Dawn of the End

Dawn of the End

A collab by Rockleap, Snowy, Ginger, and Evelyn

Warning

The following fanfiction is very violent and may be disturbing for some readers.

Blurb

It has been twelve moons since a new clan arose. Calling themselves FuryClan, they wreck havoc among the Five clans. Soon they must be stopped, but how could they be if they are this furious and unlike any others. Time will tell before all the clans fall to their fate...

Allegiances

ThunderClan

Leader: Flamestar - Flame-colored tabby tom with one green eye and one blue eye

Deputy: Shadowflight - Lean, midnight-black she-cat with a white patches

Medicine Cat: Featherflame - Light gray she-cat with darker paws

Warriors: Thistlegaze - Soft-furred lilac ticked tabby tom with hazel eyes.

Beechwind - Long-haired cinnamon lynx point she-cat with blue eyes.

Spiderbranch - Thin-furred chocolate smoke cat tom with blue eyes.

Heatherlight - Glossy-furred cream tortoiseshell she-cat with blind yellow eyes.

Bluewhisker - Scruffy-furred lilac lynx point tom who has white covering their tail and blue eyes.

Briartuft - Long-haired red torbie (tabby calico) she-cat with orange eyes.

Jaygaze - Long-haired gray point tom with a white streak on their face and green eyes.

Needlepatch - Fluffy cream ticked tabby tom with amber eyes.

Cloudwing - Silky-furred white tom yellow eyes.

Eagleberry - Silky-furred lilac she-cat with one amber eye and one yellow eye. App. Chivepaw

Gingershine - Messy-furred golden point she-cat with a white stomach and hazel eyes.

Wildleaf - Fuzzy black tom with a white ear and yellow-green eyes.

Apprentices: Chivepaw - Fluffy red ticked tabby with yellow eyes and a lanky build.

Elders: Patchtoe - Short-haired round-eared chocolate calico tom with blue eyes and white toes.

Morningslip - Sleek-furred black classic tabby she-cat with white ears and blue eyes.

ShadowClan

Leader: Icestar - White she-cat

Deputy: Sharpclaw - Black tom with one gray paw

Medicine cat: Songbreeze - Dark cream she-cat with amber eyes App. Fennelpaw

Warriors: Nightshadow - Short-furred messy black lynx point tom with yellow eyes. App. Falconpaw

Lightshine: Thin furred off-gray she-cat with amber eyes

Swallowdash - Thin-furred cream classic tabby she-cat who has white covering everything but their tail and hazel eyes.

Barkeye - Spiky-furred cinnamon tom with white paws and blue eyes.

Flutterhaze - Scrappy-furred cinnamon tortoiseshell she-cat with white paws and tail tip. They have brown eyes.

Fallowshell - Messy-furred red classic tabby bobtail tom with white back legs and hazel eyes.

Firenight - Ragged black point tom with orange eyes. App. Thrushpaw

Shardstone - Silky-furred fawn tortoiseshell she-cat with white paws and face. They have one blue eye and one green eye.

Stonespirit - Short-haired gray tabby tom with a white chest spot and amber eyes. App. Marshpaw

Brindlepath - Puffy cinnamon classic tabby she-cat with one white paw and amber eyes. App. Cottonpaw

Beesong - Messy-furred yellow mackerel tabby she-cat with a white muzzle and chest. They have green eyes. App. Thunderpaw

Hailwing - Silky-furred white tom with a white muzzle and hazel eyes.

Apprentices: Marshpaw - Short-haired chocolate ticked tabby tom with blue eyes.

Thunderpaw: Gold she-cat with snow-white paws.

Thrushpaw - Glossy-furred ginger tom with orange eyes.

Falconpaw - Speckled silver tabby tom with large blue eyes.

Cottonpaw - Silky, long-furred cream and white she-cat with white paws and hazel eyes.

Fennelpaw - Messy-furred cinnamon calico she-cat with sea-green eyes.

Elders: Tigerswipe - Sleek-furred cinnamon tom with yellow eyes. Is blind in one eye.

Lavenderbee - Long-haired blue spotted tabby she-cat with yellow eyes.

Myrtleberry - Thin-furred cinnamon torbie (tabby calico) she-cat with white paws and orange eyes.

Shadespring - Hairless black tom with sea-green eyes and a scar covering half their face.

WindClan

Leader: Thornstar - Golden-brown tom

Deputy: Pebbleshade - Cream she-cat with darker patches

Medicine Cat: Bloomleaf - Brown she-cat

Pebblesnap - Fuzzy blue ticked tabby tom with white back legs and yellow eyes.

Warriors: Coppereyes - Spiky-furred cinnamon tabby she-cat with yellow eyes and a missing back left leg.

Mothfire - Messy-furred russet classic tabby she-cat with a white muzzle and paws. They have brown eyes. App. Sunpaw

Ivorywing - Thin-furred fawn ticked tabby tom with blue eyes.

Thundershade - Fuzzy golden spotted tabby tom with green eyes.

Whitedrop - Silky-furred white lynx point she-cat with seafoam eyes. App. Rushpaw

Lakewillow - Scrappy-furred chocolate she-cat who has white ears and sky blue eyes.

Carpfall - Glossy-furred broad-shouldered chocolate point tom who has a lanky build and sea blue eyes.

Rosewater - Soft-furred lilac torbie (tabby calico) she-cat who has a white muzzle and brown eyes.

Leafwhistle - Brown classic tabby tom with hazel eyes.

Swanwing - Fuzzy cream point she-cat with green eyes.

Apprentices: Rushpaw - Messy-furred red mackerel tabby point tom with white back legs and yellow-green eyes.

Sunpaw - Short-haired golden spotted tabby tom with darker dapples and hazel eyes.

Elders: Riverblaze - Thin-furred blue torbie (tabby calico) she-cat with a white muzzle and blue eyes.

Cottondash - Thin-furred white classic tabby she-cat with amber eyes.

Podmist - Ragged lilac classic tabby tom with one white leg and yellow-green eyes

SkyClan

Leader: Shadestar - Very very dark gray tom

Deputy: Whistlefrost - Gray tom

Medicine Cat: Petallake - Light brown tabby

Warriors: Goldenfrost - Puffy ginger smoke she-cat with white paws and amber eyes. App. Fadingpaw

Patchwatcher - Golden-brown tom with a missing claw on his right-front paw. App. Risingpaw

Reedleaf - Red tom with blue eyes

Shadowpelt - Dark jet-black tom with yellow eyes

Snowclaw - Snow-colored tom with green eyes

Hollowsplash - Golden tom with blue eyes

Aspenflower - Red and white she-cat with gleaming amber eyes

Dovefeather - Gray and white she-cat with striking blue eyes

Echobreeze - White, speckled tom with cardinal colored eyes

Snapjaw - silver tom with an overbite

Rowanflight - Scarred lion-colored tom with one blue eye and one green eye

Shadepetal - Dark she-cat with shredded ears and sky blue eyes

Mossflower - Pretty silver she-cat with blue eyes

Milkpelt - White she-cat with blue eyes

Apprentices: Fadingpaw - Small, messy-furred, thin fawn spotted tabby lynx point tom with a white chest and unusually large amber eyes.

Risingpaw - Small calico she-cat with sea-green eyes

Elders:

RiverClan

Leader: Flashstar

Deputy: Mallowdusk

Medicine Cat: Hopwhisper

Warriors:

Jetleap- Silver tabby she-cat

Lionear- Dark tabby tom with one lion-colored ear and blue eyes

Smallsong- pretty long-furred white she-cat with blue eyes

Sleekpelt- Sleek orange she-cat with green eyes

Tadpoletail- Dark tom with green eyes

Snakeheart- Long-furred black tom with green eyes App. Talonpaw

Puddlemoon- Pretty blue-gray she-cat with blue eyes App. Eaglepaw

Apprentices:

Talonpaw- Tiny ginger tom with blue eyes

Eaglepaw- Tri-colored tom with green eyes

Elders:

Spiritbreeze- old she-cat with white fur and amber eyes

FuryClan

Leader: Furystar- A long-furred silver tom with yellow-orange eyes

Deputy: Hazelclaw App. Violetpaw

Medicine Cat: Doctorfrost- white she-cat with bright green eyes

Warriors:

Rockfang - old mottled black she-cat with a crooked jaw and yellow-cream eyes

Silverpelt - gray savannah she-cat with ice blue eyes

Tanglethorn- dark brown tabby she-cat with yellow eyes App: Sparrowpaw

Stormstrike- Dark stocky tom with glowing red eyes

Snowstinger- pure white tom with gray socks and green eyes

Snowwhisker - pure white silky she-cat with fire-orange eyes

Knollcrawl - pure black and red long furred pixie bob tom with bright orange eyes

Stonestream - Dark gray tom with black paws and tail tip, and amber eyes

Apprentices:

Violetpaw - Tiny white and splotchy dark gray she-cat with black paws and ear tips and dark amber eyes

Sparrowpaw- Small brown-furred apprentice with amber eyes

Elders: Spikepelt- Old gray tom with one green eye

Prologue - Nightshadow (Rockleap)

Never had Nightshadow seen a threat like FuryClan. Big claws and sharp teeth, they were furious alright. A tom of ShadowClan must be ready for anything. But can you be ready for the death of your own mate?

Nightshadow had found Dewsong laying across the fresh-kill pile, throat clawed out, head dislocated, and right leg completely missing. Her once kind eyes were now staring sightlessly at the sky and her fur matted with the blood that flowed out of hundreds of wounds. Nightshadow looked up from his mate's body.

How could Furystar live any longer now that he's made an enemy out of me.

Furystar was Nightshadow's older brother who had left ShadowClan to create FuryClan. He had stormed into camp that day and demanded land. Icestar had refused and Furystar said "Then we'll have to make a trade then." That was when he lunged at the nearest cat, Dewsong, and mauled her to death and made sure her body was completely broken. "Worthless fresh-kill." Furystar spat and left her across the pile, soiling everything beneath.

Now Nightshadow wanted his revenge.

Badly.

Chapter One - Fadingpaw (Ginger)

Fadingpaw was scared.

A quarter moon ago, a large silver tom had stormed into Skyclan camp, demanding to speak with his father, Lightstar. Lightstar agreed, and the two went into his den. Curiously, Fadingpaw had sneaked over to the entrance, to hear the newcomer say, “I wish to ally with you so we can take down the other clans.”

Lightstar had looked appalled, refusing without hesitation. The cat narrowed his eyes. “Fine then.”

Then Fadingpaw had watched as the cat leaped at his father, raking his claws down his neck and belly. Lightstar’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. The cat then bit down on his front leg, and jerked his head. A weird squelching sound rang out as Lightstar hit the ground, his crimson blood spreading and staining the ground.

The cat had a satisfied smirk as he slashed his claws across Lightstar’s face. Lightstar’s body jerked one last time, then fell still.

Fadingpaw had known his legs were moving, but he couldn’t feel them. He couldn’t feel anything. He had watched his father die right before him, and he hadn’t done anything about it.

When gasps of shock had rung out, Fadingpaw had forced himself to stop, then hesitantly jerked his head back to see the cat standing on the Skystree, pelt stained with red blood.

“Your leader is dead.” He had called out, smiling maliciously. “I, Furystar, killed him. And soon I will kill you all, along with the other pathetic clans. Then Furyclan shall finally rule this territory!”

Fadingpaw had watched as his mother, Doesight, had said furiously, ”How could you, you fox-heart! You piece of mouse-dung will never take our forest!”

Then he had watched as Furystar leaped at Doesight’s throat, and stalked out of camp, leaving the clan in dismay and Fadingpaw an orphan.

➤➤➤

Fadingpaw curled his tail tighter around him, shaking out his fur. He let out a shaky breath. What are we supposed to do now? Shadefang had recently gotten his nine lives, now being known as Shadestar.

“I-I need to take a walk.” Fadingpaw sighed to himself. He slowly trudged out of the apprentice’s den, ignoring the sympathetic gazes from his clanmates. He walked out of the entrance, and suddenly felt peaceful for the first time in days as he looked at the forest around him. I wouldn’t give this up for anything, He thought, then quickly grew nervous as he added, Especially not that Furystar.

“I hope the clans will be able to stop him.” He whispered, feeling tense. Then suddenly, a cold, chilling thought crept into his mind.

What if they don’t?

Chapter 2- Violetpaw (Evelyn)

Violetpaw peered around the dens, waiting to see what Furystar had done this time.

A quarter moon ago he had brought back a leg.

Yes, a leg.

It scared Violetpaw to think of where it came from, but it was also just weird.

Every day he came back with blood smeared everywhere, and his "prizes"

If Violetpaw didn't think about it, it was silly. Until she did. Then it wasn't. Trying to keep her mind of the nightmarish thoughts, Violetpaw ran off into the forest, looking at the trees bright with blood and teared fur here and there. It didn't help. Soon she had wandered far, and bumped into another cat. Fear flashed in his eyes as he stared down at her and mewed quickly "This is SkyClan territory! What are you-" Suddenly he froze when he recognized her scent, and started to back away slowly.

"Hi." Violetpaw chirped. "I'm Violetpaw!"

Then she realized why he was scared, and narrowed her eyes.

"You really think I would try to kill you? If you do, you're a mouse-brain."

The brown tom stifled a smile and stopped backing away.

"Hi Violetpaw.." He murmured, but before she could reply, a distant rustling sound came closer, and Violetpaw motioned for him to move. Skidding to a halt, Furystar emerged from the bushes behind her, Sparrowpaw following, giving her his usual unapproving glare. Furystar looked proud though. "I was watching you." Horror pooled like a lake in Violetpaw, drowning her in regret. She prepared herself for death, like Quailpaw had. His body is still in camp...

Is this what death feels like? Nothing?

Blinking slowly, she realized she wasn't dead, and Furystar was smiling, layers of blood still covering his pelt. "Very good job. That SkyClan tom tried to stop you but you scared him off."

What???

"But she-" Before Sparrowpaw could finish his sentence Furystar continued, ignoring Sparrowpaw's continued whining.

"Violetpaw, you get to choose the first piece of fresh-kill tonight, and maybe come with me on... patrol. Yeah, Patrol."

Although Violetpaw was happy as she followed him back towards camp, she wondered what really was going to happen in this "Patrol"

She had a pretty good feeling it had something to do with a Clan.

Probably SkyClan.

Chapter 3 - Risingpaw (Snowy)

Risingpaw couldn't of have thought of something worse than this era. Cats were dying quick. No one could stand a single chance against one FuryClan cat, let alone Furystar. Furystar had killed all of the queens, so that made sure that they won't have anymore cats.

She sighed. Risingpaw had a good life when she was a kit, and becoming an apprentice. She knew that Furystar wouldn't stop until he had conquered the Clans, and she was going to die.

Her mentor padded up beside her. "Hey, you want to train?" Patchwatcher's golden-brown pelt had spots of red on it, noting that he had been wounded.

Ugh. She thought. Now that Furystar is a big threat, all they do is train. No hunting. Only a few cats hunt, and she was not one of them.

"Fine," Risingpaw grumbled at last, wondering if she regret saying that.

~

Risingpaw screeched as Patchwatcher dodged her attack, causing her to face-plant on the ground with an oof. "Too predictable," Patchwatcher groomed his ruffled pelt.

She groaned. "Can we stop now?"

Patchwatcher narrowed his eyes. "You won't stand a chance against a FuryClan kit, so you better stay for the sake of your life,"

Risingpaw shook her head. Tears came out of her eyes. "At least your parents didn't die in the claws of FuryClan!" She yowled angrily as she charged into the forest, not caring what was ahead of her.

She ran and ran until her legs were sore. She didn't even know where she was. Maybe in the SkyClan borders, maybe outside of the SkyClan borders. She didn't really care.

Even if Risingpaw was in FuryClan territory, she would've been dead right on the spot. But she wasn't dead, at least not yet.

She regret saying that when she heard a twig crack and two shadowy cats emerged from the bushes. Risingpaw knew she was going to die, knowing that they had FuryClan scent on them.

Closing her eyes, she prepared for the two cats to lunge at her. After a few moments, she opened her eyes, but the blow never came.

In front of her was a white and splotchy dark gray she-cat and a fawn-colored tom. "Wh-Who are you?" Risingpaw stammered.

The two cats purred. The fawn-colored tom especially. "I'm Fadingpaw from SkyClan," Risingpaw breathed in relief. "And that's Violetpaw from FuryClan,"

Risingpaw felt her blood turn to ice. A shiver ran down her spine. "Did-did you just sa-say FuryClan-?" She stammered, inching back slowly.

She remembered what Patchwatcher said. You won't stand a chance against a FuryClan kit. If she couldn't beat a kit, how can she beat an apprentice?

Fadingpaw laughed. "Yes, I did say FuryClan,"

That was when Risingpaw ran away, and the only thing she heard was "Come back!" before she blacked out.

Chapter 4 - Nightshadow / Falconpaw (Rockleap)

"Wait up! Dewkit, please!" Nightkit begged, his breath failing fast as his best friend took the lead.

"Nuh-uh! I don't slow down for slow ones!" she sneered, playfully.

"Oh yeah?!" he retorted, catching up with a sudden burst of speed.

"Puh! Look at you two running around like newborn kits!" Silverkit spat.

Nightkit slowed down and turned on his older brother.

"What's that, Silver?!" he challenged.

"How many times to I have to tell you kit?! Call me Furypaw!"

"Furykit, until tomorrow!" Nightkit insisted.

"Yeah, Yeah..." Silverkit said.

--

"... and Nightkit, you will now be known as Nightpaw, your mentor being my deputy, Iceshard."

As the clan chanted, Nightpaw couldn't hep but laugh at Silverpaw's scowl.

He'd known that his big brother would be jealous.

Nightpaw snickered, eyeing Dewpaw's humorous glance.

Then he and Iceshard touched noses.

Standing proudly, the apprentices broke into groups and started chatting about being warriors.

A newly pregnant queen, Reedheart, sat near the entrance of the nursery, cheering for them.

--

"They're so cute, Reedheart!" Dewpaw mewed.

"Little Falconkit looks like Spirestar!" Nightpaw commented.

At once all three cats dipped their heads.

"I'm so sorry." Nightpaw whispered.

"I wish he could've met his kits." Reedheart sighed.

"I know." Dewpaw replied.

"At least Icestar has lived up to his rank." the new mother mewed.

--

"Nightpaw! Nightpaw! Can we play?!" Falconkit mewed to the almost grown apprentice.

Nearby sat Silverpaw.

"Shut it kit!" Silverpaw spat.

"Cut it out!" Nightpaw yowled at his brother.

Silverpaw rolled his eyes.

Nightpaw cuffed him over the ear.

"Pleeeeeease!" Falconkit begged.

"Okay!" Nightpaw said.

The kit sighed.

"I wish mother had survived." he cried

"Me too." Nightpaw replied.

He wrapped his tail around the tiny kit.

--

"We do."

"From now on you'll be known as Nightshadow, Dewsong, Silverstrike, Redheart, and Softfur" Icestar said.

Siverstrike's eyes filled with a strange envy.

--

The vigil was about to begin and Nightshadow and Dewsong sat side by side.

"Nightshadow?"

"Huh?"

"I love you."

Nightshadow's heart fluttered.

"Y-you do?"

"Yes."

"I love you too."

"Can we be mates for life?" Dewsong asked.

"Yes."

The two cats purred and cuddled to each other for the vigil.

--

"I am leaving this pathetic clan!" Silverstrike spat.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Silverstrike." Icestar sighed.

"It's Furyclaw now!" he spat.

He glared at his younger brother.

Nightshadow glared back.

Then the silver tom left the clan forever.

--

"Falconpaw, you're mentor will be Nightshadow."

Nightshadow touched his nose to his new apprentice's nose.

He felt kinship to this young cat and was very proud of him.

--

Nightshadow was confused as Furyclaw slunk into the ShadowClan camp.

"Furyclaw?" he asked, hopeful that his brother may rejoin the clan.

"Furystar." he corrected.

"What are you doing here?" Icestar asked.

"I want territory. Now." Furystar replied.

"For what?"

"FuryClan."

Nightshadow cocked his head.

"You left our clan to make another?" Icestar challenged.

"The strongest."

"I'm not giving you land." Icestar hissed.

"Very well. We must make a trade then."

The young tom unsheathed his claws and looked around as if searching for prey.

Then he lunged for Dewsong...

____________

"No!" Nightshadow leapt from his nest and lashed at thin air.

Then he realized that it had been just a nightmare.

There was no way to save Dewsong now.

If only he had known that Furystar would kill his own sister-in-law.

He sniffed Dewsong's old nest, her scent had faded long ago.

The once happy memories were painful now.

He was the youngest warrior in the clan, yet he felt like an elder.

He dipped his head in defeat.

Then he got up and slunk away.

That night, the full moon shined above the clearing.

The six clans met at the island.

Furystar had arrived as if he was not a murderer.

Nightshadow would've killed him if not for the peace code.

Two apprentices, Nightshadow recognized as Risingpaw and Fadingpaw, sat beneath the moon, sharing tounges.

Violetpaw, a FuryClan apprentice strolled over to them.

Nightshadow watched as Risingpaw backed away from Violetpaw, afraid of a FuryClan cat.

He couldn't blame her.

He knew that Risingpaw had come across Violetpaw days earlier and blacked out while trying to get away.

Her mentor had been there to save her.

Falconpaw sat at Nightshadow's paws.

"Why don't you go make some friends." he suggested.

Falconpaw nodded and went over to the apprentices.

The gathering progressed smoothly until Furystar stepped forward.

"Murderer!" a cat in the crowd yowled.

A bunch of other cats agreed.

"YOU KILLED MY MATE!" Nightshadow screeched before he could stop himself.

"Dewsong needed to die." Furystar shrugged.

"Noooooooooo!" Nightshadow hissed.

"Let's get out of here before my poor brother breaks the warrior code." Furystar sneered.

He called to his clan and they slunk off.

"You are no longer welcome to gatherings." Shadestar announced.

"Fine with me." his voice carried over the wind.

The night patrol sat at the entrance to the camp.

Three cats made up the patrol: Nightshadow, Falconpaw, and Flutterhaze.

"I'm tired." Falconpaw complained.

Nightshadow was about to tell him to go when he heard a sound in the bushes.

"Flutterhaze, can you take him back?"

"Yes, Nightshadow."

When both cats left, Nightshadow sat alone.

"Hello, brother."

Nightshadow spun around.

"Nice to see you." Furystar hissed.

Then he unsheathed his claws and glared at Nightshadow.

Nighshadow lunged at his brother and threw him against a nearby rock.

The evil tom lay still.

He wasn't breathing.

I killed him! I took his first life.

He darted towards camp, determined to escape before he came back to life.

But then he heard a yowl and he knew what was about to happen.

"Goodbye." Furystar hissed.

Soon, after much agony and horrible pain, everything swirled into black.

I'm Dead.

Nighshadow knew it.

Stars danced in front of his eyes.

"Nightshadow." said a loving voice.

"Dewsong!"

The two cats purred and nuzzled each other.

"I missed you."

"So did I."

Nighshadow sighed.

"Are you okay?" Dewsong asked.

"Yes. I- I just can't believe I've died. I feel like I could've saved my clan."

Dewsong nodded in agreement.

"I felt that way too."

"Nightshadow!" called a young voice.

Falconpaw darted up.

"Oh StarClan... you can't be dead too..."

"It's okay! I'm alive and dreaming, just like you!"

"I'm dead, Falconpaw, Furystar killed me."

"No!" Falconpaw's smile faded.

"Falconpaw!" called a loving voice.

"Mom! Dad!"

Spirestar and Reedheart stood tall.

Falconpaw purred and greeted his mother and met his father for the first time.

"I want to stay here forever!" Falconpaw purred.

"Unfortunately, you're going to be woken up soon." Reedheart sighed.

"No..." Falconpaw's smile faded once more.

"Farewell, Falconpaw. Thank you for intercepting my lifeforce." Nightshadow said.

A light started to glow around them, Falconpaw started to get pulled towards it.

"You're being woken up, it's okay!" Dewsong mewed.

"Noooooooo! Mom! Dad! Nightshadow! Noooooo!" he cried.

"Goodbye. Avenge me, young apprentice."

"Go back! Live in my body! Let me stay here! Niiiightshaaaaadoooooow!"

"Dewsong needs me, you have your whole life ahead of you." Nghtshadow insisted.

"It's okay, Nightshadow, go back..." Dewsong said.

Nightshadow's jaw dropped.

"Yay!" Falconpaw mewed.

He lunged forwards once more and hid behind his mentor.

"Call me Falconflight from now on." Falconpaw mewed.

Then he pushed his mentor forwards.

"Sleepyhead!" Thunderpaw, a ShadowClan apprentice laughed, pawing Falconpaw's side.

"Eh?"

Suddenly Nightshadow's memories were joined by all of Falconpaw's.

I'm not Nightshadow anymore- now I'm Falconpaw.

Then the new Falconpaw heard Icestar's desperate voice:

"Cats of ShadowClan! A clanmate has been killed!"

Chapter 5 - Fadingpaw (Ginger)

Thanks for agreeing to meet her," Fadingpaw said to Risingpaw as they walked through the forest.

"Yeah I know," Risingpaw replied, narrowing her eyes. "But I still don't trust her. She could be trying to gain information to attack us,"

Fadingpaw sighed. "Or she could be trying to help us,"

Risingpaw flattened her ears and kept walking.

Fadingpaw padded behind her. He guess he can't blame her, seeing as FuryClan is our enemy at the moment. He shivered as he remembered Furystar mercilessly ripping Lightstar's pelt, blood staining his paws as he-

Fadingpaw stopped and shook his fur out, as if trying to get rid of the memories. He started to continue when a voice said, "Hey guys,"

Fadingpaw whipped around, and Risingpaw did the same. He smiled as he saw a white and gray she-cat standing there. "Violetpaw," He chirped happily. "How are you?"

"...Good," Violetpaw replied, staring down at her paws. She glanced over to Risingpaw, and Fadingpaw saw her flinch slightly. They all sat silently for a moment, staring at each other.

Fadingpaw drew a sharp breath. "Do you have any news?" He said, trying to break the silence.

Violetpaw nodded. "For the last couple of days, Furystar has been going on about attacking the clans,"

Fadingpaw's eyes widened. "Really?" He asked.

“Yeah. I’ve been thinking about leaving Furyclan.” Violetpaw says, then quickly adds, “But not right now, maybe later…”

“We need to tell Shadestar!” Risingpaw started to run, but Fadingpaw stopped her. “Wait!” He ordered. He turned to Violetpaw again. “What if we met back here tomorrow? Would you be able to get us some more info?”

Violetpaw replied, “Yeah, I probably could.” She half-smiles. “You know, we could make this into some sort of club.”

Fadingpaw snickered. “Yeah, but what would we call it?”

“How about the Let’s-Get-Out-Of-Here-Already Club?” Risingpaw interrupts. “This is a stupid idea. Let’s go.”

"Aw, come on," Fadingpaw smiles. "What if we named it....The Squad?"

At that moment Fadingpaw and Violetpaw burst out laughing. Risingpaw grunted in disapproval, but Fadingpaw could see the trace of a smile on her face.

"The Squad it is then," Violetpaw declared happily after she was finished laughing. "See you tomorrow!" And with that, she raced into the bushes.

Risingpaw promptly started stalking away. Fadingpaw raced to her side and teased, "Now that wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Fine. You were right, okay?" Risingpaw admitted. "But we still have to tell Shadestar. A war is coming, and fast."

Chapter 6 - Violetpaw (Evelyn)

Violetpaw streaked into the apprentices den, wondering if Furystar was watching her AGAIN.

Like yesterday, Violetpaw thought. And the day before.

"Patrol time!"

There is NO chance I'm ever going to be leaving FuryClan with him around.....

Quickly she crept closer to the SkyClan border with Furystar, Stormstrike, Beaverclaw, Fangfoot, Berrypaw, Knollcrawl and Ferntiger. Hazelclaw and Furystar led the way, Pacing step by step with confidence. Confidence that they would win.

"Are you ready, Violetpaw?" Her mentor Hazelclaw mewed quietly, staring at her with his yellow-orange eyes that seemed to glow eerily in the night. "Y-yes" Violetpaw mewed softly, putting on a fake smile and sheathing and unsheathing her claws.

Oh no.

Furystar let out a loud, high pitch screech before jumping out of the underbrush, speeding towards the closest unwary cat.

The battle had begun!

Blood was flying everywhere.

Thinking fast, she pretended to jump into the medicine cat den, trying to find berries for her plan. Petallake started hissing loudly.

"I may be a medicine cat,"

"But you will take nothing,"

"Okay...All I need is red berries"

"Are you looking for death berries you mouse-brain,"

"No I just need red berries I will give you some of Doctorfrost's catnip if i get some harmless red berries"

"..."

"Fine... I guess.."

"Now get out before I make you get out."

Violetpaw nodded slowly as Petallake wrapped the berries quickly and shoved them in her face.

She ran into the apprentice's den, hearing kits squeal as Risingpaw shushed them, before spinning around and growling loudly

"TRAITOR!!"

Fadingpaw was glaring at her, and was about to reply when Violetpaw unfurled the red berries, both SkyClan apprentices looking confused. "Fadingpaw, Risingpaw, I know this is risky..."

"But I need you to pretend to die."

Chapter 7 - Risingpaw (Snowy)

"What?!" Risingpaw screeched loudly. "How are we supposed to pretend to die - DIE?!"

Violetpaw flattened her ears. "Just-"

Risingpaw yowled loudly, cutting off Violetpaw. "Do you know how dangerous this is? Why can't you pretend to die instead of us,"

Fadingpaw popped up from behind Risingpaw. "What do you mean we? I'm up for it," He chirped.

Risingpaw groaned. After a few moments of silence, Risingpaw reluctantly agreed. "But what happens when we pretend to die?" Violetpaw shuffled her paws.

"Well you pretend-" Violetpaw was cut off from a screech from an SkyClan warrior, Risingpaw recognized as Rowanflight.

"What are you doing?" Rowanflight yowled, running after Violetpaw. Risingpaw shuffled her paws.

"I was um battling with another cat and then this FuryClan cat just emerged from the bushes last second, I didn't know who she was." Risingpaw lied, glancing at Fadingpaw.

He nodded, gulping. "Well you better go back fighting!" Rowanflight called as he tackled another FuryClan warrior.

Bounding away, Risingpaw reached Violetpaw where she was panting. "You need to catch your breath," Risingpaw gasped, flopping down.

She nodded, flopping down besides Risingpaw.

"Here," Violetpaw gasped, shoving the red berries to Risingpaw and Fadingpaw.

She shoved them back. "Don't we have to get back to the battling grounds first and then pretend to eat the juniper berries? So then they know that we're dead. But if we're here, they'll send out a bunch of search parties and it'll take an eternity. The battle will be over,"

Fadingpaw nodded, grooming his pelt. "The first time Risingpaw actually thought logically,"

Hissing, she turned towards Fadingpaw. "Shut up!" Risingpaw growled, turning her back on him.

"Anyways, let's go," Risingpaw meowed to Violetpaw in a softer voice. Bounding away, Risingpaw followed.

Risingpaw lay down on her back, and Fadingpaw did the same. Then, Violetpaw smeared some juniper berries near their mouths,

Fadingpaw screeched, and Violetpaw left the scene. Shadestar turned around to see them on the ground. "SkyClan, retreat! Two apprentices have been killed,"

Chapter 8- Falconpaw (Rockleap)

"Falconpaw!" Thunderpaw cried desperately.

Falconpaw raised his weary head.

So much had happened in the last few moons:

-Furystar's betrayal

- Dewsong's death

-Nightshadow's death and new body

He was a bit miserable, but mostly overwhelmed.

Thunderpaw had been there for him.

"Falconpaw!" she mewed again.

He snapped back into reality.

"What?!" he asked, as if dizzy.

"Do you remember Fadingpaw and Risingpaw, the two SkyClan apprentices we played with last gathering?"

Nightshadow racked Falconpaw's memories.

Ah ha!

He remembered two playful apprentices and his heart warmed as he remembered mentoring Falconpaw.

The real Falconpaw.

"Yes. What about them?" he asked.

"They're dead." Thunderpaw said.

"What?!" Falconpaw panicked.

Who would kill two apprentices.

"FuryClan."

"Oh no... Oh no... Please no..." Falconpaw moaned.

"It's true, I overheard it. That one called Violetpaw killed them."

"Violetpaw?!" Falconpaw asked.

How could an apprentice kill two other apprentices?

Rage filled Falconpaw.

He shook his head and rushed towards the fresh-kill pile.

There he met Lightshine.

"Hello." Falconpaw said, trying to forget the news.

"Get out of here Mouse-brain." Thunderpaw muttered.

Falconpaw knew that Thunderpaw's dead half brother had been Lightshine's mate.

But he also knew that they treated her like fox-dung.

Falconpaw saw a murderous anger in his best friend's eyes and a lump formed in his throat.

Chapter 9 - Fadingpaw (Ginger)

Fadingpaw slowly got up, shaking his pelt out. He glanced around warily, relieved to see no sign of Furyclan warriors. He pricked his ears. There was a small gushing sound. Fadingpaw turned his head to see a small stream running through the bushes. He walked over, lapping up some water to hopefully wash his mouth out. “Fadingpaw?” A voice said behind him. He turned to see Risingpaw standing up.

“I-I think they’re gone.” Fadingpaw informed her. He swiftly looked around, then added, “I don’t know where Violetpaw is, though.”

Risingpaw fluffed her fur out, then joined Fadingpaw by the stream, gulping down some water as well. When she was done, she turned to Fadingpaw and said, “She must’ve gone back to Furyclan.” She sighed. “Why did she want us to fake being dead anyways? Now our clanmates are grieving for us back at home, and are potentially vulnerable at the moment.

“I don’t know,” Fadingpaw admitted. “But I’m sure she’ll come back to check on us.”

The two waited in silence for a couple moments, not wanting to say anything. Then, the leaves behind Fadingpaw rustled. He spun around, claws sliding out slightly. Risingpaw bared her teeth.

A white and gray she-cat burst out, swiftly stopping and widening her eyes as she saw the two.

Fadingpaw’s eyes widened as well. He immediately retracted his claws, and let out a sigh of relief. Risingpaw relaxed as well, sitting down and eyeing the she-cat.

“Violetpaw!” Fadingpaw purred, walking over. “I’m glad you came back.”

“Yeah, sorry I couldn’t come sooner. It’s been harder to slip away, since Furystar thinks I killed you two single-pawedly,a dn is now hanging around me almost every second of the day..” Violetpaw gave them a half-smile, then quickly glanced back to where she came from, as if checking to see if anyone followed her.

“Hey, Violetpaw. Glad to see you. But, um, I have a question.” Risingpaw spoke up. Fadingpaw and Violetpaw turned towards her. “What do we do now?”

Fadingpaw’s eyes widened as he realized he hadn’t thought of this. We can’t go back to the clans. They think we’re dead. A pit dropped in his stomach. He glanced at Violetpaw, who seemed to be realizing she hadn’t thought this through enough.

Risingpaw sighed. “Well, what if we joined Furyclan? We could spy on them, and-”

“No!” Fadingpaw cut her off. Risingpaw stared at him. Quickly growing hot from embarrassment, he added, ”I’m sorry. I just can’t, not since the cat leading them murdered my dad.”

Rsingoaw gave him a sympathetic look. “It’s fine,” she replied. “We don’t have to.”

Fadingpaw let out a breath of relief. He sat down, the other two following.

“So, um, any other ideas?” He said awkwardly. Violetpaw shuffled her paws and looked away, and Risingpaw shrugged.

Looks like it’s up to me. Fadingpaw shook out his fur, as he always did when he got nervous. “Maybe we could become loners? And spy on Furyclan? From the outside.” He shivered at the thought of having to face Furystar on a daily basis.

“Okay then.” Risingpaw smiled at him. “But just remember, I make the decisions.”

“You wish.” Fadingpaw teased. I wish things were different, He thought. Not having to worry about a war with a group of cats.

“Then it’s settled. I guess we should go now.” Risingpaw stood up, and Fadingpaw did the same. He turned to Violetpaw.

“Thanks for all your help, Violetpaw. I’m glad we got to be friends.” Fadingpaw thanked her.

Violetpaw smiled and said, “Me too. I hope you two will be okay.”

“Don’t worry, we will.”

Fadingpaw turned to Risingpaw, and nodding, hopped over the stream. Just as the two were about to disappear into the bushes, Violetpaw said, “Wait!”

Fadingpaw stopped confusedly, and turned around.

“Would you mind if I come with you?” Violetpaw asked shly.

“Why?” Risingpaw replied, looking a bit annoyed, as if she wanted to continue going out of the Twolegplace.

“I don’t want to spend anymore time in Furyclan,” she confessed. “I’m worried that if i stay any longer, I’ll have to kill someone for real.”

“Of course!” Fadingpaw beamed. “Come on.”

Risingpaw muttered something under her breath as Violetpaw leapt over the stream to join them. Fadingpaw ignored this, though. The three padded away, chatting, and not knowing of the events that were about to unfold.

Chapter 10 - Violetpaw (Evelyn)

Violetpaw stalked off with Fadingpaw and Risingpaw, and soon they were near a nice clearing pretty far from SkyClan and FuryClan camp. Risingpaw and Fadingpaw stopped to rest, while Violetpaw stayed alert for any clan cats. Suddenly she heard a rustling in the briar nearby and hissed at the two apprentices to hide. "If its a clan cat, 50-50 on which ones, they'll know its you. Better be safe than sorry." she mewed as Fadingpaw shook his head, obviously ready to help. Sparrowpaw stepped out into the light, his bright brown fur gleaming like a the sun. Violetpaw wanted to wail until her ears broke off.

"Violetpaw?" he mewed gruffly. "Why are you out so far from camp?"

Violetpaw wanted to run. She wanted to run as fast as she could, past the borders of her farthest reaches and the reaches of all known land. She wanted to be gone, but she couldn't. She couldn't fight him either. What if someone is with him that I don't see? She scanned around, but there was nothing. Violetpaw sighed.

"I-I uhh am burying theee... the bodies?" Violetpaw meowed, and Sparrowpaw didn't look convinced.

"Furystar was going to have you're warrior ceremony immeadiately.. until you left. He needs you. He says you're his most loyal cat. His finest almost warrior." Sparrowpaw continued to stare at her sharply, his eyes bulging slightly.

"Come back. Please."

Violetpaw paused, then thought about it a bit. One side of her wanted friends, needed friends. One side of her remembered her words to Fadingpaw. Better be safe than sorry. If she left with Sparrowpaw, maybe Sparrowsomething now, they would be safe in twolegplace. Violetpaw felt like she was going to have to leave them anyway at some point, but it was a lot more painful now. Then a dark corner in her mind wanted to go with Sparrowsomething. It wanted to lead FuryClan to victory. It almost won. Violetpaw sighed, and finally replied.

"I need to finish burying them, then I will." Sparrowpaw nodded, and stepped out of hearing range. Violetpaw trotted over to Fadingpaw and Risingpaw, both looking at her with wide eyes. "I can't come anymore. You will have to go alone." She hissed. Risingpaw looked like she wanted to die. "Really?! Come on!!" she hissed back, and turned away. Fadingpaw looked sad. "Why?" he mewed, then saw a glimmer of brown fur and realized what had happened. He glared a little, then turned away too, and the two apprentices padded away, Fadingpaw mumbling goodbye as they disappeared into the underbrush. Violetpaw left, feeling unsure if this was the right choice or not.

...

"Violetdawn, what were you really doing when you were batting the apprentices?" Sparrowtuft whispered to her in their new dens. Violetdawn wanted to reply, but she couldn't, no matter the choice she had made, to leave them.. Violetdawn shook her head, and nervously smiled at Sparrowtuft.

"What I said I did." she replied dramatically,holding her paw up to her chest, trying to look very wise. Sparrowtuft snickered, and closed his eyes.

Chapter 11 - Risingpaw (Snowy)

Risingpaw walked up to Fadingpaw. He was washing his fur, not noticing that she was looking at him. When Fadingpaw looked up and saw her, he immediately became embarrassed and turned around. No one spoke for an awkward moment. "U-uh hi?" Fadingpaw mewed, breaking the silence.

"Hi," Risingpaw meowed back, more softer than Fadingpaw's.

Fadingpaw shuffled his paws. "So when do you think Violetp-" Before he could finish his sentence, a black-and-white cat stepped into the clearing.

"Violetdawn," She corrected, padding to sit next to Fadingpaw. Fadingpaw edged closer to Risingpaw. Violetdawn hissed slightly.

Risingpaw coughed. "Anyways, uh let's review the plan. Fadingpaw you'll-" Violetdawn interrupted her.

"Yeah yeah, we already know the plan," She meowed, rolling her eyes. Fadingpaw glared at her, and she glared back.

Risingpaw pushed between the two cats that were in a glaring competition. "If you already know the plan, why don't you lead us then?" Violetdawn gaped at her. "A-alright," She stammered, leading the way, tail and head high.

~

"Hey," Risingpaw murmured to Fadingpaw, walking down the rocky paths. "Why did you defend me that time?"

Fadingpaw shifted his paws uncomfortably as he walked. "It's alright if you don't want to tell me...I was just curious," Risingpaw winked at him, and then slowly started padding away.

"Wait-" Fadingpaw yowled, running towards Risingpaw. "I can tell you...I-I kind of like you..." Risingpaw leapt back in shock. She was most definitely not expecting this. He shuffled his paws. "I-I'm sorry that I just burst out with this...I don't mind if you don't like me back," Fadingpaw mewed quietly.

Risingpaw was still staring at him with shock. Quickly, she shook out her head and then gazed at the ground. It was covered in puddles, and every flower's roots were blown away from the fierce wind.

"I kind of like you too..." Risingpaw whispered, taking the lead. Fadingpaw was shortly behind. Suddenly, Violetdawn backed up to where she and Fadingpaw were.

Violetdawn groomed her wet, dirty fur. "So, what are you guys up to?" She then narrowed her eyes as she saw Fadingpaw and Risingpaw's pelts brushed next to each other.

"Nothing," Risingpaw giggled, blushing. Violetdawn flicked her tail.

She padded away. "Well, I thought you were doing something. Anyways, let's go,"

Chapter 12- Falconpaw (Rockleap)

Falconpaw gazed at the broken body of

He sighed.

Just like Dewsong had been.

No...

Why did Icestar think it was Thunderpaw?

Falconpaw sighed.

She had been exiled that morning.

The sweet apprentice?

She would never.

Falconpaw knew that.

His heart did a flop.

Groaning, Falconpaw realized that he liked her.

A little.

No, a lot.

Getting to his paws he slunk into the bushes.

His paws carried him to the border.

Maybe he could look for her?

He left clan territory to search for his crush.

Then he heard a sound.

Talking.

”I am so glad no one has found out yet.” One said

”Me too!” Said another

”I wish that we could just kill Furystar.” A third said said.

Excitement filled Falconpaw.

Cats with the same goal as him.

Allies.

Falconpaw followed his nose.

He smelled SkyClan.

He also smelled FuryClan.

Then he saw it.

The three apprentices from the gathering!

Two of the three were supposed to be dead.

”Hey! What are you doing here?”

The three spun around, claws unsheathed.

”It’s okay! My name is Falconpw! I want to kill Furystar too! He’s my brother and I know his weakness.” Falconpaw said

Violetdawn blinked.

”You do?”

”Yes, he killed my mate. I want him to fall dead at my paws in her name.”

”You had a mate?! You’re an apprentice!” Risingpaw gasped.

”It’s a long story.” Falconpaw said.

”Welcome to the Squad.” Violetdawn said.

Chapter 13 - Fadingpaw (Ginger)

“Are you sure we should trust him? I mean, look. He could be a rogue, or even a FuryClan member!” Risingpaw said to Violetdawn. The Squad was holding a meeting about the newcomer, who had said his name was Falconpaw. He was currently lying in the shade over in the corner, eating a vole, though occasionally he would glance over, eyes shining with curiosity.

“No rogue that I know of would care so much about taking down a random group of cats’ leader or carry the name of a clan apprentice.” Violetdawn replied calmly, eyes narrowing slightly. “also, I know all the cats in FuryClan, and none of them are named Falconpaw.”

“Okay, but did you fail to hear that he mentioned he had a mate? And that Furystar is his brother! Is that really perfectly okay for you?”

“Yes! If he’s Furystar’s brother, he could help us fight him! And he may have just been lying about the mate part.”

“Guys, just stop!” Fadingpaw exclaimed, stepping in between the two. “Can’t you guys just agree on something? Make a compromise, or something!”

The two stared at him. Fadingpaw’s pelt burned hot with embarrassment. Should he have not said anything?

Surprisingly, Risingpaw nodded. “I agree with Fadingpaw. Let’s just agree on something and get this over with.”

Violetdawn nodded as well, saying, “I agree as well. But,” she added. “I have a different idea.” Fadingpaw drew a sharp breath.

“Maybe instead we could let Fadingpaw decide.” Violetdawn looked to him. Oh no, Fadingpaw groaned inwardly. He glanced at Risingpaw. Please don’t, agree, please don’t agree!

“Sure.” Risingpaw shrugged, making Fadingpaw groan again. They both started staring at him again, which did not help. Why was it always him who had to make the decisions? He was horrible at this!

Fadingpaw breathed, then started thinking over the points they’d made as his stomach meanwhile twisted into a knot.

After what seemed like forever, he had finally come to what he hoped would be a good decision. He looked between the two, then stared down at his feet.

“I-I think- I think I’m going to have to… agreewithVioletdawn.”

Fadingpaw quickly glanced up to see the hurt flash on Risingpaw’s face before she looked away. He immediately felt a pang of guilt. Of course he would mess this up.

“Okay then,” Risingpaw replied, continuing to stare at the bushes behind Violetdawn.

“Well, that settles that.” Violetdawn stood up. “I need to get back to FuryClan before Sp- Furystar notices I’m gone. Maybe you guys can get to know Falconpaw over there in the meantime. Bye!”

Violetdawn turned and raced into the bushes, leaving Fadingpaw with Risingpaw.

Fadingpaw immediately burst out, “I’m sorry if I made you mad by choosing Violetdawn’s plan! I just agreed with her more and I didn’t think you’d be angry.”

Risingpaw gave him a quick look confusion, before responding, “I’m not mad, I was just a little… surprised. I was half expecting you to take my side, I guess. You don’t have to be sorry.” She stood up and added, “Now, come on. We have to go get to know that Falconpaw cat.”

“…So, wait,” Fadingpaw said, extremely confused about what Falconpaw had just said. “So, you’re saying that you were originally a Shadowclan warrior named Nightshadow, and you died and went to StarClan, along with your apprentice Falconpaw, but he let you take over his body so you could keep on living?”

Falconpaw nodded, making Fadingpaw even more confused. What? He shook his head, placing this story in the box of Crazy Things That I Can Try to Understand Later.

Risingpaw, on the other paw, was more irritated than confused. “I don’t really believe this,” she stated. “But, uh, okay? I’ll go scout in the area around camp, and possible catch something. See you later!” She smiled at Fadingpaw, making butterflies start flapping around his stomach, and sprinted away.

Fadingpaw turned back to Falconpaw. “So, uh, what do you want to do now?” He asked awkwardly. What he really wanted to ask was, Is it really true you're Furystar's brother? but he felt it wasn't the right time.

Falconpaw shrugged. “Hunt?”

“Okay then.” Fadingpaw needed to stretch his legs a bit anyways. They started out of the small makeshift camp when Risingpaw rushed in, eyes widened in fear.

“Fadingpaw felt a pit drop in his stomach. “What’s wrong?” He asked quickly, growing more fearful.

“FuryClan cats.” Risingpaw replied, and Fadingpaw could see the fur along her spine bristle. “Coming this way. We need to get out now, or they’ll find us."