Cats of the Clan - Eight

It had been a few days and I was still stunned at what had been said at the moon pool. We had to journey to where our ancestors once lived. What did that even mean? How were we supposed to know where we were going? And when exactly did we have to leave? Should we just start running after the Gathering lets out, or after everyone at camp is asleep should we go?1

“Flowerpaw!” I jumped in surprise and dropped the ball of moss that was in my mouth. “What are you doing?” I looked up at Smokepaw, who had already made half of the bed of moss for Snowfur.2

“Oh, um, nothing. Sorry.” I picked up the moss again and began finishing the bed for Snowfur.3

When I had finished I padded out of the Nursery and smiled at Snowfur. She was letting Rainkit and Wolfkit fight each other, and I had to admit that just watching them made me want to laugh. They would just run into each other. Was this how I acted when I was a kit? I tried to remember back, for it was less than a moon ago.4

Another thing about the journey. I had just become an apprentice! Shouldn’t they have picked someone older and more experienced?5

I sighed and padded over to where Lakefur and Rainbreath were sitting. “Hello.” I meowed softly.6

“Are you okay Flowerpaw? You seem like something is bothering you.“ Lakefur gave my ear a quick lick.7

I fake yawned. “I’m just a little tired, that’s all.”8

“No, I don’t think that’s it. You haven’t been the same since you got back from the moon pool. You just mope around camp and you are constantly spacing out!” Rainbreath was concerned for me, but I automatically defended myself.9

“I’m fine, the moon pool has nothing to do with it!” I exclaimed.10

“Oh, I know what it is.” Lakefur purred. “You have a crush, don’t you?”11

“What, no!” I sputtered. “That’s not it at all!” I felt the prickling heat of embarrassment run up my spine.12

“Is it Darkpaw? I have seen you two together a lot, and he is a handsome little tom.” Rainbreath looked over to where the dark furred apprentice was eating a plump mouse and grinned.13

“Um…” I thought about it, this could work to my advantage. “Maybe.” I lied. It was better to think that I liked Darkpaw then for them to know the truth, that in a small amount of time I was going embark and a dangerous journey that would take further from home than either of them have ever gone.14

“I knew it!” Lakefur beamed at me before giving my ear another lick. “I am going to go tell your father.”15

“What? Mom! No!” I shook my head in embarrassment as she padded her way over to Turtlerock.16

“Do you want to go on a hunting patrol with me and Darkpaw?” Hawkfire came over to talk to Rainbreath. “It seems like that boy is going to eat the entire fresh kill pile at the rate he’s going!”17

“I would love to!” Rainbreath winked at me. “Do you want to come Flowerpaw?”18

“No,” Suddenly getting an idea. “I have to go talk to Tanglepath.”19

“Okay…” Her face fell. The three walked out of camp together while I went over to were Tanglepath was talking to Swiftstar in her den. As soon as Rainbreath was out of site I went up as if I was going to make dirt. I hid in the bushes, then quickly slipped out and ran far away from the camp, and in the opposite direction of the hunting patrol. I made sure I wasn’t near any boundaries, so that I could avoid any patrols. 20

“Princess!” I called out into the empty forest. “Princess I need you!” There was no reply so I tried again. “Princess, I need to talk to you!” I felt her presence, but she still would not reveal herself to me. “Princess! If you don’t help me I,” I looked over at a bush that had spiky green leaves and red berries. “I’ll kill myself with those death berries.” It was an empty threat, but it worked.”21

“Silly little kit.” The beautiful brown she-cat shook her head. “That is a holly bush, and holly berries. Not death berries.”22

“Oh.” I remained silent for a while before I remembered that I had come all this way for a reason. “I have some questions about the journey.”23

“I expected as much.” She nodded to say that I may continue.24

“Well, you said that after the Gathering we leave, did you mean right after or after we get back to camp and everyone is asleep. Also, can’t I even tell Lakefur or Tanglepath where I am going? And what about Rainbreath, she will be just as worried. And about the journey, where exactly are we going? How will we get there? How will we know where to go? What if we don’t make it!” The questions rushed out. “What if I’m not ready? What if I don’t want to go? What if I am scared to go?” Princess silenced me with her tail.25

“Calm down Flowerpaw.” I began to speak again but she held up her tail once more. “I will answer all of your questions. During the Gathering is when you will slip out. All the chosen cats will stay behind, and not go to the Gathering. Before the cats go to leave, you eat some yarrow. It will make you sick, and Tanglepath will have you stay behind until you feel better. Do not let her give you poppy seeds, or anything else that might make you sleepy. Also, make sure she goes to the Gathering. Say that you will be fine, and that you will just sleep while they are gone. Don’t let anyone stay behind to ‘help’ you.”26

“Yarrow?” I questioned quietly.27

“Yes, yarrow. It is A flowering plant that makes cats vomit. You can find it only a few tail lengths away from the camp.” I nodded and she went on. “Once they are all gone you must sneak out and run to the WindClan border. Run through their territory, and make sure you steer clear of their camp. If you smell a single cat out there, you must do whatever it takes to avoid them. After you have gone through the territory run away from the lake. You should soon hit the horse place. There it ha great beasts with lone manes inside a white fence. You should not have to worry about two-legs, but if you see or hear any, take cover immediately. Other than that, just wait at the giant stump for the other cats. Icetalon and Lightstep should beat you there, but if not just wait patiently.28

“To your next question, no, you cannot tell anyone! Not a soul! If you tell anyone anything everything will be completely ruined.” I nodded sadly and she continued. “Where are you going? To where your ancestors once lived. How will you get there? We will guide you of course! Do you think we would just let the four cats with the power to save the clans wander off alone in unfamiliar territory?” I shook my head and she continued. “I know you will all make it. There is no doubt in my mind. And you have no choice, you have to go. Not only for your clan, but for all the cats in all the clans. Also for your family, and your friends. They will have a better life. And while it is perfectly normal to be afraid, you will still do great. I have faith in you, and I know you can do it. Do you think StarClan would let me pick just any old cat to do a job this important? No, I think not. As for you not being ready, you will be when the time comes. Just keep training, and stop passing up opportunities to go hunting with Rainbreath!” I laughed and Princess touched muzzles with me. “I need to go now, and you must go back to camp.”29

“Goodbye.” I smiled as my guardian vanished. I now knew what I had to do, and I knew I could do it. I would train hard, and I would save the clans!