Warriors: Heronpaw's Secret (Complete)

Chapter 12

 Heronpaw watched the enemy in front of him, crouched behind a tall rock. He squinted his eyes and kept as still as possible, baring his teeth. It was the day after the Gathering, and although he was pretty tired, he was determined to finish what he started.

 He slowly creeped forward, hissed, and sprinted forward. His opponent turned around to face him, but it was too late. Heronpaw pinned the cat to the ground, holding the cat down with his front paws on their shoulder.

 ''Well done, Heronpaw!'' Beesun meowed. ''You're improving a lot in fighting, and you've been an apprentice for almost a moon! Keep this going, and you'll become a warrior in no time.''

 Heronpaw dipped his head and took a step backwards, letting Beesun get up. She shook her fur and looked at her apprentice. ''All right, let's go back to camp now. I think Rosestar wants to call a Clan meeting about Clover.''

 Heronpaw nodded and followed his mentor back to camp. Clover has been in the camp for two days, and her fur was covered in cobwebs. However, she looked healthier, and she was well-rested and well fed now. He was wondering about what the leader was going to say about her.

 ''Let all cats old enough to run the moors gather beneath the Tallrock for a Clan meeting!'' Rosestar called out as soon as Beesun and Heronpaw entered the camp. He sprinted forward and sat next to Whitelion, who gave a quick nod to his son.

 ''Clover has been in our camp long enough, and I think it's safe to say that she can leave.'' Rosestar meowed and looked at the old she-cat, who padded forward. ''However, it's her choice. She can choose to stay, if she wants to.''

 Surprised murmurs came from the other cats. Heronpaw tilted his head. Stay? Does Rosestar want Clover to join WindClan?

 Clover didn't instantly answer. Instead, she looked a bit hesitant. ''I am very grateful for the help you and your Clan gave me, Rosestar, but I think I've been here for too long.'' She murmured humbly. ''I should leave.''

 ''There's no need.'' Rosestar meowed. ''Your group left you to die, and I'm sure they aren't good cats. You can stay if you want. Your wisdom would greatly help our cats.''

 Clover hesitated, but Heronpaw saw her nod. He looked at the old rogue, confused. What kind of group is that, anyway? Leaving your elders to die if they're hurt?

 ''Well.. they really aren't great cats, but I wasn't really allowed to leave.'' Clover meowed, then hesitated and looked around. ''I would like to join WindClan, if that's okay. This is the only real group I've seen in my entire life. Here, cats help each other, whereas in my group everyone had to hunt for themselves. I could help around as a warrior.'' Clover dipped her head in respect, but Heronpaw knew she was being hesitant. She wants to join WindClan, but she's too old to do warrior duties.

 Rosestar shook her head. ''You can join WindClan and become one of our elders, if you want. You will be welcome, and you can tell kits and apprentices stories about your rogue life. Even warriors, if they want to. But it's your choice, and yours alone.''

 Clover looked more relaxed. She dipped her head. ''Thank you, Rosestar. It's a good offer, and I accept. You're a good leader, much better than my old one.''

 The cream she-cat nodded, her green eyes warm. ''Then, we welcome you as one of WindClan's elders. And your new name will be..''

 ''Wait.'' Clover took a step forward, looking a bit hesitant. ''May I keep my name? I'm too old for a new name, anyway. It's the name my mother gave me, and I don't want to forget that.'' She meowed.

 Heronpaw looked surprised, and she noticed that many of his Clanmates did too, but he respected Clover's wish and he admired her bravery.

 ''If that's what you wish, then so be it.'' Rosestar dipped her head, and then looked at the other cats. ''I hope each one of you will treat her as one of our cats now, and bring her as much prey and new moss as you bring the other elders. Meeting dismissed.''