above: lightstar. she's supposed to be bit less ginger tho, ignore that part.

chapter 8

. . .

I sat, reflecting on my thoughts. Frostpaw and Bristlepaw are gone. They're part of the Missing. They're not coming back.! 

I then thought of Dustysky's words. Perhaps I can find them...

I sat tall and straight as Lightstar called the Clan meeting.

This is it! My tail twitched with excitement, driving all serious thoughts to the back of my mind.. My warrior ceremony!

"I have called you here for two things. A warrior ceremony, and the Missing Patrol. Rushingpaw and Stormypaw, step forward." Lightstar flicked her tail at me and my brother. With a quick side glance at me, Stormypaw stepped forward, and I hurried to his side.

"I, Lightstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down at these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn. Stormypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your Clan with your life?"

The question hung in the air as Stormypaw fixed his gaze on Lightstar. "I do."

"In that case, you will now be known as Stormywind. RiverClan honors your passion and courage and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan."

I smiled at Stormywind as he licked Lightstar's shoulder, then twitched my tail expectantly. The cream leader turned to me with a bit of annoyance in her gaze at my gesture.

"Rushingpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your Clan at the cost of your life?"

I nodded sharply, standing tall like a tree with my forepaws planted firmly in the ground. I was determined to leave a tough impression on my Clanmates. "I do."

"In that case, you shall now be known as Rushingwave. RiverClan honors your indulgence and your battle prowess and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan."

I purred at my new name, and bowed my head to lick Lightstar's shoulder. My purr still rumbled in my chest as I stepped back along Stormywind.

Rushingwave. I love it! I thought as our names were cheered.

I flicked my grey tail, my muzzle raised to the sky. Mousefoot and Hailclaw approached us. I tensed, waiting for them to only congratulate only Stormywind. But to my surprise, Hailclaw stepped forward and dipped his head to me. "Congratulations, son." The dark grey tom's eyes held no emotion as he and Mousefoot began fussing over Stormywind. We both nodded and stayed silent, the vigil began at dusk but we felt the need to keep quiet.

Lightstar cleared her throat and the cats hushed, talking quietly to themselves. "Now, the Missing Patrol."

The RiverClan cats were deathly silent. Warriors had their ears flattened to their heads, and their tails were twitching. Obviously, the Missing Patrol wasn't something to look forward to since not many came back.

Lightstar immediately felt the change in the atmosphere, though I noted she did not let her thoughts get in the way of the duty.

I knew what I had to do as well, however much I did not want to.

"You all know how the Missing Patrol works. A medium sized group of warriors, and only warriors, are to go on a patrol to find any Missing cats. Now, any volunteers?" Lightstar looked skeptical.

I cleared my throat, letting my muscles ripple beneath grey fur. "I would like to go."

Stormywind rushed to my side, as well as Beetleclaw and Willowbreeze.

"You can't go!" Beetleclaw cried out, his black tail bristling.

Willowbreeze's blue eyes were filled with worry. "What if you don't come back?"

Lightstar looked surprised as I tore my gaze away from them and looked back at her.

"Well," she said slowly, "I suppose you can go."

"No!" Stormywind snarled. "I will not lose my brother to this!"

"I must go. I will miss you all, but I must go." I lifted my chin to meet my brother's gaze.

"You won't miss me." Stormywind's voice was low.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Wha-"

"Lightstar, I'm going too." Beetleclaw and Stormywind spoke at the same time, then locked eyes with each other. I noticed - they both wanted to come along. To protect me.

As Lightstar's face turned even more surprised, I turned to my parents to say goodbye. I paid no attention as Lightstar began selecting other members.

"Goodbye, Mousefoot. G'bye, Hailclaw."

A tail flick in my direction was all I got as my parents turned to Stormywind. But he held his tail firmly. "Nu uh. You are going to give Rushingwave the same treatment you give me."

My parents reluctantly turned back to me and Mousefoot wrapped me up with her tail, saying nothing

Hailclaw did the same, then they turned back to Stormywind. I rolled my eyes. Some things would never change. Lightstar was finishing up the Missing Patrol, her tail-tip twitching.

"Redgaze, you'll come with us." 

I glanced at the russet toroiseshell tom and blinked slowly. I then turned to the rest of the MIssing Patrol. Thunderfish, Twigflame, Goldenfern, Troutprickle, Stormywind, Beetleclaw, and Redgaze stood beside me.

"Who will lead?" I asked Lightstar.

Lightstar's eyes swept over the cats. "You and Thunderfish will take turns leading."

I blinked at the honor and nodded. The sun's last rays sank under the treetops, and Lightstar closed her eyes. "Rushingwave, Stormywind, you can start your vigil. You leave in two nights."

I nodded grimly and spun around to face the camp entrance. Cottonfrost smiled at me and left his position as I took it. Stormywind sat opposite me.

I raised my muzzle to the sky.

I have done what you asked, Dustysky. Did I do the right thing? Or am I going to be evil at heart because you lied to me?

My eyes dropped down to where Stormywind was sitting, poised for battle. I promise, Stormywind, I will protect you at all costs.

I will find Frostpaw and the other Missing cats. I will.