Honeypaw's Moonstone Journey

Mintwhisker flicked her tail, carefully holding the traveling herbs in her jaws. This was going to be her first time taking an apprentice on a trip to the Moonstone, but she knew that the cat she had in mind was ready. Although her friend had taken Honeypaw's training in an... interesting direction, Honeypaw was shaping up to be an excellent warrior.
With a flick of her whiskers, Mintwhisker dropped the bundle of herbs just outside the Apprentice den. "Honeypaw!" She mewed, sticking her head into the den with a small smile (It had been a while since she had been inside the Apprentice den- was that her old nest in the corner?). "I-It's time to go."

Honeypaw had risen early that morning; slipping from her feathered nest in the wispy dark before dawn. She shook her ginger coat roughly as she did so, freeing it of dust as her paws strode into camp -- quiet but for a few vigilant warriors rising for pre-dawn hunting.

Sedgestrike was typically among them -- and his aching apprentice, of course, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. A warrior stays ahead of the sun! as the tom always barked.

That morning, her mentor was absent, however -- even if Honeypaw's dutiful steps still led her to her feet, into the splashing cold of the morning air. The she-cat found her mentor's training endlessly frustrating and provoking -- Sedgestrike so enjoyed pushing her to the edge -- but as she felt her senses come to her easily, even before the dawn, it reminded the apprentice once again of how her mentor came to be such a fierce warrior.

"And I will be, too," Honeypaw mewed firmly to herself, and she knew -- just knew; feeling it rise in her chest with the fiery rays of the sun. Honeypaw had been training diligently for moons, and she could feel her improvement with every step. It wouldn't be long now -- and the fact that she'd been entrusted with such an important task only confirmed it.

"You're taking Mintbreath to the Moonstone tomorrow," her mentor had informed her suddenly, in between powerful leaps across trees; sore muscles speaking of the day's training. Honeypaw nearly missed her branch in surprise, at the seriousness in his tone -- the intensity in his eyes. "Do not disappoint me."

According to Sedgestrike -- in the irritating authority-voice he'd taken on after Rippedstar left -- Honeypaw was to protect Mintwhisker during her journey to the Moonstone. With the filthy rogues at large, and cowardly Windclan prowling, it was her duty to bring the medicine-cat safely -- and not to let a single scratch mar her. Unless Honeypaw wanted to burn in the Place of No Stars, of course.

"Not that that will ever happen," she mewed, huffing. Honeypaw was the best in her generation -- which was why Sedgestrike was sending her, of course, and not any of the other weakling apprentices. She'd tear apart any rogue that came close! Mintwhisker would be the safest medicine cat in the forest.

With a confident, determined nod, Honeypaw forcefully tore into a small, stiff mouse as the sun rose; knowing she'd need the energy if she were to be vigilant. Apparently the Moonstone was quite far -- not that Honeypaw was nervous about that, or anything! She was nearly a warrior -- the distance was nothing!

It was just as she licked her lips, finishing, that she caught sight of Mintwhisker -- the mackerel tabby padding across camp to poke her head in the apprentice's den. What is she...?

But when Honeypaw heard her name being called, it all became clear. Flicking her ear in sudden irritation, she got swiftly to her paws. She thinks I haven't been preparing for this?

Her tail was lashing as the ginger she-cat strode behind Mintwhisker; almost an ear above the older tabby. Honeypaw had a few sharp words on her tongue when she remembered that this was her medicine cat -- and settled for a sharp sigh.

"Shall we go, then?" she asked, forcing back the agitation to consider her charge for the day -- likely startling her. 'Do not disappoint me,' Sedgestrike had said. Her amber eyes flickered to the she-cat's thin, almost delicate frame -- "Or have you not eaten?"

The she-cat gestured curtly to the small fresh-kill pile. Honeypaw felt restlessness in her paws, tingling, but the Mintwhisker smelled so overwhelmingly of herbs -- stinging her nose -- the apprentice couldn't tell whether the she-cat had eaten. But she better hurry if she hasn't.

Mintwhisker flicked her tail, turning to shoot Honeypaw a skeptical look. She thought of Sedgestrike as a friend, but... he wasn't the best when it came to mentoring. It was unfortunate, yes, but Honeypaw would be okay.
Right? The Medicine Cat's murky green eyes narrowed slightly at the apprentice's less-than bubbly demeanor. This wasn't the excited young apprentice she had anticipated. "Don't get t-too big for your p-pelt, Honeypaw." She spoke lightly, her ears twitching. She was the Medicine cat, after all. "A-and you're gonna want t-those herbs later." She paused, giving the stoic ginger she-cat a small, friendly smile. It wouldn't hurt to try and get her to relax a bit...
"W-well, if you r-really w-want to be hungry..." Mintwhisker shook herself, gathering the uneaten herbs and dropping them just inside the den. She'd learn.
The short-legged Medicine Cat's whiskers twitched, but she merely ignored the prey pile. The sun was rising... "L-let's go, then. I-it's my job to escort you t-to the Moonstone s-so you don't get lost- it w-would be a shame i-if we were late on my b-behalf."
With that said, the young she-cat turned and padded out of camp, her tail flicking back and forth every so often. It would be a long walk.

Big for my pelt?

Irritation flickered up Honeypaw's spine. I'm not six moons anymore! But the minty, herbal scent that the she-cat carried made the apprentice bite back her reply -- even as Mintwhisker beckoned her along like a little kit, about to leave the nursery for the first time.

The smile only made it seem more patronizing.

She's a medicine cat, Honeypaw reminded herself, amber eyes narrowing as she ducked out of camp beside the smaller tabby -- wrestling control of her temper. It was close. But if she weren't...

Even Sedgestrike told her to mind herself. He was normally only amused by Honeypaw's sass, and actually encouraged her to speak her mind -- but respect for medicine cats was something Sedgestrike was firm on. "No matter what they say, what they make you eat, you shut up and do it."

So Honeypaw did, tail lashing as she stalked behind Mintwhisker -- ignoring the way the she-cat walked forward, intending to "guide" her. Her fur bristled. It was true, she admitted grudgingly -- Honeypaw didn't know where they were going. But she could at least acknowledge that Honeypaw was there to protect her!

"Whatever..." she murmured, flicking her ear.

OOC: I'm super sorry for this late reply, Drippy! >n< I tried to post while on my trip but I really didn't have the chance! I promise to reply super quickly -- I know I was the one that said I would in the first place, but I really will!

...And also, is it just me, or is there a kind of Spottedleaf/Tigerclaw dynamic here? cx

OOC: No worries!! Also yess Honey would make an awesome Tigerclaw 2.0 lol
IC:
"Hmm..." The taupe tabby she-cat shook her head, her murky green eyes glinting as the young apprentice muttered something behind her. Honeypaw would learn...
probably.
The skinny Medicine Cat flicked her tail, deep in thought. There was one possible way she'd be able to help the golden she-cat choose the right path in life, or at least the path that would keep her out of trouble. It was risky, but it was definitely better than losing such a vivacious she-cat to the rugged life Sedgestrike had set her up for.
She was a bright apprentice, after all. She'd have to speak with Rippedstar later.

(timeskip)

The moon was just beginning to rise when Mintwhisker turned to look at the tabby behind her. "A-alright, Honeypaw. We're a-at the base of Mothermouth. S-Stay close behind m-me." The short-legged Medicine Cat lead the way up the winding path without pausing for breath, arriving at the top looking only slightly windswept. "These caves c-can be a b-bit frightening when y-you walk in them f-for the first time." She warned, her ears twitching. "Use y-your whiskers to find your way."
Without further ado, Mintwhisker lead Honeypaw through the dark and twisting tunnels, taking care to keep her tail stretched out behind her in case the golden apprentice required extra guidance. After only a few minutes of walking, Mintwhisker began to see a faint light coming from ahead. They were nearly there. Within a few moments, Mintwhisker emerged into the large cave that held the brightly glowing Moonstone. "T-touch your nose t-to the Moonstone," She instructed softly- she found it difficult to speak louder than a whisper when in the presence of the white stone. "And s-sleep beside it. I will b-be here when you a-awaken."

Their journey to the Moonstone was surprisingly quiet.

Honeypaw made it tensely, ears alert for signs of danger -- especially as they walked through enemy territory. The scents were so much different and stronger; churning uneasily within her. But the knowledge that no cat would dare attack a medicine cat calmed her enough not to rip through the ground beneath her.

If only just so.

"Never assume an enemy has honor, Honeypaw." she heard her mentor's voice in her ears. And she remembered his lessons atop the trees, showing her the borders of their clan. She couldn't let her guard down.

Shadowclan territory was surprisingly vast -- and the territory beyond it even vaster; stretching in arid fields and hills, green and gray and farther than the eye could see. It was as breathtaking as it was intimidating -- the land beyond the clans.

Are these the Highstones?

It was only seeing the large, looming mountains that made Honeypaw shift closer to the medicine-cat; fur just brushing hers. There was something powerful about them; she could feel it in her bones. It wasn't natural.

And the feeling only grew stronger as they went closer.

Darkness had fallen by the time they came to the opening of a cave, and Honeypaw's fur was prickling, like little sparks across her fur. The jagged peaks above them slanted to form an opening -- distinctive and radiating an energy that seemed to hum in her core. Thank Starclan it was only Mintwhisker that had to--

"Wait -- you want me to come with you?"

Into Mothermouth?

Honeypaw was only there to -- well, bring Mintwhisker. Her ear flicked, uneasy. Wasn't she? But the medicine cat only beckoned and then slipped into the darkness, tabby form disappearing, and Honeypaw felt a sudden fear spark through her.

Mintwhisker had been a quiet, unassuming presence on their journey; almost like she wasn't present at all, through the forest and rivers and hills. But when the medicine-cat disappeared into the mysterious cavern, Honeypaw felt her absence like a jolt -- as if a security were torn away -- and before she knew what she was doing, the apprentice was slipping in after her.

It was very dark.

Honeypaw let out an embarrassed squeak as she nearly stumbled her first few steps -- the pitch black of the cavern almost sucking her into nothing. But the medicine cat's sharp, herbal scent before her kept her focused -- even if Mintwhisker's soft mews seemed to be drowned out by the pounding in her ears. But if Honeypaw felt off-balance by this mystical, unnatural place, it was nothing to what she felt when she saw the faint light shining ahead.

The Moonstone.

It was impossible to think that it could be anything else. The large, smooth stone; alight with a glow that lit the cavern even amidst the darkness -- without the sun. Like a moon of its own -- and close enough to touch.

And Mintwhisker wanted her to.

"What?" she mewed, startled -- feeling suddenly vulnerable. The stone that loomed over her seemed to emanate something that Honeypaw couldn't recognize -- only that it seemed to seep through her fur.

"Touch your nose to the Moonstone."

Every instinct told her to push back -- to jerk away from it -- but it was as if she wasn't in control of her limbs as she shakily stepped forward. When her nose brushed the glimmering stone, it was cold. Like ice.

And then she was gone.

OOC: apologies on the late reply ;;

IC: Most cats described StarClan as a utopia sort of realm, which was entirely true, but being like he was, Antdrop never really understood why everyone worshiped it so much, but even so, he wasn't going to complain.

The black tom's life had unfortunately ended too soon due to a hunting accident and now, he lived alone in the starry fields, wishing nothing more than to see his little brother and family again. Admittedly, he'd originally despised Tinylegs, but he hadn't realized how lucky he was until it was all gone. If only he could've changed his ways earlier, then maybe things would have ended differently.

Per usual, Antdrop sat alone on the empty, cloud covered moorlands, concentrating on something. His brother, Tinylegs of all cats had been appointed deputy in place of the sick Rippedsky and the StarClan warrior found tears forming in his eyes as he wished the small white tom the best of luck.

Noticing a shape begin to appear not far away from where he sat, the black tom lifted up his head from where it'd rested on his paws and focused his gaze on what seemed to be an apprentice. The young tom's pelt didn't shimmer with sparkling stars like those of deceased cats, which meant he was probably just visiting, which was good.

Standing up, he gave his black pelt a shake, sending specks of stardust falling back onto the misty ground. With him being what looked to be the only cat around, he knew what needed to be done.

"Here for your Moonstone journey?" Antdrop asked stoically as he approached Honeypaw, though he assumed that was what the younger cat was there for. Like always, there was no emotion on his face even when "welcoming" a cat to StarClan. Even when he was among the living, the warrior had never been a very social cat and preferred to keep to himself, since that way, life was much more simple, and he was perfectly fine with things being that way.

The ground felt very odd under her paws when Honeypaw stepped forward.

It was cool, and smooth, and seemed to tingle between her pads as she kept her pace, paw after paw. It was repetitive, almost, like a trance... and it was only when she took a breath -- looking up -- that she realized...

She was in a moor.

A vast, sloping, rolling moor with puffy clouds overhead and a shimmer across the place, that seemed to tingle in her fur.

Have we really been walking this far? she wondered, feeling a little apprehension creep across her shoulders. Honeypaw shook herself, trying to remember where she came from last. Where they were. She was escorting Mintwhisker to the moonstone... But wait -- where was Mintwhisker?

Honeypaw sucked in a breath, only to breath in crisp, clean air and nothing like the sharp tinge of herbs. It was as the medicine cat was... gone.

But... It didn't make...

"Here for your moonstone journey?"

The dry voice was so sudden and startling it made her fur spike, jolting her until her head whipped around--

--to see a tom walking toward her.

He was walking slowly, leisurely... eyes boring straight into her. Not afraid, not angry, not furious that she was trespassing on a territory that felt so foreign and surreal...

"Wait -- my moonstone journey?" she mewed, claws unsheathing on instinct as her tail lashed, anxious. Her amber eyes bore into this strange, aloof tom -- wary. "How do you know about that?"

Watching as the apprentice stared at him with wide eyes, he assumed the she-cat was most likely surprised by his appearance. Listening as she mewed somewhat aggressively at him, clearly confused, Antdrop's tail flicked back and forth. "Are all SkyClan apprentice this whiny these days?" he mumbled under his breathe, waiting for her to finish. It seemed like all the apprentices that he was instructed to visit had some sort of anger issues, but then again, there was probably a reason behind him getting to speak with the ones who acted in such a manor...

"If you couldn't already tell, you're in StarClan," the bland sounding tom started, looking around the open plain, but soon turning his gaze back to Honeypaw's. Meeting her gaze again, Antdrop was curious as to why she looked so angry, though he wasn't going say anything about the matter, at least not yet anyway.

"And I'm assuming you've heard the stories of StarClan, so I'll skip to the important stuff. I'm Antdrop, one of SkyClan's former warriors and son of Crowstar," the black tom spoke, standing as still as a statue, no emotion on his muzzle what so ever.

Honeypaw felt her irritation with the tom grow, tail lashing. Whiny? Who was this tom calling whiny?

The apprentice was bristling, ready to ask him such when his next words hit her ears.

Starclan?

"Starclan?" Was this tom nuts? she wanted to huff, eyes blazing. Honeypaw wasn't dead and she certainly wasn't in some magical realm, with endless hunting and perfect skies...

...and grass like soft feathers beneath her paws, and cats with stars shimmering in their pelts like dust.

Honeypaw's eyes focused on the hazy shimmer to the tom's pelt; the way the skies above him with light and full of rich, fluffy clouds...

No.

Antdrop? she recognized the name after a dazed moment. Crowstar's dead son. The deputy's brother. When she stared at him, narrowing her eyes as her chest became tight, she could even see the resemblance, peeking through at the edges...

"Oh, Starclan..." the apprentice murmured, air sucking from her lungs. "I'm not dead. I can't be dead... Oh, Starclan..."

How did she get here? Honeypaw couldn't remember, racking her brain, tearing through it with unsheathed claws. Why was she here?

Standing as still as a statue, Antdrop rolled his eyes. "Did no cat tell you why you're here?" the black, grumpy tom began, trying not to let his anger take over his once calm composure. "You're here to become a warrior, not because you're dead," he mewed and let out a sigh. "Here, you're supposed to get words of wisdom and guidance for your future, unless you don't want any...?" Antdrop finished, raising a non-existent eyebrow.

OOC: holy shortness ;;