"Will she live?" Graystripe asks anxiously, pacing around the clearing around the Medicine cat den. It's all his fault, all his fault that this has happened to these bright young apprentices. But if Brightpaw survives despite her injuries, perhaps he'll forgive himself. Sandstorm watches him in worry, though he doesn't notice, too focused on Brightpaw and Cinderpelt.
The gray Medicine cat lets out a weary sigh. She had come as fast as her uneven legs could run and has done her best to patch up the worst of Brightpaw's injuries with cobwebs to stop the bleeding and poppy seeds to dull the pain. At last the young cat had recovered enough to be dragged back through the forest to the camp, and now she lies unconscious in a nest of ferns near Cinderpelt's den.
"I don't know," Cinderpelt admits, "I've done the best I can. She's in the paws of Starclan now."
"She's a strong cat." He meows, trying to reassure himself. But Swiftpaw was also strong and he was brutally slaughtered by the dog. And when he looks at Brightpaw, curled among the ferns, she looks anything but strong.
"Even if she recovers she'll be hideously scarred, "Cinderpelt warns him. "I couldn't save her ear or her eye. I don't know that she'll ever be a warrior."
"One-eye had trouble seeing when she was an apprentice. If she can be a warrior and retire at a good age to the elders' den, then so can Brightpaw. Cloudtail also seems to have taken quite a liking to her, so I'm sure he can help her become stronger." Sandstorm mews, hope in her voice.
Forcing himself to look at Brightpaw's scarred face covered with cobwebs, he has doubts. But Sandstorm is right, if One-eye could be a warrior with trouble seeing, so can Brightpaw. And Cloudtail will support her, he knows it.
Still he sighs, "This is all my fault. If only I had stuck up for them more, or changed Bluestar's mind none of this would have happened."
Sandstorm mews, "What could you have done? Bluestar is in charge of making apprentices warriors, and she still thinks all of us are traitors. You couldn't have changed her mind."
"She's right. Bluestar….. Hasn't been well, not after the attack of the rogues, fire, or the announcement of Tigerstar's leadership. His betrayal shook her badly. Though one thing remains the same. Her stubbornness. The only reason you were able to get to stay in Riverclan camp is because of our clanmates and their needs. She is still our leader and still holds our best interests at heart, even if she doesn't think we deserve it." Cinderpelt states, agreeing with Sandstorm.
He purrs, "Thanks, you two. How was Longtail?"
"He's been pretty distraught over Swiftpaw's death. But I didn't want to give him poppy seeds as his vigil is going to be held soon." Cinderpelt answers.
His ears flatten, "I thought so. I know I wanted to give one of my kits for him to apprentice, but I never wanted Swiftpaw to die. Only to made a warrior. I know how it feels to lose a close friend, but I don't know how to comfort him. And there's what Brightpaw said. Pack, pack, kill, kill. It's the same message as your warning."
"Just be there for Longtail. I'm sure he just needs a comforting presence and not words. And what's this about a message?"
"Sandstorm I received a message about a half-moon ago where everything was dark and all I could hear were the frightening words Brightpaw told Graystripe and Cloudtail."
Sandstorm looks at him, her green eyes staring at him in understanding.
"That's why you were so scared when we got to Snakerocks. You weren't just worried about the dog, but about the message."
"Yeah." he shifts his paws on the grass. But what he felt from the scene was a fear so immense he had to push it down otherwise it would have overwhelmed him. But before their conversation can continue, a rustling in the fern tunnel announces the arrival of Cloudtail.
"I thought I told you to get some rest." Cinderpelt mews.
"I couldn't sleep." The white cat pads over to settle himself in the ferns beside his friend. "I want to be with Brightpaw." He bends his head to give her shoulder a gentle lick. "Sleep well, Brightpaw. You're still beautiful." he murmurs softly. "Come back to us. I don't know where you are right now, but you have to come back."
A pang of sorrow pricks his heart as he remembers Silverstream and how he desperately wanted her back and to stay with him when her kitting went wrong. Guilt also pricks at him as Cloudtail continues to lick her shoulder.
Padding up to the young cat he mews, "I am sorry Cloudtail. This wouldn't have happened had Bluestar made your denmates warriors…" He breaks off when he hears the soft pawsteps of another cat enter the den. Bluestar approaches, Whitestorm must have told her what happened.
The clan leader stands and looks down at Brightpaw in silence. Cloudtail raises his head challengingly and for a heartbeat he thinks his former apprentice is going to accuse Bluestar of being responsible for Swiftpaw's death and Brightpaw's gruesome injuries. But he remains silent, to his relief.
Bluestar blinks a couple of times and asks, "Is she dying?"
"That is up to Starclan." Cinderpelt tells her.
The blue-gray she-cat nods and looks down at the apprentice, "Then she will die."
Graystripe argues, "You don't know that."
"Starclan hasn't been exactly kind to us, Graystripe. I don't expect to have any mercy from them, when half the clan has already died."
"And she will have died without ever being a warrior." Cloudtail mews distraught, his voice quiet. He licks Brightpaw's shoulder again.
"Not necessarily. There is a ritual-thankfully little used-if a dying apprentice is worthy, she can be made into a warrior so that she may take that name into Starclan."
"Then I have a name suggestion. Part of this is my fault, but Brightpaw has been brave and courageous to face the dogs with Swiftpaw. She should be remembered for that, so can she have the suffix spirit?"
"And why should I name her that when Starclan has…."
"Starclan hasn't done anything. We don't even know if Starclan has accepted Tigerstar, only that Shadowclan has. Tigerstar does have a history of manipulation on his paws."
"I suppose…" Bluestar mews uneasily.
"Besides, Starclan is full of our loved ones. Do you really think they would wish this tragedy upon us? They have told Cinderpelt about this threat for a reason, just like Fireheart has come to me in my dreams."
"You have seen Fireheart in your dreams?"
"Yes. He has warned me plenty of times. About Tigerstar still being active and the fire."
"Then perhaps Starclan has not abandoned us after all." Bluestar murmurs thoughtfully. "Very well Graystripe I shall do as you ask. I ask my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has learned the warrior code and has given up her life in the service of her Clan. Let StarClan receive her as a warrior. She will be known as Brightspirit for her courage and bravery in facing a dog with Swiftpaw. Let Starclan receive her as Brightspirit."
She then bends forward to touch her nose gently to Brightspirit's head. "There it is done."
The touch rouses Brightspirit and she opens her eyes and a look of terrible fear floods into it. For a moment she struggles back to wakefulness. "Pack, pack!" she gasps, "Kill, kill!"
The Thunderclan leader recoils, shock apparent on her face. "What? What does she mean!" She demands.
Brightspirit has sunk back into unconsciousness and Bluestar looks widely at Cinderpelt, Graystripe and Sandstorm back and forth. "What did she mean?" she repeats.
"I don't know. That is all she will say."
Looking at the Thunderclan leader, she looks uncertain. "Then tell the patrols to be on lookout for this pack that Brightspirit keeps meowing about. If they were able to rip apart one apprentice and scar the other who were thought to be good material for warriors I want to make sure no cat is taken by surprise. Apprentices will remain in camp unless they go out with a warrior or two. All patrols will have four cats on them. And tell Thornpaw, I will hold his warrior ceremony tonight. This would not have happened had I been so untrusty of the apprentices. And now Swiftpaw has died honorably trying to defend his clan and Brightspirit also fought honorably."
"Yes Bluestar."
"And Graystripe, I am sorry for not listening to you. I have caused a great tragedy today."
"You were hurt by Tigerstar…."
"But that is no excuse! I have done more hard things that are worse than death. Being betrayed by Tigerstar hurt me beyond belief. But you have been here for Thunderclan every step of the way, helping me, helping the clan. Without Riverclan any one of the precious kits we have to take care of could have been taken by a hawk or an owl or worse. You have all been better than me and I am sorry."
Sandstorm purrs, "I knew you would come back to us."
"But it had to take the death and scarring of two of our apprentices to see how distant I have been. How misguided I have been. How wrong I have been these past moons. How badly I have treated my cats despite them remaining loyal and strong. And it had to take you challenging me, making me see reason right now, Graystripe, to also realize I have been blaming others for my problems, and actions. I am just as at fault for believing the lies Tigerstar spun in Thunderclan as any of my cats who did not know the truth. I chose Tigerstar despite knowing his past tendencies to be violent and strike first ask questions later."
She dips her head, "For that I am deeply sorry."
"It's okay, Bluestar. I forgive you. You were hurt, and scarred mentally by his attack."
"That is still no excuse for my behavior, for me doubting and blaming our ancestors. For thinking they have abandoned us, when Fireheart still has a connection to you. And to Cinderpelt." She adds. "I am grateful for your forgiveness, Graystripe. But I am not sure I can expect that from all my cats, I haven't been the best leader lately."
"No cat is blaming you." Sandstorm mews, trying to reassure their leader.
"I hope so."
A few moments later the clan is gathered for the vigil and the warrior ceremony of Thornpaw.
"Cats of Thunderclan. I have made a grave error in judgment. I thought these apprentices were not worthy, unlike Cloudtail, to be full warriors of Thunderclan. Swiftpaw had to die bravely for me to see that is not true and Brightspirit was horribly scarred. That he along with Brightspirit care about Thunderclan and its safety. These apprentices, along with Thornpaw should have received their warrior names alongside Cloudtail. Thornpaw come forward."
The apprentice walks up to the Highrock with a solemn look in his face. A sparkle of excitement is in his gaze as he looks up at Bluestar, but mostly sadness clouds his gaze.
"Thornpaw you stayed behind, believing that it was not right to go off without orders to face the threat and that you might need some additional help. You were right to stay put. And I am sorry for making you have to choose loyalty to your clan over your friend and littermate. You are ready to be a warrior."
"I, Bluestar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Thornpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do." Thornpaw answers solemnly.
""Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name: Thornpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Thornbranch. StarClan honors your loyalty and your patience and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."
She then leaps down from the Highrock and touches her nose to Thornbranch's forehead. Bluestar mews, "I hope you can forgive me for depriving you of being here with your friends and littermate young Thornbranch. I was wrong and it took my deputy scolding me to see it."
"I do, Bluestar."
"Thank you."
The clan then loudly cheers Thornbranch's new name. He purrs, happy that despite this dark day, the clan can still have hope and happiness. He turns and looks at Swiftpaw's body, Longtail hasn't moved from his position. Padding over to him he lays his shoulder on the pale tabby's shoulder, hoping his presence is comfort enough.
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Graystripe heads for the fresh-kill pile. It is almost sunhigh, but though the rays of sun pour down brightly into the clearing there is little warmth in them. Leaf-bare has come to the forest. His belly rumbles, he hasn't had anything to eat all morning, busy with the Dawn patrol and hunting for queens. He has just dropped his catch in the nursery.
Days have passed since Swiftpaw died and Brightspirit has been injured. And the camp has been as strengthened as much as it can be with the materials they had. The Riverclan cats already left this morning. With all of Thunderclan returning to their home. Leopardstar has given her condolences when she heard about Swiftpaw's death and Brightspirit's injuries even offering if they needed a patrol to chase out the beast who did it. But there has been no sign except for the usual. And Bluestar doesn't want to risk more cats just yet, making battle training a must for all warriors and apprentices.
He has gone to check on her, Cinderpelt and Cloudtail before coming here. Cinderpelt is cautiously optimistic that she will survive and Cloudtail being by her side, and whispering comforting words and delivering gentle gestures must be helping as well. She has some cat to live for. He has relieved his former apprentice from warrior duties so that the white tom can care for Brightspirit.
As he crosses the clearing he notices Bluestar coming out of the den, looking much better and well groomed. She spots him and beckons him with her tail. Bounding to her he meows, "What do you need?"
"I think it is time for all our kits in the nursery, except for Willowpelt's kits, to be apprenticed. Let's discuss mentors in my den."
He follows her into her den and she sits in her mossy nest. Sitting on the floor he asks, "Why do you need to discuss mentors with me."
Bluestar shifts her paws, "Well, because, I don't know the clan anymore. I don't know any cats like I used to. I've been so distant for a long time and don't know who will be good mentors. Especially for Snowkit and Tigerstar's kits."
"I think Snowkit will do well with Cloudtail and Brightspirit."
"But he's deaf, shouldn't we assign a more senior cat?"
"No. Cloudtail is caring for Brightspirit who has lost the use of one of her ears. Cloudtail will want her to be able to defend and hunt for herself and if they can figure out a way for her to be able to, then they should be able to do it for Snowkit. I know Brackenfur was interested in the young kit, but I think his calmness of mind and maturity is better suited for mentoring Bramblekit. I will mentor Tawnykit as I sympathize with her and care for her as if she were my own kit. For Featherkit, Longtail is a good choice. He was an excellent mentor to Swiftpaw, and I know he will pass down those skills onto Featherpaw. Sandstorm is a good choice for Stormkit. As she is ready for an apprentice and eager for one to."
"Brackenfur and you to mentor Tigerstar's kits. I couldn't have chosen better myself. Brackenfur was trained by you and Fireheart."
"Yes he was. He will make a better first time mentor then I ever did."
"Don't beat yourself about it. Starclan knows I did worse than just not mentoring an apprentice properly. Besides, Cloudtail has turned out great."
"Only because I had great support in Mousefur, Whitestorm and Longtail."
"Yes. I shall tell Longtail, and Cloudtail about their new assignments. I need to apologize to both of them anyway."
"But you already have."
"I apologized to all of you that night when Thornbranch was made a warrior. I need to apologize personally to him. And tell him that he and Brightspirit once she recovers will be co-mentoring Snowkit as well as helping Brightspirit adjust to her…. Injuries."
Graystripe dips his head, "I understand. I will tell Brackenfur and Sandstorm the good news."
Padding out of her den, his belly rumbles again. Embarrassed, he heads to the fresh-kill pile. Picking a thrush from the pile he scans the clearing. Spotting Brackenfur, he settles down beside him near the nettle patch. Placing down his thrush he mews, "Good news Brackenfur."
Brackenfur chokes on a mouthful of mouse, and after swallowing, and coughing for a bit he mews, "Graystripe you startled me."
"Sorry."
"You know I didn't think you'd ever eat with your first apprentice because you were always busy."
"I'm sorry I neglected you. It was wrong…."
"Luckily Cloudtail turned out alright. Because you were actually there."
Graystripe sighs, "Look, I didn't come here for a fight. I came to tell you you will be mentoring Bramblekit."
"Really?" Brackernfur's eyes glow.
"I know you wanted to mentor Snowkit, but I think Cloudtail and Brightspirit are the best cats to handle the training of the deaf kit. But since you will be joining them in the training, you can help out."
"Because I'll have Bramblekit."
"Yes."
"Wait.. How did you know I wanted an apprentice, let alone Snowkit?" the golden-brown tabby tom asks, stunned.
Graystripe smirks, "I saw you watching him and Speckletail play, you even joined in yourself on some occasions. Don't forget I have kits too, so I often visited where the queens hang out in Riverclan."
"Right. Well thanks. I wasn't expecting an apprentice so soon…."
"You'll do just fine. Much better than me at my first go around. You have a calm stoic sense in you and a maturity that doesn't suit your young warrior status. You also haven't been giving Bramblekit any looks of hatred, so he will feel welcome and accepted with you as his mentor."
"Thanks. I know he isn't Tigerstar and he's so young. It's up to Goldenflower and us to raise him to be a good warrior, despite the attachment of his father's legacy to him."
"Wisely said."
The clan starts to gather in the clearing, and he quickly eats his thrush. Licking his jaws he finds a place beside Sandstorm and Longtail and sits down beside them. Longtail still looks sorrowful, but better than he was at the warrior ceremony of Thornbranch and the vigil of Swiftpaw.
Him and Sandstorm entwine their tails as they wait for the apprentice ceremony to start. A moment later Cloudtail and Whitestorm pad out of the Medicine cats den for the ceremony, with Cloudtail heading up to the front of the cats sitting beside him.
Cinderpelt also appears out of the den, her eyes shining. She settles down near Frostfur. Goldenflower appears out of the nursery flanked by her two kits along with his. He purrs at the sight. Speckeltail also comes out of the nursery with Snowkit by her side. Attempting to get the deaf kit to stay still.
All kits have been well groomed, with Tawnykit's pelt glowing like a flame in the sun, Bramblekit's pelt having a glossy sheen, Featherkit's pelt shining like the silvery moon and Stormkit also having a glossy sheen to his pelt.
Bluestar calls all five kits to Highrock. They all look up at the Thunderclan leader's eyes shining. Snowkit follows his denmates' lead and stands with them, not knowing exactly what is going on as his gaze wanders.
"Brackenfur," she begins, "Graystripe has told me you are ready for your first apprentice. You will be a mentor to Bramblepaw. Brackenfur you have shown yourself to be a warrior of loyalty and forethought. Do your best to best down these qualities to Bramblepaw."
Bramblepaw and Brackenfur touch noses with each other, Bramblepaw remaining calm but his eyes shining with excitement. Bluestar turns to Graystripe.
"Graystripe now that Cloudtail is a warrior, you are free to take on an apprentice. You will be a mentor to Tawnypaw. You have done an excellent job mentoring Cloudtail and I hope you do the same for Tawnypaw and pass down all your wonderful qualities."
Tawnypaw bounds up to him and eagerly touches noses with him. "I will do my best to be a good apprentice."
"I know you will."
Tawnypaw sits beside him and the meeting continues.
"Sandstorm you are also ready for your first apprentice. You will be a mentor to Stormpaw. You are an excellent hunter and a great warrior. Do your best to pass on those qualities to Stormpaw."
She then turns her gaze on Longtail, "Longtail, you have recently lost an apprentice. One who was so close to being a warrior if it weren't for my misjudgment of you. You were an excellent mentor to Swiftpaw and I hope you continue to be one as you mentor young Featherpaw."
Longtail looks touched and touches noses with Gray Stripes daughter. When Featherpaw sits beside him Longtail shoots a grateful look at him. He smiles.
"Now for young Snowpaw. Snowpaws deaf, as you are all aware. But I believe he can be a warrior with proper training. I have chosen Cloudtail and Brightspirit to be his mentors to ensure his safety and that he is getting the proper training. Cloudtail you are an excellent hunter and tracker as well as a caring friend. Pass down these qualities along with Brightspirit the best you can to young Snowpaw."
Cloudtail moves up to Snowpaw and gently touches noses with him.
The clan yowls the apprentices' names high into the sky. Once their clamoring had died down Tawnypaw meows, "So where are you taking me first? Out on the territory?"
"Yes. Let's see if Brackenfur wants to come as well."
"What about Featherpaw and Stormpaw?"
He purrs, glad she is thinking of her foster littermates so he tells her gently, "There will be too many cats jumping about in the forest if we take all eight of us. But there will be time for you to train together, just not today."
"Okay. Which part of the territory are we going to?"
"I was thinking Brackenfur and I can take you to Tallpines. Has Goldenflower told you anything about your father."
"Only that he was a great hunter and fighter."
He flicks his tail, "I'll have a word with her before we go. Can you tell Brackenfur the plan and if Sandstorm and Longtail insist on taking their apprentices out too to see the territory tell them the route to Tallpines is taken."
"Okay," she mews happily, bounding off toward where Brackenfur and Bramblepaw are talking.
Whisking around to where Goldenflower is sitting he hopes the queen won't be angry at him for what he is about to ask her.
Author's Note: How what a long chapter. Anyway's I have this headcannon for Graystripe and Bluestar that because they are traumatized for what Tigerstar has done, they refuse to name anycat the claw suffix which is why I changed Thornclaw's name to Thornbranch. I also changed the name because Graystripe and Bluestar are completely different cats then Fireheart/star so they will name some cat differently then he did because they have other names in mind. And they think differently then him. I also I want to explain why I chose Cloudtail and Brightspirit to mentor Snowpaw. I chose them because they will have to figure out fighting moves and hunting moves that will enable Brightspirit to hunt and fight on her own with one eye and ear missing. And if they can do that in cannon, then they can find a way to mentor young Snowpaw so he can fight and hunt for his clan in this AU along with that.
~Leafbranch