I know you are telling me, "Go write on a forum!" but I like blogs much better.
So--I'm going to write a Warriors Special Edition.
It is about a cat called Hollystar who lives in ShadowClan.
Yup, ShadowClan.
I came to admire the cleverness and trickery of this Clan, so I investigated and decided to write about a story.
Hollystar is daughter to Tawnypelt and Rowanclaw, and her sister is Flowerkit. (no spoilers, sorry)
Hollystar must save the Clans before the Dark Forest attacks.
I have written a little bit, lets see how you like it.
Warriors Super Edition: The End of The Dark Forest
By: Layna Lu
Prologue: Rain thudded down on the ground as two cats slipped quietly around the curve. The first was a slender ginger tom with watchful, amber eyes. He sniffed, then beckoned the other. The second cat was a big white tom with huge, jet-black paws. Just as he began to walk, a monster roared by, splashing murky water all over the tom, splattering his white pelt. “How much farther?” The second cat asked, his voice hushed. “A few more pawsteps, Blackstar.” The first cat said. “Hopefully, Rowanclaw.“ The second cat replied, his eyelids beginning to droop.
“Stay awake,” Rowanclaw urged, lifting Blackstar onto his shoulder. “You need to save your energy.” “StarClan is close.” “Don’t say that!” Panic flared in Rowanclaw’s eyes. “Blackstar…” “The battle was harsh.” His voice croaked. “Those rogues have gone at last. More hunting grounds for our growing Clan.” Rowanclaw lifted his head, hope flashing in his eyes. “We’re almost there,” The ShadowClan deputy murmured. “StarClan will guide us.” “Can’t you do anything?” A russet-colored she-cat watching the scene jumped up to her paws. “The Clan deputy and the Clan leader are dying in the rain!” “Shh, Russetfur.” A brown-and-black she-cat murmured. “StarClan will try its best so Rowanclaw and Blackstar will return home safely.”
“Fernshade is right,” a white she-cat murmured, gently smoothing Russetfur’s ruffled fur. “StarClan will try its best.” “He’s on his last life,” Russetfur’s eyes were filled with panic. “Rowanclaw does not have enough strength to continue!” Her gaze flew to a vivid spirit--Blackstar. “We will take care of your leader, Russetfur,” The white she-cat sat next to Fernshade.
“Believe in Sagewhisker, Russetfur.” Fernshade urged. Russetfur nodded. “A new kit will come and save the Clans from the Place of No Stars. When she is born, StarClan will have hope again.” Sagewhisker mewed. Russetfur nodded, and slipped away with Fernshade. “There will be one that will finish the darkness in the sky that has terrorized the stars since the first fight.”
Chapter 1: “Shouldn’t she have opened her eyes by now?” “Hush, Swiftbreeze. She’s only a day old, she’ll open her eyes when she is ready.” Hollykit felt the rasp of her mother’s tongue on her flank and nestled closer to Tawnypelt’s milk-warm belly. “Flowerkit opened her eyes the morning she was born.” Swiftbreeze reminded her. “And my two opened their eyes by the time they were born. Archkit and Poolkit are natural warriors.”
A purr sounded from a third queen. “Oh, Swiftbreeze. No kit can compete with your too.” Ivytail gently teased. It was a damp day in ShadowClan. Hollykit could feel the wet raindrops dropping down to her pelt. One small paw poked Hollykit on the side. Flowerkit! Hollykit mewled with annoyance and snuggled closer to Tawnypelt. “Come on, Hollykit. The camp is so exciting!” Hollykit growled. “But it’s not really fun until you come out to play with me! Tawnypelt wants me to show you around the camp but you haven’t opened your eyes yet! “She’ll open her eyes in her own time.” Tawnypelt chided.
Yes, in my own time. Hollykit agreed.
Waking, Hollykit could feel that her sister had woken up earlier and had gone out to play. She could hear Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit chatting outside. “Archkit will be the border patrol and me and Poolkit will be the intruders.” Flowerkit instructed. “You were the intruders last time!” complained Archkit.
“Were not!”
“Was!”
A scuffling broke out, punctuated by the squeaks of defiance.
“Hey! Watch where you’re rolling!” came the growl of a warrior, silencing them for a moment.
“Okay, you be the intruder,” Flowerkit agreed. “But I bet we can catch you like an actual warrior!” Warrior!
Hollykit wriggled out of Tawnypelt’s belly. A newleaf breeze stirred the bramble walls and drifted through the gaps--the same fresh forest smell her father had carried in on his pelt when he’d visited. It chased away the stuffy smell of moss and milk and warm, sleeping fur.
Excitement made Hollykit’s claws twitch. I’m going to be a warrior!
For the first time, she stretched open her eyes, blinking against the shafts of light that pierced the bramble roof. The nursery was huge! In darkness, the den had felt small and cozy, but now she could see the brambles arching high overhead, with tiny patches of blue beyond. Ivytail lay on her side near one wall, a black, white, and tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes. Hollykit recognized her because she smelled different from Swiftbreeze and Tawnypelt. There was no milk scents on her; she didn’t have any kits yet. Swiftbreeze, in a nest beside her, was hardly visible-curled in a tight ball with her nose tucked under her tail, her tabby-and-white pelt blotchy against the bracken underneath. The most familiar scent of all came from behind. Wriggling around, Hollykit gazed at her mother. Sunshine dappled Tawnypelt’s tortoiseshell pelt, rippling over the dark orange splotches that ran along her flank. Her black-and-white face was narrow, and her ears tapered to gentle points. Do I look like her? Hollykit looked over her shoulder at her own pelt. It was fluffy, not sleek like Tawnypelt’s, and was a reddish brown color all over and a brown-striped, plumy tail, with no dark orange splotches. Not yet.
Hollykit spotted a hole in the bramble wall, just big enough for a kit to squeeze through. Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit were already outside. I want to surprise them! Hollykit thought. Ivytail raised her head. “Don’t go far.” She murmured sleepily before tucking her nose back under her tail. “Where are Ivytail’s kits?” Hollykit murmured to herself. Tawnypelt must have heard her because she suddenly asked her “Where do you think you are going?” Hollykit turned and blinked at her mother. “Outside.” Tawnypelt’s eyes glowed and a loud purr rolled in her throat. “You’ve opened you eyes.” She sounded relieved. “And they’re green, like mine. But a bit stormy.” She added.
“I decided it was time,” Hollykit replied proudly.
“There, Swiftbreeze.” Tawnypelt turned, waking the tabby-and-white queen with her satisfied mew. “I told you she’d do it when she was ready.”
Swiftbreeze sat up and gave her paw a lick. “Of course. I was only thinking of my own kits--they opened their eyes sooner.” She swiped her paw across her muzzle, smoothing the fur on her nose.
Tawnypelt turned back to her kit. “So now you’re going out to see the world?” “Why not?” Hollykit mewed. “Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit are out there.” She protested. “Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit are five moons old. They are allowed to play outside.” Tawnypelt stretched out her tail. “Is it that dangerous?” Hollykit’s ears flattened. “Not if you stay in the camp.” “Then I can go!” Hollykit mewed happily. She slinked out of the nursery, and scanned the camp, looking for Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit. She looked on her right, and saw a huge pile with fresh-kill in it. “Wow!” Hollykit whispered. “Does Tawnypelt know that you’re out here?” A familiar voice, probably Archkit‘s, meowed from behind. “Yes.” Hollykit replied, whipping around to see her denmate the first time. Oh. She didn’t know that Archkit was so big. His gray fur was sleek and shiny and his stripes made him look even bigger. Poolkit bounded over to her brother, her gray-and-white pelt shining like all of TigerClan. Flowerkit padded over to her littermate. She was a tortoiseshell she-cat, like Tawnypelt and had dark green eyes. Are mine green? Hollykit thought.
“You finally opened your eyes!” Flowerkit purred. “That’s a good omen,” Someone softly murmured. Hollykit spun around to see a pretty white she-cat with black spotted fur and a bright pink nose. “Brambleberry!” Archkit cheered. Hollykit stared at the she-cat. “I’m a medicine cat apprentice. My mentor is Littlecloud.” “But you have a full name!” Hollykit protested. “When Littlecloud retires, or joins StarClan, I’ll be a real medicine cat. How about you meet the elders? They love newborns. I was going to go get their ticks out anyway.”
Hollykit, Flowerkit, Archkit, and Poolkit followed Brambleberry to a den that was protected by a leaning tree. “…and then I swiped the dog’s nose and…” A ginger tom inside was talking to four cats. He looked at Brambleberry. “Oh hi Brambleberry!” He said cheerfully. The medicine cat apprentice’s eyes darkened. “Hi Kestrelpaw. What are you doing here?” Kestrelpaw nudged a rabbit sitting on the mossy floor. “I just went hunting and I killed a dog. Here’s the story: I was sitting at Sunningrocks, Owlclaw sent me there you know to patrol our new territory, and then this growling dog came and…” While he was telling the story, he flipped the rabbit around on the wet bedding. “Stop boasting.” Hollykit mewed with annoyance. “As far as I heard, no dog has been on our territory.” “Because I killed it.” “Shut up.” Hollykit swiped at Kestrelpaw and the apprentice left the elders’ den.
A white she-cat with a clouded eye sighed. She stared at the soggy rabbit. “I hoped he would leave before his story. It’s always the same.” “And feel this bedding,” A dark gray tom agreed. “It’s as soaked as if it were raining all day. “He said he collected it by the marshy area.” “There are more mossy places as I know.” A dark brown tom sniffed the rabbit and sighed. “That’s not fit to eat now. Squirrelpaw and Kestrelpaw are horrible apprentices.” “Heatherpaw is good.” A brown she-cat with long legs protested.
The dark gray tom sighed. “That’s only one apprentice. ShadowClan needs more.” “Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit are almost apprentices, Cedarheart.” Brambleberry said sternly. “And this kit is on her way.” Brambleberry stepped a sighed. “A kit!” The brown she-cat rasped. “Who’s is it?” Cedarheart asked. The dark gray elder turned to the brown she-cat. “Were you there, Tallpoppy?” Tallpoppy shook her head. “Whitewater?” The white she-cat shook her head. “Snaketail?” The dark brown tom shook his head.
“It’s Tawnypelt’s kit.” Brambleberry settled down next to Cedarheart and began to put a wad of mouse bile on his fur. “I thought she was just fattening up for leaf-bare!” Tallpoppy murmured with agreement. “I bet Brambleberry was the only one at the kitting,” Cedarheart meowed indignantly. “She’s the medicine cat.” “Apprentice,” Brambleberry corrected. “Yeah, and Littlecloud doesn’t do anything.” “He picks herbs everyday.” Brambleberry ripped the mouse bile in half.
“What herb was he supposed to pick today?” Cedarheart asked. Brambleberry stiffened. “Comfrey.” “Well, I saw him sleeping at the Great Sycamore, snoring off all the prey.” Hollykit started to yawn. Tallpoppy noticed and said, “You should get back to the nursery. It looks like Hollykit is about to fall on her paws.”
“How can I learn anything back in the nursery?” Hollykit objected sleepily.
“You’ll learn a lot more once you’ve rested,” Tallpoppy meowed.
“Come back and see us soon!” Snaketail called.
Hollykit stumbled as they crossed the clearing. Though her mind whirled with questions, her paws were clumsy with fatigue. She felt relieved when Dapplepaw nudged her into the nursery.
“What did you see, little one?” Tawnypelt asked as Hollykit snuggled down beside her mother with Flowerkit.
“Everything,” Hollykit yawned.
Tawnypelt purred. “Not everything, my darling.” Hollykit closed her eyes as her mother went on softly. “There’s a whole forest for you to explore. And even that is just part of the Clans’ territories. There are lands beyond-the Tribe of Rushing Water, the Tribe of Endless Hunting, the Moonpool, and even farther.”
“How far does the world stretch?” Hollykit murmured.
“Only StarClan knows,” Tawnypelt replied.
Hollykit imagined trees and bracken and nettles and gorse stretching far beyond the camp into an endless sky. “But my legs aren’t long enough to travel that far,” she protested. As her visions faded into dreams, she heard her mother’s voice continue.
“They’ll grow, my sweet, until one day they’ll be strong enough to walk the whole world.”
Chapter 2: “Straighten up your back,” Tawnypelt instructed as she licked Flowerkit’s fur down. Hollykit, who’s fur was wet as the river, looked intently out at the camp. She saw the warriors eating at the tree stump. “That’s Rainstorm, the ginger tom, Crowfrost, the black-and-white tom, and Toadfoot, the dark brown tom, eating together.” Her mother quickly explained. Hollykit looked at Rainstorm. He was little smaller than the other warriors. “Didn’t Rainstorm grow properly?” She asked Tawnypelt. Tawnypelt finished up Flowerkit, and looked at Hollykit. “He was only made a warrior a few moons ago. He’ll grow.”
The brambles rustled, and three warriors appeared. “Oh! He’s coming!” Flowerkit settled down next to Hollykit. “Rowanclaw,” A purr rumbled in Tawnypelt’s throat. “Come meet your kits.” A ginger tom with a fat squirrel in his jaws pelted over. Rowanclaw nodded approvingly, dropping the squirrel at their paws. “Flowerkit is just like you,” Rowanclaw’s gaze fell soft at Hollykit’s sight. “And here’s my little Hollykit.” Hollykit gazed at the squirrel. “Try some,” Tawnypelt murmured. Hollykit padded over to the squirrel and bit into the fresh-kill. It was juicy and the sang the songs of the forest. Flowerkit followed.
“I heard you’re becoming an apprentice today.” Rowanclaw meowed to Flowerkit. The tortoiseshell she-cat nodded. “Today I’m joining Thistlepaw in the apprentices’ den!” Flowerkit exclaimed, her eyes shining. “Come on, they called the meeting.” Hollykit rushed over to the Great Oak where Blackstar sat. “Warriors and apprentices of ShadowClan, please have a meeting at the Great Oak.” Archkit and Poolkit were already sitting at the foot of the Great Oak, watching Blackstar speak.
“Archkit, Poolkit, and Flowerkit have reached their sixth moon. They have learned all about ShadowClan, and now it is time for them to learn to how to be a warrior,” Blackstar nodded to his deputy, Rowanclaw. “Poolkit!” The moment her name was called, the gray-and-white she-cat rushed over to Blackstar who leaped down from the Great Oak. “From this day on, you will be Poolpaw.” Blackstar looked at Lightningpelt. “Lightningpelt, you will train her. Whitewater was your mentor, and I hope you will pass on the fine hunting skills she taught you.” Lightningpelt dipped her head and went to stand next to her new apprentice.
“Archkit,” Blackstar went on, “I already see your father’s courage shining in your eyes. From now on you will be Archpaw, and I give you Ratscar as your mentor. Listen to him carefully, even though he is young, he will forge you a path of courage.” Ratscar nodded and touched noses with Archpaw. “And Flowerkit,” Blackstar nodded to the last kit waiting. “You will be Flowerpaw. Pineheart, you are an experienced warrior. You had a good mentor, and I hope you pass on your fine battle skills to your new apprentice.” “Archpaw! Poolpaw!” Swiftbreeze said warmly. “Flowerpaw!” Hollykit purred for her sister.
Tawnypelt joined in. “I’ll be joining them soon,” Hollykit said. “Not until you know how to wash your fur!”
Chapter 3: Hollykit chased after the little, blue butterfly floating in the air. It landed on her nose. Hollykit sneezed. She was in the nursery. She pushed Tawnypelt’s tail of her muzzle. Now she wasn’t the youngest in the nursery. Four moons ago, Ivytail gave birth to Whitekit and Shellkit. Two moons later, the newly named Squirreltail gave birth to Cloverkit, Mistkit, Bouncekit, and Daisykit. Hollykit stood up and yawned. “…and I’m a warrior,” Hollykit flattened her ears. Kestrelblaze. The most annoying cat in the world. He was boasting to Olivenose and the apprentices--her littermate and denmates!
Hollykit bristled with annoyance. Flowerpaw, Archpaw, and Poolpaw had become apprentices, leaving Hollykit behind in the nursery. “Warriors and apprentices of ShadowClan!” Blackstar meowed from the Great Oak. Hollykit sighed. “And kits,” Blackstar said indignantly. “ShadowClan needs more warriors. So I will be adding an addition to the apprentices’ den. Hollykit,” Blackstar beckoned her. “From now on you will be Hollypaw. Tawnypelt, you are her mentor.” “Hollypaw! Hollypaw!” Flowerpaw cheered. “Hollypaw!” Rainstorm purred, his affection for Hollypaw was no secret.
Hollypaw gazed at her Clan and proudly stood as an apprentice of ShadowClan.
Chapter 4: “Cats of ShadowClan, I have decided the cats to go to the Gathering! Hollypaw, Tawnypelt, Rowanclaw, Flowerpaw, Heatherpaw, Rainstorm, Ratscar, Kestrelblaze, Squirreltail, and…” Blackstar cocked his head and looked at the elders sitting quietly. “Cedarheart? Tallpoppy? You wanted to join the group?” The two elders nodded. Whitewater, who was grooming her fur, looked up. “Don’t forget to say hello to Mousefur!” She said sternly. Cedarheart nodded. Blackstar flicked his tail and nodded. The patrol headed off into the night.
***
Hollypaw walked around slowly. “Can I go the way through the river?” She asked Tawnypelt. Her mentor nodded. “Join the RiverClan patrol.” Hollypaw bounded over where the trees parted and showed a roaring river. She gazed down at the river. She skipped across the stepping stones and suddenly lost her footing. Hollypaw stumbled and fell into the water. “Help! Help!” I’m losing the battle! Hollypaw thought.
Someone gripped hard on her scruff. “Mouse-brain!” The cat said cheerfully. RiverClan? Hollypaw thought. She was pulled up onto shore, where she was face-to-face with a dark gray tom with a gentle smoky blue gaze. “Thanks,” Hollypaw breathed. The dark gray tom shrugged. “Bad luck if ShadowClan lost one of there good apprentices at a Gathering.” “Hollypaw!” She spun around to see Tawnypelt “Are you going to join the patrol or gossip?” “See you at the Gathering!” She stammered to the RiverClan apprentice.
“Are you okay?” Rainstorm bounded over to her. “I‘m fine,” Hollypaw mewed briskly. “Why are you wet? Should I get Brambleberry to check on you?” “I‘m fine, like I said.” Hollypaw carefully crossed the log, and hurried onto the Island. “Hey, you’re the apprentice that fell in the river!”
Hollypaw spun around. It was the dark gray tom. “I’m Crowpaw.” He said. Hollypaw nodded. “Good to meet you.” And she listened to Blackstar. “Prey in ShadowClan has been running well…” “You never told me your name!” He protested, sitting next to Hollypaw. “…Squirreltail gave birth to a new litter of kits, Cloverkit, Mistkit, Bouncekit, and Daisykit.” Blackstar continued, glaring at Hollypaw and the RiverClan apprentice. The apprentice murmured with appreciation. “One more thing I have to report…” Blackstar’s gaze flew directly to Onestar’s. “My warriors have found dead scraps of mice on our territory with WindClan scent all over it.” Onestar’s warriors’ fur began to bristle.
“But we deserve to,” Onestar said calmly, fixing his gaze onto the ShadowClan leader. “We have a growing Clan, Blackstar, and we need to be well-fed.” Hollypaw rose to her paws. “The warrior code says that we cannot hunt or trespass on any other Clan’s territory, unless it is urgent. Has WindClan become traitors and think they can abandon the warrior code? StarClan has given us life for a reason, so why just follow the rules and have a happy life!” “Hollypaw,” Blackstar said sternly. Hollypaw sat down and realized what she had just done. “I’m sorry about my apprentice. She is not allowed to say that, Onestar, but,” Blackstar looked at Onestar thoughtfully. “She has a point.”
“Blame us, then.” Onestar snarled. “And make your Clan weaker.” “All the Clans are weak,” Ashfoot, the WindClan deputy, stood up and spat. “ThunderClan, full of kittypets, ShadowClan, full of traitors, and RiverClan, the stupid swimming cats. WindClan understands what StarClan meant. We are warriors, and we will fight to the end!” Crowpaw jumped to his paws. “You gave me away!” He yelled, fury in his eyes. “You say you are the best, but a mother should never give up her kit! Her kit is her life, her kit is her warrior. Give her kit up, her life is gone, and her Clan is weaker.” Crowpaw sat down and tucked his paws underneath his tail. Ashfoot looked down at her paws.
“I’m sorry, Crowpaw.” She said. “Sorry doesn’t mean anything to me anymore,” Crowpaw spat at his former mother. “I have a new Clan, and I am proud to represent it.” Crowpaw looked at his leader, Mistystar, who was watching the commotion with awe. “If there is a fight, RiverClan will join ShadowClan.” he said boldly in front of the WindClan deputy. “Crowpaw, I’m not sure…” Mistystar began. “We will fight,” Crowpaw insisted. “I will give my birth Clan revenge..” Crowpaw looked down at Hollypaw. “And we must help ShadowClan. StarClan made the forest with four Clans.” The RiverClan apprentice looked back at Ashfoot once more.
“Think about what you said,” Crowpaw spat. “You are not my mother. Mosspelt is.” Ashfoot, trembling, flicked her tail at Onestar, who leaped of the Giant Oak and the WindClan patrol left.
Mistystar stood up. “I honor an apprentice in my Clan, Crowpaw. He stood up to the WindClan deputy, and hopefully they will change their minds. I shall name him as a warrior here in front of the Clans and Ashfoot will hear what she has done to his son.” Mistystar leaped off the Giant Oak and beckoned Crowpaw. “I, Mistystar, leader of RiverClan, call my warrior ancestors to look at this apprentice. He has trained well and understands your code, and I commend you at your turn,” Mistystar looked at Crowpaw.
“Crowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?”
Crowpaw looked at Hollypaw proudly. “I do.” He replied firmly.
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name: Crowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Crowfeather to so that you can show your birth Clan you are as loyal as you can be. StarClan honors your courage and spirit, we welcome you as a full warrior of this Clan.” “Crowfeather! Crowfeather!” Hollypaw cheered with Tawnypelt. She pelted toward Crowfeather. “You deserved it,” she purred.
Hollypaw saw Blackstar looking down from the Giant Oak. “ShadowClan, we are leaving,” Her leader murmured, his voice cracked with age. Rowanclaw glanced at his leader, and Blackstar nodded. “RiverClan and ThunderClan, do you agree to ambush an attack on WindClan so they will take back what they said?” Blackstar roared.
Cats from RiverClan, ShadowClan, and some ThunderClan cats cheered. Crowfeather leaped to his paws. “We shall make them feel scared!” He declared. RiverClan warriors around him agreed with approval. “Tomorrow at dawn, when the dawn patrols are not out, we will go and attack! We shall meet at the hawthorn bush.” Blackstar flicked his tail and Hollypaw glanced at Crowfeather and followed her Clan back to camp.
Chapter 5: “Attack, jump, swipe, roll! No roll.“ One of the new apprentices, Shellpaw, landed with a ’thud’ on the ground. Shellpaw looked dazed, and a bead of blood welled up from the tip of her ear. Though they were only four moons old, Blackstar insisted for them to become apprentices, so they could attack WindClan. “We have plenty of cats,” Hollypaw had protested. “RiverClan and ThunderClan are helping.” Blackstar had denied, and made the kits apprentices anyway.
Hollypaw looked at Tawnypelt with concern. Her mentor flattened her ears and nodded. Rainstorm was pressing close to Hollypaw. “They are too weak to battle.” Hollypaw whispered to Flowerpaw, who was seated on her left. “They were only made apprentices yesterday.” Flowerpaw agreed. “They’ll die before they can say ‘mouse!’.” Kestrelblaze, Whitepaw’s mentor, nudged the little white apprentice. “Use the battle strategy I just showed you, Shellpaw.” Dawnpelt instructed her apprentice. “Pretend Whitepaw is a ThunderClan intruder.”
Not able to watch, Hollypaw covered her eyes with her fluffy tail. “Hollypaw and Heatherpaw,” Tawnypelt called. Hollypaw slipped away her tail and walked slowly up to the blood-stained battle field. “Fight eachother.” Hollypaw nodded, and Heatherpaw hurried to battle position. “Use your training,” Crowfrost, Heatherpaw’s mentor, called. Rainstorm looked shocked while Flowerpaw was trying to comfort him.
“There is enough training,” Pineheart announced. Hollypaw curiously saw Kestrelblaze slip out of the clearing. “We shall get back to camp.” Slowly, the cats left the training hollow. It was only Hollypaw and Tawnypelt now. “Let’s go,” Tawnypelt nudged her apprentice. Hollypaw nodded and darted to camp. She stopped in her tracks as two cats bodies lay on the ground, their life bleeding out of it. One with her yellow eyes, once shining like all of LionClan, were now dull. The body next to her was a brave leader, and he would be remembered through out the Clans. “Swiftbreeze and Blackstar are dead!“ Hollypaw shrieked.
Chapter 6: Hollypaw watched as Rowanclaw and Oakfur slowly brought Swiftbreeze and Blackstar’s body in. Archpaw and Poolpaw were staring at their mother’s body, while Smokefoot’s head was bowed with grief. Kestrelblaze and Squirreltail, kits of Swiftbreeze, were not at the vigil. Rowanclaw was staring at his former leader. “Swiftbreeze was a brave warrior,” Brambleberry began. “She was clever, and very quick. Blackstar was an honorable leader. He has served us for many seasons and tonight we will honor his and Swiftbreeze’s spirit in StarClan.” The medicine cat apprentice nodded to Rowanclaw.
Hollypaw looked at Swiftbreeze and Blackstar’s. Both in their claws lay a tuft of ginger-and-white fur. There was only one cat who would have murdered them. “Kestrelblaze murdered Swiftbreeze and Blackstar!” she screeched. Kestrelblaze looked taken aback. “How do you know?” he snarled. Rowanclaw looked at Hollypaw. “Go on,” “Look in Swiftbreeze and Blackstar’s claws. There is a tuft of ginger-and-white fur. Kestrelblaze is the only one in the Clan who has ginger-and-white fur. Rowanclaw looked outrage. “Kestrelblaze, you no longer belong in this Clan. GO!” He scurried away.
“Kinkfur, are you up for some hunting?” The she-cat nodded. “Round up a hunting patrol, and leave after you have shared tongues with Blackstar and Swiftbreeze.” “Scorchfur, you’re taking the dawn patrol. Do the same as Kinkfur.” Kinkfur beckoned Dawnpelt and Redwillow, and groomed Blackstar and Swiftbreeze’s fur. Scorchfur nodded to Tigerheart and Rainstorm, and crouched next to the bodies.
“I have four more additions to the warriors’ den.” Rowanclaw continued. “Archpaw, Poolpaw, Flowerpaw, and Hollypaw all deserve their warrior names now. I, Rowanclaw, future leader of ShadowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look upon these four apprentices. They have trained hard to understand your noble code, and I commend them to your turn.” Rowanclaw nodded to the four apprentices. “Archpaw, from this moment on you will be Archeye. StarClan honors your courage and bravery, we welcome you as a full warrior to the Clan.“ Archeye closed his eyes as Rowanclaw laid his muzzle on Archeye’s head, and Archeye returned it with a gentle lick. “Poolpaw, from this moment on you will be Poolcloud. Your mother would be proud.” The gray-and-white she-cat nodded silently, and joined her brother. “Flowerpaw, you will be Flowerstem. StarClan honors your cleverness, we welcome you as a full warrior to the Clan. And lastly,” Rowanclaw looked at Hollypaw. “Our youngest apprentice, Hollypaw, deserves to be named. She will be Hollypelt, in honor for her battle skills and her courage, she knows when to stand up to herself at the darkest times.”
Rowanclaw nodded to four awaiting kits. “Squirreltail tells me her kits are ready to be apprenticed. Cloverkit, from this day on you will be Cloverpaw. Hollypelt, you will be her mentor. Hollypelt, you are a young and skilled warrior. I hope you pass on your abilities to your apprentice.” Hollypelt nodded with excitement. “Mistkit, you will be Mistpaw. Rainstorm will be your mentor. Rainstorm, our dear friend Snaketail was your mentor. I hope you pass on his cleverness and good hunting skills to Mistpaw. Bouncekit, you will be Bouncepaw. Tigerheart, you will be Bouncepaw’s mentor. You are great at fighting, and I hope Bouncepaw will follow your pawsteps. Daisykit, you will be Daisypaw. Ferrettail, you are ready for your first apprentice.”
“I also must appoint at deputy. I hereby announce the new deputy and I hope Blackstar’s spirit will hear and approve my choice,” Rowanclaw took a deep breath. “Rainstorm will be the new deputy of ShadowClan.” “Rainstorm! Rainstorm!” Though some Clanmates were cheering, Hollypelt could tell that their voices were flat with disappointment. Most cats were looking at Hollypelt. One day I’ll be deputy, She promised to the cats. One day I’ll be Hollystar.
Chapter 7: “Attack!” Hollypelt pelted through the moorland with Cloverpaw and Crowfeather at her side. Rowanstar’s voice rang through the clearing. Cloverpaw pounced and a WindClan warrior, Emberfoot, was tackled down. Cloverpaw bit him at the back of his neck, and the WindClan warrior screeched and ran away. “Good,” Hollypelt nodded approvingly. Crowfeather looked at Hollypelt with full affection. “You’re a better mentor than a kit,” He joked. “Yeah right, fish-breath.” She teased.
Hollypelt beckoned Cloverpaw to follow her as they went to the middle of the camp. She saw Shellpaw and Whitepaw fighting off Antpelt. “Hollypelt! Watch out!” Hollypelt spun around. Weaselfur was charging for her. She closed her eyes. She was going to die. But Weaselfur never hit her. Hollypelt blinked. Crowfeather knocked Hollypelt aside and he lay on the ground, his flank barely moving as the scent of death rose from him. “Crowfeather, no!” “Cloverpaw, help me drag him to the medicine cat stand, where Mothwing, Willowshine, Littlecloud, Brambleberry, and Jayfeather are!” Biting into Crowfeather’s scruff, Hollypelt did her best effort to bring him over to the medicine cats.
“Help us,” Hollypelt pleaded. “Crowfeather saved my life. I would’ve died.” Jayfeather nodded and padded down some cobwebs as Brambleberry chewed up a poultice. Mothwing and Willowshine were checking a badly wounded Shellpaw. “Is he okay?” Hollypelt demanded as Cloverpaw went to check on Shellpaw. “That was some wound,” Jayfeather gave the poultice to Brambleberry. “But he’s a strong cat. He’ll survive.” Crowfeather blinked. “Holly…pelt…” He murmured. “Crowfeather, I’m here,” Hollypelt rushed to Crowfeather’s side. “Battle…Ashfoot…need…revenge…” She nodded and beckoned Cloverpaw. “Do you know Ashfoot, the WindClan deputy?”
Cloverpaw nodded. “We have to battle her.” Her apprentice nodded. Hollypelt looked at the battle field. The battle was slowing, bodies slumped on the ground, most were ThunderClan, ShadowClan, RiverClan…but not WindClan. “The three Clans that have united!” Hollypelt called from a tall rock. “We should destroy and drive WindClan out of their territory. They should have not trespassed on ShadowClan territory. This is what they deserve, and together we will fight them!”
“This is what you do?” Ashfoot shrieked. “You invade our camp?” “This is the way of the warrior,” Hollypelt replied calmly. “StarClan gave us life for this way, and I think we should use it.” “Very well, then,” Ashfoot murmured, looking at the injured Crowfeather, her eyes full of pain. “I only want my kit to forgive me.” “Holly…pelt…I…forgive…her…” Crowfeather muttered. The gray she-cat sighed. “WindClan, WindClan…” She called. “We will fight until these three Clans vanish us. Onestar?” The brown tabby leader looked at Hollypelt. He dipped his head. “May StarClan light their path for good hunting.”
Rowanstar looked expectantly at Rainstorm. “Oh yeah…attack?” Rowanstar sighed. “May StarClan light your path for a good life.” Hollypelt said for him. The ShadowClan nodded approvingly. Rainstorm blushed. “I, Ashfoot, would like to make an announcement.” The deputy nodded to Onestar. “I have abandoned my kit, and I want to say…,good luck.” “I would like to make an addition to ShadowClan,” Mistystar mewed. “Crowfeather came to me last night and told me that he wanted to join ShadowClan. Crowfeather was an excellent warrior, and I hope he will do fine in ShadowClan.” Hollypelt purred with delight. Crowfeather!
Rainstorm came over twined tails with her. “You’re mine, don’t worry,” He said softly. Hollypelt caught Crowfeather, now sitting up, staring at her.
“That mangy RiverClan warrior won’t attack you.” Hollypelt pushed him away. “Rainstorm…you’re a good friend. But my heart lies with someone else.” Joy tempered the pain in Crowfeather’s eyes. “Goodbye, WindClan.” Hollypelt watched as the fourth Clan of the forest disappeared into the shadows. Even though it was meant to be, why do I feel so guilty?
Chapter 8: “Hollypelt, Hollypelt, wake up,” Hollypelt blinked. A striking black she-cat with bright green eyes was standing over her. “Who…who are you?” “I am Shadow, the first leader of ShadowClan.” Hollypelt scrambled to her paws. “Why are you here?” Hollypelt demanded, brushing off some dust from her pelt. “Sagewhisker…why am I here?” A white she-cat appeared next to Shadow. “There is a prophecy that applies to you,” Sagewhisker began. “There will be one that will finish the darkness in the sky that has terrorized the stars since the first fight.” “What fight? What darkness?” “There is such thing as the Dark Forest, where cats who did some evil in their life. It is better known as the Place of No Stars, as they do not belong to be blessed with the luxurious life in StarClan. For moons, they have trained cats from each Clan.”
“Ivypool, from ThunderClan.” Shadow padded up to a silver tabby she-cat. “Tigerheart, from ShadowClan.” Sagewhisker nodded to the dark brown tabby. “And Hollowtail, from RiverClan.” “There are three cats, Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Dovewing. They have the power of the stars in their paws, they are stronger than the warrior code and StarClan. Dovewing, Ivypool’s sister, managed to persuade her to spy for the Three. Tigerheart also is a spy, for he loves Dovewing. Hollowtail doesn’t care, he is hungry for power, and there is no way to stop them.” “Hopefully, the recruits in WindClan will stop, for their Clan is nearly destroyed.”
“You have a destiny ahead of you, young Hollypelt.” Shadow murmured. “You are stronger than the Three. You must find them, and figure out how to work together. You have one more prophecy…” Shadow nodded to Sagewhisker. “Darkness and water will collide, sky will be left alone, recruiting more and more cats, air will leave the forest forever, and dark will rule the forest.” “I understand ‘dark’. I know it does not apply to the Dark Forest. The Dark Forest is ‘darkness’, but ShadowClan is ‘darkness’ too. Tawnypelt told me that. Dark…that must be a Clan. DarkClan?” Hollypelt asked. Shadow nodded. “You must find the rest, young warrior. You must understand your destiny.”
Hollypelt blinked. Sunshine shone through the warriors’ den as most began to wake up. She nudged Crowfeather. The dark gray warrior had recovered after six moons staying in the medicine cat’s den, and now Brambleberry said he could continue his normal duties. To her surprise, Rainstorm was still curled up in a tight ball, snoring peacefully. Hollypelt padded out of the den with Crowfeather following from behind. “Where is Rainstorm?” Rowanstar asked from the Tall Rock, a rock where the deputy would summon the patrols. “Sleeping,” Hollypelt replied. “Fetch him for me. The dawn patrol hasn’t left yet.” “How about I’ll round up the patrols?” Rowanstar nodded. “Okay then.” “Redwillow, Ratscar, and Tawnypelt, you’ll take the dawn patrol, and Tigerheart and Ferrettail, take your apprentices for a hunting patrol.”
Now there were only two apprentices left in the apprentices’ den. Cloverpaw and Whitepaw had become warriors a few moons ago, now taking on the names, Cloversplash and Whitestorm. Shellpaw had died in the battle against WindClan. Olivenose now sat in the nursery, nursing Kestrelblaze’s kits, Dapplekit and Fallowkit. “It’s just mouse-brain,” Hollypelt commented to Crowfeather. “Kestrelblaze is the most annoying cat I know.” To add on to Dapplekit and Fallowkit, Poolcloud was expecting Whitestorm’s kits, while Flowerstem had given birth to Archeye’s kits, Brackenkit, a brown tom with darker brown feet, and Petalkit, and pinkish-gray she-cat with dark blue eyes.
“The kits just keep coming in,” Rowanstar purred. “StarClan has given us good omens.” Pineheart padded up to Ferrettail. “Be a good mentor to Daisypaw,” She said sternly. Hollypelt pricked her ears. “She’s expecting my kits. She told me yesterday.” Ferrettail explained. Crowfeather purred. “More warriors for the Clan!” “Warriors and apprentices of ShadowClan, I am traveling to the Moonpool!” Rowanstar announced. “Dapplekit and Fallowkit have reached their sixth moon, and now it is time for them to become warriors. Dapplekit, from this moment on you will be Dapplepaw. Brambleberry has informed me that she is ready to take on an apprentice. This is a special job, Dapplepaw, you will learn the secrets of StarClan and learn the way to be a medicine cat.” The pale mottled gray she-cat dipped her head and ran to join Brambleberry.
“Fallowkit,” Rowanstar continued. “You will be Fallowpaw. Hollypelt, you trained Cloversplash, and now she is an excellent warrior. Train Fallowpaw hard, and shall you be rewarded with good life.” Hollypelt dipped her head.
***
“Shadowstar….I have come to know what is right for my Clan.” A ginger tom was crouched in front of striking black she-cat. “Call me Shadow, the fellow leader of my Clan.” “That prophecy you gave me…There will be one, kin of your kin, who will have great destiny. Have I given this cat destiny yet?” “You must switch deputies, or else the Dark Forest will rise and the Clans will be destroyed.” “I understand…but there are two choices for the deputy. Kin of my kin…that can only be…” “Not the kits, no, not them, but the…warriors.” The ginger tom nodded. “I know who my deputy will be.” “Your former choice is evil, he holds a secret he cannot keep.”
***
“Let all cats who are old enough to catch their own prey come join for a Clan meeting!” Rowanstar gazed at his Clan. He locked eyes with his deputy, now his former deputy. He knew this was the right choice. His former deputy wasn’t right at all. He didn’t even train his apprentice. “I have a change in Clan. I will need to post another deputy for ShadowClan. Rainstorm, you were a great deputy, but you are not ready to become Clan leader.” Rowanstar took a deep breath. “Hollypelt will be the new deputy of ShadowClan.” “Hollypelt! Hollypelt!” Her Clan cheered. Rainstorm glared at Hollypelt. I would also like to make Bouncepaw and Daisypaw warriors. They were held back, they do not deserve to be treated like that.”
Rowanstar looked at Mistpaw, who mewed with frustration. “Rainstorm did not properly train Mistpaw, so I will appoint a new mentor. Kestrelblaze, you will be her mentor. You must learn how to be responsible.” Rainstorm glared at Rowanstar. “Bouncepaw and Daisypaw, from this moment on you will be Bouncewhisker and Daisyheart,” Rowanstar continued, ignoring Rainstorm. We welcome you to the Clan as a full warrior.” “Bouncewhisker! Daisyheart! Hollypelt!” “Bouncewhisker, Daisyheart!” Squirreltail purred. Hollypelt looked dazed.
***
“Why aren’t the kits coming?” Crowfeather poked his head into the den. “If you keep on complaining, the kits won’t get here!” Flowerstem snapped. “It won’t be long,” Brambleberry murmured, concentrating hard as Hollypelt shuddered with another contraction. Dapplepaw leaned in close.
“Put your paw here.” Brambleberry placed his new apprentice’s paw on Hollypelt’s belly. “Can you fell her body trying to push the kits out?” Dapplepaw nodded solemnly.
“Get your paws off!” Hollypelt hissed, wracked by another contraction. As it faded she saw dismay in Dapplepaw’s gentle gaze. “Sorry,” she muttered. “I just didn’t expect it to hurt this much.”
“Did I hurt you?” Dapplepaw fretted.
Brambleberry stroked her tail along the young cat’s flank. “No,” she assured her. “Queens can be a bit crabby when kitting.” She narrowed her eyes at Hollypelt. “Some are crabbier than others.”
“You’d be crabby if you’d been kitting since dawn!” Hollypelt snapped, pain convulsing her body once more.
“Here comes the first one,” Brambleberry mewed. “Dapplepaw, when it arrives, nip the kitting sac with your teeth to release it.”
Dapplepaw wriggled into position as a small, wet bundle tumbled into the next.
“A tom!” Brambleberry announced.
“Is he okay?” Hollypelt craned her neck to see her first kit, her paws trembling with excitement.
“Quick, Dapplepaw!” Brambleberry instructed. “Lick him fiercely!”
Hollypelt gasped. “Is he breathing?”
Her heart lurched when Brambleberry hesitated.
“Well?”
“He is now.” Brambleberry picked up the tiny kit and put him beside Hollypelt’s belly.
He felt warm and damp against her fur. Trembling with relief, Hollypelt leaned forward and sniffed her son. It was the most perfect scent in the world. “He’s beautiful,” she whispered.
Another wave of pain rippled along her flank. “A she-kit.” Brambleberry mewed as she placed another warm bundle next to Hollypelt’s belly. “One more I think.”
There was a final, heaving pain, and Hollypelt flopped onto the moss, panting. “Well done!” Brambleberry congratulated. “Another she-kit! And all look healthy and strong.”
Crowfeather squeezed into the den. “How is she?” “She’s fine. She had two she-cats and a tom.” “Did you hear that? She has two she-cats and a tom.” Crowfeather passed onto the rest of the Clan. “What do you want to name them?” Crowfeather gently licked each kit. “I would like the orange-and-white she-cat with the orange-tipped tail to be Sunnykit,” Crowfeather nodded. “And the light brown tabby she-cat with white chest and paws as Maplekit, in honor of you. Her warrior name might be Mapleleaf!” Crowfeather teased. “And I’d like the dark gray tom with white feet as Thistlekit, because you have thistles as fur!” Hollypelt purred with amusement. “Sunnykit, Maplekit, and Thistlekit, welcome to the Clan, my precious kits.”
Chapter 9: “Hollypelt, it’s snowing!” Hollypelt poked her head outside of the nursery. Maplekit, Sunnykit, and Thistlekit were squeaking in the snow as Poolcloud padded out of the nursery, yawning, her belly swollen with Whitestorm’s kits, and padded back in. Hollypelt sat back down in the nursery. The brambles rustled, and Brackenpaw slid into the nursery and dropped a fat squirrel at Hollypelt’s paws. “For you,” He murmured. He gave a plump vole to Poolcloud, and a scrawny mouse to Heathertail, which pleased Hollypelt. “Oh I just can’t wait until the kits come,“ The gray-and-white she-cat murmured, bending down to take a bite of her vole.
“But they’re so loving and cute,” Fallowtail, a warrior, slipped in. Hollypelt nudged the squirrel to her. “Oh no, you need it more,” she objected. Hollypelt shrugged at her former apprentice and bit into the squirrel. “Looks like Sunnykit enjoys the snow,” Fallowtail commented, looking out at the opening. The orange-and-white kit was splashing snow everywhere, from frozen moss to Thistlekit’s muzzle. The dark gray tom stumbled backward, smashing into Hollypelt. “You have no feet! Your warrior name should be Thistlenofeet!” Maplekit teased.
Thistlekit scoffed, and sat up again and charged for Maplekit, who flashed a sheet of snow at him. Hollypelt couldn’t help to say mrrow. Thistlekit’s white feet blended in with the snow, making him look like he had no feet. Crowfeather was sitting at the Tall Rock, now the deputy, assigning the hunting and sunhigh patrols. Sunnykit, Maplekit, and Thistlekit swished their tails, and pounced on their father. Crowfeather pretended to fall off the Tall Rock, Sunnykit, Maplekit, and Thistlekit following, squeaking with delight.
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