Another chapter!!! Been writing a lot for multiple stories but haven't been publishing any of them because I can't figure out a good stopping point! (But for Into the Wild I just got a mental block going on so it's near impossible and mainly why I got a Beta but they are getting really busy lately and a bit burnt out so still a struggle!) Though for my other stories such as Heart of Change, Heart of Shadows, Heart of Fire: Shadows of the Past!, Daughter of Fire and Tiger: Dawn, all those I've gotten pretty far along but just can't seem to find a stopping point! Bear with me here I'll get them out eventually!
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It can't be true.
It can't be true.
It can't be true.
Morningpaw was walking around in a daze for the last three sunrises after passing her hunting assignment. Not because she passed her test but because of the conversation she had with Leopardfur afterwards.
Whiteclaw, her goofy, funny and perhaps overly protective best friend, was in love with her? It was hard to wrap her head around. What had she done to have brought about these sudden feelings of emotions from Whiteclaw. Leopardfur has said that he confessed to me back when we were rescuing ThunderClan's stolen kits. Morningpaw had since recalled that day over and over in her head, it was painful to do so knowing that Yellowfang had sacrificed herself to help create a diversion for them all to escape with the kits but she needed to analyze Whiteclaw's behavior towards her. But we hardly knew each other back then! How has he fallen in love with me so fast?!
Morningpaw wished she had Silverstream around to confide in but the beautiful silver-and-black tabby had been missing from camp as of late. Constantly taking up patrols and going off to hunt alone it was a struggle to pin her down to just talk these days. And for the past three days, after that conversation with Leopardfur, Morningpaw had actively begun avoiding Whiteclaw in order to sort out her own emotions and thoughts. How could she face her best friend after finding out everything. How mouse-brained and blind as a badger she has been to miss all the signs and casual gestures relating to courtship. Then again she hadn't been all that aware when Sandstorm started to show her own interest in Fireheart back in Morningpaw's old life. It had also been someone else that had to point the obvious out to him.
But why was it Leopardfur that had to point it out? Morningpaw felt beyond embarrassed that it was Whiteclaw's own mother that had to tell her about his feelings for her. Morningpaw should
have figured it out sooner to save herself that embarrassing conversation where she must have looked like a floundering fish caught straight out of the water.
And practically the whole Clan already knew! Everyone knew about Whiteclaw's feelings for her before she herself knew! How humiliating was that? If anyone besides Leopardfur had found out that she had been oblivious this entire time she'd be the laughing stalk of the whole Clan for the next few moons. But Whiteclaw was still unaware that Morningpaw hadn't been aware of his feelings and hadn't actually accepted becoming mates with him. That was one conversation that Morningpaw had no backbone discussing at the moment -- thus her actively avoiding the dark brown warrior with snowy-white paws as though he had Greencough.
But she could only avoid him for so long and she would have to make a decision whether or not to accept his feelings or reject him and hopefully remain friends. But it was a tough decision and Morningpaw was indecisive on what to do and what to feel at the moment which was driving her insane.
Morningpaw was momentarily brought out of her love life woes by an bewildered Oakheart that made a beeline for the flame-pelted apprentice and stood over her. "Morningpaw, Crookedstar wants to see you in his den--but are you okay?"
The flame-pelted apprentice shook herself, trying to appear like her normal self, or as normal as she could be with so many problems weighing her down. "Of course!"
Morningpaw tried to move past Oakheart to go to Crookedstar's den, but the RiverClan deputy stopped her in her tracks. Sort of in the same manner that Leopardfur had now that she thought about it. "Not so fast," Oakheart said, giving her a stern look, something she hadn't ever seen on the warrior before. "I've been watching you and my brother for a while now, you've both been spending a lot of time together, doing things that nobody seems to know about. He hadn't even told me what you do during these private sessions with each other. I respect my brother and I trust him but it's suspicious when he won't even tell me about what goes on between the both of you. I need to know, Morningpaw; what is my brother doing with you?"
Morningpaw opened her muzzle but promptly closed it again. If Crookedstar wouldn't tell his own brother what they were doing, then obviously he didn't want him to know and Morningpaw didn't think it was her place to tell Oakheart, not until Crookedstar did. "I…can't tell you."
Morningpaw shrunk back nervously as Oakheart's expression turned more grave. The RiverClan deputy wasn't happy with that response but then the dark, reddish-brown warrior took a deep breath and shook himself off. "I won't press you any farther, I'm sorry for being pushy." Morningpaw relaxed as Oakheart stepped aside and finally let her pass, he even ran his tail soothing down her back as she walked by him, putting her fully at ease.
Morningpaw managed to get to Crookedstar's den before the RiverClan leader got impatient. The small apprentice found him lightly pacing, appearing deep in thought until it was broken by Morningpaw's arrival.
"Morningpaw, your coming with me to the Moonstone, tonight." Crookedstar meowed, surprising the flame-pelted RiverClan apprentice.
"But isn't this the usual time that the medicine cats go to the Moonstone?" Morningpaw asked, knowing that the medicine cats usually visit during the half-moon.
"Mudfur is aware and we shall accompany him and Mosspaw to the Moonstone alongside the other medicine cats." Crookedstar meowed, appearing unbothered.
Morningpaw nodded, though she wondered why he wanted to go to the Moonstone so soon. "Only us and the medicine cat's?"
"Only us." Crookedstar nodded. "The less that others know of our intentions the more of an advantage we will have to surprise our enemies."
Morningpaw murmured in agreement. They needed discretion at the moment, they couldn't reveal their paw too soon or else they'd tip off Mapleshade and the Dark Forest and all their allies. So far it was only Crookedstar and Morningpaw that knew about what was going on. They had to be careful on who to trust. The wrong sharing of tongues could ruin everything they are currently working towards.
"Oakheart was asking about what we were doing together so often." Morningpaw felt the need to share.
Crookedstar sighed, seemingly tired instead of irritated. "I try to keep him at bay but he's always been persistent. He wants to know what we are up to. Why have I taken such an interest in you?"
"And you haven't told him anything?" Morningpaw questioned.
"Have you?" Crookedstar retorted.
Morningpaw shook her head. "I didn't feel as though it were my place. After all he is your brother."
Crookedstar sharply nodded. "Good. I don't think it's a good idea that he knows about this. He'd be asking to many questions about what is going on and it'd take to much time when we should be--"
"You're afraid that he's going to judge you." Morningpaw blurted out.
Crookedstar stiffened, his fur bristling for a moment before it was forced flat again. "I just don't think he's ready to know right now."
"But you will tell him." Morningpaw asked.
"In time."
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"So this is your second time going to the Moonstone?" Mosspaw asked in awe, the lithe tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat was walking in step alongside Morningpaw, both she-cat apprentices following behind their older mentor and leader. "I bet Shadepelt is going to be so jealous."
Morningpaw's whiskers twitched in amusement at the thought of the dark gray warrior practically fuming with jealousy to know that she had gone to the Moonstone for a second time in a row. A solo one with her leader and medicine cats at that.
It has raised some questions amongst their Clanmates about why Morningpaw, just an apprentice, was the only one accompanying Crookedstar and the other medicine cats to the Moonstone. Crookedstar had of course shut those questions down and left Oakheart in charge until they returned.
"And this is going to be your first time going to the Moonstone as a medicine cat." Morningpaw pointed out.
Mosspaw's blue eyes stretched wide as though she had just realized. "That's right. I'll be meeting my warrior ancestors for the first time…if they accept me that is."
"Of course they will accept you!" Morningpaw reassured, knowing without a doubt how dedicated the tortoiseshell-and-white apprentice had become towards her apprentice training to become a medicine cat. Morningpaw has after all been her most frequent patient and they've gotten to know each other in more intimate ways. "There's no one more worthy of becoming Mudfur's apprentice than you."
Some of the tension lining Mosspaw's shoulders seemed to fall away. Obviously Morningpaw's reassurance had put her somewhat at ease. "I wonder what the other medicine cats are going to be like. I've never really gotten to know any of them."
Morningpaw's thoughts instantly went to Ravenwing who had given up his life as a warrior in exchange for the art of healing. Her whiskers twitched in anticipation of seeing him again. "They're not bad, I assure you. You might even like them. Medicine cats after all have ties that go above Clan rivalry."
Mosspaw looked unconvinced but Morningpaw was sure in time that Mosspaw would settle well soon amongst the other Clans medicine cats. They were reaching the edge of WindClan territory when a meow of greeting drew their attention. The RiverClan party paused and turned to see ShadowClan's medicine cat, Runningnose, accompanied by Ravenwing, ThunderClan's newest medicine cat in training.
"Runningnose, good to see you again." Mudfur dryly greeted the small gray-and-white tom and then turned to look at Ravenwing curiously. "And I bet this is the new ThunderClan medicine cat I've been hearing about. Ravenwing was it?"
"Yes, that's me." Ravenwing said, dipping his head shy but instantly straightened up when he saw Morningpaw. "I didn't expect that a RiverClan apprentice was accompanying us or are you a warrior now?"
"No. I'm still an apprentice." Morningpaw meows before coming to touch noses with Ravenwing. "It's good to see you again, Ravenwing. I hope that the prey has been running well for you and your Clan."
"It's going as good as it can." Ravenwing replied vaguely. "Bluestar and Redtail are the best leader and deputy that ThunderClan has ever had."
Morningpaw's ears pricked up at the mention of Redtail. It seems that Tigerclaw has yet to do away with the dark tortoiseshell tom with the famous bushy dark ginger tail.
"Glad to hear that." Morningpaw meowed as their joint party continued onwards onto WindClan territory.
"How has your training been going with Barkface?" Morningpaw asked politely, watching as the sleek-furred black tom with white on his chest and tail perked up at the mention of his make-do mentor.
"He's great!" Ravenwing exclaimed. "Studying medicine is way better for me than training as a warrior. It just comes easier and although I was squeamish at first when I had to take over when Morningflower was having her kits, it had all been good so far!"
"I know how you feel!" Mosspaw interjected. "Training to be a warrior is alright but studying herbs and healing others are much more rewarding."
Morningpaw watched as Ravenwing and Mosspaw got wrapped up in exchanging herb remedies for certain illnesses or injuries and it left Morningpaw feeling like an extra left off to the side. It was nice watching them though. The flame-pelted apprentice then turned ahead and saw Barkface lingering just on the horizon, apparently waiting for them.
"About time. I almost thought I missed you all." Barkface said in a way of greeting.
"You live closer to the Moonstone than the rest of us so don't complain." Mudfur crooned back. "And I highly doubt you'd have missed us all trampling across WindClan's territory."
Barkface's whiskers twitched in amusement at the also eldest senior medicine. He then turned his yellow eyes and found Ravenwing amongst the group. "Awe, Ravenwing, nice to see you again."
Ravenwing's own whiskers twitched in amusement. "It's hardly been a sunrise since we've seen each other, Barkface."
"Time flies when you're having fun." Barkface shrugged, dipping his head to greet the rest. "We best be off before we miss our opportunity to speak with StarClan." Barkface didn't comment on Morningpaw being part of their party as the group began traveling towards Highstones.
It was an easy and swift journey with no obstacles that held any danger to the group and they managed to reach Highstones without any difficulty. The group entered through the tunnel to the Moonstone together, each following in line, and entered the ominous but spiritual sacred cavern that housed the Moonstone. They had made it just in time.
Morningpaw heard Mosspaw silently gasp beside her, clearly this was her first time inside the cavern and seeing the Moonstone for the first time.
Morningpaw's jade green eyes were squinted as the Moonstone shone like a star before them. Already the medicine cat's were settling down against the stone and Crookedstar was gesturing Morningpaw to do the same.
Morningpaw left Mosspaw and Ravenwing alone with their instructors and came to lay down beside Crookedstar with her nose pressed to the Moonstone.
In the blink of an eye, Morningpaw found herself for the third time underwater in what Morningpaw began to realize was RiverClan's designated spiritual meeting place. And once again she was there along with Crookedstar. But from another blink to the next Mudfur and Mosspaw suddenly appeared on Crookedstar's other side.
Morningpaw's jaw almost unhinged itself at the sudden sight of them. They couldn't be here. This was where she and Crookedstar were supposed to come up with their plans to defeat Mapleshade and the Dark Forest.
Morningpaw turned to look worriedly at Crookedstar but found that her leader looked deep in consideration at the situation. Mudfur himself seemed somewhat surprised to see both Crookedstar and Morningpaw here with them and Mosspaw was gazing around in wonder, completely enraptured by her first experience in StarClan.
"It seems we will be seeing StarClan together." Mudfur mused, then a look of consideration appeared in his eyes. "I wonder why."
Mosspaw blinked and seemed to finally realize that she wasn't alone. The tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat jumped slightly as she turned to the rest. "Is this how it usually happens when you visit StarClan?" She asked shyly, seeming embarrassed for not knowing everything the first time around.
"No, this is something much more complex, Mosspaw." Mudfur assured his apprentice.
"Welcome, all of you," Morningpaw was startled at the sight of Brambleberry suddenly appearing out of nowhere. The state of the StarClan medicine cat was shocking. Clumps of starry holes and jagged claw like lines were covering the snowy-white with black spots she-cat where it appeared as though spots of fur and flesh were torn out and left nothing but the clear night sky in their places.
"Brambleberry, what happened to you?!" Mudfur exclaimed, visibly shocked at the state of his old mentor.
Morningpaw was shocked at the state the medicine cat was in as well, especially the gaping hole in her face where one of her blue eyes were missing and you could see straight through.
"This is the result of the evil that lurks within the shadows of StarClan." Brambleberry calmly exclaimes, far too calmly in Morningpaw's opinion for all the holes and missing eye that she had no doubtedly sustained from her fight with Mapleshade. It left Morningpaw feeling guilty for not trying to help more.
"What evil do you speak of, Brambleberry?" Mudfur exclaimed, apparently having no idea of what the rest, save for Mosspaw who was watching everything with wide eyed astonishment, already knew.
"There are many things that I had never felt the need to mention till now, Mudfur, I have known for many moons both when I was alive and dead that there were those not a part of StarClan that sought to destroy us all. I never thought nor imagined that they'd ever manage to harm us but I was terribly mistaken." Brambleberry let out a long sigh, as though it were muscle memory and that the medicine cat had not realized that she needn't have to breathe anymore. "But the dead cats that have committed great crimes against their Clans and the warrior code have begun to teach the living through their dreams in order to destroy both the Clan's and StarClan are on the rise and I fear that they may enact their plans, whatever they may be."
Mudfur and Mosspaw were both left stunned while Crookedstar and Morningpaw both shared a glance. This was more serious than anyone could have thought if even Brambleberry was concerned like this.
"You can all see for yourselves just how dangerous those from the Dark Forest can be," Brambleberry gestured to her appearance. "Even those of us in StarClan do not go unscathed."
"I- I never imagined that such evil lurked just under our noses." Mudfur meowed after a moment of collecting himself. "I know there are evil cats in this world. That not everyone goes to StarClan. But I've never imagined that they'd be just as powerful."
"Have heart, Mudfur," Crookedstar meowed, coming to lay his tail over the older medicine cats shoulder. "There is hope for us yet. Together all of us will stop the Dark Forest and those who side with them."
"And how will we defeat the dead?" Mudfur questioned.
"The Place of No Stars is just as touchable as anything else, whether they realize it or not." Morningpaw spoke up, causing the older cats, and wide-eyed Mosspaw, to turn and look at her. "What they can do, we can too."
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Mosspaw was the one to ask the question in a breathy voice, the tortoiseshell-and-white hardly able to keep up with everything going on around her. 'What a first impression on her first visit to StarClan.' Morningpaw distantly thought.
"The Dark Forest is building an army, filling their ranks with cats from all Clans, both dead and alive, we need to do the same. We'll prepare alongside the other Clan's and we'll be ready for them." Morningpaw declared, her chest puffed out and her head held high.
"That sounds like a big undertaking." Brambleberry meowed, but there was great satisfaction in her tone of voice.
"It's one that must be done." Morningpaw replied. "I care about RiverClan, the forest and all who live and follow the warrior code. No one but us and those who seek to destroy our Clans seem to know. We need to open everyone's eyes and prepare for the fight of our lives."
"I never imagined I'd ever have to deal with something like this." Mudfur sighed, blinking a few times before steady resolve filled them. "But if what you say is true, and I'm still reeling from all this, then I have a duty to the Clan to help you save it."
"Same with me!" Mosspaw chirped, following her mentor's lead.
"Mudfur…thank you." Crookedstar meowed, relieved how he wasn't being judged on the matter but instead was being given support.
"So, three medicine cats, one of which is dead and another with a paw in the grave and the last being an apprentice, RiverClan's leader and a RiverClan apprentice against an entire forest filled with what is perhaps a dozen generations worth of dark vengeful spirits and the army they are training. The odds certainly don't look good in our favor." Mudfur mused, taking it much more in strides now that he was aware of what they were going up against.
"That is true, but soon it won't be just us." Crookedstar reassured as he turned to Brambleberry. "I'd like it if you can talk with the rest of StarClan on the matter."
"That I can do." Brambleberry assured, dipping her head. "I'll always stand by your side and I'm willing to drag all of StarClan into the mix as well. Whether they want to be involved or not."
Crookedstar nodded, before turning to his living medicine cat once more, "And Mudfur," Crookedstar meowed, "It's not just three medicine cats, a RiverClan leader and an apprentice. It's three medicine cats, a leader and a warrior that's going into this fight."
Morningpaw's jade green eyes watched in wonder as Crookedstar turned to her. His green shining starry eyes turned to catch her own. "Morningpaw, you are so much more than you have let on, but everything you have done has been for the good of the forest and RiverClan as a whole. I'm so thankful for everything you have done thus far and how much more you are willing to go for us all. Before the presence of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Morningpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Morningbreeze, you've earned this honor a second time over and I'm proud that you are now a RiverClan warrior whom I can rely on and trust."
As Crookedstar rested his muzzle on top of Morningpaw's head a blinking flash of light made the newly named Morningbreeze blink--
Morningbreeze awoke to the sound of everyone else coming out of their meetings with StarClan. Groggy, Morningbr turned to see Ravenwing already up and alert with a confused look on his face.
"Ravenwing." Morningbreeze called out to the holly leaf fur medicine cat who sharply turned to look at Morningbreeze.
"You'll never guess what happened in my dream." Ravenwing exclaimed as Barkface and Runningnose began rallying around with equal looks on their faces.
In the back of Morningbreeze's mind she had a pretty good idea as to what those dreams were about.
"I've much to tell you. So listen closely."
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Fun Facts
Oakheart is suspicious as canon Fireheart with what's going on between Crookedstar and Morningpaw. You'll get to see him doing some detective work soon enough in his own pov. (Oh boy is that gonna be a wild ride!)
Barkface and Ravenwing hold a special bond now that their mentor and apprentice and I highly doubt it will ever fade.
Mudfur holds no respect for Runningnose. (It's not like I don't like Runningnose it's just that I need someone to dunk on from time to time and he's the best candidate. I really liked him when he helped Blackstar regain his faith in StarClan)
Yeah! More teammates! Although I haven't at all been planning to add any so soon!!! Like I said, my fics tend to write themselves!
Brambleberry is alive!!! Wasn't sure if I should or not so I flipped a coin. And it landed on survived but she did not come out unscathed!!!
Morningpaw is now Morningbreeze and a warrior!! I hope you liked guessing though!! I really like how the name sounds together. I find it very pretty.
Yeah!!! The medicine cats are all learning about a dark evil forest full of murderous criminal spirits training other living cats how to kill them!! Isn't that something they just love to learn?
Mosspaw had a very interesting first day on the job.
What's gonna happen next? Well let's just say that I have always hoped that the warrior cat series ended with The Last Hope. Such a great stopping point in the series in my opinion. Can't really top it.