The Dark Secret

 To: 

 Erin Hunter 

 My real-life Gingerheart

 My real-life Foxstar

 = Allegiances = 

 ThunderClan 

 

 Leader:  Foxstar— dark ginger tom

 Deputy:  Rockfall— black-and-white tom with an injured hind leg

 Medicine Cat:  Furrypelt— long-haired ginger-and-white she-cat with blue eyes

                                   Apprentice, Poppypaw

 Warriors:  Birchfall— light brown tabby tom

                       Whitewing— white she-cat with green eyes

                       Berrynose— cream-colored tom

                       Cinderheart— gray tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Ivypool— silver-and-white tabby she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Rosepetal— dark cream she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Blossomfall— tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Bumblestripe— very pale gray tom with black stripes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Cherryfall— ginger she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Applepaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Mousewhisker— gray-and-white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Fernsong— yellow tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Hollytuft— black she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Stormcloud— gray tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Sparrowpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Ambermoon— pale ginger she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Dewnose— gray-and-white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Lilyheart— small, dark tabby she-cat with white patches and blue                               eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sparkheart— orange tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Alderfoot— dark ginger tom with amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Firepelt— flame-colored tom with green eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Bramblethorn— dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Frostpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Gingerheart— ginger she-cat with white belly

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Larkspirit— black tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Honeyfur— white she-cat with yellow splotches

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brightpelt— neon yellow tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Cloudheart— pure white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sunstripe— yellow tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Icepelt— pure white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Squirreltail— orange tom with a white belly and paws and a bushy                            tail

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Mistypelt— gray-and-white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Deerfur— brown she-cat with white belly and blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Robinfeather— black tom with white paws

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Wolfnose— gray tom with white paws

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Stripefur— white she-cat with orange stripes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Beechtail— light brown mottled tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Rainspeckle— blue-gray mottled she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Dawnfur— pale ginger she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brindlefur— mottled dark brown she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Oakbranch— brown tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Boulderfoot— gray tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Specklepelt— speckled yellow she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Hazelwing— ginger-and-brown she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Maplefur— brown she-cat with ginger splotches

<p class="MsoNormal"> Apprentices:  Sparrowpaw— brown-and-white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Poppypaw— light brown tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Applepaw— cream she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Frostpaw— pale gray she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal"> Queens:  Daisy— cream long-furred she-cat from the horseplace

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Dovewing— pale gray she-cat with blue eyes (mother to                                               Tigerheart’s kits: Palekit, a pale gray tabby she-kit, Pinekit, a dark                                 brown tabby tom-kit, and Softkit, a white she-kit)

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Leafbreeze— tortoiseshell she-cat (expecting Rockfall’s kits)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Millie— striped gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Cloudtail— long-haired white tom with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brackenfur— golden brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brightheart— white she-cat with ginger patches

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Thornclaw— golden brown tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Spiderleg— long-limbed black tom with brown underbelly and                                    amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Jayfeather— gray tabby tom with blind blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Leafpool— light brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> ShadowClan 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> 

<p class="MsoNormal"> Leader:  Rowanstar— ginger tom

<p class="MsoNormal"> Deputy:  Crowfrost— black-and-white tom

<p class="MsoNormal"> Medicine Cat:  Puddlefur— brown tom with white splotches

<p class="MsoNormal"> Warriors:  Tigerheart— dark brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Ferretclaw— black-and-gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Dawnpelt— cream-furred she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Berryheart— black-and-white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Cloverfoot— gray tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Seedpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Rippletail— white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sparrowtail— large tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Mistcloud— spiky-furred, pale gray she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Vinepaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Stonewing— white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Pinenose— black she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Pigeonpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Needleclaw— sleek, silver she-cat with white chest fur and bold                                 green eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Yarrowtail— ginger tom with yellow eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Beefoot— white she-cat with black ears

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Juniperfur— sleek black tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Spiderpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Lionfur— yellow she-cat with amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Birchstripe— beige tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Badgerpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Slatewhisker— sleek, gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Strikeclaw— black tom with white paws

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Toadpuddle— black-and-brown tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Ivystem— silver she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Blackheart— black tom with two front white paws and tail tip

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Elmsong— dark ginger she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Thornspots— mottled beige tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sootpelt— dark gray tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Stonefoot— gray tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Cedarfur— brown tom with gray belly

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Springleap— light gray tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal"> Queens:  Grassheart— pale brown tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sleekpelt— yellow she-cat (mother to Yarrowtail’s kits, Sparrowkit,                           a brown-and-white spotted tabby tom-kit, Sagekit, a pearly-white                                she-kit, and Nutkit, a chestnut she-kit)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Ratscar— brown tom with long scar across back

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Oakfur— small brown tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Tawnypelt— tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> WindClan 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> 

<p class="MsoNormal"> Leader:  Featherstar— gray tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal"> Deputy:  Hootwhisker— dark gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal"> Medicine Cat:  Kestrelflight— mottled gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                                   Apprentice, Snowfall

<p class="MsoNormal"> Warriors:  Gorsetail— very pale gray-and-white she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Leaftail— dark tabby tom with amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Emberfoot— gray tom with two dark paws

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Furzepelt— gray-and-white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sedgewhisker— light brown tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Swiftpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Oatclaw— pale brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Rustpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Heathertail— light brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Tigerstripe— light brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Ashpelt— gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Larkwing— pale brown tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Smokefur— gray she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brindlepelt— mottled brown she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Mudpelt— brown tom with clumped fur

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brownleaf— brown mottled tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Thistlefur— spiky-furred, yellow tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Roseheart— white she-cat with a pinkish tint to fur

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Hawkfur— brown tom with white paws

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Ryefeather— gray she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal"> Queens:  Flowerblossom— yellow-and-white tabby she-cat (mother to                                        Oatclaw’s kits: Molekit, a black tabby tom-kit, Ravenkit, a black she-                            kit, Cloudkit, a gray tom-kit with white splotches, and Mothkit, a                             pearly-white she-kit)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Crowfeather— dark gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Nightcloud— black she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> RiverClan 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> 

<p class="MsoNormal"> Leader:  Reedstar— black tom

<p class="MsoNormal"> Deputy:  Heronwing— dark gray-and-black tom

<p class="MsoNormal"> Medicine Cat:  Mothwing— dappled golden she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                                   Apprentice, Willowshine

<p class="MsoNormal"> Warriors:  Petalfur— gray-and-white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Podlight— gray-and-white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Lizardtail— light brown tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Pikepaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Perchwing— gray-and-white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Shimmerpelt— silver she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brackenpelt— tortoiseshell she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Jayclaw— gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Icewing— white she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Shadetail— dark brown she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Dustpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Breezetail— light brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Nightberry— pure black she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Lilystream— tortoiseshell she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Cloverheart— dark gray she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Splashpaw

<p class="MsoNormal">                        Fernstem— tortoiseshell she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Brighttail— ginger tom with a neon tail

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Emberwhisker— russet tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Birchfur— cream she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Otterfoot— silver she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Briarface— dark brown she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal"> Queens:  Lakeheart— gray tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Poppyspots— pretty brown she-cat (mother to Breezetail’s kits:                                 Ripplekit, a cream tom-kit, and Hailkit, a black tom-kit with white                                 spots)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Minnowtail— dark gray she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Mallownose— light brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> Cats Outside of Clans 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> 

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">          Smoky— muscular gray-and-white tom who lives in a barn at the horseplace

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">           Coriander— tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat who lives with Smoky

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lavender— tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat; daughter of Smoky and Coriander

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">           Stormy— dark gray tabby tom; son of Smoky and Coriander

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">           Ash— gray-and-white tom; son of Smoky and Coriander

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">           Sunshine— beautiful spotted golden tabby she-cat; daughter of Smoky and             Coriander

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">           Silky— cream she-cat who lives in the nest nextdoor to Smoky, mother of    Furrypelt

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">           Breezepelt— black tom with amber eyes; formerly of WindClan, a rogue

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> BloodClan 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> 

<p class="MsoNormal"> Leader:  Jag— black-and-white tom with amber eyes

<p class="MsoNormal"> Members:  Shadow— black she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Maple— dark brown tabby she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Tiger— deep ginger tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Wolf— gray tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Fang— gray-and-white tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Jet— jet-black she-cat

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> Emerald— cream she-cat with emerald green eyes

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> =Prologue = <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> A gray-and-white tom leapt at an older, deep ginger tom. The gray-and-white tom was hardly more than a kit, with tufty ears, a cute appearance, and a bit of remaining kit fluff on his face. But his attitude and skill suggested otherwise.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The deep ginger tom, significantly older and with much more experience, was almost evenly matched with the young gray-and-white. He ducked as the small tom jumped, causing him to overshoot his target and skid on the opposite side of the clearing. But this did not allow the gray-and-white tom to stumble. He recovered as he hit the ground, bouncing off and landing right on the ginger tom’s back. Not wanting to actually hurt him, he simply pawed at the older cat’s back. The ginger tom reared up on his hind paws, trying to throw him off, but he unsheathed his claws, clinging tightly to the tabby fur.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The ginger tom rolled over, trying to squish the gray-and-white tom, but he leapt off at the last second, once again showing his agility as he seemingly bounced off the ground and landed on the ginger tom’s belly, pawing it. The ginger tom quickly stood up and the gray-and-white tom fell backwards, allowing the ginger tom to pin him to the ground. He wriggled on the ground, then the ginger tom’s forepaw slipped; the gray-and-white’s small size made it hard for the ginger tom to keep a hold on him. He slipped out of the way, then, using his small size to his advantage again, slipped beneath him and pawed his belly, then slipped out behind the ginger tom again.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Frustrated, the ginger tom pounced, and the gray-and-white stepped aside at the last possible moment, sending the ginger tom crashing down where he’d been standing a mere moment before. He allowed himself a smirk, giving the ginger tom a chance to whack his legs out from under him. The gray-and-white tom found himself on his side on the ground, and the ginger tom pinned him down, growling.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” a black-and-white tom cried, stepping forward, and the ginger tom immediately relinquished his hold. “Tiger, you were getting a bit harsh there.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry, Jag,” Tiger mewed, dipping his head to his leader. “But he was getting good, and I thought we were supposed to be pretending we were in a real battle. The Clans will be able to beat up the poor kit!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not just a kit!” the gray-and-white tom hissed, standing up and glaring at Tiger, though his blue eyes showing he didn’t have solid hard feelings towards the ginger tabby.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s doing well,” Jag mewed. “I’m proud of you, son.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, Jag,” the gray-and-white tom mewed, dipping his head with pleasure.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, but aren’t you still worried he’s not there yet?” Tiger pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s barely eight moons old, Tiger,” Jag pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And we’re not sending Fang or his sisters into battle until they’ve matched our skill.” Mewed a black she-cat from off to the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m almost there!” Fang insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Your agility is impressive,” Jag agreed. “But Shadow and Tiger are right; you’re not ready yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And it’d be unfair to send you into battle while your sisters are here, wouldn’t it?” Shadow added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah!” a black she-cat, Fang’s age, meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, come on, Jet,” Fang mewed. “You don’t even want to go into battle!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It seems scary!” Jet cried. “I don’t even know why we’re here. I liked our alley, where the five of us could live peacefully.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re here to be on top again,” growled a new voice, and a gray tom entered the clearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Find any prey, Wolf?” Jag asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Wolf nodded. “There are some sparrows and mice on the pile.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Food!” cried Fang’s other sister, Emerald, a cream she-cat with emerald green eyes. “You can always interest me with that!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My sisters are disappointments,” Fang sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, you two do need to learn how to fight,” Jag mewed sternly. “Because in the final battle against the Clans, everyone will fight.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, wouldn’t you love to catch your enemies off-guard like this?” Fang asked, sniffing the air, smiling, then leaping onto a tree, bouncing off the trunk, onto another tree, bouncing off, bouncing off one more tree, then…

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Jag—” a dark brown tabby she-cat started, before getting knocked over as Fang landed on her. “I think your son is having too much fun with his training,” she finished her sentence, even though it was obviously not what she was originally intending to say.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry, Maple,” Fang apologized, climbing off the older cat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “As I was saying,” Maple mewed. “Sparrow and I determined that the marsh cats head to the same tree near where the moors start at least twice daily. Shall we plan an attack?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What times of day?” Jag asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Generally sunrise and sunset,” Maple replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Tomorrow evening then, as the sky has turned blood red.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Can I come?” Fang asked excitedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We just had this discussion,” Shadow sighed. “You’re too young.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Maybe in one more moon, son,” Jag promised. “Maple, would you like to test your skills against him to keep him busy?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sure,” Maple mewed, crouching in front of Fang.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m getting food,” Emerald mewed, walking out of the clearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wait for me!” Jet cried, following her sister to where the food was as Fang and Maple launched at each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 1= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> G ingerheart sat in camp. Pinekit, Softkit, and Palekit were playing in front of them, Leafbreeze was dozing in front of the nursery, her belly getting fatter by the day—or possibly just by comparison, as everyone else was fairly skinny as newleaf had just begun.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Just a quarter-moon ago, Jag and other rogues—now considering themselves BloodClan—had crashed the Gathering, leaving Gingerheart shaken. She just couldn’t get his frightening words out of her head. Poppypaw hadn’t taken it well either—Rowanstar had pointed out that since Jag followed Furrypelt’s traveling group, that they went to get Poppypaw to prevent danger, but caused the danger by giving Jag someone to follow, thus Poppypaw shouldn’t have ever left her home. Poppypaw acted much like a teenager, and she hadn’t been taking the fact that she didn’t even need to be away from her family very well at all. Not that Gingerheart blamed her, but it was a bit hard to make her focus. Furrypelt had met with Bluestar in her dreams, who had explains that Jag would’ve found another way here, so they needed Poppypaw anyway. Gingerheart could tell that Poppypaw still heard Rowanstar’s words despite this.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar sat on the Highledge, overlooking camp with a worried expression. She remembered New Year’s Eve, when Gingerheart’s patrol had been attacked by the rogues. Brightpelt carried a scar on his chest. Gingerheart had a small scar on her right flank. Mousewhisker had been beaten up, though had made a full recovery since. Stonefoot of ShadowClan was another matter… Moons ago Furrypelt had been injured by Breezepelt, and it took a half-moon to fully recover—and Stonefoot’s injuries had been worse than Furrypelt’s. She hadn’t heard news about the ShadowClan tom, but if he had come out alive, Gingerheart knew he’d have plenty of scars as a memory of that attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But apparently that hadn’t been the worst of it. Jag had stated they had a lot more cats, and another team on their side. What other team would they have? Gingerheart generally tried to be optimistic, but it seemed impossible now. Anxieties had been clouding her mind since the Gathering.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She turned her mind to Dovewing’s kits’ game. ''So carefree and oblivious to the world… I wish I could be like that. ''Gingerheart sighed, watching Palekit pounce on Pinekit. “Get out of here, Jag!” Palekit hissed playfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can’t keep me down!” Pinekit cried, thrusting Palekit aside with his hind paws and leaping on his sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get away from Paleheart!” Softkit shrieked, barreling Pinekit away from Palekit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, Softpelt,” Palekit mewed to her sister, before joining her against Pinekit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get out of here, Jag!” Softkit hissed to Pinekit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Um, not sure you should be playing about Jag,” Gingerheart mewed awkwardly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why not?” Pinekit asked, standing up. “Don’t I make a great Jag?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, but take that as a compliment,” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Look,” Dovewing meowed, walking forward to her kits. “This threat of the rogues—it’s not a game. This is serious. We have nearly lost cats to the paws of Jag. I don’t mind you guys playing, but pick a different topic.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, okay.” Pinekit mewed. The three kits walked away and Softkit squealed, “A fox!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s kill it together!” Palekit cried, leaping on Pinekit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why am I the fox again?” Pinekit whined, shaking his sisters off. “I wanna be a warrior! Pinestrike takes down the mighty female fox, fighting bravely to protect her cubs.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine, I’ll be the fox.” Palekit relented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Softpelt, go for the eyes,” Pinekit ordered. Softkit nodded and leapt on Palekit, pawing at her face as Pinekit dived underneath the pale gray she-kit, gently brushing his hind paws against her belly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, he’s got the strategy.” Gingerheart commented to Dovewing. “I bet he’ll be a great warrior.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I hope so,” Dovewing sighed. “At the moment we need as many skilled cats as we can get.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just remember that strategy and skill are two different things,” Gingerheart commented as Softkit fell off her sister without Palekit doing anything, and Pinekit stumbled as he tried to stand up after getting out from underneath Palekit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, but they’re just little kits. I’m not too worried yet.” Dovewing remarked, chuckling as Palekit pinned down her brother.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart had to laugh at the kits’ game. These three little rascals were probably the only things making her laugh nowadays.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart turned and spotted her mate, Bramblethorn, standing outside the elders’ den, and his apprentice, Frostpaw, exited with a ball of soiled moss. Pinekit instantly raced over and took it from her—obviously not caring how dirty it was—and started batting it around, which led to him and his sisters chasing it around camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That makes that part easier,” Frostpaw commented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, someone will have to dispose of it later, though,” Bramblethorn replied. “Now let’s go get some more moss.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh come on, again?” Frostpaw complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think you’ve gotten me enough moss,” a new voice remarked, and Furrypelt exited the medicine den, walking over to the mentor and apprentice. Gingerheart went and joined them, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You might be a bit too serious about mentoring,” Gingerheart commented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m just trying to be a good mentor,” Bramblethorn meowed defensively. “Like you told me to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “By that I kinda meant not abandoning your apprentice, not forcing her to do chores.” Gingerheart explained. “Hey, Frostpaw, how many battle moves have you learned?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not many,” Frostpaw sighed. “Probably only two or three.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Bramblethorn, go find Cherryfall and Applepaw and teach them a few battle moves. They’re gonna need them.” She sighed the last part.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Might wanna teach Poppypaw a few moves, too,” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m doing just fine!” Poppypaw meowed, exiting the medicine den. Clearly she wasn’t interested in battle training—or else was just trying to prove she wasn’t useless.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Attack me,” Gingerheart ordered the light brown tabby, crouching down. Poppypaw sprang, and Gingerheart ducked, but Poppypaw did not miss—entirely. Poppypaw grabbed Gingerheart’s tail, and gave a small tug. Had Poppypaw been a real enemy, this would’ve been a hard tug that would’ve made her lose balance, so she faked a stumble, mistiming the part where she catches herself and fell on her chest. She heard Furrypelt laugh and hauled herself to her paws—then fell again as Poppypaw had jumped and Gingerheart had not been expecting the sudden weight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not bad,” Gingerheart mewed. “But I can do better.” Smiling to herself, she rolled over—using twice the energy to move Poppypaw, too—onto her back, half squishing Poppypaw. If this were a true battle, Gingerheart would’ve made sure Poppypaw was gagging on fur, but Gingerheart made sure Poppypaw was unharmed and leapt to her feet, turning around and pinning Poppypaw before the apprentice had time to react.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay, I’m not perfect,” Poppypaw mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That was pretty good, though,” Gingerheart pointed out. “And enough to defend yourself in a tight spot, at least for a little while.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Try not to go into battle by yourself,” Furrypelt advised.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Great advice,” Poppypaw commented sarcastically, and Gingerheart released her, allowing her to clamber to her paws.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s go, Frostpaw,” Bramblethorn meowed, leading his apprentice away.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Poppypaw walked over to the other medicine cats in the corner of the island. The first thing Furrypelt noticed was that Willowshine was there, but not Mothwing. “Where’s Mothwing?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stayed back,” Willowshine replied. “She had to watch Dustpaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What happened?” Furrypelt mewed anxiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Those stupid rogues,” Willowshine growled. “Dustpaw was on that patrol.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “When was this?” Poppypaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Couple of days ago.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just an apprentice?” Poppypaw clarified.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Willowshine nodded. “He was supposed to be a warrior. His siblings, Splashheart and Pikepelt became warriors yesterday. But he was unconscious, so his ceremony is delayed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Poor guy,” Furrypelt sympathized.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “At least now Reedstar can understand what the rest of the leaders are talking about,” Puddlefur commented dryly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “By the way, Puddlefur, is Stonefoot okay?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alive and moving, but he’s got a scarred flank, cheek, and his left ear is seriously torn. There’s only, like, half an ear left.” Puddlefur sighed. “He was one unlucky cat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Next time I get a hold on Jag, I’m gonna slit his throat,” Furrypelt growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You wouldn’t,” Kestrelflight quickly mewed, and Poppypaw’s eyes grew wide at the comment. “It’s against the Warrior Code to kill for reasons other than self-defense.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll grapple with him for a little bit, then I’ll kill him. I am defending myself from having to fight further.” Furrypelt reasoned.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You scare me sometimes.” Kestrelflight mewed worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good,” Furrypelt sat down, curling her tail over her front paws contentedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar called for the Gathering to start. He looked wearier than usual. Furrypelt knew he was getting old, but… “Puddlefur, is Rowanstar okay?” she whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Lost a life to greencough about a quarter-moon ago,” Puddlefur replied. “He’s still got a few more left.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''What is his definition of “a few more”? ''Furrypelt wondered. It kinda looked like Rowanstar was on his last.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We have two new warriors,” Rowanstar announced. “Badgerstripe and Seedspots.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Badgerstripe! Seedspots!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar nodded to Foxstar, who had nothing, then he nodded to Featherstar. “We have four new apprentices, Molepaw, Mothpaw, Cloudpaw, and Ravenpaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Ravenpaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Flowerblossom’s daughter would never be her first thought when she heard that name. Ravenpaw was the former ThunderClan cat mentored by Tigerclaw who ran off to be a loner for his own safety. Ravenpaw was the barn cat who bravely fought in the battle against BloodClan. Ravenpaw was the cat who brought Bellapaw and Rileypaw to SkyClan, and fought on SkyClan’s side, sadly dying soon after, but not because of wounds.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Molepaw! Mothpaw! Cloudpaw! Ravenpaw!” The cats’ chant snapped Furrypelt out of her thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Featherstar nodded to Reedstar. “We have two new warriors, Splashheart and Pikepelt.” He announced. The cats chanted, but she noticed a lot seemed worried; most knew that Splashheart and Pikepelt had another sibling.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “One of our patrols, the other day got attacked by these rogues,” Reedstar announced gravely. “Our apprentice, Dustpaw, is in critical condition. We think he’ll live, but we can’t be sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt saw cats exchanged worried looks, and the mood on the island instantly changed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gathering dismissed.” Reedstar leapt off the tree and disappeared into the crowd. Furrypelt turned to Willowshine.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m surprised you didn’t do a dying warrior ceremony for Dustpaw,” Furrypelt commented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mothwing was convinced he’d survive, so she wanted him to have a true ceremony, one that he’d actually remember.” Willowshine explained. “If it becomes too late, we’ll know, and Reedstar will do the ceremony then. He does deserve a warrior name, we all know that. The question is if he’ll remember getting it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt had an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of her stomach from these words. She’d hate for a dying warrior ceremony to have to be used. As far as she knew, it had only been used once, and the cat had not even died. Bluestar had done one for Brightheart after the dog attack, as everyone was convinced she would not live, and everyone could agree she was warrior material. Brightheart had lived, but who’s to say Dustpaw would?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           So far, no lives had been lost to the paws of these rogues. But it was only a matter of time. Three cats had come close already. Furrypelt was pretty sure they’d been lucky up to this point. But how much longer could their luck last?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 2= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “I wish I could’ve helped RiverClan,” Gingerheart sighed to Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Me too,” Furrypelt replied. “But we can’t change time. We can merely hope Dustpaw survives.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m just glad I’m not the RiverClan medicine cat,” Poppypaw commented. “I wouldn’t know what to do when I saw Dustpaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And I would’ve taught you,” Furrypelt assured her apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart knew that Furrypelt had been trying hard to make sure Poppypaw wasn’t feeling left out or anything, after she had a meltdown about a moon back when she screamed how she didn’t want to be here and no one cared about her, etcetera, etcetera.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s go do some battle-training, Poppypaw,” Furrypelt mewed, standing up from the fresh-kill pile.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Can’t we stick to herbs? I’m getting good at those.” Poppypaw requested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Usually apprentices are more interested in fighting rather than herbs,” Gingerheart mewed, commenting on the irony.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know all the herbs,” Furrypelt meowed, disregarding Gingerheart’s comment. “At least, all the ones that I have in stock. There are still some you don’t know, but you’ll have to wait for newleaf before they grow and I can actually show you them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “When is newleaf?” Poppypaw asked. “It feels like leaf-bare’s been going on a while.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Newleaf is already here,” Gingerheart pointed out. “It just hasn’t warmed up yet for some reason.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I didn’t realize we were in New England,” Furrypelt sighed. Before Gingerheart or Poppypaw could question her, Furrypelt mewed, “Oh well. Come on, Poppypaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt trotted off out of camp and Poppypaw scurried after her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart watched, then wondered what she should be doing. She didn’t have to be on any patrols, the kits rolling around beside her seemed pretty-well occupied, cleaning dens was the apprentices’ job…

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, Gingerheart,” someone mewed, and Gingerheart looked up to find Robinfeather. “Have you seen Furrypelt?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She just left to train Poppypaw, why?” Gingerheart replied, standing up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ate some bad fresh-kill last night, I think, my stomach kinda hurts. I was hoping Furrypelt could help.” Robinfeather explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s not bad, right?” Gingerheart checked; many times in the Warriors series had a stomachache seemed to lead to serious illness, or death.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, no, not at all,” Robinfeather assured her. “But still annoying, you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Indeed I do,” Gingerheart mewed; no Twoleg could go through their life without feeling sick to their stomach at least once.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Juniper berries will help,” a new voice meowed, and Gingerheart turned to see Leafpool walking up to them from the elders’ den. “You can check the medicine den to see if Furrypelt has any.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do they look like?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re blue berries,” Leafpool replied, and it took Gingerheart to process that she had meant berries that are blue, not blueberries.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay, I’ll go look for some,” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You only need a couple!” Leafpool called as Gingerheart started walking towards the medicine den. Gingerheart flicked her ear to show she heard and entered the medicine den. She started looking through the storage cleft until she felt something round. She pulled it out and saw she had small, dark blue berries. They seemed to be wilting, but they would still work, right?

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart exited the den and walked back to where Robinfeather and Leafpool were still standing. “Is this right?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yep, those are juniper berries,” Leafpool confirmed. “A bit wilted, but they should work. You said it was a minor stomachache, didn’t you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah,” Robinfeather confirmed, and he lapped up the two berries Gingerheart had brought him. “Thanks,” Robinfeather meowed, and he walked away.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           “By the way, you need more juniper berries,” Gingerheart informed Furrypelt as she entered camp again.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How do you know that? What happened?” Furrypelt asked quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nothing, Robinfeather had a minor stomachache, so Leafpool told me to give him juniper berries. They were all kinda wilted.” Gingerheart explained gently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, okay, thanks,” Furrypelt meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart turned and saw Sparrowpaw bounding into camp, looking really excited. Stormcloud followed. Sparrowpaw usually looked mature and composed, but now he looked all kit-like. “I passed!” he squealed, and Gingerheart had to laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Finally a warrior?” Furrypelt asked, and Sparrowpaw nodded eagerly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “First Foxstar has to decide,” Stormcloud reminded his apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And there’s a zero-point-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-one percent chance he says he’s not a warrior,” Furrypelt meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why not make that a bit lower?” a male voice meowed, and Gingerheart realized Foxstar had walked over.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, zero-point-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-one percent chance?” Furrypelt clarified.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, like, zero percent.” Foxstar meowed. “Congratulations, kid, you’re warrior material.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sparrowpaw lit up, and Foxstar ran for the Highledge. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!” he called, and Gingerheart watched the Clan assemble before them. Sparrowpaw walked forward and Foxstar jumped back down from the Highledge, cleared his throat, and mewed, “I, Foxstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Sparrowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I do.” Sparrowpaw meowed confidently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Sparrowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Sparrowheart. StarClan honors your dedication and spirit, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar rested his muzzle on Sparrowheart’s head, and Sparrowheart licked his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sparrowheart! Sparrowheart!” The Clan chanted. Gingerheart was glad for the young tom. He was one of the most dedicated cats Gingerheart had ever met, and he definitely deserved being a warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The Clan began to disperse again, and Gingerheart watched Stormcloud and Foxstar explain the rules of the vigil to Sparrowheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart looked up and saw the sun going down. Sparrowheart exited camp and Furrypelt and Poppypaw turned to the medicine den. Gingerheart let out a yawn then turned to the warriors’ den to settle down for the night.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 3= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> F urrypelt settled down beside the fresh-kill pile for a meal, next to Gingerheart. “Did Sparrowheart get a new nest in the warriors’ den?” Furrypelt asked. Sparrowheart had just gotten off the vigil this morning and had immediately gone to collapse in the warriors’ den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah,” Gingerheart replied. “One on the edge, of course, but a nest nevertheless. Hey, where’s Poppypaw?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, I sent her to fetch some juniper berries,” Furrypelt explained. The previous day Gingerheart had informed her that her stock of the berries were wilted, so this morning Furrypelt had sent her apprentice to get some; she was trained enough to go get some herbs without a mentor.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, but I haven’t seen her all morning. When did you send her?” Gingerheart inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not very long after sunrise…” Furrypelt realized what Gingerheart was getting at. Poppypaw had been out longer than she needed to be. Fear immediately swamped her. “I have to go find her!” she shrieked, scrambling to her paws, leaving her mouse untouched. Gingerheart stood up, too, and the two rushed out of camp together, earning curious looks from their Clanmates.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt entered the forest, dashing desperately through, hardly thinking. She was taking the familiar path she always took when looking for the juniper berries. “How could I be so stupid?” Furrypelt asked as she ran. “I knew there were these rogues out here, she hasn’t finished her training, if something happens to her…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           She had expected to hear reassurance from her sister as they bolted through the trees, but upon hearing nothing realized that Gingerheart was just as scared as she was.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt continued her desperate and frantic search, and, finally, found herself staring at a horrifying sight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jag, a dark brown tabby she-cat, a gray tom, and a brown-patched tom stood triumphantly, staring a lump on the ground. Furrypelt realized with a jolt that the lump was Poppypaw, collapsed in a heap. ''Is she alive? ''Furrypelt wondered worriedly. Furrypelt watched closely, and saw the faint rise and fall of the apprentice’s chest and let out a sigh of relief.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But the relief would not last long.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s finish her off,” Jag growled, and Furrypelt’s heart stopped. “Wolf, would you like to do the honors?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gladly,” the gray tom hissed, stepping forward menacingly towards Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “NOOOO!!!” Furrypelt quickly intervened, leaping between Poppypaw and Wolf.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You,” Jag growled. “Here to save your puny apprentice? I don’t know why you think she’ll save the Clans. It was so easy to defeat her…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s still learning,” Furrypelt hissed. “She’ll get there, and then your attempts to take over the Clans will be in vain.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart stepped forward to join Furrypelt. “In the meantime, you get to face us. If we can take Breezepelt, we can take you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who?” the brown tabby she-cat asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Never mind who,” Jag snapped. “Just fight.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           He launched himself at Furrypelt, who reacted instinctively, rolling out of the way and causing him to skid across the ground. She leapt to her paws and pinned down Jag where he was. She wasn’t letting go. Jag was stuck.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But then the brown patched tom dug his claws into Furrypelt’s back and dragged her off of Jag. Jag seized the opportunity to try to get closer to Poppypaw, and Furrypelt quickly scratched the tom holding her on the cheek and pinned Jag again, rolling over so she could pummel his belly with her hind paws. Jag tried to do the same, but Furrypelt launched out a forepaw and scratched Jag’s head, momentarily stunning him with surprise. The wound started leaking blood and it blinded him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jag shook the blood from his face and turned back to Furrypelt, showing a face of pure rage. “You Clan cats never quit,” he growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, no we don’t,” Furrypelt agreed, turning for a second to see Gingerheart successfully fighting off both Wolf and the dark brown tabby she-cat simultaneously. Furrypelt turned back to Jag. “We never quit because we care about what we’re fighting for.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           At that, Furrypelt launched herself at Jag, ramming him into a tree, dazing him. The patched tom tried to come to his leader’s rescue again, running towards Furrypelt. Furrypelt dove beneath him and hit the certain spot in his hind legs that caused him to collapse. Furrypelt pinned him. “Surrender,” she growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Or what?” the patched tom taunted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Or wish you were never born.” Furrypelt threatened. And this was no empty threat; if any of the rogues got any closer to Poppypaw, they would be wailing for mercy.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned to Gingerheart once more, and found that she had pinned both of her cats.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine,” Jag meowed angrily, standing up and glaring at Furrypelt and Gingerheart. “But next time, you won’t be so lucky.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jag flicked his tail and Wolf, the patched tom, and the tabby she-cat ran off.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt lunged for Poppypaw, her anger completely replaced by fear and anxiety.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is she okay?” Gingerheart asked softly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Depends on your definition of ‘okay’.” Furrypelt replied gravely. “She’s alive, but this looks like that first time I fought Breezepelt. Remember I was off duties for two weeks?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart’s amber eyes widened worriedly, and laid down so Furrypelt could put Poppypaw on her back. Then Gingerheart stood back up and carefully walked back to camp, Furrypelt keeping a close eye on her apprentice. ''If she doesn’t recover, if she dies, and the prophecy is messed up… I don’t even care about the prophecy. If Poppypaw dies, I’ll never forgive myself. ''Yes, Furrypelt got annoyed with Poppypaw when she couldn’t remember basic herbs, but she loved Poppypaw more than she could say. But now Poppypaw might never know that.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt pushed into camp entrance. Everyone there instantly turned their heads and froze at the sight of Poppypaw, unconscious and mangled, lying atop Gingerheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt pushed forward. “Furrypelt, what happened?” he asked worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I sent her to get herbs by herself… I was so stupid!” Furrypelt cut herself off. She just felt like crying. It was her fault, anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, hey, hey, don’t blame yourself,” Firepelt mewed softly. He turned to Gingerheart. “Put her in her nest in the medicine den and get Cinderheart or Leafpool to her.” Gingerheart walked away. Firepelt waved his tail to tell the other cats staring to leave. He gently led Furrypelt to the other end of camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Hiding in the edge of camp, Firepelt laid down and seemed to be implying that Furrypelt should, too. “So, what happened?” Firepelt asked quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I told Poppypaw to get some juniper berries, I figured she could do that by herself. I had completely forgotten that the rogues were here, and when she was out longer than she should’ve been, I ran out and found her unconscious, with Jag and other rogues attacking her.” Furrypelt mewed softly, her voice cracking occasionally.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt put his tail on her shoulders. “Hey, she’s alive, isn’t she? And she’s prophesied to save us by StarClan. They wouldn’t let anything happen to her. She’ll heal. Everything will be fine. Trust me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt gazed into her mate’s emerald eyes. “You’re right,” she finally mewed. “But it’s still my fault.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No it’s not,” Firepelt meowed firmly, yet not changing the soft tone in his voice. He stroked her back with his tail—not that she exactly felt it too much through her fur.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I need to go check on her,” Furrypelt meowed suddenly, standing up. Firepelt made no argument.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt hurried into the medicine den with Firepelt on her heels and saw Leafpool crouching over Poppypaw, their light brown tabby fur almost blending together in the dim light.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is she okay?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’ll live,” Leafpool assured Furrypelt. “She’ll probably have some scars to show for it, though.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt breathed a sigh of relief and crouched next to her apprenticed to see the damage; she hadn’t really been paying much attention earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw was almost completely covered with herbs and cobwebs, and Furrypelt was reminded of Sunstripe and Cloudheart just after they became apprenticed; a WindClan patrol—consisting of Breezepelt—had attacked them. However, their wounds had not been deep, thus they remained conscious. Poppypaw had less scratches, but they were all wider and deep, thus she lost a lot of blood and must’ve lost consciousness just before Furrypelt and Gingerheart had found her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed a fairly large chunk missing from the side of her left ear. That must’ve hurt, she thought. A lot of cats in this Clan had torn ears, but she herself did not have one, so she had no idea how much it would hurt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt also noticed that on Poppypaw’s right flank lay a lot of cobwebs, so she figured that was a large gash, probably the one that caused the most blood loss.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’d better make a full recovery,” Furrypelt muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I hope you’re not blaming yourself for what happened,” Leafpool mewed seriously. “I’m guessing Firepelt already told you: it’s not your fault. You were just sending her to get herbs. You had no idea that would happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I won’t stop feeling guilty until she’s healed,” Furrypelt meowed. Leafpool sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I have done all I needed to. I will leave now.” She stood up and exited the medicine den, leaving her and Firepelt alone with the unconscious Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They stood in silence for a while until Furrypelt heard rustling and scented Foxstar walk in. She did not bother looking up. She continued to stare at her apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt?” Foxstar asked tentatively.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Furrypelt asked, tearing her eyes from Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I wanted to talk, in my den, if that’s okay,” he mewed awkwardly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, sure,” Furrypelt mewed. “Firepelt, keep an eye on Poppypaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What am I supposed to do?” Firepelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not much. If she wakes up, I’d like to know, but I don’t think anything else would happen.” Furrypelt replied quickly, then followed Foxstar out of the den and into the leader’s den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar sat in his nest and Furrypelt sat nearby.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, what happened?” Foxstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I sent her out to get herbs. I figure she can do that by herself by now, right? Gingerheart and I are eating and asks where Poppypaw is. I tell her and she asks when Poppypaw went out. I realize it’s a while ago, worry she’s in trouble, rush out of camp and find her unconscious on the ground with Jag and other rogues attacking her. Gingerheart and I fought them off, and Leafpool says Poppypaw will be fine, but that doesn’t change the fact that it was my fault.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nothing you said shows me it was your fault,” Foxstar pointed out calmly. “My advice is just to focus on making sure she recovers and doing the rest of your duties.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. Her son was right.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Suddenly a thought struck her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Foxstar, I don’t want anyone leaving camp alone. No one else should be caught in a situation like Poppypaw.” Furrypelt mewed. “Focus apprentices’ training more on battle, especially the older ones who should already know how to hunt and stuff.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar nodded. “I’ll do that now.” He walked outside and stood on the Highledge. Furrypelt exited and quickly ran back down to the ground and sat in front of the Highledge.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed Gingerheart and Bramblethorn sit nearby her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If anyone didn’t know,” Foxstar started. “Poppypaw got attacked by rogues while she was out by herself. She is currently in bad condition. Leafpool says she’ll live; don’t worry,” he added quickly as many cats gasped, and Furrypelt guessed they looked worried, though she had not bothered looking behind her to see. “These rogues are more dangerous than we thought. No one leaves camp alone. And apprentices should be accompanied by a warrior. Mentors, focus your apprentice’s training more toward battle rather than anything else, if you can. Meeting dismissed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt could feel it in the air, everyone was worried and anxious.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Saying nothing, Furrypelt turned to head back to the medicine den, but had to stop abruptly as Dovewing’s kits ran in front of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Does that mean Poppypaw won’t be able to play with us?” Softkit asked worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are we going to do?” Palekit squeaked fearfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Will the Three help us this time?” Pinekit asked. “That’s what happened with the past two big battles.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The Three will not be doing anything,” it was Jayfeather who spoke, walking forward from the elders’ den, before Furrypelt got to say anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why not?” Pinekit asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because, if you’ve forgotten,” Jayfeather growled. “The Three lost their powers. Also, if you didn’t notice, I’m retired and Lionstar is dead! The Power of Three is over.” Jayfeather coughed and turned away again.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked down to answer Softkit’s question. “Poppypaw won’t be able to play with you guys until she’s recovered, at least most of the way.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt would’ve answered Palekit’s question, had she actually had an answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Instead, she proceeded into the medicine den in silence. Firepelt was still standing there. “Any change?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No,” Firepelt replied. Furrypelt had not expected different.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can go now,” Furrypelt mewed, dismissing Firepelt. Firepelt did not argue or say anything and simply left.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt crouched in her nest and stared at Poppypaw. She didn’t move for a long time. No one entered the medicine den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then, Furrypelt thought she saw movement from Poppypaw. She scrambled to her paws and stared the apprentice. She heard Poppypaw groan and her blue eyes opened slowly. “Furrypelt?” Poppypaw murmured. Furrypelt quickly laid down in front of Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m right here,” Furrypelt assured her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry,” Poppypaw mewed quietly. “I tried to fight them off, I used the moves you taught me—”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Shh,” Furrypelt soothed. “It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have sent you out alone. You couldn’t have held them off by yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I got the juniper berries,” Poppypaw mewed. “Oh no, I left them in the clearing where Jag got me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s fine,” Furrypelt meowed dismissively. “They’re only berries. I’m just glad you’re okay!” Furrypelt hadn’t even expected Poppypaw to wake up today, but then remembered when Breezepelt had gotten her, she hadn’t been out too long. My fight with Breezepelt seems to be a subject that comes up often, she thought. I wish it wasn’t.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I promise I won’t complain about battle training again,” Poppypaw mewed. Furrypelt chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know you won’t,” she mewed affectionately. “Get some rest. It’ll help your wounds heal faster.” Poppypaw nodded and closed her eyes. Furrypelt felt lighter knowing her apprentice was okay.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 4= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “A re her wounds any better?” Gingerheart asked, approaching Furrypelt at the fresh-kill pile. Two days had passed since the attack the rogues made on Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A little, but not much. She still shouldn’t be leaving her nest.” Furrypelt replied gravely. Gingerheart sat in silence for a moment. Poppypaw was stuck in the medicine den—likely bored if not sleeping—and no one really had a chance to stay with her. Furrypelt was often taking advantage of the fact that it was newleaf; there were more herbs to pick. Warriors were always either on patrol or keeping their battle skills fresh by training with the apprentices. Dovewing was always watching the kits. The elders… some were willing to sit with Poppypaw, but the ones who weren’t were demanding the ones who were willing to stay so they’d have company.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But there was one cat who didn’t fall into this list of people.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if Leafbreeze sits with Poppypaw?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Furrypelt mewed in surprise. Clearly she had not been thinking the same way Gingerheart had.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The poor thing must be bored out of her mind unable to leave her nest, and Leafbreeze is only about a week from kitting; she can’t do much anyway. Why doesn’t Leafbreeze talk to Poppypaw? Kinda like what you did with Mistypelt and Sunstripe when they were apprentices.” Gingerheart explained her thought process.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, I’ll ask Leafbreeze and Poppypaw if that’d suit their interests.” Furrypelt agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “While bringing them both lunch?” Gingerheart prompted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked down at her fat mouse, then at the fresh-kill pile, where there was one nice shrew and a lot of other prey that wouldn’t be as filling. Furrypelt frowned. “Do I have to?” she asked, glancing longingly at the mouse—still untouched—at her paws. “It looks so yummy…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know the Warrior Code,” Gingerheart mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah…” Furrypelt sighed. “But you’re practically asking me to give up Papa John’s pizza and breadsticks with the garlic butter sauce…” She looked wistful for a moment, remembering the food the Twoleg world has to offer.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart nudged her sister, snapping her back into reality. Furrypelt grudgingly picked up the mouse and walked into the nursery. Gingerheart smiled in contentment, and continued on her small finch.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then Applepaw walked over to her. “Hey,” she mewed awkwardly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s up?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “When Foxstar said no one leaves camp alone, does that include the dirtplace?” the young apprentice asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I would imagine so,” Gingerheart replied, knowing what the next question would be.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Could you come with me? All of my family is busy,” she added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No problem,” Gingerheart replied. It’s like on those school field trips where you need a bathroom buddy, she thought as she walked Applepaw out of camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She waited patiently, making sure not to look as Applepaw made her dirt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay,” Applepaw mewed, and the two she-cats walked back to camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt instantly greeted her. “Leafbreeze and Poppypaw agreed to the plan.” She reported.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s good. Hopefully it’ll help.” Gingerheart mewed approvingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Applepaw?” a voice called. Gingerheart looked up and saw Bramblethorn coming over. “There you are,” her mate mewed. “I was looking for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry, I was at the dirtplace,” Applepaw replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall wants you and me on a hunting patrol.” Bramblethorn told her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll catch the biggest piece!” Applepaw cried, typical apprentice competition lighting her gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Bramblethorn chuckled. “I’m sure you will, now come on.” He led the cream apprentice away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart turned to Furrypelt. “So is Leafbreeze with Poppypaw now?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t think so,” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I would either go send Leafbreeze to Poppypaw or check on Poppypaw yourself,” Gingerheart mewed. Furrypelt nodded in agreement and walked off to the medicine den. Gingerheart spotted Squirreltail and Icepelt sitting next to each other and decided to go talk to her kids.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know, Furrypelt has great-grandkits. Where are my grandkits?” Gingerheart asked teasingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So-ree, but there’s no one good enough for us to mate yet.” Squirreltail replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart tried to think of who was their age. She turned to Squirreltail. “Not too many options,” she realized.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nope.” Squirreltail sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What about Brightpelt?” Gingerheart asked, turning to Icepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Too loud.” Icepelt mewed. Gingerheart stared at her kids. Squirreltail needed someone loud like Brightpelt, and Icepelt needed someone soft, like most she-cats in the Clan. “You should either switch genders or personalities,” she mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I mean, I suppose Specklepelt isn’t too bad,” Squirreltail meowed. “She’s pretty balanced in gentle and fierce.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart glanced at Icepelt. “I ain’t mating Boulderfoot,” the white she-cat meowed quickly. “However, Sparrowheart could be a good option.” She looked thoughtful. Gingerheart looked at her two kits. ''I hope they decide to get a mate! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt came back over. She passed the three kits without a second glance and proceeded to the nursery, coming out a moment later with Leafbreeze, who was heavy with kits. Leafbreeze—with difficulty—followed Furrypelt into the medicine den. I hope Poppypaw will be okay, Gingerheart thought.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:.5in1.0in1.5in2.0in2.5in3.0in3.5in4.0in4.5in5.0in411.05pt"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal"> Gingerheart returned from a hunting patrol. She watched as Sparrowheart, Cherryfall, Frostpaw, and Deerfur deposited their prey on the fresh-kill pile, but Gingerheart kept her squirrel in her jaws. As Gingerheart stared at her patrol, she realized with a jolt that she was one of the older cats of the Clan. ''I swear, I lived at the horseplace yesterday with Silky, and Furrypaw, Firepaw, Bramblepaw, and Squirrelflight came to get me. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           As Gingerheart wistfully chased after these memories of her childhood, she trotted with her squirrel to the medicine den. She found Leafbreeze talking to Poppypaw, Furrypelt sitting quietly behind them. “What’s up?” the ginger-and-white medicine cat asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I caught this squirrel especially for Poppypaw,” Gingerheart explained, setting it down on the ground. She felt guilty for forgetting about Leafbreeze. ''Which takes the higher priority—pregnant queens or injured apprentices? ''From her experience as a Twoleg, the pregnant cat, but Poppypaw deserved the pity more.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What about me?” Leafbreeze asked, reading her mind. “Furrypelt says I’m eating for at least three extra here!” she reached a tortoiseshell paw towards the squirrel.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But I’m injured!” Poppypaw protested. “And I’m practically just a kit!” she reached out a tabby paw, wincing as she did so and promptly withdrew her paw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can resolve this,” Furrypelt stood up. ''Oh dear. ''Furrypelt had learned a lot from her brother Zach in the Twoleg world—and Zach definitely wasn’t the best influence. “I eat the squirrel.” She leaped over the two she-cats and placed two white paws on the squirrel’s brown fur.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, I told you this this morning! Injured cats and queens have a higher priority over us!” Gingerheart cried, snatching the squirrel away from her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But it’s so fat,” Furrypelt mewed longingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sighed. She looked down at Poppypaw and Leafbreeze. “Could you two share the squirrel?” she suggested. She would simply go get another piece of fresh-kill, but the squirrel was easily the best, and then the two would fight over who gets which piece of fresh-kill.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine,” Leafbreeze relented, and Poppypaw nodded. Gingerheart tossed the squirrel on the ground between them. As they began to eat, Gingerheart started talking again. “So what were you two talking about?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Leafbreeze was telling me about the battle against the Four.” Poppypaw explained. Gingerheart’s belly churned as she remembered the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That wasn’t that long ago,” Gingerheart mewed softly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not quite two years,” Furrypelt meowed. “So it was long enough ago that half the cats in the Clan weren’t born yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So what happened when Darkstripe had you pinned?” Poppypaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Leafbreeze swallowed a couple more bites before replying.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It was a very scary moment. I couldn’t see any rescuers in sight, and Darkstripe was too strong for me to push against. I was already half weak from when Rockfall had had me pinned. And I kept seeing Rockfall’s face flash in place of Darkstripe’s.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then, out of nowhere, my father, Snowbush, appears and knocks Darkstripe off me. He tells me to run, but I don’t go far. I stay to watch, ready to leap at any moment. That turned out to be pointless. There was a brief moment where Snowbush had accidentally left his belly exposed. I knew what was about to happen, but my throat had gone dry, and I couldn’t warn him. My paws had frozen to the ground, and I couldn’t stop it. Darkstripe had clawed Snowbush’s belly, causing him to stagger and fall. My paws unfroze not long after, but it still wasn’t fast enough. Darkstripe clawed his throat a mere heartbeat before I got to him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I fought as hard as I could, thinking maybe there was a chance I could drive him away, and could save my father. But Darkstripe simply ran off—hardly injured—to fight someone else, and by time I got to Snowbush his gaze was lifeless.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The tortoiseshell she-cat gazed at the ground. Gingerheart placed her striped tail on Leafbreeze’s shoulders. Gingerheart couldn’t imagine how that must’ve felt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry for making you relive that,” Poppypaw murmured, hanging her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s fine,” Leafbreeze assured the young apprentice. “But now the sun is starting to set, so I’m going to get back to my nest in the nursery.” She clumsily stood up and Gingerheart held back the brambles so Leafbreeze could exit the medicine den. She followed just behind and walked to the fresh-kill pile, grabbing herself a moderately-sized shrew as dinner.

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''The coming of newleaf is usually so happy… so why must there be so much danger and anxiety? ''

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 5= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “F urrypelt?” a soft hiss awoke her. Furrypelt first checked Poppypaw, still injured, to see if the apprentice needed anything. Poppypaw was still fast asleep, and Furrypelt looked up to see the familiar face of her mate at the medicine den entrance. Furrypelt staggered out of her nest and out into the clearing to talk to Firepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is it?” she mewed groggily.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I was wondering if you wanted to take a nighttime stroll,” Firepelt mewed awkwardly. “It’s been a long time…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt would’ve loved to say yes, but other things suggested she shouldn’t. “I’d love to,” she explained. “But Poppypaw’s injured, what if she wakes up and needs me? And Leafbreeze is really close to kitting, what if she starts kitting in the night, and I’m not there to help?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Poppypaw’s old enough to cope on her own,” Firepelt mewed quickly. “And what about Leafpool and Cinderheart? They could help Leafbreeze if she starts kitting. And Jayfeather, if he had to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If he doesn’t cough all over the new kits,” Furrypelt muttered. “But still… if I’m not there and they realize that’s because I was with you, how would that reflect on me?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, you need to just have some fun. Have you really had any fun since Lionstar died?” Firepelt insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt thought about that. She’d had a few moments, a couple good conversations, but Firepelt was right. Ever since Lionstar died, everything fell apart, starting with the fact Lionstar was dead. Then Bluestar sent her to the old forest on a grueling journey, then she got that dreadful prophecy, and the rogues—no, BloodClan—coming, and Poppypaw just hating her, then Poppypaw almost dying… Firepelt was also right that she needed a break.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s go,” Furrypelt meowed. Firepelt and Furrypelt exited camp, padding quietly and carefully avoiding Ivypool, who was guarding camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They ran off through the forest, passing their old “private spot”. Furrypelt looked back longingly on when that spot actually meant something. It was their spot, where Furrypaw and Gingerpaw used to sing, even as they became Furrypelt and Gingerheart. It’s where I told Firepelt I love him, Furrypelt thought. But around the time Sunpaw had become pregnant the spot had just become another place in the woods.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sprinted ahead of her mate, heading for the lake. Newleaf was coming ‘round, so the water shouldn’t be too cold. Granted she and Firepelt had swum around in the middle of leaf-bare. A night full of nostalgia, Furrypelt thought. The lake was drawing near, and as Firepelt slammed into her from behind and they tumbled down the hill, Furrypelt could not help but remember when they were younger and did this much more often.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt made very careful sure to land on top, and she stared down at Firepelt, who simply lay there smiling. He gently rolled her over onto her side, then he moved to his belly. Furrypelt followed suit, and Firepelt wrapped his tail around her shoulders. Furrypelt purred softly, and Firepelt returned it. They sat there, silent, gazing at the peaceful lake with small waves lapping at the shores, the moon’s beautiful reflection in the center.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt could’ve sat there forever.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But sooner than either wanted it to, dawn was breaking. They had to go back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Approaching camp, they saw that Ivypool had traded places with Dewnose, as he was sitting guard instead. Furrypelt flicked a pebble away from camp entrance with her tail, and he moved toward the sound, giving Furrypelt and Firepelt just enough time to dart into camp, purring. Firepelt snuck off silently to the warriors’ den, and Furrypelt pushed into the medicine den, where Poppypaw still slept. She climbed into her nest and fell asleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, Furrypelt, Furrypelt!” Furrypelt felt something prodding her, and opened her eyes to see Poppypaw stretching from her nest and prodding her side. “Come on, wake up already! The sun rose forever ago, usually you’re up way before me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Clearly Furrypelt’s night with Firepelt had left her more tired than she realized. “Sorry,” Furrypelt apologized, sitting up in her nest. She stared at Poppypaw, still injured but able to move without putting herself in pain—but not much else. I remember that stage, Furrypelt sighed, the aftermath of Breezepelt’s attack once again entering her mind.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “When will I be healed?” Poppypaw asked, sitting back in her nest. She started to stretch, then winced in pain and contracted back to the sitting position she’d been in.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know; it’s hard to say. You got beat up pretty bad. I wasn’t even expecting you to be alive.” Furrypelt mewed furtively.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s been a quarter-moon,” Poppypaw mewed. “You said Breezepelt beat you up pretty bad before that battle, how long did it take you to recover?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''Again with the Breezepelt! ''Furrypelt thought, exasperated by the topic, but she did not express that to her apprentice. “Roughly a half-moon, but it might’ve been less had I not idiotically tried to come back.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Poppypaw seemed confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, I had to stay in WindClan’s camp. After a quarter-moon, I definitely wasn’t fully healed, but something told me I had to be back in ThunderClan, trying to figure out the prophecy. So despite still being injured, I came back, injuring myself a little more on the way back—stupid tree root—and then it took about another quarter-moon to be perfectly okay.” Furrypelt explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Would you say my injuries were better or worse than yours?” Poppypaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hmm,” Furrypelt thought. “Roughly the same. But you have better conditions, and you’re also not running around while injured, so it might be a bit sooner.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw sighed, and Furrypelt started exiting the medicine den to get some fresh-kill, when suddenly a face appeared in the entrance. A wild-looking Rockfall stood there. “Leafbreeze is kitting!” he screamed desperately. Furrypelt side-glanced at Poppypaw, who looked as though she would’ve liked to help, but wasn’t sure she could.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Poppypaw, if you can walk to the nursery, you can help,” Furrypelt mewed. “But don’t go fast and don’t stretch your muscles out too much. They’re out of practice, and I don’t want you reopening old wounds.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hurry up and help my mate!” Rockfall shrieked. Furrypelt stared at her son. His green eyes were wild and his black fur standing straight up. He looked like he had lost all sanity.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dude. It’s kits, not war.” Furrypelt calmly grabbed raspberry leaves out of the storage cleft and started leaving the medicine den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How can I help?” Rockfall asked quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get moss out of the medicine den and wet it in the stream in the back,” Furrypelt ordered, and Rockfall limped inside. A moment later, Poppypaw stumbled out, wincing as she pushed through the brambles and squinting at seeing sunlight for the first time in a quarter-moon.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt rushed over to the nursery and saw Leafbreeze splayed out on the floor, heaving deeply. Daisy was quietly encouraging her, while Dovewing was making sure Palekit, Pinekit, and Softkit stayed out of the way.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you have a stick?” Furrypelt asked. Daisy shook her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The nursery entrance rustled, and Furrypelt expected Poppypaw, but it was Rockfall limping in. Rockfall is going faster than Poppypaw, Furrypelt thought. ''That’s kinda sad. ''Rockfall was holding wet moss. “Here you go,” he meowed, spitting it out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, now can you get a big stick, one that won’t splinter easily?” Furrypelt asked. Rockfall nodded and rushed off, and soon Poppypaw stumbled in.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nice to see you up and about, Poppypaw,” Daisy mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, really great,” Leafbreeze panted, wincing at a contraction. “Let’s all focus on that while I’m in pain!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I got a stick!” came a muffled voice, and Rockfall entered the nursery.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Great. Give it to me and get out of the way.” Furrypelt meowed, reaching for the stick.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let him stay,” Leafbreeze mewed softly. “I need him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt relented, and Rockfall hurried to Leafbreeze’s side, blocking the view of what’s happening from Dovewing’s kits.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey!” Pinekit squeaked. “Rockfall, I can’t see!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why aren’t you showing respect to the deputy?” Softkit scolded her brother.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s not acting like deputy.” Pinekit pointed out. As though trying to prove his point, Rockfall anxiously and desperately mewed, “Leafbreeze? You okay?” His eyes continued to be wild.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, I’m just enjoying myself, peaceful as though I was strolling through the forest. What do you think?!” Leafbreeze screamed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I-is that a no?” Rockfall could never understand what Leafbreeze was going through. But I do, Furrypelt thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They sat there a few moments, Leafbreeze continuing to writhe on the ground as she bit into the stick Rockfall brought.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why aren’t the kits coming?” Rockfall asked anxiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Be patient. They could come in the next few seconds, or in the next few hours.” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hours?” Rockfall repeated.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are seconds and hours?” Poppypaw asked. ''I’ve succeeded as a mother if Rockfall understands Twoleg terms. I have failed as a mentor if Poppypaw does not. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Unimportant,” Furrypelt mewed. “Hang in there, Leafbreeze.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t have much of an option!” Leafbreeze yowled. The other cats in the nursery laid their ears back.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           StarClan knows how long they were waiting, but Dovewing’s kits fell asleep—and so did Poppypaw. But Furrypelt did her job as medicine cat and kept an eye on Leafbreeze, and Rockfall was just too scared to move.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But everyone was awoken and started paying more attention when Leafbreeze let out an earsplitting shriek and clamped down on the stick.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s happening?!” Rockfall cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The kit is coming, nimrod,” Furrypelt hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s a nimrod?” Poppypaw asked, confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But Furrypelt did not respond. She could see the kit coming out. It wriggled its way onto the moss, and Furrypelt quickly nipped the sac, disconnecting it from Leafbreeze. Furrypelt gently passed the kit to Poppypaw and heard licking as she turned back to Leafbreeze. Rockfall was struggling to look around Furrypelt to see his kit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Leafbreeze yowled again and Furrypelt waited. A second kit started coming out, blood-stained and slimy, and she nipped the sac to release it. Rockfall reached forward and started licking his kit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is it over?” Leafbreeze asked desperately. Furrypelt felt Leafbreeze’s belly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Last one,” Furrypelt promised. Leafbreeze groaned then cried out in agony as the final kit started to come out. Furrypelt nipped the sac and started licking the kit. Leafbreeze lay panting. Furrypelt pushed the kit she had—a dark gray tabby she-kit—to Leafbreeze. The she-kit started suckling. Poppypaw gently walked over carrying her kit—a solid, pale brown tom—and laid him next to his sister. Rockfall finally took his kit—a tortoiseshell she-kit, a smoke to match her mother—and placed it next to her siblings. “They’re beautiful,” Rockfall breathed, staring at the three kits as they suckled. He looked up at Leafbreeze. “Wanna name them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Actually, right now, I’d love to just close my eyes,” Leafbreeze breathed, putting her head down. Rockfall looked disappointed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She had a long and hard kitting, Rockfall,” Furrypelt mewed gently. “Let her rest. You can name them tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall nodded and exited the medicine den. Furrypelt followed, and Poppypaw stumbled after. They were immediately greeted by Foxstar. He glanced between his brother and mother. “Are the kits okay?” the leader asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re perfect,” Rockfall smiled. Foxstar smiled back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I remember the feeling,” the dark ginger tom nodded wistfully. “It’s fantastic, isn’t it?” Rockfall nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt walked over. “I remember feeling that when you two were born,” he mewed, flicking both toms’ ears with his tail. “I can’t believe how far you’ve come since then.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mistypelt soon greeted them. “Congratulations, Rockfall.” The gray-and-white she-cat mewed brightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did you name them?” Foxstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall shook her head. “Leafbreeze was too ‘tired’ to name them.” He sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Respect the wishes of a she-cat,” Foxstar advised. “Makes life a lot easier.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall looked curiously at his brother but did not say anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt walked over to the fresh-kill pile to get the breakfast she was about to get before being rudely interrupted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She gulped down a finch, and Poppypaw walked over, carefully sitting down—wincing as she did so—and grabbing herself a mouse. Furrypelt sympathized with Poppypaw—on more than one occasion had she had trouble sitting down due to pain. One was Breezepelt; one was in the Twoleg world, on Field Day she’d pulled a muscle in her thigh and stomach. That had been painful. I did worse, she thought. ''I got a grass burn on my ankle. Scar never left… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt glanced over at her left shoulder and saw the scar left by Breezepelt. Speaking of scars, she thought bitterly. Furrypelt guessed Poppypaw would have scars, too. ''But at least she’ll heal. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 6= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> A t the first sign of dawn, Furrypelt was awoken to find Rockfall standing over her. “What’s wrong?” she asked, sitting up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I want you to check on Leafbreeze,” Rockfall mewed. “Usually queens are awake enough to name their kits after giving birth. Sunstripe was able to as an apprentice who was using more energy being scared due to a battle! But Leafbreeze couldn’t?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall,” Furrypelt groaned. “Just because she happened to be tired doesn’t mean anything’s wrong.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just check anyways!” Rockfall urged.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, yeah, okay,” Furrypelt muttered, standing up and following her limping son out of the medicine den. They carefully entered the nursery. Everyone was softly sleeping, but Leafbreeze and Daisy awoke as they entered. Dovewing and the six kits remained asleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s wrong?” Leafbreeze asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Your mate insisted I check on you,” Furrypelt sighed, walking over to the tortoiseshell queen and crouching down, gazing at her grandkids.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s perfectly fine,” Daisy mewed firmly. “She was just tired.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m fine now,” Leafbreeze assured Rockfall. “As are the kits.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you want to name them now, then?” Rockfall asked, green eyes soft yet excited.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Leafbreeze purred. “Sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall crouched down next to Leafbreeze and gazed at the kits. “That pale brown tom should be Dustkit,” Rockfall decided. Leafbreeze nodded her approval.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What about Rainkit for the tortoiseshell?” Leafbreeze asked. “The gray-blue strips remind me of falling rain.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s beautiful,” Rockfall mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They stared at the dark gray tabby she-kit, trying to figure out what to name her. While they were thinking, the she-kit woke up and rolled around and—to the surprise of everyone—opened her eyes, staring around at the den in awe. The eyes were a brilliant, sky blue.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Skykit,” Rockfall mewed instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt first reaction was to scream, ''No! Sky is a sacred name, you can’t use it! ''But no one was to know about SkyClan. Skykit was a cute name.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I love it,” Leafbreeze breathed. She reached a forepaw out and grabbed Skykit. “Skykit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Skykit mewled in delight, seeming to have realized she had a name. Leafbreeze placed Skykit between her siblings at her belly. This awoke Dustkit and Rainkit. They stood up and started kneading Leafbreeze’s belly for milk, their eyes tightly shut. Skykit stared at them, a triumphant look on her face. Furrypelt had to chuckle. Skykit already had a personality.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt glanced at Rockfall, who was frozen in awe. The deputy finally leaned forward to his kits. “Welcome to the world, little kits,” he mewed softly. Skykit glanced at Dustkit, whose tail was flicking. Skykit gazed at the small, twitching brown tail with large blue eyes before darting her paw forward. Dustkit recoiled and mewed in protest, evidently confused on what just happened. “If you opened your eyes, little one, she wouldn’t be able to sneak up on you,” Leafbreeze purred. Dustkit turned his head to the source of Leafbreeze’s voice, but his eyes remained shut.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The other two will open their eyes in their own due time,” Furrypelt meowed. “Meanwhile Skykit can explore the nursery and get to know everyone.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Like me?” Furrypelt turned to see Pinekit standing at the edge of his nest. He looked suddenly big next to Leafbreeze’s kits. Dovewing opened a blue eye, then opened both and lifting her head up. “When did you wake up?” she pale gray queen asked, gently pushing Pinekit back into his nest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But I wanna see!” Pinekit complained. “What are their names? Can I play with them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Pinekit’s commotion had awoken his sisters, and Dovewing looked as though she’d given up. “Pinekit, they haven’t even opened their eyes yet!” Palekit snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Skykit has,” Rockfall mewed, carefully lifting the dark gray she-kit in the air with a forepaw. Skykit struggled, but after being lifted to her father’s chest, decided she wouldn’t like to fall the distance back to the nest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s beautiful,” Softkit mewed affectionately. Rockfall placed the little kit back next to her mother.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why don’t you three run and play outside?” Daisy prompted gently. “Let these little guys get used to their surroundings.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay,” Palekit agreed, leaping from the nest and exiting the nursery.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ll leave you guys alone,” Furrypelt mewed, turning and leaving the nursery behind the kits, her son right behind. “I told you she’d be fine,” she added to Rockfall when they’d left the nursery.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I had to make sure!” Rockfall mewed defensively.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned and saw Foxstar and Sunstripe on the Highledge. Foxstar saw his brother and ran over. “News on the kits?” he asked curiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We named them this morning,” Rockfall meowed excitedly. “Dustkit, Skykit, and Rainkit. Skykit’s already opened her eyes!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wow, that’s great,” Foxstar mewed happily. “Can I go visit them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why don’t you wait a day or so, when all their eyes are open and they’ll actually be able to understand what you’re saying,” Furrypelt suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Foxstar sighed. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart walked over. “Kits okay?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fantastic.” Rockfall’s smile was so large Furrypelt was waiting for his cheeks to fall off.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart purred and rubbed up against her foster son. “Congratulations, kid,” the ginger she-cat mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stared at her family. The shared peace and happiness. But then her smile faltered. ''Those kits won’t be safe, at least for a little while. ''Furrypelt turned away, heading back for the medicine den. ''These tiny scraps will be in constant danger. Will they even know peace? Or will they die in this fighting?''

<p class="MsoNormal">            She pushed into the medicine den, awaking Poppypaw. “Where were you?” the brown she-cat asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall insisted I check on his kits,” Furrypelt sighed. “They’re perfectly fine, not that I was expecting different.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did you name them?” Poppypaw asked, sitting up in her nest. Furrypelt nodded. “Dustkit, Skykit, and Rainkit. Skykit has already opened her eyes. But I’d prefer you’d wait a day or two to visit them, so they can get used to their surroundings. Also, don’t play with them. I don’t want you doing more damage to yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw sighed and rested her chin on her paws. “I shouldn’t have to be stuck here right now,” she muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not much you can do about it,” Furrypelt sighed, sitting down in her nest. “But you are close to being healed. The little scratches are gone, the big ones are scabbed over and certainly smaller than they were. They’ll definitely leave a scar but you should be able to safely move normally in no more than a quarter-moon.” This, however, did not seem to reassure Poppypaw. “Look, sometimes bad things happen. That’s life. You don’t know how lucky you are just to be alive.” Poppypaw tipped her head and stared at Furrypelt.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart leapt off the tree-bridge and allowed herself to be swept away into the crowd, kindly saying hello to any cat who acknowledged her. She suddenly found herself near the front, standing next to Flowerblossom of WindClan. “Hey,” Gingerheart mewed kindly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, hey Gingerheart!” Flowerblossom mewed, upbeat. “What’s up?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nothing much, but Rockfall’s kits came the other day.” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, good for him!” Flowerblossom meowed. “Leafbreeze is his mate, right?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yep,” Gingerheart confirmed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Was it an easy kitting? I remember mine; Kestrelflight said it went smoothly but it did not feel like it.” Flowerblossom mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not entirely sure—I wasn’t exactly there; only medicine cats, queens, and Rockfall seemed allowed in—but it certainly went on a while, and she couldn’t name her kits right after the birth.” Gingerheart replied, trying to remember. She’d been pretty worried, wondering if it would end up like Leopardfoot’s kitting, where she and the kits were weak. Nightkit and Mistkit died, and Tigerstar almost died then too. Wish he did, Gingerheart thought glumly. Luckily, Leafbreeze had been fine, and the kits were healthy. Skykit had even opened her eyes that morning.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hmm. Are they okay now?” Flowerblossom asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, perfectly okay. One opened her eyes already.” Gingerheart smiled as she remembered Furrypelt telling her about Skykit, with the sky-blue eyes—and also how she’d been concerned about the name Skykit, as it was sacred due to SkyClan being a thing, but seeing as no one knew about SkyClan, it couldn’t be said that they couldn’t use the name Skykit. ''Oh well. I mean, it’s not like that’s the first time it’s happened. Moonflower, Windflight, Runningwind, Ambermoon, Brightsky, and Skyheart. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Anything in WindClan?” Gingerheart pulled herself from her thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not really,” Flowerblossom replied. “Though some of the newer warriors look like they’re starting to find love interests.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Better do it soon,” Gingerheart meowed. “If there’s ever a time to have kits it’s newleaf, right?” And before the rogues kill everyone…

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, but I’ve heard murmurings if it’s worth it. Some cats are saying they need to have kits now, before the rogues take over the Clans, while some are saying it’s simply not worth it; the kits would grow up knowing nothing but fear, you know? And they might not even survive.” Flowerblossom’s words half paralyzed Gingerheart with fear. She’s right, Gingerheart thought. I need to have more kits with Bramblethorn—now''! Though she knew Bramblethorn was perfectly content with two ''kits and probably wasn’t interested in another litter. ''And I’m interested in keeping my Clan safe through this crisis. Not much help laying fat in a comfy den while others are risking their lives day by day.''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar yowled for the Gathering to start, and Gingerheart saw how old the ginger leader was. His muzzle was tinged with gray, and Gingerheart strained to remember which arc he was introduced in. The first? As an apprentice? She couldn’t remember.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We have three new apprentices, Sparrowpaw, Nutpaw, and Sagepaw, who has become Puddlefur’s apprentice.” Rowanstar announced. ''Another medicine cat apprentice… Good thing. We need all hands on deck, here. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sparrowpaw! Nutpaw! Sagepaw!” everyone cheered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar nodded to Reedstar to go next. “We have apprentices as well,” the black tom announced. “Ripplepaw and Hailpaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ripplepaw! Hailpaw!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We also have a new warrior, Dustclaw!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dustclaw! Dustclaw!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Featherstar had nothing, and Foxstar finally stepped forward, saying, “Leafbreeze has given birth to three kits, Dustkit, Skykit and Rainkit, fathered by Rockfall.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Murmurs of approval rippled through the crowd, although Gingerheart thought she heard one person say, “Who would be dumb enough to mate with him?” Gingerheart growled under her breath. ''Rockfall is a great cat who was just tricked! I don’t hear any murmurings about Slatewhisker. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gathering dismissed.” Foxstar leapt off the tree at his own words, and Gingerheart noticed him land right next to Birchstripe of ShadowClan. “Hey, Birchstripe,” Foxstar greeted warmly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, Foxstar,” Birchstripe replied, dipping his head to Foxstar. “You know, it feels weird seeing you as leader,”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Look, I’m still the same guy I was before,” Foxstar meowed defiantly. “We were still apprentices at the same time, and I honestly haven’t changed that much.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know, but it feels like we’re on completely different levels now!” Birchstripe cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I am exactly the same as before.” Foxstar repeated. “You can treat me as an equal. You can challenge me to a jumping contest, for all I care! I’d accept!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wouldn’t you just look stupid, especially as leader?” Birchstripe asked curiously, but he looked away from Foxstar for a split second as though afraid he’d get in trouble for insulting him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t care what anyone thinks. I’m going to be me.” Foxstar mewed simply. Birchstripe stared at Foxstar with a different kind of respect. “However, I should probably get my Clan together.” With that, Foxstar pushed himself to the edge of the island and called, “ThunderClan!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 7= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “A re you healed enough to play with us?” Palekit asked Poppypaw. Gingerheart watched from a distance as Poppypaw—still receiving a daily poultice for her wounds, but able to walk normally again—looked down at the tabby she-kit. “Not quite, little one,” Poppypaw replied. “But soon, according to Furrypelt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But you’ve been injured forever!” Softkit complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She suffered bad wounds,” Furrypelt mewed, walking out of the medicine den. “Give it a couple more days. Then she can play, but nothing hardcore. Poppypaw, could you go mix some herbs for Millie? She’s complaining about stiff joints.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw nodded and entered the medicine den. Dovewing’s kits rushed over to Gingerheart and Dovewing, who were lying next to each other in a surprisingly empty camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Pinekit jumped on Dovewing, who let out an oof as she was pounced. “You told us Bumblestripe’s not our real father,” the brown tabby mewed. “When will we meet our father?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Once you’re apprentices,” Dovewing replied gently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “However, I would recommend not saying things like that around other people,” Gingerheart warned. Pinekit looked suddenly scared.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh no! I told someone!” he cried, his eyes wild.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s okay,” Dovewing soothed, stroking her tail along her kit’s back. “She knew before you were born.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh,” Pinekit mewed sheepishly. “So, why haven’t you told anyone?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why haven’t you told anyone?” Gingerheart prompted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dovewing told me not to.” Pinekit replied simply. Gingerheart was expecting a different answer, then realized she shouldn’t have been.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I haven’t told anyone because I had a similar secret myself before. I understand what your parents are going through. And I don’t want any families torn apart or anything.” Gingerheart explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What secret did you have?” Softkit asked, and Gingerheart was amazed she didn’t know.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I mothered Furrypelt’s kits. Everyone believed they were mine until a couple moons before you were born.” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Was it hard?” Palekit asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, of course not. Furrypelt is my sister, and my best friend. I would do anything for her. I loved the kits as my own, and I would’ve anyway. But, it was hard on Furrypelt and Firepelt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why?” Pinekit mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They couldn’t confess their love openly,” Gingerheart mewed patiently. “They had to stand off on the side, watching their kits grow up from a distance.” Gingerheart could tell the kits still didn’t understand why that was difficult. “You’ll understand someday, when you’re parents.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits stared at her, and Gingerheart was relieved when Daisy emerged from the nursery. “Gingerheart, Leafbreeze says she’s accepting visitors if you’re interested.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart was immediately inside the nursery, staring down at Leafbreeze’s nest, and three tiny bundles at her belly. Gingerheart inched closer, and Leafbreeze smiled, proudly showing off the kits. “They’re adorable!” she cried, crouching down next to the young queen. “They’re beautiful.” She stared at her tiny kin. “You and Rockfall are lucky.” Leafbreeze purred, then glanced down at her kits. Gingerheart saw a pale brown tom, a dark gray she-kit, and a smoky tortoiseshell she-kit. “Hey, little kits,” Gingerheart whispered. The dark gray she-kit turned around and stared at her, sky-blue eyes wide and curious. “Is this Skykit?” Gingerheart guessed. Leafbreeze nodded. ''Does she have SkyClan blood? ''Gingerheart wondered. A lot of cats seemed to, as they were somehow descended from Swiftbreeze.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dustkit is the tom, and Rainkit is the she-kit,” Leafbreeze mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who are you?” Skykit asked, her voice extremely high-pitched.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m Gingerheart,” Gingerheart replied. “I’m a ThunderClan warrior.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s a warrior?” Skykit asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They provide for and defend the Clan.” Gingerheart explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s a Clan?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart kept her patience. “A group of cats that live together and care for each other. Our Clan is ThunderClan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is ThunderClan the best?” Skykit mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Everyone thinks their own Clan is the best, but I’ve always believed ThunderClan to be the best.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Skykit turned away from Gingerheart and stared at Dustkit. “Did you hear that?” Skykit prodded her brother. “We live in the best Clan!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Dustkit lifted his head in his sister’s directions, but his eyes were shut. He said nothing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is it a rule if their eyes aren’t open they can’t talk?” Gingerheart asked. Skykit was no older than her siblings, and she was the only one talking, and the only one with her eyes open. Leafbreeze shrugged.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Leafbreeze, why won’t Dustkit and Rainkit open their eyes and talk?” Skykit whined, poking Rainkit. Rainkit squeaked in protest and kept her eyes closed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’ll open their eyes in their own time,” Leafbreeze mewed gently. “You opened your eyes much faster than most.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Open your eyes,” Skykit squealed impatiently, prodding both her siblings. As though relenting, Dustkit opened his. They were light green in color, and he stared around the nursery.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This room was a lot smaller with my eyes closed,” he complained, his voice high-pitched but lower than Skykit’s. He tried to shrink into his nest. See, he doesn’t talk until his eyes are open, Gingerheart thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Isn’t it cool?” Skykit asked, bouncing up and down. “There’s so much to see!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Dustkit nervously started looked around, then started becoming more intent on his scans of the room, as though looking for something. He stood on the edge of his nest, and immediately fell out completely, bumping his head on the hard-ish floor. He started wailing in pain, and Leafbreeze quickly grabbed the tom-kit and gently licked his head. His wail changed to a whimper until finally he stopped making noise.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt appeared in the entrance of the nursery. “I heard wailing. Everything okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dustkit fell out of the nest and bumped his head,” Gingerheart explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wow.” Furrypelt mewed. “I have never heard of a kit that stupid.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not stuppied!” Dustkit protested, proving Furrypelt’s point. Gingerheart saw Furrypelt hang her head in disappointment.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good luck with that, Leafbreeze,” Furrypelt mewed. Leafbreeze scowled at Furrypelt. “He’s a kit, Furrypelt. All kits are dumb.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not that dumb,” Furrypelt pointed out, and Gingerheart knew she was right. She hoped there wasn’t something wrong with Dustkit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Skykit walked over to Rainkit. “Come on, Rainkit, you’re the only one left!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rainkit groaned then opened her eyes, revealing dark blue eyes that reminded Gingerheart of the ocean. Rainkit stared around in awe.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s go, Gingerheart,” Furrypelt mewed. “Allow Dustkit and Rainkit to fully understand their surroundings.” Gingerheart sighed. She wanted to spend all day with kits. I suppose I should be making sure the Clan is safe through these rough times.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart followed her sister out of the nursery.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw was sitting in front of the medicine den. “Millie has her herbs,” she mewed. She still looked annoyed on being injured.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Trust me, you’ll be healed before the half-moon.” Furrypelt promised.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then you’ll be able to meet Sagepaw, ShadowClan’s new medicine cat apprentice!” Gingerheart meowed, trying to cheer up the young she-cat. Poppypaw brightened a little.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart!” Rockfall cried from underneath the Highledge. Gingerheart walked over. “I’m putting you on a hunting patrol led by Sparrowheart. I’m sending you with Cherryfall, Applepaw, and Rosepetal.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay,” Gingerheart mewed. Turning her head, she saw Sparrowheart and Cherryfall standing near the camp entrance. Gingerheart walked over. “Applepaw is getting Rosepetal,” Cherryfall explained. Gingerheart flicked her ear to show she heard.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Soon, a cream apprentice appeared with a dark cream she-cat. “Ready to go?” Rosepetal asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yep,” Sparrowheart mewed, looking nervous at being leader of the patrol with a senior warrior in it.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sure you’ll do fine,” Rosepetal meowed, evidently noticing Sparrowheart’s nervous gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Taking a deep breath, Sparrowheart led the patrol out of the camp. “So, where did Rockfall send us?” Gingerheart asked. Sparrowheart froze just outside of the camp entrance. ''Has he forgotten already? ''Gingerheart wondered. ''Poor guy; must be really nervous. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He sent us near the ShadowClan border,” Cherryfall came to Sparrowheart’s rescue.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t worry,” Rosepetal mewed affectionately. “I was worse when Brambleclaw first asked me to lead a patrol.” The dark cream she-cat flicked Sparrowheart’s ear affectionately with her tail. Sparrowheart never knew Bramblestar, Gingerheart suddenly realized. ''Man, how time’s gone by. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">            Sparrowheart continued through the forest, through the heart of ThunderClan territory, until they hit the ShadowClan border. “Let’s backtrack a bit,” Gingerheart suggested gently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes,” Sparrowheart agreed. He turned around back into the forest until the border was about three fox-lengths away. “Cherryfall, do you and Applepaw want to head towards the territory border while Gingerheart Rosepetal and I head towards the lake?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sure,” Cherryfall agreed, leading her cream apprentice into the undergrowth.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Um,” Gingerheart mewed, wanting to say what’s on her mind without making Sparrowheart feel stupid, but she couldn’t find a way around that. “Are you sure it’s smart to send them without another warrior? One warrior and an apprentice alone?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hmm,” Sparrowheart started doubting himself and Gingerheart could tell she may have damaged his self-confidence.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart, don’t worry,” Cherryfall mewed. “Applepaw and I can handle ourselves. She’s gotten pretty good at some battle moves, right?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Applepaw nodded excitedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Right then,” Sparrowheart meowed, regaining confidence. “Then Cherryfall and Applepaw go that way and the rest of us this way.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay,” Rosepetal mewed. Gingerheart and Rosepetal followed Sparrowheart in the direction of the lake while Cherryfall and Applepaw went the opposite direction.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart quickly scented a shrew and crouched to stalk it. She quietly crept through the undergrowth and saw the mouse-like creature sniffing around for food of its own. Gingerheart pounced and landed on its neck, killing it instantly. ''Whoops, meant to land a little further over. ''It wasn’t the best feeling of landing on someone’s neck—even if it was prey.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart shrugged it off and scraped dirt over her catch so she could get it later. She walked back to the group and continued sniffing for signs of prey. Rosepetal evidently heard or smelled something Gingerheart did not, as the cream she-cat crouched and began to stalk towards something. Letting out a faint growl, Rosepetal launched herself into the air. Gingerheart had no idea where Rosepetal was going, but the rustle of the undergrowth had frightened a bird that took to the air—right into Rosepetal’s path. The senior warrior dragged the bird down with her and slit its throat upon landing. “Nice catch, Rosepetal!” Gingerheart cried as Rosepetal scraped dirt over a bluebird.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, Gingerheart,” Rosepetal mewed modestly. “Though I think your shrew is bigger. Sparrowheart, see if you can get a bigger piece than both of us!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sparrowheart nodded. He listened and sniffed intently, and Gingerheart knew the brown warrior was trying hard to impress Rosepetal. You’re not an apprentice, Gingerheart thought. The poor kid still acted like he had to impress his mentor. You’re ''leader of the patrol, not Rosepetal. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           But Gingerheart said nothing as Sparrowheart crouched down, his gaze locked on to the base of a tree. Gingerheart carefully and silently crept behind the brown-and-white tom. A thin squirrel—likely just come out of hibernation—was digging for nuts beneath the ground. There was some thin grass between Sparrowheart and the squirrel, and the squirrel was so intent on its own hunt that it didn’t realize it was being hunted. ''Now! ''Gingerheart thought, but Sparrowheart did not move his white paws. Sparrowheart drew in his hindquarters and started wiggling his rump, fidgeting his front paws as he got ready to pounce. But suddenly a shriek broke the air: “Applepaw, where are you?!” The squirrel looked up at the sound and scurried up the tree. Sparrowheart, frustrated, glanced at it for a moment, then turned to the source of the noise. Gingerheart had recognized Cherryfall’s wail instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Come on!” Sparrowheart cried, running in front of his patrol through the woods where he had sent Cherryfall and Applepaw. “Cherryfall?” he kept calling.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They finally found Cherryfall, distraught, standing next at the base of a tree. “Sparrowheart! Rosepetal! Gingerheart!” Cherryfall gasped in relief. “Applepaw’s disappeared! I turned my back to hunt for a second, then after I buried the vole I turn around and Applepaw’s nowhere!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is there a scent trail?” Rosepetal asked instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, but it just disappears!” Cherryfall wailed. Gingerheart rushed forward and picked up Applepaw’s scent in the grass, but it did not go far; the freshest went maybe a couple tail-lengths towards the border of Clan territory, then disappeared right before the border—close enough to the border that someone could reach over and grab her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sniffed at the border and, past the ThunderClan scent markings, recognized the scent of the rogues—no, BloodClan—at the edge.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The rogues took her,” Gingerheart determined.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We have to find her!” Sparrowheart cried. “We’ll follow the scent trail out of Clan territory and get her back!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if the scent trail leads right to the heart of their camp?” Rosepetal asked. “We’d be way outnumbered. You saw how many cats Jag had at the Gathering—and he said that was just a chunk of his cats! If we’re rescuing Applepaw, we need reinforcements.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 8= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “F oxstar!” Furrypelt heard the cry from the medicine den where she was putting a new poultice on Poppypaw’s wounds. “That can’t be good,” Furrypelt murmured, but did not exit the medicine den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That sounds like Cherryfall,” Poppypaw mewed. The apprentice sniffed the air. “I smell Gingerheart, Rosepetal, and Sparrowheart with her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stiffened. Wasn’t Applepaw sent on that patrol? ''Why does Gingerheart always seem to get stuck on the dangerous patrols? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “As soon as I’m done here I’ll have to go check,” Furrypelt mewed, half to herself. She quickly put the last of the marigold and dock on Poppypaw. All the little scratches were faint lines, and Poppypaw’s biggest scratch, which was still a scab, didn’t look great, but was a significant improvement than what it had been. It’ll definitely leave a scar, Furrypelt thought. ''But I can think of much worse. ''She had a few scars herself, and as a Twoleg she’d managed to get a scar on top of a scar. School didn’t like that left ankle… she thought. ''And that chair in Mom’s room didn’t care for my left knee… had a scar there, too. ''She had thought that her left side was cursed and her right leg would be left unscarred—and then she skinned both her right knee and elbow on the tennis court. She had been wearing the bandages a long time, but at least even the day she got them she had not been incapacitated as she had been with Breezepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt put the spare leaves away in the storage cleft and exited the medicine den. Poppypaw carefully followed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart’s patrol stood talking frantically to Foxstar and Rockfall. “ThunderClan!” Foxstar yowled a moment later. “I need reinforcements to rescue Applepaw! Cherryfall will explain on the way!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll come!” Furrypelt yowled instantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll come!” Hollytuft cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Me too!” Dewnose shouted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I want to come!” Frostpaw begged.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If she’s going I’ll go!” Bramblethorn called.

<p class="MsoNormal">           More voices raised up from the crowd, and in the end Foxstar took Furrypelt, Gingerheart and her patrol, Applepaw’s direct family, Bramblethorn, Firepelt, Squirreltail, Brightpelt, Boulderfoot, Specklepelt, Mousewhisker, Lilyheart, Larkspirit, Stripefur, and reluctantly took Rockfall, when the deputy had insisted that if it came to a fight he would be their greatest ally, leaving Cinderheart in charge of camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt charged from camp after Foxstar, Cherryfall at his side, Rockfall limping frantically at his other. ''How is Rockfall keeping up? ''Furrypelt wondered, bewildered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, what happened?” Hollytuft called.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We split up our patrol, Applepaw and I went one way and the others went the other way.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why would you do that?” Rockfall asked, and Foxstar shushed his brother.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I turned my back on her while hunting,” Cherryfall continued. “Turn around and Applepaw is gone! Her scent disappeared just before the border of Clan territory, and Gingerheart scented BloodClan just beyond that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gasps rose up from the running cats. “If they harm one hair on her pelt,” Dewnose growled. “I’ll kill them all!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar continued to the northwest border of ThunderClan territory, but halfway there they were stopped dead at a familiar scent—Applepaw’s scent in the heart of ThunderClan territory, fresh, and tainted with blood. “Applepaw?” Hollytuft asked, her voice fearful and hopeful at the same time. The black she-cat stepped forward to the front of the group of cats, and Furrypelt watched anxiously as the bushes trembled and a cream she-cat stepped forward, splattered with blood, but Furrypelt could tell no wounds were deep, and some of the blood was not her own.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Applepaw! You’re okay!” Hollytuft cried, rushing forward and smothering her daughter with frantic licks.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Applepaw attempted to shy away from her mother, but Hollytuft would not let her leave.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What happened?” Cherryfall asked. “I thought you were taken by BloodClan!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I was,” Applepaw mewed. “While you were hunting that vole, I thought I heard a noise. I crept towards it, then suddenly teeth grabbed my scruff and a fluffy gray tail covered my mouth so I could speak. I recognized Jag from the Gathering as a group of cats dragged me out of Clan territory. I heard them saying something about a ransom, and then I kicked with my hind paws into the neck of the cat holding me and he dropped me. I had to fight a bit, but Jag didn’t seem too upset to let me go.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stared at the apprentice. What was Jag playing at? If they had been planning on using Applepaw as a ransom, why would he let her come back, and not fatally wounded? Was he just trying to show what he was willing to do to see if ThunderClan would join BloodClan willingly? Seemed like a half-baked plan. Could he just not want his rogues getting hurt? It seemed unlikely that Applepaw would’ve caused much damage. I am so lost right now, she thought. ''But Applepaw is back safely. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s get back to camp,” Foxstar mewed slowly. “And try to make sense of what happened. Rockfall, Gingerheart, Furrypelt, in my den when we get back.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Shouldn’t Furrypelt see to Applepaw?” Hollytuft asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Can’t Poppypaw do that?” Foxstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s injured, and still an apprentice!” Hollytuft cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s able to walk and move, and she’s been an apprentice for a while now,” Foxstar growled. “Applepaw’s wounds don’t look bad, and I’m guessing Poppypaw is competent enough to at least stop the bleeding. I could do that! She’s not some undergrad trying to learn rocket science!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt knew that Foxstar had lost Hollytuft in the last sentence, but no one could bring themselves to care. They walked back to camp—no longer in a hurry—and Furrypelt immediately sent Applepaw to the medicine den, then followed Foxstar, Rockfall, and Gingerheart up the Highledge.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I believe we need to discuss what just happened,” Foxstar mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Really? I thought we could dismiss this as casually as a butterfly drifting by.” Furrypelt remarked sarcastically.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Your sarcasm is not helping,” Foxstar growled. ''Is he aware that when it comes to sarcasm he’s generally worse? ''Furrypelt wondered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay, so, why did Jag let Applepaw go?” Foxstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt repeated everything that had been going through her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hmm, you’re right; none of those make too much sense.” Foxstar murmured thoughtfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Maybe he found the kindness in his heart to let a young cat go,” Gingerheart suggested mildly. The other cats in the room glared at her. “What? He’s got a mate and kits, hasn’t he? He must have somewhat of a heart!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know, Gingerheart,” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “To be fair,” Rockfall piped up, speaking for the first time. “It makes the most sense of the ideas that have been stated thus far.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I suppose that’s true,” Foxstar sighed. “Whatever the reason is, it makes me uncomfortable that Jag let Applepaw go so willingly. I just get that sense he’s up to something. I want everyone on high alert. Rockfall, double the patrols. And I don’t want any patrols breaking up so that there aren’t at least two warriors together. Not only do you not leave camp alone, you don’t leave camp unless the group consists of at least two warriors.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why not tell that to the Clan instead of just us?” Furrypelt suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, that is a good plan,” Foxstar agreed, the sarcastic tone in his voice returning. The only true way to speak, Furrypelt thought. ''Wow, I hung out with Zach too much. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           The four cats exited the leader’s den, and Furrypelt, Gingerheart and Rockfall scrambled down to the ground below while Foxstar called a meeting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           When everyone was gathered, Foxstar meowed, “Applepaw is okay, she fought her way out. But she said Jag seemed rather willing to let her escape. This worries me. It makes me think that Jag is plotting something deeper. I can’t be sure if the suspicion is correct, but whether it is or not, everyone is on high alert. Patrols will be doubled. No one leaves camp unless the group has at least two warriors. Elders should stay in camp.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, what if I want to stretch my legs?” Jayfeather snapped from where he was sitting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Jayfeather, it’s for the best,” Leafpool mewed to her son gently. “You’ve never been a strong fighter.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gee, wonder why,” Jayfeather growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine, elders may leave camp, so long as they’re escorted by two or three warriors, kapeesh?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kapeesh?” Jayfeather echoed blankly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Whatever,” Foxstar rolled his eyes. “Meeting dismissed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed Sunstripe run up to Foxstar as he decended from the Highledge, and Furrypelt, sitting near the front, was within earshot of the following conversation.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know, why is it that I never seem to be a part of your discussions?” Sunstripe asked Foxstar angrily. “Or any of the senior warriors! The only cats you ever consult are Rockfall Furrypelt and Gingerheart!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall is my deputy, Furrypelt is my medicine cat, and Gingerheart has more experience than the rest of the Clan combined, and that goes for Furrypelt, too.” Foxstar meowed pointedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s not the point! I feel excluded!” Sunstripe cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You shouldn’t.” Foxstar mewed simply.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And why not?” Sunstripe asked harshly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because… you…” Foxstar started trailing off and Furrypelt knew that, as a normal tom, he was losing control of a situation with a female. “You sleep with me in my den! You get to sleep in the leader’s den!” Foxstar... Furrypelt groaned inwardly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, because that can just make up for everything,” Sunstripe hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why is there always so much drama between us?!” Foxstar cried. “Everything was fine before I became leader! What changed?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You became leader,” Sunstripe growled. “Became so focused on your role that you started ignoring me! Why don’t you fuss over me like Rockfall fusses over Leafbreeze and their kits?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because I’m not a paranoid freak?” Foxstar meowed, utterly confused and unsure how to continue. Men… Furrypelt thought, rolling her eyes. She knew she had to step in and save the relationship between her son and daughter-in-law. ''Would she be considered my daughter-in-law? They didn’t officially get married so the “law” part is taken out… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Shrugging off the question, she literally stepped forward. “Sunstripe, please stop trying to pick a fight with Foxstar. He’s stressed out. I’ve seen how being a leader has taken an effect on him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you mean by that?” Foxstar asked, but Furrypelt ignored her son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The reason he doesn’t council with anyone else is because, he’s got a point—the two most called upon cats in a leader’s life is the deputy and medicine cat. And I alone probably at least triple the experience of the senior warriors combined, so combine that with Foxstar and Gingerheart… there isn’t really a need to ask other people. It would just waste time.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So I’m not important enough for Foxstar to waste his precious time with me?” Sunstripe snapped. ''Dang it! I forgot how sensitive and easily-provoked young women are. ''Really she shouldn’t forget, as she was a she-cat herself, but she’d always seen herself as a tomboy. Granted men didn’t make much sense either. ''Great, I’ve become a nerd who doesn’t understand either side of society. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s not what I’m saying,” Furrypelt mewed quickly, though it honestly was. “From a political standpoint, it would make the most sense for Foxstar to consult solely me Gingerheart and Rockfall. But I doubt he would mind if you joined us in the future.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, you can step in any time you want,” Foxstar agreed quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe looked appeased. “I just don’t want to be excluded.” She mewed as a final statement, then walked away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Relationships are so hard,” Foxstar sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My releationship with Firepelt was hard for a different reason,” Furrypelt remarked. Foxstar rolled his eyes, though he wore an amused face.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We should probably get some rest,” Foxstar mewed. The sun was just beginning to set.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can stay up a little longer,” Furrypelt mewed playfully. “As a Twoleg, midnight meant the night was still young.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar rolled his eyes again. “Didn’t you ever sleep?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The summer after sixth grade I averaged five or six hours a night,” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wooow.” Foxstar mewed. “Wait, when did you wake up?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Seven-thirty, every single day.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You are insane.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not news.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           She turned and walked away towards the fresh-kill pile. Gingerheart’s patrol had never actually brought back what they’d caught. Out of the corner of her eye she saw movement and turned to find the patrol was indeed going to fetch the prey they’d left behind. Come back soon, she thought. ''What’s left here is supposed to go to people other than me! ''

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Finally!” Poppypaw cried, stretching her front legs forward and arching her back. “I can move everything!” She stretched each back leg in turn. Furrypelt stared at her apprentice, healed as she was ever going to get. Her left ear had a moderately large v-shaped chunk taken out, and her right flank would forever hold a scar.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s good, because we’re leaving for the Moonpool,” Furrypelt mewed. “The others will be glad to see you back on your feet.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt walked out of the medicine den and saw Foxstar and Sunstripe sharing tongues. Furrypelt waved her tail in farewell to her son, and he returned it. Gingerheart called a “Have fun!” from where she lay in front of the warriors’ den with Bramblethorn, and Firepelt walked up and gave her a quick lick. Furrypelt purred and she exited camp with Poppypaw on her heels.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s been so long since I’ve been out of camp,” Poppypaw sighed, staring happily at the trees as they walked towards the Moonpool. “And so much has grown—I’ve never seen so many plants and flowers in this forest!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s right; you came here in leaf-bare,” Furrypelt remembered. “Wait until you see it during greenleaf.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Can’t wait,” Poppypaw purred. They stopped as they reached the WindClan border. Across from them stood Kestrelflight and Snowfall.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nice to see you up and about, Poppypaw,” Kestrelflight mewed, dipping his head respectfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How are you two always the first to arrive?” Furrypelt asked, and Kestrelflight chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We leave earlier, I guess.” He replied simply.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Poppypaw, your ear,” Snowfall mewed worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked once more at Poppypaw’s left ear. It was about as bad as Bramblethorn’s torn ear after his badger fight as a kit. I could’ve tried harder to stop them then, Furrypelt thought. ''Poppyfrost might still be alive. But I don’t want to mess with anything. With my luck had Poppyfrost lived the Four might’ve won or something. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll be fine,” Poppypaw mewed to the white she-cat. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do I hear Poppypaw?” To Furrypelt’s surprise, the cat who spoke was Willowshine. RiverClan is always last, Furrypelt thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m back,” Poppypaw meowed happily.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gosh, I was so worried,” Willowshine mewed. “Glad you’re okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           After waiting a little longer, Puddlefur and Sagepaw finally appeared. “Welcome to the Moonpool,” Furrypelt greeted the pearly-white she-cat warmly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, Furrypelt,” Sagepaw mewed. She looked past Furrypelt at Poppypaw. “Who’s that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My apprentice, Poppypaw,” Furrypelt replied. “She got attacked by BloodClan and just recovered, so she wasn’t at the last Gathering.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, I see.” Sagepaw meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Shall we get going?” Mothwing suggested. The other cats murmured their agreement. Furrypelt noticed that Poppypaw was struggling just a bit to go up the slope, and realized how out-of-use her muscles were. She gave her apprentice a few helpful nudges to the top, and she spiraled down without problems.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Upon reaching the pool, everyone took up their positions. Furrypelt gazed around and realized that there were eight cats here. “Wow, there are eight cats,” she mewed aloud. “The maximum number of medicine cats possible. That hasn’t happened since… Flametail became an apprentice?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Has it been that long?” Kestrelflight asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Littlecloud and Flamepaw, Barkface and Kestrelpaw, Leafpool and Jaypaw, and then Mothwing and Willowshine,” Furrypelt mewed. “And then Barkface died, and then Flametail died, then Leafpool became a warrior, so then there were only five, then I became an apprentice, then Puddlepaw, Littlecloud retires, Snowpaw, Poppypaw, and finally Sagepaw fills the final spot. By the way, Puddlefur, don’t name her Sagewhisker.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why not?” Puddlefur asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “There was already a ShadowClan medicine cat named Sagewhisker.” Furrypelt explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, alright,” Puddlefur mewed. “Now I will do Sagepaw’s ceremony before we start talking about random things again.” He cleared his throat and meowed, “Sagepaw is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It is,” Sagepaw replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then come forward.” Sagepaw stepped closer to her mentor and the pool. “Warriors of StarClan, I present you with this apprentice. She has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Gran her your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her Clan in accordance with your will.” Sagepaw laid down next to the Moonpool and drank a few drops, then touched her nose to the cold, clear surface, and everyone followed suit—excluding Mothwing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt saw nothing but blackness, then opened her eyes in StarClan’s hunting grounds. Bluestar and Firestar were there. “We’re glad Poppypaw’s okay,” Bluestar started. “But remember: Blood shall follow the path to darkness.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But what does that mean?” Furrypelt asked. “I assume that the “blood” is BloodClan, but what path did they follow? What darkness?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We can’t be sure any more than you,” Firestar mewed gravely. “What Foxstar has told the Clan to do is the best you can do, at least for now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Bluestar looked at her. “If Reedstar follows advice, you will always have an ally in RiverClan,” she mewed to Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 9= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “W hat do you think was said to Reedstar?” Furrypelt asked her sister curiously, after explaining what she’d heard the previous night at the Moonpool.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No idea,” Gingerheart shook her head cluelessly. “Could be helpful, though.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Maplefur, Hazelwing, Icepelt, and Squirreltail,” Rockfall was mewing from beneath the Highledge. “Check the northern border; make sure BloodClan aren’t lurking around.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Siblings patrol?” Gingerheart teased.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Maplefur and Hazelwing are inseparable anyway,” Rockfall pointed out. “And I figure it’s been a while since Icepelt and Squirreltail have done much together.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The four cats Rockfall called walked away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I hope they don’t run into BloodClan,” Furrypelt muttered. “I’ve had to deal with enough injuries.” She side-glanced at Poppypaw, on the other side of the clearing, playing with the six kits.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do any of the other Clans have kits right now?” Gingerheart suddenly asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not in my knowledge,” Furrypelt replied. “They could probably use some kits, though; I’m pretty sure ThunderClan is the largest Clan, making them pretty small in comparison.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We do have a lot of cats,” Gingerheart mewed. “Will we be able to feed everyone come leaf-bare?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I like to not worry about leaf-bare until leaf-bare,” Furrypelt answered. “Besides, we’ve survived every leaf-bare since we came here. It’s not like this leaf-bare will be unusually colder.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Knock on wood!” Gingerheart cried, then looked frantically around. She ran over to the fallen tree from Dovewing’s apprenticeship and banged her paw on it. Furrypelt rolled her blue eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart, banging your paw against a dead tree is not going to change what happens during winter!” Furrypelt called.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t care!” Gingerheart replied, and Furrypelt rolled her eyes again.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She turned her attention to the kits’ game. They seemed to be playing moss-ball, and the six kits had grouped into two teams—Palekit with Rainkit and Skykit, and Pinekit with Softkit and Dustkit. Dovewing’s kits looked much bigger than they did before next to Leafbreeze’s kits. Poppypaw appeared to be commentating:

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And Pinekit snatches the ball from Palekit and makes a run for it. Here comes Skykit, looks like she’s gonna get it—and Pinekit passes it to Softkit! She runs forward, she’s almost at the goal! She’s about to make the shot—and she passes it to Dustkit! Dustkit moves to shoot the ball,” But Dustkit wasn’t moving to do anything with the moss-ball. In fact, he looked unaware that the ball was even in his vicinity.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dustkit! Shoot it at the wall!” Pinekit shrieked as Rainkit came running up to him. Softkit and Pinekit were too far away to prevent Rainkit’s steal of the moss-ball.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And Rainkit steals the ball from Dustkit, sprinting back across the clearing. Palekit runs ahead. Rainkit passes the ball to Palekit. Pinekit runs in for a interception—ooh, so close, but not quite fast enough, and Palekit moves to shoot—she scores!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Pinekit whirled around. “Dustkit!” he scolded. The dusty brown tom-kit had not moved, just stared curiously at the place where the moss-ball had hit the wall, next to the medicine den on the other end of camp. Pinekit ran over to him. “Why didn’t you shoot the ball? We could’ve scored a point!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Huh?” Dustkit mewed, his voice really high-pitched in comparison to Pinekit, who already had a high voice due to his age.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt?” Furrypelt turned her head and realized Poppypaw was standing next to her. “Is Dustkit okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I-I don’t know,” Furrypelt replied. “He seems okay, other than not seeming to know his surroundings. It could be a sight issue, mental issue, or he could just be unobservant, like I was as a Twoleg. Granted I also had a sight issue, but as a Twoleg that’s pretty easily resolved.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I really hope he’s okay,” Poppypaw mewed, before walking back to the kits.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           A quarter-moon later, Furrypelt was leaping onto the tree-bridge with Poppypaw on her tail. It had been a while since Poppypaw had been to a Gathering, Furrypelt remembered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jumping off the tree-bridge, Furrypelt walked to the corner of the island where the medicine cats gathered. Other warriors and apprentices dispersed with their friends across the rest of the island, while the deputies took their places at the roots of the tree, while the leaders leaped onto the branches. The medicine cats, with not much to talk about, really just sat in awkward silence.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did I tell you that Otterfoot is close to kitting?” Willowshine asked after a while.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, yeah?” Furrypelt mewed. “Who’s the father?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Emberwhisker,” Willowshine replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good for them,” Furrypelt meowed, approving of the young love.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They continued to sit there.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Until finally Rowanstar called for the Gathering to begin. He was the oldest leader there, and it was quite apparent. His muzzle was graying and his coat was a little ragged. Reedstar was a little old, as well, but it was only shown in his difficulty to jump onto the tree. Foxstar and Featherstar were kits or apprentices in comparison, chosen for deputy as new warriors.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar nodded to Featherstar to go first. “Roseheart has given birth to three new kits, Beetlekit, Mousekit, and Graykit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           A few cats in the crowd murmured their congratulations.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Featherstar nodded to Reedstar. He opened his mouth to speak, when a yowl from the back of the crowd stopped him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt whipped her head around. She spotted a familiar black-and-white cat stalk forward. “Jag,” she growled. At least thirty cats stood behind him; more than the last time he’d crashed a Gathering.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why are you here?” Foxstar growled loudly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “To see if I could talk sense into any of you,” Jag hissed. “I’ve nearly succeeded in taking three apprentices from the Clans already—” Furrypelt noticed Poppypaw’s neck fur bristle, and she thought of Dustclaw and Applepaw. “—and I am prepared to actually go through the work if you don’t surrender your Clans now. BloodClan will rule the forest once again!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The cats behind him started yowling agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll lose all nine of my lives before surrendering ThunderClan to you!” Foxstar screamed, and the other leaders yowled agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s a pity,” Jag mewed. “Because one of you only has one life left.” He stared long and hard at Rowanstar. Cats gasped, and Rowanstar’s eyes widened as he took a step backwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wha—how…?” was all Rowanstar could say. He is ''on his last life! I knew it! ''Furrypelt thought. ''Wait, that’s a bad thing! ''Furrypelt glanced over at Puddlefur, who looked solemn.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Our four Clans outnumber you,” Reedstar growled. “We’ll stand together, and you won’t win.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I told you last time, I have more cats,” Jag hissed. “Much more cats. And a second team. We outnumber you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What second team?” Featherstar cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s a surprise,” Jag mewed, his eyes glinting darkly. “But if you just allow BloodClan to rule, it’s a surprise you’ll never have to know.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Leave now,” Rowanstar growled. “Or we’ll force you to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Surely you wouldn’t break the peace of the Gathering?” Jag taunted. “We’ll leave, but this isn’t the last time we’ll be seen.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jag turned his cats around and they left the island. Finally, when the last cat was out of sight, Rowanstar turned to Foxstar. “This is your fault!” Rowanstar yowled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My fault? How is this my fault?” Foxstar cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Your little group led BloodClan here!” Rowanstar cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt jumped up. “StarClan told me that the rogues would’ve found another way here! We just sped up the process a little bit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How else would they have found their way here except by following you?” Rowanstar hissed. “ThunderClan claims to be saving us by going and getting Poppypaw, but had they not left at all, then BloodClan wouldn’t be here, and Poppypaw wouldn’t have to be here! You’ve put us all in danger!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You dare to blame this on me?” Foxstar growled. “If StarClan says there was another way, there was another way.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed Reedstar look thoughtful, then turned to Rowanstar. “Foxstar is telling the truth,” he determined. “We need to trust him. We need to stand together against these rogues!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You sound like your mother,” Rowanstar growled. “Of course she always took ThunderClan’s side, seeing as she was half-ThunderClan. I guess you, too, would also have ThunderClan blood, so of course you’ll defend them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Reedstar’s neck fur started bristling. Suddenly the island went dark. Looking up, Furrypelt saw a cloud where the moon should be.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gathering. Dismissed.” Foxstar pushed the words through clenched teeth in a cold voice before leaping off the tree. He did not even call the Clan together. He just kept walking towards the tree-bridge, and ThunderClan got the message.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, I guess Bluestar was right,” Furrypelt mewed to Gingerheart the next day. “We have an ally in RiverClan—kind of.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s what you’re focusing on?” Gingerheart cried. “What about Jag’s threat? What about Rowanstar being almost dead?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt just sat there, staring at Gingerheart, having no idea what to say. “Well,” she finally mewed. “I guess it shows that Jag let Applepaw go to give us another chance to give in.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt,” Gingerheart mewed quietly. “What if one of the Clans does give in?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Didn’t they just all vow to give up all nine lives before joining Jag?” Furrypelt pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, but, under enough pressure, surely there are people who would give in?” Gingerheart mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt hadn’t thought about that. Reedstar was right in that they needed to stick together; if a Clan went rogue that could be the end of everything, especially if Jag was telling the truth about how many cats they had.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt started thinking about what else Jag had said: a second team. A second team! She was as baffled as Featherstar. What other second team could there possibly be?

<p class="MsoNormal">           She thought about the prophecy again: ''Blood shall follow the path to darkness. She figured Blood ''is BloodClan. Darkness?

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart,” Furrypelt mewed. “You don’t think the darkness referred to in the prophecy could be the Dark Forest, do you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sat in silence. “Maybe…” she meowed quietly. “Haven’t we seen enough of them lately?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt shook her head. “I don’t know. I guess they’re that determined.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt?” Furrypelt turned her head to find Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s up?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I thought maybe we should do battle training,” Poppypaw meowed. “Seeing as Jag is making bigger threats, and seeing as I’ve already almost died…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt nodded. She had actually forgotten about Poppypaw’s training. “Gingerheart, Foxstar said if you leave camp there must be two warriors. Wanna come?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you count as a warrior?” Gingerheart asked. “Technically you’re a medicine cat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Trained as a warrior,” Furrypelt pointed out. “Really good thing I did that…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good enough,” Gingerheart meowed, and she took the lead out of camp. Poppypaw followed and Furrypelt stayed at the back, determined to keep Poppypaw in her sight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           When they reached the training hollow, Furrypelt found Applepaw and Frostpaw were already there with their mentors.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Should we come back?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s fine,” Cherryfall assured them. “There’s enough space here for another training session.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “In fact, maybe we could combine,” Bramblethorn suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Could be a good idea,” Poppypaw nodded. “The main problem I had with BloodClan is that I was facing more than one opponent.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, then,” Furrypelt meowed. “Applepaw, Frostpaw, why don’t you attack Poppypaw? Remember; claws sheathed. Poppypaw, I’ll give you tips after I see what you can do.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The apprentices nodded. Applepaw and Frostpaw dropped side-by-side into a crouch, and Poppypaw followed suit. Applepaw glanced at Frostpaw and Frostpaw nodded. Applepaw leaped and Frostpaw shot forward. Evidently their plan was for Applepaw to land on Poppypaw, distracting her, and Frostpaw would go underneath and attack her belly. However, Poppypaw, seeing Applepaw coming, ducked even lower, so Applepaw flew overhead, and Frostpaw crashed into Poppypaw, falling over. Poppypaw immediately pinned Frostpaw by putting her front paws on the gray apprentice’s chest. Poppypaw started raking the air a couple millimeters from Frostpaw’s belly with her hind paws, and Frostpaw got the message on what was supposed to be happening. Frostpaw lashed out a front paw near Poppypaw’s eye. Poppypaw correctly reacted as she would had Frostpaw been fighting for real; she winced and loosened her grip on Frostpaw, who shot upward and knocked Poppypaw backward, and the two traded positions as Applepaw came over and started pawing Poppypaw’s sides.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw lashed out a quick paw and knocked Applepaw’s front paws out from under her, and Applepaw crashed face-first into the sand. Frostpaw glanced at her sister and Poppypaw pushed back, so that both apprentices were standing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was actually quite impressed with the display, until both Applepaw and Frostpaw jumped onto Poppypaw and started pawing her. Furrypelt could see Poppypaw’s ears and tail, but not anything else.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay, okay, stop,” Furrypelt meowed loudly. Applepaw and Frostpaw immediately climbed off Poppypaw and Poppypaw stood up, shaking the sand from her fur. Applepaw and Frostpaw ducked away from the spray of sand. “That was really good,” Furrypelt approved. “But all of you, don’t let the fall of a Clanmate or an unexpected attack from an enemy throw you off-balance. I watched both Poppypaw and Frostpaw loosen their grip on their opponent, and they suddenly lost control of the situation. In an actual battle, if your opponent is pinned and they attack you—as Frostpaw did to Poppypaw—sinking your claws deeper into your opponent’s skin will actually help ease the pain—because logic, yay!—and will signal to your opponent that they’re stuck and should just back off.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If you see a Clanmate fall while you’re pinning someone down, don’t pay attention to your fallen Clanmate. Finish with the opponent you have pinned. Once they’re defeated, then you can help a Clanmate. But if you try to help a Clanmate before your opponent is defeated, you’re really just creating more work for yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “However, not loosening up at the fall of a Clanmate is really hard to do,” Cherryfall added. “It’s takes a lot of self-control, and I’m pretty sure every cat loosens their grip. If you can learn to not do that, you get the upper hand.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “As for fighting more than one cat,” Gingerheart meowed. “Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t just focus on one thing. And remember: more likely than not, brute force will not win the battle. Try to outwit them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How do you do that?” Applepaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stepped forward, and shooed the apprentices off the sand with her tail. “Bramblethorn, Cherryfall, come at me,” Furrypelt commanded. The two warriors stepped forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Bramblethorn and Cherryfall ran forward, obviously going for either side of Furrypelt. Furrypelt crouched down close to the ground, and at the last possible second, jumped forward—over Bramblethorn and Cherryfall—and landed just behind. Landing on her hind paws, she immediately spun a hundred-eighty degrees and pressed her forepaws on the backs of Cherryfall, pinning them both. Only having one paw on each, they could easily wriggled out from underneath her. Bramblethorn leaped at her, and she ducked very quickly and immediately stood back up, hitting Bramblethorn in the stomach and he landed on his back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Bramblethorn!” Gingerheart cried. Furrypelt suddenly realized—that must’ve hurt. She knew because when she was little as a Twoleg her brother Zach had punched her in the stomach—pretty hard, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So sorry!” Furrypelt gasped. “You okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine,” Bramblethorn gasped, his voice breathy and a little higher than normal. He clambered to his feet, his legs wobbly. “Great move, Furrypelt,” he choked. “You can totally incapacitate your enemies by doing that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart ran over to her mate and glared at her sister. “It was an accident!” Furrypelt cried. “Besides, he is breathing, and he is not bleeding, does not have a broken bone, or anything else.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s right, I’m fine,” Bramblethorn assured his mate, his voice sounding normal again. “Okay, apprentices, great move to use in battle, not training.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How are we supposed to practice the move if we shouldn’t use it in training?” Frostpaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Practice on pinecones?” Cherryfall suggested. “Or something along that line?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “For another day,” Gingerheart mewed. “I want to see the apprentices try again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The apprentices crouched back down in the sand. The adults moved off the sand and sat on the sidelines, watching the young cats as they sprang at each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 10= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> G ingerheart felt quite impressed with the progress of the apprentices, and was confident should any BloodClan members attack them, they’d be able to defend themselves for a while.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sat down at the fresh-kill pile next to Gingerheart. “How was the Moonpool last night?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nothing special,” Furrypelt sighed. She grabbed a large rabbit that must’ve strayed over the border from WindClan. Greenleaf was here; prey was running quite fine again. “Wanna share?” Furrypelt offered. “This is pretty big, and my stomach isn’t used to a lot of food yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sure,” Gingerheart agreed, and they each started taking bites from the rabbit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Dovewing’s kits ran out of the nursery, and Gingerheart suddenly realized how big they were for kits. How old were they? Five moons? They’re nearly apprentices, the thought hit Gingerheart harder than it should’ve. Weren’t these kits, like, just born? And Leafbreeze’s kits are already two moons old… man… what happened to time?

<p class="MsoNormal">            “Who do you think Palekit, Pinekit, and Softkit’s mentors will be?” Gingerheart asked Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know,” Furrypelt replied. “But I figured Firepelt would get one, and maybe some of our kits? Squirreltail is the only one who ever got one.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I believe Foxstar is going to take one of Rockfall’s kits,” Gingerheart meowed. “I’d like to see Icepelt and Mistypelt with apprentices, though.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt?” Gingerheart turned and saw Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s wrong?” Furrypelt asked the young tabby.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re low on tansy,” Poppypaw meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, let’s go, then,” Furrypelt responded, standing up. “Coming, Gingerheart?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They stood up and walked towards the camp entrance. “So, uh, where does tansy grow?” Gingerheart asked once they were in the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Anywhere, really,” Furrypelt answered. “And since it’s greenleaf, it shouldn’t be hard to find.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           They kept walking, and Gingerheart found herself heading towards the lake.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Here’s some!” Poppypaw called, and Gingerheart walked over and watched Poppypaw and Furrypelt gnaw at the stems of the plant. Furrypelt turned towards some spiky-looking leaves and cried out, “Ooh, it’s good to have some of these on hand!” and started plucking the spiky leaves.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are those?” Poppypaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fennel,” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you do with it?” Poppypaw mewed, tipping her head at the spiky leaves.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You break the stalks and swallow the juice,” Furrypelt explained. “Helps for hip pain. Not used very often, but it’s nice to keep some in stock, especially when an older queen starts kitting, it’s usually helpful.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dovewing didn’t need it,” Poppypaw meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, well, we also didn’t have it at the time,” Furrypelt mewed. “Gingerheart can you help carry something?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart walked over and took the pile of tansy that Furrypelt had abandoned. The three she-cats headed back to camp. Gingerheart watched the two medicine cats enter the medicine den, and Gingerheart stood awkwardly in the clearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then Gingerheart scented… RiverClan? What? She thought she must be hallucinating or something, when the latest border patrol came back, consisting of Whitewing, Cherryfall, Applepaw, Alderfoot, and Rainspeckle—and Mothwing and Willowshine? What were they doing here?

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Foxstar!” Whitewing called. Foxstar emerged from the leaders’ den and Sunstripe followed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s wrong?” Foxstar asked, his eyes showing he was preparing for the worst.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mothwing and Willowshine are here, they say they want to talk to Furrypelt.” Whitewing replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Foxstar meowed dismissively.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s it?” Mothwing asked, surprised. “No follow-up questions or anything?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re medicine cats,” Foxstar mewed. “You need to talk to Furrypelt, then talk to Furrypelt. Why would I stop you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And you’re not even going to demand to listen in or something?” Willowshine meowed, just as surprised as Mothwing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I respect privacy,” Foxstar snapped. “If it’s important, Furrypelt will come to me. Proceed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Uh, okay, wow,” Willowshine mewed, evidently bewildered at how easy it was to just walk into a rival Clan’s camp and demand to speak to the medicine cat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mothwing and Willowshine walked into the medicine den. Gingerheart watched them go, filled with anxiety and curiosity. I’m sure Furrypelt will tell me later, Gingerheart thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart!” she turned to see Rockfall calling to her. “You promised me a hunting patrol yesterday,” he meowed, flicking his tail to Robinfeather, Wolfnose, and Larkspirit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yep, yep, yep,” Gingerheart mewed, walking over to the patrol. She realized she was the oldest one in the group. She looked back to when she was one of the youngest members.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re leading, right Robinfeather?” Gingerheart checked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Indeed I am,” the black tom replied, leading the patrol into the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Where are we heading?” Wolfnose asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sky Oak?” Robinfeather suggested. “Haven’t gone there in a while.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Gingerheart agreed. Larkspirit and Wolfnose nodded in agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The patrol walked forward through the trees until arriving at the massive oak tree that stretched higher than any other tree in the forest. Larkspirit and Robinfeather both walked towards the same bush, and the black toms disappeared into the undergrowth.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I guess you’re sticking with me, Wolfnose,” Gingerheart meowed to her grandnephew. The gray tom nodded. The two stayed together as they wandered around the woods. Gingerheart scented a magpie and flicked her tail to Wolfnose to indicate where the bird was. Wolfnose crouched where he was, and Gingerheart carefully walked in an arc to the other side of the bird, keeping downwind and silent as possible. She too crouched in the grass. With the magpie having her back to her as it plucked a worm from the ground, Gingerheart waved her tail to Wolfnose. Wolfnose pounced, rustling the grass too much, startling the bird before Wolfnose had landed. Gingerheart leaped into the air as the magpie took flight and brought it to the ground where Wolfnose stood waiting to kill it.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nice work,” Gingerheart meowed. Wolfnose suddenly dropped to the ground and mouthed “Vole” to Gingerheart, then starting creeping through the grass. Gingerheart sniffed and caught the scent of vole in the air. Wolfnose pounced, and came back with a vole. Gingerheart scented a squirrel, and turned to find a brown squirrel digging at the ground. Looking for nuts, I bet, she thought, and crouched in the grass. She stealthily crept forward, drawing her hindquarters in tight. Any second now…

<p class="MsoNormal">           The squirrel, completely unaware it was being hunted, stuck its head in the hole it’d been digging. Gingerheart immediately leaped, landing on its back and killing it. She walked back to Wolfnose. “Let’s find the others,” he suggested. Gingerheart nodded. Wolfnose offered to take the magpie, and he placed the magpie carefully under his chin and carried the vole in his jaws. Gingerheart carried her squirrel and walked to the bushes where Larkspirit and Robinfeather had disappeared.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They didn’t have to wait long before the two toms reappeared, each carrying a large bird. “Sweet catches!” Wolfnose approved.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, it’s not much,” Larkspirit mewed, looking at his blackbird.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are you talking about?” Gingerheart asked. “That’s a fine looking blackbird!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think Robinfeather’s might be just a bit bigger,” Larkspirit mewed, turning to the younger black tom, a pheasant about the size of him at his white paws. Larkspirit’s blackbird was significantly smaller than him—not really small, but not terribly large, either.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s get this all back to camp,” Gingerheart meowed. The toms nodded and each picked up their kills and they trekked back to camp. ''Wait ‘til the Clan sees this! ''Gingerheart thought happily.

<p class="MsoNormal">            They walked into camp and dropped the food on the fresh-kill pile, much to the approving nods of their Clanmates. “I’ll take this to the elders,” Robinfeather meowed, picking the pheasant back up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m guessing Dovewing’s kits will like that squirrel,” Gingerheart mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw walked out of the medicine den towards the fresh-kill pile. “Are Mothwing and Willowshine still here?” Gingerheart asked the apprentice. Poppypaw shook her head. “They left a little while ago. I came to get some food for Furrypelt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is Furrypelt accepting visitors?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Uhh, not sure,” Poppypaw replied. “She seems pretty deep in thought at the moment—I would wait until she goes to you to talk, personally.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, okay, thanks,” Gingerheart mewed, trying to hide her disappointment. She picked up the magpie. “Take this to Furrypelt. Tell her I helped catch it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Will do, thanks,” Poppypaw meowed, trotting off to the medicine with the bird in her jaws. Gingerheart stared after her. What could Mothwing and Willowshine have wanted?

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 11= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> F urrypelt looked up. She thought she’d heard voices outside, and a golden she-cat and a dark gray tabby she-cat entered her medicine den—cats she recognized, but never would’ve expected.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, Mothwing, Willowshine,” Furrypelt mewed awkwardly. “What are you doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We need to talk to you,” Willowshine meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I figured as much,” Furrypelt mewed. She quickly put the rest of her herbs away and sat down in her nest. “Is it okay if Poppypaw stays?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, of course,” Willowshine mewed. Poppypaw, too, took a seat in her nest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, what’s wrong?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I had a dream last night,” Willowshine meowed. “And have no idea what it’s supposed to mean. I figured with your extra experience, you’d be a good person to turn to.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay,” Furrypelt mewed, utterly surprised Willowshine—who had been a medicine cat for some time now—was turning to her for dream interpretation. “What was the dream?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “There was this river, and it ended abruptly, turning into a waterfall that cascaded into absolute darkness. Then, stars.” Willowshine meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stared at the dark gray tabby she-cat. That sounded… absolutely ridiculous. “You’re positive that was a dream from StarClan?” Furrypelt checked. It could have just been a normal dream—dreams are pretty weird that way.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A hundred percent certain,” Willowshine confirmed, while Mothwing just sat looking doubtful and uncomfortable. “It’s just that feeling you get, you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt thought about that. She had never had that feeling as a cat; any dream from StarClan she’d either obviously been awake, in StarClan’s hunting grounds, or there was a prophecy involved.

<p class="MsoNormal">           As a Twoleg however, being the religious girl she was, she could understand what Willowshine was saying. “Yeah, I know what you mean,” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can’t help but think it’s foreshadowing something that I should be able to figure out.” Willowshine meowed, frustrated.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think ‘BloodClan’s’ threat is enough foreshadowing for one lifetime,” Mothwing muttered. Furrypelt disregarded the golden she-cat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry, Willowshine, I don’t know, either,” Furrypelt meowed apologetically. “I’ll think over it, though, and I’ll get back to you if I can think of something.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, Furrypelt,” Willowshine sighed, evidently disappointed. I would be, too, Furrypelt thought. The two RiverClan medicine cats exited the medicine den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, Poppypaw, when the next hunting patrol returns, could you get me a piece of fresh-kill?” Furrypelt mewed to her apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sure,” Poppypaw meowed, walking to the entrance of the den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt laid down in her nest, thinking. ''River, darkness, stars… The earth is actually flat and there’s a river that will drag you off the planet and into space! That’s totally it… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Not even close. Definitely, not even close.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt wracked her brain, but couldn’t make sense of it.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Poppypaw leave the den, but didn’t take much notice, until she scented fresh-kill. Turning, she saw Poppypaw holding a magpie. “Gingerheart helped catch it,” Poppypaw informed her mentor. “She told me to bring it to you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My thanks to her,” Furrypelt mewed, leaning forward and taking a bite of the magpie. “Want a bite?” she offered to Poppypaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” Poppypaw meowed, taking a bite of the magpie as well.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, you haven’t left that den since sunhigh yesterday!” came Firepelt’s voice from outside the medicine den. Furrypelt rolled over in her nest. That night she had had the dream Willowshine had been telling her about, and spent most of the morning and all of yesterday trying to figure it out. Furrypelt did not respond. “Furrypelt, what happened when Mothwing and Willowshine were here yesterday?” Furrypelt still didn’t bother responding. She needed to figure out this dream! Willowshine was right—it was foreshadowing something, right under her nose… It should be obvious, and it was probably important…

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt had clearly lost his patience as she watched the bramble screen rustle and saw her mate’s flame-colored coat enter the den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, the whole Clan is worried, Gingerheart particularly. You haven’t left the den, they think something really bad happened.” Firepelt mewed, sitting down beside Furrypelt’s nest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And I think something really bad is going to happen,” Furrypelt growled, rolling back onto her belly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You always think that,” Firepelt meowed. “What’s different this time? Why were Willowshine and Mothwing here yesterday?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. “Willowshine was telling me about a dream she had, she couldn’t figure out and thought I could help. But I can’t. I’m just as lost as she is, and it feels like it’s foreshadowing something! I had the dream last night. I need to figure out what it’s trying to tell me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt stroked her back with his tail. Furrypelt looked up at him and saw his emerald-green eyes gleaming gently. “What was the dream?” he prompted gently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A river, that abruptly ends into a waterfall, with nothing but endless darkness down the waterfall. Then, I’m just surrounded by stars, everywhere I look. It’s the most insane thing, I can’t make sense out of it!” Furrypelt cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt said nothing. Then, “Why don’t you just come out and talk to people, get something to eat. Maybe the answer will come to you. But you can’t hide in this den forever.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. He was right. She stood up and pushed her way out of the den, and her Clanmates glanced at her worriedly, before turning away as though they didn’t want her thinking they were staring. She walked quietly to the fresh-kill pile. Gingerheart immediately came up to her, demanding to know what had happened yesterday. She repeated what she’d told Firepelt, and got the same clueless expression. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out,” Gingerheart tried to reassure her, but it wasn’t working.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar walked over. “Okay, what is the matter with you?” he meowed to Furrypelt. “You have been nothing but incredibly serious for the past few moons. A few moons before that, I had to watch you and Gingerheart scream references from whatever sketch comedy show you watch at each other. And now what do I get? You hiding in your den, talking to no one, being very solemn, like, what gives?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt growled at her son. “You understand the dark conditions we’re in right now, right? And you expect me to be making jokes and quips? How can I be happy when it looks like the Clans are going to end?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar looked her in the eye, and said something that caught her off-guard. “‘Happiness can be found in the darkest of places, if one only knows where to look.’ Albus Dumbledore.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked at her paws. Foxstar was right. She was the one who was always making jokes, whether she should or shouldn’t, and ever since Poppypaw had been injured, she had just dropped. “Sorry,” she sighed. “Poppypaw’s accident threw me so off-guard, and nothing has exactly gotten better…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We get it,” Gingerheart mewed gently. “But you’re always who we look to for a laugh. In these dark times, we need to laugh every once in a while.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           As though on cue, Leafbreeze’s kits ran out of the nursery, Rainkit and Skykit jumping on top of each other, and Dustkit running in circles chasing his tail. The four cats started laughing. “Uhh, is Dustkit a dog?” Furrypelt laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The others laughed as well. “Got anything else?” Foxstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt smiled. “Well, I do know one joke,” she mewed. “See, there’s this sea cucumber, and the sea cucumber says—well, sea cucumbers can’t talk, but in a joke everything talks, so, just pretend it can talk—and it says—no, hang on, let me start over. So there’s this clam,”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart and Foxstar had already started laughing, while Firepelt looked confused. “Hashtag clownfish aren’t funny,” Foxstar gasped through laughter, and Furrypelt started laughing, too. Firepelt still looked confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, okay…” he mewed slowly. “Say something that non-Twolegs understand.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, tell us about New England,” Foxstar requested randomly. “Tell us about how you have to beware of moose hitting your windshield.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Moosen!” Furrypelt screamed. “I saw a moose in the woodyinsen, and the meese were eatyunsen in the woodsen!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar and Gingerheart could not stop laughing. “Welp, she’s back to normal, I’m leaving now,” Firepelt sighed. He did as he said he would and walked away towards Rockfall. Finding a patrol to be rid of me, Furrypelt thought, though she was not really offended.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt grabbed a plump shrew from the top of the fresh-kill pile and started eating.

<p class="MsoNormal">           While Furrypelt was eating, Oakbranch walked up to them. “Some of the older warriors are trying to organize some massive battle training. You two wanna come?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, sure,” Furrypelt replied. “I’ll bring Poppypaw, too.” Oakbranch nodded, then walked off to the edge of camp, where his sisters, the apprentices and their mentors, Bumblestripe, Blossomfall, Cloudheart, Sunstripe, Brightpelt, Sparkheart, Alderfoot, Firepelt, Mousewhisker, and Ivypool all stood.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stood up to look for Poppypaw, and saw her coming back from the dirtplace tunnel. “Poppypaw!” she called, and the young tabby ran over. “We’re going to do a massive battle training, I told Oakbranch you’d come.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Poppypaw agreed. The two she-cats walked to join the rest of the cats by the camp entrance. Gingerheart walked up behind them. “I wanna come, too,” she mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay,” Mousewhisker agreed. “Let’s go, then.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           They all walked to the training hollow. “Okay, let’s divide everyone into teams,” Mousewhisker meowed. Furrypelt was reminded of the last time they’d done this, before the battle against the Four. Furrypelt, Gingerheart, Firepelt, Bramblethorn, Poppypaw, and Frostpaw were all put on the same team, as well as Brindlefur, Cloudheart, Ivypool, and Bumblestripe. The same rules were given: if you are on the ground long enough for someone to walk over and claw you to death, you’re out. Claws sheathed, but imitate any moves you want.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Ivypool yowled to attack, and Furrypelt and Gingerheart ran forward together, hitting the first opponent they ran into—literally—which happened to be Blossomfall. Furrypelt immediately realized this would be difficult. Blossomfall had been trained by the Dark Forest. We still got this, Furrypelt assured herself. I beat Breezepelt three times—well I guess the first and second time it was more of a draw…

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt went up and Gingerheart went down, but Furrypelt knew what Blossomfall was going to do—and after their last training session, hoped Gingerheart did, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Blossomfall, naturally, ducked, so Furrypelt flew over her, and Gingerheart crashed into the tortoiseshell. Bracing herself, Furrypelt landed nimbly on the ground, immediately spun on her hind legs, and pounced on Blossomfall. Gingerheart thrust her front paws on Blossomfall’s head. Blossomfall seemed shocked to be in a position where she couldn’t move.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But she wasn’t out yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Brightpelt barreled Furrypelt over. Furrypelt had not been expecting it, and suddenly the neon tom was pinning her down. Without a cat on her back, Blossomfall was able to push Gingerheart off of her and pinned down, so both sisters were stuck. Furrypelt pawed at Brightpelt’s belly with her hind legs, and Brightpelt stumbled. Furrypelt thrust her hind paws into the air, giving her just enough momentum to spring to her paws and immediately shouldered Blossomfall off of Gingerheart as hard as she could. Blossomfall, however, was like a brick wall. Gingerheart tried pawing at the tortoiseshell’s belly, but she tightened her grip against the “pain”. “Think you’re out, Gingerheart,” Blossomfall mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not today, Zurg!” Furrypelt screamed. Blossomfall looked confused, and in her confusion, loosened her grip. Furrypelt rammed Blossomfall again and she fell over. Gingerheart quickly stood up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Note to self: to beat an enemy, confuse it with Twoleg references.” Furrypelt mewed, before pinning Blossomfall down, Gingerheart joining her. Brightpelt went back to rescue Blossomfall again, but Furrypelt slid her front paws off of Blossomfall, reared up and kicked Brightpelt with her hind paws, before putting her paws back on Blossomfall again—she would’ve left her paws on Blossomfall, but figured putting all her weight on Blossomfall would hurt. She’d probably do it to a real enemy, though.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think you’re out, Blossomfall,” Furrypelt mewed teasingly. Blossomfall sighed but did not argue, and Furrypelt and Gingerheart released her. She walked to the bushes and sat down.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned and saw Frostpaw pinning down Dawnfur. Not bad, Furrypelt thought. Dawnfur tried raking her hind paws down Frostpaw’s belly, but Frostpaw—just liked Blossomfall—pushed harder onto Dawnfur with her paws instead of relaxing. Someone was paying attention, Furrypelt thought happily. Then she turned and saw Applepaw pinning down Firepelt, as effectively as Frostpaw was pinning down Dawnfur. She was also paying attention, Furrypelt sighed inwardly, before springing forward to save her mate. She easily bowled over the cream apprentice, and started pawing at her face, just above her eyes. Applepaw tried using her hind paws, glaring at Furrypelt. “Hey, Applepaw, just as a note, in a real battle I’d have you bleeding above your eye, so you’re probably blinded by blood at the moment. Just saying.” Furrypelt informed the apprenticed. Applepaw closed her eyes and started shaking her head back and forth, as though trying to shake the blood away. Firepelt lightly pawed at the apprentice’s neck. “Sorry, Applepaw,” Furrypelt mewed, letting Applepaw go to sit with Blossomfall.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The “battle” raged on. Furrypelt was able to get out Sparkheart, and Sunstripe, before Mousewhisker and Alderfoot got her out. Furrypelt sat down by the bushes to find Poppypaw already there. “Who got you out?” Furrypelt asked her apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oakbranch got me,” Poppypaw replied. “I was going pretty long, though. I haven’t been sitting here too long.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good,” Furrypelt approved.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Frostpaw outlasted me, and she’s younger than me,” Poppypaw sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She outlasted me, too,” Furrypelt pointed out. “She’s been working on battle more than you have, plus Bramblethorn hasn’t left her side, and he’s a strong-muscled warrior. I let you go off on your own.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ivypool got me out of a tight spot a few times,” Poppypaw mewed. “And Cloudheart helped me, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s always good to have backup,” Furrypelt mewed. “Never try to fight alone. I should’ve told you to stay with me and Gingerheart.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So you’ve never fought alone in any battles?” Poppypaw asked disbelievingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt thought back. “Okay, I have, but never for long periods,” Furrypelt correct herself. “In the battle against the Four, I was not alone for a moment. My first two battles, yeah, I was on my own for a couple minutes at a time, but I found myself rescuing friends, family, and allies for the majority of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppypaw nodded absently, and they watched as Gingerheart, Firepelt, Bramblethorn, Mousewhisker, and Alderfoot all were out. This left, Brightpelt, Cloudheart, Ivypool, Frostpaw, Dawnfur, Brindlefur, Oakbranch, and Bumblestripe. Frostpaw was the first to go, taken out by Oakbranch, and Brightpelt took Cloudheart. Ivypool quickly took Oakbranch, and Dawnfur and Brindlefur went against each other, and then Ivypool and Brightpelt fought each other. Furrypelt’s team was the ultimate victor, Ivypool taking Brightpelt, and Brindlefur managing to pin Dawnfur long enough.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes! Woohoo!” Furrypelt cried, happily jumping in the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That was good, that was good,” Mousewhisker approved. “Blossomfall and I were out very quickly, that’s good. Let’s all go take a break.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart! You promised me a border patrol!” Rockfall called from across the clearing. Gingerheart turned to Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Maybe this time I won’t find myself in peril!” Gingerheart mewed to her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think that’s wishful thinking,” Furrypelt replied, flicking her tail to tell her to go to Rockfall. Furrypelt stood up and turned to a nearby Poppypaw. Gingerheart walked away. She was to lead a border patrol to ShadowClan’s border, with Specklepelt, Cinderheart, Lilyheart, and Fernsong. Gingerheart realized she was leading but was the second youngest here.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart walked to the edge of camp, where Cinderheart and Lilyheart already stood. “Fernsong is getting Specklepelt,” Cinderheart informed her former apprentice. “Then we can head out.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart nodded, and soon enough, Fernsong came over with Specklepelt on his heels. “Let’s go, then,” Gingerheart meowed, walking out the camp entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She led her patrol through the forest towards ShadowClan’s territory. They reached the border, and they split up to spray their scent on the border, Cinderheart and Lilyheart going north and the others heading south.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “All’s quiet,” Cinderheart reported when they met back up in the middle.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good,” Gingerheart approved. “Let’s hunt while we’re out.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The others murmured their agreement, and they headed back out into the forest. They each sniffed the air. “So many scents of prey!” Specklepelt cried. She sniffed. “And—uh-oh.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Fernsong asked, but a quick sniff of the air told them what was wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fox,” Gingerheart growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Carefully and cautiously, the five cats walked forward, following the scent of fox.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Out of the corner of her eye, Gingerheart saw Specklepelt stray from them. Gingerheart whipped her head around and watched Specklepelt pounce into the bushes, then come back with a plump squirrel. “What? I thought we were hunting.” Specklepelt mewed at the other cats’ looks.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just bury it and let’s keep going,” Gingerheart sighed, waiting for the young she-cat to scrape dirt over the fresh-kill before they continued forward. Gingerheart picked her way through the undergrowth, following the steadily growing stronger scent of fox. The patrol continued, cautiously as ever, until they found a rocky den, near the northern border of their territory.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Cinderheart sniffed the air. “A female and her cubs,” the gray tabby mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We have to chase them out of our territory!” Specklepelt cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The vixen is going to want to protect her cubs,” Gingerheart pointed out. “Just like we protect our kits. She’ll fight hard.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What will happen if we distract the fox and carry her cubs off of ThunderClan territory?” Lilyheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’ll probably just take the cubs back to this den, unless we make her a new, more comfortable den,” Gingerheart replied. “I suppose we could try to fight it head-on and hope she gets the message.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That sounds like our best option,” Cinderheart meowed. “I don’t want to do a fox a favor.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Five cats against one fox,” Fernsong mewed. “What could go wrong?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then we go on my signal,” Gingerheart growled, sinking into the ground. She watched the entrance of the den, and after a little while the vixen came out. Gingerheart flung her tail and they all pounced after the fox.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The fox dropped to the ground and growled at the entrance of the den. Gingerheart could see the look in her eyes. Don’t harm my cubs!

<p class="MsoNormal">           We’re not aiming for your cubs, Gingerheart wanted to tell her. We just want you off our territory. But foxes and cats spoke two very different languages—the only person who spoke both languages was, oddly enough, a badger. Midnight the badger, specifically.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart launched herself on top of the fox in a mighty leap, and clung desperately to her back as the vixen tried to throw her off. Lilyheart leaped for her face, but the vixen lashed out with a paw, giving Lilyheart a scratch down the side. “Lilyheart!” Gingerheart called. The tabby stood up and assured Gingerheart with a glance she was okay. Gingerheart dug her hind claws into the fox’s red fur and clawed her back with razor-sharp front claws. The fox reared up, and Gingerheart clung on for dear life, somehow not falling off.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Fernsong was underneath the fox, clawing her belly. The fox started to crouch, and Fernsong ducked out of the way right before getting squished by fur and flesh. Specklepelt bit the vixen’s hind leg and it whipped around to attack Specklepelt. Gingerheart quickly prevented this by clawing the fox above its eyes, so it became blinded by blood. She threw Gingerheart off, and she landed heavily. The fox clawed her belly, and Gingerheart yowled in pain. She didn’t think it was too deep, but it still stung. Cinderheart jumped up and successfully clawed the vixen’s muzzle, then her nose. She threw her head back, but Gingerheart knew she wasn’t about to give up. Not if her cubs were alive and needed her. ''I promise you, we’re not going to hurt your cubs! Just take them off our territory and we won’t bother you! ''Gingerheart thought desperately.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart stood up clumsily. Thinking on the spot, she ran behind the fox, and ducked under her bushy tail and silently walked underneath her. Gingerheart crept forward, and waited for just the right moment…

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then the vixen lifted her head up, leaving her neck exposed. Gingerheart dived and clawed it in the neck. She hoped she didn’t hit any veins; she didn’t want the cubs abandoned. By the scent of them, there was no way they were old enough to be on their own. But she also hoped she had shown to the fox for her to get out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The vixen stumbled and fell to the ground, and Gingerheart was afraid she’d killed her, but a moment later the fox stood back up and walked into the den. The Clan cats stepped back but did not leave; they sank to the ground and flattened themselves, ready to spring.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The fox came back out, with three cubs at her paws. She threw a challenging glare at the Clan cats, as though saying, ''I’m taking these cubs off my territory? You gonna try and attack again? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           The cats followed at a safe distance to make sure the vixen did cross the border with her cubs—which they indeed did.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now we can get back to the hunt,” Gingerheart declared.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Um, I think you and Lilyheart should see Furrypelt,” Fernsong pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, right,” Gingerheart mewed, remembering the scratch on her stomach. Thinking about it made it sting again, and she winced.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She led her patrol back to camp, stumbling against the sting of the wound.

<p class="MsoNormal">           When they finally made it to camp, she and Lilyheart went straight to the medicine den. “What happened to you two?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fox,” Lilyheart growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Poppypaw, take care of Lilyheart. I’ll get Gingerheart.” Furrypelt ordered her apprentice. Poppypaw immediately grabbed some leaves and walked over to Lilyheart. Furrypelt motioned to her nest and Gingerheart laid down in it. Furrypelt inspected the belly wound, then grabbed a leaf, chewed it up in a pulp, and spat it out on Gingerheart’s wound.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That should keep it from getting infected,” Furrypelt muttered. She grabbed some cobwebs and laid it on Gingerheart’s wound, the pulp allowing to stick to Gingerheart’s fur. “And that should keep the pulp from coming off.” Furrypelt finished. “Take it easy for a few days. I’ll keep checking up on it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart nodded gratefully to her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did I do it right, Furrypelt?” Poppypaw asked. Furrypelt walked over to Lilyheart and inspected what Poppypaw had done with the wound on Lilyheart’s side.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yep, that looks good,” Furrypelt praised. Poppypaw brightened. “You’re a quick learner, Poppypaw. You’ll do good for ThunderClan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You said ‘good’ when you should’ve said ‘well,’” Gingerheart meowed, wondering if Furrypelt would finish the Studio C quote.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good and well are different!” Furrypelt screamed, and Gingerheart smiled. Lilyheart glanced at the sisters before simply leaving the den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Take it easy for a little while!” Furrypelt called after the tabby she-cat. “Come back every day!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Want to try to figure out some prophecies?” Gingerheart asked. There wasn’t exactly much else Gingerheart could do at the moment.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sure,” Furrypelt mewed emotionlessly. She sat down on the stone floor next to her. Poppypaw settled into her own nest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did you want your nest back?” Gingerheart asked. Furrypelt shook her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re injured; you can stay there.” Furrypelt assured her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, Blood will follow the path to darkness,” Gingerheart mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m pretty sure blood is BloodClan,” Furrypelt meowed. “But I’m not sure what path they’re following or what darkness is at the end of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They followed you,” Gingerheart pointed out. “And now they’re bringing darkness to the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That feels too obvious,” Furrypelt sighed. “StarClan always talks in riddles; nothing is ever what it seems. Don’t forget; BloodClan has a ‘second team’. I feel like the prophecy is telling us who the second team is.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart stared helplessly at her. “Well, what about that dream Willowshine told you about?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I had the dream again,” Furrypelt mewed simply. “It doesn’t seem to mean anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You said there was a river,” Gingerheart meowed thoughtfully. “That could mean RiverClan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, that’d make sense seeing as a RiverClan cat got the message,” Furrypelt replied, oddly coldly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if the river is representing the whole of RiverClan?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, RiverClan is gonna fall into darkness then get lifted up into outer space?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That kinda reminds me of church,” Gingerheart commented. “Fall into the darkness of their wickedness while the saints will be lifted up at the last day.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt chuckled. “I mean, that’s kinda what happens with us, too. Good cats go to StarClan, bad cats go to the Dark Forest. Though these cats seem to have more power than Satan ever did. He never appeared in the mortal world to kill as many people as he could. He did everything through the mind.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I was following the conversation,” Poppypaw mewed. “And then Gingerheart started meowing about whatever ‘church’ is.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I need to teach you all about Twoleg stuff,” Furrypelt sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can skip the church part.” A deeper voice came from behind, and Furrypelt turned to see Foxstar at the entrance. “You guys believed the weirdest things.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Like what?” Gingerheart asked defensively.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Like, no coffee? No tea? No spaghetti straps? No gambling? What did you do with your lives?!” Foxstar cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wore dry-fit t-shirts, and got all our caffeine from Coke.” Furrypelt responded simply. “The only time I gambled was playing dreidel for a few minutes, and I was going for M&M’s.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxstar rolled his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why are you here?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Cinderheart told me about the fox, so I figured I’d make sure Gingerheart was okay. That a crime?” Foxstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, it was just a question, dude, sheesh,” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m fine,” Gingerheart assured Foxstar. “I just figured since I’m here I’d help Furrypelt with all those prophecies.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Carry on, then,” Foxstar mewed, ducking back out of the den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s a fantastic leader, isn’t he?” Furrypelt mewed sarcastically. “Not seeming to care about these prophecies and omens.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not too sure what you’re expecting, honestly,” Gingerheart pointed out. “He is Leith…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I would’ve expected him to take things a bit more seriously,” Furrypelt sighed. “During the holidays he seemed to be taking things pretty seriously. Not anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ve got this. So long as he’s focused when he needs to be, I believe we’re good.” Gingerheart assured her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So we’ve got no more ideas about the prophecies?” Furrypelt checked, switching the subject back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nope.” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed, and Gingerheart gazed sadly at her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 12= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “I am dying of heat,” Poppypaw complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt glanced sympathetically at her apprentice, then turned to Gingerheart. Gingerheart nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If you’re hot, let’s go,” Furrypelt mewed, standing up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Go… where?” Poppypaw asked, tipping her head in confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The lake, of course, to cool off.” Furrypelt replied. “Water is great against greenleaf heat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I may be hot, but I’m not getting wet,” Poppypaw meowed seriously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright. You’re the medicine cat in charge. Tell Foxstar we’ve left.” Furrypelt mewed simply. Poppypaw suddenly looked torn on going with them or staying back by herself. “Ask Leafpool if you need help. With my thick coat, I really need to cool off!” Furrypelt turned away and flicked her tail for Gingerheart to follow.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The two sisters exited camp and headed for the lake. It’d been a while since Furrypelt had done this.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt could soon smell the lake, and then it came into sight. She charged forward, running up a rock and straight off it without stopping.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She hit the water with a splash, and cold water instantly seeped through her fur, extinguishing the greenleaf heat. It felt wonderful!

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt surfaced and was immediately blinded by water as Gingerheart hit the water. Furrypelt laughed. “This is what summers are for,” she mewed contentedly as Gingerheart surfaced.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My wound just occurred to me,” Gingerheart meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You didn’t just reopen it, did you?” Furrypelt checked quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nah, it was a fairly small wound. It’s already scabbed over.” Gingerheart assured her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, you know what Zach and I used to do at the pool?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Splash fights—and very organized ones, at that. We each picked/came up with five unique moves and dodges, and it was turn-based.” Furrypelt mewed. “One of my favorites was the jumping-smashing-gorilla.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart stared at her, unable to stop laughing. “What was that?” she finally spluttered between laughs.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I jumped off the edge and hit the water while pounding the water towards Zach with my fists.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do it,” Gingerheart choked through laughter.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll try. Been a long time—plus I’m a cat now.” Furrypelt climbed out of the water and walked back to the rock. “Jumping-Smashing-Gorilla!” she shrieked, and leapt off the rock, waving her front paws through the air, pounding the water as she hit it. Gingerheart opened her mouth wide in a laugh—and swallowed lake water. She retched for a moment at the unexpected wave of water, then mewed, “Better than pool water.” Furrypelt nodded—chlorine did not taste good. It also stung.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, what kind of dodges did you have?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I only remember three,” Furrypelt apologized. “The Splash-Back, the Lunge, and the Dive. Those should be self-explanatory, but you either splash your opponent as they’re splashing you, lunge to the side out of the way, or dodge it by going underwater.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I thought the idea of splash fights was whoever was more wet lost. How do you judge that if a dodge is going underwater?” Gingerheart mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We didn’t play like that—there wasn’t exactly a win-lose system.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But you and Zach were so competitive.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We were seven and twelve respectively, what do you want?” Furrypelt meowed. “Actually, it might’ve been six and eleven.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           They sat and treaded water for a while, then Furrypelt screamed, “Windshield wipers!” and pushed the water into Gingerheart by moving them back and forth through the water in a semi-circle.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart cried, “Rogue wave!” and started pushing her paws towards Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dive!” Furrypelt shrieked, her head going underwater a split second before Gingerheart’s wave hit her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt resurfaced. “Pounding Gorilla!” she cried, pounding the water with her fists—just without jumping this time.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Splash back!” Gingerheart cried, splashing Furrypelt with water.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt waded out of the water again and back on the rock. “This was also one of our splash-moves,” she mewed, before yowling, “Cannonball!!!” She hit the water with so much momentum she nearly reached the bottom of the roughly three-foot water—which as a Twoleg meant she was two feet taller than the water, roughly, but as a cat meant she was only about a third the height of the water.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt pushed her way back to the surface.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is this the best summer ever we promised we’d have?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nah, I think that was last year.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why? We didn’t do much last summer.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because last summer we didn’t have any prophecies to deal with!” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Suddenly, she was not in the lake with Gingerheart. She was in a dark place, with a river. There was a cat in the river, its fur so soaked Furrypelt was not entirely sure what color it was supposed to be.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The cat floated down the river, and Furrypelt raced after it. But it hit a waterfall before Furrypelt could get to it. It went over the edge, and the water cascaded into nothingness. All around Furrypelt, were stars.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt must’ve been falling down the waterfall, too, because she couldn’t breathe, her mouth was filled with water…

<p class="MsoNormal">           Her eyes shot open. She was underwater. Where was she?

<p class="MsoNormal">           She felt something tugging her upwards and pushed her to land. Furrypelt coughed up water, then looked up, blinked water from her eyes, and saw Gingerheart standing over her, looking anxious. Now Furrypelt remembered. She’d gone to the lake to play with Gingerheart and cool down. And then…

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, what happened? Are you okay?” Gingerheart cried anxiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A vision,” Furrypelt gasped. “The dream Willowshine told me about. But this time, there was a cat in the river. It fell down the waterfall. It fell into the darkness with the stars.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart continued to stare at her. Furrypelt heaved herself to her paws and coughed again. “Let’s sit on the rock and try and figure it out,” Gingerheart suggested. Furrypelt nodded absently and let Gingerheart lead her up the rock.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A cat from RiverClan,” Furrypelt was pretty sure of that much.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stars… what if that means StarClan?” Gingerheart asked. Furrypelt felt like she’d been knocked underwater again.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A RiverClan cat falling into the darkness of death and then joining StarClan!” Furrypelt screamed. “A RiverClan cat is going to die! I have to go warn Mothwing and Willowshine! They might be able to prevent it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stood up from the rock and rushed forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt!” Gingerheart called from behind, struggling to keep up. “Are you positive that’s the meaning? You’re not making a big deal out of nothing?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt kept running. “If it means something else, you tell me what!” she cried through gritted teeth. She jumped over rocks and roots, ducking under branches, dodging hedges.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wait for me!” Gingerheart called out desperately. Furrypelt skidded to a halt at the ThunderClan-WindClan border and waited for Gingerheart to catch up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We have to move, quickly!” Furrypelt insisted. She jumped the stream, but Gingerheart was still behind her, on ThunderClan territory.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just give me a second… to catch my breath…” Gingerheart panted. Furrypelt rolled her eyes and sat down, shifting her front paws restlessly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally, Gingerheart leapt the stream, and Furrypelt took off running. She stayed as close to the lake as she could, her paws tripping on the pebbly floor a few times.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stop!” Furrypelt growled under her breath as she heard a WindClan patrol. She skidded to a halt and turned, glaring at the WindClan cats uphill. It was Leaftail, Heathertail, Smokefur, and Mothpaw. Leaftail glared at them. “These two Twoleg cats, always thinking they can cross our territory…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re on neutral ground, and this is important!” Furrypelt cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Would you like to tell Featherstar this very important thing?” Leaftail growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This is a matter of life and death!” Furrypelt screamed. “A RiverClan cat’s life is at stake!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And ThunderClan cares because…?” Heathertail mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A medicine cat has no Clan rivalries. We protect every Clan equally.” Furrypelt growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And Gingerheart is here because…?” Heathertail continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt inexplicably took off and I happened to be with her,” Gingerheart responded, and Furrypelt glared at her sister. Surely Gingerheart of all cats would understand the gravity of this situation?

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just let us keep going!” Furrypelt pleaded. Heathertail, Smokefur, and Mothpaw all glanced up at Leaftail.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let them go,” Leaftail sighed. “But I’ll be telling Featherstar that we’ve seen you on our territory.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Near your territory,” Gingerheart corrected. “Two tail-lengths within the lake all four Clans agreed was neutral territory. Why is it suddenly not whenever we cross?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Leaftail rolled his eyes. “We’ll still be telling Featherstar,” he hissed before he and his patrol stalked away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt immediately turned back towards RiverClan territory and broke into a run. They were only halfway through the moors. They had to run for a little while yet before they made it to RiverClan.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But they ran, and they ran. Furrypelt never getting tired, but Gingerheart made her stop a few times. “You know, you can keep going without me, if you have to,” Gingerheart had meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If we run into those rogues, I’m going to want you with me,” Furrypelt had replied, restlessly waiting for Gingerheart to stand back up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt kept darting forward as soon as Gingerheart had gotten to her paws, and she heard her sister’s desperate scramble to keep up. Furrypelt raced quickly, passing the horseplace. Furrypelt was flooded with memories of curling up with Silky in her nest, Gingerheart and their two other siblings beside them.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lost in memories, Furrypelt suddenly realized she was slowing down. She shook her head and sped back up. They were almost in RiverClan territory. They had to warn Willowshine. Furrypelt had promised when she figured it out she’d tell the RiverClan medicine cats.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt suddenly smelled a familiar scent, and stopped dead. Gingerheart skidded to a halt beside her and Furrypelt saw her alarm reflected in her sister’s amber eyes. “BloodClan,” Gingerheart mouthed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They walked forward quietly. Furrypelt saw Jag, Shadow, and a small, gray-and-white tom staring down at a cat. Furrypelt did not even notice who the cat was, only that she had a RiverClan smell to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get away from her!” Furrypelt yowled, and ran forward, barreling over Jag and clawing him in as many places as he could. Gingerheart did the same with Shadow. The gray-and-white looked too frightened to do anything. His light blue eyes flicked anxiously between the two adults that were being pinned down. Jag was scratching at Furrypelt’s belly, but she simply dug her claws deeper in Jag’s shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The gray-and-white tom tentatively approached Jag and Furrypelt, as though thinking about helping his leader. “If you know what’s best for you, you’ll stay out of this,” Furrypelt hissed to the small tom. He immediately backed away, staring desperately at the two ThunderClan cats.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Please,” he mewed quietly. “Don’t hurt my parents.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt froze. This was Jag and Shadow’s son? He looked like a mid-aged apprentice. I wonder if this is his first battle, Furrypelt thought sympathetically.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They won’t get us, Fang,” Jag assured his son. Then he looked at Furrypelt, his amber eyes locking into her blue ones. “Give it up, Furrypelt. It’s too late. Just let us go. Apparently I need to train my son better.” He glared at Fang. “He did so well during training…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, actual battles are scary,” Gingerheart mewed, defending the young BloodClan cat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart!” Furrypelt snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry, but looked how helpless he seems! How can you not defend him?” Gingerheart insisted, and while they were locked in conversation, Jag and Shadow pushed up against their attackers and ran off, taking Fang with them.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt glared at Gingerheart before turning to the cat they’d just saved.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But they’d been too late.

<p class="MsoNormal">           At their paws lay the body of a golden cat, with freshly picked herbs next to her. Her fur was plastered with blood, and there was no sign she was breathing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jag had gotten Mothwing.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;"> Look for the next book in the series,

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> Warriors Path to Darkness: Night Shadow 

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> 

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">          The death of a medicine cat comes as a shock to all Clans, and Furrypelt is scared at the meticulous planning behind BloodClan’s attacks.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt realizes that Mothwing was the first of many cats to be taken by Jag and his rogues, and fears Rowanstar may be the next to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           The darkness of the prophecy threatens to reveal itself, and the Clans must seek out each other for protection.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =About the Author=

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> Warriorcat1195 loves cats, and she loves to sing, and she loves Disney. She also loved Erin Hunter’s series, Warriors. She read the books nonstop and loved them enough to write a sequel.

<p class="MsoNormal">For more information on this book, please visit this page. Also visit the other pages for information about the characters on that wiki.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">It honestly feels good using the wiki editor again... BTW I completely forgot but chapter 1 up to the scene break should be a preview for pd2...

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center">