the-warrior-cats-challenge

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

The Gathering

Ottersight, Owlheart and Bluewhisker trotted down the narrow path anxiously, Woodpelt lead the patrol swiftly, the other cats barely matching her pace. The moon was bright against the black sky, Woodpelt’s pelt was shiny and bright before she disappeared into a dark gorse tunnel. The patrol followed blindly, trusting their leader’s judgement. 

Ottersight was proud to walk beside his son and his littermate, who Woodpelt trusted more than anyone along with her mate. 

The cats appeared on the other end of the tunnel and blinked a few times before they could see the bright forest again clearly. Woodpelt looked as if she knew where she was going, and Ottersight guessed she had come this way many times in her dreams with StarClan. He saw Bluewhisker’s whiskers twitch, and he guessed she was thinking the same thing, it was dangerous to be so far out of WoodClan territory. Not many WoodClan cats had been out of the territory at all. 

Woodpelt stopped as a large clearing came into view. Four large trees surrounded the clearing, towering over the sky. Through a small gap in the trees, the moon stood high in the sky, glaring down at the approaching cats. 

“Is this the place?” Owlheart asked, hiding his nervousness. 

“StarClan tells me it is.” Woodpelt spoke calmly, looking towards a huge high-rock that stood at the edge of the clearing. This rock was much taller and larger than the one in WoodClan camp, Ottersight guessed it was even bigger than the camp itself. Bluewhisker and Owlheart sat in the dusty clearing, looking around at their surroundings. The trees covered most of the forest nearby, making this area seem safer than Ottersight guessed it was. 

“If ForestClan sees the same StarClan as we do, they’ll meet us here.” Woodpelt looked up at the moon as if it grabbed her attention. 

“And if they do share the same StarClan? What then?” Bluewhisker shuffled her paws, looking towards her leader.

“Then we know we can trust ForestClan.” Woodpelt’s words left a chill run down Ottersight’s spine. 

“They’re here.” She meowed calmly. Ottersight sniffed the cold air and noticed she was right, he could smell unfamiliar cats. He looked over at his own clan-mates and could tell Owlheart and Bluewhisker were on guard, but their leader’s calmness made them sheathe their claws. 

A fluffy brown she-cat entered the clearing first, her gaze settled on Woodpelt. Behind her, a strong tom and two she-cats followed. Ottersight guessed the brown she-cat was Forestfur, the leader of ForestClan. Ottersight got most of his information from Woodpelt, who told him about all of her dreams from StarClan. Woodpelt and Forestfur sprang onto the giant rock, their shoulders side by side. Slowly, the other patrol entered the clearing and sat close together, glancing wearily at the WoodClan cats. 

The two leaders looked down at their clans, and shared a few words that only they could hear. 

Woodpelt stepped towards the edge of the rock and gazed down at both patrols after nodding to Forestfur. “StarClan has gathered us here to discuss the future of WoodClan and ForestClan.” She meowed bravely. The ForestClan cats watched her as their own leader stepped beside Woodpelt. “Our clans have no reason to fight,” She went on, looking at her own patrol “We will remain passive. And meet here at four-trees each full moon.” 

The other cats looked at each other surprised, even Ottersight didn’t know they’d be meeting this clan more than once. Although he was weary about this decision, he knew it would be safer to know whats happening on the other side of the forest. 

After murmuring between both clans, the two leaders leaped down from the rock effortlessly and dispersed to their own clans after nudging each other on the shoulder. Ottersight could tell both cats had great trust in each other, but it would be a lot of work for both clans to have that same amount of trust. Woodpelt lead the WoodClan cats the same way they had come. Ottersight saw Owlheart looks behind them and watch the ForestClan cats disappear, he looked forward again and his fur rustled. If these two clans were meant to co-exist, eventually they’d have to get to know each other. Next full moon, Ottersight might have to meet the deputy of ForestClan. 

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Making a Friend

Finchpaw and Driftpaw lied awkwardly in the clearing mumbling to each other, Fernstripe watched from the fresh-kill pile as she chose her next meal. Although she didn’t like the idea of so many cats strolling into camp, she had to feel bad for the two apprentices, who were forced into clan life when their mother left them. Trying to avoid letting them see her staring, she looked over at Bluewhisker who sat under the high-rock looking down at her paws. Fernstripe guessed she was also sad to see her friend leave the clan, and she also had the weight on her shoulders of mentoring Finchpaw, who didn’t exactly follow the warrior code like his brother. Owlheart padded over to the two toms and murmured something to Driftpaw that Fernstripe couldn’t hear, after a few meows Driftpaw and Owlheart left camp. Finchpaw was left alone in the clearing to shuffle his paws awkwardly. Fernstripe picked up a vole and chaffinch and carried her picks over to Finchpaw, and set both down in front of him. 

“Here, you get first pick!” She meowed cheerfully. 

Finchpaw looked at her curiously and pulled the vole towards him with his heavy paw. “Erm.. thanks, Fernstripe.” He bent down and started to eat. 

Fernstripe was surprised that he remembered her name. “So how is it being in the clan?” She asked in a friendly tone. She regretted asking when she thought about how Driftpaw was the only cat he could rely on, now that his mother was gone. 

“It’s okay I guess.” He avoided eye contact as he licked his paws after finishing his meal. 

“It’ll be more fun when you’re a warrior!” “If I ever become a warrior.”

Fernstripe twisted her head slightly, when she was an apprentice, she never doubted she’d become a warrior. “As long as you follow the warrior code and prove yourself, Woodpelt will make you a warrior.” She meowed, trying to cheer him up. 

“I hope so…” Finchpaw murmured. 

He must think the clan will treat him unfairly. Fernstripe suddenly felt guilty for judging cats like him, the only ones she had ever met were great warriors. Like Gorsefang, Jayfrost and Marshclaw, they all had kitty-pet blood. 

“I think you’ll make a good warrior Finchpaw.” She meowed and padded away. 

Finchpaw looked up and smiled as he watched Fernstripe trot towards the warrior’s den. Maybe making friends wouldn’t be so hard. 

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An Apprentice’s Drive

The sun was hot over Marshclaw’s ginger fur, it was one of the hottest days this green-leaf. The heat from the grass burned at his pads, but he stayed alert. He was on his first border patrol, and Woodpelt had told the patrol to look out for two-legs, which Ottersight had spotted not too long ago. He wondered why Woodpelt hadn’t also warned them about ForestClan, but clearly she wasn’t concerned about that. Leapshine, Jayfrost, Marshclaw and Driftpaw all padded on the edge of WoodClan territory. These cats had clearly never fought in battle, but Marshclaw wasn’t judging, he hadn’t fought another cat in his lifetime either. Driftpaw was letting his legs lazily fall behind him, like he had no passion for protecting the border. Marshclaw was a kitty-pet once, and even he was more loyal to the clan than Driftpaw. 

Marshclaw gently nudged Driftpaw’s tail to get his attention, and Driftpaw turned his head slowly. Marshclaw signaled for the tom to fall behind the patrol. 

When the two toms were out of earshot, Marshclaw meowed a few words to the apprentice. 

“How are you and Finchpaw doing now that.. Socks left?” He had almost forgotten Socks’ name, when she was in the clan he had more important things to focus on. 

“Fine.” The young cat meowed dryly. He hadn’t seemed to care when his mother left, and Marshclaw was curious why. 

“Are you excited to become a warrior?” He tried getting the tom excited about something, but he didn’t budge. Usually Marshclaw would think this grumpy cat was amussing, but he was starting to get confused. Did he want to be in the clan at all?

Marshclaw tried to think of other questions to bring up some sort of emotion from the tom, “Have you ever seen StarClan?” He asked, putting on a brave tone. Driftpaw finally reacted. “I don’t even care about the warrior code.” He scoffed, looking straight ahead as he walked with emotionless eyes. 

“Then why are you in WoodClan?” He meowed surprisingly. 

Again Driftpaw had no reaction. 

“Owlheart must be wasting his time training you.” 

Driftpaw stopped in his tracks and looked at Marshclaw. “Whats the point of being a warrior when the clan wouldn’t even accept me anyway?” He spat defensively. Suddenly Marshclaw wondered if Driftpaw had believed in the warrior code after all. 

He thought back to the time when he wasn’t a warrior himself, not too long ago he was just a kitty-pet in the clan. He wanted desperately for his clan-mates to trust him, all he wanted was to follow the warrior code as a loyal and strong warrior of WoodClan. Maybe Driftpaw had wanted the same thing, he just didn’t want to hope for something that he thought would never come true. 

“Is it because you have kitty-pet blood?” He asked. 

Driftpaw flinched, “Why else? They’d never accept a cat with kitty-pet blood.” He looked away ashamed. 

“I was once a house-cat,” Marshclaw went on as Driftpaw listened “But I proved to be a warrior, and thats why I was given a warrior name.” 

Driftpaw looked surprised, he clearly didn’t know Marshclaw was a kitty-pet before. He looked away with more emotion in his eyes now, he quickly ran off to join the patrol.

Marshclaw watched the apprentice disappear behind the trees, and hoped some of his words meant anything to the young tom. He was clearly lead by emotion, and he had the potential of being a strong warrior, as long as his heart was in the right place. 

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A First Chance

Pinenose finally returned from camp with prey she had caught in her jaws, she added her offering to the fresh-kill pile and noticed there was another squirrel and vole since she had left. She shook her tired paws along with the thought and slumped outside of the warriors den, licking her aching pads. 

She glanced over scornfully as Marshclaw proudly trotted into camp, he was carrying two squirrels by the tail and two mice. He dropped them neatly into the pile and headed towards the entrance once more, why was he leaving again? She wondered. She was too tired to question him, but she lied and recounted to herself the times Marshclaw had been out of camp that evening. She remembered that every time he came into camp, he had a mouthful of prey. Pinenose looked towards the fresh-kill pile and realized that it had been very full ever since Marshclaw became a warrior. Only for a second did the thought cross her mind that maybe he was just a great hunter, and that his long moments of being out of camp weren’t suspicious. 

She rested her head on her big paws and closed her eyes. Maybe she was being too harsh, Marshclaw hadn’t done anything to her personally to make her dislike him. 

Suddenly she opened her eyes and was surprised to see Marshclaw’s tall ginger figure right in front of her, she quickly got to her paws and hissed slightly. 

“Why’d you creep up on me like that!” She spat, slowly letting her fur settle back down. 

“I didn’t catch the strongest warrior sleeping did I?” He joked, sitting where he stood and looking up proudly. Strongest warrior? Surely he knew Owlheart or Woodpelt or countless other warriors were stronger than her?

“I wasn’t sleeping. Just resting.” She meowed dryly, wishing their sudden conversation was over. 

“Well, if you’re not too tired from being so grumpy, maybe we could go out hunting together.” Pinenose looked at the toms expression for any sense of sarcasm, but he was being serious. 

“Erm.. sure.” She meowed, she couldn’t pass down a chance to prove her hunting skills. 

Marshclaw perked up and the two cats raced out of camp side by side. 

When the two cats returned, they both carried fish in their jaws. The green-leaf sun blazed down on the forest, and the cats would take any chance they could get to cool down their pelts. They both set down the fish in the fresh-kill pile, being careful not to let the water drip on any other prey. Pinenose caught Marshclaw’s eye as they awkwardly dispersed. She almost bumped into Dovetail on her way to the medicine den. 

“I saw you went hunting with Marshclaw.” She purred. She curled her tail around her paws, clearly expecting a story from her sister.

“Well.. yeah.” She meowed awkwardly. Dovetail was always the one hearing about how much Pinenose disliked Marshclaw. 

“So? Was it fun?” She purred in amusement. 

“It was just like every other hunting party.” Pinenose spoke confidently, but she felt a slight hesitation in her words. She didn’t want to admit to herself or to Dovetail that hunting with Marshclaw made her realize that maybe he was a good warrior after all. 

“I was waiting for you to realize he’s not so bad.” Dovetail turned into the medicine den. How had she known what Pinenose really thought? 

She trotted into the warrior’s den and glanced at Marshclaw, who was curled up on the other side of the den. She picked a mossy bedding near the entrance and lied sleepily, hunting with Marshclaw made her forget how tired she really was, and now she was ready to sleep. 

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Runaway Queen

Bluewhisker lied in the clearing grooming herself, she had been out hunting countless times that evening and the sun was beginning to disappear beyond the trees. Many of the cats were already in their dens sleeping, Ottersight and Longfoot sat below the high-rock examining the camp before returning to their dens, Driftpaw and Finchpaw were sleeping in the apprentices den, finally out of trouble. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Socks trotting over to her. Just the cat she wanted to see! 

“Hello Socks!” She purred, standing to her paws and rubbing her muzzle into her friend’s shoulder. The two she-cats had become great friends, talking about their past lives as a kitty-pet and rogue. Although Socks was young, she had a lot of knowledge behind her fur that Bluewhisker loved to hear. 

“Bluewhisker, could you come with me so I can leave camp?” 

“Why do you want to leave camp?” She meowed. Usually Socks was happy enough sleeping in the queen’s den or taking her share of fresh-kill to enjoy in the shade. 

“Just to stretch my legs, I’m still young and all!” Her tone was friendly, but Bluewhisker was curious. 

“Sure, I’ll go with you.” The two cats padded out of camp, the sun was halfway below the horizon and the tall trees made the forest even darker. If I was a kitty-pet, I’d be scared to be alone too, She thought. 

After padding for a while in silence, they reached a small dirt clearing. Bluewhisker wasn’t familiar with the spot, but it seemed to fit the description that Dovetail gave when she described how she had found Socks. Socks stopped and turned to look at Bluewhisker, she had a sad look in her eyes. 

Bluewhisker turned her head, waiting for her friend to explain what she was feeling. 

“WoodClan is very nice to me, especially you Bluewhisker,” She went on with a friendly meow “Your clan has been very fair, but it’s time for me to leave. I need to go back to my house-folk.” Socks sounded sad to leave, but Bluewhisker knew that the she-cat thought she was doing the right thing. 

“But what about Finchpaw and Driftpaw?” Bluewhisker started to realize that this was Socks’ way of saying goodbye, leading her one friend out to the forest and explaining herself. 

“I will miss them, but they are better suited for WoodClan. I can’t take them with me.” It sounded as if Socks didn’t want to leave her only kits, but when Bluewhisker thought about it, there was no way her two-legs would accept all three of them. 

Bluewhisker sat and shuffled her paws. “I’ll miss you Socks… what will I tell the clan?” She didn’t want to let her friend go, but she knew there was no point in trying to convince her to stay. Socks had clearly made her decision prior to leaving the camp for the last time. 

“Tell the clan I am grateful for what they’ve given me,” She nuzzled Bluewhisker against the shoulder “And tell my kits to become strong warriors like the ones who accepted me.” 

“Are you sure you want this Socks?” She silently hoped she would change her mind. 

She nodded her head. 

Bluewhisker couldn’t help but frown, she licked Socks on the head and watched her pad off into the bushes. For a split second she wanted to offer company on her way back home, but she held her tongue. 

It was completely dark in the forest as Bluewhisker made her way home, she would sleep for a long time thinking about the memories she shared with Socks before she would tell the clan that she had left. Although Socks was only there for 6 moons, she had been a great friend to Bluewhisker, and every morning she enjoyed her company as she talked about the days when she grew up with Longfoot and Owlheart. Socks was even one of the few cats that knew of Bluewhisker’s choice between the two brothers. 

As she entered camp, all the cats were already in their dens. She dipped into the warrior’s den and saw Longfoot’s head pop up sleepily. She smiled and curled up beside her mate, she knew he’d be the first one to know. 

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Unwilling Cats

Owlheart padded around the clearing popping his head in each den, Driftpaw was no where in sight. It was bad enough that he had to mentor an apprentice who didn’t want to be apprenticed, but now he couldn’t find him anywhere. As he was about to head for the tunnel entrance, Driftpaw trotted into camp. Owlheart stared at his apprentice with a sharp look of surprise. 

“Why were you out of camp?” He looked behind Driftpaw and didn’t see another cat enter. “Were there no warriors with you?” He quickly meowed. 

“I was looking for something to catch… and I don’t need anycat to babysit me!” He spat with his muzzle screwed up. 

Owlheart was shocked to hear his apprentice talking back, Pinenose - who was once his apprentice - listened to everything Owlheart said and now had become the most loyal warrior of WoodClan. As he looked at the dark apprentice, he couldn’t see the same future for Driftpaw. 

“If you want to become a warrior, you need to follow the warrior code Driftpaw.” He hissed with a determined tone. The harsh truth of his words hadn’t seemed to reach Driftpaw, who was looking around the camp mindlessly for something to do. 

Owlheart’s frustration grew, why wouldn’t Driftpaw just listen to him? “Now I know why your mother wants to leave you here!” He spat. Finally he had the apprentice’s attention, Driftpaw’s ears were pinned to his head. He ran off hissing under his breath. 

Owlheart sighed as he watched Driftpaw dip into the apprentice’s den, he was surprised he hadn’t just chose any den. As he left camp to go hunting and take his mind off of his troubles, he wondered if his words had been too harsh. Maybe he should’ve listened to me if he didn’t want the honest truth! he thought. 

He knew Driftpaw and Finchpaw would be a big trouble, and he wondered if maybe their arrival wasn’t such a good thing. 

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Troublesome Apprentices

Driftkit and Finchkit were outgrowing the nursery, and it was clear to Woodpelt that they were overwhelming their mother. Owlheart padded up to her and sat with his tail crossed around his heavy paws. 

“Will Driftkit and Finchkit be apprenticed?” He asked awkwardly. 

Woodpelt shifted her weight and looked towards the nursery. Driftkit was pulling Socks’ ear playfully, but his claws were unsheathed. It was against the warrior code to play with your claws, and they should only be sheathed in battle or when hunting. Finchkit jumped into the fight with his strong hind legs pushing him into the air. He landed on Driftkit, the two toms tussled, leaving dust flying in the nursery. 

“I’ve spoken to Socks. She wants them to become clan cats.” She meowed dryly. 

“Why would she want that? Isn’t she returning to kitty-pet life?” Owlheart’s ear twitched in confusion, having two new apprentices around would just cause more work for the clan. 

Woodpelt meowed to Owlheart that she wasn’t sure why, but Woodpelt had the suspicion that Socks wanted to return to her life without her kits. She herself couldn’t imagine leaving her kits in a clan with unfamiliar cats, but Socks was young enough to not understand the ways of a queen. 

Woodpelt jumped on the high-rock and called for a clan meeting. Her ceremony was spoke with confident words, but she was unsure if she was making the right choice by giving these troublesome kits apprentice duties. She looked at Driftkit, who was sitting lazily in a patch of grass. He had an energy that she hadn’t seen in any other cat, and there was some kind of warning in his blue eyes. From this day on, he will be known as Driftpaw, and will be mentored by Owlheart. Woodpelt was trusting that Owlheart would pass on his loyalty and strength to his new apprentice. 

Finchkit sat beside his brother looking more proud, Woodpelt could tell Finchkit had the same energy as his litter-mate, and she hoped that one of her senior warriors could harness it. From this day on, Finchkit will be mentored by Bluewhisker, who will pass on her knowledge and courage. 

Bluewhisker and Owlheart padded over to their new apprentices and touched noses with them, Woodpelt could tell they were both surprised to be mentoring these kits who the clan thought would have left by now. 

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Mentor’s Influence

Fernstripe trotted happily into camp with a vole clamped in her jaws, she set it down in the full fresh-kill pile proudly. She was happy to get to leave camp and to finally do some hunting without a warrior at her side. Fernstripe sat in the middle of the clearing and started to groom herself, the sun was blazing down into camp, and she was grateful for such a prey-filled green-leaf day. At the edge of the clearing, Bluewhisker and Socks shared a squirrel between friendly meows. Fernstripe’s whiskers twitched uncomfortably, she had been noticing Socks taking a lot of fresh-kill recently without hunting for the clan. She was done nursing her kits, and soon they would become apprentices. Why was she still having the clan take care of her? It must just be her kitty-pet blood. 

On the other side of the clearing, Pinenose sat outside the warrior’s den. Fernstripe could tell her mentor wasn’t fond of Socks’ arrival, or Marshclaw’s for that matter. Although Fernstripe didn’t have a problem with Marshclaw, she could see why Pinenose wouldn’t like kitty-pets strolling into camp like Socks had done. 

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An Evolving Clan

Bluewhisker gathered around her leader with Longfoot at her side, Owlheart and Ottersight padded up soon after. The cats sat in a circle under the high-rock. Woodpelt appreciated the trusted opinions of all her warriors, but some matters were best discussed with the senior warriors. 

“A quarter moon ago I announced that we’d be meeting with ForestClan again.” She spoke so only the cats surrounding her could hear. 

Bluewhisker listened to Woodpelt’s words carefully, the arrival of ForestClan was a surprise to the whole clan, but Bluewhisker knew there had to be another clan out there somewhere. 

Owlheart’s ear twitched. 

“Our reunion will happen soon, where the four giant trees meet. StarClan has come to be in a dream.” Woodpelt looked at the cats calmly. She believed StarClan was always right, just like the whole clan did. 

“You all will come with me to the gathering,” Woodpelt looked at Longfoot for her next words, “Longfoot, I want you to lead the clan while I am gone.” 

Longfoot looked at his leader and nodded with pride in his eyes. 

As the cats dispersed from under the high-rock, Bluewhisker padded away to the warrior’s den. She tried to sleep in her warm bedding, but her thoughts of ForestClan overwhelmed her. She trusted Woodpelt, after all, StarClan was giving her dreams. Although she was weary about how the clan had changed over the dozens of moons. Her home was now such a different place, but she didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.

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Warrior Blood

Owlheart sat in the clearing sharing a meal with Mackie, the two toms had grown to be great friends. Mackie’s persistence to become a warrior was inspiring to Owlheart, and he wondered if maybe Woodpelt was testing him, to see how long he’d go without becoming a warrior to the clan. Would he go back to his kitty-pet life? Or would he support WoodClan even if he thought he’d never have more important duties than being an apprentice?

Owlheart hoped that Mackie wouldn’t leave, his company was much needed after realizing how lonely he was in the clan. 

“Mackie, do you think you’ll become a warrior of WoodClan?” Owlheart sat up from his half-eaten shrew. 

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?” Mackie meowed and started to groom himself carelessly. 

“Woodpelt hasn’t let you leave camp alone yet. Aren’t you getting sick of being an apprentice?” Owlheart kept his tone curious, but he would be miserable if he had to go back to apprentice duties. Mackie was well old enough to become a warrior, but he never had time to prove himself since he couldn’t leave camp and didn’t have a mentor. 

“It’ll happen one day. You’ll see.” 

Owlheart looked towards his friend, who had a determined look in his eyes. 

Mackie awoke outside the apprentice’s den and stretched his ginger legs. He looked around the camp to see if Owlheart was around, but he wasn’t in the warrior’s den. 

“Looking for someone?” Pinenose stood in the clearing hissing at him. 

Mackie backed out of the entrance and sat calmly. 

“Have you seen Owlheart?” 

Pinenose twitched her whiskers and walked to the medicine den, where Mackie noticed she spent a lot of time, probably speaking with Dovetail. 

Even though he knew Pinenose resented him, he felt a rush of energy when she was around. She was clearly skilled and a great warrior. He couldn’t blame her for not wanting a kitty-pet with too much pride in the clan. 

Woodpelt sprang onto the high-rock and called for a clan meeting. She had been sharing dreams with StarClan for many nights in a row, this was unusual at a time like this for the clan. But she kept her dreams a secret while she tried to decipher what they meant. Not all loyal blood is from a warrior. Frostjaw had come to Woodpelt in her dreams before, but this time she could clearly see her soft white-and-black pelt. Woodpelt thought about what her words meant, but couldn’t quite understand who she was referring to. Woodpelt didn’t have warrior blood, she was born a kitty-pet, but the whole clan knew she was loyal. 

She called Mackie to join her on the high-rock, it was time for him to become a full warrior of WoodClan. He had taken on apprentice duties for moons now, and he had proved he wouldn’t leave the clan. 

Pinenose gave a scornful look, but didn’t whisper anything to her sister this time. 

From this day on, Mackie will be known as Marshclaw. He has showed his determination and pride for many moons, and will serve his clan well. Marshclaw looked at his leader with gratitude and jumped from the high-rock into the gathering of cats. Owlheart and a few other cats chanted his warrior name, and looks of excitement rose from the clan. 

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Ready Warriors

Fernpaw, Leappaw and Halfpaw have become strong, ambitious, and talented apprentices. Woodpelt has seen true loyalty and skill in their hearts, it is time for them to become full warriors of WoodClan, and hold with them what their mentor’s have taught them forever. 

Woodpelt called upon a clan meeting, the cats gathered under the high-rock, curiously waiting for the unexpected meeting to start. Woodpelt stood proud, stronger and wiser than ever. She looked upon her clan with a warm feeling in her heart, these cats have become her family. 

Woodpelt called upon the apprentices, who were surprised to know they were finally becoming warriors. 

Fernpaw looked at her leader with pride in her eyes, she has become a talented young cat, and has learned great skill from her mentor. Pinenose touched noses with her apprentice proudly, who had almost become a mini-her. From this day on, Fernpaw will serve her clan bravely, and will now be known as Fernstripe. She has proved to show loyalty and kindness to her clan for many moons. 

Leappaw held in her excitement as Gorsefang touched noses with her, she was proud to be Gorsefang’s mentor, and had learned everything she could remember about being a loyal warrior. Gorsefang let out a silent purr, letting his apprentice know he was proud too. Leappaw has the energy and bravery to become a fine warrior of the clan, and will now be known as Leapshine. She shuffled her paws excitedly, waiting for the ceremony to continue. 

Halfpaw looked at her litter-mates, who were sitting with their mentors with looks of ambition. Jayfrost had been absent during Halfpaw’s entire apprenticeship, but she was too mature to let that get to her now. She sat with her head held high. Jayfrost awkwardly touched noses with his apprentice, and had a guilty look on his face. Halfpaw has become a skilled, brave, and grown apprentice. From this day on, she will be known as Halfwing. She walked away from her mentor coolly and sat with her litter-mates. 

The clan chanted the new warriors’ names as the sun started to disappear behind the trees. Woodpelt looked at the new warriors and stepped off the high-rock. She went to touch noses with the three she-cats, and noticed Jayfrost sitting alone looking ashamed in his paws. 

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

Untold Secret

Gorsefang lied in his nest, his eyes wide open. It was pitch black above the camp, and he could barely see the trees. He waited until Jayfrost silently got up from his nest and left the camp, it was the perfect chance for Gorsefang to follow close behind him. The only thing that could give him away was his bright spotted pelt. Gorsefang was growing tired of seeing Halfpaw left forgotten in the apprentices den while her litter-mates were training. Jayfrost had been ignoring his apprentice’s training, the future of their clan! Gorsefang even admitted to himself that training two apprentices was taking a toll on him. 

When Jayfrost was out of sight, Gorsefang slowly crept out of camp. He saw the tip of Jayfrost’s tail swoosh behind a bush, and he followed far enough away where he wouldn’t smell him. Gorsefang grew more suspicious as they headed to the end of the territory. Suddenly, Jayfrost lowered himself into the hunters crouch, and stalked towards a movement in the bushes. He was just hunting, Gorsefang thought. He was about to cary his tired paws back to camp when he heard a loud crash. He quickly turned and saw another cat over Jayfrost, but before he could pounce on his brother’s attacker, the cat backed off. Gorsefang knew he couldn’t out himself, Jayfrost would know he was suspicious of him. 

“Who are you!” Jayfrost spat in anger as he shook the dust from his pelt. 

A pale white and brown tom stood in front of Jayfrost. The tom was huge, but Gorsefang could tell it was mostly fluff, and that the tom was actually around apprentice age. 

“I’m Henry, I.. came to find you!” The tom sounded young too, but what was he doing in WoodClan territory? Gorsefang could tell he hadn’t expected to see the tom, and he probably didn’t recognize him. 

“How do you know who I am?” Jayfrost spat defensively. He sheathed in his claws, clearly not seeing the cat as a threat. 

“Hazel said you had a brown foot, and a white striped coat.” Henry sat calmly, expecting to chat. 

“How do you know Hazel?” Jayfrost’s tone was suddenly curious, all signs of fear had escaped him. 

Gorsefang was getting more and more confused, who was Hazel?

“I’m her kit, and Mags is her kit too. She told you we died.. because she didn’t want to join WoodClan. Jayfrost, I’m your kin.” Henry didn’t look pleased or disappointed, he was a cheerful tom but didn’t have much emotion in his voice. 

Jayfrost stood stunned, looking at his paws. Gorsefang was too, did his brother really have a mate and kits? And why didn’t he ever mention this??

“But she..” Jayfrost’s tone sounded defeated, he clearly was broken by his kit’s words. 

“I’m sorry Jayfrost, it wasn’t right for her to lie to you. I just had to come tell you.” Henry stood to his paws quickly. “Goodbye Jayfrost.”

He disappeared into the bushes, and Jayfrost stood there motionless. 

Gorsefang quickly padded back to camp before his brother saw him, he was shocked by what he had seen. All this time, Jayfrost was distracted by his dead kits and lost mate!

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

Socks’ Litter

Woodpelt has let Socks and her two kits stay in WoodClan until they’re strong enough to travel back to their two-legs. The she-cat was weak, and would stay temporarily as a queen to the clan. When Dovetail had friendlily asked what she would name the two kits, she was speechless. Maybe she hadn’t thought about it yet?

Woodpelt said the kits would be named Finchkit and Driftkit until she had thought of something. Socks looked relieved, I remember trying to think of the perfect names for my 4 kits, Dovetail thought cheerfully. 

She had guessed Woodpelt chose clan names for the kits so that they would be treated equally. As Dovetail looked around the clan, she noticed her sister, who she knew wasn’t a big fan of kitty-pets, or visitors for that matter. She had been complaining about Mackie ever since his ginger tail entered the camp.

Meet Finchkit, a small brown and white tabby tom who has already grown some shape. He’s playful, and can sometimes get rough with his litter-mate. 

Driftkit is also a playful tom, his dark brown and white tabby coat catches the eye of the whole clan. 

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

Unexpected Queen

Dovetail padded up to a bush full of juniper berries, just what she needed! She pricked off a few steps with her teeth carefully, and took as much as she could carry before heading back to camp. Dovetail was loving her medicine cat duties, she could help cats like she always wanted. Suddenly, there was a faint yowling sound in the distance. Dovetail’s ears perked and looked towards the sound, it was towards the WoodClan border. As she listened for a few more yowls, she could tell there was a cat in pain, a young one. 

She dropped her juniper berries by the nearest bush, where she would come back to take them. She trotted towards the sound, and picked up her pace when the yowling grew louder. As she got closer, she could see a rich brown figure lying in a small dirt clearing, it was a she-cat having a litter! 

She rushed over as the she-cat looked at her nervously, but they could both tell there was no aggression from each other. “I must get back home!” The she-cat whined. “My house-folk will be worried.” The cat tried standing to her feet, but she slumped back down. 

“You can go back after you have your kits.” Dovetail meowed softly. She could tell the cat was in pain, but she would make it through. She sat next to her grooming the she-cat in comfort, and checking every now and then, making sure she showed no signs of getting worse. As time passed, Dovetail had scoped out every possible herb she could quickly grab if she needed it. What was a kitty-pet doing so far out here? She thought. 

Dovetail focused back on the brown cat, and now there were two more small bundles of fur! The cat instantly started licking one of the kits to warm it up, and Dovetail did the same to the other one. Soon, they were both meowing, and Dovetail sighed in relief. 

On the way to WoodClan, the she-cat told Dovetail that her name was Socks. She had come from two-leg place that was very far away, and she was finding her way back. The two cats would stay at WoodClan until the kits were old enough to travel back home. Dovetail carried a small brown and white kit in her jaws carefully, making sure not to sway her own body too much. Dovetail reassured Socks that she would be welcomed into the clan, and that she would only have to stay for a while. 

Dovetail could tell the she-cat was young, around the same age as her own kits, who were ready to become warriors soon. Memories came back of Frostkit, and the day she had her litter. Though, she was getting better at distracting herself from her grief.

They trotted into camp together, Socks was exhausted, and slumped into a warm nest right away. Dovetail set the two kits next to their mother as they started to eat. 

“I found this kitty-pet having a litter in the forest, she can’t make it back to her two-legs until her kits are strong enough. I think there is no other choice.” Dovetail meowed softly to Woodpelt as she padded up to the newcomers. 

Woodpelt nodded. “Very well, they can stay.”

Dovetail was surprised at how quick Woodpelt accepted new cats into the clan, but then she remembered how Woodpelt had become closer to StarClan. Some part of her could tell when a cat was suspicious. Soon, Dovetail would be closer to StarClan too. 

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

The Medicine Cat

“All cats old enough to catch prey, please gather below the high-rock for a clan meeting!” Woodpelt’s friendly call sounded throughout the clearing. Pinenose and Dovetail exited the medicine den, where they were catching up since Dovetail got back helping Mudpaw. Pinenose wasn’t sure how she felt about another clan being in the forest, but it gave her an unsettling feeling at times. 

They gathered into the center of the clearing, almost all the other cats were there. Woodpelt looked at her clan proudly, and called upon Dovetail to stand beside her on the high-rock. Pinenose watched as her sister trotted up and climbed the tall rock. 

“I, Woodpelt, leader of WoodClan, call upon my StarClan ancestors to look down on this talented she-cat. She has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help she will serve her Clan for many moons.” Excitement grew in Pinenose as she watched her litter-mate. 

“Dovetail, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, and to protect all cats young and old, even at the cost of your life?”

Dovetail looked at her leader with passion in her eyes, Pinenose could tell she had been waiting for this day since she was an apprentice. She remembered the days Dovetail would go on and on about yarrow and chervil and juniper berries and everything in between, she could chat about the ways of a medicine for moons. 

“I do.” Dovetail meowed cheerfully. 

“StarClan honors your courage Dovetail, and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of WoodClan.” Woodpelt nuzzled the torbie she-cat, Pinenose could tell she was proud of her apprentice. 

Dovetail padded down the high-rock and nudged her sister. The cats in the clearing congratulated Dovetail with friendly licks and tail swoops. Pinenose expected the clan to disperse, but Woodpelt sat down where she stood. 

“I would like to make one more announcement.” She meowed clearly. The clan gave their attention back to their leader, and the murmurs of congratulations died down. 

“Ottersight and I have had a long discussion about the future of WoodClan. StarClan wants all cats to guide each other.” She looked around at her clan, ready to carry on. “So, ForestClan and WoodClan will meet at the next full moon, and discuss the future of our clans.” 

Looks of surprise were on every-cat’s face. Pinenose was shocked in her paws, had their leader really said they would meet with another clan? 

Pinenose looked to Dovetail, but her gaze was fixed on the leader. Dovetail could share dreams with StarClan, was there something she wasn’t telling her?

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

ForestClan: Part 4

Dovetail and Pinenose trotted side by side through the forest, the cats ahead of them didn’t seem to look back. Dovetail carried a wad of poppy seeds in her jaws, but wasn’t sure why Woodpelt ordered her to bring them. The cats lead them into a sunken clearing with luscious trees and bracken surrounding the dens, the camp looked lively and strong. They walked right past all the cats who were staring at the newcomers cautiously, and the leader walked them to what must have been the apprentice’s den. There was a young dark brown tom in the den, who was lying over a badly injured leg. Dovetail could tell from far away that the leg was untreated, and the tom was in horrible pain. Dovetail looked over at the leader of this clan, who was waiting for her to do something. She realized this clan was asking for her help. 

A she-cat sat next to the leader and hissed under her breath, “You’re really going to trust this cat?” The leader ignored the cat and addressed the clan.

“I can tell this she-cat is a special cat, she is guided by StarClan.” 

Dovetail looked over at the cats in the clearing, who were looking at Dovetail curiously. Was this true? Was she really guided by StarClan? The leader dismissed the cats from the clearing, and sent them away. The injured tom and Dovetail were left alone in the apprentice den. 

“How did this happen?” As Dovetail examined the tom’s leg, she could tell he didn’t have enough energy to get defensive. 

“There were boulders blocking our camp…my leg was stuck.” The tom spoke softly. Dovetail looked at him sympathetically, but she knew there was no time for pity. 

She grabbed a mouthful of vines and sticks from the bracken surrounding the camp, and set a few branches beside his injured leg. She started wrapping the vines around his leg to create a brace to help him stand. 

Dovetail pushed the poppy seeds over to him with her tail. “Here, eat these, but only a few. They will take away the pain.” 

The tom cautiously looked at the seeds, but scooped up a few in his jaws. “Why are you helping me?” He asked calmly. 

“My kit was taken away, her name was Frostkit. I can’t imagine what has happened to her.” Dovetail stayed focused on his injury, but bringing up her lost kit brought back a rush of memories. “You’re young, and should have the chance to become a warrior. That’s all I wanted for my kits.” 

The tom looked at the ground for a moment. “Frostkit?” He meowed quietly. 

Dovetail stepped away after grooming the young tom carefully. As she glanced out of the den, she could see Woodpelt and the leader talking. Could there really be two clans? And what did this mean for WoodClan?

[the-warrior-cats-challenge]

ForestClan: Part 3

Leappaw guilty lead the cats to her own clan, she didn’t want to lead her clan into trouble. The possibilities rushed in her head, and just as she was about to run from the cats, she set paws into WoodClan. She had come too far now, and she’d have to face her mistakes. Her head drooped low as her litter-mates stared from the apprentices den, they were just as frightened as Leappaw. Her clan-mates stood defensively as the clearing went silent. The brown leader slowly approached Woodpelt, and the two leaders looked at each other as if they were seeing ghosts. Had they met before?

All the cats listened closely, as if there weren’t enemies surrounding them. “I know your clan needs my help.” Woodpelt meowed calmly. What help did Woodpelt mean? How was there another clan in the forest?

The strange leader spoke clearly, “Is it true that you have a cat from StarClan?” Leappaw was confused, but there were too many thoughts rushing through her head to question StarClan. Woodpelt turned to Ottersight, who stood by her side closely. She murmured something that Leappaw didn’t hear, Ottersight had left, and suddenly he came back with Dovetail at his heals. Why had the strange cat wanted to see Dovetail? Was she a cat from StarClan?

“You will be welcomed into my camp, my clan needs you.” The brown tabby meowed. Dovetail looked at her curiously, but didn’t seem to question the she-cats intentions. Woodpelt organized a patrol to go to the other camp, as Woodpelt, Dovetail, Pinenose, and the unfamiliar cats left camp, Leappaw rushed to tell her litter-mates what had happened.