𝙎𝙔𝙉𝙊𝙋𝙎𝙄𝙎 //
"Please! I have to tell them! They're tearing each other apart! What happened to your love for your kin? The stars are winking out, blood is filling the waters! This can't be my destiny! I beg of you..."
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Corpsepaw padded into camp with a mixture of apprehension and determination swirling in her chest. Her chest also still hurt slightly from her hyperventilating a little bit ago. The familiar sights and sounds of camp offered little comfort as she scanned the area, her nerves palpable in the air around her. Spotting her father lingering in the shadows, Corpsepaw instinctively lowered her head and hurried past, her heart heavy with unspoken tension. Making her way to the medicine cats' den, Corpsepaw found Ravenpaw inside, and offered a silent wave of acknowledgment before turning her attention to Fumitorytail. The wise medicine cat looked up from her herbs, her gaze warm and welcoming as she greeted Corpsepaw with a gentle smile, "Fumitorytail," Corpsepaw began, her voice trembling slightly with uncertainty, "I need to talk to you about something." Fumitorytail's ears perked up with interest, her attention shifting momentarily to Ravenpaw as she tended to his injured paw with practiced care, "Of course, Corpsepaw. I think I know what this is," Fumitorytail replied knowingly, her tone filled with understanding. Corpsepaw hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest as she gathered her courage to speak, "Chervilstar just told me about my destiny," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, "about how I'm supposed to be a warrior and a medicine cat. I don't know where to start or how to even begin preparing for this kind of responsibility." As she spoke, Corpsepaw's fur fluffed up with anxiety, the weight of her newfound destiny pressing down on her shoulders like a heavy burden. Her breathing had picked up again. Fumitorytail's expression softened with empathy as she listened to Corpsepaw's concerns, her wise eyes reflecting a deep understanding of the young apprentice's fears, "It's a heavy burden to bear, Corpsepaw," she murmured sympathetically, her voice laced with sincerity and compassion. Corpsepaw couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at Fumitorytail's words, her unease lingered like a shadow in the back of her mind. Confirmation that this would be hard wasn't what she needed and it showed, "But when do I start my medicine cat training? And how will I balance it with my warrior training?" she asked, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties, desperate for guidance in navigating the path that lay ahead. Fumitorytail paused for a moment, her gaze thoughtful as she considered Corpsepaw's questions. "I think it would be best to start your medicine cat training as soon as possible," she began, her voice steady and reassuring, "but we can work out a schedule that allows you to balance it with your battle training. And don't worry, I'll be there to help you every step of the way." Her words were filled with genuine sincerity, offering Corpsepaw a lifeline of support amidst the uncertainty of her future. Corpsepaw flicked an ear, feeling a surge of unease mingled with determination coursing through her veins. Doubts lingered at the edges of her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the reassurance offered by her new mentor, "In two moons, I'll take you with me to the medicine cat gathering," Fumitorytail continued, drawing Corpsepaw's attention away from her doubts. Corpsepaw blinked in confusion at the mention of a special gathering place, her curiosity piqued, "There's a special place? They don't just meet you every night?" she asked, tilting her head inquisitively. Fumitorytail chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she shook her head. Fumitorytail paused in her reply as she yanked the thorn from Ravenpaw's paw, "No, go to a big glowing pool," she explained, her voice tinged with nostalgia, "StarClan blessed us with a pathway to their fields. We simply lay down in the waters with our chin on a rock to keep our nose over the surface, and we wake up in StarClan. They will send dreams to those who are special or about the special ones." Her words carried a sense of reverence, and Corpsepaw couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the thought of communing with StarClan in such a sacred place, "But us medicine cats have a special connection to StarClan," Fumitorytail added, her gaze softening as she looked at Corpsepaw with warmth and understanding. Corpsepaw listened intently, her mind buzzing with newfound knowledge and insight. Though the weight of her destiny still felt heavy on her shoulders, Fumitorytail's words offered a glimmer of understanding and hope in the midst of uncertainty. Ravenpaw soon scurried off, his paw fixed up the best it could be.
Fumitorytail's excitement was palpable as she finally settled in front of Corpsepaw, her eyes shining with enthusiasm, "I'm excited to start training with you," she hummed, her voice filled with genuine warmth, "You'll be my first apprentice!" The sincerity in Fumitorytail's words washed over Corpsepaw, easing some of the anxieties that had been swirling within her chest. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement herself at the prospect of beginning her training under Fumitorytail's guidance. Taking a moment to survey the medicine cat's den, Corpsepaw's gaze landed on an empty spot nearby. It was the same spot where Fumitorytail used to rest before she became a full-fledged medicine cat. The realization dawned on Corpsepaw that she would now be sharing this space with her mentor, leaving behind the familiar comforts of the apprentice den. A pang of sadness tugged at her heart as she thought of leaving Huntpaw behind, the thought of being separated from her brother causing a frown to mar her features. Seeming to sense Corpsepaw's unease, Fumitorytail let out a gentle sigh, her eyes softening with understanding, "If it helps, there's lots of space in that corner," she reassured, her voice gentle and soothing, "Huntpaw can sleep with you until you grow into it." The offer brought a sense of relief to Corpsepaw, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, "Wait, really? I don't have to leave him behind?" she asked, her eyes widening with hope. Fumitorytail nodded, her expression warm and reassuring, "I wouldn't dream of tearing you two apart," she cooed, her tone filled with compassion. Corpsepaw felt a rush of gratitude wash over her as she realized that she wouldn't have to face this new chapter of her life alone. The thought of having Huntpaw by her side, even in the unfamiliar territory of the medicine cat's den, brought her a sense of comfort and reassurance. As she glanced at Fumitorytail, Corpsepaw couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her new mentor. The older cat's kindness and understanding had already made a world of difference to Corpsepaw, easing her transition into her new role as a medicine cat apprentice.
Corpsepaw emerged from the medicine den, the warm rays of the sun casting its light across the camp. Her eyes swept over the familiar surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of her clanmates beginning their day. As she made her way towards the apprentice den, she noticed Ravenpaw scraping her nest together into a moss pile. Tilting her head, she asked, "What are you doing?" "Taking some stress off your shoulders and helping you move," he smiled up at her and flicked his black tail, "I sort of overheard all of that. Unintentionally, my paw had a thrown and yeah..." he motioned to the pile, "I can help you carry it if you'd like." He offered. Corpsepaw nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She appreciated Ravenpaw's gesture of kindness, knowing that having his support would make the transition into the medicine cats' den much easier. Together, they carefully carried her nest into the den, finding her cozy spot amidst the aromatic herbs and healing supplies. Settling down outside in a patch of warm sunlight, Corpsepaw felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She glanced over at Ravenpaw, his playful demeanor bringing a smile to her face despite the weight of her doubts, "I don't know that destiny you have, but before you're sucked in, wanna have some fun?" Ravenpaw asked, mischief glittering in his eyes. Corpsepaw's smile widened at the suggestion, grateful for the chance to momentarily forget about her worries and simply enjoy the company of a friend. Her excitement bubbled up within her as she eagerly accepted Ravenpaw's invitation. She had always enjoyed the thrill of a good race, and the prospect of exploring new territory filled her with a sense of adventure. Standing up, she felt a surge of energy coursing through her, her tail swaying back and forth in anticipation, "What did you have in mind?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. Ravenpaw stood up beside her, his sleek black fur shimmering in the sunlight as he flashed her a mischievous grin, "How about a race along the river? It trails off into some cliffs, but we can race up the hills before the beach?" he suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Corpsepaw's heart raced at the thought of racing along the riverbank and exploring the cliffs beyond. Nervousness flashed briefly in her eyes as she considered Ravenpaw's proposal. She had never ventured that far from camp before, and the unknown territory filled her with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Sensing her hesitation, Ravenpaw playfully cuffed her ears, his touch reassuring, "Don't worry, nothing out that way is a danger to us," he assured her with a wink. Corpsepaw met his amber eyes, finding comfort in his confidence and determination. With a nod and a smile, she made up her mind to embrace the adventure ahead. With that, Ravenpaw took off, his swift movements urging Corpsepaw to follow. With a burst of energy, she raced after him, the wind whipping through her fur as they disappeared into the wilderness beyond camp.
