"Antpaw, StarClan honours your determination and loyalty. So from now on, your name will be Antpelt!" yowled Onestar.
"Antpelt! Antpelt!" chanted the rest of the Clan. Antpelt's heart sank slightly. He had hoped to have a unique name, like Antclaw or Antflight. Even Antbreeze wasn't so bad! But no, of course he would have a boring name, one that no cat would bother to think about.
Before his vigil started, Harespring whispered in Antpelt's ear, "I'll tell Shredtail and Thistleclaw that you're busy." "Thanks," he breathed back to the brown-and-white tom.
Soon, the sun set, and the moon began to rise. Gazing at the stars dotting the sky, Antpelt wondered which one was Flytail. Would he be proud of me? Or would he be upset that I'm so hot-tempered? Oh, Flytail, I miss you so much!
The night dragged on and on, and Antpelt fluffed out his fur against the chill. Every night, Antpelt had seen Willowclaw slip out at camp to sit by the lake alone, probably to grieve for her mate. This night was no different. Dipping his head to the gray she-cat as she passed him, his mother gave his ear an affectionate nuzzle, her leaf-green eyes misted with grief.
Watching her silhouette in the distance, muzzle raised to the sky, Antpelt felt fresh pain tear his heart. Swallowing back the sob that was straining to burst out of him, he just sat back and watched as Willowclaw let out a soft wail, not loud enough to wake cats but just loud enough for Antpelt to hear it faintly.
Dropping his gaze to his paws, Antpelt felt his grief turn into determination. Flytail may not be alive, but I'll carry his legacy with me, and be the best warrior I can!
He would never let his father down.
Willowclaw arrived shortly before dawn, her eyes still blurred from one whole night of grieving. Antpelt gently touched the tip of his tail to his mother's cheek, comforting her silently. She blinked gently at him, then slipped back inside the warrior's den.
Antpelt let out a small puff of breath. Seeing his mother still grieving so heavily, he pondered, Would I do that if my own mate died?
Would I do it for Swallowkit?
YOU ARE READING
Ghosts of the Clans (COMPLETED)
FanficEver wondered why some Clan cats chose to train in the Dark Forest? Well, this book will show you! All credits to Erin hunter, and hope you like the make-believe stories! Antpelt has been scorned by Clanmates about his father, Flytail, saying that F...
