Ghosts of the Clans (COMPLETED)

Chapter 12

"How-" Troutstream gaped at Hollowpaw, who was on top of her and raking her belly with sheathed claws. The apprentice leaped off her, looking smug, and licked one paw, drawing it over his ear. "Not so bad now, huh?"

Mossypaw's light green eyes were wide. "Hollowpaw! You just beat a warrior! How did you do that?" she gasped, running to her brother's side. "Just some extra training, I guess," the other apprentice told her loftily.

Minnowtail felt a prick of uneasiness. Reedwhisker had never given the dark brown tom any extra lessons, so the only reason for his sudden improvement would be... with a jolt, she made the connection. Hollowpaw was training in the Dark Forest.

On the way back to camp, she fell in with the dark brown tom and whispered, "You're training in the Dark Forest, aren't you?" His dark amber eyes defiant, Hollowpaw retorted, "So what if I am? Applefur and Ivypool are great mentors!"

"I'm not criticising you; I also train there," Minnowtail explained to him, and his tense shoulders relaxed, replaced by easy looseness. "Oh, well. No wonder you can train Mossypaw to do such advanced moves."

Back at camp. Mistystar questioned, "How was their assessment?" Minnowtail spoke first. "Mossypaw held her own against Rushtail, and nearly beat him, for the fighting. Her fishing was excellent; she caught three chubs and a trout. I think she deserves to be a warrior."

Reedwhisker nodded. "I agree. Hollowpaw did fine at fishing, catching a salmon and a carp as well as a water vole with a nice bit of stalking. His fighting was excellent! He defeated Troutstream, though it was quite narrow. It would be a shame not to have him as a warrior."

Mistystar listened patiently and finally declared, "All right. You can wash yourselves and we'll hold the warrior ceremonies." Both apprentices let out squeals of excitement and dashed off to Pinefur, who was just coming back from a hunting patrol. Even from where she was standing two fox-lengths away, Minnowtail could hear them purring, "We passed! We passed!"

Pinefur began to wash the two apprentices lovingly, and Minnowtail remembered with a stab of longing how Dawnflower used to groom herself and Pebblefoot too. And Tumblekit, her sister who had perished because of a Twoleg poison.

I killed her by being too mischievous, Minnowtail reflected with a stab of grief. It was all because of me.

"Cats of RiverClan, it is time for Mossypaw and Hollowpaw's warrior ceremony. Let all cats gather!" Mistystar's yowl interrupted her sad reverie. She gave herself a quick wash and entered with Mossypaw, sleek and her pelt gleaming under the sunlight.

"Mossypaw, Hollowpaw, do you promise to serve RiverClan faithfully, even at the cost of your life?" Mistystar inqured. "I do!" they chorused, eyes sparkling with joy. "Then, Mossypaw, your warrior name will be Mossyfoot. StarClan honours your self-control and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan! Hollowpaw, from now onwards, you shall be called Hollowflight. StarClan honours your determination and perseverance, and we in turn welcome you as a warrior, too!"

"Hollowflight! Mossyfoot!" The Clan acclaimed the new warriors, who stood tall. Lifting her voice to cheer, Minnowtail noticed that Pouncetail was sitting beside Dapplenose, their pelts brushing together, and the ginger-and-white tom was chanting halfheartedly.

Mouse-heart! If he didn't love Pinefur, at least he should be proud of his own kits! Minnowtail thought with a prick of anger. Didn't the stupid tom at least know the joy of having a mate?