Stonepaw's first instinct was to run to Lily, telling her how much he loved her. He shook his head. He wasn't a fox now. He was a cat. It was Ivygaze he loved. Even if he did run to Lily, she wouldn't know what he was talking about even if Chase translated for him.
Stonepaw got up and shook off his pelt that was covered in leaves. The hot season of green-leaf made his pelt sizzle in the heat. He was about to move when he heard a yowl.
"STOP! WHO ARE YOU?!" a growl came.
Stonepaw looked to see Smokestar on patrol with many other cats. Stonepaw gasped as he recognized Cottonnose. "I-I'm Stonepaw," Stonepaw stammered.
"Stonepaw? As in the one that died moons ago?" Smokestar asked.
Stonepaw nodded. "Yes, it's me."
Smokestar laughed. "Did you think you could pull tricks on the SnowClan leader? Get out of here, you rogue!"
Stonepaw shrunk down. "But I'm telling the truth."
Smokestar was about to lunge at him again, when Cottonnose stopped him. "No, Smokestar. I really think this is Stonepaw. We used to play when we were kits."
Stonepaw nodded. "Yes. Cottonnnose, Ivygaze, and I were best friends."
Smokestar groaned. "Are you sure?"
Cottonnose rolled his eyes. "Here, I'll test. Who was the first cat you saw when you arrived in SnowClan?"
"Petalnose. I was really confused and I freaked out," Stonepaw said.
"This is the real Stonepaw," Cottonnose said.
"But how is it possible?" Smokestar asked.
Stonepaw sat. "Do you want the long version or the short version?" he asked.
"Short would be nice," Smokestar replied.
"Icestar sent me back here to uncover my destiny," Stonepaw said.
"Why not when you first died?" Cottonnose asked.
"There were some, um, problems," Stonepaw replied.
"Well let's go then," Smokestar said. Stonepaw smiled as he padded back to the familiar camp.
When walking into cats, many asked who he was. Smokestar groaned and padded up to the rock.
"ALL CATS OLD ENOUGH TO CATCH THEIR OWN PREY JOIN BENEATH THE HIGHROCK FOR A CLAN MEETING!" Smokestar yowled.
Cats gathered. Smokestar motioned Stonepaw up onto the rock. "Cats, not many of you may know him, but this is Stonepaw."
Stonepaw gasped as he saw Ivygaze burst out of the nursery. When she saw Stonepaw, she almost collapsed. Tears filled her eyes. Ashclaw stared at her. "Are you okay, Ivygaze?" Ivygaze didn't reply.
"When I was an apprentice, Stonepaw died. A miracle from StarClan sent him back to us. Stonepaw will continue his training as an apprentice. Please treat him with respect."
Mews of confusion came from the cats as the gathering broke up. Stonepaw ran to Ivygaze.
"Ivygaze, it's me!"
Ashclaw stared at Stonepaw. "You're the cat that our kit is named after? I expected you to be um older."
"Well I guess I'm still seven moons," Stonepaw said. "That's the age I was when I died."
Ivygaze smiled, nuzzling Stonepaw. Tears filled her eyes.
"Ivygaze, what are you doing?!" Ashclaw growled. Ashclaw poked his tail at Stonepaw. "What even was your relationship with her?!"
"We were um friends," Stonepaw said.
Ivygaze looked at Ashclaw, pointing her tail to the nursery. "Fine, I'll go watch the kits," he growled.
"Ivygaze, you have no idea what I went through to get here," Stonepaw said. "I'm glad I'm back here with you."
Ivygaze sighed, shaking her head.
"I know. Things can't go back the way they were because of...Ashclaw," Stonepaw said. "But StarClan is going to make me tell him that he is not the right cat for you."
Ivygaze sighed. She let out a warm smile, but it quickly faded away. "I know you still love him," Stonepaw said. "Look, I won't even bring it up until I become a warrior."
Ivygaze smiled and licked his cheek.
Stonepaw smiled. "Well, I better go ask Smokestar who my mentor will be. Bye, Ivygaze. I'll come see your kits later," he said, padding away to Smokestar.
"Smokestar," he called.
"Stonepaw, come in. What can I help you with?" he asked.
"I was wondering who my mentor would be, actually."
"I've decided to give you Cottonnose since you don't know all the cats here now. Will that do?" Smokestar asked.
"Yes!" Stonepaw said. "Thank you!"
He ran around the camp. He had never been happier. Except maybe with Lily... He ran to Cottonnose. "You're my mentor!"
Cottonnose smiled and laughed. "This is weird. Normally I thought you would be teaching me warrior moves."
Stonepaw laughed. "I know. It's weird. I'm heading off to the nursery to see Ivygaze's kits. Want to come?"
"I have to go on patrol. Maybe later though. Bye," Cottonnose said, padding off.
Stonepaw sighed. This was the exact reason he had commited suicide in the first place. He padded off to the nursery to see Ivygaze's kits playing around.
Ivygaze pointed her tail towards Stonepaw.
"Who's that, Momma?" Runningkit asked.
"I'm your mother's friend," Stonepaw replied. "Stonekit is named after me."
"You're Stonepaw?" Softkit gasped. Her tortoiseshell pelt stood out around her brothers'.
Stonepaw nodded.
"We thought you were gone," Runningkit said.
"I'm right here," Stonepaw replied. "Where is Stonekit?"
The little brown tabby kit turned around. "Hi," he mewed.
"He's a shy one," Softkit said.
"Hi, Stonekit. How are you?"
"I'm good," he replied softly. "Do you live here now?"
Stonepaw nodded. "Yes I do. It's good to meet all of you. I better get some rest now. I'll see you all later!"
The kits waved good-bye and Stonepaw padded into the apprentice den. It was weird that he was in the same den as Cottonnose's kits, but he shrugged and fell asleep.
YOU ARE READING
The Cat and the Fox
Fanfiction[Warriors Cats Fanfiction] "In the clan of forests, one kit shall be born of stone. His life may seem short, but another life he will live as well. Prospering in two different worlds, the stone shall live on and return happily bringing happiness to...
