she interpreted the prophecy wrong. What if it was cats from two different clans? It said one would become two. "Yes, Poppywhisker just needs rest. His wounds will heal and he will be just the same as before." She assured them. "And for the record, yes we won the battle.." the medicine cat added. Weedkit whispered a little chime of victory, then looked up at Berrystripe with wide eyes. "Thank you!" he mewed, then bustled out of the den, Featherkit following close behind him. Thornpelt was only just now waking up, stretching her limbs. Three moons. Three moons and her kits would be out of the nursery, apprentices & she'd be back to being a warrior.
She knew she'd be happy to finally get back to her duties again but… She was going to miss her little kits. They were growing up—it seemed like they already didn't need her anymore. The queen rasped her tongue over the remaining kit's back. She remembered when they had first been born. All the cats had been skeptical about Thistlekit. Even now she could see how some of them glared at him when he wasn't looking. She'd like to claw their ears off. Thornpelt knew once he became an apprentice she couldn't protect him from any prejudice. All she could hope, was that it didn't affect him to harshly. "Hey mom? What'cha thinking about?" Her kit's mew pulled her from the negative thoughts and she purred, nuzzling him.
Thistlekit blinked, stretching his legs and stood up, jaws prying open as he yawned. "Just imagining my little brave kits as apprentices is all." Thornpelt chuckled. Thistlekit just nodded and began to climb out of the nest. "Me and Weedkit made a promise, when we become apprentices we're gonna be battle partners forever!" he chimed. "I'm going to see Nightwhisper now! He promised me a cool story about the ambush last night! See you later mom!" before she could respond, he was already racing out of the den to find the warrior. The nesting queen shook her head and smiled, resting over her paws. They seem to grow up to quickly. "Nettletail.. you were a monster but there was three good things you did for me.." she whispered.
Thistlekit looked around the clearing, spotting Nightwhisper chatting with Foxpounce. He darted towards the warrior, sliding to a halt in front of him. Foxpounce's ears flattened and they abruptly got up and stalked away, muttering something under their breath. "Nightwhisper will you tell me about the battle now?" he mewed. The warrior smiled, nodding his head and looked at the kit. "Alright, so, I was in the first wave of attack with Nightstar. We got into the camp undetected. The little Thunderclan cats were all still snug as a bug in their nests." He smirked. "We split up and attacked the warriors den and apprentice den… then we.."
Weedkit decided maybe he could help Poppywhisker feel better. The kit walked up to the kill pile, looking around until he spotted a nicely sized vole. It was big and hard to carry, but he slowly made his way back to the medicine den. About halfway there he tripped over the 'giant' prey. A tiny 'oof' escaping his mouth. He shook his fur off and slowly stood back up, grasping it yet again. It felt like ages before he made it to the den. Poppywhisker was wide awake now, but still didn't look to happy. Maybe this would help.
Poppywhisker saw the kit coming towards him, ears flicking in amusement as Weedkit struggled to lift the vole high enough to plop it in his nest. He eventually settled with rolling it in there instead. "I brought you some prey so you can feel better faster Poppywhisker!" the kit chimed. It was enough to make the deputy smile for once. "Thank you, I really do appreciate it Weedkit." He smiled, sinking his teeth into the vole. Yes! It worked! Weedkit puffed his chest out with pride, tail raising high and he strutted back out of the den. He spotted Thistlekit over with a warrior and wondered what he could be up to. "Only one way to find out!" he spoke to himself, bustling off again.
Nightstar climbed up on the highledge, peering at her clan. Everything seemed alright. The cats were happy, Thunderclan scent hadn't been found on their borders yet. Now she could focus on preparing for Leaffall. Speaking of preparing, it was time for some new cats to be welcomed to the warrior's den. The sleek leader stood up, then yowled loudly enough to be heard by the entire clearing. "Cats of Shaddowclan, Gather!" Upon hearing the call, clanmates ceased their activities to head beneath the highledge for the meeting. Thistlekit followed Nightwhisper over and Weedkit caught up with them both. "What were you guys talking about?" he mewed.
"Nightwhisper was telling me about the battle!" Thistlekit exclaimed, then sat down next to the warrior. "I wonder what this meeting will be about…" he whispered. Weedkit shrugged, tail coiling at his side. "Maybe she will talk about the ambush? Or make us apprentices!" he added. "We're only three moons silly, we still have to wait awhile remember?" he chuckled. "Oh, who cares? It's just three moons, we could be apprentices right now! We'd rough up some Thunderclanners." Weedkit hissed, swiping at the air. "Shh both of you so you can hear what's happening." Nightwhisper muttered.
The leader was gazing down at the clan, eyes gleaming with pride. Nettletail thought he'd leave his mark on the clan, but they were still strong as ever. The only life he destroyed was his own. "First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate the brave warriors and apprentices who accompanied me on the ambush. It was indeed a success." The leader dipped her head and yowls filled the crowd. Cats cheering for one another. When it simmered down a bit. Nightstar continued speaking. "We also have two apprentices, who I believe showed that they are indeed ready to become warriors of Shadowclan." She exclaimed.
"Whitepaw, Swiftpaw, step forwards." The leader mewed. The two apprentices looked at one another with wide eyes, then moved out of the massive crowd. It was hard to contain the excitement. "Whitepaw, Swiftpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and serve your clan even at the cost of your life?" Nightstar asked. Both apprentices nodded eagerly and yowled in unison. "Yes!" The leader couldn't help but smile. "Then with the power given to me by starclan, I grant you both your warrior names. Whitepaw, from this day forth you shall be known as Whiteblur. Shadowclan honors your bravery and speed. Swiftpaw, from this day forth you shall be known as Swiftstep. Shadowclan honors your agile techniques and welcomes both of you to the clan as full warriors." She dipped her head.
The crowd began to cheer their names, new warriors shining with pride. Thistlekit leaned close to his brother and nudged him. "That'll be us one day." He whispered. Weedkit nodded, and as soon as the meeting was dismissed his tackled his sibling. "Let's play Shadowclan vs Thunderclan again!" he shouted. As promised, he was the Thunderclanner this time. "You're gonna pay for ambushing us foxbreath!" Thistlekit had been caught off guard and hissed. Well darn! He squirmed around, thinking of a way to free himself. He decided to use his hinds and kick Weedkit's legs out from under him, causing the kit to fall over. He got back up, baring his fangs trying to look big and scary. "We beat you once, we'll beat you again!"
Berrystripe headed out of the medicine den, deciding to search for some more herbs. Best to stock up now when there was still an abundance than later. As she headed for the camp exit, she noticed Weedkit and Thistlekit were tussling around. Why did it disturb her so much? She could feel a shudder run through her. All kits usually played together like that. 'Maybe I shouldn't keep the prophecy to myself…' They would be apprentices soon. They'd learn how to fight for real. With tooth and claw. 'And one of them will use it to cause suffering..' she frowned, looking away and hurried out of the hollow, ears drooped.
"Psst, Weedkit did you see the way Berrystripe was looking at us?" Thistlekit whispered. Weedkit stopped pawing at him and shrugged. "No, I didn't see her. Was she mad?" he asked. Thistlekit got off his sibling. "I don't know, she just seemed weird." He frowned. The two kits decided not to worry about it and resumed playing their little game. Chasing each other around the clearing.
Berrystripe headed towards the Windclan border, knowing it was the perfect place to find juniper berries as well as borage leaves. As she got closer to the familiar area, she noticed something strange. Were those Windclan cats? On THEIR side of the border? They seemed anxious. 'A true warrior wouldn't attack a medicine cat.' She thought. She could investigate without bloodshed being a possibility. She approached them calmly, tail held high. "This is Shadowclan territory, have you lost your way?" she mewed, hoping not to generate any hostility as much as she'd love to scold them.
Rabbitleap, one of the warriors in the Windclan patrol stepped forward, ears pinning back. "We we're on our way to speak to your medicine cat. It's very urgent." He explained. Berrystripe's head lifted slightly. Speak to her? What for? "I am the medicine cat, my name is Berrystripe." She nodded to the patrol, then sat down. "What is so urgent that you had to come all the way here?" she asked. "Riverclan invaded our camp and killed our medicine cat. We have no one to heal the wounded!" One of the other warriors, Crowcall spoke up. They themselves appeared injured. Blood streaked in their fur. "They what?..." Berrystripe hissed. What in the name of Starclan was going on? So much havoc before the hard seasons. "Come with me, I must inform Nightstar before I can help you. We are healing our own cats after a recent battle as well." She mewed. "Why didn't you go to Thunderclan? If you don't mind me asking." As the cats followed her towards the camp, they explained the situation.
"We tried, Flamestar wasn't willing to help us. He believed we were lying about the medicine cat situation." A warrior sighed. "That's disgraceful. Flamestar must still be angry over that loss… we are here, I apologize for any hostility, but our cats haven't been having the best of few days. Intrusions and Traitors, it's a mess." She warned. As they entered the hollow, Berrystripe looked around for Nightstar. All eyes fell upon the Windclan warriors following her and murmurs of disapproval could be heard. Spidertail came stomping over, lips curved in a snarl. "What in the world are those mousebrains doing here?" he hissed.
"There is trouble with Windclan and they are in dire need of assistance, Riverclan has attacked their camp and slain their medicine cat." Berrystripe mewed. Spidertail loosened somewhat, appearing more sympathetic. "Their medicine cat? What for?!" he hissed. He wasn't a fan of Windclan, or any clan. But they were still cats and followed the same code. Knowledge that a clan attacked and targeted a medicine cat was sickening. "Those snakehearts.." he muttered. Nightstar had caught word of all the commotion, exiting her den and padding into the clearing.
"What is the problem here?" She muttered, eyeing the injured Windclanners wearily. If they were in conflict she did not want to get her clan involved as well. They already had Thunderclan to be worried about. "Riverclan ambushed our camp.. killed our medicine cat.." Rabbitleap frowned. Nightstar's eyes widened for a moment, then her head bowed. "May Hawkfeather rest in peace. I understand. Berrystripe, I'll give you permission to assist the Windclan cats. But only if their herbs are used. We need to keep our own supply in stock for our warriors. I hope you can understand that." The leader mewed, gazing at the warriors.
"Nightstar, any help given is appreciated. The other clans speak sourly of Shadowclan but you are one of the most noble of all of them." Leafdapple mewed, then gazed at her two clanmates as well as Berrytail. "We'll make sure she stays safe while she's in our territory. Thank you for the help." They all bowed their heads. Nightstar nodded, then looked at Berrytail. "I will send a patrol to retrieve you by sundown and we can organize a plan to get Windclan a new medicine cat… I believe we may also be needing to discuss a few things with Flamestar. If Riverclan can raid a clan unprovoked just to kill a medicine cat, this is obviously a threat to all the clans." The leader hissed softly.
Before she left, she decided it was time to come clean. She leaned close to the leader, muttering softly into her ear. "Three moons ago, the night Thornpelt's kits were born I received a prophecy." Nightstar immediately assumed it would have something to do with Riverclan's sudden… turn for the worst. "As thistles & weeds clash, one shall become two, & blood will flood the forest." She frowned. Nightstar's ears pinned back and she hissed. "Blood will flood the forest? What does it mean?" she asked. "I'm afraid I do not know, but I have a feeling it has something to do with Thistlekit and Weedkit… please, keep a close eye on them. I hate to say it, but I fear one of them may truly turn out like Nettletail." After that statement, the medicine cat nodded to the Windclan warriors. "I'm ready." she mewed.
They left the camp and Nightstar had to sit down, thinking the prophecy over. Those two kits could pose a danger to the clan? She wasn't so hasty to believe it just yet. There could be cats born within other clans who could end up with the same titles in their names. She wasn't going to make any assumptions yet. But even with that in mind, she'd still watch for anything strange. If this was what the prophecy foretold, she'd do everything she could to prevent it. For she wanted both cats to thrive as loyal members in Shadowclan.
Now that Berrytail was gone, it was good as time as any to announce to the clan the situation beginning to unfold. 'Starclan guide us through these troubling times.' Would they be able to make it through Leafbare? It seemed all sorts of threats were rising. The leader made her way to the highledge, climbing up and yowled to gather the clan. They were going to have to train harder for these seasons. "Cats of Shadowclan.. as many of you have probably already noticed. A patrol of windclan cats came to our camp requesting out medicine cat." She began. "It seems Riverclan has invaded them and slain their Medicine cat." The leader informed. Immediately cats began chatter, A warrior in the midst of the crowd's panic yowled loudly enough to hear. It was Badgermask. "Are they going to attack us next?"
"And what about Thunderclan? Flamestar threatened with war the last we fought. What if they are in on this?" another exclaimed. Nightstar's fur was starting to bristle. Her warriors had every right to be concerned. With so many lives at stake. "Silence!" she yowled. The crowd simmered down. "We are unaware if Riverclan OR Thunderclan are going to attack us. However, as a precaution we are going to double border patrols and training sessions. As well as reinforce the dens. I want at least two warriors guarding the Nursery and Medicine den at all times from this day on in shifts." The leader paused for a moment, then spoke again. "And, as extra precautions. I believe it is time we change the way we train our apprentices. A medicine cat is requited to learn basic moves in fighting as self-defense. However, I believe if they must learn to fight. A warrior should learn basic herb knowledge as well in order to tend to fellow clanmates should the Medicine cat be absent."
No cat could argue with that logic, especially with the knowledge that Windclan's medicine cat had been deliberately murdered. This was no calm before the storm, but chaos. They needed to be ready for everything. "I also want kits to remain close to the nursery during play. At least if there is an attack on camp, you will be able to reach shelter quickly. We must protect our fellow clanmates at any cost!" Yowls of agreement flooded the clearing. Weedkit and Thistlekit looked at eachother. "Let's go tell mom and Featherkit!" Weedkit mewed, darting off. Thistlekit followed his brother to the nursery. "You don't think they will get us do you?" he asked. "No way Thistlekit! Shadowclan is the strongest clan remember? We can handle anything." Yeah that was true. They had nothing to fear. "You keep going to let Mom and Sis know what's happening, I'll go tell Poppywhisker!" Thistlekit mewed, changing directions to head to the medicine den.
This was going to be a very, very difficult Leaffall.