Warriors: A Dangerous Path - Book Five (Completed)

Chapter Twenty

Cinderpelt widened her eyes. "T-take over for you?" She stuttered, clearly surprised that Waterlily would even ask her for such a special duty.

"I can teach you the basics." Waterlily offered.

Cinderpelt hesitated for a moment, then nodded her head. "Very well."

Waterlily's gratitude swelled within her as she explained the herbs and remedies that Cinderpelt would need to perform during her temporary role as a medicine cat. With each word, Cinderpelt's confidence grew, and Waterlily knew that she had made the right choice. ThunderClan would be in capable paws, and she could embark on her journey to the Moonstone with a sense of reassurance.

Leaving detailed instructions and guidance for Cinderpelt, Waterlily bestowed her apprentice-turned-caretaker with a reassuring touch. "Trust in yourself, Cinderpelt. You possess the skills and the heart to carry out your duties with compassion and wisdom. I have faith in you." She finished with a purr.

With a nod of understanding, Cinderpelt absorbed the information, ready to embrace her newfound responsibilities. Waterlily's heart swelled with pride for her temporary apprentice, knowing that ThunderClan would be well cared for in her absence.

Waterlily's steps were determined as she ventured towards the Moonstone, her thoughts consumed by a mix of concern for Bluestar and the anticipation of connecting with their warrior ancestors. She padded inside the Moonstone. She could feel a cold shiver run down her spine. She didn't know if it was a sign or if the air was beginning to get cold once more.

As she reached the inside, Waterlily took a deep breath, preparing herself for the connection she sought. She lowered her head, her paws resting on the cool surface of the stone, and closed her eyes. In the stillness, she called upon StarClan and the world opened up around her.

"Waterlily." Mewed a soft voice.

Waterlily didn't even have to turn her head to know who the voice belonged to. "Spottedleaf. It is great to hear your voice." She purred, then turned to face her and rubbed her muzzle against her cheek.

"I know why you have come." Spottedleaf lowered her head in shame. "I cannot help you in what you seek. Bluestar is a wise leader, but she is facing troubles like no other leader." She gazed back up at Waterlily, knowing how she would feel.

Waterlily couldn't meet Spottedleaf's amber gaze and shuffled her paws. "There's nothing for Bluestar?" She finally mewed, closing her eyes tightly in hopes to get a different answer.

"We cannot make anyone believe in us. If that's what she chooses, we have other ways to get through to the Clan."

Waterlily sighed in acceptance. "Then what about the pack? What all do you know?"

"That is all we know, now. I cannot tell you more than you already know."

Waterlily began feeling frustrated with Spottedleaf's responses. "What do you mean? I only know what Bluestar has told me!" She hissed.

Spottedleaf flinched from Waterlily's sudden anger. "There is evil loose in the forest." She echoed as if whispers were sending her these words.

"Do you mean Tigerstar?" Waterlily's eyes widened in dismay.

Spottedleaf just shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "I do not know. That is all I can tell you."

Still frustrated, Waterlily looked away, not able to keep Spottedleaf's soft amber gaze. "I just don't know what to do." She finally meowed hoarsely.

Spottedleaf dipped her head. "I am sorry, Waterlily. I wish that I was more help."

Waterlily still couldn't meet her eyes. She felt like she made this trip for nothing.

Spottedleaf lowered her gaze then padded away into the distance. Spottedleaf's form began to fade slightly, but her words remained soothing. "Trust in the path you walk. Bluestar will find her way back when the time is right. StarClan watches over her, even when the path ahead seems uncertain."

As Spottedleaf's presence gradually dissipated, Waterlily felt more at ease, but she still knew going back without any helpful information would only break her Clan even more.

Waterlily then awoke and made her way back to ThunderClan. Waterlily embarked on her journey back, following the familiar trail that led her across the thunderpath and through the border of WindClan's territory. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow upon the landscape. The night was calm, but her heart was still heavy with concern for Bluestar and the challenges that lay ahead.

As she padded through the blades of grass, Waterlily found comfort in the rhythmic sound of her paws. The grass seemed to embrace her with its soothing presence, as if reassuring her that she was not alone in her worries. As the night wore on, her steps quickened with the anticipation of returning to ThunderClan. The camp awaited her with its familiar scents and sounds as she padded through the gorse tunnel and down the ravine.

She then padded back into the medicine den and saw Cinderpelt fast asleep just beside the small pool of water. The herbs were neatly tucked away in the right places and the den was tidy and clean. With a soft sigh of relief, she nestled into the pile of fresh moss. Cinderpelt must have collected some. She laid her head down on her paws and closed her eyes to sleep.

Though she found StarClan to be useless with her questions, she knew that Spottedleaf was right. Bluestar has faced many hardships throughout her leadership and she couldn't imagine going through the same things as she did. But now what bothered her the most was that Tigerstar has plans to take over all four Clans. If Bluestar continues to stand alone, ThunderClan may be no more.