It been two days since the badger attack and Nightpaw has never felt so tired. He been working twice as hard to prove to others that he is here to stay. Badgerfang told him that he is making good progress and soon he might have a warrior assessment. Before going into the den, he look around to see if Gingerpaw want to eat with him. He saw that most of the injured warriors was getting better. Runningnose had Littlepaw help him with checking injuries, telling him which needs a new dressing on their wounds. Littlepaw didn't seem to mind since Runningnose is the only medicine cat and he can't handle it all on his own. Nightpaw can tell Clawface wasn't exactly happy but knew it was necessary. Brownpaw and Blackfoot was the only ones who couldn't be put on light duties.
Yellowfang is often in Brokenstar's den as he is healing and Runningnose did say family visits often helps patients emotional and mental needs. He couldn't see Gingerpaw around so he just grab a mouse and sat alone since the others was out.
"Hey. Mind if I eat with you?" A voice asks as he felt the meat in his mouth turn dry. What does Swampcloud want with him? He flick an ear before nodding. Swampcloud had a lizard as he sat down to tear the tail off. He noticed the emotion in Swampcloud's dark green eyes, knowing he wasn't here just to enjoy a meal.
"Listen. Just want to say I'm sorry for doubting your determination. See that you barely rest, helping without complaints. Even doing tick duty." He look up from his meal and Nightpaw was surprise at the intense emotions he can see in his eyes. "I'm proud to have a clanmate like you."
"T..thank you Swampcloud. I promise to continue doing my best. This clan is like a family to me now." Nightpaw smile as they continue eating their meals together. Afterwards, it felt like a huge weight lift from his shoulders. Swampcloud gave him a friendly flick with his tail before leaving to talk with his sister.
He gave a small stretch before heading to Brokenstar's den to see if there was anything else he can do before going to sleep. His ears twitch as he heard Hopeheart meow, not surprise that she was there as well. He hesitated, not wanting to intrude on him when Brokenstar voice call him in.
"I can scent you lingering out there Nightpaw. Come in." Brokenstar meow is joyful, letting him know he caught him in a good mood.
"I was wondering if I can do anything-" His words stop as he took in the scene before him. Hopeheart and Wishflame was laying close to him, with Yellowfang washing his back. Brokenstar tail was swishing on the ground slowly.
"Mothers is going to be mothers." Even though I'm leader. What I want you to do is rest. I see how hard you been working and I don't want you to get sick from exhaustion. Besides there is a gathering tomorrow night. Tell Blackfoot to come in so he can announce who is going." Brokenstar mew with an eye roll.
"Yes Brokenstar." He quickly left as it made him uncomfortable seeing such a close bond. He quickly went to Blackfoot who was talking to Scorchwind. After passing the message, he went to the den to fall asleep. He was nearly there when the other apprentices rush in, bragging about the prey they caught. Mousepaw went up to Littlepaw after dropping the mice she caught.
"Hey Littlepaw. Wondering if you want to eat once you are done?" She asks with a shy smile.
"I be happy to. Let me finish bringing these herbs to Runningnose." He replied as he hurry to the medicine den.
Gingerpaw put down her two birds, saying that catching them is like getting revenge against the owl. Turtlepaw purr softly, knowing how important this is for her. Gullpaw just nods as she went into the medicine den to visit Brownpaw. Nightpaw turn to get into his nest when Blackfoot did the clan call. Is he ever going to get to sleep? He wonders as he pads towards the clan rock.
"Brokenstar gave me the list for the gathering patrol. Clawface, Yellowfang, Russetfur, Tallpoppy, Cinderfur, Crowtail, Archeye, Littlepaw, Gingerpaw and Nightpaw will be going. Go rest and be prepared for tomorrow night. That is all." Blackfoot said in a gruff voice. The clan can see that Blackfoot still need to rest so they move away as he went into his nest in the warrior's den. Finally he can go sleep. He quickly left before he can be interrupt any farther, purring as he laid in his nest. He quickly fell asleep, not even hearing the talking outside.
He woke up after many hours, jumping up quickly when he realize how long he slept.
"What is wrong with you?" Wetpaw grumble as he felt Nightpaw's tail whisk on him. He turn his back and wrap his tail tightly around him.
"Sorry." Nightpaw murmur before leaving the den. He saw it is night as he begin to wash.
"Did you get a good rest?" Badgerfang pad towards him, looking concern.
"Yes but sorry for sleeping so late. Didn't mean to." He look at him before staring at his paws.
"Don't be, you really needed it. You really need to learn how to relax. You been working your paws off since the attack. Do you want to talk about it?"
Talk about what? What can he say? That he felt lazy whenever he is not doing anything. That he worries about getting close to the others. That he might mess up and get Turtlepaw angry at him? Also why he cares so much about what she thinks and what if Gullpaw was right? He didn't even know these was his worries that he bury like one bury dirt.
"I'm fine, really. May I go out for some night hunting? I'm refresh and ready to sink my claws into prey." He stares into Badgerfang eyes, hoping he won't pried farther.
"Sure go ahead. Just keep a lookout for Gingerpaw. She been working on her fear as you know." Badgerfang left to go to the warrior's den.
He quickly ran out the thorn tunnel. The camp seem cramp as he felt the wind in his fur. A cold breeze is blowing, telling him that leafbare was ever closer. She was out here, despite the cold? Nightpaw walk towards the place where he killed the owl, ducking as he heard Gingerpaw meow. He knew his pelt would hide him in the dark as he crept closer to hear what she was saying.
"For moons you took away what I'm supposed to be. Shadowclan isn't supposed to be scared of the dark. But now I'm a true Shadowclan cat. I beat my fear!" Gingerpaw is yowling into the sky.
He noticed that she is standing on the spot where she got her injuries. He purr softly to himself as he try to leave but he step on a stick, the snap sounding loud in the night.
"Who's there?" Gingerpaw quickly turn around, her claws unsheathe as she peer into the darkness.
"It just me." He step out, the moonlight making his fur glow. "Didn't mean to intrude." He went to sit next to her.
"Oh. Hmm how much did you hear?" she asks as she licks her chest in embarrassment.
"Enough to know that this been hurting you more than you shown." His whiskers twitch as he looks up at the stars. What do the cats see when they look at them? Sure he been here for two moons but still can't see anything but stars. He fluff up his fur to brace against the cold wind.
"I'm sorry. I should have been watching the sky. It...I should have saw it coming." The words tumble out of his mouth before he can stop them. He knew she must have hated him since he got out of it without any injuries. She was just too nice to say anything.
"Oh Nightpaw. I don't blame you. I blame that dirt eating owl. It not like you saw a future vision or something like that. Owls are always a risk during night hunting. I'm still alive because of you and the others." Gingerpaw put her nose on his ear as she got up to leave. "I let it go. You need to do the same."
"Letting go? Sounds easier than it is. But I will try." He force a smile before heading towards the marsh. He found a small meadow near the marsh and claim it as his thinking spot. The sun will often shine down right on it. He look around when he reach it, making sue no badger or fox came this way. After making sure it was clear, he went to the log that was right in the middle, sitting on it as he look up at the stars. After a few moments, he sigh. Deciding to head back to camp, his ear twitch as he heard a small mouse scurrying around. Remembering his training, he could see the mouse with the moon shining. Unlike during the day, there are more sounds that cover his own pawsteps. Now he need to use the shadow steps and pounce when he is close enough.
After killing the mouse, he went back to camp. Hearing a noise, he froze in place. A whisper sounded nearby and he recognize Scorchwind voice. What was he doing out here? He kept still as both him and Darkflower ran towards the Thunderpath. Their fur brush against each other as they ran. They didn't glance behind them either. He shook himself before continuing to the camp. He nod at Cinderfur as he was guarding the thorn tunnel.
"Out late huh? Been working on your night hunting I see. You may not be born here but you are a Shadowclan cat in my eyes." He purr as Nightpaw tail curl up.
He put the mouse on the prey pile as he went to the apprentice den. He slowly went to his nest, being careful of his tail this time. He noticed that Gingerpaw is fast asleep with Mousepaw as close to her as possible. He fell asleep peacefully and without nightmares.
After waking up the next day, he went to the prey pile and got his mouse he caught last night. He watch the elders wake up, beginning to groom themselves. He begin to deliver their favorite prey to them before digging into his own. They purr gratefully as he did so. He love watching the camp wake up, noticing that despite his injuries, Blackfoot was the first up. He saw him head to the dirt place after stretching. Nightpaw grin to himself as he saw Tallpoppy wake up next. It was no secret that she and Blackfoot has become close so it wasn't a surprise to that she was the second to wake. It must be cold without her mate. He can only hope his mentor will get together with his crush. The whole camp was abuzz when they had the fighting tournament and he nearly won against Hopeheart.
He didn't join as he knew he didn't have the skills against the warriors or older apprentices. He did enjoy watching the fights and his favorite one is Brokenstar against Scorchwind. Brokenstar won of course and he can't wait to join the next one. He left to bury the bones in the dirt place, coming back to groom as he watch Blackfoot greet Tallpoppy.
"Watching the future of you and Turtlepaw?" He froze as Gullpaw walk out. His tongue was still out as he glare at her.
"What part of just friends don't you get? Besides aren't we too young to think about stuff like that? I want to be a warrior first. What about you and your crush on Littlepaw? I see the way you look at him." He finish grooming, knowing he caught her off guard.
"Since you both are up so early, you both can join me on border patrol." Tallpoppy look over at them.
He hope they wasn't loud enough to be overheard. He watch Gullpaw yawn as Tallpoppy went to wake up the others on the patrol.
"Okay let call a truce. I stop teasing you and you don't reveal my crush." Nightpaw gave a nod as Gullpaw sigh in relief.
"I'm not unreasonable." He flick his ear as the others came towards them.
"What are you two talking about?" Cinderfur asks as he walk up.
"Nothing." Gullpaw and Nightpaw said at the same time. Cinderfur shrug as he left to eat. Nightpaw wait while the others finish eating and follow Tallpoppy. Nothing interesting happens during the morning patrol as it way too early. He thought as he saw Tallpoppy talking to Cinderfur. The others are Volewhisper and Flintfang.
"So are you excited about the gathering tonight? You get to finally meet the other clans without threat of fighting. This is your first too." Volewhisper slow down in order to walk by his side.
"I want to know more about Riverclan. They seem mysterious because we never see them. I saw Thunderclan and Windclan. But cats that like water? Do they sleep in the river? What do they do when the river freezes? Do they just strave because they never hunt on land? What do they sleep on? Mud? Stones?" Nightpaw questions came out fasdt which surprises everyone on the patrol. He stops after seeing everyone staring at him.
"That the most I ever heard you say." Volewhisper said as the others whiskers twitch in amusement. They continue walking towards the Windclan border.
"I met some Riverclan cats last gathering. They are very stuck up. Thinking they so good looking just cuz their pelts are shiny. Some of them are cool though. Maybe Shellstream will be there. Last gathering, it was announced that Greenflower is in the nursery and he look so proud so I congrat him. He is the father and not as serious as he looks. Can we please agree that Rainfall is a very pretty molly. She is shellstream's sister."
"Again with Rainfall. Volewhisper, you had a crush on her ever since you first met her as a paw." Flintfang groan as he slow down to walk on Nightpaw other side.
"True but you have to admit that she does look like Bluestar. Seems someone broke the code but everyone pretends like they don't see it." Seeing Nightpaw confused look, he quickly explains.
"One of the code is not to have relations with cats outside our clan right." he wait for Nightpaw to agreed. "Bluestar is the leader of Thunderclan. So you explain to me why do Rainfall look so much like a younger version of Bluestar? Rainfall says that her mother is Greypool but come on. Seems that a lie because they are both grey fur cats. Her father is Oakheart, the previous deputy. Rainfall might not know but it is obvious to us. We aren't stupid." Volewhisper gave a wink as if he was letting Nightpaw in on a secret.
"Do warriors break that code a lot?" Gullpaw asks as she look at them both. She was walking a bit behind them all.
"If we didn't break it, there be family mating with family and that isn't right. Sometimes it is obvious like with Rainfall and and Bluestar while other times it isn't so clear. You remember the elders talking about Reedfeather and Fallowtail?" He look at Flintfang who nodded.
"That must have been huge back in the day. Reedfeather was a Windclan deputy before Tallstar time. I remember Ashfur talking about it when he was night hunting. He snuck over there as a paw when he swore he saw Hailstar with kits and Reedfeather was chasing him. Anyway there been rumors that Darkstripe isn't fully Thunderclan. Same with Sandpaw. Even Tigerclaw which is why he is much bigger than the other Thunderclan cats. After all it not like you can control who you fall in love with." Volewhisper became quiet as they walk near the Windclan border.
Nightpaw eyes widen as he chew over what he just learnt. He know how important the code is but can the code itself be flawed? Volewhisper would be right when he talks about the relations outside of their clan but what about the others? Some of them don't make sense like the reject the kittypet life one. Why was that a rule? He shook his head to focus as he watch Tallpoppy mark the border.
"Am I the only one noticing how quiet it is?" Gullpaw spoke up after a few minutes.
"Gullpaw is right. Windclan would be awake and running around by now. What do you think we should do, Tallpoppy?" Flintfang stare across the border, kneading as if he wants to see what happened.
"We should take a peek. Just have to make sure we don't get caught. You both have been trained in shadow steps so remember your training." Tallpoppy whisper as she walk over the border. The thunderpath was usually quiet this early in the morning. Nightpaw still couldn't believe how long this one Thunderpath was.
Nightpaw and Gullpaw both nodded as they walk behind the warriors in a straight line. This way it looks like only Tallpoppy is there and not a whole patrol. This is a Shadowclan patrol formation that tricks enemies. Tallpoppy lead the way across the Thunderpath and soon they was on the moors. Nightpaw already didn't like it. The grass is high enough to cover any cats walking and he hate how dry it felt against his pelt. They walk along a well trodden path to the camp, keeping their senses alert for any Windclan cats.
"Something must have happened as we haven't seen anyone and we are getting close to the camp. Usually there be a cat watching and alerting the camp before we get this far." Cinderfur mutters as they walk.
"How can Windclan stand this ground? So dry and the grass itches my fur. No wonder the cats are always angry. I be angry too when it gets hot and my paws are burning." Gullpaw groans as Nightpaw glances back at her with sympathy.
As they climb the hill, they stop at the wall of gorse that protected the camp. Tallpoppy walk around until she saw a heather tunnel that leads down into it, and stop as she let out a gasp. She move enough for the others to see what she saw. The clan is gone. There was remains of prey and the clearing look like there was a battle that happened.
"What happened? There are no bodies so I'm guessing the clan left together. We need to report this right away." Flintfang said with his tail bushing out in alarm. They all hurry back to camp, only slowing down for Volewhisper. Tallpoppy and Flintfang ran ahead while Cinderfur, Nightpaw and Gullpaw wait for Volewhisper to catch up.
They walk into camp together as they saw them explaining what they saw to Blackfoot.
"The whole clan. Brokenstar will know about this as soon as he wakes up. For now go rest as I send out the patrols. Nightpaw, Gullpaw I want you two to wake up Littlepaw and Wetpaw as they are on the first hunting patrol." Blackfoot went to wake up their mentors as Volewhisper sat down to catch his breath.
After doing what Blackfoot said, they both went to take care of the elders. As Nightpaw clean the moss, he asks Ashfur about what Volewhisper told him.
"Ah yes. So I was an apprentice back then so I don't know all the details. I was doing my final warrior assessment and saw Hailstar holding two kits with Reedfeather chasing him with a patrol. I did complete my assessment because everyone else was watching the direction at where they ran to, not the other directions. Windclan do have great sight during the day but they don't have good sight like we do at night." He gave a yawn as Nightpaw finished.
"Thanks. Never knew there was so much history." He left them as Gullpaw had mouse bile for their ticks. His nose winkled at the smell and quickly move out of the way so he won't get any of it on him.
He watch Brokenstar leave his den as Blackfoot murmur to him about the morning. His eyes widen at how small his wound had become and saw how easily Brokenstar move about. His wound now was like a scratch and was barely different from the other scratches on his pelt. Is this evidence that Starclan is real? How else could a huge life threating wound be so mall so fast? He remember hearing that leaders were blessed by Starclan to have longer lives but does it even mean that their wounds heal faster? He glance at Blackfoot and saw that his wound look normal. It was healing but much slower than Brokenstar wound. Shaking these thoughts from his head, he went to visit Brownpaw. He was still in the medicine den, with Runningnose looking after him.
He padded slowly to the entrance, poking his head in, hoping he was awake.
"Nightpaw! Finally something is happening. You won't believe how boring it is here." Brownpaw eyes glitter as he quickly sat up in the nest.
"Boring? Could be a little grateful squirt. Come on in and tell us what is going on out there. That a lot of movement for the morning." Runningnose was making poultices and smearing it on the many wounds on Brownpaw pelt. He also gather some herbs, telling Brownpaw to eat them, putting his ear to Brownpaw chest as he does so. Brownpaw sat still, like he is used to this by now. He begin sniffing at the many cuts, making sure no infection has set in.
Nightpaw came in and sat down, wrapping his tail around his paws as he explains everything that happened. His ears flick uncomfortably as he wasn't used to having anyone attention for a long time.
"The whole clan is gone?! Even the kits and queens? Did you check the dens? When it is raining, I heard from Barkface that they sleep in old badger dens. Or was it rabbits? Barkface is the Windclan medicine cat." Runningnose softly said as Nightpaw finished.
"There was no time to check. We rush back to tell Blackfoot the news." He replied with a flick of his ear.
"May all those who hunt in the shadows gather here beneath the clanrock for a clan meeting!" Brokenstar voice rang out and Nightpaw quickly ran out to get a spot at the front. Brownpaw try to go but Runningnose push him back in his nest.
"I will tell you everything if you be good and stay there." He said as he left to sit in front of the medicine den. Brownpaw gave a frustrated snort before settling back down.
Blackfoot was in his spot, besides the clanrock, looking stern as the clan gathered beneath. Nightpaw look around and saw two queens with one grey kit near one directly below the clanrock. That when he smelt the scent of Windclan on them, and Littlepaw patrol was back. That was too fast. Seems they were found on Shadowclan territory and escorted back to camp. That makes sense, he thought as he felt Wetpaw sitting besides him. His ear swivel as he heard pawsteps at the tunnel, he look and saw the others who was out on patrol. Scorchwind, Turtlepaw, and Mossclaw quickly found spots as they saw the clan had gathered, dropping their catch on the pile.
"As you can see we have guests. This is Ashfoot, Morningflower and Eaglekit of Windclan. They was spotted by Clawface patrol near Carrionplace. They said that they escaped the attack yet didn't explain how. They are asking to stay until Morningflower kits are born and is strong enough to travel back to Windclan. Go ahead and tell my clan who exactly attacked you." Brokenstar sat down, looking down at them, his claws scaping the moss that was on the rock.
The gray queen with the kit stood up, and Nightpaw can see anxiety in her eyes, yet her voice sounded strong as she spoke. Being a queen didn't weaken the resolve these warriors had.
"The attack happened three nights ago. We don't know who they were but I heard shouts of Snipe as the attack happened. Tallstar and the rest of my clan fought bravely but there was way too many of them, and they aimed to kill so guessing these were rogues. The fight lasted long into the night before Tallstar call a retreat. Morningflower and I was separated from the clan as they ran in one direction while we ran towards the border. A white molly saw us but didn't give chase and I saw her murmur to a yellow brown tabby tom. He glance and went back into our camp. What surprised us is that they smelt like Shadowclan. But none of the cats are ones I recognize and some even had spiked collars. I carry my son and hid near the carrionplace, hoping the smell will cover our escape. I ask for shelter as Morningflower is very close to kitting and we need a medicine cat to watch over her." Ashfoot glance up at Brokenstar, Eaglekit mewing for milk.
"Why not go to Thunderclan? They are more soft hearted than us." Tangleburr mew as she glare at the Windclan cats.
"Thunderclan? Don't you remember the story of the last time they thought Windclan was weak? Pinestar led an attack on the medicine den, hoping to destroy their supplies, right when Leaf bare started. Heard Bluestar's mother died in that attack. Rightly so but still, Thunderclan is not to be trusted." Wishflame said with a growl.
"How do you know that? That is Windclan history. Not yours." Morningflower hissed.
"My dear, there is no shadows where Shadowclan is concerned. Anyway you may stay until Windclan is back. Runningnose will look over the both of you when you are settled in our nursery. Brightflower will take care of you as she is our oldest and most experienced queen. The gathering is tonight and I want double patrols while we are there. No doubt these rogues know our routines and might strike when we are least expecting it. Boulder, I want to talk to you and Russetfur in my den. Meeting dismissed!" Brokenstar was about to jump down when Ashfoot interrupt him.
"May I please ask that no one tells anyone that we are here? We don't want to risk the safety of our kits." She reach down to lick Eaglekit between the ears, stopping his mewing for the moment.
Brokenstar gave a nod as the clan gather in small groups to talk about what just happened. Brightflower led the queens to the nursery, helping them settle in. Nightpaw swivel his ears, catching small snippets of conversations.
"So does this mean we can hunt on their land? No one is there and it be a waste." Applefur was murmuring to Ratscar and Stumpytail.
"Are these the same rogues that Badgerfang patrol ran into that one day? With Nightpaw's brother?" Dawncloud asks Mossclaw as he was cleaning his ear thoughtfully.
Nightpaw felt his heart tightened as he quickly went to the apprentice den so not to hear the answer. These rogues chased an entire clan out? Is his brother safe? What about the other clans? Does this mean Shadowclan have to shelter all of them as Bloodclan strike them down?! His fur was fluff out and it seem he couldn't get enough air. He bump into Badgerfang, who stop as he look over Nightpaw state.
"calm down. Take deep breaths. Relax. Close your eyes. Remember what Runningnose said. Count to ten. You are safe." Badgerfang voice grounded Nightpaw so he can focus. He isn't in danger. He can protect himself.
Runningnose call them panic attacks and it takes a while before he can calm down from them. Badgerfang wait patiently, knowing Nightpaw hate being touched during these attacks. He wish he can claw the ones who gave them to his apprentice but it was Twolegs. There nothing he can do but shield others from seeing him in that state. With his fluffy body, that exactly what he was doing.
"Don't you dare say sorry Nightpaw. These are troubling times and everyone feels like you do. Go rest for tonight." Badgerfang voice was stern but he gave him a nudge towards his nest, his eyes showing understanding as he curl up, slicking down his fur before closing his eyes.
No matter what happens, Shadowclan will survive. Brokenstar will see to it.