*"attempts" to push away thought of making fanart for this story*
Chapter 23, The End
The war between the clans had paused and the cats made their way to the area where Deathshred and his family were last seen. Runningstar and Sunhead made their way to the front of the crowd and set their eyes on Vortexpaw who lie on the ground with exhaustion, next to his sister and Gravelpaw. “You! You’re Oceanspray’s kin aren’t you?” Runningstar questioned, staring heavily at Whirlpaw and Vortexpaw.
“Y-yes, Runningstar.” Whirlpaw said, her voice quivered with weariness, but still sounding respectful.
“And you…” She said pointing to Vortexpaw. “You were the one I fought with a few days ago. You are pretty good for an apprentice.” Vortexpaw turned away and tried to hide his blushing face. “What has happened here? Was Deathshred behind this all?” Vortexpaw opened his jaw to speak but Fishstar abruptly interrupted him.
“It’s okay Vortexpaw, I’ll explain,” She said, now sitting down with her tail curled around her paws. “To make a long story short, Vortexpaw left Torrentclan, joined Deathshred and teamed up with Sharkpaw and Gravelpaw, and then plotted against Torrentclan for revenge- revenge for something that was
my fault…” She said ruefully. “But consequently, he had set off a war, fought Deathshred, and now we are here. Simple as that.” Fishstar ended, now grooming her ruffled golden fur.
“But that doesn’t change the fact that Flashclan had kidnapped Gravelpaw!” Raventail accused. The dark deputy stood tall, trying to make Skullclan join in with her. Some cats agreed but Gravelpaw padded up and spoke.
“No, leaving Skullclan was my own doing. I had dreams from Deathshred who called me from the hidden dark depths of the cave where he had fell onto. I knew it was wrong, and my father Stoneheart had tried to contact me from Starclan so that I would leave him but…” He looked up. “Well, you know what happened. Still, Flameheart and Kitleg did interrogate me and escorted me to the gathering today, but I have no hard feelings toward them- I mean, I probably would’ve done the same.” The Skullclan cats began to settle down.
Raventail’s fur bristled again. “But what about Earthstar? Vortexpaw
poisoned him!” Suddenly a large tom had made his way through the crowd, slightly limping.
“No, I’m okay. Tigerpaw helped me. It turns out that the poison wasn’t that bad actually. You did really good Tigerpaw.” Earthstar licked the top of his head proudly. Tigerpaw glanced down at the ground shyly. Vortexpaw could’ve sworn that he saw Earthstar staring at him sentimentally, like he was an old friend. But when he blinked, Earthstar was just standing there with his gaze fixed on the small Skullclan medicine cat apprentice.
“Well okay then, I think we should have a gathering before we leave back into our, territory.” Fishstar suggested. Most cats agreed, however still tired. They leaped across the slippery log, crossing over to the island. The sun had began to set and every warrior and medicine cat was exasperated. A refreshing breeze had blew across their faces and filled the air with the scent of nearby prey. Vortexpaw’s ruffled blue fur had been torn in some places and his amber eyes had become dull. He felt like just sleeping it all away in the nice, warm, and comforting apprentice’s den, back home- home in
Torrentclan. Vortexpaw’s mouth began to drool. Whirlpaw stood beside him, her belly had rumbled. Gravelpaw stood a kitten-step away. Everything was coming back to how it should have been:
normal. However, He still felt like he was forgetting something. To his surprise, a smooth pelt brushed against his, making him look over. It was Vaporpaw. She had been treated with herbs and cobwebs and was still as energetic as always. Vortexpaw grinned in delight.
“Are you going to stay with me this time?” She asked.
“Yeah, I’m staying.” He entwined his tail with hers. “Sorry for putting you through this, Vaporpaw.” He mewed.
“As long as you’re back, it’s okay.” She snuggled her muzzle into his fur, and Vortexpaw let out a yelp. Vaporpaw looked startled and then realized what she had done. Her clear light blue eyes shone with care and concern.
“It’s alright, it’s just a few scratches. I’ll be fine.” He reassured her. Vaporpaw settled down and rested her head on his shoulder instead.
“It’s time that all cats recognize what has happened today. We have won a great battle today against the forces of the former Chaosclan leader, Deathshred. But now, our kits will be able to sleep at night without a worry, knowing that that great evil has finally and
permanently been vanquished from the forest. Our queens will be able to sleep in the nursery next to their kits, providing them with tender care and love as needed. Our warriors will remain strong and keep their clans well fed and nourished, and they too will have the tender care, support, and love of their clans. Our apprentices will be able to train and learn the warrior code without being driven into darkness by a hidden calling. Our elders will remember this day and pass it on to the newborn and the lights of the forest. And now…” Fishstar paused. “It’s time that we appoint new warriors. Earthstar, Runningstar, are you two in agreement?” The two leaders nodded their head. “Good, I believe that members of all clans need special recognition but for time’s sake, we’ll make this quick but special.” Vortexpaw watched in thought. He wondered if he would be able to become a warrior despite his uproar with Torrentclan.
“Vortexpaw, Whirlpaw, and Vaporpaw, come up here.” Fishstar announced. Vortexpaw’s amber eyes had now become bright circles of sunlight and all of his pain was forgotten. Whirlpaw appeared ecstatic too, but she looked unsure of something. Vaporpaw cheerfully padded alongside Vortexpaw and arrived at the center of the gathering. Fishstar approached them, a proud look in her eyes showed that she fully accepted him and his sister. “I, Fishstar, leader of Torrentclan, 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 as a warrior in their turn.” Whirlpaw shifted awkwardly on her paws. “Vortexpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” His mind contained a jumble of thoughts that made him stumble on the right words to say.
“I do.” His heart began to beat rapidly.
Yes! I’m finally a warrior!
“And Vaporpaw, will you do the same?”
“I-I do.” She answered.
“Whirlpaw-“ Fishstar started but Whirlpaw had already spoke.
“Excuse me Fishstar, but if it be fine with you, I actually want to be a medicine cat.” The crowd gasped in shock.
Fishstar nodded approvingly. “Very well, you shall begin your training tomorrow with Tinystripe. You have done well in finding the right herbs to treat my arm earlier.” Fishstar praised. Whirlpaw blushed and walked back into the crowd. Fishstar turned back toward Vortexpaw and Vaporpaw, ready to finish the ceremony. “Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior names. Vortexpaw, from this moment you shall be known as
Vortexspray. Starclan honors your skill, strength, energy, and determination.” Vortexspray would be his new name, and he’s proud of it. It would remind him of his mother who unconditionally loved him and still does in Starclan. “And Vaporpaw, from this moment you shall be known as
Vapormist. StarClan honors your loyalty, bravery, intelligence, and kindness. Congratulations you two!” The cats of TorrentClan shouted their names, still including Whirlpaw, aloud for every cat to hear. He ventured into the crowd with Vapormist, full of excitement. But while he was about to leave he felt a strange sensation, and he noticed Whirlpaw looked uneasy too. A loud voice called from above the gathering and said, “Congratulations Vortexspray and Whirlpaw, you have proved to be the greatest in your clan. May your names be remembered throughout time.” Vortexspray recognized the voice.
Vortexspray still felt strange but he looked up and replied, “Thank you Whitedove!” The crowd gasped again, this time more loudly.
“I knew it! That’s why Vortexspray resembled him so closely when I saw him at the gathering!” Darkleaf said. Runningstar nodded.
“It does make sense now.” She said.
“Yeah, I kind of figured that.” Shadownose said.
The strange sensation pulsed stronger in his body and suddenly Whitedove appeared in front of the crowd next to him and Whirlpaw. The crowd watched in awe at his splendor and the blinding light that radiated around him. “It’s coming…just wait for it.” With a final and aggressive shake, Vortexspray and Whirlpaw’s fur had changed, but not too drastically. Their fur color was the same but now Vortexspray had blue circular stripes around his tail and Whirlpaw had a blue triangle on her right ear. “And there it is!
Behold, these are your HeavenClan markings! From now on, Vortexspray and Whirlpaw are fully recognized as TorrentClan and HeavenClan cats, they can now use their full power at will.” Whitedove said. Vortexspray looked at his new markings, they made him look more mature and stronger. He stared at Whitedove in fear.
“Do not be afraid Vortexspray, I understand what you were going through. Even though you have disobeyed me at times, you are still my son and I love you, and you too Whirlpaw. It’s great to see that you’re back in TorrentClan, Vortexspray, welcome
home.” Whitedove padded up to his children and licked the top of their head warmly. “I’m proud of you two.” He said while fading away into the sky.
“But dad, what about Oceanspray?” Whirlpaw asked. “I miss her…” Her voice quivered with sadness.
“She will always be watching you from StarClan, though one day she may surprise you.” Whitedove said, now fully vanished. Vortexspray was even more confused now. What did he mean that Oceanspray might surprise them? He shoved the thought away and went back into the crowd proudly. Vapormist joined him and Whirlpaw.
“That was
amazing! You two look awesome!” Astonishment spread through her voice. The crowd cheered the two Heavenclan cats names at the top of their lungs. Had Whitedove been this widely respected too?
“Well, it was great to see him again.” Earthstar said, almost to himself. “Well now for Skullclan’s ceremony.” Earthstar made his speech and Gravelpaw had now been named,
Gravelrock. The Skullclan cats cheered his name and he made his way back into his clan. Runningstar had announced that Sunhead had been remade as Flashclan’s deputy and ended her speech. The gathering had ended.
“Well, I guess this is goodbye for now, Vortexspray and Whirlpaw. It’s been great having adventures with you. I guess now our clans will stop being worried about us.” Gravelrock said sentimentally. “But hey, we’ll always see each other at gatherings.” Vortexspray nodded.
“Indeed, it was good to get to know you. However, I’m still not sure where Sharkpaw went.” Vortexspray said. Gravelrock shrugged.
“I dunno, maybe he’ll turn up later.” The clans began to leave.”Well, see ya, and good luck with your medicine cat training Whirlpaw!” Gravelrock turned away and ran into the crowd of SkullClan.
“Bye Gravelrock!” Whirlpaw called. Vortexspray and Whirlpaw then followed the leaving TorrentClan cats and traveled across the marshy terrain. Though Vortexspray had become a warrior and been recognized as a HeavenClan cat, he was worn-out and felt like collapsing onto the clouds of HeavenClan. He noticed Whirlpaw struggling on her feet too and Vapormist was still recovering from the battle. When they made their way to TorrentClan’s rocky entrance a voice called out from somewhere in the shadows.
“For Deathshred!” Sharkpaw lunged out at the unsuspecting Whirlpaw and pinned her down. “Actually, this isn’t for Deathshred, this is more personal!” Fishstar impatiently padded up and swiped him off of Whirlpaw with a mighty blow, her claws sheathed.
“Enough Sharkpaw! Either you let it go and realize that she is a medicine cat now, or you be exiled and be treated as a loner.” Sharkpaw struggled to his paws. He stopped in his tracks and then suddenly appeared as if he was thinking deeply.
“Okay…fine, but I won’t talk to Whirlpaw for
fifty moons!” Vortexspray padded closer to his sister, guarding her from Sharkpaw. He heard his sister snort and then the rest of the clan made their way into camp. It was night time and everyone was exhausted. Fishstar watched as all of the cats went into their dens for a refreshing good night’s sleep. As Vortexspray went to the warrior’s den Fishstar had moved in closer.
“Welcome back,
Vortexspray.” She said rather cheerfully. Vortexspray felt a deep and great warmth inside and continued on his way to the den. He made himself comfortable in the plush moss and closed his eyes. This was home, this was love, this was his
clan. Vapormist rested in a pile of moss next to him, snoring rhythmically and calm. He drifted into his sleep and let his dreams overtake his consciousness.
A light gray she-cat padded up to him, as they stood in an endless and open lush green field of delight that sparkled with life. The sunlight shined greater than ever and the wind blew in a mild temperature. A white cat had joined the gray she-cat. Vortexspray recognized who they were.
Oceanspray! Whitedove! He embraced them and snuggled his muzzle into their fur.
“Good work, Vortexspray. You’ve done well.” Oceanspray mewed softly. Whitedove pressed his muzzle tenderly on his head.
“Deathshred is no more, and he will be forever trapped in the Dark Forest. You’ve saved your clan, Vortexspray. You’ve saved
all clans.” Whitedove praised.
FIN
THE END!! So what did you guys think? Was this better or was Renewed Strength better? I like this one better.