Warrior Cats: The Four Clans

Moonstar · RiverClan Leader

Unkown Sunclan- Book 1 ~Mysterious Emeralds~ Chapter Twelve Up!

Moonstar · RiverClan Leader

~~The Unknown Sunclan~~

Moonstar · RiverClan Leader

CHAPTERS!

Prologue

A young apprentice trotted along the forest path cautiously. It was late; much too late for someone his age to be out, especially alone. But he had to see the waterfall in Minnow Springs. Oh, how he longed to actually sink his sharp teeth into the meaty flesh of a soft trout! Even though Minnow Springs held only minnows, which were much too small for a full meal (and much less meaty than a trout I should add) they still reminded him of the delectable taste of a fat fish. Licking his lips, he somehow stumbled into a thicket due to carelessness.

Thorns stabbed his dark gray pelt, and he moaned in pain. His daydream instantly vanished as he glanced up, seeing himself surrounded by long tangles of odd plants and thorns. Carefully, he slowly stood, gasping at the pain his hind leg screamed as he did this simple movement. It ached terribly, and forced his to collaspe once again. Tears clung to his lashes. Suddenly, a flash of movement flickered in the thicket, and the apprentice's attention was immediately captured.

He gazed over the brush which appeared vacant and unowned. But twitching his nose, he caught the scent of cat. Definetly unfriendly too. An intruder! He though angrily. Just as he was about to march right up to the scent, he saw two emerald green eyes flick open in front of him.

Bristlepaw yelped in shock. He couldn't see the odd cat, but the stench was horrendous and uninviting. He slid his paws back, trying to back away dispite the aching pain in his leg. The other cat crouched and began to speak.

"Do not be afraid." He purred. "I am none other than the one who can save you and your clan. Bring me to them, and you will recieve a high position and together we will reign your clan." He bowed his head. "Your powers appear strong, and I am tempted to help you use them to our advantage."

Bristlepaw tensed. He could never agree to anything this cat said.
"I will never let you help me!" He spat, his voice sharper than he intended.

The intruder purred almost threatingly. "Oh, but you will want to, my friend. You will wnat to..." He began stalking towards the helpless apprentice.

Chapter One

Lilykit leapt onto her brother, Thrushkit, clinging to his gingery fur with determination flaring in her bright green eyes. Thrown back by shock, Thrushkit lost his grasp on the soft earth and was flipped onto his back ungracefully, flailing his forepaws into the air trying to shove off his sister. Lilykit purred in amusement and slapped some dirt at him. Thurhskit's eyes narrowed playfully and Lilykit soon was being chased.

"Enough!" Hollyberry wrapped her tail protectively around Thrushkit, as to seize their silliness. Her eyes glared at her two naughty kits. "Why can't you be more like Gingerkit?"

Lilykit made a face. Gingerkit was the polite one, always calm and quiet. Lilykit didn't know how she'd ever become a fierce warrior.

Thrushkit read his sister's thoughts. "Why are you always on her side?"
"Yeah!" Lilykit added. "She's just sleeping in the nursery corner! What's so exciting about that?" And to finish her thought, she meowed: "Warriors can't be lazy like her. She'll never be one!"

Hollyberry's eyes widened. "That was a very cruel thing to say Lilykit." She snapped. Lilykit bowed her head shamefully, guilt gnawing at her heart.

"Sorry Hollyberry." She mewed apologetically.
Hollyberry nodded in thankfulness. She then turned to Thrushkit, raising a thin eyebrow.
Thrushkit sighed. "Sorry Hollyberry."
The protective young mother dipped her head approvingly and curled up beside Gingerkit.

Lilykit glanced at her brother, her eyes flooded with sorrow. However, Thruskit's eyes remained unotuched by any sort of sympothy. Instead, longing power glinted beneath his thick lashes. Lilykit didn't take that into much thought, for she was too tired from playing with him earlier. So she slowly padded over to the corner her mother and Gingerkit were resting, lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter Two

Gingerkit sat alone in the dim overhang of a thin fern leaf. Her siblings were practicing their attacking moves, giggling and pawing playfully at each other. Sighing, she curled up in the nest of dead leaves. Somehow she didn't find fighting fun. Hunting, maybe, but fighting? Just not what she wanted to do. How will I ever become a warrior? She thought hopelessly, letting her chin sink into the mossy earth beneath her.

Suddenly, Bluegaze passed by, but after noticing the lonely Gingerkit she veered and padded over. Crouching down to size, she gazed into Gingerkit's motionless expression. Gingerkit glanced up at the beautiful medicine cat.

Bluegaze blinked, her lashes long and lovely. "Gingerkit," She purred, "I need some help with sorting some herbs I gathered earlier this morning."

Gingerkit saw where this was going, but she let Bluegaze continue, clinging onto every word of her heavenly, flowing voice.

"I was wondering if you'd like to assist me with my duties."

Grateful, a grin leaked onto Gingerkit's furry face. "Oh, of course Bluegaze!" She mewed, elated to be serving this elegant medicine cat. Bluegaze's eyes seemed to laugh as Gingerkit bounded over to the medicine cat den.

The medicine cat den was built in a small alcove lined with tall, shiny boulders. Daisies danced around the boulders. Inside was even more glamorous. There were herbs neatly stacked in the cracks of cave, not a single herb out of place. In a small area fenced by tiny pebbles were plently of mossy beds for sick cats to rest in. It smelled of roses and honey, and Gingerkit inhaled deeply, surveying her dazzling surroundings. She couldn't think of another place any better than there.

Bluegaze saw Gingerkit's awakening curiosity. "Lovely, isn't it?" She sighed. Gingerkit nodded, still stunned. A little pile of burdock root and poppy seeds lay stacked in the center.

"Well then, let's get to work!" Bluegaze shuffled over to the pile and picked up some burdock root in her mouth.

"Now, burdock root is used for infections. If a cat ever came to me with a scratch or scar that was infected, we'd use this to cure it. You crunch with your teeth to make a pulp-" She chewed some of the root up and spit it out to show the curious kit. "And you gently massage it into the infected area." Gently shoving a root at Gingerkit, she purred, "Now you try."

Carefully, Gingerkit nibbled the burdock, and was surprised by the intriging taste it gave her tongue. She spit it onto the cave ground. Curiously, it was a pulp. "Did I do it right?" Gingerkit questioned, suddenly excited.

Bluegaze beamed. "You did that beautifully." She nuzzled the proud kit's flank. Gingerkit blushed.

Suddenly, a cat sped out of the clan entrance, gasping. It was Snakestripe.
"Snakestripe, what has happened?" Cloudstar asked, alarmed.
Snakestripe gulped. "Bristlepaw is dead!" He rasped.

Chapter Three

Howls and yelps of disbelief rippled throughout the camp.
"Great Starclan!" Icepool yowled. "Not my Bristlepaw!" She darted over to Snakestripe. "Tell me that's not true!" She demanded, threatening him with a glimmering claw.

Snakestripe backed away. "I'm deeply sorry Icepool. I know he was your kit."

Cloudstar stepped between the heartbroken queen and the warrior, ceizing the chance of Icepool harming Snakestripe. "I'm sure Snakestripe has no intention to fight a clanmate." She bowed her head in sorrow. "However, I understand your pain."

Icepool collapsed on the dirt terrain, a defeated, sobbing mess. Her mate, Runningtear, padded over to comfort her, pain clouding his brown eyes.

Patchfur butted in. "I bet Sparrowclaw wasn't paying close enough attention to his own apprentice!"

Sparrowclaw's nose wrinkled in fury. "Never would I do such a thing!" he spat. He was right by my side when I dozed off. I was almost positive he was asleep. He must've wondered off secretively!"

Swiftheart nodded. "That does sound like something Bristlepaw would've done. He was a devious little thing..."

Bluegaze padded up to Snakestripe, Gingerkit in her slender shadow. "Snakestripe, please do tell your tale."
Gingerkit nodded quickly in agreement. "Puh-leeze!" She wailed. "Bristlepaw used to play in the nursery with me when he was young. I can't believe he's actually gone!"

Snakestripe looked away for a moment, then took a deep, shaky breath. "I was walking towards Minnow Springs," he began coldly, "When I smelled apprentice. Letting my nose lead me towards the aroma, I quickly discovered the unmoving body of Bristlepaw deep in a thicket, red puddles ozzing around him." He lowered his head. "Obviously this was no accident. He was killed."

Icepool gasped. The clan listened intently.

Sparrowclaw stood up. "I-I am sorry for those of you who believe it was my fault. And possibly it was." His legs felt shaky after saying that. "But I didn't mean to. He was a very mischievious kit i do recall; one time I remember him sneaking out of camp with Rosepaw to fight Shadowclan for us!" Snickering just a tiny bit, he bowed his head in sorrow. "Lucky for us we stopped them just in time."

Runningtear flicked his tail over Icepool's shoulder and nuzzled her chin. His lovely young mate indeed looked incredibly vulnerable, but not quite as much as before.

She'll always miss her kit, Gingerkit thought. How scared Bristlepaw must've been, getting trapped in a thicket and being killed! Which brought the though: who was the murderer?

Chapter Four

Lilykit barged out of the nursery, seeking Swiftheart. When she finally spotted the handsome golden tabby, she darted over as fast as her young legs could. Bouncing with hyperness and excitement, she began mewing incessantly until Swiftheart ceized her with a hiss.

"Yes, Lilkit?" He asked impatiently.
"Hollyberry says Thrushkit and I are going to be apprentices soon!" She jabbered.
Swiftheart nodded. "Indeed. Six moons have almost passed." Then, with a questioning glare, he added, "Shouldn't you be including Gingerkit?"

Lilykit looked away. "I don't know..." she bagan carefully. "She seems so preoccupied with nature and herbs and boring stuff. All she does is ramble on about Bluegaze and the medicine cat den and all the stupid poppy seeds and burdock root." She plopped down in the dirt. "It is such a drag."

Swiftheart raised a curious eyebrow. "Do you think the herbs and medicine cat life fascinate her?"

Lilykit stared dumbly at the deputy. "Well duh." She replied with attitude. Unfortunately for her, at that moment Hollyberry happened to be passing by.
"Lilykit!" She scolded. "How dare you treat our clan deputy so ungraciously! Appologize immediately!"
Lilykit sighed. "Sorry Swiftheart." She chirped.
Swiftheart dipped his head. "It is quite alright. You have actually helped me, young Lilykit." And he ran to Cloudstar's den.

The beautiful long-haired she-cat was grooming herself with tender care. But when she saw the urgent twinkle in Swiftheart's pale eyes, she immediately snapped to attention. "Yes, Swiftheart, what have you to report?"

Swiftheart gasped for breath. "It would appear our quiet Gingerkit secretly seeks medicine cat life." He gazed at the leader. "I think she should be the new medicine cat apprentice for Bluegaze."

Cloudstar's motionless expression lay dull. Within seconds though, she had clearly accepted the data as a fine oppurtunity. She bowed her head. "Indeed. Let us speak with Gingerkit to find her true feelings of all this healing business. Then I will accept Bluegaze to take on an apprentice." She pawed at her ear. "She does a fine job alone. I believe she'll do exceptionally well with a young one around." Pain clouded her eyes.
"After Petalkit and Shellkit passed away, I never thought I'd see the day she smiled again under a young one's gentle watch."

She gestured with her tail towards the door. "You may go now Swiftheart. But please bring Gingerkit and Bluegaze to me tonight at moonhigh."
Swiftheart bowed under her prescence. "Of course, Cloudstar." And he hopped out fo the den, leaving a very tired leader behind.

Chapter Five

It was about Moonhigh, and Gingerkit and Bluegaze were gazing intently at their proud leader. Cloudstar swished her tail behind her and bowed her head in greetings. "Good evening, young ones." She purred.
"Good evening Cloudstar." Bluegaze answered solemnly.
"Hello." Gingerkit mewed shyly.
Swiftheart perched himself on a juted out piece of stone and listened intently.
Cloudstar cleared her throat. "It would appear that Gingerkit enjoys working with herbs. Is that so, Gingerkit?"
Gingerkit nodded. "They are about the funnest things in the world!" Bluegaze chuckled.

Cloudstar continued. "Witnesses have reported you also enjoy working with medicine cat equipment and assiting Bluegaze. This is true Gingerkit?"
Again, the ginger kitten nodded.
"Bluegaze, you have worked many moons as a medicine cat without an apprentice. I believe it is time for you to have one." The respected leader dipped her head. "If Gingerkit appoves, she will be Gingerpaw, medicine cat apprentice."
Gingerkit leaped up. "I'd love to!" She piped up estacticly.
Bluegaze nuzzled the kit. "Very well then. I accept this honor to mentor Gongerkit."

Cloudstar nodded approvingly. "Indeed you two work well together. I will hold the apprentice ceremonies at sunhigh tomorrow. Not to mention Badgerpaw and Bloomingpaw will be having their warrior ceremonies." She purred. "There will be quite a lot of celebrating tomorrow."
She turned towards the two medicine cats. "You may go now. And congratulations, Gingerkit."

Gingerkit gave a pleasurable purr.

***

"Thrushkit, get off of Icepool immediately!" Hollyberry snapped at her only son.
Thrushkit leapt off of the pregnant queen. "Yes Hollyberry."
Hollyberry nodded approvingly. "Say, where's Lilykit?" She hasn't been here all day."

Meanwhile, Lilykit was in the warriors den babbling to Whitebird, the pretty white tortoiseshell.
"And then I'll be LilyPAW!" She flicked her tail with delight. "Won't that be exciting?"
Sparrowclaw snickered. "Someone's eager."
"Wait 'till she has her warrior ceremony!" Smokepelt added.
Runningtear approached the elated kitten. "And don't forget that you'll have one of us to mentor you!" He winked.
Lilykit began bouncing up and down. "I can't wait! I just can't wait!" And she darted out of the den and ran to the elder's den.
Runningtear chuckled. "Patchfur may have trouble giving patience to that kit."
The other warriors agreed, laughing.

Chapter Six

Lilykit scuffled her paws eagerly as she waited for Cloudstar to begin the ceremony. She was second in line, but she didn't know if she could wait even that long! Flames of excitement flared beneath the thick lashes of her ocean blue eyes. Her zestful gaze snapped to attention when Cloudstar pounced up onto the highrock.

"Let all the cats old enough to catch their own prey join here for a clan meeting." Cloudstar stated calmly.
Lilykit could hardly contain her enthusiasm.
"Thrushkit, come join me as I pledge for you to become an apprentice."
Thrushkit padded over to their deeply admired leader. Cloudstar dipped her head, her long, white fur shading her pearly eyes.

"Starclan look down on thee as I run these fine kits' ceremonies." She gazed lovingly at the gingery kitten before her. "It has been six moons, and the time has come to present three new apprentices. The first is Thrushkit. Thrushkit, from this day on you will be known as Thrushpaw. Starclan sees great things in your future, breathe it in." She touched his head with her nose. "Snakestripe, you are ready for an apprentice. Teach Thrushpaw all your skills."
"I will do my best." Snakestripe vowed solemnly.

Lilykit's body wiggled. She was next!

Cloudstar cleared her throat. "Lilykit, come join me."
The black and white kitten bounded forward, scrabbling for a grip when she almost slid off the edge.
"Lilykit is our second longing apprentice. She has been in the nursery long enough. Lilykit, you will now be known as Lilypaw. Starclan believes in you to do what is right, besides what you're telling yourself."
Lilypaw nodded quickly. She felt a gentle touch on her furry head from something wet and soft.

"Your mentor will be Runningtear, for his old apprentice, Bloomingpaw, is becoming a warrior. Warriors are too scarce right now..." Her voice trailed off.
Lilypaw leaped with joy. Runningtear as her mentor? What an honor!

Runningtear sat up. "I would love to mentor Lilypaw." He dipped his head towards their magnificent ruler.

Lilypaw hopped off of the highrock quite clumsily, she was still wasn't over her earlier excitement. Thrushpaw was waiting, joy dancing about his eyes.
"Doesn't it feel fabulous?" Lilypaw chirped. "It's like magic!"
Thrushpaw nodded. "I can't wait to begin training!"
Lilypaw was about to reply when she noticed Gingerkit standing beside Cloudstar.

Cloudstar was speaking again. "Gingerkit, you will now be known as Gingerpaw. Your future is very bright Starclan has told; do not be afraid to embrace it." She bowed her head. "Your mentor will be Bluegaze."

Lilypaw gasped in shock. Bluegaze was a medicine cat! Gingerpaw couldn't become a medicine cat!
Thrushpaw had a flabbergasted expression on his furry face. "Gingerpaw is going to become a medicine cat?" He gaped.
"Since when did she decide that?" Lilypaw responded.

At that moment their loving sister strolled over, a wide grin plastered onto her cheery face.
"Why are you becoming a medicine cat?" Thrushpaw burst as she approched.
Gingerpaw's expression immediately fell. "It was my destiney to become one." She began calmly, "And I love it." With that she whirled around, flicked her tail in her siblings' faces, and trotted proudly away.

***

Bloomingpaw and Badgerpaw had become known under the warrior names Bloomingflower and Badgertail. After a recent nasty fight with some rogue cats, they had proved themselves strong, fierce warriors.

Lilypaw especially admired Badgertail. He was fierce, yet gentle when needed. His dark gray pelt drew her in too. She gazed longingly at the handsome warrior...

"Lilypaw!" Thrushpaw yelped at his sister.
"Huh?" Lilypaw whirled around.
"You tell me! You've been staring into ocean blue for at least five minutes." He snapped. Then his gaze clung onto Badgertail. Everything clicked for him.
"Ooh, you're in love with Badgertail aren't you?" He cooed.
"Am not!" The embarrassed apprentice spat. She felt ashamed.
"Sure," Her brother then left.

Lilypaw was oddly silent. What was she thinking, falling in love with a warrior? Yes, it was allowed, but she felt so stupid.
I'll find somebody else... She told herself. But she didn't really mean it.

Chapter Seven

Lilypaw gazed dreamily at the warrior with the dark gray pelt talking to Bloomingflower. He looked ever so handsome under the sparkling moonlight, his fur lit up and dancing in the whirling wind. She smiled, then sighed unknowingly and rested her head in her paws.

Suddenly, the two warriors began to end their conversation. As Bloomingflower headed for the warriors den, Lilypaw gathered enough courage to congratulate the talented cat she admired.

She padded shyly up to him, and shy was unusual for her. "Badgertail?" She squeaked. He turned to face her pearly blue eyes, his a deep amber. She fell in love with them alone.
Her mind must've trailed off because Badgertail was soon calling her name. "Lilypaw?" he chuckled a final time.
Lilypaw shook herself. "Oh, um, I just wanted to congratulate you on becoming a warrior."

Badgertail smiled thoughtfully. "That's very nice of you Lilypaw. Congratualtions on becoming an apprentice!" He nuzzled her chin. Lilypaw wilted at how magical it was.
Badgertail seemed to feel the same effect, for he gazed longingly at the cute little apprentice.
He caught himself and cleared his throat. "Um, well, I'll see you around Lilypaw!"
"Y-you too!" The black and white patched apprentice stammered. She could still feel his soft, furry head rubbing gently against hers...

***

The next day arrived. Gingerpaw had slept in the peaceful medicine cat den last night, and it was a very deep sleep. She was ready for her first day of training!
She quietly padded out of her moss nest over to Bluegaze who was stashing some black ivy root into a large crack in the herb wall.

"Good morning, Bluegaze." Gingerpaw mewed.

"Why good morning." Bluegaze replied graciously. "Such a polite apprentice I have." And Gingerpaw knew she meant it.

Bluegaze stared awkwardly at the herb wall. "Hmm, we are running low on kelp. Why don't we go fetch some today?"
Gingerpaw let out a squeal of delight. "I'd love to!"
"Very well, then." BLuegaze padded out to the clearing and her eager appentice followed.

Swiftheart was in the clearing organizing patrols.
"Smokepelt, you take Sparrowclaw, Whitebird, and Rosepaw with you to hunt. Out prey pile could use a few mice to fill those many empty stomachs. After all, leaf-bare is just around the corner and every day more prey have vanished." He nodded his head solemnly. "Bring back as much as you can carry in your own two paws."
Smokepelt dipped his head. "Of course, Swiftheart. I'll take the path just around the sea line."

"The sea line?" Bluegaze exclaimed. "Um, excuse me Smokepelt, but do you think it would be ok if Gingerpaw tagged along? We need some kelp before leaf-bare rots it all."

Smoekpelt nodded. "Certainly. She'd be an honor to bring."
Gingerpaw smiled. She was so excited! Today she'd get to search the sea line for kelp!

Chapter Eight

   Gingerpaw padded along the dusty trail leading the patrol to the sun-drown place. Whitebird was speaking to her eager apprentice, Rosepaw.

   "Crabs are a bit tougher to catch than mice, considering they can scamper into the sand quite quickly at any sudden movement. The key is to lure them out without casting a shadow or coming to close. Once they are far enough exposed, you pounce. If you feel a squiggle under your paws, push down. The pressure should instantly kill the squirming crustacean." Rosepaw nodded, trying to let the information soak into her mind.

   Soon, Gingerpaw saw the gentle dip of sunrise leaking across the sky in tinted plums and peaches. Below,the calming waves gently rocked back and forth, lapping at the sand's edge. Gingerpaw carefully stepped into the sand. She sunk about two mouse lengths; it was very damp. Still, it felt cool and wonderful, and she slipped up the shore to the sea line.
   Around the sea line there was tangled bunches of seaweed and cracked pleated shells with crooked edges. Suddenly, she felt a tiny pinch beneath her paw pad.
   "Yikes!" Gingerpaw leapt out of her pawprints. Smokepelt chuckled. "Seems as though you've found a crab! Whitebird, why don't you and Rosepaw hunt over there?"

   Whitebird cautiously snuck over to Gingerpaw, a playful glint of eagerness gleaming in her pearly green eyes. She carefully put one paw into the sand about one tail length away from the unsuspecting crustacean. The bronze crab scuttled out farther into the open. Soon, he seemed far out enough, and Whitebird punced.
   Her paws were firmly planted in the sand, a wriggling sea creature under them. She placed more pressure down on him, and his struggling little body soon went still. Whitebird stepped away from her prey. It was a tiny little crab, but its meaty insides were enough to fill the stomach of the largest kit. Gingerpaw purred in amusement.

   Soon Gingerpaw was back to work, scanning the sea line for any mysterious green lumps. Suddenly, she spotted some floating in the sea, close enough to the shore for her to retrieve. She grinned, pleased with her work. Maybe I could use a stick to draw it over here, she thought. No, I bet I could reach it with my paw. She gingerly stuck out a small paw and let it swim through the chilly water. A shiver ran down her spine. In what seemed like moons, her claws wrapped around the sopping leafy herb. She drew it towards her slowly. Suddenly, she felt the waves change formation, and soon a dripping blue wall was towering over her. It splashed over the apprentice, soaking the ginger she cat completely. She let out a couple frantic mews before she resurfaced and found herself sprawled out on the sandy shore, shaking, freezing.
   Lucklily the kelp was still in her jaw.

Sparrowclaw chuckled at the helpless apprentice. "You look mighty cold, Gingerpaw. Would you like me to escort you back to Bluegaze to dry off?" He flicked his tail at her bunch of kelp. "Seems as though that's enough to satisfy your mentor." Gingerpaw nodded. She was too cold to stay, and thankful Sparrowclaw has offered. However, she was slightly embarrassed to have been captured by a wave.

-- Edited by Moonshine at 00:34, 2007-12-05

Moonstar · RiverClan Leader

Chapter Nine

Thrushpaw peered into the dark tunnel, yellow eyes gleaming with excitement. He dropped down onto his hind legs so that his belly fur touched the earth below. "Now remember," Snakestripe, his mentor, reminded him. "It's a quick dash. Sprint down the mole hole, claw the mole, and bring it back up. It shouldn't take any longer than four seconds."
Thrushpaw nodded. Today he was attemptiong to catch his first mole, as all apprentices do at three training days old. It wa stougher than catching regular prey, for moles were underground. But the real challenge was finding a mole hole to test in. It was a great honor to succeed on your first try, and Thrushpaw wanted to please himself.

He secured his footing and crept up to the burrow. Then, he darted down the long, steep slide, his paws slipping about the tunnel's sides. When he reached the bottom, the first thing he discovered was a frightened mole trying to scamper away. Quickly, he grasped the squirming critter in his teeth and dashed out of the hole. His beaming mentor was perched at the entrance of the mole tunnel, pride gleaming from his eyes.

"Well done!" Snakestripe praised. Thrushpaw squealed with delight. He couldn't wait to go back to the camp to tell his clanmates!

***

Lilypaw scuffled her paws impatiently against the thin soil beneath her. Today was the day she would take her mole-fetching assesment, and she had to admit she was a bit anxious. She may have looked alert, but her insides were like thin soup broth. Snakestripe had already taken Thrushpaw mole-fetching morning, and the night before Gingerpaw had come back from the sun-drown place dripping wet. However, her sister was still able to restock their low kelp supply.

She glanced axiously at the warriors den. Finally, her dark mentor emerged form the opening, yawning. He laughed when he saw Lilypaw. "My, someone's early today, aren't we?"
Lilypaw narrowed her eyes playfully at Runningtear. "Well in my eyes someone's late today, aren't we?" She shot back.
Runningtear chuckled. "Well, I need to go fetch myself a mouse. Meanwhile, why don't you go chat with some of your clanmates? I'm sure the'd love to talk with you." He headed towards the prey pile.

Lilypaw scanned the clearing, praying for soembody decent to talk to. She was in luck, for by the thick bramble by the clan's entrance was the handsome Badgertail. Lilypaw purred and padded over.
"Hello Badgertail!" She exclaimed.
"Good morning Lilypaw!" The warrior smiled, but seemed to get lost in the apprentice's pearly blue eyes.

Lilypaw flicked her tail to straighten his vision. "I'm going to take my mole-fetching assesment today!" She informed him. She sure hoped she'd be able to ramble about her victory when she returned. But ever since she started training, she had never been that great at hunting, for her constant jabbering and motion always scared away the prey.
Badgertail's eyes leapt. "Excellent! I do hope you do well." He paused. This would be a good excuse to rub her neck again. He stretched out his head and gave her splotched neck a gentle rub. The both stared into each other's eyes for an instant, lost.

Runningtear leapt between the two. "Come on Lilypaw!" He exclaimed. "Time for your assesment!"
The young apprentice sighed and turned to Badgertail. "I guess I'll see you around," she ended the conversation shyly, then followed her mentor out of the camp.

Chapter Ten

Lilypaw had not done as hoped on her mole-fetching assesment. She had shot down the mole burrow like a bullet, sniffed out the critter faster than lightning, but failed to sink her teeth into the meaty creature in time. The mole had already burrowed deeper where the hopeful apprentice couldn't reach. She had approached her mentor with paws empty, head bowed in shame. But Runningtear had a kind heart and wasn't rude to his apprentice. He groomed her ear slick and simply told her she could try again in a few days.

   It wasn't helpful to Lilypaw when she returned to camp to find out Thurshpaw had nailed the mole-fetching assesment. Heart sunken, she dragged herself to the apprentices den and was asleep before moonrise.

***

   The next day after Lilypaw's hunting lesson with Rosepaw and her mentor, Lilypaw came back to camp to find Cloudstar trying to seize the endless quarrels of her clanmates. Lilypaw bounded over to Thrushpaw and Gingerpaw to ask about thsi ruckus.
   "What happened?" Lilypaw asked.
   Gingerpaw answered. "There's a loss." She stopped momentarily. "R-runningtear is lost. Apparently he left yesterday off the trails of Minnow Springs and never returned."
   Lilypaw gasped. Runningtear was lost? How could it be? He was so dilligent and capable of anything Cloudstar asked. Why, Lilypaw thought he's make an excellent leader someday. The she remembered something else: Runningtear was her mentor.

   Cloudstar rose to the highrock and bellowed out a silence warning. A calming quietness rippled throughout the clan, stunned.
   Clearing her throat, the honorable leader began her speech. "Now, I know this is tragic for all of us, but we shall not solve any of this chaos by adding more chaos." She glared at her clanmates with pearly eyes. "We will solve this chaos by being oraganized." She turned to her deputy. "Swiftheart will organize search patrols to lead out throughout teh day towards Minnow Springs' path. That is all we can do for now."
   "Wait!" Lilypaw's squeaky voice echoed over the camp. "Runningtear was my mentor. Who will mentor me?"

   Cloudstar scanned the warriors. "Badgertail is young, witty, and ready to learn. Badgertail, to become a better warrior, you must teach. I know you are a young warrior, but this is good practice. Do you take the offer to be Lilypaw's temporary mentor?"
   "I do! Oh I do!" Badgertail exclaimed. Then he cleared his throat when he saw his clanmates' confused stares. "Uh, I mean, I do."
   Cloudstar dipped her head. "Good. Swiftheart, please announce the first patrols."

Lilypaw never heard the first patrols. Badgertail as her mentor! She was prancing around the camp all afternoon.

***

"Thrushpaw, enough fun and games, I want you to go clena the elders for ticks today." Unfortunately, this was Snakestripe, Thurshpaw's mentor.
   "But why?" Thrushpaw wailed, eyebrows arched in disbelief.
   Snakestripe straightened his posture. "It is part of your apprentice duties. All apprentices must begin elder work on day seven. Now take yourself to Bluegaze like a warrior and ask for some honey pulp."
   It has been one fabulous week being an apprnetice until this dreadful day. Thrushpaw groaned and dragged himself to Bluegaze's den. Inside, his sister greeted him, a smile plastered on her face.
   "Hello Thrushpaw! Anything i acn help you with?" She cheerily said.
   "I need some honey sap to clean the elders' coats."
   Gingerpaw looked confused. "Are you sure Snakestripe said honey sap?" She questioned uncertainly. "Because the proper herb to clena elders' coats os honey pulp."

   Bleugaze gave her apprentice a grin. "Well done Gingerpaw!" She beamed. Gingerpaw blushed and handed her brother the honey pulp. Thrushpaw angrily picke dup the awful-tasting herbs and proceeded to the smelly elders den. He could almost hear the old cats' bickering form miles away.

Chapter Eleven

Thrushpaw groaned as he entered the elders den. Patchfur, Bentear, and Proudsoul glared at him with uninviting pupils.
Bentear grunted. "What do you need?" He snapped.
Thrushpaw stepped back. "I-I brought some honey pulp to clean your fur for ticks." He stammered.
"Get on with it." Proudsoul lay down on her belly. "I've been scratching like crazy for days."
Thrushpaw picked up his herb and made his way over to the oldest grumpy elder. He crouched by Proudsoul's long, slender spine and gingerly massaged the tender pulp deep into her bluish-gray fur. Proudsoul purred. As he carefully picked out dead ticks, Thrushpaw examined the elders den.
"I guess you're the only three living here?" Thrushpaw dared to say.
"What does it look like?" Patchfur moaned. Thrushpaw fell silent.

"Well..." Bentear began. "Back in the old days, I remember when Bluegaze used to come in here and clean us for ticks. That was, before she had her kits."
Thrushpaw snapped to atention. "Kits?"
"Yes sir, their names were..." His voice cracked. "Do you remember their names Patchfur?"
Patchfur pondered for a second. "I believe they were Shellkit and Petalkit." Thrushpaw then finished with Proudsoul and walked over to Patchfur.
Bentear nodded. "That's it. Well, before she was a medicine cat, she was the apprentice of Canyonfall. He's obviously gone now, but he was charming one I tell ya'. I remember when he was just a kit. I would smack his nose when I was just Bentkit. Then we two brothers would gallop all of the queens. Got quite a scolding for that. Later on..."

Thrushpaw wnated to hear more about Bluegaze's kits. "What happened to Shellkit and Petalkit?" He questioned.
Bentear paused. "Well..." He began, but stopped when he saw Thrushpaw coming to check him for ticks.

Patchfur continued. "When Bluegaze became a warrior, she mated with Redleaf and they had Shellkit and Petalkit. But in a dream, Bluegaze was told that she was not destined to be a warrior. She asked Starclan what would happen to her kits, and they simply replied that their future would come. With that, Bluegaze switched to a medicine cat with Molefoot, her mentor. It was odd because they were the same age. Meanwhile, Redleaf kept watch of the kits except for when a genrous queen fed them.

"A couple months later, Bluegaze's kits went missing, as the curious kittens they were. It was not long before a patrol found them, dead, in the shallow part of the sea. They had drowned." Patchfur dipped her head in sorrow.

At that moment, Thrushpaw realized he was done with Bentear's ticks. Sadly, he thanked the elders and clamped out of the elders den. Surprisingly, he was excited to go clean the elders den tomorrow so he could hear another story about the past.

Chapter Twelve

Lilypaw's tail lashed eagerly against her white speckled pelt. She was padding quickly beside Badgetail, her temporary mentor, whom she secretly loved. Badgertail's wild eyes gleamed with enthusiasm.
   Soon they arrived at the training hollow. It was a small clearing surrounded by barbs and tangles of sharp roots. There was a shallow cave punched out in a large boulder for rainy days and special training. Badgertail waded through the bramble and reached the middle of the clearing. It wasn't long before Lilypaw caught up.
   "Alright Lilypaw," he began, slightly anxious."Today is your first day of training for fights. The first move I'd like to show you is the back kick." He lowered himself into a gentle crouch. "This is a great move when your opponent is least expecting. What you do is kick with your back legs and send the weight of your body to your front legs. Keep a steady balance. Falling over could result in an exposed belly, and nobody wants the belly rake attack used on them!"
   Lilypaw knew about the belly rake. If your opponent was on top of you, you could slide your unsheathed claws across his belly for instant control in a battle. It hurt terribly, and Lilypaw did not want to be a victim of it.
   "Stand here, Lilypaw." Badgertail told her. Lilypaw cautiously trudged over until she was staring straight into his large, amber pupils. She immediately looked away, blushing. Suddenly, fierce paws collided with her chest, and she was heaved backward. Gasping,, she landed in the grainy soil. Badgertail had a proud smirk on his face.
   "That wasn't fair!" Lilypaw wailed. "I wasn't ready!"
   Badgertail didn't want to speak harshly to the young apprentice, so he gently replied, "A good warrior is always prepared." His apprentice seemed to accept this comment.

***

   It had been a great training day, and Lilypaw and her mentor were trekking back to Sunclan camp. As they emerged from the bramble entrance, they noticed many warriors crowded around the center of the clearing. Lilypaw darted over to investigate. As she thrust herself through the mob, she found herself gazing into four inquisitive eyes. They were both large, two amber, two ice blue. She leapt back in shock. Playfully, a tiny black paw struck Lilypaw's nose.
   Protests erupted from the cluster. "Throw them out of here!" Sparrowclaw bellowed. "Sunclan is not responsible for abandoned kittypets!"
   "Who says? Sunclan needs all the warriors it can find at this point!" Whitebird pointed out.
   Snakestripe snarled. "Yes, strong warriors! Useless kittypets will never do. We'll be a laughing stock!"
   Smokepelt's fur bristled at each insult. "They were in good shape when I found them; I don't see why we need to pass this offer up." Then he added, with effort, "Maybe Starclan sent them to replenish our warrior stock!"
   "Starclan's never been so mouse-brained!" Snakestripe growled. He eyed the two harmless kits. "And they reek of kittypet!"

   "Enough!" Cloudstar bellowed, silencing the clan. She leapt onto the highrock without calling for a clan meeting.
   "Our clan is dying out. We have only six warriors and four apprentices. We have only two queens to repoduce." She narrowed her eyes. "The kits stay."
   Yowls of protest rippled throughout the clan.
   "This shows weakness!" Sparrowclaw yelped. "Are we about to shout to every living creature how desperate we are?"
   Cloudstar ignored him. "When they become apprentices, they will be trained to become fine warriors."
   "They'll need a queen to nurse them." Swiftheart reminded her.

Hollyberry padded forward. "Icepool is expecting, so I'll be happy to feed these two lively kits."
   Cloudstar nodded. "Excellent!" she cried. Their names shall be announced tonight." With a slash from her feathery white tail, she hopped off the highrock.
   Lilypaw trekked through the sea of clanmates over to Thrushpaw and Rosepaw. "I wonder what the new kits will be like!" she exclaimed.
   "I hope they like to play!" Thurshpaw crouched and lashed his tail, then tackled his sister to the dirt. Lilypaw squealed and batted at Thrushpaw's ginger-colored ears.
   Rosepaw gazed at the loving looks Hollyberry gave the new kits. "I hope I am lucky enough to have kits someday," she sighed.
   Lilypaw sprang at Thrushpaw again. "I like fighting!" she informed Rosepaw, as if it wasn't obvious.
   "Clearly!" Rosepaw replied as she surveyed the tumbling siblings. Then she bounded away.

***

   "Let all the cats old enough to catch their own prey gather under the highrock for a clan meeting!"
   Groggily, cats emerged from their dens. It was sunset, and every cats' bones were beginning to weaken before moonrise. The two kittypet kits were perched on the highrock next to Cloudstar.
   After all the cats had settled below, Cloudstar began the ceremony.
   "Hollyberry and I have come up with suitable names for these lovely kits." She began with the dark striped tabby kit. "This tabby one, until she earns her apprentice name, will be known as Amberkit." She turned towards the dark jet black one. "And this," she paused, "will be Crabkit." She looked at the clan. "We believe these two are siblings, but nothing is certain. Also, we predicted their age to be about four months, so they will become apprentices awfully soon. Clan dismissed."
   "AMBERKIT! CRABKIT! AMBERKIT! CRABKIT!" The clan's loud chants rang in Lilypaw's ears. She observed Amberkit and Crabkit. They would be apprentices soon; they were big, and seemed strong and fierce. Plus, they had journeyed all the way to the sun-drown place where Smokepelt found them. She knew it wouldn't be long.
   She gazed into Amberkit's fierce amber eyes. Maybe I'd even like to mentor one of them someday, she thought hopefully.

-- Edited by Moonstar at 20:13, 2008-01-04

Wyvernclaw · WindClan Warrior

Cool! Sounds kind of like what I was thinking about writting a story about. Interesting...

-- Edited by Levipaw at 23:44, 2007-11-07

Karma · Loner

Cool! I like ur topic!

Moonstar · RiverClan Leader

XDD
Fanku. I shall write the first chapter soon.
ANd they'll be kinda short, because my Microsoft Word isn't working so I'll have to write it ON HERE. D::::::::

Karma · Loner

I had to to, but thats OK, Its really fun! I cant wait for your first chapter!

Moonstar · RiverClan Leader

Forget it, I couldn't only have a FEW cats. And i had to write teh profile sfirst so I'd know who was in teh clan. ;D
So Profiles r up! ^__^

Karma · Loner

COOL! I love the names!