Rise of the Shadows

 To: 

 Erin Hunter 

 My real-life Foxfoot

 My real-life Gingerheart

 = Allegiances = 

 ThunderClan 

 

 Leader:  Lionstar— golden tabby tom with amber eyes

 Deputy:  Foxfoot— dark ginger tom

 Medicine Cat:  Jayfeather— gray tabby tom with blind blue eyes

                                   Apprentice, Furrypelt

 Warriors:  Brightheart— white she-cat with ginger patches

                       Apprentice, Robinpaw

                        Thornclaw— golden brown tom

                       Birchfall— light brown tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Whitewing— white she-cat with green eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Berrynose— cream-colored tom

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Dovewing— pale gray she-cat with blue eyes

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Molewhisker— brown-and-cream tom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Snowbush— white, fluffy tom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Apprentice, Deerpaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> Apprentices:  Furrypelt— long-haired ginger-and-white she-cat with blue eyes

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sunstripe— yellow tabby she-cat (mother to Foxfoot’s kits: Wolfkit,                           a gray tom-kit with white paws, and Stripekit, a white she-kit with                               orange stripes)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Purdy— plump tabby former loner with a gray muzzle

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Sandstorm— pale ginger she-cat with green eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Graystripe— long-haired gray tom

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Rockfall— black-and-white tom, retired early due to lameness

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Scorchfur— dark gray tom

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Spikefur— dark brown tom with tufty fur on his head

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Wasptail— yellow tabby she-cat with green eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Beefoot— white she-cat with black ears (expecting Juniperfur’s kits)

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Littlecloud— very small tabby tom

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Weaselfur— ginger tom with white paws

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Breezepelt— black tom with amber eyes

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Crouchfoot— ginger tom

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Slightfoot— black tom with white flash on his chest

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Flowerblossom— yellow-and-white tabby she-cat

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> Queens:  Sedgewhisker— light brown tabby she-cat (mother to Emberfoot’s                               kits: Snowkit, a white she-kit, and Mudkit, a brown tom-kit with                                   clumped fur)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Whitetail— small white she-cat

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> Leader:  Mistystar— gray she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal"> Deputy:  Reedwhisker— black tom

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                                   Apprentice, Willowshine

<p class="MsoNormal"> Warriors:  Mintfur— dark gray tabby tom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Foxclaw— russet tabby tom

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Poppyspots— pretty brown she-cat

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

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

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

<p class="MsoNormal">                       Shimmerpelt— silver she-cat (mother to Heronwing’s kits:                                           Cloverkit, a dark gray she-kit, and Lilykit, a tortoiseshell she-kit)

<p class="MsoNormal"> Elders:  Mosspelt— tortoiseshell she-cat with blue eyes

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">         Smoky— muscular gray-and-white tom who lives in a barn at the        horseplace

<p class="MsoNormal">           Coriander— tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat who lives with Smoky

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

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Prologue= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> A black and white tom crouched at the edge of a clearing. A gray-and-white tabby signaled with his tail for the black tom to pounce. He launched himself at a gray tom, struggling to pummel his opponent’s belly. The gray tom whacked the black-and-white tom’s right hind leg, which was permanently injured. The black tom yowled in agony, clawing the gray tom’s face with undisguised fury.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A russet-colored tom leaped into the fight, fighting on the gray tom’s side. The black-and-white tom sent him flying away with one mighty swipe of the paw. The russet tom seemed unruffled by the throw, and merely stood back up and rejoined the fight. The black-and-white tom clawed the russet tom’s chest as he walked up, causing him to stagger backwards, and he could focus on the gray tom again.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The gray tom gave the black-and-white tom a nasty scratch on his flank, and he yowled in pain, then returned the favor. The russet tom returned, biting the black-and-white tom’s tail. The black-and-white tom yowled again, then turned to claw the russet tom’s belly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the gray tom coming at him, so he reached out his other front paw to scratch his cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stop!” the gray-and-white tabby called. The three toms dropped to all fours and turned to look at the tabby tom. “You’re learning fast, Rockfall. You’ll easily be ready by time the attack starts.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Attack?” the black-and-white tom repeated. “What attack?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did I forget to mention?” The gray tabby sneered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, that’s why I’m asking.” The black-and-white tom replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, Rockfall, we’re going to raid the Clans soon, to fulfill the prophecy, There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans.” The gray tabby replied harshly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m one of the four?” Rockfall breathed. “I-I’m not useless?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Of course not!” the gray tom cried, his tone lighter than the tabby’s. “You’re one of us! Nothing would be possible without you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We can beat the Clans!” the black-and-white tom cried enthusiastically. “We can be the rulers! We can make our own rules, do whatever we want!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Calm down,” the gray-and-white tabby tom hissed. “It’s not for a while. And your moves still need to be perfected. You four are going to attack on your own, and we’ll only help if we need to. Don’t make us come down there. Are we understood?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, Thistleclaw,” the three toms mewed in unison. Thistleclaw turned to a black tom with amber eyes who had been watching.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well?” he snarled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, Thistleclaw.” The black tom growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “See, Breezepelt here perfected his moves—for the most part—during the Great Battle.” Thistleclaw mewed harshly. “Meaning he gets to torment you until you’re as good as him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Breezepelt grinned darkly. The other three toms gulped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You guys must work hard, or all of this will be for nothing. If you don’t fight to your strengths, this training is wasted.” Thistleclaw growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “If we win this battle, will I be considered a warrior again?” Rockfall asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes,” Thistleclaw hissed. “We will all be of the highest ranks, with everyone bowing to us in fear. They will tremble before us, and we will be the most powerful.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That sounds awesome!” The russet tom cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t get your hopes up,” Breezepelt growled. “The Clans are growing stronger every day. After the Great Battle, they’re ready for even the largest of attacks.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Darn Clans,” the gray tom muttered. “Always prepared for every possible event.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “In their defense,” Rockfall mewed. “They actually believe that the Clans are important, and are desperate to keep them intact.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, but we are desperate to make sure they’re not intact! And Rockfall,” Thistleclaw growled, turning his attention to the black-and-white tom. “Never defend the Clans ever again in my presence!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, Thistleclaw,” Rockfall murmured, whimpering in fright.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Thistleclaw sighed and turned, his spiky fur bristling. “You still have many moons of training before you are ready,” he meowed. “But I don’t think you will have to wait until after greenleaf, maybe even before greenleaf.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Like, mid-newleaf?” the russet tom asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hopefully, Foxclaw, we’ll strike before leaf-bare is over.” Thistleclaw replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You think we can train that much before the season ends?” Foxclaw asked, surprised. “There’s no way…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Self-doubt is weakness!” Thistleclaw hissed. “Never say you can’t!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay, okay, there’s a chance we can win!” Foxclaw mewed quickly, shrinking back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The Dark Forest is the most powerful force any cat can dream of.” Thistleclaw meowed quietly and seriously. “The Clans don’t stand a chance this time. Our reign of terror has come!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           His words were met by yowls of agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Terrorizing the Clans sounds like fun!” the gray tom cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Which is why we’re doing it, Slatewhisker.” Thistleclaw reminded him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, doy!” Foxclaw meowed to Slatewhisker. Slatewhisker cuffed his ear.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Cats of the Clans, you are very close to entering the biggest war of your lives—“ Thistleclaw began.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Worse than the Great Battle?” Breezepelt inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes.” Thistleclaw replied through clenched teeth. “As I was saying, you are very close to entering the biggest war of your lives. No one’s life will ever be the same after this, and we will have maximum power to do whatever you desire. Are you ready?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes we are!” the other four toms chanted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can’t hear you!” Thistleclaw yowled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes we are!” the toms yowled as loud as they could.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Back to training,” Thistleclaw growled. “May the odds ever be in your favor.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> F urrypelt stared pitifully as her son, Rockfall, sat in the entrance to the elders’ den, his injured hind leg sticking out as an odd angle. Yesterday after she’d discovered him joining the Dark Forest, Furrypelt had declared him as recovered as he’d get and sent him to permanently join the elders.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Now as Furrypelt looked at the black-and-white tom, she noticed his fur was fluffed up. Most would assume it was because of the cold weather, but Furrypelt knew that he was trying to hide battle wounds from the Dark Forest. Furrypelt felt a pang of worry that Rockfall would get terribly injured and die in his sleep, similar to Antpelt of WindClan. ''Where would he go when he dies? Would he go to StarClan or the Dark Forest?''

<p class="MsoNormal">           These thoughts had troubled Furrypelt as she slept the night before, and were still troubling her now. She knew that they wouldn’t stop troubling her until she knew that Rockfall was out of the Dark Forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''Why did he have to get caught in that rockfall? If his leg weren’t injured, then he’d still be a warrior, and would’ve had no motivation to join the Dark Forest. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">            But Thistleclaw had said that it was Rockfall’s destiny. What if he was right? What if this was truly Rockfall’s destiny? Was her own son’s destiny to become a blood-thirsty murderer like Tigerstar or Brokenstar? Was this StarClan’s punishment for breaking the code? But they said everything would be all right.

<p class="MsoNormal">            Furrypelt wanted to wail in frustration. Must life be so complicated? She once again doubted her decision of becoming a Clan cat. If she’d stayed with Silky, she would’ve been a safe kittypet, playing with strings, always being fed, sheltered, warm, have blankets to curl up in, it’d almost feel like more freedom than what she had now.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Watch out, Furrypelt!” came a squeal from near her. She jumped aside as Stripekit and Wolfkit rolled past her, play-fighting in rolling ball of flying paws.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe walked out of the nursery and stared at the kits. Furrypelt noticed a hint of grief in her amber eyes, and walked over to the golden queen. “Are you still grieving for Leafkit?” she asked quietly. Sunstripe nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know how they’re just playing as though nothing happened.” Sunstripe sighed. “Surely they miss their sister?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kits see the world differently. They are full of hope, and think, ‘No matter what happens to me, everything will be alright because I have my mother.’ So long as you don’t die, they’ll see all the good in life.” Furrypelt explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, what happens if I die?” Sunstripe asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Their father and their Clanmates take care of them, nurture them, and then once they become apprentices, they become more independent, and everything stings more and less at the same time.” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe stared at her, her amber eyes brighter. “Was one of your traits during your medicine cat ceremony wisdom?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nope.” Furrypelt replied. “That was reserved for your incredible brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe sighed again. “Cloudheart’s always been there for me. He’s the best brother a cat could ask for.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No kidding. As a Twoleg my brothers were so obnoxious! However when I became an apprentice, their torturing me did toughen me up.” Furrypelt remembered. “My brothers were like Brightpelt, always arguing with me, always tormenting me. But that’s what brothers do. Brothers like Cloudheart are rare.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe smiled. “Well, that makes me feel a little better.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re welcome,” was Furrypelt’s response.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sunstripe!!!” came Wolfkit’s wail. The two she-cats turned to see Stripekit sitting on Wolfkit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stripekit!” Sunstripe scolded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not hurting him!” Stripekit protested as Wolfkit continued to wail. Sunstripe walked over and dragged Stripekit off of Wolfkit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You two are four moons old. Can’t you act more mature?” Sunstripe mewed harshly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The two kits looked at each other, then back to their mother. “Nope!” they squeaked at the same time. Sunstripe sighed and looked to Furrypelt for help.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt simply chuckled. “I did the same thing when I was their age as a Twoleg, Sunstripe,” Furrypelt pointed out. “It’s perfectly natural. They’re just joking around.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’d better act more mature when you’re apprentices.” Sunstripe growled, but her eyes were soft with affection.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We will!” Stripekit promised.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt watched the kits scamper around the clearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Deerpaw and Gingerheart entered into camp. Furrypelt walked over to her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hi, Deerpaw!” Wolfkit greeted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Did you go battle training?” Stripekit asked the apprentice eagerly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “As a matter of fact, I did!” Deerpaw replied brightly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Can you show us what you did?” Wolfkit asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Deerpaw glanced at Gingerheart. “Don’t make it too complicated,” Gingerheart mewed, giving Deerpaw permission.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Deerpaw crouched down. “It starts with the hunter’s crouch, and then, when your opponent is in range, you pounce—“ Deerpaw pounced on an invisible enemy. “—and you claw their back.” She stared clawing the dirt beneath her. “It’s called the leap-and-hold. Try it on me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Wolfkit and Stripekit dropped into position, then, pounced on Deerpaw’s back, clawing her with thorn-sharp claws. “Hey!” Deerpaw complained. “Claws sheathed!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits instantly sheathed their claws and lightly pawed Deerpaw instead. Furrypelt chuckled. ''They’re already little warriors. They have a good future ahead of them.''

<p class="MsoNormal">           But not if the Clans are destroyed first,  said another voice in Furrypelt’s head, and she shuddered. What if my kin never get to grow up in a loving Clan, and will only ever know bloodshed and violence?

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal">         “H ow’s my little warrior doing?” Foxfoot asked, pushing his way through the thorn barrier, immediately greeted by Wolfkit. Furrypelt let out a mrrow of laughter as Wolfkit weaved around Foxfoot’s paws, causing him to fall over—and the rest of the patrol to trip over him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Foxfoot!” Dovewing complained, glaring at the dark ginger tom on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t blame me!” Foxfoot snapped. “It was Wolfkit who tripped me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry,” Wolfkit mewed. Foxfoot nuzzled his son. “I still can’t believe I’m the son of a deputy!” Wolfkit cried. “And I’m going to be the deputy’s apprentice!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot chuckled, hauling himself to his paws. “All in due time, little one,” he promised.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt walked over, the harsh leaf-bare wind stirring her fur. She fluffed it up, but it was of no effect.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You didn’t twist a limb tripping over your son, did you?” she asked teasingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No,” Foxfoot replied. “But if I’d been a larger enemy to Wolfkit, and I did twist something, then he’d have the advantage.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So you’re saying if I go into battle, I need to trip my opponent?” Wolfkit confirmed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, it’s actually a really smart battle move.” Foxfoot agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m going to try it out in a battle! Where is one happening right now?” Wolfkit mewed excitedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot stared at Furrypelt, alarm in his eyes. Furrypelt could only stand there and laugh. Foxfoot crouched beside his son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Battles aren’t constantly happening, Wolfkit,” he explained gently. “And you’re not ready to go into battle. One move isn’t nearly enough. Trust me; when it’s time for you to go into battle, you’ll be ready. But now is not that time.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Wolfkit gazed up at his father, his amber eyes losing the excitement they’d held mere moments earlier.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Stripekit ran out of the nursery, her white pelt gleaming in the sun. Furrypelt felt a pity for the little kit; she was born in leaf-bare and had a thin coat. The poor thing must be freezing. But by time they’re apprenticed, it’ll be late newleaf, and they’ll be able to learn how to hunt when the forest is rich with prey, and battle-train when the ground is soft and warm rather than hard and cold.

<p class="MsoNormal">           As Stripekit bounded across the snow, she reached a spot that was deeper than the rest and fell in, so only her ear tips were visible. Wolfkit fell over laughing, and Sunstripe emerged from the nursery, looking confused. “What happened to Stripekit?” she asked. Wolfkit flicked his tail toward the hole in the snow. “Stripekit!” Sunstripe gasped. “I didn’t see you! You blend in with the snow!” the yellow tabby bounded over and gently pulled her daughter out of the snow and helped her find her footing on firmer ground. Stripekit shook herself, and walked carefully around the hole, then trotted over to Wolfkit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe glared at Foxfoot, and her mate gazed at her innocently. “Why didn’t you help our daughter instead of making me do all the work?” she accused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I was too busy struggling not to laugh,” Foxfoot replied, his amber eyes humorous. Sunstripe sighed and turned to Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What about you?” she asked sternly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Same,” Furrypelt replied, trying in vain to hide the amusement from her voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe growled under her breath, and Furrypelt felt a shock from the fierceness of the queen. I was the same when Foxfoot and the others were kits, Furrypelt reminded herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot looked at Furrypelt. He flicked his tail for her to come over. She walked over to her son and was amazed to find that he was bigger than her. ''How did he grow up so fast?! He hasn’t even been alive for a full year! ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is it?” she asked. Foxfoot hushed her and motioned for them to move. Furrypelt tipped her head to the side in confusion but did not argue. She merely followed the deputy as he made his way to a less crowded spot in camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m worried about my kits.” Foxfoot mewed quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And…?” Furrypelt responded, confused as to why Foxfoot needed to say this in private.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I already lost Leafkit,” Foxfoot reminded her. “And now there’s this prophecy, and Rockfall’s injured… What if something bad happens to Wolfkit and Stripekit?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt felt speechless. What could she say to reassure her son? “I’m sure they’ll be slaughtered so quickly they won’t have time to feel pain”? She could either tell the truth or comfort him?

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I promise, no matter what happens, I’ll be at your side, and I will die to protect your kits.” Furrypelt mewed at last.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You hesitated.” Foxfoot snapped, his voice humorous like Olaf, but his eyes were serious, alarmed, and scared. “My kits don’t stand a chance, do they?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do they?” Foxfoot started growling.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. “They always have a chance. It’s just a very low chance in this case.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot gazed helplessly at the ground. His lip curled in a snarl. “I will fight to my last breath to protect my kits.” He vowed under his breath.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt smiled. If Foxfoot had courage and determination like that, his kits would have the best protection any kit could have.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A yowl of agony split the air, and Furrypelt turned to see Stripekit and Wolfkit pouncing on Rockfall’s injured hind leg. Furrypelt rushed over and dragged her grandkits off of her son. “Kits!” she scolded. "His leg still hurts from the rockfall!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I thought he was tough,” Wolfkit replied. “Why should it still hurt? It’s healed now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall growled at the gray kit. “I got the injury a mere half-moon ago! If that! Just because I’m well enough to leave the medicine den doesn’t mean I’m not in pain!” he cuffed Wolfkit on the ear.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey! Sunstripe!” Wolfkit wailed, cowering away from his uncle.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wolfkit?” came Sunstripe’s worried yet gentle voice. She walked over and crouched beside Wolfkit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall hurt me!” Wolfkit complained. Furrypelt noticed Rockfall roll his eyes and scoff.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe started gently licking Wolfkit’s head, then when the kit was satisfied, turned to Rockfall. “Why would you hurt Wolfkit?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He put me in more pain than I put him in!” Rockfall snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It was an accident!” Foxfoot defended his kit, walking over to his brother. “When we were his age we did the same kind of things!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I would’ve been smart enough not to attack an injured warrior!” Rockfall hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But you’re not a warrior,” Stripekit pointed out tentatively. “You’re an elder.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Want me to cuff you too?” Rockfall asked in a dark voice. Stripekit squeaked and ran to join Wolfkit by Sunstripe.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall, what’s gotten into you?” Foxfoot asked. “You’ve been a lot grumpier than usual, a lot meaner.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “None of your business!” Rockfall yowled, swiping at Foxfoot. Foxfoot ducked with a heartbeat to spare and stared aghast at his brother. He looked like he was about to protest, when Sunstripe placed a tail on his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s probably still grieving about not being a warrior,” Sunstripe murmured gently and quietly. “Let’s not bother him anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The tabby queen quietly led her kits away from the elders’ den, looking back with sadness in her gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt led Foxfoot away, then stopped to talk to him—but Foxfoot spoke first.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why is Rockfall acting up?” Foxfoot asked. “It can’t be about his leg, can it? It’s not like him to be like this… he’s always been one to complain, and I understand that he’d be taking this hard, but still… this a new low for him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt felt a pang and wasn’t sure she could make herself talk, but she forced words out. “Rockfall is training in the Dark Forest. He’s the fourth cat in the prophecy.” She choked, her chest tightening as she did.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “WHAT?!” Foxfoot screamed. “He can’t be… you must be mistaken! Rockfall wouldn’t… he couldn’t…” the ginger deputy started pacing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Foxfoot! Get a hold of yourself!” Furrypelt snapped. “I saw Rockfall with my own eyes, the night before I sent him out of the medicine den! He was in the Dark Forest, and Thistleclaw persuaded him. He’s been getting rougher by the minute. Every day when he has his fur fluffed up, it’s not to try to keep warm. It’s to hide battle scars.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot stared at her, frozen. “M-m-m-my b-b-br-brother is e-evil?” he stammered. “Tell me you’re joking!” his eyes grew wide and desperate. “Tell me this is a sick joke!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt hung her head. “Sorry, Foxfoot. But this is the truth.” She mewed quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot slunk to the ground, letting out quiet wails. Furrypelt felt more like a mother than she’d ever had in her life, and crouched down to try to comfort her kit. “Stand up,” she murmured. “You’re the deputy.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot shakily rose to his paws, still staring at the ground, his eyes wet with disbelief and grief.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, Foxfoot!” called a voice. The two cats spun around to see Lionstar on the Highledge. “Is everything okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, fine,” Foxfoot lied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “There hasn’t been another hunting patrol out since you came back. Send one out, would you?” Lionstar continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, sure thing,” Foxfoot replied distractedly. Lionstar turned away. “Furrypelt, the fresh-kill pile is really low, do you mind if I send you on a hunting patrol?” Foxfoot asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No it’s fine.” Furrypelt assured the deputy.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good. Take Squirreltail Lilyheart Brightheart and Robinpaw, please.” Foxfoot finished, turning away to the warriors’ den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stared after him helplessly, wishing he needn’t had known the truth about his brother.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> “W hoa!” Robinpaw cried, losing his footing on the slippery tree bark. Deerpaw lunged forward to catch her brother, but ended up sliding as well, barely holding on to Robinpaw as he fell off the tree bridge completely.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ahh!!! Get me back on the tree, please!” Robinpaw screeched.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Stormcloud hurried over and hauled his kids back on the tree safely.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stepped back to allow the gray warrior the space for the apprentices to find their paws. Robinpaw shakily continued across the tree bridge, Deerpaw shaky as well. Stormcloud stayed right behind them, ready to catch them if they fell again.

<p class="MsoNormal">            The two scared apprentices finally reached the other end of the tree, leaping gratefully onto the solid ground. Furrypelt jumped down behind Stormcloud.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Squirreltail showed up a little while later. Furrypelt was waiting for Jayfeather—who was at the back of the line for some reason. “What was with the hold up?” Squirreltail asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Seriously? You didn’t see?” Furrypelt asked, amazed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No.” Squirreltail replied, his head tilted to the side in confusion.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Robinpaw fell off and was caught at the last second by Deerpaw.” Furrypelt explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Huh.” Squirreltail mewed. “Yeah, that would definitely explain it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           He kept going with nothing more than a shrug and Furrypelt rolled her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayfeather finally leapt down from the tree bridge and joined Furrypelt as she walked towards the other medicine cats—which was currently just Mothwing and Willowshine.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, Furrypelt, Jayfeather!” Willowshine called.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I love how they say your name first now,” Jayfeather muttered to Furrypelt bitterly. Furrypelt didn’t reply and instead just kept walking.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Anything new in ThunderClan?” Mothwing asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not much,” Furrypelt replied. “Just my—Gingerheart’s son Rockfall being permanently injured for the rest of his life and taking out his anger and frustration on his brother’s kits.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mothwing and Willowshine gaped at her. Best tone to say that in, Furrypelt thought, a smile of amusement creeping over her face.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh my gosh, what happened?” Mothwing asked sympathetically.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “There was a rockfall, and one of the boulders landed on Rockfall’s leg. It was the same situation as Cinderpelt.” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Poor thing,” Willowshine murmured. ''Yeah, the poor thing that’s getting expert training from the most ruthless cats ever known. ''Furrypelt thought bitterly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is he still considered a warrior?” Willowshine asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, he’s an elder now.” Jayfeather replied, his tone showing no emotion at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">            “Wow. No sympathy for my kin. Thanks.” Furrypelt muttered. “Heck, he’s your kin, too!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How is he my kin?” Jayfeather asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall’s father is Bramblethorn whose mother is Squirrelflight whose sister is Leafpool.” Furrypelt replied. She leaned closer to Jayfeather and started whispering. “The logic still works because Firepelt is Bramblethorn’s brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayfeather nodded. “So, anything new in RiverClan?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nope.” Willowshine replied. “Just Cloverkit and Lilykit being adorable.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s typical for kittens.” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kittens?” Willowshine repeated.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The Twoleg word for kit,” Furrypelt explained. “Man, I really need to break this habit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, yes you do.” Jayfeather agreed. “I only understand you half the time.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. “I wouldn’t think it’d be that difficult…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, you think incorrectly.” Jayfeather replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A familiar scent hit Furrypelt’s nose unexpectedly, and turned to see WindClan pouring into the clearing, with Featherstar at the front. Furrypelt was still having a hard time getting used to Lionstar and Featherstar instead of Bramblestar and Onestar.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Kestrelflight stood near the front of the line, and immediately ran over to join the other medicine cats. “Is ShadowClan here yet?” the brown tom asked, his white spots glowing in the moonlight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, not yet.” Mothwing replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall is permanently injured like Cinderpelt!” Willowshine announced unexpectedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Cinderpelt,” Kestrelflight murmured quietly. “Oh yeah, ThunderClan’s medicine cat before Leafpool, right? I’ve heard of her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Seriously?” Willowshine mewed disbelievingly. “That’s your response?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Kestrelflight asked innocently. The other medicine cats—except for Jayfeather—stared accusingly at him—and also like he was an idiot. “Ohh…” Kestrelflight realized his mistake.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mouse-brain,” Furrypelt muttered to Jayfeather.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Kestrelflight looked as though he wanted to disappear, and let out a sigh of relief as Puddlefur appeared. “What are we talking about?” The ShadowClan medicine cat asked curiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kestrelflight being a jerk,” Willowshine replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ouch.” Kestrelflight mewed darkly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I have an idea,” Furrypelt announced. “We forget what Kestrelflight said and stop talking about this!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, no,” Jayfeather interrupted. “This is rather amusing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt wanted to do a facepaw, and was then reminded of a meme she’d seen as a Twoleg. It showed a cat on the couch with its face pressed into the cushion and it read FACECOUCH: For when your fail is so big, a simple facepaw would not suffice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''I’m going to make faceground a thing now. ''Furrypelt decided, but before she could dangerously slam her head into the hard ground, a yowl for the Gathering to start stopped her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar glanced at the other leaders, but they nodded and allowed him to go first. The yellow tabby cleared his throat and looked down upon all the cats. “Rockfall’s leg was caught in a rockfall earlier this moon,” he announced. “The injury was as bad as Cinderpelt’s injury, and cannot heal. He was gone to the elders’ den for good.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Murmurs of pity and surprise rippled through the crowd, and Furrypelt—with much difficulty—resisted the urge to wail as loud as she could for her son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar raised his tail for silence and stepped back, allowing Featherstar to go.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “WindClan has nothing of report, and all is well within our Clan.” The gray tabby mewed politely.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar and Mistystar also had nothing of report, and the Gathering was soon over. As Furrypelt and Jayfeather were turning away, Willowshine called her back. Furrypelt spun around to stare at the dark gray tabby. “Yes?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry about Rockfall,” Willowshine mewed. “May StarClan light his path.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks, Willowshine,” Furrypelt mewed. “I just wish he understood that he still has a life, even if he can’t be a warrior.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sure he’ll find his path someday,” Kestrelflight assured Furrypelt. “Until then, being his kin, you’ll be at his side.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And his siblings and parents,” Mothwing added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Make sure he knows he doesn’t have to face any trial alone,” Puddlefur advised.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks guys,” Furrypelt mewed. “It means a lot to me that you care about my so—kin.” Furrypelt hoped no one noticed she’d almost said “son”.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt!” Jayfeather called. “Lionstar’s leaving! Come on!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt bounded after Jayfeather as he tried to catch up with his brother. She skidded to a halt at the base of the tree bridge, where everyone was waiting impatiently to get off the island.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Reaching the marsh at the other end of the tree, Furrypelt started pushing through her sea of Clanmates—and rival Clans—to find Gingerheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, did the medicine cats say anything interesting?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They all wish Rockfall the best,” Furrypelt replied simply.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s nice of them,” Gingerheart sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They said to make sure Rockfall knows we’re at his side, that he doesn’t have to face any trial alone.” Furrypelt continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Shouldn’t he already know that?” Gingerheart asked confusedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt thought back to the night Rockfall joined the Dark Forest. She shook her head and, realizing she’d stopped walking, trotted to catch up with Gingerheart. “He—.” She sighed. “He needs a reminder.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why are you so upset?” Gingerheart asked. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed, unable to hide the truth from her sister. “Rockfall joined the Dark Forest. He’s the fourth cat of the prophecy.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> G ingerheart stopped dead and stared at Furrypelt. “There’s no way,” she mewed quietly. “Surely you’re mistaken?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Foxfoot tried the same thing. That doesn’t change the facts.” Furrypelt hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sighed. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know,” Furrypelt mewed. “If I hadn’t seen it, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How could Rockfall join the Dark Forest? How can he be the fourth cat?! Your son can’t be destroying the Clans!” Gingerheart screamed. Furrypelt slapped her fluffy tail over Gingerheart’s mouth. She waited a second then removed her tail. Gingerheart gagged and started spitting. “I think you were shedding in my mouth!” Gingerheart gasped. “How do you have such a fluffy tail?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry,” Furrypelt apologized. “Just, don’t shout like that, especially about things that no one is supposed to know about.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry,” Gingerheart mewed. “Why didn’t you tell me about Rockfall when it happened?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The same reason I didn’t want to tell Foxfoot. I knew it would break your heart. I couldn’t do that.” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sighed again. “I just hope that nothing too terrible will come out of this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Agreed,” Furrypelt muttered.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sat in front of the medicine den, giving herself a thorough morning wash. She came across a scar on either flank and her shoulder. Those aren’t going away any time soon, Furrypelt thought bitterly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She stood up and walked to the fresh-kill pile for breakfast. However, all that was left were a few scraps. She sighed. She glanced around the clearing and found Foxfoot, then ran over to her son. “When did you send out the last hunting patrol?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’d say about a minute ago.” Foxfoot replied. “Why?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed, and her belly rumbled. Foxfoot stared at her. “You know, you could go hunting by yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now where would be the fun in that?” Furrypelt asked light-heartedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Would you mind catching me a nice, juicy vole?” Foxfoot asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know, you could go hunting by yourself.” Furrypelt teased.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now where would be the fun in that?” Foxfoot mewed, a smile of amusement creeping across his face. Furrypelt gazed at her son lovingly. She remembered in the Twoleg world people thought that she and Foxfoot would grow up to get married or something. She’d married someone else, though. And then later Foxfoot had become her son. Because life makes sense, she told herself sarcastically.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why don’t we go hunting together?” Foxfoot suggested, snapping Furrypelt out of her thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, that’d be great.” Furrypelt replied, realizing with a jolt that she’d never once gone hunting with her son. What kind of mother am I? 

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''The forbidden kind. ''A voice in her head said.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Any ideas which way the hunting patrol went? We don’t want to bump into them and disrupt their hunting.” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I sent them to the edge of our territory, opposite the lake.” Foxfoot replied. “That doesn’t mean they went there. They could’ve easily split up and gone in different directions.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, let’s hunt closer to Sky Oak. That’s pretty close to the lake.” Furrypelt suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Works for me.” Foxfoot agreed, leading the way to the thorn barrier. Furrypelt found it odd to be following her son instead of leading him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They trekked quietly through the woods until they arrived at a giant oak tree. “It doesn’t matter how many times I come here,” Furrypelt mewed. “I’m always awestruck by this tree.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Agreed,” Foxfoot mewed, gazing up at the giant tree that reached what looked to the clouds.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, let’s start looking for prey.” Foxfoot meowed, in a very in-charge fashion.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You go this way,” Furrypelt mewed, flicking her tail to the left. “And I’ll go this way.” She flicked her tail to the right.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Whoever catches the most prey wins,” Foxfoot mewed, with a playful glint in his eye. Before Furrypelt could remind Foxfoot that they were hunting, not playing, he mewed, “May the odds ever be in your favor.” And ran off into the bushes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''Hunger Games? Actually, I guess that works out here. ''Furrypelt thought, before diving into the opposite bushes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sniffed and listened for any scent of prey, and heard the sound of scuttling paws and two hard things hitting each other. A squirrel gnawing on a nut, she thought. ''Someone is late to hibernation. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sniffed to figure out which way the squirrel was, and realized she was downwind of the animal. She slowly made a wide arc to the other side of the squirrel so the wind was coming at her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Pushing the grass out of the way, Furrypelt spotted the gray squirrel. She let out a soft growl under her breath, then pulled herself together and pounced, landing right on the squirrel’s back, snapping it. The squirrel instantly grew limp, and, with satisfaction, Furrypelt buried it in the frozen soil beneath the snow.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She spun around, searching for more prey. She sniffed and listened as hard as she could. She thought she heard the scuttling of a mouse’s paws, but it was merely a leaf.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A loud squawk made Furrypelt jump, and looked around to see a blackbird flying into the sky, with Foxfoot leaping after it. He’s wasting his energy, Furrypelt thought, waiting for her son to fall to the ground with no bird, but instead, he latched his claws into the bird’s throat and killed it in midair, allowing both him and the blackbird to plummet to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot landed on his feet, his amber eyes shining. Furrypelt ran over. “Foxfoot!” she cried. “That was an amazing catch!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” he mewed casually, his muscles rippling beneath his pelt. ''How did he go from helpless little kit to strong deputy is less than a year? ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, how many pieces of prey did you catch?” Foxfoot inquired, his eyes gleaming with challenge.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Only one,” Furrypelt sighed. “You?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “One hundred forty-eight.” Foxfoot replied. Furrypelt stared at him with a skeptical face. “Alright, fine,” Foxfoot mewed. “I got three.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I need to hunt more; I’m out of practice.” Furrypelt commented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot chuckled. “Let’s grab our prey and head back; I’m sure the Clan’s looking for breakfast.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You mean like I was?” Furrypelt snapped light-heartedly. Just then her belly growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, like you.” Foxfoot agreed, amusement coming over his face.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let’s just get back to camp so we can eat.” Furrypelt mewed, walking away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You mean, so you can eat?” Foxfoot joked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Shut up!” Furrypelt called over her shoulder as she walked away to grab her buried squirrel. She clawed at the frozen earth, looking for the fluffy gray fur of her squirrel.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally finding it, she picked it up in her teeth and trotted back to camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           After placing her squirrel on the fresh-kill pile, Furrypelt spun around to find Foxfoot, and watched the dark ginger deputy prance in with a blackbird, mouse, and vole. “Well, what do you know?” Furrypelt mewed. “You did get your vole!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot let out a mrrow of amusement, then choked on the fresh-kill while doing so. Furrypelt let out her own mrrow of laughter before grabbing the blackbird from Foxfoot’s jaws. He spat out the other two pieces of food then placed the mouse on the fresh-kill pile.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt settled down with the blackbird and started eating with famished gulps. She looked up when the bird was half-finished and realized that Foxfoot wasn’t eating anything. “Foxfoot, you know that just because you’re deputy doesn’t mean you can’t eat, right?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, yeah, I know,” Foxfoot replied. “It’s just I’m trying to find a good piece of fresh-kill for my mate and kits.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re finally old enough for fresh-kill, aren’t they?” Furrypelt remembered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah. This mouse I put on the pile is probably soft enough for them, right?” Foxfoot mewed, inspecting the mouse.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It might be a bit stringy—since it’s so thin—and it’s leaf-bare—but it should be fine.” Furrypelt assured her son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot shrugged and grabbed the gray mouse before trotting off to the nursery. Furrypelt glanced at the vole he’d left and decided she’d try to save it for him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Standing up, she grabbed the vole and walked over to the nursery; it’d be amusing to watch the kits try fresh-kill for the first time—or at least adorable.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Pushing through the bramble screen, Furrypelt stepped into the den. “We don’t want fresh-kill!” Wolfkit was protesting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We want milk!” Stripekit agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know it takes some getting used to,” Daisy murmured gently. “But it’s really delicious!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And you can’t live of Sunstripe’s milk forever,” Foxfoot added. “It won’t last forever. Once you’re old enough, her milk disappears. So you have to get used to eating real food.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mice are the best kind of fresh-kill, so just try a bite,” Sunstripe urged.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We don’t wanna!” Wolfkit wailed. Furrypelt couldn’t help letting out a mrrow of laughter, dropping the vole.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt!” Sunstripe gasped. “I didn’t see you there!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt laughed again. “Just one more reason to be amused,” she chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe turned to her mate. “I find it hard to believe that you were friends in the Twoleg world.” She muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, please, he was just as rude and sarcastic as I am,” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunstripe sighed and turned her attention back to her kits. “Just eat the mouse!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt could see she was getting desperate, so decided she’d step in. “How about we give you two options?” Furrypelt suggested. Foxfoot turned to her and mouthed the words “What are you doing?” Furrypelt payed no attention to her son and focused on the two kits.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Wolfkit asked, curious.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can either try the mouse, or eat the most disgusting herbs I have in my store.” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re eating, we’re eating!” Wolfkit cried, digging into the mouse. While he was chewing his first bite, he slowed and chewed thoughtfully. “You know,” he mewed, gulping down the bite of mouse. “This isn’t actually that bad. It’s pretty yummy, to be honest!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Told you,” Daisy mewed. Stripekit shoved her brother aside to start gnawing on the mouse. Sunstripe looked gratefully at Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Here,” Furrypelt added, tossing the vole at Foxfoot. “I figured you two might want to share.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” Foxfoot mewed, taking the vole to Sunstripe and settling next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt smiled as the cats dug in to their meals and stepped out of the nursery. She kinda wished she didn’t have to keep getting involved in everything, but it gave her something to do.

<p class="MsoNormal">           If only that something to do was getting the Dark Forest cats to call off the battle, Furrypelt thought solemnly. ''But it’s too late to do that now. ''

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;tab-stops:.5in1.0in1.5in2.0in2.5in3.0in3.5in4.0in4.5in5.0in5.5inright6.5in">

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt! Time to go to the Moonpool!” Jayfeather called. Furrypelt rose from the fresh-kill pile, the late-leaf-bare winds chilling her to the bone.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She followed her mentor out of the thorn barrier to start the trek to the Moonpool. Living in ThunderClan the hike wasn’t bad, but Furrypelt couldn’t think how bad it must be for RiverClan and ShadowClan. ''How did Littlecloud make the journey? ''She wondered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They arrived at the stream bordering WindClan and ThunderClan and, as usual, found Kestrelflight waiting alone. Or was he?

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt could smell another cat, faintly familiar, and a white she-cat sprung out of the bushes and landed right in front of Furrypelt, making her jump. “Hehe, got you!” The she-cat cried. She started bouncing around happily. She looked rather young and small, as though she was a new apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who’s this, Kestrelflight?” Jayfeather asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This is my new apprentice, Snowpaw.” Kestrelflight replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh yeah, you and Mudkit are just a little bit older than Wolfkit and Stripekit, aren’t you?” Furrypelt asked Snowpaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s Mudpaw now.” Snowpaw snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry,” Furrypelt mewed. “Who’s his mentor?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He got Crouchfoot.” Snowpaw replied. “He’s a bit strict, and I feel lucky that I’m a medicine cat apprentice, not a warrior apprentice.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “As you should be,” Kestrelflight mewed, smiling at his apprentice. “But you do still need to learn some fighting moves. You know, just in case.” The mottled gray tom looked up at Furrypelt. “You know your fair share of fighting moves, don’t you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think more than my fair share of fighting moves, actually,” Furrypelt responded, a glint appearing in her blue eyes. “For a medicine cat, anyway.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you mean?” Snowpaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Before you were born, I trained as both a warrior and medicine cat apprentice at the same time,” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Whoa!” Snowpaw cried. “That sounds exhausting!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It was!” Furrypelt agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then why’d you do it?” Snowpaw asked, tipping her head to the side.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because I’d had a vision, and I knew that I had to be able to fight in a big battle.” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Whoa!” Snowpaw cried again. Then confusion lit up her gaze again. “Then, if you were trained as a warrior, why did Breezepelt do so much harm to you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because Breezepelt is fierce.” It was Kestrelflight who replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But how is he so much fiercer than anyone else? He hasn’t had any extra training.” Snowpaw pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Actually,” Willowshine mewed, appearing from behind Kestrelflight, followed closely by Mothwing. “He trained in the Dark Forest in the moons leading up to the Great Battle. Have you heard about that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, Sedgewhisker told me all about it. It sounded scary! WindClan lost their deputy, and ThunderClan lost their leader!” Snowpaw replied, her eyes becoming wide with fear.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes,” Mothwing agreed. “But that was quite a few moons ago. Surely he’d stopped caring? Or at least become out-of-practice on his fiercer moves. Unless he’s practicing them in secret alone in the middle of the night.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt felt frozen to the bone.

<p class="MsoNormal">           You will know when to tell them… 

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firestar’s words rang in her ears. That time is now, Furrypelt realized.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Puddlefur appeared from behind Furrypelt. ''Huh. It’s usually RiverClan to be last. Probably forgot since he doesn’t have Littlecloud. ''Furrypelt thought.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The medicine cats climbed up the slope to the Moonpool, as carefree as ever.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But Jayfeather and Furrypelt were slower than usual as they climbed; they knew the truth behind Breezepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Reaching the top, Kestrelflight Willowshine Mothwing and Puddlefur spiraled down to the Moonpool. But Snowpaw stopped and gazed down at the sparkling pool. “Whoa!” Snowpaw cried. Furrypelt was getting tired of hearing that word at this point. “I never knew anything could be this beautiful!” Snowpaw continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Dazzling sight, isn’t it?” Puddlefur agreed. “I came here for the first time not very long ago. Just takes your breath away…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Kestrelflight climbed up the slope to join his apprentice and lead her down to the pool. “I feel pity for Jayfeather,” Furrypelt caught Kestrelflight murmuring to Snowpaw. “His blindness means he can’t see such an amazing sight.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Unfortunately for Kestrelflight, Jayfeather overheard. “For you information, I’ve seen that pool dozens of times!” the gray tabby tom snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How?” Kestrelflight asked, utterly confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “In visions, duh!” Jayfeather growled. “Don’t you remember that prophecy, ‘Embrace what you find in the shadows, for only they can clear the sky’? That shared vision? I can see in visions! I saw the Moonpool just as well as you did!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh…” Kestrelflight mewed, embarrassed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayfeather stalked past the mottled tom, hissing as he passed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Kestrelflight started spiraling back down to the Moonpool, and Snowpaw followed, her paws sliding into the prints of the Ancients. “Where did these paw prints come from?” she asked. “I know the Clans have lived here a while, but there are still living cats who weren’t born here at the lake, and that can’t be enough time to leave these prints in stone!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Jayfeather, care to explain?” Furrypelt offered, since he was the only one who had met the Ancients.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nope, go ahead,” Jayfeather replied, taking his spot at the Moonpool and gazing up at them impatiently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s not really the social type,” Kestrelflight explained to his apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, what about the paw prints?” Snowpaw snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Feisty little apprentice you got there,” Furrypelt commented to Kestrelflight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Come on!” Snowpaw complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Before the Clans existed, another group of cats lived here.” Furrypelt explained. “That’s all you need to know, but I can give you more details at the Gathering if you desire.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’d be awesome!” Snowpaw exclaimed, jumping and nearly falling down the spiraled path. Kestrelflight quickly leaned over and grabbed his apprentice, his muscles rippling beneath his pelt in effort. Snowpaw’s snowy paws were flailing in terror.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stop wriggling!” Kestrelflight growled through clenched teeth. Snowpaw stopped moving, but was still stiff and tense instead of going limp, as most cats do.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt leaned over and helped Kestrelflight pull Snowpaw to safety. Snowpaw finally found a pawhold and made it to solid ground. She stood crouching in terror for a few moments, then shakily rose to her paws, carefully picking her way down the rest of the path. As soon as she reached the bottom, however, she raced to the edge of the pool.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Careful!” Kestrelflight called. “You’re going to slip and fall!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Snowpaw slowed her pace then skidded to the stop as she neared the pool. Kestrelflight sighed and walked down the slope, Furrypelt following.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally reaching the bottom, Kestrelflight walked over to his apprentice. “Maybe now I can perform the ceremony,” he sighed. He glanced at his apprentice. “Can you hold still that long?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Snowpaw nodded eagerly. Kestrelflight looked skeptical, but went on with the ceremony anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Snowpaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of StarClan as a medicine cat?” Kestrelflight asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It is.” Snowpaw replied, her voice calm, but her body was trembling with excitement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then come forward.” Kestrelflight instructed. The white apprentice stepped forward to Kestrelflight. “Warriors of StarClan,” Kestrelflight continued. “I present you with this apprentice. She has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant her with your wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her Clan in accordance with your will.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Snowpaw stood there, waiting for something to happen. “Now drink out of the pool,” Kestrelflight whispered. “Then touch your nose to it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Snowpaw licked a few drops, then as she touched her nose to the water, jumped back. “It’s cold!” she complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just go!” Kestrelflight snapped, clearly running out of patience for the energetic apprentice. Snowpaw uncertainly touched her nose to the water, then shivered but stayed put.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The other cats touched their noses to the pool’s icy cold water, though they didn’t react.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt’s dream wasn’t something unexpected; it was just the usual fighting, eerie prophecy, etcetera etcetera.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But afterwards she was in StarClan. Bluestar and Firestar were facing her, their blue and green eyes serious.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know you have to tell them,” Firestar, his emerald eyes intense.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Delay and our Clans may be lost.” Bluestar agreed, her blue eyes more scared than anything.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I just can’t believe it’s come to this,” Furrypelt mewed softly. “I thought we’d be able to prevent this.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can’t believe it either,” Firestar mewed. “I can’t believe I’m watching my Clan be on the edge of destruction—especially so soon after the Great Battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But we did all we could,” Bluestar pointed out, her voice warm and comforting. “Not even StarClan could prevent this. The Dark Forest has more power than we thought possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good always triumphs over evil… that’s how every story ends…” Furrypelt murmured, trying to reassure herself. “We’ll beat them, right? Nothing bad will happen to the Clans?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firestar and Bluestar just looked at each other. Firestar finally sighed and turned back to Furrypelt. “We wish we could say yes, but we cannot tell a lie.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The future is still hidden from us. All anyone can do at this point is hope.” Bluestar added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Will you guys at least fight alongside the Clans?” Furrypelt asked hopefully. “Like with the Great Battle?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But you’re only fighting four cats,” Firestar pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ll be with you, just not physically.” Bluestar explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. “I just have this horrible feeling this is the end of the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We know.” Firestar mewed sympathetically.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now go tell the others. They need to know.” Bluestar instructed. Furrypelt watched as Bluestar and Firestar’s gray and ginger pelts became translucent, then transparent, then they were gone. She closed her eyes and a moment later opened them again beside the Moonpool.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The other cats were rousing from their own dreams. Snowpaw’s fur was fluffed up so she looked twice her size. Kestrelflight gazed down at his apprentice. “What’s the matter?” he asked, crouching down to get at Snowpaw’s height.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fighting cats…” Snowpaw choked, her eyes gazing off in the distance, trembling from head to tail-tip. “Blood, four, destroy Clans…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Snowpaw, get a hold of yourself!” Kestrelflight snapped, though his voice was gentle. Snowpaw shook herself and forced her fur to lie flat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My dream,” she mewed. “It was full of fighting cats, and a lot of blood, and I heard something—I think it was a prophecy—There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ve all been hearing that for a while,” Willowshine told the snowy-white she-cat. “Furrypelt says if we keep calm nothing bad will happen.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Actually,” Furrypelt interrupted, unsure how to continue. Everyone turned to stare at her, and she tried to think fast. “That wasn’t the truth.” She finally mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you mean?” Willowshine asked, utterly confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why would you lie?” Kestrelflight added, just as confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because StarClan told me to!” Furrypelt snapped. “But they told me now that I have to tell you. You have to know the truth.” She sighed, and everyone stared at her expectantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The prophecy, There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans, refers to one cat from each Clan who has been training with the Dark Forest. From WindClan, Breezepelt. From RiverClan, Foxclaw. From ShadowClan, Slatewhisker. From ThunderClan,” she sighed as she remembered watching her son accept Thistleclaw’s offer. “Rockfall.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My own brother?” Puddlefur whispered, taking a step back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You own kin,” Willowshine murmured sympathetically. “You and Furrypelt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, now what Breezepelt did to you makes sense.” Snowpaw mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why are you telling us now?” Mothwing asked, clearly understanding that there was something more.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ve been trying for the past moons—ever since Gingerheart’s kits were born—to figure out how to stop this. But my attempts were in vain. Unless the Clans band together, we are doomed. The big battle is not far off, and if we don’t join forces, everything we care about is lots.” Furrypelt continued. “Tell your leaders, let your whole Clan know. At this point, secrecy and trying to prevent people being scared is pointless. They just need to be prepared.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The other cats looked horrified, especially Snowpaw. Furrypelt felt bad that on her first time to the Moonpool she had to hear this.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The cats slowly padded back to their camps, all of them troubled. By the time Furrypelt got back to camp, she just wanted to sleep for a few moons. She collapsed in her nest as soon as she could, and Jayfeather stared at her. “Don’t you want to tell Lionstar everything you told the others? He doesn’t know everything you know.” He inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not now,” Furrypelt murmured, feeling rather weary.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine, I’ll go fill in the gaps myself. But I’m not the one experiencing it first-hand, so be prepared for my brother to get false information.” Jayfeather replied, as though trying to threaten her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know the truth just as well as I do, and I know you wouldn’t purposely give him false information; this is too important.” Furrypelt replied, followed by a huge yawn.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayfeather growled under his breath. “Dang it! You know me too well.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt smiled with pleasure as Jayfeather pushed through the bramble screen.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           But if he came back before the sun rose, Furrypelt did not know, for after he left, she’d fallen into a troubled sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal">         “W olfkit and Stripekit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed.” Lionstar flicked his golden tail for Wolfkit to step forward. “Wolfkit, from this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Wolfpaw. Foxfoot, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Birchfall and have shown yourself to be caring and determined. You will be mentor of Wolfpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot stepped forward to touch noses with his son, then stepped back and allowed his daughter the spotlight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stripekit,” Lionstar continued. “From this moment on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Stripepaw. Ambermoon, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Spiderleg and have shown yourself to be kind and patient. You will be mentor of Stripepaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Ambermoon stepped forward to touch noses with Stripepaw, and the new apprentice trembled with excitement as she did.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wolfpaw! Stripepaw!” The Clan cheered the apprentices’ new names. Stripepaw looked ready to burst with excitement, while Wolfpaw looked rather sad. Foxfoot noticed this and turned to his son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s wrong?” the deputy asked. “You’re an apprentice! You should be happy!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I wish Leafkit were here, too.” He sighed, his gray-blue eyes clouded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I miss her too,” Foxfoot sighed. “But you’ve still got a lot to enjoy!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I guess,” Wolfpaw muttered, unhappily shuffling his paws in the sand.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sparkheart and Alderfoot stepped forward. “You two remind me a lot of me and my sister when we were apprenticed,” Alderfoot commented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I must say I have to concur,” Furrypelt agreed, walking forward to where her grandkits stood. “One shy tom, and one over-excited she-cat.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sparkheart studied Stripepaw as she bounced in tiny circles. “I wasn’t that hyper!” she cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, you kinda were.” Alderfoot countered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll be honest, it got obnoxious pretty quick,” Foxfoot agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mean!” Sparkheart whined, then shrugged and trotted off, with a very unruffled air.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you see what I mean?” Alderfoot asked, and the apprentices nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can’t believe you’re already apprentices!” Furrypelt cried, staring at the two apprentices, beaming up at her with their blue eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, it feels like just yesterday these two were born, along with Leafkit,” Foxfoot agreed, his eyes clouding as he thought of his dead daughter.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just be glad you were apprenticed as newleaf came in,” Ambermoon mewed. “I feel bad for Deerpaw and Robinpaw; they had to learn how to hunt and fight in the cold. You’re coming in as the snow is melting.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But that means the ground is going to be all wet!” Wolfpaw complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s not so bad,” Furrypelt assured them. “It means that all the prey is coming out of hiding to embrace the warmth.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m going to catch the most!” Stripepaw declared.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, I am!” Wolfpaw countered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt chuckled. New apprentices were always so competitive. She leaned over to Foxfoot. “Good luck,” she muttered. Foxfoot sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why do I get the feeling this is going to be difficult?” he asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Probably because it is.” Furrypelt replied quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, I’m going to be the best fighter!” Wolfpaw cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m going to be the best tree-climber!” Stripepaw retorted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m going to be the best swimmer!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m going to be the fastest runner!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           On and on they went, arguing who would be better at what activity. Foxfoot finally lost his temper. “Shut up!” he cried. Both apprentices stopped abruptly and turned toward their father. “I don’t want to hear your bickering in your first two minutes of your apprenticeship!” Foxfoot continued. “Now Ambermoon and I were going to show you the territory, but if you keep going like this we might just delay it!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Stripepaw and Wolfpaw seemed horrified at this news, so dipped their heads and murmured, “Yes, Foxfoot.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Ambermoon glanced at Foxfoot. “You know, that was a bit harsh.” She pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They were getting on my nerves.” Foxfoot replied simply. “A good threat always makes kids do what you want.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Ambermoon looked uncertain, but decided not to say anything else.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Come on, let’s go see the territory.” Foxfoot offered, taking the lead as he pushed through the thorn barrier. Stripepaw and Wolfpaw followed right behind, with Ambermoon taking up the rear.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt watched them go, and could only hope that no unexpected threats would meet them out there. Foxfoot and Ambermoon are trained warriors, she assured herself. Nothing is going to happen to them.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           As the sun was beginning to set, Foxfoot, Ambermoon, and their apprentices entered the hollow, completely unscathed. That’s a relief, she thought. With the exception of Ambermoon, all of them were her kin, and they were all Clanmates.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt started pondering about the Gathering the following night. She wondered what the leaders would say after what their medicine cats had told them. She honestly felt bad for Featherstar; she was so young, and was suddenly trying to deal with whatever was happening right now.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt!” came Wolfpaw’s yowl.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Guess what?” Stripepaw asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We saw the lake—,” Wolfpaw began.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And it was huge!” Stripepaw interrupted.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “And we looked at WindClan’s territory, too! There were barely any trees!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “There were no trees, dummy!” Stripepaw shoved Wolfpaw.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           And on and on they went, describing every part of Clan territory that Furrypelt knew by heart. She didn’t want to offend them, so just smiled and nodded, pretending to care. She caught Foxfoot’s eyes and mouthed “Help me.” Foxfoot chuckled and shook his head. Ambermoon shared the same amused look.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Furrypelt sighed and waited for the apprentices to stop rambling.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           This took a while, however, and they didn’t stop until the sun was on or below the horizon, and they suddenly stopped, panting. Furrypelt sighed in relief, thinking it was over, but then they started back up again. “Guys,” Furrypelt interrupted in the most polite tone she could. “Could we save this until morning? It’s getting late.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Okay, Furrypelt.” Stripepaw chirped. “We need to claim our nests, anyway.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “I want some close to the middle!” Wolfpaw cried as he bolted to the apprentices’ den. Robinpaw stepped out as he said that.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Um, our nests are close to the middle.” Robinpaw snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Deerpaw walked out. “But you can have nests close to us, so we can keep you warm.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Robinpaw muttered something under his breath that showed he was against the idea, but did not complain out loud.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Furrypelt sighed. She wondered if the new apprentices thought that because their father was the deputy they had the excuse to do whatever, and that’s why they were so hyper. Gingerheart’s family had been like that when her dad was bishop at the church they attended. Granted they didn’t really change when their dad got demoted, so to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           She turned to the medicine den and curled up in her nest, putting her fluffy tail over her nose, dreading the following night.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;line-height:normal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Furrypelt hated the way when you’re excited for something to happen the event takes forever to get here, and when you’re dreading something it comes faster than you can say “Ugh!” She didn’t want to see how the Clans would react to the news the medicine cats and leaders had to share tonight. The trip seemed shorter than usual; especially compared to her first Gathering, where the trek seemed to take forever.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Her paws uncertain, Furrypelt walked across the tree-bridge and continued to where the medicine cats sat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Furrypelt could feel the tension in the air as she sat down with the others. They all looked worried. No one spoke a word. Snowpaw looked terrified—and also like she wanted to talk, but was too scared to break the silence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           The seven medicine cats sat in uncomfortable silence until finally someone yowled for the Gathering to begin.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           The leaders seemed as tense as the medicine cats, and finally Rowanstar stepped forward. He cleared his throat and nervously continued. “Puddlefur has told me about a prophecy: There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Have these four been identified?” asked a cat from the crowd. Rising to her hind legs, Furrypelt recognized the RiverClan warrior, Poppyspots.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Jayfeather urgently hissed, “Lionstar!” The golden tom looked down at his brother and leapt off the tree.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “What is it?” Lionstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Don’t let Rowanstar tell everyone who the four are!” Jayfeather hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Why not?” Lionstar mewed, tipping his head to one side.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Because then everyone will insist on exiling the four, and then they’ll be able to plot against us without our knowing!” Jayfeather cried softly, exasperated.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Furrypelt added.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Yes, what she said.” Jayfeather agreed. “We want to keep them where we can keep an eye on them.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           As Rowanstar was about to explain, Lionstar jumped up and quickly whispered in his ear. Rowanstar looked at Poppyspots. “No, they have not been identified yet.” He lied.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “He’s lying!” Pinenose cried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Tell us the truth!” Oatclaw demanded.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Rowanstar stared at Lionstar with a face that almost begged for help. “No.” Lionstar yowled firmly. “It’d put you guys in more danger than you already are.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “You’re just saying that!” Mallownose cried.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “We want the truth!” Mallownose’s mate, Petalfur, agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “NO!” Jayfeather yowled. “We’re trying to protect you! If you don’t believe that, we can beat you up easily! We can feed you to the foxes, for all I care!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           The cats in the crowd looked slightly scared, but also looked like they wanted to continue arguing. However, they clearly understood that Jayfeather meant what he said, and that the leaders weren’t going to share anything.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Lionstar cleared his throat to show that there was still more he was going to say. The other leaders sat down on their branch to allow him the spotlight.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “ThunderClan has two apprentices, Wolfpaw and Stripepaw.” The golden tabby announced.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Wolfpaw! Stripepaw!” the Clans chanted, though it was much half-hearted, and they clearly had other things on their mind. The apprentices, however, did not notice this, and instead merely basked in the attention.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Mistystar stepped forward. “We also have two new apprentices, Cloverpaw and Lilypaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Cloverpaw! Lilypaw!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Featherstar stepped forward. “We have two new apprentices, too, as a matter of fact. Snowpaw—who has become Kestrelflight’s apprentices—and Mudpaw.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           “Snowpaw! Mudpaw!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           For the first time that night, Snowpaw didn’t look nervous, and instead was rejuvenated to that enthusiasm she had at the Moonpool—that is, before she had the dream.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Rowanstar had nothing important to share, so the cats trekked back to their camps, separating into their Clans, the sacred truce ended until the next full-moon.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           As Furrypelt walked back to camp, she noticed a breeze stirring her fur, warmer than it had been in moons, which brought the promise of newleaf. The annoying part about this was—as Wolfpaw and Stripepaw had mentioned the previous day—all the snow had turned to slush, making everyone’s paws soaking wet—and muddy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           When she got back to camp, Furrypelt—and everyone else—had to give themselves a thorough bath before they curled up in their nests for the night.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">           Furrypelt was certain that everyone was as troubled as she was—well, probably not that troubled, since they didn’t know all the details, but possible more since they didn’t know all the details—and bet that they all fell into a much troubled sleep, with questions and worried thoughts buzzing around their head.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"> =Chapter 6= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> T he early-afternoon hunting patrol entered the camp, and Furrypelt looked up from her herb-sorting to see what kind of food they’d brought back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But they hadn’t brought food. They brought back WindClan warriors. Oh, great.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Foxfoot and Ambermoon stood by their apprentices, who were wide-eyed, as well as Whitewing and Brightpelt. With them were the WindClan warriors, Gorestail and Tigerstripe.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Go fetch Lionstar!” Foxfoot ordered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No time!” Gorsetail snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Where’s Furrypelt?” Tigerstripe asked urgently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Startled, the crowd parted to reveal Furrypelt, who was at the back. However, none of them were more startled than Furrypelt, her blue eyes wide that you could see a hint of white at the edges.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wh-what’s the problem?” Furrypelt forced herself to say.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Your father,” Gorsetail replied, and Furrypelt got even more startled. “His mate, Coriander, is kitting. He said he wanted a medicine cat by her side, since he’d never helped his mate give birth.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s ridiculous, really,” Tigerstripe muttered. “I mean, the guy’s got four mates now!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gorsetail shot him a look then turned back to Furrypelt. “We sent Kestrelflight, but he insisted that he wanted you to be there, too. Come on, we haven’t got time to lose!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt darted forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wait!” Gingerheart cried. “Can’t I come, too? I’m his son, too!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Queens shouldn’t be too crowded while they’re kitting,” Gorsetail pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry, Gingerheart,” Furrypelt mewed apologetically. “But I promise I’ll arrange with Smoky and Coriander to let you visit them in the near-future.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Jayfeather! Get me some raspberry leaves!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The gray tabby ran out of the medicine den with raspberry leaves and looked Furrypelt right in the eye. “May StarClan be with you and Coriander and the kits,” he mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thank you,” Furrypelt mewed, picking up the leaves.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you know the way?” Tigerstripe asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Of course I know the way!” Furrypelt snapped. “That’s where I was born! Well, the second time, that is.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Stop creeping me out with your weird Twoleg reincarnation thing!” Tigerstripe snapped. Furrypelt rolled her eyes and charged out the thorn barrier. She didn’t stop running. She didn’t care that her chest was burning and her legs were tired. She had to be there when her half-siblings were born.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She pelted through the forest, easily dodging trees, leaping the roots, and pushing through bramble thickets. Tigerstripe and Gorsetail, however, were having much more difficulty. They fell about ten fox-lengths behind, but Furrypelt didn’t care. If she got too far ahead, they could follow her scent-trail.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Leaping the stream in an easy bound, she sprinted through the last stretch of forest and charged across the moorland, faster now that she wasn’t dodging obstacles. She frightened a rabbit that Ashpelt was chasing into a burrow, but she disregarded his angry yowl after her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She finally arrived at Smoky’s barn, exhausted and out-of-breath. Kestrelflight and Smoky were anxiously bending over Coriander, who was panting and thrashing on the ground. To Furrypelt’s relief, the kits hadn’t arrived yet.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ugh!” Coriander cried. “How—much—longer?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t worry, I think they’re almost here.” Kestrelflight assured her calmly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Think?” Coriander repeated through gritted teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Look, I’ve helped countless queens give birth. I know what I’m doing.” Kestrelflight assured her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt! Thank goodness you’re here!” Smoky cried, looking enthusiastically at his daughter.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know, Smoky, I’ve heard this is your fourth mate. Shouldn’t you be used to this process by now?” Kestrelflight asked confusedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Floss gave birth with help from Twolegs, Daisy gave birth in the middle of the forest, and Silky gave birth in a separate Twoleg nest, when I wasn’t there.” Smoky explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed a strong ripple along Coriander’s belly. “Here comes the first kit!” she cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Coriander let out the loudest yowl Furrypelt had ever heard, and Smoky stared desperately at his mate, then his daughter. “Do something!” he cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kestrelflight, go find a stick,” Furrypelt ordered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not leaving! I have more experience than you do!” Kestrelflight snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was about to reply that she had more experience when she had Mistypelt Rockfall and Foxfoot, then stopped herself and instead said, “I did this as a Twoleg, remember? Multiple times.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Smoky looked at Kestrelflight. “I trust my daughter.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Kestrelflight mewed innocently, backing away from the queen and hurriedly ran around the barn to find a stick. Meanwhile, the first kit came.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Coriander let out an earsplitting shriek as a tiny bundle of fur came out. Furrypelt quickly nipped the sack it had come out of. “Smoky, start licking the kit to get its blood flowing,” she ordered. Smoky immediately snatched up his kit and started licking it furiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kit turned out to be a she-kit, with markings identical to her mother’s.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Kestrelflight came back with a stick and gave it to Coriander. As another spasm gripped her, she bit down on the thick stick enough that it splintered. Another kit came out, and, since he was the closest, Kestrelflight nipped the sac and began to lick the kit. This one was a tom, identical to his father.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How many more?” Coriander panted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Kestrelflight gently felt her belly. “I think two,” he replied. Coriander groaned, then bit the stick as the third kit began to arrive.

<p class="MsoNormal">           As the third kit pushed his way out, Furrypelt nipped the sack and Smoky immediately pulled it toward him. It was a dark gray tabby tom-kit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Last one,” Furrypelt promised the exhausted queen. The last kit slipped out easily, a she-kit, smaller than the rest. However, she had bright, golden fur, with a beautiful spotted tabby pattern. So much unlike her siblings, yet beautiful ever the same.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re done, Coriander.” Kestrelflight told the queen, who flopped down her head before even attempting to see her kits, who immediately began to suckle once the last kit had come out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Congratulations, my beloved,” Smoky mewed, nuzzling his mate. “You gave us four beautiful kits. Two toms and two she-cats.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Now Coriander turned to look, and gazed upon each kit. She looked longest at the dazzling golden she-kit. “I think the golden one should be named Sunshine.” The tortoiseshell-and-white queen suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s a beautiful name,” Smoky agreed. “And I think that dark gray tom should be named Stormy. The two seem like polar opposites, don’t they?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re still cute names and adorable kits,” Furrypelt pointed out. “How about Ash for the gray-and-white tom?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you think, Coriander?” Smoky asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, that’s a good name.” she agreed. “Now for this tortoiseshell…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           They sat for a long time, until Kestrelflight finally suggested, “How about Lavender?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s a cute name, I like it.” Coriander agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Lavender, Ash, Stormy, and Sunshine.” Smoky mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Those are beautiful names,” Kestrelflight told the two parents. “We’ll leave you two in peace, and don’t hesitate to come get us if there are any problems.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Kestrelflight walked out of the barn and away from the horseplace.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It feels weird trying to pick names that aren’t Clan names,” Kestrelflight commented. Furrypelt chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gorsetail and Tigerstripe appeared in front of them, panting. “Did Coriander give birth to her kits yet?” Gorsetail asked between pants.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, a while ago.” Furrypelt replied. “Where were you two?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Trying to navigate your cursed territory and catch up to you!” Tigerstripe hissed. “How do you possibly run so fast, especially in that maze you call home?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I felt inside me that I needed to be there when the kits were born. It gave me the ability to run that far and fast.” Furrypelt explained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kinda like a mother’s instinct to protect her kits, despite the cost.” Gorsetail murmured.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, exactly.” Furrypelt agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Come on, you two. Let’s go back to camp and make sure Snowpaw hasn’t destroyed the medicine den.” Kestrelflight mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Are you sure your friend here doesn’t need an escort?” Tigerstripe asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can find my own way back to camp, thank you very much!” Furrypelt snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if she tries to steal our prey?” Tigerstripe asked darkly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Please, after that run? I don’t have the energy to hunt, let alone chase after those ridiculously fast rabbits!” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Guys, she’s a medicine cat. She won’t do anything.” Kestrelflight assured the young warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But she’s also a Twoleg!” Tigerstipe hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, no I am not.” Tigerstripe replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Remind me when we get back to camp to teach you some manners.” Gorsetail muttered, turning away. Tigerstripe scampered over the senior warrior, and Kestrelflight followed behind.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt trekked slowly across the moor, the early newleaf sun a pleasant difference from the harsh colds of leaf-bare.

<p class="MsoNormal">           When she approached the stream, she leaped it in an easy bound without stopping and continued, this time being more careful about the tree roots and bramble thickets.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Arriving at the stone hollow, she pushed through the tunnel and entered the camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart was the first person to greet her. “How’d it go?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine,” Furrypelt assured her. “Coriander gave birth to four beautiful kits. We have half-siblings, Gingerheart.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’re their names? What do they look like?” Gingerheart asked eagerly. Furrypelt walked over to the fresh-kill pile first and sat down, picking a meaty-looking shrew. Her run across the moor had made her hungry.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart politely waited until Furrypelt had finished her meal, then continued to pester her. “Well? Tell me about our kin!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “There’s a tortoiseshell-and-white she-kit, who looks exactly like Coriander, named Lavender, a gray-and-white tom-kit who looks exactly like Smoky, named Ash, a dark gray tabby tom-kit named Stormy, and a golden spotted tabby she-kit who practically shines, and is smaller than her siblings, named Sunshine.” Furrypelt listed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Those are the most adorable names I’ve ever heard!” Gingerheart cried. “They sound wonderful! When can I meet them?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Give them a moon,” came a gruff voice from behind them. Furrypelt spun around to find Jayfeather. “Wait until their eyes are open and have grown used to their surroundings and family before you introduce another stranger.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “A whole moon?” Gingerheart asked disbelievingly. “That’s too long!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Quit whining!” Jayfeather snapped. “Just be glad you’re not waiting until they’re apprentice-aged.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sighed. “They just sound so adorable… I can’t wait to meet them.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           Over the next several days, Gingerheart talked only about meeting the new kits. At first Bramblethorn was defending her, saying things like, “Oh, she’s just excited! Give her a break! They’re her kin, after all.” But now even Bramblethorn felt ready to claw Gingerheart to make her shut up. Furrypelt realized this must be how her friends felt in the Twoleg world when she wouldn’t stop talking about Warriors; very few of her friends actually enjoyed the series, and the rest of them all said it was the stupidest thing known to man.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Now Furrypelt was at the fresh-kill pile, with Gingerheart next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I bet Sunshine and Stormy are constantly arguing over which is better: rain or shine.” Gingerheart was meowing. “I mean, it’s not like anyone would be surprised. Their gender, name, and size are polar opposites, by what you said, but then again, opposites attract, so you never know… Maybe Ash and Stormy are always fighting. You know boys, and they’re both so similar, twins are known to fight a lot, aren’t they?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart!” Furrypelt interrupted. “''Shut. Up!''”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sorry,” the ginger she-cat mewed apologetically. “I’m just so excited to meet them! Hasn’t it been a moon yet?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s barely been a quarter-moon!” Furrypelt hissed through gritted teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sighed. “This is going to be a long moon.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No kidding,” Furrypelt muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> T he next moon came as sweet relief to everyone because Gingerheart could finally meet the kits. Once she left to see them, everyone could stop listening to her rambling—except for Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was the only one accompanying her, so only she had to suffer the extra tormenting hour of listening to Gingerheart’s rambles about how the kits might act.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you think they’re nice?” Gingerheart asked Furrypelt. “The kits?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who do you think will be tougher, Ash or Stormy?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you think Ash and Lavender act like their parents?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know.” By this point Furrypelt was about to lose it.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you think Sunshine might be the nicest in the litter?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t know, Gingerheart!” Furrypelt snapped. “I didn’t see the kits long enough for them to develop a personality!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart sighed and stayed quiet the rest of the trip. They didn’t even make eye contact as they leapt the stream and entered WindClan’s territory. Furrypelt and Gingerheart moved to stay two tail-lengths from the water’s edge.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey!” a cat called out. Furrypelt and Gingerheart turned in unison, and saw a gray tom, a yellow-and-white tabby she-cat, a ginger tom, and a small brown tom with clumpy fur. Furrypelt quickly recognized them as Ashpelt, Flowerblossom, Crouchfoot, and Mudpaw. It was Ashpelt who’d called out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are you doing on our territory?” Ashpelt continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ashpelt, they’re on neutral ground,” his sister, Flowerblossom, pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, listen to your sister,” Crouchfoot snapped to Ashpelt. “Just because you’re leading this patrol doesn’t mean you have permission to yell at other cats for no apparent reason.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So we don’t get to chase them out?” Mudpaw asked disappointedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think I prefer his sister,” Furrypelt muttered to Gingerheart quietly. Gingerheart nodded in agreement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Crouchfoot sighed and shook his head. “I still have a lot to teach you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s normal for apprentices to want to fight or chase out intruders,” Flowerblossom told Crouchfoot.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re just a new warrior!” Crouchfoot snapped. “What do you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Actually, she knows a lot.” Gingerheart objected. “She’s about as good as Gorsetail, if you ask me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, it comes with being female.” Furrypelt agreed. “Flowerblossom, you’d make a great mentor one day.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And a good mother!” Gingerheart added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Flowerblossom smiled. “Thank you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, whatever.” Her brother snarled. “Let’s just get outta here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The patrol began to turn around and disappear over the hill, but Crouchfoot stopped them. “Hang on. I want to know why they’re here in the first place.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s probably something classified that StarClan sent them to do,” Ashpelt muttered. “And then they’re going to go back to camp all beat up.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey! That’s offensive!” Furrypelt yowled angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Kinda the point,” Ashpelt replied coldly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We will tell you where we’re going,” Gingerheart hissed. “Remember a moon ago when Coriander had her kits? We’re just going to visit!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “See?” Flowerblossom asked her brother pointedly. “They’re doing no harm! Let’s just get back to hunting!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah!” Mudpaw agreed. “I’m going to catch the biggest rabbit ever!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt chuckled at the apprentice’s enthusiasm and next to impossible fantasy.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, if you don’t mind, we must be going,” Gingerheart mewed curtly. “We plan on being back to camp before the sun sets.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           She dipped her head in farewell and trotted toward the horseplace, with Furrypelt on her heels.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally arriving at the horseplace, Furrypelt and Gingerheart walked tentatively into the barn. Before they could call out for anyone, they heard a small, high-pitched voice squeak, “Coriander, what’s that smell?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           A slightly lower voice mewed, “It smells like cat, but I don’t recognize it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Lavender, Stormy, those are your half-sisters from ThunderClan, Furrypelt and Gingerheart.” Came Coriander’s voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Smoky emerged first. “Have you come to visit the kits?” he asked happily.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, actually.” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Coriander!” Smoky called into the loft. “Bring down the kits!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           He scrambled back up the barn ladder to where the kits evidently had a nest. He came back down with Ash, and Coriander came down with Lavender. They went back up and Smoky came down with Stormy, and Coriander with Sunshine.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lavender ran up to Gingerheart and started sniffing her legs, her stubby tail twitching. “You smell funny,” she observed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re wild cats,” Gingerheart explained gently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Whoa!” Lavender cried. “You mean you fight and live in the cold?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’d freeze to death, if I didn’t die of hunger.” Ash commented.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I want to fight!” Stormy cried. “Can you teach us, huh, huh, huh?” she bounded over to the two sisters.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart stared at each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I don’t want to fight!” Ash cried fearfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I want to hunt!” Lavender cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, teach us to hunt, please,” Sunshine mewed politely, and more quietly than her siblings. A ray of sunshine hit her fur and she glowed, her eyes an identical, beautiful shade of gold as her fur. Gingerheart and Furrypelt’s jaws dropped as they stared at the beautiful kit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ve never been so proud to say that someone was related to me than this,” Furrypelt managed to say.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Same,” Gingerheart nodded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Smoky and Coriander chuckled. “She’s our little ray of Sunshine!” Coriander mewed proudly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ve never had a mate deliver me such a beautiful daughter,” Smoky mewed, then hurriedly looked at Gingerheart and Furrypelt. “No offense,”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “None taken,” Furrypelt breathed, unable to take her eyes off the kit to look at her father.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Coriander, why are they staring at me like that?” Sunshine mewed, fear edging her voice. “I don’t like it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Girls, could you stop looking at Sunshine?” Coriander requested gently. Furrypelt and Gingerheart shook their heads. Coriander sighed, then walked over and swiped her tail back and forth in the air, then stood in front of Sunshine, blocking her from view. Furrypelt and Gingerheart shook their heads as though being put out of a trance.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry, Coriander,” Furrypelt mewed. “It’s just Sunshine is so much more beautiful than I remember…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know, just try not to freak her out.” Coriander replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned her attention to Lavender, with her brilliant green eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So?” Lavender mewed. “Can you teach us how to hunt? Please please please?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, teach us to hunt!” Ash agreed. “Smoky and Coriander say we’re too young, but we’re just catching mice!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re too young!” Coriander snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, you don’t teach kits to hunt in Clans, do you?” Smoky agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, not full hunting, but the apprentices will often teach them the basics of the hunter’s crouch, and how to be quiet, and how to stalk.” Gingerheart replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Please, Smoky?” Sunshine begged, with her beautiful eyes big, round, sad, and pleading.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Smoky seemed hypnotized by this look, and relented. “Fine, they can teach you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Stormy stared at Sunshine. “Could you please teach us how you do that?” he asked, his light blue eyes wide in surprise.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sunshine put on a sassy look. “I won’t share my secrets.” She replied hotly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So long as you stay with us, it doesn’t matter if you teach us or not!” Ash pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not your personal assistant!” Sunshine snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart looked at each other, chuckling at the kit’s sassiness.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well?” Sunshine snapped as though she was some sort of princess. “Are you going to teach us to hunt or not?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes we will,” Gingerheart promised the beautiful kit hurriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “First, we need to teach you the hunter’s crouch,” Furrypelt mewed, dropping down into the crouching position.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The four kits immediately dropped to the floor to copy her. Gingerheart walked past them. “Keep your bellies off the floor,” she instructed. “You never want your belly brushing the floor, because it can make noise and startle prey—especially in the forest.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But we’re not in the forest!” Ash pointed out. “This is concrete.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You never know where you’re going to end up needing to hunt,” Gingerheart replied. “So you’d better just get in the habit now.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits lifted their bellies off the floor just a little bit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good,” Gingerheart approved. “Now hold your tail steady. You don’t want it brushing against anything and alerting your prey. And just like your belly, keep it a little.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits moved their tails a few millimeters further off the ground and stopped moving it.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now, bunch yourself together tighter, so you can have more spring to your leap.” Gingerheart continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits pulled themselves as tight as they could go.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Very good!” Gingerheart mewed cheerfully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now to stalk,” Furrypelt continued, still in the hunter’s crouch. “Move your paws forward mouse-length by mouse-length until you’re in leaping distance of your prey. Remember that mice are very sensitive to vibrations in the earth, so be sure you step lightly when you’re stalking them.” She demonstrated, stepping forward very lightly, quietly, and carefully.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “And be sure you keep your position!” Gingerheart added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits slowly and clumsily began to creep forward.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Finally, you pounce on your prey!” Furrypelt cried, leaping in the air and landing on an invisible mouse. “Then you nip its neck or spine to kill it before it can run off.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           All the kits pounced, Stormy and Ash leaping a good few tail-lengths, Sunshine and Lavender basically going up and straight back down. Furrypelt and Gingerheart laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Lavender!” Ash complained.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sunshine!” Stormy whined. “You’re supposed to jump forward, not straight up!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let me try again!” Lavender and Sunshine begged at the same time. Without waiting for a response, they ran back to the spot they’d started at (which was a mouse-length behind them) and dropped into the hunter’s crouch. They adjusted their crouch so only their paws were touching the ground, then they stalked forward and pounced, this time going nearly as far as Stormy and Ash had.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Much better!” Gingerheart cried approvingly. “Now the important part: tracking the prey.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Listen and smell carefully,” Furrypelt instructed. “And try to pick up signs of prey.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The kits fell silent, their ears pricked, noses twitching, until Ash cried, “I smell a mouse!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not so loud,” Furrypelt shushed the kit. “Where is it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Over there!” Ash continued in his loud voice, disregarding Furrypelt, and pointing his tail towards a bale of hay in the corner.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Try catching it,” Gingerheart invited. Ash ran over to the bale of hay, crying,

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Come here, mouse! I’m going to get you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           As Ash ran towards the bale of hay, they saw a small brown body dart from the bale of hay and into a hole in the wall.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mouse-dung,” Ash cursed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt glanced out of the barn entrance and noticed the sun was halfway to the horizon already.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart, remember how you told those WindClan warriors you wanted to be back home by sunset?” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah,” Gingerheart replied. “Why?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Look at the sun. We might want to go home.” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart looked out of the barn. “Yeah, that’s a good plan,” she agreed. She turned to the kits. “Bye, guys,”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wait!” Lavender complained, running up to Gingerheart. “Aren’t you going to stay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, stay!” Sunshine begged, running up to Furrypelt and gazing up at her with round, golden eyes. Furrypelt turned her head away before she became hypnotized; her blue eyes were no match for Sunshine’s golden ones.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry, kits,” Furrypelt mewed. “But we have to get back to our camps. Our Clanmates will be worried about us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Aww,” the kits moaned in unison, sadly padding back to their parents. Stormy suddenly let out a huge yawn.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Smoky chuckled. “I think you two might’ve worn them out,” he mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not tired!” Stormy protested, but he couldn’t seem to keep his eyes open.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I bet I can stay awake!” Ash cried, his green eyes teasing. But as he said this, he too let out a yawn, and his eyes started to droop.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Coriander gently led the kits to their nest, and laid down. Sunshine started suckling, as did the other three, but after a few moments, their heads began to droop and their eyes closed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I guess it’s a good time for you two to leave,” Coriander mewed quietly to Gingerheart and Furrypelt, as to not wake the kits.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Goodbye,” Furrypelt mewed, dipping her head to her father before exiting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           As they started walking back, Gingerheart started rambling on about how cute the kits were.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart,” Furrypelt interrupted after a while. “Could you please stop? I thought seeing the kits would make you stop talking about them!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well, you thought wrong, didn’t you?” Gingerheart mewed. Furrypelt glared at her. “I’m sorry!” Gingerheart cried innocently. “I’m just so happy for Smoky that he has more kits, and they’re just so cute!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I love the way you’re more excited about Coriander’s kits than ours,” Furrypelt muttered sarcastically.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           When they got back to camp, the sun was nearing the horizon. They saw Foxfoot in the corner of camp beneath the Highledge, organizing the evening patrol.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart walked over to the deputy.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “—Ambermoon and Stripepaw.” Foxfoot was meowing to Larkspirit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “My first time leading a patrol!” the black warriors cried happily.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, just don’t blow it.” Foxfoot muttered. “There’s a reason I’m sending older warriors with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know, I’m older than you,” Larkspirit pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But I’ve lived longer than you,” Foxfoot shot back. “Hashtag reincarnation.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Larkspirit sighed. “You’re deputy. I’ll go find the others.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Tell me it wasn’t just Larkspirit Ambermoon and Stripepaw,” Furrypelt mewed desperately to her son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, you’re back,” Foxfoot mewed casually, turning to face them. “I take it that’s all you heard… No, no I also sent Cinderheart and Bumblestripe.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, okay, good.” Furrypelt sighed, relieved that Larkspirit wasn’t going to lead a patrol for the first time with only one older warrior and an apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Say, Gingerheart,” Foxfoot mewed. “Can you do a dawn patrol tomorrow?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I suppose so,” Gingerheart replied. “Who else have you gotten for patrol?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No one yet,” Foxfoot replied. “I figured you’d lead it, and then pick whoever. I also assumed you’d take Deerpaw with you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, no problem.” Gingerheart agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart turned to leave, but Foxfoot stopped her. “Were the kits all you were expecting?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re the best things in the world!” Gingerheart cried happily. “Sunshine is so beautiful… I can’t even put it into words!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I can,” Furrypelt interrupted. “She’s beautiful enough that she hypnotized both of us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wow.” Foxfoot mewed. “Remind me not to look her in the eyes.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt chuckled at Foxfoot’s comment, but Gingerheart rolled her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What about the other three?” Foxfoot asked. “Storm, Ash, and Lavend?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You got one of those right,” Gingerheart muttered, annoyed. “It’s Stormy, Ash, and Lavender.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, Ron,” Furrypelt mewed. “It’s Win­-gar­-dium Levi-o-sa!” Furrypelt quipped. She and Foxfoot bust out laughing, while Gingerheart stared at them as though they thought starvation was a laughing matter.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll just go talk about the kits to someone who cares,” Gingerheart hissed. Furrypelt and Foxfoot waited until Gingerheart was out of earshot, then Foxfoot muttered,

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good riddance!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t talk that way about your foster mother!” Furrypelt snapped, but her eyes were amused rather than angry.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, can you tell me about the kits without going insane?” Foxfoot asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sunshine is beautiful, Ash is a coward, Stormy wants to be a warrior, and Lavender is eager but terrible at jumping.” Furrypelt replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I was expecting a bit more—and for it to be less harsh—but, okay.” Foxfoot mewed, surprised.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They’re adorable, but they’re kits, you know?” Furrypelt mewed. “Gingerheart’s making too big of a deal out of them.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sure she’s just excited,” Foxfoot mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She’s talking more about her half-siblings than she did about the fact that she was pregnant,” Furrypelt pointed out. “I’m pretty sure she’s just messed up.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, okay.” Foxfoot agreed. “I can’t think of a logical explanation, so let’s just say she isn’t logical.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good idea,” Furrypelt mewed, letting out a huge yawn. “I think I’m going to call it a day.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I thought you were the one who stayed up twenty-four hours,” Foxfoot mewed teasingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Cats like to sleep more than people do,” Furrypelt pointed out. “I’m going to bed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Foxfoot mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt walked into the medicine den, where Jayfeather was waiting. “So, how were the kits?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “They were kits,” Furrypelt yawned. “Ask Gingerheart if you want details.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’d rather not know,” Jayfeather muttered. “Your sister’s got problems. She was more excited about Coriander’s kits than her own.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know, I already had this discussion with Foxfoot.” Furrypelt meowed irritably, curling up into her nest. It was warmer than it had been lately, with newleaf finally here. Furrypelt was pretty sure it was April in the Twoleg world.

<p class="MsoNormal">           I wonder if we’ve missed Easter, Furrypelt wondered. It was still early April. How Easter was determined in the Twoleg world was so weird… she left it to whoever made the calendars. It had something to do with spring, Sunday, and the full moon. She knew Easter had been known to land at late April, so it was possible they hadn’t missed Easter.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt wondered about this as she slipped off into sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

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

<p class="MsoNormal"> S he’d been glad the kits had given her a distraction from the prophecy, but now Furrypelt was focused back to the crisis at hand. Gingerheart was still talking nonstop about how adorable the kits are and how beautiful Sunshine is, but Furrypelt always tuned her out so she could figure out battle strategies for the upcoming battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''Could we drop from trees? No, cats like Thistleclaw would’ve predicted this since they’ve been watching us, and would’ve warned the four. Hide in undergrowth? No, they’d be prepared for that, too. And they’ve probably been practicing tracking, anyways. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">            Any idea she had was immediately shot down by the fact that the Dark Forest would’ve prepared for it. She’d considered ThunderClan’s special Lightning Strike move, but Thistleclaw, being ThunderClan, would know that one, as would Rockfall.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt thought about the other Clans’ special attacks. Clawface would’ve easily prepared them for ShadowClan’s ambush method, but what about RiverClan’s battle tactic? The Rushpaw Splash? That one had been developed when Mistystar was leader; after Hawkfrost had died, so he couldn’t have taught that one to the Dark Forest cats. However, they could’ve been watching; it was developed before the Great Battle. But RiverClan might still stand a chance. Unless Foxclaw told them about the Rushpaw Splash… 

<p class="MsoNormal">           What was WindClan’s? Oh yeah, she remembered. ''Their tunneling move. But Breezepelt would know that one… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was ready to give up, and the only hope that kept her going was that the four were terribly outnumbered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The dawn patrol ran into the clearing, panting, and haunted looks in their eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar looked up from where he’d been sharing tongues with Cinderheart, then abandoned his mate and ran over to the patrol.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What happened?” he asked anxiously. “Something with ShadowClan or WindClan?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The leader, Fernsong, shook his head. Lionstar gazed anxiously at his son. The yellow tabby finally spoke: “Right in the heart of ThunderClan territory, in all the undergrowth and brambles, there were splatters of blood and crushed grass and plants.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           At this point the entire camp was silent, gazing anxiously at the patrol.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Were there any scents?” Lionstar asked urgently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I recognized the scents of all four Clans, and some scents I don’t recognize.” Fernsong replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar looked deeply alarmed. “Jayfeather, Furrypelt, Foxfoot, in my den, please.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt walked up to Lionstar and quietly said, “What about Gingerheart? She knows just as much about this as we do.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine,” Lionstar replied reluctantly. “Go get your sister.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked around for her sister, and spotted her at the entrance to the nursery, talking to Daisy. She flicked her tail urgently to her sister, and she caught the message, walking over. “What’s up?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Lionstar wants you to join us in his den,” Furrypelt hissed, pretending not to notice her sister’s befuddled look and ran up to the Highledge.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt entered the den to find Lionstar Foxfoot and Jayfeather already waiting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is your sister coming?” Lionstar asked, and Gingerheart appeared a moment later.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is it, Lionstar?” Gingerheart asked. “I was just telling Daisy the details of how beautiful Sunshine is. Have I told you yet?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, Gingerheart, you’ve told me all about Sunshine,” Lionstar sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart recognized the fed up look on Lionstar’s face and stepped back, embarrassed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar looked seriously at the group of cats in front of him. “Do any of you know what this means? The blood in ThunderClan territory?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s what I feared,” Furrypelt murmured, and Lionstar stared at her. “They’re training to fight in our territory,”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why is that what you fear?” Foxfoot asked confusedly. “Of everything you could fear in the world, you fear evil cats training in our territory?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It means that they’re getting used to our territory, which means we can no longer use the undergrowth to our advantage.” Furrypelt explained impatiently. “You read ''Omen of the Stars. ''You should understand this!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You understand how long ago that was, right?” Foxfoot pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt rolled her eyes and turned back to the leader. “I’ve been trying to figure out battle tactics for weeks, but every idea is shot down by the fact the Dark Forest will be ready for it.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think we need to ask the cats that trained last time to teach the new kids the Dark Forest’s battle moves,” Lionstar decided. “That’s the only way.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh, and you remember who those cats were, do you?” Jayfeather snapped. “I thought we all said we’d pretend they hadn’t gone. I can’t even remember, because I’ve forced myself to forget!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I think there are a few people standing with us who do remember, Jayfeather,” Lionstar pointed out, pointed towards Furrypelt Foxfoot and Gingerheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s like the simplest trivia question in the world!” Gingerheart cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Ivypool, Mousewhisker, Birchfall…” Foxfoot listed. “There was one more…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Blossomfall,” Furrypelt finished for him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll tell the Clan,” Lionstar decided, standing up and exiting the den. The other four followed him and quietly walked down the rocks to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highledge for a Clan meeting!” Lionstar yowled. Anxious, everyone gathered around.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt has led me to believe that the Dark Forest cats are taking their trainees to battle train in each Clan’s territory, meaning what we use as advantages against other Clans will be useless. We need to train like they’re training, so we’ll be able to match their strength, and with enough cats, take them out.” Lionstar announced. “Those who trained with the Dark Forest for the Great Battle—Ivypool, Birchfall, Mousewhisker, and Blossomfall—will take out groups at a time to train as they did for the Great Battle. For those who were here for the Great Battle, you should still practice to stay in shape.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You four will take the four apprentices and their mentors first, then you may pick groups as you wish. You will teach together, understood?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, Lionstar,” the four chosen cats mewed in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good. Go, and everyone else, continue business as usual. Meeting dismissed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt watched as Foxfoot took his kits towards Ivypool and the others, and Gingerheart fetched her apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''Oh, StarClan, why did you let it come to this? ''She fretted. They were down to their last hope. If this didn’t work… she didn’t even finish the thought.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, it’s time to take the moves we practiced to the test.” Ivypool mewed. “We’re going to try something I did as an apprentice. We’re going to fight each other—claws sheathed of course—in teams. If you are on the ground for long enough for someone to walk over and claw you once or twice, you’re out. First team to lose all their cats is out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m going to make this interesting. Bramblethorn, Furrypelt, you’re on the same team. Gingerheart, Firepelt, you’re on the opposite team. And let’s give you guys… hmm… Gingerheart you can have your apprentice. Brightheart on Furrypelt’s team with Robinpaw. Foxfoot and Wolfpaw with Gingerheart, Ambermoon and Stripepaw with Furrypelt. Birchfall and I will take Furrypelt’s team, Mousewhisker and Blossomfall, you get Gingerheart.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt knew why Ivypool had said “I’m going to make this interesting.” She had obviously noticed the bond between Furrypelt and Gingerheart, Furrypelt and Firepelt, Firepelt and Bramblethorn, and Gingerheart and Bramblethorn, so had put them on separate teams accordingly. Gingerheart didn’t like Firepelt as more than a friend, and it was the same for Furrypelt and Bramblethorn.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Remember,” Ivypool continued, taking up her spot with Birchfall beside Furrypelt. “Fight like the Dark Forest. Don’t be afraid to use the harsh moves we taught you, because it’ll be the difference between life and death when the real battle comes.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stood in position, waiting for Ivypool to signal the start. At her yowl, both teams started barreling towards each other.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Wolfpaw, being overenthusiastic, leapt straight at Furrypelt, attempting to leap on her back and scratch her eyes. However, as soon as he reached Furrypelt’s back, she immediately dropped and rolled over, squishing her grandson. She heard muffled yowling, and quickly leapt off the apprentice, hoping she hadn’t hurt him. But he stood back up and seemed uninjured.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Deerpaw came over and helped her denmate, being older and more experienced. She started flicking her tail back and forth to Wolfpaw, but Furrypelt couldn’t quite understood what the apprentice was getting at. Apparently, neither did Wolfpaw, because he just stared at the brown she-cat with a blank expression.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt took the opportunity to whack both apprentices off their paws and placed each of her front paws on their chest, pinning them down. Wolfpaw squeaked in terror, and Deerpaw growled. She started kicking out with her hind legs, but she wasn’t quite big enough. Furrypelt let out a mrrow of amusement, and she accidentally loosened her grip on the apprentices. Deerpaw took her moment to knock Furrypelt backwards. She staggered and Deerpaw leapt on her back, Wolfpaw right behind her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt started to collapse, but instead thrust her front paws into the air, rearing up on her hind paws. The two apprentices slipped from her back, and they fell to the ground, unable to regain balance quickly enough. Furrypelt pawed them on the belly and flicked her tail to tell them to sit in the bushes surrounding the clearing to show they were out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt made the mistake of letting her guard down, and Firepelt sprang at her, pinning her to the ground. Furrypelt immediately pawed his belly with her hind legs and then pushed her mate off of her. She darted beneath his pale belly and whacked a certain spot on his hind legs that made him collapse.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart Mousewhisker and Blossomfall came to their teammate’s aid, so Furrypelt spun on her front paws, whacking all three of them with her hind paws. She was careful to make sure she didn’t scratch anyone, but in real battle she’d make sure her claws went deep into the skin, maybe even flesh.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The three cats staggered, but then Mousewhisker and Blossomfall leapt onto Furrypelt’s back, and she was overwhelmed with such weight, and fell to the ground. She knew she was about to be out, so with a great burst of strength, thrust the two cats off of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart—evidently reluctant to be attacking her sister—started pawing at Furrypelt, and Firepelt joined her on the other side. Partner fighting, she thought. ''Interesting touch. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           She reached out a front paw and whacked Gingerheart’s cheek, making her stagger backwards. Firepelt took a chance to leap onto his mate’s back, and wrapped his front paws around her neck, though not nearly tight enough to strangle her. He reached his hinds legs to meet hers and whacked them, and she collapsed. Blossomfall walked over and raised her paw in what would be the killing blow, but she pushed herself upwards just in time to push the paw out of the way with her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was starting to get tired, but she was determined to win the game. She suddenly felt a minor sting in her tail, and turned to see Mousewhisker sink his teeth lightly into her fluffy ginger tail and pull. It didn’t do much damage, but Furrypelt knew that in a real battle he’d be yanking hard enough to throw her off balance, so she pretended to fall, catching her balance at the last second and launching herself on Mousewhisker, but Blossomfall walked over and pawed at Furrypelt’s eyes. Furrypelt knew that would be a finishing move, since she’d be both blind and in serious pain. Sighing, she climbed off of Mousewhisker and sat by the bushes with Deerpaw and Wolfpaw. She noticed Ambermoon and Bramblethorn of her team were both out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt watched the fake battle go on, Mousewhisker and Blossomfall working together to take out many—Stripepaw, Robinpaw, Bramblethorn and Brightheart. Blossomfall had managed to do what Furrypelt had thought impossible: taken advantage of Brightheart’s blind side. Cloudtail had spent a long time training his mate, and when Firestar had gone to fight Brightheart, he had never been able to get to her blind side because of her agility, and she had overpowered him. ''What did the Dark Forest do to that girl? ''Furrypelt wondered, staring at the tortoiseshell confusedly, and a little scared.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Ivypool and Birchfall were the only ones left on Furrypelt’s team, whereas Gingerheart’s team had still only lost the two apprentices, who weren’t exactly too much help anyway.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The father-daughter team of Birchfall and Ivypool worked together and soon Firepelt was out, then Gingerheart, then Foxfoot. Now it was two against two, and all four of them had trained in the Dark Forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           It was a very interesting battle, and each member was close to being out numerous times, but in the end, Mousewhisker and Blossomfall prevailed. Furrypelt sighed; her team had lost.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Panting, Ivypool and Birchfall sat down by the bushes as Mousewhisker and Blossomfall started running around and cheering, followed by the rest of their team.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That was really good, everyone,” Ivypool approved. “But we should definitely practice a bit more, as the last four standing were former Dark Forest trainees. But you’ve improved a lot. I think that’s enough for today.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           As the cats started to disperse, talking excitedly about the “battle”—especially the apprentices—Furrypelt lingered, and noticed Mousewhisker and Blossomfall in the corner of the clearing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That was some really good fighting,” Mousewhisker commented to the she-cat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” Blossomfall mewed. “You weren’t too bad yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We should be fighting together more often,” Mousewhisker continued, his tone so much different from Blossomfall’s.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah,” Blossomfall agreed. “We should.” She flicked her tail across Mousewhisker’s cheek and walked away, leaving Mousewhisker looking confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt had noticed that Mousewhisker’s tone had been friendly and a bit amused, whereas Blossomfall’s had been serious, yet soft. Furrypelt recognized the exchange immediately, but clearly Mousewhisker didn’t understand.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What just happened?” Mousewhisker asked, wheeling around to face Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Isn’t it obvious?” she asked. “Blossomfall likes you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mousewhisker gaped at her. “I never imagined I’d be in love,” he mewed uncertainly. “Especially after I saw what happened with Berrynose when he lost Honeyfern and Poppyfrost. I never wanted to be so close that I might hurt like that. He still hasn’t let it go, either of them, really.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know, it’s driving me insane.” Furrypelt muttered. “Now I’m never gonna be on his good side. But the thing is Berrynose didn’t really have too many friends, so that’s why he ached so much when he lost his mates. He felt too alone. If you mate with Blossomfall, then lose her, the effect probably won’t be as strong with you, because you understand the Clan is there, and that life continues.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mousewhisker brightened a bit at this. Then he sighed. “I’m just not sure I feel quite the same way about her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Give it time,” Furrypelt advised. “I’m sure you’ll come around. I can see you two together quite well.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mousewhisker looked startled and, feeling satisfied, Furrypelt left the clearing.

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 9= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> L ionstar studied his cats from the Highledge as Furrypelt took a bite of her magpie. It was a bit stringy, but it was definitely an improvement compared to the leaf-bare moons behind her. Furrypelt noticed he was looking exhausted, and wondered if he was overworking himself. She’d often catch him muttering things like, “A new leader and now this happens,” and “We have to go through this again?” and “How are we supposed to win this time?” Furrypelt often wanted to reassure Lionstar, but she was unsure what she’d say.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Now Lionstar looked not only exhausted, but stressed, and his eyes were unfocused. Poor guy, Furrypelt thought sympathetically. She hadn’t felt much different lately. Furrypelt was tempted to demand him to take the day off, but because of the crisis at hand, she knew he wouldn’t do it.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned next to her where Rockfall was sitting awkwardly—thanks to his leg—and was avoiding eye contact with anyone. As a battle training group entered camp, led by Ivypool, Rockfall glared at them with undisguised loathing, then averted his eyes and walked away, curling up in front of the elders’ den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are you doing?” Furrypelt asked her son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sleeping,” Rockfall hissed. “What else am I gonna do?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You could be normal and—I don’t know—talk to people. You’re an elder, you could tell some stories to the apprentices—,”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Just because I’m an elder doesn’t mean I have stories to tell!” Rockfall growled angrily. “I’m barely a warrior! A few short moons ago I was an apprentice, for crying out loud! I don’t have any interesting stories to tell!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt realized he was right. He could tell the story of the battle the night Sunstripe had given birth, but that was about it. He could tell the story of him getting crushed, but he was barely conscious when he’d come back to camp; he probably didn’t remember much.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt let her mind wander to the night Sunstripe had given birth. Young Sunpaw, struggling to give birth at such a young age, as well as stressed at the battle currently going on, and her mate Foxpaw, probably twice as scared because he knew better what might happen to his kits. And then a young gray tom-kit, a white she-kit, and a tortoiseshell she-cat came out, the she-kits marked so peculiarly, the white one with orange stripes right on the white, instead of the typical ginger-and-white tabby, leading to her name, Stripekit. Then the tortoiseshell, with leaf-like markings, leading to the name Leafkit.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then there was the tom. His markings weren’t the unusual part; his size was. He was so small, so weak, no one thought he’d survive. Furrypelt had shared with Foxpaw the story of why Tigerstar had gotten his name, and Foxpaw had determined that a fierce name was needed for his son, in hopes that his son would get stronger, and Wolfkit just seemed fitting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poor Leafkit had died of greencough a few moons ago, but Wolfpaw and Stripepaw were as strong as ever, healthy and energetic apprentices.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt sighed. Life had been tough lately, on top of the prophecy, the injury upon her son, Rockfall, and the three deaths from greencough, Briarlight, Leafkit, and Bramblestar, right in a row.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked up and noticed the sun just starting to set. The Gathering would be soon. Furrypelt was scared to find what conversation they’d have this time.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           The Gathering was nothing exciting, but Furrypelt had learned by talking to others afterwards that Lilypaw had gotten Perchwing as a mentor, and Cloverpaw Podlight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt had curled up in her nest and had just fallen asleep when someone roughly shook her awake. Blinking and groaning, she recognized the outline of Brackenfur, the second newest and third youngest elder.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What’s up?” Furrypelt asked, standing up and yawning.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s Rockfall,” Brackenfur replied, and Furrypelt’s stomach lurched. “He’s saying weird things in his sleep I think you might need to know about.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt followed Brackenfur apprehensively. They entered the elders’ den and Brackenfur flicked his tail silently to motion to Rockfall’s nest in the corner. Furrypelt listened carefully, and heard Rockfall utter the words, “It’s happening in three days time, the Dark Forest will rise to power…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           It took all of Furrypelt’s strength not to gasp out loud, and her heart was pounding out of her chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Does it mean anything?” Brackenfur whispered through the darkness.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Trying to control herself, and hoping Brackenfur couldn’t smell her fear, Furrypelt replied, “No, it’s probably just a nightmare.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           But Brackenfur didn’t buy it. “Tell me the truth,” he demanded. “I can smell your fear scent. You’re hiding something.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           ''Dang it! ''Furrypelt thought frustratedly, then tried to think what she could say to Brackenfur.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This has something to do with the prophecy, doesn’t it?” Brackenfur asked. “There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes,” Furrypelt sighed. “I’ll talk it over with Lionstar in the morning. But I need to know something.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah?” Brackenfur prompted.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I know you’re retired, but are you willing to fight for your Clan one last time?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What kind of question is that?” Brackenfur asked. “Of course I would!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Good,” Furrypelt mewed. “We need as many people fighting as possible. Jayfeather should be the only one in all four Clans not fighting. And Beefoot, since she’s pregnant.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, we’re running out of time,” Brackenfur mewed urgently. “We need to know who we’re up against. Who are the four?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stayed quiet.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well?” Brackenfur hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry,” Furrypelt mewed, wanting to wait until the right moment. “I can’t tell you now. You’ll know soon enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if it’s not soon enough?” Brackenfur growled quietly. “Furrypelt, I heard Rockfall too! We have three days! We need to know now!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry.” Furrypelt repeated. “Not now. Not here. I promise you, everyone will know before the battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But—,” Brackenfur started, but Furrypelt had already left the den.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thornclaw! Brightheart!” Lionstar called.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah?” Thornclaw asked, walking over to Lionstar with his sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m visiting the other Clans and I’m taking Foxfoot Furrypelt and Jayfeather with me. Watch over the Clan while we’re gone, okay?” Lionstar mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why are you going?” Brightheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s classified information,” Lionstar replied. “Just make sure we don’t come back to find blood and dead bodies everywhere.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can count on us, Lionstar,” Thornclaw assured him. Lionstar nodded to show he heard and walked out of camp, Foxfoot right behind him, followed closely by Furrypelt and Jayfeather.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Their first stop was WindClan. They pushed through brambles and hedges, leapt the stream, and continued across the moor. Furrypelt felt like she’d been taking this path a lot lately.

<p class="MsoNormal">           At dawn, Furrypelt had explained to Jayfeather and Lionstar what she’d heard Rockfall say and the conversation she’d had with Brackenfur, and they all agreed that everyone needed to know all the details now.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They entered the WindClan camp without running into any patrols, and they heard many cats yowl in fear and/or call for Featherstar.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A young gray tabby she-cat emerged into the clearing, and Lionstar dipped his head to the WindClan leader. Featherstar did not return the greeting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are you doing here?” she growled, her eyes cold.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We need to talk,” Lionstar replied. “In private.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why should I?” Featherstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because this has to do with the prophecy!” Lionstar whispered as quiet as she could so the Clan—who had all stopped what they were doing to listen—wouldn’t overhear. “You know, There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Featherstar’s eyes immediately widened with understanding, and without any more hesitation, ushered them into her den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is this about?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You remember who the four are, right?” Lionstar inquired.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah, Breezepelt, Foxclaw, Slatewhisker, and Rockfall, wasn’t it?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yep. Last night Brackenfur and Furrypelt overheard Rockfall talking in his sleep while he was training. The battle is in three days. We need to tell all the Clans who the four are, but without letting the four know we’re doing it. Meet us at the Gathering island tomorrow at sunhigh, and leave Breezepelt here. Be sure to bring the oldest and youngest cats of the Clans; anyone who can make the journey.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But what will we do with the cat left behind? Besides, won’t they know something’s up?” Featherstar questioned.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Easy,” Foxfoot replied. “Leave a warrior or two behind, and tell them what’s going on beforehand.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if Breezepelt questions us?” Featherstar asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Don’t give him any information.” Jayfeather mewed flatly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m not sure Breezepelt will settle with that, but I guess I don’t have much choice,” Featherstar sighed. “Besides, Breezepelt is still being punished for what he did to Furrypelt. The punishment isn’t as severe as it was before, but he still needs to be punished for what he’s been doing across the border—you know, like taking a life from Bramblestar.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed a flash of grief appear in Lionstar’s amber eyes, but it quickly faded and he mewed, “Great. See you tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           They stood up and left the den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Immediately all the cats stared badgering Featherstar to find out what had been said.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Crowfeather! Nightcloud!” Featherstar called. “I need to speak to you in my den.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Great, she’s guarding Breezepelt with his own parents?” Furrypelt muttered exasperatedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Actually, that’s not a bad plan,” Jayfeather pointed out. “He’s bound to attack Crowfeather, but he wouldn’t attack Nightcloud, and Nightcloud wouldn’t let Breezepelt attack Crowfeather.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fair point,” Furrypelt mewed. “Do you think Foxclaw would be put with his parents?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who are his parents?” Foxfoot asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           He never got a response, as no one actually knew.

<p class="MsoNormal">           As soon as they’d crossed the border into RiverClan, a patrol immediately stopped them. The patrol included Mintfur, Lizardtail, Jayclaw, and Poppyspots.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What are you doing here?” Mintfur growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mintfur, hang on a second,” Lizardtail mewed quickly. “Pay attention to who these cats are. ThunderClan’s leader, medicine cats, and deputy. This is important.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re a good cat, Lizardtail,” Lionstar mewed, then directed his attention to Mintfur. “May we please speak to Mistystar?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Evidently reluctant, Mintfur led the way to the RiverClan camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mistystar!” Poppyspots yowled as soon as they entered the camp. “Lionstar, Foxfoot, Furrypelt, and Jayfeather are here!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppyspots threw a glare at Furrypelt. “What did I do?” Furrypelt asked, confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppyspots growled. “You’re the reason my sister is dead!” she yowled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?” Furrypelt cried. “Fluffykit died of greencough!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Poppyspots opened her mouth to speak, but Mistystar emerged from her den just then, and mewed, “Silence, Poppyspots. It is not Furrypelt’s fault Fluffykit is dead. If it is anyone’s fault, it’s mine. Do not blame her.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But if she hadn’t come here—!” Poppyspots started.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then we’d have a much bigger problem about this prophecy, wouldn’t we?” Mistystar interrupted. “Furrypelt is a bright young cat, and you should respect her for that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You know, Mistystar,” Furrypelt mewed. “You’ve always been one of my favorite characters, and this is partly why. Leopardstar made the right choice making you deputy. I never doubted that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thank you, Furrypelt.” Mistystar mewed. “You said you wished to talk?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, and it’s urgent,” Lionstar meowed impatiently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mistystar led the way back to her den, and Lionstar had to help her up onto the rock where her den was located. As Mistystar turned, Furrypelt noticed her muzzle grayer than the rest of her body.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The four ThunderClan cats settled around Mistystar as she sat stiffly in her nest. She’s getting pretty old, Furrypelt remembered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is it?” Mistystar asked, and Lionstar explained about the “Gathering” that would take place tomorrow afternoon.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Of course I’ll come,” Mistystar meowed after he was finished. “Foxclaw was always friendly with Shadetail and Lizardtail, I’ll have them guard him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Excellent,” Lionstar meowed, standing up to leave.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mistystar, before we go, I have a question,” Furrypelt announced. “Why does Poppyspots think it’s my fault Fluffykit died?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Mistystar sighed. “Many moons ago, the day after your first Gathering, when your sister was announced, Rowanstar visited me, asking if I’d join him to raid ThunderClan, to take you and Gingerheart out. I was hesitant, because you’d sounded harmless at the Gathering, but I knew I couldn’t be sure, couldn’t take the risk, couldn’t be fooled if you were acting, so in an attempt to protect my Clan, I agreed to fight. In the moon—or moons, I can’t remember—leading up to the battle, Fluffykit got sick. During the battle, so many cats came back fatally injured that Mothwing and Willowshine couldn’t focus on Fluffykit, and she went too long without treatment. Truly, it’s not your fault, Furrypelt. It’s mine, and I hope you’ll forgive me for ever thinking you were dangerous.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I forgave you after the battle,” Furrypelt pointed out. “And I hope you know that when I heard of Fluffykit’s death, I did feel sympathy for your Clan. I would never wish an innocent kit to die. Any kit’s death is a loss to all the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thank you,” Mistystar mewed furtively. “And may StarClan light your path.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The four ThunderClan cats exited the den and left camp quietly, as to not attract attention, then made the trek to ShadowClan’s territory. Naturally they were caught almost instantly and they were very angry—and confused as to why they’d been coming from RiverClan—and were circled to make sure they didn’t do any harm.

<p class="MsoNormal">           When they reached ShadowClan’s camp, they were first greeted by Tawnypelt. Furrypelt waved her tail at the tortoiseshell, then continued to Rowanstar’s den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you want?” Rowanstar growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar once again explained what had happened the previous night, then his plan for tomorrow.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Keep Slatewhisker here with some warriors, and explain what’s happening to the warriors guarding him beforehand. Bring all the elders, and Beefoot, if they can. If they can’t explain beforehand, but if they can come, it’s very crucial for any cat able to get to the island to be there.” Lionstar finished.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I will,” Rowanstar promised. “Beefoot is too close to kitting, so I need to keep Puddlefur and Beefoot here. I’ll leave Slatewhisker with his two siblings, Birchstripe and Lionfur. He wouldn’t dare hurt his siblings, I wouldn’t think.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright,” Lionstar mewed, dipping his head. “Just make sure Birchstripe and Lionfur are prepared. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Farewell,” Rowanstar meowed. “And may StarClan light your path.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who should we have guarding Rockfall?” Foxfoot asked as they went back. “I’d love to stay behind with my brother, but as deputy, am I allowed to do that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’ve got a point, you need to come.” Lionstar agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why don’t we leave Firepelt with him?” Furrypelt suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Is that the brightest plan?” Jayfeather asked. “Didn’t you say his reason for joining the Dark Forest in the first place was because he was never raised by his own parents and was forced to live a lie? Furrypelt, Firepelt, Gingerheart, and Bramblethorn are out of the question for guarding him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, what about Mistypelt and Squirreltail?” Foxfoot suggested.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He was never too friendly with his sister,” Furrypelt pointed out. “But he did like Squirreltail, and he was always friendly with Brightpelt.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Alright, Squirreltail and Brightpelt.” Lionstar determined. “I’ll go tell them.” They had reached camp by this point.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt pondered over the past few hours, and realized that ShadowClan would have the most people staying behind. ''I’d say that works, because of ShadowClan’s reputation, but Breezepelt is more experienced and more aggressive than Slatewhisker, so really WindClan should have the most people staying behind. ''Furrypelt shrugged. ''We need as many people in attendance as possible. We’ll just have to hope for the best. ''

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt leaped onto the tree bridge. It felt odd to be here with the sun shining instead of moon. But the moon was still visible, and Furrypelt looked up, and saw an almost-full moon against a bright blue sky.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She took her normal seat where the medicine cats sit, off to the side. Mothwing and Willowshine were already there, as were Kestrelflight and Snowpaw. ShadowClan was there, too, but instead of Puddlefur, Littlecloud was there, looking more exhausted than ever, his pelt clinging to his bones, which were easily visible.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Littlecloud, are you getting enough food?” Furrypelt asked worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The warriors need it more than me,” the former medicine cat rasped.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, you should be eating,” Jayfeather mewed firmly. “You were a warrior once. Tomorrow you need to be fighting.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I won’t be any help,” Littlecloud sighed. “I haven’t fought in so long, and my bones… if I have to participate in the battle it’ll be helping Puddlefur.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar leaped on the Great Oak where the other leaders were already sitting. The tree was still blackened from the lightning strike a few moons ago, on the day Gingerheart had announced to be Halloween. Furrypelt wondered how much longer the tree would be able to hold the leaders’ weight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The golden tabby yowled for silence, and the anxious murmurings from the cats ceased. It was very crowded, for usually only half of each Clan came to the Gathering, instead of most of each Clan.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re wondering why you’re here,” Lionstar started. “There is something we must tell you. We do know who the four cats of the prophecy are.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I knew it!” Poppyspots yowled, and Mistystar glared at her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt has figured out for us that the four cats of the prophecy are one from each Clan: From WindClan, Breezepelt. From RiverClan, Foxclaw. From ShadowClan, Slatewhisker. From ThunderClan, Rockfall.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Murmurings broke out again, and Furrypelt heard things like, “The injured cat who retired as a new warrior?” and “We should’ve known! Foxclaw and Breezepelt have been bothering everyone for so long…” and “That’s why we left him behind with guards!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Silence!” Rowanstar growled. “There’s more.” And he nodded to Lionstar to take over.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt,” Lionstar meowed. “Tell them what you heard.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt cleared her throat, and, speaking as loudly as she could, mewed, “The other night Brackenfur woke me up, saying that Rockfall was saying weird things in his sleep. When I walked in there, I heard Rockfall say, ‘It’s happening in three days time, the Dark Forest will rise to power.’ It was definitely no nightmare. He was training in the Dark Forest. Two days have passed since then. Tomorrow is the battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           More anxious murmurings broke out amongst the cats, and Furrypelt noticed the leaders rolling their eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar yowled again, and turned to Lionstar.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “In the remaining time, I recommend you take any former Dark Forest trainees from the Great Battle and have them train you. WindClan I’m not sure what to say because your only survivor was Breezepelt, so, sorry about that. ShadowClan           has Tigerheart and Ratscar, though, and RiverClan has Icewing, so you should be able to get something out of that.” Lionstar finished. Featherstar looked thoroughly frustrated.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That is all,” Lionstar mewed. “May StarClan light your path, and the best of luck in the battle tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 10= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> T he battle had begun. Furrypelt was rescuing Firepelt from Breezepelt when she noticed Rockfall out of the corner of her eye, injuring many ThunderClan warriors, and killing some of them. Gasping in horror, her grip on Breezepelt loosened, and the black tom was able to escape her grasp and was able to attack Firepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt tried to stop him, but Breezepelt pushed her in the chest with a forepaw, sending her backwards, and crashing into a rock. Furrypelt watched in horror as Breezepelt went to perform the killing bite on her mate. She averted her eyes, screaming for Breezepelt to have mercy, and she suddenly heard a voice in the distance: “Furrypelt! Furrypelt!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Her eyes shot open, and she felt her pounding heart slow as she realized she was still in the medicine den. Jayfeather was standing over her. “You were thrashing around in your sleep,” he mewed irritably.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Bad dream,” Furrypelt mumbled. She climbed out of her nest and stretched, then started giving herself a thorough wash.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayfeather walked out of the medicine den, pushing the brambles aside, and Furrypelt was momentarily blinded by bright sunlight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She had trouble trying to calm herself; what had happened in her dream could easily happen later today. She still had trouble believing the fact that Rockfall was one of the four and would be fighting against her. My own son… she kept sighing.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was quite ready to give up on everything as she settled down for a sparrow at the fresh-kill pile. Gingerheart passed by and stopped to settle down beside her sister.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey,” she mewed. “You okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt shook her head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s going to be alright,” Furrypelt heard someone say, but it wasn’t Gingerheart. Looking up, she spotted Firepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How do you know that?” Furrypelt hissed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We don’t have to,” Gingerheart mewed soothingly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We just have to believe in ourselves,” Firepelt continued.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked skeptically at him. “This is worse than we’ve ever had to face,” she pointed out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s four cats!” Firepelt cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Highly trained by the Dark Forest, and it’s easily possible the Dark Forest will be fighting alongside them.” Furrypelt reminded him.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt stared at Gingerheart. “How did you ever become friends with her?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt turned back to Furrypelt. “Seriously, would it kill you to be optimistic once in a while?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes.” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt sighed. Rockfall walked out of the elders’ den, and Firepelt walked over to his son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey,” he mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get away from me, traitor!” Rockfall hissed, fluffing out his fur and drawing his lips back in a snarl.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What?!” Firepelt cried, jumping back and evidently utterly confused.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You betrayed the Warrior Code when you mated with Furrypelt!” Rockfall growled quietly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt backed away slowly, eyes so wide you could see white at the edges. Furrypelt rushed forward and hurriedly led her mate away from their son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt stared at Rockfall in dismay. “Can I declare that I have no son?” he asked in an undertone.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I already have,” Furrypelt replied fervently.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks a lot,” came a voice behind them, and they realized Foxfoot had just showed up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We weren’t talking about you,” Firepelt mewed hastily. “We were talking about Rockfall.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’s still my brother!” Foxfoot growled. “He can’t be all bad! Just give him a bit of a chance!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt felt startled by Foxfoot’s fierce manner. She couldn’t remember him acting like this as a Twoleg.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Look,” Foxfoot mewed. “I understand he betrayed everyone by training in the Dark Forest, but I’m sure when the battle starts he’ll find sense again. He’s still your son, and my brother, and we all know that’s not him. He can turn around again, can’t he? I’m asking; you were the religious one.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes, Gingerheart and I believe that unless you commit an unpardonable sin—I only remember intentional murder and denying God, but only the first one applies to us here—you are always forgiven. And clearly StarClan is more forgiving because Hollyleaf went to StarClan and we saw how that went.” Furrypelt replied. “Maybe it’s because she saw her error not too long after she did it, and lived the rest of her life to the fullest, including sacrificing her life to save Ivypool.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So, Rockfall still has a chance to be the cat he was supposed to be?” Firepelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Absolutely,” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He has to,” Foxfoot meowed determinedly. “This is not Rockfall. He’ll turn around. I know it.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal">           The sun was setting. The sky had just turned blood-red. Tensions had been high all day, and with the exception of the conversation between her Firepelt and Foxfoot, Furrypelt hadn’t heard anyone talk much at all.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Now everyone was sitting in the clearing. No one had left camp much, either, determined to be next to their family and friends when the battle started. Rockfall looked impatient and expectant. Finally, now that the sky was the color of blood, Furrypelt noticed Rockfall’s expression brighten, an evil look seeping into his green eyes. He curled his lips maliciously, looking eager for something to happen.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A few other cats had noticed his look and had started to whisper to the cats next to them. Pretty soon, everyone in the clearing was staring at Rockfall anxiously, Lionstar, too.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Not too much later, a voice rang out, as though from the sky itself. “The time has come,” the voice yowled, and Furrypelt recognized Clawface’s voice. A shiver went down everyone’s spine—except Rockfall’s, who instead smiled broadly—and evilly. But the voice hadn’t finished speaking. “''Go and start the battle! Create mass terror, and take over your Clans!''”

<p class="MsoNormal">           No sooner had the voice finished speaking than Rockfall was lunging at every single cat in the clearing, knocking them to the ground instantly, getting in a few good blows, then moving on to the next cat before anyone knew what had happened. Furrypelt stared aghast as Rockfall shoved her to the ground roughly and she suddenly felt a sting in her leg.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Everyone was on the ground, and Rockfall was going in for more. Everyone was screaming in terror, now. They were looking around, as though thinking more cat would come in to attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stood up and ran over to where Rockfall currently was, pinning Leafbreeze to the ground, clawing her belly mercilessly. She was bleeding, and Lilyheart ran over to help her daughter, but Rockfall had shoved her away with a paw before she could get near enough to do anything. Larkspirit and Honeyfur too tried to help their sister, each appearing from a side of Rockfall, but he merely lifted his front paws off of Leafbreeze, then, turning, used his injured hind paw—since he needed his good one on the ground—to shove Larkspirit away, and a front one to shove away Honeyfur. Furrypelt had noticed that as he’d made rough contact with Larkspirit with his injured leg he’d given a tiny wince, but it was hardly noticeable. Before Leafbreeze could take advantage of the fact that she could stand, Rockfall was back on top of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt charged her son, determined to throw him off of the young tortoiseshell, but before her front paws could reach his flank, Rockfall put all his weight on Leafbreeze’s shoulders and kicked out with both of his hind paws. As Furrypelt was launched backwards, she heard Leafbreeze’s yelp of pain.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Other cats tried to help, but to no avail. Finally they had given up, and were backing away slowly, staring frightened at Leafbreeze, as though expecting her to die any second. Rockfall was leaning towards Leafbreeze’s neck, about to perform the killing bite, Leafbreeze was inevitably going to die… or was she?

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall!” Furrypelt yowled at the top of her lungs, causing Rockfall to stop a centimeter from Leafbreeze’s neck. Everyone in the camp was now staring at Furrypelt instead. Rockfall had pulled away from Leafbreeze to stare at his mother, but his paws were still placed firmly on her chest. “You don’t have to do this!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who says I’m being forced to?” Rockfall growled. “This is the only way to get respect, and power, which was stripped away when that stupid rock fell on me!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re blinded by fury and greed,” Furrypelt persisted. “You don’t want to do this, these are your Clanmates!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I am not!” Rockfall hissed. “You’re just saying that because you’re desperate. Go ahead—keep pleading. It’s amusing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt realized that Rockfall was half right, but she had to keep trying.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This is not who you are, Rockfall!” she cried. “We all want you back!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This is who I am now,” Rockfall snarled. “Got a problem with that?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes!” chorused everyone in the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Well I have a problem with you having a problem! And I can kill every single one of you, if you want.” Rockfall meowed angrily. The rest of the ThunderClan cats were now pressed against the walls of the hollow.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall, you’re jealous, angry, and that’s understandable,” Furrypelt mewoed desperately. “You were stripped of what you wanted most. It’s not too late to change! Those Dark Forest cats make empty promises, I hope you know that! They’re just keeping you to do your dirty work. They’ll give you no free choice, you’ll basically be a prisoner after this is over, if you don’t switch to our side.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why am I supposed to believe you?” Rockfall yowled. “Especially on top of the lie you’ve been telling your Clanmates!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Murmurs broke out through the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is he talking about, Furrypelt?” came Sunstripe’s voice. She’d pushed her way to the front of the crowd, where Foxfoot was.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Nothing,” Furrypelt assured the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You just keep on lying,” Rockfall mewed, his eyes glittering with pleasure. “Care to tell the truth yet, or should I keep tormenting you?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt, you can’t deny that something is happening right now,” Brightheart mewed anxiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Look, my brother is just making stuff up!” Foxfoot cried angrily. “You really think Furrypelt would keep anything from you? I’m her kin, and her best friend! You don’t think if I’d know if she was hiding something? Well, she’s not.” He turned to Rockfall, who was giving him a death glare. “You can’t threaten us, Rockfall.” He walked closer, so that only he, Furrypelt, Rockfall, and Firepelt and Gingerheart, who had stayed near Rockfall, could hear. Leafbreeze was breathing so hard Furrypelt wondered if she’d hear this next sentence. “You can’t threaten us, especially since you’re threatening yourself, too.” Foxfoot was talking so quietly Furrypelt could hardly hear. Leafbreeze’s expression gave away nothing but fear. Foxfoot kept talking. “If they find out what you are, they’ll all get mad. They may get angrier at you, their adrenaline will increase, and they’ll attack fiercer than ever. By hurting your family, you’re hurting yourself.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Glaring at his brother, Foxfoot walked back to his mate in the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:107%; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"TimesNewRoman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">           The anger faded just a little bit from Rockfall’s eyes, and Furrypelt knew they were winning him over. “Rockfall, please, if you care about anything, you’ll stop. Now.” Furrypelt continued. “Please,”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt saw just a bit of emotion glitter in his eyes. “Please,” she repeated. She heard the rustle of fur against fur and pawsteps, and turned to find Squirreltail pushing his way to the front.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Your family wants the real you back,” he meowed seriously. “Come back, please.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Please,” Foxfoot echoed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt watched the anger die away completely from Rockfall’s eyes, then turned and stared at Leafbreeze, then jumped back, as though frightened at the scene he saw. “I’m so sorry,” he choked to Leafbreeze, but Leafbreeze was already tearing across the clearing, to where Lilyheart and Snowbush were standing, embracing their daughter. Rockfall turned and walked towards Furrypelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I lost my mind. I was so determined to prove myself, so mad about my injury…”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hey, it’s okay,” Furrypelt mewed soothingly. “How about this, if you fight well tonight—and on the right side—and come out alive, I’ll make sure Lionstar makes you a warrior again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall stared into Furrypelt’s face with gratitude, and Furrypelt felt more like a parent than she ever had.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You fool!” rang Clawface’s voice. “You had one job! We warned you not to make us come down here, so now that we have to help, you’re going to pay!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Another shiver ran down everyone’s spines.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Come on,” Lionstar called. “We have to go fight, together.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Everyone was shaking, but they all nodded and ran out of the hollow. The elders—with the exception of Purdy—followed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayfeather was staying behind as well, and Furrypelt glanced at him, wishing that he could see the look in her eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt bolted out of the camp, and shadowy figures randomly appeared in front of her. She leaped on a gray tabby she didn’t recognize, but she was thrown to the grown instantly. She went to get up and a paw was placed on her chest. The gray tabby tom had forced her to the ground. She clawed his belly with her hind legs as hard as she could, but he didn’t seem to notice. “You can’t defeat the Dark Forest this time,” he growled. “Every prophecy has to come true.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Not if you don’t have all four cats the prophecy refers to on your side!” Furrypelt growled. The tom took a moment to ponder this, and Furrypelt lunged upward with all her strength, just barely enough to make the tom stagger. The gray tabby—whom Furrypelt just realized was ever so slightly translucent—lunged, and Furrypelt jumped out of the way just in time. He crashed into a tree, and Furrypelt leapt on him, clawing at his eyes. He yowled in pain and threw her off, his eyes shut and bleeding horribly. He staggered around blindly, trying to find another opponent. Furrypelt started running over to him, then suddenly Thornclaw jumped over from the bushes. He pushed in front of Furrypelt, grabbed the tabby by the scruff, and threw him into a tree, which was right next to a fairly large rock. His head hit the tree, then bounced off and hit the rock. He was either unconscious or dead; Furrypelt couldn’t tell which.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” Furrypelt mewed to Thornclaw.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Any time,” Thornclaw replied, disappearing into the bushes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned and looked to find the next enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She did not to have look far.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Clawface was nearby, attacking Bramblethorn. Furrypelt lunged, knocking Clawface aside. However, she was immediately knocked over herself, pinned down. Before Furrypelt really knew what was happening, Bramblethorn was trying to save her, and Clawface was pushing him back while simultaneously giving Furrypelt fresh wounds.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt tried pushing up with her hind paws against Clawface, but it seemed to do no good; she felt nothing but resistance and she was still being pinned down.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A yowl of pure fury rang out through the trees, and Clawface was knocked off of her. A figure was clawing, hissing, growling, and snarling at Clawface, giving him little time to react. Furrypelt had never seen a better fighter, and wondered who her savior was. But she didn’t have time to dwell on this; it seemed Clawface was recovering from the sneak attack.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt lunged at the big brown tom, and clawed his ears, tearing his right one, and left a nasty scar on his flank, causing him to yowl and throw her off his back. The unidentified cat was still clawing him mercilessly, giving him a scar across his eye, much like Scar and Kovu from Disney’s The Lion King and The Lion King II.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Bramblethorn had rejoined the fight, biting Clawface’s tail so hard Furrypelt swore she heard the sound of flesh tearing. Clawface yowled and suddenly all three were thrown against trees. The unidentified cat fell in a heap to the ground in a patch of moonlight, and Furrypelt recognized Gingerheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart!” Furrypelt gasped, running over to her sister. She had a scar on the back of her left ear, and the same ear was torn. Her white chest was stained with blood from numerous scratches that Clawface had given her. Thankfully, most didn’t seem to be too deep.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Bramblethorn had run over, too, but before he could do or say anything, Clawface had him pinned down. Furrypelt stared in horror as Clawface sliced Bramblethorn’s belly open, and winced at his yowl of agony.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart charged Clawface, but he was kicking and slashing the split second they entered his attack range.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Thrown against a tree, Furrypelt gasped at the impact and fell to the ground, her vision blurred a little. Moaning, she looked up at Bramblethorn, who was bleeding heavily now. Furrypelt made to stand up, but suddenly one of Clawface’s massive paws was on Furrypelt’s chest. Bramblethorn was no longer being guarded, but he’d lost so much blood—it was gushing fast—he was too weak to stand. Gingerheart, who was right next to Furrypelt, went to stand, but Clawface had once placed his other front paw on Gingerheart’s chest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt wondered how they’d get out of this.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then, another angry yowl split the air, and Furrypelt recognized the shape of her mate instantly. Firepelt clawed Clawface’s face with such intensity and ferocity that his eyes and mouth bled, and a yowl of pain issued from his blood-heavy mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “NO—ONE—HURTS—MY—FRIENDS!” Firepelt yowled, still clawing Clawface. Clawface finally fell to the ground, bleeding heavily.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “NO!” he yowled. “I can’t join Mapleshade and Tigerstar yet! It’s bad enough I’m not actually mortal!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt noticed he was slowly fading, then comprehended what he’d just said.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mapleshade finally faded away, did she?” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt never actually got a response; all Clawface gave was a yowl of fear and pain, then he was gone, leaving just a pool of his blood.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart stared at the spot where he was for a while, then looked up at Firepelt, who was panting.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You saved us!” Gingerheart cried finally.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He was killing my brother, my mate, and my brother’s mate slash mate’s sister.” Firepelt pointed out. “What else was I going to do?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt ignored this and looked at Bramblethorn. His eyes were half closed, and there must’ve been a quart of blood on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She lunged for the dark brown tabby, and Firepelt turned on the spot, watching his mate, then, realizing the peril his brother was in, helped Furrypelt lift him up. With Gingerheart’s help, they gently placed Bramblethorn on Firepelt’s back, and hurried to camp as fast as they could without putting Bramblethorn in a worse condition.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Bramblethorn kept moaning and mumbling under his breath, and Furrypelt figured that couldn’t be a good sign.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They finally got back to camp, which was empty except for Purdy and Jayfeather. Purdy, seemingly oblivious to the ongoing battle, was telling Jayfeather a tale of fights that he’d gotten into. Jayfeather appeared to have been paying no attention, however, and instead had kept all his senses—except for sight of course—alert, and the moment the four cats entered camp, Jayfeather abandoned Purdy and rushed over.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get him into the medicine den,” Jayfeather mewed urgently. “Then you three need to get back out there.” There was something in his blue eyes that looked rather like jealously. ''He probably wants to be fighting instead of listening to Purdy droning on about boring old stories. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt laid his brother down in Furrypelt’s nest since it was closest to the entrance and he didn’t have time to make a new one. Furrypelt made a mental note that she’d need to swap out her moss for some that wasn’t stained with blood. Furrypelt watched Jayfeather’s fruitless attempts at stopping the blood flowing from Bramblethorn for a moment, then Gingerheart ushered her out of camp again, where the roaring sounds of battle filled her ears and the stench of blood her nose.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall staggered into Furrypelt, having lost his balance without the use of all four legs. Even still, he was fighting pretty well, as he clawed a jet-black tom Furrypelt didn’t recognize.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart stood on her front paws and kicked the black attacker away with her hindquarters. He tripped over some tree roots, and Rockfall took the opportunity to pounce and pinned the cat down, pummeling his belly with his good hind paw. The black tom was only being attacked with one paw, but it was doing equal amount of damage as the average cat using both hind paws.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The black tom thrusted upwards with his hind paws, hitting Rockfall hard in the stomach. Firepelt rushed over to help his son to his feet while Furrypelt and Gingerheart started slashing the tom’s sides, matching each other blow for blow.

<p class="MsoNormal">           This didn’t seem to do much, though, because the tom threw them both aside. The back of Furrypelt’s head now hurt because of how many times it had hit a tree, the ground, or a rock.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall and Firepelt were now on top of the black tom. He’d managed to thrust Firepelt out of the way, but Rockfall seemed to predict his every move, dodging blows at the last possible second, and taking advantages when the black tom accidentally left a soft spot—like his belly—open to attack for a split second. Furrypelt wanted to join in and help her son, but she was frozen to the spot with amazement.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The next thing Furrypelt knew, the black tom was lying sprawled out on the floor, begging for mercy from Rockfall. Rockfall looked at Firepelt, and he nodded. Rockfall took the paw he’d had on the black tom’s chest off and the awkwardly dragged himself into the undergrowth.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Rockfall!” gasped a voice. Furrypelt turned and recognized Slatewhisker. She growled, but Slatewhisker didn’t seem to notice. “Rockfall, what happened?” Slatewhisker asked. “I heard the voice, Clawface screaming that someone was a fool. It couldn’t’ve been me; I was too busy slaughtering my Clanmates. Also, Scorchfur, Owlclaw, and Spikefur all are dead thanks to me. I don’t know if those are the only ones; some of the others could’ve killed some. I asked someone to take over for me while I try to figure out who the fool was, and why the Dark Forest cats came down to help. Foxclaw and Breezepelt assured me they stuck to plan. Please tell me you just made a little mistake!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt was surprised at Slatewhisker’s friendly voice, and the casual way he talked about killing innocent Clanmates. Clearly Rockfall felt the same way, because his green eyes were wide, and he started growling at Slatewhisker.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The only mistake I made was joining the Dark Forest in the first place,” Rockfall growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Wha-what?” Slatewhisker mewed, looking utterly bewildered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How could you be such a murderer?!” Rockfall screamed. “How could you kill your own father?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He was never much of a father, anyway,” Slatewhisker meowed dismissively. “The type who stuck to his warrior duties. Just be glad I didn’t kill off Pinenose, Puddlefur, Birchstripe, or Lionfur. I highly considered it, but in the end I decided that my family could be useful as slaves when we take over the Clans.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You mean when you take over the Clans,” Rockfall snarled. “I know where my loyalties lie. And it’s to my Clan. To my family. To the Warrior Code.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What happened to you?” Slatewhisker asked. “You’re not the Rockfall I know.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stepped forward. “This is the Rockfall I know,” she hissed defensively. “The Rockfall you knew was a fake.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He was fooled,” Gingerheart added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He was too shaken to think straight,” Firepelt agreed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But I made my way back,” Rockfall mewed, glancing graciously at his kin. He turned back to Slatewhisker. “And you need to, too. You’re a good cat, Slatewhisker, I know that. You’re not the murdering type. You’re the friend type, I can tell. You were my friend in the Dark Forest. Be my friend here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gladly,” Slatewhisker replied. “Go back to the dark side, where you belong. It’s our destiny.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We choose our own destinies.” Rockfall pointed out fiercely. “Is this really the life you want? Stuck without friends, seeing no point in life but to kill? Make yourself even lonelier? When you die, you want to be stuck with those fox-hearted guys, and live in a place that looks and smells worse than fox-dung?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Slatewhisker seemed to give this a bit of thought. The five cats stood in silence, then,

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ve been living a lie,” Slatewhisker realized. “Rockfall, thank you for opening my eyes. I am never going back to those fox-hearted devils. I am never going to kill anyone like Scorchfur, Owlclaw, or,” he gulped. “Or-or Spikefur, ever again, I promise.” He looked at the ground ashamed, and barely audible, mewed, “Father, forgive me. I didn’t know what I was doing.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall limped over to the ShadowClan tom. “If it makes you feel any better, he’s safe in StarClan now, and he knows that wasn’t the real you. I know he’ll forgive you. My family forgave me.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You!” a voice screamed.

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 11= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “A re you out of your minds?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The five cats whirled around to find a gray-and-white, spiky-furred, tabby tom glaring at them. “Thistleclaw,” Furrypelt growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How can you turn your back on us?!” Thistleclaw yowled, pure hate in his voice. Firepelt winced at the gruff sound of his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Like this,” Rockfall mewed, turning away from Thistleclaw. Thistleclaw let out a loud battle cry and leapt at Rockfall. Furrypelt was faster. She jumped and met Thistleclaw in midair.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall turned around again. “We’re on the right side, Thistleclaw. I hope you know that.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt had now pinned Thistleclaw to the ground. All that could come to her mind was how Thistleclaw had tricked Rockfall into joining the Dark Forest. If it hadn’t been for him, the Dark Forest would never have gotten the fourth cat of the prophecy, preventing this battle from happening. She might’ve heard cats screaming. She might’ve gotten injured. She had no idea. All she knew was her teeth and claws were sinking into and ripping Thistleclaw’s flesh. She didn’t even know if he was screaming in pain or not.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Blind with fury, Furrypelt continued to attack with all her might, keeping the spiky-furred tom firmly on the ground. She did not stop until she felt someone dragging her off. She felt solid ground beneath her feet instead of a cat’s body, and shook her head to clear her vision. Only now did she realized what she had done.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Thistleclaw’s body lay on the ground. He was bleeding from practically every spot on his body. He was letting out shrieks of pain. He started to fade away, and, with his final breath, yowled, “You will pay for this, you stupid Twoleg cat! You can try, but one day, the dark with triumph over the light!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then he was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart was gaping at her. As was Firepelt Rockfall and Slatewhisker.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You just took on a highly trained Dark Forest cat that could’ve killed all five of us if he tried!” Slatewhisker screamed. “And you killed him! How is that even possible?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I-I don’t know.” Furrypelt admitted. “All I knew is that that was the cat that turned Rockfall against everything he cared about. All I wanted was to get rid of him, so he could never hurt my son again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           She’d said it before she could stop herself. Firepelt Gingerheart and Rockfall winced, and Furrypelt’s heart dropped to her stomach. Slatewhisker was gaping at her again. “Rockfall, y-y-your s-s-son?” he stammered. “Th-that can’t be! You’re a medicine cat!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Slatewhisker, please, don’t tell anyone, I’m begging you!” Furrypelt pleaded.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You switched me to the right side,” Slatewhisker mewed, dipping his head. “I am in your debt. By keeping your secret, we are even.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thank you,” Furrypelt mewed gratefully. Slatewhisker then disappeared into the trees.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt had almost forgotten there was a battle going on. Then she heard the yowls and screams and smelled all the blood.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A shriek that sounded an awful lot like Cherryfall’s broke the air, and she heard Stormcloud yowl, “Molewhisker is dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt’s heart, which had just taken its rightful place in her chest, dropped back to her stomach. ''One Clanmate down, how many more? ''She then remembered Bramblethorn. Would he make it? She then remembered the last battle, when Wolfpaw Stripepaw and Leafkit had been born, when Foxfoot and Sunstripe were still apprentices. Fernsong had almost died then, what if he died this time?

<p class="MsoNormal">           Stormcloud walked out of the bushes, his mate Cherryfall next to him. Molewhisker’s dead body lay on the ground. Cherryfall started wailing. ''Man, Berrynose is going to kill himself out of grief. ''Furrypelt thought. ''First Honeyfern, then Hazeltail, Poppyfrost, now Molewhisker. ''

<p class="MsoNormal">            “Furrypelt,” came Gingerheart’s whisper in her ear. “We still need to fight in the battle.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart wandered onwards, leaving Firepelt and Rockfall behind as they split up. They found many cats fighting, but all the Clan cats seemed to be holding their own. They were in WindClan territory before long, and they stopped dead as they saw ginger tom flying through the air, white paws glowing in the moonlight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Weaselfur landed in front of them, hitting his head on a rock as he did so. Gingerheart and Furrypelt gasped simultaneously, and Weaselfur gazed up at him with a dazed look in his eyes. He was bleeding everywhere, especially from his neck and head.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Mother?” he croaked hoarsely. Then, collapsed on the ground, eyes staring out blankly. He was most certainly dead. Furrypelt and Gingerheart stared at each other. They both knew immediately who was behind the kill.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Sure enough, a cat walked out from behind the shadows, pelt pitch-black and blending in with the night, only amber eyes showing. He curled his lips back in a snarl, sharp, white teeth glowing. A glint from the ground caught Furrypelt’s eye as he unsheathed his claws.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Didn’t deserve to live anyway,” Breezepelt muttered. He looked up and glared at Gingerheart and Furrypelt. “You,” he growled, glaring right at Furrypelt. “I almost killed you once. If my idiot father hadn’t stopped me you’d be watching this from StarClan right now. But I did my job well. You were unconscious for a long while.” He circled Furrypelt, inspecting her. “I see you still wear many scars from our last encounter. That’s right; I can tell which ones are fresh and which are old.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt fluffed out her long fur angrily, looking twice her size. Gingerheart fluffed up her fur, too, but it didn’t do as much, since she had short fur.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “This time, it’s two against one,” Furrypelt growled. “Also, I’m prepared this time.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “But this time,” Breezepelt added. “I’m more willing to go through with killing you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Those words stung Furrypelt, but she pretended they didn’t, and instead continued to snarl at Breezepelt. She didn’t know what it was, but even with Breezepelt’s amber eyes flashing maliciously at her, his lips curled in an evil smile, and his claws sharp as a sword glinting in the moonlight, Furrypelt had the sense that he would not be the one to walk away from this fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           At the same time, Furrypelt and Gingerheart sprang into the air. Breezepelt met them in the middle, so they collided before hitting the ground. Before either of the she-cats to do anything to attack, Breezepelt had raked his claws down both of them several times, so that when they’d landed, they were bleeding heavily. Neither of them cared; they had a battle to fight.

<p class="MsoNormal">           However, every time they got within Breezepelt’s “blood circle”, claws raked their sides, forcing them backwards.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally, Breezepelt had them both pinned to the ground, and Furrypelt’s vision was fading. She fought to stay awake, not to black out again thanks to Breezepelt.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Even with the world fading, Furrypelt saw an opportunity, and, quick as a snake, lashed out a paw, getting Breezepelt’s neck, but not hitting any veins. But he was still startled, and was forced backwards. Furrypelt sought the opportunity again and lunged, scratching him on his belly, around his muzzle, around his ears, and anywhere else. Finally, he too collapsed to the ground, seemingly fighting to keep consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Now that the action was over, Furrypelt’s world started fading again, and she felt light-headed. Furrypelt turned around and noticed that Gingerheart’s eyes were only half-open.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Feeling wide awake once more, she rushed over and crouched by her sister’s side. “Gingerheart, can you hear me?” Furrypelt mewed anxiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Am I dead yet?” Gingerheart croaked. Furrypelt shook her head, but Gingerheart didn’t seem to notice. Furrypelt subconsciously let out a wail, and the next thing she knew, she heard Firepelt’s voice. “Furrypelt? Is something wrong?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Firepelt and Rockfall appeared over a hill. Spotting them, bleeding terribly, they rushed over. “What happened?” Firepelt asked anxiously. Furrypelt, feeling light-headed once more, did not respond.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Firepelt,” Rockfall mewed. “I think I figured out what happened.” Firepelt turned, and Rockfall flicked his tail at Breezepelt, whose fur was a mix of black and crimson now.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Get Kestrelflight,” Furrypelt gasped, collapsing to the ground. WindClan’s camp was near; she just hoped that Kestrelflight wasn’t too busy. Maybe they could at least get Snowpaw… she’d been training for long enough, hadn’t she?

<p class="MsoNormal">           Right before Rockfall and Firepelt disappeared, Furrypelt called out, “See if you can find any cobwebs before Kestrelflight gets here. We need a lot.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt lay there on the moor, vision blurred, the edges of her vision black. She could feel more blood escaping her. She could hear the sounds of battle, but vaguely. They seemed oddly distant. She thought she was about to black out, but then,

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt!” even Kestrelflight’s voice sounded far away, even though Furrypelt could see his blurred image right in front of her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’ll be okay,” she heard Kestrelflight meow. She could vaguely feel the WindClan medicine cat bandaging her up, stopping the bleeding. After he’d finished he moved to Gingerheart, and Furrypelt lay there for a while, waiting for the world to stop spinning.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally, she stood up, wobbly on her paws.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Now that you can stand,” Firepelt mewed. “Let’s get you to Jayfeather so he can keep an eye on you.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No,” Furrypelt hissed defiantly. “I have to keep fighting.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’ll kill yourself!” Firepelt screamed, but Kestrelflight calmly mewed, “I knew you’d say that.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt turned to Kestrelflight, and noticed he had ragwort leaves with him. He pushed the leaves towards Furrypelt. “I know you have your fair share of adrenaline right now, but I figure you’re going to need an extra boost.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re going to let her fight?!” Firepelt shrieked. “She’s fatally injured!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Somehow, not as bad as last time.” Kestrelflight observed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Because I was able to fight back,” Furrypelt explained. “And I had a friend at my side.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart had stood up and walked over to Furrypelt as she said this. “I’m still fighting, too,” she decided. She divided the pile of ragwort leaves and gave half of them to Furrypelt. She ate them, ignoring the bitter taste of herbs, and slowly felt strength flowing into her bones.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can rejoin the battle now,” Kestrelflight told them. “I have to go make sure Snowpaw hasn’t killed anyone.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Before you go,” Furrypelt mewed hurriedly. “Take Breezepelt. Patch him up.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Are you insane?!” Rockfall screamed. “He tried to kill you!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “So did you!” Furrypelt cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That’s different!” Rockfall insisted. “I came back to the right side. He didn’t!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “In the Twoleg world, there were always nurses standing by during battles, and they’d heal wounded soldiers, despite what side they were on.” Furrypelt mewed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “God doesn’t pick sides,” Gingerheart added.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rockfall stared at them like they’d grown wings. “Are you two insane?!” he cried. “If you haven’t forgotten, we’re not Twolegs! We’re cats! And he—” he flicked his tail at Breezepelt. “—has tried to kill you. Twice! And has almost succeeded both times!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “That doesn’t matter,” Furrypelt mewed defiantly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Uh, it kinda does!” Rockfall cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re not going to win this argument,” Gingerheart told Rockfall. “Let’s just get back to the battle before someone is killed. We’ve already lost Molewhisker.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Lost people already?” Kestrelflight mewed sympathetically. “It’s okay; we’ve lost a few, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Like Weaselfur?” Gingerheart asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Weaselfur?” Kestrelflight repeated. “He died?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The body’s over there,” Furrypelt mewed, flicking her tail to where Weaselfur’s body was still laying. “Breezepelt got him.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Guess I’d better him back to camp, too,” Kestrelflight sighed. “Breezepelt’s gotten a lot of us tonight already. Ferntail, Crouchfoot, and Slightfoot are gone, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll help,” Firepelt offered, walking over to Weaselfur’s body and grabbing the ginger tom by the scruff.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” Kestrelflight mewed gratefully, taking Breezepelt in his teeth and walking away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt stood there for a moment, then turned to Gingerheart and Rockfall. “Let’s keep going. No one else should die tonight.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           The others nodded and they trekked across the moor, heading for RiverClan territory.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Soon, Furrypelt spotted the cat she knew as Jayclaw struggling against the cat Furrypelt recognized as Silverhawk. No one else seemed to be around, so Furrypelt, Gingerheart, and Rockfall launched at Silverhawk, though Rockfall was the only one to get any luck in attacking, for Silverhawk had fought back before they were out of the air. Rockfall somehow managed to avoid the attack, though, and instead landed right on Silverhawk, clawing every part of pale gray tom.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayclaw looked astonished, then, slowly, his eyes began to narrow. “What trick are you playing?” he growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What do you mean?” Rockfall asked, pinning Silverhawk to the ground and trying to get at his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re one of the four prophesied to destroy the Clans!” Jayclaw cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No, I’ve come back to the right side!” Rockfall insisted. “That’s why Silverhawk is here in the first place! Because I went A-wall!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s true,” Gingerheart assured Jayclaw, and Furrypelt mewed, “Did you not hear Clawface screaming that someone was a fool, or whatever he said?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Oh yeah,” Jayclaw mewed. “Sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It’s fine; I had that coming.” Rockfall replied. In his distraction with the conversation, Silverhawk pushed up against Rockfall, and he fell off. Silverhawk pinned him down.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Clawface said we’d make you pay, and now I’m going to.” He growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No!” Furrypelt screamed, lunging at Silverhawk, the cobwebs Kestrelflight put on her sliding off, making her wounds open again. Silverhawk turned and batted her out of the way, giving Rockfall the opportunity to kick him right in the throat. He gasped, and Gingerheart jumped on him, her cobwebs sliding off, too. She landed on Silverhawk, and gave him wounds to remember her by.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Jayclaw, clearly wanting to help, dove under Silverhawk and sliced open his belly, causing him to slump to the ground and drag himself away.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt looked at Jayclaw, and saw that his wounds were almost as bad as hers from the battle with Breezepelt. “Go to Mothwing and Willowshine,” she ordered the young warrior. Jayclaw nodded and trotted off to the direction of his camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt! Gingerheart! Rockfall!” came someone’s voice. They turned and saw Dovewing running towards them. “What are you doing over here? We need you in ThunderClan territory!” a scared look crossed her eyes and she whispered, “Ivypool,” and dashed away. The three cats shared a look and bolted after her.

<p class="MsoNormal">           They did not running until they had crossed WindClan’s territory and were back in ThunderClan’s. The first sight Furrypelt saw was five Dark Forest cats on top of Lionstar. ''He’ll be fine, right? He can’t lose a fight; he has his powers. ''Furrypelt tried to assure herself that her leader wouldn’t lose a life, but the hope slowly drained out of her as Lionstar’s yowls of agony split the air.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How is this happening?” Furrypelt asked, staring at the giant pile of fur under which Lionstar was buried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The Dark Forest cats are too well trained,” Gingerheart realized.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll hold them off,” Rockfall mewed determinedly. “Go get backup.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re not leaving you here alone!” Gingerheart cried.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You’re my son, and I forbid you from joining that pile of claws!” Furrypelt growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I was trained the same way they were!” Rockfall meowed, frustrated. “I know what I’m doing!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if you die before we can get back?” Furrypelt asked, not wanting to lose her son.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Then I guess I’ll die fighting for what I believe in.” Rockfall replied simply, holding his mother’s gaze. Furrypelt turned away and sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine. We’ll be back shortly.” She mewed reluctantly. She and Gingerheart raced away into the trees. Dovewing had already gone to help Ivypool.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Every time they ran into a Clan cat that they knew were on their side, they quickly explained the situation with Lionstar and they’d bolt in that direction, abandoning their former fight. They’d usually gotten far enough that Gingerheart and Furrypelt could lunge at the same time afterwards and the cat they were fighting would be injured enough to surrender.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Finally Furrypelt and Gingerheart ran back to where they’d left Lionstar and Rockfall.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Cats were fighting and slashing so fast that Furrypelt couldn’t tell who was who. But she could clearly see golden tabby fur, not moving, and heavily stained and matted with blood.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar had lost a life.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 12= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> F urrypelt and Gingerheart stood there, frozen to the spot, battle still raging in front of them.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Lionstar had lost a life? How many, though? Was it possible that he’d lost multiple lives in the time they were gone?

<p class="MsoNormal">           A black-and-white tom broke away from the fight, his injured hind leg hanging behind him, and Rockfall walked over.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt seemed to find her voice again. “H-how many lives has Lionstar lost?” she croaked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He just lost his second.” Rockfall replied solemnly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Shouldn’t you be getting back to the battle?” Gingerheart asked, as someone screamed, “Rockfall, come back!” The same voice then continued to scream. Rockfall nodded and rushed towards the source of the voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart also joined in, slashing at enemies as though there was no tomorrow—and there might not have been; there were still a lot of Dark Forest cats to get rid of.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Who’s the leader here?” Furrypelt growled at one. “Everyone knows the bad guys always surrender once their leader has been killed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “It was Clawface,” the tom they were fighting growled. “You already took him out, but we were given orders, and we’re not backing down.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt shared a panicked look with Gingerheart, and whispered, “They’ve become smart!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           In their distraction, the tom thrust a brown paw at both of them, stabbing them in the chest with razor-sharp claws. Falling backwards, they were both pinned down, their injuries from Breezepelt getting worse thanks to the brown tom.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then he was knocked off of them. Looking up, Furrypelt saw Rockfall taking over again, making his moves as quick as a snake.

<p class="MsoNormal">           It might’ve been over in a heartbeat or a moon, but soon enough Rockfall had the brown tom screaming for mercy. Rockfall let him go, and he was rushing into the bushes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Someone help!” a cat screamed, and Furrypelt recognized the yell of Graystripe. She and Gingerheart charged, and found Graystripe crouched over Sandstorm, who was bleeding terribly. Her breath was coming in gasps, and her eyes were half-closed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Sandstorm!” Gingerheart gasped, and they looked up, and saw a white figure snarling manically. He had a long scar snaking its way from his ear to his belly.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Snowtuft,” Furrypelt growled. “Gingerheart, Graystripe, try to fight him off. I have to go get Sandstorm to Jayfeather.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           She gently tried to pick up Sandstorm, and Graystripe grabbed her and gently laid her on Furrypelt’s back.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Hurry back!” Gingerheart called. Furrypelt ran as fast as she could while also ensuring Sandstorm’s safety.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Reaching camp, the first thing Furrypelt noticed was the brown-and-cream body of Molewhisker lying in the center of the clearing. Furrypelt tried to ignore it and rushed towards the medicine den. “Jayfeather!” she called.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What is it this time?” he asked. Furrypelt quickly laid Sandstorm in Jayfeather’s nest; hers was still occupied by Bramblethorn, and she didn’t have time to make a new one.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “How’s Bramblethorn doing?” she asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He’ll live,” Jayfeather growled. “What about you? You’re a wreck!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Breezepelt did it to me. Kestrelflight patched me up, gave me strengthening herbs.” Furrypelt replied dismissively, though she was pretty sure the herbs were starting to wear off. She swayed on her paws, worried she might collapse.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Do you need another dose?” Jayfeather asked, though there was no sympathy or kindness in his voice, but instead the typical irritable tone.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah. Kestrelflight gave me two or three ragwort leaves.” Furrypelt replied. “Gingerheart might need some, too; she got attacked pretty badly by Breezepelt, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You and Gingerheart are idiots to keep fighting,” Jayfeather muttered. “But it’s not my fault if you two kill yourselves by being idiots, just like it wasn’t my fault Sorreltail died.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ll come straight to the medicine den after the battle,” Furrypelt assured her mentor. “Now give me the herbs so I can get back! Gingerheart and Graystripe are trying to fight Snowtuft by themselves!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Okay, here,” Jayfeather mewed, pushing two ragwort leaves at her. She gobbled them up, and he gave her two more for Gingerheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll see you later,” she mewed, and with that, she was gone.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She ran back to where she’d left Gingerheart, and found her being pinned to the ground, Graystripe being too slow to help.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Let her go!” Furrypelt screamed, leaping on Snowtuft and clawing him right in his scar. He yowled in pain, and Furrypelt felt satisfied. That’ve better hurt, she thought. He tried to throw her off, but she clung on tight, adrenaline and the strengthening herbs kicking in. Then she remembered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart!” she called. She then flicked her ears in the direction of the ragwort leaves, and she darted over and ate one, then looked over at Graystripe, who looked exhausted, and gave him one, too. Furrypelt smiled at her sister’s generosity, then Snowtuft lurched beneath her, and she leapt off just him time for him to roll onto his back. She could’ve been squished!

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt thrust her forepaws on Snowtuft’s shoulders and battered his belly with her hind paws. Furrypelt could tell that he was fighting back yowls of pain, and instead just growled and raked her belly as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gingerheart barreled Snowtuft aside, biting his tail hard, and he whipped away from Gingerheart.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Then Furrypelt was on top of him, bringing her front paw down on his head hard.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Snowtuft stumbled, and Graystripe launched himself at the white tom, dragging him onto the ground and clawing mercilessly. Gingerheart and Furrypelt ran over to help, and finally Snowtuft thrust himself out of their grip and crawled into the bushes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           A cat burst through the bushes. He was black, and blended into the night. For a moment Furrypelt thought it was Breezepelt, then realized that he would’ve been coming from the other direction, unless he’d gone through RiverClan and ShadowClan.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The cat stepped into the light, and Furrypelt recognized Juniperfur of ShadowClan.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Juniperfur, what’s wrong?” Furrypelt asked.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Beefoot, my mate, is giving birth, and these Dark Forest cats are trying to harm her!” Juniperfur cried. “Puddlefur and Littlecloud can’t fight them off, and everyone else from my Clan is too busy fighting their own battles! Please, I can’t lose my kits before they’re born!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ll come,” Furrypelt promised. “Gingerheart, wanna come with?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yes,” Gingerheart replied, standing up tall.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thank you so much!” Juniperfur cried gratefully. “You’re the first cats who were willing to help!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Why does everyone have to be born during a battle?” Furrypelt asked Gingerheart, remembering Sunpaw giving birth. ''Where is Sunstripe? ''Furrypelt wondered, just now realizing she hadn’t seen her all night. She’d better be okay, she thought; Foxfoot had recently lost his daughter, Leafkit, had to lose his brother to the Dark Forest, and was pressured with the responsibilities of being deputy. He couldn’t lose his mate now!

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart pelted after Juniperfur as he led the way through bushes, over the stream, skidding across pine needles, and finally they reached ShadowClan’s camp.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Charging inside, Furrypelt immediately caught sight of Puddlefur fighting off some cats, one of which Furrypelt definitely recognized as Darkstripe. Beefoot’s cries echoed through the den he was guarding, and she heard Littlecloud cry, “Puddlefur, get some wet moss!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’m kinda busy here!” Puddlefur grunted, getting tackled by Darkstripe.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You can never be happy!” Darkstripe yowled into the nursery.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We will never let you make her miserable!” Furrypelt called, and Darkstripe and the other two cats froze and turned, glaring at Furrypelt Gingerheart and Juniperfur.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Gingerheart, Juniperfur, go attack. Juniperfur, where is the medicine den?” Furrypelt meowed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Over there,” Juniperfur mewed, flicking his tail towards the end of camp. Clearly catching on to what she was doing, he added, “There should be some moss near the entrance, and a pool of water in the back.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thanks,” Furrypelt meowed, charging towards the medicine den at top-speed before any of the Dark Forest cats could stop her. Entering the den, she grabbed a ball of moss she found at the entrance, as Juniperfur had said she would, then ran towards the back of the store to where a pool of water lay. She dipped the ball of moss in the water, then started making her way out, then thought of something. She started checking the rows of herbs Puddlefur had laid out, and spotted ragwort leaves. Beefoot would definitely need those if she wanted to keep her kits protected when they came.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She grabbed the moss and leaves in her teeth, then ran back into the clearing, shouldering a Dark Forest cat out of the way and entered the medicine den.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Furrypelt!” Littlecloud gasped in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Protecting her,” Furrypelt replied, flicking her ears at Beefoot. Her white body stood out, but her black ears blended in perfectly with the wall behind her, so it looked like she didn’t have any.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt put down the moss and leaves and left the wailing queen and the elderly medicine cat.

<p class="MsoNormal">           The second she’d emerged, Furrypelt was fighting. She fell multiple times, but in an attempt to save the innocent lives of kits, she was always able to stand back up.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Wails from the nursery, some of them sounding young, signaling the kits had been born, gave Furrypelt strength that ragwort leaves could not provide. She slashed Darkstripe and his other two Dark Forest friends in one slash; Gingerheart knocked Darkstripe into a black-and-gray tom, making them both fall over; Puddlefur launched himself at an orange-and-white tom, slicing him so hard that blood splattered everywhere; Juniperfur sliced the chest of all three of the Dark Forest cats by spinning on his front legs.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Darkstripe finally ordered a retreat, and Furrypelt stood there, panting. She had to wonder how many cats were left to fight. Foxclaw was the only one of the four left in the battle, unless Breezepelt had recovered.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Thank you,” Juniperfur gasped. “Now go back to your own Clan; they need you more than us.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt and Gingerheart walked out of camp, then proceeded slowly back to their territory; they were exhausted, and merely hoped all the Dark Forest cats had enough attackers that the two wouldn’t be needed.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But this hope was too much to be asking for.

<p class="MsoNormal">           By the time they’d reached their own territory again, they found many Clan cats needing help. Gingerheart and Furrypelt split up, Furrypelt attacking who she recognized as Maggottail, and Gingerheart going for Sparrowfeather.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt barreled into Maggottail, getting him off Brackenfur and Cloudtail. The two elders, clearly out of practice—or just too old—were bleeding terribly, possibly worse than Furrypelt and Gingerheart were after Breezepelt attacked them.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Growling, Maggottail spun around and slashed Furrypelt across the face. She closed her eyes just in time to prevent them from being injured, but her eyelid was now bleeding. It stung like crazy, but Furrypelt knew that had it been her actual eye it would’ve stung a lot more.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Opening her eyes with difficulty, Furrypelt glared at Maggottail, fury running through her once again. The blood was roaring in her ears, her adrenaline pumping through her furiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt didn’t remember jumping. All she knew was that she was on top of Maggottail and was clawing him furiously. She got his ears a few times, and Brackenfur was able to hit his belly and chin a few times.

<p class="MsoNormal">           No one seemed to know how long this mini-battle went on, but at some point, someone yowled, “Dark Forest cats! Retreat!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Every head turned to find Darkstripe standing there.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’re just supposed to give up?!” Sparrowfeather growled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “These cats are better than we thought!” Darkstripe yowled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “When did you become in charge?” Maggottail asked furiously.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Clawface and Thistleclaw were killed,” Darkstripe snarled. “And more living cats remember me than anyone else here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Yeah we do,” Brackenfur hissed. “You tried to kill my mate!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “She died anyway,” Darkstripe growled. “Thanks to the Dark Forest. And I remember you. Stupid Firestar sent you to watch me in the moons leading up to my exile from ThunderClan.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “For good reason,” Furrypelt snarled.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “You never answered why you’re leading,” Maggottail hissed. “You’re weak. Thistleclaw said so.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “We’ve lost all four of the cats who should be helping us!” Darkstripe pointed out angrily. “Rockfall and Slatewhisker have switched sides, using the professional moves we taught them against us, making it easier for the Clans to win. Foxclaw has been killed, and Breezepelt badly injured. Half our number has been chased off or killed, thanks to these guys! We’ll all be dead if we stick around long enough!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “Fine!” Redwillow screamed for a nearby tree, releasing his hold on Dewnose. “But know that we’ll be back, just you wait!”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “I’ll gather up the rest of the cats,” Sparrowfeather hissed, lashing his tail and running away from the Clan cats to WindClan and RiverClan territory.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt relinquished her hold on Maggottail, and he raced away. Furrypelt knew he was somehow returning to the Dark Forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Looking up, she realized the sun was just beginning to rise, and she felt surprised by how long the battle had lasted. It had started at sunset! Had they been doing this for twelve hours?

<p class="MsoNormal">           “The battle has been won!” came Slatewhisker’s victorious voice.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Everyone returned to their camps, covered in scratches and gashes.

<p class="MsoNormal">           As Furrypelt entered camp, she saw many dead bodies in the clearing, but she averted her eyes; she didn’t know who was there.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She quickly had Jayfeather check over her wounds, then went to collapse in her nest, but she’d have to do it elsewhere; Bramblethorn was still in hers and in no position to move. But at least he was breathing steadily. That got her thinking about Sandstorm and turned her head…

<p class="MsoNormal">           “J-Jayfeather?” she squeaked. “Is Sandstorm okay?”

<p class="MsoNormal">           She wasn’t moving. Maybe she was just barely breathing, not very noticeable? Blood was oozing everywhere. Furrypelt braced herself for the answer.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “No.” Jayfeather replied, his voice hollow. The cats waiting to be treated now turned their attention to Sandstorm’s body. “She’s dead.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Gasps met these words, but Furrypelt could hardly care. She felt like sleeping for a year. She was tired enough that the cold stone floor of the medicine den would suffice for a nest. Curling up, her exhaustion from the battle overwhelmed her, and she fell asleep immediately. The cats who died would have to have a vigil sat over them tomorrow.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> =Chapter 13= <p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> “S hadowClan remembers the fallen: Spikefur, Owlclaw, Scorchfur, and Wasptail, you will all go to StarClan in honor.” Rowanstar mewed solemnly. The Gathering had a very still and quiet air; not the normal noisy and excited air. “Beefoot has also successfully given birth to three kits during the battle, thanks to Furrypelt and Gingerheart of ThunderClan: Toadkit, Ivykit, and Blackkit.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Rowanstar stepped back on the tree branch and Mistystar stepped forward. “RiverClan remembers the fallen: Mintfur, Curlfeather, Havenpelt, and Sneezecloud, you will all go to StarClan in honor. Foxclaw, you will forever be known as a traitor.” Her lips curled as she mentioned Foxclaw’s name. She stepped back, her face revealing that she was desperately trying to control her fury towards the russet tom.

<p class="MsoNormal">           Featherstar stepped forward on the tree. “WindClan remembers the fallen: Weaselfur, Crouchfoot, Slightfoot, and Ferntail, you will all go to StarClan in honor.” She cleared her throat, then added, “We have also exiled Breezepelt from WindClan, now that he has recovered. We have threatened that he will be killed if seen on Clan territory again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           “What if he tries to plot against us?” someone called out.

<p class="MsoNormal">           “He is extremely outnumbered, so theoretically he won’t be able to do too much damage.” Featherstar replied calmly. “We just don’t want him in the position of being able to do damage from right inside the Clans as he’s been doing the past few moons.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Featherstar nodded to Lionstar, and he cleared his throat and mewed, “ThunderClan remembers the fallen: Snowbush, Molewhisker, Sandstorm, and Sorrelstripe, you will all go to StarClan in honor. Gathering dismissed.”

<p class="MsoNormal">           Furrypelt left the Gathering with a scared feeling inside leftover from the battle no more than three days ago. Everyone was still mourning for their friends and family, however she was pretty sure Foxfoot was just glad he hadn’t lost Sunstripe or either of his kits.

<p class="MsoNormal">           She looked back on the morning after the battle. She’d overheard Brightheart, Gingerheart, Ambermoon, and Foxfoot talking to their apprentices, commenting on how well they’d done during the battle, and how they were closer to becoming warriors every day. The apprentices looked half excited and half shaken from the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal">           At least it was over. They should theoretically be able to face a peaceful life for a while, and Furrypelt would finally get the life she’d signed up for in the first place.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           She looked back on when she was a kitten, fresh out of the horseplace. All she’d wanted was to live free and wild as a Clan cat. What she’d gotten instead was a life of constantly looking over her shoulder and prophecies foretelling danger in every dream. Maybe now, finally, she’d be able to just sit back and enjoy life.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"> Look for the next book in the seires,

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> Warriors Path to Darkness: A Forgotten Land 

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<p class="MsoNormal"> The Clans have lived in peace for eighteen moons after the battle against the four of the prophecy, There will rise four, four who can destroy the Clans.

<p class="MsoNormal">           But a new threat arises, and StarClan has told Furrypelt she must journey to the old forest where the Clans lived many seasons ago to find a new medicine cat apprentice.

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">           Surprises come up during the journey and back home at camp, and no one knows what’s coming next.

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<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"> =About the Author= <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:26px;">   Warriorcat1195  loves cats, and she loves to sing, and she loves Disney. She also loved Erin Hunter’s series,Warriors. She read the books nonstop and loved them enough to write a sequel.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight:normal;font-size:16px;line-height:26px;">For more information on this book, please visit http://warriors-fanfiction-area.wikia.com/Rise_of_the_Shadows Also visit the other pages for information about the characters on that wiki.