Deadkit's Journey

Deadfeather’s Journey

Allegiances

Windclan

Leader- Hawkstar- Brown and white cat with brown eyes

Deputy- Storktail- Grey cat with blue eyes

Medicine cat- Vineface- Brown tom with green eyes 

Warriors

Sunclaw- Orange tabby with yellow eyes

Morningsun- Light grey she-cat with blue eyes

Fleetsnow- Huge grey-blue tom with brown eyes

Duststorm- Small lithe sand colored tom with blue eyes

Ravenheart- Jet black tom with amber eyes

Nutbelly- Brown she-cat with brown eyes

Foxmist- Red she-cat with misty blue eyes, Apprentice- Emberpaw- Yellow tom with green eyes 

Blizzardbite- White tom with blue eyes, apprentice- Snakepaw- white tom with green eyes

Queens

Maplefeather- Tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes, mother of Larkkit, Harekit, Greenkit, Heatherkit, and Berrykit

Elders

Mouseberry- Red she-cat with brown eyes

Thunderclan

Leader- Ashstar- Grey she-cat with black stripes and blue eyes

Deputy- Fernspot- Black tom with yellow eyes

Medicine cat- Grassbark- lithe brown tom with yellow eyes

Warriors

Deerleap- Brown she-cat with orange eyes

Snailspots- Yellow tom with blue eyes apprentice- Lowpaw- black she-cat with orange eyes

Longwhisker- Black and white tom

Fennelstripe- Yellow tom with brown stripes and brown eyes

Firestem- Red tom with green eyes

Queens

Plumcloud- Russet she-cat with blue eyes, mother of Loudkit and Softkit

Elders

Hatchscar- Brown tom with scars on his ears and back, brown eyes

Riverclan

Leader- Thrushstar- Small brown she-cat with white paws and amber eyes

Deputy- Rubblepad- Grey tom with orange eyes

Medicine cat- Silvermoon- Silver she-cat with blue eyes

Warriors

Flameheart- Orange tom with orange eyes

Sneezetooth- Dark brown she-cat with yellow eyes

Russetmask- Orange tom with russet face and orange eyes

Bouncecloud- Black and brown tom with green eyes

Splashskip- Grey-blue she-cat with blue eyes

Queens

Oattail- Yellow she-cat with yellow eyes

Brightshell- Tan she-cat with green eyes, mother of Flailkit and Duskkit 

Elders

Willowberry- white she-cat with blue eyes

Troutheart- Tan tom with brown eyes

Shadowclan

Leader- Vinestar- Black tom with green eyes

Deputy- Nettlesting- Silver tabby she-cat with black stripes and blue eyes

Medicine cat- Stakestep- Yellow tom with green eyes, apprentice- Spikepaw- Tom with spiky grey fur and blue eyes 

Warriors

Wolfeye- Grey tom with yellow eyes

Lakemouse- Brown she-cat with orange eyes

Adderslip- White tom with brown eyes

Breezeclaw- Russet she-cat with green eyes

Bluepelt- Blue-Grey she-cat with blue eyes

Fallenstrike- Orange tom with amber eyes

Queens

Dapplecloud- Tortoiseshell she-cat with amber eyes, mother of Robinkit, Aspenkit, and Talonkit

Olivefur- Black she-cat with brown eyes

Smallspot- Black and white she-cat with yellow eyes, mother of Marshkit and Hazelkit

Elders

Haregorse- Tan tom with green eyes

Owlrunner- Brown she-cat with amber eyes

 

Chapter 1

Four moons ago

'''Four moons ago I had opened my eyes to see multiple cats crowded around me. I mewled for my mother and a huge grey cat with blue eyes looked down at me sadly. He licked my head until I fell asleep. '''

'''I woke up to the sound of a cats talking. '''

'''“I think I’ll name her Deadkit.” The same tom from the previous day said. '''

'''“Who will you name Deadkit?” I asked. Hoping that it wasn’t me. '''

'''“Oh! Sweetie! Your father was saying your name was going to be Deadkit. In honor of your mother.” A small orange tabby mewed. '''

'''“In honor of my mother? Aren’t you my mother?” I asked. '''

'''“No Deadkit. My name is Sunclaw. I am your adopted mother. I will take care of you. Since your mother is dead.” Sunclaw explained in a sweet voice. '''

'''“I am your father, Storktail.” Storktail said in a deep voice, almost a growl. '''

'''“So my name is Deadkit?” I asked. '''

'''“Yes!” My father purred. I nodded slowly. “Don’t worry. In five moons you will get your apprentice ceremony!” He added. I didn’t want to listen any longer so I walked past my father and Sunclaw. '''

'''“Whoa! Be careful there, um, what is your name? OH! You are the newest kit! Welcome to the world! I’m Emberpaw!” A yellow tom with soft green eyes said, seeing that I had almost run into him. '''

'''“I’m Deadkit.” I said miserably, looking at the ground. I looked back up and saw that a white tom with orange eyes had joined him. '''

'''“I’m Snakepaw. It’s nice to meet you, Deadkit.” Snakepaw said. His voice almost sounded like a hiss. I had never met any apprentices and I wondered who their mentors were and what they learned. '''

'''“So Emberpaw, who is your mentor? What are you learning? Same for you Snakepaw.” I said. '''

'''“My mentor was Airheart. Then she was pregnant with you and then my mentor became Foxmist. She is currently teaching me how to catch rabbits.” Emberpaw said proudly. '''

'''“Well my mentor is much more skilled. His name is Blizzardbite! We are also learning how to catch rabbits. Of course, I am much better than Emberpaw.” Snakepaw declared. '''

'''“No way you are better than me!” Emberpaw hissed. '''

Now

'''“Hello Deadkit! ” A cat named Morningsun said. She was a light grey she-cat with blue eyes and she was heavily pregnant but had refused to move into the nursery. I nodded and she motioned for me to come into the den. I reluctantly followed and as I stepped into the den. '''

'''“Oh! Hello Vineface!” Morningsun exclaimed. A brown tom looked up from a grey-blue tom and the brown tom’s green eyes widened as he stared at me. '''

'''“Hello there Morningsun! And Deadkit. My my! I haven’t seen you since you were just born! Oh! Your eyes are very pretty! Wait. They are silver. A cat with silver eyes.” He whispered. “Great Starclan!” He exclaimed. '''

'''“Vineface is our medicine cat. He receives messages from Starclan.” Morningsun explained. '''

'''“Okay.” I said. “Vineface, can I go to the training clearing for a bit?” I asked. '''

'''“Sure. I will go with you, though.” He said. '''

'''“Should I go?” Morningsun asked. Vineface shook his broad head and looked at her enlarged belly. Morningsun nodded respectfully but I saw some annoyance in her eyes. No one let her do anything anymore with kits in tow. '''

'''As we walked outside, Emberpaw and Snakepaw watched me. I saw Snakepaw whisper something to Emberpaw and they slid out of the camp. After we got onto the moor, I kept my eyes out for Emberpaw and Snakepaw in the grass. But as we walked towards the border, I noticed that we weren’t staying inside our borders. '''

'''“Where are we going?” I asked. '''

'''“You will see.” Vineface said. I rolled my eyes and trudged through the heather. I had never known that Windclan territory had so much heather. I saw that the moon was starting to rise and as I looked around I saw another cat walking towards us. '''

'''“Hello Vineface! Did you get a new apprentice?” A silver she-cat with orange eyes asked. '''

'''“I’m afraid not, Silvermoon. This is the cat from the prophecy.” Vineface said. '''

'''“Really? What is your name little cat?” Silvermoon asked. '''

'''“Deadkit.” I said. Silvermoon nodded and we walked until my paws got tired. '''

'''“Vineface? Silvermoon? Is that you?” A cat yowled from atop a rock. '''

'''“Yes Grassbark. We are coming.” Vineface said. He bounded up next to a lithe brown tom with yellow eyes whom I assumed was Grassbark. '''

'''“Why don’t we introduce ourselves to Deadkit.” Silvermoon suggested. '''

'''“Alright. She already knows me, Vineface. Windclan’s medicine cat.” Vineface said. '''

'''“I’m Silvermoon. Riverclan’s medicine cat.” Silvermoon said. '''

'''“I am Grassbark. Thunderclan’s medicine cat.” Grassbark stated. Then, a huge yellow tom came out of the shadows. '''

'''“I’m Stakestep. Shadowclan’s medicine cat.” Stakestep hissed. Then another cat came out of the shadows. He was a handsome and well muscled grey cat with blue eyes and his short fur seemed to constantly stand on end.'''

'''“My name is Spikepaw. Welcome to the moonpool Deadkit.” Spikepaw purred. I nodded to each cat as they walked ahead of me. '''

'''Spikepaw walked with me and soon the path got narrower and our pelts touched. My pelt felt hot and I wished that I could turn into a different cat. '''

'''“Whoa! Deadkit? What happened?” Spikepaw asked me. I looked at my paws and saw that my black fur had become yellow and when I looked into Spikepaw’s eyes, I saw that mine were a soft shade of green. Then I realized that I was looking down at Spikepaw instead of up at him! '''

'''“Oh my!” Vineface said. “Deadkit, it seems that you have turned into Emberpaw.” He said. I gasped, loudly.'''

'''“Who’s Emberpaw?” Spikepaw asked. I could tell he was jealous. '''

'''“Spikepaw,” Stakestep said in a warning voice, “You can’t fall in love with a Windclan cat!” Stakestep spat. Spikepaw nodded and went to stand with his mentor. '''

'''“I’m sorry! I feel like I am getting a cold! Perhaps I could drop Deadkit off at the Windclan camp.” Silvermoon suggested, she shot me a sympathetic look. Vineface shook his head.'''

'''“Starclan wants to see her tonight. I can tell.” He said. Silvermoon nodded and she put her nose in the water. Vineface nudged me and I could tell he wanted me to do the same thing as Silvermoon. I put my nose in and the water was colder than I had thought. The cold seemed to seep through my pelt and into my bones. When I opened my eyes, I was still at the Moonpool. But no one was around me except for a black and white tom. '''

'''“Hello Deadkit. I have been expecting you. My name is Tallstar. Come. Sit next to me.” He said. I padded over and sat down. Tallstar looked into my eyes and licked my ear. '''

'''“We have given you a great gift. Use it wisely. The brown cat with yellow eyes will guide you.” He advised. '''

'''“Wait. Is this about the shape-shifting thing?” I asked. Tallstar nodded and he pushed me into the Moonpool. I gasped and the cold water filled my lungs. I heard names I didn’t recognize, and some I did. Three names stuck out to me. Emberfang, Stormfur, and Brook. '''

'''I felt something prodding me in the side and I woke up. Spikepaw had been poking me in the side so I would get up. '''

'''“Finally! We can go home!” Spikepaw exclaimed. Vineface and Silvermoon led us out. '''

'''“What is it like being in Shadowclan?” I asked Stakestep. '''

'''“It’s nice. It’s shady and there is tons of prey.” He said. '''

'''“What about Spikepaw? He looks like he would make a good warrior.” I stated. '''

'''“Not really. He is all brains and no brawn. Even though his muscles may look bigger.” Stakestep pointed out. I nodded and ran to catch up with Vineface.'''

'''“So. How was your first visit to the Moonpool?” Vineface asked once we had reached the moor and the other medicine cats were out of sight. '''

'''“Interesting.” I said carefully. “I met a cat named Tallstar.” I added. Vineface’s eyes widened but he only nodded as we walked into camp.'''

'''“Deadkit! Where have you been? Hello Vineface. Oh! Did you take my kit to the Moonpool?” My father asked. '''

'''“Yes.” Vineface said calmly. He marched across the clearing into his den. '''

'''“What did you see?” My father asked. '''

'''“Tallstar.” I whispered. That was all I said and I walked into the nursery where Sunclaw was waiting. '''

'''“Where have you been?” She asked. '''

'''“I went to the Moonpool with Vineface.” I said. Sunclaw sighed and suddenly Emberpaw stuck his face into the den.'''

'''“Can Deadkit come and play?” He asked. '''

'''“Yes. But be careful!” Sunclaw warned. '''

'''“We will!” Emberpaw exclaimed. I followed him outside and Snakepaw joined us by the tallrock. '''

'''“I am so excited! Emberpaw and I will be warriors soon! I wonder what our names will be!” Snakepaw said after bounding up to the tallrock. I saw Hawkstar come out of his den and called the clan to the tallrock. '''

'''“Maybe you guys will get your names now!” I said. Then a dead bird fell from the sky. It was black with silver eyes and a feather drifted down and landed on my nose. '''

'''“Dead feathers.” I whispered. Then I saw a trail of feathers leading out of camp. I gasped and raced out of camp. There were so many feathers and the trail went on and on until it stopped at the Thunderclan border. I looked across the stream separating our clans and saw more feathers. I wondered if I should follow the trail onto Thunderclan territory. '''

'''“What is a kit doing out of camp?” A voice inside the forest asked. Two yellow eyes looked at me from the trees. A cat jumped over the stream and grabbed my scruff. The cat then ran through the forest and into the Thunderclan camp. I looked down and saw feathers leading into a den. I saw Grassbark come out of the den and he stared at me. '''

'''“Thank you Fernspot. Let me take the kit.” Grassbark said. Then I realized Grassbark was a brown cat with yellow eyes. '''

'''“Don’t worry Deadkit. I have all the answers.” Grassbark whispered. I nodded and we padded into his den. I realized the black feathers stopped inside his den. All the answers. I heard Tallstar’s voice whisper. I purred in spite of myself. '''

Chapter 2  

Grassbark settled into his nest and patted the moss next to him.

'''“Come. Sit down. I know you had to miss your friend’s warrior ceremonies for this but this is important. If you really want to know their new names, they are Emberfang and Snakenose.” Grassbark stated. I liked those names. Then I realized that Emberfang was one of the names I had heard when Tallstar had pushed me into the Moonpool. '''

'''“I know you heard that name before. And you had a right to. I foresee that you and Emberfang will have kits. But anyways, you are a shapeshifter. You were brought here by Starclan. They knew we needed a cat to save us from something bad in the future. What that is. I don’t know. I wish I did. You can shift into many different things. Not just cats. Although, if you are infiltrating, a cat would work quite nicely. Well! Time flies! It is almost dawn! You had better get back to Windclan. Don’t say a word about this. Wash Thunderclan’s scent off of you in the river. Goodbye Deadkit! Good luck! Starclan knows you’ll need it!” Grassbark exclaimed. '''

'''“Thank you very much Grassbark! I will not forget what you taught me!” I said joyfully. I bounded out of the camp and toward the river. I washed off and raced to the Windclan camp. When I got there the sun had just risen and it was dawn. '''

'''“DEADKIT! Where have you been? I got my warrior name and so did Snakenose! Mine is Emberfang!” Emberfang exclaimed. He ran towards me and started licking my cheek. '''

'''“I’m fine.” I said. '''

'''“Is that… Thunderclan scent?” Emberfang asked cautiously. '''

'''“No silly! I’m not that mouse brained! I just wanted to see what the stream felt like!” I said. '''

'''“Oh thank goodness!” Emberfang exclaimed. I sighed. I knew I shouldn’t tell him about my visit with Grassbark but it felt right to tell him. Then Snakenose came over and started licking my ears.'''

“No touchie!” I exclaimed.

“But you let Emberfang do it!” Snakenose protested.

'''“That was earlier!” I said. '''

'''“Not that much earlier!” He exclaimed. I hissed at him. I was suddenly in a bad mood. I ran into my den and saw my father and Sunclaw talking.'''

'''“Deadkit is too mischievous! She needs to calm down and start doing things warriors do!” Sunclaw hissed. '''

'''“If you criticize my kit again, the next cats you will be talking to will be the Starclan cats!” Storktail spat. I backed out of the den and ran to Vineface’s den. '''

'''“Why hello Deadkit! How are you? I see you visited Grassbark.” Vineface stated. '''

“How did you know?” I gasped.

'''“Grassbark came into my dream and told me. You are a very lucky kit!” Vineface assured me.'''

“But how come no one likes me?” I asked.

'''“No one likes you? Ha! Emberfang and Snakenose certainly do! Once you are a warrior one of them will probably ask you to be his mate. And based on who you turned into, and who you let lick you, I would say Emberfang. Also, I like you. Morningsun treats you like her own kit! I think she believes you are her kit! Sometimes I wonder about her. Anyway, your father and mother love you!” Vineface reminded me. '''

'''“But my mother is dead!” I wailed. '''

'''“Calm down. Your mother died defending her clan. She actually mentored Emberfang for a time. Then she died defending the kits in a battle against Shadowclan. We couldn’t save her. I’m sorry Deadkit. Do you wish to know your mother’s name?” He asked. '''

'''“I already know it. Airheart. What did she look like?” I whimpered. '''

'''“Airheart was very beautiful and kind. If I weren’t a medicine cat, I would’ve taken her as my mate. But alas, here I am. She had black fur, like you, but her eyes were a beautiful cobalt blue....” Vineface said. He trailed off and had a weird smile on his face. The one Emberfang has when he is around me. Then I realized that he was in love with my mother. Suddenly a question popped into my mind. '''

'''“Are you my father?” I asked. I wished I could take it back once it was out.'''

'''“Oh Deadkit. I cannot tell you anything except for Storktail isn’t your father.” Vineface said sadly. '''

'''“You are, aren’t you?” I hissed. I couldn’t believe it! I was so shocked that I ran out of the den and barreled into Emberfang. '''

'''“I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed. '''

'''“Is this about your apprentice ceremony being tonight? Don’t worry! You will be fine.” Emberfang stated.'''

“M-my apprentice ceremony?” I asked.

'''“Um. Yeah? Didn’t you know?” He asked. '''

'''“Nope. But I am excited! I don’t think there was a kit in history that wasn’t excited!” I exclaimed. Emberfang purred and rubbed his pelt against mine reassuringly. Soon Hawkstar came out of his den and climbed onto the tallrock. '''

'''“Let all cats old enough to run the moor gather around the Tall Rock for a clan meeting!” Hawkstar yowled. That was when the bad thoughts kicked in. Oh no! What if I mess up? Then cats will laugh at me! '''

'''“Deadkit. Will you please step up here. Deadkit,  you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Deadpaw. Your mentor will be Emberfang. I hope Emberfang will pass down all he knows to you. Emberfang, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Airheart and Foxmist, and you have shown yourself to be loyal and strong. You will be the mentor of Deadpaw I expect you to pass on all you know to Deadpaw.” Hawkstar yowled. I raced over to Emberfang and touched noses with him. '''

'''Then I heard Vineface start to chant my name. Then everyone else started chanting. I looked around and blinked a few times. Their faces seemed to press close to mine and I started freaking out. Morningsun walked towards me, as if seeing that I was scared. She licked me on the head and started murmuring to me. She led me into the apprentices den and sighed. '''

'''“I’m sorry Morningsun! I just got really scared!” I whispered.'''

'''“Don’t worry Deadkit. You may just have a similar fear as me. Being the center of attention. I didn’t know I had that fear until people chanted my apprentice name and their faces seemed to get really close to mine.” Morningsun assured me. I nodded my thanks and fell asleep in my nest. '''

'''The next morning, Emberfang came into my den and woke me up. '''

'''“Come on! Time to see the borders!” He announced.'''

'''“Okay, okay. Just let me see Morningsun first. I heard she is expecting kits!” I exclaimed. '''

'''“Fine! Just don’t be gone too long.” He stated. I nodded briskly and raced out of the den. I saw Morningsun walk into the nursery and I ran after her. '''

'''“Morningsun!” I called. She stopped in her tracks and turned toward me. Her eyes lit up when she saw me. '''

'''“My lovely kit!” She exclaimed. '''

'''“I’m not your kit.” I reminded her. '''

'''“Oops! You are one smart cat! I wish I was that smart!” She giggled. '''

'''“I know right?” I exclaimed. '''