Ivypool's Heart/Chapter 5

"Don't forget that we're on a quest from StarClan. Yes, taking food from Twolegs is bad, but wouldn't it be worse if we fail to complete our mission?"

— Whistlepaw arguing in favor of traveling to the Twolegplace for food in Ivypool's Heart, page 71

Ivypool's Heart
Chapter number:	5 (of 34)
Page numbers:	70-89
Point of View:	Ivypool
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter five of Ivypool's Heart. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 5 (of 34)

Page Numbers: 70-89

Chapter description

Despite their prior optimism, the rain returned, souring the spirits of the journeying cats. Whistlepaw suggests traveling through the Twolegplace to take kittypet food due to the lack of available prey. Ivypool and Rootspring protest the idea, though Icewing points out that it will be better than starving. Dovewing agrees with Whistlepaw due to the strange circumstances, and the five cats begin their search. They nearly bring down a rabbit, but end up colliding with two strange cats. The cats introduce themselves as Slate and Beach, former members of the Sisters turned loners. The two loners and Rootspring bond over their kinship, but Ivypool notices an infected wound on Beach's flank.

Ivypool, already not a fan of the Sisters, grows angry at the sight. She remembers her own kit, Flipclaw, being selected by Ashfur to become a medicine cat, even though he lacked the aptitude for it. She struggles to understand how the Sisters can simply cast their sons aside; meanwhile, Dovewing joins Rootspring and begins to explain their quest. Beach and Slate invite them back to their camp with the promise of shelter and shared prey, and the cats set off.

Slate and Beach's camp rests in a rocky hollow, though it is clear they have not learned to properly take care of their den. It reminds her once more of her own kits, specifically how they had been trained as apprentices to care for the camp. Ivypool suggests that the Clan cats teach them the importance of cleanliness, while Whistlepaw and Icewing look for herbs to heal Beach's wound. The two loners return with fresh kill; after their meal, the Clan cats explain the importance of a fresh-kill pile and proper disposal of leftover food. The fact that the two loners did not learn these things before being sent out frustrates Ivypool further, though she forces herself to be patient with them.

Whistlepaw asks Beach about his wound, and the young tom explains that they fought a dog. He does not seem concerned over the wound, but Whistlepaw explains that she is a medicine cat and can help. She briefly explains the herb she has chosen, horsetail, and how it is good for infections. Beach compliments her after, but Whistlepaw kindly explains she cannot take a mate, much to Beach's dismay. She, along with Dovewing, Ivypool, and Icewing, explain to Beach that he may want to start by making friends before flirting, and Ivypool feels a swell of affection for the two young toms. She offers for them to join them, as they could become Clan cats after, but the two loners decline the offer.

Icewing asks if Beach and Slate could attempt to connect to the earth so they know which direction to take. Several moments pass, but nothing happens at first. The two loners try a few different methods, though none pan out, prompting Beach and Slate to offer to bring them to the Sisters. Ivypool is doubtful of how helpful the group will be, but realizes she and the other Clan cats are running out of options.

Characters

Major

• Ivypool
• Rootspring
• Dovewing
• Whistlepaw
• Icewing

Minor

• Slate
• Beach

Mentioned

• Zeke
• Pumpernickel (Unnamed)
• Curry (Unnamed)
• Tigerstar (Unnamed)
• Pouncestep (Unnamed)
• Lightleap (Unnamed)
• Shadowsight (Unnamed)
• Birchkit (Unnamed)
• Rowankit (Unnamed)
• Tree
• Moonlight
• Bristlefrost
• Flipclaw
• Ashfur
• Jayfeather
• Alderheart
• Thriftear