Emberstar's Journey

Chapter 12

"I've known about it." Emberpaw blurted, making the two she-cats perk up with narrow eyes, "B-Blazefur.. told me." He finished awkwardly.

Heatherspirits eyes flashed with affection and good-willed annoyance. "Of course she has." She purred, eyes filling with memories that lay in the past, "She was never one for cryptic messages, I expect no less now that she's in StarClan. In fact, I bet they dreaded the day she came!" She snorted a laugh as tears ran freely down her face. 

"I didn't want to hear it, I don't believe it." Emberpaw felt the dam open as his words tumbled out. "I'm just an ordinary DeltaClan apprentice, she said she wouldn't tell me I have a great destiny anymore. She's only ever told me to accept change and stop running away from myself." He hadn't done that last thing, dancing around this whole destiny thing was proof of that. 

Lynxstar felt that it would be wise if she intervened has Heatherspirit opened her jaws to speak. "A StarClan warrior approached you and you don't believe her?" She asked, tail flicking. The tone was neutral, not giving way to anger or disbelief that Lynxstar might have felt. Emberpaw eyed her for a moment, paws shuffling in embarrassment. 

"No, I don't." He finally muttered. "I'm a normal DeltaClan apprentice." But now the excuse seemed silly and kittish.

"Say Heatherspirit," Lynxstar tipped her head to one side as she asked the Medicine cat. "do normal DeltaClan apprentice get prophecies told about them? Do normal DeltaClan apprentices have a warrior from StarClan guiding their pawsteps?" 

 Heatherspirit shook her head, raising a brow at the leaders admittedly stupid questions. "No, Lynxstar they most certainly do not." She purred, gazing at a dismayed looking Emberpaw. 

Lynxstar made a false inquiring 'Hmm' as though confused and gazed at Emberpaw who sighed in relent. 

"Alright. I see your point." He murmured softly, ears drooping. 

Lynxstar let out a soft sigh and wrapped her tail around the apprentice and laid her muzzle on his head. "The day you were born you were destined for greatness. I only have an inkling as to why StarClan chose you young Emberpaw. You will be the flame that leads us through darkness." Upon seeing him perk up to ask a question she gave a sad smile, "How, I don't know." 

A thick silence filled the den before a yowl made the three cats jump, Emberpaw higher, and look towards the entrance of the leaders den.

"Help!" It was Wildclaw! "Hailwhisker is having her kits!" 

Emberpaw bounded out in an instant and leaped down the rocks as Heatherspirit dashed past him into the Nursery where Berrywish's and the queens tail-tips were slithering in. 

A low moaning sound was emitting as Crabfoot noisily rattled the reed and gorse that surrounded the camp and rushed inside. 

"Who let her go out?" He demanded, "Was it you?" He turned on Wildclaw, snarling. The former BreezeClan warrior bristled before Shadefern, who was hastily dropping a fish and two mice in the pile weaved between the two.

"He actually noticed her pain and got her here so she didn't have kits away from camp." He told the white warrior with narrowed dark green eyes. "I understand you're worried but don't go accusing Clanmates."

The DeltaClan warrior let out a sigh, "Sorry Wildclaw." He dipped his head and the ginger and white tom nodded stiffy. 

"It's fine." He muttered and stalked away, moving towards Redflare who was eyeing the Nursery worriedly. 

A wail broke through the camp and cats began to gather around the reed-woven structure. Amberheart looked particularly worried and with a flash, Emberpaw remembered that Hailwhisker trained her as an apprentice. He felt a stab of pity for the golden tabby and went to comfort her but Pikesky beat him to it, mumbling in her ear as she leaned on her adopted brother.