Post by Rainspark on May 4, 2009 18:01:06 GMT -5
The blind tabby was scuffling around in his den, tossing old leaves and stale herbs over his shoulder.
Speckleleaf padded into the den, clumps of marigold in her jaws. Her green eyes widened in surprise and she spat the leaves onto the ground. "Sheesh, Jayfeather, I think you're making a mess, not cleaning up one!"
Jayfeather whirled around to glare at her with his blind blue eyes. Startled, Speckleleaf stepped back. Even after all these moons, she still was surprised by the intensity in those sightless eyes. At times, she couldn't believe he was blind. He always seemed to know who was who and where, and he rarely stumbled anymore. Seasons of practice, he explained.
Her mentor chuckled though, his annoyance fading. "I guess you're right. Well, why don't you make yourself useful and clean out those old bits there? Thanks for the marigold, by the way. I'll put it away then."
Speckleleaf nodded and began scraping the scraps together to sweep out of the den. She didn't mind the boring task really. She was used to it, after all, she was still only a medicine cat apprentice. She had been for three seasons now, and probably would be for awhile. Jayfeather wasn't really old, but sometimes he was as grumpy as an elder. She could see why though. Cats still treated him different, as though he could never be good enough because of his blindness. She felt a bit guilty remembering when she had first been made his apprentice. How on earth is a blind medicine cat going to train me? But he did! He knew every herb by scent and touch, and taught her in the ways of StarClan. He was very close to their warrior ancestors, and she knew he could see in his dreams. Speckleleaf was pretty close to StarClan, too. Leafpool often came to see her, the medicine cat before Jayfeather. She loved going to the Moonpool, and each time she saw the beautiful crystal pool reflecting the glowing moon, she was stunned again by the intensity and beauty of it. Each halfmoon trip seemed like the first time. Only two moons ago she had earned her own medicine cat name. Her parents, Poppyfrost and Mousewhisker, had been so proud...
She only hoped to live up to Jayfeather's shining example...
......
A few days later, Speckleleaf was sitting in the clearing. She quickly finished off a mouse, and sat down to groom her pelt, watching the sun slowly rise in the sky. She heard voices and looked up. The gray queen, Cinderheart, was greeting her mate, Lionblaze. The pair touched noses, and padded towards her. Lionblaze selected a plump rabbit from the pile, and Speckleleaf mewed to Cinderheart, "How do you feel today?"
The plump she-cat licked her flank. "I feel fine. Quite hungry right now."
Lionblaze purred, and Speckleleaf continued, "Not long til the kits are due."
"I know! I can't wait to be a mother!" Cinderheart's blue eyes glowed.
"You will be a wonderful mother, of course!" Lionblaze added, and his mate replied "As you will be a wonderful father!"
Speckleleaf left the couple to eat their breakfast, and padded back to the medicine cat's den.
"Jayfeather?" she called. She peered into the back, but her mentor wasn't around. "Hmmm... that's strange. Jayfeather?"
She turned around and exited the den. She hadn't seen him leave. There he was! He had a ball of moss in his jaws ,and he appeared to be on his way to the elder's den. Suddenly, the moss ball tumbled from his mouth and he stiffened.
"Jayfeather?" Speckleleaf hurried to his side, and looked at his face. His eyes were fixed on something in the distance, and she followed his gaze but there was nothing. Was he in a trance?
After a few heartbeats he relaxed. "Speckleaf?"
"Yes, I'm here! What was it, Jayfeather?"
"Of course you're there." the medicine cat muttered. In a more serious voice he mewed, "StarClan spoke to me." He picked up the moss and continued towards the den.
"What do you mean? Tell me what happened!" she hurried after him, pushing into the den. Dustpelt and Ferncloud were sharing tongues, and Brightheart and Cloudtail were curled up asleep.
'Jayfeather!"
"Can you keep it down?" grumbled Cloudtail, and she lowered her voice to a hiss. "Tell me!"
"They told me..." he hesitated again, and Speckleleaf's fur prickled with impatience. Before she could ask him again he mewed in a solemn, quiet voice "That they are waiting for me."
Speckleleaf's amber eyes widened. "What do you mean? Where are you going?"
"I think it's your turn to take care of the Clan." Jayfeather mumbled, poking at the moss. The elders' were too busy and not listening, or she was sure they would be laughing. Speckleleaf be medicine cat? She wasn't ready! "Oh no, Jayfeather! But... what... what about you? You mean..." she gasped and all the elders looked up at her. Jayfeather whirled around, his blue eyes furious, and he slapped his tail to her mouth and herded her out of the den. He led her out of camp, and she followed, trembling and barely holding in her wail. As soon as they were a safe distance from camp, she let it out "I can't be medicine cat! And I don't want you to leave me! I need you! The Clan needs you! What about the prophecy?"
She had heard the stories of the power of Three many times. Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Dovesoar had lived up to and protected their Clan for many moons, keeping them on the path of warriors and ensuring their faith in StarClan. No cats could have done more for the code or the Clans. How could they go on without one of the three?
"The time of the prophecy had passed. It was finished, just like the "Fire will save the Clan" prophecy, and the one that led the Cland to the lake territory. There were more before us, as there will be prophecies after us. The way of warriors go on." He said this last part proudly. After all, it was because of him it did.
"But Jayfeather, what will I do without you?" she whispered. Jayfeather touched his nose to her ear, and mewed softly, "I will always be here for you, Speckleleaf. You of all cats should know how close our warrior ancestors are! We will always be a part of you." He gazed into her eyes, a rare emotion shining there. They had a close bond, and nothing, not even death could destroy it.
Speckleleaf was still miserable, but she tried not to show it, although she was sure Jayfeather sensed it. "How? When?"
"StarClan did not show me, but I am sure it will be soon. I'm not afraid." He turned towards the forest, and sniffed the air. "Leaf-bare is coming. I'm going to gather more herbs."
"I'll come with you!" Speckleleaf mewed instantly.
"No." mewed Jayfeather firmly. "I must do this alone."
He must have sensed her fear, because he turned to her and licked her shoulder. "I told you I'm not scared. Don't worry, you will do fine."
He padded confidently into the forest...
.....
Speckleleaf was pacing around the den. Jayfeather should have returned by now! She felt a flash of anger. He had known, and hadn't told her! Then she felt guilty, and prayed she was wrong. Suddenly she heard a wail in the clearing, and rushed out. Lionblaze darted out of the nursery. "Cinderheart's kits are coming!" he yowled.
Speckleleaf gasped. Jayfeather! Come back, I need you! She thought. But suddenly she heard another voice in her head, Leafpool's. You can do this, Speckleleaf. You've given birth to many kits. You know what to do.
The young medicine cat took a deep breath, and quickly grabbed some supplies and hurried to the den. Inside, Cinderheart was panting heavily, and Lionblaze was hovering over her, amber eyes wide and anxious. She shooed him away, and bent over the queen. She gently placed on paw on her flank, and felt the strong spasm. "Alright Cinderheart... when I say push, do it okay?"
The queen was panting heavily, but she nodded. She looked scared, but their was trust in her eyes. She was counting on Speckleleaf to get her through this. At first, Speckleleaf wanted look away. She wasn't ready for such faith and responsibilty. But then she realized, yes, she was. She could do this. Cinderheart was almost ready to push, when Lionblaze appeared in the nursery again.
"I didn't say you could come in yet!" Speckleleaf snapped, surprising herself. She sounded alot like Jayfeather.
It was then she noticed te anguish in his eyes. "Jayfeather is dead." He mewed quietly.
Cinderheart suddenly jerked, but it wasn't because of the kits. Speckleleaf closed her eyes. She had been right. She opened them again, and glanced at Cinderheart. She was gazing at her mate, sorrow and sympathy in her gaze. Jayfeather had been Lionblaze's brother, he would take this badly.
She sniffed the queen then whispered "One second. I will be right back."
She hurried out of the den and into the clearing. Her clanmates were huddled around a small gray tabby, his fur torn and bloody. His eyes were closed, and despite the wounds, he looked... peaceful. But how was that? Because he had not feared death.
"I remember when Jayfeather was just a kit. He, along with Hollyleaf and Lionblaze, snuck out of camp and hunted down those foxes. It's almost ironic; In the end, a fox got him." Mousewhisker mewed sadly.
Speckleleaf sighed. She suddenly thought of something. Maybe in StarClan, Jayfeather wouldn't be blind. He could see! Oh how he would love that... She really hoped so. He deserved to be happy, and to have his light after a life of darkness. She gazed up at the stars. One of them would be her beloved mentor... The brightest one. She hurried back to the nursery. She would grieve later.
She patted Cinderheart's flank and knew she was ready. "Push!"
........
After a short period of time, an exhausted Cinderheart was suckling her three healthy kits. Lionblaze crouched beside her, eyes glowing with love for his new family. He licked his mate's cheek and murmered to her softly "They are beautiful like you."
Speckleleaf smiled. She sat down to rest for a moment, and to study the new kits for the first time. Two were golden tabbies like their father, but it was the third one that caught her eye. It was a tiny gray tabby. Speckleleaf gasped, and Lionblaze purred. "You noticed the resemblance, huh?" He glance at Cinderheart, who purred drowsily, eyes half-closed.
Speckleleaf padded closer. She licked the gray kit, and he squeaked at her touch.
"He shall be called Jaykit," Cinderheart mewed.
'Jaykit..." Speckleleaf breathed. She glanced at the kit's mother, and suddenly, it clicked. Cinderheart... she had been named after Cinderpelt. Cinderpelt had been a medicine cat many seasons before Jayfeather. She had heard those stories too, of how the gray she-cat had dreamed of being a warrior, but an accident permanently crippled her, and that dream never came true. But Cinderheart had been a warrior...
She closed her eyes and heard a voice behind her whisper, "You guessed right, Speckleleaf."
She turned around and saw the ghostly outline of Leafpool, her amber eyes glowing in the gloom. She shot a glance at Lionblaze and Cinderheart, but neither noticed the StarClan warrior in the nursery with them.
"Jayfeather's dream was to be a warrior, too. However, his blindness wouldn't allow it, and he faithfully followed the path of a medicine cat. His duty is over, his destiny fulfille. He shall be rewarded. Jaykit will see, and will walk the pawsteps of a warrior. Jayfeather will finally live his dream..." Leafpool faded into the shadows, but Speckleleaf didn't feel alone.
She checked on the new queen and kits once more, than stepped out into the clearing. The stars shone overheard, and she lay down beside her fallen mentor, and rested her nose in his moon-brightened fur until the vigil was over.
Speckleleaf padded into the den, clumps of marigold in her jaws. Her green eyes widened in surprise and she spat the leaves onto the ground. "Sheesh, Jayfeather, I think you're making a mess, not cleaning up one!"
Jayfeather whirled around to glare at her with his blind blue eyes. Startled, Speckleleaf stepped back. Even after all these moons, she still was surprised by the intensity in those sightless eyes. At times, she couldn't believe he was blind. He always seemed to know who was who and where, and he rarely stumbled anymore. Seasons of practice, he explained.
Her mentor chuckled though, his annoyance fading. "I guess you're right. Well, why don't you make yourself useful and clean out those old bits there? Thanks for the marigold, by the way. I'll put it away then."
Speckleleaf nodded and began scraping the scraps together to sweep out of the den. She didn't mind the boring task really. She was used to it, after all, she was still only a medicine cat apprentice. She had been for three seasons now, and probably would be for awhile. Jayfeather wasn't really old, but sometimes he was as grumpy as an elder. She could see why though. Cats still treated him different, as though he could never be good enough because of his blindness. She felt a bit guilty remembering when she had first been made his apprentice. How on earth is a blind medicine cat going to train me? But he did! He knew every herb by scent and touch, and taught her in the ways of StarClan. He was very close to their warrior ancestors, and she knew he could see in his dreams. Speckleleaf was pretty close to StarClan, too. Leafpool often came to see her, the medicine cat before Jayfeather. She loved going to the Moonpool, and each time she saw the beautiful crystal pool reflecting the glowing moon, she was stunned again by the intensity and beauty of it. Each halfmoon trip seemed like the first time. Only two moons ago she had earned her own medicine cat name. Her parents, Poppyfrost and Mousewhisker, had been so proud...
She only hoped to live up to Jayfeather's shining example...
......
A few days later, Speckleleaf was sitting in the clearing. She quickly finished off a mouse, and sat down to groom her pelt, watching the sun slowly rise in the sky. She heard voices and looked up. The gray queen, Cinderheart, was greeting her mate, Lionblaze. The pair touched noses, and padded towards her. Lionblaze selected a plump rabbit from the pile, and Speckleleaf mewed to Cinderheart, "How do you feel today?"
The plump she-cat licked her flank. "I feel fine. Quite hungry right now."
Lionblaze purred, and Speckleleaf continued, "Not long til the kits are due."
"I know! I can't wait to be a mother!" Cinderheart's blue eyes glowed.
"You will be a wonderful mother, of course!" Lionblaze added, and his mate replied "As you will be a wonderful father!"
Speckleleaf left the couple to eat their breakfast, and padded back to the medicine cat's den.
"Jayfeather?" she called. She peered into the back, but her mentor wasn't around. "Hmmm... that's strange. Jayfeather?"
She turned around and exited the den. She hadn't seen him leave. There he was! He had a ball of moss in his jaws ,and he appeared to be on his way to the elder's den. Suddenly, the moss ball tumbled from his mouth and he stiffened.
"Jayfeather?" Speckleleaf hurried to his side, and looked at his face. His eyes were fixed on something in the distance, and she followed his gaze but there was nothing. Was he in a trance?
After a few heartbeats he relaxed. "Speckleaf?"
"Yes, I'm here! What was it, Jayfeather?"
"Of course you're there." the medicine cat muttered. In a more serious voice he mewed, "StarClan spoke to me." He picked up the moss and continued towards the den.
"What do you mean? Tell me what happened!" she hurried after him, pushing into the den. Dustpelt and Ferncloud were sharing tongues, and Brightheart and Cloudtail were curled up asleep.
'Jayfeather!"
"Can you keep it down?" grumbled Cloudtail, and she lowered her voice to a hiss. "Tell me!"
"They told me..." he hesitated again, and Speckleleaf's fur prickled with impatience. Before she could ask him again he mewed in a solemn, quiet voice "That they are waiting for me."
Speckleleaf's amber eyes widened. "What do you mean? Where are you going?"
"I think it's your turn to take care of the Clan." Jayfeather mumbled, poking at the moss. The elders' were too busy and not listening, or she was sure they would be laughing. Speckleleaf be medicine cat? She wasn't ready! "Oh no, Jayfeather! But... what... what about you? You mean..." she gasped and all the elders looked up at her. Jayfeather whirled around, his blue eyes furious, and he slapped his tail to her mouth and herded her out of the den. He led her out of camp, and she followed, trembling and barely holding in her wail. As soon as they were a safe distance from camp, she let it out "I can't be medicine cat! And I don't want you to leave me! I need you! The Clan needs you! What about the prophecy?"
She had heard the stories of the power of Three many times. Lionblaze, Jayfeather, and Dovesoar had lived up to and protected their Clan for many moons, keeping them on the path of warriors and ensuring their faith in StarClan. No cats could have done more for the code or the Clans. How could they go on without one of the three?
"The time of the prophecy had passed. It was finished, just like the "Fire will save the Clan" prophecy, and the one that led the Cland to the lake territory. There were more before us, as there will be prophecies after us. The way of warriors go on." He said this last part proudly. After all, it was because of him it did.
"But Jayfeather, what will I do without you?" she whispered. Jayfeather touched his nose to her ear, and mewed softly, "I will always be here for you, Speckleleaf. You of all cats should know how close our warrior ancestors are! We will always be a part of you." He gazed into her eyes, a rare emotion shining there. They had a close bond, and nothing, not even death could destroy it.
Speckleleaf was still miserable, but she tried not to show it, although she was sure Jayfeather sensed it. "How? When?"
"StarClan did not show me, but I am sure it will be soon. I'm not afraid." He turned towards the forest, and sniffed the air. "Leaf-bare is coming. I'm going to gather more herbs."
"I'll come with you!" Speckleleaf mewed instantly.
"No." mewed Jayfeather firmly. "I must do this alone."
He must have sensed her fear, because he turned to her and licked her shoulder. "I told you I'm not scared. Don't worry, you will do fine."
He padded confidently into the forest...
.....
Speckleleaf was pacing around the den. Jayfeather should have returned by now! She felt a flash of anger. He had known, and hadn't told her! Then she felt guilty, and prayed she was wrong. Suddenly she heard a wail in the clearing, and rushed out. Lionblaze darted out of the nursery. "Cinderheart's kits are coming!" he yowled.
Speckleleaf gasped. Jayfeather! Come back, I need you! She thought. But suddenly she heard another voice in her head, Leafpool's. You can do this, Speckleleaf. You've given birth to many kits. You know what to do.
The young medicine cat took a deep breath, and quickly grabbed some supplies and hurried to the den. Inside, Cinderheart was panting heavily, and Lionblaze was hovering over her, amber eyes wide and anxious. She shooed him away, and bent over the queen. She gently placed on paw on her flank, and felt the strong spasm. "Alright Cinderheart... when I say push, do it okay?"
The queen was panting heavily, but she nodded. She looked scared, but their was trust in her eyes. She was counting on Speckleleaf to get her through this. At first, Speckleleaf wanted look away. She wasn't ready for such faith and responsibilty. But then she realized, yes, she was. She could do this. Cinderheart was almost ready to push, when Lionblaze appeared in the nursery again.
"I didn't say you could come in yet!" Speckleleaf snapped, surprising herself. She sounded alot like Jayfeather.
It was then she noticed te anguish in his eyes. "Jayfeather is dead." He mewed quietly.
Cinderheart suddenly jerked, but it wasn't because of the kits. Speckleleaf closed her eyes. She had been right. She opened them again, and glanced at Cinderheart. She was gazing at her mate, sorrow and sympathy in her gaze. Jayfeather had been Lionblaze's brother, he would take this badly.
She sniffed the queen then whispered "One second. I will be right back."
She hurried out of the den and into the clearing. Her clanmates were huddled around a small gray tabby, his fur torn and bloody. His eyes were closed, and despite the wounds, he looked... peaceful. But how was that? Because he had not feared death.
"I remember when Jayfeather was just a kit. He, along with Hollyleaf and Lionblaze, snuck out of camp and hunted down those foxes. It's almost ironic; In the end, a fox got him." Mousewhisker mewed sadly.
Speckleleaf sighed. She suddenly thought of something. Maybe in StarClan, Jayfeather wouldn't be blind. He could see! Oh how he would love that... She really hoped so. He deserved to be happy, and to have his light after a life of darkness. She gazed up at the stars. One of them would be her beloved mentor... The brightest one. She hurried back to the nursery. She would grieve later.
She patted Cinderheart's flank and knew she was ready. "Push!"
........
After a short period of time, an exhausted Cinderheart was suckling her three healthy kits. Lionblaze crouched beside her, eyes glowing with love for his new family. He licked his mate's cheek and murmered to her softly "They are beautiful like you."
Speckleleaf smiled. She sat down to rest for a moment, and to study the new kits for the first time. Two were golden tabbies like their father, but it was the third one that caught her eye. It was a tiny gray tabby. Speckleleaf gasped, and Lionblaze purred. "You noticed the resemblance, huh?" He glance at Cinderheart, who purred drowsily, eyes half-closed.
Speckleleaf padded closer. She licked the gray kit, and he squeaked at her touch.
"He shall be called Jaykit," Cinderheart mewed.
'Jaykit..." Speckleleaf breathed. She glanced at the kit's mother, and suddenly, it clicked. Cinderheart... she had been named after Cinderpelt. Cinderpelt had been a medicine cat many seasons before Jayfeather. She had heard those stories too, of how the gray she-cat had dreamed of being a warrior, but an accident permanently crippled her, and that dream never came true. But Cinderheart had been a warrior...
She closed her eyes and heard a voice behind her whisper, "You guessed right, Speckleleaf."
She turned around and saw the ghostly outline of Leafpool, her amber eyes glowing in the gloom. She shot a glance at Lionblaze and Cinderheart, but neither noticed the StarClan warrior in the nursery with them.
"Jayfeather's dream was to be a warrior, too. However, his blindness wouldn't allow it, and he faithfully followed the path of a medicine cat. His duty is over, his destiny fulfille. He shall be rewarded. Jaykit will see, and will walk the pawsteps of a warrior. Jayfeather will finally live his dream..." Leafpool faded into the shadows, but Speckleleaf didn't feel alone.
She checked on the new queen and kits once more, than stepped out into the clearing. The stars shone overheard, and she lay down beside her fallen mentor, and rested her nose in his moon-brightened fur until the vigil was over.
