Alphaclan

If anyone has read the 'Warriopr Cats' series by Erin Hunter then they will have heard of this type of story.

I stretch my back into a luxurious ark and flex my claws. I am traveling to see about this group of cats in the Gorsetree forest. I quickly hunt and catch a mouse; I gulp it down and start off again on my journey.

When I reach the forest many cats’ smells hit my nose. I sniff around and recognise border markings; I take a tentative step across and sit. I decide to wait for a patrol. It is nearly sunset, so there should be one soon. Eventually I hear the soft thud of paws on forest floor. I call out, "Hello!" A group of 4 cats’ crash through the bracken, they hiss. "Please don't attack, I am Arctic. I would like to find out about your way of life." I gush. A massive white tome steps forward...

"My name is Dewclaw. Our clan is Alphaclan, this is Forestpaw (tortiseshell she-cat), Juniperpelt (bright ginger she-cat), and Shadowfang (black tom). I will take you to our leader, Hollystar. Shadowfang, follow." He motions with his tail. "The rest of you, continue hunting" Dewclaw and Shadowfang wave their tails at me. I jump up and they sprint off. I struggle keeping up with their powerful pace, but I manage.

When we reach, what I assume is camp. I stop, gasping for breath. I scent a cat coming towards me and my eyes flick up, a tiny honey coloured she-cat is staring at me, her head tilted. "Hello, I'm Honeykit. Who are you? You smell funny." she says. "Hello Honeykit, I am Arctic, I want to join your clan."

"Honeykit! Come here! What are you doing talking to that cat?" I hear an anxious meow from behind me; I turn and see a light ginger queen glaring at me. Honeykit grumbles and walks back to the nursery, dragging her paws. "Arctic, come here." I hear my name. I look up and see Dewclaw standing on a ledge; I lope over and claw up the rocky path.

He leads me into a cave and I see a light brown she-cat sitting, waiting for me. "Hello Arctic, I am Hollystar. I hear you wish to join my clan.

I nod nervously. "Yes please." I say. Hollystar nods, "You will have to begin as an apprentice, Arcticpaw. Dewclaw will mentor you." She says. I gasp and my eyes light up, "Of course Hollystar" I say excitedly. "Well, Dewclaw, show Arcticpaw around."

Dewclaw leads me out of the cave and down the path. He walks me over to where I saw the queen earlier. "This is the nursery, right now Tawnypelt and her two kits, Honeykit and Cloudkit are there" I nod and inhale deeply, I can taste their scent.

He then leads me over to a larger area, "This is the warrior den, myself, Shadowfang (Dark Tabby tom), Juniperpelt (bright ginger she-cat), Hailstorm (blue-grey tom), Brackentail (golden tom), Eagleflight (light grey tom), Dawnflower (gold and grey she-cat), Tigerbite(black with orange striped tom) and our deputy, Splashtail (light grey she-cat with greenish dapple) are there."

We walk over to a slightly smaller one, "This is the apprentices den, you, Forestpaw (tortiseshell she-cat) and Quickpaw (grey tom) are in there, and over here is our medicine cat den. Meadowleaf." He shows me a small cave entrance. We walk over to a shaded area under a large willow. "And this is where the elders sleep; you will have to help change moss, and bedding. You must also fetch them fresh kill. Elders, queens and kits must always be fed first. Our elders are Fishtail (massive dark grey tom) and Mousestep (small brown she-cat). Sadly, as all elders are, they are grouchy." he adds with a chuckle.

"Tomorrow I will show you the border. There are 3 other clans and we all share this forest. Shadowclan and Riverclan share our border. You will learn to hunt in the undergrowth and trees. Riverclan hunt fish, Shadowclan hunt frogs, toads and other swampy animal. Windclan is the other clan, they hunt on the moor. They are very fast cats and hunt rabbits." I nod, taking this all in. "Go get some rest and meet the other apprentices." Dewclaw says as he walks away. I pad over to the apprentices den and I scent another cat in there. I walk inside and see a dark grey she-cat with greenish blotches. "Who are YOU?" She asks, "I'm Arcticpaw, I am new." I whisper. "Hello Arcticpaw, I'm Forestpaw, welcome" She says cheerfully.

"Come with me, I can show the best places for gathering moss, we can grab some for your nest. Quickpaw’s probably still out with Tigerbite, his mentor. My mentor is Shadowfang." She says as she pops up. “Awesome!” I reply, “My mentor is Dewclaw.” I tell her, she gasps, “Wow, Dewclaw is awesome!” She exclaims. She runs out and I follow, we head into the forest and she leads me to a humongous tree, "This is Skyreacher, the biggest tree in the forest. All around it moss grows." Forestpaw tells me as we pad forward. I breathe in the scent of moss and wander around to it; I hold some in my teeth and swipe my razor sharp claw underneath it. Severing a huge clump. "Wow! Can you show me how to do it that way?" Forestpaw asks, I see a small, ragged clump on the ground next to her. "Here, hold it in your teeth and pull, but not too strong to pull it out. Then, with the roots exposed, swipe a claw underneath and cut it loose." Forestpaw tries it and gets another big clump. "We might as well get some for the elders as well" Forestpaw mumbles through a mouthful of moss.

We walk slowly back to camp, our jaws stretched wide, full of moss. We walk into the apprentices den and dump some, and then we head to the elders. I scent two cats inside, "About time we got some new bedding" a cat grumbles from inside. “That’s just Fishtail, don’t worry about him, he’s always grumpy.” Forestpaw mumbles, I choke back a giggle. I walk inside and see a HUGE dark grey tom laying inside the den. My eyes widen, he is the size of a full grown fox! He stands up, “I’ll go outside while you fix this” He flicks his tail around the den, “Up.” He stalks outside; me and Forestpaw scrape the old moss into a pile and lay out the new stuff. We grab the old moss and walk out to the camp entrance. Forestpaw drops hers and says, “Hey, Arcticpaw. How many moons are you?” I try and remember, “I am 13 moons, I think.” “You’re too old to be an apprentice.” Forestpaw says. “Well, I have to learn many things before I become a warrior.” I say as I pick up the moss.

 

Over the next few weeks I learn all about the warrior code and Starclan. I also learn about the other clans of the forest. Quickpaw (dark tabby tom) and I become good friends. Forestpaw and Quickpaw are siblings. Shadowfang and Dawnflower are their parents.

 

“All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!” Hollystar’s meow echoes across the camp. Me, Quickpaw and Forestpaw rush out. We are one of the first there, I hear a small commotion behind me and I turn to see Tawnypelt trying to separate Honeykit and Cloudkit fighting. I cover my mouth with my tail to stop from laughing.

“We have three new warriors to announce!” Hollystar calls out, I see Forestpaw and Quickpaw’s eyes widen. Mine do to. “Arcticpaw, Forestpaw, Quickpaw. Step forward.” We comply with shaky steps. “Quickpaw, Forestpaw and Arcticpaw do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect the clan, even with your life?” “Yes.” We say in unison. “Quickpaw, from now on you will be known as Quickstorm!” “QUICKSTORM QUICKSTORM QUICKSTORM!” the clan calls out. “Forestpaw, from now on you will be known as. Forestflight!” again, the clan calls out her new name. “And finally Arcticpaw, you will be known as. Arcticfrost!” My clan calls out my name. Me and Quickstorm exchange an excited glance.

That night we sit our vigil. Quickstorm and I sit together, I really like him…

The next day Forestflight, Quickstorm and I curl up in the warrior den. I am exhausted. But I am also very excited! I am finally a warrior!

When I wake up I realise I am lying next to Quickstorm. I stand up slowly and stretch. “Morning Arcticfrost” I hear from behind me. I turn and see Splashtail there. “I am leading a border patrol, wake your friends and come with. I will wait by the camp entrance.” I nod. I then prod Quickstorm with a paw. He sits up and twines his tail with mine. “Splashtail is leading a patrol, she told me to wake you guys up to come along.” He yawns and stretches then pokes Forestflight until she awakes.

We set off at and easy lope around the border with mine and Quickstorms pelts brushing. Forestflight winks at me before she speeds off. We hunt once and I catch a large mouse, it is nearly leaf-bare. Quickstorm catches a vole.

On the way back we hunt for the clan, I catch a vole, two mice and a squirrel. Splashtail gasps when she sees my jaw full of prey. When we get back to camp I take the mice to the elders. Mousestep says thank you while Fishtail simply nods. Quickstorm and I curl up next to each other and twine our tails together. “Quickstorm.” I whisper, “Yes?” he says. “I really like you.” “I really like you to Arcticfrost.” He brushes his tail across my flank, “Goodnight.” He says and we fall asleep.

It seems like seconds later when I am woken by a howl. “HOLLYSTAR IS DEAD HOLLYSTAR IS DEAD!!” Quickstorms yowls and sprints out, I follow quickly. I see Splashtail sitting hunched over in front of Hollystar’s den, crying. I go over and lay my tail on her shoulder, “What happened Splashtail?” I ask quietly. “I went in to ask her about patrols and she didn’t move so I went up and scented something not right. When I touched her, she was cold.” She sobs. “Maybe it was her time, she wasn’t a young cat.” I whisper comfortingly. Splashtail shivers and sits up. “All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock!” She yowls. Most of the cats are their but a few stragglers come over quickly. “Hollystar is dead; I must travel to Highstones to receive my 9 lives!” A few shocked meows come from the clan. “Arcticfrost will come with me! We leave immediately!” I gasp. Wow.

I leap down and go over to Quickstorm. I touch his nose with mine, “See you soon.” I whisper, “Stay safe.” He whispers back.

Splashtail and I pad over to Meadowleafs den and eat up the bitter traveling herbs. We set off at an urgent pace, bounding across the forest floor. “Arcticfrost. I had a dream from Starclan.” Splashtail says, breaking the silence, she stops. I skid to a stop a few metres ahead and pad back. “Hailstar, the leader of Alphaclan before Hollystar said, ‘the frost from the land of the Arctic will save the forest.’ I didn’t think he meant you until Hollystar named you Arcticfrost.” I dig my claws into the ground. WHAT?! “When we get back to the clan, you will be deputy. Other members of the clan will not like this decision as you are fairly new but. I think it is your destiny.” And with that we continue our journey…

 

When we reach Mothermouth it is past dusk. The moon is rising in the sky. We pad slowly down the twisting tunnel and the air becomes much colder. I shiver, “Arcticfrost. Stay here.” Splashtail says suddenly making me jump, “Yes Splashtail.” I reply, I sit down and wrap my tail around my paws.

When Splashtail comes into sight she says, “I got my nine lives. I am now Splashstar!” I smile, “I know you’ll be a great leader Splashstar.” 

The next day we reach camp before sundown. Splashstar jumps onto Highrock and calls the clan for a meeting. Quickstorm and I sit close together and I wrap my tail around with his. He licks my shoulder and says, “I’m glad you’re back.” I purr, “Me too.”

“It is time I chose a deputy! Arcticfrost, I know you are the newest member of the clan but I know you will make a great leader. I name you the new clan deputy.” Quickstorm grins, “Congratulations.” I stand up, “I promise to be the best deputy I can, and I know some of you may not trust me but I will still die to protect this clan and every cat in it.” I get a hostile glare from Tawnypelt and Eagleflight. It’s only their problem. I sit down and most of the clan cheer my name. I smile and head back to my nest with Quickstorm.

I feel a paw in my ribs, “Arcticfrost, you have to set patrols.” I recognise Quickstorms voice. I stand bolt up and walk outside. “Umm. Shadowfang, you lead a patrol along Shadowclan border. Take Juniperpelt and Eagleflight with you.” Shadowfang nods and sets off with the other two. “I will lead a patrol along Riverclan border, uhh. Forestflight, Quickstorm and Tigerbite can come with me; we will hunt on the way back. And Brackentail, can you please take Hailstorm and Dawnflower on a hunting patrol.” Quickstorm, Forestflight and Tigerbite come up to me. “Good job setting patrols. I remember when Splashstar first became deputy. When she first started we got set to two patrols at once. It can’t be easy.” Tigerbite says with a smile. “It isn’t” I reply. We set off to the Riverclan border.

When we get back I head to Splashstars den. “Splashstar, I think it is time for Cloudkit and Honeykit to become apprentices.” “Yes, they are six moons old now. Who do you think should mentor them?” Splashstar asks. “Well, um. I would like to mentor Honeykit.” I say, remembering when I first met the eager golden kit. Splashstar nods, “I agree, I think Hailstorm should mentor Cloudkit.” I continue. “I’ll call a meeting as soon as the patrols are back.” Splashstar says, dismissing me.

“All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!” Splashstars meow rings around the camp. I jog over and sit beneath Highrock. I see Tawnypelt licking Honeykit and Cloudkit, trying to get their fur to lie down. Once all the cats are gathered Splashstar continues, “It is time for Honeykit and Cloudkit to become apprentices.” Honeykit jumps up and down in excitement and Tawnypelt flicks her tail over her head. “Hailstorm, you will mentor Cloudkit. Pass on your skills to this young apprentice.” Hailstorm pads up and puts his head on top of Cloudpaw’s and Cloudpaw licks his shoulder. “Arcticfrost, you will mentor Honeykit. You are new to the clan but have already shown yourself to be a fantastic warrior.” Honeypaw bounces up to me and licks my shoulder.

“CLOUPAW HONEYPAW CLOUDPAW HONEYPAW!” the clan yowls. “So, what are we doing first? Can we go hunting? No, let’s go practice fight! Wait! I want to see the border!” Honeypaw asks as she bounces up and down. “Well, first we will go out and have a look around the border. So you can recognise other clan’s scents.” I say. “Oh YAY!” Honeypaw yowls. She races towards the camp entrance and bounds out. I sigh and chase after her.

“HONEYPAW COME BACK RIGHT NOW!” I yowl angrily. I hear soft paw steps. “Sorry Arcticfrost. I just got excited.” She whispers. “Don’t go running off again OK.” I say. She nods, “Now, follow me.” I say as I walk over to the Riverclan border. “Oh GROSS!” Honeypaw exclaims, “That is Riverclan scent; wait ‘till you smell Shadowclan.” I say with a chuckle.  Honeypaw stiffens. “What is that?” she whispers, her nose twitching. I take a deep breath… Badger. A huge black and white shape emerges from the bushes on Riverclan. Honeypaw screeches. “Honeypaw, get to camp. Get some warriors!” I screech. She dashes off and I unsheathe my claws. I feel the adrenaline coursing through me, the badger lumbers toward me.

I hiss and its eyes narrow. It swipes a massive paw at me and I dodge, I rake my claws across its face. Then I leap onto its back and dig my claws into its flesh. It howls in pain and tries to shake me off. But I hold on. I rake my claws across its head again. It rolls over and nearly squashes me. I jump off just in time. It snarls and I claws my way onto it’s back again, I am fairly safe up hear. I scent some cats coming towards me. Quickstorm, Shadowfang and Dewclaw burst through the bushes, Quickstorm yowls as soon as he sees me. They attack the badger and I jump off. I go behind it and nip its back legs. Soon we have the badger lumbering across the border and into the bracken. I collapse, I am exhausted. Quickstorm is by my side, “Arcticfrost, are you ok?!” He asks. “Not really, I am. Exhausted.” I manage. Shadowfang comes up, “Arcticfrost, you’re bleeding.” He says, and then I feel it. Excruciating pain along my ribs. “Ouch.” I say before I black out.

 

My eyes open and I see a leaf, in front of my nose. I scent herbs, where am I? I try to stand up but it hurts to much. Meadowleaf rushes in, “Arcticfrost, you’re awake!” The relief evident in her voice. “What happened?” I ask. “Well, Shadowfang, Quickstorm and Dewclaw brang you back to camp, you were unconscious and bleeding. They brought you in here and I fixed you up. You had 2 broken ribs and a very deep scratch along your side.”  “Quickstorm just left for a hunting patrol, he hasn’t left your side.” She adds. I nod. Then I see Eagleflight lying across the den, asleep. His breathing is ragged. “What happened to Eagleflight?” I ask, Meadowleafs face darkens. “Greencough is in camp. Splashstar has it as well.” I gasp. “Meadowleaf, can I come in?!” I hear Quickstorms voice. Meadowleaf winks at me, “Sure!” She calls back. Quickstorm walks in and sees me awake, “Oh Arcticfrost, you’re awake!” He meows as he comes to my side. He nuzzles my shoulder. “I’ll go get you some fresh kill.” He says as he runs out. Meadowleaf chuckles. “So?” She says, I blush. “Oh shush.” I say, she laughs and walks over to Eagleflight to tend to him. Quickstorm pads quickly over to me and drops a HUGE squirrel in front of me. “Who caught this?!” I gasp, “Honeypaw did. I’ve been mentoring her for the past few days. She is quite skilled.” He tells me as I gulp down the fresh-kill.

I get up slowly and I lean on Quickstorm. We walk slowly outside and Honeypaw bounds up, “Oh Arcticfrost, I was so worried! Are you ok?!” She asks anxiously. “Yes I’m fine, just a bit stiff.” I say loudly, as cats are starting to gather around. “Let’s go see Splashstar” I whisper to Quickstorm.

“It’s good to see you up Arcticfrost. Tigerbite has filled in for the past few days. I hope you’re feeling better.” Splashstar says. “I’m still a bit sore; I don’t think I’m up to patrols or training just yet.” I say. “Alright. Well, try and get some rest.” Splashstar says, me and Quickstorm walk out and back to Meadowleafs den. I lay down and Quickstorm licks my shoulder, “I love you.” He says, his eyes shining. “I love you to Quickstorm.” I say, and I truly mean it.

He purrs, “See you later Arcticfrost.” He says quietly and heads out. I fall asleep with a smile on my face.

 

It’s been a week and I’m finally completely healed. “Tigerbite you can lead a patrol along Shadowclan border, take Forestflight, Juniperpelt and Tawnypelt with you. Quickstorm, you can lead a border patrol along Riverclan. I’ll come with you, Honeypaw and Dewclaw can come with. Brackentail, can you please take a hunting patrol with Dawnflower and Shadowfang.” I finish, they all nod and start off on patrols. Hailstorm, Cloudpaw and Splashstar have green-cough. Splashstar has already lost a life.

We run off and along the way I test Honeypaw, she is coming along very well, she’ll be a warrior soon. We scent nothing along the border and decide to hunt, it is nearly Greenleaf, and more fresh-kill never hurts. Honeypaw catches a squirrel, a blackbird and a mouse. Dewclaw catches a huge mouse and 2 blackbirds. Quickstorm and I catch 3 mice, 2 blackbirds and a vole. We heave our prey back to camp and every cat’s stomach rumbles, no empty tummies tonight. Quickstorm and I have a mouse and a vole. Soon the other hunting patrol arrives and they caught just as much. I take a squirrel to Splashstar. “I brought you some fresh-kill Splashstar.” I say quietly. I hear her cough. I walk slowly in and scent the sickness in the air. “Thank you Arcticfrost. Don’t go, I need to tell you something.” She takes a ragged breath. “I only have 5 lives left. This greencough has weakened me. Don’t tell any other cat.”

My eyes widen, “Of course Splashstar.” I say as I back out, 4 lives gone. Wow. I pad over to Quickstorm, “Want to go for a run in the forest?” I ask. His eyes glint with happiness, “Of course, lets go now” He says, we run out side by side.

 

 

The next 2 moons go by in a blur, Eagleflight, Cloudpaw die from greencough. Honeypaw becomes a warrior, Honeyfern. Quickstorm and I get closer every day. I think I’m expecting kits!

I walk slowly over to Meadowleafs den, when I get there she is sorting her herbs, “Afternoon Arcticfrost.” She says, “Hi Meadowleaf, umm. I have a question.” She turns, “Yes?” “How do you know if you’re expecting kits?” I ask quietly, she smiles, “Well, you look like you do and you do exactly this.” She lays her tail on my shoulder, “Congratulations Arcticfrost.” I am shocked; I walk slowly out of her den and find Quickstorm. “Quickstorm, I’m expecting kits.” I say softly. His eyes widen, and then they narrow in joy, “Arcticfrost that’s amazing!” He says our tails wrap together and I lay my head on his shoulder.

A few weeks later Honeyfern comes up to me, “So, you’re having kits.” She says with a smile. “Yeah, I suppose I should move into the nursery.” I sigh. “Come on, I’ll help, you’ll get the whole thing to yourself now Tawnypelts gone.” I head to the nursery while she goes and gathers moss for my nest. I see cats stare at me as I walk in, Forestflight bounds over, “CONGRATULATIONS!” She yowls, I laugh, “So, who’s the father?” she asks, “Quickstorm.” I whisper, she grins. “Well, I guess you’re my sister now hey!” She laughs and walks out. I can hear her meowing, telling everyone. Quickstorm walks in, “Well, now everyone knows.” He says with a smile.

 

The next few moons pass when suddenly I feel a pain in my stomach, I yowl. It stops, and then comes again. I yowl louder. Meadowleaf comes rushing in closely followed by Quickstorm. She prods my belly, “The kits are coming.” She says as I another contraction racks my body. I shiver, this hurts. “It is going to hurt Arcticfrost, but I’m going to need you to push, ok.” I nod, Meadowleaf places a stick in front of me, I hold it in my jaw and push, another tremor runs through my body, I bite down. Hard.

I push again, “Here comes the first one.” The stick splinters in my jaw as the first kit slides out. Meadowleaf nips the sack and says, “Quickstorm, lick the kit.” He does straight away, “Here comes the second one.” I howl. Out comes the second kit and Meadowleaf licks this one. “Congratulations guys, two toms.” I look at them, one is white with tabby stripes and the other is a light tabby with light grey spots. “They’re beautiful.” I say as Meadowleaf ushers them toward my stomach to suckle. They latch on immediately, “I’ll go get some borage to help the milk.” Meadowleaf says as she heads out.

“They’re amazing Arcticfrost, I love you so much.” Quickstorm whispers. I purr, and brush my tail down his flank. He sits back when Meadowleaf comes in and I eat the borage. “Ugh.” I say. Quickstorm chuckles. “I think the tabby and grey one should be called Pebblekit. And the White and grey one Rainkit. We touch noses and he pads slowly out. I hear Forestflights mrrow of delight.

 

It has been 4 moons and Rainkit and Pebblekit are eating fresh-kill, so I have started doing patrols again. It has been good to get out in the forest, catch my own prey. Pebblekit is already very big. Almost the size of an apprentice! Rainkit is also quite big, but not that size. Yet.

I noticed that Forestflight and Brackentail have been spending time with each other, I mention this to Quickstorm and he said, “She never shuts up about him, ‘Oh Brackentail did this’ ‘Brackentail is amazing at this’ ‘Did you see how amazing Brackentails hunting was?’ it’s very annoying.” He laughed.

Another 2 moons pass and Rainkit and Pebblekit are going to be apprentices!

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath Highrock for a clan meeting!” Splashtail calls. I usher Pebblekit, who is trying not to act like his Brother. Who is bouncing around all over the place. “Rainkit and Pebblekit are now 6 moons old, it is time they became apprentices! Forestflight, you will mentor Pebblekit. Pass on your courage and pride to Pebblepaw.” They touch noses. “Brackentail, you will mentor Rainkit. Pass on your loyalty and bravery to Rainpaw.” They touch noses. “PEBBLEPAW RAINPAW!” I yowl, the first to call their new names. Brackentail and Forestflight congratulate each other. I walk over to my kits, “Congratulations Pebblepaw and Rainpaw, I know you’ll make the best warriors.” I touch their noses.

I finally get to move back into the warriors den, I see Quickstorm, standing beside an abnormally large nest. “I made this one, for us.” He says shyly. I purr, and brush my tail across his cheek. We lay down, side by side and fall asleep.

 

Author's Note

Please leave some feedback. I take all constructive critisism. Please let me know if you find any mistakes, thank you :)