Dovewing Songfic!

Hey guys! Here's a Dovewing songfic I wrote to the song Back to December by Taylor Swift! Enjoy!

I’m so glad you made time to see me

How’s life, tell me ‘bout you family

I haven’t seen them in a while

Dovewing ducked her head as she made her way through the Gathering. The full moon shone above her as she dodged her way past her clanmates, desperate to get into the trees. A pair of amber eyes bored into her. Tigerheart.

You’ve been good, busier than ever

We small talk, work and the weather

Your guard is up and I know why

“Hello, Dovewing,” he mewed awkwardly. Dovewing stared down at her paws.

“Hi, Tigerheart,” she replied quietly. “How’s the prey running?”

“Good thanks.” Tigerheart flicked his tail anxiously. “The cold has everyone down though. But newleaf is coming, thank StarClan.”

Because the last time you saw me still burned in the back of your mind

You gave me roses and I left them there to die

Dovewing’s mind helplessly rushed back to the beautiful snowy days, where she and Tigerheart pranced around. All her anxieties and worries disappeared when she was with him. She hadn’t felt like that since Lionblaze and Jayfeather told her that she was part of the Three. A purr almost rumbled in her throat as she reminisced about when Tigerheart had fallen into a huge snowdrift. What I would give to feel like that again. She shook her head sadly. I can’t go back.

So this is me swallowing my pride

Standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night

And I go back to December all the time

I’m sorry. Dovewing swallowed the lump in her throat, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. I can’t, she thought. He’s not mine anymore.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” mewed Tigerheart. He suddenly looked so sad, and scared. “I just-” Dovewing didn’t care. She didn’t want to listen anymore.

“I think you did,” she whispered sadly. “I think that’s exactly what you meant.”

Turns out freedom ain’t nothing but missing you

Wishing I’d realized what I had when you were mine

And I go back to December, turn around and make it all right

I go back to December all the time

Dovewing pushed the last of the memories out of her head and turned back to Tigerheart “Bye,” she whispered before walking away. She could feel the pain radiating off his dark tabby pelt, but she forced herself to ignore it as she joined her clanmates for the trip home.

These days, I haven’t been sleeping

Staying up playing back myself leaving

When your birthday passed and I didn’t call

Dovepaw sat miserably in camp. Ivypaw was sleeping soundly in her nest. She hadn’t been harmed by the ShadowClan cats, and they willingly gave her up in exchange for the catmint. “Sandstorm might die,” murmured Dovewing. “It’s all my fault. Why am I so stupid? I should’ve known that Tigerheart was just using me.” Ivypaw started to kick and thrash and Dovepaw’s head snapped up. What were they doing to her? Coughing and sputtering, her deep blue eyes opened and she sat up, a terrified look on her face.

“Ivypaw?” Dovepaw rushed up to her sister’s nest, her eyes wide with fear.

“Oh, hi,” she rasped. “How was the Gathering?”

“Can I ask you something?” Dovepaw whispered. “Tell me about Tigerheart again. Is he really training in the Dark Forest?”

“Yes,” mewed Ivypaw sadly. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Dovepaw replied. “I don’t think he ever loved me…”

Then I think about summer, all the beautiful times

I watched you laughing from the passenger side

And realized I loved you in the fall

Memories of fighting beavers with Tigerheart flashed through Dovewing’s dreams. He had been so brave…and always so good humored. She could just imagine him, jumping up from the water and launching himself at the dam. Dovewing had never seen any cat so fearless in her life.

“Tigerheart, are you okay?” called Lionblaze.

“No, I’m furious! I’d like to turn every one of those beavers into fresh-kill!”

“He’s okay,” Dovepaw murmured.

And then the cold came, the dark days when fear crept into my mind

You gave me all my love and all I gave you was…goodbye

Dovewing turned her back and put her head down. Tigerheart isn’t part of me anymore.

I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile

So good to me, so right

And how you held me in your arms that September night

The first time you ever saw me cry

Dovepaw started to flee the camp. It was all too much. Sandstorm and Cherrykit were sick, and who knew where Ivypaw was? She probably didn’t want to see her anyway.

“Tigerheart!” she called. The dark tabby turned around. His amber eyes shone as she ran towards him.

“Hi,” he whispered as she buried her muzzle into his flank. “It’s good to see you.” Dovepaw didn’t reply. She cherished the moment of peace, away from all her clanmates and problems.

Maybe this is wishful thinking

Dovewing shut her eyes and tried to block out all the memories. I…miss…you…so…much…

Probably mindless dreaming

What was I thinking? He’s a ShadowClan cat. We could never gave been together, whether he loved me or not.

But if we loved again, I swear I’d love you right.

I’d go back in time and change it but I can’t

So if the chain is on your door, I understand

Dovewing collapsed in her nest, uncontrollable pain searing through her mind. Tigerheart! She wanted to scream. I need you! She felt the pain dulling as she drifted into sleep.

So this is me swallowing my pride

Standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night

And I go back to December, turn around and make all right

I go back to December, turn around and change my own mind

The sun shone through the apprentice den as Dovewing stepped out into the clearing.

“Is everything okay, Dovewing?” asked Bumblestripe, running up to her. “You don’t look very well.” Dovewing cast her senses out to ShadowClan. Tigerheart was sharing tongues with his clanmates, but Dovewing could see he was sad. Is it because of me? She turned back to Bumblestripe. “I’m fine,” she mewed softly. “Don’t worry about it.” She turned around and ran into her forest. Tigerheart… Standing on the ShadowClan border, she could almost smell him. If only… Dovewing turned back to the forest and slowly trudged back to camp.

I go back to December all the time…

SORRYYYY!! D:

I haven't been posting anything! D: I can't say that I will anytime soon, since November is NaNoWriMo, and I'm working on my novel!!! Sorry, but I promise I'll be back...sometime.

Chapter 8

Rosepaw stalked miserably through the forest. This is a disaster, she thought. It was all going to work out. I was going to be a warrior. She kept walking and walking until her paws burned and her legs crumbled from beneath her. Rosepaw collapsed on the grass, exhausted. Suddenly, she noticed the rows of Twoleg dens in front of her. She padded up to one and sniffed the fence. I wonder if any of them would take me in, she thought. She started to meow loudly and a Twoleg kit came up to her. She squeaked and bent down to stroke her. Rosepaw purred as the little Twoleg scratched her ear. This isn’t too bad, she thought. Maybe it won’t be so bad being a kittypet. The warrior code rang in her ears. This isn’t right. Rosepaw turned around slowly and padded off. This is against the warrior code! Suddenly, a nasty odor filled the air. Dog! Rosepaw heard a shriek and barking, along with the distant smell of blood. Terror filled her mind as she detected a familiar scent mixed in.

“Almondpaw!” she shrieked, hurtling through the trees as if her paws were on fire. There stood the biggest dog Rosepaw had ever seen in her life, snarling threateningly at something. To Rosepaw’s horror, she saw her friend cowering on the ground, shaking with fear.

“Rosepaw!” she cried. “Rosepaw, help!” Rosepaw stood there staring and the enormous creature, nearly three times her size. Frozen with fear, she watched the dog stalk towards her cornered friend. A picture of Shadowtail flashed in her mind. Anguish filled her as she realized the same thing was about to happen to Almondpaw.

“No!” she whispered. “No! Almondpaw!” Rosepaw launched herself at the giant dog and dug her claws into its back. The dog howled and released Almondpaw. She leaped into the air to assist Rosepaw. Together, they fought off the dog with the swift blows that their mentors had taught them. Instead of frightened and shaking, Rosepaw felt like she was the most powerful cat in the clan, fighting off enemies with her best friend. Soon they sent the dog running away with its tail between its legs. They stumbled back to camp together.

“Rosepaw! Almondpaw! Where have you two been?” Crystalfur bounded towards them the moment they stepped into camp. She gasped when she saw the condition they were in. “What happened?” Other cat started to gather around, horrified to see the two apprenticed caked with scratches and blood. Rosepaw heard Almondpaw take a deep breath.

“Rosepaw fought off a dog!” she declared proudly. Rosepaws’s fur ruffled in embarrassment as the clan’s surprised murmurs rose up. “It’s true!” mewed Almondpaw. “The dog was about to eat me, and Rosepaw jumped in just in time and fought it off!” Rosepaw lashed her tail. “That’s not true! We both know that I couldn’t have done it without you! You helped me!” Almondpaw rolled her eyes, but Rosepaw could see her whiskers twitching.

“Well,” Rosepaw shrunk back as Crescentstar padded up to them. “I think I know two apprentices who deserve their warrior names.” Almondpaw gasped as the rest of the clan cheered. Crescentstar climbed up to the Highledge. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highledge for a clan meeting!” Almondpaw glanced at Rosepaw excitedly as their clanmates gathered around the Highledge.

“Rosepaw and Almondpaw have shown much bravery today by fighting off a dog all on their own,” Crescentstar announced. “They more than deserve to receive their warrior names today.” Almondpaw nudged Rosepaw to her paws.

“Almondpaw and Rosepaw,” mewed Crescentstar. “Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do,” mewed Almondpaw joyfully. She looked down at Rosepaw expectantly. Rosepaw opened her jaw and then closed it again and then said, “I…I can’t.” Gasps rose up as Almondpaw looked at her friend, shocked.

“Rosepaw?” questioned Crescentstar, narrowing her eyes. Rosepaw lifted her head to face her clanmates.

“I...I can’t be a warrior,” she mewed shakily. “I broke the warrior code today! I went to a Twoleg nest because I thought I wasn’t worthy to be a clan cat anymore. I thought the life of a kittypet would suit me better.” She hung her head in shame as shocked murmurs floated around. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled, running off to her den.

“Rosepaw!” called Almondpaw, lashing her tail. But Rosepaw didn’t turn around.

Rosepaw buried herself in her nest and tried to sleep everything off. I can’t do it. She squeezed her eyes shut. I’m not worthy to be a clan cat. Suddenly, she felt a warm pelt brush against her. Almondpaw prodded a mouse towards her. “Here,” she whispered. “Eat this.” Rosepaw took a bite out of the mouse and put down her head.

“I’m sorry, Almondpaw,” she mewed. “You should have received your warrior name.” Almondpaw shook her head. “Remember what we said back when we were kits? We’ll become warriors together.” She licked Rosepaw’s ear. “And besides, after you left, Briarleaf came out and told me that I had some strange blindness.” Rosepaw bolted up.

“What?!” she exclaimed. “What?!”

“You only have to say it once,” mewed Almondpaw, annoyed. “And it’s not that big a deal. It’s just that sometimes I can’t see. “Rosepaw paced around her friend.

“Sometimes?” she mewed. “How does that work?” Almondpaw shrugged.

“I’m not sure. I only know that sometimes I can see, and other times I can’t. Most of the time I can’t though.” Rosepaw buried her nose into her friend’s pelt.

“This isn’t the best day for either of us, is it?” Almondpaw curled up in her nest and didn’t reply.

Rosepaw walked through a patch of trees. Am I dreaming? She looked around. This looks kind of familiar. Could this really be ThunderClan? But the trees were rich with green leaves and the air was warm and smelled of plants. It’s not greenleaf… She padded into the camp, confused. She saw two queens sitting outside the nursery, chatting quietly.

“Redshard?” she called out frantically. Her mother didn’t answer her. Can she hear me? Rosepaw padded up to them, but they didn’t even turn.

“I’m worried about Rosekit,” said Redshard. Rosepaw’s eyes widened. What was she talking about? “I’m not sure how she’s going to cope as an apprentice.”

“What do you mean?” asked the other queen. “She’s very well behaved. I don’t think she’ll get into any trouble.”

“That’s just it, Maplefur,” Redshard replied. “She’s always so quiet, and doesn’t like getting into the other kits’ games. I don’t think she’ll like getting her paws dirty, let alone hunting and fighting.”

“Oh, Redshard, you worry too much. I’m sure she’ll be fine.” mewed Maplefur reassuringly.

“I hope you’re right,” said Redshard, her gaze laced with worry. Rosepaw’s mouth dried up. Her own mother had doubted her! She couldn’t imagine what she could be thinking right now, when she had become such a coward. She walked away from them, as if her paws were working on their own. She stepped into the bushes froze as she saw two tiny kits crouched down on a pile of twigs.

“Come on, Rosekit!” mewed the ginger kit. “Just jump!”

“No!” squeaked the white kit. “I’m scared!”

“It’s not that scary, see?” The ginger kit jumped from the twigs and landed with a thud on the ground. “Not scary at all!”

“Maybe not for you,” mewed the white kit. “You can do anything!” Rosepaw’s jaw fell open as she realized that the tiny kit was her.

“Don’t be such a kittypet!” mewed the ginger kit. “You can do it, I know you can!” The white kit shook her head and started to throw the twigs off the pile.

“You’re such a scaredy-mouse, Rosekit!” grumbled the ginger kit as she scampered off. The white kit hung her head sadly. Rosepaw backed her, stricken.

“You haven’t changed a bit, have you?” mewed a voice behind her. Rosepaw whirled around to see a black she-cat standing there. “Who…who are you?”

“You were always a bit of a kittypet,” she sneered, ignoring her. “Always shying away from the least bit of a challenge. Everyone was concerned about you.” She narrowed her eyes. “They were right to.” Rosepaw took a step back, her eyes wide with horror.

“Cats like you don’t belong in the clans,” she continued. “You were right to go to the Twoleg nest. You should have stayed there. What could you possibly have accomplished after that? It doesn’t matter what your friends or your clanmates tell you. You don’t have what it takes, and that’s that.” She turned around and padded off.

“No!” Rosepaw cried. “No!” She felt her legs crumble as she collapsed to the ground. And then she woke up, gasping. Her head started to spin. “No,” she whispered. “It’s too much!” She leaped out of her nest and bolted out of the den.

Rosepaw’s paws thumped on the ground as she raced through the forest. She ran and ran and ran until her paws ached and her stomach cramped.

“You can’t run away from your problems!” hissed a voice. Rosepaw whirled around to see the black she-cat standing behind her. “Problems are different from clanmates, they’ll be there wherever you go.”

“And clanmates won’t?” mewed Rosepaw, confused.

“That’s one thing you learn about life, little one,” hissed the cat. “Everyone deserts you eventually. Soon you’ll be left with nothing but the fur on your back.” She took a step towards her, narrowing her eyes. “But your problems never leave you, no matter how fast you run or how high you leap. They follow you like flies, and you can’t get rid of them.” Rosepaw stepped back, her eyes wide with fear and anguish. 

“That’s not true!” she mewed. “My clanmates will always be there for me, and they can help me with my problems!” The she-cat snorted and turned around to leave.

“Believe what you want. I thought the same thing when I was young and naïve, and look where that’s gotten me.” With that, she padded off into the trees, leaving Rosepaw standing alone.

Hey guys.
No, it's not another chapter.
I was just wondering....
Do you, the small number of people who read my blog, actually enjoy my fanfic? Like, I know I can be a sucky writer sometimes, and a very slow one too. My normal excuse is that "I'm too busy procrastinating" and I end up with a long drag of nothingness. I make sure my chapters are long enough to post, and that they're somewhat interesting, but in reality, this story isn't actually going anywhere. I have ideas, but they're not ready to be put down on the paper yet, chronologically speaking. So I might put in anotehr chapter or so, and then fast forward in time. Like, a lot. I promise there's something coming, but with the exciting stuff not yet here, the story isn't very exciting, nor am I to write it. Thanks for listening to me rant. Bye.

~Shimmercloud

Hollyleaf's Death Scene

So, this is for all you Hollyleaf haters. I'd just like to say, Hollyleaf is the best! And this is MY version of her death scene.

Jayfeather launched himself at Tigerstar. “This is for the fate of the clans!” he yowled. Never before had he felt the power of the stars in his paws. He sank his claws into the dark tabby’s back, praying to StarClan that Firestar would be okay. Tigerstar yowled and jerked away from him, releasing Firestar, who bounded off. Tigerstar snarled at Jayfeather. “You can’t kill me!” he snarled. “You’re just a blind medicine cat!” Jayfeather dug his claws into the ground. “I may be a blind medicine cat,” he retorted. “But I have the power of the stars in my paws!” Launching himself at Tigerstar, Jayfeather fought for his life, and the lives of his clanmates.

Suddenly, agony shook through him. He jumped out of the battle and ran. “Hollyleaf!” he shrieked. A flash of black fur whizzed by as his sister was pinned to the ground by Brezepelt. “This is for everything you did to me!” the WindClan warrior hissed. “This is what you deserve!” He lifted his paw, ready to hit the killing blow. Yowling, Jayfeather leaped at him, thrusting him out of the way. Snarling, the black tom struck a blow to his neck. As the two brothers fought, memories raced through Jayfeather’s mind. The lie that had changed his life, protecting Poppyfrost at the Moonpool, watching in agony as Breezepelt tortured Ivypool in the Dark Forest, and then finally Breezepelt leading his own Clan leader to his death. His anger gave him enough power to strike Breezepelt to the ground. But the training in the Dark Forest had made Breezepelt more powerful than Jayfeather could ever be. And he had anger too. Anger and ambition to destroy everyone who had wronged him. He leaped up and clawed Jayfeather’s flank. Fresh blood gushed out and Jayfeather fell to the ground. Breezepelt stood over him, snarling.

“I couldn’t kill then,” he hissed. “But I can now, when I have you right where I need you.” Jayfeather stared at him, his heart pounding faster. “Because of you, my life is ruined,” Breezepelt snarled. “You deserve to die.” He looked up at Hollyleaf, who was lying on the ground, panting. “You all do!” Breezepelt’s amber eyes bored into Jayfeather’s. “I didn’t go to the Dark Forest for nothing,” he meowed. “Tigerstar taught me not to stand back and do nothing. He taught me how to get my revenge.” Snarling, Breezepelt dug his claws deeper into Jayfeather’s flank. But before he could kill him, a screech rang through Jayfeather’s ears, and a flash of gold darted past him, bowling Breezepelt over. “Lionblaze,” Jayfeather breathed. “But…that’s impossible!” Lionblaze glanced over at Jayfeather.

“I couldn’t abandon my Clan,” he meowed. “Not for Cinderheart, not for anything.” He struck a hard blow at Breezepelt, who fought angrily. “I’m part of the Three, and the clans need me.” Pinning Breezepelt down, he glared down at his half-brother.

“You’re business is none of mine,” he snarled. “And your quarrel is not with me. But after all you did, you’re the one who deserves to die.” Without hesitation, Lionblaze sank his teeth into Breezepelt’s throat. The black warrior’s eyes widened.

“I see it now…” he rasped before his eyes closed forever.

“Hollyleaf, no!” Jayfeather turned around to see Leafpool racing towards his sister, with Squirrelflight at her heels. Brambleclaw and Ashfur followed them, along with Crowfeather. “Hollyleaf,” Leafpool whispered. “Speak to me, please!” Hollyleaf’s eyes opened slowly. “Leafpool?” she rasped.

“Hollyleaf!” Leafpool exclaimed. “Hollyleaf, you’re okay!” She bent down to lick her daughter.

“Leafpool,” Hollyleaf whispered. “Leafpool, it’s okay. StarClan is calling me.” Leafpool’s eyes widened, Jayfeather could feel the agony tearing through her heart like thorns.

“No,” she meowed. “No, Hollyleaf, you’ll be okay. I’ll make sure of it.” Hollyleaf shook her head weakly.

“Leafpool, Squirrelflight,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I…I understand now. I know what you did and why.” Jayfeather understood too. Now that Hollyleaf had her own kits, she was feeling the same pain that Leafpool felt. “I...I’m sorry,” she rasped. “For everything. I’m sorry for causing you grief and worry, I’m sorry from running away. I know I can’t run away from my problems. Ashfur, I’m sorry I acted so rashly. I’m sorry for telling everyone the secret at the gathering. Leafpool, I’m sorry you lost your place as a medicine cat. It’s my fault, all my fault.” Jayfeather could feel the powerful surge of love coming from his mother and her sister. “Squirrelflight, I’m sorry I couldn’t call you my mother. You’ll always be my mother to me. I know you were always proud of me. I’m sorry I was so blind once I found out.” Squirrelflight pressed her nose to Hollyleaf’s flank. “I’m sorry too, for making you think I was your mother.” Lionblaze pressed to Jayfeather, his amber eyes filled with worry.

“I forgive you,” said Leafpool suddenly. “Even as a medicine cat, I loved you more than anything in the world, and losing you to my mistakes was worse than losing my place in the clan or losing the trust of my clanmates.”

“I forgive you too,” said Squirrelflight. “Everything you did made me proud, and I would have been honored to be your mother.”

“Hollyleaf!” cried a voice. Dovewing rushed in, grief and anxiety brimming in her golden eyes.

“Dovewing,” Hollyleaf purred. “Dovewing, thank you for always being there for me. You handled everything much better than I could ever have, and it always comforted me, knowing that the prophecy was in good hands.” Jayfeather could almost feel his sister slipping into StarClan. “And you two,” she continued. “Thanks for being the best brothers in the world. While I was in the tunnels, I always wanted to see you. My heart ached every day. I wanted to come back more than anything. But I didn’t know how. I didn’t know what I would say to you, or how to explain everything. My heart told me that I was right, but everyone thought I was wrong.” She let out a long sigh, as if to let go of everything she had been holding back all those moons. “But since this is my last chance, I knew I had to say everything.” She closed her eyes. “Goodbye, everyone. I love you all, no matter what it seems.” The light faded from her, and Jayfeather shut his eyes too, trying to suppress his sadness. “She walks with StarClan now,” he mewed hoarsely. He could feel the sadness radiating off of everyone, especially Leafpool. “She did love her,” he murmured. “It hurt for her more than all of us.” Jayfeather felt a nudge as Lionblaze spoke up. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s take her back to camp, where nothing can hurt her.” Picking her up, Lionblaze and Jayfeather dragged her away, with the other cats helping them. Looking down at his lifeless sister, Jayfeather felt himself being turned inside out. “She gave everything for us, for the clans who betrayed her, for her life that was a lie,” he whispered to himself. “Hollyleaf held more honor than us all. She has the courage to face everything. She knows how to really be a warrior.”

*WARNING*

Warning- the next chapter of my fanfic will be in ANOTHER CAT'S POV. So be prepared :)

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Hey guys. My computer died. It'll be awhile till the next chapter goes up. I'm really sorry. I've been working pretty hard on it too. Keep waiting, I promise it'll be good.

Chapter 7

Cats had begun to gather around. Everyone was shocked to hear Rosepaw.

“Rosepaw, what are you talking about?” asked Briarleaf. Rosepaw pawed the ground miserably.

“It’s all my fault Shadowtail’s hurt. If it wasn’t for me, he would have driven off that WindClan warrior for sure!” Briarleaf stared at the apprentice, bewildered.

“Rosepaw, what happened?” It was Crystalfur, Rosepaw’s mentor. Everyone’s ears pricked as Rosepaw explained.

“Shadowtail was fighting off some cats when this really big WindClan cat jumped on him. They started fighting, and Shadowtail was losing because the WindClan cat was so big,” she explained. Briarleaf nodded, understanding. No wonder Shadowtail was so injured.

“The WindClan cat just kept kicking and scratching Shadowtail, and he couldn’t get away,” Rosepaw continued. “I was just standing there, watching. I could have helped him, and we would have easily driven him away, but I was too scared!” Rosepaw looked ready to run away and hide. “I was too scared, and now Shadowtail is beaten and bruised and he might never get better!” Rosepaw’s frightened mew became loud and shrill. Stunned, Briarleaf couldn’t get any words out to the shaking apprentice.

“Rosepaw,” meowed Crescentstar. “You fought hard today, and it must have been scary to see the big WindClan cat fight Shadowtail.” The ThunderClan leader looked down warmly at Rosepaw. “No cat will blame you for Shadowtail’s injuries. Furthermore,” she continues brightly. “We showed WindClan what happens when they cross our border!” Murmurs of approval rose up. Despite all the cuts and bruises, ThunderClan had won. Briarleaf watched Rosepaw dip her head and slink of to the apprentice den. She slipped back into her den to check on Almondpaw.

Almondpaw lay there, eating a small vole. Her usually bright amber eyes were dull and sad and she tore angrily at her vole, obviously frustrated about her injury. As Briarleaf watched her, she noticed Almondpaw’s eyes were flashing every now and then. Every time they flashed, Almondpaw would shut them and shake her head. Something’s bothering her, Briarleaf thought. Almondpaw finished her vole and blankly stared up at the ceiling of the den. Suddenly, Briarleaf had a thought.

“Almondpaw,” she asked casually. “How did you get your cut?” Almondpaw looked at her, startled.

“Um…it was a big WindClan cat. A tom, I think. He had a really low growl and long claws that kept swiping at me over and over again.”

“What did his pelt look like?” Briarleaf asked.

“He was a tabby…” said Almondpaw. “Grey, I think. Or maybe it was pale brown. I couldn’t tell. It was gone before I could notice.” Briarleaf blinked, confused.

“What was gone? The cat?” Almondpaw looked at her strangely.

“No, the cat was still there. I just couldn’t see him anymore.” Briarleaf stared at her.

“Why couldn’t you see him?” she asked. Almondpaw’s whiskers twitched. She was obviously getting annoyed with all the questions.

“Why can’t I see you right now? Why can’t I see how big my cut is?” Almondpaw’s eyes flashed again. “Wait, now I can.” She blinked. “Now I can’t again…it’s so annoying, but I guess I should learn to live with it.” Briarleaf held her breath.

“Almondpaw, open your eyes as wide as you can.” She instructed. Almondpaw widened her amber eyes. Confusion clouded her gaze. Briarleaf leaned towards her, so that they’re muzzles her almost touching. She stared into the apprentice’s eyes, looking for any sign of something abnormal.

Then, Almondpaw’s eyes flashed again.

“Woah!” cried Almondpaw. She shut her eyes and ducked her head. Briarleaf backed away immediately. Almondpaw sighed. “That’s better.”

Briarleaf’s head was spinning. What exactly was wrong with Almondpaw? Briarleaf had never seen a cat with eyes like hers before. Going to sleep that night, Briarleaf hoped StarClan would send her aid. She couldn’t help the bright young apprentice if she didn’t know what was wrong with her! As she drifted into her dreams, Briarleaf saw her former mentor, Dewdrop, who had joined StarClan not long ago.

“Dewdrop!” Briarleaf cried, racing towards the white she-cat. Dewdrop purred as Briarleaf neared.

“Dewdrop,” Briarleaf meowed worriedly. “Do you know what’s wrong with Almondpaw?” Dewdrop sighed.

“Come with me, Briarleaf,” she replied. “I’ll show you what you need to know.” Briarleaf followed Dewdrop through StarClan until they reached a familiar forest.

“This is ThunderClan territory!” Briarleaf exclaimed. Dewdrop picked up her pace as she raced through the trees. Briarleaf struggled to keep up, but soon they reached a small clearing where Briarleaf saw a familiar figure walking through the trees.

“Almondpaw!” cried Briarleaf. “What’s she doing?” Almondpaw spotted a squirrel and broke into a run, chasing after it. Briarleaf raced after her, desperate to get more clues. Almondpaw approached the squirrel and it scurried up a tree. Almondpaw rushed towards the tree and crashed into it. Hissing with annoyance, the apprentice stalked off. Briarleaf stared after her. She didn’t notice as Dewdrop approached her.

“Almondpaw experiences things that most cats don’t,” she whispered. “She has strange, powerful eyes, but she must learn to control them.” Briarleaf nodded.

“But how can I help her?” Briarleaf asked. “I know even less about them than she does.” Dewdrop dipped her head.

“When it comes time for you to help, you will know,” she replied. “But for now, trust her, because deep inside, the solution is there.” With that, Dewdrop ran off into the glittering stars of Silverpelt.

Briarleaf woke with a start. Sitting up, she glanced over to Almondpaw, who was sleeping peacefully. Deep inside, Almondpaw knows the solution to her problem, she thought. I just have to get her to tell me.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!” Crescentstar’s mew rang across the clearing. Briarleaf padded out of her den, Almondpaw stumbling after her. Briarleaf had told her to rest, but the apprentice refused.

“I want to be part of my clan, no matter what,” she had said. “And I’m not going to let a stupid injury bring me down!” Briarleaf admired the young cat’s spirit. She would make a great warrior.

“Cats of ThunderClan,” mewed Crescentstar. “Raincloud’s kits have reached their sixth moon, and it is time for them to be apprenticed.” Squeals of excitement came from the four kits. Raincloud was purring proudly as she watched her ecstatic kits jump.

“Icekit, from this day on until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Icepaw.” Icepaw stood as tall as she could as her eyes danced excitedly. “Goldclaw,” Crescentstar continued. “You will be mentor to Icekit. I excpet you to pass on everything you know to Icepaw.” Goldclaw touched noses with Icepaw, his eyes shining proudly.

“Brushkit, from this day on until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Brushpaw. Your mentor will be Warrenheart.” Brushkit rushed up to touch noses with Warrenheart. The little kit and long recovered from her cough and was back to her energetic self.

“Shrubkit, from this day on until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Shrubpaw,” meowed Crescentstar. “Your mentor will be Nightwing.” The black she-cat stepped up to touch noses with Shrubkit, who was trying hard to contain his excitement.

“And finally,” meowed Crescentstar with a purr. “Ivykit, from this day on, you will be known as Ivypaw. Your mentor will be…” Briarleaf could practically feel the Ivypaw holding her breathe. “…Redshard.” The apprentice widened her eyes. Briarleaf couldn’t read her expression. She padded up to her new mentor and they touched noses. Redshard looked happy and excited to mentor another apprentice, but Ivypaw didn’t look quite as enthusiastic as her littermates and their mentors.

“Four new apprentices!” exclaimed Shalestorm. “That’s one den that’ll be pretty crowded!” Briarleaf nodded in agreement. They had enough apprentices as it was. The four new additions meant four new nests in the apprentice den. But it also meant four less troublemaking kits. A picture of Sunkit popped into her head. Briarleaf pushed it out angrily. There was no way this little kit could cause danger to the clan as it was. In the future, perhaps, but Briarleaf had no need to worry right now.

“Shiningpelt’s kits are getting to be a handful,” she told Shalestorm. “They’re so big now!” Shalestorm nodded.

“I know,” he agreed. “They’re so energetic too! I saw them bowl over Warrenheart yesterday when he came back from hunting.” Briarleaf purred at the thought of the grey warrior on the ground buried by kits.

“Well, I should probably go,” meowed Shalestorm. “I promised Whirlpool we’d go hunting together today.”

“Good luck,” Briarleaf replied as Shalestorm rushed off to join his friend.

Briarleaf ducked into the nursery to see the three kits jumping around, obviously excited about all the room they had to themselves.

“Briarleaf!” cheered Mistkit, racing up to the medicine cat excitedly. Briarleaf purred as the kit jumped around.

“I can see you miss your old denmates already,” she meowed.

“We’re going to be apprentices soon too!” mewed Sunkit. “Then we can finally learn to fight!” With a playful hiss, Sunkit jumped onto Whisperkit’s back. His brother shoved him off angrily.

“Don’t do that!” he snapped. “I told you not to do that!” Sunkit ignored him and dashed towards the fresh kill pile. “I’m going to get something to eat!” he called over his shoulder. “I’m starving!”

“He sure is full of energy today,” purred Briarleaf.

“It’s all the extra space,” Shiningpelt replied cheerfully. “Their natural instinct is to run around.”

“I’m sure they can’t wait to be apprentices too,” Briarleaf agreed. Shiningpelt nodded and started grooming herself.

“So, how’s Almondpaw?” she asked.

“Her wounds are healing nicely,” said Briarleaf. “But I’m still not sure what’s wrong with her.” As she spoke, her mind whisked itself back to her dream. How much longer will Almondpaw be able to survive?

To Whom It May Concern

Hey guys,
Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Exams and stuff. You know, the usual excuse. But I am working on the next chapter, and I promise it'll be up soon.
Meanwhile, have y'all read Sign of the Moon? Isn't it the best? I can't wait for The Forgotten Warrior to come out now! We may see the return of....SPOILERS......HOLLYLEAF! Hollyleaf is one of my face characters and I want nothing more to see her and her supreme brain back in the storyline.
So have fun, read Warriors, and eat spring rolls!
Oh, and read Warriors Untitled!
-Shim

Chapter 6

Sorry. I've been procrastinating. :)

Yowls of outrage rang across the clearing, but Rushstar stood tall on his branch without flinching. Calmly, Jaggedstar stepped forward.

“Rushstar,” he meowed. “The rest of the clans are suffering, not just you. If we give up some land, would it mean famine for us?” Rushstar bristled.

“WindClan is starving!” he spat. “Is it fair to let us die away into the cold of leafbare?”

“Is it fair to let the rest of us die while WindClan thrives?” challenged Jaggedstar. A silence fell over the clearing. Rushstar glared at Jaggedstar, but the ShadowClan leader didn’t even blink. Briarleaf shivered. A cloud had passed over the moon and darkness fell over the island. Greystar stepped forward.

“StarClan is angry!” she meowed urgently. “They must want everything to stay the way it is!” Rushstar glared at her, and then jumped down from the branch.

“WindClan! We’re going home!” he snarled. The WindClan cats followed Rushstar. Shardfur shot Briarleaf a worried glance, but showed no hostility. Briarleaf felt relieved. At least there aren’t any borders between medicine cats, she thought. Briarleaf glanced up at her clan leader. Crescentstar had been silent throughout the entire argument. She looked shocked at Rushstar’s declaration. Greystar stepped forward nervously.

“We cannot have a gathering without WindClan,” she mewed. “I think it’s best if we all go home.” She jumped down from the branch and Jaggedstar followed, along with Crescentstar. Mutters rose up from the cats as they left the island in silence. Briarleaf walked back to camp with the patrol in silence.

As they reached the camp, some other cats came to meet them.

“Why are you back so early?” mewed Raincloud. “Did something happen?” Crescentstar explained what had happened with WindClan.

“How dare they!” growled Spottedpelt. The old elder was bristling. “Leafbare has been the same since the beginning of time! Why would WindClan be starving any more than the rest of us?”

“It’s all Rushstar’s fault,” Shadowtail complained. “WindClan has changed since he became leader.” Crescentstar shot him a warning look but mutters of agreement rose up from the clan.

“He’s too selfish,” growled Seapelt. “Always thinking about his belly instead of the rest of us.”

“Any cat could see he doesn’t deserve to be leader!” meowed Petalfur. Briarleaf shuddered as the rest of the clan yowled in outrage.

“Stop!” shouted Crescentstar. “Rushstar is young. He has only recently become leader. He is a noble cat, and he can learn.” A hush fell over the clan. Briarleaf headed back to her den. Crescentstar had everything under control.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join under Highledge for a clan meeting!”

Crescentstar’s yowl rang across the hollow. Briarleaf sat quietly under the Highledge, waiting for the meeting to start. She wondered what it would be about.

“Cats of ThunderClan,” Crescentstar meowed. “Shalepaw, Whirlpaw, and Breezepaw are ready to receive their warrior names.”

Briarleaf sat bolt upright. Shalepaw was getting his warrior name today?

“I, Crescentstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn,” Crescentstar paused as she turned to the three apprentices. “Shalepaw, Whirlpaw, and Breezepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of you life?”

“I do,” mewed Shalepaw, his eyes shining.

“I do,” said Whirlpaw solemnly.

“I do,” whispered Breezepaw.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Shalepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Shalestorm. StarClan honours your courage and strength.

Whirlpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Whirlpool. StarClan honours your diligence and wisdom.

Breezepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Breezecloud. StarClan honours your kindness and serenity. We welcome all of you as full warriors of ThunderClan.”

“Shalestorm! Whirlpool! Breezecloud!” Briarleaf cheered enthusiastically with the rest of her clan. As the other cats scattered, Briarleaf dashed up to congratulate them. Purring, she pressed her muzzle against her friend’s flank.

“Congratulations, Shalestorm!” she meowed happily. Shalestorm purred as the rest of the clan gathered around them.

That night, Briarleaf had a dream. Battle cries and blood swirled around her. Everywhere, cats were falling to the ground, dead. Briarleaf let out a yowl of pain and crumbled to the ground. The agony died away. Everything was quiet. Dead cats lay everywhere, their pelts matted with blood and wounds. Briarleaf gasped as she saw a shadowy figure standing at the top of a hill, head held high, pelt smooth and unhurt.

Who was this mysterious cat?

Whoever he was, Briarleaf guessed that he had provoked the tragic battle. Briarleaf got up and ran. She ran and ran into the forest, wishing she could’ve somehow prevented the bloody event. But I could’ve, she thought. This is just a dream. If it’s really going to happen, maybe I can prevent it. With a jolt, Briarleaf woke up. Padding out of her den, Briarleaf realized it had snowed overnight. She shivered, unsure if she was cold or scared. The terrifying dream was still fresh in her head. She spotted the kits tumbling and squealing as they played in a snow drift. Silverheart was organizing patrols and other cats were sharing tongues. It looked like a perfectly normal day. Too perfect for Briarleaf’s liking. She had a feeling something bad was going to happen.

Briarleaf was in her den sorting herbs when a cry rang out in the clearing. She stepped out of her den to see Whirlpool burst into the clearing.

“WindClan have crossed the border!” he cried. Yowls of alarm rang out. Raincloud quickly urged the kits into the nursery.

“Shadowtail, Moonblaze, Crystalfur, Whalefin, Maplefur,” Silverheart meowed. “Bring your apprentices if they’re battle fit.” The deputy looked around. “Whirlpool, show them where they are.” With a brisk nod, Whirlpool dashed to the entrance of the camp. The battle patrol followed him. Briarleaf prayed to StarClan that they would be okay.

StarClan can’t possibly approve of those prey stealers, she thought. She stepped back into her den to prepare some herbs in case some cats were gravely injured. She could practically hear the yowls flying across ThunderClan’s territory. It was horrible.

Please. StarClan, let them be okay, she thought. Briarleaf hates battles. They were bloody and horrible and completely pointless in her thought. Suddenly, Briarleaf heard a shriek and Silverheart raced in, carrying little Almondpaw in her jaws. Briarleaf gasped. The apprentice had a huge cut running down her flank, and she was covered in blood.

“Get her into my den!” she urged. Silverheart rushed Almondpaw into Briarleaf’s den and set her down in the moss. Briarleaf examined the cut.

“It’s infected,” she said. Briarleaf quickly collected some marigold from her herb store and chewed it up. She applied it too Almondpaw’s wound and then put on some cobwebs to stop the bleeding. Then, she grabbed a pawful or thyme leaves.

“Eat these,” she instructed Almondpaw, who was shaking with fear and pain. Almondpaw sniffed the leaves nervously and then gulped them down. Her breathing became slower and she soon stopped trembling.

“Give her time to recover,” she told Silverheart. “She should be a lot better by tomorrow.” Silverheart nodded, her eyes brimming with gratitude. She rushed out of the medicine den and back towards the ongoing battle.

Briarleaf looked down at the apprentice. She had fallen asleep. The poor thing, Briarleaf thought. She must be exhausted. Briarleaf examined the wound carefully. It wasn’t too deep, but it was definitely long. How could she have gotten such a big cut? Perplexed, she looked at it more closely. Border battles weren’t supposed to be very big. Even if WindClan were desperate and hostile, the damage could easily have been avoided. Then, Briarleaf remembered Almondpaw’s weaknesses in training. What exactly is wrong with her? Briarleaf had never seen any cat that was like her before. Briarleaf’s ears pricked as she heard more yowling in the distance. Quickly, Briarleaf rushed over to the nursery.

“Mistkit!” she called. “Can you watch Almondpaw? Make sure she doesn’t get up because her wound will open again. And give her poppy seeds if she starts to complain.” Mistkit, who had been lying in her mother’s nest, jumped to her feet and raced enthusiastically out of the nursery. Briarleaf had grown to trust the little kit and hoped she would get to mentor her when she was old enough.

Stepping out into the clearing, Briarleaf saw the battle patrol rushing back to camp, cheering. They were covered in blood and limping, but the glow in their eyes told Briarleaf that they had won.

“Briarleaf!” called a voice. Briarleaf turned around to see Petalfur padding up to her. The she-cat’s amber eyes were filled with fear.

“What is it?” said Briarleaf.

“I think you should take a look at Shadowtail,” she replied. Briarleaf followed her to the other side of the clearing. The black warrior looked terrible. His glossy black fur was caked with blood, his flank was covered in scratches, and he had a deep gash on his chest. Shadowtail looked like he could hardly breathe, and he stood there with shaking legs.

“Quick, into my den!” Briarleaf meowed urgently. Shadowtail limped into the medicine den and Briarleaf quickly made poultices for his wounds.

“Mistkit!” she called. “I need your help. Can you prepare some horsetail and apply it to the biggest cut?” Mistkit jumped at the opportunity to help and dashed into the herb store.

In no time at all, Shadowtail’s wounds were treated and he was resting quietly on the moss.

“Thanks, Briarleaf,” he meowed. “You too, Mistkit.”

“You need to be more careful,” Briarleaf mewed crossly. She heard paws shuffling outside and ducked out of the den. Briarleaf nearly crashed into Rosepaw, who was right outside the entrance.

“Er…hi, Rosepaw,” said Briarleaf. “Did you want something?” She looked down at the apprentice. Her eyes were filled with worry. “Are you here to see Almondpaw?”

“Er…no. I mean, what I meant to say was…” Rosepaw fumbled with her words. “Is Shadowtail all right?” she blurted out at last. Briarleaf looked at her, surprised.

“He’ll be fine once he learns to be more careful. That cat is always getting himself into some sort of trouble.” A choking sound came from Rosepaw. “Look, what’s wrong?”

Rosepaw gazed at Briarleaf with a terrified look on her face. The little apprentice looked worse than all the other warriors, and there was hardly a scratch on her. At last she cried out.

“It’s all my fault!”

More Home Improvements

Alright. I think this is final. :)
-Shimmercloud

Hey, guys! Shimmercloud here!
Ooh, suspense, all readers' worst enemy! XD Well, I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait just a bit longer for the next chapter. I've gotten some nice ideas about it, and I hope you all enjoy!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Here's a little bit that I wrote for Chinese New Year!

Hostile glares filled the island. Of all the gatherings Sorreltail had been to, this was definitely the worst.

“WindClan is too touchy,” murmured her sister, Poppyfrost. “Firestar was only trying to help.” Sorreltail stared grimly up at the four clan leaders, who looked like they were about the spring at each other.

“Shouldn’t StarClan say anything?” she meowed worriedly. “This is a disaster.” Poppyfrost shuddered. “I’d hate to see a fight break out.” Sorreltail knew that she was worrying about her kits, Molepaw and Cherrypaw. The new apprentices were at their first gathering.

There had been fights at gatherings before, but usually some cat would stop it. Now it looked like every cat wanted to fight. Suddenly, Sorreltail heard a sound.

Boom, boom, boom

Murmurs or surprise rose up from the cats. They looked around, wondering where the sound was coming from. Suddenly, one cat let out a yowl. Sorreltail looked up. In the distance, somewhere over the nearby Twolegplace, strange lights were rising in the air, bursting, and then falling again. Sorreltail stared in awe. She had never seen anything more beautiful in her life StarClan has spoken, she thought. For a few moments, the entire island was silent. Sorreltail could hear the rustling of the cold leafbare wind in the trees. Everyone was looking at the beautiful red lights that lit Silverpelt and sparkled across all of their warrior ancestors. In those moments, the tension between the clans disappeared. They were united. Instantly, everyone started sharing tongues and laughing. It’s perfect, Sorreltail thought. Thank you, StarClan. She joined into the laughing and dancing and started talking with some RiverClan cats. Onestar was sharing tongues with Firestar, just like they did when they were warriors. Blackstar was laughing at a joke a ThunderClan cat told him about cats unblocking a river and what they had for lunch. The four clans were at peace, no borders, no tension; four clans had become one under the full moon. I wish it could last forever, thought Sorreltail. But she knew that once they left the island, everything would be back to normal. She knew better than to waste away this beautiful night. She joined Brackenfur and some other cats and they partied under the light of the moon. The bright red lights decorated the skies above them as they danced the night away.

Chapter 5

Sickness had struck ThunderClan.

It had started when Seapelt started coughing.

“Whitecough,” Briarleaf diagnosed. Seapelt was confined to the medicine den so it wouldn’t spread. But soon, Whirlpaw, Breezepaw, and Brushkit were all coughing,

“It’s a tough leaf bare,” meowed Crescentstar. “Prey is scarce and so are herbs. ThunderClan will have to struggle to pull through without losing any cats.”

Mistkit had insisted on helping Briarleaf treat the sick cats, but Briarleaf had sent her back to the nursery.

“It’s too dangerous,” she meowed sternly. “You could catch the sickness. What would your mother say?”

At nightfall, Briarleaf collapsed into her nest. I can’t wait for newleaf, she thought. She drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, Briarleaf woke before the sun. She told her sick patients to chew some tansy. Seapelt was looking a bit better, and Breezepaw wasn’t coughing as much.

“I want to go back to training!” she whined. The little apprentice was getting antsy.

“I’m sorry, Breezepaw.” Briarleaf replied. “But we can’t afford for you to spread the sickness.” Breezepaw slumped back into her nest, discouraged. Briarleaf sighed and went back preparing herbs. Raincloud walked into her den, looking worried.

“Brushkit is no better today,” she fretted. “Will she be strong enough to survive leaf bare?” Hope and anxiety filled her gaze.

“Brushkit is a strong, and old enough to eat prey,” Briarleaf replied. “We must make sure she is healthy and eating and getting exercise. That will help her shake off the chest infection. All we can do other than that really is pray to StarClan.” Raincloud dipped her head and left.

Ducking into the nursery, Briarleaf spotted Brushkit lying in her nest, sleeping. Her littermates were playing quietly, tossing a moss ball back and forth. Briarleaf had never seen kits so calm before. Sunkit, Mistkit, and Whisperkit were also sleeping beside Shiningpelt. Briarleaf gave Raincloud some feverfew and tansy to give to Brushkit when she woke up.  The clan had never been so quiet. Briarleaf decided to go for a walk. As she passed the training hollow, she spotted Silverheart and Crystalfur with their apprentices. Rosepaw lunged at Almondpaw, who dived away clumsily and lunged at Rosepaw. But Briarleaf could tell that she timed the jump wrong and landed a few whisker lengths away from Rosepaw. Even though Briarleaf knew that Rose paw knew the leap failed, Rosepaw backed away in terror as Almondpaw fell to the ground. Briarleaf sighed. These weren’t exactly a very successful bunch of apprentices.

Shalepaw, on the other hand, seemed much stronger in all areas. He was a brilliant hunter and fighter, even though he was around the same age as the two she-cats. Almondpaw seemed so absent sometimes, she never aimed her blows right and wasn’t very good at catching prey either. Rosepaw wasn’t much better. She didn’t seem as absent and forced herself to concentrate, but she seemed to lack a huge bit of confidence. She seemed scared of going into the forest, and seemed to crumble when training with her mentor.

At this rate, there’ll be no warriors left, thought Briarleaf, crossly.

Briarleaf went down to the lake, which was now frozen over. The cold breeze ruffled her fur, causing her to shiver. It was cold, but it was a beautiful day.

“Hi, Briarleaf!” chirped a voice. Briarleaf turned around to see Shalepaw running towards her, a fat mouse in his jaws. Briarleaf nodded at Shalepaw, admiring his catch.

“That ought to feed half the clan!” she complimented. Shalepaw purred as he dropped his catch on the ground. Then his face turned serious.

“Briarleaf,” he mewed. “Will Whirlpaw be okay?” Briarleaf sighed.

“Shalepaw,” she said. “Whirlpaw is a strong cat. But if his chest infection gets worse, there isn’t much I can do.” She looked at the young apprentice, who was pawing the ground discouragingly. “You two are close, aren’t you?” Shalepaw nodded.

“We’re best friends,” he mewed. “We played together in the nursery, and we’ll always be beside each other, even when we’re warriors.” Briarleaf’s heart ached. Shalepaw had so much faith in Whirlpaw, faith that would never separate the two of them. There was no doubt he would make a phenomenal warrior.

“Do you remember that black cat?” Shalepaw’s words broke her out of her thoughts. “The rogue cat who moved into our clan?” Briarleaf felt the world spin as she once again thought of her friend.

“Stardust?” she said. Shalepaw nodded.

“You were pretty close to her too, right?”

“Yes,” she meowed, struggling to keep a straight face. “Yes I was.”

Shalepaw nodded, understanding. And suddenly, Briarleaf understood too. She purred.

“Well, thanks for listening,” said Shalepaw. He picked up his mouse and ran off. Briarleaf blinked and headed back to camp.

“Briarleaf!” cried Raincloud. “Brushkit can’t breathe!”

A few days had passed and Seapelt and Breezepaw had returned to their regular duties. Whirlpaw was still slowly recovering in the medicine den, but it was Brushkit who Briarleaf really feared for.

Briarleaf grabbed some tansy and feverfew and rushed to the nursery. Shiningpelt had taken the other kits outside so there would be more room in the nursery. Briarleaf gave some tansy to Brushkit. “Chew this,” she instructed. Brushkit chewed the leaves and made a face.

“Yuck!” she spat. “Can’t you make them taste better?” Briarleaf sighed.

“I can try,” she meowed. “But just eat them for now. You’ll feel better later.” Raincloud glanced at her, relieved.

Briarleaf ducked out of the nursery. A freezing wind had started to blow and snowflakes were falling. Shivering, Briarleaf made her way to her den. Peeking out of the entrance of her den, Briarleaf watched the swirling white scene, unblinking.

Later that night, Briarleaf settled into her nest, sheltered from the piercing leafbare cold. Newleaf, where are you?, she thought.

The next morning, Briarleaf stood in her den, preparing some herbs for Brushkit. Shalepaw slipped in, shaking snowflakes from his pelt.

“Shalepaw, what happened to you?” Briarleaf purred with amusement. “You look like you went for a swim in the snow banks.” Shalepaw’s ears twitched.

“Breezepaw pushed me into the snow,” he grumbled. Then he looked up at Briarleaf’s face and brightened up. “Well, at least her pelt is whiter than mine.” Shalepaw purred.

“She’s whiter than you in the first place,” Briarleaf teased. Bending down over her herbs, Briarleaf gathered up some borage and feverfew for Brushkit and some chamomile for the other kits in case they caught sickness too. Then, with Shalepaw at her tail, she headed to the nursery.

“Here,” Briarleaf handed the herbs to Raincloud. “If Brushkit starts burning up, give these to her. And I mixed them with nectar so they’ll taste better,” she added.

“Thanks Briarleaf,” meowed Raincloud. “If there’s anyone who can cure Brushkit, it’s you.” Briarleaf shifted her paws in embarrassment and headed out.

“Briarleaf,” greeted Crescentstar as she met her outside the nursery. “I’d like you to come to the gathering tonight.” Briarleaf dipped her head.

“Thank you, Crescentstar.” Despite the snow, the moon was shining brightly beside the stars of Silverpelt. Crescentstar gathered a patrol and they headed off to the island. Briarleaf was happy to see Shalepaw among the patrol. The young apprentice had become good friends with Briarleaf and sometimes helped her deal with the loss of Stardust. Shalepaw walked beside Briarleaf, shivering.

“It’s so cold tonight!” he complained. Briarleaf looked down at him in amusement.

“Come on, ‘paw,” she teased. “You’ll have to deal with worse conditions when you’re a warrior.” Shalepaw glared at her jokingly but didn’t say anything.

When they got to the island, Shalepaw spotted two WindClan apprentices, one fluffy grey she-cat and one dark pelted tom. Shalepaw bounded off to meet them.

“Mintpaw!” he called. The grey apprentice looked up.

“Shalepaw!” she purred as she touched noses with him. The dark apprentice grunted, obviously not happy about his presence. Mintpaw nudged him sternly.

“Don’t mind Darkpaw,” she told Shalepaw. “He’s in a grumpy mood tonight. Probably because of the cold.” Darkpaw glared at her but said nothing. Briarleaf turned away from the apprentices and went to sit with the rest of the medicine cats.

“Greetings, Briarleaf,” Shardfur greeted warmly. The WindClan medicine cat was looking thinner than usual, most likely because of the prey scarce leafbare. All the rabbits must be hiding from the cold, Briarleaf thought.

Crescentstar stood on the Great Oak with the other leaders. She let out a yowl to signify that the gathering was starting. Jaggedstar, the ShadowClan leader stepped forward.

“All is well is ShadowClan,” he meowed. “We are surviving the cold and we are not starving much more than any other clan.” Murmurs of approval rose from the ShadowClan cats. “And we have a new warrior,” Jaggedstar announced. “Beetlefur!” Briarleaf cheered along with everyone else. She got a glimpse of the young warrior, sitting proudly beside his clanmates. Jaggedstar stepped back and Greystar stepped forward.

“RiverClan has suffered from the cold leafbare,” she said. “The streams have frozen over, making it difficult to catch fish. But we have been working on breaking through the ice, and soon we will be able to catch fish again. Other than that, RiverClan is doing well.” Crescentstar stepped forward next. “ThunderClan is also doing well,” she mewed. “We have plenty of prey, despite the cold weather, and we have two new apprentices, Thistlepaw and Bubblepaw!” Everyone cheered for the young apprentices.”

Finally, the WindClan leader stepped forward.

“WindClan has been suffering greatly,” he announced. “The rabbits have been hiding from the cold and we have almost no prey.” Briarleaf blinked. I knew it, she thought.

“I request that the other clans temporarily give WindClan some of their territory to hunt in.”

Shimmercloud At Work

Working on chapter 5. But again, I'm running thin on ideas. Hey, if you've got anything for me, feel free to comment!

Chapter 4

“Can’t catch me!”

“Get out of the way, furball!”

“I’m going to get you!”

Briarleaf sighed. It had been a moon since Shiningpelt’s kits opened their eyes. The nursery was filled with noise and kits playfighting. Sunkit, Mistkit, and Whisperkit were highly energetic for their small size and never backed down from the other kits. Raincloud and Lightfrost’s kits, of course, were delighted with their new playmates. Briarleaf sometimes thought that she would never get any sleep anymore.

Oh well, she thought. Kits will be kits. Juggling her medicine cat duties, visits to StarClan, and keeping an eye on Sunkit, Briarleaf somehow found time to eat and attempt to sleep. With the nursery stuffed to the brim, and nine kits and three queens to check every day, not to mention the injuries that the rest of the clan came to her with every so often, Briarleaf was constantly thinking if life would be easier with a smaller, more energetic cat by her side helping her with everything.

Have you ever thought of taking on an apprentice? Briarleaf remembered Silverheart’s words.

I haven’t before, she thought. But I definitely do now. The nursery was full of kits. Surely one of them was willing to become a medicine cat? Maybe I should talk to Crescentstar.

Just then, Briarleaf heard a yowl.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here under the Highledge for a clan meeting!”

Briarleaf stepped out of her den. Crescentstar was standing on the Highledge. Cats were emerging from dens and gathering. Curiously, Briarleaf sat with her clanmates.

“Cats of ThunderClan,” meowed Crescentstar. “Thistlekit and Bubblekit have reached their sixth moon, and they are ready to become apprentices. Please come forward, you two.” Squealing with excitement, Thistlekit and Bubblekit bounced up to the front of the clearing.

“Thistlekit, from now on, till you get your warrior name, you will be called Thistlepaw.”

“Thistlepaw! Thistlepaw!” Briarleaf cheered along with the rest of the clan.

“Whalefin,” Crescentstar continued. “You will be mentor to Thistlepaw. StarClan trusts you to teach him everything you know.” Whalefin stepped forward proudly and touched noses with Thistlepaw.

“Bubblekit,” said Crescentstar. “From now on, till you receive your warrior name, you will be called Bubblepaw.”

“Bubblepaw! Bubblepaw!”

“Petalfur,” said Crescentstar. “You are more than ready to take on your first apprentice. You will be mentor to Bubblepaw.” Petalfur stepped forward and touched noses with Bubblepaw. Both she-cats looked bursting with excitement. With a pang, Briarleaf remembered her mentor, Dewdrop. She remembered how happy she had been when she was made an apprentice. As the rest of the clan went to congratulate Thistlepaw and Bubblepaw, Briarleaf padded into her den, memories racing through her head.

That afternoon, Briarleaf went to see Crescentstar. She was in her den, eating a mouse.

“Hello, Briarleaf,” she meowed. “What can I do for you today?’

“Hi, Crescentstar,” said Briarleaf. “The nursery is full, and I find myself really busy these days. I thought maybe I could take on an apprentice.”  Crescentstar nodded.

“You have been our medicine cat for many moons now and you deserve an apprentice. Have you decided who you would like to take on?” Briarleaf shook her head.

“There are many kits in the nursery, but I know not every one of them is willing to follow the path of a medicine cat.” Crescentstar dipped her head.

“If you find a particular kit who you would like as an apprentice, come talk to me.” Briarleaf nodded and padded off. Stopping to pick up some herbs, she headed to the nursery.

“Hi, Briarleaf,” mewed Raincloud. “Come to check on the kits?”

“Yes,” Briarleaf replied. It’s almost leaf bare and I need to make sure the kits are healthy and prepared for the cold weather.” Raincloud dipped her head in acknowledgement. Shiningpelt nosed her sleeping kits.

“Get up, you three,” she meowed. “Look who’s here.” Sunkit, Mistkit, and Whisperkit squirmed sleepily, but jumped to their tiny paws when they saw Briarleaf.

“Briarleaf!” squealed Mistkit. She jumped onto her back and clung on to her fur with her small, soft claws.

“I saw her first,” declared Sunkit. Whisperkit glared at him.

“No you didn’t!” he growled. “I did!” Briarleaf had noticed throughout the days that Whisperkit wasn’t a lot like the other kits. He was sort of darker and a little unfriendly. Briarleaf half wondered if he would make a good medicine cat. Maybe, she thought.

“So are you missing Thistlepaw and Bubblepaw yet?” she asked.

“A little,” admitted Sunkit. “But we’ll be seeing them soon.”

“We’re going to be warriors!” squeaked Whisperkit, excitedly. He clawed the air and then jumped on Sunkit. The two tumbled into a playfight.

He’s a talented fighter, thought Briarleaf. Maybe he should be a warrior after all.

Suddenly, Briarleaf heard a yowl.

“Briarleaf!” It was Moonblaze. “Shadowtail was attacked by a fox!”

“Shadowtail?” Shiningpelt gasped. Shadowtail was her kits’ father. Gathering up her herbs, she dashed for the medicine den.

“Wait!” It was Mistkit. “Can I come? I’ve always wanted to see the medicine den, but Shiningpelt never lets me”

Shiningpelt snorted. “The medicine den is full of fragile herbs and you could destroy them! Imagine how much trouble that would be for poor Briarleaf!”

“It’s fine with me, if it’s okay with your mother,” Briarleaf replied. Mistkit was sweet and quiet. She would be no trouble. Mistkit looked at her mother pleadingly. Shiningpelt sighed.

“All right, you can go,” she mewed reluctantly. Mistkit squealed with delight and followed Briarleaf out into the clearing.

Shadowtail lay in the medicine den, groaning.

“Seapelt, Shalepaw, and Shadowtail, and I were out patrolling,” Moonblaze explained. “That’s when we met the fox! We gave it some good scratches. It won’t be back for a while.”

“Good,” said Briarleaf. “Foxes might get the kits, or destroy the camp.” She circled Shadowtail cautiously. The dark warrior was covered in scratches, with a deep gash down his side. He had torn a claw too, and his fur was matted with blood. Briarleaf shuddered at the thought of a fox lunging at him, eyes gleaming with fury. Chewing up some dock leaves, she carefully applied the ointment to his wounds, and put some cobwebs on them. I’ll need burdock root, she thought. Mouse dung! They’re in the herb store and I don’t want to leave Shadowtail!” The warrior was bleeding hard and Briarleaf was afraid he was going to loose to much blood. “Mistkit!” she called. The little white kit had been quietly sitting at the side, watching with wide eyes. “Can you go into the herb store and get me some burdock root? They’re…they’re dark coloured and…” Briarleaf trailed off. How could she describe burdock root? Mistkit scrambled up and hurried into the herb store. She came out, gripping something in her teeth. “Is this it?” she asked.

“Yes, it is,” said Briarleaf, relieved. She applied the burdock root to Shadowtail’s gash. He winced.

“It stings!” he complained.

“For StarClan’s sake, Shadowtail!” Briarleaf hissed. “Stop acting like a kit! Do you want to heal or not?” Shadowtail shrunk down.

“Sorry, Briarleaf,” he muttered. Briarleaf sighed.

“It’s fine. I’m just tired. Everything’s hard when its leaf fall.” Shadowtail nodded.

“It’ll get easier in newleaf. For all of us.”

Briarleaf glanced at Mistkit. Maybe things will get easier.