Leafstar's Mistake

Leafstar's Mistake

A short story

By Holly!

Chapter 1
"Sharpclaw, patrols," mewed Leafstar. She was sick in her den. "Yes, Leafstar," he rasped. SkyClan was getting old. It had been in the Clans' world for almost a year now.

Leafstar stretched her aching muscles. "I need two new warriors today," she reminded herself. She stepped onto the Highrock with a blurred vision. Was her sickness acting up again? She sat down. She saw a pelt running through the bushes, stopping just at the entrance. "What in StarClan's name!?" she hissed.

Her warrior had brought a kit to camp. No- two! Leafstar stumbled down. "Where were they from?" she demanded. "I found them in the forest," answered her warrior, Ebonyclaw. "Doing what? Crying?" sneered Sharpclaw. "Hush," snarled Leafstar. Sharpclaw scowled but said nothing.

"Take it to a queen," Leafstar ordered. Ebonyclaw nodded and did so. Leafstar leaped weakly back up to her den. "Leafstar, I know you hate these, but take some Juniper. For your belly," meowed Echosong. "Thanks," mumbled Leafstar. She reluctantly took one in her jaws and crunched.

She swallowed the bitter-tasting berry.

Chapter 2
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting."

Leafstar sat on the Highrock, giving the cats time to gather below. "As you might know, we have two apprentices ready to be warriors." Leafstar gestured to Bellapaw and Rileypaw. Snooktail watched closely. "Bellapaw, Rileypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and protect this Clan even at the cost of your life?" asked Leafstar. "I do," they both mewed.

"Then, by the power of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Bellapaw, from this moment on you will be known as Bellaheart. Rileypaw, from this moment on you will be known as Rileypelt. StarClan honors your courage."

Leafstar went back into her den, proud of her new warriors. She wished she had been made a warrior herself. Leafstar curled up in her den, tired. She drifted off to sleep.

TBC