Warrior Cats: Wolfheart's Destiny

Chapter 9

Hey guys! Quick question: I am working on a science-fiction novel unrelated to Warriors... should I post it on here or on a more personal and professional account? AND THANKS FOR 12.2K!!!!

The morning of Wolfpaw's first day as an apprentice, the sun barely stretched through the clouds that gathered above. Soft, gray puffs in the sky, shadowing over the Sister Mountains and their valley like a thicket of branches. A soft wind howled through the trees, tree limbs shivering as it past. Every cat couldn't help but shudder from the crisp chill it brought the air.

Wolfpaw arose early that day, excitement nipping at her paws. She couldn't wait to see what Ashtail had in store for her. From time to time, she had heard her clanmates say things about him, like "he's different", "he's special"; but she had never truly understood what they meant by it. She had tried to ask Ferndapple once, but she had responded with a bite to her tone saying that the cats didn't discuss it anymore, and that she should put it out of her mind. No matter how many times she had said that, Wolfpaw had always remained curious.

Around her, the other apprentices slept soundly, their flanks rising and falling softly. It was peaceful; more peaceful than the nursery had ever been. For a moment, she enjoyed the silence, her gaze fluttering across all of her new denmates.

"Wolfpaw... Psst!" A hushed voice came from outside of the den, it's time giving hints of excitement and anticipation. Confused, Wolfpaw drowsily stood up and made her way to the entrance of the den. Poking her head out, she saw that it was none other than Ashtail who had called her.

"Good morning." Ashtail meowed monotonously, backing up a bit as Wolfpaw stepped into the morning haze.

"Good morning..." She yawned, crouching into a rejuvenating stretch. "Why are we up so early?"

"How do you expect to be the best apprentice and prophecy holder the Clan has if you're as lazy as a water vole in winter?" Ashtail tipped his head sternly, "Follow me, we must leave camp before any of the others awaken." Her mentor instructed, beginning to pad towards the camp entrance. As she followed, Wolfpaw frowned. It's only our first day and he's already bitter with me! She thought to herself, sighing heavily. Is he so stern with me because I was held back from apprenticeship?

"Wolfpaw," Ashtail began as they reached the exit of camp, "I will not be teaching you what the other apprentices are learning today. You will not learn the hunter's crouch. You will not be learning the belly rake. I am taking you to a place few cats besides you and I have been to before. A place unknown to the rest of our Clan." Eyes wide with wonder, Wolfpaw quickened her pace to keep up, her curiosity spiking.

"Why have the others not been there before?" She asked, her tiny paw steps hardly keeping up with his long strides.

"Because, Wolfpaw, they aren't like you and I. You and I are special. We have gifts that the others can hardly dream of having." Ashtail's gaze softened as he continued, looking fondly at Wolfpaw. "As your mentor, it will be my job to teach you how to use and control your gift in all of the right ways..."

"Will I ever learn the hunter's crouch and the belly rake?"

"In time, yes," Ashtail mewed, his pace quickening with each stride, "but for now, we must focus on your gift." Wolfpaw, intrigued, wound through the trees alongside her mentor, desperately wondering what lay in store for her.

"Here we are..." Ashtail mewed, stepping through a tumbling lichen curtain that fell before him. Awestruck, Wolfpaw followed him, the soft lichen tickling her skin as she passed through. Beyond the curtain was a sight that Wolfpaw found rather disappointing. In front of her was the simple entrance to a cave, tucked away under protective moss that padded the entire area. In confusion she glanced at Ashtail, for she had been expecting more.