#dovewing ran away from him and he let her down

[whitestormsaystransrights]

Why do you have to make up for being you?

Because I always let everyone down.

[mosspetal]

WELL I WAS BORED SO I WROTE A SPOTSTAR NINE LIVES CEREMONY

shadowsight is there because Spotfur requested that he would be. don’t think too hard about it

let’s hope this read more thing works

Spotfur shivered, her long fur rippling in the wind. “So how do we do this whole Moonpool thing again?”

Shadowsight giggled. “You just touch your nose to the water and close your eyes. StarClan will come to you,” he said gently.

Shadowsight watched as Spotfur hesitantly dipped her nose to the water. He saw her flinch at the cold, but settle into a sleeping position, closing her eyes. He quickly followed her, touching his nose to the water.

Shadowsight woke up, finding himself in a lush forest. This must be what ThunderClan looks like in StarClan, he thought. He glanced to the side and saw Spotfur next to him, her teal eyes fixed on something in the distance. He peered forward, and saw a group of StarClan cats walking towards them in the distance. Spotfur pricked her ears up, staring curiously at the approaching spirits, as if she was looking for someone.

She’s looking for Lionblaze, he realized. Lionblaze had never been his biggest fan, but he was Spotfur’s father, and he knew they had been close. Finally, the group was close enough to them to pick out the cats. Shadowsight didn’t recognize all of them, but he saw Lionblaze, Bramblestar, and Stemleaf in the group of cats.

The first cat stepped forward. She was a warm brown she-cat, with one blue and one amber eye. Rosepetal, recognized Shadowsight.

“Spotfur,” greeted Rosepetal warmly. “You’ve come so far.”

Spotfur beamed with pride.

Rosepetal touched her nose to her shoulder. “With this life, I give you mentorship. May you always look out for those in your care. And may you realize the strengths of those in your Clan— especially your friend, Bristlefrost.

Shadowsight watched Spotfur, frozen to the spot, as she closed her eyes and let out a long breath. Shadowsight could feel a hint of the soft caring and quiet observance that came with that life, though he knew she would be feeling many times that.

Spotfur opened her eyes. “Thank you,” she murmured softly.

Rosepetal dipped her head. “No, thank you,” she replied, smiling. “And tell Bristlefrost I’m proud of her.”

The next cat stepped forward. She was a calico with warm amber eyes, though Shadowsight didn’t know her name. Judging by her look of confusion, neither did Spotfur.

The unfamiliar cat laughed. “You look confused,” she said teasingly. “Hasn’t Brackenfur told you about me?”

Spotfur’s eyes widened. “Sorreltail?” she asked.

Sorreltail smiled. “That’s right. I died in the Great Battle, you know. Protected my kits with every breath I had. But I didn’t regret it. I had a good life.” She touched her nose to Spotfur’s shoulder, though she had to stretch to reach it.

“With this life, I give you joy. May you enjoy the beauty in life, and always remember: there are better times ahead.”

Spotfur smiled, closing her eyes, and Shadowsight could feel the pure warmth and sunlight that came with this life. She eased, all her joints relaxing, as though she was remembering every little moment that brought her joy.

Sorreltail pulled away, stepping back, as Spotfur opened her eyes. Sorreltail laughed once more. “Remember, there will always be better times ahead.”

Another cat stepped forward, a white she-cat with little patches of cream and gray, and brilliant blue eyes. Next to Spotfur, Shadowsight realized that the shape of their muzzles, the angle of their ears, and even the distinctive spots next to their right eyes looked very similar. He realized they must be related.

Spotfur tilted her head. “Who are you?” she asked curiously.

The white cat laughed. “Aren’t you a bold one! I am Frostfur. I've been told we look quite similar.”

Spotfur reached up to touch the three spots just above her right eye. “You have these too!” she exclaimed.

Frostfur nodded. “Yes, we are kin. And for that reason, I’m here to give you a life for the love of a mother. You love your kits more than anything in the world, don’t you? Now that you are a leader, every cat in ThunderClan should be like your kits. Protect them with your life.”

Shadowsight saw Spotfur struggling, as if she was rooted to her place. Then, he felt a wave of ferocious fury wash over him. Is this what Dovewing and Tigerstar feel like? he wondered.

Spotfur slowly stopped struggling, and opened her clear, ocean-blue eyes. She seemed to be filled with a new understanding. “Thank you,” she whispered softly. Frostfur ran her tail along her flank, before stepping back to the group of cats.

A gray and white tom stepped forward. Shadowsight recognized him as Dappletuft, one of the cats who died trying to kill Ashfur.

Spotfur’s eyes lit up. “Dappletuft!” she cried. “I’ve missed you!”

Dappletuft purred, rubbing his cheek against hers. “I have as well, my friend. Don’t forget to tell your kits about me!”

Spotfur nuzzled him. “I won’t,” she whispered softly.

Dappletuft touched his nose to her shoulder. “With this life I give you proactivity,” he said proudly, as if he hadn’t expected to be able to give someone a life. “Never hesitate to solve a problem before it gets out of hand. If cats had just been proactive, so much tragedy could have been avoided.”

Spotfur took the life, a mix of fury and grief battling on her face. Shadowsight knew she must be feeling the same emotions Dappletuft felt in his last moments of life. His heart ached with grief for the young lives taken too early by Ashfur’s greed.

Dappletuft stepped back. “May StarClan light your path, my friend.”

Another cat stepped forward, a tiny white and gray tom. Shadowsight recognized his Clanmate Conefoot. He looked bright-eyed and enthusiastic, just as he did in life.

“Spotfur!” he said cheerfully. “Glad to see you fulfilled your dream!”

Spotfur stooped down to rub cheeks with him. “It’s good to see you,” she purred.

Conefoot had to stretch to reach her forehead. Shadowsight suppressed a laugh at how huge Spotfur was compared to him. And she’s already the biggest cat I know, he thought.

“With this life, I give you curiosity!” said Conefoot cheerfully. “Always look closer. You can’t solve problems if you don’t know what they are! Use this to guide your decisions as leader.”

Spotfur widened her eyes. It was as if she suddenly understood, suddenly knew so many things she never thought about before. Then it was gone, and her expression eased into quiet comfort. “I’ll miss you,” she whispered softly.

Conefoot purred. “We will always be with you.” He stepped back to sit next to Dappletuft, the two of them twining their tails together.

He caught Spotfur staring at their closeness longingly. She noticed him, and quickly muttered “they can be together like they never could in life.” He knew she must be thinking of her mate Stemleaf, who seemed worlds away now. He tried to offer her a comforting glance, but she looked away, as if she wanted to be left alone in her grief for her mate.

The next cat stepped forward, a cat Shadowsight recognized immediately. There was Bramblestar, looking just as he did before the impostor took over his body. Shadowsight saw Spotfur tense up, as if expecting an attack, and Shadowsight knew she would have a hard time seeing him as anyone other than the impostor. Bramblestar dipped his head. “Greetings, Spotfur.”

Spotfur slowly eased up. “It’s you? Bramblestar?” Her tone was still nervous. Bramblestar sighed.

“Yes, it’s me.” He touched his muzzle to her forehead. “With this life, I give you independence. You must go forth, make your own decisions, trust your own thoughts. You were one of the only cats willing to stand up to Ashfur at first. I hope you’ll carry these values with you as you take on the role of leader.”

Bramblestar stepped back. There was a bittersweet tension in the scene, as if Spotfur couldn’t quite disconnect him from Ashfur. Then she whispered, so softly that only Shadowsight could hear, “I wish you had treated Squirrelflight better.”

So it wasn’t about Ashfur, realized Shadowsight. But before he had time to mull over that, another cat stepped up. It was a small, green-eyed tom, with a pelt the color of flames. Shadowsight’s breath caught in his throat. Could it be…?

Spotfur stared at him, awestruck. “Firestar?” she whispered.

Firestar nodded. “It’s me. My dear great-granddaughter, I wish I could’ve met you. I think we would’ve gotten along very well.”

Spotfur still seemed stunned that Firestar was talking to her. “I— wow,” she stammered. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

Firestar touched his nose to her forehead, stretching up. “More of an honor for me, young one. With this life, I give you perseverance. You must push on, stronger than before. Never stop fighting for what is right.”

Spotfur tensed up, as if preparing for battle. Shadowsight guessed that is what the life that Firestar gave her felt like. Then, she eased up and smiled. “Wow,” she whispered, again. “Firestar.”

Firestar winked. “Tell Squirrelflight I love her!”

Firestar stepped back, leaving room for a big golden tabby to move forward. Lionblaze, thought Shadowsight, his heart sinking. I hope I don’t have to talk to him. But Lionblaze’s attention was all focused on his daughter. His eyes were filled with such warmth, such love that Shadowsight was wondering if this was even the same cat that he knew.

“My daughter,” he said teasingly. “You’re even bigger than I am!”

Spotfur laughed. “Get used to it, Dad,” she replied brightly.

With the two of them standing next to each other, Shadowsight was struck with their resemblance. They were both huge, bigger than even his own father, Tigerstar, with deep, resonating voices.

Lionblaze touched his nose to Spotfur’s head. “With this life, I give you loyalty,” he rumbled. “Loyalty to your Clan, loyalty to your friends, but most importantly, loyalty to yourself. Trust in your decisions. It is your duty.”

Spotfur smiled, taking the life with a burst of warmth. Lionblaze stood there, with his muzzle to her head, before finally pulling away. “Lead well, Spotty,” he teased her.

Spotfur ducked her head, embarrassed. “Dad, I’m a Clan leader. Can we stop with the nicknames?”

Lionblaze laughed and stepped back. “May StarClan light your path!” he called.

And finally, the cat meant to give her final life stepped forward. Shadowsight saw her eyes widen as a skinny ginger tom stepped forward, his white patches glowing in the moonlight.

“Stemleaf,” cried Spotfur. “It’s you!”

Stemleaf purred. “My love. How I’ve missed you.”

Spotfur leaned forward to touch noses with him. She moved hesitantly at first, but then in a flash, she was wrapped around her mate, cuddling with him for the first time in moons.

Stemleaf looked at her sheepishly. “I just wanted to apologize for— you know. Ashfur kinda made me attack the kits, and—“

Spotfur cut him off. “That wasn’t your fault,” she said firmly. “Only his.”

Stemleaf looked relived. “Well, I guess we should probably get on with this whole nine lives thing, you know?”

Spotfur nodded. “Yeah I… guess we should.”

Stemleaf touched his nose to her forehead. “With this life, I give you love. Be it romantic, platonic, familial, or anything in between, always remember to open your heart to those you are meant to protect.”

Shadowsight saw her eyes brighten. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I do too,” replied Stemleaf, his light green eyes brimming with warmth.

Stemleaf turned to face the StarClan cats. He twisted his head to look at Spotfur.

“I pronounce you Spotstar,” he yowled. “Leader of ThunderClan!”

“Spotstar! Spotstar! Spotstar!” chanted the StarClan cats. Spotstar stood, frozen with wonder, until they all quieted down.

She stepped forward. “Thank you,” she called, addressing the StarClan cats. “I won’t let you down. I’ll bring the Clans what they need.” She breathed out, then looked up, determined, like she had been preparing for this moment her whole life. “I’m going to change the warrior code,” she said firmly. “The Clans need change. The rule about forbidden relationships has never caused anything but harm. Code 13 has allowed many horrible leaders to rise to power. Not all codes are bad, of course. Kits should be protected at any cost, and we shouldn’t kill pointlessly. But the Clans are at a point when the whole code isn’t serving us anymore. That’s my goal as leader.”

The cats looked stunned, but then a speckled gray cat called out from the back. “She’s right, you know.”

The she-cat stepped forward. “I am Raincloud,” she announced. “My leader, Darkstar, created the 13th code. I knew it was bad then. This past few seasons has only proven that.”

Spotstar smiled at her. “Thank you, Raincloud,” she said.

Shadowsight looked at Spotstar, and was shocked to see that she was starting to fade. “It’s almost morning!” he called. “We have to go!”

Spotstar nodded. She cast one last sorrowful glance at Stemleaf.

“We will meet again, my love,” he murmured gently.

Spotstar smiled at him, before closing her eyes. Shadowsight quickly followed suit, and found himself standing next to the Moonpool.

Bristlefrost quickly walked forward to nuzzle her friend. “Did you get your lives?” she asked excitedly.

Spotstar nodded. “Yes. I’m Spotstar now.” She looked at Bristlefrost warmly. “Rosepetal wanted me to tell you that she’s proud of you.”

Bristlefrost grinned proudly. “Thanks.”

Spotstar purred. “Let’s go home.”

Bristlefrost nodded. “You know, Icekit got up to some really funny mischief today…” The two of them vanished out of the bushes, talking like old friends would. As Shadowsight walked out of the clearing, he couldn’t help but think that with the two of them as the leader and mediator of ThunderClan, the Clans just might face a better future.

[4shfur]

Okay I KNOW I said I had a different auI was gonna make a big post but it's not quite finished yet and this at came to me in a sudden moment of sheer brilliance

In Eclipse, Lionblaze gets taunted by Tigerstar, who tells him he's just like him, and Lionblaze sees Heathertail's body, and he's scared the dream will come true and he'll kill her

Wasted potential!!

Instead, Tiger torments him, but this time he not only sees Heather, but other cats, like his siblings, Crowfeather (he almost killed him in the battle) and Ashfur, and others

He starts distancing himself from his family and friends, worried he'll hurt them. He doesn't trust himself

Around Sunrise, he accidentally lashes out at Hollyleaf, who was trying to get him to open up

When Holly runs into the tunnels, he can't help but feel that it's his fault

The dreams become worse, showing cats like Crow, Leaf, Squirrel, Bramble, Holly, and Jay

He distances himself even more, cutting off all ties to family, unintentionally hurting then, especially Jayfeather, who doesn't have anyone else

Firestar gives Lionblaze Ivypaw as an apprentice, hoping the little she-cat will help him open up

Lion is a distant mentor, adding to Ivy's frustration at falling behind from her sister

When Ivy begins training in the dark forest, Lion recognizes the signs, walking up with wounds, being tired, that stuff.

He makes a choice. He wasn't able to save his sister, but he can save this young cat

He finds Ivypaw and Hawkfrost, and confronts them, telling I've she doesn't want to go down this path

He and Hawk get into a fight, Lion is about to kill Hawk when he envisions him as Brambleclaw (they look alike)

Horrified, he steps back, letting Hawk get away

He's horrified that he almost killed someone

Ivy stops visiting the dark forest, and Lion works to become a better mentor. They become close friends

Ivypaw asks for her warrior name to be Ivyblaze, after her mentor

She also encourages him to reconnect with his brother, but Lion stalls, worried about how Jay will react

Currently, Jayfeather's not doing so good. He cut off his connection with StarClan after Holly ran away, angry that the prophecy had town his family apart, and tired of StarClan forcing his destiny upon him. He has nothing

Leaving the mountains is hard. He feels at home there, and he wants nothing more than to stay with Half Moon. He doesn't want to go back

Rock forces him back into hours body and when they come back to the lake, Jayfeather is even worse than before

When Hollyleaf comes back to ThunderClan, Lionblaze is estatic. He's never been so happy since he was an apprentice

Holly is horrified of what has become of her brother's relationship

Lion confesses his insecurities about taking to Jay, but Holly insists he go, assuring him that she'll be there in case

Lion finds Jay in the medicine den, and has his apology, nearly breaking down as he apologizes for not being there for him when he should have been, and that he wants to make up for it

Jay is silent the whole time, until at the end he asks "What if you leave me again? You said you wouldn't before. But you did."

Lion swears he won't. He's starting over and he's getting better every day. The nightmares have stopped

Jayfeather access the apology. He lost so much, he's so desperate for his family, and he's been bottling up his emotions so much, he just breaks down, and this time, Lionblaze is there to comfort him

Holly comes in, and they all make up with each other, finally all together again

The three all reconnect with Leaf, Squirrel, and Bramble later

Hollyleaf also doesn't die in the great battle, because Ivyblaze stilled training in the df, giving Hawkfrost no reason to target her

Instead she attacks him, angry that he'd tried to manipulate her when she was so young, and she kills him

Also Ivy and Dove are way closer!

The prophecy was forgotten, the three never really united, Dovewing had no idea why she had powers, and Lionblaze and Jayfeather never knew that Holly want the third cat. The clans still defeated the dark forest everyone is happy!!

[the-dumbest-po3-au]

part 4 - the dumbest po3 au

its been. nine. montsh im SO SORRY GUYS LMAO

for those of you who dont know what the dumbest po3 au is, click this link

for those of you who have not read the summaries for power of three, part 1 - part 2 - part 3

alright!!!!!!! dovewing time

the fourth apprentice

the book opens w/ ivykit and dovekit in the nursery. ivykit suggests going out to explore the territory and dovekit is like “wow. that sounds like a fantastic idea ivykit you are so smart"

whitewing says No Absolutely Not, and leaves at some point to go make dirt. they sneak out and not 5 minutes later they get lost. dovekit gets blames ivykit for suggesting it and they get into a fight. they both get really mad & dovekit runs off. because shes like a stupid 2 year old gets distracted, rams her head into a rock and passes out. rip dovekit. she wakes up and sees a fox kit coming towards her. she screams.

her head hurts and shes tired and now shes going to die. out of nowhere a huge cat beats up the fox and scares it away. dovekit passes out (again)

when she wakes up, she is next to a cat messing with a bunch of weird plants. the cat sees that she woke up and introduces himself as littlecloud. he asks what her name is. “dove… dove…?? i dont know” says dovekit.

he asks her how she got there, and if she has any family. she does not remember. so littlecloud tells her she’s gonna have to stay here for the time being. he asks her if anything hurts, and dovekit says she thinks may have hit her head.

he gives her some of the weird plants and she goes back to sleep. when she wakes up her head has stopped hurting and she feels a lot better. she gets up to go walk around and is immediately introduced to the tawnyspawn.

tigerpaw is stupid and friendly (and hellbent on being her future best friend). dawnpaw is obnoxious and a bit (read: extremely) condescending but interested. flamepaw is nice and also the only one with half a braincell.

they take her around and introduce her to the rest of the clan. she sees blackstar and is like. “im pretty sure thats my dad” tigerpaw gasps. flamepaw and dawnpaw are like. “What.” “he saved me from the fox im pretty sure thats my dad,” says dovekit

they go harass blackstar. dovekit follows him around like a puppy and the tawnspawn follow her. he has this train of literal 2 yr olds trailing after him and is wildly unhappy about this development. russetfur is also definitely siccing the kids on him to make him mad.

dawnpaw gives dovekit a passionate speech about the clans, but mostly how evil riverclan kicked completely innocent shadowclan out of their home, and how shadowclan has to set everything right and deliver justice to those cringe fail fishheads, or something.

a few days later the tawnyspawn are off doing their own thing and dovekit goes to see whats going on. dawnpaw tries to shut tigerpaw up but he spills the beans anyways. “we’re going to attack riverclan on a Secret Mission so that we can win back shadowclan’s honor and become WARRIORS so you cant tell anybody”

dawnpaw sighs. “dovekit this is for Big Kids Only, so you cant be here.” flamepaw is trying to talk tigerpaw out of doing this in the bg but tigerpaw is being stubborn. dovekit is sad about it but goes back to sulk in camp (and to harass her new dad).

a few hours later tawnypelt runs over to blackstar and is like. “blackstar my children are missing nobody knows where they went”

"oh!! they went to go attack riverclan to get back shadowclan’s territory!” informs dovekit helpfully.

“what.” says blackstar, tawnypelt, and russetfur in unison. the sky immediately opens up and starts Pouring. tawnypelt freaks out. dovekit is like “why cant we just follow the sound of their voices??” but everyone ignores her bc they think shes just being stupid.

“Fine!! ill just go find them on my OWN” says dovekit, following them by the sound of their voices (theyre proally arguing over something stupid).

now four of shadowclan’s children are missing. “you brought that kid here so you get to deal with her,” says russetfur. blackstar sighs dramatically and goes off to find his new child.

dovekit runs into an old man cat. “whatre you doin here??” says old man cat. “im looking for my friends!! whats your name :0? im dovekit!!” “my names purdy!”

blackstar shows up and is like. who tf are you. “this is my new friend purdy!!!” says dovekit. blackstar doesnt even know how to respond. “look we’re going to go back to the camp right now and we’re not taking this dude with us.”

dovekit is like “??? no??? we have to get my friends theyre right over there??” she says pointing in their direction w/ her tail. blackstar is ready to cry. so blackstar and purdy follow dovekit as she leads them closer to riverclan territory where they hear the tawnyspawn screeching like banshees.

they run over and find several cats w/ the tawnyspawn who are pinned down. “if you breathe in my direction ill kill all three of these children,” says a snotty dude.

“who tf are you” says blackstar

“im darktail you insolent snot,” says darktail.

one of his cats grabs dovekit and blackstar snaps. he lunges at darktail while purdy beats up the dude who snatched dovekit. the tawnyspawn take advantage of the moment, escape, and dogpile the other cats. its a disaster.

darktail swears revenge on blackstar till his dying day or something. nobodys really paying attention to him at this point. he runs off w/ his crew. “alright then” says blackstar. this has been a really weird and long day for everyone. blackstar wants to leave purdy but all the children immediately start crying. they bring purdy home.

“holy crap!!! purdy!!!!!” says tawnypelt. “why are you here??” but then she sees her children. she and rowanclaw give them a very stern lecture about Not Running Off Without Telling Anyone (in which tawnypelt is a massive hypocrite but to be fair god told her to)

in the meanwhile, blackstar asks dovekit how tf she knew they were there. “i could hear them, Obviously. ???? cant u not???” blackstar just looks at her. dovekit realizes that probably not everyone shares this ability. blackstar shoos her off and calls a meeting w/ the senior warriors.

dovekit goes off to bother purdy for stories and play w/ the tawnyspawn. nothing particularly interesting happens. blackstar and russetfur call her over later and start assessing her abilities. its only slightly a disaster because shes wildly distracted 80% of the time and her powers are unwieldy bc shes a kit.

cue training. there is a lot of trial, error, and tears (on both sides) but it works out in the end (mostly).

time skip. its been a few months. dovekit becomes dovepaw and blackstar mentors her b/c of her powers. at this point shes gotten control of how to pick out numbers, locations, troops, etc. basically she is a living radar.

blackstar calls another meeting w/ the senior warriors and afterwards calls a clan meeting. “alright losers we’re going to take back our territory and kick riverclan’s butt”

they go over the clan w/ all the cats and begin the trek home. another time skip because that takes a while and nothing particularly interesting happens.

when they get back, the clan stays outside the border while blackstar has dovepaw do a sweep of the territory. she finds a patrol led by a black cat named reedwhisker. blackstar picks a patrol out and they go to ambush the riverclan patrol.

the shadowclan patrol takes reedwhisker + the patrol hostage, but lets one go to tell mistystar. mistystar takes a patrol and comes over. “if you dont give us back our territory i will kill your son” says blackstar. mistystar is like “bro. i dont even want your stupid crusty territory anyways. screw you.”

she takes her son and the rest of the patrol and leaves. another win for shadowclan, obviously. maybe they have a party idk. end of book.

fading echoes

cinderheart has not been doing well. she’s been doing really badly, actually. her best friend died and she blames herself. she’s still grieving and continually lashing out at everyone around her. poppyfrost and honeyfern attempted to be there for her but after the continual rebuffs they decided to just give her space.

unfortunately cinderheart. doesnt have any other friends in thunderclan, so the only person she can talk to is lionblaze. unfortunately theres only so much he can do from windclan, so mostly shes been just been going into a downward spiral.

ivypaw hasnt been doing great either. she feels extremely guilty because she thinks its her fault that dovekit ran away, and when dovekit is never found, it gets 50x worse.

but she also doesnt want to say anything about her involvement in fear of getting punished. as time goes on, she starts getting babied by the clan (almost like leopardstar when she was a kid) because her sister disappeared and she took it really hard.

and like on one hand, she likes the attention, but on the other hand its too much a lot of the time. she starts adopting this “stop babying me!1!1!!!”/kinda edgy persona. the clan takes it like shes grieving, and she’ll grow out of it, so they dont say too much.

so the book opens w/ ivypaw and fernpaw’s apprentice ceremony. brief context about how fern was recently found by the thunderclan border w/o parents and taken into the clan. fernsong is apprenticed to brightheart. ivypool is apprenticed to cinderheart.

firestar probably thinks that they might be able to bond/break through to each other because they recently lost a sister/adjacent sister. neither of them are particularly enthusiastic about it.

cinderheart isnt particularly invested in ivypaw’s training. ivypaw can tell and gets rightfully frustrated, bc brightheart and fernpaw are getting along great and making lots of progress, while ivypaw is falling behind becuase cinderheart is being a terrible mentor.

ivypaw starts fighting back (disobeying, talking back, etc.), partially because this is the only time she gets paid attention, and partially because shes just mad, which makes cinderheart mad, which then makes ivypaw fight back more. this causes cinderheart to become more and more distant. in short: ivypaw’s apprenticeship is a disaster.

at some point during training, theyre practicing climbing trees and cinderheart tells ivypaw to do something. to spite her, ivypaw does the opposite and ends up falling, dislocating her leg. cinderheart panics and cinderpelt emerges.

cinderpelt basically possesses cinderheart and relocates her arm. they go back to camp and take ivypaw to the medicine cat den, gives ivypaw some poppy seeds and ditches.

“wow um. wtf was that” says cinderheart. leafpool is like, “hahaha………… about that. you’re um… cinderpelt reincarnated.”

“what.” says cinderheart

“CINDERHEART IS CINDERPELT REINCARNATED???” screams foxleap at the top of his lungs in the middle of camp. whatever was left of cinderheart’s life shatters.

so now instead of ignoring her, the entire camp won’t leave her alone - except now they just treat her as they would cinderpelt. “hey cinderheart remember when [enter something that happened in the old forest here]??” “hey cinderheart can you fix my paw??” “hey cinderpelt-” “are you going to become a medicine cat then??”

to pour more salt into the wound, cinderheart now gets a free commentary on everything in her life!! (this definitely includes lionblaze) there used to be sort of a barrier between cinderheart/cinderpelt but since cinderpelt emerged/took control, it shattered.

so between cinderpelt complaining about all the terrible decisions she’s made and the entire clan pretending that she’s cinderpelt instead of a Completely Different Person, when hawkfrost shows up w/ an invite to fight club on the weekends cinderheart is more than happy to take him up.

sure hawkfrost is wildly annoying and clearly hates her guts for some reason (no matter how hard he pretends not to whenever tigerstar is around) but this is great for three reasons.

1) nobody in the dark forest has any idea she’s cinderpelt. 2) warrior training!! emphasizing she is a Warrior not a medicine cat. 3) time away from cinderpelt!! they arent the same soul so they cant read each other’s thoughts (unless theyre trying to communicate) and cant share dreams

so she might be purposely oblivious. whatever. she doesnt even know who hawkfrost is b/c anybody outside of riverclan immediately forgot about him because he really was not very effective at all. and its not like hes about to start spilling the beans until shes ready to be indoctrinated w/ dark forest propaganda.

meanwhile, tensions between shadowclan and thunderclan have been rapidly rising. again. prey is being stolen, scents are on other territories, patrols get into skirmishes often.

firestar is hurt because he was trying to get mistystar to lay off on the territory and blackstar is mad because they literally Just got back and thunderclan is ALREADY trying to reinstate old rivalries.

cinderheart really isnt paying attention to what’s going on cuz shes. more than a little wrapped up in her own problems. until it turns into a war.

this battle feels way more vicious than normal. cinderheart tries to recall how this whole thing started and realizes she has absolutely no idea what tf is going on???

throughout the fight she notices weird stuff happening. mousewhisker and redwillow nod to each other. ratscar + blossomfall swap glances. applefur pulls snowbird off thornclaw’s back. literally wtf thinks cinderheart

and then russetfur takes a stab at firestar. out of nowhere, thornclaw goes for her throat. cinderheart barely saves russetfur in the nick of time - the injuries are bad enough that she is forced to retire.

“screw literally everyone in thunderclan except u” blackstar says pointing @ cinderheart “and i hope the rest of you rot in the dark forest.” he rounds the rest of shadowclan up and then leaves.

“well that was weird” says cinderheart. she goes off to find ivypaw and realizes that shes. not responding. oh thats a lot of blood-

cinderpelt pops up again and works w/ cinderheart to patch up ivypaw until she’s stable. they bring her into the medicine den together and let leafpool look her over. she says that they made it in time and ivypaw will live. she leaves to go look after the other patients, leaving cinderheart with her apprentice

cinderheart realizes that this is her fault. had she actually paid attention to ivypaw and given her proper training, this wouldn’t have happened. she resolves to try a lot harder to be a good mentor for ivypaw’s sake.

cinderpelt approves and apologizes for being so intrusive on cinderheart’s life. she really doesnt want to be in here either - this was a decision the idiots in starclan forced on her. she was taking it out on cinderheart, which wasn’t fair for her.

cinderpelt promises to try to give cinderheart as much privacy as she can (while trying to figure out how to get out of her brain). cinderheart thanks her. there’s a brief bonding moment.

cinderpelt says that since ivypaw seems stable she’s going to go to sleep now, since she exhausted herself earlier.

just as cinderpelt goes out to the back of cinderheart’s mind, blossomfall comes storming in about how cinderheart messed the plan up and how cinderheart screwed everything up for everyone & she’s a traitor to the cause, Honestly cinderheart you’re so useless-

“literally wtf are you talking about” says cinderheart

“you saved russetfur,” blossomfall says. “if we take out the leaders and deputies, we can destabilize the clans enough that taking over will be a piece of cake. are you a dark forest trainee or not, cinderheart?”

end of book

[doves-wing]

Warriors Song Post

what up here’s a bunch of songs that i connect to warriors in some fuckin way. this took way too long and i’ll add more later because i couldn’t everyone in the tags lol

People in my Head by Oceans on Mars: Goosefeather - If the title wasn’t obvious enough as to why it fits him, the song is about hearing voices and going mad because of it. If that doesn’t fit Goosefeather, what does?

Twisted by MISSIO: Darktail - The whole song is about a bad guy with fucked up thoughts and how his dad was a shit but had a good mom. 

Bottom of the Deep Blue Sea by MISSIO: Bluestar - The song is about addiction and depression. And well, Bluestar has depression so there we go already but it uses the specific metaphor of drowining which is strongly connected to Bluestar’s character, so it fits even better! 

Everybody Gets High by MISSIO: Sol - It’s his tragic backstory. I mean if this was a human AU this would just be his backstory. Sol is an evil gay, makes sense if he had a homophobic upbringing which led him to drugs and eventually running away. Makes sense to me at least.

Kamikazee by MISSIO: Sol - This is a song about greed, desire, and dark hearts. Who has all three? That’s right, it’s Sol baby! The boy desires all the nice things in life and will not stop at anything to get them.

Best Friends by Grandson: The Kin - So I’m kinda cheating with this one as it isn’t a singular characer but my post, my rules. I feel as if this fits best when Needletail and the other apprentices joined The Kin. Thinking they’re so cool and shit.

Kiss Bang by Grandson: Leafpool/Crowfeather/Nightcloud - Okay again not a singular character but my post, my rules. Basically this song represents Crowfeather’s relationship with the two of them. In short: a fucking mess

Things Change by Grandson: Crowfeather - I’d say this is specifically about Leafpool soon after the badger attack, but could still work for him and Feathertail. Either way, this guy is dumb angst monster lmao

Saint Bernard by Lincoln: Mapleshade - This is a song about one-sided love and how the singer won’t be going to heaven. Also it’s fucking scary so Mapleshade :)

Hellbent by Mystery Skulls: Ashfur - It’s him about Squirrelflight. He does not care that she is in a relationship. All he cares is that the relationship she’s in, isn’t with him. All he wants is her and he truly won’t stop at anything to have her.

The Wolf by SIAMES: Tigerclaw - This is another song that’s about addiction but it has a strong theme about being out of your mind, and well, if you kill people I don’t think your sane. And in a way, Tigerclaw could’ve been addicted to killing. Either way many of this song’s lyrics (and especially the chorus) remind me of him so he gets this masterpiece of a song to himself.

Same Old Forest by Nathan Sharp: Firestar - This fits Firepaw/Rusty specifically but hey I prefer using the most recent names of a character in the title. Anyway though, this song is all about beginnings and wanting to be something (while also being a protaganist) and who could fit better than Firepaw? I mean one of the lyrics is literally: “Because compared to every child you know, you’re something else”. Tell me it isn’t about Firepaw.

Far Away by Nathan Sharp: Spottedleaf - This is a song sung by a female about the character from the previous song on this list, who knows that the character is destined for greatness. Tell me it isn’t sung by Spottedleaf. 

Time to Go by Nathan Sharp: Yellowfang - Yellowfang is the grumpy grandma we all know and love. If you know her and then listen to this song and say she didn’t sing it you’re so wrong it’s unbelievable. Did her savior just wake up? Yes. Is she going to push him out and force him to save the world now? Yes.

Drowning by Nathan Sharp: Bluestar - Look at the title. Okay but the song is about losing everything in your life and well, the water metaphors :}

Shell by Nathan Sharp: Bluestar (w/ Firestar) - I think this fits really well for Bluestar and Firestar’s relationship. Bluestar after having been almost murdered by her trusted deputy, Tigerclaw, has lost faith in everything. Fireheart is desperately trying to keep her what remains of her, alive. The chorus speaks for itself, she is a shell, almost entirely withered away. Just, it’s mostly Bluestar but the way the lyrics go it sounds as if someone is speaking to another character about Bluestar, which in this case is probably Tigerclaw and Firestar.

The Evil King by Nathan Sharp: Tigerclaw & Firestar - This is their final battle in song form. At the end it becomes a duet, but for the majority it’s Tigerclaw monologuing about why he should and deserves to win. How Firestar should’ve never come to the forest, as he was meant to rule the forest as his father did before him, unfortuneately this is a YA novel which means that evil can never win. 

Unaligned by Nathan Sharp: Ivypool - I imagine this is when she’s starting to realize that the Dark Forest isn’t good. That it’s full of evil cats, but because she’s only started to realize this their abusive teachings are still in her head, thus “You took me in, showed me love when I had nowhere to run” is a lyric. She’s done bad things by joining them, she doesn’t know if she can be good but she knows she doesn’t want to be bad.

Dead Silence by Nathan Sharp: Mothwing - Mothwing can’t get it out of her head that she is the daughter of Tigerclaw. The worst cat in the history of the Clans yet she chose to be a medicine cat, a peaceful cat who does no harm. Her intrusive thoughts won’t stop reminding her of how brutal her family as been. Her father first and then her brother, Hawkfrost, second. Maybe she is destined to be a violent monster, she knows it isn’t true but those evil thoughts say otherwise, and she can’t ignore them any longer.

Epcoh (TLT Remix) by Salvonic: Hollyleaf - After she ran away from the gathering, she had a lot of time to think about everything. She had time to regret her actions and came back to apologize, and hope that she would be accepeted. Just about everything in this song fits her and someone needs to make a map for her with this song because it fits her so fucking well it’s insane.

Terrible Things by Brick + Mortar: Ivypool - She sees no difference between her and her sister, Dovewing, yet her sister is consistently praised more than her and gets more attention. Ivypool then joins the Dark Forest as they claimed to have seen in her, what her Clanmates saw in Dovewing. Instead of dreaming, she fought hard to get the attention and mild praise of a few dead cats. She murdered cats for them and all she got in return was a free t-shirt.

Burn The House Down by AJR: Squirrelflight - Honestly this just gives me some lighthearted Squirrelflight vibes. More so when she was still an apprentice and wanted to be treated with the same amount as respect as a warrior but she tried to gain their respect in ridiculous ways, such as joining Brambleclaw on the journey to the Sundrown place, for instance.

G-G-Ghost by Steven Universe: Fallen Leaves - He’s just a ghost boy who wants someone to notice him!

Noticed by MandoPony: Sol - This theatre gay just wants someone to pay attention to him! And if you do look away, he might have to kill you. M i g h t

Nothing Personal by Night Riots: Darktail - He came to erase the Clans. He will wash away their history, he will make himself the leader of his own group and lead them with an iron fist, his ideology is correct. To the members of his group he is a shining star, a beacon of light and truth.

Contagious by Night Riots: Shadowpaw - This is more speculative but it seems to me that he could definitely start to think that he is bad, wrong. Because of the voice in his head. He is plagued with lies, just by existing he has broken the code. He has to remind himself, it isn’t his fault that he is shunned, looked down upon. But everything is wearing him down. Reminding yourself that it isn’t wrong to exist is tiring.

On the Line by Night Riots: Tawnypelt - Tawnypelt is the type to give all she has for her Clan. Sometimes she gets nervous but she fights through it because her Clan is what matters most. 

She Wants Me Dead by CAZZETTE: Crowfeather - This is just every female in Crowfeather’s life at him.

Bet on You by The Man Who: Mistystar - Back when Mistystar was known as Mistyfoot, she crtiticized her leader, Leaopardstar harshly. The latter did let her brother be murdered. Though Leopardstar would’ve risked her own life, among everyone in her clan’s life, had she tried to stop it from happening. Leopardstar made many mistakes throughout her life but Mistyfoot always came back to her, in the end she knew Leopardstar was only doing the best she could. 

Choke by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME: Darktail - Only he would say the most fucked up things while having a genuine smile on his face and making it sound nice. He only cares for himself, and a distorted love for his mother, painting her as this perfect being who was ruined by his father. I have no doubt that he would do all the things in this songs, given he were able to of course.

Crossing a Line by Mike Shinoda: Leafpool & Squirrelflight - This is all about the truth of Holly/Jay/Lion and how they want to tell them, but don’t know how, and just that whole mess is this song. 

Play with Fire by Sam Tinnesz: Brokenstar - He is one of the most evil characters in the series, using child soldiers will do that though. He takes pleasure from seeing cats die, especially kits. He enjoys watching others suffer, especially if he can gain something by it. He forced WindClan out of the Clan territories because he wanted the extra hunting land.

Monster (Under my Bed) by Call Me Karizma: Tigerclaw - After his father left, Tigerkit felt alone. His sisters were dead, and his mother was heartbroken. He looked for friends in the shadows, hoping that they’d take form and want to play. It took some time but they took form in the shape of a cat. She was a transparent tortoiseshell, claiming to be of ThunderClan’s past. It didn’t matter to Tigerkit though, she promised to make him the strongest cat in the forest, in all of the Clan’s history even. That’s what mattered to Tigerkit. He wanted to be strong enough to take down any of his enemies and most importantly, his father.

Wolves (You Got Me) by DREAMERS: Fire/Raven - Firepaw is the new apprentice and oh no there’s a cute anxious boy. “Guess we’ll fall in love” they said, and then they did. Firepaw learned how to hunt, and fight. Though it was a bit harder because he was absolutely smitten with Ravenpaw.

Our Song by Vinyl Theatre: Sandstar (w/ Clan) -  (Med-Cat!Fire AU) This happens before the battle with BloodClan, when they’re still preparing. 

High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco: Hollyleaf - (Wind!Holly AU) - This is her coming home after leaving the tunnels and rescuing Dovewing, and Ivypool. She is welcomed back warmly by her mother, brother, and best friend (Heathertail)

[need1etail]

TaS - Chapter One

Alderpaw shuddered as a cool breeze drifted through the entrance of the leader’s den. He couldn’t believe leafbare was already here, so soon. Not long ago, he had been trekking beneath warm, blue skies, almost home from his quest. He sighed.

“So?” Snowbush’s mew snapped Alderpaw out of his thoughts. He turned back to the white-and-ginger tom, whose tail was twitching. He sat next to his mate, Lilyheart. Her pelt was rising as she stared at Bramblestar. “Are we going to get Violetkit back?”

Alderpaw cringed. He’d been wanting to avoid any conversation about Violetkit lately. The thought of the young kit made his belly churn and his chest ache. He didn’t know if she was okay or not, like Twigkit was here, in ThunderClan.

Bramblestar sighed and shared a glance with Leafpool, then Squirrelflight. The deputy’s eyes were cold. “Snowbush, Lilyheart,” he began, blinking at the two cats. “I understand how much you care about Violetkit and Twigkit’s well-beings, but . . .” He paused, as though he needed to choose his words carefully. “Bringing Violetkit back to ThunderClan wouldn’t be worth the trouble.” Lilyheart’s pelt rose and Squirrelflight scoffed. Bramblestar knew he had made a mistake.

“All kits are worth it, Bramblestar,” Lilyheart hissed. Alderpaw’s heart ached for the she-cat. She might be thinking of Seedpaw. Her sister had died in the flood, trying to find the Stick of Fallen Warriors. He wasn’t alive at the time, but Squirrelflight told him how distraught Lilyheart was after her sister’s death. “Violetkit and Twigkit need each other!” Her voice broke.

“Lilyheart, there is nothing we can do now,” her leader sighed. “I am sorry. I cannot cause a war between ThunderClan and ShadowClan.”

Lilyheart hissed and rushed out of the den, her eyes glassy with emotion. Alderpaw’s pelt prickled.

Snowbush let out a long sigh. “I’ll take care of her,” he meowed. “She’s grieving, Bramblestar.”

“I understand.” Bramblestar dipped his head to the younger warrior. “If there is anything else I can do to help, please, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“How are the other kits?” Alderpaw spoke up, getting to his paws. They were close to Violetkit, just like Lilyheart was.

“They’re grieving as well,” Snowbush murmured. His eyes were beginning to glass over with tears. “I’ll go check on them. Thank you for speaking with Lilyheart, Bramblestar.” Alderpaw watched him slink out of the den, his tail dragging in the dirt.

“Let’s return to the medicine den, Alderpaw,” Leafpool meowed, exiting the den behind Snowbush.

Alderpaw looked at Bramblestar, who was staring at his paws with a dull look in his eyes. Alderpaw wished he could speak to his father about Violetkit, but he decided against it. It seemed that Squirrelflight wanted to speak to him anyway.

Alderpaw took a long, deep breath through his nose when he left the den, taking in the crisp, leaffall air. Half of him longed for greenleaf back, but the other half enjoyed the cool air and the changing of the leaves. The ones that already fell crackled under his paws.

Twigkit was sitting outside the medicine den, playing with an orange leaf in her tiny paws. Alderpaw felt guilt rush through him when he saw her. I wish we could bring Violetkit back, he wanted to tell her.

Leafpool pressed against her apprentice, as if she read his mind. “She still has Leafkit, Honeykit, and Larkkit,” she murmured to him as they slipped into the den.

“But they’re nearly five moons old,” Alderpaw reminded her. “They’re far too boisterous for Twigkit.” He sighed and shook his head. “Violetkit and Twigkit need each other.” Anger rushed through him. “Bramblestar could at least do something.”

Leafpool sighed as she began to sort through thyme. “Bramblestar just wants peace.” She blinked at him. “I’m sure that Violetkit is okay in ShadowClan.”

Alderpaw’s heart ached as he thought of Needlepaw ripping Violetkit away from her sister, completely ignoring the kits’ cries. He remembered Tawnypelt’s cold demeanor toward Bramblestar and Squirrelflight. Anger overpowered Alderpaw’s sadness as he thought of Needlepaw. How dare she hurt the kits this way. He growled to himself.

Twigkit’s squeal of excitement caught Alderpaw’s attention. The gray kitten batted the leaf into the air, then leaped, her short tail whipping to balance her as she spun in the air. Nimbly, she caught the leaf between her forepaws.

“She’s agile. I think one day she’ll be able to jump higher than anyone in ThunderClan.” Leafpool watched with approval sparking in her eyes. “Her ears haven’t opened yet. I wonder if they ever will.”

Alderpaw nodded, looking at her folded ears. They were cute. He watched as she tumbled into the medicine den, knocking into a pile of borage. She jumped to her paws and shuffled them. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

Alderpaw sighed. “Don’t worry about it dear,” he mewed. “Why don’t you play with Briarlight for a bit?” He turned to the brown she-cat, who brightened at the idea of playing with the kit.

“Yes!” Briarlight purred, getting herself up on her front paws. “Come on, Twiggy, let’s head outside and play with a moss ball.”

Twigkit squeaked in excitement as she rushed out of the den. Briarlight followed close behind. She blinked when Graystripe nearly ran into her. “Hey, dad!” she purred, rubbing against him. “Are you here for your joints again?”

Graystripe sighed and shook his head. “Not mine,” he told her, “your mother’s.”

“Aw,” Briarlight mewed. “Tell her I hope she feels better.”

“I will,” her father promised. He watched her leave the den, his eyes sparkling at her with pride. “She’s doing so well.” His purr was so loud. Alderpaw was glad the elder was happy. “By the way, Leafpool and Alderpaw, Bramblestar wants to see you.”

Alderpaw blinked in surprise. We were just there, he thought. Why didn’t he ask us to stay?

“You should probably hurry,” Graystripe pushed the rest of the way into the den, “Russetstar is with him.”

Alderpaw’s ears perked. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I just did.” The old gray tom purred and grabbed the comfrey he needed between his jaws, before leaving the den.

Alderpaw left the den behind Graystripe and glanced at Twigkit. Did something happen to Violetkit? Anxiety grasped at his chest with two cold claws. Was Needlepaw not able to keep her promise? He glanced at Twigkit, who seemed to want to follow him. “Stay here with Briarlight, okay?” he told her.

“Yeah,” Briarlight purred, nudging the kit. “Come on, little branch, I’ll race you to the fresh-kill pile.”

Twigkit brightened. “Okay!” she squeaked. The two cats dashed toward the fresh-kill pile. Briarlight lifted her legs to make it so that she could run faster, and Alderpaw could see the awe on Twigkit’s face.

“Come on, Alderpaw,” Leafpool meowed.

Alderpaw nodded. He noticed Lilyheart and Daisy stretched outside the nursery, soaking up the meager warmth. Leaffall left a chill in the air, but the cliff of the stone hollow sheltered the camp from the blustery breeze that was stirring the branches outside. Leafkit, Larkkit, and Honeykit were nosing around the fallen beech, poking their noses through the gaps in the woven walls of the apprentice’s den.

“There’s so much room inside!” Leafkit cried.

“I want a nest in the middle,” Larkkit announced.

“Sparkpaw’s nest is there already,” Honeykit sighed. “I can see it.”

Alderpaw missed his days in the apprentice den with an ache. He missed training with his sister, not that he didn’t enjoy being a medicine cat. Sparkpaw was his best friend, now that his journey was over, him and his sister barely spent time together.

Leafpool’s mew distracted Alderpaw from his thoughts. “I hope the patrols come back soon,” she mewed. “The fresh-kill pile is empty.”

Alderpaw glanced at the bare patch of earth. Ivypool, Whitewing, and Dovewing paced beside it. It seemed that one of them had given the last bit of prey to Briarlight and Twigkit. Hadn’t they brought prey back from their own patrol? Perhaps they’d met Russetstar before they had a chance to hunt. They gazed through narrowed eyes at the muscular ginger she-cat as she stood beside Bramblestar on the Highledge. Squirrelflight was there as well, not hiding her clear anger at the ShadowClan leader, and so was Jayflight, who sat next to his mother, shuffling his paws in impatience.

Alderpaw’s pelt prickled as he sat next to Bramblestar. He seemed distracted as he gazed at Russetstar. Alderpaw couldn’t tell if he was angry at the leader or if he was only thinking about Violetkit. A twinge of anger at his father flickered in Alderpaw’s chest for letting Violetkit go so easy.

Then he sighed and turned to them, his expression grave. “Littlecloud is dying.” He lowered his gaze from Leafpool. Alderpaw knew the two medicine cats were very close.

Leafpool’s eyes darkened with grief. “Is he suffering?”

“Snowbird is with him now,” Russetstar told her. “She’s given him poppy seeds to ease his pain, but she doesn’t know what else to do.” There was a flash of desperation in Russetstar’s eyes. Alderpaw suddenly felt bad for the leader. Littlecloud wasn’t just her medicine cat, he was her friend. She must have lost a lot of friends already, depending on her age.

Leafpool flicked her tail. “If only you’d chosen a medicine cat apprentice moons ago,” she fretted. “Littlecloud would have someone to care for him properly.”

“And ShadowClan would have a medicine cat after him,” Squirrelflight huffed.

Russetstar’s fur ruffled as she glared at the bold deputy. “I didn’t come here for your deputy to lecture me!”

Squirrelflight stepped toward her. “Yes, you came here to ask for help,” she spat. Bramblestar sent his mate a warning glance, but she didn’t back down. “After you took Violetkit, you expect us to help you?”

Russetstar sneered. “I would have gladly gone to any other Clan,” she growled, “but Leafpool is one of Littlecloud’s closest medicine cat friends. I decided ThunderClan would be the best to ask.”

Alderpaw looked at his mother, blinking at her. She had been nothing but kind to Twigkit since ShadowClan took Violetkit away. She seemed to want the black-and-white kitten back s much as Lilyheart and Snowbush. But, there was no use getting Russetstar all worked up. If she needed help, Alderpaw knew they should be kind and respectful. “Can I help?” he asked, his voice soft.

Jayflight spoke up from beside Squirrelflight for the first time. “You are not borrowing the medicine cat apprentice,” he told Russetstar, his eyes narrowing. Alderpaw saw how unnerved the russet leader got as he stared at her with his unblinking, blind gaze. He remembered feeling that same way when Jayflight stared directly at him. But now, he was used to Jayflight’s eyes trained on him, especially since they spent a lot of time together, even before the journey to SkyClan.

Russetstar’s unnerved expression changed to a scowl. “I don’t want an apprentice. Littlecloud needs proper care.”

Alderpaw twitched his tail in indignation. I can care for Littlecloud just as well as Leafpool.

“I’ll go then,” Leafpool announced.

“Thank you.” Russetstar let out a sigh of relief. “Grassheart’s kits are due any day. Dawnpelt and Snowbird will be able to help her when she’s kitting, but it’s her first litter. I’d prefer to have a medicine cat close by to help if there are any difficulties.”

Leafpool nodded while Alderpaw shifted his paws. It sounded strange to hear the ShadowClan leader speak with such concern about her Clanmates. After the night Russetstar invaded the camp, Alderpaw felt that the she-cat was only ruthless and cruel. Had he been wrong? Hope flared in his chest. Maybe Violetkit was as safe and loved in ShadowClan as Twigkit was in ThunderClan.

“I’ll fetch the herbs and come as soon as I am able to.” Leafpool turned toward Jayflight. She sighed and blinked at him. “Can you please take care of Alderpaw while I’m away?”

Alderpaw looked at his cousin with a smile. Jayflight’s whiskers twitched in what Alderpaw could guess was frustration. “Very well,” he huffed. “It’s not like I’ve spent half his life as a medicine cat training him, anyway.” Alderpaw laughed and pressed against Jayflight. “You better be on your best behavior, Alder.”

“Promise, big brother,” Alderpaw purred, nudging him with his shoulder.

“Alderpaw, why don’t you help me carry the herbs,” Leafpool mewed. “I won’t be able to carry them all myself.” She then glanced at Jayflight. “Can you care for the Clan while we’re gone?”

“Fine,” Jayflight huffed. “Just send Alderpaw straight back when you’re finished.” Alderpaw could tell that the gray tabby wasn’t angry at Alderpaw, but at Leafpool. Being treated like a medicine cat when you’re a warrior must be frustrating. He nosed his way past Alderpaw and Leafpool. “Let’s see how well you know your herbs before you leave.”

Alderpaw began to follow, but he felt Bramblestar's tail run down his spine. “Wait.”

Alderpaw glanced back in surprised as Bramblestar dipped his head to Russetstar. “You should leave now. Your Clan must need you at a time like this. Leafpool will travel to your camp as soon as she can.”

Russetstar nodded. “Thank you for your help,” she mewed in a formal fashion. Alderpaw wondered what it had cost her to come to ThunderClan for their assistance. ShadowClan cats were not known for swallowing their pride. Chin high, Russetstar padded past Alderpaw and leaped down the tumble of rocks. She crossed the clearing, avoiding the curious of Whitewing, Ivypool, and Dovewing. She disappeared through the thorn tunnel.

Alderpaw faced Bramblestar expectantly. Why had he asked him to wait? Did he have news about Violetkit after all?

“We’re sending a patrol.” Bramblestar’s mew was soft. Squirrelflight’s eyes were scanning the clearing as if searching for twitching ears among her Clanmates. But Dovewing and Whitewing were talking to each other, heads close. Ivypool had followed Russetstar out of the camp. Lilyheart and Daisy were still dozing, Brackenfur now with them, while the kits clambered along the fallen beech. Twigkit and Briarlight were playing with the moss ball once more. Bramblestar went on: “To search for SkyClan.”

Alderpaw’s heart leapt. Thank StarClan! Anger clawed its way though Alderpaw as he remembered his failed journey to find SkyClan. The idea of Darktail’s vicious rogues driving out the long-lost Clan from their home in the gorge made him feel sick. He found one cat, Frecklewish, who he was sure died to Darktail’s claws.

StarClan’s prophecy had been hard to understand since the beginning: Embrace what you find in the shadows, for only they can clear the sky. But it had led to the quest: Bramblestar and Sandstorm had been convinced that they must find SkyClan. Instead, Alderpaw and Needlepaw had found Twigkit and Violetkit, abandoned in a shadowy tunnel. Everyone believed now that the two motherless kits would “clear the sky”, but Alderpaw couldn’t help wondering if they needed to find SkyClan after all. He wanted to finish what he started. “Can I go?”

“We’re sending Squirrelflight, Lionblaze, and Rosepetal,” Bramblestar told him. “We need you here.”

Alderpaw blinked, disappointment replacing his excitement. Half of him felt sorry for Lionblaze and Rosepetal: they just got home from their journey, wouldn’t they want to rest? But he knew Bramblestar was only sending them because they knew the way to the gorge.

“As far as the rest of the Clan knows,” Squirrelflight continued for Bramblestar, “we’re searching for Twigkit and Violetkit’s parents.”

Alderpaw tensed. “Then Twigkit mustn’t hear about it. I don’t want her getting her hopes up.” When he’d found Twigkit and Violetkit, they were only a few days old. No queen would abandon kits so young unless she had no choice, was completely heartless, or she was dead.

Bramblestar shifted his paws. “The Clan will be as worried as you about getting Twigkit’s hopes up unnecessarily. No cat will want to tell her anything. All Twigkit will now is that a patrol is out . . . well, patrolling.”

Alderpaw glanced at the top of the hollow, remembering the long journey to the gorge. Then he looked at Squirrelflight. “Do you think you’ll find SkyClan.”

“Only StarClan knows.” Squirrelflight blinked at Alderpaw, then glanced behind him to the medicine den. “You’d better get back to your duties. It looks like some cats are waiting for you.”

Alderpaw glanced over his shoulder, following his mother’s gaze. He expected to see Jayflight beckoning to him in impatience. Instead, he saw little Twigkit, shifting her paws in impatience, at the edge of the clearing, her eyes fixed on him. How long had she been there? Had she overheard their conversation?

As Bramblestar and Squirrelflight turned toward their den, Alderpaw scrambled down the tumble of rocks.

Twigkit scampered across the clearing to meet him. “Leafpool says you’re going to ShadowClan.” Her eyes were bright with excitement. “Can I come?”

Alderpaw blinked at her, wishing she could. She hadn’t seen her sister since they’d been separated half a moon ago. He wondered for a moment whether to ask Leafpool or Bramblestar for permission. Then he imagined telling Twigkit they needed to leave ShadowClan, taking her sister away from her once more. His heart ached.

“Can I?”  Twigkit asked again, lifting her front paws hopefully.

“No,” Alderpaw told her, regret in his mew. “You’re too young to leave camp.”

Sadness glistened in Twigkit’s green eyes.

“I’m sorry—” he began. But before he could finish, Twigkit hared toward the nursery.

“Wait there!” she called to him. “I won’t be long!”

He watched her go, wondering what she was up to.

Beside the honeysuckle wall of the elder’s den, in a dip that caught the morning sun, Graystripe was washing comfrey pulp into Millie’s fur. Millie’s eyes were half-closed, satisfaction showing in the slits as she worked the herb into her spine. Alderpaw dipped his head as he caught Graystripe’s yellow gaze.

Graystripe lifted his muzzle, green pulp staining his jaws. “Let me know if you need help gathering more comfrey before the frosts comes,” he called. “I may not be fast enough for mice these days but I sure can stalk herbs.”

Millie purred. “You can hunt mice as well as any warrior, my dear,” she told him.

“Why bother,” Graystripe asked, “when I can let the youngsters catch them for me?”

Twigkit squeezed out of the narrow entrance of the bramble nursery. Alderpaw could see that she was carrying a red feather between her jaws.

She trotted toward him and laid it carefully at his paws. “Will you give this to Violetkit?”

“A feather?” Alderpaw looked at it, a pang in his heart. It seemed like a small offer, but Twigkit was staring at it with an excited spark in her eyes.

“Violetkit found one before they took her away,” she told Alderpaw. “She wore it behind her ear cause she thought it was pretty. It was smaller than this one, but Violetkit left hers behind and Lilyheart accidentally threw it away when she was cleaning out the old bedding. But I found this one at the edge of the camp the other day, and I knew Violetkit would love it.” She stared up at Alderpaw, eagerness glistening in her kitten-blue eyes. “You’ll take it to her, won’t you? And tell her it was from me?”

Guilt prickled through Alderpaw’s pelt. If it weren’t for the prophecy StarClan had shared with him, the Clans wouldn’t have squabbled over the kits. They’d still be together, not in different Clans. They could play together instead of sending feathers by messenger. At least they’re alive. Alderpaw shook out his pelt. If it weren’t for the prophecy, he and Needlepaw might never have found them, and they’d have died, alone under the Thunderpath.

He licked Twigkit fondly on the head. “Of course I’ll give it to her. And I’ll tell her that you’re thinking of her.” As Twigkit nuzzled his cheek, purring, he picked up the feather and headed toward the medicine den.

[need1etail]

Chapter Nine

“I don’t care what you say!” Sandstorm hissed. “I’m going on this quest, and that’s final!”

“It’s out of the question!” Squirrelflight snapped back at her, her green eyes blazing with anger. “Bramblestar asked you here to tell Alderpaw about how to get to SkyClan. He never intended for you to go with him.”

Alderpaw shifted from paw to paw on the sandy floor of Bramblestar’s den, nervous as the two cats yelled at each other. After his mother found out her mate was keeping secrets from her, she instantly dragged the truth of SkyClan out of him, playing the “You were upset with me about the Three not being our kits, now you’re just being a hypocrite” card on him. The ginger she-cat seemed upset with her mother and father for not telling her about the lost Clan, but she didn’t say anything about it. It was the day after his father had told him that he must go on the quest, but so far no decisions had been made about which cats would accompany him.

And it doesn’t look like I’ll be leaving anytime soon, not if mom and Sandstorm keep on arguing. He had always believed the mother and daughter got along well together. Now they looked furious enough to claw each other’s pelts off.

Sandstorm glared hard at Alderpaw’s mother. “You may be the Clan deputy, but you’re acting like a mouse-brained apprentice.” Her neck fur was bristling. Bramblestar looked uncomfortable as Alderpaw felt. “I’m the only—”

“Enough!” Squirrelflight lashed her tail. “Mother, you’re an elder, and I’m the deputy. You’ve made your contribution to our Clan, and it’s been a magnificent contribution, it really has. Now you deserve to have the rest of us take care of you. I want you safe in camp, not traipsing about in unknown territory.” Her eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly, but she kept her gaze hard. “I’m not losing my son and my mother on the same journey.”

“That’s exactly the point.” Sandstorm’s voice grew quieter, the words forced through clenched teeth. Alderpaw was glad she wasn’t glaring at him like she was glaring at her daughter and Bramblestar. “I’m the only living cat who has any idea how to find SkyClan’s camp. And I’m the only one who has met the cats of SkyClan before. They’re more likely to accept me than cats they’ve never laid eyes on.”

As she spoke, the anger in Squirrelflight’s face was fading, replaced with a thoughtful expression. “I understand,” she began in an uncertain voice, “but elders don’t—”

She broke off at the sound of paw steps approaching up the tumbled rocks. Alderpaw turned to see Cloudtail, Firestar’s nephew, at the entrance to the den. Bramblestar, Squirrelflight, and Sandstorm exchanged a swift glance, and Alderpaw realized that Cloudtail didn’t know about SkyClan either, even though he was related to the tom who found it.

“All the hunting patrols have gone out,” he reported. “I don’t know why Squirrelflight couldn’t ht have done it, though. I just wanted to ask if you’ve figured out which warriors you’ve chosen to go with Alderpaw. He’ll need a strong group of cats. I’m sure you don’t want him to be alone on this dangerous journey.”

“I will be going with him,” Sandstorm announced, before Squirrelflight or Bramblestar could reply.

Her green eyes flashed with triumph when Bramblestar reluctantly dipped his head in agreement, but Squirrelflight’’s expression twisted into fury and horror.

“You can’t!” she hissed. “I won’t allow it. This quest is far too dangerous for an apprentice, let alone an elder. I couldn’t bear having both of you leave.” Cloudtail looked as if he was sorry he asked.

Dangerous? Alderpaw thought, feeling even more nervous than before.

“Squirrelflight, it will be fine,” Sandstorm huffed. “I may be old, but I’m still strong. And Alderpaw will be in a lot less danger if I go with him.”

“I hate to admit it, but she’s right,” Bramblestar agreed.

Squirrelflight glanced sharply from her mother to Bramblestar and back again, her green eyes glittering with anger. She sniffed and turned away. “This is a terrible idea,” she hissed.

“You have to trust me,” Sandstorm told her, stepping closer to her daughter.

A few tense heartbeats passed between the mother and daughter while Squirrelflight held Sandstorm’s green gaze. Then she sighed, her tail drooping. “I suppose I do.”

Without further argument, Bramblestar led the way out of the den and onto the Highledge. Squirrelflight stayed by his side, while Sandstorm, Alderpaw, and Cloudtail picked their way down the tumbled rocks to the floor of the camp.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting,” Bramblestar called.

All the cats in the clearing turned toward the Highledge. Leafpool and Dovewing coaxed Briarlight from the medicine cat den, and sat side by side in front of the bramble screen. Lilyheart and Daisy appeared from the nursery and settled themselves near the entrance while Lilyheart’s kits play wrestled next to them. Brightheart, Whitewing, and Ivypool slid out from the warriors’ den and took their places at the foot of the rock wall.

Purdy broke off a story he was telling Snowbush, Ambersky, and Dewnose. “I’ll finish the rest later,” he promised as he padded off to flop down beside Graystripe, Millie, and Brackenfur near the elders’ den.

Alderpaw looked around for Sparkpaw and spotted her emerging from the thorn tunnel with Rosepetal and Toadstep. She’s hardly limping at all, he told himself with a burst of pride. I did a good job. All three cats were loaded with prey; they bounded across the camp to drop it on the fresh-kill pile, then joined their Clanmates to listen to Bramblestar.

“Cats of ThunderClan,” their leader began, “I have important news. Alderpaw has had a vision about the prophecy from StarClan. We think that it will help us find what will ‘clear the sky’, and so he must go on a quest to find the place he saw in his dream. Because Sandstorm knows about some of what of he saw in the vision, she will be going with him.”

Murmurs of amazement rose from the assembled cats at Bramblestar’s words, and they exchanged glances alive with curiosity. Alderpaw thought that Graystripe and Millie looked especially shocked that Sandstorm would be part of the quest.

“Why Alderpaw, and not Leafpool, or even one of the other Clans?” asked Berrynose.

Leafpool spoke up from her place in front of her den. “Alderpaw is a medicine cat, Berrynose, and you know that as well as I do. As for why StarClan chose him . . .” She shrugged. “StarClan has their reasons.”

“More important, why Sandstorm?” Brightheart asked with an affectionate glance at the pale ginger she-cat. “She’s an elder; she’s earned her rest.”

“Because I was afraid she would claw my ears off if I forbade her from going,” Bramblestar responded with a hint of amusement in his tone. Alderpaw giggled under his paw.

“And I would have,” Sandstorm muttered.

“There are reasons why I believe Sandstorm is vital to the quest,” Bramblestar went on. “Now all that’s left is to choose warriors to join the group.”

Several enthusiastic yowls greeted his words.

“I’ll go!”

“Let me!”

Sparkpaw scampered Alderpaw and pressed herself against his side, her eyes shining. “I’ll come and help you!” she mewed.

“Oh, thank you!” Alderpaw responded, his relief at the thought of having his sister with him flooding over him.

Then he noticed that Bramblestar and Squirrelflight, up on the Highledge, were exchanging hesitant glances. Rosepetal, who had followed her apprentice, shook her head sternly. “Bramblestar decides who will go,” she told Sparkpaw. “And he’s not likely to choose his own daughter for a quest like this.”

Shaken, Alderpaw gazed up at Bramblestar. “Please,” he begged desperately, “can’t Sparkpaw come?”

Bramblestar paused, clearly torn, while Squirrelflight leaned closer to him and murmured something into his ear. She looked horrified at the thought of both her kits risking themselves on this quest.

The Clan leader and his mate and deputy spoke together quietly for a few heartbeats. Then Bramblestar turned back to the cats in the clearing. “Very well,” he meowed. “Sparkpaw may go with you. And in that case,” he added, raising his voice to be heard about Sparkpaw’s squeals of triumph, “Rosepetal and Toadstep will join the group as well.”

The two cats exchanged excited glances.

Before Bramblestar spoke again, Jayflight stepped up. “I want to come as well,” he meowed. “I know enough about medicine to help Alderpaw out if he gets stuck. Leafpool can’t help him.”

Berrynose, who sat beside him, looked horrified, and uncertain whispers rose from the Clan. Lionblaze ran over to his brother, his eyes shining. “If Jay’s going, I’m coming too!” he called.

Bramblestar opened his mouth to protest, but Jayflight cut him off. “There’s nothing you can say to change my mind,” he meowed in a firm tone. “I’m going whether you like it or not.”

Bramblestar sighed and shook his head. “Fine,” he meowed. “You and Lionblaze may go.”

Squirrelflight let out a huff. “I’m not just losing my mother and son now,” she grumbled. “I’m losing all my kits.”

“You leave at dawn tomorrow,” Bramblestar finished, brushing his tail down Squirrelflight’s flank. “And may StarClan light your path.”

“Alderpaw! Come on! Wake up!”

Sparkpaw’s voice seemed to come from a long way away. Alderpaw opened his eyes, blinked blearily, and made out her face right next to his, her green eyes gleaming in the shadow of their den.

“Wake up!” she repeated, prodding him hard in the side. “It’s time to go. This is your quest mouse-brain, and you’re still asleep.”

Alderpaw stretched his jaws into a massive yawn and staggered to his paws. He had lain awake for so long the night before, thinking about the quest, that it felt as if he had only been sleeping for a heartbeat.

Following Sparkpaw, he scrambled through the ferns that shaded the apprentices’ den and headed out into the clearing, holding his head and tail high to hide out nervous he felt.

The dawn air was damp and chilly, striking deep into Alderpaw’s fur. Above his head the sky was washed with the pale light of dawn, and a faint breeze was rustling the trees on top of the hollow.

It seemed to Alderpaw that the whole of ThunderClan was out in the clearing, most of them clustering around the medicine den. Their excited murmurs sounded like the buzzing of a whole colony of bees.

Alderpaw and Sparkpaw pushed their way through the crowd to join Leafpool outside her den. Rosepetal, Toadstep, Lionblaze, and Sandstorm were already waiting there, and Leafpool was distributing small leaf wraps of herbs to them.

“There you are!” Jayflight mewed to the two apprentices as he pushed through the crowds. Alderpaw purred at the friendly tone in his cousin’s voice. “I’ve been looking for you two all morning. Let’s get some traveling herbs from Leafpool.”

Leafpool set down three more leaf wraps in front of Alderpaw, Sparkpaw, and Jayflight. Alderpaw delicately separated the herbs with one paw, studying them carefully.

“That’s sorrel to quench your thirst,” Jayflight identified the herbs, sounding like Alderpaw’s mentor. “Daisy to keep your joins supple and—” He broke off, then added, “I guess Leafpool has already taught you all of this.” His voice sounded melancholy for a moment before he cleared his throat. “You’re growing up fast. And you’re really good at learning your herbs.”

“Chamomile to ease tiredness, and burnet for strength.” Alderpaw named and described the other two herbs in the mixture. He was happy at Jayflight’s praise. He’s been treating me differently since him and Leafpool talked to Bramblestar about my vision, he reflected. It’s almost as if he thinks that there’s more to the quest the quest than he knows about, and he believes I know the truth. He suppressed a shiver. And, of course, I do know.

Jayflight nodded Alderpaw’s accurate description. “Good. You and Leafpool will give these herbs to every cat who needs to travel. They’ll keep you going even if you don’t have a chance to hunt.”

“They taste weird,” Sparkpaw commented as she licked up her share.

Jayflight didn’t say anything to her, keeping his blind gaze locked on Alderpaw. “I swear to StarClan, if you get killed on this journey, I’ll find your spirit and cuff you over the head until your ears fall off,” he hissed, making Alderpaw laugh. “If anything does happen . . . I’d miss you around the camp.”

Alderpaw purred and nodded. “I promise I won’t do anything mouse-brained,” he meowed. He stepped forward and affectionately nuzzled his cousin’s chest with his head. “I’m glad you’re coming on this quest with us, big brother.”

Jayflight purred and pressed his nose against Alderpaw’s head. “I’d do anything to keep you safe, Alder,” he murmured. “Now finish those herbs before Sparkpaw accidentally eats them.” He got to his paws and sat next to Lionblaze, who gave him an affectionate nudge, nearly making the small tom fall over.

“Just like old times, eh, Jay?” Lionblaze purred. “Me, you, and Holly on a big journey together. Except . . .” He cut himself off, the happy shine in his eyes dimming slightly.

“Yeah,” Jayflight murmured.

Alderpaw’s heart ached for his cousins as he began eating his share of herbs. As he did, he noticed Bramblestar had appeared and had drawn Sandstorm away from the other questing cats. The two of them were having a quiet conversation, their expressions serious. Alderpaw caught a few words.

“If this secret gets out, it could be devastating for the Clans,” Bramblestar meowed.

“That’s nonsense; StarClan gave Alderpaw this vision . . .” Sandstorm began. Alderpaw lost the rest of what she said as the cats moved away.

Uneasiness stirred in Alderpaw’s belly. This was about his quest, and yet there was so much about it that he didn’t understand. And suppose I give away the secret about SkyClan? I wouldn’t mean to but . . . What would happen then? He heaved a massive sigh. At least Sandstorm is coming with us, and she can advise me.

At last Bramblestar stepped back from Sandstorm with a nod of agreement, and he bounded across the camp to climb up to the Highledge.

Sandstorm padded over to Alderpaw and rubbed her cheek against his, her green eyes shining with pride in him. “You look worried,” she murmured.

“I heard part of what you and Bramblestar were saying,” Alderpaw confessed. “It sounds like he doesn’t trust me.”

“Nonsense!” Sandstorm responded. “It’s not that Bramblestar doesn’t want you to know about SkyClan; he doesn’t want any cat to now. He was upset about Squirrelflight dragging it out of him. It’s not his feelings about you. It’s his guilt about what the four Clans allowed to happen to SkyClan.”

But that was seasons and seasons before Bramblestar was born, Alderpaw thought. Why should he feel bad about it? It wasn’t his fault.

“I’m not sure I understand,” he mewed.

“Maybe you will in time,” Sandstorm responded.

Alderpaw dipped his head respectfully. “Thank you, Sandstorm. I’m glad you’re coming with us.”

“Cats of ThunderClan!” Bramblestar called from the Highledge. “Alderpaw has had an important vision—and this vision is to set him off on a quest that, I predict will prove as important to our Clan as the one that Dovewing undertook as an apprentice, when the drought came and she saved our lake.” Dovewing raised her tail in pride and Briarlight nudged her, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Alderpaw was aware of every cat turning to stare at him. He was startled to see the respect and admiration in their eyes. He ducked his head in embarrassment and stared at his paws. I really don’t deserve this.

“The medicine cats’ prophecy told us that unless we embrace what we find in the shadows, the sky will never clear, Alderpaw’s vision gives us hope that the cats of ThunderClan can find what lies in the shadows, and if so, then our Clan will prosper.”

The whole of ThunderClan erupted into enthusiastic yowling. “Alderpaw! Alderpaw!”

Alderpaw froze, almost wishing that a big owl would swoop down and carry him off. Then Sparkpaw gave him a nudge. “Come on, slow mole!” she meowed, giving him an affectionate glance. “It’s time to go.”

Alderpaw straightened, bracing himself. “I’m glad you’re with me, Sparkpaw,” he murmured.

To his relief, Sandstorm took the lead as he and the other questing cats headed for the thorn tunnel. The rest of ThunderClan padded along with them, calling out their good wishes.

“Best of luck, Alderpaw!”

“Keep safe!”

“May StarClan light your path!”

At the last moment, before Alderpaw and Sparkpaw stepped into the tunnel, Squirrelflight bounded up to them. Alderpaw saw fear mixed with slight anger in her eyes, and her voice was brisk as she meowed, “Don’t you dare get yourselves! Every hair on your pelt better be in tact by the time you get back. I want to hear all about your journey.”

“We’ll be careful,” Alderpaw promised.

“I’ll look after them, mom,” Lionblaze meowed, pressing against his mother and licking her head. Alderpaw stifled a laugh when he saw how much bigger Lionblaze was than their mother.

Squirrelflight touched noses with each of her kits, then took a pace back. Alderpaw’s heart suddenly ached as he thought about leaving his mother and father. He suddenly wished he could stay here with his parents, and Aunt Leafpool, and Daisy, and Lilyheart, and the kits. He rushed forward and hugged her tightly, nuzzling her. “I’ll be back before you can say mouse, don’t worry momma,” he murmured, hearing her chuckle sadly and lick his ear. He pulled away and was aware of her gaze on him until he headed into the tunnel.

This is it! The quest has really begun!

The sun was rising as Alderpaw’s group headed through the forest toward the lake, strong rays of sunlight striking through the trees and making patterns on the forest floor. Alderpaw remembered how vast and frightening the territory had seemed when he first left the camp. Now he found it familiar and safe.

“How long will this quest take?” Sparkpaw asked, bouncing along his side. “Where’s the place you saw? I want to know more about your dream—oh sorry, your vision!”

“I have no idea where the place is, or how far it is,” Alderpaw replied, felling a prickle in his pelt at his littermate’s questions. “And I can’t really talk about it. It’s medicine cat stuff.”

“Oh come on you can tell me. Were there cats in you vision? What did they look like? What did they say?” she persisted, her green eyes sparkling eagerly.

Alderpaw’s nervousness increased under the flood of questions. He wished he could tell the truth to other cats; it felt really awkward having to lie. Especially to Sparkpaw. I’ve never kept secrets from her before.

He staggered sideways as Sparkpaw gave him a hard prod in the side. “What’s wrong with you?” she asked, her voice cross. “I’m only trying to help. I want to find what lies in the shadows and save ThunderClan. So how do you know your vision’s got something to do with the prophecy? Huh?”

“Sparkpaw, leave Alderpaw alone,” Jayflight hissed, sending a sharp glare her way. “This is medicine cat business.”

Sparkpaw glared back. “Then why do you get to know? You’re no medicine cat,” she grumbled.

Jayflight’s ears flattened and his neck fur bristled.

“That’s enough, Sparkpaw,” Sandstorm snapped.

Sparkpaw glared at the two of them for a couple of heartbeats, then shrugged, relaxing. “Okay. I’ll find out soon enough, anyway.” She bounded over to Rosepetal, who had moved into the lead. “What do you think?” she asked her mentor. “What does Alderpaw’s vision mean?”

Alderpaw let out a sigh of relief. He was glad that Sparkpaw hadn’t been cowed by Jayflight’s scolding. He felt bad enough for hiding things from her without getting her into trouble as well.

“I’d answer that better if I knew what the vision was,” Rosepetal replied patiently.

“Wouldn’t we all?” Sparkpaw responded, flicking a glance at her brother. “But you must have some ideas, Rosepetal. What do you think we’ll find at the end of the quest?”

“What we need to, I guess,” Rosepetal mewed. Alderpaw wished he had her patience. If he were in her paws, he wouldn’t be able to keep up with all of Sparkpaw’s questions.

“Something that will help clear the sky,” Toadstep added, a hint of excitement in his voice. “Whatever that means?”

“I think it might mean we find some new hunting grounds,” Sparkpaw announced. “I hope it does. Then we—”

She broke off as they came to the edge of a clearing where a squirrel was sitting upright among the grass, nibbling at a seed held in its front paws. Sparkpaw darted off, her tail flowing behind her.

But the squirrel was too fast even for her. Spotting her at once, it raced for the nearest tree, swarmed up the trunk, and vanished into the branches. A few leaves drifted down around Sparkpaw, who stood looking up with a frustrated look on her face.

“We all know you’re a quick learner,” Rosepetal teased as Sparkpaw returned to the group with her tail drooping. “But do we really need a new hunting ground already? It seems you still have something to learn the one we have.” She suppressed a mrrow of laughter.

Sparkpaw didn’t respond, only giving her chest fur a few furious licks to cover up her embarrassment.

For a moment Alderpaw felt bad for her. He knew exactly how it felt to lose prey.

“Well, I think we should stop and hunt for a while,” Sparkpaw meowed. “There’s loads of prey here, and who knows how much there’ll be once we’ve left our territory?”

“No, I think we should keep going and hunt later,” Alderpaw objected. He guessed that Sparkpaw just wanted another chance to prove what an awesome hunter she was. “We have a long way to go.”

“And Thunderpaths to cross,” Sandstorm added. “Graystripe helped me work out a route so that we don’t have to cross the mountains, but it means more danger from Twolegs and monsters.”

“Huh, Thunderpaths!” Sparkpaw sniffed in a dismissive tone. “Purdy told me all about them. They’re no big deal.”

“No big deal?” Sandstorm’s neck fur began to bristle. “Are you mouse-brained? Cats have died on Thunderpaths. Haven’t you heard the story about Cinderpelt?”

“Well, I think we ought to hunt now,” Sparkpaw retorted, ignoring her grandmother and bristling in turn. “Last time I checked, we can’t fill up on herbs and bits of chewed-up bark!”

Alderpaw lashed his tail in frustration. I’m supposed to be in charge, but Sparkpaw still thinks she can boss me around. And she’s arguing with an elder!

He drew his lips back and glared at his sister, ready to snap at her. But Jayflight stepped in front of him, his eyes narrow as she stared hard at the apprentice.

“I’ve had enough of your bickering, Sparkpaw. You may bother be young cats in training, but this is Alderpaw’s quest and Alderpaw’s vision. You need to listen to him. He’s right. We should continue on, not stop and hunt before we’ve even left our territory. So shut your trap and be glad that Leafpool and Alderpaw gave you that ‘chewed-up bark’.”

Sparkpaw ducked her head, her tail drooping. Alderpaw could see a hint of anger and defiance in her eyes. “Fine,” she muttered. “I’m sorry, Alderpaw.”

Alderpaw puffed out his chest, pleased that his cousin had backed him up and announced that he was the leader. All the same, he didn’t like to see his sister miserable. As they set out again, he brushed his tail along her side. “It’s okay,” he whispered.

They emerged from the trees on the lakeshore not far from the stream that marked the border with WindClan. Alderpaw had been this way before, when they’d gone to the Gathering, and he felt quite confident as he splashed through the shallow water and led the way alongside the lake.

With his Clanmates clustered closely around him, Alderpaw glanced up to see if any of the long-limbed WindClan cats were in sight, but nothing moved on the bare hillside.

“Good,” Jayflight sniffed. “They’ve been so on edge lately, they’d probably try to send us home after they found out about the quest. Plus, they’d probably start rumors if they saw us. Mouse-brains. Mudstar needs to get a better grip on his warriors.”

Lionblaze shrugged. “It seems that he’s trying. Maybe those rogues he mentioned are still bugging them.”

Jayflight shrugged and Rosepetal nodded. “They might even follow us. Come on, Alderpaw, pick up the pace a bit.”

Alderpaw sped up into a fast lope along the pebbly lakeshore, and his Clanmates followed him until they reached the WindClan border near the horseplace. Now and again, he cast swift glances at the moor, and once he thought he saw a flicker of movement among some gorse bushes, but no cat emerged to challenge them.

When they crossed the border and stood near the horseplace, Alderpaw halted. He felt a fluttering in his belly. “You’d better lead now, Sandstorm,” he meowed. “You’re the oldest one of us who’s been this way before.”

Sandstorm nodded. “We have to climb the ridge,” she responded, pointing upward with her tail to where a steep hill, dotted her and there with thickets of trees, led to a bare ridge, many fox-lengths above their head. “I’ll never forget the night we arrived here,” she murmured, her green eyes deep with memory. “We climbed that ridge from the other side and we had no idea where StarClan was leading us. Then we reached the top and saw the lake, and the spirits of our warrior ancestors reflected in the water.” She sighed. “It was one of the most wonderful nights of my life.”

She paused for a moment, then gave her pelt a shake. “Let’s go.”

Alderpaw and the others followed Sandstorm on the tough climb up the ridge. She led them past the clustered Twoleg dens of horseplace, then alongside a fence made of some shiny Twoleg stuff.

“Look!” Sparkpaw whispered to Alderpaw “Horses!”

Alderpaw recognized the huge animals from how Daisy described them in the nursery. There were two of them—one dark brown and one mottled gray—standing together in the shade of a tree, gently whisking their tails to and fro.

“They’re not dangerous unless you bother them,” Sandstorm mewed with a brisk tone. “And they won’t come on this side of the fence.”

All the same, Alderpaw was relieved when they left the horses behind and scrambled up the last few tail-lengths to the top of the ridge. Reaching it, he halted, his paws frozen to the ground.

“Wow!” Sparkpaw breathed out, coming to stand beside him. “I didn’t know the world was so big!”

Gazing out in front of him, Alderpaw saw that the ground fell away sharply, sweeping down into a wide valley with stretches of woodland and what looked like a hard black snake winding across it. Beyond it were masses of trees, the huddled dens of an enormous Twolegplace—far bigger than the one by the lake where they had gone to collect catmint—and fields and hills stretching away on every side until they became hazy with distance.

A shiver passed, as if he were being stabbed by masses of icicles, all at once. Glancing back, he could still see the lake with the Clan territories around it, the only place he had known all his life. Ahead, everything was unknown. It was even more frightening than his journey to the Moonpool, because at least he had been able to follow a path the other medicine cats left for him at that point. Now, he had no idea where he was going. He felt like a kit again, stumbling blindly forward, not know what he was going to run into next.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Lionblaze asked, stepping up next to Alderpaw. “It just keeps going, and going, and going. I remember when I went to the mountains for the first time. Looking out on the world so high in the sky was . . . exhilarating. I felt like a StarClan warrior looking down over the Clan territories.”

“Can you see the place in your vision?” Sparkpaw breathed. Her eyes were bright with excitement as she took in the vast landscape in front of them.

Alderpaw peered around, trying to make out the rocks of the gorge, but it was Sandstorm that replied. “Of course not! This place is much too far away.”

“Great StarClan!” Sparkpaw squeaked. “You mean there’s more of it?”

“Much more,” Sandstorm told her, sounding amused. “And the sooner we get going, the sooner we’ll arrive. Come on: I’d like to cross the Thunderpath down there before nightfall.”

Alderpaw realized she meant the black snake-like thing. It was so different from the little Thunderpath that ended at the lake, separating ShadowClan from RiverClan. Glittering objects, which looked like tiny beetles at the distance, were speeding back and forth along its length.

“When we get there,” Sandstorm went on, her voice firm, “you will not cross it before I tell you to. Is that clear?” she added with a hard look at Sparkpaw.

Sparkpaw nodded, as cheerful as ever after her earlier scolding. “Sure, Sandstorm.

With Sandstorm in the lead, the seven cats headed down the slope and soon came to a wide stretch of woodland. Jayflight was pressed close against Lionblaze, and Alderpaw knew that Jayflight was even more blind than he already was. At least he knew ThunderClan’s territory near the lake; now everything was unfamiliar. He probably feels more like a kit than I do.

Even though it wasn’t as thick as the forest, Alderpaw was grateful to be back under the shade of trees, enjoying the warm scents and the long grass underpaw. He felt vulnerable back on the moor, as if an owl would swoop down on him any moment and carry him far away from the Clan.

Sandstorm halted, raising her tail as a sign for the others to do the same. “Twolegs!” she hissed.

“Really?” Sparkpaw’s eyes were alight with interest. “Can we go and see?”

Jayflight snorted. “Why would you want to see them?” he meowed. “They’re strange and dangerous, that’s all you need to know about them.”

Sparkpaw sent her cousin a sharp glare, then turned to Sandstorm. “Please?”

Sandstorm hesitated. “It’s not a bad idea for you to get an idea of what they’re like,” she replied at last. “But we’re not here to gawk at Twolegs, and don’t you forget.”

Jayflight grumbled but followed his Clanmates over to the Twolegs. Lionblaze followed close behind, his claws unsheathed, as if he were getting ready to defend his Clanmates if the Twolegs attacked them.

Alderpaw had to admit that he was just as curious as his sister. So far he had only glimpsed Twolegs now and again, mostly near the greenleaf Twolegplaces, and always from a distance. He had never heard their raucous voices, or gotten close enough to discover what they were really like.

Skirting a bramble thicket, Sandstorm stood screened behind a clump of ferns and beckoned with her tail. “Okay, come and look, but don’t let them know you’re here.”

Alderpaw crept forward, with Sparkpaw by his side, and peered through the ferns. A group of five Twolegs, all different sizes, were sitting in a clearing. Just beyond them was a stretch of ground covered by the black Thunderpath stuff, with one of the glittering things—this one bright red—crouching under a tree.

“What’s that?” he whispered to Sandstorm.

“A monster,” Sandstorm murmured in reply. “They’ll kill you if they catch you with those big black paws. But that one looks like it’s asleep, so it’s probably safe for now.”

“And what are the Twolegs sitting on?” Sparkpaw asked. “They look like tree trunks, but sort of flat.

Alderpaw thought that was a good description. There was a bigger flat trunk, too, with big leaf wraps scattered upon it. They must have held prey, because the Twolegs were stuffing something into their mouths.

Sparkpaw passed her tongue over her jaws. “I’m hungry,” she complained. “And whatever that is, it smells good!”

Alderpaw’s pelt bristled with fear to see the Twolegs so close, to hear their harsh voices and to pick up their weird scent. But he was fascinated too. “They hardly have any fur,” he murmured. “Are they sick? I remember Leafpool telling me about a sickness that made cats lose their fur. But these Twolegs all seem to have it.” Turning to Sandstorm, he asked, “Why don’t their medicine Twolegs help them?”

Sandstorm opened her jaws to reply, but another voice cut her off. “They’re not sick.” The five cats jumped and turned to see a long-furred, gray she-cat with a bushy tail in one of the trees. She seemed amused by the cats’ description of the Twolegs, but her voice didn’t betray any emotion.

Sandstorm bristled and stepped in front of Alderpaw, her eyes narrowing. “Who are you and what do you want?” she hissed, unsheathing her claws.

The gray she-cat laughed and leapt down from her place on the tree branch. She looked about three moons older than Sparkpaw and Alderpaw. If she were a Clan cat, she’d probably almost be ready to be a warrior. She scanned the Clan cats, her eyes alight with curiosity. “I’m just a cat traveling around this area,” she meowed, her voice still pretty monotone. She lifted her head and flicked her tail. “I’m actually on an important mission to find something.”

Alderpaw’s ears perked with interest. “What are you trying to find?” he squeaked, shying behind Sandstorm when the she-cat’s green gaze landed on him. They reminded Alderpaw of Needlepaw’s eyes, bold and bright.

“My name is Rain,” she meowed. “I’m trying to find four Clans. I was sent by my leader to find them.”

Leader? Alderpaw’s paws tingled with excitement. Is this a SkyClan cat? If not, how does she know about the Clans? If she is, is she trying to find the Clans so she can “clear the skies”?

Rain got closer to the Clan cats, making Alderpaw uneasy. Jayflight stepped closer to him, his fur bristling and his claws unsheathed. “I can see you eyeing the Twoleg cats,” she meowed to Sparkpaw, who was still keeping an eye on a shiny rock with the leaf wraps spilling out of it.. “Once the Twolegs leave, I could help you get some of the food in there.”

“So it is food?” Sparkpaw asked, licking her lips.

Rain was about to reply when one of the Twoleg kits squealed and pointed to the cats with one of its pink paws. Alderpaw’s heart began to race. “It sees us!” he squeaked, his paws frozen to the ground.

Jayflight butted into him, hissing. “Hide!”

Forcing himself to move, Alderpaw darted back to the bramble thicket and thrust his way into it, feeling the thorns rake through his pelt. He could hear Sparkpaw burrowing close by. “StarClan-forsaken thorns!” she hissed.

Alderpaw looked around the bramble thicket, seeing no sign of the gray she-cat. “Where did Rain go?” he asked.

Jayflight spoke up. “Who cares! We shouldn’t have gotten so close to those Twolegs. They’re always trouble.”

Alderpaw guessed that Rain fled back up the branch she was in. He could hear the Twoleg kit’s voice rising into a shriek. The the lower-pitched, adult Twoleg voices drew closer, and the ground shook with the trampling of their big, clumsy paws. Alderpaw crouched as small as he could and hoped that all his Clanmates were well hidden.

Finally the sounds died away and the footsteps retreated. “You can come out now,” Rain called, her paws pattering closer to the brambles.

Alderpaw worked his way backward out of the thicket and stood shaking his pelt. He felt as if every thorn in the forest was sticking into him. He watched the Twolegs cleaning their mess of leaf wraps and throwing them into what looked like a shiny rock that had a tiny cave at the top.

They then retreated to their monsters, and Alderpaw was horrified as each Twoleg climbed into it. “Did they just let the monster eat them?” he mewled, turning to Sandstorm.

Sandstorm laughed a bit. “No, the monsters let them ride inside their bellies,” she meowed. “Twolegs are odd.”

Alderpaw agreed.

Then he noticed that Sparkpaw had emerged and ran over to Rain, her eyes wide. What does she think she’s doing? She wasn’t at all scared of the rogue. “Now that they’ve left, can you get the Twoleg prey?” she asked, her tail swishing in excitement.

Sandstorm hissed slightly, but both Rain and the apprentice ignored her. “Sure,” Rain replied, padding over to the shiny rock filled with the prey the Twolegs had thrown in there. “I call these Twoleg cans. I don’t know what they call it, but I don’t really care.” She leapt up to the rim of the cave, and sniffed around before jumping back down. “This is where they put food they don’t want anymore.”

“Why wouldn’t they want it?” Sparkpaw asked, placing her front paws on the can. “It all smells so amazing!”

Alderpaw tasted the air, and his jaws began to water at the delicious scent that flooded over him, he realized how hungry he was.

“Twolegs are very strange,” Toadstep commented, as he and Rosepetal padded up to join the others.

Alderpaw watched Rain push against the can, and it toppled over. Black shiny stuff fell out of the can along with all the prey that the Twolegs threw in. “There you go,” she meowed. “Easy.”

Sparkpaw shoved her head into the cave. Twoleg leaf wraps crackling under her paws, and emerged with a lump of something in her jaws. Alderpaw breathed in more of the enticing smell.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Dunno,” Sparkpaw mumbled around the prey. “Some kind of bird, I think. Go and get some. There’s plenty.”

Sandstorm and Jayflight stayed away from the pile of prey, both still wary of Rain, who was watching them stuff their head into the can and pull out their prey. Rosepetal dragged out a huge piece of bird that made her mouth water. “This is so big it must have been an eagle,” she purred. “I’ll share this with Sandstorm.”

Alderpaw and Toadstep ventured and collected some of the prey for themselves. Lionblaze went next and pulled out a big piece of bird and dragged it over to Jayflight, who sniffed but shared it with his brother. Alderpaw turned to look at Rain, who was grooming herself near the can. “Thank you,” he meowed to her, dipping his head. “I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about where you came from?”

Sandstorm instantly leaped in front of her grandson, glaring hard at the rogue. “I’ll be asking her the questions, Alderpaw,” she meowed, her eyes slits. “You should steer clear of her for now.”

Alderpaw’s heart sank but he nodded and took his place beside Sparkpaw with his own lump of fresh-kill. He bit into it and realized it tasted even better than it smelled. But as he gulped it down, he began to feel a prickling in his pelt, as if some creature was watching him. He tried to tell himself not to be stupid, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling.

A rustling sound came form the trees. Alderpaw tensed, glancing over his shoulder. Maybe the crazy Twoleg kit came back? Or maybe the Twolegs weren’t really done with their prey after all?

But the rustling died away, and there was nothing to be seen. Alderpaw tried to pick up a scent, but the aroma of the delicious Twoleg prey swamped everything else. He turned back to finish his fresh-kill, trying to tell himself that he was just imagining things.

It’s weird . . . I just have the feeling that we’re being watched.

[need1etail]

Chapter One

Alderkit stood in front of the nursery, anxiously shifting his weight. He unsheathed his claws, digging them into the hard earth of the stone hollow, then sheathed them again to shake dust from his paws. Now what happens? he asked himself, his belly churning as he thought about his apprentice ceremony, which was only moments away. What if there’s some sort of assessment before I can be an apprentice?

Alderkit thought he had heard something about an assessment once, perhaps a few moons before Hollytuft, Fernsong, and Sorrelstripe had been made warriors. But I can’t really remember. He tried to focus on the memory, but couldn’t recall it. I was so little then. His heart started to pound faster and faster in his chest. He tried to convince himself that one of the warriors would have told him if he was supposed to prove that he was ready. Because I’m not sure that I am ready to be an apprentice. Not at all. What if I can’t do it.

Deep in his own thoughts, Alderkit jumped in surprise when a cat nudged him hard from behind. Spinning around, he recognized his sister, Sparkkit, her orange tabby fur bushing out in all directions. “Aren’t you excited?” she asked, bouncing with enthusiasm. “Don’t you want to know who your mentor will be?” Alderkit’s heart sank. He hadn’t thought about mentors and Sparkkit reminding him made his chest even tighter than it already was. “I hope I get someone fun! Not a bossy cat like Berrynose, or Whitewing. She sticks too close to the rules I think she recites the warrior code in her sleep! Or worse, Jayflight. He’s so bossy and grumpy all the time.” Alderkit shoved his sister lightly. He knew she didn't mean her words, but it was still rude to speak about her kin that way.

“That’s enough.” Squirrelflight, the kits’ mother and Bramblestar’s deputy, emerged from the nursery in time to hear Sparkkit’s last words. “Jayflight is your kin, Sparkkit, don’t disrespect him.” Sparkkit stuck out her tongue a little, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “You’re not supposed to have fun with your mentors,” she added, licking one paw and smoothing it over a stubborn tuft on Sparkkit’s head that wouldn’t lay down. “You’re supposed to learn from them. Berrynose, Whitewing, and Jayflight would make excellent mentors. You would be lucky if Bramblestar gave you to one of them.”

Squirrelflight’s words were sharp, but Alderkit could detect her eyes shining with love for her kittens. Alderkit knew how much his mother adored him and his sister. He was only a kit, but he understood that Squirrelflight was old to have her first litter, and he remembered their shared grief for his lost littermates: Juniperkit and Dandelionkit. Juniperkit, who had barely taken a breath before he died, and Dandelionkit, who had never been strong, and who had slowly weakened until she died almost two moons later.

Sparkkit and I have to be the best cats we can be for Squirrelflight and Bramblestar.

Sparkkit, meanwhile, was not at all cowed by her mother’s scolding speech. She twitched her tail and cheerfully shook her pelt until it was fluffed up again.

Alderkit wished he had his sister’s confidence. He hadn’t wondered until now who his mentor would be, and he gazed around the clearing to the other cats with new and curious eyes. Ivypool would be an okay mentor, he thought, spotting the silver-and-white tabby she-cat returning from a hunting patrol with Lionblaze and her mate, Blossomfall. She’s friendly and a good hunter. Alderkit watched her brush against Blossomfall and lick her on the bridge of her nose before making her way to drop off the prey she caught on the fresh-kill pile. Lionblaze is a bit scary. He shifted his gaze to the tall tabby tom and suppressed a shiver at the sight of the muscles rippling under his golden fur. He loved Lionblaze, but the fact that he was so big still frightened him. It definitely won’t be Blossomfall. She mentored Sorrelstripe not that long ago. Or Dovewing, she mentored Fernsong, or Brightheart, who mentored Hollytuft. As he was searching the clan, he saw Leafpool outside her den with Briarlight and Dovewing. Dovewing was massaging her mate’s back while Leafpool helped the paralyzed she-cat with her exercises. Alderkit watched in interest until his aunt caught his eyes and blinked warmly at him. He quickly turned away.

Lost in thought, Alderkit watched Brackenfur, who had paused in the middle of the clearing to give his ear a good scratch. He was probably a good mentor when he was a warrior. He's been kind to me since I was a kit, but he's also firm.

“Hey wake up!” Sparkkit trod down hard on Alderkit’s paw, making him jolt. “It’s starting.” Alderkit realized that Bramblestar had appeared on the Highledge outside his den, way above their heads on the wall of the stone hollow.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!” Bramblestar yowled.

As the cats in the clearing turned their attention to Bramblestar and began to gather together, Alderkit though that his father seemed to stand taller and stronger than all of them—even strong warriors like Lionblaze and Dovewing.

He’s so confident and strong. I’m lucky to be his son.

Bramblestar ran lightly down the tumbled rocks and took his place in the ragged circle of cats that was forming at the foot of the rock wall. Graystripe, the Clan’s previous deputy, purred as the kits passed him, and Sorrelstripe, one of the youngest warriors, held her head high, as if proud to have finished her own apprenticeship. Squirrelflight gently nudged her two kits forward until they stood in the circle. Alderkit’s belly began to churn even harder and he tightened all his muscles to stop himself from trembling. I can’t do this! he cried silently, trying not to panic.

Then he caught sight of his father’s gaze on him: such a warm, proud look that Alderkit instantly felt comforted. He took a few deep breaths, forcing himself to relax.

“Cats of ThunderClan,” Bramblestar began, “today is a great day, for it’s time to make two new apprentices. Sparkkit, come here, please.”

Instantly, Sparkkit bounced into the center of the circle, her tail standing straight up and her fur bristling with excitement. She gazed confidently at her leader.

“From this day forward,” Bramblestar meowed, touching Sparkkit on her shoulder with his tail-tip, “this apprentice will be known as Sparkpaw. Rosepetal, you will be her mentor.” Alderkit turned to the dark cream she-cat, who didn't look as surprised as he thought she would. Papa probably told her that Sparkpaw would be given to her. “Rosepetal, you’ve trained your past apprentices excellently, and I trust you will share with her your loyalty to your clan, your quick thinking, and your excellent hunting skills.”

Sparkpaw dashed across the circle to Rosepetal, bouncing with happiness, and the dark cream warrior bent her head to touch noses with her.

“Sparkpaw! Sparkpaw!” The Clan began to yowl.

Sparkpaw gave a pleased little hop as her Clanmates chanted her new name, her eyes shining as she stood up beside her mentor.

Alderkit joined the acclamation, pleased to see how happy his sister looked. Thank StarClan! There wasn’t any kind of test to prove that she was ready.

As the yowling died away, Bramblestar beckoned to Alderkit with his tail. “Your turn,” he meowed, his gaze encouraging Alderkit on. Alderkit’s legs were suddenly wobbly as he staggered into the center of the circle. His chest felt tighter than ever, as if he couldn’t breathe properly. But as he halted in front of Bramblestar, his father gave him a slight nod to steady him, and he stood with his head raised as Bramblestar rested the tip of his tail on his shoulder.

“From this day forward, this apprentice will be known as Alderpaw,” Bramblestar announced. “Toadstep, you will be his mentor. You are a loyal, brave, and energetic warrior, and I know that you will do your best to pass on these qualities to your apprentice.”

As he padded across the clearing to join his mentor, Alderpaw wasn’t sure how he felt. Toadstep was a great warrior, loyal, brave, determined; but, as Bramblestar said, he was also full of energy. Alderpaw didn’t think he would be able to match Toadstep’s enthusiasm about his first apprentice. He wondered if Bramblestar chose Toadstep so Alderpaw would learn to be less anxious and more optimistic. He swallowed and let Toadstep touch his nose to Alderpaw’s.

I hope I will make you proud of me, Alderpaw thought. I’m going to try my hardest!

“Alderpaw! Alderpaw!”

Alderpaw ducked his head and gave his chest fur a few embarrassed licks as he listened to his Clanmates caterwauling his name. At the same time, he thought he would burst with happiness. At last, the chanting died away and the crowd of cats began to disperse, heading toward their dens or the fresh-kill pile. Squirrelflight and Bramblestar padded over to join their kits.

“Well done,” Bramblestar meowed flicking his tail over Alderpaw’s ear. “It wasn’t so scary, was it?”

“It was great!” Sparkpaw responded, her tail waving in the air. “I can’t wait to go hunting!”

“We’re so proud of both of you,” Squirrelflight purred, giving Sparkpaw and Alderpaw a lick around the ears. “I’m sure you’ll both make wonderful warriors one day.”

Bramblestar dipped his head in agreement. “I know you both have so much to give to your Clan.” He stepped back as he finished speaking, and waved his tail to draw Rosepetal and Toadstep closer. “Listen to your mentors,” he told the two apprentice. “I’m looking forward to hearing good things about your progress.” Alderpaw caught a glint of emotion in his father’s eyes. With an affectionate nuzzle, he turned away and head toward his den. Squirrelflight too gave her kits a quick cuddle, and then she followed her mate.

Alderpaw noticed Lionblaze stand from his spot next to Cinderheart and their kits, and bound over to them. “Congrats!” he purred, nudging his cousins in the shoulder with his nose, nearly knocking Alderpaw off his paws. Alderpaw purred. Lionblaze always acted like a big brother to him. The tall tom’s eyes sparkled. “After you do your new apprentice duties, let's have a mouse together, okay?”

Alderpaw nodded. The golden warrior licked the apprentices’ ears swiftly before joining Cinderheart. Alderpaw and Sparkpaw were left alone with Toadstep and Rosepetal.

Toadstep faced Alderpaw, blinking in excitement. “Being an apprentice is a big responsibility,” he meowed, obviously trying to have a serious tone, but failing, his voice edging with excitement. “You must pay close attention to everything you’re taught, because one day your clan may depend on your fighting and hunting skills.” Alderpaw sat up straight and nodded. “You’ll have to work hard to prove you have what it takes to be a warrior,” Toadstep went on, his eyes wide.

Alderpaw held his head high and blinked at his mentor, afraid he didn’t look very worthy to be an apprentice. Rosepetal was speaking to her own apprentice behind him. “We’ll have such fun exploring the territory!” the cream she-cat meowed. The enthusiasm seemed to boost Toadstep, too, because he looked like he was about to burst. “And now you’ll get to go to Gatherings.”

“Can we start learning to hunt now?” Sparkpaw asked eagerly.

Toadstep and Rosepetal looked at each other, and Alderpaw thought they looked ever so slightly guilty. “Not right now,” Toadstep replied. “Apprentices have special duties for the well-being of the whole Clan, and we wanted you to start with a different part of apprenticeship than most apprentices do.”

“What do we have to do?” Alderpaw asked, eyeing the two mentors.

There was a guilty look on Rosepetal’s face as she meowed, “Today we agreed that you two are going to make sure the elders are comfortable by getting rid of their ticks. You’ll need some mouse bile. You can ask Leafpool for some and they’ll tell you how to use it.”

“Mouse bile!” Sparkpaw wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Yuck!”

Alderpaw’s heart sank further. If this is being an apprentice, I’m not sure I’m going to enjoy it.

Sunlight shone through the roof of the den, beneath the hazel bushes where the elder’s lived. Alderpaw wished that he could curl up in the warmth and take a long nap, but instead he was combing his claws painstakingly through Graystripe’s long pelt, searching for ticks. Sparkpaw was doing the same for Purdy, while Sandstorm and Millie looked on, patiently waiting for their turn. Brackenfur was laying next to the two she-cats, his small amount of ticks already finished by Sparkpaw.

“Wow, you’ve got a massive tick here!” Sparkpaw exclaimed. “Hold still and let me get it for you, Purdy.” With clenched teeth, she picked up the stick Leafpool had given her, which had a ball of moss soaked in mouse bile stuck to one end, and awkwardly bent her head so she could dab the moss onto Purdy’s tick.

The old tabby shook his pelt and sighed in relief as the tick fell to the ground. “That’s much better, young’un,” he purred, blinking gratefully at the young apprentice.

“But this stuff smells horrible!” Sparkpaw grumbled around the twig. “I don't know how you elders can stand it.” Suppressing a sigh, she began parting Purdy’s clumped, untidy fur in search for more ticks. Alderpaw heard stories about Mousefur, a snappy elder who died during the Great Battle, who used to groom Purdy’s pelt every night. Squirrelflight told Alderpaw that the elder would scold him about not taking care of himself, but he would never pay attention to her.

“Now you listen here, youngster,” Purdy meowed, tucking his paws under his chest. “There’s not a cat in ThunderClan who wasn’t an apprentice, cleaning off elder’s ticks just like you are.”

“Even Bramblestar?” Alderpaw asked, pausing with one paw sunk deep into Graystripe’s pelt. It was hard to imagine the huge leader as a small apprentice.

“Even Firestar,” Graystripe responded, a purr rumbling in his throat. “He and I trained as apprentices together. I’ve lost count of the number of ticks we pulled, but we probably only pulled so many because we were such trouble makers.” His eyes filled with emotion as he spoke about his old friend. “Hey!” he added, giving Alderpaw a soft prod to the side. “Watch what you’re doing, please. Your digging your claws into my shoulder!”

“Sorry!” Alderpaw meowed, relaxing his claws. In spite of being scolded, he felt quite content. Cleaning off ticks was a messy job, but there were worse things that sitting in a shaft of sunlight and listening to the kind elders. He looked up briefly to see Sandstorm’s green gaze resting lovingly on him and his sister as she settled herself more comfortably in the bracken of her nest.

“I remember when your mother was first made an apprentice,” she sighed, shaking her head. “Dustpelt was her mentor. I wish you had met him—he died during the Great Storm, killed by badgers. He was one of our best warriors, and he didn’t put up with any nonsense. Even so, Squirrelflight sure was a match for him!”

“What did she do?” Alderpaw asked, intrigued to think of his serious, fierce mother as a difficult young apprentice. “Please tell us!”

Sandstorm scoffed and rolled her eyes. “What didn’t she do? Slipping out of camp to hunt on her own . . . getting stuck in bushes, falling into streams . . . I remember Dustpelt saying to me once ‘If that kit of yours doesn’t shape up, I’ll claw her pelt off and hang it on a branch to frighten the foxes off!’”

Sparkpaw stared at her grandmother, her mouth gaping. “He wouldn’t have!”

“Of course not,” Sandstorm purred, her green eyes alight with amusement, “but Dustpelt had to be tough with her. He saw how much she had to offer her Clan, but he knew she wouldn’t live up to her potential unless she learned discipline.”

Brackenfur purred. “She was just enthusiastic about being an apprentice.”

“Well, she sure did live up to her potential,” Alderpaw meowed.

“Alderpaw!” Graystripe gave the dark ginger apprentice another prod. “What about my ticks, huh?”

“And ours!” Millie put in, with a glance at Sandstorm. “We’ve been waiting moons!”

“Sorry . . .” Alderpaw began rapidly searching through Graystripe’s pelt, and almost at once he came across a huge, swollen tick. That must be really uncomfortable for Graystripe. Picking up his mouse bile twig, he dabbed the tick with the moss, at the same moment, he happened to glance up, and spotted his aunt, Leafpool, speaking with Jayflight intently just outside the medicine cat’s den. Alderpaw knew that Jayflight was sort of like Leafpool’s assistant, figuring out omens, and helping her find infections. As Alderpaw wondered vaguely what was so important, both the medicine cat and the warrior turned toward him. Suddenly he felt trapped in Jayflight’s blind blue gaze and Leafpool’s searching one.

A worm of uneasiness began to gnaw at Alderpaw’s belly. Great StarClan! Are they speaking about me? Have I messed something up already?

Yeah so I tried to go a couple different ways but I decided I liked this more. Here’s the first chapter again!