Warrior Cats SERIES 1: North and South (Book 1)

Chapter 12

Light shone over the Horseplace and Twoleg nest as the patrol grew closer to it. Was StarClan showing them this way? What if WeatheredClan spotted them? What if the horses attacked him like they attacked Cottonpaw? Then a darker thought crossed his mind: was Cottonpaw dead?
           "Northpaw, is this the place you spoke of?" Cloudchasm meowed as she brushed his pelt, bringing him back to reality.
          "Yes, it is. Catmint should be in the field, near the corners of the brown bars." He responded, silently wishing to StarClan that they'd guide him. "Just stay away from the middle - we shouldn't bother the horses there." He hinted Cottonpaw's accident.
          Northpaw lead the patrol to the field, crawling under the bars. Birds tweeted and chattered as he trotted further forward to give the warriors room to follow. Cloudchasm was the first to follow him, her white, furry head pushing through the small dip in the ground. Her eyes glanced up at him and she waited beside him for Waterwave. The tomcat's white head imitated Cloudchasm and Northpaw's as he slipped under the wood. Northpaw crouched and waited as the large horse walked past, it's great, strong feet plodding around. His fur stood up and he forced it to lay back down. He flicked his fluffy tail to signal to Waterwave and Cloudchasm they were to sprint across the field. The three cats quickly ran, the short grass easy for them to go across. Although they were used to wet mud, they were also quick and agile on their paws. Every Clan thought RiverClan of being greedy, slow, fat and useless, but in fact they were graceful, strong, quick and logical. Most of the time, he thought of Crownedfur and Coralstar.
          "Hey, Northpaw." Cloudchasm meowed from afar. "Is this catmint?" She nuzzled a leafy plant that protruded from the longest patch of grass.
          "Yes," He nudged her away. "Don't smell it too much. You'll be too confused to carry some back!" Amusement glittered in his eyes. Northpaw leant down and nibbled at the lowest part of the stem, lifting his head and holding the catmint in his mouth. He made his way over to the largest patch of catmint. Carefully but swiftly, he chewed at the roots of each herb, leaving only four, so that it would grow back during newleaf. Northpaw set down two clumps of lavender-coloured herbs, leaving them for the two warriors who held a conversation behind him.
          "Hey, Cloudchasm," He meowed after a heartbeat. She glanced at him, waiting for what he had to say. "Can you take this pile? And Waterwave can take the other. Then we should head back. It's nearly sunhigh, and my stomach is about to yowl!"
          "I'm not gonna lie, but you're taking after Meltedfur a lot." Waterwave smiled with amusement, whiskers twitching as he glared into Northpaw's bright, green eyes. "A lot, Northpaw."
          "And you take after Yolktail!" He retorted, whisking around and padding away to the wooden bars.
          "Wait a second!" He yowled. Northpaw looked at him over his shoulder. "We still have to watch the flying fish!"
          "I'm serious, Waterwave." The apprentice growled. Cloudchasm silenced the white tomcat with an assertive flick of her tail and followed after Northpaw eagerly. She was just as hungry as he was, and was probably itching to hunt.
          Northpaw travelled side by side with Cloudchasm, while Waterwave hung behind. The two tomcats didn't get along too well when the warrior created a smart comment. His white paws dug deep in the soil, which was getting wetter each day. The next Gathering would be soon. Northpaw wished he could go, but he didn't want to if it meant he couldn't go with Cottonpaw. The two were supposed to do everything together. Besides, Coralstar would probably leave Runningpaw at camp if he went, because she was the only other apprentice. He counted his lucky catches of fish that Yolktail's kits would be apprenticed in a few sunrises. A furry white tail waved in his view and he halted suddenly, staying silent as he locked eyes with Cloudchasm.
          "We should head that," Her tail flicked to the left. "way. It's quicker. Also, what're you thinking about? You seem to be lost in thought." She padded in the direction she suggested without waiting for his reply, and he trotted after her.
          "I was thinking about the Gathering," He began.
          "Why would that be? Are you excited? I heard Coralstar might pick you to go this time." The beautiful shecat seemed lost.
          "What if I am? I don't want to go to the Gathering without Cottonpaw. We were supposed to do everything together! And, besides, if I'm picked, then Runningpaw will have to stay back at camp." Northpaw growled a little - every path was a dead end.
          "I'm sure you don't need to do everything together. It's a great honour to be chosen. And I doubt you'll be chosen as the only apprentice to go. Runningpaw shows great potential, and Coralstar wouldn't miss a fish for an opportunity to show off her cats. And remember that Yolktail's kits are being apprenticed this moonrise." Cloudchasm assured him, tail swinging side to side with her graceful strides.
          "Moonrise? Maybe," He thought hard. "but what if I do so badly with Meltedfur, I won't be chosen for the Gathering?"
          "Don't do that, Northpaw. I think it'd do you well to go to the Gathering without Cottonpaw - you might learn that you can't do everything with her." Her eyes were soft but her voice was meaningful and passionate.
          "Are you sure?"
          "It'll be okay. Besides, you'll probably be going with Runningpaw. Everyone knows you two get along surprisingly well. Who knew that minnow-brain could be so nice!" She giggled, but Northpaw felt a stab of guilt. He stopped in his tracks.
           "Runningpaw isn't like that. She's brave, loyal, funny, courageous and feirce. She might have a temper, but she wasn't like Crownedfur, at least. Crownedfur was a batblind, bossy furball." Northpaw snapped at the warrior.
          Pawsteps sounded from behind the two, and Waterwave's figure stepped out from the trees, a water vole hanging from his fangs.
          "What's happening here?" He meowed, voice slightly muffled. "I heard Northpaw yell at you, Cloudchasm. Is there an issue?"
          "Nope. Let's continue quickly - this catmint will die before we get to Meltedfur!" Northpaw forced a tone full of amusement.
          The two warriors nodded and followed after him. Strong scents of RiverClan picked up and Northpaw knew they were near camp, even though he could already recognise the pattern of trees. Running water sounded as they neared the stream protecting camp, and Northpaw dropped into the blue liquid, pelt immediately becoming drenched. He held his head high and paddled with his front paws, propelling himself forward with his hind. He heard splashes behind him, indicating that Cloudchasm and Waterwave were joining him in the river. Meows and distant chatter became more obvious as Northpaw walked into camp, the soft moss familiar on his pads.
          "Northpaw! You're finally back! And with a lot of catmint, too. Give me that, you three." Meltedfur spoke with a sharp tone, but Northpaw could tell she was impressed and surprised. The old shecat was rather impatient half the time, but there was a glimmer of happiness in her dull, amber eyes.
          Northpaw followed his mentor into her den, helping her set down the herbs. The lavender petals were wet and droopy, heavy with water. Meltedfur sat down next to him, inspecting them before speaking.
          "Northpaw, what do we do to these herbs now?"
          "We must lay them in the sun to dry." He responded, taking a mouthful and placing them on the dry, mossy rock overhanging the stream, where the sun was shining brightly. Thankfully, the day was fairly warm, though humid. He licked his chops and his stomach growled.
          "Go and grab something to eat. Then rest. You need it, young one." She dismissed him quickly, flicking her tail. "Oh, and I wouldn't mind something for myself! Ask Runningpaw to get it for me - I need to talk to her." He nodded, listening to her orders.
          He padded into the clearing and to the fresh-kill pile, rummaging around until he found a thrush. Northpaw spun around and scanned camp, spotting a familiar dark grey and brown shecat.
          "Runningpaw!" He exclaimed, trotting over blissfully. Seeing his best friend reminded him that he wasn't alone - that Cottonpaw wasn't the only one he could have fun with.
          "Hey, Northpaw. Is that a thrush? Did the hunting patrol come back, then?" Runningpaw questioned swiftly, clearly hungry.
          "I believe it did. Well, if you're going over there, take some fresh-kill to Meltedfur. She says she wants to talk to you. When you're ready come join me over here." He layed down, beginning to carefully remove the feathers from the blue bird at his paws.
          Camp seemed awfully full, even though it was sunhigh. Coralstar had been asking for only one border patrol a day, but three hunting patrols. The new leader confused Northpaw, but if StarClan had given her her nine lives then she was clearly accepted and was worthy. Whatever the situation, WeatheredClan seemed to be getting bigger and stronger everyday. Their scent was heavier against the WindClan border, and ShadowClan's borders were dull. Had they finally unleashed their cruelness on the cats living in the pine tree territory? Although Frontstar had given in to the rogues' greed and ambition, Northpaw could guess Cinnamonstar and Mysticstar would never. He only hoped Coralstar wouldn't, too.
           He wrinkled his nose as he smelt a horrible scent - sickness! Quickly, Northpaw sat up. He pushed the remains of his thrush to one side and padded after the smell until he found himself in the warriors' den. Oh no! he thought anxiously. If one warrior got sick, then the others were prone to catching it as well. He prayed that it wasn't greencough.
          "Oh, hello, Northpaw." A tired meow sounded in the corner and he glanced over to see Stonepatch. Her nose and eyes were streaming, and Northpaw could feel the heat radiating off of her without touching her. "What can I do for you?"
          "Don't worry," He reassured her, even though he guessed she ignored it. "Is Brokenbranch alright?" The two cats were mates. If Stonepatch was sick, there was a possibility the lean, black tomcat was too. After all, leaf-bare had started nearly a quarter-moon ago, and the warrior had been hard on himself since Cottonpaw went missing. He was constantly pushing himself and had been exhausted of recent.
          "If I'm honest then I've no idea. You should ask him yourself. He should be by the fresh-kill pile, he told me." The black shecat dipped her head, sniffing.
          Immediately, Northpaw spun around, slipped out of the warriors' den and scanned the clearing where the fresh-kill pile sat. Brokenbranch lay alongside Verastep and the two seemed happy talking to each other while eating. Northpaw trotted over without hesitation - he couldn't let any more cats get ill.
          "Brokenbranch, how do you feel? I heard you've been pushing yourself all day since Cottonpaw went missing." He couldn't jump around the truth, it would only make the conversation worse. If he wanted the right answer, then he would have to state the obvious. The warrior only narrowed his eyes. "You've been sharing tongues with Stonepatch today, haven't you?"
          "She's fine! I mean: I know she's ill, but you can't stop me meeting her!" Brokenbranch snarled. Verastep's tail touched his back and he seemed to relax a little. "What are you going to do about it?"
          "Tell Meltedfur. Let me check you over, at least. You too, Verastep. If Brokenbranch has any symptoms, I need to check the cats he's been with." His cream-coloured muzzle nudged Brokenbranch's forehead. Unusually warm, but not hot. Northpaw listened carefully to his breathing. Slight wheezing. He noticed the crust around the tomcat's nose and a weepy eye.
          Verastep shifted away, but Northpaw checked her anyway. Thankfully, she had no symptoms - a healthy deputy! He dipped his head in thanks and rushed over to the medicine den, where Runningpaw was just exiting. She looked concerned, but he silenced her with a flick of his tail to tell her he'd tell her everything later.
          "Meltedfur! Stonepatch has greencough and Brokenbranch has whitecough!" Northpaw blurted out, anxiety nibbling his insides.
          "They do?" His mentor gasped. "What symptoms did they have?"
          "Stonepatch has a running nose and eyes, heavy breathing, burning pelt. Brokenbranch has a very warm pelt, crust around his nose and weepy eyes! He, too, is having small trouble breathing." He listed the symptoms he noted earlier.
          "Very well. Thank you, Northpaw. I presume Stonepatch is too unwell to move, but Brokenbranch can. Get him to my den, now. Take this dose of catmint and feed it to Stonepatch." Meltedfur ordered, voice brave even though Northpaw could sense her anxiety, like him. He did as he was told, and rushed over to the warriors' den, where Stonepatch was still laying in her moss bed. He dropped the precious leaves of catmint infront of her nose.
          "Eat those - they will make you feel better." He breathed. Relief washed over him as she obediently picked the herb up and chewed. "If you need anything, call for me. Loud. Hopefully somecat will hear." Northpaw watched her nod with exhaustion and he paced out of the den swiftly toward Brokenbranch. Verastep had parted herself from him and was discussing something with Coralstar. The black tomcat pricked his ears when he spotted Northpaw walking over to him. "Brokenbranch, you need to go to the medicine den. Meltedfur needs to tend to you."
          "No! I'm fine! I need to continue with my patrols." He hissed. "Don't waste your time on me."
          "No!" Northpaw snarled back. "You're a great warrior and the Clan needs you! Go to Meltedfur - now!" The tomcat gave in, standing up and angrily slipping through the honeysuckle vines to the medicine den. Northpaw exhaled, rolling his eyes. At last, he could go sit down with Runningpaw. Turning around, Northpaw padded to his friend. A yowl sounded from the nursery, and the shecat's whiskers twitched in amusement.
          "That sounds like Eagle-eye." Runningpaw suggested. "Don't worry, I'll wait here and save a mouse for you."
          "Thanks." He dipped his head and rushed away to the nursery. Northpaw pushed through the brambles and bracken to hear another yowl, louder this time. He continued padding through the den until he spotted Eagle-eye. She was breathing heavily and looked in terrible pain, lying on her side. He expected to see her kits from the sound she was making, but only her. He laughed at himself silently - it was too early for her to have her kits. "Eagle-eye, calm down." He nudged her gently.
          "It hurts! Please get me some poppy seeds!" She groaned.
          "I can't, I'm afraid. Poppy seeds will kill your kits." Northpaw told her. "But I can get you some chervil and juniper berries. Stay here." He ordered and hurried over to the medicine den.
          "Northpaw! Why are you back? Is something wrong?" Meltedfur meowed, curious.
          "Yes. Can I have some chervil and juniper berries for Eagle-eye? I heard her yowl because of her stomach."
          "Of course. Here." She spun around and grabbed the two herbs he asked for, placing them by his paws. Northpaw gratefully picked them up and dipped his head to his mentor, heading back over to the nursery. Eagle-eye let out another painful yowl and Northpaw quickly placed down the herbs.
          "Eat those." He told her, and the beautiful queen nodded, devouring the berries and leaves. She glanced up at him, admiration glinting in her blue eyes.
          "Thank you, Northpaw. You'll be a great medicine cat one day." She purred, before setting her head down on her paws and waiting for sleep. Northpaw flicked his tail and skipped out of the nursery, happy at his dismissal.
          "Northpaw!" Runningpaw called for him and he layed down beside her. She nudged a mouse over to him. "Just as promised." She nodded at him. He licked his chops and began eating the prey in thanks of StarClan. He wasn't looking forward to feasting on fish all winter, so appreciated every mouse, vole, shrew, thrush, rabbit and squirrel given to him. At least his friend had good taste for other prey, too.
          "Do you think Cottonpaw is okay?" He questioned, worried.
          "I'm sure she's just fine. For now, you need to focus on yourself. I'm sure Coralstar will choose you for the next Gathering, and you need to be prepared," She glanced at him with meaning, but quickly looked away, seeming embarrassed. Her tail twitched and she began grooming her paws. Northpaw finished his mouse and gave a few brisk licks to his chest fur. He noticed Featherwhisper watching from afar, smiling with a knowing-look. A hot wave washed over his entire body, nose to tail. "Say, what do you think of Verastep being deputy? I think she's amazing."
          "Yeah, she's decent. I think I'll get to like her, although she's a little headstrong."
          "We all have our flaws." Runningpaw tapped her nose with a toe and Northpaw remembered the battle with the rogues. She smiled at him.
          "That's not funny, and you know it. What about past friends? We should give that one a try." He purred.
          "Hmm..." She hummed and rolled over, laying upright and pressing her flank to his. Northpaw's breath hitched in his throat and his heart felt like it was not beating at all. What was this mysterious feeling? Feeling calm and content, he licked her ear and rested his head on his own paws, allowing her to sleep against him. Her purr was loud in his ear, but it slipped away as he felt too exhausted to do anything, only let sleep come and find him.

***

          The sound of water rushed in his ears and Northpaw opened his green eyes. Unfamiliar trees waved around him and twigs crackled under his paws as he walked forward. A sweet scent invaded his nose and he shut his eyes, enjoying the pleasant smell as he changed direction to follow it. Fur brushed against his and the smell was stronger. He blinked open his eyes and noticed a cat before him. She had thick, sleek, pale blue-grey fur, a plumy tail, a delicate pink nose. Her frame was lithe and frail and her eyes were wide and ice-blue. He didn't recognise her, and long grass prodded his fur all around, itchy in some places after tickling him.
          "Who are you?" Northpaw confronted her after a heartbeat, as she had not yet spoken, only watching him.
          "I am Mistystar. Do you not recognise me, Northpaw?" Mistystar questioned, calmly speaking. Her presence confused him - he did not know this cat. Why had she chosen to bother him?
          "No." He answered simply, grimacing.
          "Very well." She stepped forward and pressed her nose to his. His legs felt weak and he layed down, the familiar feeling of falling gripping him. Blackness and coldness prickled over his entire body, but Northpaw trusted the light at the bottom of the drop. The abyss would end soon, he promised himself.
          He reached the opening of darkness, and immediately became blinded by the sudden change in light. No new smells came to him as he opened his eyes a slither, them adjusting. It was several moments before he climbed to his paws, walking forward. A waterfall, without warning, emerged before him and water cascaded down. Trees sprouted out of the grass and leaned over the edge of the cliff. He spun around, only to face a large fern thicket. Northpaw growled angrily, turning around ninety-degrees. He spotted a large bramble thicket, this time. He twisted on himself to inspect the opposite direction, and his hackles rose. He yowled and screeched as a rush of cats ran past him, blood dripping from all of their necks. Bones crackled and a bone pile crashed forward, falling into the waterfall. He widened his eyes more as the waterfall turned bright red, no longer water, but instead blood.
          A yowl sounded in his ear and he turned to face it. A cat with sharp claws, light blue eyes, a silver-grey pelt with white and black flecks hissed at him. It was a shecat. Coralstar! Blood roared in his ears and his heart raced, turning tail and sprinting away as she chased him further to the bones. Cat skulls surrounded him, with a couple other cat bones. Why only skulls? He remembered the other cats with cut necks. He hopped over the bones, which continued crackling as more bones fell into the bloody waterfall. He shut his eyes and begged for mercy. Northpaw gasped as he opened his eyes, WindClan territory taking shape before him. He quickly turned around - Coralstar was gone.
          No. He heard a purr and looked for it, only to see Coralstar, but not as terrifying as earlier, with Frontstar. Runningpaw was right! He was licking the shecat's belly, which looked like it was about to pop. She was yowling and a slim body slid out of her. Her kit! Northpaw took a peep from over the small hill. The kit had a tiny, cream body with white paws and dark brown stripes. It opened its blind eyes.
          Blind. Green. Eyes.
          "Northpaw!" He jolted awake and Runningpaw was staring over him with a concerned look. "Are you okay?"