Frozen Whispers

...The sister of misfortune, Hope,

In the under-darkness dumb

Speaks joyful courage to your heart.

The day desired will come.

RiverClan
Leader:
 * Flintstar - black and white tom with amber eyes and long fur

Deputy:
 * Bramblefall - thick furred dark tabby with amber eyes

Medicine Cat:
 * Featherstep - dark gray she-cat with amber eyes

Warriors:


 * Kestrelwing - mottled gray tom with blue eyes


 * Aspenfur - light brown tom with green eyes


 * Berrydapple - beautiful, thick-furred gray tabby she-cat with blue eyes


 * Hollypool - black she-cat with green eyes


 * Honeyfur - long-furred golden tabby she-cat with piercing green eyes


 * Mistyheart - gray she-cat with blue eyes


 * Hawkstep - dark brown tom


 * Ashblaze - gray tabby tom


 * Briarshine - dark brown she-cat


 * Buzzardfur - ginger tom with emerald eyes


 * Brindleheart - flecked gray tabby she-cat


 * Birdfeather - black she-cat


 * Cedarpelt - dark gray tom


 * Lilydapple - gray she-cat


 * Shimmerfur - thick furred white she-cat

Apprentices:


 * Talonpaw - dark brown tabby


 * Dewpaw - light gray tabby she-cat


 * Brackenpaw - light brown tabby tom with hazel eyes, white dab on chest


 * Lilacpaw - beautiful blue-gray she-cat, an unusual lilac tinge to her pelt.


 * Icepaw - beautiful, thick-furred white she-cat with icy blue eyes


 * Sunpaw - dark ginger tabby she-cat with emerald eyes


 * Blackpaw - black and white she-cat with amber eyes


 * Graypaw - dark gray tom


 * Firepaw - ginger tom


 * Lionpaw - golden tabby

Queens:
 * Heatherwing - light gray tabby she-cat


 * Lilacflower - dark gray she-cat


 * Lilyfeather - light brown she-cat


 * Mintheart - dark gray tabby


 * Sagewing - light gray tabby

Elders:
 * Lizardfur - dark brown tabby with a darker tail and amber eyes


 * Nettleclaw - gray tom


 * Owlpelt - brown tom


 * Robinheart - brown she-cat

Prologue

 * The moon glistened in the dark sky. An elegant, sleek, beautiful cat slipped through trees and to a dent. Three kits were dangling from her mouth, and the danger that had been threatening her life had caused her to be unable to care for them. She knew a friend in what those skinny, underweight forest cats called "Clans", who was able to take care of them. With a mate and her last litter dead, she knew her friend, Heatherwing, could tell the Clan it was additional kits, being that her kits died at a very young age, but no one had noticed yet, she told the mother. "Icy, Sunny, Black, I can't keep you," she rasped to her kittens. She thought she heard a squeal from Icy, a pure white kitten, but, honestly, doubted that. Icy couldn't understand her.
 * The she-cat dropped her kittens in the dent, and saw a shadow dashing through the clearing. "Jena!" she heard the cat squeak, his voice shrill with surprise. The cat turned around to face the shadow. "Jack?" she mewed back. Jack was her former mate, who had helped her from times, but they had to separate due to the threatening doom lying over Jena's head - the threat of being put down, her house burnt down with other cats trying to kill her, and her supposedly "horrible" behavior. She had attacked a burgular once, trying to rob her household, but other Twolegs had seen and called the Cutter. Jena shook her head from the thoughts and stared at Jack. He was a handsome black tom with a white flash on his chest and almond-shaped, copper eyes. "What are you doing?" he asked.
 * "I can't keep our kittens," she confessed.
 * Jack's almond-shaped eyes were wide. "So you abandon them in the middle of nowhere?" he hissed.
 * "No! It's not like that! I would never do that!" Jena replied, her voice trembling with the fear of what would happen to her kittens if they were left to Heatherwing's Clan, RiverClan.
 * "Then what are you doing?" he challenged.
 * "I have a friend, her name is Heatherwing. She lives with a group of cats, named RiverClan, out of four groups in the forest. I can't keep my kittens. You know the threats that lie over me - and the same ones over you. I have to give them to Heatherwing - do you want them to die?" Jena asked, giving out a breath after explaining everything.
 * Jack's eyes narrowed. "In a forest with hardly no food and having to fight the other groups for food? They'd die quicker, gored to death."
 * "It's our only choice," Jena begged. "To save their lives. The cats there are extremely loyal and dedicated. Please!" Her soft, silver coat ruffled in the night.
 * The black tom still had his copper eyes focused on Jena's silver figure. "Why can't you give them to me?"
 * "They need milk. They won't survive with you. It's the truth."
 * "But my housefolk can take care of them," Jack objected.
 * "Your only one is in the hospital! The rest of them died!" Jena hissed at Jack. "It's the only choice I have, if I want them to live. Please."
 * Jack's tail twitched, and a silence fell over the two quarreling cats, and the only thing heard was an owl's hoot. Finally, Jack spoke. "Fine. But if they die, I will blame it on you."
 * Jena let out the breath she was holding in her stomach. "They won't die...they won't. They can't. They're strong," Jena meowed. She turned her back on Jack, but whispered, "I'll see you again, Jack..." She hopped away from Jack's sight and into the deep forest, leaving the three mewling kits in the dent in the forest floor.
 * Jack crouched down over the kits, licking their fur the wrong way to preserve heat. "I'll be back for you...maybe if you're out hunting. I'll never forget you, my sweets," he murmured. He looked up into the stars, and sent a silent prayer to them.
 * Please let my kits survive.
 * All the way in a cold barrier sat a broad-shouldered black and white tom, his fur slick with rain as it poured down overhead, soaking him to his skin. Quietly he slipped through the entrance of camp, but was stopped by a shrill mew. "Flintstar?"
 * Flintstar turned his head to face the solid gray medicine cat. "What do you want, Featherstep?" he mewed.
 * Featherstep blinked. "Where are you going?"
 * Flintstar turned his gaze to his paws, and knew he couldn't bury his secret anymore. He could share it with Featherstep anyways - she was his best friend. He thought about what had happen - the dog attack, taking three of his lives away, and he still wasn't fully recovered. He took a glance at his matted fur and deep gashes and wounds. He remembered the battle ShadowClan had caused - attacking RiverClan just for a strip of territory. The loss of prey. He stared at the pitfully low fresh kill pile. He had sent four hunting patrols out ealier, and they only came back with a couple of fish. Not enough. Cats were starving, and he knew something was up.
 * "I wanted to look for signs...why StarClan's letting this happen. They let us down, they didn't do anything for us in our time for need. Something's wrong."
 * "Try dreaming," she mewed calmy, but surprise flickered in her amber eyes. Flintstar pretended to ignore it, but it bothered him. "I'll try," he mewed, turning to his den.
 * He passed the barrier of reeds and looked at his quite large nest. He curled up in his moss, relaxed. It was cozy, outlined with warm feathers. He quickly fell into a deep sleep.
 * As Flintstar opened his eyes, he could see a large expanse of green moorland before his eyes. There was a cat with a starry outline, glowing with moonlight. Stars dotted his pelt and his eyes shone with wisdom and courage. He crouched over Flintstar. "Look," he whispered.
 * Flintstar turned his head towards the sky. "There will be an ice that will blaze across the sky and onto the other side to freedom..."
 * An icy white flash flared through the sky and onto the other side, where it rested peacefully and glowed lightly. The figure started to unfold into a cat. A beautiful, silky, long-furred white she-cat with silver flecks and icy blue eyes, a long, bushy tail, and a triumphant smile.
 * He closed his eyes, and images started to run through. A white cat that had slaughtered a much larger dark brown tabby, a black and white cat and a ginger cat cheering, a light brown cat grooming the white...so much stuff!
 * But he knew that a destiny was ahead for that cat, and he was ready for it. He'd know it if that cat crossed his path.
 * My Clan is in good paws.
 * My Clan is in good paws.

Chapter One

 * The sun glistened on a warm, leaf-bare morning as normal activity returned to camp. The deputy made the patrols, kits fooled around, apprentices cleaned elder's moss, the medicine cat fussed over barely injured cats, the leader sat and enjoyed the warm weather - it was normal. Icekit tumbled out of the nursery, glad to breath in fresh air. After being scooped up in the small, crowded nursery with other kits - phew!
 * Blackkit and Sunkit crawled out after her. It had been a couple moons since she had been born, and she was glad. She was older and bigger and could finally do things on her own. Hey....But I've been stuck in camp for too long!'
 * She looked at her best friends - which were also her sisters. Blackkit looked at Icekit. "Oh, Icekit!" she mewed. "What do you have in mind?"
 * It was obvious Blackkit knew Icekit was up to some mischief. So, Icekit gave in and confessed. "Since we're always stuck in camp all day...I thought it'd be cool if we traveled out of camp. For once."
 * Sunkit put her head to one side while Blackkit winced, but nodded. "I agree. For StarClan's sake, Heatherwing never let us out. Well, maybe into camp...but...hey. Who cares? I want to see what it looks like."
 * "Ditto," Icekit mewed. "Follow my lead." Her voice grew into a whisper as she directed her little "patrol", telling them directions and together, the trio slipped out of camp.
 * She stopped at the entrance, her eyes wide with awe, staring at the huge trees. The sun peered through the gaps in the trees and dappled Icekit's fur. There were so many new sounds and different scents from what she was used to in camp. There were cats, prey, and herbs. But here there were different herbs, only a couple cats, the fresh scent of trees, and the clicking sound of prey and the squeaks of mouse.
 * Icekit scrambled up the trunk of the tree. The bark was smooth as she moved her paws smoothly over it. "Look!" she chirped, casting a short glance at her sisters. They were sitting in the same spot Icekit had left them and was watching her climb.
 * Suddenly Blackkit spoke. "I bet you can't climb to the top of the tree."
 * "Bet I can!"
 * "If you do, I'll sleep in the loser nest tonight." The loser nest was a thin, ugly nest of moss. No comfy feathers and the cats had smeared a big "L" on it with the yellow remains of a sunflower. Hopefully it would stay.
 * Icekit started to scramble up a branch, then stretched up, her claws sinking into the branch directly above. She hung on, letting go of the tight grip that her feet held on the branch below. She dangled from the branch, but managed to tumble on it. There was no branch above her, just on the other side.
 * Finally! Her heart started to pound with excitement as she sunk her claws into the last branch, just below from the top of the tree. She hung from it, and scrambled on the top of the tree, where there was a square of flat trees. It was big enough to fit two kits.
 * A loud mew was heard from down below. Icekit turned her head to face whatever was calling. There was a large, muscular gray she-cat looking up. "Icekit! What are you doing up there?"
 * "Mistyheart?" Icekit recognized her from the stories that she had told the kits in the nursery, her sturdy frame and short, dense fur.

Chapter Two

 * A warm breeze sang in the sky as Flintstar jumped onto a log and yowled loudly, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet here beneath the Log for a Clan meeting," he yowled. His voice boomed around the edges of camp. Icekit was already up, the sunlight turning her gray-flecked white fur silver. She was beautiful - her slender frame visible, her sleek coat shining, blue eyes alert and ears pricked, her tail flicking. Blackkit was beside her, sleek, slender, her black-and-white coat glowing and her amber eyes gleaming. Sunkit was on the other side of Icekit, flame-colored, tiger striped coat visible in the sunlight, and she smiled happily. Brackenkit and his sister, Sparrowkit, was beside him. Icekit turned to Brackenkit and grinned.
 * Brackenkit smiled back, and the cats turned to Flintstar, waiting for him to talk. Icekit could see her mother in the ground, blue eyes shining with pride for her kits. Flintstar raised his voice so it could be heard among camp. "Five kits have turned six moons old today, and it is time for them to become apprenticed. From now on, Blackkit, you will be known as Blackpaw. Hawkstep will mentor you. Brackenkit, you will be known as Brackenpaw, and Kestrelwing will mentor you. Sparrowkit, you will be known as Sparrowpaw, and Mistyheart will mentor you. Icekit, you will be known as Icepaw and Bramblefall will mentor you."
 * Icekit, now Icepaw, turned around and saw her dark tabby mentor padding forward, touching Icekit's nose with his own, eyes shining with pride. But confusion darkened the Clan's eyes. Icepaw turned around to watch the rest of the naming ceremony. Sunkit has to be named, too.
 * "Now, this is a special position," Flintstar beckoned Sunkit over with a gesture of his long, pluming tail. "Sunkit, from this moment you will be Sunpaw. Do you want to take on the rank of medicine cat, honor, and treat your Clan forever as your rank's name?"
 * "Yes, I do," Sunpaw looked up, her ginger fur darkening as it went straight up in fear. Flintstar took no notice and instead said, "Then Featherstep will serve as your mentor, to train you in the ways of healing." Featherstep's dark gray fur was made out in the center of the crowd and she walked up to Sunpaw and touched noses with her. "Hello, Sunpaw." she murmured as she looked down at the frightened, young ginger tabby. She led her to the medicine den where they started their lesson, and Icepaw turned to Brackenpaw. "Hi!" she meowed.
 * Brackenpaw grinned, his tail flicking. "Hey." His brown tabby fur ruffled in the wind. The two stood there, holding a talk about training and how life would be and what they wanted their warrior names to be.
 * A dark shadow looked over them and spoke, "Not so far yet, kits." He meowed, but his voice was teasing. "Icepaw, we have to go." His eyes glowed warmly. Icepaw turned from Brackenpaw, flicked her tail-tip in a goodbye, and nodded to Bramblefall. "Okay."
 * The thick-furred dark tabby nodded, his amber eyes glowing with pleasure at the sight of Icepaw actually obeying a cat. "Come on," he meowed and dashed out of camp, his tail trailing behind him. Icepaw blinked at Brackenpaw, and followed her mentor.
 * As Icepaw padded out of the entrance to camp, dark trees came in view and a crisp, cold breeze ruffled her white fur. She could see Featherstep's dark gray fur and Sunpaw's ginger as they hid behind a tree. She could make out their voices and heard Featherstep meow, "This is goldenrod. Good for healing wounds." She flicked her tail and decided not to call out, or she could get in big trouble.
 * She turned her head to the other side of her and could see more trees. Cats were made out, their dark fur brushing against the bark of the trees. "What's that?" she nudged closer to Bramblefall, and the deputy replied, "Hunting patrol."
 * She watched the cats as she walked, but then they went out of her sight and she turned her head north of her. Dark water came in view, and her eyes widened in awe. "What is that?" she asked.
 * "The river," Bramblefall gloated out gleefully. His eyes glowed warmly with pleasure, and Icepaw could tell that he was proud sharing something that was apart of the Clan's culture for as long as any cat could trace back. Icepaw focused on the river, watching the dark, black water sweep with every toss and tumble. I guess it can't be that bad to touch. She walked forward slowly, aware of the ground below her paws a bit more slippery and damp then it was when she was traveling the place with many trees. As she leaned down to touch the water with her pink nose, but as soon as she knew it, the ground slipped under her and her paws tumbled. She could feel the touch of icy-cold water as she splashed into the dark river, feeling her pelt soak with the thick water. She let out a howl of surprise and shock, and she saw her tabby mentor watching her with narrowed eyes as he approached the bank of the river cautiously. But as she waited for his rescue, she tried to save herself from drowning. She splashed her paws and frantically tried to move her hindquarters, but dumbfounded in trying to believe that they would support her. She felt herself plunge down from the weight of her sodden, thick fur.
 * Pain crackled in her like the unexpected shock from lightning as she felt sharp teeth sinking into her scruff and carrying her. She noticed the extra strength it took for the cat to her rescue to bring up a heavy, wet, thick-furred she-cat. She turned her head to the cat who came to the rescue and narrowed her eyes. "Bramblefall?" she asked.
 * The dark tabby shook his fur, where a couple of drops were splattered on. "Yes," he hissed, making the annoyance in his voice clear. "Do you not understand that you don't go of wandering without a warrior's permission?"
 * "Yes...I just wanted to see what the river was right," she confessed. It was true.
 * Bramblefall snorted. "Curiosity is going to get to you one day. I warn you know - be aware and careful of the curiosity you use." Icepaw had no idea what he meant, but just nodded her sleek head in fake understanding.
 * "Now," he said, looking around. "Since you probably won't take action of my warning, I'll teach you how to swim for a first lesson. It's a skill every RiverClan cat should know, and it could save their lives." He flicked his dark tail-tip and walked over the river. "Come on."
 * Icepaw took a deep gulp as she walked forward slowly. I'm going to have to go in that again? She still wasn't dry from the near-fatal accident, and she looked at her sodden fur. Then she turned her icy-blue gaze on the dark, gushing water in the river. But Bramblefall will help me. He's my father. He'll save me. He'll risk his life for me. Getting over the fear and having it replaced with bravery, she stepped forward. "What do I have to do?" she asked
 * "Walk in the river, the shallow side is just at the end of your view." He angled his ears in the direction of the shallow side of the river, where she noticed it didn't look very deep at all. She leaned over the bank and jumped. Splash! Splash! Splash! The water droplets sprayed around her as she adjusted to her new background. She got used to the cold water lapping at her paws.
 * "Now," Bramblefall instructed. "I will walk in with you once you get to the deep side, but for now, just walk. You'll notice when the deep water starts coming in, because you'll feel a drop under your paws, and the water will rise."
 * "I know, I'm not stupid," Icepaw flashed at her mentor. She was sick of hearing instructions.
 * "But it's your first time," he meowed back. She was surprised of how cool he was keeping his temper, because if she was him, she would just snap back right away and go into rage mode. However, she kept focused on the activity and was padding forward. Then, her paws dropped and she felt the water rising up to her belly. Oh, no! Am I drowning?
 * No. The water stopped rising and kept at the same height, only occasional lapping and rising if she splashed. Bramblefall's ears pricked. He jumped in, just over her and right next to her. Water splashed on him and onto her.
 * Icepaw let out a hiss of disgust as the water sprayed on her. She shook it off, and could hear Bramblefall's dry comment as she licked her fur, feeling the salt water on her tongue. "You're a RiverClan get. Get used to the water."
 * "It's just my first try!" she objected.
 * Bramblefall obviously had nothing to say, just continued forward. As the water continued to drop, fear came over Icepaw. "Raise your paws and paddle," he ordered, noticing the fear that flashed into Icepaw's eyes.
 * Icepaw raised her paws and started to push them forwards and back.
 * "Same with your feet." She could hear Bramblefall's deep voice ringing around her ears, and she nodded, so far pleased with the process and the speed of it.
 * She started to move her back paws forward and up, feeling them rise gently over the water. She didn't even notice she had swam over the deep side until she heard Bramblefall's annoying voice once more: "Good job! Passed over the deep side!"
 * "Will you shut up?" Icepaw flashed at Bramblefall, but couldn't keep a smile from sheltering in her face. Instead, it escaped. Bramblefall grinned back at her, and she turned her head forward and continued with the swimming.
 * After a long time of just swimming through the river, Icepaw could feel her paws go over something. The drop of water was everywhere, and she could hear the loud, gurgling noise surrounding her ears. "Icepaw!" a cat cried, but the wail was faint and it was behind her, disappearing behind the sprays of water and the gurgling noise.
 * She felt herself dropping, and she opened her jaws for a loud scream, feeling completely helpless. She howled, and howled, but it just couldn't be heard. She was falling a long way. She turned her head down and saw another river just...below her. She would fall in it, or maybe be gored by the sharp stones and rocks in the river. She finally felt a thud as she landed in the river before.
 * Oh my StarClan, I didn't land in the rocks. I wasn't killed! she thought with joy filling her mind. But she was still moving, towards the end of the river. Her eyes were wide with awe as she moved forward.
 * She spotted the end of the river in view, and decided to use the little strength she had to climb up on the ground. She sunk her sharp claws into grass on the bank, hauling herself up. Able to stretch her whole figure, she felt a bit more relaxed as she fell down on the ground, panting.
 * Bramblefall could still be up there. She raised her head and tried to glimpse any sign that Bramblefall was still there. And she saw one. His dark brown tabby fur. It was thick, and it ruffled in the breeze. His amber eyes glowed - sharp, like in the dark. She could see the horror and pain reflected in the tom's eye, and she managed to rasp loudly, "Bramblefall!"
 * He didn't answer. He turned on her, and jumped away. He's probably heading for camp. To get help. But doubts echoed in her mind, and she found herself clinging to them. She sighed. "I'll just try to hunt, and maybe the Clan will come looking for me," she muttered under her breath. She walked over to the river, and stayed crouched down. She saw a slightly darker, slim figure in the river, and she swooped her paw in with her claws unsheathed and sunk them into a slimy creature. She scooped her paw from the water and saw an unusually large fish dangling from her claws. She narrowed her eyes, and wrinkled her nose at the unfamiliar scent, but decided to take a shot at it and try it. She sunk her teeth into the fish, and ripped of a chunk of meat.
 * It tasted good, like regular RiverClan meat. But she still had doubts about Bramblefall saving her. She turned her head up, and just...hoped.
 * "Please let my Clan-or someone find me," she whispered to the evening sky.

Chapter Three

 * Icepaw was curled up into a circle of thick grass, unused to the adjustment as she was used to sleeping in bracken, moss, and feathers. Her ears were pricked and she could make out the sound of paws breaking leaves as they pounded against the ground, leaving a sheet of dust behind them. She opened her eyes and turned, her fur bristling, ears pinned flat against her head. "Who are you?" she hissed, extending her claws.
 * The cat; a tom, stared at Icepaw. Suddenly, his eyes flared with recognition and he blinked, "Icy?"
 * Icepaw's nostrils flared. "Who the StarClan is that?" she hissed. "Tell me your name first!" She flashed an icy glare at the tom. His fur was sleek black but long, and his copper eyes gleamed.
 * The tom stared at Icepaw, and held her gaze for a long moment, until Icepaw snapped, "Come on! I don't have forever!"
 * He blinked, and breathed. "My name is Jack," he announced, as if he was some kind of cat greeting royalty. "Now I expect you to tell me your name?"
 * Icepaw's fur fluffed up. "I don't have to!" she retorted to the black tom.
 * Jack blinked. He showed no sign of impatience or anger, just held his temper calmly. "But I told you my name."
 * The apprentice stiffened, her gaze holding Jack's. The forest seemed to roar around them, and she sighed. "Fine. My name is Icepaw."
 * The rogue's tom widened - and Icepaw got her first real glance at him. His fur was smooth and sleek, unusual for rogues like him, or loners. He was well-fed and plump, with no matted fur, no scars, nothing. Just a trace of sadness in his eyes.
 * Then an unusual thought popped into her mind. Because his daughter is hostile to him? She shook her head. No way am I his daughter! But then she realized he had the same coat texture of his, long, silky, and thick. They looked like eachother, but in a weird way...Could they be related? But she doubted that. It's not possible, he can't be my father, and I can't be his daughter. Bramblefall is my father. But we look nothing alike...Oh...stop the anguish!
 * Icepaw swallowed. "Well," she began with a rough start. "I was just going to hunt..."
 * Jack's eyes gleamed. "May I watch?"
 * "Sure."
 * She watched the black tom settle himself down, wrapping his tail around his paws in order to preserve heat, his ears straight and pricked. Hm.
 * Icepaw looked around for a thick, lush, green bush to hide in. She finally spotted it, near a tall tree. Big enough to support her body. She crouched down behind it, her white fur hiding perfectly behind the bush, though she didn't really know how. Breathing in the air with her mouth open wide, she could detect vole on the breeze.
 * She approached the gray, furry figure cautiously, placing a paw quietly in front of one, repeating the cycle over and over until she was a tail-length away from it. Breathing quietly, she gathered strength in her haunches and hindquarters, and leaped. Her tail streamed in the air behind her, and she let out a yowl of victory as she landed on the vole, sinking her teeth into its throat and snapping it. Some bones split from an open gap in its neck. She turned around and saw Jack watching wide-eyed. His copper eyes were filled with shock and horror.
 * "What?" Icepaw flashed at the jet-black tom, her eyes blazing.
 * "N-no-nothing," Jack stammered. The forest seemed to whirl around him and Icepaw breathed in the tom's scent. He had a whiff of Icepaw's scent.
 * Obviously. She snorted to herself. He's been with me the past day.
 * But as she snifed him again, she could detect Sunpaw and Blackpaw's scent. Bramblefall looks nothing like me. Nor does Heatherwing. It's a possibility he's my father...
 * "Jack..." she suddenly asked, knowing she had to do this in order to figure out the truth about her heritage, and everything between. "Are you my father?"
 * "Yes. Yes, Icy, I am."

Chapter Four

 * Darkness was well on it's way when Jack admitted to Icepaw that he was her father. She was still in doubt mode. Bramblefall is my father, no matter what! Her white fur bristled, and she turned her head towards Jack. Tail flicking with anger, she snapped, "Are we going to get out of here, furball?"
 * Jack blinked calmly at Icepaw, and nodded. "Of course."
 * Icepaw's nostrils flared. "Any idea?" she growled at the sleek tom. The tom's ears pricked and he looked around. "Climb up the rocks that line the waterfall, maybe," he commented dryly.
 * The apprentice glared at Jack. "Shut up, I knew that," she hissed.
 * "Then why did you ask?" Jack meowed.
 * "Because I wanted to!"
 * She unsheathed her claws, ready to swipe at the full-of-himself black tom. She flexed her muscles and refrained from - after all, her wounds could be pretty bad and she had to move on towards her Clan. She sunk her claws into the rock, but it failed. They just made puny scratches and allowed Icepaw to slip down, scraping the granite.
 * "I'll have to jump," she murmured to herself. She crouched down, bringing strength into her haunches, her elbows bent at an angle, her head pointed towards the rock. With her shoulders flexing, she leaped, landing on the rock. Huffing with pride, she continued. Water managed to spray itself on her, but she just shook it off. She crouched down, and aimed for the rock. "Oh, StarClan forbid!" she hissed, feeling her claws scrape the rock and herself falling down. "This fall could be fatal," she whispered, glancing at the sharp rocks.
 * She felt sharp teeth pierce her teeth, and then they let go, bringing the pain away with them. She felt herself dragging down, and hoped whoever that was who bit her tail would just hurry up and drag her up. She saw a flash of black rush forward to above her, and felt teeth pierce the thick fur that was her scruff. They started to bring her up, but more pain was added with how deeply the cat had its teeth embedded in Icepaw's scruff.
 * She could feel the wrath from the spraying water gently release as the cat dragged her up onto the bank of the river. Both of them sat there, crouched down, panting. She looked up and realized the slim, slender figure of Jack. "You saved me?" she rasped, barely able to breath.
 * "Yes," Jack replied quickly. He stared at Icepaw. "You go back with your Clan. The forest was never for me." Icepaw glanced at Jack as he plunged himself into the waterfall. She gasped. "No!" she roared. But she knew better than to jump after him, to risk her own life for a rogue. And plus, he was safe, he knew his way around.
 * Icepaw's tail drooped, her head held down as she made the exhasuting journey back to camp. She saw lots of trees and water on her way, and the wind roared in her ears. All she wanted to do was close her eyes, sleep, and pretended this never happened, to know that Bramblefall was her father and Heatherwing her mother.
 * But the real question was - who was her mother? The thought ran in her mind until she made it to camp. She saw familar faces and was automatically comforted. And, the best thing, Brackenpaw ran over to Icepaw, eyes blazing with worry, and meowed, "Where were you? I've been so frantic - never like this in my life!" Icepaw looked up, smiling. "It's a long story." Her lip curled. "Then you can ask Bramblefall! He didn't try to save me! Not at all!"
 * Almost immeditatly after that, Bramblefall popped in. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Icepaw. "I've seen you made it out alive," he smiled. "I've known a lot of cats that don't survive down in the waterfall - or die a very, very, painful death soon after. They kill themselves or eat deathberries to refrain from facing such a hard death," he scoffed and turned away.
 * She knew what Bramblefall had been trying to do that moment - convince her she should do the same. She stared at Bramblefall and proudly spoke, "I'll never do that, idiot!"
 * Bramblefall turned his broad head, and his amber eyes glowed. "You think you'll do it?" he hissed through bared teeth. "Nice try, young one. I didn't say you, nor did I mean that." His bushy tail flicked. "I meant, I'll end you. You obviosuly know something about my treachery...but I'll make sure it never gets revealed."
 * He held her icy blue gaze, and didn't let go. Just held it, and held it. Icepaw gulped. I'm in huge danger. He could kill me. What am I going to do?

Chapter Five

 * The sun trickled through cracks at the top of the apprentice's den. It dappled Icepaw's long coat and she opened her eyes slowly, just to see the sun ready to dazzle it. She inched away from the pool of sunlight she had been lying in and found the strength to open her eyes fully.
 * She could see lumps of fur in the den, and noticed most of the apprentices were asleep. Expect Brackenpaw. His handsome light brown tabby coat glimmered in the sunshine. Icepaw glanced at him, and obviously Bracenpaw noticed. He turned his head and looked at Icepaw. "Hey!" he chirped.
 * His voice touched Icepaw's heart. "Hey," she meowed softly. Brackenpaw's hazel eyes lit up. His ears pricked. "Haha, we know better than Flintstar," he commented, pointing with his tail towards where Dewpaw was flashing remarks at Flintstar.
 * Icepaw blushed. "I know!" she giggled. "Every single day."
 * "One day we might outrule him - for his stupidity."
 * "Agreed," she meowed. "But that's probably in a million seasons!"
 * Brackenpaw started to laugh. His eyes brightened as Icepaw made the joke - and she couldn't help but also laugh. But he frowned as a scent fumbled around the den. Both he and Icepaw turned around to see who they didn't want to - the striped face of a dark brown tabby. His amber eyes glowed. "Icepaw, it's time for training. Brackenpaw - for StarClan's kits, you know better than to talk to her. Go to your mentor. Now."
 * Brackenpaw glanced at Icepaw, turning red. "Sorry!" he mumbled to her as he dashed out of the den. "See you later."
 * Icepaw nodded. "Back to you!" She turned and started licking her white fur. Bramblefall flicked his tail impatiently and had it slap hard on the floor, on purpose for Icepaw to hear. "What?" she said with anger in her voice and turned to the muscular deputy.
 * Bramblefall blinked in surprise at the harsh tone Icepaw used, but didn't seem too offended. He meowed, "Training." Icepaw nodded. She jumped out of the den, and breathed in the fresh, crisp, leaf-bare. Snow-fall was near, and Shadowfur's stories about playing in the snow was just too much. She couldn't wait for the smooth ice beneath her paws and the thick, milky-colored snow surrounding her and making everything pretty.
 * Happiness started to glow inside her as she turned and saw her three friends - Lilypaw, a pretty gray she-cat with blue eyes, Rosepaw, a dark cream tabby she-cat with green eyes, and Shimmerpaw, a pearl-white she-cat with blue eyes. They were playing with the dark colored leaves on the trees, ripping them out with their unsheathed claws. However, they were keeping a good eye on Shadowfur - a handsome dark black tom with glowing yellow eyes and a muscular frame. According to Blackpaw, the three of them all had a crush on Shadowfur. Icepaw could see why - on the outside. But the inside? Oh, no. Just no. But whatever, they liked him. Icepaw couldn't do anything.
 * She meowed, "Hi!" The cats turned, greeted her, and went back to their games. She looked around camp and could see sleek, well-fed cats. Everything was happy, she noticed. And hopefully it stayed that way. She turned to the entrance of camp, and dashed out as fast as possible. With the forest twirling around her, she ran to the hollow, where battle training took place. She skidded to an halt as she reached it, pausing to catch her breath.
 * She waited what seemed like forever to Bramblefall to come. The dark tabby walked in, his amber eyes dull. "You little idiot," he started to growl. "You probably wore yourself out."
 * Icepaw stared at Bramblefall and protested, "No, I didn't! See? I'm as restless as ever!"
 * "Whatever," Bramblefall mumbled. "I'm going to teach you a couple fighting moves - to defend your weak, stupid self during times of attack."
 * The apprentice stood there, glaring at Bramblefall with hatred in her eyes. Jealous idiot! she thought. Distracted and getting lost in her thoughts, the deputy lunged at Icepaw and bowled her over. "You idiot! You got distracted!" he howled. Before she knew it, white claws were at her eyes. The pain burned like fire. More than fire. So hot and so much pain...
 * "You're not suppose to unsheathe your claws!" she cried out, shielding herself with her paws from his sharp claws that could cause more pain.
 * "Well, that's just too bad!" he growled, ripping Icepaw to shreds. As she glanced at her fur, it was all tufted up, and more scarlet than white. "Mercy!" she begged.
 * Bramblefall had pinned Icepaw on the ground and was ready for the finishing touch. However, summoning up all the strength she had, she managed to push Bramblefall of. She lashed out with her back paws, but keeping her front placed firmly on the ground. They gored in Bramblefall's sides, and he squealed. He turned on Icepaw, but she was too quick. She dashed from sight and into a bush just behind him.
 * "Ran away, didn't she?" she heard Bramblefall mew. No. Tensing her broad shoulders, she peered through the narrow gaps in the lush green bush that would indicate the disappearance of the dark brown tabby. He was in the middle of the clearing, looking around. Icepaw knew she had to make her move. Pushing off her hindquarters, she soared overhead and when Bramblefall looked up to see what was flying at him, she landed flat on his shoulders, having him crumble on the ground. She swiped at his ears and dashed into the bushes again.
 * "Invasion!" he howled.
 * "Mouse-brain!" she grumbled, jumping from the bushes, flexing her shoulders.
 * Bramblefall stared at her, wide-eyed. He would never, never, never in a million years, admit he was proud of Icepaw. He growled, "You don't just scare me like that."
 * "You don't just rip me to my death like that."
 * "I have every right!" he exclaimed, his eyes flaring.
 * "No, you don't."
 * Icepaw turned from him and started making her way back to camp. She was dizzy, really dizzy. Her vision blurred ahead of her, but she managed to wander into camp, lucky to get there without falling flat on her face. Looking around, she could see the dark gray cave of the medicine den. "Featherstep?" she whispered as she entered the dark den.
 * "What?" A higher voice answered, and when the shape appeared from the shadows, Icepaw knew it was Sunpaw. Dark ginger tabby fur and emerald green eyes indicated the appearance of her.
 * "Headache," she notified Sunpaw. She nodded and melted into the shadows. It took forever. She could see lighter tips of her ears and paws fumbling with leaves and berries. She came back and asked if Icepaw had stomachache.
 * "A bit," she replied. Sunpaw handed her blue berries, dark seeds, and leaves. "Ingest them," she told Icepaw.
 * Icepaw did. They tasted bitter and sour, and she felt her stomach turning and twisting with the bad taste. But she also felt sleepy. She wandered to her nest, fell flat on it, curled up, and closed her eyes. Sleep quickly took over her and she knocked herself in a deep, comfortable sleep.

Chapter Six

 * Racket outside disturbed the living StarClan out of Icepaw as she slowly opened her eyes. Howls were heard out of the den, and she could feel vibrations through the ground. Louder than usual. Something was wrong. Very wrong. A cat with light brown tabby fur ran to her. "Icepaw!" it shouted. "There's an attack! Few warriors are up - ShadowClan attacked us while we were sleeping. Come on, help!" Brackenpaw was fussing and fretting. Icepaw hopped to her paws and ran out of the apprentices' den. Just in front of her, more cats than she had ever seen before crowded around the camp. Claws, boiling rage, blood, flesh, and fury streaked the clearing. More blood...more claws...more...everything...then she had ever seen before in her life. Eyes boiling with anger, a massive, broad-shouldered tom stepped forward. "You!" he shouted at Flintstar.
 * "What did we do?" he howled back at the tom. "Cavestar, why are you attacking?"
 * "Stop stealing our prey!" he growled. "A patrol has seen your cats crossing our border for food."
 * "We have not!" Bramblefall shouted. "The cats weren't even a fox-length from your border."
 * Cavestar casted a glance at Bramblefall. "I wasn't talking to this fool." He growled. His long black fur ruffled in the early morning light. "We, ShadowClan, will teach you a lesson you will never forget. ShadowClan - attack!"
 * So many cats rushed forward, their claws unsheathed, their eyes glowing, hungry for blood and the flesh of other cats being ripped under their paws.
 * Pearl-white Shimmerpaw was being bowled over by a much bigger tom with dark fur and orange eyes. His teeth were crooked and yellow and his fur was matted. Icepaw rushed over to help her friend and glanced at the tom.
 * "Blackfang!" howled a cat from the clearing.
 * The dark gray tom glanced at the cat, but ignored him. He stared at the two cats. "What have I gotten for a meal?"
 * "As in, yourself?" Icepaw asked sarcastically, shoving his tail towards his mouth. She leaped on Blackfang and sunk her teeth into his neck. Giving him a couple wounds to remember her by, she spat, "Leave us alone, pick on someone your own size!" and walked away. Shimmerpaw glanced at her. "Thanks!" But Icepaw could sense that she was thinking she could win her own battles.
 * She looked around the clearing and a black shape rushed over to her, pinning her down on the ground. She shook her head vigorously, and the cat sent her a wound that zapped her into the present. Icepaw stared at it. It was a she-cat, no doubt of that. Her claws ripped through Icepaw's flesh, but she managed to wriggle out of her tight grip. She placed her front paws firmly on the ground, and kicked the cat. The wind whipped her fur, causing it to go into her eyes and she wasn't aware of the cat's next move. She swiped at Icepaw's neck - and the force it brought, made Icepaw knew what she was trying to do. Explained to her when a kit, the killing blow was deadly and consisted of a very, very, strong paw swipe, causing the neck to snap and break.
 * She slid like a snake under her paw and went back up, sinking her teeth into the cat's arm. She swiped at her chest and ripped her wound. The cat wailed with pain and ran away, her tail between her legs as she dashed out of the entrance.
 * She could hear Flintstar and Bramblefall beside her. "We have to retreat." Flintstar was saying.
 * "We can't. You know they're trying to take advantage of us, and will take our territory if we do."
 * "What's better - losing a lot of lives or losing our home?"
 * "Staying homeless? What's the point of warriors then?"
 * Icepaw stepped up. "Flintstar," she began. "I honestly think we shouldn't retreat. We fought for our territory for moons, and wanted peace within the Clans. Because a Clan is fighting us and winning doesn't mean we should retreat. Do you really---"
 * She was cut of by Bramblefall's abrupt interruption. "This isn't your business. Go away."
 * "Well, Bramblefall, don't be too bossy. I want to hear what she has to say," Flintstar said thoughtfully. Bramblefall snorted as he turned his head to the side.
 * Blinking, Icepaw continued. "Do you really want to give up because these cats are winning us over? We have strength and claws for a reason. We have to show them we're RiverClan - the noble and brave."
 * Her words seemed to convince Flintstar, as he was nodding slowly. He glanced at the cats of his Clan. "We're going to defeat ShadowClan," he deemed to Bramblefall.
 * His eyes darkened as he turned to Icepaw. "Fine," he replied. Flintstar looked pleased, and lunged into battle. Icepaw and Bramblefall were left - glaring at each other with unmasked hatred flaring in their eyes. "Get out of my way," she hissed to the pesky deputy and pushed him aside. She walked away, casting a couple last glances behind her shoulder.
 * The vicious yowls and caterwauls were so loud they hurt her ears. A cat rammed into her, its blue eyes shining. Raising a paw, it slashed at her chest and she hissed. She jumped at him and grabbed his ears, clawing them hard. "Reckon you're a kit?" the cat taunted.
 * "Switch that back, please," she purred, seeing the blood fall on each side of his head. Some drops even dripped over his eyes, and when he looked down, his paws were stained with the blood from his ears. Awe dancing in his blue eyes, he turned to Icepaw, let out a wail, and ran away.
 * Suddenly a yowl came from the center of the battling cats. "ShadowClan, retreat! Retreat, ShadowClan, retreat!" I guess Cavestar isn't as strong as we thought he was, she thought, satisfaction twining in her belly. She saw some warriors cast glares at their leader, but accepted his demands and fled from the proud RiverClan warriors.
 * Flintstar grimaced as he watched them leave. He looked around, then hopped on the Log. It was below a high den, where Flintstar slept. His blood-stained fur was being whipped by the wind but pride was in his eyes. "Clan, gather below the Log."
 * His call echoed and pounded of the strong walls of the camp. Cats scuffled from den to den as they huddled under the Log. Icepaw looked up.
 * "Three apprentices have fought beautifully today. It's been six moons for them, and I believe it is time for them to become warriors. Shimmerpaw, Rosepaw, Lilypaw, come up here."
 * The trio glanced at eachother, elated. They hopped on the rock that Flintstar was on, and performed the age-old ceremony that has been passed on generation to generation. "I, Flintstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commed them to you as warriors in their turn."
 * "Do you three promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and to defend your Clan, even at the cost of your lives?"
 * "I do," Lilypaw meowed, her voice smooth but loud.
 * "I do!" Rosepaw seemed as if she was about to squeal, but her voice ship-shaped.
 * "I do," Shimmerpaw mewed, looking up at the black-and-white cat with big eyes.
 * "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Lilypaw, from this moment you shall be known as Lilydapple. StarClan honors your courage and enterprise, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan."
 * Flintstar rested his muzzle on Lilydapple's head, while she gave his shoulder a swift lick and scooted to the end of the log. Flintstar turned to Shimmerpaw. "Shimmerpaw, from this moment you shall be known as Shimmerfur. StarClan honors your bravery and initiave and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan."
 * Repeating the few last steps, Flintstar went on to Rosepaw. She stood there, alone and looking very frightened. Flintstar meowed, "Rosepaw, from this moment you shall be known as Roseheart. StarClan honors your honesty and independence, and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan."
 * Cheers spread through the Clan. "Lilydapple! Shimmerfur! Roseheart!"
 * Icepaw felt happy for her friends. They looked at each other, it was obvious that they were very pleased with their process. "Congratulations," she purred to them.
 * Lilydapple cuffed Icepaw's ear gently with her paw. "Thanks!" she purred loudly. Icepaw looked around for Blackpaw. She saw her best friend's frail figure step out of the apprentices' den. Her eyes were loomy and she was very skinny. "Blackpaw?" Icepaw asked her. Just by glancing at her glossy white fur and healthy skin, she knew she was in much better condition than Blackpaw was in.
 * "I'm sick," she rasped.
 * "Did you tell Featherstep?"
 * "No, not yet."
 * Icepaw's fur stood on the edge. If she stayed like this for a few more days, she could die! "Go tell her!" she urged her friend, staying close to her as she led her to the medicine den.
 * Featherstep's gray fur was visible from the crack in the den. The scent of herbs danced around her, and Icepaw inhaled the smell. So sweet-smelling and fresh. Featherstep turned around. Her fur was dappled with the juices of berries and the remains of leaves. "Yeah?" she asked, but soon she grew quiet and frightened as she took one look at Blackpaw.
 * "She's sick," Icepaw began.
 * "I can see that," Featherstep said, her eyes wide. Her fur was straight up, trembling - just like Icepaw's reaction when she first saw Blackpaw. "Blackpaw, you'll have to stay in my den for a couple days in order for the sickness to heal. Icepaw, may you wait outside? When I'm done figuring out what has gotten her and giving her medicine, I'll be right there and tell you what's gone wrong."
 * Icepaw nodded and stepped out of the den. She knew Featherstep was extremely fast, so it couldn't take that long. Her eyes scorched the sky. The sun was setting, casting pink shadows to fall along camp. Activity was slowing to an halt as cats yawned, getting ready for sleep or patrols.
 * She could see Flintstar calling the Clan. "Don't gather. I'm just going to tell you who's going to the Gathering. The cats who are going are Icepaw, Brackenpaw--"
 * Icepaw and Brackenpaw glanced at eachother, happiness in their eyes.
 * "Sunpaw, Bramblefall, Featherstep, Talonpaw, Dewpaw, Shimmerfur, Lilydapple, Roseheart, Heatherwing, Lilacflower, Sagewing, Owlpelt, Nettleclaw, Cedarpelt, Birdfeather, Ashblaze and Hawkstep." Flintstar gasped for air at the end of his very long sentence. Icepaw was psyched - but upset because Blackpaw wasn't going. However, she managed to shake off her sadness and continued waiting at Featherstep's den.
 * When she saw the gray medicine cat step out of her den, by her expression, she could tell it wasn't good news. She glanced at her. "What does Blackpaw have?" she asked.
 * Featherstep looked down at Icepaw, her eyes wide and frightened. "Blackcough."

Chapter Seven

 * The whole world seemed to crumble down on Icepaw when Featherstep told her that her dear best friend, Blackpaw, had black-cough. Most cats often didn't survive when affected with white-cough, and Featherstep had even once commented that not one cat had survived with black-cough in RiverClan. It was deadly. Very deadly.
 * "She won't die...will she?" Icepaw rasped. She closed her eyes and wished that she could lift her paws to cover her ears from the life-changing answer.
 * "There is a very good chance she will die." Featherstep replied. "But if you don't want her too...I advise you and Sunpaw to work as a team to help me with her. Perhaps you can start now."
 * "Yes!" Icepaw shouted. Her tail lashed. She would not let the black-cough kill her best friend, not if she could get past it. Blackpaw would be the first one in history to survive the danger of black-cough looming over her. "Get some beech leaves and catmint," Featherstep instructed. "Both of them are side-by-side, right of the poppy seeds. Wrap the catmint in the beach leaves. Give it to Sunpaw, she'll give it to Blackpaw."
 * "Okay," Icepaw mewed. She stuffed her nose in the storage of herbs, sifting her paws through the thick leaves. She stretched her neck and saw dark seeds in a crack in the wall. She glanced at a couple leaves, side by side next to the seeds. Catmint had a nice smell, she remembered. She sniffed out the catmint and wrapped it in the beech leaves. Then she passed it to Sunpaw, who took care of it.
 * "Now..." Featherstep said, looking in the storage, as if identifying the herbs once more. "Chamomile. Icepaw, it is a white flower with a yellow center. It's easy to see."
 * She was right. Icepaw found it right away, taking two of them and giving them to Blackpaw. Featherstep glanced at Icepaw. "Get some chickweed. Some. It'll help with catmint. Nevermind...I'll get it." She stuck her paws in a section of the storage and ripped out small leaves. She gave it to Blackpaw.
 * "Okay, Sunpaw, check if she's wheezing. If she is, tell Icepaw, and Icepaw, get coltsfoot. Most of mine have white flowers, and it looks like a dandelion." Sunpaw nodded to Icepaw. Icepaw already knew what it was. Identifying it quickly, she took it from the storage and handed it to Blackpaw.
 * She heard Featherstep murmuring, "Comfrey is for the cats who took part in the battle...Dock too."
 * "Also, heather flower!" Featherstep called. "Add it to - coltsfoot is hard to swallow for cats extremely sick. Juniper too." After the cats had gotten all the herbs Featherstep listed, Icepaw was exhausted. "Get some sleep," Featherstep told her. "You can help me tomorrow. Eat too. I don't want you starving for your trip with Brackenpaw." Her eyes glowed and Icepaw instantly knew that Featherstep knew all along about her affection for the handsome light brown tom.
 * Icepaw nodded to Featherstep, her eyes shining with her thankfulness. Then she glanced at Blackpaw and whispered, "I hope you get better, my friend."
 * She walked out of the den, and Brackenpaw rushed to her. "What have you been doing?" he asked. His friends gathered along to hear, but mostly their eyes targeted Icepaw and started staring with affection lingering in their eyes. Icepaw didn't really care, though, the only tom she loved was Brackenpaw.
 * "Blackpaw's sick. Me and Sunpaw helped Featherstep with herbs to treat her," Icepaw told them.
 * "Is she okay?" Firepaw chirped.
 * "Yeah," Icepaw nodded. Brackenpaw grinned at her. "Thanks for telling us! I'm happy we're both going to the Gathering." His tail flicked and Icepaw ran over to the apprentices' den. Pleasure glowed inside her as she knew that Brackenpaw liked her - more than a friend. She curled up in her nest, and closed her eyes.
 * Sleep quickly fell over her.
 * The next morning, when Icepaw opened her eyes, lots of cats were sleeping. "It must be early," she muttered as she hauled herself to her paws. She licked her fur smooth, and yawned. She walked out of the apprentices' den, and decided to check on Blackpaw. Icepaw could see her friend's short black-and-white fur huddled into a little ball. But Icepaw could see she was awake.
 * Blackpaw lifted her head and stared at Icepaw. She was a lot healthier. Her fur was glossy and her eyes were brighter, and she had a bit more weight on her. But she was still skinny and she still had black cough, even though most of it had wore of.
 * Featherstep was still giving her herbs. "After you eat this," she growled to Blackpaw. "Have two pieces of prey. Then go outside for fresh air and a drink."
 * Blackpaw nodded obediently and trailed of outside. Featherstep turned her gold gaze on Icepaw. "You eat too," she mewed. "You're gonna need strength for your first Gathering." Icepaw nodded. She glanced at the fresh-kill pile and only realized how hungry she was.
 * She sprinted over to the fresh-kill pile. It was stocked. Warm scents from the prey flooded over her nostrils. She decided to pick out a juicy, plump water vole, and brought it over to the log where apprentices ate. Brackenpaw sunk his teeth into his piece of prey, and lifted it up. Then, he walked over to Icepaw and dropped his prey and sat down.
 * "Hey," he mewed. He was a sleek, light brown tabby cat with shimmering brown eyes eyes. He had a sleek tail, long whiskers, and a pink nose. He was bold, handsome, brave, funny, helpful, appreciative, understanding, creative...and everything in between.
 * Icepaw blushed. "Hi!" she mewed.
 * "Are you excited for the Gathering?" he asked, plopping down on his paws. His light brown eyes gleamed as the sweet smile that he often had appeared on his face.
 * "Yeah! It's my first one - I wonder what it's like."
 * "Same. I'm looking forward to it."
 * "Lilydapple told me that it's packed with cats, from different Clan, different and disgusting and elegant smells overwhelming her, that she couldn't take a lot. But there a lot of cats to befriend," she mewed.
 * Brackenpaw's eyes widened. "Sounds scary - and cool! Hey - once, me and Lionpaw were playing around with Flintstar. and he got so freaked out, he even consulted Featherstep if we were under attack!" Icepaw burst out laughing.
 * Brackenpaw smiled. "I know, right?" He glanced up as Mistyheart called his name. "Whoops, gotta go! See ya later, Icepaw!" he called as he dashed away to Mistyheart, who stood there with Lionpaw and Firepaw at her side.
 * "You too!" she mewed back. She got up, glancing at her vole remains. Turning her glance on the clearing, she notice Lilydapple looking hungry. Lilydapple had apparently caught Icepaw's gaze and rushed forward. "Yeah?"
 * Icepaw glanced at her. "Do you want the rest of my vole?" she asked.
 * "Yes!" She glanced at Icepaw for permission to take it, then yanked it from her paws and started swallowing it ferociously. "I'm so hungry!"
 * "Slow..." she reminded her, then got to her paws. She padded over to the medicine den, and peered through the crack. She could see Featherstep's gray fur against the storage, while Blackpaw was fumbling around with her fur. Sunpaw was soaking moss in the pool that laid to the side of the medicine den. She noticed some icy-cold drops getting to Sunpaw's paws and she heard her yowl. "Yikes! That's really cold!"
 * Featherstep and Blackpaw broke into hysterical mode. Icepaw put her paws in.
 * She glanced around and saw Featherstep. "Can I check on Blackpaw?" she murmured into the solid gray medicine cat's ear.
 * Featherstep jumped, and turned around to face Icepaw. She blinked. "Yes, of course. I was just going to check her skin."
 * "Okay," Icepaw mewed and sat down on her paws. Featherstep called to Blackpaw and walked over to her. Gently, she grabbed a bit of Blackpaw's fur and searched under it. Finally, one of the patches of fur that had fallen of. Most of it was growing, but there was enough to see the condition of the skin. It was light red with darker specks. That meant it wasn't fully healed - but it would heal.
 * Icepaw shuddered as she remembered Blackpaw's horrible skin last time. It was scarlet red - like blood. Darker than blood. With even darker flecks. It was scary. Featherstep's words knocked her from her thoughts. "Her healing process is well. She's the only cat I know who will survive black-cough. But for now, she had to focus on weight gain and Sunpaw and I have to focus on giving her the correct treatment." She glanced through a crack at the top of the den. "Icepaw, it's time for the Gathering. Go with your Clanmates."
 * "Okay!" she nodded to Featherstep.
 * Blackpaw lept to her paws. "Promise you'll tell me everything?" she asked.
 * "Promise," Icepaw meowed, cuffing her ear very gently. Blackpaw smiled and flopped back on her paws as Icepaw ran out of the medicine den. Brackenpaw walked over to her. "Hey, I know Blackpaw isn't coming so I decided to be with you at the Gathering. Lionpaw and Firepaw are fine together, while Sunpaw is going to hang with the medicine cats."
 * Icepaw grinned. "Thanks, Brackenpaw, you're a great friend."
 * Brackenpaw blushed. Icepaw turned her head to inspect Lionpaw and Firepaw. Lionpaw was a sleek golden tabby with emerald green eyes. He had a sleek tail and a narrow face. Firepaw was a ginger tabby with a white paw and gold eyes. The two both had muscular frames.
 * Flintstar yowled,"Are we ready?"
 * A "yes" spread across the Clan.
 * "Okay!" Flintstar led the cats out of RiverClan's camp. Icepaw was enthusing about the Gathering to Brackenpaw as they crossed the forest. She looked around as the trees gleamed dimly with moonlight. The dark indigo sky was just marvelous, and she couldn't take her gaze of such a sight. Shadows darker than this had their eyes glowing. She could hear her Clanmates chatter as they padded towards the island. The wind brushed Icepaw's fur and murmured silent messages in her ears.
 * She lifted her head to look at the sky. Stars dimpled it and some of them were even in the shape of faces. She saw one. With a narrow face and slightly upturned eyes, she could see it's mouth moving. It's trying to speak to me, she thought. She could hear it's message on the wind - The ground will devour, and the day desired for the enemy will come.
 * What in StarClan's name does that mean? She glanced at Brackenpaw. I'm going to share it with him. I trust him more than anything.
 * He was glancing puzzled at Icepaw. "I saw this face in the sky and it told me: The ground will devour, and the day desired for the enemy will come."
 * Icepaw's eyes widened with awe. "That's the same exact thing it said to me!"
 * "I think we're in this together," Brackenpaw mewed.
 * "More cats I think had have it,"
 * Brackenpaw closed his eyes, stood still, and Icepaw could tell he was really focusing. But on what? He opened his eyes and looked at Icepaw. "Blackpaw and Sunpaw had it too."
 * "It must be a prophecy. Tell me if you have anymore signs. We'll work it out together,"
 * Brackenpaw smiled at Icepaw. His eyes glowed. "I'm so happy we're friends. One day...more than friends?" He whispered.
 * Icepaw was puzzled. But she managed to let out a nod. He possibly couldn't have meant it. She turned around and saw a light shape glowing in the dark lake. "We're here!" she squeaked. The Clan moved faster and it reached the lake. The water lapped at Icepaw's paws, and she couldn't help but shudder at the cold drop of it. Brackenpaw dabbed a paw at the water. "Cold!" he mewed.
 * "Darn right," she purred. The Clan started to walk on, and Icepaw could see a log that connected the land to the island. "I'm going first!" she looked at Brackenpaw, and he nodded. "Whatever you say, your Highness!"
 * Icepaw glanced at the log. She doubted it would hold her. But she took the risk. She unsheated her claws, ready to grab the grip on the log. She relaxed as she realized that it was sturdy and would hold her. But...her claws lost their firm grip on the slippery bark and she yelped. Water splashed on her pelt and panic arose from the inside of her. StarClan help me!
 * She splashed her paws around frantically, trying to grab ahold of the log. But it failed. Water was rushing over her head, her eyes closing. Would she drown? She didn't know if she could survive this. Suddenly she relaxed her throbbing shoulders as sharp teeth sunk into her scruff and heaved her up on the slippery log.
 * Her heart skipped a beat. Brackenpaw! As Icepaw lifted her head to view her rescuer, Brackenpaw's brown tabby shape loomed above her and his light brown eyes glowed.
 * "Thanks!" she spluttered, water coming out of her lips as she coughed the rest of the water out.
 * "No prob," Brackenpaw replied and helped her get to her paws. Despite her shock from her near death experience, she managed to get to her paws and walk over to the island.
 * They were finally at their first Gathering.
 * They were finally at their first Gathering.

Chapter Eight

 * Torn clouds streaked the sky as the two cats stared in bewilderment at the island. Several, probably millions, of cats packed it. All had scents from places she didn't recognize. She could glimpse many different colored pelts - black, brown, white, ginger, even tortoiseshell.
 * Brackenpaw's jaw dropped open. She could hear him gasping for words. So many cats in one place! The icy night wind brushed against Icepaw's flank as she got up. She wasn't going to waste her time staring - she wanted to make new friends. She nudged Brackenpaw's shoulder with her muzzle. "Come on!"
 * The tabby apprentice looked at her. "What?" he asked.
 * "Let's meet some new cats. How about them?" Her ears angled in the direction where four cats, apprentices to be specific, huddled together. They were talking loudly, and Icepaw felt as if they were welcoming and friendly.
 * Brackenpaw nodded at her in approval. The two cats trailed from their spot across the clearing where the group were huddled at the edge of the island. Closer to the water. Icepaw walked forward, confident that she could gain their trust and friendship. "Hi!" she mewed.
 * The cats turned around. One had a flat, broad face. He was smokey gray and had blazing amber eyes. The other one had wide ears, a intermediate face, dark gray tabby fur, matted fur and yellow eyes. One had feathery, light gray fur and the other one had thick brown tabby fur.
 * She approached the smokey tom cautiously, but she caught Brackenpaw casting him a glare, as if saying, Back off. Icepaw ignored it.
 * The tom had a flat face and pricked ears. "Hi," he purred, glancing at Icepaw.
 * "Hey. What's your name?"
 * "Smokepaw. That's Cloudpaw, Featherpaw, and Tigerpaw." Icepaw nodded, flicking her tail as a sign of a quiet greeting to the other cats.
 * Brackenpaw looked at them. "Is this your first Gathering?"
 * Smokepaw laughed hysertically. "No, mouse-brain!"
 * Looking a little taken aback, Brackenpaw dipped his head.
 * "We've been here millions of times before."
 * Icepaw was focusing on the sky. It was dark blue, mostly hidden by clouds but there were gaps that let out little pools of light. She whispered to Brackenpaw, "I'll be right back, I wanna check on Sunpaw, see how she's managing."
 * Brackenpaw nodded. "Okay, no prob!" Icepaw shot from where they were, pushing her way through the crowd. She was able to identify Sunpaw's dark ginger tabby pelt and her glowing emerald green eyes. She was chatting with a small cat.
 * Sunpaw turned her gaze from small cat to Icepaw. Her eyes gleamed even brighter as Icepaw skidded to an halt just in front of them. "Hi," she panted, out of breath from her run.
 * The small cat nodded. "Hi, what's your name?"
 * "Icepaw, you?"
 * "Littlepaw."
 * Littlepaw was a small dark brown tabby cat with amber eyes. He had a striking appereance similar like Bramblefall's. Father? Siblings? Icepaw shrugged it of. Sunpaw glanced at Icepaw. "Who are you with?"
 * "Brackenpaw," Icepaw informed Sunpaw.
 * "Why?"
 * She shrugged. "There's no other cat."
 * "So him?"
 * "Yeah." She turned to the large rock where four muscular cats were gathered. She could see one of them - pinkish-gray, with her broad shoulders braced and ready to call. "Look, I got to go. Bye."
 * Sunpaw dipped her head in a farewell as Icepaw silently made her way back to Brackenpaw. His eyes lightened as Icepaw ran over to him. "Is she okay?" he whispered in Icepaw's ear.
 * "Yep," replied Icepaw, focusing her eyes on the rock. The pinkish gray cat yowled. "Let all cats attending the Gathering listen."
 * Both of the cats grinned, this was quite the exciting experience. She could see Flintstar, his sturdy frame and his black and white pelt standing out from the other leaders. "Heatherstar, you go first as you called the meeting."
 * Heatherstar, the pinkish cat, nodded at him and yowled, "WindClan has spotted a fox lately, but our brave warriors drove it out with the help of our apprentices." As Icepaw glanced at Smokepaw, Featherpaw, Cloudpaw, and Tigerpaw, they were exchanging proud glances.
 * "It has went on RiverClan territory, so I suggest for the warriors to keep an eye out." She nodded to Flintstar.
 * Flintstar stepped forward. "Thank you, Heatherstar, for the warning. I am sure our warriors can handle it." He blinked and continued, "RiverClan is thriving with new apprentices and warriors. Icepaw, Brackenpaw, Sunpaw, and Blackpaw are apprentices, while Lilydapple, Roseheart, and Shimmerfur are warriors. The river has been good to us before, and we aren't that hungry."
 * Murmurs spread throughout the gathered cats. "Fat fish-eaters," one cat growled.
 * "Stinky breathers," another cat mewed.
 * Flintstar flicked his ears at the insults, but didn't seem bothered. He dipped his head to Skystar. Skystar was a muscular blue-gray cat with white patches like clouds on him and glowing yellow eyes. He was sitting at the bottom of the rock. Power rippled through the leader's broad shoulders as he jumped onto the top of the rock. Flintstar had to shift backwords to give the large cat some personal space.
 * He began with a deep voice that echoed in the chilly air. "ThunderClan is well. The prey has been running plump, and I am proud to say our Clan fought of a dog that was about to kill Redfur, my beloved deputy."
 * Icepaw swung her head to Redfur - he was a red tom with shining green eyes, and darker flecks. He pricked his ears. "I'm thankful for our Clan's courage, Skystar." He dipped his head. Skystar stepped back, glanced at a much, much, larger cat behind him.
 * It was Cavestar! The dark black leader stepped up, his amber eyes glowing as he gave his report. "ShadowClan is well." He rumbled. "We have nothing to report - only that a queen, Waterwing, gave birth to a healthy litter of three. They are named Acornkit, Marshkit, and Seedkit."
 * Murmurs of congratulations spread through the crowd of cats. Flintstar took his place at the front, and waved his tail. "If anyone doesn't have anything to say, this Gathering has come to an end."
 * A wave of silence washed through the cats. Flintstar nodded contently. "RiverClan, let us go back." She watched her Clanmates' sleek, oily pelts as they hopped from the branches to meet up with Flintstar.
 * "Let's go." With a flick of his tail, he had his Clanmates rushing after him in seconds.

Chapter Nine

 * The moon glistened softly as stars glittered coldly on the leaf-bare stripped ground. The soft murmur of the wind gradually grew louder with every pawstep Icepaw took. Suddenly, her Clan in front of her paused. She looked around for Brackenpaw, and instantly saw his light brown tabby pelt in the front, where they had reached camp.
 * She rushed over to him and whispered in his ear, "What happened?"
 * Brackenpaw slowly turned his head to her, his eyes wide and his jaw dropped. "Look." In front of her eyes was a completely destroyed camp. Blood stained the ground and the once perfect dens were ripped apart. Every single cat currently residing in camp was terribly injured, and the air stank of fox. She could see Blackpaw dragging herself towards Icepaw. "Millions...millions...millions of dog attacked..." she gasped, panic smearing the camp. Sadness struck her eyes and she knew that Blackpaw was in the best shape out of the rest of the cats, only a ripped ear and sprinkled blood on her pelt.
 * "Graypaw and Aspenfur died." She looked at her paws. Icepaw saw Hollypool limping painfully up to Flintstar. "I'm sorry," she rasped. "Our camp is completely destroyed. There is no way we can repair it."
 * Flintstar didn't even have to hesitate to give in. "I know.." he confessed. "We're going to have to move camps. We can clean this camp...but we'll never truly be able to repair it and make it a camp." He turned his head to one side and a tear fell from his cheek.
 * Automatically an idea flashed in her mind. "I know a place," she mewed. Flintstar turned his broad face to Icepaw.
 * Sadness shook his pelt. Icepaw could feel his sorrow of losing the place every single one of these cats grew up in. It couldn't just be an old piece of prey thrown away, it was too heartbreaking.
 * But he managed to rasp, "Where?"
 * Icepaw grimaced. "I'll show the senior warriors and you."
 * Brackenpaw stepped up, his tail waving. "I'm coming!"
 * Sunpaw glanced at them. "We'll treat the cats," she promised, looking at her tired mentor. Flintstar nodded at her, then flashed his glance to Icepaw. "Show me where this place is. Bramblefall, Mistyheart, Honeyfur, Hawkstep, and Buzzardfur, come. Brackenpaw, too."
 * Icepaw took the lead, dashing out of the destroyed camp. She navigated the beautiful place she saw before, leaping over logs and jumping on trees and jumping off, pushing herself forward, power rippling through her body. She felt like she could take on the whole world.
 * She skidded to an halt at a huge place. There was a tiny stream, two small ponds, stuff Twolegs carved...and just, everything.
 * Flintstar's jaw fell open. "I think we found our new camp."
 * Bramblefall's eyes darkened. "We aren't going to live here!" he objected, staring at his leader with narrowed eyes. "We aren't going to live in a place that a lousy apprentice found. It's horrible. There is Twoleg carved stuff, and we can't bother to transfer the injuried cats here!"
 * Flintstar shot his deputy a warning glare. "You aren't the leader if you haven't noticed. You are partially right, we can't remove the cats at this time. But after they have oitment and we've buried the dead cats, then we'll move."
 * The dark tabby didn't seem pleased. He stared at Flintstar, then Icepaw, then Brackenpaw. He growled. "Whatever you say, Your Highness."
 * Flintstar led the cats back to the old camp, where they started to put back debris and branches, constantly grabbing water to pour over the blood stains. Grass would grow over, because the dens were destroyed, and there wouldn't be anything left. Unless - that could be a chilling area for cats.
 * She could see Featherstep and Sunpaw calling cats to their den, giving them whatever herbs that they needed and had. Pretty soon, the camp smelled nice with the good smelling herbs Featherstep and Sunpaw had placed on the cats.
 * Tears were running down Berrydapple's cheeks as she stepped forward in the middle of camp. Aspenfur was the mate of her, and Graypaw was her son. Pity washed over Icepaw. She knew that Berrydapple suffered more than any of them.
 * "I'll bury them," she sniffed. The elders appeared near the fresh kill pile. Lizardtail looked very tired, and maybe even fatigued.
 * All five of them carried the bodies and brought them out of the camp. Icepaw lead them to the new camp, and the soil outside. Lizardtail dropped Graypaw's limp, cold body and started digging in the ground. His claws were long and they gored into the ground. When the hole was deep enough, he dropped Graypaw's body in the hole and started to place the soil back over him. He turned his head to Icepaw and asked, "Do you know if there are any flowers? Petunias, lilies, daises, any?"
 * Icepaw nodded respectfully and started climbing up the rocks in their soon-to-be camp. In the small, low stream, there were rocks, and flowers were just near it. Icepaw jumped of the high side and into the water, and glanced down at the low stream. It ran just a tiny bit over the rocks, but was good for a drink. She slid into the water and crouched down, examining the roses residing beside the rocks. She started to sink her teeth into the stem of the best one - a high, pink rose with a sweet, floral smell.
 * She placed it in her jaws and climbed up on the bridge, then gracefully slid down the rocks and back where Lizardtail was waiting for her. She handed the rose to him and he nodded gratefully. He dug a small hole, where he placed the flower and gently tightened the soil around it, so it wouldn't fall. Nettleclaw was working on Graypaw, but he himself got the rose himself. Yawning with tiredness, Icepaw just wanted to go back to camp, so she could rest. Lizardtail clearly sensed her exhaustion and nodded sympathetically. "We're going back."
 * Finally! Icepaw thought, trailing behind as the cats made it back to the destroyed camp. She was having a hard time wandering over to the apprentice den, due to the flesh and the branches the foxes had ripped...she continued walking.
 * She reached her nest and flopped down, tired. She closed her eyes and instantly had sleep wash over her like a huge black wave ready to drown even the strongest warrior.


 * Cold sunlight poured itself over Icepaw's head as she sat down in the sunlight. Her beautiful white fur was washed by it and her blue eyes twinkled. Flintstar turned his oily pelt to her. "It's time to leave," he announced. "Show us the way."
 * Lighting up with pride, she invited Blackpaw to the front, and the two started leading the Clan out. Icepaw hopped over a log and hoped there was one like that at the new camp. She leaped on a tree, and climbed on it, reaching the top branch, then jumped. She scrambled back to her feet and continued onward.
 * Finally, she saw the stone that was shaped weirdly. It has a big space under it, where a cat could fit easily and slide under. She used it and looked up. "Come on! It's beautiful!" she deemed triumphantly.
 * There was three more of the stone-shaped stuff, or maybe it was granite. But the other tree had three little strips of water streaming down. There was two ponds, one closer down, and one up. There was a bridge and lots of shelter. Rocks and pine trees, every cat in the Clan was amazed. Icepaw started sorting out stuff, like, where the warriors den was, where Flintstar would gather the cats for the a Clan meeting, where the fresh kill pile would be, where Bramblefall would organize patrols...
 * Brackenpaw's bold voice knocked her from her thoughts. "This is a great place! How did you find it?"
 * Icepaw turned to face him. "I wasn't sure. I just...found it, and knew it would be a great spot if we ever had to evict."
 * He grinned. "You're clever, Icepaw."
 * "Thanks!' Icepaw turned her head to the camp. The Clan would have a fresh start, and everything would be back to normal soon.

Chapter Ten

 * The sun shone brightly in the cloud-stained sky as the low voices in camps started to grow louder with each ray of sunshine the sun let out. The breeze was just starting to get cool, murmuring and brushing against trees as it made its way towards RiverClan territory.
 * Meanwhile, in camp, Bramblefall was giving out the patrols. "For the hunting patrol, Icepaw, Blackpaw, and Hawkstep, you can go."
 * Hawkstep was a brave, cunning, muscular, dark brown cat with amber eyes. He was the brother of Bramblefall. He nodded polietly to him and rounded up Icepaw and Blackpaw. "We'll hunt near ShadowClan's border," he decided. "There's a lot of prey there."
 * "Okay," Blackpaw chirped. She glanced at Icepaw, and the two starting running towards the border. Their paws pounded on the forest floor, sending thousands of vibrations through it. They halted at the border, waiting for Hawkstep.
 * Hawkstep finally approached them. His tail waved in the air. "What do you smell?" he asked Icepaw.
 * Focusing hard on the question, she opened her mouth and inhaled the scents. "Mouse...squirrel..."
 * "Good. How far away is the mouse, Blackpaw?"
 * Blackpaw opened her jaw and answered, "Couple of mouse lengths away."
 * "Exact answer?"
 * "Four."
 * Hawkstep purred. "Correct." He sat down. "I want to see how well you cope with hunting on the forest floor. Then, we'll fish, and we'll go back to camp. It'll probably be late sun high by then. Come back with at least one piece of prey."
 * Icepaw nodded. "Okay. Seperate or together?"
 * Hawkstep closed his eyes, thinking. Then he opened them and replied, "Actually, two pieces of prey. The first one, you two can work together, and the second, you're flying solo."
 * Mkay, Icepaw thought and padded over to Blackpaw. "Let's go near the river. There's bound to be a water vole or two."
 * "Okay," Blackpaw nodded and let Icepaw take the lead. They dashed towards the river, and Icepaw could see the gentle push of the water as it flowed downstream.
 * Blackpaw hissed. "Quiet!" She flattened her ears and crouched down, opening her mouth and inhaling the scents. "You're right, there's a watervole down there."
 * "I'll go down there. You stay here, you chase the water vole straight towards the bush that I'll be hiding in. The thing is - he won't know I'm there, so he'll just run straight in my paws, and boom! My claws will kill him."
 * "Good plan," Blackpaw figured. She crouched down and waited patiently. "No!" Icepaw corrected. "I didn't mention - but what do voles eat?"
 * "Nuts," she told Blackpaw. "There's some there, be right back." She ran towards the bank and with her teeth, grabbed a couple nuts and rushed towards Blackpaw. She sprinkled the nuts in front of her, and took her shelter in the bush.
 * The vole was coming towards, clearly sniffing out the nuts. It didn't see Blackpaw, too focused on the nuts. Blackpaw swatted it with her paw and started chasing it towards Icepaw. Icepaw leaped out and jumped on it, killing it with a swift bite to the neck. She smiled, looking up at Blackpaw. "We're a great team!"
 * "Yeah. Let's hunt."
 * Icepaw slithered past her and into the shade of the trees. She stood still - alert. Her ears were pricked for even the slightest hint of movement. Her mouth was open - and she could scent a mouse. She creept up on it, about a fox length away, and raised her hindquarters. She braced herself, then - pounced!
 * Her claws sank into the soft meat. She gave it a swift killing bite before holding it in her jaws. Triumphantly, she marched towards Hawkstep and dropped it. He glanced at her and nodded, pride shining in his eyes. "No fishing today, because you are going on the dawn patrol tomorrow and Flintstar has something in store for you...So you can just hang in camp for the day, getting ready for it, I suppose."
 * Aw... She was upset, because she had been looking forward to fishing. She would probably be isolated in camp anyways, because no one was there. Expect Bramblefall, who would probably mock and taunt her all day. With her shoulders down and her tail trailing, she stalked back to camp.
 * Suddenly, pains started to beat in her head. She felt warm, really warm. She looked around camp and remembered where Featherstep had decided to put her den.
 * Featherstep's eyes gleamed as she padded forward. There were rocks, she commented, great places to store herbs. Water...everything. Just in front of Featherstep was a path of stones that led towards the pond. The water gleamed and there was stones where she could place her herbs near and on. Also, above the path was a little walk way where she could also store herbs. She just had to make sure that no cats would step on them, but preferably, she wouldn't want to place them there, it would be really messy.
 * Icepaw limped over to Featherstep. "What's wrong?" the solid gray medicine cat asked, obviously noticing her arrival and jerking her head to face Icepaw.
 * "The usual," Icepaw groaned.
 * "Headaches?" Featherstep frowned sympathetically. "I remember when I was a young one. I used to get headaches a lot, Spottedcloud used to get so annoyed because I was in her den every two seconds, though she was a really sweet and friendly medicine cat. No one but me saw her get annoyed."
 * Icepaw chuckled, but quickly her negative mood took over. "Can you help?" she mewed irritably.
 * Featherstep gazed at her. "Of course," she mewed, and swiftly, disappeared into the shadows where she placed her herbs. As Featherstep came back, the bitter but yet floral scents of her herbs overwhelmed Icepaw. Some smelled good, like the precious catmint she had hidden, and some bad, like the tansy that made her want to vomit.
 * Featherstep gave Icepaw some weird smelling herbs, but she managed to chew them. "Now, get some rest," she mewed. "You'll be feeling better in no time."
 * Icepaw sighed, but mewed her thankfulness and wandered around camp, eying the beauty. There was more, and because she was feeling a bit better, she decided to explore it. The rough leaves of the pine tree she ducked under tickled her fur and rubbed her skin. She scrambled on rocks and finally reached the gap that separated two rock walls.
 * In front of her was a huge expanse of grass. Long, flowing grass. It was a slope, down than up. So large...She drew in the breath of fresh air and started to run, sinking her claws in whatever paw hold she could get while climbing the large hill.
 * The fresh, crisp, leaf-bare air clawed Icepaw's fur - but with a good feeling. She had never felt so free! She sat on the large hill, her blue eyes glowing, her beautiful, silky, smooth white fur flowing in the evening light. She turned her narrow face, long eyelashes blinking. Flintstar was pelting up the Hill.
 * "Icepaw!" he panted, pausing sharply. "Me, you, Brackenpaw, and Bramblefall will be attending the Moonpool tomorrow. I wanted to show you - since you have more than a destiny ahead..."
 * His whisper at her ear started crippling - shattering into little murmurs as the entire sentence fell into little syllables. Finally, he turned away into the dark shadows of camp.
 * A shiver went up Icepaw's spine - but not because of the cold, because of the icy cold message of Flintstar's message that was sent up her spine.
 * His whisper at her ear started crippling - shattering into little murmurs as the entire sentence fell into little syllables. Finally, he turned away into the dark shadows of camp.
 * A shiver went up Icepaw's spine - but not because of the cold, because of the icy cold message of Flintstar's message that was sent up her spine.

Chapter Eleven

 * As Icepaw turned her head, Flintstar was gone. She was spooked by his shattering message that splintered into the coldness of ice - but, was even more excited because of the Moonpool. She closed her eyes and imagined the water shining, the stars twinkling in the clear indigo sky, the fresh scents of the night. She turned her gaze to the camp directly below her. Most of the Clan was crouched around the fully stocked fresh kill pile. She suddenly realized how hungry she was and started pelting down the hill, slowing down as she reached the camp. She slipped down the slope and ducked under a pine tree.
 * There's a lot of cats, she thought, staring at the pile. I'll have a drink, first. She crouched down under one of the Water-Givers, the name the entire Clan had agreed on to call the weird shaped stones that gave a couple strips of water for cats to drink.
 * She lapped at the water. It was cold and tasty. After a couple minutes of lapping at the strips of water, she turned her head, her muzzle soaked, and saw that there were no cats at the fresh kill pile. She slipped near it gracefully and swiped a salmon for it, taking a spot on the bridge and crouching down to eat.
 * As she lifted her head, she glimpsed a light brown tabby cat dashing over to her and gradually rested down beside her. She could see that he felt a little weird - talking to a she-cat.
 * Psst! toms would think. But not this one. He was charming, bold, funny, helpful, intillegent, a cat everyone wanted. He was lying next to Icepaw, and his name was Brackenpaw.
 * He had a whiite flash on his chest and it ruffled in the breeze. "Hey Icepaw," he mewed. Icepaw could feel herself blushing, but managed to talk straightly. "Hi!" she mewed. Luckily, she had groomed her silky, long, white fur and it looked good.