hot take: if u are struggling with YOUR mental health in a relationship and it has nothing to do with your partner, you shouldnt be the one to break things off and the reason being “im scared of hurting you.”
hello!!! chapter 9! i like this one i think its pretty big. im sorry if the plot is slow or theres plot holes. reminder that constructive criticism is appreciated!!!
anyways here we go!
Chapter 9
-
It was twilight. The sky slowly grew a navy tone, outlining the silhouettes of the 6 cats heading to Sprucepoint. At the helm was Blackice. Trailing behind was Falconpaw, Gritfog, Firgreen and Hawkpaw.
The usually chatty apprentices were quiet. Each cats mind weighed heavy. The older cats mostly because they were planning the days warrior assesment, but the younger cats were plauged by the thought of their mother.
Thornflow had awoken. Somehow. But her mind was foggy and her wound had re-opened and infected. Coalpaw- or rather Coalshade now, told them and their father that she was worsening. Dirtyroot had been too distracted though, with the birth of Owlsnouts kits that she hadn’t been attending to Thornflow.
Eaglesjaw has muttered about it for days, he called Coalshade fluff-brained and said that he couldn’t know what would happen to Thornflow, and he knew better.
‘Obviously he’s the fluff-brain…’ Falconpaw scoffed inwardly, ‘Who doesn’t take a medicine cat to his word? Eaglesjaw doesn’t know the first thing about medicine.’
Falconpaw was brooding about the whole thing and wasn’t looking ahead. She snapped to attention though when Blackice announced they had arrived.
They climbed up onto Sprucepoint, and from there they could see the sliver of pink and orange in the distance. Falconpaw was amazed. What a beautiful sight. The familiar pine trees were dark and snow topped, a small clearing marked the camp, and the obviously larger pine tree stood out from the others. Then the trees abruptly cut off and sand and dust marked the way. The distant black canyons indicated Duneclans camp, bathed in rising sunshine.
The cats watched until just the top to the Cloudtree caught the sun. “It’s light enough now.” Blackice announced.
“I wont make it a huge deal but,” Firgreen began, “Pineclan needs warriors. We understand your training has been rushed, so we took out the hunting part of your assessment, as well as the reciting of the warrior code. You will only be tested on your battle skills today.”
Gritfog stood, “Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw will fight first. The winner will fight Falconpaw.”
Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw excitedly looked at each other. The began jibbing at each other and making mock threats. Again a wave of loneliness washed over Falconpaw. But she brushed it off.
They began to fight, and fight, and Falconpaw began tk doze off…
Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw were stuck in a draw. They were both the same size and had usually trained together anyways, so Gritfog had them separated.
“You’ll both attack Falconpaw then.”
Kestralpaw looked confused, “Surely that isn’t fair-“
“Just go on.”
Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw shared a glance, and shrugged, then turned to Falconpaw and began to back her up. Falconpaw’s hackles raised, she slowly retreated. Her littermates were backing her along the cliff, closing her out and backing her to the edge of the point.
Her littrmate’s eyes were hostile, they wanted to pass, and they knew they would have to work together for it.
‘Would they betray me for their warrior names?’ The though flashed through Falconpaw’s mind like lightning. ‘No… I know theyre close but… surely…?’
Kestralpaw lashed out a paw, Falconpaw blocked it with her own paw. A bit of fur caught on his claws. They continued to approach.
Falconpaw soon looked back, she was at the edge, dirt fell from the small cliff behind her. She didn’t know what to do. She curled her tail to her flank, her ears pushed back.
She could see Blackice’s gaze over Hawkpaw’s back. He looked concerned and confused. He walked and paced trying to get a better look.
Suddenly Falconpaw felt dull pain in hef chest, and she felt herself fall, hit hard wet dirt, and tumble down the cliff.
She opened her eyes to see blue sky above her. A star twinkled slightly up ahead, but Blackice’s broad face covered it.
“Are you alright?” He nudged her with his nose roughly.
“Fine…” Falconpaw felt dizzy. “…I think I fell…”
Blackice signed in relief, “Yeah. Down Spurcepoint. At the wrong angle you could’ve broken your neck.”
Falconpaw felt thundering paws, and soon she felt Hawkpaw and Kestralpaw helping her up.
“Falconpaw were sorry!” Hawkpaw rushed into view once she was leaned on Kestralpaw, “We didn’t mean to push you so hard, we thought-“
“Enough.” Firgreen hissed, “She’s fine isn’t she? Well she failed hed assesment that’s for sure.”
Gritfog nodded, “Shame…”
Blackice turned on the other toms, “What are you fools on about?”
Firgreen scoffed, “If this were a real battle-“
“It’s not a real battle.” Blackice growled, “They’re her littlemates. And it wasn’t even a fair fight.”
Firgreen looked away, indignation lit his eyes but he didn’t want to pick a fight with a senior warrior. Gritfog’s ears layed back though.
“She failed though. Sometimes the fight isn’t fair, thats life! But we all know she’d hesitate like that in a real battle.” He turned to Falconpaw, “We ALL saw you staring at that Duneclan apprentice in the battle. You hesitated, you’re weak.”
Falconpaw suddenly stood up. Her dull ache gone. ‘They saw that? Please Starclan, let them know everything…’
“Shut your mouth!” Blackice snarled at Gritfog, “Remember who you’re speaking too. You are speaking like that to a young clanmate. Not some rouge! Treat them with respect.”
Falconpaw tucked her tail between her legs… she was honoured to have such a senior warrior defend her. And she felt flattered he’d protect her honour valiantly. But she could feel her littermates curious gazes on her.
Gritfog dipped his head, “Im sorry Falconpaw…”
“Go back to camp. Your apprentices have passed. I will continue Falconpaw’s assesment privately.”
Her mentor turned his back, and Hawkpaw brushed against Falconpaw as the headed towards camp. Falconpaw caught her eye, and she mouthed ‘Sorry again.’
Blackice waited until they were out of earshot. The white long fur on his muzzle blew in the cool morning breeze. Falconpaw shivered.
“You passed.” He said simply sitting down.
Falconpaw almost laughed, “No I didn’t…”
“You did.” His gaze was intense. “It’s not about fighting.”
“What isnt?”
“Being a warrior.” He looked to the sky. “You took the fall for your clanmates even after they had turned against you. Im proud. It’s not often I feel inspired like that. Maybe even subconsciously, you valued their passing over yours. Their safety and success.”
“Okay… so now what?” Falconpaw tilted her head.
Blackice sniffed, “Lets just wait around a bit. Make them seem like we’re fighting.”
They settled into the cold ground. Blackice closed his eyes and dozed off. Falconpaw stared up at Sprucepoint. They waited until the sun was above. Without even having to open an eye, Blackice stood. “It’s time.”
The two picked their way through the leaves. Blackice let himself brush roughly past bushes. His pelt became leafy and tufty. Realizing what he was doing Falconpaw did the same.
They arrived at the east entrance. Blackice let her go first, she followed suit.
“They’re back!” Eaglesjaw jogged up, “How’d she do? I heard what happened…”
Whispers broke out from the clan, “It must’ve been some fight…” “What happened at Sprucepoint?” “Did she pass?”
Blackice turned to face the clan, “Falconpaw has passed her assessment with perfect marks. You might’ve heard that there was a situation at Sprucepoint, but it was dealt with and Falconpaw suffered no major injuries.”
“Perfect.” Birchstar came up from behind her, “Lets start their ceremony.”
Falconpaw quickly neatened herself, and went towards her three siblings, who were crowded around Eaglesjaw. He was beaming with pride.
“You all look amazing… I hope you all get great and strong names. Real warrior names, not those pissy new ones…”
“What about Thornflow?” Kestralpaw pushed past his father to peer into the medicine den.
“I’ll bring her out.” Eaglesjaw stood
Hawkpaw stood too, “Can she stand?”
“Maybe…” The three walked into the den, leaving Falconpaw outside on her own. She shivered.
She turned to her clan, and sat lonesomely at the foot of the stump. She felt people gather around, eventually her siblings came and sat beside her. Falconpaw felt as if she was in a trance.
“All cats old enough… 3 fine apprentices, Hawkpaw you will now be known as… Kestralwing… And finally… Falconpaw from this day forward, you will be known as Falconflight.”
Falconflight looked up. Already? Her clanmates began cheering the names. “Kestralwing! Hawkfeather! Falconflight!”
Her eyes raised, and met that of her clanmates.
‘Faclonflight…’ she repeated the name in her mind, getting used to it and memorizing it.
Her minds gears began working immediately. Gone were the days of waking up early to train with Blackice. Now she would just have to wake up early for border patrols.
Falconflight turned back as the chants died down. She felt a little numb. The rest of the day went by quickly. There was no feast or gean celebration. Just a quiet evening with the clan all together.
Falconflight was posted at her entrence just as the sun set. The clan went quiet and the chatter died, leaving only her and her thoughts. Hawkfeather and Kestralwing were at the other side of camp, leaving Falconflight on her own.
She was tired. And she thought the vigil to be pointless. ‘What am I even supposed to reflect on? It’s not like I can remember much. Starclan, why am I being so edgy.’
She tried to sit alert for the most part. Not allowing her quickly squinting eyes to fully close. Her blue eyes reflected the starlight. It was a strangely clear night. Too calm.
Something stirred in Falconflight when the moon was high above. Her heart was tugging her. Tugging her westward. She pushed the feeling down, trying to stand a little straighter.
She heard footsteps behind her. She turned. Dirtyroot was trotting up to her. She sat beside Falconflight. For the first time Falconflight realised she was taller than the medicine cat.
“Long night ahead.” She began, looking up, “Not a cloud in the sky.”
Falconflight followed her gaze. She nodded.
“Too calm… almost like there’s a buzz in the air.” Dirtyroots gaze then swung behind them to the highcamp.
Falconflight nodded again, unsure what was weirdly going on. She felt her paw pads start to madly itch. Itching for the unfamiliar dirt underpaw. She tried rubbing it agaisnt the earth, but the softened path of the camp entrence wasn’t of much use.
“Your heart is longing isn’t it?” Dirtyroots gaze finally landed on Falconflight. Calm and soft as it had always been.
The medicine cat leaned up to whisper in Falconflight’s ear, Falconflight leaned down, “You can talk, I wont snitch.”
Falconflight smiled, “It’s against the code.”
“It wouldn’t be your first time.”
Falconflight raised a brow, “What do you mean?”
“Well,” Dirtyroot’s face turned slightly serious, “I’ve seen you. Night after night, heading out of camp.”
Falconflight’s blood turned cold and she froze in fear. Dirtyroot waved her tail quickly, “I didn’t tell. Of course not. But I know the feeling.”
Falconflight rolled her eyes, “Not to be rude but, I’m not sure you do.”
Dirtyroot looked sternly into Falconflight’s blue eyes, “Every cat loves.”
“I guess…”
Dirtyroot looked at her paws shyly, “There was a cat. A rouge many seasons ago, when I was a paw’. He stole my heart with his charming words. Over time we grew up together meeting in secret. He became part of me, part of my routine.”
“Eventually, his rouge group was picking up to leave. He begged me to come with him. He said his group would accept her and that we could be together. Oh Falconflight… How I wish things could’ve been different. I told him I’d think, I had begged him to join our clan. But he couldn’t. In the end, I didn’t even get to say goodbye to him.”
“Dirtyroot, Im so sorry-“
“Falconflight. Don’t make the same mistake I did. You must follow your heart as you follow the code.”
Falconflight stared, “Why are you telling me this?”
Dirtyroot shook her head, “You’re special Falconflight. You were made for much more than this. Whatever is in your heart is true. No matter what the code says, or what your clanmates says. The code is your heart. You have to follow it before anything else. Starclan wants you to tread this path.”
“I-“
“There’s something to reflect on.” Dirtyroot turned tail and ducked into the medicine den.
Falconflight sat in stunned silence. She slowly turned back to the forrest. She sat stilly. And she began to reflect.
i wish i could wipe warrior cats from my memory and re-read it. because like how do i explain reading the old books for the one billionth time. please like ahh
quick one! not comment here really please enjoy!! sorry abt typos
Chapter 8
Falconpaw awoke early the next morning. The sky was just blue enough to indicate twilight. Crisp and cold air blew through the den, and she could hear the soft snores of her sibblings around her.
Falconpaw loved the mornings. She knew few cats were awake at this hour, and she had wanted to take a walk and have a moment to herself before the hectic war preparations began in camp.
She stepped outside. the muted sounds of birds became clear, and she could feel the frozen dew melting at her paws. Most of the snow from the day prior had been cleared from camp. Falconpaw walked across camp to the east entrance.
She passed the medicine den, where Eaglesjaw was snoring while sitting up by the entrance. When she got to the exit, she saw the frames of two of the four new warriors. The other two were stationed in the west.
Willowcreek and Sparkstrike were as statues. She could hear Sparkstrike was dozing, as she was breathing deeply, and her posture wasn’t alert, but Willowcreek was wide awake.
“Falconpaw.” She greeted as the apprentice sat between them, “Where are you off to?”
Falconpaw titled her head, “You aren’t allowed to speak.”
“Oh thats all just ceremony.” Willowcreek dismissed it with a swish of her tail. “If a Duneclan patrol comes breaking through the walls I wont be wagging my tail in front of everyone to wake them.”
“Psh, I think the smell alone would wake a cat in a coma!”
Willowcreek chuckled, then turned serious, “Hey, not funny.”
“Huh?”
Willowcreek’s eyes widdened, “Mouse-dung, I wasn’t supposed to tell you…”
“Tell me what…?” Falconpaws eyes narrowed.
“Thornflow.” The she-cat turned to the stars and sighed, “Starclan help her, she wont wake up.”
“O-oh…” Falconpaw swallowed, her throat felt swollen, “D-do Hawkpaw and-“
“They know. So does your father. Dirtyroot was going to tell you herself.”
“Right.” Falconpaw bowed her head, “Scuse’ me.” She pushed past Willowcreek and bounded into the woods.
Falconpaw bounded off into the woods. Not in some scenic dash filled with grief, she just wanted to run. Maybe if she ran far enough she’d end up in Duneclan. And they’d kill her for trespassing. Falconpaw found herself pondering death often. But she pushed that away.
Falconpaw’s feet guided her north east, until she was off clan territory… by the great sycamore. The lamps in the distance were turning off, and pink fills the skies ahead of her. She panted and sat by the roots.
“Jeez…” She sighed heavily, and felt the weight of everything crash down.
“I thought you’d be here.” A cold familiar voice meowed from behind.
“Tumblepaw…” Falconpaw sighed, “Hello-“
“Don’t ‘Hello’ me!” The she-cat leaped in-front of Falconpaw with barred teeth, “You tried to kill my sister!”
“What?!” Falconpaw drew back, her ears pushed back, “Thats not true she hit me first!”
“You should’ve ran!” Tumblepaw spat, “I had to shove you off!”
“It was a battle! What did you want me to do? The clan would’ve talked about me! They would’ve said things, bad things!”
Tumblepaw scoffed, “Are you serious? My sister lost half her ear because of you. She’s heartbroken, she lost so much blood, Falconpaw she almost died that day!”
“What was I supposed to do!?”
Tumblepaw opened her mouth, then closed it. “Nothing. You did was you were supposed to. And you served your clan.”
“I- huh?”
“You made your choice Falconpaw.” Tumblepaw wasn’t angry anymore, “Now deal with it.”
She turned, Falconpaw stood, “Tumblepaw wait!”
But she was gone. And Falconpaw was left alone in the cold. Only the foggy air coming from her muzzle to accompany her.
Falconpaw heard Treepeaks words echo in her mind, telling her to follow her heart but follow the code.
“But how can I do both?” She cried out softly.
She turned tail. She was too overwhelmed. She’d fix it later. She followed the all to familiar path back to camp.
just a reminder i used to be addicted to platforms like c.ai. i was able to completely quit after learning how bad it was for the environment. you can too
ellievsbear
romaincrisis
tangentwithtanner
origamiaround
