My name is Creekstar. I am the leader of RockClan... and it feels kind of like a dream. I wake up some days, unable to believe where I'm at now. Some cats say I'm one of the bravest warriors the forest has ever seen, haha, I think that's being a bit dramatic, but I'm happy to be respected. It used to be the exact opposite. I was never the bravest cat, and I was an outcast in my Clan. It started... oh, I don't even know... probably the day my mother died and me and my sister were found by a RockClan patrol."
- Cold night air pierced the kits fur as they struggled up a hill. As they padded on, it started to snow, the sparkles of white becoming fatter with the passing moments. Creekkit stared at flakes as they passed. What is that? he wondered, curiously sticking out his tongue to catch a couple in his mouth. He coughed, surprised at how cold they were, but they quickly melted to water. I don't know what it is, but I like it.
- He had no idea what was going on. All he knew was he was following his sister Talonkit, alone through the forest. Just an hour ago, he was sleeping in his nest back home with his siblings, having nice dreams, when he woke to Talonkit dragging him away, and some weird noises in the background. Creekkit didn't think much about it, so he just kept following Talonkit, until he remembered his mother. "Where's mother?"
- Talonkit didn't bother looking over her should as she replied. "She's dead, Creekkit."
- Why do you keep saying that?
- Soon, they found a shelter beneath some bracken and brambles. The white stuff was covering the ground now, and Creekkit found himself shivering uncontrollably, his teeth chattering. Nevermind, I don't like this. This white stuff is mean. He longed for his mother to come cuddle next to him, to hide him from the chill. Worry tingled in his fur. Where is she?
- He tried asking Talonkit again, but she just answered that their mother was dead every time. Creekkit soon fell into a light, troubled sleep. He dreamed of running through the woods in search of mother. He always found her and ran after her, but she disappeared before he could catch her. He woke to find teeth grabbing him by the scruff and pulling him out into the cold. He let out a screech of terror and flailed around. He saw Talonkit out of the corner of his eye, trying to fight as well, but gave up. Creekkit followed her lead, his heart thundering. He realized the creatures that had pulled him and his sister out of the nest were cats.
We were taken to RockClan and given to a foster mother. I wasn't the strongest kit, and I was small. Talonkit got the Clans attention pretty quick, she was the perfect warrior and everyone seemed to love her. As for me, I was unpopular, I only had her and Stonekit as friends. But after we became apprentices, I managed to save a couple of my denmates. The Clan looked at me as a hero and I got so much attention... and Talonpaw lost the attention and she got angry.
- "That was an awesome move you did, Creekpaw," purred Falconpaw, butting Creekpaw's shoulder with his head. "Yeah, you should have seen him, he looked like a flying squirrel!" Wisppaw poked Flightpaw's nose, who let out a hollow sigh. He had been stuck in camp all day, taking care of the elders after being a rude fur ball.
- "Sounds like it was fun. Want to go hunting later, Creekpaw?" said Hawkpaw, who sat nearby, casting the tall tom a hopeful glance. Creekpaw nodded. "Sure." Warmth spread through his whiskers. He was so happy to finally be accepted into RockClan. It was so great having friends who really liked him and wanted to hang out.
- "Can I come?"
- "I want to come too!"
- The call of an older cat nearby inturupted the apprentices clamour. "Time go training!"
- The apprentices all groaned and padded after their mentors. "We just got back from training. And I'm hungry."
- Creekpaw up to follow but was stopped by his mentors soft tail in his face. he spit out Lilacnose's gray and white fur as the tom spoke. "You can go rest in the apprentices den with Wisppaw and Falconpaw. You three did well today."
- Creekpaw beamed up at the older cat. "Thanks, Lilacnose." He padded into the apprentices den and flopped down into his nest. Wisppaw and Falconpaw's nests were at the other side of the den and he could hear them giggling and squeaking as they pawed at some beetles. In the nest beside Creekpaw, Talonpaw's speckled flank rose and fell. "Hey, Talonpaw," he mewed, growing cautious, but hope gnawed deep down.
- "Hey, Creekpaw," answered Talonpaw without looking up. Creekpaw wished she would talk to him like she used to and stop sulking around all the time. "Erm, me and some of the other apprentices are going hunting later, it you want to join."
- "No thanks," his sister replied darkly. Why does she act like she hates me? Isn't she happy I have found my place in RockClan?
- "Um-" he began, but broke off as Talonpaw rose. "Stop. I've got to go," she hissed, flicking her tail tip in Creekpaw's face, before exiting the den in a swoosh. Creekpaw let out a sigh and curled up, staring at the spot Talonpaw had disappeared. I shouldn't feel guilty but I do. But doesn't she see that she's still number one? She'll always be in my eyes. I want to be close like before.
- He imagined her pacing back and forth with a dead look on her face. He shivered when he realized it was a memory. All his sister seemed to do now was pace for hours outside of camp and distance herself from him even more as the days dragged by. Please stop, Talonpaw. I can't lose you too."
Then one day the dawn patrol found the bodies of two of my denmates, with my fur in their claws. Everyone obviously believed I was the killer, which I understand. I was punished and lost all respect from my Clanmates, nothing but a traitor. I don't understand why I wasn't just exiled. Talonpaw seemed to regain her place in the Clan and appeared pretty happy, but she still remained distant from me. I wanted answers. Who killed my denmates and blamed me? I got them.
- "You did it..?" Creekpaw stared up at Talonpaw in a daze. "You killed Flightpaw and Hawkpaw?"
- The wind whispered softly around them and stars glittered in the sky above. Talonpaw's large paw was planted on his chest, claws unsheathed and eyes cold. "I couldn't let you continue on your path. I did what I had to do."
- Creekpaw was too shocked to feel any anger or grief. He didn't try to fight her to get up, instead lie frozen beneath her. You killed our friends? You blamed me?
- "How could you?" he asked quietly. "I was always meant to be leader of RockClan! Everyone's been saying you'll be the next leader." Talonpaw's eyes clouded with feelings Creekpaw couldn't read. Her cold expression changed into an almost grief-stricken look. "No one else can lead RockClan except me. Midnightstar said I would be leader, then you saved those mouse-brained apprentices and she said... you'd be future leader," his sister mewed, sounding paranoid.
- Creekpaw couldn't understand why this was so important to her. She wanted leadership so bad she killed her friends and got her brother to take all the blame, all the scorning from RockClan?
- The emotion drained from Talonpaw's face in a forceful twitch, but the anxiety remained in her voice. "I couldn't lie to you," she whispered to herself frantically. "I can't trust anyone but you."
- She looked at Creekpaw with huge eyes and she spoke in a louder voice, meant for his ears. "But you'll tell. You aren't a secret keeper," her voice changed from normal to harsh whispers. "You need to learn that you have to keep quiet. I must show you what happens if you tell!" She raised the paw that wasn't holding him down, claws glinting in the moonlight.
- All Creekpaw remembered before everything went black was a fiery pain on his belly and Talonpaw's horrified face.
...After that I wanted to believe everything would get better. I was too afriad to tell our leader about Talonpaw - why would she believe me over my loyal sister anyway? One of my first friends Stonepaw had stopped talking to me, after something Talonpaw lied to her about. My Clan was against me. But I did have a few cats who still believed I was innocent and we remained friends. Falconcry and Wispheart became warriors and were my best friends. But after a patrol came back to RockClan one night, bringing with them an injured kittypet, I had yet another.
- "I'm so happy you're staying in the Clan!" Creekpaw mewed happily to the newly named Heatherpaw. She grinned at him. "I'm happy too. I'm glad I found RockClan, " she tapped her tail tip on his nose, adding, "And you."
- Warmth spread through Creekpaw's whiskers. Heatherpaw was snappish in the beginning, still to a few of her new Clanmates, but after many attempts, Creekpaw had finally befriended her.
- A light snow covered the grassland as they padded along a rabbit trail together. Creekpaw's paws ached from showing Heatherpaw all over the territory the entire day, but Heatherpaw still seemed full of energy, bouncing around and chasing a few dead leaves blowing in the wind.
- He led them along to the forest part of RockClan's territory. "I love trees," Heatherpaw mewed loudly, then pricked her ears, as if listening for an echo. "Me and my siblings loved to climb trees, before we were separated," her eyes glittered with happy memories and her tone was wistful.
- Creekpaw felt like he sort of understood the loss of her siblings. It seemed like he had lost Talonfang a long time ago. "Come on," he beckoned her along with his tail, speeding up to a trot. "Where are we going?" Heatherpaw, asked as she pulled up beside him.
- Creekpaw leaped over a fallen log and halted, landing gracefully on the snow, while Heatherpaw followed. In front of them was a huge oak tree with gnarled roots almost as big as a full grown cat. "Wow!" exclaimed Heatherpaw, padding toward it, peering up through the bare branches.
- "This is my favorite tree," Creekpaw mewed, scuttling up the trunk and onto the lowest branch like a squirrel. The lavender she-cat was beside him in a heartbeat. Her gray eyes widened when she saw the view. "I can see the whole territory from up here!" she whispered.
- After a few moments of watching a herd of sheep farther off, Heatherpaw turned to him, concerned. "I've heard you're a murderer," she mewed, staring at him. The fur along Creekpaw's spine bristled defensively and his expression became closed. "I didn't do it," he muttered. "But I can't prove it to you, can I?" Anxiety squeezed his chest. He had a best friend, and now he was probably going to lose her because of Talonfang. He let out a soft sigh.
- "Oh, I don't think you did it."
- Creekpaw turned back to her, almost in slow-motion as he tried to understand what she just said. "You - you don't?"
- Heatherpaw lightly touched her tail to his flank. "Of course not! I know we haven't known each other since kithood, but... I know you didn't do it. I just know it. Your my best friend, and I wouldn't be best friends with a killer," she let out a snort. Creekpaw realized he had been holding his breath and let out out, relieved. "T-thank you." He wanted to say more, but he stopped himself. He would just start babbling nonsense. It felt like this was a lie, but it wasn't. You really are my friend.
Talonfang still seemed to be avoiding me, and I still wished things could be how they used to be again. But after everything, it was hard to look at her the same way. I considered telling someone about her multiple times, but I would always feel guilty. She was still my sister, my only kin, and I always ever thought of her being the cat she once was. I knew that cat still had to be there. With my two other friends being busy warriors, I spent all my time with Heatherpaw, teaching her about Clanlife, training with her. I even had a little crush on her. She defended me when any of our Clanmates threatened me or made snide comments. She was a great friend and we were finally made warriors together - Creekfrost and Heatherdusk.
But shortly after, one morning she just... vanished. I had went to sleep in my nest the night before with hers only a whisker length from mine, but she was just gone when I woke. No one saw her leave, there was no scent, she didn't say anything. I was very upset, I lost my best friend. We searched but never found her. I wonder if she left, or maybe Talonfang did something to her? I guess I'll never know. I didn't have much time to grieve for Heatherdusk, because I noticed Talonfang slipping away a lot. I followed her and found her meeting with a tom from another Clan. She found me and attacked me, ended up scarring my face. I didn't know what to do. I knew nobody would listen to me if I told them everything Talonfang has done. Talonfang ended up having kits, but she did something unexpected with them.
- "You want me to take care of them?" Creekfrost stared at Talonfang, who gazed down at the tiny kits cuddling up to her flank. Disbelief made his fur bristle. He hadn't even known Talonfang was expecting... Why was she giving them up? For him to care for?
- "I can't take care of them. You're the only one I trust," Talonfang replied, looking up at him with glassy eyes. "And Wispheart. Take them to her. She can nurse them."
- For the first time, Creekfrost noticed the dried blood on her paws and around her jaws, spattering on her fluffy chest fur. He closed his eyes as a wave of despair crashed over him. Oh, Talonfang. What have you done now?
- She seemed to notice his reaction and ducked her head to look down at the kits again so he couldn't see the blood. He didn't question her about it. He knew he'd get no answers. He forced himself to focus on the current problem. "Why can't you raise them? You're their mother."
- "Please, Creekfrost. I just..." Talonfang paused, a shiver traveling down her spine, prickling her fur. She opened her mouth to reply but couldn't seem to have the courage. "I can't."
- Creekfrost gazed helplessly at the four kittens. What would she do if he declined? He looked back at his sister. Do you even want them to be raised by her? Talonfang looked like a wreck - fur tangled and dirty. He could tell her mind was shattered and scattered in a million pieces. She can't take these kits, and she knows it. And they need parents. I can help them.
- But why should he help her? After everything she had done? But as he gazed at her, every time he saw her or her face appeared in his head, all he could see was his sister - the one who had protected and cared for him. He knew that cat wasn't dead. She was buried, deep down inside this troubled soul.
- With a soft sigh, Creekfrost gently resting his tail on Talonfang's shoulder. She nearly flinched away, but relaxed again, looking up at him with the smallest bit of hope flaring in her green eyes. "I'll do it. I'll take care of them - for their sake, and yours."
I just couldn't say no. I knew she was giving them up so they'd have better lives. I hoped after she would finally start to see sense and try to better herself and get over the past. Everything went well afterwords. Wispheart and Falconcry had become mates, but Wispheart lost her kits - I never found out until moons later. She never told anyone, not even Falconcry. She treated Talonfang's kits as her own and loved them fiercely. Falconcry took the place of the father, while I helped out taking care of them a lot. They were named Waterkit, Stormkit, Dazzlekit, and Runningkit. I loved them as if they were my own kits.
Dazzlekit was always sickly and Falconcry got greencough one day. The medicine cat told him to stay away from the kits, but he didn't listen. Dazzlekit caught it and passed. Falconcry blamed himself and left the Clan because he feared he would hurt his other kits. He left Wispheart and the rest of the kits, grief-stricken and alone. I know he was hurt, but I think that was real low. He should have stayed to comfort his family and help them as best as he could. So I stayed with Wispheart a lot, helping her and playing with the kits. I was wrong about Talonfang though. I found her meeting with a few rogues, discussing things I didn't catch, but I knew they weren't good. The thing that scared me the most about the whole thing is that when she saw me, she threatened to hurt her kits
- Anxiety pricked Creekfrost's pads. "Stormkit! Runningkit! Waterkit!" Wispheart's wails echoed through the camp as she desperately searched through all the dens for the missing kits.
- The snow had melted and the ground was finally dry from all the puddles and it was one of the first warm days of early newleaf. Green shots sprouted from the dens and birds sang in the trees around camp as the cats all awoke to the screaming queen.
- "Not again," groaned Dewpaw, emerging from the apprentices den and scratching behind his ear. Swiftpaw appeared beside him, a frown on her face. "Those kits need to learn that they need to stay in camp. It's the fourth time this moon!"
- "Maybe they'll get their tails ripped off by some foxes. That'd be a nice lesson," Dewpaw grinned at his cleverness. "Ow!" Swiftpaw whacked him in the head with a paw.
- Wolfstar emerged from the leaders den, blinking in confusion, then seemed to realize what was going on. She spotted Creekfrost and padded across the clearing toward him. "Again?"
- Creekfrost gave a very tiny nod. "Well, why don't you go look for them. I'll try comforting Wispheart." They both flinched when Wispheart let out an even louder yowl. "Hurry," Wolfstar murmured, leaving Creekfrost and going over to the ginger-and-white tabby queen.
- Creekfrost nodded, watching her go. He admired the little gray cat. She was a new leader, and very young. Midnightstar's leadership had gone downhill in the last few moons of her leadership, and Wolfstar had done an amazing job in helping RockClan get back to their paws. He left camp, already finding a scent trail. He followed it for a few moments, ears pricked for the sounds of their voices and paw steps.
- Suddenly, the scent disappeared. Creekfrost's anxiety grew sharper and he sniffed around in confusion. Had a hawk taken them. Oh no! Oh no! What if a hawk got them? What will I tell Wispheart? Or maybe a giant shrew came out of the ground and took them? Oh dear StarClan! He started muttering uneasily under his breath, pacing around the area, until he came across a muddy puddle, picking up their faint scents. Relief made his legs stagger. They're getting much more clever! They've learned how to hide their scent by rolling in mud.
- But still, he could pick out their scent faintly and followed it, growing a little more confident as he went, but still freezing, or giving a little jump whenever there was a random noise. Ever since he saw Talonfang meet those rogues, and she just looked at him and walked away, he'd been on edge. She must be planning something. She wouldn't kill her kits, would she? She didn't mean it, just trust her please! But he couldn't bring himself to.
- He heard voices up ahead and he felt even more relieved. He flew out of the undergrowth, spooking the three kits. "No! He found us!" both Runningkit and Waterkit moaned while Stormkit mewed "Yay! He found us! No more breaking the warrior code!"
- "What are you kits doing out here? Haven't you learned by now? Wispheart is worried sick! You shouldn't do that to her," Creekfrost scolded them, while giving their ears quick licks. "We'll do what we want!" Waterkit lifted her chin defiantly. "I'll leave camp whenever I want," Runningkit added. Stormkit's shoulders sagged with guilt. "I just wanted to make sure they stayed all right. I tried to tell them it was a bad idea, breaking the rules, but they wouldn't listen. I - I hoped I could make them turn around... but um... it - it didn't work."
- Creekfrost tried to be mad, but just couldn't and let out a purr. "You'll all be apprentices soon, you can go out on adventures then. Let's get back to camp."
- That afternoon, Wispheart was relieved, grooming her kits, while Creekfrost sat outside the nursery. "Creekfrost, could you tell Talonfang I want her to lead a patrol?" Wolfstar asked, looking up from the blackbird she was eating. Creekfrost twitched uneasily, but gave her a reluctant nod, standing up and padding into the warriors den.
- "T-Talonfang. Wolfstar wants you to lead a patrol." He found Talonfang in her nest, chatting with a few other warriors. He cringed away from her tail when she swept it around and the other warriors gave him odd looks, muttering to each other and snickering. "Okay." Talonfang stood up, then gave Creekfrost a concerned look. "Is something wrong?"
- "N-no!" Creekfrost answered quickly, rushing out of the den quickly to not be questioned any farther. Tell Wolfstar. A voice whispered in his head. He glanced over to where she shared her bird with the russet deputy - Redwing. They trust me, I think. They'd believe me, right? But what if Talonfang really meant her threat. He glanced back at the nursery, feeling uncertain and torn and he lowered his head with a tired look. He couldn't risk their lives. They wouldn't believe me anyway. I've heard all the rumors. I'm just a crazy and weird cat who needs protecting and no one should believe.
- Talonfang padded past him, casting him a sidelong glance, making him shiver again. She's savage. Talonfang went over to Wolfstar and Redwing - probably to see who she should take on patrol and everyone else in camp lie around in the afternoon rays. He lie down on the ground and let out a hollow breath, boredly watching Swiftpaw and Dewpaw practice battle moves. They stopped to rest, chatting together for a moment, before lifting their heads toward the camp entrance, ears pricked.
- What was so interesting about a bunch of leaves blowing in the breeze? Creekfrost tried to follow their gazes but whatever they were watching was out of his sight, so he gave up and let his eyes close, feeling relaxed in the warm sun.
- Suddenly, a spark of alarm and tension rippled through the air before Swiftpaw's earsplitting shriek ripped through the calm silence. "Attack! We're under attack!" followed by battles cries and cats bursting into the camp entrance. Creekfrost's eyes flew open and he leaped to his paws, alarmed and confused. Cats bumped into him as they rushed to the fight. He saw the rival Clan cats pouring in the camp, slashing at RockClan's warriors. Terror rose in Creekfrost's throat and he raced toward the nursery. Swiftpaw was already there, trying to fend off a warrior twice her size. She had only been an apprentice for a few sunrises. She stood no chance.
- Creekfrost lashed out with his paws, catching the toms ear between his claws and he felt it tear. He inwardly cringed at the feel of the ripping flesh and the sight of blood. It happened everytime he fought - which is why he never fought in battles. He always got terrified of hurting the other cat he was fighting and the fighting was too fast, the feel of claws tearing through skin, the scent of blood. He got so dizzy. Luckily, with the help of Swiftpaw, they drove the tom away. Already starting to feel nausea creep into his throat, he pushed the young apprentice into the nursery. "I want to fight!" she protested, trying to shove him away. "You're too young. You haven't had enough training for this."
- To his relief, Swiftpaw didn't argue. "Where is Wispheart?" he asked Stormkit, who was already hiding beneath Creekfrost, clinging to his leg, eyes huge with fear. "Outside fighting." Waterkit puffed out her chest. "I'll defend you all if anyone tries to break in!"
- Runningkit was pacing restlessly, looking like he was about to explode. Creekfrost already knew what was about to happen, and he slowly started to edge toward Runningkit. "Runningkit... come here..." the ginger tabby tom kit lunged out of the way when Creekfrost tried grabbing him, bolting out of the nursery, his fur bristling and eyes wild for battle. "No! Runningkit come back here right this instant!" Creekfrost protested, chasing after the kit, only to get kicked in the face by a cat who was busy fighting.
- He tried going back out again, determined to catch Runningkit, but it appeared the fighting had already ceased, the rival Clan fleeing. He spotted Runningkit and raced over to him, ignoring the dizziness that clouded his head and pulled the tom close. "What were you thinking?" Creekfrost asked, having to control his voice from shaking. I nearly lost him. I should have done a better job.
- "I had to protect my Clan. That's what a warrior is supposed to do," Runningkit replied, looking up at Creekfrost with bright yellow eyes. Creekfrost nodded, too happy that Runningkit was okay to be mad.
After the battle, we found out Redwing - RockClan's deputy had died. The Clan was shocked, angry and in grief. But as Wolfstar announced his death, I saw bright eyes glow in the crowd of dullness. Talonfang knew she would be chosen as deputy. She was perfect.
- Creekfrost padded quietly along the grassy hills of RockClan territory, a deep pit of worry seemed to fill his belly, weighing him down like a stone. It was the evening after the battle and Redwing was dead. He can't be dead.
- Creekfrost knew Talonfang would be deputy. Wolfstar had said it many times before how great of a warrior Talonfang was. But she didn't know the truth. He squeezed his eyes tight shut, letting out a small squeak of anxiety. He halted and climbed up onto one of the boulders jutting out of the grass and sat on it, feeling fallen.
- She can't become deputy. Please don't let her become deputy. Please. He kept his eyes closed and repeated it until his worrying had worn him out and melted away, leaving him tired and defeated. He slowly padded back to camp, the sun was just setting as he walked. He pricked his ears as he heard Wolfstar's voice in the distance. She must be making the announcement! He quickened his pace and entered camp just as she was finishing.
- "-the new deputy of RockClan will be Creekfrost," Wolfstar announced, sitting on the leaders stone. Creekfrost padded into camp, slowing until he realized everyone was looking at him, all looking shocked, some even mad, and Creekfrost just then realized what Wolfstar had said.
- "M-me?" he asked in a small voice. Wolfstar let out a small chuckle. "Yes you. So do you accept?"
- Dazed, Creekfrost gave a couple of very fast nods. "I- I accept." He had no idea what he was agreeing to. He still felt too stunned to feel much of anything, only relief. Talonfang wasn't deputy! I'm deputy. I'm deputy. Wait.. I'm deputy? Deputy? Oh no, I'm deputy? How am I deputy?
- He felt sick and his relief disappeared like morning dew when he noticed Talonfang was staring at him, eyes huge and face expressionless, before she stood from where she sat, looking at Wolfstar and clearing her throat. "Um, Wolfstar. Creekfrost can't be deputy. He's never had an apprentice," she lifted her chin and held her tail high as she added. "I've had three."
- Wolfstar gave Talonfang a hard stare, then flicked her tail. "I never had an apprentice, and look at me now! Leader of RockClan. That's also great, Talonfang. In fact, why don't you take Swiftpaw training now?" Wolfstar jumped off of the leaders rock, walking past Talonfang who looked shocked.
- No one spoke up against Wolfstar's choice, but as the cats began to disperse, Creekfrost felt hostile glares scorching his fur. Talonfang stomped out of camp, Swiftpaw hot on her heels.
- Wolfstar sat beside Redwing's body, staring down at her former deputy's bloody fur. Creekfrost joined her and after a few moments of respectful silence, Creekfrost tilted his head down to meet Wolfstar's leafy eyes. "Why... why me? Why did you pick me?"
- Wolfstar blinked. "Why wouldn't I pick you?"
- Feeling uncomfortable, Creekfrost shifted on his paws, hoping no one else was listening. "I... I can't do anything right. I can't fight for my Clan... I'm always the one who needs protecting. I'm odd and skittish - you've heard everything the other cats have said. I'm crazy... and a murderer. Talonfang would have been the better choice," he mewed, cautiously.
- Wolfstar shook her head. "Creekfrost, Talonfang is a great warrior, I'll agree with you on that, but she needs to learn more. She needs more experience... I just don't see a leader in her," she mewed, frowning at her statement, then a small smile appeared on her face. "But you, yes, I've heard the rumors. But you're my friend, you've always been my friend. You're no murderer." She touched her nose to his shoulder. "You're wiser than you think, Creekfrost. With time, you'll come to grow more confident. Unlike Talonfang, I see a leader in you, Creekfrost."
The more the days went on, the more shocked I became. I couldn't believe Wolfstar picked me as her deputy. Cats argued with me when I tried getting patrols together sometimes, but I some of my Clanmates began to respect me much more than before. I had gained a friend moons before, Stoneblaze, and she was one of my biggest supporters and we began hanging out a lot and I started to have a crush on her. But I started to worry too. Talonfang seemed to be getting even madder and only days after the ceremony, Runningkit was unlucky and heard her muttering under her breath about how she had to stop me. He got Wolfstar's attention, but before he could say anything, Talonfang hid her anger and offered to show Runningkit around the territory. Kits are allowed out of camp, so long as a warrior is with them, so Wolfstart gave them the go ahead. I could tell Runningkit was uncomfortable, and I couldn't trust Talonfang so I followed.
Once they were far enough from camp, Talonfang lunged at his throat and bit down. I was ready for it and sprang out and pushed her away. She fled without much fight and I took Runningkit back to camp. I reported to Wolfstar and she was shocked and angry and ordered me to take a patrol out to find her.
- Creekfrost padded in the head of the patrol, his tail low and the blood in his ears pounding. He still couldn't believe she had actually tried killing her own son, yet at the same time he could. Grief stung his pelt, knowing she would probably be killed or something, but it lifted a huge weight off of his chest to know that nothing was a secret anymore. I just wish I could have had my sister back.
- "There!" yelped one of the warriors behind him and they turned and spotted Talonfang with her back facing them. Her pelt was smooth and well-groomed, and there was no alarm or tension coming from her. She was very calm for a cat who was out numbered by four cats. She turned around, looking somewhat surprised. "Hi, how do you do this fine day?" she asked, dipping her head politely, then with a lash of her tail, four huge rogues burst from the undergrowth behind her, long claws and pelts bristling, with Talonfang in the center, pleased.
- Alarm rippled through Creekfrost's patrol and with an unspoken order, both sides clashed, hooking onto one another and ripping with claws and teeth. Creekfrost sank his teeth into the leg of one of the rogues, doing his best to ignore the horrible feeling. He dodged to one side as the tom turned to swipe at him. Creekfrost dashed away, eyes searching for a gray speckled pelt. There. Wolftail's ginger pelt was racing toward her. With a strong leap, Creekfrost soared over a few fighting cats, reaching Talonfang first and barreling into her side, and they both skidded on the earth, then the ground sloped steeply and they fell down, crashing through brambles and bracken, until they finally reached the bottom.
- Talonfang was on top of Creekfrost before he could even take a breath. They wrestled in a tight knot. She tried to aim for his throat, but Creekfrost smacked her in the face. Talonfang lost her balence and Creekfrost took the chance and sprang onto her shoulders. Talonfang hissed with fury, trying to shake him, but Creekfrost clung like a burr. With a strong shake, she finally losened his grip and he leaped off. Talonfang let out a grunt of surprise at the force and toppled over. Creekfrost spun around and was on top of her, her back pressed to the earth and his paw planted on her chest. "Just kill me now!" Talonfang hissed, and Creekfrost stared at her in surprise.
- He noticed a long gash in her flank for the first time and a slash across her face. His Clanmates must have gotten to her first. Her green eyes flashed with a huge amount of fear for a heartbeat. She isn't as strong as she makes herself seem. She's still broken inside. Have you always been shattered? The anger pounding through Creekfrost's body died and sympathy replaced it. You could save her. She can have a second chance.
- Ears flat, with a cold look, Creekfrost leaned his muzzle to her ear and murmured. "Leave."
- He released Talonfang and she blinked at him in confusion and slowly rose to her paws. "What?"
- "Leave now and never come back," Creekfrost growled. Talonfang blinked again, her mouth hanging open slightly. "But this is your chance! I ruined your life, Creekfrost, this could be your chance to finally get rid of me!"
- Creekfrost stared at her sadly. I don't want to get rid of you. He shook his head, pushing her gently away with a paw. "No," emotion filled his voice as he spoke. "You scarred me and changed me, you made me paranoid and my life full of fear and what ifs. You even almost killed me more than once. You've done terrible things." he shook his head some more, eyes to the ground. "But you're still my sister. I'll always see you as that cat who was by my side when no one else was. I'll always love you, even if you don't feel the same. I'll never let anyone hurt you."
- Talonfang stared at him, her eyes softening for a moment. "Creekfrost -"
- A screech overhead inturrupted her. "Now go," Creekfrost mewed, shoving her harder so she tripped, forcing his voice to turn cold again. "Never come back. Never." Talonfang saw her rogue friends retreating in the distance and backed away, then raced after them until she disappeared from sight. Creekfrost watched her go, pain in his heart. Please Talonfang, take this chance and use it. Have a happy life and don't worry anymore. Please don't come back. He began to march back up the slope. I hope I did the right thing.
Everything seemed to go back to peace afterwords. The truth about Talonfang had come out and everyone believed it, a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I was finally able to stop living in fear all the time and just became part of the Clan, like everyone else. I felt like I belonged after so long. But then Waterkit ran away. I don't know exactly what happened, but she left RockClan after having a meltdown. I think she got into a fight with her siblings and she felt unwanted. We looked for her but couldn't find her. We were all upset, but I knew Waterkit. She was about an apprentice, she already knew some battle skills and could hunt, I was sure she'd be okay until she got over her problem.
Meanwhile, me and Stoneblaze got closer and I fell in love with her. We became mates and soon she had kits; Meadowkit, Darkkit, Sharpkit, and Blazekit. I loved the kits so much! Almost right after, a rogue showed up, wishing to join the Clan. Something about him was off. He seemed to be playing an act. That night we woke up to him stealing kits.
- Stoneblaze raked her claws down the gray and white toms face. He let out a little 'eep', then dropped the two kits he was carrying. Stoneblaze pulled them into her fur with her paw, tail curling protectively around them. She bared her teeth, glaring at the newcomer - Smokeypaw - with fiery eyes. "How dare you try taking my kits!"
- Creekfrost stood next to Stoneblaze, his pelt bristling and eyes narrowed, waiting for the toms answer. Anger blazed through his limbs and it took all of his control to not rip Smokeypaw's pelt off.
- Wolfstar and half the Clan was there too, everyone had woken up when they heard Stoneblaze's yowl. "Well?" Wolfstar prompted.
- Smokeypaw's ears and tail drooped and his head lowered to the ground, shame flooding from his pelt. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want to do it, but I had no choice! She won't free my mate unless I give her the kits!"
- Creekfrost pricked his ears. "Give who the kits?"
- Smokeypaw's head lowered even closer to the ground. "M-my leader. M-my mate, she's hurt so bad! S-she needs help! She's expecting kits, but my leader won't let her go unless I took these kits and gave them to her."
- "What is your leaders name?"
- "T-Talonfang," said the tom, glancing around fearfully, as if just saying her name may make her pop out of no where and kill him. Creekfrost's heart sank and his pelt bristled even more with shock. Talonfang? What is she doing? I told her to leave us alone!
It turned out, this entire time, Talonfang was building her group of rogues and training them to be fierce and brutal warriors. She named them HiddenClan and made herself leader, they were hiding away in some tunnels outside of Clan territory where no one could find them. I had been wrong to let Talonfang go that day. I should have taken her to Wolfstar like I was ordered to. Smokeypaw reported that Talonfang was going to take over the Clans, starting with RockClan. She was sending out cats to join the other Clans and steal kits and train them to kill. That's why she wanted my kits.
We had to help Smokeypaw's mate. She was sick and hurt, and who knew when she was going to kit. We gathered a patrol and rescued her. But when we reached her... I realized it was Waterkit - who named herself Waterdrop. We barely escaped Talonfang's group, but we managed. It turned out Waterkit had found Talonfang while she was on the run and joined her group, but realized in the end how horrible it was and was trying to help the other hurt cats and kits escape, but Talonfang found out and wouldn't allow her to leave.
After this, Talonfang started attacking the Clan with patrols every few days. I felt my grief for her dying each time she kept attacking and any sort of loyalty I felt to her died with it. All I felt when I saw her was anger. Then the biggest attack came. The attack where so many cats died.
- Cats screeching split the air and claws slashed at one another. Creekfrost threw a small tom away with a strong bat with a paw. Over the moons he had become better at fighting, but he still felt sick doing it. But the anger and desire to protect his Clan overpowered it. Blazepaw skittered to his side. The young tom had scratches running down his flank and a swollen eye, but otherwise he looked as strong as ever.
- "Come help, Darkpaw and Meadowpaw are trapped in the medicine den. Me and Sharppaw can't fight all of them on our own!" Blazepaw yelped, casting an anxious glance through the fight towards the medicine den. "Lead the way!" Creekfrost mewed, following as Blazepaw squeezed past flailing paws and lashing tails. They reached the medicine den and Creekfrost's heart lurched. Sharppaw was battling two large rogues alone, and at the entrance to the medicine den, Darkpaw and Meadowpaw were trying to fight off three.
- "Go help Sharppaw!" Creekfrost ordered. "I'll help Darkpaw and Meadowpaw."
- Blazepaw nodded, puffing out his chest and let out a shrill shriek as he flung himself at one of the rogues Sharppaw was fighting. With the two of them, they'd be able to win. It was hard to turn his back on his sons, but his other two kits needed help too. Creekfrost leaped into the air and landed on one of the three rogues shoulders, a new strength surging through him. He had to protect his kits! He bit down on the tabby's neck as hard as he could. The she-cat let out of wail of pain and desperately backed away, shaking Creekfrost off her pelt. She ran and fled through the camp entrance. Coward!
- Meadowpaw was taking on a black and white she-cat, while Darkpaw was having trouble with a ginger tabby. Creekfrost hopped over to Darkpaw's aid and together they drove the ginger tom away. When Creekfrost checked on Meadowpaw, she had already chased the she-cat away. Relief flooded through Creekfrost and he gave each kit a swift lick. "Are you both okay?"
- "I've never felt more alive!" Meadowpaw yowled with a gleam in her amber eyes, while Darkpaw nodded with huge eyes.
- "Good," Creekfrost glanced over to Blazepaw and Sharppaw. They were hiding beneath a bush, panting. Resting, but not hurt besides scratches. "Stay with your brothers," Creekfrost nudged the two she-cats over to the bush. "Help each other if you get in any trouble." The four siblings nodded, and Creekfrost tore his eyes away from them and went back into the battle.
- He fought with a few other rogues, until he was near the far side of the clearing. Silver tabby and white fur glimmered in the sunlight and he froze. Grief gripped his heart. Blood stained Waterdrop's white chest fur and her dazzling eyes were glazed, staring sightlessly ahead. Hovering over her was Talonfang. Her muzzle and paws red.
- Rage boiled in Creekfrost and her flew at her. She's not your sister anymore. She's a monster.
- He barreled into her side, knocking her to the ground. Talonfang screeched and smacked him in the face. They locked in a ball and kicked at each other. Creekfrost searched through her thick neck fluff to find her throat. I tried being nice to you in the past, I tried so hard to think you were still good, but I was always wrong! You betrayed me so many times and I was an idiot to ever consider trying to help you!
- Fiery pain scorched across his throat and he pulled away, coughing. Blood dripped from the Talonfang had given him and before he even had a chance to think, she was on top of him, her cruel jaws aiming for his throat. Nothing on her face was like what she once was. It just looked crazed and angry.
- Then the weight was knocked off him. Creekfrost took in a breath and leaped to his paws. Stoneblaze and Darkpaw had come to his rescue. His mottled mate was on Talonfang's back, ripping out clumps upon clumps of gray fur, while Darkpaw wrestled with her neck fluff. Feeling a surge of love and pride, Creekfrost raced over to help, ranking his claws into Talonfang's side. He was so proud of his family. Sometimes he couldn't believe he was part of it. When he was younger, had no idea what this kind of love was like and it was the most amazing feeling in the world. They were always there for each other, no matter what. That was a true family.
- He still wished Talonfang could have been apart of that family.
- Talonfang reared up, throwing Stoneblaze off her back with a yowl of rage, then kicked Creekfrost away with a hind paw, while Darkpaw still clung to her neck. The little black she-cats face was completely buried in Talonfang's fur. Then Talonfang's yowl turned into a choke and the anger changed on her face, looking more confused and surprised then anything.
- Darkpaw clung stiffly to her neck and blood began to drip from where he muzzle was buried. Talonfang sank to the ground and Darkpaw loosened her grip, then leaped free. Her muzzle was stained red and she backed away from Talonfang, horror bright in her blue eyes. She trembled and Stoneblaze raced to her side, licking her and comforting her.
- Creekfrost watched, feeling dazed, then realized what was happening. Talonfang was dying. She was dying and Darkpaw had done it. Creekfrost joined Stoneblaze's comforting. "It's okay, Darkpaw," they both soothed while Darkpaw trembled, clinging to Stoneblaze. "You did what you had to do."
- After a few moments, Creekfrost retreated and padded over to Talonfang. He forced the lump of grief in his throat down. Her eyes blinked a little. "Creekfrost?"
- The craziness was gone and her green eyes were clear - her face not twisted in rage, more in pain. Creekfrost sat down next to her, not knowing what to say. Then grief grew on his sisters face. "Creekfrost... I'm so sorry... for everything," she mewed between rasps. "I know you won't ever forgive, and you shouldn't.. I... I was so scared. Everything changed after I saw mother..." she squeezed her eyes tightly shut and shuddered. "... nothing was the same. I couldn't trust anyone. I was so scared... was everyone like him?"
- It was hard to battle the grief now. "Like who, Talonfang?"
- But Talonfang didn't answer. Her breathing had begun to slow until it had stopped forever.
We chased the rest of the rogues out and never heard from them again. We had won. But Waterdrop had passed, leaving two kits motherless. Wispheart had died during the attacks, Wolfstar lost a life... and so many were injured. Darkpaw was very broken with the fact she had killed someone and we all worried for her and tried to support her the best we could. Talonfang was finally dead and she could no longer cause anyone harm. But in her last moments I saw the cat I once knew. I hate her for what she became, but I'll always love her for who she really is.
Things seemed to be going well, until sickness struck RockClan. It wiped out so much of the Clan and no medicine could cure it. Meadowpaw - Meadowbee got infected and we took her to some twolegs because we had a kittypet Clanmate who knew they'd help her. But the one bad thing about that was the fact Meadowbee had to be a kittypet against her will. Then badgers attacked RockClan and Wolfstar had to make a choice.
- The air was still and heavy with the scent of blood and grief. Creekfrost sat down to Stoneblaze and lying at their paws was Blazeheart and Sharpstone, who were killed in the badger fight. Darkfrost sat a few tail-lengths away, looking dazed. Sadness and disbelief clutched Creekfrost's heart. His family was lost and broken. Three of his four kits were gone in only two days.
- Wolfstar a Clan meeting. She looked around the clearing, her eyes wistful. "RockClan has lost so many warriors - to badgers and sickness."
- The gathered cats bowed their heads respectfully and Wolfstar carried on, sounding helpless. "But... We cannot survive this. I will not risk our healthy Clanmates staying here just to get sick. Some of you will be leaving to join the other Clans, while the sick stay here."
- Startled mews had sounded from the clearing, but in only few moments, everyone seemed to accept it. It was sad seeing the Clan Creekfrost had grown to love and fight for so small and weak. He couldn't believe some of his Clanmates were leaving. But he kept his mouth shut and listened as cats began to decide where they were going. Wolfstar decided that if some cats really wanted to stay, they could, even if they weren't sick. I could never be loyal to anyone else but RockClan, Creekfrost thought, stubbornly. "I'm staying here with you," Stoneblaze mewed quietly, as if reading his mind.
- As the cats joined groups - some going to this Clan, some to that, one voice caught Creekfrost's attention above them all. "I'm.. I'll come with you."
- "Darkfrost, no!" Stoneblaze stood up, her eyes pleading. "You can't leave."
- Creekfrost stared helplessly at Darkfrost, shocked. She can't leave! She can't!
- Darkfrost shook her head. "N-no, I can't stay here. All I have are bad memories... everything just keeps getting worse and worse. I want to start over. I want a new life."
- Stoneblaze let out a sad mrrow while Creekfrost joined them. "Are you sure this is what you want, Darkfrost?" he asked. "Once you leave, you can't come back."
- Darkfrost didn't wait a second to answer. "I'm sure."
- "Are you coming Darkfrost?" asked one of their Clanmates who Darkfrost was joining in the other Clan. They clearly wanted to leave as soon as possible. Darkfrost nodded. "Just a moment." She pushed past Creekfrost and Stoneblaze and stopped when she reached her brothers. Her tail drooped and she lightly touched her nose to the tip of each of their ears, murmuring something too quietly to hear. After a few moments, she stood up to her full height and rejoined her parents. "Good-bye, mom, dad," she tried purring, but it died in her throat as she nuzzled eahc of them in turn. "We'll still see each other at Gatherings."
- "Good-bye, Darkfrost," Creekfrost murmured, grief stinging his heart when she turned away and followed her Clanmates out of camp. Not much thought went through his head as the rest of the day went on and turned to night. He and Stoneblaze sat vigil for Sharpstone and Blazeheart until they were the only ones left and when dawn broke the sky, they buried their kits.
- They were too upset to even think about trying to sleep, so they stayed out and padded along a rabbit track. They stopped at a rock in the middle of the grassy moor and sat and watched the sun rise. "I can't believe they're gone," Creekfrost said after long moments of silence. Stoneblaze didn't reply, her amber eyes unreadable as she gazed at the clouds.
- "It kind of amazes me," she finally said. "Just a few days ago we were all hunting together in the trees," she nodded to the forest. "And now..."
- "I know. I thought the same thing."
- "Do you remember when I told you I was going to have kits?"
- "I was scared," Creekfrost nearly laughed at the memory. "Do you remember when they caught their first prey?"
- "They were all doing so good except Meadowpaw, then at the end of the day she surprised everyone by catching a hawk!"
- They purred for a moment. It was sad remembering everything, but at the same time, it made Creekfrost happy. I wish it could have stayed that way forever.
- Stoneblaze looked a little brighter now and she turned to him, giving him a half curious, half anxious glance. "Would you ever want to have more kits?"
- "Why not?" Creekfrost purred. "Having kits was the best thing that ever happened to me." He narrowed his eyes when Stoneblaze looked away, her pelt prickling with excitement. "That's great! That's really great... A lot of really horrible stuff has happened lately, but I've got some good news."
Stoneblaze was expecting kits. Despite everything that had happened, I felt a little happier. I was excited to meet them! I just wish our first litter could have been there too... Stoneblaze had her kits in the beginning of Leafbare; two kits. We named them Fennelkit and Nightkit. But, life is always planning to do something else bad to you and Stoneblaze caught greencough soon after.
- "I'll be back soon," Creekfrost mewed softly into Stoneblaze's ear. Outside the sky was gray and heavy with snow clouds. A chilly breeze blew in from the entrance to the nursery and Creekfrost shivered, shifted on his paws anxiously. I should fix that when I come back.
- Stoneblaze lifted her head, touching her warm nose to his before lying back down and letting out a gusty cough. I'll only be gone for a moment, he thought, nuzzling both Nightkit and Fennelkit before pushing his way out of the nursery and out onto the moor.
- A light snow began to fall as he followed the trail of a rabbit, but worries kept him distracted from the hunt. Stoneblaze had gotten ill only a few days after kitting and she seemed to be getting worse. The medicine cat said that if she continued to get any worse the kits should be moved into the elders den and given a foster mother until Stoneblaze got better. If she got better. Creekfrost shook his head as if he could shake the worry away. Focus on hunting. This rabbit is for Stoneblaze.
- He forced himself to concentrate on the rabbits scent. Then he spotted it, nibbling on some frosty seeds. He stalked toward it, but it spotted him and began racing away. With a frustrated hiss, Creekfrost pelted after, stretching his legs and pushing them hard so he caught up to the speeding rabbit. Once he was a tail-length behind it, he gave a great pounce and landed awkwardly on it's back. He planted his paws on it and bit into it's throat. Not the most elegant hunting, but it would do.
- "Creekfrost!"
- Spooked, Creekfrost jumped, spinning around to see Oilpelt hurrying toward him. "What is it?" he asked, anxiously meeting the fluffy black tom. Oilpelt looked around, mouth gaping, as if trying to find something to say, but he gave up. "It's Stoneblaze..."
- "What's wrong?" Creekfrost demanded. Oilpelt shook his head, and Creekfrost let out an annoyed hiss, wanting to cuff the tom over the ears. Instead, Creekfrost abandoned the rabbit and Oilpelt and rushed back to camp. He pushed his way into the nursery and saw Stoneblaze was the only one in there now. The kits had been moved. He padded over to her, giving her an anxious nudge. "Stoneblaze?"
- She didn't reply. Her eyes were opened a little, glazed, and her pelt was growing cold. Grief stabbed Creekfrost's heart and he forced himself not to cry out. Panting, he pushed his way out of the nursery and padded over to the elders den. He found his kits inside and curled protectively around them. I'm not leaving you again. Stoneblaze was gone, but he still had to take care of his kits. He wouldn't let anything happen to them. But he had no control over that.
Fennelkit soon followed Stoneblaze's pawsteps and joined her in StarClan. Nightkit became my world and I was very protective of him. Everything changed and I changed. I never felt happy anymore - I only felt remotely happy when I was with Nightkit. I snapped more than I used to and just felt empty. I did my best to be a good father and a good cat.
|
