Warriors: Beetlestar's Path

Chapter Two

     Beetlewing peered up at the dark clouds overhead. At any moment, the rain would start, and the entire territory would be soaked. He turned his attention to the camp itself. Mudfleck sat by the warriors den, grooming her brown tabby pelt as Sorrelclaw ate a water vole beside her. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up with kits soon. The two are pretty close. He thought of the battle just three days ago, and how fiercely orange and brown tom hung over her, ready to attack any who came near.

He looked towards the nursery. Acornpelt, a red tortoiseshell, laid stretched out in the entrance, enjoying what few sun rays she could. She had had two kits only half a moon ago, Flutterkit and Ripplekit, and they would soon be walking. Yellowfoot padded towards her with a ball of wet moss. She had never revealed the father, but many assumed it was him. But neither of them look like him. Even if their fur is different, their faces could resemble his, but they don't. But maybe they're just too young.

Beetlewing jumped when he heard a shaky, crackled yowl. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather around the Flat Rock for a Clan meeting." Brookstar sat upon the Flat Rock, a stone whose top was weathered and smoothed with age. Beetlewing got to his paws and padded around the forming crowd as the Clan gathered. He sat on the patch of grass beside the Rock and looked up at his leader dutifully.

Brookstar wasn't old, but her health had declined so rapidly and turned her frail. She hadn't emerged from her den in awhile, and now that she sat in the light, he could clearly see her ribs and thinning fur. Her hips jutted out and her chest heaved as she wheezed.

She'll get better. She has to. But looking out at his gathering Clanmates, Beetlewing could see the worry in their eyes. Please, have faith in her. She'll recover. She has to.

"WaterClan... My warriors," Brookstar began. "We lost the battle three days ago. But you all fought so hard. The war isn't over. You have all been brave."

The Clan was silent. Brookstar carried on. "For now, we will rest. And then- then TreeClan will pay. But for now... we rest. You are all deserving. And one apprentice in particular is particularly deserving for his bravery, and that bravery will be rewarded. Kinkedpaw, come forward."

The tension lifted, and the orange tom emerged from the group, taking cautious steps forward. He sat and curled his tail around his white paws, his broken tail tip jutting upwards as he peered up at Brookstar. The leader let out a raspy purr. "I heard you were brave, defending your Clanmates. And so I, Brookstar, leader of WaterClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down upon you.

"You've trained hard, and fought for your Clanmates. Do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code, to protect your Clan, even should it cost your life?"

Kinkedpaw bowed his head. "I do," he replied. Beetlewing could see the young cat shaking ever so slightly. Is he excited or scared? Probably both! But he should be proud.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Kinkedpaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Kinkedtail. StarClan honors your courage and loyalty." Brookstar stood, her hind legs trembling a bit, and she lowered herself off the stone. She touched her nose to the new warrior's forehead, and he licked her shoulder in turn.

"Kinkedtail!" Yellowfoot called, chanting his apprentice's new name. "Kinkedtail! Kinkedtail!"

"Kinkedtail!"

"Kinkedtail!"

The cheering lasted until Brookstar lashed her tail, and Beetlewing watched as Kinkedtail ran to Yellowfoot. The two bonked their heads together and laughed as other cats circled around. After the gloomy days post-battle, it was refreshing to see some cheer. "Don't forget your vigil tonight!" Beetlewing called, and Kinkedtail bobbed his head wildly, eyes wide and full of excitement.