Chapter 6: Mentor and Apprentice

I was awakened by my mentor as the sun began to raise into the sky, thus freeing my Dad from my embrace. The two shared a curt nod before Dad departed deal with my Father, who now that I think about it, never left the leader's den since that meeting. Dad dragged Father out of there, who looked more sleep deprived than I had been. I heard Stonestep chuff at the sight.

"Must be a family thing." He teased. "Now today, we've got an interesting assignment. We're to alert Riverclan that we're hosting an emergency meeting of the clans the day after tomorrow."

"But you hate Riverclan!" I chimed in, knowing fully well that my mentor never got over his trauma. Stonestep is widely considered one of the kindest cats in the clan, but all that flips when Riverclan becomes the topic. Thunderclan got decisively better at fighting Riverclan because Stonestep took the time to reveal all Riverclan's combat weaknesses. On the contrast, Riverclan has gotten stronger due to this development. The holes in their defense are closing up since we strike them so frequently.

"That's exactly why I have to do this. Me being the message bearer means we are serious about this meeting. I'd never agree to do something like this unless I truly believed this meeting was absolutely necessary. Firestar is alerting Windclan himself and your father Smudgefoot is going to Shadowclan to let them know the deal." Stonestep answered.

I said no more as Stonestep gestured for me to follow. Soon, the trees grew sparse as great slabs of stone became visible. It was the battleground that Riverclan and Thunderclan fought over for generations, Sunningrocks. Currently, the territory was in Thunderclan control. We'd forced them off the territory last moon, and they hadn't had a chance to retaliate yet. It didn't hurt that Stonestep showed us all their hiding places they usually hid invasion forces in on the territory, making them have to swim into battle and burn valuable energy.

Stonestep soon guided me to the Steppingstones. These things had a rather infamous history, nearly all of it pertaining to Mapleshade one way or another. This was where her kits drowned and where Crookedstar received his namesake after Mapleshade's interference. Mapleshade made her presence known at that thought.

"Never really liked those things. Even before I lost my kits, those stones were a hazard. They're slick beyond belief and aren't always visible above the water. If I'd known how treacherous they were back when I was alive, I'd have crossed further upstream. There's this nice little spot where a pair of tree grows on both sides of the river. Their branches are a bit springy, but their far more consistent than the temperamental river." She stated, rolling onto her back, which was right over the water and completely defying physics. She looked entertained by my confused look. "This isn't all that strange. I'm not anything material, so nothing material affects me."

Stonestep looked over at me concerned. "You alright Darkpaw? You're kind of staring into space intently, and I'm a bit worried."

I turned to my mentor before speaking. "It's nothing to be concerned about. Say, did my Father ever tell you about Mapleshade?"

"Yes, his personal ghost. What about her?" Stonestep queried.

"I may have done something foolish and allowed her to attach herself to me as well. That's what I was looking at a bit ago. She told me there's a pair of trees upstream that are more consistent to cross with." I answered, using her lecture to prove her as something other than a figment of my imagination.

Stonestep nodded at my statement, looking not all that concerned that I allowed a dark spirit to attach itself to me, but Father likely already had let him know. "Thunderclan actually has a name for that pair. Though, the name tends to change pretty often. Currently, they go by the names Blue and Oak after Bluestar and Oakheart. They're also called the Lovers for the same reason. There's a similar location on all of our connecting borders, each having unofficial names about interclan affairs. Riverclan also has its own name for it, but it might have changed since I was exiled by those worthless rats. Last I heard, they called it the Forsaken Path since they believe climbing a tree is heretical to their lifestyle."

"You aren't mad I let a spirit bind itself to me?" I questioned.

Stonestep let out a sigh. "I'm going to be honest Darkpaw. We all saw it coming. You are so much like your Father. Just like him, you aren't the type to just let a chance slip past you. Having a ghost allied with you is an immeasurable boon. Your father also told me about Mapleshade. She's the type always looking for entertainment. Ever since he adopted you, Mapleshade has been interested in you, not just because of your nature but because you are so loved by your father. I believe she sees herself as something of an aunt for you. Keeping her away forever just was never an option."

"You make my heart weep." Mapleshade theatrically teased from behind Stonestep, knowing fully well I'd be the only one to hear it.

Since we were just waiting on a Riverclan patrol to arrive, and Stonestep seemed to have chosen for us to arrive after the last one just left, we had some time to kill. Thus, I decided to ask him a question that had bugged me for a long time, especially since it pertained to his relationship with Father. "What did you feel when Father brought me in?"

Stonestep looked at me shocked, as if this was an obvious question. "Honestly, I fell in love with you right away. How could I not? You looked so much like your father despite sharing no blood. It was the first time in a long time that Smudgefoot looked happy with none of his guilt and sadness eating at him. You freed him from his sadness, and I can never thank you enough for it. I'm sure you remember how much I doted on you, teaching you hunting and fighting techniques as a kit and playing Guard. Imagine my surprise when one day your father strolls up to me after I'd just finished teaching you to stalk and pulls me aside. That is when I received the best gift of my life. He promised me that you'd be my apprentice. I've had apprentices before, but none have brought me as much pride as you. I cherish every day I get to teach you and can't wait for the day you get your warrior name."

I had to wipe my eyes to keep tears from spilling over. I felt blind that I hadn't noticed. I mean, I always knew my mentor cared about me, but to hear it was something else entirely. After I cleared my eyes, I asked another question. "What about your relationship with Father?"

Stonestep looked down, his tail twitching in nervous embarrassment. "I could never really pursue him. I aked him out once before the battle of Bloodclan, but he told me that the timing wasn't right. Once you came in, I realized I'd waited too long. He had a kit. His family was complete, and he looked happy. I couldn't just force myself into that. Regardless, I am happy for him."

I gave my mentor a shove, which caused him to stumble since he wasn't expecting it. "You're a mousebrain. You know that right? Father has been trying to let you make your move. He's waiting for you to work up the nerve. Ravenfeather has also been trying to get your attention, but apparently you've been too blind to notice it. Seriously, ask them the question."

Stonestep scuffed his paw on the ground bashfully. "But what if they changed their mind?"

I pressed myself into my mentor's side, reassuring him. "Then you'll at least know instead of forever wondering what could have been. Father has also been teasing me with potential names to give you. I'm leaning towards Pa."

"Alright. I'll try." Stonestep answered, with a look of determination in his eyes.

Our chat was cut short as a Riverclan patrol came into view. I could see the hatred in Stonestep's eyes, but he mastered himself and looked calm. Hopefully, this message wouldn't cause Stonestep to spring his claws.