Forum Index > Other Fiction > Moonclaw's Search (A Warriors Fanfic...
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Redfix
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Joined: 6/27/2015
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Posted: 1/20/2016 at 12:32 PM
Post #1
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Redfix
Level 63
The Kind-Hearted
Joined: 6/27/2015
Threads: 97
Posts: 1,877
Posted: 1/20/2016 at 12:32 PM
Post #2
Moonpaw bounced excitedly. Finally, her warrior assessment! No more cleaning bedding, picking fleas out of grumpy elders, being pushed around by bossy warriors...she relished the thought. There was only one thing dampening her day: Lightningpaw. He shouldve been here today, but he had mysteriously disappeared halfway through his apprenticeship. Moonpaws head drooped when she thought of her long-lost littermate.
How could she have forgotten about him so easily? In her delight, she hadnt even given him a second thought.
I shouldn't be here alone. I shouldn't even have the ability to be happy without him. It had a been at least three moons since his vanishing, but how could she ever recover from the loss of her best friend? While her clanmates had moved on, deep inside, she knew that she never would. "Oh, Lightningpaw...will I ever be a complete warrior without you?" she murmured to the trees.
She flicked her ears as she heard the light patter of another cats paws. A thin black cat stepped out from the trees like a shadow. Concern glinted in his amber eyes. "Moonpaw, he began, today is your warrior assessment...aren't you happy?"
She gazed up at Emberfang "Y-yes, very happy." Her mentor didn't buy it for a second. "Tell me, whats troubling you? he questioned again."
She decided to stop faking her misery. Why even bother pretending as if Lightningpaw wasn't in her mind every heartbeat of the day?
"Its just, its just...its Lightningpaw!" she wailed. "He should be here with me, I cant--shouldn't--become a warrior alone! I miss him so much, with all my heart. I'd hold off being a warrior for the rest of my life it meant getting him back."
Emberfang let out a sympathetic sigh. "Moonpaw, I'm sure he's looking after you. He's proud of you, just like me and the rest of your clanmates." he waved a paw towards the sky. "He's up there, watching over you with the rest of our warrior ancestors. He'd never leave you alone. Hes a part of you, and that will never change, no matter where he is, or how far apart you are."
"B-but, Emberfang, he might not even be there. He didn't die: he disappeared!" She curled paw around her face. "And I just don't know what to do anymore."
"Moonpaw," he gently placed his paw on her's bringing it down to touch the forest floor. "Let's say your roles were reversed. If Lightningpaw had died, I mean err...disappeared would you be happy seeing him living life miserably? Every single day?"
Moonpaw rolled her eyes. "Yeah, totally. I would just take great pleasure in seeing my brother live in complete misery every day."
"Moonpaw." he stated sternly. "Would you want to see him in pain?"
Moonpaws' lids covered her eyes. "O-of course not...I'd want him to move on."
Emberfang smiled. "There, you see? Just like you'd want Lightningpaw to be happy, Lightningpaw wants to see you happy too."
Moonpaw was getting tired of this conversation. No one would understand. Ever. "I...I get what you mean. I'll try. I will try to be happy, but its going to be so hard, so difficult." she said, hoping it would please him.
"I know. No one ever said it would be easy. It's going to take a lot of strength on your part. but your clanmates will always support you. I'll always support you too, even after you've learned all you can from me." Emberfang offered a small smile. It seemed to please him...
Moonpaw finally smiled back.
"Now," Emberfang said, back to his normal bossy-mentor voice, "I still expect a lot of prey from you. I refuse to have you fail your assessment!"
Be normal and he wont press you about it. Moonpaw trotted away with a smug expression. "Hey, but I never fail." she reminded him.
"Of course not! And this'd better not be your first!" his voice was fading as she walked farther away from him.
Mouse, pawsteps. Rabbits, hear. She recited in her head. She came to an abrupt halt as she smelled the strong scent of rabbit. Parting her jaws, she pricked her ears as she pinpointed where the creature was. There! Its a younger one. Her instinct took over, and for a second, her mind wasn't in its eternal grief-mode. She set her paws down lightly, making sure not to make any noise. The urge to run after it was almost impossible to bear. When she was a couple tail-lengths away from it, she pounced, taking its life with a neat bite to the spine. A rush of pride coursed through her as she scraped earth over her kill.
The camp was buzzing with noise by the time it was sunset. A rough tongue was briskly smoothing out Moonpaw's pelt. "You're a mess!" Sagebreeze whined.
"Mother! I'm not a kit anymore. I can wash myself!" Moonpaw snapped.
"Oh, but this is such a big moment." she defended herself. I suppose I should let her to what she wants. After all, I am her only kit now...
Just then the whole clan became silent as Flintstar jumped on highledge. Moonpaw walked toward the leader.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the highledge for a clan meeting! "the sound of Flintstar's call echoed loudly all around the hollow. "Moonpaw is ready to become a warrior of this clan. We wish that Lightningpaw could be here with us, but he is already a warrior at heart, with or without a ceremony."
Moonpaws' eyes misted at his words
After a moment of utter silence, he carried on, "I, Flintatsar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn."
"Moonpaw." her heart fluttered as Flintstar said her name, this was the last time she'd hear that name. She felt as if she was leaving Lightningpaw behind by getting rid of the name he knew her as. "Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan even at the cost of your life?"
No...I shouldnt be here! Lightningpaw deserves this...not me! I cant be a warrior without him. But then...what about what Emberfang had said? Hes a part of you, and that will never change, no matter where he is, or how far apart you are. He would always be with her, even as a warrior.
"I do." she stated clearly, fully meaning it. I'll never be alone.
Flintstar's eyes glinted knowingly. "Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Moonpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Moonclaw. Starclan honors your intelligence and bravery, and we welcome you as a full member of Thunderclan." Flintstar touched his nose to her head. She licked his shoulder, but froze when he whispered something urgently to her. "Moonclaw, your path will be different from most. But I will always be here."
Why? Her head swam with confusion, that was the second time someone had said that to her. What did he mean by different? But I dont want to be different! I want a normal life!
Her clanmates cheers snapped her out of her daze.
Raising his head up to full height, Flintstar announced, "As it is tradition to guard the camp, Moonclaw will be sitting vigil tonight." He concluded the ceremony.
Moonclaw walked toward the other warriors only to stifle a groan as she saw Volestripe pad up to her. "Congratulations on becoming an apprentice today, Moonpaw." So much for last time being called Moonpaw.
"Better than being a piece of fox-dung!" she spat. Did he always have to ruin everything?
"Don't disrespect us senior warriors, apprentice." He yawned, Moonclaw growled deep in her throat. That no-good arrogant tom! And he's only been a warrior for two moons.
"I wish you were in a different clan," she whined.
"Ah, and why is that? Because you have secret feelings for me? Because of my amazing looks? And you feel the need to hide them?" He taunted
Scowling, she retorted, "No! Honestly, you look like a lopsided badger. And...I want to be in a different clan, so I could rip your stupid, useless throat out!"
He gave her a look of mock sadness. "Aww...is someone having hate issues?"
"They are not issues! I'd have issues if I liked you!" she snapped, walking away before he had time to answer to that, wishing more than ever that Lightningpaw was by her side.
The wind blew against Moonclaw's back, pricking her skin. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought yet again about how Lightningpaw should've been here. Even though they wouldn't have been allowed to talk, even his presence would have comforted her. Moonclaw tried to push away the memory but it easily forced its way into her brain in the dark, cold night.
**********
"I bet I can catch more prey than you!" Lightningpaw challenged his sister. Their identical silver striped and white pelts gleamed in the sunlight. The only difference between them was their eye color. While Lightningpaw had golden amber eyes,--for which he was named after--Moonpaw had pale blue eyes.
"Can not! I'm a much better hunter than you are! Actually, I'm in general a better cat." she retorted
'Well, I can catch something you can't." he countered.
"What?"
"Annoying little apprentices named Moonpaw!" he pounced, bringing her down with his weight.
"Hey, not fair!"
"Yeah, it is. You weren't aware, as usual."
Moonpaw huffed. "okay, okay, let me up now."
"Not unless you admit that you're a mousebrain and I'm smarter than you."
She shrugged. "If you say so..." her own eyes met his with rebellion. "Lightningpaw, you are a mousebrain and I am smarter than you."
"Hey! That's not what you were supposed to say! Come on, you know what I was talking about!"
"But I said it. So let me up, you brute." Both of them looked up when they saw Nettleskip approach.
"Stop acting like kits! The pair of you belong in the nursery," he snorted. They both shared one last mischievous smile before scampering away to finish their duties.
********************
The dark was too overwhelming, with nothing but her own bittersweet memories to keep her company. She let out a long exhale of breath. It was going to be a very, very long night.
Edited By Redfix on 1/20/2016 at 12:51 PM.
Redfix
Level 63
The Kind-Hearted
Joined: 6/27/2015
Threads: 97
Posts: 1,877
Posted: 1/20/2016 at 12:32 PM
Post #3
Chapter Two
Not fair. Grumbled Cloverpaw, looking at Moonclaw. Shes a warrior, I want to be a warrior!
Ripplepaw batted her sisters ears. Well, you cant be a warrior cause you arent old enough! Ha!
Hey! Cloverpaw shouted indignantly. Well, neither are you! So, ha ha ha!
But I wasnt whining about it...unlike some cats.
I was not whining!
Were too!
She was whining, right Moonclaw?! she marched up to her.
Moonclaw gave him a half-hearted smile. Yes, of course, dear.
You already act like youre so much wiser than us just because youre a warrior! Cloverpaw complained. Please dont become a really bossy cat like- she glanced around making no cat could hear before whispering, like Eaglewing.
Im not sure thats how youre supposed to talk about your mentor. warned Moonclaw
But he is super-duper bossy! Dontcha think?
Not as bossy as my mentor. Ripplepaw countered. Cloverpaws eyes went wide.
Oh, Starclan. Cloverpaw hissed. Both their mentors were looking at them sternly.
Oh, Starclan. Ripplepaw repeated.
The older cats cats looked at each other. Eaglewing smirked. We were going to do battle training...but since were too bossy, you can go clean out the elders den and get their fleas. You probably dont want listen to bossy warriors anyway.
Awww.Im sorry? Cloverpaw tried.
Im glad you are. Now, Im sure Dewbreeze has some mouse bile for you. he wasnt joking. Off you go.
The two apprenticed skulked toward the medicine den.
As they walked away, side by side, a wave of sadness clouded Moonclaws eyes. We were just like that once. Ever since her warrior ceremony, her memories of Lighningpaw had become more and more frequent. She thought that after the ceremony her brother would fade away, but by each passing day, her misery and grief had only grown. Even her clanmates were beginning to worry.
Moonclaw surveyed the camp with blank eyes. So many littermates....why did her only sibling have to disappear? Flintstar cautiously emerged from his den, looking at Moonclaw.
Moonclaw, I need to see you in my den. he ordered. In the past she wouldve been ecstatic to be in the leaders den. She wouldve been throwing it around in Lightningpaws face for many sunrises. Now, she fixed him with the same blank stare.
She slipped into the den and sat up. Why is Lightningpaws disappearance affecting me now? It wasnt this bad before
Moonclaw, your clanmates have been very concerned for you lately. Is anything wrong? the leader asked.
Everythings great. she said in a monotone voice.
Really?
Totally. Life is a dream. I cant hunt properly, I cant fight properly and, oh yeah, my brother is dead.
Wha? I didnt know you were still so sad about that.
Moonclaws carefully built wall collapsed. Sad?! she cried incredulously. You think Im sad?! You dont know what its like, no one does! No one!! My heart breaks every single day. For Starclans sake,I cant even look at other siblings without thinking about Lightningpaw!
But a lot of other cats have lost their littermates.
Moonclaw snarled. Yes. They have. And I envy them. At least they know where their sibling is! I dont! Lightningpaw may be too far away to ever make it to Starclan!
Listen-
No! You listen to me!! Flintstars eyes widened at her open disrespect. I have to live everyday not knowing where he is or how hes doing. You know, I wish he was Starclan. But he may not be! He could be dead, searching for Starclan but not finding them! She sniffed. I may never see him again.
Maybe he decided to leave-
What did you say? Moonclaws face was dangerously calm.
It wasnt normal to see a leader so nervous. Especially Flintstar. Err
He would never leave! Hes not a traitor! All of you who think that are traitors! You betray him by not trusting him!! Moonclaw roared. Her face slowly melted back to a normal expression before she headed toward the exit.
I didnt dismiss you, Flintstar reminded her.
She looked at him sadly, I know. Head bent and tail drooping she trudged in the direction of the camp. I dismissed myself.
As soon as she left the den she was assaulted by bright rays of light. She winced as she Volestripe walk up to her. He took in her posture and snickered. Did you get in trouble from Flintstar? Already back to apprentice duties?
Moonclaw didnt say a word. She didnt even have the energy to argue, nor did she really want to. No, she whispered, her voice full of anguish. Flintstar got in trouble from...me.
He gawked at her. Even the biggest mousebrain in the clan could detect her despair. You yelled at Flintstar?
Yes. And I dont even regret it. she strided to the camp entrance. Volestripe followed her.
Where ya goin?he asked.
I dont know. But I know I didnt invite you. she answered.
Whats wrong?
Moonclaw bared her fangs. Leave me alone or you will regret it, Volestripe.
He looked at her in fear-mixed-awe. Youd attack your own clanmate?
If I had to. Especially if that jerk was you.
Yeah, right. Youre too loyal to the warrior code to do that.
Try me. she challenged, trekking in the direction of the lake. He stubbornly followed. Moonclaw abruptly turned around. Get away from me. Look, I dont want to be forced to attack you.
You dont have to. Let me follow you.
Why should I? And why do you want to follow me? I dont like you and you dont like me. she glowered.
I dont know...just, please?
No.
He still pursued her. Shoulders stiffening she turned around and raked her unsheathed claws across his muzzle. I warned you!
Moonclaw?... he stood stiffly, in shock.
If you dont leave I might have to prick my claws into your eyes this time!
This time, Voletooth fled back to camp.
By the time she had reached the edge of the lake it was nearly sun-high. She peered at her reflection and immediately a lump formed in her throat. It was sad, really. Her own reflection brought back memories of Lightningpaw. Everything seemed to bring back memories of Lightningpaw. As she gazed at Windclans moors she couldnt help but to reminded of her near-death experience with Lightningpaw.
***************
Lightningpaw grinned. Hey, sis!
Hmm? Moonpaw was sniffing around the fresh-kill pile.
Im bored his eyes lit up. Wanna go do something?
Despite herself, the corner of her mouth tilted upward. Like?
Oh, I dont know, but I can go alone, you know, without you.
No! Moonpaw jumped to her feet. She chased Lightningpaw to the the lake. So now what?
Lightningpaw surveyed the area around the lake, pausing when he found a good sized stick, with its bark peeling off. Bringing it to the edge of the lake, he kicked his hind legs out and spun around to see the stick land in the water with a big splash. He looked at her smugly. See if you can beat that.
If you say so Moonpaw scouted the land, finding a stick about the same size as her brothers. Mustering up all her strength, she kicked as hard as she could, determined to beat her brother. Lightningpaws splash looked like a small raindrop compared to hers.
What?! I come up with the challenge and you beat me? Oh, it is so on. he declared.
The pair tirelessly kicked sticks until there were no more to be found.
Im going to look for some sticks in the forest, he stated.
Ok, Ill go with you.
No, stay here.
But what if a patrol comes?
Then say you were hunting.
Why cant I come?
Because it is more suspicious if a patrol found us together.
Ohhhh...I get it now.
See ya later!
Yup, see you soon. And with that, Lightningpaw dashed into the safety of the woods.
Hes taking for-everrr Moonpaw moaned to herself. She stated at herself in the lake. Wow, I really do look just like Lightningpaw, she mused, her tail curled up in delight. She watched her reflection doing exactly what she was doing. She blinked rapidly, leaning away from the water and drawing herself a whisker-length away from the water. A fish swam under her nose, startling her, causing her to jump back in alarm. As she jumped back, she lost balance and slipped into the freezing depths of the water.
Holding her breath, Moonpaw attempted to get her head above the water but the water pushed her, her struggles proving to be in vain. H-help she gurgled, L-Lightni- before the waves pulled her down again. Starclan, help me! she prayed. I really wish I were a Riverclan cat right now.
But no one came to save her.
The last bubbles escaped from her parted jaws before her vision danced around and then went completely black.
A moth soared above Moonpaws head. She giggled, trying to bat it out of the air.
Umf!Moonpaw ran into some cats chest. She tilted her head up to see a light brown tabby she cat with delicate white paws. Wh-who are you?
The she-cat purred. I am Leafpool. I was once the Thunderclan medicine cat, dear one.
Moonpaw gasped. Leafpool?! But shes a legend!...and shes Firestars daughter! All she managed was a small squeal. Y-Youre Leafpool? As in Firestars daughter?
Of course.
As the realization settled in, Moonpaw recoiled with shock. Leafpool was dead...did that mean? Leafpool?
Yes?
Am I in Starclan?
Yes, you are. But you are not dead, young one. You still have a long life ahead of you yet. Im here to bring you back.
Really?
I wouldnt lie to you. Come along now, your brother is very concerned for you.
How did I survive?
Lucky for you, a Thunderclan patrol spotted you and pulled you up. Leafpools eyes became distant. Almost drowned, just like Jayfeather
Umm...thank you. Moonpaw gazed into Leafpools amber eyes. Will I see you again?
Leafpool chuckled. Not for some time, I hope.
Goodbye, Leafpool. Thank you for bringing me back to see my brother.
Anything for Thunderclan. Leafpools voice was now fading. Be careful from now on!
I will. Moonclaw murmued.
Moonpaw opened her eyes, they were sticky from sleep. She was in her den, her fur licked dry. A silver cat was hovering above her face. L-Lightningpaw? she groaned.
Moonpaw! he buried his muzzle to her flank. I thought you were dead. he croaked.
I was in Starclan. Leafpool brought me back. she mumbled.
Lightningpaw either didnt hear or didnt respond, for he gave no answer. Im sorry. Im sorry. That was so stupid of me.
Wha was?
Bringing you out to the lake.
I brought myself.
But it was my idea! And then I left you alone, and you almost died. he looked down with shame and guilt.
You dont have to look after me. Moonpaw defended.
But I do. Obviously, you almost- he choked on his words. died.
Its not your fault.
It is. Oh, Starclan, I almost had my best friend killed. he whispered. Moonpaw, he pressed his cheek against hers. Im sorry
Do I win the stick kicking?
Lightningpaw looked confused. Oh. he almost said something about how it wasnt important but then decided against it. Of course, my sister. You can win everything if it means I get to keep you alive.
Moonpaw smiled. Silly. But I like challenges, she said already numbing with drowsiness.
Lightningpaw glanced at his sister affectionately. Ill never leave you again. I promise. his voice but a mere whisper.
But Moonpaw had heard.
***************
Moonclaw sighed. But you did leave me. And now, Im all alone. I miss you. Suddenly, her reflection changed. Instead of her blue eyes, a set of amber eyes were boring into her. Lightningpaws eyes. Moonclaw gasped. How quickly things had changed. Its an omen..from Starclan. Ill find you, brother. I wont--and I never will--give up on you. You promised me that youd never leave me. Well, this is me, making that same promise. Im coming, Lightningpaw.
Without a second thought, she sprinted away from the lake. Away from her clanmates. Alone. Her quest had begun.
Edited By Redfix on 1/22/2016 at 6:42 AM.
Redfix
Level 63
The Kind-Hearted
Joined: 6/27/2015
Threads: 97
Posts: 1,877
Posted: 1/20/2016 at 12:32 PM
Post #4
reserve
Redfix
Level 63
The Kind-Hearted
Joined: 6/27/2015
Threads: 97
Posts: 1,877
Posted: 1/20/2016 at 12:32 PM
Post #5
reserve
Redfix
Level 63
The Kind-Hearted
Joined: 6/27/2015
Threads: 97
Posts: 1,877
Posted: 1/20/2016 at 12:33 PM
Post #6
reserve
IiPurePoison
Level 61
Trickster
Joined: 1/16/2016
Threads: 52
Posts: 5,103
Posted: 1/23/2016 at 7:26 AM
Post #7
Long.
Redfix
Level 63
The Kind-Hearted
Joined: 6/27/2015
Threads: 97
Posts: 1,877
Posted: 1/26/2016 at 12:11 PM
Post #8
Yup, unlike some people I prefer to add in details. I hate writing total crap. I like making the reader imagine a scene in their head...not just some campfire story. :)
Writing is an art, the more detail, the better. But I still feel as if I didn't add sufficient detail...perhaps someday though.
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