#pineclan

It was twilight. The sky slowly grew a navy tone, outlining the silhouettes of the 6 cats heading to Sprucepoint. At the helm was Blackice. Trailing behind was Falconpaw, Gritfog, Firgreen and Hawkpaw.

The usually chatty apprentices were quiet. Each cats mind weighed heavy. The older cats mostly because they were planning the days warrior assesment, but the younger cats were plauged by the thought of their mother.

Thornflow had awoken. Somehow. But her mind was foggy and her wound had re-opened and infected. Coalpaw- or rather Coalshade now, told them and their father that she was worsening. Dirtyroot had been too distracted though, with the birth of Owlsnouts kits that she hadn’t been attending to Thornflow.

Eaglesjaw has muttered about it for days, he called Coalshade fluff-brained and said that he couldn’t know what would happen to Thornflow, and he knew better.

‘Obviously he’s the fluff-brain…’ Falconpaw scoffed inwardly, ‘Who doesn’t take a medicine cat to his word? Eaglesjaw doesn’t know the first thing about medicine.’

Falconpaw was brooding about the whole thing and wasn’t looking ahead. She snapped to attention though when Blackice announced they had arrived.

They climbed up onto Sprucepoint, and from there they could see the sliver of pink and orange in the distance. Falconpaw was amazed. What a beautiful sight. The familiar pine trees were dark and snow topped, a small clearing marked the camp, and the obviously larger pine tree stood out from the others. Then the trees abruptly cut off and sand and dust marked the way. The distant black canyons indicated Duneclans camp, bathed in rising sunshine.

The cats watched until just the top to the Cloudtree caught the sun. “It’s light enough now.” Blackice announced.

“I wont make it a huge deal but,” Firgreen began, “Pineclan needs warriors. We understand your training has been rushed, so we took out the hunting part of your assessment, as well as the reciting of the warrior code. You will only be tested on your battle skills today.”

Gritfog stood, “Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw will fight first. The winner will fight Falconpaw.”

Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw excitedly looked at each other. The began jibbing at each other and making mock threats. Again a wave of loneliness washed over Falconpaw. But she brushed it off.

They began to fight, and fight, and Falconpaw began tk doze off…

Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw were stuck in a draw. They were both the same size and had usually trained together anyways, so Gritfog had them separated.

“You’ll both attack Falconpaw then.”

Kestralpaw looked confused, “Surely that isn’t fair-“

“Just go on.”

Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw shared a glance, and shrugged, then turned to Falconpaw and began to back her up. Falconpaw’s hackles raised, she slowly retreated. Her littermates were backing her along the cliff, closing her out and backing her to the edge of the point.

Her littrmate’s eyes were hostile, they wanted to pass, and they knew they would have to work together for it.

‘Would they betray me for their warrior names?’ The though flashed through Falconpaw’s mind like lightning. ‘No… I know theyre close but… surely…?’

Kestralpaw lashed out a paw, Falconpaw blocked it with her own paw. A bit of fur caught on his claws. They continued to approach.

Falconpaw soon looked back, she was at the edge, dirt fell from the small cliff behind her. She didn’t know what to do. She curled her tail to her flank, her ears pushed back.

She could see Blackice’s gaze over Hawkpaw’s back. He looked concerned and confused. He walked and paced trying to get a better look.

Suddenly Falconpaw felt dull pain in hef chest, and she felt herself fall, hit hard wet dirt, and tumble down the cliff.

She opened her eyes to see blue sky above her. A star twinkled slightly up ahead, but Blackice’s broad face covered it.

“Are you alright?” He nudged her with his nose roughly.

“Fine…” Falconpaw felt dizzy. “…I think I fell…”

Blackice signed in relief, “Yeah. Down Spurcepoint. At the wrong angle you could’ve broken your neck.”

Falconpaw felt thundering paws, and soon she felt Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw helping her up.

“Falconpaw were sorry!” Hawkpaw rushed into view once she was leaned on Kestralpaw, “We didn’t mean to push you so hard, we thought-“

“Enough.” Firgreen hissed, “She’s fine isn’t she? Well she failed hed assesment that’s for sure.”

Gritfog nodded, “Shame…”

Blackice turned on the other toms, “What are you fools on about?”

Firgreen scoffed, “If this were a real battle-“

“It’s not a real battle.” Blackice growled, “They’re her littlemates. And it wasn’t even a fair fight.”

Firgreen looked away, indignation lit his eyes but he didn’t want to pick a fight with a senior warrior. Gritfog’s ears layed back though.

“She failed though. Sometimes the fight isn’t fair, thats life! But we all know she’d hesitate like that in a real battle.” He turned to Falconpaw, “We ALL saw you staring at that Duneclan apprentice in the battle. You hesitated, you’re weak.”

Falconpaw suddenly stood up. Her dull ache gone. ‘They saw that? Please Starclan, let them know everything…’

“Shut your mouth!” Blackice snarled at Gritfog, “Remember who you’re speaking too. You are speaking like that to a young clanmate. Not some rouge! Treat them with respect.”

Falconpaw tucked her tail between her legs… she was honoured to have such a senior warrior defend her. And she felt flattered he’d protect her honour valiantly. But she could feel her littermates curious gazes on her.

Gritfog dipped his head, “Im sorry Falconpaw…”

“Go back to camp. Your apprentices have passed. I will continue Falconpaw’s assesment privately.”

Her mentor turned his back, and Hawkpaw brushed against Falconpaw as the headed towards camp. Falconpaw caught her eye, and she mouthed ‘Sorry again.’

Blackice waited until they were out of earshot. The white long fur on his muzzle blew in the cool morning breeze. Falconpaw shivered.

“You passed.” He said simply sitting down.

Falconpaw almost laughed, “No I didn’t…”

“You did.” His gaze was intense. “It’s not about fighting.”

“What isnt?”

“Being a warrior.” He looked to the sky. “You took the fall for your clanmates even after they had turned against you. Im proud. It’s not often I feel inspired like that. Maybe even subconsciously, you valued their passing over yours. Their safety and success.”

“Okay… so now what?” Falconpaw tilted her head.

Blackice sniffed, “Lets just wait around a bit. Make them seem like we’re fighting.”

They settled into the cold ground. Blackice closed his eyes and dozed off. Falconpaw stared up at Sprucepoint. They waited until the sun was above. Without even having to open an eye, Blackice stood. “It’s time.”

The two picked their way through the leaves. Blackice let himself brush roughly past bushes. His pelt became leafy and tufty. Realizing what he was doing Falconpaw did the same.

They arrived at the east entrance. Blackice let her go first, she followed suit.

“They’re back!” Eaglesjaw jogged up, “How’d she do? I heard what happened…”

Whispers broke out from the clan, “It must’ve been some fight…” “What happened at Sprucepoint?” “Did she pass?”

Blackice turned to face the clan, “Falconpaw has passed her assessment with perfect marks. You might’ve heard that there was a situation at Sprucepoint, but it was dealt with and Falconpaw suffered no major injuries.”

“Perfect.” Birchstar came up from behind her, “Lets start their ceremony.”

Falconpaw quickly neatened herself, and went towards her three siblings, who were crowded around Eaglesjaw. He was beaming with pride.

“You all look amazing… I hope you all get great and strong names. Real warrior names, not those pissy new ones…”

“What about Thornflow?” Kestralpaw pushed past his father to peer into the medicine den.

“I’ll bring her out.” Eaglesjaw stood

Hawkpaw stood too, “Can she stand?”

“Maybe…” The three walked into the den, leaving Falconpaw outside on her own. She shivered.

She turned to her clan, and sat lonesomely at the foot of the stump. She felt people gather around, eventually her siblings came and sat beside her. Falconpaw felt as if she was in a trance.

“All cats old enough… 3 fine apprentices, Hawkpaw you will now be known as… Kestralwing… And finally… Falconpaw from this day forward, you will be known as Falconflight.”

Falconflight looked up. Already? Her clanmates began cheering the names. “Kestralwing! Hawkfeather! Falconflight!”

Her eyes raised, and met that of her clanmates.

‘Faclonflight…’ she repeated the name in her mind, getting used to it and memorizing it.

Her minds gears began working immediately. Gone were the days of waking up early to train with Blackice. Now she would just have to wake up early for border patrols.

Falconflight turned back as the chants died down. She felt a little numb. The rest of the day went by quickly. There was no feast or gean celebration. Just a quiet evening with the clan all together.

Falconflight was posted at her entrence just as the sun set. The clan went quiet and the chatter died, leaving only her and her thoughts. Hawkfeather and Kestralwing were at the other side of camp, leaving Falconflight on her own.

She was tired. And she thought the vigil to be pointless. ‘What am I even supposed to reflect on? It’s not like I can remember much. Starclan, why am I being so edgy.’

She tried to sit alert for the most part. Not allowing her quickly squinting eyes to fully close. Her blue eyes reflected the starlight. It was a strangely clear night. Too calm.

Something stirred in Falconflight when the moon was high above. Her heart was tugging her. Tugging her westward. She pushed the feeling down, trying to stand a little straighter.

She heard footsteps behind her. She turned. Dirtyroot was trotting up to her. She sat beside Falconflight. For the first time Falconflight realised she was taller than the medicine cat.

“Long night ahead.” She began, looking up, “Not a cloud in the sky.”

Falconflight followed her gaze. She nodded.

“Too calm… almost like there’s a buzz in the air.” Dirtyroots gaze then swung behind them to the highcamp.

Falconflight nodded again, unsure what was weirdly going on. She felt her paw pads start to madly itch. Itching for the unfamiliar dirt underpaw. She tried rubbing it agaisnt the earth, but the softened path of the camp entrence wasn’t of much use.

“Your heart is longing isn’t it?” Dirtyroots gaze finally landed on Falconflight. Calm and soft as it had always been.

The medicine cat leaned up to whisper in Falconflight’s ear, Falconflight leaned down, “You can talk, I wont snitch.”

Falconflight smiled, “It’s against the code.”

“It wouldn’t be your first time.”

Falconflight raised a brow, “What do you mean?”

“Well,” Dirtyroot’s face turned slightly serious, “I’ve seen you. Night after night, heading out of camp.”

Falconflight’s blood turned cold and she froze in fear. Dirtyroot waved her tail quickly, “I didn’t tell. Of course not. But I know the feeling.”

Falconflight rolled her eyes, “Not to be rude but, I’m not sure you do.”

Dirtyroot looked sternly into Falconflight’s blue eyes, “Every cat loves.”

“I guess…”

Dirtyroot looked at her paws shyly, “There was a cat. A rouge many seasons ago, when I was a paw’. He stole my heart with his charming words. Over time we grew up together meeting in secret. He became part of me, part of my routine.”

“Eventually, his rouge group was picking up to leave. He begged me to come with him. He said his group would accept her and that we could be together. Oh Falconflight… How I wish things could’ve been different. I told him I’d think, I had begged him to join our clan. But he couldn’t. In the end, I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him.”

“Dirtyroot, Im so sorry-“

“Falconflight. Don’t make the same mistake I did. You must follow your heart as you follow the code.”

Falconflight stared, “Why are you telling me this?”

Dirtyroot shook her head, “You’re special Falconflight. You were made for much more than this. Whatever is in your heart is true. No matter what the code says, or what your clanmates says. The code is your heart. You have to follow it before anything else. Starclan wants you to tread this path.”

“I-“

“There’s something to reflect on.” Dirtyroot turned tail and ducked into the medicine den.

Falconpaw awoke early the next morning. The sky was just blue enough to indicate twilight. Crisp and cold air blew through the den, and she could hear the soft snores of her sibblings around her.

Falconpaw loved the mornings. She knew few cats were awake at this hour, and she had wanted to take a walk and have a moment to herself before the hectic war preparations began in camp.

She stepped outside. the muted sounds of birds became clear, and she could feel the frozen dew melting at her paws. Most of the snow from the day prior had been cleared from camp. Falconpaw walked across camp to the east entrance.

She passed the medicine den, where Eaglesjaw was snoring while sitting up by the entrance. When she got to the exit, she saw the frames of two of the four new warriors. The other two were stationed in the west.

Willowcreek and Sparkstrike were as statues. She could hear Sparkstrike was dozing, as she was breathing deeply, and her posture wasn’t alert, but Willowcreek was wide awake.

“Falconpaw.” She greeted as the apprentice sat between them, “Where are you off to?”

Falconpaw titled her head, “You aren’t allowed to speak.”

“Oh thats all just ceremony.” Willowcreek dismissed it with a swish of her tail. “If a Duneclan patrol comes breaking through the walls I wont be wagging my tail in front of everyone to wake them.”

“Psh, I think the smell alone would wake a cat in a coma!”

Willowcreek chuckled, then turned serious, “Hey, not funny.”

“Huh?”

Willowcreek’s eyes widdened, “Mouse-dung, I wasn’t supposed to tell you…”

“Tell me what…?” Falconpaws eyes narrowed.

“Thornflow.” The she-cat turned to the stars and sighed, “Starclan help her, she wont wake up.”

“O-oh…” Falconpaw swallowed, her throat felt swollen, “D-do Hawkpaw and-“

“They know. So does your father. Dirtyroot was going to tell you herself.”

“Right.” Falconpaw bowed her head, “Scuse’ me.” She pushed past Willowcreek and bounded into the woods.

Falconpaw bounded off into the woods. Not in some scenic dash filled with grief, she just wanted to run. Maybe if she ran far enough she’d end up in Duneclan. And they’d kill her for trespassing. Falconpaw found herself pondering death often. But she pushed that away.

Falconpaw’s feet guided her north east, until she was off clan territory… by the great sycamore. The lamps in the distance were turning off, and pink fills the skies ahead of her. She panted and sat by the roots.

“Jeez…” She sighed heavily, and felt the weight of everything crash down.

“I thought you’d be here.” A cold familiar voice meowed from behind.

“Tumblepaw…” Falconpaw sighed, “Hello-“

“Don’t ‘Hello’ me!” The she-cat leaped in-front of Falconpaw with barred teeth, “You tried to kill my sister!”

“What?!” Falconpaw drew back, her ears pushed back, “Thats not true she hit me first!”

“You should’ve ran!” Tumblepaw spat, “I had to shove you off!”

“It was a battle! What did you want me to do? The clan would’ve talked about me! They would’ve said things, bad things!”

Tumblepaw scoffed, “Are you serious? My sister lost half her ear because of you. She’s heartbroken, she lost so much blood, Falconpaw she almost died that day!”

“What was I supposed to do!?”

Tumblepaw opened her mouth, then closed it. “Nothing. You did was you were supposed to. And you served your clan.”

“I- huh?”

“You made your choice Falconpaw.” Tumblepaw wasn’t angry anymore, “Now deal with it.”

She turned, Falconpaw stood, “Tumblepaw wait!”

But she was gone. And Falconpaw was left alone in the cold. Only the foggy air coming from her muzzle to accompany her.

Falconpaw heard Treepeaks words echo in her mind, telling her to follow her heart but follow the code.

“But how can I do both?” She cried out softly.

“We’ll need as many warriors as we can.” Needlefang lept up to the roots at the foot of the Highcamp.

Tensions rose in the camp. The snow flurries increased, and Falconpaw could feel her long fur beginning to dampen her fur. Eaglesjaw was the first to volunteer. He paced impatiently.

“Ok, Stickspring, Snakeeyes, Boulderstrike, Firgreen, Gritfog, and you four,” She motioned to the four newly made warriors.

“All of you come with me and Eaglesjaw…” Needlefangs gaze swept over the apprentices and landed on Falconpaw, “If we need any more re-enforcements you’ll run to camp. Otherwise we all fight.”

Birchstar lead the patrol out, “Listen to me. Go quickly, strike fast and bold. But only defend our territory. There’s no need for any deaths. Remember who we are. We are Pineclan, Noble and strong and we’ve weathered worse storms.”

Falconpaw’s blue eyes shimmered. She felt fear rise in her chest. Thornflow was on the patrol. So was Blackice. Were they ok? She shook her head and cleared her mind.

“Head up Falconpaw,” Brackencloud nudged her, “It was bound to happen.”

“Right.” The young apprentice followed the patrol. Needlefang, Boulderstrike and Eaglesjaw taking the lead.

“We attack full force,” Needlefang commanded. “Grassfrond said that it was at the south river beach. It should be ok then to charge down the sand.”

“What about sneaking up on them from behind?” Snakeeyes piped up, “They wouldn’t see us coming.”

“No.” Boulderstrike hissed, “By now those vipers would’ve sent for reinforcements. It wouldn’t be a sneak attack if the incoming patrol would see us coming.”

“So we charge.” Eaglesjaw stoically and purposefully faced forward.

Needlefang gave him a sympathetic look. Yowels began to sound from the beach.

“Lets go!” They all began to charge towards the beach. Falconpaw fought with all her might to keep up.

They made it to the beach, looked around then charged towards the battle.

Eaglesjaw ferociously leaped ontop of a warrior. The new warriors charged in beside him, and Falconpaw was lost in a flurry of fur and claws.

Falconpaw ducked down dodging a blow. She tried to see through the pelts but she couldn’t. She felt as icy as the snow around them was. Frozen in place overwhelmed by the violence surrounding her. She felt something hot and wet sink into her pelt. She turned and saw it was a splatter of blood. She tried again to break from the mass.

Stumbling around aimlessly she fekt like crying out. Everything smelled strange and she couldn’t recognize anyone. Just as she was about to flee she felt someone stabilize her.

“Keep your head. Think like a hawk. And for Starclans sake stop gettng under paw!” It was Blackice’s passionate voice.

He was tackled down shortly after. He pushed his attacked off and aimed a blow to their ear. Falconpaw focused, well tried to. She saw a cat near her size and charged at her. Headbutting her harshly and mustering up the most ferocious growl she could.

She stood facing a young angry tom. She tried to recall his name but failed.

‘Doesn’t matter… I have to fight!’

She swung at him with full force. He dodged and they began to exchange blows. Neither of them landed anything real. They rolled along the beach, sand caking their pelts until Falconpaw wrapped her teeth around his paw somehow and bit. The young tom howled and fell awkwardly on his side.

Triumph surged and she pinned him to the sand. Her claws digged into his flanks into an attempt to restrain him.

“Get off!” He roared but Falconpaw didn’t flinch.

The tom went limp. Falconpaw wanted to relax but she knew this trick. ‘These cats must think I’m stupid!’

She dug her claws in deeper until she felt blood pooling her claws. She only got off when she was rammed from the side.

Falconpaw stumbled back. Rage swelled and she unsheathed her claws. Another apprentice faced her. She recognized them this time.

“Palepaw…” she spat.

The she-cat glared in response. Falconpaw remembered the gash she had gotten from her when she first became and apprentice. Resentment burned hotly in her and the cats began to circle.

Falconpaw’s blue eyes met Palepaw’s. She fogot all about who this cat was, and she lashed out a paw, cuffing the she-cats ear. She screamed and Falconpaw took the chance and dove at her.

Palepaw yelled with rage as she was pushed down, and she began to claw at Falconpaw’s fur and arms. While she mostly pulled out fur she landed some hard blows to her chest and arms. Falconpaw flinched away, but she quickly began to rake Palepaw’s belly with her back paws.

Falconpaw found that now she could easily pin the thin she-cat down. She shook her with her forepaws under her forearms. Palepaw looked dizzy and foggy, her white bell fur staining red.

But yet again she was rammed into. Annoyed but prepaired, Falconpaw landed right on her paws in the sand, and swung to face her new attacker… and she realized she was nose to nose with Tumblepaw.

Falconpaw almost clawed her ears aswell, if it weren’t for the sharp piercing amber gaze. Tumblepaw looked concerned, angry, protective, and something else Falconpaw couldn’t place.

‘She doesn’t want to hurt me… she wont, she wants me to go away.’

Falconpaw didn’t have time to think. Thankfully she didn’t need to. A splitting cry broke the battle apart in a moment.

Cats backed away, shocked gasps and wails escaped. Faclonpaw glanced back at Tumblepaw then turned to see what was happening.

Eaglesjaw was standing over an old tom. The tom writhed in agony, as blood poured from his neck. His paws twitched and he suddenly fell still. Eaglesjaw looked shooked. Needlefang and Blackice came to his side. Needlefang examined the cat then turned to Sandyclaw, Duneclan’s deputy.

“Sending elders into battle now? You snake-hearts!”

Sandyclaw gave a raspy laugh, “It was his choice. But it wasn’t his choice to bleed out here and die not on his territory!”

“I was defending my clan!” Eaglesjaw spat, he turned back and Falconpaw noticed her mother, Thornflow behind him. Badly wounded and seemingly unresponsive.

“Cats don’t have to kill to protect their clan!” A large golden tom spat at Eaglesjaw.

Blackice squared up to him, “Watch your tone. I’d suggest you back away now Goldenlion.”

The tom gave a hearty laugh, “Pineclan is a den of murders! First Mitewhisker and now Bloodmat.”

Blackice flinched and seemed to hesitate. Needlefang stepped infront of him to hide his weakness. The crowd around the dark ginger elder slowly dissipated. Goldenlion and a white she-cat began to drag him away.

“I smell fear…” Boulderstrike muttered, “You cowards can’t even commit to an attack.”

“Falconpaw!” Eaglesjaw was calling to her. “Come help me with your mother.”

Falconpaw felt worry rise. She cantered around the beach and cam to his side. From the corner of her eye, she saw Tumblepaw staring at her as she went to join her clan to go home. She could feel a glare burning into her and she tried to catch her eye.

When she failed, she turned to help houst Thornflow onto Eaglesjaw’s back. She walked by him to help stabilize. The clan silently retreated into the woods.

Blackice walked beside her, and Falconpaw noticed how battered her clan looked. Spruebark has a huge gash over his shoulders, Snakeeyes had a quickly swelling gash over her eye, Eaglesjaw’s arms were filled with cuts. Had they lost the battle?

Falconpaw then began to feel her own pain. She felt sharp stinging around her forepaws and shoulder. And she felt warm blood trickle down her muzzle and from her ear.

“You got pretty battered.” Blackice commented.

“Really?” Falconpaw huffed sarcastically, “I can’t feel anything.”

“The cuts on your arms don’t look to bad. The wont scar but that one on your muzzle and your ear definitely will.”

Falconpaw sighed, Eaglesjaw scoffed, “Warriors should take pride in their scars. Remember when I used to show you the ones across my belly?”

“Vaguely.”

“It shows you’ve servered your clan and done right by them.”

Blackice snickered, “Or you’ve been incredibly stupid.” That got him a glare.

When they made it back to clan, Falconpaw and her father rushed Thornflow to the medicine den.

“Great Starclan…” Dirtyroot seemed panicky, “Uh put her down there, I’ll treat her first.”

“Falconpaw help her off.” Eaglesjaw bent down and Falconpaw carefully guided her mother to the dirt floor.

She cried in agony and Falconpaw saw that Eaglesjaw’s back was dark and damp with blood. Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw had rushed into the den, and were making a nest if moss around their mother. Eaglesjaw felt the blood on his back and felt shell shocked.

“Comfort your kits…” Dirtyroot soothed in his ear, “We’ll do the best we can.”

The warrior nodded and led his kits outside. He sat heavily and Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw began to demand answers.

“What happened to her!?” “Who hurt her?!”

“Duneclan…” The tom hissed the name, “That den of vipers…”

“I’ll shred them!” Kestralpaw howled and unsheathed his claws.

“Falconpaw roughed up an apprentice, I saw.” Eaglesjaw boasted, snapping him out of his trance “That scrawny one… Scorpionpaw I think.”

“Is Thornflow going to be alright?” Falconpaw gazed into the medicine den.

Eaglesjaw followed her eyes, “Im sure she will… she’s tough…”

For a moment Falconpaw felt strange. She felt as if her worries floated away, everything would be alright, wouldn’t it?

But that was only for a moment. They quickly came flooding back into her mind. She saw Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw go off to the apprentices den together without a word to her. She watched her father sit outside the medicine den, almost as if guarding it, and she was alone again.

Birchstar clambered to the roots of the Highcamp, and for the second time today, she called a meeting.

“Let all cats old enough to climb a great pine gather for a clan meeting!”

Most cats were around, Coalpaw and peaked his head of the medicine den, the elders in the Highcamp looked down, and the warriors gathered round.

“We cannot continue to make fools of ourselves.” Birchstar hissed, “If Duneclan wants war, they will have it, if Duneclan wants bloodshed, they will have it.”

Yowls sounded from cats like Bouldedstrike and Flipblade, then died down.

“We need to be as strong as we can be… that why I want all the apprentices to become warriors by the next gathering.” Birchstar ignored the gasps and continued, “It’s more than possible, and it’s been done before. Some cats are made warriors only three moons into training. These cats are nearly four. Blackice, Gritfog, and Firgreen. I have faith in all three of you. As well as your apprentices.”

“Hawkpaw will he training from sun-up to sun down!” Firgreen cheered.

“Kestralpaw will be on every patrol!” Gritfog cried!

The clan yowled their agreements. Blackice scoffed. But he didn’t seem opposed. Falconpaw wondered how hard he’d push her. If he even would. It didn’t seem like something he would do.

“Clan dismissed!”

Falconpaw’s siblings were instantly swept away by their mentors. “We need to get triple as much training in now!” Gritfog said, guiding Kestralpaw out of camp with his dirty grey tail.

“Yikes…” Faclonpaw laughed to herself, “I feel bad for them.”

“Take a break.” Blackice appeared beside her. His tail tucked neatly by his white paws. “You fought well.”

“Okay…” Falconpaw closed her eyes.

“Two apprentices, and about to beat the last one.” He paused, his ice blue eyes pierced her, “Weren’t you?”

“Uh right!” Falconpaw shut her mouth too quickly, her eyes widening.

Blackice gave an approving nod and Falconpaw trotted off to the apprentices den. She curled into her moss nest, pushing aside the image of her mother in the medicine den, her father loyal stayed out outisde, the burning of her forearms, and worst, the look in Tumblepaw’s eyes.

She felt numb, and soon she became numb, and was swallowed by darkness.

-

Falconpaw found herself in a field. The wind blew warmly over grass. She lifted her head. Everything looked pastel. Yellow small flowers surrounded her like a bed, and a warm breeze brought the scent of plentiful prey. It wasn’t cold here like Pineclan was, it was like the days of her kithood, warm and carefree.

She looked up. There were beautiful clouds up in a blue sky that matched her eyes. She dug her claws into the soft earth, and began to walk towards where she smelled a rabbit.

“Hello there…” a warm friendly voice calked from behind. Falconpaw spun to meet it.

Before her stood a amber eyed she cat. She had long fur on her face but short hair on her body. She was patched with brown spots around her while body and over her eyes on an other wise white pelt. She was tabbed in this spots, and she had a lone black ear.

“Hello…” Falconpaw felt a little shy, who was this cat?

“Do you know who I am?” The young she-cat asked, “Or where you are?”

“No… should I?”

“Maybe not,” The cat giggled, “It’s only your first time.”

“Right.” Falconpaw pretended to understand.

Thats when Falconpaw noticed, the cat before her had six toes… she swore she had heard about this before.

“You’re… Pineclan’s first deputy, Pinestar’s sister!” She exclaimed, surprised such a revered cat was before her.

She nodded, “Yes, My name is Treepeak.”

Falconpaw was excited, she had always looked up to this brave cat. Legends were told about her and Pinestar. She wanted to ask this cat what it was lik to form a clan, and how it was organizing cats to follow the code for the first time. But then she began to feel dread.

“No… Y-You’re dead… that means I’m in Starclan… and that means-“ She began to hyperventilate.

“No! No no calm yourself young one!” Treepeak yelled trying to get her attention, “You’re not dead, look at your fur!”

Falconpaw twisted to look. It looked normal, Treepeak’s was speckled with stars. “Oh.” She felt hot embarrassment burn her face.

Treepeak sighed, “I apologize, I should’ve introduced it better.”

Falconpaw nodded, “Uhm so, why am I here?”

“Oh right!” Treepeak cleared her throat, “I come with a word. Falconpaw, I, and all of Starclan has been watching you. Since the moment you were born, you have had a heavy destiny, and a great crown to carry.”

“Crown?” Falconpaw raised a brow but was ignored.

“We have watched you train, we have watched all your faults, all your triumphs. We have seen the things you keep close to your chest, and we have seen the things and services you have done to your clan.”

Falconpaw felt self-concious, “So you know about Tumblepaw…?”

Treepeak nodded, “You are young, and no young cat should have to carry this burden, but I was not going to let you carry this alone. Falconpaw… a great storm is coming. A storm with the potential to rock the clan’s to its core. A storm that will make or break your very way of life.”

“A storm..? Likea thunderstorm or…?”

“Great trials are ahead of you. trials that would break even the strongest of cats. But you are not like them. No matter what you face, no matter what happens… Follow your heart above all else, and stay true to the code.”

“Uhm…” Falconpaw was half-convinced this was just a weird dream at this point, “Okay.”

Treepeak stared at Falconpaw, seemingly annoyed at the apprentices doubt. But she remained patient. “May Starclan light your path.” And she vanished.

Falconpaw was left alone in the field. “That was… strange.” She checked to see if any more historical figures were going to come and speak to her.

The cold air whipped through the camp. With it brought flurries of snow falling fast and hard. The serene and scenic days of leaf-fall had passed, leaving dead leaves on mostly bare trees, and frozen pools in its wake.

Falconpaw was bigger now. More warrior sized. Her sibblings were too. And though the days had passed when it mattered much how big each kit was, it was still a prideful fact that Faclonpaw was the largest.

Despite the chill, the clan had nothing but good fortune. Owlsnout was expecting Boulderstrikes kits any day now. The clan had found out when she had fallen from a tree chasing a bird, and she had to be treated in the medicine den. She wasnt alone though as Cedarsweep was also expceting, though once they were weened, the queen made it very clear that Flipblade was to become a queen and take her place in the nursery.

Not only this but the clan might also have 4 new warriors… if Flickerstone’s kits would hurry up already.

They had passed their warrior code assesment earlier in the day. They each had to spar with Falconpaw and their siblings, and now they were hunting out in the forrest for the final part of the assessment.

The whole clan was waiting about in camp (minus their mentors naturally). Everyone was buzzing with excitement. Guessing what their warrior names would be, and if they would pass. Sparrowwing was pacing about, a nervous expression on his face. Flickerstone rolled her eyes at her former mate and whispered something in Owlsnouts ear.

Falconpaw was distant. She was sitting by her siblings, but she was watching the snow trickle down from the sky. Her mind wasn’t on her clan, or on the four young apprentices braving the cold beyond the camp walls. It was miles away, in Duneclan. She was wondering if it snowed there.

“Aint that the truth Falconpaw?” Kestralpaw playfully inquired.

“Shut up!” Hawkpaw batted at her brother flustered.

“Aint what the truth?”

“Hawkpaw has a HUGEEE crush on Stickspring!” Kestralpaw howled as Hawkpaw charged at him.

Falconpaw scoffed and jumped away as they rolled towards her, “So what? you dont have a crush either?”

“Psh!” Kestralpaw shook off Hawkpaw, “Naw…”

Hawkpw shook out her cream pelt, “Sure you dont… maybe you just hate Sparkpaw so much, thats why you’re always looking at her?”

Kestralpaw bristled, “Not true!!”

“Oh yes true.” Hawkpaw jeered, “very true.”

Falconpaw groaned, “Just hush up will you? The other apprentices will be back soon.”

Kestralpaw scoffed and bumped his sister, “Oh Falconpaw. So serious. Can’t ever live a little.”

Falconpaw ignored her idiot brother. They all lay boredly in wait. Time passed and eventually all four older apprentices walked through the camps entrance. Their mentors leading them in. The clan went quiet. Ears perked up, Cats gathered. Birchstar was already awaiting by the Highcamp’s base.

“Murkymine.” She nodded at the warrior, “How’d they do?”

Murkymine shifted her paws. Each cat in the patrol seemed embaressed and gloomy.

“They didn’t pass…” Sparrowwing , who was seated by Falconpaw, breathed out, his tail drooping.

Flickerstone shot him a glare and begain quickly trotting over to comfort her kits.

Murkymine’s head bowed, then quickly shot up with a mischevious glint in her eyes and a grin. “They each passed with flying colors.”

At this the clan erupted into celebration. Sparrowwing was over in two strides to congratulate his kits. Eaglesjaw was yowling about how good Willowpaw had done. Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw also got up and ran to congratulate their friends.

Falconpaw almost went with them. But she stayed back. She watched as her clan gathered around the four apprentices. She heard Needlefang calling for a feast and sending out hunting patrols. But she felt disconnected. She smiled, feeling the joy of her clan. And it wasn’t her own. But she couldn’t focus on them. Her mind felt as if it were across the territories.

“Falconpaw?” Coalpaw’s warm voice echoed in her ears. The tom repeated her name. “Falconpaw? Are you ill?”

“Huh wha-… no no I’m just not one for crowds…”

“I see.”

The tom sat beside her. Dirtyroot walked past to join the clan, nodding at the two as she went. Coalpaw’s black fur blew in the wind. “You know, I’m supposed to get my medicine cat name soon.”

“Really?” Falconpaw looked down at the smaller tom, “That’s great!”

“It is.” Coalpaw looked down thoughtfully. “I’ll still be under Dirtyroot… but I’ll be a full medicine cat.”

Falconpaw nodded. Coalpaw continued, “Sometimes… Starclan gives visions to warriors too. Did you know that?”

Falconpaw shook her head, “I didn’t. Well… maybe I think I did.”

‘What’s he on about?’ Falconpaw questioned herself. Suddenly she longed to join the crowd. ‘He’s barely talked like this to me before.’

“Have you ever had one?”

“Uh. No.” Falcnpaw raised a brow.

“Oh. I see.” Coalpaw shifted his paws then murmured something abt sweeping the medicine den and rushed off.

“That was weird…” Falconpaw voiced aloud.

-

As patrols were sent out, they soon returned. Ladden with prey, albeit skinny prey do to the winter. Cats began to settle down to eat. The Flickerstone’s four kits getting the best pick. Falconpaw shyly carried a skinny mouse and glanced at the apprentices. They were all there. Brackenpaw noticed her and beconed her over. relived she joined them.

“Oh you’ll miss us.” Willowpaw scoffed at Kestralpaw, “When was the last time you actually cleaned up around the den? It’s always been me or Sprucepaw.”

“Oh boo-hoo. A little dirt or feathers. No biggie!”

“Yuck…” Sprucepaw shook his broad head. “Yuck yuck yuck. Can’t stand a mess.”

Falconpaw smiled and feeling a bit more open, she asked, “Do you guys know what your warrior names will be?”

Sparkpaw sighed, “I wish. I’m kinda freaked out. What if it’s like ‘Sparksludge’ or something?”

“Oh I wouldn’t worry.” Brackenpaw leaned back away from the half-chewed rabbit before him, “Birchstar has some really good names.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” Willowpaw leaned into Falconpaws ear, “But Eaglesjaw said he asked my warrior’s name to be ‘Willowcreek’.”

Falconpaw looked at Willowpaw amused “Can he do that?”

Willowpaw shrugged, “Your father always got what he wanted either way. It’s pretty enough for me.” She grinned.

“Lets guess!” Hawkpaw shot up and cleared her throat, imitating Birchstar, “From this day onward, Brackenpaw, you will be known as Brackenbottom!”

“Oh har-har.” The golden tom shut his eyes annoyedly as the group around snickered and giggled.

“Sprucepaw, you will Sprucesnot!”

‘These arent that funny…’ Falconpaw groaned internally.

“I don’t really sound like that do I?” Birchstar gave the group an amused smile after Hawkpaw loudly dubbed Sparkpaw, Sparkslime.

“Uh-!” Hawkpaw sat down and shut her mouth quickly. The older apprentices snickered.

Birchstar flicked her tail and leapt onto the rock. “Let all cats old enough to climb a great pine gather by me for a clan meeting!”

“Birchstar, Blackice’s patrol isn’t back yet!” Eaglesjaw called, noticing the absence of his mate who was on the patrol.

“They’ll have to miss it. Everyone’s ready.” The four apprentices lined up in front of Birchstar.

Murkymine, Cedarsweep, Needlefang, and Eaglesjaw sat behind their graduation apprentice. Murkymine and Eaglesjaw shared a worried look.

“We have all seen these young cats grow.” Birchstar began as everyone gathered. “From tiny muling kits by Flickerstone in the nursery, to fully grown, acomplished and competent young cats.”

Flickerstone smiled proudly at her four kits, while Sparrowwing sat beside her proudly. ‘That’s a sight. I havent seen them together in awhile…’ Falconpaw thought.

“Each of these cats, time and again has earned their place in the clan. From slinging soiled moss out of the elders den, to defending their clan from invaders.”

Birchstar paused and looked around her clan. Falconpaw felt something like loyalty and pride for her clan surge under the leaders gaze. She hadn’t felt something like that for awhile… not since she had made a friend of Tumblepaw…

“Sprucepaw, from this day onwards you will be known as Sprucebark. Brackenpaw, you will be known as Brackencloud. Sparkpaw, you will be known as Sparkstrike, and Willowpaw, you will be known as Willowcreek.”

The clan cheered the four warriors names. Willowcreek looked back at Falconpaw. The she-cat blushed and grinned.

“Sprucebark! Brackencloud! Sparkstrike! Willowcreek!”

Falconpw found herself chanting the names. And for a little while, her Duneclan friend was pushed from her mind.

‘Tumblepaw may betray me one day… but surely my clan will never turn on me.’

As that thought crossed her mind, Grassfrond tore through the camp walls. She looked battered and bruised.

Murkymine was by her side in an instant. So was Coalpaw, and they both held her up. Birchstar bounded over.

The noble cream she-cat stared into one of her warriors eyes, “What hapened.”

The clan buzzed with tension. The four newly made warriors were outside their new den on the far side of camp. Most cats were crowded around the high-camp base, Falconpaw was staring from afar sittng with her sibblings. Grassfrond was so winded she couldn’t speak.

“Easy…” Murkymine soothed, “They wont get you here…”