Lakeclan's Beginning

Allegiances
Lakeclan:

Leader: Lakewater- blue-gray tom with blue eyes.

Deputy: Mist- light gray she-cat with blue eyes.

Medicine Cat: Cloudsky- gray she-cat with a white left paw and blue eyes.

Warriors:

Air- orange tom with green eyes.

Dust- brown tabby tom with green eyes.

Fire- reddish orange she-cat with amber eyes.

Mud- brown she-cat with green eyes.

Streak- white she-cat with gray tabby markings and blue eyes.

Snow- white she-cat with amber eyes.

Grass- dark gray tom with white underbelly and tip of tail and green eyes.

&-!Amber - golden she-cat with blue eyes.

Rice - pale yellow tom with one twitchy green eye.

Crow - black she-cat with alluring green eyes.&-!

Loners:

Viper - brown tabby tom with green eyes.

Tiny - blue-gray she-cat with blue eyes.

Gorge - black tom with green eyes.

Grass - gray tom with green eyes.

Badger - black and white tom with amber eyes.

A/N: IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!
I am currently going over this and fixing it up, so there may be some changes and confusion. I will mark where I am currently with my editing and any large changes I've made with this symbol: &-!

Prologue
The forest was silent. Trees rustled in the wind and the grass blades rubbed against each other, creating a sound you could only hear if you were listening for it. Suddenly there was a rustling from the bushes, and cats began to slip out of the bracken. Cats of all types were congregating around a large rock in the middle of a clearing. Excited murmurings began to spark up between the cats as they shuffled impatiently, their nerves at an all time peak.

A brown tabby sat near the edge of the crowd, his green eyes flashing with frustration and his large muscles flexing. He threw around nervous glances as he extended his claws, then slid them back in, then extended them again.

"Viper!"

A blue-gray tom with a cheerful disposition made his way through the crowd towards the brown tabby. His lips were curled back in a smile as he practially bounced up the the tom.

"Isn't this exciting Viper? We're going to start a clan! A real clan! I remember my mother telling me nursery tales about them. Leaders and battles and glory!" the blue-gray tom meowed, bubbling with excitement.

"Yes," Viper meowed in his deep tone, his voice cool and guarded.

"Guess what?" the blue-gray tom meowed, ignoring Viper's unfriendly tone, "The cats have voted for me to speak for them tonight? Isn't that awesome?"

"I'm so...happy for you," Viper said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"Well, I have to go. See you later!" the tom meowed, choosing to pretend he hadn't heard the sarcasm in Viper's voice as he trotted off. Viper watched with narrowed eyes and flattened his ears as the blue-gray cat scrambled up onto the large rock rather awkwardly. That should be me, he throught venomously, All I've ever done is help these pathetic cats, yet they choose that idiot over me!

"Excuse me," the tom on the rock stammered, "Um, if I could have your attention?" The clearing immediatley hushed in silent respect.

"You all know why we have gathered here tonight," the tom meowed, his voice cracking as he tried to speak louder, "We, the cats of the lake, want to start a clan. The elderly will be fed, the queens will have cats to protect them, and there will be no more fights over prey and territory if we all unite." Cats murmered in agreement as he paused. "But if we are to do this, we need to choose a leader. Would anyone like to volunteer?"

There was a moment of silence, then suddenly Viper stood up, raising his tail proudly. "I would like to offer myself as a canidate," he meowed boldly, "If you choose me as your leader, I promise our clan will be strong. We will be well fed and we will stand tall and proud. Other cats will fear the very name of our clan!" There were a few cheers and a few resentful mutters, but the response was mostly good as Viperfire sat down again, his green eyes gleaming.

"Thank you Viper," the blue-gray tom meowed somewhat stiffly, "Anyone else?" Silence engulfed the clearing, like a cloud hanging over their heads. Suddenly a brown she-cat jumped to her feet. "I think you should be leader Lake!" she crowed.

"Me?" The blue-gray tom started, "But I don't know the first thing about running a clan!"

"We would guide you," a light brown tom nodded, "I have traveled far in my life, and I have met other clans. I know what makes a good clan and what makes a bad one."

"Lake for leader!" a light gray she-cat piped up.

"Hush now," Lake meowed, blushing deeply, "You're embarassing me." After a moment of thought, he added, "Well, if you really think I could do it....alright. I'll volunteer." The light gray she-cat beamed with joy.

"If that's all of us, then it's time to vote. All cats who would like me to me leader, gather by the brambles. All cats who want Viper to be leader, gather by the ivy." The cats in the clearing quickly began to move, scurrying to either side of the clearing while Viper and Lake watched from the mid ground.

"It's going to be close," Lake murmered. Viper only nodded, a hungry look filling his eyes. Soon the cats settled on their respective sides.

"Who should count the votes?" the brown she-cat suddenly yowled.

"Lake would do it fairly," a tom on Lake's side of the clearing meowed.

"Lake will cheat!" a she-cat yowled from Viper's side, "Viper would count the votes the correct way!"

"If you count lying as the correct way, then I guess you're right," the tom retorted sourly. The clearing erupted in arguements, the tension increasing by the second. Lake watched with wide eyes.

"Calm down everyone, please!" he meowed, running from one side to the other but failing at accomplishing anything, "If you just settle down we can find a way to do this fairly-"

"Silence!" an old black tom yowled, jumping onto the rock. His amber eyes flashed with annoyance, "You're all acting like a bunch of newborn kits!" The clearing immidatley quieted, a few cats looking downward with embarassment.

"Now, since I won't be joining the clan, I couldn't care less who is leader," the tom growled, "I will count the votes." He jumped down from the rock, approaching Viper's side of the clearing. Lake quickly trotted up to him, his blue eyes concerned.

"Are you sure you don't want to join Shadow?" Lake meowed.

"This is my decision Lake," Shadow meowed in determination.

"If you ever change your mind, there will always be a place for you in the clan," Lake meowed, his voice sounding a bit hurt. Shadow ignored him and began to weave through the cats near the ivy. After a moment of tense anticipation, there came a yowl of "Seven!" There were some head nods and smiles from the cats on Viper's side. Shadow trotted over towards the brambles, and Lake could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Even though he hadn't even considered being leader before, now that he had a chance he realized just how badly he wanted this.

"Nine!" Shadow yowled. Cheers erupted from Lake's side, and Lake let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. I'm leader of a clan now, Lake thought, his head spinning, I'm actually going to do this.

"Congratulations," Viper meowed remorsefully, his seven followers gathered behind him.

"You're all welcome in my clan you know," Lake meowed, snapping out of his trance and glancing apolegetically at the cats.

"No thanks Lake," Viper meowed, holding back a growl. Then, turning to face his crusade of followers, he said, "Who's coming with me to the outskirts?"

"We will," a black tom meowed, stepping forward with a blue-gray she-cat and a gray tom. The she-cat's blue eyes were wide with fear and she glanced up at the black tom with nervousness.

"You can count on me," a young black and white tom stepped forwards, his expression hard and cold. Now there were only two cats left; a brown she-cat and an orange tom.

"Mud, Air, will you join me?" Viperfire growled, sizing them up with his eyes.

"Sorry Viper," Mud meowed, her eyes boldly matched with Viper's "I'm staying with Lake. I agreed to be part of the clan no matter who won."

"Air?" Viper snarled, growing more and more angry.

"I'm sorry..." Air meowed, casting his eyes downwards, "But clan life sounds good..."

"Traitor," Viper spat under his breath, "Just remember that if you ever come crawling back to me, you won't be welcome." Air cast him a terrified glance, then scurried over with the rest of the cats, disappearing into the crowd. With a dramatic swish of his tail, Viper turned around, stalking into the bushes. Just as he approached the edge of the clearing, he glanced back, locking his eyes on Lake. The blue-gray tom was laughing as he spoke to Air, who was looking more cheerful than ever before.

"This isn't over," Viper hissed quietly, "You think that you and your clan are safe? I will come back for my revenge." Then with a final growl, Viper disappeared into the bushes with his followers, a sickening plan already brewing in his mind.

Chapter 1
   Lake woke up slowly, his eyes cracking open. He was in his familiar bramble bush den, the branches winding around him and creating a feeling of security and safety. He yawned, showing off rows of white teeth and uncurling his pink tongue. Smacking his jaws and pawing the sleep out of his eyes, he went over last nights events in his head. '' I'm going to be leader of the new clan. ''     He almost doubted that it had even been real. But no; it was much too clear in his mind for it to have been a dream.

 Lake stretched out his long legs, splaying out his paws and extending his claws. After a moment, he slipped out of the bramble den, emerging into the sunlight. He shook out his pelt, little bits of the bush flying out of his fur. As he soaked up the sunlight, he began his morning ritual by washing off his fur. As he ran his tongue over his paws, picking out leaves and other small bits of nature, he enjoyed his view of the lake. The colors of dawn were shimmering in the water and making the entire lakeside seem surreal and calm.

 “ What should our clan be called?” he murmured to himself, “Dawnclan? No, not right.”

 “ Good morning Lake.” Lake nearly jumped out of his pelt as a light gray she-cat materialized out of the bushes. Her clear blue eyes shimmered with mystery and her feathery tail swished behind her.

 “ Mist!” Lake meowed, smoothing out his fur, “You scared me.”

“    Sorry,” Mist apologized, but her mind was obviously elsewhere. With a sigh, she turned her eyes towards the lake. “I can’t believe we’re actually going to start a clan,” she said softly, “I’ve always lived on my own, depending on myself for prey and shelter.”

“Mhmm,” Lake rumbled, his own thoughts troubled. He turned his head to speak, but was suddenly dumbstruck by Mist's beauty. Her light gray pelt was being struck by the sun at just the right angle so that it almost appeared to be shimmering and her light blue eyes were reflecting the dawn. He sat there, speechless for a moment, before she suddenly turned to face him.

“What are you looking at?” she asked, her pelt bristling.

“Ahem, uh, nothing,” Lake mumbled, dipping down his head to hide his blush. Mist rolled her eyes, but her face was also turning rather red. They turned their heads away from each other, trying not to reveal their embarrassment.

“Have you thought about what we're going to call our clan?” Mist asked, finally breaking the silence.

“Yes,” Lake meowed, shaking out his fur, “I've thought about it. But nothing good has come to me. Would you let me know if you think of a good name?”

“Of course,” Mist purred.

Just then a dusty brown tom emerged from the bushes. His green eyes were excited. “Hey Lake, I-” he paused midsentence, glancing from Mist to Lake “Am I...interrupting...something?” he asked with a sly smile.

“No!” Mist and Lake meowed simultaneously, their voices loud.

“Alright, if you say so...” the tom said, a huge grin plastered on his face.

“Um, what did you want Dust?” Lake choked out stiffly, clenching his teeth to keep from growling. I don't want people assuming things about me and Mist...

“Oh, right!” Dust said, his eyes brightening, “Have you decided where camp is going to be?” He leaned forwards with anticipation, his eyes growing wide.

“No, not really...” Lake meowed nervously. W''as I supposed to figure this out? Oh, I don't anything about running a clan!''

“Good!” Dust said, practically bouncing on his paws, “Because I found the perfect place!”

“Is it far from here?” Lake meowed, sharing a glance with Mist.

“Nope!” Dust said happily, “I'll show you where it is!” He jumped to his feet and began to trot away, his tail held high with pride. Lake and Mist shared a smile. Dust was always so optimistic and energetic, his brown fur just a streak when he was at his fastest. Lake began to follow the brown tom into the woods, the leaves under his paws crackling. Leaf-fall was in full blast. The trees were all shades of red, orange, yellow and brown. He admired the foliage as they weaved between trees and through brush, Dust's brown pelt blending in perfectly with the leaves.

“Who's all joining the clan?” Mist meowed softly, her voice as smooth as silk.

“Dust for sure,” Lake smiled, glancing at the tom trotting happily ahead of them, “Air and Mud too. They voted for Viper, but they seemed pretty sure that they were going to join. And wherever Dust goes, Rice isn't far behind.”

“You mean that tom with the twitchy eye?” Mist asked, trying to hide her distaste.

“Yes,” Lake said firmly, “He will be a valuable member, I'm sure. Those three she-cats that live in the moor; Streak, Mud and Snow; are all joining as well.” This time Mist's face brightened.

“I like those she-cats,” Mist meowed with a smile.

“Fire, Crow and Cloud are still deciding, but I'm sure they'll like what they see,” Lake said, “Then there's Amber....she's pretty skeptical. I hope we can show her that we're worth joining.” Now Lake's voice was laced with worry.

“I'm sure that they'll all be convinced that you're the cat for the job,” Mist said softly, her eyes sympathetic.

“Thanks,” Lake meowed, flashing her a small smile.

“We're here!” Dust chirped, his tail twitching with excitement. Lake glanced around, his expression confused. They were on the beach of the lake. The sand was soft against his paws, but he saw no place for shelter.

“Dust...?” Lake began, but Dust had already started wading into the water.

“See that island over there?” Dust meowed, pointing his muzzle at a small patch of land in the water, “It's perfect!”

“How do we get there?” Mist asked skeptically.

“We wade over of course!” Dust said happily. Mist's muzzle screwed up in distaste. Her long silky fur wasn't made for the water. It absorbed water quickly and dragged her down, then took forever to dry off.

“What, afraid to get your paws wet?” Dust jeered.

“No!” Mist growled, her fur bristling, “It just takes a while for my fur to dry off, that's all.”

“Oh, boo hoo,” Dust scoffed, rolling his eyes, “Toughen up, or you're not going to last a day in a clan.” Mist's fur was standing on end in indignation, but she kept her muzzle shut. Slowly, the three cats began to wade into the water. Lake shivered as the water lapped at his belly fur. The chilly leaf-fall air was cooling off the lake water considerably.

Lake titled up his head to keep his nose from going underwater. The water was lapping at his ears now and his paws scrambled for the bottom of the lake.

“I can't touch anymore Dust!” Lake meowed in panic.

“Ok,” Dust said, his expression falling in disappointment, “I guess we'll turn back.” The threesome quickly turned around, emerging from the lake. Lake shivered, his teeth chattering as water shed off his fur. He sighed with relief as his paws pressed into the warm sand.

“We probably could have made it to the island if we had swam for a little bit. I think that the deep portion lasts very long,” Dust meowed, shaking out his fur and looking just as perky as before.

“What about when there are kits and elders?” Mist pointed out, “They'd never make it there.”

“I guess you're right...” Dust sighed, his ears folding back and his eyes going downwards. Lake felt his stomach twist. He hated to see Dust so pitiful looking.

“Hey. We'll find another way to get there, alright?” Lake said gently, “I think that we can do it.”

“Really?” Dust said, his eyes hopeful.

“Of course I do,” Lake purred.

“Then let's keep going!” Dust purred, his tail flying into the air. He bolted off into the bushes, his legs a blur. Mist shook her head, but she was smiling.

“That cat has issues,” she meowed, her voice affectionate.

“Don't we all though?” Lake snorted, “Come'on, let's go help that furzeball.” Lake trotted into the swampland, his paws squelching in the damp ground. He paused, looking over at a fallen tree.

“Hey, Mist,” Lake meowed. Mist immediately appeared next to him. “What if we used this tree as a bridge to the island?” Mist padded up to the tree, her nose twitching.

“No,” she sighed, “If we pushed it into the water, it would just sink to the bottom. Then we'd have a bridge to the bottom of the lake.”

“Oh,” Lake meowed in disappointment.

“But...” Mist meowed, her eyes suddenly glowing with an idea, “If we could find a hollowed out tree, then it would float, and we could get it to the island easily!” She suddenly dashed into the brush, her tail giving a final flick before it disappeared into the leaves.

“Wait up!” Lake said, racing after her. He followed the light gray tail that was bobbing above the brush. The brambles were scratching at his eyes and he could feel them beginning to water. ''Mouse dung! ''He suddenly emerged into a clearing. Mist had stopped. Before Lake could stop himself, he had crashed into her with a yelp. The two cats tumbled along for a few seconds, then suddenly Lake found himself looking down at Mist, their noses almost touching. His face immediately turned red as a tomato. It was horribly embarrassing.

So of course Dust showed up.

“Is this love?” Dust laughed, melting out of the bushes, “Oooh, I see kits in the near future! Can I help name them Lake, huh?”

“Shut up!” Lake snarled, quickly backing up off of Mist. He sent Dust a glare that immediately shut his muzzle, but nothing Lake did could stop Dust from continuing to send them sly looks. Mist got up, shaking the dust out of her fur and coughing, half from the dust and half from embarrassment.

“Well, I found a hollowed out tree,” Mist said, trying to change the subject, “We can drag it into the water.”

“Ah, good job,” Lake meowed, not being able to bear to make eye contact with the she-cat, “Come'on, let's get to work.” The three cats rushed over to the tree. Dust and Mist were discussing how they would get the tree the beach, but Lake couldn't concentrate. Mist sent him a glance, and Lake blushed.

''As much as I hate to admit it, she's really nice and really pretty. What if this is love?''

&-!

Chapter 2
It wasn't until sunset that the three cats had finally finished getting the bridge in place. After a few test rounds, they decided it was safe.

"Thank you for finding our camp Dust." Lake said.

Dust smiled and stood up a little taller. "Also, I figured I'd better tell you how cats are ranked." Dust said. "Back in the clans I met with, there was the leader. Then there was the deputy, which is pretty much the cat who takes over as leader when the leader dies. There are warriors, which are normal cats how hunt and fight for the clan. There are apprentices, who are learning how to become warriors. There are queens and kits obviously, and the elders. Then there was the strangest cat of all...a medicine cat. They collect herbs and heal the cats in their clans."

"Thank you Dust." Lake purred. "I'll remember that."

“Mist, can you lead everyone to the island bridge tommorow morning? But tell them not to cross yet.” Lake pleaded.

“Sure.” said Mist, and was gone.

"Well, I'm going to sleep now." Dust said as he yawned. "See you tommorow."

Lake scratched together a pile of moss and settled down. Tommorow clan life would really begin...

Lake yawned and opened his eyes. It was almost sunrise! After a quick mouse to eat, Lake headed over the the island, stopping at the bridge.

“Good.” He thought. “I’m the first one here.” He looked around for a tall rock or tree to go in so everyone could see him. “There’s one!” he thought. He ran over and went on the tall rock and looked down. “Yep, everyone will see me here!” he thought.

After waiting a while, all the cats gathered. Then he yowled for silence, and the clearing fell silent. “Cats, I have found a camp.” He began. Cats started to cheer. Lake raised his tail for silence. “I need to know your opinions on it before anything is official, so we are going to see it today.” he yowled. "Would everyone please cross the dead tree onto the island?"

Lake watched as each of his new clanmates crossed onto the island. They were a bit scared, but all of them made it. Almost every cat was over, but Cloud hadn’t made a move to go over. “Come on Cloud!” Lake said.

"It doesn't look very safe..." Cloud said doubtfully.

"Look, I'll be right behind you." Lake said. Cloud looked at the water doubtfully. Finally she jumped onto the log. It started to wobble, and she panicked. She tried to run to the other side but didn’t make it and fell in.

“Help!!” she screamed, and started to sink. Lake raced to the shore and jumped in. He could feel the water tugging him down, but refused to let it take him. He grabbed Cloud by the scruff, and then started to swim towards shore. Cloud writhed in his grasp.

"Stop writhing Cloud! I'm helping you!" Lake spat through a mouthful of fur. Finally he dragged her onto shore.

“Are you sure this is the right choice?” Air said. “A cat could drown trying to get to their camp!”

"Yes, I'm sure. Everything we do comes with some risks." Lake said confidently.

“Ok…” Air said, but obviously he still wasn’t sure.

“So, in the middle of the island is a huge tree. That is where I will call clan meetings” Lake began, trying to ignore the way his stomach churned when he spoke in front of the clan. "There is a hole in the tree, so I can also have my nest in there. There are caves around the island too. I found one for the warriors and one for the apprentices. We can use the bramble bushes for a nursery, and there is a nice looking log that the elders can nap in.”

“Sounds like a good camp to me.” Fire said. “Why don’t we go check it out?” Then she ran into the bushes. The whole clan followed her and dashed to see the camp.

“Wow!” Air said, thoroughly impressed. Cats wandered around, chattering excitedly. Finally, the sun started to set, and Lake helped show the cats where they would sleep.

"It was a long day." Mist said, letting out a yawn.

"Yeah, thanks for your help." Lake said.

"Anytime." Mist said, and she brushed her fur against Lake's. Then she slipped into the warriors den.

“Good night!” Lake said to Mist, and then went to his new nest. Today had been quite hectic. I’m pooped! he thought as he flopped into his nest. It had been a long day, and tomorrow would be their first full day as a clan. “I hope we grow strong and make a wonderful clan," he thought, and then dropped off to sleep. "I'm starved!"

Viper and his three followers were trudging through the forest. The black tom, Gorge, was complaining. "Why can't we hunt?" he growled.

"Because we need to get as far away from Lake's clan as we can!" Viper hissed.

After a walking for a while, they came to a clearing. "Hey, this isn't a bad place to stay!" Gorge said. "Can we have our clan's camp here?"

Viper walked down and examined every corner. "It looks like a good place to be." he said. "And it's far away from Lake."

"I vote we stay!" a gray tom named Grass said. "What about you Tiny?" A little blue-gray she-cat nodded shyly.

"Then it's settled." Viper said. "But tommorow we have to search for other cats to be in our clan."

"Mmm-hmm." Gorge said before he yawned. "Sounds good to me..." Then the four cats settled in for the night.

Viper stretched and gave out a yawn. Then he remembered that today he was going to gather cats to create his clan. He shook Gorge until the black tom finally blinked open his sleepy eyes and mumbled. "What is it Viper?"

"Today we have to gather cats to be in our clan!" Viper said impatiently.

"Fine fine, I'm getting up." Gorge said. He slowly raised himself out of bed and gave out a long yawn. "Ok, let's go." he said, his eyes lighting up. Then the two cats trotted out of camp.

"We should go to the big oak tree first." Gorge said. "I know a few she-cats who live there." Viper nodded.

"Then we should explore the woods. I'm sure there are plenty of loners in search of a warm place to sleep and companionship." Viper said.

Suddenly a orange she-cat leapt out of the bushes. "Who are you?" she growled.

Gorge backed up fearfully, but Viper remained calm. "I am Viper and this is Gorge." he said. "We are starting a clan. In a clan-"

"A clan?" the orange she-cat eyes immediatley lit up. "I've always wanted to be in a clan! Can I join?"

Viper purred. "Of course you can. But may I know your name?"

"I'm Apple!" she said. "I can't believe you let me in so easily! I tried to join this other clan once, but they kicked me out." Her eyes narrowed. "I hate them."

"Don't worry, you will be guarenteed a warm place to stay in my clan." Viper said. It's almost too easy.

Finally Viper felt he had enough cats to create the beginnings of a clan. There was him, Gorge, Tiny, Grass, Apple, Night, Raccoon, Tree, Rabbit, Badger and Black.

As the cats gathered underneath the rock Tiny scampered up to Viper. "Viper...there is a clan called Fireclan." Tiny whispered. "They are our ancestors. They watch from above us and keep peace over our clan. Last night your father visited me. He told me that the leader's name should end in fire in honor of our ancestors, and that the medicine cat's name should end in bird."

"That's all very well Tiny, but we have no medicine cat." Viper growled.

"Well, I was wondering...that is...would you let me be your medicine cat?" Tiny asked. Viper was a bit suprised but shook his head. "Of course...if that's what you want." he said.

"Thank you so much!" Tiny purred.

"Anytime." Viper smiled as Tiny skittered away. Then he turned his head towards the clan. "Tonight we will give everyone their clan names. Gorge, Grass, Apple, Night, Raccoon, and Tree step forward." The six cats stepped forward, all of them looking nervous.

"Gorge, from now on you will be known as Gorgefur. Grass, from now on you will be known as Grassclaw. Apple, from now on you will be known as Applefang. Night, from now on you will be known as Nightpelt. Raccoon, from now on you will be known as Raccoonfeet. Tree, from now on you will be known as Treeflower." Viper said.

The clan erupted in cheers. Viperfire silenced them. "Now for the apprenties. Rabbit, Badger, Black, step forward." The three young cats stepped forward.

"Rabbit, from now on you will be known as Rabbitpaw. Badger, from now on you will be known as Badgerpaw. Black, from now on you will be known as Blackpaw." Viper said. Once again there were cheers and Viper silenced them.

"Fireclan are a clan that lives in the stars. All our ancestors have gone there. Our parents are all there. They have given me a message that the medicine cat's name should end in bird and the leaders name should end in fire." Viper paused for a moment. "Tiny wishes to become our medicine cat. Tiny, from now on you will be known as Tinybird!" Tinybird blushed as there were cheers.

"And now...from this moment on, everyone shall call me by my new name." Viperfire paused, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. Then he shot them open, their green eyes reflecting the moonlight.

"From now on you shall call me Viperfire."

Chapter 3
Lake yawned, then got up and stretched. He had been thinking of how the clan would work all night, and he thought he had something figured out for hunting patrols.

He went out, and then leaped in the high tree. “Clan meeting!” he yowled. All the cats gathered around the high tree. “I think we need to discuss a few things.” He began. “We need patrols of cats to go hunting. Does everyone agree we should do this?” All the cats nodded their heads in agreement.

Lake sighed in relief. "Here is how patrols will work; there will be three to four cats per patrol. There will be one cat in each patrol that will lead them. The patrol leader will decide where to hunt and if the patrol should split up. We will have two hunting patrols in the morning, and two in the evening." Lake said. "Is everyone alright with this...?"

The cats murmered in agreement. "Ok....umm...let's see...Mist can lead one patrol and Fire can lead another. You two can pick who to join you." Lake said. "Also, we need a name for our clan. Any ideas?"

"Leafclan!" Mud shouted.

"No, we should be Treeclan!" Air yowled. The arguement quickly heated up, cats yowling at each other what the clan name should be. Then over all their voices, Mist screeched, "It should be LAKECLAN!"

The clearing fell silent. Lake closed his eyes in embarassment. ''Why Mist, why? ''

"Yea, it should be Lakeclan." Dust said.

"That would be selfish, though, to name the clan after myself." Lake said.

"Well it's also named after the lake we live by. I say Lakeclan!" Mud said.

"Lakeclan! Lakeclan!" The clan cheered. Lake yowled for silence and the cheers died off. "Fine. We shall be known as Lakeclan from this moment on. Now go organize the patrols."

He jumped off the high tree. As cats argued over who should be in the patrols, Lake slipped out of camp. He wandered near the river and paused near it's banks. “Was making a clan the best thing to do?” he wondered. Then a fish swam practically in front of his nose. He pushed it out of the water with a swipe of his paw. He watched it wiggle for a while, and then stop. He dug a small hole; put the fish in it, then covered the top with twigs and leaves so other animals wouldn’t see it. “Good catch Lake!” Lake turned to see Mist calling out to him with Dust and Snow behind her. He nodded briefly to them, then wandered back into the woods.

Lake walked back with his fish in his mouth. He was still thinking very hard and ran into Mist. "Ouch!" Mist said as she toppled over.

"Sorry!" Lake said.

"You stupid furball!" Mist growled angrily.

"I'm sorry...I-I-" Lake stuttered. Then he dropped his fish and raced into his den. He flung himself into his nest and sighed. ''Why do I run away whenever someone gets mad at me? I'm not a good leader.''

Mist entered Lake's den. "Hey, Lake...I'm sorry that I blew up at you." she said.

"It's alright. I'm not a good leader. I always run away when cats get mad at me." Lake sighed. " I'm too soft."

"Hey, don't put yourself down." Mist said. She walked over to Lake and settled down next to him. "I think you're a great leader."

“Mist, I have something important to ask you.” Lake said, taking a deep breath. "I've been thinking about it, and...well..."

“Yes?” she said.

“I want you to be my deputy, which means when I die you will become leader.” Lake said. Mist gasped.

“You really want ME to be deputy?!”

“Yes. Would you like to?” Lake said.

“Would I like to?! I’d be honored!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with suprise. But you could see that she was very very pleased.

“Thanks, you're great.” Lake said as he smiled. 'I'm going to go announce it to the clan. " He got up and stepped out onto one of the branches in the tree as Mist jumped down into the clearing and sat down. “Clan meeting!” he yowled. Cats came out of their dens and gathered around the high tree.

“Cats of Lakeclan.” He began. “I have good news to announce. I have decided on a deputy. Mist, come forward.” Mist came up eagerly, her eyes dancing with excitement.

“I, Lake, leader of Lakeclan, am proud to name this warrior a deputy. She is encouraging and brave, and will make a great leader someday. And we will accept her with honor. Mist, do you accept?” Lake asked.

“I do.” Mist said in a shaky yet sure voice.

“Then we accept you!” Lake yowled.

“Mist! Mist!” the cats yowled. When Mist went down the cats gathered around her to congratulate her. Lake watched her proudly. But then he heard a voice whisper in his ear, “Head upriver tonight. Keep following it until you come to a group of large rocks. They are called the Star Rocks. Touch your nose to them and fall asleep."

“What? Where are you?” Lake demanded. But the voice was gone.

Lake woke up. It was time. He got out of bed. “This is crazy, but I have to try.” He thought. He tiptoed out of camp. Then he followed the river upstream. Finally, when he was starting to consider going back, he saw the rocks.

The moon made them glow eerily. He approached them cautiously. They looked like normal rocks...Suddenly the moon poked through the trees and Lake gasped as the light hit the rocks and made them glow brightly. He laid down and closed his eyes. Then, holding his breath, he reached out and touched the stones.

After a while he dared to open his eyes. He was in an unfamiliar field! He looked around. Then he saw a blue she-cat and gray tom approaching him.

“Mom? Dad?” he said, so surprised and shocked he barely got the words out.

“Son!” they said together. They ran towards each other.

“I was afraid you’d ignore our message!” his mom said.

“No mom. When a voice whispers in my ear, I want to know if I’m going crazy or not." They all laughed together.

“Now to do what we called you here for.” His dad said. “We have come to give you your ten lives.”

“TEN LIVES! For what?” Lake exclaimed.

“You will need them to become a leader that will prove he would use every last life he has for his clan. This is like a test. Leaders who use all ten lives for their clan go to live with their ancestors when they die, in Waterclan. Other leaders who don’t, will not join us here.” Lake's father said.

“Where do they go to then?” Lake asked.

“You don't want to know. Just know that it is a horrible place filled with hate and bloodshed.” his father said. “Now, on with the ceremony. With this life I give you power. Use it when your clan needs you to be strong." Lake felt like lightning had just struck him.

“Ready for the next?” his father said. Lake nodded. “With this life I give you courage. Use it to face enemies that seem to be impossible to defeat.” His father said. Lake felt a horrible pain running through him. He gasped for breath.

“Ready?" his father asked.

“Smoky, give him a break!” Lake’s mom said.

“But Sky…” Smoky began.

“I’m ready now.” Lake said. Smoky turned to him. "With this life I give you loyalty. Use it to always think of your clan first.” Smoky said. Lake felt like a cat was ripping him to pieces, and this time he couldn't hold back a scream. Finally the pain faded away.

“With this life I give you strength. Use it to protect your clan in the darkest of times." Lake felt like his pelt was on fire. Finally the burning sensation ended.

“With this life I give you hope. Use it when there seems to be no escape from certain death.” Smoky said. Lake felt like there was something tugging at his heart and causing pain in his chest. He wheezed for a moment then caught his breath.

Smoky stepped back and Sky stepped forward. “With this life I give you love. Use it to treat all your clanmates with care.” She said. Lake expected a soft life, but it was the opposite. It felt like a force pushing him in all directions at once. When it stopped, he gasped for breath. How much longer could he take this?

“With this life I give you wisdom. Use it to make hard decisions.” she said. Lake felt like he was slowly withering away into nothing. Finally the sensation left.

“With this life I give you fairness. Use it to treat others the same way you treat your own kin.” She said. This was an easier life and there was much less pain.

“With this life I give you honesty. Use it tell your clan the truth, even if it's hard.” She said. Lake felt like a spark traveled through his body, and it left tingling in his paws.

“With this life I give you responsibility. Use it to take on the challenge of being leader.” She said. Lake felt like a huge wave crashed on him.

“Now, there are a couple more things we want to say.” Smoky said. “The leaders name shall end in Water, in honor of your ancestors, Waterclan, and the medicine cat's name shall end in Sky.” He said.

“Ok” said Lake, still feeling a bit dizzy from the lives he had recieved. Then Sky came over and whispered in his ear, “Beware of the snake who leaves a trail of flames, for it will come for revenge. But peace will come in good time.”

“What do you mean?” Lake said. Then they started fading. “No! Don’t go! I need to know what the message means!” But they were gone.

Chapter 4
Lake jumped into the high tree. "Clan meeting!" he yowled. Soon all of the cats had gathered. "I have had a dream..." he began. "I dreamed about Waterclan. They are our ancestors. They have told me that the leaders name should end in water, and the medicine cat's name ends in sky. Which reminds me that we have to do the naming ceremony. Warriors, please step forward."

After all of the Lakeclan warriors had stepped forward, Lake began to speak. "Mist, from now on you will be known as Mistwind. Air, from now on you will be known as Airwind. Mud, from now on you will be known as Mudpelt. Streak, from now on you will be known as Streakfur. Snow, you will be known as Snowtail. Grass, you will be known as Grassfur. Dust, you will be known as Dustbreeze. Fire, you will be known as Fireflame." The clan erupted in cheers as cats called each other by their new names.

"Cloud will be known as Cloudsky." Lake said. A few more cheers were yowled out. Then Lake took a deep breath and said,

"And from now on, I will be Lakewater."

Lakewater came back into camp from a patrol with Fireflame and Snowtail. He looked at the fresh-kill pile. There was a lot of fresh kill. Lakewater took a deep breath and approached Mistwind.

"Want to share a piece?" Lakewater said nervously.

"Sure." Mistwind purred. Lakewater looked at her as she took a bite of the rabbit. There was some feeling that he couldn't quite name. ''What is it? I can't put my paw on it... it is a good feeling, a feeling like somthing is tugging me over to her... could it be?...is it love? Do I love Mistwind?'' Lakewater thought. He looked into her eyes. Now he knew. They had been best friends for a long time, and now Lakewater was realizing that he wanted to be more than friends.

''What about Mistwind? Does she love me?'' he thought. She looked up and their eyes locked. Lakewater could see that she had the same feelings.

"Let's go for a walk, ok?" Lakewater said.

"Ok!" Mistwind purred, and they walked out of camp, their tails intertwined.

Lakewater stretched. Today looked like a great day to go hunting! He was filled with a warm glow of happiness as he thought of the walk they had gone on a few nights ago. Mistwind had agreed to be his mate. Now nothing could tear them apart.

Lakewater went out of his den. Cats were just getting up. Lakewater went over to Mistwind. He gasped.

"What? What's happening?" Mistwind said frantically. "Is there something on me? Is it my fur?"

Suddenly a huge smile appeared on Lakewater's face."Your having kits! My kits!" he said as he beamed.

Mistwind looked at her belly. "I thought I was just eating too many squirrels!" she gasped. "But...you're right!" Mistwind purred. "I'm so happy!" she said.

"I love you Mistwind." Lakewater purred.

"I do too" Mistwind purred.

After a half moon of being in the nursery, it was about time for Mistwind to have her kits. Cloudsky was nervous about her first time helping birth kits. "I need a medicine that can help a queen with her milk..." she thought. Maybe a bit of rest would help her. She layed in her nest. Soon she fell into a peaceful sleep.

Cloudsky woke up to a groan from the nursery. Mistwind! She ran over. What should she do? Then a voice whispered in her ear, "Stroke her belly." it whispered. Cloudsky started to stroke her belly. A huge groan split the air, and a kit popped out.

Cloudsky looked at it. "A healthy tom." she proclaimed.

"Now lick the kits fur the wrong way." the voice whispered.

Cloudsky started licking it's fur the wrong way. Soon it was warm and was meowing for milk. Mistwind let out another groan, and another kit popped out.

"A healthy tom." Cloudsky said again. She felt Mistwind's stomach while she licked the kit. "Only one more to go." Cloudsky said.

Just then another kit popped out. "A healthy she-cat." Cloudsky said. Mistwind started licking the small kit. Just then Lakewater came crashing through the nursery entrance.

"Is she alright?" he asked.

"Yes, and she had two toms and a she-cat." Cloudsky said. Then she pushed all the kits towards their mother. They began to suckle.

"What should they be named?" Mistwind said.

"The gray tom should be...Pebblekit!" Lakewater said.

"And the yellow she-cat with orange spots should be Sunnykit." Mistwind said. "And the blueish-gray tom should be...Wavekit!"

After a bit Pebblekit and Sunnykit finished. Wavekit was trying to suckle, but Mistwind had run out of milk. Wavekit meowed in protest, but soon Mistwind put him to sleep.

As Cloudsky walked out of the nursery, she became worried again. How could she get Mistwind more milk? Wavekit had at least got some. She laid in her nest. She fell again into a peaceful sleep, and woke up in the field.

Voices started whisper, but Cloudsky couldn't tell what they were saying. "I need you! I need something to help Mistwind get milk!" Cloudsky said. Then the she-cat's voice became loud and clear.

"Look for the leaves shaped like stars, they will help you. They are borage leaves, find them in the woods..." the voice began to fade.

"Thank you so much!" Cloudsky said. Then she woke up.

She ran out into the forest in the middle of the night. She looked everywhere but couldn't find the star shaped leaves. She laid down and started to cry. Just then the moon shone on a plant, and Cloudsky looked up. There it was! The star shaped leaves, borage leaves! Cloudsky ran over and collected as many as she could, then raced back to camp.

She looked for Mistwind, but she was gone! Then she realized that she must have gone out with Lakewater for a walk. Snowfur was watching the kits till they came back. Well, she'd just have to wait.

"It feels so good to smell fresh air!" Mistwind exlaimed. "Let's go over to the mountains!"

"That sounds great!" Lakewater said. Soon they were there.

"Wow, it sure is amazing, isn't it?" Mistwind said.

"Yep, sure is." agreed Lakewater. Just then he heard a rumble. He looked up to see rocks rolling down the mountainside. "Avalanche!" he yowled, then dashed for dear life.

Chapter 5
Lakewater dashed as he watched the mountains whiz past. Mistwind was just behind him. The rumbling was getting louder by the minute. The avalanche got closer, and closer, till it was nearly at the end of the mountain. Lakewater realized they couldn't outrun the rocks.

"We can't outrun them!" Lakewater shouted to Mistwind. "We'll have to climb a tree!" Mistwind nodded and they both dashed towards a large pine tree. Mistwind desperatley clawed at the trunk, but she couldn't get high enough to reach the branches. Lakewater locked his eyes with hers for a moment, as if to say goodbye. Then he pushed her up with all his strength. Mistwind dug her claws into the branch and watched the horrible scene unfold.

Lakewater was quickly covered by rocks. She wanted to throw herself there and die with Lakewater, but she knew her kits needed her. She sat there crying, wondering how she would go on without Lakewater, when she remembered his ten lives. He isn't going to die!

He would soon wake up, so if she could get him out before he woke up, then he would be out and only lose one life! She waited for the avalanche to be over, then leapt down onto the rocks. She dashed over to the rubble where Lakewater was buried, ignoring the pain in her paws as she stepped on the sharp rocks.

She dug through the rubble, slowly uncovering Lakewater's bloodstained body. Mist stared at him with horror. He had a deep cut on his right back leg, and his ears were covered in nicks. His eyes stared blankly into the distance.

She quickly got him out and carried him to a clearing. What should she do?! Well, she had to stop the bleeding. She looked around for something to put on the wounds. Cobwebs! Cobwebs were strong and would stop the bleeding! She gathered as many as possible, then placed them on the wounds. As she was putting them on Lakewater started to move.

"Lakewater! Are you awake? Lakewater!" Mistwind said frantically. Lakewater opened his eyes. "You're ok! Thank Waterclan!" Mistwind said.

"What about you?" Lakewater said. Mistwind stared at her bloody paws. "Just some cuts on my paws." Mistwind said. "But you need to get back to camp." Lakewater struggled up and Mistwind let him lean against her as they walked back to camp.

"I just lost a life." he thought. His father had told him he had lost a life in his sleep (or whatever happens when you lose a life) He still had nine lives though. As they staggered into camp, they heard heard gasps of shock.

Cloudsky ran out. "Mistwind I fond an herb that-" she stopped when she looked at Lakewater. Her eyes got wide.

"I found cobwebs and they stopped the bleeding." Mistwind said.

"Oh, good! I already found a plant called comfry. It helps make sure the wound doesn't get infected." Cloudsky said. "Fireflame, will you go get me some fresh cobwebs?"

"Sure" Fireflame said.

"Um, I also cut my paws on the stones." Mistwind said as she lifted one of her paws.

"Oh!" Cloudsky said.

"If you don't have enough comfry, you don't have to do mine." Mistwind said.

"No! I've got plenty of comfry!" Cloudksky said hurriedly, and with that she dashed into her den.

Lakewater stepped out of the medicine cat's den. He felt much better. Cloudsky had discovered a leaf that helped give queens milk. It was called borage. Lakewater was glad Mistwind had enough milk now. He walked over to the nursery. When he entered the kits were suckling.

Wavekit was sucking eagerly. Sunnykit and Pebblekit finished, but Wavekit kept going on. When he finally stopped, he layed down and burped. Mistwind and Lakewater laughed together. Wavekit now had all the milk he wanted. Wavekit was the smallest of them, but he sure did drink a lot of milk!

Suddenly Sunnykit opened her eyes. She blinked to get used to the light of the world, and looked at her mother. She immediatly started sniffing around. Then he looked at Pebblekit. He liked to relax a lot. When he looked at all his kits, he knew that each one of them would become a great warrior.

Lakewater settled down next to Mistwind for a nap. When he fell asleep, he opened his eyes to see himself in the clearing of Waterclan. His father came out of the bushes.

"Son!" he smiled.

"Hi father! Why have you brought me here?" Lakewater asked.

"A big war is coming up, and you need to be ready. I will visit you every night to teach you battle moves and give you advice. Show your clan my moves, so they will be ready too. Let's begin." Smoky said. Lakewater learned five battle moves that night, and practiced them. At the end he was very tired.

"You are doing good." Smoky said. Lakewater smiled. Soon he would have all the battle moves down, and be ready for this big war. But who would he be fighting against?

Chapter 6
Viperfire walked through the forest. Today he was going to relax. But just today. He needed to train his new apprentice, Blackpaw. He thought about Flame, his old best friend''. I wish he were here. ''Viper had named his clan Flameclan. Mostly because flame's were powerful and strong, like his clan, but also because he missed his old friend and vaugely hoped that he would come back. Suddenly he heard a rustle in the bushes and a orange tom came out.

"Flame!" Viper purred, very suprised. "Is it really you?"

"Viper!" Flame purred back.

"Where have you been?" Viperfire demanded. "I searched all over for you, and I thought you had left the forest!"

"Just hanging around." Flame shrugged. "You know me, wandering here and there. Well, what did you want?"

"I wanted you to join Flameclan. I am the leader. and I thought that it would be nice to have you in my clan. We're strong, powerful and I'm sure that all my clanmates would love to have you in my clan." Viperfire said proudly.

Flame looked at Viperfire, looking amazed. "You really want me to be in your clan!?" Flame said.

"Yes. I also want to you to be my deputy, which means you will become leader after me. So, did you want to?" Viperfire asked.

"Would I like too?! I'd be honored!" Flame said. "But are you sure I would make a good deputy?"

"Flame, you are the strongest, cleverest cat I know. I'm sure that when you're leader you will lead this clan into victory and triumph!" Viperfire said. "Now follow me back to camp."

The two toms talked to each other as they made their way back to camp. Viperfire was happy. The two toms had met each other and become friends long ago. Flame was strong. Powerful.

Flame will be very useful when we go to war...

"Clan meeting!" Viperfire yowled. Soon the clan had gathered.

"I have one more addition to our clan; this is Flame. He and I go back a long ways. I have decided he will join the clan and be our deputy. From this moment on he will be known as Flameclaw."

"Flameclaw! Flameclaw!" The clan cheered.

Viperfire looked around at his clan proudly. Flame, no, Flameclaw, was a great addition to his clan. Flameclaw would be a great leader someday. He was strong and brave. And I will help Flameclaw become a sucessful leader someday.

Like me.

Chapter 7
Lakewater walked towards the nursery. He wanted to look at his kits again. As he approached the nursery, Sunnykit, Pebblekit and Wavekit came tumbling out of the nursery, tripping over their own feet. Lakewater purred. "Hi Daddy!" Sunnykit said.

While Pebblekit and Sunnykit chatted away, Wavekit snuck behind Lakewater, then pounced on his tail, his tiny claws unsheathed.

"Oww!" Lakewater yowled. He whipped around just in time to see Wavekit scampering away. Lakewater smiled. Wavekit was so good at sneaking up on cats.

"Oww!" Lakewater yowled again. He turned agian to see Sunnykit and Pebblekit running into the nursery, laughing. He licked his feet. Now his paws and his tail hurt. He snuck into the nursery, and jumped out at the kits and yowled, "Where are my kits? I want to see my kits!"

"We're here!" they all sqeaked, and ran to him.

"I think that my kits scratched my tail and paws!" he said.

"Oh no! He's gonna get us!" they squealed. They dived underneath a leaf. Lakewater could hear them giggling.

He put a paw under the leaf and scooped them all out. "Ahh!" they squealed. He tickled them till they all squealed "Please!  Let us go! We won't scratch you again!" Lakewater stopped, although he knew they would scratch him again.

After a game of play fight the kits went to sleep. Lakewater walked to give out patrols. His kits should become apprentices soon. As he walked to the tall tree, he smiled to himself. Yes, they would be apprentices very soon.

"Sunnykit, Pebblekit, Wavekit, do you all accept the path of a warrior? And do you accept being an apprentice, which means that you accept to follow the leaders word, and protect this clan, even at the cost of your life?" Lakewater said.

"I do" Sunnykit said.

"I do" Pebblekit said.

"I do" Wavekit said.

"From this moment on you will be known as Sunnypaw, Pebblepaw and Wavepaw!" Lakewater yowled. Pebblepaw was smiling. Wavepaw's eyes were gleaming, and he was smiling. Sunnypaw was smiling, her eyes were gleaming, and she was bouncing up and down. "Sunnypaw! Pebblepaw! Wavepaw!" everyone cheered. Lakewater watched happily.

Suddenly he saw gleaming green eyes. It was Viper. Time seemed to slow down as Lakewater heard him whisper four words, four words that made Lakewater frozen with shock.

"We are at war."

Like this book? Then read the next one, Lake and Flame Meet

'''Please comment if you like this! It feels great when I know that people are reading this!'''