To all of my diligent readers:
It had been brought to my attention that, as a FanFiction author, I write for a series that has copyright under another person. (In this case, Erin Hunter) As a fan of the books, I create my own characters, as does every other fan like me. Along the way, with the millions of fans that Erin Hunter has, there is going to be a cat created that is similar to one that you have created. This is by no means Plagiarism because someone did not think "I know this is her cat and I am going to steal it and call it my own original creation." It is a coincidence.
As in the second or third chapter, I had someone say that they had a story with a similar plot as this one. You can go back to this day to see that I sincerely apologized and said I would make sure it didn't become exactly the same. I do not copy, steal, or plagiarize.
I felt the need to post this because I have gotten a comment by a Guest by the name of "An Angry Reader" saying that I stole their character and if I didn't take my story down that they would report me.
I feel that this is a misunderstanding of pure coincidence, but I cannot contact this user because they are a guest.
SO THIS SERVES AS A WARNING: if my story is taken down, I will do everything in my power to post it back or somewhere else.
Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
The sharp scent of mint wafted around Splitrain and woke her from her slumber. All was quiet in the medicine den, Mintbreeze being asleep in the farthest corner from her with a curtain or moss separating them. She was the only one in being taken care of right now, but after her six days of confinement to ensure no infection would ensue from her half-healed wounds and her newest scars on her muzzle and hind legs from her mother.
The grumpy tortoise shell tom informed that Splitrain would be allowed back in the warrior's den tomorrow she reminded herself, trying to escape the stuffy air in the den. The star sprinkled sky outside revealed the constellations of her ancestors, but she did not feel close to them. They were spectators watching a show.
"Hey, you want to go for a walk?"
The whisper shocked Splitrain out of her mulling, and she spun around to meet the voice.
Driftswipe stood before her, slightly taller and a good bit stronger-looking. A kind smirk was on her face, the dull almost-full moon drawing any color from her pelt and leaving her in a statue of greys and blacks. With an affirmative nod, Splitrain followed her Partner through the entrance with a nod to a frost-covered Coalfoot.
"You two be careful," Coalfoot warned, "And try to bring back some prey while you are out!"
Flicking their tails to let the black she-cat know they heard her, Driftswipe directed them towards the border they shared with Windclan.
Almost in accordance with the cold, quiet atmosphere, the forest seemed to be asleep. No breeze stirred the pines, and the underbrush provided deep, still shadows on the soft, nettle-covered ground.
Feeling her shoulders relax, her paws rejoice on being back on her home soil, she was calm for the first time in quite a while.
Driftswipe's tail waved lazily ahead of her as they neared their border, and the she-cat slowed to a halt.
"So," she started, head faced straight ahead but glancing at Splitrain from the corner of her eyes. She seemed to be prompting Splitrain to speak.
And speak she did. With little encouragement she explained everything to her Partner, excluding the parts about Rapidflame. The comfort that Driftswipe provided at the right moments reminded Splitrain just how lucky she was. She had a Partner who cared for her, a home that welcomed her without judgment, plenty of prey despite the brutal leaf-bare, and a tom who seemed to want nothing but the best for her.
After finishing her tale, the grey she-cat was pressed close to her own calico pelt for warmth, eyes wide with her unasked questions.
"So, what now? I mean, you spied on another clan, and risked your life to get information for a battle that we may not even win. Riverclan will want your heart on the earth, you know that, right? You'll have to always be careful… especially at this Gathering soon! Riverclan will literally propose that you should be killed!"
To this, Splitrain had no answer, because these were things she herself had been asking.
"I don't know, Driftswipe. I really don't. I'm just happy I'm home again."
Her Partner fell silent, but only for a moment. "Do you think Sharpstar will give you one of the kit? I heard that their apprentice ceremony is tomorrow at sunrise-" Driftswipe broke off, glancing up through the needles to see the first signs of light breaking over the horizon.
"Well, let's go and find out! It's about time Bonerun got something to focus on! He's been driving himself crazy with nothing big going on!" her Partner exclaimed.
All of a sudden, Driftswipe stopped and grinned at her. "I can't believe I almost forgot! Splitrain… I'm pregnant with Bonerun's kits!"
A rush of warmth and affection coursed through her with affection for her Partner and best friend; she was genuinely happy for Driftswipe, and it also meant more future warriors for Shadowclan.
"That's amazing! This Green-leaf will be a happy one, I see!"
"Mmmhmm!" came from her as she ran up ahead to greet Bonerun. Splitrain nodded congratulation to the white and black tom. Pushing her way through the bracken she was greeted with Blackrose grooming her kits, Pinekit, Seedkit, and Coldkit, to perfection.
"Mom, if you lick me anymore the sun will reflect off my pelt," Pinekit grumbles, his dark brown pelt indeed gleaming in the early morning sun. The white in his pelt ran in stripes along his lower back, and he had a line going down between his black eyes.
"Lighten up, Pinekit! Today we become apprentices," his sister, Coldkit, reminded, practically jumping with excitement. Her pure white pelt was quite the shocker, against the dark browns and blacks that Shadowclan called home. The she-kit's pale blue eyes hinted at playfulness and joy.
The last kit, Seedkit, was quiet. His tan, fluffy pelt was groomed, but he licked his paw and continuously patted down the a little fluff of hair that insisted on hanging over his amber eyes.
"May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the rock slope for a clan meeting!"
The familiar tone of Shadowclan's leader carried through the clearing as cats came out of their dens to gather around the slope. Sharpstar's russet pelt was also groomed and lying flat despite the cool wind that was blowing.
Splitrain made her way to Moongaze, giving him a flick to his ears as she sat and pressed her shoulder against his.
"Do you think Sharpstar will give one of the kits the honor of having you as their mentor?" Moongaze joked, pressing back.
Remembering the conversation she had with the leader, she nodded. "I think the odds are in my favor."
"Cats of Shadowclan, today as a leader I get to do one of my favorite things: bestowing kits their apprentice names and starting their training as warriors. But, there is one exception. Seedkit, come forward."
The little tan kit fluffed up his pelt, and with a happy push from his sister he was on his way to the base of the slope where Sharpstar stood.
"You have showed incredible memory and focus, along with an interest in the herbs that a medicine cat is able to use to cure sickness and wounds. It is about time Mintbreeze has an apprentice; from this day forward your name shall be Seedpaw. Shadowclan looks forward to the wisdom and resourcefulness that comes with this apprenticeship."
Meeting noses with the tortoise shelled tom, Seedpaw's tail was raised in the air as they went to sit by the medicine den to watch his sibling's turns.
The clan turned their heads back to Sharpstar as she addressed Coldkit.
The white she-kit didn't need to be nudged to pad up to the leader, craning her neck to look up into the leader's eyes.
"Coldkit, from this day forward you shall be known as Coldpaw. Your excitement and positive attitude will no doubt bring Shadowclan a faithful and strong warrior when your time comes. Bonerun, I trust that you can teach her your hunting techniques and how she can use her bright pelt to her advantage."
Bonerun, along with his Partner Braveglare, both walked with Coldpaw to the outskirt of the group to sit.
Focusing on the brown tom that had patiently waited his turn, the leader nodded towards Pinekit.
"Pinekit, your patience and determination are traits that will make Shadowclan stronger. From this point onward you shall be known as Pinepaw. Splitrain, I know that you will teach Pinepaw your superb fighting skills and ability to work under intense situations."
Pinepaw's eyes widened as he heard her name as his mentor, and he seemed awestruck as he touched noses with her and padded back to where Moongaze gazed proudly at her. Driftswipe had come over, and she also greeted the new apprentice.
"Seedpaw! Coldpaw! Pinepaw!" the clan chanted the apprentices' names to the sky.
When everything had quieted down, Sharpstar spoke once more.
"May Starclan bless you apprentices on your journey to become Warriors. As one final announcement: our Deputy, Honeyflame, will be retiring to the elder's den after this Gathering. I will announce a new deputy the night of the Gathering."
Murmurs of sadness and congratulations drifted across the clearing.
"We will welcome Honeyflame to our den," Briarscratch called out, and Honeyflame chuckled from her place among the clan.
As the clearing dispersed and hunting patrols were sent out, Pinepaw turned to Splitrain.
"Wow… I can't believe Sharpstar gave me you as my mentor! You're the best cat in the clan! You'll probably become deputy too!"
Shocked to hear such compliments, all she could do was nod as she took the brown tom towards the entrance for his tour of the territory.
"He's right, you know," Driftswipe said, matching her pace as Pinepaw jumped and skipped ahead, sniffing every other fern and tree with wide, wonder-filled eyes.
"You will definitely be in the running for deputy, now that you have an apprentice."
"Yeah, but I think Bonerun or Darkpelt will be better for the position. I don't want to lead this clan into battle; I can't handle that sort of responsibility."
"Yeah… well, Starclan already had their plans for you, so we'll have to see." Driftswipe declared.
Do they know what will happen to me?
Tis a long chapter… your welcome! Happy new year! I hope you all are suffering the horrible snow storms like I am! (jk heh)
QUESTION OF THE DAY: what do you think Riverclan will declare at the upcoming Gathering? ;O cant wait to hear from you guys!
Love you all,
EmberFall
(and Maya)