Stories of the Clans

~The Stories of the Clans~

By Gracie

-Allegiances-

~Featherclan~

Leader - Cloudstar : White tom with pale gray splotches

Deputy - Skyfall : Gray she-cat with a white face and paws

Medicine Cat - Boulderpelt : Slate gray tom with amber eyes

Warriors - Sunclaw : Orange she-cat with emerald green eyes

Darkstorm : Dark gray tom cat very stealthy in the shadows…..

Clovermist : Light gray she cat

Rabbitleg : Brown tom with bushy fur and large hind legs

Heatherstalk : White she-cat with Light gray stripes

Lightwing : Calico she-cat with pale silver eyes

Dappledfeather : Tortoiseshell she-cat 

Soot : Misty colored tom former rouge

Brackenwish : Dark brown tabby tom

Berrylight : White she-cat with floppy ears and bright blue eyes

Lightningheart : Black tom with a tan-ish yellow chest patch

Dawnwhisker : Orange-ish sandy colored she-cat

Flamesong : Bright ginger she-cat with white paws and underbelly

Queens - Fallowsong : Red-ish colored she-cat with a white muzzle (Mother to Cherrykit, Pebblekit, and Cinderkit)

Mossleaf : Light brown tabby she cat (Mother to Lizardkit, and Oakkit)

Minnowbelly : Silver tabby she-cat with a white underbelly

Elders - Daisyleap : Fawn colored tom with black tipped ears

Hopelight : White she-cat the last remaining cat to know Featherclan’s true past

Braveheart : Light gray tom with black stripes

Joyheart : Light gray she-cat with green eyes

~Nightclan~

Leader - Kestrelstar : Red-brown tom with long legs

Deputy - Swiftleaf : Black and white she-cat with amber eyes

Medicine Cat - Crouchfur : White she-cat with light gray specks

Warriors - Swallowfur : Brown tom with yellow eyes

Mossclaw : Gray she-cat with light blue eyes 

Owlfrost : Light brown tabby tom with black splotches

Spiderheart : Black tom with long tail

Scorchclaw : Russet colored she-cat with long claws

Blossomfeather : Light gray she cat with a white tail-tip

Sagefern : Calico tom with floppy ears Apprentice - Crowpaw

Slateflame : Gray tom missing his claws  Apprentice - Redpaw

Robinstripe : Red tabby she-cat with green eyes

Talonshard : White tom with black ear-tips Apprentice - Sparrowpaw

Mistclaw : Light gray she-cat with blue eyes Apprentice - Rockpaw

Sorrelfeather : Calico she-cat with feather like paws

Silversong : Gray she-cat with light blue eyes

Breezeheart : Bright orange tom 

Oakbranch : Light brown tom with amber eyes

Marigold : Tortoiseshell she-cat former rouge

Queens - Brightgaze : Light gray she-cat with white paws (Mother to Vinekit, Dewkit, and Morningkit)

Apprentices - Rockpaw : Slate gray tom with yellow eyes

Crowpaw : Black tom traveled with Marigold as a rogue

Redpaw : Dark brown she-cat traveled with Marigold as a rogue

Sparrowpaw : Tortoiseshell tom Marigolds’ son 

Elders - Adderstorm : Dusty brown tom with a snaggletooth

~Lightclan~

Leader - Briarstar : Russet brown tom with blue eyes

Deputy - Heronfur : Silver tabby tom with green eyes

Medicine Cat - Frostface : White she-cat with long silky fur

Warriors - Yarrowfall : Sandy colored she-cat with yellow eyes

Moleheart : Dark brown tom Apprentice - Frecklepaw

Snakenose : Black tom with large ears

Berryclaw : White she-cat with long fur

Aspenleap : Sandy tom with green eyes Apprentice - Eaglepaw

Sunfoot : Orange tom with long legs

Bounceclaw : Gray tom with a torn ear

Flintfire : Dark gray tom with one blind eye Apprentice - Softpaw

Fawnfoot : Light brown she-cat with white spots

Timbernose : Light brown tom with light gray speckles down his back

Burrclaw : Fawn colored tom with spiky fur 

Dovesong : Light gray she-cat with hazel eyes

Queens - Jayflight : Silver tabby she-cat (Mother to Dewkit, Featherkit, Stormkit, and Fallenkit)

Apprentices - Frecklepaw : Sandy colored she-cat with dark brown speckles

Eaglepaw : Dark brown tabby tom

Softpaw : Gray tabby she-cat with a missing paw

Elders - Blackfeather : Black she-cat with white chest patch

Creekfoot : Gray she-cat with long ear tufts

Onetail : Light brown tom with a docked tail

~Rippleclan~

Leader - Streamstar : Light gray tabby she-cat

Deputy - Shadeflower : Delicate silver tabby with feather-like fur

Medicine Cat : Stoatleaf : Light brown tabby tom with a white underbelly

Warriors - Petalfur : Tan she-cat with thin fur

Icefeather : White tom with icy blue eyes

Shimmerclaw : Golden tabby she-cat 

Mousestripe : Light brown tabby tom usually always dirty

Splashtail : Slate gray tom Apprentice - Acornpaw

Hawkbreeze : Fawn colored she-cat with white speckles down her back

Buzzardcloud : Black tom with white splotches

Patchfur : Gray tom with torn fur patches

Queens - Bumblewing : Light tan she-cat with a black patch on her face (Mother to Stripekit, Beekit, Waspkit) 

Hollyfoot : Light gray she cat (Mother to Ivykit and Sagekit)

Bluetuft : Blue-ish gray she-cat with long ear tufts (Mother to Redkit and Ravenkit)

Apprentices - Acornpaw : Small calico she-cat

Elders - Fernnose : Black she-cat with a pink nose

Sedgefall : Ginger she-cat with white paws and tail-tip

Shellheart : Gray tom with a small white chest patch

Copperstep : Rusty brown tom 

Maplemask : Calico she-cat with floppy ears

~Blossomclan~

Leader - Petalstar : Small calico she-cat with amber eyes

Deputy - Lightgaze : White she-cat with torn ears and yellow eyes

Medicine Cat - Shadefrost : Gray tom with white speckled back  Apprentice - Brackenpaw

Warriors - Vixenfur : Brown tabby she-cat

Lilypad : Creamy white she-cat with long soft fur, former kittypet Apprentice - Foxpaw

Birchcloud : Gray tabby tom with a white tail tip Apprentice - Nettlepaw

Smallwhisker : Brown tabby tom with unusually large paws

Driftpelt : Orange tabby tom with bright yellow eyes

Ryewhisker : Brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes

Hollyshine : Black she-cat with long fur 

Dovefrost : Gray tabby tom with darker gray splashes

Quailfang : Gray tabby she-cat with darker gray tail tip

Iceclaw : White tom with yellow eyes Apprentice - Willowpaw

Cedarheart : Red-ish tom with a white chest patch

Leopardtail : Golden colored tabby she-cat

Smallfoot : Black tom with a twisted foot

Queens - Ashflower : Small light gray she-cat with white paws (Mother to Nightkit and Featherkit)

 Hawkclaw : Brown tabby she-cat with ice blue eyes (Mother to Gorsekit, Squirrelkit, and Heatherkit)

Apprentices - Nettlepaw : Black tom with a stubby tail

Foxpaw : Feisty black she-cat with fiery orange eyes

Willowpaw : Light gray she-cat with darker gray stripes

Brackenpaw : Sandy colored tom

Elders - Larkpool : Light brown tabby she-cat

Appletail : Dark red tom with white paws and tail-tip 

 

-Chapter 1-

'''As Joyheart waited for the queens to finish changing out her bedding, since there were no apprentices yet, she lay in the sunlight, basking in its warm rays. Next to her, on her left, lay Braveheart, her younger brother. On her right, Daisyleap. Daisyleap got the name “Daisy” because his father thought he was a she-cat at birth. Joyheart chuckled a little at the thought of how Daisyleap got his name. Her other sibling Hopelight was nowhere to be found. '''

'''She must’ve just gone to the dirt-place. Joyheart thought. '''

'''She was interrupted from her thoughts however, when two young kits, Lizardkit and Oakkit, came over and sat down in front of the elders. Asking to hear stories. “Come on Braveheart, you always have great stories!” Lizardkit whined. “Yeah, and since we’re going to be apprentices soon--Oakkit puffed his chest fur out a little as he said this--we want to know a little bit more about our territory, and the other clans” “Please!” They both said in unison.'''

'''“Oh all right” Braveheart groaned, smiling a little. '''

'''“I’m going to go to the dirt-place.” Joyheart said. '''

'''Secretly, she hoped that she would find Hopelight there, too. Seeing as that Hopelight had a history of wandering away, getting distracted by butterflies no one else could see, or talking to a strange cat she thought was in front of her.'''

As Joyheart wandered in the direction of the dirtplace, she let her thoughts wander.

'''What if she got distracted again, and accidentally went into another clan’s territory! Or what if a fox had found her! '''

'''“I need to get there fast.” She muttered aloud. She quickened her pace. When she got to the dirt-place, no one was there, except for Darkstorm. There was another cat too, one that Joyheart didn’t recognize. '''

'''She never really got along with Darkstorm. She always had this sneaking suspicion that he was hiding something. She slunk back into the bushes quickly, wanting to hear what they were saying.'''

'''“Are you coming with me, or not Darkstorm!?” The strange she-cat said. “Yes, I promise you, I will find a way to sneak away with you, Lilypad.” '''

'''It’s Lilypad! I thought she might’ve been familiar, but I haven’t talked to her much at the Gatherings. What is Darkstorm doing with a Blossomclan cat? Joyheart decided to stay in the bushes for a while longer, and listen to what they had to say.'''

'''“I just can’t deal with my clan anymore, Darkstorm! All they do is judge me for being a former kittypet. You’re the only one who’s ever really understood me. You’re the only one that actually seems to care…..” She trailed off, the sadness of the whole situation clearly showing in her glistening eyes. “Even my own mother rejected me! I sought out Blossomclan for help, and I’m lucky they even let me join. I had no hunting skills, and I was terrible at fighting. But I’ve gotten better! And I’ve been pulling my weight, maybe even more! I make at least two kills every hunting patrol I go on, and they still shoot disapproving looks in my direction! I just… I.. I just don’t think I can live there anymore Darkstorm. And I know there’s no use in trying to join your clan because they’ll just judge me like Blossomclan did. So, this is all I can think of to do Darkstorm. You……. you understand, right?” She said, hopeful.'''

''' “I….. of course I understand Lilypad, you said it yourself, I’m the only one that understands you. And if your clanmates can’t see how good of a cat you really are, then they don’t deserve to have you. What you said about my clan is also true, they wouldn’t even pretend to like you. They’d resent you for being a kittypet, and then they’d also resent you for switching clans. But the only thing that matters now is us.”'''

“So that means you’re actually going to go with me?!” She said with a squeal of excitement.

'''“Of course! I wouldn’t dream of leaving you behind. You’re too special to me. I’d go to the Mooncave and back for you! Even if it’s twolegplace we’re talking about abandoning our clans for.” He said quietly as he licked Lilypad’s cheek.'''

'''Joyheart couldn’t believe what she heard. Not only was Darkstorm in love with a cat from another clan, but apparently he was planning on leaving his entire life behind him, to go be a kittypet, eating slop out of gross containers, lazily lying on a soft bed of pelts, and only going outside when the twolegs let you. That sounded like no way to live from any normal warrior. Joyheart actually admired how committed Darkstorm was to his secret affair. '''

'''She did not want to be discovered by the pair. She tried to sneak out of the patch of briars she had hidden in, but before she knew it, her foot was caught, and she fell to the ground. '''

“What was that?” Lilypad said.

'''“I don’t know, it came from that direction. Go hide! It might be one of my clanmates!” Darkstorm whispered, quietly, but firmly.'''

'''As Lilypad rushed off into the forest, Darkstorm crept towards the place where he heard the noise. Joyheart quickly found her footing, and tried to creep away without making another noise.'''

'''Although Joyheart was a very experienced cat, Darkstorm was one of the best cats in the clan at stalking. He could sneak up on you from anywhere, even if there was no cover. '''

'''Joyheart decided it might just be better if she went out of her hiding place willingly, instead of being discovered spying. She stepped out into the open glade.'''

-Chapter 2-

'''Crouchfur stood at the foot of the Nightclan prey-pile. During leaf-fall the pile was always at its fullest, the prey all moving about, trying to get the last scraps of food before leaf-bare. '''

'''As she picked out a fat shrew, she thought about the three new kits that were born just a moon ago. Vinekit, Dewkit, and Morningkit. '''

Crouchfur knew she was getting along in age, everyone did, but no one seemed to be stressing as much as she did about who’d fulfill her medicine cat duty when she was gone.

'''I should probably talk to Kestrelstar about one of the new kits becoming my apprentice. She thought while quickly ravishing her meal. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was. She had stayed up all night sorting out the herbs. If I had an apprentice, I wouldn’t have to do as much of that! She thought angrily.'''

'''Although Rockpaw had taken an interest in herbs, his hunting and fighting skills were really good, for an apprentice. So Kestrelstar decided to make him a warrior instead. After all, the clan needed to stalk up on all the prey they could get, it was leaf-fall. Crouchfur understood the need for prey, but she wanted an apprentice just in case her time was cut short. '''

'''Crouchfur would need to monitor the three kits’ behaviors, to decide who she thought was best cut out for being a medicine cat. Even though the decision was entirely Kestrelstar’s, she could still advise, whether or not one of them would be better than the others.'''

''' She walked across the camp, towards Kestrelstar’s den. Swiftleaf was just sending out the afternoon hunting patrol. The group consisted of Mistclaw, who would be taking Rockpaw, of course, to go test out his hunting skills, Sunfoot, and Marigold. Although Marigold was a former rouge, she was really tough, and a great hunter. She’d proved her loyalty to the clan time and time again. She decided not to change her birth name because she said that it reminded her of her mother, who was brutally killed by a pack of street dogs.'''

As the afternoon patrol left camp, Crouchfur walked up to Swiftleaf.

“Is Kestrelstar in his den?” She asked politely dipping her head in greeting.

'''“No, I believe he is out of the camp somewhere, he never did tell me where he was going.” Swiftleap explained briskly. '''

“If you’ll excuse me Crouchfur, I’m going to go see Talonshard.” She said excitedly.

'''She hurried off, giddy with excitement. '''

'''I don’t understand why they aren’t mates yet, it’s obvious they like each other. Perhaps some day. Crouchfur thought to herself.'''

……..

'''Later, when Kestrelstar returned to the camp, Crouchfur rushed up to meet him. She had observed the three kits while waiting for him to return, and she wanted to talk to him about her getting an apprentice. '''

'''Kestrelstar’s pelt had looked ruffled, and there seemed to be dry blood on his paws. '''

“Kestrelstar, I want to talk to you, in your den.” Crouchfur stated.

'''Kestrelstar seemed weary and distant, he quickly flicked his tail in response, nodding towards his den. As they walked towards that part of the camp, Crouchfur couldn’t help but wonder, what had happened when Kestrelstar went out of camp.'''

'''When they got into his den, Crouchfur decided she might as well just get straight to the point. '''

'''“I wanted to talk to you about which one of the kits could become my apprentice.” She stated matter-of-factly. '''

'''“I would like to talk to you about something too. After all, you’re my medicine cat, I should tell you everything. But you shall speak first.” He said kindly.'''

'''“I observed the kits while you were out. And I believe that Morningkit would make the best apprentice. She’s empathetic, she takes an interest in herbs, and she’s very curious. While Vinekit takes an interest in herbs, he only does it because he wants to learn how to heal himself after battles, instead of going to the medicine cat. Dewkit might be a really sweet kit, but she’s just completely mouse-brained.” Crouchfur said waiting eagerly for a response from Kestrelstar.'''

'''He nodded, thinking about what Crouchfur had said. '''

'''“I will think about what you have told me and I’ll observe the kits myself to see if I agree.” He said. Crouchfur waited for him to say something else.'''

'''“I want to tell you something that you cannot tell any other cat. Promise?” He asked questioningly. '''

She nodded curtly, Crouchfur always respected other cats’ privacy, she never liked to gossip.

'''“Well, it happened today while I was out of the camp-” He paused, as if trying to find the words he would say. “I went out of the camp to check the boundaries.” He said.'''

'''Crouchfur doubted that was the entire truth for some reason, she just had this gut feeling that he was hiding something more. He continued on.'''

'''“Anyways, I’m sure you must’ve noticed how ruffled my fur was, and there was probably dried blood on paws, too. No matter how hard I washed them.” Crouchfur nodded waiting for Kestrelstar to get to the point.'''

'''“I found an expecting queen, lying on the edge of our border, and Blossomclan’s. I asked her who she was, and she said her name was Page. She was obviously a kittypet, she had long, soft fur, and one of those twoleg marks around her neck. She called it a collar. I asked her what she was doing there, and she had said that the twolegs were going to take her kits away from her. She wanted to come and join one of the warrior clans she’d heard so much about. But then she started yowling, and I didn’t know what to do, she said her kits were coming, so I figured I’d come and get you, but she told me it would take too long. She just wanted me to stay with her. So I did, I tried to help, I got her a stick to bite down on, but… but.. she was losing so much blood.” He paused, clearly trying to regain his composure. “She gave birth to two beautiful she-kits, I licked them dry, and snuggled them up to her belly. She and I both knew that she wouldn’t make it for much longer. So she told me to save her kits.” He made a slight whimper trying to recall his story, through the tears. “But moments later, the first one passed peacefully, and then the second, violently started shaking, and then just lay still. I wish I would’ve gotten you, you would’ve known what to do Crouchfur. Maybe then, those cats could’ve been saved.”'''

Crouchfur stood, silently, not knowing what to say.

'''Before she could say anything, she was taken away from the leaders’ den, and into the Mooncave, where a Starclan cat she had never seen before appeared. '''

'''“You don’t know me Crouchfur, but there is no need. I am only here to show you this.” As the strange she-cat spoke, a vision appeared in Crouchfur’s mind.'''

'''It was a vision of a blinding sunrise, being shrouded by vines. As quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared. '''

“What does this mean!?” Crouchfur asked, desperately wanting answers.

“I am not here to give you the answers, I am only here to help guide you, my dear.” The strange she-cat told her.

'''Then, as quickly as she appeared, she disappeared too, just like the sunrise. And Crouchfur, was back standing in Kestrelstar’s den.'''

'''“Crouchfur! Crouchfur! Can you hear me?” Kestrelstar asked.'''

'''“Yeah… yeah….. I think I just need some rest.” She said.'''

'''“That’s fine. I will be sure to observe the kits as well.” He told her. He had gained his composure quickly. She barely heard him.'''

She walked back to her den slowly, and lay down on her bed of moss, slowly drifting off to sleep.

-Chapter 3-

'''Flintfire had just awoken, when he heard yowling coming from outside the warriors den. It was Softpaw. She lay stretched out, in the dusk sunset. Flintfire rushed out to see what was wrong.'''

“My leg!” She screamed.

“What happened?” He asked, raising his voice over her painful yowling.

'''Three moons earlier, Softpaw had accidentally run out onto the thunderpath, and she was chased down by a monster. She ended up losing her left front paw.'''

Since then, she’s had a rough time healing.

“What’s wrong!?” Frostface, Lightclan’s medicine cat, must’ve heard the screams.

She rushed out of her den, carrying herbs that Flinfire didn’t know the names of.

“Did she have the dream again?” Frostface asked quietly.

'''“I think so. She hasn’t fully awakened yet.” Flintfire said, wanting to ease Sofpaw’s pain a little.'''

'''Flintfire was blind on his right side. So he knew what it was like to have a weakness that wouldn’t ever go away. He had been chosen as Softpaw’s mentor, so that he could teach her how to hunt and fight with a disability. '''

'''He was born blind as a kit. However, Frostface had been able to regain his left eyes’ sight back using a lot of calendine.“I brought my chamomile, and some daisy leaves to help ease her joints.” '''

Frostface said concentrating on applying the daisy leaves to Softpaws’ leg.

'''“Softpaw, I need you to wake up, so that you can eat this chamomile. It’ll help calm you down.” Frostface said gently, prodding Softpaws’ flank.'''

'''Softpaw shivered, slowly gaining her consciousness. She tried picking herself up off the soft ground that was in front of the warriors den. But she fell back down.'''

'''“There is no need for you to strain your legs, Softpaw. You need to rest. Here.” Frostface sat the chamomile on the ground, and Softpaw took it gingerly into her mouth, and started chewing.'''

“I recommend you take the day off from your apprentice duty’s Softpaw, Flintfire, you should go talk to Heronfur about her some getting rest, and tell him to exclude her from the patrols.” Frostface said.

“What about her, won’t she need to be carried into your den?” He asked, worried.

“I’m fine, I will ask some of the warriors to help me.” She said, waving her tail briskly.

'''Flintfire wandered off, in the general direction he had seen Heronfur last. He had always respected Heronfur, he was a great deputy after all, but he couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. I mean, Flintfire was just as good as a hunter as him, and he was pretty well respected by his clanmates as well. '''

'''I bet Briarstar only chose him as deputy because he’s not blind in one eye! Flintfire thought, bitterly.'''

Flintfire wasn’t watching where he was going, and before he knew it, he ran into Fawnfoot.

'''Fawnfoot was a very pretty she-cat, and Flintfire had always liked her gentle personality. She made him weak in the knees. He stuttered, every time he talked to her. But, Fawnfoot already had a mate, Heronfur. And because of this, Flintfire despised Heronfur even more.'''

'''“I - I…. I’m sorry, Fawnfoot. I wasn't watching where I was going.” He chuffed a little, trying to make the conversation a little less awkward.'''

'''“No it’s fine-” She bumped his shoulder playfully. “-I was just going to visit the nursery and play with the kits, would you like to come?” She asked.'''

'''At that moment, he had pushed Softpaw and Heronfur into the back of his mind. He just wanted to spend some time with Fawnfoot.'''

'''“Sure, that sounds…. really nice.” He tried sounding casual as he started stuttering again.'''

'''They had walked in silence the whole way there. There pelts just barely touching.'''

'''When they reached the nursery, Fawnfoot finally spoke. “Dewkit, Featherkit, Stormkit, and Fallenkit are all really cute! Have you visited them yet?” She asked questioningly, as she stood outside the entrance to the nursery.'''

'''“No, I - I was going to visit them sometime tomorrow, after I’d finished my training with-” Oh no! I completely forgot about Softpaw. She must be really hurt that I could forget about her that easily. '''

'''“Flintfire? Is something wrong?” She asked in her gentle manner.'''

'''“Actually, yeah. I’m so sorry, Fawnfoot, I don’t think I can stay and play with the kits. I promised Frostface I would talk to Heronfur and get Softpaw out of the patrols. She had the nightmare again, and her leg is sore.” He said, ashamed that he had lied to her.'''

'''“Oh…… It - it’s fine. I’m sorry I asked.” She said, clearly hurt, as she looked at the ground.'''

'''Maybe if you weren’t already mates with Heronfur, things could be different. Then, I would always have tons of time for you. He thought.'''

“I’ll see you later then?” She asked.

'''He nodded his head, and then Fawnfoot entered the nursery, out of sight. Flinfire padded away, back the way he came, to go and look for Heronfur, finally.'''

-Chapter 4-

'''Waspkit trotted out of the Rippleclan nursery. A lot of its warriors were lost in a recent fox attack. And the ones that weren’t killed, were badly injured. Shellheart, Sedgfall, and Maplemask all had to become elders because their injuries were so deep. At least there were a lot of kits born.'''

'''Although Rippleclan was going through some tough times, none of that phased Waspkit. Him and his siblings were five moons old already, and they couldn’t wait to become apprentices.'''

'''I can’t wait to see who my mentor is. I hope it’s Patchfur! He’s the best fighter in all of the clan. I want to be just like him. I’ll show those pesky Featherclan cats whose boss! He thought excitedly.'''

'''“Hey, Waspkit! Do you wanna play moss ball?” His sister, Beekit asked.'''

“Nah, I’m not really interested in practicing my hunting skills right now.” He said briskly.

'''I’d much rather be out fighting with all of the warriors! He thought excitedly.'''

'''“Awwww!” His sister whined, clearly hoping to hear a different answer. She got over it quickly though, as she ran off to go ask the other kits.'''

'''“Waspkit, can you help me sort out my herbs, please? I’m just so caught up in trying to get all of the cats that were in that fox attack, the proper medical attention. And all of the apprentices are busy training.” Stoatleaf, the clans’ medicine cat asked.'''

“I guess.” He replied.

“Thank you, I assumed you weren’t going to do anything but practice your battle stances anyway.” He stated briskly.

'''Waspkit dragged his tail through the dirt as he walked, slowly, towards Stoatleaf’s den. Stoatleaf entered first, showing Waspkit around a little before he gave him the piles of herbs.'''

'''He sat down, and immediately started sorting the herbs into their separate piles. Stoatleaf stared at him, in shock. Waiting until Waspkit was completely done, to say a word.'''

'''“Wow….. how did you know what the different herbs were, Waspkit?” He asked questioningly.'''

“I just listened to the cat standing next to you.” He said plainly.

“But… but there’s… there’s no one there Waspkit.” He said.

“Yes, there is, I saw them, but they’re gone now!” He said, looking around for the mysterious cat.

………

'''A moon later, it was time for Waspkit, Beekit, and Stripekit’s apprentice ceremony. Waspkit was giddy with excitement. As his mother, Bumblewing, was licking him and his siblings all clean, and his father, Icefeather was telling them all about apprenticeship, he thought about all of the battle moves he would practice. And how he would beat his siblings in mock-battles.'''

Before he got too lost in thought, Streamstar interrupted him.

“Let all cats old enough to swim swiftly in the river, gather around the long log, for a clan meeting.” She yowled.

'''All of the cats in the camp gathered around the fallen tree, eager for the ceremony to happen. Since there were no apprentices yet.'''

Streamstar flicked her ears in annoyance as the chatter finally died down.

'''“Stripekit, step forward, please. You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to become an apprentice. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Stripepaw. Your mentor will be Shimmerclaw. I hope she will pass down all she knows to you. Shimmerclaw, you are now ready for an apprentice. Copperstep has trained you well, and we expect you to teach Stripepaw to be a loyal, and committed warrior.” '''

Stripepaw went up to touch noses with Shimmerclaw, and the clan started cheering Stripepaw’s new name.

'''“Stripepaw! Stripepaw! Stripepaw!” Waspkit cheered loudly for his sister.'''

Stripepaw puffed her chest out proudly, and went back into the crowd, to sit with Shimmerclaw.

'''“Beekit, please step forward. From this day forward, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Beepaw. Your mentor will be Patchfur. I expect him to pass down to you his fierceness in battle, and his sharp wit. Patchfur, you have taught Icefeather well, and you are ready for your second apprentice. Pass down to Beepaw, all you know.”'''

'''This time, Patchfur confidently strode towards Beepaw. She shyly glanced at him, and then finally touched noses. They went back into the crowd to sit. '''

'''“Beepaw! Beepaw! Beepaw!” The clan cheered.'''

'''Waspkit couldn’t help but be jealous of Beepaw. Then he realised that Streamstar had called him forward.'''

“Waspkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed.”

'''For some reason, Streamstar stepped off of the long log and Stoatleaf, took her place. '''

“I would like you Waspkit, to be my apprentice.” Stoatleaf said.

-Chapter 5-

'''Foxpaw muttered angrily under her breath as she cleaned out the elders den. Just because she accidentally took her claws out during training, didn’t mean she needed to be scolded so harshly.'''

'''Her mentor, Lilypad, wasn’t with her. Willowpaw, and Willowpaw’s mentor, Iceclaw, was, when she did it. Lilypad had said that she was just going out into the forest to patrol the borders, so Foxpaw went training with them.'''

'''Willowpaw wasn’t even hurt that badly! Jeez she’s such a mouse-brain. Foxpaw thought, angrily.'''

'''Willowpaw’s mentor, Iceclaw, walked into the elders den, probably trying to observe Foxpaw’s progress. '''

“Is Lilypad here yet?” Foxpaw asked, annoyed, as she flicked her ears.

'''“No, but I wanted to ask you to hurry up and finish what you’re doing, so that you can come on a hunting patrol with me, Ryewhisker, and Dovefrost. Since my apprentice is busy being taken care of, in Shadefrost and Brackenpaws’ den.” He ended, scowling.'''

Foxpaw, frowned, angrily.

'''I can’t believe that he’s still holding a grudge! She thought.'''

'''She bit her tongue, knowing that it would only cause her more punishment. She flicked her tail, showing Iceclaw that she had heard him. He padded out of the den. Foxpaw quickly finished up cleaning out the elders den. She was excited to go on a hunting patrol! She had only ever been on one before, since she just became an apprentice a moon ago, with her brother, Nettlepaw. Her mentor, Lilypad, didn’t seem to be fully focused on training her. She left camp more and more often. And Foxpaw found herself being left out of a lot of training. Foxpaw didn’t necessarily hate Lilypad for it, even though she used to be a mouse-brained kittypet, Foxpaw couldn’t blame her for wanting to get away from Blossomclan. As soon as Foxpaw became a warrior, she wanted to sneak away as much as possible. She hated how bossy every cat in Blossomclan seemed to be. All they wanted was to keep her in line, instead of  letting her seek out her own life. For example, she wanted to become the clans’ leader one day, and all the cats around her said that she was too ambitious, and that she was too reckless. They thought that she would just lead them into battle.'''

'''I would never, in my life, try and destroy Blossomclan! When I become a warrior, I am supposed to make an oath about protecting it! I can’t believe my clan would doubt me. I guess they never believed in me…. She thought, dejected.'''

Then, Foxpaw got an idea.

'''Maybe I can ask to go with Lilypad, and then, I’ll be able to get away from camp more often! Foxpaw thought, excited.'''

'''She rushed out of the elders den, finally having a little bit more of her usual spunk in her steps. Iceclaw, Ryewhisker, and Dovefrost were all standing around the entrance of the camp, quietly discussing the mornings’ catch. It wasn’t much, the morning patrol only brought back two scrawny mice, and a blackbird. '''

Nettlepaw had come into camp earlier that morning with his head high, as he had caught the largest piece of prey, the blackbird.

'''I want to beat Nettlepaws’ catch, and make my clan proud of me! Foxpaw thought with determination.'''

'''She walked out to meet the three warriors, and they stopped talking to face her. '''

“What took you so long, Foxpaw?” Dovefrost asked, in her usual blunt manner.

'''“I had to…. clean out the elders den.” Foxpaw answered, not looking directly into Dovefrosts’ eyes.'''

“Figures.” She said annoyed.

'''Foxpaw kneaded her paws into the ground, from anger, and impatience. She didn’t want Dovefrost, or any clan member, to talk to her that way. She wanted them to have respect for her, and not to treat her as some clumsy kit. But she was so excited for the hunting patrol, that she put Dovefrosts’ words in the back of her mind, as they headed out of camp.'''

'''The patrol tread through the brush lightly, so that they didn’t scare any potential prey away. Foxpaw heard a rustling in the bushes on her left. She started creeping lightly forward, but Dovefrost beat her to it. She jumped into the bracken, and quickly returned later with a fat shrew.'''

'''“Nice catch, Dovefrost.” Iceclaw said excitedly. “Maybe we’ll finally bring back some good prey for the clan.” '''

'''I had already heard that shrew! I was sneaking up on it! Dovefrost had to have seen me. Maybe she did it on purpose. Maybe Dovefrost doesn’t want me to gain any respect from my clan! Foxpaw thought, angry.'''

'''They quickly buried the shrew, and went deeper into the forest, towards all of the clans meeting place, Large Rock. It wasn’t long before Foxpaw heard a light cooing, from a nearby bush. She quickly dropped into a hunters’ crouch, and slunk towards where she heard the sound last. '''

'''She saw the bird, a fat pigeon, sitting on the roots of a birch tree. It was facing the wrong way, if Foxpaw moved, she would be spotted. She had to wait until it turned around, or at least got a little closer. '''

'''The pigeon lifted its head, let out a coo, and then abruptly flew away. Foxpaw stared in disbelief at the spot where the bird had been.'''

'''That’s impossible! There’s no way it could’ve seen me! I was hidden in these bushes! She thought. '''

'''Then, she noticed the bracken on the other side of the clearing move, and a cat she had never seen before, stepped out. She thought about going to get the rest of the patrol, but they were searching for prey a little ways away, and she didn’t want them to know she had lost a catch, or that she was scared of a stranger.'''

'''Maybe I can drive this cat away all on my own. Maybe it’s a soft, lazy kittypet, and I can show them who’s boss! Maybe then I can finally prove to my clan that I’m not just a kit! She thought, forming an idea in her mind on how she would face the strange cat.'''

'''She decided she would march out of the bushes, confidently, and stride right up to the cat, and ask them who they were. Then, she would take her claws out to show that she was ready for a fight, if it came to one. She had only practiced a few battle moves before, but she didn’t want the other cat to know that.'''

'''The strange cat had soft black fur, and pale amber eyes. She was laying in the clearing, about to doze off, when Foxpaw stepped out of the bushes.'''

'''The she-cat raised her head, clearly not concerned that Foxpaw was there. She flicked her tail, and laid her head back down.'''

'''Fox flicked her ears, angrily. She let out a growl.'''

“Who are you, and what are you doing in Blossomclan territory?” She spat, as she slid her claws out.

“Oh, I’m not looking for any trouble, and I doubt that you could take me on anyway.” She scoffed, eyeing Foxpaw up and down.

'''Foxpaw had to dig her claws into the ground to keep herself from leaping at the she-cat. As she calmed down, she found herself admiring the way the she-cat talked, and how fierce she was, yet she was also laid-back, and gentle. Foxpaw was curious, she wanted to know more about this strange cat before her clanmates arrived.'''

'''“My name is Evergreen. I was raised as a kittypet, but I grew restless, and tired of their soft lifestyle, I wanted to go out, and live my own life, free from the expectations of others.” She said plainly.'''

'''Now, Foxpaw admired her even more. She had escaped, and she was free to live her life the way she wanted. No cats were judging her.'''

“H-how long have you lived alone?” Foxpaw asked carefully.

'''“About two seasons, now. And I couldn’t imagine ever going back to my old lifestyle. I’m finally free to do whatever I want.” She said flicking her tail.'''

'''Foxpaw found this lifestyle, terribly endearing. She couldn’t help but wonder, what might happen if she chose to live this way?'''

'''“Can we meet again, sometime? I would like to learn a little more about the way you live.” Foxpaw asked.'''

“Sure, we can meet at that large rock over there, next sunrise.” She said flicking her tail in the direction of Large Rock.

-Chapter 6-

As Joyheart padded out from her hiding place, Darkstorm slid his claws out, ready to defend himself if he needed to.

'''“Great Starclan! Darkstorm, why do you have your claws unsheathed?” Joyheart asked, trying to seem like she didn’t know anything.'''

“Did you hear anything, before you came out of those bushes?” He asked menacingly.

'''“What? Were you talking to yourself again? Come on, Darkstorm, quit being a kit. There’s no one else here.” She said.'''

'''He nodded his head slowly, lost in thought. He padded away quietly, back towards the direction of the camp. Joyheart looked at the ground, trying to decide on what she should do.'''

'''If I tell the clan, Darkstorm will be kicked out, and it’ll be announced at the next gathering that Lilypad was with him. So she would be kicked out as well. And although I’ve never liked Darkstorm, I don’t want to be responsible for him and Lilypads’ exile. She thought, troubled. But if I don’t tell them, we’ll lose Darkstorm as one of our stealthiest warriors anyway, and Blossomclan will lose Lilypad too. Then, I’ll have to keep this secret, so that our clans’ don’t go and chase them down throughout twolegplace.'''

'''If Hopelight knew about this, she might know what to do. Maybe, I can ask her. I trust her not to tell anyone else. She’s the only cat I can go to. Joyheart thought.'''

'''Then she realized that Hopelight wasn’t back at the camp. She was the entire reason that Joyheart even came here in the first place. Joyheart started worrying about where Hopelight was, all over again. '''

Then, almost as if she had read her thoughts, Hopelight stepped out of the bracken.

“Were you looking for me?” She asked, seeing the worry in Joyheart’s gaze.

“Where were you?” Joyheart asked.

'''“There’s nothing to worry about, Starclan was guiding my paw-steps. I was completely safe.” Hopelight answered.'''

'''“Of course I’m going to worry! I didn’t know where you were!” Joyheart yelled.'''

'''Hopelight flinched a little, and Joyheart instantly regretted yelling. Her sister may have been missing for a while, but she did always seem to have Starclan on her side. She’d run off before. Once, when they were just kits, Hopelight had left the camp because she had said this sparkly cat named Featherstar, had led her out of camp. She had said that Featherstar wanted to take her to the Mooncave, but Hopelight was found by their mother, Duskfur. And she was brought back to camp before she was able to go. Hopelight had said that Featherstar wanted her to walk in the paws of a medicine cat, since she had a special connection with Starclan. But, she wasn’t chosen to be Boulderpelt’s apprentice. Their mother wanted to keep Hopelight’s connection to Starclan, a secret. Joyheart, Braveheart, and Hopelight never did get to find out why, since their mother had died in an attack from Blossomclan.'''

'''“Look, I’m sorry, Hopelight, but you can’t keep walking off like that. What if you get hurt next time? We’re not as young as we used to be.” Joyheart said gently, but sternly.'''

“I understand.” Hopelight said quietly, still seeming a little uncertain.

'''Joyheart then remembered the reason she wanted to talk to Hopelight. She sat down on the earthy floor, her head spinning with her thoughts. She pawed at the ground, trying to come up with words.'''

“I know what’s wrong Joyheart.” Hopelight said, seeming to instantly regret her words.

'''“W-What? How?” Joyheart said, taken aback by Hopelight’s statement.'''

'''“I-I…..” She trailed off. “I promised Duskfur not to tell any other cat, Joyheart. Not even you, or Braveheart.” She said.'''

'''“I don’t care! Tell me what’s going on! What have you been hiding from us, and the entire clan?” Joyheart yelled, mad at her sister for keeping a secret from her.'''

'''“You-you’ve got to promise not to tell anyone else, Joyheart. Not even Braveheart.” Hopelight pleaded. “Besides, it’s too late to do anything about it anyway.” She muttered.'''

'''Joyheart hesitated. She didn’t want to make a promise to her sister that she might not be able to keep.'''

“I… I promise.” She said, finally.

'''“Fine. Well, what I’m about to tell you might make you a little uneasy.” Hopelight said, obviously trying to stall their awkward conversation.'''

Joyheart nodded her head quickly, hurrying Hopelight along.

“I……… I-I can read minds, Joyheart.” Hopelight said, finally.

'''Joyheart widened her eyes. She expected her sister to tell her something big, but not this big. She quickly jumped up.'''

'''“Why haven’t you told anyone this? Starclan obviously gave you this gift for a reason! And you haven’t used it at all! We need to tell Boulderpelt about this!” She yowled.'''

'''“Be quieter, Joyheart! Not every cat in the forest needs to hear your yowling! And actually, I’ve tried to tell Boulderpelt, against my better judgement, but he wouldn’t listen to me. He must’ve thought that because I didn’t tell him when I was younger, I’m not telling the truth now. Since I’m just an old cranky elder.” Hopelight said, quietly, looking around just to make sure no one was listening to their conversation.'''

-Chapter 7-

'''When Crouchfur awoke, the sun was already halfway up in the sky. The mornings’ hunting patrol had already gone out, and the apprentices had gone out for training too.'''

'''I must’ve really been exhausted. I can’t believe I slept that long! She thought, stretching.'''

'''She padded out of her den, thinking about the prophecy she had received yesterday. She looked at the ground. '''

'''What could it mean? She thought, trying to recall the memory as much as she could. '''

'''Before she could think into too much depth, Kestrelstar trotted up to her. She dipped her head. He did the same. '''

'''“I wanted to talk to you about the kits. I watched them, and I believe that Vinekit would actually make a better medicine cat than Morningkit. I just have this clawing feeling.” He said, waiting for Crouchfur’s approval. '''

“Well, I guess with a little training, he could make a good medicine cat after all.” She said, not wanting to be rude to her clan leader.

'''“We don’t actually have to pick one of these kits to be a medicine cat, you know. We can always wait until there are more litters born.” He stated.'''

'''“I know, and I truly do believe that with a little training, Vinekit will understand how to care for his clanmates. So, if you believe Vinekit will do the best, then it must be true.” She said.'''

……..

'''Four sunrises later, it was time for Vinekit, Morningkit, and Dewkit’s apprentice ceremony. Vinekit had been asked earlier, if he would be willing to be Crouchfur’s apprentice. “Really? I get to listen to all of the cool battle stories while I patch up the wounded, right? That would be so cool! Then, I’d also be able to treat myself when I’m injured, which is useful. Yeah! I’d love to become a medicine cat! Plus, Crouchfur is amazing. She’s always been nice to me.” He had said.'''

'''Crouchfur smiled, thinking about what the young kit had said about her. She wasn’t there, when Kestrelstar had asked him. She was out collecting herbs before leaf-bare came, so he had told her about Vinekit’s response.'''

Kestrelstar had walked out of his den, into the middle of the camp so that their clanmates could all hear him.

“All cats old enough to stalk silently under the cover of darkness, gather near the prey pile for a clan meeting!” He yowled.

'''Nightclan didn’t have a set gathering place, so they just gathered around their prey-pile whenever meetings were held. '''

'''The cats in Nightclan all gathered quickly around the prey-pile. No one ever talked for very long, they didn’t see the point. Nightclan cats wanted to get to the point of the gathering as quickly as they could. They could share tongues on their own time.'''

“Sparrowpaw, will you please step forward?” Kestrelstar asked.

'''Crouchfur was shocked, she knew that Sparrowpaw had proved his worth. But she didn’t know he would become a warrior yet. She was happy for him.'''

'''Sparrowpaw looked surprised too, at first. Then, he stepped up, confident, and happy.'''

'''“Sparrowpaw, you have more than proven yourself. And I believe it is time for you to become a warrior.” He nodded.'''

'''Marigold looked especially proud of her son. She sat up, her head  held high.'''

'''“I, Kestrelstar, leader of Nightclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice from Silverpelt. He has trained especially hard to learn the ways of your noble code. I command him to you, as a warrior in his turn. Sparrowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code, and to protect and defend Nightclan, even at the cost of your own life?” Kestrelstar asked.'''

Sparrowpaw didn’t hesitate one heartbeat, “I do.” he said.

'''“Then, by the powers of Starclan, I will give you your new name. Sparrowpaw, from this day forward, you will be known as Sparrowheart. Starclan honors your willingness to join this clan, and your thoughtful nature. We welcome you as a full warrior, of Nightclan. You will sit vigil outside the camp entrance tonight, silently.” He ended.'''

'''Kestrelstar walked up to Sparrowheart, and rested his muzzle on his head. Sparrowheart licked his shoulder, then stepped back, nodding his head as the clan cheered his new name.'''

'''“Sparrowheart! Sparrowheart! Sparrowheart!”'''

'''Dewkit was up after Sparrowheart. Her mentor became Marigold, because the clan trusted her, and she’d proved herself just as much as her son. Then, Morningkit went. Mossclaw was chosen to mentor her, because Kestrelstar was hoping to bring out a little bit of her fire, inside of Morningpaw. Finally, it was time for Vinekit’s ceremony.'''

“Crouchfur, would you please come up, and say Vinekit’s part?” Kestrelstar had finally said.

'''Crouchfur took in a large breath, and got up. She walked over to where Kestrelstar was standing, and took his place as he stepped to the side a little. '''

'''“Vinekit, we have observed you these past days, and we believe you could become a good medicine cat. May you please step forward?” She asked.'''

He did, confident, and ready.

-Chapter 8-

'''Waspkit gasped, in shock and disbelief. '''

'''I can’t be a medicine cat! I want to become a noble warrior, like Icefeather! Why is this happening? Starclan, what is going on? Why have you chosen me? He thought, darkly.'''

'''“Waspkit, may you please step forward? Starclan has chosen you for this path.” Stoatleaf asked.'''

'''Waspkit knew he didn’t really have a choice. So, he reluctantly stepped forward, out of the crowd, and towards the long log. If Starclan truly wanted him to be a medicine cat, he wouldn’t go against their wishes.'''

“Waspkit, I would be honored if you would allow me to be your mentor.” Stoatleaf said, making Waspkit a little uncomfortable.

Waspkit nodded his head, not wanting to say anything he might regret later.

'''Stoatleaf got off of the long log, and padded towards Waspkit to touch noses with him. When he was standing in front of Waspkit, he gave him a reassuring nod, that seemed to say “Don’t worry, it’ll all be okay.” then, Waspkit stretched up his short legs to touch noses with the medicine cat that would soon be his new mentor.'''

'''“Wasppaw! Wasppaw! Wasppaw!” The clan cheered his new name, loudly. They were excited to finally have another medicine cat in Rippleclan, and two new apprentices.'''

'''Streamstar looked pleased. She was normally a very laid-back leader, but the apprenticeship of a new medicine cat didn’t happen all of the time. During this time, Rippleclan needed new apprentices too, especially now that it was becoming leaf-bare, and they didn’t have very many warriors.'''

'''After the ceremony, and the clan started to disperse, Wasppaw couldn’t help but wonder what he would do now. He was looking forward to becoming one of the fiercest warriors in Rippleclan, and now, he’d have to look on, as all of the other cats fought. That didn’t mean that Wasppaw wouldn’t know how to defend himself at all. Even medicine cat’s were taught some basic battle moves, just in case they needed them. Wasppaw realised that Stoatleaf was talking to him.'''

“Do you understand, Wasppaw?” He asked, looking a little annoyed.

'''“Umm… can you repeat what you just said? Please?” He asked, looking up at Stoatleaf with innocence.'''

'''Stoatleaf looked slightly amused. He was a very distant cat, usually. He had a lot of scars because he used to be a warrior himself. But, like Wasppaw, he was battle-hungry, and he threw himself into every battle way too quickly. He injured himself pretty badly once, so he gave up his warrior position, to become a medicine cat.'''

“Wasppaw, I know what it feels like to have to become a medicine cat, when you wanted to become a noble warrior.” He said, softly, almost as if he wasn’t actually talking to Wasppaw.

He stood back up, stretching a little.

“Next halfmoon, we, and all of the other medicine cats, will be traveling to the Mooncave, so that you can get a blessing from Starclan, and you can meet the others.” He said curtly.

'''“Okay, but…. what do I do until then?” He asked.'''

'''“I guess you can go with your sisters, and their mentors, to see the territory. I would go with you, and show you all of the different herbs, but I can’t. I need to check on Copperstep, his cough has been getting a lot worse lately. Go, and see if you can look for things that you think might be useful herbs.” He explained.'''

'''Wasppaw nodded, and padded off to meet his sisters at the entrance of camp. '''

“Are you coming with us, Wasppaw?” Beepaw asked.

He flicked his tail in annoyance, and nodded his head once again.

'''“I just can’t believe you got chosen to be a medicine cat!” Stripepaw squealed. “You’re going to get so much respect from our clanmates! And you won’t have to clean out the stinky elders den!” '''

'''Wasppaw rolled his eyes. “I might not have to clean out the elders den, but I’ll have to do worse things, like sort out herbs! And I’ll just have to sit back, and watch everyone else fight!” He said, angrily.'''

Patchfur flicked his tail for silence.

“You apprentices need to be quiet, or you’ll scare off all of the prey in the forest!” He scolded.

'''“It’s okay, Patchfur. We aren’t hunting right now, and they’re just excited. I mean, don’t you remember when you were first apprenticed?” Shimmerpelt teased, playfully.'''

Patchfur rolled his eyes, seeming to be annoyed, but Wasppaw could tell he really wasn’t.

“Let’s get on with this.” He said stalking off quickly, but quietly into the brush.

Wasppaw and the others followed.

Patchfur and Shimmerpelt led the three apprentices around, showing them each corner of their territory.

'''“Here is the edge of our border, and Lightclan’s.” Patchfur explained, pointing to a small stream that went through their territory. '''

'''Wasppaw saw movement farther down the stream. But before he could say anything, Patchfur lifted his nose to the wind, and said “Lightclan!” he hurried off, following the scent.'''

Wasppaw and the others followed, hoping for Lightclan’s sake, that they weren’t actually on Rippleclan’s side of the stream.

-Chapter 9-

'''Foxpaw was so excited to be able to meet Evergreen at Large Rock, that she hadn’t even considered how she would have to sneak away yet. She could always say that she was going out for training with Lilypad, but that was unusual, because Lilypad never really trained with Foxpaw alone. And if Lilypad came back while Foxpaw was still out with Evergreen, the clan would wonder where she had actually went.'''

'''I can’t wait to get back to Blossomclan, so that I can eat, and go to sleep! Then, the next day will come even faster! She thought, excitedly, as she wiggled her hind legs.'''

'''She listened for any small rustling in the bushes. She wanted to make at least one catch to contribute to the clan. She heard a small chattering. There was a nice fat squirrel that was chewing on a chestnut, just below a chestnut tree. Foxpaw knew that if she moved, it would be gone, up the tree and out of sight for good. She padded, softly, around the squirrel, hidden out of sight, until she came to its backside. She lowered her paws, and dropped into a hunters’ crouch. '''

'''The squirrel looked up, and Foxpaw held her breath, as the squirrel jumped a few mouse-lengths away from her, only to continue munching on its chestnut. Foxpaw continued creeping forward, until she was just a mouse-length away from the large squirrel. '''

'''She readied her hind legs, and leaned forward. Then she pounced. Her pounce was lopsided, and she had only just grasped the squirrel in her claws. It wiggled, and its squeal was abruptly cut off, as she killed it with a swift bite to the neck.'''

'''Yes! I caught something bigger than Nettlepaw’s mouse-brained blackbird! She thought excitedly.'''

'''She went back to the area where Dovefrost, Ryewhisker, and Iceclaw were still scouting the area for prey. '''

'''“Wow! Nice catch, Foxpaw!” Ryewhisker said.'''

'''“Yeah… I guess. Good catch.” Dovefrost said, trying to seem unimpressed, but her eyes were wide.'''

“Thanks!” Foxpaw said, muffled through her mouthful of fur.

She set her prey down, and looked around for Iceclaw.

“Where’s Iceclaw?” She asked the other two warriors.

Ryewhisker shook his head.

“I don’t know, he walked over there a while ago looking for prey.” Dovefrost said, pointing her ears in the direction she talked about.

'''As she spoke, Iceclaw stepped out of the brambles, carrying two mice, and a scrawny thrush. He dropped his catch, as he looked at the squirrel lying by Foxpaw’s feet.'''

“Did you catch that, Foxpaw?” He asked.

“Yep.” She answered, proudly, holding her head high.

'''“I’m impressed! Good job!” He said, as he picked the two mice back up.'''

'''Ryewhisker grabbed the thrush, and the patrol padded back to the place where they’d buried the shrew. Dovefrost uncovered it, and picked it up. Then they walked back to camp with their catch.'''

'''As Foxpaw walked into Blossomclan’s camp, she felt eyes on her. Most of her clanmates came up to her and congratulated her on her catch. Her mother, Vixenfur, was especially proud of her. Her father, Birchcloud was sitting back, watching everyone thank her for catching the largest piece of prey today.'''

As Foxpaw padded over to the prey-pile and layed down her squirrel, Nightkit ran up to her.

'''“Foxpaw! Foxpaw! I wanna be just like you when I become an apprentice! I’m gonna hunt and fight like I’m a member of Lionclan!” He ended with a squeal of excitement. '''

'''She laughed. “You don’t have to be like me. You can seek out your own life. And get your own independence.” She said, trying to be inspirational.'''

“Hmmmm… no, I think being big and strong like you would be cooler!” Nightkit said, getting into a battle stance.

'''Wow. I can’t believe that most of Blossomclan, just can’t live their own lives! They all just have to depend on each other. All they want to do is be like someone else. She thought, rolling her eyes as Nightkit padded away.'''

'''Foxpaw walked over to the apprentices den. She wanted to rest before she would go and meet Evergreen at Large Rock. When she laid down on her bed of soft bracken and some moss, she tried to think about how she would get out of the camp, but she felt herself drift off to sleep, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. '''

……..

'''When Foxpaw had awoke, the stars were still out, and most of her clanmates were asleep. The only cats left awake in Blossomeclan’s camp, were Quailfang and Iceclaw, as they were guarding the camps entrance. Foxpaw found her paws taking her to Shadefrost and Brackenpaw’s den. She stood outside the medicine cat den.'''

'''Why did I come here? She thought.'''

'''“Foxpaw? I’ve been wondering when you were going to show up.” She heard a cool, deep voice of a tom that she didn’t totally recognize.'''

'''“W-Who are you? Show yourself!” She said, spinning around, trying not to wake her clanmates.'''

'''The tom didn’t totally show himself to her. She only saw his pale amber eyes, through the bracken.'''

'''“Come. I need to show you something.” He said. And then the eyes, were gone.'''

-Chapter 10-

'''Joyheart stared at Hopelight in shock. She just couldn’t believe that her sister, had been able to read minds her whole life and she never told her or Braveheart about it. Joyheart found herself curious about how Hopelight was able to use this gift.'''

“How does it… work?” Joyheart asked.

“Well, I never really learned how to control it, so it just happens sporadically.” Hopelight said, twitching her whiskers and digging into the soft, peaty ground with her front paw awkwardly.

'''“When does it usually happen?” Joyheart asked, forgetting about Darkstorm and Lilypad momentarily. '''

'''“I think it happens a lot when I look at a cat, or even when I’m nowhere near them, and something major happened.” Hopelight said. “I guess that’s how I knew about…. this.” She looked at the ground, and Joyheart remembered what had happened before Hopelight stepped out of the bushes. '''

'''“I came here looking for you at first, then I stumbled on those two.” She pushed out a growl, surprised at the ferocity in her voice. '''

'''Hopelight rested her tail on Joyheart’s shoulders, immediately calming her down. Hopelight sat down. And she patted the earth next to her, earging Joyheart to sit down next to her.'''

Joyheart padded over and sat down.

'''“Well, since you already know what’s going on, I guess I don’t really have to explain it. What do you think we should do?” She asked, seeking her sisters’ guidance.'''

'''“I, for one, am not going to get involved in the youngsters affair. If you want to get involved, you should probably figure it out yourself. After all, I can’t make your decisions.” Hopelight said.'''

'''Joyheart stared at her sister in shock, she expected her to at least help her figure out what to do. “What?” She said, not hiding her surprise.'''

'''“Joyheart, I just don’t see what the big deal is. Either way, we’re going to lose a noble warrior, if you tell Cloudstar or not. Why not just let him go off happy? Lilypad, too.” Hopelight reasoned.'''

“But….” Joyheart trailed off, suddenly seeing the reason in Hopelight’s request.

'''Maybe she’s right. I never liked Darkstorm, but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect him as a loyal warrior to Featherclan. Or that he shouldn’t be happy. She thought, putting her own feelings aside for a while.'''

“I know what I’m going to do.” She said, standing up and stalking away in the direction of Featherclan’s camp.

-Chapter 11-

'''Crouchfur was now sure that she and Kestrelstar had made the right decision. Vinekit was just so enthusiastic about becoming a medicine cat. It seemed to rub off on her and the rest of the clan too, because they were all wiggling, eager for Vinekit to be apprenticed.'''

'''“Vinekit, Kestrelstar and I believe you have the ability to become a great medicine cat over time. It would be an honor, if you’d allow me to become your new mentor.” Crouchfur said.'''

'''Vinekit took a step back, as if regretting his choice. Then he nodded, and stepped back up towards Crouchfur and Kestrelstar.'''

'''Crouchfur was pleased, she tilted her head in response, and walked over to touch noses with Vinekit. He leaned up, and the clan started cheering his new name.'''

'''“Vinepaw! Vinepaw! Vinepaw!”'''

'''The clan started dispersing, giving their congratulations to the new apprentices, and warrior. Sparrowheart nodded his head to them in thanks, already starting his silent vigil.'''