Chapter 44: Drastic Changes

Chapter 44: Drastic Changes

Scarletpaw

     I forgot all about Jadepaw until today.  All the drama's distracting.  So today I decide to try and find her in the clearing.  Bonetail can follow me all he wants, but I'll just prance out of camp with my head high.  As I walk out of camp, I see Bonetail and Turtlepath walking together.  I'll be sure to watch her after I visit Jadepaw. 
    But finding the path I was on is tricky, so I have to resort to just running in random directions.  I let my nose do all the work as I make my way through the DeathClan expanse.  Old squirrel trail.  Nope.  Time I saw Robinsong, nope. Ah ha!  Trail about a week old.  Perfect, around the time I found Jadepaw.  I follow the trail slowly and see the clearing where I found Jadepaw.  There she is!
"Jadepaw!  It's me, Scarletpaw!" I yell.  Jadepaw slowly raises her head.
"Shouldn't you be a warrior by now?" she murmurs.  I run over and purr.
"It's so great to see you again!"
"I suppose for me too, runt."
"Oh Jadepaw, Blooddrop's been captured!  And Turtletail loves Bonetail and-" I'm cut short by Jadepaw.
"Relax, kiddo," she says. "I know all about your problems."  Jadepaw jumps in a tree.  I look up to see her gazing around.
"How?"
"You think I'm bound to this little clearing all day?"
I just shrugged.
"Oh boy, girly," Jadepaw says. "You gotta go.  Friends in trouble. Uh, looks like a tortoiseshell... a she cat."
"Turtlepath!" I shout.  "Sorry Jadepaw, I gotta run!"
"I'll be watching you.  I'll know how it turns out, so you don't have to tell me!" Jadepaw replies.
I sprint away back towards the direction Jadepaw was looking.  I see a white pelt, and slow down.  It's Bonetail and Turtlepath.
"Turtlepath, I told you I love you," Bonetail says.
"I know, I love you too," Turtlepath replies with a purr.
"But I'm afraid I have to get rid of you," Bonetail says dryly.
"Whaaa?" Turtlepath's smile turns upside down, and fear enters her eyes.
"You're in the way of my plan.  I've gotten rid of Blooddrop, I'm about to get rid of you, and then all that leaves is the small apprentice so I can get to Wolfstar."  Butterflies enter my stomach.  I'm the small one!
"But... I can work with you!  I'll do anything!" Turtletail pleads.
"Sorry, my love," Bonetail says.  He lunges at Turtletail and locks his jaws in her throat.  Turtletail yowls weakly.
"NOOOOOO!" I scream.  I leap from my hiding spot and lunge at Bonetail and manage to knock him away from Turtlepath.
"You little brat!" Bonetail growls and knocks me aside.
"Scarletpaw! I'm so sorry! Tell Bloodfeather I'm so sorry!" Turtlepath gasps.  Bonetail lunges back to her.  Before I can get back up, I hear a yowl of agony.
"Turtlepath!" I run towards her.  Bonetail steps aside. I put my paw to her chest, but her body is cold.
"Turtlepath! No!" I scream.
"Now, it's your turn," Bonetail says with a smile.
"No! I won't let you!" I grab Turtlepath's body and run.  I hear Bonetail laughing in the distance.  But Turtlepath is too heavy, and I'm forced to let her go.  I run and run, and I don't stop.  I'm going to find Jadepaw to say goodbye and ask for directions to the thunderpath. 

                                                           I'm going to find Blooddrop.

Chapter 43: The Captured Cat

Chapter 43: The Captured Cat

Blooddrop

     In this place Mustard calls the pound, the same thing happens over and over.  The first chance someone opens my cage, I'm making a run for it.  But no one has.  Until today.
     My cage is opened, and a gray she-cat was shoved inside.  Of course I would run, but her scent stops me.  This cat isn't any loner or stray kittypet.  This cat smells of a clan cat.
     When the two-leg walks away, she she-cat turns around.  "Where am I?" she asks.
"You're from a clan!" I shout.  The she-cat is staring at me.
"How do you know?" she asks.
"Your scent!  I'm from a clan too! I'm the DeathClan deputy, Blooddrop!  Wolfstar calls me Bloodfeather!"
The she-cat's eyes widen.
"That's right!" she exclaims. "I've seen you in gatherings before.  Do you know who I am?"
"No, but first off, why are you here?"
"I don't know.  One minute I'm in my camp, the next I'm in a monster, then I'm in this awful place with two-legs putting strange herbs on my wounds, the next I'm here.  The end."
"Welcome to the pound, my dear," Mustard cuts in. The she-cat looks at him like she never noticed him until now.
"Who are you?" she asks.
"Why, I am Mustard, king of the pound.  Been here a long time.  Total expert."
"What's the pound?"
"A place where all stray and feral cats end up to be adopted by two-legs."
"Adopted!? You mean made into kittypets?"
"Well some kittypets want to be adopted.  Just look cute and they'll take you away."
"If you're an expert... then shouldn't you-" The she cat catches on fast. "Never mind," she says.
"Well, what now?" she asks.
"Ya'll can hear the story of my first mouse!  So, my two-legs were playing with me in the garden, when I saw this pretty little mouse.  I reached my paw out to swat at it, but it lept away.  So I used my keen senses to lure the mouse toward me.  And I reached out..."  Mustard rambles on and on.
"So you're from a clan?  Which one?" I whispered to the she cat while Mustard was boring us to death.
"FireClan," The she-cat replies sadly.
"And it turned out, the mouse was just one of those two-leg toys!  Haha!  Oh! That reminds me of the time I ate this good food..." Mustard interrupts.
The she cat and I exchange a glance.
"So, you never told me your name," I say.
"I'm the FireClan medicine cat.  My name is Grayfur.

Chapter 42: Major Changes

Chapter 42: Major Changes

     Grayfur

     Hardly anyone is left in FireClan.  All because of Flamestar's ridiculous rules.  Even if I want to leave, I can't, for as a medicine cat FireClan needed me.  Oh, and, it isn't FireClan anymore.  Flamestar says that FireClan was the old days, and BlazeClan is the new ones.  Although I think abandoning FireClan is ridiculous; I hope those days will be back soon.
     There are four warriors I can name left.  Redvine, Pantherclaw, Scarstorm, and Darkfeather.  But those are the ones I really know.  There's about half and half between ThistleClan and BlazeClan.  Though ThistleClan has the advantages of a good leader. 
     A lot of time has passed since Rosekit and Frostkit vanished.  And in that time, I've recieved an omen.  And this is the time I'm going to share it.
 "Darkfeather?" I called.
 "Yes, Grayfur!" Darkfeather called back.  The black cat scurried over to where I'm standing.  Her gray-blue eyes looked into mine.
 "Darkfeather, follow me,"  I led her deep into the forest.  I couldn't risk anyone overhearing.
 "I've recieved an omen about you, Darkfeather,"  Darkfeather nodded. 
 "I have too, Grayfur," she replied.  "But I'm not sure what I need to do!" 
 "Darkfeather, find Rosekit and Frostkit.  Your destiny lies with them, not me." I felt tears come to my eyes.  Darkfeather had a destiny.  Mine was simply to tell her that.
 "Oh Grayfur!  What will Flamestar say?"
 "I don't know.  You had better go though."  Darkfeather put her tail on my shoulders and purred. 
 "I'll miss you, Grayfur.  May StarClan light your path."  Darkfeather said as she bounded away.
 "And yours too!" I called to her.  She may not have heard, though.  I stared after her for a few seconds, then sighed.  It's time to face Flamestar. 
     As I approach the camp, Flamestar himself approaches me. 
 "Where's Darkfeather?" he askes.
 "She's gone," I manage to choke out.  Flamestar stares at me.  And then, I realize he's staring past me.  Then, I make the mistake of turning around.  The slaming force of a paw knocks me down, and razor sharp claws scrape my flank.  I stare up into the fuming face of Flamestar.
 "Think again before you drive away my warriors!" Flamestar growls at me.  His claws sink deeper into my flank. 
 "Flamestar!  Grayfur's our only medicine cat!  Don't hurt her!" I hear Scarstorm yell.  Oh, Scarstorm.  Wether these wounds are fatal or not, you'rte too late.

Chapter 41: Weed

Chapter 41: Weed

Weed

     I peered out from the tree when the patrol was out of sight.  I could feel the breeze in my honey-colored fur, and my crooked tail swayed too.  I love the clan cats, how they smell, and how they have a place to call home.  They don't know how lucky they are, with friends to share their life with.  I am alone.  A loner, as the clan cats call cats like me.  One day I'm going to talk to those clan cats, maybe even join them.  I'll be their best warrior, the most loyal cat they'll ever see.  I know how to hunt, how to fight, how to treat cats fairly.  Despite my name, Weed.  I'm not sure how I got the name, how it came about.  All I know is that it isn't really me, but I still like it.
    All my life I've wandered around, looking for a place to call home.  I was so desperate at one point I ate kittypet garbage.  But it wasn't as bad as I thought, so it became my daily meal until I met this cat in a forest west of here.  I never knew her name, but she was a pretty cream-colored cat.  Her kindness granted me the knowledge of hunting and fighting.  In return I kept her company.  We were great friends, until one day she left.  But one night she said she had to leave.
    "Weed, I have to go.  It's not your fault," she had said.
    "But why?  Why do you have to go?" I had whined.
    "You'll find out one day, my friend.  My ancestors have introduced me to my destiny.  Just promise me one thing,"
    "What?"
    "Find the clan known as StormClan.  Watch them for me, especially the small gray cat.  Her life depends on you."  
    And then the cat had gone.  But I did as she asked.  I found StormClan, and the pretty gray cat.  I've watched that clan ever since I found them.  But I have always wondered what the cream-colored cat meant by the gray cat being in danger.  Her clan seems to doubt her, but so what?  How can she be in any danger?  And my thinking cost me.  A group of StormClanners caught me in the open.   I was so scared, I ran away.  I blew my chance of talking to them.  But one day I will talk to them.  I just know it.

Part 2: Chapter 40: Welcome to StormClan

Part 2: DarkForest Rising

Act 4

Chapter 40: Welcome to StormClan

                                                                                                                                           Ivystar

     Pawsteps echoed on the stone floor of the new StormClan camp.  The hunters entered from their successful hunt with enough food for the clan.  The cave the dawn patrol had stumbled upon was a miracle: it provided complete shelter, with enough room for large dens so each cat could spread out with a tail length to spare on either side.  And there was a large stone in the middle of the cave on a side, the spot where Ivystar perched as she observed her clan. 

    "It's exciting to have more prey than we usually catch in a moon to feast on," Patchpetal, the elder, said.

    "You bet it is, Patchpetal!  And the new cave is an even better eddition!" 

    "Patchpetal!  Patchpetal!  Tell us a story!" the kits whined from across the cave.  Patchpetal laughed, and a cough followed.

    "I guess I had better be going,"  Patchpetal said.

    "Good luck, Patchpetal," Ivystar called.  It was great to have Patchpetal around to entertain the kits, but a blind cat could see how much the poor cat was aging.  Her whole face had turned gray from growing older, and streaks of gray fur could be seen against her black and white pelt.  Ivystar sighed. 

What will I ever do without Patchpetal?  I need her just as much as the kits do for support.  It was sad having Patchpetal as the only cat left in her clan that had full faith in her.
    "Ivystar!  Ivystar!  The afternoon patrol has spotted a loner near our territory!"
    "What?" Ivystar asked as she turned around to face Dewleaf.
    "It's true!  The cat had honey colored fur!  It didn't seem like much of a threat though, being on enemy territory." Dewleaf explained.  Ivystar nodded.
    "We'll be sure to keep an eye out for the cat.  Thank you for reporting it to me."
    "No problem."
    Ivystar let out a sigh of relief.  Maybe StormClan isn't so hopeless after all.
                                                                               

Part 1 is over!

     Wow.  Part 1 is done.  And over 600 pageviews!  I never expected that!  Thanks to everyone reading!  So anyways, I never expected there to be chapters, acts, and parts really.  In fact, I never expected half the stuff to take place.  In fact, I have to keep updating the background because the main characters keep changing!  Scarletpaw's worked her way into the story, and Ivystar (the main character) hasn't even started her act.  But no worries, StormClan is coming up in part 2!   You've entered FireClan and gotten to know Flamestar, Sharpfang, Grayfur, Ashfeather, Darkfeather (kind of, more of her in part 2), Snowfur, Frostkit and Rosekit.  And you've gotten to know life in the feared DeathClan from the eyes of Bloodfeather and Scarletpaw, and occasionally Wolfstar.  And you've also gotten to know Mapleleaf and Skullstar.  And in the near future you'll get to know StormClan from the eyes of Ivystar and the loner Weed, and check in on Scarletpaw, Bloodfeather, and Rosekit and Frostkit from time to time.  And who knows what else will take place!?  But hey, the story's just beginning!  The plot will finally unfold by the time this part is over, that I can guarantee!

     Happy reading and happy April 2nd!

     -Lusa

Chapter 39: Adventuring Out

Chapter 39: Adventuring Out

     When Scarletpaw was curled up in her nest, she never expected sleep to come.  But in fact, it did.  She awoke in a dark place, and her eyes couldn't quite adjust to the darkness.  But soon she could make out the sleeping shape of a... cat.  And then, dozens more appeared.  All in cages.  But her eyes only settled on one.  Blooddrop.  He's here, safe.  Kind of.  The place stank of twolegs  and dirtplace.  But it was safer then most places, Scarletpaw could feel.
     "Blooddrop?"  Scarletpaw asked.  But Blooddrop didn't seem to notice.  She stuck out her paw to poke him, but her vision zoomed out.  She was up in the sky, looking down at a twoleg nest, with thunder paths and monsters all around it.  Where am I?  Why am I in the sky looking down at such a horrible place?  Oh!  That nest must be where Blooddrop is!  Scarletpaw looked to the west of the twoleg nests.  FireClan territory's just to the west of the nests and that field!  Soon she could see the lake that started the streams that flowed down into the Northern Clans' territory, and by the lake StreamClan territory.  Wow!  I can see the whole forest!  And just as she had come, Scarletpaw left her dream.  She awoke back in DeathClan camp, wide awake.
     The dream was a sign!  I need to head west towards FireClan territory and get to that twoleg place so I can rescue Blooddrop.  He needs me.  
     But reality sunk into Scarletpaw.  All my life my responsibilities have consisted of hunting and feeding the clan, and I've succeeded at that.  And getting praised and impressing Wolfstar, Blooddrop, and Turtlepath was my goal.  But now... now I have to do something brave.  Something where my actions really count.  How can I believe I'm ready for this... to leave camp alone and set out across other Clans' territories into the unknown world?  
     No. No, I won't think of the dangers.  I'm doing it for my friend; I'll risk my life for Blooddrop.  And if I want to get out of DeathClan territory by sunrise, I'd better go now.
     Slowly, Scarletpaw crept from the spot in the apprentice den.  Thump, thump.  She looked at her tail.  A twig was stuck to it.  Quickly and silently Scarletpaw removed the twig from her fur and snuck out of the den, tail between legs.  She crept besides the warriors den towards the closest exit to camp.  But as she was about to enter the forest, a bright shadow loomed over her.
     "And just what do you think you're doing?"  Bonetail whisper-growled.
"Uh... going to dirtplace?" Scarletpaw replied nervously.   Great.  
"Oh, dirtplace.  I should've known,"  Bonetail said.  Phew.  "But don't you find it odd that dirtplace happens to be to the east of camp?"
"Oh, uh... I'm tired tonight.  Now if you'll excuse me I need to go, bad."
"Go back to bed, Scarletpaw.  And I mean it." There was a huge tone of harshness in his words.  Scarletpaw gulped and sulk back to her den.  Bonetail is on my trail, big time.  But who is he really, and what does he want with Wolfstar and Turtlepath, or does he even want them at all?  I have to watch them closely as well, I suppose.  Especially Turtlepath.  But what then?  I'll probibly not be able to leave camp by myself again with Bonetail watching me all the time.  But when it really matters... how will I get out?

                   End of Part 1

Chapter 38: The New Deputy

Chapter 38: The New Deputy

     Turtlepath couldn't believe her ears when Wolfstar said she would be the new deputy.  But Blooddrop isn't hear to share it.  And if he was, there wouldn't be a need for a new deputy anyways!  Oh well.  I did like him... but life must go on.  Turtlepath padded up to the high tree and jumped on the lowest branch.
      "Turtlepath, do you promise to obey the warrior code, and guide your clan and me through all our hardships, even at the cost of your life?"  Wolfstar asked.
      "I do,"  Turtlepath replied.
      "Then with the powers of StarClan, I announce you as deputy.  May StarClan light your path."
      "Turtlepath!  Turtlepath!"  The clan cheered.
      Turtlepath jumped off the branch and approached Scarletpaw.  She was the only friend left.  "You weren't cheering!"  Turtlepath accused the apprentice.
      "I'm scared for you, Turtlepath,"  Scarletpaw replied.
      "Scared?  Why?"
      "It's your position.  There's a cat in the clan that would kill you for it."
      "Kill me!?"  Kill me?  But who would want to do that?  Scarletpaw just nodded.  "Just... watch your back,"  Scarletpaw replied, then walked away to join a hunting patrol.
      Turtlepath watched her walk away, and started to walk toward her to join the patrol when a voice stopped her.
     "Can we go for a walk, real fast?"  Bonetail asked.
     "Sure,"  Turtlepath replied.  She followed Bonetail through the woods, to the stream that fed DeathClan water.  The rushing waters were cool and fresh, and sometimes Turtlepath, Scarletpaw, and Blooddrop would come down to hunt fish, only to end up falling in the water.
     "Turtlepath, I've been thinking..."  Bonetail began.
     "Yes?"  Turtlepath interupted.
     "Want to be my mate?" Bonetail asked.
     "What!?  No!"  Turtlepath stared at the white cat.  He just came to the clan less then a moon ago!  Bonetail's gaze hardened.  "Are you sure about that?"  he asked.
     "Yes, I am sure," Turtlepath growled.  For a moment Turtlepath swore Bonetail looked surprised, but if she was right, the expression faded away.
     "Very well then,"  Bonetail said as he slowly walked away.  When he was out of sight, Turtlepath heard the bushes rustle.  She whipped around to see Scarletpaw.
     "Why are you following me?"  Turtlepath asked Scarletpaw.
     "See!  Bonetail's after you!  You can't trust him!"
     "What?  That's ridiculous, Scarletpaw!  Just for that, I'll go tell Bonetail yes!"
     "Turtlepath!  Wait!  No!!!!!!"  But Scarletpaw's voice faded away as Turtlepath ran through the forest towards the forest Bonetail had run through.  Soon the saw his white pelt against the jade green leaves.
     "Bonetail, I changed my mind.  I'll be your mate."  Bonetail's ears perked.
     "Really?" he asked.
     "Yes!"
     "Awesome, Turtlepath!  I'm so glad you changed your mind."

End of Chapter 37