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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 2, 2007 17:14:18 GMT -5
Yes, this story being my second, and about Feathertail from the view of WindClan cats, as well as Feathertail. ____________________________________________
The silvery gray StarClan she-cat padded through the luscious green forest in which StarClan resides. Her pelt shimmered as she ran flawlessly toward the pool where StarClan discussed the earthly Clans' matters. When her silver paws touched the ground near the pool, all of the StarClan cats' heads turned to her like the rustling in the trees nearby the pool. Self conscious, of their stares, Feathertail sat down beside Stonefur, her brother, Stormfur's mentor. Bluestar waited until the murmurs died down, and announced "Feathertail, StarClan have decided. You will return to the Clans below as a WindClan cat."
Feathertail was taken aback. This was truly an honor! The only cat to have been bestowed this honor before was Cinderpelt, and cats of all the Clans had respected and admired her. Feathertail, humbled, bowed down to the gray-blue warrior queen and rose, tail flicking.
"Bluestar, cats of StarClan, I am truly honored to be chosen to return to a past life, especially WindClan." Feathertail meowed, a slight catch in her voice. Bluestar purred amused. "Ah yes Feathertail. There was a reason we chose WindClan. You will have a chance to be reunited with Crowfeather." Feathertail looked away and replied "Well, Bluestar, I was watching when Breezepaw was made apprentice. I am proud of Crowfeather... and... and Nightcloud." She managed to croak out Crowfeather's mate neutrally, though part of her envied Nightcloud. She had wanted so to be with him, yet another destiny called to her. She shook away the thoughts as Bluestar and the other StarClan cats, especially Stonefur, chanted her name, as a Clan would for a new warrior, and wreathed her in light, until only a small smudge of her silvery gray pelt was visible. ____________________________________________
Crowfeather padded toward the nursery, a freshly-killed rabbit dangling from his jaws. By his side was Heatherpaw, his apprentice, who also carried a rabbit, though it was smaller than his. Three new Clan members, he thought as he pushed through the gorse bushes surrounding the nursery.
In the darkness, Crowfeather could barely make out the new mother's pelt, pale gray in the black background. Her name was Dawnstream, and she roused drowsily as Crowfeather entered. "Come to see the new Clan warriors?" she asked proudly, voice soft as the mewling kits searched for milk. Crowfeather dipped his head respectfully and dropped the rabbit. "Kestrelpaw told me to give you this rabbit to eat." he mewed, naming Barkface's apprentice. Dawnstream blinked gratefully at him and began to eat the delicious fresh-kill.
As she gulped down the rabbit in quick bites, Crowfeather asked her, not really paying attention to the kits, "Have you given them names yet?" Dawnstream nodded, and finished the rest of the rabbit before replying, "Yes. This one," She rested her tail on the dark brown tabby tom, "is Oakkit. He's the only tom. The small tortoiseshell is Swallowkit." She gestured at the smallest of the three. "And this," she mewed, placing a pale gray tail on the boldest kit, whose pelt shimmered like silver, even in the blackness, whose wise blue eyes seemed to bore into Crowfeather and open scars that had long ago healed, "is Featherkit."
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 2, 2007 17:49:18 GMT -5
Yeah, well, I loved the story, and right now, my muse tank is overflowing, so I'm going to continue with the second chapter.
Chapter 2
Crowfeather could hardly breathe. Feathertail. He hardly dared to recall the name that had brought him so much joy... and sorrow. Once again, he revisited the dread and coldness that had overcome him when she died at his side, saving him, the Tribe, and later the four Clans. He had to take another look at the WindClan kit before he padded away, mind reeling. Should he have felt this way again? After all, he had Nightcloud and Breezepaw. But he still could vanish the soft feel of Feathertail's fur brushing against his, and the gentle whisper of breath in his ear when she confessed she loved him.... He shook himself, brushing the thoughts away. He glanced over his shoulder at his apprentice and mewed gently "Heatherpaw, why don't you head over to Breezepaw. I... I need sometime alone." Heatherpaw dipped her head and trotted over to her mentor's son.
Crowfeather padded toward his mate and rested beside Nightcloud, gently washing her pelt with long, deep strokes of his tongue. While he did this, his mind wandered. Why did he feel this way about a cat that had long ago joined StarClan? Maybe he felt it was a right tribute to her past. He didn't want to think that it was because he still loved her. ___________________________________________
Featherkit jumped up and down, her fluffy kit down fluffed up excitedly. Nearly six moons had passed since her birth, and already she had proved herself serious and eager to learn. Tonight would be her sixth moon. And that meant for her to become an apprentice. Just the thought sent shivers down her spine. Oakkit and Swallowkit were scuffling just before her, sending up dust with their tussel. Featherkit had to jump out of the way so she wouldn't be caught up in their fight. Suddenly, Webfoot woke and snapped at Oakkit and Swallowkit "Stop fighting. You're disturbing everyone else." But his anger wouldn't last long. After all, Oakkit had often told his siblings that he admired Webfoot for his cunning and fighting skills, and Webfoot had often praised Oakkit for his.
The two scuffling kits broke apart and, eyes wide, fled to Dawnstream, who was beginning to wake. Feathertail followed more slowly, soft paws barely making a sound on the hard packed dirt. She was so lost in thought, she didn't notice Crowfeather before her, and collided with him. "Sorry." she squeaked, looking up. Crowfeather looked startled and rasped "It's ok." before padding off elsewhere, looking behind his back. She tipped her head for a few seconds, puzzling over Crowfeather's strange response. Then, she shrugged. It didn't matter. By this time tomorrow, she'd be an apprentice!
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Tear
Growing Kit
Posts: 430
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Post by Tear on May 2, 2007 19:42:36 GMT -5
Great two chapters!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 4, 2007 21:49:29 GMT -5
Chapter 3
That night, Featherkit, Oakkit and Swallowkit all emerged from the nursery with their pelts gleaming in the moonlight. Dawnstream looked so proud and flicked her tail for them to join Onestar underneath the Stonehill. Featherkit bounced toward their leader, her blue silver pelt gleaming beautifully, blue eyes shimmering like flawless sapphires. She was flanked by Oakkit and Swallowkit. Glancing up at the Stonehill, she waited breathlessly for Onestar to begin their apprentice ceremony, and who their mentors would be.
Onestar leaped onto the top stone, muscles flexing beneath his glossy pelt. He scanned the crowd of cats and, noting every cat was there, took a deep breath and began to address the Clan.
“Oakkit,” he meowed strongly, flicking his tail for the kit to join him. “From this day forward, until he has earned his warrior name, he will be known as Oakpaw.” His gaze traveled the crowd beneath him. “Webfoot, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Oakpaw. Webfoot, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of undying loyalty and fierce braveness. I’m sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice.” Webfoot dipped his head, eyes shining, and touched noses with Oakpaw, who was jittering with excitement.
“Swallowkit,” Onestar flicked his tail to indicate the small tortoiseshell. “From this day forward, until she has earned her warrior name, she will be known as Swallowpaw.” He took a quick look around at the cats and continued, “Nightcloud, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Swallowpaw. Nightcloud, you have shown yourself to be a warrior of kindness and quick thinking. I’m sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice.” Nightcloud touched noses with Swallowpaw, eyes soft and kind toward the small apprentice. “Certainly.”
Onestar flicked his tail for Featherkit to come forward. She bound toward him, blue eyes shining with excitement. Onestar glanced down at the young kit and softness overcame his eyes that had remained proud and stern. “Featherkit.” He spoke her name with such softness, Dawnstream straightened her posture and purred slightly. “From this day forward, until she has earned her warrior name, she will be known as Featherpaw.” Though his eyes expressed sadness and regret, he continued, a slight catch in his voice, “Ashfoot, you are now ready to take on an apprentice. You will be mentor to Swallowpaw. Ashfoot, you have shown yourself to be a warrior was cunning and kindness. I’m sure you will pass on all you know to this apprentice.” Ashfoot dipped her head to her leader, her eyes shining, and murmured “Of course Onestar.”
Featherpaw puffed out her gray silver chest and pride sparkled in her eyes. She padded after Ashfoot, barely being able to suppress her questions. Ashfoot glanced at her apprentice and purred. “Go ahead and ask Featherpaw.” Featherpaw blinked gratefully at Ashfoot and started mewing “Well, when are we going to see the territory? What about battle training? What about…?” Featherpaw was cut off by Crowfeather passing by. He dipped his head to his Clan’s deputy and cast a freezing glance over Featherpaw. “Welcome Featherpaw. You have a great mentor.” Featherpaw was confused about the frigid tone in which Crowfeather spoke. “Why doesn’t Crowfeather like me?” Featherpaw asked confused. Ashfoot looked around and whispered softly into Featherpaw’s ear. “Before you were born, the four Clans crossed the mountains in what is now known as the Great Journey. Six cats, Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw from ThunderClan, Feathertail and Stormfur from RiverClan, Tawnypelt from ShadowClan and our very own Crowfeather. Of the six cats, five cats returned. Feathertail died saving the rest of them from Sharptooth, a large cat that preyed on the Tribe of Rushing Water, a group of cats that reside in the mountains. Crowfeather loved her, even though their love could never be. He was heart-broken.”
Featherpaw could not help the rush of sympathy that overwhelmed her. How sad! She couldn’t think of a life that horrible. What if Oakpaw and Swallowpaw had died? She didn’t like the dark jab in her stomach when she thought of it. “How horrible.” She murmured. Ashfoot nodded, then shook her dark gray pelt. “How about we take a tour of the borders?” she asked, changing the subject. Featherpaw, deeply in thought, nodded blankly. Ashfoot flicked her tail for Featherpaw to follow her, and disappeared into the shadows. Featherpaw paused for a moment, casting a look toward Crowfeather, then changed the look toward Onestar. A misty look overcame her eyes, and she padded after her mentor. ___________________________________________
That night, Featherpaw dreamed. She was hunting a rabbits, one of the plumpest, slowest creatures on the moors. She was just about to pounce, when an old she-cat appeared, her muzzle streaked with white. She spun around, blue eyes blazing angrily. “Do you mind? That was the best catch I would have gotten all day!” she spat, fur bristling. The old she-cat purred, shaking slightly. “You certainly are Feathertail.” She purred in an amused way. Featherpaw sat back, confused. “Wh… what do you mean?” She asked, tipping her head. Instead of answering, the old she-cat flicked her tail for Featherpaw to follow and padded away. Featherpaw, instinctively knowing to trust her, followed her, tail lashing in impatience. “Who are you?” she asked. The she-cat turned her head slightly and replied “I am Bluestar, ThunderClan’s old leader.” Featherpaw widened her eyes and stopped. “Why have you visited me? I’m not of ThunderClan.” Bluestar turned and stopped eyes boring into Featherpaw. “But you are a remnant of RiverClan. You are Feathertail.”
Featherpaw’s eyes widened. “But… but why me?” Bluestar countered “Why does Crowfeather ignore you? You remind him too much of the cat he once loved.” Featherpaw was speechless; she was Feathertail! It was… an honor! “Why me though, Bluestar?” Bluestar transfixed her with a blue gaze, but before she could speak, she was shaken awake by Oakpaw and Swallowpaw. “Come on,” they trilled, “Let’s go! Ashfoot asked us if Webfoot, Nightcloud and us can come with you! We’re going to patrol the border!” Featherpaw’s eyes flew open, and she yawned, tasting the warm air of green-leaf. She rose to her paws and shook the scraps moss of her pelt. So much like Feathertail’s, she thought and padded after her siblings. A deep hole yawned inside her stomach as she approached Ashfoot, though her blue eyes flickered to Onestar then Crowfeather.
Ashfoot greeted her cheerfully and Featherpaw mewed a greeting. Once she had finished her morning rabbit, a small one for green-leaf, she padded with her mentor toward the spiny gorse bushes that blocked the Clan from outsiders. Her siblings and their mentors flanked them, and once they all squeezed outside, they were joined by Crowfeather and Whitetail with their apprentices, Heatherpaw and Breezepaw. Heatherpaw immediately fell in step beside Featherpaw and Featherpaw purred; Heatherpaw was Featherpaw's best friend outside of her family, even though she had been an apprentice for a moon and a half. Crowfeather would not look at Featherpaw, and she could feel the tension growing between them. Ashfoot glanced at her apprentice and waved her tail for them to stop. She had spotted a plump rabbit just beside the border between them and ThunderClan, and she nodded to Featherpaw to copy what she did. Ashfoot crouched low in a perfect hunting crouch and prowled closer until she pounced and killed it with one blow. Featherpaw's prey was a smaller rabbit farther away. She copied Ashfoot's movements perfectly and leaped on it, killing it with a single blow. She carried it back, the scent of fresh-kill overpowering her scent glands, tail high. She was now truly a WindClan apprentice.
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Tear
Growing Kit
Posts: 430
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Post by Tear on May 5, 2007 11:59:06 GMT -5
Great chapter!
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[[_ moon/beam
s33wper m33wderator
ī Graeca nur zētaum las Mērchaithun les Plesnown
A HEART MADE FULLMETAL
Posts: 2,434
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Post by [[_ moon/beam on May 5, 2007 17:53:15 GMT -5
Excellent chapters Ripplestream!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 5, 2007 18:29:52 GMT -5
Thanks Hushpad! Thanks Moony!
Chapter 4
The four apprentices feasted greatly that night, for they had brought home so many rabbits, as well as other prey, that they needed five rounds to carry it all. Heatherpaw glanced repeatedly over at Oakpaw, and even Swallowpaw, so immersed in sharing tongues with her, noted with a mischievous glance that Oakpaw too glanced over Heatherpaw too often to not be noticed. Featherpaw purred softly, and nudged Heatherpaw slightly with her head toward her brother. For a moment, an awkward silence spread over the two apprentices; then they began to talk enthusiastically. Featherpaw purred quietly, hoping that her best friend would warm up to her brother. Then, as the meows of her fellow apprentices dimmed until their voices were only a quiet murmur in the background, Featherpaw thought of Bluestar, and, consequently, the dream. Her silver tail flicked slightly as she remembered the calmness that had emanated off of the StarClan she-cat. StarClan seemed quiet, peaceful even. It was unlike them. Perhaps thought Featherpaw, WindClan is in no trouble. Hope spread throughout her body, from the tip of her tail, to the sharp edge of her claws. Whatever StarClan was doing in Silverpelt, she was ready for anything!
Frigid temperatures made Featherpaw shiver, sending a ripple through her silver pelt. Her blue eyes were fixed on a scrawny piece of prey, hardly alive. Hunger drove her, and she hunted with careful accuracy. She leaped on the prey, bringing it down, though it was hardly worth a mouthful, and would barely touch a warrior’s hunger. Wait a moment Featherpaw thought as she trotted back to camp It’s the middle of green-leaf! Why is it cold? She pushed through the camp and found it… empty. She dropped the rabbit in disbelief, and opened her mouth to taste the air.
The hot, sticky scent of blood overcame her scent glands, and she nearly choked on how recent it was. All of a sudden, the entire WindClan camp disappeared under a river of blood that seemed to gurgle and spew life from its dark depths. Featherpaw yowled, and turned, seeing the snow around her redden as the blood reached it. Before she could take another pawstep, the snowy ground beneath her opened up, and she fell, paws churning the air for a desperate hold on something. Her mouth opened to yowl for help before she heard a sinister growl emanating from the darkness that nearly overwhelmed Featherpaw.
As the stars pass, one will be split and a choice will make enemies clash in battle.
Featherpaw gasped and her blue eyes flew open. The sun shone brightly, warming her silver pelt. She must have slept through dawn! She leaped to her paws and went to find Ashfoot. She found the deputy issuing orders to Crowfeather and Nightcloud. Once she had finished speaking, the two twined their tails and called their apprentices. Swallowpaw and Heatherpaw rose, shook their pelts and joined the two, before the four cats disappeared into the thick gorse bush that protected WindClan from intruders. Featherpaw padded up to her mentor, noting a gleam Ashfoot’s eyes.
“What’s wrong,” Featherpaw asked, blue eyes worried. Her dream rushed back to her, as well as the prophecy that she feared. Ashfoot replied, “It turns out that Onestar wants Heatherpaw, Swallowpaw, Breezepaw, Oakpaw and you to patrol the border with RiverClan. He fears they may try to take some of the moors.” Featherpaw could feel her hackles rise and her neck fur bristle as she thought of RiverClan cats stealing their territory. “Let’s go” she hissed. Ashfoot nodded appraisingly and flicked her tail for Breezepaw and Oakpaw to come along too. Featherpaw nodded to Breezepaw respectfully, and streaked after her mentor.
Featherpaw’s ears pricked slightly as they left camp. She loved the wind that whipped her fur, and blue eyes widened with delight. She was so preoccupied that she did not see Breezepaw staring longingly at her. Oakpaw, however, noticed and hissed into his best friend’s ear, “Good luck with her. You’ll need it.” Breezepaw cast an embarrassed look at Oakpaw, and then a worried look overcame his eyes. “Really?” he asked. Oakpaw nodded in affirmative.
Suddenly, Ashfoot stopped, dark gray ears pricked. Featherpaw too stopped and listened. “Quick, this way!” Featherpaw gasped and sped away, tail streaming behind her. The rest of the patrol ran after her, a tail length away. Now, they could hear the fierce battle yowls of Crowfeather and Nightcloud, as well as the hisses of the two apprentices. Featherpaw, eyes blazing with anger, flew into battle, claws unsheathed. Swallowpaw and Heatherpaw were battling side by side, faces drawn in a fierce snarl. Featherpaw flung herself onto their attacker, clawing out clumps of fur. The warrior yowled and fled.
Featherpaw, satisfied, turned to the relieved look of her sister and best friend. Suddenly, a warrior leaped onto Featherpaw, pinning her down and raised a claw to swipe at her throat, until Breezepaw, screeching, jumped on him, bringing him down. Featherpaw sprang up and yowled, "I can fight my own battles!" Eyes blazing with fury, Featherpaw leaped onto the warrior, and clawed mercilessly, until the warrior squealed. Then, she let go, allowing the warrior to flee. By this time, the clearing was empty, with the WindClan cats victorious. Featherpaw padded toward her mentor, whose scars were bleeding profusely, tail held high.
"Good job all of you," praised Ashfoot as she turned to lick her wounds. Featherpaw raised her head proudly and blue eyes shone with delight.
When they returned to camp, Ashfoot immediately went to Barkface's den for some marigold and horsetail. Featherpaw wasn't badly injured, just bruised. Breezepaw joined her, licking her small wounds.
"That was brave of you, charging into the battle like that," he murmured. Featherpaw shrugged. "I would die for the Clan." She thought she could feel Breezepaw flinch, and wondered why. Then, Onestar padded up to them, eyes hardening at the sight of the pair of the apprentices. Featherpaw felt a strange sensation in her stomach. Fear? she thought, for she had never seen Onestar this angry before. But, no, it couldn't be that. It was something... entirely different.
"Breezepaw, we'll hold your warriors ceremony at moon high with Heatherpaw." Onestar meowed stiffly, and turned away. Featherpaw turned to Breezepaw, trying to ignore the feeling, "That's great! You'll get to be a warrior!" she mewed. Breezepaw returned her gaze with excitement in his eyes... and something else Featherpaw could not name.
"Yeah. I can't wait." Breezepaw mewed happily. Featherpaw purred and nudged him toward Heatherpaw. "You might want to bet on what your warrior names will be with Heatherpaw." she mewed. Breezepaw opened his mouth to disagree, then obviously thought better, and padded away.
At the sight of his retreating form, Featherpaw could not help but think of the strange sensation that overcome her when Onestar turned away. It was happening again; that strange feeling whenever either Onestar or Breezepaw approached her. Featherpaw sighed, and tucked into a delicious plump rabbit. Why did everything have to be so hard?
Chapter 5
Breezepaw felt like he was walking on air, with his head in the clouds. He emerged from the apprentices' den, groomed black pelt shining. He longed to sit next to Featherpaw; the beautiful apprentice was sitting next to his best friend and her brother, Oakpaw. However, he had to wait for Onestar to begin the meeting. Onestar... Breezepaw thought, narrowing his eyes. Something about him didn't seem right. He was too attatched to Featherpaw. Just thinking of her made Breezepaw anxious. If he could prove himself more, maybe, just maybe she would love him the same way he loved her.
Onestar made a great show of leaping onto Stonehill, his muscules flexing underneath his glossy pelt. Unusually glossy for a simple warriors ceremony. Or is it more than that? wondered Breezepaw, until he glimpsed Featherpaw staring admiringly up at Onestar. He tensed, and forced his fur to relax. Onestar looked down at him in a condesending manner, but Breezepaw ignored him. Speaking loudly, Onestar began the age old ceremony,
"I, Onestar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn."
He turned to the two apprentices, something near hatred brewing in his eyes as he looked at Breezepaw.
"Breezepaw," Onestar spat his name like he would a rotten rabbit, "Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Breezepaw glared at the leader and rose higher, puffing out his chest. "I do." he hissed back, all of his hatred for the leader burning his words until the very air seemed to radiate heat.
Onestar continued, eyes still boring into Breezepaw, "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Breezepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Breezestorm. The Clan honors your determination and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." These words he spat out, not meaning every one. Down below, Nightcloud bristled as she heard her son being treated as such.
Breezestorm reluctantly let Onestar's muzzle rest on his head for a moment, then stepped back for a bewildered Heatherpaw to take her turn. The cats below gasped when he did not lick Onestar's shoulder in respect.
Onestar considerably warmed toward Heatherpaw, though not as gentle as he had been to Featherpaw. "Heatherpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?
Heatherpaw managed to choke out her reply. "I do."
Onestar continued, "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Heatherpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Heathercloud. The Clan honors your kindness and compassion, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." Heathercloud nodded and Onestar's muzzle rested on her head for a moment. Then, she licked his shoulder respectfully.
"Breezestorm, Heathercloud! Breezestorm, Heathercloud!" The cats below chanted their names, lead by Featherpaw.
Onestar raised his voice above the crowd. "In the tradition of our ancestors, Breezestorm and Heathercloud must sit vigil and guard the camp from intruders." The new warriors both nodded and took up their positions, heads raised proudly.
Featherpaw padded toward Breezestorm and Heathercloud, her tail flicking both gently. "Good luck." she murmured. Breezestorm, thrilled, managed to nod, and turned his head toward the moon, waiting for dawn to arrive.
Whew, long one! Tell me what you think.
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[[_ moon/beam
s33wper m33wderator
ī Graeca nur zētaum las Mērchaithun les Plesnown
A HEART MADE FULLMETAL
Posts: 2,434
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Post by [[_ moon/beam on May 5, 2007 18:37:51 GMT -5
Love it! I love the romance between Breezestorm x Featherpaw! err it is romance isn't it? I hope Onestar's okay!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 5, 2007 18:50:35 GMT -5
lol, yes, it is romance. Oh, and keep in mind the prophecy. As the stars pass, one will be split and a choice will make enemies clash in battle. It's very important.
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Tear
Growing Kit
Posts: 430
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Post by Tear on May 5, 2007 19:02:12 GMT -5
please post more!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 5, 2007 20:32:49 GMT -5
Chapter 6
Featherpaw yawned loudly, missing Breezestorm by her side. Oakpaw and Swallowpaw barely stirred as she rose, careful not to wake them, and padded toward Breezestorm and Heathercloud. Breezestorm stifled a purr and Featherpaw purred. Ashfoot startled them all by meowing "Your vigil is over Breezestorm, Heathercloud." Her eyes shone; her son, Crowfeather, had mentored Heathercloud. She was sure to feel a connection. Breezestorm was also Crowfeather's son.
Breezestorm purred and nudged Featherpaw affectionately, and she purred, glancing up at him with luminous blue eyes. Heathercloud purred amused at the affectionate air between the two cats. Oakpaw padded up to Heathercloud and exchanged a greeting. Featherpaw let her tail rest on her brother's shoulder for a moment, strengthening him and the pair padded toward the fresh-kill pile. Featherpaw and Breezestorm purred.
"Hey Breezestorm. Do you want to share a rabbit?" Featherpaw asked shyly, tail tentatively twining with his. Breezestorm's eyes shone happily and nodded, purring too loudly to speak. Just then, Featherpaw's gaze slid beyond Breezestorm. Breezestorm whirled around, and blue eyes narrowed into slits of rage.
Suddenly, Onestar spotted the two together and he drew his lips back in a snarl. He padded over, stiff legged toward Breezestorm. "You." he hissed. Featherpaw looked awkward between them, looking from one tom to another.
Breezestorm snarled, drawing a paw back. "Back off Onestar." Onestar yowled a challenge, making cats gather around the trio. Featherpaw looked horrified, and tried to calm the bristling toms.
"Breezestorm, Onestar, don't. Please." At her voice, the two toms glared at another, and turned away from each other. The crowd began murmuring, and dispersed into small groups. Featherpaw sighed in relief. Swallowpaw padded up behind her sister and murmured in her ear, "You must make a choice between them."
Choice... The word invoked the thought of the prophecy again. Featherpaw shivered slightly. Ashfoot padded up beside her. "Shall we patrol the border?" Featherpaw, siwiveling her head after Breezestorm and Onestar, nodded and padded after her mentor. She wanted to wail her troubles to StarClan. Then, a thought wormed its way into her mind. Is this what Feathertail felt?
Ashfoot prowled the floor for a moment, hunting the rabbits that nibbled on seeds. Suddenly, Featherpaw crashed through the bush, making the rabbits flee. Ashfoot jumped, eyes blazing. "What are you doing?! I had it there!" Featherpaw breathed heavily, eyes frightened. "ShadowClan have been taking our prey!"
I kind of wanted both Onestar and Breezestorm to fall in love with Featherpaw, so there you go. Sorry for the shortness; I ran out of muse before I could finish what I wanted to say. So, I guess you'll have to wait until Chapter 7!
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Post by Berrypool on May 5, 2007 22:08:47 GMT -5
That was great! But i do think it's a little weird that a leader would fall in love with an aprrintice but what ever. Can't wait for the next chapter!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 6, 2007 10:51:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Chapter 7
Ashfoot's neck fur rose as she imagined ShadowClan stealing the rabbits. Immediately, she spun around, heading for the border. Featherpaw sped after her, easily keeping pace with her mentor's longer legs. Her own blue eyes blazed with anger, and rage lent her limbs strength, allowing her to draw ahead of Ashfoot, and charge into the small hunting patrol.
There was only one warrior, with two apprentices. Featherpaw leaped at one of them, yowling defiantly and slashed at his muzzle. Her paw caught it, and he yowled in pain. Just beyond the apprentices was Ashfoot. She was grappling with Oakfur; already she had scored numerous wounds on his pelt. Featherpaw hissed at the apprentices, one of whom she recognized from the Gathering. They both leaped upon her, and she disappeared in a writhing mass of fur.
Featherpaw could barely breathe. The apprentices' fur covered her body as she wriggled, trying to get free. She could feel hot blood running down open scars that they had created. Suddenly, she was filled with rage, until she felt she had to yowl to get rid of the horrible feeling of hatred.
As the rage frosted her veins, she nimbly leaped up when the two apprentices slackened their hold slightly. Blue eyes glowing with a luminence never before seen, she threw herself at them, clawing their fur. Soon, they both fled, the well-drained moorland stained with blood of their enemies. Already, Featherpaw's wounds began to dry and stop, and she felt the rage ebb away. Ashfoot had Oakfur fleeing into the bushes, spitting his rage. Featherpaw wondered, What came over me?
Featherpaw returned to camp, tail dragging in the dust. Ashfoot had praised her, but inside she felt hollow. Why did she feel that way? Featherpaw didn't feel any joy at beating the ShadowClan apprentices. Dawnstream, who had returned to the warriors den, demanded she see Barkface and Kestrelpaw for some herbs that might help Featherpaw's wounds.
Breezestorm trotted by the medicine cat's den, keeping company to Featherpaw. She didn't tell him this, but she was grateful. If she didn't do anything, she thought she was likely to go mad. Onestar also visited the young apprentice, and Featherpaw felt the same twinge in her stomach as when Breezestorm arrived. He told her that her warrior ceremony would be held soon, along with her siblings. "It is time." he mewed warmly, eyes soft and gentle.
That night, Featherpaw emerged from the medicine cat's den, Barkface warning her to not overdo it, and padded over to her siblings. She could feel her mother's proud gaze boring into her, as well as Breezestorm's ecstatic one. Onestar leaped up onto Stone Hill and called the customary meeting.
"It is now time to do one of my personal favorite events, for it shows that WindClan is thriving in our new territory." This was greeted by meows of agreement below. "Swallowpaw." he meowed motioning with his tail for her to come forward. She did so, looking scared.
"I, Onestar, leader of WindClan, call my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you in her turn. Swallowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Swallowpaw's eyes flickered slightly, then she nodded. "I do."
Onestar nodded and continued, "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Swallowpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Swallowfrost. StarClan honors your kindness and gentle nature, and we welome you as a full warrior of WindClan." He rested his muzzle on her head as she licked his shoulder in respect.
Onestar turned to Oakpaw. "I, Onestar, leader of WindClan, call my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you in his turn. Oakpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Oakpaw did not hesitate in his reply, "I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Oakpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Oakwind. StarClan honors your loyalty and bravery and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." Oakwind licked his leader's shoulder and Onestar rested his muzzle on his head.
Onestar turned to Featherpaw, eyes soft. "Featherpaw." he spoke her name with such gentleness, Featherpaw couldn't take her eyes off him. "I, Onestar, leader of WindClan, call my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you in her turn. Featherpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Featherpaw nodded, eyes shining. Her shy mew resounded over the quiet crowd. "I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Featherpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Featherstream. StarClan honors your determination and gentle spirit, and we welcome you as a full warrior of WindClan." Featherstream licked Onestar's shoulder, and Onestar rested his muzzle on her head.
Breezestorm growled softly as the others chanted the new warriors' names.
"Swallowfrost, Oakwind, Featherstream! Swallowfrost, Oakwind, Featherstream!"
Featherstream's eyes shone as they chanted her new name. Onestar rose his voice above the chanting. "In tradition of our ancestors, Featherstream, Swallowfrost and Oakwind must guard the camp from intruders." Featherstream leaped down and took up her position just before the camp entrance. She was soon joined by her siblings.
Onestar leaped down and licked Featherstream's ear affectionately. "Come meet me in my den after your vigil." he murmured into her ear. Featherstream glanced at him, and nodded.
Breezestorm snarled in disgust. Featherstream loved him, not this mouse-brained, piece of fox dung! Breezestorm unsheathed his claws, making them sink into the ground. One day, when he was strong enough, he would make Onestar pay.
One day...
Sorry about the shortness. I was rushed by my mom. Please tell me what you think.
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Tear
Growing Kit
Posts: 430
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Post by Tear on May 6, 2007 13:08:12 GMT -5
Never mind the shortness the chapter was so good!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 6, 2007 13:18:19 GMT -5
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
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Post by Berrypool on May 6, 2007 17:48:47 GMT -5
More! More! That was really good!
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Post by >> x.Featherstream.x on May 8, 2007 15:10:01 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone who replied. I haven't had enough time yet to type another chapter, but expect one soon!
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