*Sorry this one's a little long! Chapter 14 should drop in a few days, too.*
*Fixed: Mapledawn saying Fallensnow's kits were going to be apprenticed in a moon, despite saying they had four moons to go just a few days before!*
When Mapledawn blinked open her eyes, the others were fast asleep. Wrencatcher's paws twitched; maybe he was dreaming of chasing wrens. Acorntail's flanks fell and rose in soft waves. Even Rabbitleap, who was supposed to keep watch, was curled up in a corner against the cool, moonlit stone. Mapledawn stretched and lapped anxiously at her fur, as if cleaning herself could rid the dream from her mind. She padded to the edge of the Moonpool, tail bushed out behind her.
I don't know what to do about this. I don't know what to believe. She was so preoccupied with the Ageless Ones' revelation that she didn't see Frecklefang before it was too late. The gold-flecked she-cat rammed into her side, pinning her against the cool rock, and shoved her muzzle to the ground to keep her from yowling. StarClan, help me! Mapledawn wriggled and thrashed, panic making her heart thrum in her chest. Myler, help me…
"I bet you think you're so special now that you're a warrior," Frecklefang hissed. "Yellowstar should never have given you your warrior name. I saw how she looked at you. Now who do you think will be chosen to mentor Fallensnow's kits? You. Paletuft won't live forever." A single claw unsheathed, burying in Mapledawn's neck. Her half-healed wound stung from the pressure. "I should be deputy. I should be leader. I'm faster, cleverer, stronger. And I'm loyal to my Clan. You think I don't know what you were doing when they found you on RiverClan territory? Yellowstar may have decided inter-Clan romance is totally fine in StarClan's eyes, but it isn't. A cat can't be loyal to two Clans."
"I-never-" Mapledawn tried to choke out the words, but Frecklefang just pushed harder on her throat. RiverClan? Was Frecklefang remembering? Was she really Frecklewish-really the cat Mapledawn had murdered all those seasons ago? As a different cat with a different name?
Suddenly the weight lifted. Acorntail was waking up. Mapledawn sprang to her paws, prepared to slice at Frecklefang's hateful face, but the she-cat had positioned herself on the opposite side of the Moonpool and was lazily cleaning her fur, as if nothing happened. Feeling cold with rage, Mapledawn tucked her tail over her paws, eyes narrowed at Frecklefang. This isn't the last I see of her rage, Mapledawn thought, a tiny thrill of fear running through her. She wants me out of the way. Or dead. She shivered. She knew she could take Frecklefang in a fight, but if the she-cat cornered her, what could she do? Murder her-murder a Clanmate? The Clan would never believe she was innocent.
I wish she'd just lay off. I'm not Mapleshade anymore. I never asked to be made warrior early. I'm not planning on becoming deputy, unless Yellowstar needs me. She has no reason to treat me this way… Yet the thought of becoming deputy made her fur tingle with anticipation. Just imagine: Maplestar, leader of FireClan. She stifled a purr as Frecklefang continued glaring at her.
Rabbitleap got to her paws with an awkward look at the three waking cats, obviously embarrassed to have fallen asleep on duty. Mapledawn noticed for the first time the flecks of gray lining the brown tabby's muzzle. She's getting old. She wanted to come to see her kits meet StarClan.
Wrencatcher's eyes finally blinked open. They flicked to Frecklefang, then to Mapledawn, then back to his paws. His mother padded down the slope as sunrise turned the moors pink, her tail held high to signal for them to follow. Mapledawn walked beside Wrencatcher. He was even more subdued than ever. His gold-flecked eyes were shadowed, and he wouldn't meet Mapledawn's gaze.
"Is something wrong?" Her own issues could wait.
Wrencatcher slowed his pace so they trailed behind the others. "They spoke to me."
"You're not supposed to tell me what they said," warned Mapledawn. "It's for your ears only."
"I know." He looked at her for just a moment, his eyes unreadable. "But it had to do with you, Mapledawn."
"What?" She stopped in her tracks, her mouth open. "What-what do you mean?"
"There was this cat… This old gray tom with crazy-looking eyes. He-" Wrencatcher shook his head. "Is there something you want to tell me, Mapledawn?"
"I-" How could she? Yeah, I used to be this evil cat that murdered people, but I'm good now. StarClan sent me back for some reason. Also, your sister is one of my murder victims. "What do you mean? Something's obviously bothering you. You can tell me." She brushed his ear with her nose. "You can tell me anything."
"The cat." Wrencatcher flinched away from her touch. "The tom. His name was Goose-something. He said you'd betrayed us. He said not to trust you." Wrencatcher looked at her with agony in his eyes. "I don't know what to believe."
"I'm not a traitor. You know me! I'd never do anything to hurt FireClan."
"You're saying I should believe you over StarClan?" Wrencatcher sped up to reach the others, effectively cutting off their conversation. Please, Mapledawn wanted to yowl. It's not what you think.
Mapledawn trailed at the end of the group. When they got close to the ravine, Acorntail peeled off, claiming he was going hunting. Wrencatcher stopped behind him, and Mapledawn almost collided with the two brothers.
"You're going there again?" asked Wrencatcher quietly.
"I told you I'm going hunting." Acorntail hared off into the forest, leaving the two cats alone.
Mapledawn shuffled her paws awkwardly. "What was that about?"
"He's visiting Foxjump's grave again." Wrencatcher didn't look at her. "He just lays on top of the dirt for hours." He pushed away from her, into the camp entrance, and Mapledawn followed with her tail low.
The Clan camp was quiet. They're still grieving. Yellowstar stared grimly down from Highledge, with Paletuft pacing the sandy dirt below. The Clan leader gave Mapledawn a shallow nod when she saw her looking. She must be giving us time to grieve before she plans her attack against BlackClan. Because, surely the FireClan leader would strike back? The enemy Clan hadn't just wounded her warriors in a border skirmish. They'd stolen directly into camp and killed cats-elders, even. Yellowstar would look weak if she didn't do something. Worse than that, she'd look like she didn't care.
Mapledawn headed to the warrior den, exhausted despite her worries. It was empty save for Frecklefang, but the she-cat was fast asleep with her nose tucked into her gold-flecked fur. She curled in her nest, picturing the next inevitable BlackClan battle: her claws gouging vulnerable flesh, her fur splattered with blood. At least now I know why I'm so good at fighting. She had the memories of a long-dead warrior buried somewhere inside her, just out of reach. If only I could tell Wrencatcher… But how would he look at her if he knew what she was? If he knew she'd once been a cat happy to murder Clanmates out of revenge? He'd only hate me more. The thought made Mapledawn want to yowl in agony and frustration. How could she prove her loyalty? How can I make him like me again?
Mapledawn could hardly focus to put her paws in front of her as she followed Acorntail. The tom had invited her to come hunting, and she hadn't had the heart to refuse. Mapledawn tried to look lively and alert as she scoured the forest for prey. Besides, he could probably use the company since Foxjump died.
"You know," said Acorntail, leaping over a fallen log, "you've really stolen my brother's heart."
"I don't know what you mean." Mapledawn's fur was hot. "We're just friends." And I'm not even sure that's true anymore. "Anyway, shouldn't we be hunting? Greenleaf won't last forever."
"No need to be shy about it." Acorntail opened his jaws to check the air for prey. "There's nothing wrong with liking someone."
Mapledawn flicked her tail; she'd spotted a squirrel just in time. Acorntail leapt, claws unsheathed, and managed to snag the squirrel by its tail as it shot up a tree trunk. Acorntail caught another squirrel and a mouse, but Mapledawn only caught a scrawny little shrew that was probably too old to escape her paws even if it tried. She sighed as she picked up her meagre catch and followed Acorntail back to camp. On the way, they passed the patch of earth where the Clan had buried Foxjump, Nettlecratch, Goosefur, and Webclaw. Acorntail paused and stared, a look of desperate hope on his face, like he expected the cats to crawl from their graves, tails held high in greeting.
He sighed heavily, his tail drooping. "He was such a good mentor," Acorntail mumbled. "He was-he was like a father to me."
"You still have Birchnose, though."
"I'm proud to be his son, but it's different. Him and Rabbitleap had another litter before us-Dapplecreek, Brownfinch-and ours was so big, my father didn't really have time to pay attention to me. He tried, of course. He did his best. But it's just not the same. Foxjump spent every day with me. He taught me everything I know. He watched me grow up. He made me the cat I am. And now he's gone." Acorntail glanced at Mapledawn and shook his pelt, as if he hadn't meant to say all that.
"I'm so sorry, Acorntail," she said. I guess I was lucky I didn't lose family in the battle. "I'm sure Foxjump is proud of you. One day, you'll be a mentor, and you can pass on everything he taught you."
"Thanks, Mapledawn." Acorntail's eyes looked a little brighter. "I see why Wrencatcher likes you."
Mapledawn tried to push down the thorn of pain that stabbed her when he said that, but it stayed lodged in her chest.
"FireClan of Thunder forest, gather at Highledge for a Clan meeting!"
It was three days since the trip to Moonpool, and Wrencatcher still hadn't spoken a word to Mapledawn. He'd moved his nest to the back of the warrior den, next to Frecklefang. And the she-cat was even more hateful now that she could whisper in Wrencatcher's ear. Mapledawn sat between Bloompaw, Thrushflight, and Redpoppy in the Clan meeting area, trying to focus on what their leader was saying. Wrencatcher and his sister were only a few tail-lengths away, their backs turned to her.
"Our dead will never be forgotten," began Yellowstar.
"Foxjump!" Acorntail cried.
"Goosefur! Webclaw! Nettlecratch!" yowled Beechwhisker.
Yellowstar nodded approvingly. "BlackClan must pay," she said. "They invaded our home and killed our warriors like rogues. At sunrise, we strike back!"
The Clan erupted into cheering, with Downtail and Acorntail yowling loudest of all. "Paletuft, you'll lead the first attack patrol. I want you to take Frecklefang, Rabbitleap, Bloompaw, Acorntail, and Jaggedclaw. Thrushflight, I'm leaving you in charge of camp defense. Use Mapledawn, Wrencatcher, Birchnose, Dapplecreek, and Redpoppy. Keep close watch on the nursery. Jaggedclaw, Paletuft, I want you to spend today training Fallensnow and the elders on defensive moves. Mapledawn, you can help."
Wrencatcher shot her a suspicious look, but Mapledawn turned away. It's not my fault I'm so good at fighting. Yellowstar would be a fool not to use her skills to keep their Clanmates safe.
"I want the rest of you to spend today reinforcing the elder's den and nursery," meowed Yellowstar. "Downtail can be in charge of that. Cloudstep, get battle herbs ready for tomorrow." The black-and-white tom nodded from his spot by the medicine den. "FireClan, we will be victorious. May the Ageless Ones bless you."
"May StarClan keep you," the Clan returned.
Mapledawn met up with Paletuft in front of the elder's den. The Clan deputy wore her usual scowl, and Jaggedclaw looked as irritable as ever. "Right," said Paletuft. Beechwhisker and Oaktree looked alert and ready, their pelts more well-groomed than usual. "Let me make one thing clear: you're not to go rushing into battle tomorrow. Yellowstar wants me to refresh your battle skills so you can defend yourselves better."
"You forget we were once warriors," said Beechwhisker techily.
"I haven't forgotten." Paletuft dipped her head. "But even senior warriors need the occasional practice bout to keep their claws sharp."
Oaktree nudged his denmate. "This one's so sensitive," he purred. "Yellowstar just wants to make sure she doesn't lose any more cats."
"I know, I know," sighed Beechwhisker. "I'm ready."
"Mother!" Paletuft trotted to the nursery, where her mother and her three kits sat grooming their pelts. "Are you ready?"
"Who will watch the little ones?" asked Fallensnow.
"Dapplecreek." The tortoiseshell she-cat was already on her way. "They'll be well-cared for, I promise."
Fallensnow bent down to murmur to her kits and followed her eldest daughter out of camp. Mapledawn noticed the kits were getting big. Only a few moons till they're apprentices, she realized with a jolt. She couldn't help but feel a shiver of excitement. Yellowstar really might give me one of them. Mapledawn watched Skykit playing with Dapplecreek's tail and purred. She'd be perfect.
The cats assembled in the training hollow. Standing side-by-side, Mapledawn was shocked at the similarities between Paletuft and Fallensnow. Though Fallensnow's pelt was short, it had the same soft look to it, and they both had long, fluffy ear tufts, and luxurious white plumes to their tails. Their eyes were the same dazzling blue, too. But Paletuft's eyes were always narrowed, while her mother's were soft and kind. Plus, the Clan leader had two pinkish scars on her shoulder from the BlackClan battle.
Paletuft positioned the elders and queen in a circle around the clearing's edge. "Jaggedclaw, Mapledawn, I want you both to try and attack me. Be as vicious and cunning as you can, like a BlackClan cat. I'll show them how to defend against an ambush."
Mapledawn thought she saw a flicker of fear cross the deputy's face as Mapledawn began circling, mirroring Jaggedclaw's moments. The black tom rushed forward with a battle cry, aiming for Paletuft's back, and Mapledawn circled around to deal blows with the she-cat face-to-face. Palefuft twisted and rolled out of the way of Jaggedclaw, then scooted under Mapledawn and jabbed her belly with sheathed claws. Instinctively Mapledawn dropped down, crushing the she-cat with her much greater weight. Jaggedclaw pinned down her fluffy white tail with a paw.
Mouse dung, thought Mapledawn. We're not supposed to win! As Paletuft thrashed under her, Mapledawn let up by a hairsbreadth, as if the deputy had managed to wear her out. Paletuft shot out from under her and lashed out at Mapledawn's face, then turned to nip Jaggedclaw's flank. The two circled, but Paletuft kept swiveling randomly, dealing blows left and right.
"That's enough." The Clan deputy was only panting a little. "When two cats come at you, never panic. If you can escape, great. But be prepared to take them both on. Use speed to your advantage. When you keep moving like I did, they get confused. They don't know which way you'll go next, so they're not sure when to strike. Jaggedclaw, show Fallensnow the belly slide move. Mapledawn, you teach Beechwhisker."
"Right." Mapledawn shuffled her paws awkwardly. "So."
Beechwhisker rolled her eyes. "I know I'm your elder. Don't feel awkward about it. You're a new warrior. You know moves they didn't teach back in my day!"
Nodding slightly, Mapledawn flicked her tail. "Then let's begin."
They trained until sundown, showing the elders and queen basic defense moves. They all did surprisingly well. Mapledawn was especially impressed with Beechwhisker. She tried to keep the training light so the old she-cat wouldn't be too exhausted for the real thing tomorrow, but Beechwhisker hardly needed any breaks. The small brown tabby kept up well, and by the end of the day, the she-cat's yellow eyes were bright with pride and determination. Mapledawn felt as proud as a mentor watching their apprentice receive their warrior marks. She went out to hunt as the other's rested, determined to bring the elder the juiciest sparrow she could find in Thunder.
The elder scarfed down the sparrow with relish. "I'm proud to be part of such a strong Clan," said Beechwhisker. "It makes me feel like a kit again."
"FireClan is the best Clan by far. BlackClan won't know what hit them."
"BlackClan has always been a pain in the tail. When I was an apprentice, they tried to steal the trees past the fallen oak by the border. Insisted they needed the territory. Sprucestar was leader then. Of course, we never gave it to them. And we kept it between ourselves. Didn't bother the other Clans like Weaselstar did."
"I guess it's different now," said Mapledawn.
"Not so different. They tried to steal TallClan territory, too. Foxhearts."
Around them, the Clan was busy with chatter. Redpoppy was still shoring up the dens; the nursery and elder's den looked impenetrable now with the new layers of brambles woven into its walls. Wrencatcher and Frecklefang ate a mouse together. Mapledawn looked away. She couldn't bear to see her best friend and worst enemy sharing tongues like that. I know they're littermates, but they were never close like this. At least Frecklefang would be all the way in BlackClan territory tomorrow. Mapledawn wasn't jealous. After the last battle, she was proud to be chosen to protect the camp. Scratchstar-should we call him Scratchface now, since he doesn't have his lives?-had already proven he had no regard for the warrior code, so there was a real threat he'd take the fight straight to the heart of FireClan.
Mapledawn stood by Beechwhisker while she finished her sparrow and watched all the cats prepare for sunrise. If only we had more warriors. And apprentices. If they had more warriors, they could send two battle patrols-or maybe station a guard outside the camp as well as inside, so BlackClan wouldn't be able to stroll right in. And apprentices were fast and nimble; they'd be able to lead enemies away from camp, or go between the territories to deliver messages. As she watched Cloudstep sort herbs outside of his den, a flicker of doubt prickled her fur. He doesn't have an apprentice, and he's getting old, too. If he dies in this fight… She shivered. For all her buried memories, medicine cat duties was one thing she was sure she couldn't help with. I can't believe I didn't think of it until now. Killing Cloudstep would be the surest way to hurt our Clan. Scratchstar's so foxhearted, he might just try it.
She swiveled her ears, probing the camp for weak spots. If I was leader, I'd make sure we always had more than one medicine cat. And I'd teach every cat basic herbs, like… cobwebs for bleeding, and… poppy seeds for pain… marigold for infection? She shook her head. We should all know this. Just in case. She glanced at Yellowstar while the leader helped weave brambles into the camp wall. Should I bring her my worries?
But Paletuft was right beside her. There was no way Mapledawn was going to step on the grouchy she-cat's tail with this.
The Clan was quieting down. Mapledawn suspected most of them were too excited to sleep, but Yellowstar leapt into her den under Highledge, and the Clan followed her lead. Mapledawn waited until everyone but Cloudstep was in their nests, then made her way to the leader's den.
"Yellowstar," she called softly.
"Come in."
Mapledawn pushed through the lichen, surprised to find the leader looking at her thoughtfully, with no surprise in her eyes. "Are you worried about the battle, Mapledawn-of-Redpoppy?"
Mapledawn shook her head. "I was just thinking. What if BlackClan tries to kill our medicine cat? With any other Clan, I'd say it was unthinkable, but Scratchstar…"
"Is a foxheart," finished Yellowstar with a nod. "You may be right, Mapledawn. Cloudstep will be vulnerable. What do you suggest?"
"We could put him with the elders?"
"No, that won't do. He needs access to his herbs for injuries. Seeing as this was your idea," said the leader, "I think you should be in charge of guarding him."
"Me?"
"If you're up for it."
Mapledawn puffed out her chest. "I will defend him with my life."