Mooneyes smelled a heart aching, familiar scent. She opened her eyes and saw that she was no longer in her cavernous den but at Star Cave. And in front of her she saw the cat she fell in love with as an apprentice. "Cedarpelt," she breathed. Mooneyes suddenly felt the urge to run and nuzzle him. She was about to when Cedarpelt spoke, his amber eyes with sorrow in them, "Great trouble is coming to the forest. The mouse is needed for more than just food." He started to fade, his ominous words ringing in Mooneyes ears.

Mousepaw padded out of the apprentices’ den. The smells of Earthclan camp surrounded her. She saw Flameheart, the clan deputy come out of the nursery. His mate Leafcloud had given birth to kits late last night. Mousepaw looked around for her mentor Hurricanefur. Not seeing him she bound to the nursery. Inside it smelled of warm milk and kits. She saw Leafcloud guiding them to her belly for milk. Leafcloud looked up seeing Mousepaw. Her eyes were brimmed with happiness, “ Aren’t they beautiful,” she said looking at Mousepaw expectantly.
“They sure are,” said Mousepaw, “What are you going to name them?”
“I’m not sure yet but I’m thinking of Autumn, Bark, and Rose kit. Mouse paw was about to speak when she heard a yowl,
“ Mousepaw!”
“Uh Oh,” she muttered,” That must be Hurricanefur.” The yowl came again and Mousepaw hurried out of the nursery. She found her mentor by the gorse tunnel.
“ Hunting patrol,” he said briskly. At that they set out with two other cats, Icepelt and Swiftleaf. With Hurricanefur in the lead they headed towards the river. They stopped near the edge. Hurricanefur turned to Mousepaw,” What do you smell?” Mousepaw took a sniff,
” Rainclan, mouse and badger!” The patrol looked worried. “ And it’s fresh,” she exclaimed with mounting horror.
“We’ll follow it,” decided Hurricanefur. He nodded to Mousepaw to take the lead. Keeping her nose to the ground she lead the others. The trail ended at snow rocks, the scent was so strong that it nearly overwhelmed them.
“I wonder where the bur…” Icepelt’s question was cut short by a fierce growl. They all turned in unison. Standing there was a huge badger! Hurricanefur leapt for its eyes but it effortlessly swatted him aside and was about to pound his huge paws onto Hurricanefur’s back. But before it could Mousepaw bunched her muscles and sprang onto its back, the others followed. The badger tried to role over and crush but Mousepaw quickly slithered off its back. She joined Swiftleaf and Icepelt in nipping at the badger’s hindquarters. With a grunt it accepted defeat and swiftly lumbered off. Mousepaw went over to Hurricanefur to find a deep cut bleeding heavily on his flank.
“Go get the medicine cat,” demanded Swiftleaf. Mouspaw gave a nod and raced back through the forest. She burst into the camp and yowled,
“Mooneyes!” Mooneyes came ambling out of the medicine cat’s den. Before she could say anything Mousepaw explained, “We were attacked by a badger. Hurricanefur is really hurt.” Upon hearing this Mooneyes got a few herbs and pelted to Snow Rocks with Mousepaw. Mooneyes examined Hurricanefur’s wound. She sniffed the wound, her unseeing eyes staring at nothing. Then she proceeded to press cobwebs to it and once it stopped bleeding to chew her marigold into a pulp and rub it into the wound. She turned to the others,
“Anymore wounds?” They shook their heads. Then they helped Hurricanefur to his feet and made a slow procession back to camp. When they entered Twilightstar was waiting. She nodded to Mooneyes as she led him to her den. She looked at the other three questioningly. Icepelt explained what happened and then glanced at Mousepaw,
“Mousepaw fought like a warrior. She saved Hurricanefur’s life.” Mousepaw glowed with the praise. Then Twilightstar turned to Mousepaw,
“Then in that case you may come to the gathering.” Mousepaw wanted to yowl her thanks, but only dipped her head respectfully and murmured her thanks.
Twilightstar paused on the ridge before descending to the Star Stone, the gathering place. The scents of the other 3 clans flowed over Mousepaw. There were warriors, apprentices, queens, and elders all mingling together. She looked around for her friend . Mousepaw spotted the pretty she cat and ran over to her. She was about to mew something to her friend when she heard Graystar yowl. She settled herself in and looked up at Star Rock. Graystar dipped his head to Twilightstar and she stepped forward. "Last night 3 kits were born to the queen Leafcloud. We also found a badger on our territory but it was chased off by Hurricanefur, Icepelt, Swiftleaf, and Mosepaw," she stepped back as she stopped speaking and the Skyclan leader, Fawnstar, took her place, "We have named a new warrior Dovepaw, now Dovewing." Mousepaw's, along with others eyes strayed to Dovewing standing proudly. The other 2 leaders had much or less the same thing to tell and so the gathering broke up. Earthclan departed quickly back through the undergrowth.
Sunhigh was shining through the branches, of the apprentices den. Mousepaw screwed up her eyes against the sun and fell back into a luxurious stretch. she was just remembering the horrible dream she had of the screams of dying cats. What it could mean she didn't know. But she couldn't help but think it was important.
Then ducked her head in, "Oh good your awake. I need you to clean the elder's bedding, search for ticks, and hunt for them."
Mousepaw nodded and sped through the gorse tunnel heading towards Snow Rocks.
She suddenly spotted a vole, its brown coat contrasting with the white of the rocks. She noiselessly stalked her prey and pounced killing it in one sharp bite. Soon afterwards she killed a mouse and headed back to camp. when she reached the elders den she dropped the freshkill at their paws and rushed off to get mouse bile.
She searched both Patchfurand fur thoroughly, dabbing mouse bile on the ticks till they dropped off. Then Rockpaw, her brother, came in.
"Mousepaw, I'll take over from here, Hurricanfur wants to take you, Snowpaw, and her mentor to Sandy Hollow for training."
"Okay, sheath your claws, I don't want anyone to get seriously injured,"
that was Goldenfrond, Snowpaw's mentor.
Mousepaw and Snowpaw stored intently a teach then Snowpaw leaped leaped at Mousepaw. But she'd been expecting this. she quickly sidestepped and caught Snowpaw on the side in a heap and Mousepaw held her down.
"Come on, Mousepaw you already won, now set off me you great lump!" said Snowpaw jokingly.
Mousepaw for off her and started out to the horizon, the sun was nearly setting. Then she looked at Snowpaw. She almost wished she had won. Snowpaw had began training a moon before her and she had just beat her with the case a warrior beats an apprentice.
"Go hunting, be back at camp soon," Goldenfrond mewed, "and stick together." but the two apprentices were already bounding away.
They're hunting mission had been successful. Snowpaw had caught a thrush and two mice. Mousepaw came to camp her jaws laden with the weight of a mouse, and two voles.
Mousepaw went to sleep with a contently full belly. But her dreams were again haunted with the cries of dying cats......
A sharp prod in the ribs woke Mousepaw up.
"Shut up will you? It's hard to sleep with all your muttering," hissed Valleypaw annoyed.
"Sorry," muttered Mousepaw.
She tried to go back to sleep, but the dream had become more vivid. She had seen and smelled the blood of the apprentices den.
The cool night aircleared her head. then decided to go see Mooneyes for something to help her sleep.
"Mooneyes," called out Mousepaw tentatively. “What?” Came Mooneyes groggy reply. “I can’t sleep.” Answered Mousepaw. “Okay, let me get you some poppy seeds.” When Mooneyes came out from the niche where she kept her herbs, she asked. “So what’s been keeping you up?” Mousepaw wondered whether to tell Mooneyes. She decided to. After relating the dream, Mousepaw said, “But don’t worry, I’m sure it’s just something I ate.” “Mmm, that’s probably so.” Meowed Mooneyes distractedly. “Now, eat your poppy seeds.” Mousepaw obediently dipped her head to eat them then stumbled back into the apprentices’ den and sank into a deep and dreamless sleep. But as she left, Mooneyes was distracted by the thought that this was the mouse that Cedarpelt had referred too. After hearing about Mousepaws tumultuous dreams, Mooneyes slept fitfully. She was again awakened by the smell of Cederpelt, “Red, black and white will destroy the clans.” And as he had done before, he faded. Mooneyes awakened with a sickening jolt. Another prophecy? And did it have anything to do with the mouse needed for more than food? Was this what the mouse would save them from? Excited mewing awakened Mousepaw. “Wake up Mousepaw! I’m gonna get my warrior name.” Cried Valleypaw. Mousepaw sat up straight, “That’s great Valleypaw.” Mousepaw knew he deserved it. He’d been training hard for 6 moons. Then with a jolt of ecstasy, Mousepaw realized that she only had 4 more moons to go until she got her warrior name. It was sunhigh and Valleypaw stood next to his mentor, Lightningcliff. “Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting.” Yowled Twilightstar. When everyone had assembled, she began the ceremony. “I, Twilightstar, leader of Earth clan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and I commend him to you as warrior in his turn. Valleypaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your own life?” “I do.” Was Valleypaws steady reply. “Then by the powers of Star clan I give you your warrior name; Valleypaw from this moment on you will be know as Valleywind. Star clan honors you for your intelligence and forethought and we welcome you as a full warrior of Earth clan,” finished Twilightstar. She stepped forward and bent her head to rest her muzzle on top of Valleypaw’s head. He then gave her shoulder a respectful little lick. A cacophony of mews took up the chant, “Valleywind.” “Now you have to go sit silent vigil,” said Mousepaw. “Have fun.” “Help me!” The cry came again, more desperate than before, “Help me!” Mousepaw was searching for the cat in need. But no matter how hard she tried she couldn’t find him. Then she woke up. The horror of the dream fading but the cries of the helpless cat ringing in her ears. She realized it was nearly dawn so she decided to be out for Valleywind’s first words since sunhigh. As she padded out of the den the first rays of sunlight came into view. “Hey, I think your silent vigil is over,” called Mousepaw. Valleywind looked at her uncertainly. “You know she is right,” said Oakeyes, backing up her daughter. “Would you like to go hunting with me? Hurricanefur’s gash re-opened.” “Will he be better by tomorrow?” Asked Mousepaw, concerned. Oakeyes nodded. “Okay then.” Mother and daughter headed towards the densest part of the forest. Even during leafbare prey was relatively abundant there. Mousepaw spotted a rabbit. She stalked it then when she was just about to spring it bounded away. But her mother was quicker. She caught the rabbit and killed it. Mousepaw marveled at her mother’s speed. After that, Mouspaw caught a chaffinch. She had hesitated too long and the bird heard her and started to flutter away. But Mousepaw took and flying lead and caught it. “Great job,” complimented her mother. Mousepaw only purred. Then mewling broke out. “Help us!” “Oh no,” whispered Mousepaw, her dream summing back to her. “It’s the kits! They’re not even a moon old yet.” “I smell fox,” growled Oakeyes. Together they bounded away, navigating their way through the trees. Mousepaw became afraid they’d be too late. But finally they burst into a clearing. Rosekit was in the front of a triangle nipping and slashing at the fox. Her brother and sister were flanking her doing the same thing. Oakeyes let out a battle cry and launched herself at the fox and bowled him over. Mousepaw watched for an opening. She saw the white of his stomach and ran a claw through it. The fox yowled in pain. It tried to wriggle free, but the 2 she-cats were gripping him tightly. Finally, he freed himself. As he limped off, Mousepaw gave him a few nips to remember her by. “Are you all okay,” Oakeyes asked the kits? “Lets go back to camp. Mousepaw, pick one up.” Oakeyes picked up Autumnkit. Mousepaw was about to pick up Rosekit, the youngest and smallest of the litter. “Take Barkkit instead, he needs it more.” “Okay,” complied Mousepaw. They all started back to came. They slowed their pace a little to accommodate Rosekit. But she kept up fairly well. Just outside the Gorse Tunnel they heard a shriek, “My kits, I smell my kits.” Rushing out of the Gorse Tunnel was the slightly plumb but pretty tortoiseshell, Leafcloud. Behind her in a more dignified manner came Twilightstar. “What were you 3 thinking!” Said Twilightstar. “Don’t be too hard on them,” meowed Leafcloud. Twilightstar sighed, “Just don’t do it again. And have Mooneyes check them.”
“Come at me,” commanded Hurricanefur. Mousepaw nodded and sprang. She landed on Hurricanefur’s back. They wrestled each other for a while until Hurricanefur’s size won out. Hurricanefur got up, “That was very good. You’ll be fighting like a warrior soon.” Mousepaw was standing vigil guarding at the head of the gorse tunnel when she heard the cats returning from night patrol. They looked worried. “What’s wrong?” asked Mousepaw. “You’ll find out soon enough,” replied Valleywind as Twilightstar yowled for cats to gather round. “Cats of Earthclan,” began Twilightstar, “We met Graystar at the border, he has demanded we let him have some of our territory.” yowls of protest broke out. “I didn’t let him have any,” interrupted Twilightstar, “But we must be prepared for a battle.” “Fire!” Was this another dream? “Fire!” No, it was real. Mousepaw’s eyes flew open. She could smell the smoke. Mousepaw woke up her den mates and they all flew out of the den. “Get to SnowRocks, get the kits and the elders out!” yowled Twilightstar. Mousepaw looked around for Leafcloud. She saw her struggling with her three kits. Mousepaw ran over to help her and up Rosekit. Leafcloud had Autumkit and Snowpaw had Barkkit. Mousepaw and the kits were the last to leave. She tried to be careful while running to SnowRocks because of the kit she had clumped in her jaws. When the clan reached SnowRocks there was no relief. The fire still burned around them and it was starting to in-circle them. “We can’t stay here. Swim across the river.” ordered Twilightstar.] Terrified yowls broke out. Despite them Twilghtstar and Flameheart padded into the river. Mousepaw was frightened but she knew she had to support her leader. She slipped through the throng and slid into the river. Rockpaw followed her, “See it’s okay. It hasn’t rained in moons, you could just wade all the way across.” The cats looked doubtful but followed anyways. Once on the other bank Mousepaw went back to the others. “Come on Patchfur,” she coaxed, “we need to get across the river.” Patchfur reluctantly followed Mousepaw. They were halfway to the other side, in the deepest part of the river when a cry came from Patchfur as he slipped and his head was pulled under water. “No!” cried Mousepaw as she tried to pull him up right but he was too heavy. Then the weight lightened. Mousepaw looked up Valleywind had come to help. Together they dragged Patchfur the rest of the way and pulled him onto the bank. “Are you okay,” Valleywind asked Patchfur? Even though his question was directed at Patchfur his eyes were on Mousepaw. Mousepaw felt herself flush happily the Valleywind was concerned about her. “ What are you doing on our territory,” Mousepaw turned a round it was Redtooth, the Rainclan deputy. “A fire is raging on our land,” stated Twilightstar,” We ask for your help.” “I’ll take you to Olivestar,” he growled grudgingly. As they entered the Rainclan camp a gantlet of curious stares followed them. “ Olivestar, we have Earthclan visitors.” Called Redtooth, his one redtooth glinting fiercly. Olivestar came out of her den with her dappled brown ruffled,” I was expecting you.” “ We would be very grateful to you if you gave us shelter,” said Twilightstar diplomatically. “ Of course,” Olivestar sounded shocked,” If its fine with you I’ll have Softpad help your medicine cat. “ Thank you,” said Twilightstar dipping her head. Softpad was walking over to Mooneyes who was checking the kits and elders,” Is it okay if I give the kits honey.” Mooneyes nodded and Softpad let the kits lap it up greedily from a ball of moss. “The kits and their mother may go into the nursery. I smell rain coming,” offered Softpad, “ Juniperfur has kits that the Earthclan kits can play with. But watch out they’re nearly apprentices.” Mooneyes nodded to Leafcloud and her kits. They all plodded off to the nursery to get some sleep. Then Mooneyes padded over to check the warriors and apprentices. “ Is it difficult for you to breath,” asked Mooneyes. “No I’m fine. But I think that Patchfur breathed in too much smoke,” answered Mousepaw. “ Thanks Mousepaw, said Mooneyes her tail dropping in exhaustion. Mousepaw could help but feel sorry for Mooneyes she was asleep on her paws! Then the 1st raindrop in 4 moons fell. Thank Starclan that will put out the fire thought Mousepaw. “ You know that pile over there is freshkill for your clan,” said Oreiolpaw, a Rainclan apprentice, flicking her tail. Mousepaw dipped her head in thanks and walked over to the freshkill pile her paws feeling leaden. She picked a magpie for herself and settled herself down under an overhanging. “ Hi,” mewed Valleywind with a vole in his jaws,” You look exhausted.” “ Yea,” admitted Mousepaw, “ Oh and thanks for helping me get patchfur across the river.” “ Anytime.” “ I feel like I could sleep for a moon,” yawned Mousepaw. “ Its okay we’re not needed right now,” mewed Valleywind licking her ears.
Mousepaw promptly curled up and was lulled to sleep by the rhythmic licking of Valleywind. She sub consciously felt Valleywind stretch out beside her. Before long they were both asleep.
"Mousepaw." "Wha." " Do you want to check out our territory with me?"
Mousepaw opened her eyes, Valleywind was a mouse length from her nose.
"Sure," said Mousepaw scrambling up.
They crossed the river by the fallen tree. It was slick from rain and the 2 cats had to sink there claws into the tree to stop from slipping off. It had rained more than Mousepaw had thought because the river was swollen with water. When they stepped onto their territory they gasped. The trees were charred and the leaves were gone, It was only leaffall and there still should have been some leaves. And the pungent smell of wet ash made them cringe.
" What are we going to do. Its nearly leafbare and the prey will be scarce anyway. But with the fire......" Mousepaw spoke worriedly." Don't worry," mewed Valleywind flicking hid tail across her shoulder.
When they entered camp they were speechless. The dense coverage that had protected them for uncountable moons was now bare. they presses close to each other for support. The leaves that covered the dens were completely gone.
They traveled back to the Rainclan camp in silence. The hard part was explaining the devastation to Twilightstar.
" Clan it's time to go home. And Rebuild What has been lost. Thank you Olivestar. My clan is in debt to you." said Twilightstar. " You are welcome," said Olivestar dipping her head," I hope your recovery is quick."
Twilightstar gathered her clan with a sweep of her tail and they were off. Back at the camp they were put to work
stuffing the the gorse wall and dens with brambles and what little remained after the fire.
It had been a quarter of a moon since the fire( 1 week). The dens were starting to look normal again. But they were still stuffing brambles and foliage into the all that surrounded camp. Mousepaw just hoped that Rockclan wouldn't attack them in their weakened state and they would appear strong enough at the next gathering, which was only another quarter moon away.
" Mouse dung," spat Valleywind, as a mouse escaped him. " Bad luck," comforted Mousepaw.
Right now prey was scarce entering leafbare and the fire hadn't helped.
Mousepaw pricked up her ears as a scent hit her nose," Rockclan." " We must warn the clan," hissed Valleywind.
As they ran back home it was as if the wind was carrying them.
" Rockclan is coming," they shouted, stumbling through the gorse tunnel.
Just then a yowl sounded and Rockclan burst through their flimsy defences. Mousepaw caterwauled as the battle surged around her. She was hit by a sudden weight and winded by the impact of Smokepaw. She yowled in rage, pummeling his stomach with her hind paws. He staggered back and fled the camp. Then she saw Snowpaw trying to ward off 2 Rockclan apprentices. “ Snowpaw,” she yowled springing to assist her friend. She landed squarely on the back of one of the apprentices and wouldn’t let go. She finally shook her off. She lashed out her claws. Blood welled up on Mousepaws nose. She shook it off and sprang at her. They wrestled together until Mousepaw was able to rake her claws down her flank. She yowled in pain. The apprentice Snowpaw had been fighting turned tail and ran with the other apprentice at her heels. Mousepaw scanned the clearing for anyone who needed help. She saw Leafcloud tussling with a warrior outside the entrance to the nursery. Then she saw her mother fighting a warrior twice her size but half her speed. Then her gaze strayed to the medicine cat's den. There was a warrior attempting to sneak in. Mousepaw let out a screech of anger and flew at him. He wasn't expecting her and stood stunned as she clawed his ears. He tried to turn around but she bit his tail. Then he managed to turn on her. Mousepaw gasped it was her friend, Rainpaw. Overcoming her emotions she leapt at him. But this time he was ready. He scrambled back till they were facing each other. Then they sprang. They rolled on the ground but Rainpaw was bigger and heavier and eventually had her pinned down. Mousepaw went limp pretending to have given in. Then with a massive heave she threw him off. He hit the rocks winded. Then a yowl rang out and the cats retreated. Mooneyes came out of her den and bustled around the clearing treating wounds. Mousepaw's breath caught in her throat as she saw the brown heap of her brother.
"Rockpaw," Mousepaw yowled pounding over to her brother," Are you okay." Don't worry its nothing," her brother struggled to speak.
Then Mooneyes came and gently pushed Mousepaw out of the way," he'll be okay. Its only a dislocated shoulder. Hold his shoulder for me.
Mousepaw obliged, Mooneyes gingerly wrapped her mouth around his leg and pushed it into place. Rockpaw let out a cry of pain then clenched his teeth. let him lean on her shoulder and helped him into the apprentice den.
When she came back Mooneyes said," Its your turn now."" No really i'm fine," protested Mousepaw.
Mooneyes ignored her and started letting juices of polijuice seep into her wounds.
" There, that should be fine,"meowed Mooneyes," Now, I suggest you go get some rest.
Mousepaw nodded and went to do curl up in her nest
She blinked awake what seemed like only heartbeats later. She peeked out of the apprentices den, the moon light was was glinting off of something. Snow! This was the 1st time Mousepaw had seen snow. She padded out the snow crunching under her feet. Mousepaw was explicitly happy. But suddenly a sudden dread overwhelmed her, snow meant the prey would be going under ground and it would be easy to catch whitecough which could easily turn into the deadly greencough.
She woke in the morning refreshed. Mousepaw wondered whether there'd be any training after all the injuries. There wasn't any training. All the apprentices were put to work repairing the wall and gorse tunnel. Mousepaw worked so hard she thought her paws might fall off.
" Mousepaw share a rabbit with me," asked Valleywind. "Yea," Mewed Mousepaw, " I could eat a fox."
together they finished the rabbit in ravenous bites.
" I wished that rabbit had lasted longer," said Mousepaw licking her jaws." You 2 aren't working. Go patch up the elders den."Rebuked Swiftpaw." Come on dad. Do you think you could let me off," joked Mousepaw.
Swiftleaf let out a fake growl and playfully cuffed Mousepaw around the ears. Then she happily bound away Valleywind on her heels.
"You'd better be careful to get dry moss," said Patchfur irritability," The last thing I need is stiff joints."Pay no mind to him. He's just being difficult purred Sliverpelt.
Mousepaw let out a mrrow of laughter while pushing a bramble into an exposed are of the den.
" I don't want to be any trouble, but I think I have a tick.," said Silverpelt. " I'll get the mouse bile," grumbled Mousepaw.
She went to Mooneyes den and asked for the smelly bile. She held it in her jaws careful not to get any of the vile smelling liquid in her mouth. She could only imagine the belly ache it would give her.
"Here we are Silverpelt," Mewed Mousepaw.
She daubed the bile on the tick until it fell off.
"Hey,Valleywind," Called Mousepaw," You can get the Freshkill, I'll get the bedding."
Valleywind nodded in agreement. Mousepaw padded out of the den and into the forest. The place where moss was the best wasn't far. She made sure to shake out the dew and melted snow before returning to camp with it. When She entered camp she went straight to the elders den and layed out the bedding. When she was done she stepped out into the clearing.
"Mousepaw," Called Hurricanefur," Dawn patrol, bright and early." Mousepaw sighed, "yes Hurricanefur."
Giant claws and huge slavering jaws were snapping at her. She Jumped back spitting. Then the stars in the sky started to swirl. They formed a pathway and down walked a starry warrior. She was beautiful. Her golden dappled pelt gleamed and she smelled of fresh snow.
"Who are you?" Mousepaw asked in awe. The beautiful cat looked down at her kindly, " I am Sunstar.Former Leader of Earthclan. And I have a message for you. Cats are not only the hunters but the hunted."
Mousepaw was confused and Sunstar had started to to pad away.
" No wait," yowled after her," Tell me what you mean."
Sunstar looked back but did not stop. Before long she had disappeared, leaving nothing but paw prints and sparkling dust.
Mousepaw was breathing heavily when she woke. Sh"e looked up.
Snowpaw was leaning over her," Are you okay. You were yowling something awful." " Just a bad dream," sighed Mousepaw.
Were cats going to be picked off one by one thought Mousepaw remembering the dream. Whose claws were those? Mousepaw shivered to think what they could do to a cat. Mousepaw tried to get some sleep. But she couldn't, so she waited till the 1st light of dawn.
The dawn patrol went smoothly. They checked the Rockclan border, but there was no sign of them on their territory. They were heading back to camp after a quiet pattrol, which was very good.
"Mousepaw, the elders need freshkill," mewed Hurricanefur," But be back by Sunhigh."Okay."
Mousepaw decided to head towards the Skylan border. She quickly caught a vole. Her stomach rumbled at the smell of it, but she pushed it aside. She had to feed the clan 1st.
" Here you go. A nice juicy rabbit for you 2," said Mousepaw dragging her catch into the elders den. " Thank you Mousepaw that looks great," Thanked Silverpelt," Now you go get some sleep you've been on your paws since dawn"
" Come on Rockpaw. Can't keep up," yowled Mousepaw. " You wish," said Rockpaw.
The Two were racing towards the training hollow, their mentors trailing behind them.
Rockpaw ran at Mousepaw. Mousepaw began to charge towards him. Then when they were in leaping range Mousepaw swerved and swatted Rockpaw on the back. She tried to pounce on him but he twisted around and took a swipe at her face. She stumbled back, but she kept her footing. They prowled around each other for a few heart beats calculating their next move. Rockpaw made the 1st move, Mousepaw had been counting on this. As he was in the air Mousepaw ran under him, he landed on the ground and began to stumble, Mousepaw took this opertunity to pounce on him. She held him down, but Mousepaw was smaller and Rockpaw was able to slip out of her grip. This time Mousepaw leapt on Rockpaw, they fell on the ground a heap of fierce growling. Mousepaw Knew that his weight advantage would be her undoing, she had to find a way to weaken him. Mousepaw pushed him across the hollow, he was stunned. She held him down with all her weight.
Rockpaw gasped," You won." " Your okay, right," She asked getting off him. " Fine," he said.
" You 2 go hunting. Maybe Rockpaw can win at that," joked Hurricanefur. " He wishes," yowled Mousepaw," Hey Rockpaw I bet I can catch more prey than you!"
She and her brother scampered off together
" I'll head for the great oak, stated Mousepaw, " Where are you going?" " Snow Rocks," Rockpaw responded," I'll meet you at sunhigh."
They went their separate ways, both pining to win. Mousepaw had reached the Great Oak, she could smell mouse. She pinpointed the source at the roots of the tree. A mouse was scuffling amongst the roots. It didn't see Mousepaw till she had it in her jaws and by that time it was too late. She scraped dirt over it and moved on. She was nearing the Skycaln border, the moors stretched out and with out the dense covering of trees the wind blew at full speed. Then an unpleasant smell twisted its way through the wind. BADGER. It smelled like she'd just missed it and it had found its way onto Skyclan territory. She decided to warn Twilightstar about it.
When she returned to camp Rockpaw was all ready back.
"How much did you catch?"questioned Mousepaw. " A vole, Mouse, and thrush." responded Rockpaw. " Ha, I win by a mouse," exclaimed Mousepaw. Rockpaw pretended to grumble," It was only by a mouse."
Then Mousepaw noticed how pitifully small the freshkill pile was. It seemed that the beginning of leafbare had driven all the prey away. Mousepaw remembered she had to tell Twilightstar about the badger. She briskly walked to the leaders den to request permission to enter.
'What is it?" asked twilightstar. " Its just that I smelled a badger on our territory, but it crossed the Skyclan border," explained Mousepaw. Twilightstar dipped her head, " Thank you."
She went to the freshkill pile, Rockpaw was there to. They decided to share vole. But It was scrawny and wasn't filling. And the snow didn't help, it made their pelts damp.
The next morning the sun was shining, but it was watery.
"I can't wait till my winter coat grows in," grumbled Mousepaw ruffling her fur up against the cold wind. ' Oh, no. i need more marigold and feverflew," fretted Mousepaw ,"I need more of everything. What if there is an out break of green cough, I have nothing to treat it. " Hey Mooneyes Rockpaw and I will get catnip from the Twoleg garden," offered Mousepaw," That's good for green cough isn't it." " That would be great, Thanked Mooneyes purring in gratitude," But you 2 be careful."
The 2 young cats headed out of camp towards the twoleg place. Out in the forest there wasn't a sound, it was as if the fire had killed everything. The desolateness made Mousepaw shiver. Would things ever be the same she wondered. Then she got a whiff of the arid thunderpath. They looked both ways before crossing the thunderpath, they didn't want to get hit by a monster. Treepaw- Valleywind's litter mate- had been killed by a monster wiithin the 1st moon of his training. Mousepaw still remembered it clearly even though it was all ready almost 2 moons ago, if he'd lived he would be a warrior now.
They were at the foot of one of the twoleg fences now. Both shifted uneasily but finally scrambled up the fence.
"I smell the catnip," whispered Mousepaw creeping near the edge of the garden.
Then the door to the twoleg nest creeked open. Mousepaw and Rockpaw froze. The twoleg had a big can in its paw, it walked over to the bushes right next to the 2 cats. Water stared gushing out of the can.
" What in Starclan's name is she doing," hissed Mousepaw. Rockpaw just shrugged," Its got me."
The twoleg started to walk in the other direction and both cats were able to let out a sigh of relief. They continued to inch along the fringe of the yard.
"Here's the catnip," Meowed Rockpaw.
They quickly bound over and bit off a mouthful of catnip. Both cats took care not to swallow any of the vital juices of catnip. They slowly padded back to camp, checking the scent every once in a while. When they entered the gorse tunnel the camp was buzzing with activity. Oakeyes and Swiftleaf were reinforcing the nursery, Flameheart was having holes dug into the snow to store food. And poor Snowpaw was running her paws off taking care of the elders and collecting what little herbs she could find for Mooneyes.
"Oh good you have the catnip. Now you can help Snowpaw find burdock root. Its a root so it wouldn't of burnt," explained Mooneyes.
The 3 apprentices ran out to the forest after Mooneyes let them see and smell some burdock root. They bound through the forest, paws insque their cares falling away.
"Hey is this burdock root," Asked Snowpaw sniffing the plant. "No it doesn't smell right," Said Rockpaw. "Okay," sighed Snowpaw.
They kept searching through what was left of the undergrowth. It was nearly sunhigh by the time the found a good clump of burdock root. Following Mooneyes instructions they scraped away the earth until they found the root. Then they bit into the stalk and made sure to leave enough so It would be able to grow. Each apprentice had a root in his or her jaws. They dragged their prize all the way back to camp trying to keep it clean.
When they got back to camp it no longer seemed quite as active. Cats were laying around sharing tongues
Mousepaw mewed,"We'd better get this to Mooneyes."
They effortlessly pulled the roots to Mooneyes' den.
" Oh, burdock root. Thank you," purred Mooneyes," You 3 should go eat.
The trio nodded realizing how hungry they were. They chose a chafinch and vole to share among them. After they finished they shared tongues. Mousepaw was quite happy then. I seemed that peace was beginning again.
"It's good to be out training again ," mewed Mousepaw happily. Hurricanefur nodded to her, "Yes, it is good to fees the wind again." "So what are we going to do today," began Mousepaw eagerly, "hunting, training, patrol?" "Your as excited as a new apprentice today," laughed Hurricanefur, but he sobered, "But your first guess was right, we're going hunting.
Mousepaw was pounding along side her mentor when she heard a rustle. Mouse! She dropped into a hunter's crouch and glided across the forest floor. It was almost in her paws, she pounced on it and killed with a swift bite to the neck. She scraped some earth over it, to keep it safe till she came back.
Apprentice and mentor walked into camp, the cats were gathering beneath highrock. Mousepaw dropped off her kill in the freshkill pile and went over to sit beside Valleywind.
"I know your dying to go to the gathering. But I can't take all of you. I want to leave a good fighting force at camp. Rockclan might take advantage of the gathering."
"Do you really think Graystar would invade us during a gathering?" asked Goldenfrond.
"I don't know," said Twilightstar dipping her head, "but we must be prepared. Now I will take Valleywind, Rockpaw, Goldenfrond, Sharpclaw, and Icepelt. Hurrianefur, your in charge."
Valleywind's anticipation for his first gathering as a warrior was uncontrollably. He bounded to Starrock along side his clan mates. When he reached the gathering he slipped into the crowd. Rockclan wasn't there yet. He found his friends Fernpaw, from Skyclan, and Hollytail from Rainclan.
"Hey Valleypaw," called Fernpaw." Valleywind now," He mewed proudly. " Your a warrior now," Frenpaw's green eyes stretched wide," You know I'll be a warrior pretty soon."
Then Twilightstar yowled for quiet. As Oliviestar started talking Valleywind glanced over at Holytail, she stood strangely erect. Something was worrying her. He started to listen to what Olivestar had to say," I would like you all to know 6 moons ago, Petalear found lost kit on our territory, her kits had just recently died so she fed it herself. We found out it was 4 moon old and made it an apprentice. Now Petalear hes revealed something to us, when she 1st found the kit he smelled of Skyclan."
Confused yowls spread through Skyclan. Fawnstar signaled for quiet.
She began," Could this perhaps be Nettlekit,he Wandered out of of camp one day and was never found."
A handsome black tom pushed through the crowd, " I was the father of the the kit let me see him and I will Know whether he is mine of not.
A younger cat that was nearly identical came nose to nose with Greeneyes.
"It is him," Greeneyeslet out a yowl of joy. Thunderpaw came forward hesitantly," Dad?" "Oh my son you will come back won't you," pleaded Greeneyes.
Valleywind saw a young golden cat behind Thuderpaw look crestfallen.
"But dad I'm loyal to Rainclan it'd be to hard," Then Thunderpaw looked back," And I can't leave Marigoldpaw."
Greeneyes bowed his head," I understand."
After that Olivestar started to talk again.
" We have found traces of Rockclan on our territory," Said Olivestar starting to snarl. Graystar yowled in outrage," My clan hasn't set foot on your territory."
Rockclan began to yowl support to its leader.
"Then why have my patrols smelled Rockclan on our territory," asked Olivestar bristling." Are you calling me a liar," snarled Graystar.
They unsheathed their claws, It looked like there would be a full on fight. Cats were hissing at each other and the leaders looked ready to to leap at each other.
Then before anything could happen Twilightstar pushed herself between the 2 leaders," We are under a truce. Would you anger Starclan? LOOK!"
Every cat looked up, there was a wisp of cloud floating towards the moon. Olivestar and Graystar stepped back and sheathed their claws.
" Now let Graystar have a turn speaking," Said Twilightstar dipping her head. " As you all know during leafbare prey is scarce. I have the biggest clan, to support it I need more territory," said Graystar.
A shocked silence spread through out the gathering.
" Graystar what you suggest is against the warrior code," Twilightstar pointed out.Graystar growled," Fine."
Then the Skyclan leader took her place," Everything is fine in my clan." " Thank you,"mewed Twilightstar," We have recently named a new warrior, Valleywind."
Eyes turned to Valleywind. He felt awkward with all the eyes burning into him. He looked down and his tail twitched uncomfortably.
" There was a fire in our territory as you all probably Know, but we are able to defend our territory, Twilightstar finished giving Graystar a meaning full look.
The earthclan cats raised their voices in support. then the gathering dispersed.

Who was that crawling back into their nest? Mousepaw opened her eyes a slit. Only Rockpaw.

Mousepaw had to screw up her eyes against the glare of the sun. It was just past dawn and the camp was already bustling. Mooneyes was pulling a thorn out of Sharpclaw's pad and the kits were watching Snowpaw search the elders for tics.
She bound over to Rockpaw, "Hey! What happened at the gathering last night." "Graystar asked for more territory. Olivestar and Graystar nearly got in a fight." Rockpaw answered breathlessly." Mousepaw, will you come on sunhigh patrol with me," asked Valleywind,padding over. Mousepaw answered,"Sure."
They bound out together. The snow was deeper, It must of snow last night. It nearly went up to Valleywind's stomach; Mousepaw who was lighter didn't sink in as much. She raced off, Vallrywind tried to take off after her but the snow prevented it. he came up to a log and jumped over it in one bound. Then he was on the ground, warm fur close to him. Mousepaw! They werestled on the ground until Mousepaw had him on the ground. Then with a massive heave he through Mousepaw off. THey fell on the ground together, sides heaving.
" Haha," laughed Mousepaw, " What," asked Valleywind trying to sound offended. Mousepaw joked," You look like you've been through a snowstorm." " So do you," mewed Valleywind.
Pelts brushing they trotted up to Star Rock. Star Rock was completely coated with a thick blanket of snow. I t glistened in the sunlight, reflecting the beams of sunlight back.
" Hey, you Know what I bet the river is frozen," said Mousepaw nose twitching," Lets go look.
She ran off leaving fresh paw prints in the snow. This time Valleywind was able to follow, because the snow wasn't as deep here. He caught up to her and skited to a halt. The river was completely frozen. Mousepaw daubed her paw to the slick surface then quickly drew it back. Vallleywind motioned for her to follow. They set their scent markers along the border and headed towards the Rockclan border. It was all quiet until they were half way through. A Rockclan patrol was headed their way.
The Rockclan cat spoke first," Hello." " Hello," said Valleywind dipping her head in greeting. " Is everything fine in your clan," he asked, After the fire you know."
Mousepaw felt Valleywind
stiffen beside her, but before he could say anything she spoke.
" Everything is fine the only indication of the fire is the charred wood," She said trying to keep her tone civil.
The Rockclan cat gave her a long stare and walked off with the rest of the patrol. Mousepaw and Valleywind laid down their scent markers and cut through the forest diagonally to get back to camp. On the way back they caught a vole and a thrush, but they were scrawny and would barley feed a cat. When they entered camp the freshkill was pitifully small. Thats when Mousepaw realized that leafbare and the fire were starting to take its toll.
" I'm gonna get you," Shreed Barkkit pouncing on Rosekit.
Mousepaw winced Rosekit was so small. But Rosekit was resilient and scrambled out of Barkkit's reach and butted him with her head.
" No I've got you," yowled Rosekit. Then Leafcloud emerged from the nursery," get in. Its cold outside and I don't want you to get sick."
The 2 kits followed their mother looking mutinous
" Only a moon old and already causing trouble," mewed Mousepaw letting out a mrrow of laughter. "Mousepaw," She heard Hurricanefur call,"Training."
She nodded to Valleywind and padded after Hurricanefur
" As you most likely Know you'll be a warrior soon," began Hurricane," so I'm going to teach you some new fighting moves.
Mousepaw wriggled with anticipation.
" This is what you do when an enemy comes at you, jump over him and score your claws down his back," demonstrated Hurricanefur," Now you try."
Hurricanefur charger at Mousepaw. She jumped at him but he changed course and she jarred herself on landing.
" You must be ready for anything," Chastised Hurricanefur.
They did it again, this time Hurricanefur swerved the other way. But Mousepaw had been expecting this. She swatted his flank in mid-air causing him to stumble. She took that opening and lept on top of him. They had a tussle, but Mousepaw won.
" Good job," praise Hurricanefur," now try this one.
Next he showed her a move when and enemy warrior tripped you tangle your legs in theirs and trip them too. Mousepaw loved this and they practiced well past the afternoon.
" You did well today," mewed Hurricanefur sides heaving.
When they got back to camp everything seemed fine. Twilightstar was conversing with her senior warriors, the kits were scuffling together and the apprentices were sharing tongues. Mousepaw went to sit amongst her friends. Snowpaw looked worried.
" And she says if my unless my fighting improves she won't let me become a warrior," Snowpaw was almost wailing. " Don't worry," mewed Mousepaw licking Snowpaw's shoulder comfortingly," We'll help you practice. Actually lets do it now. Okay, Ready?"
Snowpaw nodded. Mousepaw raced at her, Snowpaw tensed up about to spring but as she did Mousepaw changed course. Snowpaw landed and was on the ground a heartbeat later. Mousepaw had come at her from behind.
" You must be ready for anything," admonished Mousepaw. Snowpaw sighed," You sound like my mentor.
They did it again, but this time Snowpaw landed on Mousepaw's back. Unfortunately she was easy to shake off. Then the 3 apprentices realized the moon was sinking low in the sky. This meant bed time. Together they went into their den and all curled up close together for warmth.
When Mousepaw woke up her Den mates were still asleep. As she got up she was careful not to wake them. OUtside the sun was barley shining and clouds were forming on the horizon. "Looks like snow or rain is coming," commented Sharpclaw.
Mousepaw turned her head, the black shape of Sharpclaw was a fox lenght behind her.
Then Valleywind came pounding out of the warriors den, " Mousepaw will you come hunting with me." " Of course," answered Mousepaw.
They started off towards the twoleg place. The fire hadn't raged as badly there. They traveledpast the tall oaks and sycamores into the pines that signaled how near they were to the Twolegs. Valleywind spotted a mouse. He sank into a crouch and began to stalk it silently. The mouse didn't see him until it was too late. It tried to scramble away, but Valleywind caught it and killed it. He scraped some dirt over his catch and they moved on. They heard a rustle in bushes about the a fox lenght off, both tensed ready for a fight. Then Mousepaw smelled the rabbit scent and began to stalk it in a way especially made for catching rabbits. The small white head peaked out, it was preoccupied with something else and didn't even notice Mousepaw. She doubted the rabbit new she was there until she had it in her jaws. Suddenly a blackbird let out a warning call and twolegs came stomping through the forest, headed straight for the two cats.
" In here," whispered Mousepaw nudging Valleywind towards a rabbit warren.
They squeezed themselves into the hole. Mousepaw thanked Starclan that Valleywind could fit in,he was bigger than she was. They waited a few tense moments barley daring to breath. They could feel the vibrations of the footsteps from above, they ceased, Mousepaw counted 30 more heart beats until she went to check if the coast was clear.
"They seem to have gone back the way they came," Mousepaw called," Hopefully back to their nest." Valleywind pushed his way out to stand beside Mousepaw," We'll have to tell the patrols to watch out. How about we go hunt near the Rainclan border."
Mousepaw grunted in agreement. They pelted back through the forest, the morning still young. The clouds were still stained red from dawn and the dew still about the leaves, though most of the dew were frozen droplets. The river was still enclosed in ice.
" I hope Rainclans okay," murmured Mousepaw," Their main food is fish, and how are they suspose to get it with a frozen river. Valleywind didn't reply and flicked his tail for silence. A Rainclan patrol was skriting around the bend and coming up to them. But all they did was nod and walk on by. Mousepaw and Valleywind looked after them warily, because even though Rainclan had helped them during the fire their relationship was still uncertain. They didn't stay much longer than that. Mousepaw caught a vole and a mouse and they headed back towards the twoleg place to retrieve Valleywind's mouse and Mousepaw's rabbit. Then the cats walked back to camp. When they entered camp they went straight to Twilightstar's den.
"Um.........Twilightstar," stammered Valleywind. "come in," called Twilightstar.
Mousepaw and Valleywind into her spacious den, Flameheart was sitting next to Twilightstar.
" Twilightstar," began Mousepaw," Near the twoleg place, a twoleg came into the forest. You might want to warn patrols about it." Twilightstar dipped her head," Thank you, I will tell everybody."
Mousepaw nodded respectfully and turned around to leave the den. It was a little past sunhigh, maybe Hurricanefur would want her for training. She checked the warriors den and medicine cat's den, but he wasn't there. Then her stomach rumbled, she hadn't eaten since last night. She went over and sorted through the freshkill pile. She chose a mouse for herself and settled down to eat it. It was gone in a matter of heart beats, but Mousepaw didn't feel as hungry. The gorse tunnel swayed and Snowpaw and her mentor stepped through. Snowpaw dropped her catch and picked a vole and ran over to Mousepaw.
" Goldenfrond and I went out training. And guess what she said I've improved my fighting skills," Snowpaw's eyes shone. " Thats great," purred Mousepaw," Maybe we can practice more later." " I think I smell the sunhigh patrol coming back," commented Snowpaw. Mousepaw sniffed the air," so do I."
Mousepaw got an her paws and went out to meet the sunhigh patrol. She met them half way to the gorse tunnel.
" Hurricanefur can I go on the night patrol," asked Mousepaw. Hurricanefur chuckled," You might want to ask Flameheart." "Ummm....okay," said Mousepaw," Where is he?" " He's right here," mewed Flameheart padding out from behind Hurricanefur," And yes you can go on the night patrol." "Thank you," said mousepaw dipping her head.
She walked by her mentors side back to camp. In camp Snowpaw and Rockpaw were sparring. Rockpaw had the upper hand but Snowpaw wasn't giving up. The two sprang apart breathing heavily. Snowpaw ran at Rockpaw, full speed. They were on the ground again. Rockpaw had Snowpaw pinned down, but she was still struggling.
"Hey, That was great," mewed Mousepaw coming over."Thanks," gasped Snowpaw," I'll fight you now."
The two she-cats face each other, Snopaw sprang, but Mousepaw stepped back until they were a mouse length away from each other. Mousepaw's paw shot out and caught Snowpaw on the side of the head, Snowpaw lost her balance, swaying a bit. Mousepawtook this opportunity and barreled her over. Snowpaw kicked out with her hind legs but Mousepaw dodged it. Then Mousepaw used one of the moves she had learned recently. She bound over the length Snowpaw and hit her back, Snopaw fell over and Mousepaw held her down.
" That was good," heaved Mousepaw. " But not as good as you," said Snowpaw crestfallen, then she brightened," Now you have to show me that move."
They practiced that move until one of the warriors told them to go help some where. The sun was beginning to lower towards the horizon. It would be time for the night patrol soon but she had time to go hunting a little with her friends.
"Hurricanefur can Snowpaw, Rockpaw and I go hunting," Mousepaw asked. Hurricanefur responded," Just be back in time for the patrol."
The 3 friends decided to head towards the Rockclan boundary, nobody had hunted there in a while.
"Yuck," spat Snowpaw," Rockclan smell bad."
Then Mousepaw quieted her, a sparrow was pecking the ground a few fox lengths away. Mousepaw stalked it expertly, then the snow crunched, and she didn't do it.
" What do you think your doing on our territory," Demanded Lionfur, a Rockclan warrior and an amazing fighter. " Your territory," growled Rockpaw," This is our territory." Lionfur yowled," Not for long!"
This was the signal for the 2 other cats beside him to attack. Mousepaw felt a rush of wind and was suddenly locked in combat with an orange she-cat, Lizardteeth. The 2 she-cats circled each other, then Lizardteeth sprang. Mousepaw remembered a fighting move she tangled her paws in Lizardteeth's paws, then Lizardteeth fell. Mousepaw was on her in a heartbeat, she lashed out her paw aggressively, and caught Lizardteeth's ear on the side of her head. Lizardteeth yowled in pain, she leapt at Mousepaw claws extended. This time she got Mousepaw, she held her to the ground and sored her claws down Mousepaws flank. Then Mousepaw heard a screech of pain. Lionfur had her brother pinned to the ground, Rockpaw was bleeding heavily and slowly weakening. This sight enraged Mousepaw, all of her fury and rage bubbled out of her. In a burst of strength she threw Lizardteeth off and raked her claws down her flanks. It took all of Mousepaw's self control to let Lizardteeht run away. As she bound to her brother she thought how dare Graystar invade our territory, and send two of his best warriors and an apprentice big enough to be a warrior.
"Then she let out all her fury," Get off MY BROTHER!!!!!!!!"
She bowled Lionfur over, pummeling his stomach with her hind paws. Then lionfur freed one of his paws and swiped at Mousepaws nose, blood welled up but Mousepaw shook it away. She rolled on the ground Mousepaw's teeth in his scruff. Even in her wild state she was having trouble holding the massive body Lionfur down, so Rockpaw dragged himself and held down Lionfur's front paws. Mousepaw clawed at his stomach with satisfaction. Lionfur was barely able to scramble away.
" And don't come back," she heard Snowpaw yowl giving her opponent one last nip on the tail. " Is everyone okay," Mousepaw asked.
Snowpaw nodded limping over, she looked fine but she had a nasty bite on her shoulder. Now that the battle was over Mousepaw's Cuts began to sting and she realised the her flank was still bleeding.
She nosed Rockpaw," can you make it back to camp.
Rockpaw nodded suppressing his pain. Mousepaw and Snowpaw supported Rockpaw between the, they limped back to camp. Then Mousepaw remembered the sparrow she caught and ran to get it, she was back soon and they continued their labor. On the way back to camp they ran into the night patrol.
"What happened to you 3," questioned Lightningcliff. Mousepaw growled," Rockclan happened." " I was so worried about you," fretted Oakeyes," I'm glad your all right." She turned to Lightningcliff," I'm going to walk them home.
Lightningcliff nodded. With the help of Oakeyes It was faster to get back to camp. When they entered they took Rockpaw directly to the medicine cat's den.
" Will he be okay," Oakeyes asked worried. Mooneyes sniffed him over, feeling his wounds, " He'll be fine, he's young and strong."
hat was all Mousepaw needed to hear. She left the den and went to tell Twilightstar what had happened. Twilightstar was sharing tongues with Sharpclaw, the oldest warrior, outside her den.
Twilightstar," Mousepaw interrupted,"When Snowpaw, Rockpaw and I were out hunting a Rockclan patrol attaked us. They demanded that we let them have some of our territory. But we sent them home with some wounds they won't forget. Twilightstar grimiced," I will have to confront Gratsyar at the gathering. He must stop attacking our patrols." Thank you," mewed Mousepaw dipping her head.
Mousepaw padded across the clearing, not showing her exhaustion until she reached the medicine cat's den. Rockpaw was sleeping peacefullly and Mooneyes was treating Snowpaw.
" This might sting a little," warned Mooneyes.
Snowpaw nodded bracing herself. Mooneyes gently pressed the herb mixture to Snowpaw's shoulder.As the juices seeped into the wound Snopaw let out a faint hiss.
" There you are, you're all done," Mewed Mooneyes," Now get some sleep."
Snowpaw turned around tail drooping, she nnodded to Mousepaw and left the den.
"Oh good you're here." exclaimed Mooneyes,"now let me check your wounds."
Mousepaw docilely let Mooneyes search her body for injuries
Mooneyes assured her," Nothing serious thats good."
She rubbed a slimy substance into Mousepaw's wounds.
" You know there's a reason they named her Lizardteeth," Mooneyes sounded discussed," Almost every wound she inflicts gives the cat an infection. So you be careful. I put a strong mixture on it but it could still get infected.
After she was done Mousepaw went to check on her brother. His breathing was regular and he looked fine. Then a fire burned in her belly, Rockpaw would get revenge on Lionfur, She would make sure he did. When the fire was extinguished was left feeling like she was sleeping on her paws. She padded to the apprentices den and found her bed of moss. She circled it a few times and lay down in it.
The next morning the sun woke Mousepaw. She quickly scrambled up, Snowpaw was still asleep and Rockpaw would stay in the medicine cat's den for the next few days. She padded out of the den it was nearly sunhigh.
"What do you think you're doing," asked Hurricanefur. Mousepaw looked confused,"coming out for training." "No you're not," said Hurricanefur," you and Snowpaw are staying in camp and resting." Mousepaw sighed,"Fine."
After Hurricanefur had walked away Mousepaw decided to ask Mooneyes if she could check the elders for ticks, at least it would give her somrthing to do.
The medicine cat's den was cool and refreshing, Rockpaw was on his side and Mooneyes was hunched over him.
"Stop fidgeting,"Mewed Mooneyes annoyed,"How am I suppose to check your wounds." " Mooneyes, can I have some mouse bile to check the elders for ticks with," questioned Mousepaw.
Mooneyes nodded. Mousepaw grabbed the Mouse bile and headed to the elders den.
Hey, guys," Mousepaw called out as she entered the elders den, I'm here to check you for ticks."
Mousepaw meticulously searched through the 2 elders' fur. The 3 kits were there while Mousepaw was working Silverpelt was telling a story about leopardclan.
" Leopardclan was a huge clan, they were bigger than two cats put together," began Silverpelt," And they lived in this very forest."
This reminded Mousepaw of when she was a kit. She and her brother would take a mouse and listen to stories in the elders den. Even after Mousepaw had finished checking for ticks she stayed to listen to the story.
When the story was done she went to get some freshkill. Snowpaw was at the freshkill pile too, and had chosen a plump rabbit. Mousepaw marveled at how beautiful Snowpaw looked. Her pelt matched the snow on the ground and her bright blue eyes shone, while Mousepaw's coat was a completely normal brown and her eyes far from shone. Mousepaw chose a mouse for herself and settled down to eat. After it was gone she went to take a nap.
"Mousepaw," hissed Snowpaw. Mousepaw grumbled,"What, time is it." "It's moonhigh," Answered Snowpaw.
Mousepaw realized she hadn't woken up from her nap.
"Somethings wrong," whispered Snowpaw,"cats have been walking in and out of Twilightstar's den. Everyone seems worried." Mousepaw was standing bolt up right now,"Maybe Twilightstar is sick." "But then there wouldn't be so many cats," Snowpaw pointed out. " Maybe she is sick, but the night patrol noticed something wrong. Well why don't we try to find out whats wrong," suggested Mousepaw.
Mousepaw turned to wake Rockpaw up, then she remembered he was in the medicine cat's den. The 2 she-cats stepped out of the den into the moonlight. About half the warriors were rushing around the camp.
"Mooneyes doesn't have any herbs with her," Mousepaw wondered aloud," does that mean no one is sick." " I don't know," Snowpaw sighed," But I do know we're not getting any sleep until we find out." "How about we go to Mooneyes' den. I'd like to check on Rockpaw and it would be a good excuse," mewed Mousepaw.
Snowpaw grunted in agreement, they walked over to the medicine cat's den and entered. The entrance use to be covered with thick, soft fern, before the fire. They had started to grow again, but their growth had been stunted by the snow. Not only that but the snow had come only a month after leafbare began(In october), promising a long cold winter.
The air in the den was warmer than it was outside. Mooneyes wasn't there but Rockpaw was sleeping peacefully by the small pool of water. Mousepaw looked at her brother then his eyes peeped open.
Mousepaw laughed,"That's the trick we used on our mother, warriors would come to tell her clan news and we would pretend to sleep. We knew everything!"
Rockpaw chuckled at the memory.
Then Mousepaw sobered," You know what's going." "Yes I do," Rockpaw nodded," Now let me tell you. Twilightstar had a terrible dream, so bad it sent her into a fever. And she won't tell anybody. Mooneyes tried to coax it out of her, but that didn't work. So now they have the warriors guarding camp, they don't know what the danger is but they want to be prepared.
Just then they heard Mooneyes at the entrance of the cave. Rockpaw went back into his mock sleep, as Mooneyes entered.
Mooneyes looked up startled," What are you 2 doing here?" " We couldn't sleep so we came here to check on Rockpaw," Lied Mousepaw," Thats all." " Oh, well if you're not tired, maybe you could do a few things for me," Smirked Mooneyes, thinking she'd trapped them." "Sure," Mewed Snowpaw sounding genuinely enthusiastic," What can we do." Mooneyes looked taken back," You could sort my herbs."
Snowpaw and Mousepaw squeezed into the niche in the back where All the herbs were kept. They sorted everything, and the dried and shriveled up herbs in a pile to be thrown out. The only way they could tell they were putting the right herbs in the correct pile was by their smell. The tansy smelled tangy, the juniper berries smelled sweet, catnip just smelled good, and the mint smelled fresh. They finished quickly and after they were done they went back to check on Rockpaw. Mooneyes was absent again and the 3 discussed what the dream could be about.
" Maybe she saw herself dying," speculated Snowpaw," That would scare anybody." Remembering her dream Mousepaw decided to speak,"She could have seen an attack by an enemy so strong and powerful it drove us out." " I guess you could be right, but if she doesn't tell the clan it will endanger us, thats not like Twilightstar to put her clan in danger," Rockpaw dismissed the idea," That's what makes me think its personal." Then there was a whisper in Mousepaw's ear, It said," betrayal."
Mousepaw shivered what did It mean, was it a warning for the future? Then they heard murmuring outside.
"Its Mooneyes," whispered Mousepaw," pretend to sleep."
Mousepaw crept to the entrance and listened.
"Has she told you anything," Asked Mooneyes. Flameheart shook his head," No she's still in that strange trance like state."
Mooneyes sighed and started towards her den. Mousepaw acted like she had been walking out of the den so not to be caught eavesdropping.
"Mooneyes we're done sorting the herds,"said Mousepaw. "Thats very good,"praised Mooneyes,"Could you and Snowpaw go throw away the old shriveled ones." "of course." Then Mooneyes lowered her voice,"could you 2 also check the borders, quietly. Don't mark borders, just make sure everything okay. And don't be seen."
Mousepaw became excited, her first mission. She ran to Snowpaw, to tell her what they were going to do. The 2 she-cats swiftly gathered up the useless herbs, and slipped out the gorse tunnel. They scattered the dried herbs. then they decided to skirt up the Skyclan border then to the Rockclan border along the Rainclan border. Everything was quiet.
"Skyclan patrol," Hissed Snowpaw," Get down."
They hid in the undergrowth, hoping the Skyclan patrol wouldn't smell them. When the patrol came around the bend they sniffed the air, not smelling anything they marked their borders and moved on. Mousepaw and Snowpaw cautiously crept out. Then started towards the Rainclan border. The snow made everything desolate, nothing stirred, it was so silent Mousepaw was sure you could hear her heart beating. The walk along the Rainclan border was eventless, but Mousepaw felt appresive about the trek along the Rockclan border. When they reached the Rockclan border the scent changed drastically, instead of sweet smelling willow only the smell of marshes was present now. Mousepaw and Snowpaw padded side by side, listening intently for the sound of anything wrong.
"I think I heard something over there," Mewed Snowpaw flicking her tail towards the bushes. "Go have a look," suggested Mousepaw," I'll meet you by the fallen oak."
They both went their separate ways, Mousepaw looked up to the sky, silverpelt was shining there. Starclan what do you have in store for use Mousepaw asked silently.
Then she heard Snowpaw wail,"Starclan No!" "Don't worry I'm coming,"yowled Mousepaw Bounding in the direction of the wail.
She came upon Snowpaw hunched over a shape.
Mousepaw came up behind Snowpaw," What is it?" " Look for yourself,"Snowpaw mewed stepping aside.
Behind her lay the limp lifeless body of Rainpaw.
" What are we going to do Mousepaw," asked Snowpaw.
Mousepaw didn't answer, she nosed the dead Rockclan apprentice. She found a deep cut on his throat, other wise he was unscathed.
When Mousepaw did answer Snowpaw's question she said," It'll be up to Twilightstar what to do, but right now lets just try to find out what killed him."
The 2 she-cats searched the area for pawprints or odd smells. But there wasn't any. It seemed as if the killer had vanished into thin air.
"Well we'd better take him back to camp," said Mousepaw.
They picked him up by the scruff and began to haul him back to camp. On the way back they were both jumpy, at every sound they were afraid the mysterious attacker would jump out at them. The canopy barley let in any light, despite the bright array of stars. They walked side by side alert for danger. Sometimes the hair on the back of Mousepaw's neck would prickle and she felt like she was being watched. On these occasions Mousepaw would look behind her, but nothing was there. All she could do was hope these premonitions were wrong.
When she saw the entrance of the gorse tunnel her heart leapt, a net of safety seem ed to enclose her. When they entered camp they were met by curious stares.
Then Mooneyes came up to them," leave the body in the clearing for now, I'm going to take you to see Twilightstar.
Mousepaw and Snowpaw followed her, trying to ignore the burning gazes of their clanmates. Mooneyes didn't seem to be bothered by the stare, most likely because of the fact she was blind, but Mousepaw had no doubt she knew that the cats were all gazing at her with penetrating stares, Mousepaw admired her for how she could walk past them so obtusely.
They walked into Twilightstar's den without a word. The den was cool and shady Twilightstar was lonsing in its deep recesses. Mooneyes went over and talked to Flameheart in hushed tones. Then she went over to check Twilightstar.
"Mousepaw tell Twilightstar what you saw," commanded Mooneyes.
Mousepaw retold the events of the night, beginning with the patrol ending with the discovery of Rainpaw's dead body.
Then Twilightstar stepped out of the shadows,"Where is the body?" "We left him in the clearing," Mousepaw answered.
Twilightstar nodded and took a step towards the entrance of the den.
"Wait well enough to go out," protested Mooneyes.
Twilightstar didn't respond just kept on walking. The other 4 cats were left to follow her out. Out in the moonlight cats were already gathered around high rock so there was no need to call a meeting.
Twilightstar sprang to the top of the rock and began," all of you must be curious about whats going on. Well first you will here about the poor dead in the clearing. Mousepaw please explain." "Well Mooneyes asked us to do a border patrol. Everything was fine on the Skyclan and Rainclan border but when we reached the Rockclan boder things went wrong. Snowpw and I thought we heard something so we split up. Snowpaw found Rainpaw dead. We searched the area for what could of killed him nothing was there," Mousepaw explained.
Confused and suspisious muttering spread throughout the clearing.
Twilightstar flicked her tail for silence," Thank you Mousepaw. From now on I'd like a sunset patrol along with the other patrols and if you see anything strange report it to me."
Then she bound down the rock and called her senior warriors into her den.
"You two get some sleep," said hurricanefur told Snowpaw and Mousepaw," but be awake by sunhigh."
They nodded sleepy eyed and padded to their den. Snowpaw was asleep in a few heartbeats, but Mousepaw could not sleep. Thoughts kept running through her head. What killed Rainpaw? What was Twilightstar's dream about? And why am I stuck in the middle? These were the thoughts that filled her head as she fell asleep.
The early morning sunshine filled the den, as Mousepaw blinked awake. Snowpaw was still asleep so Mousepaw arose careful not to wake her sleeping friend. She quietly stepped out into the clearing, and strode into the faint sunlight. Not many cats were awake, Mousepaw had expected this considering the late night everybody had had. What suprised Mousepaw was that Twilightstar was allready awake and giving orders to her deputy, Flameheart.
Twilightstar looked up and saw Mousepaw then walked over to her," Mousepaw would you and Snowpaw like to take Rainpaw back to Rockclan? You will of course be escorted by two other warriors." " I'd love to and I'm sure Snowpaw would too," Mousepaw answered, " But what if they ask how he died." " Then tell them the truth you don't know," replied Twilightstar," And if they ask more use your best judgement on what to tell them." " Yes twilightstar," mewed Mousepaw. " Good," said Twilightstar briskly," You'll be leaving at sunhigh, you may choose the warriors that accompany you."
Mousepaw dipped her head and went to go wake Snowpaw up.
"Snowpaw wake up," she mewed prodding Snowpaw. Snowpaw shook herself and looked up at Mousepaw," What is it?" ' Twilightstar said we could take Rainpaw back to Rockclan," Mousepaw told her," And we get to choose the warriors that come with us." Snowpaw looked excited," Really?! Then I choose my mom, Icepelt."
At that Snowpaw left to inform her mother. Mousepaw decided to ask her mother to come. She padded out into the growing light and saw her mother by the freshkill pile eating a vole, dappled brown pelt gleaming.
She bound to her mother and asked," Can you come with Snowpaw and I to the Rockclan camp at sunhigh?" " No, i'm sorry i have sunhigh patrol," Apologized Oakeyes. " Thats okay," mewed Mousepaw," I'll ask someone else."
Mousepaw woundered who to take, she could take her dad but he would get overly protective. Then Valleywind stepped out of the warriors den, and she decided to take him.
"Hey, Valleywind," she called," will you come with Snowpaw and I to take Rainpaw back to Rockclan at sunhigh?" " Sure," he nodded," but on one condition you come hunting with me." " Okay," sighed Mousepaw, playfully.
They bound out the gorse tunnel and towards the river. Once they were up the ravine they stopped, panting, listening intently. A thrush was pushing through the undergrowth a few fox lengths away. Mousepaw began to stalk it silently. Not a sound was issued as Mousepaw tread carefully over the snow covered ground. She was a fox length from it and she pounced with deadly accuracy and killed it.
" Great catch," praised Valleywind. " Thanks."
They walked on in search of more prey, snow barely crunching under foot. Then little white fakes began to fall. They settled softly down, one landed on Mousepaw's nose and melted at touch.
Mousepaw looked around mischievously," Race you."
And she took off, the snow flying in her wake. Valleywind followed a little behind. If there was one thing to thank Oakeyes for it would be speed. She was the fastest runner in Earthclan and Mousepaw had inherited that speed. Mousepaw looked back, Valleywind was gaining on her. She exhilarated a little, just enough to get well ahead but not enough to leave him behind.
"Can't keep up," she teased.
The race kept on going till they came to a halt at the frozen river. They were both breathing heavily, but soon quieted. There was a mousepaw nibbling amongst the roots of a tree. Mousepaw let Valleywind have the mouse. he stalked it and in a few heart beats the mouse was dead. The snow had stoped falling leaving a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. The sun was nearing its peak, they both pelted towards home. They picked up Mousepaw's deposited thrush and continued their run home. They burst through the gorse tunnel and nearly ran into Snowpaw.
"Oh there you are," Snowpaw sounded relieved," We were just about to go."
Togerther they gathered up the body. They decided two cats at a time would carry the body, and they'd take turns. Twilightstar came to see them off with a few words of advice.
" If they ask you what happened tell the truth, do not fight with them," she ordered," If you aren't back by sundown I will send a patrol to retrieve you."
The four cats nodded in unison and started on their journey ready for anyhting. Snowpaw and Icepelt had Rainpaw securly in place and Mousepaw and Valleywind were ahead leading the way. They passed birch and oak trees, sycamores and pines. Mousepaw felt anxious about the journey into Rockclan territory. If she knew them they would blame Earthclan for the death of Rainpaw. And the animosity between them would grow. They had just past the great sycamore. They would be mearing the fallen oak soon. That was where the dead body was found. Mousepaw shuddered thinking about it. It had happened just last night but it felt like a life time ago.
"Hey, you wanna switch," asked Snowpaw. "Okay," Mousepaw answered.
Valleywind and Mousepaw lifted the burden from Icepaelt and Snowpaw's and put it upon their shoulders. They padded side by side in silence, Snowpaw and Icepelt, were several fox lengths ahead of them.
Valleywind whispered,"Your nervous." "Aren't you," Mousepaw countered. Valleywind grinned," Of course I am." " Hey just to let you know, while you two were gossiping like elders we past the Rockclan border," Called Snowpaw. Icepelt padded back to them," I'll carry it with Valleywind, Twillightstar put you and Snowpaw in charge. It makes sense that you should be in front."
Mousepaw dipped her head in thanks and ran to catch up to Snowpaw. They walked tentatively and quietly through the unfamiliar territory. It looked like they would get to the camp without an incident.
Then a yowl went up and before they could do anything they were surrounded. It was an even match for against four. Mousepaw heard Icepelt hiss, but flicked her tail for silence.
" What are you doing here," spat Tigerstripe, a Rockclan warrior. " We found Rainpaw on our territory last night,dead," mewed Mousepaw bluntly," We've come to return him." Tigerstripe growled," How do we know you didn't kill him." " If we'd killed him we wouldn't bring him back," said Snowpaw irritated," Thats common since." Mousepaw gave her a quelling look," Please take us to see Graystar."
Tigerstripe hissed,"give us the body we will tell Graystar."
"The things we have to tell are for Graystar's ears only," insisted Mousepaw,
"Liars," hissed Tigerstripe.
Then a young she-cat spoke up,"No, they're telling the truth, Rainpaw was my son, he was also Graystar's."
"Are you suggesting we take them too Graystar," Tigersptripe asked incredulously.
"Yes."
"Fine we will take them," conceded Tigerstripe.
The patrol formed a half circle around the Earthclan cats. The journey to camp was uncomfortable. Mousepaw could feel the hostility like static in the air. They walked the way to camp through the marshes. Sinking with every step, mud seeping between her toes. The sun was half way to sunhigh by the time they reached Rockclan camp. It rose as a huge mass of brambles and thorns.
Tigerstripe lead them single file into the camp and stopped then in the clearing.
"I will go get Graystar," stated Tigerstripe,"Craystalleaf, Stormeyes stay with them."
For several heartbeats that felt like several moons they waited for Graystar. Then Graystar padded out of the den. Tigerstripe trailing behind him.
"Show me Rainpaw." ordered Graystar.
Valleywind and Icepelt came forward and tenderly lay him down at Graystar's feet. Mousepaw thought she saw shadow of sorrow pass through his eyes. But it was gone so fast she wasn't sure.
"What happened," Graystar asked and his voice cracked a little.
"I will tell you in your den," Mousepaw responded, "the story is for your ears only.
Graystar nodded and lead Mousepaw, Snowpaw , Icepelt, and Valleywind to his den. Mousepaw didn't trust the Rockclan warriors so she posted Icepelt and Valleywind outside the den. Inside the den it was dark and cool. It was bigger than Twilightstar's den, but barren and there was no sense of comfort in it. Maybe it was because it wasn't her leader's den, perhaps cats of this clan were soothed by it.
Graystar had lead them as far back as possible, to hide from prying eyes and ears. Mousepaw told the story of the discovery of Rainpaw, but she twisted some parts. she told Graystar nothing of Twilightstar's illness or dream, for she barely knew about it. she also told him that she and Snowpawhad only been out hunting.
Graystar nodded at all of this," I believe you are telling the truth. thank you for bringing back Rainpaw."
Both Mousepaw and Snowpaw dipped their heads respectfuly. this time they lead the way out of the den, when Graystar passed Icepelt and Valleywind they fell in behind him.
" You will have an escort home," mewed Gratstar suspicion coming back to his voice.
Snowpaw looked like she was going to protest, but Mousepaw gave her a quelling look. Again they were surrounded by a half circle and carted out of camp. Before Mousepaw entered the gorse tunnel she looked back. Graystar had his nose in his son's fur and tears were brimming his eyes. Then he looked up and caught Mousepaws eyes, and he turned to ice again.
This time they were escorted by five cats. What did Graystar think they were going to do, thought Mousepaw, Attack camp.
the procession to the border was a quiet affair. Mousepaw, Snowpaw, Valleywind, and Icepelt padded four abreast, for security as much as strength.
The sun had began to sink below the trees casting ominous shadows. they'd better hurry up, worried Mousepaw, otherwise Twlightstar would send a patrol to get them. They were getting closer to the Earthclan border, Mousepaw could smell the pines and saycamores and it was reassuring. After what seemed like seasons they finally reached the border. The Rockclan cats stopped short of the border, and the Earthclan cats walked across it , happily. Then the Earthclan and Rocklan cats faced each other for a few heartbeats, then the Earthclan cats dipped their heads politely and trotted off. After they were out of sight Mousepaw, Snowpaw, Valleywind, and Icepelt relaxed. A bush rustled nearby and an unusually plump rabbit for the season hopped out. Mousepaw licked her lips hungrily, and dropped into a hunter crouch. She glided accross the space between her and the prey. When she was a fox length from the rabbit she pounced. She killed it with a swift bite to the neck.
" Want some?" she offered.
All three nodded, starved. They gathered around the catch and took huge greedy bites. When Mousepaw had finished her she removed herself from the group. It was nearly sundown the patrol would come out looking for them soon. She'd been thinking so intently that she hadn't realized Valleywind standing right beside her.
"Mousepaw," he mewed, "We're about to get going."
They padded through the undergrowth, the sun had gone now and the only light was from the stars. They twinkled softly, each one of them, a warrior ancestor watching them. The thick sheet of snow crunched under foot. Mousepaw caught a whiff of cat and stiffened, and felt the others tense around her. But then they recognized the scent of Earthclan.
They were facing a patrol of three cats Oakeyes, Sharpclaw and Goldenfrond.
"Thank Starclan you are all right," Sighed Oakeyes,"we were afraid Rockclan had kept you prisoner." Goldenfrond nodded," Yes, it is good to see you are unharmed. But lets not dwandle, you need to tell Twlightstar all about it."
They quickly traveled back to the camp at a fast pace. The moon had begun to rise, It was nearly full there would be a gathering soon. By the time they had made it back to camp Mousepaw was exhausted, the others looked like it too. Twilightstar where she'd left them.
"Come to my den,"She commanded, and the others followed," Now tell me what happened?"
Mousepaw began a thorough explanation of what happened," Then the patrol refused to take us to Graystar, but we finally got there with the help of a White cat, i think her name was Crystalleaf. Graystar was courteous but icy, and he listened to our tale. He didn't ask many questions." Twlightstar nodded,"Thank you, you may go now."
Mousepaw and Snowpaw slipped out of her den, relieved. Both fell asleep quickly.
Watery sunlight filtered through the gaps in the den. Tonight was the night of the full moon, Mousepaw's pelt tingled with anticipation. The gathering would be an interesting one. Twilightstar would confront Graystar about his attack and they would find out if any other strange deaths had occurred. Then Mousepaw's spirits plummeted, Rockpaw was still recovering and wouldn't be able to attend. To make up for that she went to check on him.
As Mousepaw padded into the medicine cat's den the pungent smell of herbs made her falter. Mooneyes was chewing something.
"Mooneyes?" Mewed Mousepaw uncertainly. Mooneyes looked up and spit out what she was chewing," yes Mousepaw." "Where's Rockpaw?" "Getting some herbs for me," answered Mooneyes. Just then Rockpaw's head popped out of the niche where the herbs were kept." I thought I heard someone," He mumbled through a mouthful of herbs. He layed down the herbs," So what are you doing here?" " I just wanted to check on you," Mousepaw mewed. " You mean you wanted to make sure i was okay I couldn't go to the gathering," Rockpaw corrected her."
Mousepaw sighed she'd never been a good liar, especially with her brother.
" You caught me," she laughed," But seriously are fine." "Don't worry I'll be fine," Rockpaw assured her.
Mousepaw left feeling much better, but something kept nagging her. She pondered it while she ate a scrawny vole. She took a bite and chewed thoughtfully, playing the scene over in her head. She had it! The look of worry drawn clearly on Mooneyes' face. And she'd been making a herb poultice, but there hadn't been any other patient in the den other than her brother. That worried Mousepaw, was Mooneyes predicting sickness, or had she gotten a dream from Starclan. Mousepaw decided to go ask about it, though she knew she'd have to ask discreetly.
It looked like Mooneyes was having Rockpaw doing chores, he was running about the den.
" Uh.... Mooneyes," called Mousepaw," I have a belly ache."
Rockpaw stopped in the middle of his chore and gave her a sceptical look, but went back to his work.
" That's not good," Mooneyes fretted," Come here and let me check you. While Mooneyes was methodically checking her she casually asked," I saw you mixing herbs earlier, is someone sick?"
Mooneyes looked up, eyes tormented. Obviously debating whether to tell her.
" It's the second moon of leafbare," She mewed almost inaudibly," The snow came early this season. A sign of a look, cold winter." Mousepaw nodded," What does that mean?" " It means that sickness will be abundant. And," Her voice dropped to a whisper again," I had a dream one cat caught fire and then it spread rapidly. The only thing I knew that spread as quickly as wildfire is sickness. "
This shocked Mousepaw and scared her.
Then she heard a familiar yowl," May all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather around."
Mousepaw swiftly left to get a good spot in the clearing. Cats were flocking out of the dens and clumping around highrock.
" Cats of Earthclan," Began Twlightstar," As you probably know it is a gathering tonight. The cats coming are Hurricanefur, Mousepaw, Swiftleaf, and Oakeyes.
Mousepaw bounced ecstatic. Then she turned to Snowpaw who looked crestfallen.
"Lucky," She murmured into Mousepaw's ear, but it sounded like her usual humor was back.
Snowpaw stalked past Mousepaw and joined her mentor Goldenfrond. Both raced out the gorse tunnel. Hurricanefur had padded beside Mousepaw, and was also watching Goldenfrond and Snowpaw. There was a particular glimmer in his eyes when he looked at Goldenfrond. Mousepaw twitched her tail amused, perhaps Earthclan would have new kits soon.
Mousepaw looked up at Hurricanefur, mischievously," So are we going hunting or training?" " Uh......," He shook himself," Hunting."
They trotted out the gorse tunnel, headed towards Snow Rocks. Mousepaw smiled to herself they were following the exact same trail as Snowpaw and Goldenfrond. There was a crunching of snow and suddenly a scrawny mouse appeared. Mousepaw sunk into her crouch, careful to keep her wait on her hind paws. The mouse didn't notice her until he was in her jaws, and dead in a flash. Mousepaw gingerly scraped up some snow and buried her catch. Then they moved on. The trees were barren and they reached up to the sky, they looked like monsters,towering over them. That's why Mousepaw liked Pines, they stayed green all year round and during the cold winter months they were reassuring. But there weren't many pines on Earthclan territory, and they were all near the Rockclan border. Mousepaw heard a blackbird cry and flicked her head to the side She caught a glimpse of its glossy feathers through the bracken. It was near enough to pounce right away, but she hesitated to sure she was upwind from her target. She took a flying leap and the bird was underneath her. Mousepaw raised her paw and swung it at the blackbird's head, it was dead before a sound could emit from its beak.
"Mousepaw, hurry up and bury it," ordered Hurricanefur.
Mousepaw did so and they walked on. They turned the next bend and and there was Snowpaw and Goldenfrond. Snowpaw was stalking a vole and Mousepaw and Hurricanefur stopped in their tracks. But they didn't wait long, Snowpaw had already pounced.
"Great catch," Called Hurricanefur, Snowpaw nodded tersely in reply. Hurricanefur carried on where he left off," I was wondering if Snowpaw could do some training with Mousepaw." " Well," Mewed Goldenfrond looking up at the sky," We should be getting back soon, especially Mousepaw, because it's nearly sun set and you want to have time to eat and rest before a gathering." Hurricanefur nodded," You' re right. Come on Mousepaw let's get going."
Apprentice and mentor, headed back to pick up their prey. It wasn't long before Mousepaw found her Blackbird. As she picked it up she shook off the last remaining bits of snow. Little flakes of snow began to gently drift down, it reminded Mousepaw of a story told by the elders. Happy memories came flooding back to her. She vaguely remembered a warmth, it was security and safety, something she felt a lack of recently. She could no longer hide in the nursery snugged against her mothers belly. Unexpectedly scents' sounds' and colors came rushing at her, she'd come back to the present. She turned to look over at hurricanefur, he hadn't even notice her strange lapse. He'd been to busy gazing at Goldenfrond. She let out a sigh, if he kept going like this he'd never get her.
"Mouse dung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Left my mouse buried back there," Mousepaw mewed with a flick of her tail. " Well go get it," Hurricanefur chuckled," And hurry."
Mousepaw scampered off sending snow flying everywhere. She pelted past the barren, lifeless trees until she reached the oak her mouse was buried under. She parted the snow to find her mouse. She pucked it up by its tail, tossed it into the air and caught it between her teeth. She contently trotted back to where they were waiting for her. She attempted to pick up her blackbird, but Hurricanefur did it for her. They reached the ravine and they scrambled down the rocks to reach the gorse tunnel. AS they entered Mousepaw and Snowpaw veered left to drop off their prey and pick out something for themselves.
" Here take this vole i caught, its got a lot of meat in it," Snowpaw offered. Mousepaw shook her head," No, you caught it." " IT's fine," Insisted Snowpaw," You're going to the gathering you'll need the extra energy." " Fine."
Mousepaw took the vole and Snowpaw chose the blackbird Mousepaw caught. They took their freshkill to the apprentices den, and shared tongues.
" Did you notice the way Hurricanefur was padding after Goldenfrond," Whispered Mousepaw. " So it wasn't just me," Snowpaw exclaimed," I think Goldenfrond noticed too."
Both sly peaked over where Hurricanefur and Goldnefrond were sharing tongues.
" They do look cute together," Stated Snowpaw.
Mousepaw grunted in agreement. Mousepaw heard Twilightstar yowl and quickly leaf to join her. Twilightstar led them out of camp and through the forest. Mousepaw was flanked by her mother and father Twilightstar made a motion with her tail for them to stop. They stood poised on the ridge breathing in the scents. They were the last clan to arrive. Twilightstar flicked her tail and the group raced down the hill. In the clearing Twilightstar cut a swathe through the cats and leapt easily onto the great boulder. Twilightstar padded next to the Skyclan leader and Graystar yowled for silence.
Olivestar stepped forward," I am happy to say we have a new warrior Hawkfeather."
All eyes turned to a haughty looking bracken tom. He stood up proudly eyes surveyying the clearing.
" Poppyfur has also become an elder. He is the eldest warrior and has lived and fought through the rein of Two leaders. We will always honor him," Continued Olivestar.
Respectfull mewing popped up around the clearing, some cats not even from his own clan. Mousepaw also added to the babble of voices.
After the voices died down Fawnstar began to speak," We also have a newly named warrior, Fernfrost. UNfortunately she couldn't come tonight.
Mousepaw recognized that name from some where,then she remembered she was Valleywind's friend. Suddenly her stomach burned with jealousy. Stop that she told herself, their only friends. Mousepaw had been so preoccupied with controlling her emotions she hadn't registered that Graystar had begun to speak. Mousepaw cleared her mind and listened intently to what was being said.
" We need more territory," Insisted Graystar," And if you do not give it to us we will use force." Twilightstar didn't even wait for her clan's yowls of protest to answer.
"Never," She spat.
Graystar turned his head to Olivestar who looked a little hesitant. She swiftly looked down to her deputy who shook his head sharply.
" Are territory is for us," Olivestar mewed, voice becoming stronger with every word," And only us."
Graystar growled in frustration and leered menacingly at Fawnstar,.
" In your dreams," She retorted, head lifted proudly, eyes glinting.
Graystar looked around angrily, eyes burning with hatred.
" You will regret this,"He hissed.
Twilightstar completely ignored him, which enraged him even more, and began. Mousepaw was listening when a movement on the edge of the clearing caught her eye. A shadowy figure was slinking out of the clearing and onto Rockclan territory. Mousepaw didn't think much about it though she was too engrossed in the discussion.
" And you sent three of your warriors to attack a patrol, which happened to be made up of three apprentices," Twilightstar accused," ONe of which is still recovering." " One was an apprentice," Added Graystar. Mousepaw decided to speak up," An apprentice big enough to be a warrior, and two of your best warriors."
Disgusted yowls came from several warriors.
Graystar snarled in defiance," I can do what i want." " Not when it includes nearly killing one of my apprentices," Twilightstar's usualy clam voice, raised. Graystar unsheathed his claws," Would you like to prove that." " I would never fight at a gathering," She answered clam again," I obey the warrior code and our warrior ancestors." " Are you saying I don't," Barked Graystar. " Did I say you didn't," enquired Twilightstar. Graystar took another threatening step forward," You implied it." " Look at the moon," Someone yowled.
Everyone looked up, the moon was covered by a cloud.
" This gathering is over," Stated Fawnstar.
Twilightstar nodded and landed lightly down on the ground. She murmured something to Flameheart who came over to mousepaw.
" She wants us to leave quickly."
Mousepaw followed Flameheart to where Twilightstar was waiting and Oakeyes and Swiftleaf joined them. They formed a circle around there leader shielding her from the hostile stares of Rockclan. They traveled back through the forest quietly. But that silence was broken by yowls of battle. Mousepaw could smell blood,and it smothered her. She thought she'd suffocate in it, she came back from her vivid nightmare to find her companions had brokken into a run. She streched out her legs and quickly caught up to them. They thundered down the ravine and burst through the gorse tunnel to find the blood of Earthclan and Rockclan spattered about the clearing. All five raced into battle. Mousepaw found herself facing a white she-cat, Crystalleaf. Mousepaw didn't want to fight her, but when Mousepaw saw blood on her claws everything was forgotten. Both leapt at each other. Mousepaw twisted in mid-air and slashed out her claws. She missed her opponent by a hair, caught off balance her attacker sprang at her and held her down. She clawed at Mousepaw's belly, and Mousepaw yowled in pain. Mousepaw through her off with a massive heave, Crystalleaf landed so hard the wind was knocked out of her. Mousepaw rammed her head into Crystalleaf's side and was satisfied to hear a gasp of pain. Mousepaw ran her claws across Crystalleaf's face, this time Crystalleaf let out a shree and jumped up to face Mousepaw. Crystalleaf sprang at Mousepaw, but Mousepaw ran underneath her and raked her claws down her flank. Crystalleaf landed and pivoted on her front paw, unphased. This time it was Mousepaw's turn to go first, she bunched her muscles and landed squarely on Crystalleaf's shoulders and chewed on her ear. Crystalleaf shook her off and fled. Mousepaw was now in the heat of the battle, she turned around looking form someone to fight. She saw Leafcloud fighting two cats, barricading the nursery with her own body. Mousepaw ran to the aid of the queen, letting out a fearsome battle cry. She barreled over the tom and pinned him down.
" Stay away from there you PIECE OF FOXDUNG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!," She growled " Ahhh, its the little apprentice who could," He taunted. " Little," Mousepaw retorted," I'll show you whose little!"
But before she could make a move she was thrown off. Mousepaw landed on her paws and skidded. She gritted her teeth and dug her claws into the ground. She sped at him claws extended, he countered by getting up on his hind legs and swiped his claws at her head. He got her ear and she shrieked in pain. Mousepaw retaliated by clawing his shoulder. She lunged at him, kicking out with her hind legs. They met his soft under belly and her was knocked to the ground and Mousepaw landed on him with all her wieght. He attempted to slash her shoulder but Mousepaw kept him firmly on the ground.
She barred her teeth," GET OUT!!!!!!!!"
He yelped in pain as she bit his shoulder. He was just barely able to wrench himself free and back out the gorse tunnel. Mousepaw whipped her head around frenzied, looking for a new match. That's when she saw her father pinned down by Graystar, his paw up ready to give the death blow. Her eyes stretched wide and she pushed through the crowd of cats. Time seemed to have slowed down and the sounds of battle were far off as she pelted towards her dad. Two cats bared her way, she slashed through them as if they were nothing. Mousepaw was nearly their but she was too late. She saw Graystar's paw come crashing down onto her fathers head. Time sped up and the sound of battle pulsed through her ears again.
"Dad,Dad!" She sobbed. His eyes flickered open," Mousep..paw, I love you. T..tell your Mother and b..brother I love them t.
And he stopped breathing.
"No!" She yowled pain and grief mixing together.
She'd flay Graystar for this she vowed. Where is he she thought he'd be sorry.
Her sharp eyes caught a glimpse of his pelt and she raced in his direction. She bound on top of him and and sunk her claws into his flesh. He yowled in agony and shook all over dislodging Mousepaw. They faced each other prowling.
" You Killed my father," She hissed. " Oh I'm sorry," Graystar sneered. " YOU WILL BE!"
With that she ran at him at full speed and slammed into him with all her might. He fell to the ground and Mousepaw was on top of him in a heart beat. But he effortlessly push her off. Mousepaw went flying through the air and landed half way across the clearing in a heap. She got up immediately and raced at Graystar. He easily side stepped her and raked his claws down her flank. Then Mousepaw leapt at him but he dodged causing Mousepaw to stumble.
" You'll have to do better than that," He mocked.
Don't let yourself get angry Mousepaw's voice echoed in side her head that will just make you clumsy. You need to keep a clear mind.
This time Mousepaw knew exactly What to do. She ran to his tail and bit down hard. Graystar tryed to turn around but Mousepaw tugged at his tail. She grabbed at his sides with her claws and began pulling out clumps of fur. Mousepaw used her hind legs to push herself onto his back and was about to give him the death bite when she felt the hard impact of a cat. She was thrown to the ground and held there by Crystalleaf.
" My son is all ready dead," She snarled," I'm not about to let you take My mate away from me!!!!!!!!!!"
Crystalleaf as she had before clawed Mousepaw's belly. Mousepaw writhed in pain and was just able to heave her opponent off. They prowled each other for several heartbeats then sprang the met in mid-air but then Mousepaw twisted and her claws sliced Crystalleaf's shoulder.
Then Graystar yowled," Retreat."
Cats surged around her following their leader. Before long the clearing was empty aside from the Earthclan cats. Then something in Mousepaw's mind clicked and she saw a cat sneaking onto Rockclan territory. That cat had been going to tell Rockclan to attack. If she had said something this would have never happened, her father could still be alive, she thought to her self.
Mousepaw's breaths were coming in fast ,shallow gasps. It was all her fault, she mewed to herself. And everything went black.
When she did wake up her head was pounding and her vision was foggy. As her brain began to work again memories came flooding back.
And she sobbed aloud," Why?"
Mooneyes looked up from what she was doing," Mousepaw your awake.
Mousepaw said nothing, she just kept on crying.
" Oh Mousepaw it'll be okay," Mooneyes crooned," I'm really sorry." " Thanks," mewed Mousepaw," Could you tell me what happened after i blacked
out." " Well, i checked wounds and that's really all," Mewed Mooneyes. " How long have I been unconscious," Questioned Mousepaw. " The gathering was last night and right now it moonhigh," replied Mooneyes. " So I've been out cold for a whole day!?!?" Exclaimed Mousepaw.
Then Mousepaw's stomach rumbled, and Mooneyes chuckled to herself.
Mousepaw mewed sadly," So they've allready burried my father." " No not yet, Oakeyes convienced them to wait," Mooneyes assured her," But they have already buried the the other one." " Other one," Mousepaw echoed. " Don't worry," Mooneyes comforted, "that one was a Rockclan warrior."
Just then Valleywind popped his head into the medicine cat's den.
" is she awake," he asked. " Yes."
Valleywind rushed over to her and covered her ears in licks," Thank Starclan your alive. " it takes more to kill me than that," Mousepaw jested," But I have to go hold vigil for my father."
She laboriously pushed herself up and swayed a little.
" Whoa, there ," Mewed Valleywind letting Mousepaw lean on his shoulder," You lost a lot of blood last night, you need to be careful." " But you have to let me say good bye," Mousepaw pleaded. Mooneyes nodded," let her go."
Mousepaw stood away from Valleywind's shoulder and uncertainly made her way to the center of the clearing, where her father lay.
Mousepaw could here her mother whispering," Swiftleaf, oh Swiftleaf."
Mousepaw sunk down beside her mother. Mousepaw turned to her, she couldn't stand watching her suffer.
" I'm so sorry, its all my fault," Mousepaw wept. Oakeyes turned to her," Sweetie no it's not." " Mom, yes it is. At the gathering I saw a cat leaving and going onto Rockclan territory," She wailed," If i had said something he wouldn't of been able to go tell Rockclan to attack and dad could still be alive."
" Shh, shh," Oakeyes soothed" No matter what you think its not your fault. You didn't Know." " Oh and before i forget Dad said i love you before he died," mousepaw added."
Mousepaw, who felt much better after her talk with her mother promptly fell asleep. But her dreams were not as pleasant. The dream of dying cats filled her mind as she slept and the smell of tangy blood penetrated her nose.
"Honey wake up."
Mousepaw blinked awake to find her mother hovering over her..
"They're burying your father."
Mousepaw stood up and watched as the elders picked up her father and carried him out of camp. Across from Mousepaw was her brother her sadness reflected in hid eyes. A tear trickled down Mousepaw's cheek, then another and soon she was sobbing uncontrollably. Grief wracked her body with every breath she took. As the others dispersed around her Mousepaw gazed at the solome procession until it was out of sight. Then Mousepaw looked up as her name was called.
" Mousepaw, Will you come on patrol with me," Requested Rockpaw. Mooneyes was by Mousepaw's side in a heart beat," No dawn patrol for you, you get to come to my den."
Mousepaw bowed her head and reluctantly trailed Mooneyes to her den. Mousepaw curled up in her bed and attempted to sleep, but sleep evaded her. Mousepaw figdetted and shifted posions until she fially gave in.
"Mooneyes let me go hunting," She begged. Mooneyes looked at her uncertainly," Well...... Okay. But be back bt sunhigh and take someone with you and don't do anything too strenuous. " Thank you so much," mewed Mousepaw allready racing out.
She poked her head in the apprentice den and saw Snowpaw sleeping. She hated waking her up but.......
" Hey Snowpaw," Hissed Mousepaw prodding her friend. Snowpaw mewed groggily," What is it?" " Will you come hunting with me," asked Mousepaw. " So you woke me up to go hunting," Snowpaw growled and playfully cuffed Mousepaw's ears," Well i'm glag you did. Lets go."
They pelted out the gorse tunnel together and up the ravine. Mousepaw began to struggle to keep up and Snowpaw looked back her to find her friend falling behind. Snowpaw came to an abrubt halt.
" Are you alright," Asked Snowpaw concerned," I forgot you had gotten badly injured." " Don't worry," panted Mousepaw," This will get my blood pumping."
Snowpaw spared one last worried glance and set off at a slower pace. It wasn't long before they secented a mouse. They turned towards the aroma and saw it a fox length away. It was peeping out of its hole warily Mousepaw nodded to Snowpaw, knowing she had better camouflauge. Snowpaw stealthily crept to the mouse and killed it with a swift bite to the neck. Snowpaw quickly scraped some snow over her catch and the two she-cats moved on. They padded in silence for sevseal heart beats before a flash of movement caught Mousepaw's eye. A thrush a few fox lengths away was pecking at the ground. Mousepaw made a motion for Snowpaw to stop and Mousepaw sunk into a hunters crouch. She carefully closed the distance between her and the thrush. When she was a fox length away she perpared to pounced. Then a brown mass of fur shot out of the bracken and took Mousepaw's prey. She hissed annoyed, then she caught his scent.
" Rouge," She growled.
Snowpaw pricked up her ears at the sound of the word and came to stand beside Mousepaw.
"What do you think your doing," yowled Mousepaw, outraged. The rouge looked up an scoffed," Hunting.
He was a large brown tabby with gray-brown stripes and blue-green eyes.
"Well you can't hunt here," Mewed Snowpaw, exsastperated," This is Earthclan territory." " I'll hunt where I want," He sneered. Mousepaw hissed," Oh no you won't."
And as if Mousepaw's and Snowpaw's bodies were one they lunged at him. They pinned him down and Mousepaw ran her claws down his flank. He yowled and with suprising strength threw them off. First he rounded on Mousepaw and bound onto her back. His claws dug into old wounds and Mousepaw had to grit her teeth to stop from yowling. Snowpaw ran at Mousepaw then jumped at the rouge and pulled him off Mousepaw. This time Mousepaw made no effort to hide her pain as the rouge's claws ripped through flesh as Snowpaw barreled him off. Once mousepaw recovered from the pain she found Snowpaw circling the rouge and a cut bleeding above her eye. Mousepaw lowered her head and charged at her opponent. She knocked him down and she and Snowpaw held him down. He tried fiercly to free himself, but the two she-cats had him in an iron vise. The rouge's flailing steadily got weaker, until he stopped completely.
" Come with us," Mousepaw ordered.
Suprising both she-cats he got up obediently.
" What are you doing," Whispered Snowpaw,' Surely your not taking him back to camp." " Of course I am."
The two she-cats flanked him and escorted him back to camp.
" I'm Fritz, what's your name," The rouge asked trying to be friendly. She Mewed tersely," Mousepaw." " I'm Snowpaw," Snowpaw replied matching fritz's friendly tone.
Mousepaw's wounds were still bleeding and Fritz had opened the wound on her flank. She wasn't about to forgive him just like that. Mousepaw looked up at the sky, it was nearly sunhigh. Then the ground began to spin and her head swam.
" Mousepaw are you allright?"
All Mousepaw heard was muffled mewing. Mousepaw's breathing became laborious and she struggled to stay concious.
" Look what you've done," spat Snowpaw. Fritz looked incredulous," What did I do?" " Sorry, Its just that two days ago she got really badly hurt," Snowpaw apolgised,: And she lost a lot of blood. She was out cold for a whole day! Now it seems like her wounds have reopened."
Snowpaw went over and sniffed Mousepaw's wounds.
:Help me get her back to camp," mewed Snowpaw. " No wait," Fritz exclaimed," moving her will only make the bleeding worse." Snowpaw looked at him faintly suprised, " Oh,.... well you go get uh....... cobwebs and i'll stay here with Mousepaw."
Fritz nodded and set off in the direction of Snow Rocks.
" Oh and if you meet a patrol just say your with Snowpaw," She called after him.
Snowpaw looked down at Mousepaw, her wounds were still bleeding. Snowpaw bent her head down to lick the wounds. The sticky,salty blood filtered into her mouth and made her gag, but she bore through it.
" Starclan," she thought," What am i going to do?"
Snowpaw sighed and curled herself around Mousepaw. She looked up at the sky, dark clouds had formed and gradually it began to snow. Little white flakes drifted down and Snowpaw felt Mousepaw shiver. So she curled herself tighter around Mousepaw. She buried her face into Mousepaw's fur.
"Live," She whispered into it," Please."
Snowpaw jerked her head up at the sound of a voice," I'm back." " Fritz," Snowpaw beathed," Thank starclan your here."
Snowpaw and Fritz began pressing cobwebs to Mousepaw's wound. They applied pressure and the bleeding stopped. Mousepaw's eyelids fluttered and both cats turned to stare. mousepaw's eyes shut again and she was still. Snowpaw sighed imwardly and started to wrap cobwebs around Mousepaw's ear.
" What happened," Asked Mousepaw hoarsely. Snowpaw yelped joyfully," Oh Mousepaw your allright!!!! Thank Starclan!!!!!!!!!!"
Mousepaw smiled amused and winced as she tried to move.
" Oh no you don't," Snowpaw scolded her," We have to take you back to camp."
Mousepaw sighed as Snowpaw and fritz shoulered her and half carried have dragged her back to camp. They stopped several times to rest but kept on going. Mousepaw let out a silent cry of relief as the gorse tunnel came into sight. As they entered they attracted many curious gazes. Mooneyes greeted them at the entrance of the medicine cat's den and led Mousepaw inside dissmissing thenother two. Inside the medicine cat's den was calm and tranquil, outside was a different story.
"Whats that rouge doing here," Spat sharpclaw.
A few other cats mewed ina grrement and lightningcliff took a menicaing step forwards.
Snowpawplaced herself infront of fritz," he helped me save mousepaw, he deserved to be treated fairly." " But he tresspassed on our territory," pointed out Hurricanefur resonably," And mousepaw's wounds wouldn't be reopened if he hadn't been." " Yeah,.....Well," Stammered Snowpaw. " tell me what is going on," Boomed Twilightstar.
Everyone began talking at the same time.
"Silence!" Twilightstar Ordered," Now Snowpaw please tell me what happened."
Snowpaw took a deep breath and began.
"And you see if it weren't for Fritz I Don't know what would have happened," Finished Snowpaw.
Twilightstar nodded sagely, clearly debating within herself.
When twilightstar finaly spoke, it was almost pleading. Snowpaw had never heard her leadered voice so desperate," Fritz would you like to join the clan." "What you'd let this filthy rouge join the clan," Snarled Sharpclaw, the most senior warrior.
Fritz fur bristled and her unsheathed his claws. Snowpaw gave him a warning look and fritz forced his fur to lie flat, but he kept his claws out.
" How dare you," Hissed Twilightstar, veneom dripping from her every word," I must put my clan first."
A few cats grumbled in discontent but everyone knew she spoke the truth
" I will join the clan," Fritz mewed at last. " Good Twilightstar spoke Briskly," Snowpaw show him around the territory."
Snowpaw dipped her head and twilightstar stalked back to her den.