Colorful Doom

Chapter 7

The moon hung high in the dark sky. The green leaves on the trees bordering the ShadowClan camp rustled in the soft breeze. The cats of the Clan of darkness were gathered around the Dark Rock, all eyes focused on Nightpaw as she stepped forward. Her dark blue eyed shone with excitement. The time was finally here.

Shadestar dipped his head. "I, Shadestar, leader of ShadowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard in the ways of your noble code, and I commend her as a warrior in return. Nightpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Nightpaw stared at her leader, her gaze unwavering. There was no going back. "I do." She responded, voice steady.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Nightpaw, from this moment on, as you have requested, you will be known as Nightfeather. This is to signal that you have overcome certain challenges. StarClan honors your bravery and intelligence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan."

Cheers rose from the crowd behind her. Nightfeather turned around to face her Clan, pure happiness on her face. Wolffur stepped forward and touched noses with her again, his white and gold fur smoothed for the ceremony. Although she couldn't speak, their touch held a thousand words.

Sparrowwing curled his tail around her, touching a nose to her forehead. "I'm so proud of you," he murmured.

Nightfeather smiled and closed her eyes, breathing in his scent. Pine and leaves greeted her. She didn't want to ever let go.

Sparrowwing smiled and padded away. Most of the warriors were already settling into their nests, except for one. Snowstripe sat at the entrance of the camp, staring into the woods. Slightly unnerved, Nightfeather padded over.

"Are you alright?" She asked, her tail flicking nervously.

Snowstripe's eyes didn't move. "Do you remember this day? When they brought you into camp? When I died inside? When you slipped from my grasp? Did you know how much I cared? And if you did, would you care too?" She whispered, her eyes empty and tired.

Nightfeather quickly relaized she was talking about Dawnpaw. Snowstripe had spoken about the former apprentice as though she was her daughter. Nightfeather glanced back uncertainly, and spotted Shadestar. He gave her a nod.

She could break her silence.

Nightfeather settled her self next to the black she-cat and curled her tail around her. "What was she like?" She whispered.

Snowstripe didn't move her gaze. "She was calculated and cold. But I wouldn't blame her. Her mother barely paid attention to her as a kit. She was always worried about Foxpaw. Dawnpaw would sob about it to me. Do you relaize how much it hurt her?" Her voice took on a bitter tone. "She began to develop feelings for Sparrowpaw. And she was rejected. She hated you for it. She hated you for stealing his heart. Rosefeather began to speak with her more and more. Dawnpaw, in a final act of desperation, buddied up to Duskpaw until he finally fell for her." She gave a cold laugh. "She was clever. She knew how to hurt you, and she did."

Nightfeather stared at Snowstripe, shocked. She hadn't seen any of this. She hadn't relaized how close they had been.

"It's alright," she mumbled awkwardly, unsure of what to say.

"No it's not! She's gone! And I'm still here." Snowstripe gave a sigh and got up, padding away.

Nightfeather stared after her, unable to stop the tears from coming. Why didn't she see it earlier? Her mind buzzing, she took her place in the camp entrance.