Cats_Of_The_Code

Coldberry opened his eyes, feeling the cold chill of leaf-bare, the thin layer of frost on his silver-grey pelt. He let out a yawn, stretching his sleek muscular body, a small scar still visible on his flank. He glared out his den with his yellow eyes, the thought of herbs and leaf-bare on his mind.

"Good morning C-Coldberry." A small voice meowed from the entrance to the older medicine cat's den. A small grey-white she-cat's head emerged from the corner of the stone cave, her beautiful hazel eyes now full of sleepless nights.

"Let me guess." Coldberry started to growl, "You aren't eating again and can't sleep?" The small she-cat nodded her head shyly.

"I-I just don't get hungry." She whispered as she padded into his den, her bones showing through her beautiful tabby pelt. Coldberry couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Sit dow-" Coldberry paused, flicking his ear when a yowl came from outside his den and in the camp clearing.

"All cats old enough to swim gather for a clan meeting!" Coldberry could tell the voice belonged to his leader, Silverstar.

"I'll be right back Petalleap." Coldberry meowed behind his sholder, wondering what the meeting was about.

Once he had reached the highrock he noticed an unfamiliar smell in the clearing, as well as an unidentified golden she-cat.

"RiverClan! I have brought this rogue into our home!" He began, "I do not ask that you accept her, only that you allow her to prove herself to us. To provide, and protect us. Coldberry." Silverstar meowed, turning his muzzle to gaze into his yellow eyes. "I want you to train this rogue the ways of a medicine cat. She will become your apprentice. Teach her well." Coldberry opened his mouth in protest. He didn't want an apprentice from RiverClan, let alone a rouge.

"What makes you think she will be any use to us!" Frozenheart growled from behind Coldberry. "She could just be ThunderClan spy!"

"Throw her to the two-legs! I'm sure they have a nice warm kittypet bed waiting for her!" A voice rang quickly after Frozenheart.

"Quiet!" Silverstar growled, "I say these words before StarClan! While I am leader, any cat willing to surrender themselves to RiverClan and to become a warrior, shall not be harmed nor mistreated! We may not be ThunderClan, or ShadowClan. We're not squirrel hunters, or stepping into mud until our pelts are crusty! We are RiverClan! We swim, we're free, we are kind, and loyal. We do not need to be focused on our rival's thoughts, because I know that is what you are thinking of! Who cares what ShadowClan thinks! Who cares about those a rabbit chasers and squirrel snatchers! Iris. Step forward."

Coldberry quietly listened to Silverstar's words. Waiting for the rouge's new name. Perhaps, in time, he would grow fond of this mysterious she-cat.

"I now name you Mintpaw, in hopes that your pelt will forever be scented with the delicate aroma of herbs as you grow to be a medicine cat alongside Coldberry!" Silverstar meowed, snapping Coldberry back into reality.

"Mintpaw! Mintpaw!" Coldberry's Clanmates cheered, causing him to jump. Silverstar flicked his tail, signaling the end of the meeting.

"Coldberry." His leader meowed to the old medicine cat, "Would you care for a chat?" He asked. Coldberry sighed grouchily.

"I wouldn't care for anything at this point Silverstar." He responded as he padded alongside the muscular tabby. "What is it now? Is the sky falling?"

Silverstar shook his head with a laugh, "No, but how are you taking this? None of Russetfur's kits wanted to be the medicine cat apprentice because you're always so negative about everything. And now you suddenly have an apprentice. You don't seem too happy." The leader meowed as the strolled through RiverClan territory.

"Well." Coldberry began, "I don't want an apprentice in all honesty. They're loud, annoying, dramatic, and can't seem to stop asking questions... though it's always a shame when they leave.." He paused, staring in they he distance.

"You're talking about Smallpaw aren't you." The silver tom meowed as they sat down on small, smooth stone. Coldberry nodded solemnly, remembering the small she-cat who he once called his apprentice.

"Yeah... I just don't feel ready. And a rouge? What made you think of letting her in. You say we shouldn't care about the other Clan's opinions, but shouldn't we?" The medicine cat asked worriedly.

Silverstar smiled, shaking his head, "Don't judge her from where she came from. I mean.. I did the same for you." The tom meowed looking over at the old cat.

"I don't know.." Coldberry mumbled.

"You don't need to. Just let StarClan guide you as they always have."