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"Tom? Twolegs called a Tom, Tom?" Although this article is based on canonical information, the title of this subject is conjecture. |
| "...StarClan has not forgotten you. Not all of us left the forest. I have been watching you with Riley and Bella, and I can see that they would make good warriors. But they need your help, Ravenpaw." |
| — Silverstream to Ravenpaw during a dream in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 4 |
The journey to find SkyClan took place in Ravenpaw's Farewell, when Ravenpaw had to take Riley and Bella to SkyClan for them to become warriors.[1]
Summary
Premise
- Ravenpaw and Barley travel to the forest, as they hadn't been there in moons. The two toms visit ThunderClan's old camp, and this stirs the former Clan cat's memories. As they walk, a kittypet sees them and challenges them for being on his territory. Ravenpaw and Barley are then chased by a group of Twolegplace cats until Violet steps in and stops them. She takes the pair to see her four kits: Bella, Patch, Lulu, and Riley. The two toms leave soon after, and Violet promises they'll see them someday. [4]
- Later in leaf-bare, Ravenpaw and Barley are visited by Violet, Bella, and Riley. The mother of the two says that Lulu and Patch have gone to a new home together. They stay for one day, and Bella and Riley ask many questions about the Clans. Violet takes her kits home the following morning, but both are discontented, and don't want to be kittypets. [5] That night, Ravenpaw receives a dream from Silverstream, and she tells him to help Bella and Riley achieve their dreams in SkyClan. He sets out in the morning, despite Barley's protests that it's a stupid idea. Ravenpaw meets Riley and Bella back at Violet's Twoleg nest, and manages to convince the queen to let her kits choose their own path. The cats say their goodbyes, and then leave through a hole in a fence. [1]
Overview
- Ravenpaw takes Bella and Riley on a journey to find SkyClan so they can pursue their dreams of being warriors.[1] At first, Barley refuses to join them[6], but catches up with his friends after one day of their departure.[7] The cats continue to travel along the river, resting in the same spots Sandstorm and Firestar did on their journey.[8] The next day, Ravenpaw and the others meet a SkyClan patrol, but Leafstar declines to take Riley and Bella in. However, when they return to the gorge later that night, the cats see kittypets attacking the Clan.[2] Ravenpaw has a dream from StarClan, and later helps SkyClan drive off their enemies with a new tactic.[3] Leafstar then agrees to make Riley and Bella apprentices, and they happily accept. Shortly after their apprentice ceremonies, Ravenpaw dies from the painful lump in his stomach.[9]
Description
The kits
- Ravenpaw and Barley travel to the forest, but as they walk, a kittypet sees them and challenges them for being on his territory. The loners are then chased by a group of Twolegplace cats until Violet steps in and stops them. She takes the pair to see her four kits: Bella, Patch, Lulu, and Riley. The small cats are eager to see the newcomers, and try to play with them. Violet tries to get them to behave, purring with amusement. They ask many questions about where Ravenpaw and Barley live, including a question on what a cow is. The two toms leave soon after to head back to their farm. Violet promises they all see them someday, and the kits say goodbye.[4]
- Later in leaf-bare, Ravenpaw and Barley are visited by Violet, Bella, and Riley. The younger cats burst through the door of the barn, calling out both loners' names. Violet appears behind them, saying that they'd insisted on coming to see them. The mother of the two says that Lulu and Patch have gone to a new home together. She is sad about this, but is comforted that the pair are together. Riley and Bella are fascinated with their new surroundings, and pummel Ravenpaw with questions. Violet apologies, stating that Smudge had told them a lot about the Clans and their life. The three decide to stay for one day, and Bella and Riley eagerly watch Ravenpaw hunt. Violet takes her kits home the following morning, but both are discontented, and don't want to be kittypets.[5] That night, Ravenpaw receives a dream from Silverstream, and she tells him to help Bella and Riley achieve their dreams in SkyClan. He agrees, and decides to set out in the morning.[1]
The departure
- The next day, black loner tells Barley about his plans to take Riley and Bella to SkyClan. The tom thinks Ravenpaw is crazy, and asks if he's kidding. Barley questions how he'll know where to go, and what will happen if SkyClan refuses. Ravenpaw states that he's serious about this, and must do it for Riley and Bella, as well as himself. The black cat meows he owes it to ThunderClan, but Barley counters he has no commitment to his former Clan anymore. He continues that Violet will never agree, and Ravenpaw simply replies it's not her decision to make. Barley grunts, and says it's not fair to encourage Riley and Bella's crazy dreams. The black-and-white tom meows they are kittypets, and don't know how to live outside their den. Ravenpaw and Barley continue to argue, but both don't change their opinions. The former Clan cat is disappointed when his friend says he won't come with them. Barley states he's being stupid, putting him, Bella, and Riley in danger to follow kit dreams. He continues that he doesn't want to hear another word about it, and leaves Ravenpaw staring after him.
- The black cat goes to Bella and Riley's den, and both greet him eagerly with thanks. Violet looks on and protests against them leaving, but Ravenpaw explains he's taking them to SkyClan, not one of the other Clans. He says they are much friendlier to kittypets, and also closer to them. Ravenpaw promises that if SkyClan won't train them, he will bring Riley and Bella home. The black cat reminds Violet that she chose to be a kittypet knowing the alternative of living wild, and her kits should have the same chance. She protests they won't be safe, but Bella comments that she and her brother will never be happy as kittypets. The young cat begs her mother to let them go, and Riley agrees with his sister. Violet concedes, and meows that she wishes them well, and will always miss both of her kits. Bella is sad about leaving her mother, but the queen comforts she must have courage. Ravenpaw promises to keep the kits safe, and all three leave through a hole in the fence.[1]
The first of many problems
- Ravenpaw, Riley, and Bella travel back to Barley's barn to stop for the night. The former Clan cat tries once more to get his friend to travel with them, to no avail. Barley argues that the tom wants to be in a Clan again, but Ravenpaw denies this. The black-and-white cat continues, stating the tom probably wishes he never left. Ravenpaw is saddened that their last interaction will be a fight, as Barley clearly won't agree with him. Bella, Riley, and the black loner soon leave on their journey, but Barley does not watch them depart. The former apprentice fights to remain cheerful, but continues to lead the two younger cats through various new lands. He tells them stories about ShadowClan on the way, and Riley and his sister ask many questions. Ravenpaw shows the pair how to hunt, and Bella catches a shrew.
- The black loner then praises her, but before they can eat, a dog rushes toward them. Every cat leaps quickly into a hedge, clawing their way up the branches. A Twoleg soon takes the creature away, and Ravenpaw calls for the young pair to come down. Bella squeaks she wants her mother, while Riley mutters this may not have been such a good idea. Ravenpaw reassures all warriors get scared sometimes, but that it's the only way tell if you're brave. He says to Bella that she can't stay up in a hedge forever, as that's no place for a cat. The she-cat asks if the dog will get her, and Ravenpaw meows no. Bella climbs down, and all three cats continue to travel to SkyClan. Later, Ravenpaw finds a place for them to stay the night and the younger littermates collapse. After making a nest, they all fall asleep almost immediately.
- The next day, Ravenpaw and his companions continue to travel. Both Bella and Riley are more subdued, and the she-cat refuses to hunt. The black loner tells her to stay where she is, and leaves with Riley by his side. When he returns, however, Ravenpaw finds Bella taking food from a Twoleg. Despite her protests, the black tom drags her away and lectures both young cats never to do such a thing. Ravenpaw snaps if they won't listen to him, then it'd be best to go back this instant. The former Clan cat stomps out of the trees, noting Riley and Bella still have bristling pelts from the way he'd spoken to them.[6]
- A sunrise after, Ravenpaw wakes from an uncomfortable night's sleep. He goes out and catches a young pigeon for Bella and Riley, feeling compassion for all they've bene through recently. The tom offers to show them some battle moves, and both eagerly accept. Ravenpaw demonstrates a hunting crouch, then explains how it can be adapted as an attack. He drags a stick from a nearby hedge and instructs Riley and Bella to practice as if it's the enemy. When both are successful, he shows then two more moves that include a front paw swipe and the duck-and-twist. Riley and Bella try it on each other, and Ravenpaw praises them.[7]
Reuniting with an old friend
- The cats continue to travel, and they find an abandoned Twoleg nest. Ravenpaw gives Riley and Bella permission to explore it, and both bound away. The black loner sees a shadow appear in the doorway behind him, and readies himself to attack. However, Ravenpaw soon recognizes Barley, but hesitates to greet him because of their previous disagreement. The black-and-white cat apologizes to his friend, saying he should have never tried to stop Violet's kits from journeying with him. Ravenpaw bounds forward and nuzzles the tom, meowing he had a right to be concerned. Barley admits he thought the former Clan cat left because he didn't want to be at the barn anymore, and the black cat reassures that would never happen.
- Bella and Riley greet their uncle, and question if he will be traveling to SkyClan with them. Barley answers yes, and the pair then begin to tell him all about their travels so far. Both young cats sprint out the den, yowling that they should continue traveling. Ravenpaw and Barley agree, and the black-and-white cat comments the kits are really settling in as wild cats. Later, Riley catches a fish, and all three settle down to eat. Ravenpaw says he's proud of how far the littermates have come, and Barley says the same.[7]
The kittypets
- The cats continue to travel, and choose to make camp beside a waterfall. Barley catches a squirrel which both Bella and Riley share. They continue to follow the river, and soon the foursome squeeze into a small cave to rest. Bella meows that she's hungry, and Ravenpaw promises they'll hunt soon. Suddenly, the black loner hears soft whispers and recognizes the scents of Firestar and Sandstorm. He knows they are close to SkyClan now, as the two ThunderClan cats had seemed nervous and excited. When Ravenpaw opens his eyes, Bella stands at the entrance and meows there's another cat nearby. The travelers quickly leave, and the older toms keep an eye out for danger as they move forward. Barley catches a rabbit for them all to share, and the two littermates eagerly share it. Ravenpaw decides to stop and camp for the night so they can meet SkyClan in the morning. Riley and Bella protest that they aren't tired, so the former Clan cat tells them more about the warrior code. However, after he's listed to the young cats three more rules, Ravenpaw sees they are asleep.
- A shrill voice wakes the travelers up, and Ravenpaw springs to his feet with a growl. He sees they are surrounded by five kittypets with a mean challenge in their eyes. Ravenpaw snarls to leave them alone, as they're doing no harm. The loner takes a step forward, but a tabby jeers at him to go back where he came from. Barley rumbles that to the intruder that he'll have to make them, but another kittypet says they'd better leave just as Pasha said to. Bella says they are warriors and will fight, but that doesn't seem to have an effect. Quick as lightning, Ravenpaw clouts the tabby between the ears with a hiss. Pasha and his group soon leave after many of their cats say the traveling cats aren't worth fighting. Ravenpaw lies down again, and the others settle around him. Barley murmurs to his friend that he'll stay awake to make sure they don't return, and the black loner meows his thanks.[8]
Meeting SkyClan
- Ravenpaw wakes the next morning, surrounded by Barley, Bella, and Riley. They are entering the den as he opens his eyes, carrying a squirrel. The foursome share the prey, and then head back to travel along a stream. A SkyClan patrol jumps out and surrounds them, growling a challenge. The Clan cats say that this is their territory, and Ravenpaw realizes that they're close to the border. The black loner explains that he is a friend of Firestar, and wishes to speak with Leafstar. Firefern orders Cloudpaw to fetch her mother. The SkyClan leader soon arrives, and Barley abruptly asks if Bella and Riley can train in their Clan to be warriors. Leafstar seems shocked, and she declines the offer, stating that they already have enough cats. Ravenpaw tries to persuade the she-cat, mentioning that ThunderClan has moved very far away. The tom says he would have taken Riley and Bella to join Firestar's Clan, but doesn't know where they are. Leafstar sympathizes with this, but still insists SkyClan cannot take in strangers to train as warriors. She says any friend of Firestar's is welcome in her Clan as a guest, and then leaves them at the border.
- Riley, Bella, Ravenpaw, and Barley are disappointed, and the cats travel back to the cave that they slept in last night. The adult cats meow that they are very proud of how much they have learned, and would be great warriors. Suddenly, a sharp pain jabs Ravenpaw and he stumbles. Barley props up his friend, asking if he's alright. Ravenpaw replies that he's fine, and the cats soon reach the cave. The black-and-white loner announce that he'll hunt, and Bella and Riley slump down on the floor.[2]
Kittypets again
- Ravenpaw sleeps deeply in the cave, but Riley and Bella wake him up. The she-cat says something is happening, and her brother questions if SkyClan is being attacked. Ravenpaw pricks his ears, and meows that it can't be good, seeing as yowls can be heard. Barley wakes up and asks what's happening, and the black loner says he's going to investigate. Ravenpaw then leaves with the three other cats following behind, and they go into SkyClan's territory. The foursome reach the edge of the treeline, and when they look off a cliff's edge, there is a view of several kittypets attacking SkyClan. Ravenpaw watches as Leafstar gathers her warriors together, driving the intruders out. When the kittypets leave, the SkyClan leader apologizes to her Clanmates and promises to find a way to stop it from happening again. Ravenpaw, Barley, Riley, and Bella back away from the cliff and walk back to their cave. The two younger cats question why SkyClan is letting the kittypets bother them, as they should fight back. Barley tells them not to worry about that, and meows that they'll head back home tomorrow. Ravenpaw lies down, but can't help but wonder what SkyClan can do to solve their problem.[2]
The dream
- When Ravenpaw falls asleep, Silverstream visits him in a dream. The she-cat invites him to sit with her, and he does so. The tom slowly lowers himself with a wince, commenting that he's getting old. Silverstream simply looks at him, and Ravenpaw feels and a chill runs down the loner's spine as he questions if he'll see his home again. The StarClan cats admits he won't, but reassures to not be afraid of dying somewhere else. Ravenpaw whispers that he's afraid for Barley, but the she-cat replies that his friend will not love him less when he is gone. Skywatcher and Cloudstar approach the pair, and Silverstream nods at them before walking away. The two toms say that Riley and Bella have a place in SkyClan, and will be welcomed eventually. Ravenpaw questions when that will happen, saying Leafstar didn't even let them cross the border. Cloudstar counters that the Clan needs to see what the young cats bring to the Clan, as they clearly need help at the moment. Skywatcher then flicks a pebble into a pool, and Ravenpaw watches as ripples scatter across the surface. The tom orders him to look, saying the stone reaches much further than one might expect. Ravenpaw seems to see what Skywatcher is referring to, and says he understands. Cloudstar murmurs that he must help them, and the black loner promises to.[3]
The battle
- Ravenpaw wakes the next morning and announces to his companions that they will not be traveling home. Barley is surprised, and the black loner says StarClan showed him something last night that might help SkyClan. The four cats once again travel along a stream and run into a patrol of warriors. Bouncefire and Plumwillow move to attack them, but Echosong meows that they mean no harm. The medicine cat steps forward, and Ravenpaw begs her to take them to Leafstar. She obliges, and takes the black loner into camp and past many warriors. Echosong meows that his companions will have to stay in the clearing, but will be taken care of by Hawkpaw. Ravenpaw talks with Leafstar, Billystorm, and Sharpclaw, explaining his plan of keeping the kittypets out of their camp. She goes out into the clearing and leaps on a boulder, calling SkyClan to her. Leafstar meows to her Clanmates how they'll move a border back to protect the gorge. She then calls Ravenpaw forward, and he rallies the Clan, saying that StarClan is on their side in this fight. Sharpclaw then divides up patrols of cats to prepare for the battle.[3]
- The next day, SkyClan finishes it's preparations and readies to fight. SkyClan travels to their new border and Sharpclaw orders to attack the kittypets. The Clan cats soon win the battle against them, sending their intruders screeching away. Ravenpaw's plan is successful, but the black loner is very winded from the fight. Leafstar thanks Ravenpaw on behalf of SkyClan for teaching the kittypets to respect their borders. She offers to make Riley and Bella apprentices, and both eagerly accept. The former Clan cat then witnesses the apprentice ceremony for Violet's kits, who are named Rileypaw and Bellapaw. Barley ushers his friend away to rest, but he requests to be under the trees. The black-and-white tom protests, but Echosong says they must do as Ravenpaw wishes. The former Clan cat gasps to Barley that he will wait for him, and will find him, wherever he may be. He hears Leafstar meow that they will give him a warrior's farewell. Curled up by Barley, Ravenpaw passes away on top of his friend's front paw. He stands up from his dead body and walks off into the shadows, towards warm sunshine and the scent of prey.[9]
Characters
Ravenpaw
- Ravenpaw is the one who takes Riley and Bella to SkyClan for them to be warriors. He receives two dreams from Silverstream, which encourage him along the way. The black loner first meets Riley and Bella at Violet's nest, and manages to later convince their mother to let them leave. However, Ravenpaw is disappointed when Barley refuses to come with him on this journey.
- He travels with Riley and Bella for several days, avoiding Twolegs and dogs. Barley catches up to the cats, and Ravenpaw eagerly greets his friend. They reach SkyClan's territory, but Leafstar declines to take in Violet's kits. Ravenpaw isn't sure what to do, but receives a message from StarClan. The next day, he returns to SkyClan and tells Leafstar how to solve their kittypet problem. She agrees to try it, and the Clan begins to prepare for a fight. Ravenpaw's plan is successful, and Leafstar thanks the loner on behalf of SkyClan. He watches as the SkyClan leader makes Rileypaw and Bellapaw into apprentices, but is soon led away by Barley. Ravenpaw soon dies at his friend's paws, and promises to find him wherever he may be.
Riley and Bella
- Riley and Bella are Violet's kits, and are introduced to Ravenpaw and Barley by their mother. The pair are excited to meet them, and Violet tries to make them behave. The older she-cat promises they will visit someday. Next leaf-bare, Violet, Riley, and Bella visit Barley's farm. Ravenpaw teaches them to hunt, and shows them around the barn. The pair talk about everything Smudge said about the Clans, and say they want to be warriors. Both kits don't want to leave the next day, but are taken away by their mother.
- Ravenpaw receives a dream from StarClan, and decides to help Riley and Bella become warriors. He travels to Violet's den, and manages to convince the queen to let her kits go. Riley, Bella, and Ravenpaw travel for several days, avoiding Twolegs and dogs. Barley catches up to the cats, and the younger cats greet their uncle. They reach SkyClan's territory, but Leafstar declines to take in Violet's kits. The next day, however, they return to SkyClan with Ravenpaw, who tells Leafstar how to solve their kittypet problem. She agrees to try it, and the Clan begins to prepare for a fight. Ravenpaw's plan is successful, and Leafstar thanks the loner on behalf of SkyClan. He watches as the SkyClan leader makes Rileypaw and Bellapaw into apprentices, but is soon led away by Barley. Ravenpaw soon dies at his friend's paws, and promises to find him wherever he may be.
Barley
- Barley meets Riley and Bella at Violet's nest, and is pleased his sister had kits. He soon leaves with Ravenpaw to go back to their barn, and his sister promises to visit. However, Ravenpaw decides to help Riley and Bella become warriors in SkyClan. Barley refuses to come with him on this journey, saying it's a stupid idea.
- The next day, however, they return to SkyClan with Ravenpaw, who tells Leafstar how to solve their kittypet problem. She agrees to try it, and the Clan begins to prepare for a fight. Ravenpaw's plan is successful, and Leafstar thanks the loner on behalf of SkyClan. He watches as the SkyClan leader makes Rileypaw and Bellapaw into apprentices, but is soon led away by Barley. Ravenpaw soon dies at his friend's paws, and promises to find him wherever he may be.
Violet
- When Ravenpaw and Barley are being chased by a group of Twolegplace cats, Violet steps in and stops them. The she-cat takes the pair to meet her kits: Bella, Patch, Lulu, and Riley. The small cats are eager to see the newcomers, and Violet tries to get them to behave. Barley and Ravenpaw depart soon after, Violet promises they'll visit someday. Later in leaf-bare, Ravenpaw and Barley are visited by Violet, Bella, and Riley. The younger cats burst through the door of the barn, calling out both loners' names. Violet appears behind them, saying that they'd insisted on coming to see them. The three decide to stay for one day, and Bella and Riley eagerly watch Ravenpaw hunt. Violet takes her kits home the following morning, but both are discontented, and don't want to be kittypets.
- Later, Ravenpaw goes to Bella and Riley's den, and both greet him eagerly with thanks. Violet looks on and protests against them leaving, but the loner explains he's taking them to SkyClan, not one of the other Clans. Ravenpaw promises that if SkyClan won't train them, he will bring Riley and Bella home. She protests they won't be safe, but Ravenpaw meows he'll keep them from harm. The young cats beg her mother to let them go, Violet concedes, and commenting that she wishes them well, and will always miss both of them. Bella is sad about leaving her mother, but the queen comforts she must have courage. Ravenpaw promises again to keep the kits safe, and all three leave through a hole in the fence.
Characters that took part in the journey
Quotes
- Bella: "When I'm a warrior, I'm going to hunt just like Ravenpaw."
- Violet: "Not this again, Bella. There aren't any warriors now, remember. (to Ravenpaw) I know you used to be one, of course, but you aren't anymore, right?"
- Ravenpaw's Farewell
- Ravenpaw: "There is a part of you that knows what it is to be free, to hunt for yourself, to find your own shelter. Why shouldn't Bella and Riley know that too?"
- Violet: "Because I want to keep them safe!"
- Ravenpaw's Farewell
- Ravenpaw: "Come on, Bella! It's safe now!"
- Bella: "What if the dog comes back?"
- Ravenpaw's Farewell
- Barley: "I can't believe how well they’ve settled into living wild. You've done a great job."
- Ravenpaw: "They've been very brave. I'm proud of them."
- Ravenpaw's Farewell
- "Riley and Bella were trying so hard to learn about the life of a warrior; he just hoped SkyClan would give them a chance to try it for real."
- ―Ravenpaw thinking about Riley and Bella Ravenpaw's Farewell
- "I'm sorry, my friend. I will always watch over you. Farewell, Barley. I will see you again one day."
- ―Ravenpaw's farewell to Barley Ravenpaw's Farewell
See also
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 4
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 8
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 9
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 2
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 3
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 5
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 6
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 7
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Revealed in Ravenpaw's Farewell, chapter 10