Chapter Text
ꕥ Batpaw ꕥ
Batpaw ran past the thick white trees, cold air whipping at her brown, furry face. She just wanted it to be over. Tears were streaming down her fur and she started to slow down. She trotted to a stop and turned around to face the camp, and saw Featherpaw skid to a stop before her.
Featherpaw was a silvery-gray tom with a white nose, white ears, and white paws. He was very fluffy and didn’t take care of his fur as well as he should have. Perhaps it was his tongue that was the problem?
“Are you ok? Did you get hurt?” Featherpaw panted, shaking his coat.
“I’m better than you, I think.” She responded. “Is anyone following us? We can afford another fight.”
“I know, I don’t think so. I don’t smell anyone other than us,”
Suddenly, they both came to a crouch. Someone was following them.
“I thought you said no one was following us!” Batpaw whispered. “There are very clearly pawsteps behind us!”
“Wait,” Featherpaw whispered back. “That scent is from ThunderClan,”
“Mew!”
They both whipped their heads around. The snow was freezing, but they couldn’t move or they would be spotted.
“Mew!”
There it was again.
“It’s a kit!” Featherpaw realized, starting to stand up. “We should be safe, come on. I think they sent the kits with us.”
“How’d they get here so fast!?” Snapped Batpaw, “They’re just kits, and we’re apprentices! How are we even going to take care of them if everybody else is back at camp! I can’t be a mother!”
“Chill out, we can just go back to camp once the fight is over. It may be a day or two before we can be sure it’s safe, though. Also, someone probably ran over with the kit.”
Suddenly, a gray kitten trotted over to them from behind a snowy tree. Batpaw was confused.
“Only one? There must be more..” She meowed.
“Hang on, I’ll go check,” Mewed Featherpaw. He stalked across the bright fluffy snow and behind the tree.
“You get the kit!” He yelled.
“Ok,” Batpaw mewed.
She walked over and picked up the tiny, freezing kit by the scruff of its neck. There was a clump of dead nettles near where they were, but it had leaves. A little amount- but still leaves, so she took the shivering kit under it and placed it down.
Then she ran out and found some cold moss -not yet ice, so still useful- and placed it on the bottom of their new den.
“There was no one else!” Meowed Featherpaw.
“MROWR!! Oh my GOSH Featherpaw, you SCARED me!” She yelped. “Whoof! Well, I found us a den while we wait. It’s no harm to keep the kit with us.”
“Of course,” Featherpaw meowed, matter of factly. “That is exactly, yes, good. Yes. But what about food? Will we just starve for however long it’s going to take?”
“Of course,” Batpaw mocked, “Or.. we could hunt for a mouse or two in the meantime?”
“DUH, we can’t starve,” Featherpaw retorted. “Ok, but let’s get some sleep first, I’m exhausted.” Batpaw collapsed on the moss bed and closed her eyes.
“Mew! Mew!”
She opened one eye to see what it was. It was the kit.
Sure, I’ll share my warmth with you or whatever. Even though you’re cute, I’m not becoming your mother.
She reached her paw out and tugged the kit under her chest.
“Mew!”
Batpaw sighed and closed her eyes.
“You’d be an awesome mother.” Featherpaw mewed, gesturing to the kit.
“Oh shut up,” Batpaw spat, “you can go jump in an icy river.”
“Ok! Ok, fine. Can I still sleep here?” He asked.
“Of course, do you want to die?” Hissed Batpaw. Featherpaw sat down next to her and closed his eyes.
“I hope everyone at home is ok..”
“Yeah..”
She was so tired, hungry, and cold when she thought about the cats at camp. It should’ve ended by now, or at least soon.
They better be ok. She thought.
I swear, I will kill Redtail so much more if he dies.
She shivered with fear and cold, and cried some more. Featherpaw lifted his eyes and licked her icy fur comfortingly. She felt a bit better, and passed out on the moss.
If something happened to all of them, any of them, especially Redtail, her life would never be the same.
***
ꕥ Featherpaw ꕥ
Out of all nights, tonight had to be the day they left the camp. After all, it was his 6th moon as an apprentice! So instead of celebrating his anniversary with a mouse with his friend, Batpaw, ShadowClan had to attack their camp, and even though Featherpaw could fight just as well as the warriors, the leader told them they were ‘too important to the clan’ so they had to flee in order to ‘keep the Thunder Clan’s bloodline incase things go wrong’ or something.
Now here they were, in an unknown, snowy, freezing part of the forest in a blizzard.
And to double their problems, they now had a kitten to take care of, probably the only kit in the camp. Neither Featherpaw nor Batpaw had any idea how to take care of a kit.
Awesome.
“Wake up,” mewed a familiar voice. He blinked his eyes and slowly opened them. His stomach was rumbling.
He stared up at a brown she-cat above him. She had dark brown stripes across her back, tail, and forehead and bright green eyes.
“We just came here, why do we still have to wake up early...” Featherpaw groaned drowsily.
“Because we need to eat. I can hear your stomach from the other side of the den- thing.” Batpaw meowed.
“Fiiiiiiiiine.” Featherpaw groaned.
”I already got a mouse. It’s skinny, but it's food.” Batpaw mewed cheerfully.
It was sunrise and it had stopped snowing. The ground was white with snow, and very deep snow at that. He was so glad they found the nettles because the snow was as high as his legs.
He slowly stood up and looked around, unused to his surroundings. Batpaw handed him half of a mouse. “How’d you get the mouse in this weather?” Featherpaw said as he munched on the mouse bones.
“It was in a tree, I had to climb it but it was so worth it. It’s still warm!” Batpaw said, crunching on a mouse bone as well.
Why the heck is a mouse in a tree? He wondered, still savoring the juicy mouse. Whatever. It’s still really good..
-
Featherpaw carefully stepped out into the snow after he finished eating. The snow was cold, but the sun was out, which meant prey, but before they got more prey, they had to check the camp.
“Want to come check the camp with me? See if anyone’s there?” Featherpaw meowed.
“No thanks, I gotta take care of this kit.” She responded.
“I told you you would be a good mom. You are taking care of the kit over me! So cuuute!”
“And I told you to drop it! Just go check it out, and if anyone’s there come get me.” Batpaw hissed playfully.
“And you didn't tell me that, but ok,” Batpaw meowed with a friendly flick of his tail.
Featherpaw stepped into the light and out of the nettles. He trotted in the snow in the direction of the camp, continuously flicking snow off of his paws as he walked.
-
Almost there, he thought. Just a few more steps..
Finally, he saw the gorse tunnel leading to the entrance. “Finally!” He said out loud. He walked through the entrance to find the camp completely deserted. Instinctively, he dropped to a crouch and slipped through the empty camp.
Suddenly, he heard rustling in a dead bush behind him. He jumped as a large tabby sprang out of the bushes and tackled him. The cat put his large paws over his shoulders. He was a tom, red with white stripes on the back of his legs, and wide eyes and snarling teeth.
“WHO ARE YOU- oh, Featherpaw?” Said the cat. “What are you doing here?”
“AH! Don’t kill me!” Shrieked Featherpaw.
“It’s me, Redtail! Didn’t Cloudstar tell you to leave? Wait, do you have the kit?” Redtail mewed.
“Uh, yes? Batpaw is taking care of it,” He said, still shocked. “Where is everyone? What happened during the fight?”
Redtail took his paws off of Featherpaw and he sat while he explained.
“Batpaw! She’s ok!” Redtail sighed with relief. “It was terrible, we lost Willowheart and Foxfur. I think they took a couple warriors, including Cloudstar. Knocked her clean out. I didn’t see it, but someone told me. Only the queens, elders, and a few warriors are still here. I guess that’s what we get for not having a lot of new kits last newleaf,” Redtail said. “Hope they’re ok, but we can’t afford to rescue them in this condition. You and Batpaw can come back to the camp with the kit. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”
“Alright, I’ll go tell her. I bet she’ll be very happy to hear from you. I’ll be back in a bit.” Meowed Featherpaw, confused by the tsunami of information. How could this happen? It didn’t matter, he was going to tell his friend and hopefully soon they could rescue half the clan.
***
ꕥ Redtail ꕥ
Cloudstar screeched as she kicked and wrestled with a warrior cat from ShadowClan.
Redtail was running for the nursery to get the only kit. They might lose warriors, but hopefully not the only future warrior, besides the apprentices. He found the small entrance to the nursery and picked up a small gray she-kit with wide green eyes by the scruff of her neck.
He heard the clamor outside and settled on the nursery floor to wait it out until it was a bit less chaotic and a bit more hushed.
“Shh, little one, it’s ok. You’ll make it out of here. Your mother can’t come right now, but I’m with you.” Redtail assured the kitten.
“Mew! Mew!” The kit squeaked, terrified. She had a bit too much idea of what was going on.
“Shh-sh-sh-sh-sh, little kitten. You are safe!” He whispered. “Just be quiet, ok?”
The gesture seemed to work as the kit quieted down. “That’s right, that’s right,”
He peeked outside to the clashing of cats and puffs of fur flying around. The battle had only gotten fiercer. He was now afraid they would check the nursery and find them and kill them. His head was swirling with thoughts of what might happen.
What if they come in and take the kit and Cloudstar is mad at me forever? Or if they kill me and I lived for nothing? Cloudstar would be so disappointed in me. Oh my gosh, why am I thinking like this? Cloudstar isn’t that mean! But what if they kill Cloudstar?!!?
His train of thought was interrupted by the kit, who had crawled to the entrance and was now trying to jump out.
“NO!” Redtail yelled in alarm as he snatched up the kitten. “BAD CAT! NO OUTSIDE! Not now!” He hissed.
An enemy warrior from outside suddenly snapped his head up as he yelled and looked towards the nursery.
“Shh kitty. Shush now.” The other cat walked over to them and peaked his head in the clump of nettles beside them.
Now’s my chance to get out! Redtail hastily thought. He grabbed the scruff of the kit's neck and sprang out from the entrance of the nursery and sped through the battling cats to the gorse entrance tunnel. The warrior from behind him looked back up, confused. Then a she-cat warrior from his clan jumped on his back and wrestled him to the ground.
Yeah, go us! He thought.
He sprinted into the woods where the apprentices went earlier and finally found the two cats. He set the kit down behind a tree near the others.
“Mew!” Meeped the kitten. “Your welcome, bye kit!” He said hurriedly.
-
He quickly ran back to the tunnel and panted with exhaustion. All of that running had really gotten him worked up. Although he didn’t hear any of the hissing and scratching that he did before. After a fight like that, where was everyone?
“Hello?”
He couldn’t see anyone in the clearing anymore. Maybe they had driven off ShadowClan?
“Hello!?” He asked again. “Can anyone hear me?”
He walked through the entrance and saw 3 cats’ bodies. Two of them were from the other were from his clan, Willowheart and Foxfur. All of them were dead.
“Hello Redtail.” Said an unfamiliar voice. Suddenly a cat sprang on top of him. He instantly got pinned to the ground. As he looked up at his opponent he saw a dark brown tom with a knobby tail.
It was Fogfur, from ShadowClan.
“Fogfur. What do you want! Where is everyone!??!”
“Dead, captured, or not found.”
Suddenly, the large tabby got off of Redtail and sat in front of him.
“What-” Redtail paused. “Uh, are you Fogfur?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Then what are you doing? You should be gone with your clan or you should’ve killed me. Is this a surprise attack? I hate surprises.”
“I know. I’m here because you need help. I can’t help you because I’m still loyal to ShadowClan, but we left you down in the dirt.” Fogfur meowed calmly.
“I can see that. Where is everyone?”
“We took CloudStar and some of your warriors. I will help collect herbs with your medicine cat to heal the wounded that are still here, but you have to rest. You are the only one of three warriors here.”
Redtail stared at Fogfur in shock and disbelief. “What? You took Cloudstar? I was right! But Cloudstar..”
“Someone knocked her out and dragged her away to who knows where. All the clans will be against ShadowClan for this and I don’t want to go down with them.” Fogfur meowed.
“Well you better get going now if you want any more of us to live,” Redtail mewed quietly. “Our clan is in terrible shape.”
“Alright, don’t rush me. See you soon?” Fogfur asked, licking his paw.
“See you soon. Bye, Fogfur.” He replied.
“Goodbye.”
***
ꕥ Batpaw ꕥ
“Mew!”
“UUUGGGHHH,” Moaned Batpaw. “Shut uuuuuuuuuuup,”
“Mew!”
Batpaw slowly stood up and stretched out her legs. The kit was hungry, and she had no choice but to feed it. Food was scarce, but she could find a cold mouse or two. Probably only one.
“Alright, you win. I’ll bring back a mouse for you and me to share.”
“Mew!” Meowed the kit gratefully as she purred and flopped over on the mossy ground, exposing her underbelly. “Muws!”
Batpaw shot her head up.
“DID YOU JUST SAY MOUSE? DID I TEACH A KIT HOW TO SAY ‘MOUSE’?” She yelled.
“Muws. Mews! Moows?” The kit meeped.
“Yes, yes, mouse! M - O - U - S - E. MOUSE! MOUWS!”
“Maws! Maws! Mows!”
Batpaw jumped up and down excitedly. She was going to teach the kit some more words.
“Hang on, kit!” Batpaw meowed. “I'm going to get a MOUSE! Mouse!”
She leaped outside into the thick snow and sniffed the air. There was a small scent of mice that passed by earlier. Two of them! She dashed towards the scent and quickly spotted a small mouse cleaning its tiny face.
She dropped to the ground and stalked towards the creature. She prepared her legs for the jump, and.. BAM! She scooped up the mouse and finished it off quickly.
Holding the tail in her mouth, she trotted happily back to the make-shift den, happy with her quick catch.
-
When she got back, she dropped the mouse in front of the kit.
“This is a mouse. Mouse. Say mouse.”
“Maws!”
“Good job! This is what it looks like! This is what it tastes like. Take a bite!”
She demonstrated taking a mouthful of mouse and the kitten followed after her, taking half of what she did, with fur and meat dripping from its mouth.
“Alrigch, googd?” She said, chewing. “Moush.”
She swallowed and took a deep breath of the fresh air. It was almost sunhigh and she was schooling a kit.
“Mouse!” Mewed the kit.
“YES! You got it! Mouse! Mouse!”
“Mouse! Mows! Mouse!”
It wasn’t always saying it correctly, but it was only a kit. So far, so awesome!
“Can you say cat? Mouse, cat. Mouse, cat. Cat.”
“WAT!”
“No, cat. Cat.”
“Mouse! Mat!”
“Kitty cat!”
“Wimy wat!”
Batpaw sighed, smiling. It was time to find Featherpaw. He had been out all night and she didn’t know if he was ok. She gulped down the last of the mouse remains and stepped back into the sunlight as it soaked into her fur.
The kit followed her out, Its face barely peeking out of the snow.
“Fine,” She laughed. “You can come along with me.”
They both trudged through the snow towards camp. The kit was having a lot of trouble walking in the deep white snow, so Batpaw picked it up by the scruff of its neck.
“Mrowr!” Mewed the kit.
“Meow.” Batpaw replied, dryly.
-
Batpaw wasn’t really paying attention to the path in front of her and her head was blank. She padded towards the camp, not even sure she was going the right way, and tripped over a branch in the snow, fell, and hit a tree on her side. No, not a tree, a cat.
“Batpaw!” Yelped a familiar voice.
“Featherpaw?” Batpaw meowed, turning around to her back, facing the cat as she was laying down. “There you are. Where were you?”
“At the camp. I was looking for you and I have a lot to explain. Come on. You got the kit?”
The kit was face down in the snow with its tail in the air. Batpaw glanced over to it and raised her eyebrows sarcastically.
“Got it,” Featherpaw mewed, seeming to get the message. “Hang on,”
Batpaw slowly got up, wobbling. “So what happened?” She said shakily.
“I found Redtail,” He meowed. “He was fine, but most of the warriors are gone or dead. So is Cloudstar, sadly. Gone, not dead. She’s not dead. Maybe?”
“WAIT WHAT?” Batpaw yelled, alarmed and confused. “HUH?”
“Just come on, Redtail can tell you. He knows everything, I don’t.”
“Ok, hang on. I’ll catch up. You take the kit.” Batpaw meowed.
“Sure, bye-bye,”
“See ya,”
After all of that, Batpaw wasn’t sure if she had woken up. If so, this had completely ruined her morning. What was going to happen now that Cloudstar was gone and the camp was left in ruin? What would they do? And most importantly, if this was how she felt given a bit of the information, how would she feel when told the entire story?
***
ꕥ Featherpaw ꕥ
Featherpaw trotted into the gorse tunnel entrance with the kit hanging from his mouth. He was looking for Redtail, but maybe he had left. He could ask one of the elders if he had.
“Finally!” Meowed a large cat. Redtail.
“I’ve been waiting for you for so long!” He said. “I even got a mouse for the story. Come on! I set up some moss at the warriors den.”
“Ooh, I've never been in there before!” Featherpaw meowed happily. “Batpaw’s coming. She’ll be here soon.”
Just as he said that, the brown tabby came walking into the clearing, looking around curiously.
“What happened here?” She asked.
“ShadowClan,” Redtail said. “I’m about to tell the story. Come to the warriors den when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting! Don’t make me wait for too long!” He meowed, trotting away.
Batpaw and Featherpaw walked towards the warriors den as they talked a bit.
“To be honest, I’m kind of worried,” Meowed Batpaw. “I mean, Redtail made me scared. How bad was the damage? How long will camp be like this? What are we going to do?”
“Calm down, I’m worried to, but we’ll probably just improvise. Go along with what everybody else is doing. After all, we are apprentices, we don't have to make big decisions. Just do what the warriors say.”
They entered the warriors den and greeted Redtail with a flick of their ears.
“Sit down,” Redtail meowed dramatically. “I’m about to tell you the story of the battle. It’s pretty long, but most cats are just fixing up camp, so we have a whole day before one of the warriors is appointed the make-shift leader for now. You guys ready?”
“Ready,” meowed Featherpaw.
“Ready,” meowed Batpaw.
-
“Alright. It first started when, as you know, ShadowClan burst through the camp walls. They attacked because our camp right now is very weak, with few apprentices, just you two and Pinepaw, who was about to become a warrior, and during the fight he was captured near the beginning. We only had about 9 warriors, and then the queen, elders, leader, and deputy. They came in because they wanted more hunting territory. They tried to steal some of our land, but we beat them, so they came again, this time fiercer.”
Batpaw gulped down some of the mouse remains, and chewed some more loudly. She looked around as Featherpaw and Redtail stared her down and she smiled guiltily.
“As I was saying,” Redtail meowed. “Once they came in, we knew we had no chance. We had no idea they were trying to capture us. So Cloudstar took both of you and told you to get out before you got hurt, and told me to get the last kit from the nursery, as we only had one kit. And of course we still do.”
Redtail glanced at Featherpaw, with the kit next to him.
“I should probably put that kit in the nursery,” He said. “After all, it still has a mother.”
He picked up the kit and walked over to the nursery, dropped the kit, and then ran over to the queen of the clan, Cottontail, said something to her, and walked back. The queen stood up and rushed over to the nursery to take care of her kitten.
“Anyways let's continue.” Redtail said as he sat down. “The fight was massive, but I got the kit and ran to you guys and dropped the kit off. When I got back, the camp was empty. I was confused, but I soon saw the rest of the cats in their dens, or cleaning up the camp and mourning over some losses. Then a huge cat jumped on me, and it was Fogfur! From ShadowClan! Then he got off of me and said he was here to help because our clan didn’t deserve this much of a wreck, and-”
“WAIT, FOGFUR WAS THERE? ISN’T HE LIKE, ONE OF THE BEST SHADOWCLAN WARRIORS???” Featherpaw shouted.
“Yes,” Redtail said, covering part of his left ear with his shoulder, as if that would do something to stop the yelling. “Yes, Fogfur is a ShadowClan warrior. But hear me out, he was kind of nice. Like I said, he said our clan didn’t deserve all this so he went to help collect herbs with the medicine cat to help the clan heal. He said he couldn’t be disloyal to his clan, so that was all he could do, but he said none of the clans would let ShadowClan be after the attack, and he didn’t want to go down with ShadowClan after all they did.”
Redtail panted after he finished, as if he said it all in one breath. Which, to be honest, Featherpaw didn’t think was unlikely.
“So Fogfur is on our side?” Batpaw asked.
“Uhm,” Redtail said. “I’m not sure, but I think so. Important fact though, we have to decide who will lead the clan tomorrow, and get everybody back. Also we must mourn the losses of I think two of our cats, Willowheart and Foxfur. Both warriors, and very good cats, sadly. Loyal, and good friends.”
“Oh no,” Batpaw gasped. “I’m so sorry, I hope we can get back into shape. We have few apprentices, one kit, a couple of warriors, the med cat and leader, and the deputy. Almost all of them are gone! I don’t know how our clan is going to survive this.”
Suddenly a large brown tabby walked into camp with some herbs in his mouth, right next to the med cat, Leaftail, doing the same.
They both casually walked into the healers’ den, even though the tom-cat’s scent was clearly from another clan.
“Oh, I think that’s Fogfur!” Meowed Redtail. “My story’s over anyways, so you guys go catch prey or help rebuild the camp with the elders and warriors. Or I guess rebuild your dens, whatever is necessary. I’m going to check up with Fogfur. Bye guys!”
“Uh, bye?” Featherpaw mewed.
“Let’s go rebuild the camp, like he said.” Batpaw said. “There is a lot to be done,”
“Alright,” He responded.
Today was totally crazy. That story changed everything, and now they had to choose a new leader and rescue the rest of the clan?
Well, perhaps they could ask the other clans for help, because they didn’t support any of this either. The gathering was near, so they could protest then. All of ThunderClan history had changed forever.
The biggest question on his mind, though, was; why had ShadowClan captured the cats from ThunderClan?
***
ꕥ Redtail ꕥ
Redtail was walking over to the healing den, following Fogfur and Leaftail, when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Suspicious, he turned around to face the- well- whatever it was. Probably just a cat.
It was Amberpelt, one of the warriors.
“I need to talk to you,” He meowed. “Fogfur will have to wait for a thanks from you. Come to the warriors den, Ashtail is there already. We came just as you finished your- story. Warrior meeting.”
“Uhm, alright,” Redtail replied “Lead the way?”
Both cats strode towards the warriors den in silence. When they reached the entrance, Ashtail was licking herself, her tail neatly laying over her fore-paws. She looked over once they walked in.
“Hello, Redtail, Amberpelt,” She meowed, addressing the warriors. “We shall start now. As you know, we need a new leader. We are here to decide so we can keep the clan in order. Tomorrow is the gathering, and we will have to address the situation, and hopefully get the clans to help us rescue our clan members, and most importantly, our leader. Although until then, we have to decide on someone to fill Cloudstar's place. Any suggestions, or reasons for a cat to be picked?”
“I think you would be a good replacement, Ashtail. Noble, loyal, brave, and responsible.” Redtail meowed. “You could easily take over to lead the clan.”
“I agree with Redtail,” Amberpelt said. “Your thoughts, Ashtail?”
“Hmm. It would be tough, but thank you for your support. We will inform the clan in the morning.” Said Ashtail “After all, it’s getting late. Thank you for your help, you may go. Or sleep.”
Redtail slowly got up and stretched out his legs.
Well, He thought. I was about to see Fogfur, so I guess I’ll head over to the medicine den.
He trotted towards the den, looking around the clearing. There was a pile of freshkill near the highrock, so he picked up a small mouse on the way. Fogfur was outside the den, on a pile of moss he had clearly recently set up. He was licking his paws when he saw Redtail walking towards him.
“Hello, Fogfur. Thanks for the help,” Redtail meowed in greeting. Fogfur nodded his head in response, still cleaning himself. Suddenly he looked up.
“I forgot!” He yelped, jumping to his paw. “I need to get back before they notice I’m gone! Bye, Redtail! I’ll look for your warriors! Also, you're welcome!”
He ran off quickly into the darkened forest, leaving Redtail startled.
“Oh well,” He sighed.
He walked into the medicine den to find Leaftail to catch up with her.
“Leaftail?” He asked. The den was dark and he couldn’t see a thing. A shadow padded towards him and he twitched his ear. “Leaftail!”
“Hello Redtail, what do you need?” Leaftail asked politely.
“Just coming to catch up with you,'' said Redtail. “How was Fogfur?”
“Kind,” She said. “Curious, quiet, and kind. Great at finding herbs.”
“Great. That’s all. He just left for his clan, but he said he would look for the warriors.”
“Amazing!”
“Well, goodbye. I’m heading to my den!”
“Goodbye! See you… sunrise.” She meowed.
Redtail trotted to the den, tired and excited for tomorrow, when they would go to the gathering that night and save the clan, with Ashtail in the lead.
-
The next morning, he was woken up by the bright sunlight in his eyes. He squinted and blinked, while slowly standing up.
“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the highrock for a clan meeting!” He heard.
Time for the big reveal, He thought. I’m too tiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrred…
Slowly and drowsily he stood up and walked over to the highrock and sat down beside Featherpaw and Batpaw. It was just before sunhigh, and cats were walking into the clearing from everywhere. Although there were not many cats, there was at least one cat coming from every den in camp. Leaftail, cottontail, the elders. Not many cats, now that he named them.
“Hi, Redtail!” Batpaw meowed cheerfully. “How are you?”
“Tired.” He said. “Now shh, the meeting’s about to start.
Ashtail stood on the highrock, head held high. Amberpelt stood next to her. Ashtail looked at Redtail and gestured to the spot next to her, as if she wanted him to join them.
“See ya,” Redtail meowed to Batpaw and Featherpaw, walking to the highrock and climbing up to sit next to Amberpelt and Ashtail. He glanced at Amberpelt and caught his gaze, then smiled.
From up on the highrock, everything seemed so big, as he noticed things he’d never seen before. He wished he could be here every day. He felt big, tall, powerfull. Did Cloudstar feel this way?
“As you all know, our leader, Cloudstar, and the deputy, along with warriors and one apprentice, were captured by ShadowClan.” Ashtail spoke loud and clear. “Tonight, we will bring most of the clan to the gathering to discuss this, as I don’t believe any clans will be on ShadowClan’s side. The attack went against every rule in the warrior code.
“But for now, me, Amberpelt, Redtail, and the remaining warriors, have decided on a leader, at least until Cloudstar comes back. I will lead this clan to success, and we will gather our dear friends back. One of our biggest questions for the gathering remains; why has ShadowClan captured our fellow clanmates, instead of anything else? I do not know this, but the gathering will let us inform WindClan and RiverClan, and hopefully we will have their help, unless ShadowClan hands them over peacefully.”
Redtail couldn’t agree more. He was now even more excited about the gathering.
“This was simply to inform you all, but I will not be taking Cloudstar’s den, so if you need to see me, I will be in the warriors den. Thank you all. Meeting dismissed.”
Redtail jumped down from the highrock and met Batpaw and Featherpaw in the apprentices' den.
“You guys ready for the gathering?” Retail meowed.
“Never been readier!” Replied Featherpaw.
“Same,'' said Batpaw. “Can’t wait! This is going to be me and Featherpaw’s first gathering, and this one will be exciting!”
“Almost sundown! We should eat. Then we’ll be ready for the meeting.” Mewed Featherpaw.
The cats walked over to the freshkill pile, all excited and curious of the upcoming gathering.
***
ꕥ Batpaw ꕥ
As Batpaw chewed on his mouse, his head swirled with excitement and wonder. She had never gone to a gathering before, and when she first did, she expected it to be normal. Elders telling stories, apprentices bragging about their mentors and training, normal. Now the gathering was tonight and she was going, but she knew there was no chance of it being normal.
Although there would be good news. The other clans would most likely be on their side. After all, capturing a warrior wasn’t in the warrior code, but it was not honorable. Like, at all. Never. Aside from that, this was still her first gathering and she would make it her best. And plus, Featherpaw would be joining her! And, of course, Redtail.
It was sundown, and most cats were in their beds, sleeping when they could before the gathering. Batpaw, Featherpaw, and Redtail were in the apprentice's den, and it kind of felt weird to have Redtail there because he was a great warrior. It was ok though, she and Featherpaw were used to it and she didn’t think Redtail felt embarrassed at all.
After they finished eating, Redtail meowed a goodbye and walked off towards the warriors den, while Featherpaw and Batpaw settled down for the night. She never thought she would say this, but it felt empty without the grumpy apprentice, Pinepaw, who was about to become a warrior, in the den. She didn’t want to think anymore, just sleep, so she placed her head on her paws and fell asleep with the camp.
It was moonhigh when Redtail poked her awake. Featherpaw was ready to go and the clan was gathering in the clearing.
Batpaw stood up and walked with her friends to the clan. Once Ashtail was sure that everyone was ready, except for the two elders and Leaftail she chose to stay behind to protect what was left of the camp, who were Snowthorn and Moonfeather, she jumped off the highrock, and with a flick of her tail, the clan followed her, running together, all at once. Batpaw and Featherpaw were having trouble keeping up with the silent warriors and elders, but Redtail slowed down for them.
Together the group jumped swiftly over logs, sprang across small streams, and ducked under low-hanging branches. It felt unreal. It felt magical. Wind in her brown fur, ruffling her like leaves in a storm. She felt the cold crisp air and the glowing light of the moon on her face, and the soft grass under her paws.
Finally, the cats came to a sudden stop, as they saw the steep slope leading to a clearing, a huge rock sitting in the middle. Ashtail stood, scanning the clearing. There seemed to be another clan, and the smell was of WindClan. Their leader, SwiftStar, sat next to the great rock with her tail neatly laying over her paws.
Ashtail waited. There was silence. Complete, utter silence. It was an eerie silence, one that you would hear before a jumpscare in a movie, and Batpaw shuttered. Finally, the warrior stood taller and all at once, with a flick of her tail, she had the entire clan stampede down the hill and into the partly empty clearing.
Batpaw jumped, and she saw FeatherPaw run down with the others. Quickly, Batpaw ran after them, determined not to get left behind.
After the rush, Batpaw met up with Featherpaw and an apprentice from WindClan, whose name was apparently Cloudpaw.
“I’m almost a warrior,” Cloudpaw said proudly. “I’ve been training so long and soon I can get my warrior name!”
“That’s super cool,” Featherpaw meowed. “Me and Batpaw are probably like half way through. We still have to train a bunch, but you know, it’s not half bad if you know you’ll get your warrior name eventually.”
“Yeah!” Batpaw said. “Also, this meeting is going to be super cool, and it’s our first! I’m so excited!”
Just then, Batpaw scented RiverClan cats, heading this way.
The meeting must be starting soon! Yess! I’m so excited, oh my stars! This is so cool! Us, Featherpaw and Batpaw, making our way to the most exciting gathering in the history of gatherings, and it’s our first! Other apprentices must be so jealous! Ohmystarsohmymtarsohmystars!!!!!!
RiverClan cats came rushing down the slope to the clearing, with their majestic fur coats, blowing in the breeze as they gracefully bounded down.
“Here they come!” Cloudpaw mewed excitedly. “Just ShadowClan left!”
Batpaw and Featherpaw looked at each other nervously at the mention of ShadowClan.
“Maybe you shouldn’t be so excited about ShadowClan..” Featherpaw meowed.
“Why?” purred Cloudpaw.
“You’ll find out during the meeting,” Said Batpaw. “Come on, let’s go find a RiverClan apprentice to make friends with or something.”
Cloudpaw agreed and the three cats strode towards the RiverClan cats. They soon spotted a small cat, about the size of an apprentice, standing alone, looking around for something to do. They all walked towards the cat and purred a greeting.
“Hello! What’s your name?” Cloudpaw asked.
“Uhm, Troutpaw. What’s yours?” replied the nervous she-cat.
“I’m Cloudpaw. This is Batpaw and Featherpaw. Batpaw is the brown one and Featherpaw is the gray one. Nice to meet you, Troutpaw!”
As the four apprentices chatted, Batpaw felt a chill down her spine. She glanced at Featherpaw, and found him doing the same. They knew what this meant. They turned around to face ShadowClan territory and spotted the mischievous clan, crouching in the grass.
ShadowClan was here, at the gathering, as were the other clans.
Things were about to get real, and none of them knew how this would end.
***
ꕥ Featherpaw ꕥ
Batpaw looked at featherpaw with the same concerned look as he had. ShadowClan had just arrived at the gathering.
“What are you two looking at each other for?” Meowed Troutpaw.
“Yeah, it’s just ShadowClan. They’ve been here before. I know the gathering is new to you, but all ShadowClan is is creepy. They wont do anything during the gathering,” Added Cloudpaw.
“This isn’t going to be a normal gathering. Our camp was attacked almost two nights ago. Not even a full moon!” Said Featherpaw.
“Yeah, they captured our leader! And more!” Whispered Batpaw.
“Oh my stars, that’s crazy. Better stay together with us,” Cloudpaw whispered back.
ShadowClan started running downhill towards the clearing and the four cats stepped under a bush nearby, huddled together.
They watched as the warriors from ShadowClan bolted swiftly down and down the hill. Finally, the clan stopped running and walked into the clearing, with their leader, Ghoststar, trotting to the highrock to the other leaders and Ashtail.
“So who’s that then? Who led you here?” Whispered Troutpaw.
“That’s one of our best warriors, Ashtail,” Replied Featherpaw. “She is replacing Cloudstar until we get her and the others back.”
Meanwhile, at the great highrock, the RiverClan and WindClan leaders, Snowstar and Swiftstar, seemed confused about the new leader at the meeting. Ashtail looked at them in a way that said she was ready to start the meeting. Snowstar nodded and climbed the highrock, looking over the crowd. She yowled and cats of every clan looked up at her, starting to gather beneath the highrock. Swiftstar, Ashtail, and Ghoststar joined her atop the rock as well.
“Cats of every clan, let this night be a peaceful gathering between clans. It shall begin. RiverClan has good news, an apprentice of six moons has finally become a warrior. Frostfur, please step up.”
A gray cat padded to the highrock and nodded respectfully.
“This tom, Frostfur, has earned his warrior name after training hard and taking care of his clan. May he serve well.” Finished Snowstar.
Suddenly Ashtail stepped up and Snowstar stepped back for her.
“Peace and prosperity to this new warrior. Aside from that announcement, I have some important news as well.”
Ghoststar growled and looked away angrily as Ashtail said this and murmured something under his breath.
“ThunderClan has almost been split in half with a recent fight with ShadowClan over our territory. As you all know, ShadowClan has few mice to feed their clan, and just like those years ago when WindClan was gone, ThunderClan has been targeted. This may start another war. Although I have reason to believe that ShadowClan has broken the Warrior code more than just fighting over territory.” Ashtail spoke confidently.
Whispers arose from the crowd of cats and Ashtail silenced them with a flick of her tail.
“ShadowClan, for some unknown reason, has captured our clan members, including our leader and deputy, as well as one of our apprentices and some of our warriors. Not only this, but ShadowClan has killed two of our warriors during the fight.” Ashtail held her head up high.
“I would like to confront ShadowClan to give us back our warriors and explain to the clans why you have captured them.” She looked at Ghoststar with fierce yellow eyes. “Care to explain?”
Ghoststar looked surprised and confused. Her eyes were wide and she stood back.
“Yes, Ashtail, we did attack your camp. I do not recall capturing your leader and warriors. If something like this happened, I was not apart of it.”
“Well, Ghoststar. You must search the clan for traitors of the warrior code and help find ThunderClan’s warriors. I cannot be the leader forever. At least, I hope not.”
“I promise Ashtail, I will help you look for your clan members and search my clan for traitors. Thank you for informing us,” Said Ghoststar.
Ashtail shook her fur, which was glowing in the moonlight. Ghoststar looked down upon her clan and frowned, looking disappointed.
“Tonight,” Meowed Ghoststar, “I will search our dens and question our warriors, which I feel bad to do. I shall search for ThunderClan’s leader and warriors. I will do so with my best warriors, and act upon suspicious behavior. Watch out, ShadowClan warriors.”
Ghoststar bowed and stepped back. Swiftstar stepped up after her and lifted her head up.
“Warriors of all clans. Apprentices. Deputies. Leaders.” She said, “WindClan’s medicine cat has heard from StarClan a prophecy.”
Gasps and whispers came from the crowd of cats and Swiftstar silenced them with a flick of her tail.
“She has told us, true of heart; ‘Shadow of clan. Wind of clan. River of clan. Thunder of clan. Rouge without clan. Come together and fight true evil. Warriors think together to fight. Four clans untied against the enemy.’
“This prophecy has not yet been deciphered but I ask of you to consider it. Thank you,” And then Swiftstar stepped back.
Featherpaw’s jaw dropped. How did every clan have something to say that was so important and how in the stars would they deal with it?!!? Everything was so confusing. Although they got through and eventually ran back to camp with the clan.
-
Once they walked into the den, Featherpaw collapsed.
“Well that was a lot to take in, wasn’t it?” Said Batpaw.
“YEP..” Featherpaw groaned. “A LOOOOoooooottttt…”
“Well I'm exhausted, and it looks like you are too. Let’s get some sleep.”
“Yesssssss..” Featherpaw whispered. “Goodnight,”
“Night,” Replied Batpaw.
***
ꕥ Redtail ꕥ
Once Redtail heard the prophecy, he tried to figure it out, decipher it. That was usually what he did. He didn’t usually get it, but he always tried. This time though, he thought it would be easier. He just had to find out who they had to fight.
Ok, not RiverClan. Not WindClan. Not ShadowClan. Thankfully, not ThunderClan. Not rouges. I think they will have to help us fight? But who.. Hmm. Not.. uh.. But then.. So none of that.. Ugh..
He obviously couldn’t come up with an answer now, but he had just heard it after all. He would think when they got back to the camp.
Soon, the meeting was over, somehow, after all that drama, and they ran back to camp. Redtail walked to his den and laid upside down, facing the stars. Just thinking.
I think I need to think of all the types of cats.. I got the clans, rouges, StarClan? No, they sent the message. Wait!
Redtail thought. Suddenly an idea came to mind. What if it’s the kittypets? Or the twolegs? What if they come to destroy the forest?
Redtail thought about this for a minute and got himself up to wake up Ashtail, to tell her of his discovery. Sitting up, he felt something on his shoulder.
“Redtail,” He heard. It was Amberpelt. “Good thing you’re up, I need you to come with me,”
By now it was a while after the gathering and everyone was asleep, so Redtail got up and Amberpelt led the way out of the den.
“Amberpelt, I need to tell you something to,” Redtail said. “About the prophecy. I think I figured it out!”
“Good, I need to talk to you about the captured cats. Just come on, somewhere where no one can hear us. Ok? Do you trust me?”
“Of course, you’re my best friend. Lead the way,” Redtail nodded at Amberpelt and Amberpelt smiled.
Together the two of them walked out into the night. Amberpelt lead the way to what he thought was