#rubyclan

“I do, Foxstar.” The she-cat mewed trying to hold her excitement.

“Then from now until your warrior name, may you be called Doepaw. You’re mentor is a fine and loyal she-cat who I’ve known for a while. She has a kind heart and a sharp claw. Greywater? Could you train this apprentice as well?” Foxstar asked. Greywater looked absolutely thrilled as she nodded and stepped to touch noses with her new apprentice.

“Mosskit. Will you fight as well? With your clan and your life?” Foxstar asked the other sibling.

“As sure as Starclan!” She mewled in delight.

“Then may you learn as much as you can from your mentor.” Foxstar glanced at Pebbletail who didn’t even meet his gaze. He looked off worriedly.

“I will be your mentor. Along with Minnowpaw and Gingerpaw. Welcome Mosspaw.” Foxstar purred and touched his nose with his new apprentice.

“Finally sweet Bramble. Your heart is warm. Will you defend your clan however wonderfully possible?” He asked tilting his head.

“Yes! Of course!” The timid tom chirped out.

“Lovely. Mottlefeather? Could you…please mentor our new Bramblepaw?” Foxstar asked with concerned yellow eyes.

“Of course!” The tom praised and touched noses with his sibling. A few murmurs broke out but Foxstar tried ignoring them. Hopefully this wouldn’t be a mistake to let kin mentor kin.

“Now lastly. Cedarshade? Until we have kits once more could I ask you to return to your post as a warrior?” Foxstar asked her calmly.

“Yes miss.” Cedarshade mewed softly and turned to face the other warriors.

“Then let Starclan rejoice. May our festival grow just as bright as our hearts.” He purred and hopped off the High Rock.

Sagepaw and Ghostpaw had finished their jobs and now relaxed together by the apprentices den. Rainpaw and Snakepaw congratulated the new apprentices. Still yet the only one not feeling any joy was Orangenight. He wandered outside the camp and looked up at the starry sky blank sky. He batted a leaf until it was no more than crumbling mess under his paw. Brooding was always his strong suit. The night air was always so bitter this time of year and he knew he’d only get worse. The tom flicked out his tongue and growled. Ferretsmoke plopped down beside him and stared at the sky, however Orangenight didn’t even what to face her.

“What do you want?” He snapped harshly at the Medicine cat.

“To watch the stars. That so bad?” Ferretsmoke asked still keeping her eyes high.

“And you chose to sit by me, why?” He growled softly.

“Not much other than to try and give you company.” She purred softly even if he glared at her.

“I don’t want your company.” He spat bitterly.

“What do you want then?” Ferretsmoke mewed looking the tom in the eyes. Before he answered a thought hit her.

“You miss them. Don’t you?” She mewed sadly. Orangenight hissed at her but said nothing in return.

“Oh Orangenight…Spidersong and Goldenbriar miss you very much.” Ferretsmoke mewed softly and nudged him. She felt his fur stand on him but his hate melted into sorrow.

“Your brother is singing. Make new memories. At least be there for him, Gingerpaw and Moonpaw are already dancing and the others have started their song.” Ferretsmoke urged and stood up before turning away.

Orangenight stared up at the sky and pondered over it. Meanwhile he had no clue his parents were looking right back at him. Goldenbrair sighed softly and watched over her young son while Spidersong fidgeted. Emotion was clear in their eyes as they stared at their son who was blind to them. Spidersong longed to nuzzle his child and comfort him but Goldenbrair wouldn’t allow him. She knew her son had to fight on his own. This was his choice and she’d never forced him to do something before. Soon the music died and Orangenight whipped his head around and rose to his paws. For once he decided it was time to stop, Robinpaw needed him. He rushed over to listen to the song while his parents watched and smiled. Even if he couldn’t see them, they were always there to love him.

Robinpaw stepped down as his clan praised his wonderful singing. Words echoed through them like water but Robinpaw was looking for someone in particular. Hawkpaw rushed over to him and licked his ear accidently startling the cat however he recovered quickly and licked his nose back. Hawkpaw babbled over his singing like a bird but another voice hit his ears.

“Just like his father.” Someone said softly.

“Man could that cat sing.” Said another. Robinpaw tried to numb out the sorrow he felt.

“Robinpaw.” Orangenight called out to him and pushed through the cats.

“A-Ah Orangenight!” Robinpaw mewed and hung his head.

“That was…incredible. You sounded great.” Orangenight complemented to his brother’s surprise.

“He’s right Robinpaw!” Hawkpaw chirped as he nudged his friend.

 The apprentices huddled together in one big confused wave as Foxstar padded up followed by Pebbletail. She was smiling warmly but everyone still held onto eagerness and slight worry. What was going on exactly?

“Hello everyone. It’s come to my attention that our newest apprentices are a bit unfamiliar with our ways and it’s nearly Green-leaf celebration. So I have an idea. Hawkpaw and Robinpaw, I’d like you two to lead in planning the festival.” Foxstar purred softly. She could see surprise wash over their faces like rain.

“Mh~ Anything you need you can ask. Meanwhile this is a good opportunity to teach your fellow friends. Please, do as you must.” Foxstar told them before nodding towards an indifferent Pebbletail.

“Foxstar this is a big honor! We’ll do our best!” Hawkpaw beamed proudly and looked at his sibling, Snakepaw.

“Snakey? Can you help me?” Hawkpaw asked slightly begging.

“Of course, anything you need.” Snakepaw replied honestly.

“Good! Robinpaw can we talk somewhere and get things sorted out?” Hawkpaw mewed. Robinpaw seemed almost out of it but he nodded and allowed Hawkpaw to lead him away. Minnowpaw’s siblings gave him odd looks as everything fixed out.

 Sagepaw looked at the weakened loner beside them while they worked on the odd loops of wheat. They’d changed their name to Ghostpaw to make it fair for everyone. Minnowpaw dropped a bird in front of Frostpaw meekly.

“We should uhh…eat well.” He muttered and pinned his ears back in embarrassment. He felt like he’d cursed the apprentices with tireless work.

“I can’t eat a whole bird by myself.” Frostpaw chuckled and flicked his head back, urging Minnowpaw to eat with him. Eventually the tom did and curled up to feast with his brother.

“Hey everyone!” Hawkpaw mewed as he jumped over the few rocks shading the apprentices. Rainpaw waved his tail in hello but the rest seemed downcast.

“Guys um…Thanks for all you’re help! This festival is really important to us.” Hawkpaw hummed in thought.

“Yeah kiddo. About that, why is this festival so important again?” Gingerpaw asked as she measured a loop using her mate’s head.

“And why do you seem so worked up over it.” Moonpaw muttered as Gingerpaw fixed the loop tighter.

“Well. It’s a long a sorta odd story.” Hawkpaw purred as Robinpaw brought a turtle shell full of water to the thirsty cats.

“You see long ago clan cats didn’t exist. It was a horrible world full of danger and strife and hardship. Until groups of cats found magic hidden with them. The stones each clan has are the very same stones! They used the power to bring order into the world.” Hawkpaw purred happily.

“Tell them why we celebrate the Wind Turning festival!” Robinpaw sang joyfully as Hawkpaw smiled wider.

“So it was ages ago when the barn down in our territory was never even built! There we’re apple trees too! Not just by the fences but everywhere! One of our older leaders, Breezestar, noticed the sun setting so coldly every day. She thought maybe they had somehow upset their founder so she turned to her clanmates one day and told them they should celebrate on the end of Leaf-bare to give light back into the sky for warmer days and more food. Not everyone wanted to listen to her however and legend has it that hateful souls wandered around this time waiting for cats to lure into darkness. So cats began to wander off during the time Breezestar tried to put heat into the sky. They say the wind howled so loud that day you couldn’t hear their screams of pain. Creatures rose to snatch them away and corrupt them! They had claws like moon beams and tails like long weaving branches. Breezestar was so upset that she shut herself away and that Leaf-bare the cold was unbearable! The next Leaf-fall however Breezestar begged her clanmates to rejoice and they did. Hoping and praying for light! They say nobody died that Lead-bare and ever since we’ve given thanks!” Hawkpaw explained with a flick of his tail.

“That was amazing Hawkpaw!” Robinpaw squealed and looked at the rather perplexed group. Sagepaw licked her paw and slid it over her whiskers lightly.

“So it’s just hoping and praying for a kind Leaf-bare?” She asked tilting her head.

“That and thanking Starclan for a good hunting season.” Hawkpaw added softly his head bobbing to the wind.

“Leaf-bare? What an odd word. Leaf-bare, Leaf-bare!” Gingerpaw chuckled as her mate nudged her to focus.

“Yeah! So let’s lay out some ideas me and Robinpaw came up with.” Hawkpaw mewed and got the apprentices to gather around.

“Snakepaw? Can you and Rainpaw organize games for the kits to play?” He mewed and fondly thought of his siblings.

“Sure thing.” Snakepaw purred and glanced shyly at Rainpaw who seemed unbothered.

“Moonpaw and Gingerpaw? We clan cats have dances we do at the start before everyone joins in! Could you two learn the dance from someone? Maybe Ferretsmoke.” Hawkpaw mewed and the two she-cats shrugged and nodded.

“Ghostpaw and Sagepaw could to decorate the camp? Frostpaw and Minnowpaw could you learn some songs? All of you four can give out the necklaces and such.” Hawkpaw purred and looked at Robinpaw.

“I’ll be doing the stories and Robinpaw sings the final song a moon high!” Hawkpaw added with a warm smile.

The group nodded carefully and got into their paired groups. Snakepaw quietly spoke to Rainpaw as she led the apprentice to the side. Rainpaw looked at her with wide and trusting eyes, as she was older. Gingerpaw and Moonpaw put their last crowns aside and stood up to wander over to the medicine cat den. Ghostpaw and Sagepaw began talking back and forth casually and Frostpaw and Minnowpaw where already looking to Robinpaw to teach them.

 The earth was cold as Soul lead them to the edge of a dried field where the forms of cats huddled together for warmth. Silverstar could smell fear prickling off the pelts of the loners even as Soul appeared. This was no clan but Silverstar couldn’t let such a thing continue. A small alarmed mew squeaked out nearby making Silverstar turn is head.

“You…You’re blind.” A voice came in shock.

“Certainly am but that’s not my name.” Silverstar hummed with a chuckle a softness running in his voice.

“W-What is your name then?” The other asked shyly watching the other cats walk over to his ‘friends’ and start talking.

“Silverstar. I am leader of Emeraldclan.” He stated proudly sniffing what seemed to be a young tom.

“Leader?....” The young cat asked seemingly blown away by the claim.

“Mhm. What’s your name?” Silverstar asked back with a kind smile.

“I-I don’t have one.” The tom squeaked.

“Well then. You could come with us and get an apprentice name.” Silverstar offered his whiskers twitching but before the young tom could say a thing a she-cat that was conversing with Greywater padded over with a twisted expression.

“What’s going on here?” She asked bitterly.

“C-Carrie. I was just uh…Silverstar was offering me somewhere to go.” The tom mewed sounding a bit worried.

“Hm. Well I suppose that’s fine but I better go with you to make sure you don’t die.” Carrie huffed and padded forward. Silverstar only nodded and sniffed in the air of other loners slowly rising to join a new group however some stayed. Some didn’t rise.

 Cicadastripe yawned tired from the early morning patrol he was sent on. Now the sun was going down and the tired feline bounced up and slipped outside the den. He scanned the clearing looking for his apprentice. He knew sentry duty wasn’t much fun but Creekpaw was a good she-cat. She never gave him a hard time or complained but sometimes he just felt so…distant from her. He understood since the tragedy in her family hit everyone pretty hard. He spotted the white and brown feline from afar and smiled.

“Creekpaw! Over here!” he cried picking up his pace. He watched Creekpaw bit a good evening to her sister and wonder towards him.

“Ready?” Cicadastripe asked as she followed him.

“Yeah.” Creekpaw answered quietly, her voice shaky and cold.

The ground below them was soft and in some parts even muddy. He stopped at two flat stone barely a tail away from each other, perfect for him and Creekpaw. They sat their silent for a bit until Cicadastripe grew brave enough to speak again.

“So, what would you like to learn next?” Cicadastripe asked with a casual flick of the ear. Creekpaw was silent for a moment before she shook out her pelt and spoke.

“I’d like to learn defensive tactics.” Creekpaw decided with a small but noticeable worried curl of the tail.

“Oh? Why?” Cicadastripe questioned looking back at the younger cat.

“Well…sometimes I’m worried that Skypaw is going to get in trouble one day and I want to protect her. I want to protect my whole family.” She explained shifting her paws. Cicadastripe nodded his head slowly before looking back out.

“You’re already very good at rolling and ducking. You have sharp claws and a fast mind just like your sister.” Cicadastripe purred in thought.

“But what if I’m not good enough?” The molly asked looking over at her calm mentor. Before he could answer she kept going.

“Hollypaw won’t do anything! He just sits around all day like he doesn’t even care about us! I want to talk to Ashpaw but he always looks so scared. I wish Chestnutkit was still alive! She’d know what to do….and Bluekit…” She wailed shaking her head.

“Mom and Dad would have known.” She rattled on clawing the rock.

“I bet they’re proud of you.” Cicadastripe mumbled trying to find the words to comfort his apprentice. Creekpaw looked confused for a moment looking up at the darkening purple sky.

“You…really think so?” Creekpaw mewed in confusion while her eyes threatened to water.

“Well…Starclan knows I am.” He chuckled with a kind smile. A small noise broke his attention away for a second.

He flicked his ears around noticing a bird flutter off in a hurry. His spine prickled and he stepped off the rock and opened his mouth to take in the scent. Foxes where still a huge worry for them now and Cicadastripe wasn’t about to let one wander in. Creekpaw flexed her claws and waited for her mentors signal. When she saw him relax she tilted her head in confusion.

“Just a rabbit…geez, I’m sorry Creekpaw.” Cicadastripe mewed sitting back on his rock bashfully. Creekpaw let out a soft breath and returned her attention to the sky.

“It’s fine.” She insisted licking her paw and brushing it over her head.

“I wish I could have taken you fishing or something like that. I know most apprentices don’t like this.” He mewed trying to steer over to a positive topic.

“No it’s fine. I actually enjoy talking to you.” Creekpaw returned brightly her smile shining on.

“Well I suppose as long as we’re out here. Would you like to hear a story about when I saw this huge raven?” Cicadastripe asked happily.

Soon enough when Wildscream and Hollypaw arrived, a little late one might add, they could hear Cicadastripe and Creekpaw giggling and sharing tales like two elders. Wildscream smiled warmly a slightly thanked Starclan that Creekpaw had gotten such a caring mentor.

 Snakepaw sat below a bush, her eyes trained at something flickering in the distance. Her nose told her it was a field mouse, but the problem was how to get it. She sat motionless for what felt like a whole sunup until she sprang but sadly her efforts where fruitless. The mouse shot away and fled into the tall grass. Snakepaw sighed and curled her tail around her paws in anger. Maybe she should have become a medicine cat. Her ears turned at more soft skittering from afar and she rose quietly read to pounce.  

“No! Stop!” wailed a weak voice.

Doekit and Bramblekit toppled out of the weeds their heads high. Snakepaw noticed Mosskit wasn’t with them and huffed. Mosskit must have wandered off again, last time she ruined Ferretsmoke’s flowers with all her antics. The smell was to help calm cats but Mosskit was rarely calm.

“Again?” Snakepaw asked her tail twitching in annoyance.

“Yes. I’m sure she’s around here someone but…” Doekit looked unsure of herself and a frown tugged at her lips. Snakepaw pitied her and respected her in a way. She really cared about her sister who kept getting the crew into trouble.

“Alright, Alright don’t panic. I’ll help you find her.” Snakepaw promised as she eyed a tree. She made her way over but paused when she noticed Bramblekit and Doekit following her.

“You stay here. If Cedarshade knew I let you do this she’d rip me to pieces.” Snakepaw sighed bounding up the tree. Her paws found safe and level branches as she gazed out beyond the territory. Mosskit wasn’t far, in fact she was just over a couple fox jumps stalking a cricket. Snakepaw shook her head and lowered herself to the ground.

“Follow me.” Snakepaw hummed as she hunted the trail towards Mosskit. Hopefully the she-cat would straighten out as an apprentice.

As they found her Doekit rushed out to get her sister which caused the cricket to leap away. Mosskit looked heavily annoyed and turned to glare at Doekit.

“I almost had it!” She grumbled. Bramblekit timidly followed behind and shuffled his paws.

“We’re not supposed to be out yet!” He complained honestly worried.

“We’re almost apprentices!” Mosskit huffed rolling her eyes.

“Oh? You know doing this could make Foxstar change her mind. She could keep you back in.” Snakepaw cooed and licked her paw calmly. The white feline seemed neutral and rolled her shoulders.

“But eh, whatever you’d like.” Snakepaw added as she stood to leave.

“N-No wait! Take us back please!” Doekit mewed in shock. Snakepaw pretended to think about it before flicking her tail and slowing down.

Leading the kits there wouldn’t be the hard part. In fact two out of three of them where perfect angels. It was their mother that worried Snakepaw, she could already here the queen wailing but she heard other voices too.

“Loners!! Loners stole them!!” Cedarshade cried hysterically.

“Cedarshade. It’s okay I will find your kits.” Greywater mewed turning her head forward. The second she saw Snakepaw with the kits her eyes grew into slits.

“I found them Cedarshade. Mosskit was just out adventuring.” Snakepaw mewed softly as the queen raced to check over her children.

“They were in the limits but they didn’t have a guide with them.” Snakepaw hummed softly glancing at the kits.

“Oh you three. You had me worried! I thought loners…” Cedarshade mumbled before licking the three.

“I’m sorry mom, but I couldn’t let Mosskit go by herself!” Doekit replied giving her mother an apologetic lick.

“That’s very noble but next time get a warrior to go with you.” Greywater purred turning to Doekit.

Snakepaw nodded her head and turned to go back until a large forearm stopped her. Pebbletail stood there looking down at her. It was an honor to be a deputy’s apprentice but Pebbletail wasn’t a very fit mentor. Snakepaw wasn’t even sure she’d ever be a warrior under him. She waited for some comment about how she did something wrong or what was doing on but instead the deputy chuckled warmly.

“I saw everything. Good job Snakepaw, that was very mature.” He hummed his voice clear of sarcasm or any joking tone. Snakepaw blinked a bit stunned from this but carefully nodded her head without another word he left.

Snakepaw shook her head and walked over to the fresh-kill pile. She’d never understand her mentor.

 Fernpaw let out a small yawn as they shook a few leaves off them. Looking down, they could see their nest was covered in leaves and grass. They chuckled lightly and glanced towards the empty test beside them. Specklepaw playing jokes as always, Fernpaw was used to it by now. They stepped outside and felt coolness hit their pelt. A breeze was just what today needed! Fernpaw bounded to pluck a small shrew out of the fresh kill pile. It was tiny and thin but Fernpaw didn’t need much for now. As soon as they finished eating a warm lick cupped their ears. Swanstar stared down at her sibling lovingly. Fernpaw smiled lightly at this, happy to see their older sister feeling better.

‘In a good mood?’ Swanstar signed out with her tail as a pleased smile bloomed on her muzzle. Fernpaw felt their fur heat up.

“Yeah I guess so! Hailfur is going to show me something special.” Fernpaw stated in delight. Swanstar nodded kindly and nudged the apprentice forward, telling them they better get a move on.

The apprentice nodded and padded forward to look for their mentor. The grey tabby bobtail was talking to Cloudfeather, her eyes normally dull. Fernpaw only caught a bit of what they were saying before Hailfur noticed the apprentice and nodded towards them.

“Fernpaw. You’re here. Let’s go.” She hummed quietly. Her blank tone didn’t bother Fernpaw anymore.

“We’re not going with Cloudfeather and the rest on patrol?” Fernpaw asked looking confused.

“No. We need to be alone for this.” Hailfur mewed her massive paws breezing over the ground so much that Fernpaw had to run to catch up.

The whole walk though Fernpaw noticed they weren’t stopping for any hunting or for Hailfur to point some things out. Each step made them feel farther and farther away from home until eventually Hailfur lead Fernpaw down into an abandoned badger set that lead into a few tunnels.

“Where?...” Fernpaw mewed before the hairs on their body stood up.

“This is where they found the Great Topaz.” Hailfur droned her eyes scanning the walls. Fernpaw’s breath caught in their throat as they fallowed their mentor in deeper. In was dark but Fernpaw could see marks in the wall.

“We’re are we going?” Fernpa cried out a bit louder.

“To show you something important.” Hailfur replied finally as cold dirt slipped through her paws. After a moment she started to speak more, something very uncharacteristic of her.

“To be a warrior means a lot you know?...It means protecting the ones you love.” Hailfur started.

“Tooth and claw.” Fernpaw nodded hearing this before.

“But it’s more than that. Food, water, shelter. Not every task is glamourous but you do it to help others survive. When send kits to the elder’s den because those are warriors and medicine cats that have watched their clan and watched friends leave them. It must be so....painful.” Hailfur stated with her eyes ahead.

“You’re going to have to make choices and sacrifices. It’s not always about getting the last in. It’ll be about who’s around later. You have people supporting you when it’s tough. Love them, adore them. Okay? One day they may be gone…this brings our next lesson.” Hailfur called pushing through a hole in the tunnel and dragging herself up. Fernpaw followed carefully as a nervous wave hit them.

The air was sour and everything was grey. Fernpaw couldn’t believe their eyes, it was the site of a fire. They’d heard about this resent event but they’d never seen what it had done. Two-legs had started it, they were sure. Already they kept leaving trash nearby, poisoning the area.

“Life isn’t always good. It’s going to be kinda…eh. Sometimes.” Hailfur continued nodding to the earth.

“But you have to hope everything gets better. Soon this place will start growing again then it’ll be like nothing bad happened. But you see what Two-legs have done. Even this can heal and every bad moment in your life will too. Don’t ever give up on yourself.” Hailfur finished sitting down. Fernpaw did too as their paws were sore from walking.

“Hailfur?...Thanks but I’m…kind of scared to be a warrior. What if I’m not ready.” Fernpaw muttered examining their claw.

“We never are but…it’s okay. We can be worried and scared together…” Hailfur hummed before looking out into the sky.

Snakepaw seemed a bit flustered at the praise and shifted when eyes fell upon him. He curled his tail over his face and sat down, muttering something incoherent to everyone but Hawkpaw who chuckled at whatever comment his sibling made. Robinpaw smiled warmly trotting over to sit by the gathering group. Orangenight licked his paws and brushed them over his stiff fur, comfortable despite just being pinned heartbeats ago. Hawkpaw’s young copper eyes where still full of fire and joy so he prodded Robinpaw and chuckled nodding towards a more open field. The two batted each other and jumped around like kits while their mentors watched. Mottlefeather loved relaxing like this, it made him feel at ease with his life however he could hear an odd disturbance. He smelled something sour and felt his tongue go dry.

“By a dog’s sharpest tooth…” muttered a voice from the side.

“Orangenight, It’s a loner!” Mottledfeather cried and sprang to his paws while the dark cat joined him. It didn’t take long for Mottlefeather to see the cat was suffering.

“What are you doing here?” Orangenight spat as the apprentices gathered behind them. The long furred loner looked up with tired hazel eyes, a begging sound echoing out of their throat. They were white until their rear then in turned into a pure black from then on.

“Please…help.” They choked out trying to walk towards the group.

Orangenight flashed his claws but Mottlefeather raised his forearm blocking the other warrior from springing. He showed pity towards the feline and their plight so he turned his head towards the apprentices.

“Go get Ferretsmoke or Creeppaw.” He demanded much to the shock of the other warrior beside him.

“Mottlefeather-“ Orangenight protested but the three young toms slipped off into the wheat and disappeared from sight.

“Hello there. You’re going to be fine.” Mottlefeather mewed padding over to the sickly cat. They gave him a grateful look before breathing out with a weak sigh.

“Can you tell me what happened?” Mottlefeather asked them curling his tail up beside him. Orangenight wrinkled his nose in revolt but sat there on wary silence.

“Up-walkers…chased us out. Use to live in Up-walker dens. They didn’t use them anymore you see.” The cat started coughing, their ears pinned back on their white head. It sounded so painful to the warrior’s ears.

“So many of us tossed out…we had to come here. Some of us where scared however…of clan cats….like yourself.” The ghostly feline breathed out trying to get air into their lungs.

“I-I’m so sorry…” they choked out trying to keep themselves level. Mottlefeather’s heart ached.

“It’s okay. We have a medicine cat that will help heal you.” He explained and tried to give so sort of comfort to the loner.

It wasn’t long before Ferretsmoke slipped out followed by her tiny apprentice. The spotted young one took one glance at the loner and his eyes widened. The dry, acid like smell made him shut his mouth and watch his mentor stretch out a paw towards the loner.

“Darling you’re going to be okay.” Was the first thing the she-cat mewed out before glancing at her apprentice.

“We need some water and juniper leaves, make a nice soft nest for them alright?” Ferretsmoke stated before going back to the loner.

“Do you have a name sweetie? Also what should I consider you?” Ferretsmoke mewed sniffing the weak cat. Creeppaw glanced back but then ran back to gather the herbs and line a nest for the new cat.

“I don’t have much of a name but I was hoping to get one if I joined your clan….and I’ve always thought of myself as a they to them kind of cat.” The loner replied trying to throw in a bit of humor at least.

Ferretsmoke smiled and nodded towards Mottlefeather as the tom offered to help get the loner over to the clan. Orangenight went ahead his ears flicked back in annoyance. Everything was peaceful, of course someone had to ruin it. He could spot Foxstar after a while, sitting at the entrance of camp.

“Bringing a sick loner in.” Orangenight stated blankly as he walked by the leader. He could see his brother and the other apprentices sitting by and he rolled his eyes.

“Get inside the den, it’s nothing to look at.” Orangenight hissed. They’d already seen the loner anyway! Kits made less and less sense every moon and from what he heard more loners where crawling through their territory.

He watched the clan slowly pull themselves together, muttering about this and that. Soon enough, Pebbletail rose to the High Rock and cleared his throat. Eyes flickered on him from the young and the old. Orangenight rolled his eyes simply stretching out in from of the warrior’s den, not bothering to listen much. This rest of the clan, however, was waiting with baited breath.

“My dear clanmates…I um….” Pebbletail head tilted as he licked his dry lips in thought.

“A loner has been taken in to our clan. They are hurt but they gave us some important news. Starclan watch over us for we’ve been blessed. Twolegs are kicking loners out of their homes so a large group will be coming towards us and the other clans. Foxstar has proposed an emergency meeting.” Pebbletail tried explaining. The clan gasps and erupted with mutters and whispers of all kinds.

“How do we know this isn’t a load of fox-dung?” Hollyberry asked flicking her ears with a slight distaste.

“Well…The loner smells of other cats. We could send a patrol out or-“ Pebbletail was cut off by a wail.

“They could attack our kits! We need guards!” Cedarshade said her face full of pure horror like she’d just seen a Starclan vision. Her body began shaking as she stood over the nursery.

“W-Well Cedarshade…I…think um.” Pebbletail seemed stuck until another voice broke the crowd.

“If it’s okay with you and Foxstar, I will be happy to guard the nursery as a full time duty until this problem is sorted.” Greywater suggested giving Cedarshade a sympathetic glance. Her eyes where tender and full of care for the queen and her kits.

“That should be fine. Foxstar is in the medicine cat den with the loner now. I will post guards out soon, apprentices and kits should not leave and warriors shouldn’t go alone now.” Pebbletail piped up now glad something was getting worked out.

“Will Starclan send us a sign?” Hawkpaw asked curiously as his copper eyes sparked with interest.

“Well…I suppose will have to wait and see. Uh…meeting dismissed.” Pebbletail mewed as he jumped down carefully from the rock.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Mottlefeather walk out, his glossy fur shimmering. Robinpaw followed quickly behind his mentor with a mouse in his jaws, glancing from side to side nervously. Greywater knew he was looking for Orangenight, his older brother. Robinpaw would only truly be happy with his brother’s approval that sadly rarely approved of anything. Hollyberry seemed to realize Greywater had stopped listening to her and moved her head to block the grey she-cat’s view.

“Hello? I’m still talkin’ here.” She growled annoyed. Greywater snapped her attention back and chuckle nervously.

“S-Sorry I just saw Robinpaw and…” Hollyberry gave her no time to finish.

“Yeah that’s great and all but what about your question?” she said before continuing.

“Robintalon, Robinstrike, Robinfang…” Hollyberry went on. Greywater looked to the side quietly, noticing Robinpaw paying close attention to Hawkpaw and Snakepaw, or more particularly Hawkpaw.

“Snakepaw will be a warrior too you know.” Greywater added and Hollyberry lit up with the chattering.

“Snakefang, Snaketail, Snakethorn…” she continued while Greywater kept watching out of the corner of her eye. Hawkpaw noticed Robinpaw and smiled, stated his praise towards the mouse. This made Robinpaw bashful as ever stuttering and tripping of his words. Greywater smiled lightly finding the blooming love quite adorable.

“That’s nice Hollyberry but I better check the nursery.” Greywater said briefly before turning. She heard Hollyberry huff in anger and turn but she didn’t stop. Greywater slowed to a walking pace and she peered in before quickly whispering a hello. Even with her extra gentleness Cedarshade turned her head sharply like she heard a badger charging in.

“Oh, Greywater…” she muttered before forcing a weak chuckle.

Greywater couldn’t help but feel bad for the queen, her fur was thin and she was always in a state of fear. Doekit was nuzzled to her side sleeping peacefully while Mosskit and Bramblekit where playing with flowers, by balancing them on their heads. Ferretsmoke had assured the she-cat the flowers where harmless, so she allowed the kits to play with them. Greywater was actually surprised, these three looked so much like Cedarshade she was sure they could be her real kin. She knew that wasn’t true, sadly, Cedarshade’s kit hadn’t made it so she nursed these kits instead. Greywater found it odd how many cats Hollyberry was related too since Mottlefeather, Snakepaw, Hawkpaw, Doekit, Mosskit, and Bramblekit where all her kin.

“Would you like anything?” she asked flicking her tail casually.

“Could you change out this bedding? I found a prickle in it yesterday and I’m sure it’s from some nettle.” She mewed her voice trembling a bit. Greywater knew she was overreacting but it never hurt to bring fresh moss.

“Sure thing.” Greywater mewed clawing up a large ball and kicking it out.

Bramblekit and Mosskit started helping somewhat, pulling out some pieces of moss before attacking them. At some point she felt another person there and turned to spot Snakepaw. Snakepaw was like Foxstar, they both changed between being toms and mollies at different times. The albino feline had fresh moss in his jaws and began filling in where Greywater tore away. She muttered a thank you and they were done in short time thanks to the extra help.

“Pebbletail will be proud.” Greywater mewed but Snakepaw kept a dull expression.

“I guess.” Came the quiet mew. Greywater was confused, not only was Pebbletail Snakepaw’s mentor but he was also the deputy.

She watched Snakepaw trot out without another word and slip into the apprentice den. Cedarshade had noticed something to but she was more worried about calling the kits back into the den. Mosskit and Bramblekit both let out weak ‘awws’ of disappointment. Droopy tails and lower head was used to try and get the queen to rethink calling them in but Cedarshade would have none of it. Her caws tapped the ground as she nudged the kits in.

“I think it might rain…” he murmured looking a bit shaky but Greywater thought the cloud looked clear up ahead though before she left she couldn’t help but notice that Cedarshade’s claws where cracked.

 Greywater glanced around came before hearing something at the entrance.

“Woah, Woah back up! You can’t just walk in!” Hollyberry laughed with a cool tone.

A group of Emeraldclan warriors stood outside with concern on their faces. A pure black tom with darting yellow eyes seemed a bit at loss at what to say while a grey tabby tried to explain himself. He pushed his fur back from his face a little, keeping his long fur free of tangles.

“We need to speak to Foxstar.” The grey tom mewed calmly.

Greywater turned at that to alert the leader of the visit. Foxstar was crawling out of the leader den before his pale yellow eyes landed on her.

“Foxstar the entrance, it’s Emeraldclan.” She mewed but before she had time to finish the leader rushed past her and towards the stalks that twisted and bound the entrance. Foxstar remained calm but expressed open concern.

“Yes? What is it?” he asked.

“Well you see Foxstar. The foxes we chased a few out of our territory and they made a run towards yours. Silverstar wanted to warn you.” The grey tom mewed.

Greywater walked quietly behind before picking out the names behind the two toms. The black furred one was Crowsong and the grey longhaired tabby was Fogvine, she recognized them both from the meetings. Already she could hear Cricketdance whispering to her about what she should do.

“Give him my thanks.” Foxstar hummed.

“I’ll send a few warrior to see you back just encase.” He mewed.

“I-I’ll go!” Greywater mewed loudly. Foxstar looked back rather surprised.

“S-Sorry I just that, well. I’d be nice to get some air. Mottlefeather and Robinpaw could come with me.” She shuffled her paws as she spoke, feeling eyes on her. Foxstar raised an eyebrow but chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“Mottlefeather is that already with you?” the leader asked as if unsure the golden tom would agree. Foxstar had always been shy, at first it was his lisp then it was his leadership skills but slowly he was getting a paw in place and walking the tune of every other great leader.  

“Sure.” Mottlefeather mewed licking his jaws having just finish up a shrew. Robinpaw sprang up to walk by his mentor as the group stepped forward. The cold breeze did Greywater good as her paws itched to run out like kit. Once they got to the border Greywater mewed her goodbyes to the two toms as they departed. Once they were out of sight Greywater glanced at Robinpaw, hoping Mottlefeather would recommend her if she acted well towards Robinpaw.

“So what have you been learning?” she asked gazing across the territory. Robinpaw seemed surprised but was eager to make conversation.  

“Mottlefeather has been teaching me a lot. He’s just given me a lesson on snake hunting. You should always aim for the back of the head and keep out of the snake’s striking range. If you can you can knock branches or rocks on it, always go for snapping its neck or cutting off its ability to move. No matter how long it takes never risk yourself for a strike.” He explained as he padded along.

“Good very good.” Mottlefeather praised.

“You can do that for an enemy too, one who’s bigger.” Greywater added in remembering the familiar nights training with her friends.

“You can always go for the ankles if you need to.” She hummed flicking her tail with a happy smile.