Warriors: The Feat of Four - Crashing Ties (On Hold)

Chapter 27: Jaypaw

Memories of the rogue battle practically became insignificant five days later. It started and ended so quickly that it was easier to state that the event never happened.

However, other enemies were still present in the four Clans. The pair of foxes that prowled the territories struck Birdstar, the RookClan leader, one day and took all of her remaining lives without regret. It shocked the entire Clan, but life had to continue.

Lightningstorm received his nine lives and the prestigious suffix of star. He selected Darkscar, a warrior who Jaypaw do not meet often, to be deputy.

Lightningstar stood on the Tree Branch, looking down proudly at the two oldest apprentices who were going to receive their warrior names. Both couldn't seem to sit still.

Jaypaw shifted his paws to get comfortable and watched the ceremony in awe.

"Maplepaw, Lionpaw, step forward," Lightningstar's voice was loud and steady, giving the Clan the confidence that the new leader would lead well.

The she-cat took an enthusiastic step forward, beaming. Meanwhile, Lionpaw gave her an encouraging smile as he did the same.

"I, Lightningstar, leader of RookClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you in their turn." Those words sent shivers into Jaypaw's spine despite the fact that he was not the one becoming a warrior.

"Maplepaw, Lionpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to defend and protect this Clan, even at the cost of your own life?"

"I do," both of them meowed in perfect unison.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names: Maplepaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Maplespring. StarClan honours your commitment and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RookClan."

Maplespring was quivering in joy as she watched her brother receiving his warrior name. Lightningstar turned to Lionpaw, who was barely containing his excitement.

"Lionpaw, from this moment on, you will be known as Lionstreak," the RookClan leader announced. "StarClan honours your dedication and perseverance, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RookClan."

"Maplespring! Lionstreak! Maplespring! Lionstreak!" the Clan erupted into cheers as the two newly made warriors stood up with unspoken pride.

Jaypaw joined the calls, secretly thinking about his future warrior ceremony and imagining himself standing beside Lionstreak and Maplespring.

"Lightningstar gave them such wonderful names," Redpaw's eyes were shining.

"Agreed," Jaypaw responded with a nod.

"Go and congratulate them," Rumbleclaw mewed, nudging them towards the new warriors.

Jaypaw stumbled and he almost fell onto Lionstreak. "C-congrats," he managed to utter before Redpaw cut in, congratulating them with his usual loud and excited voice.

Leaving the group alone, Jaypaw unintentionally made eye contact with Lightningstar. The leader's expression was unreadable, but Jaypaw felt that something was amiss. However, he remained silent, only padding back to his den to get a good night's sleep.

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Out of the blue, Jaypaw woke up, wide awake. He tried to return to sleep, but his eyes refused to give in.

After several failed attempts, Jaypaw gave up and got out of his nest, careful not to accidentally tread on Redpaw, who was sleeping in the opposite nest.

The night was freezing cold. Jaypaw shivered but his paws seemed to have a mind of their own, leading him out of camp.

Maplespring was sitting vigil near the Tree Branch, barely awake. Jaypaw assumed that Lionstreak was assigned to another area to guard the camp.

She took no notice of him as he snunk out of camp without much effort. He dragged himself into the darkened oak forest and caught a familiar scent not too far from the camp.

Lionstreak, Jaypaw thought. Is he taking a night stroll on duty?

The scent was still fresh. Jaypaw could still find Lionstreak if he tracked him down fast enough. Should I? he wondered, hesitating.

Before he came to a decision, a branch snapped, the sound echoing throughout the forest. Jaypaw froze, his fur fluffed up and his eyes wide.

He unsheathed his claws as a foreign scent drifted past his nose. An intruder!

From what Stormjaw taught him, the source of the scent was in front of him.

Jaypaw slid into a fighting crouch, breathing in and out to reduce his anxiety. He closed his eyes in hopes of calming himself as his heartbeat quickened.

He opened his eyes and pounced with his claws stretched out. His claws met fur for a moment before being thrown off like an annoying kit.

Jaypaw got up and got a good look at the intruder. His eyes widened with shock and fear. "Icefang! What are you doing here in RookClan territory?"

Icefang pinned Jaypaw down with one paw, his eyes burning with anger. "I wouldn't let you tell everyone." His claws sank into Jaypaw's neck.

"No, please stop!" Jaypaw begged fruitlessly as Icefang sank his claws deeper.

"I wouldn't let you disrupt my plans," Icefang hissed. Jaypaw's blood was already pooling at his claws.

Jaypaw let out a choked gasp as his vision became blurry and hazy. He could feel his life slipping away every heartbeat.

"Stop!" At the sound of that voice, both toms turned to see a brown she-cat with white paws staring at them. It's Sorrelpaw! Jaypaw realised, stunned.

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